Local Value Veterinary

Tag: dogs

  • How Choke Collars Can Do Some Real Damage to Your Canine Friend

    How Choke Collars Can Do Some Real Damage to Your Canine Friend

    A majority of dog owners are under this misconstrued misconception that choke collars are beneficial to their barking buddies. In fact, the first thing that a new dog owner does upon acquisition of a new pet is to buy a choke collar for restraining the animal. But it turns out that choke collars actually represent an unseen danger that lurks behind a seemingly harmless leash. Here is a quick primer to that. 

    1. It’s Physically Painful 

    Attaching a tight leash ( or even a loose one that is poorly constructed ) causes an unimaginable pain to your pet friend is he were to accidentally lunge forward and blast his neck at the end of the leash. One of the reasons here is because a dog’s neck, unlike a human’s is quite delicate and more vulnerable to injurious tension. For example, the thyroid gland in a dog is located in the frontal part of the neck just below the larynx. This is also where a choke collar applies undue pressure when he is tugged on suddenly. If anything, just one incident of thrusting this collar an inhumane and sudden way can cause your dog a sharp tinge of pain that could last for weeks on end. 

    The neck injuries that your dog could sustain from a choke collar can also deteriorate to something as severe as the destruction of the animal’s thyroid cells. Which, as a consequence, will usually lead to the deficit of the naturally produced thyroid hormone. This result is perennial skin problems, unexplained hair loss, a lot of weight gain and low energy levels. 

    2. Could Result to Long Lasting Neck Injuries 

    A classical example of this laryngeal paralysis that is primarily caused by excessive pulling and tugging on a collar, particularly when this becomes a habit. In this case, the immediate lunging on a choke collar damages the very-important laryngeal nerve which is one of the longest nerves in a canine’s body. And anything that compresses or applies injurious pressure on this nerve can alter and damage how the larynx works normally. This is also another good reason to substitute that regular choke collar with a suitable premium no-pull harness. 

    3. Behavioral Problems 

    Just as you would guess, an uncomfortable and irritated dog is an angry canine and a lousy playmate. Since a leash or a choke collar can gradually cause your dog a lot of discomfort, pain, and disease, it is also safe to assume that the same collar will make him an unhappy dog. No wonder some of the most vicious and unfriendly dogs are those that are perpetually on a tight leash. 

    SOURCES: Dog Mantics, Pet Safe
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • July 4th and your dog

    July 4th and your dog

    How to Help Them Survive the Fanfare Galore

    Fourth of July comes with a couple of things. Among them, barbecues, a sunny day spent at the beach, quality time spent with friends and family, and of course, plenty of fireworks. The commemoration of the birth of this nation is typically characterized by the sound of firecrackers, fireworks, and the smell of burning pyrotechnics. That is, aside from the long day spent away from our usual busy schedules or that annual family get-together that also coincides with this grand day. This year’s 4th of July celebrations would probably be any different. So, whether you’re planning to spend the day at home unwinding or catching with old friends at the local tavern, there are several things that you ought to be aware of.

    For starters, unlike human beings, pets – especially dogs – don’t necessarily associate the flashes, noise, and the cracking pyrotechnics with fanfare, galore and celebrations. In fact, most of them often to panic and are always terrified of the bangs, loud whizzes, and the confusion that follows such a spectacle.

    Secondly, the AHA ( American Humane Associations ) recently issued a statement reporting that the week after the Fourth of July celebration is often one of the most harrowing and gruesome for pet owners and animal shelters. Why? A good number of pets wind up lost, killed or injured after running and panicking at the startling noise of firecrackers.
    This year, however, you have the chance to take the following measures before its too late. Here are some of the ways of ensuring the safety of your four-pawed barking buddy amidst the 4th of July fanfare.

    1.Keep your pets indoors for the whole day, if possible. Minimize loitering and avoid going for a stroll despite that you might get some time for that.

    2. Don’t take your pet with you for a fireworks display or any occasion that is expected to feature pyrotechnics. Leave them at home with a suitable handler.

    3. It is also that time of the year of making sure that little Tommy is correctly identified, just in case they get lost or break loose from your leash in the course of the day.

    4. Keep your dog away from any jewelry. This applies mostly if you decide to let them stay indoors with you. Your pet could easily chew up and accidentally swallow your plastic adornments without you realizing.

    5. If you’re having a barbecue or throwing one of those common 4th-of-July parties, refrain from giving your dog ‘table food’ or any leftovers for that matter.

    SOURCE: American Humane Association, Pet MD, Cesars Way
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Take Your Dog To Work Day

    Take Your Dog To Work Day

    To most of us lucky enough to have a 4-pawed furry companion, our barking buddies are more than just the Official Fetcher of Tennis Balls and Frisbees. They are also excellent listening friends, especially when you need to vent, unwind and take something off your chest. They wouldn’t also mind watching a movie with us every-once-in-a-while. But more, importantly, the unparalleled/valuable companionship that they extend us ought to be reciprocated by rare treats every once in a while. And how about we show them what it is like to bring home the bacon this summer for a change? So, mark your calendars this year on June 23rd, it is PSI’s Take Your Dog to Work Day.

    The Background

    PSI ( Pet Sitter International ) started this day almost 20 years ago in 1999 as a way of promoting a deep integration of our four-legged companions in our day-to-day lives. Ever since then, dog owners have been encouraged to bring their barking buddies to work and let them have a glimpse of the modern day rat race. Customarily, it is commemorated on the first Friday after Father’s Day in a national event that also seeks to promote puppy adoptions from rescue centers and shelters, for those who are yet to own one.

    Apart from taking your canine to work, you can also contribute to this day by;

    1. Organizing a Dog’s Welfare Fundraiser at your Place of Work

    In between hectic schedules and impossible personal goals, it would feel nice and refreshing to slice off some time and organize a fundraiser to raise funds to go a welfare kitty for a nearby local dog shelter. Remember that these shelters and animal homes play an invaluable role in ensuring that our streets are safe, clean and not littered with homeless puppies. Sparing a dollar or two won’t hurt but will go a long way.

    2. Adopt a New Puppy

    Puppies are not only cute and adorable but also loyal, playful and double up as excellent companions. If you don’t have one yet – or feel like it is time you add a new one to the family – then this is the opportune time to visit a shelter and adopt a furry friend. And while at it, remember to have them vaccinated against common communicable dog diseases such as rabies and also have the sterilized.

    The best way of extending your love and appreciation to your dog for their priceless presence at home is by carrying them to work on Friday, June, 23rd this year.

    SOURCE: Pet Sitter, Dog Tipper
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Father’s Day and Dogs

    Father’s Day and Dogs

    Let’s take a minute and appreciate all men out there who are not just fathers to their cherished kids but also dog dad’s as well. These are dads who have to put up with not-so-pleasant motherpupper’s antics every day but still love their dogs all the same. We all know that a dog is man’s most faithful friend. As such, if he loves and has a special bond with his cute pup, why not just get him something special. If possible, something that he can share with his adorable canine persuasion. There are several things you could do to appreciate our dog dad’s this coming father’s day. Here are a few suggestions.

    1. Get them a Thoughtful Gift

    It could be anything practical (dads are practical!), ranging from a front pocket handy metro sling to a beer cozy. The sling, for instance, is perfect for that dad who is always on the go. It can hold an iPhone 6+, poop bag, wallet, treats, etc. It is an excellent accompaniment of routine dog walks, hiking excursions or just a stroll to the local coffee joint.

    2. Get them a Customizable Card

    Dads love cards too. And what’s a better way of lightening up their mood than by sending them a card on behalf of their trusted four-pawed companion? Yes, this could actually go a long way in making their day.

    3. Bring Frisky in for their Annual or Monthly Checkup

    This is the best time of the year of taking the load off daddy’s shoulder and relieving them from the responsibility of bringing in Frisky, Ruff or Tommy in for their monthly/annual vet checkup. Fathers, despite being some of the most occupied and busy members of the society, will still find some time to bring in their beloved pets in for checking. And this is an opportune time of reciprocating this by following dad’s admirable example.

    SOURCES: Pettura, Bark Post, I Heart Dogs
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Useful Tips for Managing your Pets This Memorial Day

    Useful Tips for Managing your Pets This Memorial Day

    The long anticipated Memorial Day Weekend is just a few days away. Often seen by most people as the unofficial start of the fun-filled summer months after enduring the long cold wintry season, the Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect excuse for spending quality time outdoors with your loved ones. And what’s a better a way of doing that than also tagging your cherished four-legged companions along? Whether you’re barbecuing, partying or just up-and-about soaking in those glorious sun rays, your pet will also love to be there too! Nonetheless, it is still important to stay safe as much as you’re having a ball in your backyard. Here is a quick primer of a collection of useful tips that could come in handy in preventing mishaps during this year’s ‘Dog Days’ weekend.

    1. Protect your Pets from Potentially Toxic Foods
    Remind your guests to refrain from feeding your pets table scraps or party snacks. Chocolate, raisins, chocolate, avocado, grapes, and onions are examples of barbecue additives that are considered potentially toxic to certain breeds of dogs.

    2. Don’t Leave Pets Unsupervised
    Pets, like toddlers, should never be left unsupervised while in the presence of potentially hazardous areas. Contrary to the common misconception, not all dogs and cats are good swimmers. Avoid leaving your pets near large pools of water/lakes/waterfalls. Speaking of which, make sure that your four-pawed companion has proper identification on them ( ID tag or an embedded microchip ) before you venture outdoors.

    3. Be Mindful of the Heat Levels
    Pets also get dehydrated quickly especially after spending endless hours outdoors. Ensure you have enough packed clean, fresh water for them and encourage them to take intermittent breaks from direct sunlight in a cool, shaded place. To add on this, discourage nibbling around by packing a few hearty snacks for them in addition to their water ration. Party smart.

    SOURCES: Pet 360, Dog Time, Dog Tipper
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Be Kind To Animals

    Be Kind To Animals

    May 1st to 7th is this year’s Be Kind to Animal’s Week.

    This is that time of the year when the American Humane Association commemorates, celebrates and encourages the virtue of being kind to animals. It is an event that has been observed since 1915, and for more than a century, the American Humane Association dedicates seven days annually in its official calendar to raise awareness about the presence of the animals in our homes. Pets are without a doubt integral members of any functional community, and AHA takes the initiative this May to recognize and honor individuals, communities, and enterprises who are in one way or another involved in the welfare of our adorable four-legged companions.

    How you Can Get Involved,

    in the Commemoration of this Year’s Be Kind to Animals Week

    cat woman photoIt starts with a small contribution, and it doesn’t have to be much. This year, American Humane Association has a dedicated website where one can pledge a few dollars towards this worthy movement that seeks to redefine the interaction between pets and their owners through the country. Closer home, you can also decide to adopt a pet from an animal shelter or a next-door neighbor. And if you have a pet, spare a few hours from your busy schedule to spend a few quality moments with them. You can volunteer at a nearby animal shelter if you don’t have one yet. Speaking of which, in the spirit of being kind to animals, this is also the best time of the year to neuter/spay your cherished furry or fine-feathered companion to keep disease and uncontrolled breeding at bay. Encourage your friends and family to do the same while at it. Go a step further and make a commitment to report any cases of animal abuse you might encounter to the nearest relevant authorities.

    SOURCE: AVMA, American Humane Association
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Just How Safe is Your Pet?

    Just How Safe is Your Pet?

    Commemorating the Pet Theft Awareness Day

    LCA ( Last Chance for Animals ) – a non-profit welfare organization – will lead the way in marking the Pet Theft Awareness day on 14th February. And this will be in response to the burgeoning problem of pet theft that has plagued many pet owners for the last several years. So if you have a treasured furry or purring companion, this Valentine’s Day is a good time to educate yourself on the best ways of preventing the theft of your 4-legged pal. And this is quite important as statistics show that only a mere 10% of pets stolen are recovered by their previous owners. Unfortunately, the rest will suffer cruel fates in the hands of dog breeders, guinea pig labs or animal sadists.

    Safety Checks

    Having said that, you can take a step to protect your pet by marking the 14th day of this year’s February to be a day when you take the initiative to implement a few safety checks for them. For instance, you should have your pet neutered/spayed to curb their natural tendency to roam or discourage an illegal pet breeder. It also the opportune time of the year to update the current photo that you have of your pet and get them a new identification tag for their collar. And speaking of identity, you can take it a notch higher and have your barking buddy or cuddly companion microchipped. This will make it significantly easier for you to track them down should they get lost or stray unexpectedly.

    Be Part of the Network

    LCA’s News Van will be doing rounds and hosting special appearances in your nearest town. Be sure to be on the lookout for LCA’s volunteers who will be giving away vital information regarding pet theft this Valentines.

  • Do Dogs Dream?

    Do Dogs Dream?

    There is no reason to believe that dogs do not dream, although it is not ascertained scientifically. There are certain behaviors associated with dogs when they are either asleep or fully awake. These include whining, tail wagging, leg paddling, and twitching noses. These activities definitely arouse curiosity about the idea of dogs’ dreams.

    Current information on dogs and dreams

    Although scientific knowledge on this aspect of dogs is limited, there is plausible data that may lend credibility to the occurrence of dreams in dogs. Matthew Wilson, a professor of neuroscience and graduate student Kenway Louie conducted an interesting study on memory, sleep, and dreams. One experiment on rats revealed that after the rodents were trained to complete a track for treats, a distinct pattern of neurons was created in their brains.

    This experiment was conducted again as the rats were asleep. It revealed the same distinct brain activity that was evident as the rats were running on the track. Additionally, the memories of the rats at both instances played at near similar speeds.

    Application to Dogs

    The main question is whether the data on rats and humans can be applied to dogs. Matthew Wilson seems to believe so. He bases this belief on the fact that the hippocampus; the organ responsible for the collection and storage of memories, functions the same way in all animals. He concludes that the same dreaming process that occurs in humans must also occur in dogs.

    In humans, most dreams occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Dogs also exhibit this sleeping patterns and activities associated with dreaming such as rapid eye movements, leg paddling, and twitching can be observed during this phase.

    Inference In Relation To Dogs

    Going by the information from the study by Wilson and Louie, it is definitely not far-fetched to believe that dogs possibly reenact their favorite daily activities. Sigmund Freud’s theory about dreams being a safety valve for unconscious desires could possibly be true. These canines may be dreaming about activities that they are looking forward to doing.

    SOURCE: Pet Health Network
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value