Preventive healthcare is essential both for you and your dog. In the USA, the Partners for Healthy Pets website aims to help pet owners understand the value of preventive healthcare. You can even register your dog to receive reminders that it is time for their annual checkup.
The site contains useful information about annual checkups, weight management, and other issues. Here’s just one example to encourage good weight management.
If you have a 20 pound dog,
a treat of one hot dog….
…is the human equivalent of eating 2 1/2 hamburgers!
The site also contains a searchable database for veterinarians and veterinary hospitals. Worth bookmarking if you are one of my USA readers.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in dog care
Tagged hamburger, hot dog, Partners for Healthy Pets, preventive healthcare, veterinarians, weight management
It is estimated that in the September 2010 Canterbury earthquake, 3000 animals died. This included one dog, who suffered a heart attack.
In today’s news, comes this story reporting that New Zealanders would put their animals before their own safety (no surprise to me – if Daisy couldn’t be evacuated with me, I’d be staying put).
Pets quake victims, too – national | Stuff.co.nz
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in animal welfare, dog care
Tagged Canterbury earthquake, earthquake, victims
Photo courtesy of the Presidential Pet Museum
My favourite Bush, Miss Beazley, passed away on Saturday after a battle with cancer.
Miss Beazley, a Scottish Terrier, was a birthday gift from George W to his wife, Laura, in 2005. (She was born on October 28, 2004.) After leaving the White House, she lived with the Bushes in Dallas, Texas.
My condolences to the Bush family. The passing of Miss Beazley means that Bo and Sunny Obama are the only living presidential pets.
Photo courtesy of the Presidential Pet Museum
Source: Presidential Pet Museum media release
Michigan State University researchers have identified a genetic mutation in Doberman pinschers that causes albinism in the breed, a discovery that has eluded veterinarians and breeders worldwide up until now.
Michigan State University photo
Paige Winkler, a doctoral student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, says that the researchers found a gene mutation that results in a missing protein responsible for the pigmentation of cells.
Albino Dobermans possess a pink nose, white or very light colored coats, and pale irises in the eyes. These characteristics are similar to human albinos who have light skin, eye discoloration and often experience visual problems.
Like human albinos, the albino Dobermans are sensitive to light and have an increased risk of skin tumors.
Winkler says that this discovery will help Doberman breeders in the future where breeding lines carrying the defective gene can be identified.
“Who loves who the most” Photo by Robert Balloch
This YouTube video was compiled by Robert, an Australian dog trainer (trading as CATMANTOO and Malibu Dog Training).
He says “After a dog graduates my off leash program, I’ll offer a “doggy outing service”. I pick up the dogs (usually between 8-12 dogs), take them to dog beaches or other dog friendly places, let them play together, while continuing to practice the training they’ve learned. I’ll rinse off any sand, trim their nails (if needed), then take them home.”
What a unique service!
Posted in Dogs
Tagged CATMANTOO, dog trainer, Malibu Dog Training, YouTube, youtube video
It’s Dog Bite Prevention Week in the USA. What a better time to consider the role of The Yellow Dog Project?
The Yellow Dog Project is a global movement for owners of dogs that need personal space. It aims to educate the public and dog owners so they can identify dogs needing their space and so they understand how to appropriately interact or approach these dogs.
The Project promotes the use of a yellow ribbon, tied to the dog’s leash or collar, to show others that the dog is special and needs space. Variations of the yellow ribbon include yellow bandanas or yellow leashes.
Photo courtesy of The Yellow Dog Project via Facebook
I personally like the use of leashes which not only are yellow, but have words to indicate the dog’s status:
Photo courtesy of The Yellow Dog Project via Facebook
Dogs wearing a yellow ribbon are not necessarily aggressive. Many have fear issues which could be caused by pain from injuries, advancing arthritis, or surgery. Others may be a rescue dog who has behavioral problems associated with a traumatic history. Some dogs will be undergoing training for their behaviors, but haven’t passed their tests yet.
In my practice, I am working with some dogs who are reactive in public and would benefit from space. I’m very happy to recommend to their owners that they tie a yellow ribbon to their dog’s leash to help indicate that their dog is special.
The Yellow Dog Project website contains links to country-specific websites that provide resources such as contact details for trainers who use positive reinforcement techniques. The Yellow Dog Project is also on Facebook.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
DogVacay, the online site the connects dog parents who need home dog boarding, pet sitting and day care with qualified caregivers, has released its second annual State of U.S. Pet Travel survey.
It shows that dog parents still face obstacles when needing or wanting to travel.
For example:
Also, 46% of dog owners agree that worrying about their dog(s) while they’re away makes it harder to enjoy their trip (I admit that I worry about Daisy when I have to travel for work or vacation, even when I have made arrangements for her care with reputable caregivers).
What’s your travel story?
Sunday is Mother’s Day. The Best Friends Animal Society have put out this lovely video to celebrate all mothers – four-legged ones too!
Daisy is a mother; I’m Daisy’s Mum. We have yet to decide how we will mark the occasion but we will pause (paws) to celebrate.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Posted in dogs and holidays
Tagged Best Friends Animal Society, Happy Mother's Day, Mother's Day
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