Category Archives: Dogs

One of the first domestic dogs revealed

Posted on March 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

DNA technology is being used to refine our understanding of when the domestic dog became a separate genetic line from wolves.

Wolf

In latest research, published in the open access journal PLoS ONE, DNA analysis on a 33,000-year old dog is reported.  DNA was extracted from a tooth.

The analyses show that the dog, from the Altai region which is east of Kazakhstan and north of China and Mongolia, is more closely related to modern dogs than contemporary wolves.  The research team, led by Anna Druzhkova from the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology in the Russian Federation, report that genetic analyses of ancient canids may help to reveal a more exact date and centre of domestication for the dog.

While it is widely accepted that the dog domestication predates the beginning of agriculture (about 10,000 years ago), no one can be sure when the genetics of wolves and domestic dogs began to diverge.

Source:  PLoS ONE

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Pets welcome in many workplaces

Posted on March 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

I tip my hat to the Indianapolis Star for its recent excellent coverage of pet-friendly workplaces in Indiana.

Take Inverse-Square, where Bob Baird takes his German Shepherd to work with him in a demanding job where he leads a team of systems integration specialists.  His online profile on the company’s website clearly lists him as a ‘dog enthuasiast.’ Company employee Anne Marie DeLa Rosa reports that ‘When I’m stressed, I usually call Zoe (a chocolate Labrador retriever) over and rub her ear. That’s my therapy.’

DeLa Rosa also reports that because Zoe is in the office, she’ll take a proper lunch break which includes a short walk.

Inverse-Square is located in The Stutz office park where commercial developer Turner Woodard made it possible for employers to have pet-friendly office policies.  The newspaper reports that 25 percent of the tenants take advantage of the perk.  Two other properties developed by Woodard — the Canterbury Hotel and Wasatch Lake — are also pet-friendly.

Other Indiana companies that are pet-friendly include:

Jacobs Law office: Sam Jacobs allows his office manager Karie Jacobs, 28, to bring her Cockapoo to the office.  Sam has declared that ‘Larry is a wonderful diversion…I can talk to him and he doesn’t talk back.’

Gradison Design Build:   This company includes two Great Danes, one Labrador retriever and a Yorkshire terrier.

Pack leader David Gradison, 75, says ‘They are like family and we’re a family environment.’

Indiana Lighting:   Bella Mia, a Peekapoo, comes to work in Tracy Leeper King’s handbag. ‘She comes to work because she brings joy, positive energy and gives the employees a break from their desks.’

Rusted Moon Outfitters: The company spokeperson is an English Setter named Rosemary.  On the company’s website they  happily announce ‘We’re ready to answer your questions and help you find the gear you need. Visit us in Broad Ripple, just off the Monon Trail. Oh yeah, bring your dog too.’  A photo of Rosemary declares ‘Rosemary says Dogs Welcome’  Yes – this store is also a dog-friendly shopping destination.

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Palliative care for dogs

Posted on March 5, 2013 | 2 comments

In humans, palliative care is provided to patients to help relieve symptoms of chronic or serious illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease or cancer.  This type of treatment includes pain relief but also stress relief to enhance quality of life.

Palliative care is also available for dogs and is a viable alternative to immediate euthanasia when the vet and the family feel that the dog still has quality of life and any pain can be managed.

As a canine massage and rehab practitioner, I get involved in palliative care cases.  Some dogs are at the palliative care phase when I am called in.  Others have been my clients for a while and their life situation has changed.  Using acupressure, massage and/or low level laser, I’m able to help with pain management and give the dog a bit of TLC.  I often play relaxing music for the dog to make the time even more special.

In my experience, palliative care can be a very positive, transitional phase for the family.  It’s a time to say goodbye. If there are children in the household, parents are able to explain what will happen when a dog is put to sleep and the children learn to understand the vulnerabilities of a dog who is old or who is ill.

It will never be easy to say goodbye, but thanks to quality veterinary care and a greater understanding of pain management, more owners can opt for a palliative care phase for their dog – so they can enjoy as much time together as possible.

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Dogs are a ‘social lubricant’ in helping people with autism

Posted on March 2, 2013 | 2 comments

Research published in the open access journal PLoS ONE indicates that the presence of an animal can significantly increase positive social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Autistic boy with dog

Previous studies have shown that people are more likely to receive overtures of friendship from strangers when walking a dog than when walking alone. The authors suggest that this ‘social lubricant’ effect of animals on human social interactions can be particularly important for individuals with socio-emotional disabilities.

In this study, the authors compared how 5-13 year old children with ASD interacted with adults and typically-developing peers in the presence of two guinea pigs compared to toys.  When the guinea pigs were present, the children were more likely to talk and look other people in the eye plus they smiled and laughed more often.

These results indicate that animal-assisted therapy programmes may be useful in helping children with ASD integrate into classrooms and other social environments.

Source:  Science Daily

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Posted in research, special dogs and awards

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Doggy quote of the month for March

Posted on February 27, 2013 | Leave a comment

“Animals, like us, are living souls.  They are not things.  They are not objects.  Neither are they human.  Yet they mourn.  They dance, they suffer.  They know the peaks and chasms of being.”

–  Gary Kowalski, author

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Christchurch’s dog hero

Posted on February 26, 2013 | Leave a comment

Headline news in New Zealand today – Dog Saves Christchurch Woman From Sex Attacker.  And this little beauty has only been in the family for two months!

copyright Fairfax NZ

copyright Fairfax NZ

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The official account of PC Peach

Posted on February 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

PC Peach is a German Shepherd police dog at the center of a dispute between West Midlands police and the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK.

Peach’s fellow officers were annoyed when the Crown Prosecution Service requested a witness statement from PC Peach, clearly not realising that Peach was a dog.  So, to vent a little frustration at the Service, an officer filled out a witness statement for Peach:

Peach's witness statement

Peach’s witness statement

The joke ruffled feathers at the Crown Prosecution Service and a complaint was filed.  The officer who shared the statement via social media is now under investigation.

A little humour in the workplace is a good thing, in my opinion, and a healthy of way of blowing off steam in a stressful employment environment.   I hope that the investigators don’t get too ‘PC’ in following up on the official account of PC Peach.

Source:  The Daily Mail

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Periodontal disease in dogs

Posted on February 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three develop periodontal disease.  I’ve previously blogged about gum disease in Dog breath is no laughing matter and Managing dental health.

Did you know that while any dog can develop gum and dental problems, periodontal disease is most commonly seen in toy dog breeds?  That’s because they have the same number of teeth as larger dogs but their mouths are smaller and so there’s less room between teeth…

Here’s a photo of one toy breed, the Chihuahua.  Willow is owned by George L. Verge.

Our Chihuahua – Willow

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There are no bad days

Posted on February 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

There are no bad days

A thought for your weekend as you come home after work on a Friday.  (I feel this way every day that I come home to Daisy)

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Yuck!

Posted on February 21, 2013 | Leave a comment

Yuck

This is Daisy letting me know she doesn’t like what is in her mouth.  For a dog that eats a  lot of things ranging from cat poo, duck poo and rabbit poo to homemade dog treats and premium dog food, this is saying something.

Last month, I blogged about Managing dental health.  Since then, Daisy and I have continued our journey and I have dutifully been brushing her teeth every night.  However, because of my interest in natural remedies, I bought something called ‘Clean Well Dental Gel’ to try.  This is an herbal gel for ‘fighting bacteria and freshening breath.’

I had my doubts as soon as I opened the bottle.  The smell wasn’t particularly appealing.  A little bit like the smell of lawn clippings that have stayed too long at the bottom of the waste bin.

From Daisy’s reaction, I think that’s about how well it tastes, too.

So we are back to brushing with poultry flavoured toothpaste.  We may try malt and beef, too.  But, if I want to make brushing a happy experience for both of us, this herbal stuff is off the menu.

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