4 minute read
Did You Know… ?
In the dark, dogs use their whiskers to pick up subtle changes in the air currents. This gives them a better understanding of the environment and helps them “see” better in the dark.
A dog’s nose is always wet because they help in absorbing certain scents. Furthermore, a dog will lick the nose to taste the scent.
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A dog can sense the earth’s magnetic field. It’s a big reason they’re so effective at finding their way home.
When dogs poop, they align themselves with the earth’s magnetic field. Specifically, with the north-south axis.
It’s estimated that roughly 21% of all dogs snore in their sleep.
Tip of the Month - Swimming and Sprinkler Danger For Dogs? Who Knew?
(Courtesy of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb)
Does your dog love to jump and bite at the water hose or sprinkler? Is your dog possessed with biting at balls or sticks while swimming?
Some dogs are very driven to attacking water from a spray source while others 'fish' for anything while swimming and diving. Most people think it's hilarious to encourage water fun for the dog and think it's a safe way for a dog to get cool and refreshed - how can that be dangerous? Many dogs, however, are actually anxious, afraid, stressed and often seen trying to aggressively attack the water out of habitual patterns, whilst struggling and panicking for air as they take in copious amounts of fluid. What is even more important to realize is the possible real danger of having water quickly gulped down the wrong pipe and literally drown your dog!
It only takes one teaspoon of inhaled water for a dog to drown as the result of water getting trapped in the lungs. Your dog can inhale the water from the hose or the lake while swimming and potentially develop aspiration pneumonia. Depending on the level of bacteria in the source of the water, this condition can erupt with infection and get complicated to treat. Another sudden emergency to watch for is a condition called 'dry drowning,' caused when excess water is quickly forced into the lungs not allowing air to pass. A dog with this condition can literally drown within minutes, hours or even days.
Affects to watch for are: stumbling, taking a wide stance on the front legs while choking, coughing, drooling, shaking, vomiting, taking slow dazed movements. They may show difficulty breathing, open mouth panting, rapid heart rate, skin and gums change either pale or purple – all of these are symptoms of grave concern and if extreme or ongoing, are clear causes to contact your vet quickly.
Dogs in respiratory distress must be cooled quickly or else they really can suffocate. The best thing to do is to take them to a quiet shady place or somewhere with air conditioning and make them lie down. This could be difficult as your dog could begin to panic as breathing becomes harder. Be sure to remain calm so you don’t stress out your dog and make the situation worse.
If your dog's breathing returns to normal it is still a good idea to schedule an appointment with your vet for any after effects of its respiratory distress. Alternatively, if your dog's breathing continues to labour after a reasonable amount of rest time, you should take it to a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital to be treated. So... short version... the next time your dog goes goofy trying to attack the hose or bite at the water spray, put your thumb over the hose end and just spray their body gently, play chase the spray, rather than allow them to gulp and ingest the actual water directly. For the avid swimmer dogs, be sure to use floating objects and don't encourage them to dive. Give them more breaks from swimming than some dogs would prefer to keep them from getting fatigued or breathing with desperation amidst all their excitement. Other than those guidelines, I wish you and your dogs a wonderful and safe refreshing summer!
Patricia Skinner-Porter is the owner/operator of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb at Monte Lake BC. Offering custom care boarding (non-dog park style) Patricia provides personal care, attention and daily exercise for ALL dog types, breeds and doganalities! She also offers one-on-one dog-owner training, helping individuals to create healthy happy relationships with their dogs. Here she shares her vast array of experience with a beneficial monthly tip for you and your pooch to enjoy!
(See her listing under Pet Central)
The normal temperature of a dog is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which would be “fever temperature” for humans.
A private chef prepared a tenderloin steak for Rin Tin Tin every day for lunch. Every meal was accompanied by a live classical music performance to help the dog digest the steak.
Residents of Oklahoma can be fined for making “ugly faces” at dogs. However, it is completely legal to make these faces at other humans.
TOP DOG! OF THE MONTH
This is Morris, our 6-year-old Golden Doodle! He loves going for long hikes and mountain bike rides. He also loves to go to the barn and loves the other barn dogs. We got him on Valentine's Day 2017, when he was only 12 weeks old. We love Morris!
- From Juliet, age 11, Victoria, BC
Send us a photo of your favourite pooch!
Tell us the dog’s name, breed, and up to 50 words about him/her. We will print your first name (or initials) and your city/province.
E-mail to nancyroman@saddleup.ca and put in subject line: TOP DOG OF THE MONTH. Photos will be printed on a first come first serve basis.
Do you have a WORKING DOG event coming up?
Let us know! Call 1-866-546-9922 or email nancyroman@saddleup.ca
Pet Central
EVERYTHING PETS (Princeton BC) 250-295-7381
Quality Foods & Supplies for all your Pets! See us on Facebook. 10/23
HARMONY FARM KENNEL AND LAMB.com, Monte Lake BC, 250-375-2528. “Custom Care” boarding welcomes ALL dogs! 12/23
Do you offer a dog service or training business? Sell pet feeds and supplies? You can advertise here! Prices start at only $250 per year (11 issues). Call 1-866-546-9922 or e-mail nancyroman@saddleup.ca
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For more information on any of these events go to canuckdogs.com unless another website is provided
AUGUST
3 CKC EARTHDOG TESTS, Red Deer County AB
OBEDIENCE/RALLY/SCENT HURDLING TRIALS, Calgary AB
September
Cowley AB
1-4 SHOWS, OBEDIENCE & RALLY TRIALS, Summerland BC
2-3 CKC RETRIEVER HUNT TEST, Black Creek BC 2-3 CKC SCENT DETECTION TRIALS, Fort Langley BC
2-3 CKC LURE FIELD TRIALS & CONFORMATION, Sherwood Park AB
2-4 CKC SPANIEL FIELD TRIAL, Milo AB
3 AGSA 220 YARD STRAIGHT RACE for all Sighthounds, Okotoks AB
7-9 CKC SPANIEL FIELD TRIALS, Vermillion AB