Our condolences to Marty and Kristine Ellman on the loss of their beloved Noel. Noel will be terribly missed. She was loved by all of us and she will be cherished in our memories forever.
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Shogun's Dawn's Early Light Shogun's Gloria Hallelujah Shogun's No Guts No Gloria ShoGun's Nonsuch Tradition ShoGun's Play That Funky Music
Libby Maggie T Oliver Rustle Bentley
3/15/2002 3/25/2004 3/25/2004 4/9/2005 4/9/2005
ShoGun's King of the Swingers ShoGun's Cherokee Lady Feather of Snow ShoGun's Blue of the Night ShoGun's Nileea Swingin On A Star ShoGun's Zing A Little Zong
Louie Keely Bing Dori Emma
4/15/2010 4/15/2010 5/27/2010 5/27/2010 5/27/2010
ShoGun's Count Your Blessings ShoGun’s Peeperdoodle ShoGun’s Peep Peep Hooray ShoGun’s Marshmallow Peeps ShoGun’s Lord of the Peeps
Charlotte Mickey Oats Cooper Alex
5/27/2010 4/18/2014 4/18/2014 4/18/2014 4/18/2014
ShoGun’s Sparkle Plenty ShoGun’s Painswick Peepers ShoGun’s Chick Magnet ShoGun’s Peeper Pizzaazzz D’Signer’s Peep Show at Shogun
Sparkle Ali Carl Gus Ulia
4/18/2014 4/18/2014 4/18/2014 4/18/2014 4/18/2014
ShoGun’s Just Bee Cause ShoGun’s Bee Our Guest
Harry Murphy
7/18/2014 7/18/2014
A litter was born to Charlotte, Ch ShoGun’s Count Your Blessings and Buckley, Ch ShoGun's Enterprise. 6 boys and 3 girls Charlotte is owned by Chris Saint
A litter was born to Peeps, Ch ShoGun's Pistol Packin' Palin, and Thermal, Ch ShoGun’s Winter Warmer 6 boys and 3 girls Both Peeps and Thermal are owned by Christie J.
Pups just a few minutes old in the incubator
Peeps
Thermal
A litter was born to Bee, Ch ShoGun's the Bee's Knees at One Ash and Buckley, Ch ShoGun's Enterprise CGC. 2 boys and a girl
Marlo, GCH Moonrysn's That Girl JH and Curry, CH ShoGun's Kid Curry JH
Marlo
Bing, Ch ShoGun's Blue of the Night JH SH
Buckley, Ch ShoGun's Enterprise CGC
Buckley and Rustle have a business card
Ali, ShoGun's Painswick Peepers
Benson, BISS Ch ShoGun's Coded in Cobol
Bing, Ch ShoGun's Blue of the Night JH SH at the Chattahoochee Springer Spaniel Club of Greater Atlanta's hunt test
Gus, Gunpowder's Backyard Barbeque, was Winner’s Dog for 2 points.
Fred, Gunpowder's Flags of Freedom, was WD and BOW for a 3 point Major and Sally, Gunpowder's July Celebration, was reserve WB and best Bred by Exhibitor Clumber. Fred
You gave us the love for a tailed Clumber that led to many more ShoGun puppies with full tails.
12/12/2008-12/10/2014
Sam was our man in Greece
Benson, Mary Beth and Gigi
Items of Interest Parvovirus: This Can Kill Your Dog in Less Than 72 Hours Story at-a-glance Most dog owners are aware the canine parvovirus is a very serious, highly contagious disease that is too often fatal. In pets that acquire parvo (typically unvaccinated or immunocompromised dogs), survival can depend on how quickly the virus is diagnosed and treated. Until recently, most commercially available tests for parvo did not detect the newer 2c strain of the virus, which first appeared in the U.S. in 2006 and is now the most common strain. This caused many false negative test results in dogs that were in fact infected. But a new diagnostic test developed by researchers at Kansas State University’s Diagnostic Laboratory can now identify the 2c strain of parvo. Symptoms of parvo include vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea, lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. Dehydration from the vomiting and diarrhea is also a serious concern. Most deaths from parvo occur within 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms, which is why it’s critical that any dog suspected of having the infection be seen by a veterinarian right away. Since there is no specific anti-viral medication for parvo, treatment is supportive and includes replacing fluids and electrolytes, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections. There are homeopathic and herbal remedies that can also be useful in treating the symptoms of parvo. The goal of treatment is to support the dog’s organs and body systems until the immune system can mount an effective response to the virus. Infected dogs should be isolated to minimize spread of infection. The best treatment for parvo is prevention, which can be accomplished for the vast majority of dogs through well-timed puppy shots, followed by titering to insure successful immunization.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/lbrc28h
Help Increase Your Pet’s Happiness and Mobility with These 8 Rehabilitation Therapies Story at-a-glance Canine rehabilitation therapy can be used to speed an animal’s recovery, improve motor skills, reduce pain, build strength, and increase range of motion. It can also enhance performance in canine athletes, and help obese pets lose weight. There are a variety of canine rehabilitation therapies available, including manual therapies like massage; tools to improve strength, coordination, flexibility and balance; water therapy; hot and cold therapy; and therapies involving the use of ultrasound, laser and electrical stimulation devices. Conditions that respond exceptionally well to rehabilitation therapy include postoperative cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture surgery, postoperative femoral head and neck ostectomy, spinal cord diseases, osteoarthritis, and obesity. The goal of rehabilitation therapy for pets is to regain functional ability, optimize movement of all body parts, and improve quality of life.
Rehabilitation therapy sessions are usually accompanied by customized home care plans that provide guidance to pet owners in helping their dog recover and improve. Dr. Becker believes rehabilitation therapy should be a standard feature of a complete care plan for injured, disabled or otherwise debilitated dogs.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/mz2uoyy Nearly 100% of These Male Dogs Develop This Condition by Age 9 Story at-a-glance Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged. It is the most common prostate disorder seen in intact male dogs, but is rare in cats. The prostate gland depends on hormones from the testicles to regulate its size and function. As the balance of hormones in a dog’s body changes with age, the prostate tends to enlarge as a result of excess production of sex hormones. BPH often causes no symptoms, and the enlargement of the gland isn’t painful for the dog. Straining to urinate and blood in the urine can be signs of BPH in dogs that are symptomatic. A rectal exam can confirm that the prostate gland is enlarged. Blood work, urinalysis, x-rays, an ultrasound, a urine culture and microscopic evaluation of fluid drawn from the prostate gland confirm the diagnosis. For dogs with no clinical symptoms, typically no treatment is recommended. However, in these cases, Dr. Becker recommends beginning a supportive protocol of saw palmetto. For cases of mild BPH, she suggests a protocol of DIM (diindolymethane) and high lignan flax hulls, both of which help regulate estrogen metabolism, which can be a secondary problem with BPH. Other natural agents can also be beneficial, including pumpkin seeds, nettle extracts, quercetin, lycopene, natural vitamin E, and selenium. The most effective and recommended treatment for symptomatic BPH is to neuter the dog. Castration completely resolves the problem. If the dog has discomfort from clinical symptoms, this is often the kindest and speediest treatment.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/kyekog3 Vancouver vet says chiropractic and acupuncture techniques are effective in canine rehabilitation By Negar Mojtahedi Global News A Vancouver vet is looking to scientifically prove that use of chiropractic and acupuncture techniques can be just as effective for dogs as they are for people. Dr. David Lane has spent the past nine years practicing those techniques on disabled dogs and says the results have been life-altering. “There have been multiple cases where dogs have been brought in, unable to stand on a board, but about 20 minutes later they were prancing around the exam room,” says Lane. The effectiveness of these techniques is not widely recognized by many in the veterinarian circle, but Lane is hoping to change that by conducting research that evaluates the effectiveness of these techniques for treating mobility issues.
“Vets only want to advocate something that has been scientifically proven to work. They need rigorous scientific protocol demonstrating that this does work, ” says Lane. He is looking for about 50-60 dogs to treat who have either mobility issues or leak urine, which he claims is related to lower back pain. In an attempt to get rid of an owner’s bias, the treatment will be blind, meaning sometimes the dogs will receive treatment and other times they will not. The controlled experiment will start in mid-May and end after about six appointments. Participants will receive between $350 and $500 worth of veterinary care for the project. Lane says one of his biggest success stories is a Clumber Spaniel named Humphrey who suffered from a malformation of the hip known as Hip Dysplasia.
According to Lane, Humphrey is jumping again and is now earning titles in tracking. “There are fast, obvious results, which is why I enjoy doing this,” says Lane. The key to Lane’s treatment is combining chiropractic technique with acupuncture, so he says there are implications for people as well as dogs. He hopes to publish his findings and establish a new method of teaching for veterinary colleges.
This article is available at: URL: http://globalnews.ca/news/1281059/1281059/
Raw Diet: The Perfect Pet Food That Helps Break Down Your Pet’s Tartar Story at-a-glance Many dogs and cats today have a problem with plaque and tartar build-up on their teeth. Without intervention, the result can be painful oral abscesses, infections, loose teeth, and even bone loss. Fortunately, a growing number of pet owners are realizing the importance of keeping their pet’s teeth in good condition. Feeding a raw diet and offering your dog raw meaty bones to chew are important aspects of good oral hygiene. The idea that dry pet food is good for your dog’s or cat’s teeth is misguided. Starchy kibble will not help clean your pet’s mouth. Raw meat, on the other hand, contains enzymes that are helpful in breaking down plaque and tartar. Some pets, for example, short-muzzled and toy breeds, many cats, and animals with chronic health conditions are often predisposed to heavy tartar build-up on their teeth. Even when these pets are raw fed and receive raw bones to gnaw on, it is difficult to keep their teeth free of plaque and tartar. Most pet owners can teach their dog or cat to submit to daily tooth brushing, which is the ideal way to insure tartar doesn’t accumulate on your pet’s teeth. With regular effective home care, and provided your pet isn’t predisposed to heavy plaque and tartar build-up, it’s possible he may never need a professional teeth cleaning performed by a veterinarian. However, every pet should receive routine dental x-rays, a thorough oral exam, and professional cleanings as necessary.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/lhk3u8v
How to Read Your Dog's Brain Just by Watching Her Tail Story at-a-glance New research from Italy published in a recent issue of Current Biology suggests dogs send messages to one another through tail wags A previous study conducted by the same team of researchers concluded dogs who are feeling threatened or distressed tend to wag their tails mostly to the left, whereas dogs who encounter something pleasant wag to the right. The purpose of the most recent study was to determine if dogs are able to pick up tail wag information sent by other dogs. Left-brain activity in dogs resulting in tail wagging to the right means they are having a positive response that invites another dog to approach. Right-brain activation suggests a negative withdrawal response. All 43 dogs in the study who watched a video of another dog wagging to the left experienced anxiety and elevated heart rates; all 43 remained relaxed while watching video of a dog wagging to the right. The study authors don’t believe the dogs are intentionally sending signals with their tails, but rather that tail wagging behavior results from the way different emotional signals activate different parts of a dog’s brain.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/mv5x7gh
Before You Tidy Up After Your Pet, Consider This New Discovery Story at-a-glance In recent years, a number of studies have concluded there are certain health benefits for children who grow up with a dog or cat. Kids with pets in the home are less likely to develop allergies and asthma, as well as respiratory and ear infections. Scientists have been unable to pinpoint the exact mechanism of protection provided by living in a home with pets, and have assumed it is related to the hygiene hypothesis which holds that we’ve made life in the modern world too clean, and our immune systems aren’t encountering enough pathogens to learn to do their jobs efficiently. Recently, a study conducted at the University of Michigan has shed more light on the question of why pet ownership can provide children with well-functioning immune systems. The answer lies in, of all things, dog dust. In the study, a group of mice was first exposed to dust collected from dog-owning households, and then exposed to two asthma-related allergens. The mice exposed to dog dust had much less inflammation in their airways and produced less mucus than two groups of control mice not exposed to dog dust. The protective agent is not the dog dust itself, but a microbe living in the dust – the bacteria Lactobacillus johnsonii. The L. johnsonii reshaped the colonies of bacteria in the GI tract of the mice exposed to dog dust, improving their immune response to certain allergens.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/mzc6sok
Here's What to Do If Your Dog Has Vaginitis Story at-a-glance Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. In dogs, there are two types: juvenile (puppy) vaginitis, and adult-onset vaginitis. Juvenile vaginitis occurs in female dogs that have not reached puberty, and is usually asymptomatic. Adult-onset vaginitis is more common in spayed adult dogs, and symptoms can include licking the vulva, frequent urination and/or urinary incontinence, and attraction of male dogs to the female dog. The most common cause of canine vaginitis is a bacterial urinary tract infection. Other causes include yeast and viruses that get transferred to the vagina when a dog cleans herself after pooping, foreign bodies in the vagina, trauma, vaginal abscesses or tumors, hyperplasia, and steroid therapy. Vaginitis can also occur in the absence of infection for a variety of reasons. Diagnosis of vaginitis can include a cytologic examination of vaginal discharge and cells of the vagina, vaginal and urine bacterial culture/sensitivity tests, urinalysis, a manual vaginal exam, vaginoscopy, a CBC and blood chemistry profile, an electrolyte panel, and x-rays or other imaging tests. Juvenile vaginitis typically requires no treatment because the condition almost always resolves spontaneously with the first heat (which means a young dog with the condition should not be spayed until after her first estrous cycle). Treatment of adult-onset vaginitis depends on the cause.
In all cases of vaginitis, Dr. Becker recommends a broad-spectrum non-diary probiotic to keep opportunistic bacteria levels in check. If a case of puppy vaginitis turns into a chronic case of adult vaginitis, immunoglobulin testing should be performed to check the dog’s innate immune function.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/n3ru267
Coughing: This Seemingly Harmless Symptom Could Foretell a Deadly Disease Story at-a-glance In dogs, coughing can signal any number of problems, some more worrisome than others. Sometimes it can be difficult for a pet owner to determine whether a dog’s cough requires a visit to the vet, so here’s a brief guide to the different types of canine coughs and how to handle them. Kennel cough is usually to blame when an otherwise healthy dog suddenly starts coughing. Kennel cough can be a dry hacking cough, sneezing, snorting or gagging. There may also be coughing spasms brought on by excitement or exercise. Recovery from kennel cough can take up to three weeks in healthy dogs, and twice as long in puppies, older patients or dogs that are immunosuppressed. Pneumonia in dogs also causes coughing, and there are a variety of causes for the condition, including a bacterial or fungal infection, or aspiration of a foreign substance like vomit or food. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the infection. Aspiration pneumonia is a life-threatening condition, so if you suspect your pet has inhaled a foreign object or substance, you should seek immediate veterinary care. A cough that sounds like a goose honk can be a sign of a collapsing trachea – especially if your dog is a small breed. Tracheal collapse is a chronic, progressive disease that can be either congenital or acquired, and treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Other conditions that can cause coughing in your dog include reverse sneezing, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, heartworm disease, and some types of cancer. Any cough that doesn’t resolve quickly on its own should be investigated.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/mglzlwx The #1 Fear of Pet Owners and How They Cope Story at-a-glance Recently an online pet prescription company conducted a survey of pet owners “to discover how much the rising costs of pet healthcare are affecting the lives and lifestyles of pet parents in the United States.” Survey results indicate the number one fear among pet owners is that a pet will develop a chronic or acute illness, and three out of four pet owners are concerned about their ability to pay for their companion’s healthcare needs. Three-quarters of pet owners said they would pay almost any amount to keep their pet healthy -- but 35 percent have stopped visiting the vet regularly to save money. Also, pet owners in every income bracket are cutting back on flea/tick and heartworm preventives, vaccinations, and veterinary drugs -- also reportedly to save money.
The survey also revealed that a very popular money-saving activity among pet owners is to learn about preventive health and wellness, and over 20 percent invest in preventive exams and homemade remedies. These survey results seem to indicate that for all their worry about the health of their pet and their willingness to spend whatever it takes to keep their animal healthy, a growing number of pet owners don’t view routine veterinary visits or the use of chemical pesticides, vaccines and other drugs to be of value Food for thought: Perhaps the traditional veterinary approach to preventive health care needs to be evaluated to determine how well it truly serves the needs of its patients.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/k97rldy How Often Should Your Pet Eat? The Answer May Surprise You... Story at-a-glance In this video, Dr. Mercola talks with Dr. Becker and Dr. Barbara Royal, incoming President of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), about the role of the organization in promoting holistic and integrative veterinary medicine, as well as a wide range of natural pet health care topics. As Dr. Royal explains it, the role of the AHVMA is to facilitate more education and research into holistic and alternative veterinary medicine. Historically, veterinary school training has not exposed students to anything of a holistic or alternative nature. But that’s beginning to change because of the AHVMA, which is currently experiencing immense growth. The doctors discuss how animals are able to “eat themselves healthy” when they are fed the proper nutrition. For carnivorous dogs and cats, that means a fresh, unprocessed, raw diet of high quality animal meat and a moderate amount of fat. They also discuss when and how often pets should eat, and how modern day feeding schedules actually go against nature and contribute to pet obesity and a long list of diseases. Dr. Royal feels one of the most important things she does as a veterinarian is educate clients about their right to demand better care for their pets. People must advocate for their pets, because the only entities “regulating” the pet industry are self-interested companies selling processed pet food and veterinary drugs. Throughout this wide-ranging discussion between Dr. Mercola, Dr. Royal and Dr. Becker, viewers and readers will discover little pearls of wonderful advice and guidance on how to improve the health of the animals in their life.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/n2l9h4m
Coconut Oil: This Kitchen Staple May Be Perfect for Your Pet’s Skin Story at-a-glance In this video, Dr. Becker is back in her kitchen at home to demonstrate how she performs coconut oil treatments on her elderly dog, Rosco. Rosco, like almost all senior dogs (and senior humans), has issues with his skin and toenails. Part of the problem is Rosco’s Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism, but it’s also simply a fact that as pets and people age, the skin tends to get flaky and the nails tend to get funky.
Dr. Becker manages Rosco’s skin and nail issues with weekly baths followed by coconut oil treatments. Coconut oil helps reduce flaking and improves the integrity of the skin. It also supports the lipid barrier, which makes skin healthier and more resistant to pathogens. The treatment is quite simple. Just scoop the oil from the container and apply it to your pet like a mask, insuring to coat every inch of skin and nails, especially problem areas. Allow the mask to absorb into the skin for five minutes or so, and feel free to let your pet lick the oil as you wait. After about five minutes, do a light application of shampoo, and another light rinse. Coconut oil treatments leave Rosco’s “old man” skin incredibly soft and in a healthier condition, and we’re sure it will do the same for your pet!
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/ke9w7oo
Being Overweight Shaves Nearly a Year from Your Dog's Life, Especially in These 5 Breeds Story at-a-glance Recent research suggests that dogs that are overweight at middle age may not live as long as dogs of normal weight. A study of approximately 5,500 dogs from 10 different breeds showed that those who are overweight at middle age can have their lives cut short by up to 10 months. This is especially prevalent in certain breeds, including Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles and Shih Tzus. Overweight dogs can also suffer from a long list of costly obesity-related conditions that can compromise their mobility and quality of life. Orthopedic problems are occurring in ever-younger pets, and with greater severity, due to obesity. Dogs that are nearly immobile from a combination of weight and joint or bone problems are becoming commonplace. Helping your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight involves a combination of feeding speciesappropriate nutrition in portion-controlled meals, and insuring your pet is getting plenty of regular exercise.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/ll3zyu4
Dog Breeds Vulnerable to Extinction in the United States 10 dog breeds account for half of AKC registrations while others near extinction Published on November 13, 2013 by Stanley Coren, Ph.D., F.R.S.C. in Canine Corner In a previous article I talked about the list of "vulnerable dog breeds" which is posted by the British Kennel Club (see here). This list includes those breeds of dogs for which the annual registration number is less than 300. The British Kennel Club worries that breeds with such low registration statistics may be in danger of disappearing. In that article I noted that the Queen's Pembroke Welsh Corgis were among those listed as vulnerable. A number of people protested that Corgis are not nearing extinction in the United States since they rank 24th in the most recent list of registrations provided by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Obviously there are geographic differences in the popularity of dog breeds. On the basis of such considerations, some other people asked me if the AKC also kept a list of dog breeds which appear to be nearing extinction in America, and if so, could I provide it. Unfortunately the AKC does not keep a list of vulnerable breeds, and for reasons known only to that organization they have lately decided to no longer post the actual breed registration numbers. However, even without the computer hacking skills of someone like Edward Snowden, I managed to find a friendly "spy" in the AKC who provided me with a recent set of registration numbers. Upon looking at that data I found some real surprises. Of the total number of dogs that are registered by the AKC more than half are accounted for by just 10 breeds. They are the: Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Dog Golden Retriever Beagle English Bulldog Boxer Dachshund Poodle Shih Tzu Yorkshire Terrier According to my calculations the 50 rarest breeds (those that have the lowest registration numbers) in the AKC, account for only 1.2 percent of all of all of the dogs in the American Kennel Club Registry. To give you an idea of what that means let's suppose that we gathered together 1000 dogs, all of which were purebred, and all of which were registered in the AKC. In that group of 1000 dogs just 12 AKC registered dogs would come from any of the 50 breeds listed here. Spinoni Italiani Bluetick Coonhound Kerry Blue Terrier
Manchester Terrier Redbone Coonhound Australian Terrier Tibetan Mastiff Briard English Toy Spaniel Welsh Springer Spaniel Irish Terrier Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeen Miniature Bull Terrier Clumber Spaniel Field Spaniel Boykin Spaniel Plott Black Russian Terrier Affenpinscher Lakeland Terrier German Pinscher Greyhound Bedlington Terrier Scottish Deerhound Swedish Vallhund American Water Spaniel Kuvasz Pulik Curly-Coated Retriever Lowchen Irish Water Spaniel Polish Lowland Sheepdog Irish Red and White Setter
Ibizan Hound Sealyham Terrier Beauceron Komondor Sussex Spaniel Pharaoh Hound Glen of Imaal Terrier Finnish Spitz Norwegian Buhund Skye Terrier Otterhound Pyrenean Shepherd Canaan Dog Dandie Dinmont Terrier Harrier American Foxhound English Foxhound In effect then, this list of dog breeds might be considered to be the American Kennel Club's equivalent of the British Kennel Club's list of vulnerable dog breeds. Some of the breeds that appear on this listing have low numbers because they have only recently been recognized by the AKC. This includes breeds like the Irish Red and White Setter or Black Russian Terrier, and it is possible that such "new breeds" may yet grow in popularity. However some of the dogs listed here are venerable breeds with long histories, such as American Foxhounds, English Foxhounds and Otterhounds. These are teetering on the edge of extinction because of laws that restrict or ban the hunting of foxes or otters with dogs. Some others of these older breeds, like the Sealyham Terrier, Field Spaniel and Curly Coated Retriever, have simply fallen in popularity for reasons which are not clear. There are obviously historical trends and changes in tastes and preferences for various dog breeds. For example, when the American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 it recognized only nine dog breeds. They were the: Chesapeake Bay Retriever Clumber Spaniel English Setter Gordon Setter Irish Setter
Irish Water Spaniel Pointer Sussex Spaniel Cocker Spaniel (The American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel were registered as the same dog breed until 1946) None of these breeds is now represented in the top 10 most popular breeds according to the most current registration statistics. In addition, three of these nine founding breeds — the Clumber Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel — now have AKC registration numbers which are so low that it suggests that they may be in danger of ultimately becoming extinct. Stanley Coren is the author of many books including: The Wisdom of Dogs; Do Dogs Dream? Born to Bark; The Modern Dog; Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses? The Pawprints of History; How Dogs Think; How To Speak Dog; Why We Love the Dogs We Do; What Do Dogs Know? The Intelligence of Dogs; Why Does My Dog Act That Way? Understanding Dogs for Dummies; Sleep Thieves; The Left-hander Syndrome
The Best "Pet" Food Money Can Buy... And the Absolute Worst Story at-a-glance The pet food industry in the U.S. is relatively young, which is surprising when you consider the vast and confusing array of pet food offerings available on the market. Prepared pet food has only been around for about 60 years, and has experienced most of its growth spurt in just the last 30 years. World War II introduced Americans to two things that have shown great staying power – dry pet food and processed human food, which would also ultimately have a tremendous impact on the pet food industry. After WWII, the U.S. enjoyed a period of tremendous growth and expansion in every direction. During those boom years, in response to the tremendous increase in consumer appetites, the human food industry created vast quantities of waste from slaughterhouses, grain mills, and processing plants. Pet food manufacturers – still in their infancy -- immediately understood the unlimited opportunity of human food waste to their industry. By 1960, pet food companies had figured out how to mass-produce dry pet food to meet growing consumer demand for pet “convenience” foods. There’s a problem, however. Carnivorous dogs and cats have not evolved to digest and assimilate the primary ingredients in the vast majority of commercially prepared pet foods. As a result, for over a halfcentury we’ve created dozens of generations of animals that suffer from degenerative diseases linked to nutritional deficiencies. To be optimally healthy, dogs and cats need unadulterated, fresh, moisture-rich whole foods. They don’t need grains, fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, additives, chemicals, or byproducts. Although animals can eat some processed foods, they aren’t designed to consume a lifetime of dry or canned diets.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/kc59bgp
One of the Most Controversial Pet Care Questions Hotly Debated by All Stakeholders Story at-a-glance To shave or not to shave your pet… that is the question! And it generates a huge amount of controversy among pet owners, groomers, veterinarians, and other animal care workers. The ASPCA is against shaving because: 1) an animal’s coat functions as insulation for the body, 2) it protects against sunburn and skin cancer, and 3) there are better alternatives to shaving your pet. Dr. Becker does not recommend shaving cats unless there’s a medical or hygienic reason to do so, for example, the kitty can no longer groom himself or isn’t able to properly clean his private areas. She also doesn’t recommend shaving a dog’s coat unless, again, it’s a medical or hygienic necessity, or the dog just happens to prefer short hair and there’s no risk of overexposure to the sun or extremes in temperature. Dr. Becker recommends “puppy cuts” for dogs who are clearly happier with less hair. These cuts remove long, annoying hair, but stop well short of a full buzz cut.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/nxwg5e8
Vitamin D: Don’t Let Your Dog Overdose on This Popular Human Nutrient Story at-a-glance Vitamin D directly supports heart muscle electrical activity and muscle contraction, and in humans, research has established a close link between vitamin D deficiency and congestive heart failure (CHF). In fact, vitamin D blood levels are predictive of survival rates in people with CHF. Over half of older dogs also develop heart problems, and CHF is a common cause of death. The role of vitamin D in canine heart disease has never really been investigated, but a recently published study from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University sheds some light on the subject. The Cornell researchers compared blood levels of vitamin D in dogs with CHF and healthy dogs. The dogs with congestive heart failure had lower blood levels of vitamin D than the dogs without heart disease. And, as with humans, low blood levels of vitamin D were linked to poor survival rates in the dogs. The researchers concluded that improving vitamin D status in dogs with CHF may be beneficial, however, it’s important for dog owners to be aware that vitamin D toxicity is actually much more common than vitamin D deficiency. Toxicity is most often the result of a dog ingesting either rodent bait or vitamin D supplements. It can also occur in dogs with well-intentioned guardians who feel vitamin D supplements are appropriate for their pet. Vitamin D toxicity is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment. The first 72 hours after accidental overdose are crucial in saving a dog’s life. Long-term hospitalization is often necessary, and treating a dog with vitamin D poisoning is very costly.
For full story go to: URL: http://tinyurl.com/knppn95
Dog Bite Fatalities: Breed or Human Problem?
Dr. Ken Tudor shares information that we dog lovers have known for a long time: when it comes to dog attacks and problem behavior, it’s NOT the dog – it IS the human. A 10-year correlational study showed that breed specific legislation doesn’t work, because breed doesn’t determine aggression – how dogs are treated does. At petMD, we’ve has had some long and spirited discussions about dog breeds and human attacks by dogs. Many contributors to the discussion rightly pointed out the lack of reliable data surrounding this issue. Yet the political answer to the situation is always breed specific legislation (BSL). In other words, ban the ownership or restrict the activity of specific breeds alleged to be involved in human attacks. Municipalities persist with this narrow focus despite studies that indicate the ineffectiveness of these programs. The results of a 10-year study recently reported in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association sheds further light on the complexity of this issue. It identifies preventable factors that are far more significant than breed. The researchers examined the data from 256 dog bite-related fatalities in the U.S. between the years 2000-2009. They generated the following statistics for factors involved in the fatal attacks: - In 87% there was an absence of an able-bodied person to intervene - 45% of the victims were less than 5-years old - 85% of the victims had only incidental or no familiarity with the dogs - 84% of the dogs were not neutered - 77% of the victims had compromised ability (age or other conditions) to interact appropriately with dogs - 76% of the dogs were kept isolated from regular positive human interactions - 38% of the dog owners had histories of prior mismanagement of dogs
- 21% of the dog owners had a history of abuse or neglect of dogs - In 81% of the attacks 4 or more of the above factors were involved - 31% of the dog breeds differed from media reports - 40% of the dog breeds differed from both media and animal control reports - Only 18% of the dogs had validated (DNA) breed identification - 20 breeds and 2 known mixed breeds were represented in the attacks These statistics indicate that most of the factors surrounding dog-bite related fatalities are preventable and unrelated to dog breed. The first statistic shows the obvious lack of supervision in these attacks. Responsible dog and victim parental or caretaker supervision most certainly could have prevented the majority of these deaths. 73% of the dogs were chained or isolated in fenced outdoor areas or indoor areas. Only 15% of the dogs were allowed to roam. Nearly three-quarters of the attacks occurred on the dog owner’s property. Restricting access to these areas could prevent many attacks. Interestingly, 67% of the older victims that were deemed compromised were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, another preventable circumstance. Only five of the victims were compromised due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, or uncontrollable seizure disorders. The reporting errors in this study are also disturbing. Fatal dog attacks are always media sensations and heavily reported. Yet we can only trust that 60% of the reports of breed identification from the media and involved animal control officials are accurate. And unfortunately, it is media reports rather than fact that spur the political decisions that lead to breed specific legislation. Based on this study, 20 breeds and 2 mixed breeds should face legislation rather than the few that are presently targeted. The ugly truth about this study is that it points to human behavior as the cause of dog attacks on humans. Social responsibility cannot be legislated. Many of these dog owners had histories of animal mismanagement, yet the penalties or consequences were inadequate to change the behavior. It would have been interesting if the study had also looked at previous behaviors and histories of the parents of the young victims. Whether programs for responsible pet ownership, bite prevention education, or dog related parent supervision education are widely effective has yet to be proven. Certainly breed specific legislation is not the answer. A recent Canadian study showed that there were no significant differences in the number of bite related hospital visits before and after communities adopted breed specific legislation. Dr. Ken Tudor “Dog Bite Fatalities: Breed or Human Problem?” originally appeared on PetMD.com.
Treating Ear Infections at the Vet Heading to your veterinarian for help with an ear infection is always a good idea, especially if you haven't had previous experience with a canine ear infection and you aren't certain what it looks like, or if a previously treated infection has recurred. If you are going to take your dog to the vet, don't clean his ears that day; it may be helpful for the veterinarian to see the appearance and amount of the discharge. The vet will clean and examine the ears, and usually will take a look deep inside the ear canal with an otoscope - that is, if the swelling in the ear canal is not too severe. Some brave veterinarians will also put their noses near the dog's ear and take a quick sniff; the odor of an infected ear is distinctive. In mild cases, after cleaning the ear well, veterinarians will generally administer and give the owner a topical ear solution containing antibiotic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory agents. This is typically used for a dog's first or infrequent ear infection because, no matter what the causative organism, this type of topical will address it. In many cases, that's all there is to the ear infection event. However, if the infection recurs, it's likely that the treatment was incomplete, whether because the solution wasn't applied as frequently or as well as required (sometimes the outer ear looks good, but the infection continues to fester deep within the ear canal), or because the infectious organisms developed resistance to the antibiotic in the solution. In these cases, we may wonder why the infection keeps "coming back" when, in reality, it never ever went away. When an ear infection recurs (if not before!), culturing a sample of the exudate is a must, to make sure that the next treatment is targeted to treat the specific pathogen. Oral antibiotics may be indicated in such severe cases in addition to topical therapy. Note that oral antibiotics are not the first go-to for a one-off ear infection and are rarely successful as the sole therapy. Chronic cases may also be helped by a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) approach including acupuncture, and/or when used preventively such as prior to spring/summer if dealing with seasonal allergies. Also, acupuncture and laser therapy can relieve pain associated with infections.
Don't Feed This to Your Puppy - Could Lead to Painful Hip Dysplasia By Dr. Becker If your once active dog seems reluctant to run or play, is having difficulty getting up, or is limping or showing signs of pain, she may be suffering from osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease (DJD). Other signs of a developing mobility problem can include hesitance when jumping or climbing stairs, loss of appetite, and irritability. Many pet guardians, especially those with middle-aged or older dogs, tend to dismiss such symptoms as just a natural part of the aging process. But a pet who is having difficulty getting around should be examined by a veterinarian. It could be arthritis, or some other problem, but in any case, a dog’s declining mobility needs attention. One in Five Dogs Will Develop Arthritis Sadly, 20 percent of dogs over a year of age, or 1 in 5 canine companions, will develop degenerative joint disease.1 And certain large breeds -- including Golden and Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands and St. Bernards -- have a 70 to 80 percent chance of developing the disease.2 That’s 4 out of every 5 dogs of those breeds. Chronic diseases that affect a dog’s mobility, including arthritis, result in a 20 percent reduction in lifespan.3 For example, if the average Lab’s lifespan is 11 years, the presence of arthritis means he may only live to be 9. The majority of canine osteoarthritis cases are the result of development conditions (e.g., hip or elbow dysplasia, shoulder osteochondrosis) and acquired conditions (e.g., cranial cruciate rupture, articular fractures).4 In my experience, arthritis in dogs is also often caused by high-calorie, carbohydrate-dense diets that cause large breed puppies to grow too big, too fast, as well as obesity coupled with lack of exercise in adult dogs. If your dog is genetically predisposed to arthritis or has been diagnosed with hip or elbow dysplasia, there’s not much you can do in the way of preventing joint degeneration. However, there are lots of things you can do to effectively slow down and manage the disease so that your pet remains mobile and pain-free for as long as possible. Preventing Injury or Trauma That Can Lead to Arthritis Many cases of degenerative joint disease in middle-aged or older dogs develop as the result of an earlier (sometimes years earlier), often seemingly minor injury or trauma. For example, most puppies are clumsy, prone to falling down stairs and jumping from high surfaces, which can set the stage for future arthritis. That’s why I recommend trying your best to get your dog through the awkward puppy stage with minimal stumbles, tumbles, and falls. Cover slick floors with runners or area rugs. In my experience, puppies who slip, trip, and fall regularly are much more inclined to develop bone growth problems, which lead to joint problems. Another type of injury I see frequently in dogs is cervical damage from leaping or jerking against a leash attached to a collar. A pet owner or dog trainer who jerks a dog’s neck when he’s leashed can also cause this type of injury. Yanking a dog by a leash attached to a collar is absolutely the wrong thing to do, because it very often results in cervical trauma, which then results in joint damage. I recommend harnesses rather than collars for leash attachment for this very reason. Too Big, Too Fast Sets the Stage for Arthritis in Large Breed Puppies The wrong diet can cause large breed puppies to grow faster than their frames can keep up, resulting in orthopedic disease, which is a precursor for osteoarthritis. Many large and giant breed dogs are genetically
predisposed to grow too fast, and sadly, their well-intentioned human guardians help the process along by feeding inappropriate, high-growth pet food to these puppies. You should feed your large or giant breed puppy with the goal of keeping him lean, with controlled growth. A healthy large or giant breed puppy will thrive on a portion-controlled, balanced, species-appropriate diet. You can feed a spot-on balanced homemade diet or an excellent quality commercially available food. Traditional puppy foods often provide much higher calorie content than large breed puppies require, causing them to gain too much weight too quickly. If you're going to feed kibble to a large breed puppy, I recommend you look for special large breed puppy formulas or a formula that is "Approved for all life stages." This means the food is appropriate for growing puppies or adult dogs. I do not recommend feeding a traditional (high growth) puppy food to large breed puppies. For more information on feeding a large or giant breed puppy, please see my video and article on “Why Overgrowing Your Large Breed Puppy is Dangerous.” Too Much Weight + Too Little Exercise: Another Recipe for Arthritis Being overweight or obese puts tremendous stress on a dog’s frame, which often results in permanent damage to tendons and ligaments. To maintain a good weight and be optimally healthy, your dog should be fed a nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate diet. Carbohydrate-based diets, including those marketed as “weight management” or low fat, are not appropriate nutrition for dogs. Not only do carbs put weight on your pet, they also promote inflammation, which is the last thing a dog with an inflammatory joint problem like arthritis needs. If your pet is not in good physical condition, even if her weight is optimal, it’s a set up for arthritis as she ages. If she doesn’t have the opportunity to go on walks with you, run, play, and get regular aerobic exercise, she can end up with any number of debilitating conditions affecting her bones, joints, muscles, and internal organs. Your pet should get a minimum of 20 minutes of sustained, heart-thumping exercise three times a week. Thirty minutes is better than 20 -- six or seven days a week is better than three. And keep in mind that short frantic bursts of occasional activity can actually create injury to your dog. If his body isn’t well conditioned, a sudden surge of activity can create the type of injuries that lead to long-term joint damage. Consistent, daily physical movement is the way to go. As your dog gets older he still needs regular exercise, just not at the same intensity as a younger animal. Recommendations for Preventing or Managing Arthritis in Your Dog Chiropractic care is an excellent and affordable way to realign your pet’s spine after an injury, or on a routine maintenance basis if your dog is a large or giant breed predisposed to arthritis, such as the Newfoundland. Proper alignment prevents your dog’s body from shifting into unhealthy positions to compensate for an injured or painful area, which can create problems down the road. Massage is another good way to treat tissue inflammation and prevent secondary compensation in your dog’s body. Stretching is beneficial for reducing degeneration and preventing soft tissue injury. It’s especially helpful for older dogs and competition and working dogs. Acupuncture can be very beneficial for some dogs with degenerative joint disease. There are several types of physical therapy that can benefit arthritic dogs. For example, gentle hydrotherapy in a pool or on an underwater treadmill can build and maintain muscle strength and endurance with minimum stress
to painful joints. Also helpful are therapies that focus on coordination, flexibility, and balance. Cryotherapy (cold packs) and heat therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), and low-level laser therapy can also be extremely beneficial in keeping an arthritic pet comfortable and mobile. Chondroprotective agents (CPAs), which protect the joints, are a must for any dog with osteoarthritis. The type, form, and dose of CPA your veterinarian prescribes will be based on your dog’s individual situation. Since each animal responds differently to CPAs, sometimes it’s necessary to try a variety of products to find the ones most beneficial for a pet’s specific symptoms. It’s important to routinely monitor your dog’s symptoms, because osteoarthritis is a progressive disease. As your pet’s body changes, her arthritis protocol will need to change as well. You should bring your dog for a wellness check with your veterinarian at least twice a year to review the status of her health, but also to check the range of motion in her joints, the muscle mass she is either gaining or losing, and to make adjustments to her protocol as necessary to ensure her quality of life is optimal. In my experience, a multimodal approach to managing canine arthritis is crucial to slowing the progression of the disease. Incorporating maintenance chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, daily stretching, and mild exercise, along with an oral protocol to manage pain and inflammation will yield the very best results for an arthritic pet.
Trends in Dog Reproduction - Tubal Ligation, Vasectomy, and Hysterectomy Just as in any field, vets hear about trends and “buzz words” when learning about what's new and trendy in pet care. Just a few of these that I've heard a lot recently include “vasectomy” and “tubal ligation,” which are alternatives to standard sterilization procedures (“spaying and neutering”). We hear about these terms more often in reference to dogs than cats but I've heard them used for both. So why an alternative to these well-known procedures? It has to do with hormones. Research suggests that there may be benefit of continued reproductive hormone production by dogs and even risks related to the lack of these hormones. The health risks that result from the removal of reproductive hormones in young growing dogs is a topic of recent research. These potential risks, along with other concerns about spaying and neutering, have led pet owners to look for alternatives to traditional neutering in male pets (commonly referred to as castration). Tubal ligation, typically called a hysterectomy or “having the tubes tied,” is the standard procedure for female pets. Options for Males: An alternative to the traditional castration procedure is a vasectomy. This is a surgical procedure where the tube which carries sperm out of the testicle (called the vas deferens) is clamped, cut, or sealed. This prevents sperm from being ejaculated out of the body, thus preventing a male pet's ability to breed. The testicle will remain but the pet cannot get a female pregnant. Options for Females: A tubal ligation is typically performed to prevent unwanted pregnancy while leaving the ovaries intact and capable of normal hormonal and growth development. Learn more here. A hysterectomy removes the uterus but leaves the ovaries intact. Pets will still have heat cycles and be receptive to male pets but have no ability to become pregnant. I hope you find these articles interesting and informative. Dr. Debra
P.S.: I just got off the phone with two surgeons after asking them what the real demand actually is for these procedures. After all, I've been reading about these in vet websites, blogs, and more, but that doesn't mean clients necessarily know about them. To date, neither surgeon has been asked to perform any of these alternatives to spaying or neutering. Most general practice veterinarians recommend the traditional spay/neuter procedures which is common and less expensive than these. However, this may change in 2015... we'll see!
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