Saturday, November 24, 2012

Craigslist Nightmares!

The Horrors of Craiglist: and why you should NEVER post your dogs on there!

By: N Gilbert


Craiglist is a known classified online newspaper for advertising all sorts of things. From refrigerators to dating. Although these may come in handy for some, others are known to post dogs on craigslist for FREE. Yes, you read right, FREE! The dangers of this are VERY severe I might add. While some may think it is easier to post an unwanted dog on there, it is also a website for known abusers to find free dogs so that they can use them for all sorts of things. Sex, dog fighting, and numerous other horrible acts of greed and lust. Below you will find an article from earlier this year on an abuser who searched craiglist to find a dog for sex as well as a photo of what happened to a dog who was listed as FREE and instead of being given a loving home, was used as a bait dog.


Huffington Post Article on James Naylor:

8/16/2012




Police arrested an Arizona man after he allegedly spent two months trying to set up a sexual encounter with a dog over Craigslist.

What 47-year-old James Naylor didn't know is that he wasn't talking to a willing dog owner -- he was talking to an undercover officer.

The married father, who lives in Mesa, allegedly posted an ad on Craigslist at least two months ago titled, "Bottom need hung tops -- M4M" and "Willing to try hung K9 4 Fun too," according to ABC 15. An agent with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department negotiated with Naylor for weeks, using a picture of a dog from the animal shelter (above) to lure him into a nearby hotel.

Naylor was arrested and taken to jail Monday night. He never saw the dog.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio told Fox 19 that he's seen this type of crime on the Internet before. Six people were arrested over the past year for similar offenses in which Craigslist was used to solicit animal abuse.

"This is a different breed of people who would do this to dogs. We are going to continue this type of investigation; we are the only ones doing this but we are not going to stop investigating bestiality of this type, having sex with dogs," Arpaio said.


And now here is what happens to other dogs found as a free dog on craigslist:





So you see folks, craigslist may be a good thing when it comes to advertising products, etc...but it is also a deadly thing for animals. If you are looking for an animal that you won't pay an arm and a leg for, try going to your local shelter and adopting a dog there. They make the best pets!

Help the Homeless

Progress for Princess

By: N Gilbert




UPDATE:
April 29, 2013

Hello everyone! Apologies it took so long to update you on Princess. She is doing FABULOUSLY! Her repaired knee has healed up nicely, she is now in a different foster home where she gets to lounge on the couch indoors, take walks around the neighborhood and play with her two foster siblings. For now it looks as though the one surgery and limited strenuous exercise has eliminated her lameness. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and love! ♥




A homeless man's dog need surgery. Can you be the one to give them the holiday miracle they're seeking? Every little bit counts, from $1.00 to $100.00.

Link to the article on Princess:
http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/save-princess/content?oid=8413752

To donate for Princess, please follow the link below:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=progressforprincess%40aol.com&lc=US&donation=donate

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ProgressForPrincess

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards: the face of evil!

By: N Gilbert

****ANIMAL ABUSER ALERT. SHELTER EMPLOYEE!****




Michael Edwards, 50 a shelter employee at the Crowley Animal Shelter in Louisiana was arrested Thursday and charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty for "improperly and cruelly" disposing of animals. Authorities suspect Edwards is responsible for the disappearance of between 10 to 20 dogs removed from the shelter and their dead bodies later discovered.

Complaints from the animal shelter supervisor and the Mayor of Crowley about dead beheaded animals found in the back of the shelter initiated an immediate investigation by the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office.

Five dead dogs who were discovered behind the building located at 220 Jack Mitchell in Crowley are suspected of having been victims of dog fighting. The other three dogs were listed as having been taken into the shelter, but never listed as returned to owner or of having been released. The dogs were all micro-chipped at the shelter enabling authorities to trace back where the last place the dogs had lived.

Edwards was also charged with five counts of obstruction of justice and one count of malfeasance in office. (misconduct and corrupt practice)

"You somehow expect a person working at a shelter to love and respect animals and do the best they can to save their lives. If Edwards is guilty of these charges, which are totally disgusting, I do hope he goes to prison. I can't stand the thought of what these dogs had to endure because of his motives," stated Amy Conners, a college student and animal advocate at Palm Beach County College.

Edwards is currently in the Acadia Parish Jail.

According to katc.com however, this arrest may only be the tip of the iceberg. An anonymous tip states a long-time employee has killed 225 dogs over an extended period of time. In fact four more dogs were killed in the shelter Thursday night.

The shelter is trying to get all of the animals left either adopted or fostered as quickly as possible. If you can help, please contact the shelter at (337)-581-8510. If you can foster a pet, please call (337)-458-2069.



Read more: Improper and cruel disposal of animals - Crowley, LA | Pet-Abuse.Com Animal Cruelty Database 

Patrick the Miracle Pit Bull

Patrick's Rough Life with Abuser Kisha Curtis and His Now Happy Ending!

By: N Gilbert


A New Jersey pit bull named Patrick, starved and subjected to horrific abuse before his rescue in March of 2011, is being called a "miracle dog" after he survived being placed in a trash bag and thrown down the garbage chute of a Newark apartment building.

A maintenance worker removing the garbage to put it in a trash compactor noticed a bag moving slightly, opened it and discovered the emaciated dog inside. Patrick -- so named when he survived through the night into St. Patrick's Day after being found in the garbage chute March 16 -- was rushed to the local Associated Humane Societies shelter, where "veterinary staff immediately put him on intravenous fluid," according to a post on the society's website. "His temperature was so low that it did not even register on the thermometer. He was covered with heating pads and blankets. Society vet tech Gina DeSalvo held the pit bull in her arms -- she soothed him, gave him warmth, comfort and bits of food. From that moment on, he looked up with gratitude in his eyes to all of the staff." Below you will find the picture of Patrick as he looked when he was found last year.



Patrick was soon moved to a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital, where he received a blood transfusion and other treatment. His condition is reportedly improving. Kisha Curtis, 27, the woman identified as his owner at the time of his abuse, has been charged with two counts of tormenting and torturing a living creature by failing to provide sustenance and two counts of abandonment, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger. She has pleaded not guilty to the cruelty charges and maintains she didn't throw Patrick down the garbage chute, but has reportedly admitted that she failed to provide proper care for the year-old dog, New Jersey Newsroom reported.


"The information we have now indicates the defendant tied the dog to a railing and left the state of New Jersey for more than a week," acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray said in a statement about the charges against Curtis, perhaps indicating that another person may have thrown the dog in the garbage chute. Patrick's abuser is seen below.



Patrick's story has gained wide attention. A post on the Garden State Veterinary Specialists website notes that the organization, which is providing the dog's treatment, has "discontinued accepting donations directly to our hospital for Patrick. Patrick's care has been assured through the generosity of animal lovers everywhere." The facility asks those wishing to help Patrick to instead make a donation in his name to their local animal care agency.

One animal lover, Rachel Wolf, launched a website called PatricksLaw.com, to urge supporters to "encourage and pressure your elected officials to support Patrick's Law™, so all animal abuse will be treated as a felony with lengthy prison terms and hefty fines imposed as punishment." A Facebook page for Patrick had more than 80,000 fans as of Wednesday afternoon.

News about Patrick's abuse even led Newark's mayor, Cory Booker, to call on the public to help raise funds for the construction of a new animal shelter in the city, to be called "Patrick's Place."

Legal issues are still surrounding Curtis as we speak. Patrick is currently healthy and happy residing with the Scavellis getting all the love and attention he so richly deserves! See what Patrick looks like now in his before and after picture below!





Ferocious Foods!

Toxins: what specific types of foods, etc. are harmful to your pets.

By: N Gilbert


PLEASE READ VERY IMPORTANT!!!!

Many household products, medication, and even food can harm your dog and even be fatal. Know the items of what NOT to leave lying about your home for your pet to nose around in. Below are just a few...

Toxic Foods:
1. Onions (BIG NO NO CAN MAKE A DOG EXTREMELY ANEMIC!!!)
2. Baker's Chocolate (the kind you use to bake with, NOT a Hershey bar although it is not recommended to give your pet that either)
3. Grapes/Raisins (Can lead to kidney failure)
4. Apple Seeds/Peach & Apricot Pits (contains forms of arsenic)
5. Alcohol (Really, why would anyone give this to their pet but it does happen)
6. Baker's Dough/Yeast
7. Macadamia Nuts (can cause problems with a dog's nervous and digestive system)
8. Avocados

Toxic Household Products:
1. Laundry detergents & fabric softener sheets (can cause digestive problems if ingested)
2. Mouse/ant/rat/insect killers (this is a POISON and DEADLY!!!)
3. Tylenol/aspirin/ibuprofen/or any human medication
4. Mouthwash (high toxin for pets!)

Plants:
1. Oleanders (one leaf from this plant CAN kill a small pet!!) When disposing of Oleanders, NEVER EVER burn them, the smoke inhalation can cause respiratory problems with your pets!!!
2. Lily Pads
3. Mistletoe
--Also see plant chart posted on this page for other toxic plants

Also know that an ice melt on a driveway or street can contain deadly chemicals for a dog....for instance when they lick themselves they might be licking and ingesting a chemical used inside of a car. Keep an eye open for that.

ALWAYS REMEMBER, YOU WOULDN'T LEAVE THESE ITEMS LAYING ABOUT YOUR HOME FOR SMALL CHILDREN TO GET INTO OR PLAY WITH SO WHY ASSUME YOUR PET WON'T GET INTO THEM. PETS ARE FAMILY MEMBERS TOO BUT THEY CAN'T TELL YOU WHEN THEY DON'T FEEL GOOD SO REMEMBER TO TAKE ALL THE NECESSARY CAUTIONS WITH FOODS, PLANTS, ETC. :)



Have a Heart!

Heartworm: the statistics

By: O Jefferson


Did you know that more and more dogs and cats die of heart worm every year? The American Heartworm Society (AHS) estimates that only 55% of dogs in the U.S. are currently on a heartworm preventive, leaving 27 million dogs at risk of acquiring heartworm disease. A study performed at North Carolina State University indicated that 25% of cats infected with heartworms were solely indoor cats. Heartworms may infect more than 30 species of animals including coyotes, foxes, wolves and other wild canids, domestic cats and wild felids, ferrets, sea lions, and humans. Please, keep up to date with your pets heart worm prevention!



Worming Around!

Tapeworm: how to treat those nasty specimens!

By: N Gilbert

Did you know that Tapeworm is SUPER common in dogs and is VERY treatable? How they work: Tapeworms supply by attaching to the digestive tract wall through suckers in their mouths, and after that siphoning off vitamins and minerals from regardless of the dog eats. Later inside the life cycle the actual tail portions begin to put an end to and are handed down in the puppie’s fleeces. They consist of eggs that will then re-infest the identical host or another animal. A dog cannot become infected when eats the eggs directly, but only when eating a flea that contains the eggs. The usually happens when any flea larvae eats the tapeworm ovarium. Later the actual flea matures as well as lives on your new puppy. When the puppy bites in an itchy spot on his coat, he ingests the flea. The actual tapeworm eggs then hatch and also head direct for the digestive system where they attach them selves and start to feed. After a moment, they older and the tail segments set out to break off. These are generally then passed by the dog as well as the cycle start anew. If your dog has tapeworm, the good news is that it is quite simple to treat along with either a veterinary prescribed or perhaps over-the-counter de-worming medication. Take note though, a large number of of the industrial de-wormers contain a mild pesticide, and also prolonged use may cause additional health problems. So make sure you don't buy something without consulting your veterinarian first. Bottom line, if you want to prevent your dog of tapeworm, keep your dog clear of fleas as they only come with the ingesting of flea eggs.



Mangey Mutts!

Demodex Mange: a very common yet very treatable skin condition, if taken care of correctly.

By: N Gilbert

Most people don't know and understand this, please read and share the info!

Demodex Mange in Dogs...
While many believe that this is "JUST" a skin rash, it CAN and WILL affect your pet's life and can also be fatal!

What causes mange?
Mange can be caused by one of a number of parasitic mites. Demodectic mange, caused by Demodectic mites, is one form of mange. Mange mites are very small. To see them, they must be observed through a microscope. These parasites live primarily in the hair follicles of your pet. A few are also found in the sebaceous glands of the skin adjacent to hair follicles. These are the glands that produce your pet’s hair coat and skin oils. The parasites spend their entire life on the dog.
How did your pet catch mange?
Most veterinarians believe that Demodex canis is found in most or all dogs in low numbers that cause no disease. We also believe that puppies probably become contaminated with these mites shortly after birth as they nurse and snuggle with their mother who already harbors the mites.
What are the signs of mange?
There are two forms... Localized and Generalized.
Localized:
The first are young dogs that are not yet mature. Owners often notice a small patch of thin or missing hair on the pet’s face, but also occasionally on the leg or trunk. It is rare for these little patches to be inflamed or itchy. These patches are quite distinctive – similar to the one in my illustration. Ninety percent of these localized cases will resolve in a month or two with or without treatment. But in approximately ten percent, the mites are not eliminated and go on to colonize much of the pet’s skin. Those pets have developed generalized demodectic mange. This unfortunate situation is more likely to occur in dogs whose parents or bloodline previously experienced this form of mange.
Generalized:
The second group of dogs have generalized mange that involves many areas of the body. These dogs have sparse or patchy hair coats. Their skin is often overly pigmented and thickened. These pets have a musty, unhealthy odor. Many have waxy ear infections (ceruminous otitis).

Some of pets with demodectic mange itch and scratch. When they do, they usually have a secondary bacterial skin infection that needs treatment. The superficial lymph nodes on these pets are often enlarged. They may run a low fever and appear listless and ill.

Occasionally, generalized demodectic mange will occur in an older pet that had no previous problems with the mites. Pets that develop demodectic mange later in life generally have a weakened immune system due to another chronic heath problem. This can be a hormone imbalance such as an overly active adrenal gland, diabetes, liver or kidney failure, an immunosuppressive tumor or the use of medications that suppress your pet’s ability to keep mite numbers under control. Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, have been known to trigger Demodex, as has the generalized debility of heartworms.

When a dog over two years old suddenly develops demodectic mange, a series of tests will be necessary to try to locate its underlying problem.

The localized, spontaneously curing, form of demodectic mange does occasionally occur in older dogs. But it is quite uncommon.

Occasionally, dogs develop demodectic mange that is confined to their feet and paws. When this occurs, the paws become puffy, malodorous and raw due to secondary bacterial infection. These cases can be very stubborn and resistant to treatment. Shar peis, bulldogs and other wrinkly breeds are over-represented in all forms of adult demodectic mange and Old English Sheep Dogs to the paw form.
There are special bath regimens, medicine, and ointments to help with the cure of mange. Ask your veterinarian for more info if you suspect your dog of having this nasty mite!!



It's Hot!

HEAT: ways to prevent heat stroke in your pets

By: N Gilbert

Heat stroke is an emergency and requires immediate treatment. Because dogs do not sweat (except to a minor degree through their foot pads), they do not tolerate high environmental temperatures as well as humans do. Dogs depend upon panting to exchange warm air for cool air. But when air temperature is close to body temperature, cooling by panting is not an efficient process.
Common situations that can set the stage for heat stroke in dogs include:
Being left in a car in hot weather
Exercising strenuously in hot, humid weather
Being a brachycephalic breed, especially a Bulldog, Pug, or Pekingese
Suffering from a heart or lung disease that interferes with efficient breathing
Being muzzled while put under a hair dryer
Suffering from a high fever or seizures
Being confined on concrete or asphalt surfaces
Being confined without shade and fresh water in hot weather
Having a history of heat stroke
Heat stroke begins with heavy panting and difficulty breathing. The tongue and mucous membranes appear bright red. The saliva is thick and tenacious, and the dog often vomits. The rectal temperature rises to 104° to 110°F (40° to 43.3°C). The dog becomes progressively unsteady and passes bloody diarrhea. As shocksets in, the lips and mucous membranes turn gray. Collapse, seizures, coma, and death rapidly ensue.
Treatment: Emergency measures to cool the dog must begin at once. Move the dog out of the source of heat, preferably into an air-conditioned building. Take his rectal temperature every 10 minutes. Mild cases may be resolved by moving the dog into a cool environment. If the rectal temperature is above 104°F, begin rapid cooling by spraying the dog with a garden hose or immersing him in a tub of cool water (not ice water) for up to two minutes. Alternatively, place the wet dog in front of an electric fan. Cool packs applied to the groin area may be helpful, as well as wiping his paws off with cool water. Monitor his rectal temperature and continue the cooling process until the rectal temperature falls below 103°F (39°C). At this point, stop the cooling process and dry the dog. Further cooling may induce hypothermia and shock.
Following an episode of heat stroke, take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Remember, you wouldn't wanna be left in a hot car, why leave your pet inside one??!!



Dehydration

Keep 'em hydrated: the causes and symptoms of dehydration

By: O Jefferson

Dehydration can be caused by a number of different disorders, diseases and conditions. To generalize, dehydration can be caused by reduced water (and food) intake or by increased water loss. Anything that causes inflammation or irritation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the oral cavity to the rectum, can contribute to dehydration from fluid loss, including bacterial, viral or fungal infections, ulcers, excessive salivation, panting, gastrointestinal parasites and gastrointestinal obstruction. Vomiting and diarrhea are very common contributors to dehydration; of course, those conditions can be caused by many underlying causes as well. Kidney (renal) failure, skin damage from burns or large wounds and ingestion of toxic substances such as antifreeze (ethylene glycol) or any other substances that cause vomiting, diarrhea or renal failure, may cause dehydration. Other common causes of dehydration are diseases of the endocrine system, including diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus and hypoadrenocortism (Addison’s Disease). Heat stroke can cause a rapid loss of fluids as well. Fluid losses from the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts are the most common causes of dehydration in domestic dogs.

Regardless of the inciting cause, dehydration leads to an abnormally low total volume of circulating blood and intracellular fluids. This, in turn, adversely affects the hydration of body tissues and the delivery of oxygen through the blood to critical tissues and organs. It also causes the concentration of essential electrolytes to become out of balance, which can disrupt the normal function of virtually any body organ or system.
The best ways to prevent a dog from becoming dehydrated are to always provide free access to fresh water and to promptly seek veterinary care when a dog stops eating or develops repeated episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea.


Dental Fun!

Pearly Whites: tips on how to keep your dog's teeth clean!

By: N Gilbert

Did you know that regularly brushing your dog’s teeth and providing her with a healthy diet and plenty of chew toys can go long way toward keeping her mouth healthy? Many pooches show signs of gum disease by the time they’re four years old because they aren’t provided with proper mouth care-and bad breath is often the first sign of a problem. Give your dog regular home checks and follow the tips below, and you’ll have a very contented pooch with a dazzling smile. Most people don't know that poor dental hygiene can cause health problems in your pet. For instance heart, liver, and kidney problems are just a few that your pet will experience if you don't take proper care of your pet's teeth. Here's some ways below for good dental health....

1. The Breath Test

Sniff your dog’s breath. Not a field of lilies? That’s okay-normal doggie-breath isn’t particularly fresh-smelling. However, if his breath is especially offensive and is accompanied by a loss of appetite, vomiting or excessive drinking or urinating, it’s a good idea to take your pooch to the vet.

2. Lip Service

Once a week, with your dog facing you, lift his lips and examine his gums and teeth. The gums should be pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling. His teeth should be clean, without any brownish tartar.

3. Signs of Oral Disease

The following are signs that your dog may have a problem in his mouth or gastrointestinal system and should be checked by a veterinarian:

Bad breath
Excessive drooling
Inflamed gums
Tumors in the gums
Cysts under the tongue
Loose teeth
4. The Lowdown on Tooth Decay

Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause build-up on a dog’s teeth. This can harden into tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss. One solution? Regular teeth cleanings, of course.

5. Canine Tooth-Brushing Kit

Get yourself a toothbrush made especially for canines or a clean piece of soft gauze to wrap around your finger. Ask your vet for a toothpaste made especially for canines or make a paste out of baking soda and water. Never use fluoride with dogs under six months of age-it can interfere with their enamel formation. And please do not use human toothpaste, which can irritate a dog’s stomach. Special mouthwash for dogs is also available-ask your vet.

6. Brushing Technique

Yes, there is actually a technique! Place the brush or your gauze-wrapped finger at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and clean in small, circular motions. Work on one area of your dog’s mouth at a time, lifting her lip as necessary. The side of the tooth that touches the cheek usually has the most tartar, and giving a final downward stroke can help to remove it. If your dog resists having the inner surfaces of her teeth cleaned, don’t fight it-only a small amount of tartar accumulates there. Once you get the technique down, go for a brushing two or three times a week.

7. Know Your Mouth Disorders

Getting familiar with the possible mouth problems your dog may encounter will help you determine when it’s time to see a vet about treatment:

Periodontal disease is a painful infection between the tooth and the gum that can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Signs are loose teeth, bad breath, tooth pain, sneezing and nasal discharge.
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused mainly by accumulation of plaque, tartar and disease-producing bacteria above and below the gum line. Signs include bleeding, red, swollen gums and bad breath. It is reversible with regular teeth cleanings.
Halitosis-or bad breath-can be the first sign of a mouth problem and is caused by bacteria growing from food particles caught between the teeth or by gum infection. Regular tooth-brushings are a great solution.
Swollen gums develop when tartar builds up and food gets stuck between the teeth. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth at home and getting annual cleanings at the vet can prevent tartar and gingivitis.
Proliferating gum disease occurs when the gum grows over the teeth and must be treated to avoid gum infection. An inherited condition common to boxers and bull terriers, it can be treated with antibiotics.
Mouth tumors appear as lumps in the gums. Some are malignant and must be surgically removed.
Salivary cysts look like large, fluid-filled blisters under the tongue, but can also develop near the corners of the jaw. They require drainage, and the damaged saliva gland must be removed.
Canine distemper teeth can occur if a dog had distemper as a puppy. Adult teeth can appear looking eroded and can often decay. As damage is permanent, decayed teeth should be removed by a vet.
8. Chew on This

Chew toys can satisfy your dog’s natural desire to chomp, while making his teeth strong. Gnawing on a chew toy can also help massage his gums and help keep his teeth clean by scraping away soft tartar. Ask your vet to recommend toxin-free rawhide, nylon and rubber chew toys.

P.S.: Gnawing also reduces your dog’s overall stress level, prevents boredom and gives him an appropriate outlet for his natural need to chew...AND it also helps save expensive furniture of yours! :)

9. Diet for Healthy Teeth

Ask your vet about a specially formulated dry food that can slow down the formation of plaque and tartar. Also, avoid feeding your dog table scraps, instead giving him treats that are specially formulated to keep canine teeth healthy.




The Importance of Neutering!

All Balls Out: the importance of neutering your male dog!

By: O Jefferson

One of the most common reasons that a male dog is not neutered is that a male owner or male member of a household (husband, son) resists the procedure. It is something that they would dread having done to them and they just can’t bring themselves to do it to their pet.

They may think that it will rob their dog of its masculinity or change its temperament and turn it into a "wimp". Male owners often times want a large, "tough" dog to enhance their own macho image.

Other reasons owners site for not neutering male dogs is that they are afraid it will either not grow as big and muscular as it could if neutered when very young, or that it will gain a lot of weight if it’s neutered when already an adult.

Some owners think that they will get around to breeding the animal
someday so that they can "have one of its pups".

Although their reasons may seem valid at the time an owner decides not to neuter their pet, almost always they end up regretting their decision sometime later in the pet’s life.

Neutering male dogs benefits the animal in several ways. It virtually eliminates unwanted "male behaviors" including marking territory (urinating) in the house and decreasing aggression. This is very important when there are young children in the household.

Neutering also decreases the animal’s tendency to escape from the yard and wander off. Male dogs can sense a female dog in heat from great distances and will do anything to find her. Animals that get loose frequently get injured or killed fighting with other dogs, by being hit by a car, or by being shot by a cruel and heartless human.

Neutering also has direct benefits on the animal’s health. By removing the testicles, the procedure eliminates the possibility of the animal developing testicular cancer and other testicular diseases. It also significantly reduces the chance of the animal ever developing prostate gland disease such as prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement), infection, cysts, or cancer.

Older, intact male dogs often develop cancer of glands that are located in the skin around the anus (perianal adenocarcinoma). This condition can lead to severe and very painful ulcers around the anus which may require extensive surgery to repair. They are also more prone to developing a "perineal hernia", which is a tear in the pelvic wall. Abdominal organs such as the rectum or bladder can travel through this hole and become entrapped. Both of these conditions can be prevented by early neutering.

Cat owners know that it is virtually impossible to keep an unneutered male cat indoors. Male cats will start to spray urine around the time they become sexually mature. The strong odor is unacceptable to people and for this reason virtually every male housecat is neutered. Unfortunately,
there are still many people who do not neuter their male cat and just turn it into an outdoor cat once it starts to spray.

Unneutered male cats are more aggressive and often develop abcesses from fighting. They are also more likely to be exposed to serious diseases such as feline leukemia and feline AIDS. And since they are more likely to wander their neighborhood, they are more likely to be injured or killed by dogs or vehicles.

Lastly, in addition to the significant health benefits to the individual
animal, neutering male cats and dogs also helps to reduce the number of unwanted animals that have to be euthanized across the country.

The statistics are staggering! In the time that it has taken you to read this article, about ten homeless animals have been put to sleep. Over 5000 a day! TWO MILLION a year!!!

Every pet owner that allows their pet to breed, contributes to this horrible situation. Many humane facilities offer free or reduced cost spays and neuters, so cost should not be a factor for owners that are on a tight budget.


Obesity in Dogs

Obesity: how you can help your pet stay healthy and comfortable!

By: O Jefferson

Obesity may be the number one health problem for domestic pets. And, obesity leads to inactivity, which leads to more obesity and health conditions like heart and liver disease, diabetes, arthritis, and an increased surgical/anesthesia risk. Studies of our pets have shown that a quarter to a third of all American pets could stand to lose weight. As veterinary professionals, even we have trouble keeping a pet with a propensity to be overweight as healthy as we can.
Obesity in dogs is unhealthy for more reasons than it is for humans:

Bone and joint problems can be caused or exacerbated by obesity.

An obese dog may have high blood pressure and is at risk for heart disease and more serious lung conditions. Many times the chest wall of the obese pet is layered with fat, which, because of its increased vascularity (many blood vessels), puts an unbelievable strain on the cardiovascular system.

Obesity also plays a major role in liver and kidney disease. Although the pet's organs remain the same size, his bigger body produces more waste products and toxins for the liver and kidneys to filter out. This increases their workload significantly.

In addition, being overweight or obese plays a huge role in cancer, diabetes, reproductive problems, stomach and intestinal problems, and even heat stroke.

The obese pet may even be at greater risk when being anesthetized for surgical procedures. Being obese can decrease your pet's life expectancy and make the life he does have very uncomfortable.

Certain dog breeds have a propensity for fat. Dogs that were bred for working, like Labradors or Golden Retrievers, northern breeds like Malamutes or Huskies whose ancestors needed the extra layer, and Dachshunds, Beagles, and Shelties are among breeds that were created to be active and do work. When a breed that is bred for work does not do that work anymore, that breed tends to put on the pounds. However, this is no excuse for not trying to help your favorite companion be the healthiest he can be!

Ten Ways You Can Help

Long daily walks can help combat excess weight; they're good for you as an owner and they can increase the bond you have with your pet. Playing fetch is also effective.

Do not give table scraps or people food. You may be giving more than you realize.

Try to decrease food amounts. Start by decreasing by about 10% and decrease by 10% increments if your dog is not losing weight.

Treats should be given sparingly. Use lower fat alternatives such as Liver Lite Biscuits or baked Low Fat Pig's Ears.

Feed a lower calorie food. Be sure that the food is of a high quality, since your pet will not be getting as many calories.

Salt-free canned vegetables, such as string beans, can be used to bulk up the food. If you don't want to spend the extra money on a low sodium product, rinse the vegetables well under running water.

If your dog's constitution can tolerate vegetable scraps like the ends of broccoli or carrots, they are a good way of getting more bulk into your dog's diet.

Use physical aids like ramps or stairs to assist pets that have trouble accessing automobiles or furniture while you work on introducing healthy activity.

Start your pet on a joint support product such as Joint Care 3 before joint issues arise. If your pet already has joint problems, ask your veterinarian abour prescription options.

Make sure your overweight pet has a comfortable bed that provides orthopedic support and elevates your pet off cold, hard floors. ♥



Why Adopt?

Adopting a Shelter Pet: the joys and how you will find unconditional love!

By: N Gilbert

So have you ever wondered why I'm always posting the importance of adopting a dog rather than going to a posh puppy store and purchasing one? Here are my personal answers and reasons...

What's the importance of adopting a dog from a shelter or pound?
A: well in my opinion, the animals that are currently at shelters and city pounds are the pets that have been discarded like last night's trash, no one wants them anymore for whatever reason.

Aren't the dogs and cats you find at shelters or pounds considered "bad?"
A: not at all! In fact, it has been my own personal experience that those are the more special animals because they are waiting for their loving, forever homes.

Don't animals in shelters or pounds have a lot of diseases?
A: not necessarily. Years ago I purchased a pure bred Chihuahua for my Mom for Christmas. A few weeks after we had her, she ended up with Demodex Mange. Demodex Mange in puppies is usually caused from the mother. We got Bijoux (the Chihuahua) some medicine and all the things she needed, and she is now a healthy almost 10 years old loving and loyal senior and we love her to death!

How do I go about finding the right dog in a shelter than in a pet store?
A: well, that's easy. Go into the shelter, look around, socialize with the dogs in there. There is usually always "that one" dog that will catch your eye and snuggles up to you secretly asking you, "can I go home with you please?" That's how it was with my Marley. I spent over an hour in the shelter trying to decide which one I wanted, and since I couldn't have them all, I could only choose one. Just as I was about to leave, Marley came walking in on a leash with a lady. She wiggled her body like a weeble wobble and was wagging her tail super fast. I picked her up, she snuggled up under my chin, and now is the love of my life!

So these are just a few questions and answers for anyone curious on my thoughts of adopting. You see, of course the pets in pet stores should go to good homes just like any other pet. But, don't you think that all those hundreds and thousands of shelters animals want you to come check them out and give them a chance too? You see, the pets in pet stores will eventually get purchased by someone. All the shelter pets won't and therefore as painfully as it sounds, get killed. Shelters can only hold so many dogs and cats before they kill them. My Marley is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life. She is also a trained service/therapy dog and can calm the most nervous person down who suffers from anxiety, heart troubles, etc.

So why don't you go give one of those precious animals at the shelter a chance and be their parent.
ADOPT, DON'T SHOP! ♥



The Big Bad Wolf Myth!

Who's Afraid of the Big, Lovable Wolf: the stereotype and the hard facts of the world's first canine.

By: N Gilbert

Wiki Files:
The gray wolf or grey wolf (Canis lupus) is a species of canid native to the wilderness and remote areas of North America, Eurasia, and North Africa. It is the largest member of its family, with males averaging 43–45 kg (95–99 lb), and females 36–38.5 kg (79–85 lb).[2] It is similar in general appearance and proportions to a German shepherd,[3] or sled dog, but has a larger head, narrower chest, longer legs, straighter tail and bigger paws.[4] Its winter fur is long and bushy, and is usually mottled gray in color, though it can range from nearly pure white, red, or brown to black


The wolf has been demonized throughout North American history. Here are some facts about wolves, their dens, packs and eating habits.

The poor wolf has been demonized in North America ever since the first settlers started ranching and providing a handy food source for the native wolf pack. Actually, the wolf is not a brave hunter and attacks only the young and the sick in a herd. Through a combination of misunderstanding and vengeance, most native wolf populations have been devastated and decimated to the point where the species is now endangered. Only in North Western Canada and a few northwestern states is there a remnant of a sustainable wolf population. Of course, wolves eat deer and so there is a competition between wolves and human hunters for access to that resource. We can eat whatever we want, but the wolf eats what it can find.
The wolf is carnivorous and is the largest of all of the wild dogs, which includes coyotes and foxes. There are different subspecies of wolf but they are all similar physically and behaviorally. Interbreeding is common between the subspecies and their distinctive differences become blurred in the mix. Besides the gray wolf there is the red wolf, found in the southeastern United States and the Abyssinian wolf, native to Ethiopia. There are five subspecies of the gray wolf in North America: The Mexican (lobo), Great Plains (buffalo), Rocky Mountain (or Mackenzie valley), The Eastern Timber and the Arctic.
The wolf's food preference is for deer, moose, elk, caribou, bison, sheep and mountain goats. Beaver and rabbit are a secondary source of food and occasionally birds or even smaller mammals will be eaten. A wolf can live on two and a half pounds of food per day and one has been known to eat over 22 pounds at one meal. In Minnesota, wolves kill the equivalent of 15 to 18 deer each per every year. No wonder hunters do not like wolves - it takes away from killing a helpless animal only for a trophy whereas the wolf kills to eat!

Male wolves weigh from 70 to 115 lbs. The females are usually 10 to 15 pounds lighter. Wolves average 26 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and measure 57 to 76 inches in length. The wolf has a wide range of size, shape and color. Wolves are larger in the northwestern United States, Canada, and Alaska. They have a long and bushy tail, which is usually carried down or straight out. The rounded ears stand erect and are about 2 inches long.

Wolves' chests are narrow and protrude and their front legs are distinguishable by the inward bend of the elbows and the paws that face outwards from their body. Wolves' legs are longer than the legs of other dogs. Wolf color ranges from white to shades of black, brown and gray. The coat is a thick layer of soft and fine fur topped by long hair that gives the coat its color. The hair can be as long as 6 to 7 inches in the mane. Wolves can raise and lower this hair and use it to communicate with other wolves. The hair on the mane and at the end of the tail is usually darker than the rest. Wolves appear thinner in summer because their coat thins out. Wolves have an average life span of six to eight years in the wild and can live for 16 years in captivity.

Wolves travel long distances in the course of a day. It is not unusual for wolves to travel 20 miles in a 24-hour period. They cover the distance at a trot. If you are trying to track a wolf, the front paws are larger than the rear feet and the toes are spread out more. Their unique stride causes the hind foot to often land in the print made by the front foot on the same side. Wolf tracks are similar to coyote and dog tracks. Mountain lion tracks are often mistaken for wolf tracks.

Wolves howl, bark, whimper, and growl. They howl to greet one another, announce their location, define their territory, and call the pack together Wolves have a variety of communication tools including scent, vocalization, visual displays, postures and rituals. Wolves sometimes bark if their den is disturbed of if they are surprised. The howl of a wolf is described as deep and mournful. The pitch is constant or, if it varies, does so smoothly. A howling session by one lone wolf lasts about 35 seconds, and the animal will howl several times. When a pack is howling, one wolf will start and one or more others will join in. Most wolf howls can be heard for almost a mile in the woods.

Wolf dens are always located near water, dug into well-drained soil on a slope facing south. They can be under a boulder, tree roots, or in banks or hollow logs. Wolves will use and enlarge coyote or fox dens. The entrances are about 18 inches in diameter. There is a passageway, which is 4 to 17 feet long with a chamber approximately 18"H by 48"W by 41"Deep. There is no bedding is in the den. A well-used den will have bones scattered about and well-worn trails should lead from it. Dens are often used for several years.

Wolves usually live in packs of adult parents (the alpha pair) and their offspring of the last few years. The adult parents are not usually related and other wolves may join the pack. A pack has from six to eight wolves, but in Alaska and northwestern Canada packs can have over 30 members. A pack normally has only one litter of pups each spring, only one female gives birth. In areas where prey is abundant more than one female will give birth in each pack. An average litter size is six. Litters of pups are born in April through June and they emerge from the den at about one month of age. Wolf pups vary greatly in size. By August, the pups weigh about 40 lbs. or the size of a coyote. They are distinguishable from coyotes by their puppy features: large feet, long legs, blunt nose, and short tail. The feet are full grown by late July.

There are many petitions online to help save the wolves. There are also some sanctuaries throughout the United States where you can go to visit wolves in a natural habitat. Remember, the wolves were the start of the dog, they deserve to live just as all the rest of them do, please help to save the wolves!! ♥



Cutting Claws

Dog Claws: The Proper Way to Clipping

By: O Jefferson

Nail trimming is an important part of a regular grooming routine. If your dog’s nails get too long, they can break, which is painful and sometimes results in infection. Long nails can also cause an irregular gait that leads to skeletal damage. Despite its importance, many people can’t or don’t like to trim their dog’s nails. It’s a task that can make both people and dogs anxious. How do you know exactly where to cut the nail? What if you trim the nail too close and cut the sensitive quick? What if your dog seems worried? Although it can seem daunting, if you keep a few guidelines in mind and maintain a consistent schedule, nail trimming doesn’t have to become a stressful chore. Below is a short diagram of how to clip your dog's nails yourself. And if you're uncomfortable doing it yourself, your local groomer or vet can do it for you for a very small fee if nothing at all. ♥


Bathing

Bath Time Fun!!!

By: O Jefferson


Most dogs would rather skip bath time. But bathing plays an important role in the health of your dog's coat and skin, helping to keep your dog clean and free of dirt and parasites. And of course, there's the added benefit of making your pooch more pleasant to be around.

How often should I bathe my dog?
While dogs don't require daily scrub downs like we do, they do need regular baths — but just how regular depends on several factors, such as the dog's environment and type of coat.

Here are some general guidelines:

Bathing once a month works for most dogs.
Dogs with an oily coat, like Basset Hounds, may need bathing as frequently as once a week.
Many short-haired breeds with smooth coats, such as Beagles and Weimaraners, do just fine with less frequent baths. Short-coated Basenjis are fastidious in their personal hygiene and rarely need a bath.
Breeds with water-repellent coats, such as Golden Retrievers and Great Pyrenees, should be bathed less often so as to preserve their natural oils.
Dogs with thick, double coats — such as Samoyeds, Malamutes, and other Northern breeds — do best with fewer baths and a lot of extra brushing (which gets rid of loose, dead hair and helps distribute natural oils that keep your dog's skin and coat healthy).
Of course, if your dog likes to go swimming, is obsessed with mud puddles, or lives in the country and does a lot of rolling in who-knows-what, then you may want to bathe more frequently than if that same dog lived in a condo in the 'burbs.

That said, avoid bathing more often than truly necessary, or you'll strip your dog's coat of its natural oils, making it dry and more prone to dandruff, frizzies, and mats. Some shampoos may dry or irritate the dog's skin more than others, in which case you should bathe less often or try a different shampoo.

Basically, the best way to gauge when your dog needs a bath is to give her a good sniff. How does she smell to you? Not so good? Start running the water.

Where to wash your dog
Owners of small dogs have an advantage: they can just plop the dog in a sink or laundry tub. But if you can't fit your dog in a sink, use the bathtub, or get in the shower with her and use a detachable nozzle. A portable doggie tub is also an option. While some tubs are made of heavy plastic, others are collapsible and can easily be used outside or in the laundry room or mudroom. Some grooming or pet supply stores rent out dog tubs and towels.

Using a garden hose is okay if the dog's truly filthy or the weather's good, but make it an occasional experience. Dogs don't like being cold any more than we do, and they definitely don't like having a hose shot at them.

How to wash your dog
Once you're prepared to take on the task (with or without your dog's cooperation), here's what to do:

Brush your dog before a bath. Matted hair holds water, leaving your dog with irritated skin. (If you can't brush or cut the mats out yourself, take your dog to a professional groomer.) Put a cotton ball in each ear to keep water out; it helps prevent ear infections and irritation.
Use lukewarm water. Dog skin is different from ours, and hot water can burn dogs more easily. Bath water should never be hotter than what you'd run for a human baby. Keep it even cooler for large-breed dogs, who can easily overheat.
Talk to your pet in a calm and reassuring voice. Some dogs will eventually learn that you're not torturing them, although others will continue to hide under the kitchen table whenever you get out a towel.
Use dog shampoo. DO NOT USE HUMAN SHAMPOOS OR SOAPS!!! It's less drying to their skin than people shampoo. Work the shampoo into a gentle lather and massage it all over your dog's body, being careful not to get soap in her eyes.
Rinse well. Any soap left in her fur can irritate your dog's skin once she's dry. Rinse, rinse, and repeat the rinse.
Air-dry. Hot air from a human blow-dryer is too hot for their skin. Either air-dry or use a blow-dryer designed for dogs; its lower temperatures won't cause itching or dandruff.
Reward your dog. Follow up with abundant praise, petting, or play. Many a damp dog loves to vent her frustration over bath time by playing exuberant tug-of-war with the bath towel — or just running away with it--when it's all over.
When to go with the pros
If the idea of wrestling your dog into a bath tub and expecting her to quietly tolerate being lathered and rinsed makes you laugh hysterically, then do what many opt for: take your dog to someone who makes bathing dogs their business. Groomers will not only bathe your dog but they'll clip her nails, express anal sacs (upon request), trim near the eyes, and dry her off. Most are priced reasonably.

Professional dog groomers are a must for certain breeds, such as Poodles, Yorkies, Maltese, Springers, and others with hair that grows long. Unlike fur, hair doesn't shed, and it will keep growing until it gets cut — just like yours.

Even if your dog has fur instead of hair, groomers are helpful if your dog deeply hates baths. They've got lots of tried-and-true techniques for making even the most bath-averse canine behave.

Bottom line: Bathing helps keep your dog's skin and coat clean, healthy, and free of parasites. Some dogs need more frequent baths than others, depending on their coat and how quickly they get grimy.


The Fatal Dangers of Pyometra

Never Go To Bed on a Pyo: the causes and cures of Pyometra and how it almost killed my dog!


By: N Gilbert

A lot of people have asked me what exactly Pyometra is and how it can kill a dog. My Marley for one almost died because of it and had to go into emergency surgery. Here's the info on it, please read and share for others to know! ♥ NG

IMPORTANT INFO PLEASE READ AND SHARE!!!
Did you know???
Pyometra is a bacterial infection of the uterus that mostly occurs in middle-aged or older unspayed female dogs, though it may also occur in cats or young dogs. It can result in the accumulation of infection in the bloodstream or abdominal cavity, which can rapidly lead to systemic infection, shock, and death. The severity of symptoms varies depending on whether the female’s cervix is open or closed. The root cause of pyometra is heightened levels of progesterone, either found naturally in the 4-8 weeks after a heat cycle, or induced by hormone-based therapies such as those used to prevent unwanted litters. The hormone estrogen is used in some or these "abortion" therapies, which, if given at a certain point after the heat cycle, can increase the effects of progesterone even further (though most of these therapies have been taken off the market). These high progesterone levels can cause cysts and pockets, which are prime target locations for bacteria. In pyometra cases, E. Coli (Escherichia coli) has been the most common bacteria isolated from the infected uterus due to its ability to thrive in a uterus sensitized by progesterone.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Vomiting
Lethargy
Drinking and urinating a lot (polydipsia)
Lack of appetite
Abdominal pain and enlargement
Constant grooming around the vaginal opening
In the case of an open cervix, a thick, bloody, foul-smelling discharge draining from the vaginal opening is the first sign of an infected uterus. These animals tend to appear less sick because the infection has a route to leave the body.
If the animal’s cervix is closed, there will be no discharge and the infection can accumulate and spread into the bloodstream or enter the abdominal cavity. Symptoms can progress to those of shock, including a high fever and rapid pulse. The uterus will fill with pus and expand. Infections of other organs is common. The sick animal will need veterinary attention ASAP.
TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT
The bacterial infection can not be resolved until the infected fluid is removed from the body, either by removing the uterus or draining the infection. In most cases, it is best to have the infected uterus removed by spaying the animal, taking special care not to rupture the uterus and release infection into the body cavity. After the uterus is removed, the animal will most likely be put on antibiotics for 1-3 weeks to clear up any remaining infection.
The important thing is to spay and neuter your pets unless you plan to breed. ♥



HotSpots

HotSpots - Treatment and Prevention:


By: N Gilbert

Did you know???
A hot spot is a warm, painful, swollen patch of skin 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 cm) across that exudes pus and gives off a foul odor. Hair in the area is lost rapidly. The infection progresses when the dog licks and chews the site. These circular patches appear suddenly and enlarge quickly, often within a matter of hours.

Hot spots can occur anywhere on the body, often in more than one spot. One very typical location is under the ear flaps in large breeds with heavy, hairy ears, such as Newfoundlands and Golden Retrievers. Hot spots occur most often in breeds with heavy coats, and tend to appear just before shedding, when moist, dead hair is trapped next to the skin. Fleas, mites, and other skin parasites, skin allergies, irritant skin diseases, ear and anal gland infections, and neglected grooming are other factors that can initiate the itch-scratch-itch cycle.

Treatment: Hot spots are extremely painful. The dog usually will need to be sedated or anesthetized for the initial treatment. Your veterinarian will clip away hair to expose the hot spot, then gently cleanse the skin with a dilute povidone-iodine shampoo (Betadine) or a chlorhexidine shampoo (Nolvasan) and allow the skin to dry. An antibiotic steroid cream or powder (Panolog or Neocort) is then applied twice a day for 10 to 14 days. Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed. Predisposing skin problems must be treated as well.

Your veterinarian may also prescribe a short course of oral corticosteroids to control severe itching. Prevent the dog from traumatizing the area by using an Elizabethan collar or a BiteNot collar.

You can also talk to your doctor about a homeopathic ointment such as Urtica Urens, Calendula, or Golden Seal with Myrrh. I have personally used those on sores and such on my dogs and they have worked wonders. I usually prefer to go all natural with my pets however, ask your vet first to see what he recommends.

In hot, humid weather, always be sure to dry your heavy-coated dog thoroughly after bathing her and after she swims. Otherwise, the conditions are perfect for a hot spot to develop.


Yummy Homemade Treats

Homemade Dog Treats That Are All Natural:

By: N Gilbert

Okay since a lot of people now know and are aware of the treats from Waggin' Train, Milo's Kitchen, and Canyon Creek Ranch are tainted....this link will give you all some good natural recipes for yummy treats for your dog! It is a site mainly for English Bulldogs, however ANY dog can eat these yummy treats!! :)
http://www.bullwrinkle.com/Assets/Recipes/Recipes.htm



Exercising Your Dog

Come on, let's "dogercise": therapeutic exercises for your dog.

By: N Gilbert

Therapeutic exercise can provide a wide range of benefits for veterinary rehabilitation patients. It can be used to increase range of motion, flexibility, endurance, strength and proprioception. Exercise can help dogs recover more quickly from surgical procedures or injuries, promote functional independence, and keep canine athletes at peak performance levels. Creating and evaluating a therapeutic exercise program requires training and experience. In fact, honing these skills is an integral part of the education of a certified canine rehabilitation professional.

Range of motion

There are a number of factors to consider before using exercise to increase range of motion. Do you want to improve active or passive range of motion? What joint is being treated? Which tissues around the joint are affecting range of motion? In what condition are the joint surfaces, articular cartilage, joint capsule and ligaments? Keep in mind that it may or may not be possible to restore a "normal" range of motion depending on the lesions affecting the joint. When you are working to increase range of motion in a canine patient, the goal is to gain function.

Range-of-motion exercises can be applied actively or passively. In an active range-of-motion exercise, the patient is encouraged to perform exercises that cause the joint to assume the desired range. An example is using a physioball to get a postoperative elbow-fracture patient to extend the elbow. The dog is lifted onto the ball with its forelimbs draped over the front. As the ball is gently rocked forward, it will reflexively extend its forelimbs to protect itself from falling on its nose. In a passive range-of-motion exercise, the therapist creates the motion. An example is using gentle flexion and extension of the stifle in a postoperative anterior cruciate ligament repair patient. The success of both active and passive range-of-motion exercises is determined by using a goniometer to measure joint range of motion before and after therapy.

Flexibility

There is an important distinction between range of motion and flexibility. Range of motion is associated with joint osteokinematics. Flexibility relates to muscle and tendon elasticity. It is interesting to note that issues related to flexibility commonly appear in two muscles surrounding the same joint rather than in just one. Therapeutic exercises that focus on stretching can be initiated once these muscles have been identified.

Not unlike their owners, dogs should always warm up before beginning any stretching work. (In the case of non-ambulatory patients, E-stim or therapeutic ultrasound can be used for this purpose.) Therapeutic stretches can be active or passive. An active stretch is initiated by the patient. In a common stretching technique, cookies are used to encourage the dog to reach into positions that will stretch the affected muscle. Active stretching also can be accomplished with exercises such as walking through weave poles or around cones set in a tight pattern. Passive stretches are done by the therapist. An example is advancing the forelimb to stretch the latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles. The patient needs to be comfortable with the therapist and relaxed and cooperative in order to benefit from passive stretching exercises.

Endurance

Building endurance is equally important in debilitated patients and canine athletes. Dogs recovering from an extended period of recumbency have very low endurance. This is because the first fibers lost when a muscle is immobilized are the slow-twitch fibers, most common in muscles of posture or gravity-resistance. Early endurance work for these patients may involve little more than assisted standing, with a focus on postural muscles rather than on the cardiovascular system.

On the other hand, building endurance in a canine athlete is focused on the cardiovascular system. Land routines, treadmills and water can all be utilized to increase strength, speed and duration of effort in these dogs. Heart rate, respiratory rate and how fast each recovers after a maximum effort are monitored on an on-going basis. Resistance can be used to augment the effects of any exercise program, which can be done using weighted vests, sleds, resistance bands, hill work and water.

Strength

The emphasis in strength training is primarily on resistance. In a debilitated patient, strength training starts slowly, such as moving from down to a sit, and a sit to a stand. Gravity is the only resistance needed here. External resistance can be added as the patient progresses.

Many different types of weights can be used in veterinary rehabilitation. If the focus is on strengthening a single limb or set of muscles, leg weights can be used. Adding core strengthening can help prevent thoracolumbar and lumbosacral injuries, especially in canine athletes and chondrodystrophic breeds.

Proprioception

Many canine rehabilitation patients struggle with awareness of body position, or proprioception. Therapeutic exercise can address this problem in a number of ways. In debilitated patients, proprioception training can be as simple as assisted standing, progressing to standing with the addition of gentle perturbations by the therapist. When the patient is able to resist these movements without losing balance, more challenges can be added such as rocker boards, wobble boards and other unstable surfaces.

A rocker board is a platform with a rounded rail on the underside that rocks from side to side when a dog stands on it. The patient must work to resist this movement to maintain balance. Once the dog has mastered the rocker board, it can progress to a wobble board — a platform with a hemisphere on the underside that can rock in any direction. The size of this hemisphere can be increased to increase the challenge.

More active proprioception exercises include walking through a pile of PVC rails or over cavaletti rails set at irregular heights and distances. Walking the dog on an air mattress also can improve proprioception. The more inflated the air mattress, the easier it is for the patient. As the dog gains skill on this surface, gentle perturbations can be added, either to the patient or to the mattress surface. Balance blocks are another proprioception tool. The dog can be placed on these blocks and asked to stand. The blocks can then be slid apart, forward or backward, requiring the dog to reestablish its balance.

Design of the therapeutic exercise program

A canine rehabilitation therapist evaluates the patient and identifies the structures involved and the stage of recovery of the tissue. From this evaluation, goals are set and a therapeutic exercise program is designed to meet them. The patient is evaluated at each visit to measure progress made and to make adjustments to correct for any deficits. The rehabilitation therapist must be able to recognize when the patient is ready to progress from early exercises to those that are more challenging. The goal, once again, is to improve functioning and quality of life for the patient.

Conclusion

Many therapeutic exercise options can be used in canine rehabilitation — exercises that increase joint mobility, flexibility, strength and endurance. Treadmills, pools, cones, poles, boards, weights — even cookies — can help dogs achieve health and fitness goals. Ultimately, however, the skills and training of the therapist are what bring the benefits of therapeutic exercise to canine patients.
For more great info on this subject, please visit the link below! ♥
http://www.dogarthritisblog.info/treatment-of-dog-arthritis/dog-physical-therapy-series-part-1-the-benefits-of-early-mobility/



Natural Foods

What's a good natural food to give your dogs?

By: N Gilbert

I've recently been asked by a few people what is a good food to give your dog....well, personally I use Canidae Chicken and Rice. It's all natural and it's for ALL stages of life. So you can give it to your 8 week old puppy or your 15 year old senior. They have all kinds of flavors, treats, etc. AND, it's all made in the USA. Please visit their page for more info! ♥ 


Kidney Problems and Seniors Don't Mix!

Seniors & Kidney Problems: how to keep your senior around as long as possible!

By: N Gilbert

Did you know that a lot of senior dogs end up getting kidney failure due to high levels of protein being in their food? What happens is when an elderly dog reaches 8 years of age and older, their systems tend to slow down just as ours do. They become less active and their metabolisms don't need all that protein that a dog of a young age needs. Their bodies can't break it down properly. Now, some people don't believe that this is the case, however, I have been advised by many veterinarians that it is unfortunately true. And I have also unfortunately lost two pets (1 dog & 1 cat) years ago due to not maintaining their protein levels in their food. I had no knowledge of any this. This also applies to senior cats! Cats are considered starting their senior years between the ages of 8 & 10. Although cats live quite a few years longer than dogs, they still need that extra care when they're "Over the Hill!" :)

Your pet's diet should include a protein source that can be digested and metabolized easily. Quoting a board certified vet specializing in the tissue of dogs & cats, "The amount of protein in the diet is important also and may need to be adjusted depending on your pet's life stage and individual health." Talk to your local veterinarian about the many different foods that you can give your senior to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Remember, good living conditions are also a key importance to keeping your pet around for a long time as well as a clean supply of fresh water! 
Enjoy them while you can, show them all the love they deserve, it comes back 10 fold, trust me!!!!!! ♥




Nosing Around

A Dog's Nose: one of the most inquisitive parts on a dog!

By: N Gilbert

Did you know that a dog's nose is just as unique as a human's fingerprint. No two are the same. Law enforcement has actually had cases where they have taken a "nose print" of a dog's nose to prove a particular incident in a case.

So, the next time your dog steals cookies and you don't know which one did it..."nose print" your dogs and it will explain all!!! Hehe  :D 




Dog Fighting and What It Really Means!

Dog Fighting: the greedy ways of humans


By: N Gilbert

My definition of dog fighting:
"A sadistic, quicker, yet stupider, and uneducated way to make money off watching dogs suffer in agony." And in other words, THE COMPLETE LOSERS WAY TO NOT WORK FOR A LIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Below is a picture of Otto. Otto was used as a "Bait Dog" in a fighting ring and this is what has happened to him. He is recovering well and getting the best of care however he SHOULD NOT have had to go through this all in the name of money! Visit Noah's Arks Rescue for more info on Otto: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Noahs-Arks-Rescue/139678782720697

First off, we all know Dog Fighting is illegal, well practically anyway. Secondly, there are things you can do to report it if you know where it's going on: your local law enforcement agency, Interpol, several anti-abuse/dog fighting links on the Net. In this note you will find links to some of the places you can report this to.

Interpol (if you are seeing this being done online):
http://www.interpol.int/public/mail/mail3.asp?id=pii

Stop Crush also has very informative info and links to report abuse:
http://www.stopcrush.org

Norred & Associates Inc. (a website to report dog fighting):
http://www.helpstopdogfighting.com/

Anti-Cruelty:
http://www.anticruelty.org/site/epage/36628_576.htm

HSUS Report Dog Fighting PDF (I don't support the HSUS however they do tell you how to stop and report dog fighting):
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/animal_fighting/dogfightingposter07.pdf

If you are still wanting more info, you can always Google "how to report dog fighting," and you will come up with tons of different links! :)



Report Abuse Immediately!


Reporting Abuse: it's a must!


By: O Jefferson

Since most of us don't like to report anything to Facebook because they do absolutely NOTHING about it, here's the direct link to the form for reporting to Interpol. The link below is also for reporting crimes outside the USA as well.

http://www.interpol.int/public/contact.asp

That info was taken from here for more info:
http://vetrescue.blogspot.com/2010/10/reporting-internet-animal-cruelty-abuse.html

Also, you can report it to the link below which is the Internet Crime Complain Center.

http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

StopCrush.org also has some tips on how to report abuse as well:

http://www.stopcrush.org/?page_id=194

For those that don't know about Interpol, here's a little info...

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with currently 188 member countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent to combat international crime.

When reporting abuse, you can also enclose a screenshot as well. Make sure you get the full image, names and dates are VERY good too. If you don't know how to take a screenshot, most computer have a PRT SC button at the upper right corner of your keyboard. Press it, then go into Paint or a graphic/image editing program in your computer, hit CTRL then V to paste it. Save the image and then upload it to Interpol. If your keyboard is similar to mine, you may have to press the FN button along with PRT SC button to take a screenshot. Or Google how to take a screenshot and include the type of computer you're using. Hope this helps everyone!!!


Pretty Penny


Pretty Penny: ChipIn for Noah's Arks

Posted By: O Jefferson

Penny

BURGAW, NC.......Penny is a 5 month old adorable Pitbull Mix that was brought into the Pender County Shelter after being thrown out of a car window into a ditch.  A couple witnessed her being thrown and then pulled over to get her out of the ditch.  They weren’t sure if she had anything broken or what was wrong with her since she was in such terrible shape.   The good news was that she was rescued.  The bad news is that she was taken to a kill shelter that has to put down healthy animals.  Injured, abused ones do not have much of a chance.  Sweet Penny was lucky because we were contacted and had her immediately taken to our vet in Columbia, SC.   So far we have not been able to find any broken bones.  She is very sore and bruised from being thrown but that is minor compared to the demodex and skin infections she has.  Her little body is a hot mess of infection and discomfort.  She has the typical intestinal parasites and anemia for an abused animal but those are still minor.  Our biggest concern is getting her infections under control.  After we do that, we can then focus on the demodex.  I hear from people all the time that demodex is so easy to treat.  On some animals it is when it has not gotten as infected as this.  You have to be very careful of the dose of medicine you use so you do not compromise their immune system any further.  The cultures on Penny came back with E-Coli and Staph.  Right off the bat, our little girl has a long road ahead to get over both of these.  We see so many of these poor animals that we have just about seen it all.  Each case is unique and should never be treated as one size fits all for demodex.  There are always a lot more variables that need to be taken into consideration.  The other issue Penny has is that she is completely DEAF.   White pits with green eyes are very often deaf.  She seems to be dealing with everything just fine, since we finally got her comfortable.  She is on a strict protocol to ensure her safety and to get her over all of her conditions.  All our little girl wants to do is be loved and play.  We will be evaluating her personality more each week based on her deafness to see if there is anything in particular that bothers her. Right now she is as sweet as can be.  What someone else discarded and abused is a shiny little Penny to us.



Please, help us help her by donating to Noah's Arks Rescue
A 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

Please visit Noah's Arks Rescue @ http://www.noahs-arks.net/

Contact is:
4084 Spring Island
Okatie, SC  29909


Credits:
http://www.noahs-arks.net/animal/view/penny
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