Yesterday's blog post I touched on assessing an injured dog, today we will cover the second part of assessment which is checking reflexes. Please note that these entries are in no way a means to replace emergency care by a certified vet while help arrives.

Checking for Corneal Reflex by gently touching the junction of the eyelids (by the nose). If the dog is conscious, he/she will automatically blink.

Pedal reflexes: pinch the toe, gently of course, or the web of the skin between toes. If there is no response, this may mean that the dog is unconscious or that his heart has stopped.

Light reflexes: Shine a light into the dogs eye (no laser pointers as this is harmful to dogs). The pupil will contrict, if the pupil is already constricted, it may indicate brain damage.

Luv Sheila & Freedom my black lab

We either don't think about it or we have thought about it and don't know where to get the information in regards to saving our dog in case of an emergency. Seconds matter. For the next few weeks I will be outlining, through various books that I've read, basic things to prevent a bad situation from getting worse. This information is by no means a substitution for proper vet emergency care, however, there are things that can be done in the meantime.

Assessing an injured dog:

Check breathing by watching the dogs chest rise and fall 20-30 breaths per minute is normal. This often increases after an accident. Short intakes of air followed by forced breathing may mean that the dog has or may have an injured diaphragm.

Clear the airway especially if the dog is unconscious. Open it['s mouth to remove any debris and gently pull the tongue forward as this may obstruct breathing.

Check circulation by feeling the pulse on the inside of the hind leg. The heartbeat is felt by pressing a hand firmly on the chest behind the elbow. Large dogs have a heart rate between 50 - 90 beats per second while small dogs have rates of up to 150 beats.

"Vet suggested an antibiotic "Baytril". Had I put him on it he would have either gone blind, become more lethargic or been dead by now. The NHV "Tripsy" drops twice a day have him eating normally, drinking water again, normal stools and voiding, he plays like a kitten with our 5 yr old cat, runs up trees, and still hunts. His eyes no longer run, he's gain a few lbs, skin and coat appear to be show quality. He's a Happy Boy.

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I read something interesting the other day, food for thought for the weekend, According to yesterday (July 24th, 2008) article published in The Globe and Mail, reporter Danielle Demetriou wrote an interesting article in regards to pets replacing children in Japan.

To some up the theme of the article, while fertility rate is declining in comparison, the pet industry in Japan is booming. This is contributed to the fact that raising a child is more expensive and less time consuming to care than a pet. This is something that my sister and I can relate with Freedom. This may also be contributed to the fact that more women are either joining and or currently in the work force and having pets as a suitable substitute in the meantime.


Although we do want kids of our own someday, having a lab in the house allows me to nourish my parental skills without the financial cost (at this time) or drama or care associated especially with puberty.

In Japan and all around the world for that matter, there are now specialty bakeries, social gathering events, play dates, spa’s etc. that it is no wonder we are encouraged to substitute pets for children.

Luv Sheila & Freedom (my child for now)

Training a puppy is important, however, informal training can start as early as 8 weeks. By constantly repeating a dog's name will imprint this information. Dog's easily remember two syllable names such as "Sparky" or in my case with my black lab, "Freedom".

As mentioned in previous blog articles, make sure to reward the dog for good behavior and say "NO" right away when it does something wrong. Saying no seconds later doesn't help, as a dog cannot remember later what he/she had done.

Sitting on command by placing the dog's bowl above the puppy and saying "sit" reward with bowl.

The "wait" command is especially important when walking outside. Training for this is suggested on leash for the owner to have more control. Stand in front of the dog and command "wait" until the puppy is settled. Then slowly walk backward and give the command "come".

Puppy and adult dogs, depending on breed love to jump on people in excitement. Some are positively receptive to it and others not so much, even if they like dogs. Training for social behavior especially earlier on helps calm the puppy as well as allows the dog to be enjoyed by others. When a dog jumps, gently push it down and say "No", then come down to his/her level.

These are just some basic dog training tips that can be done before enrolling dogs in proper disciple school. Also after the dog is trained, refreshing the dog's memory is also a good idea as the dog ages.

Freedom is 7, however, we do a training course for about 10 minutes a week just to make sure that manners are enforced and of course praised with pets and cuddles.

Although dogs and cats are naturally good and keeping clean by licking or "self grooming" we still need to groom them professionally, especially dogs, to ensure healthy coat, skin, smell and general clean appearance.

Short coat dogs should be groomed once a week.
Curly Coats, because waterproof in nature, needs to be not only bathed but clipped.
Wiry coats IE: dense coats needs grooming everyday.
Silky coats needs daily grooming.
Smooth coats require weekly grooming.

Happy Monday. Rather than writing a serious informative article which from the feedback I've received, has been enjoyed by all, I decided to change the pace for a Monday on a light note and publish a few pet jokes that I've come across in the past eight months. If you have any other good jokes, I encourage you to comment and we will publish it in next Monday's blog. On the same note, if you have any topics you would like to me to research for an upcoming article, please shoot me a suggestion.

Did you hear about the cat who swallowed a ball of wool?
She had mittens.

Why did the cat put oil on the mouse?
Because it squeaked.

I ordered Tripsy for her sister who died before I could administer the medicine. However, I have been giving it to Ashley for preventative measures and her coat has become very healthy.

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Did you know that unlike cats, dogs aren't true carnivores, therefore, they can survive on a vegetarian diet. They are able, unlike cats, to convert vegetable proteins and fat into ingredients necessary all bodily functions. Before considering placing your dog on a vegetarian diet, please consult with a vet before hand to ensure that not only are your preparing food correctly but that your dog gets all required nutrients.

A customer sent me an email the other day inquiring about how much can food her dog should be eating. Below I was able to find through a dog care book the general guidelines as to how many calories/cans food a dog should receive.

Toy 11 lbs = 210 calories (1-1/3 can)
Small 22 lbs = 590 calories (1-2 cans)
Medium 44 lbs = 900 calories (2-3 cans)
Large 88 lbs = 1680 (3-6 cans)
Giant 176 lb = 2800 (1 can per 15lbs in body weight)

"I am so pleased with Supraglan. Our dog Allie did not have much energy when on her other medication and slept most of the time. Now she greets us at the door again and dances around like before. She is awake most of the day and her little sores she would get on her ears don't last near as long. I don't know if her other medication would have helped extend her life but I know the QUALITY of her life has been so much better since taking Supraglan."

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Most of us pet owners regard our cats/dogs as part of our family. This is why it's no surprise that we are inclined to take our pet with us on family vacations. In addition to emotional stress that the pet may go through by traveling, there are other things to consider such as airline/flight accommodations, hotel accommodations and of course activity accommodations to suit both the family and pet's needs.

Most airlines have the following guidelines for pets, however, each airline is subject to change, therefore, you should call or check out their site before hand. General rule of thumb, your dog or household bird may be accepted as a carry on or checked baggage.
All animals need advance registration with the airline.

For the safety of the animal, there are some breed restrictions.
Boston Terrier
Boxer
English or French Bulldog
King Charles Spaniel
Lhasa Apso
Pug
Shar-Pei
Shih Tzu

Some hotels are accommodating to pets that aren't guide dogs, however, just like with the airlines, please check in advance. Hotels like the Sheraton in downtown Phoenix will be more than happy to accommodate your pet on family vacations. On Monday I will get more into detail as to what the hotel, known as the largest pet friendly hotel, has to offer.

If leaving the country or on a camping trip, make sure that your pet has all of his/her required injections from a certified vet.

Luv Sheila & Freedom, my black lab

Dogs lose water through urination, panting and sweating. It is advised to fill your dog's bowl at the same level so that you can monitor weather your dog is drinking too much which may indicate an internal illness.

Although canned food does contain liquid, this is not a factor or consideration for a dog's daily water intake.

Avoid encouraging dogs to drink out of the toilet as monitoring drinking habits may be difficult. Put the seat down after each use. This will force the dog to receive his water from his designated water dish.

Luv Sheila & Freedom (my black lab)

Firstly, I want to wish everyone a belated happy Independence Day down in the US and hopefully everyone enjoyed the long weekend and treated their pets with an extra day of love.

If your child was "acting up" would you send him/her to the orphanage? So why is it that some pet owners find the solution to sending dogs with behavioral issues straight to the animal shelter? Yes it is a quick solution, however, like children, pets are a lot of work. I know numerous pet owners whom think that all you have to do is feed and let the dog go to the bathroom, however, either they don't want to assume additional responsibility or understand the work and care involved.

Canine behavior can result from situations beyond emotion and or breed. What is comes down to is customized training.

A child with dyslexia learns differently from a child who learns through standard methods. Neither child is stupid, however, some fail to recognize that each child learns differently. It's the same is with dogs.

Entrepreneur Julie Ott, whom owns Canine Foundations, which provides private training in the comfort of the pet owners home, gets to the root of the problem and examines living conditions, diet and even past behavioral issues.

Most dogs, through Julie's experience are adult dogs handed down second hand or rescued from shelters, the perfect candidate for her service.

Let's keep the dogs out of animal shelters and look toward alternatives.

Julie is based in Vancouver, BC Canada, however, you can find through the internet or through vet clinics centers that in addition to training offer in depth further behavioral investigation.

I don't believe in bad dogs just misunderstood dogs.

Luv Sheila & Freedom

Friendly reminder that our office is closed tomorrow in observation of the Independence Day long weekend. Items will not be processed or shipped tomorrow. Any phone messages and or e-mails will be answered in sequence the following business day which is Monday July 7th.

The following is a testimonial on our Hearty Heart supplement.

"Socrates would pant all night, making me and my husband miserable because we felt like Socrates must be miserable. Found your web site one day on the internet and tried your product Hearty Heart. Saw results almost immediately. Socrates rarely pants anymore and if he does its not for very long."

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