Whisker Therapy

It’s common knowledge that obesity can shorten a dog’s life, but a little extra chub isn’t bad. In Frika’s case, it saved her life!

Frika lives in Altamonte Springs, Florida, where she and her owner, Eric Yaughn count black bears among their neighbors. During a routine pee-break in their yard, a bear appeared and took a swipe at Fricka. Eric thought he had lost her right then and there, but she survived, and they both escaped into their home with the bear just inches behind them.

Frika was rushed straight to the vet, who told Eric that had it not been for the extra bit of cushion around her middle, Fricka might not have made it! Eric told WSVN, “The vet said she’s just really hearty. She said the extra layer of fat kept the bear’s claw from tearing out her intestines.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean fattening up our dogs is going to make them invincible, but a little fluff helped Frika out! She’s all patched up and should heal just fine.

H/T: MyFox8.com

via Whisker Therapy

Staph infection is caused by the bacteria S. aureus, which can infect almost any part of the body. These infections have been known to be resistant to antibiotics, depending on where they’re located, and can be a serious threat to your dog’s health. The most common infection is that of the skin, where a cut, wound or scratch has let bacteria enter the body. If left untreated, serious Staph infections can progress to blood poisoning and death.

 

Symptoms of Staph Infections in Dogs

• Pus in and around wound site
• Redness and inflammation
• Fever Weakness and lethargy
• Atypical behavior
• Severe pain at wound site
• Abnormal crusting/scaling of wound site

Types

• Skin: pyoderma, dermatitis
• Organs: metritis, discospondylitis, encephalitis, osteomyelitis, cystitis
• Fascia: necrotizing fasciitis

Causes of Staph Infections in Dogs

• Infected cut, scrape or wound
• Contaminated material entering nose, mouth or eyes
• Ingestion of contaminated material
• Improperly sterilized medical equipment

Diagnosis of Staph Infections in Dogs

If you notice any fever accompanied by weakness or confusion, get in contact with your vet immediately. Once your dog catches a staph infection, it’s not possible for it to heal on it’s own.

If an infected red, infected wound or abscess that produces pus and causes your dog pain will be diagnosed as a staph infection. Swabs can be taken to identify the cause, but it’s not usually necessary as nearly all skin infections can be treated with topical and oral antibiotics.

Staph can also infect almost every major organ in the body. Urinary tract infections can be caused by staph, and will be evident through pain, bloody, cloudy, discolored or foul-smelling urine. Your vet may take a urine sample for testing.

In rare cases, Staph can infect the discs along the spine, or the bone itself. It can cause pain, fever, swelling and weight loss. If the inflammation compresses the spinal cord, your dog will have tremors and lack of coordination too.

In the rarest of cases, Staph can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a disease of the tissues holding muscles and organs in place. It progresses rapidly and might require surgery to remove the affected tissues or amputation of the limbs. It’s often fatal, but it’s extremely rare and unlikely to affect most dogs.

Treatment of Staph Infections in Dogs

Topical and possibly oral antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent the infection from spreading and kill the bacteria causing it. Topical cream should be applied until the wound has healed, and all oral antibiotics should be taken to make sure there’s no recurrence of the infection.

If the infection is internal, antibiotics as well as other treatments can be prescribed, depending on the case. Stents can be used to drain excess fluid, surgery, and removal of dead tissue might be recommended

Recovery of Staph Infections in Dogs

Give all medication as directed and keep your dog clean and comfortable, and the infection should clear up in just a few days, or a few weeks depending on the extent of it. If the infection is resistant to a prescribed antibiotic, multiple may be prescribed.

Internal infections can cause damage to organs and surrounding tissue, but in most cases, dogs can still have a good recovery with therapy prescribed by a vet.

 

via Whisker Therapy

Your dog has a pelvic floor, same as you do. These are the muscles between his anus and genitals that support the organs in his lower body. A rupture in these muscles can lead to a perineal hernia – this is when the organs protrude through the rupture, appearing as a swollen area between his tail and scrotum. This happens most often in older dogs who weren’t neutered.

A perineal hernia can affect your dog’s ability to “go,” and may even be life-threatening if his bladder or intestines pass through the rupture by causing a strangulation of his bowels and a loss of blood supply.

Symptoms of Perineal Hernia in Dogs

You’ll likely see the swelling near your dog’s anus, but there will be other symptoms caused by it that include: the swelling include:

• Straining to urinate
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Constipation
• Change in tail carriage

Other symptoms may appear, depending on which organs pass through the rupture. You may notice:

• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• Depression

Causes of Perineal Hernia in Dogs

Hernias can be caused by a few different things, including trauma, tumors, age, or birth defects. There’s no breed disposition, but because most cases appear in older male dogs who were never neutered, some believe that male hormones or prostate enlargement can weaken the pelvic floor.

Diagnosis of Perineal Hernia in Dogs

Your vet may be able to identify a perineal hernia by feeling the swollen area, but they’ll ask you for a history and give a through exam to make sure they’re treating a hernia, and not a tumor. Blood work and urinalysis may be used to develop a health profile, identify any other diseases, and determine how your dog will take treatment. An x-ray or ultrasound can help define the hernia, and determine which organ is causing it. Your vet might recommend a prostate gland biopsy or inspection of your dogs testicles. If they find that your dog’s prostate is enlarged, they might call for additional tests to find out the underlying cause.

Treatment of Perineal Hernia in Dogs

How your vet treats the hernia will depend on how serious it has become. Surgical repair and neutering are usually done, though there are other options.

Medical Management

In minor cases, medical treatment can be used to help relieve the strain your dog may need to poop. Stool softeners, enemas, and a high fiber diet can make it easier for him to go, and a catheter can be used to decompress his bladder. This doesn’t cure the hernia or address the rupture, though, and your dog will still be at risk of having his bladder or colon trapped in the rupture.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is usually recommended for a perineal hernia. The organs will be put back where they belong and your dog’s pelvic floor will be repaired. His colon and bladder might be sutured to his abdominal wall to prevent the hernia from showing up again. His diaphragm can be reinforced with a surgical mesh or nearby muscle flap to close the rupture entirely. Neutering is recommended to minimize hormones and reduce the size of the prostate, which will decrease the chances of another perineal hernia.

Recovery of Perineal Hernia in Dogs

Antibiotics are usually prescribed after a surgery to prevent issues that could arise from contamination at the site of the surgery. Your vet might also prescribe painkillers to help your dog through recovery, and may suggest that you modify your dog’s diet and use stool softeners while he’s healing up. It’ll give him less reason to strain when he goes, reducing pain and stress on the muscles.

The area will need to be kept clean and dry, and his physical activity should be limited. An e-collar can keep him from picking at the area. Your vet may request follow-ups to make sure your dog his healing properly, but the probability that his hernia will return should be low.

 

via Whisker Therapy

I am asked this question fairly often.

Most people opt to thinking that their dog is afraid.

It is a lot easier for most people to think that their dog is afraid, or fearful, than to curse him with the connotations of being “aggressive”.

For most people, “aggressive” is a horrible four letter word (okay, so it isn’t a four letter word) ha ha.

Interestingly We Don’t Feel the Same About People

When people describe each other as “aggressive”, we often liken that to being a go-getter, or someone who takes no flak from anyone else.

It’s like we recognize that people can be aggressive, and yet, in control of themselves in most situations, but we can’t fathom using that word for dogs.

Aggression means that the dog wants to eat humans, dogs, and everything that moves and catch nails from a nail gun with its teeth.

Most dogs don’t suffer from that kind of extreme aggression.

Interestingly, as with humans, dog aggression only displays in certain situations.

I challenge us all to get over the myths and horrors of the word, and embrace it when it fits.

I suppose both of my dogs can be considered aggressive in certain situations, but it isn’t something that most people can see because I have such great control.

Let’s Understand

It is important to understand that fear leads to aggression in the large majority of dogs.

Fear is well known for leading to “fight or flight”.

And, when you take away “flight”, or running away, you force fight, or aggression.

Meaning, if your dog ever tries to get away from you, or someone else, allow him space and don’t force him!

The Rare Unicorn

In very few situations, I have seen completely terrified dogs entirely shut down emotionally.

Instead of trying to run away, or trying to rip your throat out, they become like statues.

I have always thought that perhaps mentally they shut down and try and find their happy place while the trauma goes on around them.

I think of it as the children we hear about who are abused and do the same; they completely shut down and even sometimes have no recollection of what happened.

Some invent multiple personalities to deal with fear and trauma.

One of my training clients has a dog like this, and when she would come into the veterinary hospital, she would just freeze.

She wouldn’t try and get away, or aggress, she would simply become like a statue.

It didn’t matter what we were doing, blood draw, anal glands, vaccinations, or prepping for her spay, she always stayed completely still with no emotion.

My heart hurt for her.

I was glad that she wasn’t aggressive, but her fear was almost palpable.

I am still her dog trainer, and I am still very aware that her fear may some day turn to aggression.

There Are Very Few Dogs Like This

There are very few like the aforementioned dog.

Most dogs in a state of fear, and when pushed, will aggress.

And, it is very difficult to tell when a fearful dog will break.

I would take a blatantly aggressive dog any day, over a fearful dog.

A fearful dog may not bite me, but I will have a fraction of a second of warning before the bite happens.

An aggressive dog is already telling me what his intentions are through vocalizations and body language.

Often They are Synonymous

Often fear and aggression are synonymous when we are talking about dogs (and many other animals), because the transition from one to another is so fast.

So even if you think he is just afraid, chances are he is very near his bite threshold.

All Dogs Have a “Bite Threshold”

Absolute Threshold

This is the lowest level at which the distraction, or trigger, is noticed. The dog may or may not even be stressed.

Recognition Threshold

This is the level where the distraction or trigger is not only detected, but it is recognized by the dog.

This is probably when you lose the dog’s attention.

This is also typically the beginning of the display of his fear.

Losing attention denotes stress; even if it looks like the dog is just excitable, his stress level has risen and this should be taken into account during his training.

Differential Threshold

This is the level at which an increase in the detected stimulus blatantly shows.

This is when the dog begins to stare, freeze, pull, jump, bark ,or possibly growl, or denote other forms of aggression.

Fearful dogs may run backwards, yodel, scream, or dash back and forth; they may also show overt signs of aggression, like growling or lunging.

This is when the stress becomes overwhelming for the dog.

Terminal Threshold

This is the level beyond which the stimulus is tolerated.

This is when the bite has or is about to happen.

Your dog or “the dog” has given multiple forms of warning and stress that have been ignored (lip licking, head ducking, yawning, barking, growling, freezing, hard pupils).

Just because your dog is fearful, doesn’t mean he won’t bite.

Actually, he is likely to reach his bite threshold faster, and bite harder than the average dog, because fear is difficult for a dog to learn to control.

Don’t Fall Prey

Don’t fall prey to the old phrase “but he has never bitten”.

I can’t tell you how often I have heard this phrase, then the dog bites.

It is as if the owner is ignoring all the signs and simply WAITING for the worst case scenario: the bite!

Once a dog has bitten, animal control can force it to be euthanized.

It may never have another chance.

Take his behavior seriously prior to a bite.

It’s Easy

Once you can grasp that your dog has fear and perhaps aggression issues, it isn’t difficult to control the dog once you make a pact with yourself that you will make a change.

You will learn to control his environment and keep him, and others, safe.

And, you will spend mere minutes a day increasing his confidence and giving him coping mechanisms.

Eventually, you will have so much control over the dog that no one else will recognize his levels of stress and you will know just how to deal with them effectively.

via Whisker Therapy

Jennifer Appel and Tasha Fuiava have the kind of loyal friends who stick with them through thick and thin – they have dogs!

The two women left Honolulu for Tahiti on May 3 on Appel’s 50-foot sailboat, the Sea Nymph. The trip should only have taken 18 days, but things quickly went awry when they found themselves out at sea in the middle of a storm. The mast of the sailboat took serious damage, and they spent nearly 5 months adrift in the Pacific.

Although they didn’t plan for things to go so terribly wrong, they were well prepared: they had the boat packed with food and their two loyal dogs, Zeus and Valentine.

Appel and Fuiava spent 98 days sending out distress calls that went unheard. The two had no answers, no clue where they were, and very little hope that they might see another vessel. But Appel says that because of Zeus and Valentine they were able to keep it together. They found inspiration in the memory of a sign they saw at the humane society when they rescued their dogs, you might be familiar with the saying.

She tells ABC News:

“At the humane society, because both of our puppies are rescues, there’s a sign when you walk out of the humane society in Oahu that says ‘be the person your dog thinks you are,’ and without those two to make our lives better during the rough times we might not have made it as long as we did.”

A Taiwanese ship finally spotted them and contacted the Navy. They were about 1,000 miles off the coast off Japan, and way, way off course!

Imagine the relief they felt when they saw the Navy approaching! It’s difficult to tell who was more excited about the Navy’s arrival, the women or the dogs!

The two are back home and recovering from the ordeal, but they’re not done exploring yet! They hope to make repairs to the Sea Nymph and have her out on the ocean again come next Spring!

When making their “just in case” checklist, they ought to remember to include Zeus and Valentine!

H/T: news.com.au / ABCNews.go.com
Featured Photo: USS Ashland/Facebook

 

via Whisker Therapy

After a tragic accident led to his dog’s death, Ryan Brand is determined to spread an important message about the dangers of suffocation for dogs. Brand took to Facebook to tell a heartbreaking story about his beloved dog of eight years, Hippo. According to his post, Brand came home from work one day expecting his best friend to give him a warm welcome. Instead, he came home to find that Hippo had suffocated after getting his head stuck inside a chip bag.

Instead of seeking sympathy and condolences, Brand wrote what he really wants is to share his story with other dog owners. He wrote,

“I am sharing this in hopes of preventing the same thing happening to other dogs. After a quick Google search, I discovered that this was not the freak accident that I initially thought.”

Too many dogs (and cats) have suffered the same fate as Hippo. Dogs looking for a mid-day snack steal empty chip bags from the trash or snatch them off the counter only to find themselves stuck with the bag over their head. It doesn’t matter how big or small the dog is or how strong they are, many struggle to get the bag off. They don’t have thumbs to pluck the bag off their heads, and as they panic, their fast breathing creates a vacuum inside the bag. The air within the bag is depleted within seconds, and the level of carbon dioxide rises. They eventually run out of air and die from asphyxiation.

When Brand left for work that day, he had no idea the dangerous risks related to the chip bag he left out in the open. According to Preventive Vet, 90% of pet owners who lost a pet due to a bag-related suffocation were unaware that it was even possible. Brand can’t bring back Hippo, but he can help raise awareness and save countless other dogs. He said,

“I know after reading this many of my friends and loved ones will want to comment below or contact me. Rather than that, I challenge you to spread this message next time you see a pet owner. We all keep chocolate out of reach because we know the dangers. If I knew death by chip bag was a thing, this would have been prevented.”

Brand’s message is already making a difference. It’s been shared almost 56,000 times on social media, and it’s started a general conversation about the dangers of suffocation for dogs. Chip bags aren’t the only kind of bags to watch out for. Cereal bags, pet food bags, pet treat bags, and bread bags, have all been the cause of dog deaths. Always keep bags of all kinds safely out of reach of pets. And share this message in honor of Hippo’s memory.

Featured Image Source: Facebook/Ryan Brand

via Whisker Therapy

An outbreak of canine influenza has struck its fourth state this year. The virus is known for causing a cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and eye discharge, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The dog flu swept through Kentucky, Florida and California before arriving in central Ohio where there are currently 87 confirmed cases.

While rarely deadly, canine flu is highly contagious, causing veterinarians, groomers, boarders, and shelter operators to fear an epidemic. Several boarding facilities have temporarily closed their doors over the past two weeks due to confirmed cases.

According to Dr. Edward Cooper, head of small-animal emergency and critical-care service at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, an outbreak like this does not last long and can best be contained by keeping dogs at home.

Canine flu is airborne and easily spread through coughs, sneezes and direct contact with an infected dog. It can also live on skin, clothing and other surfaces for hours, so it is possible to bring the virus home to your pet. Symptoms usually show up within a week of exposure.

Avoiding places where dogs congregate, such as dog parks, kennels – and even veterinary offices –  is the best way to keep dogs from catching canine influenza. Since the illness typically runs its course in two to three weeks, veterinarians recommend caring for your pup at home unless he or she begins to exhibit severe symptoms.

Young puppies and older dogs with compromised immune systems are the exception, as they may be more susceptible to developing severe symptoms and secondary infections.

While 87 cases have been confirmed in Ohio, there are likely several more that have gone unreported to the CDC since the disease is not currently tracked by any health agency. Local shelters and businesses are taking additional precautions by closely monitoring the dogs in their care, deep-cleaning their floors, and disinfecting bowls and surfaces.

Some have even changed their protocols to require the canine flu vaccination for their pooch patrons. The vaccine consists of two shots administered a month apart. Like the human flu vaccine, it does not provide full immunity, but it may reduce symptoms or the likelihood of the dog transmitting the virus.

The Blade newspaper reports that the central Ohio canine flu outbreak has spread to Toledo and is stretching into southern Michigan.

 

H/T to The Columbus Dispatch

 

 

via Whisker Therapy

There is almost nothing better than the relationship between a dog and a child.

However, MOST Adults Don’t Realize How Dangerous Dogs Can Be in
Certain Situations!

I think we have a romanticized ideal about how dogs and children should get along.

And, I think we expect all dogs to act like Rin Tin Tin or Lassie.

Even though I agree that 50 years ago, dogs seemed a whole lot more tolerant with children, the truth is, that times have changed.

So few puppies and dogs are taught manners and impulse control.

And, unlike the dogs of yesteryear, the dogs in our society now are spoiled and rarely socialized  to the degree that they need to be successful in life.

Life is busier, and human beings have learned to anthropomorphize dogs without giving them any kind of behavioral expectations.

And, many people don’t realize that their dog is actually anxious and fearful, not relaxed, around children.

Many Dogs are Dangerous

In essence, many dogs are dangerous.

A large majority of dogs lack social skills, tolerance, and impulse control.

And, without these basic things, a dog can be like a ticking time bomb.

Something Else to Consider

Children don’t look like small humans to our canine friends.

Children run, scream, move fast, dance, dart, wail, disrespect and grab animals, kick and trip over animals and very rarely show the social norms and behaviors of an adult human.

And, all of the aforementioned traits make them appear more like equals or even prey.

It isn’t the dog’s fault!

How is the dog to know that the thing running and screaming, pitching a fit and thumping his head is actually a human (like his owner)?

I mean, it is common knowledge for a human to recognize a human baby, but why do we expect a whole new species to be capable of doing so?

Yet it is Terrifying

Dogs often kill or wound what they consider prey.

In my opinion, this is why so many dogs kill children.

They aren’t killing “humans” in their minds; they are following through on their instincts and killing something weak that appears like easy prey or something that has gotten in their space and shown excessively bad behaviors without heeding warnings.

I know the idea is horrifying, and many of you are appalled that I could say such things.

But if we don’t face the problem, we will continue to watch our babies and our toddlers (especially) mauled and killed by dogs that people once “trusted”.

I have often heard “I never expected it, he has never bit anyone”, but it is probably because he didn’t have the perfect opportunity.

A dog is much less likely to bite me and much more likely to bite a toddler.

I can defend myself.

I am big in stature and my attitude is no nonsense.

I also don’t run around screaming gutturally or flailing my arms and I am not about to grab a dog’s tail or chase him or hug him (all of which are pretty common for children to do to dogs they know, and, even dogs they don’t know).

Think About It

When your child misbehaves, you might swat him.

When a dog corrects a child for bad or painful behavior, all he has available to use is his teeth!

Recently I was preparing for an article when I Googled “dog bites child” and I was appalled at the videos I pulled up.

Granted, I could see that the dog was uncomfortable in ALL of the videos, and that a bite was on the horizon, but it is still sad and horrifying.

And yet, as horrifying as it is, I think there is honestly no better way to learn about dog behavior and what a dog looks like before it bites. And it is often very clear how stressed and fearful the dog is prior to biting.

No one wants to see dogs bite, but watching it helps to hone your skills for when you are in the company of dogs.

The #1 thing that taught me what a dog looks like right before it bites was getting into a bite suit and being bitten time and time again. It is an amazing experience that can teach you more in 5 minutes than you could learn in months of research.

If I Was a Parent

If I was a parent I would trust NO DOG.

I would teach my children a healthy respect and perhaps a slight fear of dogs so that they would have good social skills.

I wouldn’t even totally trust my own dogs, ever.

Although I have dozens of pictures of my dog snuggling with my niece, I still never trust them alone.

I need to be able to see my dog’s face and body language and I need to make sure that my niece doesn’t inadvertently lay on top of her, step on her, trip over her or hurt her.

I had the same dog giving demos for kindergarteners.

I trust her 90%, but I still ensured that she was petted one at a time, and that I was in charge of the interaction (standing right there), and that her focus was on me.

She knew if she did a good job, she would get treats.

Sure, I could have probably let her wander the room and be petted… but it wasn’t worth that someone’s kid might hurt her or she might become fearful and intolerant.

Dogs are dogs.

Dogs have teeth.

Dogs aren’t always amenable to being touched when they don’t feel good, are scared, painful, or stressed.

If you love your dog and your children, you will take heed and keep them both safe, at all cost!

via Whisker Therapy

via Whisker Therapy

Finding a lump on your dog can be a frightening experience. Our brains are conditioned to fear the worst, especially when it comes to those we love.

It is always best to seek veterinary attention should you discover a new growth on your pooch, but it may help to know that less than half of the lumps and bumps dogs develop are malignant or cancerous.

Should you discover an unfamiliar growth on your dog’s skin, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. If your pup seems tender in that spot or you notice rapid growth, redness, swelling, or pus, ask for an expedited appointment.

The vet will do a full exam and determine if a biopsy is warranted. He or she will want to know:

• If the lump appeared suddenly
• Whether its shape, color, or size has changed
• If there are changes in your dog’s behavior, appetite or energy level

The following are the most common types of lumps and bumps vets diagnose in dogs:

Lipomas

Lipomas are often referred to as fatty tumors, and that’s exactly what they are: benign deposits of fat. They occur most often in dogs that have reached middle age or older and are considered a natural part of the aging process. Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common around the chest and ribcage.

They tend to be soft and “rolly” beneath the skin. Any dog can develop a lipoma, but larger breeds and dogs that are overweight are more prone to them. Lipomas are usually harmless and only require treatment if they are in an awkward spot that causes the dog pain or affects its mobility.

 

Sebaceous Cysts

Sebaceous cysts are simply plugged oil glands in the skin, and while unsightly, are typically harmless. Many rupture on their own, heal, and never come back. Others become irritated or infected to the point that your vet may recommend surgical removal and possibly a biopsy. They can occur in any breed, but are seen most often in Cocker Spaniels.

 

Warts

Warts on dogs are caused by a virus called canine viral papillomatosis. Unlike other growths, warts – or papillomas – are most common in younger animals. They often develop around the mouth, eyes, and between the toes, but can show up anywhere on the skin. Warts are similar to lipomas in that they are harmless unless they are causing your dog a problem.

 

Abscesses

Abscesses are accumulations of pus under the skin caused by an infection or some type of insect or animal bite. Snakes and spiders are common culprits when it comes to abscesses because the bite wounds are easily concealed by a dog’s fur, allowing the infection to fester.

A dog with an abscess will often experience fever, lethargy and discomfort around the site. Your vet will clean, drain, and flush the wound to prevent deeper infection and complications. He or she will also prescribe antibiotics to control the bacteria, and pain medication if needed.

 

Cancerous Tumors

Cancerous growths on dogs can be either malignant or benign, sometimes even a combination of both.  Malignant lumps tend to spread rapidly and can metastasize throughout the body. Benign tumors tend to stay in one place and not metastasize, but may grow quite large.

Mast cell tumors are the most common skin cancers diagnosed in dogs. They are most often seen in Boxers, Boston Terriers, Labradors, Beagles, and Schnauzers.

Even if your dog has undergone a biopsy and the mass is not cancerous, it is still important to monitor that lump and periodically check for others. It may help to chart the locations and sizes of your pup’s growths to make it easier to keep track of any changes.

 

H/T to WebMD and PetMD

via Whisker Therapy

An outbreak of leptospirosis spreading through a population of sea lions in coastal Oregon has health officials warning dog owners about the contagious disease. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease associated with serious symptoms including kidney failure, liver damage, and death.

Since late September, officals have recieved an alarming number of reports of sick and dead sea lions on beaches in Lincoln, Tillamook, and Clatsop counties. A researcher at Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute said there are at least eight confirmed cases of leptospirosis in local seal lions, and the disease has also spread to areas in California.

While leptospirosis occurs worldwide, seeing a serious outbreak in a population of marine animals is relatively rare. The last known cases of the disease in Oregon happened in 2010.

The infected sea lions are coming onto shore and putting every animal that comes in contact with them at risk. Leptospirosis is spread through contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids, and it can easily pass between sea lions and dogs. Dog owners are urged to keep their pets at least 50 feet away from any sea lion they find near the shore. They should also keep their dogs from coming in contact with standing water or puddles where the disease may also be present.

If a dog shows sign of illness, like vomiting, lethargy, or rapid heart rate, it’s recommended to see a veterinarian immediately. Treatment for the disease involves professionally prescribed antibiotics. The sooner the antibiotics are in their system, the better the dog’s chances of survival. There is also a vaccination available to protect dogs against contracting the disease.

Awareness of the situation is key in preventing the disease from spreading to pets. Oregon residents are encouraged to share this information with everyone they know and contact the Oregon State Police at 1-800-7888 if they spot a sick or dead sea lion.

via Whisker Therapy

When dogs love, they love with their whole heart. There’s no better feeling in the world than being loved by a dog. In fact, some of the best love stories involve dogs.

Hank was abandoned as a pup in 2010. The shelters were full, so his previous owner took Hank and a sibling to a vet to be euthanized. Of course, the vet refused, and rehomed the pair instead. Fate put Hank into Alix Tolley’s home – where he would soon meet the love of his life.

One year later, Alix was given a very nice blanket as a gift from her mother-in-law-to-be. The blanket was gorgeous. Soft. Cream-colored. The sort of blanket one would be happy to have as a gift. It was a treasure, and no one knew that better than Hank.

Hank loved the blanket, but his love did not go uncontested. The blanket belonged to Alix, and it was not something she wanted Hank to have. It was high-quality, and a gift, and not meant for the heartsick dog. Hank, however, refused to live without his love. No matter where the blanket was hidden, behind couches, under beds, in high places where he couldn’t reach, Hank would find a way to be with the blanket.

Finally, Alix and her husband realized that there was no stopping true love – they finally allowed Hank to have the blanket. Hank spends his time with his blankie, gnawing, nibbling, and rolling up in it. He’s loved a few holes in it, but Alix is happy that Hank is happy.

Alix tells Today that she believes Hank’s obsession with the blanket may come from being separated from his mother too young, or perhaps he thinks he’s a cat. Just maybe, though, it’s fate.

 

H/T: Today.com
Featured Photo: Screenshot via @alixnjohntolley/Facebook

via Whisker Therapy

If people tease your for spoiling your pooch, you can tell them to stop now. You haven’t even begun spoiling your dog until you get him one of these chic, up-cycled dog beds!

Calling these incredible creations “dog beds” isn’t doing them the least bit of justice – these are full-on dog bedrooms! They’re all handmade from unwanted dressers by the mother-daughter duo at Sheltie Shacks. These are more than just a cushion-in-a-dresser. They’re lovingly painted, some include lighting, and they’ll even frame photos and hang them on the walls so your pet can relax and reminisce about the happy times you’ve had together.

The best part of this is that every well-spent cent they earn for their furniture goes to charity! They support multiple charities that benefit dogs, so you can feel double-good about your purchase! Their “shacks” are in such high demand, they have decided to sell each creation by auctioning it off.

Part of me is jealous that this wasn’t my idea. The other part of me is jealous that I won’t fit inside one of my own.

Visit Sheltie Shacks on Facebook to see photos of their work, or visit them online to learn how to get one so you can REALLY start spoiling your dog!

H/T: BusinessInsider.com
Featured Photo: @sheltieshacks/Facebook

via Whisker Therapy

via Whisker Therapy

Patellar luxation – sometimes referred to as dislocated or floating kneecaps – is usually a genetic condition that occurs in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians, but it can also result from a knee injury.

While surgical correction is the most effective treatment, it may be possible to make changes to your pup’s routine and prevent patellar luxation from becoming a life-altering affliction.

The genetic cause of patellar luxations are shallow femoral grooves that do not adequately cup the kneecaps. This allows them to drift or pop out of place, usually during exercise. Most dogs will have the condition in both knees, but it is common for one to be more seriously affected than the other.

The severity of luxating patella is graded from one to four, with Grade One describing kneecaps that pop out occasionally, but drift back into place on their own. In dogs with Grade Four luxating patella, the kneecap sits outside the femoral groove all the time unless manually put back in place.

The more extreme the case, the more likely a dog is to experience pain, lameness and joint degeneration, as well as require surgical intervention.

If a veterinarian has diagnosed your pup with luxating patella, these three simple tips can help you avoid surgery and keep him pain-free.

1. Help your dog achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

The heavier the dog, the more burden there will be on his knees. Avoiding overfeeding and encouraging your dog to exercise may be the most important steps you can take to minimize the symptoms of luxating patella – and help your pup lead an overall healthy life!

2. Keep your pup moving.

Helping your dog achieve an optimal body condition means more than just losing excess fat. Since the muscles of the knee help stabilize the patella and hold it in place, it is important for your pup to maintain an active lifestyle. Specific exercises that can help stabilize the supportive muscles of the knee include:

• Having your dog move from a sitting to standing position several times in a row
• Ascending and descending carpeted stairs
• Swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill
• “Army crawling”

3. Provide oral joint support supplements.

Several vitamins and nutrients found in high-quality dietary supplements have been shown to support healthy joints and even aid in pain reduction. Some of the most tried-and-true include:

• Vitamins B1, B6, C and E are all involved in collagen synthesis – C and E also act as natural antioxidants.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – like those found in krill oil – have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against cartilage degradation.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin are thought to slow/prevent the degeneration of joint cartilage, easing osteoarthritis pain.
• MSM is involved in collagen synthesis and may inhibit pain impulses and reduce muscle spasms.
• Hyaluronic acid acts as a joint cushion and lubricant.

Joint pain is an absolutely terrible thing to observe in our dogs. Talk to your vet and come up with a plan. If supplementation is right for your dog, we encourage you to try our Project Paws® line of Joint Care Supplements. Not only do we believe it to be the best product on the market, but each bottle provides healthy meals for shelter dogs!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.

H/T to Mercola Healthy Pets & Dogs Naturally Magazine

via Whisker Therapy