Dog Who Spent 8 Years In A Shelter Celebrates Her First Christmas At Home!

Roxy was only two years old when she found herself in a shelter kennel. Shelter staff knew that as a Pit Bull breed she would have a tougher time finding a home than other dogs, but nobody expected her to spend nearly eight years there!

Despite her long stay, Teckles Animal Sanctuary staff described Roxy as a fantastic, cheeky dog.

“She can be a little nervous on occasion but with the bribe of a few sausages, she becomes very loving and loyal. She has a cheeky character and loves to play with tennis balls.

“Roxy is looking for an understanding family who will give her time to adjust to home life. She loves her food and snuggling under a duvet!”

Unfortunately, life isn’t all sausages and snuggles. Roxy needed a home with loving, understanding people who could commit to having her as their only dog. It was another trait that worked against her.

For 2,764 days Roxy waited. Finally, at the age of 10 years old, Roxy’s family came and took her home this December.

But this wasn’t a sudden “want-a-dog-for-Christmas” adoption. Leanne, a groomer, and Sam are both avid animal lovers, and fell in love with Roxy’s grey muzzle and sweet face. Roxy, however, needed more time to get to know the couple. For six months they visited her twice a week to let her become comfortable with them. They spent time with her at the shelter and had home visits to help her slowly adjust to a new life. When it came time to move, they chose a home with a yard for Roxy even though she hadn’t moved in with them yet. The couple did everything they could to make sure that Roxy would be happy when she came home.

Finally, on December 1, Roxy became an official member of their family! Shelter staff had fallen in love with her, but were happy to see her off to her new home.

Thanks to the patience of her new parents, Roxy has settled at home just fine! Leanne tells Gloucestershire Live:

“She loves to be tucked up into her blanket. She also has her own bedroom which is like a small child’s bed. Before she was so used to all the noise from the kennels which was fine and what she is or was used to but now I think that she is catching up on the peace and quiet.”

Just this week, Roxy celebrated her first Christmas at home in 8 years with her new family.

Roxy continues to settle in and come out of her shell. Leanne and Sam report that she’s doing well on walks, and though she’s still nervous, she’s even making friends with other dogs!

“Within just over a week Roxy has settled amazingly and made herself right at home. She spends most of her day snoozing in one of the many places she has to choose from. She can not wait for her walks to the park where she has even been starting to befriend some dogs! And then spends all evening cuddled up with mum or dad on the sofa under a blanket. She is such an angel and we are so happy she is with us”

Teckles Animal Sanctuary, where Roxy lived for 8 years, is having funding issues, and may have to shut down! You can help them out by visiting teckelsanimalsanctuaries.co.uk, offering a donation or spreading the word!

 

H/T: gloucestershirelive.co.uk
Featured photo: Teckles Animal Sanctuaries/Facebook

 

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Special Holiday Gift Picks

This holiday season give the gift of wisdom with a WISDOM PANEL™ Canine DNA Test! Do you know someone from your dog-loving circle who has wondered about the genetic history of their mixed-breed dog? Now, they can simply collect a DNA swab from inside their dog’s cheek and in two to three weeks be provided with a customized, online report with the genetic history of their dog’s ancestry, predicted weight, physical traits and up to 150+ genetic health conditions. They’ll also receive detailed information on each breed identified to help them understand the physical and/or behavioral traits in their dog. WISDOM PANEL tests for more than 350 breeds, types and varieties and analyzed in a USDA accredited laboratory to ensure accuracy and proper quality control. Take the guesswork out of determining a dog’s genetic ancestry, rely on the science of WISDOM PANEL tests.

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Ben, Lucky for a Lifetime

This is my 6-year-old yellow Labrador, Ben. He was a healthy dog until last Christmas when he had a severe allergic reaction, cause unknown, requiring almost a week in the hospital on oxygen, I.V. & high doses of steroids. He is doing well now but requires ongoing lung x-rays, low dose steroids & is on […]

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Dogs & the Law: End of Year Review

Every year, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) uses compliance with more than 90 policy ideas to rank states on their humane treatment of animals; as a metric, the organization looks at successfully enacted legislation. The trend, overall, is positive, but major legal gaps remain. Following are a few of the gaps that were filled in 2018.

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Sweet, Fearful Dog And Her Feline Best Friend Need A Home Together

Hundreds Come Forward To Adopt Noseless Rescue Dog

Sniffles, a senior rescue pooch without a nose, became a viral sensation this week when Florida-based Poodle and Pooch Rescue put out a call for potential adopters. After an overwhelming response from across the country, the group announced they are currently weeding through “200+ emails, voice messages, social media inquires and applications” in order to choose the perfect forever home for the special pup.

Little Sniffles was first rescued in July 2017 by the Puerto Rican group, Rabito Kontento (Happy Tails). He was then adopted by a Florida family in early 2018. While his friends at the rescue were ectstatic, their joy was short-lived. On December 19, Sniffles escaped his home and was captured by animal control.

It wasn’t the first time Sniffles had run away, so Rabito Kontento decided it was best he be rehomed. At first they considered bringing him back to Puerto Rico where his adoption opportunities would be limited. Instead, they teamed up with the dedicated folks at Poodle and Pooch Rescue to help him find a home in the states.

Sniffles was suffering from hookworm and roundworm infections, indicating he was not being properly cared for. His new pals at Poodle and Pooch went to work restoring his health, and on December 24 they were ready to share his loveably unique face with the world!

After his one-of-a-kind mug went viral, much speculation circulated about how Sniffles lost his nose. Some suspected he was born that way, but Rabito Kontento took to Facebook to share his heartbreaking backstory. Once known as “Otto,” they believe he was attacked by a pack of dogs during his time as a stray in Puerto Rico. His wounds were so severe it took several surgeries to repair the damage.

Sniffles was left with crooked, protruding teeth, a missing nose, and a signature snort – none of which have prevented dog lovers from falling in love with him!

In their most recent update, Poodle and Pooch expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received on Sniffles’ behalf. They are asking those touched by the special pup’s story to consider adopting one of the many other deserving dogs in their care.

“Sniffles is going to be a-okay and we ask that you please set your sights on some of our other dogs in need….Squeaky, Checkers, Jasmine, Noel, Savannah and Dolly (just to name a few!). And if you are not in a position to adopt, we hope that you will consider donating (blue donate button on our FB page or any donate button on our website at www.PPRFL.org) so that we can save other special needs dogs that are running stray or at animal controls around the state.”

 

H/T to NewsLeader.com

Featured Image via Facebook/Rabito Kontento

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Five Ways to Host a Family and Pet-Friendly New Year’s Party

New Year’s is a time to celebrate with our pets, friends, and family all the milestones of the year past and anticipation of what is to come. If you have little ones (and little paws) running around your house, it is incredibly important to create a family and pet-friendly New Year’s party space that all […]

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Care of Dogs A Family Affair

Division of labor benefits the dogs

As a family of four, we have plenty of labor to offer dogs when they are in our care. We each gravitate towards certain tasks or ways of interacting with dogs. We combine our efforts so that the dogs in our home get the things that they need and plenty of the attention that they desire. We often dog sit for a few days or even a few weeks, and that means that we have a variety of canines who experience life in our house. Here’s how the division of labor helps us make life complete for our canine guests.

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The Benefits of Animal Companionship during the Holidays

The human-pet bond is a unique relationship during any season, but the holidays are a special time of year. Our pets are family, and the benefits of animal companionship are important when you consider the four-legged additions to our lives. In honor of the holidays, we celebrate the benefits of animal companionship and praise our […]

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Stand Above Your Dog and Look Down. If You See This Shape, They Could Die Too Young

Obesity in dogs is a very serious problem, and it’s rates are increasing daily. It’s estimated that roughly half of all dogs in the United States alone are obese – that’s 35 million dogs! Obesity can cause many illnesses such as diabetes and even worsen joint and back problems. Obesity is also one of the most common reasons injuries occur in our dogs. Most importantly, obesity leads to an increase in many diseases, including cancer, and can rob years off your dog’s lifespan.

12 Vital Tips for Preventing Obesity in Your Dog

Maintaining your dog’s proper weight is easier said than done, so here are some helpful tips we’ve compiled for you to keep as a guideline:

#1 – Understand Ideal Weight & Body Shape

Many owners feel that their dogs are the appropriate weight for their size, but unfortunately this is not the case. Even many veterinarians have gotten so used to seeing obese dogs, they can’t even tell when dogs are fat! A dog should have a defined waist, with ribs easily felt but not visible. This guideline goes for most breeds. While some, such as bulldogs, should be stockier and heavier than others, they still should not be allowed to become the giant bowling balls we see walking around!

Photo by Purina Veterinary Diets.

#2 – Scheduled Feeding

While not many people free-feed their dogs (meaning, they leave a full bowl of dog food out all day), some still do. It’s rare for dogs to self-regulate their eating, and most owners find that food doesn’t stay in the bowl for long. If we filled it up every time it was empty, our dogs would never stop eating! Free access to food increases our dogs chances of consuming too much and becoming overweight. Scheduled meals are more appropriate, because we can regulate how much our dogs eat and when.

Photo by Seiichi Nojima on Flickr.

#3 – Portion Control

One of the benefits of scheduled meals is that we can regulate our dogs’ food consumption. Since each dog is different, we can control how much each of our dogs are eating per day. It’s important to find out how much your dog needs to eat in order to maintain a healthy weight. If your dog is overweight, try decreasing the amount of food offered by 1/4. Gradually decrease the amounts until your dog is at his desired weight. Remember not to guess and actually measure the amount of food given – this way you’ll know exactly how much your dog needs.

#4 – Get Moving!

This is for you and your dog! We know that everyone always talks about exercise being needed for weight loss, but that’s not the only reason it’s important. Exercise maintains your dog’s physical health as well as his mental health. A dog that lacks proper exercise becomes unhappy and typically starts displaying undesirable behaviors, such as chewing and digging. Keeping your dog on a regular exercise schedule will keep his weight appropriate and his mind clear.

#5 – Beware of Diet Foods

There are a lot of dog foods on the market that are marketed towards owners looking to take a few pounds of their pets. But it’s important to read the labels on these foods. Most of them lessen the amount of nutritious meat ingredients and add in more nasty fillers. They are lower in calories, but also lower in nutrition – which means you’re left with a dog feeling very hungry and not getting all of the nourishment he needs.

Photo by Mateusz Michalik on Flickr.

#6 – Regular Weigh-Ins

Just like with people, weekly weight checks are great for our dogs too! When you weigh your dog weekly, you can see how well your new diet and exercise plan is working – if at all. All dogs are different, so they each need their own custom regimens. By keeping track of your dog’s starting weight and how much she’s lost since the beginning of the diet, you can make sure your dog is losing weight at the right speed. Too much weight loss too soon can be bad for her as well.

#7 – Get Everyone On Board

This means the people! If you decide that your dog needs to lose weight, but someone else keeps sneaking her treats, you’ll never see any progress! All this does is create some tension between everyone and confusion for the dog. If you’ve got a pup on a diet and she’s not losing any weight, be sure to check with the rest of the family.

Photo by Jessica Petersen on Flickr.

#8 – Food is Love

Most of society in any country today is revolved around food. When we want to share a good time and celebrate with friends and family, there are often great meals to be had. There’s nothing wrong with this, because it’s the way we work as social animals. To us, food means love. If you’re having a hard time cutting back on treats and meals, just remind yourself of this. Your dog doesn’t think you love her any less, and because you’re feeding less doesn’t mean you don’t care! Many people feel guilty about not feeding their begging pooch, so they give in. But just as you might feed yourself when feeling emotional, doesn’t mean you should also feed your dog. You can show her love with toys and play just as easily.

#9 – Take Treats into Account

This is especially important if you’re training your dog often. Training is typically done with treats, and you might feed a lot of treats in any given session. Keep this in mind when planning your dog’s meals. Subtract the amount of treats given from the meal, and you won’t end up with a dog that’s overweight. Many people don’t lessen their dog’s meals when they are feeding more treats, and overlook what’s often a large increase in calorie consumption.

#10 – Substitute with Veggies

When we do decrease the amount of food our dogs are used to eating, they often do become hungrier. In order to counteract this, we can add in fresh, steamed vegetables like green beans or spinach. These are high in fiber but low in calories, so they help our pets feel full while still allowing for the diet to continue.

#11 – Rotate Your Dog’s Toys More Frequently

It sounds simple, but by simply rotating your dog’s toys, you can increase their activity levels. Like children, dogs quickly become bored of seeing the same toys day after day. By hiding your dog’s old toy for a period of time, and then reintroducing them, you’ll keep them fresh and more likely to be played with. Or you can add a new toy to the dogs collection (for each toy sold here on iHeartDogs we also donate one to a shelter dog!)

#12 – Cut Carbs, Increase Protein

Its easy to believe that dry dog food is formulated with our dogs best interest in mind. The reality, however, is that kibble was created for convenience sake, and is packed with carbohydrates and sugar that allow it to be shelf stable.

By slowing reducing the amount of carbs and sugar your dog is consuming, and replacing with more biologically appropriate protein, (which is their ancestral diet), you can shed weight off your pup. One popular way to increase protein is by adding a raw egg in place of some kibble. Or consider adding some single ingredient, freeze dried protein toppers to your dog’s bowl.

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Sign Up for The Senior Dog Newsletter!

Receive Our Free Newsletter Just for Senior Dog Owners!

Twice weekly tips to help your senior pup live longer & healthier. Plus get access to our private seniors only Facebook group!

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Dog-Related Careers

Opportunities galore!

I have worked in a number of dog-related careers. Right now, my professional work in the canine world consists of multiple jobs— behavioral consultations for dogs with serious behavioral issues, private training (general, service dogs, therapy dogs), writing (books, blogs, magazine articles, newspaper columns), dog sitting, plus giving talks and webinars. In the past, I have also taught group training classes, worked in shelters, taken pet photographic portraits, worked in a dog day care facility and groomed dogs. I’ve often thought that when it comes to dogs, my work has covered a large percentage of the possible careers. I no longer believe that to be true.

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How Pets Exhibit Stress and Anxiety during the Holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time of year for all, including our furry friends. Pets exhibit stress and anxiety different than we do so it’s important to be able to see the triggers and help ease the discomfort when they are experiencing stress. Learn more on how to help your pet with stress and […]

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Top Ten Recommended Winter Dog Walking Tips

  Trupanion dog-walkers pound the pavement every day, whether rain, shine, or snow. With upwards of 70 dog walks a day, they are the experts on avoiding winter hazards while around Trupanion HQ. We sat down with our pet program manager, J. Marmol, to dish on the top ten recommended winter dog walking tips to keep […]

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Four Recommended Pet-Friendly Holiday Office Tips

Holiday festivities are in full swing at Trupanion HQ. Amidst all the bustle and cheer we are introducing plenty of challenges for our workmates. Before Santa arrives on the sleigh we’ve got some recommendations on pet-friendly holiday office tips to keep your workplace safe and festive for all office pets the remainder of the season. […]

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Baristas Shower Customer With Heartfelt Letters & Gifts After Dog’s Death

On December 11, Margo Waldrop pulled up to her local Starbucks drive thru window just as she has every day since the store opened. As always, the baristas greeted Waldrop and her dogs enthusiastically.

But this day was different from the rest. Sadly, it was dog, Lily’s last day on Earth. She had cancer, and was scheduled to be euthanized later that day.

When Waldrop broke the news to the coffee shop employees, they treated the pooch to a Puppuccino and comforted the grieving dog mom.

Upon pulling up to the window the following day, Waldrop was surprised and overwhelmed to find that her friends at Starbucks had even more love and support to offer.

They presented her with a vase of flowers, a homemade loaf of pumpkin bread – Waldrop’s favorite – and several personal sympathy letters. They also paid for her daily coffee.

Later that morning, Waldrop posted photos of the flowers, letters and bread on Facebook. “I would like to remind you all how many wonderful people are in the world, something I was reminded of this morning,” the post began.

Waldrop went on to share her experience and express her gratitude to the folks responsible for shedding some light on a very dark day.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how good that made me feel. This team of baristas, and their manager Lars have made me feel so welcome since they opened the store almost a year ago. Such good people to remember that one of their regulars was going through a tough time. Thank you Starbucks!”

 

 

H/T to KOCO News 5

Featured Image via Margo Waldrop

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What To Do If Your Dog Eats Human Medication

Dogs are curious animals that love to participate in everything we do. When it comes to medications, these traits sometimes put them in danger.  According to the Pet Poison Helpline, nearly 50% of all pet poisonings involve human drugs, with pain relievers, antidepressants and heart meds topping the list of common culprits. Do you know what to do if your dog eats human medication?

Whether or not a case of accidental medication ingestion is a serious emergency depends on the type and quantity of the drug. If your 80 pound dog snags a single Benadryl tablet off the floor, he is unlikely to even feel drowsy, let alone have any ill effects. However, several over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs are harmful or deadly to dogs, even in small amounts.

If your dog eats human medication or any potentially harmful substance, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline Immediately.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Nearly every household has one type of NSAID or another. This category of drug contains Ibuprofen – which comes under the brand names Advil and Motrin – and Naproxen, which has the brand name, Aleve. These medications are used to reduce inflammation and pain. While they are quite safe for humans, just one or two pills can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers or even kidney failure in dogs.

Symptoms of Ibuprofen or Naproxen Poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Bloody vomit
• Diarrhea
• Black, tarry stool
• Inappetance
• Lethargy
• Inappropriate urination or thirst
• Abdominal pain
• Seizures

While NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen are harmful, there are several medications approved for veterinary use to help dogs suffering from pain and inflammation.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Excedrin)

Acetaminophen is widely known by its popular brand names, Tylenol and Excedrin. It may also be found in over-the-counter medications labeled for cold, flu and allergy symptoms. Used as a safe, effective pain reliever and fever reducer in humans, Acetaminophen can cause liver failure and red blood cell damage in dogs.

Symptoms of Acetaminophen Poisoning:

• Lethargy
• Swelling of the face and/or paws
• Difficulty breathing
• Brown or blue gums
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Jaundice

Antidepressants (Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)

When a dog eats human medications that fall under the antidepressant category, there are a variety of possible results. Some of these medications are safe in small quantities, and may be used to help pups dealing with anxiety or behavioral issues. Others cause clinical symptoms ranging from sedation and lethargy to over-stimulation and anorexia. If your dog ingests a large amount of drug, a condition known as serotonin syndrome may be seen.

Clinical signs of serotonin syndrome include:

• Central Nervous System sedation or stimulation
• Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
• Tremoring
• Seizures
• Hyperthermia
• Abdominal pain
• Dilated pupils

Benzodiazepines & Sleep Aids (Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)

These medications are designed to help humans sleep and feel less anxious. Strangely enough, they have the opposite effect on about half of the dogs who ingest them. Rather than becoming calm and sedate, they act nervous and agitated. In other dogs, these drugs work a bit too well, causing severe lethargy, incoordination, and slowed breathing.

Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Poisoning:

• Severe sedation
• Incoordination
• Aggression
• Agitation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Respiratory depression
• Cardiovascular depression

Blood Pressure Drugs

There are two major types of blood pressure drugs, ACE Inhibitors and Beta-blockers. ACE inhibitors are sometimes used to treat high blood pressure in dogs, and are generally quite safe. If your dog eats a small amount of this type of medication it may cause low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness, but is not life-threatening. However, you should still contact your vet, as dogs with kidney failure or heart disease may be more seriously affected.

Beta-blockers, on the other hand, can cause toxic poisoning in dogs. Even small amounts of these drugs can dangerously drop a dog’s blood pressure, leading to heart and kidney failure.

Symptoms of Beta-Blocker Overdose:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Slowed heart rate
• Lethargy

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine work by constricting the blood vessels in the nose to reduce post-nasal drip. These medications can be very dangerous to dogs, causing symptoms such as vomiting, dilated pupils, severe blood pressure changes (hypertension), abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, and seizures.

Preventing Accidental Medication Ingestion:

Dogs are very resourceful and occasionally accidental ingestions happen. Luckily, there are precautions you can take to reduce your dog’s risks. Dr. Ernie Ward offers the following tips:

 

• Never leave any medications on low countertops or tables where a curious canine could access them.
• Keep your purse high out of reach if you carry medications inside.
• Keep all medication and supplement bottles securely closed with childproof caps.
• If you spill a liquid or topical medicine, immediately and thoroughly clean it up.
• If you spill your pills, pick them up right away and count them.
• Never give your dog any kind of medication or start a supplement without first talking with your veterinarian.

 

While it is not always life-threatening when a dog eats human medication, it should always be treated as such. Pets metabolize medications very differently than humans, so even a drug that seems harmless could potentially cause problems. If your dog ingests any human medication – including vitamins or herbal supplements – call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline’s 24-hour animal poison control center at 855-764-7661 immediately.

 

H/T to Pet Poison Helpline

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Smiling Dogs: Archie & Wrigley

Dog's Name and age:  Archie & Wrigley, 2 years

How were they named?

Being massive fans of both the Hoosiers and the Cubs their people named Archie after the IU basketball coach and Wrigley after Wrigley Field.

Fun Facts:

The boys love going on walks around the neighborhood and playing with all of the neighborhood kids. They made a special connection with their next door neighbor. Wrigley and the child will race in the yard every afternoon after school. The boys also have a best dog friend named Dixie. They used to play together every day and even have slumber parties on the weekends, but she ended up moving with her humans. Now, the dogs will just FaceTime whenever they can.

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Smiling Dog: Kluane

Dog's Name and age:  Kluane, 2 years

How was Kluane named?

He’s named after a reserve in the Yukon where his people love to hike.

Adoption Story:

After beginning their search for a new dog and a friend for their other dog, they spotted Kluane on an animal rescue website. He was hours away and a snow storm was brewing but his family ambitiously drove over the mountains in the storm to get to the shelter. As soon as they saw him they fell in love with him. Kluane seemed to be pretty fond of them too because he jumped in their laps and stole their hearts.

Kluane Likes:

Adventures, hiking, snow, playing with a ball, and munching on carrots. He also loves digging! At the ocean, he gets confused about why his holes disappear when the water comes in. 

Nicknames: Tank (he’s all muscle!), Klu Klu, Kooky

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Pet Rescue Organizations Come Together To Save 90 Lives

Dunkin’ And Baskin-Robbins Aim To Fill Children’s Hospitals With Therapy Dogs

Just in time for the holiday season, restaurant chains Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins have announced their newest initiative in spreading joy to children across the country. The two companies already power the independent charitable organization called The Joy in Childhood Foundation, and their newest endeavor focuses on bringing smiles and laughter to children’s hospitals nationwide.

The program is called Dogs for Joy, and it’s going to provide full-time therapy dogs to patients, families, and staff at many of the country’s children’s hospitals.

The Dog-tor is in! Today we launched Dogs for Joy, our new $2 million grant program to bring dogs who work full-time…

Posted by The Joy In Childhood Foundation on Wednesday, December 12, 2018

While therapy dogs are a relatively common sight in hospitals, very few hospitals have in-house programs where the dogs do more than visit patients a few days a week. With over 2 million dollars in grant money, Dogs for Joy will help children’s hospitals set up programs for in-residence therapy dogs.

These “facility dogs” will be trained and cared for in the same hospitals where they visit patients. The money will go toward investing in therapy dog training, staff training, and all the food, toys, and supplies the dogs will need. The goal is to get as many therapy dogs into full-time employment as possible.

As the concept of inviting therapy dogs into hospitals takes hold, more healthcare officials are recognizing the special breed of healing only dogs can provide. Simply patting a trained therapy dog’s head can reduce stress and make a scared child feel calm and happy. Therapy dogs provide comfort during necessary medical procedures, and they can even demonstrate to children how to take pills or put on a hospital gown. They nuzzle with worried family members, wag their tails for tired staff, and bring a general sense of love and acceptance everywhere they go.

This year, we're celebrating the season of sharing with the Dozen Days of JOY ❤ To kick it off, our Joy in Childhood…

Posted by Dunkin' on Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital in Ohio will be the first to receive a Dogs of Joy grant of $150,000. They plan on putting the money to good use by funding a brand new program and welcoming two therapy dogs into full-time employment. Careful planning has gone into making sure the program will be successful. The dogs will take turns visiting patients and attending events, and specially trained staff will ensure the four-legged coworkers also receive the best possible care.

Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins are determined to make full-time therapy dogs a reality for as many children’s hospitals as they can. They’re encouraging hospitals to apply for a grant on the foundation’s website. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2019. In the meantime, several new therapy dog programs will be standing up early next year, and we can’t wait to see what kind of impact they’ll make on millions of children and their families.

h/t: PR NewsWire

Featured image via Facebook/The Joy in Childhood

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Wrapped In Love – Group Of Crafters Change The Lives Of Rescue Pets Through Love And Kindness

Download the Full January 2019 Issue PDF

Dogs who quickly and willingly get into a crate save critical minutes in an extreme emergency evacuation. In some cases during the evacuation from the tragic Camp Fire, which started on November 8 near my town and burned for weeks, killing at least 88 people and countless animals, minutes made the difference between survival and death.

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Chronic Ear Infections in Dogs: What You Need to Hear

Given that “itchiness” is the most common reason for veterinary visits, I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising that ear infections run a close second. Ear disease is a symptom that something else is going on in your dog’s body, such as allergies, so it makes perfect sense that ear infections are a leading cause of veterinary visits.

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Genetic Health Screening for Dogs

While most owners are familiar with genetic tests to determine the ancestry of mixed-breed dogs, many are not aware that a number of companies have expanded into testing for genetic health disorders. The companies typically advertise these tests as having the potential to both save money and heartache by giving owners an opportunity to prevent or detect diseases in their earliest stages, in order to add health-filled years to our beloved canine companions’ lives. But is this rosy promise even possible?

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Steroids for Dogs: Pros & Cons

Steroids are perhaps one of the most ubiquitous medications in the veterinary world. They can be used for a host of problems ranging from inflammation and allergies to autoimmune disease. While they are incredibly useful and diverse medications, steroids are not without significant side effects. It is important to know why they are used and how they can best be used. It is also critical to realize the possible negative effects and interactions that can occur. Steroids are not benign.

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Spending the Golden Years with Dogs

Well, it’s happened: I have reached the age where I look forward to Social Security payments arriving in my bank account every month. With that significant milestone comes some new perspectives on life with dogs as a senior citizen. Not the least of these is the sobering realization that I have a finite number of dogs left to share my life with, making each one an even greater treasure.

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Dog Accessories 2019: Best Dog Gear of the Year

The whole world is aware that we love to buy stuff for our pets; more than $70 billion was spent by U.S. owners on their pets last year. But we have to say that a lot of that spending was a waste! There are tons of cutesy, low-quality products out there that fail to deliver any real benefit to either dogs or their handlers. That’s where we can help, with five pages of top-quality stuff that you and your dog will truly enjoy.

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Crate Reasoning

We have run many, many articles about crate training in the past 21 years of publishing WDJ. Though I’m sure at least one of those articles mentioned that an emergency evacuation is one very good reason to make sure your dog is comfortable in a crate, I’m not sure we ever gave it more space than a single sentence in a long article about crating.

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Pet Behaviour Science Conference

New dog research abundant and accessible

It’s exciting how much scientific research is currently being done on the behavior of dogs and of other pets. Even better, so many of the new studies are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. The recent Pet Behaviour Conference was an open online event put together by Pet Behaviour Science—a free, open source, peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research on pet behavior and pet-human relationships. The conference was hosted by the University of Cordoba in Spain.

Looking at the conference proceedings, I realized that there are so many researcher names that are new to me, which is yet another indicator of the increase in interest in the area of pet behavior. A whole new generation of scientists is exploring the behavior of our best friends to the benefit of us all.

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5 Pet Toxins To Watch Out For In Your Household Cleaner

When we clean our homes, we assume we’re making it safer for our loved ones. By getting rid of the microscopic viruses and bacteria that hang around our homes, we’re keeping a clean, healthy environment. But what we use when we clean can have negative effects on our pets’ health if we’re not careful. You wouldn’t leave open containers where your dog could drink them, but those same chemicals can still be harmful to your pets once they’re out of the bottle.

 1. Ammonia

It’s likely that you keep products containing ammonia in your home even if you don’t have a big bottle labeled “AMMONIA” under your sink. Ammonia is commonly found in oven cleaners, window cleaners, and wax for hardwood floors. If you have stainless steel surfaces in your home, be aware that it is also found in stainless steel cleaners.

Ammonia can be harmful to both you and your dog as it causes irritation and burns mucus membranes. Several cleaners containing ammonia come in spray-form, so you should wear a mask while using them and your dog should be in another room. Breathing in a cleaner that contains ammonia–or consuming left behind residue–will cause damage to your dog’s nose, mouth and throat. Continued exposure to these harmful chemicals can also lead to respiratory issues. You might begin to notice your dog coughing or otherwise having trouble breathing.

 2. Chlorine/Bleach

We use chlorine in bleach, toilet bowl cleaners, disinfectants, and dishwasher detergent. But bleach isn’t poison just to germs, it’s poison to our pets as well. Just inhalation of chlorine can cause kidney and gastrointestinal damage, and consuming chlorine bleach can cause serious poisoning. You may notice coughing, lethargy, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea and seizures, among other symptoms. Be on the lookout for bleached fur around his mouth and nose, and the smell of chlorine coming from him.

It’s important to keep anything containing bleach out of reach of your dog at all times. Don’t trust the foul taste of bleach to stop your dog from eating it – dogs put all kinds of things in their mouths if they are suddenly curious about something.

If you own a pool, the chlorine shouldn’t bother your dog if properly diluted. It may cause a tummy ache if he drinks too much, but it’s not likely to do any major damage. However, you should keep the chlorine tablets for your pool in a closed container and away somewhere that would be impossible for your dog to reach.

 3. Glycol Ethers

Glycol ethers are commonly found in all-purpose cleaners, liquid soaps, and spot cleaners. If you want to know if anything in your cabinet contains glycol ethers, look in the ingredients list for “Ethylene glycol,” “propylene glycol,” or “diethylene glycol” – all of which are toxic to your dog if consumed. It may even be inside some containers marked “natural” or “green” so it’s imperative that you check for this.

Glycol ethers have been linked to lung damage, kidney damage, and anemia in humans and animals. According to Pet Poison Helpline, there are three stages of poisoning:

Stage 1: (30 minutes to 12 hours post-ingestion) Similar to alcohol poisoning. Your dog may be uncoordinated, drooling, vomiting, or experiencing seizures. He may also be very thirsty and urinating more.

Stage 2: (12-24 hours post-ingestion) Your dog may appear to get better, but very severe internal injuries are still happening.

Stage 3: (36-72 hours post-ingestion) Severe kidney failure. Your dog may not want to eat, and will be tired, drooling, vomiting, and experiencing seizures or even coma.

Keep your dog occupied in another room away from where you’re using chemicals containing glycol ethers. Clean up any spills quickly.

 4. Formaldehyde

It’s not weird if you think of funeral homes when someone mentions formaldehyde. It’s most commonly known as an embalming agent, but we use it around our homes to clean, too. It’s found in soaps, fragrances, general purpose cleaners, and even in some pet shampoos!

Formaldehyde is a severe skin and eye irritant. It also has negative effects on the respiratory and nervous systems of the body. The EPA recognizes formaldehyde as a carcinogen – which means that it can cause cancer, but does not always cause cancer in those who are exposed to it.

5. Quarternary Ammonium Compounds

Also known as “QUATS” – they’re commonly used in fabric softeners, and you may find them in the ingredients list on cleaner labels marked “antibacterial.” They can cause skin irritation, and were found to be one of the leading causes of contact dermatitis in humans over a 10 year study. It’s also thought that they may cause respiratory issues, including asthma in healthy humans.

Dogs can also get contact dermatitis. You may notice skin inflammation and itchiness, blisters and sore patches. He may lose hair, and have lesions or ulcers. Watch out for red patches and scaly, dry, or thickened skin. A vet can treat your dog’s contact dermatitis and relieve his irritation, but it’s important to get rid of whatever might have caused it. You may have to start doing your laundry – especially his bedding – without fabric softener. There are other simple options to keep your clothes static-free. Switch out your fabric softener for a little vinegar – it will do the same job and won’t leave its pungent smell on your laundry.

 

 

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Ford Designs Noise-Canceling Dog Kennel To Help Pups With Noise Phobia

Enrichment Toys: Toys to Keep Your Dog Busy While at Work

With pets in the workplace on the rise, our pets need something to do while they are in the office. Enrichment toys are a great way to keep your dog occupied while you work. While some pets may enjoy the atmosphere of an office, not all pets are used to cubicles and meeting rooms. Certainly, […]

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Research Shows Women Sleep Better With Dogs By Their Sides Instead Of Humans

A girl needs her beauty sleep – and according to a recent study, she’s more likely to get it with a dog lying next to her than a human.

Animal behaviorists from Canisius College set out to explore the impacts pets have on human sleep quality. They collected data from 962 women living in the United States. 55% shared their bed with at least one dog, and 31% with at least one cat.

In addition, 57% of participants also shared their bed with a human partner.

“Compared with human bed partners, dogs who slept in the owner’s bed were perceived to disturb sleep less and were associated with stronger feelings of comfort and security,” the study authors wrote. “(It) may be related to dogs’ abilities to deter intruders and warn their owners of potential threats.”

The researchers further speculated that dog moms were more likely to stick to a strict sleep schedule, and therefore enjoy better rest.

“Dog ownership and its associated responsibilities may cause individuals to adhere to a stricter routine. Keeping to a consistent sleep schedule may be beneficial to dog owners.”

When it comes to humans and felines, the results were far less soothing:

“Conversely, cats who slept in their owner’s bed were reported to be equally disruptive as human partners, and were associated with weaker feelings of comfort and security than both human and dog bed partners.”

Sorry kitties, looks like you’ll be joining the husbands on the couch!

 

H/T to Daily Mail

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Trupanion Holiday Gift Guide 2018: Top Pet Gifts of the Season

Have you found the perfect gift for your furry friend yet? Time is ticking! The Trupanion holiday gift guide is here, and we have the top pet gifts of the season. This versatile gift guide features everything from pet care products to pet-tech and we can’t wait to share. Here are our favorite six pet-approved […]

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How Data Helps to Provide the Best to Your Best Friend

December 18, 2018

By Jon Bowen, BVetMed DipAS(CABC) MRCVS, RVC, University of London 

We like to think that we know how our dogs feel, but the reality is that we often miss things. This spring our twelve-year old Labrador, Harry, was suddenly taken very ill with pancreatitis. It’s a serious condition, but he survived. However, thinking back to what he had been like during the few days before he became ill, it’s clear that he had not been right. 

The signs were subtle, but he had been a little bit less playful and a little less enthusiastic on walks. Nothing that was bad enough to alarm us, but it was notable in hindsight. 

This was one of the incidents that really brought home to me how monitoring devices could help us to understand better how our dogs feel. Pancreatitis is painful, so Harry probably wasn’t sleeping comfortably. He doesn’t sleep in our bedroom, so he could have been tossing and turning all night and I wouldn’t have known. A monitor like Animo could have told us about disturbed sleep and changes in activity that started well ahead of the physical signs of pancreatitis, so we could have sought treatment earlier.

There are a whole host of common medical problems that monitors like Animo might help us with. Monitors can alert us to changes in sleep and activity patterns that can be a general indication of pain, stress or declining health, as well specific behaviors like scratching or barking. This can be useful if we want to know whether a treatment is working; for example, has itchiness been reduced to an acceptable level with a particular allergy treatment for dermatitis. It can also tell us whether a dog is coping well with being left alone or is in fact barking because it is stressed.

Some diseases, like arthritis, change in severity over time so that treatments lose their effectiveness. A human patient will go to their doctor to ask for help, but dogs don’t always show obvious signs of pain. A monitor like Animo can tell us that although our dog still goes on the same two-mile walk every morning and evening, he is running around and playing less during the walk. When we change to a different anti-inflammatory drug, we can see an improvement in the data from the monitor much more easily than we could by observation alone.

Monitoring isn’t all about getting alerts about impending health problems, it can also give greater insight into wellbeing. In 2011, The Mental Health Foundation published the results of a survey of people’s sleep quality and the impact it has on their ability to function. They found that only 38% of people had good quality sleep, and that insomnia was associated with relationship problems, low energy and poor concentration. Insomnia is also linked to stress and anxiety. We know very little about sleep in dogs, but they share the same environment with us, so they are exposed to many of the same sources of disturbance and stress. By giving us an insight into our dogs’ sleep quality, monitors like Animo enable us to make changes that help our dogs to sleep better. For example, being fed a bit earlier, going on a relaxing evening walk, and moving the dog’s bed to a quieter, darker place. You can see the effects of any changes you make, and the result could be a happier, more active and less irritable pet.

Another major issue for pet dogs is obesity. Although it probably doesn’t seem like it sometimes, most people are pretty good at managing their weight; we subconsciously change the amount of food we eat according to our level of physical activity. The problem is that dogs don’t seem to have the same level of self-control, and many of them behave as if they would eat until they burst. In people, weight gain results from only very small excesses in calorie intake: To gain 1kg of weight in a year, a person only has to eat an extra two chocolate bars a month. It’s the same with dogs. Activity monitors like Animo can give us an accurate indication of the number of calories our dogs have expended in exercise, so we can adjust the amount of food we feed. This is particularly useful if a lot of the dog’s exercise is with dog walkers; we don’t really know how far our dog has walked, whether he has been running around or playing. A monitor like Animo can tell us.

This brings us to the last, and probably most important, aspect of wellbeing, which is how much pleasure our dogs get from their lives. There is a big difference between an average walk and a great walk, or an average day and a fun day. We want our dogs to have the best quality of life possible, but it’s easy to slip into bad habits because we have busy lives and conflicting priorities. This is a particular problem when dogs get past 7 years of age; they often become calmer, less demanding and easier to overlook. Just as personal activity trackers remind us to take regular exercise, monitors like Animo can remind us to do more fun things with our dogs, and to be better pet owners. Perhaps that’s the most important thing of all.

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We like to think that we know how our dogs feel, but the reality is that we often miss things. This spring our twelve-year old Labrador, Harry, was suddenly taken very ill with pancreatitis. It’s a serious condition, but he survived. However, thinking back to what he had been like during the few days before he became ill, it’s clear that he had not been right.

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