Teeth Cleaning For Dogs

Brushing your dog's teeth is a good habit to begin when they are still puppies.   If you get an adult dog, slow introduction to the use of a special toothbrush and toothpaste is always a good idea.  The paste used on the brush can be purchased online or at a dog supply store and is usually flavored.  Introducing the brush should be done slowly in both puppies and adults.   This is a job you will be doing for the duration of your pet's life and the last thing you want is for them to be afraid.

I recommend getting a couple of brushes to begin.   Find something your dog really likes and is not allergic to, maybe creamy peanut butter or cream cheese, and put a small amount on your finger.  Let your pet lick it off then move to lifting the muzzle in all places, allowing the reward for you manipulating their face to be the treat you have on your finger.  Soon your companion will look forward to seeing those fingers coming to their mouth.   After the dog allows this movement of their muzzle, then introduce the brush with the creamy treat on it.  Let the dog lick that off and use lots of praise.   When they have made the connection between praise, food, the brush and your hand, then place the brush, with nothing on it, onto their teeth and slowly make a few strokes.

There are some dogs who have no objections to tooth brushing and this process will go very fast, others who may have been abused, lack self confidence, or are very dominant, will take longer.   Let them taste the toothpaste from your finger then place it on the brush.   For a dog who has issues with you handling its mouth and muzzle take as long as the dog needs to reinforce the positive side of this exercise.   Little dogs often have major tooth decay issues throughout their lives.   Sometimes they even require vet care for cleanings as often as once a year.   Larger dogs seem less likely to need this yearly vet dental work, but keep an eye on the teeth as rotten or broken ones will need immediate attention.   Brushing does not eliminate the need to have a vet check the teeth and when one gets yearly shots for their pup would be a good time to address this concern.

If patience and time is taken to teach the dog tooth brushing is not something to fear, doing this once a week will not be such a chore.   One can also add treats that clean the teeth on a daily basis.   I used to believe that feeding only dry food would help clean the teeth but my vet said a study performed recently showed this not to be the case.   Good dental hygene is simply a matter of putting it into you and your companions daily and / or weekly routine.


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Search and Rescue Dogs...9-11-01

As the memory of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 come to mind on this twelfth anniversary, it would only be right to speak about Search and Rescue dogs.    Often one sees German Shepherd Dogs (as pictured above), Bloodhounds and Labrador Retrievers doing the search work on television, but many breeds and mixes can qualify for this job.   It is the determination, prey drive (desire to seek and catch prey) and tenaciousness of the individual canine which creates the basis for a SAR (search and rescue) dog.

Once a candidate for SAR has been identified, there is a long, ongoing training process.   Some start as puppies, others adults, some found in shelters, others bred specifically from a long line of active working dogs (ones of great pedigree, sound temperament and health with parents who participate in a working sport to win honors).  After the animal is chosen, the handler devotes a huge amount of time to training which is ongoing for the life of the dog.  Most training takes place in the worst of weather conditions, rain, fog, snow, high heat and humidity along with all the external hazards of sharp debris, biting bugs, and possible collapses.   During  training sessions, a few dedicated owners and their companions meet to set scent trails, create hiding places in debris, bury themselves in snow drifts, or hide in mosquito filled woodlands until each dog has had many opportunities to seek out and find the "lost" or "buried" person.    This all takes place in locations that are safe for the animal but not usually in comfortable environments.   The canines are also worked in sessions of agility training, not the type where there is a course to follow at top speed, but a carefully put together collection of real ladders, rocks, tunnels, jumps and balancing type of wooden beams.   The dog grows in self confidence and only positive reinforcement of the animal is used.

They are taught to find a human or specific animal, living or not, by use of their excellent scenting and hearing skills by zoning  into what is called "the scent cone" of a missing person.   Trailing back and forth, usually with their nose in the air (called air scenting) they hone in on the scent, then when close, they drop their nose to the ground to pick up the exact location.  Some dogs are taught to sit, bark, lay down, or dig when a hidden person is located.   Avalanche dogs actively dig the human out of the snow while the handler makes sure to watch them closely, running to the spot and helping to dig as well.  There are dogs who are used in water search that sit inside a boat, scenting, as they are slowly motored around a body of water.  A dog can smell and locate, depending upon exterior conditions, a few babies tears placed on a football field of grass, as well as a one drop of bleach in 100 gallons of water.   Canines sense of smell is so discerning that some are used to detect cancer cells, determine the chemical changes in our body to predict the onslaught of seizures, low blood sugar, angina, panic attacks, and a host of other internal health issues.

Once the SAR dog is trained, they practice regularly in the most hostile of conditions so when they get the call to come and help, there will be no hesitation.   Dozer was my main search and rescue dog although Spirit and Echo were also trained.   Many of our searches were to locate lost children or the elderly in urban environments.  Each animal sees the person they are locating as "prey" (not to be confused with attacking or killing anything) and the locating of the prey is its own reward.  Some trainers use a specific toy only given after a successful search is completed, others use high levels of praise from the rescued person.   No matter what method used, situations in training are always geared for the canine to become successful.    This creates a willingness to never give up even when nothing is being found.   The SAR dogs who searched in 9-11 and the Oklahoma bombing became depressed when they were not finding any live people, so the handlers created smaller searches where another handler was hiding and the canine found them, in order to boost the morale of the dogs.

Search and Rescue dogs are so dedicated they often pursue until they have bleeding paws, forsaking food and driving themselves to near exhaustion.   The handlers are just as committed  but have to stop their pets and force them to rest.   It is an honor to watch a canine detect and rescue a missing person in any circumstance and we should celebrate all the heroes, human and canine who are devoted to locating lost loved ones. 


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A Forever Home

Meet Rascal, found running loose in my neighborhood and I was called to see if I had room to take him.   Assisted by the local humane society, this bundle of energy found a forever home.    Such an adorable little man, he blended into my home and routine seamlessly.   He was happy go lucky, bouncy, and totally house broken.

I always wonder why people dump pets of any variety, but when one comes along who has everything going for him... I really scratch my head.    About a year old, Rascal was teaming with fleas and had intestinal worms, very matted fur and diarrhea; but those issues are an easy fix and if the owner had maintained him properly the cost would be minimal.  The humane society paid for all the vet bills of heart worm check, fecal, exam, medications and neutering.   Quite a chunk of change there.   Our local humane society is non profit, staffed by only the owner of the land and her husband (who live on the expansive property) and a few come and go volunteers.   Hard work and many fund drives later, she was able to erect a beautiful building, complete with large exersize pens, concrete floor, big, chain-link pens inside the building, heating and air conditioning, beds for every pet, as well as a very large section of all grass that is divided into huge pens for the dogs to get out, run, play and socialize with each other for company.   It is a no kill shelter, thus, no animal is euthanized except for severe physical trauma cases that stand no chance of recovery.    Thus, there is not a lot of room for taking in new animals.   Each potential owner goes through an extensive screening process.   The only cost is to pay back for shots, spay and neuter, and a minimal adoption fee.   If adopting a dog or cat, you get a healthy animal, they completely cleared by the vet, altered, taking heart worm preventative and have flea/tick treatment already on them.   It is a huge bargain.

There are some very lucky dogs who get to go live in foster homes.   This is the service I provide to do my part.  I take them to the vet if needed, keep up their monthly medications, give bathes if needed, grooming, and most of all training.   I take ones who have been abused, maybe showing signs unacceptable temperament and might have much less of a chance for adoption because of poor behavior.   Teaching them the basics of sit, down, come, as well and house breaking and raising self esteem, they become good citizens of the canine world.

Rascal was already house broken and he loved to snuggle in bed.   Having high self esteem and a dominant personality and learned the doggie door quickly.   He loved to go for walks and didn't mind the grooming (which was daily brushing as his fur was so soft and would tangle), but his favorite thing was to ride in the car.   His size afforded a perfect travel companion and a couple who's dog had recently died of old age adopted him.   I still hear back or see them at sponsored events and they tell me how he is doing and bring pictures.   Truly, Rascal was a mans dog.  Some dogs prefer women, others men, and some love everyone.   Rascal's new owners wanted him to be in all parts of their life.  The husband was especially fond of taking his new buddy out on long rides.

I have heard people say it must be difficult to let a foster dog go to a new home after one has put so much love and time into them.   To these people I would answer a resounding, yes, it is very hard on the heart.   But on the other hand, it is extremely rewarding.  I am able to give a shelter dog a house to live in, walks, time at the park, rides in my car, interaction with other species and thoroughly
determine the type of new family home the pet would best fit into.   The benefits to the adopter is getting a dog who has many "shelter kinks" worked out and will usually blend seamlessly into their home and routine.  Do the dogs miss me?  Honestly, I am not sure. I know they do not forget me, for I have seen them with their new owners and I am greeted with many kisses and a warm welcome.   But dogs live in the moment, and when the chemistry between pet and owner is good, they seem to flick their tail in a last wave of goodbye as they load up into their new guardians car.   Rascal is now king of his new castle, getting everything a dog ever dreams of, and boundless love from his new family.  The successfully placed foster animals have left indelible footprints on my heart, were cried over when they left, but their placement into a forever home allowed me to open my family to Spike and Grace as foster additions.  I am grateful and honored for the time I shared my life with Rascal, may his new family receive the warmth, love, and joy this sweet boy showed to me.


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Pickin' a Vetrinarian

I love this photo!  The German Shepherd Dog is clearly expressing his lack of desire to partake in a vet visit.  Many of our pets feel this way because we do not usually visit the vet when our animal is well.  Often they are injured and the strange smells, floors, the anxiety of you and other animals present sends our companion into a hyper-vigilent state of mind.  Aside from choosing the best pet for your family, picking a veterinarian would be the next most important decision you make.

The vet you pick may well be with you the entire lifetime of your dog, seeing both of you at your worst moments.   Weigh this decision carefully and do not be afraid to ask opinions of friends, co-workers, and humane societies about all the local vet hospitals.  Most everyone will have an opinion, good or bad, depending upon their own level of vet care for their animal.   After you get the first impressions, drive to each possible clinic to make your own judgement.  When you arrive at the clinic, think of what you look for in your own doctor's office.   There should be a clean, neat environment , both inside and out.   Check the open hours and ask if the vet is available for after hours visits and how emergencies are handled.   If your call, after hours or in an emergency, is simply sent to an answering machine that won't be checked till the next regular opening day, pass this vet by.    All good vets offer emergency services and will not complain that they have to assist their clients 24/7.  It is highly unlikely that your dog will fall ill during a 9-5 work day, Monday through Friday.   Find out the cost of after hours visits, often it ranges from fifty dollars on up just for the exam.    Well worth it if your beloved animal is ill or injured.  Ask the vet if that cost can be billed to you instead of you paying at the time of services.   This is very important because thinking about bringing your check book or credit card when you face a life or death situation is not at the top of your priority list.

Speak to the staff, vet techs, receptionists, and the vet as well.   They are very busy with regularly scheduled appointments so you may need to ask when you can come back to chat for a few minutes.   Find out how long the practice has been established, is the parking lot full, are there Saturday hours, do they have a working relationship with people who rescue strays, are there discounts if you bring in more than one pet at the same time for yearly vaccinations and heart worm testing.   Some vets will offer a package discount to you for that particular service, such as, not charging the full office visit price per dog. 
 
One major point to consider is whether the vet a small animal, large animal or both clinic.   Both types offer their own advantages.  It has been my experience that when a vet treats both farm and domestic animals they have a casual confidence in their abilities to deal with most major situations (they don't get ruffled feathers easily).   These vets are relaxed, laid back, and truly enjoys treating your pet.   More often they are not in the practice for the money.   Their prices tend to be lower and they may match another vets price, one you have seen online, or in a magazine.  (Remember you will pay shipping and handling for online and magazine orders and that needs to be figured into the price of getting the Rx on the spot)    Some disadvantages to this type of clinic is the more restricted hours open to the public.  Sometimes they offer "open hours" each day of the week at a set time.  During these hours you do not need an appointment.  However, it will be first come, first serve and you may have to wait a long time if an emergency call to a farm comes in.   The clinics offer the aroma of farm animals and can be much noisier than the other type. 

Strictly small animal vets usually offer more hours and days to fill your appointments.   They get to know you and your pet on a personal basis.  Many attend lectures on the newest diseases and treatments to further their knowledge.  They are aware of advanced treatment options and can direct you to a place specializing in the care of your animals illness or a major university with advanced skills.   Their equipment is state of the art.  Not having to send out blood, urinalysis, or other tests, allows you to get the results the same day.   The building is usually within your town limits and has an attractive design inside and out.  Typically, your emergency calls are answered and attended to in a timely manner.   They have more time to converse with you during an appointment and address your general fears, questions, or concerns.

It is entirely up to you, the type of vet you wish to make your own.   Maybe you will have both kinds; using the local vet for emergencies and long and short term illnesses your pet faces, while using the farm vet for yearly shots, spay, neuter, flea, tick and heart worm medications and refills.  If the vet is out your immediate town, ask if they offer a mailing service when you need to refill your prescriptions.    This saves time, gas, and hassle of driving to the clinic to get the refill.  Expect to pay a small shipping and handling charge. 

When you are inside a potential new facility, scoping it out, read what is on the walls.   A bonus would be areas dedicated to lost and found pets, something that speaks of spaying and neutering your animal, posters reflecting the need to have yearly animal vaccinations and the use of heart worm and flea treatments.    Even if all those services are not for your animal, the posting of them shows a conscientious person who is looking out for the welfare of animals.   The staff should be friendly, knowledgeable and patient.

There is a third option of a traveling vet.   This may be someone who, most often, works out of a RV and is in your town on specific days, maybe two a week, at specific hours.   This choice is not generally used as a permanent solution.   Traveling vets offer substantially lower prices as they have so little overhead to pay.   These only cater to small animals.   Some offer spay/neuter but since they have the ability to leave your area for parts unknown, it may be advisable to not have a recovering animal and an absent vet.   For the testing of blood or urine, yearly shots and a few other things this choice may be good. 

The choice of your new vet should be a place you and your animal will be comfortable with.  By using your choice a few times, you will get a feel of whether or not this will fit into your life.   Pick carefully and listen to that little voice inside your head and heart.   Someday, that fuzzy critter you let sleep with you may have their life depend upon your vets knowledge and skills.


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Travelin' in Style!

I can almost hear this sweet pup saying,  "Onward James ! "      Today's four legged companions have the ability to travel with us in style like never before.   Often we see pets flying on plane trips, going on the family vacation in the RV, and riding in our cars on both long and short outings.   Adventures with your companion can be as simple or complex as you wish to make them.

For those who wish to take their pet flying, if you have pocket sized pals, they can travel in the  passenger space with us, under our seats, in carefully constructed bags.   For those with bigger dogs, they must ride in the belly of the plane with the luggage in airline approved travel crates.   If you are looking for this type of trek with your four paws pal, please be aware that each airline has specific standards that must be adhered to.  Some examples are, crate sizes and styles, health certificates, food and water directions, as well as many other rules.  It is good to call and make your plans well in advance.

Traveling in an RV gives one the opportunity to pack everything your pup will need well in advance.  If you are crossing state lines or going for an extended period of time, it is a good practice to type up and print out a copy of all of the dogs shot records as well as the phone number and address of the local vet you used.   This reference is invaluable if ever the worst were to happen and your dog might bite a person, another animal, or in the possibility of illness.  You will have the information ready to hand over and a name of a person to call to verify.  Don't forget to bring your pets medication in the original bottles in case you need to refill on the road.  Thus you have the pill size, dosage, and frequency available to bring to a different vet.

 If your pet is used to the RV then traveling will be a breeze.   They feel their home is on wheels and are settled in any campsite you pick to stop in.   Depending upon the size of the dog, a folding wire crate is a good choice to take along.   This will afford you the opportunity to set the dog up outside the RV, in good weather, and have him secure.   I would not ever leave a pet in a crate unattended as people could easily come along and steal them or cause harm.   However, if you have an outside area set up and people there watching, use of a crate to keep the dog out from underfoot or to relieve your pets stress when new people come to visit.  I like to take along a light weight sheet that is big enough to cover the crate.  If your animal is stressed, placing it inside and darkening the crate can afford more relaxation and a feeling of a natural den.  Of course, the dog needs to be crate trained at home way before this.

 If this would not work for you I would bring  a long, sturdy tie out that your pet can not chew through.   Again, I would not leave the dog unattended, but it offers a bit more roaming room than just a six foot leash and can be wrapped around a tree or RV tire while you are working around the unit.   Always bring more than one leash and an additional collar.   The dog should have on and wear, at all times, a rabies tag and a metal engraved ID tag with your name, vet name, city, state.   I refrain from putting my dogs name on the tag as it is not good practice to let just anyone know your pets name.   Again, they may use that to steal your dog.

Some people whose pets have sensitive stomachs will carry  water from home.  This is not practical for large breeds over an extended period of time.   Pet food from home is always the best way to keep the tummy from being upset do to a sudden change in diet.   Always bring extra food and be familiar with pet stores that carry your brand, in advance, on the route you plan to take.    Assemble a first aid kit for your pet.   Put in sterile gauze, scissors, vet wrap, alcohol pads, tweezers, needle nose pliers, ipecac syrup (used to induce vomiting in non-caustic poisoning), hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls, waterproof First Aid tape and a generic equivalent to triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) to help dress, care for and bind wounds, as well as remove fish hooks or splinters.   I recommend taking this kit with you any time you travel with your pet, even out to the park.    One time I had my dogs swimming at the lake and running in the woods when Echo came back whining, her mouth stuck open and a shaft of a tree branch she had somehow ran into was wedged into the back of her throat.  I was able to cut off the excess and rush her to the vet for removal of the branch.  Another time, Missy was trolling the shores and came back with a fish hook firmly in the roof her mouth.   The pliers and some help from a couple of fisherman, got the hook out.

When traveling by car, even across town,  bring a roll of fresh paper towels and a couple of dog towels.   More than one time I have had to clean up in the car when someone got car sick, or wrap up a dog who may have swam too hard and be shivering.   When going by car on a vacation, bring along the same things as in an RV.   If staying in a motel,  make those arrangements ahead of time and  double checks that  pets are welcome and the cost.  As you choose a motel, look for information on the web or advertisement stating if the place is "pet friendly" plus the cost per dog, per night.   Check to see if your dog is allowed to remain in the room while you tour an area or if you must keep the pet with you at all times.  That is particularly important in the summer and winter seasons so a pet is not left unattended in a parked car with temperature extremes.  Always bring doggie bags to  pick up after any animal and be considerate of people who may not wish to hear your dog barking, be lunged at or jumped on, or have pets of their own who do not co-mingle.   Your animal is best appreciated by others at a distance.  Remember they do not have a pet with them for a reason.   Set an example and show the highest degree of courtesy thus leaving a positive impression about you and your dog.

Our family vacations have drastically changed, over the years, to include our four legged friends.  No matter how you plan to travel, make all your arrangements in advance to allow your trip, you, others, and your companion to enjoy the quality time.  


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