Category Archives: Health

Dog Advocacy, Health, Shelters

Dog Prosthetics

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Isn’t this dog gorgeous! I’m partial to blue dogs anyways, but he is especially pretty. But that’s not the point of the story. Wyatt was found missing a rear leg, and rescued by the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Once his story became known, a massive fund-raising drive raised enough money for him to be fitted with a prosthetic leg. It’s amazing the things that can be done when people put their minds to it, isn’t it?

Once he gets used to his leg, Wyatt will be available for adoption, probably sometime this fall. It will be a lucky family that gets him!

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

Health

Tuesday Top Ten: Benefits to Using Dog Seat Belts

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Pictured is one available model of dog seat belt, available from Handicapped Pets. If you care enough about your dog to take him places with you, you should care enough to take him there safely. Here’s our list of the top ten benefits to belting in your dog when you take him in the car.

10. A harness usually slips right onto your existing seatbelt – they are really easy to use.
9. The harness can be taken from the vehicle and clipped to the end of a leash. No need for a separate collar.
8. Most harnesses are compatible with any vehicle make or model.
7. The seat belt will prevent your dog from being ejected in the event of a crash.
6. Seat belts keep your dog from distracting you while you are trying to drive.
5. Seat belts keep your dog (and his sharp claws!) off of your lap.
4. Seat belts keep your dog from becoming a projectile if you have a crash, which could prevent additional injury to both you and the dog.
3. Seat belts allow you to keep your dog restrained when emergency personnel respond and try to attend to you and your family.
2. Seat belts keep your dog from getting down by your feet, possibly impairing your ability to get to your brakes.
1. Seat belts save lives – both human and canine.

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

Health

And the heat wave continues…

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Sabrina Byrnes - Metroland via TheStar.com
We’ve posted several times about the dangers of leaving your dog in the car on hot days, but don’t forget that when extreme weather hits, even your yard can become dangerous for your dog. The combination of heat and high humidity can be fatal, particularly if your dog has lots of fur.

The Humane Society of Durham Region (near Toronto) responded to a call last week about an elderly Chow Chow who had been tethered in the blazing sun. The dog was unable to stand up and began convulsing once they got him into an air-conditioned van.

Debby Houghton, an investigator with the Humane Society said, “To leave a dog unattended on one of the hottest days this year, and an older dog at that, is totally unacceptable. The veterinarian attending to the dog has commented that if 10 more minutes had elapsed the dog would have probably died.”

The dog is apparently making a nice recovery and animal cruelty charges are pending against his “family.”

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

Doggies Point Of View, Health

Tuesday Top Ten: Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm During the Fireworks

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We all know fireworks are a great deal of fun to watch, but too often, they are terrifying to dogs. In fact, most shelters report that July 5th is their busiest day, as they struggle to deal with all of the dogs who ran away in fright from a fireworks display. So, here’s our top ten list on ways to keep your dog home and safe during those pesky loud boomers.

10. Try a Calming Collar to help your dog relax.
9. Outfit your dog with a Thunder Shirt, also said to help with relaxation.
8. Leave your dog at home when you go to the fireworks show. Yes, your friends would love to see your dog, but it’s not worth the stress your dog will likely experience.
7. Lock your dog in the smallest, quietest room in your home while the fireworks are going on, if you won’t be home.
6. If you can be home during the show, sit close to your dog and whisper sweet encouraging words to him.
5. Turn on a television or radio to help mask the sound of the fireworks.
4. Ask your vet about puppy Valium if you know your dog has had major problems with loud noises in the past.
3. Tire your dog out before the show. Take a long walk or run, play Frisbee, or throw a tennis ball several times to get the dog tired enough to sleep through the fireworks.
2. Refrain from hugging your dog when he is stressing. You may be doing nothing more than providing additional stimulation at a time when your dog needs to calm down.
1. Keep yourself calm. If you are uptight, it will make your dog more uptight.

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!