Colonial Animal Hospital: pet boarding

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Deaf Pet Awareness

Just wanted to share this important infographic from Trupanion, please feel free to share this important information.

Centuries ago humans began the process of domesticating the dog and forming what "being a dog" really means. Through careful choice and breeding a variety of dog breeds have been created. Desirable traits have been chosen for in various breeds that are of a advantage to people. There are some traits, though, that quickly become unwanted when expressed too often. Barking is for instance a natural behavior that is encouraged in regards of guarding behavior, but becomes a dilemma when the behavior is excessive. It was noted in a recent survey that the most disruptive and stressful noise for people is that of a incessantly barking dog.

Why Do Dogs Bark?

In addition to whining, howling, and growling; barking is a dog's natural way of communicating.

Barking: is a series of short, sharp sounds that tend to vary little in tone or pitch.

A dog’s bark can imply your dogs are protection mode, showing dominance, or telling you he needs something. Barking is "a means of communication triggered by a state of excitement." It is natural for your dog to bark, it only becomes a behavior issue when it is unnecessary barking, in excess.

Problem Barking

There are a variety of explanations for problem barking. For one, genetics have an influence on a dog's predisposition to bark. Breeds in the terrier family are known to frequent barking more than other breeds. Nevertheless, excess barking can exist in ANY breed. The answer to solving the problem is to establish what is triggering the behavior.

Improper confinement can be a major cause of problem barkers. This is leaving a dog locked room alone, or in a crate. As well as being tied up outdoors, or even an enclosed yard without shelter from the weather. This confinement causes a frustrated dog that barks a lot.

A dog that does not get enough exercise has a lot of pent up
energy can be released through barking.

The outside world can be a significant trigger for barking. Neighbors, traffic, sirens, even the television can set off barking depending on the time of day. A dog may not be as sensitive to these sounds during the day, but when night falls the barking is set off by the slightest noise.

Separation Anxiety is also a reason for barking. The temperament of the dog is another consideration.

A over-aggressive dog may bark at the smallest irritation.

A over-protective territorial dog to bark will bark at strangers or unknown guests.

Solutions?!

Excess barking can be a severe behavioral problem and can mean the end of the relationship with your dog or worse the dog itself if left untreated.

Here are some tips on how to solve the barking problem

First determine if your dog is barking because of improper confinement or lack of shelter from the weather. If that is the case re-access the space that your dog is being kept. Is he comfortable? Is it enough space? If your dog is left outside, do you have a dog house? Does your dog have enough shelter from the elements?

Does your dog need more exercise? It could help the problem as well.

If environmental noises are the trigger for the barking, or it is your dogs temperament, behavioral modification methods should be used. These methods include reconditioning using a oral reprimand such as "No!", and leash correction. Do NOT yell at your dog, loud noises will encourage your dog to continue to bark. Keep in mind that if you want your dog to associate the undesirable behavior with the punishment it should be applied while the barking is occurring. Don’t forget to reward your dog once the barking stops.

Another method is Indirect Intervention, which has a variety of techniques. Such as squirting your dog with water while it barks or devices that use high frequency sound that interrupts the bark and is controlled by you.

As the absolute final resort, when all methods have failed, and the dogs well-being is on the line there is a surgical procedure, a vocal cordectomy aka debarking, that removes part of the vocal cords.

When it comes to the problem of excessive barking, just remember that the first step is understanding, and then determine how you can resolve the issue with the most effective method. Modifying an instinctive and natural behavior can be tricky, and may require significant amount of patience, time, and hard work. Solutions are achievable and worth the attempt.

Canine Arthritis- Signs, Types & Treatments

Canine Arthritis is more common as your dog ages. Similar to humans is is a calcification and inflammation that causes joint pain and limited activities. There are some types of arthritis like Hip Dysplasia that form early in life because of genetics and even diet.

The good news is that its treatable!

Treatments for canine arthritis vary from natural supplements to veterinary prescribed drugs. Studies and real results have shown that natural supplements can be exceptionally effective in fighting the symptoms of arthritis in dogs without the potentially hazardous side effects of prescribed drugs. Before deciding which treatment plan is best for your dog, you should examine the signs of dog arthritis.

Signs of Dog Arthritis

1. Limping and limited activity.

2. Favoring one or both of the front or back limbs.

3. Morning activity or cold weather makes the dog less active.

4. Trouble rising from a laying position, particularly in the morning.

5. Pain to the touch.

6. Unwillingness to jump.

If you think your dog has arthritis, you should know the different types of arthritis.

Here are some of the most common:

Types of Dog Arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis – Also known as canine arthritis or dog arthritis, it is the most common form of arthritis and most easily treated. This type develops slowly as the dog ages.

2. Canine Hip Dysplasia - This is caused by looseness in the socket linking the thighbone and hipbone. The development usually occurs when the dog is young but can develop at any age. A familiar sign is to hear a clicking sound when your dog walks.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Considered a more severe condition then #1. This is an immune mediated disease and can affect the whole body. Numerous joints can be affected and the lameness can come and go without notice.

4. Degenerative Disc Disease – When the discs in the vertebrae form calcification and grow to be rigid. They become less able to endure compression. It lead to a severe injury and paralysis if the discs rupture or becomes herniated.

5. Stifle Joint Disorder - This is when the knee and joint becomes unstable; usually from a stretched or torn ligament. This can also cause the joint cartilage to become damaged and inflamed.

Treatment Options

1. Natural

2. Prescription Drugs

3. Surgery

The bottom line is that Dog Arthritis can be a very debilitating disease if left untreated. As dog owners we need to pay close attention to our animals and take action when symptoms are noticed. Frequently a natural supplement is all that is needed to help your dog. Sometimes more aggressive treatments are needed such as surgery. The most important thing is to notice and diagnose the issue and then choose what treatment is best for your dog.

For more information or if you feel your pet may be showing signs of arthritis, call today for an appointment! Ask about our Water Therapy Treatments!

Establishing Trust

It was morning and you opened the front door to grab the newspaper from your porch. Your dog spots a cat in the yard, and darts out of the open door and across the street before you can react. Your heart is in your throat. The fear that he will be hit by a car rushes over you. When he finally comes to your calls, you are upset and you discipline him for chasing the cat and not coming the first time you called.

From your dog’s point of view he got to chase a cat, which was fun. Then when he returned to you he was in trouble which was not fun. You wanted him to know that it is not okay to chase the cat, but what he really learned was that coming to you was unkind.

Remember that when you call your dog, you want him to come. Whenever he comes to you, be nice. No matter what he might have gotten into greet him with kindness and a pat on the head. This teaches your dog to trust you. Anytime that he follows you, comes to you, make him feel wanted.

A dog’s behavior can sometimes be utterly frustrating, ringing you a half chewed up brand new shoe for example. It is important to remember that at that moment your dog does not understand that he has done something wrong. The only thing he understands is that you are angry, but not why.

Punishment after the fact is cruel and inhumane. The answers are in the prevention and training. Prevention means you are providing your pet with enough outlets for his energy. Training means teaching your dog to follow your command.

Being consistent with your commands & the tone of your commands!