As part of my belief in preventative health care, my dogs begin to eat yogurt when they are very young, on the advice of my veterinarian. When the puppies are still on their mother’s breast–about 2 to 3 days of age–I put regular yogurt on the tip of my finger and encourage them to lick it off. It isn’t long before they are avid yogurt consumers, and what is known as “easy keepers”. ( An “easy keeper” walks by a bag of dog food and gains weight!) But, there is always more to learn about feeding our best friends. Recently I found an article on probiotics. I discovered that the probiotic ACIDOPHILUS was best given in the morning while at night BIFIDUS is the probiotic that is most effective. Most yogurts have both. However, the doctor recommended giving the probiotic 15 to 30 minutes before breakfast and l5 to 30 minutes after the evening meal. When determining which product to use, the CFU indicates colony forming units or viability–the expiration date helps with this. Most important it is recommended to give probiotics for the duration of any medication and one to two weeks after medication. Since I have 3 dogs I buy un-flavored low fat plain yogurt with probiotics in a tub.
Have you heard about DSA? Dog Scouts of America. For more information, visit http://www.dogscouts.org
SAFE HARBOR FOR DOGS is a new organization of humane societies formed to shelter large numbers of dogs from commercial kennels in Pennsylvania which are closing or have dogs they do not want. SAFE HARBOR is an alternative to euthanasia or neglect. As I understand it, once the state dog law officer is notified by the commercial kennel of these circumstances, the dogs are transported to appropriate shelters and checked by the PAVMA. Participating groups include the SPCA of Luzerne County, Humane Society of Berks County, Bucks County SPCA, Clearfield County SPCA, the Humane League of Lancaster, and the York County SPCA.
FOR THE HEALTH OF ALL DOGS–A total of $50,000 raised during the Westminster Kennel Club Show was donated to the AKC Canine Health Foundation to study the canine influenza virus, a respiratory disease. The virus first discovered in Greyhound kennels in 2003 affects all dogs and is highly contagious. The funding will attempt to answer who is susceptible, how it is transmitted and how it can be prevented.
MARCH IS GIVE A DOG A KONG MONTH! The PA SPCA is asking for donations of KONGS–those fillable red or black rubber toys for pets of all sizes. They keep pets busy while waiting for a forever home.
I do receive queries about doggy daycare. There are pet sitters who will come into the home and feed, walk and brush a dog two or three times a day. However, I believe what we truly need is “doggy night care”. Especially if a pet is ill, recovering from a procedure or elderly, it would be great to have someone who could give medications, check vital signs and walk or clean up after a pet. The result would be a rested owner and a better quality of life for the whole family. This would be a good occupation for retired vet techs, nurses and caregivers. Call it home hospice care or pet nursing care.
Sources: Canine Chronicle, Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs, the American Kennel Club, the PA SPCA Newsletter.
Mar 21, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Westminster-winning Sussex Spaniel Stump SHOULD have an influence in our area. His victory could help all older pets–both dogs and cats in shelters and rescues–find new homes where they can continue to be young at heart! If you subscribe to Cesar Milan’s newsletter, you read his eloquent defense of older pet adoption and the story of 14-year old“ Daddy. Since our therapy dogs visit nursing homes with senior citizen residents, perhaps the STUMP MESSAGE is that it is time to return the favor–our turn to give them love.
An OLDER DOG HELP LINE staffed by dog lovers and care-givers might keep a dog in his home with his owners a few years longer as well as be a comfort for both pets and their people in times of crisis and loss. They do not belong in shelters.
The Pennsylvania SPCA used to send a certificate of merit to each owner of a senior pet adopted from them. They were suitable for framing and I believe encouraged more owners to adopt older dogs as well as take added pride in a dog they had in the family many, many years. Also, according to Karen Blackledge the Danville shelter has been untouched by the recent turmoil in Philadelphia. She also advises me that in these difficult economic times the shelter will give food to any pet owner who needs food for his companion animals.
House Bill 369 was introduced on Friday the 13th and hasn’t come up for a vote yet. The bill would make it mandatory for every county to set up funding for dog sheltering with an increase in license fees. The shelter money is to be divided among existing humane shelters and if there is none in the county, it will go to the shelter that houses the most county animals. This came as a surprise to me since I was not aware such an account existed and how much was sent to each organization sheltering animals. I wonder if this includes those without a physical building who rely on foster care. The county dog shelter contribution is a 2.50 surcharge added to license fees. I called our county treasurer who thought raising license fees at this time was a bad idea. I then called our president commissioner. He was also against the increase and said he was going to discuss his displeasure with Rep. Millard and Senator Gordner. Then I went the extra mile–to Harrisburg and Jesse Smith, who said she did not believe the Governor would sign such a bill since he had promised not to raise dog license fees. I am sure our shelters and rescues could use financial aid but is this the best way to do it and will it be fair to all?
Last notes: The late Ann Rogers Clark wrote the following about Poodles. “Poodles are Labrador Retrievers with a college education. My Poodle will do anything your Lab will do. After a day in the field your Lab wants to curl up and snore in front of the fire. My Poodle wants to be a fourth at bridge and tell naughty stories.” Watching the last “Dog Whisperer”, I was surprised to hear Cesar Milan referred to as “Behaviorist Cesar Milan”. No degree initials. He doesn’t need them so good for him. Beware of dog trainers who claim a bogus education. Ask for references. Observe classes. What a trainer has done is more important than what they say they are. I have to trust and like the trainer who helps me with my dogs–just as I do my vet. A bad vet and a bad trainer are dangerous to your dog’s health.
WARNING: HSUS has been coming to dog-owning homes and threatening to take away dogs. Ask anyone coming to your home/kennel to see their badge and a search warrant. And, if a TV station approaches you at an event, tell them to call the AKC for comment.
Mar 12, 2009 | | Uncategorized