vafnana | September 30, 2009
Genistein, a substance found in soy, has been researched and found that it could be helpful in preventing and fighting cancer in dogs. So far they have found that a form of genistein has actually killed canine lymphoid cells in a lab, and that it could help chemotherapy work faster and more effectively.
vafnana | September 27, 2009
On September 28, people around the globe will recognize World Rabies Day with the goal of one day wiping rabies off the face of the earth. A rare occurrence in the U.S., this fatal disease continues to take the lives of thousands of people and animals worldwide. About 55,000 people die annually of rabies; many of them are children bitten by dogs.
Spread the word, let us make rabies history.
vafnana | September 26, 2009
Fear and anxiety can be a real problem for pet owners. There are methods of training that can be found through your veterinarian. There are a number of tools available as well.
Head collars, such as the Gentle Leader Head Collar are often necessary to gently redirect the focus of your dog’s attention at the time of anxiousness.
Clicker training can be used during disensitization, response and to help build general confidence.
D.A. P. Collar. These collars have appeasing pheromones (smells) that compare to a lactating bitch that calms her pups.
Calming Cap. This is designed to help decrease a dog’s anxiety levels in stressfull moments. The cap’s sheer fabric window makes the dogs vision unclear.
vafnana | September 23, 2009
September is the month for dogs. CGC, Canine Good Citizen, was launched to help dog owners mold their pets into respected members of the community and testings are offered at events in every state. Here are the 10 items on the CGC test:
Accepts a friendly stranger
Sits politely for petting
Welcomes being groomed or examined
Walks on a loose leash, no pulling
Knows sit, down, stay
Comes when called
Reacts politely to another dog
Reacts calmly to distractions
Behaves politely when separated from owner
So start practicing your pup to be a Canine Good Citizen! The more the merrier, as the saying goes!
vafnana | September 21, 2009
According to veterinarians and psychologists, sound affects your pet’s behavior and well-being. Harsh noises can irritate and unsettle your pet that can lead to behaviorial issues, a problem 90% of pet owners end up discussing with their veterinarian. Music therapy, perferably soothing music, can help soothe distressed animals. Recent sound tests performed in veterinary hospitals and animal shelters have shown that playing certain types of music can help reduce anxiety and speed the healing process. People have also recorded their own voices, in happy, upbeat tones to play at home while the owners are away for seperation anxiety pets.
vafnana | September 20, 2009
The dog’s nose has as many as 300 million receptors (humans have 5 million). So when a dog sniffs a tree or hydrant of another dog’s urine, they can determine the animal’s sex, diet, and reproductive status, among other identifying factors.
Wow!
vafnana | September 17, 2009
More common than you think. This is a condition that can be misunderstood by owners. It’s important to distinquish between true incontinence and behavior problems first before owners start thinking of giving up their dogs. Incontinence can be the result of an injury or from diseases, and effects both males and females. But many dogs with the condition are perfectly healthy and is most seen in spayed females, some as early as a few years after spaying but more likely in middle aged and elderly bitches. A lack of estrogen can cause changes, such as tissue atrophy around the pelvic area. Drug therapy can be used to keep incontinence under control. If a pill or two a day is not enough to control this issue, there are doggy diapers, specially designed beds and cleaning solutions to help neutralize the smell of urine for pet owners. Many incontinent dogs are very happy and a pleasure to be around!
vafnana | September 16, 2009
“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.” ~ Walt Streightiff
Remember squinting at the lights on a Christmas tree? That’s how many wonders of the world there are! Uncountable and immeasurable.
vafnana | September 14, 2009
Many people come into our clinic and say that the product they used, whether it was purchased from us or not, didn’t work because they now have fleas again. What most people don’t understand is that the life cycle of a flea infestation lasts from 2 – 3 months. You need to treat every animal in the household during that time. Often people are amazed that their pet has fleas in the first place. They don’t know where they came from, so here is an answer to the question, “Where do fleas come from?” The fleas you see on the dog or cat emerged out of cocoons or pupae, which came from larvae, which came from eggs generally laid six to eight weeks earlier. These eggs can even be brought into your household in various ways, even on your shoe. The flea that is on your dog or cat has never been on another dog or cat. These fleas may be coming from outdoors or indoors, and they jump on the first host that goes by. Bottom line: You cannot win the “flea war” without proper use of treating each dog or cat for 2-3 months.
vafnana | September 12, 2009
I used to have a sweet, cuddly, calm, ”good never naughty” puppy! I really thought something was wrong with Sisu. It seemed as if overnight she turned into a defiant, non listening, active, never resting dog! Then I read an article. Sisu is going through her “young and restless” stage. The article mentioned that she is playing catchup with her brain and body. A typical 9 month old dog’s body is growing rapidly, it’s brain, including the ability to retain information, is playing catchup. I remember going to our agility classes and being so proud of how she mastered commands. Today she looks at me with a blank stare! I guess I’ll have to go back to the basic obedience for a little while, play more and exercise more. The good news is that canine adolescence lasts just months, not years.
