Archive for the ‘Dog Breeds’ Category
What To Do If You Suspect Heat Stroke
If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.
- First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
- Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body – especially the foot pads and around the head.
- DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body’s core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
- Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog’s mouth.
- Call or visit your vet right away – even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
Some dogs can recover fully from heat stroke if it is caught early enough. Others suffer permanent organ damage and require lifelong treatment. Sadly, many dogs do not survive heat stroke. Prevention is the key to keeping your dog safe during summer weather.
Don’t forget – if you need some behavioral training, check out our dog collars at http://smartdogcollars.com.
Heat Stroke in Dogs
Hyperthermia is a term describing an elevation in body temperature. This increase typically occurs as a response to a trigger, such as inflammation in the body or a hot environment. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage – or even death – can occur.
Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans – they release heat primarily by panting and they sweat through the foot pads and nose. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog’s temperature reaches 106°, damage to the body’s cellular system and organs may become irreversible. Unfortunately, too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could have been avoided. Learn how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and prevent it from happening to your dog.
Signs of Heat Stroke
The following signs may indicate heat stroke in a dog:
- Increased rectal temperature (over 104° requires action, over 106° is a dire emergency)
- Vigorous panting
- Dark red gums
- Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
- Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
- Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
- Thick saliva
- Dizziness or disorientation
My next post will discuss what to do if you suspect heat stroke in your dog. And don’t forget to check out our no-bark collars and dog training collars online.
Guidelines for Adopting A Dog
What Kind of Dog?
If you have decided on dog adoption, you may have your heart set on one specific breed. It is possible to adopt purebred dogs from shelters and rescues if you plan ahead. However, if you are not set on a certain breed, you should still have an idea of the type of dog you want. Consider age, size, grooming needs, health issues and activity level. Have your desires in mind before you go looking. Better yet, make a list of dog features broken down into three areas: what you absolutely need in a dog, what you’d like in a dog (but can live without), and what is not acceptable. This way, when you get out there and see all those cute faces, you will know where to begin.
Where to Adopt
You can adopt a dog from an animal shelter, a general rescue group, or a breed-specific rescue group. The internet is a great way to find dogs for adoption in your area, but be careful to visit reliable sites. Go to the official websites of shelters and rescues or search a reputable site like Petfinder.com, where many rescue groups and shelters list their available dogs. If you want to go out and meet some dogs, contact groups in advance to find out if they hold special adoption days. Learn their hours of operation so you can allow yourself time to spend with the dogs and talk to staff.
After bringing your new best friend home, you may find that he or she needs some training. Check out our no bark collars and dog training collars at http://smartdogcollars.com.
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What is the Right Breed for You?
Just like every dog breed is different, every household is too. The individual needs of your family play a large part in choosing the right dog. Whether you have children, allergies or just want to know more about making the decision, you can find it here.
- Most Popular Dog Breeds
- Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
- The Best Dogs for Kids
- The Joy of Mutts
- Choosing the Right Dog
Once you have chosen the ideal dog for you and your family, you might need some training assistance. Visit us at http://smartdogcollars.com.
Need Home for Two Wonderful Dogs!
My friend has two wonderful Australian Shepherds that he has to give up. They are both four year old. One is a black tri-color neutered male, Zeus, who weighs about 75 pounds, and the other is a red tri-color female, Cassie, who weighs about 40 pounds. They are both great dogs – loyal, protective, devoted to each other. The red-tricolor comes from a working dog backgound and could be trained to herd, although she has not been exposed to that since she was a puppy. They really need to stay together and he and I would be willing to drive them to their new home if it is not too far from Arizona. Pictures of them are below. If any of you are interested in giving these two dogs a good home, please contact me at 480-239-7423.
Characteristics of Hound Dogs
Beagle
Most hounds share the common ancestral trait of being used for hunting. Some use acute scenting powers to follow a trail. Others demonstrate a phenomenal gift of stamina as they relentlessly run down quarry. Beyond this, however, generalizations about hounds are hard to come by, since the Group encompasses quite a diverse lot. There are Pharaoh Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles, among others. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. You’d best sample this sound before you decide to get a hound of your own to be sure it’s right for you
Sight hounds are sleek and speedy, the Maseratis of the dog world, while scent hounds are more like tough and reliable off-road vehicles. Both types have been bred for centuries to work independently, so they have minds of their own and aren’t the kind of dog to respond to commands without hesitation. The use of a remote dog training collar would come in handy here.
Hounds can be trained, but they want to understand why you’re asking them to do something. If they don’t believe it’s a good idea, they’re very likely to ignore you and do their own thing.
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Characteristics of Working Dogs
Alaskan Malamute
Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained. The use of a dog training collar would be very helpful in training this type of dog.
With a couple of exceptions, such as the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky–breeds too people-oriented to be guard dogs–they’re protective. This protectiveness may become a problem if they don’t have lots of positive human interaction and the right training.
Health note: Arthritis in Dogs
I have spent so much time in my blogs discussing dog training collars, that I thought we should discuss something about the health of your dog.
Arthritis in dogs can be just as agonizing as it is in humans, and happens to be especially common in dogs. It can actually strike dogs before they become one year old, in contrast to humans. Certain breeds are especially susceptible, including rottweillers, golden retrievers, and labrador retrievers. There are several signs to look for:
- Obvious decrease in activity
- Not wanting to walk as far as usual
- Not wanting to walk at all
Treatments can vary, depending upon the severity. Surgery is sometimes recommended, especially if a hip or other joint is severely affected. Drugs are often prescribed, such as Rimadyl (carprofen).
As with humans, weather changes (especially colder weather) can often be felt in bones and joints. There is no easy answer as to whether you should continue to walk your dog. Low impact exercise, such as walking, is usually better than no exercise at all. Swimming is ideal, if your dog will do it. It is always recommended to consult your veterinarian for treatment and recommendations regarding the amount of exercise that will be beneficial for your dog.