Saving your dog with CPR

Saving your pet with CPR

If you cannot get your dog to veterinary help quickly to save her life, you might be in the position of having to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on her to restore her breathing and heartbeat. This Picture explains how to safely perform this procedure on your dog .

Microchipping Your Dog

Microchipping Your Dog

Millions of dogs become lost each year. Tragically, few are reunited with their owners. Many lost dogs end up in shelters where they are adopted out to new homes or even euthanized. It is important that your dog has identification at all times. Collars and tags are essential, but they can fall off or become damaged. Technology has made it possible to equip your pet with a microchip for permanent identification.

How it Works

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. It consists of a tiny computer chip housed in a type of glass made to be compatible with living tissue. The microchip is implanted between the dog’s shoulder blades under the skin with a needle and special syringe. The process is similar to getting a shot. Little to no pain is experienced – most dogs do not seem to even feel it being implanted. Once in place, the microchip can be detected immediately with a handheld device that uses radio waves to read the chip. This device scans the microchip, and then displays a unique alphanumeric code. Once the microchip is placed, the dog must be registered with the microchip company, usually for a one-time fee. Then, the dog can be traced back to the owner if found.

Things You Should Know

• Microchips are designed to last for the life of a dog. They do not need to be charged or replaced.
• Some microchips have been known to migrate from the area between the shoulder blades, but the instructions for scanning emphasize the need to scan the dog’s entire body.
• A microchipped dog can be easily identified if found by a shelter or veterinary office in possession of a scanner. However, some shelters and veterinary offices do not have scanners.
• Depending on the brand of microchip and the year it was implanted, even so-called universal scanners may not be able to detect the microchip.
• Microchip manufacturers, veterinarians and animal shelters have been working on solutions to the imperfections, and technology continues to improve over time.

No method of identification is perfect. The best thing you can do to protect your dog is to be aresponsible owner. Keep current identification tags on your dog at all times, consider microchipping as reinforcement, and never allow your dog to roam free. If your dog does become lost, more identification can increase the odds of finding your beloved companion.

Top Giant Dog Breeds

Top Giant Dog Breeds

Best of the World’s Largest Dogs

Giant dog breeds are simply extra-large canines. Like any type of dog, giant dog breeds have their pros and cons. On the positive side, giant dogs are typically very gentle, affectionate and loyal. They tend not to need too much exercise and are not very difficult to train. Potential negatives include a tendency to drool quite a lot and cost more in food and supplies. In addition, many large dogs are more prone to orthopedic problems or health issues like bloat. Perhaps the most unfortunate thing is that extra large dog breeds tend to have a shorter life span compared to the average canine (about 6-10 years compared to the 12-15 years most dogs live). However, those who adore these big beauties feel that it adds up to a small price to pay.

Typically weighing anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds, giant dogs need ample space in their homes for large dog beds and plenty of tail wagging space. When these big dogs are young and not fully trained, they may not know their size and strength. However, with age and proper training, they usually become gentle giants. While plenty of people prefer small dog breeds, many other people feel that giant dogs cannot be beat. Here are some of the largest dogs on earth and the most popular giant dog breeds around.

1. Great Dane

Photo © Sharon Montrose/Getty Images

One might argue that this huge and majestic creature more closely resembles a small horse than a dog. Either way, the beautiful Great Dane is sure to stand out in a crowd. But it is more than looks that makes this breed stand out. The personality of the Great Dane is unforgettable. These dogs are gentle, playful, friendly and incredibly loyal. The Great Dane is a native of Germany that was developed as a boar hunter and, later, a watch dog. Great Danes weighs anywhere from 100-200 pounds and about 28-30 (or more) inches tall.

2. Mastiff

Photo © Fotosuabe on flickr

Considered the largest of all dog breeds, the English Mastiff’s name seems to fit its best descriptions: massive. This giant dog breed is all brawn and power on the outside, but deep down it is a lovable, mushy companion – and often a bit of a couch potato! These dogs can top the scales at 220 pounds and be 30 or more inches tall. However, it looks like a large percentage of the weight is in their huge heads. Some considerations if you are thinking about getting a Mastiff: You’ll likely need to carry around a “drool-rag” and duck when a head shake comes on. You’ll need to protect people and objects from that massive tail (and protect the tail itself from damage).

3. Leonberger

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Ingvald kaldhussæter

The Leonberger is a beautiful, massive working dog with a kind and gentle disposition. Though it is not an extremely common breed, the Leo has its own following, and for good reason. This breed is known to bond closely with its family and seems to have a kind of intuition when it comes to human emotions. Because of this, they make excellent family members and also superb therapy dogs. They are gigantic yet gentle with incredibly soft coats. If you love giant dogs with even bigger hearts, have the room for a 120 to 170 pound dog, and can exercise him daily, then you might have found your match. The Leonberger originates from Leonberg, Germany.

4. Bullmastiff

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Lakatos Sandor

The Bullmastiff is a powerhouse that was originally developed for protection. English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century crossed the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The result was a powerful, fearless dog that could stop poachers in their tracks. Today’s Bullmastiff is still a highly capable guard dog, but the breed is most treasured as a companion. Despite it’s powerful and somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle and affectionate dog that forms a solid bond with it’s family members. However, the Bullmastiff’s tough side does instinctively comes out when necessary. Like it’s cousin, the Mastiff, be prepared for slobber. Weighing from 100-130 pounds and 24 to 27 inches tall, there’s plenty to love about these big sweeties.

5. Newfoundland

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Eric Lam

Newfoundlands are not only loving companions, they are also amazing workers. With their webbed feet and thick, waterproof coats, they evolved into perfect water dogs. They originated in the Canadian province of Newfoundland where, for centuries, they have worked alongside fisherman and saved numerous people from drowning. It’s simply in their nature to assist and protect people, but always with a gentle spirit. It is for these reasons that the Newfie is also an ideal family pet. He will watch over and play with the children, he learns well and seems eager to please. He’s cuddly yet athletic. If you have the room for a 100 to 150 pound dog that’s 26 to 28 inches tall and will never let you down, then a Newfie might be the one for you.

6. Saint Bernard

Photo © Oni Saints on flickr

The Saint Bernard is a legendary hero of the Swiss Alps. While it is true that they were skilled search and rescue dogs, the tales about barrels of alcohol hanging from their necks are actually folklore. In fact, much of the Saint Bernard’s history is cloaked in legend and the truth is debated by many. The indisputable fact is that Saint Bernards are massive dogs with even bigger hearts. Though they still have the ability to be excellent working dogs, Saints are typically seen as gentle, lovable family companions. The breed was also made famous when it was portrayed as a lovable goofball in the film Beethoven and its many sequels. Most Saint Bernards weight around 130-180 pounds and are about 26-27 inches tall.

7. Dogue de Bordeaux

Photo © StBrecht / Wikimedia Commons

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a huge, lovable, slobbery hunk of dog. This massive canine with a giant head may look fierce, but the breed is usually extremely loyal, goofy and gentle. However, the Dogue is also a quite capable guard dog. Sometimes called the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux originated from France and has been around for ages. However, the breed become officially recognized by the AKC only a few years ago. The Dogue de Bordeaux is probably best remembered as the slobbery but lovable giant dog in the film Turner and Hooch, where the breed was accurately presented. Dogues typically weigh about 100 to 150 pounds and are 23 to 27 inches tall.

8. Great Pyrenees

Photo © mikebaird on flickr

The Great Pyrenees is a massive and regal dog that is both powerful worker and gentle companion. Among the oldest of dog breeds, this working dog has a long history of guarding sheep and protecting homes. Pyrs were once beloved by French royalty and nobles. Perhaps this is because of their diligence combined with calm, gentle dispositions. Their beauty and grace was surely a reason as well. Like most puppies and adolescent dogs, young Pyrs are very active. It takes training and patience to end up with a stoic, well-behaved adult dog. Fortunately, the intelligent Pyr is a fast learner. Above all, this dog is a worker that needs plenty of exercise. This breed typically does well with children and other pets and may weigh up to 150 pounds.

Why Dogs Bite People

Why Dogs Bite People

Certain actions may cause a dog to bite.

Dogs often bite unexpectedly and often don’t mean intentional harm. Being attacked or bitten by a dog can be frightening. Knowing what reactions and situations can make a dog vulnerable to biting can help prevent being bit in the future. Keeping your distance from unfamiliar dogs can be a wise decision as well.

1. Fear and Protection

   • Entering a dog’s yard and touching his food bowl, doghouse or bed can cause a dog to become aggressive in watching over his property. A dog also may become surprised and react with fear if you brush up against him or disturb him while he sleeps. Loud noises and sudden movements can frighten dogs because they have a keen sense of hearing.

   Signs

   • A dog that growls and shows her teeth may be ready to attack. Stiff hair on a dog’s back, laid-back ears and a stiffened body appearance also are signs a dog is ready to bite. Sudden movements such as running, panic such as yelling and direct eye contact with the dog can provoke the attack further. According to a Dumb Friends League website article, moving slowly away while not looking directly at the dog and remaining calm is the best solution for backing away from the animal.

   Pain, Illness and Excitement

   • A dog that is hurt or ill may associate unwanted contact from you with the cause of his pain or discomfort. He may find the need to protect himself to get you to stop touching him.

     Another reason a dog may bite is out of playful excitement. When excited, a dog may grab at you with his mouth like he does when playing with other dogs. Setting limits is recommended when playing with an unfamiliar dog or sometimes with your own dog if you are not sure how rough the dog will become when excited.

   Prevention

   • A dog that exhibits aggression should not be petted, even if you are convinced the dog knows you. Other situations to avoid include petting unfamiliar dogs and coming in close contact with dogs that seem “cute,” such as a dog left in someone’s car with an open window or a dog being walked by her owner. Dogs may not know your intention when you approach. If you approach an unfamiliar dog and she bites you, you may be held liable instead of the dog’s owner, depending on the conditions that led to the bite.

   Appropriate Action

   • If you happen to be bitten by a dog, moving away from the dog slowly, remaining calm and cleaning the wound with soap and water immediately are recommended. Additional suggestions are to look at the dog enough to notice identifying marks such as specific collar, body markings or other identifiers; to see a doctor as soon as possible because dogs carry rabies, other serious diseases and parasites; and to make a report with the animal control office to help identify the dog and to help prevent the dog from biting someone else.

Puppy Vaccinations

Puppy Vaccinations

Vaccines for Your Puppy

Vaccinations are an essential part of a puppy’s health care plan. Though there is some controversy about the potential risk of vaccines and over-vaccination, most experts agree that certain basic immunizations are essential to keep your puppy from getting sick and prevent the spread of disease.

Why Vaccinate Your Puppy?

When puppies are born, their immune systems are not fully developed, so they cannot fight disease. However, during the first few days of a puppy’s life, nursing mothers provide antibody-rich milk called colostrum. These antibodies provide puppies with temporary immunity against illness. While the length of this immunity varies from puppy to puppy, it is generally believed that maternal antibodies are gone after 16 to 20 weeks.Enter puppy vaccination. Vaccines are designed to trigger immune responses and prevent future infection from diseases. All puppies should be administered certain core vaccines – these provide immunity against the most dangerous and widespread diseases and are considered essential for puppies in most geographical locations. Depending on your location and your puppy’s environment, you may want non-core vaccines given as well. Talk to your vet about your puppy’s risk of exposure to these diseases.

How Puppy Vaccinations Work

Puppy vaccines are typically first administered at about six to eight weeks of age, then repeated every three to four weeks until about four months of age. Some of these vaccines might be given together in one injection that is called a combination vaccine. At your puppy’s first veterinary exam, your vet will discuss the schedule of vaccinations and other treatments for your puppy, such as deworming and beginning heartworm prevention. Vaccines should never be given to a puppy with a fever or illness – the vaccine will not be effective and could actually make the puppy feel worse. During each subsequent visit, your vet will do a general examination first. The vaccine injection itself is typically not painful. Some puppies seem to feel a little pinch or sting, while others do not react at all.After a vaccine is administered, immunity is not immediate – it takes about five to ten days to become effective. However, puppies that still have maternal antibodies will not be affected by the vaccine. There is no way to be certain if a puppy still has maternal antibodies, hence the reason for boosters. True immunity is uncertain until about four months of age, or until all puppy boosters are completed. Avoid bringing your puppy to dog parks or otherwise exposing your puppy to unknown animals until all vaccinations have been given. See the chart below for a basic vaccine schedule.

Risks of Vaccinating

There are some risks associated with vaccinations, though relatively uncommon. Vaccine reactions and side effects are typically mild and self-limiting. Signs may include pain and swelling at the injection site, lethargy or fever. Severe allergic reactions are less common, but can be fatal if left untreated. If your puppy develops hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately.Because vaccinations stimulate the immune system, there is a risk for developing an auto-immune disorder. This is very uncommon when you consider the numbers of dogs affected versus all the dogs that are vaccinated. However, auto-immune disorders can be serious and difficult to treat. Illnesses that may occur include blood disorders, neuro-muscular issues and even skin problems.

Despite the potential side effects, most veterinarians and pet experts agree that the benefits outweigh the risk when it comes to puppy vaccines. However, with adult boosters, many vets are embracing protocols that vaccinate less often. Once given annually as a rule, adult vaccinations are now more likely to be recommended every three years.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Types of Vaccines
Age	CORE	NON-CORE*
6-8 weeks	Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis	Adenovirus, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza
9-11 weeks	Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis	Adenovirus, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Bordetella
12-14 weeks	Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis	Adenovirus, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Lyme
Adult boosters	While annual boosters are still sometimes given, many vets now recommend only re-vaccinating every three years.
*Recommendation of non-core vaccines depends on your geographical location and your puppy’s environment. Talk to your vet about your puppy’s potential exposure.

Vitamin E and Fish Oil

Vitamin E and Fish Oil

Vitamin E

Vitamin E plays a critical role in your dog’s health and shortages of this very important vitamin can cause serious dog health problems. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, destroys the free radicals in your dog’s body which can otherwise cause major problems for your dog’s health.
Vitamin E plays a particularly important role in skin health and fertility, and is also important for proper functioning of the immune system. Deficiency in Vitamin E can cause major health problems.

D

eficiencies in Vitamin E can cause significant dog health problems including:

• Muscle wastage
• Eye problems such as retinal degradation
• Impaired immune system
• Reduced fertility in dogs and bitches

In commercial pet foods, vitamin E is used to prevent the oxidation of fatty acids in the food which leads to rancidity. It accomplishes this by “neutralizing” the free radicals which cause rancidity. However, during this process, vitamin E is used up. For this reason, feeding a diet that has been improperly prepared or stored can lead to a vitamin E deficiency.

Adding oils or oily fish to your dog’s diet also increases the requirement for Vitamin E. Omega 3 & 6 oils are particularly good for your dog’s health, but it is extremely important to add Vitamin E at the same time. Examples of oils that increase the vitamin E requirement include:

• Sunflower oil
• Evening Primrose oil
• Linseed oil
• Fish oils such as cod liver oil or salmon oil, and oily fish
• Olive oil

If these oils are added to your dog’s diet without adding extra Vitamin E, it will cause Vitamin E deficiency and could lead to health problems. The effects of Vitamin E deficiency are not always immediately obvious, but scientific studies have shown that adding oils to the diet without Vitamin E can lead to deficiency within 15 weeks.

The exact amounts of Vitamin E required depend upon the levels and precise mix of polyunsaturated omega 3&6 oils being added. If you know the precise fatty acid analysis of the oil, it is possible to calculate the exact requirement for vitamin E.

It also depends on the quality of the oil being added. Poorer quality oils with increased levels of oxidation will contain higher levels of free radicals so will require more vitamin E.

For example, feeding your dog a poor quality flax oil intended for horses or a cheap fish oil will require more vitamin E than a higher quality one intended for humans, but both will still require high levels of vitamin E to prevent deficiency.

Because of the vital importance Vitamin E plays in your pet’s health, all Yumega oils contain high levels of natural vitamin E to ensure optimal bioavailability for your pet. We calculate the exact Vitamin E requirement based on an analysis of over 30 different fatty acids, tailored to each specific blend of Yumega.

In fact, the level of Vitamin E in Yumega is more than double the minimum requirement. This helps to ensure that there is plenty of natural Vitamin E available for the health of your dog or cat. Vitamin E plays an important role in skin health, so having this naturally available in Yumega helps to improve your pet’s skin condition.

We use a number of processes to ensure maximum bioavailability of Vitamin E:

• Highest quality raw materials
• Gentle oil extraction, avoiding heat, light and oxygen to provide extremely high quality oils
• Oxygen and light blocking packaging to reduce oxidation
• High levels of natural Vitamin E

This means you can add our range of Yumega oils to your pet’s diet, confident that you are providing the right blend of omega 3&6 oils for their skin & coat, together with plenty of natural Vitamin E to support their health.

‘People’ Foods Your Dog Can Eat

As a responsible and informed dog lover, you probably know that too much “people food” can make your dog ill or overweight, but there are some human foods that can be safely added to your dog’s meals in moderation to give a nutritional boost to Queenie’s diet and add a bit of variety to her food bowl. Just remember: any additions to your dog’s meals shouldn’t comprise more than 25 percent of her weekly caloric requirement.

1. Yogurt is a good source of available calcium and protein. When choosing yogurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria may act as probiotics. If your pooch is pudgy, make sure that you pick fat-free yogurt but not one that contains fat substitutes (e.g., Simplesse or Olestra). Frozen yogurt is a nice summer treat for dogs.

2. Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container.

3. Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of omega- 3 fatty acids. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.

4. Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume and this is not necessarily a good thing. Keeping the GI tract moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy.

5. Sweet potatoes are another source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog. There are so many dog treats on the market that we often overlook the simple, healthy, and reasonably priced treats available at our grocery store.

6. Green beans are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of her regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill her up and help her maintain a healthy weight. Many dogs enjoy green beans frozen

7. Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats.

8. Brewer’s yeast is the yeast that’s left over from making alcohol. Dogs seem to really enjoy the tangy taste of brewer’s yeast. It’s full of B vitamins which are good for skin, coat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Make sure you’re using brewer’s yeast (available at health food stores), not baking yeast which will make your dog sick. Brewer’s yeast can spice up your dog’s appetite. Just sprinkle a little on the food of a picky eater and watch her dive into her food.

9. Apples are wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Apples with the skin on are full of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that are thought to be protective against some types of cancer in humans. They are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly

10. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. Keep in mind oatmeal should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring. As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. The aim of most dog owners is to give their dogs the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. The suggestions above are not meant to replace your dog’s normal, balanced diet. Rather, they are ideas for alternative treats or for adding a little variety to your dog’s meals.