Stop Healthy Homeless Pets From Dying

G'day Dog Lovers,

If you're a dog owner in the south-east Qld area, here's a cause you might like to support. On Saturday November 27, a group called Non Human Rescue are staging a public rally outside Logan City Council Animal Management Centre.

From this council facility, healthy re-homeable pets are transported to the University of Qld for terminal dissection and experimental operations. This unethical and inhumane practice has been stopped by other Qld councils, as well as Sydney and Melbourne Uni.

If you would like to stop this, get along to the rally from 10am on November 27.

Halloween - a doggy nightmare

G'day Dog Lovers,

Vets are cautioning pet owners to be aware of the stresses and dangers of Halloween and to keep their pets safe. Pets see Halloween as a stressful time of parties, endless doorbell ringing, loud and scary noises in the night and a stream of strangers visiting the home. Sadly, pets are also often injured, terrorised and even killed at this time of year.

"Black cats are often the target of malicious acts and should be kept inside during this holiday," says Troy James, Operations Manager of the Animal Referral Hospital (ARH), a 24-hour veterinary hospital in Strathfield and Baulkham Hills

During Halloween, the ARH often sees pets suffering from injuries, accidents and poisoning. Parties have loud music and often fireworks, which result in gates being left open and animals that are noise-phobic escaping, which then leads to lost pets and animals hit by motor vehicles, James says.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring your pet's microchip details are kept up-to-date on our national databases, as the emergency service teams are often confronted with animals presenting after-hours that have injuries with non-valid microchips," he says. "When owners cannot be located and consent obtained, treatment options become limited to basic first aid and stabilisation."

Vets also see animals fed candy and chocolate, which are toxic and can result in a range of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, pancreatitis, seizures, coma and, in extreme cases, death, says vet Dr Alex Hamilton.

"Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine that has effects on the nervous system, heart, kidneys and muscles," Hamilton says.

Gum, boiled sweets and lollies should also be avoided. "These sweets usually contain high levels of sugar, which can cause dental disease and intestinal upsets if fed too much. Instead, feed treats designed purposely for pets. Although they may not seem appetising to us, a well-prepared liver treat is often as palatable to a dog as any chocolate or candy that we may give them," he says.

Hill's PetFit Doggy Diet Challenge

G'day Dog Lovers,

In our current issue (March/April - on sale now!) we have luanched the Hill's PetFit Doggy Diet Challenge. This competition sees three overweight dogs - Bear the Newfoundland, Maple the Golden Retriever and Bunty the Bulldog - competing to see who can lose the most weight (as a percentage of their starting weight) over six months.

The three dogs are all eating Hill's Pet Nutrition pet food and sticking to a diet and exercise plan developed by the staff at Ku-Ring-Gai Veterinary Hospital. You can find out more about the contestants in the "Competitions" section of our website.

Anyway, over the past week, I've caught up with our three contestants to see how their progress is going and, I have to say, the results so far are amazing. Each dog has lost plenty of weight, has more energy and looks great.

I can't really give too much away without spoiling the story, but keep an eye out for all future issues of Dogs Life to see the amazing weight loss achievements of these gorgeous pooches!

Nationwide Dog Health Survey

G'day Dog Lovers,

In response to RSPCA concerns about the health of purebred dogs in Australia following the screening of the UK television program "Pedigree Dogs Exposed", the Master Dog Breeders and Associates (MDBA) is calling on all Australian dog owners to participate in the first ever nationwide survey of dog health.

The survey has been developed by the MDBA's Health and Genetics Committee to determine the type and frequency of current health problems being encountered in the Australian dog population. It commences on 1 October, and dog owners from around the country will be asked to complete a survey for each dog they own, whether purebred, first cross or mixed breed.

"This research aims to gather information about the health status due to genetic disorders of dogs bred in Australia," said Julie Nelson, CEO of the MDBA."The survey will assist in tracking differences in health issues between breeds. "One of the major goals of this project is to assist dog breeders in making better breeding decisions by identifying the most significant health issues occurring in their breeds.

"Educational material will be developed from the results of this survey to better inform breeders," Mrs Nelson said."This will enable breeders to develop strategies which will ensure the overall health and wellness of the dogs they breed, and will enable the public and future owners to understand health issues in their dogs."

Mrs Nelson said the results of the health survey would also be available to veterinarians and researchers."We are not aiming to prove anything, but we are hoping that people will be able to take a look at what we collect and decide if some areas warrant further studies and research, and more importantly determine what we need to get a better look at now, in order to make informed decisions in our own breeding programs."

"We anticipate that this study will facilitate collaboration to enhance knowledge sharing, and hence improve efficiency, output and functionality of purebred dog breeding programs to improve the health and welfare of our breeds," Mrs Nelson said."We would encourage every dog owner to give the few minutes it takes to complete the survey, as the more data we have to analyse the more we will know about the overall health of our dogs.

"This has the potential to benefit every dog in Australia."

Anyone wanting to participate in the study should go to www.mdba.net.au

Pedigree Dogs Exposed

G'day Dog Lovers,

As I'm sure a lot of you already know, the Pedigree Dogs Exposed documentary that caused such an uproar in the UK last year finally screened in Australia on the ABC last week.

The BBC doco shows footage of Boxers having epileptic fits and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels writhing in pain from syringomyelia - a condition where the dog's brain is too big for its skull.
The cause, it argues, is the United Kingdom breed standards - rules dictating how a particular breed should look.

The documentary has led to some big changes in Britain and has already caused quite a stir over here. It will be very interesting to see what effect it has in Australia.

Did you watch the program? What did you think? Are breed standards causing us to breed dogs with genetic health defects?

August is Pet Dental Health Month

Hi pet lovers!

Did you know that this month is dedicated to the dental care of our precious pets? Dental disease is a serious condition that can affect everything from your furry friend’s appetite to its behaviour. The condition can also cause bad breath, infection of the gums and serious damage to other organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.

According to Dr Mark Westman, a Senior Veterinarian at the Animal Welfare League, dental disease is one of the most frequently diagnosed health problems for pets. In fact, by the age of two, 80 per cent of dogs and 70 per cent of cats have some form of disease.

“Many pet owners may unknowingly cause their pets to suffer discomfort because of lack of understanding about good dental hygiene,” Westman says. “Bad breath is not normal and is one of the first signs to alert owners that their pet may have dental disease and they should pay a visit their local vet.”

To raise more awareness and encourage pet owners to take an active role in keeping their pet's teeth and gums healthy, the Animal Welfare League NSW Vet Clinic is offering free dental checks for the whole month of August. All dental checks include:

- examination of your pet’s teeth and gums
- advice on nutrition
- and a home care plan

A 10% discount off the bill is also available for any pets that require a full surgical dental procedure.

The Animal Welfare League NSW Vet Clinic is located at 45 Herley Avenue, Rossmore. To make an appointment, please call the clinic on (02) 8777 3300.

Pup Swallows 25cm arrow and survives

G'day Dog Lovers,

I've just been reading the story of Betty, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier pup from the UK who has a miraculous tale of survival to share with the world.

Betty somehow managed to swallow a 25cm toy plastic arrow, which became lodged halfway through her body between the oesophagus and small intestine. Emma Watson, the 38-year-old owner of Betty, told the Daily Mail she witnessed Betty coughing and sputtering and took her to the hospital the next day when she became visibly sick.

Veterinary surgeon Chris Pollard performed emergency surgery on Betty to remove the item.
"The X-rays were surprising to say the least. The arrow was so long it virtually ran through Betty's body but it also explained why she was so ill," Mr Pollard told the Daily Mail.

"Considering Betty's size as a puppy, it really is amazing that she managed to swallow a 10.5inch-long arrow."

See the full story and pics here - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1204303/Lucky-Betty-Puppy-miraculously-survives-swallowing-10inch-toy-arrow-long-body.html

Keep the winter chills away

Hi pet lovers!

With the winter chill starting to set it, it's important to find ways to stay warm and cosy until the warmer months come back around. And don't forget to pull out those winter warmers for your furry friends - after all, they need to be protected during the winter weather too!

Pet Insurance Australia offers these tips on how to keep your pet snug and sickness-free this winter:

PETS NEED VITAL PROTECTION THIS WINTER

According to Pet Insurance Australia, winter is the most common season for pets to become sick, just as it is for humans. So to keep our furry friends safe during the cooler months, here are some tips from Pet Insurance Australia to ensure a happy and safe season for all:

• It’s cold outside: Firstly, and most importantly, it’s crucial that pets are not left outside when the temperature drops too low. Cold weather dramatically increases the chances of your pet, becoming hypothermic and much more susceptible to sickness. This is especially so of kittens, puppies and older pets who have a weaker immune system. If it’s necessary for your pet to be outside, ensure they have a warm and dry kennel or cat bed to protect them from the elements and even provide them with a warm outdoors coat.
  

• Food glorious food: Make sure you continually monitor your pets eating habits during winter. As the cooler months require cats and dogs to maintain their body heat, more calories and therefore energy must be burnt up during this process so it’s vital that extra food is provided accordingly. This also applies for water consumption – ensure enough water is available and it is not left outside in freezing temperatures.

• Immunise against illness: Cats and dogs can pick up all kinds of illnesses during the winter season including potentially life threatening diseases. Luckily, good vaccines mean we can immunise against most of these nasty infections so make sure your pet is up to date for routine vaccinations at your local vet and keep your eyes peeled for early warning signs of illness – after all this could mean a difference between life and death.

• Keep grooming: Pet Insurance Australia also recommends that cats and dogs are groomed continually throughout the winter season to help maintain warmth and body heat, as well as ensuring a healthy looking coat. Make sure you maintain flea control, especially for pets that are regularly indoors where any fleas will be kept warm and active. If your pet gets wet, make sure their fur is dried off completely with a towel or blow dryer – just like us, they can be more susceptible to sickness if they’re left shivering in the cold!

And if you’re still worried about your pet dog or cat over the course of winter, why not ensure they remain fully protected with pet insurance? Visit www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au to find out more.

Canine Cancer - New Drug

G'day Dog Lovers,

Hot off the presses - the FDA in the US has just approved a new canine cancer treatment drug from Pfizer. The drug is called Palladia and it is the first cancer treatment drug to be developed primarily for canines.

Typically, dogs with cancer are treated with human drugs and human treatments, which may or may not be successful, depending on the type of cancer. Palladia is used to treat Mast Cell Tumours and is expected to be available to vets in 2010.

But as always, remember to keep an eye out for the 10 warning signs of cancer in your dog...
1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odour
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lamenessDifficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

If any of these signs occur in your pet, do not delay. See your vet immediately.

Pancreatitis

G'day Dog Lovers,

Last weekend, my Labrador Max was very unwell. He threw up in the morning and it soon became clear that he was not feeling too good at all.

Rather than feeling better straight away as he usually does, he seemed to start feeling worse and worse. He was sick again and seemed very uncomfortable - he was very listless and seemed to be in a lot of pain.

So off we went to the vet where he was diagnosed with a stomach bug, given some medication and sent home. However, the next morning he didn't seem any better - he wasn't even interested in his favourite snack, a piece of toast. When Max turns down food you know there's something wrong!

He was also straining to urinate so we went back to the vet the next two days but they still didn't know what was wrong with him. Eventually, tests revealed that he was suffering from pancreatitis (a common problem most probably caused by eating a fatty meal).

After spending several nights in hospital on a drip feeling very sad and sorry for himself, Max eventually recovered and returned home late last week. It's such a relief that he is better!

To find out more about pancreatitis, check out the next issue of Dogs Life (on-sale June 10).

RSPCA Qld Need Blankets!

G'day Dog Lovers,

We got the below request from RSPCA Qld who are in urgent need of some donations of blankets...

Cool change cold comfort for pets!
The seemingly never ending rain and cooler temperatures have left RSPCA Qld's Fairfield and Dakabin Shelters in urgent need of blankets, towels and doonas.

"We're simply running out," says Fairfield Shelter Manager Nanda Ten-Grotenhuis. "One of the problems of course is that as soon as we get them dry they're wet again. If anyone has any old blankets they're not using we'd love them! If they are able to bring them to the Shelters that would be fantastic as our volunteers are being run off their feet collecting materials from all over the Brisbane."

Winter tips for pet owners.
Winter's here and you may have noticed your older dog, cat or even horse starting to look a bit stiff when they walk and having trouble getting up from a lying position. Yes, it's probably old age and a bit of arthritis but did you know that you can do something about it! They can be made a lot more comfortable during winter by providing warm and comfortable bedding. A visit to your vet will also help make them feel better during winter. Often they can be given anti-inflammatories to ease the discomfort associated with arthritic joints.

In winter, pets need extra blankets and shelter from the cold wind. Many dogs kept outside have their own kennel and a few warm blankets in there will help keep the winter chills at bay. Alternatively you could move them into the garage or laundry area. Many owners give their dogs (particularly the short haired breeds) special doggie coats that can be purchased from a pet store. Or perhaps you've got an old warm shirt you don't need! If your pet won't destroy it a hot water bottle wrapped well in a towel will help keep them comfortable too. You can also purchase special heating pads from pet stores.

Often cats will find your bed and electric blanket by themselves. But if you don't want them to share your bed, you must provide them with a warm alternative.

Keeping warm often means that your pet will burn more energy and thus need a bit more to eat in winter. This is particularly important for older, thin pets and the very young. Providing a calorie dense commercial pet food specifically formulated for senior pets and puppies/kittens is a good choice. This will ensure that each age group receives the necessary vitamins and minerals in the right balance for their particular needs. Such diets will also give you the correct feeding guidelines for your pet's weight.

Easter Treats Can Kill

G'day Dog Lovers,

With Easter just a few days away it's a good time to remember the warnings about the danger of chocolate for dogs.

Just 50g of chocolate can be toxic and kill a dog. Once again this is the Easter warning from the RSPCA’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Anne Chester.

With most pets considered part of the family, there’s a quite normal inclination to share the food with the family pet. “The problem is that the systems of cats and dogs cannot tolerate theobromine, one of key ingredients of chocolate,” says Dr Chester.

Theobromine can cause a range of problems in domestic animals because it triggers the release of adrenaline, which can lead to a greatly accelerated heart rate and an irregular heart beat. Pets can vomit, suffer diarrhoea and excessive urination and become hyperactive. This can be followed by depression, coma, seizures and death. Obviously then, people should remember to keep their trays of Easter eggs away from the opportunistic family pooch.

But chocolate is not the only potential health hazard around at Easter. “Onions can also be toxic”, she warned. “Even the small amounts contained on pizza slices. The fatty foods in barbeque left overs can affect the animals’ pancreas and lead to pancreatitis. Cooked bones can also cause major problems. They’re brittle and the sharp slivers can either lodge in the throat or pierce the stomach lining.”

Dr Chester emphasised that she was not trying to be melodramatic. “We want everyone to enjoy the Easter break. But please! Think carefully before you feed your pets food designed for humans-especially chocolate!”

Seatbelts For Dogs

G'day Dog Lovers,

Yesterday I got a phone call from one of our readers about an article in our latest issue on seatbelts for dogs. This reader explained to me how she was driving her SUV one day recently with her two dogs safely secured (or so she thought) by harnesses in the back.

However, one of her dogs, a 50kg Rhodesian Ridgeback, decided he'd had enough of being restrained. He pulled on the harness and broke the plastic clip that held the harness around him. Luckily, the reader was able to pull over without any trouble. But what if she had been travelling at 80km/h or faster and had to slam on the brakes? The harness could have broken just as easily and her dog would have turned into a lethal missile.

How safe are plastic clips on doggy car harnesses? Shouldn't they use metal clips that will be much stronger under pressure? This reader has since gone on a search for a car harness that uses metal clips instead of plastic ones - the only product she has been able to find is made in the U.S - www.ruffrider.com

Does anyone know of an Australian-made product that might fit the bill?

While we're on the topic, what about safety testing for these harnesses? Seatbelts for us humans undergo intensive testing to make sure they keep us safe, but do you know of anyone who does any sort of safety testing on their dog car harness?

Feel free to post a comment - I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one...

Pancreatitis

G'day Dog Lovers,

I was chatting to the Dogs Life veterinary adviser recently and he mentioned that he'd been seeing a lot of canine patients suffering from pancreatitis recently.

Pancreatitis is a disease that can, in some cases, be quite serious. From the Merck/Merial Manual For Pet Health: 'In the initial stages of the disease, the secretion of pancreatic juice decreases. This is followed by a series of steps that lead to activation of pancreatic enzymes inside the pancreas, rather than the intestinal tract. The enzymes begin to digest the pancreas itself, causing damage within the pancreas and triggering inflammation, which leads to damage in other parts of the body. Loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, abdominal pain, dehydration, and diarrhea are the most common signs reported in dogs with severe pancreatitis.'

This all sounds a bit nasty. Has your dog ever suffered pancreatitis? If so, I'd love to hear from you - send me an email at dogslife@universalmagazines.com.au

What has your dog eaten that it shouldn't have?

G'day Dog Lovers,

Yesterday I had a call from a friend about her Labrador, Rosie. Rosie had somehow managed to swallow a sock, which had basically clogged up her insides and made her dangerously unwell. A late-night rush to the vet got Rosie medical treatment just in time to save her life.

As Rosie had to be opened up and operated on, the total veterinary costs went well into the thousands of dollars. But more importantly than anything, this hungry pooch will be OK!

However, it did get me thinking about some of the dangerous objects and items that are out there to be swallowed by our dogs. My lab, Max, used to have a bit of a habit of chowing down on clothes pegs - luckily, he grew out of it and never suffered any medical problems.

Has your dog ever swallowed something he shouldn't have and gotten sick? Have any bones, toys, sticks or other items become lodged in your pooch's insides?

I'd love to hear your stories...

Coping With The Summer Heat

G'day Dog Lovers,

I've pasted the text from a very useful media release below - it's all about keeping your dog cool in summer and has plenty of good advice...


Vets warn of fatally high temperatures
Four dogs suffering from heat stroke were admitted to Murdoch’s Emergency
Veterinary Clinic over the past week, sparking a plea to owners to keep their pets
cool.

During the 2007 Christmas period the Murdoch Pet Emergency Centre treated multiple
cases of heat stroke with five dogs dying on their way to the emergency service.
Murdoch Senior Lecturer in Emergency and Critical Care Katrin Swindells said dog
owners should keep their pets cool this summer as the high temperatures forecast
could prove fatal for their pets.

"Signs of heat stroke include excessive and distressed panting and then collapse," Dr
Swindells said.

"Dogs try so hard to breathe that they cannot stop for long enough to drink water."
Particularly at risk are short nosed dogs that have noisy breathing normally, already
has heart or lung disease, or is obese. Dr Swindells said these dogs could develop
heat stroke at rest if environmental temperatures were high enough.

"Young or excitable dogs may play, or chase balls until they develop heat stroke and
this can happen very quickly," she said

Dr Swindells said if a dog appeared to be developing heatstroke, immediately stop any
exercise. "Actively cool the dog for at least five minutes by saturating the whole coat with a
hose or placing under a cold water shower," Dr Swindells said. "The owner should then immediately seek veterinary attention.

"During the drive to the veterinary clinic the air-conditioning should be on full or have
the windows open while continuing to wet the dog’s coat with a water bottle."

Summer tips for dog owners:
• Do not exercise your dogs in the heat of the day;
• Do not leave dogs in cars, even a few minutes;
• Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and shade and keep dogs at increased
risk inside, in air-conditioning if possible;
• If heat stroke is suspected immediately start cooling the dog with cold running
water for five minutes and then seek immediate veterinary attention.

Poisoned Meat Causing Dog Kidney Damage

G'day Dog Lovers,

Check out the link to an Australian news story below...

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24772364-421,00.html

Hundreds of small dogs have suffered serious kidney damage, believed to have been caused by pet food meat from China. "We have only become aware of this in the last three or four weeks, and we need to make people aware there are some clear indications there is a problem out there," AVA national president Mark Lawrie told The Advertiser yesterday.

Vets and small dog owners have been told to look out for warning signs such as increased thirst and urination, reduced appetite, lethargy, weakness and vomiting.

Do you know of anyone who has been affected by this?

Max - Weight Loss

G'day Dog Lovers,

A few weeks ago I introduced you to my dog, Max. He's a six-year-old yellow Lab with an intense passion for anything food-related.

Unfortunately, Max has been enjoying a bit too much of the good life lately and has stacked on a few pounds. He's not quite the same trim and taut athlete he used to be - I'm pretty sure it's because he keeps using all his powers of persuasion to get people to sneak him food treats!

So now it's time for Max to go on a diet. His daily exercise routine will be increased a little bit to help him shed the kilos, and we'll have to keep a close track of the treats he gets given each day. Pet obesity is a growing problem in Australia and it is vital to make sure your pooch stays fit and healthy, no matter how tempting it is to spoil them.

Question for Dr Ark?

I'm preparing to send the next round of questions to our resident vet Dr Michael Archinal from Dogs Life magazine's 'Dr Ark - All Questions Great and Small' segment.

We received one question this morning from a reader, Michelle from NSW, asking if there is a nappy-type product out there for her sickly Basset Hound who is peeing inside the house. Dr Ark's answer will be in the July/Aug 2008 edition...

Thought I ask dog-a-bloggers if you have any health-related questions you want answered? I'll be sending the questions next week. So email your question to dogslife@universalmagazines.com.au if you want the chance to have your question answered.

Please see your vet for any emergencies. It can take a while before Dr Ark responds!

Photo by Dogs Life reader Jaki Newman

Hot cars kill dogs

The warmer weather is upon us, and it's time to start thinking about ways to keep your pooch safe and cool over summer. Dogs pant to maintain their body temperature, but they still need our help to stay cool. Like humans, dogs too can suffer from heat cramps and heat exhaustion - they just can't tell us about it. Heat stroke can even cause the death of a beloved pet.

I recently chatted with Laura from DogAid Australia, who has some important advice for preventing heat exhaustion in dogs.

NEVER leave your pet in a parked car, Laura says. Most cars (especially black cars and hatchbacks) heat up to be like a sauna, even on mild days. Always leave windows open when driving with your dog.

It's a good idea to take your dog walking during the cooler parts of the day. Provide fresh, cool water for your dog and ensure they have a cool, shady place to rest, Laura adds.

While these tips may sound obvious, some dog owners still forget about their four-legged friends and the suffering they face when it's hot outside.

Remember - if you do see an animal that appears to be suffering from heat stress in a car and the owner cannot be found, call your local RSPCA, veterinarian or police station immediately.

Have you ever seen a dog in a hot car? What do you do to keep your dog cool during summer? Share your warm weather tips with Dogs Life Dog-a-Bloggers.