Some Things To Remember In Cold Weather

 

Let us venture a look through our frosted windows with the eyes of a dog. The winter wonderland, though fun to play in, can also present countless hazards for our animals. Here are some things to take into account during winter weather.

1.      Did you know the rock salt and salt-based products we use to keep our walks clean and free of ice can present a health hazard to our dogs?

 

Rock salt and other salt-based ice melters contain sodium chloride or potassium chloride which can heat up to 175 degrees when exposed to water, ice, and low temperatures. Often these white pellets (crystals) sit on ice and snow surfaces for a long period before penetrating.

 

Pets—For dogs, in particular, exposure to salt-based ice melters can mean an unhealthy winter and unplanned trips to the veterinarian. The salts get frozen into the dogs paws and fur. When they are inside with higher temperatures, these salts can burn the skin causing ulcers and redness to tissue which can lead to bacterial infections. Dogs can also develop intestinal problems and inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) from licking the salt-based products off their paws.

- SafePaw.com

There are several ways to combat this threat. There is a product on the market called SafePaw, an ice melter that is non-toxic to humans and animals alike. 100% salt free, SafePaw is guaranteed safe for the environment, most surfaces, and plants. Although it is pricier than regular rock salt, SafePaw can be used less often. You can read more about SafePaw, and find a store locator at their website.

For those who may not be able to afford or find SafePaw, be sure to wipe your dog’s paws thoroughly with a clean towel every time they reenter the house. By walking on sidewalks, parking lots, roads, paws not only pick up the harmful chemicals found in ice melting salts, but also those found in car fluids such as antifreeze, oil, etc.

Booties may also be an option, especially for dogs that have little hair, are very young or elderly.

2.      Wherever you keep your dogs, make sure it is warm! Keeping dogs inside during the extreme cold is my personal preference, but even if a dog lives in the basement or in an enclosed building, remember that hard surfaces like cement, tiles, and even wood can be VERY cold. Make sure your dog has a warm, dry place to not only sleep, but get out and move around.

 

3.      Make sure that outdoor water bowls are free and clear of ice! Sometimes you will need to go out and chop the ice off the top several times a day.

 

4.      Ice and snow can form uncomfortable and painful knots in a dog’s coat. Be sure to keep up on your dog’s grooming throughout the winter months.

 

5.       As always, exercise common sense and good judgment. Keep your dog on his leash during walks, and never let them around frozen water ways. Be aware of what your dog can tolerate comfortably, the temperature, and their general wellbeing. If hypothermia or frostbite is expected, seek medical help immediately.

     

For more winter weather safety tips, go here.

Warm Wags,

        Whitney

 

Get Your 2013 Dog License

Dog Licensing. Yes, it is that time of year again already! If you are simply renewing your dog(s) license(s), you will probably get a reminder in the mail. If this is your first time buying a dog license, you will need to make the first step. Contact your local animal control agency to find out specific information on where to go if you want to pick up the license in person, any paperwork to bring, what the fee will be because there will be a fee, etc. Before you get your fur in a ball, consider what this fee (our local fee is $12.00 per dog) is going towards. Often times, this fee will help support the local animal shelter. Dogs are also required to have their rabies vaccine before the license will be issued. So keep up on those shots! Sometimes, there are discounts if your dog is spayed/neutered, if you are a Senior Citizen, etc. Just ask. Keep in mind that there is a deadline for you to purchase your license. If you are late, they will charge a penalty fee on top of the regular fee. Here are five reasons to get your annual dog licenses. Even though these reasons are taken from the San Francisco Animal Care and Control, they hold true across the board.

1. If your dog gets lost, a license tag on your dog's collar is the fastest way to find you when your dog is found. Even if your dog is microchipped, a license tag is immediately visible and doesn't require a scanning device to read it, like a microchip does.

2. Licensing, unlike microchipping, lets people know that your canine companion has received required vaccinations that protect your dog from rabies.

3. The fee you pay for your dog license and license renewal keeps your city's animal shelter going.

4. Your dog's license shows that you are a responsible dog caregiver. When you walk your dog or let your dog run in designated areas, people will notice the license on your dog's collar and know that you really care about your dog's welfare. Dogs without licenses carry a stigma of owner neglect.

5. It's the law.

'Nuff said.

They sent a little brochure with our licenses this year containing phone numbers and answers to frequently asked questions. On the back, there is a section reading "Bet You Didn't Know" that lists the most popular breeds in our county: Collie, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Bassett, Coonhound, Chihuahua, Irish Setter, Sheltie, and Poodle.
Some of those surprised me! Do you know what the most popular breeds in your county are?

Wags,
Whitney

January Breed Spotlight – Shetland Sheepdog

Something I’ve planned on doing with this blog is highlighting a different breed of dog every month. The history, care, breed standard, and pictures and videos will be featured. Since January marks the two year anniversary of my beloved little Sheltie boy’s venture to doggy heaven, I thought it only fitting for the Shetland Sheepdog to be the first to appear as a Breed Spotlight.



Tam O'Shanter
April 1998 - January 2011

Breed: Shetland Sheepdog
Place of Origin: Shetland Islands
Group: Herding

History – Although many people think that Shetland Sheepdogs, often called “Shelties”, are miniature Collies, they are actually a breed of their own. There is no doubt that Collies, along with other herding dogs, played a huge role in forming the breed. Indicative of the name, Shetland Sheepdogs originated on the Shetland Islands. Although the English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1909 as “Shetland Collies”, it was not until 1914 that breeders of true Collies helped to push for Shelties to be recognized as their own breed. The American Kennel Club registered the first Sheltie in 1911, “Lord Scott.” John Sherman, Jr. of New York acquired him from Shetland.

Purpose—As one might assume, the Shetland Sheepdog is often the right-hand partner of farmers of various kinds. From cows to sheep to chickens, even people (yes, a Sheltie will try to herd you, too!), the vocational purpose of the breed is innate to them. Although herding is a natural behavior to Shelties, shepherds and farmers will often spend months and years training and perfecting the work and bond of both dog and man. When done right, the relationship is truly a partnership and a beautiful performance of grace, trust, and obedience to watch.

Nowadays, the need for a herding companion has dwindled and Shelties have proven themselves worthy in many other respects. They excel as agility and obedience dogs. There are also sheep herding shows and competitions, and one can expect how they shine in their original purpose. They also make wonderful companion and therapy dogs, as well as loving pets and additions to families.

Personality—Shelties are loving, family oriented dogs. They are highly intelligent and easy to train. Although they are small enough to live in an apartment, their trademark high-pitched, sometimes persistent barking, can make for unhappy neighbors and displeased owners. Shelties can be shy of strangers, and may be a little “sneaky” at times. As with all popular breeds, Shelties have unfortunately been subjected to arbitrary breeding. This has lead to an influx of unstable temperaments and several health problems in the breed. When considering any dog, it is extremely important to not only match your lifestyle to the right breed, but research and select the right breeder.

Shelties are smart, there is no doubt, but they are also very sensitive. Training should start early, but they do not respond well to a harsh approach (what dog does?). Love and patience should be your constant companions when training any dog.

Health – The average lifespan of a Sheltie is 12 to 15 years. Although they can live active, healthy lives, they have several health concerns.

“Breed health concerns may include Collie eye anomaly, dermatomyositis, hemophilia, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, von Willebrand’s disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, carpal ligament weakening, polyarthritis, nasal cavity tumors, congenital deafness, entropion, distichiasis, corneal dystrophy, cataracts, cryptorchidism, testicular neoplasia, MDR-1 gene mutation, patent ductus arteriosus, progressive retinal atrophy and seizures. This breed is expecially sensitive to ivermectin and milbemycin.” - PetWave

As with any dog, it is important to stay current on vet check ups and shots, supply ample exercise, feed a nutritious dog food, and pay attention. Even when being a good parent, some things are unavoidable. Research, educate yourself, be responsible, and show a lot of love. You will be rewarded in return.

Look – Holding a close resemblance to the Collie, Sheltie’s heads are wedge-shaped. Their almond shaped eyes are alert and bright. Small ears are erect, but often “tipped” by way of gluing the ear tips down as puppies.

Shelties boast of grace and beauty. Their long, silky coats beg for back and belly scratches. Their lion-like mane is regal and distinct. Sheltie’s have two base colors: Black or Sable. Genes dictate what color combinations and markings they will have.

No surprise — Shelties need a lot of grooming—it’s best if they can be brushed every day. They are especially prone to getting matted knots around their ears, and below their armpits, though Sheltie’s have a plethora of opportunity for tangles in their abundant coats. Below is a chart depicting Sheltie coat colors.

Full grown, Shelties are generally between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulders, and generally weigh between 14 and 25 pounds.

Conclusion – In closing, Shelties are very dear to my heart. They are certainly in a class all their own. Big hearts in compact bodies, given the right home, they make a wonderful addition to a loving family.

Sources – AKC, PetWave

Videos – Here are two videos by Animal Planet giving a short rundown on Shetland Sheepdogs: "Breed All About It" and "Dogs 101." Long before "Dogs 101" made its way to Animal Planet, its predecessor "Breed All About It" was there. I loved watching and learning about different dog breeds.

Breed All About It

Dogs 101

Pictures Below – From PetWave

 



 

















Wags,
Whitney

Starting the Year Out with Tugs on the Heart Strings

If you're like me, even when you know to avoid the headlines that promise to tear at your heart, you almost always click on the stories concerning animals that stream across the middle of Yahoo!'s homepage (Yes, I may be one of the few people left in the world that still uses Yahoo! instead of Google).

I first read/watched Fiona's story last year, and it has remained with me every since. After creating this blog, I knew I wanted to share it. The people who perform animal rescues are truly heroes. Grab a couple tissues before proceeding.

Blind Rescue Dog Found in Trash Gets Her Sight Back

 

By Webvet  | Animal Nation – Tue, Mar 27, 2012 10:05 AM EDT

 

An abandoned dog -- found sick, blind and flea-infested -- has gotten her sight back. Eldad Hargar and his wife, Audrey, the founders of Hope For Paws, a Los Angeles-based animal rescue organization that takes in abused and neglected animals, took in the pup, Fiona, last year and launched a fundraising campaign on her behalf.

"She was just so defeated," said Eldad. "Blind, filthy, everything was going against her. There seemed to be no hope there."

The couple filmed her rescue, which has since gone viral -- prompting over $4,000 in donations that allowed her to have eye surgery which has partially restored her vision.

"We're so happy that people are watching this and learning," Eldad Hagar said. "We want people to react to this. Next time you see an animal on the street, call someone or do something. If you can't help, then get help."




Check out Fiona's amazing video!

 

Here's an update taken from another Yahoo! News story...

 

"Fiona has since been adopted and her rescue video has become something of a hit on the Web. Here's another video chronicling her recovery. This video was taken before she was adopted and includes scenes of Fiona wearing an unbearably adorable Santa hat.

UPDATE: Hope for Paws just sent us a new video update on Fiona, showing her at play with some of new companions. If the above video made you cry, smile then cry again -- this one is guaranteed to simply put a smile on your face."

Finoa's New Home

Warmest Wags for a Happy New Year,
Whitney