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The FDA recently approved Slentrol, a drug designed specifically for dogs which would decrease appetite and fat absorption to promote weight loss. This drug targets the 5% of dogs who are obese and the 20-30% who are considered medically overweight (as compared with the 2/3 rate for American weight covering both ranges).
Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #7, January
We have discussed Cesar Millan in previous issues but there are a variety of training methods available. In fact, a recent “People” magazine examined the “war” going on between his method and a method which relies on the use of treats.
Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #7, January
A dog’s diet is guided by several shifting nutritional factors which necessitate different diets due to age, breed, genetics, body weight, and activity level. In some cases, even climate becomes a consideration.
Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #7, January
In researching the senses through various books and on-line articles, I have discovered such a wealth of information on each sense that it could comprise a book in and of itself. My aim with these articles is to deliver a summary and the bottom line, not necessarily the detailed physiology and testing which led to the final conclusion. For more detailed information, please see our reference materials listed in the library of our website: www.pantopspetsalon.com
Through educating ourselves about the five senses in dogs compared to our human capabilities, we develop a much greater understanding of the world our canine companions experience. Sight is our bag! It is our keenest sense and in most aspects, it is far superior to that of dogs. Our visual system has a greater portion of the brain devoted to it than to any of our other senses—not true for dogs. The amount of light taken in by the pupil and the amount of light interpreting structures within the eye (cones and rods) are markedly different between man and dog. Since dogs originally hunted and were usually very active during dawn and dusk, they are more sensitive to levels of brightness but their ability to perceive color falls by the wayside. When compared to other animals, though, the dog has relatively good vision. Based on current research, here is what we know:
Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #7, January
Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #7, January
The “Richmond Times-Dispatch” featured an article describing the development of an Internet-based registry of dangerous dogs modeled after Virginia’s sex-offender registry. The legislature was organized after a woman and her Shih Tzu were fatally mauled in their own yard by the neighbor’s pit bulls. This case became the first in Virginia in which an owner was convicted of involuntary manslaughter due to the actions of their dog.
The registry is still in progress but is planned to be online by July 1st. It should include photos of the dogs as well as names and addresses of owners. Data is already being collected on local dogs via questionnaires sent by the state veterinarian’s office. So far, 89 localities have reported a total of 292 dangerous dogs. Virginia law includes dangerous dogs not by breed, but only by those who have a history of violent incidents.
In addition to this legislature, it is now considered by law to be a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, when an owner’s dog seriously injures someone.
The aim of this registry is to keep people aware of any dangers in their community as well as to remind owners of dangerous dogs to take measures to prevent further injuries.
In evolutionary terms, the sense of taste helped dogs differentiate harmful, indigestible or poisonous substances (bad taste) from that which was nutritious and digestible (good taste). Because it is essential for survival, taste is one of the earliest senses developed in dogs.
Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #6, December
As I described in the last issue, there are certain breeds that we just don’t do. I groomed Chows for 25 years before I decided that I had enough. Has my experience with the breed been unique? I went online to find out. Next Day Pets gives a candid overview of each of the breeds including a graph of characteristics as compared with the average dog. Here’s what they had to say about Chows:
Archived from “The Paw Report,” Issue #6: December
Adjusting to winter is a little more complicated than just letting the hair grow. Dogs, especially those who stay outside like your hunting dogs (fox hounds), need to have their houses prepared for winter with more blankets, straw or cedar chips. Water bowls need to be attended to regularly to avoid freezing. The body of an outdoor dog will acclimate to the weather as well by producing a thicker coat. However, dogs who only go out for exercise and to relieve themselves aren’t exposed to the cold long enough for their bodies to start developing thicker coats. There is a theory that the frequent switching between a cold outdoors and warm house actually confuses the coat and our pets continue to shed through the winter.
Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #6, December