Stone in my bladder !

On Sunday I really was not feeling well. I couldn't do my pee pee's and it really hurt when I tried. So Nikki decided to take me to the vet, just as well because I was in a bad way . I had to have my pee pee syringed out. Not very pleasant but necessary as otherwise the toxins would build up in my blood and possibly my bladder would burst and I would die.

The next day more X-Rays were taken and it was discovered that I have a stone in my bladder. I have been given a special diet to help reduce the size of the stone plus antibiotics and hopefully I will not require surgery.

The vet doesn't know why I have a stone as I am a young dog and this occurs more in older doggies.

So all you doggie owners out there if you see your dog having trouble having a pee pee , take it seriously, especially if he or she is in pain while trying to pee pee and there is no urine coming out or very little. Please take your pooch to a vet immediately ! If you leave it too long your doggie's bladder can burst !

Here is an X-ray of approximately where my stone is..

New Drug offers hope for doggies

New drug trials under way to help dogs who have suffered paralyisis see link here

An Out-of-Botty Experience

I had an embarrassing problem this week: however much I ate, and however hard I pushed, nothing was coming out of my backside ! (sorry if this is too much information). Fortunately Nikki, my owner, eventually got wind of my discomfort (ha ha), checked my rear end, and horror-of-horrors found something sticking out that wasn't suppose too be there. So off to the vet we went.

When we arrived at the surgery and sat down in the waiting room there were a couple of worried-looking cat-dudes in cages (let me at 'em !) and a maniacally yapping poodle jumping up and down on her owner's knee. I soon realised why they were so worked-up as I turned my head and made eye contact with a massive, slobbering Rottweiller (aka "Rambo"), who was sizing me up ready for his next meal !

His owner said that Rambo "was a pussycat really". Yeah right, we all believe that ... NOT !  The cats in the cages were praying to The Great-Moggie-in-the-Sky that they wouldn't be Rambo's next snack, and the poodle was now clinging for dear life to her owner's neck. As If it wasn't enough that Rambo was scaring the fur off us, he started shaking his head,  making his jowls wobble quite disgustingly, and we all had to duck to avoid his projectile slobber - hmmm, nice ! Luckily it was soon my turn too see Miquel (the vet) and escape from Rambo's warm embraces and bad breath.

Miquel lifted me up onto the table and Nikki explained that I had problems doing my poo-poos. Miquel started by looking into my mouth and eyes, but Nikki said: "no no, it's Gizmo's rear end that's the problem !". Maybe he was just trying to delay the inevitable pleasure of inspecting my cute butt, and I suppose I couldn't really blame him.

Anyhow, there was indeed something stuck up there causing a blockage. Quite a few things actually: bits of twig, string, slippers, gardening implements ... you name it, it was all up there. God knows how - I don't remember eating half of that stuff.

With a resigned look and practised dexterity, Miguel managed to clear the blockage. Wow, what a wooftastic relief ! but it was only short-lived: a thermometer was rapidly inserted back up where the sun don't shine (as if I hadn't suffered enough humiliation !). Miquel was concerned that I might have torn something inside and have an infection, so he needed to take my temperature. Happily it was normal, and I got a biscuit, a pat on the head, and that was that (at least until I find some more tasty looking sharp objects to chomp on).

So, my doggie amigos, the moral of this story is: don't eat stuff you're not suppose to - otherwise it might involve an uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing visit to the vet. As the saying goes: "sheet happens" ... and if it doesn't then something's wrong, visit the vet and have an Out-of-Botty experience like mine.

On the subject of visiting the vet: some doggies find it quite stressful, what with all the strange sights, smells and sounds; all the unfamiliar humans and animals; not to mention oversized mean looking Rotweillers with macho studded collars and owners covered in tattoos. So here are a few tips to help keep your pooch calm:

• Make sure your pooch has had a chance to go for a pee / poo before you go the vet (that's if they're able to of course !)
• Take some of his favourite treats with you to reward him for good behaviour while in the surgery.
• Keep your dog calm and by your side, even if he wants to say "Hola" to the other patients in the waiting room.
• Give him lots of physical attention: ie cuddles, and talk to him softly as this will help keep him relaxed.

Copyright Nikki Attree - Published in Island Connections

A trip to the vet, 'what a pain in the ass'...

I have been having problems today with going to the toilet , nothing was coming out !. So Nikki checked the back end this afternoon and saw something sticking out that she reckoned wasn't suppose too be there. So off to Animal Sur we went. 

Nikki explained to the Vet that I had problems doing my number two's. The vet then looked into my mouth and eyes . Nikki then said " no, no it's the back end of the dog that is the problem" . I think the Vet was trying to put off the inevitable off looking at my rear end, and really I can't blame him.

Anyhow , indeed their was something stuck, quite a few things actually , bit of twig, string,wool etc. The vet managed to clear the blockage, what a nice man..!

So the moral of the story doggies, don't eat stuff you are not suppose too otherwise it will involve a rather embarrassing and uncomfortable visit to the vet . 

WATCH YOUR DOG DOES NOT GET OVERHEATED..!

Sad news recently of two German Shepherd dogs in the UK who died from heat exhaustion from being locked in a car ..!

Its really important especially in Tenerife to make sure your dog does not get overheated. Dogs trust has compiled three essential tips for owners to help their dogs beat the heat:

* Walk your dog in the morning and evening when the weather is cooler and make sure shady spots and drinking water are available.
* Clip the fur of particularly hairy hounds and apply canine sun cream to areas most likely to burn: ears, nose, and belly. Human suncream can be toxic so buy a special pet version from your local pet shop.
* Be extra vigilant with older and overweight dogs as they are more prone to overheat. In a real emergency wet your dog thoroughly and use a household fan to blow cool air over their head and body. Seek urgent veterinary attention.

If your dog shows signs of distress – such as excessive panting, blueness of the tongue or collapse contact your local vet immediately.


So please watch out for us pooches in the heat..!

Dogs and Cars do not mix well !

This makes me barking mad, people who don't put a lead on their dog near roads.

Nikki was coming home from shopping in her car today and was centimetres away from running over a dog who decided to cross the road to play with another dog. Fortunately Nikki was not going very fast and managed to stop in time. She then tried to explain to the owner to please put a lead on your dog as next time your pooch may not be so lucky.
Unbelievably the owner responded angrily and told Nikki to mind her own business and said 'no, I will not put my dog on a lead..!'

What can I say some humans are complete idiots !, don't they understand cars and dogs do not mix well !, us dogs can be easily distracted, its really important to keep your pooch on a lead near roads. Its all part of being a responsible and caring dog owner.!

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Taking care of your dog in their senior years

Written by Caz Irving -

Taking care of your dog in their senior years

It may come as a surprise to learn that larger breeds having reached the age of five are considered to have entered the senior stage of life. During this stage of life, your dog’s needs are changing, but much of this change will have gone unnoticed.  This is the time of life when several conditions are more likely to occur so you should pay extra attention to your dog’s needs.

Some older dogs spend more time asleep, combined with stiff joints it is easy to understand the importance of providing a soft padded bed. If your dog sleeps upstairs, it may be worth getting them used to sleeping downstairs. Avoiding stairs late at night will be kinder on the joints and take the additional strain off the back.

Older dogs can also become wobbly on their legs, especially if they have arthritis. If you have many ceramic tiles at home then using non-slip rugs can help avoid slips and falls.
Old age may be the start of poor eyesight. Help your dog by keeping the home environment the same, try not to move furniture around too much.

Many older dogs seem forgetful or confused; they often lose their normal house training habits and can appear short-tempered. Although these are common do not accept them as inevitable, there is a lot that can be done to improve the quality of your dog’s life and reduce the signs. Other signs of brain ageing are getting lost on walks, restless at night and not greeting you when you get home. Special diets and medications are available to improve many of these behaviours.

Although dental problems can happen at any age, they are by far the most common disorder in a senior dog. Signs to look for are bad breath, brown teeth, dribbling, rubbing the face or mouth, swelling on the face, especially under one eye, bleeding gums and a poor or reduced appetite. If you notice any of these ask you vet for a dental check up. Treating gum disease early can reduce the risk of kidney and heart disorders. Encouraging your older dog to chew will help keep his teeth clean, there are special dental toys and rawhide dental chews available that keep both teeth and gums healthy.

Keep your dog looking their best by daily grooming; this also allows you to do daily checks making it much easier to spot problems early. Regular brushing stimulates the skin, improves blood flow and reduces the build up of dead hair and skin. Using a good quality dog shampoo will hydrate the skin and reduce skin bacteria.

Exercise is very important; to not only maintain physical fitness but also to provide mental stimulation. If you confined older dogs for long periods, they become depressed and withdrawn from their surroundings. Try not to save all the weeks’ activity and exercise for great long walks at the weekend. Regular, short walks will result in a fitter, happier dog. Excessively long periods of exercise may cause more problems than it eases. Older dogs are also much more susceptible to heat stresses.

It is also a good idea to switch your dog’s food to a special senior diet, ask your vet for recommendations if you are unsure.

As with puppies and adult dogs it is still very important to keep all vaccinations, flea and worm control up to date

You can’t stop your dog from getting older, but regular veterinary check-ups, a good diet and a routine health care programme will go a long way to ensuring they live a long and healthy life.
 

Caring for your Dogs Paws

Watch out for those hot pavements in Tenerife, its not  really a good idea anyhow to take your pooch out in the middle of the day as your dog will find it too uncomfortable as they  can't sweat as much as we can and therefore find it more difficult to keep their body temperature down. Also those hot pavements can burn paw pads, creating blisters and/or infection

Take your dog out in the early morning or evening when the pavements are cooler

Watch for constant licking of paws. It can be an indication of pain and should have the attention of your vet. 



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Heartworm

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)
 
The subject of Heartworm (known as Filaria in Tenerife) is one that comes up time and time again amongst dog owners.It is a parasite which is not prevalent in the UK due to the climate, however, sadly here in Tenerife it is a widespread threat.
 
There are ways to prevent it though, orally, topically and via injection, which I have listed below:
The injection method is probably the easiest and most effective. It lasts for a year and is ultimately much cheaper than the other 2.
The most common oral treatment is “Cardotek” which is administered on a monthly basis. These are tasty meat flavoured tablets so your pooch will wolf them down!
Then the topical method - Several flea and tick spot on treatments now cover Heartworm as well as a range of other parasites.
It is my personal belief, however, that a product that claims to treat too many things cannot possible be as effective as a parasite specific treatment.

To give you a little bit of an insight into it - Heartworm, or Filaria, is transmitted by mosquito bites. The mosquito acts as the host for the larval stage of the worm (microfilaria).
This then penetrates the dog's skin and travels through the body to the heart. These grow, infesting the chambers on the right side of the heart and the arteries in the lungs. The Heartworm itself can reach up to 12 inches in length which is one heck of a long worm!
Unfortunately a sudden infestation can kill the dog instantly as it can block the heart and blood vessels – luckily this doesn’t happen very often, but if your dog is elderly or in poor health it does run a higher risk.

The female Heartworm produces thousands of live young each day – these then stay in the bloodstream of the dog for up to 3 years. It is a frightening parasite and more so because it can remain silent for some time until symptoms start to become apparent.
 
These symptoms include coughing, weightloss, apathy. Over time the dog may start to cough up blood and breathing is hindered. Obviously, if your dog is showing any of these signs you mustn’t instantly come to the conclusion of “its life threatening”, but do see your Vet to discount anything nasty.
It is a traumatic progression and, if caught too late, can be untreatable.

If you have not treated your dog for Heartworm then you can get them tested quickly and cheaply at your Vet. A small drop of blood is taken and the results are almost instant. It would then be advisable to begin prevention (or sadly in some cases, cure).

Our four legged furry friends are important to us and so we want to ensure they are kept in the best health possible.

This post was written by Steph Tufft Veterinary assisitant, dog trainer and groomer see Steph's website here..

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'Dog wash' machine

Oh no you are not getting me into one of these contraptions ! A dog wash machine are they kidding. Looks like torture to me, the poodle in the video looks traumatised poor pooch.

Check out for yourselves here on the BBC website 

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Health and the Older Dog

I am getting on a bit going to be 12 years old soon. I am now having a few problems with my bladder and can't jump quite as high as I used to, etc.  So I asked Steph who is a veterinary nurse to write a piece about the older pooch for Tenerife dogs, here is Steph's article.....

I was also looking at my Ellie who is now 5 and thinking to myself that next year she will be encroaching into “older dog category”, so I thought I would do a little piece on caring for your dog as it reaches its later years, their needs and how to get the most out of life with him or her.

Interact as much as possible with, for the sake of argument, him. Dogs need us, they are not like cats, they don’t relish just being left alone or watching the world go by all day. They need mental and physical stimulation from us. It can be an easy rut to get into where they end up becoming bored with life and then, eventually, just not bothering to do things that another dog of their age, perhaps, would be doing.

Stroke them, adore them, talk to them, share your time with them. A lot of us are busy people who work all day but that doesn’t mean you cant really indulge in the free time you have outside of these hours. After all, your dog is not an ornament to be looked at, it is your friend, your companion, your dependant. By keeping your dogs mind young and active he, in turn, will remain as young and active as is possible for him.

Boredom can bring about problems as well such as hair pulling, licking and gnawing. These can then develop into ACTUAL problems with eventually need veterinary treatment such as raw skin.

Sadly another issue which most older dogs come to at the later years is a more pressing urge for urination. Its almost like going back to puppy years as you will need to be on call to whip them out for the odd pee here and there every couple of hours or so. It can be difficult in Tenerife as a lot of people have just balconies or terraces, but if you, for whatever reason, cannot let them go on this you MUST give them access to the outdoors. It can become dangerous to them otherwise. They can develop problems such as a Urinary Tract Infection. This is a build up of bacteria which, as I say, can be caused by not letting them urinate frequently enough. To prevent such problems, take them out to pee frequently and ensure they are drinking enough. Also make sure they are kept clean.

Make sure you have taken them out just before bed, last thing at night pees are very important – if you look at elderly people, they are often unable to hold it through the night and have to get up to relieve themselves. Incontinence can occur as they get older as well so by making sure he can go as often as he needs, you will make dribbles less regular .

Older dogs, especially of certain breeds, can be prone to Arthritis and stiffness. Luckily we live in a hot place so this will be significantly improved as opposed to, say, England. However it never hurts to help it a little more. We are surrounded by water and there is nothing better for a dog with bad joints than to swim or even just wade in water. It acts as a support and aids your dogs movement. 


Obviously some dogs just hate water but perhaps you could slowly introduce it to them. I did this with my rescue Dobie. He went charging into the sea on his first visit to the beach and didn’t realise that the sea wasn’t ground. Before he knew it he was up to his neck and wondering what the hell happened to the floor. This put him off for a while but with a little slow encouragement he began to venture back in again.

Hydrotherapy is a great therapy for dogs though and it can make massive differences to a dogs quality of life. It is a catch 22 as although you don’t want the dog to overdo it when suffering from bad joints, the worst thing is for the dog to remain motionless or be carried everywhere.

The great thing about this island is there is a beach pretty close to us regardless of where we are. I know a lot of them are “no dogs allowed” now, but I have frequently gone down in the evening when no one is about and it is just getting dark. Or else suss out little coves, there's loads of them about. Then, of course, there is El Medano. It will be good for you too. Time bonding with your dog, gets you out of the house and your dog is benefiting from the water therapy.

Groom your dog. You would be surprise how many people think that their dog does not need to be brushed or combed except for when they see the dog groomer. Long haired, short haired, thick coats….they all need regular grooming. Every day or couple of days. Dogs naturally lose dead hair and by combing it you are removing it from the coat and preventing build up.

As they get older their coats can become tired, greasy, dry, flaky. By keeping on top of it you can make them look their best, plus it is a great way to bond with your dog. While you are sat in front of the TV in the evening, rake a comb through their fur and enjoy each others company.

Also, in long haired dogs, ensure that their back ends are clean. As dogs get older they don’t clean as much and, if they are slightly incontinent, they will begin to smell down there. So keep it trimmed or washed as often as you can. Not only for the smell but for hygiene and illness prevention purposes.

Your dog is your best mate and won't always be the cute puppy, or bounding teenage that he once was. But this is no reason to give up as soon as they reach middle or old age. By doing the simple things as above, you are able to keep them young. They are relatively simple creatures and human interaction is what they relish. Its what makes them into the loving, sociable friends that they are.

Thanks very much Steph for writing this article, some important points have been raised. If anybody would like to leave comments please do so.

Here is a link to Stephs website she is available for dog sitting, grooming and dog training and see here and here

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Rescue dogs and how to bond with your new Pal..

Dogs that come from rescue shelters can have  physical and behavioural problems. They may have been abused or neglected . So it may take a while even months for your new friend to trust you and settle into his new home, so be patience.

Recently a friend of mind adopted a very cute little dog (Katy) from a rescue shelter ( Aktiontier). Katy was very nervous at first , but her owner ( Sally ) has been very patience and calm with her new doggy friend and allowed Katy some space to get used to her new home. Not having too many people coming around to visit is probably a good idea at the beginning. Now Katy is very affectionate and will even have a little woof when somebody comes to the door, which means she is protecting her territory, her home..!

Katy with her new Mum

Some experts  advise walking your dog to their new home, rather than driving, the idea behind this is that the dog will immediately have a sense that this is their new home. Park a few streets away maybe and walk the rest of the way.

There are experts of course that can advise you if you feel that your new dog is taking too long to settle in his forever home. 

Steph a dog trainer, Vet nurse and groomer ( who lives in Tenerife) has had a lot of experience of looking after rescue dogs she fosters dogs from Live Arico. 

Tel Steph on 628859973

If any doggy experts out there have any tips on getting a  rescue pooch settled in his or her new home please leave a comment below... Thanks:)

Farting Pooches...!

I know farting dogs maybe a odd subject to be writing about , but to anyone who owns a dog I am sure can relate to that eye watering moment when your beloved pooch managed to clear the entire room with a single rather obnoxious smelly rip.

What I always find incredible is when your pooch looks at you in complete innocence after the deed is done , as to say 'what is the problem, its better out than in' . Of course that innocent look can be justified when said dog is being wrongly accused of your own flatulence problem

Flatulence is basically the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract when bacteria in the digestive tract break down food items. Any dog can suffer from it to differing degrees – some may get excessive flatulence. If your dog’s flatulence does become prolonged or excessive, of course you will need to consult your vet.

Some common causes of dog flatulence are food or diet related. For example:

1.“wolfing” down food. Eating too fast in other words.

2. Feeding your pooch food which will, in all likelihood, cause wind problems just like they might you. What happens if you eat too many, beans, or have too much garlic etc. Well feed them to your dog and he may well end up just as you would. I made the mistake of giving Basil some garlic chicken, boy did I regret that, it took two days to get through his system and visitors didn't stick around for long.

3. A poor quality diet – cheap dog food, leftovers etc

WORLD ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS UNITE

Budapest hosts the 11th International Companion Animal Welfare Conference

Animal welfare organisations, campaigners and interested individuals from around the world have the opportunity to come together at this year’s International Companion Animal Welfare Conference (ICAWC) which will be taking place in Budapest from 7th to 9th October 2009.

Run by Dogs Trust - the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, ICAWC is the leading conference of its kind. It is held in a different European city each year and provides a platform where delegates working in the field of animal welfare can network, exchange knowledge and gain support from their international contemporaries.

One of the main focus will be on behaviour and training with speakers highlighting the importance of understanding the psychological as well as physical issues in animal welfare. Speakers will discuss different training techniques including the “Tellington Touch”. They will also highlight the behaviour that pets need to be able to express to reduce stress and enhance their emotional wellbeing, suggesting practical ways in which to house, handle and treat companion animals. Speakers include Sarah Fisher from Tellington Touch, Carolyn Menteith from Dog Talk, Claire Bessant from the Feline Advisory Bureau, Dennis Baker OBE from Wood Green Animal Shelters and Steve Goward from Dogs Trust.............

To read rest of article go to the Dogs Trust Website

Help K9 By buying pet insurance...

Protectapet is a pet insurance company and they are helping K9.

K9 gets paid a commission on all insurance policies that go via K9. So if you are looking for insurance for your pet contact Protectapet. Give them a ring or email, please give REF: SK9. Their website is http://www.protectapet.eu/.

Abandoned Cats and Dogs on Tenerife

Here is an excellent article written by Jack Montgomery Travel Writer and Photographer, on the subject of Abandoned Cats and Dogs on Tenerife.

Click here to read Jack's article

Jack and his wife Andy have published a fantastic book 'Real Tenerife Island Drives ' you will find some great walks in there for your pooch as well as fiesta guides, restaurant recommendations, etc...

Jack and Andy have kindly donated copies of "Real Tenerife Island Drives" to Live Arico for Raffle Prizes. So get along to one of Live Arico Events and you could win a copy as well as donating to the doggies...:)

Safety and Dogs

Children and dogs can be a difficult mix. In 2006/07, over 900 children aged nine or under were admitted to hospital in England after injuries caused by dogs..

Check out this article on the BBC WEBSITE

Feeding Your Pooch

Dogs are omnivores and do need a varied but balanced diet. In order to have a healthy and hardy dog, it is necessary to check its diet carefully for both quantity and quality. Just like us they require protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fibre. Too much protein is not healthy for your dog and can also cause your dog to become hyperactive or aggressive. Fibre and fat are also important in a dogs diet too but too much fat can be harmful to your dog, just like it is to humans. Essential nutrients include vitamins and minerals, if your dogs diet is lacking in these then he may start to show signs of deficiency. For example, not enough sodium can make dogs overly restless. Supplements should not be given (unless your veterinarian prescribes them) as this can actually cause an overdose of certain vitamins. And of course water must be available at all times, especially in hot weather.
It is best to buy a high quality or premium brand dog food which is usually made from a fixed recipe meaning that each bag contains the correct amount of nutrition required by your dog. Avoid supermarket food if possible and opt for natural or organic food that is free from chemicals and preservatives. You get more for your money with a high quality food because it is denser and not full of cheap ingredients and fillers so therefore your dog fills up quicker and it lasts longer than cheap food. Try to look for a dog food that says Complete or Balanced on the bag. As a general rule, you get what you pay for! Research suggests that feeding dried dog food does have a few more advantages than feeding wet food but it is really down to your personal preference. If you do decide to feed only dried dog food day in and day out, consider it from your dogs point of view! Would you like to eat the same food every single day? A strip of cooked chicken or a few cooked vegetables mixed in can be a nice and healthy treat.
Alternatively, you can give your dog human food consisting of cooked chicken, beef, liver, past, rice, potatoes and vegetables. Obviously this will take a lot more planning and effort on your behalf to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients required.
Some human foods are extremely harmful to dogs. This includes chocolate, fried foods and poultry bones (such as chicken or turkey) to name a few as there are many more out there. Chocolate can be toxic and can kill, while bones can splinter and cause a ripped intestine or life threatening infections. It is now recommended that you never offer your dog raw meat because unfortunately these days we cannot trust that the meat is infection-free in its raw state.
Treats can be given to your dog either during a training session or as good boy reward and it is advisable not to give treats regularly as they can seriously affect your dogs weight and health. Supermarket bought treats are usually full of unhealthy ingredients so maybe offer a small piece of cooked chicken, beef or liver instead.
If you plan to change your dogs diet around it is necessary to do this over a 5-7 day period to allow your dogs intestines to get used to it. Start by mixing a very small amount of the new food with the old food and slowly begin to wean out the old food over the next 5 days or so. Failure to do this can mean uncomfortable stomach cramps for your poor dog and a lovely ugly mess all over your house or lawn…you have been warned!!
Just like humans, you are what you eat! If your dog is a couch potato and doesn’t get much exercise or if your dog is an endless bundle of energy, then its diet needs to be adjusted to reflect that. If you have any questions regarding feeding your dog email me now on

Article written by Sharon Haslam Dog trainer, to contact email

info@happytailstraining.com

http://www.happytailstraining.com

BBC Documentary - Pedigree Dogs Exposed

BBC programme which shows the extend of health problems in pedigree dogs. according to findings the number of genetic problems in pedigree dogs are increasing at a alarming rate..!

Seizures in dogs..

Here is a link to an article about seizures in dogs..

Basil suffers from small seizures unfortunately, but they only last a minute and he recovers quickly.

Apparently it doesn't mean that your pooch will not live a long and healthy life.:)