First Aid for Dogs

You are walking your dog and all of a sudden he gets loose.  He runs across the street and gets hit by a car.  What is the first thing you do?  You probably freak out, like most people would.  Everyone knows that however in dire situations to remain calm.  How you react to a crisis can often mean the difference between life and death.  In this segment of "Breed All About It" you will learn how to properly restrain your dog, take a pulse, monitor the heart, examine the gums and monitor breathing.  All which may sound difficult but is actually fairly simple. 

 

Restraint:

 

• Restraint of a small dog: Firmly yet gently grip the dogs muzzle. With your free arm, use your elbow to apply pressure to the dog's body.

          Always be sure to be gentle yet firm. I mean after all you don't wont to injure the dog                   anymore than it already is.

 

• Now it's time to muzzle your K-9

             Materials: A Strong but gentle material such as an ace bandage or a scarf.

             Directions: Make a loop, size it right to fit over the dogs muzzle. 

             Place over the dogs muzzle so the tie in on top and tighten.  (Do NOT tie into a knot!!!)

             With the two strings left wrap them back underneath the muzzle, so the strings now                      hang down.

              Last but not least, wrap them around to the back of the neck just behind the ears and                   tie into a bow.

Now you have a working muzzle.             

 

Taking a pulse:    

 

To take a pulse, take your four fingers and place them on the inside of the back leg where a groove lies.  Apply a little bit of pressure; too much pressure will give no results.  Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to get your bpm.  (Beats per minute)

 

Monitor the heart:

 

Monitor the heart for a large dog: Take your four fingers and place them into the pit of the front leg, move your fingers around until you can feel a beat.  Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.

Monitor the heart for a small dog: Gently squeeze the chest behind the dog's elbows to find the heart rate.  Count for 15, multiply by 4.

 

Examine the gums:

 

To examine the gums is really easy.  Just lift the upper lip and check the gums.  The gums should be pink and when pressure is applied, they should turn white until release and should go back to pink immediately.  However if the gums are white or pale this could indicate shock.  When pressure is released does not turn pink again than shock could be impending.  Many dogs have black in their gums, for this you just find a pink area to examine.

 

Monitor the breathing:

 

To monitor breathing place your hand on the dogs chest and count for 15 seconds how many times the dog breathes in or out, but never both.  Multiply by four and you have your answer.  Large and older dogs have a lower breath rate than a younger or small dog.

 

           

            Be sure to talk to your veterinarian as normal rates differ from breed to breed as well.  If you notice any irregularities or issues in breathing, gums, pulse or heart rate see your veterinarian.

 

Legal Information:

The information provided on this blog is not intended to be the substitute for professional veterinary or animal behavioral advice. By using this blog and/or newsletter, you agree that Breed All About It and all it's affiliates will not be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the direct or indirect use of the information contained within this blog and newsletter. Any medical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet should be referred to your veterinarian or qualified animal professional. 

© Copyright 2009 by William Soberanis. All rights reserved

No Dog Aggression Here

Socialization:  "The process of interacting your dog with other dogs to ensure there is no dog aggression."

 

A day at the dog park can be a blast, especially when there are no issues occurring.  Every day at dog park in my neighborhood there are at least 100 visitors.  Most of the time all the dogs there get along great.  Once in a while, you'll get a dog that is great but than dog aggression hits.  No one knows why he or she snapped, they just knew that they were playing and running. 

 

I was at the dog park the other day with Dominic (My Olde English Bulldog) and he was doing well.  He was playing with a young Blue Heeler, running in the water and smelling everything.  The Blue Heeler and her owner left, we were the only ones in the park.  Soon a Chocolate lab came and he went up and smelled him.  It broke, Dominic got aggressive.  I had to run over and grab him and put him on his leash.  Needless to say he wasn't happy.  He was barking and whining at the dog like he wanted to play. But every time the dog came near he got aggressive.  Yeah, no dog aggression here!

 

In my experience dog aggression comes from a lack of socialization.  Now even under the right circumstances a dog who is well socialized must still be kept under close supervision, after all we are a well socialized group but we can get nasty too if someone decides to fight us.  It's the same with dogs, they may be well socialized but whose to say the other dog is.  If a dog right does occur remain calm.  One good choice is better than ten bad choices.

 

In order to socialize your dog there are a few things you must know.  Start off early, 16 weeks is the youngest I'd recommend due to vaccines.  16 weeks is when you get your first rabies shot, and as some of us do not know the United States has the most cases of the rabies virus.  England is not affected by the rabies virus at all (The More You Know) ;) .  Also be sure to get a bordetella vaccine if you're going to socialize, only because you never know if another dog has kennel cough.  If you socialize earlier, ensure the other dogs are current on their vaccines.  Socialize with dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages.  This gets the dog used to being around dogs of sizes much smaller and larger than itself.  Make sure the other dogs are well socialized if you're socializing your young puppy.  You want to keep your young companion safe after all.  Socialize often, a couple times a week and for an hour or two each time.  If you want to socialize more do so, but be cautious not to tire out your baby.  Socialize in different settings such as pet stores, dog parks, the beach, a friend's house and anywhere else dogs may gather in your area. Last but not least be sure to reward for good behavior, discipline bad behavior and always ALWAYS keep your dog/puppy under close supervision.

 

"Coming Soon, Socializing your older dog or Rescue Dog"

 

Legal Information:

The information provided on this website is not intended to be the substitute for professional veterinary or animal behavioral advice. By using this website and/or newsletter, you agree that the Breeder Directory will not be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the direct or indirect use of the information contained within this website and newsletter. Any medical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet should be referred to your veterinarian or qualified animal professional. 

© Copyright 2009 by William Soberanis. All rights reserved

Sundays Compare and Save #2

Welcome to the second edition of Compare and Save, since the last edition I have received only a few requests for the best deals on pet products.  I want to thank everyone for their interest.  In this edition of Compare and Save all three requests are answered as well as two of my own.  All readers are welcome to email me with their requests and all will eventually be answered. 

 

Frontline

http://www.petguys.com

 

Pedigree

http://www.nationalpetpharmacy.com

 

Box of Milk-bones

http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/

Booda Wonder Tug Solo

http://www.amazon.com/

 

Andis 23585 Super Deluxe Pet Clipper Kit

http://www.amazon.com

 

 

            As a note of my findings all items are found online as an interest to my nationwide audience.  Internet prices are subject to change as well as include shipping and handling charges that vary from area to area.  However many of my findings may include large chain stores such as PetSmart and Petco, please know that they may or may not price match in store to their prices online, therefore saving the shipping and handling charges that usually apply.  Doing your own research may assist you in finding a great savings as some sites offer free shipping and handling, discounts and more when you make large purchases.  I also highly advice checking local stores to boost your economy. 

 

Legal Information:

The information provided on this website is not intended to be the substitute for professional veterinary or animal behavioral advice. By using this website and/or newsletter, you agree that the Breeder Directory will not be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the direct or indirect use of the information contained within this website and newsletter. Any medical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet should be referred to your veterinarian or qualified animal professional. 

© Copyright 2009 by William Soberanis. All rights reserved

Saturday Quick Breed - Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky

 

The Chukchi's lived far inland in Siberia.  A harsh environment of snow and ice.  They had to travel to the coast in order to hunt and therefore needed some help to get there.  The Chukchi's then bred dogs specifically to assist them and there came the breed we know today.  The Siberian Husky.

 

Legal Information:

The information provided on this website is not intended to be the substitute for professional veterinary or animal behavioral advice. By using this website and/or newsletter, you agree that the Breeder Directory will not be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the direct or indirect use of the information contained within this website and newsletter. Any medical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet should be referred to your veterinarian or qualified animal professional. 

© Copyright 2009 by William Soberanis. All rights reserved

Breeds and the Law

Everywhere you go you hear the words "Breed Restrictions" and I just have to wonder what it all means. Where these legislators and government officials came to the conclusion that a specific breed is dangerous or even a nuisance. The answers I sought out shocked me. I've been in the veterinary field for quite some time and all the time I have never came across a "dangerous" or "nuisance" dog that was defined as the "bad" dog they are claimed to be. In fact they were outstanding patients. Now wouldn't this dangerous breed actually be dangerous in a hospital setting? I mean after all if the dog is coming in for anything from a nail trim to a blood test the dog would have to be restrained. A dangerous dog in my book would be more aggressive in these circumstances. Now don't get me wrong, I've had my share of aggression in the veterinary field, however I never looked at aggression to be classified by breed. I look at different circumstances to determine the aggression. Such as, have the owners trained him/her correctly or at all, was the dog socialized with other dogs and people besides the ones where he/she lives and was the dog abused or neglected in any way?

So, is one breed more dangerous than the other? Are some breeds hard wired to attack dogs and mame children? In the course of researching this article, my opinion is that much of this fire concerning the "bad breeds" is fanned by those who don't know the breed. The dog owners, the neighbors, the Johnson's with their 4 kids living down the street and yes even Mrs. Peterson the widow on the corner who makes those rock hard fruit cakes on the holidays and give them out. In one circumstance a middle-aged woman who lived a couple houses down from a young male was attacked by a "Pit Bull". This incident went to court and due to a few more similar cases this breed was thereby restricted and classified "dangerous". Now in Ohio a Pit Bull is classified not as a specific breed but as any dog of the bull terrier type. They also say that any dog that looks like a "Pit" will be classified as a Pit unless the owner has STRONG evidence supporting otherwise. Breeds earn their negative reputations from newsworthy attacks, media coverage and exaggerated stories spread word-of-mouth. Pit Bull types are crowding our animal shelters because their reputation as the uncontrollable and unpredictable attack dogs make it difficult, if not impossible for them to find a home. That is all because of "Breed Restrictions" and because of the reputation everyone is giving them. It's not the breed that needs to be punished with tainting it's name or restricting these possible family members filled with love from finding a home. We as a society are constantly placing a label on everyone and everything. We do it to our neighbors and colleagues. Whether by race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion.... whatever. Everything has a place and everything in its place, right? My final thought: blame the owner not the breed!

The information provided on this blog is not intended to be the substitute for professional veterinary or animal behavioral advice. By using this blog and/or newsletter, you agree that Breed All About It and all it's affiliates will not be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the direct or indirect use of the information contained within this blog and newsletter. Any medical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet should be referred to your veterinarian or qualified animal professional.

© Copyright 2009 by William Soberanis. All rights reserved

Wal*Mart Puppies

Wal*Mart Puppy: A term used to describe any puppy attempting to be sold in front of a store front, such as Wal*Mart.

About three months ago, while snacking on a pretzel at the local mall, I happened to look over and see a woman peddling puppies. Four adorable Blue Nosed Pits to be exact. My instincts took over and I had to go over and look. Although the woman was pushing the pups in a shopping cart, her appearance was otherwise very professional. And at first glance, the puppies made a great first impression, too. To a buyer, they looked clean, healthy and eager to be adopted. But because I've had professional experience with dogs, I was alerted to some possible health concerns. Now feeling a little suspect, I asked her the normal questions such as medical history, ancestry and temperament. Her answers were evasive at best. Sure, the pups had just recently been to the veterinarian -- she just forgot the paperwork. But rest assured, the pups were current with their shots and were given a clean bill of health. Good to go.

I have ran into many Wal*Mart puppy peddlers before, during and after my experience in the veterinary field. They were evasive in their questions and never had proof to back up health exams, pedigree or vaccinations. My opinion, these peddlers are trying to sell these puppies as if they were purebred. I do not believe the ones I ran into were purebred, vaccinated nor in good health.

"Why pay good money and get nothing in return?"


Legal Information:
The information provided on this website is not intended to be the substitute for professional veterinary or animal behavioral advice. By using this website and/or newsletter, you agree that the Breeder Directory will not be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the direct or indirect use of the information contained within this website and newsletter. Any medical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet should be referred to your veterinarian or qualified animal professional.

© Copyright 2009 by William Soberanis. All rights reserved

Wordless Wednesday - Fab-U-Lous

  Breed All About It

Wordless Wednesday

Fab- U- Lous

Pet Abuse Awareness Week

Thank you for seizing this opportunity to learn and assist in the prevention of animal cruelty.  Many pets everyday are subdued to neglect and abuse.  This has been a growing concern for quite some time and is not an issue to be taken lightly.  Our pets cannot speak for themselves through words as we can.  So we must speak for them.  Whether you have a Rex, Daisy, Mr. Whiskers or even a Mr. Cheeks these pets have made their way into our hearts and into our families.  They are no longer just our simple companion, our guard dog, or even our mice traps.  We buy them so much necessities now or days; clothes, expensive food, the newest toys, jewel encrusted collars, carrying bags, strollers, birthday gifts and even go about and make them apart of our holiday celebrations. 

 

However many pets do not have this good fortune.  Many pets are forced to remain outside with no shelter during a thunderstorm.  Soaking wet by the next day to come and forced to remain until the sun warms and dries them.  Dogs and puppies alike smacked for having a mere accident on the floor and thrown for jumping on the couch.  When all they wanted was a little attention.  Many dogs are subjected to harsh and abusive conditions everyday and all they want is a family to love them and show them how much they mean to you.  Instead they find themselves in a home with someone who has an anger problem or someone who just doesn't care for them or cannot afford them. 

 

Do your part as an animal lover and watch out for these guys.  Turn in their unloving and undeserving owners.  This week is dedicated to those pets.  The pets that cannot speak for themselves and inform the proper people that their parents are abusing them, neglecting them and not showing them the love they deserve.  After all they never asked to be placed in that home, they were forced to.

 

Legal Information:

The information provided on this website is not intended to be the substitute for professional veterinary or animal behavioral advice. By using this website and/or newsletter, you agree that the Breeder Directory will not be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the direct or indirect use of the information contained within this website and newsletter. Any medical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet should be referred to your veterinarian or qualified animal professional. 

© Copyright 2009 by William Soberanis. All rights reserved

Shorty's Gourmet Treats Review and Giveaway

Shorty's is an online etsy store that creates home-made dog treats and pup-cakes. As I walked into my home, Shorty's treat package in hand, my dog lay asleep, snoring and on his back. I opened the package awaiting him to get up, however he was out for the count. I was delightfully suprised to see that the treats and pup-cakes I received were vacuume sealed and so neatly organized. Even a cute little note was in place thanking me. Rarely do you get a handwriten note from anyone when you receive an order in the mail. As I opened the sealed treats a whoft of many scents rose to my nose and his as well. He got up so fast and was litteraly in my lap. A 60 pound dog about ready to knock me down. As I read the note to see exactly what I was sent I could easily tell each treat appart. I was able to destinguish the pumpkin, sweet potatoe, banana, penut butter and more. I was even tempted to try them myself, but I knew if I did my dog would be pissed. He is a picky dog when it comes to treats. These I could tell he wanted them, so I gave them to him and he woofed them down. He loved them all, even the bone shaped hypoallergenic treats.

Although I loved the smell of the treats, the ones that through me for a loop were the pupcakes, so moist and sweet smelling I really thought they were cupcakes. That was until I read the ingrediants that were wisely placed on the vacuume sealed package they came in as well. Each bite sized pup-cake individually placed in a pup-cake cup and all of them in a alluminum pup-cake tray. You will be delighted when your order arrives as you can tell that time was taken in putting together your order.

Sweet, tasty and scentfully sensational are just a few words to describe Shorty's. With treats for every occasion and every dog, your nose and their nose will love you for ordering them. Never have you wanted the smell of dog food to fill your home. Wheather you buy treats for possitive reinforcement or as an occasional sinful delight, or even buy some pup-cakes for a birthday for your baby, Shorty's is the place where you are even tempted to sample everything.

Shorty's Dog Treat Giveaway

Prize:

Winner will have the choise of choosing any item in Shorty's shop

Entry:

1 entry per person

Simply visit Shorty's shop and provide the link of the item you want and why?

If you are entering anonomously, please provide email

Extra Entries:

Make a purchase at Shorty's shop

Follow the blog

Mention this review/giveaway on your site or blog about it

For each extra entry please leave an extra comment and provide link when neccessary

Open to all U.S. 50 states - Ends 7/6/09 at midnight PST

All postings that do not qualify for the giveaway will be deleted.

Winner will have 72 hours to respond to email, otherwise another winner will be chosen.

Sundays Compare and Save #1

Although we are slowly growing out of this recession we are now more aware about saving and finding the better deals. After all we save money so we can invest more money.  Owning a dog can be very expensive especially after vet bills, food, meds, toys and more.  Finding the best deals out there is the best way to make sure we don't go over board and spend more than we have to.  I'm sure I'm not the first person to go crazy on my pets or the first that after doing so found the same items less expensive just minutes after buying it.  In these errors that we all make I've come to an idea to do my research and create "Compare and Save" my weekly edition to Breed All About It.  In this and the next three weeks of editions of Compare and Save I've chosen five items for each and researched on-line to find the lowest prices.  For future editions I will require your input, to do so just email me the item you are interested in and I will find the best price. 

 

As a note of my findings all items are found on-line as an interest to my nationwide audience.  Internet prices are subject to change as well as include shipping and handling charges that vary from area to area.  However many of my findings may include large chain stores such as PetSmart and Petco, please know that they may or may not price match in store to their prices on-line, therefor saving the shipping and handling charges that usually apply.  Doing your own research may assist you in finding a great savings as some sites offer free shipping and handling, discounts and more when you make large purchases.  I also highly advice checking local stores to boost your economy.  I've been lucky enough to find great deals this way too.  The food I feed my dog usually runs about $18.99 for a 20lb bag at my local pet store, however right down the road from me is a discount grocery store where I found his food for $12.95 for a 20lb bag.  They only carried it for a month but it saved me $13 on two bags, this includes tax since the higher the dollar amount the more tax.

 

            Now for the part you've been reading up to, my five items that led me to these stores to find the better deal. 

 

Advantage

S - www.1800petmeds.com

M - www.1800petmeds.com

L - www.1800petmeds.com

XL - www.1800petmeds.com

 

Adams Flea and Tick Shampoo

12 oz. - www.drugstore.com                                                    

 

Small Kong Ball -  www.petco.com

Large Kong Ball - www.petco.com

 

Science Diet Adult Dog Food

5 lb. - www.petlanddiscounts.com

20 lb. - www.petlanddiscounts.com

35 lb. - www.petlanddiscounts.com

 

Dog Crates

By Petmate- www.petco.com

 

Legal Information:

The information provided on this website is not intended to be the substitute for professional veterinary or animal behavioral advice. By using this website and/or newsletter, you agree that the Breeder Directory will not be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the direct or indirect use of the information contained within this website and newsletter. Any medical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet should be referred to your veterinarian or qualified animal professional. 

© Copyright 2009 by William Soberanis. All rights reserved

Saturday Quick Breed - Beagles

Beagles

The Beagle is a descendant of the Otterhound and Bloodhound.  They are dated all the way back to the days of the crusades. They are believed to

 be from ancient Greece or even early France.

 

Legal Information:

The information provided on this website is not intended to be the substitute for professional veterinary or animal behavioral advice. By using this website and/or newsletter, you agree that the Breeder Directory will not be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the direct or indirect use of the information contained within this website and newsletter. Any medical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet should be referred to your veterinarian or qualified animal professional. 

© Copyright 2009 by William Soberanis. All rights reserved