The Pawfect Guide to Thinking Like a Dog Read online

  228.FRAUD

  Please don’t ask your vet to lie for an insurance company or change dates or records. Vets can be accused of insurance fraud.

  229.ADVICE

  If in doubt, talk to someone at your vet’s practice. Vets and nurses deal with insurance companies day in, day out and have a good idea about which ones are good and bad, and which ones try to duck every claim. You wouldn’t have a car or house without insurance, so why risk it with a beloved pet?

  NEUTERING

  230.PROS AND CONS

  As with many things in life, there are pros and cons and lots of different opinions when it comes to neutering. Talk to your vet about your breed of dog and which sex it is for all the details and to discuss the best time to do the operation.

  231.NEUTERING

  Neutering is the removal of the reproductive organs. For male dogs this means both testicles, and for females it means the ovaries and the uterus, or womb. Neutering stops dogs from being able to have or make babies, and it sometimes stops behaviors related to hormones.

  232.WHICH WORD?!

  Spaying is the word used for neutering a female dog and castration is the word used for males. The term neutering can be used for either to make life more simple!

  233.STAYING HOME

  Neutering makes both sexes less likely to wander off in search of a mate and lessens the chance of the dog getting lost or injured.

  234.MAMMARY CANCER

  Spaying helps prevent aggressive mammary cancer in females. When it’s done before the first season, spaying reduces the chance of mammary cancer to nearly zero.

  235.PYOMETRA

  Spaying stops a condition called pyometra. This is where the uterus gets infected and fills with pus. It makes females very ill and can be fatal. When this condition does occur, the uterus almost always has to be removed.

  236.FAKING IT

  Spaying greatly reduces the chance of false pregnancy. This is where the hormones of the bitch make her think and feel she is pregnant. She tends to make nests and may fill them with soft toys. She may start producing milk. False pregnancies are not dangerous but can be difficult to manage.

  237.INCONTINENCE

  On the other side of the coin, spayed bitches are more likely to become incontinent when older. Some breeds are more prone to this, so some vets recommend waiting until after their first season to spay them.

  238.FALLACY

  Some people say it’s best for a bitch to have one litter. This is an old wives’ tale and is untrue. Remember that pregnancy and birth are not without risks, and you also have to be able to find homes for the puppies.

  239.TESTICULAR CANCER

  Castration stops male dogs from getting testicular cancer, which can be fatal. Sometimes one or both testicles will not descend. This means the organs stay in the abdomen and don’t appear in the scrotum. These testicles are much more likely to become cancerous, so you should always have them removed.

  240.PERIANAL CANCER

  Castration reduces the risk of perianal tumors. These are cancers in the tissues and glands around the anus and tail, which can be very invasive and aggressive.

  241.PROSTATITIS

  Castration also greatly reduces the chances of prostate enlargement and inflammation. An enlarged prostate can cause pain and discomfort and can also make it difficult for your dog to do his business.

  242.BLADDER STONES

  Castration sometimes protects against some types of bladder crystals and stones called struvite and cystine.

  243.HERNIAS

  Dogs that are not castrated are more likely to get weakening of the muscles around their bottoms as they age. This can cause a perineal hernia, which is a bulging mass next to the anus. This type of protrusion sometimes needs very complex surgery for repair, but castration reduces the risk.

  244.PROSTATE CANCER

  On the con side, castrated male dogs are slightly more likely to get prostate cancer than entire or unneutered dogs. This is a rare disease, but it is more common in castrated dogs.

  245.OTHER CANCERS AND JOINT DISEASE

  Some studies now suggest that very early neutering in some breeds, especially larger ones, could make them more prone to cancers and also joint problems as they grow. Breed plays a big part in your decision and timing, so talk to your vet.

  246.RESPONSIBILITY

  Millions of animals are put down each year because of unwanted litters. Besides the many benefits for your dog, neutering is the responsible thing to do.

  247.TO NEUTER?

  Neutering is often spoken about as a magic cure for behavioral issues, but this is rarely the case. Evidence points to some behavioral changes from neutering, but rarely are all cases improved. Dogs learn from their actions, so even if hormonally motivated, they have still learned the behaviors.

  248.NEUTERING PROBLEMS

  Occasionally, neutering a male or female dog can have a detrimental effect on behavior. A female that is undergoing phantom pregnancy, or a male dog that is displaying fear behaviors, can appear to have such behaviors worsened.

  249.TOO LATE?

  Before neutering for a behavior problem, the dog should always undergo specialist behavior assessment with a clinical animal behaviorist. Behavior modification is likely to help a dog and should be done before neutering, a permanent intervention, should be attempted.

  250.MALES

  Male dogs may compete as a result of hormonally motivated behaviors, such as fighting for access to females. They may lift their legs to urinate and may indulge in humping items. Neutering does not automatically stop these acts, as the dog has already learned to behave this way.

  251.FEMALES

  A female dog may suffer phantom pregnancy, where she nests and collects items into her bed. She may become defensive. This can be traumatic for her and for the family members who do not understand the cause. Neutering can prevent this, but usually the vet will wait until symptoms have completely vanished. This can take a long time.

  252.FIGHTING

  Female dogs within the same household may compete for space, items, people, and other resources, and this may sometimes be hormonally related. However, immediate neutering does not resolve the problem, and both dogs will need specialist behavioral help if they are to continue living together.

  253.DIFFICULT DECISIONS

  Without neutering, the effect of hormones on behavior can cause serious conflicts in multiple-dog households, sometimes ending with one dog being rehomed.

  254.BENEFITS

  In general, the health benefits of neutering, as well as removing the chance of unwanted puppies, outweighs the behavioral issues. However, each dog has to be assessed as an individual. The worst outcome would be neutering without assessment, potentially causing a behavior problem to increase.

  ADOLESCENCE

  GROWING UP

  255.SEXUAL MATURITY

  Maturity varies among breeds and genders, but adolescence occurs around 4 to 12 months of age, with most dogs reaching sexual maturity around 10 to 12 months old.

  256.GROWTH IN ADOLESCENCE

  Dogs develop strength and skill, and their bodies change as they mature. Adult coats replace fluffy puppy coats. In some cases, this leaves a visible strip of longer adult fur that spreads across their backs. The dogs’ limbs and muzzles grow, giving them a slightly gangly look for a while!

  257.MARKING TERRITORY: MALES

  Maturing dogs begin to scent mark for territory or to advertise themselves to mates. In males, lifting the rear leg and directing urine at a vertical surface characterizes this behavior.

  258.MARKING TERRITORY: FEMALES

  A female dog will find an area of scent from another dog and will squat to mark it with urine. These are normal behaviors for the maturing dog.

  259.FIGHTING AND TERRITORIALITY

  Both males and females can become sensitive to breeding competition, and this can lead to squabbles. Occasionally, this can lead to the dogs needing to be separated, but this situ
ation can be improved with neutering. A clinical behaviorist is needed to help guide such important decisions.

  ADULTHOOD

  THE POWER OF FOOD!

  260.SCIENCE

  The facts we know about food are amazing these days. By adjusting ingredients, food can achieve all sorts of goals and improvements. Food can keep normal dogs in top form and it can even help treat some diseases.

  261.SLIM

  Keep an eye on your dog’s BCS, as mentioned in the puppy section. Adults need fewer calories than puppies do, so your dog can easily gain weight before the change is noticed. Prevention is much easier than cure.

  262.ENERGY

  Different breeds and lifestyles require very different energy levels. Some very energetic or working dogs find it difficult to keep weight on. Foods that are low fiber and high energy can really help.

  263.FIBER

  Higher-fiber foods are great for filling up hungry dogs and helping with weight loss. In some cases, these foods can also help anal gland problems, colitis, and constipation.

  264.FAT

  Some breeds of dog, such as cocker spaniels and schnauzers, are prone to pancreatitis, a very serious and painful disease. It’s triggered by fatty foods. Foods that are low in fat keep the illness at bay.

  265.BLADDER STONES

  Dalmatians, bulldogs, schnauzers, and many more dogs can get bladder crystals and stones. Special diets have altered protein and mineral levels and change the pH of the urine in the bladder which helps to prevent bladder stones.

  266.KIDNEYS

  Kidney failure is often incurable, but diet can make a big difference to the length and quality of life for your companion. Kidney diets have lower protein and controlled phosphate levels, and are proven to prolong life.

  267.LIVER

  The liver is a powerful organ that performs many jobs. When it’s damaged or failing, dropping protein levels and adding certain vitamins, minerals, and digestible fiber makes dogs feel better and live longer.

  268.HEARTS

  Heart disease is very common in some breeds, and fluid retention can put a lot of strain on a weak heart. Diets that have low salt levels and ingredients to help heart muscle stay healthy can help a lot.

  269.ALLERGIES

  Food allergies are pretty rare in dogs but can be serious when they occur. Skin and gut problems are common signs and can be life-threatening. Diets that avoid or alter certain ingredients can save these patients.

  270.SKIN

  Skin disease is fairly common in dogs and is caused by many things, such as pollen and mite allergies. Foods high in fatty acids calm inflamed skin and help strengthen the skin’s defenses. Some ingredients can reduce histamine release and itchiness.

  271.JOINTS

  Lots of dogs suffer from arthritis, either due to their breed or just old age. Diets with high levels of fatty acids can soothe joints and slow down the damage of arthritis.

  272.TEETH

  Brushing your dog’s teeth from a young age is by far the best way to keep the teeth clean and healthy. Some foods can help as well. Providing big kibbles that have to be chewed and less protein and minerals in your dog’s diet can reduce tartar and plaque.

  273.TAKE CARE

  Foods can be powerful. Some prescription foods for diseases have been changed in ways that can be dangerous for certain dogs, especially if they have other diseases. Never feed a prescription food without your vet’s approval.

  STAYING SAFE

  274.HOT DOGS

  Every year without fail, dozens of dogs die around the world from being left in cars. Even on cool, sunny days, the temperature inside a car can become deadly in a very short time. Even if you leave the windows cracked, you could kill your dog. Do NOT do it, EVER!

  275.HEAT EXHAUSTION

  Even dogs traveling in the back of the car can get heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This can be rapidly fatal. Just because you are chilling in the front with the air conditioning on doesn’t mean your dog isn’t gasping in the back.

  276.WHAT TO DO

  If you suspect your dog has heat exhaustion or stroke (gasping, mouth open, extreme panting, shaking), cooling is essential. Cold wet towels, a hosing off—anything you can do—you must drop your dog’s body temperature. Go to a vet as quickly as possible.

  277.STICK THROWING

  You may not know it, but many dogs are seriously injured or killed by sticks every year. As the dog catches up to the stick, the bounce is awkward, and the dog runs onto the stick and gets impaled.

  278.STICK INJURIES

  The stick can penetrate the mouth, neck, tongue, palate, and even the brain. Please don’t throw sticks for your dog!

  279.VACCINATIONS

  To avoid issues with any injuries from sticks or other objects, it’s very important to keep your dog’s vaccines up to date. Some vaccinations will need to be handled yearly. Others should be done every few years. If you’re worried about vaccinations, have your dog blood-tested to see which ones are needed.

  WORMS

  280.ROUNDWORMS

  Most adult dogs will get roundworms from contact with dog poop or from eating wildlife, such as mice, from the environment. The infected dogs can also infect humans.

  281.SIGNS

  If dogs get worms, the signs vary. They could get pot-bellied, vomit, have diarrhea, become thin, or cough as the larvae migrate.

  282.TAPEWORMS

  Commonly spread by fleas, most tapeworms are not dangerous. However, worms in the genus Echinococcus are very dangerous and can infect and even kill humans. Controlling all worms is essential, especially if you take your dog abroad.

  283.HEARTWORMS

  These are spread only by infected mosquitoes and occur in certain areas around the world. The adults live in the heart and surrounding areas. They can be difficult to get rid of and can cause a lot of damage.

  284.SIGNS OF HEARTWORMS

  It can take months from the first bite to see the signs of Heartworms. Coughing and not being able to exercise properly are common signs.

  285.LUNGWORMS

  This is an increasingly common problem in many areas. Dogs catch them by eating slugs or snails, sometimes accidentally while playing. The worms migrate through lots of areas of the body and can easily cause enough damage to kill a dog.

  286.SIGNS OF LUNGWORMS

  Because Lungworms go all through the body to get to the lungs, the signs vary. Look for wheezing, breathing problems, blood-clotting problems, blood in the urine, tiredness, nosebleeds, and problems exercising.

  287.TREATMENT

  Most worm infestations can be successfully treated if caught early. The drugs needed and the course of treatment will vary for the different types, but your vet will tell you what to do. Prevention is always better.

  288.PREVENTION

  There are plenty of drugs available these days for preventing worms. Some need to be given every few months, and some are given monthly. Not all treatments kill all worms, so you must talk to your vet about the recommendations for where you live.

  TICKS, FLEAS, LICE, AND MITES

  289.TICKS

  Ticks climb onto your dog during outdoor activities. They bury their heads firmly in the dog’s skin to drink blood. These creatures vary greatly in size and can be easy to miss until they are engorged. Ticks can cause fever and infection and also spread serious diseases.

  290.FLEAS

  Fleas spend most of their lives off the dog, and for every flea you see there are about 100 others in the house! They can cause irritation in most dogs and severe allergies in some. All dogs get fleas. Just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they are not there. These parasites also spread tapeworms.

  291.CLUES

  Flea dirt is a great clue to look for. Comb your dog’s fur over a white piece of kitchen paper. If you see black specks, moisten the paper. Normal dirt will not change, but flea dirt, which is made of dried blood, will make a red patch on the paper.

  292.SCABS

 
; Fleas cause itching in most dogs, especially around the head, neck, and tail. If you see bald patches and scabs in these areas, your dog is probably allergic or heavily infested.

  293.LICE AND MITES

  Less common than fleas and ticks, lice and mites can still be a problem. Mange from mites can be difficult to treat and can cause intense irritation and skin damage from itching and infection.

  294.CONTROL

  There are many sprays and spot treatments now that are very effective for the prevention and cure of these pesky critters. Always check with your vet. Ask what is safe to use, what the vet recommends, and how often to use it.

  COMMON POISONS

  295.ANYTHING GOES!

  There are many dogs that will eat anything and everything. The list of things vets have pulled from dog intestines is absolutely staggering, so never underestimate what dogs will do! They steal food and are inclined to eat other objects, too. Accidental poisoning is pretty common, but if you know what causes problems, you can keep the dogs in your life safe.

  296.TREATS

  People love to give their dogs treats and human snacks, and, as we said, some dogs will happily steal anything they can get their paws on. Sadly, several human foods are very poisonous to dogs, so be aware. Do your best to train your dogs not to eat things that they were not given to eat.

  297.CHOCOLATE

  Chocolate is very toxic to dogs. It contains theobromine, a relative of caffeine, and dogs are very sensitive to it. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Easter and Christmas always see a rise in related cases. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures, and it can be fatal. Caffeine is also toxic.