Brian Kilcommons relates a terrible story about a beautiful golden retriever dog who was usually very gentle and kind with children. It’s owners had a girl aged 3 1/2, and they normally got along very well. Then one day the little girl grabbed the dog’s ear. It snarled and bit her face. She needed 47 stitches in her face, and they put the dog down. The parents had the dog euthanized without bothering to find out what had caused this sudden change in their dog’s behaviour. The vet, however, did an autopsy, and found our that this dog was suffering not one but two severe ear infections that were incredibly painful.
Ear infections usually start out mild, and in the outer ear. This dog’s health was effectively neglected by it’s owners. And when their toddler grabbed the infected ear, the dog, already in constant pain anyway, reacted out of instinct. By not taking the time to properly care for their pet, these owners were in fact responsible for what happened to their child. And then blamed the dog. And probably out of ignorance or anger, or both, they had it killed. Their emotional response to what happened to their child as a result of their own neglect aside, I find this absolutely reprehensible. And the tragedy that happened to their dog when they chose to kill it instead of investigating further, as well as their child, was totally avoidable.
Unlike these owners, show your dog the same level of care and love you’d show your children. Become aware of the signs of ear infections, what causes them, and how to avoid them, taking dogs to get treatment when it seems like they have one.
Ear infections can be caused by any number of things. Wet ears not dried after swimming or bathing, a build up of ear wax, grass seeds and fox tails, untreated ear mites, using cotton tips to clean ears (which pushes things further into the ear), and growths in the ear canal, can all lead to ear infections. If your dog is scratching at his ears, rubbing them, holding his head to one side, or down, shaking his head, or if they look bloody or waxy or swollen, they should be checked out. And if he cries when his ears are touched, this is another sign of a potential ear infection.
When untreated ear infections progress deeper into the ear, the pain the dog is in increases sharply. The dog may hold his head as still as possible, and to one side. And opening his mouth, or touching his head, will cause him pain. Dogs can also become dizzy, with poor balance and coordination, when the infection progresses to the inner ear. Dogs may walk around in circles, and vomit.
Ear infections are also related to skin allergies, especially food hypersensitivity dermatitis and canine atopy. Dogs with these conditions often develop inflamed ears. The dog’s ears become very itchy, which creates an ‘itch-scratch-itch’ cycle that in turn creates scabs around the ear, hair loss, crustiness, and raw skin. The ear canals become filled with a brown wax.
Some dogs are also allergic to some ear medications. A common one is an antibiotic called neomycin, but can be any ear treatment products including cortisone, nystatin, chloramphenicol, thiabendazole, gentamicin, miconazole, and clortrimazole.
One thing of concern in dogs that are professionally groomed is the practice of plucking the hairs out of the dog’s ear. The serum which then comes out of their pores is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, which is a common cause of ear infection. Vets generally don’t recommend you allow your dog’s ears to be plucked unless their is a good medical reason to do so. An example of a good medical reason is if there is a large mat of hair that is blocking air flow.
If the mats of hair are in the ear canal, they should be removed by a vet only. If they’re not, first soak the hair in a coat conditioner for a few minutes to soften it. Then, with your fingers, separate as much of the mat as possible. You may be able to untangle the rest of the mat with a comb, but more likely you’ll need scissors or a mat splitter. Be very careful if you’re using scissors. Using a comb, position it under the mat to protect the skin. Hold the scissors at right angles to the comb, and cut into the matted fur in narrow strips. Very gently, tease the mat out, and then comb out any snarls that are left. Regular grooming, with the right tools, will avoid mats forming in the first place.
Always check your dog’s ears after he’s been playing in long grasses. If you think there is a foxtail in his ear, take him to the vet’s and don’t try and get it out yourself. Fox tails can really damage the ear. If when you press gently on the ear canal he cries out in pain, there’s a good chance there’s a fox tail in there.
References:
1. Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, Good Owners, Great Dogs
2. Richard Pitcairn, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
3. James Griffin and Liisa Carlson, Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook
Tags:
Autopsy,
Brian Kilcommons,
Ear Canal,
Ear Infection,
Ear Infections,
Ear Mites,
Ear Wax,
Ears,
Emotional Response,
Euthanized,
Fox Tails,
Golden Retriever,
Grass Seeds,
Instinct,
Little Girl,
Neglect,
Outer Ear,
Stitches,
Sudden Change,
Taking The Time
Related posts
Mar 13, 2010 | | Dogs
One of the most confusing and anxiety-ridden areas of dog training is house training. Yet, it is one of the most important, especially for the humans involved.
The best way to understand and find success with house training is to use the dogs own nature to help you.
Dogs are, by instinct, very clean animals. They would rather not soil any areas where they normally sleep or eat. Dogs are also creatures of habit — they like to know where theyre supposed to go urinate and defecate. If the dog is taught to eliminate on gravel or concrete, they will tend to look for either of those surfaces to do so. If theyre taught to eliminate on grass or dirt, thats where they will choose. Use these habits to your advantage.
Setting up the training area
This is the first step. Make sure the area you choose is small and confined. A bathroom works for this, or a place in a kitchen or garage also work well. Remember that crate training works well for puppies or small dogs, but for the larger animals, the crate is too confining.
You need to spend some time with this aspect of the training. You need to play with your dog in this area, and this is also where the dog will be taught to sleep and eat. Put together a special bed. This can be something you make up with items around the house, or you can go to the store and purchase a bed. Dont worry of your dog eliminates in this area at first. Once they figure out that this is where the sleep and eat, theyll stop eliminating there.
Once your dog realizes that the bed is for sleeping, you can begin to move it around the house. But, only when youre there. When youre not, put the bed back in the training area.
Setting up the toilet area
Now you need to determine where the toilet area is going to be located. Presumably, this will be outside the house. Wherever it is, it has to a place that the dog can go to whenever it needs to go. You need to go there with your dog so you can give the appropriate rewards for good behavior.
Establish a set feeding schedule for your dog. If the dog is in the habit of being fed at certain times, the natural process of elimination will also begin to occur at certain times. Once you learn when those times relate to the eating times, it will become much easier for you to guide the dog to the established toilet area.
Dont forget to make sure your dog has ready access to the toilet area. That way mistakes arent as likely to occur.
Continuing the house training process
Once your dog is in the habit of eliminating in the toilet area and not in the sleeping/eating area, you can begin to extend the training area to the rest of the house. Do this slowly. Start by expanding to one additional room, and then gradually expand into other areas. Dont expand into new areas until youre sure your dog has control of its bladder and bowels. At first, do this only when youre around. If youre away, then put your dog back in the original training area.
Speeding up the process
If you have to move this process along more quickly, you can do so. Remember to proceed with caution, though. Its better to go slowly than to have to try to retrain a dog later. If youre going to try to speed things up, you will have to be there in order to reward your dog for successful eliminations. It is also important not to punish for mistakes. That will only confuse the dog and slow the process even further.
Tags:
Animals,
Anxiety,
Concrete,
Crate Training,
Creatures Of Habit,
Defecate,
Dirt,
Dog Training,
Good Behavior,
Grass,
Gravel,
Instinct,
Puppies,
Rewards,
Sleep,
Small Dogs,
Success,
Surfaces,
Toilet Area,
Urinate
Related posts
Feb 09, 2010 | | Dogs
Statistics has it that 4.7 million people get bitten by dogs yearly. These bites range from minor nips to major attacks.
Dog is man’s best friend, not his worst enemy. To make it stay that way, here are some tips for you to stay away from being bitten by a dog.
* How to Avoid being Bitten by A Dog
1. Don’t Approach a Strange Dog.
It is a big no-no to go near just any dog you find adorable, particularly when that dog is tied or placed behind a fence or if it is in a car. A new or strange dog might think that you are threatening him or you are an intruder.
2. Don’t Just Pet A Dog.
It is not advisable for anyone to suddenly just pet a dog, even his or her own dog, without letting him sniff and recognize you first.
3. Don’t Ever Turn Your Back to a Dog Just to Run Away
This animal’s instinct will dictate it chase and catch you. So, running away is not a good option.
4. Don’t Disturb a Dog.
When a dog is sleeping, chewing on anything, caring for her puppies or eating, it is bad idea to shock or disturb it.
* How to Bite-Proof Your Own Dog
1. Neuter or spay your dog to reduce its tendency to roam and fight with other dogs.
2. Make it socialize to lessen its being nervous when a lot of people are around.
3. Train your dog to not chase anyone even when it’s just for fun.
4. License your dog and provide for its regular care and rabies vaccinations.
5. Never let your dog roam alone.
* Things to Do if You are Bitten by A Dog
1. Never Panic.
This will only aggravate the situation. Stay calm and make sure that you make informed decisions.
2. Deal with the Wound Immediately.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. This should be done immediately. Then, contact your physician for more care and advice.
3. Tell the Animal Care and Control Agency in Your Location about the Bite.
Report to the animal control personnel all the information you can supply regarding the dog. If it is a stray dog, describe the dog, where you saw him, whether you are familiar with it and also the direction which he went.
Tags:
Animal Care,
Animal Control,
Bad Idea,
Best Friend,
Decisions,
Fence,
Fight Dogs,
Fun 4,
Instinct,
Intruder 2,
Neuter,
Nips,
Proof,
Puppies,
Rabies Vaccinations,
Soap,
Tendency,
Train Dog,
Warm Water,
Worst Enemy
Related posts
Jan 17, 2010 | | Dogs
Dog Behavior Problems: Help! My Dog is a Nuisance When He Misbehaves!
How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say, I hate it when he barks non stop or he utterly embarrassed me when he mounts peoples leg. Dog owners usually have no problems to fill in tons of their dog behavioral problems into the above statements.
I have to admit that I feel disappointed, even sad whenever I hear dog owners say that statement. Why? Because, these owners have failed to see things from their dogs prospective! To put it simply, I should say that they dont understand their dogs at all.
Dogs do not misbehave because they’re spiteful, or are out to annoy or anger you. They just behave in a manner which is expected of a dog!
The fact is that dog behavioral problems that we cant stand are not problems at all to the dogs. In fact, do you know that dogs misbehave for a reason or two? To list a few:
1. Dogs bark because they have something to say, something to tell you.
2. Dogs dig because they smell something underneath the ground.
3. Dogs chew because they are teething and are feeling uncomfortable.
4. Dogs chase after moving objects because they are following its instinct.
5. Dogs turn aggressive because they want to protect you.
For your information, most dogs actually misbehaved (in our eyes) because of the lack of care, concern and training from their very own owners:
1. Health Issue Many behaviorists & dog trainers believe that at least 20% of all behavior problems are related to the dogs health in some way or another. For all that you might know. Your dog could be misbehaving because he is sick or in pain. Bring him to the vet for a thorough check-up if he misbehaves suddenly when he has always been a good dog.
2. Imbalance Diet Feeding your dog the wrong food, with too high in protein, fat or carbohydrates is known to cause hyperactivity. Sugars, starches and many other factors in your dogs diet can also cause behavioral problems in your dog. Always read the label of the food before you feed him, seek advice if necessary. Remember that dogs need different type of food in different stages of their life.
3. Exercise – Lack of exercise also cause plentiful of problems. A dog that doesnt get enough exercise is unhealthy and tends to be hyperactive, and display destructive behaviors. Dogs depending on breed type need plentiful of exercises – Do consider this factor before you get a puppy.
4. Lack of Leadership I cant stress enough on the importance of the leadership issue. Dogs display TONS of behavioral problems when they lack a leader. Aggressive & destructive behaviors, leg lifting, marking, mounting, barking & etc Its very important that you assume the role of the alpha leader!
You must understand that all dog develop behavior problems. These dog behavior problems never develop in a vacuum. They are always the outcome of the interaction between a dog and its environment, including you! Most canine behavioral problems can be controlled if not solved completely. You just got to put in some effort and understand that prevention is better than cure.
Lastly, do try to see and comprehend things from your dogs prospective the next time your dog misbehaves. Youll soon find that you love him even more!
Tags:
Anger,
Carbohydrates,
Care Concern,
Chase,
Diet Food,
Dog Behavior Problems,
Dog Behavioral Problems,
Dog Diet,
Dog Food,
Dog Owners,
Dog Trainers,
Dogs Health,
Health Issue,
Hyperactivity,
Instinct,
Moving Objects,
Nuisance,
Protein,
Starches,
Vet
Related posts
Jan 15, 2010 | | Dogs
There comes a time for most families to add a four-legged friend to the household. This decision is not one to be taken lightly. Choosing the right breed of dog can be the difference between complete happiness and absolute terror in your home. I have outlined the steps I walk through prior to bringing a dog into my home and I recommend these steps to my friends and family.
A good topic to discuss first is how much hair you are willing to put up with. You are going to have to deal with your dogs hair in some fashion. He will either shed or require grooming. Its a time vs. money question. You can always take the middle ground, though, and find a dog that sheds minimally a couple times of year.
The next thing to consider is how much time you have to devote to walks and playtime? Some breeds require a great deal of daily exercise. Without it, they can become very destructive. Choosing a breed with an energy level that fits your familys time commitment can avoid a lot of behavioral problems.
Do you prefer a small or large dog? When considering the size of dog you must really think about the cost of maintaining the dog. It costs a great deal more to feed a St. Bernard than it does a Chihuahua. Medical expenses requiring anesthesia will also be greater as physicians charge by weight. Boarding kennels and groomers may charge by weight as well. The general rule is, the larger the dog, the more expensive it will be to care for him.
What type of temperament are you looking for? If you have kids, you will want to choose a breed that has a reputation for being good with children. If you want a good watch dog, choose a breed that has a natural guard instinct.
After answering these questions, you can look through any dog breed book and start comparing the qualities youre looking for to the breeds listed. Write down at least 5 breeds that fit your needs. The next step is to research reputable breeders in your area (I recommend calling your local veterinarian first) and make contact with at least 3 for each breed. Yes, this will take time. But it is worth it to get the right dog. Interview each breeder thoroughly and share with them your list of qualities. Ask them if they would recommend their breed to you and if so, why. If not, why not? The breeder will be the expert on their breed and can prove to be a very valuable resource.
Once you have completed your research for all breeds, you will have a much clearer picture of which breed is right for you and your family. And, you have already interviewed breeders so you should have found at least one that you feel comfortable purchasing a dog from. If you dont want a puppy, please consider going through a breed rescue organization or your local animal shelter. There are so many great dogs of all ages and breed type in desperate need of good homes. Your home may just be the perfect match!
I hope you find these tips helpful in your journey to finding the perfect dog. Take your time, do your research and you will find the companion best suited for your family. Best of luck!
Tags:
Absolute Terror,
Boarding Kennels,
Choosing The Right Breed Of Dog,
Couple Times,
Dog Breed,
Energy Level,
Four Legged Friend,
Happiness,
Household,
Instinct,
Medical Expenses,
Money Question,
Playtime,
Reputable Breeders,
Reputation,
St Bernard,
Temperament,
Time Commitment,
Veterinarian,
Walks
Related posts
Dec 22, 2009 | | Dogs