Tips on Moving Overseas with your Pooch

If you are moving abroad and you own a dog, one of the major dilemmas you might face is what to do with it. You may have no choice but to leave it behind or you may decide to take it with you. If you have the opportunity and the means to move overseas with your dog, you still have to know the answers to countless questions such as the pet laws of the country you are going to, how pet friendly is the place you will be living, will there be enough space for your dog in your new home, will the destination country have available dog food that your pet is accustomed to, and so on and so forth.

Here are more common factors to consider in your plans of moving overseas with your dog:

Weather conditions– find out if your dog will be comfortable with the climate conditions of your destination country. Many dogs quickly adapt to change of weather but if they have weight problems, coat issues, or sensitive skin, they might be likely to find it a challenge to transition well. For example, dogs with long and thick coats might find it difficult to live in a tropical country. You can research and ask your vet for advice on how your pet can cope with being in another country with a climate it is not accustomed to.

The country’s culture and society – many countries around the world have the similar views about their pets in terms of maintenance and bonding. For instance, in France, most dogs are loved a lot like children and are almost always allowed in public places. But in some other countries, dogs are considered a nuisance.

The vicinity of where you plan to live – the U.S. has rural and urban areas, which vary greatly in manner of lifestyle. If your country dog suddenly moves to a busy city in another country, your dog can become quickly stressed out. Extreme environmental changes can lead to anxiety for your dog, a creature of habit. Try to stick to your usual routine as much as possible; feed and exercise it regularly and provide it with toys and bedding it is familiar with.

Moving overseas will be a huge change in your dog’s life, as much as your own. Weeks before your departure, make sure your dog’s papers are all ready, that it is fit for traveling, and it has proper identification in the form of a dog tag or microchip.

Dogs, Their Owners, and the Risk of Catching Germs

The bond between most humans and their pet dogs is so strong that they consider them as their children, or as part of their family. Dogs show signs of affection by licking the faces of owners and cuddling with them. Many owners carry their dogs around, kiss them, and let them sleep in their beds.

Some people worry that it is not hygienic to allow their dogs to sleep in the same bed with them, or to let them lick their faces because of their saliva. They believe that germs can be easily transferred this way. To get to the bottom of this theory, a research was conducted Dr. Kate Stenske, a clinical assistant professor at Kentucky State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Stenske said, “I became interested in the topic because there is such a strong bond between dogs and their owners. If you look at one study, 84 percent of people say their dog is like a child to them.”

She further added, “We also know diseases can be shared between dogs and people. About 75 percent of emerging diseases are zoonotic, meaning they are transferrable between humans and other animals. With these two pieces of knowledge, I wanted to examine the public health aspects of such activities.”

As the focus of her study, Stenske used the E. coli bacteria which can be commonly found in both people’s and dogs’ intestinal tracts. Stenske analyzed the E. coli’s DNA tracks gotten from fecal samples of both dogs and their owners. The study showed that 10% of owner-dog pairs had the same strains of E. coli. It also showed that expressions of affection, such as dogs sharing the owner’s bed or licking their face, did not have a connection to any increased risks of shared E. coli.

What is also insightful is that there was, however, a distinct association between antibiotic-resistant E. coli and dog owners who did not wash their hands before cooking meals or after stroking their dogs. It goes to show that common hygiene practices, such as washing hands often, can make a big difference in protecting oneself from germs.

Stenske’s findings have shown that the likelihood of owners getting germs from dogs who licked their faces and slept in their beds were no more than any other dog owner. To many dog owners, this piece of information is a huge relief.

Training Your Dog Using Food Rewards

Food is always tempting to animals as it is a source for survival. The desire for food is part of the animals’ psyche, which is why food rewards during training is very effective in terms of motivation.

Bribery vs. Reward
Many people confuse bribery with the act of rewarding a dog. The intent and process are not the same. Simply put, bribery is when you show the food to the dog so that it will do what you want, while rewarding is giving the food to the dog after it has done what you wanted it to do. For example, offering a dog some food so it will want to come to you is considered bribery. On the other hand, rewarding is when you offer the food only after it has come to you when you perform the command.

Getting Respect from your Dog
An ideal response to aim for when training a dog is making your dog want to obey you because it respects you, rather than because it fears you. If you gain the respect of your dog, it will be eager to please you and willingly follow commands. Bribery is also not needed to gain this respect as a dog who considers you its pack leader will want to follow your commands, with or without treats.

Weight Gain Because of Treats
More often than not, weight gain in your pet is caused by the lack of regulating their food intake. As an owner, you are responsible for the wellbeing and training of your pet. Learn to balance their food intake as well as their need to exercise. If you offer your dog food rewards during training, remember to give it adequate exercise to burn off any excess calories. Also, there is no rule that says that whenever your dog does something that pleases you, it should be rewarded a treat. Its meal can be a reward in itself. The attention and praise you give your dog can also be counted as a reward. A reward need not be food all the time.

Other Forms of Motivation
Some dogs are not motivated to follow commands even with food rewards. This is because dogs are natural scavengers and the food they find themselves gives them double the pleasure. There may be underlying reasons why a dog is not motivated by food rewards. This disinterest can be caused by many factors including stress, anxiety, or sickness. It can also be that the dog finds the food reward unappealing or because it feels full.

Addressing Dogs’ Fear of Thunderstorms

Many dogs have this intense fear of sudden and loud noises, especially thunder. The moment they hear a thunderclap, their tail is tucked between their legs, they hunch, their ears droop, and they are scurrying looking for a safe place to hide from these strange and scary noises. Their hiding spot may not be enough to completely muffle out the loud sounds and the poor dogs end up spending the entire thunderstorm cowering in fear. As a response, owners try to make them feel safe by cuddling them and whispering words of comfort in the effort to take away their fears. However, studies have proven that whether or not you hold your terrified pooch, they will most likely remain upset during thunderstorms.

Study on Dogs’ Storm PhobiaThis fear of thunderstorms, also called “thunderstorm anxiety” or “storm phobia” is common among dogs. This is very stressful for the dog and also the owner who may feel helpless when faced with their dog’s panic. A study by Penn State University researchers was conducted to find out more about how thunder can affect dogs and what can be done to relieve them of their stress. Through dog saliva samples after a group of dogs were made to listen to a recording of a thunderstorm, veterinarians found out that the dogs’ cortisol level (a stress hormone) increased by 200% due to the thunder noises.

How to Lower Dogs’ Anxiety LevelsResearch has shown that although the act of comforting dogs during thunderstorms do not have a big effect on their stress levels, what does help is having other dogs in the household. In the study, dogs that had other doggy companions did not reach such a high level of stress and were quicker to calm down after a thunderstorm. Their cortisol levels were much steadier compared to dogs that lived alone with their owners.

But before you run out and buy another dog, seek advice first from your vet. After all, having many dogs in a household won’t entirely cure a dog of storm phobia. Your vet may be able to prescribe medications to help treat severe storm anxiety.

Remember that although holding a dog to try to comfort it may not be entirely effective, you can still help your dog out by creating a hiding place where they can feel safer during all the thunder. You can also play some music or turn the TV to loud to drown out the thunder.

Best City-Friendly Dog Breeds

French Bull Dog - A great option for the city

If you are living in the city, you are most probably wondering what dog breed would be best for a pet. Size is usually a major factor but some large dogs have been known to adapt well to city living.

Here are some breeds that generally do well with life in the city:

• French bulldog – these dogs have an excellent temperament and are not too energetic. They make cute lapdogs that love to cuddle. Keep in mind that because of their short snouts, they are prone to respiratory problems.
• Portuguese water dog – these are relatively smaller than your standard poodle. They are fun, affectionate, and loving. They develop less dander compared to most other breeds and therefore are highly recommended to people who are sensitive to allergies. They can make wonderful family dogs.
• Norfolk terrier – these resilient dogs are quick to adapt to their surroundings. They do not require too much effort in grooming, although their coats tend to be wiry and a bit rough. Their happy-go-lucky attitude will be sure to brighten up your day.
• Labrador retriever – although belonging to the large breed, this is a common city dog. They are athletic and full of energy but they also make great family dogs. They are ideal for homes with larger space.
• Cavalier King Charles spaniel – these are friendly dogs that are great for young children. They have excellent temperaments and are generally very patient and tolerant. They are prone to heart ailments.
• Chihuahua – their small size is perfect for city living. They are ideal for homes with limited spaces such as a small apartment. They require less grooming compared to other breeds. Take note that if you are staying in cold areas that have winter months, these little dogs can easily get cold. Make sure they are warm and snug even in cold weather. Chihuahuas are also easy to carry around, intelligent, and sweet.
• Dachshund –these are lovable dogs that will make loyal companions. They are relatively small and won’t take up much space, especially the miniature dachshund. These dogs are characterized by their long bodies and have a tendency to develop spine troubles.
• Yorkshire terrier – this toy breed is another favorite among city dwellers. They do not require a lot of space in the home and they look very adorable. They need regular grooming to keep their coat silky and tangle-free. “Yorkies,” as they are fondly called, can easily be carried around since they are lightweight.

Whatever breed you decide to get for city living, you will still have to provide the proper training while they are still young to keep them from misbehaving. Also, whether they are large or small, they will need regular exercise to maintain good health.

How To Choose Your Rescue Dog

Before you decide to adopt any dog, rescue or not, be sure you are prepared for the commitment it will take to keep one. Dogs may be cute, wonderful, and loyal companions, but they also have needs. To build a trusting and healthy relationship with your rescue dog, you should be ready for the long-term responsibilities of being an owner.

Why Dogs Are Left in SheltersOne of the leading causes of why dogs are given up for adoption in shelters is the inability of owners to care for a dog for various reasons. For instance, the dog may have become a handful for them or have developed destructive behaviors. Many owners do not realize that they could be the cause of all the bad behavior, For example, the dog lacks exercise or does not look up to the owner as its pack leader. The good thing is that dogs live from day to day and when you finally choose a rescue dog, you can start afresh with it, whatever its age or past behavior.

please adopt me :(
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Choosing the Right Rescue DogChoosing the right rescue dog for you might be quite a challenge because there are so many breeds to choose from, each having its own characteristics and appearance. Narrow down your choices by having an idea of the kind of dog you are looking for. Consider the size, temperament, and degree of care and maintenance in terms of grooming and diet. Choosing your dog can take time and if needed, several trips to the shelter.

Check on the available breeds up for adoption in the shelter if you have any breed preferences. Bear in mind that some dogs are mixed breeds but they can still make fantastic pets. Also consider the dominance and energy levels of the dog you want to adopt. If you are adopting a family dog, consider the opinions of the other family members and how they will take to the dog and vice versa. The dog you get has to jive with your family’s lifestyle. You do not need to make a choice in just one shelter; you can visit several that are close to your area until you find the one dog that is most suitable.

Do not be in a rush when choosing a rescue dog because you might later find out that you were not a good match to begin with and you might decide to take it back to the shelter. You will just be doing the dog a disservice since dogs that are repeatedly returned to the shelter have a higher chance of being euthanized.

Environmental Factors Can Lead to Dog Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a condition where a dog’s hip socket becomes abnormal, later causing lameness or arthritis. This disease affects countless dogs in the U.S. and it is believed that environmental factors contribute to its development. These factors seem to be most influential during the time period from the puppies’ birth to their third month.

Although dogs are not born with the disease, puppies that are genetically prone to HD can still develop it later on in life. The severity of hip dysplasia can greatly affect the lifespan of a dog. Luckily, recommended preventative measures can be followed to give puppies a better chance of avoiding hip dysplasia as they grow up.

A research was done by Randi I. Krontveit concerning the causes of hip dysplasia among four breeds of dogs in Norway. Environmental factors that these dogs were exposed while growing up were taken into consideration to measure their impact on the chances of hip dysplasia.

Normal dog hips

The participants of the study were composed of 500 canines that belonged to four breeds, namely the Labrador retriever, the Newfoundland, the Leonberger, and the Irish Wolfhound. The study included questionnaires that the breeders and new owners had to answer. Essential questions included where the dogs were born and what was the type of environment where they grew up.

Based on previous studies from other countries, some of the factors that greatly influenced hip dysplasia were heavy body weight and quick body growth. However, Krontveit’s research showed that for the puppies’ first year, these were not factors that made hip dysplasia more likely to occur. Her findings showed that puppies with slow growth rates, especially the Newfoundland, were greatly at risk of HD at 36%. Also, the Irish Wolfhound, which has the fastest growth rate, had the lowest occurrence of HD at 10%.

Hip Dysplasia in a labrador

The dogs that participated in the study were regularly monitored until the age of 10 through yearly questionnaires filled out by owners. Those affected with HD had to be put to sleep sooner and those with milder forms of HD did not need such a drastic measure.

Environmental factors that influence the living conditions increase the incidence of HD. For example, pups that spent their first three months walking on level terrains were less likely to develop hip dysplasia compared to those who would often climb steps or walk on uneven terrain. Also based on the research findings, daily exercises throughout a dog’s life (which include various terrain types after three months) is a great positive factor in decreasing the risk of hip dysplasia.

Useful Links

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_hip_dysplasia

Dog Breeds: Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pincher
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The miniature pinscher (also called “Min Pin” and “Zwergpinscher” in Germany) is known as the “King of the Toys” and is often mistaken for a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher because they are similar in appearance. This toy breed originated in Germany and originally was a mix of Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds. 

Min Pins were introduced to the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1919 and were referred to only as “Pinscher.” In 1929, the Miniature Pinscher Club of America was created and the Min Pin was officially included in the Toy Breed category of AKC that same year. In 1972, the AKC officially changed the name of the breed to “Miniature Pinscher.”

Characteristics
Miniature Pinschers are compact, sturdy, and small. According to the standard, a Min Pin’s legs should be straight. The head must be proportional to the body with a flat skull and tapering forward as it reaches the muzzle. The muzzle should be strong and proportional to the head. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. The topline should be slightly sloping to the back part of the body. The eyes are oval and dark.

The average size is 10-12 inches in height but ideally 11-11 ½ inches when measured from the highest point of the shoulder blades. The ideal weight is 8-10 pounds. The coat of the Min Pin is short and smooth, and the AKC recognized colors include chocolate, black, fawn stag red, and solid red.

The life expectancy of a Miniature Pinscher with proper care and maintenance is 15 years.

Temperament
Min Pins are known to be outgoing, assertive, alert, and full of vigor. Since they are naturally energetic, they have to be fenced in the yard because they might run after people in the street whom they are not familiar with. They excel as agility dogs and watch dogs. They are best for older children since younger kids have a tendency to play rough. They are loyal, protective, and can be very affectionate.

Care and Maintenance
Miniature Pinschers can easily get cold because of their small size and short hair which does not offer much protection against chilly weather. During cold months, they must be brought in and kept warm. You can provide them dog sweaters or give them thick blankets in their bedding. They will need daily exercise and stimuli to keep them fit and healthy. It will also help prevent them from developing destructive behavior due to boredom or excess energy.

Can Dogs Have Obsessive Compulsive Behavior?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) manifests as repeated actions or thoughts, feelings, or sensations that makes one feel driven to doing something. It is a common behavior among humans and also among canines. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to developing this behavior. OCD can manifest in either one or two things that a dog will do over and over again, without changing the way they do it.

Some common canine behaviors that can be associated with OCD are dogs attacking objects, barking, pacing or running back and forth, non-stop licking, chewing, or biting themselves or objects, going around in circles, chasing their own tail, chasing shadows, or excessive digging. Do not mix up the OCD actions for just regular actions or habits. Symptoms of OCD are usually exaggerated behavior.

There are various reasons why dogs can develop OCD behavior:

• Stress – when a dog is anxious, it can start to show OCD behavior. Some root causes of stress can be related to the lack of social interaction with family members or with the dog owner, environmental changes, the addition of a new family member, separation anxiety, and loud noises such as fireworks.
• The need for more mental and physical stimulation – one of the reasons why dogs develop OCD is boredom. It can also depend on the breed’s temperament. Some may need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation for them to release pent-up energy. If these dogs are not given enough stimulation, they tend to develop obsessive behaviors. Schedule regular exercises such as daily walks and playtime, and provide them with toys that can mentally stimulate them.
• Neurological problems – it is not common but is often hereditary and manifests at a young age. A brain tumor can also cause OCD in dogs.
• Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in senior dogs – as dogs get older, like humans, they start to lose their mental capabilities. This is similar to Alzheimer’s and is how they process information in their brains. OCD is one of the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
• Allergies – if your dogs incur allergies due to dust mites, pollen, reactions to food, or insect bites, they may have irritated skin or hot spots which can be very itchy. They can start to reach for the areas bothering them and lick these spots, rub their muzzles on the grass, or lick their paws incessantly. Identify any irritated areas and ask your vet for advice on how best to treat them.

How to Address Your Dog’s OCD
If you notice any OCD behavior in your dog, determine the reason for it and ask for advice from the vet. Your vet may recommend a program or refer you to a dog behaviorist. Also, you can try some products that target OCD behavior such as the Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) collar and other DAP products.