The Events of an Overheated Dog

Yesterday was quite an eventful day.  As I was driving down Main Street going to one of my client’s houses, I saw another one of my clients running frantically up Main.  She had a child with her and a leash in hand.   Right at that moment I knew this wasn’t going to be good.  

My client saw me and immediately yelled over for help.  I jumped out of my car to find out what was going on.  Her dog had gotten loose and took off on her when she was at the park.  She was running home to get her car and to have someone watch her nephew so she could continue her search.

At that point I drove down to the park to look for Roxy.   I’m driving thinking, Roxy?  Take off? That is not like Roxy.   Roxy is one of my most disciplined dogs; she has been fully trained, listens to all her commands and never just takes off.  This is just not her character.

Luckily, having known this dog since she was a puppy I wasn’t too concerned that she ran too far, I was more concerned about her health.   At 9:45AM it was extremely hot, already 90.  We had just had a quick shower and it was getting very muggy.   I also know that the owner and this dog are very athletic and like to do fast paced, strong walks.   I know their routine and it is a physical one.

Fortunately, after driving around a couple of streets I found her!  She was exhausted, shaking and panting heavily.  I pulled my car over for her to get in my backseat, only to notice she couldn’t get up and her eyes were glossy.   I knew right there Ms. Roxy was starting to stroke.

Once I got her in my car I drove her home.   Roxy rolled out of the back of my car and collapsed onto the pavement.    I had the owner immediately get water, ice cubes and a cold face cloth.  As she was doing that I began some of my animal massage strokes that help with cooling the system.   I took some of the ice cubes and massaged them into Roxy’s pressure points and  let her drink a bowl of water.  It took a couple of minutes, which to the owner and I seemed like a life time but eventually Roxy was able to stand.  At that point Roxy was moved  inside the home to continue to cool down next to the air conditioner.

Roxy is fine…Roxy was very very lucky.

Please remember that an animal’s average body temperature is 101.  Once the temperature rises about 105 the animal can and probably will begin to stroke.  It happens quickly and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, coma or even death.   Animals by nature use panting as a way to cool their systems but sometimes, their bodies just can not endure the heat and humidity.   On extremely hot days please limit your pets exercise and keep a few extra bowls of water available to them.

A rule of thumb..If you’re hot, your pet is hotter. 

As always PLEASE KEEP YOUR PETS HYDRATED!!  

It's Hot..Drink Please

Summer is here…everyone is having cookouts, cooling off at their pools, kicking back and enjoying our nice summer weather.   With all this excitement are you remembering your pets?  As hot as you are, their body temperatures are higher and they can become dehydrated much quicker.  
Like humans, dog and cats bodies are made of 80 percent water. Having enough water in an animal's system determines the proper flow of nutrients needed for the functionality of the organs and helps prevent illness.

But more simply put…it’ HOT and your pet needs water.  He is thirsty!

As a rule of thumb, a dog needs approximately twice as much as its body weight to remain hydrated.  For example:  a dog that weighs 15lbs should have at least 30 oz of water a day.

Keep the water bowl full all day. This time of year keep multiple bowls in easy access places to where your pet may be.
 Keep the water bowl clean    I see so many of these water fountains for pets and owners fill them up thinking they don’t need to change the water until it is empty.  Hum… probably not one of my favorite pet inventions, people tend to forget it is “still” water in a container at room temperature.  It needs to be changed and the container needs to be cleaned.  If not, bacteria and mold will grow inside.  Once ingested by the pet, mold can lead to severe internal sickness.
 Ice Cubes   Dogs love chewing on ices cubes, it helps get fluids in their bodies and it is a fun interactive toy too!   
Dog pools, sprinkler or hose  Take the kiddy pool,  fill it up with water and let your dog jump around in it.  Oh my god, have you ever seen a dog in a kiddy pool?  They bounce all around and have a blast too.   If you don’t have a pool, a sprinkler or a garden hose can be just as effective.   
AC or Fan  Yup…spoil them a bit…my Lani, she loves her AC and ceiling fan as she lounges on her couch.

If you have concerns that your dog or cat may be dehydrated do the “scruff” test

• To determine the extent of your pet's dehydration a dehydrated dog or cat will lose skin elasticity.  Pull lightly on the skin at the scruff of the neck and note how quickly it returns to its normal location. The longer it takes, the more dehydrated your dog or cat is.

And as always, with any health questions or concerns please call your veterinarian immediately.

Now for this Friday, fill the ice cube trays in the freezer, buy some frosty paws treats and enjoy a happy and hydrated weekend with your pet.  Stay cool too !

More Fame for Michael Vick…Seriously?

Oh my...here we go again.   Mr. Vick seems to be coming around smelling like a rose.   Seriously, who gets away with brutally and tourchering innocent dogs?  Apparently the courts felt this gambling, greedy money maker murderer only needed a simple 20 month sentence in prison.  The NFL (another disappointment) was counting the days for this former top athlete to be released and immediately re- instated to the NFL.  Why?     

Have we forgotten the numerous animals that lost their lives to the hands of this cruel, evil , sociopath?  Or are we simply looking away?  What about  the 27 pit bulls that were able to be saved?  Have we not acknowledged these dogs will struggle with some form of PTSD for the rest of their lives?  These animals have been going through recovery for almost 4yrs now and some still haven’t been able to fully transition back into society.

Therefore, why is Michael Vick allowed back into society?  Why is he able to have a career making millions and as of last week resigns to his endorsement contract with Nike!

Nike, an athletic company that is known for promoting the most exciting athletes in the world, chose Michael Vick?  What is our media and corporate America doing?  Come on Nike…are you saying with all the sports and record breaking athletes in the world the best you could find as a representation of you and as a role model is Michael Vick?  Oh geez…

I honestly think with the 10yr anniversary of 911 approaching us in September,  I would have hoped Nike could have done a tribute campaign on all the heroes that lost their lives that day.  But what am I thinking?  That would only be the logical and respectful thing Nike could have done.  That doesn’t make sense.  Shame on you Nike ….

I have to ask?  What is next?  The Whitey Bugler running shoes?

Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional.  She has been featured on local radio, tv and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness.  Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units. Tracey  may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net.  Become a fan on facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care and follower of www.traceythedogwalker.blogs.com

Take Your Dog to Work Day - June 24th North Andover

Pet Sitters International is celebrating their 13^th year of “Take Your Dog to Work Day”.   On Friday June 24, 2011 businesses, animal shelters and pet-care professionals from around the world will work together to better the lives of shelter dogs everywhere.  Thousands of businesses will open their doors to employees’ furry, four-legged friends on this day in celebration of the great companions dogs make and to promote pet adoption.
What a better way to promote adoption and of course “show off” your pooch to all your colleagues.  They hear the stories, see the pictures, endless entries on your Facebook page, and engage in your tweets so why not show everyone the real thing.  Bring your Dog to Work!
Not to mention, this is a amazing way to promote adoption.  People who are interested in adding a dog to their family will have the opportunity to meet your dog.    Our shelters are packed with homeless animals and maybe a day like this will help encourage future dog owners to consider saving a life and adopt.  
North Andover businesses:  Try this,  allow your employees to bring their dogs to work on June 24th.  
Statistics  show  humans blood pressure and stress levels go down when they are comforted by their family pets.  We all know how stressful work can be so why not create a fun filled Friday and organize this day at your company.  Think of all the activities you can do, play dates at lunch time,  ball on the company front lawn,  doggie  ice cream treat snack break, there are just tons of things you can do,  be creative and have fun with it !
As for me, I already have the best job and take all of YOUR dogs to work with me EVERYDAY!!
For additional information please visit this website:  http://www.takeyourdog.com/

Why Vaccinate? Social Opportunities for your Dog

I just read our proposed Town Article regarding Dog Vaccination requirements which will be voted on by the residents of North Andover at our annual town meeting.  For some people this is a very sensitive issue and they have chosen not to vaccinate their dogs.  For others they are very proactive and faithfully obtain all vaccinations needed.  And there are a few that do this just because their Vet told them they need to have this done.

Is it just another money maker for the pet industry?   Actually no it is not.  It really isn’t.   North Andover still is considered a rural community.  However with all the developments and building some of our wildlife is simply displaced.   When wild animals become homeless, lost, or confused they are going to do what nature has taught them to do.  Defend!   Wild animals carry several different diseases and if your animal gets bit the disease will be transmitted.  Some may say, my dog is always on leash or in our fenced in backyard.   Well you just never know, an animal with rabies will attack, they are sick, they are ill, they are scared.  It doesn’t matter how cautious you are, it can happen.  

But my reason for blogging about this is not just to focus on the requirement importance but the SOCIAL aspect this has on your pet.

With my pet care business I require all animals to be up to date on their vaccinations. Why? Because when your dog is in my care it is my responsibility to keep your animal safe.  Vaccinating your dog is just one more responsible way and a preventive measure to keep your dog healthy.

I want to be able to walk your dog, I want your dog to have a nice day out on the trails, and I love bringing your dog around other dogs for play dates.   Unfortunately, if your dog isn’t vaccinated I am unable to allow your dog around others.  Because what if?  What if your dog was a carrier of disease, some stay dormant for years and you may not even know your dog is infected.   I can’t have your dog around the others.  I am responsible for all the animals in my care.

Also, as a registered business, I carry an insurance policy.  My insurance will not cover an animal that is not vaccinated.   Once again, denying your animal play time or a daily dog walk.  What if you wanted to go on vacation?  All legit boarding facilities require your dog to be up to date on on their vaccinations.
Or how about bringing your dog to dog daycare?  Yes, once again they require your dog to be vaccinated.  And what about the Town of North Andover?  Well, the town requires all dogs to obtain a dog license. To get your dog license you must show proof of vaccinations.

Mental stability, social activity and exercise are all just as important for the health & wellness of dog as a balanced diet.   There has been no significant proof by the American Veterinarian Association proving vaccinating your dog is dangerous.   Therefore,  I encourage you all to have your dog vaccinated.  Go throw a ball and play with the neighbor’s dog too! Remember a health dog is a happy dog...social activity creates happiness and enjoyable memories.

Oodles of Doodles ~ North Andover's passion for this breed

Goldendoodle, labradoodle, shepadoodle, pugapoo, pekepoo, and cockapoo. There are over forty different types of doodles and they are all strolling around North Andover.    Our town has gone crazy for these curly, wiry, small, & tall high energy breeds!

High St,  Stevens , Dale or So. Bradford and every street in between chances are you will meet someone that owns some type of doodle.  But what is a doodle?

The most common two are the goldendoodle and labradoodle.   Golden retriever and poodle mix or a labrador poodle mix.     Basically, it is any breed that is mixed with a poodle.   Why is the poodle the primary?

Poodles are considered a great breed to cross-mix because they are very intelligent, make great family pets and have a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat. In other words, poodles have “hair” while other breeds of dogs have “fur.  The difference is that hair doesn’t shed like fur and people who are allergic to dog fur are often not allergic to poodle hair.  Most allergists do believe that no dog is 100 percent allergy-free, and often as dogs grow older their coats can change and become more troublesome for allergy sufferers.   
The energy levels of any of these breeds are just so much fun. With North Andover being a family orientated, community driven town these breeds may be the perfect fit for your family’s lifestyle. They love to walk, run, jump and sometimes they just climb into your lap and cuddle too.  I have several clients that just can’t get enough of the “doodles” and my owners have just as much fun naming their pets:  Kella, Duffy, Piper, Kayla,  Maggie, Cooper, Cassie,  Kia, and Bella. 

When one of my clients; Dick  Vaillancourt’s goldendoodle Dori passed, (one of the most compassionate sweet sweet dog’s I have ever met) the Vaillancourt household immediately felt the sense of loss and loneness.  Their home was just not complete anymore.  Dori was the first one in the kitchen in the morning and the last one to go upstairs at night.  The Vaillancourt’s decided to take a road trip out to their breeder in Michigan and when they did they came back they had not one, not two but four !   Two for their family and two for their brother’s family.   I love it.. and..

North Andover really has gone Oodles for Doodles !

Beware of the Backyard Breeder

It’s puppy season!  It’s that time of the year when families decide it is a great time to bring a puppy into their homes.  

People constantly ask me, “Do you know a good breeder? “  or they ask me for names of breeders of specific breeds.   After I remind them I am a strong advocate of ADOPTING and that I believe in saving a life of a dog from being euthanized, I then answer their questions with “No I don’t work with any breeders.”

This doesn’t mean that there are not any reputable breeders out there.  Most certainly, there are people that comply with all the AKC (American Kennel Club) rules and regulations of how to breed.  They also apply for all the proper paperwork needed and certificates provided by the AKC.   However, there are even more people out there that we in the industry refer to as “backyard breeders”.

Backyard breeders are exactly that.  They don’t necessarily know how to breed;  they don’t understand the separation of blood lines and to be quite honest, just want to make money off of their dog.   They believe if they mate their dog with another dog of the same breed that they will have a pure breed and can sell those pups for a high dollar amount.   Cash revenue off of the life of a dog.   For example:  it was brought to my attention that a young woman in my town wants to breed her Yorkie because she wants her dog to have “babies”.  This individual has no background in breeding, she is not listed with the AKC. She is going to pick another Yorkie to mate with her 3yr old because she believes her dog should have a litter.   Besides the fact I personally think that is a completely selfish reason to mate a dog, I am more concerned about the health of the litter.  Will she be able to provide the proper nutritional food for the mother, will she stay up to date with all the vet appointments, when the litter is born will she make sure all the puppies have all the proper shots needed before she sells them?  Most importantly, what will she do with the puppy that may be born with a birth defect or is extremely ill?   Remember, her goal was for her dog to have “babies”, it wasn’t for her to keep all these dogs, her goal was to sell them and she would keep the mother. 

However, there are people for whatever reason will only buy a dog.  They will never adopt and only feel comfortable spending top dollar for a dog from a breeder.  If this is your choice, I do ask you look for the following when purchasing your dog. 

To make sure your breeder is a good quality, reputable breeder please uses the following guidelines:

1. Only breeds very few types of dogs and is knowledgeable on the various breeds he raises.

2. Only pre-sells litters. These breeders will have waiting lists to get puppies because they are known to put the female dogs health first, not the dollar value of the puppies. Reputable breeders will only let a female have one litter a year or possibly one litter every two years.

3. Interviews you and has you complete a questionnaire or application before agreeing to sell you a puppy. This may include questions on your income, people in your home, and size of your home or even if you have other pets. The breeder may even request to do a home visit.

4. Registered as a breeder with the local or national breed registries as well as the Kennel Club for the country.

5. Allows and encourages you as the prospective owner to tour their facilities and see the “parent” adult dogs.  Keeps clean, well-ventilated and spacious kennels or living space with happy and healthy adult dogs.

6. Offers litter registration papers as well as all paperwork required for AKC, CKC, KC or other registration.

7. Provides information on the championship lines of the parents as well as vet certificates and genetic condition test results.

8. One of the MOST important guidelines: Provides a health guarantee for the puppy.

Please understand that 1 out of 4 shelter dogs are actually pure breed.  My Lani, a Boston terrier is a full pure breed. In fact,  she was the mother of many, way too many litters.  She was a puppy mill mother.  Puppy mill puppies are sold to retail stores or sold to people that only want full breed dogs.   My dog was saved from a puppy mill and I adopted her from a rescue.  People that will only buy dogs bought my dog’s “babies”.  My dog is a shelter rescue.  See my point!  

  Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional.  She has been featured on local radio, tv and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness.  Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units. Tracey  may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net.  Become a fan on facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care and follower of www.traceythedogwalker.blogspot.com