When my dog was very ill I consulted someone for help who surprised me by claiming to have some psychic abilities. Among other things, she claimed my dog strongly disliked the colour green.
Now I thought all dogs were colour blind, but I've since been told they can see some colour, but not in the same way we do.
I'd just like to know if green is one of the colours dogs could potentially see? And how do we know this?
Name and address supplied
May issue
May issue
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Preparing for the shots
I am equally worried about vaccination reaction and my dogs catching deadly diseases and was wondering what protocols other breeders are using these days.
I am about to have a litter and was wondering if there is anything I can do to help my pups cope with their first vaccines.
Name and address supplied
Cavalier breeder Bill Knight contributed this post to our other blog about Beardie Taiga's death from a suspected vaccine reaction (Click here to read the full post):
"We used to find that after their first vaccination our puppies would be very sleepy, off their food, often with an upset tum and with a painful lump at the site of the vaccination. About 14 years ago we changed our regime and we now don't have any of these problems. We now use Dog Combination 30c from Ainsworths in London when the pups are two and half weeks old. It contains homeopathic potencies of Hepatitis, Leptospitosis, Hard pad and distemper, Parvo virus and Kennel cough and it must be crushed - you can't touch it and it must be given without food. You need to ask for a leaflet that tells you how much to give and when. The dogs then get their traditional vaccine at eight weeks and since we've started using the Ainsworth Dog Combination we've not had any problems with reactions. We always insist on Nobivac and the other thing we do is keep all our pups until they are 10 weeks so they don't have any stress. There are four things we do that might otherwise be traumatic - the pups are jabbed, tattooed, chipped and litter screened before going to their new homes so we like to keep them for that extra two weeks to make this as untraumatic as possible. If anyone wants to know more I'd be happy to explain further. I'd just like to say how very sad I am about Taiga and send Lorraine all my sympathy."
I am about to have a litter and was wondering if there is anything I can do to help my pups cope with their first vaccines.
Name and address supplied
Cavalier breeder Bill Knight contributed this post to our other blog about Beardie Taiga's death from a suspected vaccine reaction (Click here to read the full post):
"We used to find that after their first vaccination our puppies would be very sleepy, off their food, often with an upset tum and with a painful lump at the site of the vaccination. About 14 years ago we changed our regime and we now don't have any of these problems. We now use Dog Combination 30c from Ainsworths in London when the pups are two and half weeks old. It contains homeopathic potencies of Hepatitis, Leptospitosis, Hard pad and distemper, Parvo virus and Kennel cough and it must be crushed - you can't touch it and it must be given without food. You need to ask for a leaflet that tells you how much to give and when. The dogs then get their traditional vaccine at eight weeks and since we've started using the Ainsworth Dog Combination we've not had any problems with reactions. We always insist on Nobivac and the other thing we do is keep all our pups until they are 10 weeks so they don't have any stress. There are four things we do that might otherwise be traumatic - the pups are jabbed, tattooed, chipped and litter screened before going to their new homes so we like to keep them for that extra two weeks to make this as untraumatic as possible. If anyone wants to know more I'd be happy to explain further. I'd just like to say how very sad I am about Taiga and send Lorraine all my sympathy."
Old dogs... new tricks?
I would be very grateful for some advice on my 11-year-old rescue Collie cross Labrador, Rosie. We have had Rosie since she was 18 months old and she has always shown aggressive tendencies towards children. As Rosie is a nervous dog and has shown active defence reflexes (growling) previously in these situations, we have managed the issue by keeping her separate from any visiting children. However our circumstances have changed, as I am now thirteen weeks pregnant. Is it possible at this late stage in Rosie's life to improve her reaction towards children? Any advice that you could provide would be gratefully received, as we would never want to consider the option of rehoming Rosie.
Kate Bailey, by email
Kate Bailey, by email
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Nervous about NatureDiet!
I've had terrible trouble finding Naturediet recently and it's the only prepared food I have found that agrees with my dog. Anyone know what the problem is? I've heard rumours on other forums - I'd hate for it to stop being available as it's a brilliant food.
I've just found a pet shop that had some fish variety left, but if I get stuck again any pointers for other superior petfoods to try?
Mary Robbins, Crawley, Sussex
We've contacted Naturediet and the message is 'don't panic'!
I've just found a pet shop that had some fish variety left, but if I get stuck again any pointers for other superior petfoods to try?
Mary Robbins, Crawley, Sussex
We've contacted Naturediet and the message is 'don't panic'!
As you may have noticed the supply of Naturediet packs has been a little thin on the ground recently. The Internet rumour mill has been working overtime as bloggers and forum users nation wide speculate as to why they cannot get their hands on Naturediet. This speculation has not gone unnoticed by the management team at Naturediet, who would now like to clear the air.
“It’s true that we have had supply problems of late.” Says Naturediet UK Sales Manager, Emma McKenzie. “To put an end to the rumours, these problems were caused by a technical fault with one of our machines. This has been fixed, and we are now producing again at full capacity. We would like to apologise to all of our customers who are still waiting for fulfilment, and to re-assure them that they will receive their orders soon.”
During this period supplies of Naturediet have been getting through to wholesalers, but despite operating at full capacity again, the company has warned that it will be a number of weeks before production can catch up to demand.
If anyone has any queries on the disruption in supply, contact Naturediet on 01362 822320.
Does your dog hate balloons enough to be a record breaker?
We've been asked to help find a dog who likes popping balloons who would like the chance to try to break the world record on TV.
Click here to view the last record attempt, is your dog this obsessed? This has had us all giggling today! This dog just loves to hate balloons!
The record is currently held by a Jack Russell who burst 100 balloons in 47 seconds.
Please get in touch if your dog would like an audition!
Click here to view the last record attempt, is your dog this obsessed? This has had us all giggling today! This dog just loves to hate balloons!
The record is currently held by a Jack Russell who burst 100 balloons in 47 seconds.
Please get in touch if your dog would like an audition!
What's the best dog car?
My Nissan has died (frozen up and exploded, lots of black smoke).
I wasn't happy as the police insisted on towing me off and charged 150 quid on the spot although I have AA relay, they said the AA would take too long to get there.
Anyway when it was looked at and it's terminal.
Any suggestions for a car where I can fit 10 Beardies to take them to the beach or three people, plus all the dog gear, crates, tables and sometimes a tent and camping gear and several dogs?
Plus it has to be cheap and I mean really cheap.
Gill Burfitt, Anglesey
What's the best dog vehicle you have ever owned? Nominate your favourite doggie vehicle here. I am very happy with my diesel Mercedes estate (the smallest size) - lots of room for doggies, not too big to park and very economical for fuel. I've got ultra dark tinted windows that keeps it cooler in the summer when we're stuck in traffic jams! (However it is a little bit too attractive to mice for my liking! Although I've not seen any evidence of inhabitation since the chewed KitKat incident - long story!). Why is your car the best? We're looking for nominations for small, budget, kids and dog, best multiple dog vehicle and best professional vehicle for dog walkers and groomers.
Beverley Cuddy, Editor
I would love a Mercedes Vito - it's my dream vehicle, but it's pricey. I drive a diesel Citroen Berlingo and on my second one so I must like them, they are very good value for money! They are very roomy. With the back seats removed I can comfortably fit in three large crates and still have loads of storage space. It has a huge sun roof too which is good for ventilation. The Renault Kango and the Peugeot Partner are both worth a look.
Christine Bailey, Dogs Today accounts department
I wasn't happy as the police insisted on towing me off and charged 150 quid on the spot although I have AA relay, they said the AA would take too long to get there.
Anyway when it was looked at and it's terminal.
Any suggestions for a car where I can fit 10 Beardies to take them to the beach or three people, plus all the dog gear, crates, tables and sometimes a tent and camping gear and several dogs?
Plus it has to be cheap and I mean really cheap.
Gill Burfitt, Anglesey
What's the best dog vehicle you have ever owned? Nominate your favourite doggie vehicle here. I am very happy with my diesel Mercedes estate (the smallest size) - lots of room for doggies, not too big to park and very economical for fuel. I've got ultra dark tinted windows that keeps it cooler in the summer when we're stuck in traffic jams! (However it is a little bit too attractive to mice for my liking! Although I've not seen any evidence of inhabitation since the chewed KitKat incident - long story!). Why is your car the best? We're looking for nominations for small, budget, kids and dog, best multiple dog vehicle and best professional vehicle for dog walkers and groomers.
Beverley Cuddy, Editor
I would love a Mercedes Vito - it's my dream vehicle, but it's pricey. I drive a diesel Citroen Berlingo and on my second one so I must like them, they are very good value for money! They are very roomy. With the back seats removed I can comfortably fit in three large crates and still have loads of storage space. It has a huge sun roof too which is good for ventilation. The Renault Kango and the Peugeot Partner are both worth a look.
Christine Bailey, Dogs Today accounts department
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Heart beat needed
I am trying to find a website where I can find the sounds of a dog's heart beat, both normal and with an arrhythmia.
I have tried, Google, You Tube etc but I am unable to find anything. Do you know of anywhere where I can find this?
Thanks for your help.
Robert Cobb, by email
I can only suggest what I would do, which would be to use a Search Engine, trying different phrases such as ‘Canine heart sounds’.
The normal canine heart beats at between 80 to 160 times per minute, depending on the size of the dog – the bigger the dog, the lower the heart rate. A single beat is two clear heart sounds (‘lub-dub’); there should be no slurring, nor any extraneous noises or beats. There is generally a slight increase in the rate during inspiration as the dog breathes in, and a slight decrease as he breathes out, so-called normal respiratory dysrhythmia.
More to the point, though, I wonder why you are needing this. If you have concerns about your dog’s heart rhythm, then I would rather you take him/her to be examined by your veterinary surgeon. You could always ring and explain your worries over the telephone first. I have often let owners have a listen through my stethoscope and explained what can be heard if there is an abnormality or, more importantly, to reassure the owner that the heart sounds are normal.
Alison Logan, Vet
I have tried, Google, You Tube etc but I am unable to find anything. Do you know of anywhere where I can find this?
Thanks for your help.
Robert Cobb, by email
I can only suggest what I would do, which would be to use a Search Engine, trying different phrases such as ‘Canine heart sounds’.
The normal canine heart beats at between 80 to 160 times per minute, depending on the size of the dog – the bigger the dog, the lower the heart rate. A single beat is two clear heart sounds (‘lub-dub’); there should be no slurring, nor any extraneous noises or beats. There is generally a slight increase in the rate during inspiration as the dog breathes in, and a slight decrease as he breathes out, so-called normal respiratory dysrhythmia.
More to the point, though, I wonder why you are needing this. If you have concerns about your dog’s heart rhythm, then I would rather you take him/her to be examined by your veterinary surgeon. You could always ring and explain your worries over the telephone first. I have often let owners have a listen through my stethoscope and explained what can be heard if there is an abnormality or, more importantly, to reassure the owner that the heart sounds are normal.
Alison Logan, Vet
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