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Tick Virus that can effect Your Dog and Pets

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As any pet owner knows, our furry friends are susceptible to a variety of parasites, including fleas, mites, and ticks. Of these, ticks are perhaps the most dangerous, as they can transmit a number of serious diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. That’s why it’s so important to check your pet for ticks after spending any time outside. If you find a tick on your dog or cat, immediately remove it using specialized removal tool. If a tick remains unnoticed on your pet for a long period of time, tick paralysis may occur. So be sure to keep an eye out for these pesky critters, and protect your pets from the dangers of tick-borne illness.

Symptoms of this include:

  • Change of barking pitch
  • Difficult breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Paralysis

If tick paralysis is left untreated, it can lead to death.

Ticks and your dog

Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to their host in order to feed on their blood. Although they are most commonly found on pets, they can also be found on humans. Ticks can carry a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, which can be transmitted to both pets and humans. Applying a flea and tick product to your pet is certainly a good idea, but be sure you are using the correct type: most products meant for dogs are toxic to cats. If you’re not sure which product to use, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. In addition, be sure to check your pet regularly for ticks, and remove any that you find right away. By taking these simple precautions, you can help protect your pet – and yourself – from tick-borne illnesses.

 

 

What Do Dog Owners Need To Know – COVID-19

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What Do Dog Owners Need To Know – COVID-19

The new threat of COVID-19 looming over us, there have been many questions regarding pets. “Can my dogs get the virus?”, “Can my dog or cat transmit he virus to me?, “Should I quarantine my dog?”. What Do Dog Owners Need To Know? Many of these concerns are just, it has become apparent that we need to set the record straight with our dogs and COVID-19.
What Do Dog Owners Need To Know COVID-19

What Do Dog Owners Need To Know COVID-19

At this point there has been no evidence that the virus can infect dogs. The fact is that the virus is species specific, in other words, it cannot infect a dog.

However it may be remotely possible that a pet could become a temporary carrier of the COVID-19 virus via contact with an infected person and harbor the virus in his saliva while showing no actual clinical disease. Being that, if a dog licks a person on the face, he could in theory pass those virus particles onto that person, who could possibly, then become infected. This is pretty far-fetched but it could feasibly happen.

As far as a fomite, the potential for contagion is slightly different.  In the same scenario, a person that is infected coughs on his dog and the virus particles land on their fur .  If the dog were then come in contact with a different person who pets the dog, inadvertently pick up those virus particles, touch their eyes, mouth or face and infects themselves. In an instance such as this, the dog becomes no different than a refrigerator handle or door knob. The animal becomes the transport of the virus to the person.

With that being said, it would be advisable to limit with your dog if you, or someone in your household had been in contact with a person that is infected. If you oar your family are self-quarantining and no one in the home has tested positive or is exhibiting signs of the COVID-19 virus, you may resolve to quarantine your dog as well. Feel free to get your dog out for exercise, but try to keep him away from other dogs (social distancing).

Quarantining Your Pet

Make sure you make plans for your pet just as you would yourself.  Plan on having at least 14 days of food and other essentials (Medications, etc…). As of this post Chewy.com has a shipping delay of 8-10 days, so plan accordingly. Also, take the time to determine the status of you local Veterinary clinic, with the number of mandatory government directives, find out what the status of their current business hours. You may also take advantage of several apps (telehealth / telemedicine) to provide care

If we all do what is suggested, we will get through this, sooner than later. Hang in there, have fun with our pets!

This, too, shall pass, and hopefully, sooner than later, we’ll look back at this and feel blessed that we weathered this storm.

 

 

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool in Warm Weather

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Keep Your Dog Cool in the Summer Heat

Hunting in hot weather can easily lead to a dehydrated and overheated dog, with both conditions being dangerous.  Hunters can easily allow their enthusiasm for the hunt to cloud their judgment when it comes to the health of a pet.  Here, tips for keeping your dog cool on warm days will be discussed.

Keeping your dog cool

Keeping your dog cool

Carry Water and Ice
Keep water for your dog in your vehicle and with you at all times during the hunt.  Even if the temperature feels comfortable to you, remember that your dog will be working much harder and is unable to sweat.  Keep large amounts of water in your car, such as 1 – 5 gallon jugs, and portable water bottles in your field bag or vest. You should also stock a cooler with ice in case of emergency.

Do Not Rely on Natural Water
While some streams or ponds may be safe for your dog to drink from, never encourage this behavior.  Natural bodies of water can contain highly toxic algae and bacteria, as well as chemical runoff from farms.  

Water Your Dog Whenever Possible
Since dogs cannot sweat, they are not able to cool themselves as efficiently as humans.  You can help your dog cool off by keeping his or her coat wet throughout the hunting or training session, thereby allowing evaporative cooling.  Soak your dog’s fur (ensuring the water reaches the skin) on warm days. If your dog is on the verge of heat stroke, cool your dog by pouring water on his or her tongue, throat, belly, groin, back, and ears.  

Avoid the Heat of the Day
When the temperature is especially warm, opt for early morning or early evening hunting and training sessions.  These times of day are generally produce the best hunting.

Use Hydrating Products
Even though dogs don’t sweat, they still lose necessary vitamins and minerals when they work hard, which can lead to dehydration.  Look for products that replace lost nutrients in hard-working dogs, similar to sports drinks for humans.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is extremely deadly for dogs, but can typically be managed if caught in time.  The symptoms of heat stroke include excessive panting, disorientation, ignoring commands, glazed eyes, incoordination, staggering, and collapse.  

Know the Treatment for Heat Stroke
Heat stress and heat stroke are very serious conditions that must be treated immediately.  If your dog is showing the signs of heat stroke, he or she requires attention from a veterinarian ASAP.  In the meantime, cool off your dog by pouring water on sensitive areas of the body and encouraging him or her to drink, if the dog is conscious.  However, do not force your dog to drink water if he or she is unable or unwilling. When transporting your dog to the veterinarian, ensure there is plenty of ventilation in your dog’s crate or trailer.  If possible, put your dog in front of an air conditioning vent in the cab of your vehicle.

 

 

Heat Exhaustion and Your Dog

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Dangers of Heat Exhaustion and Your Dog

Heat exhaustion is one of the biggest dangers to a sporting dog’s health.  In fact, overheating is far more damaging to a dog than hypothermia.  Here, heat exhaustion will be discussed, as well as how to prevent its occurrence in the field.

 

 

What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion occurs when dogs build up an excessive amount of heat in their bodies that they are unable to adequately dissipate.  During hunting season, a lot of excess heat is built up when running retrieves, particularly in large breeds.  Since dogs are unable to sweat, they do not lose this heat as quickly as it developed.   Sport dogs are at greater risk for heat exhaustion during early dove and teal seasons, or late goose season when the weather is warmer.  

What are the Signs of Heat Exhaustion?

The signs of heat exhaustion in dogs include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Body temperature >103 degrees F
  • Reddened gums
  • Little to no urine production
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Irregular heart beats
  • Fluid build up in the lungs
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Vomiting blood
  • Bloody stools
  • Seizures
  • Lack of coordination
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness

How Can I Prevent Overheating my Dog?

A contributing factor to heat exhaustion in sport dogs is dehydration.  Most dogs don’t drink enough water.  Hunters can float their dog’s food (i.e. add water to dry kibble) to promote hydration.  

In the field, dogs can be given a drink of water in between each retrieve with a simple water bottle that is easily stored in a jacket or vest.  If your dog does not like the water bottle, you can practice using it at home by placing peanut butter on the nozzle.  Your dog will happily drink from a bottle in no time.

What Should I Do if My Dog Overheats in the Field?

As soon as you recognize that your dog has overheated you must act quickly.  Use cool towels to gently lower your dog’s body temperature.  Never dump ice water on your dog, as doing so will send him or her into shock.  Next, get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.  Do not place your dog in a confined area, such as a kennel or dog box, in an attempt to let your pet cool down on his or her own.  More often than not this technique leads to death.  

 

Keeping Your Dog Healthy With an Off-Season Health Check-Up

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Off-Season Health Check-Up – Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Keeping your dog healthy includes plenty of preventative care, particularly in the off-season.  Your dog should have regular check-ups by a veterinary physician, and attention should regularly be paid to the following areas.

Nails
Your dog’s nails should be regularly trimmed to keep them from getting caught on objects in the field and potentially causing a problem.  If you frequently trim your dog’s nails, the quick will remain short.  However, if you allow your dog’s claws to grow for extended periods of time, the quick will extend into the tip of the nail, making it difficult to trim back your dog’s claws too short.  Regular trims also prevent your dog’s nails from developing a hook, which can be especially troublesome if it becomes caught or tangled in wires or brush.  

To trim your dog’s nails, use specially-made nail clippers to remove approximately ¼’’ of nail at a time, or until the edge of the quick becomes visible.  If you or your dog are uncomfortable with nail clippers, consider a dremel-type nail tool that will grind the nail instead.  Ultimately, nails should be kept short to keep your dog from ripping off a claw, which is painful and can take a long time to recover from.

Ears
Labrador Retrievers commonly develop ear problems because moisture can easily become trapped inside the ear canal.  For preventative maintenance, make a 50/50 solution of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar.  Pour a small amount of this solution onto a paper towel or gauze, and rub out the exterior of the ear.  After a hunt or training session that involves water, pour a small amount of the ear cleaning solution into your dog’s ear, where it will serve as a drying agent.  Excess water in the ear canal can cause painful ear infections.  

Teeth
Dental health is important for dogs because the buildup of plaque and tartar can create serious problems, both in the mouth and the cardiac system.  Dog owners can brush their dog’s teeth, or use a dental scraper once per month to remove tartar.  Simply place your thumb at the base of the dog’s gum to prevent accidentally hitting this sensitive area and scrape away any buildup.  Also check your dog’s gums for sores or diseased areas.  Since your dog will use his or her mouth a lot in the field, it is important that teeth and gums are in optimum condition.  

 

Coat

Finally, Keeping your dog healthy involves taking a good look at your dog’s coat.  It should be shiny, healthy, and thick.  Your dog should be at a healthy weight, and also active.  Since Labrador Retrievers are built for spending a lot of time in the water, they have natural oils in their fur that repel moisture.  Avoid giving your dog a bath too frequently, which will strip these natural oils from your pet and lead to dry, itchy, and flaky skin.  A dull coat is usually the first sign of illness.

By keeping regular tabs on your dog’s health, you can prevent many diseases from occurring.  Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

 

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