Today is World Rabies Day!

Champ as a Puppy!

Be Aware! Today is World Rabies Day! Rabies. Few words can make a pet owner shudder more. Rabies is a nasty viral disease that gets transmitted either through the saliva or nervous system tissues from one mammal to another. It is an incredibly deadly disease with a 99.9% fatality rate across the world! Once clinical symptoms actually appear, the death is inevitable. That’s pretty serious, to say the least, especially considering that rabies can easily be transmitted through small bites or scratches from infected animals. Now, immediate post-exposure treatment can stop rabies before it progresses to the point of no return, and there are ways to take preventative action against rabies. If your pet is ever in the vicinity of skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, coyotes, various rodents and other wild animals, they’re at risk of contracting rabies. That’s why World Rabies Day has been established to inform people of the danger rabies presents plus give them the resources needed to protect themselves and their pets against the ravages of such a disease. What’s the best way to protect your pet against the threat of rabies? Vaccination is the primary method, even if your pet spends most or all of its time indoors. Make sure your pet’s rabies shots are up-to-date at all times. If they’ve been bitten or scratched by another animal, be sure to take them in to the vet for a booster shot as well. When out in the wilds, if you keep your pet under control on a leash, this can reduce the possibility of them running off and being exposed to another animal attack. Plus having your dog spayed or neutered is also a big help to reducing rabies–mainly because overpopulation leads to more stray dogs, which can easily become recipients and vectors of the disease. How can you tell if an animal (or another pet) has rabies? The signs aren’t usually too visible, unfortunately. Affected animals may stagger or walk oddly, may be overly aggressive or overly friendly, and foam at the mouth. None of these are definitive symptoms either way, though. If you even simply suspect an animal of having rabies, be sure to keep your own pets and family members as far away from it as possible and contact local animal authorities to have them contain the animal. In the end, awareness and prevention are the two greatest tools you have to fight the rabies threat. Visit the Global Alliance for Rabies Control for further info and find ways you can support their efforts to promote human and animal health!

House Training Your Dog or Puppy

House Training Your Dog or Puppy

You’ve brought a new dog into your home—congratulations! Now comes your first dog-training challenge: house training.

House training is not an exact science—there’s no sure-fire formula or timetable that will work for every dog. The important thing is to make it a positive experience. Here are a few tips to help you through it.

Do: Supervise your dog. Limit the dog’s run of the house to the one or two rooms where you are able to see her at all times. Dogs usually show “pre-pottying” behavior such as sniffing, circling and walking with stiff back legs; all signs that you should get her to the potty area ASAP! As the training begins to take hold, you can slowly enlarge her territory.

Don’t: Yell at a dog for a mess she made earlier. If you catch her in the act, it’s okay to startle her by clapping or making a noise (hopefully this will stop her long enough for you to whisk her outside). But a dog will not learn anything by being scolded for a past accident, even one a few minutes old. Just clean it up and soldier on.

Do: Offer big praise when she gets it right. Whether your goal is for your dog to eliminate on pee pads indoors or to do it outside, you have to really throw a party for her when she succeeds. Lavish her with praise, affection and some yummy treats!

Don’t: Rub her face in it. In addition to this action making your dog fear you, she’s incapable of making the connection that it’s the act of soiling indoors you object to—to her, you just really hate pee and poop. If she thinks that the waste itself is what you dislike, she’ll only get sneakier about hiding it from you.

Do you have any fool-proof house training tips? Share them in the comments!

P.S. Was this article helpful? Help us continue to provide pet parents with the resources they depend on by making a gift to the ASPCA today.  

Deaf Dog Awareness Week!

We often think of dogs as being creature that are inherently keen of hearing. They’re able to pick up on the tiniest noises and even hear in sound ranges beyond our own ability to detect. It’s almost like a superpower! Did you know, though, that dogs can be deaf just like humans? It’s true. Much like us, dogs can be born or become deaf through genetic defects, disease, or injury. This in no way impairs their ability to enjoy a full, long life and act just like any other dog, but it can bring about its own unique set of challenges. That’s why the last week of September is set aside as Deaf Dog Awareness Week! It’s not only a time to educate yourself on the issues surrounding deaf dogs but also to promote the adoption of deaf dogs across the country. So what should you know about deaf dogs (and potentially adopting one)? First off, know that deaf dogs don’t suffer from any lack of intelligence or physical ability. Just because they can’t hear doesn’t mean they can’t function normally. They’ll make all the same noises and have the same behaviors as a hearing dog. Deaf dogs also don’t require a “hearing companion,” i.e. a dog that can hear normally to guide them around or otherwise keep them safe. Dogs have numerous other senses they can rely on beyond hearing in order to navigate the wide and wonderful world. Deaf dogs are also fully trainable! They can pick up on sign-language commands quite well and will become visually cued to your actions–just like any other dog. The main warning of note with a deaf dog is that they should never be allowed to freely roam outside. Since they can’t hear, they aren’t always aware of cars or other dangers that might sneak up on them. If outside, they should either be supervised at all times, leashed, or contained by a fence. Have you ever wondered if your dog is deaf or not? Here are a few simple ways to test this: Call your dog in a normal voice Jangle keys or coins while standing behind your dog Whistle for your dog from across the yard Have someone ring your home’s doorbell Squeeze a squeaky toy across the room for your dog If your dog fails to respond to these various auditory signals, it might indicate partial or complete deafness. If you’d like more information on deaf dogs, be sure to visit theDeaf Dog Education Action Fund website. There you’ll find plenty of helpful resources plus see the many ways you can contribute to the fund’s efforts to support deaf dogs and their owners across the world.

10 Things You Should Know about Senior Dogs

Senior dog owners have tons of questions. It seems like just yesterday that you brought home that adorable little ball of fur. But before you know it, those puppies grow up into adult dogs and then all of a sudden it's time to discuss the care of a senior dog. 

Time goes by so quickly, doesn't it? Here are some of the top questions about senior dogs (and their answers). These are just a few of the questions that readers have asked me.

Q: Why is my dog gaining weight?

A: The aches and pains of old age may prevent your dog from moving as freely as she once did. She may have developed a touch of arthritis or stiffness in the joints. Hormonal changes may also slow down her metabolism. Medications may add extra girth. All these things add up to a widening waistline and a slower lifestyle.

Walk your dog and play with her daily. You'll have to engage her in gentler activities than when she was young, but she still needs her exercise. 

In addition, discuss changing her diet with your vet. Seniors need nutritious diets that are higher in fiber but lower in fat and calories. It's your job to help her keep her weight down, since obesity can make her more susceptible to diabetes, arthritis, and heart problems. Go here for more tips on feeding your senior dog. 

Q: Why is my dog losing weight?

A: Sometimes older dogs' bodies change in the opposite direction and their weight begins dropping. Is she eating? Are her teeth strong and mouth and gums healthy? Is her neck arthritic? She won't eat if it's a painful process. Age or medications can reduce her senses of smell and taste, which, of course, decreases her appetite. Metabolic disorders and heart or liver trouble can cause weight loss, regardless of how much she eats.

Try feeding your dog a veterinary-prescribed diet in frequent, smaller meals. If her memory or eyesight is failing, be sure to put her food and water bowls in the same place every day. To prevent strain on her aging spine, elevate the bowls to the level of her head.

Q: What if my dog has more than doggy breath?

A: Tooth or gum disease, accompanied by bumps on the gums or tartar on the teeth, are the most common reasons for extreme doggy breath. If you don't brush your dog's teeth regularly, ask your vet to show you how. You'll probably need to do it daily. Chewing on synthetic bones, biscuits, or hard rubber toys will help her prevent tartar build-up.

An unusually foul smell, accompanied by lack of appetite and frequent vomiting, could indicate liver disease. Kidney disease adds a hint of urine to the breath. Very sweet or fruity breath could indicate diabetes, especially if she 's been drinking and urinating more than normal.

Q: Why does my dog seems unusually thirsty?

A: Make sure her water bowl is clean, convenient to reach, and elevated if necessary. Always keep fresh, cool water available, not only beside her food bowl, but in the yard and on each floor of your home. Diabetes, a fairly common ailment of old age that also increases appetite, could be the culprit. Here is a list of the other most common conditions that affect senior dogs. 

Q: Why does my dog toss and turn at night?

A: She may need an orthopedic dog bed that will give her support to counter arthritis. Also, older dogs tend to develop painful elbow calluses that are more comfortable on soft bedding. The urge to urinate or defecate frequently can also keep her awake. A syndrome called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), akin to Alzheimer's disease in humans, also affects sleep patterns.

Q: Why does my dog nap more than ever?

A: Surprisingly, she may just be bored; decreased stimulation due to poor hearing or sight and reduced activity as a result of arthritis can make your dog depressed. The urge to urinate or defecate frequently can disturb nighttime sleep. Medication and hormonal or heart problems can also make a dog drowsy. In addition, CCD could be throwing off your dog's sleep cycle so that she roams restlessly at night and naps during the day. 

Q: Why has my dog has started bumping into things?

A: Failing eyesight is a bane of old age, but dogs learn to compensate. Make your home a safe environment with clear paths and walkways. If you need to rearrange furniture, lead the dog around until she gets a feeling for her surroundings. Always greet her with a gentle voice before touching or petting her. Block the entrances to stairs so she doesn't fall. Don't let her leave home without a human companion and keep her leashed when she goes out.

Q: Why won't my dog come when called?

A: Deafness is the most probable reason. If that is the cause, you can teach her hand signals. Since many deaf dogs are sensitive to vibrations, clapping hands or stomping on the floor may also get her attention.

Arthritis makes moving painful and could be another reason she's unwilling to respond. More serious medical conditions such as heart disease can be a factor as well. If your dog has trouble seeing or hearing, it's still important that she exercise and play. On days when she prefers sleep and inactivity, spend time petting her and talking with her. Massage is an excellent way to keep her joints working and muscles warm and limber.

Q: Why did my gentle dog snap at me/my child?        

A: Senior dogs display aggression for several reasons. Does your dog have vision problems? Is she hard of hearing? If so, you may have surprised her. The physical and mental symptoms of aging also increase your dog's stress level. Because of arthritis or other movement restrictions, she may not be able to remove herself from an annoying situation as she once could. Changes like moving, a new family member, a high noise level, the quick movements of children—can be frightening, adding to her stress and its resulting aggression. Her behavior also could be a symptom of CCD. Don't leave your own child or a visitor alone with an aggressive senior dog, even though there hasn't been a problem in the past.

Q: Why did my dog snap at my younger dog?

A: As your dog's faculties decline, her dominant status in a multi-pet household may be challenged. When younger dogs test her authority, she may become aggressive. Honor her dominance as you have in the past, but make it clear to all of your dogs that you are the real leader of their pack. You may have to separate your dogs when you leave them home alone.

Q: Why has my dog forgotten her house-training?

A: As your dog ages, soiling the house might become more common. A weak bladder, failing kidneys, or an inflamed bowel is the usual explanation but forgetting longtime habits may also be a sign of CCD. Besides medication, she may benefit tremendously from letting her go outside more often to urinate and defecate.

Q: Why is my dog constipated?

A: Older dogs are less likely to drink sufficient water and eat enough fiber, and constipation is a frequent problem with senior dogs. You may need to change your dog's diet and feed her smaller meals more frequently. She may no longer be able to tolerate table scraps. Eating more fiber will help move food through her intestines. 

But be observant. Arthritis of the hip or spine and hip dysplasia can result in such painful bowel movements that your dog is reluctant to defecate. An enlarged prostate in males, or tumors, can cause blockages or pain.

Q: Why doesn't my dog want to go outside?

A: As a dog ages, she loses her ability to adjust to changes in temperatures. Her drier skin and thinner hair offer her less protection and her metabolism makes her less resilient. During extreme weather, limit her time outdoors. In heat and humidity, remember that a dog pants to cool her body, and that older lungs are not as efficient.

If her vision and hearing are not as sharp as they once were, she may be frightened of being out in the open. Always keep her on a leash and stay close to reassure her when she's outdoors.

Re Posted from: 

Myths about dogs!

Do you believe any of these myths about dogs? Myth #1: “Dogs see in black-and-white” – This basic belief was established before scientists even had a good idea of how the human eye perceived color through rods and cones. Dogs can, in fact, see in color, though they do so in a slightly shifted spectrum compared to humans. It is currently thought dogs have something similar to red-green colorblindness and see better in blue, green, yellow, and gray shades. Myth #2: “Dog Years” – The idea that you can equate 1 human year to being 7 “dog years” is an older notion that shouldn’t be relied on. Now, yes, dogs do age faster than humans, but there isn’t such a direct correlation between the timeframes. Dogs tend to age faster when younger, and then the aging process slows down as they get older. A one-year-old pup might be considered more of a “teenager” in human terms, whereas an eight-year-old dog would be considered middle-aged. Aging is also going to differ greatly depending on the specific breed. Myth #3: “Wagging Tail = Happy Dog” – We see a dog’s tail wagging and instantly think it’s in a positive, happy mood. This might be the case, but dogs also wag their tails to show agitation or general nervousness. Dog communication is much more complicated than we tend to realize, and involves their ears, posture, eyes, and other body language elements. All these must be taken into consideration to determine if that wagging tail actually indicates happiness or whether aggression or fear is being broadcasted. Myth #4: “Dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths” – This myth comes from our observation of dogs licking their wounds to help themselves heal. The truth is, dogs licking their wounds can help heal them but not because of any magically cleaner saliva–it’s just because their rough tongues are removing dead tissue and dirt, much like a doctor might swab out a cut before bandaging it. Too much licking, in fact, can increase the risk of infection or introduce bacteria into the open wound. What are other common sayings or bits of trivia you believe about dogs? Have you ever taken the time to research whether it’s actually true or not? Are there bits of “canine wisdom” you wish people would stop repeating?

How to Travel Safely with Your Pets in Summer

Have you had your summer vacation yet? With school out, many families find this the perfect time to visit their favorite relatives, camping grounds, or seek cooler climates and beat the local heat. And unless you have a dedicated pet sitter or keep your pets at a kennel while you’re away, you need to figure out the best way to take them along for the ride!

Aside from the main logistics of bringing along enough food, water, or necessary medication for your pet, what are other considerations you should keep in mind to ensure everyone enjoys the time away from home?

·  Call Ahead – No doubt you’ll be staying at certain locations such as campgrounds, hotels, or with friends and family while on vacation. Make sure to call ahead before you leave and double-check that pets are allowed on these sites or if there’s any extra fee for boarding them there. For friends and family, it’s just polite to make sure no one there is allergic to your pet or otherwise uncomfortable around animals.

·  Bring Toys! – We bet your pets have a few favorite toys they love to romp with and chomp on. Pets can be unsettled by being exposed to new and unexpected situation or locations, but you can help alleviate their nervousness by having a familiar toy or treat available for them to focus on—rather than wondering what strange place they’ve wound up in.

·  Keep Their Health Current – Before you take any pet on a vacation, be sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Get them to sign a health certificate, approving their ability to travel, and also update any vaccinations so they don’t pick up any illnesses during the trip. Have copies of their health and rabies certificate on hand at all times.

·  Keep Them Contained – Animals like to feel secure, and a moving car can be nerve-wracking for some. Help them feel more protected by keeping them in a kennel, a harness, a pet seat, or other  restraining device so they aren’t accidentally tossed around or injured if you have to brake hard or make a sharp turn.

Have you planned or already taken any vacations this summer? Did your pet come along? If so, how was the experience and what did you learn about caring for their needs while on-the-go? If not, what steps did you take to ensure they were cared for until you got back?

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Why Fireworks and Pets Don’t Mix

Monday, June 30, 2014 - 2:15pm

• 

Who doesn’t love the Fourth of July? It’s a weekend for block parties, barbeques, belly-flops in the pool and parades—all best when enjoyed with friends and family, and even better when you have the day off to celebrate with your pets! Have fun, but remember that certain traditional Independence Day activities might not be so fun, or so healthy, for the four-legged members of your household: yes, we’re talking about fireworks.
Fireworks are loud, and the crowds that go to see them can be scary, too. Animal shelters nationwide are flooded with runaway pets on the Fourth; studies show that nearly one in five lost pets went missing because they were fleeing the sound of fireworks or other loud noises. Losing a pet is not only heartbreaking, it’s also very dangerous for the animal, especially if he or she ends up roaming busy streets.
The best way to keep your pets safe is to make sure they don’t go missing in the first place: Please resist the urge to take your pets to go see fireworks. Instead, keep them safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home. Double check leashes and collars and make sure your pet’s ID tag is up to date. Be mindful when opening outside doors. And if the unthinkable does happen, the ASPCA’s new app is here to help: Utilizing the latest field research, this free tool provides users with an individual search plan based on their pet’s behavior and individual circumstances so they can search quickly and effectively to recover their lost pet.
Please read the rest of our advice for a safe and festive Fourth!

Fourth of July Safety Tips

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
• Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
• Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
• Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

Want to receive more safety tips for you and your pet?
Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter, ASPCA News Alert - you'll receive important updates on what's going on and how you can make an impact to save animals' lives!