It’s a rap video starring a dog.
No need for more words, just watch and enjoy!
Author: Jasmine Kleine
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Dog Dies on Christmas Day From Supermarket Bone
A heartbroken couple are calling on supermarkets to stop selling dog bones after watching their Miniature Schnauzer suffer an agonising death on Christmas day.
Anna Carey and James Lancaster thought nothing of it when a friend gave two-year-old Burtie a Bob Martin’s Premium Ham Bone, from Tesco, as a Christmas treat.
But on Christmas Eve they awoke to find their dog had been sick during the night and was unable to move without great discomfort. An X-Ray at the vets revealed fragments of bone had become lodged in the dog’s stomach and intestines.
Burtie was given painkillers and anti-nausea injections and the couple were told to take him home and monitor him closely in the hope he would pass the bone naturally.
Later that night, with Burtie showing no improvement, they took him to Grove Lodge Veterinary Hospital, in Worthing, where he was put on an overnight drip and given more painkillers.
On Christmas day the couple received a phone call to say the painkillers weren’t working and that Burtie – who turned two on Christmas Eve – was showing signs of depression. Vets were fearful of internal infection and a decision was taken to operate.
Four hours later Anna and James received a call to say Burtie’s stomach had been ruptured by the bone and that despite the vets’ best efforts there was not enough healthy stomach tissue to keep Burtie alive. A decision was taken to put him to sleep.
The couple, from Warwick Road, Worthing, had given Burtie bones before, but they were always raw beef bones, which he gnawed over a period of weeks. On this occasion the bone was a cured ham bone, which vets said were more dangerous.
Mr Lancaster, 35, said: “Burtie was part of the family and we absolutely adored him. He was very cute and was popular with friends and other dog walkers. His loss has come as a great shock, but we are determined some good should come of it. We want people to be aware of the dangers involved in giving your dog a bone – particularly cured or cooked ones – and are calling on supermarkets to stop selling them.”
Ms Carey, 34, said: “It seems unbelievable, and perverse, that a potentially lethal product can be packaged up as a dog treat and sold to unsuspecting pet owners. These products should be taken off the shelves to prevent more, inevitable, heartache.”
The couple, who were left with a £2,300 vet bill, are now seeking compensation from Tesco and urging the retail giant to stop stocking the bones.
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Your Dogs Get In To The Festive Spirit (Video)
How Much Festive Cheer Does Your Dog Bring You?
A recent survey by K9 Magazine and UK leading pet insurer, Direct Line has revealed pets bring more Christmas cheer to their owners than partners or friends.
Take a look at our collection of suitable festive four legged friends enjoying themselves.
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Dog Abandoned, Blind, Alone – But You MUST Watch
Learn more about Fiona’s story, updates and find out what you can do to help dogs like her at http://www.hopeforpaws.org/
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Help! My Dog Has Canine Osteoarthritis, Should I Change His Diet?
If your dog has just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you may be confused and worried about the effect of his condition on his enjoyment of life. Fortunately there are several things you can do to slow the progression of the disease, and keep him happy and mobile. Lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory/anti-pain medication and nutritional supplements are the cornerstones of treating osteoarthritis.
Lifestyle Changes
The great thing about making lifestyle changes for your dog is that they are within your control. They are not going to be easy to make, but keep in mind that pet dogs are like toddlers in that they are largely a reflection of their parents. Managing your dog’s lifestyle is almost completely your responsibility.
Here is what you should be focusing on:
Weight Reduction
This is a biggie! The target weight for an arthritic dog should be leaner than normal to ease the burden on his joints.
Aim for a gradual reduction in weight. Numbers are your friend in this: weigh your dog regularly and chart it; initially every two weeks, then every month. Once his target weight is reached, put him on the scales quarterly or semi-annually. Similarly, use a weighing machine or a measuring cup to ensure that his food intake is regulated.
As your dog gets older, his energy needs will reduce. If you continue to chart his weight, you should have no trouble noticing the weight gain and reacting to it.
A weight reduction program is a lot easier to write about than to implement. You must ensure that all members of the family realise the importance of the program. Table scraps have to be few and far between; better still, eliminate them completely. Your pet will not be happy during the period that he is losing weight. But, once his weight is stabilised, he will be healthier and happier than before.
Exercising Your Dog
Exercise is important for your arthritic pet. Not only will it help him remain at his target weight, but regular mild exercise has been known to improve the health and mobility of the affected joints. It reduces the pain of arthritis and the progression of the disease while maintaining good muscle mass.
The important part of any exercise program for arthritic dogs is that it is low impact.
Try to prevent him from jumping; also, avoid asking him to repeatedly climb up and down stairs. Remember that medications could mask his pain, thus allowing him to get more vigorous than is good for him. To prevent such ‘accidents’, it is best to exercise him on a leash.
Swimming is an excellent exercise for dogs with osteoarthritis. It encourages mobility in the joints, but without painful weight-bearing. Hydrotherapy also builds up muscle mass which helps to support the painful joint.
Medication and Nutritional Supplements
As well as help you with a weight loss diet, your veterinarian can prescribe pain relieving medication and suggest nutritional supplements that will make your dog feel better. Glucosamine and chondroitin are safe and effective at relieving joint pain and can be used in conjunction with prescription treatments. It’s very important that you give the correct dose of medications in the correct schedule as some drugs can have side effects. You may also want to consider other natural therapies such as acupuncture or laser treatment, which may help ease arthritic pain.
Supleneo flex is a nutritional joint supplement, which is suitable for all breeds, sizes and ages of dog and contains the key ingredients that can improve joint health, such as glucosamine.
In addition, Supleneo flex’s natural liver flavour means dogs love the taste, making it’s easy and fun to give them their supplement every day. It is low calorie, so you can give it to your dog, instead of a treat without worrying about weight gain.
For further information go to www.freedomtomove.co.uk
Conclusion
Canine osteoarthritis is not life-threatening, but it is progressive and can make your dog extremely uncomfortable. With your help and support, there is no reason why he cannot enjoy a happy and fun-filled life.
[note color=”#fddda5″]For further information about canine arthritis and canine arthritis treatment, including an on-line symptom checker please go to www.freedomtomove.co.uk[/su_note]
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The Most Brilliant Dog Video (& a Little Bit Sad)
What we have here is one of the most brilliant dog videos ever.
But it’s twinged with sadness.
It’s often been said, the only downside to a dog is the speed at which they’re with us one minute, gone the next.
From puppy to adult in just 40 seconds.
Incidentally, if you’re interested in learning about puppy development stages – check this out.
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Best Dog Halloween Costumes 2012
Dogs in Halloween costumes, just who wouldn’t be interesting in
wastingspending two minutes out of their day to see our pick of the best canine costumes for this frightening time of year? Come on….admit you want to watch!Halloween Safety Tips for Dog Owners
Halloween is a time for everyone to have fun, feel like a kid, and eat a little extra candy, but Halloween celebrations can pose risks for the family dog. Here are some tips for keeping your pooch safe during Halloween.
If you plan to hand out candy/sweets from your home on Trick or Treat night, remember that all the extra doorbell ringing may have an adverse effect. Some dogs find the constant commotion frightening and may bolt while you open the front door. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with contact information for you or your veterinarian. Also, if your dog is microchipped, make sure your registration information is up-to-date. The microchip won’t do any good if you can’t be reached.
Be sure to keep the candy you plan to hand out out of the reach of your dog while waiting for or talking to trick or treaters. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, and depending on the size of the dog and the strength of the chocolate, it can cause death. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, in 2010, chocolate consumption among dogs increased more than 200%! If your dog has gotten into the chocolate candy, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. The chemical toxicity results in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, inflammation of the pancreas, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and sometimes, even death. Remember, it’s the dose that makes the poison. In smaller dogs, even the wrappers from candy can result in a secondary obstruction in the stomach or intestines.
Chocolate isn’t the only Halloween danger. High sugar, high fat candies can cause pancreatitis while raisins—sometimes appearing in the candy or handed out instead of candy—are also extremely poisonous to dogs and can cause kidney failure. If your dog has eaten any amount of raisins, grapes, or currants, you should treat it as a potentially toxic situation and immediately call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline.
After trick or treat is over, be sure to store your candy in a spot where your dog can’t reach it. Some dogs are more determined than others and may find away to get to it even if it is high up on the counter. Keeping it in the refrigerator or in an upper cabinet may be a better solution.
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Help! My Dog is Scared of Fireworks
An alarming study by UK dog welfare organisation, the Dogs Trust, has revealed that more than 70% of UK dogs are scared of fireworks.
The charity’s survery has revealed that 72% of pet dogs are frightened of fireworks and of these, 1 in 10 have been so severely affected that they have required veterinary treatment . Over 90% of dog owners surveyed say they alter their routine during the November celebrations around Fireworks night and during Diwali to try to minimise the trauma on their petrified pooches.
If you are among the millions of dogs owners whose dogs cower at Catherine Wheels, are spooked by sparklers or rattled by rockets, Dogs Trust is on hand to help calm those canine quivers. The UK’s largest dog welfare charity is offering advice to help petrified pooches and their owners enjoy a fright free November. Many dog owners are simply unaware of the affect that firework fear can have on their dogs and each year the charity is inundated with calls from dog owners who simply don’t know how to calm their pets
It can be difficult for owners to calm their dog’s nerves once the loud bangs begin, but Lynn Barber, Head of Canine Behaviour and Training at Dogs Trust explains how you can help relax your canine companions:
“ As our survey suggests, November is potentially a worrying month for dog owners as so many dogs are sensitive to sounds. They hear much higher frequencies than we do and the whizz, bang, pop of fireworks can be too much for them.
If your dog chooses to hide then that is where he or she feels safest and it’s important that they’re allowed to stay in their hide-out as long as needed. Often owners will try and drag their dogs out for enforced cuddles and affection; this should be avoided as it will only confuse your canine. Try and make your four-legged friend as comfortable as possible..”
Dogs Trust has some simple advice to help make the firework season less stressful for dogs this firework season:
Before the fireworks begin:
Walk your dog before dark – make sure your dog is well exercised and has had a toilet break before the fireworks begin.
Feed your dog before the fireworks begin as he may become unsettled and not want to eat during the fireworks.
Make sure your house and garden are secure during the fireworks as fear may make the dog act out of character and he may try to escape.Try to settle your dog before the fireworks start – if your dog is in familiar safe surroundings it will help him cope with the noise.
Provide a safe hiding place – at noisy times around Bonfire Night, make sure your dog has somewhere safe in his or her favourite room, perhaps under the table. Close the curtains and turn up the volume on your TV or radio to drown out the firework noises.
If your dog responds well to certain music, make a compilation and play it at a reasonable level to drown out the sound of the fireworks. Alternatively, put your radio on.
During the fireworks:
Don’t punish a dog for cowering or reacting to the fireworks as this will intensify his or her fear. Owners should aim to remain relaxed and therefore provide a good role model to the animal when it is afraid.
Don’t leave your dog alone in the house during the fireworks period – he or she may panic and this could result in an injury.
Keep your dog busy – play games or enjoy some reward-based training to keep their mind off the noises.
Be careful not to reward your dog for reacting to noise – if he or she is upset giving them lots of attention may inadvertently reward him for being afraid. It is better to act as if there’s nothing to worry about. However, if your dog comes to you for comfort is best not to ignore him – very gently stroke him along his flanks and his ears – this may help to calm him.
Never force a dog outside when fireworks are being let off, and even if your dog enjoys Bonfire Night, never let them off their lead outdoors when fireworks are being let off.
After the fireworks:
If your dog does react badly to fireworks seek advice from your vet regarding desensitisation programmes to help him or her cope more easily next time. As these programmes generally take several weeks or more to complete, they are not something that can be started in the final run-up to firework season and must be carefully planned. You should also ask about Adaptil collars which contain a Dog Appeasing Pheromone -a scent that can comfort your dog and help him or her cope with their fears
It is also important that in the long term your dog becomes less scared of loud noises. It is most effective to prevent noise phobia developing by ensuring that puppies are desensitised to loud noise.
For more information visit http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/f/fireworks/to download a free ‘Firework Fear and your Dog’ factsheet
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Dog Owners Beware: The End of Summer is Near
As the clocks go back next Sunday (28th October) and British Summer Time officially ends, spare a thought for the millions of dog owners in the UK, many of whom will now be walking their dogs in the dark before or after work.
Reported road casualty statistics from the Department for Transport* for 2011 show that there is an 18 per cent rise during the winter months in the number of reported pedestrians killed or seriously injured in road accidents in Great Britain. In 2011, there were a total of 2,198 pedestrians killed or seriously injured during January, February, November and December, compared to 1,862 in 2010. Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has the following advice for dog owners and dog walkers:
Keep control of your dog and don’t let him off lead unless you are in a safe area which is well lit
Consider wearing high visibility clothing such as jackets, vests or reflective strips on your clothes so you can be easily seen by motorists
A reflective collar and lead or a high visibility coat or flashing collar will also increase your dog’s visibility in the dark
Perhaps work out a winter dog walking route which, in urban areas, includes both pavements and street lighting
If there is no pavement, walk against the flow of the traffic and keep your dog on the side farthest from the road
Carry a torch which will help you be seen and also enable to you see to pick up your dog’s mess. Or, consider a head torch so your hands are free
Walking in groups can be safer than on your own
If possible, take your dog in the car to a place where you can walk away from the roadside. Many parks and sports fields have lighting but always check that dogs are allowed first
Make sure your dog is well trained and responsive to commands. For tips on training visit www.dogstrust.org.ukDogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin OBE comments:
“With the nights and mornings getting darker earlier, it is important to keep both you and your dog safe when you are out walking the dog.
Across our 18 rehoming centres in the UK and one in Dublin, we have an army of volunteers and dog walkers who come out in all weathers to help us walk the 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs we care for each year. Keeping them safe is of the utmost importance.”
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said:
“When walking, especially at this time of year, try to make yourself as conspicuous as possible and be aware that drivers may find it more difficult to spot you. Stay alert, don’t be tempted to dash across a road to save time.
“RoSPA also urges drivers to be aware that it may be more difficult to see pedestrians, especially in areas without street lights, so keep your speed down and give yourself plenty of time for your journeys.”
RoSPA has been campaigning for lighter evenings for decades, as all the evidence suggests that an extra hour of evening daylight would save at least 80 lives and prevent more than 200 serious injuries on our roads each year.
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* Department for Transport reported casualties and casualty rates by month, road user type and severity, Great Britain, 2011. (http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/tables/ras30020/ ) -
What’s It Like To Be A Guide Dog?
Guide Dogs Southampton Mobility Team, in association with Dog Cam Sport (http://DogCamSport.co.uk), “Walked My Way” with Alma the guide dog and her owner, Nicky.
The ActionPro camera was attached to Alma’s harness via a mount and angled to provide a great view of the world from a guide dog’s perspective.
Nicky and Alma only qualified in August this year so this is their first film star debut!
Learn more about Guide Dogs http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogsweek
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vst_RKnaHVo
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5 Funniest Dog Gifs
Funny how? Funny like a clown?
OK, ‘funniest’ dog gifs, we accept it’s all subjective. But if you’re not at least a little bit tummy tickled by these then please don’t sue!
Dog Puts Himself to Bed gif
The Evil Pug Tycoon gif
Sleepy Dog Shows How to Lie Down in Style gif
Dog Doesn’t Understand The Rules of Pool gif
So Cute it Should be Illegal gif
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Why Are Dogs Loyal to Humans?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zv7UGs8pRg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMy9bxReXxw
The social unit of dogs is the pack. From research on wolf packs that are formed in captivity, the pack has traditionally been thought of as a tightly knit group composed of individuals that have earned a ranking in a linear hierarchy, and within which there is intense loyalty. It is believed that dogs were able to be domesticated by and succeed in contact with human society because of their social nature. According to this traditional belief, dogs generalize their social instincts to include humans, in essence “joining the pack” of their owner/handler.
However, much of this traditional view is based on findings from grey wolf packs that are formed of unrelated animals in captivity, and thus may not apply to natural wolf packs, natural dog packs, or dogs incorporated into a human household. Research in packs formed in the wild indicates that wolves form a family group, including a breeding pair and their offspring. In these familial packs, the terms “dominance,” and “submission” are less useful than “parent,” and “offspring,” and bring with them a number of misconceptions. While the majority of research to date indicates that domestic dogs conform to a hierarchy around an Alpha-Beta-Omega structure, domestic dogs, like their wild wolf counterparts, also interact in complex hierarchical ways.
The existence and nature of personality traits in dogs have been studied (15,329 dogs of 164 different breeds) and five consistent and stable “narrow traits” identified, described as playfulness, curiosity/fearlessness, chase-proneness, sociability and aggressiveness.
Clearly, sociability is the trait that has been selectively bred for many generations so our domestic dogs tend to come ‘hard-wired’ with this predisposition toward loyalty to their human companions.
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Dog Is Not Guilty, But Thinks She Is
Have we got a case for posting this video under the pretence that it is an informative and interesting study of a fascinating Pavlovian response to aural stimulation?
Or, is it closer to the truth to suggest that it’s just really, really silly (and, go on admit it, a tiny bit funny!)
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Why Is My Female Dog Weeing?
With female dogs, they sometimes develop unusual urination habits.
In this video learn why this might be happening.