Behind the Breed: Newfoundlands

Posted on July 8, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Fun Facts About Newfoundland Dogs Blog Graphic

Have you ever wondered where a dog breed originated from? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too!

The Newfoundland dog size may be intimidating, but “Newfies” or “nanny dogs” are patient and gentle giants, especially with their tiny human family members. Their sweet disposition and their natural lifesaving abilities make the Newfoundland a true multipurpose dog!

Newfoundland Dogs Love Working in the Water

Named after the island off the east coast of Canada, the Newfoundland’s water-resistant double coat, rudder-like tail and webbed feet made them ideal shipmates. Powerful Newfies thought nothing of leaping into the icy Atlantic waters to haul fishing nets or rescue a sailor who fell overboard. They were also hard workers on shore, whether it meant pulling the day’s catch to town in a cart or hauling sleds through the snow.

With a reputation for being fierce in the water but docile companions on land, Newfies were brought to England and France, where they quickly gained popularity. The first official showing of the breed occurred in 1860, when six Newfoundlands were entered into the national dog show in Birmingham, England. Thanks to their prowess at water rescue, Newfoundland dogs soon became standard requirements for lifeguard stations along the British coast.

Newfoundland Dog History

How, exactly, the breed started is a mystery. Archeological digs in northern Newfoundland have uncovered evidence of a Viking settlement, including skeletons of large dogs, hinting that they may have arrived on board a Viking ship. Others theorize the breed developed from the Great Pyrenees that accompanied Spanish fishermen to the island.

The Newfoundland Dog Personality

Newfies are mostly gentle companions, lounging around the house and playing with kids, which makes sense, given that the Newfoundland personality is calm, devoted and protective. The sweet temperament of Newfies makes them excellent therapy dogs, and their gentleness with children is why they’re often referred to as “nanny dogs.” As a natural-born working dog, the Newfoundland excels at water trials, obedience, tracking, drafting, pulling carts and sledding.

Newfoundland Dog FAQs

What Are the Newfoundland Dog Colors?

According to the Newfoundland Club of America, coat color variations include solid black, brown and gray, and a mix of black and white called a Landseer Newfoundland.

Do Newfoundlands Drool?

Newfies are abundant droolers. So Newfoundland pet parents just starting their Newfie journey will need to invest in a drool rag and a bandana to help catch some of the endless drool before it spreads all over their home. The American Kennel Club even has them in their “Top 10 Droolers” list.

Do Newfoundlands Shed?

With their thick, double coat, Newfies can be moderate shedders, especially during the shedding season. Weekly grooming of their outer coat, and more frequent grooming sessions with a slicker brush (when needed), will help keep on top of a Newfoundland’s shedding.

How Big Do Newfoundlands Get?

With a height of up to 28 inches and a weight of up to 150 pounds, the Newfoundland dog size definitely meets the definition of a giant dog breed!

How Long Do Newfoundlands Live?

The Newfoundland lifespan is around 10 years.

Training Newfoundland Puppies

Like all puppies, a Newfoundland puppy should undergo early socialization so they are comfortable and confident as an adult. They are fairly easy to train because they love to please their people. Their size makes training even more important in some ways — you probably don’t want a 150-pound adult Newfoundland jumping up on you!

Large Size Dog Breeds Need Adequate Nutrition as Puppies

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) considers dogs to be large sized if they will weigh 70 pounds or more as mature lean adults. This is important to know when choosing food for Newfoundland puppies, as they need food that meets the growth requirements of large-sized dogs.

You can find the AAFCO statement on all commercial dog food labels. Here is example of an AAFCO statement for a formula that meets the requirements for growth of large size dogs, so it is a complete and balanced food for a growing Newfoundland pup:

“Taste of the Wild Ancient Mountain Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult).”

Newfoundland Fun Facts

  • A Newfoundland named Seaman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their travels may be the reason Lewis named a tributary of the Blackroot River in Montana “Seaman’s Creek.”
  • Lara, President James Buchanan’s Newfoundland, was famous for sprawling on the White House floor for hours, with one eye open and the other closed.
  • A Newfoundland named Rigel is credited with saving a number of Titanic passengers. Rigel barked to alert the passenger ship Carpathia, which stopped and rescued survivors — including Rigel.

Fear of Fireworks: Help Your Pet Make It Through the Night

Posted on July 1, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

The whistle, boom, crackle and whizz of fireworks, not to mention the pop-pop-pop-pop of firecrackers, are enough to send many pets into a frenzy. Up to half of pet dogs react with fear to fireworks, according to a recent article in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. One study reported that more than 15 percent of those dogs take several days or longer to recover from the experience.

Fear of loud noises, also known as noise phobia or noise aversion, is more common in dogs than cats, but some cats might display their fear by burrowing into the laundry basket in the basement. Pets that are afraid of fireworks are also likely to dislike other noises such as thunder and gunshots. If you have a pet that would rather forego the fireworks, we have some tips to help soothe your pet’s fear.

Signs of noise phobia

Many dogs (and cats as well) may choose to hide during fireworks. But others may display anxiety in other ways: They pant, pace, tremble, drool, or seek attention by pawing, whining and climbing onto people. Some may have accidents in the house.

Since dogs aren’t sure where the noise is coming from, those that are indoors may try to escape by leaping through a window or bolting out a door. In fact, one in five pets goes missing after experiencing loud noises, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). That’s why it’s important for your pet to have an ID tag and/or microchip that includes your current contact information before the fireworks begin.

Easing your pet’s anxieties

Whatever you do, try not to leave your pet alone on these stressful nights. Also, don’t give them any sedatives from your medicine cabinet without first consulting your veterinarian. Dogs and cats often don’t metabolize human medications the same way people do.

Finally, avoid punishing your pet if they’re acting out, this could exacerbate their fear. Here are some positive ways to help your pet:

An interior graphic detailing seven different methods to help soothe your pet's fear of fireworks.

Long-term management

To help lower your pet’s stress level long-term, your veterinarian may also recommend a form of desensitization and counterconditioning. An example of desensitization is to expose the dog to an audio recording of fireworks at a very low volume so it doesn’t provoke fear. Over time, the dog should begin to ignore it. Gradually, over the course of several weeks, increase the volume.

At the same time, you can add counterconditioning, which involves pairing a positive stimulus, such as a treat or play, with a negative stimulus, like the sound of fireworks. Ideally, the dog will eventually replace its fearful response to loud noises with a more comfortable association.

Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?

Posted on June 24, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
A Black and Brown Dog Staring at Hanging Grapes

Among the many foods that are on the no-no list for dogs are grapes and their relatives: raisins, sultanas and currants. Dogs should not eat grapes or any grape-based foods because they can cause severe kidney failure and even death. So what makes grapes so bad that even a single grape can cause health issues for dogs?

Are Grapes Acidic? Is That the Problem?

Grapes do have a pH on the lower side so they are acidic, but the issue with dogs eating grapes isn’t because they’re acidic. It’s likely due to one particular acid — tartaric acid. If that sounds familiar to all the bakers out there, it’s probably because you’ve used cream of tartar, which is made from tartaric acid, in your baking. Unlike people and some animals, dogs are especially sensitive to tartaric acid.

What Happens If a Dog Eats a Grape?

For a long time, no one knew exactly what made grapes toxic to dogs. The type of grape didn’t matter; dogs showed signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, and later increased thirst and urination, whether the grapes were green or red, seeded or seedless grapes, fresh grapes or dried (raisins, sultanas and currants). And sometimes grape and raisin toxicity led to acute kidney failure or worse.

Then the connection between grapes and dogs exposed to cream of tartar and tamarinds was made. The ASPCA explains that the clinical signs, lab results and kidney lesions seen in the dogs exposed to cream of tartar and tamarind resembled those of dogs who ate grapes and raisins. This helped investigators realize that a common factor — tartaric acid — was the toxic substance behind the kidney problems.

What Are the Symptoms After a Dog Eats Grapes?

The symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity can vary among dogs, among grapes, and by how many grapes the dog ate. A dog’s health can be affected within hours of grape ingestion; typically dogs with grape poisoning vomit, have diarrhea, don’t want to eat, drool and just want to laze around. You may notice them drinking and urinating more. If kidney damage has already started, urine production may decrease (there may be little or no urine coming out).

Can Dogs Have Green Grapes? Can Dogs Have Red Grapes?

Red, green, purple, black or yellow; it doesn’t matter what color the grapes are, don’t let your dog eat them, as they can all potentially cause grape toxicity. They also shouldn’t eat dried grapes, like raisins, sultanas and currants, since these may also be toxic to dogs.

What to Do If Dogs Eat Grapes

If you know or suspect your dog ate a grape, you should immediately call your veterinarian. If your dog ate grapes or raisins (or any grape-based food) while your vet clinic is closed, call an after-hours emergency veterinary clinic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) for advice on what to do. Do not try to induce vomiting unless a veterinarian has advised you to do so.

My Dog Ate Grapes but Seems Fine

If your dog eats raisins, grapes or any other grape-containing food, call your vet. Even if your dog isn’t showing signs of grape poisoning, you should still call your vet. If it’s been less than an hour or two, your vet may induce vomiting so the toxins (grapes or raisins) are removed from your dog’s stomach. Further treatment may still be required, though.

Sensitivity to grapes can vary among dogs, so it’s best to be safe and have your dog examined by your vet if they have ingested grapes or raisins — even if they seem fine or ate just one grape.

Can Dogs Have Wine?

Nope. Any alcohol is bad for dogs. Along with grape poisoning from the wine (it contains tartaric acid), dogs can experience ethanol poisoning, which leads to trouble breathing and seizures. So make sure you keep wine glasses and bottles well out of the reach of curious canines.

Can Dogs Have Grape Juice?

Another nope. Grape juice can also cause grape toxicity so don’t let your dog sneak a sip from your glass. Eating grapes, drinking liquids made from grapes and eating dried grape products can all cause toxicity in dogs and are all big no-nos.

The bottom line is that dog owners should never feed their dog grapes or any food with a grape-based ingredient in it (e.g., raisin bread is out). If your dog does eat grapes, call your vet immediately. If you would like to feed your dog some fruit, there are plenty of safe alternatives like plain cranberries, pineapple and blueberries.

How to Make Peaceful Introductions When Adopting a New Cat

Posted on June 17, 2021 - 2:55 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Owning cats is like eating potato chips: It’s darn near impossible to have just one. In fact, the average number of cats per household in the U.S. is about two, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

As part of National Adopt-a-Cat month, perhaps you’re thinking about joining the ranks of multi-cat households (and who wouldn’t?). If so, be advised that simply depositing your new cat in the middle of your living room could result in ongoing feline squabbles including hissing, growling, yowling or worse.

To help make the transition easier, here are some tips for introducing your new cat to your current feline housemate(s):

• First stop: the veterinary clinic. Even if you adopt your kitten or cat from a shelter, these organizations can’t always afford to test for every type of parasite or infectious disease.

To make sure you don’t bring anything into the house that could infect your current cat, your veterinarian can check for parasites including fleas and ear mites, as well as contagious diseases such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Making sure your new cat is neutered or spayed will help minimize the risk of urine marking in your house, as well.

• Give your new cat time to get acclimated. Prepare a room where the new cat can stay on its own for at least a week. Provide a litter box and toys as well as food and water bowls.

Place the new cat’s carrier on the floor of the room, open the carrier door and let the cat explore the room on its own. Using a feline pheromone spray or diffuser in the area may help your new cat feel calm. Keep the door to the room shut, but allow your new cat and current cat to sniff each other under the door.

• Help your cats swap scents. Rub a towel on your new cat and bring it out for the other cat to sniff, and do the same with the other cat. You can also switch litter boxes and food bowls, so they get used to each other’s smell.

• Time for the new cat to explore. Once your cats have had about a week to sniff each other under the door, place your current cat in a separate room and close the door. Now let the new cat explore the rest of the house.

• Hold short, supervised meet and greets. Place your new cat in a carrier in the middle of the room and allow your other cat into the room. This allows your cats to see and sniff each other without potentially swatting each other. Provide lots of treats and encourage calm behavior.

Another option is to have one family member play with a cat at one end of the room, while another plays with the other cat on the opposite side of the room. Make sure to lavish them both with treats. Start with 5-minute play sessions, and over the course of several days, increase the play time and gradually reduce the distance between the two cats.

If they still appear calm after about a week, you can allow them to approach each other for a bit.

• Provide an escape hatch. Once your cats start to mingle more, make sure to keep a room where each cat can get away from the other and feel safe, if needed. Keep a litter box in that room, as well as food and water bowls.

• Count the litter boxes. You should have one litter box for each cat, plus another one. That means you need three litter boxes if you have two cats. Put them in quiet, low-traffic areas where each cat can have some privacy, and scoop litter daily.

• Keep an eye on your cats. During the first few weeks, if you have to leave the house, place cats in separate rooms. You’ll want to supervise all their interactions until you’re confident they feel comfortable with each other.

It may take a few weeks for your cats to become friends. By making gradual introductions, paired with positive reinforcement, you can help them grow to enjoy each other’s company.

Dogs at the Beach: Safety Tips for Summer Fun

Posted on June 10, 2021 - 3:27 pm by
Brown Dog Running on Beach with Tongue Out

Whether you’re boating, swimming, dock diving or just sailing a flying disc on the beach, chances are, your dog wants to share in the summer fun. And why not? With a few summer precautions to help keep your dog safe, everyone can get their paws wet at the beach. Here are some safety tips to make sure your dog stays safe while enjoying their day in the sun and sand.

First, Are Beach Dogs Allowed?

Before you head out for the day you’ll need to find out if the beach is dog-friendly and if there are any leash laws. You don’t want to get kicked off the beach right when your dog’s starting to enjoy themselves! If it is a dog-friendly beach, check whether there are any rules you need to follow. There may be restrictions on where your dog can go at certain times of the day or year and how short their leash needs to be.

If your dog is allowed to be off-leash on the beach, it’s a good idea to brush up on their obedience training before you go. A reliable recall is essential in such an open area with plenty of distractions like other dogs, people, toys and sea gulls. You don’t want to be chasing your dog down miles of coastline!

Check the Water Conditions

Before your dog dives in, make sure the waters are calm. Swim in an area that’s out of the way of boats and other watercraft and in areas that are less likely to have swift currents, riptides and undertows. And never leave your dog unsupervised in the water or while at the beach.

Dog Beach Essentials

Although you might assume that the dog paddle comes naturally to all dogs, it’s just not the case. Some breeds, especially those with flat faces, barrel chests and short legs, such as bulldogs and pugs, can have a hard time staying afloat. Even the best doggy paddlers can become exhausted and need a little help getting back to shore. A life jacket with a top handle for lifting dogs out of the water could be a life saver.

Hairless breeds and dogs with thin, white coats can be prone to sunburns, and like people, at risk for skin cancer. Even dogs with dark coats can burn in places where the skin is exposed, like the nose, ears and belly. Look for a fragrance-free pet sunscreen or a sunblock with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB barriers. Once applied, prevent your dog from licking at it until it soaks in.

Dogs on the Beach Need to Stay Cool

You’d never sit in the sun while wearing a fur coat, but that’s essentially what your dog is doing. Many breeds, especially brachycephalic (flat-nosed) dogs, can easily succumb to heatstroke, which is life-threatening. Make sure to provide plenty of shade and fresh water. If your dog begins panting excessively, soak a towel in cool water and put it next to their skin, or take your dog to an air-conditioned spot to cool off. Hot weather safety should be taken seriously!

Beach Dogs Need Plenty of Fresh Water

You wouldn’t drink sea water and your dog shouldn’t either. Drinking too much salt water can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration in dogs (not a fun car ride home from the beach). You can avoid the problem by bringing a collapsible bowl and plenty of fresh drinking water for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Sand?

It’s inevitable that if your dog spends any time at the beach they’re going to get some sand in their mouth. It’s something you want to try to help your dog avoid though as ingesting too much sand can become life-threatening. Think about how hard wet sand can become when building sand castles — the same thing can happen in your dog’s intestines causing a blockage that may need to be surgically removed. To help avoid sand ingestion, bring toys that won’t attract wet sand and hose your dog off at the end of the day so they don’t groom the sand off their fur.

Protect the Paws at the Beach

Anyone who’s ever walked barefoot on hot sand knows how unforgiving it can be for tender feet. And sand, both in the water and out of it, can hide broken glass, fish hooks, shell shards and other dangerous objects. Pet owners can help keep their dog’s paws safe with canine beach shoes — they make a cute accessory too!

Rinse Your Beach Dog’s Coat

At the end of the day, shower off your dog with fresh water to eliminate the sand, salt or seaweed caught in their hair. Then it’s time to relax and rest with your exhausted, but happy, canine pal.

Behind the Breed: Bernese Mountain Dogs

Posted on June 3, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Infographic of fun facts about Bernese mountain dogs

Bernese mountain dogs, affectionately called “Berners,” are named after the central region of Switzerland where they originated: the canton of Bern.

Ancestors of the Berner appeared in Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago, when Roman soldiers invaded the area, bringing with them tall, mastiff-like dogs with broad chests and muscled legs, which made them ideal for hauling carts. When crossed with the existing Swiss mountain dogs, it resulted in a strong breed that could thrive in the Alpine weather.

Over the years, these sturdy dogs did a wide range of jobs on the farm, from herding cows and pulling carts of cheese and milk to serving as watchdogs and farmer’s companions.

By the late 1800s, the numbers of Berners dwindled, partially because of the popularity of the Saint Bernard. But in 1892, an innkeeper named Franz Schertenleib rekindled interest in Swiss mountain dogs by selecting ideal examples for use as breeding stock.

He eventually showed two dogs to Professor Albert Heim, an expert on Swiss mountain dogs, who immediately recognized them as ancestors of the large mountain dogs that used to work farms across Europe. Heim worked with breeders to revitalize the breed, and the Bernese mountain dog was officially recognized in Europe in 1912.

In 1926, a Kansas farmer imported two Berners to the U.S. for use as farm dogs. The breed quickly gained popularity, and the American Kennel Club registered the first Bernese mountain dog in 1937 as a member of the Working Group.

Today, this strong breed often takes home trophies in agility, herding, tracking, rally and even drafting, which is a competition in which dogs pull carts. These gentle giants typically have a sweet and patient temperament, making them excellent therapy dogs, as well.

An interior graphic detailing six fun facts about Bernese mountain dogs.

What Dog Technology is in Store For Our Best Pals?

Posted on May 27, 2021 - 1:20 pm by
A brown and white dog biting the finger of a robot hand next to text that reads, ‘The Future is Here, Doggone It!’.

Automatic tennis ball launchers for dogs are so yesterday.

Robotics, artificial intelligence and other advanced dog technology continues to deliver futuristic tech for dog lovers and their furry family members. This dog tech makes life more fun and/or easier for dogs and their owners.

Some of this new dog technology offers clear advantages, and others, not so much. Here are just a few recent dog tech picks that could help you and your dog.

Know your dog’s emotional state

A new dog tech collar harnesses AI to interpret if your dog is feeling happy, anxious, angry, sad or relaxed. Developed in South Korea, the collar pairs a proprietary algorithm with a database of 10,000 canine vocal samples from about 50 breeds to interpret your dog’s moods. Although the company claims an “emotional recognition accuracy rate of more than 80 percent,” short of having the dog verify its mood, we’re not sure how that figure is calculated. But as dog technology evolves, there’s huge potential here.

Create a virtual fence anywhere with new dog technology

Another smart system attaches to your dog’s collar and uses vibrations, sound and ultrasonic signals, rather than shocks, to keep your pet within boundaries. By opening the app and drawing a line with your finger, you can create a fence in a matter of seconds, thanks to geofence technology.

Let your pup out to potty remotely

Pet doors used to be nothing more than flimsy flaps that let your pets out but could also allow a family of racoons inside. This CES Smart Home Innovation Award Winner reads your dog’s Bluetooth collar sensor, then activates the doors to open sideways like an elevator.

Or the device can send you a push notification that your pet is at the door and you can open the app, click to open the door and supervise your pet’s comings and goings with live video streaming and 2-way communication. Dog tech that makes life easier for both humans and dogs!

Play with your pet

Touted as “the first 100% automatic pet companion,” this auto-ball can be programmed with three different interaction modes to move on its own and keep dogs on their toes. It also includes a treat hole for more interest.

Still, it’s never a good idea to leave pets alone with toys in case they accidentally chew or swallow them. Supervised play is always safer, especially when dog tech is involved.

Be comforted by a dog, even if you can’t own one

Two companies offer furry, robotic pets. One is about the size and weight of a small dog and has a palpable heartbeat. If you can get over the fact that it doesn’t have a head or legs, it may be comforting to see the tail wag when the pillow is stroked. Dog tech at its finest!

The other option uses AI, a unique algorithm and built-in sensors to evaluate interactions with different people and express emotions such as happiness, excitement or calm through movements and animal-like mewing.  This one is also limbless but features soft fur and black eyes. What will they think of next?

Dog technology is an ever-evolving world of possibility, and that world changes quickly. It’s worth checking in regularly with your favorite pet outlets to see what they have in store on the dog tech front. Your dog will appreciate it!

Feeding the Skinny, Older Cat

Posted on May 20, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Cats are living longer, with some of them ticking past their twentieth birthdays. As they age, cats often lose weight, especially after about age 11, becoming frail, bony versions of their younger selves.

Sometimes this can be attributed to one or more underlying diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), diabetes or cancer. Pain from arthritic joints can make it difficult to amble to the food bowl, and dental disease may mean the cat can’t chew hard kibble anymore.

Age-related losses in taste, smell or eyesight can also make food less appealing and put a damper on the appetite. But sometimes nothing can be found to explain the weight loss. What’s going on? And can the right senior cat nutrition help?

Trouble digesting nutrients

As is common in any aging being, some organs just don’t work as efficiently as they once did. This can be true for the digestive system, although no one is sure why, exactly, this happens.

Some older cats may have more trouble digesting protein and fat than their younger counterparts, so they may not absorb all the nutrients in their food. That’s why older cats may need a more energy-dense diet that’s designed to be easily digested — and not just more cat food or human food.

Stress in the household

Cats can be creatures of habit, so changes in the home can cause stress. Home remodeling, inter-cat aggression or a new baby can all upset your cat’s regular routine, often leading to stress and a loss of appetite.

A loss of lean body mass

Cats need lean body mass — essentially everything in the body excluding fat, such as muscles, organs, skin and bones — to serve as a storehouse of proteins. When needed, cats can use these proteins for essential cell functions.

As cats age, they can experience sarcopenia, which is the loss of lean body mass and strength that is not caused by disease. It’s not always easy to tell if your cat is losing muscle mass when there’s still a layer of fat. However, losing lean body mass can compromise the immune system and put cats at greater risk for disease and death. Older cats with chronic inflammatory conditions or diseases can lose lean body mass, too, although this process is called cachexia.

Minimizing the loss of lean body mass, through eating appropriate dietary protein or treating underlying diseases, can help keep cats healthy as they age and perhaps even help them live longer.

Although it’s still not clear how much dietary protein older cats should be fed, one study suggested that older cats should receive higher levels of protein to help maintain lean body mass. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that mature adult and senior cats that are healthy be fed a minimum protein allowance of 30 to 45 percent dry matter. This may not be true for cats with underlying diseases such as chronic kidney disease.

Helping your older cat

When you see your cat every day, you may not notice subtle changes in weight until a significant amount has been lost. It’s also important not to confuse weight gain with your cat’s primordial pouch, which may become saggier as your cat ages. As your cat grows older, especially after 10 years of age, make a point to monitor their weight on a regular basis, using your scale at home.

Same goes for your cat’s food and water intake, litter box use and behavior. If you notice any changes, bring them to the attention of your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Your veterinarian will give your cat a thorough exam and recommend diagnostic tests to rule out underlying diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment of those diseases may help stop or slow the weight loss. In some cases, such as chronic kidney disease, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription diet and possibly other therapeutics to help slow the disease process.

If your cat is losing weight or lean body mass despite being healthy, your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist can determine your cat’s dietary energy and protein requirements and recommend a diet and daily feeding amount tailored to your cat. Ingredients such as antioxidants, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids may also be helpful for older cats, to help them remain healthy for as long as possible.

Lymphoma in Dogs

Posted on May 13, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
A brown dog sitting down next to text that reads, ‘Understanding Lymphoma’.

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition and good daily care from owners like you, dogs are living longer than ever before. But unfortunately, pets can be diagnosed with cancer, especially as grey creeps into the fur around their faces.

One of the most common pet cancers is lymphoma in dogs. As you might know, cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled division (and proliferation) of abnormal cells. In the case of dog lymphoma, a group of cells in the immune system called lymphocytes go haywire and continue to multiply.

Lymphoma can affect dogs of any breed and any age, but it’s more frequently diagnosed in middle-aged and older dogs.

RISK FACTORS

No one is sure what, exactly, causes lymphoma in dogs.

Since certain breeds, such as golden retrievers, tend to be more affected than others, it’s possible there’s a genetic component to lymphoma in dogs.

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

Because lymphocytes can travel anywhere in the body, dog lymphoma may be widespread, or it can be localized to particular organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, spleen, liver, bone marrow, skin, central nervous system or other organs. As a result, the signs can vary, depending on what part of the body is affected. Some pets may just show general signs that they don’t feel well, such as lethargy and loss of appetite.

For lymphoma in dogs, it’s common to have one or more firm, swollen lymph nodes that can be seen or felt in locations such as the neck and behind the knee. The lymph nodes can enlarge quickly and potentially press against other body parts, compromising function. Lymph nodes in the neck, for example, can compress the trachea, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.

LYMPHOMA DIAGNOSIS IN DOGS

The diagnosis is usually made by taking a sample of the malignant cells, either through a fine-needle aspirate or a biopsy of an affected organ. By analyzing a biopsy sample, a specialist can determine whether the cancer is low, intermediate or high grade, depending on how rapidly the cells appear to be dividing. High-grade lymphoma in dogs is typically considered more malignant, but in some cases may be more responsive to treatment.

Other tests may be recommended such as blood tests (including feline leukemia testing in cats) and a urinalysis, to assess the pet’s overall health.

Once a diagnosis is made, dog lymphoma is typically classified by the anatomic area affected, type of lymphocyte (T-cell or B-cell) and by stages, to determine the extent of the disease, potential treatments and prognosis and to monitor response to therapy. Other tests may be needed, including a bone marrow biopsy, X-rays and an ultrasound.

The stages range from I to V, with a single lymph node involvement in stage I to bone marrow or other organ involvement in stage V. Each stage also has a substage, depending on whether the animal is showing signs of illness. Dogs may progress from one stage to the next over time.

PROGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The prognosis for pets with lymphoma depends on a number of factors including overall health, stage of the disease and type of tumor.

Your veterinarian or a veterinary oncologist (a cancer specialist) can outline treatments that can help your pet feel more comfortable and potentially put the cancer in remission, although this is usually temporary.

Because dog lymphoma is generally considered a systemic disease, some type of chemotherapy is usually recommended. Dogs typically tolerate chemotherapy fairly well, without as many side effects as humans. If the cancer is localized to a specific area, surgery or radiation therapy may be options. Your veterinarian can help you decide the right approach for you and your pet.

Behind the Breed: German Shepherd

Posted on May 6, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Fun Facts About German Shepherds List

Have you ever wondered where a dog breed originated from? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too!

German shepherd dogs have many fans. The breed has consistently been in the top five of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) annual rankings for the most popular dog breed, and it’s easy to see why. They’re one of the smartest dog breeds, known for their strength and loyalty and they’re very protective of their families.

History of German Shepherds

Just like Rottweilers, German shepherds were originally used as herding dogs in Germany. At the end of the 19th century, a German cavalry officer admired German herding dogs but noted they varied in appearance by region of the country. He made it his mission to create the ideal herding dog. In 1908, three German shepherds were imported to the United States and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America was founded in 1913.

When the United States entered World War I, Germany was considered the enemy, so the AKC renamed the breed “Shepherd Dog,” and the British followed suit, calling the dogs “Alsatian Wolf Dogs.” In 1930, the Shepherd Club of America had a change of heart, inserting the word “German” before “Shepherd” in their name. They are still commonly referred to as Alsatians in the United Kingdom.

Are German Shepherds Smart?

As one of the smartest dog breeds, these multi-talented dogs are eager to work, and they’ve held a wide array of jobs over the decades. Originally bred as herders, their intelligence has also led them to be trained as service dogs, guide dogs and guard dogs, as well as police dogs that apprehend criminals and detect illegal substances. They’ve also joined the military and worked as search-and-rescue dogs. Whew!

When they’re not on the job, German shepherd dogs are known to be outstanding athletes, snagging the blue ribbon in sports such as agility, rally, tracking, obedience and herding.

Are German Shepherds Good with Kids?

German shepherds are loyal and protective dogs that love to work and defend their families. The German shepherd’s temperament is not naturally aggressive, but they do need to be socialized and trained as puppies to ensure they’re well-behaved adults. German shepherds are high-energy dogs that need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation, so they are perfect for active families that have the time to give them the attention they need.

German Shepherd Size

German shepherd dogs can vary in size from 50 to 90 pounds and max out at around 26 inches tall. They are considered a medium to large dog that belongs to the herding group. Due to their large size, care should be taken around small children that might get accidentally bumped by their German shepherd friend.

Types Of German Shepherds

German shepherd dogs come in a variety of colors. The most common colors in the breed standards are black and tan as well as sable. They can also have rarer coat colors, including all black, all white, and Isabella blue (liver-sable). Isabella, black and white German shepherds are produced when the parents pass on two recessive genes for that color.

Do German Shepherds Shed?

German shepherds have a double coat — a soft undercoat and a coarse outercoat. They are considered heavy shedders, so you’ll need to have that comb handy. They tend to shed year round with even heavier seasonal shedding twice a year. Daily grooming will help limit a fuzzy layer of hair all over your couch (and the people in your home).

German Shepherd Lifespan

According to the AKC, the lifespan of German shepherd dogs is between 12 to 14 years. German shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (causes paralysis of the back legs) and eye and ear problems. A reputable breeder will screen for these conditions. Just like Saint Bernards, German shepherd dogs are susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) — a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach becomes gas-filled, distended and twisted on itself, resulting in an obstruction.

An intelligent dog that is loyal and protective of their family is what you’ll get with a German shepherd. They’re an athletic breed that excel as working dogs. Just make sure you’re prepared for their high energy and grooming needs.