Healthy Skin & Coat - Dog Grooming and Canine Skin Care

The primary function of the dog's hair is as a protective and insulating coating.

The condition of a dog's skin and coat is generally a very accurate reflection of his overall health and well-being too. A shiny, lustrous coat is an indicator that the dog is healthy while a dull coat usually means that something is wrong.

Changes in the texture or appearance of a dog's coat are an indicator of something going amiss within, but haircoat changes are not specific for any one disease or condition. Dull or brittle hair can be caused by a dietary imbalance, or it may be due to diseases of digestive, hepatic, renal, thyroidal, immune, or parasitic origin. Alterations of hair typically appear rather late in the course of the disease, as hair growth is rather slow; it usually takes at least four weeks of disease progress before changes are noticeable in the hair. If you think the issue might be due to disease, please consult with a trusted vet.

Training your dog of any age offers many benefits.  Training provides mental stimulation, reinforces your dog's good behavior around people and other dogs, and it's a wonderful way to bond with your dog.

As you already know, and any  dog will certainly tell you:  treats are an important part of training. Here are some great training tips from The Woof Report.

However, while treats will motivate your pup, reinforce behavior and accelerate training, they need to be used correctly. For the scoop on using treats properly for training, here are some tips from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the world's largest educational and professional association for dog trainers, which promotes reward-based training methods.

Will Work for Food. While most dogs easily learn to enjoy praise, petting and play – all of which also make good rewards, food still holds a special place in a dog's mind (and stomach) and can be a valuable reinforcer. Treats let your dog know she performed a behavior correctly, but it's important to make sure food is being used as a reward and not a bribe.

A Reward vs. a Bribe. If you ask your dog to do something and she does it, and you give her a treat, that treat is a reward. If you ask your dog to do something she knows how to do, a behavior that she's demonstrated repeatedly on request, and she doesn't do it until you offer a treat, the treat just became a bribe. Good training strives to avoid bribery and results in your dog performing a desired behavior whether or not she gets something in return.

Bye Bye Bribery. The trick is to get the visual presence of the food out of the learning picture as soon as possible. For instance, by holding a treat at your dog's nose and over her head in teaching the ‘sit' command, you want to get the treat off her nose just as soon as you see her perform the behavior. At that point, start using the same gesture minus the treat, and reward her with a treat from your pocket once she is seated. This helps teach your dog that she must successfully do the work before you're willing to dole out the reward.

Avoiding a Treat-Dependent Pup. Once your dog is reliably responding to your commands, begin to vary how she gets her rewards. Offer treats occasionally, which is exciting for dogs, and often motivates them to work even harder, but now also offer verbal praise, petting, an ear or belly rub or a toss of a favorite toy. By using these types of “life rewards,” you're teaching your dog that keeping you happy by complying with your requests is the key to opening the door to everything good in his world – not just food treats.

More Quick Treat Tips from the APDT

• Use soft treats and make them small – about the size of a pea. Small, soft treats can be eaten quickly, which helps keep your dog focused, and allows you to be generous without over-feeding your dog. Dogs don't care about size; they're more impressed by quantity.
• Try different types of treats to see what really excites and motivates your dog. Treats can be bits of cooked meats, cheese, hot dogs, pasta, dry cereal, kibble and even fruits and vegetables.
• Save your “extra special' treats for training in distracting environments. Kibble may work as a treat at home, but may not do the trick at the dog park among distracting sights and scents. Green Paws Pet Market has a wide variety of healthy, high-value reward treats available.
• Get into the habit of petting your dog as you deliver the treat. When you consistently pair petting with treats, you raise the value of your touch. Now you have another way to pay your dog: petting!
• Don't over do it. Consider cutting back a bit on what goes into your dog's food bowl and/or set aside a portion of her kibble and use that for training.

The Scoop: Thank you to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers for permission to share their tips on Woof Report. Read more on treats and training at the APDT website , and check out their other resources for dog owners.

Over millions of years dogs have developed bigger brains than cats because highly social species of mammals need more brain power than solitary animals, according to a study by Oxford University.

For the first time researchers have attempted to chart the evolutionary history of the brain across different groups of mammals over 60 million years. They have discovered that there are huge variations in how the brains of different groups of mammals have evolved over that time. They also suggest that there is a link between the sociality of mammals and the size of their brains relative to body size, according to a study published in the PNAS journal.

The research team analysed available data on the brain size and body size of more than 500 species of living and fossilised mammals. It found that the brains of monkeys grew the most over time, followed by horses, dolphins, camels and dogs. The study shows that groups of mammals with relatively bigger brains tend to live in stable social groups. The brains of more solitary mammals, such as cats, deer and rhino, grew much more slowly during the same period.

Previous research which has looked at why certain groups of living mammals have bigger brains has relied on studies of distantly-related living mammals. It was widely believed that the growth rate of the brain relative to body size followed a general trend across all groups of mammals. However, this study by Dr Susanne Shultz and Professor Robin Dunbar, from Oxford University's Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology (ICEA), overturns this view. They find that there is wide variation in patterns of brain growth across different groups of mammals and they have discovered that not all mammal groups have larger brains, suggesting that social animals needed to think more.

Lead author Dr Susanne Shultz, a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellow at ICEA, said: 'This study overturns the long-held belief that brain size has increased across all mammals. Instead, groups of highly social species have undergone much more rapid increases than more solitary species. This suggests that the cooperation and coordination needed for group living can be challenging and over time some mammals have evolved larger brains to be able to cope with the demands of socialising.'

Co-author and Director of ICEA Professor Robin Dunbar said: 'For the first time, it has been possible to provide a genuine evolutionary time depth to the study of brain evolution. It is interesting to see that even animals that have contact with humans, like cats, have much smaller brains than dogs and horses because of their lack of sociality.'

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Here's some great ideas from The Woof Report to help make 2011 better for you and your furry friends:

1. Prepare for the Unexpected. Add the numbers of a 24/7 animal poison control center and your nearest 24/7 vet hospital to your cell phone and place the numbers near your home phone. Create a pet first aid kit and place a pet rescue window alert on an outside window of your home to notify firefighters there are pets inside.

2. ID Check. Make sure your dog's ID tags and microchip records are updated if your phone number or address has changed. And if your dog is not microchipped, visit your vet or seek a local clinic to get one.

3. Exercise Together. Walk your pup at least twice a day to burn off extra calories, release pent-up energy and keep your dog healthy…he or she will love you for it and it's good for you too! See Woof Report's new tip  How to Get Fit with Your Dog's Help for tips on exercising with your dog.

4. Let the Games Begin. Engage your dog in mental exercise as well with treat dispensing and puzzle toys and a weekly game of hide-and-seek. And vow to teach your dog of any age (older dogs included) a new trick every other week or once a month.

5. Feed Your Dog Well. Take time to research your dog's food and the other options that are available to make sure he's getting the very best.

6. Groom On. Commit to maintaining a good grooming schedule. Regular brushing, bathing, nail clipping and weekly teeth brushing all keep your dog healthy, comfortable and looking good.

7. Help a Shelter. Not all pets are as lucky as yours, so help pets in need by donating money, goods, or your time (your dog will be happy to share you for a good cause). There are many ways to volunteer – from taking photos of shelter pets, to fostering, and posting profiles of available pets online. Begin with a minimal time commitment if it makes it easier to get started.

8. Start a Pet Savings Account. Regularly put aside money in a dedicated savings account or simply in tuck it an envelope, and use it for vet care, grooming or even a new collar when your dog's wardrobe needs a boost.

9. Spend Quality Time with Your Dog. Give your dog your undivided attention each and every day. Play with your dog or cuddle on the couch and give your pup an extended ear rub. And get to know and understand your dog's likes and dislikes to improve and strengthen your bond.

10. Clean the Pup Stuff. Round up all of your dog's toys and give them a good washing (see Woof Report's past tip on cleaning your dog's toys ), and launder all your dog's bedding. Then make a plan to keep up the clean – for instance, wash your dog's toys the first of each month and your dog's bedding every other time you wash your sheets.

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Top Ten Human Meds That Are Poisonous To Pets

If you're serious about pet-proofing your home and keeping your best friend safe, start with your medicine cabinet.

•  Keep meds safely out of reach and never administer a medication to a pet without first consulting your vet

•  Never leave loose pills in a plastic Ziploc® bag – the bags are too easy to chew into. Make sure visiting house guests do the same, keeping their medications high up or out of reach.

•  If you place your medication in a weekly pill container, make sure to store the container in a cabinet out of reach of your pets. Unfortunately, if they get a hold of it, some pets might consider the pill container a plastic chew toy.

•  Never store your medications near your pet's medications – Pet Poison Helpline frequently receives calls from concerned pet owners who inadvertently give their own medication to their pet.

•  Hang your purse up. Inquisitive pets will explore the contents of your bag and simply placing your purse up and out of reach can help to avoid exposure to any potentially dangerous medication(s).

•  It is also important to note that while a medication may be safe for children, it may not be safe for animals. Pets metabolize medications very differently from people. Even seemingly benign over-the-counter or herbal medications may cause serious poisoning in pets.

The Pet Poison Helpline (petpoisonhelpline.com), lists the top ten human medicaions most often ingested by pets:

1. NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve and Motrin)
Topping our Top 10 list are common household medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which include common names such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and some types of Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). While these medications are safe for people, even one or two pills can cause serious harm to a pet. Dogs, cats, birds and other small mammals (ferrets, gerbils and hamsters) may develop serious stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure.

2. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
When it comes to pain medications, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) is certainly popular. Even though this drug is very safe, even for children, this is not true for pets—especially cats. One regular strength tablet of acetaminophen may cause damage to a cat's red blood cells, limiting their ability to carry oxygen. In dogs, acetaminophen leads to liver failure and, in large doses, red blood cell damage.

3. Antidepressants (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)
While these antidepressant drugs are occasionally used in pets, overdoses can lead to serious neurological problems such as sedation, incoordination, tremors and seizures. Some antidepressants also have a stimulant effect leading to a dangerously elevated heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Pets, especially cats, seem to enjoy the taste of Effexor and often eat the entire pill. Unfortunately, just one pill can cause serious poisoning.

4. ADD/ADHD medications (e.g. Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin)
Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder contain potent stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. Even minimal ingestions of these medications by pets can cause life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heart problems.

5. Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)
These medications are designed to reduce anxiety and help people sleep better. However, in pets, they may have the opposite effect. About half of the dogs who ingest sleep aids become agitated instead of sedate. In addition, these drugs may cause severe lethargy, incoordination (including walking “drunk”), and slowed breathing in pets. In cats, some forms of benzodiazepines can cause liver failure when ingested.

6. Birth control (e.g. estrogen, estradiol, progesterone)
Birth control pills often come in packages that dogs find irresistible. Thankfully, small ingestions of these medications typically do not cause trouble. However, large ingestions of estrogen and estradiol can cause bone marrow suppression, particularly in birds. Additionally, female pets that are intact (not spayed), are at an increased risk of side effects from estrogen poisoning.

7. ACE Inhibitors (e.g. Zestril, Altace)
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (or “ACE”) inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure in people and, occasionally, pets. Though overdoses can cause low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness, this category of medication is typically quite safe. Pets ingesting small amounts of this medication can potentially be monitored at home, unless they have kidney failure or heart disease. All heart medications should be kept out of reach of pets.

8. Beta-blockers (e.g. Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg)
Beta-blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure but, unlike the ACE inhibitor, small ingestions of these drugs may cause serious poisoning in pets. Overdoses can cause life-threatening decreases in blood pressure and a very slow heart rate.

9. Thyroid hormones (e.g. Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid)
Pets — especially dogs — get underactive thyroids too. Interestingly, the dose of thyroid hormone needed to treat dogs is much higher than a person's dose. Therefore, if dogs accidentally get into thyroid hormones at home, it rarely results in problems. However, large acute overdoses in cats and dogs can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, a rapid heart rate and aggression.

10. Cholesterol lowering agents (e.g. Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
These popular medications, often called “statins,” are commonly used in the United States. While pets do not typically get high cholesterol, they may still get into the pill bottle. Thankfully, most “statin” ingestions only cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Serious side effects from these drugs come with long-term use, not one-time ingestions.

Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour service available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet. We have the ability to help every pet, with all types of poisonings, 24 hours a day. Our knowledge and expertise will put your mind at ease when dealing with a potential emergency.

In order to provide this critical service, please be advised that there is a $35 per incident fee, payable by credit card. The fee covers the initial consultation as well as all follow-up calls associated with the management of the case.

If you 'd like to find out more about keeping your pet safe, healthy and happy, please give us a call at 954-832-3200.

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Now that we've covered what should be in a quality kibble, let's look at what should never be in the food you give to your furry family members. Avoid any foods that contain meat or poultry by-products, meat or poultry meal by-products, added sweeteners (sometimes used to persuade dogs to eat cheap foods made primarily from grain fragments), artificial preservatives such as BHT, BHA or ethoxyquin and artificial colors.

Feeding a high-quality, healthy diet will help your pet enjoy a healthier and happier life. And it may save you from more frequent and costly trips to the vet's office.

For a list of Green Paws Pet Market approved foods, click here.
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Protect That Pooch!

Many of us take our dogs with us for a ride in the car. For pets that enjoy riding with us it can be a wonderful bonding experience. Sadly, what should be a fun road trip can easily turn to tragedy.

As many of us know, South Florida is home to some of the best, friendliest and most courteous drivers in the world and car crashes almost never happen here. (Yes, that IS sarcasm.) Thankfully, when we are involved in a crash, we have seat belts and air bags to help protect us. Even if you're careful on the road, accidents do happen. Fortunately for us, cars today are safer than ever and we are protected by seat belts and air bags. But what about our furry family members?

If you were cruising along with your 40-pound pup in the car and got into a crash at just 10 miles per hour, your unrestrained dog  would become a 40 pound projectile striking with 400 pounds of force. It is horrible to imagine what would happen to your buddy in a crash like that.

Unrestrained pets can also become distractions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 1.5 million crashes every year are caused by distracted drivers.

In a crash, an unrestrained pet is much more likely to be slammed against a hard surface or ejected from the vehicle resulting in potential serious injury or death.

Protect your pooch by using a harness designed to work in conjunction with your vehicle's safety belts - even on short trips. By properly restraining your pet in the back seat, you can avoid a potentially dangerous distraction, help keep your pet safe and enjoy many road trips together for a long time to com.

If you 'd like to find out more about keeping your pet safe, healthy and happy, please give us a call at 954-832-3200.