Woman holding sleeping puppy

4 Secrets to Becoming a Successful First-Time Dog Owner

Guest Post by Penny Martin Creator of Fureverfriend.info Are you thinking about adding your first dog to your family? Becoming a pet parent is a big responsibility, but with the right tools and know-how, you can make the transition positive for you and your furry best friend. So, if you are ready to take on the …

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Mickey, a lost Min Pin, was last seen in Overland, MO

Have You Seen Mickey the Min Pin? What to do if Your Dog is Lost

Have You Seen Mickey the Min Pin? Mickey is missing. Mickey was last seen in Overland, MO on Ashby Road. He’s hard of hearing, 15 years old, and weighs around 15lbs. He’s been missing since Saturday the 13th, 2019. If you have seen, please leave a comment or use the contact form so we can …

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Man with dog

Improving Your Mental Health with a Companion Animal

Guest Post by Jessica Brody Creator of OurBestFriends.pet   Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.—Anatole France It is safe to say that people really love having pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 72 percent of households in the United States own a pet, and it …

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Sir Winston in his new home.

Another Chi Pin, Sir Winston, Finds a Home!

It’s always time to celebrate when a  rescue dog finds a fur-ever home.  One Chi Pin, Sir Winston, and his owner have found that they are the perfect match! Why Adopt a Rescue Dog? Rescue dogs are great pets.  Many dogs find their rescuers when a person comes to an animal shelter.  It is true …

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Chipin postal alert

Life with a Chipin

What is a Chipin?   A Chipin is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Miniature Pinscher.  Chi’s and Min Pins, as they are affectionately known, can each be a handful, and when combined, watch out!  You may have a sassy, willful, opinionated, and smart dog–possibly too smart–with an energy level that is off the charts. …

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4 Secrets to Becoming a Successful First-Time Dog OwnerHave You Seen Mickey the Min Pin? What to do if Your Dog is LostImproving Your Mental Health with a Companion AnimalAnother Chi Pin, Sir Winston, Finds a Home!Life with a Chipin

Feb 09

Indication of Salmonella Causes Dog Food Recall

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Dog Health

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Dog Food Recall: Potential Salmonella Contamination

Hubbard Life dog food recalled.

Hubbard Life dog food recalled. Photo accessed: FDA.gov

Pro-Pet LLC Issues Voluntary Recall

According to a recent FDA press release, several dog and cat food products have been voluntarily recalled by Pro-Pet LLC. A field test indicated that a single production run in a two-day time frame may have been contaminated with Salmonella.

What Dog Foods Have Been Recalled?

A limited number of Dry Dog and Cat Foods, potentially contaminated with Salmonella, have been voluntarily recalled by Pro-Pet Life LLC. The dog foods are labelled under the brand name “Hubbard Life” and “QC Plus.” There have been no reports of illness related to this product to date. See the table below for the specific dog food products being recalled. Product information for cat foods recalled are listed at the end of the post.

According to the FDA recall press release, “These products were distributed through select retailers, distributors and on-line consumer purchases in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.”

No other products/lot numbers are affected by this recall.

Customers should immediately discontinue use of any impacted product
–FDA Safety Recall

Dog Food Products Recalled* 

Product Best By Lot Code UPC Number
40 lb Hubbard Life Happy Hound Dog Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 2A 1219033878
40 lb Hubbard Life Happy Hound Dog Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A 1219033878
40 lb Hubbard Life Maintenance Dog Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 2A 1219033875
20 lb QC Plus Adult Dog Food 05 07 14 097 13 SM L2 2A2351780103
40 lb QC Plus Adult Dog Food 05 07 14 097 13 SM L2 2A 2351780104
40 lb QC Plus Adult Dog Food 05 07 14 097 13 SM L2 1A 2351780104

*Scroll to bottom of post for cat food products
Source: FDA Safety Recall

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause disease in both humans and animals. It is often associated with chicken and chicken products, but can also contaminate a variety of human and pet foods. Salmonella live in the intestinal tract of many animals. Thus, contact with feces of animals, such as mammals (including humans), birds, and reptiles can spread Salmonella and cause disease. Pet foods are usually made with animal products, and thus, pet food can also become contaminated.

  • Dogs and Cats Can Carry Salmonella

    Dogs and cats can spread Salmonella to humans even if the animal has no symptoms.

Impact on Dogs

Dogs and cats can be asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella (Overview of Salmonellosis, from Merck Veterinary Manuel (MVM), accessed Feb. 2014). Salmonella can also cause disease in dogs and cats, Salmonellosis, which is a mostly gastrointestinal illness in dogs and cats  (Disorders Caused by Bacteria in the Digestive System of Dogs, from Merck Manuel for Pet Health, accessed Feb. 2014). Symptoms of Salmonellosis in dogs and cats include acute diarrhea, inflammation of the intestine, and possibly septicemia (blood poisoning). Septicemia can be life threatening, and thus, early treatment is essential. Symptoms of septicemia include the following: shaking, fever, weakness, confusion, lack of interest in food, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your dog has symptoms of Salmonellosis, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Because Salmonellosis causes diarrhea, there is more of a chance that you may come into contact with dog feces from messes in the house. Always wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer especially if your dog has diarrhea because it may have a Salmonella infection or another contagious viral or bacterial illness.

dog_food_recall2

Hubbard Life Maintenance dog food recalled. Photo accessed: FDA.gov

Impact on humans

Salmonella contaminated dog food can also cause Salmonellosis in humans. Bacteria from contaminated dog food can be spread to humans by people handling dog food or from touching contaminated surfaces. In addition, Salmonella can be transmitted through dog feces or feces from another pet, including reptiles and birds. Frequent hand washing can reduce risk of contracting the disease (What is Salmonellosis? from Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Accessed Feb. 2014).

As mentioned previously, dogs and cats can be asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella (MVM, accessed Feb. 2014). Thus, thorough hand washing and use of a hand sanitizer is imperative in situations where one might come into contact with dog feces, such as cleaning up dog feces, especially if your dog has diarrhea or other symptoms of Salmonellosis

Symptoms of Salmonellosis in humans include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, although more severe symptoms can develop in some people. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at highest risk of contracting Salmonellosis. Symptom onset usually occurs 12 to 72 hours after exposure and symptoms usually last 4-7 days. Antibiotics are not a first-line treatment of Salmonellosis in otherwise healthy adults because antibiotics prolong the excretion of the bacteria (How Can Salmonella Be Treated?, CDC, Accessed Feb. 2014).

Further Information

If you have been using any of the dog foods listed and suspect that you or your dog has Salmonellosis, contact Pro-Pet LLC at the number above for disposition.

For more information on the recall, customers can contact the customer service line for Pro-Pet at 1-888-765-4190. Customer service representatives will be available Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm CT.

Cat Foods Recalled

The following cat food products have also been recalled:

18 lb Hubbard Life Cat Stars Cat Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A 1219033873
40 lb Hubbard Life Maintenance Dog Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 2A 1219033875
15 lb Joy Combo Cat Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A 7065407721
40 lb Joy Combo Cat Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A 7065407713
40 lb Joy Combo Cat Food 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 2A 7065407713
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Feb 08

Ferocious Detroit Chihuahua Pack: Fact or Fiction?

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Dogs in the News

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How Numerous are Stray Dogs in Detroit?

growling chihuahua

Ferocious Chihuahua. Photo credit: Renee Silverman on Flickr

It has been widely circulated (Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, U.K. Daily Mail, the Washington Times, and Yahoo news) that as many as 50,000 stray dogs roam the streets of Detroit. Indeed, I posted about the stray dog problem in Detroit last August in the post Vicious Chihuahuas Attack Detroit in which Detroit postal workers were repeatedly bitten by a pack of small dogs while trying to deliver mail.

However, the number of stray dogs may be lower than estimated in those reports–much lower. Preliminary data from fall 2013 of the World Animal Awareness Society’s American Strays Project estimates the actual number of stray dogs in Detroit to be closer to 3,000.

While the number of stray dogs and dog packs in Detroit have been disputed, I have not found a source contradicting the existence of a ferocious pack of small dogs. A mail carrier, Catherine Guzik, was quoted by a Bloomberg story as saying the following: “It’s like Chihuahuaville,”

It’s like Chihuahuaville
Catherine Guzik, Detroit Mail Carrier

As I wrote in an earlier blog post, the bite from even a small dog is no laughing matter. Read Vicious Chihuahuas Attack Detroit for details.

American Strays Project Preliminary Data Release Regarding Loose Dogs on Detroit Streets

This You Tube video describes the World Animal Awareness Society’s preliminary data about Detroit dogs.

How Can You Help?

Volunteers Are Needed for the American Strays Project

Visit the American Strays Project Website. Here is some key information from that site:

There are four components to the AMERICAN STRAYS PROJECT

  1. Outreach
  2. Canine Survey
  3. Toolbox
  4. World Awareness

Be Aware. Donate. Adopt.

You can also help dogs in your local area. Raise awareness, donate, or adopt today.

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Jan 31

How to Train Your Min Pin to be a Pest

Categories:

Dog Training

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dog on table

Don’t let this be your dog!

Be Careful What You Teach Your Dog

Our dogs are learning from us all the time. Everything you do or don’t do regarding your dog trains them. Do you feed them from the table occasionally? Do you allow them on the furniture? Do you give a command and not enforce it? Your dog learns from each of those actions. Miniature Pinschers, because of their independent thinking, can be especially difficult. Thus, in addition to love and attention, Miniature Pinschers need firm guidance. Otherwise, you will have an unruly and obnoxious canine on your hands. This post outlines some common mistakes dog owners make when training a dog.

Ways to Teach Your Dog to be a Pest

  1. Feed it from the table.
    Does your dog give you a “hopeful” look while you are at the dinner table? That hopeful look is actually a dominance stare. Min Pins are especially prone to dominance issues and thus anything to deter dominant behavior is a top priority. If you must give your dog a small amount of table food, wait until after dinner, make the dog down and stay, and feed it from its own food bowl. Allow it to eat only after you give the release command. You have just reinforced your dominance in two important ways. First, you ate before the dog. Alpha dogs always eat first. Second, you required the dog to submit to you (the down and stay command) before it ate. These steps are good practice at every meal time. We feed our dogs immediately after our meal and make them down and stay until released. You may think that it is impossible to make your dogs down and stay when food is involved, but they may catch on quicker than you think. Getting their food depends on it, after all.

    A well-trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it.
    -Helen Thomson

  2. Let it lick your face occasionally.

    You have likely heard of positive and negative reinforcement, but have you heard of intermittent? Intermittent reinforcement is actually the most powerful of the three. By allowing the dog to do anything “sometimes” it makes the dog think that the next time it tries, it might receive the desired “reward.” In this case it is getting to lick your face. This is the same type of reinforcement that gamblers get at slot machines and at least part of why they are so addictive. Thus, the intermittent reinforcement is stimulating powerful reward centers in your dog’s brain.

  3. Let it on the furniture.

    You may decide to allow your dogs on the furniture–that decision is up to you. We like our dogs on our lap while we watch TV and thus choose to deal with any ensuing dominance issues in other ways. However, it is not fair to the dog to sometimes allow it on the furniture and scold it for the same thing at other times. One must be consistent when training dogs. (Note: Telling it go get off the furniture but not enforcing it is allowing it on the furniture.) I do have one word of caution, though. Wherever you allow your dog to lay will become ITS spot. For example, Athena now shares her queen sized bed with my husband and me.

  4. Keep the word “no” a secret.

    We adopted our latest dog about a year ago. Three months after we got him, he developed “youngest child syndrome” and was quite a handful. I reluctantly got out the water gun–our “enforcer.” Nano had no idea what the piece of plastic was. It was then that I realized that I had never told him “no.” He received firm but fair remedial training, and although he can still be a handful at times, he does understand the word “no.”

  5. Let it chew on inappropriate things.

    Do you have an old shoe that you let your dog chew? Are you then surprised when the dog chews all the shoes in your closet? Put this in your dog’s perspective: Your dog can’t tell the difference between old and new shoes. Your dog does, however, need appropriate chews at all times. If it is chewing an inappropriate object, a tried and true method is redirection. In a gruff voice, say “no.” Then in a sweet, high pitched voice, say “chew this.” With consistency and repetition, your dog will learn which chews are appropriate.

  6. Give a command but don’t enforce it.

    This is the single most super-duper whopper of a mistake there is. Not enforcing a command undermines all other training you might do because it teaches your dog not to take you seriously. As a dog owner, you know how much time and energy is required to enforce commands, especially at first. However, this is an investment that will pay big dividends. I like to use positive reinforcement when I can. However, negative reinforcement is often necessary, also. I like to use a water gun. The dog typically hates it, but it is not physically painful. Thus, results are usually quick effective.

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Making Rules

The rules of your house are uniquely your own. You will want to set them to fit with your lifestyle. However, a consistent set of rules for your dog is a must. Your dog operates by routine and thus, it is not fair to the dog to change its rules frequently. In addition, your dog will be better able to obey you if it understands the rules.

water gun

The water gun is a quick and effective means of reinforcement.

Rules should be planned, not made out of haste, and they should have behavior modification in mind. It is better that an undesirable behavior go uncorrected once than to impose an ineffective punishment. Here is one example: we have had trouble with our dogs wanting to go outside to play during the middle of the night. We took several days to think of an effective way to modify their behavior because we did not want to ban them from going to the bathroom in the middle of the night if that is what they needed to do. Thus, we decided that we would let them out, but if they did not use the bathroom, they were crated for the rest of the night. This worked surprisingly well. I think that we hit a “pack” instinct–being isolated from the pack is bad punishment, and to be avoided.

Your Role as a Teacher

Dogs do not automatically know how you expect them to behave in the house. You must teach them. Dogs operate by routine, and your dog will be much calmer and happier if its routine, including its rules, are stable.  When training your dog, think of your favorite teacher in school, and be as kind and patient as he or she was with you. Your relationship with your dog will be better for it.

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Jan 30

How to Outfit Your Min Pin in Style

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Uncategorized

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zeus_zdh_teeSeven Items You Need Before Bringing Your Min Pin Home

Tons of cool gear is available for dogs, and a lot of it is specifically for small dogs, such as miniature pinschers.  Amidst the designer water bowls, glittery t-shirts, and Bruce Springsteen inspired jackets, there are some must-have items.  Before you bring your new puppy home, be sure to look into the great doggie gear listed below.  In addition to the essentials, you will also find other fun stuff for your favorite pooch.

Your Doggie’s Den

Item 1: Crate 

Crate

Crate

Your puppy’s crate will become its most important possession.  The crate will be your puppy’s den, hideout, bed, and a haven of safety.  It should contain soft, warm bedding.  Your little puppy will be frightened and homesick for a few days, and this may make the adjustment easier.  In fact, you could even bring a towel or blanket destined for your puppy’s crate with you when you pick it up.  Then, you could ask the breeder to rub it on the puppy’s mother.  The scent will be comforting.

Safety First

Item 2: Travel carrier

If you ever take your dog for a car ride—even once—you need a way transport it safely.  This is a must.  A hard-sided carrier will protect your dog in the event of a traffic accident. Zeus and I were once in a rollover accident, and the worst injury either of us sustained was a bad fright.  As I walked through the wreckage, I saw a water bottle that had been in my car. The bottle was about the size of Zeus.  It had been ejected from the car, and the car had landed on it. It was thoroughly squished.  I cannot imagine the grief I would have gone through if that had been Zeus.

Fancy or simple, gotta have a collar

Item 3: Collar

You will, of course, need a collar.  This is what will hold you’re puppy’s vaccination tag as well as a tag engraved with your contact information.  Our dogs act like they “feel naked” without their collars, and they want their collars back!

However, you will not want to attach a leash to the collar for walks.  This is because of a problem called collapsing trachea, which is particularly problematic for small dogs.  Their little trachea is about the size of a drinking straw, and putting pressure on it, as will happen with a leash attached to the collar, will cause breathing problems after only a short time.  Use a harness for walks. Pinch and choke collars should also be avoided to prevent collapsing trachea.

 

Ready…set…walk!

Item 4: Harness

step-in_harness

Step-in Harness

A harness should be used for walks.  As discussed above, a leash should never be attached to the collar of a small dog because of a problem called collapsing trachea.  Many types of harnesses are available, but my favorite is the step-in harness.  This gives an added measure of safety because if the plastic clasp fails, the harness will still be held by the two metal rings on top.

 

Rein ’em In

Item 5: Leash

Walking is vital to you’re min pin’s health.  Not only does it provide exercise, but it also provides mental stimulation and entertainment.  No matter how trustworthy you think your dog is, taking it off leash is dangerous.  This is especially true for min pins, which tend to think for themselves.  You may think your dog won’t run off, but your dog’s safety is not worth the risk.

 

You will want to begin walking your puppy as soon as you bring it home, and therefore, a leash is a must-have.  There are countless styles of leashes available, and many good choices.  If you choose to get a retractable one, be sure to practice with it before you leave your yard so that pulling your puppy back from danger is second nature.

Whoever said you can’t buy happiness forgot little puppies.
–Gene Hill

 

The Well Groomed Min Pin

Item 6: Nail clippers

Miniature pinschers take little grooming.  In fact, min pins have particularly sensitive skin, and regular baths can irritate and dry it.  They do, however, need to have their nails trimmed.  I prefer to trim their nails myself because I have found that not all groomers are particularly gentle and sometimes trim too far back, which causes pain, bleeding, and trust issues.  However, if there is a groomer that you know and trust, you can let him or her take this task off your hands.

 

Direct Their Chewing Energy

 

Miniature pinscher puppyItem 7: Chews and toys

Chews and toys are some of the most fun items to buy for your little dog.  They are also essential if you want to keep your household items intact.  Of course, dogs, and especially puppies, must have a place to direct their chewing energy, and so having appropriate chews available at all times will save you a lot of money and frustration.

 

Toys should be large enough that they don’t present a choking hazard, but small enough that your dog can get its little jaws around it.  I suggest using only toys meant for dogs.  Toys for human children (e.g., stuffed animals) often contain objects, such as buttons or eyes, which can be a choking hazard.  Another caution is that the stitching may not be sturdy enough to hold up to a dog’s play, which would expose the stuffing.  Your dog could choke on the stuffing inside.

 

Dog toys often come with a squeaker inside.  While the dog ripping open the toy and choking on the squeaker is a hazard for larger breeds, the squeaker is usually big enough that it is not an issue with min pins.  However, you may want to check by feeling the size of squeaker in the toy.

 

Most dogs love squeak toys.  This is a mixed blessing.  While you are probably glad that your dog is having fun with an appropriate chew (and if you hear the squeak, you know that your dog is not up to mischief), you might get tired of hearing the squeak for hours on end.  There–you have been forewarned.

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Greenies, Dentahex, and other Goodies

Chews and Toys, continued

Special treats are a big part of a dog’s life, and should be planned into their diet.  Two treats that we give our dogs regularly are greenies are Dentahex.  Both are good for a dog’s teeth.

Both greenies and Dentahex chews were recommended to me by a veterinarian, and thus, I feel perfectly comfortable giving them to my dogs.  Greenies have, in the past, had a problem in that they contained large amounts of undigestible material.  The makers of the Greenies have resolved that issue.

The veternarian who recommended Dentahex to me relayed a story that the teeth of one of the dogs he sees went from “terrible” to “sparkling” in one month’s time.

There are many other types of treats that are appropriate for your dog, and you should also factor in your dog’s taste preference.  (However, I have never noticed a preference with my dogs.  They like it ALL!)

Be careful to avoid treats that cause choking hazards.  Raw hide treats are very prevalent in pet stores, but raw hide, when wetted by chewing, can become sticky and stick to your dog’s throat, which is then a choking hazard.  Also avoid anything that may break into hard pieces that could be choked upon.

Let’s Go Shopping!

lets_go_shopping

 

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Jan 06

The Hackney-like Gait of a Miniature Pinscher

Categories:

Miniature Pinscher Breed Information

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The Prance of the “King of Toys”

Have you ever seen your Miniature Pinscher trot around the room like it was prancing? You have likely just seen the characteristic Hackney gait of a Min Pin. My Min Pin, Nano, struts his stuff when he has a “prize,” like a toy or has just caught a small rodent. If you have done much reading about MIniature Pinschers, you have likely come across literature that mentions their “Hackney-like gait.” In this post, you will find a Miniature Pinscher strutting his Hackney-like gait in the show ring, a discussion of the gait of the Hackney horse, and how its gait differs from the Miniature Pinscher’s.

A Reigning “King”

Below is a video clip from the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2009. It shows a male Miniature Pinscher named Major strutting his best Hackney action. Major went on to win Best Miniature Pinscher at the show in Madison Square Garden. Check out his high stepping gait in this video:

Miniature Pinscher Westminster Best of Breed


Major, (Ch. Kimro’s Soldier Boy), showing off his best Hackney trot in the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as reported by Sandy Tomcho of the Times Herald-Record on You Tube

What is a Hackney Gait?

Miniature Pinschers have a Hackney-like gait. The term “Hackney” refers to the trot of a Hackney horse (or Hackney pony). Thus, looking at the gait of a Hackney horse gives insight to the prancing action of the Min Pin. A Hackney horse should, according to the American Hackney Horse Society,  exhibit “a very high, ground covering knee action” and “The hocks should be brought under the body and raised high. All joints should exhibit extreme flexion.” The photo below shows the high degree of flexion in the gait of a hackney horse.

 

Hackney horse parades around the track with its high-stepping trot

Hackney horses show off their high-stepping trot

Photo credit: Heather Moreton on Flickr

The Hackney horse was bred as a war horse, and thus, traits of being able to trot at high speeds for extended lengths of time were important. More recently, Hackney horse breeding has focused on suitability for carriage driving, and are often show horses.

The hackney-like action is a high-stepping, reaching, free and easy gait
MPCA ILLUSTRATED BREED STANDARD

Hackney-LIKE Action of a Miniature Pinscher

While the gait of a Miniature Pinscher is like that of a Hackney horse, it is not exactly the same. Below is an excerpt from the Miniature Pinscher Club of America‘s discussion on the proper Hackney-like gait of a Miniature Pinscher.

The correct hackney-LIKE gait is described fully in the standard. To paraphrase, the dog lifts his front feet up and out with a bend at the wrist while driving from behind. The dog should move forward quickly and smoothly with a minimum amount of effort. Judges must realize that the standard does NOT call for “true” hackney action, which is considered a mincing, inefficient gait with no rear drive.

Miniature Pinschers are proud dogs, and this high-stepping trot only enhances their personalities and lends credence to their title as the “King of Toys.” I hope you enjoy your min pin the next time it parades around your living room and “reign” in your house. They are fun to watch!

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Sep 20

Your Dog’s Mental Health: Depression in Dogs

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Dog Health

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Depressed-looking dog

A depressed dog may look like this miniature pinscher, Athena.

Depression in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs have emotions and sometimes those emotions are overwhelming for dogs. Since they have similar brain structures and neurotransmitters, it makes sense that dogs as well as humans can suffer mental illnesses and conditions. Depression is a common mental disorder in dogs. Dogs often get depressed when there is a change in their surroundings, like the loss or addition of one of their humans or animal companions–in other words, their “pack.”

Do Dogs Have Emotions?

Dogs have many of the same basic emotions as humans. Charles Darwin was the first to assert that animals have emotional reactions to certain stimuli. The view that animals have emotions is in contrast to earlier views, like those of the French philosopher Descartes, which held that emotions were unique to humans.

But man himself cannot express love and humility by external signs, so plainly as does a dog, when with drooping ears, hanging lips, flexuous body, and wagging tail, he meets his beloved master.
–Charles Darwin, The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals

In his 1872 book, The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals, Darwin systematically studied reactions of animals, including dogs, to emotional events. I certainly believe that my dogs have and express emotions, and when I read the following quote by Darwin, I thought he was describing my dog and me:

“But man himself cannot express love and humility by external signs, so plainly as does a dog, when with drooping ears, hanging lips, flexuous body, and wagging tail, he meets his beloved master.”

What Causes Depression in Dogs?

Loss of a Loved One

As with humans, dogs can become depressed after the loss of a loved one–human or furry friend. This is the most common cause of depression in dogs. Many dogs overcome these losses on their own, but sometimes a dog may need special attention. Athena, pictured above, did not have trouble with depression after our other miniature pinscher, Zeus, passed away, although she was convinced that we were hiding him in the spare bedroom. She missed him and looked for him, but was able to cope fairly well with being an only dog.

Addition of a New Pack Member

Dogs can also become depressed when a new animal is introduced into the household. While Athena coped well with the death of Zeus, she did not fare as well when we adopted a new dog, Nano. Athena was very sad about us bringing a new dog into the house. Her whole world was disrupted. I believe that much of her depression actually stemmed from anxiety about her not knowing her place in the pack order.

How Does One Treat Depression in Dogs?

Love Your Dog out of the Blues

Overwhelmingly, most experts agree that extra love, praise, and attention will often help a dog overcome its bout of depression and cope with the new situation.

Keep them engaged, do more of the things they like to do, get them a little more exercise, and they should be fine.
–John Ciribassi, DVM, past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, as reported by Pets WebMD

Drugs are available to treat depression in dogs, but they are a last resort. A first-line treatment more love and attention. ” Keep them engaged, do more of the things they like to do, get them a little more exercise, and they should be fine,” says John Ciribassi, DVM, past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, as reported by Pets WebMD.

Athena had all the typical signs of depression: no interest in playing, little interest in being petted, absolutely no use for the new dog, and sleeping more throughout the day than usual. Basically, she acted like she looks in the picture (above). We gave her time to adjust to the new situation, space when she seemed to need it, and we were always available to give her tummy rubs if she wanted them.

Encourage Lively Behavior

However, be careful not to encourage undesirable behavior. You want to see tail wags, ear perks, and excitement in your dog. If you see even the slightest hint of those behaviors, reward your dog with treats and lavish praise. On the other hand, do not reward depressive behavior like moping or acting generally dejected.

Seek Veterinary Care

If your dog acts depressed, keep in close contact with your veterinarian. He or she may have helpful hints or suggestions to bring the joy back to your dog’s life through behavioral remedies. Your veterinarian will also know when it is the right time to think about medications. Many of the same medications that are used to treat depression in humans (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors like Prozac and Zoloft) can be used in dogs to help relieve the neurochemical imbalance in your depressed dog. Many owners are hesitant to use drugs to help their dog’s depression, and this is understandable. As with any drug there are side effects and an owner, in concert with the dog’s veterinarian, should weigh the risks and benefits. However, if behavior modification does not relieve your dog’s symptoms, drugs may save your dog from months or years of needless suffering.

Athena’s depression lasted about six weeks. We were starting to think that she might benefit from drugs. We did not want to rush into medication if she would soon come out of her depression, but we also did not want her to suffer any longer than she had to. If depression is as miserable for dogs as it is for humans, and I suspect it is, I wanted to use the best veterinary care available so that she could suffer as little as possible.

She happened to come out of her depression soon after we began to consider medication. She started playing with the new dog (tentatively) and had more energy and “spunk.” I think she found her place in the pack order and that relieved the anxiety and depression. We just had to be supportive until the new pack order developed. Now, our family (or pack) is a happy place for all.

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Sep 12

Circovirus: A New Threat to Dogs

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Dog Health, Dogs in the News, Uncategorized

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Unusual Virus Spreads in Ohio

The recent death of four dogs in Ohio has sparked concern about the spread of a new virus, which, until recently, had never been described in dogs. Four Ohio dogs died recently, and a virus new to dogs is suspected. The dogs were from more than one area of Ohio: 3 from the Cincinnati area and 1 from the Akron-Canton area. The veterinarians who treated one of the dogs that died also saw other dogs with similar symptoms that survived. The Ohio Department of Agriculture is investigating the outbreak.

Circoviruses Made an Interspecies Leap

Before now, circoviruses were known to infect fish, birds, and pigs, but not dogs. In fact, pigs were the only mammals circoviruses were known to infect before they were found in dogs. The circoviruses have apparently made an interspecies leap from one host to another. An article in Emerging Infectious Diseases (April 2013) describes the discovery of a circovirus that infects dogs (DogCV). In the article, Circovirus in Tissues of Dogs with Vasculitis and Hemorrhage, Linlin Li, et al, describe sequencing the viral DNA and comparing the sequence with other viruses in the circovirus family. They determined that DogCV is most closely related to the circoviruses that are known to infect pigs (PCVs) and more distantly related to those that infect fish and birds. This means that the DogCV likely evolved directly from the PCVs. It makes scientific sense that it is the PCVs that adapted to infect dogs. PCVs DNA are already adapted to a mammal (pigs), and thus adapting to another mammal (dogs) might require the least change.

What Are the Symptoms of Circovirus in Dogs?

  • Circovirus Symptoms

    • Vomiting
    • Bloody Diarrhea
    • Weight Loss
    • Lethargy

Circoviruses typically causes hemorrhaging, inflammation of the blood vessels, and immunosuppression. Symptoms an owner might notice include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. In other species (e.g., pigs) circoviruses often coincide with infection of other pathogens, but it is not known whether this is also true in dogs. If a dog is co-infected, the other pathogen might cause additional symptoms as well. In addition, other bacteria and viruses also cause some or all of these symptoms and circoviruses may not be involved in the illness at all. However, if your dog has  symptoms of a circovirus, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care. Your dog may receive potentially life-saving supportive care if it has this virus. Even if your dog does not have circovirus but is infected with a different pathogen, it likely still  needs treatment for these serious symptoms.

Dog Virus, Pig Virus–What’s the Difference?

You may ask, “If a virus can infect a pig, why is it news that it can infect a dog?” What a virus will infect, be it a dog, pig, human, plant. fungus, etc., varies greatly depending on the virus. Some viruses are specific to dogs just like some viruses are specific to humans. Other viruses are “generalists” and infect a wide variety of species.

The key is subtle differences between the different host species like pigs and dogs. Since viruses do not have cells or the machinery to replicate on their own, they must enter the host cell and use the host’s own cellular machinery to propagate. The different molecular interactions that take place between the virus and host are very specific. Imagine a lock and key. If the key doesn’t fit into the lock, the door doesn’t open. In the same way that differences between keys can be very subtle, very subtle differences between species can generate barriers to a virus’s ability to infect a new host.

If Circovirus Can Now Infect Dogs, What Changed?

The virus changed. All organisms have either DNA or RNA which serves as the blueprints for the molecules the organism will produce. Changes in the DNA (or RNA) sequence (mutations) create changes in the molecules produced. This is the mechanism of variation for all living organisms and viruses.

As mentioned above, viruses must enter a host cell to replicate. Most commonly, the virus enters the cell by “tricking” the cell into thinking it is a nutrient or other necessary molecule. Most nutrients taken up by cells are recognized by molecules (receptors) on the outside of the cells. Cells typically use receptors specific to a certain nutrient to accomplish this. Receptors on the outside of the cell recognize the molecules to be imported and facilitate transport across the cell membrane.

Viruses use this system to “hijack” one of these receptors and use it to gain entry to the cell. The virus changes in such a way that it can mimic the molecule the receptor was made to transport. If we again use the example of a lock and key, the virus has made a copy of the key, or at least enough of it to trigger the lock and open the door.

However, the same key that operates the pig lock may not operate the dog lock. If the virus changes yet again to accommodate a new species, the change may only need to be a slight one. The virus’s “key” could now fit the dog “lock” thus opening the door and allowing the virus to infect the dog.

How Can I Protect My Dog?

Currently, there is no vaccine for DogCV. However, the disease does not seem to be widespread across the US at this time. Dog owners should, as always, be aware of their dog’s health and watch for any symptoms that cause concern, including those for DogCV (vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy). Dog owners in Ohio and the surrounding area should be especially vigilant. If your dog is ill, seek veterinary care and isolate it from other dogs until the cause of the illness can be determined.

“We feel obligated to make sure pet owners are aware this is happening…but we don’t want people to get too worried.”
–Erica Hawkins, Ohio Department of Agriculture

While DogCV is an emerging illness in dogs, dog owners should not panic, according to the communication director for the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Erica Hawkins. “We feel obligated to make sure pet owners are aware this is happening,” Hawkins said. “Supportive therapies can be helpful if started early enough. But we don’t want people to get too worried.” (As reported by the Columbus Dispatch September 10, 2013.)

About the Author

The author of this post has an M.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology. She has worked for 10+ years in a research lab that focuses on the evolution of viruses. Most of her work involved the evolution of genetic elements of certain bacteria and viruses that affect their transmissibility and biodiversity. She is also an avid dog lover.

 

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Sep 02

Salmonella Contaminated Purina ONE Recalled

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Dog Health, Dogs in the News

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Purina one recalled
Purina ONE recalled. Photo: from FDA.gov

Nestle Purina PetCare Company issued a voluntary recall of a limited number of bags of Purina ONE beyOnd Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food. The recall was issued August 30, 2013. One bag of dog food produced in that run was contaminated with Salmonella, which is a bacterium commonly found in unpasteurized eggs and milk products. Below is a description of the bags being recalled:

 

Bag Size “Best By” Date & Production Code UPC Code
3.5 lb. OCT 2014 31071083 17800 12679

Contaminated Dog Food Threat to Humans and Animals

Salmonella is a common bacterial pathogen infectious to both humans and dogs. Dogs can get sick from eating dog food contaminated with Salmonella, and humans can get sick from just handling it. Salmonella also occurs in many foods produced for human consumption. According to Medline Plus, “Salmonella occurs in raw poultry, eggs, beef, and sometimes on unwashed fruit and vegetables.” Humans usually avoid getting sick by cooking their foods. However, feeding animals foods from the list above without cooking it first may expose them to Salmonella.

Symptoms

Symptoms in Humans include the following:

  • nausea,
  • vomiting,diarrhea,
  • abdominal cramping
  • fever

Most cases resolve without treatment, but antibiotics are needed in some cases. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control article on salmonellosis.

Symptoms in dogs and similar to those in humans and include the following:  decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Salmonella also affects cats, according to petMD. If your dog or cat exhibits any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian. Also be aware that pets with Salmonella can also act as carriers of the disease.

If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
–NPPC Press Release

Implications

While this recall was relatively small in terms of both amount of dog food affected and little impact on the health of humans or animals, Salmonella is a common contaminant of both human and pet food. Frequent hand washing and a vigilant eye on the news for both human and dog food recalls can reduce your chances of contracting a food-borne illness.

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Aug 25

Vicious Chihuahuas Attack Detroit

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Uncategorized

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Nano, small dog with sweet face.

Could this sweet face be ferocious?

Are You Scared of Chihuahuas?

Maybe you should be

When you think of chihuahuas, min pins, or other small dogs, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I think of my sweet little Nano (left), and I’m sure that other small dog owners think of their dogs in the same way. My brother makes fun of them and calls them “Fifi.” No one I know has ever been scared of one.

However, this is not the case in Detroit, according to an article in Bloomberg reported Aug. 21, 2013. Detroit is currently being overrun by stray dogs, including “swarms of tiny, ferocious [stray] dogs,” according one mail carrier, Catherine Guzik, as reported by Bloomberg . “It’s like Chihuahuaville,” said Guzik. Vicious chihuahuas, you say? Although it sounds absurd, deliveries are being stopped in some areas of Detroit for this reason.

How Much Could a Chihuahua Bite Hurt?

More than you might think

You may laugh. At the very least, you probably snickered or smirked, but a pack of chihuahuas in attack mode is no laughing matter. Besides punctures and bruising from the actual bites, stray and feral dogs can carry human pathogens, which could easily enter the body from one of these wounds. Furthermore, it is unlikely that these dogs have current vaccinations. Any dog bite is potentially serious, and a city full of feral and stray dogs is no laughing matter. Besides, who wants to be bitten everyday?

Detroit is Going to the Dogs

And not in a good way

Detroit is going to the dogs, and this time, not in a good way. Too many dogs and not enough animal control workers are creating a crisis in Detroit.

Detroit Dominated by Pitbulls as 50K Dogs Roam Free 

Video credit: Embedded in “Abandoned Dogs Roam Detroit in Packs as Humans Dwindle” By Chris Christoff on Bloomberg– Aug 20, 2013 11:01 PM CT

The situation is so dire that dogs are being euthanized only a few days after they are put in the pound. This stems from the lack of an animal shelter that will accept dogs.  “In July, the pound stopped accepting more animals for a month because the city hadn’t paid a service that hauls away euthanized animals for cremation … The freezers were packed with carcasses, and pens were full of live animals until the bill was paid. Detroit no longer has an animal shelter that accepts dogs. Thus, most stray dogs that are caught are euthanized,” according to the Bloomberg report. Animals are certainly suffering in Detroit, but, according to Amanda Arrington of the Humane Society of the United States, they aren’t the only ones:

 

The suffering of animals goes hand in hand with the suffering of people.

—Amanda Arrington of the Humane Society of the United States

Source: Bloomberg

Rolling Stone wrote about Detroit’s epidemic in 2012, and, also last year, a Detroit based non-profit rescue, All About Animals Rescue, received a $50,000 grant from the Humane Society to feed, vaccinate, and sterilize pets. However, these measures don’t seem to be enough.

Awareness is the key

According to a Rolling Stone report (City of Strays, 2012), the Discovery Channel applied for a permit to film a reality show about the stray dog problem in Detroit, but the city’s film office would not allow it. Did the city did reject the filming permit application because of negative publicity it would generate? If so, it is sad that the city put public relations ahead of their citizens, both canine and human. The attention could have brought donations to non-profit groups trying to deal with the situation and adoptive homes to the dogs.

Although the city wouldn’t allow the show to be filmed, thwarted creators of the show filmed a YouTube video, and that video went viral. I will warn you that the video has some graphic portions. In fact, I couldn’t watch the whole thing. However, it is real life for these dogs, and I want to share their story.

Video credit: “Abandoned Dogs Roam Detroit in Packs as Humans Dwindle” By Chris Christoff on Bloomberg– Aug 20, 2013 11:01 PM CT

Visit Detroit Dog Rescue (DDR) for more information about rescue efforts in Detroit.

 

How Can You Help?

Be aware. Donate. Adopt.

You can help by getting involved at any level or location. In all areas of the United States, there are dogs that need good homes. Use the links below to read about the problem in Detroit, donate time or money to help the dogs, and the most fun part of all–adopt!

 

 

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Aug 13

How to House Train Your Dog

Categories:

Dog Training

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Athena vs. Toilet paper

House training a dog presents multiple challenges

House Training vs. House Breaking

House training a dog is more than just potty training. It is teaching a dog how to act in the house. In addition to potty training, house training includes teaching your dog which chew toys are appropriate, rules about getting on the furniture, how to act when you are eating dinner, etc. Thus, your dog cannot be expected to automatically know what makes a good chew toy, that we want them to potty only outside, or any other house rules. It is our job to teach them.

House breaking implies punitive measures designed to “break” the dogs of bad habits. In the case of a puppy or an older dog that hasn’t been house trained, trying to break bad habits without teaching it what you want it to do is futile. Housebreaking is not necessary and will be detrimental to your relationship with your dog.

On this page, you will find several highly effective techniques and tips designed to make house training your dog as easy and low stress as possible. However, it will still take a lot of consistency, reinforcement, and repetition. As with any dog training, it will also take ample patience, but the payoff of a well-trained dog is well worth the effort.

 

  • Tip: Patience is the key

    Remember that when you train a dog, your dog doesn’t understand what it is supposed to do until you teach it. Have patience. Remember: your dog probably knows a lot more English than you do Dog.

House Training: Your Experiences

What experiences have you had with house training a dog?

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If you have never house trained a dog or have had limited success, I recommend that you learn all you can about the process. In addition to this post, there are numerous books and web pages on the subject. Do read with a critical eye, though. A dog trainer once told me that my 6 month old min pin, Zeus, was too dominant and that I should have him euthanized and start with a new dog. Obviously, I didn’t listen.

Three Steps to Dog Training

Patience is the key

Miniature pinscher receiving a treat

Reward your dog for doing well.

All dog training should rely on 3 steps: consistency, reinforcement, and repetition. While this takes a great deal of patience, putting these steps into practice will result in a well trained dog.

  1. Consistency: In the case of house training a puppy, consistency takes the form of supervision. You cannot consistently teach your puppy to go outside unless you can redirect it outside every time it starts to potty in the wrong spot and give a reward for pottying in the correct spot. This requires constant supervision whenever the puppy is allowed to roam free in the house. Thus, if you are unable to watch the puppy constantly, use short- and long-term confinement areas (discussed below).
  2. Reinforcement: This is how you let your puppy know when it has done the right or wrong thing. Positive reinforcement (treat and praise) should be used every time. Negative reinforcement, saying “no” in a deep, gruff voice, may also be helpful, but one shouldn’t scream, yell, or be overly harsh with the puppy. You don’t want your puppy to fear you. One should NEVER rub the puppy’s nose in “it.” It is counterproductive and mean.
  3. Repetition: Dogs instinctively like to potty in the same spot, and so in the context of potty training, repetition is even more important than in other training situations. Take your puppy to the same spot in the yard every time.

Never ask more of your dog than it is physically able to do.
It’s frustrating for you and the dog.

Confinement Areas

Short term and long term

You want to set your dog up for success, and to do that, you must not ask more of your puppy that it is physically capable of doing. This is where large and small confinement areas come into play. Here is the set-up: A crate or cage (short-term confinement area) is put inside the larger play pen or fence (long term confinement area).

The puppy needs a small confinement area where elimination is not allowed. The puppy will most likely avoid going in the smaller area instinctively. The larger area should be lined with “Piddle Pads,” newspapers, or other absorbent material. This is where the puppy can go to to the toilet. Expect the pads or newspapers to be shredded, though. When this happens, just replace the papers.

Watch the following video for more information.

Fact: Puppies can hold their bladder about 1 hour per month of age.

House Training Other Than Potty Training

Teaching your puppy how to act in the house

House training consists of more than just teaching your dog to go outside. It encompasses every aspect of your dog’s behavior in the house. Again, supervision is the key to training your puppy.
  • Appropriate chews: Puppies will chew. If we don’t teach the puppy what is appropriate to chew, it will find something on its own (e.g., a roll of toilet paper is great fun to a puppy). Redirection (see “Tips and Techniques,” below) is a powerful tool to teach appropriate chewing.
  • Where to lie: Some dog owners are very strict about where their dog lies, and only allow it to lie in its designated area. Others are more lenient and allow the dog on some furniture. Whatever rule you want to set, now is the time to do it. Keep in mind the size of your full grown dog when you do this. For example, if you have a Great Dane and allow it in bed with you, once it’s full grown, you might end up on the floor unexpectedly some night.
  • Dinner time: You also need to decide how you want your dog to act at dinner time–yours and theirs. Dogs are capable of containing themselves around food, no matter what they might lead you to believe. My dogs are required to lie down and stay before they get their food. They can only eat after the release command is given. This leads to acceptable (though not always perfect) behavior. At our dinner time, the dogs are ignored. If they are too intrusive, they must leave the room. Never feed a dog from the table. That look of hopefulness is actually a dominance stare.

  • Tip: Teaching Moments

    Just as any good teacher will tell you, the best teaching moments are often unplanned. Be aware and work training into your everyday routine when you can.

Chew Toys Are Essential

Puppies will chew just as surely as the sun rises each morning. So, we as dog owners, must teach the dog to chew appropriate things. Thus, chew toys are essential. Stuffed animals will work, but one must be careful that the toy is sturdy enough to hold up to chewing because the stuffing is a choking hazard and that there are no small parts, like eyes, that could be ingested. Another consideration is that when teaching the puppy what to chew, it may not be able to tell the difference between old and new (like an old shoe vs. a new shoe). It would be unfair to punish the dog for chewing a shoe of any type if you have trained it that chewing on shoes is OK.

House Training Tips and Techniques

The following are combat-tested tips and techniques proven to aid in house training a dog. Not every strategy will be effective with every dog, so try a few until you find something that works.
    • Redirection: Redirection is especially useful to teach which objects are chew toys and which are not. In this technique, when the puppy is chewing something inappropriate, the object is taken away, and “no” is said gruffly and in a low-pitched voice. Then, a chew toy is given to the puppy and “chew this” or something to that effect is said in a high-pitched, sweet voice. This technique works well because puppies are usually happy to chew on anything in front of them.
    • Tethering: Tethering is a technique that helps in the supervision part of training a puppy. A lightweight leash is attached to the puppy’s collar and the other end is attached to you (on a belt, for example). This way, the puppy cannot wander too far without you knowing about it. Since a high degree of supervision is necessary for house training, this technique can be very useful.

Use Punishment Sparingly
Only use negative reinforcement if the dog knows it has broken a rule. It is unfair and counterproductive to punish a dog when the dog doesn’t know why it is being punished.

  • Time outs: With some dogs, time outs can be very useful. When the puppy understands that it is not supposed to do something but does it anyway, time outs are appropriate. This works just like it does with kids. Confine the puppy and then make it stay for a prescribed amount of time. This works well with Zeus, my older miniature pinscher. He puts himself in time out when he gets caught; it doesn’t work with my younger dog, Athena, though. She is happy and proud of whatever she does. Note: some dog trainers will tell you that you should never use a dog’s carrier (safe place) for punishment. This may be true with some dogs, but in my experience, using their carrier for time outs has been useful. It is like sending a child to his or her room. Do what works for you and your dog.
  • Water pistol: With Athena, a water pistol is effective negative reinforcement. It provides instant results.

Are you the leader of your pack?

What are your experiences with dog training? Have you tried any techniques like these? Do you have others you would like to share? Tell us about your experiences.

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