Dog Training : How to beat the blues

The other day, I came across a client who was at his wits end owing to his truant dog. This blog post is born to throw some light on the topic of dog training. Mind you, there are tomes and tomes on the topic and so much information on the net that one can easily get deluged and confused. Here is my take on the issue. Believe me, it works.   

The house breaking of the pup should ideally begin around 8 weeks of its age or after it has been brought home. It is important to set the rules slowly yet firmly to inculcate desired traits and behaviour. If due care is not given to this aspect the pup will pick up bad habits and will become an ill tempered dog who is a nuisance.

The dog is a creature of habit. The first requirement in house training is to follow a set time schedule for feeding the pup. As the pup usually relieves itself soon after feeding, it should be taken to the designated area immediately after feeding to allow it to finish its business. Soon, it will associate that particular spot and the time for relieving itself.

It does not understand what is a good behaviour or what is a bad behaviour. However, it understands love and anger or reprimand very easily. It has an inborn desire to be loved and pampered by its master. This desire holds the key to its training.

A positive reinforcement like soothing vocalizations, gentle pats, a happy tone of the voice and tidbits are the agents used for positive reinforcements. For example, if a pup shows a desired behaviour like sitting when made to sit by the owner, the owner needs to immediately reward him with gentle pats, soothing vocalizations or even a tidbit. Slowly, the dog will make an association between the command “sit” and his desired behaviour of “sitting” leading to a “reward”.

Similarly, the dog understands anger - an admonishing tone of the master. Therefore, if it exhibits an undesired behaviour, a prompt reprimand in the form of a stern “no” or “bad boy/girl” enables him to make a similar association. Never ever hit the dog. A firm “no” or a spank with a rolled newspaper is enough to drive home the message. 

Dogs are one of the most intelligent of all the domestic animals and can be trained to obey simple words of command. The dog must be introduced to various words of command gradually. Make it a fun activity for the dog by keeping the lessons short and rewarding. Basic commands that must be taught to every dog at home are “Sit”, “Come”, “Heel”, “Stay”.  

Remember, the key to having a well trained dog is based on three “R” (Reward, Reprimand, Repetition) and three “P” (Patience, Patience and some more Patience)!

All the best!  

Heat Stroke in Dogs

It's summertime and the mercury is slowly and steadily rising every passing day. As the summer sets in one has to take preventive measures against heat stroke in dogs. Mother nature designed dogs to conserve heat and not to dissipate heat. Hence the dogs tend to get heated up rather quickly during summers especially if left in cars, excessive playing in the sun.  Normally, nature provides a delicate balance between gathering of  heat and dissipating heat in case of a dogs ( for that matter in all animals). The problem arises when the balance is disturbed. 

The dogs dissipate heat from their tongues by panting and sweat from their paws. (Yes, you read it right !) They have no other mechanism to cool off.  It is therefore extremely important to ensure that one accidentally  does not create situations that causes the dog to gather up heat quickly so much so that it overwhelms the mechanism by which it dissipates the heat. 

The signs of heat stroke are - increased temperature ( from the normal 101.5 F to 105 F), a panting that is so vigorous that you have perhaps never seen it before, thick viscid saliva, the dog lying down and not willing  / unable to get up, a disoriented and confused look, red gums, collapse etc.

If you suspect heat stroke and by the time you rush your pet to the vet or call him up one should initiate actions to reverse the situation. First of all, remove the dog from direct sunlight. Gently pour cool water in a mild trickle on the head. Dip a towel or two in cool water and wrap the dog for a few minutes and then remove them. Keeping them wrapped over the dog for far too long may actually be harmful as the towel may  trap the heat. Gently spray or dribble cool water on the body. Do not use ice or ice cooled water as it  constricts the blood vessels thus preventing the dissipation of heat. Use a fan, cooler or take the dog in an air conditioned room. Offer it a little water. Wipe its face with cool water. All the while keep talking to the dog in a gentle manner to reassure it. 

Nice to know

1. Never ever leave your dog alone in a car with or without the windows rolled down. Period. The dog can develop heat stroke on sunny as well as overcast days. By the way, it is a punishable offence in many states of the US. ( I agree we have to do a lot of catching up in India in this regard ). 

2. Avoid long runs or exercises during warm days.  See to it that the kids do not take the dog out and play fetch during warmer parts of the day. 

3. Some ailments including obesity compromise the heat dissipating mechanism of the dog. 

4. Pugs, Bull dogs are normally predisposed to heat stroke. 

5. Heat Stroke is preventable. Let's be smart and ensure it does not happen to our pet. 

Vaccinations Demystified

Every dog owner knows at least something about the vaccines. He is usually aware of the requirement of the periodic sojourn to be undertaken to the pet clinic for the vaccinations. However, vaccinations remain one of the most vexing areas of veterinary medicine. Here, let me demystify the issue :

What is vaccination ?
Vaccination is the process of administering a material to stimulate the individual's immune response (disease fighting ability) so that the individual becomes protected against a disease. The material that is administered is the vaccine. Some vaccines are administered orally (Pulse Polio) and some are injected (Hepatitis).

I have vaccinated my dog. Why should I get it vaccinated again the next year? 
Vaccination imparts immunity for a particular period of time and thereafter the immunity wanes. That is why they are to be repeated after a specified period of time.

Are dog vaccines given orally or injected ?
Almost all the dog vaccines are injected. However, a vaccine against Kennel Cough is given by intra -nasal route (through nose). This vaccine is not available in India.

What are the vaccines that I need to give to my dog ?
Normally an adult dog is given the following vaccinations :-
    (a) DHLPPi - It is a vaccine against diseases like Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis,
    Leptospirosis, Parvo virus and Parainfluenza

    (b) Anti Rabies Vaccine (ARV) - As the name suggests, this vaccine is given against Rabies.

What should be the frequency of these vaccinations?
Normally, DHLPPi is given once a year in case of adult dogs. However, it may have to be given twice a year in areas where certain diseases are endemic (prevalent). Your vet would advise you on this aspect. The same applies for Anti Rabies Vaccine as well. However, latest findings indicate that the immunity imparted by an Anti Rabies Vaccine last for around two years and hence it may be given every alternate year.

What happens if I get my dog vaccinated with Anti Rabies Vaccine every year?
It is fine if one gets his or her dog vaccinated against Rabies every year. However, studies indicate that it is probably not required to be given every year.

What is Corona Virus Vaccine ?
It is not a core vaccine which means that it is not a "must" vaccine. It is a vaccine often given to pups to prevent occurrence of diarrhoea. This vaccine is not required to be given to adult dogs.

What are the vaccines given to pups ?
The pups are also given DHLPPi and ARV like the adult dogs but the frequency varies. It may also happen that rather than giving DHLPPi , the vet hospital may give the vaccines separately.

At what frequency are the vaccines given to the pups ?
Pups receive immunity from their mothers that lasts till about 06 weeks of age. Therefore, vaccinations in case of pups normally commence after 06 weeks of age.Thereafter, depending upon the policy being followed by the vet hospital, the vaccines are repeated (booster vaccination) every 2-4 weeks until the pup reaches 16 weeks of age.  At least 2 shots each of DHLPPi  and ARV are needed in the first year.

My dog was due for vaccination last year. However, I missed out in taking it to the vet. What do I do now?
That is not a problem. Let bygones be bygones. Take your dog to the vet. He will probably vaccinate it now.

Will the vaccination hurt my pup /dog ?  
More often than not, your pup /dog will not evince any pain or discomfort after the vaccination. However, mild pain, or mild fever is not uncommon. In rare instances some sort of allergic reaction may also occur. The same needs to be apprised to the vet immediately as it may become potentially life threatening.




  

Are You Unknowingly Poisoning Your Dog ?

We love our pets unconditionally. However, owing to ignorance we often give our pets food items that are harmful to them.  Here is a list of the food items commonly found in Indian homes which are delicious for us but are deleterious to the health of our pets :

Grapes and Raisins  

Grapes and Raisins (kismis) are commonly found in almost every home but they are toxic to your dog. They are responsible for causing irreversible kidney damage if ingested by the dogs in large quantities. With severe damage to the kidneys the ability of the dog to produce Urine is compromised as a result of which the kidneys are unable to flush out the toxins from the body. This leads to accumulation of toxins and subsequently death. It is well documented that depending on the size of the dog, as little as 4 -5 grapes or raisins may cause severe illness in the dog. Signs include lack of appetite, vomiting, decreased Urine production, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weakness and a drunken gait.

Onions

Onions - cooked or raw are known to cause serious illness in dogs as well as cats. Onions are known to contain a substance called thiosulphate which is toxic to dogs and cats. The ingestion of Onions  causes a condition called haemolytic anaemia. In this condition,  the tiny Red Blood Cells that circulate inside the blood start bursting thereby liberating haemoglobin. The symptoms of Onion poisoning appear 2-4 days after their ingestion or may even surface at a much later date if small quantities of onion is regularly being ingested by your pet for a period of time. Generally, it is believed that if a dog or cat consumes onions at the rate of 0.5 % of its body weight, it is a potential candidate for onion toxicity. Signs of onion toxicity are pale gums, rapid heart rate, weakness, diarrhea, lethargy, bloody urine etc.

Chocolates

Yes, chocolate causes toxicity in dogs and cats. Read the details in my post dated 10 Apr. 

Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeinated drinks viz. tea, coffee and in the summers Cold Coffee all contain Caffeine. Many popular soft drinks like Coca Cola, Mountain Dew etc - all have Caffeine! Like chocolates Caffeine too causes poisoning if ingested. The symptoms will get manifested depending upon the quantity in which it has been ingested by the dog. Caffeine poisoning is quite similar to Chocolate poisoning. 

Garlic

It causes a toxicity similar to Onion poisoning (Haemolytic anaemia)

Alcohol

All alcoholic beverages contain ethanol. Ethanol is a toxic compound that is known to depress the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) and the respiratory system. Even a small quantity of ethanol can cause poisoning. Signs include sedation, depression, lethargy, a drunken gait and lowered body temperature (Hypothermia).

Chewing gum and Candy

Many Chewing gums (including some mouth freshening gums) and Candy have a substance called Xylitol, It is a sweetening agent and causes serious health problems in the dogs if consumed. It causes liver damage and reduced blood glucose level. The symptoms  of poisoning develop within an hour of the ingestion. Signs include a drunken gait, seizures and collapse 

Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Yes, you read it right ! Chocolates- of all the things are serious causes of poisoning in dogs. Chocolates contain a substance called theobromine which is responsible for stimulating the heart (cardiac stimulant) and increase the Urine output (diuretic). It is also known to make the dog hyperactive. (I recall a case where in the owner described this state as “ the dog was going bonkers”).

The common symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs are vomiting, diarrhoea, irregular heart beat, restlessness, seizures, body tremors, frequent urination, drinking lots of water.

In general, the bitter and darker the chocolate, greater is the risk of poisoning. Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are extremely toxic. Milk chocolates are much less poisonous. In between the two ends of the spectrum lie the other chocolates.

Further, the smaller the size of the dog, the more susceptible it would be to chocolate poisoning. The signs of sickness may not be noticed until quite a few hours have lapsed after the intake of chocolate and owners are often unable to make a link to the episode of sickness with the intake of chocolate. Let me quantify it for you. A dog weighing around 25 kg may become fatally sick by consuming about 30 g of cocoa powder / dark bitter chocolate.

Unfortunately, there is no antidote to chocolate poisoning and initial aggressive therapy, hospitalization is required to cure the dog.

Points to note

No cakes and chocolates for the dog. No cakes on its birthday. Teach the kids. They are more responsible than they are given credit for. Be more careful when hosting parties. Ensure safe disposal of left – overs. More so when your dog is in the habit of inspecting the bin regularly.

Let’s spread the word! Share this with fellow pet owners.

  

Why is it important to deworm your dog ?

Dogs need to dewormed periodically to keep themselves in the best of their health. They have a large variety of endoparasites (worms found inside the body). These worms not only rob your pooch of the vital nutrients that it gets from the food but they also cause a variety of ailments viz. diarrhoea, lethargy, rough hair coat, pale gums, scooting (rubbing the anal region on the floor) on their bums, weight loss, loss of vigour etc.

These worms are broadly classified as flat worms, round worms and tape worms. They  multiply inside their bodies (primarily inside the stomach and their intestines) and liberate eggs which are passed out through the stool and thus contaminate the immediate environment. Humans and especially the children are more prone to pick up these eggs from the contaminated surroundings.   

A ROUNDWORM

A TAPEWORM

 Normally, a pup needs to be dewormed for the first time when it is about a month old and thereafter every two weeks till it attains 03 months of age. Thereafter, it should be dewormed every 3 - 4 months for its entire life. It is a good idea to keep a record of the dates on which the deworming was carried out and the name of the medicine. This will greatly assist your vet in choosing the right drug for deworming.

How frequently should I give a bath to my dog ?

Bathing the dog is an issue that seldom gets the importance it deserves. However, the frequency of bathing the dog is indeed an important issue and needs to be addressed appropriately for the well being of the dog. Why else would a google search on the topic throw a humongous 195,000,000 links ?

Well, as the adage goes - "different strokes for different folks", there are no sacrosanct rules on this aspect applicable uniformly to all dogs but it is good to remember and recollect a few facts.  

Dogs are different from us. Actually all dogs that we see today are descendants of the wolves. The wolves are wild animals exposed to the vagaries of nature and nature has not designed them to take baths. At least not everyday the way we do. Period.

The skin of the dog is different from ours and nature has provided them with certain glands that secrete a kind of oil that keeps the skin supple. Frequent bathing washes away the oil and compromises the skin and leads to a dry, irritated skin with a dull, hair coat besides predisposing it to a wide variety of skin ailments. 

While the individual requirements of the dogs vary (they also have a dry /oily skin) which will dictate the frequency of bathing. In general, giving the dog a bath once a month or even once in a month and a half is a good idea. Of course, if your dog has long hair and stays outdoors most of the times, frequently picking up dirt or has become extremely dirty, (some friends almost spray painted my golden retriever this Holi) one will have to give it a bath much earlier. 

Instead of bathing ones dog (daily or weekly or fortnightly), it is a wise idea to groom it (combing, brushing etc) more frequently. This will remove away the dirt and dust and thus clean the coat.  Well, most professional organizations using dogs for security operations groom their dogs twice a day - each session lasting for 30 minutes. They carry out the grooming more rigorously after the dog has come back from an outdoor exercise / operation. 

Finally, if you feel, your pooch has started to smell a wee bit, go ahead take a wet towel, put a few drops of Dettol / Savlon and give it a nice rub down. You will have a clean, nice smelling dog in  minutes and what is more you would not have stripped your dog off the natural oils of its skin.   

PS.

American Society For Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends bathing your dog at least once every 03 months. They also add that "your pet may require more frequent baths if she spends a lot of time outdoors". Here, check this link - http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/grooming-faq.aspx#bathemydog

I rest my case!