Barky Boy - Barky.com.au

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023

10 Common Health Problems in Dalmatians

Dalmatians are a dignified and intelligent breed. They are well-known for their intriguing, beautiful spotted coats, as so proudly shown in Disney’s “101 Dalmatians.”

If you are considering bringing a Dalmatian into your home or already have one, your dog’s health will certainly be on your mind. There are some health conditions Dalmatians are predisposed to, and it is important to be aware of them so you can watch out for the warning signs. If you want to learn more about the health problems that your Dalmatian may be at higher risk of developing, keep reading below.

The 10 Common Health Problems in Dalmatians

1. Hypothyroidism

When dogs contract hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormones. These hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining your dog’s metabolism, so when too little is produced, your dog’s metabolism becomes unbalanced.

This can lead to weight gain, lethargy, coldness, recurring skin and ear infections, poor coat quality, and stronger skin pigmentation. Other, less common symptoms may occur, such as reproductive issues and neurological complications.

Treatment will require a regular thyroid hormone replacement, often taken orally. This treatment must be given to your dog for the rest of his life.

Dalmatian Examine by vet — Image Credit: Kuzmin, Shutterstock

2. Iris Sphincter Dysplasia

Another issue that commonly plagues Dalmatians is iris sphincter dysplasia. This disease affects your dog’s eyes. It is most commonly seen in liver-spotted Dalmatians but can also be found in black-spotted Dalmatians.

It occurs when a Dalmatian’s pupils appear to be continuously dilated. This is either due to abnormal development or a deterioration of the iris sphincter, which is the muscle that causes your dog’s pupils to dilate and constrict. This will make your Dalmatian more sensitive to sunlight and possibly prone to other eye conditions.

3. Seizures

Seizures can be a frightening condition to deal with. They are caused by a sudden spike of electrical activity in the brain, causing your dog to tremble and lose awareness. Different seizures can lead to different signs, but generally, dogs experiencing a seizure will collapse, grow stiff, and paddle their limbs.

There are many potential causes of seizures, including several underlying health conditions. These include cancer, head trauma, and liver or kidney disease. Treatment will depend heavily on the cause of the seizures and the type and severity your dog is experiencing.

4. Deafness

Deafness is not uncommon in Dalmatians. Dogs can be born deaf or can develop hearing loss over time. Some dogs will experience complete hearing loss, while some will only lose part of their ability to hear.

Signs that your dog may have hearing loss include a lack of responsiveness to the sound of his name. Likewise, if he is not startled or woken up by sudden noises, it could indicate that your dog has complete or partial hearing loss.

dalmatian head shot — Image Credit: Mirko Kaminski, Pixabay

5. Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are mineral deposits that start small but can grow over time, both in size and number. If your dog is suffering from bladder stones, you will typically notice at least one of the following signs: potty accidents, straining to urinate, discolored urination, and licking around the urinary opening.

Your vet will likely recommend antibiotics or a therapeutic diet to treat bladder stones. Preventing bladder stones can be as simple as finding the proper diet. Your vet can recommend a diet that is both nutritionally balanced and designed to combat the formation of bladder stones.

6. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is most common in large-breed dogs, but other breeds can just as easily be affected. Dalmatians are prone to hip dysplasia, which is when the hip joint does not develop properly. This causes the joint to become loosened and can lead to dysfunction and pain. Later in life, it may create issues such as arthritis, muscular atrophy, and impeded mobility.

Signs of hip dysplasia include limping, lameness, and bunny-hopping. Your dog may also have difficulty standing and may sit in strange positions, and you may hear a crack or pop when your dog moves the affected joint.

There are two main treatment options available: surgery and medical management. Depending on the severity of your Dalmatian’s case, your vet may recommend one over the other. Physical therapy and other complementary treatments may be advisable as well.

7. Copper-Associated Liver Disease

Copper-associated liver disease is a condition in which your Dalmatian has accumulated too much copper in his liver. Dogs afflicted with this condition may seem entirely healthy or may appear sickly and jaundiced. Either way, once your dog has received a diagnosis, it is vital to start treatment to reduce the amount of copper in your dog’s liver.

Your vet may recommend a diet that is low in copper to diminish the built-up copper in his system. Supplements may also be given to support your dog’s recovery, but it is unlikely that supplements will be the only option your vet suggests.

Dalmatian Vet — Image Credit: Dmitry Kalinoxky, Shutterstock

8. Degenerative Myelopathy

Another condition to watch out for is degenerative myelopathy. This complication is a slow-progressing issue where the white matter of the spinal cord gradually degenerates. Although genetic causes are expected, the reason that degenerative myelopathy develops is not yet known. This condition leads to paralysis of the hind limbs.

The early stages of degenerative myelopathy may include weakness of the hind limbs, stumbling, and loss of muscle in the hind limbs. You may also notice that your dog’s toes are knuckled, and his nails are worn. His hind legs will likely tremble.

Treatment includes medical prescriptions, supplements, and physical therapy. Supportive braces may also be used.

9. Laryngeal Paralysis

The larynx is situated at the top of your dog’s windpipe and is also known as the “voice box.” Not only does it help your dog to produce sound, but it is also essential in preventing food and water from entering your dog’s windpipe.

When your dog has laryngeal paralysis, that means that the muscles that open and close the larynx become weakened. This is due to a degeneration of the nerves and muscles in that area.

Signs that your dog may be afflicted with this condition include noisy panting, a change in voice, anxiety, weariness, and gagging when eating or drinking. In more severe instances, you may notice that your dog has difficulty breathing, discolored tongue or gums, and facial swelling. If you notice any of these worrying symptoms, go to your vet immediately.

10. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the pressure in the eyeball is increased. This is due to a lack of balance between the production and drainage of fluid in the eye. This condition is often painful and causes blindness due to the damage done to the optic nerve.

Signs that your Dalmatian may have developed glaucoma include dilated pupils, redness or swelling of the eye, constant rubbing around the eye, and watery discharge from the eye. You may also notice your dog bumping into people or things more often as he loses his eyesight.

Conclusion

No one wants to think about their dog in pain or peril, but it is important to be aware of the potential health risks our pets may be predisposed to so that we can act promptly if any troubling signs arise. Dalmatians may be prone to certain conditions, but that does not mean they cannot live healthy and fulfilling lives with the proper care.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Alexander Hagseth, Shutterstock

The post 10 Common Health Problems in Dalmatians appeared first on Pet Keen.

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023

Craft Beer Brings People and Pups Together

The post Craft Beer Brings People and Pups Together by Annie Butler Shirreffs appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Second Chance Beer Company’s main motto is “Seize a Pint, Save a Pup.” That’s because this small, independent craft brewery in San Diego, California, is dedicated to helping rescue dogs.

The brewery was co-created in 2015 by CEO Virginia Morrison and her husband, master brewer Marty Mendiola. Animal welfare is a big element of the company and something that the two are very passionate about.

“When we talked about opening our own brewery, we knew giving back would be a large part of our ethos,” Virginia says.

One percent of the sales from their beers New Day and Buddy (each featuring dogs on the beer can) goes toward Second Chance Dog Rescue and The Animal Pad in San Diego, as well as Follow Your Heart in Gilbert, Arizona. Since the brewery’s beginnings, more than $257,000 has gone to the dog rescues.

The ultimate dog-friendly brewery

To say that Second Chance Beer Company is dog-friendly is an understatement. Virginia and Marty bring their dog, Citra, to work every day. Two dogs the couple fostered, Chinook and Chuck, have found their forever homes with brewery employees, and they come to work every day as well. Other dog-owning employees also bring their canine buddies to work, and patrons are encouraged to bring their pups to join in the fun.

dogs at brewery — Virginia with some of the brewery’s canine customers © Second Chance Beer Company

Helping rescue dogs get adopted

The brewery is instrumental in helping rescue dogs find their forever homes by hosting dozens of events. A portion of sales from fundraising events like the annual Pupapalooza goes to the animal rescues they support.

For 2023, the brewery’s goal is to get 23 dogs adopted and donate at least $2,300 to each of their rescue partners.

“Beyond that, we will open more dog-welcoming tasting rooms and continue to raise awareness of the benefits of adoption,” Virginia says.

In addition to dogs, Virginia’s other passion is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She founded the San Diego Brewer’s Guild’s DEI committee in 2019 and is currently the national Brewers Association’s DEI Committee Chairperson.

As Second Chance’s website says, it’s “a community where beer brings people, and their pups, together. More than just a brewery — we embrace diversity, value innovation and give back without compromise.”

To learn more about Second Chance Beer Company, visit www.secondchancebeer, or follow the brewery on Instagram @secondchancebeer and Facebook @secondchancebeercompany.

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

The post How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch by Sassafras Lowrey, MFA, CPDT-KA, CTDI appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Fetch is a fun game for dogs and people to play together. What is fetch? Fetch is an activity where the human throws an object, such as a dog ball or toy, and the dog retrieves it. Some dogs seem to be born to fetch, and often seek out playing fetch with their owners. But fetch doesn’t come naturally to all dogs. However, all dogs can learn to fetch and enjoy the game.

Supplies needed to teach your dog to fetch:

Toy or ball that your dog likes
Clicker if you are clicker training
Lots of training treats cut into small pieces

How to teach your dog to fetch:

Senior man playing fetch with his golden retriever — For dogs that love to fetch over and over again, there are fetch dog products to help make the game more enjoyable for the dog and human. ©Fly View Productions/Getty Images

Start by teaching your dog to fetch at home at a quiet time without a lot of distractions, so your dog will be able to focus on learning this new skill.

Step 1: Reward your dog for holding a toy or other object. Start with a toy or ball that your dog likes and hold it out to your dog. Click/praise and reward with a treat after any engagement with the toy, such as sniffing or nudging at the toy. Then show the toy to your dog and click/praise and reward your dog for putting his mouth on the toy. When your dog is consistently putting his mouth on the toy, add your verbal cue of your choice like “take” or “hold.” Once your dog is putting his mouth on the toy and showing engagement, you’re ready to work on fetch.

Step 2: Extend a toy out to your dog and ask your dog to hold it using the verbal cue. When your dog takes the toy, praise/click and give a treat.

Step 3: Put the toy down in front of you on the floor and ask your dog to pick up the toy. When he does, praise/click and treat. When your dog is consistently picking up the toy and bringing it to you, introduce a verbal cue of choice like “fetch” or “bring.”

Step 4: Start to move the toy further away, and then ask your dog to bring it. Go slowly with the distance you’re asking your dog to fetch; the goal is to make sure your dog is having fun and is successful instead of trying to see how far your dog can fetch. Keep the game interesting by alternating between having the toy a close distance and having it further away. Always reward your dog for bringing the toy back.

Step 5: Once your dog is consistently fetching a toy placed at various distances, start to throw the toy and use the verbal cue to ask your dog to bring it back. Practice the skill with other balls and toys, too. Build up the difficulty gradually by first tossing a toy a short distance in the house, before starting to ask your dog to fetch while outside or in other distracting situations.

Keep rewarding your dog for fetching:

Although fetch is a highly rewarding game for some dogs, it isn’t naturally rewarding for all dogs. Some dogs will develop a love of the game, while others will fetch on cue when asked, but don’t find personal enjoyment in the game. For these dogs, keep reinforcing by using a treat to reward the fetch behavior.

Teaching fetch to dogs who don’t like toys:

Teaching fetch to dogs who don’t naturally enjoy playing with toys can be more challenging, but it’s not impossible! Start teaching with a soft plush toy that has a pouch to put treats inside. The scent of the hidden treats will inspire most dogs to show interest in the toy and be willing to put the toy in his mouth. Build on that behavior to teach your dog to hold and then fetch the toy. Once your dog understands the skill you can ask your dog to fetch other balls or toys.

Products for playing fetch with your dog

Although fetch can be as simple as throwing a ball to your dog, who then chases it and brings it back to you, there are ways to make it more exciting for dog who love to fetch. These dog products can make fetch more easy for the human and fun for the dog who loves to fetch over and over again.