October 2016 - Page 3 of 4 - Daily Dog Discoveries

What is Hydrolyzed Protein in Dog Food?

October 11, 2016October 11, 2016 by Admin

Today, there are more and more types of diets for dogs, and dog owners may sometimes stumble on terms that are not easy to understand and one of them is hydrolyzed protein. You may have heard a veterinarian recommend a diet with hydrolyzed protein for your dog or you may have stumbled on this term being advertised in pet food stores, but what exactly is hydrolyzed protein and how can it benefit your dog? So the trivia question of the day is:

What is Hydrolyzed Protein in Dog Food?

A It’s protein that has been converted into a form of fat

B It’s protein that has been soaked in water

C It’s protein that that has been broken down into smaller components

D It’s protein that has been allowed to evaporate completely

The correct answer is: drum roll please..

drum

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

The correct answer is C, hydrolyzed protein in dog food is protein that has been broken down into smaller parts.

A Word About Protein

In order to understand how hydrolyzed protein works, it’s first important to understand the role of protein in dog food. Protein consists of large molecules of amino acids, the building blocks that make up proteins. Amino acids play an important role in the correct functioning of cells, muscles and tissue. Amino acids also play a role in the correct functioning of a dog’s organs, glands, tendons and arteries and help in repairing tissue and removing waste from the body.

So to re-cap, protein is made of large, complex molecules which are made up of hundreds of smaller individual units known as amino acids.

Did you know? “There are twenty-two amino acids used by the body to build proteins involved in many important functions… Among the amino acids used within the body, there are ten amino acids that are essential in the diet for dogs…”~Sally Perea, veterinary nutritionist.

The Hydrolysis Process

The word hydrolysis comes from the Greek word “lysis” which means splitting and the word “hydro” which means water. Basically, when protein is hydrolyzed it’s broken down into smaller parts. The word “hydro”is used because the breaking down of components often takes place by the addition of a molecule of water.

The protein is therefore split into smaller molecules such as amino acid chains (polypeptide chains) and free amino acids.These smaller individual amino acid components make them unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction, hence why dog foods with hydrolyzed proteins are often considered to potentially be “hypoallergenic.”

What happens exactly is that, since the proteins are broken up, the dog’s immune system is somewhat “tricked,” as it no longer recognizes the proteins they were originally and therefore, no longer reacts. This method has been used for years when it comes to infant formula so to help infants having a hard time tolerating cow milk.

Did you know? Most food allergens consist of glycoproteins ranging in size from 18 kD to 70 kD (kilodalton.) Hydrolysis reduces the proteins to small polypeptides creating proteins below this size that are therefore “hypo-allergenic.”

Pros and Cons

Hydrolyzed protein diets are not only good for dogs suffering from allergies. Since they are highly digestible, they may also benefit dogs suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, portosystemic shunts and hepatic encephalopathy, explains veterinary nutritionist Dr. Dottie LaFlamme.

Also, hydrolyzed diets may be beneficial as well to Dalmatians, a breed particularly prone to bladder stones, but without having to excessively restrict the protein content in their food.

Among the downfalls of hydrolyzed proteins is the fact that, since the protein sources are broken down, the food might not be as palatable as it would be with the protein kept in its original form.

Other potential problems involve reduced nutritional value, hypoosmotic diarrhea and persistent allergies, according to Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. Another disadvantage is that people feeding such diets, must adhere to a very strict feeding regimen, not allowing anything else other than the diet and water.

Warning: While hydrolyzed protein diets have a lower incidence of causing allergens, none of the currently available diets are hydrolyzed to such an extent to be able to guarantee complete absence of any allergens. It’s therefore best to use caution and select a diet that is free of the protein that the patient is known to be sensitized to, suggests veterinary nutritionist Nick Cave.

Dog Foods With Hydrolyzed Protein

Today, the use of hydrolyzed protein is a fairly new concept and more brands of dog foods are offering this option for dogs suffering from food allergies and digestive problems.

Dog food brands currently known for using hydrolyzed protein include Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Ultra Canine, Purina HA HypoAllergenic Canine Formula, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Hypoallergenic.

Most of these diets use soy and chicken as protein sources. Soy is often chosen because few dogs have been exposed to soy based diets so they’re less likely to have been sensitized to it, explains veterinarian Matthew J. Ryan with the Veterinary Hospital University of Pennsylvania Clinical Dermatology & Allergy Service.

Did you know? Hydrolyzed protein diets are different from novel protein diets. While a novel protein diet offers a source of protein the dog was never exposed to before (like exotic meats such as duck, bison and venison), hydrolyzed protein diets expose to less exotic proteins that are simply broken down in smaller components.

References:

DVM360, When pieces are better than the whole: Hydrolyzed protein diets (Sponsored by Nestlé Purina), by Dottie LaFlamme, retrieved from the web on Oct 11, 2016.
HYDROLYSED PROTEIN DIETS Nick Cave, BVSc, MVSc, MSCVSc, DACVN Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, retrieved from the web on Oct 11, 2016
University of Pennsylvania Clinical Dermatology & Allergy Service, What to Feed? Hydrolyzed Diet vs. Novel-Protein Diet, retrieved from the web on Oct 11, 2016

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

I am Your Dog’s Nails

October 14, 2016October 10, 2016 by Admin

You may not pay attention to your dog’s nails much until they start clicking on the floor, reminding you that perhaps it’s now time for another nail trim. Whether your dog likes them or not, those “nail trim pedicures” are very important, so it’s ultimately time well invested working on making them a more pleasant activity. Your dog’s nails are more than just protrusions extending from him paws, dog nails play several important functions and paying close attention to them is important as they are also predisposed to problems. So today, let’s discover more about a dog’s nails, their function and possible signs of trouble.

Introducing Your Dog’s Nails!

We are long and sharp, make a clicking sound and come in different colors, who are we? You guessed it, your dog’s nails! We are that curvy part that you find at the end of your dog’s toes, and just like your nails, we are made of keratin – a special protein made of dead cells, but wait, don’t let the word “dead” fool you, we are actually well alive!

We have several nerves and blood vessels within us, which compose your dog’s “quick,” that area that makes your dog startle and yelp in pain if you accidentally happen clip through it during a nail trim. While humans also have a “quick,” in humans the quick stops at the finger tips while in dogs the quick extends into the nail which makes it particularly vulnerable to being accidentally clipped.

Variety is the Spice of Life!

There are no general rules of “thumb” when it comes to our numbers and colors. Normally, each toe has one nail. Humans typically have five fingers and five toes (if you’re wondering, that makes you pentadactyl, by the way), whereas, the average dog has only four toes in both the front and back paws. This means there are four of us in the front paws and four of us in the back paws respectively.

Dogs who have extra digits though, like the amazing Norwegian ludenhund have more of us compared to the average dog.

And when it comes to colors, we often reflect the color of the surrounding skin. In dogs with white fur, we may therefore be white, whereas in dogs with dark fur, we tend to be black (which makes it more challenging to identify the quick) and in some cases, we can even be multi-colored as seen in the picture.

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

Did you know? Fossil evidence shows that animals that have a reduced number of digits are mostly cursorial animals who were required to maintain high speeds for long distances, explains John Buckwalter, Emeritus of Biology at Alfred State College. Cursorial animals are known for having long limbs, shortened digits and reduced number of toes. Dogs for example have four toes instead of five as in humans, and horses (cursorial grazers) have only one (the hoof is simply the distal phalanx of the 3rd digit)

We Provide Traction…

What’s our purpose in a dog’s life? We have several functions. Mother Nature really crafted us with dogs living in a natural setting in mind. She probably never expected that dogs would end up living in people’s homes with all their modern features.

Indeed, if you take a close look at your dog’s nails, you may notice that they’re shaped like cleats purposely crafted to dig into earthen terrains. “When was the last time you saw a dog slipping around while playing on dirt or grass?”questions veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby. So it’s not surprising if dogs nowadays as domesticated companions have a hard time “getting a grip” on totally unnatural surfaces such as tiles, linoleum and hardwood floors.

And Torque..

Yes, providing traction when running over uneven surfaces is what we are there for, but there’s more. Even those dewclaw nails that many people think have no function at all, actually have a function. If you are planning on having a puppy that will later on compete in the sport of agility or the perfect working dog you have always dreamed of, you may want to give chopping off those dewclaws a second thought.

Dewclaws help support Rover’s lower legs, and when he makes those swift tight turns as seen in the sport of agility, it’s thanks to his dewclaws that torque is prevented and the dog’s leg is saved from twisting and sustaining other injuries, explains veterinarian and rehabilitation specialist of performance-related injuries, Dr.Christine Zink.

We Help in Digging Up Treasures…

Mother Nature also provided us so to help dogs unearth certain “treasures.” Whether your dog is digging to uncover roots from your favorite plants, an old, hidden bone or the hiding spot of some sort of critter living underground, for sure us nails help accomplish these determined canine’s goals!

We may have been particularly useful to certain dogs breeds with a history as “diggers” such as the terriers and doxies, the digging dogs par excellence. For instance, in dachshunds, we have been crafted to grow particularly strong and quite fast so to compensate for the wear and tear associated with this dog breed’s predisposition for digging, explains Stephanie Cimmarusti, in the book “Everything You Need To Know About Your New Mini Dachshund Puppy.”

And We Also Provide A Grip!

Some dogs are particularly “pawsy”compared to others, using their paws do perform several actions, but all dogs at some point or another in their lives may find a use for us when handling items or putting their paws to “good use.”

Whether your dog is holding down a bone, trying to open a door or pawing to get a toy from under the couch, let’s face it, we come extra handy in helping dogs “get a grip”and reaching their objective. Dogs are quite determined pooches and it’s quite comical when we see them put us to use.

When Things Go Wrong

We may seem strong and tough, but we are also prone to several problems. Annoying bacterial and fungal nail infections may affect dogs too. Bacteria may affect us when we get injured, so if you notice a broken nail or some other type of injury, make sure to keep us clean and well disinfected, or in complicated cases, ask your vet to take care of us to prevent annoying infections.

You may also want to make sure we heal well, considering that when a dog’s nail is chronically infected, it may lead to permanent defective nail growth, explains veterinary dermatologist Dr. Patrick Hensel.

Sometimes can also become affected by cancer, in particular squamous cell carcinoma, mast cell tumors and malignant melanoma of the toe. If you notice any changes in our appearance, such as a damaged nail or a toe nail falling off a swollen toe, consider that this can be one of the first signs of trouble, according to the Veterinary Cancer Place. Sp when in doubt, see your vet at once.

On a brighter side, consider that fungal nail infections are less common in dogs than in humans. When we are infected by fungus, you’ll likely know pretty soon, as we’ll often exhibit a brown-red discoloration with a waxy brown-red seepage. I know, yuck! And sometimes, dog owners are quite baffled when they see their dogs growing what looks like an “extra nail.” No, we don’t grow out of no where, in reality, this often turns out being a cutaneous horn, which is caused by a papillomavirus.

As seen, we are are quite important to your dog! However, let’s face it, dogs are often not walked as much as they should, they rarely are allowed to dig to their heart’s content and they live indoors for the most time walking on soft carpets and grassy areas. This gives us little opportunity to wear down. Long nails are not a cosmetic issue, but rather a health one. If we are allowed to grown too long, your dog’s gait will be thrown off badly which can ultimately affect his joints in the long run, and we may even break, split or even curl and embed in your dog’s paws, ouch! So please take good care of us, and don’t forget to teach your dog to like having his feet handled!

Yours dearly,

Your Dog’s Nails

Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog’s nails appear abnormal or are bleeding, seeping pus or showing other worrisome signs, please see your vet.

References:

DVM360, Nail Diseases, by Patrick Hensel, retrieved from the web on July 8th, 2016
Puppy’s First Steps: The Whole-dog Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy …By Nicholas H. Dodman, Lawrence Lindner, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (April 18, 2007)
Saint Bernard’s Animal Medical Center, The Quick and the Dead: Nail Trims, retrieved from the web on July 8th, 2016
Toe Grips, Frequently asked questions about Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips: the traction aid to help stop dog slipping, retrieved from the web on July 8th, 2016

Photo Credits:

Letter “D” in the image indicates the dewclaw on this dog’s front paw. Letter “E” is the carpal pad. Amos T Fairchild – own work (photo and GIMP modifications) CC BY-SA 3.0
jaimekay16, agility163, Flickr creative commons (CC BY 2.0)
Wonderlane Rose, a puppy, chewing on a bone, south U District near the Montlake Cut, Seattle, Washington, USA, Flickr creative commons CC BY 2.0
Flickr Creative Commons, John Collins, DSC_3594 (CC BY 2.0)

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

Training a Dog to Come With an E-Collar? Think Again

October 18, 2016October 9, 2016 by Admin

If you are in the process of training your dog to come, you may feel tempted to using an e-collar/shock collar/remote training collar. You may have heard that training your dog with a shock collar may be the fastest, most reliable way to train a solid recall, but how true is that? You may have seen trainers using shock collars in videos or demonstrations and portraying this training tool as far superior to all other training tools and techniques, but is training your dog to come with an e-collar really the best way to train? In this article we’ll be taking a look at what really happens when your are training a dog to come with an e-collar.

How Shock Collars Work

Many people are attracted to using shock collars to train their dogs, but they might not know exactly how they work.

You may have heard that shock collars only emit a small “static” correction that is meant to help your dog learn.

However, an important piece of information that is often missed is that, in order for that small “static” correction to work, it must be perceived as unpleasant enough for the dog to want to avoid it.

So when trainers or product representatives are telling people that shock collars don’t cause pain or discomfort as they only emit an innocent “tickle” or a “tap” this is misleading information, and unscientific too, because in order to stop a dog from engaging in a particular behavior, that “tap”must be perceived as painful or unpleasant enough for the dog to want to avoid it!

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

Introducing Continuous Stimulation

To train a dog to come using a shock collar, a training method known as negative reinforcement is used. Negative reinforcement is basically avoidance training at best. What it means is that behaviors that remove something that’s unpleasant will reinforce and repeat.

For example, in experiments, rats were often subjected to continuous shock that only stopped if the rats pressed on a specific level. Because the rats obviously didn’t want to be subjected to repeated shock, they soon learned that in order to stop the shock quickly, they better press that level! Rats and scientific laboratories aside, something similar happens when training a dog to come using a shock collar.

When using a shock collar to train a dog to come, the continuous shock feature is used. What this means is that you will have to deliver continuous shock until your dog makes the right choice, which is coming to you. This can take a split second, a handful or seconds or even more, depending on the dog’s level of training.

Because the decision of coming to you is ultimately what stops the shock, the dog should eventually learn to come quickly so to avoid the shock. So basically, by using the shock collar in this way, the ultimate goal is for the dog to learn how to turn the stimulation (the shock) off.

A Dozen of Risk Factors

Using a shock collar doesn’t mean that you will obtain a remote-controlled dog that will mechanically respond to you no questions asked. Dogs are not robots or remote-controlled toys and no type of dog training is foolproof. Unfortunately using shocking collars comes with many risks and some of them can be quite serious, so much so that trainers are often employed to fix the problems dog owners or other trainers have created through its use!

Here are some significant risk factors that should be kept into consideration before considering to use a shock collar to train dogs.

Dogs may panic and run off the first time they are introduced to an e-collar. These dogs are basically trying to escape the shock and are clueless and confused about how to turn it off. There was a case of a dog who ran off and got run over by a car the first time a shock collar was used on him. Sadly, the dog didn’t make it.
Shock is not always felt in dogs in the same way. When a dog is focused on something or his adrenaline levels are high, he might not feel the shock as much as when he is relaxed. For example, when a dog is sniffing and his brain is highly concentrated, he might not feel the shock much, but the moment he lifts his head he may suddenly yelp in pain. For a soft, sensitive dog, it may take time to recover from this.
As dogs are presented with stronger and stronger distractions during recall training, the level of shock will have to be increased significantly to get the dog to respond. This causes people to start shocking at higher and higher levels, hurting dogs more and more.
Not always things go as planned. Dogs learn through associations and some dogs may end up being terrorized of leaving the owner’s side because they have developed a strong superstitious belief that moving away from the owner will lead to shock. Sometimes dogs associate other things like objects around them with the shock other than not coming when called.
Think dogs are “thick skinned?” Think again. Many may find this surprising, but a dog’s skin is thinner, much thinner than in humans. According to Vet West Animal Hospitals, the epidermis in dogs is 3 to 5 cells thick whereas in humans, it’s at least 10 to 15 cells thick. Fun trivia, can you guess where a dog’s thickest skin is located?
Shock collar training may lull people into thinking they can walk their dog off leash reliably which puts dogs at risk. No dog training is foolproof enough to make it worthy to put the dog in peril.
Shock collars may end up causing dogs to feel demotivated and fall into a state of learned helplessness.
There is hard data (eg. Schilder, van der Borg) showing the many adverse effect shock collars can have. See references for studies.
Many owners depend on shock collars quite a lot which means they put them on during training but also keep them on daily for extended periods of time so the collar is readily there in case of the need for a correction. Keeping the collar on for extended periods of time though can lead to “collar sores.”
Many people are tempted to crank the level of shock up when dogs do not respond promptly. Shock collars have a strong potential for misuse. It is not a training tool for the inexperienced.
Great timing is essential so dogs know exactly what is causing the shock and what is stopping it. Problem is though that nobody is perfect and timing can be misjudged even by the experienced.
And last but not least, virtually every thing can be taught entirely using non-aversion based techniques and the best part is that these friendly techniques lack the possibility for risks and serious welfare issues. So if there is an equally – if not more efficient way to train a dog to come when called, why shock a dog in the first place?

dog-shock

References:

Schalke, E., Stichnoth, J. and Jones-Baade, R. (2005) Stress symptoms caused by the use of electric training collars on dogs (Canis Familiaris) in everyday life situations.
Training Dogs With the Help of the Shock Collar: short and long term behavioural effects(Schilder, van der Borg) Applied Animal Behaviour Science 85 (2004) 319–334

Photo Credits:

Diensthund der Bereitschaftspolizei Würzburg, TheHidden – Own work (= “Selbst fotografiert”) CC BY-SA 3.0, edited to focus on dog

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

What Really Happens When We Tell Dogs the Word No

October 14, 2016October 8, 2016 by Admin

As verbal humans, we are very used to using our words to communicate our thoughts, and this tendency often also surpasses species boundaries when we use our words as well to communicate with our own dogs. One of the most common words people use to communicate displeasure is a sharp “no!” said often in a “I mean business” tone of voice. But do dogs really understand the meaning of the word no? We may assume they do based on how they sometimes react to it, but things are not always as we perceive them.

Using the Word No

To us humans, the word no is perceived as something that should make a behavior stop. Indeed, people tend to often use it when the dog is doing something that is not desirable. The dog is jumping on someone? No! The dog is trying to steal a sandwich from the table? No! The dog is about to jump onto the couch? No!

Since many dogs stop in their tracks upon hearing the “no” word, it’s perceived as if the dog completely understood our message. The word “no” is therefore reinforcing to the owner as it made a bothersome behavior stop in its tracks. Since it feels good to the owner to make an unwanted behavior go away, the word no will therefore be used more and more in similar contexts. So next time Rover tries to dig a hole in the yard, the owner will say.. yes, you guessed it, the powerful word “no!”

Dogs don’t use words as we do, and as such, they often don’t understand many things we tell them. The word “no!” used to tell Rover to stop chewing, to stop jumping, to stop stop digging, to stop begging, to stop pulling and to stop all those different things dogs do that we don’t like, isn’t perceived by dogs in the same way we perceive it.

So if dogs don’t really understand what we are saying, then why do some dogs often stop in their tracks upon hearing us say “no”? Following are several explanations as to what dogs may be actually perceiving when we say the magic word “no.”

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

“Stop All Activity!”

Think dogs understand the word ‘no’? Here’s what’s likely happening. When the dog owner says “no!” in a firm “I mean business” tone of voice, the dog is simply responding to the owner as if responding to a dog who is growling and snarling. No exact meaning is attached to the word no as to “stop jumping, stop digging or stop begging.” Therefore, the dog is not stopping any particular activity, but is actually stopping ALL activity, explains veterinarian Myrna Milani, in the book “The Body Language and Emotion of Dogs.”

“Using the word “NO” means nothing to a dog, he is not born with an understanding of the word “NO” or any other word for that matter.”~Georgina Lees-Smith

What to do instead: here’s an easy exercise: try to stop relying on the word “no” and instead do some troubleshooting, figuring out what you really want your dog to instead. Write these behaviors down and and start practicing them when the problem behaviors are NOT occurring. Make these behaviors really fluent so that you can ask for them when you notice your dog is about to engage in a troublesome behavior.

“I Don’t Understand You”

When we tell a dog “no” we are not understanding our dog and our dog is not understanding us. This makes for some mass miscommunication! For example in the case of a dog who is barking at the door, we may tell the dog to quiet down by saying “No!” But what is really going on in Rover’s mind? Rover may have heard a noise, perhaps somebody walking close by the door and by barking he is announcing an intruder. “There’s somebody coming close!” he barks to alert the owner. The owner instead remarks “No!” while the dog keeps barking as if saying “Yes, yes, there is a person walking by, I just heard him with my sensitive ears! Don’t believe me? Check it out!” This leads to a profound form of cross-communication that often leads to dog owners further raising their voices, remarks veterinary behaviorist Karen Overall in the book “Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.”

What to do instead: In this case, rather than raising the voice to tell the dog “no” a better option may be to acknowledge the dog’s barking by looking outside and thanking the dog for alerting, then possibly giving the dog something else to do such as sit or lie down and rewarding with a tasty treat or a toy.

“Attention Coming Your Way!”

While in some dogs the word “no”may suppress any behavior they engage in, for some attention seeking dogs, the word “no” may have the opposite effect. For these dogs. the word “no” has actually become a powerful word that has become associated with attention!

These are often bored, under stimulated dogs who may appreciate any form of attention, even if of the negative type. So when their owners come home from work, these dogs are looking forward to doing anything that just gets the owners’ attention away from watching a TV show or talking on the phone. “Me, me, please pay attention to me! ” So these dogs start chewing on the remote, barking at the owners or insistently pawing at them or stealing an item and taking off with it in hopes of gaining the owner’s attention. If the word “no” is incorporated in the owner’s reaction, it often becomes a signal that the owner is now paying attention to the dog, looking at him and talking at him or even “playing with him” as seen with dogs stealing items and having the owner yell “no” as he starts chasing him around in a fun game of keep away.

What to do instead: Dogs have needs too! Provide your dog with the right amount of exercise and interaction before sitting down in the evening. Then as his energy is drained off, provide a quiet, yet mentally stimulating activity for your dog such as working on a stuffed Kong or other type of puzzle that can provides several minutes of entertainment. When commercials come on, why not do some fun, yet brief training sessions with your pal?

“Just Don’t Mind Me”

On the other hand, there are dogs who care less about the word “no.” Indeed, the word “no” has become just as irrelevant as the birds chirping in the trees during the day or the crickets singing during the night. Often this is the result of dog owners repeating the word no over and over like a broken record, and the dog has no clue what the dog owners mean so they have learned to just ignore it.

This is something often seen with new puppy owners. They follow their puppy around the house as the puppy starts investigating. The puppy chews on a shoe and the owner says ” no!” The puppy next steals the remote and the owner says “no!” Because all these “no” do not have an immediate consequence such as diverting the puppy’s attention to something else or providing a brief timeout to a boring room, they go to deaf ears or the puppy may also think it’s a fun game.

“The power of the word ‘no’ is totally lost on the dog who hears it used repeatedly, thus learning to ignore it. “~Sue McCab

What to do instead: manage your puppy’s environment so he’s not allowed to repeatedly rehearse problem behaviors which put him into the position of failing. So if say your puppy chews on your shoes, why not stop leaving those shoes around in the first place? “Out of sight, out of mind,” is quite a powerful management technique! Instead, leave around all the toys your puppy can play with so he’s set up for success and every body is happy.

“I Don’t Care About Your Needs”

Many behaviors that trigger the word “no” are instinctive, natural behaviors that dogs may find self-reinforcing. When a dog is stopped from performing an undesirable behavior (from our perspective of course!), often a behavior vacuum is likely to take place. Deprived from performing the natural behavior, the dog may feel frustrated and try to find another replacement behavior just to fill up the void. So if Rover is told “no” every time he tries to dig in the yard, at some point he may get frustrated from not being able to perform this natural behavior, so he’ll likely fill the void and decide to start chewing on the water hose instead.

“Vacuum behavior appears to spontaneously erupt out of frustrated internal drive tensions unable to find adequate expression otherwise.” ~Steven Lindsay

What to do instead: A better option is instead to give a dog benign activity to engage in that meets his natural desires such as getting food out of a stuffed Kong or shredding a cardboard box so that it can fit nicely in the trash can.

The Bottom Line

If dogs don’t understand exactly what the word no means, then it’s not fair to use it, or if it must really be used, it should be simply used as a way to re-direct the dog to performing a replacement behavior. This can be an option if it’s said in a neutral tone and the word hasn’t received excessive negative connotations in past. There are several great things dog owners may do to improve their relationship with their dogs. Management is a great tool to use at least until the dog has had an importunity to being trained. Providing outlets for natural behaviors using benign, innocent hobbies (puzzles, interactive toys, designated digging areas) is important. Replacement behaviors are great as they can fill the void and help your dog make good choices because they have a strong reinforcement history. A win-win!

Using the Word “No” in a More Positive Manner by Zak George

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

No, Tapping Dogs on the Nose is not OK

October 8, 2016October 7, 2016 by Admin

Many dog owners seek advice for training their dogs on the web and a commonly asked question is whether it’s OK to tap a dog on the nose or head. More concerning, there are several websites who actually suggest tapping dogs on the nose or head as a correction for puppies who are nipping or dogs who are barking! Even when the tapping on the nose or head is done by dog owners in playful manner to entice the puppy or dog to play, as innocent as this practice may seem, there are several negative implications associated with tapping dogs this way which is why behavior professionals discourage it. Following are four good reasons why tapping dogs on the nose is not OK.

It’s a Sensitive Area

First of all, it should be considered that a dog’s nose is a sensitive area. Sure, a canine’s nose is quite powerful in detecting smells, but it’s just made of cartilage and soft tissue and it has a blood supply of arteries and veins and nerves.

Of all a dog’s body parts the nose is therefore an overall delicate area considering its internal nasal structures.

A traumatic nose injury in dogs can cause bleeding and pain that may require veterinary attention. Dogs should not be tapped, smacked or punched on the nose with the hands or other objects for any reason.

It Triggers Self -Defense

Even though a tap on the nose may not necessarily end up hurting the dog, we need to look at how the dog perceives it and what happens to him inside, emotionally. Repeated tapping to the dog’s noise may trigger fear and self defense in the long run and the dog may at some point react defensively just as it can happen with scruff shakes and other intimidating actions.

Many people still rely on outdated training methods such as smacking a puppy on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper for eliminating on the floor or giving a whack on the nose directly with a hand to stop a puppy from nipping on hands.

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

Tapping a dog on the nose is based on positive punishment, meaning that its timely application is meant to reduce and stop an unwanted behavior. However, this type of correction actually heightens the chances for defensive aggression studies say. A study conducted by Meghan Herron, DVM, DACVB, Frances Shofer, DVM and Ilana Reisner, DVM, DACVB, of the Matthew Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, found that when dog owners resorted to harsh confrontational techniques, dogs responded with aggression.

” Punishment is like carpet bombing. The behavior you wanted to target gets hit but so can a huge portion of the dog‘s whole repertoire.”~ Jean Donaldson

It Makes Dogs Wary of Hands

One of the best ways to make dogs hand shy is by tapping them on their nose. There are high risks that a dog will become wary of hands after owners have been tapping them on their nose or used their hands somewhere near a dog’s face for the purpose of giving a correction.

Tapping on a dog’s nose may therefore lead to a dog who becomes afraid of having hands anywhere near their faces and may also lead to defensive behaviors.

Because hands are connected to humans, it also wouldn’t be surprising if on top of being wary of hands, affected dogs would also become wary of who delivers the “corrective tap,” negatively affecting the dog’s overall level of trust in such person.

It Encourages Rough Play

As mentioned earlier, some people may use tapping on the nose or head as a way to entice (or perhaps, better say provoke) a dog into play. A while back, there was an (unfounded) belief that playing roughly with a puppy by tapping him on the face and head would make the puppy more protective.

Even though this practice may look innocent, especially when the puppy or dog responds by engaging in a play session, there are associated risks that make this practice counterproductive.

Karen Overall in the book “Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals” discourages this practice and explains that it may lead to inappropriate play and even aggression .

“It is a fallacy that if you play roughly with young puppies, particularly if you tap them about the face and head so that they snap, they will become more protective. This type of play only teaches the dog to play inappropriately and aggressively.”~ Karen Overall

Alternative Methods

Dogs should perceive hands as sources of good things.

Tapping a dog on the nose ultimately doesn’t teach the dog what behavior we are expecting from him. As seen, corrective taps teach dogs to fear hands (and the owner!) and can potentially trigger defensive behaviors.

What should dog owners do then when their dog engages in unwanted behaviors? A great option is teaching the dog an alternate, incompatible behavior that can replace the undesirable one.

For instance, your “puppygator” nips your hands with his sharp teeth? Rather than tapping him on the nose, why not teach him (under the guidance of a trainer/behavior consultant) to gently tap instead your hands using his nose? This training method is known as “targeting” and basically the puppy learns that great things happen when he makes “nose contact” with the owner’s hands.

Indeed, every time the puppy makes nose contact with hands, he is rewarded with a treat tossed nearby him or is given access to a toy tossed on the floor. This way the puppy learns a different way to interact with peoples’ hands rather than biting, he also learns to associate hands (and people) with rewards and has a replacement behavior that will keep him busy and happy! A win-win!

” Actions such as grabbing a dog and forcing it into a down, growling at the dog, and other aggressive behaviors directed toward the animal will only lead to the animal developing a “fight-or-flight” response where the animal fears for its life….When we engage in such behaviors toward our dogs, we are not telling the dog we are “boss,” instead we are telling the dog we are dangerous creatures to be avoided or fought off. There is no “dominance” in these scenarios—only terror and the instinct to defend oneself against attack.” ~Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional behavioral advice. If your dog is exhibiting behavior problems, please consult with a behavior professional employing non-aversion-based force-free, techniques.

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

Six Reasons Behind Your Dog’s Yawning Behavior

October 6, 2016October 6, 2016 by Admin

Most of us know what yawning in humans is all about, but when it comes to yawning behaviors in dogs, we may feel a bit stumped at times. Why is my dog yawning? Do dogs yawn when they are tired or is there more to it? What are some reasons dogs yawn? In order to better understand the mechanisms behind dog yawning, it’s necessary to discover more about what yawning behaviors really entail, what triggers yawning and, most of all, what a yawning dog is trying to tell us, which at times can be very important!

A Look into Yawning

Yawning: we do it when we are bored, engaging in tedious activities or tired, and at times, we also do it when we see other people doing the yawning, hence its contagious nature.

Yawning entails stretching the mouth wide open, deeply inhaling some air and then following it up with an exhale. But why is yawning happening in the first place? What’s going on from a physiological standpoint? In nature, fish, snakes and even babies yawn, and scientists have been wondering about its purpose for many years and have come up with a few theories.

One theory has it that yawning takes place when blood contains high levels of carbon dioxide. Yawning therefore is believed to be a way to increase the intake of oxygen considering that it entails a deeper inhalation compared to regular breathing patterns.

Another theory has it that yawning helps remove tension accumulated in the jaw, tongue and throat, hence why it feels good.

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

And then you have yawning that happens because of simply watching or hearing somebody else yawn. Have you felt like yawning at any time while reading this article so far? If so, let’s hope it’s not from boredom!

Did you know? A study conducted by study leader Teresa Romero of the University of Tokyo revealed that “dogs yawn contagiously when they see a person yawning, and respond more frequently to their owner’s yawns than to a stranger’s.”

6 Reasons Behind Yawning in Dogs

So what about yawning in dogs? Do dogs yawn for the same reasons people yawn, or is there more to it? Yawning in dogs seems to ultimately share a few similarities with human yawning, but dogs may also yawn for their very own reasons. Dogs may yawn after taking a nap, such as when they’re transitioning from sleeping to an awake state, but they are also prone to yawning in specific contexts that are worthy of paying attention to. Following are some important reasons dogs may be yawning.

Yawning for Calm

Given the choice, dogs would likely prefer to dig up a hole in the yard or bark at people passing by their homes rather than yawn from boredom, but when they do yawn in certain contexts, you may want to play close attention to what they may be trying to communicate.

Norwegian dog expert and trainer Turid Rugass, author of the famous dog book “On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals” lists yawning among her lists of calming signals in dogs. Calming signals are signals dogs use to communicate as a way to provide pacification efforts when they feel tension or feel a bit uneasy.

So yes, pay close attention to what is going on when your dog yawns. Were you talking to him in an intimidating tone? Scolding him for doing something he shouldn’t? Giving him a leash correction? Chances are, your dog finds certain things you do or situations as intimidating which makes him feel very uneasy. His yawning, just like lip licking, may therefore be his way to tell you to please calm down and use less stressful techniques when addressing undesirable behaviors.

“Yawning in public may be viewed as a relatively meaningless (or impolite) behavior among humans; it is conversation and conciliation when used by or directed to dogs.” ~Stanley Coren

Yawning for Stress

When you are nervous or stressed, you may bite your nails, tap your foot or bite your lips, Rover instead may choose to yawn when something stressful happens.
Again, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the context in which the yawning happens. If you tripped and ended up stumbling against your dog, he may “yawn” as if saying “yikes, that was close!” or if he was cornered at the vet’s office to get his ears and mouth examined, he may yawn as if to say “wow, that was too close for comfort!”

The ultimate proof of yawning from stress came from a dog trainer I apprenticed under who worked in the filming industry often training dogs to perform in commercials and movies. He showed me how he got dogs to yawn by getting nearby a dog and suddenly yelling “boo!” in his face. The poor dog, yawned as if saying “gosh! that was scary!”

Other than by yawning, stress and uneasiness in dogs may be manifested in many different ways such as through lip licks, whale eyes, keeping the tail tucked between the legs, ears back and whining, just to name a few.

Yawning in Anticipation

While dogs are unable to predict things in the far future, sometimes, dogs may yawn when they anticipate something that’s about to happen.

Dogs have the uncanny ability of chaining together one event that leads to another. So your dog likely knows by now that, when you walk towards the closet and grab your jacket and keys, you are about to head out (and hopefully bring him along for a walk!)

So you may expect a yawn when your dog is looking forward to doing something like going for a walk and is growing a bit impatient perhaps. A yawn may therefore take place if say you grab the leash and then end up picking up the phone that is ringing and sit down to talk with a friend or if you are getting ready to prepare your dog’s dinner and are slow or put the food bowl away as you forgot that you need to do something else.

All of this built up anticipation that Rover experiences must therefore “go somewhere” so Rover dissipates through… you named it.. a yawn, which sometimes is accompanied by a hoo-ah-hoo” sound in what’s called a “howl-yawn. ” So yes, you may notice some yawns when there is a pause in what the dog perceives to be a predictable chain of events.

Yawning Out of Confusion

Last time we checked, dogs didn’t speak English (as of yet) so it’s normal and expected for humans and dogs to misunderstand each other at times.

Actually, to be honest, if we look at the whole picture, dogs and humans actually do quite a decent job in understanding each other for being two totally different species!

Thousands of years spent together hunting and working side-by-side have likely played a role in dogs and humans being so in tune with each other!

One area though where miscommunication is likely to occur is when it comes to the training department and we bombard our dogs with requests and sometimes unrealistic expectations which can cause a mixture of stress and confusion in dogs.

So if your dog starts yawning during a training session ask yourself: am I asking my dog a behaviors he is not too familiar with? Am I putting too much pressure on him? Am I asking too much? Does my dog perhaps need a little break?

“I have often seen a dog yawn immediately after its master scolded it for something, or gave it a very harsh correction…When the owner is taught to use a more friendly tone of voice for commands, the yawning behavior usually disappears.”~Stanley Coren

Yawning in Conflict

Dogs can be quite impressive conflict solvers, too bad that often their conflict-solving efforts are not appreciated as they often go unnoticed!

At times, dogs may feel conflict in certain situation and instead of picking a way to solve the conflict, such as removing themselves from the situation or directly facing the source of conflict, they may pick a third option, and engage in what’s known as a displacement behavior.

So when a child steals Rover’s toy from under his nose (something that should be avoided) Rover may decide to yawn instead of snapping to get it back.

Of course, as with all things behavior related, we really can never interpret what a dog is thinking with total accuracy, so we can only make assumptions based on the contexts in which certain behaviors are happening.

A displacement behavior “is an action that pops out when an animal is in conflict about how to respond to something. This conflict produces low-grade stress and this can manifest as a behavior with no relevance or relation to the context.”~Jean Donaldson

Yawning for Medical Problems

Dogs cannot tell us when they are feeling under the weather, so changes in behavior are often one of the first signs of dogs who are in pain or experiencing some type of discomfort.

For instance, a dog who is yawning, burping and stretching forward may be suffering from some sort of abdominal pain, explains veterinarian Dr. Kara.

If your dog is yawning and doesn’t seem comfortable or there doesn’t seem to be an explanation, it’s always best to report to the vet to rule medical causes out.

As seen, those doggy yawns can take place is several different contexts and situations. Paying attention to when your dog yawns is important so you can make some necessary changes that can potentially transform your relationship and create a bond that is better than before.

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

Dog Word of the Day: Lymphadenopathy

October 6, 2016October 5, 2016 by Admin

Dogs, just like us, have several lymph nodes in their bodies which are meant to help fight infections. When a dog’s lymph nodes swell, this is often a sign of the body doing its job in trying to get rid of inflammation or an infection. The term ‘lymphadenopathy’ is used to refer to enlarged lymph nodes. When the enlargement is due to an underlying infection affecting the lymph node, the condition is medically known as lymphadenitis. Any time a dog presents with swollen lymph nodes, it’s important to see a vet sooner than later so to help the dog combat the infection, but also because often swollen lymph nodes may be indicative of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

A Word About Dog Lymph Nodes

Dogs have several lymph nodes in their bodies and the most commonly enlarged are the ones found where the lower jaw joins the neck (submandibular) in the front area of the chest (prescapular), behind the armpit area (axillary), by the groin area (inguinal) and at the back of the leg (popliteal).

Lymphadenopathy, the enlargement of a dog’s lymph nodes may occur in different patterns.

For example, a dog may display a single swollen lymph node in only one area of the body (localized or solitary) or restricted to an area where the lymph nodes are usually interconnected (regional) or, as seen in multiple lymphadenopathy, there may be multiple swollen lymph nodes in more than one area of the body (generalized or multicentric lymphadenopathy).

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

When lymph nodes enlarge in dogs, they may do so because of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, lymphadenitis and cancer.

Did you know? The peripheral lymph nodes are the ones that are palpable (capable of being touched by hand), whereas, the internal visceral lymph nodes are those tucked inside the dog’s body which often require imaging techniques to detect any enlargements.

A Matter or Reactivity

Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia takes place when a lymph node becomes “reactive” due to inflammation or infection present somewhere in the dog’s body. In this case, the lymph nodes enlarge because they become “reactive”upon encountering a stimulus such as bacteria or viruses and start producing an excessive amount of white blood cells. The swelling is therefore often due to the proliferation of lymphocytes and plasma cells.

The reaction to stimulation is sort of like a burglar alarm that’s constantly on guard against intrusive antigens. Reactive hyperplasia therefore simply means the lymph node has enlarged in response to an infection; however, there is no actual lymph node infection. Sometimes autoimmune conditions or systemic infections may be a trigger for lymphoid hyperplasia.

A Matter of Infection

Sometimes, the lymph nodes themselves become inflamed. In this case, the inflammation is within the lymph node (lymphadenitis) and is often secondary from a local infection. Basically, when a foreign invader such as an infectious agent gains access to the dog’s lymph nodes, which work as filters of the immune system, the body responds quickly by triggering an immune system response consisting of increased white blood cell production. This increased production causes the lymph nodes nearby the inflamed and infected area to swell causing “lymphadenitis.”

Often dogs have other accompanying symptoms other than the enlarged lymph nodes. For example, if a dog has an infection in a back paw, he might be limping on top of having the lymph nodes further up the leg inflamed. However, limping may, yes, occur because the foot is sore, but also because the enlarged lymph nodes may be painful, explains veterinarian Race Foster. Also, in the presence of an infection, the dog may have a fever. Fortunately, once the infection is treated, the enlarged lymph nodes should return to their normal size.

“Lymphoid hyperplasia is a condition in which the lymph nodes produce an excess of white blood cells in response to an infection elsewhere in the body. Lymphadenitis is an infection of the lymph nodes themselves, either as the primary disease or a secondary condition.” ~Dr. Karen Becker

A Matter of Cancer

Lymphoma is a possible cause of unexplained enlarged lymph nodes. This condition is quite quick in onset, with owners often noticing painless lymph node enlargement almost overnight. Lymphoma is divided in different stages.

In stage 1, only one lymph node is affected, in stage 2, several lymph nodes sharing the same regional area are involved, in stage 3, there is generalized lymphoadenopathy, in stage 4, the liver and/or spleen is involved, and in stage 5, the bone marrow is involved.

Depending on what substage the dog is in, there may or may not be signs of systemic illness such as loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss.

Generally, the enlargement of lymph nodes in dogs affected by cancer or lymphadenitis is quite significant with the lymph nodes presenting as five to ten times larger than normal compared to the size involving a benign reactive process, explains veterinarian Michael J. Day.

Did you know? Sometimes lymph nodes get so enlarged they cause problems. For instance swollen lymph nodes by a dog’s groin area (inguinal)may cause trouble defecating, whereas, several enlarged glands by the neck area can make it difficult for the dog to swallow, eat or breath.

“Four out of five dogs with lymphoma or lymphosarcoma have tumors that start in multiple places (multicentric). There is bilateral and symmetrical swelling of the lymph nodes without pain.”~VCA Animal Hospital

Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog has an enlarged lymph node, please see your vet promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

Clinicians’ Brief, Lymphoma in Dogs: Diagnosis & Treatment retrieved from the web on Oct 5th, 2016
DVM360, Cytology in evaluation of lymphoid tissue in the dog and cat (Proceedings) retrieved from the web on Oct 5th, 2016
Cytology of Lymph Nodes, CL Davis Drs Thrall and Meuten, retrieved from the web on Oct 5th, 2016

Photo Credits:

Lymphoma in a Golden Retriever,,Joel Mills – Own work This is a 12 year old Golden Retriever with lymphoma. The left submandibular lymph node is swollen. CC BY-SA 3.0
Diagram of a lymph node, Cancer Research UK – Original email from CRUK, CC BY-SA 4.0

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

What Kind of Dogs are Lurchers?

October 4, 2016October 4, 2016 by Admin

You might have stumbled on the term lurcher being used to depict a certain type of dog, but what kind of dogs are lurchers? Oxford dictionary tells us that the term lurcher derives from the Middle English word lorchen, which means to lurk. This seems to suggests that lurchers must have been dogs used to engage in some sort of obscure activity, such as remaining hidden so to then ambush for someone or something. For today’s trivia we will therefore discover more about lurchers, what lurcher dogs look like and general lurcher dog information, but first of all, can you guess the answer to our trivia question of the day?

What Kind of Dog is a Lurcher?

A: A valuable purebred sight hound

B: A deerhound mixed with a wolf

C: The product of a sighthound crossed with another non-sighthound breed

D: The product of a sighthound crossed with another sighthound

The correct answer is: drum roll please…

drum

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

The correct answer is C: a lurcher is a sighthound mated with another non-sighthound breed.

A Mixed Bag of Genes

What does a lurcher dog look like? Lurchers are not a particular breed of dog, which is why you don’t find them typically depicted in books featuring different dog breeds or in dog breed directories.

Lurchers are basically the offspring of a sighthound that was mated with some other type of dog, usually some type of sheepdog or herding breed, and sometimes terriers.

Because of this genetic variability, depending on what dogs their parents were, lurchers are a mixed bag of genes and can come in different shapes, colors and sizes.

For instance, they may be as small as a whippet or as tall as a Scottish deerhound! Generally though, common physical traits found in lurchers are long legs and narrow heads, which remind of the greyhound.

The Silent Hunter

The mating between a sighthound and a herding dog is to obtain a dog that is intelligent, tenacious and fast. Imagine the brain of a collie with the speed of a greyhound, that’s a good way to describe a lurcher. One of the biggest perks of a lurcher is this dog’s ability to hunt in silence, without giving voice. Once known as poacher’s dogs, lurchers have been around for centuries and were prized for their superior hunting skills. These mixed breed dogs are mostly popular in Great Britain, where centuries ago they may have developed as a result of accidental breeding, as it happened often in the Middle Ages.

A Look Back

While an accidental breeding here and there could have happened, there are chances that lurchers were sometimes purposely bred to evade trouble. A theory has it that back in the 14th, 15th and early 16th century, ordinary people were prohibited from owning sighthounds like the Irish wolfhound, Scottish deerhound and the greyhound. It is possible therefore that to avoid problems with the government, people astutely thought to breed sighthounds with other breeds so they could keep hunting, but this time though they stumbled on a dog that was particularly suitable for poaching rabbits, hares, and game birds courtesy of the lurcher’s winning combination of speed and intelligence! A win-win!

The Lurcher Today

Nowadays, modern lurchers are mostly used as pets but many people find them also useful for pest control, keeping rabbits, hares and foxes away from properties. Lurchers are also enrolled in some fun doggy sports such as lure coursing or racing and even agility.

The Best Home

Because lurchers are a type of dog rather than a specific breed, there may be great variability between one specimen and another. However, generally lurchers are likely to be more energetic than the couch-potato greyhounds. People owning lurchers often describe them as having a special zest for life and loving being around “their people.” According to the American Lurcher Project, lurchers are affectionate dogs who make exceptional family dogs. Because of their instinct to chase, they need to be kept in a fenced in yard and must be always leashed on walks. Caution should be used when introduced to small, fury animals due to these dogs’ strong predatory instincts.

Did you know? Lurchers were often used to catch rabbits when they were driven out from their burrows but then in the early 1950s a virus decimated the rabbit population, however, hares were not affected. At this point, special dogs were needed to run down hares. The longdog, a crossbreed between two sighthounds was therefore created.

Photo Credits:

Long Haired Lurcher, Sykes108, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

I am Your Dog’s Skull

October 3, 2016October 3, 2016 by Admin

Your dog’s skull is there for a great reason: to encase and protect your dog’s brain. A dog’s skull is compose of several bones, some of them surround the brain, others are just part of your dog’s facial structure. Since dogs come in different sizes, their skulls may vary accordingly. Learning more about your dog’s skull is not only interesting but also helpful, so you can recognizes signs of trouble. Let’s therefore discover some information about a dog’s skull, it’s anatomy and functions and problems this body part may be involved with.

Introducing Your Dog’s Skull

Hello, it’s your dog’s skull talking! You might not be aware of how I look like exactly, but you may stumble on some resemblance of me when you visit a museum that houses skulls of wolves. However, when it comes to canine skulls, imagine a scaled-down version considering that the overall size of a dog’s brain is nearly 30 percent smaller than the brain of wolves (Coppinger and Schneider 1995; Zeder 2012).

There is belief that domestication may have contributed to the shrinkage of some areas of the wolf’s brain, (the dog’s ancestor) with the limbic system in particular being affected, an area integral for the fight of flight response.

This shrinkage has been further noticed in the Farm Fox Experiment, where domesticated foxes in Novosibirsk, Russia, also showed changes in the dimensions of their skulls, a trait that has been associated with tameness (Trut 1999; Zeder 2012).

dog brachycephalic breed As mentioned, I can come in different sizes. In brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers, I am quite compact, with a “short head” while in dolichocephalic breeds such as Afghan hounds, Salukis and collies, I feature a long head with long, narrow snouts and orbits that are less forward set, so to enhance a sighthound’s ability to scan the horizon (Miller and Murphy 1995; McGreevy et al. 2004) so they can effectively spot prey. And then you have the average skull shape as seen in mesaticephalic dogs.

I am composed of several bones , but you can technically divide me into two parts, the neurocranium, which encases the dog’a brain, and the facial skeleton, which makes up the skeleton of your dog’s face. However, if you’re a nerd, here is a partial list of bones I am composed of, just for your entertainment: the occipital bone, the sphenoid bone, the temporal bone, the frontal bone, the parietal bone, the ethmoid bone, the nasal bone, the lacrimal bone and the zygomathic bone, the incisive bone, the palatine bone, the vomer, the pterygoid bone, the maxilla and the mandible and the auditory ossicles .

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

Did you know? Those small holes in a skull are called foramina and are basically tiny passageways to allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels to the the face. The largest hole though is located where the vertebral column joins the base of the skull. It is known as foramen magnum and is meant to allow the passage of vertebral arteries and the spinal cord.

I Protect the Brain

Has your dog ever bumped his head against a table making a loud noises that had you wondering whether he got hurt? If so, you must thank me if your dog shakes his head once or perhaps twice, and then just walks away as if nothing ever happened.

I am quite thick, making your dog quite “hard-headed,” so to say. I am surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid CSF providing both nutrients and protection to the brain. My main job is therefore to protect your dog’s brain and central nervous system. Quite an important task no?

Did you know? Those lines between the bones of the skull are called sutures.

When Things Go Wrong

While I have a protective role and provide structure to your dog’s facial features., sometimes I may be subjected to problems, and some of them may need immediate attention! Please play it safe and report to your vet immediately if you notice problems associated with me.

Head Trauma

Even though I am quite tough, I can still be predisposed to head trauma. Bumping me against a table may not be enough to cause major problems, but being hit by car or kicked by a horse, can cause me enough trauma that I no longer may be able to protect the brain, and therefore, alterations to the brain’s physiology may occur.

This can lead to several complications such as abnormal glucose levels, electrolyte imbalances and acid-base disturbances, and even blindness if the ocular nerves are affected. Dogs suffering from head trauma may exhibit an altered state of consciousness, pupils of unequal sizes, stiff or flaccid legs, staggering gait, abnormal eye movements, tilted head, blood loss from ear canal or from the nose and breathing changes. Sometimes dogs may also develop vomiting following a severe blow to the head.

Did You know? According to a study, it was found that dogs who sustained a head trauma had a higher chance for developing seizures, especially in the immediate or early post-traumatic period.

“Fortunately dogs tend to have quite a thick skull that makes them less likely to suffer from major damage when hitting their head against a table or chair, explains veterinarian.”~ Dr. Fiona.

Chiari-Like Malformation

Remember when we talked about me having a big hole called the foramen magnum that’s meant to allow the passage of vertebral arteries and the spinal cord? Well, in some dogs, I am too small to accommodate all of the brain’s cerebellum, so part of the brain may descend out of me, with the end result of obstructing the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This condition is quite widespread in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (it’s estimated that 50 percent of them are affected) and the Brussels Griffon. Affected dogs develop syringomyelia (SM) where fluid-filled cavities develop within the spinal cord due to the variable pressure created by the abnormal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Affected dogs develop pain and of the earliest signs is a hypersensitivity in the neck area, causing them to insistently scratch the neck area.

Hydrocephalus

As in babies, some puppies are born with a soft spot in their skulls, also known as fontanel or molera. Why do I have such soft spot? This lack of complete closure of my bone plates is actually meant to allow an easier passage of the pups through mother dog’s birth canal. This soft spot is more common in certain dog breeds such as apple head Cihhuahuas, Pomeranians and shih tzu and several toy breed dogs. Once the puppies are born though, my plates will eventually harden and the soft spot should disappear.

However, sometimes things may go wrong and dogs may have what’s known as hydrocephalus. In hydrocephalus, a dog’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates inside me because it doesn’t drain from the central nervous system as it should. Affected puppies may have seizures, be blind, have a dome-shaped and an unusual gait. Not all open fontanels though are connected with hydrocephalus.

Tumors and Cancer

As with other bones, I can be prone to developing benign and malignant cancers. An osteoma is a benign growth, where a piece of bone grows on me, while a fibrosarcoma or osteosarcoma are malignant bones masses. How can a veterinarian tell them apart? According to Critical Care Vet, an x-ray is not diagnostic, so a biopsy is needed.

As seen, I am very important! Just imagine for a moment how life would be without me. Your dog’s Jello-like brain would be getting traumatized every time your dog would move! I hope this article has helped you understand me better!

Your Dog’s Skull

Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Please see your vet immediately if your dog sustained any type of injury or your dog is acting abnormally.

References:

The Genetics of Canine Skull Shape Variation, Jeffrey J. Schoenebeck, Elaine A. Ostrander GENETICS February 1, 2013 vol. 193 no. 2 317-325; DOI: 10.1534/genetics.112.145284
Coppinger R.,Schneider R. 1995 Evolution of working dogs, pp. 21–50 in The Domestic Dog. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
Trut L. N. 1999 Early canid domestication: the Farm-Fox Experiment: foxes bred for tamability in a 40-year experiment exhibit remarkable transformations that suggest an interplay between behavioral genetics an development. Am. Sci. 87: 160–169
Miller P. E. Murphy C. J. 1995 Vision in dogs. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 207: 1623–1634.
MedlineWeb of Science Google Scholar
Coppinger R.,Schneider R. 1995 Evolution of working dogs, pp. 21–50 in The Domestic Dog. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
Wikivet, Skull and Facial Muscles – Anatomy & Physiology retrieved from the web on October 3rd, 2016
Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology Textbook, By Victoria Aspinall, Melanie Cappello, retrieved from the web on October 3rd, 2016

Photo Credits:

Wikipedia, Skull of a dog, Naturgeschichte für Bürgerschulen. Dr. Karl Rothe, Ferdinand Frank, Josef Steigl. I. Wien 1895, Verlag von A. Pichler’s Witwe & Sohn.{{PD-US}}

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

Why My Dog Won’t Pee While on Leash?

October 2, 2016October 2, 2016 by Admin

It can be frustrating dealing with a dog who won’t pee on leash during walks, especially considering that dogs are often purposely taken on walks to do their business! If you own a dog who refuses to go potty when on leash or are pet sitting a dog whose bladder goes on strike the moment a leash is attached to his collar, rest assured you are not alone! Many people wonder why their dogs won’t pee or poop when on leash, but dogs may have their very own good reasons. By better understanding the dynamics behind dogs who won’t pee while on leashes, dog owners can try different approaches to help their beloved dogs succeed.

It’s a Dog Thing

While for us humans, eliminating waste is just a “chore,” for dogs, urinating and defecating has much more meaning. From a dog’s perspective, peeing and pooping is like leaving an important business card on the ground for other dogs to “pick up”and interpret with their powerful noses (they use their Jacobson organs for this).

Dogs therefore, like to sniff around for a quite a bit before picking their ideal “potty spot” and a leash may interfere with this natural behavior, especially if the leash is short and kept tense, meaning that the dog doesn’t have much “leeway” to sniff at his own pleasure.

Tip: keep that leash loose, or even better, if safe to do so, try using a long line to take your dog to potty on walks so that he can move freely and find his “inspiration” with little to no interference.

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]

A Matter of Surface

While humans use standard porcelain toilets as receptacles for their waste, dogs must rely on the ground’s surface as their restroom.

This surface may vary greatly from one place to another (grass, gravel, dirt, dry leaves, sand, concrete, pee pads, you name it!) and it’s a known fact that dogs don’t thrive on inconsistencies.

So if Rover uses grass as his favorite potty spot at home, a pet sitter might not have much luck taking him on a walk on concrete sidewalks and expecting him to do his business on such walks!

Tip: For those pet sitters out there, it might help asking the owners what type of surface their dogs usually prefer to potty on. This can help prevent a lot of headaches associated with trying to get dogs to potty on totally different surfaces they are accustomed to normally using. Dogs tend to develop a substrate preference when they are young puppies and love sticking to it!

Too Much to Handle

When dogs are in a new place they are not familiar with, they may temporarily inhibit their normal routines and this may include, eating, drinking, playing and going potty.

Whether your dog is in a new place or you have chosen a different path on his walks, he may be keeping everything in, because he may feel overstimulated or doesn’t feel safe in his surroundings.

Going potty requires some level of relaxation and a dog not feeling comfortable or safe in his surroundings may have more important things to pay attention to rather than elimination.

Tip: try walking your dog in quiet places where there is not too much going on. This may mean choosing a quiet cul-de-sac rather than a busy road with people walking their dogs or garbage trucks passing by.

Too Much Pressure

Last but not least, your attitude can play a big role in your dog’s inhibition to go potty on leash. Let’s say that your dog is reluctant to go potty on leash, and you start acting frustrated when he doesn’t go.

This makes only matters worse, because your dog feels you are getting upset and this makes him further inhibited due to the extra “pressure” you put on him.

It could be he is about to go, and is sniffing around to find a spot, but when you get impatient and say something like “just go, stop wasting my time!” your dog perceives your irritated tone as telling him the opposite, to stop searching from a spot!

Tip: Often, dog owners find that if they start relaxing and stop coaxing their dogs into going, their dogs will finally relax too and eventually go.

A Word About Puppies

Puppies may be particularly reluctant to go potty on leash if they haven’t been allowed enough time to habituate to wearing a collar and leash.

It takes some time for puppies to get used to a leash, some may panic when they are attached to it, others may instead perceive the leash as a fun tug toy.

In either case, their attention can be diverted from doing their business which can be particularly frustrating, especially when the puppy won’t pee or poop during the walk, but then readily does so once home, and of course it has to happen on the immaculate carpet or expensive rug!

Tip: allow your puppy some time to get used to wearing a collar and leash starting indoors and introducing the leash slowly. Simply, feed treats when he sees the leash, then, when he sniffs it, then, when you clip it, and then, when he wears it for a bit of time. Then, take your puppy outside on leash when you expect him to be needing to go potty.

A Few Tips

If your dog is not comfortable going potty on leash, patience is your best friend. Don’t give up! You may have to go back home and try again later (keep a close eye though or your dog may go inside!) Eventually your dog will need to go badly enough to overcome his initial reluctance to go potty.
Astutely time your dog’s outings on leash when he needs to go potty the most. First thing in the morning, most dogs will need to pee or poop, or both, after holding it all night. This is the perfect time to practice going potty on walks.
Try to take your dog in areas where other dogs have likely eliminated such as fire hydrants, lamp posts or the dog park. These area work like community bulletin boards and your dog may try to leave his “mark” under the form of urine or feces.
When your dog finally goes potty on leash, make sure you make a big deal about it, praising him lavishly and giving him some treats. Remember, behaviors that are rewarded, tend to repeat!
Train your dog to go potty on command. This can make life much easier as your dog will associate the word with the act of going potty.
If your dog goes successfully on a walk, keep a mental note of that spot and return to that same spot in the next days.
If your dog is act ill or seems to have trouble going potty, please see your vet. In some cases, a urinary tract infection or an obstruction due to a large bladder stone blocking the passage may the culprit. If your dog has a hard time defecating and seems uncomfortable, this can be sign of an intestinal blockage.

Did you know? Young puppies don’t urine mark and this suggests that urine marking must entail some sort of “conversations”that have to do with something that mostly matters to adult dogs, explains Alexandra Horowitz, in the book “Inside of a Dog — Young Readers Edition: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know.”

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]