Destruction, inappropriate elimination and incessant vocalizing are common signs of a separation issue. However, they must be assessed in context with the rest of a dog's behavior. Here’s an excerpt on the subject from a book sold by Whole Dog Journal. It’s up to you if you want to buy it, but the recommendations are good to discuss with pet owners. Source: Whole Dog Journal … [Read more...]
Holistic veterinarians say congestive heart failure is sometimes reversible
Congestive heart failure in dogs, as in humans, can be classified in four functional phases. Combining conventional treatments with complementary approaches may improve whatever underlying imbalances or deficiencies the dog may be experiencing, which can help to slow or stop the progression of disease. Source: Whole Dog Journal, October 23, 2016. (via Whole Dog Daily … [Read more...]
Training an older dog
Pat Miller says training an older dog requires some accommodations, but it can be done. She discusses a number of factors that influence how much and what mature canines can learn. She recommends talking with a veterinarian before starting a senior dog in a physically vigorous training program. Source: Whole Dog Journal, October 16, 2016 (repurposed from December 2007 … [Read more...]
Canine carrier crash testing
The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) tested crates and small-dog carriers. Some have been sold as crash-tested, even though you can see from CPS’s videos that the products clearly could not have PASSED any crash test. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 27, 2017. Only one crate for large dogs survived the crash tests intact, and only a few carriers for small dogs kept the small-dog … [Read more...]
Reduce fear aggression in dogs
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, discusses dog aggression in the context of fear. She shares ways to reduce a dog’s fear and adjust the resulting aggressive behavior. Fear related aggression frequently appears as a young dog matures, between eight and 18 months. These behaviors get unwittingly reinforced as humans (the most common scary stimulus) back off. Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Canine life jackets tested
Summer activities find dog owners and their pets in boats, at beaches and near other water bodies. Finding the right personal flotation device (PDF) for canines can be confusing. Stephanie Colman shares the results of Whole Dog Journal’s tests of the best-selling PFDs for dogs. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 2016, page 6. (partial link) A good canine life jacket should … [Read more...]
Do I really need to brush?
Nancy Kerns provides good information about the challenge of dental care in dogs. Veterinary teams and retail associates can use it in their discussions with dog owners or on blogs, websites or in newsletters. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 2012, updated February 2016. It can be painfully expensive, but the value of having your dog’s calculus-encrusted teeth cleaned at … [Read more...]
Beware of over-vaccinating your dog
Articles like this create a need to help veterinary teams engage with clients about vaccination. While recent information shows an increase in rabies in North America, questions about vaccination need and frequency continue. Our team at Animal Health Digest believes it is important to show professionals the information being sent to consumers, as well as channel-based or … [Read more...]
Electric locks, windows pose threat for traveling pets
Simple things are often easy to forget. This story reminds us that pets can be injured if electric windows and locks in automobiles are not locked out. This is good information for veterinary teams to share with clients. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 23, 2015. How many of you have electric windows in your car? If you do, and your dog can reach the window, you should … [Read more...]