In This Issue:
Welcome to the May Issue of the ABBA Newsletter
We hope you enjoy reading our news articles as much as we have enjoyed writing them.
Please feel free to email us @ info@abbakennels.com.au if you have any suggestion or articles that you also think our other customers would enjoy.
We have been busy over the last few weeks having some videos of the kennel and our services filmed to go up on our website. Everyone had lots of fun with Mark Osborne from Osborne Video's during filming. I would like to thank Sandra Boyle from D.O.G.S Victoria and Michael Garden from Eastern Companion Dog Training for their time doing the Dog Training Video.
You can check out any of the Video's on or website www.abbakennels.com.au
With winter approaching and the thunder activity we have been experiencing in Melbourne over the last few months I had a chat to Chris Boemo from the Keysborough Veterinary Practices about the problems with our animals being afraid and ask some advice as to what we as owners can do. I hope you find this article helpful.
Scared Of Storms Supplied by the KEYSBOROUGH VETERNARY PRACTICE
Storm phobias are one of the most common behavioural problems that dog owners face, but their cause is not entirely clear. Some dogs may even start to pace and whine half an hour or more before a storm. They may be reacting to a sudden drop in air pressure or electrical charge in the air.
Nature or Nurture?
Some breeds may be predisposed to a fear of storms. Herding dogs, hounds, sporting and working breeds seem to be the most likely to develop a storm phobia than other dogs. Because of these dogs genetic make-up they have a strong reaction to storm activity, but they repress any aggressive response to it. Causing anxiety.
What to do?
Your best bet for helping your dog overcome their thunderstorm fears is behaviour modification therapy. We can help you develop a program to retrain your scared pet gradually, by gently helping them to adjust to storms through behaviour modification. If this approach does not work there are anti-anxiety medications that are available to compliment the retraining. Make sure that your pet has a warm, safe area to retreat to when these storms occur.
Most importantly, treat your pet gently and kindly during this period. Don't cuddle and reassure them as this will reward his scared behaviours, but do not punish them for it either. Instead provide them with a familiar environment where they feel safe and can wait out the storm.
If you have any further question regarding this article please feel free to ask any of the staff at the Keysborough Veterinary practise Chapel Road Keysborough 9798 7274
Recipe of The Month From our friends at Diamond Dog Food and Bakery
Barking Good Beef Meatballs
There will be lots of dish licking when you serve these morsels up!
Ingredients:
1 kg lean beef mince
1 large free range egg
5 cups (350 gm) rolled oats
1 cup (100g) finely grated carrot
1 cup (100g) finely grated sweet potato
1 cup (100gm) chopped frozen peas
½ cup (120ml) water
4 teaspoon (20gm) chia seed
Method:
Combine all ingredients.
Roll into small balls about 15gm or ½ the size of a golf ball or use a very small icecream scoop (worth investing in one if your dog loves these!)
Place the meatballs onto a lightly greased baking tray.
Cook in a preheated 180°C (350 F) oven for 15 minutes.
When cooked remove from the trays & spread out onto plastic trays to freeze or refrigerate.
Makes:
Approx 100 meatballs
5 serves for a medium sized dog.
Store:
For four days in the fridge or freeze for up to two months.
The two most common problems we see with pets at ABBA Boarding Kennels are Arthritis in older pets and Ear Infections. I hope these articles are of some help.
By Rachel Morgan
There are millions of people that deal with arthritis each day, but many dogs face problems with the affliction as well. In fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, one in five dogs has this chronic condition. Fortunately, there are ways to help ease the effects that arthritis has on your four-legged friends.
What Is It?
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the bone joints. This inflammation can be caused by damage or trauma to the joints, but it may also occur when the fluid that surrounds the joints starts to deteriorate. Without the proper fluid lubrication, the bone will rub against itself, causing pain. Arthritis can form at any age, but older dogs are more susceptible to the condition. The joints in the elbows and hips are common areas for arthritis, but it can develop in other parts of the dog's body.
Symptoms
Dogs with arthritis may show special attention to the area of the body which is in pain. Owners may also notice dogs avoiding certain movements they previously had no trouble completing. Many dogs with pain in the joints will limp and have difficulty jumping on and off furniture or going up and down stairs. Cold temperatures can also irritate the arthritic symptoms, as can sudden changes in temperature.
Diagnosis
A veterinarian will diagnose dogs with arthritis. An X-ray will be taken of the suspected area of the body, and the veterinarian will identify in abnormalities in the joints. This can be done at any age, but a certain form of hereditary arthritis, called dysplasia, is usually diagnosed in puppies. If owners suspect their young dog is suffering from dysplasia, it is essential that it is diagnosed and treated by a vet as soon as possible.
Treatment
There is no cure for arthritis, so management of symptoms is the key goal for dogs with the condition. Dogs are typically given glucosamine as part of their treatment plan. A heavy dose will usually be prescribed in the beginning of treatment in order to get the supplement into the dog's body system. A smaller dose will then be used for the life of the dog. Glucosamine helps to increase joint fluid which will decrease the severity of arthritis symptoms. The dosage of this supplement should be monitored regularly by a veterinarian because over time the dog's needs may change. Lifestyle changes are also important for dogs with arthritic joints. Owners should try to minimize jumping. Smaller dogs can be picked up and moved up and down steep stairs or furniture. Special steps can be positioned against furniture or beds to help minimize jumping. It may also be beneficial to purchase a dog bed with an "egg crate" insert, because this can help support the joint.
Considerations
Fortunately, side effects to glucosamine supplements are rare. However, lifestyle changes are essential for the health and happiness of dogs with arthritis. This condition is very common and should not cause panic owners. Minimizing risks, such as high jumping, can be very helpful. This does not mean dogs with arthritic joints should just lay around. Exercise is important because it helps keep the joints lubricated. If the joint is rarely in use, this can affect the amount of fluid around it. Owners should monitor their dogs' behaviors to see what actions hurt and what exercises are beneficial. It is a learning process for the dog and the owner, but with proper care dogs with arthritis can lead a good, happy life.
By Angela Tague
Next to fleas and ear mites, ear infections are one of the most common ailments for dogs. If the infection is left untreated, your dog will endure considerable amounts of pain. Treating the ear promptly will reduce the dog's chances of spreading the infection and will keep him happy.
Identification
If a dog is repeatedly rubbing his head on the ground or pawing at his ears, he may have an ear infection. Carefully look inside the ear for signs of redness, swelling and excessive ear wax. Look for dark-colored ear wax, or yellow-green pus. If you see little black bugs moving around in the ear wax or pus, your dog has mites. He may still have an ear infection as well.
Take the dog to a veterinarian to for a diagnose. The vet will use special tools to get a clear view of the ear canal and ear drum and look for infection.
Effects
The symptoms of an ear infection for a dog are similar to those of a human, characterized by considerable pain, swelling and a hot feeling. The ear often itches, and your pet will be head-shy. He will try to prevent you from touching him around his ears.
Risk Factors
Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to ear infections than others. Hunting and sporting breeds with long ears, which drag along the ground when the animal follows a scent, are more susceptible to ear infections. Long ears tend to gather moisture from the ground, trapping it inside the ear canal and causing infection.
If your dog has long ears, occasionally flip them inside out, so they can dry. A buildup of moisture from baths, dewy grass and swimming can cause ear infections. Keep the dog's ears dry by wiping them with a tissue after they have been near moisture.
Time Frame
If a dog experiences symptoms of an ear infection, take them to a vet immediately. An infection can spread and increase in severity in a few days.
The Facts
Ear infections must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Some prescriptions are only available at a vet's office.
For all our valued customers and their pets we would like to offer you a holiday voucher for May
Present this voucher anytime over May and receive one free day accommodation when your pets stays for 2 days or more.