C A N I N E S   O N L I N E ™
Copyright 2000 Canines Online ™
Issue No.6, Vol.1, November 3, 2000

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CONTENTS:
=>Health:
   -- What is Giardia?
=>Tidbits:
   -- Did You Know?
=>News Briefs:
   -- Puppy love sums up a changing China
   -- Day care keeps canines busy and content
   -- Tick fever strikes dogs in Lubbock
   -- Too many pets invokes penalty
   -- Researchers investigate if animals can fall in love
=>Book Corner:
   -- How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend
   -- How to Speak Dog
   -- Good Owners, Great
=>Featured Site:
   -- Dog Owners Guide
=>Featured Breed:
   -- Beagle
=>Product News, Reviews, and Coupons:
   -- Dog Clothes
=>The Tail End
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HEALTH
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What is Giardia?

Giardia is caused by a parasite affecting the intestines of both humans
and most types of domesticated animals. While dogs have a high rate of
Giardia infection, few will develop symptoms. Giardia usually causes
clinical signs only in dogs that have weakened immune systems, in dogs
that have been exposed to an abnormally large number of the parasites,
and in young puppies.

Transmission:
Cysts containing Giardia trophozoites, which are singled-celled
organisms shaped like teardrops transmit giardia. Infected dogs pass
these parasites into the environment through their feces. Dogs that
consume infected fecal material may contract the disease, the primary
symptom of which is diarrhea. Animals that ingest the infected feces
will take these cysts into their small intestines, where the
trophozoites will come out of their protective housing, and infect the
animal by multiplying within the intestines. Afterwards, many
trophozoites will come out, or revert to cyst form, before returning to
the external environment within the feces. The cysts may survive in the
environment and infect other animals for a period of weeks; but
trophozoites that have passed into the feces without encysting will die
quickly and cannot transmit the disease.

Symptoms:
The primary sign is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be pale in color, have
an unpleasant smell, and contain fat. Most dogs will continue to eat,
but they may lose weight with continued diarrhea.

Diagnosis:
Giardia is frequently diagnosed by means of a zinc sulfate fecal
flotation examination, in which Giardia cysts and trophozoites may be
identified under a microscope. If trophozoites are seen moving around
on a slide smeared with a mixture of fecal material and saline solution,
the canine will test positive for Giardia. However, Giardia cysts and
trophozoites are not always passed into the feces, a negative result for
this examination does not rule out the possibility of Giardia. For the
diagnosis to be definitive, it is necessary for the veterinarian to
periodically examine fresh fecal samples from the animal over the course
of a few days.

There are other tests for the detection of Giardia although these are
generally less prompt and more expensive than a fecal flotation
examination. An enzyme-linked immuno-absorbent assay, or ELISA test,
may be used to detect Giardia antigens in a fecal sample but is
available only in certain veterinary hospitals and specialized
laboratories. A direct immunofluorescent test may be used to detect the
presence of Giardia cysts in feces but also requires that a veterinarian
send samples to an off-premises laboratory and await the results.

Prognosis:
Giardia is a very treatable condition. Most dogs recover quickly and do
not have additional problems. However, if proper preventive steps are
not taken, it is common for dogs with a previous history of Giardia to
become re-infected.

Treatment:
Treatment of Giardia often involves the use of medications such as
fenbendazole or metronidazole. Fenbendazole in particular has been
shown to be very effective in the treatment of Giardia infections.
Neither of these medications is suitable for pregnant dogs; there are a
number of suitable alternative treatments available, however, for dogs
that are pregnant.

Prevention:
Giardia may be prevented by the strict sanitation of animal living
environments using cleaning agents approved for the elimination of the
parasite. In kennels and other places that house animals in larger
numbers, routine disinfection of the entire facility is critical. Dogs
should be bathed in order to eliminate any Giardia cysts they may be
carrying in their coats. The periodic use of de-worming medications
such as fenbendazole may also be effective in preventing the recurrence
of Giardia infection.


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TIDBITS
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Did you know….
Puppies start getting their 28 deciduous or baby teeth at about three to
four weeks of age. Deciduous simply means temporary. They start
loosing their baby teeth and getting their 42 adult teeth when they’re
about four months old. They should have all of their adult teeth at
about nine months of age. If pups do not lose the corresponding
deciduous tooth before the adult tooth emerges it is termed a retained
deciduous tooth and a veterinarian should deal with it to prevent a
malformed bite.


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NEWS BRIEFS
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Puppy love sums up a changing China
BEIJING, CHINA -- Until the late 1970s, China's government openly
discouraged dog ownership. The country was poor and closed to the
outside world. Pets, particularly dogs, considered a bourgeois
extravagance that offended the revolutionary sensibilities of the
communist leadership. For More Info:
http://www.pioneerplanet.com/seven-days/5/business/docs/030609.htm

Day care keeps canines busy and content
FRAZER, PA -- A growing number of individuals and companies are
providing day-care services for dogs across the country. For More Info:
http://enquirer.com/editions/2000/10/29/fin_day_care_keeps.html

Man's best friend also best finder
SUMMIT, OH -- With a sense of smell a hundred times greater than a
human's, dogs can cover the same amount of area as a 12-person team and
do it in less time, with a greater likelihood of success. For More
Info: http://www.cleveland.com/news/index.ssf?/news/pd/cc28dogs.html

Tick fever strikes dogs in Lubbock
LUBBOCK, TX -- Canine Ehrlichiosis, more commonly called tick fever, was
diagnosed in 45 dogs during June through August. For More Info:
http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/110200/loc_110200028.shtml

Too many pets invokes penalty
FAIRFIELD, OH -- An animal lover has taken in dozens of stray, sick and
injured animals - and spent thousands of dollars customizing her home
for their comfort and safety. But a little-known Fairfield zoning
ordinance says she owns too many pets. For More Info:
http://enquirer.com/editions/2000/11/01/loc_too_many_pets.html

Researchers investigate if animals can fall in love
A dog who a vet believes died of broken heart has prompted US scientists
to start research to find out whether animals can fall in love. For
More Info:
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_100356.html?nav_src=newsIndexHeadline


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BOOK CORNER
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How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: A Training Manual for Dog Owners By:
Monks Of New Skete Foreword by Michael Fox Helen Sherlock
(Introduction)
Our Price: $18.36
Retail Price: $22.95
The monks of New Skete advocate the philosophy that "understanding is
the keyto communication, compassion, and communion" with your dog. This
very specialguide features a unique, step-by-step obedience course, and
proper techniques for complete care at every stage of a dog's life.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0316604917

How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication By:
Stanley Coren
Our Price: $19.20
Retail Price: $24.00
Coren's premise is that to communicate effectively with a dog the owner
must first learn the dog's language, including vocabulary, grammar, and
how to form "sentences that can be used to send and receive meaningful
messages." The goal of such enlightened communication is to prevent the
misunderstandings that often lead to problem behavior and result in
hundreds of thousands of dogs being surrendered to shelters for
placement or euthanasia. Chapters cover vocalization, face talk, tail
talk, body talk, scent, and dialects. A useful visual glossary (with
line drawings) and a doggy "phrasebook" are also featured. The book is
written for the above-average pet owner who wants to build a better
relationship with his/her dog.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0684865343

Good Owners, Great Dogs By: Brian Kilcommons Sarah Wilson
Our Price: $14.39
Retail Price: $15.99
One of the world's foremost experts on dog training and animal behavior
offers a comprehensive, practical, and innovative guide to dog
ownership, care, and training. Kilcommons teaches dog owners how to
master the effective training skills that will result in obedient,
well-behaved pets who can accompany their owners anywhere.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0446675385

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FEATURED SITE
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Dog Owners Guide
More than 300 pages of features, breed profiles, training tips, health
information, and articles about shelters, rescue, dogs and the law, and
just about everything else you need to know about living with your dog.
You'll find articles to help you choose a breed, a breeder and a puppy
and more!
To visit the site: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/


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PRODUCT NEWS, REVIEWS, AND COUPONS
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Dog Clothes
Written by: http://www.petsmart.com

Some dogs are just naturals for dressing up, and some people just like
their "kids" to look like humans. Dressing them up is an extension of
their love for them. There are, however, practical reasons to consider
apparel as well.

Fashion Isn't Always Folly
Aside from our own desire to dress our dogs in human clothing, there are
often practical reasons to do so. Dogs that have undergone medical
treatments that result in the loss of fur will often need at least some
temporary protection from the elements until their fur grows back. This
applies to dogs who have been shaved, as well.

People who live in severe winter climates should keep in mind that even
though their pets have fur, they may need protection from the elements
when they spend most of their time indoors, because they acclimate to
their indoor surroundings.

Short-haired dogs are almost bald on the chest and belly, so be sure to
select garments that cover the lower portions of their bodies as well as
the top. Most dogs don't enjoy the rain, and if your pet spends most of
his time indoors, you probably don't enjoy the musty odor or the mud.
With a rain slicker, all this can easily be avoided.

Polar fleece is also a good protective fabric; it insulates and keeps
the dog warm while drawing away moisture from the skin. Booties are
good for dogs in snow, ice and rain. Booties are also outstanding for
dogs when taken hiking in rugged terrains. In cases of extreme heat,
booties can help protect a dog's pads from hot ground surfaces.
Remember that while a dog's pads are less sensitive than our own feet,
they are still sensitive to extreme temperatures.

While people might not think about the summer as a time to use apparel,
a dog that has been shaved or suffers from hair loss may need additional
protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Hats and sunglasses offer
protection from UV rays as well.

Getting Your Dog to Accept Wearing Apparel
Proper fit is key for getting your dog to accept donning dog apparel.
However, ease of getting the garment on and off is a learned behavior on
both your and your dog's part. Start by putting the clothing item on
and rewarding the dog with verbal praise. Leave the item on for a short
period. The next time, try leaving the garment on for a longer period
of time, again praising them and rewarding them. It is best to start
this training as a puppy, but older dogs can also easily be trained with
just a little more patience.

How to Accurately Measure Your Dog
Measuring should be done on the back from the base of the head to the
base of the tail, which is referred to as the top line measurement. In
other words from the base of where the collar rests to where the tail is
attached. For chest measurement, measure the chest at its widest point,
which is typically right behind the front legs. If the dog has a large
girth, going up a size is always a smart choice, since some added fabric
will be used up.

To buy dog clothes or any other supplies that you need at PetsMart click
the link below. http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid5327311?siteid=29704969

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FEATURED BREED
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Breed: Beagle
Popularity: 5th in the US
Country of Origin: Medieval England
AKC Group: Hound
Function: Tracker of fox and rabbit
Life Span: 12-15 years
Appearance: Small, sturdy, attractive
Color: Mix of tan black and white
Coat Type: Low-maintenance
Grooming: Brush weekly
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 18-30 pounds
Activity Level: Medium- very high
Watch Dog: High ability
Protection: No
Intelligence: High
Trainability: Medium
Good With Children: Good
Good With Pets: Friendly
Good With Strangers: Friendly
Character: Affectionate, lively, clever, brave
Home Environment: Fenced yard
Best Owner: Time to train and be with pet
Potential Problems:
Behavior: Separation anxiety, snappy, food stealing
Physical:
Recommendations: Do not overfeed, daily exercise, Becomes very attached
to the family and pets!

Books:
Beagles: Everything About Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Breeding, Behavior,
& Training By: Lucia Vriends-Parent Matthew M. Vriends (Editor)
Michelle Earle-Bridges (Illustrator)
Our Price: $6.25
Retail Price: $6.95
Beagles were bred as pack dogs, thus are much more amiable when in
groups, which in turn brings out on of their one of their best known
traits; their kindness. They appreciate affection and return it quite
freely. Strongly independent, the Beagle is in need of stability and
training. This easy to use manual contains everything about the
purchase, care, nutrition, breeding, behavior, and training of the
Beagle.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0812090179

The Beagle: An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet By: Richard Roth
Our Price: $10.36
Retail Price: $12.95
Like popular breed books, these are titles pet owners can turn to for
the essential information they need to raise a four-footed family
member. The Happy, Healthy Pet guides are rich with professional quality
color photos and are designed to be enjoyable and easy to learn from.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0876053894

The Beagle Handbook By: Dan Rice
Our Price: $8.95
Retail Price: $9.95
Here is detailed advice for owners of this cheerful breed, which is
adaptable as a hunter or a household pet. Titles in this pet care
series are similar to Barron's Pet Owner's Manuals, but are larger, with
more detailed instruction and more illustrations. The books advise pet
owners on purchase, health care, nutritious feeding, proper housing and
other facts important to owners and their pets. All books in this
series have dozens of high quality, full-color photos and instructive
line drawings.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0764114646

Rescue Groups:
Beagles & Buddies (Southern CA)
http://www.beaglesandbuddies.com

SOS Beagle Rescue (NJ)
http://www.beagles-on-the-web.com/sos/

Beagles on the Web
http://www.beagles-on-the-web.com

TriBeagles: Triangle Beagle Rescue of NC
http://www.tribeagles.org

Beagle Rescue, Education, and Welfare of Northern Virginia (VA)
http://www.beagles-on-the-web.com/brew/

Colorado Beagle Rescue (CO)
https://members.tripod.com/coloradobeaglerescue/

Laurie's national list of adoptable Beagles (US)
http://beagles-on-the-web.com/cgi-local/National


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THE TAIL END
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“No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a
dog makes you rich."
-- Louis Sabin