Issue #03 Vol. #02 - August 2001

 

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To Neuter or Not to Neuter?

Breed Index

Link To Us!

Canines Online

October: Adopt a Shelter Dog Month  

Dogs in the Encyclopedia

Dog Facts

Ways To Help When You Can't Adopt

Awards I Have Won

Win My Award

Award Winners

Sign My Guestbook!        

View My Guestbook! 

What Is Rescue?

Your Dog's Age

Quiz: Are You Ready For A Dog?

What is Your Dog Saying?

How to Choose the Right Dog

Preparing for your New Dog

Supplies

Books and Magazines

Taking Care of your Dog

First Aid Supplies for your Dog

First Aid 

Toxic Plants for your Dog

A Checklist for a Healthy Dog

Warm and Cold Weather Suggestions  

Dog Food

Recipes

Save a Stray

                                                                                                                                                          

                                           

                                                                           

C A N I N E S   O N L I N E ™
Copyright 2001 Canines Online ™
Issue No.3, Vol.2, August 3, 2001

============================================
CONTENTS:
=>Health:
   -- Vision Problems -- 7 Coping Strategies
=>Tidbits:
   -- Chubby Canines
   -- Work Like A Dog
=>News Briefs:
   -- Seized dogs face death if not adopted quickly
   -- Flea treatments can poison pets
=>Featured Site:
   -- Dog Watch
=>Featured Breed:
   -- Basset Hound
=>Product News, Reviews, and Coupons:
   -- Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog
=>The Tail End
============================================

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HEALTH
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Vision Problems -- 7 Coping Strategies
A Rodale Press contribution

Your pet has always been a sure-footed beast, but lately (ever since you
rearranged the house) she's been bumping into things and looking lost.
And when you go on walks, she has trouble finding you.

For some reason your pet's sharp vision has faded. Some dogs and cats
suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, which makes it hard for them to
see in dim light. Others can get cataracts, glaucoma or other eye
diseases that cause their sight to dim. Fortunately, there are a number
of treatments as well.

"Some of the treatments available for pets are as sophisticated as
people's," says Mary B. Glaze, D.V.M., professor of ophthalmology at the
Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge
and co-author of The Atlas of Feline Ophthalmology.

Even if your pet never regains her 20/20, there are many things you can
do to make her life easier. Try these tips from the eye experts.

For Dogs and Cats
Don't play musical chairs. Moving furniture can confuse dim-sighted pets
and even cause injuries -- if your pooch barrels into a table leg, for
example, says Art J. Quinn, D.V.M., professor of ophthalmology at the
Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Stillwater.
"If you don't have to, don't move your furniture," he says.

Show her around. If you do shuffle the furniture or your pet's vision
has suddenly faded, lead her around on a leash for a day or two to help
her find her way, says Dr. Glaze.
It's also a good idea to confine her to one or two rooms until she knows
them well. Once she's familiar with the layout, you can introduce her to
new territory. Most pets want to be around people, so you can keep her
in rooms you frequent so she won't be all alone.

Be predictable. Stability is important for poorly sighted pets, says Dr.
Glaze. "Leaving their food and water in the same place will help give
them a sense of order and security," she says. The same goes for litter
boxes and beds: The less you move them around, the better, she says.

Give her a leash on life. If your pet has even the slightest trouble
seeing, don't let her wander outside unless she's on a leash or in a
fenced area where she can't escape, warns Dr. Quinn.

Guard the pool. Swimming pools can be deadly for pets that can't see
where they're going. "I've had blind pet patients that have fallen into
pools and drowned," says Dr. Quinn.

Bring in a friend. Sometimes a pet with vision will help one without it.
In many cases, "they're willing to be very giving to the pet that can't
see," helping to guide her around, says Dr. Glaze. Even if they aren't
good friends, having two pets in the family still can help. For example,
attaching a bell to the collar of the sharp-sighted pet will make it
easier for her companion to follow her around and stay out of danger,
says David C. Smith, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in
Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Try a new hairdo. If your pet has vision problems and her bangs are
hanging in front of her eyes, trim them away, says Dr. Smith. "I've seen
dogs, like Old English sheepdogs, that have so much hair in their eyes
that it can further impair vision that's already questionable," he says.

When to See the Vet
It's tough for humans to lose their sight, but animals are more
adaptable. Because of their fine-tuned senses, "visually impaired cats
and dogs have an uncanny ability to get around," says Mary B. Glaze,
D.V.M., professor of ophthalmology at the Louisiana State University
School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge.

Some pets can actually hear whether a door is open or closed and then
walk through (or stop) without hesitation. "It's as if they can see,"
says Dr. Glaze.

Take your pet into new territory, however, and her vision problems may
become more evident -- and more dangerous. Blind pets can bump into
furniture or bash into walls. If they get outside unattended, they could
walk into traffic.

Any pet with vision problems needs to be seen by a vet. How can you tell
if your pet is going blind? She may have trouble finding you when you
call. Blind dogs are often reluctant to go up or down stairs. Blind cats
may not jump up on furniture as much as they used to.

"If your cat has been sleeping on your bed for years and she gradually
stops, blindness could be a reason," says Art J. Quinn, D.V.M.,
professor of ophthalmology at the Oklahoma State University College of
Veterinary Medicine in Stillwater.

Another way to tell is with the cotton ball test, advises David C.
Smith, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Stand several feet in front of your pet and drop a cotton ball. If you
do it a couple of times and your pet doesn't even glance at it, she may
be having trouble seeing. Call your vet right away, he advises.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Panel of Advisers
Mary B. Glaze, D.V.M., is professor of ophthalmology at the Louisiana
State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge and
co-author of The Atlas of Feline Ophthalmology.
Art J. Quinn, D.V.M., is professor of ophthalmology at the Oklahoma
State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Stillwater.
David C. Smith, D.V.M., is a veterinarian in private practice in Tulsa,
Oklahoma.
Copyright © 1996 by Rodale Press, Inc.


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TIDBITS
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Chubby Canines
One dog in four is fat. These porky dogs fall into the same lifestyle
pitfalls as their owners can-they eat too many snacks and high-fat
foods, and don’t exercise enough. This is undoubtedly a consequence of
domestication. Obesity is unheard of in the wild. Overweight dogs are
more likely to be ill and don’t live as long as trim ones.

Work Like A Dog
Dogs need and enjoy exercise. Experts recommend that dogs get regular
exercise about three times a week, which should include waling or
running. This will increase the metabolic rate of canines just as it
does in humans, allowing then to burn more calories and maintain a
healthy weight.


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NEWS BRIEFS
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Seized dogs face death if not adopted quickly
SHELBYVILLE, TN -- The remaining 45 of the 139 dogs that were removed
from a Bedford County farm in May must be adopted next week or face
being euthanized, a humane society official said. More info:
http://www.tennessean.com/local/archives/01/04/07026133.shtml?Element_ID=7026133

Flea treatments can poison pets
DES MOINES, IA -- Iowa veterinarians are cautioning pet owners that
chemicals in over-the-counter flea products can be dangerous. More
info: http://desmoinesregister.com/news/stories/c4788996/15345415.html


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FEATURED SITE
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Dog Watch
www.dogwatch.net
This page is a guide to help you strategically fight Breed Specific
Legislation (BSL) if and when it comes to your area.


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PRODUCT NEWS, REVIEWS, AND COUPONS
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Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog

Growth/Puppy Foods
Puppy foods are intended to be fed to growing puppies. For small dogs
growth usually ends by nine months of age and for giant breeds it can
last until 18-24 months of age. For this reason no single
recommendation can be made as to how long to feed your puppies a growth
diet.

Higher levels of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals characterize
growth diets. This is necessary to meet the growing puppy's higher
energy and nutrient requirements.

Pound-for-pound puppies need as much as three times more nutrients than
an adult dog. Be sure not to over feed your puppy, as too much weight
can predispose your puppy to orthopedic diseases later on in life.
Because growth diets contain extra nutrients they are also ideal for
feeding pregnant and nursing moms.

Adult Foods
Adult foods are intended to be fed to moderately active adult dogs.
They contain moderate amounts of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals.
Many adult diets come in two-piece sizes designed for smaller and larger
dogs. More sedentary adult dogs can be fed "light" formulas and older
adult dogs should be fed senior formulas.

Lite/Less Active Foods
Two types of foods fall in this category: light foods and less active or
reduced-calorie foods. The term "light", when used for pet foods, is
regulated by law and so these foods are very low in fat and calories and
much higher in fiber than adult foods. They are especially appropriate
for weight loss and can be used for more sedentary dogs that require
fewer calories. Less active or reduced-calorie foods have less calories
and fat than adult foods, but more calories than light foods. They also
have much less fiber than light foods. Because they are higher in
calories than light foods, they are better suited for weight maintenance
of more sedentary dogs than for weight loss in overweight dogs.

Senior Foods
As your dog ages he may benefit from a senior diet. While not much is
known about the nutrition of older dogs, we know:

bulletFirst, older dogs are more sedentary and require fewer calories (i.e.
lower fat).
bulletSecond, older dogs may benefit from a diet lower in phosphorus.
bulletThird, a moderate level of fiber in the diet helps prevent
constipation and maintain gastro-intestinal health.
bulletFourth, the food should be very palatable to encourage adequate food
intake.

Again, because different sized dogs age at different rates there is no
one age to begin feeding your dog a senior diet. Generally seven years
is a good rule of thumb, with giant breeds starting earlier (around five
years) and small and toy breeds starting later (around eight or nine
years).

Information compiled by PETsMART.com staff and PETsMART Inc. experts.
For questions or comments, email us at c-@petsmart.com. Information and
advice contained on this site is for your consideration only. Please
consult your veterinarian for specific advice concerning the care and
treatment of your pet.

To buy your dog any of these items mentioned in this article or any
other supplies that you need, you can buy it at PetsMart through the
link below. http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid5327311?siteid=29704969


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FEATURED BREED
****************************************************************
Breed: Basset Hound
Country of Origin: 17th Century France
AKC Group: Hound
Function: Tracking and trailing
Life Span: 8-12 years
Appearance: Short thick legs, thick long body, and long ears
Color: White, black, tan, and mixtures
Coat Type: Shedding
Grooming: Frequent ear cleaning
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Activity Level: Medium
Watch Dog: No
Protection: No
Intelligence: Medium
Trainability: Be constant and patient
Good With Children: Great
Good With Pets: O.K.
Good With Strangers: Friendly
Character: Affectionate, stubborn, lazy, loyal
Home Environment: Fenced yard
Best Owner: Patient
Potential Problems:
Behavior: Noisy, stubborn
Physical: Neck, back, hip, leg, ankle, and shoulder problems, ear
infections, snoring
Recommendations: Start grooming early, can be sensitive to touch

Books:
The Basset Hound Owner's Survival Guide By: Diane Morgan & Pam
Posey-Tanzey (Illustrator)
Retail Price: $24.95
Our Price: $19.96
The Basset Hound is a breed with quirks galore that continues to attract
thousands of devoted owners each year. New Basset owners need a book
that will tell them how to take care of their pets particular, and often
peculiar, needs. Long-time Basset owners will appreciate the humorous
stories that are sprinkled throughout.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0876050186

A New Owner's Guide to Basset Hounds By: Joan Urban
Retail Price: $12.95
Our Price: $10.36
Owners and potential owners of Basset Hounds will benefit from the
experience of the author of this book, a long-time breeder of these
endearing, low-slung hounds. From tips on nutrition to character, the
author tells it like it is. There are chapters on history, general
care, health, grooming, the sport of purebred dogs, and more.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0793827876

Basset Hounds By: Ariel Books & Miniature Book Collection
Our Price: $4.95
Sad-eyed? Droopy? Unable to leap a blade of grass in a single bound?
Untrue myths abound about this hound. Illustrated with more than thirty
color photos.
http://bn.bfast.com/booklink/click?sourceid=12475608&bfpid=0836226380

Rescue Groups:
Basset Hound Rescue League (DL, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV)
http://www.keithfoster.com/bhrl/

Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia
http://www.ccmi1.com/bhrg/

Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California
http://members.xoom.com/bhrsc

Basset Hound Rescue of Washington
http://w3.ime.net/~writer/basset/warescue.html

Basset Hound Rescue Society (GA)
http://www.ccmil.com/basset/rescue.htm

Mid America Basset Rescue (KS, MO)
http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/KS12.html

The Basset's Den
http://w3.ime.net/~writer/basset/Basset_home.html

Prescott's Basset Hound Rescue
http://www.bttr.com/

Basset Hound Cares (US)
http://www.targetmarketing.org/basset/

Basset Hound Rescue of Alabama (AL)
http://www.bhra.org/

Basset Hound rescue organizations (US)
http://www.writewithinc.com/BH/

Basset Rescue in Ontario, Canada (Canada)
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Park/3523/rescue.html

Basset Rescue of Montana (MT)
http://people.montana.com/~pln4544/brofm.html

Basset Rescue of Old Dominion (VA, MD, DC)
http://www.dailydrool.com/rescue/home.html

Carolina Basset Hound Rescue (NC & SC)
http://www.cbhr.com/

Emerald Empire Basset Hound Fancier Rescue (OR)
http://www.mstrcs.com/basset/

Floppy Dog House Basset Rescue (AR)
http://sitehounds.com/floppydoghouse/

Guardian Angel Basset Rescue (midwest IL)
http:/www.bassetrescue.org/

Michigan Basset Rescue (MI)
http://mbrhome.com/

North Texas Basset Hound Rescue (TX)
http://web2.airmail.net/rndfw/

Northern California Basset Hound Club (CA)
http://www.wco.com/~ncbhc/

Northern California Basset Rescue (CA)
http://www.wco.com/~ncbhc/page4.html

Ohio Basset Hound Rescue (OH)
http://ww4.choice.net/~basset/

Tennessee Valley Basset Rescue (TN)
http://home.att.net/~tvbr/tvbr.htm

Valle del Sol Basset Hound Rescue (AZ)
http://www.bassetrescue.net/rescue.htm


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THE TAIL END
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"Try to be the kind of person your dog thinks you are."
-- Anonymous

 

Home  |  Photo Album  |  Why Adopt?  |  Adoption Sites  |  NDRC's Poll  |  Puppy Mills  |  Breed Index  |  Link To Us!  |  Canines Online  |  Dogs in the Encyclopedia  |  Dog Facts  |  Ways To Help When You Can't Adopt  |  Awards I Have Won  |  Win My Award  |  Award Winners  |  Sign My Guestbook!  |  View My Guestbook!  |  What Is Rescue?  |  Your Dog's Age  |  Quiz: Are You Ready For A Dog?  |  What is Your Dog Saying?  |  How to Choose the Right Dog  |  Preparing for your New Dog  |  Supplies  |  Books and Magazines  |  Taking Care of your Dog  |  First Aid Supplies for your Dog  |  First Aid  |  Toxic Plants for your Dog  |  A Checklist for a Healthy Dog  |  Warm and Cold Weather Suggestions  |  Dog Food  |  Recipes  |  October: Adopt a Shelter Dog Month  | Save a Stray  |  Are You Nuts About Mutts? | To Neuter or Not to Neuter? |