Innholdsfortegnelse for June Issue#144 i Dogs Life

Hi DOGSLife readers, Welcome to our winter issue. As I write this, the air is getting colder. My two Staffies have started to linger a little longer in their beds in the cool mornings and we’ve begun rugging up before taking our morning walks. Yes, I’m one of those people — I dress my dogs and I’m not afraid to admit it! I do this so they can stay warm when out and about, sometimes before dawn, on those chilly winter mornings — although I have to admit, I also kind of enjoy how cute they look. Whether you’re like me and don’t mind a bit of canine fashion, or if you’re only interested in function, make sure you check out our winter coat guide on page 28 for all…

With winter here, our dogs spend more time indoors, but that doesn’t seem to stop them from getting those paws covered in mud and dirt that they then traipse through the house. Minimise this problem with the Dirty Dog Doormat. Using super-absorbent material, this mat soaks up water and mud from your pet and dries five times faster than ordinary door mats. With a plush, thick surface and non-slip rubber backing, it is also machine washable, ensuring you can easily clean it after Fido has made his mark. For more information, visit bowhouse.com.au…

It’s hard to believe that four out of five dog and cat patients over three years of age have some form of dental disease. While many people believe that bad breath is normal for their furry friends, it can be an indication of dental disease. WHAT CAUSES DENTAL DISEASE? Dental disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by an infection called plaque. Plaque is made up of food particles, saliva and bacteria, which sticks to the tooth surface and, if not removed, will calcify into tartar. This takes place above and below the gum line and over time can lead to the destruction of the supportive tissues and jawbone, resulting in bad breath, oral pain and eventual loss of teeth. If left untreated, severe dental diseases can lead to heart, liver…

DOGSLife has five double passes to the Brisbane Dog Lovers Show to give away. BRISBANE DOG LOVERS SHOW Look out Queensland dog lovers, there’s a new show in town and it’s guaranteed to blow you away! The Brisbane Dog Lovers Show will be hitting the Royal International Convention Centre at Brisbane Showgrounds on November 4 and 5 and is an event not to be missed! Check out celebrity vets Dr Chris Brown and Dr Katrina Warren and her Wonderdogs as they entertain you with their daily demonstrations. There’s also a moving tribute to the Australian Military Working Dogs, with visitors able to buy purple poppies to commemorate the service of war animals, with all funds donated to Military Working Dogs and their handlers to assist post-traumatic stress. For those looking…

As humans, our diet naturally shifts during the winter months, usually from lighter salads with a side of protein to more warming comfort foods including curries, casseroles and pasta dishes. Considering our four-legged friends are our fur-babies and part of the family, does this mean their diet should also shift as winter kicks in? Given Australia’s fairly mild climate, there is usually no requirement to change your dog’s diet during the winter months, Dr Rachel Chay, Petbarn and Greencross Vets chief veterinarian, says. Instead, she recommends a consistent diet yearround to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. “Dog owners should be looking for diets that are complete and balanced, providing key nutrients including vitamins and minerals,” she says. Most pet owners are still able to access the great outdoors…

From cool coats to boots with bling and thermoscushioned beds, keeping your dog warm, cosy and comfortable this winter couldn’t be easier (or more stylish). RUGGING UP In winter, larger breeds of dogs with long coats, such as Huskies and German Shepherds, can weather the cold a little easier than pint-sized Chihuahuas and other smaller breeds. Dogs that are underweight or lean, including Greyhounds, puppies and senior pets, are also more susceptible to winter chills, but there are many things you can do to keep your dog happy, healthy and toasty warm this winter. One easy way to keep your dog snug is with a coat. Whether it’s designer duds, pet-store apparel or a coat you’ve created yourself, ensuring that your dog’s jacket has insulating properties and is the right…

Ever wondered what those little rust-coloured marks that develop around your dog’s eyes are or perhaps what causes them? Called tear stains, they’re essentially the result of excess tear production, Dr Rachel Chay, chief veterinarian at Petbarn and Greencross Vets, says. The staining itself is caused by dye molecules called porphyrins, which all dogs produce. These porphyrins are iron-containing molecules, produced when the body breaks down red blood cells, and are excreted primarily through bile and the intestinal tract. Excessive amounts of porphyrin are excreted through tears, saliva and urine. If this sits on white or light fur for any length of time, the fur will stain, intensifying or darkening in the presence of sunlight. Tear staining is more of a problem in breeds with more prominent or “bulgy” eyes,…

A delaide’s Helen Hillard knew her one-year-old Staffy cross, Willow, had come from an abusive background when she adopted her in May 2015. Willow had been seized by the RSPCA from a dog-fighting ring and the organisation suspected she was destined to be a bait dog. “Because she’s female and small, they think it’s likely she was sent in to ‘stir up’ the males, then removed before they started fighting,” Helen says. “She hadn’t been desexed and she has some scars around her face and mouth. The theory is also supported by her absolute fear of other dogs.” Willow displayed severe anxiety from day one in her new, loving home. She is afraid of storms, fireworks and other loud noises, as well as high-pitched sounds and other dogs. She is…

Barking is just like talking: it’s how dogs communicate with their owners, neighbours and other dogs. While some barking is normal, it becomes a problem when it doesn’t stop. It can be frustrating for everyone, including your dog. The good news is that there are things you can do to break the habit. BOREDOM BARKERS Queensland dog trainer Tenille Williams says dogs can bark excessively for a number of different reasons. “The most common reason I see is boredom, followed by lack of socialisation and separation anxiety,” she says. “When a dog is bored and decides to bark at everything and anything, it’s highly rewarding to them and so the cycle continues into a habit quite easily.” Boredom is perhaps the most common reason why suburban dogs bark excessively. Left…

BREED FEATURE: GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG As its name suggests, the German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany, with the first official German Shepherd Club (SV) founded in 1899. When cavalry officer Captain Max Von Stephanitz bought his first German Shepherd, he was smitten. Widely recognised as the “father of the breed”, Captain Von Stephanitz led the way in promoting German Shepherds and was instrumental in introducing them to life in the service. Recognising their high level of intelligence and ability to be trained, the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany encouraged the German police service and army to make use of these adaptable creatures. By the end of World War I, in 1918, 48,000 German Shepherds were enlisted in the German army. These dogs were used for what could have been…

Although you may want to dive under the doona and snuggle up to your pooch when the chill of winter rolls in, there are simply no excuses not to exercise. Unlike some animals (and humans) that hibernate during the winter months, most dogs enjoy being active, even when it’s cold outside. Daily exercise is an important part of dogs’ good health and wellbeing; it helps keep their weight in check, keeps them mentally stimulated and benefits their joints and muscles. STAYING SAFE Exercising in winter can present some logistical and physical challenges, however, including icy roads, freezing winds, rain, sleet or even snow. Check your local conditions before venturing outdoors. Unlike countries where snow is the winter norm, dogs down under aren’t normally exposed to chemical de-icers, which can burn…

PUG DOG HOODIE Keep your pet looking sharp and stylish in the Pug Dog hoodie from Hoobynoo. Made from soft fleece American Apparel fabric, this hoodie features a kangaroo pouch on the back so you can store a few doggy essentials, and a hole behind the hood to allow you to attach a lead. Perfect for those winter morning walks! You can even have your dog’s name embroidered on the Pug Dog hoodie, although, since this is a UK company, the product doesn’t come cheap, retailing at £35 (approximately AU$60) plus shipping. For more information, visit hoobynoo.co.uk EASTBAY FUNK Does your dog have a bit of street cred and needs the outfit to go with it? Then you should get your hands on Eastbay Funk, available now from Fuzzyard. This…

It’s invisible, usually silent and smells something awful, but we’re not talking about a ghost zombie crawling out of the sewer in a horror movie. It’s Fido’s flatulence — the excessive formation of gases in the stomach or intestine. Often referred to as a fart or even a fluff(sounds like a Poodle had something to do with it) by many kids, gas is normally produced and accumulated within the gastrointestinal tract. However, sometimes this production of gas is increased and can become … erm … unwarranted. Pets can commonly suffer from flatulence for various reasons and, thank goodness, there are remedies available. However, sometimes gas is indicative of an underlying health condition that requires veterinary treatment. Sydney small-animal veterinarian Dr James Crowley, who has smelled his share of malodourous doggy gas,…

M ost dog owners know the importance of physical exercise for their furry friend. A long morning walk, a run on the beach, frolicking at the local off-leash park — they’re all great ways to get your dog’s heart rate up and help her stay fit and healthy. But not all dog owners are aware that it’s not only important to exercise their dog’s body, but their mind as well. This is known as mental stimulation, and Alisa Sannikova, animal behaviour scientist from Sydney dog walking and training service Perfect Dog, says it’s incredibly important for all dogs. “In the short term, it’s a perfect way to prevent boredom behaviours such as barking, digging and chewing — any time your dog is engaged in a human-approved activity, it’s much less…

Depending on who you ask, the fact that dogs can’t talk is either a crying shame or one of their greatest assets. On the one hand, who wouldn’t love to chew the fat with their canine companion and gain an insight into exactly how their dog views the world? On the other, there’s a lot to be said for a best friend who never answers back and simply gives you all the unconditional love he or she has to offer. But no matter which side of the debate you choose, you have to admit that there are some situations when it would be very handy if your dog could wax lyrical. When our dogs are sick, in pain or just doing something funny or quirky, wouldn’t it be great if…

SCALY SKIN Q: Hi DOGSLife, My six-year-old Rottweiler, Larry, appears to have developed dandruffin his fur. Tiny white spots are everywhere, no matter how frequently we bathe or groom him. Larry eats a high-quality dry biscuit diet and we treat him for fleas and worms and all the usual stuffregularly. What do you think this dandruffis and is there any way we can treat it? Jane, via email Dr Michael Archinal says: Hi Jane, a healthy skin and coat is soft, lustrous and free from scurf. Unhealthy skin looks dry and flaky and there may be hair loss and a possible bacterial infection. Normal skin turns over and renews itself about every 21 days. When the skin is irritated, it can speed up the turnover rate to every 14 days.…

BREED FEATURE: MASTIFF Recognised as the oldest British breed, the Mastiffexisted in Great Britain approximately 2000 years ago. Its exact origin is unknown but the breed is said to have come from south-west Asia and spread into Tibet, China and Japan. Possessing a powerful and muscular body, the Mastiffwas perfect for military work and during Caesar’s time was exported to Rome as a military and fighting dog. These dogs were also used to fight human gladiators and entertain the nobility in dog fights, as well as bring down bears, bulls, lions and tigers. GREAT FAMILY BREED A loyal, loving and easygoing breed, the Mastiffis best suited to people who enjoy spending time with their dogs, who love giant breeds and don’t mind their house being taken over by a large,…

A career involving canines has to be the top of most people’s lists, right? You get to spend time with furry four-legged friends, so what more could you want? If this sounds appealing to you, perhaps it’s time you take a look at one of the courses provided by the National College of Traditional Medicine, such as the Canine Myofunctional Therapy Certificate. This professional dog massage course teaches you more about this positive form of therapy that has been recommended by veterinarians and animal-care experts across the world as a powerful healing tool in the treatment of many conditions, including the specialised care required of postoperative procedures. In this course, students learn the application of controlled and deliberate techniques to aid in the relaxation and repair of soft tissue injuries…

If you regularly enjoy an early-morning walk with your dog, you’ll probably be aware that winter is well and truly here. Unless you live in certain tropical areas of Australia, that means plunging temperatures, bitingly cold winds, icy rain and sometimes even snow. Just like any other season, winter brings with it a host of unique care requirements for our canine friends. Just as heatstroke and providing ample fresh water are important concerns in summer, so too are a number of doggy health issues in winter. But do you know what to do to give your dog the best possible care during the chilly months? Dr Karen Flexner, veterinarian from My Vet Animal Hospital in Waterloo, NSW, explains that dogs have unique care requirements in winter that every owner should…

Cavill Stone’s Maltese terrier, Jasper, was just a puppy when he ate an entire sheet of the antibiotic amoxicillin that was sitting on Cavill’s bedside table. “I was taking a shower and by the time I got out he had gotten up onto my bed, stolen the tablets and he had not only gotten them all out of the foil packet, but he had proceeded to bite open every single plastic casing on the pills to get to the white powder inside,” Cavill says. “I realised almost immediately after getting out of the shower and absolutely panicked. I threw on some clothes, still soaking from the shower, and rushed him to our vet. He then had to get his little stomach pumped and stay in for observation. It was a…

Do you really need to ensure your dog’s nails are kept trim? The short answer is yes — especially if your pampered pooch is used to carpets and couches rather than hard floors. Dr Eloise Bright from Love That Pet advises trimming your dog’s dewclaws every six weeks. “Dogs do not always need all their nails trimmed if they are going on frequent walks on the footpath, but those ‘thumb’ nails don’t touch the ground so are not worn down by exercise. These will definitely need regular trimming,” she says. HEALTH RISKS Not only do lopsided nails sound uncomfortable and bad for your floors, but having uneven nails is not good for your dog’s health. “If they are quite long, they can cause your dog’s toes to splay out to…

Ruby, a 15-month-old Poodle cross, is well-behaved — well, at least most of the time. But the moment she sees a big dog, she charges up to it (whether on or offthe lead) and barks like the world is coming to an end. Ruby sometimes jumps up at the large dog’s face in her fury, forgetting she is small enough to actually fit into its giant mouth. Ruby’s owner says her fur baby’s aggressive behaviour towards big dogs is annoying and makes family outings stressful. When Ruby barks madly at bigger dogs, she often runs behind her owner’s legs and tries to climb up into her owner’s arms, which just ends up reinforcing the behaviour. Why is Ruby behaving this way? Is it a result of her social experiences and…

W e know how good our dogs make us feel with their positive attitude and unconditional love — they keep us happy and relaxed, they motivate us to get out and walk and they’re the best company to curl up with on the couch after a long, hard day. What new research shows is how beneficial those qualities in dogs can be for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with 1 in 100 children on the autism spectrum in Australia. A 2014 study from the University of Missouri (MU) in Columbia, USA, showed that children with autism especially benefit from interacting with dogs, which can provide companionship, stress relief and opportunities to learn. In the study of 70 autistic families, 94 per cent said their children with autism were…