What caused your dog to become afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks? You want your dog to want you but why does he have separation anxiety? Thunderstorms fireworks and dogs can make for a season of fear for your pet. Is your stress making your pet (or horse for that matter) nervous or did they just get that way?

Animals have survived through centuries by observing everything around them. They are constantly taking in sights, sounds, smells, touch perceptions, vibrations, anything they perceive as vital to survival. This information is then categorized, some being programmed to keep and other is filed away as unnecessary or unimportant data. The decision to keep or toss can be different for each species, breed, sex, age, and global habitat.

Whether an animal is a predator (the hunter) or a prey (the hunted) makes a difference in how they respond and react to situations. When a body goes outside of the endocrine systems “comfort zone” we start to see altered behavior to environmental situations. The endocrine system comprises the hypothalamus, thalamus, pituitary, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas.

These glands are in constant communication to balance messages that signal the body to work. Stress can push a body to the limit and beyond. Stress for an animal can be an inconsistent life schedule, too many animals in the home, too much confinement, not enough exercise, lack of vital nutrients, a grain-laden diet, separation or loss of a friend (animal or human), pain, disease, thunderstorms, fireworks, arthritis, allergies, or even an owner who is nervous and upset, and there are more. The combination can be as varied as the number of stressed animals out there because no two beings are identical. How you react and respond can make a difference in the overall outcome. Eliminating the symptoms first involves identifying the etiology. Finding the cause and changing that part of the animal’s lifestyle or health status may resolve the stress reactions. I like to first address mineral patterns. The body needs calcium and magnesium in order for the nervous system to be calm and relaxed. Lacking these vital nutrients an individual cannot be calm. He will ramp up in a stressed situation escalating without the ability to stop until exhaustion hits. Zinc is also a very important mineral and works with calcium for body functions across many levels.

This assessment can be made with a simple fur test. A small sample is clipped from the belly, submitted to a laboratory, and the results of tissue mineral and toxic metal levels will be received in 3 to 4 weeks. A customized nutritional balancing program targeting specific minerals and vitamins for your pet can then be designed. Herbs are also helpful in transitioning from the nervous state while waiting for nutrients to achieve their cellular positions. Oral calming herbs include St. John’s Wort, Valerian, Passion Flower, Kava, Eleuthero, and Skull Cap. Topical or aromatic herbs such as lavender can also be beneficial in some situations.

Pheramone collars like NurtueCALM™ 24/7 will help some cats and dogs. This therapy mimics the pheromone that the mother dog or cat produces to calm and reassure her pups or kittens. Animals recognize these pheromones throughout life. When the collar is in place, the perception of the pheromone by the cat or dog is immediate. However, as in every behavior program, the visible improvement in specific behaviors requires some time, depending on a variety of factors: the cat or dog, the nature, duration and severity of the problem, and behavior modification (animal and owner). Usually, an improvement in specific behavior signs is seen during the first two weeks after wearing the collar, but some animals require a month to exhibit visible improvement. The active ingredient in the NurtureCALM™ collar is androstenone, which is an interomone.

Therapeutic options can also include thunder shirts, behavior modification, drugs, and a prescription medical device called Alpha-Stim™. Comforting the body with a caressing concept, as in the Anxiety Wrap™, works well for some dogs. Cats are generally not fond of such a “contraption” (Their words, not mine!). Having a dark, secluded, quite space in which to hide is also helpful. Behavior modification is important no matter which approach you decide to take toward changing your pets focus on the situation and life choices.

Drugs used to treat anxiety, stress and depression do not come without a caveat of toxic effects and many are prescribed off-label in animals. Toxic signs may include depression, agitation, ataxia, tremors, dry eyes, rapid heart rate, vocalization, and seizure activity.

Alpha- Stim™ has no systemic side effects and the treatments are cumulative and long lasting. A very low level microamperage wave is delivered to the body via little ear clips (like an IPod). This helps to normalize the body by inducing a balance in signals or frequencies between the endocrine organs. Physiologically it also increases blood and cerebral spinal fluid levels of beta endorphin and serotonin. This device has been on the human market for over 38 years and is FDA regulated for anxiety, pain, insomnia, and depression. Alpha-Stim® can successfully treat a variety of human and animal stress conditions.

You can’t stop thunderstorms and if you can’t move to a state where fireworks are prohibited then dealing with it becomes a priority. Try some of these suggestions to help get your pet through the rough seasons. They have worked for others.

Learn more about it: Alpha-Stim™ Training for Dogs

Ava Frick, DVM, CAC, FAIS

The Importance of Fitness and Conditioning
“Agility Performance Run for a Canine Athlete Sample”

Agility Champions-A Letter from a Student

Trudy won the 2014 CPE National Event High In Trial Enthusiast, Perfect Trial Award 200 Points, High in Standard, and 1st Place Games Awards with eight 1st place blue ribbons and one 2nd place red ribbon June 6-8 in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Only 5 dogs out of 484 completed the 9 events correctly. We were honored to be among the best. This is Trudy’s third High In Trial as she won the 2007 CPE National Event High In Trial Regular in Nova Scota, and the 2012 CPE National Event High In Trial Veteran in Altamont, New York. Trudy won the 2014 CPE National Event High In Trial Enthusiast, Perfect Trial Award 200 Points, High in Standard, and 1st Place Games Awards with eight 1st place blue ribbons and one 2nd place red ribbon June 6-8 in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Only 5 dogs out of 484 completed the 9 events correctly. We were honored to be among the best.This is Trudy’s third High In Trial as she won the 2007 CPE National Event High In Trial Regular in Nova Scota, and the 2012 CPE National Event High In Trial Veteran in Altamont, New York.

Please NOTE: The video is a sample run from an AKC trial, not a CPE event.

A big thank you to Dr. Susan Fife who found the iliopsoas strain in April as Trudy would not go up the front steps and came up with an exercise plan so that Trudy could run in June at the CPE National Event. Thank you Susan for helping me with Trudy so that she can run agility!

I would like to thank Racine Hyatt who helped give me internet support and encouragement for Trudy to be massaged and for her program which is very helpful to understand the importance of keeping your dog physically fit through exercise in a safe manner. It is great that Cheryl from E-Training for Dogs offers programs such as the dog fitness program that Racine teaches:
All-Fit Dog-How to Improve Fitness for Over-all Wellness

Athletic Performance Fitness Strategies: How to Condition an Athletic Performance Dog

It is important for handlers to understand dog fitness and conditioning and I need the programs that Racine teaches so I will become a better dog trainer for my Canine athletes.

Thank you Susan for helping me with Trudy so that she can run agility! I would like to thank Racine who helped give me internet support and encouragement for Trudy to be massaged and for her program which is very helpful to understand the importance of keeping your dog physically fit through exercise in a safe manner.

It is great that Cheryl from e learning for dogs offers programs such as the dog fitness program that Racine teaches. It is important for handlers to understand dog fitness and conditioning and I need the programs that Racine teaches so I will become a better dog trainer for my Canine athletes.

Keeping Dogs Safe in the Sun

Summer time is here, and with high temperatures, it’s very important for dog owner’s to keep an eye and be sure that their pet is thriving. The high temperatures can cause problems for pets in many different situations, some of which you may not even realize are endangering your canine companion. As a diligent pet owner you need to be well informed of the issues that could befall you pet when the outdoors start to get hot and sunny. The following will provide some insight into how the summer highs affect your animal and what to do in order to ensure your pet has just as much summer fun as you do.

Cars Can Be a Death Sentence in High Temperatures

In many countries around the world there has been a ton of focus put on the fact that children should not be left in a car, as they become a hot tomb on warm days—even some days that may not feel overly warm, and winter days, can heat up the interior of the car to dangerous temperatures. The same rule applies to your pets. Your dog is just as susceptible to high temperatures as a human, and you need to take care that you do not place them in this threatening situation. You may think that if your dog is a shorthaired variety the heat will bother it less; however, fur is an insulator regardless of its length. This means that even a dog with very little fur can succumb to high temperatures. If you happen to find yourself in a situation where an animal has been left in a car and it appears to be suffering from the heat, the best thing to do is call the police. They will take care of the issue and the ill-informed owner of the animal.

During Exercise, Pay Attention To Your Pet

You are obviously not going to stop exercising your dog when the weather becomes warmer. After all, they need this outlet for all their energy and can become destructive or depressed without it. It is incredibly important though that you pay attention to your pet while you are out with them. If you have a longhaired breed you will definitely want to have their fur cut very short in the summer. Most are not native to warmer climates and can become overheated very easily. In much the same way that you would pay attention to your own body’s cues, you need to be aware of what your pet is telling you. If your dog slows down abnormally, take it easy for a little bit and allow your pet to rest. A good plan is to exercise your dog in a place where water is easily accessible. This also provides an opportunity for a cooling swim. If water is not readily available, try dousing your dogs’ neck and paws with water from a bottle as this will help to cool them down.

Dogs Can Get Sunburns Too

On days when the UV index is high, you need to be aware that dogs need their skin cared for in the same way that you would care for your own. Dogs with light colored fur and also those who have rather short or thin coats are especially susceptible. The best way to prevent sunburn for your dog is to apply sunscreen specially formulated for pets. An alternative, if that is hard to find, instead use a sunscreen designed for babies as it will be milder that a regular type.

Lastly, and most importantly, be sure that the pet food you are feeding your dog is right for them and their activity level. This is a good thing to be aware of all through the year, but even more when your pets’ activity level increases. By observing these simple things, you will be able to guarantee that both you and your dog have a happy, healthy, and active summer together without any issues that could be detrimental to your dog’s health.

This is a post by Ashley Williamson. Ashley is a freelance writer and a full time pet lover. When she is not working she likes to travel and do yoga. If you have any question feel free to leave a comment.

Keeping Your Dog Safe in Winter

It’s that time of year again in some parts of the world, where the temperature plummets and frozen white snow falls from the sky. Yes, this is the season where humans bundle up in warm clothes to go outside, but what about your animal companions. Although many people think that their dogs are resistant to the falling temperatures, there are definitely some precautions to take and some ways in which you can ensure you are keeping your dog safe in winter and that your pet is comfortable in the winter months.

Burns Can Happen

In the colder months when you have the heat on in your home, candles lit, and possibly small space heater, the risk of burns for your pet heightens substantially. Candles have an open flame and can also cause fire if they are knocked over by an unknowing pet. The best practice is to make sure that any lit candles are placed out of the reach of pets. In the case of heaters, if they heat up you will need to keep your pets away from them otherwise it could lead to a burnt nose or paw.

Monitor The Amount Of Time Your Pet Spends Outdoors

When the temperature drops into the negatives; it is necessary to monitor the amount of time that your pet spends out in the subzero weather. Much in the same way that humans can get frostbite and hypothermia, many animals are also able to get it. When the temperatures are hitting extreme lows it is best to allow your pet to be indoors where they are warm and safe; however, if your pet will be outdoors for a period of time, you need to provide accommodations for them. You will want to provide shelter that will keep them safe from wind, snow and other weather elements. Inside the shelter you will want some straw or blankets in order to keep your furry companion snuggly and warm. Avoid using heating devices as they are fire and burn hazards for your pet. There are however, some pet stores that sell heated mats made for use in pet shelters. These can be a great option for providing a little extra warmth. Another consideration is that your pet will need water that can be obtained easily. Snow and ice are not sufficient water sources for your canine, so you may want to consider an insulated or heated bowl that will prevent freezing.

Salt And Deicers Used On Sidewalks Can Cause Problems For Your Pet

The various methods that people use to deice and clear their sidewalks in the winter can really take a toll on your pets’ paws. After taking your animal for a walk, you will want to clean their paws with warm water in order to prevent cracking which causes very sore paws. A build up of hard packed snow and ice can also be problematic. For this reason you may want to consider a protective bootie for your pet.

Be Aware Of The Dangers In Your Home

Just as you would protect your children from the fluids and solutions around your home that shouldn’t be ingested, you also need to pay attention to your pets. Antifreeze is one thing commonly found around the home, especially during the colder weather that is a lethal cocktail if consumed. For this reason you need to be certain that it is stored out of reach and any spills are cleaned up promptly.

Different seasons present different perils for your pets. In order to be a good pet owner you need to provide dog food and cat food that is nutritious, water that is fresh, and be aware of the different ways to keep your pet safe year round. The above are some considerations to keep in mind so that you can keep your pet thriving right through to spring.

This is a post by Ashley Williamson. Ashley is a freelance writer and a full time pet lover. When she is not working she likes to travel and do yoga.  If you have any question feel free to leave a comment.