Health Takeaways

Update - Canine influenza virus - impact on AKC events in June produced another high absentee rate compared to 17% for all All-Breed shows in 2016. Twelve events were canceled in Florida and entries were down 38%. 

Because of the high risk and further spread of the influenza virus (H3N2 CIV) which is highly contagious, the following was provided by Dr. Merry Fitzgerald DVM, who says that most dogs have little or no immunity to this virus, which means that owners must be especially careful. Going to shows, dog parks, training classes, boarding kennels and grooming parlors is considered high risk. Coughing dogs can generate virus-containing airborne sprays that travel 20 feet. Judges are being asked to clean their hands when judging and to have the exhibitor show the teeth. Some owners have tried the vaccines, which do not completely prevent the infection. Others are trying a hospital-grade product and a garden home spray. The product is available through Pathogend of Georgia.  Handlers and I have used it with good results. To learn more go to: pathogendga.com.

Dealing with Heat

A dog’s normal temperature is 100 to 102.5 degrees, but after a work-out, a lot of running or being in the sun, their temperature may go to 107 degrees and it should decline to below 104 within five minutes. If it remains above 104 degrees, the dog may be suffering from heat stress and should be taken to a vet. Use a rectal or ear thermometer.

What to do

• Keep the dog walking or standing. Circulating blood helps cool the blood.
• Allow the dog to drink small amounts of water. Gulping can cause vomiting.
• Use cool water under the dog’s front legs and in the groin area.
• An air conditioned vehicle will help.
• Apply cool water to the foot pads
• Get the dog out of the sun and into the shade. Do not cover a dog with a wet towel or blanket, it can inhibit evaporation by creating a sauna effect.
• Do not put a dog in an enclosed kennel, it can reduce air flow that benefits the cooling process.
• Do not submerge in water, it can cause rapid cooling and other related problems.

Myths About Dog Food

Dr. Caroline Colie, PhD, offers the following information:

• Never feed pork! - Pork is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It is a good source of protein source because it contains more calories per pound.
• Lamb is hypoallergenic - Lamb was initially used in hypoallergenic dog foods because it was a meat most dogs had not previously eaten. Now, because so many are feeding lamb, manufacturers have had to find more exotic meat sources such as duck  and bison.
• Feed raw eggs for a shiny coat! - Eggs contain lots of protein, fat, and vitamins, all of which are essential to hair growth and skin health. Diets high in fat also have been shown to result in glossier and softer coats in dogs, and might be a good for the coat as eggs.
• Dogs don’t like variety - Most dogs raised on a non-varied diet prefer to stay on it and do not accept new foods readily. Dogs raised on a varied diet prefer variety.

RECOMMENDATION: The Internet and Facebook can be a good sources of information, just remember to check the sources and scientific research to see if they backup their claims before hitting the share button.

Picking the Best Puppy ? - 5th Breeder Skill

Learning how to find the best puppy in a litter is a problem every breeder must face. This was confirmed in a study that showed that breeders were wrong more than 60% of the time. Reasons given were: lack of skills required to recognize them, sold too early, pressure from pet buyers. Experts agree that choosing puppies is an underdeveloped skill. To help develop this skill, our DVD called "Choosing the Best Puppy" has been updated and now includes a live demonstration of Early Neurological Stimulation. This is a time sensitive exercise.

New Seminars

• "Structure, Movement and Pedigree Analysis" - A practical hands-on experience. Attendees learn to recognize good structure and movement and how to code pedigrees for their strengths and weaknesses.
• "Making of a Super Dog" - A step by step process is explained the includes producing correct breed type, healthier, smarter and more trainable dogs with stronger heart beats, greater tolerance of stress and greater resistance to disease. Attendees will learn how to use each step required to produce future super dogs.

For information about hosting a seminar go our "How to Host a Seminars" page.