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A Cantope Poodle Story

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A Cantope poodle companion sent us this lovely story to share.

A couple of weekends ago Penny was swimming in a bay area of Lake Ontario and a mother duck came along with her ducklings. Penny started to swim towards the duck and the mother came at Penny quacking and Penny returned to shore.

Next, Penny grabbed her ball and swam out to the duck again and when she got close she pushed her ball ahead of her to the ducklings, I believe as an invitation to play.. The mother didn’t even quack. They all just swam around a little bit and Penny came back to shore with her ball.

We have so much to learn.

Summer Safety for Dogs

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Keep Your Dog Safe in the Hot Weather

By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide

Summer can be wonderful time for you and your dog to spend time outdoors exercising and having fun. However, it is important to understand that hot temperatures can be very dangerous, too, and you must keep your dog cool. The most common warm weather hazards include heat stroke, dehydration and sunburn – all of which can be prevented. Watch your dog for signs of illness, and call your vet right away if any problems arise. In order to keep your dog safe, here are some important things you need to know about summer time hazards and prevention.
Automobiles
“Photo of Dog in Car”Photo © Justin Sullivan / Getty images
Never leave your dog in the car unattended. Despite the many warnings about this, each summer brings numerous accounts of dogs that become sick or even die of heat stroke because they were left in a car. Even if it does not seem that hot outside, the temperature inside the car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. If you absolutely must bring your dog with you on errands, make sure you bring another person who can stay in the running, air-conditioned car with your dog. Otherwise, do your dog a favor – leave her at home.
Outdoor Play
“Photo of Dog Playing Ball”Photo © John Ansted
Steer clear of long walks and strenuous exercise on hot, sunny days. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Not only is there a risk of heat stroke – dogs can get sunburns, too. Consider sunscreen for your dog (compare prices). If you are planning to spend time outdoors with your dog, find a shady spot and provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Try to take leisurely walks during the cooler times of the day, like the morning or evening hours. Remember to protect your dog’s feet from getting scorched by hot pavement. Sunscreen for dogs can help protect your dog as well.
Events
“Photo of Dog Outdoors”Photo © Chris McGrath / Getty Images
It might be best to leave your dog at home when going to large outdoor festivals or parties. A large crowd can be overwhelming and it increases the chances of injury, dehydration and exhaustion. Plus, there’s bound to be a lot of unhealthy or even toxic food and trash on the ground that your dog might try to eat. Also remember that fireworks and other loud noises can frighten dogs into running away or otherwise injuring themselves. If you do bring your dog to events, keep her close by and watch out for potential hazards.
Swimming and Water Activities
“Photo of Mixed-Breed Dog in Water”Photo © David Tuai

Stay near your dog while playing or swimming in a lake, river or the ocean. Contrary to common belief, not all dogs are skilled swimmers. Also remember that even the most experienced swimmer can become a victim of an undertow, jellyfish or other hazard. Also, prevent your dog from drinking the water. Salt water can cause dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea. Water in lakes, ponds and rivers may contain parasites and bacteria that can infect your dog. Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water for drinking.

If you bring your dog on a boat or canoe, a life jacket is just as important for your dog as it is for you. Falling or jumping overboard is always possible. Any dog that spends time near water should have her very own pet life vest.
Parasites and Pests
“Dog Toxins and Poisons – Photo of Poisonous Snake”Photo © David McNew/Getty Images

Spending time outdoors means more exposure to various parasites and pests. Always check your dog for ticks after spending time outside. Keep your dog on flea prevention to avoid flea-related issues. Because mosquitos carry heartworm disease, your dog must be on heartworm prevention if you live in an area where mosquitos are present. Also remember that an encounter with a skunk can be quite a hassle. More dangerous are snake bites, which commonly occur in spring and summer. Stings and bites from insects such as bees, wasps, scorpions and spiders are also risks.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
Bottom line: keep an eye on your dog. Don’t leave her unattended. It’s important to always exercise common sense and proceed with caution to help keep your dog safe, regardless of the season. Summertime comes with its own set of hazards, so make sure you are familiar with the risks. Learn what warning signs mean trouble. When in doubt, call your vet right away. When all is said and done, it will be much easier for you and your dog to enjoy the summer.

All About Ticks on Dogs

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The Dangers of Ticks to You and Your Dog
By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide

Life Stages of the Tick: Adult Male, Adult Female, Nymph and Larva
Photo © Getty Images

Ticks are an indisputably dreaded enemy – none of us wants to find a tick on our dogs, other pets or ourselves. Besides the obvious “ick” factor, ticks are bad news because they may transmit diseases and even cause anemia or paralysis. As a dog owner, there are some basics you should know about the risks, prevention and removal of ticks. With proper knowledge, you can help protect your dog from the threat of ticks.
About Ticks
Ticks are parasitic arthropods that feed on the blood of their hosts. They are attracted to warmth and motion, often seeking out mammals – including dogs. Ticks tend to hide out in tall grass or plants in wooded areas waiting for prospective hosts. Once a host is found, the tick climbs on and attaches its mouthparts into the skin, beginning the blood meal. Once locked in place, the tick will not detach until its meal is complete. It may continue to feed for several hours to days, depending on the type of tick. On dogs, ticks often attach themselves in crevices and/or areas with little to no hair – typically in and around the ears, the areas where the insides of the legs meet the body, between the toes, and within skin folds. Most species of ticks go through four life stages – eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults. All stages beyond eggs will attach to a host for a blood meal (and must do so on order to mature). Depending on species, the life span of a tick can be several months to years, and female adults can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs at a time. The following types of ticks are among the most common seen in North America:
• Deer tick
• Brown dog tick
• Lone star tick
• American dog tick
The Dangers of Ticks
Though they are known vectors of disease, not all ticks transmit disease – in fact, many ticks do not even carry diseases. However, the threat of disease is always present where ticks are concerned, and these risks should always be taken seriously. Most tick-borne diseases will take several hours to transmit to a host, so the sooner a tick is located and removed, the lower the risk of disease. The symptoms of most tick-borne diseases include fever and lethargy, though some can also cause weakness, lameness, joint swelling and/or anemia. Signs may take days, weeks or months to appear. Some ticks can cause a temporary condition called “tick paralysis,” which is manifested by a gradual onset of difficulty walking that may develop into paralysis. These signs typically begin to resolve after tick is removed. If you notice these or any other signs of illness in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so that proper testing and necessary treatments can begin. The following are some of the most common tick-borne diseases:
• Lyme disease
• Ehrlichiosis
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis

Engorged Tick and Adult Tick Compared to a Pencil
Photo © Getty Images
Finding and Removing Ticks from Your Dog
To search for ticks on your dog, run your hands all over the body, paying close attention to the ears neck, skin folds and other crevices. You may prefer to wear latex gloves. Closely examine any raised areas closely by parting the hair, making sure you are in a very well-lit area (you can even use a flashlight). Depending on species and life stage, a tick may be as small as a pencil point or as large as a lima bean (when engorged). If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, or your dog spends a lot of time in high grasses or wooded areas, you should check for ticks once or twice a day. If you find an embedded tick, be sure to remove it promptly. Here’s how:
1. Wear latex gloves to protect yourself. Use a pair of tweezers or a specially-designed tick removal tool to grasp the tick at the point of attachment. This should be done as close to the skin as possible.
2. Be very careful not to squeeze the body of the tick, as this may cause bacteria and disease containing materials to be injected into the site.
3. Pull the tick straight out from the skin slowly and steadily (without twisting or turning). Some of your dog’s skin may come off with the tick, but this is normal. If bleeding occurs, apply light pressure to the area.
4. Once removed, the tick should be handled carefully. While some people prefer to flush ticks down the toilet, saving the tick for further identification is a good idea. Place the tick in a small airtight container (like a pill vial or jar). You may wish to add some rubbing alcohol to the container. Label the container with the date and store in case future illness occurs, as identification may become necessary.
5. If part of the tick’s head still appears to be embedded, use the tweezers to gently pull it out. If some of the head cannot be removed, do not become alarmed. This should fall off eventually and rarely causes complications.
6. After tick removal, clean your dog’s skin at the bite area with mild soap and water. Watch this spot for several days in case of further irritation or infection. If the area does not clear up in a few days, contact your veterinarian.
There are really no shortcuts that can make a tick release itself from its host – a tick will not voluntarily detach until its meal is complete. DO NOT apply hot matches, nail polish, petroleum jelly, alcohol or other chemicals to the site. These methods are not affective and can actually be harmful to your dog.
Tick Prevention for Dogs
The best way to protect your dog from the hazards of ticks is to keep them from attaching to your dog in the first place. As stated earlier, routine checks should be done to search for ticks on your dog. Finding them before they attach is helpful, but this is not the most accurate method of prevention. To reduce the number of ticks hiding out in your yard, keep grass mowed and plants neatly trimmed. You may also choose to treat outdoor areas with pesticides, but be sure to use a substance that is safe for dogs and preferably environmentally-friendly.
One of the most effective ways to keep ticks off your dog is to directly apply a tick prevention product specifically designed for dogs. Topical products like Frontline, Revolution, Advantix, and bioSpot are designed to be applied monthly to prevent ticks. Another option is a tick collar, such as the Preventic collar. Some products are available over-the-counter while others require a prescription. Though approved for use on dogs, be aware that these products contain toxic components and should ALWAYS be used according to the directions. Do not use extra amounts of a product or apply more than one at the same time. Take note that most of these products are highly toxic to cats. Talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your dog’s lifestyle. Also be aware that not all products will work for every dog, so a bit of trial and error may be in order. With the proper knowledge, you can help defeat the dreaded tick and protect your dog, your family and yourself from the dangers of tick-borne diseases.