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Caring for your dog post-surgery.

6/2/2019

As pet owners it can be overwhelming when your dog has had surgery and it’s time for you to take them home from the vet and manage their post-surgery care. It is crucial you give your pet the best possible care during this time to accelerate their recovery and assist in prevention of any secondary issues arising.

Talk to your Veterinary Surgeon

Your Veterinary Surgeon has done their part by performing the surgery and they will also explain your post-surgery care and often give you discharge papers and printed instructions on your dog’s post-surgery care. There are no standard post-surgery specifics as these will always vary due to the type of surgery being done and you’re your dog’s age and condition. It’s important you talk to your vet and that you understand the instructions that you have been given. As this can be an emotional time it is a good idea to write down your questions and take notes on what you need such as bandages, stitches or medications to administer. This will avoid any confusion and ensure you don’t forget anything.

Be diligent about your dog’s post-surgery care.

It is imperative that you follow the instructions from your Vet and if they tell you that your pooch requires restricted rest and needs to be on a controlled lead, they mean it! The reason is that your dog’s body needs to heal properly, and additional movement can increase the risk of injury and result in another surgery or other complications.
Post-op checkups at the Vet clinic are very important after surgery as the Vet will make sure healing and recovery is going as planned. Don’t put off or miss any of these checkups.

Confining your dog for post-surgery recovery

Keeping your dog confined after surgery is common as it helps the cut tissue to heal. Your vet may request you to crate your dog and keep them leashed when taking them to the toilet.
At K9 SWiM with so many post-surgery dogs coming here for rehabilitation and speaking to the pet owners I often hear people say, “It’s too hard to keep my dog crated and leashed to go to the toilet” Yes, it can be frustrating to keep your dog crated, confined and quiet during their recovery period from surgery or an injury. But when I hear dog owners tell me that they had just let their dog outside to go to the toilet and have a sniff around off the leash - that’s when their dog has hurt themselves and then their dog is back to square 1.
Here are a few tips to assist you in making confined rest and restricted exercise a little easier and more stimulating for your dog during this time.

Crate train your dog.

It is a good idea to crate train all dogs. So if they do injure themselves in the future and have to be crated for rest, then they will be OK with it. If you know your dog is going to have to have surgery get them crate trained before surgery. Dogs that have never been crate trained may find it stressful when placed in a crate post-surgery and could injure themselves further by trying to get out.

Start with having the crate in an area at home where your pooch will feel like they are part of the family and have you and other family members around. It’s important that they don’t see the crate as something to fear.
When your dog sniffs the crate or goes near it to check out what it is, reward your dog by praising him vocally and he will feel like when he displays this behaviour he gets attention and rewards so therefore he will want to repeat it again and again.
Keep the whole crate area positive in everyway.
Don’t force your dog into the crate at all.
Feed your dog their dinner in the crate.
Feed treats to your dog in the crate.
Don’t shut the door until your dog is comfortable inside the crate and will go in and out of its own accord.
When you do finally come to shutting the door, simply do it for only a couple of minutes then open it again.
Your dog will become so used to the crate he will want to go in there of his own accord and you will succeed in crate training.
If you don’t like the idea of a crate, then check with your vet if a small room without furniture is OK. It should include a good supportive bed, water and food. Make sure the floor is non-slip and they feel comfortable in there.

Canine Hydrotherapy for post-surgery rehabilitation

There any many types of surgeries where canine hydrotherapy can assist and accelerate recovery.
Hydrotherapy is non-weight bearing and will rebuild muscle quickly and will add no stress to the limbs. Muscle atrophy will be prominent in pre-and post-surgery cases and by building muscle again will assist in the stability of the limb and the mobility of your dog.
Surgeries such as spinal, cruciate repair and hip replacements, hydrotherapy is fabulous anywhere from 2-6 weeks’ post-surgery. With any rehabilitation program at K9 SWiM our Vet Referral (Link form) form must be completed and signed by your vet. This confirms that your vet has given the OK to start Hydrotherapy. Your vet should always approve any additional treatment or rehabilitation your pet is receiving for an injury they are treating. If you have any concerns during rehabilitation we are happy to liaise with your vet on your dog is progressing.

What star sign is your dog?

2/1/2019

comic dogs with names of the zodiac signs

Aries Dog (March 21 – April 20)

The Ram is the sign of Aries which is ruled by the planet Mars and is a fire sign. The Aries dog is adventurous, courageous, confident and strong. Aries dogs will spend their day chasing things in the garden and never giving up and taking no for an answer is not in their mindset. Aries dogs can be inquisitive, smart and playful but this may lead them to wandering in search of adventure! Your Aries dog is brave and will protect you and will love to be the centre of your world.

Taurus Dog (April 21 – May 20)

The Bull is the sign of Taurus which is ruled by the planet of Venus and is an earth sign. Venus is the planet of love and beauty.
Taurus dogs can be stubborn and have a lot of will power. They love to indulge in food and toys and have their own way. They also can be shy and really need to feel safe, loved and have a balanced and harmonious environment. Noise and chaos can make them stressed. They are wonderfully loyal and loving companions.

Gemini Dog (May 21 – June 20)

The Twins is the sign of Gemini which are ruled by the planet Mercury. Mercury is the planet of intelligence. Gemini is an air sign. Gemini dogs can be happy and playful one minute then quiet and withdrawn the next which explains the Gemini dual personalities. They can be charming and passive and yet can be aggressive, they can be positive and negative, outgoing and reserved. The Gemini dog is a fast learner, loves to exercise and is affectionate. They are Guardians but may suffer from separation anxiety due to their need to be with others.

Cancer Dog (June 21 – July 20)

The Crab is the sign of Cancer which is ruled by the Moon. The moon is emotional, sensitive and nurturing. Cancer is ruled by water which is fluid and moving. Cancer dogs are loving, nurturing and sensitive but most need continuous reassurance. They love food and can easily gain weight. They love taking care of other animals which makes them a great companion for other dogs or a lovely foster mum for rescue puppies. They don’t like change very much and can become insecure if their world gets rocked.

Leo Dog (July 21 – August 20)

The Lion is the sign of Leo which is ruled by the Sun. The sun is warming, noble, and generous. Leo is a fire sign with energy to burn. Leo dogs have big personalities and love the outdoors. They love being the centre of attention, can be a clown and extroverted. They can be noisy and a little bit melodramatic. Leo dogs are exceptionally loyal.

Virgo Dog (August 21 – September 22)

The Virgin is the sign of Virgo which is ruled by Mercury. Mercury is the planet of intellect. The Virgo dog loves routine and doesn’t like change very much. They can be on the quiet side and can be worriers. These dogs are practical and may get anxious if not trained well. They enjoy the outdoors and are hard workers and most of all they just love to please you.

Libra Dog (September 23 – October 22)

The Scales is the sign of Libra which are ruled by the planet Venus.
Libra dogs love their life balanced like the scales. They weigh their options up and can be a little indecisive at times. They love the company of another dog. They need direction, structure and soft discipline so they feel secure. Libran dogs are very loving and have nice personalities.

Scorpio Dog (October 23 – November 22)

The Scorpion is the sign of Scorpio which is ruled by the planet Pluto. Scorpio is a water sign and highly emotional. The Scorpio dog is intense, robust and strong willed. They don’t seem to have an off button! Routine and structure is important for the Scorpio dog. They are exceptionally loyal but this can turn to jealousy if they feel insecure. They need regular exercise to burn of energy and stress. They are very good at getting what they want. The Scorpio dog will have undying love for you.

Sagittarius Dog (November 23 – December 22)

The Archer is the sign of Sagittarius which is ruled by the planet Jupiter. Sagittarius is a fire sign that loves a challenge.
Sagittarius dogs are outgoing, happy, kind and they love outings.
They love to explore and can be a little airy fairy sometimes!
They sometimes can be impatient and need stimulation if left alone. These dogs can be picked on by other dogs. They adore companionship and lots of physical affection. They are very loyal and want to be with you all the time.

Capricorn Dog (December 23 – January 22)

The Goat is the sign of Capricorn which is ruled by the planet Saturn. Saturn is an earth sign and one of the most grounded signs of the Zodiac. Capricorn dogs are organized, clean and have a mind of their own. They love exercise and to run around. Capricorn dogs are prone to anxiety and may not sleep as much as other dogs so maintain proper training and preventative measures to ease stressful situations.

Aquarius Dog (January 23 – February 18)

The Water Bearer sign of Aquarius which is ruled by the planet Uranus. Aquarius is an air sign. Aquarius dogs are intelligent and intuitive. They are loving and loved to be loved and cuddled. They sometimes can be stubborn and unpredictable and will do what they want. Aquarius dogs benefit greatly from obedience training and are wonderful companions for other pets. They do love their own space and alone time but love more the affection from their owner at how good they have been.

Pisces Dog (February 19 – March 20)

The Fish is the sign of Pisces which is ruled by the planet Jupiter. Pisces is a water sign. The Pisces dog loves peace and harmony and can stress easily. They are independent and will do what they want without attracting attention. They have a sweet personality and can have you wrapped around their paw in no time and have you well trained!

Some Tips To Keep Your Pooch Safe and Happy During the Holiday Season

30/11/2018

Most people love the holiday season and there is so much to love about them. There is cheer in the air and everyone seems to have a smile. While the holiday season may be a happy time for us, it isn’t always so for our pets. As a matter of fact, it can be quite stressful and sometimes potentially dangerous too. So how can you ensure that your pet is able to make it through the holiday season in a stress and anxiety-free manner? Here are some of our tips that can help for different situations:

Leaving your pet when you are heading out of town?

For many, the holidays also mean travel. But it may not always be possible to take your pet with you every time you head out of town. This means you will either rely on a pet-sitter or kennel to house your pooch. This may cause stress and anxiety to your pet. You can help reduce this anxiety by doing at least a couple of runs with a pet-sitter or boarding facility before you go out on vacation. This will help him become more familiar with strange surroundings or a new person. It’s also a good idea to ensure they have a favourite toy or blanket for comfort even a piece of your clothing with your familiar smell.

Going on a long car drive with your dog?

If you plan to take your dog along with you on a road trip, it will go far more smoothly for everyone if you ensure he uses up some of his energy before loading up. Depending on the age of your pet, playing with a toy/ball or even taking them on a long walk can help expend some of the nervous energy. Also, don’t feed your dog breakfast just before you hop in the car. Feed them a relatively light meal 3 to 4 hours before you hit the road. There’s nothing worse than a gassy passenger in the car.

Entertaining at Home?

If you are planning to spend time at home during the holidays and are going to be entertaining a lot, the constant stream of guests can be quite upsetting to your pooch. If your pooch tends to get very nervous around strangers, its best to create a safe space for them in any room of the house. This will give them the quiet time they need while the festivities are on. Don’t compel your pet to be where all the noise and people are if they prefer to be in a quiet room or they want to sleep in their own bed. Allow your pet to decide exactly how much socialising they are comfortable with. Also spend some quality time with your pet around this time so their routine doesn’t feel to out of place.

Putting up Christmas Decorations?

While you may like to decorate your house and your Christmas tree with twinkling lights, decorations such as these may send your pooch into a frenzy. If you notice your pet becoming anxious or nervous when they see the blinking lights, simply use some other décor. After all, your pet is a family member and you want her to enjoy the holidays as much as everyone else, don’t you?

When choosing holiday décor, consider whether it can pose a threat to your pooch if they swallow a decoration. Sometimes a simple thing like securing your Christmas tree so it can’t be knocked down will prevent an injury to your pet.

Any firework displays close by?

Dogs are exposed to a variety of loud noises throughout the holidays. The hustle and bustle of everyone cleaning the house and decorating it, clanging of pots and pans from all the holiday cooking, Christmas carolling and more. Fireworks are the added noise factor that can upset your dog immensely.

Fireworks often causes stress and anxiety in our pets. It goes without saying that you need to keep your pet away from any common areas where people are lighting fireworks. Place your pet in a quiet room when firecrackers are being lit; this can help keepthem calm and safe.

Try to maintain regularity in your pet’s routine and don’t change their diet either. While the holiday season can be an exciting time for you and your family, following these tips can also help ensure your pet is safe and happy as well.

You may also want to read:
• Tips to Keep your Dog Calm and De-Stressed This Holiday Season
• Top 7 Tips To Keep Your Dog Happy This Christmas

Canine Hydrotherapy

8/11/2018

Hydrotherapy is a form of non-weight bearing, low-impact exercise that is extremely effective in the rehabilitation of painful, weak and sore joints. The non-weight bearing conditions are first treated with controlled swimming movements. The entire body gets proper support from the floatation. The limbs are able to move very freely and there is no jarring like that which occurs while exercising on any hard surfaces.

Swimming is proven to be one of the best forms of exercise because almost all the muscles that are used in movement are also involved in this activity. You don’t have to worry about any stresses that come from running on concrete or any other hard surfaces.

The Impact of Walking on Hard Surfaces

dog having hydrotherapy with underwater treadmill

When walking on any form of firm surface, every footfall causes a shock wave that transitions upward into the limbs and becomes absorbed by the joints, tendons and bones.
While it’s a fact that these minor stresses are important in maintaining strong and healthy bones, repetitive and severe shock waves can cause irreversible damage to the bones, weakening them and making them more prone to injury.
Arthritic joints or ones that are recovering from a surgery/injury are more likely to become affected than strong and healthy ones.

Why Canine Hydrotherapy is a Great Option

crowd and dogs at k9swim hydrotherapy centre

It isn’t uncommon for the terms swimming and hydrotherapy to be used interchangeably. But the fact is that these are essentially different in terms of the effects and benefits they offer. When a dog is swimming it means they are completely buoyant in the water and this is very different from hydrotherapy.

The latter is an aquatic exercise that is carried out in a much more controlled manner, which means the pet’s body isn’t overburdened in any way. Hydrotherapy is water healing and its value lies in the buoyancy, warmth and pressure that it provides. Some of the primary benefits of this form of exercise include:

Relief from stiffness, pain and swelling
Promotes relaxation
Joint mobilization
Muscle restoration & maintenance
Increased range of movement, balance, flexibility and endurance
Stress-free, gentle and zero-impact exercise
Improving cardiovascular function and circulation
Improving the dogs physical well being
Increased co-ordination
Allows exercising for pets with disabilities
Cardio-vascular conditioning and improvement
Improves quality of life
Perfect opportunity for you to bond with your pet
Pre and Post-operative conditioning after any kind of orthopaedic surgery
Increases energy levels in aging canines
Very good for general convalescence
Improves mental stimulation
Can help provide relief in degenerative joint disease
Helps in injury prevention
Builds general fitness
Improves stamina

Dogs that require improvement with core strength,cardiovascular strengthening, flexion, proprioception, extension, gait improvement, muscle building, will surely benefit from hydrotherapy.

The Positive Impacts of Hydrotherapy

Here are some facts about hydrotherapy and why it is the best form of exercise for our canine friends:

The warm water evenly relaxes the muscles, causing the blood capillaries to expand. This increases muscle heat & improves circulation which in turn reduces the pain, swelling and stiffness.
The hydrostatic pressure that the water provides helps reduce swelling. It does this by moving away the fluids from the tissue in the affected area/s towards the heart. In turn, this helps the body dispose the waste product very easily.
Since the water offers buoyancy, the weightless environment helps reduce the pain while it takes the pressure of the weight away from the affected areas.
This form of controlled swimming helps strengthen the muscles and gives them the workout they need without causing any major stresses.
Since there is a higher level of movement, the muscles have to work much harder than they would on a firm surface.
Hydrotherapy is extremely useful if your pet is lame or sore. It’s an ideal treatment for conditions such as lameness, arthritis, soft tissue and joint-related problems.
It’s proven to be effective in treating hip problems, spinal injuries, ligament damage, sciatica, muscle weakness and cruciate ligament damage too.
It’s a great way to help maintain general fitness and it aids in weight loss as well.
Hydrotherapy is proven to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain.

Hydrotherapy for Arthritic Joints

If your pet has arthritis, that can lead to painful & swollen joints. These conditions can make it very difficult for them to exercise or even walk comfortably. In fact, your dog may find it challenging to get up if they have been lying down for a very long period of time.

The inactivity ultimately takes its toll on your pet’s body and they may start to gain weight as well. This impacts their health even further and adds more pressure on the joints. All of these problems can be addressed very effectively with hydrotherapy.

Swimming your pet in a special indoor heated pool is one of the best ways to speed up recovery post-surgery as well. It helps improve general fitness, stamina and muscle tone and conditions and strengthens the body. Your dog will also learn how to swim and will begin to shed those extra kilos if they are overweight. A five-minute swim is equivalent to a 5 kilometre walk.

Other Conditions That Can Be Helped by Hydrotherapy:

Knee surgeries
TPLO surgery
Full hip replacement
Anterior cruciate ligament surgery
Amputation of a limb
Femoral Head and Neck Excision
Luxating Patella
Elbow & hip dysplasia in old and young dogs
Degenerative joint disease
Fractures
Neurological disorders
Weakened spine
Soft Tissue Injuries
Osteoarthritis
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Early signs of cognitive dysfunction

Hydrotherapy typically begins 4 to 6 weeks after their operation. Consult your vet about when the best time is to start hydrotherapy for your pet, post and pre-surgery. Your vet would need to fill in a Vet Referral form . You’d have to give this to the Hydro-therapist before starting on any treatment. This will help ensure your Hydro-therapist designs the perfect treatment plan for your pet. This treatment is extremely effective and can reduce your pet’s recovery time by at least 50%.

Some Additional Facts

Many pet parents wonder whether swimming their dogs in rivers, oceans or dams has the same benefits. If your pet has a condition, swimming in these settings has a number of disadvantages. While it’s true that a dog can swim very freely in these waters, the temperature of the water is cold and some of the points you need to consider include:

The cold temperature constricts the blood vessels that lie just under the skin. That restricts the flow of oxygen and blood to the vessels.
It also causes the blood to flow away from essential muscles and peripheral limbs risking muscle strain and pain. This reduces the efficiency of the muscles.
The water can prove to be very cold for your arthritic pet even in the summer months. This can increase the stiffness in their joints.
Lack of proper muscle control while swimming can result in an accident or drowning.
The pet will be exposed to eye, ear, skin and gastroenteritis problems.

Hydrotherapy for Fun and General Exercise

Swimming is a great form of exercise for pets young and old. Hydrotherapy isn’t only for pets that have become injured, are recovering from surgery or are overweight. These sessions can be a source of entertainment and fun for your healthy pet as well. It helps them burn energy, stimulates their mind and canines have a ton of fun retrieving a Frisbee or ball in the water. K9 SWiM has also hosted dog parties where clients have booked the pool for their dog’s birthday and invited some of their pooch friends along.

Enquire at K9 Swim for hiring the pool for your club or party. Conditions Apply.

Hydrotherapy at K9 Swim

The low-impact therapeutic effects of hydrotherapy make it the perfect form of exercise for pets that are suffering from arthritis, aching and inflamed joints. It helps your canine friends gain muscle tone and fitness and also offers a safe and fun way to get a full body work out.

At our centre you can rest assured that your pet will be treated with the utmost care and safety. We are very passionate about what we do and your pets can enjoy some time in the warm water of our indoor pool. Our centre is unique and the modern complex has been purposefully designed and built for dogs’ fitness, fun and rehabilitation. In fact, we are one of a kind in all of NSW.

Different Hydrotherapy Programs

The indoor heated pool and underwater treadmill is great not just for rehabilitation and fun but for conditioning swims as well. While it’s a great place for older dogs, we also run classes for puppies as well. Based on the specific needs of your pets, you can choose from:

Swim sessions for dogs and pups
Puppy Splash – learn to swim
Senior Dog programs
Weight Loss programs

When it comes to maintain the long-term wellbeing of your dog, ensuring they are in peak physical condition is what matters the most. The positive muscle toning, strengthening effects and overall fitness benefits that hydrotherapy provides is a whole lot of fun and a great way to get your pet to expend his energy in a healthy and consistent manner. When you choose to bring your dog to K9 SWIM you know that they are getting the best attention from certified and professional Hydro-therapists. No matter what age or size your dog is, we have a program for them.

Focus on Canine Holistic Health at our K9 SWiM Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre

The Hydrotherapy Centre has an indoor heated pool along with an underwater treadmill and provides services from fun or conditioning swims to rehabilitation. Courses and seminars will be run in the training room within the centre in the near future.

The Wellness Centre is all about Holistic health with the following practitioners practicing out of the centre:

Sam Sherrington - Canine Osteopath
Rob’s Veterinary Alternatives.
Tranquil Pet Spa -Jacqui Auld’s dog grooming
Sharon Osmond-Canine massage, photonic therapy and herbal treatments

The Wellness Centre also has our retail shop where you will find items for your pooch such as:

Dr Buzbys Toe Grips
Mobility Harnesses
Natural Supplements for mobility, arthritis, muscle building, immune issues and general well being
Herbal remedies
Orthopaedic beds

For more information, feel free to browse our website.
Or why not drop by and check out the new centre for yourself.

How to Provide the Best Care for Your Senior Dog

30/8/2018

A dog is considered to be a senior when they reach the age of seven to 10 years old. Smaller breeds tend to become seniors much later than larger breeds. For example, Great Danes are considered to be seniors by the time they are approximately 5 to 6 years of age,
whereas a Chihuahua would only be considered middle age by that time. However, aspects such as the environment, nutrition as well as genetics have a significant role to play in how fast a dog will age.

Some Changes That Come With Age

With age, there are many different changes that can take place in your dog such as:

Your dog’s body automatically begins to slow down as it uses far less energy than before. This also increases their body’s tendency to build larger fat deposits.
Greying around their muzzle area.
Hearing and eyesight won’t be as keen as it was when they were younger.
Skin becomes less elastic and their coat may be thinner and less shiny.
Less active and not as eager to get out of bed and head out for their daily walks.
Sleep can be affected by either sleeping more than usual or becoming restless at night and sleeping less.
Lose interest in playing with other dogs and their toys
Become disoriented and forgetful.
Muscles showing signs of deterioration.
Immunity levels start to become compromised.
Other internal systems can start to deteriorate

Helping Your Dog Manage Their Ageing Process

While most of these changes can be very gradual, aging is something that cannot be reversed. However, it is possible to slow this process by following a good health management plan. Some things that can prove to be beneficial include:

Regular exercise which can help your dog’s muscles and bones retain their strength for longer.
Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet as older dogs require fewer calories as their activity levels are lower.
Good dental care
Regular checks of their skin, eyes and, ears.
Regular grooming
Proper prophylactic routines against internal and external parasites
Regular visits to the vet

These steps can help significantly in slowing down the problems associated with aging in dogs and it’s a good idea to consult a vet for the right diet and health plan for your dog.

How to Improve Balance and Muscle Tone in Senior Dogs

When a dog ages it becomes less active. They begin to lose their ability to balance themselves well. This typically occurs due to muscle loss which in turn leads to further inactivity. When a dog is inactive it causes the body to slow down, age faster, making them more prone to injury. There are certain therapies as well as anti-aging activities that can help your dog remain more active in their senior years such as:

Short walks or gentle swims to increase their cardiovascular health.
Natural therapies such as photonic treatments and massages can help reduce inflammation in the joints, as well as stiffness and weakness of that comes from old age.
Certain exercises that can help improve their balance and help them maintain flexibility and strength.

Common Conditions that Senior Dogs Suffer From

Arthritis
Behavioral problems
Cancers
Cataracts
Dementia
Dental disease
Elbow or hip dysplasia
Gastro-intestinal problems
Incontinence
Metabolic disorders
Sensory loss
Weight gain/loss

Let’s look at how some of these common problems can be dealt with in our older dogs:

1. Arthritis

As dog’s age there is deterioration in the joint function and arthritis becomes a very common problem. It is important to control your dog’s weight and have an exercise plan that will help alleviate the symptoms. Maintain consistency in daily exercise because sporadic, strenuous activity can stress and strain your dog’s joints.

It’s far better to exercise him multiple times during the day, but for shorter spans of time. Do not take your dog out on days when he/she is lame or stiff. It’s crucial that you provide your dog very good bedding. Orthopedic bedding is also available for senior dogs in many pet stores. Ramps are very useful over steps and to help your dog get into the car comfortably.
Treatments such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and massage will surely help.

2. Dental Disease

This is another common condition in aging dogs. This makes it important that dogs be taken to the vet for regular checkups. Canine toothbrushes, treats and chew toys will also help maintain dental health in senior dogs.

3. Incontinence

Is more commonly seen in elderly female dogs but can also been seen in male dogs. Incontinence can be caused by infection, neurological issues, spinal problems, hormonal imbalance or senility as well. Older dogs tend to forget all their toilet training and are likely to wet the area they are lying in. In most cases, a certain amount of medication would have to be given on a daily basis to treat incontinence.

4. CDS (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome)

Many dogs experience Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms. This condition is referred to as CDS and the common signs of it include:

May not recognise family members.
Incontinence
May seem disorientated and wander around listlessly around the house and may even walk into walls or doors.
Low drive and enthusiasm levels.
Change in sleeping patterns. Dogs may walk around the house right through the night and simply continue to doze through the day.

The progression of CDS can be snail-paced. Keeping your dog active and mentally stimulated is one of the best ways to slow down the progress of this condition. In some cases, antioxidants can help the condition.

5. Cataracts

While these are quite common in older dogs, it’s important to make sure that your dog actually has cataracts. It’s likely that he is suffering from a condition called lenticular sclerosis, which tends to be more common in senior dogs. This condition causes the eye tissue to become rigid over a period of time and the eyes develop a grayish-blue tint. Lenticular sclerosis doesn’t compromise the dog’s eyesight seriously and no treatment is necessary.

If the dog has a cataract, it can result in cloudiness or opacity in the eyes and the condition can impact their vision eventually. Most owners don’t notice the cataract in their dog’s eyes until it has covered almost 60 percent of the eye. Cataracts are often accompanied by illnesses such as hypothyroidism and diabetes. It is possible to remove cataracts via surgery.

The Benefits of Herbal Treatments in Senior Dogs

Older dogs can benefit significantly from herbal treatments that may be used externally as well as internally. Herbs are packed with minerals and vitamins and provide good support to the natural healing mechanisms in your dog’s body. There are a number of different herbs that can maintain your pet’s overall well-being and keep them healthier in their old age. Herbs can prove to be very effective when used in conjunction with the right amount of exercise, a balanced and nutritious diet, and sufficient sunlight.

Balanced Nutrition Matters

Since older dogs have low activity levels their metabolism is slower. This means, their body requires fewer calories. However, it is important to ensure that your senior dog gets the right amount of easy-to-digest, high-quality protein content in her food. Typically a balanced diet for your senior dog would include:

Low-fat, high-quality, concentrated protein.
Carbohydrates that are easier to digest- these will provide her energy.
Various minerals to support arthritic or stiff joints.
In addition to the protein content in the diet, vitamins can help effectively fight infections that are brought on due to a decline in the immune system.

While it’s a good idea to feed your dog at least a couple of times a day, you may find that they prefer to eat smaller portions, multiple times a day. This is a very normal eating pattern in senior dogs, as their system is able to digest smaller quantities of food much better than larger portions.

K9 SWiM Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre for all dogs young and old

Even if your dog is aging, you will find that they will crave some level of socialisation and will enjoy an outing. At our centre, we offer herbal, photonic treatments and massages that help with mobility and overall wellbeing. K9 SWiM has a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy centre, where we offer gentle hydrotherapy sessions for senior dogs.

Contact us today to find out how we can help your golden oldie and give them a good quality of life in their senior years.

Watch out for our Senior Happy Hour Classes coming up in the warmer months!

Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs - Osteopathy and Hydrotherapy Treatment

24/7/2018

Cruciate ligament ruptures or tears are one of the most common cause of lameness or injury in dogs. Most commonly seen in large breeds but can be seen in any size dog of any age.

What is the canine cruciate ligament?

The cruciate ligament connects the back of the femur (the bone above the knee) with the front of the tibia (the bone below the knee). This ligament is responsible for keeping the tibia in place beneath the femur and stabilising the knee joint.

Canine cruciate injuries.

Cruciate injuries can happen to the fittest of dogs. It is the twisting injury to the knee joint which affects the anterior or cranial cruciate ligament making the joint unstable and causing pain and discomfort. It could just happen from landing the wrong way when jumping, running or playing.
Overweight dogs are more susceptible to this type of injury as their joints have been weakened? by having to carry their extra weight. In some cases, it is just unfortunate that some dogs are predisposed to this condition.

What are the signs of a cruciate injury?

Muscle atrophy on the injured limb
Non-weight bearing or toe touching on the injured leg
Reluctance to turn on the injured side
Head carriage may be low
Weight may be shifted forward
Abnormal gait
Pain
Loss of appetite

Treatment of cruciate injuries.

A lot of owners are unsure if their dog needs to have surgery or not.

K9 Swim’s Osteopath Sam Sherrington says:

“Traditionally surgery has been the main go to treatment, especially for larger breeds, however there’s plenty of research suggesting outcomes for managing these injuries ‘conservatively’ may be just as good, especially in the longer term.
Conservative management involves weight management, controlled activity and rest and anti inflammatories to manage inflammation and pain. “

Osteopathy and Hydrotherapy rehabilitation.

Sam goes onto say that “Osteopathy and Hydrotherapy are two powerful additions to this protocol, in the acute phase and in the longer rehabilitation phase, both with or without surgical intervention. Rehabilitation is a time where many techniques are available to help ensure the tissues can settle with the best strength and function possible.
Hydrotherapy is a fantastic option for adding healthy stress to the healing tissues, encouraging stronger, symmetrical movement while minimising strain more than is possible with typical land based movement. Dogs appear less likely to reinforce their old dysfunctional movement patterns when they are in water, which means a greater chance of overriding old muscle memory and creating newer healthier movement patterns for the future. This is particularly useful as a preventative for dogs involved in high impact athletic endeavors such as agility, jumping, dock dogs, flyball etc.”

In the conservative approach the muscles are built up around the joint offering stability and support with the tissue around the knee thickening and helping the cruciate ligament to function. The aim is to decrease pain, improve weight bearing on the injured leg and treat the rest of the body as it has been compromised with the dog not bearing weight evenly.

Surgery and post-operative treatment.

For full tears, especially in the larger breed dog, surgery may be suggested by your vet.
Post-operative rehabilitation is exceptionally important with these cases and your dog will need to have very limited activity for 6-8 weeks which includes cage rest and controlled short on the lead walks daily. It may take up to 3 months for a dog to gain good function of that limb and this is where osteopathic care and hydrotherapy is the key to a good speedy recovery.

Cruciate injuries can also lead to more damage.

The unstable joint can also lead to meniscus damage. The meniscus is a C shaped shock absorbing piece of cartilage which is inside the knee joint.

Arthritis will most likely develop in the joint if your dog has suffered an injury as such. This can be controlled as the dog ages and a good maintenance program will assist in reducing arthritic degeneration within the joint.

Avoiding cruciate injuries.

Key points to assist in avoiding cruciate injuries or help repair cruciate injuries and arthritic changes are:

Hydrotherapy
Massage
Good weight control
Nutritious diet targeted at joint disease
Supplements
Osteopathic care
Acupuncture
Photonic Therapy

K9 Swim Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre stock a large range of supplements that can assist in prevention and recovery of cruciate ligament damage as well as knee braces that add stability to the injured limb. We also offer programs for overweight dogs, conditioning and rehabilitation.

For further information on how Osteopathy and Hydrotherapy may help your dog avoid or recover from CCL injuries contact Sam on 0452 472 959 or K9 SWiM on 1300 787 064.

Understanding Your Dog's 5 Senses

3/6/2018

Like humans, dogs too have 5 essential senses. Understanding these is one of the best ways to understand your pet better. Let’s take a detailed look at these senses- sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.

1. Sight

Many people believe that dogs have poor eyesight. But the fact is that their sight is appropriate for their own species. They can see much better at night, especially when compared to humans. Their eyesight has evolved very differently from that of humans, and they are able to see things in motion better compared to clear, stationary objects.

Dogs also have limited visual capacity when it comes to seeing colours and can see everything around them in shades of grey, yellow and blue. This explains why your dog can’t easily see the ball that’s lying on the lawn, within plain sight. Choose your pet’s toys with care- look for ones that move, light up or glow or even ones that make some noise or have a distinctive smell.

2. Smell

Your pet dog also has an extremely heightened sense of smell- you’ll be surprised to know that it’s 10,000-100,000 times stronger than human’s sense of smell. So, you would easily be able to smell those chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven, as soon as you step into your house. But your dog would be able to pick up the scent of every ingredient that’s gone into it.

That’s really amazing, isn’t it? Little wonder then that some dog breeds like German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, and Belgian Malinois, are specifically trained to be sniffer dogs and help law enforcement detect the presence of drugs or explosives. Species like the American Pit Bull Terrier, Border Collies, and Beagles are perfect search & rescue dogs. Pet parents should keep this aspect of their dog’s sense in mind and can use fun scent games while training them.

3. Hearing

Dogs have a far more acute and fine-tuned sense of hearing than humans. They are able to hear far more clearly and loudly than we do and can identify subtleties in sound as well. Have you noticed how dogs know instinctively when you pull into the driveway, even though no one else in your house may have heard your car cruising in?

Try driving another car of the same make and model as yours into your driveway, and your dog will know it isn’t your vehicle. The unique structure and shape of their ears are what gives them their acute sense of hearing.

4. Taste

We have 9000 taste buds where as our canine friends have less than a quarter of the amount with only around 1700 taste buds. Their taste buds are on the tip of their tongue and they can taste sweet, salty, sour and bitter just like us. As their sense of taste is not as developed and they can still smell food which helps them determine what they like to eat.

Dogs don’t always eat food for its taste, they will happily chew & swallow things that look even remotely edible. This makes it very important to carefully monitor what your pet puts into his mouths as some things they attempt to swallow can prove to be toxic and fatal too. So, it’s up to us to make sure we don’t feed them these toxic foods such as chocolate, grapes, onions etc

With your dog’s taste senses, herbs are great as they can be added to your dog’s meals giving them many great health benefits and even though the taste is appealing to us humans our dogs are happy to gobble it up. K9 SWiM have herbal products along with natural supplements that you can purchase, and you can contact Sharon who is a qualified Animal Herbalist and Naturopath to discuss what will be best for your dog.

5. Touch

In the first few weeks of their lives, a dog’s sense of touch is one of the very first senses to develop. Their entire body is covered in a number of touch-sensitive nerve endings that can “feel” the world all around them. They use this sense to communicate with you as well as with other dogs. This makes it very important to communicate with them by petting them, scratching or massaging them.

Brushing their fur is another way of showing your affection for your pet.

Learning to massage your dog will not only bond you and your fur baby but will provide great benefits such as general well being, better movement and a healthier and happy dog. Massage improves circulation which improves and supports all systems of the dog’s body and by doing this you will give your dog a better quality of life and longevity. Sharon runs Canine massage workshops. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out when they are running.

You can use this information to build a stronger bond with your dog and understand him better.

At K9 SWiM we are very conscious of all your dog’s senses to give them the best care.

Winter Herbs – The Perfect Winter Remedies for Dogs

3/5/2018

With winter right around the corner, the cold weather can aggravate arthritis-related aches and pains in dogs. Since they stay in heated indoor areas, drink insufficient water and don’t get enough sunshine, it can result in dryness of the skin and affect the condition of their coats too.

In addition, they may become more susceptible to bacteria and viruses; which makes it even more important to help them build their immunity levels. One of the simplest things to do is to create a small garden where you can grow some herbs that will be beneficial to the health of your dog. You can add herbs to your pet’s meals; this will help them greatly with mobility issues, improve their overall wellbeing and the flavour of their meals as well.

Some indoor herbs to grow during the winter months

1. Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm

This herb is excellent for older dogs as it:

Neutralizes gas in the stomach
Helps strengthen memory
Helps promote the nervous system
Has calming properties that reduce anxiety -which makes it beneficial for hyperactive dogs
It has deodorizing properties which help maintain a very fresh and clean odour in the indoor spaces

2. Parsley

Parsley

This herb helps in a number of ways such as:

Freshens doggy breath
Helps improve digestion
Improves liver issues
Assists in urinary & arthritis issues
Excellent diuretic as it helps eliminate wastes from the body
Helps to maintain a very good pH level which is essential for disease prevention

3. Basil

Basil

This is another highly beneficial herb that has these properties:

Antibacterial
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Packed with antioxidants
Rich in essential minerals & vitamins
Has a calming effect because it lowers stress hormone levels in your dog.

4. Sage

Sage	Sage is very beneficial in a number of ways: Full of antioxidants- helps keep your dog strong and healthy High vitamins and minerals content Eases digestive issues

5. Calendula

Calendula

This herb is excellent because it:

Is very good at healing wounds-promotes tissue repair
Excellent for rashes
Helps to ease inflammation and pain caused by insect bites, itching
Helps in dry skin problems and eczema
Has natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties

All these properties make it a great addition to your first aid kit.

6. Echinacea

Echinacea

This herb benefits dogs as it:

Boosts their immune system
Helps their bodies fight viruses and bacteria
It’s a great herb to help protect against and fight against a range of infectious diseases including urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections, and kennel cough

How to add these herbs to your dog’s winter meals

Many pet parents wonder whether their dogs will actually take these herbs happily. Most herbs have a distinctive aroma and taste that some dogs may not find very palatable. The one way to ensure your dog consumes these beneficial herbs is to cleverly incorporate them into their meals. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Make a fish, chicken or meat and vegetable casserole in a slow cooker. This will keep well for a few days and you can add a few chopped herbs fresh from the garden daily. They will blend in well with the other flavours.
Brew some herbal tea with the preferred herb- then soak some of your dog’s favourite kibble in the concoction for a delicious and comforting meal.
Cook a wholesome broth and garnish it with some fresh herbs from your garden.
Bake a few doggie biscuits and add some herbs to the mix.
Whip up eggs and combine them with a few chopped fresh herbs- not only is this protein-packed meal delicious but is very nutritious as well.
Make a few mini meat hamburgers; add a beaten egg, vegetables and some chopped herbs to the mix. These can be frozen individually, defrost them as needed- they make a tasty small meal or snack for your dog.
Sprinkle some herbs on any of your dog’s regular meals

How K9 SWiM can help

If you are unable to grow fresh herbs or source them easily, simply use the dried variants. Our K9 SWiM Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre also has a well-stocked herbal section, where you can source dried culinary/medicinal herbs in quantities even as little as 50g in weight. Feel free to contact us to make an appointment to discuss as we can create some tailor-made herbal blends to complement the requirements of your pet.

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Grief of losing a pet - “With great love comes great loss”

5/4/2018

Every pet owner will go through the loss of their pet at some point or the other, and this loss isn't less than devastating for most people. Pets are part of our family and can be one’s best friend. Dealing with the loss of a pet can be excruciatingly painful and you may find it very difficult to get through the day as you usually would. It can take weeks and even months to get over this loss and feel a semblance of normalcy in your life.

There is no need to be embarrassed by the grief and sadness that you feel and the need to mourn the death of your loved pet. This process is a very natural one and in most cases, the only way to deal with what you are experiencing is to go through the motions and let the feeling fade on its own.

How to deal with the grief

Understanding exactly what you are going through is one of the best ways to deal with your pain and grief and you have to learn how to cope with it. Grief has many stages and you may go through feelings ranging from shock and frustration as well as anger and deep sadness. It’s important to understand that all these feelings are part of the healing process and that you don’t try to suppress them. Every person grieves differently; regardless of the level of hurt, the grief still takes its toll.

Overcoming the guilt

Some pet parents have to make the decision to put their pets to sleep (euthanasia) and this can cause them to feel a significant amount of guilt. But there is another angle to the situation that you should look at when you feel this type of guilt. You should consider yourself fortunate that you were able to offer this to your beloved pet to spare them from any pain or suffering. This thought will help you get through that feeling of guilt, allowing you to accept that what you did was right for your pet.

Look for support

You may also sometimes find that people around you don’t share the deep sorrow you are feeling and aren’t as understanding or supportive. Some may even go to the extent of stating that you are overreacting to the situation and say things like “It was nothing more than a pet “ or “ Isn’t it time you got over this by now?”. However, your pet was a significant part of your life; most people, especially ones that haven’t had pets, won’t be able to comprehend or appreciate the depth of feelings you harbour.

One of the best ways to deal with this loss is to connect with others that have suffered a similar loss at some point in their lives; they would be able to understand the grief you are feeling and will offer some empathy as well. It's also important that you look after yourself in this period as the sadness and stress can make you feel tired and drained of energy, affecting the way you function. Maintain a good diet, sleep and exercise as this will help you get stronger each day.

If you have some other pet/s, it’s even more crucial that you maintain a normal routine around them as the situation can take its toll on them too. Pets can feel your emotions so the stronger you are for them the better they and you will be. They too may be suffering from grief if they have also lost their friend. Remember the good times you spent with your beloved pet and do something in their memory.

Here’s a lovely poem by Suzanne Taylor:

My Forever Pet

There's something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.

But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart... it needs to mend.
Though some may say,
"It's just a pet,"
I know I've lost a friend.

You've brought such laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.

Companion, friend, and confidante,
A friend I won't forget.
You'll live forever in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.

Pet Loss Counselling

If you are struggling with losing your pet there are Pet Loss Counsellors that you can go and talk with to help you along this journey. I met a very nice lady a few weeks ago called Vicky Nonas who is a qualified counsellor providing support for people of all ages, both young and older, who are dealing with expected or unexpected pet loss, or with a pet’s terminal diagnosis.

Vicky has also experienced her own grief when losing her beloved pets, which motivates her passion.

“Losing a pet can be catastrophic and deeply painful. Talk therapy can be very helpful whilst navigating through this unpredictable time. And one of the things I like to highlight with clients is their ever-lasting relationship with the loving memory of their beloved pet. Therapy may include a client bringing a part of the memory of their pet such as, a blanket, collar, toy, photos etc. to assist with the healing process.

The Cottage I work from is warm and welcoming. I provide a safe space for people to express their feelings of grief and loss. We provide tea and coffee and if a client prefers, we have the luxury of having a counselling session under the shade of a beautiful oak tree with blankets and pillows provided. I also offer general counselling services. Visit my website for more details or to book an appointment.”

Vicky Nonas, Prof. Counsellor, M.A.C.A, M.P.C.A
By My Side – Counselling and Pet Loss Support www.bymyside.net.au

Our pets live forever in our hearts

Sharon

How to Manage Arthritis in Your Dog

8/3/2018

Arthritis is derived from artho (joint) and it itis (inflammation), both of which are Greek words. It is estimated that about 30% of Australian dogs are affected by this condition in some form or the other. Your dog may be diagnosed with DJD (Degenerative joint disease) or OA (osteoarthritis).

Factors that can contribute to arthritis in dogs

Arthritis is generally caused by instability of the joints as well as regular wear and tear. However, there are a number of other factors that contribute to this condition such as:

Poor nutrition
Infection
Injury
Immune disorders
Cancer
Obesity
Congenital joint disorders like elbow/hip dysplasia

This condition is more prevalent in older dogs, but arthritis can develop even at a much younger age if the dog suffers from issues with bone or even joint development.

Understanding what arthritis is

The joints that are most commonly affected include the elbows, shoulders, knees, and hips. All joints in the body have a smooth cartilage cover which allows the free movement of adjoining bones with the assistance of Synovial fluid (lubricating liquid). The cartilage and also offers a cushioning effect to the bones.

In dogs that suffer from arthritis, there is deterioration of the cartilage covering the joints and the lubricating fluid loses its efficacy. These conditions cause the bones to become rough and they begin to rub against each other. The movements result in a significant amount of discomfort and cause even more damage to the cartilage.

Arthritis- the sign to look out for

Most dogs are quite resilient and the signs of discomfort or pain may not be evident right away. However, the common symptoms to look out for include:

Intermittent/constant lameness
Stiffness/difficulty rising from the bed
Taking longer than normal on walks
Reluctance to play or jump up
Reluctance to get in the car or climb stairs
Lying down/sitting differently
Muscle atrophy (wasting)
Heat or swelling in joints
Licking the affected joint
Resting or sleeping more than normal
Sore to touch
Depression
Personality changes
Lack of appetite
Sliding on the floorboards
Weight gain or weight loss

Next steps to take

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet for a thorough check-up. X-rays and a comprehensive physical examination will determine if your pet has arthritis. While it is normal for you to feel dejected, there is hope. Arthritis can be managed and controlled effectively in a number of ways.

Helping your dog manage arthritis

1. Managing the pain

At the outset, your vet would prescribe some pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication. These help in alleviating discomfort, inflammation, and swelling. There are a number of highly potent herbal remedies that can help reduce the pain and inflammation as well.

2. Focusing on the right diet

There are certain foods that can help fight inflammation and these can help manage your dog’s condition. Some of the dietary changes you can make include:

Reduce grain in your pet’s diet; these have high levels of Omega 6’s which tend to aggravate inflammation.
Include blueberries and turmeric in your dog’s diet- these are excellent antioxidants and help fight inflammation.
Omega 3 helps in reducing inflammation so krill /fish oil is a good supplement to add.
Meats that come from any grass-fed animals are good for the condition.
Sweet potato has a high beta-carotene level and this helps fight inflammation.
Your vet would also be able to provide prescription diets that can help your dog manage arthritis.

3. Supplements

Your vet may prescribe nutraceuticals. These supplements that help provide some relief to dogs with arthritis. They help with symptoms such as inflammation and improve mobility. Some of the effective supplements include Green-lipped mussels, Joint strong, K9 Power, Techneyflex and Tuffrock Joint Formula.

4. Hydrotherapy

This is a very important aspect in the treatment of arthritic dogs. You need to keep your pet exercising, taking care that their muscles aren’t stressed too much. With this in view, hydrotherapy becomes an excellent exercise option because it:

Helps your dog reduce weight
Is non-weight bearing and doesn’t add any stress to the bones and muscles
Reduces joint inflammation
Helps strengthen muscles quickly which reduces the pain. It helps stabilize the joints and offers improved comfort

5. Weight Management

If your dog is arthritic, it’s very important to ensure he or she has a normal weight. The heavier your dog the more load and strain on the joints. This results in pain, discomfort and more inflammation and speeds up the progress of arthritis even further. If you want to successfully manage arthritis in your dog, weight reduction is something you need to focus on.

6. Massage or physical therapies

Visiting a massage therapist, physiotherapist or canine osteopath can benefit your dog. Massages are a good way of increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected areas. In addition, these massage and physiotherapy sessions can help improve muscle tone, joint flexibility, and range of motion too. Some of the other alternative therapies that have proven to be effective in providing relief in arthritis are hot and cold therapy, photonic therapy and acupuncture.

7. Toe Grips and harnesses

If your dog is slipping on smooth floors or floorboards, you can give provide some traction. Toe grips are a good solution as they help your pet place their feet correctly on the floor and get a firmer grip. You will find a number of well-designed harnesses that can help your dog get into the car or walk up & down stairs, without you having to do any heavy lifting.

8. Home aids and home improvements

You can use a supportive orthopaedic memory foam bed for your arthritic dog. This type of bed provides good support and comfort. Your dog will feel more rested and will be able to get in and out of bed easily. You can get movable ramps for helping your pet get in and out of the car or even to climb up and down stairs. This will save you some effort and help reduce the stress on your dog’s muscles and joints.

9. Portable doggie stairs

These aids are great for smaller dogs that prefer sitting on a couch or lounge when you are watching your favorite show on television. This little staircase is the perfect alternative to them jumping up to sit beside you.

10. Heat pads

These are a great option for older dogs during the colder months. You can place the heat pads under their mattress. The heat radiated provides some comfort to their joints during cold nights.

Now it's up to you

As you can see, there are a number of things that can be done to manage arthritis in your dog. And it isn’t as difficult or challenging as it is made out to be. If the vet has diagnosed that your dog has arthritis, you would have to make some conscious changes to his or her lifestyle at the outset. This will take some adjusting in the initial stages, but your dog will eventually get used to it over time and it will become a normal part of their daily routine.

Never miss out on scheduled visits to your therapist or vet. Include some mobility supplements and aids to help them move around more comfortably. Watch your dog’s weight and ensure they get regular exercises or swimming sessions. Most dogs simply love the latter and look forward to their weekly swims and hydrotherapy sessions.

Contact the experts

We at K9 Swim Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre have a number of products in stock such as:

Dietary supplements
Different types of harnesses and toe grips
Range of orthopaedic beds

We also have an expert Vet - Rob and Canine Osteopath - Sam on board. They can offer the best, tailored treatments for your dog, which will help your pet manage arthritis more effectively. The treadmill for hydrotherapy treatment and our heated pool are the ideal way to ensure your dog gets the exercise she or he needs.

Not only will this help your pet maintain mobility, but will keep their body weight in check too. Richmond Tafe offers excellent massage courses; these courses give you the opportunity to learn the different types of techniques you can use to massage your dog; this goes a long way in managing arthritic conditions.

For more information about our hydrotherapy and other services, feel free to browse our website.

You Think a Chubby Dog Is Cute? -Pet Obesity is No Laughing Matter

3/2/2018

Of course, your dog is cute! But if they are overweight they could be in real trouble!
Okay, so your dog is big-boned, a little heavy for his height and probably has a bit of puppy fat on him- what’s so alarming about that? The truth is it’s definitely something to be alarmed about. Pet obesity is a very real problem that has slowly become more of a national trend, rather than an exception. If your dog is obese, he/she is at risk of disease, illness or death even.

It’s not uncommon to find pets that are way beyond their ideal weight limit and the consequences of pet obesity are no laughing matter. Let’s take a detailed look at what these are and how they impact your dog:

Pet obesity- the consequences

Reduced lifespan- Just as in the case of human obesity, there are a number of negative health risks to your obese pet. Excess weight can reduce your pet’s lifespan by almost two and a half years. These dogs can suffer from various health complications that get aggravated due to the excess weight. Obese dogs are unable to play actively and move around comfortably; they also have difficulty breathing and tend to be more irritable.
Increased cancer risk- Studies have shown there is a direct connection between obesity and certain cancers. A dog that’s obese at the age of one year will have a higher probability of developing mammary tumors.
Skin, hair and coat issues- When your pet is overweight, its skin tends to fold into itself. The pockets that get created provide the ideal environment for oil accumulation and infections.
Reduced immune function- Obese pets have lower resistance levels. Occurrence of canine distemper and salmonella infections are higher and more severe in obese dogs.
Digestion problems: Overweight pets are at a higher risk of constipation and flatulence.
Reproduction problems- Obese female dogs generally suffer from birthing difficulties (dystocia) and a vet’s intervention might be necessary.
Intolerance to heat- Fat acts as an insulator; when your pet has too much of it, your dog is less capable of effectively regulating its body temperature; this can make it particularly miserable in the summer months.
Drop in stamina- Since an overweight and obese dog carries a lot of excess weight around that reduces its stamina and endurance levels. Its muscles, respiratory organs and its heart system aren’t designed to carry around all that excess weight.
Difficulty with breathing- The extra fat in your dog’s chest area restricts lung expansion. Added fat on the abdomen area also prevents the lungs from expanding to their full extent; the excess weight adds to the body’s oxygen demands which aggravates the problem.

Aside from all these problems, obese dogs are also at risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. The best way to avoid all these problems is to make sure your pet is getting the right nourishment and regular exercise like playing, walking and swimming.

Don’t Overfeed Your Dog, Spoil Them The Healthy Way

People tend to spoil their dogs by overfeeding them and giving them lots of unnecessary tasty treats. Dogs are always ready to eat those treats and who doesn’t love to spoil their dog. Those big beautiful eyes looking at you, who can resist. But you don’t have to feed your dog to spoil them.

Here are our 7 top tips to spoil your dog the healthy way:

Incorporate treats into the amount of food you are to give daily
Spread meals out- divide their daily ration into 2-3 meals. This gives them the feeling on being full as well as stimulating their metabolism
Don’t feed a big meal at night, do it during the day so it fully digests
Use fruit or vegetable pieces for treats
Make bone broth and freeze into ice blocks and let them chase the ice block around and lick the ice
Use treat balls and put healthy low fat treats and make it a game- don’t forget these treats are a part of their daily allowance
Instead of food rewards use a toy or a pat.

Services Available at K9 SWiM Which Help Your Dog Lose Weight

K9 SWiM we care about your dog’s health, fitness and happiness. You are always welcome to book any of our services to improve your dog’s fitness and weight over time.
We offer:

swimming in our indoor canine pool
under water treadmill sessions
walking machine
vibration board
core strengthening equipment and exercises

all of which can help your dog lose weight. If your dog is obese then swimming is a perfect exercise as its non weight bearing and creates fitness quickly if done consistently. Once a week and you would see results along with a controlled balance diet.
The doggie gym with walking machine, vibration board and core strengthening equipment, are low impact easy exercises to do on balance disks, balls and pads that help tone and strengthen.
We would design a circuit for your dog to do once or twice a week.
Contact us or call us on 1300 787 064 to discuss your needs for your dog to get into shape.

A Personalised Weight Loss Program for Your Dog

We offer a weight loss control program where we give your dog a health check, weigh in , measure and plan a diet and exercise regime for you and your dog to follow. This goes for 8 weeks and is monitored weekly. It is done safely and slowly so your dog is comfortable and happy enough to lose weight.

Back in 2015 K9 SWiM was thrilled to have Dr Harry from Better Homes and Gardens come in and film our weight loss program for dogs last year. The dogs loved Dr Harry too!
Dr Harry was so happy to see the progress the dogs made in those 8 weeks and he was super impressed with one of the owners that lost 5 kilos as well exercising with his dog!
Dr Harry even got in the pool to swim with the dogs.

Not Sure If Your Dog Is Overweight?

Dogs can easily put on weight and you don’t notice straight away but then you start asking yourself “Is my dog overweight?” or maybe you notice other changes in your dog like they have less stamina and their interest in physical activity have decreased.

The Body Condition Score will help you recognise if your dog is overweight. But if you are unsure then K9 Swim or your dog’s veterinarian can weigh your dog and determine your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) for you.

Canine Osteopathy

3/1/2018

Hi I'm Sam Sherrington

Osteopathy has, over the years, become such a huge part of my life. I graduated from UWS in 2003 with a Master of Osteopathy and promptly set about establishing my human practice. Having been a little obsessed with animals since the time I could express my feelings, and having spent my childhood and teen years collecting stray cats, dogs and horses much to my parents hidden delight, it really was no great surprise to anyone that animals would creep into the practice one way or another.

In 2009 I was able to complete, with distinction, the Graduate Diploma of Animal Chiropractic through RMIT in Victoria. This course was the result of an amazing amalgam of Osteopathic, Chiropractic and Veterinary practitioners, with lecturers and tutors from all three fields. Our discussions over meal breaks were educational to say the least! To say this refueled my passion for Osteopathy and it’s potential to make a difference to all creatures, great and small, is a mammoth understatement.

My new qualifications prompted me to take a leap of faith and head overseas to Ireland to focus on the animal side of practice, and I have just after nearly 8 years, returned from a wonderful time living the Irish life while building up strong skills and experience in my practice with horses, dogs and people.

People often ask why on earth a dog might need an Osteopath, and like with humans, the answer isn’t necessarily a quick one.

What is Canine Osteopathy?

Canine Osteopathy is a gentle hands on therapy for dogs which ultimately aims to restore movement wherever in the body it may be lost, and to reduce pain and discomfort resulting from these restrictions. When the joints, muscles, ligaments or tendons, connective tissue or even the vessels and organs of the body aren't free to move pain and discomfort will often result. Many activities we, and our dogs consider a part of normal daily life, can result in these sorts of restrictions. Degenerative processes due to age, injury, breed predisposition or just bad luck can also create compensation and restriction of free and full range of motion. Helping to reduce the these restrictions can have huge effects on the comfort levels of the dog plus helping dogs gain the most from tailored rehab programmes after surgery and is where Osteopathy holds great value for our beloved animals.

What is the major goal to Osteopathic treatment?

The major goal to Osteopathic treatment is finding and addressing restrictions in movement, the premise being that restricted movement, in any tissue of the body, will reduce the capacity for full health of those tissues. This obviously can result in altered gait, altered ability to carry out normal activities of daily life and predispose the body to injury and/or pain. So with that in mind, the Osteopath primarily uses their hands to find and reduce restrictions in normal movement of the body to allow the natural healing ability to work to its best capacity. That’s the abbreviated version.

The full version is something I’m only too happy to converse at length whenever anyone asks! Even 15 years into my professional life I am still blown away, on an almost daily basis, by how powerful it can be to simply allow a body to move. The changes are often much bigger than even I expect, particularly with animals compared to humans, as they have no preconceived ideas as to what they should or shouldn’t be feeling, and what their pain does or doesn’t mean to their life.

Problems in dogs that Ostepathic treatment can help

So what might an owner see that might give them cause to think an Osteopath could help?

Obvious lameness especially if of uncertain origin
- Is your dog suddenly throwing in an occasional hop or obviously favouring one limb?
Crooked posture at rest or in movement
- Do they appear to be running like a crab?
- Do they always sit and slump to one side or repetitively circle one direction only, when trying to get comfortable to sleep?
- Does one limb seem to lose grip or slide out the side when on slippery surfaces?
Difficulty with normal daily activities
- Is your dog showing reluctance or struggling to jump up or down from furniture, or negotiating steps?
- Are they slowing down and/or avoiding obstacles during agility or jumping?
Changes in temperament
- Has your dog started being less tolerant of touch, seeking less social contact or refusing to play with people or other animals like usual?
- Growling or teeth baring are late signs a dog is uncomfortable either physically or psychologically.
Recent trauma or surgery
- Has he your dog had any falls or slips, or been barreled by another dog in play?
- Is your dog progressing as expected with rehabilitation after surgery or showing signs she that they need some help recovering from surgery?
Aging or degenerative processes
- Has he your dog been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in any joints of the limbs or spine, either primary or subsequent to an injury?
- Are they simply slowing down as she they get older and finding it tougher to get going after rest?
Less obvious signs of pain or altered nervous system function
- Has your dog been excessively licking or chewing at a limb or body part?
- Are they showing signs of weakness in the back or front end?
- Have they been diagnosed by the vet and being managed for neurological conditions such as Wobblers syndrome or Disc Disease?

Some of these presentations are ones which Osteopathy can bring a full resolution to the problem, such as when there is simple restriction after a slip, fall or jarring. Some require ongoing maintenance treatment to help the dog as the process of healing occurs at the rate the body can heal, for example after a successful cruciate repair, or helping a dog who has had an amputation adjust to life without a leg at each corner. Finally some can simply be assisted in maintaining the best function of the surrounding areas of the body, so that the problematic area causes the least impact upon the dogs daily life.

How Canine Ostepathic treatment helped Roly the Jack Russell

Occasionally these cases surprise you and make an almost miraculous turn around, like one wonderful little Jack Russell Terrier "Roly" who presented with full hind limb paralysis. Roly had 3 treatments over the space of a month, and along with veterinary management involving medication to manage pain and bandaging to protect his limbs, and some simple home exercises I prescribed for his owners to carry out, he was up and walking, albeit with reduced coordination. I next saw him almost a year later when visiting his owner to work on one of her horses and could hardly believe when I saw him leaping around the place as though there had never been a problem. He is a perfect example of how sometimes, simply giving their systems the space to heal by removing any restrictive roadblocks can reap huge rewards.

I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with the K9 SWiM team, and have access to the vast skills and knowledge base of the rest of the team, not to mention the ability for my clients to access the hugely beneficial hydrotherapy options.

I greatly look forward to helping your dogs achieve their best physical health in 2018, Initial consultation with you and your dog is generally one hour and then subsequent consultations are forty five minutes. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0452 472 959

Sam Sherrington - Osteopath

Tips to Keep Your Dog Calm and De-Stressed This Holiday Season

7/12/2017

Dog with Santa cap laying down calm and relaxed

The holiday season is upon us; and while that means festivities and fun for you and your family, it can mean a lot of stress for your dog. Some of the stresses your pet has to deal with this time of the year are the weather and unfamiliar faces and guests that may visit your home during this time. The summer months bring with them lighting, thunder and electrical storms all of which can upset your dog.

Most dogs are extremely sensitive to climatic changes and some of them are also phobic when it comes to dealing with the stormy weather around them. They have a very acute hearing and a keen sense of smell and know when a storm is approaching well before humans do. If you find your dog becoming restless and anxious, it’s important that you don’t make too much of a fuss about it.

Act normal and comfort them without mollycoddling them too much as this will help calm them down eventually. The same logic applies to help your dog through the noise and bustle associated with parties and guests in your house. This same approach should be used when there is too much of commotion or when fireworks are being lit in the vicinity of your home.

Some tips to follow

Here are some more things you can do to help de-stress your dog:

Thundershirts- This coat helps in calming and settling your dog with the gentle pressure it applies to their body.
Storm warning app- Download this app on your phone; it will pre-warn you about an approaching storm and you can take the necessary steps to calm your dog.
Music pod- The Pet Tunes music pod that operates via Bluetooth is specifically designed to help calm anxious dogs; it can play continuously for 8 hours and is useful even when you are at work, to keep your dog relaxed and calm at home. These are sold here at K9 SWiM.
Herbal remedies- There are a number of natural, herbal remedies that help in calming the phobias, fears, and anxiety that pets face. Natural products are drug-free and non-invasive and great to calm your pet in situations such as these. Talk to us about herbal remedies for your dog as we make many herbal remedies not just for calming and they are made up for specifically for your dog.
Keep your dog in a sheltered space- Bring your dog indoors or keep them in the garage or any other area of your home where the fury of the storm is less evident.
Get some prescribed medication- If your dog suffers from severe anxiety attacks when there are too many people around or when the weather is very stormy, you should consider visiting your vet and they may recommend a prescribed medication to calm your dog.

Make the holiday season stress-free for your dog

If you are planning on hosting parties during the holiday season, do spare a thought for your nervous pet with unfamiliar visitors. The idea is to create a safe zone he can retreat to in case he feels stressed. That could mean keeping one room free for him, with his bed and water and food bowls easily accessible. This will reduce his anxiety and give you the time to focus on the party and your guests.

The other thing you need to focus on is the activity levels of your dog during the holiday season. With all the running around you have to do decorating the house and preparing food for guests etc. it’s easy for your dog’s needs to get sidelined. The one way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to bring your dog to K9 SWiM’s Hydrotherapy Centre. Your pet can swim around and have fun at our indoor pool and get the exercise he needs during the holiday season too.

How To Recognise Whether Your Dog is Anxious- Tips To Help Them Naturally

5/11/2017

Conscientious pet parents are always aware of all the nuances of their dog’s behavior; and so, if there is any change in the way their pet behaves, they are able to quickly pick up on it. While it is easy to pick up things such as food habit changes or appearance changes, there are times when you may not be able to pick up signs of anxiousness in your pet.

The fact is that just as humans can suffer from various behavioral problems, so can pets. There may be times when a pet dog starts acting very erratically, they may just start running around in circles in the yard or may continuously lick its legs or some other part of its body which could develop into an infection. Some pets become very aggressive or destructive and will tear apart everything in sight, the minute their owners leave them alone in the house and go out.

Many pet owners are puzzled when they hear about pet anxiety as it can come on at any stage of their dog’s lives. Owners think that the dogs should be stress free because they have a comfortable and loving home but this is not necessarily the case.

Causes of Stress and Anxiety in Dogs

Causes of Stress and Anxiety in Dogs can be due to:

Moving to a new house
Change of diet
Loss of a loved owner or house mate
Age
Illness or injury
Divorce or disruption in the household
Fear from a traumatic experience
Previous neglect or abandonment
Lack of exercise or mental stimulation
Environment

When a dog is anxious his body produces hormones which will prepare his body for flight or fight. The adrenaline will elevate his heart beat, increase his respiration and pump blood into the muscle groups. Anxiety can be out of habit from a trigger or a cue. It is important for the owner not to react or reinforce the dog’s anxiety by cuddling, patting or giving him treats in this state as the dog then feels that he is being rewarded for anxious behavior so learns to keep repeating it. Try and act as normal as possible in these stressful times as your dog feels your anxiety too and reacts to it. Create a safe place for your dog like a crate or an area of the house where they feel secure and safe. Training a dog to go to these safe spots will help bring down the anxiety levels.

Signs of anxiousness in dogs

Here are some signs that your dog is anxious; it is an indication that something has upset them and they require additional support from you:

Your dog starts urinating or defecating in the house
They start trembling and/or rapid panting
The tail is tucked tightly between legs
When you try to pat them, they retreat and begin barking.
They constantly roll over their back in a submissive manner.
Hiding behind either a person or an object
Turn their head away from you.
Your dog may try to escape
Diarrhea may develop

Displacement behaviors in dogs

Your pet starts giving his “wet dog shake” even though he isn’t wet or dirty.
The dog starts sniffing the ground or some object for no apparent reason.
He suddenly starts biting or scratching some part of his body and doesn’t stop
You find the dog yawning even when it isn’t tired
It keeps licking even when there is no food around its mouth.

Natural ways to reduce anxiety in pets

Create a calm environment by playing dog calming music
Try dog-appeasing pheromones – these are available in collars, electric diffusers and sprays.
Try administering some valerian- the roots of this plant are proven to be very effective in treating dog anxiety, stress and insomnia.
Use essential oils such lavender and chamomile to calm your dog down.

Reduce Your Dogs Anxiety for a Happier and Healthier Dog

A visit to your vet is advised initially as you need to rule out if this anxiety is caused by an illness or a toxicity. A simple blood test can determine this.
If it is a fear or phobia then find yourself a good behaviourist that can help with some techniques to lessen the anxiety and help put your dog in a better frame of mind. They will be able to detect the triggers and work with you in alleviating the stress.
If your dog needs to burn off energy which will assist in calming him down then good exercise and mental stimulation is important. Find a sport that your dog will love or swim a couple of times a week. This will make a happier and healthier dog and will reduce the anxiety levels.

K9 Swim stocks Pet tunes which is a portable Bluetooth speaker with 90 minutes of acoustic music specifically designed to calm your dog. We also offer herbal remedies to calm, massage and an indoor heated pool or an underwater treadmill to burn off excess energy.

Why Real Food In Your Dogs Diet Is So Beneficial

9/10/2017

We are delighted to announce that we will be stocking some delicious nutritionally balanced raw and lightly cooked doggie meals from The Good Pet Food Kitchen. All of their recipes are thoroughly researched and tested. The Good Pet Food Kitchen was foundered by Annabelle Selleck a qualified Veterinary Nurse and Pet Nutritionist who has a passion for canine nutrition and health and has created these mouth watering dishes with the highest human grade ingredients and nothing artificial.

This month Annabelle has written this article on "Why Real Food In Your Dogs Diet Is So Beneficial" for us. A great read for all dog lovers!

Sharon Osmond - K9 SWiM

Why Real Food In Your Dogs Diet Is So Beneficial

Ok, hands up, who’s excited about Canine Nutrition?
Just like with human nutrition, there’s lots of information floating around & products on the market. Plenty of it is great, some of it not-so-great and some of it downright dangerous.
How do you spot the difference and work out exactly what is the best diet is for your fur kid?
As simplistic as it sounds, a good place to start is good old fashion common sense.
In Australia, we are a fairly lucky bunch, with access to good, clean water, fresh fruit & vegetables, excellent seafood and some of the best quality meat in the world due to our beautiful agricultural land.
We are sure you would agree that when you base the main part of your (human) diet around these fabulous natural wholefoods and keep highly processed foods to a minimum, you feel the benefits. Your energy levels increase, skin is clearer, eyes brighter, shinier hair, your body seems to maintain its ideal weight more easily and you simply feel better.
It’s the same for dogs. They thrive on real food. The key is giving them a wide variety of natural whole foods, taking into account any food intolerances or allergies.

Dry Dog Food

There are now some improved dry dog food products available but please choose wisely. Understanding pet food labelling is very important. Always look of whole meat ingredients ie: chicken, fish, beef, etc and NOT “meat-meal” or “meat byproducts” as these terms can including some very dubious types of “meat”.
Ideally, highly processed dry dog foods should be just a small part of your dog’s diet, kind of like junk food/ takeaway in your own diet, it’s convenient but not ideal to eat every day. Remember, all foods processed at high temperatures will lose some of their natural goodness. Lost nutrients are often replaced with synthetic vitamins & minerals to meet the questionable AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officals) standards.
There is new research currently underway assessing Advanced Glycation End-products (AGE’s) in highly processed pet foods. AGE’s are formed when sugars are cooked with proteins and fats at high temperatures. Food manufacturers have also added AGE’s to foods, especially over the last 50 years, as flavour enhancers & colourings to make foods look nicer. There is evidence that AGE’s in both human food and pet food may be potentially carcinogenic.
Watch Veterinarians Dr Karen Becker & Dr Joe Bartges Video discussing AGE’s in pet foods here.
Frozen, freeze-dried & air dried dog foods maintain a much greater level of natural goodness, without needing to replace the vitamins & minerals with synthetic versions because they were “cooked” out during processing.

Raw vs Cooked Real Food for Dogs

A well balanced meal of raw meat, raw bone, some raw fat and fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, ground seeds is the pinnacle in canine nutrition for MOST dogs. However, there are a few things to consider to keep this feeding option safe.

Dogs have a much shorter digestive tract than humans & much stronger digestive acids, which is why lots of dogs can scavenge some pretty gross stuff and often not get sick from it.
A fit, healthy dog can usually handle some degree of bacteria on their food but it’s certainly not ideal.
Bad bacteria, such as salmonella, can grow on/in raw meat more easily than if the meat has been cooked. So if feeding a raw meat diet to you dog, make sure it is as fresh as possible, has been handled correctly in low room temperatures and stored correctly in fridges and freezers.
Dogs that are immuno-suppressed in any way, from illness or cancer treatment, are at much greater risk of not being able to efficiently process potentially bad bacteria on raw foods. Therefore a lightly cooked diet is often a safer option, until the dogs health has recovered and you can consider a raw food diet again.
Dogs receiving antibiotic therapy are also at risk because the healthy bacteria that line the digestive tract (or florae), may become imbalanced, increasing the risk of salmonellosis and other nasty bacteria.
If preparing your own homemade raw meat diet for your dog, be sure to follow correct HACCP food safety guidelines. Always wash your hands well are handling raw meat, don’t cross contaminate kitchen equipment ie: use different chopping boards for raw meat vs cooked meat. Wash your pets’ bowls away from your own human food utensils.
If buying premade raw meat diets for your dog, make sure you buy from a reputable company that uses human grade ingredients and produces their products to the highest human standard (HACCP).
Some dogs simply just do not like the taste of raw food. This may be their instincts telling them it’s not right for them. So if you have tried various good quality raw food diets and your dog refuses, the next best option is top quality, lightly cooked, balanced meals.

Your Dog's Diet

When gathering information regarding the best diet for your pets, and taking into consideration any pre-existing health conditions, use a combination of common sense and professional advice. Remember that Veterinarians learn an enormous amount of knowledge during their years of study; surgery, internal medicine, dentistry, parasitology, radiology, ultrasonography, general practice. But often animal nutrition study is limited and classes are sometimes taught by the large pet food manufacturers.
Like human GP Doctors, unless vets have a special interest in pet nutrition, they may not have all the information you need if looking to feed a more natural diet.
You may need to seek out advice from a vet with a special interest in nutrition, a holistic vet or animal nutritionist. Often owners and staff of pet stores, dog trainers and carers may have a special interest & knowledge in a more natural way of feeding your precious fur kids.
If you are interested in learning more, some great resource books are:

Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats by Dr Karen Becker & Beth Taylor
Canine Nutrigenomics by Dr Jean Dodds & Diana Laverdure-Dunetz
Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet by Steve Brown
Food Pets Die For- Shocking Facts About Pet Food by Ann M. Martin

Also follow the wonderful Rodney Habib from Planet Paws on Facebook.
Visit www.goodpetfoodkitchen.com.au for more info on real foods for dogs. Our cat range will also be available soon.
And if you are interested to learn hands on how we make our delicious & nutritious real food doggy dinners at Good Pet Food Kitchen, please join our mailing list and you will be the first to know the dates of our new Saturday Canine Cooking Classes.
Remember, even small steps can make a huge difference to your dog’s health. Don’t be overwhelmed. Adding a can of sardines to dry food, sharing your leftover veggies, scrambled eggs, snacks of fresh fruit, some fresh meat (raw or cooked- but never cooked fat, always trim fat before cooking & feed raw fat if your dog is fit & healthy, it’s a great source of energy when balanced with fresh meat) every now and then will add so much goodness & happiness to your dog’s life.

Love and Wagging Tails
Annabelle & Gypsy

Annabelle & Gypsy

Protect,Treat & Remove Fleas & Ticks From Your Dog

11/9/2017

Warmer weather brings out the ticks and fleas and in some areas of the country our parasite season is longer due to our seasons not being as defined as they used to be.

Here is some useful information about these parasites, signs that your pet has them and things you can do to prevent your dog from getting ticks and fleas.

Fleas and Your Dog

Fleas are parasites and they live, feed and breed on your dog which is the host animal; but they can also affect humans and it doesn’t take long for them to make themselves at home on your property. Let’s look at the things we can do to prevent these creatures from infesting your home and your pet:

How do fleas show up on dogs in the first place?

Dogs can easily pick up these parasites from other pets as fleas can jump very easily from one dog to another. However, your dog primarily picks up fleas from the environment that it comes into contact with such as yards, homes parks or areas where other flea-infested pets or other animals have been.

Fleas- signs to look out for:

Scratching, itching and biting at skin
Irritated and red skin
Small bites or scabs on skin
Hot spots
Flea dirt on dog’s coat
Hair loss

How to protect your dog from fleas.

Fleas thrive in shady, wet, warm and humid environments. So, keeping this in mind there are several ways you can help protect your dog from getting fleas such as:

Keep all your rugs and carpets clean by vacuuming them regularly.
Wash your pets’ bedding regularly.
Wash your pet’s clothing with regularity and make sure it’s clean at all times.
Keep your lawns and grass short in your yard.
The garden areas should be free from debris.
Bathe your dog regularly with an organic, anti-flea dog shampoo.
If you notice that your dog has a severe flea infestation, you should take him to the vet and get him treated; that will help break the flea’s life cycle.

Ticks and Your Dog

Ticks are normally found in regions where there is a lot of bushland and native wildlife. These troublesome parasites can cause quite serious problems for your dog such as paralysis. The paralysis tick latches onto the dog and injects toxins into their system which progressively paralyses them normally from the hind legs forward.

Symptoms of tick paralysis include:

Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Loss of bark
Vomiting
Hind limb weakness or paralysis
Heavy breathing as well as elevated heart rate

Some more symptoms of common tick infestations

Fever
Unexplained scabs
A lot of head shaking
You feel a small bump on its skin

How does a dog get ticks?

It extremely difficult to prevent your dog from being exposed to ticks; these creatures can latch onto to your dog when he/she goes out with you on walks, or during any other outdoor activities such as hiking etc. Dogs get a tick infestation because they are out in that open environment, walking through the high grass or woods.

Ticks undergo questing (they crawl up onto low shrubs/grass and stay there). When a dog walks by or even when we walk past and brush against these ticks, they quickly dislodge and latch onto us. These parasites can live for well over a year without any food and they will just stay there waiting for a host to latch onto.

The right way to check your dog for ticks

Check your pet for ticks every single day, especially during spring, summer & autumn. If you live in a region with a warmer climate check your dog for ticks right round the year.
Brush your fingers firmly through their fur; the pressure should be just enough to feel for small bumps.
Make sure to check behind your dog’s ears, under their collar, around their mouth and between their toes, around the tail and head, and under their armpits too. If you feel any bumps, simply pull the fur apart to check what’s there. Ticks that have embedded themselves in your dog will vary in their size; some could be as small as a pinhead while others could be as large as a grape; this depends on how long the tick has been attached to your pet’s body.
Ticks are generally either dark brown or black in color

How to protect your dog from getting ticks

Some of the things you can do to protect your dog from getting ticks include:

Check your pet for ticks daily, especially if they have spent some time outdoors.
If you find ticks on your dog, remove them without delay.
Ask your vet to conduct a tick check during every regular checkup.
Speak with your veterinarian about any tick-borne diseases in your neighbourhood.
Talk with your vet about using specialised tick preventives on your pet.
Keep your lawns and grass short in your yard
Make sure your yard is free from debris.

How to Remove A Tick Safely from Your Dog

Tick removal products are available at your vet. If you find a tick then remove with a Tick Twister or tick key. It is very advisable to get your dog to the vet if you know there has been a tick attached as symptoms may not show themselves for 24-78 hours and by then the damage could be done.

Tick Twisters are available to purchase at our K9 SWiM Wellness Centre, North Richmond

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Grooming Your Dog Doesn’t Stop over Winter

1/8/2017

The winter air is cold and chilly and it’s true that your dogs need to have a longer coat to keep them warm. Many pet parents wonder whether they need to give their dogs a break from regular grooming as it may make them uncomfortable and chilly.

This can be no further from the truth; your pet needs much more attention in the winter months. If you don’t groom them during this time, their coat can matt and result in skin problems and discomfort.

Here are a few winter grooming tips for your dogs:

1. Bush and Demat Their Fur

Ensure that you brush your dog’s coat at least once during the day; this will help prevent knots and mattings. Use a good quality brush that gets into your dog’s fur as this will be effective in removing sheds. However, be careful to brush evenly and don’t just focus on one spot alone, as that can make your pet uncomfortable. Once you have brushed the fur, comb it in sections.

It’s important that you brush and demat your pet’s coat before bathing them as wet fur will only get tangled quickly

2. Washing

Its best to maintain regularity in your pet’s bathing schedule in the winter months. This could be once a month, a week or as required. Use high-quality pet shampoo as dogs have sensitive skin. Using shampoos that you use will affect the pH level of their skin. Look for good quality moisturizing, soap-free dog shampoos and use tepid water to bathe then. Ensure your pet’s fur is completely dry before you let it play.

3. Nail Trimming

It’s important to check your pet’s claws immediately after bath time. Most canines also grow fur in-between their foot pads. If this fur is excessively long, it can cause them to slip and fall when they are out on walks, and it’s important that you trim this with regularity. You should also clip their nails regularly. Very long nails can prevent their feet from staying directly in contact with the

ground and it pushes their toes outward, which makes it very uncomfortable for them to walk.

4. Trim their Coat

Most pet owners prefer not to trim their pet’s fur in the colder months. But the fact is that colder weather boosts fur growth. You can keep their fur a little longer than an inch; however you would still have to trim it regularly. Dog breeds such as Samoyed & German Shepherd have long fur and their coats tend to thicken up during the winter months.

However even if you have a Maltese, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu, you would have to regularly trim their coats as they have sensitive skin.

In short, you need to continue grooming your pet regardless of the season. You can also bring your pet to our Indoor pool for a spot of fun. They will have a fun time swimming around in the warm water of the pool. We also offer a complimentary warm water rinse & blow-dry, to dry your dog before you leave the center.

Fudge The Labrador With Coonhound Disease

5/7/2017

Fudge first came to us in January with Coonhound disease which is a neurological disorder that effects and inflames the peripheral and multiple roots of the nerves-mainly the spinal nerves — causing the body to malfunction, have paralysis to all limbs and severe muscle wastage. Over the past 6 months we have experienced the highs and lows of Fudge and his loving and patient mum, Liz. Just when we thought the going was getting tough Fudge turned a corner and has not looked back. This is a story written by Fudges mum Liz that gives you an insight into the day of the life and progress of Fudges’ recovery. If it wasn’t for the patience, persistence and the love Liz has for this gorgeous boy he would not be here today. It is important for dogs with this acute polyneuropathy to have physio, hydrotherapy and dedicated owners to get them through. This was well worth the battle.

Sharon, K9 SWiM

Liz's story "Fudge My Wonder Dog"

Coonhound Disease - Idiopathic Polyradiculoneuritis (ACIP)

My interpretation;
Poly - like Polio
Radiculo - ridiculous (as in 'bloody ridiculous')
Neuritis - neurological

Meet Fudge

12 years old, stoic, gentle natured, happy, easy going at the same time quite sensitive, absolutely adorable, much loved, very hansom chocolate brown Labrador!
Early this year 05/01/17 Fudge contracted this disease for the second time and we chose to move forward in caring for him, hoping and praying that it wouldn't take as long as it did in 2012 to recover which was 6 months.

Thankfully this time we could care for him at home and his symptoms didn't increase as drastically as had previously, he could hold his head up and he could eat, drink and wee and poop!

A typical day in the life of caring for a 33-kilo paralysed adorable choc lab

Let's start at say 6am; lift / roll him off his bed that has a waterproof sheet on it, a towel and a blanket that is urine soaked, replace clean bedding, wash him, turn him and place him back on the bed.
There is a load of previous soiled bedding in the washing machine, one on the clothes line and another in the dryer, there are no towels left in the linen closet!

Make a slurry of water and try everything you have to get him to drink, milk, ice cream, vegemite, stock, meat.... anything! It's a similar procedure with food, chicken, mince beef, fresh veggies ...... Anything ....please eat!
You're very tired as you did this regime at 3am, midnight and probably about 9 or 10pm the previous night. Then there is getting on the floor and doing the physiotherapy, massage and cuddles! It's a test of endurance, this regime changes over time, it does get easier as Fudge gets better as he has more control over his bodily functions and as he is able to wriggle / roll the nights become a lot easier. After many Kurrajong Vet visits with loads of encouragement and support from all the team there a month had passed by with not much change in Fudge.

Then we were introduced to K9 SWiM and we haven't looked back!

By the end of the second month Fudge had started swimming, it was hard as he is heavy and I didn't have much help with getting him there, but where there is a will there is a way!
My husband got a large garden trolley from Bunnings and we figured out a way to transport Fudge and the trolley in my Corolla, all I needed was help lifting him in and out of the car and I could do it! All the girls at K9 SWiM have been so kind and so helpful.

By the end of the third month Fudge was having 3 swims a week and Brooke or Sharon did photonic sessions on him and he was slowly beginning to get a bit of movement in him limbs.
In April things were getting tough, and although I did get help and support from my family and the K9 team, I was at the end of my rope and I went to the Vet one day totally exhausted and just about ready to pack it, once again I was encouraged and they suggested trying a course of steroids, so we did.

These helped and Fudge started to get a bit more movement and strength. (although the side effects were a problem especially with his muscle tone)
We were at the vet regularly with 'he won't wee' or 'he won't poop', or 'he won't drink or eat' one time he had to have his bladder seen to and 2 litres came out!!
He was off the steroids by the time May came around and we persisted, Fudge loved his swims and he loved all the attention and love given to him by all the girls. Not much change happened over the next few weeks except that we were encouraged as his swimming improved with him being able to swim the length of the pool without too much help, which was exciting.

Our Homemade Canine Treadmill

By this time, we had also built a device at home that had a sling and sat on top of a treadmill, we also had a 'mechanical lifter' to get him in and out. (my garage looks like a torched chamber with chains hanging from the ceiling and so on) On May the 26th Fudge saw Rob Willis at Sharon's Nth Richmond Clinic, Rob did acupuncture and gave fudge a NES Scan and after suggested the following; Liver tonic and Deer Velvet tablets to increase Vitamin B3, Zinc and Protein.

The changes in Fudge over the next 3 weeks have been incredible, firstly he seemed very relaxed and his sleep seemed more soundly (so much so, I was jealous and ordered some human Deer Velvet for myself). Next, I found him sitting right up on his from paws, then he seemed to be bearing his weight when we stood him up in his 'help’m up harness', then amazingly he began to take steps on his own once we stood him up.

Fudge’s Amazing Progress

Fudge Labrador swimming at K9 SWiM with Brooke

We are absolutely amazed at this progress, it has been 6 months on the 5th of July and we are pretty much back to normal, it’s been a long arduous journey but not travelled alone, we are so thankful to have had the chance to receive therapy from Sharon and her wonderful team at K9 SWiM, from the Kurrajong Vet’s and from Dr Rob Willis.

The problem with this disease is that not many people have heard about it, most vets have possibly seen it once or twice in their time and rarely have they seen a dog healed from it. It’s hard when you don’t really know the future, you don’t know if your dog will recover, you don’t know the ‘odds’. It’s full time care, you can’t work, can’t go out for more than a few hours at a time, it’s really a choice to put your life on hold and you don’t know for how long.
If you were to ask what has helped the most with Fudge’s recovery, I would have to say it’s been a combined effort of lots of praying, a very kind and caring regular vet, the unbelievable support and kindness from K9 SWiM and having the chance for treatment from Rob Willis with some miraculous results, we have been truly blessed!!

Fudge has started to walk, he has not completely recovered but it's just a matter of a little more time and he will be back to his old self. We could not have persisted this second time with this disease without the help and support of Sharon and all the girls, they have been so encouraging and they genuinely love Fudge and he loves them. If you met Fudge you would love him too!

"FUDGE IS MY WONDER DOG"

Liz Smyth

Herbs and Your Pets

1/6/2017

Herbal treatments for your pets can have significant benefits provided they are used in the right form. It’s best to consult an animal herbalist or naturopath when starting your pet on any herbal treatments as these professionals have a good understanding of herbs and can recommend which ones would be suitable for your animal.

Your pet’s digestive system is able to absorb tinctures or strong herbal teas very well and it’s best to give these at frequent intervals through the day, rather than a single large dose, as it helps boost the immune system and speeds up the healing process.

Aspects to consider

You can add dried herbal mixes and powders to your pets’ food which will have a slower response but is the ideal way for maintenance. It’s also the best solution for those fussy four legged babies that don’t like taking medication. The factors that you have to take into consideration include your pet’s:

Age
Weight
Size
Condition

It’s important that you don’t use herbs for extended periods of time as their body develops immunity to them. Aside from this, prolonged use also reduces the effectiveness of the medication. It’s best to continue it for two weeks and then stop for a week. It takes a few days for herbal medicines to start showing effect. They are very gentle on the system and don’t have any side-effects like many standard medicines have.

Herbs should be used in a holistic manner and the medical condition and its origin should be taken into consideration before starting any particular treatment. The body has the ability to heal itself and once the root cause of the problem has been established, herbs can be used to support the body to rebalance itself.

What can herbal medications be used for?

Herbal treatments can be used externally as well as internally for various conditions such as:

Arthritis
Disease
Low immune systems
Eye problems
Itches and fleas
Wounds and abscesses
Muscular & skeletal injuries
Cuts and bruises
Infections
Carsickness
Stress and anxiety
Respiratory conditions
Urinary infections
Worms
Skin and coat
Ulcers
Ear infections
Diet and nutrition
And more

Herbs are very effective in supporting the natural healing mechanisms of the body and boost its ability to heal itself. When using herbal treatments, you should never expect immediate and quick results. The herbs work slowly, yet effectively to support the body in the healing process.

The right diet for your pet matters

Along with the herbal treatment, you also need to make sure your pet is getting a natural, well-balanced and nourishing diet. Even when you give your pet any packaged foods, buy ones of a good brand as these will have the right ingredients and nutritional balance.

If you alter your pet’s diet, do so gradually; this gives their digestive system the time to adjust to the new foods and you are able to monitor whether its ingredients agree with your pet. Opt for products that don’t have any colourings and preservatives (as far as possible), and be on the lookout for allergic reactions to new foods.

Herbs are packed with minerals and vitamins which help improve overall health and wellbeing. They can also help increase your pet’s lifespan as they keep them healthy; so you can safely give your pet herbs even when it doesn’t suffer from any specific medical condition.

As a qualified Animal Herbalist and Naturopath I am always happy to discuss what will be best for your dog. You can book a consultation for your dog with me at the K9 SWiM Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre.

Also the K9 SWiM Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre is now selling herbs and herbal mixes for all kinds of conditions for your pets and horses. Drop buy and get your healthy supplies for your pets.