 Winter is back and the harsh weather can bring a variety of health issues to our pooches. Biting winds and cold numbing wet days can cause your dog to be uncomfortable and unhappy. Whilst some people think that their dogs are okay with their fur coats and that they can tolerate the cold, this is not always the case. Our dogs are now domesticated and so many of them are now indoor dogs, so cold weather can be hard on them just like it can be for us. We can help our dogs be safe this winter by giving them a little extra care, especially our golden oldies that feel the cold a lot more than they ever used to. Here are a few winter health risks to our dogs and some ideas on how to get them through these chilly months. Winter Health Risks to our Dogs Our dogs if left outside in extreme cold conditions can experience some severe issuess that can be life threatening. Hypothermia can occur in dogs that are exposed to cold and freezing conditions for long periods of time, if they get wet in cold conditions, if they have bad circulation, old or are in poor health and are subjected to cold and windy weather. Hypothermia is an extreme lowering of the body temperature which causes the heart and respiration to slow down. Symptoms of mild cases would be shivering and their ears, feet and nose will feel cold. As it progresses your dog will start to be lethargic, depressed and weak. Their muscles can start to get stiff and their breathing and heart rate will get dangerously slow. Frostbite can occur when your dog is out in very cold and freezing conditions. Their body gets exceptionally cold and the body pulls heat from their extremities like their ears, tail and paws to the centre of the body to try and stay warm. Ice crystals may form and the skin starts to become pale and a bluish gray in colour due to the lack of blood flow. The skin may feel icy cold, hard or brittle. This is very painful for the dog and in severe cases can turn black, blister or ulcerate. Burns: Dogs can happily snuggle up in front of the fire or heater in cold weather but sometimes they may get a little too close. Don’t leave your fur baby alone in front of a fire place or heater even if you do have barriers up. Your pet can still get a bad burn by coming into contact with hot surfaces or spitting fires. How can we prevent winter health risks? Swimming at K9 Swim is a great way of exercising in the Winter months. The pool is indoors and heated and we offer a warm water rinse off and blow dry after. We also run a Senior Swim program for Golden Oldies 10 years and over. For more information Enquire here Temperature: Some breeds of dogs have big thick coats that can keep them warm but those dogs with thin coats need assistance with a warm jacket for the cold winter months. If your dog is an outside dog then a very good warm shelter and bed is essential to keep them safe from the elements. In freezing conditions a coat or a comfortable bed outside will not protect them from frostbite, to the extremities, or hypothermia if they are out for long periods so try and find a protected, dry, warm place for your dog during these conditions. If your dog is an inside dog then take them out regularly for walks and exercise but don’t leave them out in freezing conditions for a long period of time. Exercise: Our fur babies still need to exercise in the winter months. The best time for their walks is mid-morning or mid-afternoon when the day is not at its coldest. When the sun is shining, spend time outside playing and get that great Vitamin D supplement. If you are showing or competing your dog in cold conditions then make sure you have a good warm jacket to keep them warm before and after their event. Bedding: In cold months, its essential to have the right bedding so that your dog is nice and warm and comfortable. Do not let your dog sleep on a cold floor during winter months – get a trampoline bed so it’s off the ground and elevated. Heated beds are available and are great for old or arthritic dogs. Keep your dog away from drafts and provide warm blankets and a nice protected area. Senior Dog Care: Winter months can certainly aggravate any existing medical conditions and arthritis that your dog may have. Senior dogs need to keep gently exercising especially through these cold months. When exercising, be aware of freezing ground, slippery surfaces, icy winds and freezing rain. Make sure your dog is rugged up when going for a walk and when they return from their outing they have a warm, supportive bed to rest in. You may like to give your golden oldie a mobility supplement to help with the aches and pains associated with age and arthritis. Massage: Who doesn’t like a massage! Our pooches really benefit from massage, especially in cold months. Massage puts blood and oxygen into the muscle groups, it detoxifies the body, reduces inflammation of arthritic joints and circulates the blood around the body to stay warm and maintain a general well-being. Nutrition: Your dog doesn’t have to eat lots more because its cold. They are possibly doing less exercise so you may have to reduce the calorie intake according to their activity level. Provide good quality and nutritious meals for your best mate so they feel satisfied in the cold weather. A great idea especially in the colder months is to make up a batch of bone broth which gives your dog wonderful vitamins and minerals to keep them going through Winter. Bone broth not only is nutritious and yummy to them, but it also helps with their coat which can dry out in the cold months. Bone broth also maintains a healthy gut and is great for dogs with digestive problems, it supports the immune system and assists in protecting joints due to its glucosamine and chondroitin properties. Here is a recipe for delicious bone broth: What you need.
How to cook.
The broth will be like jelly when you first spoon it out of the container and some pets love it like that but you can warm it up for 10 seconds in the microwave or leave for a few minutes at room temperature and it will reduce to a liquid form. Add some freshly chopped parsley to the broth when serving for added vitamins. A couple of spoons full of broth a day on its own or mixed with food is wonderful for your pet.  You may also be interested in reading: Winter Herbs - The Perfect Winter Remedies for Dogs Grooming Your Dog Doesn't Stop Over Winter  Dog trainers and veterinarians often tell you how important socialisation is for your pets. So what exactly is it? It’s essentially the method used to teach puppies how to cope with the world around them as they grow. The critical socialisation period is generally from 4 to 12 weeks of age. This is the time you’d introduce your puppy to various situations they would encounter in their life. The objective is to ensure that every experience they have is positive and that they don’t become distressed in any way. When your puppy sees something new for the very first time, they are more likely to be startled than interested. The interest quotient comes in later, after which they decide how significant it is and whether they should pay more attention to it. The different things they would be trying to determine are whether it’s safe, can be eaten, played with or is it dangerous? Important Facts About Canine Socialisation Being able to discover all this vital information in a comfortable and safe way, with positive outcomes helps them become a more balanced adult dog. Here are some facts about socialisation for puppies:
Tips to Socialise for Success Archie and Keira thought it was a great idea to come to K9 Swim on such a beautiful sunny day with the top down of mum's car!
Once your pup is 3 months old they can come to K9 SWiM’s Hydrotherapy centre for a swim in our state of the art canine heated pool. K9 SWiM also runs regular Puppy Splash classes that run for six weeks where puppies will learn to socialise and get confident in the water. It is a great bonding experience for you and your pup. You will both have lots of FUN! Check out when the next Puppy Splash starts
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Canine Hydrotherapy Making Your Garden Dog Friendly How To Recognise Whether Your Dog is Anxious- Tips To Help Them Naturally  Essentials oils are becoming exceeding popular as a holistic way of managing our health, but can our pets benefit from them too? Essential oils can be a wonderful addition to supporting our pets emotional and physical wellbeing when used correctly. They can support our pet’s skin, calm the emotions and give relief to our senior pet’s muscles and joints and so much more. But what are essential oils exactly?To put it simply they are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in plants, seeds, bark, stems, roots and flowers. They are extremely potent so a little goes a long way and especially for our pets! There are a few important things to consider when starting your journey of using essential oils for your pets.First off, know your pet’s health and talk to your veterinarian if in doubt. It’s always good to know what you are dealing with first and some oils may not be advisable with certain conditions and medications. There are many different oils brands on the market but not all oils are created equally. Choosing an oil that is certified pure grade is imperative. Many oils contain synthetics and we could end up doing our pet and ourselves more harm than good. Knowledge is the key. Essential oils can play such a beneficial role in our pet’s well being and there are lots of wonderful resources and information out there. Take time to research the oil you are using for your pet, get advice or attend an essential oils workshop to learn more. We love using essential oils for our beautiful dogs Sunny and Grommy and we are passionate about sharing our knowledge and helping others. If you want to learn more about using essential oils for your pets stay tuned for more workshops and seminars at K9 Swim in the coming months. You can contact us for more information by visiting us at www.facebook.com/twooilyems or call us on 0452 280 543.
 Doggie DementiaWith age in our dogs comes molecular and cellular level changes in the brain. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that cause aging and these can result in loss of brain function which is a natural part of aging. Dogs can experience dementia or Alzheimer's like symptoms and this is called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). CDS can progress slowly. To further slow down this progression keeping the dog mentally stimulated and active is important. Antioxidants may help. Our in house Veterinarian Dr Rob Willis has a great interest in our older dogs and has given us some signs and symptoms to look for and he has developed a treatment plan to assist in the aging process to help relieve some of these symptoms. Read on and Rob will be visiting us again in May so if you have concerns about your dog that may be showing some of these signs book in and see Rob. Is your dog suffering from the effects of brain ageing (senility)?By Dr Rob Willis There are a number of signs of brain ageing in older dogs including:
These signs are most common in dogs that are in their teens as this is when most owners notice the sudden onset changes however the problems generally are there pre-teens and this is especially true for large and giant breeds. Brain ageing in dogs'Brain ageing' is thought to be caused by a number of processes with the main ones being:
The good news is there are things we can do for this condition, if you have a dog that is affected you don't have to resign yourself to the fact that they are just 'old'. I have used a combination of treatments including acupuncture and veterinary prescriptions while those looking for a natural supplement perhaps Neurologinol would be worth a try for your dog. 'Neurologinol' is a purpose build veterinary naturopathic supplement to assist in the management of brain ageing in dogs. For more information contact Dr Rob 0490 038 208 or email rvalternatives@gmail.com  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 SurgeonYour 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 recoveryKeeping 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.
Canine Hydrotherapy for post-surgery rehabilitationThere 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. Other post-surgery rehabilitation options for your dog.K9 SWiM Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre specializes in post-surgery rehabilitation with an indoor heated pool, an underwater treadmill. We take a holistic approach to rehabilitation offering services such as massage, acupuncture, photonic therapy and strengthening exercises which are great for recovery and rehabilitation. Our retail shop stocks a variety of aids to assist in recovery like harnesses, braces, toe grips and orthopedic memory foam beds. Herbal mixes and supplements are also available for purchase.
Osteopath – Dr Samantha Sherrington and Alternative Vet – Dr Rob Willis are also available for appointments at K9 SWiM Wellness Centre. So when you are talking to your Vet, discuss these options and ask when your dog will be ready to start these therapies. You are welcome to come in and have a look around or call us on 1300 787 064 to make an appointment for your dog’s recovery.  Aries Dog (March 21 – April 20)
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Cancer Dog (June 21 – July 20)
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 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  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
Why Canine Hydrotherapy is a Great Option 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
For more information, feel free to browse our website.
Or why not drop by and check out the new centre for yourself.  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 AgeWith age, there are many different changes that can take place in your dog such as:
Helping Your Dog Manage Their Ageing ProcessWhile 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:
How to Improve Balance and Muscle Tone in Senior DogsWhen 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:
Common Conditions that Senior Dogs Suffer From
1. ArthritisAs 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 DiseaseThis 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. IncontinenceIs 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:
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. CataractsWhile 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 DogsOlder 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 MattersSince 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 oldEven 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 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?
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:
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.  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
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
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
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
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
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.  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 months1. Lemon Balm
2. Parsley
3. Basil
4. Sage
5. Calendula
6. Echinacea
How to add these herbs to your dog’s winter mealsMany 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:
How K9 SWiM can helpIf 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. Like this article?
You might also be interested in reading these articles:  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 griefUnderstanding 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 guiltSome 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 supportYou 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 Pet Loss CounsellingIf 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 heartsSharon
 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 dogsArthritis 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:
Understanding what arthritis isThe 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 forMost 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:
Next steps to takeIf 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 arthritis1. Managing the painAt 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 dietThere 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:
3. SupplementsYour 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. HydrotherapyThis 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:
5. Weight ManagementIf 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 therapiesVisiting 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 harnessesIf 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 improvementsYou 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 stairsThese 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 padsThese 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 youAs 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 expertsWe at K9 Swim Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre have a number of products in stock such as:
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.  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
Don’t Overfeed Your Dog, Spoil Them The Healthy WayPeople 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:
Services Available at K9 SWiM Which Help Your Dog Lose WeightK9 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:
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 DogWe 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.
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.  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 helpSo what might an owner see that might give them cause to think an Osteopath could help?
How Canine Ostepathic treatment helped Roly the Jack RussellOccasionally 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  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 followHere are some more things you can do to help de-stress your dog:
Make the holiday season stress-free for your dogIf 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.  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 DogsCauses of Stress and Anxiety in Dogs can be due to:
Signs of anxiousness in dogsHere are some signs that your dog is anxious; it is an indication that something has upset them and they require additional support from you:
Displacement behaviors in dogs
Natural ways to reduce anxiety in pets
Reduce Your Dogs Anxiety for a Happier and Healthier DogA 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.  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.
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:
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
 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 DogFleas 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:
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:
Ticks and Your DogTicks 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:
Some more symptoms of common tick infestations
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
How to protect your dog from getting ticksSome of the things you can do to protect your dog from getting ticks include:
How to Remove A Tick Safely from Your Dog
Tick Twisters are available to purchase at our K9 SWiM Wellness Centre, North Richmond If you liked this article you may also like these: |
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AuthorHi I'm Sharon Osmond the owner and founder of K9 Swim. The Splash Blog is where I share tips and information on dog's health and safety and some fun facts and stories. Categories
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April 2019
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