Summer and Christmas is here! It is an exciting time of the year however our fur babies might not think so with lots of noisy festivities around them, unfamiliar people, fireworks, parties, flashing Christmas lights and not only that but the heat and electrical storms we get during these months can make even the most relaxed dog anxious. Have you thought about how you will help your pet get through these summer boogity’s? Here are a few handy hints on making Christmas and Summer months easier for your family pets. Christmas Festivities Secure Your Christmas Tree A Christmas tree can easily be knocked down by your dog. Place your Christmas tree in a corner and secure the tree so it won’t be knocked causing your dog or anyone else injury. Keep tinsel and decorations out of reach These decorations are very tempting for dogs even if they are placed high on your tree. Make sure you keep an eye on your dog if they are anywhere near these because swallowing them can cause serious injury or even death. Know Which Christmas Foods Are Bad For Dogs Christmas foods that we love can be toxic to your dog. Here are a few foods that you should NOT give your dog – chocolate, Christmas cake, grapes, raisins and nuts and NO ham bones as they are quite fatty and can lead to pancreatitis. Stick to treats that have been made for dogs as they love it and they are good for them. Why not make your dog their own yummy Christmas dinner and homemade doggie treats! Choose The Perfect Gift For Your Dog The perfect gift for your dog is the practical gift. They may need a new bed or new toy, they may be in need of some good natural supplements if they are aging, in competition or recovering from an injury. You may like to book them in for a fun swim, water treadmill or jet spa session at K9 Swim for a treat. Why not buy your dog their own life jacket so you can be assured they are safe when they go swimming on holidays or in your own pool, or a towelling doggie robe to soak up the water and catch the sand from the beach or even a rashie to protect the sensitive skin dogs! We at K9 SWiM stock lots of healthy supplements and swim wear so you can keep them healthy inside and out. We also stock fun water toys that are durable, colourful and floatable - the perfect gift for this summer. Include Your Dog In Celebrating Christmas and Know When They Need To Rest It is great to have your dog enjoying Christmas with family and friends, but they also need space away from it all where they can rest and relax. Many dogs are afraid of fireworks and may panic or try to run away and injure themselves in the process so be sure they are safe and cannot get out. If your dog needs to be away from the celebrations make sure you spend some time walking and playing with them beforehand. Have a safe, quiet place where your fur baby can have time out from all the noise, laughter and activity. Organise a Dog Sitter or Dog Walker If you are going away or busy going out over the Christmas break why not organise a dog sitter or dog walker who will make sure your dog stays safe, exercised and happy while you are not at home. Play With Your Dog Your dog loves to spend time with you. It is not always the quantity but quality. Play their favourite game or take them to their favourite dog park to meet up with their friends. Dogs are part of the family, so it is important that they feel safe and happy over the holiday season. If Going On Holidays Take Your Pooch Too There are so many places that accommodate dogs now that it makes it easier to take your dog with you on your holiday. We hope these tips help you keep your dog happy and safe over Christmas and keep their tail’s wagging! Summer Storms and Heat A lot of dogs are very sensitive to climatic changes and some of them get very anxious when it comes to dealing with storms or excessive heat. 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. These following points can assist you and your dog in coping with stormy weather: 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. Essential Oils There are some great essential oils safe for pets that can calm and relax them. 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 the weather is very stormy, you should consider visiting your vet and they may recommend a prescribed medication to calm your dog. Heat can be very stressful for our dogs and its really important to let them have access to fresh cool water at all times and a shady, cool area to escape the scorching sun. If your dog can have access to a cool room inside the house on the excessively hot days, they will be better off especially the older dogs that don’t cope as well as they used to in extreme weather conditions.
Keep exercise to early mornings or in the cool of the evening. Read our blog on How to Avoid Heat Stress: Click Here With such a busy time of the year we can forget about our dog’s normal routine and sometimes their walks or exercise time gets put on hold. Try to continue to keep everything as normal as possible for your fur baby as they look forward to their outings and time with you. 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/she needs during the holiday season too as well as having some fun! Enjoy this lovely time of the year and involve your pooch as best you can and keep them safe and stress free. Adding herbs to your dog’s diet can have a significant impact on the health and well being of your fur baby. Herbal remedies are a valuable tool in both preventing and treating issues that are prominent in many of our pets today. Our canine friends have inherited instincts from their ancestors that used to forage through herbs and plants to assist in healing wounds, digestive upsets, illness or pain and even source the vitamins and minerals that were needed in their diet. Have you ever seen your pet go to your own culinary herb garden and eat some of the herbs there? Have a think about what herb they may have chosen and relate that to a possible condition they may have or a lack of vitamins or minerals they may be deficient in. Animals will instinctively self-medicate. You can administer herbs in various ways orally or topically to our pets. They can be fresh, dried, in tincture form, herbal teas, powders, capsules, oils, ointments and balms. Tinctures are the strongest and fastest way of orally administering herbal remedies and should always be prescribed by an animal herbalist or naturopath so they are used in the right and correct way. Herbs have so many significant benefits for our pets and can treat so many different conditions such as:
Lets Get Started!Growing your own herbs for your pets is a great idea for general well being and you can add these to your pet’s meal for added benefits. It is so easy to do and if you can’t plant your pet herb garden outside, then inside on a window sill or sunny spot will be just as good. When Planning a Pet Herb Garden Follow These Points:
Safe Herbs For You To Plant:Parsley: This herb is very good for arthritis and inflammation, bad breath and upset tummies. It can also aid in urinary tract infections, supports the kidneys and helps rid toxins from the body Basil: Basil has antioxidants, antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help prevent cellular damage and can help calm your pooch. Oregano: is high in antioxidants and flavonoids and is reported as an antimicrobial. It can be used to help with digestive problems, diarrhea, and gas. Wheatgrass: This herb is cleansing, can aid in digestion, constipation, breath and body odour and is an energy booster. Lemon Balm: This is a great herb for the older dogs too as it helps with memory, the nervous system, reduces anxiety and helps neutralise gas in the stomach. Sage: Sage is full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It eases digestive issues and assists in skin conditions. Chop these fresh herbs finely and sprinkle over your dog’s meal – remember only use in moderation. You can also add some herbs to cookies or your bone broth when making them! See our recipes below for these yummy treats! www.k9swim.com.au/splash/category/canine-recipes These herbs can also be used for your own cooking so the whole family can be nice and healthy! Enjoy making your pet herb garden and see the benefits of how herbs can obtain optimal health for your fur baby. Visit our Herbal Pharmacy at K9 Swim’s Wellness Centre – Opening Soon K9 Swim’s Wellness Centre is opening a Herbal Pharmacy and will have a great range of herbal remedies for all conditions for dogs and horses from dried herbs to ointments, sprays, tinctures and oils.
Herbal mixes can also be tailored made to meet your pet’s needs – an appointment will be necessary to discuss. Keep watching for our Herbal Remedies for Pets Workshop coming soon to K9 Swim – learn how to make herbal applications for your pets and take what you make home! Give us a call on 1300 787 064 for more information. It can be devastating when you see your beloved pooch all of a sudden have spinal pain or weakness in their limbs and not be able to move around as well as they used to. This may possibly be IVDD which is Intervertebral Disc Disease. This is a condition often seen in certain breeds, but any dog of age or type can develop IVDD. IVDD is a disease that effects the spinal cord over time, but it might not be apparent until there is a trigger. Unfortunately, a dog who appears to be completely healthy one day may take a fall, tumble or jump in such a way that a disc becomes ruptured. IVDD is a degenerative (gradual) process, but a jump or fall can damage a disc that has already been weakened by this disease and bring on an acute phase. Intervertebral discs are cushioning pads of fibrocartilage that sit between most of the vertebra of the spinal column. The discs have an outer layer of tough fibrous tissue and a centre that is more of a gel-like substance. They act as shock absorbers for the bones called vertebra in the spinal column. Unfortunately, intervertebral discs are subject to degeneration, bulging outward, bursting or rupturing (herniating). When something goes wrong with a disc, the material inside escapes into the spinal column, pressing against the spinal cord or nerve roots, which causes mild to severe pain, nerve damage, neurological issues and sometimes paralysis. Depending on the location of the damaged disc, problems can occur anywhere in the dog’s body from the neck to the hind limbs. IVDD is one of the most common neurologic disorders seen in dogs. Most aging dogs have some degeneration of intervertebral discs, which commonly results in a condition known as spondylosis which doesn’t progress to intervertebral disc disease. What Breeds Are Prone to IVDD?While any dog is prone to IVDD Dogs that are Chondrodystrophic are more susceptible to IVDD. This means certain breeds may have a disorder of their cartilage and bone development and have shorter than normal limbs. IVDD generally occurs in these breeds from 3-6 years of age. Typical breeds of this type include:
Overweight dogs in any breed are very likely to get IVDD Signs of IVDDSymptoms can come on gradually or be intermittent or sudden. Here are some common symptoms of IVDD:
How Can We Help Prevent IVDD?If your dog is prone to this disease, then unfortunately it may just suddenly happen but there are some easy things we can do to reduce the risk of IVDD for your dogs:
What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has IVDDYou will need your Vet to do an examination and this may include, a neurological examination X-rays, special imaging such as MRI or a CT Scan to be able to pin point the source of the spinal injury. Your Vet may suggest Conservative Management initially if the injury is mild to moderate but in severe cases Surgery will most probably be advised. Conservative management (non-surgical) of IVDD is initially preferred which would be crate rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatories and pain management for around 4-8 weeks. After that period your dog could progress to some rehabilitation therapies such as Hydrotherapy and physical therapies to build and maintain strength. If your dog has to go to surgery as conservative management was not an option or was not successful, then surgery may be done to remove disc material from around the spinal cord. The spine is approached through an incision in the middle of the back and using a special drill, a window is made in the bone of the vertebra immediately above the disc. The disc material underneath the spinal cord can then be gently removed. Rehabilitation for IVDDWhether your dog has had surgery or not it is very important to have rehabilitation to re gain function, for better range of motion, strength, stability and coordination for your dog. This will help reduce the risk of it happening again to your dog and will speed on recovery. If your dog has had surgery your Vet may give you some gentle home exercises to do initially and discuss with you rehab options to achieve optimal recovery such as Hydrotherapy, Osteopathy and physical therapies. Hydrotherapy for IVDDHydrotherapy is wonderful for building strength and regaining mobility function. Our Under-Water treadmill is great for IVDD patients as it uses the resistance of the water to give your dog a good workout without having to bear their full weight. This method helps reignite the connections between the limbs and the brain and retrains the neural pathways to begin working correctly. Osteopathy for IVDDOur inhouse Osteopath Dr Samantha Sherrington will be able to assist in restoring movement, reduce any pain or discomfort your dog may be experiencing and aid in the re balance and strengthening of your dog. We have had great results with a combination of Dr. Sam’s treatments along with hydrotherapy for our IVDD patients. K9 Swim Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre offers Rehabilitation packages for your dog whether he or she has managed IVDD conservatively or has had surgery. You will need to have your Vet fill out our Vet referral form which you will find on our website and have the all clear by your Vet to start their therapy.
Give us a call on 1300 787 064 to discuss your dog’s treatment plan. Our whole world as we know it has been turned upside down and these are challenging times for all of us. There are so many unknowns in relation to COVID-19 and this has an affect on us and our animals. We can’t forget our fur babies in these times and whilst we are at home we are gaining comfort by being with them and I am sure our pets just love us being at home with them too. This is a good time to call family, friends and neighbours to see if they have a plan for their pet if they did get sick or for you to make plans for your beloved animals should you fall ill. In times like this it is great for communities to come together and help one another. At the time of writing this there has been no findings that dogs can get COVID-19 but we still have to be vigilant in ours and their hygiene as it could be as simple as someone handling your dog’s lead or patting your dog that could transmit the virus to you. We have many questions during this crisis about our pets so let’s look at some of those concerns. Can My Dog Get COVID-19?According to the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), No your dog cannot contract the human COVID-19. Dogs can contract their own species related coronavirus, but this is known as CCoV and is a highly infectious intestinal infection in dogs only. Coronavirus is from the Coronaviridae family and gets its name from when viewed under a microscope the virus looks like a coronet. There are various types of coronavirus which effect different species of animals and humans but CCoV is not the same as COVID-19 and we cannot contract CCoV either. CCoV causes gastrointestinal issues in dogs and COVID-19 causes respiratory issues in humans. What Is Canine Coronavirus - CCoVCCoV is an intestinal infection in dogs only. Most cases of canine coronavirus are contracted by being in contact with an infected dog, oral contact with infected faeces, eating from a contaminated bowl, crowding or unsanitary conditions. The incubation period is 1 -4 days and the normal duration of the virus is around 2-10 days. Dogs can also be carriers of the virus for up to 6 months after infection. Typical signs of CCoV are diarrhea, lethargy and decreased appetite. Your dog’s poop may be very soft/loose and may contain blood and mucous with an unpleasant smell. It may have an orange colour to it. There is no real treatment for canine coronavirus and antibiotics are not effective with viruses, but they still can control any secondary bacterial infections that may develop. With diarrhea can come dehydration so upon the severity of your dog’s condition he/she may need IV fluids. Withhold food whilst diarrhea is present and slowly reintroduce small amounts of food gradually. If you suspect your dog has a gastrointestinal issue and it goes on for 24 hours, please get to your Vet as soon as possible as early Veterinary intervention will be advantageous for their recovery. Can My Dog Transmit COVID-19?COVID-19 can be transmitted by touching infected surfaces and then we touch our own face which transmits the disease to us. If an infected person coughed on your dog and the virus particles sat on your dog’s coat, then yes, it’s possible that the virus could be transmitted to someone that came along and patted your dog or touched their lead or collar if those particles are on them. The risk is low, but you should still remain vigilant and always wash your hands after patting an unknown dog and be aware of who is touching your pet. Wiping your fur baby down with a wet cloth or giving he/she a bath if they have been handled by unknown people would be a good idea. The same if you are bringing a new pet into your home. Can My Dog Still Go The Vet During This Crisis?Veterinary services are still considered as essential businesses and they are following very strict government protocols to ensure that their staff and clients are safe. Before you go for your appointment please call ahead to check what protocols are in place as you may be asked to stay in your car or drive to a particular drop off point, limit the amount of people you bring with your dog to the appointment and their social distancing rules. K9 Swim Hydrotherapy is a Veterinary Referral Centre and we are ensuring that our staff and clients adhere to the social distancing guidelines and we follow very strict hygiene protocols by the government recommendations. There is only 1 dog at a time during sessions and the dog enters in one door and out another, so no one is crossing over. Sanitizing takes place after each session. K9 Swim are asking:
We at K9 Swim are endeavouring to continue our services to your pooches, especially those that are in the middle of rehabilitation programs or needing to start. We thank you for all of your ongoing support and understanding that we have had to make so many changes to comply with the government rulings which certainly benefit the safety of you and the K9 Swim team and your beloved dogs. Stay positive and practise good hygiene measures and most importantly look after yourselves. Dr Samantha Sherrington is K9 Swims in-house Osteopath. Sam has been a registered Osteopath treating all members of the family, after graduating with a Master of Osteopathy in 2003, following her Osteopathic studies up with another two years of Post-Graduate studies in Animal Chiropractic in 2009/10. Having spent just under 8 years practicing in Ireland from 2010 on wards, Sam has been back in her home grounds of the Hawkesbury since September 2017, building a mixed practice of horses, their humans and dogs of all shapes and sizes. Continuing education is something Sam feels strongly about and constantly strives to improve her practice so as to bring the best care to her clients. Osteopathic CareLife can be tough on the body, even for the best loved and pampered pooch, and by the time they reach their ‘Golden Years’ they can be really starting to show their age in many different ways. Their metabolism slows down, often increasing weight and lowering their ability to regulate their body heat. This extra weight adds strain to already worn joints, which in turn make it harder to get your dog out for some gentle exercise to help manage the weight gain. Older dogs often also experience changes in their temperament, becoming grumpy or aggressive towards family members, especially other pets and children. This is frequently due to undiagnosed or under-treated pain, and goes hand in hand with depression, a reduced social capacity and loss of function in their normal daily activities. Pain management often becomes a big problem when the elderly dog shows the commonly seen increasing signs of side-effects and reactions to medication, and an increased reliance on them to manage simple daily tasks. I frequently hear owners feeling powerless to break this cycle - a feeling having very few satisfactory answers to helping their dog manage as their age creeps up. Osteopathic care is a gentle approach to helping any animal function the best they can taking into account the conditions they are experiencing. Osteopaths are university trained professionals who are able to recognise where the body can function more efficiently, helping the animal move closer to ‘homeostasis’ – the body’s sense of optimal balance, ease and functioning. Osteopaths use primarily manual therapy techniques, as well as adjunctive techniques such as laser, kinesiology taping and exercise prescription. Human studies focusing on Osteopathic Treatment in the elderly have shown improvements in respiratory function, functional ability, balance and wellbeing. There has also been noted reduction in pain levels, medication reliance and assistance with some side effects of medications such as constipation commonly seen with some pain medications. These studies, while conducted on humans, have great relevance for guiding the kind of allied care we can offer for elderly dogs, in conjunction with care provided by your Veterinarian. Osteopathy helps to restore an animals range of motion of all joints and soft tissues of the body, creating an ability to move more comfortably through activities of daily living. In conjunction with Hydrotherapy, we can then add numerous tailored exercises and activities for the dog and owner to complete at home to help build added strength and function. In the elderly, it always amazes me how many of the co-morbidities (additional conditions such as failing organs, sight, hearing etc.) can become less bothersome when the dog is up and moving more efficiently. Movement really is the most amazing medicine for all bodies. For more information or to discuss how Dr Sam can help your Golden Oldie live their very best life, please give her a call on 0452 472 959 or message her on Facebook @centaurusosteo Senior Dog Programs at K9 SwimOur fantastic 6 week Senior Swim Program is still taking applications! Start Date: Saturday 21st March 2020 Duration: 6 weeks Times: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Cost: $110.00 This program is for pooches aged 10 years and older and is a great opportunity to spend some quality time together as well as receiving weekly handouts on caring for a senior dog. We will also be running a Care for the Senior Dog course, details are as follows: When: Sunday 26th April Times: 10am - 3pm Cost: $150pp Where: K9 Swim Training Room, 853 Kurmond Road North Richmond To secure a spot, call us on 1300 787 064 You may also be interested in reading:
Is Your Dog Suffering from Dementia? How to Provide the Best Care for your Senior Dog The Australian bush fires have been devastating and this crisis continues as fires are still ablaze around our country. Hazardous thick smoke has blanketed many areas of Australia and this can have disastrous effects on us as well as our pets. Older pets, young pets and any pet with a cardiovascular, respiratory condition or other medical issues are at high risk from smoke inhalation from the pollution in the air. It can affect their airways and breathing ability and may cause many health complications from the toxic haze that pollutes the air. The healthiest of dogs too may suffer badly from the smoke irritation. Pets should be monitored closely and if your dog is a brachycephalic breed such as pugs or bulldogs, they should be closely watched as they will be more compromised with restricted airways. Signs of Smoke Irritation are:
How to Protect your Pet from Smoke:
Along with the bush fires and smoke comes heat and we have to also be mindful on heat stroke with our dogs. Remember to keep your dog out of the heat and smoke and keep them cool. Here are a few ways how:
You can read all about heat stress and preparing for bush fires with your pets in these past blogs: AVOID Heat Stress In Dogs Bush Fires and Your Pets Due to the smoke and heat we are not able to exercise our dogs like we would normally. Why not bring your dog in for a fun swim to cool off and burn off some of the excess energy they have built up from being indoors a lot of the time. Our pool is indoors and is at a lovely temperature for hot months.
To book call us on 1300 787 064 Just like us, dogs need rehabilitation too after surgery or an injury. Rehabilitation can speed up recovery and achieve strength, balance, cognition and can increase function and mobility of joints and muscles. It can reduce pain and inflammation and enhances a better quality of life for your pooch. Rehabilitation therapies are also great for degenerative diseases, age related conditions and obesity. Canine rehabilitation can be traced back to the early 1980’s in Europe and the United States, where Equine Rehabilitation was introduced back in the 1960’s. Australia is slowly starting to catch up with the USA and Europe on all the fabulous rehabilitation therapies and modalities that are now on offer to help our four legged friends achieve optimum mobility. Rehabilitation therapy should be a standard feature of the complete care plan for post surgery, injured, disabled or otherwise debilitated dogs as the benefits will make the world of difference to their health and well being. Detecting that your dog may have an issue may sometimes be hard, but you may start to notice some of the following: Common Problems Associated With Musculoskeletal Issues
Common Conditions Treated
Why is Rehabilitation ImportantQuality of life is the focus for the patient and optimising movement. Low impact cardiovascular training is used for rehabilitation to ensure pain relief and management. Canine rehabilitation can return a dog’s range of motion and strengthen injured or weakened areas. Forms of Rehabilitation
MassageMassage Achieves
HydrotherapyHydrotherapy treatment is used to effectively rehabilitate animals after injury or surgery, as well as used for fitness and performance enhancement, weight loss and to maximise functional movement in the older arthritic dog. PoolTego, a Doberman, having a hydrotherapy lesson Non-weight bearing conditions are treated with swimming, as the flotation supports the entire body weight and the limbs move freely without the “jarring” effect of exercising on hard ground. Under Water Treadmil UWT achieves 60-70% weightless exercise without changing normal movement patterns. Controlled speed and water levels improves benefit to your dog, supporting them and shortening recovery time. Therapeutic Exercise Proprioceptive and balance exercise teaches the body to control the position of a compromised or an injured joint. Therapeutic exercise can provide a wide range of benefits for rehabilitation patients. Proprioception and balance exercise is becoming one of the most valuable modalities used in animal rehabilitation for recovery and strengthening, increased pain free range of motion, flexibility, building muscle strength and muscle mass, endurance and preventing further injury. Therapeutic exercises can help animals recover faster from surgical procedures or injuries and will help with the animal to return to its best functional independence as possible. StrengtheningThe main emphasis in strengthening is mainly resistance training. In a recovering patient strengthening needs to start slowly and gradually build up as the patient progresses. Core strengthening assists in preventing injuries. Rehabilitation AidsThere are many rehabilitation/mobility devices out in the market ranging from wheel chairs, harnesses to toe grips that are wonderfully helpful for both dogs and their humans. Herbal Medicine and SupplementsHerbs and supplements can be added to the diet to assist in joint issues, mobility, immune problems and muscle atrophy. Photonic Therapy
Photonic Therapy is a scientifically advanced form of acupuncture using light, instead of needles, to stimulate recognised acupuncture points. It offers a safe, painless & effective method treatment, which promotes healing and largely eliminates the need to suffer pain. The energy of light (photons) is transformed into electrical energy by the connective tissue under the skin. This electrical energy is transmitted to the brain by the nerves. Acupuncture points are known to be areas in the skin of increased electrical conductivity, the stimulation of which can change a body function. By stimulating these certain skin areas, we can change the perception or messages the brain is receiving. This causes the brain to release certain chemicals, painkillers and anti-inflammatories, which activate the body's healing processes. In Summary: Each dog will be individual so their rehabilitation program will vary on each particular patient. Rehabilitation allows better quality of life, restores strength, mobility and speeds up recovery as well as assisting in pain management and pain relief. K9 Swim is a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre and the only one of its kind in Australasia which offers many of these therapies under the one roof. We have our Hydrotherapy indoor heated pool and Under water treadmill, Photonic Therapy, Massage, Herbal remedies as well as the latest supplements, rehabilitation aids for many conditions and our inhouse Osteopath Dr Samantha Sherrington and our alternative Vet Dr Rob Willis. A Vet referral form will be necessary for your dog to come to us for rehabilitation and we do offer rehab packages Our next “Learn to Massage your own Dog” course will be run on Sunday 23rd February Date: Sunday 23rd February 2020 Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm Address: K9 Swim Training Room, 853 Kurmond Road North Richmond Total cost: $150.00 Learn with your own dog. Upon completion you will be awarded with a Statement of Attendance. You may also be interested in reading:
Massage Therapy for our K9 Friends Canine Hydrotherapy Photonic Therapy With Summer brings heat, bush fires, ticks, snakes, spiders, parties, fireworks and electrical storms, to name a few. Do you know how to administer first aid to your dog should he/she have an accident or is bitten? It is essential to know the basics of first aid for pets should an emergency occur. Here are a few common situations that you might find your fur baby in: Heat StrokeHeat can affect dogs in fatal ways and with our summers soaring into 40 degree heat we must ensure that our dogs are safe from hot conditions. Dogs do not perspire like we do, they only sweat through their paws. Dogs pant to control their body temperature but if they are panting in hot humid conditions they are not receiving cool air, and this can be extremely dangerous for them. Prevention:
Symptoms:
First Aid:
Snake BitesSnake bites can be deadly, and care is to be taken for yourself as well as your dog if you come across a snake. Acting quickly can save your dog’s life. Snakes will normally only strike as a last resort and will try and avoid your dog if possible. Prevention:
Symptoms:
First Aid:
Tick BitesThe paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) can be found in bushy coastal areas along the eastern coast of Australia and it's also one of the most dangerous threats to your dog’s health. They are most prevalent from Spring to Autumn however can occur at any time of year.
Paralysis ticks are external parasites that suck the blood from the host animal and it's the ticks salivary glands that produce the toxin that affects the nervous system of the dog. Once paralysis occurs the dog can die in a number of hours unless quickly treated by your vet with anti-tick serum. After initial treatment it can still take 48 hours for the toxin to be removed so your dog can continue to deteriorate during this time. Prevention:
Symptoms:
First Aid:
We at K9 Swim run first aid courses regularly in our training room for pet owners to learn about all the fundamentals of first aid for their beloved pets including how to do a tick search and how to apply a pressure bandage along with recognising emergencies, nail care, bites, stings and allergies, poisoning and lots more. Call us on 1300 787 064 to put your name down for the next course which will be in February 2020. A must for all pet owners. What is Photonic Therapy?Photonic Therapy is a scientifically advanced form of acupuncture using light, instead of needles, to stimulate recognised acupuncture points. It offers a safe, painless & effective treatment method, which promotes healing and largely eliminates the need to suffer pain. It is very effective for humans, horses, dogs and cats. The energy of light (photons) is transformed into electrical energy by the connective tissue under the skin. This electrical energy is transmitted to the brain by the nerves. Acupuncture points are known to be areas in the skin of increased electrical conductivity, the stimulation of which can change a body function. By stimulating these certain skin areas, we can change the perception or messages the brain is receiving. This causes the brain to release certain chemicals, pain killers and anti-inflammatories, which activate the body's healing processes. Photonic is applied to any form of imbalance or stress in the body and when applied correctly can help attain optimal health and general well-being. It can treat illnesses, injuries and is wonderful for post-surgery as it increases the speed of healing, reduces pain and can prevent arthritis from forming. Photonic can have an effect on a number of conditions within the body. It can help maintain normal body processes and cellular turnover to stay healthy with regular use. Using Photonic can help calm nerves and decrease pain and inflammation by increasing blood flow to the nerves so they can heal. By using Photonic this will increase blood flow to any given area of injury or imbalance and the body can heal itself. Not many dogs enjoy needles. Photonic Therapy is an advanced form of traditional complementary medicine using red light to stimulate recognised acupuncture points along the body. Rather than stimulating acupuncture points with needles, a special red light is used. The dogs appear to be quite relaxed as its non-invasive, non-painful and is totally safe to use. Photonic provides relief from pain and promotes healing. How Does Photonic Therapy Work?![]() The safe, low frequency red light (not laser) is applied to the skin at very specific points to stimulate the autonomic nervous system as well as the spinal nerve transmission which supports the healing of conditions and injuries in animals. The light stimulates the skin and cells to trigger a chemical (ATP) which signals the brain to release endorphins, anti-inflammatories and serotonin and by doing this will assist in eliminating toxins and improving cellular uptake of nutrients. This then will reduce pain, swelling, inflammation and increases circulation and relaxation. Healing with light dates back to ancient Egypt where people journeyed to various temples devoted to the healing power of sunlight. In this modern day, many advancements in technology have allowed leading scientists and physicians to use photonic red light therapy in many practical health applications including animals. It is widely used now on humans, cats, dogs, horses, birds, livestock and wildlife with outstanding results. An interesting fact is that NASA uses red light therapy in zero gravity to expedite the wound healing process for their astronauts. Conditions That Photonic Therapy Can Help WithPhotonic Therapy is used to treat a number of conditions in dogs such as:
Other Benefits to Photonic Therapy
Photonic Therapy compliments other Natural Therapies including Hydrotherapy. A combination of therapies designed for dog’s individual needs and circumstances can see the dog gain maximum health benefits. We offer Photonic Therapy at K9 Swim, a session costs $40 and bookings are essential. We will discount your photonic session by $10 if its booked with a Swim or Water Treadmill session. We can also put a package together for you. Call us today for more information You may also be interested in reading:
How to Manage Arthritis in Your Dog Canine Hydrotherapy Caring for Your Dog Post Surgery It is not uncommon for dogs at some stage of their life to digest, inhale or absorb some kind of toxin. Toxins come in all forms such as food, human drugs, rat and snail bait, household substances and chemicals. What we feel are safe for us such as food and medications may be another story for our beloved pets. Safety around your home is paramount to keep you pet safe from being exposed to toxins that may be fatal to their health. If you feel your dog has been exposed or taken a form of poisoning don’t panic but get to the vet as fast as you can. Being aware of the symptoms may very well save your pets life. If it is safe take with you the packet, labelling or substance of the suspected poison so your vet can identify the toxins. If your dog has vomited a sample of that would be good too. Signs of Poisoning and Toxicity
Common Ingested PoisonsAcid PoisoningAcids are found in many household products like cleaners, pool chemicals and car battery fluid. Exposure of toxic chemicals can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin or eyes. Dogs can be inquisitive and may chew through a bottle or lick /drink substances and these substances may be lethal to your pet. Ingesting acids will cause ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract with abdominal pain and vomiting. Your dog may paw at its mouth, become distressed and vocal. Inhaling acids will bring on labored breathing and distress where absorbing acids on the skin will cause irritation and burning and in the eyes, will bring on squinting, pawing at the eye or the eye swelling shut. Do NOT make your dog vomit as you may cause irreparable damage by the acid burning as its coming back up, but take to your Vet immediately. Rat and Snail/Slug Bait Poisoning Rat bait appears to be at the top of the list for the most common poisoning. Rat bait is an anticoagulant which prevents the blood from normally clotting which kills the rat by internal bleeding. Unfortunately, if our dogs eat this they too will suffer the same fate. If unaware that your dog has eaten rat bait you may not see any obvious signs straight away however your dog could be bleeding internally and it may be several days before you notice any signs which could then be too late. If you have noticed a box of rat bait disturbed or open and feel your dog may have ingested some seek medical advice immediately. If you actually see your dog eat it then try and make him/her vomit immediately and get to your vet as soon as possible. To prevent your dog from this deadly poison, remove baits from your home and surrounds or place in areas where your dog can’t possibly get to. Bait stations are the best as your dog can’t get into these, but still place in a safe place out of reach of your pooch. Common Inhaled Poisons
Common Absorbed Poisons Through Skin, Eyes and Paws
How to Avoid and Prevent Your Dog From Being Poisoned
If your pet has had an experience of poisoning/toxicity then it’s worth detoxifying your dog with some great herbs to cleanse the blood, liver and body.
Our Wellness Centre can help you with a detoxing mix to add to your dog’s food daily for a month so cleanse the body and get your fur baby back on track. Give us a call to make a booking for a consultation with our Naturopath. Its Spring time!!! This means that now the days are getting longer, we can walk our dogs more, be outside and play for longer. Warmer weather and flowers blossoming can bring some seasonal issues for our pets such as pests and allergies so here are a few ideas on getting them all ready for the Spring months ahead. GroomingWarmer months brings on shedding which you will find in the house, car and everywhere else your pooch is! Bathing and brushing regularly will help rid the loose excess hair and keep your house cleaner and your fur baby happier. Take your dog to a Groomer for the works or get a mobile groomer come to your home and give your dog a spring clean! AllergiesSpring grass, flowering plants and trees can all cause allergies in your pet just like it can with us. Symptoms of allergies could be scratching, licking, chewing, hair loss, rashes, weepy eyes, red paws, swellings and even smelly skin. Pay special attention to what’s in your garden and areas where you take your dog for walks. Some gardens can harbour plants that can cause irritation or even be poisonous to our pets. These plants may only flower or berry once a year but it might be those parts of the plant that can cause allergies to your dog. Identify what plants you have in your garden and check if they are dangerous to your dog. Buzzing insects can attract your dog’s attention and if bitten may cause a nasty allergic reaction. If you notice unusual swelling on your dog or have seen your pooch stung seek Veterinarian advice as the severity can differ from dog to dog and you want to avoid any further complications. Tick, Fleas and WormsThese pests love the warmer weather so make sure that your pet is up to date with preventative control and if in tick areas, do regular tick searches as these parasites can be harmful. Warm months also bring out mosquitos and their bite on your dog can spread heart worm so make sure that they are covered for this along with your other worming routine for roundworm, hookworm and tapeworms. Talk to your Vet about prevention of these nasties. Lawn and Garden CareSpring is when we love getting back out into the garden and getting our lawn and plants healthy and rejuvenated after the cold winter. We must be very careful of the chemicals that we use on our grass and plants as they can be toxic to our pets. Herbicides, fertilisers and insecticides are generally poisonous to our pets so please make sure you read the instructions carefully and take note of the recommended waiting time before allowing your pets back outside on the grass and in the garden. Spring Cleaning in the HouseThe warmer weather and longer days gets us inspired to spring clean the house but think about what harsh chemicals you may be using which could be dangerous to your fur babies. Make sure that your pets are out of the way when you are cleaning and to air the house after using chemicals so when your pets enter the home again all fumes and chemical smells have gone. Don’t forget that we have a Doggy Day Care now at K9 Swim so if you want to spray your lawn or spring clean your house why not drop your fur baby off to us for the day so you can do your spring jobs safely and your pooch gets a fun day out at the same time!
It may sound overwhelming and radical to you when your vet talks about amputation but dogs mostly cope with losing a limb, whether it be from a disease such as cancer or an accident. They don’t seem to experience the same mental sense of loss as humans do and most dogs adjust to life on 3 legs, they get along with their day as they are busy being a dog! Surgery ProcessAmputation involves a major surgery and your vet will only recommend this procedure if they feel it will give your dog a better quality of life and release them of pain and suffering. Initially after surgery it may not be easy for your dog to move about like he/she used to although if they didn’t use the leg before surgery they may just adapt very quickly. There will be an adjustment period of your dog getting used to balancing and walking about on 3 limbs but in time they will compensate and distribute weight to find a comfortable way of mobility. After surgery your dog will be sent home on pain relief and possibly a course of antibiotics. Your vet may place a cone around your dog’s head to prevent licking or chewing at the surgery site. Your dog will probably be quiet for a few days and you will need to assist toilet breaks by supporting your dog to walk with a towel slung under their belly or a harness. Check for any swelling, inflammation, discharge, infection or blood and contact your vet if you are concerned. There will be a follow up check-up a few days after surgery then stitches will come out from 10 – 14 days’ post-surgery. Amputation is a very difficult decision for you so discussing in detail with your vet about the process, the post-surgery, recovery and prognosis will help you come to your decision. Large and heavier dogs may not adapt as well as a smaller lighter dog and dogs that are having an amputation for cancer still may not be cured but by removing the limb you may be extending your dog’s life and making life more pain free. Ways To Help Post-SurgeryThere are many ways of assisting your dog in the recovery and rehabilitation of amputation and the following points will speed on recovery, keep your dog’s mind stimulated and promote health and happiness in your mate.
Trista gets about just fine on 3 legs and swims like a fish. How K9 Swim Can HelpK9 Swim can help you with the recovery and rehabilitation of your dog after amputation.
Our Hydrotherapy Centre has an indoor heated pool with easy access for dogs that have mobility issues. Hydrotherapy is a wonderful therapy for muscle development, calming down inflammation, easing aches and pains in sore bodies and limbs and exceptional for mental stimulation and burning of energy. It is safe and controlled and we are experienced in handling post-surgery patients. Our Wellness Centre has our Osteopath Dr Samantha Sherrington that can speed on recovery and release connective tissue and tightness. We can offer herbal and natural remedies for phantom pain, anxiety or depression and we also have our Post-Operative Day care for those owners that can’t be at home every day with their recovering dog. We can care for your dog in a secure and safe place, toilet them regularly and give them lots of kisses and cuddles! Call us on 1300 787 064 to discuss your needs. You may also be interested in reading: Caring For Your Dog Post-Surgery Canine Hydrotherapy It is becoming more common to see hip dysplasia in many dogs of all breeds, predominately larger breeds. As a dog owner, you may feel absolutely devastated when the vet gives you the news but with advances in Veterinary treatment and safe management options, hip dysplasia can be controlled and managed well. What is hip dysplasia?Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint that occurs during a dogs growth period. Signs may be noticed as early as 4-6 weeks of age or not until they are in their senior years. The ball of the femur does not fit correctly into the hip socket which causes the hip to partially dislocate. Some dogs may show no signs of this condition where others will experience pain and difficulty moving around. Hip Dysplasia is mainly a genetic condition however diet and the environment can contribute to this condition, such as obesity or rapid weight gain which puts excessive strain on the joints and nutritional disorders. Signs to look for:
![]() A lack of co-ordination in the hind quarters can be a sign of hip dysplasia How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?Recognising symptoms early is important and your vet will do a physical examination by checking your dog’s movement of the hip joints and most probably taking x-rays to confirm the condition. Normal Canine Hips Bilateral Hip Dysplasia What treatments are available for hip dysplasia?There are many options available today when it comes to treating hip dysplasia and managing it. A treatment plan depends on various factors such as age and the severity of the condition. Surgery is normally a last option after other treatments and management have not been effective or if the condition is severe.
Non-surgical options These include a combination of a healthy diet, weight management, joint supplements, anti –inflammatories, non-weight bearing exercise like hydrotherapy, to build muscle and support the limbs, acupuncture, photonic therapy and Osteopathic treatments. Surgical options There are several surgical options and your Vet will recommend which one is best suited to your dog’s condition. Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) The normal hip is a ball and socket joint and this surgery removes the neck and head of the femur which is the ball part of the joint. This surgery is very good especially for smaller dogs as the muscles and connective tissue of the leg hold the femur in place and forms a functional “false joint” FHO can be used in larger dogs if arthritis is severe, if the hip dislocates or if the other procedure is too expensive for the owner. FHO surgery can provide most patients pain free mobility. Total Hip Replacement (THR) Total hip replacement surgery removes both the ball and socket which is replaced with an artificial ball and socket normally made of surgical stainless steel and plastic. This is generally performed in larger breeds of dogs but can still be used in smaller dogs. THR surgery can give many years of pain free mobility and is generally reserved for dogs that have severe and painful conditions and that have not responded to conventional management. Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO) The object of the DPO and TPO procedure is to “capture” the femoral head in the socket thereby reducing laxity present. The procedure in when the pelvis is cut in two or three places around the hip joint, rotating the acetabulum and stabilising the pelvis in the new position with metal bone plates and screws. This should only be performed on young dogs only - usually less than 6 months of age that have no arthritic changes in the joint. Following this procedure dogs must be crated/confined for at least 6 weeks with short on leash walks only to ensure the bones heal in their new position correctly. Caring for your dog with Hip Dysplasia · If you suspect that your pet has hip dysplasia, see your Vet straight away to minimise the arthritic changes that will develop as the problem worsens. · Monitor your dog's body weight and avoid obesity as weight puts a lot of pressure on the joints · Avoid strenuous exercise but provide moderate low impact exercise such as hydrotherapy and controlled walks Don’t over feed or over exercise growing pups. Researched evidence indicates that pups that grow too rapidly are more than likely to develop hip dysplasia and over exercising pups that may have any abnormalities in their hip structure will exaggerate the issue with excessive running, jumping and repetitively chasing objects. All of these can be detrimental to their growing joints. K9 Swim can assist your dog in managing hip dysplasia with our state of the art Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre. From our indoor heated pool and under water treadmill for low impact and non-weight bearing exercise to our in-house Osteopath, herbal remedies and natural therapies we can offer a range of treatments that will make a difference to the quality of life to your pet. If its managing hip dysplasia with non-surgical options or rehabilitation after surgery we can help your pooch get back on track to optimal health. We now offer Post Op Day care so if your dog has recently had surgery and needs to be confined and you can’t be home every day with your fur baby then we can help. Just give us a call to discuss on 1300 787 064 You may also be interested in reading: Caring for your dog post-surgery Canine Hydrotherapy 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 SocialisationBeing 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
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 You may also be interested in reading:
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)
Taurus Dog (April 21 – May 20)
Gemini Dog (May 21 – June 20)
Cancer Dog (June 21 – July 20)
Leo Dog (July 21 – August 20)
Virgo Dog (August 21 – September 22)
Libra Dog (September 23 – October 22)
Scorpio Dog (October 23 – November 22)
Sagittarius Dog (November 23 – December 22)
Capricorn Dog (December 23 – January 22)
Aquarius Dog (January 23 – February 18)
Pisces Dog (February 19 – March 20)
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 |
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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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