Category: Canine Tips

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

2/7/2019

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:

Bunny hopping gait
Hind leg lameness, stiffness or weakness
Difficulty getting up or down on their beds
Lack of co-ordination in hind quarters with swaying or staggering
Reluctance to jump, run, go upstairs, play or exercise intolerance
Change in behaviour
Hind leg muscles deteriorate
Pain in hip or pelvis area
Dragging back paws or back nails worn down

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

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

30/11/2018

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

Leaving your pet when you are heading out of town?

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

Going on a long car drive with your dog?

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

Entertaining at Home?

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

Putting up Christmas Decorations?

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

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

Any firework displays close by?

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

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

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

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

Understanding Your Dog's 5 Senses

3/6/2018

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

1. Sight

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

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

2. Smell

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

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

3. Hearing

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

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

4. Taste

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

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

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

5. Touch

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

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

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

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

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

How to Manage Arthritis in Your Dog

8/3/2018

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

Factors that can contribute to arthritis in dogs

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

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

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

Understanding what arthritis is

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

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

Arthritis- the sign to look out for

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

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

Next steps to take

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

Helping your dog manage arthritis

1. Managing the pain

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

2. Focusing on the right diet

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

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

3. Supplements

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

4. Hydrotherapy

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

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

5. Weight Management

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

6. Massage or physical therapies

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

7. Toe Grips and harnesses

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

8. Home aids and home improvements

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

9. Portable doggie stairs

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

10. Heat pads

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

Now it's up to you

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

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

Contact the experts

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

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

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

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

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

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

7/12/2017

Dog with Santa cap laying down calm and relaxed

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

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

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

Some tips to follow

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

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

Make the holiday season stress-free for your dog

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

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

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

5/11/2017

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

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

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

Causes of Stress and Anxiety in Dogs

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

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

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

Signs of anxiousness in dogs

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

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

Displacement behaviors in dogs

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

Natural ways to reduce anxiety in pets

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

Reduce Your Dogs Anxiety for a Happier and Healthier Dog

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

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

Protect,Treat & Remove Fleas & Ticks From Your Dog

11/9/2017

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

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

Fleas and Your Dog

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

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

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

Fleas- signs to look out for:

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

How to protect your dog from fleas.

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

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

Ticks and Your Dog

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

Symptoms of tick paralysis include:

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

Some more symptoms of common tick infestations

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

How does a dog get ticks?

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

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

The right way to check your dog for ticks

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

How to protect your dog from getting ticks

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

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

How to Remove A Tick Safely from Your Dog

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

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

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Grooming Your Dog Doesn’t Stop over Winter

1/8/2017

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

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

Here are a few winter grooming tips for your dogs:

1. Bush and Demat Their Fur

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

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

2. Washing

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

3. Nail Trimming

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

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

4. Trim their Coat

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

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

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

The Best Activities For Your Dogs in The Colder Weather

13/4/2017

The cold weather is coming and can be a dampener on your exercise plans; not just for you, but your dog as well. But there is no reason to blame the weather for your inactivity. It’s important that your pet gets daily exercise in some or the other form. The days tend to be shorter in the winter months and your pet doesn’t get the amount of exercise it ideally needs.

The cooler days aren’t comfortable for arthritic or older dogs as this is when the aches and pains start surfacing with more frequency and severity than normal. This is because they are unable to move around as much; and their muscles and limbs don’t get warmed up.

This extended inactivity can cause boredom and stress in your dogs and you will notice behavioural issues such as chewing, digging and barking; some dogs tend to add weight during the winter months as well. While getting them outdoors for a spot of exercise may not be easily possible or even advised when the weather is cold, there are some effective ways of ensuring your pets get the exercise they need, even in the colder months:

1. Swimming in an indoor, heated pool

Hydrotherapy in an indoor, heated pool provides your dog the perfect exercise opportunity. Since the temperature of the water is in the 29-30°C range, it’s comfortable enough for your pets to get the exercise they need and burn off some of all that pent up energy. Hydrotherapy is also beneficial for dogs that that are recovering from surgery or an injury and help enhance functional movement in older arthritic dogs too.

Swimming in warm water allows the muscles to work more efficiently and helps to aid blood circulation without risk of cramping. It also helps reduce some of the swelling in joints. The increased limited weight bearing exercise makes joint movement easier; helps regain fitness and can help them to lose weight they may have gained.

Swimming also provides your dog excellent mental stimulus. You can choose to take a “swim for fun” class, a “learn to swim” class, or one for regaining mobility and strength or even for weight loss.

2. Join any club that has indoor activities

There are a number of activities for pets nowadays, such as scent work, doggie dancing or even doggie yoga, all of which can be very energizing and fun for your dog.
You are sure to find some clubs in your area that provide some of these services.

3. Brisk morning walks are refreshing

While it’s important that your dogs get the exercise they need, a certain amount of exercise is good for you as well. You can take your dog out for a long mid-morning walk if the early mornings are too cold to venture out.

4. Hide & seek or other games in your garden or yard

If you have a yard or garden space, you can turn that into a great play area for your dog even in the winter months. Since the space is part of your home, you can always step back into your house in case the climate is too cold for your pet. Alternatively, you can play some games indoors.

Bring out some favorite toys your pet loves and hide them in different places in the house and get your dog to look for them. You can also hide treats if you like instead. These games are an excellent way for you to bond with your pet.

5. Doggie treadmill

This is a great way of exercising. You can look for a good canine treadmill that can be placed in your home gym or any other area of your home. This helps ensure your dog gets the exercise he needs, without you having to worry about whether the climate outside is too cold.

You can also get a group of friends with their pets together and simply book our K9 SWiM Hydrotherapy Centre’s pool for an hour. You’ll be surprised at how much fun you and your pet can have in the tepid water of the indoor pool. Your pet will also get the opportunity to socialize with other hounds and can find a great outlet for all their energy they have, by splashing around in the water.

We also offer a complimentary warm water rinse and a blow dryer to dry your dog before you take them back home. For more information about our hydrotherapy services, feel free to browse our website.

7 Tips to Spoil Your Dog This Valentine’s Day

9/2/2017

puppy with ball and love hearts- ruv is in the air

Valentine’s Day! What better time to show our dogs how much we love them with a little bit of spoiling and extra attention, the paw partner that loves you unconditionally and is always there to greet you with a wagging tail.

These 7 tips are a great way to show your pooch some love.

1. Tasty Treats

What dog doesn’t love a tasty treat? Surprise them with some of their favourite treats or bake them some of our scrumptious K9 Cookies. Our K9 swimmers love these cookies.

Download K9 SWiM’s K9 Cookie Recipe

2. A New Toy

No-one knows your dog better than you. There are so many wonderful toys on the market for dogs these days, whether it’s one they can chew, squeaks, or tastes great. Dogs are always interested in new things and having a new toy will bring them some fun and excitement. You are sure to find one that your dog will love. You may even end up buying more than one. If so, put the extra away for their Birthday or Christmas.

3. A Lovely Walk Somewhere New

Taking your dog for a walk is so much more than just exercise. It is a chance for you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors together and discover some new great spots. We are lucky to live in such a great country with many beautiful dog friendly beaches, rivers, reserves and parks to choose from. Your local council usually have local dog parks listed on their websites. So check it out and enjoy your walk.

4. Enjoy Some Music

Why not curl up and relax with your dog and enjoy some soothing music through Pet Tunes.
A Pet Tunes Bluetooth Speaker is pre-loaded with special frequency modified music clinically tested and proven to reduce stress and calm pet anxiety. We sell them here at K9 SWiM so check it out next time you are in.

5. Swim Together

With all this hot weather we have been having, why not head to our K9 SWiM pool? Book a fun swim for you and your dog and enjoy some lovely one-on-one time relaxing in the pool.

6. Puppacino

Take your best mate out for a puppacino. A lot of pet friendly cafes offer these for our four legged friends. The Kurrajong Bark Park & Ugly Mug Mobile Express is just one of the great places for you and your dog to enjoy a cuppa.

7. Organise a Puppy Play Date

Dogs love to catch up with their friend, so why not plan a p-awesome playdate with their best friend and have some of their favourite toys and treats ready. Then sit back and enjoy watching them play together.

Bush Fires and Your Pets

5/12/2016

Summer and it’s hot weather is here! That means that the bush fire season is upon us. Pet owners need to be prepared in the event of a bush fire. Pets have been left behind in bush fires because their owners had not included their pets as part of their Bush Fire Survival Plan. Taking the time to create a Bush fire Survival Plan helps ensure your family and pets safety.

Pet Identity

It is important that your pet can be easily identified and reunited with you if you are separated. Ways of identifying your pet are:

Having them microchipped
Wearing a collar with an identification tag attached to it.

Make sure you update your details should you move or change telephone numbers.

Having a pet emergency kit will ensure you have the items you need for your pet ready to go quickly. The kit can include:

Food and plenty of water
Bowls
Any medications and a first aid kit
Pet’s medical history or any important information people need to know about your pet
A list of your pets and a photo with their name on it, kept in a protective cover
Your vet’s contact details
Woolen blankets and bedding
Collars, leads, halters, saddles etc
Cages, pet carriers, floats or van.
Your pet’s favourite toy
Poo bags, litter and trays

If you are using a cage, pet carrier or float, have these easily accessible for a quick evacuation and make sure your pet is trained to enter and spend time in these. Otherwise they may panic or fret and you may have difficulty to get them go into their crate or carrier.

Relocate or Stay?

For high-risk times it may be safer for you and your pets to relocate to somewhere else until the danger is over. Pets may panic and run. If you want to keep them with you, then keep them close to you at times of risk by keeping them inside, on a lead or in a crate. This will be faster and more efficient when it’s time to move your pet should you need to evacuate.

Do not leave it until the last minute to evacuate as this is the most dangerous option for you and your pets.

Make a Plan with Neighbours

Having a plan made with neighbours can help keep your pets safe if you are not at home. Consider doing the following:

Give your neighbour a copy of your Bush fire Plan
Have your pets and the Pet Emergency Kit accessible for your neighbour
Stay in contact with your neighbour so you both know what is happening.
Create a list of places that pets can be taken to incase of a fire emergency in your area such as a boarding kennel, a Vet Clinic, friends or family that are in a safe place.

It is a great idea to have signage on a gate or on your door should you have animals on your property or inside and you are not home. State how many pets there are so they can be accounted for should someone else have to evacuate them in an emergency.

Always prepare your evacuation bush fire emergency plan before summer so you can act quickly in case of an emergency.

Watch for Heat Stress in Your Pets

Bush fires are usually in times of extreme heat and your pets may be vulnerable to heat stress. The signs will be panting, dehydration, drooling, high temperature, red gums, increased respiration and heart rate. If you suspect your pet is experiencing heat stroke, soak towels in cool water and place over pet or in-between the legs or around the neck. Always seek veterinary assistance immediately.

To prevent heat stroke provide lots of shade and fresh water outside. Preferably bring them inside to a cool part of the house if the temperature is soaring outside. Do not leave dogs in cars; the car can heat up so quickly to a dangerous temperature. Overweight, aged, short nosed or unhealthy dogs will suffer a lot more in the heat than other dogs so take extra precautions with them.

Fire Safety for You and Your Pets

We hope this information will help you keep your family and pets safe in the event of a bush fire. The NSW Rural Fire Service have some great Fact Sheets on bush fire safety, you can download. Along with a fact sheet on Fire Safety for Your Pets

Making Your Garden Dog Friendly

6/9/2016

As dog owners we want to ensure that our gardens are safe for our four legged friends. When creating our gardens we are sometimes unaware that they could be toxic to our pets. Pet friendly gardens tend to have an organic approach, making them safer and healthier. Before going out and buying seeds or plants, let’s make sure you are planting a dog friendly garden.

Common Weeds & Plants That Are Harmful To Dogs

There are a lot of plants that can be harmful to our pets and it is always wise to check online before purchasing. Listed below are some common weeds and plants found in the garden that can cause allergies or toxicity to your pets:

Avocado Tree
Bulbs
Cycads
Cyclamen
Foxglove
Holly
Hydrangea
Ivy
Macadamia Nut Tree
Most lilies are toxic garden plants to cats only
Nightshade
Oleander
Onions
Paspalum
Rhododendron
Tomato Plant (green parts only)
Wandering Jew

The AEC (Animal Emergency Centre) has produced a chart that you can download or print for reference, listing Common Plants Toxic to Dogs and Cats. Check your garden today!

Fertilizers, Herbicides, Insecticides and Baits

It is important to store any fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides or baits out of reach of your pets as these can be toxic. When using, keep your dogs out of the garden and make sure you read the labels. The label will include instructions and ensure the safety of your pets when using the product. If you are unsure then consult your veterinarian.

Why Do Dogs Eat Plants?

Not all dogs eat plants but here some common reasons why some dogs do:

Chew plants out of boredom
Puppies tend to want to be destructive
Plants can sometimes look appetizing to dogs
Dogs can see a new plant as something new to play with
Dogs can just be curious

No matter why your dog is chewing plants, it is up to dog owners to ensure they are safe and not exposed to any toxic plants within our gardens.

Common Symptoms Associated with Toxic Dog Plants

Most of us know when our four legged friends are not feeling well and toxic plants can cause minor to more severe symptoms. Listed here are some of the common symptoms related to toxic plants:

Diarrhoea
Discoloration of the skin
Drooling
Loss of Appetite
Rapid breathing
Staggering
Swollen mouth
Trouble swallowing
Vomiting

If you think your dog or pet is sick from ingesting a poisonous substance, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Planning Your Dog Friendly Garden

When planning your garden, make sure you select plants that are safe for your dog and avoid plants that are toxic or irritable. Some dogs love digging and there are bulbs like hyacinths, tulips, daffodils and some lilies that can be fatal. Some plants are fine and it’s only the fruits and berries that are poisonous, although there are also some grasses and weeds that can cause allergic reactions like itching, sneezing and bad rashes.

Familiarise yourself with what plants you have in your garden, or if planning a new one - check that the plants are safe for your pets before purchasing them. There is a great Australian book out called
“Poisonous2pets by Nicole O’Kane” that details all of the common plants and their toxicity along with great photos to help you identify the plant itself.

You also need to be aware of plants with thorns, spikes or hard sharp branches and where they are planted. If they are poorly positioned dogs may run into them or run past and injure themselves.

Features of a Dog Friendly Garden

To keep our dogs happy and healthy, here is a list of dog friendly features for the garden:

Pet friendly plants
Somewhere to run and play
Shady areas for a cooler place for your dog to relax
Sandbox for the dogs that love to dig
Your pet’s favourite toys to play with
Shelter and bedding
Supply of fresh water
Secure fencing to keep your dog in their yard
If your garden has steps make sure they are secure and not wobbly
Block access to areas where you don’t want your dog to go
You! as your pet loves to have someone to play with, make sure it’s a garden you want to spend time in and enjoy.

Canine Winter Tips and Treats

8/6/2016

With days shorter and colder in the winter months we thought we would share some tips and treats on keeping your dog healthy, warm and fit over winter. Our furry friends rely on us for their health, comfort and joy.

Winter Dog Bedding Tips

Your dog’s bedding will depend on whether they are an inside dog or an outside dog.

Inside Bedding

Even though it may feel warm inside the floor can still be quite cold. Make sure bedding is off the floor and out of draft areas. Dogs are social animals and love to be part of the family and having their beds in a location where they can see you always provides them comfort knowing that you are there.

Outside Bedding

A dog house should be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around. Any extra space just means extra area to heat. Make sure your dog house is in a good location so the wind does not enter the opening and gets some sun during the day to add some warmth. You can cover the doorway of the dog house with a flap of carpet to prevent the wind from coming in. You can also place a blanket over the dog house to provide some extra insulation in the winter months. A good insulated mattress and warm blankets within the dog house will ensure a nice warm comfortable sleep.

Extra Warmth

Extra warmth for your four legged friend can be provided through heat lamps, heaters, heat mats, heat packs and hot water bottles. It is important to make sure that any heating mats, packs or hot water bottles are placed under bedding so the heat radiates through. NEVER apply heat directly to your dog as it will burn the skin and cause discomfort.
If your dog sleeps in front of an open fire it is important to make sure the fire has a screen so your dog doesn’t accidentally get burnt from embers.

How About a Winter Jacket

There are so many warm and protective winter jackets on the market that can keep our pooches nice and cozy in the cold nights. Dogs with arthritic conditions, older dogs, short coated dogs and dogs that have been unwell feel the cold so much more and will benefit greatly in these months with the extra warmth.

Winter Diet

In the winter months our dogs can turn into couch potatoes and sleep a lot. They conserve energy whilst sleeping and exercise much less so you will need to adjust their diet accordingly otherwise they may start to put on weight!
Outdoor dogs will burn more calories (up to 30%) and will need extra food if you can’t bring them inside.
Water is just as important for Winter as it is Summer so make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available at all times.
Adding some great winter herbs to their meal can help them through the cold months- Echinacea for the immune system, turmeric for mobility and it’s a warming herb as well, Rosehips for vitamin C. Consider adding these supplements to their meals to get through the cold days and nights. Remember to ALWAYS consult a vet or an animal naturopath before giving your dog herbs or supplements.

Winter Swim

The days are shorter in winter months. You may go to work in the dark and get home in the dark and are unable to exercise your dog like you can do in the warmer, longer months. Exercise is still very important as dogs need to burn off energy, stretch their muscles out, get mental stimulation all for their well-being. Why not bring them for a weekly swim at K9 Swim where the pool is indoors and heated and is a perfect workout. They will sleep well at night after a swim!
Arthritic dogs suffer more in the colder months. This is the time to keep them exercising so they don’t seize up. Swimming in a heated pool is a great exercise for arthritic dogs since it is a non-weight bearing activity. Keep arthritic dogs on regular and no stress to the joint exercise and stick to it, they will get through the colder months a lot easier.

Winter Treats

Warm Winter Food - Why not cook up a doggie casserole with lean meat , vegetables and some brown rice! A delicious nutritious winter warming meal for a cold day! Or you can add some warm water to their kibble , this will warm their tummies!

Winter Massage – Massage is wonderful for our dogs and especially in the winter months where muscles can get tight and sore as they are not moving around as much. Treat your dog to a massage whilst you are watching TV or listening to some nice music in a warm room. Not only is it nice for our dogs but it’s a wonderful bonding experience for owners and their beloved pets.
Not sure how to massage? Come along to Richmond TAFE’s next animal massage workshop on Friday 24th June, bring your dog and learn how to make your dog feel great!
Who doesn’t love to snuggle! Winter is a great excuse to curl up and snuggle with your four legged friend inside in the warmth away from the winter cold.

Keep safe, warm and well.
Sharon

How To Care For The Aging Dog

3/5/2016

Two of our K9 swimmers Cally and Brodie

We expect changes in our dogs from when they are first puppies all the way through their life. Most of our dogs enter their senior years between the ages of 7 to 10. Larger breeds tend to develop age-related problems earlier than smaller breeds. We can help our senior dogs adapt to the changes that occur through aging in a variety of ways. First thing we can do is recognise the signs of aging.

Signs of Aging in Dogs

All dogs age differently and show different signs of aging. Here are some signs that your dog may show when aging:

Start to get grey around their muzzle
Sight and hearing is not as sharp as it once was
Skin becomes less elastic and their coat may be thinner and not as shiny as it once was
Weight gain or weight loss
Slower to get up off their bed or go for walks
Tend to sleep more or can become restless at night
Less interested in playing with other dogs or with their toys
Become forgetful or disorientated
Loss of teeth
Less tolerant with younger dogs or children

Aging is inevitable but we can help slow the process down by good management, starting with regular visits to your vet where your dog’s health can be assessed and monitored. The vet will have recommendations on how to deal with any concerning health issues and signs of aging that need attention. It is important to diagnose any problems earlier than later as more damage can be done and health can deteriorate. Sometimes it is just a matter of having the appropriate medication and supplements or maybe modifying your dog’s environment or a change in your dog’s routine.

Senior Dog Diet

A healthy nutritious and appropriate diet for the senior dog is essential. Senior dog foods and supplements can help older dogs live healthier but you must also consider that if your dog has any health issues the diet may also have to be altered to improve that condition. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best diet and supplements for your dog at their regular visit to the vet. Diet and good prophylactic routines against internal and external parasites are all a major part of controlling the aging process in our fur babies.

Senior Dog Exercise

The aging process brings with it loss of muscle tone and balance which will lead to inactivity. Inactivity will lead to faster aging as well as the risk of injury. Our older dogs can benefit greatly by some anti-aging activities and therapies that can slow the aging process down. Short walks, massage or gentle swims will assist in their cardiovascular system, weight control and can aid in the reduction of stiffness, soreness and inflammation of the joints. There are gentle exercises that will help strengthen, balance and keep your dog flexible. It is also very important to keep up their mental stimulation by offering novel toys or teaching them new tricks, this can help your older dog feel young again!

The Do's and Don'ts for Your Aging Dog

The Do's

Do have your older dogs health checked yearly - this includes bloods.
Do assess your dog’s health status before treating with herbs, massage or hydrotherapy.
Do exercise your older dog with some kind of gentle exercise such as small walks.
Do feed an appropriate diet and supplements.
Do provide a well-supported bed that is not too high that is easy for the older dog to get. up off. Memory foam is ideal for our older dogs.
Do give your dog a warm jacket at night or a heat pad under the bed If your dog sleeps outside or in a cool room. This will benefit your aged dog greatly.
Do get to know your dog’s limits when socialising with other dogs or children.

The Don'ts

Don’t assume that Alternative therapies replace Veterinary Advice.
Don’t let your senior dog get overweight.
Don’t ignore warning signs of ill health.
Don’t let aged dogs scramble around on tiles, polished floor boards or lie for long periods of time or concrete.
Don’t let your older dog stay wet and cold in the cooler months.

The senior dog really is an older member of the family which we need to respect, love and care for. In this article we have covered some things to help you identify signs of aging and how to look after your aging dog but remember most of all they need you and your love.

Celebrate Easter With Your Dog Without Chocolate

14/3/2016

Dogs love to be part of any family fun including Easter, but CHOCOLATE is NOT safe and is harmful to your dog. There are alternatives to chocolate that your dog can enjoy when celebrating Easter with you.

Including Your Dog In Easter Celebrations

Your dog can join in the Easter celebrations by you making or buying Easter eggs made from carob that are yummy to eat and safe for your dog.

A boiled egg, coloured and decorated with natural food dyes is another treat your dog can enjoy at Easter.

Why not make up some healthy brownies or biscuits made into Easter shapes and frost with carob or yoghurt drops! Your dogs will go hopping mad over them!!!
Continue reading for a great doggy biscuit - K9 Cookie that you can make yourself.

Easter Hunt For Dogs

Children love to play a game of Easter Hunt around the house and yard so why not get your fury friend involved and create an Easter Hunt for your dog! Carob Easter eggs or their favourite dog treats or biscuits will work a treat that will have them hunting for a surprise.

The Perfect Easter Egg For Your Dog is NOT Chocolate!

Most humans love chocolate but chocolate is toxic to our 4 legged friends. Chocolate contains cocoa and cocoa contains the compound theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs. The amount of Theobromine differs in the different types of chocolate with dark chocolate having the most.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Experiencing Chocolate Toxicity

The symptoms of Theobromine poisoning include:
•   Vomiting
•   Diarrhoea
•   Restlessness
•   Hyperactivity
•   Rapid breathing
•   Stiff muscles
•   Uncoordinated .
•   Elevated heart rate
•   Seizures / collapse

How Do I Prevent My Dog From Eating Chocolate Over Easter?

It is important to keep chocolate out of reach of our dogs and keep them in a different area if there are Easter celebrations with chocolate about. Many people are unaware that chocolate is toxic to dogs so make sure the rest of the family and friends know not to feed your dog any type of chocolate or sweets containing cocoa.

I Think My Dog Has Eaten Chocolate, What Should I Do?

Stay calm and contact your vet immediately.

Try this delicious healthy K9 Cookie recipe for your pooch. It is a great treat for your pooch that can be used for Easter and any other celebration. So let’s get cooking!

K9 Cookie Recipe

Ingredients
•   2 cups of wholemeal flour
•   1 cup of rolled oats
•   1/3 cup of smooth organic peanut butter
•   1 tablespoon of natural honey
•   ¼ teaspoon of chia seed
•   1 1/2 cups of water or low salt chicken stock

Directions
1.   Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
2.   Mix the flour and oats together in a large mixing bowl. Pour in one cup of water or stock and stir until smooth. Add in the peanut butter, honey, and chia seeds and mix until all the ingredients are well blended.
3.   Slowly add the water until the mixture has a thick and doughy consistency.
4.   Lightly flour a cooking surface. Roll the dough onto the cooking surface to create a 1/4 inch thick sheet.
5.   Use a cookie cutter to create Easter shapes. Place the cookies onto a greased or lined baking tray and bake for 40 minutes.
6.   Allow to cool completely before icing.

When cool you can melt carob or yoghurt drops to decorate the cookies. Delicious!!!!

Download K9 Cookie Recipe

AVOID Heat Stress In Dogs

7/1/2016

We all love our Australian summers and dogs love to stretch out and relax in the summer sun but some days can be excessively hot for our pets and we need to take some precautionary measures to avoid heat stress in dogs.

Dogs Can Dehydrate Very Quickly

Consider leaving more than just one bowl of water around just in case one gets knocked over. Do not use stainless steel or tin bowls for their water as these can heat up quickly. Make sure the water is left in the shade and if you are heading out for a few hours on a really hot day place some ice cubes in their bowl of water to help keep it cooler for longer.

Never Leave Your Dog In The Car

It does not have to be a hot day for the temperature of your car to rise quickly even with the windows down. The temperature in cars rise quickly and they can become like an oven for your dog so never make the mistake of leaving them in the car even for “just a minute” while you run an errand.

Provide Your Dog With Plenty Of Shade And Access To Cooler Areas

Provide your dog with shade and access to cooler areas so they have a place to get out of the sun and beat the heat. On extremely hot days it is best for you to keep your dog inside. It is always nice to “chill out” with your dog away from the heat.

Take Your Dog For A Swim

What better way to escape the heat than going for a swim. Hot summer days are not good for exercising your dog like you normally would at the park or going for a long run or walk. Swimming will cool the body temperature. Dogs can’t release heat by sweating the way humans do, heat and humidity can raise our dogs body temperatures to dangerous levels. Not only will your dog cool off by swimming but will get a good workout as well! For the older dog wading and gentle swimming can help bring the core temperature down.

Cool Vest for Dogs

A vest that helps keep your dog cool. K9 SWiM stock the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler -cooling vest which uses natural evaporative cooling to keep your dog cool. Soak it in cold water, wring it out, and fasten around your dog. Evaporative cooling exchanges the dog's heat as water evaporates from the coat's reservoir.

The Swamp Cooler's light color is designed to reflect heat from the sun. Combined with the evaporative cooling effect, the Swamp Cooler keeps dogs comfortable when temperatures rise. Auto-lock buckles on each side of the jacket provide easy on/off.

Symptoms Of Heat Stress in Dogs

The symptoms of heat stress can vary and they will display several signs:
•   Rapid panting or finding it hard to breath
•   Fast heart rate
•   Red or pale gums
•   Excessive drooling
•   Signs of distress
•   Lethargic or difficult for them to get up
•   Vomiting or diarrhoea

What Should You Do If Your Dog Show Signs of Heat Stress

Remove the dog from the hot area immediately. Take them to your veterinary. You can also lower their temperature by wetting them with cool water. CAUTION: Do NOT use very cold water as it can actually be counterproductive and cause more harm. Allow your dog access to cool water to drink but do not try to force feed them water as they may choke.

Remember prevention is the key!

Top 7 Tips To Keep Your Dog Happy This Christmas

4/12/2015

We are getting closer to the festive season where there will be lots of food, fun and festivities. You want to make sure your dog is happy and part of this. Not everything we do in the jolly season is safe for our canine friends. Here are our 7 top tips on how to keep your dog happy this Christmas.

1. 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.

2. 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. Love’em has some great treats and cookies created especially for dogs.

3. 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.

4. Choose the perfect gift for your dog

The perfect gift for your dog is the practical gift. 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, K9 SWiM stock lots of healthy supplements and Hills Science Diet food 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.
Our Surf Dog robes are a must for this summer! Dries your dog quickly after their swim and also stops sand and water getting into your car!

5. Include your dog in celebrating Christmas and know when they need a 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.

6. Organise a dog sitter

Friends, family and neighbours can be busy during the holiday season so organising a dog sitter will make sure your dog stays safe and happy while you are away.

7. 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. So play and be merry.

Dogs are part of the family so it is important that they feel safe and happy over the holiday season. We hope these tips help you keep your dog happy and safe over Christmas and keep their tail’s wagging!

How Do I Tell If My Dog Is Overweight?

25/10/2015

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

If dogs remain overweight it can lead to other serious health issues such as diabetes or heart failure. The sooner you recognise that you dog is overweight and do something about it the better.

A combination of exercise, healthy diet and an improved daily routine for your dog can see them shed the extra pounds, which means a happy and healthier dog. Hydrotherapy is a great way for dogs to lose weight safely as there is less stress on their joints and it improves their cardiovascular fitness.