10 Basic Dog Health Checks

Keeping an eye out for basic health problems is one of the most important things you can do for your canine friends around you, and doing so can save you a lot of time, money and most importantly your Dogs health in the long run. Here’s my check-list of ailments to look out for on a regular basis.




1.Eating & Drinking

One of the most basic problems to look out for; if your Dog goes off his/her food or drink for more than 24 hours it’s time to visit a vet, especially if they are usually a big eater. Remember you know your Dog better than anyone and if you think something is up then it probably is.



2.Out On Walks

Another basic check is to watch the way your Dog moves when out on walks. How do they walk/run? Do they seem stiff? Overly tired? Have a limp? Coughing or excessive panting could also indicate a problem. Once again, if something seems out of the ordinary visit the vet.


3.Body Check

A body check should be performed around once a week (on average). Gently run your hands over your Dogs body and check for any signs of discomfort, lumps, cuts or inflammation.



4. Toilet Habits

Keeping an eye on your pooches poop is important! The four things to keep an eye out for are constipation, blood, mucus and diarrhoea. Also, if your Dogs urine looks dark, cloudy or bloody then a trip to the vets is in order. Regularity should also be a concern, along with making sure the stools appearance in consistent.



5.Weight Check

Although it’s not necessary to be perform meticulous checks, keeping an eye on your Dogs weight is very important. Obesity is the cause of a huge range of health problems in Dogs and should of course be avoided. Keep your Dog on a steady, well balanced diet and if you start to see a problem act sooner rather than later.



6.Eye Check

Once every week or so, check for ingrowing eyelashes and hair around the eyes that looks like it’s causing a problem – hair that is could be cut by you if your careful. Your Dogs eyes should be clear and his/her pupils should be the same size. Also, check for excessive discharge and signs of irritation.



7.Mouth Check

Regularly check the mouth for signs of anything out of the ordinary. The gums should be pink and darker or redder patches could indicate a problem. Check for lumps and growths and make sure that the teeth are clear and none are obviously loose. Unusually bad breath can sometimes be an indication of digestive problems .



8.Foot Check

Long nails should be regularly trimmed using Dog clippers or a file. This should only be performed if you feel confident in doing so as trimming can sometimes cause bleeding. Examine your Dogs feet for any growths, cuts or grazes.



9.Nose Check

As usual, check your Dogs nose for any excessive discharge and make sure that your Dogs breathing is unobstructed. As a general rule your Dogs nose should be cool and moist.



10.Ear Check

Your Dogs ears should also be regularly checked for the usual, discharge or discomfort. Keep an eye out for any excessive wax build up, which can be gently removed with cotton wall. Swelling or any bad odour can be a cause for concern.



These 10 checks should be performed on a regular basis, and doing so will ensure you catch a lot of medical problems sooner rather than later. The main thing to remember is that if anything looks out of the ordinary don’t hesitate to consult your vet.

Links to our Web Site and Facebook

We are now linked through to the Wootton Petz at Home website. You can go there here... Wootton Petz at Home  We are also linked to our Facebook page which is here...  Facebook   Please take a few minutes and have a look.

Taz

R.I.P my beautiful girl. Sadly we lost our Taz 3 weeks ago and it has been a very sad sad time for all of the family.
She was 11 and a half and the love of our lives, she dazzled everyone that met her, she was loved by many.

Donations to Animals in Need from Murphy's FaceBook Group

On Saturday Cara and myself went over to Animals in Need in Wellingborough with a very special delivery of donations from the FaceBook group that has been set up to help get Murphy (see below) a forever home.

I would like to say a big thank you to all that donated, there was a lot, we calculated proberly enough to feed at least one dog for approx a year.

So THANK YOU and please read about Murphy and if you know someone somewhere that might know someone somewhere that can offer the lovely Murphy a home please please pass on his details.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

To all our clients new and old, past and present.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We look forward to seeing you all again in 2010.

Tips at Christmas to keep your pet safe

How to Make Your Christmas safe and happy for all your pets

We all want to enjoy this festive season with every member of our family including the furry and feathered ones.
Christmas can be a time full of hidden dangers, so be aware and make this Holiday season a safe and happy one.
Christmas trees pose all sorts of hidden dangers for dogs and cats. Learn how to minimize the risks by fowllowing these simple steps;

1. If you have a real tree cover your tree stand with a tree skirt to prevent your pet from drinking the water in the base. This liquid can make your animal sick.

2. Have pet treats on hand to distract your pet away from the tree. The needles can easily get lodged in the animal's throat, making it hard to swallow.

3. Place decorations that contain mistletoe, poinsettias and holly only in high sections of the tree, where your pet will be unable to get the tempting leaves and berries. They can cause heartbeat and blood pressure to drop.

4. Remove strings and ribbons from gifts that are left under the tree. These items may seem like toys to an animal, but can easily choke him or her.

5. Avoid using tinsel, since your dog can choke on it. Also understand that some of the older tinsel contains lead.

6. Remember not to use chocolate ornaments if there's a chance that your pet could pull them off. An ingredient called theobromine can have a toxic effect on dogs.

7. Tape the electrical cords of your Christmas tree lights to the wall so your pet won't chew them.

8. Maintain your pet's regular schedule for feeding and exercise. Minimising stress for your animal means being aware of his daily routine and expectations. Make sure Fifi or Fido doesn't feel neglected or insecure at this busy time of the year.

9. Provide a quite refuge for your animal. With all the holiday fanfare, your pet will need a "time out" from visiting friends and family. A comfortable crate is one solution or a room with a "Do Not Disturb" sign is another. Give your dog or cat time and space to settle down or take a nap.

10. Realize that lit candles may capture the attention of your dog or cat. To avoid any accidents, leave your pets in the other room if you plan to light candles.

11. Find out about emergncy vet cover and keep the numbers handy.

12. Fireworks are available now for New Year, so if you have a pet that is nervous be aware this and make plans for a quite palce for your dog or cat away from the party.

13. If people are giving you gifts to put under the tree, ask them to make you aware of any containing Chocolate, keep these in a cupboard away from inquisitive pets.

14. Christmas dinner leftovers, do not let your pets near the turkey bones, these can be lethal.

Finally, enjoy the festive season.. Have safe and Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everyone.

Eric has become a Dad to10 lovely puppies.

Eric one of regulars has become a dad to 10lovely black puppies.
Some of you will listen to Northamptons Heart radio in the morning to the Jagger and Woody show, well Jaggers dog Blossom has given birth to the puppies. Congrats to you all.
Link should take you to some pictures http://www.heartnorthants.co.uk/Photowallphoto.asp?wallid=59234

Murphy Please help rehome him.

This is written by a client and friend who has a mission.....Please help

Last Sunday my riding lesson was cancelled so I decided to do a wretched supermarket shop on the way home I should have gone right on the roundabout and for some unplanned, unknown reason I went left to the animal rescue centre! Needless to say there were loads of sad faces; many considered not "re-homable" and some "reserved". I was drawn to a big black mutt who was sitting looking rather bored in his basket but came straight over when I moved to the front of his cage. This was Murphy. My first question was how long has he been in here - about two years she said. When I asked why she said oh absolutely nothing bad; he loves everybody and everything but he is so strong and people only want to adopt small cross breeds or big pure breeds.

By this time Murphy was veritably pushing his body through the cage to get more cuddles. It was suggested that since he was so full of life and strong I take him round the paddock to see what he was like.

Quick change of shoes to muddy boots and off we went;

Yep he is really strong and needs to get some rules about not dragging you round the field on the end of the lead (having said this when I was a kid we always had big dogs and both the weimeraner and the dalmation did this at a similar age - circa 3.5 years). He has a particularly irritating habit of grabbing the lead and wanting to play tug of war (he wins with me - I am only 5ft 3 and not particularly strong.). I guess this has been learned behaviour when he was little. I quickly asked if they had a chain and leather lead (not choke) and the grabbing the lead soon stopped - who wants a mouthful of chain!!!

After a few rounds of the field we then went into a large enclosure where we played for 1.5 hours! He chasing toys which he brings back but doesnt part with until you deploy toy two! Within 10 mins he was coming to me on the call, sitting on command, giving a paw and doing lots of rolling over for tickles. He jumped up a couple of times but only in excitement and once when trying to get the toy off me he grazed my hand but he immediately realised what he had done and was so humble it made me want to cry! I have never had a dog where this hasnt accidently happened sometimes so I certainly took it in the unintentional vein it was meant.

He has a love of water - they have a paddling pool in the paddock and he just loves jumping in it and lying down!! My mum has a portuguese water dog (ish he is a rescue dog too but she is 79 now so cant take on another) that also does this.

Yep he is absolutely full of energy and very very strong but given that he only gets about 20 mins exercise a day this isnt unexpected.

We spent 10 mins or so just sat leaning against each other on a bench having a rest. With him thoroughly enjoying a cuddle.

So what is he - well they think Lab x staffie - this is possible he is black with brindle bits and a big head! Not the most attractive lad in the world but brown eyes with his soul in them.

I could go on and on.

So my plight - this boy would have come home with me on Sunday but... I am living in rented accommodation and it would be a big NO from the landlord. I have two bichon frise which my landlord is fine with (had three but my lovely rescued little girl bichon died three weeks ago) but he would not agree to Murphy. He needs someone who can give him lots of exercise, carry on with the training that he has plainly already had and give him love and a home.

I intuitively know he would very quickly make a fabulous member of a family.

Apparently he used to have a girlfriend but she got adopted. Oh I just remembered as well; at one point there was a "not for rehoming" aggressive dog in the paddock next to ours who wanted to batter the fence down, Murphy ran over tail wagging (drrr walk into danger) the other dog went mad. I just shouted come away Murphy and good as gold he came back to me. He also jumped over a dog agility jump they had in the paddock (once I had demonstrated how).

I would love to take this dog on but at the moment I cant so I am going to make it my mission to find him a loving home, whatever it takes. I know there are thousands of "Murphies" out there but just what made me go and meet him? This is a dog that simply does not deserve to be doomed to life in the rescue centre. He needs, space, life and love.

Client doing The Great South Run, please help if you can

Please click on link if you would like to help with a donation

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page for The Great South Run, or in my case the Great South Power Walk and Run. OK so that would need a bigger banner!!

I'm taking part in this event in memory of my Father who died over 20 years ago from the effects of Diabetes so I think it's definitely time now I am much fitter and healther to try and give something back to help with future research into this disease.

I have a modest target, and would be really grateful if you were able to sponsor me for a couple of pounds to help me along. Why the Great South Run?? Well I love Portsmouth and this is where the event takes place, also it's a reasonably flat course (thinking of the legs!) and you never know there may be some Sailors along the way. Yes Uniforms again!!

It is my first "official" race so I am really looking forward to being part of the event, hopefully learning a lot from the experience and also finishing the course - I shall finish no matter what! I am in the last start batch as I put a slow finish time, but that's good as it will make me pace myself do some running combined with the power walking and hopefully be able to set the challenge of catching people in front of me along the way. I need little targets along the way to keep me going.

Thank you for any support you are able to give me towards my fundraising target in memory of my Father, who I know would have been extremely proud to see me do all the things I have done this year!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks again

Gill x

Weekend, another week coming to an end.

Here at Wootton Petz at Home our week consists of a lot of daily dog walks, we have a lot of regulars and at times we have some funny stories to tell.

Like the time that I was on a visit to one of my regulars Roonie, Bop and Tiggy 3 Bishon Frises, I opened the patio door and way hey the door blew off of its hinges..... I sat there and cried for about 10 mins before I could bring myself to call the owner.
Anyway I finally did and she said thank god it happened to you and not me lol, she was crying too but with laughter.

And then the time that, more to follow lol