Why do puppies need to exercise only for a short amount of time?

The answer is very simply explained. The growth plates, the areas of cartilage at the ends of the leg bones are still developing. 

They can become damaged very easily causing early arthritis. This damage is NOT gonna be recovered by growing up and can cause deformities for the rest of their life. It is your responsibility as dog owner to make sure your pup keeps a moderate amount of exercise. Just as kids, pups don't realize when they are overdoing it.  

Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer, but remember this is completely depending on the breed, temperament, health and many other variables. There is never a one size fits all approach. 

How should it be done to not harm the pup?

A good rule is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age maximum twice a day until the puppy is fully grown.  Don't take your puppy for jogging or jumping until he is fully grown. Make also sure they're fully vaccinated before coming in contact with other dogs. In case this is not done yet you can make short 'walks' in the garden or another safe play area.

Never exercise your puppy on a full stomach as this can contribute to GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus also know as bloating or twisted stomach) wait minimum 2 hours after dinner to go out. This also counts for adult dogs!

Paw Luna🐾

Dog backpack: why it is a must have!

Why is a good idea to buy a dog backpack?

Carrying a dog backpack gives your dog a job to do. Luna is more focused on me rather than the traffic or other dogs in the city. When hiking in the mountains she can carry her own water, foldable travel bowl and small emergency kit. 

I also have seen that other dogs stop pulling on the leash because they are busy with their "job". Another big benefit is that a weighted backpack can help anxious dogs. They start focusing more on balancing the added weight, sometimes this distraction in combination with the pressure of the bag can calm them down. 

Choosing the right backpack:

Make sure you take the exact measurements, because you will put weight later on in the backpack it needs to fit correctly. When the backpack is too big it will start sliding around, if it is too small the dog will have problem moving comfortably. Also check out that the shoulder can still move around freely. 

Pick a backpack with proper padding, with the extra weight there will come some pressure on the dog's chest and belly straps so make sure this are made with soft, durable materials. 

Another important feature is to choose a vibrant color, in case your dog runs further away during the hike it's easier to spot them. 

How to start using the backpack in daily life?

First of all check with your veterinarian if your dog is capable of carrying extra weight, it is not recommended to use backpacks on puppies, older dogs or dogs with existing health issues. You can still let them carry the backpack without weight inside if you want give them a little challenge. 

In the beginning you need to let your dog get used to walking with the backpack on. Personally I walked Luna a couple of weeks without the weight to make sure she is comfortable. The first sessions I rewarded her with treats and playing with her favorite toy. 

How much weight can you add?

Once your dog is used to carrying the backpack you can gradually increase the weight. For most dogs (with good fitness and condition) 10% to 12% of their body weight is a good starting point. 

This is +/- 1,5 kg for Luna (bodyweight 15kg) After you load the backpack check its weight on your scale!

What objects can you put to add weight?

Our backpack came with water sackets that you can fill until the same amount to make sure the backpack is balanced out. If you don't have this option you can just let your dog carry his/her toys, poopbags or small water bottles. Ensure that each side has the same amount of weight otherwise this can cause unbalanced muscle growth. 

How long can I let my dog walk with the backpack on? 

Generally a 15 minute walk with a weighted backpack is equal to a 30 minute walk without. (this is for a trained dogs in good condition) 

*This blog post is not sponsored by Ruffwear. This backpack was bought by my pawrents. 

Paw Luna🐾

MDR1 Multi-drug Resistance

What is the MDR1?

Multi-Drug Resistance 1 gene protects the brain by ensuring that any harmful chemical are transported AWAY from the brain.  This gene specifically codes for P-glycoprotein. If this specific gene is mutated, it will create a defective protein, and consequently, drugs will remain and build up in the brain to toxic levels. This dominant gene is inherited from the parents, whether the parent has two copies of the gene or only one copy. If neither parent has a copy of the mutated MDR1 gene, then the offspring will not have it either. 

Which breeds are affected?

Below is a list of breeds that are frequently affected by the MDR1 mutation, keep in mind that any mixed breeds you might find at the shelter with possible relation to the breeds in the list could also have the same problem.

Australian Shepherd

Border Collie

English Shepherd

Longhaired Whippet

McNab Shepherd

Old English Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog

Silken Windhound

Rough Collie

Smooth Collie

German Shepherd

American White Shepherd

English Shepherd

Attention! Even dogs that are unaffected by the MDR1 mutation may be exposed to toxic doses of this medication if they consume the feces of recently wormed cattle, horses, and sheep.

How can you find out if your dog has the MDR gen?

At the veterinary clinic your dog can be tested with either a cheek swab or a blood sample. The result you want to hear is Normal/Normal. 

If your dog gets this result you don’t have to worry about any drugs related to the MDR1 gene.

Normal/Mutant, or Mutant/Mutant should be considered sensitive to the drugs indicated in this list below:

Drugs that should be avoided: 

Acepromazine

Apomorphine

Butorphanol

Doramectin

Doxorubicin

Erythromycin

Ivermectin

Loperamide

Milbemycin

Moxidectin

Paclitaxel

Selamectin

Vinblastine

Vincristine

Vinorelbine

A common over the counter antidiarrheal (loperamide) is also a known substrate. 

ALWAYS discuss this matter with your veterinarian, in case your dog is not tested yet mention this so that your vet can assist you in the process. 

Paw Luna🐾

K9 obesity

Obesity in dogs is a mayor health treat! Many vets call this the most dangerous and common health treat anno 2021.

What is canine obesity and why is it so dangerous?

Definition: Obesity in pets occurs when excessive adipose tissue accumulates in the body, and is generally defined as occurring when an animal's body weight is at least 20% greater than its optimal body weight. Other symptoms can be lack of mobility, difficulty "heavy" breathing. 

This disease associated with decreased life span, diabetes, hypothyroidism, osteoarthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, difficulty breathing, difficulty grooming, increased risk of hyperthermia and increased risk of cancer. Simply said decreased quality of life.

Considering the health risks it is shocking to read that approximately 25-30% of the general canine population is obese. 

Want to know if your dog is overweight?  You can check it at home with this simple technique:

Example of tucked in waste

Look at your dog from the side. The waste should be tucked-in.

Feel under your dog’s tummy. Make sure you follow with your hand the ribcage, at the end there should be an upwards curve.

Touch along your dog’s side and back. You should be able to feel your dog’s spine, ribs and hipbones quite easily but they shouldn’t stick out.

Feel the base of your dog’s tail. There shouldn’t be any build-up of fat on the point where the tail meets the base of the body.

Many vets recommend to check the BCS (body condition score chart) or BFI (body fat index chart) although this is a good indicator keep in mind that each breed has it's own body structure. 

What could be the reasons that your dog is overweight?

Diet:

The Diet that doesn't fit with your dog's lifestyle. Too high calorie intake in comparison to daily low amount of activity or simply overfeeding. Veterinarians stated that owners most of the time are not aware that they are harming their pets with overfeeding. The most common misinterpretation is that when the dogs keep eating they are still hungry. 

Postoperative:

Neutered or sterilized dog's that keep getting the same type of diet as before the surgery. 

Breeds that are more prone to canine obesity:

- Labrador Retrievers

- Bulldogs and Pugs

-Basset hounds and Beagles 

-Dachshunds

More rare causes:

Medical cause: For example hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease.  Some medications give also the side effect that the dog will developed more easily diabetes. Phenobarbital (anticonvulsant) is known for satiety leading to overeating and Glucocorticoids cause often abnormal fat deposition + weight gain. 

Luna's conclusion: Tell your pawrents to do often body condition check ups, ask advice to your vet/pet nutritionist, change diet if nescessary and most impawtent keep exercising! 

Paw Luna🐾

Heatstroke

Hi it's me Luna! This blog is about heatstroke's in dogs. Since I live in the Mediterranean and the temperatures in summer can rise up to +35°C it is very impawtent to raise awareness for this common dangerous health threat. A very interesting fact is that 'heat strokes' are not only caused by environmental temperature but also living conditions and humidity. Since we dogs mostly release heat through panting and through our little paw pads it's more difficult in summer to stay cool then in comparison to our humans who sweat all over the body. 

What is a heat stroke? 

Heat stroke is a term used for hyperthermia or elevated body temperature. For dogs we speak of hyperthermia when their temperature gets over 39.4 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit). A heat stroke occurs when their body temperature exceeds 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher without signs of inflammation, a heat stroke can lead to multiple organ dysfunction. 

Causes

-Environmental heat and humidity 

-Upper airway disease that inhibits breathing: the upper airway includes the nose, nasal passages, throat (pharynx), and windpipe (trachea)

-Underlying disease that increases likelihood of developing hyperthermia, such as paralysis of the voice box or larynx; heart and/or blood vessel disease; nervous system and/or muscular disease; previous history of heat-related disease

-Some poisonous compounds, such as strychnine and slug and snail bait, can lead to seizures

-Anesthesia complications

-Excessive exercise

-Being left in the yard without access to shade or fresh, cool drinking water

-Staying alone in the car on a hot day 

-Being left in the house with the central heating to high and no fresh air 

Which dogs have higher risk? 

- very young/old dog's

- short nosed/ flat faced dogs (brachycephalic breeds) such as pugs, boxers and      bulldogs

- dogs that are muzzled with a (too) small size muzzle that does not give them the possibility to pant 

- Long and thick haired dogs such as my breed the Border Collie

-Dogs that stay in the yard and have no access to fresh clean Drinkwater and shade 

-Obesity patients 

It is impawtant to remember that ALL dogs cannot control their body temperature by sweating as humans do, since they only have a relatively small number of sweat glands located in their footpads. Their primary way of regulating body temperature is by panting.

Symptoms

-Dehydration (dry nose, visible tiredness, extremely excessive panting, and sunken eyes)

-Excessive drooling 

-Increased body temperature: Above 39° C (103° F)

-Bright red, gray or purple gums and moist tissues of the body showing different color as normal 

-Only small amounts of urine or no urine at all 

-Acute kidney failure

-Rapid/irregular  heart rate (you can feel this by putting your hand on your dogs chest)

-Stoppage of the heart and breathing (cardiopulmonary arrest)

-Fluid build-up in the lungs, sudden breathing distress

-Blood-clotting disorder

-Passage of blood in the bowel movement or stool

-Black, tarry stools

-Small, pinpoint areas of bleeding

-Generalized inflammatory response syndrome

-Changes in mental status, stressed state

-Muscle tremors, shivering or shaking 

-Wobbly, uncoordinated or drunken gait or movement also know as ataxia 

-Unconsciousness in which the dog cannot be stimulated to be awakened

-Vomiting or diarrhea 

What to do if your dog shows signs of heat stroke?

If your dog loses consciousness or seems severely ill (vomiting, seizing,..) rush to a veterinary hospital immediately!

1. Take your dog to a cooler/shady area.

2. Lower their body temperature by wetting them thoroughly with cool water, it may be poured over the head, stomach, armpits and feet, or cool cloths may be applied to these areas. Rubbing alcohol may be applied to the footpads to dilate pores and increase perspiration. DO NOT use cold water! It seems counterintuitive, but cooling too quickly can cause a shock reaction use lukewarm water instead of cool.

3. Apply more cool water around their ears and paws. This helps reduce fever.

4.  If you have a pet thermometer handy, check their temperature every few minutes. Once their temperature drops to 39.4ºC (103ºF) Stop applying water and towel dry the dog.

5. As they continue to cool down, provide them with small amounts of lukewarm or cool water to drink. Again, NOT cold water, and no ice!

6. Call your veterinarian asap. Even if your dog seems to be recovering, they may need to be monitored for shock, dehydration, kidney failure, and other possible complications of heat exhaustion. Your vet will be able to advise you about next steps in most cases you will have to go visit the clinic so that the doctor can check your dog. 

Why is it so impawtent to handle as soon as possible? 

If a heat stroke is not treated on time your dog may experience permanent organ damage or may die at a later date from complications that developed secondarily to the hyperthermia. Pets that have experienced hyperthermia are at greater risk for subsequent heat stroke due to damage to the thermoregulatory center.

Heat stroke is a serious thing! Take care of yourself my furiends,

Paw Luna🐾