Peeling Paws

When she was three and a half months old, after a fun short jog around the block, I noticed Denali's paw pads blistered and peeled. The main pad, on both her front feet.

I assumed it was due to the heat, it was a warm day. But it's been a chronic, recurring issue for her. Not just on her main pad, but sometimes on her toes too.

 I finally got booties for her in 2012 which she wore through very quickly.

I tried a very tough brand of dog booties next but dirt got inside the boots and made her pads peel badly from grinding on the grains of dirt trapped inside the boot.

 

I tried yet another kind, that I still use. They've held up great! Tough, flexible, and protective. Ultra Paws is the brand, the Rugged booties. 

She wears the booties. She gets fish oil. I apply coconut oil to her pads. I keep her nails trimmed short. I keep her on dirt as much as possible while mushing, since sidewalk is more abrasive. Despite this, she sometimes still would have her pads peel. They've peeled after agility class where she runs on grass even.

 

Last week on Monday, the husband jogged with Denali while I mushed Kaytu behind. They've been running together the last month or so, a couple times a week, and she's always been barefoot. She ran fine. Tuesday I had a very busy day, I didn't notice anything wrong in the morning, she was laying in her bed when I got back from the shelter, and was there for a couple hours until I went to get ready for agility. Normally when I say "Nali, you wanna go to agility?!" she perks up and starts prancing around. She wiggled a bit in the bed but didn't get up. I called her again and she slowly and awkwardly stood up. She didn't want to put her front left foot down. Maybe she'd been laying on it funny? I checked her pads, as is habit, and saw nothing wrong. I gave her a few minutes, keeping her sitting there, but she held it up. When she tried to walk she limped and hobbled, not wanting to put any weight on it. She let me move all her joints, her toes, I pressed on all her pads. Her main pad seemed a little sensitive but not bad. We didn't go to class and I was really worried, but it didn't seem urgent enough to rush to the vet. Wednesday she was limping but better. Thursday she was much better, barely limping at all. Normal on Friday. Yesterday (Monday) I was trimming her nails and noticed her pad had peeled. Worst one yet. This was the only pad to peel.

Frustrated and feeling bad for her, I emailed her breeder as well as posting on a couple mushing groups on Facebook. Everyone recommended the supplement Zinpro, which is a zinc supplement. Huskies commonly have zinc deficiency which affects their skin and coat. I ordered some and it shipped today, should be here in about a week or so. Her breeder said to expect 4-6 weeks to see a difference. She also ok'd the recommendation to give a double dose the first month, as long as it doesn't cause diarrhea.

While we're talking about her feet, I asked the husband to take a few pics while I was doing her nails. I often have them laying down on their backs as I find it to be a great angle and comfortable for them as well.

Emily Larlham has a great video about teaching your dog to do this. I was pleasantly surprised to know I'm not the only one who does it this way!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EITYvqs32Hg

Everest goes to the E-Vet

Saturday morning, my friend woke me up just before 6:00am. She was leaving to head home and to her new job, after spending a month with us while between jobs. She'd been in the Peace Corps for two years, then right into her job as lead intern at the International Crane Foundation raising baby whooping cranes, so it was great to have her around for a while. Plus, she makes delicious homemade yogurt!

I got downstairs and she said there were wet spots all over the floor. Couldn't see anything, but there were wet spots. I figured maybe Denali got a messy drink, but didn't think much of it. I said goodbye to her and went back to bed. I got up at 9:00am to get ready for work. Downstairs there were drops of diarrhea everywhere. Everywhere. All over the carpet, back of the couch, back of the recliners, on the blanket, on the dining room chairs, kitchen floor, bathroom floor. I had no idea which animal it was and had to get going. I got home about two and a half hours later. My husband had done some spot cleaning. I checked Zebulon first, since he's known for having tummy troubles. His butt was fine. I checked Denali. She was fine. I picked up Everest. He had poo all over his back legs, bottom side of his tail, and all over his entire butt. He looked miserable; he didn't feel good and I could see it. I took him upstairs to the bathroom and washed off his backside in the tub. Times like this I'm glad I introduced baths gradually and nicely to them, because he was very good for me. I washed my hands, dried him off, wrapped him in a towel, and took him back down to the Husband's lap. I called the vet. It's not good for any animal to have so much drippy poo. Something was wrong, and worse, he looked like he was in pain. While on hold I looked more closely at his bottom and saw something sticking out! I grabbed a tissue and gently tried to pull it out. It wouldn't come. Now we had an emergency. The vet came on and they had no appointments and just got slammed with emergency surgeries. She gave me the info for the emergency clinic and we rushed him there.

They took him to the back and we waited. And waited. And waited. Waiting 20 minutes felt like hours. I'm not how long we waited. Other people waiting had their pets brought out to them. The door opened, they called our name, and there was no pet. No carrier. She told us to come back into a room. My heart sank. Why would she call us back? It can't be good. Everyone else had their pets brought back to them. What's wrong? Does he need surgery right away? How serious is it? She put us in the room where we waited again. And waited. And waited. Finally the vet came in. I gave him the whole history and timeline of what had been going on today. We talked about doing X-rays and/or bloodwork. I asked if they were able to get out what was stuck. He gave me a look. They hadn't seen anything! He said he'd give us a few minutes to think about what we wanted to do, and he'd get a cost estimate going for our options. Husband and I talked. I decided I needed to see Everest. I needed to see if he still looked awful, or if he looked better. I also wanted to see if the something was still sticking out or not. The vet came back, I told him we wanted to see our kitty and to bring the carrier so we could check it and the towel for what I saw sticking out. We waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. Finally a tech came in, holding Everest in a towel. The inside of the towel was all poopy. Sure enough, there was nothing sticking out of his bottom. He looked fine. He was active, alert, curious, exploring the room. He looked normal.

Exploring

 

Stretching to see out the window of the door.

We waited. And waited. And waited. And talked about what we wanted to do. And waited. And waited. The vet came back in with the price sheet. I told him that, with his support, we think the best thing would be to take him home and watch him closely. If he looks bad again or anything we'll rush him back. The vet said that was fine, that Everest was stable, but he'd like us to get the anti-diarrhea meds. That's what we did. It was $100 even which is not bad for an emergency visit. $72 for the visit, $28 for meds.

At home, we left Everest in the carrier while I set up the big wire dog crate. I put a makeshift litter box in it, an old sheet, and some water. Once in, he immediately tried to poop. He tried, circled, tried again, and nothing was coming out. Not good. I went to peek in on him every half hour or so. Several hours later I opened the crate to pet him and check the box. Some drips of diarrhea on the sheet and in the box. I looked at his bum and- I saw it! Sticking out! I hollered for my husband. We shut ourselves in the bathroom. He held Everest while I grabbed some toilet paper. I gently pulled again, and this time it started coming out. I kept very, very gentle pressure to pull it out. Inches later, it was out and it was a piece of grass.

Yes, grass. A blade of grass. Wide, rough, blade of grass.

This is a picture of a blade of grass I pulled out of my cat's rectum.

I could see a another bit, and slowly got that one out too. Our cats are indoors all the time, except sometimes on nice days I let them out in the dog kennel in the yard to roll in dirt, eat grass, barf grass, pounce on bugs. Cat things. Apparently he got too much grass and it upset his tummy. At this point I was very, very relieved. As foreign objects go, I'm not too concerned about blades of grass.

He still had not eaten, which was troubling. He did not eat at all on Saturday. On Sunday I got a can of Merrick 96% meat dog food. He inhaled it, and at that point his appetite came back a bit. Sunday night there was no new diarrhea drops in the kennel so I let him out. He was out of the crate Sunday night, and all day today, and was fine. He loves the dogs' new squishy orthopedic bed (they turned 4 years old yesterday!) and is eating well and pooping normally. Whew! We'll continue the anti-diarrhea meds as directed.

Dominance: Dispelling the Myth

The idea that a person needs to be the "alpha," the "pack leader," and the "dominant" one over a dog has perpetuated despite all science and research proving this is not true, and is both harmful to the relationship you have with your dog and even causes aggressive behavior and behavior problems in dogs. The following links discuss how this myth was started, the real way a wolf pack functions, the real way dogs form and maintain relationships, the basics of how to use positive training to change unwanted behavior, and the fallout from using harsh dominance-based methods.

Outmoded notion of the alpha wolf by L. David Mech, watch the video too. http://www.davemech.org/news.html

Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals by American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. http://avsabonline.org/uploads/position_statements/dominance_statement.pdf

AVSAB Position Statement The Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals by American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. http://avsabonline.org/uploads/position_statements/Combined_Punishment_Statements1-25-13.pdf

The New Science Of Understanding Dog Behavior by John Bradshaw. http://www.npr.org/2011/05/26/136497064/the-new-science-of-understanding-dog-behavior

Dog Behavior and Training - Dominance, Alpha, and Pack Leadership by VCA Animal Hospital

Dog Whispering in the 21st Century by Prescott Breeden. http://www.examiner.com/article/dog-whispering-the-21st-century

“Hey, have you heard the one about climate change and dog training?”  by Emily Douglas. http://unexamineddog.com/2012/07/15/hey-have-you-heard-the-one-about-climate-change-and-dog-training/

Why Won't Dominance Die? by David Ryan. http://apbc.org.uk/articles/why-wont-dominance-die

Hey, Old School Dominance Theory: School’s Out! by Nicole Wilde. https://wildewmn.wordpress.com/2013/06/18/hey-old-school-dominance-theory-schools-out/


Dominance Vs. Unruly Behavior by Sophia Yin. http://www.apdt.com/petowners/articles/docs/Yin_MA09.pdfWhat To Do If You Think Your Dog Is “Dominant” by Eric Brad. http://lifeasahuman.com/2013/pets/what-to-do-if-you-think-your-dog-is-dominant/

If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too by University of Pennsylvania, Herron et al. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217141540.htm


Related articles:
Thank your dog for growling by Leah Roberts. http://www.examiner.com/article/thank-your-dog-for-growling

It's Playtime! 6 Signs of Healthy Play in Dogs by Casey Lomonaco. http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-training-tips-6-signs-healthy-play

Resource Guarding: Treatment and Prevention by Patricia B. McConnell. http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/resource-guarding-treatment-and-prevention

How to React When Your Dog Begins Resource Guarding Against Other Dogs by Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, CDBC. http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_10/features/Resource-Guarding-Behavior-Modification_20368-1.html

Myth of reinforcing fear by Suzanne Clothier. http://fearfuldogs.com/myth-of-reinforcing-fear/

I’m Okay, You’re Okay: A gentle hand or tasty treat doesn’t reinforce fear, it reduces it by Patricia B. McConnell. http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/sites/default/files/Bark%202008%20Sep-Oct%20I%27m%20Okay%2C%20You%27re%20Okay.pdf

Shelter Journal 2/13/14

Made a list of some dogs that needed better pics, and new dogs. Before and after pics. None of these guys have names yet, but will soon!

Check out those EYES!! Isn't he stunning..

Shelter Journal 2/11/14

Cooper and a few other little dogs (7 total) are being transferred to the northern county shelter. Ours usually has 4x as many dogs as that shelter, and that shelter has great adoption rates so when they have room we like to send some great dogs their way. I really like Cooper, who is like a huge dachshund. He's spunky, quirky, has a giant bark, has the beefiest thighs you've ever seen on a dog that wasn't a bully breed, pulls super hard on leash which is why I had a harness put on him for everyone to use when walking him but after his initial excitement he walks better and he also walks great in more open areas where he's sniffing along. He does love to run too. He has what has been affectionately called a "stroke smile" as half of his mouth doesn't look and move the way the other half does, it's asymmetrical. He's perfectly fine though!

Photo from SDDAC

There first kennel row has been redone. It used to be gated off and was where "patrol holding" and "quarantine" dogs would be. Those dogs have been moved further down, and the first several kennels are now being used for the long-stay dogs. Currently our longest stay dogs are ones that arrived in August-October of 2013. The idea is 1) These are the first dogs people will look at, and 2) these kennels do not face other kennels so there is reduced stress. This includes Nina and Maypo. I got Maypo out today and he was fantastic! He was sitting very well, we played fetch, he didn't jump at all after a little hop immediately out of his kennel, and he was *so* good on leash that I took him for a walk.

"Oh, I think I blinked, can you take another?"

Maypo!!

Chewing a busted tennis ball

I also got out Kandy Jam. She is a white Great Dane mix, supposedly 2 and 1/2 years old but seems much younger to me. She's very calm and sweet, which is good considering her health issues. She has hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, and a couple other problems. Her back legs shake when she stands, and wobble when she walks. Despite all that, she is an absolute love. As wonderful as she is pretty!

To show her size, that's the blue bench I sit on!

 

Photo from SDDAC

I had hoped to have time to check out Lobito, who was relinquished by his owner. He's a stunningly handsome husky, rich brown color and a gorgeous mask. I snapped this pic on my way out and he's being neutered on Thursday so I won't be able to have him out until Tuesday, and we'll have to take things easily as he'll still be healing from the surgery. I can't wait! Something about him is very alluring to me.

Oh yeah, a blog!

I've been riding the high of seeing so many dogs adopted and rescued that I haven't been wanting to blog. I just feel awesome.

Sally was taken by a rescue a few days ago, she had been at the shelter since July 20th. She's doing very well in her foster home!

Frannie arrived at the shelter very pregnant. She was spayed. She also has a funky leg that has been bothering her, and after further examination it's been determined that she has to have it amputated. It was an injury that happened before her growth plates closed but since she didn't receive any care it healed incorrectly on its own. It's painful for her, and surgery cannot fix it. Without a foster home to recover in, the surgery has to wait, but waiting means asking her to live in pain and that also means her days would be numbered. Fortunately the Humane Society stepped forward and has taken her, and will care for her very well! Her leg will be removed, and she will receive all the love and care she deserves. Frannie is an absolute dear, one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. Belly rubs, belly rubs, and more belly rubs.

Photo from SDDAC

How GORGEOUS is she?!

 

Gunner was transferred to another of the county shelters and was adopted a couple weeks later, large GSP who is a lot of fun! Handsome boy, very nice.

Photo from SDDAC

 

Benny also went to the other shelter, I don't think he's been adopted yet which surprises me because he's so, so wonderful. Another very nice, friendly little dog that would be great for just about any home.

Photo from SDDAC

Crouton is still at the shelter, and is doing well. Considering he's basically grown up in the shelter, I'm amazed at how good his behavior is. I think he will need a very high level of management once adopted because he is so inquisitive and playful and I imagine he'd be destructive if given the chance, but with consistency, patience, and redirection he'd be wonderful. He's extremely playful so it's challenging to keep him busy. He's in a doublewide kennel and has a trough for a water bowl because he loves to play in water and kept flipping his bowls over- even the heavy concrete ones. He even has horse toys as they are more sturdy, and I brought my Buster Cube for him too. His fur is changing color, instead of being solid black he is turning more brown. I think it's pretty!

I told the husband that if I was looking for a dog right now, I'd take Wyatt. He's everyone's favorite. Everyone. He is calm, sweet, well behaved, perfect on leash, pleasantly friendly, gets along well with other dogs, he's the ideal dog for almost anyone. He was just adopted the other day!

Photo from SDDAC

Lidia was adopted Thursday. Every time I walked past her kennel she would bark, growl, lunge and jump up, and I wondered if she really was a mean little thing or if she was different out of her kennel. I had to know! I opened the door and she shrank back, cowering, head lowered, tail tucked. Immediately I realized she's scared, not mean. I let her approach and sniff me then got the leash on. She walked hesitantly about halfway to the interact yard before she stopped completely. I pet her gently down her sides before doing a test lift. She didn't struggle so I picked her up. In the yard I set her down, took the leash off, and walked over to the bench and sat down. Still hesitant, she sniffed around and explored. Eventually came over to me. She was loving getting attention and love. I grabbed a brush to work on her messy fur. She has a.. unique.. look to her so I wanted her to look her best! I noticed when carrying her that her belly felt dirty, lots of grit. I began by brushing her sides, neck, then legs, and at one point she rolled on her back so I was able to get her belly. I fluffed up her mohawk, carried her to get a Kong, and put her back in her kennel. Just then people walked by and admired her, and not 10 minutes later she was meeting her new owner!!

Photo from SDDAC

Check out that 'hawk!

 

I've spent a lot of time lately stuffing Kongs too. There are a whole bunch of them floating around, often forgotten in kennels. One day I got all the empty ones from all the kennels, which was an adventure in itself. The next day there I stuffed and stuffed and stuffed. Canned food wad/ball at the bottom. Layer of kibble. Another canned food ball. More kibble. Top with canned food. These are then frozen, and they provide good enrichment for the dogs. Something to do, something to chew on, something to challenge them and make them think and play and work a bit. It's often the only thing in a dog's kennel other than their food and water, so keeping the Kongs coming is crucial to their mental well-being.