3D Tech Gives Dogs a New Leash on Life – The Story of Oslo & WIMBA
The post 3D Tech Gives Dogs a New Leash on Life – The Story of Oslo & WIMBA by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Meet Oslo, a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd, who loved nothing more than adventuring through the mountains of Haute-Savoie and the Alps with his owner. Unfortunately, his adventure-seeking lifestyle was halted when he suffered a serious injury, partially rupturing the tendons in his right front paw. Even after surgery, Oslo was left with carpal joint hyperextension, severely limiting his mobility.
Oslo’s owner was determined to find him support, and that’s where he found WIMBA. The company specializes in custom orthotics using advanced 3D scanning and printing technology. For Oslo, WIMBA designed an orthotic custom-made for his condition and needs, complete with adjustable features for the best fit and support, which enabled him to get back to exploring the mountains.
“I’ve rediscovered my dog.” Oslo’s owner explained happily. “Thanks to WIMBA, he’s back to being the adventurous dog he once was.”
How Does 3D-Printing Technology Impact Veterinary Care?
3D printing is becoming increasingly popular in veterinary care, opening up new possibilities for pets with complex medical conditions, many of which were previously too difficult or expensive to manage.
WIMBA, a startup from Poland, is using this cutting-edge technology to design and create custom orthotics and prosthetics for pets, giving them individualized and tailored solutions to vastly improve their quality of life.
Traditional methods, like using plaster casts, can be slow and stressful for the animal and often involve anesthesia. On the flip side, 3D printing allows for quick production of precise, custom-fit supports. These are not only effective but also comfortable, both of which are top priorities for pet parents today.
Pet parents around the planet have been faced with difficult choices when it comes to treating or managing certain medical conditions that require orthotics or prosthetics, so these technologies make pet care and recovery more accessible.
What Does WIMBA Do?
WIMBA’s approach uses 3D scanning and printing technologies combined with AI, enabling the creation of orthotics and prosthetics that are lightweight, durable, and tailored to the unique needs of each animal.
The process begins with WimbaSCAN which transforms how limb measurements are taken. Using just a smartphone, WimbaSCAN captures a precise 3D scan of a pet’s limb in a matter of seconds, eliminating the need for traditional methods like plaster casting. This approach ensures an accurate fit from the very start, leading to the creation of custom orthotics that perfectly match the pet’s anatomy.
The Booming Pet & Vet Tech Industries
The pet care industry is booming, with more people treating their pets like family members and expecting the best care. The global pet market is set to hit $360 billion by 2030, and veterinary orthopedics are projected to grow to $20 billion, meaning the demand for innovative pet solutions like 3D-printed orthotics and prosthetics is skyrocketing. Pets all over the planet are about to live happier, more accessible lives.
More About WIMBA
WIMBA specializes in orthopedic products for pets, creating custom orthotics and prosthetics that help animals regain mobility. Operating in over 20 countries across three continents, WIMBA offers a range of products to meet various needs.
They’ve revolutionized the way measurements are taken by ditching traditional plaster casting for 3D scanning and printing. With WimbaSCAN, measurements are taken in just 15 seconds using a smartphone, making the process quicker and more comfortable for the animal. Their products, made with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, are lightweight, durable, and waterproof, ensuring maximum comfort for pets.
WIMBA currently offers five types of devices: knee braces, tarsal orthotics, carpal orthotics, cervical collars, and prosthetics, all of which are custom-made to order for the individual’s needs. By incorporating AI in different areas of their business, WIMBA is set on improving veterinary care and rehabilitation results.
For more info about WIMBA and their work in pet tech, please visit www.wimba.vet.
Images provided by Wimba
The post 3D Tech Gives Dogs a New Leash on Life – The Story of Oslo & WIMBA by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
How to Check & Care For Pet Stitches After Surgery: Our Vet Explains Stages of Healing
The post How to Check & Care For Pet Stitches After Surgery: Our Vet Explains Stages of Healing by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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When you bring your pet home from surgery, it’s normal to have worries, questions, and concerns about how to look after them while they recover. One aspect of post-operative care is keeping an eye on their stitches, so it helps to know exactly what you need to be looking out for.
The following is a general guide to the dos and don’ts of post-operative wound management, including the basics of day-to-day care, and when to call your vet.
Stages of Wound Healing
Whether it’s an injury or a surgical cut, the skin goes through the same basic stages of healing. How long that healing takes will be dependent on a number of factors, including:
- The size of the wound
- The shape of the wound
- The depth of the wound
- The location of the wound
- The cleanliness of the wound
- Disruption to wound healing
- The health of the individual
For example:
| Cat Castration Wound | Dog Bite Wound over Knee |
|
|
| Wound heals in 3-7 days | Wound heals in 7-21 days (or more) |
No matter the type of wound we’re dealing with, all full-thickness skin wounds go through the following three stages of healing:
1. Inflammation
Blood vessels initially constrict to control bleeding, but then dilate to allow white blood cells (eg. neutrophils, macrophages) to migrate to the area to deal with any bacteria, damaged tissue, or contamination—this is when wounds become swollen and inflamed. If there is a lot of bacteria or contamination, more white cells are recruited, resulting in pus. In clean, sterile surgical wounds, this phase should be minimal.
2. Proliferation
In a healthy wound, fibroblasts (the cells involved in forming connective tissues) and capillaries (tiny blood vessels) come into the area to form a scaffold for other cells to grow over and fill in any missing or damaged tissues. The proliferation stage can take as little as 48 hours in a surgically closed incision. In wounds that are left open, the scaffold, called granulation tissue, needs to fill the wound before new skin cells (epithelial cells) can grow over the top.
3. Remodeling
Scar formation: new collagen fibers are laid down along lines of tension to provide strength to the newly formed skin. In large wounds, this process can take up to 2 years, and the scar tissue will always be a little weaker than the original skin.
Different Types of Wound Closure
Depending on the type of surgery, wound location, incision size, and the surgeon’s preference, your dog may go home with nylon skin sutures, intradermal skin sutures (dissolvable sutures within the skin layer instead of on the outside of the skin), skin staples, or even tissue glue.
The type of wound closure shouldn’t have a significant impact on how the wound heals, but some dogs will be more sensitive to certain suture materials. The most important thing is to keep a close eye on the wound and contact your vet if you notice anything that doesn’t look right.
Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Pros and Cons of Keeping Wounds Covered
You might have assumed that all wounds would be covered after surgery, but that’s not always the case. For starters, it’s not always easy to apply a dressing or bandage to certain parts of your dog’s body, and sometimes, we want to be able to see the wound all the time. Here are some pros and cons of covering a wound:
- Protection against contamination
- Protection against abrasion
- Added layer of protection from scratching or licking
- We may not immediately notice bleeding/swelling/redness
- Wound coverings/bandages can lead to pyoderma
- Dogs are often more bothered by a wound dressing than by the wound itself
How To Check Your Dog’s Wound
Your vet will go over all the things you need to do to help your dog recover from their surgery, as each case will be different, depending on the individual pet and the type of surgery they have had. Some dogs will go home with a dressing or bandage over the wound, while others will be left open. Depending on the location of the surgical wound, your dog may be required to wear a surgical suit or e-collar. It is important to leave this in place, particularly overnight or when you are out, as a dog can do a LOT of damage to a wound in a very short period when left unsupervised. If you are struggling to keep a collar or suit on your pet, talk to your vet about some alternatives. You might even want to fashion a custom collar at home!
Let’s talk about what a clean, surgical wound should look like at different stages of healing, and what you need to be on the lookout (BOLO) for.
Day 1-3: Inflammation
During the first few days, it is quite normal for the edges of the wound to look a bit pink and inflamed.
- Swelling – the sutures (stitches) shouldn’t be digging into the skin
- Pain – the wound may be tender, but shouldn’t be excessively painful
- Discharge – there may be a small amount of blood-tinged fluid from the wound, but there should not be much fresh blood or pus
Day 4-7: Proliferation
This is when your dog might find the wound itchy or irritating, as active healing begins, and shaved hair begins to grow back.
- Licking, scratching, chewing
- Wound or sutures pulling apart
- Large swellings along the incision line
Day 7 → : Remodeling
This is the stage where the sutures are no longer needed, although we usually leave them in for another 5-7 days to be safe. You should be able to put gentle pressure on the wound without any discomfort, and the incision should be knitted together.
Common Surgical Wound Complications
Wound Breakdown
Also known as wound dehiscence, this is the partial or total failure of wound closure. It can happen for many reasons, such as infection, failure of sutures, or too much running around. The treatment will depend on where the dehiscence has occurred, how large it is, and what stage of healing the wound is at.
Internal wound dehiscence will almost certainly require surgery, while a breakdown of the skin incision might be treated with a dressing, skin staple, or by completely re-closing the wound.
Seroma
A common complication of surgery, particularly on abdominal wounds or where a large mass or tumor has been removed. A seroma is a collection of inflammatory fluid that has rushed to the incision site to help heal the wound. In most cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medication will see the seroma resolve on its own, but they occasionally need to be drained.
Infection
Post-operative infections aren’t as common as you might expect, given that dogs are not necessarily the most fastidiously clean of creatures! But, they do happen and need to be treated quickly. If your dog’s wound is red, warm, or swollen, or if there is a pink, yellow, or creamy discharge, call your vet right away.
Suture Reactions
Suture material has come a long way since catgut was the mainstay of wound closure. Even so, some individuals will be more sensitive to suture material, which can result in inflammation around the incision and lumps/bumps forming along the suture line, which may be quite mild or severe. This often occurs during the proliferation stage of healing. Always check with your vet if you are worried about any swelling on your dog’s wound, but it is not uncommon for small, painless bumps to appear whilst the incision is healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Clean The Wound?
Unless specifically directed to by your vet, you shouldn’t need to clean your dog’s surgical incision. A small amount of crusted blood or scabbing is normal, and it is better to leave these in place rather than risk contaminating the wound or disrupting healing by trying to pick them off.
If your dog’s wound becomes dirty, the best thing to do is dip some cotton wool in sterile saline or cooled boiled water (no need for it to be salty), squeeze out excess water, and gently dab the skin around the wound. Avoid touching the incision itself.
Remember, your dog might be quite tender, so it’s a good idea to approach the wound slowly, using a couple of ‘warm up’ pieces of cotton wool to work your way closer to the wound, before using a fresh piece to clean around the incision.
How Often Do I Need To Go Back For A Check-up?
This will very much depend on the age and health of your dog, and the type of surgery they have had. For routine procedures like a spay or castration, most vets will recommend a post-op check after 3 and 7 days, with sutures being removed after 14, but every vet and practice is different.
Most importantly, if you are worried about your dog’s wound or any other aspect of your dog’s recovery, don’t wait for your next appointment; contact your vet right away. If your vet is unavailable, there are always online veterinary services that can assist you.
How Long Does It Take For Dissolvable Sutures To Dissolve?
Different suture material types are designed to last longer than others, depending on the job they are doing, and they are designed to have a minimum amount of time before they start to break down. For example, suture materials used in sewing up intestines will start to break down after a couple of weeks, as the tissue heals quickly, and we don’t want suture material to cause a problem. In the deepest muscular layer of the abdomen, the suture material used won’t start to break down for at least 4-6 weeks, while the material used in intradermal sutures breaks down after 2-3 weeks. However, how long some suture material lasts can vary, and it isn’t uncommon to still feel suture material in the deepest layer of a spay scar many months after the surgery!
Should I Cover The Wound With Ointment?
Never put any ointments, gels, or creams on a surgical incision unless specifically instructed to by your vet. Most skin preparations for humans are not suitable for dog skin and will do more harm than good.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you are feeling more prepared than ever to monitor your dog after surgery. Often, the most challenging part of a dog’s surgical recovery is trying to stop them from running around within a day or two! It is extremely important to use any collars or suits to prevent your dog from licking or scratching their wound, even if they’re not a fan of their new fashion accessory. It is far better to have a dog that resents their surgical collar than one that needs to have another surgery.
Your vet would always prefer to examine your dog or even look at a photo than have you worrying about your dog’s wound and not getting in touch, so don’t hesitate to call them if you’re at all worried.
Featured Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock
The post How to Check & Care For Pet Stitches After Surgery: Our Vet Explains Stages of Healing by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
My Dog Ate A Scrunchie: Our Vet Discusses Potential Risks, Signs & Next Steps
The post My Dog Ate A Scrunchie: Our Vet Discusses Potential Risks, Signs & Next Steps by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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This unassuming little hair accessory, created by the late Rommy Hunt Revson,1 was an essential item in the 1980s, the subject of ridicule in the early noughties, and is back with a vengeance in the 2020s. Just as it was in the time of The Goonies, Footloose, and Ferris Bueller, you would be hard-pressed today to find a bedroom, bag, or bathroom without at least one of these handy little hair ties. Unfortunately, we’re not always the only ones rummaging around in dark corners or under beds for a scrunchie, and they’re just the right size for a dog to play with and swallow.
If your dog has managed to ingest your favorite hair accessory, try not to panic. In the vast majority of cases, a scrunchie will find its way to the nearest exit, and it will be up to you to decide if you want to salvage it or dispose of it (no judgment here). However, there may be cases where a scrunchie can wreak havoc on the digestive tract, so it’s best to know what to watch out for.
What Happens If My Dog Swallows A Scrunchie?
Unless you have a particularly small dog or exceptionally large scrunchie, there is a good chance that it will gradually make its way through the digestive tract. Sometimes, items like this that are not able to be broken down by stomach acids, may stay in the stomach for a day or two, and will likely take a few more days to make their way through the intestines. But if it’s been more than 4-5 days since your dog swallowed them, it’s time to contact your vet.
Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
If your dog isn’t so lucky, it is possible that a swallowed scrunchie could cause a blockage in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Dogs that are very small, have health issues, or a history of intestinal problems or surgery, have a higher risk of complications, and you should contact your vet immediately.
- Regurgitation (food/water expelled without abdominal effort)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Exaggerated swallowing
- Drooling
- Gagging/coughing
- Inappetence
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Rigid abdomen
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Passing no or very small amounts of feces
- Panting
- Dehydration – tacky gums, prolonged skin tent
If the scrunchie gets stuck in the colon, you may see signs of constipation, like squatting repeatedly and straining to defecate. It will likely pass eventually, but they may need an enema or some lubrication to help.
Will My Dog Need Surgery?
If your dog develops an obstruction, surgery is a likely outcome. First, your vet will perform x-rays or an ultrasound to get an idea of where the obstruction is, and how best to treat it. Sometimes, administering intravenous fluids and lubricating medications may be enough to get the problematic piece of fabric to pass, but if there is no hope of the scrunchie making its way to the ‘exit’, surgery will be needed to retrieve them.
Left untreated, an obstruction can lead to intestinal rupture and potentially deadly peritonitis.
Should I Make My Dog Vomit?
If you have just witnessed your dog swallow a scrunchie (or any other non-food item) the first thing you should do is get in touch with your vet, as your next steps may depend on the age, health, and size of your dog, as well as the size of the scrunchie.
Never attempt to make your dog vomit at home unless specifically instructed to by your vet. Your dog may regurgitate or vomit the scrunchie up on their own, so be sure to supervise them closely. You don’t want to be waiting for something to pass that has already been ejected!
What Else Should I Watch Out For?
The most important thing to monitor is that your dog is eating, drinking, and going to the toilet normally and that they seem bright and well. If your dog seems off-color or uncomfortable at all, contact the vet straight away.
If your dog is comfortable and happy, it is vital to make sure they stay hydrated. The longer it takes for the scrunchie to travel through the intestines, the drier it will become, making it more difficult to pass. Making sure your dog is drinking plenty of water can really help things along.
Should I Feed My Dog?
Do not give them anything to eat until you have spoken to your vet.
If your dog is showing no signs of discomfort or an obstruction, feeding them little and often can help keep their digestive tract moving and speed up the passage of the swallowed item. It also allows us to see if your dog is still wanting to eat, or if they are having difficulty digesting food.
Conclusion
If your dog has swallowed a scrunchie, don’t panic. Most of the time, a scrunchie will be small and soft enough to pass through the digestive tract, but you should get in touch with your vet for specific advice and instructions. They may recommend that you bring your dog in to make them vomit, to give them fluids and medication, or to monitor them closely.
If your dog has any health issues, is particularly small in size, or has had previous intestinal surgery, it is imperative that you speak with your vet, as this will have a significant impact on how they will need to proceed.
Featured Image Credit: Julija Sh, Shutterstock
The post My Dog Ate A Scrunchie: Our Vet Discusses Potential Risks, Signs & Next Steps by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Can Dogs Get Psoriasis? Our Vet Explains
The post Can Dogs Get Psoriasis? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Amanda Charles BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Psoriasis affects more than 3% of adults in the United States, most commonly causing inflamed, red, and scaly patches of skin. If you or someone you know suffers from this skin condition, you may wonder if it is something that can affect your dog as well. So, can dogs get psoriasis?
While dogs suffer from a variety of skin issues that can cause similar signs, psoriasis is not currently a recognized disease in dogs. There is only one scientific report to date of a dog with a psoriasis-like skin condition.
Read on to find out more about what might be causing your dog’s itchy, inflamed, scaly skin.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis in people is an immune-mediated disease; the body’s immune system is triggered and overreacts as if there is something harmful attacking the body.1 Researchers are still investigating what triggers this immune response, which involves both genetics and external factors like bacterial infections.
There are several different forms, but psoriasis typically causes patches of dry, scaly skin, which are usually red, inflamed, and often sore or itchy. Some people with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Can Dogs Get Psoriasis?
While there is discussion in online articles about canine psoriasis, it has not been identified or recognized as a disease that affects our canine companions.
When looking into animal models for research into this complex condition, researchers have only been able to identify a few anecdotal reports of spontaneously occurring conditions with psoriasis features in other species,2 and only one formal report has been published on a dog diagnosed with a “psoriasis-like” condition.3
There is also a rare canine skin condition called psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis,4 which shares some similar clinical and histological features of human psoriasis, but this has only been recognized in Springer Spaniels.
What Canine Skin Conditions Look Similar to Psoriasis?
So, what is more likely to be the cause of your canine’s itchy, red, flaky skin? Dogs are prone to several conditions that can look very similar to human psoriasis. Let’s have a look at some of the more common causes of these skin signs in dogs:
Allergies
Like us, our dogs can develop allergies to things like pollen and house dust mites, as well as to foods (typically animal-based proteins). In dogs, the most common sign associated with allergies is itchy skin, so affected dogs often suffer from red, inflamed skin, hair loss, and skin infections. Canine atopic dermatitis (atopy), which is typically associated with sensitization to environmental allergens, has a hereditary predisposition and is a particularly common skin disorder in dogs, affecting approximately 20%–30% of the canine population.
We recommend consulting a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health and wellness.
Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Parasites
Fleas are also a frequent cause of itchy skin in dogs. Some dogs suffer from flea allergic dermatitis and are allergic to components of flea saliva, leading them to have much more severe reactions to flea bites than other dogs.
Dogs can also be affected by various mites. Some live on the skin surface, such as cheyletiella mites, which are often known as “walking dandruff” due to the scaly scurf visible in the coat. Others burrow into the skin like sarcoptes mites (causing very itchy sarcoptic mange) and demodex mites. Both of these can cause patches of hair loss, thickened and often inflamed skin, and sometimes increased scale.
Skin Infections
Bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) often cause crusts, dry or flaky patches of skin, and itching that may look similar to psoriasis. Yeast dermatitis caused by Malassezia pachydermatis is also a frequent cause of itching, thickened skin, crusts, and scales.
Although less common in dogs, ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a fungal skin infection that can also present with scaly patches of hair loss.
Seborrhoea
Seborrhoea is the term used to describe ongoing scaly skin conditions caused by an issue in the normal cycle of skin cells being made and shed. This process is affected by other medical issues, such as skin allergies and infections. However, some dogs will have an inherited condition that affects how skin cells are made and replaced. This is more common in certain breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, and Basset Hounds. Signs usually start earlier in life.
Can You Use Human Psoriasis Medications on Dogs?
Never give or apply a medication prescribed for you to your dog. In the case of some psoriasis creams, this could even be life-threatening.
Vitamin D analogs, such as calcipotriene, are commonly found in topical creams to treat psoriasis in humans. Brand names include Taclonex and Dovonex. Dogs have a low threshold of toxicity if they ingest any of these products. They cause an increase in blood calcium levels, leading to gastrointestinal upset, increased thirst and urination, and, in severe cases, kidney failure, seizures, and heart issues.
Contact your vet or the Pet Poison helpline immediately if your dog has ingested any amount of psoriasis cream.
Final Thoughts
Psoriasis is a common, long-term skin condition that affects people. It is a complex immune-mediated disease that appears to have a genetic basis. To date, psoriasis is not recognized as a disease in dogs, but dogs can suffer from several skin conditions that present with signs that can appear very similar to psoriasis, particularly allergies.
If your dog is itching or has patches of red, flaky skin, get them to your vet for diagnosis and treatment. Never use any human medications that have not been prescribed for them.
Featured Image Credit: February_Love, Shutterstock
The post Can Dogs Get Psoriasis? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Amanda Charles BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Can Asthma Puffers Be Deadly for Dogs? Our Vet Explains
The post Can Asthma Puffers Be Deadly for Dogs? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Did you know that not only can dogs suffer from asthma, but they can also be prescribed asthma puffers to manage their condition? After all, it’s not every day that you’ll see a dog taking a deep pull on their inhaler at the end of a run or at the peak of allergy season. And, while an asthma puffer may be a life-saving treatment for dogs with this challenging respiratory condition, it can also be a dangerous, even deadly, piece of equipment.
The medication contained within an asthma puffer for humans is usually the same type of medication as those prescribed for dogs, and toxicity from the drug is not very common when used correctly. The greatest risk to our canine companions from asthma puffers occurs when they are chewed. Pressure released from the inhaler canister can cause damage to your dog’s mouth or face, while one commonly used medication, salbutamol, can be deadly in high doses.
Let’s take a look into the safety and dangers of using asthma puffers around dogs, and how to keep your best friend safe.
If you are worried that your dog may have ingested or been affected by a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian, online consultant, or poisons hotline immediately.
Do Dogs Use Asthma Puffers?
Although not as common as it is in our feline friends, dogs can get asthma, along with a number of other respiratory conditions that affect the small airways. The type of medication dispensed by an inhaler will depend on the type of condition we’re treating, and how it affects the lungs.
Asthma is not strictly an allergy-based condition, but it can be made worse by environmental allergens like pollen and dust. The clinical signs seen in asthma are due to a hypersensitivity reaction in the small airways that triggers inflammatory cells to flood the area, resulting in swelling and mucous production that makes breathing in very difficult. Corticosteroids, usually in the form of fluticasone, are the most common form of treatment for asthma in dogs (as well as humans and cats), and this is the type of puffer that asthmatics will keep nearby at all times.
Another common type of inhaled medication is a bronchodilator like salbutamol (albuterol), a 𝛽-agonist that helps open up the airways. This drug is often used alongside fluticasone in asthma patients, as well as those with other chronic respiratory conditions.
When dogs are prescribed these medications, they come in a puffer with an extra piece of equipment called a spacer or nebulizer chamber, that allows your dog to inhale the drug properly. Because of the type of delivery system used, it is virtually impossible for a dog to receive a toxic dose unless given deliberately.
The main danger for dogs is when they play with, damage, or chew an inhaler.
The Danger of Asthma Puffers
The trouble with needing to use an asthma puffer is that it’s something you want to have close by in case of an emergency. For some people, that means keeping it in the same place, like a kitchen or bedroom drawer, the bathroom cabinet, or in their pocket. For others, it will often mean leaving an inhaler sitting on a coffee table, on the sofa beside them, or any number of places that your dog can easily get to.
An asthma puffer might not look particularly appealing to you, but to your dog, it is an interesting object that smells unusual and has angles and edges that make it a perfect chew toy. A chewed-up inhaler has two potential dangers:
- Physical damage caused by the gas cylinder
- Exposure to an overdose of the medication contained within the cylinder
The average asthma puffer contains around 200 doses compressed within that tiny canister, and a single puncture can cause the pressure inside to be released as a small explosion; something that could cause broken teeth, fractured jaw, damaged nerves, or worse.
More commonly, dogs that have managed to breach an asthma inhaler canister are affected by an overdose of the medication inside. While the effects of a fluticasone overdose are unlikely to be life-threatening, salbutamol toxicity can be deadly.
What Are The Signs of Salbutamol Toxicity?
The effects of salbutamol exposure appear rapidly, usually within 30 minutes, starting with the dog appearing anxious or agitated. The clinical signs of salbutamol toxicity include:
- rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- rapid breathing (tachypnea)
- low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)
- high blood glucose (hyperglycemia)
- muscle weakness or paralysis
- collapse
- vomiting
- arrhythmias
- muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
How Is Salbutamol Toxicity Treated?
Treatment for salbutamol toxicity is aimed at correcting the tachycardia and hypokalemia that are caused by the 𝛽-agonist. This involves the use of intravenous fluid therapy and beta-blockers to reverse the effects of the drug.
Even mild cases can have delayed or prolonged effects, so do not hesitate to get your dog to the vet if you think they may have been exposed, even if they aren’t yet showing any signs of toxicity. With treatment, most dogs will recover within 24 hours, but it may take several days for the effects to fully wear off.
Can I Share My Asthma Puffer With My Dog?
You should never share medications with your pet. Although the type of drug used in your dog’s veterinary inhaler may be the same as yours, the dosage and concentration are likely to be different. The same applies to borrowing your dog’s medication!
How To Keep Your Dog Safe
- Always keep your asthma puffer safely secured, away from your pet, with all medications
- Teach your dog the command ‘drop it’ or ‘leave’ so you can get them to drop an object without you needing to remove it from their mouth
- Make sure children understand the dangers of letting the dog near their medication or asthma puffer
Final Thoughts
Dogs may be prescribed an inhaler or asthma puffer with very similar medications and appearance to the ones used by humans, and when used correctly, are perfectly safe. However, if your dog chews or damages an inhaler, they may be injured when the pressurized canister explodes, or, more commonly, be affected by the contents. Salbutamol (albuterol) is a potent 𝛽-agonist that works by dilating the airways, but in high doses can cause dangerously high heart rate, potassium, and muscle damage.
If your dog has chewed your (or their) inhaler, do not wait for them to show signs of toxicity. Speak to your vet or animal poisons consultant immediately for further advice. Keep your dog safe by securing all medication out of their reach, and be sure to teach them to drop any items they shouldn’t have – this is a valuable training tool that can save them from toxins, but it can also save many of your possessions from damage!
Pet Poisons Contacts
Featured Image Credit: Hanna Lepisto, Shutterstock
The post Can Asthma Puffers Be Deadly for Dogs? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Dog Friendly Hockey Games – 2024 / 2025 Season
Who doesn’t love finding fun new things to do with their furry best friend? Mark your calendar now for this truly unique experience — taking your pup to a dog friendly hockey game! Not only will you be supporting your local minor league or college hockey team, but you’ll be making memories at these “Pucks and Paws” games!
We love sharing new and creative experiences for you and your pet to enjoy together. And how many pups can tell their friends they’ve been to a dog friendly hockey game?! Baseball … sure. Dogs have been heading to the ballpark for years. But hockey?! It’s a dog’s dream to don his favorite team’s bandana and chill at the rink!
Minor league teams have been offering dog friendly hockey games for years. And this year, we were excited to see an NHL team join the fun! The Pittsburgh Penguins hosted their first-ever Pucks and Paws Night on October 1, inviting fans and their dogs, to attend a preseason game. It’s great to see dog friendly hockey games expanding to more venues, and we hope the trend continues next season!
Of course, we’ll always be grateful for the minor league teams across the country that made dog friendly hockey games a thing. They still provide most of the opportunities for people and their pups to enjoy a game together. And they have 36 dog friendly hockey games scheduled during the 2024 / 2025 season for you and your pup to see!
If you know of other dog friendly hockey games we missed, please leave a comment and we’ll add them to the list!
Dog Friendly Hockey Games
2024 / 2025 Season
October
Geneva, Illinois – Saturday, October 5, 2024 – The Chicago Steel host the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the first dog friendly hockey game of the season!
Charleston, South Carolina – Saturday, October 26, 2024 – The South Carolina Stingrays host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
Join the pet costume contest!
November
Des Moines, Iowa – Sunday, November 3, 2024 – The Iowa Wild host the San Jose Barracuda.
The first 400 dogs will receive a collapsible bowl! Dress your dog up in costume for HOWL-ween!
West Valley City, Utah – Saturday, November 9, 2024 – The Utah Grizzlies host the Tahoe Knight Monsters.
Get a Grizzlies toy for your pup!
San Jose, California – Sunday, November 10, 2024 – The San Jose Barracuda host the Colorado Eagles.
Springfield, Massachusetts – Friday, November 15, 2024 – The Springfield Thunderbirds host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Saturday, November 16, 2024 – The Milwaukee Admirals host the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Sunday, November 24, 2024 – The Grand Rapids Griffins host the Iowa Wild.
Jacksonville, Florida – Saturday, November 30, 2024 – The Jacksonville Icemen host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
Wichita, Kansas – Saturday, November 30, 2024 – The Wichita Thunder host the Worchester Railers.
DO MORE ⇒ Pet Friendly Fall and Winter Adventures
December
Cincinnati, Ohio – Wednesday, December 4, 2024 – The Cincinnati Cyclones host the Fort Wayne Komets.
January
Moline, Illinois – Sunday, January 5, 2025 – The Quad City Storm host the Fayetteville Marksmen.
Wheeling, West Virginia – Saturday, January 25, 2025 – The Wheeling Nailers host the Kansas City Mavericks.
Portland, Maine – Sunday, January 26, 2025 – The Maine Mariners host the Trois-Rivières Lions.
Toledo, Ohio – Sunday, January 26, 2025 – The Toledo Walleye host the Iowa Heartlanders.
February
Jacksonville, Florida – Saturday, February 8, 2025 – The Jacksonville Icemen host the Trois-Rivières Lions.
March
Evansville, Indiana – Saturday, March 1, 2025 – The Evansville Thunderbolts host the Quad City Storm.
Wichita, Kansas – Saturday, March 1, 2025 – The Wichita Thunder host the Kansas City Mavericks.
Austin, Texas – Sunday, March 2, 2025 – The Texas Stars host the Chicago Wolves.
Cleveland, Ohio – Saturday, March 8, 2025 – The Cleveland Monsters host the Hershey Bears.
Fargo, North Dakota – Saturday, March 15, 2025 The Fargo Force host the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Don’t miss the Corgi races!
Johnstown, Pennsylvania – Saturday, March 8, 2025 – The Johnstown Tomahawks host the Elmira Aviators.
Allen, Texas – Sunday, March 16, 2025 – The Allen Americans host the Utah Grizzlies.
Bloomington, Illinois – Friday, March 21, 2025 – The Bloomington Bison host the Kalamazoo Wings.
Roanoke, Virginia – Friday, March 21, 2025 – The Rail Yard Dawgs host the Knoxville Ice Bears.
Cincinnati, Ohio – Saturday, March 22, 2025 – The Cincinnati Cyclones host the Kalamazoo Wings.
Loveland, Colorado – Sunday, March 23, 2025 – The Colorado Eagles host the Tucson Roadrunners.
Reading, Pennsylvania – Sunday, March 23, 2025 – The Reading Royals host the Norfolk Admirals.
Stateline, Nevada – Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – The Tahoe Knight Monsters host the Idaho Steelheads.
Get there early for a collapsible bowl giveaway!
Youngstown, Ohio – Friday, March 28, 2025 – The Youngstown Phantoms host the Fargo Force.
San Jose, California – Saturday, March 29, 2025 – The San Jose Barracuda host the Abbotsford Canucks.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Saturday, March 29, 2025 – It’s a Pooch Party when the Charlotte Checkers host the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Kalamazoo, Michigan – Saturday, March 29, 2025 – The KalamazooWings host the South Carolina Stingrays.
Don’t miss the K-Wings Dog Leash Giveaway (1st 1,000 fans), the pup race during the first intermission, and the Paw Patrol Specialty Jersey auction post-game.
April
Syracuse, New York – Friday, April 4, 2025 – The Syracuse Crunch host the Toronto Marlies.
Utica, New York – Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – The Utica Comets host the Syracuse Crunch.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Saturday, April 12, 2025 – The Milwaukee Admirals host the Chicago Wolves.
READ MORE ⇒ How To Take A Cross-Country Road Trip With Pets
Dog Friendly Hockey Game Etiquette
Each stadium has its own requirements for proof of vaccinations, weight limits, and other particulars. Be sure to visit the team’s website or call the ticket office to confirm the details before purchasing your tickets. Then enjoy the game!
The post Dog Friendly Hockey Games – 2024 / 2025 Season appeared first on GoPetFriendly.com.
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff) and Pitbull
What Really Is The Difference:
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff) and Pitbull turn out to be indistinguishable to most people, and this basically depends on a few reasons.
First of all, the Pitbull is not, to date, recognized by the International Kennel Federation (FCI) and ENCI (Ente Nazionale Cinofilia Italiana) as a true breed, so there is no defined standard and the dogs do not have pedigrees.
So, the Pitbull has a very high morphological variability. 
In the United States, on the other hand, the American Pitbull terrier is recognized by two major associations (UKC, ADBA) that have drafted two different standards.
Then the American Staffordshire is in turn derived from a selection of Pitbulls of small size and mild temperament.
To learn about the history of the birth of these magnificent dogs, it is necessary to go back in time to the British Isles of the 1600s.
In the beginning were Bull Baiting: warrior mastiff dogs, fighters and gladiators
In the British Isles, fights between bulls and dogs, usually mastiffs called “bull baiting“, were an unfortunately widespread practice.
Bull baiting dogs were physically powerful but not very agile, and to obtain snappier specimens, the British began to cross mastiffs with hunting terriers.
Out of these crossbreeds came the first“Half and Half” or half and half, who were able through their marked speed to easily elude the bulls.
It did not take long, however, for bullfighting to switch to dogfighting until Britain officially outlawed this barbaric and odious practice in 1835.
Unfortunately, fighting continued clandestinely in arenas (“pit” in English) until it reached the United States of America, where Pitbull selection continued.
From England to America
couple of juvenile American Staffordshire terrier in front of a white background
Beginning in 1845, some breeders crossed Half and Half with Irish Bull terriers, resulting in new individuals that were better adapted to stand alongside humans.
These dogs came to be called Pit Bull Terriers or American Bull Terriers and later Yankee Terriers.
The American Pitbull breed was officially recognized in 1898 by the UKC (United Kennel Club) and later also by the ADBA (American Dog Breeder Association) with two different standards.
TheAKC (American Kennel Club), opposed to fighting, did not want to recognize the Pitbull breed but selected from them the individuals with the most docile and least reactive traits, recognizing the Amstaff in 1936.
A committee chaired by Wilfred T. Brandon chose Colby’s Primo (Colby’s Brandy x Colby’s Mable) owned by John P. Colby as the model standard for the “Staffordshire Terrier.”
In addition, when describing the Amstaff standard, the AKC decided to remove the term “pit” from the nomenclature to avoid reference to the sad past related to arena fighting.
The name “Staffordshire Terrier” was changed, on January 1, 1972, to American Staffordshire Terrier so that it could not be confused with the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, from which it differed in weight and height.
Pit bull and American Staffordshire terrier standards.
The biggest difference is in the proportions: compact and heavy the American Staffordshire, slim and light the Pitbull.
The UKC Pitbull is a medium-sized dog with a strong, stocky body that is longer than it is tall, muscular but lean and long-limbed.
Weight varies between 17/28 kg for males and 15/26 kg for females.
Height, on the other hand, varies from 45 cm at the withers to 54 for males and 40 cm to 51 cm for females.
The AKC Amstaff, on the other hand, is generally more muscular and stocky than the Pitbull, although it maintains great agility.
It is a medium-sized, sturdy dog with a compact body and a large head.
The muzzle is generally square with powerful jaws; the skull base is very wide and the nasal passage is very short.
males generally reach a height of 46-48 cm while females 43-46 cm.
The truffle can only be black, while in the Pitbull it can take on any color: among fans of the breed the most famous are the Pitbull Red Nose and the Pitbull Blue Nose. 
Uncontrolled breeding of Pitbulls and American Staffordshire: a real mess
In Europe, in the absence of pedigrees and in the face of uncontrolled and, moreover, homegrown breeding, it is often impossible to know how much of Amstaff and how much of Pitbull there is in a puppy.
As a result, it becomes extremely difficult to delineate general motivations for each of the two races.
The Amstaff has a very similar character to the Pitbull: both possess the power of the mastiff and the determination of the terrier.
Physical activity for them is never enough and they enjoy themselves like crazy between runs and walks, always energetic and eager to get moving.
Although they are competitive and possessive, they also possess a tender side; they are extremely sensitive, patient, cooperative and love to share cuddling and relaxing moments with their human companions.
Low social motivation makes them misunderstood dogs
Conversely, however, they are generally disinclined to interact with other dogs or animals because of low social motivation.
But then again, what could we expect from dogs selected to fight?
And certainly, this characteristic does not depend on them but on those who so desired and created them.
This nature of theirs often makes them victims of misunderstanding and mismanagement to the point that the number of Pitbulls and Amstaffs ending up in kennels is always increasing from north to south.
And we know perfectly well that kennels are places where the psychological condition of already deprived dogs can only get worse.
Pitbulls and Amstaffs are not aggressive or even dangerous, and anyone who says so is ignorant
Pitbulls and Amstaffs bond deeply with humans and are more than suitable for living in families as long as they are managed consciously, taking breed motivations into account. 
In this regard, it is appropriate that even children, well-behaved by their parents, know how to behave well in the presence of the animal and respect it without abusing its patience.
It is basic to want to establish balanced and healthy relationships also by getting help from experienced dog educators who teach humans (not dogs, let’s be clear) what they need, how to behave with them, how to gratify them, what to do and most importantly, what not to do.
When we hear about pit bulls that have attacked people, the triggers generally are:
-absence of supervision by owners
-situations of tension underestimated and not properly handled in the presence of stressful or perceived threatening stimuli.
A completely undeserved and unfounded name
Pit bulls and Amstaffs can become as aggressive and dangerous as specimens of other breeds, and the sad name surrounding them is completely undeserved.
The real danger is the ignorance of those who adopt or buy them, inciting them to aggression and competition, underestimating the importance of socialization from puppyhood and relegating them to the role of guard dogs in deprived conditions.
Therefore, it is best to avoid getting a Pitbull or Amstaff if you then do not have the opportunity to give it the proper attention.
This is a concept that applies to any animal.
The diseases for which Pitbulls and American Staffordshire are at risk.
puppy staffordshire bull terrier free in the nature
Given their strong physiques, Pitbulls and Amstaffs also need to follow a balanced diet to prevent them from gaining weight.
In fact, they often have a tendency to become overweight by developing those diseases caused by overweight and obesity.
It is always good to determine with your veterinarian which foods to prefer so as to avoid nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.
Lava the Dog: Beginning of the End
The post Lava the Dog: Beginning of the End by Dr. Maja Platisa DVM MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela.
It all started one cold winter day at the end of 2020. I was in the UK working in a clinic, and secretly wishing for a dog, as I lost my old girl to cancer a few months before. I have never been “dogless” before. Dogs have been a part of my life since I remember, each and every one of them special in their own way. But I didn’t think my wish would come true so soon, and that it would be everything except what I desired. Let’s just say, my life has never again been the same since Lava knocked on our doors.
One Cold Winter Morning
There I was, resting after a night shift in Orpington, United Kingdom when I got a message notification on my phone from my mum. There was a picture of the most adorable little puppy, sitting on my brother’s working shoes, back home on our cattle farm in Croatia.
I was puzzled! Did they buy a puppy? But we have 4 farm dogs already. We have never bought any dogs in our life, all have found their way inside our home through friends or were picked up as strays. And this was no different. The little pup, soon to be named Lava, showed up at their doorstep, without an explanation. Our farm is in a quiet rural area, and the closest village is at least 5 miles away, too far for such a young pup to walk. We presumed someone must have dumped her, or she was a stray dog’s puppy.
A Character From Day One
On her first day on the farm, as described by my mum and brother, the puppy set out some ground rules. Because, of course, she set out to be the boss. She stole food from each of the bigger dogs’ bowls, and when I say bigger, I mean much bigger. Each was around 110 lbs, while the puppy was barely 10 lbs. She growled and grimaced at them, and they all must have figured, this little one was crazy, better let her have it her way.
Soon enough, she ruled the roost. Despite her size, she was a very determined puppy and no one wanted to stand in her way. She learned how to growl and bark quite early on, curling her lips up and developing this certain kind of unimpressed facial expression that she still has years later.
Meaning Behind the Name
During her first few weeks on our farm, while we discussed what to do with her since she was clearly abandoned, we also couldn’t help but start thinking about dog names. It was a tricky one indeed. Finally, my brother had an idea. Lava! Because “lav” means lion in our language, and lava, as in a hot melting rock erupting from volcanoes, red in color, similar to the puppy’s fur. It suddenly started to make a lot of sense. She was as fierce and strong as a lioness and as temperamental, unpredictable, and persistent as the melting lava rocks.
And so she became Lava. The “worst” dog we ever had. Don’t get me wrong, we do love her a lot, but she is one of those dogs who try to break you. And I mean this literally. Not even two years later, I was wearing a cast on my wrist, and let’s just say, Lava was involved in this incident. But that’s a story for another time.
Puppy Eyes You Can’t Resist
Since then, Lava became the dog we talked about most, not just among family and close friends, but also co-workers, as everyone knew about her and asked how the little menace was doing. There was always some sort of unexpected adventure with her. But we couldn’t deny her beauty. With that regal facial expression, showing a touch of annoyance and ignorance, big brown eyes, and brown-red fur, she attracted attention everywhere we went. She was soon known among all the neighbors, whether they had dogs or not. And around five months of age, she met her best doggie friend Goku, with whom she spent many hours playing.
All in all, it took me quite some time to open up my heart to her and let her in, as she was not exactly an easy puppy and always did the very opposite you asked of her. But now, almost four years later, I can’t imagine my life without her.
- Read her previous article: Introducing the Dogsters: Maja and Her Two Dogs, Lava & Hela
The post Lava the Dog: Beginning of the End by Dr. Maja Platisa DVM MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Alaskan Goldenmute: Breed Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More
The post Alaskan Goldenmute: Breed Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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The Alaskan Goldenmute is a mixed breed that combines the Alaskan Malamute and the Golden Retriever. It is a lively and energetic ball of fun that is also loving, loyal, and affectionate.
Because it is a cross, you could end up with something closer to the incredibly affectionate Golden Retriever or the intensely energetic Malamute. In either case, potential owners need to be prepared for the high exercise and grooming requirements, as well as the potential for somewhat destructive behavior and constant vocalizations. They make great pets for very active families but are not ideal for those who are out at work all day or who can’t dedicate a lot of time to their canine companion.
Breed Overview
Height:
22–28 inches
Weight:
50-85 pounds
Lifespan:
10–14 years
Colors:
White, tan, brown, gray, black
Suitable for:
Active families with a lot of time to dedicate to their dog
Temperament:
Loving, affectionate, very energetic, playful, intelligent
The Golden Malamute is a cross between the energetic Golden Retriever and the very energetic Alaskan Malamute, which means owners should expect a crossbreed with bundles of energy. Energy requirements must be met to ensure a well-rounded and well-behaved dog, but the family will be rewarded with a loyal and loving dog that is happy to spend as much time as possible with its humans.
Another potentially challenging aspect of owning this breed is that it does require a lot of grooming and will shed excessively at times during the year.
Alaskan Goldenmute Puppies
The Alaskan Goldenmute is a mixed breed and it isn’t a popular hybrid breed, yet, which means it can be difficult to find breeders. It is worth looking around, though, if you have your heart set on the breed. Check social media and ask any breed groups you can find. If you have seen one in your neighborhood, ask the owner to see where they got their dogs. You can also try asking Golden Retriever and Malamute breeders to see if they know of any crossbreed litters.
If you do find a breeder, do your due diligence. Ask about the parents and visit the site. Meet the puppy and at least the mother before committing to take one of a litter, and check they are physically healthy and emotionally balanced. Puppies take their early social development cues from their mother, so if the mom is confident and friendly, there is a good chance that the puppy will start to develop similarly.
It will also be difficult to find this cross in shelters and rescues because they aren’t commonplace. Get as much history about the dog as possible, and ask how they are with other dogs and visitors in the shelter. The shelter workers might also know how the dog reacts around cats.
Alaskan Goldenmute puppies will be lively and very active. They require plenty of stimulation, as well as exercise, and you will want to start training and socializing from a young age.
Alaskan Goldenmute Dog Breed Origin & History
The Alaskan Goldenmute may have been bred unintentionally, but there is no history of intentional breeding. This may change if the crossbreed becomes more popular, but both parent breeds do have long and well-documented histories.
The Malamute was originally used to hunt large animals and has a history dating back thousands of years. Over time, it also became popular as a sledding dog and modern Malamutes still excel in this area.
The Golden Retriever became popular in the 19th Century when it was used as a hunting dog. Specifically, it is a retriever, which means it would retrieve downed birds and bring them back to their handler.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Alaskan Goldenmute 
The Alaskan Goldenmute is a mix of two lively breeds, which means you can expect this crossbreed to be a very likely pet that will enjoy playing, walking, and taking part in activities and sports. The Golden Retriever in the breed also means that it not only enjoys but needs regular interaction with its humans, so it might not be the best choice of dog for puppy parents who go out to work all day. If you are out of the house for long periods, you should consider getting a walker or a pet sitter to come in at times to check on the dog and ensure it gets a decent walk and some exercise.
The breed is playful and can grow to be quite large so it is not recommended to life in an apartment. If you do keep one in an apartment, be prepared to provide plenty of walks and other forms of exercise, and consider putting rugs down on hard floors to prevent noise traveling, and doggy daycare a couple of times per week.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 
Overall, the Alaskan Goldenmute can make a very good family dog. It will get along with and form strong bonds with its humans. The breed should not be aggressive, but it is very lively and active, and this can lead to accidents with small children, so ground rules need to be set early to minimize the risk of such accidents, and parents should never leave their children alone with dogs because even a small accident can cause serious injuries. The Alaskan Goldenmute will get along with visitors, generally welcoming anybody to the house, and isn’t usually prone to barking at neighbors or passers-by.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 
The Golden Retriever is especially known for getting along with other dogs, making friends on walks, and generally settling in well with other dogs in the house. The Malamute runs as part of a pack, too, which means it should be easy to introduce one to existing dogs and potentially even cats within the house. Never leave dogs, no matter how placid they are, unattended with small animals. While the Alaskan Goldenmute can get along with cats, they do love to play and can prove too much of a handful for some cats.
Things to Know When Owning an Alaskan Goldenmute
The Alaskan Goldenmute can make a very good family pet, will get along with most people, and can even be kept with other dogs. However, no breed is ideal for all potential owners. The Goldenmute can suffer separation anxiety, needs a lot of regular exercise, and its playful nature can make training a little more challenging than some owners would like. Below, we look at some of the most important factors to consider when thinking about getting an Alaskan Goldenmute.
Food & Diet Requirements 
The Alaskan Goldenmute needs a good diet consisting of high-quality food. Its high energy level means the Goldenmute benefits from a high-protein diet. Ideally, most of the protein should come from meat sources, and the diet needs to contain all essential vitamins and minerals. Check the feeding guidelines of any food given, and make adjustments according to how much exercise your dog gets, whether it has any special dietary requirements, and your vet’s advice. Generally, though, you should expect to feed between two and three cups of dry kibble.
Exercise 
The Alaskan Goldenmute is a very active and very energetic mixed breed and it needs a lot of exercise. Both parent breeds have plenty of stamina, which means you should be providing at least 90 minutes of exercise per day, including but not limited to walks. The intensity of the breed means that the Goldenmute will enjoy taking part in canine sports and it will especially do well at events like sledding and dry sledding as well as nose work. Canine sports classes are a good way to exercise, train, and socialize your dog, and they will also help to build a strong bond between you both.
Training 
Start at puppy classes when your Goldenmute is young. Puppy classes help learn some basic commands and you will need to teach good recall as well as a stop or no command. Continue with training outside puppy classes and consider canine sports not only as a means of providing intense exercise but also as a good way to supplement training. It is also a good way to socialize your pup, which is an important part of their development.
Socialization doesn’t just mean meeting other dogs and people: it also means introducing them to new and unusual situations. Try to change up walk times and routes and ensure your dog comes into contact with as many different groups of people as possible.
Grooming 
Both parent breeds need regular grooming so it is safe to assume that the Alaskan Goldenmute is going to need similar treatment. For most of the year, a good brush once or twice a week should be enough. But, during shedding season, you will need to brush daily. Daily brushing helps get rid of dead hairs to prevent matting and knotting of the fur. The double coat also helps your dog regulate temperature, and any collection of dead hair can prevent cool air from flowing in the hot weather and prevent warmth in the cold weather.
You will also need to trim their nails when they get long, typically every two or three months, and brush their teeth at least three times a week. Dental disease is a major problem in dogs, and dental sticks aren’t enough to properly maintain good dental hygiene.
Health and Conditions 
This crossbreed is a generally healthy breed, but it is prone to some of the ailments that its parent breeds are prone to. In particular look for signs of elbow and hip dysplasia, including lameness and poor mobility. Glaucoma can also be a problem, so monitor your dog’s eyes to look for signs of this problem and have them regularly checked when you visit the vet.
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hyperthyroidism
Male vs Female
The male Alaskan Goldenmute will grow a little taller and heavier than the female. Although anecdotal, some owners report that male dogs are more prone to wandering and tend to be more lively and playful. They can also be more challenging to train. Females are moody and may not be as affectionately loving but they are less likely to show signs of aggression or bullishness.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Alaskan Goldenmute
1. Golden Retrievers Are Hard Workers
Golden Retrievers originated from Scotland, UK, where they were bred to work with hunters. In particular, they were used to retrieve birds and other game that their handlers had downed. They still enjoy hard work today and are often used for search and rescue, as police dogs, and in a host of other service roles.
2. Alaskan Malamutes Date Back 5,000 Years
The Alaskan Malamute is widely considered a sledding breed, although it was originally bred as a hunting dog. It dates back to the first North American settlers who kept Malamutes as companions and working dogs.
3. Alaskan Goldenmutes Need Lots Of Exercise
Alaskan Goldenmutes are bred from Golden Retrievers and Alaskan Malamutes, both of which are high-energy breeds that need lots of exercise. You can expect the crossbreed to be similarly intense, and prospective owners should expect to have to provide at least 90 minutes of exercise every day.
Final Thoughts
The Alaskan Goldenmute is a crossbreed that combines the Golden Retriever and the Alaskan Malamute. It is an energetic and lively dog that enjoys playing as well as spending time with its humans. As well as needing a lot of exercise, owners should be prepared for regular grooming as the double coat will shed quite heavily once or twice a year. However, families that enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors and that have the time and energy to dedicate to the breed will find a playful, spirited dog that does well at canine sports, and, thanks to the intelligence and responsiveness of the Golden Retriever, can also be trained to perform jobs and tasks.
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10 Vet-Verified Signs Your Dog Feels Neglected & How To Prevent It
The post 10 Vet-Verified Signs Your Dog Feels Neglected & How To Prevent It by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Dogs are sensitive animals, and it’s important for dog owners to care for their emotional health as much as their physical health. When dogs don’t receive adequate love and attention, they can start to feel neglected.
Neglect can have a significant negative impact on a dog’s well-being. Not only is it an emotional issue, but it can end up harming your dog’s physical health. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the signs that dogs show when they start to feel lonely or neglected. Here are some of the more common signs.
The 10 Signs Your Dog Feels Neglected
1. Increased Barking and Whining
When your dog starts to feel neglected, they may try to make more attempts to get your attention. You may notice them barking and whining more than normal. It can be a double edged sword, where if you consistently pay more attention to your dog when they whine or bark, they’ll learn that making a lot of noise is an effective way to draw your attention to them, so they will continue to do so.
2. Pawing at You
If barking and whining don’t really get your attention, your dog may start to paw at you more. It can start with light taps and quickly escalate to attempted scratching.
It’s important to note that dogs can paw at you when there’s something that they want or if they feel that something is wrong. When a dog paws with purpose, they may try to lead you to the problem once they get your attention. For example, your dog may paw at you and then run to your couch so that you can reach for a toy that rolled beneath it.
In contrast, dogs that feel neglected may seem like they’re pawing at you for no reason other than to get your attention. They may also rub their face against your hand to get you to pet them.
3. Increased Bathroom Accidents
Dogs that feel neglected may also have to have bathroom accidents in the house, even if they’re fully potty trained. It’s common for dogs to start urinating in the house when they feel fear, anxiety, or frustration. Considering how these emotions can come with feelings of neglect, it makes sense that some dogs will start to pee in the house when they start to feel lonely.
Of course, changes in urine habits can also indicate an underlying health issue like a urinary tract infection, Cushing’s disease, and kidney disease. Therefore, it’s best to get your dog to your veterinarian for a physical exam if they are suddenly having bathroom accidents.
4. Destroying Furniture
Dogs who feel neglected and bored may begin to develop destructive behaviors. They can have pent-up energy, anxiety, and frustration, which can cause them to resort to destroying furniture. Your dog may bite and rip up pillows and couch cushions. They may also scratch and dig at carpets and curtains.
Destroying furniture can become an attention-seeking behavior. If you continue to react to your dog whenever they destroy furniture, they start to learn that this behavior is an effective way of getting your attention, even if it’s negative attention.
5. Separation Anxiety
Dogs that feel neglected are also prone to developing separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a behavioral issue that occurs when dogs start to feel distressed when they’re not with their owners.
Dogs may start to develop it when they experience significant changes in the home, such as an addition to the family or moving to a new house. It’s important to show your dog proper attention and care when your household goes through significant changes.
6. Changes in Weight and Eating Habits
Dogs have individualized experiences when feeling neglected, and it’s possible for the feelings associated with neglect to influence your dog’s eating habits. Some dogs may start to eat more while others will lose interest in eating. As a result, dogs can also start to gain or lose weight when they feel neglected.
It’s difficult to determine if your dog will eat more or less when they’re feeling neglected. For example, dogs who feel anxious are less likely to eat.
7. Increased Sleep
Sometimes, dogs will begin to feel depressed when they’re lonely or neglected. A common sign of depression in dogs is increased sleep and disinterest in playing or engaging in fun activities.
Dogs do spend a lot of time napping and sleeping. On average, healthy adult dogs can sleep an average of 12-14 hours a day. So, it can be difficult to determine if your dog is sleeping a normal amount or if they’re sleeping too much. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of your dog’s normal sleep patterns so that you can easily detect when something is off.
8. Hyperactivity
While some dogs will slow down and become lethargic when they feel neglected, other dogs can have the opposite reaction and become hyperactive. Dogs that don’t get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction may have pent-up energy. When they don’t have healthy outlets to express this energy, they can become hyperactive and hyperreactive.
Active dog breeds that belong in herding groups and working groups are more likely to become hyperactive when neglected. These dog breeds have a lot of energy and stamina, so it’s important for them to get enough exercise and engage in enriching activities.
9. Excessive Licking
Licking is a normal behavior in dogs. Dogs can lick to taste objects, communicate, and groom themselves. However, there is such a thing as too much licking, and it can be an indicator of feeling neglected.
Dogs can lick to get your attention or try to self-soothe. Studies have shown that licking releases endorphins in a dog’s brain, which means that it can produce a calming effect in them. Therefore, dogs can start to lick things when they’re feeling distressed. Excessive licking can also turn into a compulsive behavior for dogs experiencing neglect.
10. Withdrawal
When dogs feel neglected, they may choose to hide and withdraw. They often do this as an attempt to distance themselves from their stressors. So, if they feel fearful or unhappy at home, they may want to hide in a discreet location in order to feel safer. Dogs that feel bored may also withdraw because they’ve become disinterested with their surroundings.
Preventing Feelings of Neglect in Your Dog
Dogs can start to feel neglected for a variety of reasons. It can be caused by changes in their routine, moving to a new home, losing a family member, or gaining a new family member. Dogs are sensitive animals that are highly aware of their surroundings, so any sudden changes can cause them to feel uneasy and need to be comforted.
If your dog is suddenly showing signs of neglect, think of all the possible recent changes they’ve experienced. It’s likely they’re feeling distressed from one of these changes or a combination of them.
It’s also important to maintain a healthy routine for your dog. All dogs need a certain level of exercise, play, and attention to live happy and healthy lives. This routine will vary from dog to dog and often depends on your dog’s breed, temperament, and age.
Incorporating appropriate amounts of exercise and playtime into your dog’s daily routine will help prevent them from feeling neglected. They’ll also need to spend enough quality time with you to feel happy, content, and loved. So, make sure to identify specific activities that you and your dog can enjoy together. Some fun activities that dogs may enjoy include car rides, hiking, learning new tricks, or participating in dog sports.
Conclusion
Feelings of neglect must be taken seriously because they can be detrimental to your dog’s physical and emotional well-being. If you’ve noticed any behavioral changes in your dog, it’s best to first visit your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.
Dogs can feel neglected for a variety of reasons, and they’ll express their feelings in different ways. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help your dog feel less neglected and more loved. Creating a healthy routine for them that’s filled with exercise, enrichment activities, and quality time with people will significantly improve your dog’s quality of life and ensure that they feel safe and loved.
Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock
The post 10 Vet-Verified Signs Your Dog Feels Neglected & How To Prevent It by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.