Why Do Dogs Drool?

By Linda Cole

Anyone who has seen the movie “Beethoven” will remember the scene where the dog is sitting in the middle of his owner's bed with a long string of drool hanging from his mouth. As he shakes his head, drool flies everywhere. It was funny in the movie and some dogs drool naturally, but excessive drooling can indicate a more serious problem.

I had a dog who would get a drink of water, walk over to sit beside me and then slobber excess water down my leg. It wasn't so bad during the winter months with a pair of jeans on, but in the summer when I wore shorts, it really gave me a start when I wasn't expecting it. She was a breed of dog that drooled naturally and, like in the movie Beethoven, anytime she shook her head, we'd run for cover. That dog would send drool flying everywhere! The cats weren't even spared from a flying string of dog drool and ran away from her just as fast as we did. I learned to leave towels in easy to find places throughout the house – just in case.

Some breeds have lips that are heavier than others. Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, Boxers and Saint Bernards, along with other breeds, are known for their drooling. These types of dogs drool because the loose skin around their jaw catches saliva where it collects and fills up until there's no room for more. Slobbering and drooling is just part of who they are, but even for them, excess drooling can indicate there's something wrong. Excessive drooling can cause a dog to become dehydrated.

Breeds who normally don't drool may have times when they become over stimulated, which can cause excess saliva to build up. It's nothing to worry about unless the dog suddenly begins to drool with no clear reason. A medical problem may be why.

Dogs drool when they have something caught in their mouth, on their tongue, in their throat or between their teeth. Our canine friends use their mouths to help them determine what things are, and an inquisitive dog can pick up small objects that can become stuck somewhere in their mouth. A bad tooth or gum disease will also cause your dog to slobber. One sure sign of dental or gum problems is a dog with extremely bad breath. A bone that splintered or became caught in the dog's throat or a splinter from chewing on wood can get stuck on the roof of their mouth, under the tongue or caught between their teeth. If you see your dog pawing at his mouth and drooling, something is bothering him.

Digestive problems will cause dogs to drool. Bloat is a dangerous condition that needs to be taken care of immediately. A hard stomach, foaming at the mouth along with drool and attempts to vomit are symptoms of bloat. For more information on bloat, read What is Bloat? What Are the Symptoms?

Heat stroke, epilepsy and other medical conditions are more reasons why dogs drool. Nausea from riding in a car or an upset stomach from eating something that didn't agree with him will cause a dog to drool. Overeating, eating too much spicy food or mixing different kinds of food together can cause a stomach ache in some dogs.

A reaction to flea control products, bee stings, poison and allergic reactions to food or medications will produce excess saliva. Pain-induced drooling from conditions like urinary tract infections and ear infections, liver disease and tumors in their mouth are a few reasons why your dog could be suddenly drooling. A dog who picks up stinging insects and spiders will sometimes bite them on the tongue or side of the mouth causing them to drool.

Toads, snails and slugs will cause a dog to drool if they grab one. Every summer during the evening hours we comb through the grass in my dog's pen trying to find toads and slugs before my dogs do. Most toads aren't poisonous to dogs, but they have enough toxin to make them drool if a dog picks one up or tries to bite it. In some parts of the country, there are a few toads that are deadly to dogs and cats.

Some dogs drool naturally, and from experience I know that even with them, you know when they have excessive drooling. Any time a dog drools more than usual or suddenly begins, it's an indication something is wrong. Never put off seeing your vet, because your dog's life could depend on your fast action. When caught early, most medical conditions can be taken care of and some of them are nothing to mess around with.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

jack, old whiskers, and that badger

(note: curatorial duties have been severely impacted this week by some nasty back problems. I'd much rather have been here posting!)

I've said here before that it's a good thing for heads of state to have pets. Whenever some item is on the news about the President's pets, I always hope there is comfort and happiness in the relationship, though I admit to a certain nagging feeling that it's all a PR stunt. But I realize there is another thing that would be entertaining to see: the occasional, really wacky pet.

You see, Presidents did use to have a few. Benjamin Harrison had a goat called Old Whiskers that took off on a tear once, President in hot yelling pursuit. Calvin Coolidge (him again! He's quite the source of animal stories) had a raccoon named Rebecca that once had a limousine sent for her. Thomas Jefferson has a couple of bears. (Not that I recommend that. Leave bears to their ursine pursuits.)

Where did I learn all this? Stumbled upon it at Biography.com's page on Presidential Pets, where you may learn more about these and other critters, and see some photos that will make you smile. I like the snap of Gerald Ford with his dog Liberty. So go and find out who Jack is, and which great President had that badger? And ask yourself why lately they're all dogs, cats and horses. Badgers not so photogenic, I guess.

Dealing With The Loss Of a Pet

For most people, a pet is not merely a pet, but a companion or simply a part of the family. And when a pet dies, they experience the same amount of grief and pain as they would experience if a human family member should pass on. This is normal as a pet can fill a void in your life, become a companion, and be a friend. Because of this intense human-animal bond, pet bereavement is deep and painful.

Grief is one of the most inevitable consequences of death and is a natural and healthy process. Grief over the death of a pet should be allowed to happen openly and freely, but should not be all-consuming.

It is normal to grieve over the loss of a special relationship, especially one that was filled with joy, fun, comfort, unconditional love and companionship. And while grieve over the death of a pet is normal, many people will not understand the intensity of your pain. Just remember that you are not alone, and that millions of people around the world deal with pet bereavement on a daily basis.

If you are experiencing the death of a beloved pet, here are a few tips to help you cope with the grief and move on:

Feelings you can expect:

Different people experience grief in different ways, so unless you have experienced grief before, there is no way of really knowing how you will deal with it. Sorrow, loss and pain are three obvious feelings associated with grief, but you may experience some of the following emotions as well:

Guilt - Guilt is usually associated with the death of a pet, especially if the death was accidental. There are immediate thoughts of 'if only'. It is often said that guilt is the most useless emotion you can have, and it only makes it more difficult to resolve your grief.

Denial - Denial is another painful emotion which does not help the grieving process. Some owners may feel intense feelings of denial, not accepting that their pet is really gone.

Anger - Another natural emotion, anger may be directed at the illness that killed your pet, the accident, the veterinarian, the owner himself or even God. Sometimes anger can be justified, but when taken to the extreme it distracts and damages your period of grief.

Depression - Another natural consequence of grief, depression leaves you feeling powerless, tired, and emotionally exhausted. Extreme depression leads to demotivation and loss of energy, hope, and even interest in life.

What to do about your feelings

Firstly, you need to be honest about your feelings. Do not bottle up your feelings and deny yourself the opportunity to grieve. This will only lead to long term feelings of guilt, denial, anger and even depression. The only way you can move on is to grieve and come to terms with what has happened.

Do what you need to do to get through the grief. Cry, shout, and talk it out - whatever helps you deal with the pain. Some people find it easier to write down their feelings than to talk about it. If this sounds like you, start writing - poems, stories, a journal, or create a memorable photo collage.

Talking it out

Speak to your family members as they are probably going through the same pain as you. Friends with pets will also understand your pain and offer a consoling shoulder to cry on. Human support is often underestimated, but it is an incredible help in times of need. Speak to someone who knew your pet well and someone you feel comfortable crying and grieving with.

If you do not have family or friends who understand, your vet or humane association may be able to recommend a pet loss or grief counsellor to help you deal with your loss. Your church may also offer free grief counselling. Remember your grief deserves proper support and guidance.

Buying a new pet

If possible, do not buy a new pet immediately after your previous one has passed on. You need time to work through your grief, and buying a new pet will not help. Do not think that a new pet will take the place of the old one. If you are still emotionally scarred, you may even end up resenting your new pet, or may feel 'disloyal' to the previous pet.

When you are finally ready to get a new pet there are a few do's and don'ts you should remember. Do not expect the new pet to be the same or even similar to the old one - preferably, try to get a different breed this time around. Never give your new pet the same name or nickname as the old one, and don't use the same pet accessories on your new pet. And do not, under any circumstances, compare your new pet to the previous one.

Buying a new pet should be symbolic of starting afresh and moving forward, so it should be only be done once you and your family are one hundred percent ready.

This article was written by Pet tags and offers information on dealing with the loss of a pet. For more information on pet tags visit us online at http://www.pet-tags.com


Contact Details:
Email: info@pet-tags.com
Tel: (+61 2) 9369 2666
Fax: (+61 2) 9387 5437
Address: PO Box 1818, Bondi Junction NSW 1355, Australia

Fun Dog Quotes

"Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog."
--Franklin P. Jones

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."
-- Ann Landers

"No animal should ever jump up on the dining room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation."
-- Fran Lebowitz

"Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend; inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
-- Groucho Marx

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."
-- Christopher Morley

"I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing in his water bowl."
--Penny Ward Moser

Laser Therapy: What it is and How it Works

By Ruthie Bently

My beloved dog Skye had a bad accident in December and severed two ligaments in her left leg. I found out the vet used laser therapy in her rehabilitation, and as a responsible pet owner, I wanted to learn more about it.

I know lasers have been around for many years and that the word itself is an acronym (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation). The term laser was coined by Gordon Gould (a Columbia University grad student) in a paper published at a conference in 1959, and applies to a very powerful form of visible light energy in a single wavelength. I remember watching several movies where the hero was going to be cut or injured by a laser, and a Johnny Quest cartoon in the 1960s where the villains used lasers to blow up ships. So what is my vet doing using a laser on my dog?

I needn’t have worried. While lasers can be used in surgery to cut through tissue and cauterize it, laser therapy is not surgery and does not use a cutting laser. Laser therapy has been used on pets for over twenty-five years, and has gained credence as an alternative therapy. Its use as a healing therapy has been documented in over 3,000 publications. As the term laser cannot be used in any treatment other than a superficial one, another acronym was used: LEPT. This stands for Low Energy Photon Therapy, and the machine is called a “cold LASER.” The colors used most often are red (at 610 to 810 nanometers) and infrared (at 800 nanometers or higher wavelength). The color used depends on the energy needed to stimulate a specific healing process in the body.

Pulsed and continuous are the two kinds of laser therapy used by veterinarians. You should speak with your veterinarian to determine your best course of action in using laser therapy. They will be the ones best qualified to advise you on which method should be used, depending on your dog’s situation.

Continuous laser therapy is used when inflammation is present. It is used to stimulate blood vessels to increase blood circulation and heat to the area affected by the inflammation, as well as dispersing fluid buildup to the area. This method also helps to reduce any pain associated with the inflamed area and is used to help heal surgical incisions, chronic ear problems, surface injuries or wounds.

Pulsed laser therapy is used when immediate pain relief is needed. It interferes with the transmission of pain impulses to the brain and is used in pain management. It works well for long-backed dogs like Basset Hounds or Dachshunds that are prone to back pain, though it can help any dog with back pain. It is also used for overexertion during sports competitions or regular exercise, as well as arthritis.

Other health issues laser therapy is used to treat are traumas to the body due to a wound or injury to bone or muscle. Effects of surgery from the removal of a growth or a broken bone can be sped up by laser therapy. Inflammatory conditions that can be helped are gingivitis, granulomas caused by excessive licking, ear problems (either acute or chronic), inflammation of the anal glands and idiopathic cystitis (an inflammation of the bladder). Neurological conditions, nasal problems, and dermatological issues have also be cited to have been helped. Laser therapy can be used to stimulate acupuncture points for pets unable to tolerate the acupuncture needles.

A word of caution: while laser units are available for purchase by the general public, there is a danger of applying the therapy at the wrong frequency. This can cause disruptive rather than healing benefits. Protective glasses should be used, as there is a danger of eye damage to the patient, veterinarian or handler. This can happen either through reflection or directly by the beam, especially with the infrared wavelengths. Laser therapy should only be administered by a veterinarian or by someone you have been referred to by your veterinarian. While you can treat your own animal, if you treat someone else’s animal you could be cited for practicing veterinary medicine without a license. If you are considering purchasing one of these units, I strongly recommend asking your vet to teach you how to properly use it.

The benefits of laser therapy are that it can be used to treat many kinds of injuries, without drugs, pain or surgery. It stimulates the body to heal itself by using non-thermal photons administered to the body to be absorbed by the injured cells. The injured cells are stimulated and the rate of metabolism is increased. This in turn increases circulation which reduces inflammation, relieves pain and accelerates the body’s natural healing process.

Read more articles by Ruthie Bently

What Qualities Does a Therapy Dog Need?

By Julia Williams

Last month I wrote about some of the many hard working dogs I admire. Naturally, therapy dogs are among this elite group of canine good citizens who contribute to our society. A therapy dog’s “job” is to visit nursing homes, retirement homes, hospitals, schools, prisons and other places where their emotional support is needed. Therapy dogs bring happiness, comfort, love and vitality to seniors, sick people, the disabled, and others who can benefit from the special spirit-lifting attention of a canine.

What exactly does a therapy dog do? Sometimes they provide much-needed companionship, and sit or lie quietly while being petted and talked to. Therapy dogs may work with disabled children, or visit elementary schools to help kids learn about humane treatment of animals. They might also visit patients in pediatrics, oncology, and other hospital wards or hospice centers.

Though sometimes thought of as service dogs, therapy dogs aren’t classified as such because they’re not trained to stay with people and don’t directly assist them with tasks. Therapy dogs also don't require the intensive specialized training that service dogs do, but they must still be taught basic canine obedience, as well as how to properly act in a variety of settings and situations.

Have you ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to be a therapy dog? The good news is that virtually any breed of dog, large or small, young or old, can become a certified therapy dog. However, not all dogs have the personality and temperament needed to be successful at it. A therapy dog must be friendly, even-tempered, consistent, gentle, confident, comfortable meeting new people, and reliable in unusual environments. Above all, they must love people and truly enjoy being around them while being hugged, kissed and petted.

Qualities that make a good therapy dog include:

Good Canine Manners

A therapy dog needs to walk nicely on a leash, at the handler’s side. A dog that pulls on their leash can pose a safety hazard. They should not jump up on people or bark during a visit.

Naturally, therapy dogs need to be properly socialized with people. But they also need to be socialized with other dogs as well as cats, birds and even rabbits, since a facility might have any one of those as a resident. Very often, dogs and handlers will do team visits, so it’s important that a therapy be able to get along well with other dogs.

Therapy dogs need to be very obedient, and come reliably when called, even in high-distraction environments. They can’t jump onto beds or laps uninvited, or put their mouths on people. They should be able to greet people and respond to affection while maintaining a “sit,” so they don’t overwhelm frail patients or frighten people who aren’t used to being around dogs.

Therapy dogs must respond to commands given in a calm, quiet voice. Besides basic commands such as sit, stay and down, many therapy dogs know commands such as Paws On (put your paws up on a bed or chair) and Paws Off (put your paws back on the floor).

During a visit, therapy dogs may be exposed to bits of food on the floor, buffets, meal trays and other tasty morsels. Good therapy dogs respond reliably to commands to resist such temptations, such as “leave it,” which is essential for their own health as well as the patients they are visiting.

Comfortable Being Touched

A therapy dog must tolerate being petted on every part of its body, including the ears, tail and feet. Some patients may have problems with motor skills and muscle control, and their petting can be awkward or inadvertently rough. Any signs of aggression towards people would disqualify a dog as a certified therapy dog.

Social Skills

Therapy dogs may encounter all sorts of strange and startling things, such as loud voices and noises, shouting, crowds and unexpected noises. They can’t be expected to ignore these things, but should be able to recover quickly and not try to bolt away.

Therapy dogs will likely encounter many strange pieces of equipment and unfamiliar objects such as crutches, wheelchairs and gurneys. They need to remain calm and be comfortable and confident around these things.

Cleanliness and Good Health

A therapy dog needs to be bathed and brushed often, especially right before a scheduled visit. Their nails need to be kept short to avoid accidental scratches. Their skin and coat should be healthy and free from any sores or skin irritations. They require current vaccinations and annual vet check-ups.

Disposition

Good therapy dogs tolerate being dressed up in silly hats, costumes or capes that make people laugh and brighten their spirits. While this is certainly not a requirement or an everyday thing, it can be a way to add extra joy to holidays or other special occasions. It also doesn’t hurt if the dog knows a people-pleasing trick or two.

CANIDAE is proud to sponsor several therapy dogs, including Stitch, Riley and Sophie, a trio we profiled a few weeks ago. You can read their touching story here, or check out other special canine achievers on the CANIDAE website.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

How to Calculate Your Pet's Age in Human Years

By Linda Cole

Advances in medicine over the years have increased our life spans through better diagnosis and treatments. Veterinarian medicine has also given our pets a boost in their life span. When trying to figure out what your pet's age is, the old school of thought has been 1 year in dog years equals 7 years in human years. It seems that scale is now obsolete. But what about cats? If the old formula has changed, how do you calculate your pet's age in human years?

Our age gives someone an idea as to what our level of experience is according to how old we are. Age can indicate if someone is mature enough to handle certain responsibilities or young enough to still require supervision. For us, age tells us if someone is in their golden years, middle aged or still wet behind the ears. Our pets also mature at a certain age, but because they have a shorter life span, they age faster than we do.

Calculating your pet's age gives you an idea of what their chronological age is. Figuring out our pet's age in human years helps to see them at their actual age as they grow older. A 7 year old dog or cat is approaching middle age and is about 44 years old by our standards. By her tenth birthday, she's 56 according to human age and not far from her golden years. Using the old formula of 1 dog year equals 7 human years is simple and easy to remember, but it doesn't give an accurate calculation when comparing a pet's age to humans. For example, a cat or dog who has reached their first birthday is able to reproduce; a 7 year old child has a ways to go before they reach that milestone.

In the 1950s, a French veterinarian named Monsieur LeBeau devised a new way to calculate our pet's chronological age by using their average life expectancy (the number of years a species can expect to live) compared to the maximum number of years they can live (the age where no person or animal can live past). Modern medicine has increased the average life expectancy for both humans and animals, and that's why the LeBeau formula is more accurate in determining your pet's age. Different breeds of dogs have different life expectancy and smaller dogs and cats have a longer average life expectancy than larger dog breeds.

Using this new calculation, a one year old pet has matured at the same level as a 15 year old human. At age two, your pet's age equals a 24 year old person. We are considered to have reached maturity at age 24. So pets are fully matured at age two. Every year after two, add 4 human years to 24. A three year old pet is 28 and a 12 year old pet is 64 years old in human years. This gives you a more accurate chronological accounting of your pet's age according to his aging process.

One interesting thing about LeBeau's formula is that after the age of 14, cats and dogs begin to differ in age as they grow older. A 15 year old cat is considered to be 74 where the dog's age goes to 74.5. At 18 years of age, the cat is 80 and the dog is 82. And the 20 year old cat is 84 and the dog is 87.

The maximum life span for humans is considered to be around the age of 110. Dogs are thought to be able to live no longer than 29 years and cats can reach a maximum age in their mid 30s. So taking the differences in maximum life span for humans compared to cats or dogs, the dog's age after age 14 is calculated at two and a half human years compared to two years for cats. So that's why a 20 year old cat is chronologically younger than a 20 year old dog. The cat has a longer maximum life span.

Like us, our pets have different factors that help enable them to live a long life. Nutrition, exercise, genetics, and social and mental stimulus all play a role in your pet's health as well as life expectancy. Your pet's age in human years gives you an idea of where they are chronologically and helps you provide for them as they age. You can be a responsible pet owner by making sure your dog or cat eats high quality pet food and gets proper exercise. Lots of mental and physical stimulus helps keep their mind active, and regular vet care throughout their life can help your pet reach their golden years. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy their love and companionship.

Read more articles by Linda Cole