The Lucky Dog Newsletter
Happy Spring!
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 Lucky Dogs Have 9 Lives too!
In the next couple of weeks we will be making announcements about the "Rescue Romp" (a time when potential adopters can tune into our cameras and check out the dogs available) and other information regarding the rescue. We will also feature homeless dogs in our Newsletter starting in April.
To our regular clients, we want to reassure you that the 9 Lives Rescue dogs are as fully vaccinated as your own dog, nor do they come from shelters directly to Lucky Dog. Most are relinquished from owners that can no longer afford to take care of their friend. All rescue dogs will be professionally evaluated for their temperament, and only dog and human friendly dogs will be fostered by Lucky Dog. If you find room in your heart for another four-legged buddy, please check out our adoption page which should be up on our web site in a week or so. Also, watch our "Rescue Romp" (times will be posted in the near future.)
Debi Ropes-Stevenson
General Manager, Lucky Dog Resorts
9 Lives Rescue can always use volunteers. Contact them at 591-4640 or mention it at Lucky Dog and we will have a representative contact you.
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| Contact Us |
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4401 Mark Dabling Blvd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907
719-599-9663
or
2801 Janitell Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
719-527-9663
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| Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
Lucky Dog and Peak Addiction Recovery Center are joining together for the Furry Scurry to help raise money for pets in need!
If you would like to Join us or Support us for this cause: Go to the Link Below: http://support.ddfl.org/site/TR?fr_id=1070&pg=entry
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Xylitol - Sweet and Deadly
One of the many products containing xylitol
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Xylitol is a common sweetner used in gum, mints and a variety of sugar free and dietetic cookies. Although perfectly harmless and helpful to humans, xylitol has a darker side. Dogs ingesting this chemical can become seriously ill, and unless aggressive veterinary intervention is sought, some dogs will not live through the experience.
Xylitol can cause a dramatic drop in a dog's blood sugar level. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning are similar to other types of poisonings; vomiting, lethargy, and trouble standing or walking. Some dogs may develop internal hemorrhaging and/or seizures, lesions and eventually liver failure. As few as three sticks of gum can be toxic to a 20 pound dog. This is quite startling when you think regular size pack of gum or mints may contain as many as 24 pieces!
The ASPCA poison control unit is aware of 10 dog deaths from xylitol poisoning since 2002. Countless other dogs have become ill, and since xylitol is not always identified as the culprit, there may be many more cases than we are aware of.
Xylitol can be found in an assortment of varieties, not just in candy and gum. Sugar free Jello pudding contains xylitol and it can be purchased in bulk to be used in baking. Tom's Natural Toothpaste contains xylitol as well! If you have a pantry raiding pooch there could be enough xylitol stored in your home to kill him quickly.
If you believe that your dog may have ingested xylitol in any form seek veterinary help immediately! Your vet may induce vomiting and supportive care will include maintaining a normal blood sugar and potassium levels. The toxic effects of xylitol appear in as little as 30 minutes after ingestion, so don't delay! There is no documented evidence that other species are affected by xylitol in similar ways except for ferrets, that may have a similar reaction to the chemical as dogs have.
Thank you to Vic Bradford, Central Client, and his dogs"Loki" and "Fresca" for suggesting this Newsletter topic.
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Anesthesia Free Procedure for Canine Teeth Cleaning?
When I worked for a vet here in town, pets were always anesthetized for teeth cleaning. A pre-anesthetic blood panel was offered and recommended, especially for older pets, to reveal problems the pet may have processing the anesthesia. Almost all blood work came back normal, but still people worry that anesthesia can cause problems and possibly be fatal in rare cases. Is it really worth the risk?
Please watch the "Anesthetic Free Dental Cleaning for Pets - Let the Buyer Beware" above in quick links. The worry about anesthesia is not only due the fear of something going wrong, but also cost. The majority of the cost of dental procedures is due to the use of the anesthesia. However, for the majority of pets, anesthesia is the only way to go.
Temperament of the Pet
The dogs in the video above have obviously been well trained to allow intervention into their mouths. No matter what kind of dogs you have, you should teach them early in puppyhood to tolerate your hands in their mouths, as well as the manipulation of other parts of their bodies, such as their feet (for future nail clips.) How many of us are successful at this or put true effort into this desensitization is questionable. And how long are these cute little dogs in the video going to put up with this person poking around in their mouths? Serious bites can occur to the handler during such a procedure.
Will this technician be able to restrain an Kita in the same manner?
Technique
The person cleaning the teeth is scraping only the front of the tooth surface. What's going on behind the tooth and will polishing the teeth be possible? Also, these are very young dogs and as you can see, the teeth are fairly clean anyway - no big job here. What about the older dog who may have to have an extraction, or whose gums are inflamed, and tartar build up is excessive?
My conclusion with just a bit of research into the necessity of anesthetic for dental procedures was this. Do it. Yes, there are risks with anesthesia, and yes it is expensive, but the stress imposed on your pet (and we didn't even touch on the problems of cleaning a cat's teeth!), the restraint techniques necessary to hold a dog still so as not to damage the tooth surface, cut his gums, or (gulp!) extract teeth etc. is just above and beyond the capabilities of the best technician out there. The possibility of anesthetic problems during teeth cleanings is much lower than the potential problems with him awake, however, it is best to have the blood panel screening before the anesthetic procedure (which unfortunately adds to the expense.)
Remember that poor oral health can affect your pet's health in general, affect his breath and lead to tooth loss. Have your vet look at your pet's teeth at every veterinary visit!
Thank you to South Client, Floy Kennedy and her dog "Ozzie" for suggesting this Newsletter topic.
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The Power of Play!There are distinct socialization periods in a puppy's development that have been studied and agreed upon by most canine An active pup is a happy pup!
 | behaviorists and trainers. Understanding how important your pup's development is during these periods is the key to providing proper exposures and activities. Pups denied play until they are 12 weeks old can develop strange behaviors such as self mutilation and other compulsive activities to relieve tension. These play deprived pups also learn more slowly, and become insecure and antisocial. They are reluctant to explore their environment, approach other animals, and tend to be afraid of people. It's as if the lack of play exposure slams the door on the pup's natural curiosity. Lack of peer interaction may impair learning response for the rest of the pup's life.
Pups allowed to play with their peers and/or older dogs quickly develop bite inhibition, that is, they learn to use their mouths softly during play. Older dogs and puppies tend to let the overly eager pup know when a bite has hurt, and the pup quickly learns that this does not win him new playmates. This short window of " early puppyhood education" from 6-12 weeks is the most important time in a dogs life to explore social activities with humans and other dogs. This is a crucial time for the pup to explore his environment to avoid becoming overly fearful.Pups isolated during this time actually show physical changes in the brain, sometimes for as short a time as a week. This is why pups should not be left alone for long periods of time, and isolation as a form of punishment is counter productive.
Lucky Dog sponsors "Puppy Pals Social Club" as a free activity at our Central location on Tuesday and Thursday. Call 599-9663 for details!
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Christina Iler
Groom Perfect!
Christina Iler has recently moved from Atlanta Georgia where she was a
well respected canine groomer. She has over five years of experience as
well as formal schooling. She is a graduate of the International
Academy of Pet Design in Alpharetta Georgia in 2005. Christina also
attended the N.D.G.A.A (National Dog Groomers Association of America)
competitions in Atlanta for the last four years and will be attending
the competition in Denver in June 2010. Christina frequently travels to national dog show competitions to
keep up the the latest breed styles and trims. She is proficient in all
breed cuts as well as creative and trendy mixed and designer breed
trims. She is a strong believer in all natural shampoos and products
that are the safest for your pets skin and coat.
Christina has also worked
with several rescue organizations volunteering her time and grooming
skills for abused and neglected animals. She groomed the lucky
dogs at our Central location before becoming our groomer at
Lucky Dog South, and is an extremely gentle and caring groomer. Christina's work is getting rave reviews from our clients and her appointments book up quickly, so call ahead for an appointment - 527-9663.
"A puppy will quickly learn to recognize his new human pack. He'll learn their scent and sound of their voices. But he also needs to learn that visitors to your home or strangers that he encounters outside it are not sources of threat."
-Victoria Stillwell
"It's Me Or The Dog"
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Farley may not look excited, but he is!
Time:9:30AM Saturday, April 17th, at Lucky Dog Central.
You do not have to be a Lucky Dog client to join our Troop, but your dog will have to have all of our required vaccines.
Learn more about Dog Scouting at "Dog Scouts"
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10% Off any boarding stay with play group of 3 days or longer!
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Offer Expires: April 30, 2010
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