One of my favorite sayings from Cesar Milan ("The Dog Whisperer") is that "dogs need a leader not a lover." This is so true! As pack animals, dogs live according to rules designed to keep them safe and fulfilled and to promote survival of the pack. The leader's job is to make sure that this happens. And part of that responsibility involves making sure there's never too much of anything. It's all about creating a healthy balance for the pack. So, what does that mean for those of us who are dog owners--a.k.a., leaders of our pack?

 

In this newsletter and when I see you in person, I often promote ensuring your dog gets exercise through structured walks to maintain health, the right food to sustain and nourish, clear rules to keep them safe, and affection to nurture relationships. But, too much of any of this can be detrimental to the well-being of your pup--and your pack. Too much exercise can create injury. Too much food can lead to obesity. Too many rules can result in constriction and fear. And, even too much affection can bring on or reinforce unwanted behaviors. Instead, it must be shared at times when you, as the pack leader, want to reinforce a behavior or state-of-mind. For example, if you're petting your pup when he's excited, then you're telling him to continue being excited--which isn't good. If you're petting your pup when he's calm and relaxed, you're telling him to continue being calm and relaxed. And that's GREAT!

The bottom line is to be a nurturing, kind and affectionate leader who provides for all the needs of his or her pack with balance. When you do this, you show your dog exactly the kind of love he needs all year round!

Happy Valentine's Day!

WOOF!
Elaine

Seizures are a surprisingly common cause of supreme owner "freak-outs". I can certainly understand that it's a scary thing to see your pet go through, but the seizure itself does not harm your pet in any way unless it is extremely prolonged (>30 mins).

Epileptic seizures are caused by excess neural firing in the brain. Signs of an impending seizure can include disorientation, hiding or increased affection, agitation, and vomiting. A typical Grand Mal seizure usually lasts 1-3 minutes, during which Lucky will collapse, lose consciousness, and shake uncontrollably. During this, he's totally unaware and is not in any pain, but his bladder and/or bowels may let go.

People always worry about dogs swallowing their tongues, but this is incredibly rare, so please don't try to place your hands in Lucky's mouth, but do protect him by placing pillows around him and under his head.

After the seizure ends, take him to the vet to be checked out. He or she will probably recommend bloodwork to check for any abnormalities that could lead to seizures. If it comes back normal, I usually tell owners that the course of the disease after the first seizure is unpredictable. Some dogs will never have another one; some will continue to have them, and if Fido's seizures become too burdensome, you can opt to start twice-daily medication to help control them. The medication is not meant to prevent seizures but to lessen their degree and intensity, and rarely, over time, it can damage the liver, so we advise bloodwork every 6 months to make sure everything's still in good working order, even if Lucky seems fine.

I hope this brief summary helps you if your dog ever comes down with "The Shakes"! Thanks for reading. 

Burn a few calories and learn a few new things all with your graduate dog!