Hi all. Shelby here… Mom has been extra careful with us this week given the heat wave we are experiencing. As we were talking this morning and she was rubbing my sweet belly, I suggested she remind others of the danger of puppies and overexposure to the heat, and what to do in an emergency. It is important to know how heat can effect us puppies, especially those of us with squished little faces!!

Exposure to high temperatures can be very dangerous for us ShihTzu pups. Even my own big sister Porsche (oh, how I miss her!) experienced heat exhaustion when she was a puppy and if Mom hadn’t acted quickly Porsche would not have survived. Allowing us to have fun, but using moderation and protecting us from too much heat is important.

As a ShihTzu pup, we have trouble tolerating the heat. This is because we are what is called a brachycephalic breed. This is a big word that means we have a lower than normal jaw and a compressed upper jaw. It is the feature that makes us so cute, but can also lead to respiratory issues that are worse when it is hotter outside and can prevent us from “sweating” like those other dogs that have a longer snout.

There are a couple of different conditions that effect our breathing. One is called Tracheal stenosis, where are windpipe narrows in some places and when it is hot weather (or really cold) this condition can be more difficult to manage. We also have a longer soft palate. This is the area that separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. Due to how squished our faces are, this can cause the soft palate to move into the throat, which can be worse when it is hot and is signaled with a snoring sound. We will sometimes here this more from our brothers. We also need to pay close attention to our older brother Tesla, as his vocal cords were crushed before he was rescued and we worry that this windpipe was also damaged making him more susceptible to breathing issues.

Some of us may also have another condition called Stenotic Nares or as it may more commonly be called, “pinched nostrils”. Because our faces are small and squished our nasal openings are also very small and while some of us will outgrow this, others of us will always experience this situation, which can also become worse when it is hot.

Mom said it is important to tell people that being outside in hot weather doesn’t cause any of these issues. But these issues when it is also hot outside means we can’t tolerate the stress of the heat or can lead to breathing issues. It can also mean that we aren’t able to pant as well as other pups, and this means we don’t cool down as effectively as other dogs. This is really important because being able to pant is the main way us pups cool down. When we can’t pant ‘normally’, we can struggle in the heat as we need to work harder to pull in the amount of air needed to cool, and this can lead to swelling and inflammation of the airway.

In addition to breathing and cooling issues, Mom said it is also important to remember that heat intolerance includes our paws on hot surfaces. Our paw pads are made of skin and because of this they can be sensitive to the heat and our little paws can be easily burned, which hurts. Avoiding paved surfaces on hot days becomes really important to keep our little feet from burning!

So what can our humans do to help protect us?

1) Keep us cool. It is fun to be outside, but limit our time outside when it is hot! Walk us when it is cooler. A good walk early in the morning and then maybe another in the evening is a good plan. Doing shorter and even a couple of walks is better for us when it is hot. Besides, I love a walk at night, because it will also help me sleep better.

2) It is best to keep the house no hotter than 76 degrees – using a combination of fans and an air conditioner can work best. If you lose heat, consider relocating to a place where the environment can be cooled. Keeping us from getting too hot in a house without cooling can be as dangerous as having us outside in the heat. And NEVER, EVER, take us and leave us in a car on these hot days. As much as we want to be with you, it is always better for us to stay home where we can be cool.

3) Be sure the shade and curtains are drawn during the hottest part of the day to try to keep the house no hotter than 76 degrees. If needed, consider using a cooling blanket to help keep us cool. Mom told me when my oldest brother, Beemer was just a pup she once used a big bag of peas for him to lie on to help keep him cool! We are thankful we have central air in our current home. But Mom still has a big bag of peas on hand just in case – and here I thought they were for treats!

4) Remember we can’t tell you if the ground is too hot – so please test this before taking us for a walk. Simply because the sun is going down doesn’t mean the ground still isn’t hot! Place your hand on the walking surface and if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for our little feet…

5) Consider keeping your pup in a “summer or puppy” cut – Mom keeps us in this cut year around, but we especially like this during the summer. We also love to have a wet bandana tied around our neck, as this helps keep us cool and I love to suck the water out of mine! I know – such a silly puppy!

6) Know the signs of puppy heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and act quickly to cool your puppy down and seek medical care immediately. Heat over exposure can be fatal in your puppy and good common sense can help keep your puppy safe.

Signs to Watch for if your Puppy experiences Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke!

A puppy experiencing heat overexposure does not need to have all of these symptoms. Having just one (1) of any of the following signs is a signal to stop activity, cool your pup down and seek medical help:

Initial Signs:

• Heavy Panting
• Excessive drooling
• Gums will be red
• Fast heart beat
• Acting dizzy and or disorientated, i.e. stumbling, having trouble walking, walking into walls, etc.
• Decreased urination
• Black stools

Later Signs as the Condition Progresses:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Pinpoint areas of blood that shows on the skin
• Vomiting (stomach contents and/or blood)
• Seizure
• Muscle tremor
• Body temperature above 103 F (39 C) Note: temperature should be taken with a canine rectal thermometer and normal temp is 100 F to 102.5 F (38 C to 39.2 C).

Symptoms Right Before Fatal Stage:

• Shock
• Cardiac arrest
• Kidney failure
• Inability to breathe
• Unconsciousness

Steps to Take to Help Your Pup:

1- If your pup is showing any signs of heat exposure bring your dog into the house or to a shady spot if you cannot reach the house

2- Begin immediately taking steps to cool your puppy down. Give the pup water (if they will drink) and if not, try to give them small sips of cool (not cold water) from a bottle. You will want to transport your pup, but it is important to first cool the pup down before you transport otherwise precious time can be lost.

3- If stopping activity, drinking fresh water and cooling down inside does not stop the succession of stroke, here is what to do:

• Soak down towels with cool water NOT cold (too cold can be a shock to the pup) and gently lay the towels all over the body.
  • If outside, pour 3/4 of any water you have over your pup and call for help.
• With the wet towels in place, use fans to move air over your dog.

4- Continue working to cool down your pup and keep checking body temperature (rectally). Once the temp is below 103 F (39 C), it is time to carefully transport your pup to the veterinarian or closest animal hospital.

• If you don’t have a puppy thermometer in your house (but be sure you do!) then it is okay to proceed to transport your pup once you have taken the steps at cooling. Having help from someone to continue to keep your pup cooling is helpful.

The veterinarian will test your pup to make sure that there is no lasting damage from the heat episode. IV fluids may be given and an overnight stay or several days in the hospital may be needed.

Taking a balanced approach to helping your pup enjoy the day while following safe guidelines is what is important to allow your puppy to have fun and be safe.

Oh – and be sure to take precautions with your cat too! I know our Mom makes sure when it is hot that Miss Bentley stays inside with us as well!!

Material referenced: http://www.allshihtzu.com/shih-tzu-summer-care

 

Happy Mom’s Day to each of you whether you are a Mom or a Dad needing to be a Mom, or the Mom of someone like me with four-legs – you each play an important role in the lives of your dear children. For me it is Happy “Puppy Mom” Day – and I really have the best Mom ever!

Even though my life had a rough beginning, I think my life as a puppy has really been blessed. I now have a great “Forever” Mom (and a Dad), but before my new Mom, I also had a great Foster Mom, who saved my life. I will always be very grateful to my Foster Mom for all she did for me and for making sure I would find my way to my new Mom. Who could ask for two more wonderful women to be a part of my life.

Mom’s Day is an interesting and special holiday. Some think of it as just a “Hallmark” holiday. I’m not quite sure what this is, but my Mom tells me the start of this holiday was not influenced by Hallmark. Although, they did start to “commercialize” the holiday as early as 1920.  But today is very special, because it is meant to honor a little known woman in history.

The first Mother’s day was celebrated in 1908, but it didn’t become an official national holiday until 1914. Wow that is a long time ago! It came about when a woman named Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her own Mom, Ann Jarvis, at a place called St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Anna had been working hard to have Mother’s Day be a recognized holiday since the day her Mom died in 1905 and it is pretty cool why! Ann Jarvis had been a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War, and she had created Mother’s Day Work Clubs to help address public health issues. Anna wanted to honor her mother by continuing the work she had started and by helping establish a day to honor all mothers, because Anna believed that a mother is “the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world”! Can you imagine someone like this? I can.

As a puppy, I am very lucky to have one of those Moms who loves me unconditionally, just as she does all of my siblings. She makes sure we are fed, we are loved everyday and we have treats – oh yes! TREATS! She lets me run in the house, squeak my toys, and sometimes “nibble” her hand – although, she tells me “no bite” just like she tells me “no bark”! I’d like to think I am special – well, I guess I am being the only girl pup in the house! I always sleep right next to my Mom, so I can be close to her; and while each morning Mom gives the boys love and each a kiss, she is extra special with me. Every morning Mom gently wakes me up by first rubbing my head and then my often exposed little belly. She gives me a kiss on the my cheek and often gives me a kiss on my soft little belly and oh this feels so good, and she always tells me how much she loves me. I know from the moment I awake until the second I go to sleep how much my Mom loves me.. And, this makes me a very happy puppy.

I didn’t always know this kind of love and as a young pup, only about four to five months, I was forced to become a Mom. I will never know what happened to my own babies and this makes me sad. But Mom told me she understands and that she is sure my babies are all safe, just like I am now safe. Mom always knows just the right thing to say to warm my little heart and to make me feel better.

Oh – and please forgive my absence the past few weeks. My Mom has been spending a lot of extra time on the computer and this has kept me from writing to you. But Mom promises me this will be changing very soon! Like today! She isn’t working from home, which means I can be on the computer all day! Maybe I should check out what she is saying about me on her Facebook page!!”

 

Mom has had lots of cats and pups in her life – but for the last sixteen years she has had a special place in her heart for us Shihtzu pups, our cat and now our “Healthy Hospice” brother (we lovingly call him that). Here we are, left to right in each row – Beemer and Porsche (now our Angel puppies in Heaven), Miss Bentley, Lincoln and Tesla, Me of course, and Me with Bugatti, and finally Bugatti or Buugi for short!! He looks a little different from us as being part mini-Schnauzer, but we love him all the same.

The note on the right is a note from my and Buugi’s Foster Mom, Jena, isn’t it perfect!

So to all the Moms who love their babies, just like my Mom (and Dad) loves me – Happy Mom’s Day – and Happy “Puppy Mom’s” Day to all!!

 

Happy National Puppy Day! And in my world, this means Happy National “ME” Day! Because as the baby of the family and the only girl (other than Miss Bentley, the Cat) it is of course all about ME!!

My Mom and Dad grew up with pups who enriched their lives and taught them about responsibility and unconditional love. As my Mom grew older, she transitioned from big pups (she had labs and malamutes, and even a St. Bernard/Malamute mix – WOW!) and she fell in love with our special breed. We were specifically bred for companionship and want nothing more than to be by the side of our humans. Dad readily learned that loving our Mom also meant loving her pups. Then this past month, Mom and Dad also opened their hearts and our home to my new brother, an older mini Schnauzer mix who wants to equally be by Mom and Dad’s side.

Mom explained to me that over the past 16 years, her life and our Dad’s for the last three,  have been blessed by six of us little creatures that they readily call their kids, because as kids do, we steal a part of their hearts. Beemer, Porsche, Tesla, Lincoln and in the past six months, Me and now Bugatti. Each with our own personalities and attributes that set us apart. Each with our own stories of heartache, courage and survival, each of us just wanting to be loved.

Beemer and Porsche are no longer with us but as the first boy and first girl they still touch our hearts; Tesla our survivor after seven years in a cage in So. OR, who has learned much about the world in the last three years and only wants to be loved each day and returns it in spades, he often fills the role of the protector; the baby boy, Lincoln, the shiest, but at nearly four is finding his courage; I am now the youngest, I was made to have pups at five months and then I was thrown away and then saved from the kill shelter by wonderful people, Mom says I am high energy and high spirited (I think these are good things) and she says I love, love, love beyond measure; and now our oldest, Bugatti, tossed away to die only to find new life and new love, he is a sweet older boy. We have a wonderful puppy family, and of course there is Miss Bentley, our resident cat, who makes sure we all know who is in charge! She is much like our Mom from another breed, who sits by the door and cries when we are out for our walks, and sleeps with us on the bed, she is really a cool cat!!

My Mom and Dad tell us they couldn’t imagine a life without us little ones. Mom thinks today should should be celebrated as National Take Your Pup to Work Day! But better yet, she is working from home today, so we get to be with both her and Dad all day to celebrate!!

My Mom thinks today is also the perfect day to visit a local puppy shelter and to open your heart and home to a puppy like me, who like many rescue puppies, just wants to be loved.

We are really lucky and blessed little pups!!

Wow!! What a night.. After Mom was off work, Mom and Dad drove out to where our new older brother had come in to town. Mom told me later that the pup was a little nervous at first, but he immediately went into Dad’s arms and gave Dad a sweet kiss. He walked on his leash to the car and had his tail up and wagging! In the car, he sat next to Dad while Dad was driving. Mom said the pup acted like he had been Dad’s driving partner forever. The pup wasn’t nervous and he sat between the seats watching the world of his new home pass by. Mom is pretty sure that this new pup is a “man’s dog”!

When they got home, Dad was carrying a big black package when he first came through the door.. Lincoln saw something in Dad’s arms move, then I saw it too. But what was it.. I seemed to recognize something, but wasn’t quite sure what it was..

Dad had us all go out into the backyard and then he put this big black bundle on the ground! A DOG! A bigger dog than me.. But he seemed like a nice dog. I was the first one to check him out. I followed him around and I was smelling him. He smelled like something I knew, what was that smell? Oh my Goodness!! That is the smell of my Foster Mom and my Foster Home!! I would know that smell anywhere! This big black bundle was my Foster Brother!! I had never met him. But I know he is one of the special rescues from JourneyHome Rescue and he is my sweet new brother! How could this be!

My brothers were the next to meet our new brother. Oh yeah – my new brother’s name is Bugi – Wesley “Bugatti” Klein – Bugi, pronounced “Boo-gi” for short. I think his name fits him perfectly. Lincoln was really playful and his tail was in the air. Lincoln was pretty excited and went from Mom to Dad, and then back to the new pup.. Bugi is a black color with a little silver mixed in, kind of like Porsche, maybe Lincoln thought Bugi was related to his big sister. They were very close and Bugi is about the same age as Porsche was. Tesla wasn’t so sure he wanted to meet the new pup. At first he didn’t want to come outside, Mom had to carry him out and then he only wanted to go back in. But Mom closed the puppy door, so Tesla would know he needed to stay outside for a little while with all of us. Tesla was indifferent to Bugi while we were outside and kept his distance. But when we came in the house, Tesla made sure Bugi understood that he may be bigger, but Tesla is still the “Man” (male pup) of the house. Dad is and always will be the Man of the house. I know Tesla will come around. He did the same thing with me and I am just a little puppy girl. But now we are good puppy siblings.

Introducing a new pup can be challenging. But Mom and Dad did really well. They seemed to do this naturally. But Mom also has experience introducing pups to each other, Porsche to Beemer, then Lincoln to Porsche, then Tesla to those two, then me to those three. Today it was our turn to meet our new brother.

Mom and Dad had left our puppy blankets in the back of the car, so Bugi would smell them and he would also have our smell on him when he came into the house to meet us. Mom and Dad introduced us carefully to one another and they did this outside where we were less likely to be “territorial” than we might have been inside the house. They let us wander in the backyard and we were able to follow each other around and smell one another – this is how we get to know each other. No pressure and we took all the time we wanted. Bugi searched around the backyard smelling all the bushes and “marking” them. But it was funny, because Lincoln followed after him doing the same thing! Silly boys!

When we came in the house, Mom and Dad let Bugi roam around and become familiar with his surroundings. This is a new place and I remember the first day I arrived about five months ago. So many new sights and smells to take in and all at one time. I remember feeling overwhelmed and I am certain Bugi was feeling the same thing. I told him not to be worried, he would okay and Mom and Dad would take good care of him.

Bugi’s eyesight is failing, but he seems to see his way around the house pretty well. But, I already told him that I would help him find his way. All on his own, Bugi found the water bowl and the food bowl (both good signs)! He has good appetite and he ate his first Honest Kitchen dinner right up. He also took his medicine, he gets a pill twice a day for his heart failure. Mom put his pill in a yummy “pill pocket” – peanut butter flavor! I like these too and sometimes I get these for a special treat, even without a pill!

Dad took the time to be with each of us and we all got treats sitting on his lap. Dad gave the first one to Tesla, then Lincoln, then me, then Bugi. Mom explained it was important to be sure that all us pups didn’t feel like they were being replaced by this sweet new pup. Bugi came up and sat with Dad. He laid down and fell sound asleep. Dad let me up in the chair too. I laid down close to Bugi and we both slept.. I am sure Bugi knows already how much he will be loved.

I am so excited.. Today is a big day at our house!! We are celebrating Tesla! Today is his birthday and it is also his Gotcha’ Day!! I wasn’t sure what a Gotcha’ Day was – but then I learned I have one too! Gotcha’ Day is the day we celebrate the “anniversary” when someone new joins the family, for us it is the day when a new pup joined our pack.

Wow! Tesla – we get to celebrate your your Gotcha’ Day, your anniversary of becoming my big brother, and it is also your birthday! Mom explained we don’t know when your real birthday is – so they made it the same day as your Gotcha’ Day! We are pretty sure you are 10 years old today!

Mom explained that celebrating Tesla is really important so he knows he is loved and is cherished by his forever family. Mom and Dad rescued Tesla three years ago through the Oregon Humane Society.  Tesla and I are both rescue pups. But his story is much different than mine and knowing what he survived makes me admire and love him all the more..

Tesla was first named, Abraham Nightshade. A kind of silly name, but with a serious meaning. This name is long for the initials A.N. Where they found Tesla was a terrible place and A.N. was chosen as his first name, as these are also the initials of his evidence marker for the location where they found him. Mom said to imagine a grid with letters across the top and letters along the side – then find the place where the A and N intersect. This is where they discovered Tesla. Tesla came from a puppy mill in Jackson County of southern Oregon. Tesla was one of 51 puppies who were saved that day in January 2015, 41 came to Portland and the remaining puppies stayed in southern Oregon to be adopted. The video of his rescue came up in Mom’s FaceBook memories this morning and it made her cry. It is the only link we have with Tesla’s past and it is a sad memory.

OHS estimated that Tesla was seven years old when he was rescued. When people don’t know the birthdate of a pup, they estimate this based on the condition of a pup’s teeth. So Tesla could be younger or he could be older. OHS told Mom and Dad they were pretty sure Tesla had stayed in a cage most all of the first seven years of his life. Can you imagine? They also think he was one of the stud dogs (he is beautiful), as he needed to be neutered before he could be adopted. His fur was a mess, he was very thin, in addition to needing to be neutered, he was dewormed four times, and had both eye and ear infections. His teeth were so bad he had to have 14 pulled and then Mom and Dad had another two pulled last year (they had broken off from long ago). The worst of all is that the bad people who had him before crushed his vocal cords and so he has this little, “old man” bark. It is a bark we love..

Tesla had a “medical tag” when he was adopted, because of all his surgery. But otherwise he was a very healthy boy. Tesla was fostered a few weeks before he was placed up for adoption because he needed time to recover and to become more socialized. I was fostered too, so I understand why this is important. Sweet Tesla, wasn’t potty trained, had never been on a leash, didn’t know what a toy was and didn’t know what treats were – can you imagine a puppy not knowing what a treat is?? He sure knows now!! It took almost a year for Tesla to run, as he only fast walked with Dad. The first time Tesla ran made Dad cry!! Wow I can’t imagine – I run everywhere and every time I get a chance!

Mom said that more than anything, Tesla needed to be loved, like so many other ShihTzu puppies, and so many other rescue puppies – and boy did he find a lot of love in our new forever home! He still gets a little grouchy at me and I have learned not to startle him, because this scares him. I think he lost some of his hearing from being an older dog and all the ear infections. But when I am a calm puppy he loves hanging out with me!

So today we celebrate Tesla! Tesla asked for his favorites – steak, baked potato and Honest Kitchen Cupcakes with peanut butter icing!!! I’m sure he will be saying double prayers today – he is so funny, he circles his Dog dish and gives little tiny barks and then he will eat. I think today we will join him in saying prayers! We are all blessed little puppies!!

Happy Birthday – Happy Gotcha’ Day Tesla!! We Love You!!

 

Mom. I heard you and Dad talking tonight. Is it true we are getting a new brother? Can you tell us about him?

Mom explained that we are opening our hearts and our home to a new pup, who is coming from the same rescue where I came from – Journey Home Rescue – he must be really special. They have been taking care of him and hoping to find him a forever home. Mom talked with my Foster Mom (Hi Foster Mom!!) and she told the story of this sweet boy.

His name is Wesley.  I’m not sure what kind of car a Wesley is – but Dad must know! But Wesley isn’t young like me, he is an older pup, they think about 13 years old. He is also not well and it is very sad, because the family he lived with decided they didn’t want him anymore. I cried when my Mom told me that his family threw him away, just like I had been thrown away. I asked Mom how people could do this to us puppies who just want to be loved. She couldn’t tell me, she only held me closer and told me she loved me.

Mom shared the message that was posted by Wesley. It read: “I’m looking for a final refuge/hospice home. They say that my eyes are failing and I’m old. Can you believe after giving my entire life to my family they left me at the shelter! I guess they weren’t really my true family after all, so I’m on the hunt for a place in my twilight years with someone who understands my tattered little body just needs some place to lay down, sit beside you and watch the sunsets❤️❤️  Peace and quiet is all I’m asking for until the end of my days. I promise to love you until the last breath I take. Wesley”

Wow… Mom said that when she and Dad read this message from Wesley, who is a West Highland Terrier that they knew they needed to open our home and love this little boy for as long as he has left in his life. He isn’t with us yet, but we are expecting him to arrive very soon…

I know how much he will be loved in our home, because I saw how much they loved my sister Porsche before her time came to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Having a puppy on hospice, who doesn’t see very well (and isn’t a ShihTzu) will be different for us. He gets daily medication for his heart, Mom said his heart is failing; and he needs to have a bath every other week for his skin. He may also need to start taking medication to keep him comfortable, just like we gave Porsche. But in many ways things will be the same. Wesley will spend time sitting with Mom and Dad, he will go on walks with us and Dad will have Beemer’s stroller to take Wesley on walks as Wesley’s heart get weaker. He will also sleep with all of us at night, because Mom hears he likes to snuggle and like us, he wants to be with his pack at night.

I love my Mom and Dad for opening their hearts, just like they did when I came to our home. They do this even though they know this sweet old pup may not be with us for long. They will do what they can do to help ensure his final days or months are filled with special and unconditional love. 

 

 

 

My Mom and Dad take really good care of us. They take us for walks, they feed us really good food, they make sure we are loved – and this year they made sure we got a special shot to fight off something called the puppy flu. Mom said this was really important for us to do, because this year there is a risk of puppies in our area getting sick. I was a little scared to get a shot. But I got to sit and ride with my Dad to the doctor, and he held my paw when I was getting my shot, and then I got a yummy special treat. We had to get two shots – the first one and then something called a “booster” a couple weeks later. I was much more brave for the second shot!

Mom explained to us what the puppy flu is and why it is important for us to be careful, because she doesn’t want us to get sick. Mom said in addition to getting shots, we are also being careful not to go to the park or be exposed to other puppies, who may be sick. She told us we had to be especially careful, because we have such cute little noses! Not sure why my cute nose makes a difference, but Mom is a nurse and pretty smart. So, I always listen to my Mom.

This is what I learned from my Mom. Canine influenza virus (CIV) or the Puppy (Dog) flu is a viral infection that can affect our lungs making it hard for us to breath. It is found primarily in dogs but, it can also affect cats. Mom explained there are two different types of this virus found in the US – these are called H3N8 and H3N2. These types of the puppy flu have been found in No. California and Nevada, and now in our state, Oregon. People need to check with their own Veterinarians, because other areas in the Country may be affected as well. Mom also said just because she likes to call all dogs “puppies” doesn’t mean the flu just affects puppies, it can make all ages of dogs sick, which is why it is important to be careful.

The Oregon Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Emilio DeBess, is telling dog owners to take steps to protect their dogs from both types of the virus. He explained that dogs who are “at-risk” need to take special care. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places such as kennels, groomers, daycare facilities, shelters and rescues are at increased risk of infection. Also dogs with pre-existing heart disease or lung disease, some senior dogs, and “brachycephalic” breeds (this long word means dogs like me with short noses and flat faces – but really cute faces) may also be at risk.

It is a very strong virus and it can be passed easily to other dogs. Mom explained that puppy flu is an airborne disease, much like kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica). The virus travels in droplets from a cough or sneeze and can be transmitted by contact with contaminated objects (for instance, a chew toy).

There is less risk if your dog stays at home and rarely contacts other dogs. But, if your dog is boarded, goes to daycare, or the dog park, your pup may be at a higher risk. If your dog is coughing, it should not go to public places where it could contact other dogs until your veterinarian agrees it’s safe for your dog to go out.

Mom explained it was important to know what to watch for with the dog flu. The most common clinical signs are coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, sneezing, and discharge from the eyes and/or nose. It is a strong virus and dogs can get sick really fast, within 24 hours of of being with an infected pup. Mom explained there are also dogs they call carriers. These dogs don’t show symptoms, but can make other dogs sick for weeks. Most dogs diagnosed with canine influenza experience a mild form of the disease, but those at higher risk can get very sick.

Mom says to Call your veterinarian if your dog develops a cough, especially if your dog has received their kennel cough (Bordetella) vaccine. If your dog is coughing, it is important not to take your pup out to locations where the pup may infect other dogs. Early intervention is key to limiting community outbreaks and making sure other dogs don’t get sick. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your dog has been boarded, sent to the groomer or involved in any social activities (dog park, day care, etc.) within the last month. This will help your vet know you might have been in contact with a sick dog.

Mom said to remember – coughing can be related to a variety of significant diseases or conditions. Your veterinarian is best qualified to diagnose your dog.

Mom also wants me to remind you to be sure to take precautions to be sure your pup won’t get the puppy flu. If you handle a sick pup, be sure to wash your hands before touching another pup. Better yet, it’s best to avoid contact with pups that appear sick.

Vaccines are available and just like my Dad did, if you hold their paw, your pup won’t be scared to get their shots. Discuss with your veterinarian whether it is appropriate for your pet to be vaccinated. For us, our Veterinarian sent Mom and Dad an email telling them all about the risk of the flu and recommending we come in to be sure we were kept safe. We love how our doctor takes such good care of us! Just like my Mom and Dad take such good care of us!! We are definitely very blessed puppies..

Information obtained from Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. Canine Influenza Virus: Information for Dog Owners. 2018-02-16 08:00:00

I was so excited this week!! We had snow! Yes, the white fluffy stuff that falls from the sky. I had never seen or been in snow before. But I loved it. Mom was always after Dad to put my coat on and he did when we went for our morning walk. But the last night it snowed I was too excited and ran out to the backyard with my Dad before he could put my coat on. I had snowflakes on my face! My head! My tail!! I really didn’t want to come in. I just wanted to run and chase the flakes and taste them. Wow! Snow tastes really good. But Mom, said it was time to come in (especially because I didn’t have my coat on!)

Doesn’t Mom know that dogs love to be in the snow! Of course being my Mom she had to try to find the answer to why we love snow so much. She turned to a publication called Scientific American and found a really good article. It confirmed that Dogs do indeed love SNOW!

The article quoted a women by the name of Patricia McConnell. Dr. McConnell is really smart when it comes to puppies. She is what you call a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.  This means she has studied and understands the behaviors of Dogs (and likely people, too)! Dr. McConnell has written a cool book called The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs.  Dr. McConnell notes –  “Why do dogs love new snow? Good question. Let me answer it with another one: Why do kids love snow? Why do some adults? I remember growing up in the Arizona desert and seeing Christmas cards with snow and feeling deprived. Truly deprived. When it did snow once in Tucson everyone was crazy with excitement.

“I honestly don’t know why snow is so exciting to dogs, and kids, and adults who don’t have to shovel it. But maybe because it’s new and different (predators love change, prey animals hate it), and it turns the world into one big play room for animals that love to play. (I’m thinking too of river otters who love to play in snow. So do bears.)

“So, who doesn’t like snow as a new toy, unless you have to shovel it, hate where you are snowed in, or are a hawk who goes hungry because the field mice and voles can hide from you so well under the blanket of white?”

So Mom! It is as natural for pups to love snow, as it is for you and Dad, and all the neighbor kids… I know you had to spend your snow days working on the computer, but it was so much fun for me to be outside with Dad. I only wish we had more like a foot instead of just a couple of inches! Maybe next time it will snow more!!

What! Next year I will also need to wear boots – and a coat?! MOM!

 

We may look sweet and innocent, and most of the time we are. But my mischievous side  led to an emergency trip to our favorite vet hospital today. But the chocolate bar tasted so good and Mom, I shared with Tesla just like you taught me!

It was only 2-3 small size squares of milk chocolate and caramel, and Dad really thought it was out of the way. But I am a very smart girl. I have learned how to get up on chairs, and from chairs I can get up on the table, and well you get the idea. My curiosity and the smell of a possible treat or new toy gets the better of me. Dad has been trying out giving me a little more freedom, so I wasn’t in my crate. But, Mom and Dad didn’t know I have learned this new trick. I guess it is not a trick that Mom thinks is a good trick, because I learned when we got home that I will be confined to quarters for the foreseeable future when Mom and Dad are not with me.. Oh boy! But I know this is best, that they love me, and they are only doing this to keep me safe! 

In fairness – I really didn’t know how dangerous it was to eat chocolate and now I feel very bad about scaring Mom and Dad like I did and tempting Tesla. He really didn’t eat too much, but mostly licked the wrapper. But the smell of chocolate on his breath meant he had to be treated today too! I hope he isn’t too mad at me…

This is what I learned today – Chocolate is toxic to dogs (this means it can make us very sick). How dangerous the chocolate is depends on the type and amount of chocolate that is eaten and how much a dog would weigh. I weigh only 11.1 pounds and I ate most of the chocolate, so this is more dangerous for me than for Tesla who weight 15.5 pounds (by the way Lincoln weighed in at 16 pounds today!! Whoa!).

Given that I ate milk chocolate the least dangerous of the chocolates, Mom didn’t need to panic. But she did the right thing calling the vet or if it had been later in the evening, she would have called DoveLewis Emergency Hospital or Pet Poison Control (Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680). We had to have our tummies emptied, we had IV fluids, and we were given some medicine to help calm our tummies. We are not very hungry right now and we will likely spend the evening staying close to Mom and Dad for some puppy love.

I also learned that chocolate contains both something called theobromine and also caffeine, both of these things will speed up our heart rate and stimulate our nervous system (from the Merck/Merial Manual for Veterinary Health). Here is a list of the some of the types of chocolate listed in order of theobromine content:

Mom said it is important for puppy parents to also know the signs of chocolate poisoning. These usually appear within 6 to 12 hours after a dog has eaten chocolate and may last up to 72 hours. But if you know your dog has eaten chocolate, it is best to do what our Mom did and call your Veterinary doctor immediately. Signs of chocolate poisoning include the following:

I learned from Mom today that it is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. A day to show unexpected kindness to another. But, I’m puzzled and asked Mom why does there need to be a special day for kindness, shouldn’t kindness be shown every day?

I know from my own experience as a puppy that people aren’t always kind. When I was a little puppy I lived in a place where I was scared most all the time and when I was only five months they made me have puppies. I was too young and it was scary. Not long after these people must have decided I wouldn’t be a good puppy Mom and I was adopted by people who only kept me for a few weeks. They had health issues and they couldn’t handle a bundle of energy like me. So, I became a disposable puppy and was abandoned in a kill shelter. The thought of how close I came to dying as a young puppy still brings my Mom to tears. I didn’t understand how people could be so unkind. But soon, some very caring and kind people at JourneyHome Rescue saved my life. I was taken in by my Foster Mom where I lived and was loved for almost three months. She showed me so much kindness and she helped me learn that I was worthy of being loved. It was my Foster Mom who helped find me my forever home where I now live. A place where I not only experience kindness, but also love, every day.

Mom said I was a very smart puppy to ask this question – that yes, she believes that every day we should show kindness to all creatures, humans, animals and even plants. (But she said it was okay not to show this to spiders – Mom does not like spiders!) Mom explained that when we show kindness to others it warms their heart to know someone cares, but it also warms the heart of the one who has cared. She asked me if I understood. Then she told me to remember the first time I was held by my Foster Mom or by my Forever Mom and Dad – could I remember how warm this felt in my heart? She said that when she and Dad held me for the first time, they felt this same warmness in their heart, something she called unconditional love, the ultimate act of genuine kindness.

Mom helped me understand that showing kindness is something people are usually taught as children, but sadly not everyone has a good teacher to learn kindness. Mom explained that the origin of kindness comes from something people call “The Golden Rule”. I didn’t know what this meant. But she explained “The Golden Rule” is based on the concept to treat others the way you want to be treated. It sounds so easy, but Mom explained that for many people they have never learned this very basic concept or maybe they forgot its importance along the way.

Mom shared something she had read by an important person – Maya Angelou. This is: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Mom said this is the reason that every day we need to be aware of what we do and how this makes someone else feel. The smallest comment or act can bring someone down. But even the smallest act can help build someone up. It is about doing something that the other person doesn’t expect. It is about being kind with no expectation of anything in return.

I asked Mom and Dad what they did today that was special. She shared how today they went to our local police department and took them donuts and a note to say thank you. She explained it is also her nephew’s birthday today and he is one of the brave police officers they want to help make feel special. She said that with all the challenges in the World right now, being thanked for doing one’s job will make them feel good and that people care. Very cool Mom and Dad! And I hear that donuts are their favorite treats!

Mom had me think about what I might do as a puppy to be kind to others. Well – I can bark less at our neighbors; and for my brothers, I can make sure I let them have the treats first and even though this will be hard for me, seeing how happy they will be, will make me feel happy. For Dad, this is harder. My Dad is always so kind and I already spend lots of time loving him. But, I know! I can surprise him by sharing my new prized giraffe toy and I will sleep next to him even more tonight. He won’t expect me to share this with him and I know he will love being able to play with this and have me close too!

So, what random act of kindness did you show today?