I’m a fan of Frenchies; a Bulldog, Boston Terrier and Boxer buff; I’m partial to Pugs and Pekes; and I admit serious sentiments for Shih Tzu. In addition to my abundant affection, these breeds have in common certain anatomical traits that make them both wonderfully cute and incredibly impaired. Brachycephalics, or “smushed-face dogs,” while extraordinary in appearance, must be cared for carefully to keep them healthy and happy. Here is some must-know health issues for flat-faced dogs.

1. Flat-Faced Dogs Have Difficulty Breathing

If you’ve spent more than 2 minutes around a brachycephalic dog, chances are you heard snuffling, snorting or snoring. This is usually due to narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares), a large tongue (macroglossia), a flap of tissue flopping down from the roof of the mouth (elongated soft palate), tiny trachea (tracheal stenosis) and bulging pockets of tissue in the back of the throat (everted laryngeal saccules). Any one of these can cause serious respiratory trouble in most dogs; brachycephalic breeds can suffer from all five.

Many brachycephalic dogs will require surgical correction of one or more of these conditions. Bulldogs top that list, but any smushed-face dog may eventually benefit from surgery. Most dogs are fine during normal activities; it’s only when stressed, intensely active or overheated that airway issues pose a lethal threat. I strongly urge owners of brachycephalics to use comfortable harnesses instead of constricting collars to avoid compressing already compromised airways. When selecting a brachycephalic puppy, carefully observe the parents and grandparents whenever possible, and ask about any upper airway issues. Also check the size of the nostrils and breathing sounds for any narrowing or noises. Heat hazards

Dogs don’t perspire to cool down the way humans do — they pant. Breeds with breathing problems, such as brachycephalics, are more prone to overheating and heatstroke. It’s critically important to keep them cool and calm, especially during warm weather.

2. Brachycephalic Dogs Have Eye Health Isseus

The smushed-in face and skull also create eye anomalies. The most frequently diagnosed eye problems I encounter involve the eyelids, especially entropion — an inward-rolling eyelid that causes the eyelashes to rub against and scratch the eyeball (cornea). Surgery is usually successful, although some dogs may require additional eye tucks as they age.

Another common issue is tear staining. Dark streaks surrounding the eyes or wet, constantly draining eyes are hallmarks of tear duct problems. Surgery can’t help this problem; daily cleaning is the best advice. I don’t recommend using antibiotics in an attempt to reduce staining or tearing. They don’t work and may create complications, including antibiotic resistance.

Some brachycephalics’ eyes bulge so much their eyelids can’t adequately cover the corneas, resulting in drying, irritation, scarring and even blindness. This is called lagophthalmos and often requires both medical and surgical treatments.

The bulging eyes are also at higher risk for “popping out” or proptosis. I’ve had to surgically replace many eyes in Pekingese, Shih Tzu and Pugs during the past 25 years. Thankfully, most do well, although a few required eventual eye removal due to blindness or complications. “Dry eye” or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is also something I diagnose in many brachycephalic dogs. You can spot a dog with dry eye by the thick, goopy discharge, cloudy corneas and angry sclera (white part of the eye). Dry eye requires daily medication to prevent eventual blindness.

3. Those Cute Noses and Facial Folds Cause Problems

One of the facial features we love about brachycephalics is the “pug nose.” Unfortunately, it’s a nose for trouble. In addition to narrowed nostrils, the skin folds around the nose and eyes can trap debris and moisture, causing serious skin infections.

4. Dental Health is Also a Concern

Cramming 42 teeth into such a tiny mouth can be a problem. I see many smushed-face dogs with crooked, overlapping teeth and lots of oral problems. Home dental care, good nutrition and twice-yearly vet checks are essential to keep your brachycephalic healthy and pain free.

Despite all the health issues for brachycephalic dogs, it’s hard to resist their charms. They’re intelligent, caring and attentive in a way few breeds can match. Maybe it’s the fact that they give so much that leaves them vulnerable and fragile. Whatever the case, we need to be more vigilant when breeding brachycephalics and provide extra-special care when we bring them into our homes. My hope is that future generations of flat-faced dogs will be healthier, sharing their unique joy with everyone who loves them.

Flat-Faced Dog Breeds:

• Affenpinscher
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldog
• Bullmastiff
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• English Mastiff
• English Toy Spaniel
• French Bulldog
• Japanese Chin
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Spaniel

Dr. Ernie Ward is an internationally recognized veterinarian known for his innovations in general small-animal practice, long-term medication monitoring, special needs of senior dogs and cats and pet obesity. He has authored three books and has been a frequent guest on numerous TV programs.

Tell us: Do you have a flat-faced dog? Have you encountered any of these health issues?

Thumbnail: Photography ©GlobalP | Thinkstock.

Read more about dog health on Dogster.com: 

• Why Brachycephalic Dogs and Other Flat-Faced Pups Don’t Do Well in Summer Heat
• 4 Lessons Every Pet Parent Should Learn to Help Give Their Dog a Healthy Life
• 6 Ways to Help Your Itchy Dog

Editor’s note: This article appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you! 

The post Health Issues for Brachycephalic or Flat-Faced Dogs appeared first on Dogster.

via Dogster http://ift.tt/2yHhbgb

My dog Mayzie was rescued by Second Chance Animal Rescue in Colorado. At the time, she was approximately two years old and had spent her entire life at the end of a rope in someone’s backyard. She had little food and water and only the frame of a drawer for shelter. To our knowledge, she had never lived in a house until she went to live with her foster mom.

When we adopted her two months later, we knew her history and that she was a “sensitive” dog. But beyond that, we really had no idea what we were getting into. Truth be told, I’m not sure we could ever have been prepared for the enormous project we were undertaking.

Mayzie was quite literally afraid of everything. A list of “Items That Terrified Mayzie” included: hardwood floors, stairs, the oven, the dishwasher, the BBQ grill, the umbrella on our patio set, the wind, ceiling fans, walks, getting in the car, getting out of the car …

Well, you get the idea.

Today, though, with a lot of hard work, patience and cheese therapy, Mayzie is a happy, funny, confident dog. Sure, there are things that still scare her, but she now has the tools she needs to deal with most things that come her way.

But, oh, I remember how challenging those first few days, weeks and years were. And I realize now that while there are many resources out there on how to help a fearful dog, they generally don’t prepare the human for the unique challenges and rewards that come along with it.

So if you’re just starting your journey or have been at it for a while, here are some tips to help your fearful dog.

1. A fearful dog’s journey isn’t a straight line — don’t expect it to be

Humans seem to be hardwired to want to get someplace by the shortest, most direct path. When it comes to working with a fearful dog, however, it’s best to accept that you’re going to be taking the scenic route. You should prepare for setbacks and breakdowns, and you may have to take an alternate route every once in awhile.

The fact is, setbacks are going to happen and they’re perfectly normal when it comes to our fearful dogs. But that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Even in the worst case scenario, you’re likely not going to go back to the place you started. If you stay the course, you’ll be gaining ground and moving forward toward your goal. So when detours happen, acknowledge them but don’t let yourself be discouraged by them.

2. Learn to enjoy the perspective

After adopting Mayzie, I became hypervigilant about everything around us. What were the potential triggers on our walks? What might cause her to fly into a panic in the house? Frankly, it was stressful because it seemed that Mayzie’s many boogeymen were always lurking just around the corner.

But then I slowly began to realize something: I was seeing things in a way I never had before. Maybe the flowers in one of my neighbor’s gardens had begun to bloom. Or maybe another put up a new fence. And, wow, I never noticed that beautiful weeping willow down the street before. Once I began looking at the world through Mayzie’s eyes, I not only helped her, I received the gift of appreciating the world around me in a whole new way.

3. Revel in small victories

One morning on our walk, Mayzie stopped dead in her tracks and backed up several steps, her body low to the ground. I immediately became extra alert. What threat had I missed? Then I saw it. After a hard rain the night before, a large dahlia bloom had dropped onto the sidewalk and into our path. Any other dog wouldn’t have even noticed. Not Mayzie. This was new and different, and in the past it might have sent her into a panic to get away. I stood still, studying her for clues on the best course of action.

As I watched, she slowly crept her front legs forward, her neck outstretched, while somehow keeping her back legs poised for flight. Closer and closer she inched until she was finally nose-to-bud with the flower. As soon as she sniffed it, all tension released from her body. “Duh, mom, it’s a flower! And you were so scared,” she seemed to say as she trotted happily away. To anyone else, it might have seemed inconsequential. But to me it was another example of how far this fearful dog had come. I smiled all the way home.

4. There will be tough days and you might want to give up

About two weeks after we adopted Mayzie, we had a really, really bad day. Everything that could go wrong, did. I was at my wit’s end and felt completely in over my head. As my husband and I climbed into bed, I broke into sobs and blurted out, “I don’t know if we can do this! Maybe we should give her back to the rescue.” I shocked even myself by saying that. I was raised to believe that an animal, like a child, is a lifetime commitment, but I was tired and frustrated and simply didn’t know what to do.

My husband looked me in the eye and said, “She’s ours now and we’re not giving up on her. You’ll feel better after you’ve slept.” And you know what? He was right. I woke with a better outlook and renewed determination to help my dog. That wasn’t our last bad day, by any means, but I was better prepared for them in the future.

5. Just remember — it gets better

Five years ago, I never would have believed where Mayzie is today. Never. I couldn’t have conceived of a reality where she would love to go for walks or that I could flip on the ceiling fan without a second thought. Yet here we are. Some days/weeks/months, it felt like we were making no progress at all. But looking back on it, I realize that things were getting better even if it was hard to see at the time.

One of the best pieces of advice I got was to start a journal to keep track of progress. I started a blog. You might prefer a notebook. But whatever you do, write it down. It’s so helpful on the difficult days to read about how far you’ve come, how much progress you’ve made and how it really has gotten better.

6. It’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do

I can’t even begin to count all the hours and money I’ve invested in helping Mayzie become the dog she is today: happy, healthy and with a full, rich life. Is she “normal” (whatever that means)? Well, no, I guess not and probably never will be. She was too far behind the eight ball to ever catch up completely. But every minute and every dollar I’ve spent have been worth it. All the work we’ve done together has created a trust and a bond that is rare and unbreakable. It’s been an amazing, challenging, crazy roller-coaster of a ride, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Your turn: Do you have a fearful dog? What has been your biggest challenge or reward? Tell us in the comments!

About the Author: Amber Carlton is owned by two cats and two dogs (all rescues), and is affectionately (?) known as the crazy pet lady amongst her friends and family. She and her husband (the crazy pet man) live in colorful Colorado where they enjoy hiking, biking and camping. Amber is a freelance copywriter and blogger for hire and also acts as the typist for her dog’s musings at Mayzie’s Dog Blog. She encourages other crazy pet people to connect with her at her business website, on Twitter or on Facebook.

Read more about dog fears and anxieties on Dogster.com:

• 5 Road-Tested Tips for Traveling With Fearful Dogs
• How I Helped a Labrador Puppy Overcome His Fear of Human Touch
• How I Taught My Nervous, Skittish Dog to Be Brave

The post 6 Things to Remember When You Have a Fearful Dog appeared first on Dogster.

via Dogster http://ift.tt/1gVtqXn

via Life With Dogs http://ift.tt/2xaPw9Z

As a dog parent, one of my worst nightmares is dognapping. As a result, I’m pretty obsessive about the safety of my own dogs, and I always worry about dog theft when I see dogs tied to bike racks and lampposts outside of coffee shops, grocery stores and other spots around New York City. So, what is dognapping? Why does it happen and are certain breeds or types of dogs targeted? How do you prevent it in the first place? What do you do if it happens to you?

Dognapping — the basics

An estimated two million pets are stolen every year in the United States. The American Kennel Club, which tracks instances of dog theft from their National Pet Theft Database, found a 31% increase in dognappings in recent years, with newly stolen dogs reported daily from communities across the country.

Dognappings happen for many reasons and dogs may change hands multiple times after being stolen, which makes them even harder to locate. Thieves often steal dogs hoping to make money off of them. This might be someone looking to collect a reward, or something even more sinister. Intact dogs (canines that aren’t spayed or neutered) may be sold to puppy mills or backyard breeders, small dogs or dogs of popular, expensive breeds might be taken and resold, or dogs may be sold to dog fighting rings either as fighters or bait dogs.

According to Pet FBI, some of the top small dogs targeted for cash include purebred Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Maltese and Chihuahuas, while Pitbulls, Boston Terriers, German Shepherds and Boxers fall victim to theft for dogfighting rings. In NYC, there has been a rise of dognappings of small dogs in return for cash.

How do you keep your dog safe from dognappers?

Never leave your dog unattended in public places or in your yard

Unattended dogs are easy targets for dognappers. If you are running errands that aren’t dog friendly, leave your dog at home.

Be proactive about dognapping

Hopefully your dog never goes missing, but you’ll need to prove he belongs to you if he does. Microchip your dog, and ensure that your contact information is up to date with your microchip company. Thieves could remove a collar and tags, but microchips are permanent forms of identification for your dog. Some dog guardians even use the advanced technology of Dog DNA tests to prove the identity of their dogs.

Hire professionals when it comes to pet-care providers 

In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of dogs going missing while in the care of dog sitters — and never being seen again. Only hire responsible, insured and trusted pet-care providers and always check references before hiring a walker, daycare or sitter.

Use caution with overly curious strangers   

Be very guarded with your dog’s information. Sometimes, dognappers will try to determine how much a dog is worth, and if they’re spayed or neutered before taking them. Deflect detailed questions from strangers — particularly about how much your dog cost.

What do you do if someone steals your dog? 

Get help

Immediately call the police and your local animal control department. File a police report.

Talk to everyone

Try to find any witnesses who might have seen the dognapping occur. This will help you and the police get information about who has or had your dog. Distribute current, clear photos of your dog right away.

Research and use every available resource

Search out local lost and found groups online and on Facebook.

Other helpful sites include:

• akcreunite.org
• http://ift.tt/2xcUSSf
• homeagain.com
• petfbi.org

Contact the media

Social media sites like Facebook are instrumental in spreading the word about lost or stolen dogs. Don’t forget to contact your local media — newspapers, TV and radio — to try to increase coverage of your dog’s disappearance.

Protect yourself, too

People whose dogs are missing are vulnerable to being taken advantage of even further. I can’t even imagine how desperate I would be if something happened to one of my dogs — I would want to do everything and anything in my power to get them back. The Better Business Bureau warns pet owners to watch out for scam artists who demand reward money before they return the missing dog. For example, someone calling to say they are a long-haul truck driver who found your dog out of state and requesting money to get your dog back to your state, or someone saying they need money for airline tickets and a crate to ship your lost dog back.

Thumbnail: Photography by Shutterstock.

Read more about dog safety on Dogster.com:

• 7 Storm Preparedness Tips for Dog Owners
• 6 Household Cleaning Products That Are Not Safe for Dogs
• When Should You Call an Emergency Vet and How Do You Find One?

Sassafras Lowrey is an award-winning author. Her novels have been honored by organizations ranging from the Lambda Literary Foundation to the American Library Association. Sassafras is a Certified Trick Dog Trainer, and assists with dog agility classes. Sassafras lives and writes in Brooklyn with her partner, a senior Chihuahua mix, a rescued Shepherd mix and a Newfoundland puppy, along with two bossy cats and a semi-feral kitten. Learn more at sassafraslowrey.com.

The post Dognapping: How to Protect Your Dog and Get Him Back If He’s Stolen appeared first on Dogster.

via Dogster http://ift.tt/2wLpKq4

Why do dogs pant? My dog, Baby, and I go hiking through a nearby forest just about every day. By the time we return home, we’re both huffing and puffing a bit harder than normal. The hotter and more humid the weather is, the more I sweat, and the more intensely my dog pants. While I’m always sweating like a maniac, though, Baby remains as dry as the proverbial bone. Does her tongue, lolling off to one side, help her stay cool?

Why do dogs pant?

One of the most obvious differences between humans and dogs is how our bodies respond when they start to warm up. Dogs can manage rising body temperature through sweat and through their blood, like us, but not effectively. For dogs, panting is the primary mode of heat relief.

Do dogs sweat at all?

Yes! Dogs have glands all over their bodies, just like we do, but theirs serve different functions. Most of the pores and hair follicles on our bodies can produce sweat. For the most part, a dog’s glands release oils and scent chemicals called pheromones. Between baths, the oils protect and condition the skin and coat, while the pheromones are largely used to communicate with other dogs.

A dog’s true sweat glands are located on their noses and feet. No one’s really sure what a dog’s sweat glands are actually for. Moisture on the nose might help them detect scents with more precision. When dogs sweat through the paw pads on their feet, it could be for added traction. Whether we’re talking about a Maltese or a Mastiff, a dog has so few proper sweat glands, they’re practically useless for cooling a dog’s entire body.

How dogs beat the heat

In the summertime or after a period of heavy activity, you may notice that what little exposed skin your dog has changes color slightly. Pigmentation and markings vary from dog to dog, but when a dog gets hot enough, his normal skin color takes on a pinkish hue.

As a dog’s body heats up, the blood vessels closest to the skin widen or dilate. Warm blood passes through these expanded vessels, cooling down on its way back to the heart. Since dogs show very little skin and can’t sweat anywhere near as much as we do, temperature control is left to their mouths!

How does dog panting work?

Have you ever posted a photo of your dog’s mouth hanging open for “Tongue-Out Tuesday”? These images are endearing, even comical. When it’s hot or humid, and your dog’s tongue is at full extension, it means he’s doing all he can to cool off! The methods dogs and people use differ, but the effects are the same. When we sweat, the hottest fluid in our body rises to the surface and evaporates. That evaporation cools us gradually.

Panting does the same for dogs. The warmest part of a dog’s body is the chest cavity, where his heart and lungs are in constant motion. The more real estate a dog can expose to the open air, the faster super-heated fluids can evaporate. A wide-open mouth also gives moisture a chance to evaporate from every surface the open air can reach, including a dog’s windpipe and lungs.

When dog panting’s not enough

In theory, the more intensely a dog pants, the more relief it provides. If the heat is extreme, or if your dog has a short muzzle, even panting at full strength can’t keep him from overheating. Limiting exercise to short bursts in the morning or evening, making sure your dog has fresh water and letting him lounge around with the air conditioning on are always winning strategies!

Thumbnail: Photography ©eurobanks | Thinkstock.

Read more about dog behavior on Dogster.com:

• Is Your Dog Eating Poop? How I Got Mine to Stop
• Can Dogs Cry and What Exactly Is Dog Crying?
• Dog Trancing — What Is It and Why Does Your Dog Do It?

Melvin Peña is a writer, editor, social media manager and SEO specialist who spends most of his time in Durham, North Carolina. His interests include his dog, Baby (of course!), art, hiking, urban farming and karaoke.

Editor’s note: This article appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you! 

The post Why Do Dogs Pant? appeared first on Dogster.

via Dogster http://ift.tt/2xRTP78