Do Dog Paws Suggest They Originated in a Cold Environment?

Scientists studied the mystery of how dogs can stand on frigid snow and ice without apparent discomfort.

Dog Paw Have Counter-Current Heat Exchange

Tokyo's Yamazaki Gakuen University studied dogs to gain understanding why dogs do not seem to feel the cold even with a high surface area-to-volume ratio, suggesting paws should loose heat easily.

Dr. Hiroyoshi Ninomiya and his research team used a scanning electron microscope to study four dogs and their paws.  They discovered that arteries supplying blood to the pads had numerous networks of small veins that acted as a counter-current heat exchange.  Essentially, the blood warms up before it returns to the body. Human extremities react differently.  When exposed to frigid temperatures, blood vessels vasoconstrict reducing blood flow.  A dog's system prevents the blood from cooling while keeping paw temperatures reasonable.  When blood arrives in the paws via arteries, heat is transferred to the veins warming the blood before it is returned.  This prevents cold blood from returning to the body and keeps paw temperature at a reasonable.

The findings suggest that dogs may have originated in a cold environment, since their paws are adapted for it. Although frostbite in dog paws is rare, it can happen.

+Marietta Vet Clinic and +Julian Peckich DVM, veterinarian and affordable pet clinic are happy to offer tips concerning pets.

Shelter Dog Hits Ten Years in Adopted Home

Shelter dog, Princess hits 10 year mark in her adoptive forever home. "Princess couldn't be a better dog," says owner. "She has been tolerant of 2 year old Willie, a very active and noisy hound dog mix that tries to chew her back legs, and cry when he doesn't have the toys.  She treats him well."

Princess, a dingo mix was rescued after living with homeless people who left her behind near Fulton Industrial Blvd in Atlanta.  She was trying to survive in 20 degree weather with puppies, all near starvation. She began to be fed by Atlanta Grotnes, a machine company that had to lure her with fast food from Wendy's. She was taken home by a wonderful employee, Myra Kimmerling, as a foster home in a thin, rough condition.  Princess tested heartworm positive and underwent extensive treatment.  After a long recovery process, she turned into a playful puppy.

Princess then found her forever home with a dentist, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS. She still looks like a young pup.

It's been 10 years with the Kimmerling's in January, and +Marietta Vet Clinic, and veterinarian, +Julian Peckich DVM are happy to welcome Princess to the vet family.  Congrats Princess on winning the lotto!

Relieve Holiday Stress, Wear an Ugly Holiday Sweater and Win a Prize

Do you have one of those ugly holiday sweaters to don this holiday season?  No better medicine to relieve

Got an Ugly Holiday Sweater? Join the fun!

holiday stress than to put it on for fun.  Ugly holiday sweaters have become all the rage in the United States.
That's why +Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian +Julian Peckich DVM along with +Verde Pointe Dental Associates and +Kirk Kimmerling DDS are hosting the "Ugly Holiday Sweater Event for 2013" with prizes included.

Entering the fun is easy.  Just don your favorite ugly sweater and head on over to the professional complex and visit the office of  Dr. Kimmerling or Dr. Peckich and let them see your holiday fashion.  Two winners will be selected on December 31, 2013, one each from the offices.  Prizes include free professional strength dental whitening at the dental office and a free pet exam at the veterinarian clinic.  It's that simple.  For more details, check us out on prweb and Marietta Vet Clinic.

Most Dogs Can Learn to Use a Pet Door Simplifying Life

Pet doors are considered unsafe my many people. They have come a long way, so there's reasons to take another look at why more and more people are using pet doors.  Dogs that use pet doors, love them and so will you.

Teach Your Dog to Use a Pet Door

Some electronic pet doors only open for your pet, alleviating the worry of wild animals entering the house, or unwanted people.  These particular doors allow your pet freely in and out, only in, or only out, or locked both ways. This is possible because pets wear a collar mounted device called an electronic key that allows the door to open only when the pet nears. 

Interestingly, some pet doors can accommodate glass sliding doors as well. 

People with a large dog are often afraid a large door can fit a human intruder.  If they understand the technology and the dog is friendly, they can enter the house. However, most pet owners have multiple dogs.  This usually persuades people to go elsewhere.  

There is a downside to a pet door, as some pets may be adverse to using it. Training, such as coaxing with treats or initially leaving it open may help.  It's possible a pet will refuse and never use the door.

In general, doggy doors have made both pet owners and pets happier, both dogs and cats.  Although, expensive, an automatic doggy door can make life happier and easier.

Marietta Vet Clinic and  veterinarian +Julian Peckich DVM are happy to schedule an appointment to discuss any concerns you may have training your pet.  

For the Sake of Georgia's Shelter Dogs and Cats

It's no big surprise to many that Georgia has a serious dog and cat population problem.  Animal rescue groups are very aware that many healthy pets are euthanized every day due to lack of homes available. Southern Animal Rescue performed a 16 month study in 2007 to help get a better understanding on the

Consider a Shelter Pet

number of pets euthanized at the Animal Control shelters and societies in the state of Georgia.  There were an estimated 250,000 dogs and cats euthanized in Georgia shelters in 2007.  That amounts to about 685 animals a day.

How can you make a difference?

1.  Spay and neuter every pet in your home. If cost is a factor, consider a low cost spay and neuter clinic.

2.  Be an advocate for animals. Explain to neighbors with animals the importance of spaying and neutering.

3.  Do not take pets from backyard breeders, people on Craig's list without a proper license.  Report them        to the Department of Agriculture's Animal Protection Section. THese peope, aware or unawre add                significantly to the problem.  http://agr.georgia.gov/  800-282-5852 Ext 4914 or 404-656-4914

4.  Look at the local shelter when you are ready for a pet.  Even pedigrees are available.
     http://portal.cobbcountyga.gov/index.php?     option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=492
     http://atlantahumane.org/

5.  Volunteer your time to help a rescue group, local shelter or a low cost spay and neuter clinic.  Even
      children and teenagers are valuable when it comes to help.

Marietta Vet Clinic, veterinarian +Julian Peckich DVM and staff are happy to answer questions you may have concerning spaying and neutering a pet.  It takes all of us to make a difference.