Thursday, August 13, 2015

Is Your Dog Driving You Nuts?

Man's best friend can be very loyal and eager to please.  However, some animals need extra attention to rid certain behaviors.   Training at home or by a specialist can help the home be a more peaceful place.  Certain behaviors when eliminated do just that.

1.  Does your dog jump up on people to greet them?
2.  Some dogs dig holes in the back yard and even planters.
3.  Excessive barking can quickly make a home unpleasant.
4.  Dogs can incredibly chew items such as couches, walls and much more.
5.  Some dogs are aggressive towards people and other dogs during feeding.
6.  Play biting can become aggressive and a painful problem.

If you have identified any of these problems, it's time to turn your dog around.  Most people just need advice and with persistence can train their dog themselves.  However, professional training may be necessary when training is needed for both the dog and owner alike.  Proper techniques can eliminate problem behaviors, set foundations skills and lead to advanced training.  When a dog is trained, everyone in the house is happier including the dog.  Most animals aim to please, so ridding unwanted behavior and redirect energy in more positive ways turns into good for all.

For those of you that decide to train your dog yourself, there are two theories on training.

1. A strong, "alpha dog" will let your dog know who's boss and naughty behavior will not be tolerated. Good advice is to be a boss without becoming a bully.  When dogs become fearful, the dominance can turn into confusion and inability to learn.  You can be a good leader without scaring your dog.
2. The other theory is all about rewards.  The theory suggests rewards when your dog does what you want helps them to learn the behavior you do and do not like.

Both methods can be employed, as long as patience and kindness remain a top priority.  Remember, dogs do not learn on the first try.  They will make mistakes before it sinks in.  Consistency is the important key. Everyone in the household should be on the same page.  Sending mixed signals can result in an anxious, unhappy, fearful dog, or worse yet becomes more entrenched in the bad behavior.  

Good tips to know.

1.  When you announce a walk, do not take your dog out until it quits jumping and settles down.
2.  High energy dogs need more activity such as play dates, fetch with a ball, tug of war, agility runs,
     long walks or Frisbee.  Some dogs need rid of energy before you teach.
3.  When teaching a new skill, keep the training times short around 15 minutes or less.
4.  Always work on polishing up old commands.  Many times, once or twice a week will do the trick.
5.  Before dinner is served, have your practice a command like, sit to earn the reward.
6.  Timing is crucial when rewarding your dog.  Always give a treat immediately.
7.  Always end the training on a good note.
8.  Have everyone in the family use the same word for a specific command.
9.  Be patient, training your dog can take time.
10. Prevention is always best.  Dog proof your home.  Put items up that you do not want to be chewed, and a trash can away that you do not want rummaged through.

If your dog needs training and you need advice, Marietta Vet Clinic and Marietta veterinarian, Julian Peckich DVM can help assess your dog for advice.  They are accepting new pets at the animal clinic from Monday to Saturday.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Marietta Vet Clinic Announces New Website

Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, Julian Peckich DVM are proud to announce a new, more user-friendly website has been launched.  "Our website still offers the same valuable information, but in a better format," says Dr. Peckich.  "It offers valuable information with updated client information, articles and blog posts every week."
Marietta Vet Clinic Announces New Website

The blog has been popular with many people, as it is full of fun stories, pet information and fun facts and events.  People often say they weren't aware of valuable information that improves their pet's quality of life.  If it's news worthy, the clinic shares the information.

On the technical side, the website is a responsive design, making it easy to use across the different platforms; laptop, iPhone, android, desk top and more.  It's an optimal view and interaction regardless of the device used.  Re-sizing, panning and scrolling become proportionate with flexible grids and images.

Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, Julian Peckich DVM invite pet owners to visit the new website. Welcoming new pets to the animal clinic.  
  •     General Examinations
  •     Consultation
  •     Internal Medicine Case Workups
  •     Vaccinations
  •     Diagnostic lab work (blood, urine, culture, wound)
  •     Heartworm Testing, Treatment & Prevention
  •     Feline Leukemia Virus & Feline Immunodeficiency Testing
  •     Parvovirus Testing
  •     Parasite Screening and Prevention (worms, fleas, ticks, mites, etc)
  •     Dermatologic Concerns (scratching, hair loss (alopecia),
  •     Geriatric/Senior Wellness Exams
  •     Pediatric Care & Guidance
  •     Nutritional Counseling
  •     Microchipping
  •     In-Home Euthanasia
  •     Post-mortem Studies (Necropsy)
  •     Elective Surgeries (neuter, spay, bladder stone removal, exploratory surgery, etc)
  •     Mass Removal/Pathology
  •     Dental Assessment, Prophylaxis (cleaning) & Treatment
  •     Dental Radiology (X-Ray)




Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Let's Meet Some Short Spine Syndrome Dogs

Although rare, short spine syndrome dogs do exist. Also known as baboon syndrome, there are five in United States; Alabama, Florida, Maryland, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin with two in Italy.  New York. Ohio. Wisconsin.  Let's meet Pig, Cuda and Quasi Modo.

Pig
Quasi Modo
Cuda     Picture by Julie LaRoy

Short spine syndrome in dogs is a sever shortening of the spine due to compression, as the carleage does not harden to form bone. Some vertebrae are fused together making the spine less flexible with a normal size head close to the shoulder blades giving the appearance of no neck.

The animals back slopes downward towards its back legs, with a short, low set, twisted tail close to the ground.  Limbs are of normal size but incorrectly positioned, as the knee and elbow joints point outward.  The lower half of the abdominal looks abnormally large with a considerably compressed rib cage and reduction in the number of ribs.

Although these dogs have a difficult time in running, jumping and eating, they usually live out of normal lifespan.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Animals That Hoard

Many animal hoard, just like people.  Hamsters, woodpeckers, squirrels, dogs, etc. will hoard, save and guard excesses for a time when things are not as plentiful. Animals hoard food, toys, bedding, bones, etc and even unnecessary items. Interestingly, many animals are particularly wary being watched when hoarding, weary of a raid from another animal later.
All mine!

Have you ever seen a dog chew a bone while laying on another, or a hamster with cheeks full of food?

The term hoarding is typically used to describe rodents, and caching typically used for birds.

Animals store up food with two types of behavior.  Larder hoarding is when an animal puts and defends food in a few large stashes, making the consequence of a raid more devastating.  Scatter hoarding is where an animal stores food items in individual places.  Have you ever heard about squirrel starving because it can not remember where the food was hid?  Scatter hoarding requires a better memory.

If you have a dog that hoards toys, Marietta Vet Clinic can offer advice on relieving stress for the dog and keeping the home a happier place.  For some dogs, leaving out one toy at a time is a quick and easy solution for guarding.  Rotate the toys every couple of days to give the dog variety. This technique can relieve many dogs for a more peaceful existence.

Marietta veterinarian, Julian Peckich DVM welcomes dogs and cats to the pet clinic for behavior issues.  Welcoming new pets from the Kennesaw, Marietta, Acworth, Dallas, and Powder Springs areas.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Diabetes Sniffing Dog Alerts High and Low Blood Sugar

People suffering diabetes understand the importance of keeping blood sugar within limits. In 1999, a
man named Mark Ruefenacht suffered diabetes and after suffering an acute low blood sugar, he was alerted by a dog he was training for the blind.  The dog instinctively roused him from his drowsiness allowing him to get help.  This experience gave Mr. Ruefenacht the idea  to train a Labrador retriever named Armstrong to detect changes in blood sugar.  As a result, he founded Dogs4Diabetics, Inc, a non-profit organization that places dogs with people suffering type 1 diabetics.

Diabetes sniffing dogs can detect both high and low blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Until it is prevented and cured, a trained dog can improve the life of a person affected giving them peace of mind and something fuzzy to love.

If you suffer or know someone suffering from diabetes, a Dog4Diabetics may be for you.

+Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, +Julian Peckich DVM are happy to help safe guard the health of your diabetic dog.  They understand the importance of keeping special dogs in tip top shape.  The animal clinic offers well and sick care for medical alert dogs.