This Week's Meet The Breed: Vizsla

For anyone who has shared time with this incredible breed, there is the unmistakable regal look the Vizsla will give you and there is good reason for this.  This ancient breed earned their regality by being the only hunting dog of its time to also be a companion dog brought into the home and trusted to be around children.

ORIGIN-  The Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting dog.  In fact, the word Vizsla is Hungarian for "Pointer".  This ancient breed dates back to the 10th century. They were the favorite hunting dogs of the Magyar Tribe. Primitive stone etchings over a thousand years old show the Magyar hunter with his falcon and his Vizsla.  Warlords and barons held this breed in high esteem and enjoyed both their excellent hunting skills for "upland fowl" and small prey such as rabbits, and their ability as a gentle, loving companion that could be trusted around their children. The Vizsla was used in the establishment of other breeds such as the Weimaraner and German Shorthair Pointer.  Interestingly enough, the Vizsla almost became extinct in the late 1800's, as they were overrun by the English Pointer and the German Shorthair Pointer, the very breed they helped create!  Lucky for the Vizsla, they were so beloved and respected, the Hungarian people worked hard to protect the only 12 remaining Vizslas in the world, and brought the breed back. Vizla's were then shipped to other countries such as Romania, Austria, Slovakia and Serbia to help increase the stock.  From there Vizslas started arriving in the United States at the end of World  War II to gain AKC recognition (which they did in 1960).  

INTERESTING VIZSLA INFO - This breed is not suitable for being kept outdoors as they have no undercoat, which makes them intolerant to severe weather conditions.  They are self-cleaning and rarely, if ever, require bathing!  The tail of the Vizsla, when used as a working hunting dog, is docked longer than other breeds.  This is because the Vizsla uses it's tail to cut through rough scrub and undergrowth while seeking out fowl and small prey as it wags it vigorously back and forth.   Please note;  We do not condone the docking of tails except for the health and well-being of the breed.  Example:  If a Vizsla is a working  hunting dog and does not have the tail docked, it will be severely injured and/or ripped by the brush they are hunting in.

PERSONAL OBSERVATION - We have never encountered a Vizsla that was not a sweet, gentle loveaholic! Even though every reference we have checked mentions what a high-strung breed this can be, requiring a lot of exercise, the Vizslas we have had in our pack have not been high strung or overly energetic. We have found them to be large lap dogs (and by lap we mean sitting in your lap and lapping your face)!

HEALTH ISSUES - Because they lack an undercoat, they are not insulated from the microscopic pollen in the air and are very susceptible to environmental allergies.  They are also prone to food allergies as well as  Epilepsy, Cancer, Sebaceous adenitis,  Hypothyroidism and Dwarfism.

IS THIS A GOOD BREED FOR YOU? - They're wonderful with all people including children and are even fine with cats if they are raised with them.  Their hunting instincts will kick in with small prey such as squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits, so if you have these little critters hanging around and wish to keep them around,  shy away from the Vizsla.  Since every reference mentions they need a lot of exercise you must be willing to put in the hikes, walks and/or jogs with the Vizsla because some can be prone to chewing if not stimulated enough mentally and physically.  We also would not recommend this breed for those living in extreme heat climates as we have definitely noticed how hypersensitive they are to hot conditions.

We hope you have enjoyed this blog on the Vizsla.  As always, we welcome your comments and stories  concerning this wonderful breed!

CANINE HAZARDS OUTSIDE THE HOME

This is the sequel to the last blog regarding canine hazards.  Some listed below are quite obvious but there may be some that will surprise you.

1. PAINT- Not only must you keep all paint away from dogs, but also anything associated with painting such as paint thinner, any rags or cloths used in conjunction that could contain paint/paint thinner residue and paint brushes. To many dogs a paint brush makes a  very cool toy, but any residue on the brush ingested can be deadly. Also the bristles, if ingested, could lodge in your dog's throat and/or intestines.

2. INSECTICIDES/RODENTICIDES - These are extremely bad news so always keep any and all containers well away from your dog.  Also extremely important to be aware of is anything that gets sprayed by you or an extermination service.  Many companies claim they use products that, once they have dried completely, are no longer toxic to dogs. We are wary of this!  There are still services that use very toxic chemicals in their extermination product and a dog ingesting plant material, bark treated with these products or insects killed by these products could be in danger. Years ago we were walking our Malamute Buddy by an apartment building, and he quickly ate a dead bug before we could get it from him. Turns out the bug was dead because of exterminator chemicals, and Buddy ended up spending two nights in the hospital broken out in hives, vomiting and having severe diarrhea.  That was a very scary lesson for us. It was also a very expensive one.

3.  LAWN AND GARDEN PRODUCTS -  Fertilizers, weed killer and snail/slug bait are the most dangerous and deadly ones. Even herbicides can cause gastrointestinal upsets, although not deadly.  Gardening tools contain sharp pieces and edges that can appear as fun toys for your dog as well, so keep those tools as guarded from your dog as you would fertilizers. Another garden/lawn hazard for your dog is the garden hose.  Hoses are fun for dogs to chew on, but unless the hose is rubber or specifically labeled "dog safe" be very cautious!  All hoses now contain a certain amount of lead that will be toxic if enough is ingested.

4.  THE TOP OUTSIDE TOXIC PLANTS AND FLOWERS FOR DOGS - 

Aloe Vera - It's ok to treat topically on dogs in small amounts but if they decide to chew on part of the actual plant it can do some serious damage.

Amaryllis - The bulbs are the most toxic part

Azalea/Rhododendron - Ingestion of even a few of the leaves can cause serious problems

Baby's Breath - mildly toxic

Carnation Plants - mildly toxic

Castor Bean - Less common but highly toxic as castor beans contain the poison risen.

Chrysanthemum - mildly toxic

Cyclamen - can be deadly

Daffodil - highly toxic

Gladiola - the bulbs are the most toxic part

Hosta - moderate toxicity

Ivy - mildly toxic

Milkweed - deadly

Morning Glory - moderate toxicity

Oleander - highly toxic

Poinsettia - mildly toxic

Pothos - mildly toxic

Sago Palm - highly toxic

Tomato Plant - mildly toxic

Tulip - the bulb is the most toxic part

Yew - highly toxic

5.  ANTIFREEZE - Antifreeze has caused so many fatalities in dogs the companies actually changed the taste from a sweeter one to a more bitter taste. However it still is one of the most lethal substances for dogs and even a small amount can be fatal.

6.  PUDDLES - Those puddles you see on the streets from lawn sprinklers are very tempting as a water bowl for your dogs but never let your dog drink from puddles or any standing water! Puddles contain many lethal chemicals from reconstituted water and standing water can contain parasites such as  guardia and whipworm.

7.  STICKS - Chewing sticks is fine for dogs provided they have not been tainted with pesticides. However if your pup likes to ingest them it can be dangerous and even deadly as they could cause a blockage and/or perforation of the intestines.

8. ROCKS/PEBBLES -  Some people may not be aware that when their dog forages they may ingest rocks which are completely indigestible for dogs and can easily cause a deadly blockage. Always keep an eye on your pup so you know what he/she likes to forage on so you can make sure they stay safe.

That's the list for now. No need to be paranoid but safely securing any possible poisonous/dangerous objects and being aware of what is attractive to your pup's taste buds will make you sleep easier and keep your dog safe.  We welcome your comments and stories and thank you for taking the time to read  this blog.

Canine Hazards In and Around Your Home

We get a lot of people asking about potential hazards in and around their home.  So we thought it was time to devote a blog to it. This week's we will address hazards inside the home and, in two weeks, the sequel to this blog will address the hazards outside the home.

We all try to be as careful as possible when keeping things from our dog's reach, but it's easy to get a little forgetful sometimes. Unfortunately that could be bad news for your dog and for you. Hopefully this list can be a reminder to keep closet doors and cabinets closed and certain items elevated to ensure your pup cannot reach them.  If you believe or know your dog has ingested something from the upcoming list, do not hesitate to call the APCC (Animal Poison Control Center).  The number is 888-426-4435.  This is one of those numbers you want on your fridge or emergency contact list.  The last thing you want or need is your pup to be in trouble, and have to spend precious minutes desperately looking for the number.

Here's a list of the top poisons to dogs in your home:

1.  Human Prescription Medication.  Keep all meds where dogs absolutely cannot reach them.  A friend of ours had her son's prescription for ADHD on a counter where she believed her dog could not reach it.  The dog did reach it, and was lucky to only ingest one pill.  The result was this docile, gentle dog became very aggressive and was hyper beyond control.  Lucky for the dog and the owner, the pill wore off and he was fine, but if he had access to more than one pill, this could have easily killed him.

2.  Over the counter products.  According to the APCC, Ibuprofen was the #1 OTC poison ingested by dogs in 2012. Keep them all well out of reach. 

3. Veterinary Products such as prescriptions for dogs, flea, heart worm and tick preventive medicine.

4. Household Items.  These include paint, dry wall, fire logs, glue and ALL household cleansers, even if they are "all natural".

5. Human Food.  Chocolate is the most obvious.  The darker the chocolate, the more toxic.  If your dog gets a small piece there is no need to rush them to the vet. But if you are unsure and your dog has any unusual symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, agitation, seizure...) rush him/her to the vet immediately.  Xylitol is another extremely toxic substance to dogs. It's used as a sweetener in toothpaste, gum, candy and some baked goods. Many dogs have a sweet tooth.  Even a small amount of xylitol can send a dog into seizures and liver failure.  Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Onions and garlic can cause gastrointestinal irritation and may lead to red blood cell damage.

6. Plants. The following are indoor plants most toxic to dogs:  Lilies of any type, Ivy, Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Holly, Aloe Vera, Asparagus Ferns, Christmas Cactus, and Eucalyptus. There are many more that are more prevalent outdoors and will be covered in the sequel in two weeks.

The above list is what in-house toxins are most dangerous to dogs.  But there are other items worth mentioning that are dangerous and potentially deadly as well:

1. Caffeine, especially the amount found in energy drinks.

2. Alcohol.  Some dogs really enjoy the tastes found in beer, wine and cocktails, and an unattended drink, at a level where dogs can reach it,  could be dangerous if enough alcohol is consumed.

3. Marijuana.  For those who enjoy partaking please keep it well away from your dog. A friend of ours was hiking her dog last year, and her dog ate something which turned out to have marijuana in it.  She had to rush her dog to the emergency vet and the doctor said there was almost enough THC in it to have killed her.

4. Dog and Cat food.  Of course this is not toxic but if a dog acquires access to a bag of dog or cat food and binges too much too fast this can bring on a fatal condition called bloat.

5. Toys. We haven't gone off the deep end here and certainly are not suggesting your have no toys   available for your dog!  Just be cautious in choosing toys for them that they could ingest if they're too small or if they destroy them. Be cautious of any rope toys if your dog has any tendency to chew things  up or rip them apart. The above can not only be a choking hazard, but can lodge in the intestines   causing a dangerous and possibly fatal blockage.  We also don't recommend leaving a dog unattended with a bone of any type (rawhide, marrow, knuckle, etc.).

We're not trying to get anyone paranoid, just the opposite actually. By having knowledge and awareness you can easily keep your dog safe, even with "canine toxic" substances we all keep in our homes.  Thanks for taking the time to read this blog and as always, we welcome your comments and stories.

Meet The Breed: The Rhodesian Ridgeback... A Superbly Complex and Extraordinary Hunter

 During our 14 years of working with dogs, we have been humbled and educated by each and every breed we have worked with. However, we must admit, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has baffled us with their mysterious origins,  giving us a whole new level of respect for the breed.  How such an extraordinary primitive canine,  created to be the fiercest of hunters, has been domesticated to live among us humans, is a true wonder  We invite you to experience the amazing success and mystery of this breed along with us.

ORIGIN:  The Rhodesian Ridgeback was originally developed in South Africa in the mid-17th century in a region known as Rhodesia, which has become modern day Zimbabwe. At the time many hunters and new settlers found that they needed a new type of dog who could guard their homes from African predators and assist the hunter in putting food on the table.  If you were a native of Rhodesia, Lion was a popular meal  to serve your family.  This predator was large and muscular and could feed a large family for many days.... BUT hunters needed something strong and fearless enough to surround the Lion and contain it until you they could get to it safely. It is believed that a primitive "hunting canine" of the ancient Khoikhoi tribe called the AfriCanis Dog was crossed with other breeds whose genetically honed skills could address their needs. These were the powerful South African Boerboel, (a Mastiff breed used as a guard dog for the family but could track and hold down wounded game)  The Great Dane (renowned for its wild boar hunting and guarding skills), The Greyhound and/or Deerhound (extraordinary sighthounds able to sight prey from a far distance), Bloodhounds (for their amazing scent detection), and some type of Terriers (famous for their tenacity and fearless tracking).  Hence, the formidable Rhodesian Ridgeback was created,  bred to hunt in packs, be fearless enough to hold a Lion at bay, and yet, come home at the end of the day and guard the home.

THE MYSTERY OF THE RHODESIAN'S "RIDGE":   

The signature Ridgeback Ridge- the ridge of hair running along it's back in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat- can be traced solely from the AfriCanis dog.  This ancient breed dates back some 7,000 years and is the backbone of the Ridgeback stock.  We were stunned that the "Rohdie"a common nickname used by breed fanciers, could do so well living in modern human society, having been created by so many breeds renowned for their high prey drive. We discovered that the AfriCanis is truly the link to the full domestication of this beautiful animal.  The AfriCanis was semi-domesticated    thousands of years ago, giving them plenty of time to adapt to being around people, including children, and other domesticated animals. The  combination of the early domestication of the AfriCanis,  mixed with skilled hunting breeds, created the Rhodesian Ridgeback: a fierce, fearless hunter who could easily live in a highly domesticated environment. The AfriCanis still exists to this day as a tribal dog in Zimbabwe and professional breeders of the can be found in parts of Africa. 

USES:  Of course, the obvious use for this breed is a Lion hunter.  The Ridgebacks hunted (and still do hunt) in packs, surrounding the lion until the hunter arrives on the scene to kill the cornered prey.  Interestingly enough classes exist to train the Ridgeback to hunt Lions and other large game.  They breed is strong and tough enough to kill an adult baboon independent of human assistance.  Pretty impressive!

INTERESTING RIDGEBACK INFO:

This breed is an active one.  They are easily able to accompany you on a 10 mile hike or jog.  In their younger years they especially need a lot  of physical and mental stimulation, or they can take matters into their own hands (paws!).  They are usually not recommended for an inexperienced dog owner.  They love children,  but because of their size and strength could easily knock down a small  child or  toddler trying to play with them.  They make excellent guard dogs.

HEALTH ISSUES:  Hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, degenerative myelopathy and bloat. They rank six in terms of breeds most affected by thyroid issues.

PERSONAL OBSERVATION:  Every reference we found said how well they do in extreme weather conditions, and were bred specifically to tolerate extreme heat and able to go long bouts with very little water.  That being said, we have NEVER had a Ridgeback in our pack who tolerated either extreme heat or cold well.  

We hope you have enjoyed the exploration of The  Rhodesian Ridgeback with us.   We welcome your comments and personal observations/experiences about this wonderful dog!

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday the weekly blog will be posted Tuesday May 28. We hope you enjoy the day.

Fun In The Sun: The Mindful Dog's Summer Tip Guide For You and Your Dog

Summer is just around the corner.   With this wonderful season comes wonderful fun:  BBQ, going to the beach, hiking and camping and so much more.  And so many of us want to share that fun with our dog(s).  So here are a few tips from us on having fun with your pup and keeping him safe and healthy!

BBQ:  Who doesn't love bbq?  Everything tastes better off the grill.  And of course, many of us like to "share" a  bit of that with our pup.  However, be careful what you share.  Corn on the cob is delicious but the cob can lodge in a dog's throat or intestines and cause damage or worse.  For us meat eaters, how awesome are bbq ribs?  And, of course we would love to give that leftover  bone to the dog but please don't.   The only safe bones for dogs are raw because when bones are cooked, it makes them brittle and susceptible to splintering which can rupture a dog's trachea and/or intestines.  Onions and garlic are also dangerous for dogs.  So let your pup enjoy a bit of that rib without the bone or scrape a little corrn off the cob for him.  This way, you both enjoy the bbq with no dangers.

HIKING:  Summertime hikes are so enjoyable and it's even better when we can bring our dogs along to enjoy the trees, the forest and the mountains.  Just be cautious of the unwanted visitors that can come with that wonderful jaunt.  Depending on where  you live, there can be poisonous snakes to be wary of.  Many people we know undergo rattlesnake prevention courses with their dogs to teach dogs to stay away from poisonous snakes.  There are also vaccinations in case your dog is bitten which can extend their life  until proper care is obtained.  However, these vaccinations are highly unpredictable and can cause very dangerous side affects.  Our advice is prevention.  Stay on the trail and even though it may not seem to be as enjoyable, keep your pup on a leash.

Other party poopers for hiking are fleas and especially ticks.  You can give your pup a good flea and tick bath after hiking to kill whatever got on him but a lot of people prefer a prevention program.  Our personal experience is that Frontline and Advantix no longer work effectively for fleas, and our cousin found  several ticks on his dog using Frontline Plus.  For fleas (and also heartworm prevention), Revolution works very well.  Others are having good luck with  Comfortis.  There are several other brands on the market as well, but we are not familiar with them all and only want to offer advice on the ones we have had personal experience with.   A word of caution:  if you choose  to use a treatment, which in many cases is necessary, just  remember it is a pesticide you are putting on your  dog.

SWIMMING:  To us, one of the greatest joys is watching a dog swim.  They are the best swimming instructors!  If you can do the doggie paddle, well, you can swim!   If your dog is one who enjoys showing off his doggie paddle ability, that's wonderful!  But dogs, like humans, can tire or get caught on something in the water which can become a drowning hazard.  If you want to avoid this possibility, there are excellent life vests for dogs to prevent anything  like this from happening.  You don't have to, of course.  Just make sure to NEVER leave your dog unattended while he/she is swimming regardless of whether they are in a swimming pool, lake or oceon.

SUMMER HEAT:  Keep him/her cool and well hydrated. Take lots of shade breaks when hiking.   Make sure to take along plenty of water for both of you, and be careful of surfaces becoming too hot for the pups pads.  Their pads are tough, but can still get burnt from scalding hot surfaces in severe heat temperatures.

GEAR TO HELP YOU OUT:  There are several wonderful companies out there that put out gear for your pup such as  boots for them for hiking on rugged terrain or hot surfaces and also to put on when they have an injury.  There are life vests for swimming, portable water bowls for anytime you and your pup are away from home, even special vests (swamp cooler vests) to keep their body temperature down and so much more!  The company we love to use is Ruffwear and you can check out their website at ruffwear.com.  

We are certainly not trying to put a damper on anyone's summer fun with their dog.  Go out and have a wonderful fun in the sun time with them!  We hope the tips we have offered can help to enhance that fun for both of you.  Happy Summer everyone!

This weeks Meet The Breed: Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever is currently the most popular breed in America; and for good reason. They are highly adaptable, highly trainable, and love to be part of any family, especially one with children. We currently have eight in our pack. They are fun-loving party animals and outstanding cuddlers (just make sure you wear them out first!).

ORIGIN: The Labrador retriever originated in Newfoundland. The breed began as St. John's water dog by early settlers in the 16th century. It is believed the original lab (St. John's water dog) was a cross of English, Irish and Portuguese Water Dog working breeds and the Newfoundland. In the early 1800's the Earl of Malmesbury visiting Newfoundland developed an affection for the dog and had it imported to England. It was he who gave the breed their new name "Labrador". The dog was bred with setters, spaniels, and other "retriever types" in England to perfect the present known Labrador Retriever. The breed in Newfoundland eventually died out because of the heavy dog tax and extreme quarantine leaving England the sole breeders of the Lab. It is a darned good thing the Earl imported this extraordinary dog or he would have gone extinct.

USES: Their original use in Newfoundland was as a fisherman's companion helping to pull in nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After they were imported to England and "perfected" as the Labrador Retriever, they became the perfect gun dog. They assisted the hunter in the "retrieval" of game. Their soft jowls made it possible to carry the small game and birds in their mouths without a single puncture to the hunter's catch. Other modern day uses for this extraordinarily adaptable, highly trainable breed include: tracking, watchdog, police work, narcotics detection, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, sledding, carting, agility, field trial competitor and competitive obedience. It is no wonder they are the most popular breed in America!

HEALTH PROBLEMS: Hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA, mast cell tumors, osteoarthritis and eye disorders.

INTERESTING INFO: Even though they have short hair they ARE shedders! Be prepared for that short, fine hair to accessorize any outfit. They, like the Golden Retriever, have two types: the English (or show) lab, a more mellow breed with shorter legs, stockier body and a slower metabolism. The other type is the American, or field, Labrador. These have longer legs, a longer body and a higher metabolism. Labs absolutely must be an integral part of the family with their "pack leader" willing to do the work to be the "pack leader"or labs can become bored and destructive.

If you are looking for the perfect jogging companion your children can grrow up with and are willing to put in the work necessary (basic training and getting him/her a lot of exercise and love), the Labrador Retriever may just be the breed you have been looking for.