PuppyKins

23/09/2024

Interesting bit of research on serotonin, for the nerds among us.

A recent study found that serotonin is released both when a reward is anticipated and consumed. The amount of serotonin released increases with the reward's value, helping the brain encode and respond to expected rewards.

11/09/2024

Snake sightings have started for the summer already!

🐍⚠️Snake Bites⚠️🐍
We are officially in Spring, and with weather being warmer than usual at this time of year, our snakes are already out and about.
If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake, call your closest vet immediately.
Keep your pet as calm and quiet as possible whilst transporting them to the vet.
Under no circumstances should you try to catch or kill the snake, this will only risk you getting bitten too.
Common signs of snake bites to our pets include, but are not limited to:
-collapse, often followed by apparent recovery
-lethargy
-tremoring, shaking
-sudden weakness or wobbliness
-drooling
-vomiting
-dilated pupils

11/08/2024

Nickel enjoyed our last day together, with sunbaking, a mini-walk and a Macca's filled Freework session. I was navigating a line between pain and joy, as her spine degenerated. After a year of therapy, exercises and pain relief, the line got too thin. The balance between pain and quality of life had tipped for this sweet beautiful girl, so it was time to thank her for her unconditional love with a peaceful send off.

26/07/2024

What is quality of life for your dog? Nickel loves exploring and sniffing out rats. When Nickel is no longer free to do the things she loves, then I'll need to reassess her spinal degeneration and think about compassionate end of life options. Today cheeky Nickel disappeared into the long grass. Quality of life = tick. Obedient recall = not quite a tick.

07/07/2024

Training is not just for the young. Lifelong learning means ongoing fun and relationship development, with quality of life for as long as possible, in thanks for a lifetime of unconditional love.

New study of canine cognitive decline and dementia could help teach old dogs new tricksABC Riverland / By Timu KingPosted 2h ago2 hours agoSat 6 Jul 2024 at 10:40pm, updated 1h ago1 hours agoSat 6 Jul 2024 at 11:34pm University of Adelaide PhD candidate Tracey Taylor says dogs should be actively tra...

21/05/2024

To hug or not to hug? Kudu definitely hated hugs, but could consent to being picked up. Pats were also challenging for Kudu. We'd do pats, I'd pause, and see if she tapped me for more or walk away.

A new study of videos of people hugging dogs showed frequent signs of stress and anxiety, and two thirds of the dogs responded by nipping or biting the hugger.

09/05/2024

The joys of separation anxiety. When all the hard work and dedication from wonderful people is paying off and I get to watch a dog sleep without a care in the world for almost 3 hours. 😍

27/04/2024

Rest in peace my little Kudu. Or rather run free, explore, jump and bark all with crazy hair, a big smile and mischievous twinkle in your eye. Thank you for 12 years of adventures by your side.

21/04/2024

How many spoons or candles might a medical issue be using? If your dog only has so many candles a day, an underlying medical issue can use them up, leaving no tolerance for life's little annoyances.

As a dog behaviourist, ruling out medical causes for behavioural changes and challenges is really important. By working in partnership with the dog's vet and other professionals involved in the dog's life as well as the owners can give a holistic picture of the behaviours that are being displayed. D...

17/03/2024

I'm always a bit tired on a Monday morning but today I received THE BEST NEWS! A beautiful sep anxie update that a special brave dog can now do a whopping 7, yep SEVEN HOURS of alone time. His humans have been able to go to the movies, go out for dinner, do normal life things! Sep anx can be such a challenging journey and I'm so impressed at the dedication, patience and empathy from these brilliant people. We started the journey together when the poor pupper couldn't handle even a minute of alone time, we got to 3 hours together and now they've more than doubled that! Well done!!!

08/01/2024

The dog knows (nose). A nice little quick read to remind us all how awesome that wet thing out the front of our dogs really is. What's the best (or worst thing) your dog's found for you?

Conservation dogs perform vital roles across Australia. Some are guardians protecting wildlife from predators while others put their powerful sense of smell to use as sniffer dogs or detection dogs.