Heart Hounds

29/09/2024

Pain, it affects us ALL differently!

Me?!

I’m a winger and whiner. If I’m in pain you are all gonna know about it … regardless of if you asked how I am or not. I want reassurance, I want to be comforted, I need sympathy.

For my partner?

He is the opposite.

He goes quiet, he gets moody, he starts giving one word answers to questions asked of him, the fuse gets very short and he is easily angered, the house needs to be silent as noise makes the pain worse!

Right now, he has severe dental pain. He has withdrawn, he keeps closing his eyes as if trying to settle the pain he is in.

Does this sound familiar to you?

Yes!

It’s is also true of our dogs.

But we might see it as clinginess, separation anxiety, being aloof, noise sensitivity, reactivity to other dogs and/or people. It can look like sleeping a lot, or hyperactivity, stopping on walks or not wanting to go at all. It can look like resource guarding, paw or limb licking or nibbling and everything in between.

They might have ALWAYS been like that or this could be a new behaviour 🤷🏼‍♀️ either could point to pain.

We are all made up of the same stuff, just packaged in a different box and pretty bow!

Dogs are no different from us.

16/09/2024

This is becoming a welfare issue!

Im tired of hearing “the vet says there is no pain” by a guardian after they have taken their dog to the vet. It leaves me deflated and frustrated and feeling so sorry for the dog.

Myth Bust:

PAIN CANNOT BE RULED OUT IN ANY ANIMAL (dog, cat, horse or hamster), by anyone!

* A quick palpation - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

WHY?

The dog may shut down due to environmental factors or dislike of a strange human touching them, they keep still to get it over with ASAP!

The dog may be over aroused or overwhelmed by the clinical environment (excited/scared etc) to the point that adrenaline is so high it blocks pain!

* Blood Tests - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

There is currently NO blood test that can detect pain.

* Diagnostic imaging - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

Yes they can pick up a variety of conditions, but even the GOLD standard MRI doesn’t pick up everything, but NONE of them can detect PAIN.

Just because a source cannot be found doesn’t mean there is no pain.

PAIN is subjective, it is whatever that being (human or animal) perceives it to be!

Pain can come in many different forms, it is extremely complex, and can effect the individual in many different ways. A dog may get injured, the injury may have healed, but the pain remains … this is known as maladaptive pain.

Behaviour can be a HUGE indicator for PAIN:

* There could be a change of behaviour that has been directly caused by PAIN.

* There could be a worsening of behaviour due to an increase or new presence of PAIN.

* There could be a lack of “normal” behaviour due to PAIN.

* There could be behaviours that are present but that the guardian/owner don’t deem to be problematic that are indicators of PAIN.

* The dog may have ALWAYS displayed behaviours that are indicators of PAIN, but they have been ignored and put down to “just the way they are”.

* There may be NO problematic behaviours at all …. And the dog might still be in PAIN!

* The dog might be energetic, always on the go … and still be in PAIN.

* The dog might be lazy … and still be in PAIN.

* The dog may zoom up and down stairs … and still be in PAIN.

Diagnosing PAIN is not simple and can be difficult to get on top of.

A PAIN relief trail can be great! But often only one type of analgesic is tried and sometimes this doesn’t get results leading to the ASSUMPTION that there is no PAIN!

Here’s why:

* The drug was only trialed for 2 weeks - when living with chronic pain it can take longer to relieve. 2 weeks is not enough.

* The drug used wasn’t targeted to the type of pain the animal is feeling; soft tissue, bone, nerve or a combination of all.

It might take a number of different medications or a combination OVER TIME to see a difference.

ALWAYS keep in mind, NO ONE can rule out another being’s PAIN.

NO ONE. Not me. Not you. Not a Doctor. Not a Vet.

26/08/2024

Happy International Dog Day! 🐶

To all the dogs who fill our lives with unconditional love, wagging tails, and endless cuddles!

Today, let's give an extra belly rub or an extra special walk with lots to sniff, to our best mates and remember the joy they bring us every day.

19/07/2024

THE IMPACT!

We use emotions to describe situations and experiences.

" What a great day Jonny seemed so happy"
" Why does Zeta seem so angry all the time"

Using descriptive emotions is very normal.for us but what about when it comes to dogs.

When it comes to dogs because communication does not occur through a tangible language we act as interpreters.

But, are we interpreting correctly and if not what are the consequences?

Have we acquired all the pieces of information or are we missing pieces?

We often describe the explosive behaviour and miss the build up or the quieter parts of the conversations.

There are some amazing Body Language courses available, but the LEARNING TO LISTEN SESSION is truely different.

No labels, no jargon, just a great way to learn how to gather as many pieces of the puzzle as possible, and it's an interactive session with audience participation ( if comfortable too).

Sessions are run regularly but as it's hot, hot ,hot, and many people won't be out with their dogs why not come join us tonight at 6.30pm

Tickets are £25
Session is an hour
Certificates available for attendees

To book your place visit our EVENTS PAGE www.speakdog.co.uk

27/06/2024

Such a shame such outdated advice is still so common. Stay critical and stay safe! Just because advice is coming from a news platform, TV show or someone popular, it does not guarantee it's ethical. If training advice sounds unkind or is done with force, it is probably neither safe, nor long-term effective!

Dog Parents,

Did you catch that talk on BBC Breakfast recently about dog behaviour? They had a guest who said dogs should always be "at the bottom of the pack" in the family.

People often use words like 'top dog' and 'alpha' to talk about their dog or puppy. But this idea can lead people to use training methods that aren't good for dogs at all.

Some people think punishing a dog makes it behave better. But actually, this will have a terrible effect on your dog's well-being.

Some people advocate for what's known as 'balanced training.' While it may sound neutral, it includes old and outdated techniques that will scare and hurt your dog.

Also, remember, anyone can say they're a 'trainer,' 'behaviour expert,' or a 'behaviourist' for dogs, even without proper qualifications.

Make sure to listen to someone who really knows their stuff, who is qualified and accredited, and who uses force-free, positive, reward-based methods that are safe and proven to work.

Every dog trainer or behaviourist you will find listed on Yappily is qualified, and uses kind and ethical methods. You can check them out here 👉 www.yappily.co.uk

24/05/2024

Dog Guardians,

A survey by the RCVS showed that 82% of dog owners have used aversive methods. What's more, 72% still think dominance training works, even though it's clear it doesn't, given the increasing number of dogs with behaviour problems!

This NEEDS to change.

Some people think punishing a dog makes it behave better. But actually, this will have a terrible effect on your dog's well-being.

Some people advocate for what's known as 'balanced training.' While it may sound neutral, it includes old and outdated techniques that will scare and hurt your dog.

Also, remember, anyone can say they're a 'trainer,' 'behaviour expert,' or a 'behaviourist' for dogs, even without proper qualifications.

Make sure to listen to someone who really knows their stuff, who is qualified and accredited, and who uses force-free, positive, reward-based methods that are safe and proven to work.

Every dog trainer or behaviourist you will find listed on Yappily is qualified and uses kind and ethical methods. You can check them out here 👇

www.yappily.co.uk

Source: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/research/facilities-and-resources/animal-welfare-science-and-ethics/news/the-pawfect-storm-study-finds-high-levels-of-problem-behaviours-and-use-of-aversive-training-methods-in-pandemic-puppies

03/04/2024

👏 do not 👏 accept 👏 no answers
There is loads of support for finding out "what's wrong" - it just takes a little while to find it sometimes. Being dismissed by one professional when you know something is "not right" doesn't have to be the end of the story.

Unsure on what to do next?

WE HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED IT WETHER ITS A FRIEND OR A CLIENT.

You have taken your dog to the vet as you can see something isn’t quite right, maybe its a skip of one or both hind limbs or a funny gait or maybe its lameness of a forelimb. The Vet then checks the dog over and says “its normal for ***insert breed here***” or “dogs slow down when they get old and its common for them to limp”, and thats where the conversation ends and you walk away feeling that there must be something more you can do for your dog!

Many people do not realise they can ask for a referral to a specialist vet, for further investigations or a referral to a therapist for ongoing support, many people aren’t aware they can ask for an analgesic trial (pain meds) to help their dog feel more comfortable.

Many people do not realise they can go somewhere else for a second or third opinion, be it at the same or a totally different practice.

It’s time to ask for more!

• More time

• More investigations

• More information

• MORE SUPPORT (however that looks)

There is always MORE that can be done. It’s not normal for a dog to limp, no matter the age. It’s not normal for small dogs to skip, no matter the breed.

Things that can be looked that can help are;

• Diet - reducing processed foods helps to reduce inflammation

• Lifestyle & home environment evaluation

• Exercise overhaul

• Supplements - joints

• Pain meds

• Diagnostic imaging - Xrays, CT, MRI

• Blood, urine, faecal testing

• Surgery - when needed

• Supportive therapies - Physio, Hydro, Massage, Acupuncture (and so many more)

If you or your client aren’t being listened to then go somewhere thats going to hear you and don’t feel bad about doing so!

Believe me, your dog will thank you for it.

25/03/2024

16/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/D8DcSakkZVQDziHK/

Welfare & wellbeing over obedience. Always.

🐾

08/03/2024

Understanding a dog’s subtle body language and communication, and giving them space when needed, is essential for building trust and building their confidence in the grooming process long term. Even if a dog is unlikely to snap or bite, they still deserve to feel comfortable with what’s happening to them.

Gorgeous Beau can be nervous about grooming and handling, and he shows this by avoiding contact, sitting behind his mum or behind the chair in the corner, just watching. Working on the floor, Beau will take himself off to the corner for a minute sometimes, then come back when he’s ready to start again. I’m pretty sure we could just go into Beau’s hiding place and lift him onto the table without being bitten, but that doesn’t mean we should!

While we might be able to physically handle a dog without being bitten, the stress from forced grooming can escalate over time, leading to increased anxiety. This can negatively impact the dog's overall behaviour, extending to areas such as vet visits, car travel and general handling, over time creating a ripple effect of discomfort and unease.

Luckily for Beau, his family put his experience first every time, and through working this way to gain his trust we are now able to keep his coat manageable and comfortable 💙

10/02/2024

Many clients will have heard me talk about Dynamic Dog Practioners/Assessments for assessing medical/pain-related causes of behaviour. This is an excellent read, with case studies, demonstrating the need to really dive deep into the possibility of pain. We also see that often times a concern about pain is dismissed by initial vet opinions, likely due to dogs masking chronic pain, pain scales being developed with more-obvious acute pain in mind and the short duration of consultations. Having to push for tests/imaging, or getting second/third/fourth opinions can help with finding answers. Once an issue has been indentified, your pet's medical team (vet/physio/hydro/massage therapist) can treat and manage the pain. A behaviour plan will be limited in success if underlying pain is preventing progress. Chronic pain is more likely to present as behavioural change, than acute pain e.g. a broken leg.

https://edinburghholisticdogs.co.uk/pain-and-behaviour-why-a-15-minute-vet-check-is-not-enough/?fbclid=IwAR09bNO1zPSh0ZLzGd2Vc6VEzTD74_8RP8N913N1g_MrqwkJabHe6Aw9XYs

At the moment a Vet telling an owner their dog is physically fine after less than 15 minutes, it's a behaviour problem is nothing more than a false sense of security. It delays finding out about any potential pain or discomfort until the condition has severely progressed. ‘It is almost impossible ...