Green Dog Therapy

01/10/2022

KELLY ❤️

Does anyone have a Kelly shaped hole missing from their life? After being in the UK for 7 months, we are beginning to wonder if she will ever find her forever home.

Kelly is such a sweet girl who is looking for someone who can dedicate time to just chilling on the sofa with her. She doesn't want much other than someone who will love her unconditionally.

Kelly is medium sized, approximately 20kg and looking for a home with/without other dogs, with/without children and without cats.
Please SHARE or visit https://www.cloudk9rescue.net/dogs-for-adoption to fill out a no-obligation adoption request form if you are interested in her.

20/09/2022

- Behaviour is a function.
- Behaviour is the actions and reactions of every organism/animal.
- Behaviour is the physiological and emotional responses of an animal to the environment and stimulus (triggers, smells, sounds etc) in that environment

So how is that function good or bad? In our new we are looking at behaviour.

In our human world, a dog jumping up or a cat scratching are usually something that is considered bad- they are unwanted behaviours.

But often dogs jump to say hello, when overexcited, need reassurance or to get to higher places when they feel anxious. Cats scratch as it is an innate behaviour- it is a communication signal/scent mark to other cats “I live here” and helps keep their ligaments and muscles prime for hunting.

These behaviours serve functions- but how do they fit in our world? Your cat and dog have the need to express these natural behaviours.
By understanding the behaviour functions that your cat or dog are showing, you can address these welfare needs by strengthening alternative behaviours or environmental management like horizontal and vertical scratchers or even a raised bed so your dog feels safe.

It’s all about looking at things differently! If your cat or dog has a behaviour that you’re struggling with- contact WFA today 💙

19/09/2022

17/09/2022

KELLY ❤️

What's that you say? No applications for me, shocking!

Kelly is a funny girl who is very excited about life and can't wait for her forever family to come along and give her everything she deserves... treats, cuddles, food, playtime, walks, more treats and most importantly, a lot of love!

Kelly is medium sized, approximately 20kg and looking for a home with/without other dogs, with/without children and without cats.

Please SHARE or visit https://www.cloudk9rescue.net/dogs-for-adoption to fill out a no-obligation adoption request form if you are interested in her.

31/08/2022

Image description: A black and white collie running towards the camera with a ball in their mouth.

Text reads: Even mild chronic pain is commonly associated with an increase in anxiety.

Pain and anxiety are the body’s alert systems, and as such are processed in similar ways in the brain. Because of this overlap in anatomy and mechanisms, chronic pain is often associated with an increase in anxiety, which may be the only obvious clinical sign of the painful condition.

Whenever an animal develops behaviour associated with anxiety, pain should be considered as a possible contributing factor.

28/08/2022

As a canine massage therapist I am forever talking to my clients about ball launchers and the effects they have on our dogs….so nice to see an article in the national paper….the more publicity the better…hopefully more people will make a more informed choice 🤞🤞

25/08/2022

16/08/2022

05/08/2022

FICTION! Do not let puppies cry it out!

“𝐂𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭” – 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬 .

There has since at least 1913, been a school of thought that suggests allowing tiny babies to ‘cry it out’, ie, cry until they give up crying, with the parent no longer responding to cries for attention, comfort or contact, is beneficial or indeed, necessary in raising children.

Somewhere along the line this also became the advice applied to puppies, with the warnings that if you did respond to a pups cries for attention, you would as with the child oriented version of this advice, create a needy individual who was insecure and lacking in confidence.

We now know the opposite is true, unfortunately from a dog perspective very few studies are done on dogs, simply because there isn’t the money in it to do them.

So we are left to extrapolate from studies done on children, but that’s actually ok, because a dogs brain is very comparable to the brain of a child under 2 years of age. They have similar needs for comfort, warmth, food, physical contact, social support. They have similar difficulties in communicating orally, in lacking impulse control and lacking fine motor skills.

So here’s the grim truth.

Young mammals left to ‘cry it out’ do not ‘self soothe’. In fact what they learn (Bowlby J. 1960’s) is that after going through a cycle of protestation, then despair, they reach a third phase of detachment – in effect they give up trying to get a response, get comfort or contact and become apathetic. Their distress is still present, they simply have learned it will not be alleviated as a result of their behaviour, they have shut down.

Whilst the theory ran that if you provide attention constantly so that the young mammal in question does not need to cry, or you respond promptly to their cries, they will cry more, seek attention more… in fact the opposite is true.

A study in 1986 demonstrated that the more the mother holds and carries her baby, the less that baby will cry and fuss. Other studies (cross cultural but still human, not dog) showed that those parents who responded quicker to crying babies also have babies who cry far less often!

Going back to puppies – we have taken them from their mothers, their litter mates and their familiar environment.

If we compare our domestic dog to feral and wild dog populations we see that our domestic puppies experience this separation from their primary care giver and litter mates at (on average) between 6 and 12 weeks of age.
Their wild/feral counter parts are in the constant company of litter mates and the near constant company of their parent until weaning. Beyond weaning, they are still in the constant company of littermates, parent and other relatives unless they choose to be alone, which is unlikely to happen before adolescence and the hormonal changes that are related to adolescence.

It is true that domestic dogs and wild or feral canids are not the same, but the difference is that domestic dogs actively want to be with humans rather than with other canids.

That being so, they are in no way equipped to be isolated and alone, any more than the feral or wild dogs would be.

So what are the risks of subjecting a puppy to isolation from a social group or new primary caregiver,and ignoring cries for company, comfort or contact?

* The increased cortisol levels can actually damage or kill off neurons and the neuronal interconnections – this can affect how well your dog copes with stress, anxiety and fear in future, predisposing them to be more reactive and fearful.

*Stress hormones go up faster than they come back down – so that stressful experience is affecting the dog for much longer than you might think. Possibly days.

*Repeatedly putting stress hormones up will inhibit learning, affect sleep, affect bonding and attachment.

*Repeated stressful experiences that the subject cannot escape from leads to PTSD in humans – we have no evidence to suggest that this does not also happen in dogs. Given the similarities between the human and canine brain, it is reasonable to assume dogs can also experience something similar to PTSD.

The short version of all this is – there is no benefit to leaving a dog to cry it out, separation anxiety is normal for puppies, they need to be with someone most of the time!

Separation anxiety as an abnormal behavioural issue comes about as a result of an insecure dog, who has not been taught how to cope by themselves, not as a result of creating a secure, confident dog who is given what they need as a puppy.

©Emma Judson

https://www.thecanineconsultants.co.uk

18/07/2022

I recommend sniffing activities for most of my clients due to their many beneficial factors. However, please don’t use them during the heat of the day.

Let your dog rest in a quiet, calm area of the home and if needed, close curtains if they are likely to bark or get excited by the sights of outside.

The aim during these extremely hot weather conditions is to keep your dog cool, hydrated, calm and relaxed. They should be well monitored too.

With the hot weather I see a lot of people offering sniffing activities for their dogs as an alternative to walks - please don't do these at the hottest parts of the day either!!

When dogs are high intensity sniffing their respiratory rate is anywhere between 140 - 200 reps/minute, and while they are doing this they cannot pant! Free sniffing in the shaded garden is fine as they can self regulate. When you turn sniffing into a task, whether it's scent detection, tracking or just finding food dogs can over work themselves in order to complete a task. The higher the drive of the dog, the greater the risk of them doing this.

Outside of this, sniffing is a fantastic enrichment activity and/or low impact sport and I absolutely encourage it 🙂

17/07/2022

Heat stroke
If your dog is suddenly wobbly when walking, salivating excessively or appears to struggle breathing in this heat, they may have heatstroke.

GET THEM WET, THEN TO THE VET

Dogs that are made wet prior to or during transport are more likely to survive heat stroke than those that are not.

The liquid used doesn't have to be water, just non-toxic and the same temperature or cooler than them. Ideal temp is likely under 20c but honestly heat stroke is a life or death emergency if water or lemonade or juice is all you have to hand, wet the dog and then get them in to us asap.

If you have a hose, perfect, hose them down, then straight in to us please!

The idea that water too cold will send them into shock is literally the last of their problems if they have heat stroke, again, get them wet, then to the vet. In humans they ice bath heat stroke patients and it doesn't not cause shock.

Don't leave a pet immersed in any water as they can collapse because of heat stroke and inhale water.

Save a life by passing this on.

GET THEM WET THEN TO THE VET

10/07/2022

I see way TOO MANY elderly (and young) dogs being forced to rush a long on walks and it breaks my heart, especially when I see it during the middle/heat of the day. It is so disrespectful to your dog! Would you attach a lead and collar to your 80-90 year old mother/father's neck and force them to continually walk?!?! Or how would you feel if someone took your choice to feel comfortable and able to take in the scenery away from you?

If you can't be bothered to take the time with your elderly dog, all I can say is don't bother taking them out at all... You are causing them a lot of physical and emotional discomfort by dragging them a long 😡

Those who know me know I used to be an army dog trainer. I learned two things while I was in the army working with dogs, both are still a daily part of my life.

First: you always sort your dog out before you sort yourself out.

Are they thirsty or hungry? Do they need anything at this point? Every day without fail, I follow this rule that I learned so many years ago. Dogs can’t just fill up a water bowl, they can’t stop a griping hunger in their stomach on their own, but we can. So I choose to meet their needs before I work on my own, and I always will.

Second: you always move at the slowest man’s pace.

This lesson taught me everything about living with older, slower dogs. As dogs get older, they run less. Older dogs sniff more. They sniff everything. Senior dogs might be stiff and achy and need to cover less ground, but they cover that ground at a slower pace.

Please consider their needs and go at their pace.

It’s not fair to leave them behind or pull them along.

27/06/2022

Really looking forward to attending Cloud K9's Fun Dog Show! I hope to see some of my lovely clients there 😀 🐶

I have been a foster carer for Cloud K9 for almost a year and they are an amazing charity. They are a small charity, but make a huge difference to a lot of dog's lives.

21/06/2022

Spot on!

Humans LOVE asking dogs to sit! It's often the first thing we teach them and it's super helpful ; before crossing a road, waiting for food to be put on the floor, going through doorways, on narrow pathways when someone approaches, when we stop and chat, when there's something too exciting... 👍

But here's the thing. It's not necessarily a natural behaviour for dogs. I read recently that wild canids and street dogs rarely sit for long, usually only in transition between lying down and standing, or changing their resting position, or to stretch or scratch or groom themselves.*

Sitting puts pressure on lots of joints and can't be very comfortable for many breeds of domestic dog, because of their highly accentuated body shapes. Excessive sitting can cause problems for growing puppies and sitting might be very painful for elderly dogs. Sadly, if a sit is a default position, one they are asked to do a lot throughout their lives (and so do without even thinking), elderly dogs will continue to sit, even though it causes them pain. And we might not even realise, because dogs are very good at hiding their pain. 😢

And in certain situations, it's entirely UNnatural. Sitting is super hard for wiggly bottoms, for example! 😉

A sit when a dog feels in any way vulnerable might be almost impossible. In a vulnerable situation (perhaps a really busy place, or a new place, or an unknown dog approaching head on with a strange vibe), most dogs would prefer to be on all four feet. 🐕🐩

When any strange dog is approaching, most dogs will likely choose standing, to be able to appropriately greet (sniff butts), join in play, or escape easily, if necessary. Depending on the specific circumstances (very big dog with small dog approaching), some dogs might choose a down position, either to make friends more easily, or possibly because they prefer to keep their bellies to the ground in self protection. 👌

I guess some dogs might choose to sit rather than lie down (certainly in a sphinx-like position) on concrete or tiles. It can't be comfy for canine elbows and neither surface is exactly natural. But I doubt any dog would choose, for themselves, to sit on a wet and dirty kerb, rather than simply to *stand* and wait to cross the road. 🤷‍♀️

Many of the people I really admire are publicly questioning our *motives* for training our dogs (I'll pop some links in the comments). That's not to say they think that we shouldn't train dogs at all. Rather, that we should always start by asking ourselves, "WHY?" 🤔

🐶 When changing a behaviour, WHY is our dog doing that? What need does it fulfil? How can we help them fulfil that need?

🐶 When teaching a new behaviour, WHY am I teaching her this? What benefit is it to HER?

WHY do I need Pepper to sit? 🐶

I've thought long and hard, but I honestly can't think of a single situation where a sit couldn't be replaced by a stand, or lie down. I think most humans like a sit when they want their dog to do nothing, to just wait, to be still for a moment or two. Or to stay. Or to settle, to simply hang out for a while longer. 👍

Even then, I question myself. Sometimes I really need Pepper to settle, at a cafe, or in a business meeting, or on the train, or when I'm cooking, or when the kids are here. Generally, she's pretty chilled out in all those situations. But does she actually have to do nothing? Would she prefer to be chewing, or sniffing, or problem-solving? Sometimes. And I can't think of a situation where I couldn't make that possible for her. 👌

Sitting is so overrated, people! And that's coming from someone who was once a bit of a sit ju**ie. 😉

* I can't remember where I read about wild and street dogs sitting! 🤦‍♀️ I think it might have been in a group conversation with someone who has studied street dogs personally. I can't find an published study, but it would be very interesting. Or a study into our domesticated dogs. 🐶

You could do some research with your own dogs! How often (and for how long) do they choose to sit in various situations, those that they haven't been specifically trained for? Maybe you could compare the sits you know you've trained, with those you think you haven't. And how many times does your new, untrained, puppy choose to sit? How often does your dog seem reluctant to sit? I'd love to know! 🐾💜

14/06/2022

Remember, taking your dog for a walk should be for them... If you want to go for a quick walk, go on your own.

I always feel extra sorry for the older dogs being pulled along or left behind. 😥

14/06/2022

Today is World Pet Memorial Day!

A day where we remember those who are no longer by our side but will forever be in our hearts 💚

10/06/2022

Did you know many common garden plants and flowers are poisonous to pets?

If your pet consumes a poisonous plant, they could become unwell, so it's important to know what can be dangerous.

If you suspect your pet has consumed a poisonous plant, please call us immediately.

Driffield: (01377) 252087 Bridlington: (01262) 677269

Here are some of the plants to watch out for this summer from PDSA: www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/poisonous-plants

09/06/2022

Having behaviour or training issues with your dog?
If your dog is displaying aggressive or anxious behaviours or they have become withdrawn and depressed, they may be experiencing chronic pain. This may also be the case if you are struggling to teach your dog new things because pain affects a dog's ability to learn.

Find out more about how Myotherapy can help with behaviour and training issues here: www.greendogtherapy.co.uk/myotherapy-for-behaviour

08/06/2022

People have a right to make choices based on robust scientific evidence. The opposite of science-based choice is anecdote-based myths. One of the most harmful anecdotal myths in veterinary medicine is the fallacy that puppies should exercise for no more than 5-minutes/day for every month of age. Here's an article addressing this pervasive myth which I wrote with my mentor, Professor Stuart Carmichael: https://indd.adobe.com/view/1aad4f26-c7c5-4895-a216-889447348bf2

07/06/2022

I couldn’t put it better myself!! 😍



https://www.facebook.com/NancyTuckerDogs/

31/05/2022

Long term dosing of anti-inflammatory studies has shown no correlation between increased risk of adverse events with increased duration of administration.

26/05/2022

The other day I went to our local farmer’s market. It was a beautiful day and the first market of the season. It was full of people chatting and shopping, children running around, dogs everywhere. I watched as a woman walked her tiny, very frightened puppy through the crowd. The poor little guy was doing everything he could to signal that he didn’t want to be there. He looked away, put on the brakes, sat down, urinated on the ground, whimpered. The caregiver did not listen. She dragged him right up to a face-to-face encounter with 2 big dogs and then continued to drag him along through the market.

What would that puppy have learned through this experience?

No doubt, the caregiver had the very best of intentions. Her approach is understandable given much of the advice circulating about “socialization”. It’s easy to believe that puppy socialization is about racing the clock to expose a puppy to as many new and different experiences as possible before “the window” closes.

The problem is that this isn’t at all what a puppy needs.

The point of exposing puppies to new experiences isn’t to create fear, it’s to nurture a sense of safety. The aim is to habituate-to let the dog’s developing brain know that it’s ok to ignore that guy in the hat, the ice cream truck, the crowd of children running around because those things are happening at a distance and duration that feels--and is-- safe for that particular puppy.

When we throw puppies into the deep end, it does the opposite—it teaches the puppy’s brain to be on alert for those things that have been so close, so loud, so threatening, so overwhelming, so SCARY in the past.

Raising confident, happy dogs requires creating conditions for a puppy to feel safe and curious. Puppies need gentle and careful exposure, plenty of time for slow mental processing, and lots and lots of rest so their brains can do the work of consolidating learning and getting ready for the next (safe) adventure.

Raising confident, happy dogs also requires us as their caregivers to show them that we are paying attention, listening, understanding and responding to their whispers--that we are the partners they need to guide them safely through this big, new, human world.

25/05/2022

How Well is Your Dog Coping With Their Condition?

Unfortunately, over time musculoskeletal conditions, injuries and issues get worse, leading to changes in your dog's behaviour, physical condition and enjoyment of life. This is often the result of the onset of chronic pain and discomfort that occurs in many of these situations.

Visit www.greendogtherapy.co.uk to learn more and request a free comfort assessment of your dog today.

Myotherapy alleviates discomfort associated with compensatory and chronic muscular changes that can arise from various medical conditions and situations. It can also help maintain general health and performance.

24/05/2022

Updated Website - www.greendogtherapy.co.uk

Made a few changes to the website, particularly focusing on how Myotherapy can be beneficial for a variety of dogs and not just those with musculoskeletal issues.

I'm planning on adding more information and writing blogs to provide you with reliable and helpful information. Watch this space 😁

Green Dog Therapy offers Canine Myotherapy, a complementary therapy that incorporates massage and rehabilitive exercises to improve the mobility and wellbeing of dogs.

19/05/2022

The Canine Pain Management Pyramid △

The first tier of pain management focuses on education, physiotherapy and weight management (and sometimes surgery). The next tier includes natural treatments and supplementation; it progresses to the use of NSAIDs, followed by a variety of pain medications. Additional pain management can be achieved by intra-articular therapy and, finally, by salvage surgical procedures.

Using the pain management pyramid, we can easily demonstrate to owners what their options are, and what they can expect from their animals pain management journey.

In this weeks blog, we have included a convenient PDF download that you can share with owners for educational purposes in your practice.

Read the blog here: https://onlinepethealth.com/oph-blog/
Or download the PDF here: https://onlinepethealth.com/pain-management-pyramid/