SaranacTollers

11/03/2024

09/19/2024

Getting bigger now…..

09/18/2024

Still one of my fav pup pix!

06/14/2024

Let's talk about this photo. It's cute, except it's not. I see a dog who cannot get up without telling the child to get off. How do you think a dog is going to do that?

The 7 Golden Toddler Dog Rules:
#1: If a dog walks away from you, you DO NOT FOLLOW.
#2: Always leave room for the dog to walk away from you.
---that right there is 90+% of dog bites eliminated---
#3: We do not climb on the dog.
#4: We do not grab or pull on the dog.
#5: We do not hit or throw anything at the dog.
#6: We do not touch the dog's food.
#7: We do not go into the dog's kennel.

I promise these are not overly difficult concepts for littles, nor will they rob a kid of their bond with the family dog. It will deepen that bond, while keeping everyone safe.

"Oh, it looks like Moose is walking away from you. She is saying she wants a break. Let's play with this instead!"

"It's Moose's dinner time! Let's give her space to enjoy her yummies."

"That is Moose's room(kennel) and only she is allowed to go in there."

"If Moose wanted a break, could she walk away from you right now? No she really couldn't. Let's move away from the play house. You can keep playing but now she can leave when she wants a break."

In conclusion, ***parent your child or your dog will do it for you, and you will not like how they do it.***

06/04/2024

Did you know how old your dog is when you spay or neuter them can greatly impact their health and behavior?

It's become very common too spay/neuter puppies that are 6 months old (or even younger! 😬)

But is that really what's best for their long-term well-being?

Well, the science says... It depends!

There has been a long term study on dogs overall health and behavior comparing dogs that were spayed/neutered at different ages.

The general consequences is that a puppy should NEVER️ be spayed/neutered before they are 6 months old.

But also that many breeds of dogs shouldn't be spayed/neutered until they are 1 or 2 years old, and even some breeds that should NEVER be spayed/neutered!

The study also shows that spaying/neutering dogs younger than their recommend age has major negative effects on their health and behavior.

Some of the health issues include a significantly increased risk of various joint issues and cancers of dogs spayed/neutered too young.

The main behavior concern with dogs spayed/neutered too young is an increased risk for fear aggression.

This chart shows the dog breeds in the study and their recommended ages for spay/neuter.

I'll also link the full study in the comments for anyone interested in learning more.

05/14/2024

03/30/2024

03/23/2024

With summer on its way, please be vigilant !

From the canine encounter site:

Ensuring your dog stays hydrated is essential, especially in hot weather. However, it is crucial to be aware that dogs can also consume too much water, leading to a condition known as water intoxication.

Water intoxication, also referred to as water poisoning or hyperhydration, can have severe consequences, including fatal outcomes. When a dog ingests an excessive amount of water, it can disrupt the body's sodium levels, resulting in a condition called hyponatremia. This imbalance can lead to swelling of cells, particularly in organs like the brain, which may not be able to accommodate the increased fluid volume.

Symptoms of water intoxication in dogs include lethargy, bloating, vomiting, loss of coordination, restlessness, drooling, pale gums, dilated pupils, and glazed eyes. As the condition progresses, the dog may experience difficulty breathing, seizures, or coma due to increased pressure in the brain.

If you suspect water intoxication in your dog, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Treatment may involve replenishing electrolytes and administering medications to reduce brain pressure. Prevention is crucial, so be mindful of your dog's water intake during activities like swimming and retrieving.

To reduce the risk of water intoxication, monitor your dog's swimming behavior, provide frequent rest breaks, and avoid high-pressure water sources. Choosing appropriate fetch toys and ensuring your dog takes breaks to relieve themselves can help prevent this dangerous condition. Doss