Brynn's Critters

12/18/2024

Another potential reason to delay spaying/neutering. This also lends toward changing the way these surgeries are done.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Xhq3tfh9X7yNb3n5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Remember no one is arguing the need for sterilization, it's the surgical technique that should be reevaluated. Hysterectomy and vasectomy achieve the same goal but leave important hormones intact according to science.

"The association between gonadectomy and timing of gonadectomy, and the risk of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract
Objective - To determine if gonadectomy in dogs is associated with the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease (CrCLD) and to quantify the magnitude of the association.

Study design - Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sample population - Comparative studies with gonadectomized and entire dogs, with CrCLD as an outcome measure.

Methods - A systematic search of the primary and gray literature was performed. The effect size of the outcome measure was defined as the OR and 95% CI. Subgroup analysis was performed with s*x, breed, and age at gonadectomy. A pooled OR (95% CI) was generated from meta-analysis of relevant studies. Certainty in the body of evidence was rated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.

Results - The literature search yielded 1398 results and 24 relevant studies were included for synthesis. Gonadectomized female (pooled OR = 2.293, 95% CI = 1.768–2.945) and male (pooled OR = 2.117, 95% CI = 1.665–2.691) dogs were both at increased odds of developing CrCLD in comparison with entire female and male dogs, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that gonadectomy at 1 year or less was consistently associated with an increase in odds of developing CrCLD in both s*xes. Overall certainty in the evidence was rated as moderate. All included studies were observational and no controlled trials were available.

Conclusion - In data with moderate certainty, gonadectomy is associated with increased odds of developing CrCLD in both s*xes, particularly in dogs gonadectomized at 1 year of age or less.

Clinical significance - This study provides an estimate of the true effect size of gonadectomy on the odds of developing CrCLD, which may be useful for clinical decision making surrounding gonadectomy and the timing of gonadectomy."

10/23/2024

Rocky and I spent the weekend at a scent trial. We ended up getting 8 of the 11 runs. I’m so proud of this run. He really worked to find the exact spot of the scent.

10/22/2024

Please consider rescue.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/CnLC9bvRrEV3nweS/?mibextid=WC7FNe

10/03/2024

This boy was anxious about people, dogs, traffic, being held still, and public spaces.

We went to the vet the other day, and he walked into the building without looking back. I was pretty sad, but maybe I have helped him become a calm and happy dog.

💜💜💜

Rocky completing his Level 2 Scent Title.

08/04/2024

Yep. Many people would correct the adult. Correcting this reaction can mean that the dog learns not to warn another dog. Sounds awesome until you realize that removing the warning means that the only reaction left is to bite.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/qSMiFi7kQ63Ep7a3/?mibextid=UalRPS

07/24/2024

I just saw a video of an elite athlete abusing a horse in the name of dressage.

I love dressage. I’ve ridden dressage.

I completely am against any abuse in any animal sport. If riders can’t win without abuse, there’s something very wrong with that sport.

Those that have been caught have said it’s ‘not like me’ or ‘not who I am.’ If there are more videos out there like these, then they need to be turned over to governing authorities.

Please don’t let anyone abuse your animal in the name of training.

07/13/2024

This is a cool video! It’s about dogs’ sight and smell. Their smell pathways in their brains actually get very close to and possibly overlap with their sight. They may actually see smells!

Apps claim to show you the colors dogs see – but where does that information come from?WELCOME TO HOWTOWN! Our small but mighty team of two (Joss Fong and Ad...

07/08/2024

I was told that behaviorists are now saying that “happy visits” to the vet are no longer recommended. (Visiting just for the dog to be in the building and get treats and/or positive attention.) The reason is that stress hormones are released.

I do not agree with this recommendation.

In our lives there is good stress and bad stress. Good stress can be getting a new job, anything related to having children, getting married, going on vacation, etc. Bad stress could be someone you care about dying, losing a job, failing a test, etc.

We have to learn how to handle stress in our lives, or we just crumble when stress comes.

Dogs learn dog sports and they’re good activities for them to do. I guarantee you that my dog was petrified of the dog walk, the teeter, and the A frame. Once he figured them out, he’d rather do those than the jumps!

So I will continue to recommend happy visits to the vet.

07/08/2024

Have a dog who can’t handle the 4th of July? Start desensitizing now for the next 4th.

Same with thunderstorms. Start desensitization when it’s nice out.

07/05/2024

Yay! Thank you to whoever voted for us! Please vote!

Official 2024 Community Voting Awards Platform for Lincoln, NE. Where the community votes for their favorites every year.

06/23/2024

This! Don’t fake Service Dogs.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/YUvWGGB6s643gGxz/?

06/16/2024

I rescue dogs. I am the first to say that I don’t know every recognized purebred. I do deeper dives into breeds that interest me.

Tonight I learned that Belgian Shepherds come in 4 varieties. The Malinois, the Laekenois, the Tervuren, and the Groenendael. (Lordy, talk about spelling nightmare! Lol)

I thought that these were completely separate breeds, but in Belgium, they are varieties. The Mal is shorthaired and generally fawn with a black mask (snout and/or face). The Terv is a long haired version of the Mal. Long hair is recessive, so you can purchase a Mal and end up with a Terv. The Groen is black and long haired. The Laek has a medium coat that is wiry and curly.

Very interesting info! I love the longer coated varieties. What do you prefer?

06/02/2024

I am sooo bad about videoing! Took Phoenix on a walk on a couple trails by the zoo. It was nice! Phoenix was amazing! He listened almost every time. I took him on my scent leash and did as much of a dog led walk as I could. The 2 things that freaked him out were the echo in a tunnel and the sound of a peacock. He didn’t care about bikes, the train, or the kids screaming in the train tunnel. I’ve been meaning to do this for the whole time that we’ve lived here.

We get home and he brings me his ball. Dude! Didn’t we JUST go on a nice walk? Lol

05/16/2024

Thinking of getting a pet?

Adoption fees reduced by 50%.

Did you know that you can get help with vaccinations, dental and spaying/neutering through Stransky Vet?

They also help people get dog training.

Brynn’s Critters provides pet sitting, walking, training, and pet transport. We accept CHS training vouchers.

Remember that pets are a commitment for the life of the pet which means 15+ years for dogs and as high as 30 years for cats.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=889043353250707&id=100064351522744&mibextid=WC7FNe

***ADOPTED!***
Did you hear? All pets have a reduced adoption fee of 50% today through Sunday! Letty asks that you adopt her promptly at 11:30 when our Pieloch Pet Adoption Center opens today!

05/12/2024

A question I’m seeing so often lately is ‘How do I get my dog to stop tearing up the yard?’

It’s simple. Constant supervision outside with redirection to appropriate toys etc.

You wouldn’t leave a toddler outside alone, but we expect our young dogs to “just know.”

Your dog isn’t being naughty. Your dog is doing what’s fun to him/her.

You can also mark an area with boards, railroad ties, etc and put dirt or sand in it. Bury toys or appropriate chews for your dog to find in that area. Change up what’s in there so it’s always “new.” This still needs monitoring for eating the dirt or sand.

Is your dog getting enough mental and physical stimulation? Most dogs need AT LEAST 2, 20 minute exercise periods that really get them moving AND similar periods for mental stimulation each day.

If your dog is going several miles a day and getting challenged mentally each day and still isn’t settling, your dog may need some help learning to be calm. This is a very overlooked issue in dog training.

So get outside with your destructive dog, give him a place to dig, and make sure they’re getting enough challenges each day.

Need help? Let me know.

04/25/2024

We have a new pup! His name is Phoenix (black dog on the left). He is a 1 year old lab/Boxer mix.

He was surrendered at a high kill shelter because he’s too big (50 lbs) and he tore up the yard when left alone. Since he’s black, he went straight to the top of the kill list.

He knew sit and that was all. He’s begun obedience classes, and is getting along really well with Rocky (brindle).

More to come.