Tailwaggers Social Dog Club

24/01/2024

Next inakes 4 February

08/01/2024

Welcome to January - Walk Your Dog Month. Hopefully walking your dog is one of your new year resolutions! We all know that exercise is good for us, so every little bit of physical activity helps us improve our individual health and wellbeing. But did you know that getting out for a dog walk can offer added benefits? Here are the benefits of walking your dog - for both you and your dog! Let's get walking and keep those new year resolutions!

02/01/2024

02/01/2024

Happy New Year!!!
New intakes this Sunday 7 Jan'24!

22/12/2023

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year! Just a reminder we will re-open on 7th Jan 2024. Happy Holidays and stay safe. See you all in the New Year!

13/12/2023

Christmas Party 2023. Thank you to all participants and organizers for a lovely day and delicious food. 😁🐾🐾

10/11/2023

⚠️𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧: 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 - 𝗕𝗼𝗸𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮

The Boksburg SPCA has issued a statement
regarding a canine distemper outbreak (in our comment section)

As a practice we do not wish to make our community panic - but rather offer information and raise awareness.

It is however important as a pet owner that you familiarize yourself with the below:

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹:
Firstly if our clients suspect their dogs may be have distemper we request that you follow our clinic’s protocol whereby you keep your dog in the car while you report to our reception - we will use our quarantine entrance and consult in our isolation consultation room ensuring that other dogs and our immediate environment are not affected.

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗘 💉

Whilst there is no cure for canine distemper you can prevent this disease by ensuring your dogs annual
5 in 1 / annual vaccinations are up to date.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗥 🦠

Canine distemper is a virus that’s contagious and attacks the nervous , gastrointestinal and respiratory tract of puppies and dogs.

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗜𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗? 🐶

The virus is spread through the air by direct or indirect contact with the infected animal.

Airborne exposure through sneezing and coughing, sharing of food and water bowls.

The virus initially attacks the dogs tonsils and lymph nodes , replicating before moving over to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital and nervous system.

Infected dogs can shed the virus for months , and mothers can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗬𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗦 😪

👁 Initially dogs will develop a watery to pus-
like discharge from both eyes.
🤒 Fever
😪 nasal discharge
😷 coughing
🍔 reduced appetite as well as
💤 lethargy.

Once the virus attacks the nervous system the infected dog dogs develop circling behavior , muscle twitches, jaw chewing movements, seizure, head tilts.

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 🐆

The virus has been found in arrange of wildlife such as foxes, skunks , wolves and raccoons. It has also been reported in lions, tigers , seals and other wild cats.

In wildlife distemper closely resembles rabies.

𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗚𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🌡

Veterinarians diagnose canine distemper through clinical appearance and laboratory testing.

Unfortunately there is no cure or specific treatment for canine distemper.

There are also no antiviral drugs that are effective in treating the disease.

The mortality rate of the virus largely depends on the immune status of the infected dog. Puppies experience the highest mortality rate, where complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis are more common.

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗥 💉

The best prevention for canine distemper is routine vaccination.

💉 A series of vaccination are administered to puppies to increase the likelihood of building immunity when the immune system has not yet fully matured.

📆 Avoid gaps in your pets immunization schedule and make sure the vaccinations are up to date.

🐩Avoid contact with infected animals and wildlife.

🐾Use caution when socializing puppies or unvaccinated dogs at parks or areas where dogs congregate.

🦝 Pet ferrets should be vaccinated against canine distemper using a approved ferret vaccine.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝟬𝟭𝟭𝟬𝟭𝟵𝟳𝟲𝟬𝟬.

24/10/2023

Next intakes 5 Nov!

19/09/2023

Tailwagger's Spring Walk 2023. Thank you to all members, organizers and hosts for a lovely day. 31 two legged & 27 four legged participants. 🐾🐾

04/09/2023

Amidst the beauty of your Spring garden, remember that some plants might pose a threat to your furry companions. Here are a handful of common ones to be mindful of:

🌼 Daffodils can bring discomfort to dogs with upset stomachs, inducing vomiting, sleepiness, and wobbliness.

🌺 Azaleas can cause nausea, vomiting, and even breathing difficulties upon ingestion.

🌸 Lilies can lead to gastrointestinal distress in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, and tummy pain. They can also cause kidney failure in cats.

🌷 Tulips contain a toxin that irritates dogs' mouths and digestive tracts, often resulting in drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. For cats, tulips are incredibly perilous and can lead to kidney failure.

💐 Hyacinths can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling.

🍃 Ivy cause excessive drooling in pets if ingested.

🧅🧄 Onions and Garlic induce weakness, lethargy, reduced appetite, and unusual reddish urine.

🍂 Rhubarb Leaves can provoke vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation in pets.

🌿 Lavender contains linalool which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities.

Let's ensure our pets thrive in a safe environment. Share the love by protecting them from potential hazards in your garden.

26/08/2023

Happy National Dog Appreciation Day! 🐶

Today, let's celebrate our dogs that fill our days with joy, laughter, and endless cuddles.

Our dogs are family, confidants, and the best listeners. They teach us about loyalty, empathy, and the beauty of living in the moment. A tail wag or a gentle nuzzle can turn any day around. Dogs have a magical way of making us feel loved and appreciated, no matter what.

Let's not forget our furry heroes who offer therapy, support, and even life-saving assistance. They truly make the world a better place.

So, on this special day, let's shower our dogs with extra treats, belly rubs, and all the love they deserve.

Share your favorite dog moments and let the world know how your furry friend has touched your heart.

22/08/2023

15/08/2023

Did you know that there are 21 different types of aggression in dogs? Fear aggression is considered the most common, often confused with dominance aggression. Fear aggression is all about intimidation in the face of fear - when a dog feels the need to intimidate someone or something that they are afraid of. Dogs who have not been properly socialized or dogs that were abused, are more likely to experience fear aggression.

Watch for these signals:
🐾 Cowering posture
🐾 Open mouth with bared teeth
🐾 Narrowed eyes
🐾 Ears pinned to their head

The main triggers for dogs suffering from fear aggression include
🐾 Strangers
🐾 Loud noises
🐾 Fireworks
🐾 Unfamiliar places/territory

While fear aggression can never be fully “cured,” there are many ways to help your dog manage their fear. Fears and behaviors can be reduced with proper training and/or medication.

Find out more about products available to help your pets cope : https://za.virbac.com/home/dog/behavioral.html

12/08/2023

Noise phobia is an irrational, intense, and persistent fear response that pets can develop at any age and in any breed. When exposed to certain sounds, our pets may attempt to avoid or escape from the noise, triggering instinctive behaviors to seek shelter as a defense mechanism.

Characteristic behaviors exhibited by dogs with noise phobia include:
🐾 Hiding
🐾 Urinating or defecating in inappropriate places
🐾 Chewing or destructive behavior
🐾 Excessive drooling and panting
🐾 Pacing and trembling
🐾 Shaking, whining or barking
🐾 Seeking out human family for comfort
🐾 Attempting to escape and running away in fear

While fireworks and thunderstorms are the most common triggers for noise phobia, pets can develop a fear of any sound, no matter how inconsequential it may seem to us. Furthermore, the more exposure a pet has to a frightening noise, the more intense their phobic response is likely to become.

Pay attention to these behaviours - do not ignore them. Be attentive, compassionate, and proactive in helping your pets navigate through their fears and anxieties.

08/08/2023

Tailwaggers annual charity collection for dogs in need. Donated to Claudine Matthews PawsRehoming. A big thank you to our member's who made this possible. 440 kg !!!! of dogfood as well as other helpful items. 🐾🐾🐾

28/05/2023

Well done Athos! 👏

01/05/2023

Happy Workers Day to all the hardworking dogs out there! Whether you're a service dog, a therapy dog, a police dog, a herding dog, or just a loyal companion, your dedication and loyalty make our lives better every day. Thank you for your tireless work and for the joy you bring to our lives. Here's to all the good boys and girls out there - may your tails never stop wagging!

11/04/2023

Lots of fun on Easter Sunday! Easter Hunt for members & dogs.
Afterwards refreshments and Hot Cross Buns. 😄 🐾🐾

28/03/2023

It is of utmost importance to take your pet to vet if you suspect an ear infection. This is what you can expect in the consultation with the Vet:

- A proper ear exam to see what the ear canal looks like (inflammation/ear wax), if there are any parasites or foreign bodies and to see whether the eardrum is intact.
- The Vet will take an ear smear to see whether there is an ear infection or only inflammation. If an ear infection is present the smear will show what is causing it (bacteria/yeast) as well as the severity of the infection.
- Treatment will be prescribed that will focus on removing the debris and wax build up and allow the treatment to pe*****te into the ear
- If there is an infection an antibiotic ear ointment will be prescribed to resolve the infection
- if the ear is very inflamed and painful a Veterinarian might prescribe pain medication or medication to help resolve the inflammation quicker.

Please do not leave your pets ear infection untreated.

For more information visit : bit.ly/3TqFwkwEpiOtic

13/03/2023

Another busy Sunday at Tailwaggers. (Socializing) 🐾🐾

23/02/2023

🐶 To all the dog owners out there: your puppy isn't a hopeless case. You jusn't haven't found the right person to call.
🦮 Watch Graeme Hall training a man's best friend and restoring harmony in .
📺 Weekends at 8:55 and 18:50 on

28/01/2023

For both you and your dog to enjoy a happy life together, veterinarians and dog trainers alike recommend that your pup is socialized from an early age, after the puppy is fully vaccinated to prevent susceptibility to diseases. Socialising your dog at an older age will probably take longer, prove more frustrating, and can be more scarier for your dog than it would have been for a puppy. Socializing teaches your dog how to react to the world around it in a healthy way, without unnecessary fear or aggression. Starting early can eliminate additional challenges for both you and your dog. Here are a few tips that will help with socialising the new member in your family.

24/01/2023

Just because you cannot see fleas on your pet, does not mean that the fleas are not in the environment. Fleas are active the whole year through, even in winter. Fleas can be found almost anywhere, which makes it difficult to get rid of them. Routinely treating your pet with an effective flea and tick treatment will help protect them from fleas before an infestation occurs. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is a leading cause of allergic reactions in dogs. It is the antigens or proteins in the saliva that cause an intensely itchy response to sensitive dogs. If your dog show signs of itchiness, first address the possibility of fleas before any other cause. Speak to your vet about an effective flea and tick solution. bit.ly/23012023

17/01/2023

🚨 REMEMBER: Timing is important! 🚨

Contact us asap if your pet goes missing. We are the only qualified and experienced missing pet search unit in SA. With over 750 searches, we are the experts.

23/05/2022