K9- Upgrade

19/11/2024

15/11/2024

Advocate for your dog.

10/09/2024

THE INVOLUNTARY MOHAWK

Technically called Piloerection – when the fur on a dog’s back area stands on end.

Piloerection in dogs is an involuntary response – not within conscious control. It’s usually linked to feeling a strong emotion and could be compared to a person getting goosebumps.

It’s far easier to see in short haired dogs than those with a longer coat.

A breed like the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a clear distinctive ridge of fur on their back. This is formed by a selected gene mutation which causes that particular fur to grow in the opposite direction from the rest. This ridge is standard for this breed and is not related to an emotional state.

Piloerection is commonly thought only to be seen in reactive or aggressive dogs, but that’s not always the case.

Dogs that are feeling aroused, excited, fearful, startled, stimulated, conflicted or insecure in some way, also exhibit this.

As with all behaviour, it’s important to look at the context, in conjunction with other body language, the environment and specific situation in order to establish the cause and decide on the best way to intervene if necessary.

Dr Karen London - an ethologist and highly qualified behaviourist, trained in observing animals and behaviour, has made some very interesting observations about different patterns of raised fur being linked to different emotional states.
In Dr London’s professional opinion -
A thin patch of fur all along the back to the base of the tail is associated with a high level of confidence. These dogs are more likely to be on the offensive and react more aggressively.
A thick patch across shoulders to around ¼ way down the back is associated with a low level of confidence and is seen in dogs that are more fearful.
A patch of fur raised at the shoulders and another patch at the base of the tail – the fur in between is not raised, is associated with dogs that are conflicted and unsure of how to react. These dogs may be unpredictable and more likely to be reactive.
Dr London states that there are many exceptions, but in general, this applies to the majority of dogs that she observes.

08/09/2024

Be BiteSmart is a program run by the Center for Canine Behavior Studies to educate kids about dog body language to help avoid biting.

07/09/2024

Reminder for all the new pups headed to the vet.

The FDA is alerting⚠️ pet owners & veterinarians of the potential for neurologic adverse events in dogs and cats when treated with Flea & Tick drugs that are in the isoxazoline class.

Bravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs
Bravecto (fluralaner) topical solution for cats and dogs
Bravecto Plus (fluralaner and moxidectin) topical solution for cats
Bravecto 1-month (fluralaner) tablets for dogs
Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs and cats
Nexgard (afoxolaner) tablets for dogs
Simparica (sarolaner) tablets for dogs
Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel) tablets for dogs
Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner) topical solution for cats.

WE RECOMMEND:
•Interceptor or traditional Heartgard for monthly parasite and heart worm prevention
•K9 Advantix or Frontline topical or Seresto collars OR a natural alternative like Wondercide

02/09/2024

Big congratulations to GYPSY and Ms. Pat.

02/09/2024

Zeke begins his journey here at K9- Upgrade! We are excited to see his progress.

05/08/2024

Love when the Cunningham crew joins us for a few days!!!

18/07/2024

Ecko and Maggie pie

16/07/2024

Ecko🐾

16/07/2024

Hi everyone say hello to Maggie and Ecko here boarding with us for a while Maggie is a 11yr old Rhodesian mix and Ecko a 9 year old lab