Talk Dog Blog

The Truth About Kennel Cough

2013-03-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

Kennel cough (KC) is a common ailment in dogs equivalent to cold or flu in humans. It is caused by a bacteria that can live in the respiratory tract of infected dogs. It is highly contagious and is spread via aerosol when infected animals cough or in their saliva. Just as humans contract illnesses, kennel cough can be caught by being exposed to areas where infected dogs have been.

Symptoms:

- Dry, “non-productive” cough

- Coughing and gagging or retching

- Abnormal bouts of coughing in repeated intervals

- Rapid breathing

- Lethargic

- Not eating

- Sneezing, runny nose and runny eyes

Common Places For KC Exposure:

- Veterinarian Office

- Dog Daycare and Boarding Facilities

- Dog Parks

- Pet Stores

- Walking trails where dogs frequent

- Homes and yards with an infected dog

The Facts:

- The potential for infection is there any time your dog is around an infected dog.

- The incubation period for KC is 2-10 days meaning a dog could have the virus and infect other dogs while showing no signs of illness.

- There are multiple strains of KC and the vaccination, not all are completely covered by the vaccine.

- Vaccination usually shortens the course of the disease and prevents more serious broncho-pneumonia.

- Dogs with weaker immune systems (puppies and older dogs) are more susceptible to the bacteria.

- Complete recovery can take up to 3 weeks. Proper treatment will prevent symptoms from getting worse and infecting other dogs.

What To Do When You Think Your Dog Has KC:

1) Call the vet to set up a time for treatment and advise them you think it has kennel cough. They may ask you to wait with the dog in the car until they are ready to see you to prevent exposure to the other animals in the waiting room.

2) Call any boarding/training/play care/grooming facility you have visited in the last week to let them know--this can help them keep other doggies healthy.

3) Follow the doctor’s instructions and treatment plan to ensure a complete recovery.

4) As a courtesy to others, keep your dog away from boarding/training/play care/grooming facilities and dog parks until your dog is finished with ALL the medicine and cough free for at least 72 hours.

KC and We Talk Dog:

We Talk Dog is an open facility where dogs interact in groups. Our facility, like any other common place listed above is at risk for an infected dog expose the virus to other dogs. By bringing your dog to WTD (or the common places listed above), they run the risk or catching KC.

WTD Cleaning Policy - WTD disinfects the entire building twice daily. All bedding and suites for borders is disinfected each morning. WTD uses a product called ProVet Logic which we believe is the best product on the market.

While we maintain the cleanliness of our facility, we cannot guarantee another dog won’t bring an illness into it. The dogs are under constant observation and as soon as one exhibits any kind of abnormal symptoms, the dog is removed from the group and isolated. Owners are immediately called to pick up their dog and in certain cases, we will transport the dog to one of our local veterinarian partners.

Again, our veterinarian partners equivocate this to a common cold or flu. With proper education, the current WTD procedures and proper veterinary treatment of our dogs, we can reduce exposure as much as possible.

*Thank you to Dr. Michael Hoke and Dr. Jennifer Dexter of Hoke Animal Clinic and Dr. Michael Stowe of Montclair Animal Clinic for your counsel putting this information together.

Trick or Treat!

2012-10-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it’s time to torture ourselves with our best frien-emy ever…Halloween candy. And our pups usually love it as much as we do! While candy is ok for us in moderation, there are some foods and candies we love that can be lethal for dogs even in the smallest amounts. Be sure to keep your furry family members safe this Halloween with some helpful tips on candies and how to help them make it through trick-or-treating!

Pet Poison Helpline’s Top Halloween Dangers for Dogs http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2012/10/pet-poison-helpline-warns-pet-owners-about-halloween-dangers/

ASPCA’s Top 10 Halloween Safety Tipshttp://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.aspx

Four-Legged Halloween Costumes!

2012-10-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

Your costume is taken care of, party plans are made, and candy is purchased; it’s time to take care of Fluffy! Every pup wants to look cute (or handsome!) in their costume. If you’ve waited til the last minute to think about it, we have the answer for you! Check out these websites with some creative and crafty ideas for homemade costumes. Once you’ve decided what your pooch will be dressed as, give We Talk Dog a call to get your pup on schedule for a cut and color (yep, Jeanette can do that)! Remember that appointments will fill up quickly and call today!

http://animal.discovery.com/features/halloween/ideas/homemade-pet-costumes.html

http://voices.yahoo.com/10-adorable-homemade-dog-costumes-halloween-6575036.html?cat=53

Dog-Shaming

2012-09-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are not yet acquianted, we'd like to introduce you to dog-shaming today. This is possibly one of the best and funniest ways to brighten your day and waste some time. I think we have now all spent what would undoubtedly amount to HOURS of time sitting at our computers at night laughing until we cry at what some of these poor souls have been subjected to by their dogs (and thinking about some of the things our dogs have done over the years)! If you ask us, this website is worth its weight in gold and we want to share the wealth! Let the shaming begin!

http://dog-shaming.com/

What Your Dog Can Do For You

2012-09-04T09:27:00.002-07:00

Who doesn't love a cute, cuddly puppy? I don't know what I would do without my big buddy curling up with me on the couch, playing outside, and going for a weekend run to Lowe's! But aside from all the kisses and a great napping partner, there are many other reasons why having a furry-friend of your own is a great idea! Check out the great health benefits that can come from being a dog-lover!

Check out the article! http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health

What's That Smell?

2012-08-28T10:04:00.002-07:00

As we all know, our pups have a much better "nose" for smells than we do. But just what are they smelling when they roam around with their noses pressed to the ground or raised in the air? Is it another furry friend? or perhaps some other creature? Don't you wish you knew a little more about what they are investigating when they come across some new scent that is completely undetectable by their human friends? Here is a very interesting article on what all goes on in their heads (and their noses) during a sniffing-spree!

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/7_11/features/Canine-Sense-of-Smell_15668-1.html

Crazy for Coconut!

2012-08-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

We all love our dogs and want nothing more than to keep their happy, healthy tails wagging! This not only means keeping them bathed and brushed, but keeping their bodies healthy as well. Now you can use one product to help keep them in looking and feeling great! Coconut oil has been shown to help with dogs' coats and skin when mixed with their food (it's quite tasty for our furry friends), but also can help with disinfecting cuts and rashes when used topically. And, it's actually great for Fido's two-legged friends as well!
Check out the article to find out more about the benefits of coconut oil!

http://www.petside.com/article/coconut-oil-miracle-jar-dogs?obref=obinsite

Workout with a Tail-Wag!

2012-08-18T09:19:00.003-07:00

Many people enjoy a good work out after work, but feel guilty leaving Fido in his crate for an extra hour or so while they hit the gym. Wish you had a way to bond with your furry-friend and get your workout in? Jogging is a great way to do just that! Getting a jog in a few times a week can be beneficial in more ways than just physical conditioning for both of you; it can also reduce stress and anxiety as well as improve Fido’s behavior. Just remember, your puppy will need to build up to a full jog the same way you would. If you aren’t much of a runner yet, here are a few helpful sites to get you and Fido started!

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-activities/dog-exercise/running-with-your-dog.aspx

http://running.about.com/od/safetyissuesandtips/tp/runningwithdogs.htm

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-527--13603-0,00.html

Finding a Forever-Home

2012-08-13T12:53:00.001-07:00

Recently, we have seen an influx of new additions to the We Talk Dog Family that have been rescued or adopted. We are always glad to hear such sweet stories of loving pet-owners opening their hearts to pets in need of a home! So, today we thought we would invite all of you to check out some of the pets in our area that are still in search of their forever-home (including two of our own, Kasper and Carolina). Here’s to wonderful, loving, responsible pet-owners everywhere!

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?animal_type=Dog&pet_breed=&location=35210&startsearch=Search

Homemade Treats

2012-08-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Fido is learning some new tricks; better have those treats handy! We all love to reward our pups when they do something new or good, and treats are a great way to do just that. Of course we want them to have something healthy, too (although for myself I will still hit up the local Sonic for some ice cream!). If you buy treats on a regular basis, you already know that they can really add up when it comes to the bank account. For those of you who love to be in the kitchen cooking up something heavenly, this site is for you! We found a great resource for home-made dog-treat recipes (for all skill-levels J). The next time you want to spoil your puppy, head to the kitchen instead of the grocery store!

http://www.bullwrinkle.com/Assets/Recipes/Recipes.htm

You Are What You Eat!

2012-08-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

If your dog is anything like mine, he LOVES to eat! However, he can be kind of picky sometimes…and truthfully, I want to be picky for him. I know that WHAT he eats and its contents are important and can lengthen his lifespan if he’s fed properly. So, how do you determine which food to choose? There are so many good choices on the market, but there are just as many that are less-than-great. And as we all know, just because he likes it doesn’t mean it’s good for him. Want to know where your current dog food ranks? Here is a rating sheet that works for all foods. Keep in mind, the cost doesn’t always directly determine the score the food will get. It’s quick and easy to rate your dog’s food (some are already rated and listed at the bottom), and well worth the few minutes it takes to make sure your playful pooch is getting the proper nutrition!

http://members.petfinder.com/~CA469/files/DogFoodRatings.pdf

A Busy Puppy is a Well-Behaved Puppy!

2012-08-06T05:48:00.000-07:00

Has Fido been acting up a little lately? Trying to figure out why he’s been so stubborn the last few days? Try to think back on his activity level during that time. If dogs are not given enough mental or physical activity, they can easily become bored and distracted, leading to a disobedient pup. Before being domesticated, these four-legged friends had a much more active lifestyle; hunting and scavenging just to get a meal. This is quite a difference from the cuddle-buddies we have made them today. According to the ASPCA, there are many reasons dogs need the mental and physical exercise. Check out this article for some great tips on keeping Fido busy! (In addition to bringing him for a day of fun at We Talk Dog!)

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/enriching-your-dogs-life?page=3

How to Avoid Dog Hair Matting

2012-08-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

During the summer months, our furry friends spend a lot more time playing outside, rolling in whatever they can find, and getting into stuff! Much to our regret, this typically results in a stinky and matted pup. Matts can be particularly difficult to get out, especially if you are trying to keep their coat in-tact. Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just avoid matting altogether? We Talk Dog has found some information to help you and your pooch dodge that bullet! Read this article for more information. Just remember, our “wooftastic” groomers are always here to help you keep your puppy looking his best!

http://dogdoorstore.com/Articles/Pet-Grooming/How-To-Prevent-Dog-Hair-Matting.html

How Does Music Affect Dogs?

2012-07-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

Recently, we had someone ask about the effect of music on dogs. So, We Talk Dog decided to investigate the topic and see what we could find out. The results we found were interesting; it seems that various styles of music can cause different reactions for the dogs. The studies show that hard rock or heavy metal seemed to agitate the dogs, while pop music seems to have no effect at all. However, classical music (and particularly Bach) seemed to lessen the separation anxiety and stress behavior. The information we found also showed that reactions to storms seemed to be lessened as well.
We decided to test this theory on our own. The first time we began playing the classical music while the dogs were indoors, it seems they calmed down drastically in a matter of minutes! We tried this again on a second day with the same results. (However, we noticed this does tend to have the same effect on us humans, so be prepared to get a little sleepy.J) The third day, we brought all the pups in for a break from the heat. This time, the music only played for approximately two minutes before we had a room full of sleepy puppies! The next time you leave your pooch, try playing some music to help him relax.

Check out our reference article for more information…http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-healing-arts/200803/songs-soothe-the-panicked-pooch

Choosing the Right Dog for You

2012-07-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

You’ve decided to add a furry friend to your family! Now it’s time for the hard part; how do you know which breed is right for you? Of the hundreds of breeds in existence, each breed’s personality is as diverse as their appearances. From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, the list of puppy possibilities is endless! Here at We Talk Dog, we understand the importance of making the right selection for you and your family. Check out this information we found to help you make the decision! Take this online quiz to see what breeds have the traits you are looking for in your pet. Then, research the ones that meet your criteria at www.akc.org to narrow down your choices. As always, we welcome any questions you may have!

http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html

Saturday Grooming!

2012-07-18T08:43:00.002-07:00

We Talk Dog is proud to announce we will now be open for grooming appointments on Saturdays! We have added a new addition to our family: Tim Prior. Tim came to us from upstate New York where he began his journey with our four-legged friends. Most recently, he was the Director of Practical Applications at Nash Academy of Grooming in Lexington, Kentucky. Tim has also worked intensively in show grooming, judging, and speaking on the art of grooming. Lucky for us, Tim’s path has led him to We Talk Dog!

We are also happy to have Jeanette still keeping tails trimmed throughout the week! She grew up in a family of show-groomers and has a wealth of knowledge in breed-specific grooming and is also happy to cater to any special requests.

As always, Jeanette and Tim are keeping busy, so be sure to call and make your pup’s appointment today! With combined experience of over 45 years, you can bet your dog biscuits your pooch will be groomed to perfection! Be sure to ask about our other special services including nail polish, coat dying, and hand stripping!

Check out our facebook albums and website for some grooming testimonials.

We are open for grrreat grrrooming!

2011-11-29T12:53:00.001-08:00

Jeannette knows her stuff! Look at what a great job

You can’t tell me a dog doesn’t know when he looks GOOD!

Another owner happy with the puppy play

2011-11-29T12:49:00.001-08:00

Hi All!
Boarding over the Holidays was fabulous! Full House! So many dogs went home tired and their owners loved it!
From Laura:
Hi Adam,
Thank you SO MUCH for keeping Spencer and Zobie busy...whatever you
did with them worked wonders, because I practically had to drag them
out the door to potty tonight! They are exhausted!! Was able to get
all kinds of things done while they were passed out...THANK YOU!!!!

First Day of Grroooming!

2011-11-28T12:53:00.001-08:00

We are open for grrreat grrrooming! Jeannette knows her stuff! Look at what a great job

You can't tell me a dog doesn't know when he looks GOOD!

Turkey Day Testimonial

2011-11-28T12:36:00.001-08:00

From Mallory :

Hi Kalyn! I just wanted to let you know that Millie and Oliver came back completely EXHAUSTED! Oliver fell asleep in the car on the way home, and they both slept for about 14 straight hours once we got home! I think they must have had a lot of fun! Thanks again for such a great experience!

Doggie Daycare OPEN!!

2011-11-19T04:51:00.001-08:00

We are open for business but still in the process of completion so Grand Opening is still a bit away. We'll keep you posted on the Grand Opening! It'll be a big Puppy Party!!! J

2011-11-07T12:58:00.001-08:00

Thank you to Roy Williams from Birmingham News for coming out and seeing what we’re building for the dog lovers of Birmingham. With We Talk Dog’s Grand Opening right around the corner, Roy brought out his talented photographer, Linda, to see what the hard work has produced so far. Roy also brought his precious Shih-chon puppy, Diamond, out with him for a day of daycare. She’s a precious little fluff ball that’s a little shy around strangers. Hopefully, we can help her come out of her shell a bit. Just a few more weeks and we are looking forward to having both play yards loaded with dogs.

Pet Safety Tips for Kids

2011-01-04T15:30:00.001-08:00

Pet Safety Tips for Kids*

Ask the owner before petting Rover.
Many dogs are very friendly, but some dogs are not. Make sure to ask the owners if their dog is friendly
and if it’s okay for you to pet the dog; make sure to also ask your own parent or guardian before you
pet a stranger’s dog. Be sure to follow all of the safety tips!
Puppy or kitten, ask for permission.
It is also important to ask an adult before petting puppies or kittens, especially when the mama dog or cat
is present. Mothers of almost any animal are naturally protective of their babies.
Petting the chin is where you begin.
After you have received permission to pet a dog, you should begin petting the dog under its chin or on its chest, always approaching from the side of the dog.
This way the dog can see where your hand is and what you are doing. Many dogs don’t like to be petted
on the top of the head. They might think you are trying to hurt or dominate them.
He sniffs your hand to understand.
A dog’s sense of smell is much, much greater than our own. Dogs use this sense of smell when greeting
and getting to know newcomers. If a dog smells you to get to know you, let him sniff the back of your
hand. This will keep your fingers out of the way as well as not threaten the dog.
If he has a bone, leave him alone. If he has a snack, you must keep back.
If a dog is eating or is chewing on a bone or other item, he/she might think you are going to take it away,
which could cause the dog to protect what it has by growling, snapping or biting.
Respecting his space will save your face.
It is common sense to keep a respectable distance between a child's face and the teeth of a dog or a cat,
even if it is the family pet.
If you run and shout, he's gonna freak out.
The way you behave can influence the way a dog behaves. If you scream, shout, run or swing your arms
or feet around dogs, they are more likely to chase or attack you.
He'll think you’re the bomb if you act very calm.
Your behavior can influence the way any dog behaves, but shy or nervous dogs can be even more
affected by rambunctious children. Being calm around a shy dog can make them feel less nervous and
more secure.
Whether girl or a boy, never tease or annoy.
If you are teasing or annoying a dog or a cat, they can’t tell you in words that they want you to stop; but
they can tell you to stop by growling, biting or scratching.
Quiet and slow is the way to go.
If you are scared of a dog, do not run or scream. It is safer to walk away slowly and quietly. As you
calmly walk away, try not to stare into the dog’s eyes; or the dog might think you want to fight.
*from www.dogbitelaw.com

Is Getting One Dog at a Time Better or Two

2010-12-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Is Having One Dog or Two Dogs at a Time Better?

The question posed is "Are two puppies twice the fun or quadruple the work?". Short answer/question…If given the choice at the hospital, would you take home a single child or a set of twins? :))

It's done with the best of intentions:

1) It’s time to add a puppy to your family and you want the best for your new furry friend. You have gotten the bed, bowls, and toys...everything for your new friend. You go to pick up your puppy and find that there is one puppy left in the litter that no one has taken home. You watch your puppy playing with his littermate. They are rolling and tussling back and forth, wearing each other out, and a light bulb clicks on in your head. "Our family is busy and there will be times when our puppy is left by himself. I don't want him to get lonely. I want him to grow into a happy dog". You turn to the breeder and say, "I'll take both!" with a big smile on your face...after all isn't having two puppies twice the fun? ...

2) You’ve had Fido for a week or so. Life has caught up to you and you've been really busy! When you get home from your long day at work, your buddy is so happy to see you and wants to play, play, play! You're tired and think, " I could get another puppy and they could play together all day so they'll tire each other out and then when I get home it will be "lovin" time." You start looking for a playmate that night as your puppy chews on your shoelaces. ...

3) You have a good dog that has a lot of energy! Whew, he wears you out trying to keep up with him! What you need is a doggy buddy for him to play with all day and burn off his extra energy...You'll get a puppy for him. Your older dog is a good dog and can "help" you raise the new puppy by showing it how to behave...

Whatever the reason for a multi-dog household, we have to take our feelings out of the picture and look for the best for our dogs from their point of view. Puppies at the age of 7-8 weeks have, hopefully, had the opportunity to learn valuable life lessons from their mother and their siblings. At this age, they are developing personalities and looking for relationships. They are ready to leave their pack and build a bond with you. This is the easiest window of time for that bond to form. When you have a multi-dog household, this bond can be damaged, if not handled correctly.

It’s much easier for a puppy to look to another puppy or dog for the bond of companionship. They speak the same language. It takes more effort for the puppy to connect with something that doesn't look like him, smell like him, or speak his native tongue. Bonding with a human and learning the human society rules can sometimes be a little difficult. Dogs left alone "to be dogs" are going to do just that... be dogs. They are also going to bond closely, sometimes becoming two halves of a whole instead of 2 individual dogs.

With this situation, we see an increased level of anxiety in the dogs. They become agitated when separated from the other dog, even a distance as close as across the room. They are vocal and destructive if left alone without their pack mate. They become manic if one has to go to the vet for an overnight stay. It can lead to constant fighting between the siblings and increased dog aggression. It may even manifest as human aggression because the trust and bond with a human has never been formed. These behaviors are detrimental for the dogs. Some of them will land in a humane society where they will be un-adoptable due to their problems. Most people do not realize that this could be a death sentence for the dog.

No one wants this for his or her dog's future, so now, what to do? We have to put our feelings aside and make a responsible choice for the wellbeing and sanity of your four-legged friend.

The "Unthinkable" for most people...Re-home one of the dogs. No one wants to part with a dog that they have fallen in love with. It’s painful and heartbreaking for both you and your dogs. If you have difficulties with the dog already, waiting to see if they outgrow the behaviors can make it VERY hard to find a home. It takes a special person to try to fix a problem dog.

The responsible option is easier on the heart but harder on the owner....treating the dogs as individuals from day one. We understand this goes against why you got two dogs in the first place, but in the long run it can be absolute bliss for your family and your dogs! To treat the dogs as individuals means twice the "dog work" for you but also twice the love and devotion. Train each dog separately. Spend time with each one. Let them play together occasionally but you make sure you have more play time with them than they have with each other. They must have their own space to grow and develop that dog/human bond of companionship. You DO NOT have to keep them apart forever but they will need this individual attention for at least the first year of their lives or coming into your world so they look to you for their love and leadership.

Please don't misunderstand; We are not advocating one-dog households. I have two dogs myself, Adam has two dogs and most of our clients have more than one dog. You can have as many dogs as you want but remember that owning a dog is privilege and to live up to that you have to do what's best for those that you care for. If you choose to keep both dogs and feel you’re over your head at any point, contact us. The best option is simply to train your dogs so they may live, love, play together and look to you and your family first and foremost for all their needs. If you need help with coming up with a plan, call us. We are always here to help you.

Wishing you furry hugs and sloppy kisses,

Adam Summerford

Kalyn Trichell

Talk Dog Training and Coaching

WeTalkDog.com

2010-06-12T06:09:00.001-07:00

Kalyn and Adam are worth their weight in GOLD! Not only were they professional and extremely effective with our new puppy Great Dane, Wasabi and our 8-year-old mutt, Max, they were very interested in our dogs, their connection to our family dynamics, patient, and kind. I had come down with a disability and our Great Dane puppy was growing faster than we could possibly train her. This was a potential nightmare. With their assistance over several visits, WE learned how to train our own dogs and that education would help us out for our dogs and our lifetimes.

If you are having any behavior problems (big or small) with your dogs, you must contact them immediately! It has made our household much calmer and peaceful!

Most sincerely,

Lynn & Mike