I just walked Hoshi. I was reading the forum on my Droid when Hoshi pulled me by the leash. I figured it was a bunny or a cat. It was a skunk in someone’s front yard! This thing was not shy in the least! It actually started heading towards us then walked away . It’s almost like it was taunting Hoshi to come at him so it could spray us. Hoshi wanted to chase it so badly. He kept crying the whole time.
Hoshi’s bath and haircut
I gave Hoshi a bath yesterday. He had been scratching (fleas I suspect) so I wanted to bath him before his Frontline treatment. I shaved him down again except for his ears. It’s been so hot lately so I figured he wouldn’t mind. I found a flea on him. I think we have rampant fleas in my area because we have so many rodents (squirrels, bunnies, ect.). Hoshi is just like Gabby and doesn’t like his front paws done. He growled every time I came near him with the scissors. He even begged–tried to get on me and lick me begging me to skip the paws. I let him have his way last trim but not this time. He slept like a baby afterwards. Those fleas must have worn him out.
Heat Intolerance in Short Muzzled Dogs
You may have heard recent reports that short nosed dogs are more likely to die in airports. Why? First, air travel for pets may be hazardous in itself. Approximately 5,000 animals are lost, injured or die each year because of dangerous conditions in aircraft cargo holds. Many cargo holds lack climate controls exposing pets to dangerously high temperatures. Dogs cool themselves by panting however extremely high temperatures can overcome this self preservation mechanism. Short nosed dogs are at even greater risk in these conditions because of their physical characteristics and here’s why.
Think of your dog’s nose as your car’s radiator. When your car’s engine begins to overheat it circulates this heat into the radiator where it escapes. Your dog’s nose works the same way. Blood vessels in the nose carry heat away where it’s dissipated into the air. Size matters. Larger radiators (noses) can give off more heat and there’s why short nosed (muzzled) dogs are at a disadvantage. Short nosed dogs can’t cope with the heat as well which places them at higher risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Wait! There’s more! short nosed dogs may have nasal passages that collapse during inspiration. This completely shuts off nasal air flow and any cooling benefits through the nose. Short nosed dogs may also have extra tissue in the back of their throat which makes breathing difficult especially with they are in distress. Short nosed dogs also experience a vicious cycle of worsening breathing when distressed (i.e. extreme temperatures). The throat and nose and mouth become swollen from various causes. One, extra blood is sent to these areas in attempts to cool down the body. Two, rapid movement of air during breathing irritates the airways. The irritated upper airways begin to fill with foamy secretions hindering air movement.
Does my dog suffer from short muzzle symptoms? Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boxers and Bulldogs are breeds known to have short muzzles (brachycephaly) however other breeds may be affected as well. Your veterinarian can assess your pet’s risk of brachycephaly. Early diagnosis is important as this condition can lead to further respiratory and even heart complications.
What symptoms do short muzzled dogs have?
- becomes short of breath for no apparent reason
- snores
- noisy breathing
- gagging, retching
- heat intolerance
References:
- Short snouts and long flights don’t mix
http://www.ohmidog.com/2010/07/18/sh…ghts-dont-mix/ - ASPCA proposes new law to improve air travel for pets. Nov 19, 2002 pNAAirline Industry Information, p.NA. Retrieved July 19, 2010, from General Reference Center Gold via Gale:
http://0-find.galegroup.com.elibrary…lom_accessmich - Airlines Are Unsafe For Pets
https://www.msu.edu/~silvar/airplane.htm - Heat Transport
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ult…Transport.html - Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
http://www.veterinaryspecialties.com…brachnews2.pdf - Hot Weather & Dogs – Summer Advice
http://www.endangereddogs.com/HotWeatherGuide.pdf - Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Symdrome (BAOS) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
http://www.cavalierhealth.org/brachycephalic.htm - Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proce…8768&O=Generic
Hoshi’s Training
I have been training Hoshi in the hopes of keeping him off the road. This is in case he should ever get loose again. We have been practicing our sit stays at the curb of the street using a 15′ lead. I leave him at the curb and walk across the street. Hoshi does real well with that. I’m also using sit stays on at the borders of our property. I’m hoping he gets the idea that a our front yard has boundaries he should not cross. I’m also using off-leash sit stays in the front yard in a controlled setting with correction. I want him to learn being off leash in the front yard is serious business–he’s not allowed in the front yard off leash–this is just in case he gets loose.
It not all about restrictions. I’m also teaching Hoshi fetch. My goal is Hoshi will fetch his leash whenever he wants to go out the front door. It’s a slow go teaching him fetch. I’m using a training dumbbell except he can’t figure out the concept to retrieve it. The most I can do is reward him for putting the dumbbell in his mouth. I’ll try using a ball next time–that might be more fun for him.
Hoshi Recuperating
I can’t tell you how glad I am to have Hoshi here sleeping by me. I’m sure he’s sore and I’ll be keeping an eye on him for any problems. They sent him home with liquid Tramadol. Hoshi couldn’t stand it. He wouldn’t let me get it to him–shook his head every time he tasted it. It was bitter. They gave me pills instead. Hoshi’s real good about taking pills. I just cover them with peanut butter. We won’t be able to go for walks for whole week. Well, that’s a small price to pay to have Hoshi with me safe and sound. I’ve included Hoshi’s discharge papers for you to see.