Tis the Season: Kennel Cough and How to Recognize it

What You Need To Know

Tis the season for the dreaded Kennel Cough. Similar to our common flu, dogs have the ability to catch the animal equivalent, which is Kennel Cough. Kennel Cough is a build up of multiple infections and is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. It is spread through sneezing and coughing into the air, then being breathed in by other dog's or through direct mouth contact. 

Below is an example of what Kennel Cough sounds like, including coughing and reverse sneezing. 

Here is a video discussing the causes, symptoms, remedies, and other helpful tips for detecting and preventing Kennel Cough. 

The good news is, Kennel Cough will usually go away on it's own without any medication or veterinary assistance. If the cough persists for longer than three(3) weeks to one(1) month or worsens at all over time, then contact your veterinarian as it could be advancing into pneumonia. 

Watch the two videos above and get familiar with the sounds of Kennel Cough, knowing the signs will help to prevent the spreading of the disease/virus, helping to keep your pet healthy and happy!

Tail Wags from the CompleteK9 team.  

Happy Halloween!!!

How to Keep Your Dog Happy on Halloween

        Although Halloween festivities are fun and exciting for us, often dogs are filled with anxiety on this day. People constantly coming to the door, ringing the bell, dressed in scary costumes is confusing and disorienting for your dog. Here are a few things that you can do to keep your dog happy and comfortable on Halloween night. 

1. Give your dog lots of stimulation before the trick-or-treating festivities begin. Take them for a nice long walk/hike to help get out any extra energy they may have or take them around while you run errands. Either will help to expel your dog's energy and help to keep your dog cal, and relaxed for the evening.
2. There are TONS of FREE dog walking groups, events and clubs that you can be a part of on Halloween; such as the Kitchener/Waterloo Halloween Dog Pawrade! Its a fun event where you can bring the whole family for a walk in the park! There are fun prizes for best DOG Halloween costume.
1. Dog Costume ideas: Lobster, Spooky Ghost, Cowboy, Crayon, Bone, Pumpkin, Skeleton,Cat and the list goes on!
2. Get creative and no need to spend a bunch of money, grab an old T-shirt,markers, and some paper or whatever art or crafting supplies you have around the house and let your imagination run wild!
3. Keep human treats (such as candies or chocolate) out of reach from your dog to ensure that they do not get sick from ingesting anything that could be harmful to them. 
4. Once the trick-or-treating begins, make sure to keep your dog in a different room away from the door with the radio or television on, this will help to keep your dog calm when the door starts to continuously ring. 
5. Do NOT bring your dog out trick-or-treating with you, this will only stress them out and make them nervous, keep your dog safely at home this Halloween night. 
6. If having a Halloween get together, make sure that your pet is away from those festivities as well, the costumes could scare the dog, they could get out through the constantly opening door, or someone could feed the dog something that could make them sick. For your pet's safety and your peace of mind, leave them in their crate, in an off limits room to guests, or make other arrangements for your fur baby. 
   

Remember, not everyone loves this special day as much as we do, keep your pet safe this Halloween and have an awesome night of spooky fun!
 

Tails wags from the Completek9 Team 

Is My Dog Overweight?

Signs That Your Dog is Overweight

Often, people do not realize that their four-legged family member is putting on the pounds because many pet owners do not know what the signs of obesity in pets are. Obesity is common in all dogs of all ages, however it is most common in dogs that are middle-aged. A study showed that 52.7% of dogs in America are overweight or/and obese. Here are a few signs that your pet could be overweight, what the main causes of obesity in dogs is, and a few tricks to getting your dog (and as a bonus yourself) in good and healthy shape. 

Signs Your Pet is Overweight:

Main Causes of Obesity and Overweight Dogs:

1. Constant access to people food 
2. Being given treats often
3. Lack of exercise 
4. Being feed more than the suggested amount that is recommended
5. Imbalance between energy intake and energy use
6. High calorie foods

Getting Your Dog Into Shape:

1. Measure your dog's food
2. Cut out Snacks and stop given your dog table scraps
3. Create a walking schedule (start off walking every other day as to not cause problems to your dogs joints, then progress to more and more as you see progress)
4. Know what you are feeding your dog by reading the ingredients that are in your dog's food
5. Play time with either you and the family or other four-legged friends (better yet, BOTH!)

As irresistible as those puppy eye may be, remember that those daily table scraps and treats are doing more harm to your dog's health then they are benefitting them. Keep your dog healthy and go out and enjoy the outdoors!

Tails Wags from the CompleteK9 Team

Building Trust - A Personal Experience

Building Trust

Those of you who know Brooks, know the struggle I have had with him and water this summer. It's be a long time training and working together to find way to manage his obsession. Today I finally had a huge moment that made me realize how far we've come. 

Since the summer began I haven't let Brooks in the water off leash as he would swim away and not return. He loses all focus in the water and would shut me out. On top of that he would demand to be in the water screaming, pulling, nothing would snap him out of it. With training we worked on only allowing him on a long line in the water, calming him down before going in and having him use his brain in the water like with a surf board and certain toys.

Things have been getting better as the summer has gone on but I haven't had the trust built up to try him without a long line in the water. I was nervous that Brooks wouldn't come out of the water if I let him off leash. I was afraid of what might happen and I didn't trust him.

So now almost 7 months later I had a boost of confidence in mine and Brooks relationship. I decided today on our walk to let him show me that he can listen and I can trust him. When we got to the part of the walk that I usually call him to leash him up I let it be to see what would happen.

In the first few minutes, he ran to the water about 10 minutes before we got there but once we got to the lake he followed along in the water and came out within 15 minutes. Then he walked with us and was going in and out of the water happily with out fighting!

The feeling I had seeing him in and out of the water and following me and listening - it was so amazing. I've worked so hard to get this with Brooks and I saw the results for the first time today. Don't get me wrong, we still have a lot of work to do - when I am around rivers with him I am still to nervous because of the vastness and the heavy currents. But this was my glimpse of hope that we can cope with this water obsession and even get over it.

Brooks has been a huge lesson in patience for me the last almost 7 months. He has taught me to never give up and push even harder for what I want. He has showed me how important it is to give back to him and give him a chance to show me that he can be trusted.  I am over the moon excited about all the things we have accomplished together as well as how much we will accomplish in the years to come. 

Just a note for everyone, to make sure to give back to your dogs and give them a chance to show you what they can do. They will make you proud and if you work hard enough you will reach the goals made!

Thanks for listening!

Heidi - from the Complete K9 Team

Can I Eat This?

Things Your Dog Should NOT Eat

         Many fur babies are given food from the table or people food in general, which they DO NOT NEED. However, because even we are some time guilty of this, here are a few things that your do should NEVER eat because they are toxic and can be quite fatal to your dog. 

1. Avocado
1. Contains toxin known as persin.
2. Symptoms: respiratory problems, congestion, and build up around the heart. 
   
2. Bread Dough
1. When ingested, the yeast begins to expand in the warm stomach, leading to a big ball of dough within the stomach. 
1. This can result in: loss of ability to breath, decrease blood flow, and alcohol poisoning from the multiplication of the yeast. 
3. Chocolate 
1. The rule of thumb; the darker it is, the more dangerous it is for your dog. 
2. Eating chocolate for your furry friend can lead to vomiting, abdominal discomfort, muscle tremors, seizers and even death. 
4. Ethanol 
1. Also known as alcohol, can cause instant intoxication with only minimal amounts. 
2. Symptoms: vomiting, loss of coordination, and disorientation. 
5. Grape and Raisins
1. Kidney failure in dogs is linked with grapes and raisins, however it is unclear the exact reason why. 
6. Hops
1. Cultivated hops used for brewing beer has the ability to poison dogs, increasing their body temperature and causing it to sky-rocketed, which can be fatal for your pet. 
7. Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts
   
1. Although these nuts are unlikely to be fatal if it is consumed by your pet in small amounts, it can still cause great discomfort for up to 48 hours (note: the smaller the dog the more it could effect them).
8. Onions and Garlic
1. Contain compounds that have the ability to damage red blood cells, however symptoms of the damage do not show up until up to five days after the food was consumed. 
2. Symptoms: Weak or reluctant to move, tire more easily than normal, or orange to red tinged urine.
9. Xylitol 
1. This is an artificial sweetener often found in chewing gum. 
2. In dogs, ingestions of this sweetener can lead to rapid and severe drop in blood sugar levels, which can lead to seizures and disorientation within 30 minutes of consumption. 
10. Cooked Bones
1. Can cause stomach lacerations, cut the throat and mouth or lead to more serious issues from infections or punctured organs. 
2. Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, coughing up blood, blood in the urine or bowel movements. 
11. Dairy 
1. Dairy can upset the dogs stomach leading to bad and constant diarrhea.
12. Mushrooms

1. The ingestion of mushroom can lead to shock death which include: cardiac shock, hypovolemic shock, septic shock and neurogenic shock. When a dog goes into shock internal organs will begin to fail and normal body processes will begin to stop. 
13. Caffeine 
1. Caffeine is toxic to the heart and nervous system. 
2. Symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea
14. Medication (Tylenol, Advil Etc.)
1. Causes kidney failure and ulcers. 
2. Symptoms: unusually weak or tired, not acting like their usual selves, or vomiting
15. Fatty Foods
1. Ingesting too much fatty foods can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.  

Don't forget, your four-legged family member cannot eat everything that you can!

Tail Wags From the CompleteK9 Team :)

What's In My Eyes?

Car Safety For Your Dog

            Most dogs love to join their family for car rides and trips, which is great! Dog owners should bring their four legged friends with them whenever they can. With this being said it is important that people know the dos and don’ts of car safety for your pet. Below are some tips and tricks for keeping your dog safe while on the road.

Keeping the dog in the backseat:

           Keeping your dog in the back during car rides is important not only for your dog, but also for your own safety. Dogs can get spooked or make sudden movements that distract the driver and could put you both at risk of a collision with other vehicles on the road. By restricting your dog to the back you are making sure that you can remain focused on getting safely to your destination. It is also important that you do not drive with your dog on your lap as this can be extremely disappointing and if pulled over you can get a ticket, which makes no one happy!

• ·      Tip: if you are having trouble keeping your dog in the back a great solution is some sort of barrier, we find that baby gates are cheap and a great means for keeping your K9 contained to the back of the vehicle. Or, most pet stores sell dog barriers such as the one seen below.
  

Window awareness:

            Many people put down the windows for their dog so that they can enjoy the outside while driving. Although this may make your dog happy, it can be very dangerous for them. Due to animals sometimes being unpredictable, if the window is down too far and your dog sees something it wants, it may jump out (even while you are in motion). Also, think of all the bugs that hit your window and slat on to your windshield from the speed and impact. Well, this is what happens when your dog’s head is out the window. Not only can bugs hit your dog, but also rocks, glass, sticks and anything else that decides to fly into the air can hit them.

• ·      Tip: if you feel like you must let your dog put their head out the window then make sure that it is only in areas where the speed limit is no more than 50-60km/hr.
• ·      Tip: there is also a product that can be purchased for your pet that allows them to have their head out the window without you having to worry about most of the dangers that come with it. That product is Doggles (See video below for an example of Doggles)!

           

          Your dog loves to travel with you, just remember to keep both you and your four-legged family member safe out on the open road!

Happy Travels!!!!

Tail Wags, 

The CompleteK9 Teams!

15 Fun Facts About Dogs That I Bet You Did Not Know!!

Did you know…

1. When dogs greet one another by smelling each other’s backside, they are saying hello politely.
2. Three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic – a Newfoundland, a Pomeranian, and a Pekingese.
3. When dogs communicate they do so using not only vocal but also visual cues through body language. This means that a human can train their dog to act on a command without using words. It also means that dogs may to communicating to one another through body language, which most humans are unaware of.
4. The longer a dog’s nose is, the better it’s natural ability to cool itself is.
5. The earliest dog-fossil dates back to nearly 10,000 B.C.
6. Apple, pear, poppy seeds contain arsenic, which may be deadly to dogs.
7. It is much easier for dogs to learn spoken commands if they are given in conjunction with hand signals or gestures.
8. A person standing still 300 yards away is almost invisible to a dog. But a dog can easily identify its owner standing a mile away if the owner is waving his arms.
9. Different smells in a dog’s urine can tell other dogs whether the dog leaving the message is female or male, old or young, sick or healthy, happy or angry.
10. If your dog’s paws smell like corn chips, it’s most likely because dogs only have sweat glands in their feet! That smell is their ~natural~ body odour.
11. It has been established that people who own pets live longer, have less stress, and have fewer heart attacks.
12. Dogs Poop in Alignment with Earth's Magnetic Field.
13. Dogs often get bored of the same areas and routes when outside, just like humans, they like to see and explore new areas. So change up the walking route and keep your dog stimulated, not only will this keep you more interested, it will tire your dog out faster!
14. Dogs need and crave not only physical stimulation but mental as well (for example, toys that allow the dog to use its brain to get the treat or food as seen below).
    
15. Body harnesses actually encourage pulling. While they may seem like they give you more control, the pressure points on a harness make your dog respond by pulling forward, making the dog in control of the walk not the human.

Hope this helped you learn something!

Tail Wags from the CompleteK9 Team:)