DogsBestFunny

Here's what you should look out for when adopting a handicapped dog. All pets deserve our love and care. But some may need more dedication than others, as is the case of a handicapped dog. Present in many NGOs and adoption fairs, these furry animals are affectionate and teach us, on a daily basis, to look at life in a different way, with a great lesson in overcoming! However, before adopting them, it is necessary to reflect a lot. Remember that these pets have special needs that must be met to ensure their wellbeing. Below, we have prepared some things that you and your family should take care of before and after adopting a disabled dog. Bringing a disabled pet home is very rewarding. Besides decreasing the number of abandoned dogs and helping handicapped animal NGOs, you will also be giving a second chance to a unique and special dog. And you can be sure: he will be eternally grateful, taking every opportunity he gets to return your love with lots of licks, companionship, and affection! Just like us, dogs have different types of disabilities, with diverse origins. "We need to understand the cause of the disability to take care of it in the best way and make more quality of life available in the pet's day to day life in the new house", advises the veterinarian, Dr. Renata. A pet with vision problems, for example, needs adaptations in the environment, but will not necessarily require specific and continuous veterinary treatment. On the other hand, a dog with paralysis of the hind legs, besides needing a chair for handicapped dogs, may need physiotherapy sessions, acupuncture, among others. Questioning with the NGO or talking to a veterinarian about the needs of a disabled dog is important to estimate the costs and care that you will have with him. It is not a rule, but in some cases handicapped dogs can take longer and have more difficulty to adapt. And you will also have to make some adaptations. Because of the keen sense of smell of these special pets, it is possible to teach blind or deaf dogs to do their normal activities, such as drinking water or even peeing in the right place. But patience and dedication are required. Do you and your family have the time and willingness to take on the challenge and wait? "Some pets need specific devices, veterinary care, special food, and medications," says Dr. Renata. "This generates a much larger financial contribution than the adoption of a healthy dog," she adds. If you are aware of all this, are accompanied by a professional in the area and, in some cases, have the time and money available, congratulations! You will be great with your new friend. In this case, get ready to have a sincere, loving, and very loyal companion for many, many years. Below, Dr. Renata explains the main needs of animals with physical disabilities: visual, hearing, and locomotion. Visual impairment: thanks to their sense of smell, blind dogs manage very well, but it is important to make adaptations in the house. Passages with stairs should be blocked to avoid falls. In addition, it is necessary to remove furniture and dangerous objects (pointed, sharp, etc.) from the path, to prevent the pet from bumping into and hurting himself. " Hearing impairment: a deaf dog can perform his activities normally, since smell and sight are present. Try to stimulate these senses. As our voice is an important way of establishing a bond with the dogs, do a lot of caressing to compensate for her absence. Motor disability: in general, dogs with difficulty in locomotion depend more on their guardians. This is because, in some cases, it is even necessary to help them defecate and urinate. Talk to a veterinarian, he will be able to guide you about the need for a chair, physiotherapy, veterinary care, and day-to-day adaptations. Remember that just like other dogs, the handicapped dog, regardless of his disability, also needs stimuli. Therefore, be sure to play with him, to promote environmental enrichment and to walk him every day, allowing him to feel new aromas, textures, and even to make new friends.

I want a dog What I need to know. veryone someday decides that he or she wants a dog. But this is a decision that, if carried out, must be very well planned. It is important to analyze the best way to acquire the dog, the environment, the financial conditions and the socialization with the family. Then the doubts arise: Adopt? To buy? Which breed is right for me? How is vaccination? These questions should all be answered before getting a dog, to avoid a hasty choice that may cause problems over time. The first thing that should be considered before getting a dog is in which environment it will live. Everyone in the house must be willing to receive and take care of the pet when necessary, so that he can have a good reception and adapt more easily. Choose and evaluate the place where he will spend most of his time, the things that should be moved to avoid problems. The dog must adapt to the environment, but the place must also be ready to help in this adaptation. Look for a quiet place to leave the food and bed of the puppy, where he can feel comfortable and be protected from cold, rain and sun. A very important question when deciding to have a puppy is how much you will spend on him. Like any animal, he runs the risk of diseases. It is important that the future owner considers all the necessary vaccinations and visits to the vet for the health of the pet, as well as having money available for possible emergencies and extra care. Vaccinations and worming should be given on the right dates and without fail, so that your dog is immunized from various diseases. The owner of a puppy should be aware of the vaccine schedule that should be administered until the fifth month of the puppy's life, along with monthly worming. When the dog is older, it should be taken to the veterinarian for medical evaluation and medication prescribed according to the professional. Castration is very important if the intention is not to cross the animal, because it avoids several problems in the female reproductive system (such as cancer) and helps to control the male's hormones. There is also the dog's hygiene, which requires costs. Puppies should stay away from baths in pet shops until they have all their vaccines, but after this period, the monthly bath is important to keep your pet away from fleas and harmful bacteria. Long-haired dogs need almost daily brushing to avoid knots in the hair and grooming in certain times of the year. Adoption is highly encouraged, because of the number of dogs in shelters and NGOs. If spending on a dog with pedigree is out of the budget, or the future owner prefers to adopt an abandoned dog, some evaluations should be done before choosing the ideal dog. Knowing the history of the puppy is essential, because many street animals have a history of abuse that transforms their personality, and knowing how to deal with these problems in the right way is essential. The question of the animal's health is also important, because some dogs have physical problems that require special care, which would mean more expenses. If you are interested in adopting a disabled dog, the preparation of the environment and financial availability should be redoubled. Some people are afraid to adopt a mutt because they find it unpredictable in terms of personality and size, but this is easily avoidable. A visit to the vet can solve all doubts about the physical type of the dog, and education in the right way will certainly help the dog to adapt. The range of adoption possibilities is extensive, all you have to do is research. There are many animal protection NGOs that do rehabilitation work for abandoned dogs, where they offer adoption and many times cheap basic services, such as castration and vaccines. You can also go after independent donors, known or not, who have puppies or rescued animals available for adoption. If the preference is to buy a puppy, the options may be more targeted. By analyzing the environment and the family's personality, it is interesting to draw up a profile of the ideal breed for the house. Some breeds are indicated for larger places, with vegetation, and others for small places. There are also breeds that get along better with children and with the family's daily life. The options are very varied, and surely the future owner can find the perfect breed for himself. Regardless of the environment in which the pet will be acquired, it is important to consider everything that involves having a dog and its responsibilities, because he is a little animal that depends on the owner, needs care, and will bring happiness to your home

Tips for making two dogs friends. Many guardians are in doubt about whether or not to adopt a new dog when they already have a puppy at home. Even because it is very common to find dogs that do not get along with other animals, even if they are of the same species. But, after all, is it possible to make two dogs friends? When it comes to a domestic dog, many come to their owners' home when they are two or three months old. This is the so-called first stage of fear. The period is crucial for showing the dog what to fear and what situations can be very pleasant. This includes socializing with other dogs and people! When a pet does not receive the necessary social stimuli in the first months of life, or when it has traumatic experiences, it will most likely become antisocial. To promote canine socialization, it is important that the pet has contact with other dogs and people while still a puppy. However, those who think that just walking him around, letting him explore the world without interference, are mistaken. This is because the idea of socialization is not only to get the pet used to stimuli. It is important to make him enjoy the company of other dogs. This is the main difference between passive and active socialization. In the former, the pet receives random stimuli and runs the risk of having negative experiences. In the second, the tutor "creates" these encounters in a controlled way, associating them with other pleasant stimuli, such as games and treats. This makes the furry appreciate the presence of other dogs with good experiences. Soon, he gets along well with them. The choice of individuals, as well as the manner in which the pets are introduced, is very important in socialization. Contact with an aggressive pet or an interaction surrounded by scolding and punishment can be traumatic. Therefore, here are some tips that will help you avoid problems and ensure a more appropriate socialization:Try to introduce the puppy only to sociable and calm dogs. This facilitates the interaction, decreasing the risk of fights. Preferably, do the introduction in closed, quiet places, away from other stimuli that may scare the friendly dogs. Let them look at each other and smell each other until they feel comfortable to play. In case of fights, make a loud noise to distract the dogs and separate the two with caution, avoid fighting, do not shout and do not do anything that may contribute to the pet to associate that moment with something negative, offer treats and stimulate play. This helps your friend to associate the presence of other dogs to pleasant moments. If you have trouble socializing your pet with a new member of the household or with other dogs, it is worth seeking the help of a dog behavior specialist.

Veterinary dentist. Just as important as bathing and grooming, regular visits to a veterinary dentist are essential to your pet's life. That's because treating dogs' teeth relieves possible pain and brings benefits to your friend's oral health. "Diseases caused by bacteria and inflammation are responsible for 85% of the problems in the oral cavity of dogs," says Dr. Mariana Lage, a veterinarian and specialist, master and doctor in Veterinary Dentistry. Do you know why this happens? According to the veterinarian, "the lack of brushing is, without doubt, the main reason, considering that, in a period of only 24 hours, the bacterial plaque is already able to organize itself and turn into tartar". Mariana also explains that the manifestation and development of periodontal diseases (in other words, close to the teeth) can vary according to some factors. They are: low immunity, the dog's race, genetics, and the proportion of teeth in the mouth. Therefore, it is very important to keep an eye on whether your best friend is a dog with bad breath and tartar. If this happens, it is good to consult a veterinary dentist. To prevent periodontal diseases, it is interesting to maintain a routine of care with the teeth of dogs - since childhood, see? The Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of the State of São Paulo (CRMV-SP) recommends brushing the animal's teeth daily. When brushing a dog's teeth, it is good to choose a specific brush for animals. Generally, it is softer and has a longer handle to facilitate the cleaning. In addition to the dog toothbrush, it is important to use a specific toothpaste for pets. It prevents the formation of tartar, fights bad breath, and is specially made for the adaptation and comfort of pets. In addition to daily brushing, one way to maintain the oral health of your dog or cat is to maintain an adequate diet, with food that contains nutrients necessary for a healthier life. An alternative is to bet on a dental diet, oriented and indicated by a veterinarian. Another recommendation of the CRMV-SP is to offer toys that help dislodge the plaque that forms on the teeth. It is also a very fun option for your friend, isn't it? For all the previous tips to be really efficient, it is important that the pet goes for consultations with the veterinary dentist annually or every six months. This makes it easier to check his oral health and prevent diseases.

Learn why the dog licks everything. We know that a dog can be as curious as he is affectionate. Therefore, your four-legged friend can stick his tongue in many unusual places. So, knowing why a dog will lick anything puts an end to your doubts about this behavior. There are many reasons why a dog licks everything. As we said, curiosity and affection are the two main reasons for this behavior, used to show love or to get to know a certain object. After all, taste is the main means by which this animal explores the world. This canine behavior can be associated with the habit of a baby, for example. When he sees an object, the first thing he does is to take it to his mouth, in order to know the taste, consistency, among other characteristics. Of course, the dog still has a much keener sense of smell and hearing than humans do. The use of these senses helps him to understand the world around him. That is why a dog licks everything. In addition, this behavior may be associated with other factors, such as disorders, anxiety or some allergy. Knowing how to differentiate between them is an important step towards good dog care. So, stay tuned for our list of reasons why a dog licks everything. If you are concerned about your dog licking a lot, both others and himself, it may be an indication of some condition that needs veterinary follow-up. We're going to list some reasons that may help you with diagnosis. Check them out! Licking the human family is a behavior that needs no concern or follow-up. After all, the purest demonstration of affection comes from the licks that the puppy can give his guardians. By doing this, he is telling us how important we are to him, recognizing us as part of the pack. Sometimes dogs can get attention by licking their guardians excessively. It is common for them to choose this type of behavior when they want something. Therefore, you need to investigate. Does he need food and water or just attention? Sudden changes in the home or in personal relationships and even stressful noises can alter a dog's behavior. This is one of the reasons why the dog licks its paw, for example. One of the answers to why the dog licks everything can be a reaction to an allergy or pain, especially if the animal concentrates efforts in a region, such as the paw, for example. Another explanation of why the dog licks everything is when the animal is affected by some behavioral disease. An inadequate routine, in which the dog cannot run, bark, and express all the natural behaviors, can lead him to develop disorders. When the dog begins to excessively lick parts of the body, in addition to objects such as walls and floors, it is a sign of an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Watch for lesions on the animal's skin, with or without hair loss. . Understanding your dog is primordial to solve any problem as soon as possible.

Patellar dislocation in dogs. Every guardian loves to see their pet happy and healthy, having fun, playing and running around. So when we notice that there is something wrong with the health of our four-legged child, it is common to be concerned! Among the most common problems among puppies is patella luxation. The name is a bit complicated, but the problem is quite simple to understand: patella luxation is the dislocation of a bone in the knee, also called the patella. This is why the pet looks so uncomfortable when it is diagnosed with patellar luxation. This displacement can occur to the outside of the leg (lateral), or to the inside (medial). Both cases can cause pain to the dog and predispose to other complications, and need veterinary attention as soon as possible! Patella luxation in dogs can have different origins. Most of the time, it is a congenital issue: the dog is born predisposed to the problem, and presents symptoms after a certain age. It can also occur due to beatings, falls or other traumas. It is more common in small-sized dogs, but can affect any pet. Among the breeds most likely to develop patella luxation are: Pug, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Pekingese, Poodle and Lhasa-Apso. It is worth pointing out that larger dogs can also have the disease, especially when they are older and more fragile. Patella luxation in dogs is classified into 4 different degrees, according to the severity of the problem:Degree 1 The vet is able to dislocate the patella from its place and it automatically returns to the correct location. Generally, the problem ends there, without further pain for the dog. Grade 2 In this case, the palette keeps coming out and going back to the correct place. Usually, the dog has a frequent limp. Although the patella returns to its place, surgery is recommended to avoid pain and further problems. Grade 3 In this case, the patella goes out of place permanently, and the help of a veterinarian is needed to put it back in the right place. Sometimes the dog also tries to align the patella by making movements with the paw. Grade 4 More severe dislocation, in grade 4 the patella is permanently displaced, and not even with the manipulation of the veterinarian it is possible to put it back in the correct place. Only with patella surgery in dogs is it possible to alleviate the problem. The treatment may vary according to the degree of dislocation, ranging from painkillers to surgery and physiotherapy. Anyway, the accompaniment of a reliable professional is always necessary. After all, we all want to see our pets healthy and happy, playing and having fun, don't we?

Acupuncture in dogs why and when to do it. The Chinese technique that aims to help in the treatment of pain through the use of needles, now being widely used in dogs too. The area of integrative medicine is gaining more and more space in the field of veterinary medicine, and acupuncture in dogs has become a common therapy among pets. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique, performed by inserting needles into specific points on the body where nerve endings are located. When these needles enter these points, there is a stimulation of these points, which promotes pain relief, reduces anxiety and stress, and complements the treatment of diseases. As the oriental technique became known in the West, other types of acupuncture became known, among them veterinary acupuncture. It may seem strange to put needles in pets to treat diseases or relax them, but it is actually an amazing treatment! The Chinese have applied the acupuncture technique to animals for centuries, especially horses, which are considered essential animals for agriculture. After it became popular, veterinarians began to study this technique to apply not only to large animals, but also to smaller ones, and the results were very positive! This therapy promotes changes from sensory, motor, visceral, hormonal, and immunological functions, to the brain. Therefore, we can say that acupuncture improves blood flow, stimulates immune function, and promotes pain relief. It also helps in motor recovery, normalization of organic functions, regularization of immunity, endocrine functions, activation of regenerative processes, and causes relaxation of the animal. Did you know that the needles of the treatment have different sizes according to the size of the patient, but none of them have any type of injected medicine? Acupuncture in dogs relieves pain and treats diseases without any medication, only with the technique! Does it hurt? Isn't it dangerous? Because it is a technique that uses needles, acupuncture in dogs can cause several doubts, but, in fact, the technique does not make the pet feel pain - quite the opposite! The canine acupuncture promotes many benefits for back pain, gastritis, paralysis, cystitis, convulsions, tendinitis, strokes, psychological pregnancy, arthrosis, herniated discs and fertility problems. In addition to these diseases, dermatitis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and even psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity can be treated with acupuncture. Dogs submitted to chemotherapy and surgeries can also be rehabilitated through this technique. As it is a delicate technique, never try to apply it alone at home! Don't look for how to do acupuncture in dogs on the internet. The acupuncture points in dogs are different from those in humans.

You know about giardia and what it can cause in your pet. Let's talk about how pets become infected with this intestinal parasite. When a pet is already infected with Giardia lamblia, it stays in its intestines. When the pet defecates, it excretes cysts of the protozoan in its feces, contaminating the environment. Extremely resistant, the protozoan can survive for months in the environment, staying in the feces found on the street, in the water or even in the pets' fur. It is then ingested by the animals and starts a new cycle of giardia. We have already talked about what Giardia lamblia is and how animals get infected with it. Now, let's go a step further and explain how to recognize this protozoan in pets. One of the main difficulties in identifying giardia in dogs and cats is that it manifests itself mainly by diarrhea. Therefore, it is common that it is confused with diseases of lesser severity, which contributes to the evolution of the disease. No matter what the suspicion is, it is always best to take your friend to the vet. However, some symptoms of giardia help to identify whether the dog or the kitty has the parasite. See the examples below: Liquid or pasty feces, with strong smell and that can be greenish, lack of appetite, loss of weight, hair without shine and with accentuated fall, vomits, abdominal sensibility, flatulence, dehydration and weakness. In some cases, the animal may have mucus, like a jelly covering the feces, or blood in the feces. In addition, the more the disease progresses without treatment, the greater is the chance of the pet becoming dehydrated. Seek help as soon as possible! Although reports of symptoms by the guardian can help in the diagnosis, one of the main ways to be sure that it is giardiasis is through the parasitological examination of feces. It is worth pointing out that, normally, three samples should be collected on alternate days. This is because the cysts are not eliminated in all bowel movements. A rapid test, such as a pregnancy test, can accurately diagnose the disease. The treatment of giardiasis is done with antiprotozoal drugs, specific for the problem. In addition, it is essential to correctly clean the environment and the contaminated pet's accessories. Follow the veterinarian's orientations to the letter! As we said, people can contract giardia in several ways, being more common the ingestion of contaminated water. However, the contamination also occurs from the contact of the guardian with animal feces. In fact, this contact happens when taking the hand to the mouth after collecting the pet's feces or even playing with it and ingesting a protozoan cyst in the animal's hair or bed. Therefore, always wash your hands after activities. Currently, dogs and cats can count on the vaccine, which, despite not being 100% effective, helps to make the symptoms of giardia milder in case of contamination. The vaccine also controls the environmental contamination by decreasing the number of parasite cysts excreted in the environment, as well as the time in which the pet excretes them by feces. In addition, some hygiene measures can be of great help in prophylaxis of giardiasis. For this reason, here are some tips to avoid direct contact with the parasite: Never let your pet smell or lick the feces of other animals on the street , When you get home, wash your hands well and take off your shoes, since they can bring diseases from the street to the internal environment , Keep the environment in which your pet lives and eats always clean ,Offer only filtered or boiled water to the pet , During the treatment of the pet with the disease, use products based on quaternary ammonia in the environment to eliminate the cysts and prevent further contamination, If you have more than one pet, it is important that all do stool tests and treatment when one of them shows signs of contamination and Make regular visits to the veterinarian with your pet. Among other precautions, the professional may recommend wormers every four to six months.

Blindness in dogs. When searching for "what causes blindness in dogs", one of the first results is always canine cataracts. The eye has a lens called the lens of the eye, which is responsible for providing focus and allowing distances to be recognized. In the case of a dog's cataract, the lens fibers are damaged and, as a result, the animal loses its sense of space and orientation. A classic sign of the cataract in dogs is the opaque eye, because the death of the cells creates a kind of film that prevents the passage of light. The disease may have a genetic origin or be a consequence of diseases such as canine diabetes, trauma, and infection. Canine glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness in dogs. The disease occurs when there is an overproduction of the fluid that lubricates the eye, increasing intraocular pressure. The dog with glaucoma has corneal blurring, redness around the eye, excessive tearing, and an increase in eye size. In severe cases, the animal may lose its vision completely. The cause of glaucoma can be hereditary or a consequence of diseases such as cataracts or tumors in the region. The treatment is complicated and usually the doctor prescribes special eye drops, but in certain situations it is necessary to remove the eye. Throughout life, certain situations such as injury, trauma, or contact with dust that carries viruses and bacteria can lead to inflammation in different parts of the eye. When the inflamed region is the conjunctiva (the membrane that protects the eyes), a condition called canine conjunctivitis develops. Uveitis in dogs, on the other hand, is caused by inflammation of the uvea (layer that allows vascularization of the eye). And if the inflammation attacks the cornea (the outermost part of the eye), we have keratitis or corneal ulcer in dogs. Keratitis is one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs, since the cornea is the outermost part of the eye that protects the eye well. It can be treated, but you need to act fast. Conjunctivitis and uveitis are less likely to make the dog blind, but if there is no proper treatment, the animal can indeed lose its vision. Many times the blindness in a dog - puppy or adult - does not occur because of a specific eye disease or trauma. It is common for diseases that start in other parts of the body to progress to the point of reaching the dog's eye. This is the case with canine diabetes. The diabetic dog has an excess of glucose in the blood that damages the blood vessels in the eyes, leaving the dog blind - in fact, most diabetic dogs go blind. Another disease that usually has blindness in dogs as a consequence is tick disease. The condition attacks various parts of the body as it progresses and can reach the eyes. The retina is the part of the eye where images are formed by means of photoreceptors that capture light. In progressive retinal atrophy, these photoreceptors degenerate. As they are responsible for the formation of images, the dog goes blind with time. This is a genetic disease and of difficult perception, because the pet has no apparent symptoms. What happens is that he starts to see very badly (being even worse in the dark) and, in some cases, can develop cataracts. This is not a type of disease for which blindness in dogs can be cured. Unfortunately, the pet that is born with the condition loses its sight throughout its life and it is not possible to recover it. As we can see, there are numerous answers to the question "what can cause blindness in dogs". In some cases, it is possible to do a surgery that reverses the condition. Thus, the blind dog can see again or have a prosthesis that helps him to see again. However, blindness in dogs is not always curable. When we have a blind dog, it is necessary to adapt the whole house and routine to make his life more comfortable. The collar for blind dogs is an essential item in the life of a dog that can't see. It helps the pet to get around better by providing a barrier that prevents the animal from bumping into walls and furniture. There are different models of collar for blind dogs, such as the version with an attached bow (like a visor) and the one that produces vibrations when it gets close to some obstacle to alert the doguinho. Besides the collar for blind dogs, it is worth investing in other items that improve the safety of the blind dog at home, such as gates and non-slip socks. Organize the furniture in a way to avoid as much as possible that the pet bumps into and whenever someone arrives home, let them know that the pet can't see. With these adaptations, the blind dog can live with much more comfort and practicality.

Overweight in dogs and cats. In 2020, the National Health Survey, conducted by IBGE, reported that there was a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity in adults in Brazil. This picture is quite worrying, since obesity is the most frequent chronic disease in humans, just as it is in dogs and cats. With the humanization of animals, smaller and smaller houses, and restricted walks due to the pandemic, the overweight rate of animals has been worrying veterinarians, considering that overweight when not controlled can lead to obesity and cause several health problems, such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, orthopedic complications, breathing difficulties, among others. For an animal to be considered overweight, he needs to be 15% above his ideal weight, and it is at this stage that we should start to make a food restriction to avoid future problems with an obesity picture. Following the nine-point Body Score Classification (BSC), animals included in values 6 and 7 are considered overweight, while obese animals are those included in values 8 and 9. When you notice that an animal is above score 5 of the table, the first step is to take it to the veterinarian, so that the cause of the weight gain can be evaluated. During this nutritional assessment some factors will be analyzed, such as: the environment in which this animal lives, the amount and type of food offered, the frequency of feeding, the number of animals living in the same place, among others. All these factors are important to evaluate, calculate, and balance in the best way possible a diet with adequate amounts for the animal. There are specific foods on the market for this phase of life, which are called Light Food. These commercial products can help the owner to control his weight, because they can control the daily energy balance and, at the same time, prevent the animal from developing some nutritional deficiency, since they are complete and balanced foods. In addition, light food has several benefits, such as noble proteins, which assist in the composition of muscle mass; low fat content, to reduce the consumption of kilocalories; high fiber content, which promotes intestinal health and helps satiety and the presence of L-carnitine, to assist in weight loss. It is important to remember that puppies should not follow restricted diets, because they are in the developmental stage. An unbalanced diet in this phase of life can cause damage to the health of these animals. Therefore, light food should only be consumed by adult animals. During the weight loss process with a specific and balanced diet, it is important that the veterinary follow-up is done at least once a month, because the fruits of the effort between owner and pet are a few weekly grams that, when added together, make all the difference. In addition, whenever the animal manages to lose a little weight, it is necessary to adjust the amount of food, to avoid the stress of the prolonged feeling of hunger of this animal. Another important point is the inadequate supply of snacks and treats, which can compromise the entire strategic planning of weight loss. Most of the time, the treats are very caloric and have few nutrients for the animal, which ends up exceeding the recommended daily caloric intake. If it is not possible to completely remove the treats from the diet, the most interesting is to choose a treat that contains the complete caloric information on the package, and remove this amount of calories from the daily intake, thus avoiding exceeding the animal's needs. Finally, no diet is made without physical exercises, because they are important to keep the energy balance negative and help maintain muscle mass. For sedentary animals, light, low-impact exercises of up to 30 minutes per day are recommended, such as playing and walking.

To dream of a dog, what does it mean. Dreaming about a dog is quite common, and many people dream about dogs, and depending on each context, the dream can mean something different. Furthermore the interpretation of the dream varies a lot from person to person. In general, to dream of a dog or to see dogs in a dream is usually a good omen, since they symbolize friendship and good things such as intuition, loyalty, generosity, protection, and faithfulness. A dream about a dog may also suggest that strong values and good intentions will bring success, or it may also represent someone in your life who possesses these qualities. Alternatively, dreaming of a dog may indicate a skill being ignored or forgotten. The different contexts, on the other hand, can mean numerous other things. When you dream of your own dog it is a sign that you will be supported by a true friend, but if it is someone else's dog, it means that someone will ask you for help. If the dog is a large dog, it means social success, but if it is a small dog, it means that the person will have to fight to achieve their goals, or that some ideas may be compromising the moral integrity of this person. If in your dream you are a police dog, it is a warning not to get involved in other people's issues or problems, in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. If it is a hunting dog, you can expect news in your family; if it is a guard dog or a guide dog, new opportunities may arise in the professional sector. If it is an unusual or strange looking dog, it may mean that the person will be able to solve pending issues in his life. If it is a friendly and docile dog, it means that great new friendships may help to solve a problem in the affective field; but if it is a threatening dog, don't worry, it means that better days will come and things will improve. To dream of a dog show indicates good luck. When dogs appear in a dream fighting, it is better to postpone business discussions for a few days. To see a dog attacking, a dog biting someone (or yourself), or a dog destroying objects is a sign to pay more attention to the people in your life or that you may have a fight with a lover or business partner; but if it is a dog being attacked by another animal or a dog being attacked by a person, you need to take care of your health, it means some light illness. Thin and dirty dogs may represent some business deal that didn't work out, or bad health of children. A growling dog may indicate some internal conflict, betrayal, and disloyalty. If in the dream, is the dog barking fiercely or growling, this represents the habit of making demands on people and control situations around you, it may also indicate hostile companions, bad news or difficult times at home. A rabid dog may represent verbal attacks or arguments. To dream of a feral dog dead or dying, signifies triumph or the loss of a loved one or a spiritual rebirth or regeneration or even a deterioration of your instincts. To kill a bad or mad dog in a dream signifies overcoming adversaries, adverse opinions and gaining financial profit. To kill a bunch of wild dogs means that you have more than one opponent, but you will win the dispute. To see a mad dog in your dream suggests a verbal attack from people who were supposed to be your friends. To dream of a dog that bites at your leg suggests a loss of the ability to balance aspects of life. The person in question may be hesitant to approach a new situation or lack the will to move forward with their goals. To dream of a dog petting you suggests progress in life and stable friendships. So does dreaming of a dog barking happily which can symbolize pleasures and social activity such as being accepted in some circle. To dream of a dog chasing its own tail or dog running in circles means that the person is not handling a situation effectively or is spending too much time in an unsatisfactory job. To dream that you are feeding a dog means you are nurturing a skill or talent, but also indicates having to put more time and effort into furthering friendships. To dream that you run over a dog means that you are having doubts regarding a friend's intentions, or feeling betrayed. To dream that you are healing or caring for a dog means that you may be trying to cover up your own character flaws and habits. To dream that you are taking care of your flea-ridden dog means that you are a person who not only takes care of your pets, but also takes care of other important people in your life. To dream of a puppy may refer to your skills and caring. Puppies usually mean gratitude - seeing puppies means that the person will offer help to innocent people and get gratitude.

Why do dogs protect babies? A dog's relationship with babies is enough to make anyone sigh! A well-mannered dog that receives positive reinforcement usually creates a very strong bond with its human family. Some are particularly fond of children and babies. In addition to providing lots of affection, many dogs can develop a protective instinct toward their human companions. This means that they wish to safeguard their well-being and end up exhibiting certain types of behavior toward their guardians. But where does this protective instinct come from and what does it look like? The domestication of dogs has lasted for millennia, but the animal still retains some aspects of its wild nature, especially the behavioral aspects that relate to its survival instincts and pack mentality. Some instinctive attitudes are problematic, especially those related to hunting, others can be beneficial as long as they are channeled in an appropriate way. When a dog lives with a family that has babies and children, the need for protection can arise in the pet. The dangers from which they feel the need to protect the babies may vary. Some may think that any unknown person is a potential threat, others may only protect from animals. However, this will only happen if the dog is allowed to interact with the baby and considers it family. All dogs can demonstrate the protective instinct with children and babies, but in fact there are some breeds that are more prone to this behavior, such as: German shepherd, rottweiler, and doberman. Part of the reason for this is that these dogs were bred specifically to develop guarding skills. While these behaviors may be natural, we also need to be careful. All dogs are individuals and breed plays only a part in their behavior and temperament. Some researchers claim that dogs recognize humans as part of their pack, others that they identify as part of their social group. From their social groups, dogs receive affection, food, and care. When faced with a threat, the pack will protect each other, with the adults being especially protective of the puppies. As mentioned earlier, some breeds are more inclined to protect than others. But this does not mean that every dog of a certain breed will behave in the same way. One ability of dogs is to easily perceive hormonal changes in humans, this makes them able to perceive fear and anxiety around the most vulnerable in their social group, such as babies. When the dog realizes that the baby depends on its parents for survival, this can trigger its instinct to also provide protection. Another reason why we may know why dogs protect babies is due to a different aspect of neurological programming. Studies have shown that humans react to the 'schema' of babies and dogs. This means that 'cuteness' seems to appeal to our instincts, it is one of the reasons for attesting to our love for puppies and kittens, even though they are not of the human species. We naturally feel protective and affectionate towards them. Although it is difficult to determine, it is possible that dogs respond in a similar way to humans. This affection for human babies occurs because the dog has been properly socialized, and if not, it is possible that it will develop aggressive behavior as a result of competition for attention and space. Since babies like to pull things, it is also possible that a poorly socialized dog will bite or try to bite a baby if it finds it threatening. Building a healthy relationship between a dog and the baby in the home is crucial for everyone's well-being. This requires encouraging the dog's protective instincts and using positive reinforcement. However, it's also possible for a dog to become overprotective, so we need to encourage this bond in a balanced way. Part of this socialization will depend on the circumstances of when the baby comes into the family. The baby may have arrived first and the dog is introduced later, or it may be the other way around.In either circumstance it can be difficult, as dogs are animals of habit and routine. There is a possibility that the arrival of a baby in the family will make the dog feel threatened or insecure, especially if it does not receive as much attention as before. In any case, the dog and baby should be introduced slowly and with constant supervision. Under no circumstances should they be left alone, even if the dog is quiet. You don't need to use treats to reinforce the bond, comforting voices and affection is enough. We also need to know that it is vital not to scold the dog in front of the baby, because it is possible that the dog will make a negative association and try to attack, prefer to remove the baby from the environment and teach the animal the correct thing to do. After the child grows up it is necessary to teach it to interact as a dog.

Human personality influences canine behavior. Is your dog one of those very sociable and loyal people, but that is afraid of some situations? Know that the reason why he feels fear of something or someone may be you. This is what an American research on canine behavior says. A study from the Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, in the United States, pointed out that the behavior of dogs stems from the personality of their human parent. That's right, the way you behave can influence the behavior of your pet. After more than six months of experiments with 262 volunteers, the researchers, analyzing the behavior of humans and dogs at the same time, found that more introverted parents may have negative relations with fearful dogs when there is the need for some kind of treatment of pets. On the other hand, in the case of human parents considered more extroverted, who were shown to be more open to new experiences, they were found to have dogs that were more sociable and well-mannered with pets and unfamiliar people. In addition, dogs with extroverted parents showed less fear of loud sounds or noises, such as fireworks, for example, or in situations they had never experienced before. "These findings can be used by veterinary clinicians to formulate more accurate prognoses and provide owners with targeted advice to reduce the influence of external factors on dogs' responses to clinical behavioral interventions," the University of Pennsylvania researchers pointed out. What can we learn from this study? For example, many dogs are afraid of fireworks, and many of them developed this thanks to their human parent, who shows that he is frightened or worried and apprehensive at every bang close to home. So it is essential that all parents pay attention to their own conduct so as not to affect the canine's behavior. A rude and unsociable person will probably, according to the study, have a rude and hardly sociable dog - and so on. Making an effort and thinking about the social and emotional well-being of your pet is very important for him to have quality of life and to be a happy and secure dog.

Puppies five Essential Curiosities. We know that, in general, dogs are the favorite pets of human beings all over the world. In Brazil, for example, they are present in more than 44.3% of homes. In the United States there are more than 77.8 million dogs in homes all over the country! But beyond statistics, there are infinite things we want to know about dogs, right? How to interpret their signals, for example? Where do their favorite habits come from? That's why we brought 5 of the main curiosities about dogs for you, who want to know more about the behavior of your best friends. Why do dogs lift their paws to pee? This happens because, historically, dogs - especially males - are territorial animals, and when they raise their paws, they can mark a larger region with their scent, keeping away possible predators and other males, which could compete for food. The same can happen with male cats, and some female dogs also acquire this habit by living together with males, mainly, but it is still considered unusual. Why do dogs like to chew bones? Another historical aspect! The ancestors of dogs, the wolves, used to slaughter their prey and gnaw the bones so as not to waste any little piece of meat, besides cleaning their teeth and ingesting calcium. Today, domesticated dogs have more fragile teeth, so it is recommended not to leave them gnawing on bones all day, but instead to give them a leather or soft plastic bite so that they can feel like real predators! Why do dogs like to lick us? This habit comes from an early age: puppies often lick their mother's mouth as a sign of obedience, to show affection, or to ask for food. As we have become their parents, they love to lick us to show how much they love us and to make it clear that they are happy to be with us. If your dog loves to lick you, this is a great sign! How do dogs "guess" that we are coming? This is clearly a super skill, isn't it? But it has nothing to do with guessing. In fact, it is the hearing of dogs that surpasses that of us humans by a factor of 4! This means that, generally speaking, they can pick up the same sound at a distance up to 4 times greater than us. But it does not stop there! They can also hear sounds that we cannot. And if hearing is not enough, they have an even better sense of smell! There are 220 million odor receptor cells, which means, in general, that they "smell" about 44 times better than we do. This is how they can hear your car coming from miles away and smell your perfume when you have just entered the elevator! How cool is that? How does my dog see the world? It is common to say that dogs are color-blind, but it has been scientifically proven that this is a myth. What happens is that the canine vision is quite different from ours in several aspects, but it cannot be summarized as color blindness. Dogs' retinas have fewer cones (which are responsible for capturing colors), but more rods (which are auxiliary cells for detecting movement and light), so the way they see the world is just different from ours, but not better or worse. So, do you feel you know your best friend a little better?

Dogs can also have psychological traumas. An expert explains how the guardian can prevent animals from going through traumatic episodes and what to do when this occurs. Psychological traumas are emotional responses to events that have caused memory wounds and end up making life even more difficult, since people can have a series of negative emotions after the event. Unfortunately, even dogs are not free of this. According to the veterinarian, several episodes can cause traumas in pets and, therefore, it is important to be aware and take some care. She explains that when dogs are puppies is the most sensitive period. "In this phase, they absorb a lot of information, good and bad, and can take these learnings for life." "When we talk about traumas, we are also talking about something that can be individual, that is, not always what traumatizes one can be a problem for another," she ponders. However, the expert points out that there are obvious cases that can generate traumas, such as mistreatment and certain methods of punishment, but there are also things that can go unnoticed. "What, for us, may seem unimportant, for some pets can be a reason for traumas such as, for example, an object that falls near him and makes him afraid to pass that place, a more intense approach from another dog, a human being who yells on the phone." Pets can also have common fears, such as of rain or thunder. "We need to convey safety to our pets, but at the same time we need to remember that too much protection can be a problem." Each trauma can generate future consequences in the way the animal acts. If, for example, a dog is punished for going to the toilet in the wrong place, he may start to hold back his needs as much as possible. In addition, he may no longer be able to defecate at home and need to go out several times a day to relieve himself or even start eating feces as a way to "hide" what he did. In this case, the specialist reinforces that the way is to educate, not punish. Another example is when pets are left alone at home during a storm or fireworks display. In the future they may have a phobia of similar sounds. "It is worth remembering that dogs that bark at fireworks are also dogs that have fear, that is, they understand that barking can make the sound go away more quickly and he ends up being stimulated to bark whenever the sound is emitted." Jade also tells us that animals that have been involved in fights with other dogs or have suffered mistreatment by humans may show fear or aggression whenever they encounter an animal/person with a similar profile. According to the expert, pets usually give clear signals when something is wrong. "Unfortunately, most humans don't know how to perceive them." "If the pet tries to hide or dodge something, the ideal is that we do not force the situation and that a behaviorist veterinarian or animal behavior professional is consulted to deal with the issue in the best possible way." She stresses that trauma is something serious and therefore should not be trivialized. "Just as with humans, pets can suffer profound impacts on their account and it is our duty to protect them and minimize the damage caused." It is important to always be aware of your pet, especially when it is still a puppy. Whenever you introduce new elements into your pet's life, it is interesting to do so in an attractive way. "We know that an umbrella helps us on rainy days, but the pet has no way of understanding that something that opens out of nowhere, abruptly, quickly, and accompanied by a noise is not something to be afraid of," says Jade. She also reinforces that some traumas may be difficult to forget and others may even be irreversible. "The ideal is to avoid pets going through unpleasant situations, but as we know this is practically impossible, it is up to us to try to at least minimize their effects." Tips to avoid traumatizing your pet: Focus on good and positive things at the exact moment the trauma occurred; after the episode, follow up with a behaviorist veterinarian or a good dog education professional; when you take him to new places, such as clinics and hospitals, offer a good experience, with conversation, affection and fun; introduce new objects, people and animals along with rewards, such as affection, treats and words spoken in a friendly tone; show him that he is safe when facing challenges and always encourage him to overcome certain obstacles.

Quality of life increase your pet's immunity. Learn how some foods can make your pet's body stronger! Immunity is the body's ability to resist disease-causing agents, when the body's defense system can protect the body against external aggressors such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses, the result is more quality of life and disease prevention. Thus, keeping the pet's immune system high ensures that he is always well enough to brighten his day, and for this, some nutrients are essential. With the right foods in the routine, it is possible to facilitate digestion, correct the amount of water ingested, improve urine production, and even reduce the formation of urinary calculi. In case your dog already has some chronic problem, the proper diet to keep the immune system balanced is even more important, which can also contribute to conditions such as high cholesterol, dermatitis, among others. Functional foods with nutrients that act as immunomodulators, that is, they act by increasing the body's defenses. These foods are rich in vitamins (A, B6, folic acid C and E), minerals (selenium, iron, copper, zinc and omegas 3 and 6), fiber and probiotics, able to help you keep your pet strong. Meet the selected foods and include in the menu of your best friend: natural yogurt - are probiotics that help restore the intestinal microbiota. Brewer's yeast - helps maintain the intestinal microbiota, because it is a source of B vitamins. To enjoy the benefit of the ingredient, the use of the supplement is recommended, because it uses only its bioactive. Thus, it provides greater benefit to the pet. Garlic - has bacterial, antifungal, and antiviral actions. However, if ingested in inadequate quantities by the pet, it can lead to poisoning. Therefore, choose supplements that use only the bioactive of this ingredient, safely for the pet. Carrot - source of fiber, minerals (such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium and sodium) and vitamins (A, B2, B3 and C). Artichoke - the lupeol, present in the artichoke, has toxic action against tumor cells and has antioxidant activity. Besides promoting the release of immune response and increasing the production and secretion of bile. Facilitating digestion and the elimination of toxins.

How dogs create a bond with the homeless. AS IT DOES IN many cities in the western world, there are thousands of homeless people living on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city in Brazil. They include families, children, lonely men and women, old and young. Many have been homeless for years with little prospect of leaving, especially now that the country faces increasing economic difficulties , met with often cruel austerity measures . Homeless people are abundant in most neighborhoods, including the more upscale ones frequented by tourists. Homelessness in Rio is in many ways virtually identical to how it manifests itself in other major cities: it involves unimaginable material and emotional deprivation, hopelessness, social invisibility, and total isolation. But one aspect of Rio's homeless population stands out: a large number of them have dogs that previously lived desperate and unwanted lives on the streets. Many have lived on the street with their dogs for years. They care for them just as well as, and in many cases better than, the average middle-class family with a pet. The deep bond that forms between them is unlike anything else you can find and is therefore deeply revealing. Some of the homeless are couples who care for their dogs like their children. Still others are protected by their dogs while sleeping in dangerous areas, while some put their dogs to work with them while they beg for alms or put on shows for donations. But in all cases, the brutality of homelessness combines with the dogs' particular ways of relating to humans to create a remarkable emotional and psychological connection that often saves the lives of both. Rio, of course, is not the only city where people living on the streets care for street dogs. Leslie Irvine is a sociology professor at the University of Colorado who has devoted much of her academic career to studying this unique relationship, including why so many homeless people credit their dogs with "changing or saving their lives." Her book on the subject, My Dog Always Eats First: Homeless People and Their Animals ( just released in paperback ), documents how "homeless people report levels of attachment to their animals that may exceed those found among the domiciled public." There is a US-based non-profit group "completely focused on feeding and providing emergency veterinary care to homeless pets," and estimates that at least between 5% and 10% of the US homeless population lives with pets; in some areas, as much as 25%. There are occasional U.S. media reports highlighting how many homeless people insist that "their animal companion is their best friend and oxygen without which life would not be worth living." This issue also allows us to better understand the universal human need for love, companionship, and social integration; the destructively false nature of the stereotypes we implicitly embrace about humans living on the street; and the special ability of dogs to penetrate, touch, and fill the exact emotional and psychological realms that humans often more vigilantly protect. It is common to see homeless people take plates of food that someone gives them and, despite being hungry, instantly split them in half and give them to their dogs (hence the name of Irvine's book: My Dog Always Eats First ). It is equally common to see homeless people in squalid clothing sitting next to their well-groomed canines. Many of their dogs stay awake while the human sleeps to protect themselves from thieves or other threats, something of great value in many parts of Rio. The homeless person and the homeless dog meet and bond in shared deprivation and self-sacrifice, meeting needs that would otherwise be completely neglected. Caregiving is not a one-way street; it is mutual. When homeless people talk about their relationship with their dogs, they are very clear about their value. Many - probably most - identify the worst part of homelessness as not being the material struggle, but the invisibility and total social isolation. Most people, out of a combination of guilt and fear, simply pretend that the homeless are not there, passing them on the street without even registering their existence. This process is dehumanizing in the purest form: they are not even visible to other humans, much less worthy of communion. They have no social function or role; it is total detachment. For sociologists like Irvine, dogs serve as a "social facilitator": bringing people together who would otherwise never interact. "When people talk about their dogs," she said, "all differences disappear and people are on equal footing. For a homeless person whose existence is almost always ignored, that has incomparable value."

Dogs can become vegans? Can dogs be vegan? There is a lot of controversy surrounding this question. While some people may claim that their dogs thrive on a meatless diet, many experts express concern that a vegan meal plan for dogs lacks the nutritional requirements for a truly healthy dog. So which side is correct?

Why dogs cry and what is the solution. There is no exact translation in canine language for the kind of crying that we humans do. Dogs don't secrete hot, salty tears when they're sad, nor do they cry or hiccup like people do. This is why interpreting a dog's cry can be difficult. When we're talking about a whimper or yelp, the canine "cry" can mean one of a million things. Dogs are compassionate and sensitive animals. When we are happy, there they are to wag their tails and share the joy. When we are sad, there they are to offer a warm hug and share the sadness. They are our friends, through and through. As with barking, dogs that whine or cry are trying to communicate. Excitement, anxiety, frustration, pain, attention-seeking, and requesting resources are all common reasons why dogs whine to their owners. Most commonly, these sounds are intended to convey a desire for food, water, a potty break, a toy, attention, etc. . So it is not surprising that adult dogs recruit this same vocal drive when communicating with their people. Here are some other reasons why your dog may be whining:Being uncomfortable - If your dog is uncomfortable because of joint problems or injury, you should contact your veterinarian and schedule an appointment. Being sick - If you notice other symptoms that show your dog is whining because he or she is sick, it is time to visit your vet. He or she will be able to figure out exactly what is going on with your pet. Feeling anxious - If something has changed in your dog's environment - a new home,a change in your work schedule, a new child, a new pet sibling, or any other factor - stress-related anxiety can manifest itself in the form of whining or whining . In many cases, your dog may need some time to adjust, but if this behavior continues, you may want to schedule a visit with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems. Needing Something - Your dog may start whining if he is looking for you to give him something. It could be attention and a belly rub, or it could be a bowl full of food and water. Just because they are bored - If you think it might be boredom, make sure the dog is getting an adequate amount of exercise at least twice a day, which means more than just being let out in the yard. A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog doesn't whine unless something is wrong. Separation anxiety is another serious condition that can lead to chronic crying. These dogs sometimes spend the entire day barking and/or whining. Fortunately, there is help. First, consult your veterinarian to help rule out medical problems (such as pain or cognitive decline). If the problem is likely behavioral, a highly recommended and experienced dog trainer is the ideal choice for anyone looking to end excessive crying behavior. Ultimately, whether your puppy cries is up to you. By bringing a puppy into your home, you have taken on the responsibility of creating an environment that maximizes its chances for success. This is crucial not only to meet her immediate physical and emotional needs, such as eating, peeing, and close contact, but also to meet her emerging emotional and innate needs as she grows and gains confidence and begins to explore the world around her.

How dogs use their sense of smell to perceive the world. The nose is a prominent canine facial feature...long, short, black, pink. Noses vary, but they all have one thing in common. Noses are fundamental to canine survival. The canine nose does more than smell the roses. While humans rely primarily on their vision, dogs use both sight and smell to assess their environment and communicate. People spend more time interpreting visual data than olfactory information. Dogs are just the opposite. Dogs devote a lot of brain power to interpreting smells. They have more than 100 million sensory receptor sites in the nasal cavity compared to 6 million in people, and the area of the canine brain devoted to the analysis of odors is about 40 times larger than the comparable part of the human brain. In fact, it is estimated that dogs can smell 1,000 to 10,000 times better than people. Although noses don't talk, they do communicate. With a single sniff, noses interpret an entire story without words using amines and acids emitted by dogs as the basis for chemical communication. Chemical scents communicate what a dog likes to eat and identify gender and mood. Simply by smelling, a dog can determine whether a new friend is male or female, happy or aggressive, healthy or sick. Dogs get a general idea of each other with a quick sniff, but they get more detailed information by getting up close and personal. That's why some dogs smell intimate parts of the anatomy! Dogs also have a good olfactory memory that can identify other dogs they haven't seen in years and even remember which one was the dominant member of the couple. When dogs belonging to the same family are separated for a while, they use their sense of smell to catch up. Changes in odors can indicate where the dog went, what he ate, and what he did. When in new territory, a dog may smell a tree and determine which other dogs live in the neighborhood. They can smell a visitor's pant leg and get a good impression of where the person lives and whether they have pets at home. Dogs also have a great search instinct that depends on their ability to smell. Because dogs move their nostrils independently, they can determine the direction of an odor and use their sense of smell as a compass. Humans have a unique innate smell that allows dogs to differentiate one person from another. Our dogs don't need to see us to identify us. A dog's sense of smell is so adept that a blind dog has much less difficulty adjusting to vision loss than a human. Dogs also sense fear and anxiety through their noses. When we are stressed or frightened, we secrete the fight-or-flight hormone, adrenaline, which dogs detect even if we can't smell it. When we are anxious, we also increase our heart rate and blood flow, which carry chemicals from the body to the surface of the skin, where dogs can pick them up more easily. So it's no use trying to mask your true feelings from your canine companion. His sense of smell will not be deceived. Unlike humans, dogs have an additional olfactory tool that enhances their ability to smell. Jacobsen's organ (or vomeronasal organ) is a special part of the dog's olfactory apparatus located inside the nasal cavity and opens in the roof of the mouth behind the upper incisors. This amazing organ serves as a secondary olfactory system designed specifically for chemical communication. The nerves of Jacobsen's organ lead directly to the brain and are different from other nerves in the nose in that they do not respond to common smells. In fact, these nerve cells respond to a number of substances that often have no odor at all. In other words, they work to detect "undetectable" odors. Jacobsen's organ communicates with the part of the brain that deals with mating. By identifying pheromones, it provides male and female dogs with the information needed to determine whether a member of the opposite sex is available for breeding. It also enhances a newborn puppy's sense of smell so that it can find its mother's milk source and allows a puppy to differentiate its mother from other nursing dogs. With a quick sniff, a puppy placed between two females will migrate to the mother who gave birth to it. Puppies also have heat sensors in their noses that help them locate their mothers if they stray. The canine nose works best when it is moist. The wet external nose and mucus-covered nasal canal efficiently pick up scent particles. Moisture is so important to the canine sense of smell that dogs lick their noses when they get dry. Smart dogs don't want to miss important information due to a dry nose!

Identification of sniffer dogs from samples of patients with COVID-19 - a pilot study. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of rapid and reliable testing for accurate identification of symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers to effectively reduce the spread of infection . Current testing regimens generally require nasopharyngeal swabs applied by a trained person and a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test to identify the pathogen. Obtaining RT-PCR results is time consuming and can be cost prohibitive, especially for developing countries, and therefore it is currently often used in a targeted manner, predominantly testing patients with specific symptoms of COVID-19 . There is therefore a need for a more rapid, reliable, non-invasive, and versatile additional screening tool, especially for identifying asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals. Several studies prove the extraordinary olfactory acuity of canines to detect people with infectious and non-infectious diseases such as different types of cancer , malaria , bacterial and viral infections , with sensitivity and specificity rates . A pathogen-specific odor that can be detected by dogs can be composed of specific patterns of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Compared to bacteria, viruses do not have their own metabolism and therefore VOCs are released by infected body cells as a result of metabolic processes of the host . Different technical approaches have used VOC detection to successfully discriminate infectious diseases, but none are being used routinely in clinical practice . As dogs can be trained quickly, the aim of the present study was to test the concept of using dogs reliably and in real time to discriminate between samples from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and uninfected controls. This method can be employed in public areas such as airports, sporting events, borders, or other crowds as an alternative or addition to laboratory testing, thus helping to prevent the spread of the virus or new outbreaks. Saliva and tracheobronchial secretion samples were collected from hospitalized COVID-19 patients who had clinical symptoms and were diagnosed as positive for SARS-CoV-2 using nasopharyngeal swab samples. Negative control samples were obtained from SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR negative individuals with no previous history of COVID-19, nor did the individuals have a history of a recent cold or infection. None of the samples were screened for different human coronaviruses, such as beta coronavirus HCoV-OC43 or alpha coronavirus HCoV-229E. After sample acquisition, the anonymized samples were transported to the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover . All collected samples were confirmed as positive or negative using the RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2-IP4 assay from the Institut Pasteur (recommended by the World Health Organization , including an internal control system and protocol as described . Samples from COVID-19 patients (regardless of the final RT-PCR result) were further subjected to virus quantification (endpoint dilution assay) and virus isolation analysis using Vero E6 cells under biosafety level 3 conditions. Cell layers were evaluated for cytopathic effects and final results were obtained 7 days after cellular infection. Since dogs are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 all samples from COVID-19 patients were inactivated with beta propiolactone (BPL) to protect the dogs and their handlers from infection during training. Briefly, the samples and reagents were kept at 4°C, 20 μl/ml NaHCO 3(7.5%) was added and the samples were incubated for 10 min at 4°C. After 10 μl/ml of 10% GLP was added, the samples were incubated at 4°C for 70 to 72 h. BPL hydrolysis was conducted at 37°C for 1 to 2 h. Samples that showed a cytopathic effect before GLP inactivation using virus isolation or endpoint dilution assay were retested after GLP inactivation and were confirmed as inactivated. Only inactivated GLP samples from COVID-19 patients were used for the dog training. In addition, detection dogs were given negative control samples with and without prior treatment with GLP to exclude hydrolyzed GLP as a potential distraction reagent. After a 2-week habituation process to DDTS, the eight dogs required 5 days of training in total until the detection rate was above chance. The detection dogs were able to discriminate respiratory secretions from SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals from those of healthy controls with high sensitivity and specificity rates.

Correcting night blindness in dogs. People with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) are unable to distinguish objects in low light conditions. This impairment presents challenges, especially when artificial lighting is not available or when driving at night. In 2015, researchers at Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine discovered that dogs can develop a form of hereditary night blindness with strong similarities to the condition in people. In 2019, the team identified the gene responsible. Today, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , they reported a major breakthrough: a gene therapy that restores night vision to dogs born with CSNB. The success of this approach, which targets a group of cells deep in the retina called ON bipolar cells, represents a significant step toward the goal of developing a treatment for dogs and people with this condition, as well as other vision problems that involve ON bipolar cell function. Dogs with CSNB that received a single injection of the gene therapy began to express healthy LRIT3 protein in their retinas and were able to deftly navigate a maze in low light. The treatment also appears long-lasting, with a sustained therapeutic effect lasting a year or more. "The results of this pilot study are very promising," says Keiko Miyadera, lead author of the study and assistant professor at Penn Vet. "In people and dogs with congenital stationary night blindness, the severity of the disease is consistent and unchanged throughout their lives. And we were able to treat these dogs as adults, between 1 and 3 years of age. That makes these findings promising and relevant to the human patient population, because theoretically we could intervene even in adulthood and see an improvement in night vision." In previous work, the Penn Vet team, working in collaboration with groups from Japan, Germany and the United States, discovered a population of dogs with CSNB and determined that mutations in the LRIT3 gene were responsible for the dogs' impaired night vision. The same gene has also been implicated in certain cases of human CSNB. This mutation affects the function of ON bipolar cells, but unlike some diseases that cause blindness, the overall structure of the retina as a whole remained intact. This gave the research team hope that providing a normal copy of the LRIT3 gene could restore night vision to affected dogs. However, while Penn Vet researchers in the Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies have developed effective gene therapies for a variety of other blindness disorders, none of these previous treatments have targeted the ON bipolar cells, located deep in the middle layer of the retina. "We have entered the retinal no-man's land with this gene therapy," says William A. Beltran, coauthor and Penn Vet professor, "This opens the door to treating other diseases that affect ON bipolar cells." The researchers overcame the hurdle of reaching these relatively inaccessible cells with two main discoveries. First, through a rigorous screening process performed in collaboration with colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley led by John Flannery and the University of Pittsburgh led by Leah Byrne, they identified a vector for the healthy LRIT3 gene that would allow the treatment to reach the intended cells. And second, they paired the healthy gene with a promoter - the gene sequence that helps initiate the "reading" of the therapeutic gene - that would act in a cell-specific way. "Previous therapies we've worked on have targeted photoreceptors or cells of the retinal pigment epithelium," says coauthor Gustavo D. Aguirre, a professor at Penn Vet. "But the promoter we use here is very specific for targeting ON bipolar cells, which helps avoid potential off-target effects and toxicity." The researchers suspect that restoring the functional LRIT3 gene allows signals to pass from photoreceptor cells to ON bipolar cells. " LRIT3 is expressed in the 'fingertips' of these cells," Beltran says. "Introducing this transgene is essentially allowing the two cells to shake hands and communicate again." "We had great success in this study, but we saw some dogs recover better than others," says Miyadera. "We would like to continue working to maximize the therapeutic benefit while still ensuring safety. And we saw that this treatment is durable, but does it last a lifetime after one injection? That's something we'd like to find out." The team also plans to alter the therapy to use the human version of the LRIT3 gene , a necessary step to translate the treatment to people with CSNB with an eventual clinical trial.

The friend who keeps you young. Adopting a pet may seem like a selfless act, but there are many selfish reasons to adopt pet ownership. Research has shown that owning a pet offers an incredible array of health benefits, says Jeremy Barron, MD, medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at Johns Hopkins. Not ready for a full-time furry friend in your home? Offer to walk a neighbor's dog, groom the cat for a friend, or donate time at a local animal shelter-even short interactions provide enough exposure for the pet to reap some of these rewards. Research has shown that simply petting a dog reduces the stress hormone cortisol, while social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that bonds mothers to babies). In fact, an astonishing 84% of post-traumatic stress disorder patients paired with a service dog reported a significant reduction in symptoms and 40% were able to decrease their medications, a recent survey reported. The cortisol-reducing and oxytocin-boosting benefits of cuddling also help keep your blood pressure in check. "Cuddling and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature," Barron explains. "It's relaxing and transcendental." How many people are willing to go out at the crack of dawn and exercise in the rain or snow? Dog owners usually have no choice - they need to walk their pet, providing them with an excuse-proof daily dose of exercise. The American Heart Association released a research report endorsing dog ownership as a way to prevent cardiovascular disease. A 2011 study found that pet owners had better self-esteem. Another study determined that pets provided greater social support than humans in reducing depression. "Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose to the owner," says Barron. In addition, pets are a good social catalyst for meeting people who share your interests with animals. Beyond simple companionship, dogs have been wonderful helpers for those without vision or with mobility problems. Dogs are even being used to help detect conditions from seizures to cancer. Cardiovascular disease (car-dee-oh-vas-cue-ler): Problems of the heart or blood vessels, often caused by atherosclerosis-the buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls-and high blood pressure, which can weaken blood vessels, stimulate atherosclerosis and make arteries stiff. Heart valve disorders, heart failure, and out-of-rhythm heart rhythms (called arrhythmias) are also types of cardiovascular disease. Cortisol (kor-tuh-sol): A hormone produced by the adrenal glands on top of the kidneys and involved in the stress response. It rises in the morning, inducing wakefulness, and also rises during stress. Sleep deprivation, caffeine, and alcohol can also increase cortisol levels. Chronically high levels have been associated with low immunity, weight gain, and other health problems. Oxytocin (ok-si-toh-suhn): In men, a hormone released by the pituitary gland that aids in penile erection and ejaculation. In women, it stimulates milk production and the contraction of the uterus. It influences social bonding, which is why it is also sometimes called the bonding or love hormone. As a medicine, oxytocin is sometimes given to pregnant women to induce or accelerate labor. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A disorder in which your "fight or flight" response, or stress, stays on, even when you have nothing to run or fight for. The disorder usually develops after an emotional or physical trauma, such as an assault, physical abuse, or a natural disaster. Symptoms include nightmares, insomnia, angry outbursts, emotional numbness, and physical and emotional tension. Social support: The help you receive from other people in your life. Family, friends, colleagues, and other people who care about you and for you make up your social support system or network. Although dogs offer more benefits than any other pet, they also require more time and financial commitment.

HISTORY OF THE WILD HORSES OF AMERICA. The wild horses of the West have occupied people's minds here since they were reintroduced to the North American continent by Spanish explorers in the 16th century These early mustangs (from the Spanish mestengo , meaning "ownerless beast" or "stray horse") were the predecessors of the wild horses that today roam the desert ecosystems and grasslands of the Midwestern and Western United States. The horses originally occupied North America, but died out around the end of the Pleistocene era (around 9,000 BC). Once reintroduced by conquerors, they quickly expanded in range and territory and were valued for their endurance, mobility, valor, and reliability during periods of conflict. One of the earliest accounts of Native Americans acquiring mustangs dates back to 1541, when Mendoza, a Spanish viceroy , gave Aztec warrior horses to fight in the Mixtón War of Central Mexico. The Spanish were eventually driven out of New Mexico by the native Pueblo tribes, who acquired many of the abandoned animals and used them as barter with Great Plains tribes. The Plains riders came to rely on the mustang for buffalo hunting (and the increased trade opportunities that bison meat offered) and to improve the range of their camps - an advantage over other tribes. Horses became a symbol of wealth in many tribes and were valued as trophies to be won by the brave in battle. In the early 18th century, fur trappers, Indian scouts, muleteers, soldiers, and pioneers from the West came to depend on the horse as a regular part of life. The wild horse was notable for the stubby construction of its legs, which made it suitable for traveling long distances without injury. A medium-sized horse, the typical mustang measures about 14 hands (a standard horse measurement) and weighs an average of 800 pounds. Colors ranging from black to reddish brown to sour and combinations of patterns on coats are seen. In addition to the general mustang population, two specific breeds called tarpan and Przewalski are recognized as unique genetic strains of the genus Equus that are true wild horses. The durability of the wild horse or mustang is matched by their ability to reproduce readily: a herd population can double in size every four years. They also have no natural predators and can live up to 40 years. Their population reached an all-time high around 1918, with two million mustangs roaming North America. With such a visible and sustained role and presence over the past 500 years, the wild horse has become deeply ingrained in our nation's psyche, even to this day. It became the symbol of the Pony Express mail service , with messengers on horseback crossing the nation from Missouri to California from April 3, 1860 to October 1861. Modes of transportation, such as the stagecoach, used herds of wild horses as a cheap and plentiful source of animals , working in teams of up to eight at a time. On his travels westward, the American painter George Catlin (1796-1872) captured many scenes of life in the American wilderness. Often his artworks depicted Native Americans engaged in hunting, riding wild horses that had been tamed. The artist observed the animal directly on his travels and noted the valuable role it occupied. Over the years, the wild horse took root in the American consciousness through other art forms - literature, music, advertising, and even children's toys. Generations of boys played with cowboy and Indian figures mounted on wild horses, first cast in lead and then in molded plastic in a variety of colors and sizes. Silver Age comics with titles such as Red Ryder and Tomahawk continued the tradition of wild horses as companions of Western heroes and villains. The reality of the wild horse today is one of cautious optimism, with its continued existence in the wild at stake. Two federal agencies, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) , are responsible for wild horse management on public lands. The BLM has 26.9 million acres of these lands with a total population of 88,100 horses: approximately three times the target population of 27,000 horses to maintain a healthy desert ecosystem. The wild horse is a hallmark of Old West legends and its romanticized history and promises to remain so for generations to come.