Thanksgiving Day Foods that could Kill Your Dog

The ASPCA warns that the following traditional Thanksgiving foods could harm / kill your dog so don't share with your canine friend and have a Happy Thanksgiving:

1. Turkey Skin
2. Cooked Bones
3. Onions & Garlic
4. Alcohol
5. Nuts
6. Nutmeg
7. Sage
8. Chocolate, Dough & Batter

Dog on wheels - RSPCA video

Cheeky the dog was so badly neglected when she was rescued that when her matted fur was clipped it was discovered that she had lost her front paws through lack of circulation.

But vets at Arthur Lodge in Horsham came to the rescue and helped create a harness on wheels for Cheeky so she can get around without putting any weight on her front legs...

Can dogs drink tea or coffee?

 

Both tea and coffee contain the stimulant caffeine which can be dangerous to dogs in high doses but the occasional weak tea or coffee is unlikely to cause a problem. But it will depend on the size of your dog, eg. a small terrier type could show signs of agitation after drinking only half a cup of strong tea or as little as a quarter of a cup of coffee.

If your dog enjoys sharing your tea or coffee you can avoid the risks by offering decaffeinated versions or a pet brand such as Woof and Brew.

Image: Vanderdecken via Wikimedia Commons

Canine Blood Bank Service - Pet Blood Bank UK urgently needs donors

Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank UK is the first and only charity of its kind that provides a canine blood bank service for all veterinary practitioners across the UK.

Just like the human blood service, Pet Blood Bank UK collects from willing doggy donors at organised collection sessions nationwide, on average three sessions a week. The blood is then processed into packed red blood cells and fresh plasma, and delivered to veterinary practices when they need it most.

Every unit of blood collected can help save up to four dogs' lives, saving thousands of lives every year.

Click here to find out if our dog could be a donor

Even if your dog isn't suitable there are still lots of ways you can help Pet Blood Bank UK to save canine lives, find out more at  Pet Blood Bank UK Volunteering

Dogs age in human years

 You've probably heard the classic dog to human age conversion of 1 dog year = 7 human years but in reality that is a bit of an urban legend that apparently started in the 1960s in a maths text book! Research by the University of Georgia, as published by BBC News (and others) shows a different picture:

For first two years:

• 12.5 years per human year for the first two years for small dogs
• 10.5 years per human year for the first two years for medium sized dogs
• 9 years per human year for the first two years for large dogs

For years 3+:
Small: Dachshund (Miniature) 4.32, Border Terrier 4.47, Lhasa Apso 4.49, Shih Tzu 4.78, Whippet Medium 5.30, Chihuahua 4.87, West Highland White Terrier 4.96, Beagle 5.20, Miniature Schnauzer 5.46, Spaniel (Cocker) 5.55, Cavalier King Charles 5.77, Pug 5.95, French Bulldog 7.65
Medium: Spaniel 5.46, Retriever (Labrador) 5.74, Golden Retriever 5.74, Staffordshire Bull Terrier 5.33, Bulldog 13.42
Large: German Shepherd 7.84, Boxer 8.90

Which means that a small dog is older than a big dog at two human years - but younger at five.

See the full BBC News article, by Ben Carter, Dog Years: How do you calculate a dog's true age? 

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Questionnaire to help investigation into New Forest dog deaths

Following a number of dog deaths in the New Forest, Hampshire the Animal Health Trust is asking for dog walkers to fill out a questionnaire to help with investigations as to the cause.

"A recent spate of dog deaths in the New Forest in Hampshire has prompted our scientists to assist in an on-going investigation into this mystery dog illness.

Dog owners are advised to look out for wounds or lesions on the limbs or face of their dog which will not heal. Affected dogs then go on to develop signs of severe depression, loss of appetite, and vomiting, quickly accompanied by acute injury to the kidneys, which is understood to have proven fatal in all but two cases to date.

If you have walked your dog in the New Forest Fordingbridge area since the beginning of 2013, please complete this questionnaire, even if your dog has not been affected. 

The actual cause of acute kidney failure, and its link to the initial wounds, is a mystery. This forms the focus of the current investigation which is being led by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester in collaboration with Forest Veterinary Clinic in Fordingbridge - the area which has been most affected. Lynwood Vets is also closely involved with the investigation, as it has seen a number of cases.
David Walker, Head of Internal Medicine at Anderson Moores, said: “We are working with a number of veterinary and medical colleagues in the UK and the US to try and identify the cause of this concerning cluster of cases as quickly as we can. Pet owners should seek veterinary attention if they identify a wound on their dog’s legs or face. “

Dr Richard Newton, our Head of Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology, said: “Input from dog walkers is essential to progress the investigation, even if their dog wasn’t affected. The questionnaire will provide vital information to help in identifying areas of highest risk, and possibly factors that contribute to the condition in this area of the New Forest.”

It is important for dog owners walking their pets in the New Forest to be vigilant. If your dog develops the clinical signs as mentioned above, seek advice from your local vet immediately.

If you are a dog owner and have any concerns or questions, please direct your enquiries to Forest Veterinary Clinic on 01425 652221 or by emailing: forestvetsAKI@aol.co.uk If you are a vet, please direct your enquiries to Anderson Moores on 01962 76792 or by emailing info@andersonmoores.com.
A hard copy of the New Forest questionnaire can be provided by emailing info@aht.org.uk."