Dog's Life Span

Just like people, dogs slow down as they grow older. Their hair turns gray, their eyes dim, their bodies lose tone and energy. They become more susceptible to illness, less adaptable to change and even forgetful as time marches on. They look to you for help and comfort.

When Is Your Dog "Old"?

The old rule-of-thumb that one dog year equals 7 years of a human life is not exact. The ratio is higher with youth and decreases a bit as your dog ages. Depending on the breed, a dog experiences the raging hormones of adolescence anywhere from 8 months to 2 years or more. Generally, a dog of 6 has aged about as much as a 45-year-old human. At 10, she's like a human of 65; at 12, a human of 75; and at 15, a human of 90.

You are the best judge of your dog's stage of life. Even if she is in the best of health, it's important that you notice when your dog begins to show her age. After years of constant companionship, however, you may not see the first subtle signs of decline. No matter how close you are, your dog does not know how to communicate little aches and pains, and even some bigger discomforts to you. She doesn't understand what's happening to her when she can't run as fast or jump as high.

When to Screen for Aging

Most veterinarians recommend that your dog be screened for the symptoms of aging and then come for twice-yearly visits when she is a senior. To determine when it's time for the first screening, you have to understand how your dog's medical history and breed might hasten or stave off her senior symptoms. Then, factor in these recommendations:

 For dogs over 80 pounds, begin geriatric screening between ages 4 and 6.

 For dogs 51 to 80 pounds, begin to screen between 6 and 8.

 For dogs 16 to 50 pounds, begin to screen between 7 and 9.

 For dogs 15 pounds or less, begin to screen between 9 and 11.

                                                                                        Since the 1930s, the canine life span has increased more than 70 percent, from seven years to 12! And that's just the average. With advances in veterinary care and nutrition and more knowledgeable owners, many good-sized dogs now live to 14.

Of course, no one can really predict how long an individual dog will live. There's always the possibility of unpredictable illness or accident. Or, a genetic predisposition to disease may lurk in your dog's genes. But generally speaking, the larger the breed, the faster it ages.

Giant breeds - even pampered and exercised St. Bernards - can begin to show their years as early as four and have a life expectancy of 7 to 11 years. The chihuahua is the smallest breed, with adults weighing between 2 and 9 pounds. They can live 18 years or more. Certain breeds do better than others, as do mixed breeds. On average, smaller mutts and mutts with dominant genes from smaller breeds live longest.

Vets can't yet explain why length of life varies so much with size. "We think of large dogs as having a different metabolism, as living their allotted time faster than smaller dogs," says Dr. Harold Zweighaft of New York City.

Life Spans By Breed

The following list of predicted life spans shows how long various breeds may live.

 7-10 years. Great Dane, Newfoundland, Cavalier King Charles spaniel. (Mitral valve disease may affect 50 percent of these toy spaniels in North America.)

 9-11 years. St. Bernard, bloodhound, chow chow, boxer, French bulldog. (Von Willebrand's disease, akin to human hemophilia, can impede blood clotting in Frenchies.)

 10-13 years. Airedale terrier, Dalmatian, golden retriever, German shepherd, Scottish terrier. (Scotties also may inherit von Willebrand's.)

 12-15 years. Beagle, bichon frise, collie, Doberman, papillon, Pomeranian.

 14-16 years. Boston terrier, cairn terrier, cocker spaniel, Welsh corgi, Irish setter, Parson Russell terrier, Maltese terrier, poodle (standard), schnauzer, shih tzu, West Highland White terrier, Yorkshire terrier.

 15-18 years. Dachshund, poodle (miniature and toy), Chihuahua.

It's up to you to maintain your dog's health and sense of security and to make sure that she's able to enjoy her natural athletic ability as long as possible. You must be perceptive, noticing changes in your dog's moods and habits. It takes love and commitment to help your dog navigate old age, but it will be returned in kind.

Using drug therapy to treat priapism in two dogs

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Which Vaccine is Best for Your Dog?

Nasal or Injectable - Which Vaccine is Best for Your Dog?

Recently, vaccination has become a very controversial subject. Gone are the simple days when your pet would receive a series of puppy shots and then shots every year. This was the typical method used to keep our pets healthy. But, with the advent of immune diseases thought to be associated with vaccination, the route of vaccine has become a hot topic.

Most people are familiar with the injectable vaccines. These commonly are used to protect from parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, bordetella and rabies. Recently, vaccines have become available that are applied topically, usually in the nose or eyes. There are disadvantages and advantages of each method of vaccination and topical vaccines are not available to protect against all diseases.

In the dog, the only topical vaccine commonly used is the vaccine used to protect against Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the bacterial agents that has been implicated in canine kennel cough. This vaccination is available as an injectable or as a vaccine to be placed directly into the nose as nasal drops.

Tests & Procedures in Dogs

Tests & Procedures in Dogs

1.	Abdominal Radiograph (X-ray) in Dogs An abdominal radiograph is a procedure that allows your veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath the skin.
2.	Abdominal Ultrasound in Dogs An ultrasound evaluates the internal organs of the abdomen through the use of sound waves. Ultrasound and X-rays often go hand-in-hand because ultrasound shows a motion picture of the organs as they are functioning, while X-rays are a static image.
3.	Abdominocentesis in Dogs Abdominocentesis is the procedure in which fluid is removed from the abdomen with the use of a needle. Any fluid in the abdominal cavity is considered abdnormal and a sample should be removed for evaluation.
4.	Activated Clotting Time in Dogs The activated clotting time is a test used to determine if a bleeding disorder is present. This test is often done in the veterinary office as a screening test. More sensitive tests may be needed.
5.	Aqueocentesis in Dogs Aqueocentesis is the aspiration (removal by sucking action) of aqueous humor. This fluid nourishes the lens and cornea and maintains the proper ocular pressure.
6.	Arthrocentesis in Dogs Arthrocentesis is the aspiration of fluid from a joint cavity. A needle is inserted in the joint and fluid is removed for later examination.
7.	Biochemical Profile in Dogs A biochemical profile is a blood test that assesses the function of internal organs, measures the electrolytes such as blood potassium, and identifies the levels of circulating enzymes.
8.	Blood Pressure in Dogs A blood pressure reveals the pressure within the vessels, and it is very much like getting your own pressure taken. High blood pressure and low blood pressure can lead to significant illness and often needs medical treatment.
9.	Blood Typing Blood typing is a test that determines the blood type of an animal. Like people, dogs and cats have different blood types. Since blood types do not change throughout the pet’s life, this test is only needed once.
10.	Bone Marrow Biopsy in Dogs A bone marrow biopsy is the extraction of a piece of bone marrow for microscopic examination. Bone marrow is the soft material that lines the cavity of bones and is primarily found in the center portion of bones.

11.	Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Dogs Bronchoalveolar lavage is a test in which fluid samples of the bronchus and alveoli (air sacs) are obtained. These fluid samples are then submitted for analysis to help determine the underlying cause of illness.
12.	Central Venous Pressure in Dogs Central venous pressure (CVP) is the measurement of fluid pressure in the right upper chamber of the heart or the anterior vena cava.
13.	Cerebrospinal Fluid Tap in Dogs A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap is the collection of fluid found in the subarachnoid space, surrounding the brain and spinal cord, for diagnostic purposes.
14.	Chest Radiograph (X-ray) in Dogs A chest radiograph (X-ray) is a procedure that allows your veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath the skin of the chest cavity.
15.	Complete Blood Count (CBC) in Dogs A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test to evaluate the number of specific cells in the blood. This test is often used as a screening test for underlying infection, anemia and illness.
16.	Crossmatching Crossmatching is a test used to determine if the blood that is about to be transfused is compatible with the blood of the patient. Incompatible transfusions can result in transfusion reactions.
17.	Culture and Sensitivity in Dogs A bacterial urine culture and sensitivity is indicated to assess whether there is a bacterial infection present and what antibiotics are indicated.
18.	Cystocentesis in Dogs Collecting urine can be tricky in dogs, especially if the urine needs to collected without contamination. Cystocentesis is the procedure in which an uncontaminated urine specimen is removed from the urinary bladder using a needle.
19.	Cytology in Dogs Cytology is the evaluation of cells, either tissue or blood, under a microscope. Cytology can detect the presence of inflammation, infection, bacteria, fungi, parasites and cancer.
20.	Ear Swab Examination in Dogs An ear swab examination reveals the presence of bacteria, fungi and parasites, and dtermining the underlying cause of ear discharge, pain or itchiness can help determine appropriate treatment.

21.	Echocardiogram in Dogs (Cardiac Ultrasound) An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. This procedure evaluates the function of the heart through the use of sound waves and is most often performed by a specialist.
22.	Electrocardiogram in Dogs An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test done to record the electrical activity of the heart and is done by attaching small contact electrodes to the limbs and body.
23.	Endoscopy in Dogs An endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the tip that is used to look at the inner lining of the throat, stomach and intestine, colon or at the respiratory passages to help diagnose and treat a variety of disorders.
24.	Fecal Examination in Dogs A fecal examination is the microscopic evaluation of feces and is recommended on all animals as part of a yearly health exam. Fecal examinations are also recommended on all puppies.
25.	Fine Needle Aspiration Lumps, bumps and strange looking areas are common in veterinary medicine. To help determine whether or not the suspicious organ or lump is a concern, a fine needle aspiration is often performed.
26.	Fluid Analysis Fluid accumulation can be caused by infection, abnormal functioning organs, viruses and even cancer. Analyzing the fluid is an important aspect of finding the cause of the fluid accumulation and developing an appropriate treatment plan.
27.	Fluorescein Stain Fluorescein is an orange stain that is applied to the cornea of the eye to determine if there is any erosion to the surface of the eye. Once the stain is applied to the eye, it turns fluorescent green.
28.	Fungal Culture Despite its name, ringworm is caused by a fungus and not a parasite. A fungal culture is often performed to determine if a skin rash or abnormality is related to ringworm and is indicated anytime there is a suspicious skin rash or lesion.
29.	Glucose Curve in Dogs A glucose curve involves multiple measurements of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This will help your veterinarian determine the proper insulin dose and the best time to administer the drug.
30.	Glycosylated Hemoglobin Level Glycosylated hemoglobin is the product that results when high levels of glucose (sugar) are in the blood. This test gives an idea of what the blood glucose levels have been over the course of the past several days.

31.	Gonioscopy in Dogs Gonioscopy is the examination of the iridocorneal angle of the eye. The iridocorneal angle is where the base of the iris attaches to the cornea and sclera (the white, outer layer of the eyeball).
32.	Heartworm Test in Dogs A heartworm test is a blood test that evaluates your pet for the presence of the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, more commonly known as heartworm. This test is indicated when an animal shows signs of coughing or heart disease.
33.	Histopathology Histopathology is the study of tissues, as in biopsy samples and samples of abnormal tissues to determine the presence of disease and help guide further treatment. It is indicated for every lump, mass or abnormal tissue removed from an animal.
34.	Lyme Titer A Lyme test determines the presence of antibodies specific for Lyme disease. A Lyme titer is indicated anytime a tick borne illness is suspected to determine if your pet has been exposed to Lyme disease.
35.	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Most people have heard of an MRI but are not quite sure what it is. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is similar to an X-ray, but it gives the most precise anatomical information on patients today.
36.	Nasal Feeding Tube in Dogs A nasal feeding tube is a device that is inserted through the nose into the esophagus or stomach for the purpose of administering fluids and nutrients.
37.	Partial Thromboplastin Time in Dogs The partial thromboplastin time is a blood test used to determine if the pet has a bleeding disorder. This test is often performed in conjuction with the prothrombin time test.
38.	Parvo Test A parvo test can help determine whether parvovirus is the cause of the dog’s illness, and the most practical method for diagnosis is the ELISA test. A parvo test is indicated in any puppy with gastrointestinal illness, regardless of vaccination status.
39.	Pericardiocentesis in Dogs Pericardiocentesis is the insertion of a needle or catheter into the pericardial sac. The sac that surrounds the heart and the bases of the great blood vessels.
40.	Phenobarbital Level in Dogs Administering the proper dose of phenobarbital is key in treating seizure disorders in dogs; the blood level must be monitored carefully to determine the amount of medication that is in the blood.

41.	Potassium Bromide Level in Dogs Potassium bromide is a drug used to control seizures. Administering the proper dose to reduce the incidence of seizures without overdosing is key. To determine the proper dose, potassium bromide blood levels must be monitored.
42.	Prothrombin Time in Dogs The prothrombin time is a blood test used to determine if the pet has a bleeding disorder. This test is often performed in conjunction with the partial thromboplastin time.
43.	Reticulocyte Count in Dogs Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that circulate in high numbers when the body is responding to anemia. This test can help determine possible causes of the anemia and help give a prognosis for recovery.
44.	Schirmer Tear Test The Schirmer tear test can help determine if low tear production is the underlying cause or a contributing factor. Low tear production can cause significant eye inflammation and chronic eye problems.
45.	Skin Scraping A skin scraping is a commonly performed test that can help diagnose certain skin inflammations, fungal infections, and skin cancer and is quite effective in determining the presence of mites.
46.	Slide Agglutination in Dogs Slide agglutination is a blood test used to screen for immune disease, particularly immune mediated hemolytic anemia. This immune disease causes the immune system to attack and destroy red blood cells.
47.	The Importance of a Phenobarbital Blood Test Administering the proper dose of phenobarbital is key in treating seizure disorders in dogs; the blood level must be monitored carefully to determine the amount of medication that is in the blood.
48.	The Importance of Thyroid Blood Testing in Dogs A thyroid test is a blood test to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland, which produces thyroid hormone, an important hormone in the regulation and maintenance of body functions.
49.	Thoracocentesis in Dogs Thoracocentesis is a procedure done to remove fluid or excess air from the chest cavity. Fluid is analyzed to determine the underlying cause. Air is most often associated with traumatic injury.
50.	Thyroid Test in Dogs A thyroid test is a blood test to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland, which produces thyroid hormone, an important hormone in the regulation and maintenance of body functions.

51.	Tonometry in Dogs Tonometry is the measurement of pressure within the eye (called intraocular pressure) to determine if glaucoma is present.
52.	Transtracheal Aspiration in Dogs Transtracheal aspiration (TTA), also called a transtracheal wash (TTW), is the insertion of a catheter into the trachea and lower airway to collect samples from the lower airway.
53.	Urinalysis in Dogs A urinalysis is a laboratory test that evaluates urine. A urinalysis usually consists of three parts which includes looking at the physical sample, a dipstick analysis and looking at the sediment under a microscope.
54.	Urine Glucose Test for Dogs A urine glucose test is a test to determine the amount of glucose in the urine. Glucose in the urine is commonly referred to by veterinarians as “glucosuria”.
55.	Urine P:C Ratio in Dogs A urine P:C ratio, or a urine protein-creatinine ratio, is a laboratory test used to detect or monitor renal disease.
56.	Vaccine Titer in Dogs A vaccine titer reveals whether or not the animal currently has adequate protection against a disease. Low titers indicate that vaccination will be necessary to provide immune protection.
57.	What is a Gastric Lavage? Gastric lavage is a term that refers to a procedure for “pumping the stomach”.

Dog mating! What is happen?

Breeding: Tie

Male dogs can start to have sperm at seven months old, but ten months is more common. Young dogs do not have quality sperm. Almost all dogs will have sperm by one year.

Stud dogs are at their prime between 18 months and 4 years old (or 5), after that, the quality of the sperm starts to lessen, and the ability to penetrate eggs, lessens. By 10 years old, most stud dogs do not produce sperm that will impregnate a bitch.

A tie is a natural phenomenon of dog breeding in which the bulbus glandis of the male's penis swells inside the bitch's vagina. The dogs are virtually locked together for 15-20 minutes (two to 30 minutes is also normal), during which time ejaculation has taken place. The sperm is released at the beginning of the tie, during the happy feet dance (see below). During the tie, he is releasing prostatic fluid.

As soon as the dogs lock the male usually moves his leg over her back, turns butt to butt and they remain locked. Tied.

 

Tie close-up

Getting stuck together is normal. Do NOT ice them to get them apart. The male is supposed to swell up and get stuck inside the female for two to 30 minutes. At this time if you feel the sire and dam in this area you will feel pulsating. When you hear someone say they got a 13-minute tie, this means they were locked together for 13 minutes.

Picture of a male penis with a swelled bulbus glandis

It is advised that you give close supervision and keep them calm.  You do not want a larger female getting scared and panicky to swing the male around by his penis, as it will get bruised and may make a repeat breeding failure. Do NOT attempt to separate. Instead, Get ON THE FLOOR and keep them calm. You do not want the female to panic and start squirming. If she is larger than the male she can really hurt the male. He is helpless and will usually stand perfectly still, waiting. The male usually stands calmly; make sure the female does the same. Some females cry in what looks like pain, some desperately want to get free, some just seem to calmly wait.

After a tie, it is good to not let the dam pee for 15 minutes, but MOST important is to check your male, and make sure that his penis has gone back inside of him and is not strangled in hair or stuck out.

"I just did a tie with a new breeder that wanted to watch. Her biggest shock was the young dam’s initial panic; that would have concerned her. But when she saw me get on the floor and calm her and then realized this must be normal as I was so calm, SHE WAS SOOOOOOO glad to see what it is like so she will not panic, as if she panicked, the dogs may also panic."

Most dogs stand for a tie and it is important that you do not let the dam roll around or get too frisky and hurt the male, but this particular dam insists on lying on her back.

Unless you KNOW what your pair will do when they are locked, I highly suggest 100% supervision when mating. I only do supervised ties.... 100% supervision.... Accidents can happen.

After the tie they are separated, with their great disapproval, for at least 24 hours to allow his sperm to build back up.

With a younger male (under four years) 20 hours is enough, but with an older male, you may want to increase this time to 30-36 hours.

It is wise to check with your vet. He can draw a sample from the male and check how fertile he is or if he is sterile.

If his sperm level is low, then you must be a little more involved in breed scheduling.

Breeding: Tie

Male dogs can start to have sperm at seven months old, but ten months is more common. Young dogs do not have quality sperm. Almost all dogs will have sperm by one year.

Stud dogs are at their prime between 18 months and 4 years old (or 5), after that, the quality of the sperm starts to lessen, and the ability to penetrate eggs, lessens. By 10 years old, most stud dogs do not produce sperm that will impregnate a bitch.

A tie is a natural phenomenon of dog breeding in which the bulbus glandis of the male's penis swells inside the bitch's vagina. The dogs are virtually locked together for 15-20 minutes (two to 30 minutes is also normal), during which time ejaculation has taken place. The sperm is released at the beginning of the tie, during the happy feet dance (see below). During the tie, he is releasing prostatic fluid.

As soon as the dogs lock the male usually moves his leg over her back, turns butt to butt and they remain locked. Tied.

 

Tie close-up

Getting stuck together is normal. Do NOT ice them to get them apart. The male is supposed to swell up and get stuck inside the female for two to 30 minutes. At this time if you feel the sire and dam in this area you will feel pulsating. When you hear someone say they got a 13-minute tie, this means they were locked together for 13 minutes.

Picture of a male penis with a swelled bulbus glandis

It is advised that you give close supervision and keep them calm.  You do not want a larger female getting scared and panicky to swing the male around by his penis, as it will get bruised and may make a repeat breeding failure. Do NOT attempt to separate. Instead, Get ON THE FLOOR and keep them calm. You do not want the female to panic and start squirming. If she is larger than the male she can really hurt the male. He is helpless and will usually stand perfectly still, waiting. The male usually stands calmly; make sure the female does the same. Some females cry in what looks like pain, some desperately want to get free, some just seem to calmly wait.

After a tie, it is good to not let the dam pee for 15 minutes, but MOST important is to check your male, and make sure that his penis has gone back inside of him and is not strangled in hair or stuck out.

"I just did a tie with a new breeder that wanted to watch. Her biggest shock was the young dam’s initial panic; that would have concerned her. But when she saw me get on the floor and calm her and then realized this must be normal as I was so calm, SHE WAS SOOOOOOO glad to see what it is like so she will not panic, as if she panicked, the dogs may also panic."

Most dogs stand for a tie and it is important that you do not let the dam roll around or get too frisky and hurt the male, but this particular dam insists on lying on her back.

Unless you KNOW what your pair will do when they are locked, I highly suggest 100% supervision when mating. I only do supervised ties.... 100% supervision.... Accidents can happen.

After the tie they are separated, with their great disapproval, for at least 24 hours to allow his sperm to build back up.

With a younger male (under four years) 20 hours is enough, but with an older male, you may want to increase this time to 30-36 hours.

It is wise to check with your vet. He can draw a sample from the male and check how fertile he is or if he is sterile.

If his sperm level is low, then you must be a little more involved in breed scheduling.

Courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese

How Dangerous Will Summer Be?

Did you know that this is one of the most dangerous times of year for dogs? Summer brings lots of fun for the people around us, and usually that means that dogs can enjoy the festivities as well. But what most people don't realize is that their homes are full of potentially hazardous situations when it comes to their pets.

Take barbecues and cook-outs, for example. Everyone loves a barbeque, right? All those delicious veggies and cuts of meat on the grill are pretty irresistible. That goes for pets, too, and it's not unusual for dogs to sneak a snack from someone's plate or even the grill. But what's for dinner can land them in the emergency room later; chicken and rib bones can fracture and cut your dog's mouth or internal organs, while vegetables (particularly onions) can be toxic if ingested. Even if the food isn't toxic your dog might still be in for a case of stomach upset from “people food.” Many barbecue items contain lots of fats and sugars which can give your dog indigestion and diarrhea.

July is well known for its displays of fireworks. Most people know to put skittish or anxious dogs inside, but some will overestimate their dog's tolerance for loud noises (especially if they are tired or have been playing all day long). If possible, give your dog a break and let them rest indoors rather than taking them to loud and crowded fireworks displays. While celebrating, it is important to keep your dog out of the way of the potentially deadly firecrackers and sparklers. Many pets are burned or killed when they have gotten too close to or ingested material left over from spent fireworks. Keep your pet indoors during the times that you use them to help reduce the chance that they will be exposed, and be sure to thoroughly clean your surrounding areas to make sure you have removed all of the debris.

For more information on how to handle hazards, and who to call if you think your pet has ingested something it should not have, please read this great article. It is filled with loads of information to help you throw a successful and SAFE summer celebration! Go to: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/summer-hazards-in-dogs/page1.aspx

This Affects 1 in 3 Dogs... What Is It?

Today it's time to talk about something very important. It's not happy or cheerful, but what I'm about to tell you could save your dog's life. There's a chance that this could affect your dog and it's crucial to be prepared.

Each year, more dogs over 2 years of age are caused by one disease than any other. Not only that, but it affects 1 in 3 dogs in the same age group. This disease is cancer. The statistics are sobering but true - your dog has a 30% chance of being affected by cancer at some point in their life.