Bark N Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

What Are Essential Oils? Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oils capture the plant's scent and flavor, also called its "essence." Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence. Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that's ready for use. The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils. Popular Types There are more than 90 types of essential oils, each with its own unique smell and potential health benefits. Here's a list of 10 popular essential oils and the health claims associated with them: Peppermint: Used to boost energy and help with digestion. Lavender: Used for stress relief. Sandalwood: Used to calm nerves and help with focus. Bergamot: Used to reduce stress and improve skin c

Kennel cough in dogs Kennel cough is a condition that affects the upper respiratory tract of dogs and is characterized by the inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. While kennel cough may sound like a horrific condition, it’s not actually as terrible as most dog owners assume. However, the effects of the condition can vary depending on each individual dog. For this reason, you may want to avoid your dog catching the illness if possible. To do this, you need to understand where the name comes from. Why is it called kennel cough? This condition is referred to as a kennel cough because, perhaps, unsurprisingly it is most commonly found and caught in kennels or anywhere that there are a lot of dogs in close proximity to one another. Kennels or shelters are the obvious risk zone, but training facilities and dog parks can be another place where dogs are likely to contract this illness. Ultimately kennel cough in dogs is very much like the typical human cold. It’s very common and will spread from dog to dog. Ken

https://www.beananimallistener.com/ Reach out to Cindy for a reading on your pet.   Office Hours: Monday - Wednesday:  10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday - Thursday : 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Please call my office at 541-658-5062. If it is during business hours, I might be working with a client and am not accepting calls.  I will return your call during my next open spot. If you call after hours, please feel free to leave me a message and be sure to leave your Name, Best Number to reach you back on, and your time zone so I know when is appropriate to call you back. I will return their call during my regular business hours.

When you head to the veterinarian, you and your pet are likely both a little nervous. Whether it's for yearly vaccinations or to figure out why your furry best friend has been scratching or vomiting, you have to bring them in — and no one likes to be poked and prodded. By the time your vet appears in the exam room, you've both had time to worry about it and the doctor picks up on your combined nerves. That's one of the reasons so many veterinarians will do an initial exam in the room while you're there, but will whisk your pet "to the back" for vaccinations, bloodwork and other procedures.   "Some pets are actually calmer when they are away from their owners, which makes it easier to perform exams or draw blood or administer a treatment," writes veterinarian Dr. Joanne Intile in PetMD. "This allows the veterinarian to accomplish tasks more efficiently and safely, reducing stress for the pets." Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker agrees. "Your pet may actually be much more difficult (or even dangerous) to handle in

Upcoming Events with Cindy April 3rd, 2019 at 6 pm PST Intuitive Listening Webinar Spring Growth During this free webinar, we will discuss how to leave gloom and darkness behind and look forward to a blooming season.   Register Now! April 24th, 2019 at 6 pm PST   Animal & Emotions Webinar The bond between a human and their pets is far stronger than most people realize. It is so easy for our animals to absorb our emotions, unknowingly taking our stresses onto themselves. How can we help our pets during these times of great stress, for both them and us?   Register Now! November 9, 2019 at The Ridge Hotel   All Souls Retreat Expand your soul on the heels of All Soul’s Day -- join us for a one-of-a kind spiritual experience to learn, connect, and enlighten your soul in the company of like minded spirits.   Purchase Tickets Now! April 13th & 14th, 2019 Rasani Fair I will be at the Rasani Fair in Albany, OR

Dog Behavior and Training - Dominance, Alpha, and Pack Leadership - What Does It Really Mean? By Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACVB & Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM    Behavior Despite the fact that recent studies have reevaluated hierarchy models and have modified our understanding of behavior in the wild wolf, the concept of a hierarchal relationship among dogs and humans continues to be perpetuated. To ensure a well functioning family group, a family needs to know more about canine behavior than outdated strategies focusing on pack structure. In fact recent research has clearly indicated that the longstanding theory which maintained that alpha wolves control through aggression and relentless management is more myth than fact. These theories have been refuted by wolf biologists and if this theory is no longer considered true for wolves, then how can it be considered true for our dogs? New research on canine learning patterns indicates dogs understand us far better than we understand them. How do wolve

3 Vet-Recommended Supplements For Senior Dogs by Dina Fantegrossi Although dietary supplements can be beneficial at any stage of life, many people don’t start thinking about giving them to their pets until they reach their senior years. This is the time when we are reminded of their mortality as we notice signs of arthritis and that telltale gray muzzle. With so many products on the market making different promises, it’s hard to know which ones are safe, let alone helpful for your senior pooch. Dr. Marty Becker has been a practicing veterinarian for more than 20 years. He has contributed to Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show, written 25 books, and sits on the Board of Directors for The Grey Muzzle Organization, a non-profit group devoted to helping senior dogs. When it comes to his aging canine patients, there are three major supplements he recommends. 1. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids are best known for doing wonders for a dog’s skin and coat. While a shiny p

Step 1: Training Your Dog to Walk on a Leash Introduce him to the collar or harness and leash. Start out by letting him get used to wearing a collar or harness and a leash. Let him wear them for short periods of time, in the house, during which you are playing with him and giving him treats. The puppy should love “collar and leash time” because it represents food and fun. Teach a cue. Introduce your puppy to a sound cue that means “food is coming.” Some people like to click and treat, some people use a word like “Yes,” and some people cluck their tongue. Whichever you use, the method is the same: In a quiet, distraction free area, with the puppy on a leash and collar, make the sound. The second your puppy turns toward you and/or looks at you, reward him with a treat. After a few repetitions, you’ll notice your puppy not only looking at you, but also coming over to you for the treat. Make him come to you. While he’s on his way to you, still wearing the leash and collar, back up a few paces and then reward when

Tied outside the entrance of a café, the young Border Collie-mix paced and panted. An approaching couple, assuming that a dog tethered outside of a café would be friendly, moved toward him to say hello. But before they could get within five feet, he erupted into a frenzy of barks and shrieks and then urinated. The dog’s person rushed out, coffee in hand. “Sorry—he’s a bit shy,” she said, the dog cowering into her. Untying the dog, she quickly led him away down the street. For a “normal” dog, this would have been a welcome encounter. But for a chronically shy dog, something as simple as a casual hello from a stranger can be a terrifying experience. It goes without saying that this timid dog should never have been left out there alone, waiting to fail. This example is an extreme case of shyness (extreme shyness can look like aggression), but there’s a whole spectrum of timidity. Read on to determine if your dog is shy and how you can use confidence boosting exercises to help her feel at ease.   Is Your Do

What Is CBD? CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis, the plant we often associate with marijuana. In fact, it is one of over 113 “cannabinoids” found in the cannabis plant, many of which are also being investigated for their potential health benefits. Now, keep this in mind: CBD won’t get your pet “high”. You can read more about that here. Unlike THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD is completely non psychoactive and safe to be used on pets. CBD also has no known toxicity level, and is incapable of causing an overdose. In fact, the CBD found in cannabis pet supplements is usually sourced from hemp, a variety of cannabis that naturally contains extremely low concentrations of THC. How Does CBD Interact With the Body? CBD interacts with the body via the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. While I’ll likely discuss the ECS in more detail in other posts, here are some basics on how this system works. The ECS is a biological system found in all mammals, and is involved in managing a wide

Kidney disease is more common as dogs age. It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 dogs will develop kidney disease over a lifetime1,3, so it’s an important topic to understand. When healthy, the two kidneys efficiently: Filter the blood Process protein wastes and excrete them into the urine Conserve and balance body water, salts and acids Help to maintain normal red blood cells Kidney disease occurs when one or more of these functions are compromised or reduced. Unfortunately, it typically goes undetected until the organs are functioning at approximately 33% to 25% of their capacity. Dogs with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prone to dehydration and you may notice that your dog is lethargic and has a poor appetite. Treatment options for advanced kidney disease are usually limited to treating the symptoms because dialysis and kidney transplants are not readily available for dogs. Protecting your pooch from kidney disease means you should be prepared to look for problems early. Causes of o

Dogs operate on a social structure of rank – a hierarchy. If he leads you then you follow. When it comes time to command him he won’t take you seriously if he believes he is #1. However, if you put in some clear leadership roles and become the “alpha”; then your dog will respond and present more positive behaviors more often that you can now reinforce. In this case you have a fulfilling relationship without all of the frustration. Being the pack leader does not mean being a bully. Leadership is most often carried out in silent dominance, resource control, being confident and having the ability to give direction and follow through. Also, being a good leader without teaching your dog what is expected and using a properly conditioned language won’t work. It is the combined effort of learned behaviors and sound leadership that will create lasting results and a great relationship of love and mutual respect. Your dog should earn everything – work for a living just like we do. If he learns to earn his “Paychecks” th

To keep your kitchen clean and your dog healthy, follow these tips for how to prevent your dog from eating trash when you are away. Keep your dog fed. ... Keep your dog engaged. ... Be strategic with your trash can. ... Introduce baby gates and crates. ... Training. ... Catch your dog in the act.

Holiday Foods That Are Bad For Dogs Contributed by Dr. Alison Birken, owner and DVM of Victoria Park Animal Hospital. Daily pet emergencies at the hospital nearly double during the holidays, with the consumption of toxic foods for dogs being one of the leading causes. While there are potentially harmful holiday decorations, hazardous holiday plants and Christmas trees, there is also a hefty list of what not to feed dogs. So to ensure more time celebrating, and less time at the veterinary hospital, check out these toxic foods for dogs. What Not to Feed Dogs Over the Holidays Rich and Fatty Foods. Rich and fatty foods can cause problems ranging from stomach upset to more serious illnesses such as pancreatitis, which causes pain, vomiting and dehydration. Alcohol. Alcohol can cause intoxication in our pets, and many dogs are attracted to the sweet taste and smell. Candy Canes, Gingerbread Cookies, Popcorn, Raisins and Cranberry Garlands. Candy canes, gingerbread cookies, popcorn, raisins and cranberry garlands

Tips from the Humane Society on bringing home a new dog. Bringing home a new dog can be one of the most joyous experiences of your life, but you have to make sure you have a solid plan to avoid some of the pitfalls that can lead to problems down the road. You also need to be patient.  Acclimating a new dog to your home can take as long as two months, so be sure you’re in it for the long haul. And remember, your new family member doesn’t understand what you’re saying. He learns what is and isn’t allowed from how you behave, your tone of voice, what rules you set, and all of the nonverbal cues you give him.  Here are 7 tips the Humane Society recommend to acclimate your new dog to your home: 1.  Have all needed supplies ready before Fido walks through the door These include a food and water bowl, a leash, age-appropriate food (don’t give a puppy adult dog food) and treats, a collar and ID tag, and a crate if you plan on crate training. It’s also a good idea to have a few toys ready for him.   2.  Set the rules

At Freedom Service Dogs, we unleash the potential of dogs by transforming them into custom-trained, life-changing assistance dogs for people in need. Our clients include children, veterans and active duty military, and other adults. Their disabilities include autism, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Freedom Service Dogs has received numerous commendations, national press features, and government resolutions in support of our innovative work. https://freedomservicedogs.org/about-us/   Event  Winter Graduation 2018 December 6 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Join us at Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center on Thursday December 6 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Celebrate the incredible client-dog teams that have worked so hard to graduate from Freedom Service Dogs, as well as the talented trainers and dedicated volunteers who help transform shelter dogs into service dogs and professional therapy dogs. This uplifting graduatio

Dogs can experience a detached eye from trauma, fighting, head injury or pulling the skin too far back from the face or by the scruff of the neck. Skin stretching or trauma can cause eye detachment in any breed of dog, but dogs with very shallow eye sockets can be more affected but if you hug your pug their eyes are not going to pop out. 

It can be quite scary when your dog loses a nail.  When you’re trimming the dog’s nails, it takes only a small jerk of the dog’s paw to cause a nail to break or chip, and if the dog yanks hard enough, they could tear a nail partially or rip it out completely. Nails that are too long are more likely to snag and be torn — and long nails are more likely to break or crack when a dog is walking or running on asphalt, concrete, or similar hard surfaces. In addition, some dogs are just born with weaker nails, making them more susceptible to damage. Symptoms of a Damaged Nail Favoring a paw by holding it in the air rather than walking on it Limping or visibly not putting weight on a paw while walking Blood on your dog’s bedding Constant licking of a paw A visibly swollen paw or toe Resistance when you try to examine a paw or toe Nail at an odd angle If you are comfortable doing so, examine your dog’s paw if the dog exhibits any of the above symptoms. If the toe is sore and injured, dogs may not allow you to examine

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We all have that friend, relative, or rival who walks their dog with expert leash-wielding skills. They aren’t being pulled down the block, tied 'round trees, or tangled up with the friendly neighbor dog who’s also out for an afternoon stroll. I don’t know about you, but I silently envy the person and pet that can walk side-by-side without breaking a sweat.    And I have to admit, good leash walking skills are important for more than just showing off your pet-parent talents.   “From a relationship perspective,” explains Sarah Fraser, a certified professional dog trainer and co-founder of Instinct Behavior & Training in New York City, “if your dog is walking nicely on a leash, it likely means that your dog is paying more attention to you, making it easier for you to provide direction and guidance as needed along your walk.”    A leash-puller can also run the risk of accidentally breaking away from your grip, which can pose multiple dangers to your pet if he or she continues to run, not to mention the dange