Starting out on the right 'paw'

I often feel sorry for people visiting the vet hospital with their new puppy for the first time. Their lives – and households – have already been turned upside-down by the arrival of a yelping, pooing, wriggly being which bears little resemblance to the tidily groomed and endearingly posed puppies we buy on calendars and greeting cards. They’ve been woken throughout the night, cleaned up more puddles than they ever imagined, and have more than likely already said farewell to some belongings or plants. They gather up the puppy (no small challenge in itself), collar, lead, scattered wits and kids and make their way to the vet hospital, where a barrage of information and advice awaits.

We vet nurses lurk behind the counter, pre-armed with samples of food, pamphlets and handouts, waiting to pounce on the exhausted owner as they make their way through the door.
“What are you feeding Roxy?”
“Have you heard about our puppy parties?”
“How’s Max’s toilet training going?”
Puppy owners, I would not blame you if you turned and ran. Fortunately, most don’t run. Puppy packs in hand, they’re ushered into the consult room, where the vet stands ready to discuss nutrition, worming, fleas, grooming, socialisation, training, microchipping, vaccinations and desexing – and that’s just the basics.

It’s an overwhelming experience for the puppy, too: the waiting room is jam-packed with exciting smells, other animals, new people, bags of food and all kinds of enticements. Naturally, they want to explore (or hide under a chair), but instead they have to sit nicely on the scales, refrain from jumping on the clinic cat and submit to a physical examination which doesn’t allow much room for dignity. We try our best, through cuddles, gentleness and treats, to make it a positive experience for the pup – we don’t want to be the ‘bad guys’!

So why does everyone – puppy owner, puppy, vet nurse, vet – make the effort? I guess it’s because, all going well, that squirmy little bundle of fun is going to delight and disrupt its family for the next 10 to 15 years, and we all want those years to go as well as possible. We want the puppy to grow safely to adulthood. We want her to learn good manners and basic obedience, so she’s a pleasure to live with and handle. We want to ensure he doesn’t suffer due to preventable illnesses. We want her to have a long and truly happy life.

Virtually all of the puppy owners I meet want to do the best for their new friend. Helping them start out on the best ‘paw’ is one of the real joys of my job, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

The Pug

"Multum in Parvo" - a lot of dog in a small space; a particularly apt description for one of the oldest breeds of dog, the Pug.

This endearing little fellow is thought to have originated in China around 400BC but has also been discovered in both Tibet and Japan. It eventually found its way into Europe where it quickly became the favourite of the Royal Courts.

The name "Pug" is thought to have originated from the nickname given to marmosets, a common pet in the 1700’s. It’s believed that the dogs’ facial expression was similar enough to the monkey’s to be granted its’ name.

The breed gained wide popularity throughout the Victorian era and is featured in many art forms of the period wearing either decorative collars or bows around their short, thick necks.

The head of the Pug is massive with a short, blunt, square muzzle. The eyes are large, and prominent, dark in colour with a soft expression. The body is compact and the tail curled as tightly as possible over the hip, with a double curl being considered the ultimate in perfection.

The coat is fine, soft, short and glossy and most commonly coloured in silver or apricot-fawn with velvety black ears and a clearly defined black muzzle or mask. There should be a clearly defined "thumb mark" on the forehead and a black trace down the centre of the back. Although not as common, the Pug also comes in a glossy solid black.

The Pug is an ideal pet for all ages and may be especially suitable for older folks as his exercise needs are quite moderate. It is important to ensure that the Pug is kept cool on warm days as this breed does not cope well with heat. As the Pug is very much a breed which prefers to be a house dog he will generally search out the coolest spot in the house - and certainly the most comfortable whatever the weather!

There are few more endearing dogs than the Pug. It has a natural affinity with children, craves human companionship and although he has a certain dignity about him, manages to combine it with a good sense of humour and a strong desire to be the centre of attention.

The Grey Ghost Dog – The Weimaraner

Weimaraners are the grey ghosts of the dog world.

Direct descendants of the St. Hubert Hounds of eight century France, the Weimaraner came into being when a genetic mutation occurred. It created the distinctive colouring that makes the Weimaraner one of the most readily recognised breeds.

In the early days of the breed, the Weimaraner was used by the noblemen of the Court of Weimar as a big game hound, taking scent from the ground, hunting dangerous quarry which it brought to bay and held it for the huntsmen.

Not long after the breed came into being, the hunting of large game became a rarity in Germany because the large game died out with the encroachment of civilisation. The sportsmen then concentrated on smaller game and required a dog which would work on both game and birds. The Weimaraner was then crossed with native bird dogs to develop the breed into the all purpose dog.

The breeding of Weimaraners was jealously guarded by a select few fanciers who selectively chose only the most intelligent dogs to produce the finest stock possible. The Weimaraner was recognised as a breed in Germany in the nineteenth century.

Today the Weimaraner is kept as a sporting dog and used in the very competitive world of field trials but he also is a wonderful family companion. He has a strong sense of territory and makes an excellent watchdog. His temperament and trainability make him a great companion for owners willing to meet his requirements for exercise.

An aristocratic large dog, measuring up to 69cms, the Weimaraner has a short smooth and sleek silver grey coat with the appearance of a metallic sheen. Although rare, there is also a long haired variety in which the coat measures up to 5cms in length on the body with longer feathering on the back of the legs and tail. The eyes of the Weimaraner are a shade of amber or blue-grey, unlike the darker brown found in most other breeds.

When walking the Weimaraner appears rather awkward, but when trotting he has smooth coordination. The Weimaraner is not a breed content to be a kennel or yard dog as he does best when allowed to share in family life.

Pets and Home Renovation

In the current volatile housing market, many people are choosing renovation over relocation.

With 85% of people continuing to live in their home as they renovate (1), it's important that renovators consider the needs of the family pet.

There are many hidden risks to pets in a renovation, not to mention the added stress of having unfamiliar people coming and going, loud noises and less attention than usual from members of the family.

Renovation risks to your pet

• Fumes from paint or varnishes

• Sharp tools

• Power cords from electrical equipment that may be just too tempting for a puppy that loves to chew

• Unsecured fencing that may allow your pet to wander
  

Most pets can be quite happy at home during renovations but it's important to eliminate risks and - as far as possible - reduce stress levels in the household.

Five tips to reduce renovation risks

1. Don’t forget the basics. Your pet should be wearing a collar and identity tag with your telephone number at all times (even if it is micro-chipped)
   


2. Areas such as the garden shed that your pet would not normally be able to access can contain potentially lethal materials such as snail pellets. Make sure your pooch is kept well away from garden sheds or areas containing gardening equipment.
   


3. There will be people coming and going from your house during a renovation and they can’t be expected to keep an eye out for your pets. Make sure that your pet is in a secure area at all times.
   


4. Make any changes to your pet’s sleeping or eating areas prior to the start of the renovations. Changes in environment or routine can be very stressful for a pet so it is best to establish new habits before any major changes begin.
   


5. If your renovations are substantial and you can’t provide safe and secure surroundings for your pets, it may be best to temporarily move your pets to other accommodation. Cats, in particular, can become quite stressed by change and may benefit from being put in a cattery.

Pets look to their owners for love and security so it is important that you make time for your four legged friends during a renovation. Regular walks for a dog and a quiet place for a cat to watch the proceedings can go a long way to reducing the stress of a renovation for you and your best friend.

[1] AAMI research 2005

Dog in a Ute

April 5, 2008

The Corrigin Apex Club with assistance from the Corrigin Community is once again organising and running the Dogs in a Ute event. 2008 is the 10 year anniversary of when the small Western Australian town of Corrigan broke the World Record when they attracted 699 Dogs in Utes from right across Australia.

What is it?

The Dog in a Ute event involves the coming together of two great rural Aussie icons - the 'Ute' and man's best friend, the 'Dog' to raise funds to donate back into the community.

In 1998, the event raised $20,000 for the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) and then in 2002, the town smashed it again with 1527 dogs in utes. This time around they raised $60, 000 and again donated the funds to the RFDS and local Community Emergency Services.

Since this day, no other town has been able to break the record.

Any queries about this event can be directed to Coordinator Jenny Barratt on 0439 901 784 or email jbarratt@corrigin.wa.gov.au

New puppy FAQs....

In just a few short weeks after birth, puppies become active and fun and in need of guidance, training and socialisation in their new homes.

But what happens in those early days? Here are some FAQs:

What is the gestation period of a dog?
63 days from time of the mating.

How large are newborn puppies?
The size of newborn puppies varies depending on the breed.

Can newborn puppies see?
All puppies are born with their eyes closed and therefore cannot see. Puppies start to open their eyes at about 10-12 days old.

What colour are puppy’s eyes?
Regardless of whether the eye colour of the adult dog is brown, yellow or even blue, the eyes of puppies will be grey and not change to the adult colour until about 12 weeks of age.

What age will the puppy be able to hear?
Although puppies may respond to vibrations they will not begin to hear until about two weeks old. If puppies cannot see or hear how do they find their mother? Puppies are born with a fully developed sense of smell which allows them to locate their mother for a feed. They also seek out the warmth of her body.

At what age do puppies walk?
Puppies are unable to walk when born and will drag themselves to the mother for a feed. At about two weeks old the puppies will start to lift their bodies off the floor and crawl. At approximately three weeks they will be able to walk and by 4 - 5 weeks they will run.

Are puppies born with teeth?
All puppies are born without teeth but by the age of 8 weeks they will have their milk teeth. The permanent teeth appear between 12-18 weeks.

What age do puppies start to play?
Puppies begin to play with their litter at about 3-4 weeks old and at 6-8 weeks will chase and wrestle each other.

What age do puppies start to eat solid food?
Puppies may be given solid food at 3-4 weeks old although they will not be fully weaned until about 6-8 weeks.

When should a puppy have its first vaccinations?
Puppies should have their first vaccinations for the dog diseases Canine Hepatitis, Distemper and Canine Parvo Virus at 6 weeks old, with the next vaccination at 12-14 weeks.

When can a puppy go to a new home?
Puppies are usually weaned by 6-8 weeks and should not go to new homes until they are able to feed and have been vaccinated.