Topics

Career Ideas for Dog Lovers

Filed under: Dog Behavior,Dog News — mtest on March 19th, 2013

by Carol Bryant

Some of us consider our dogs our kids, others our companion, some are best friends, and many of us say “all of the above” when asked how we feel about our dogs.

How cool would it be to have a career working with animals in some capacity?

With the economic recession forcing many out of their comfort zone and often into unfamiliar territory, if you’ve ever considered a career with animals in some capacity, why not the present?

Years ago, a search engine result of “careers with animals” would have merited such admiral professions as veterinarian, groomer, veterinary technician, trainer, or dog handler. Today, those results still surface but so do a new host of careers, all involving dogs in some capacity.

As you peruse this list, consider the educational implications, possible initial start-up costs, and if you have the time to commit. If any of these pique your interest, an initial first step can be asking someone currently in the industry if you can talk to them and/or visit their place of business.

Here are some careers in the dog world that have surfaced (and some have been around a long time, but you may not have considered them):

Dog walker
Manufacturer of pet supplies
Animal behaviorist
Veterinarian
Vet technician
Pet sitter
Website designer (in dog-related industries)
Pet photographer
Mobile groomer
Pet product manufacturer (i.e., handmade collars)
Marketing and PR for dog-related companies
Doggie daycare
Kennel/boarding – including “cage-free!”
Working in the dog show arena (judge, trainer, groomer, handler)
Animal control officer
Working in a pet supply store or at corporate headquarters
Pet writer or illustrator
Police and K-9 units
Selling dog-related items at pet shows and trade shows
Pet rescue and foster care
Animal volunteer
Breeder – only those who have a passion for this and are dedicated to breed standard and welfare of the dogs involved.
Guide dog trainer
Pet blogger

Got a career we didn’t list here? We’d love to hear about it. Any career has its ups and downs, rewards and downsides. However, with the proper research and a true calling beckoning you to a new path, anything’s possible.

Career Ideas for Dog Lovers originally appeared on Pet360.com

Stem Cells Allow Dogs to Walk Again

Filed under: Ages & Stages,Dog Health — mtest on March 18th, 2013

by Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Pet parents with dogs that have suffered paralyzing spinal cord injuries know how heartbreaking it is to see their 4-legged kids struggle, even if they have specially designed wheels that help them to get around.

That’s why a recent study that involved stem cell research gives new hope to these pet parents.

According to Popsci, scientists at Cambridge University in Great Britain successfully removed stem cells, called olfactory ensheathing cells, from the noses of affected dogs, multiplied the cells in a lab, and then injected them into the injury points of the animals.

According to the article, which cited the BBC, many of the 23 dogs in the study that received the injection had improvement in walking. There were also 11 dogs used as a control group; none of those dogs recovered the use of their hind legs.

The dogs that regained use of their hind legs had been using especially designed wheel chairs for dogs. After the injection, which allowed the dogs to grow new connections in the affected nerves in their spinal cords, the dogs were able to relearn the ability to walk using all four feet.

The study involved mostly Dachshunds, which are prone to injury. “Weiner dogs” have a long body and are typically quite active. Jumping or even running or playing can sometimes cause spinal cord injury.

Jasper, a Dachshund in the study who could not walk at all regained full use of his legs. “When we took him out we used a sling for his back legs so that he could exercise the front ones. It was heartbreaking. But now we can’t stop him whizzing ’round the house, and he can even keep up with the two other dogs we own,” Jasper’s owner, May Hay, said in a statement. “It’s utterly magic.”

Stem cell therapies have come a long way for our 4-legged pets in the past few years. Many veterinarians now use stem cell therapy to help dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, a common painful genetic condition that affects many dogs, especially German Shepherds and some other large breed dogs.

More than 30 years ago, I saw a dog in a wheelchair for the first time. A neighbor of my in-laws had a Chihuahua that suffered some sort of injury that rendered her back legs useless. The man had designed and built the dog a homemade wheelchair. I thought it was brilliant, but my mother in law thought it was cruel. I could never reason that logic. The dog was not in pain and seemed happy wheeling around the yard.

Could these stem cell therapies help humans as well? “We’re confident that the technique might be able to restore at least a small amount of movement in human patients with spinal cord injuries, but that’s a long way from saying they might be able to regain all lost function,” said Robin Franklin, a regeneration biologist at the Wellcome Trust MRC Stem Cell Institute and study co-author.

We didn’t even know this could be done 30 years ago. I think it is more hopeful for both humans and pets than we might realize today.

Stem Cells Allow Dogs to Walk Again originally appeared on Pet360.com

Video: Why Adopting is Ruffing Awesome

Filed under: Dog Life,Dog Personality — mtest on March 15th, 2013

by Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Any time someone comes out for adopting a pet, we think it is “ruffing awesome,” and the new parody video, “Pet Shop,” which spoofs Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s rap song “Thriftshop,” not only collars the catchy tune, it also touts pet adoption in a fun and unique way.

The “petody” video comes from the Pet Collective, with credit given to Barklemore, according to this article on Mashable.

The spoof’s song includes the lyrics:

I’m going to rock some tags,

I’m so happy that I got a adopted.

I’m sniffin’

Adopting is ‘Ruffing Awesome,’ and So is This Video was originally published on Pet360.com

Adopting is ‘Ruffing Awesome,’ and So is This Video all around my new home.

This is ruffing awesome!

I have a brand new home

This is incredible

My momma adopted me from that shelter down the road.

The video shows the newly adopted dog getting out of a 1980s era DeLorean, getting spoiled with a really big rawhide bone, getting a bath, and having a party with his Pug partner and other dogs in the house.

There has been a bigger push by many pet advocacy groups and humane societies around the world to shed more positive light on adopting homeless pets.

This is one of the most creative and fun ways we’ve seen yet.

Watch Pet Shop!

Embarrassing Moments in Pet Healthcare

Filed under: Dog Health,Dog Life — mtest on March 15th, 2013

by Jennifer Coates, DVM

Want a little uplift in your day? (We all need a little respite from the frustrations of this week’s news and angst.) Try on a few of these embarrassing moments stolen either from a colleague’s entertaining career or my very own as an antidote to what ails us:

There was that time when the lanky Doberman jumped up on his owner, hooking his claw into the V of her cleavage, thereby dislodging all her front-hooking garments in one fell swoop. It would have been OK—sort-of—except that this was a male colleague of mine who was notorious for his blushing trouble. To make matters worse, his tech was challenged in the social mores arena and could not contain her laughter. I don’t know if they ever saw the client again but I would bet against it.
Overheard at a vet conference: A man brings his big, manly dog to the “lady vet” to see what might be awry with his digestive habits. Apparently, he did not want to offend her with tales of bowel movements gone awry so by the time she discovered the real problem there was projectile diarrhea all over her scrubs. She said she’d never been so happy to be so tall.
I once had to explain to a couple of frat boys why their dog’s penis was not going back into its proper place. Red-faced after my frank explanation of the dangers of over-excitement, especially after the technician giggled at their obvious mortification, they left the dog with a couple hundred bucks and didn’t come back for days.
The young vet whose supermodel client tore off her dress to place in her dog’s cage for “safe-sniffing”? Apart from having a great story, I’ll bet he was embarrassed. I’ll also bet the dog wasn’t the only one sniffing the dress by the end of that shift.
Having to tell a famous client to keep his—ahem—in his pants (as he urinated in the lobby’s potted plant). That extra-special demonstration came after his dog had done the very same foul deed. I was embarrassed to be the one to have to say something—but this guy was so nasty I just wanted him out of the hospital ASAP.
Examining an aggressive dog on the floor then (for no apparent reason) falling over like a “weeble-wobble” at 8 1/2 months of overdeveloped pregnancy, thus revealing my “I’m-so-pregnant-I-can’t-wear-anything-else” underwear (at least I was wearing some).
Performing an ejaculation on a large dog (for semen analysis prior to breeding) and having the [male] owner chant, “go, Boy, go!” the whole time. Priceless.
Trying and failing to implant a microchip multiple times (something I had done perhaps a thousand times before) after explaining to the client how easy it was to do. She’s refused to bring her pets to me ever since. (Can you blame her?)
Having an impressively inebriated owner offer to take me out “after my shift” while standing in the ER waiting room in front of the entire staff and the waiting clientele. It wouldn’t have been so bad had he not offered to explain where he would take me and what his exact plans were. For the record, the police were summoned.
Finding such a ginormous bone in a dog’s rectum (that alone should’ve been enough) that I couldn’t manage to extract under anesthesia, with buckets of lube and my dwindling patience. I had to send this drowsy case sixty miles away to the vet school where they observed the fruits of my labor first-hand and—much to my chagrin—extracted the bone without incident (or so they said, but I’m not sure I believe them).
Courtesy of a friend in the biz: The tale of the wayward abdominal palpation that led to the untoward cupping of the owner’s left breast. Eek!
And this story’s cousin—my own—about the time the owner refused to unhand her beast during its yearly vaccines. Bucking like a bronco, this pup ended up inflicting a tiny needle jab into his mother’s bosom. Sure, you could say it was my fault—and, technically, it was—but that was the last time this owner ever held one of her pets in the exam room. No harm done. “At least you won’t ever have to worry about Parvo,” I quipped. Luckily, she seemed amused.

There are so many more but they don’t come to mind immediately. I’ll have to post a follow-up. But I’m sure you’ll come up with a few choice embarrassing moments to help jog my memory.

On the lighter side: Embarrassing moments in pet healthcare originally appeared on PetMD.com

Nittany the Golf Course Dog!

Filed under: Dog Breeds,Dog Life — mtest on March 12th, 2013

by Amanda Drinker

Owning a dog is truly a roller coaster of fun, excitement, fear and worry. Growing up, my family had a cocker spaniel, Mocha. Mocha was low key, loving, playful and relaxed. He was the perfect family dog, and really matched the family dynamic. I never realized how important it was to make sure the breed/dog matches the family until Nittany.

Nittany, a red border collie, joined the family 3 years ago when my fiancé, Andrew, decided he was ready to have a dog. Never in my wildest dreams could I have understood the high energy, herding, and intellect of a border collie until we added Nittany to our lives. AND never could I have had Nittany as my own pet without Andrew. There was a specific reason Andrew chose Nittany to be his first dog.

Nittany was not just going to be a family pet; Nittany was going to be trained as a golf course dog. Many golf courses across the country have dogs on the course to scare away geese, ground hogs, fox, deer, all forms of lurking wildlife. They really have the life.

Here is what Nittany would tell you about being a Dog of Turf:

1. Going to work with Dad everyday is super fun!

2. I have my own seat right next to Dad on his work cart – we own the course! Nittany

3. No leash no worries – I roam free!

4. I meet lots of nice people every day – some keep treats in their pockets just for me!

5. I spend hours watching the tennis ball go back and forth in the cage outside for people

Here is what WE would tell you about Nittany being a Dog of Turf:

1.Getting rid of skunk spray on a dog is miserable

Nittany 2. Getting rid of deer dung on a dog is miserable

3. Marking territory on a members golf bag… happens

4. A day away from the golf course is depressing for him

5. He absolutely loves it – and that makes us very happy!

To read more stories about Nittany and other golf course dogs, come on over to the Community Group Dogs of Turf. There is so much more to discuss!

Playa Animal Rescue says “Bienvenidos” to Homeless Pets

Filed under: Dog Life,Dog News — mtest on March 12th, 2013

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Think of Cancun and the Riviera Maya and pictures of unbelievably turquoise water set against powdery white beaches come to mind. And ancient Mayan ruins, surrounded by tropical jungle. But it’s also a region that, like every place around the world, is filled with many dogs and cats with no home of their own.

One group of expats and frequent vacationers to this region decided to do something about the homeless animal situation along the Riviera Maya. Soon Playa Animal Rescue was formed; this no-kill animal shelter in Playa del Carmen is a registered non-profit both in Mexico and in the US. “We are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and abandoned dogs, and to finding permanent, loving homes for each of them,” explains Sue Silva, President of the rescue organization. “Although our primary focus is on dogs, we work with other local and international animal rescue organizations to get help for cats and kittens in need. We are also dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership with community outreach and education, as well as promoting spaying and neutering of pets.”

The group is also enjoying a new shelter built on donated land and constructed while several other animal welfare groups in the region pitched in to care for the animals. “Construction, funded through donations, started in January of 2012, and the dogs were safely moved to the new shelter in April 2012,” recalls Silva. “The new shelter is said to be one of best rescue facilities in all of Mexico.”

Playa Animal Rescue efforts are paying off. Since October 2011, the group has successfully placed over 180 dogs into forever homes. Travelers to Playa del Carmen can visit the shelter and many have gone home as a forever family member. “We adopt out many dogs to good homes in Canada and the US without any problem. Our dogs are spayed/neutered, have all their shots and are very healthy and adoptable. Playa Animal Rescue helps with the proper paperwork and provides transport to the airport if they are unable to get a ride,” says Silva. “The more good homes we can find, the more we can save.“

Travelers can also assist Playa Animal Rescue with donations, in the form of sponsorship of a dog, such as Congo, above, rescued from the ruins in Playacar. Sponsorships are used to fund veterinary care and preventative medicines. Most of the rescue’s dogs, like Congo, were found on the streets, many injured and starving, and have been nursed back to health by caring volunteers.

The shelter also welcomes donations of products. “Every week, the director of communications posts the needs of the shelter, such as puppy pads, puppy milk and hard rubber toys, to name a few,” says Silva. In advance of their vacation, travelers can email info@playaanimalrescue.org for other needs. The shelter has an ongoing demand for old towels, worming medications, flea and tick preventatives, dog and cat food, powdered puppy milk, and more.

The Playa Animal Rescue shelter is located 5 to10 minutes away from most hotels in Playa Del Carmen, making it easy for vacationers to take a break from the beach and drop off donations or, if they’re feeling homesick for their own dog, to take part in the shelter’s Thursday and Saturday volunteer dog walks.

Vacations are all about new experiences and new friends. After a visit to Playa Animal Rescue, travelers come home with new friends in the world of animal welfare, a field that knows no boundaries.

This article originally appeared on Pet360.com in the Bark and Purr-tect blog.

The Good Goodbye

Filed under: Ages & Stages,Dog Life — mtest on March 12th, 2013

by Dr. V

This last weekend, I had to say goodbye to my dear lab Kekoa, who was suffering from a tumor in her leg. As a veterinarian, many people assume this process becomes easier over time as it’s part of my job description. And my response to that is: well, yes and no.

Helping people say goodbye to their pet, and giving them a dignified death, is one of the roles I take most seriously in my chosen career. Has that become easier for me? Yes, because I feel very confident and comfortable in the process. I know that my job is to help validate my owner’s intuition that now is the right time, to reduce fear and stress, and to make the whole process as peaceful as possible.

I’ve learned the right things to say and not to say. I know how to determine whether a pet should have a sedative before we give the last injection. I know that I can provide an environment that is quiet and peaceful. That when I give the overdose of anesthetic agent, the pet will drift quietly asleep, maybe snore a few times, and then stop breathing. I know, because I always check, that the heart stops usually within a minute.

People who have not gone through it before often express surprise that the process is so quick. Some wish that they had known this so they could ask for more time before the injection, while others want to get it over with quickly. There is no right or wrong way to do it, but if you know ahead of time what to expect, you can prepare.

It’s not the death I dread. Surprisingly enough, it’s what comes before. The anticipation of loss, looking over at a sick pet and wondering, will he be here next month? Next week? Is this our last walk? Living in a state of dread of knowing what is coming, but not when.

That part- well, that part hasn’t gotten easier at all. Over the years, I’ve lost pets to various diseases, most of them cancers. But each disease follows a different course; some linger, some rush in and knock you over. Even the best oncologists in the world talk in ranges and ‘median survival times’ because the truth is, no one knows exactly how a disease will progress.

If your pet is diagnosed with a terminal disease, I encourage you to spend some time researching and talking to your vet about what is likely to happen. In Kekoa’s case, I knew that she would be in pain long before she stopped eating, Willingness to eat is one the benchmarks people use to answer the “when is it the right time”, but it’s not the only one.

Even with that knowledge, when Kekoa reached the point where she was in pain and the medications were no longer helping, it was not an easy decision. No matter how much you help other people conclude that the time is right, it’s different when it’s your own pet. Just like all of you, I talked to my veterinarian friends and felt very comforted by their assurances that I was making the right decision.

The euthanasia itself was very peaceful and quick. I am fortunate that I have a friend who has a housecall practice who could come to our home. I was very grateful to be able say goodbye to my pet in her own familiar surroundings. We sat on her bed, listened to some quiet classical music, and I fed her from a huge pile of treats. She didn’t even notice the small prick of the butterfly catheter. When she drifted out of consciousness, she was enjoying ice cream.

I tell you all of this because so many owners come to the clinic for a euthanasia filled with fear because they don’t know what to expect. Expect peace. If you go to the veterinary clinic, bring your pet’s favorite blankets, toys, or treats if they are still eating. Feel free to talk to your pet. Request whatever time you need from the vet and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

For all the sadness that comes with Kekoa’s death, I know that in the future I will remember with a smile that she passed blissfully eating ice cream. It is my wish that all pet owners are empowered to make the process equally meaningful to them.

The Good Goodbye originally appeared on DR. V’s blog on Pet360.com

Become a Professional Dog Walker

Filed under: Dog Life,Dog Training — mtest on March 5th, 2013

by Jessica Remitz

A secret dream of every dog owner is to be a dog walker (because, honestly, who wouldn’t want to spend their days taking their pup and his doggie friends on long walks?) but what does it take to make it in the business? And how do you get started? We’ve asked a Brooklyn-based walker to give us the scoop on what the life of a dog walker is really like.

Rachel Bowers, owner of Brooklyn Bark, a dog walking and pet sitting business, graduated college in 2007 and left school hoping to teach art in New York City. Unfortunately, the market for art teachers wasn’t very robust at the time and she found that freelancing didn’t provide enough financial stability. She began walking dogs for additional revenue and her business took off from there.

Bowers began building a client list by putting posters up around her neighborhood. As interest in Brooklyn Bark grew and she increased her staff (she now employs about 10 people to help care for clients and provide business support for the company), she began using the Internet to market her services in addition to community-based outreach.

Barking Up the Right Tree

While there are no qualifications or specific licenses needed to begin walking dogs professionally, Bowers knows how much work goes into caring for animals and their owners and has made it her company’s mission to provide the best care possible. Someone looking to make a little extra money without putting in the work, she said, reflects poorly on companies that pride themselves on professionalism.

“You’re asking people to trust you with one of their most beloved possession as well as keys to their home,” she said. “Do everything you can to earn their trust and maintain that trust every single day.”

Bowers works with local veterinarians, freelancers unions and Craigslist to bring on new hires and receives over 100 queries nearly every day from people looking to become a walker. These applicants are narrowed down to a handful of finalists who are interviewed by Bowers and invited into the field to shadow her at work. Potential walkers must have a college degree and a history working with animals in addition to an enthusiasm for the job and the ability to handle a variety of different animals with different personalities.

All Brooklyn Bark walkers are bonded and insured as well as pet CPR and first aid certified within three months of starting with the company. Bowers and her associates also give CPR and first aid certification classes to the public every four to six months. She recommends all beginning walkers become insured and work with their community to help other animals in addition to their clients.

“Don’t pick up a leash without being bonded and having insurance [and] as you grow, become a force for good in the animal world,” she said. “As you’re making a living from animals, give back and help other animals and their owners succeed.”

As with all businesses, challenges exist in the world of dog walking. The biggest one Bowers faced, giving everyone what they wanted when they wanted it, was overcome with an online scheduling portal and a GPS tracking system for associates to get their walking schedules on their phone and clients to schedule walks through the website and see exactly where their dogs are walked each day. It always helps to have a wiggly pup waiting for you during a stressful day, too.

“No matter how horrible things may be going, there is nothing as wonderful as opening a door to be greeted bye a tail wagging to tell you how much you are appreciated and loved,” she said.

To learn more about Brooklyn Bark or request a free consultation locally, click here.

This article was originally published on Pet360.com.

Finding a Last-Minute Dog Sitter

Filed under: Dog Life — mtest on March 5th, 2013

by Jessica Remitz

As you plan last-minute holiday travel details, you’ll have to determine whether or not to leave your pet at home. There are a variety of options when it comes to your animal’s care, including hiring a professional. Here’s all you need to know when it comes to finding the right pet sitter for you.

Finding a qualified, professional pet sitter to watch over your cat or dog can provide you with peace of mind as you travel. According to the Humane Society, bringing a pet sitter into your home will keep your pet on a familiar schedule in the place they know best. They’ll get personalized attention while you’re gone and relief from staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals. Having a pet sitter come to you will also, according to the Human Society, allow someone to watch over your home while you’re away.

Selecting the Best Pet Sitter

Because you’re granting such open access to your home while you’re gone, not to mention your favorite four-legged friend, make sure to do your due diligence when finding the right pet sitter for you. According to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), safety should be your top priority when selecting a sitter. Ask for a recommendation from a friend, veterinarian or local dog trainer. Think of specific questions you’d like to ask your potential sitter and have them share more than one reference. NAPPS recommends requesting proof of bonding and liability insurance coverage to make sure your animal is covered while you’re away.

Bring a potential pet sitter to your home to meet your animals and make sure they interact well. Find out if he or she is associated with an emergency veterinarian and if they’ll keep a detailed record during your time away. The Humane Society also recommends you ask your potential sitter about what kind of training they’ve completed and find out if they’ll provide any additional services including grooming, dog walking and training time. Once you find a pet sitter you like, start with a short weekend away and work up to longer stretches of time.

Making Your Pet Sitter Feel at Home

There are a few things you can do to make your pet sitter feel welcome in your home and able to do his or her job to the best of their ability. Make sure to leave your sitter with a list of emergency numbers and a detailed itinerary of your trip. The Humane Society also recommends leaving clear instructions for your sitter and providing them with extra supplies in case you’re away longer than planned.

Is your pet up-to-date on vaccines? Do they have current identification tags on their collar? Check all of this before your pet sitter takes charge. And don’t forget to show your sitter around your home before you leave, too. They will need to be able to locate your circuit breakers and arm a home security system, if you have one.

To find a pet sitter in your area, visit the NAPPS website or Pet Sitters International. Dog-specific sitters can be found and sorted at DogVacay.com.

The full article originated on Pet360.com.

If Dogs Had Thumbs

Filed under: Dog Life,Dog Personality — mtest on March 5th, 2013

All Hands on Deck

We take pride in having the upper hand — and all five fingers — when it comes to training our dogs. But what if dogs had their own set of thumbs, too?

1. They’d (Un)Dress Themselves

Dogs would easily be able to get themselves right out of a Halloween costume (complete with wings, a headpiece and a second tail) or scratchy sweater and pull on something extra chic. Buttons, ties, and zippers would be no match for a set of thumbs and years worth of pent up frustration at wearing coats just a shade too pink for their complexion.

2. They’d Have More Workday Entertainment

Rather than chomping on a couch cushion or spending the day snoozing, dogs would provide themselves with hours of entertainment while you toil away the workweek. Having thumbs would pave the way for endless rounds of Madden on your PlayStation and daylong marathons of Animal Planet with the volume turned all the way up. And if TV happened to be banned for bad behavior, they’d still be able to just reach behind them and grab that elusive tail they’ve spent all their time chasing.

3. They’d Raid The Pantry

Puppy-proof cupboards, refrigerators and pantries would be no match for a savvy puppy with opposable thumbs. Cereal boxes, canned goods and any chicken breasts you’ve stashed away in the fridge would succumb to the jaws of your hungry pup.

4. They’d Take the Lead

Walk time would take on a whole new meaning for a dog that could clip and unclip his leash. Uncomfortable harnesses would be left at the door in favor of a lead-free existence. With enough training and time, your pup may even be able to hop in the car and take himself for a spin around the block like one of these NASCAR worthy doggy drivers.

5. They’d Have a Competitive Edge

Squirrels, birds and chipmunks have always been able to elude dogs by shimmying to the highest branch of a tree or flying from limb to limb, but having thumbs would even up the competition. With a good, solid grip they’d be able to climb up trees to track down their nemeses. Back at home, they’d be able to cause all kind of havoc against their kitty friends by hiding the litter box or placing their toys behind closed doors.

See the full slideshow on Pet360.com.

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »

Username:
Password: