Protecting Your Dog

Great Info from Dr. Jon:

"It's important to keep comprehensive records for your dog, just as you do for other family members. Medical and licensing records as well as adoption documents and breeding papers belong in these files. Key information about your dog should also be included in an emergency kit with other essential family papers. If there is a natural disaster, if your pet is missing or if something should happen to you, your dog's records are invaluable. You might also need to provide this information to pet sitters, boarding kennels or a new veterinarian. If you will be traveling with your dog, plan on taking his records along with you, especially if you will be traveling to a foreign country. Many countries have strict policies that require an extensive history of your pet's background and health.What should you have in your dog's information kit?

1. IN a folder: You should keep a copy of your dog's purchase papers or adoption contract, breeding contract, bill of sale, vaccine and parasite control records, veterinary insurance record, veterinary receipts, rabies tag information and dog license. Include photos from various angles that clearly show coat type and coloring, close-ups of the face and any exceptional physical characteristics. In the past few years, shelters in disaster areas have begun posting lost and found pet pictures on the Internet.

2. ON your dog. If disaster strikes and a dog is separated from his owner, it's surprising how difficult it can be to reunite them. Your dog should have a collar tag that states the dog's name, your name, your phone number and your city of residence. Your address also is recommended.

3. Microchip. Have a microchip implanted in your dog for added protection. Use the brand that is most widely used in your area. If your dog loses his collar, this is a good way to ensure that you can still be reunited with your pet."

Your Favorite Dog Food

I'm a little confused on what to feed my dog, Brooklyn. I've visited pet supply stores (not Petco or Petsmart) but local stores. I've talked to many, many people. Some say only raw which is expensive if you buy the frozen patties. I was then told by someone else don't get the frozen patties because of bacteria that grows rampant. The best is the air dried raw mine came from New Zealand. I'd love any comments on what you're feeding your dog.

Puppy Potty Training

Teaching your healthy puppy to "not" potty in the house may be easier than you think.

Factors to consider when training:

1. Sanitation

Clean of all interior surfaces where your dog has had an "accident". Use an enzymatic cleaner made specifically for use with dogs. Your usual cleaner will not work, but here are many products on the market.

2. Record pup's food & water intake.

Tracking your dog's food and water intake along with his elimination will help you predict his behavior better.

3. Keep a record of puppy's potty schedule and puppy's behavior before he goes potty

If you watch your dog carefully, you may notice that he exhibits certain behaviors before going to the bathroom. Immediately take your dog to the appropriate area when you see the signs.

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4. Reinforce Appropriate Behavior.

When you pup goes potty in the area that you have designated for him, reward, reward, reward. Lots of love and maybe a training treat.

Do not scold or reprimand for unacceptable behavior. That can cause the existing problem behavior to become worse. I remember when the school of thought was: "Rub your dog's nose in the poop or pee" NEVER do that.

Happy Training!

Fire Cuased by Whirlpool Refigerator results in Woman's Death

This is what one newspaper article said about my Mom's (Louise Palmer Korieba)death. The refrigerator that Fire Marshal Barry Overman refers to is a Roper Refrigerator manufactured by Whirlpool.

Reported by: Patrick Terpstra Dec.18,2007
An 87-year-old Elizabeth City woman died Tuesday morning after her home caught fire, despite a frantic attempt by neighbors to save her.
Motre Reid, who lives next to the home on Tuscarora Avenue, noticed smoke pouring out of the house around 9:00 a.m.
"I tried to get in and find her, but I couldn't," he said. "I had to come back out because the smoke overpowered me."
His step-daughter, Kiara Riddick, tried to go in, but the smoke overpowered her, as well.
The two of them waited for the firefighters to arrive, but it was too late.
"It's just a tragedy that we lost her," said Riddick. "The neighborhood will not be the same without her."
Elizabeth City,NC Fire Marshal Barry Overman said the fire started in the refrigerator. It was a minor fire, but was accompanied with a lethal dose of smoke.



Firefighters found the woman, identified as Louise Palmer Koreiba, on a couch in a den.
They pulled her out of the house and performed CPR in the front yard, but she never regained consciousness.
Overman said that though the rescue attempt was selfless, it was a dangerous gamble.
"We tell everybody, every day, then if I were to be out somewhere and not have the big red trucks with me, I'd probably do the same thing," he said.
Koreiba had no local family, so firefighters boarded up the house, a sudden and painful reminder of the neighborhood's loss.
"I believe we could've saved her if we were there earlier," said Riddick. "We probably could've saved her eventually."
Firefighters found a smoke detector in the house, but it was so melted, it was impossible to determine whether it was working.

Mom didn't have any family in North Carolina as we are all in California. She had two grandsons, Jay and Stevie, that loved her very much. Of course there's me, her only child.We talked everyday on the phone. There are still times that I reach for the phone to call her. She had spent the entire month of August with us a few months before her death and I will treasure that time forever.

Dogs and the Fourth of July

On the Fourth of July there is an extremely high rate of dogs that go missing. That's because a lot of dogs get frightened by fireworks and run away to escape the source of their stress. While you're having a barbecue and celebrating don't forget your best friend. Please make sure your dog is wearing an Id tag or collar with name and address. Adding a microchip is even better.

Don't bring dogs out to watch fireworks displays. The explosive sounds and flashing lights could frightened your pup enough to cause him to slip out his collar and run away. And don't leave dogs outdoors unattended; even in a fenced-in yard your dog could panic and manage to find a way to escape and become lost.

We know that a dog's sense of hearing is so much more sensitive than ours, so to counteract the noise from the fireworks try some calming music. Finally, provide a cool, tiled surface, such as the kitchen for him to relax and calm down where it's cool.

Many veterinarians will prescribe medication. I'm against that, but you should check with your vet and do what you feel is best for your pooch.

Now go and have a Happy Fourth of July!

Dog Influenza

Several years ago an influenza virus mysteriously jumped from horses to canines (or so the scientific community believes) It was just announced that there is a new outbreak of "dog flu". KCBS in Los Angeles stated that there are outbreaks in 30 states, most on the east coast.

But there is good news:

The first vaccine against canine influenza virus (CIV) has been announced following the grant a conditional product license by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), for use by veterinarians in the United States.
“Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that has a significant impact on dogs housed in shelters, kennels and communal facilities,” said Cynda Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., University of Florida, Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine. “The availability of a vaccine can help prevent the medical, financial and emotional costs associated with this new virus.”

Kennel Cough or Bronchitis

Vets are now calling Kennel Cough: Bronchitis.

Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers be aware of other dogs when walking a dog that is getting over Bronchitis. Don't allow contact with other dogs on your daily walks.

Clinical signs of infections occur 2-14 days after exposure, and if uncomplicated with other agents, symptoms will last around 10 days. However, after the infection has been resolved, the affected animal will continue to shed the bacteria for 6 to 14 weeks and can spread the disease to other susceptible animals during that time.

The bronchitis in dogs (kennel cough) is not contagious to humans (unless they have weakened immune systems) but is highly contagious to other dogs.

If you have any info on Kennel Cough, please stop by and leave your comments.