Interesting Facts About Whiskers

• Whiskers are not the same as fur or hair. They are thicker at the base than fur and get thinner as they extend. They feel harder than fur, and the base can feel almost as strong as the point of a safety pin (but not as sharp).
• Whiskers are sensory in nature and are rooted much deeper than normal hair. They can sense distance and space, and they feel through vibration. 
• Whiskers can be hard to see depending on dog's or cat's markings, but once they’re spotted, it’s amazing how many whiskers you will notice! And they don’t just come out around the nose, but also above the eyes and under the chin.
  
  

  

  My purrbaby Milo showing off her whiskers.
  She has way more than you might think at first glance! 

• Cats and dogs use their whiskers to feel their way around the world. When trying to fit into small spaces, cats determine if their body will fit based on whether their whiskers fit. That’s why when your cat has a cone around her head after a vet visit, she might act very disoriented or use the walls to get around. She can’t “see” the same without her whiskers! 

• Interestingly, mother cats use this knowledge to their advantage when their kittens are small. While grooming, a mother cat will often nibble the whiskers of her babies until they are very short to keep them from wandering away from her. It has also been reported that cats who live together have done this to one another as an expression of dominance. 

• Despite what the mama cats may do, you should never trim or pluck your dog's or cat’s whiskers. Whiskers will fall out sometimes, but this occurs naturally, like shedding. Cutting or plucking out whiskers before they are ready to fall out not only will cause your pet to become disoriented (and probably stressed) for a few days but can also cause infection. There are many medical problems that could arise if whiskers are plucked, such as the exposed nerve mound becoming infected.
  
  

  

  Noelle has long whiskers that blend into her face.
  (Noelle is available for adoption.)

• Dogs and cats with reduced vision are especially dependent on their whiskers, which guide them through the world in much the same way that humans with vision impairment have reported that their hearing skills have improved with the diminishment of the other sense.

• Be careful at the groomer's! Some groomers are in the practice of trimming the whiskers of dogs to make their face look “neat and tidy.” When dropping your dog off for a day at the spa, be sure to mention that you do not want his whiskers touched. Hopefully, the groomer will be surprised you even mentioned it, as he or she didn’t plan on doing that anyway, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! 

Helping Rescue Dogs Get Adopted in PetSmart

The Animal Guardian Society is a small rescue. We do not own a shelter or a wellness centre (however, it is one of our long-term goals). Therefore, if we want to keep in contact with the public or showcase our dogs, we can do so only through PetSmart (or Pet Valu, which recently became part of our weekend schedule).

PetSmart volunteers at the Whitby location

Through this sort of outreach, we get better exposure for our dogs by letting PetSmart customers meet them "in person." Seeing a dog somewhere other than on a photo is still the most efficient way to get him or her adopted. It's often hard to take a photo of a dog that will truly reveal his or her personality.

We are at PetSmart and Pet Valu (different locations) every weekend from noon until 4 p.m.(or 3 p.m. on long weekends). We usually have one to three adoptable dogs in crates and two or three volunteers who look after them and answer people's questions. This is one of the few volunteer position at TAGS that involves dealing with animals directly (others include fostering, doing home visits and transporting). We have other volunteer positions available, too, but most are ones done through interaction with a computer, not with dogs.

Are you interested in volunteering for The Animal Guardian Society? Teenagers, you can get your community service hours while helping animals in need! 

A typical PetSmart/Pet Valu shift includes:

-Setting up our table (arrange adoptable dogs' photos, folder and other brochures on the table)

-Setting up crates for the dogs

-Interacting with people who are interested in adopting or volunteering (you have to answer questions about the dog, our adoption process, adoption fees, etc.)

-Cleaning crates and our surrounding area if needed

-Representing TAGS in a professional and respectful manner

We offer a volunteer orientation for new volunteers to help them get started with TAGS or simply schedule our newcomers in PetSmart shifts to shadow our other, well-seasoned volunteers. This way, they can observe the way we work "in action." Click here to see more photos from our PetSmart shifts.

Please click here to submit an application to become a volunteer with TAGS.

Izzy at PetSmart. She's adoptable!

How to Deal With Separation Anxiety in Pets

Many owners face a pet's separation anxiety at one point, especially if their beloved pet is a rescue dog. Our pets become anxious because they don't understand why we can't just stay and play with them all day instead of going to work.

Source: quickmeme.com

Source: The Animal Guardian Society's website. 

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety:

1. Whining, howling, barking
2. Destructive chewing
3. Urinating or defecating in the house
4. Licking or chewing their own paws

5 Tips to Help Them Overcome Separation Anxiety

1. Don’t make a fuss: Come and go from the house without making a big fuss over your dog, and don’t say things like, “Mommy’s going to work now, but I’ll be home soon, so be a good dog,” before you leave. Leaving your house should just be treated as regular,   everyday behaviour that is no big deal. The really hard part is coming home. Your dog will be so happy to see you, but you need to ignore him for 5 to 10 minutes when you get home. Once your dog has calmed down, you can greet him and say hello. Practise leaving for short periods of time, and build up to longer absences.
2. Exercise: It sounds easy because it is. If your dog is good and tired, she’ll just rest until you get home instead of releasing all of her pent-up energy by being destructive.
3. Crate train your dog: This can be an important step, especially if your dog is a destructive chewer when left alone. Not only will the dog cause damage to your belongings, but more importantly, your dog could hurt himself or swallow something dangerous. When used properly, the crate will feel like a safe place where your dog will be comfortable awaiting your return. Click here to read more about crate training.
4. Distractions: Try leaving the TV or radio on for your dog. Hearing human voices throughout the day can be comforting. Classical music usually works well. Toys can be another good distraction for your dog. You can try stuffing a bone or a Kong with treats and peanut butter or Cheese Whiz and giving it to the dog before you leave. (If you put it in the freezer beforehand, this treat will last even longer.) Also, there are a lot of toys on the market that are designed to make your dog work to get at the treats inside. These are good options because they keep her busy and distracted from the thought of your absence. You can try other games as well, such as hiding treats and toys around the house so she has to spend time looking around to find them. The idea is to make the dog tired from her search so she will be more relaxed waiting for you to get home.
5. Bach flower remedies: A mixture of these herbal remedies made from flower extracts can be helpful for some dogs to help ease their anxiety. These are usually more successful when some of the other techniques are used in conjunction with them. Click here to read more about Bach flower remedies.

If you are wondering what kind of exercises you could do with your dog, think no more! The Animal Guardian Society is launching agility classes in June. Click here to sign up.

How to Prepare Your Dog for the Fireworks

This article originally appeared in our official newsletter for the month of May. To get more informative articles and sweet tales from the life of a rescue group, sign up for our newsletter today!

Caution: Seasonal Noise Ahead

The arrival of hot weather and national holidays (like Victoria Day) aren't always reasons to celebrate. Especially for noise-phobic dogs.

For them, hot weather means thunderstorms. National holidays mean fireworks. And these phenomena can mean reactions ranging from anxious panting to panic attacks. It may also mean trembling, drooling or whining; pacing or barking; urinating or vomiting.

If you own a dog with such nervousness, it means bearing helpless witness to your pet's extreme fear. Fortunately, there are various ways to deal with your animal's distress. The first is to defuse the situation before it begins. Play a tape of the sounds of thunder (or fireworks) at a low volume for brief intervals, adjusting the volume according to your dog's responses. But if a thunderstorm or fireworks display has already started, there are several coping strategies you can try:

1. Divert your dog's attention. Turn on the radio or TV, engage in some active games, and be generous with the treats. 
2. Provide your dog with a dark, comfortable place to hide, such as a dog crate, the inside of a closet or a folded blanket under the bed. Being tucked away in a small, snug space allows your dog to feel more secure and muffles the noise outside.


Buy dog-appeasing pheromones (their scent is similar to those released by nursing mother dogs), available in sprays, diffusers and collars.
Bind a form-fitting, fabric wrap or thick, woven shirt tightly around your dog. Both garments are meant to touch certain pressure points in your dog's body, slowing down the heart, reducing knots of tension and helping to promote relaxation. 

If, however, your pet's anxieties escalate, there are two remaining alternatives: working with a qualified dog therapist to learn behaviour modification techniques or asking your vet to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication.

But, whichever path you choose, follow it with kindness, patience and love. Think back to the sounds that frightened you as a child, and you'll know just how your precious pet is feeling.

This article originally appeared in our official newsletter for the month of May. To get more informative articles and sweet tales from the life of a rescue group, sign up for our newsletter today!
 

Tips for Dealing With Aggressive Eaters

When a dog is considered to be an aggressive eater, people can have a few different understandings.

Dog food aggression refers to a dog's behaving in a dominant way around his or her food. Dogs who have dog food aggression typically snarl, bark or otherwise make it known to humans and other dogs that the food is theirs—and everyone else needs to back off. This behaviour is closely related to "possession aggression," whereby dogs fiercely protect their toys. 

Being an aggressive eater, however, refers to a dog's eating too quickly, perhaps from anxiety or excitement. Although the temperament of the dog could be just fine, eating too quickly is a concern as it can cause bloat, weight gain or other digestive problems. The faster they eat, the less they chew, so choking is a real concern as well. That said, aggressive eaters can have dog food aggression if they eat quickly as a result of dominance, but these are two separate issues. 

For the purposes of this post, I will provide some tips for dealing with dogs in the second category, but if you would like to read some tips about overcoming dog food aggression as it relates to dominance issues, please let us know in the comment section! We'd be happy to write a post about that topic in the upcoming weeks. 

Tips for Dealing With Aggressive Eaters

Dusty has a deep chest and a small belly so using
a slow-eat bowl makes him slow down and helps avoid bloat!

1.  Purchase a slow-eat bowl. These bowls have various compartments so the dog has to move around the bowl to get to all of the food. There are many varieties and sizes available at your local pet store that are proven to help slow down aggressive eaters. Alternatively, if you already have a metal non-tip food or water bowl, you can turn it upside down and put the food around the edges. Another option is using a muffin tin and spreading the food out for your dog to find.  

2.  Consider hand-feeding.* Not only will this technique build trust between you and your pet, it will also give you control over how much food your dog eats and how quickly. By hand-feeding, you can make sure your pup is finished chewing before feeding her more, and over time she should learn that eating slowly is the way to go. 

* This idea was contributed by Rocky's foster mom, Nancy. Due to her diligence, Rocky now eats at a normal (if not slow) pace, and Nancy has gained his complete trust when it comes to his mouth. She can check or clean his teeth or get unwanted things out of his mouth no questions asked, which, she says, is a big improvement from when he first came to stay with her!

3. Do not overfeed! Since we love our furry friends, when we see that they have finished their food quickly, only to look up at us with those eyes of theirs, it's tempting to give them more. Do not give in! This behaviour just teaches them that the faster they eat, the more food they will receive.

Happy feeding! 

Why Spay or Neuter

Source: CSRA Humane Society

Neutering refers to the removal of an animal’s reproductive organs and is a term used in reference to males, whereas spaying is used in reference to females.

Why Spay or Neuter?

Since TAGS is a rescue, most of the dogs and cats in our program have come from shelters. Shelters are brimming with unwanted dogs and cats—and to my surprise, many are puppies and young dogs! Pregnant female dogs or a litter of puppies can often be found at shelters due to an accidental breeding situation. Spaying or neutering your pet is the most effective way to help control the pet population and save animals from euthanasia in shelters.

Every year, thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized because there is simply not enough room for them in shelters. Additionally, several thousand animals from shelters every year are used for experimentation (research, teaching and testing) purposes. Although Ontario has laws to protect shelter animals from such a fate, there are other provinces where such laws do not exist to protect these vulnerable animals.

Benefits

Spaying and neutering have several benefits for your pet’s health. Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle can eliminate the risk of breast cancer and prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer, thereby reducing veterinary costs. Neutering males helps reduce or prevent testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland—also helping to reduce future veterinary costs. Additionally, neutering your male dog can help prevent undesirable behaviours such as marking, humping, male aggression and an urge to roam. Also, if you have more than one pet in your household, spaying or neutering will help all the animals in the house get along better.

Costs

One of the biggest issues around neutering an animal is the costs associated with the procedure. If you live in Durham Region, there are many veterinarians who provide an affordable service and will often give out their rates over the phone. Additionally, the Ontario SPCA provides spay/neuter services at a much reduced price—however, wait times for these spots are high, so I recommend getting on the wait list as soon as possible if you are considering going this route. Spaying and neutering can be done as early as eight weeks old; however, any time between eight weeks and six months is optimal, especially for females due to the beginning of their heat cycles.

There are many benefits to neutering your animal—but the biggest one is the ability to help save the lives of perfectly healthy but unwanted shelter animals. Do your part and help save a life!

How to Start Fostering with TAGS: FAQ

Are you considering fostering but don't know where to start? TAGS volunteers and foster parents are ready to help you set up for your first experience saving a dog's (or cat's) life!

How do I know if I qualify to be a foster parent?

Do you love pets? Do you have a house or an apartment with enough space in it? Do you have enough time to walk your foster dog and spend quality time with him or her on a daily basis? If your answers are yes to these questions, then you probably qualify.

Finding a perfect foster match is an important part of the foster program. By getting to know foster families better, we can help to choose the foster dog or cat that best suits the family. Foster animals come from all walks of life, some with history, most without. As is our goal with our adoption process, we want to work with our foster families to ensure that their experience as a foster is one that proves to be rewarding. 

What do I need to do to apply?

First, fill out this application form. 

CC image courtesy of Maggie Brauer on Flickr

Is this considered a form of volunteering?

Yes! Many people are not able to make time for volunteering in the traditional way, but fostering is a great opportunity for you to help out without having to change your daily routine a whole lot.

What if I already have a dog?

That shouldn't be a problem. It often even helps to have another dog for your foster dog to socialize with. 

What if I have a cat that doesn't like dogs? 

You can either try to slowly allow your cat to get used to the presence of a dog or foster a suitable cat.

 

Can I foster only cats?

Yes! If you prefer, you can apply to be a foster home for cats. TAGS doesn't have many, but there is always a need to save some. 

How fast will I get a dog?

It depends. Almost daily, we get notifications about dogs that are available to take from pounds, so it could happen as quickly as a couple of days after approval.

Are these dogs vetted/groomed before or after I get them?

We always try our best to have the new dogs checked out by a vet beforehand. However, sometimes there are emergency cases, in which we must place a dog somewhere before he or she gets a veterinary appointment.

How much of the expenses are covered by TAGS?

100% of the expenses are covered by TAGS, including medical care, food and treats, bedding, grooming and training.

 

What kind of dog food does TAGS use?

TAGS uses high-quality dog foods.

Some people foster lots of dogs! Quin & Rye (on the right&middle) 
are adoptable

How do I attain the dog food?

You can pick up your share from our dog park. Please ask for directions.

What other duties do I have as a foster parent?

Other than providing a loving foster home and doing some basic training (our training experts can help) with your foster dog, you are required to transport your pet to either the Whitby or Oshawa location of PetSmart for a dog showcase at least once a month. TAGS presents its adoptable pets at PetSmart every weekend so that people can get to know our organization and animals a little better.

There are also other events to which you may be required to bring your foster dog—for example, TV promotions or a puppy room event for university students, if your schedule allows.

Can I rename my foster dog?

Yes. Actually, our foster parents made up a Scrabble-like game to give more creative names to the newcomer dogs. But if you want, you can keep his or her original name.

What if I want to adopt my foster dog?

TAGS has a rule that you cannot adopt your first foster dog. But you can adopt your second (or any subsequent) one.

It's important to understand that by fostering, you are saving not just the fostered dog's life but potentially the life of another dog, too, who is still in a shelter waiting for a foster home to become available.

If you have any other questions, please let us know in the comments section!

Dear TAGS: What's the best method against pulling?

Hilary asked:

I have had a few people recommend a certain way of putting on our dog’s leash to reduce his pulling. Basically it's as follows: run the leash along the dog’s back to its hips; wrap the leash around the dog’s waist under its belly and loop the leash through itself to make a slip tie (it has a special name but I can't remember what!). This technique has worked wonders for us and results in much less pulling; however, my husband is concerned about the pressure of the leash on our dog’s waist/hips. What is your take on this technique? Do you recommend it?

Our certified trainer answered:

To find out if that method of using a leash could harm your dog, you should consult your veterinarian. However, there are many other options available that will most certainly help you keep your dog from pulling.

One of the primary reasons people attend our classes is to address a dog that pulls them off their feet or acts “aggressive” on leash. If you haven’t yet taken an obedience class, you could start with that.

But there are also great tools on the market to help you teach your dog how not to pull. Which one is right for you is a personal decision.

Dog with gentle leader. CC image courtesy of krossbow on Flickr.

I have always used the veterinarian-developed Gentle Leader head halter.  When the Gentle Leader first hit the market, it was sold only through veterinarians and trainers, who would ensure a proper fit for the dog. Now pet stores are selling them, and I have a concern that they are not fit and used properly. The principle behind the Gentle Leader is simple: control the head, control the dog.

Several years ago, anti-pull harnesses hit the market. They offered a different approach. Rather than using a halter-style, the harness was designed to cover the dog’s body to reduce the dog from pulling. They work well, and I have never heard of any issues with them. Again, remember these are special harnesses for teaching dogs not to pull; they are not a regular-style harness, which will make some dogs pull more.

Dusty pulls a lot less with this special type of harness

In the old days, choke collars were used, and we were taught to “correct” the dog by snapping the chain until the dog responded to our command. I would never use a choke collar or a pinch collar! Why would we use tools that can harm our dogs and that most pet owners do not use correctly?

So, ultimately, what is the goal? Most owners are happy to use the tool that eliminates the pulling—end of story. As a trainer, though, I ask, Is your dog learning? Tools should be used to teach your dog. And they must be used correctly. Walks are opportunities for training, challenging and rewarding your pet. Make the most of them!

If you have any questions concerning your pet, send us an email or ask it on Facebook or  Twitter or in the comment section below.

Top 5 Fun Winter Activities to Do With Your Dog

Despite the weather getting colder and colder, make some time to exercise with your dog. When it's mild and calm outside (usually right after it snows), grab your jacket and your dog and get out of the house for some playtime! 

Aside from the usual snowball throwing, there are other creative ways to tire the dog (and yourself) out.

Dawson is up for adoption. Like his photo on Facebook!

1. Hide-'n'-seek. Dogs are just like kids: they love to play hide-'n'-seek. Hide somewhere and call your dog's name until he finds you. It's a good practice for his obedience training, too.

2. Play in the snow. Your dog will find it hilarious to see you lie down and make a snow angel next to him. He will probably want to help you, so watch out for his wet kisses and cold nose!

3. Run. Race to the park with your dog. Dogs love a challenge! They love to get their muscles moving, and they are surely in need of some exercise after being in the house all day.

4. Under the snow. If you have durable, water-repellent gloves, then grab a stick and shove it under the snow. Start moving the stick right under the surface of the snow level so that your dog can see the movement. He'll have great fun trying to catch the mysterious, hidden object!

5. Socialize. Arrange a play date with a friend who also has a dog. Dogs are social beings who like to spend time with fellow furry friends. Let them chase each other and play games while you catch up with your friend!

These simple games do not require any tools that you have to purchase. However, you should always make sure that your dog is warm enough during your playtime, especially if he has short hair. Also, check the roads beforehand to determine whether walking on them is safe for your dog (salt or ice can be dangerous). Have fun!

TAGS Educates

TAGS feels that it's important to always educate people about pets. It seems easy to own a dog or a cat, but there is much more to it. We can always improve ourselves to better understand our furry companions. 

Chappie and Blossum (recently adopted) just graduated! Good job!

Hence, TAGS introduced a Dear TAGS section in the blog where you can send your questions about your dog's or cat's behaviour or any other topic that you might be interested in. Our certified trainers are ready to answer you! Submit your questions here.

TAGS is now officially back from the holiday vacation, which means that we are ready to launch our winter classes! Our first session starts on the 19th of January and is held in our dog park. Don't miss out—you can still apply by emailing us here or calling us at 905-263-TAGS (8247). 

You'll learn how to read your dog's reactions and how to communicate with him more effectively. If you want to read TAGS-approved training tips, please click here.

TAGS will always make sure that your dog feels comfortable and never threatened while being trained. To find out why TAGS disassociates itself from punitive techniques, read this informative blog post.

We'll also have puppy classes at Pet Valu starting on March 7. These classes will be most suitable for puppies of 8-12 weeks, so if you own a newborn dog, you can already mark your calendar for this date! More info will be posted as the date approaches. 

New Year's Eve Fireworks—What to Do If Your Dog Runs Away

Fireworks - CC image courtesy of bortescristian on Flickr

New Year's Eve is almost here, and so is snow and freezing cold! You have to leave the house with several layers of clothing just to make sure you won't get cold. Does it sound familiar? Imagine if you are not prepared at all and have to spend some nights out there in a snowstorm. A runaway pet might face a situation like this.

It's very important to make sure that your dog (or even cat) is in a warm, cozy and secure area during the night of New Year's Eve. It's a lot of fun for people to put on fireworks displays, but our pets may not feel the same. Some more sensitive dogs or cats can get so frightened by all the noises that they decide to run away from all this craziness.

Tips to Prevent Pets From Running Away:

- If your dog is an outside dog, double-check any weak parts of the fence.

- Give him or her warm blankets for extra coziness in the doghouse. With all the noises going on on the streets, your dog might feel safer in his or her comfy hideaway.

- Play or walk with your dog in the afternoon so that he or she will sleep deeper at night. 

8 Tips If the Dog Has Already Run Away:

1. Don't panic! First of all, put some water and a blanket by the part of the fence where the dog escaped from, just in case he comes home. 

2. Call up some of your friends and start exploring the neighbourhood. 

3. At least one person should stay at home to keep an eye on the property and the street and to be available in case someone returns the dog or calls the number on his tag.

Dog hiding from fireworks - CC image courtesy of Dave Parker on Flickr

4. When out on the search, call his name out and have a treat ready. Be extra careful around busy areas, though. You don't want your dog to see you and start crossing the road with the risk of being hit by a car. If you spot him, try to approach him without his noticing you.

5. Don't forget to take his leash, water and a blanket with you so that you can help him right away when you find him. Read our cold weather tips for dogs. Additionally, a flashlight for searching culverts, etc., and a squeaky toy to draw him out can come in handy.

6. Make sure you have your veterinarian's or an animal hospital's number with you. Roaming the streets alone in the dark is very dangerous for any dog. Read about dog first-aid here or here.

7. If he's been missing for more than a day, start putting "missing dog" posters out in your community and run a listing in the local newspaper. Register him on helpinglostpets.com and post his picture on Facebook and Twitter. Ask your friends to share it so more locals will see it.

8. Contact the local shelters and let them know about the situation so they can call you as soon as someone shows up with your dog.

If the World Ends Today

5 Tips to Make This Day Useful

1. Take your dog for a long walk to the park (if the weather allows—read our cold weather tips for dogs) and give him some attention. Play some fun games with the ball or Frisbee. It's good to spend some quality time with your pet not just because of some crazy Mayan predictions, but realistically, the holidays are coming up, which likely means that either your house will be full of guests or you will be away visiting family. Either way, you'll have less time to play with your dog.

Dog rolling in the grass - CC image courtesy of Victoria Reay on Flickr

2. Teach your dog a new trick that you always wanted to, using the TAGS-approved positive reinforcement method (see more training tips here or here). If you survive December 21, you can show your dog's talent off to your friends and family during their visit on the holidays!

3. Clean out your basement to have somewhere to hide! Also, you will probably find long-forgotten dog toys, blankets or other items that might come in handy. If they are in good condition, you can always donate them to your local charity or shelter. Read about other ways to give.

4. Arrange a get-together with fellow pet owners and their pets so the dogs can socialize. Even if the world doesn't end, your dog will be thankful to spend some time with his furry friends!

5. Be a rebel and ignore the end of the world hysteria by doing last-minute holiday tasks, like putting up decorations (if you don't already have them up), wrapping gifts and getting some holiday snacks or sweets ready. Read our Top 5 Holiday Hazards to Pets before starting!

Cold Weather Tips for Dogs – 5 Things to Keep in Mind

Although we don’t need our balaclavas just yet, it is safe to say that we’ve had a few “one-dog nights” so far this month,  so it’s time to start thinking about the winter ahead.

(“It was a ___ dog night” was an expression used by cowboys and ranchers working out on the range. They would sleep with their dogs to stay warm, describing the weather conditions based on how many dogs’ worth of warmth they needed to share to be comfortable.)

While our cuddly canines are certainly good at keeping us warm—their internal temperature sits about three or four degrees above ours—it is important that we help them out a bit too.

So, without further ado, here are five important things to keep in mind as the cold weather approaches:

Starr, a TAGS foster dog, trying on her winter jacket. 

1.     Bundle up your pup! Small dogs, or breeds with short or thin fur, should wear sweaters or jackets when they are outside to protect them from the wind and cold. The clothing should cover them from their neck to the base of the tail, as well as the tummy. If they will not tolerate clothing, just be sure to watch them closely—if they start to shiver too much when you’re out on a walk, consider taking shorter walks more frequently to minimize any prolonged exposure to the elements.

(If you're looking for a way to "bundle up your pup" and are interested in supporting TAGS while you're at it, consider purchasing a hand-knit sweater made by Cathy, one of our volunteers! For more information visit her blog here.)

2.     Thaw the paw! When you bring your dog in from the backyard or from a walk, be sure to thoroughly wipe in and around all of the pads of his feet. If any moisture or ice is left in there, it can not only cause the dog to limp but can also give him chills for hours. Wiping your dog’s paws will also reduce the risk of his carrying in anything that could cause his paws to become dry and chapped, such as salt or other anti-freezing solutions. If ingested, such chemicals can cause ulcers and irritation of the esophagus and mouth.

3.     No-shave November! As the temperature drops, consider letting your dog’s fur grow out. If his full coat is too much, just be sure to avoid going right down to the skin. The extra fur will help keep him insulated against the elements.

4.     Just water, no ice please! Cold, dry weather can increase the likelihood of dehydration. Having constant access to fresh water is essential all year round, but for some reason, many of us associate thirst with being hot. Dogs are the same way, so we have to encourage them to drink just as much water when it’s cold out, even if they didn’t just get in from a summer day at the dog park. If your dog is kept primarily outdoors, make sure the water does not freeze over—purchasing a heated bowl will help with this. 

5.     Check under the bed! While there may not be any monsters hiding there, there could be moisture buildup from all of your pup’s outdoor adventures. Make sure all of your dog’s favourite places to nap are clean, dry and well insulated. Consider tossing his bed in the dryer for a few minutes to make it feel extra cozy. 

If you have any questions about the above, or any of your own tips and tricks to share, please tell us in the comments! You can also visit us on our website to find out more about our rescue organization and the great dogs we have available for adoption.

Pet First-Aid 101

Last weekend, TAGS hosted a pet first-aid course taught by veterinarian Tanya Varley from Morningside Pet Hospital. Twenty pet-loving people and about 14 tail-wagging dogs attended the all-day event at the Quality Suites at Bloor and Grandview.

Checking Merlin the greyhound's gums.

Through the course of the day, participants learned and practised such important skills as taking a pet’s vital signs (heart rate, respiration rate, temperature), bandaging a wound and performing CPR. Did you know that a dog’s normal body temperature is a little higher than a human’s and a temperature below 37°C or above 39°C is potential cause for concern? A temperature that’s too high or too low needs to be regulated slowly so that the organs, not just the outer body, can acclimatize. A hypo- or hyperthermic dog should immediately be removed from an environment that is too hot or too cold, and drastic measures (e.g., giving an overheated dog ice cubes) should be avoided.

While the discussion of vital signs was relatively tame, some of the scenarios Dr. Varley presented us with, such as prolapsed eyeballs (not uncommon in pugs, Boston terriers and bulldogs) and impalements, were difficult for the faint of heart, like me, to hear about and see pictures of. But we students all shared a common goal: wanting to do everything in our power to care for and potentially save the lives of our pets in an emergency. And that was enough to quell the squeamishness—well, for the most part.

Annetta practising bandaging techniques on Petunia's paw.

Many important topics were addressed: preventing and treating bloat, managing allergic reactions, inducing vomiting (and when not to), recognizing and dealing with seizures, and—so important for every pet parent to know—determining which symptoms can be dealt with at home and which require an emergency trip to the vet.

The learning experience was great, but spending time with fellow dog people and their dogs is always a major highlight of TAGS events. Most of the dogs greeted each other and their human counterparts with enthusiastic tails. Occasional barking sounded throughout the conference room, but for the most part, the dogs were all well behaved, allowing us to concentrate. By 2:45, after we humans enjoyed a wonderful lunch (included in the course fee), dog after dog lay flaked out on the fur-filled rug, and then around 4:10, all of a sudden, six or so woke with a start and barked up a storm, probably in response to a noise only canine ears could detect. They were easily calmed, and class resumed.

Nikki asking Dr. Varley a question.

That quiet hour and a half before the choral yapping was likely our best opportunity for learning, but it’s also when many of us, I suspect, felt tugs of distraction. There’s just something about a roomful of sleeping dogs that rouses a sense of wonder and love that can sidetrack even the most attentive of us.

Letting sleeping dogs lie.

Fortunately, Dr. Varley provided one enlightening bit of information after another, so refocusing on the task at hand was relatively easy. By the end of the day, we attendees walked away with the invaluable feeling of being better equipped to protect our four-legged loved ones when they need us most.

Pack Your Own First-Aid Kit

Here's what you need:

hydrogen peroxide
rubbing alcohol
Benadryl
saline/contact solution
gauze squares (to use for cleaning wounds/skin, contact layer for bandages)
non-stick pads (to cover wounds)
rolled gauze for bandaging
Vetwrap/klingwrap for bandaging
tweezers (in case of ticks, splinters, etc.)
muzzle, leash
digital thermometer
stethoscope (optional)

And if you missed the course, watch for another one in the spring so you can learn how to use these items!