Poop Solution
The following article arrived in one of my email newsletter today. Is it only a matter of time before we can get those evil campground doo-doo culprits.
City begins dog doo DNA program
The Israeli city of Petah Tikva has launched a six-month initiative to help curb its dog poop problem, according to a Reuters news report.
Authorities in the Tel Aviv suburb are requesting dog owners bring their dog to the city veterinarian, where a sample of the dog’s DNA will be taken and filed in a database. The DNA database can then be used to identify dogs and match them with their owner.
Dog feces found on the street can be analyzed for DNA, and if a match is found, the owner could face a fine. Alternatively, dog owners who scoop the poop and put it in special trash cans are eligible to win pet food coupons or dog toys.
The city takes its cleanliness seriously.
“A special enforcement team minimizes the phenomenon of dog excrement in parks and the city’s sidewalks,” says the city’s website. ”The Municipality’s dog excrement cleaning/collection services are carried out by an automated pooper-scooper.”
According to the Reuters report, the city veterinarian, Tika Bar-On, said that the city may require mandatory DNA samples from dogs if the trial program is a success. Bar-On also said the DNA database could be used in place of microchipping pets for identification.
"The sky is the limit on how far we can take this," she said.
Doug, DVM
RE: Vets in Kerrville, Texas
Whenever searching for a vet, I recommend to start with the AAHA website, and look for an accredited hospital. www.healthypet.com
Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic
1516 Sidney Baker Street
Kerrville , TX 78028
Phone: (830)896-6507
Doug, DVM
RE: frontline early
During peak flea season, with very bad infestations I've recommended more frequent use, every 3 weeks in rare instances. If you dog is closer to the mamimum weight for the size, shouldn't be a problem as long as she is healthy. A few days isn't a problem.
Doug,DVM
RE: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}
Sandy and I are so sorry Richard. This is one of the most difficult diagnoses to take. By the time it is found, the cancer has usually spread. Do consider the amputation. It's major function is to relieve pain. I've had many patients have pain free happy months post surgery before being affected by the metastatic disease.
Sandy & Doug
RE: Little dog has a problem with gulping/gasping air??????
What you describe sounds like a "reverse sneeze" many smaller dogs do it when excited or after activity. It's almost like a cross between a cough and a honk... hard to describe but I have a dog that does it at times.
Most of the time it is harmless but sometimes it can be a sign of trachea problems, like when a collar is on too tight or from them pulling against the collar has injured their throat, or something heriditary has caused it. If this is a common thing with your dog a trip to vet will certainly help you know if there is a problem.
Good luck!
YEP. Also, not really a increase risk factor to anesthesia/surgery.
Doug, DVM
RE: Why Nutro Natural Choice dog food is the best
Any life form can be allergic to any substance, and frequently trial and error is what it takes to find a food combination that works for a specific dog and situation.
How true. The reason lamb became THE thing to feed for allergy was because it was never used in dog foods. Since it has become popular, as many allergies as to beef, pork, chicken etc. are seen.
I think one of the reasons corn has gotten a bad rap (somewhat unjustified IMO) is that it was in every food - good cheap source of calories, therefore allergies developed. If we all fed Salmon/potato we would see a huge increase in salmon and potato allergies.
Bottom line: buy food that is prepared from defined sources and that your individual dogs do well on.
GREAT point.
Doug, DVM
RE: Dog diabetes
Dr. Brian gives a good answer. The more consistent you are the better control, especially at first.
After control is achieved, I usually don't get too concerned if the interval is off by an hour or two, but some individuals are "brittle diabetics" and require a much more regimented approach. But this is unusual.
I've not heard the brewer's yeast. It is a good source of B vitamins, and wouldn't hurt.
Every type and brand of insulin has a pattern of activity, this is what the glucose curve shows. The basic curve is similar for each type of insulin, but varies in each individual. With Humulin-N and Vetsulin, there is a minor peak of activity with the first absorption of the insulin then a major delayed onset around 8 hours after the shot. With the increased action, you get a drop in the glucose. When the insulin is less active or gone, the glucose goes back up.
PM me if you have any specific questions.
Doug, DVM
RE: Need help trying to get stubborn dog...
Ok, that convinces me, no more snow shoveling--I'm going south this year.
I'm with you!!! But alas, Megan loves to roll in the snow and when I get the snow blower out, she positions so the snow floats down on top of her.
Doug
RE: Lizzi's First Birthday in spite of PSS
Wonderful news. These situations are great life lessons for kids. Sounds like Lizzi and the grandkids have a great family!!
Doug
RE: Dogs digging and need to stop!
There are a few reasons dogs dig, to get cool, to socialize with something on the other side, to follow a smell or sound (gophers, etc.), out of boredom. Once you know the cause(s), avoidance works. For cooling, I've used small wading pools. A "shaker can" (filled with rocks) thrown near them on the ground startles and stops the behavior. Repeat, repeat, repeat!! Sometime putting some of their stool in the hole will work, or drive them to dig in another place :)
What worked for Megan was the hard freeze over her first winter, she kind of forgot or matured enough that it hasn't been a regular problem.
Doug
RE: carry the dog on the flatbed while towing? VIDEO ADDED
Have not followed this thread for a few days, and have two comments.
Dogs can not blink fast enough to prevent damage to the eye while hanging out the window - they can't self monitor. Also the increase wind will dry the eye, compounding those problems and leading to increased eye infections. Just don't allow it.
I think most of you are still missing the point. In TEXAS, a working dog is JUST a tool. It is like a wrench or hammer. Sometimes they get lost and you have to fetch another.
I don't think most are stupid enough to put a wrench or hammer or other tool on a flatbed then run down the road. You would go broke replacing tools. If you value something, you won't let it ride loose on a flat bed, whether or not the tool is alive or inanimate.
Doug, DVM
RE: Pet death question
Twice in 25+ years of camping, we've had terminal dogs with us on an extended vacation. Both made it through the vacation, but we had planned to do as others had suggested, find a local vet for cremation with the ashes returned to us at home.
We never regretted going on the trips, Buddy and Dawn both liked the motorhome and camping so much that being with us made their last weeks as enjoyable as possible.
Doug, DVM
RE: Stem cell treatment for dog saves elbow
I saw a professional article a few months ago, the company growing and harvesting the cells for reintroduction in the donor seems to be a very professional reputable company. There have been several reports of amazing results. Great promise in this procedure!!
Doug, DVM
RE: A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}
That's really sad about the boy having to go through the rabies shot series. Some of you may not be aware, there is a world wide shortage of rabies vaccine used for people. The shortage is critical enough that prophylactic vaccinations for those in high risk occupations do not have it available as the supply is being held for those in bite situations - like this boy.
With responsible ownership and proper government (animal control) oversite, the treatment of this boy could probably be avoided. Really sad commentary.
Doug
RE: Is my dog dying? Update 1 w/pic
We sometimes put the Ecollar on backwards to avoid hitting the ear all the time. It is still effective keeping them from scratching it with the rear foot.
Doug, DVM
RE: Dog rattle snakes
I don't live or camp in rattle snake endemic areas, so I'm not real familiar with protocols regarding them. I know there are vaccines that are used and in a previous thread avoidance training is recommended. Sorry I can't help more.
Doug
RE: Zachery has a growth....update 9/10
Fibro refers to connective tissue rather than fat, muscle or bone; dysplasia means abnormal growth. The big key is benign. Even benign growths can regrow but they do so less frequently, are less aggressive and don't spread to other tissues. This is good news. Don't worry about the rechecks, just a precaution.
Doug, DVM
