Wishing everyone a beautiful Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivis, Kwanza and hoping your 2009 is special.
Your Friends,
The Great Lakes Weim Family.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Mistletoe...Say It Ain't So!
No kissing your pooch under the mistletoe??!! Yes, its true mistletoe is poisonous to our furry friends, cats as well.
Also don't forget to put the poinsettia's out of sight for cats and dogs too!
One of our volunteers decided to put feathered bird ornaments in her live tree. She however did not think about how tempting this would be to her 3 hunting breeds, including a Weim. CRASH!!! The fake feathered birds proved to me much to tempting! So yes, live trees are fine with dogs, but you may want to omit the feathered ornaments! Hers have since been retired.
For a complete list of toxic plants please refer to: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxicplants#P
Your Friends at GLWR.
Brrrrrrrrr...It's Cold Outside!
It is that time of year! The wind and snow are here, or on it's way if you don't have any yet.
Remember just because you're 4 legged family member has a built in fur coat they get cold too. Of course they still have to go out and do their business in the yard or kennel run, but please limit their exposure to the frigid cold and elements. Also, shelter outside will make a more pleasant experience if they like to be in the cold or outside.
Watch for sharp ice too! It cannot be avoided with the snow, rain, their running through the yard, but watch for injured paw pads. If this does happen, clean the area and wrap it, seek medical advice if bleeding does not stop.
This time of year is for celebrating and enjoying time with family and friends. How about considering opening your door to a furry friend that needs somewhere to stay while they are waiting for their fur ever home? They may not be able to give you a gift, but they sure can brighten you holidays!
Happy Holidays,
Great Lakes Weim Rescue
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Puppy Mills..
Sigh...Puppy mills* are still big business. This time of year pet stores advertise puppies as Christmas presents. Sadly most of those puppies came from puppy mills and many end up at shelters once people realize the breed isn't the right one for them. The lucky ones make it out of the shelter and into rescue. But usually come Feb-April rescues are overwhelmed with Christmas presents that are no longer wanted and dogs that did not preform well hunting.
Also many puppies that come from puppy mills are sick, do not have proper socialization, it isn't always known who their mom and dad are since their are so many litters on the ground at once, sometimes siblings are bred together, they are handled harshly, females are over bred and tossed aside when they are no longer "useful". And the conditions are not healthy conditions for dogs, much less a puppy.
Yes these puppies do need homes, but when you purchase a pet store puppy the puppy mill makes a large profit and it encourages them to breed more puppies and the cycle continues.
Puppies are cute and very lovable, and a lot of work. If you are looking for a puppy their are many in rescues and shelters. Rescues and sheltrs work on a very small budget with little to no profit whereas puppy mills profit greatly.
Also don't forget the dogs in shelters during the holiday season that need homes too. Old dogs make excellent companions as well.
Some of the dogs in rescues were puppy mill dogs, rescues get them healthy, socialized them and showed them love, trust, and the joys of human and dog companionship.
We encourage you to research the breed you'd like to adopt whether it be a Weim or not. Make sure the breed is right for your family and lifestyle.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Seperation Anxiety
Did you ever hear the expression Velcro-Dog? Well, that would apply to many Weims!
Weims may look like big tough dogs, but under that beauty can be a bit of separation anxiety. They are not as independent as their Pointer or Lab cousins. Many Weims would prefer staying closer to "their" humans, they would spend all day and go to work with them if then could! Some lucky ones do get to go to work with mom and dad, but for those that don't they may have a harder time coping.
Separation anxiety manifest itself in various ways:
-drooling
-whining
- barking and more barking
-shaking
-licking a raw spot on their paw/other areas
-pacing
Socrates mom used to come home to a messy crate, but not anymore. (We'll get to that in a minute). It is very important to note a Weim is doing this because they are very upset, not because they are mad at you.
Their are ways to help your Weim cope.
-Get them a crate, this will be their space, in the wild it would have been their den.
-Give them plenty of toys in their crate, a Kong with frozen peanut butter works wonders.
-Big Nyla bones works well for chewing, they may choke on a rawhide if unsupervised.
-Two Kongs one with frozen peanut butter and one with treats/kibble, something they will have to work to get out, this will keep them so busy trying to get the yummy food they may forget you are gone.
-Many of us are to busy to keep an exact schedule, but routine may help a stressed out Weim cope.
-Not making a big deal out of your return, that may reinforce the anxiety behavior. This isn't to say don't be happy to see them, pet them and love them, but don't go overboard.
-Putting your Weim in a crate while you are home for a short time and rewarding with yummy treats when they are let out.
-Herbal calmers that plug in may help to. Stores have a variety of calmers.
-And love, patience and understanding that your Weim really misses you and just can't wait to see you again. Your Weim may have come from a sketchy past and is happy to finally have someone to love.
Eventually your Weim should get over his/her anxiety and will realize you will always come home to them.
http://www.starbreezes.com/11/sep.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/4727/how_to_help_your_dog_with_canine_seperation.html?cat=53
Weims may look like big tough dogs, but under that beauty can be a bit of separation anxiety. They are not as independent as their Pointer or Lab cousins. Many Weims would prefer staying closer to "their" humans, they would spend all day and go to work with them if then could! Some lucky ones do get to go to work with mom and dad, but for those that don't they may have a harder time coping.
Separation anxiety manifest itself in various ways:
-drooling
-whining
- barking and more barking
-shaking
-licking a raw spot on their paw/other areas
-pacing
Socrates mom used to come home to a messy crate, but not anymore. (We'll get to that in a minute). It is very important to note a Weim is doing this because they are very upset, not because they are mad at you.
Their are ways to help your Weim cope.
-Get them a crate, this will be their space, in the wild it would have been their den.
-Give them plenty of toys in their crate, a Kong with frozen peanut butter works wonders.
-Big Nyla bones works well for chewing, they may choke on a rawhide if unsupervised.
-Two Kongs one with frozen peanut butter and one with treats/kibble, something they will have to work to get out, this will keep them so busy trying to get the yummy food they may forget you are gone.
-Many of us are to busy to keep an exact schedule, but routine may help a stressed out Weim cope.
-Not making a big deal out of your return, that may reinforce the anxiety behavior. This isn't to say don't be happy to see them, pet them and love them, but don't go overboard.
-Putting your Weim in a crate while you are home for a short time and rewarding with yummy treats when they are let out.
-Herbal calmers that plug in may help to. Stores have a variety of calmers.
-And love, patience and understanding that your Weim really misses you and just can't wait to see you again. Your Weim may have come from a sketchy past and is happy to finally have someone to love.
Eventually your Weim should get over his/her anxiety and will realize you will always come home to them.
http://www.starbreezes.com/11/sep.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/4727/how_to_help_your_dog_with_canine_seperation.html?cat=53
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Bloat...
That is a word no dog owner wants to hear. Unfortunately for Weim owners they can hear it more often then other breed owners.
Their are many causes for bloat, including, but not limited to:
-Eating to quickly.
-Drinking water to quickly.
-Elevated food bowls.
-Stress.
-Feeding food that can cause gas, ie, soy.
-Males are more prone then females.
For a compete list please refer to resource at the bottom of this entry.
Some symptoms are:
-Dog trying to vomit without success.
-Odd behavior.
-Shallow breathing.
-Gums become discolored, very pale.
-Foam from the mouth.
-Lethargic.
-Rapid Heartbeat.
Prevention:
-Avoid high stress.
-Do not use elevated bowls.
-Feed frequent small meals opposed to one big meal.
-Do not allow exercise for at least one hour after feeding. (Perfect for cuddling time!)
Bloat is a very serious condition. Dogs must receive immediate medical treatment ASAP! Without treatment your beloved pet will cross to the Rainbow Bridge. More often then not surgery is the only option. In some cases other measures may be taken.
Suture the stomach in a way to prevent it from twisting again (a procedure called gastropexy). If gastropexy is not performed, 75-80% of dogs will develop GDV again.
Sadly even with treatment some dogs will still cross to the Bridge. But about 75% go on to live a normal, happy, healthy life.
Some Weim owners and dog owners will never experience this sudden frightening condition, others have gone through it more then once with their dogs.
We don't want this to detour you from adopting from our rescue. We like for our adopters to be fully informed about the breed.
http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm#Prevention
http://largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/dog-health-conditions/dog-bloat-treatment/prevention.html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1571&aid=402
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1571&aid=402
Their are many causes for bloat, including, but not limited to:
-Eating to quickly.
-Drinking water to quickly.
-Elevated food bowls.
-Stress.
-Feeding food that can cause gas, ie, soy.
-Males are more prone then females.
For a compete list please refer to resource at the bottom of this entry.
Some symptoms are:
-Dog trying to vomit without success.
-Odd behavior.
-Shallow breathing.
-Gums become discolored, very pale.
-Foam from the mouth.
-Lethargic.
-Rapid Heartbeat.
Prevention:
-Avoid high stress.
-Do not use elevated bowls.
-Feed frequent small meals opposed to one big meal.
-Do not allow exercise for at least one hour after feeding. (Perfect for cuddling time!)
Bloat is a very serious condition. Dogs must receive immediate medical treatment ASAP! Without treatment your beloved pet will cross to the Rainbow Bridge. More often then not surgery is the only option. In some cases other measures may be taken.
Suture the stomach in a way to prevent it from twisting again (a procedure called gastropexy). If gastropexy is not performed, 75-80% of dogs will develop GDV again.
Sadly even with treatment some dogs will still cross to the Bridge. But about 75% go on to live a normal, happy, healthy life.
Some Weim owners and dog owners will never experience this sudden frightening condition, others have gone through it more then once with their dogs.
We don't want this to detour you from adopting from our rescue. We like for our adopters to be fully informed about the breed.
http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm#Prevention
http://largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/dog-health-conditions/dog-bloat-treatment/prevention.html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1571&aid=402
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1571&aid=402
Friday, August 29, 2008
Parvo
At Great Lakes Weimeraner Rescue we do our best to keep up with the latest medical information and happenings.
As we hear about new happenings and/or outbreaks we will post them on our Medical Blog.
Parvo is a very dangerous and devastating illness for all dogs.
http://workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm
Lynn, one of our volunteers, has heard about a Parvo outbreak.
I received this from one of the vet's in Grand Rapids
There has been a lot of press around suspected outbreak of parvo in west Michigan.
The west Mich. vets released this official response to the Grand Rapids press on 08/26/2008:West Michigan Academy of Small Animal Practitioners called an emergency meeting of local veterinarians to discuss current concerns regarding canine parvo virus in our pet population.
Parvo viral infection has been prevalent in the canine population since the early 1980s. This disease causes severe vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to life threatening dehydration. Dogs that contract this infection and are not properly treated will usually die from canine parvo viral infection. Thirty-six area veterinarians gathered and compared results of current research articles, incidence of infection and methods of protection for our canine pets. These are our results:There has NOT been an obvious increase in the number of canine parvoviral infections in properly immunized dogs this season.
However, dogs that are not appropriately vaccinated may run a very high risk of parvo viral infection. This disease is a potentially devastating, life-threatening illness.There have been no confirmed cases of the new C2 strain of canine parvo virus in Michigan. This strain of the virus has been isolated in Europe and in 12 other US states and has been present for 7+ years.Currently, it appears that properly immunized dogs are protected from the C2 strain of parvo virus. It is imperative that dogs be properly immunized in order to have the best chance of protection from all forms of parvo virus.
All the vaccines currently being used by area veterinarians are protective against the 2C strain of parvov irus(providing the proper vaccination protocols are followed).Unvaccinated puppies and unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated adults dogs are at greatest risk for parvo virus and should be seen by their veterinarian as soon as possible.Proper immunization protocol:-Puppies should be vaccinated beginning at 4 to 8 weeks and then vaccinated every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppies are older than 16weeks (4 months) of age.-After 16 weeks of age, the adult dog should be vaccinated 1 year later and then at appropriate intervals as described by your veterinarian.-An unvaccinated or inappropriately vaccinated adult dog should receive a series of two vaccinations given 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Vaccines must be stored and administered properly =96 the vaccine will not be effective if inappropriately handled.-Vaccines should only administered to completely healthy dogs. Dogs that are unfit, unhealthy or suffering from parasites may not respond to the vaccine.-Veterinary consultation, full physical examination of the pet, and proper vaccination are important for full protection against this disease.It is very important to make sure that the pet owner=92s boarding facilities, grooming salons, day care centers and dog parks are practicing preventive care by requiring the pets in their facilities to be properly immunized against all of the highly communicable or life threatening diseases.
For dogs those diseases are:Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo virus, Rabies and Bordetella Bronchiseptica (also known as Kennel Cough or Canine Cough). In addition, the pet owner should proceed with caution when exposing their dogs to facilities that have no strict vaccination requirements.Parvo virus is a very serious and robust virus and can survive for years in the environment.
Consult with your local veterinary office for specifics about cleaning and disinfection of the environment if your pet has been exposed to parvo virus.Your veterinarian is the best source of information regarding pet health and prevention of communicable disease. If you do not have a veterinarian, the Kent County Humane Society can help you find a veterinarian in your area that will answer your questions and help to keep your pets healthy.
Please keep your dogs healthy! Have them vaccinated or titer them for Parvo to make sure they have full immunity.
The Great Lakes Weim Rescue Family.
As we hear about new happenings and/or outbreaks we will post them on our Medical Blog.
Parvo is a very dangerous and devastating illness for all dogs.
http://workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm
Lynn, one of our volunteers, has heard about a Parvo outbreak.
I received this from one of the vet's in Grand Rapids
There has been a lot of press around suspected outbreak of parvo in west Michigan.
The west Mich. vets released this official response to the Grand Rapids press on 08/26/2008:West Michigan Academy of Small Animal Practitioners called an emergency meeting of local veterinarians to discuss current concerns regarding canine parvo virus in our pet population.
Parvo viral infection has been prevalent in the canine population since the early 1980s. This disease causes severe vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to life threatening dehydration. Dogs that contract this infection and are not properly treated will usually die from canine parvo viral infection. Thirty-six area veterinarians gathered and compared results of current research articles, incidence of infection and methods of protection for our canine pets. These are our results:There has NOT been an obvious increase in the number of canine parvoviral infections in properly immunized dogs this season.
However, dogs that are not appropriately vaccinated may run a very high risk of parvo viral infection. This disease is a potentially devastating, life-threatening illness.There have been no confirmed cases of the new C2 strain of canine parvo virus in Michigan. This strain of the virus has been isolated in Europe and in 12 other US states and has been present for 7+ years.Currently, it appears that properly immunized dogs are protected from the C2 strain of parvo virus. It is imperative that dogs be properly immunized in order to have the best chance of protection from all forms of parvo virus.
All the vaccines currently being used by area veterinarians are protective against the 2C strain of parvov irus(providing the proper vaccination protocols are followed).Unvaccinated puppies and unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated adults dogs are at greatest risk for parvo virus and should be seen by their veterinarian as soon as possible.Proper immunization protocol:-Puppies should be vaccinated beginning at 4 to 8 weeks and then vaccinated every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppies are older than 16weeks (4 months) of age.-After 16 weeks of age, the adult dog should be vaccinated 1 year later and then at appropriate intervals as described by your veterinarian.-An unvaccinated or inappropriately vaccinated adult dog should receive a series of two vaccinations given 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Vaccines must be stored and administered properly =96 the vaccine will not be effective if inappropriately handled.-Vaccines should only administered to completely healthy dogs. Dogs that are unfit, unhealthy or suffering from parasites may not respond to the vaccine.-Veterinary consultation, full physical examination of the pet, and proper vaccination are important for full protection against this disease.It is very important to make sure that the pet owner=92s boarding facilities, grooming salons, day care centers and dog parks are practicing preventive care by requiring the pets in their facilities to be properly immunized against all of the highly communicable or life threatening diseases.
For dogs those diseases are:Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo virus, Rabies and Bordetella Bronchiseptica (also known as Kennel Cough or Canine Cough). In addition, the pet owner should proceed with caution when exposing their dogs to facilities that have no strict vaccination requirements.Parvo virus is a very serious and robust virus and can survive for years in the environment.
Consult with your local veterinary office for specifics about cleaning and disinfection of the environment if your pet has been exposed to parvo virus.Your veterinarian is the best source of information regarding pet health and prevention of communicable disease. If you do not have a veterinarian, the Kent County Humane Society can help you find a veterinarian in your area that will answer your questions and help to keep your pets healthy.
Please keep your dogs healthy! Have them vaccinated or titer them for Parvo to make sure they have full immunity.
The Great Lakes Weim Rescue Family.
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