Experimental Treatment for Blindness in Dogs

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine has been experimenting with a treatment which may reverse sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS). Dogs with a sudden loss of sight, which is thought to be caused by auto-immune disease, were given intravenous immunoglobulin. This drug is used against immune-mediated retinopathy in humans. However, animals with severe cardiac or kidney disease could not be given this medication. Nor would it work on advanced retinal degeneration. Researchers at Iowa State say that SARDS affects up to 4,000 dogs a year! (DVM Newsmagazine, July 2007)

So, if you have a dog that is going blind suddenly at a young age, you might want to contact Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine for advice or help.

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Dogs with Disabilities

I stopped by to visit with a client the other day and was touched by a story about "Tillie". She is a boxer that was rescued. She had been beaten and had damaged eardrums and was deaf when the owners took her into their home to love. The owners had another dog of the same breed that they acquired to be Tillie's ears so that she could follow this dogs actions and become more comfortable with her new surroundings. This was an excellent idea. Mentoring and companionship are both important for a dog too!
This also made me think about people making a move to a new home with a disabled pet. A pet with loss of hearing, loss of sight, old age, etc. must be given special attention to make sure they remain feeling secure when moved. Make sure to keep their old dog bed, toys, blankets, favorite treats, favorite foods etc. Consistency from the old surroundings to the new is really important. Take it slow and make sure that your pet gets as much attention as possible during and after the move. You might consider having a microchip implanted if you think there is any chance your pet might panic in the new location and try to escape or run away.....and you might even think of acquiring another dog to help them acclimate to the new surroundings. It sure helped Tillie out!

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The Vet

Check out a site on the Internet called NetVet and the Electronic Zoo. Created by Ken Boschert, D.V.M. of Washington University in St. Louis, this site, at http://netvet.wustl.edu/. offers more than 20,000 links to other animal related sites.

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Pet Therapy

Have you thought about how much owning a dog can help your children? Recent studies indicate that interaction with dogs could be a very valuable tool in treating autistic children. Experiments show that children with autism show a surprising interest in relating to and playing with dogs.
Dogs can play a major role in helping the elderly also. The love between dog and man is idyllic. It knows no conflicts. Dogs create an experience that transcends--a way to understand the joyfulness of living.

So, if you have a really sweet good natured dog, find out about therapy dogs and how you can help in your community. Check out the community of Ventura while you are at it!

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Looking For a New Breed Of Dog And A New Home?

Have you decided it is time to try new things and new places? How about a new home and a new dog in your life?
Come to Ventura County, California.....you will love it! It is near the beach and sunny almost every single day with an average tempurature of about 70-75 degrees.
Have you heard of a Swedish Vallhund? They are sooo cute! They are an original Swedish Spitz gaining in popularity here in the United States. Originating over 1,000 years ago, the first American litter was bred in the U.S. in 1986. Standing 11.5-13.5 inches tall, with a height to length ratio of 2:3 (longer legs and shorter bodies than the Corgi breed) these are "big dogs in small packages". They love agility, obedience, rally, tracking, search and rescue, flyball, and herding and are wonderful family pets. They are very intelligent and need mental exercise as well as physical exercise.
So, if you are looking for a new dog and a new place to live, let me help you!

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Feeding and Walking Your Dog

Yes, It's Libby....She is on the

Eukanuba Dog Food Bag...She's a

Hollywood Star!

She loved the Photo Shoot!

Eukanuba makes dog food designed for specific breeds. This one is designed to nourish a German Shepherd's healthy digestion and overall health. It is also good for a number of herding breeds.

Can you meet the LOVE OF YOUR LIFE

by walking your dog? Studies have shown that people who go for a walk with their dog have three times the number of social encounters as those who go for a walk on their own. So, take a walk with your dog and enjoy the people you meet.......and your dog will love getting out of the backyard to see new sights and sounds!

Ventura Dog Blog

Ventura County Homes for Sale

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Moving with a Dog!

Moving with a Dog or Dogs can be a traumatic experience. After all, moving in and of itself is a big project. One of the best things to think about before making the move is where you are going to put the dog when you arrive at your new home. Is there a fenced yard? Is the fence secure enough that your dog will not panic and climb over or dig under? Have you done a perimeter check of the fence before releasing the dog to the new location. You might want to consider setting up a smaller enclosure within the larger yard for the first few weeks and spending those first few hours/days in the yard with the dog to get them used to the new setting. Take familiar toys, blankets, bedding with you. Monitor your dogs barking the first few weeks until he/she feels comfortable. Chances are they might be a bit noisier than usual. After all, your attention will be diverted elsewhere. So, make sure they are kept secure and happy!

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