Fetched Magazine | Issue 4 | FREE Australian Dog Magazine

© Fetched Magazine 2022. All rights reserved.

The opinions of the contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Fetched Magazine.

Always ask your veterinarian or dog professional.

M agazin e Con t en t s In The News - A Rise In Leptospirosis

page 4

By Ashley Bryan, Blogger

Dental Disease In Dogs

page 8

By Barb Bailey-Dahlheimer, Vet Nurse & Rescue Dog Advocate

Therapy Dogs

page 12

By Charlotte Bryan, Dog Trainer & Behaviourist

Celebrity Spotlight - Charlotte Bryan

page 16

Wan t To Wr it e For Us OR Adver t ise In Fet ch ed M agazin e?

Visit the submissions or advertising page on our website for more information. mail our editor William at fetchedmagazine@gmail.com for more information.

Follow Fet ch ed M agazin e Make sure you are following Fetched Magazine on Facebook & Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest news , issues and offers.

@FetchedMagazine

© Fetched Magazine 2022. All rights reserved.

The opinions of the contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Fetched Magazine. Always ask your veterinarian or dog professional.

In Th e New s A Rise in Lepr ospir osis

By Ashley Michael In Australia, there has been a rise recently in the number of recorded cases of Leptospirosis, a canine bacterial disease. This article is going to be taking a closer look at this potentially deadly disease, what causes it and what measures dog owners can take to ensure their pet doesn?t become a victim of Leptospirosis.

Ashley Michael, Blogger

Wh at Is Lept ospir osis Exact ly?

An infectious disease that can cause serious illness in dogs, Leptospirosis comes in the form of a spiral-shaped bacteria that thrives in warm water and warm soil. If a dog contracts the disease, it can spread the leptospires, even if the animal is not experiencing any symptoms.

Leptospirosis not only affects canines. It can be spread to other animals and humans as well.

p.4

Wh at Cau ses Lept ospir osis?

Leptospirosis is most commonly spread by rats and mice, with the bacteria spires being excreted in the rodent?s urine. If an infected rodent has urinated in a puddle of water or on soil and a dog happens to drink that water or nuzzle that soil, the dog can become infected. Dogs can also become infected with Leptospirosis through cuts and lesions on the skin. The disease can even enter a dog?s body through the eyes. Once inside the dog, the bacteria multiplies in the bloodstream.

Humans can contract the disease in the same manner dogs can, by exposure to environmental conditions where the bacteria is present. Pets can also transmit Leptospirosis to family members if they are exposed to infected dog urine.

Wh at Ar e t h e Sym pt om s Of Lept ospir osis In Can in es?

Now we will quickly list the most common symptoms associated with Leptospirosis in canines, so you can keep a vigilant eye out for them: -

Fever Weight loss Loss of appetite Lethargy Jaundice Depression Vomiting and diarrhoea Abdominal pain Kidney and liver failure And others...

p.5

Wh y Has Au st r alia Seen An In cr ease In t h e Disease?

The disease in Australia is quite rare, considering it?s very prevalent in some other countries. Because Leptospirosis is most commonly transmitted via the urine of rodents, the country has seen an increase in infections due to rats and mice breeding in plague proportions in some parts of Australia; particularly Sydney and areas of the Northern Territory. The higher the rodent population, the greater the chance of the spread of Leptospirosis among canines.

Tr eat m en t Of Lept ospir osis In Dogs First, your dog needs to be clinically diagnosed with the disease. A vet will conduct blood and urine tests to determine if Leptospirosis is present. If the diagnosis is positive, your dog will be placed on an IV and antibiotics will be administered.

It?s vital that the patient be isolated from other animals to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to uninfected dogs. The period of isolation is around 72 hours, during which your dog will continue to be fed antibiotics through the IV. Dogs can fully recover from Leptospirosis but in some cases the disease can be fatal.

Lept ospir osis - Pr even t at ive M easu r es The very best way to prevent your dog from falling ill with Leptospirosis is to have your pet vaccinated against the bacteria. The initial vaccine comes in two doses, with a booster shot being administered between two and four weeks after the first shot. You should have your dog vaccinated against Leptospirosis annually, along with their other scheduled vaccines.

p.6

Aside from vaccinating your pet against the disease, what other measures can you take to ensure your dog and family members are not exposed to Leptospirosis?

Always keep your dog on a leash when going for a walk after periods of rain.

This way you?ll be able to prevent your dog from drinking from puddles of water, a common way dogs can contract the bacteria.

Avoid floodwaters as much as possible during periods of heavy or extended rainfall.

You will also want to ensure there are no rats and mice living in your home. Call in a pest controller if you suspect rodents may be present so they can be eradicated.

If there are areas of the neighbourhood or local park where you know rodents are often present, avoid walking your dog in those areas. Even if there are no puddles around, dogs can contract the bacteria through nuzzling and sniffing at the ground if an infected rodent has urinated there. Sniffing infected dog urine can also lead to your pet contracting the disease.

Th e Wr ap While the disease is still considered somewhat rare in Australia, Leptospirosis has been on the rise, so keep an eye out for any symptoms presenting in your dog. Also, get them vaccinated against the disease.

p.7

Den t al Disease In Dogs Have A Look In You r Dog's M ou t h

By Barb Bailey-Dahlheimer The first set of teeth that a dog gets are called deciduous teeth, or commonly,?milk?or baby?teeth.

They are small copies of the adult teeth and perform the same roles. A puppy is generally not born with any teeth present in the mouth, however usually by 3 weeks of age the deciduous Barb Bailey-Dahlheimer, teeth start to erupt and are usually all present by Vet Nurse, Rescue Dog Advocate 8 weeks of age. The domestic dog usually has 28 deciduous teeth, made up of incisors, canines, and premolars.?By the time most pups are weaning from their mother, they have enough teeth to start?eating?a solid puppy diet.

As the pup ages,?the growing body can fit, and needs, larger teeth than the deciduous set. At around 3 months of age the systematic shedding of these teeth starts, all being slowly replaced by the adult teeth. This loss of the deciduous teeth is completed by around 6 months of age.

This permanent set of teeth?is?larger and adapted to the needs of the adult dog. There are more adult teeth than deciduous, with 42 teeth present in the average dog, all performing different roles.

p.8

Sadly though, 80% of dogs from the age of 2 years and in some breeds as you as 1 year in some breeds will have some sort of dental disease.

So, what is dental disease and what are the signs to look for?

Dental disease, or periodontal disease, is inflammation of the teeth and gums caused by a build-up of plaque. Plaque, which is made up of food particles, saliva, and bacteria, sticks to the tooth surface and if not removed will calcify into tartar.

The signs of dental disease include: -

bad breath discoloured teeth loose teeth excessive drooling blood-stained or inflamed gums dropping of food from the mouth when eating, or reluctance to chew or eat at all pain when handled around the head facial swelling behavioural changes (e.g., lethargy, increased aggression) pawing at the mouth receding gums

p.9

When a pet develops dental disease, significant quantities of bacteria reside within the mouth and the oral tissues. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas within the body, causing distant or systemic effects. There are three organs that are especially susceptible to the spread of oral bacteria: the heart, the liver, and the kidneys.

The bacteria that are found within the mouth of pets with dental disease are the same bacteria that are often implicated in heart disease. These bacteria are associated with both endocarditis (inflammation/infection of the interior of the heart) and valvular disease in dogs and cats.

Additionally, the presence of periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease in dogs.

The liver and kidneys are especially susceptible to the effects of dental disease. Both organs function primarily to filter the blood, which allows bacteria from the oral cavity to easily spread to each of these organs.

Infection and inflammation within the liver and kidneys can cause signs of systemic infection (such as fever, weight loss, and decreased appetite), while also interfering with the function of these organs.

The best way to minimize the systemic damage associated with dental disease is to proactively prevent and treat dental disease. Dental conditions should be addressed as early as possible, to minimize the risk of worsening and spread. There are two components to dental care: home care and veterinary dental care. p.10

Home care consists of brushing your pet?s teeth daily, if possible. If you are unable to perform daily brushing, your veterinarian can provide alternatives such as an oral rinse such as ?Hexarinse? or ?Aquadent?.

Another great way to clean your dog?s teeth is dental chews raw bones and Dentabones these encourage that abrasive chewing and cleaning action eg. Greeniesall products are available at veterinary surgeries online and pet shops.

Veterinary dental care is performed under general anesthesia. Your pet will be anesthetised, using a combination of injectable and inhalant anesthetics. First, the tartar will be scaled off your pet?s teeth. Dental radiography (X-rays) may also be performed to evaluate the tooth roots and other tissues below the gumline. Once your pet?s teeth are clean and visible, your veterinarian will perform a thorough oral exam. Finally, your veterinarian will devise a treatment plan for any dental issues that have been discovered. These treatments may include extractions or more advanced dental procedures, such as a root canal.

If you suspect that your dog may have an issue with dental health it is a wise move to have their teeth and mouth professionally cleaned once a year. This will put you and your dog on the right path in developing the best dental plan for your dog.

p.11

Th er apy Dogs Wh y You r Dog Can Becom e A Th er apy Dog

By Charlotte Bryan Have you ever dreamed of your beloved dog becoming a helper to other people? Well, it can be achieved if your dog becomes a therapy dog. In this post, we?ll take a look at what a therapy dog is, what they do and how your dog can become a much-loved therapy dog.

Wh at Is a Th er apy Dog an d Wh at Do Th ey Do?

Charlotte Bryan, Dog Trainer & Behaviourist

Also commonly referred to as emotional support dogs, therapy dogs provide comfort and companionship to individuals, families and groups of people. Anyone suffering through physical or emotional problems can benefit from the companionship and comfort a therapy dog provides.

Therapy dogs are often deployed in hospitals to visit sick children. Their mere presence imparts a positive vibe that can also assist in the recovery process. Kids in hospital get to pet the dogs and play with them, taking their young minds off their troubles for a while and giving them an emotional escape in a positive way.

Note that a therapy dog is not an assistance or service dog. Assistance dogs have been trained to assist people living with a disability cope with everyday life and get around with some degree of independence.

p.12

The therapy dog?s role is not confined to just visiting sick kids in hospital.

These lovable canines are deployed in many different locations and scenarios. Therapy dogs may visit schools, hospitals, retirement villages and care facilities for the elderly. A therapy dog may spend some time with an individual in their home who is recovering from an illness or depression, or people who are simply lonely and enjoy the companionship of a therapy dog from time to time. Therapy dogs may, on occasion, even be deployed in prisons to boost morale, leading to less trouble among inmates.

While many dogs can potentially become therapy dogs, the most common breeds used for therapy purposes are Labrador Retrievers or Labrador/Golden Retriever mixes. Of course, many other breeds of dog have become successful therapy dogs in Australia and it is in no way limited to the breeds mentioned.

p.13

How Can You r Dog Becom e a Th er apy Dog? First off, your dog needs to possess certain traits to determine if they will make an ideal candidate for a therapy dog. For easy reference, we?ll list some of the desirable traits required: -

Adaptability Approachable Can focus and ignore stimuli Your dog is social and gets along well with others Your dog is intelligent They enjoy being touched Non-aggressive behaviour Keen to please others Balanced disposition and not overly excitable Calm and relaxed Gentle and loving nature

If this describes your dog, then you have a viable candidate for the therapy dog program.

If you plan to be the handler of your therapy dog, you will also require certain skills to be considered as a professional therapy dog handler.

You need to be relaxed around strangers and your dog must obey your commands. Also, are you comfortable being in hospitals and nursing homes, for example? Are you and your dog totally comfortable around groups of young children?

p.14

A good therapy dog is both calm and obedient, even if other dogs are present. Therapy dogs must enjoy being petted and their owners must be totally okay with this.

Now that you and your dog know you want to go the therapy dog route, you will need to get certified. Certifications will vary depending on the type of therapy dog volunteer work you desire to do. Training needs to take place with an accredited organisation and involves four plus hours of training over several weeks. When you and your dog do become certified, some initial visits may need to be monitored by a professional.

Having a calm, friendly and obedient dog isn?t all there is to consider.

You dog needs to be comfortable around things like walking sticks, canes and walkers, for example. Wheelchairs can freak some dogs out too.

Wh y Have You r Dog Becom e a Th er apy Dog? The main reason you and your beloved pet will go the therapy dog route is to make a positive difference in the lives of other people.

Therapy dog assignments are volunteer work and unpaid, so you and your dog will be doing it as a service and out of a good heart. If your dog becomes a therapy dog and you their handler, you?ll both get a lot of satisfaction from bringing happiness into the lives your dog touches.

If you think it?s something you and your dog would enjoy doing, then look into having your dog become a certified therapy dog.

p.15

Celebr it y Spot ligh t Ch ar lot t e Br yan

By Ashley Michael I am a Dog Trainer & Behaviourist with 10 years dog training experience.

I'm a specialist trick trainer. Most of my knowledge is from being around dogs, observing their behaviour and my own research. But I also have an official certificate in Dog Psychology, Behaviour & Training to back me up. I own and operate Paws, Claws & Tails which I started back in 2015. PCT offers an arrange of classes from Trick Classes to Puppy School to Therapy Dog Certification. I also own Chat Before You Pat and Party Pooches. I live with 3 dogs, Frankie (Border Collie), Bandit (Shih Tzu x Jack Russell) and Milo (Shih Tzu x Jack Russell x Bichon Frise). I believe that dogs (and any animals) should be treated with respect and trained in a positive way but I'm not a "positive only" trainer as such. My goal is to help dogs and their owners form a strong working relationship with each other.

p.16

1. How w ou ld you descr ibe you r dog t r ain in g m et h od in 10 w or ds?

Treat dogs with respect and use friendly positive methods.

2. Wh at advice do you h ave f or people w h o w an t t o be dog t r ain er s?

In my opinion, the best dog trainers are those who don't have rigid methods when it comes to training dogs. It's important to understand that there is no one "cookie cutter " approach to training dogs because all dogs are different. If you're serious about becoming a trainer. Begin by doing your own research about dogs, dog behaviour and dog training, develop your own training methods then complete a dog trainers course. That way you are developing a more 3D understanding about dogs and are not just relying on the techniques of one or two trainers.

3. Descr ibe you r plan f or t h e n ext 5 year s of you r bu sin ess/ s.

I would love to write a book, develop several successful online courses, set up more in person dog training classes and become a well-known advocate for dogs and positive-based dog training. My goal is to be one of the biggest Dog Trainers on the Sunshine Coast.

4. Wh at ar e you r f u t u r e plan s f or Fr an k ie t h e K9 Su per st ar ?

Frankie and I would love to perform at more events and continue to spread the word about positive dog training and dog bite prevention through our Chat Before You Pat initiative. I'd like Frankie to star in his own TV Show "Learning With Frankie" and continue to inspire children and adults to do more with their own dog.

p.17

Ou r Team Ou r Edit or William James Contact William at fetchedmagazine@gmail.com Ou r Con t r ibu t or s

Charlotte Bryan

Barb Bailey-Dahlheimer

Heather Engel

Ashley Michael Want to become a Fetched Magazine contributor as well?

Visit www.fetchedmagazine.com.au/submissions

Make sure you are following Fetched Magazine on Facebook & Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest news , issues and offers.

@FetchedMagazine