LAKE EUSTIS PAW
PRINTS KENNEL CLUB
Volume 3 Issue 5
June 2014
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
Ms. Jesse
CDX BH TC, CGC, BN, RA, URA, UCDX, THD, CA
IN THIS ISSUE
__________________________
It Only Takes Minute pg. 2
Retractable Leashes
pg. 3
Dogs Mourning Dogs
Pg. 3
LAKE EUSTIS KENNEL CLUB OFFICERS AND BOARD
President: Jackie Baudo
Preventing Heat Stroke
pg. 4
Vice President: Carolyn Hoppe
Hurricane Season
pg. 7
Treasurer: Cathy Perlick
Upcoming Events
pg. 8
Secretary: Lynn Starr
You and Your Dog
pg. 8
Corresponding Secretary: Marie Zaman
_________________________
Board:
Ellen Beris, Sharie Davis, Sally Hensen, Susan Prickett
LEKC meets the 4th Wednesday of each month @ the Lady Lake Library W. Guava St.
Board meets 6p.m. General Meeting 7:15p.m.
Website: www.lekcdogclub.org
FLAG DAY JUNE 14TH SHOW YOUR COLORS
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The Right (and the Dangerous) Way to Use a Retractable Dog Leash
Looking for a leash that makes walking your curious canine more convenient? The retractable
reel-type leash is an option that many people love, but before you run out and get one, make sure
you know the risks and the product limitations.
Retractable leashes have many critics, and for good reason — the function that makes them so
appealing, the easy unspooling and retracting — also creates many potential hazards. Some dogs
have bitten people or other pets because they were too far away from their owners to be
controlled easily. Other dogs have hurt themselves when they've kicked into a run and then
found themselves jerked backward when the leash line runs out. (This is also pretty tough on the
human holding the handle.) Among other issues, owners have been hurt when the leash itself
comes undone from the pet and snaps back and hits the owner.
Consumer Reports has reported on risks of using retractable leashes and leash manufacturers
feature critical safety information on their packages and websites.
So, when faced with so much concern, what are the rules for using a retractable leash? It's pretty
simple:
The leash should not be used with an untrained dog. If your dog pulls on the leash, shoots
off exploring at high speeds or refuses to come when called, look for another product.
The leash is less than ideal in crowded situations, as it is easy for you to get distracted
and for the dog to get tangled up with another dog and owner.
Be aware of where the retractable line cord is and never, ever grab it with your bare
hands. Also, be careful that the line doesn't wrap around fingers or legs — it can cut or
burn if moving quickly.
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Even if you do have a well-trained, dependable dog, make sure to read the safety
information to be informed about the issues of using the leash.
There are many leash options, including the retractable leash, just do some research before
deciding what is right for your pet.
Looking for a leash that makes walking your curious canine more convenient? The retractable
reel-type leash is an option that many people love, but before you run out and get one, make sure
you know the risks and the product limitations.
Retractable leashes have many critics, and for good reason — the function that makes them so
appealing, the easy unspooling and retracting — also creates many potential hazards. Some dogs
have bitten people or other pets because they were too far away from their owners to be
controlled easily. Other dogs have hurt themselves when they've kicked into a run and then
found themselves jerked backward when the leash line runs out. (This is also pretty tough on the
human holding the handle.) Among other issues, owners have been hurt when the leash itself
comes undone from the pet and snaps back and hits the owner.
Consumer Reports has reported on risks of using retractable leashes and leash manufacturers
feature critical safety information on their packages and websites.
So, when faced with so much concern, what are the rules for using a retractable leash? It's pretty
simple:
The leash should not be used with an untrained dog. If your dog pulls on the leash, shoots off
exploring at high speeds or refuses to come when called, look for another product.
The leash is less than ideal in crowded situations, as it is easy for you to get distracted and for
the dog to get tangled up with another dog and owner.
Be aware of where the retractable line cord is and never, ever grab it with your bare hands.
Also, be careful that the line doesn't wrap around fingers or legs — it can cut or burn if moving
quickly.
Even if you do have a well-trained, dependable dog, make sure to read the safety information to
be informed about the issues of using the leash.
There are many leash options, including the retractable leash; just do some research before deciding
what is right for your pet. (Submitted by Sharie & Ellen)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Dogs Mourning Dogs
By Shawna Kenney
How do dogs experience the death of fellow dogs? Corey Kooken, the human companion of
Lobo and Wrigley, two border collies adopted from separate rescue shelters, says she’s
witnessed this first-hand.
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“They got to know one another and tolerate each other,” she told us. “I always said Lobo was the
brains and Wrigley was the brawn.” Lobo passed away from cancer at the age of twelve, and
when Corey and her husband returned from the vet without him, Wrigley searched the house,
looking confused. She said this happened for weeks and they wondered whether Wrigley was
going to be able to function without his alpha dog.
Dog lover Karen Mandall recalls a similar story from her childhood. After their mini-dachshund
Punkin escaped the yard and was hit by a car, Blue, their Great Dane, stood over her in the
middle of the street until the family found them.
“Blue had never jumped the fence before and never did it again, but somehow he managed to
check on her.” Karen recalls comforting the big dog through days of whimpering after his canine
companion passed away.
Susie Dvorak says her long-haired Chihuahua Annie was different after Clyde, the Labradoodle
she loved, died. “She used to play with him all the time but since then she doesn’t play with
other dogs, no matter who, what, (or) where they are.”
Many people have such painful anecdotes, and scientists and animal behaviorists agree that dogs
feel emotion. One US News & World Report story suggests dogs may mourn as deeply as
humans do. In it, Barbara King, a professor of anthropology at the College of William and Mary,
says her research shows that the above behavior of a “surviving dog looking for his companion”
shows that dogs “are thinking and feeling creatures, and that sets the stage for grief.”
Grief is a pack issue. It requires us to be the pack leaders, more than ever — even while grieving
our own losses. Books like Jon Katz’s “Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die” examine
the human aspect of grief and mourning, but little has been written on how the animals
themselves react and recover.
In the case of Lobo and Wrigley, Corey shares that, at first, Wrigley “didn’t eat with
voraciousness and didn’t seem confident of things he’d normally done without a problem.” They
tried introducing him to new dogs, taking him to his favorite places, giving him new toys,
offering new food and showering him with all the attention he could handle.
But he needed time, she says. She is happy to share that after a while, Wrigley gained the
confidence of a dog higher up in the pecking order and today self-assuredly leads his younger
‘brother’ Quincy around. “Thankfully he came through it and may be a stronger dog for it.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE
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On a sunny day with temperatures at or
above 70° Fahrenheit, most people know
that the temperature inside their car can
soar to intolerable levels for their dog.
But even outdoors in a non-shaded area,
the heat can quickly get to your pooch
and cause serious complications.
Dogs do not perspire the way humans do; in
fact, the only sweat glands that they have
are on the pads of their feet. Dogs pant to
cool themselves and also use a temperature
exchange called convection to cool their
skin. Both panting and convection cool the
body by exchanging the warm body
temperatures for the cooler air outside. If
the surrounding air is not considerably
cooler than the animals' body temperature as in the case of a hot, stuffy automobile the cooling system will not work and heatstroke can occur.
What are the signs of heatstroke?
Signs of heatstroke include:
Increased heart rate
Excessive panting
Increased salivation
Bright red tongue
Red or pale gums
Thick, sticky saliva
Depression
Weakness
Dizziness
Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
Diarrhea
As heatstroke progresses, it can cause seizures, coma, cardiac arrest, and death.
What should I do if my dog gets heatstroke?
Remove your dog from the hot area immediately. Prior to taking him to your veterinarian, lower
his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool water (for very small dogs, use lukewarm
water), then increase air movement around him with a fan. Be careful, however, as using very
cold water can actually be counterproductive. CAUTION: Cooling too quickly and especially
allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical
conditions. The rectal temperature should be checked every 5 minutes. Once the body
temperature is 103ºF, the cooling measures should be stopped and your dog should be dried
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thoroughly and covered so he does not continue to lose heat. Even if your dog appears to be
recovering, take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible, he should still be examined since
he may be dehydrated or have other complications.
Allow free access to water if your dog can drink on his own. Do
not try to force-feed cold water; as he may inhale it and could
choke.
How can heatstroke be prevented?
Keep pets with predisposing conditions like heart disease,
obesity, older age, or breathing problems cool and in the
shade. Even normal activity for these pets can be harmful.
Provide access to water at all times.
Do not leave your pet in a hot parked car even if you're in
the shade or will only be gone a short time. The
temperature inside a parked car can quickly reach up to
140 degrees.
Make sure outside dogs have access to shade.
On a hot day, restrict exercise and don't take your dog jogging with you. Too much
exercise when the weather is very hot can be dangerous.
Do not muzzle your dog.
Avoid places like the beach and especially concrete or asphalt areas where heat is
reflected and there is no access to shade.
Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain a
normal body temperature.
Move your dog to a cool area of the house. Air conditioning is one of the best ways to
keep a dog cool, but is not always dependable. To provide a cooler environment, freeze
water in soda bottles, or place ice and a small amount of water in several resealable food
storage bags, then wrap them in a towel or tube sock. Place them on the floor for your pet
to lay on.
You can prevent your pet from suffering heatstroke. Use common sense and think of what it
might feel like to wear a fur jacket (that cannot be removed) on a hot summer day. (Contributed by
Jackie)
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Hurricane Season is Upon Us
Are you prepared?
June 1st marks the beginning of hurricane season. Being 100% prepared for a natural disaster is very
important. Many times, when people are preparing themselves for emergencies, they tend to forget about
their pets! It is very important to keep the welfare of your pets in mind. Below is a list you can use of
things to make sure your pets are well prepared!
1. Evacuate with your pet: Make sure you have an appropriate sized carrier for each of your animals.
2. Create a pet evacuation kit:
Make sure you have all of your pet's
needs: Food, bowls, water,
leash, familiar blanket, beds, toys,
treats, any medication, emergency
numbers (such as vet ), pet first
aid kid, litter, litter box, scooper, dog
poop bags, paper towels, trash
bags, flashlight and batteries. Make sure
you have enough things to last for
2 weeks. Show proof of vaccinations at a
pet friendly hotel or a shelter.
3. Have your pet microchipped:
In an instance you and your pet
get separated, you want to make sure they have a microchip.
If someone finds your pet and scans for a microchip, they will
be able to find out the dog's name and your contact
information. This will help you become reunited with your pet.
4. Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations:
Keep a copy of their medical history. This is just in case you
get somewhere that you would need to show proof like a pet
friendly hotel or a shelter.
5. Create an identification file for each pet: The file should
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include current photos of your pet, the microchip ID number, adoption papers, a written description of
your pet, a description of your pets distinctive markings, diet, medication, vaccination history, behavioral
issues and personality. Place these files in waterproof folders and keep them with your pet evacuation kit.
6. Secure accommodations for your pet before the storm: Wherever your evacuation route takes you,
check to see where pet friendly accommodations are along the way. Locate as many pet friendly hotel
and shelters along the way just in case you get to one and they are full. Try to make reservations
somewhere the minute you know you have to evacuate.
Most importantly, in the event you ever have to evacuate, be safe, stay smart and protect your fur-babies!
Upcoming Events:
Obedience Club of Daytona July 19 & 20 Close June 27. Contact: Anna Johnson 524
Cherry St. South Dayton, Fl. 32119
Indian River D.T.C August 2 & 3, 2014 Close July 16th Contact: Kathy Nilan 353 Brickell
St., S.E. St. Petersburg’s, Fl. 33713
Upper Suncoast August 23 7 24. Close: August 6. Contact: Ginny Walker 4690 36 Ave No.
St. Pete, Fl. 33713
For more event listings go to AKC.org
*QUOTES:
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always try
just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison
“The secret of success is learn how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and
pleasure use you. If you do that, you’re in control of your life. If you don’t it controls
you.” Tony Robbins
“Success is best measured by how far you’ve come with the talents you’ve been given.”
Annoymous
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Winston
Churchill *Coffee News
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Starting in July members will talk about their breed, explaining why they chose the breed
and what the breed was originally bred to do. Chris & Kris Gehman will talk about their
dog, a Rottweiler. Members are urged to sign up for the upcoming meetings.
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