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Dates & News:

ZimDog News, can be accessed from: www.vanerp.net.

Zimbabwe Kennel Club:

The Zimbabwe Kennel Club office will now only be open on a Friday each week, 14.00-16.00 CAT.    

News:

Robots in Zimbabwe: If they work, there might be one or two that will show the red or green, depending on which side of the intersection. In SA they either work or not when there is a power cut. The rule there is then turned into a four way stop, which is working well. This does not apply in Zimbabwe.

Roadblocks in SA: I always get stopped, because of my yellow number plate? They ask then for your license [drivers]. Walk around your car as if you might be carrying xxxx? Or they asked me for my ID. When I told him that my driver’s license was my ID, he looked blank. Did I have to offer my passport perhaps? Never carry that with me! The next one took my drivers license and then asked for a translator. What translator I asked, he had no answer to that. Was this meant to carry a translation of my driver’s license? Who knows?

While in S Africa I came across a new kind of Dog Food: Mera Dog.

Its produced in Germany and imported direct to S Africa. A little more than Royal Canin. I have heard of it before while in Holland and would think this might be a good dog food for feeding your dog. Do remember when you feed your dog with other foods, you might have to give more to keep it in condition, while with this Mera Dog you might have to give less. So you might be cheaper out in the long run. I have ordered three bags and will give it a try and see what I think about it.

The agent I am dealing with is Dave Harris, a dog trainer very well known in S Africa as well as in Zimbabwe. 

10 October Breed shows

Result of the working group	Result of the toy group
Above and Right some of the owners with t their dogs.

The most expensive dog basket of Europe has been stolen In a pet shop in Rotterdam a luxurious dog basket of nearly 15 000 Euro was stolen. It is a black basket, with 30 000 Swarovski crystals fitted on it. This special handmade dog basket was stolen out of the shop’s window in the Alexandrium shopping mall. According to the shop owner this most expensive dog bed was the only kind of a Swarovski basket in Europe. The shop has reported it to the Police.

Dear jan cashel How do you know if your dog is in pain?. Dogs can't talk and it can be difficult to determine if and when a dog is in pain. Every dog responds differently to pain and may show different signs. Some dogs are very stoic and barely show any pain and other dogs cry and whine at the thought of pain. For example, I recall seeing a Labrador retriever come in with a broken leg - it was not baring weight on the affected leg but he was wagging his tail and happy to see me. He was not crying - even when I examined the leg. On the other hand, I saw a Beagle for a minor scratch and he screamed bloody murder before I even touched him. The only sign that some dogs may be in pain is an elevated heart rate or respiratory rate. Dogs can be very good at hiding their illness based on their nature of survival. So it can be very difficult to tell if some dogs are in pain. Until next time, Dr. Jon

Hi jan cashel, You should NEVER give your dog medication without first checking with your veterinarian. 1. Aspirin. Aspirin toxicity (salicylate toxicity) is poisoning that occurs following the ingestion of aspirin or aspirin-containing products. Aspirin can be especially dangerous when mixed with other drugs such as steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There is a much higher risk of toxicity. Aspirin interferes with platelets, which are responsible for helping the blood to clot. Disruption of platelet function increases the amount of time it takes the blood to clot in cases of wounds or lacerations. Aspirin toxicity may cause gastrointestinal problems, respiratory difficulties, neurological problems, bleeding disorders and kidney failure. Gastrointestinal problems are common in dogs. 2. Ibuprofen is a popular and effective over-the-counter medication available to treat pain and inflammation in people. For dogs, ibuprofen can easily exceed toxic levels. The most common cause of ibuprofen toxicity is a well-meaning owner who tries to alleviate pain in his dog by administering a dose he thinks is adequate without knowing the toxic dose. The initial toxic effect is bleeding stomach ulcers. In addition to ulcers, increasing doses of ibuprofen eventually lead to kidney failure and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Symptoms include poor appetite, vomiting, black tarry stools, vomiting blood, abdominal pain, weakness and lethargy.3. Acetaminophen . Common brands include Tylenol®, Percoset®, aspirin free Excedrin® and various sinus, cold and flu medications. Dogs most commonly receive toxic amounts of acetaminophen because owners medicate them without consulting a veterinarian. They also consume tablets that are dropped on the floor or left around. Dogs are less sensitive to acetaminophen than cats. For example, a 50-pound dog would need to ingest over seven 500 mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects. In the cat, one 250 mg acetaminophen tablet could be fatal. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic amount of acetaminophen, (one pill or more), contact your family veterinarian or local veterinary emergency facility immediately. So... keep all medications out of the reach of your dog and DON'T ever give any medication without first consulting with your veterinarian. If you ever suspect that your dog has ingested any amount of these medications, please contact your family veterinarian or local veterinary emergency facility immediately.Until next time, Dr. Jon 

Here are some things you can do to ensure your dog stays healthy.

1. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - This disease is most often genetic and cannot be prevented. It is most common in Dachshund dogs due to a genetic problem with the disc. You can minimize the chance of this problem by preventing your dog from jumping off the bed or furniture. Provide a ramp if needed to assist your dog getting off and on furniture.

2. Gastric Torsion (Bloat) - This is a life-threatening condition resulting from a distended stomach that rotates into an abnormal position (torsion). Untreated, it results in death. It is most common in large breed deep-chested dog (such as the Great Dane). Many veterinarians will prophylactically "pexy" or stabilize the stomach to prevent it from occurring in susceptible breeds. If you own a Great Dane, standard poodle, Saint Bernard, Gordon setter, Irish setter, Doberman pinscher, Old English sheepdog, or Weimaraner- you may want to discuss this with your veterinarian. Other things you can do to help prevent his condition is to divide meals into 2 or 3 meals per day rather than one large meal. Feed a mixture of canned food and dry food. Avoid elevated feeders. Any diet changes should be made gradually over a period of 3 to 5 days. Feed susceptible dogs individually and if possible, in a quiet location. When buying a dog, ask about family history of bloat and stay away from breed lines with a prominent history.

3. Foreign Body Ingestion (Small Intestine) - This condition is entirely preventable. A foreign body is caused by the ingestion of an object that can't pass through the intestine. Common objects include underwear, socks, pantyhose, coins and toys. How can you prevent it? Closely supervise your dog to ensure that he doesn't ingest household items. Provide indestructible toys such as the Kong®. If your dog chews and ingests anything - call your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately.

4. Cruciate Rupture - This condition is due to a rupture of a ligament in the knee. It is difficult to prevent, as you cannot predict how or when it will happen. It can occur to any dog at any time when running or playing. You may minimize the changes by resting your dog when he is tired. Don't over exercise him.

5. Foreign Body Ingestion (Stomach) - This condition is also preventable. This is similar to condition #4 but the foreign object is caught in the stomach rather than the intestine. Keep all items that your dog might ingest out of his reach. Observe his behavior when playing with toys to ensure he doesn't try to "eat" them.

6. Pin in Broken Limb - This condition is a fracture or broken bone, which is treated with a surgical pin to stabilize the bone. Broken bones can be preventable. Many broken bones in dogs occur from being hit by a car. You can prevent this by ensuring your dog is on a leash and does not run free. In small or toy dogs, broken bones can result from being dropped or stepped on. Take special care with small dogs

Until next time, Dr. Jon