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What is a Healthy Weight for a Dog?

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Wh at is a healthy weight for a dog? I prefer to use body condition score (BCS) or BFI (body fat index). When a pet has an ideal BCS or BFI, they are at their ideal weight. This method works for the individual animal, regardless of their conformation. A body condition score estimates the leanness of the pet. For dogs, the main points are: Feel the ribs but not see them (when running your fingers across or perpendicular to the ribs). This assesses the fat under the skin. In lean dogs, there is little thickness, and in overweight dogs, there is more. The dog should have a discernible waist when viewed from above. There should be a narrowing over the lumbar area – behind the ribs and in front of the pelvis. The dog should have a tuck when viewed from the side. There should be an upward slope from the bottom of the chest (sternum) to the pubic bone (between the hind legs). Some breeds have a lean conformation, while others are more stocky, so the extent of the waist a
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Recognising Chronic Pain in Pets

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  Chronic pain is a persistent or waxing and waning pain. A common cause in pets, especially in the second half of life, is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is inflammation of the joints, which over time may lead to an increase in the size of affected joints and a decrease in the range of motion. Lameness is relative. A pet with one sore leg and three non-painful legs will appear worse than a pet with multiple sore legs. To many people, a dog with arthritis in all four legs doesn’t seem to be lame. Just as in humans, arthritis begins with waxing and waning pain. Osteoarthritis in pets is a progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen over time. The following signs may be seen as the arthritis progresses in dogs: Slower to get up from rest Stiffness after rest that the decreases as the dog gets moving Less able to cope with exercise and may lag towards the end of a walk Lame and more tired after longer periods of exercise, for example, longer walks on the weekends
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Tips for Clipping Dogs Nails

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  TIPS FOR TRIMMING DOGS NAILS There are various ways of trimming dogs nails, clippers and dremel tools being the more common. The following two photos show dogs with white nails. We can see where the quick (pink part) is. The image shows a safe place to cut. Nails may be cut or filed shorter. For beginners a conservative approach is recommended so there is less risk of cutting them too short and risking an aversion to having nails trimmed. There are various approaches to cutting nails. I tend to cut parallel to the ground, similar to how nails naturally wear. A 45 degree angle is commonly recommended. Both approaches are fine as long as the quick is avoided.   The two middle claws and two outer toes are generally similar so once one is cut it can be used to indicate the amount of nail that can be safely removed from the other similar nail. This image shows long quicks.  The nails are as short as they can be. These two photos also show how quick lengths can var
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At Home Euthanasia

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Euthanasia at Home for Pets Euthanasia of a dearly loved pet is not easy. An at home euthanasia is more personal, not rushed and less stressful for pets and their owners at an emotional time. I make euthanasia as smooth and peaceful as possible for pets. Deciding when to put a dearly loved pet to sleep is one of the challenging steps. I can provide information so you can make the right decision for your pet and family and I can have a chat about your thoughts and concerns if you could do with some guidance and reassuranc e. Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a pet to limit the pet's suffering. Making the decision to euthanase a pet is tough. The following links may be helpful: Lap of Love Quality of Life Scale OSU Veterinary Medicine: How Will I Know? As the vet entrusted with performing euthanasia, I want the pet to barely be aware of the procedure as they quietly drift off to sleep. My approach has two steps. I use sedation as the first step, which can be given wit
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Why Clipping Dog's Black Nails is Tricky

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WHY CLIPPING DOG'S BLACK NAILS IS TRICKY                Comparing human nails to dog nails  Trimming human nails is straightforward – the pink is sensitive and the white part can be cut painlessly.  Imagine that a human fingernail, instead of being flat is like a curved macaroni tube starting at the base of the nail. This curved tube contains the bone of the end of the finger, skin, blood vessels and nerves. The tube is painted black so the sensitive pink area is not obvious.  How would you approach keeping your nails trimmed? Would you go to the nail salon and have the manicurist take a best guess and boldly cut them quite short so you didn’t have to come back too often? If you’re lucky she would avoid the sensitive part of the nail. If she accidentally cut the sensitive area there would be pain, blood, a few expletives and no 5 star review.   Would you go back the next time your nails needing trimming and hope for the best? Chances are you wouldn’t be keen on a repeat of that exp
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