Carolina Mountain Dog

New! Dog Lovers Bookstore

Just in time for holiday shopping, Carolina Mountain Dog is pleased to announce our new Dog Lovers Bookstore!

We've selected some fine books especially for dog lovers and made them available in one convenient place. Just click on any title in the store and get more information about the book, or you can purchase it online at a great price, thanks to our association with Barnes & Noble.

Take a look right here and see what's in store for you. You'll also find a link to the bookstore in the navigation at the top of this page.

Avoiding Winter Health Hazards

By the Editors of Exceptional Canine for Exceptional Canine

As cold weather approaches, you winter-proof your car and your house. But it’s also important to think about your dog: Only you can protect him from winter hazards when the temperature drops.

Sheltering Your Best Friend
You should first determine whether it’s appropriate for your dog to stay outside during the winter. Base your decision on his breed and tolerance for cold weather -- talk to your vet or breeder if you’re not sure. If your dog does stay outside, he requires a climate-controlled dog shelter where he can escape from the elements. The Animal Humane Society advises that a draft-free shelter should be large enough for your dog to stand and turn around in, yet it should be cozy enough for him to retain body heat. A layer of straw or bedding material can offer insulation, says the AHS.

In addition, make sure that your dog’s outdoor water supply remains liquid. And take special care to check his paws for ice balls and cuts. Wipe his paws dry with a cloth after he walks on salt or chemical snow-removers.

Treating Frostbite
Frostbite is caused by exposure to extremely cold weather. The symptoms, which don’t develop until 48 hours after exposure, include pain and swelling. If the blood flow to the extremity is entirely interrupted, the tissue will turn black and fall off. To treat suspected frostbite:

• Hug your dog to you so that your body heat can warm him.
• Never rub him, as this could damage tissue.
• Place him in a bath of warm (never hot) water. Test the water’s temperature by dipping your elbow in it -- a much more accurate analysis than using your hand.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately if he is severely chilled or unresponsive.

Beware of Hazards in the Garage
If your dog spends time in the garage during the winter, be aware of these potential hazards:

• Licking up only a few teaspoons of antifreeze -- which tastes sweet to a pet -- can kill a dog. Be sure to check your car to make sure the radiator isn’t leaking.
• Never leave your pet in the garage while you start the car, as carbon monoxide (which escapes from the tailpipe) can kill him.
• Rat and mouse poisons are used more frequently in the winter months, says the American Humane Society. Make sure your dog can’t access them.

Your Dog’s Special Winter Needs
Be particularly attentive to your dog’s daily needs as winter arrives. His caloric needs might change if he’s either less active (and needs fewer calories) or exercising in the cold (and requires more). And regular grooming also helps your dog’s coat do its job better in protecting him from the cold, advises the American Kennel Club.

Free Happy Dog Healthy Dog Online Summit, Nov. 8-12

Many dogs spend quite a bit of time alone at home during the week and end up developing behavior issues out of anxiety, boredom and loneliness. A majority of dog owners report feeling guilty about it but don’t know  what to do. Unfortunately, leaving a dog home alone is a fact of modern-day life for dogs and their owners.

If you are one of those owners, you should find the "Happy Dog-Healthy Dog World TeleSummit" to be of great interest. This free online event focuses on dogs alone and their owners and it runs from Nov. 8 through Nov. 12. Sponsored by HappyDogConnections.com, the summit brings together a panel of expert dog trainers, behaviorists, wellness practitioners and veterinarians who will be participating via audio or video. Each speaker will be recorded and aired for 24 hours. You can listen to any or all of the speakers without charge. The event takes place entirely online. You can also purchase a VIP package that includes the recordings and transcripts for all of the speakers.

For more information or to register for this free event, just click here.

Free Seminar for Dog Adopters-Asheville, Oct. 18

A free seminar, "Perfect Match: Choosing and Creating a Versatile Dog," will be held on Tuesday, October 18 from 6 to 7 PM in the Education Room at the Asheville Humane Society Adoption & Education Center, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville. (Off Brevard and Pond Roads, behind Deal Volkswagen).

Topics covered will include:

* Reasons for adopting a dog 
* How a dog will change your life 
* Lifestyle and breeds: choosing a good match 
* True financial costs of adding a dog to the family 
* Basic, positive reinforcement for training good behaviors

 

The seminar will be conducted by Kim Stimpson, a positive change specialists and director of Building Me Up Communications and Opportunity Strategies. To reserve your spot, please email volunteer@ashevillehumane.org by the end of the day on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Breaking News: No Animals Sold at Henderson County Flea Markets!

By a vote of 4 to 1, Henderson County commissioners retained the current ordinance that forbids the sale of animals at Henderson County flea markets. A controversy arose when commissioners were reported to be considering lifting the ban, which would have allowed dogs and cats to be sold at Smiley's Flea Market, the area's largest flea market in Henderson County, on the border of Buncombe County.

According to the Asheville Citizen-Times: "On Monday, County Manager Steve Wyatt recommended the county leave the ordinance as is, and four of five commissioners agreed. A county animal services committee said sales could generate risks or disease and mistreatment, and it could discourage shelter adoptions."

Thanks to all those animal advocates who organized against selling animals at flea markets. Your voice was heard!

Don't Let Pets be Sold at Smiley's Flea Market!

You may have heard about the fact that Henderson County Commissioners are considering lifting the current ban on selling dogs and cats at flea markets. One Commissioner said he thought selling dogs and cats at flea markets might help reduce the number of animals turned into the Henderson County Animal Shelter.

Actually, it is more than likely just the opposite will occur. People who purchase "bargain priced" animals at a flea market are often doing so on a whim. They are not screened, as they are at an animal shelter, to determine if they will make the commitment of time and money necessary to care for the animal. When the novelty of ownership wears, these buyers will probably bring their animals to a shelter or, worse, dump them on the side of a road.

Smiley's Flea Market, located halfway between Asheville and Hendersonville in Henderson County, is the area's largest flea market. If pets are sold there, both the Henderson County and Buncombe County Animal Shelters could feel the effect by seeing an increase in relinquished animals.

Carolina Mountain Dog urges Henderson County residents in particular to oppose lifting the ban on selling dogs and cats on flea markets. Contact your County Commissioners or voice your opinion at a Commissioner meeting. Public comment is allowed at the beginning of each meeting. Another way to speak up is by writing a letter to the Hendersonville Times-News. Click here for information about submitting a letter.

Garden Alert: Don't Use Cocoa Bean Mulch!

Dogs spend a lot of time in the yard during the summer and that's why you need to know about a dangerous product: cocoa bean mulch. When you mulch your garden beds, stay away from cocoa bean mulch. Despite its sweet smell, rich color, and organic qualities, the ASPCA reports that cocoa bean mulch can be just as toxic to dogs as chocolate. If your dog ingests a quantity of this mulch, it can result in serious illness. Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, elevated heart rate, hyperactivity, and muscle tremors.

Dr. Steven Hansen of the ASPCA recommends using a nontoxic mulch alternative. Some possibilities are shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. If you suspect your dog may have ingested cocoa bean mulch, contact your veterinarian at once, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. For helpful tips from the ASPCA about pet-safe gardening, click here.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Protect Your Dog During a Heat Wave

The oppressive summer heat is uncomfortable for humans, but it can be life-threatening to dogs. Dogs' systems do not have the same cooling mechanism as humans so they are more prone to heat-related stress and possibly even heat stroke. Sometimes, we may be able to bear higher temperatures and humidity than our four legged friends.

Here are two good articles from PetPlace.com to help you make sure you are protecting your dog during the summer months:

Be a Cool Dog Owner: Don't Let Your Dog Overheat
How to know when your dog is being affected by heat-related illness, with tips for prevention and care.

Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer
Helpful information on sunburn, heat injury and heat stroke.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What to Do If You Find a Stray Dog

There are a remarkable number of stray dogs roaming around the streets and highways of the Carolina mountains. Most dog lovers' hearts go out to these strays and they wonder what they can do to help. Here are some tips condensed from an excellent article you'll find on Petside.com:

1. Safety first: Use caution approaching a stray. Any dog that appears tense, has raised hackles, growls or shows teeth is best left alone. Call the nearest animal control officers or local police department if such is the case.

2. Containment: If the animal appears to be friendly, approach slowly and calmly. Many animals are found while driving, so you should consider keeping a spare leash in your car. Gently loop the leash around the dog and see if you can coax it into your car. Determine if the dog is injured and, if so, see if a local vet or animal care facility is willing to treat it. If you decide to take the dog home temporarily, separate it from your own animals and wash your hands after you touch it.

3. Taking Action: If you have taken responsibility for the animal, your first objective should be to try to locate its owner, if it has one. Obviously, if a tag with identification information is on the dog, try to contact the person and leave a message. Have a vet or animal shelter check to see if the dog has a microchip. This microchip is linked to a database which hopefully has updated information about the owner. If you cannot locate an owner, you can keep the dog (this is more common than you would think). You should post notices of a found dog in the area where you found it along with your phone number. You could also decide to bring the dog to your local animal shelter. Typically the animal shelter will retain the dog for a period of time to see if it is claimed. If the dog is not claimed, the shelter will put the animal up for adoption if it is deemed adoptable.

Can Your Dog Become a Therapy Dog?

The more we learn about dogs, the more we understand their value -- not just to us as pets, but as members of society capable of helping others. One way dogs can give back is to become volunteer therapy dogs. This gives them a sense of purpose because they have a "job" -- and it is also a wonderful experience for the dog owner, who is the dog's partner in providing therapy.

There are a number of ways therapy dogs can help society. For example:
- they can visit classrooms and assist children with reading
- they can bring a smile to the face of kids who are in hospitals
- they can brighten the day of a resident at a nursing home.

Not all dogs are suited to become therapy dogs. Some programs require therapy certification.

The following programs operate in the Carolina mountains. Contact each directly for more information by clicking on the name to be directed to the organization's website.

Paws with a Purpose - Asheville area

Paws 2 Care - Upstate SC area

SC Dogs Therapy Group - Anderson, Seneca, Clemson area

For more information about therapy dogs in general, contact:

Therapy Dogs International

Intermountain Therapy Animals

Therapy Dogs Inc.

Photo: Paws with a Purpose

NC to Cut Animal Welfare - Take Action!

Kimberley Alboum, North Carolina State Director for the Humane Society of the United States, has sent out this alert to all animal lovers.

Late yesterday afternoon the NC Department of Agriculture submitted their budget proposal, which calls for the elimination of the Animal Welfare Division. This would leave our shelters, boarding kennels, pet stores and rescues with no oversight. The proposal is to eliminate the Animal Welfare Division completely.

The Appropriations Committee (both House and Senate) is responsible for creating the final budget.  The subcommittees considering this proposal in both chambers are Natural and Economic Resources.  They will consider the proposal, put together a budget and present it in a few weeks. It is critical that they hear from voters. If we do not act it is possible that the Animal Welfare Division will be cut. This would be devastating to NC and our animals.

To contact the appropriate legislators, simply go to: http://ncvaw.org/elimination-of-shelter-oversight

An Update on Susie's Law

In a previous post we wrote about "Susie's Law" which took effect in North Carolina on December 1. Named after Susie, a dog who was tortured yet survived, the law essentially states that it is now a Class H felony if a person tortures, abuses or murders any animal in the state of North Carolina. A Class H felony is punishable by time in jail. Prior to the enactment of Susie's law, such acts were considered misdemeanors.

Now state senator Don Vaughn of Guilford County has introduced an amendment to Susie's Law that would make it easier to prosecute animal cruelty, allow the court to place restrictions on custody of animals and require psychological evaluation and treatment, and require shelter for dogs.

Contact your state legislators asking them to support Senate Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Cruelty to Animals, also known as Chamberlin's Law. 

Holiday Decorations and Your Pet

During holiday time, you may consider your pets part of the family and therefore part of the celebration, but they are particuarly susceptible to injury and illness from things you might consider harmless. Here are some tips to keep the holidays safe for your dogs and cats, courtesy of Asheville Humane Society.

• The family Christmas tree should stand in a flat, wide base. You might want to anchor it to the wall to avoid tipping. Cats often see trees as fabulous climbing posts. If your kitty shows a penchant for this activity, decorate with animal-safe items such as dried flowers, pine cones, resin-cast or wood ornaments. You might also want to consider putting the tree in a room with doors that close.
• Whether your tree is real or artificial, both kinds of needles are indigestible. 
• Metal ornament hooks can get caught in curious mouths. Use ribbon or yarn instead of hooks to hang ornaments. 
• Refrain from using edible ornaments or decorations on your tree. Cranberry and popcorn strands can be deadly to pets, causing internal obstruction or getting wrapped around your pets' neck.
• Tinsel can cause intestinal obstruction and blockage if swallowed.
• Glass balls can shatter in an animal's mouth. Broken pieces can cut and be deadly if ingested.
• Angel hair is spun glass, and will shred the intestines if swallowed.
• Artificial snow or flocking can be ingested or inhaled and caught in the nasal passages.  
• Cover your tree stand tightly with skirting. The water from the tree base can cause mouth sores, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. 
• DO NOT use moth balls to deter your cat from climbing the tree, digging in your holiday plants or scaling garland. They are highly toxic and if even a little is ingested it could have serious consequences. A bowl of fresh lemon peels at the base of the tree can deter curious kitties plus add a nice scent to your festivities. Also, try spraying Bitter Apple or "Cat Away" on the lower branches. 
• Exposed wiring can electrocute a curious animal who chews on it. Encase or cover cords or electrical plugs inside PVC tubing or under tape. Hide or tape down all cords to avoid tripping. 
• Leave Christmas tree lights unplugged when out of the room to avoid electrocution. 
• Keep gift ribbons, curling ribbon and bows out of sight to prevent chewing and swallowing.  Do not put presents under the tree if your pet can access them. 
• Many pets enjoy romping through discarded wrapping paper and empty boxes, but be sure to dispose of all bows, yarn and curling ribbon to prevent swallowing and intestinal blockage, or strangulation. 
• The lovely bubbling holiday lights are of moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on the amount of fluid (methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.
• Fire salts may be beautiful and breathtaking on a cold winter's evening in the fireplace, but they are moderately toxic to pets which can cause vomiting or convulsions. 
• Resist the temptation to tie ribbons around your pet's neck for the holidays. The ribbons could tighten or get caught on something, choking the pet. 
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Pets could knock over burning candles and receive serious burns by spilling hot wax over themselves.
• Beware of simmering potpourri and/or potpourri oil. Most potpourri liquids contain natural or essential oils, which if ingested can cause vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, weakness and possibly liver damage. Some products also contain cationic detergents, which is even worse. Cats are often exposed to the oils by rubbing against a leaky bottle or pot containing the oil, or may spill it over themselves. When they try to lick the oil off of their fur, it poisons them, burning their tongue, mouth and esophagus. Dogs and ferrets often like the taste of potpourri, so make sure to keep an eye on them, too.
• Keep batteries stored safely away. Batteries contain a highly corrosive acid that can burn a pet's mouth if it leaks or the container is broken by chewing. 

Cold Weather Tips to Protect Your Dog

With colder weather setting in, it pays to be extra-cautious when it comes to protecting your dog from the elements. These helpful tips, courtesy of Asheville Humane Society, can keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

• If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal – even in very small quantities. Because many dogs and cats like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Fortunately, the Sierra Company now offers a far less toxic form of anti-freeze. They can be reached at (888) 88-SIERRA.  
• Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home. There are also products available such as Musher's Secret which can be applied to your dog's footpads prior to going outside, which may help reduce the pain that is often caused by road salt and chemicals. 
• When a dog's internal temperature drops below 96°F (by being exposed to cold weather for long periods, or getting both wet and cold), there is a serious risk to the dog's safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters when taken for walks during cold winter weather. Any sign that a dog is very cold – such as shivering – should signal the owner to bring the dog indoors immediately.
• Your dog should have a warm area to sleep at night, away from drafty windows or doors.  Make sure your dog has warm comfortable bedding and his water isn't too cold.
• To avoid fleas this time of year, wash your dog's bedding and vacuum your carpets weekly.  Also, make sure your dog is on a monthly flea and tick preventative.
• Your dog may require more calories in the cooler months. Talk to you veterinarian about whether or not you should increase the amount of food in the dog dish.

Most dogs shed their summer coats before putting on their winter coat. Make sure to brush your dog often to keep down the amount of hair dust found in your home.

Post-Election News: Missouri Votes YES to Control Puppy Mills

Missouri is the nation's leader in puppy mills and yesterday, Missouri voters approved Proposition B, a statewide ballot initiative to establish basic standards for the care of dogs in large-scale commercial breeding facilities. Missouri is home to an estimated 3,000 puppy mills breeding hundreds of thousands of puppies, far more than any other state in the country.

Campaign director Barbara Schmitz said, "If we can do it here in the nation's largest puppy mill state, we are more likely to carry the day with reforms enacted in other states, where this cruel industry is not nearly as strong and entrenched." Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, added, "It is no more business as usual for the puppy mill industry, and we have a pathway forward that will allow us to turn around this problem for Missouri and the nation with this victory tonight for the dogs."

Lawmakers in Iowa and Oklahoma, the second- and third-largest puppy mill states in the country, enacted puppy mill legislation earlier this year. Last year, 10 states approved legislation to crack down on cruelty at puppy mills. The animal protection groups that supported Prop B look forward to working with lawmakers in other states to ensure that dogs in puppy mills get the basic care they deserve. Puppy mill legislation has been under consideration in North Carolina but it has not yet reached the full legislature for a vote.

For more information about puppy mills, check out Best Friends Animal Society's "Puppies Aren't Products" campaign: http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/puppymills/default.aspx

Hartz Dog Treat Recall

This story appeared on CNN.com on September 5:

A leading pet product company has issued a voluntary recall of nearly 75,000 bags of dog treats due to salmonella concerns, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The move by Hartz Mountain Corp. came after random sample testing by the FDA indicated the presence of salmonella organisms in one or more 8-ounce bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs.

The company, based in Secaucus, New Jersey, has not received any reports of animals or people becoming ill as a result of contact with the treats, and is investigating the source of the potential contamination.

The potentially affected treats are stamped with the lot code BZ0969101E, according to the FDA. Hartz is urging dog owners who have purchased the recalled treats to immediately throw them away.

The FDA advises dog owners whose pets are exhibiting such symptoms as fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea to seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall should contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414.

Dogs and Thunderstorms

During the summer in the Carolina mountains, afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. It's somewhat of a mystery, but some dogs are adversely affected by thunderstorms, while others are not. One theory says certain breeds are more prone to "storm phobia" than others, but that is not a hard and fast rule.

Dogs who are affected by thunderstorms can exhibit anxiety or fear when they hear thunder or witness lightning. Possible behaviors in reaction to a storm include barking, whining, shivering, hiding, or even attacking toys or clawing furniture. Some dogs can sense when a storm is coming and they begin exhibiting behaviors even before thunder and lightning begin.

Some experts believe that de-sensitizing a dog is the best therapy. For example, you could  expose your dog to a video of a thunderstorm, with the volume set low, and repeat this training with positive reinforcement until the dog adjusts to the sound. However, any such training should not be attempting without first checking with your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist. Severe cases may require medications, which your vet can provide.

During a storm, presenting a calm demeanor to your dog without babying him or her is thought to be the best action to take.

For additional helpful tips about how to handle a dog that has a bad reaction to a thunderstorm, check out these resources:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/pets/articles/d103

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2010-06-10-vetviews11_ST_N.htm

National Pet Fire Safety Day - July 15

Some 500,000 pets are affected in home fires each year, which is why the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have joined in creating National Pet Fire Safety Day on July 15.

As part of the program, ADT is making available to any pet owner free pet alert window clings, like the one shown here. In addition, the National Volunteer Fire Council has published tips to keep pets safe from house fires:

- Extinguish open flames. Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your house.

- Pet proof the home. Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as stove knobs, loose wires, and other potential hazards.

- Secure young pets. Especially with young puppies, keep them confined when you are away from home.

- Practice escape routes with pets. Keep collars and leashes handy in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.

- Affix a pet alert window cling. Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers times when locating your pets.

- Keep your information updated. Firefighters are familiar with pet alert window clings so keep the number of pets listed on them updated. This aids rescuers in finding all of your pets.

- Consider using monitored smoke detection services. As an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms, smoke detectors connected to a monitoring center help save pets who can't escape with left home alone.

Urgent Alert - Stolen Dogs

On Tuesday, January 19 at 3:30 AM, unidentified individuals broke into the Cool School for Dogs Puppy Dog Day Care facility in Johnson City, Tennessee and stole a total of 14 dogs. Three of the dogs taken were personal pets. Included in the stolen dogs were rescue Dobermans, a lab, a min-pin, and a mixed breed. See this link for further information including pictures of the dogs: http://www.caninehoperescue.org/

If you have any information about where these dogs might be or have been taken, please call the Johnson City Police Department at (423) 434-6168, or Crimestoppers at (423) 434-6158, or visit the website: http://www.citizenobserver.com. If you think you have located any of the dogs, please contact Tammara at Canine Hope Rescue, (423) 773-8113, or via email: caninehoperescue@comcast.net.