Mission K9 Rescue primarily has Contract Working Dogs (CWDs) available for placement. These incredible canines perform the same vital tasks as Military Working Dogs (MWDs) but are not owned by the Government. We also occasionally place MWDs and retired police dogs for adoption, but it’s unpredictable when they may become available. We rescue these dedicated canines as we become aware of them and work diligently to find suitable placements afterward.  We’ve opted not to post photos of available dogs to avoid mismatches and save everyone valuable time. Instead, we review your application thoroughly and send you pictures of dogs that suit your situation, if any. This process helps us ensure our dogs find their forever homes with the right families and that the adoption process runs smoothly.  Learn About Our Mission

Whether you're potty training a new pup or struggling with positive reinforcement, you might want to consult a qualified dog trainer and/or enroll your pooch in a class. “A lot of people say ‘I know how to teach a dog to sit. Why would I go to a class?’ And it's so much more than that,” says Lindsay Hamrick, director of shelter outreach and engagement at the Humane Society of the United States and a certified professional dog trainer herself. She advises dog owners to “reach out for help anytime they don't know what to do.”  Animal behavior websites can vary greatly in quality, Hamrick adds, but dog trainers can too—so here are some tips to get you started!  Starting the search Start your search for a dog trainer at the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which makes locating a qualified dog trainer near you as simple as plugging in your zip code. You might also try searching "canine behaviorist" and "dog behavior consultant." Making a match Contact potential dog trainers to see if they’d be a good fit. Trainers’ websites typically describe their expertise, allow you to submit a form explaining the concerns you have about your dog’s behaviors and give you an idea of the cost. It’s also important to determine if they have the bandwidth to work with you. Good dog trainers “know what they can and can't handle,” Hamrick says. Some don't work with aggression cases, for example, and focus solely on obedience training or non-aggression behavioral challenges.   Setting realistic expectations Remember that dog trainers aren’t miracle workers, and behavior change takes time. “If you are talking to a trainer and they think they can fix your issue in a 30-minute television show … you should find somebody else,” Hamrick says. However, while a single session may not solve the challenges completely, we know that access to behavioral support can be pricey unless you have a low-cost option in your community. One consultation can still be helpful in identifying the root causes of your dog’s behavior and some initial ways to help them choose new behaviors. And just like when you were in school, homework matters. “If you only practice during those training sessions, it's not going to stick,” says Jessica Simpson, a senior companion animals public policy specialist for the HSUS. A consistent approach is necessary to help dogs generalize the new behavior from the classroom to the home.   Virtual training Online dog training options have exploded in COVID’s wake. It's possible for dog trainers to size up a dog’s issues through virtual chats with the owner and videos of the dog’s behavior. After an initial video consultation, trainers can give the owners homework and then watch videos tracking the dog’s progress. GoodPup is a great online program for those looking for this approach.   Red flags Ideally, you’ll find an affordable, certified dog trainer who’s knowledgeable about your dog’s issues, practices humane techniques and is available either in person or online. But if the training sparks concern, you can simply leave.   “If you don't feel good, then remove your dog,” Hamrick says. “If you go to a local obedience class, and the trainer is yanking on leashes or making your dog scared, if your dog is not excited to go to class, then you absolutely have the right to cancel and remove them. You will do more damage by trying to be nice and stay.” BY JAMES HETTINGER

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, check out our top 10 cold weather safety tips from our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC).  Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.Keep your home humidified and be sure to towel dry your pet as soon as they come inside. Repeatedly going into the cold and then comin back into a warm home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Pay close attention to their feet and in-between their toes and remove any snow balls from between their foot pads to prevent and treat skin irritation in the winter. Massage petroleum jelly or other vet-approved paw protectants into paw pads before going outside to protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties can provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. A longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim them to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry their skin, and don’t neglect the hair between their toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting them a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.After each walk, make sure to wash and dry your pet's feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals. Don't forget to check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes. You may also want to bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.Thoroughly clean up any anitfreeze spills. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Additionally, cold weather chemicals like ice melts can be dangerous when ingested, so always be mindful and keep chemicals up and out of paws' reach.  Feed your pet a little extra in the winter months. Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding them a little bit more can provide much-needed calories, and making sure they have plenty of water to drink will help keep them well-hydrated and their skin less dry.Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.Never let your dog off leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs can lose their scent in the snow and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure your dog always wears an ID tag.  Be sure to keep these tips top of mind this winter so that you and your furry friends can stay warm, cozy and safe.

At WINPRO, we're dedicated to helping dogs live their best lives. Our range of plasma-powered health products are backed by scientific evidence and a money-back guarantee. Our vision is to support the health and well-being of dogs through the use of innovative and effective products. Visit Winpropet.com Tim's contact:   timm@winpropet.com   Tim's Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-mitchum-a7671117/   Main Website:   https://winpropet.com/   Links To More Science Info:   https://winpropet.com/pages/our-production-process https://winpropet.com/pages/scientific-proof https://winpropet.com/pages/our-story https://winpropet.com/pages/letter-from-founder   WeeklyWag Newsletter:    https://winpropet.com/pages/weekly-wag   Social Links:   https://www.facebook.com/winpropet https://www.instagram.com/winpropet/ https://www.tiktok.com/@winpropet https://www.linkedin.com/company/winpropet/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTy_NP3sHlahOaNXghZJnFQ   Coupon Code  BARK20 (works on one time purchases & 1st order of a subscription)

A mystery dog illness that spread across the U.S. last year and can lead to serious or fatal respiratory problems is still under investigation, but cases are starting to slow, experts say. The illness, which started to spread more widely in the summer and fall of 2023, causes coughing, sneezing and fatigue, among other symptoms, and can progress quickly to pneumonia. The dogs suspected to have it test negative for all of the typical causes of respiratory symptoms and often don't respond to treatment. In a statement to TODAY.com, the American Veterinary Medical Association says that based on "conversations with various sources ... the number of cases are declining," adding that an "ebb and flow" of respiratory illness in dogs over the course of the year is common, similar to cold and flu season in humans. The statement also explains that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has so far not seen that the rise in respiratory illness in dogs is linked to a new virus or bacteria. A statement from the Animal and Plant Inspection Service, part of the USDA, confirms to TODAY.com that the state-led testing that the agency is helping coordinate "has not indicated the presence of a novel pathogen or single infectious cause among these cases." Numerous veterinary diagnostic labs across the country are investigating the outbreak, from Oregon to Kansas to New Hampshire. The APHIS spokesperson adds that the illness is not regulated by APHIS and therefore the branch doesn't have data on case numbers. The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association also shared in an Feb. 14, 2024, update that "cases seem to be waning, if not back to normal," citing veterinarian Dr. Scott Weese's Worms and Germs blog. At last count, at least 19 states had reported cases of the illness, according to various expert groups. The AVMA explained in an earlier statement that the mystery dog illness is difficult to track because there's no national surveillance system. In November 2023, veterinarians in critical care settings told TODAY.com that they'd seen dozens of cases since the fall. Late last year, multiple groups — including the Colorado and Oregon departments of agriculture, the AVMA, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health — issued warnings about the mystery illness in dogs. “We don’t know what is causing this situation, where dogs are presenting at veterinarians with what private veterinarians would call kennel cough,” Rhode Island's state veterinarian Dr. Scott Marshall told NBC affiliate WJAR. “What’s different about this situation is that dogs are presenting with little bit more severe signs, not responding to usual treatments, and unfortunately had a small number, still a number, of dogs that have succumbed to them.” “It seems to happen very, very quickly — to go from this cough that’s just won’t go away ... and then all of a sudden they develop this pneumonia,” Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, told TODAY.com. She said she treated over a dozen dogs with what she believes is the condition between October and November 2023. If your dog develops a cough, do not panic, the AVMA advises. But stay vigilant about its progression and your pet's overall health, and contact your vet right away if anything seems off. What is the mystery dog illness? Dogs with this mystery illness usually have coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, are abnormally tired, and do not test positive for any common causes of canine respiratory illness, the Oregon Department of Agriculture noted in a Nov. 9 press release. Typically, dogs with respiratory illnesses have a cough for seven to 10 days, but some vets saw an uptick in dogs with coughs lasting weeks to months that don't respond to treatment, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said in a Nov. 22 statement. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this mystery illness outbreak was the high number of dogs who developed pneumonia. One Colorado vet, Dr. Michael Lappin, director of the Center for Companion Animal Studies at the Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine, told NBC News the number of canine pneumonia cases in the state rose by 50% between September and November 2023 compared to 2022. Marshall estimated that Rhode Island saw at least 35 cases of the mystery respiratory illness, but it's hard to know exactly how many because not all cases are reported. Dogs are most likely to contract it by being in close contact with numerous other dogs — so places like doggy day care, dog parks, groomers or boarding kennels, Ganzer said. The illness seems to affect dogs regardless of age, size or breed, though dogs with snort snouts, like bulldogs and pugs, may be at higher risk. Between mid-August and mid-November, the Oregon Department of Agriculture received reports of over 200 cases of the illness from veterinarians in the state but has had no additional cases to report since. A Dec. 1 statement from the Washington Department of Agriculture said the state has received 16 reports of unusual canine respiratory disease. Two cases were confirmed as such. The Colorado Department of Agriculture also shared in November that veterinarians in the state were seeing "double the number of cases than what is typically seen during a canine infectious respiratory disease outbreak."   The Wisconsin State Journal reported that between late October and December, clinics around the state saw six to 12 cases each, according to Dr. Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at University of Wisconin-Madison. Dr. Amanda Cavanagh, head of urgent care services at Colorado State University James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in Fort Collins, Colorado, told TODAY.com that this past summer she started seeing cases of dogs with coughs lasting several weeks or longer, and the trend continued into the fall. She estimated her caseload of coughing dogs doubled from October to November. While dogs with a contagious cough are common in veterinary settings, Cavanagh noted that she normally sees cases decrease in the fall as temperatures drop and fewer dogs are gathering at parks. "But this year, the spike has stayed high," she explains. In its original press release, the Oregon Department of Agriculture noted that the illness can progress in three ways: Mild to moderate cough for six to eight weeks or longer that either doesn't respond to antibiotics or only responds a littleChronic pneumonia that doesn't respond to antibioticsSevere pneumonia that "often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours" Cavanagh witnessed all three scenarios play out at her hospital. Last fall, she said she saw more dogs than usual with a long-lasting upper respiratory infection who then developed pneumonia from a secondary bacterial infection. Of the dogs she treated, she said most who developed pneumonia responded to antibiotics, and many with the long-lasting cough recovered with time and never got pneumonia. But of those who developed the severe pneumonia, some died or had to be euthanized. "That really bad pneumonia, historically, is very, very rare. Maybe I would see one case a year," but last fall alone, Cavanagh saw a "handful," she said. How many dogs have died from the mystery illness? Because most states are not tracking case numbers, it's not known exactly how many dogs have died from the illness. The Oregon Department of Agriculture tells TODAY.com that it does not know how many dogs have died from the illness in the state. However, it is confirmed that some dogs in the U.S. have died from the mystery illness. The Colorado Department of Agriculture said in a statement that "in rare cases, the canine patients progress quickly from pneumonia to death." Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences also said the illness has resulted in "some fatalities." Ganzer and Cavanagh both have had several canine patients die from what they believe to be the condition. Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association President Shelly Pancoast told WJAR that she's seen five to 10 dogs die from the mystery illness. “We still don’t have a great handle on how exactly we should be treating these dogs,” Pancoast said. “A vast majority of them are making full recovery, it’s just unlike anything we’ve seen in previous years with kennel cough." What states have the mystery dog illness? According to various expert groups, cases that match the description of the mystery dog illness have been reported, officially or anecdotally, in: ColoradoCaliforniaFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandTennesseeVermontWashingtonWisconsin This above list of states comes from the AVMA, the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association, the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mystery dog illness 2023 symptoms Symptoms of the mystery dog illness include: Coughing that doesn't get better on its own after a week or soSneezingNasal or eye dischargeRed eyesLethargyTrouble breathing, especially from the stomachBlue or purple gums (due to not getting enough oxygen) Related: What does coughing in a dog sound like? Vet explains in viral video Signs of coughing in dogs For many dog owners, the signs of coughing can be difficult to recognize, Dr. Michele Forbes, Dr. Michele Forbes, owner of Compassionate Care Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, says. "Rarely do (dog owners) identify a cough until it becomes an overt problem and it’s clearly coming from the chest,” Forbes explained in a now-viral TikTok. As a result of owners not noticing coughing or confusing it for something else, like throat-clearing or gagging, some dogs are arriving at vet facilities in more advanced stages of the condition, which can make it more difficult to treat, Forbes told TODAY.com. Some tips to help identify signs of coughing in dogs: The sound dogs make when they're choking can be confused for coughing.Some dogs sound like they're honking, kind of like a goose.Coughing can also sound like the dog is gagging or clearing its throat.The chest may heave or the abdomen may move while the dog is coughing.For some dogs, it looks like they're trying to cough up a hair ball and they may produce some liquid.A wet cough may produce a gargling sound.If a dog is coughing a lot, they may end up vomiting, which dog owners often confuse for a gastrointestinal issue.Reverse-sneezing can be confused for coughing but it's not usually a reason to call the vet unless it's paired with actual coughing, nasal discharge or any other concerning symptoms. When to see the vet for the mystery dog illness Other signs that your dog should see the vet, per the AVMA, include: Lingering coughWeaknessLoss of appetiteDifficulty breathingWorsening of illnessCough that is sufficiently severe that it causes the dog to vomit or makes it hard for the animal to breathe Tips to prevent mystery dog illness from vets Dogs are most likely to contract the illness when in close contact with other dogs, so previous guidance was to keep dogs away from other dogs. But case rates have essentially returned to normal, Weese noted in his blog. To keep your dog safe and healthy overall, the AVMA recommends keeping up to date with vaccinations. "While the existing vaccines may not specifically target this unknown infection, maintaining overall health through routine vaccinations can help support a dog’s immune system in combating various infections," it said. The AVMA stressed the following vaccines: Bordetella, Adenovirus type 2, and parainfluenza combined with the injectable influenza H3N2 vaccine. Be sure to give your dog two weeks after vaccination before interacting with other dogs so they can build up immunity. If your dog is sick, consult a vet as soon as possible, as early testing can help with treatment, and keep the dog away from other dogs to avoid spreading the illness, experts advise. While it's unlikely a humans can get sick with the respiratory illness, because the cause is still unknown, the AVMA suggests thoroughly washing hands after handling any dogs. Caroline Kee contributed reporting.

Liver shunts (technically called portosystemic shunts) are not that common in dogs, but if you are an aficionado of certain breeds or if your dog develops liver disease, you may find yourself in desperate need of information. Read on to learn all about liver shunts in dogs. What Is a Liver Shunt? First, we need to review some canine anatomy and physiology. A network of veins (called the portal system) drains blood away from the digestive tract. This blood carries nutrients, hormones, and waste material and is supposed to enter the liver before it travels to the rest of the body. The liver takes what it needs to function properly and also detoxifies the blood before sending it onward. A shunt is defined as a passage “that allows the flow of materials between two structures that are not usually connected.” A portosystemic shunt is, specifically, an abnormal blood vessel (or vessels) that connects the “portal” system draining the digestive tract to the “systemic” circulatory system feeding the rest of the body, thereby bypassing the liver. Causes of Liver Shunts in Dogs Liver shunts can be divided into two categories: those that are present at birth (congenital shunts) and those that develop later in life (acquired shunts). Congenital shunts are most common, being responsible for approximately 80 percent of cases. Dogs are usually quite young (less than 3 years old) when they start experiencing symptoms. A genetic cause is known for some breeds and suspected in others. Breeds at higher than average risk for congenital liver shunts include the Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Lhasa Apso, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Toy and Miniature Poodle, Pekingese, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Irish Wolfhound, Old English Sheepdog, Samoyed, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Acquired shunts typically develop when blood pressure within the veins connecting the digestive tract to the liver becomes elevated—most often because of diseases that cause liver scarring (cirrhosis). Dogs with acquired liver shunts tend to experience symptoms when they are older in comparison to those diagnosed with congenital shunts. Symptoms of Liver Shunts in Dogs Dogs with liver shunts generally have some combination of the following symptoms: Poor growth (congenital shunts)Poor appetite and/or eating unusual thingsWeight lossIncreased thirst and urinationDifficulty urinating or blood in the urine due to the formation of bladder stonesVomiting, which may contain bloodDiarrhea, which may contain bloodBehavioral changes like mental dullness, staring vacantly, poor vision, unsteadiness, circling, and head pressing   Diagnosing Liver Shunts in Dogs These symptoms are obviously not unique to liver shunts. A veterinarian will start the diagnostic process by taking a complete health history, performing a physical examination, and running some basic tests such as blood work and a urinalysis. If he or she thinks that a liver shunt is likely, additional testing will be necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis. Possibilities include bile acid tests, blood ammonia levels, abdominal X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, and advanced imaging studies. Your veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of each test with you based on the specifics of your dog’s case. Treatment for Liver Shunts in Dogs The type of liver shunt that a dog has and their age and overall condition determines what type of treatment is best. Most small breed dogs who have congenital shunts have just one abnormal blood vessel that is located outside of the liver. These are the most amenable to surgical correction. A single shunt that is located within the liver itself is more common in large breed dogs. These are still usually best treated with surgery, but the procedure is a little more difficult. Dogs with acquired shunts tend to have multiple, abnormal vessels and may be poorer candidates for surgery due to their underlying illness. Surgery for liver shunts centers on blocking the flow of blood through the abnormal vessels so that more of it travels through the liver. This can involve the application of devices specifically designed to do this (e.g., ameroid constrictors or cellophane bands) or tying off the vessels with suture material. Oftentimes, the abnormal vessels cannot be completely blocked off all at once without the dog developing serious side effects like intestinal damage. Ameroid constrictors and cellophane bands are designed to get around this problem since they cause the vessel to narrow over time, which gives the body a chance to adjust. Medical management for liver shunts can be used to improve a dog’s condition prior to surgery, when surgery is not in a dog’s best interests, or when surgery is unable to entirely correct the problem. Veterinarians typically prescribe a diet that has just enough protein for the dog but no “extra,” which reduces the byproducts of protein digestion (e.g., ammonia) that can make a dog’s symptoms worse. Research indicates that soy protein may be a better option in comparison to meat-based sources of protein. Feeding several smaller meals throughout the day is also beneficial. Medications also play an important role in the medical management of liver shunts. Antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the number of bacteria in the gut, and enemas can be given to physically remove feces and bacteria from the colon. Oral lactulose, a type of indigestible sugar, is used to encourage rapid transit of stool through the intestinal tract and to lower the pH within the gut, which reduces the absorption of ammonia. Prognosis for Liver Shunts in Dogs Approximately one-third of dogs with liver shunts can be successfully managed with dietary changes and medications, according to Dr. Karen Tobias, professor of small animal soft tissue surgery and a board-certified surgeon at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Dogs who have liver shunts that are located outside of the liver and that are surgically corrected using ameroid constrictors or cellophane bands have the best prognosis, with around 85 percent being clinically normal several months after surgery, according to Tobias. In comparison, dogs with shunts that are located within the liver have a greater risk of complications although many still do very well after surgery.

The WINPRO Story  The WINPRO story goes back to the 1980’s at Iowa State University where there were trials done to try and save the lives of weaning baby piglets. During this stressful time young piglets are taken away from mom. Many died from the stress. So researchers at Iowa State started putting spray-dried blood plasma into the pigs’ starter diet. It had a profound and positive effect. So instead of losing lots of pigs, farmers lost hardly any. And a revolution was born.   A Plasma Protein Revolution Over the years, blood proteins found in plasma have been used to improve the lives of many animals including dairy calves, lambs, kids, goats, juvenile fish, and horses. In late 2016... WINPRO Was Formed To Explore Using Blood Proteins In Dogs And the results were nothing short of astonishing.   Today, WINPRO is the only company to offer a line of plasma-powered health products formulated especially for dogs. Dogs could be the perfect species for blood proteins as they are highly active, athletic and get into lots of stuff, both good and bad. Dogs have to deal with a lot of stressors, both inside their bodies and in the environment around them. Where you have stress, you will find inflammation. Blood Proteins Are The Enemy Of Inflammation By reducing inflammation, WINPRO helps promote a normal, healthy dog free of issues and able to do the things it loves to do. It’s All About Returning The Dog To Normal This is what WINPRO is designed to do. It works fast. You Will See The Results In A Few Days, Not Weeks Or Months Our passion is to help keep dogs doing the things they love to do. This is the WINPRO way - we live it every day. And why we backup our science with a money-back guarantee. Because WINPRO works. Learn even more:  Scientific ProofOur Formula & Our Production Process   Tim's contact:   timm@winpropet.com   Tim's Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-mitchum-a7671117/   Main Website:   https://winpropet.com/   Links To More Science Info:   https://winpropet.com/pages/our-production-process https://winpropet.com/pages/scientific-proof https://winpropet.com/pages/our-story https://winpropet.com/pages/letter-from-founder   WeeklyWag Newsletter:    https://winpropet.com/pages/weekly-wag   Social Links:   https://www.facebook.com/winpropet https://www.instagram.com/winpropet/ https://www.tiktok.com/@winpropet https://www.linkedin.com/company/winpropet/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTy_NP3sHlahOaNXghZJnFQ   Coupon Code (For your audience): BARK20 (works on one time purchases & 1st order of a subscription)

Pug Rescue of Northern California feels every pug is special and important, so we do everything we can to give these special souls the care and love they need. We take in over a hundred pugs annually. All of these pugs see vets, some for simple check ups, some for expensive procedures. Thanks to donations, we are able to continue to care for these pugs and find forever homes for them. https://pugpros.org/donate/

What is Pug Partners of Nebraska? Pug Partners of Nebraska is a 501c3, non-profit organization comprised of dedicated volunteers who are committed to rescuing and re-homing pugs in need. We believe that all pugs deserve a chance to be loved and to love a human companion. The majority of our rescue pugs come from what is called a puppy mill (a mass breeding facility), and we are very dedicated to these special dogs and providing them with the life they deserve. Our main purpose is to provide all of our rescue pugs with a loving foster home, quality dog food, medical care, and any other need that they may have while in our care. Our ultimate goal is to place each pug into a forever family that will continue to show the pug love, attention, and provide the care that they each deserve. We strive to educate our adopters and the public about our wonderful pug breed. Although pugs are quite different from most breeds, we want to show people how amazing these small dogs can be, and how they are great companions. Vision Statement Pug Partners of Nebraska provides a service to the community for pugs in need, by rescuing purebred pugs that are in shelters, puppy mills, whose owners can no longer care for them, and for those who have become lost/abandoned and to place them in a loving and safe permanent home where they will be loved and cared for as companion pets. Goals of Pug Partners of Nebraska To accomplish our mission, Pug Partners of Nebraska strives to: Rescue adoptable pugs from a variety of situations and place them into loving foster homes until their permanent home can be foundTreat all pugs like our own, by giving them behavioral and medical attention that they needAct as advocates by protecting and advancing the pug breed by encouraging responsible pug ownership and by rescuing pugs from unsafe or abusive situationsCarefully screen all volunteers to ensure that the most knowledgeable pug experts in the community are on board with pug Partners’ missionHelp reduce the pet over-population crisis by ensuring that all pugs adopted through our rescue are spayed or neuteredHave useful information available to those interested in adding a pug to their familyProvide the community with superior knowledge of the pug breedcooperate and network with other animal rescue organizations in the community and world-wideIncorporate programs to help the rescue succeed and involved more volunteers Pug Partners History One random July evening in 2008, Jessica Kamish was surfing the web looking for a sister for her current 3 year old pug Rocky. She came across the website for Midwest Pug Rescue where a banner read, “Foster homes needed in Omaha, NE.” As Jessica was the president of the Omaha Pug Club, with membership of more than 150 pug lovers, she was sure that she could find a couple of fellow pug lovers who would open their  homes and hearts to a pug in need and foster for the rescue. An email was sent out to the address listed on the website, and an email was quickly received back that there was a 6 year old female who was found in O’Neil, Nebraska who needed a foster home. At this point Jessica sent an email to the pug club asking for foster homes. One couple replied immediately, Megan and Josiah (Si) Hollibaugh. They had just adopted two pugs from another rescue and wanted to help out a pug in need. With much contemplation, Jessica and her fiancé Matt decided to go ahead and take on this 6 year old puppy mill pug and give fostering a try. They named their foster pug Lily.  Lily changed Matt and Jessica’s life. As a puppy mill survivor she had never experienced life outside of a kennel. There were so many firsts, and they found glory in the small things.  The experience touched them both and they wanted to become more involved. Shortly after deciding this, Lily became part of their family. Jessica soon began getting emails about all the pugs needing rescued in Nebraska and Iowa. At this time, the only pug rescue in the area was Midwest Pug Rescue in Kansas City, MO, and it was obvious that the rescue need was great in the Nebraska and Iowa area as well.  Jessica continued to seek out additional foster homes to help with the influx of pugs that needed rescued in the area.  Megan and Si were the first foster home to take in a foster pug after Jessica. Their first foster was Yoda, a three year old mostly blind male who was surrendered to the Council Bluffs Animal Shelter. They too were touched by their fostering experience and wanted to find a way to help the pugs in need even more. After finding it hard to stay in contact with the pug rescue in Kansas City, Jessica, Matt, Megan and Si decided that it would be best to start up their own rescue and run it the way that would work best for them. Pug Partners of Nebraska was created in December 2008, and the EIN number request was filed with the IRS. In January 2009, a generous Omaha lawyer agreed to help the group file their 501(c)(3) paperwork. On January 30, 2009 the state certified Pug Partners of Nebraska’s Articles of Incorporation. Since then, Pug Partners of Nebraska has rescued over 900 pugs.  We have over 20 foster homes, many volunteers, and have countless happy-ever-after stories about the pugs PPN has rescued. As the rescue has increased in size, Pug Partners added new positions to better help them rescue more pugs in need. In July 2009, positions were added to include a foster qualifier, foster coordinator, adoption qualifier, and adoption coordinator. In January 2010, these roles were further condensed to include a foster director and an adoption director.  In March 2010, the positions began evolving once again and will continue to evolve as the rescue continues to grow. Join us for a dinner benefitting Pug Partners of Nebraska! This special event directly supports our rescue efforts. There will be a live auctioneer, a silent auction, raffles, a photo booth, and a presentation of Pug Partners’ mission and achievements for the year. Location: Arbor Hall, 14040 Arbor St, Omaha, NE 68144 Suggested attire: Cocktail attire 6:00 Social hour begins 6:30 Announcements 7:00 Dinner buffet 7:30-7:40 Silent Auction Tables Close 8:00 Live Auction by Larsen & Larsen Auction Company 8:30 Raffle Drawing (must be present to win) Purchase Tickets This event is only for adults over 21 years old. Interested in Sponsoring?Sponsor Curly Tails & Cocktails https://www.pugpartners.com/

Signs From The Afterlife  When our pets leave their physical body, it can feel overwhelming and challenging. But it is important to remember that it is not the end! Our animals are always around and ready to interact with us. We just need to understand how they communicate, recognise the signs and acknowledge their presence. The summarised list of signs from the afterlife include: Hearing familiar sounds: footsteps, barking, howling scratchingSmelling familiar scents which remind you of your petSeeing their presence out of the corner of your eyeNoticing orbs or small flashes of lightReceiving an sudden influx of shared memories out of nowhereExperiencing unexplained electrical malfunction or disturbancesFeeling your animals snuggle up next to youSensing your animals looking at youSpecial encounters with winged animals, bird and insectsNoticing your other animals stare at an empty spaceA Sudden feeling of warmth, love and comfortSudden changes in room temperatureSeeing your pets doppelgangerFinding feathers, fur or whiskers around the house or on clothingUsing words or numbers to communicateMoving toys or objects around the houseFinding your animals favourite food around the houseBeing drawn to a particular objectsFinding misplaced or objects in unexpected placesKnocking objects over around the houseFinding unexplainable scratches or markingsHaving vivid dreams about your petReceiving visions from your petA new animal comes knocking at your doorHearing songs that remind you of your deceased pet And if you haven’t yet received any signs, don’t worry, it may take some time. And if you really can’t wait, consider an Animal Mediumship Consultation to reconnect with them. It is a great way to establish contact, overcome grief and exchange loving messages. To sign up for a webinar please find more information: Here is the link to Jen Weigel's site that is hosting the animal communication class. https://weigel-productions.ticketleap.com/animal-communication-with-cindy-myers-on-zoom/ https://yourenergyhealer.com/

THE PRNC STORY Pug Rescue of Northern California (formerly Pug Rescue of Sacramento) is a non-profit organization that takes in Pugs and Pug mixes from across Northern California that have been abandoned at pounds or shelters, found as strays or turned in by their owners. We then spay or neuter the pugs, make sure they are current on their shots, perform a heartworm test and start medication, insert a microchip, complete a health check and provide for other medical assessment and treatment as needed. The pugs are fostered in the private homes of our volunteers and then placed in loving, pre-screened adoptive homes. We recently changed our name to Pug Rescue of Northern California (PRNC). We were formerly known as Pug Rescue of Sacramento (PROS). We have worked throughout all of Northern California for many years and feel this name represents our efforts more fully. Please read below our story of how we became Pug Rescue of Sacramento and grew into Pug Rescue of Northern California. Before PROS was formed the need for pug rescue had become evident. A breeder in the Sacramento area named Marianne Herzberg-Stanley stepped into the void without having outside financial backing. She had done informal pug rescue for years, but saw the need in the early 1990's and took the lead. In May of 1996, we were incorporated as a California Public Benefit Corporation. By this time Marianne had yielded her involvement to others that have kept her efforts going. She left PROS in good hands with many volunteers and dedicated Board members. The year 2001 brought a major change in our pug rescue organization. Pug Rescue by the Bay joined forces with the Sacramento group and became affiliated with us starting in April. Prior to this change, we had been taking in and adopting out a substantial amount of Pugs in the Bay Area. The volunteers and coordinators in the Bay Area have proven to be a great asset to PROS' rescue efforts. Effective on May 14, 2003 PROS became a federal nonprofit organization and this has benefited our many donators and members who support our rescue efforts. By the end of 2010, PROS rescued 106 pugs. Total pugs helped in 2009 was 105 and in 2008, the number of pugs saved was 125. Contrary to our name, PROS will rescue from the Bay to the Borders because the need is evident. Most of our adoptions are more than 50 miles out of Sacramento or in the Bay Area. Recently, several other rescues have come into existence that will take the strain off our efforts. We applaud their efforts and wish them much success, but as they come into growth we expect to remain the most dedicated Pug rescue group in Northern California. We have many contacts and volunteers in various geographical areas. Our ultimate goal is to make sure all Pugs and Pug mixes that need to be rescued get rescued. We hold various events in the Bay Area such as Pug Sundays and the Adoption Fair. We are always looking for additional volunteers as well as foster homes for the Pugs waiting to find their forever home. We accept donations of new goods and services for our yearly auctions and raffles, as well as cash donations. We accept Pay Pal donations and can also donations through United Way. We are a state and federal non-profit corporation so your donation may be tax deductible. These funds go to providing food, medical treatment and care for the growing number of rescues that are finding their way to our door. All Pugs that are adopted out are done so under a contract that provides that the Pug will be returned to us if the owner can no longer keep the Pug for any reason. It is the goal of PRNC to never turn away a Pug in need. PRNC does not euthanize any animal because of lack of space or inability to find a home, and in fact will only do so in cases of extreme medical crisis. Visit https://pugpros.org

In an ideal world, all dog food would be created equal. Instead, dog owners are presented with an overwhelming array of options, all claiming to be the best dog food on the market. Wading through these choices to find a dog food brand that is healthy, affordable, and appealing to your pet is often frustrating. We’ve compiled expert advice to help you narrow down your options. What Makes a Dog Food “Good”? Most people feed their dogs dry kibble or canned wet food. These processed foods might not be appealing to us, but they contain all of the nutrients dogs need to stay healthy. Quality commercial dog foods are highly regulated and have undergone rigorous testing by veterinary specialists. So what exactly is in these dog foods? Dogs, unlike cats, are not strict carnivores. While meat makes up the majority of their diet, domestic dogs can also derive nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. These non-meat foods are not simply fillers, but can be a valuable source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A good dog food will contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. The best dog foods contain high-quality versions of these ingredients that are appropriate for your dog’s digestive system. Dog Food Nutrition The best dog food for your canine companion should meet his nutritional needs. While most commercial dog food brands are specially formulated with at least the minimum nutritional requirements for dogs, it is important to remember that not every dog has exactly the same nutritional needs. Dogs require a wide range of nutrients in different quantities over the course of their lives. The nutritional needs of a puppy are different from an adult dog, which is why it is a good idea to feed a puppy formula or an “all life stages” food to your young dog. If you are unsure about the differences in nutritional requirements between puppies and adults, the Merck Veterinary Manual lists the recommended nutrients for dogs, along with the recommended amount by weight and age. Large breed dogs and puppies have different nutritional requirements than small breed dogs and puppies. ©Justyna - stock.adobe.com   Dog Food Myths and Misinformation There are plenty of dog food myths and misinformation about dog nutrition on the Internet. You can sort through it by following one simple rule: check your sources. Many well-meaning individuals make claims about dog nutrition without backing them up with scientific evidence. As you do research, always check to see if the information is supported by a credible source, like a veterinarian, canine nutritionist, or scientific study. It never hurts to be skeptical, either. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many people have questions about grain-inclusive or grain-free dog food, pea-free dog food, or dog foods containing animal byproducts. If your dog has been diagnosed with a food allergy caused by grains, you may choose a grain-free diet under the guidance of your veterinarian. For most dogs, grains are actually a source of wholesome nutrients. Quality animal byproducts are also nutritious. These include organ meats and entrails, which often contain more nutrients than the muscle meat consumed by humans. Regulated byproducts do not include hooves, hair, floor sweepings, intestinal contents, or manure. As with any pet-related inquiry, feel free to discuss your concerns about your dog’s food with your veterinarian. How to Read a Dog Food Label One way to decipher a good dog food from a bad dog food is to read the label. This is easier said than done, as labels can be hard to read, both due to the small print and just plain awkwardness of handling big bags of dog food in the store! But labels can also be misleading, as the Merck Veterinary Manual explains. Dog food labels are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to tell you eight key pieces of information, and individual states may also have their own labeling requirements: Product nameNet weight of the productName and address of the manufacturerGuaranteed analysisList of ingredientsIntended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)Statement of nutritional adequacyFeeding guidelines Product Name The product name alone tells you a lot about what’s inside the can or bag. The term “beef” means that beef must make up at least 70 percent of the entire product. The terms “beef dinner,” “beef entrée,” or “beef platter,” on the other hand, only require that beef makes up at least 10 percent of the entire product. “With beef” only requires that 3 percent of the total product be beef, and “beef flavor” simply implies that there is enough beef in the product to flavor it (less than 3 percent). The same holds true for other named ingredients like “chicken.” Ingredients The ingredient list on a dog food label will not tell you the quality of the ingredients or where they came from, and some manufacturers split up the ingredients to make the distribution more equal. For instance, different types of corn, such as flaked corn, ground corn, or kibbled corn, can be listed separately. This bumps corn down on the list of ingredients, even though the actual content of corn in the food is high. Meat is another tricky ingredient. Whole meats contain a large percentage of water weight, which means that the overall percentage of meat after processing is lower than it appears. Meat meal, on the other hand, sounds less appealing to people, but actually contains more meat than “whole meats,” as there is no water weight to throw off the calculation. While the ingredient list might not tell you the quality of the ingredients, it does tell you what is in the food. This is especially important for dogs with special dietary needs or allergies and is also useful for owners who wish to feed their dogs specific sources of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. “Complete and Balanced” Dog Foods One of the first things you should look for on a dog food label is the statement “(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.” This isn’t just an advertising slogan. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has strict requirements to make sure that a product is in fact complete and balanced for dogs (or cats). Complete and balanced diets must contain the minimum amount of all of the nutrients necessary for dogs, which is also indicated in the “guaranteed analysis.” This analysis gives the minimum amount of crude protein and fat, along with the maximum amounts of water and crude fiber. The analysis does not, however, give the exact amount of these components, which means there is room for considerable variation. The manufacturer’s average nutrient profile is often a better tool for evaluating a product. You can always contact the dog food company directly to get more information about its product. A reputable company that has your dog’s interests at heart should be happy to answer your questions and in many cases will give you more information than what is available on the website or product label. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has a helpful sheet with questions you can ask a company representative. Best Dog Food for Small and Large Breeds Small breed dogs and large breed dogs have different nutritional needs. Large breed dogs are more prone to musculoskeletal problems than smaller breeds, and so they often require large-breed dog food with different balances of certain nutrients to promote musculoskeletal health, especially as puppies. Small breed dogs, on the other hand, can choke on large-sized kibble and have their own nutritional requirements that can be accommodated with a small-breed dog food. Research your dog’s breed to find out if there are any additional nutritional requirements you should be aware of. ©duncanandison - stock.adobe.com   Best Dog Food for Puppies The nutritional needs of dogs vary throughout their life. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and senior dogs have their own nutritional considerations. Most dog food companies carry specially formulated puppy foods for each stage of a dog’s life, making it easier to narrow down your choices. If you are concerned about which is the best dog food for your dog’s life stage, consult your veterinarian to see what stage food is appropriate for your dog. Your puppy requires a different nutrient balance than an adult dog. This is especially true for large breeds. Feeding a large breed puppy food can help, as their growth needs to be monitored carefully to prevent bone and joint problems. Other puppies do well on both “puppy food” and food labeled “for all life stages.” The best food for your puppy depends on your puppy’s size and breed. Always consult your veterinarian for recommendations on puppy feeding, and advice on how to switch puppies to adult dog food. Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs Senior dogs, usually considered 7+, vary in their individual nutritional needs. Younger senior dogs may struggle with being overweight and older senior dogs may struggle with being underweight, which is why there is such a variety. Choosing the best senior dog food may come down to what your dog finds palatable. Many older dogs prefer wet food while others may need their food warmed up to enhance the aromas. Ultimately, your vet can help choose the best dog food for an older pet. Best Food for Dogs With Special Dietary Needs Allergies, sensitive stomachs, and dietary restrictions affect dogs, as well as people. Feeding dogs with special dietary needs can be tricky. Your best course of action is to consult your veterinarian for advice about the dog food that best helps with their condition. Best Dry Dog Food The most widely available and affordable dog food is dry dog food. Dry dog food does not require refrigeration, which is its main advantage over wet dog food, as it contains approximately 90 percent dry matter and 10 percent water. This makes it easy to store. Dry dog food is made by combining and cooking ingredients like meat and grains. This process converts the starches in the food into an easily digested form, while also destroying toxins and flash sterilizing the ingredients. There are many different varieties of dry dog food on the shelves. The best dry food for your dog depends on your dog’s dietary needs. In general, a higher quality dry dog food that contains the appropriate ingredients for your dog’s life stage and breed is the best choice, but talk to your vet or veterinary nutritionist about the healthiest choice for your pet. Best Wet Dog Food Wet dog food, or canned dog food, is a perfectly viable alternative to dry dog food. While generally slightly more expensive, wet dog food is more palatable than dry food and can help stimulate the appetite of picky eaters. Wet dog food contains many of the same ingredients as dry dog food, but not in the same quantities. Wet food contains higher amounts of fresh meat, poultry, fish, and animal byproducts, along with more textured proteins derived from grains. Canned dog food has a long shelf life, however it must be refrigerated once opened. The best wet food for your dog, just as with dry dog food, depends on your dog’s life stage, breed, and any special dietary needs or allergies. Talk to your vet about the wet dog food that he recommends for your pet. How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Dog obesity is a growing concern in the veterinary community and has been linked to many health problems in dogs. Luckily for our pets, we are usually more disciplined about controlling their diets than we are about controlling our own. Knowing how much to feed your dog and what healthy dog weight looks like can be tricky. Many owners accidentally overfeed their pets, which is why it is important to take your dog in for regular checkups and to talk with your vet about appropriate portions. The guidelines on the back of the bag are just that – guidelines. Some dogs may require more than the recommended amount, whereas others require much less. Activity level, time of year, nursing, illness, and more factors can all impact how much a dog needs to eat. Dog people will often advise that you should “feed the dog that’s in front of you” instead of strictly adhering to dog food serving size guidelines that may or may not be exactly what your dog needs. Choosing the Best Dog Food The best dog food for your dog is ultimately up to you to decide. As an owner, you are the one who sees your dog on a regular basis. If your dog produces firm, healthy stool, is active and fit, and has a healthy appetite, then your dog food is probably working just fine. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource to you during this process. They know more about pet nutrition than the average owner, and they also have access to research and resources that owners do not have. Your vet can help you narrow down your options and should be more than happy to help you find the answers to your questions about your dog’s food.

About Digitail Founded in 2018 by Sebastian Gabor and Ruxandra Pui, Digitail is an all-in-one, cloud-based practice management software with a native pet parent app. It is designed to maximize productivity and deliver modern experiences to veterinary teams, pet owners, and their companions on every step of the patient journey. Equipped with an AI-powered virtual assistant, Digitail automates routine administrative tasks, cuts down staff’s workload, and lets them focus on what they do best — providing exceptional care. At the same time, the Digitail app puts essential pet care information into the hands of pet parents, improving communication and increasing compliance. Visit https://digitail.com/ to learn more

Dogs can be opportunists when it comes to getting their paws on tasty treats, but not all everyday food and drink are safe if they come into contact with them. Learn which nine items are particularly dangerous to your dog. 1. ONIONS, GARLIC AND CHIVES The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. Signs of illness are not always immediate and can occur up to a few days later. 2. CHOCOLATE However enticing chocolate is for humans and dogs alike, chocolate is another poisonous food for dogs. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine (dark chocolate has the highest content of this) which is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. 3. MACADAMIA NUTS Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting. 4. CORN ON THE COB Corn on the cob could potentially be fatal if eaten by your dog. Although the corn is digested by dogs, the cob can cause a blockage in your dog’s intestine. 5. AVOCADO Avocados are another poisonous food for dogs. Avocado plants contain a substance called Persin which is in its leaves, fruit and seed and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. 6. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER (XYLITOL) Our desire for sweet treats, chewing gum and drinks together with low-fat, diet and sugar-free products (including some peanut butters so always check the label before using this as a treat) are often laced with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol which causes an insulin release in our bodies. However, if your dog digests one of these sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycaemia which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders. 7. ALCOHOL Alcohol has a huge impact on dogs even in small doses. The drink not only causes intoxication as it does in humans, but it can lead to sickness, diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage. 8. COOKED BONES Giving your dog a raw uncooked bone to chew on is great, but avoid cooked bones at all cost. These can easily splinter and in large quantities cause constipation or at worst, a perforation of the gut which can be fatal. 9. GRAPES AND RAISINS Raisins are in many of the foods that we love to eat such as cakes, biscuits and cereals so it’s not just the fruit form we should be concerned with. The active ingredient which causes the toxin is unknown, however both grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage and kidney failure. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG HAS EATEN ANY OF THESE? If consumed, even small amounts of these items can be fatal so always act immediately and take your dog to the vets.

Many dog owners have learned to recognize the telltale signs of an ear infection: whining, scratching, and head shaking are often the first symptoms of the problem. Ear infections are common conditions in dogs, especially those with floppy ears such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels. An estimated 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease, which may affect one or both ears. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the length and severity of these episodes for your dog. There are dog ear care products to help prevent issues from reoccurring. There are three types of ear infections, known formally as otitis externa, media, and interna. The most common is otitis externa, in which inflammation affects the layer of cells lining the external portion of the ear canal. Otitis media and interna refer to infections of the middle and inner ear canal, respectively. These infections often result from the spread of infection from the external ear. Otitis media and interna can be very serious and may result in deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs. That’s why it’s important to prevent infections and seek early treatment when problems arise. Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections Some dogs show no symptoms of ear infection aside from a buildup of wax and discharge in the ear canal. But ear infections often cause significant discomfort and affected dogs may show signs such as: Head shakingScratching at the affected earDark dischargeOdorRedness and swelling of the ear canalPainItchinessCrusting or scabs in the ears What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs? The canine ear canal is more vertical than that of a human, forming an L-shape that tends to hold in fluid. This makes dogs more prone to ear infections. Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. In puppies, ear mites can also be a source of infection. Factors that may predispose your dog to ear infections include: Moisture, which can create a prime growing environment for bacteria and yeastAllergies, which lead to ear disease in about 50 percent of dogs with allergic skin disease and 80 percent of dogs with food sensitivitiesEndocrine disorders, such as thyroid diseaseAutoimmune disordersWax buildupForeign bodiesInjury to the ear canalExcessive cleaning Precise Diagnosis Needed for a Dog’s Ear Infections If your dog is showing any of the common signs of ear infections, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Quick treatment is necessary not only for your dog’s comfort (these conditions can be painful!), but also to prevent the spread of infection to the middle and inner ear. Don’t try to treat ear infections at home. Be prepared to provide your vet with a thorough history of the problem. This is especially important for first-time infections, or if you are seeing a new veterinarian. Your vet will want to know the following: Duration of any symptoms, such as pain, swelling, discharge, and odorIf your dog has any allergies or other underlying medical conditionsIf your dog is on medicationWhat your dog has been eatingHow often you clean your dog’s ears and which dog ear cleaning products you useIf you’ve trimmed or plucked the hair in your dog’s earsRecent activities, such as baths, grooming, or swimmingIf your dog has a history of ear infections, when they occurred, and how they were treated After obtaining your dog’s history, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination. In severe cases, your vet may also recommend sedating your dog to facilitate examination deep within the ear canal. Your vet will evaluate both ears, and the exam may include: Visual assessment to look for signs such as redness, swelling, and dischargeExamination with an otoscope, which allows evaluation of the ear canal and eardrumGentle palpation of the ear to assess level of painMicroscopic examination of samples taken by swabbing the earCulture of samples from the earBiopsies or X-rays in severe or chronic cases How are Dog Ear Infections Treated? Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your vet may also prescribe your dog prescription ear drops for you to use at home. In severe cases of dog ear infections, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Most uncomplicated ear infections resolve within 1–2 weeks, once appropriate treatment begins. But severe infections or those due to underlying conditions may take months to resolve, or may become chronic problems. In cases of severe chronic disease where other treatments have failed, your veterinarian may recommend surgery such as a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA). A TECA surgery removes the ear canal, thus removing the diseased tissue and preventing the recurrence of infection. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely and return to the veterinary hospital for any recommended recheck appointments. Lapses in your dog’s treatment may lead to the recurrence of the infection. It is especially important that you finish the full course of your dog’s medication, even if your dog appears to be getting better. Failure to finish the full course of treatment may lead to additional problems such as resistant infections. Can You Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs? As with most diseases, prevention is always best. Excess moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so be sure to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after swimming and bathing. Ask your veterinarian if a dog ear powder would be a good option for helping keep your dog’s ears dry. If your dog is prone to chronic or recurrent ear infections, identifying and managing any underlying causes such as allergies can also help prevent new infections from occurring. Cleaning your dog’s ears at home can also help prevent ear infections. Jeff Grognet, DVM, a columnist for AKC Family Dog, advises the following steps for ear cleaning: “First, fill the canal with a dog ear cleaning solution and massage the vertical ear canal from the outside. Wipe out the canal with absorbent gauze. Don’t use paper towels or cotton because these may leave fibers behind, and those could cause irritation.” Cotton swabs may also be useful for cleaning your dog’s pinnae (the external ear flaps) but avoid using them in the ear canal, which may inadvertently push debris deeper into the canal. You can also find dog ear cleaning wipes that are helpful for clearing away dirt and debris from the external ear flaps. Ear infections are a common and often recurrent problem in many dogs, but, with your veterinarian’s help, you can keep your dog’s ears clean and comfortable. If your dog is showing signs of an ear infection, always talk to your vet and seek treatment right away to ensure the problem does not become serious. Visit your local Veterinarian if you have any of these symptoms.

Welcome to Zoom Room Dog Training in Lincoln, providing exceptional dog training classes using only positive reinforcement. Small group classes or private training sessions allow our expert dog trainers to teach obedience, dog agility, puppy training classes and enrichment workshops in our indoor climate-controlled dog gym. You can also get in some exercise during a Playgroup or Private Gym session, or throw your dog a birthday party! We're available for fund-raisers for rescue groups, too, as well as meet-ups, or other canine social events. If you're looking for the best dog trainers in Lincoln or Omaha, please stop on by or give us a call. Location Information 4400 Lucile Dr Suite 102 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-413-6410 Contact Us Mon-Thu: 11 am - 8 pm Fri: 11 am - 7 pm Sat-Sun: 9 am - 5 pm           TRAIN. How Our Classes Work At the Zoom Room, we don’t train dogs. We train the people who love them. We’ve redefined dog training, with classes specially designed to build confidence and success as dogs master skills in a simple, step-by-step process. We utilize only positive dog training methods, which your entire family can easily master and embrace. You will be actively engaged in your dog’s training, working as a team as you learn to communicate more effectively with your dog. So what you learn at the Zoom Room doesn’t have to stay at the Zoom Room. Behaviors will naturally transition to life at home with your dog. Our indoor dog training gym offers small group classes in agility, obedience, puppy and socialization classes with the best dog trainers in Lincoln, NE. Private, one-on-one training scheduled to your convenience is also available. Getting Started Your dog training journey always begins with either an Orientation or an Evaluation. Orientation Free, 30 min, attend without your dog, bring your vaccination recordsYou’ll learn how we do things, and how to load a clickerFor all puppies and those ready to enter Obedience 1If you can’t attend a scheduled Orientation, please call us so we can accommodate you, even remotely Evaluation $25, 30 min, attend with your dog, bring your vaccination recordsBook an appointment to schedule a convenient timeAttend if you’re concerned your dog may be too reactive for group classes, if you’d like to place into more advanced coursework, or if you need help coming up with a training plan SIGN UP FOR ORIENTATION   BOOK AN EVALUATION Group Classes Small class size for personalized attentionFlexible Schedule: Class packs can be used for any class, day or timeAdvanced courses have prerequisites to enterLevels Training: work at your own pace and graduate to the next level when you and your dog have mastered the skillsYou can enroll in class at any time because everyone is working at different levels and advances at different paces from each other Private Training Private dog training Scheduled at times convenient to you, this is ideal if: You’d prefer one-on-one attentionYour schedule makes it difficult to attend group classesYour dog is too reactive to participate in a group settingYou’d like to focus on a specific behavior issueYou wish to accelerate the learning of any behaviors Remote training Half-hour private sessions via live video chat are beneficial if: You are unable to leave home due to illness or a shelter-in-place orderYou have a new puppy and want some extra hand-holding at homeYou'd like to include members of the household not able to attend classes, such as young childrenYour dog is exhibiting problem behaviors that only appear at homeYou are traveling out of town with your dog PRIVATE TRAINING MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Puppy Training The Zoom Room wrote the book on puppy training. Literally. “Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog” is the best-selling dog training book in America. Luckily for you and your puppy, you live in Lincoln and can enjoy early socialization and puppy training classes right here at your local Zoom Room! Visit zoomroom.com

Dr. Doug Mader is a triple board-certified veterinary specialist and has been a veterinarian for over three decades. He is an internationally recognized speaker, has written three best-selling medical textbooks and numerous book chapters and scientific publications, and has had long standing pet columns in the Long Beach Press Telegram, Reptiles magazine, and the Key West Citizen. Dr. Mader is the recipient of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Award, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award, and the Fred L. Frye Lifetime Achievement Award for Veterinary Medicine, and is a seven-time winner of the North American Veterinary Community Speaker of the Year award and a four-time winner of the Western Veterinary Conference Educator of the Year award. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in the UK. Dr. Mader practiced in California for many years, but today lives and works in the Florida Keys. To learn more or puchase Dr. Mader's book please visit: https://www.dougmader.com/

Ellie is an animal communicator and healing expert who consults with people, animal rescues, and sanctuaries all over the world on how to save, heal, and treat their own animals.  Ellie is a powerful speaker and the author of “My Gentle Barn: Creating a sanctuary where animals heal, and children learn to hope.” Ellie has appeared on some of the most influential media outlets including The Ellen Show, People Magazine, Life Magazine, Animal Planet, The Huffington Post, Turning point, Women’s World, NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, The NY Times, and many more.  Ellie has been saving, rehabilitating and communicating with animals since she was a child. From the age of seven Ellie heard the distress calls of baby birds, injured wildlife, and orphaned animals and would bring them home to heal them.  By age 11 Ellie was working with families in her community to solve behavioral and training issues for their dogs. As a young adult, Ellie founded "Rover Rescue" where she focused on taking dogs and cats from high kill shelters deemed unadoptable. By communicating and connecting with the animals, Ellie was able to resolve their issues and place them into forever homes. During her time with Rover Rescue Ellie saved over 500 dogs and cats. Later Ellie discovered a petting zoo and was overwhelmed by the animals desperate pleas for help. Not able to walk away, Ellie ended up bringing those broken farm animals home to her half acre backyard. She listened as they recounted their tails of abuse and neglect and gave them everything they needed to heal. This made Ellie want to do more. Ellie founded The Gentle Barn in 1999, a nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates not only dogs and cats, but horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, emus, llamas, and donkeys. Ellie formulated her own "Gentle Healing" method, using a combination of animal communication, energy healing, holistic healing, holding therapy, and western medicine to heal animals no one else would take and had nowhere else to go. Ellie specializes in healing puppies with Parvo, calves from veal crates, and orphaned animals of all kinds.  Ellie and her husband Jay Weiner have brought The Gentle Barn national and now have three Gentle Barn locations, in California, in Missouri and in Tennessee. The Gentle Barn is one of the largest and most beloved farm animal sanctuaries in the world. It is their goal to be the voice for animals, share their stories, and open the hearts of humanity towards all living beings. For more information about The Gentle Barn, please visit: www.gentlebarn.org

Managing canine diabetes Giving your dog a long, happy life Symptoms of diabetes  Excessive thirst (drinking water) Increased urinationWeight loss (even if eating well) Decreased appetite Cloudy eyes Chronic or frequent infections, including skin and urinary infections  Learning your dog has diabetes can feel like a punch to your gut. Up to 1% of all dogs may develop diabetes during their lifetime. While this is a serious diagnosis, treatment options and management strategies can give your dog a long, quality life.  Diabetes mellitus revolves around a lack of insulin or a lack of the body’s response to insulin. Insulin therapy is a mainstay of treatment. Understanding your dog’s prognosis As with so many canine health problems, early diagnosis is key to your dog living a full life. Caught early, with treatment started right away and careful monitoring, many dogs with diabetes live full, active lives. The battle will be more difficult with dogs who have these issues:  Phosphate levels Dogs who have high levels of phosphate in their blood at the time of diagnosis tend to have a slightly less positive prognosis. The exact reason for this is unknown, but it emphasizes the need for a complete blood chemistry panel at the time of diagnosis.   Medical history Dogs who are more than 10-years-old, overweight, have a history of pancreatitis or are battling hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) are more likely to have problems. Dogs with hypothyroidism have a slightly higher risk of becoming diabetic, and any dog who has required treatment with glucocorticoids for long periods of time is also at risk.   Breeding A study from the United Kingdom suggested that Border Terriers, West Highland White Terriers and Cocker Spaniels had lower survival times than Border Collies. Tibetan Terriers, Cairn Terriers and Samoyeds are also considered high-risk breeds for diabetes.   Females  While female dogs have a higher risk of developing diabetes, if they are spayed, they can be managed quite well.  Starting therapy After your dog has been definitively diagnosed with diabetes, treatment with insulin will be the starting point. Dogs who are ill may need to be hospitalized and started with rapid-acting insulin injections. Most dogs will be feeling relatively well and can start treatment at home under veterinary guidance.  Customizing treatment for diabetics is essential. Individual dogs may respond to one type of insulin but not another. Some dogs become resistant to a certain type after time and need to change. Dosages can vary greatly among dogs, as can the timing of dosages. Typically, dogs will start off on insulin injections twice a day, around their feeding times. But be prepared for the experimentation necessary to find the ideal protocol for an individual dog.  Veterinary staff will explain how to handle and store insulin, and how to correctly use the syringes. Different strengths and types of insulin come in different units, and you need to carefully match the syringes you use with the insulin type. Insulin is sensitive and must be stored carefully, not too cold or too hot. Even shaking it too vigorously can harm this medication. Some insulins need to be rolled rather than shaken. Never use insulin past its expiration date.  Finally, you will learn how to give the injections. Some clinics have you practice on something like fruit until you are comfortable with doing the injections properly. Injections are given subcutaneously, reaching the fat between the surface skin and muscle below. The needles are a small diameter and very sharp, so most dogs handle the injections well. Needles and syringes need to be disposed of properly. You will need a sharps container and to learn how to dispose of the needles in your town.  Types of insulin There are many versions of insulin available for treating diabetic dogs, and your veterinarian will guide you to the best choice for your individual dog.  FDA-approved for use in dogs:  Porcine lente (Vetsulin) Zinc insulin (ProZinc)  Used off-label with good results:  Detemir (Levemir) Glargine (Lantus) Isophane insulin, known as NPH (Novolin-N, Humulin-N)  All insulin drugs should only be used under the guidance of your veterinarian, with regular check-ups. Insulin costs will vary among products.  Insulin-glucose response curve Once you have the basics down, you will help fine-tune your dog’s treatment. Trial and error is used to determine the best insulin, the ideal dose, timing and how to coordinate feedings with the dosing schedule. For the first week or two, while your dog’s body adjusts to the insulin and you get your routine down, your veterinarian may have you monitor your dog via urine glucose strips. These give you a rough idea as to whether your dog is handling the insulin without getting their glucose levels too low. The ideal method for determining all these factors is to create a glucose response curve. Glucose is one of the main factors influenced by insulin. Tracking results of glucose in the blood is an easy way to know if your insulin dose is correct. Urine glucose monitoring can also help but is not as precise.  To create a glucose curve, blood glucose levels are checked about every two hours over a 12-hour period, if possible. That many blood tests can be expensive, but it is worth it to get your dog on the right track. Using the glucose curve, your veterinarian will see when the insulin starts to act, how long a single dose provides treatment, when the insulin is at its highest level of activity and when it fades out. While running the glucose curve, your dog’s feeding (timing and portions) are carefully controlled. Based on the highs and lows of the curve, adjustments may be made in dose, timing of meals and amount fed.  Normal blood glucose levels in healthy dogs are 80-120 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dl). Most dogs can handle levels going as high as 250 with minimal side effects. Post mealtimes, some dogs may normally go up to 400 but that is a temporary effect. Once blood glucose levels go over 200, glucose will be detectable in the urine.  Factors influencing insulin dosing Because glucose is a basic nutrient, many factors can affect a dog’s requirements. Obese dogs need to lose weight, so that should be factored in. If your dog has a successful weight-loss program, insulin amounts will decrease. Activity levels also require different amounts of insulin. A dog who is running agility trials will end up with a different dose than a dog who strolls sedately around the block once or twice a day. Female dogs who go into heat will often have different insulin needs than a spayed dog ( — it is generally recommended to spay an intact diabetic female to even out insulin requirements). If your dog is sick or becomes hypothyroid (low thyroid hormone production), their insulin needs will change. If your dog skips their morning meal and doesn’t eat, you need to contact your veterinarian to discuss adjustments in the insulin dose. Insulin needs the “raw material” of the food to be effective.  Monitoring your diabetic dog  If your dog is not showing any clinical signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar or glucose levels), such as drinking more than usual, being extra hungry or urinating excessively, then your dosing should be in the right ballpark. Even so, periodic blood testing is recommended.  Having hypoglycemia (low blood sugar or glucose levels) is more serious. If your dog is very lethargic, sleeping more than usual and resisting activity, then they may have hypoglycemia. Some of these dogs will have tremors, difficulty walking and can collapse into a coma.  The brain is very dependent on glucose for its nutrition, so any changes in mental state could mean hypoglycemia. If you suspect this, you can put corn syrup or honey on your dog's gums. If they are alert, a meal of cooked pasta with some syrup or honey can help to quickly raise their blood sugar. The response should be fairly rapid. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog has high or low glucose levels. Fairly new on the scene are continuous or flash glucose-monitoring systems. These high-tech systems use an electrode inserted in the subcutaneous tissues of your dog. They give off a small current determined by the amount of glucose in the interstitial tissues. That charge is then converted to a glucose amount and displayed on a monitor.  Two systems have been used successfully in veterinary medicine: the MiniMed iPro2, a continuous monitoring system, and the Abbott Freestyle Libre, which is a flash system. These systems can provide a picture of your dog’s daily blood glucose levels while they are at home and doing normal activities.  Best management practices The goal with your diabetic dog is to mimic a healthy dog’s glucose status. You want a normal rhythm with no clinical signs of too high or too low. That means a steady routine, ideally feeding your dog the same diet, at the same time every day. Plan your dog’s activity for each day. If you have an unusually active day planned, ask your veterinarian ahead of time about any recommended adjustments in insulin or food. A steady state minimizes long-term damage from diabetes to organ systems like the heart, liver and kidneys. Even dogs who are well-managed may eventually develop cataracts, but it takes longer in dogs who have relatively well-controlled glucose levels.  Once your dog is on a set schedule, costs and complications are minimal.  Side effect cataracts Cataracts are a common side effect of canine diabetes. These cataracts tend to mature quickly and may be associated with inflammation. A veterinary ophthalmologist can evaluate your dog’s eyes to determine if cataract removal would improve vision.  If the ophthalmologist recommends removal, a well-regulated diabetic dog can have general anesthesia and surgery to remove the damaged lens. An artificial lens may be put in place at that time. If your dog is not a surgical candidate, don’t despair. Blind dogs usually adjust well to their loss of vision.  Prognosis With careful monitoring, many dogs with diabetes live full, active lives. It is important for owners of diabetic dogs to keep a notebook charting daily dosage, diet, and activity. Doing so can alert you to any developing problems.  This article has been reprinted with permission from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DogWatch newsletter, published by Belvoir Media Group.

2023: THE TEXAS LICENSED BREEDERS LAW  Background: Texas passed a law regulating large-scale cat and dog breeders in 2011 (Texas Occupations Code – Chapter 802 – Dog or Cat Breeders Act). While the 2011 law successfully prevented animal cruelty at licensed facilities, loopholes allowed numerous large-scale breeders to avoid inspections and meet basic standards of care. By 2023, it was clear that the Texas Licensed Breeders Law needed reform to regulate commercial breeders masquerading as hobbyists.  SB 876 does just that: first, by requiring breeders with five or more breeding females to be licensed. Previously, only breeders with eleven or more breeding females were regulated, which meant a large swath of the industry went sight unseen. According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) study, unlicensed breeding facilities are responsible for most cruelty and neglect complaints.   Second, SB 876 removes the need to prove a breeder sold 20 or more animals in a calendar year. Many breeders conduct cash-only sales, which are untraceable. By removing the “proof of sales” requirement, SB 876 closes a significant loophole that allowed commercial breeders to evade accountability. This legislation will effectuate change for thousands of animals across the state and allow the Texas Licensed Breeders Law to oversee the industry as originally intended.   SB 876 was authored by Representative Brad Buckley and co-authored by Senator Pete Flores and Senator John Whitmire. SB 876 is effective September 1, 2023, and breeders with five or more breeding females must be licensed by January 1, 2024.  https://www.thln.org/2023_the_texas_licensed_breeders_law