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Fireworks night
Microchipping your dog
Labradors at work: Canine Partners
Your dog's monthly results
Fireworks night
Remember, remember the 5th of November! If you are going out to watch the fireworks, it is not advisable to take your dog with you. They may become distressed with the noise, smell and bright flashes of fireworks and there is always the risk that they may pick up or stand on fireworks which could result in a painful injury.
A recent study found that 49% of dogs have a fear of loud noises, with fireworks, thunder and gunshot noises being the most common. Indeed many dogs were fearful of several noises. Interestingly, the fear of loud noises was not associated with a particular breed or sex, although cross-breeds had a higher incidence. Furthermore, dogs born in the Autumn-Winter had a lower incidence of fear of loud noises which may be because they became used to seasonal fireworks during early puppyhood although this is unproven.
Where possible, it is best for your dog to stay indoors on fireworks night as it can be a frightening and stressful time for them. They can often behave out of character for example trembling, howling or looking for somewhere to hide.
Before the fireworks start, it is a good idea to make sure your dog has been exercised and had the chance to go to the toilet.
If your dog becomes anxious or scared during the fireworks, offer them a safe, well known and comfortable place to rest or hide where they have their bedding and favourite toys. They may prefer to stick to you like glue! You can help your dog stay calm by retaining a normal routine for example, cooking or watching TV and letting them be beside you. Familiar noises like the TV or radio can help block any noise created by fireworks being set off.
You can also divert your dog’s attention and relieve stress by playing with them, teaching them a new trick or offering a tasty chew.
It is not advisable to let your dog out during the fireworks unless you have to and if you do, stay with them at all times. A scared dog may run off so check your garden fencing and make sure their collar is secure and identity tags carry up to date details. Inside, keep windows and doors closed to ensure the dog cannot escape and draw any curtains and blinds to help deaden the noise and dim any flashes.
This fireworks night may be the first for your dog so we hope this article has helped you to prepare for a safe fireworks night, minimising any stress for you and your dog. If your dog finds the firework season too stressful, ask your vet about other methods of controlling noise phobia’s such a behavioural therapy which can help to reduce the stress next year.
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Microchipping your dog
Microchipping is a permanent way of identifying your dog, providing a greater chance of them being returned to you if they go missing. Over 4 million dogs and cats have been microchipped since it was introduced in 1989. In 2009, Petlog (one of the UK’s microchipping databases) took over 108,000 calls in relation to lost and found pets. A recent survey by the Dogs Trust found that 35% of dogs were reunited with their owners as a result of the details carried on their microchip.
The microchip is approximately the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under the dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. Once the microchip has been put in place, the dog's body tissue surrounding the microchip attaches itself, preventing any movement of the chip, although occasionally microchips can move to different locations. The microchip is sterile and made of an inert material (such as that used for human pacemakers) so will not be rejected by the dog’s body. It cannot be seen and it is not painful.
The microchip contains a unique identification number registered to the dog. From this number, all the details of the dog and their owner can be accessed using microchip databases; Petlog, PETtrac, Anibase and Pet Protect, all of whom transfer information so no matter which one is contacted, the correct details will be retrieved. To obtain the identification number from the microchip, a scanner is passed over the dog’s body which picks up the number and shows it on the scanner’s screen.
It is a legal requirement to have some form of identification on your dog. Microchipping is one way of permanently identifying your dog, further to a collar, tag or tattoo. Dog homes, rescue centers, dog wardens, police and vets scan all unidentified dogs that are brought in, so if your dog goes missing or is involved in an accident, having a microchip should increase the chance of you getting your dog back quickly and safely. Having your dog microchipped can also help if the ownership of the dog is in dispute or if you want to travel abroad with your dog. If you want to know more your own vet can advise you further on microchipping your dog.
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Labradors at work: Canine Partners
Canine Partners is a charity that trains assistance dogs to meet the needs of people with disabilities. The majority of their dogs are Labradors or Labrador crosses. These dogs are chosen for their gentle co-operative nature, curiosity, a strong desire to be with people and a steady temperament.
Canine Partners was set up in 1990 by Anne Conway (assistance dog enthusiast and dog welfare campaigner) and Liz Ormerod (well-known vet and Animal Assisted Therapy expert) after several years of research on assistance dog programmes worldwide. The first 3 dogs trained were named Alex, Angus and Alfred. Various facilities in Hampshire were used until the training centre was established in Heyshott, West Sussex in 2003.
The charity’s mission is to provide tailor-made dogs for people with a variety of disabilities, a lot of whom are wheelchair users, so that they can enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life. The dogs assist with practical tasks that may be very difficult or impossible for a disabled person to perform on their own. Dogs are trained to open and close doors and cupboards, retrieve items such as keys or an inhaler, help with dressing and undressing, press buttons and switches, unload the washing machine, carry out emergency procedures and more depending on the individual’s needs.
Puppies are carefully selected and begin their training by being placed with a volunteer puppy parent for a year, attending classes weekly and becoming used to different environments like busy streets, shops, hospitals and workplaces. Advanced training then takes place at the training centre in Heyshott for around 4 to 6 months. This is when the dog is taught problem-solving and how to carry out the tasks required for their partner’s individual requirements. Training techniques are based on positive motivation through praise and reward. The dogs learn how to enjoy their work, remain obedient in public places as well as having the opportunity to relax and play.
Once a suitable dog and partner are united, both attend a 2 week residential training course before returning home together where continued aftercare assistance is at hand for the duration of the partnership. Canine Partners oversees the dog’s wellbeing throughout their working life and when the time comes, ensures the dog has an enjoyable retirement.
A canine partner not only helps practically but brings companionship and affection too. Looking after a dog’s daily needs offers benefits such as increasing the opportunity for social interaction. Having an assistance dog may also mean less reliance on others for help, increased independence, sense of security and self-esteem.
The charity is working closely with the uniformed services to provide assistance dogs to those injured while on active duty, including meeting the needs of members of HM Armed Forces with even the most complex of disabilities.
To find out more about Canine Partners, please visit http://www.caninepartners.org.uk/
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Your dog's monthly results
Thanks to all of you who continue to contribute to Dogslife. Your input on a monthly basis is greatly appreciated even if you are not able to complete the questionnaire fully. We are continually trying to make data entry easier for users. For example, you may not have had the chance to weigh your dog at the time you filled in the questionnaire, and the website would not allow you to progress without completing these details. Now we have lifted this restriction so that you do not need to fill in your dog's weight to complete the monthly questionnaire (you can leave the space in the form blank). You can still add or alter missing or incorrect data about height, weight, exercise or illness by clicking on an easy link we have added to the bottom of each graph on your dog's homepage (see screenshot below). And don’t forget to present your Dogslife Veterinary Health Report form to your vet if your dog is ill. The vet’s diagnosis is really helpful in order for us to identify the accurate diagnosis and treatments of different diseases. If you have lost the blank form, you can obtain another by logging into you dog’s homepage and clicking on the link to download the Dogslife Veterinary Health Report. Thank you again for all the information you have provided.
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Don't forget to come back to Dogslife each month to update your puppy's record www.dogslife.ac.uk
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