8 Backyard Dogs Flashcards
Explain the slight downwards trend in pet ownership since 2002
- more apartment dwellers (no backyard)
- a lot more immigration; people bring different cultural values as to whether or not they need a dog in their life
How is money mainly spent on pets? (2)
1) Vet services; specialists
2) Pet food (marketed to humans)
Why is more money being spent on pets? (5)
- advances in vet medicine
- feel the need to do something for the animals in our life
- improved product choice
- becoming more aware about what we can do for our pets (vax, worming)
- good marketing (trainers, behaviorists)
Why are dogs good for us? (5)
- promotion of physical activity
- lower BP (exercise and reduce stress)
- increased opportunities to meet other people (parks, classes, clinics)
- reduction in loneliness (esp elderly/ill)
- teach children nurturing behavior
Risks for pet dogs (7)
- unrealistic expectations
- confinement to backyards
- time poor owners
- separation anxiety
- social fears/non social fears
- owner ignorance
- end of life decisions
Risk for pet dogs: expectations example
that puppies will toilet train themselves and come when called
Risk for pet dog: inappropriate mental stimulation
Dogs that lack mental stimulation are often ill-behaved. Dogs need an outlet for their minds and if they aren’t provided an appropriate resource, they’re going to come up with their own.
Understimulation: bored dog
Overstimulation: running up and down when see people/ ball thrown over and over again (no brain engagement at all)
- try to keep dogs indoors when not at home so they wont be overstimulated by the world (smells and sounds)
- sensory and visual stimulation can be overwhelming
Risk for pet dogs: social/non social fears
Social: to new people; not used to being handled by different people
Non social: thunders, stairs; these fears can interrupt what we do with the dog, need to train them to not be scared
Risk for pet dogs: end of life decisions
people often put off this decision; better a day too early than a week too late
Dogs at increased risk for surrender to shelters (4)
- sexually intact (intact dog or cat can be more aggressive and have behavioral issues as a result of their hormones. And many humans will have zero tolerance for undesirable behavior rather than to directly address the issue and how to resolve it)
- obtained at little to no cost (obtained from friends/family)
- more work than expected
- behavioral problems
Factors that reduce relinquishment (giving up) (2)
- regular vet care
- participation in obedience class
Comparison of dog-dog and dog-human play
Dogs were more interactive and less likely to posses the object when playing with a person
- relationship that dogs have with other dogs is different maybe bc a human is constantly reassuring
- calming interaction vs being riled up by other dogs
Sensitive period when socialising with humans
Research shows that at ~3-12 weeks of age, early interactions with humans can establish the basis for adult dog behaviour patterns and problems
- must make sure we socialize them early on
- optimal time to expose them to all the sights, sounds and smells that the puppy will likely be exposed to for the rest of his life
Why is the human-canine bond important? (3)
1) separation anxiety
2) behavioral problems and health issues
3) relinquishment
H-C bond importance: separation anxiety
-inappropriate attachment behavior in dogs may result in separation anxiety when owner is absent
H-C bond importance: behavioral problems and health issues
isolation and confinement of a social species may result in inactivity, boredom, behavioral and health problems and welfare consequences
H-C bond importance: relinquishment
-breakdown of human-canine bond may be a factor of relinquishment to shelters
Housing (dogs) (4)
- warm, draught-free (cool air), clean, dry bedding
- kennels (preference)
- hyperthermia (heat stress)
- hypothermia (cold stress)
Hyperthermia
Heat stress
- may be affected by obesity, fitness, age, health, size, breed, brachycephalic (brachy) head shape
- pugs: short head/nasal passages makes it harder to breathe; pant excessively on a hot day
Hypothermia and who is succeptible?
Cold stress
-small, young, old or unwell animals may be particularly susceptible
Backyard requirements (safety)
Need to be confined to the owners property
- adequate fencing
- secure enclosures
Backyard requirements (4)
- weatherproof sleeping area and protection from weather
- separate areas for sleeping, eating and toileting
- hygienic conditions
- soft bedding if on concrete (not healthy to lie on as it absorbs all the cold)
How can exercise increase risk of hip dysplasia?
- from skidding and retrieving in controlled conditions (like fetch)
- better to get dogs thinking rather than a perpetual hyper aroused state
Responses to social and spacial restriction (2)
1) behavioral responses
2) physiological responses
Responses to social and spacial restriction: behavioral (4)
- reduced activity
- increased vocalisation
- stereotypic pacing, whirling, circling
- excessive digging. chewing, separation anxiety or barking
Responses to social and spacial restriction: physiological (3)
- elevated urinary cortisol:creatinine concentration
- poor muscle tone
- obesity
How to modify responses to social and spacial restriction? (2)
- positive human contact (will lead to fewer fear behaviors)
- positive reinforcement training techniques (best way for developing the foundation of a well behaved, balanced and happy dog; develops a strong bond based on trust and communication while spending quality time together)
Obesity
> 15% above ideal weight
-pet owners often underestimate the body condition of their own pets
Obesity (diseases) (4)
- CVD
- musculoskeletal disease (osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia)
- metabolic disease (diabetes mellitus)
- reduced lifespan
Anorexia
partial or complete lack/loss of appetite for food and a concomitant (naturally associated) reduction in intake
-common complaint in vet practice
Anorexia may be secondary to (5)
- intestinal obstruction
- neoplasia (abnormal growth of tissue)
- chronic renal failure
- respiratory disorders
- pulmonary disease
Anorexia may be an adaptive behavioral response to: (2)
Internal and external stressors
-dehydration, pain, ageing, food competitiveness
Unbalanced diets causes (3)
- insufficient or excess calcium (bonezzz)
- lack of FA
- lack of protein
Consequence of unbalanced diets (4)
can lead to :
- musculoskeletal problems
- dull coat
- skin problems
- hyperthermia
Poisoning
- chocolate
- xylitol
- grapes, raisins
- macadamia
- alcohol
- aliums
- unbaked yeast dough
- sugar
- cooked bones
- high fat diets
Whats wrong with cooked bones?
Cooked bones and weight bearing bones splinter; need to feed dog soft bones
Disease prevention (4)
- annual vet examination
- appropriate immunisations
- treatment of heartworm, intestinal worms, fleas and ticks
- regular nail trimming, grooming
Behavioral indicators of pain (4)
- decreased activity/lethargy
- change in vocalisation
- sudden aggression
- flinching
