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Surgical Sterilization: Should You Neuter and Spay Your Pets?

drea@arcadiarescue.org (Drea Tiffany) — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 06:07:18 GMT

What is Spraying and Neutering?

You may have heard before that it’s good to spay or neuter your pet, and you may be wondering if you really should. To start off, let’s define what it means to spay or neuter. Both words essentially refer to surgical sterilization of animals. In other words, spaying or neutering is to remove the reproductive organs of an animal. Spaying is a term used for female animals, whereas neutering is for male animals or can be used in a more gender-neutral generic sense. Ultimately the process renders the animal sterile and they can no longer reproduce.

What is the benefit of spraying or neutering?

Behavioral Benefits

Health Benefits of Neutering or Spaying

Studies indicate that this procedure will not negatively impact your pets’ intelligence or cognition. The removal of reproductive organs is also beneficial for an animal's overall health. For female animals, spaying can prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer, and uterine infections and cancer. For male animals, neutering aids in preventing the development of testicular cancer or prostate problems. These are common conditions animals can get over time, and by neutering your pet you will ultimately be helping reduce the risks of developing any of the aforementioned health concerns.

When is the best time for the procedure to be done?

While there may seem to be a lot of factors to consider when choosing to neuter your pet, always make sure to consult your vet to make the most informed decision. Prices also very depending on the breed and age of your dog, as well as the clinics in the area you live in. However, in the long run, the added benefits of preventing unwanted pregnancies, protecting against health concerns, reducing behavioral problems all are positive outcomes to consider.

All dogs featured in this article are available for placement. Please contact save@arcadiarescue.org for more inquiries or browse our Foster or Adopt tab for more information on how you can help.

12 Fun Facts about Dogs

drea@arcadiarescue.org (Drea Tiffany) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 04:31:41 GMT

Fun Interesting Facts You May Not Know About Dogs

With dogs being domesticated animals, we often view them as part of our families with similar traits as humans. However, these four legged furry friends boast a number of different abilities and characteristics that make them a very unique type of species. Dogs used to be wild animals, and their history and biology sets them apart from us in many small ways, providing them with different strengths and abilities humans are incapable of. Here are several fun and interesting facts about dogs you may not already know.

Dog’s nose prints are unique like fingerprints. Just like with human fingerprints, a dog’s nose has its own unique pattern and can be used as a form of identification.
Dog noses are wet because it allows them to smell better. The moisture helps absorb scent chemicals to then enable them to understand and identify what the smell is.

6. Surprisingly, dogs are not colorblind, but can actually see blue and yellow. They see the world in various combinations of blue and yellow, rather than black and white.

7. After relieving themselves, dogs kick backwards not intentionally to cover it up, but rather to mark their territory using the scent glands in their feet. Additionally, it is believed that dogs spin around before going to the bathroom to align themselves with the Earth’s magnetic field, preferring to align with the north-south axis.

These are just several interesting nuggets of information about dogs not commonly known. As with most species other than humans, there is still so much we do not know. Although we may not know everything about things such as specifics on how dogs’ brains actually function cognitively or how they can have the ability to be so in tune with the world around us, that does not mean they deserve any less respect simply for their differing abilities. Needless to say, taking steps to understanding dogs and their various strengths and weaknesses (or rather different abilities) can allow us to better learn how to care for them. What is your favorite fun fact?

All dogs featured in this article are available for placement. Please contact save@arcadiarescue.org for more inquiries or browse our Foster or Adopt tab for more information on how you can help.

Signs of Stress: How to Determine When Your Dog is Distressed

drea@arcadiarescue.org (Drea Tiffany) — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 04:32:09 GMT

Common Signs of Stress in Dogs

Much like with humans, animals suffer from stress or anxiety as well. Various external stimuli can provoke reactions from animals, resulting in potentially unintentional aggression or anger. In order to best comfort your dog and teach them healthy ways to deal with stress, the first thing to do is determine if their behavior is from stress, fear or excitement. Once you’ve narrowed down what they are trying to communicate, you can then more effectively implement and teach them new, healthier strategies to deal with stress or fear based reactions. Keep on reading for some common behavioral signs of stress in dogs.

Whining or Barking

In some dogs, whining or barking is their natural reaction to tense or stressful situations. Whining helps them self soothe, and is their way of communicating to their owners that they are scared or uncomfortable. If your dog starts of barking and then transitions to growling, this aggressive behavior might be an indicator that they are feeling threatened. This reaction may not be intentionally aggressive in nature, but more a way for them to vocalize a warning or plea to their owner that they sense danger in their environment.

Physical Appearance

Fight, Flight, or Freeze

Even if your dog is not moving around, their heart rates may increase. This is also a result of their nervous system creating a fight, flight, or freeze response. Along with the increased heart rate, their respiratory rate may also increase as shown by changes in their breathing patterns such as panting or yawning. Other common signs of their nervous system reacting to external stimuli are when a dog begins to shake or pace around agitatedly.

Compulsive Behavior

Eating Patterns

Stress can also negatively impact dogs’ eating habits and digestive systems. They may refuse food as a result of fear or stress. The increased adrenaline in their system can also cause them to lose control over their bowels, leading to increased urination or diarrhea and accidents.

Hiding or Escaping

In other cases, your dog may seek ways to remove themselves from their environment. They may hide when other people or animals are nearby, or run around finding ways to escape. Their avoidance of social interaction and the hyperactive behavior are your dog’s ways of trying to communicate to you they want to avoid the stressor and rid of whatever is causing them anxiety and stress. This is an example of the “flight” response of their nervous system.

How to Help?

Once you’ve managed to identify signs of stress in your dog, your next question may be what can you do as a pet-owner to help your dog cope? The answer is not a one-size-fits-all for every dog; it is highly dependent on your dog and their individual preferences and lifestyle. However, the key factor to remember when addressing the situation is to seek ways to teach your dog how to cope and react without inadvertently punishing them for any misbehavior.

Dogs will respond to their environment, and also will take cues from their owner’s behaviors as well. When dealing with an anxious, fearful dog, check your own behavior to see if it’s adding to your dog’s stress. Perhaps you are not giving clear commands, or maybe you are staring directly down at them and punishing them unnecessarily. Respect their space, and find alternate ways to get the appropriate response you want from them. Develop a reward program such as offering food, love, or a fun playtime activity; doing so will teach control strategies at home so that they can learn how to earn treats by responding appropriately when given cues. By implementing routine commands, this also reassures your dog that what they deem is stressful or scary is in fact safe because your demeanor and behavior has not changed from normalcy.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Dogs

drea@arcadiarescue.org (Drea Tiffany) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 04:46:49 GMT

10 Common Foods that are NOT Dog-friendly

If you are new to the world of dogs and having pets, you may have some questions regarding foods your dog can and cannot eat. We all know that dogs often beg for table scraps, however just because humans can consume the foods without a problem does not mean it is the same for dogs. Some foods are actually highly toxic to dogs, and can lead to a host of medical issues. Keep on reading for a list of various common foods that you should be mindful of and never feed to your dog.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute ingredient found in many foods. For humans it is an effective sugar substitute because it does not trigger insulin release from the pancreas. However, dogs metabolize xylitol differently, and it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and does stimulate the release of insulin which can lead to hypoglycemia, meaning a drastic decrease in blood sugar levels. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, coordination problems, seizures, and can potentially lead to liver failure. When choosing foods to feed your dog, check the ingredients label for xylitol as it is often used in many sugar-free or sugarless foods.

Avocados

Chocolate and Coffee

Chocolate has been widely known to be toxic to dogs. However, it isn’t just chocolate that is dangerous for dogs to consume, but also coffee is dangerous for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine which is poisonous to dogs. Chocolate and coffee both contain methylxanthines, a stimulant that stops a dog's metabolic process. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, irregular heart function, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, and tremors.

Garlic and Onions

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are an example of another food that is highly toxic for dogs even in small amounts. Similarly with grapes, there is not enough research to determine which compound in macadamia nuts is dangerous for dogs, however even when a small amount has been consumed, it can lead to major health problems. Symptoms include vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, lethargy, and fever. Some dogs can tolerate a very small amount and only have minor reactions that resolve in a few days, however in general macadamia nuts are still poisonous for dogs to consume. Contact your local vet if your dog has consumed macadamia nuts.

Alcohol

It should go without saying to not feed your dog alcohol or any products containing alcohol. But to be sure, do not feed your dog alcohol or any alcoholic beverages or foods. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, and abnormal blood acidity. Dogs should not consume alcohol; make sure to contact your vet if your dog has consumed any foods containing alcohol.

Grapes

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough is also harmful for your dog when consumed. The yeast in raw dough can rise and cause gas to build up in your dog’s digestive system. This can lead to bloating, which is painful and can cause issues for your dog. Furthermore, yeast releases ethanol as a by-product; ethanol in the bloodstream can lead to alcohol toxicosis in dogs.

Peaches and Plums

Dairy

Milk and dairy products are another potentially harmful food that dogs should not consume. While they are not toxic or fatal to dogs, most dogs do not have the enzyme lactase to break down lactose in dairy products much like the way lactose-intolerance works in humans. Small amounts of dairy may be safe for your dog to consume, but keep an eye out for lactose-intolerance symptoms such as diarrhea or gastrointestinal irritation.

Although this list is not a full compilation of foods you should be mindful of when feeding your dog, these are the most common foods that are toxic or highly prone to causing health issues when consumed by dogs. Not every dog is the same, and each breed varies in the ways they can digest and metabolize different foods. For example, lactose intolerance differs among different dogs much like with humans; however, every dog of any breed, size, shape, or age are at risk for potentially ingesting something harmful.

If your dog has a tendency to favor its adventurous side and likes to eat almost anything, keep a watchful eye out for any unusual behavior and be careful what is within easy reach of your dog. If you are ever questioning if your dog can eat a food or ingredient, always reach out to your local vet for professional advice, and verify if it is safe and dog-friendly. Dogs deserve love and care, and as a pet owner you may not always be able to prevent your dog from accidentally ingesting something potentially harmful. Much like humans with food allergies or intolerances, keep a list of foods to avoid feeding your dog handy, be mindful of any unusual symptoms your dog may experience, and gather contact information for animal poison control to be prepared for any situation.

Ways to Keep Your Beloved Dogs Warm During the Winter

drea@arcadiarescue.org (Drea Tiffany) — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 04:42:02 GMT

Winter Weather Precautions: Tips to Protect Your Dogs from the Cold

During these long winter months ahead, you are bound to take your dogs outside for some fresh air, exercise, and other necessities. However, cold weather conditions can be harmful to your dogs if no precautions are taken into account. It is imperative to know how to best care for your pets through any season. As this year’s winter has already been a long cold challenge for all of us, keep on reading for some helpful tips to ensure your dogs thrive and stay warm and safe.

Understand What Your Dog Needs

Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs can withstand cold weather conditions. Simply because they have a coat of fur does not mean they are adept to handling extreme temperatures. Understand what your dog needs based on their breed, and learn what their tolerance is to the cold. Typically, double coated breeds or those with thicker undercoats are best suited for the outdoors. However, even if they may be a breed that is commonly able to withstand the cold, each and every dog may still have individual preferences as to how much cold they can handle.

Set Up Proper Shelter

If you choose to allow your dog freedom to roam about outside in the elements, provide shelter with access to unfrozen water and food. In order for dogs to best handle the colder temperatures, they may need to eat more food to compensate due to their metabolisms working faster to keep warm. Consult your vet when considering changing their diet, and make necessary adjustments to ensure they are properly set up for success to endure the colder weather. Furthermore, depending on the weather conditions, water can freeze outside quicker than normal. Take extra measures to ensure your dog has plenty of unfrozen water to stay hydrated.

Consider elevating the shelter or kennel you set up outside so that is it slightly higher than the ground. Moisture from the ground could build up which would take away heat, and render the shelter cold and futile in keeping your dog warm.

Check Your Dog's Paws

Update Collars and Chips

Look Out for Warning Signs

Your dog may be trying to communicate with you that it is too cold for them if they start exhibiting behavior signs such as shivering, whining, slowing down movement, or appearing anxious. Be on the lookout for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. After your dog has been outside for a period of time, check for blisters, skin ulcers, discoloration, or painful spots on their body. Understand preexisting medical conditions which could worsen during the winter time. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis worsen in colder weather, much like it does for humans. When bringing your dog back inside, dry them off as soon as possible to keep them warm. Consult your vet if your dog exhibits abnormal behavior.

At the end of the day, know your dog and pay attention to what they might need. Fresh air and exercise are just as necessary during the winter for dogs as with any other season, but colder weather can pose its dangers as well. Animals are not invincible to the cold; though they may be born with a natural layer of insulation allowing them to handle colder weather better than humans can, they need to be protected from the elements as well. Know what your dogs need and what they are trying to communicate with you. With proper love and care, your dog will surely thrive during these cold winter months.

Beat the Post-Holiday Blues and Bond with Man's Best Friend

drea@arcadiarescue.org (Drea Tiffany) — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 03:40:24 GMT

Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Dog

Giving You and Your Dog a Stress Free Halloween

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 22:27:35 GMT

Decorations and Costumes

Large, moving, or noisy decorations can be very stressful for some dogs. If yours begins to show signs of stress, limiting these interactions with your dog and making sure you have decorations your furry family members approve of is important! Decorating part of your home and restricting access to these areas, as well as keeping the volume turned down are simple ways to keep your dog happy and calm this Halloween. Small, loose decorations like plastic spiders, squishy eyeballs, or cobwebs can be dangerous for your pet to swallow or a choking hazard, therefore keeping these decorations off and away from the ground is necessary. If your pet reacts particularly anxiously when trick-or-treaters knock on your door, you might want to discuss the steps you can take to aid your pet when they become frightened with your veterinarian. Costumes for your dogs may also make them uncomfortable, so if a costume is restricting your dog or they’re showing signs of distress, we encourage you to not force them to wear it. Take the photo and move on, so they can enjoy Halloween too! Masks and any costume that interferes with your pet's ability to see, hear, breathe, move, or open its mouth should be avoided, and you should never leave your pet unattended while they’re dressed up. If your pet likes to dress up, watch out for any loose parts or dangling decorations that could be bitten off and pose a choking hazard. The removal of costume accessories that wind up in your pets' stomachs may require surgery.

The Dangers of Chocolate and Candy for Dogs

Sure, we’ve all heard it. Dogs aren’t allowed to have chocolate. But even with preventing access to chocolate, accidents happen. These are the signs to look for if your dog has eaten chocolate and why it can be so dangerous for dogs. Theobromine is the ingredient in chocolate that can seriously ill your dog or cat. Theobromine is most abundant in cooking chocolate and darker chocolate. Around this time of year, veterinarians notice an upsurge in pets displaying symptoms of theobromine toxicity after they have helped themselves to your Halloween haul. When your dog eats chocolate, symptoms of poisoning typically show up 6 to 12 hours later. A sudden death from chocolate poisoning is more likely in older dogs and canines with heart issues. The following are the symptoms, which can last for up to 72 hours:

-Vomiting

-Diarrhea

-Restlessness

-Increased urination

-Tremors

-Elevated or abnormal heart rate

-Seizures

-Collapse and death

A sugar replacement called xylitol is frequently present in candies, mints, and "sugar-free" chewing gum. However, it is extremely harmful to pets and can lead to significant issues, just like chocolate. Keep sweets out of reach of pets, and don't leave wrappers, candy bags, or lollipop sticks lying around because they pose a choking hazard or could be ingested by pets. If you believe your dog has eaten chocolate or candy, call your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680) for advice.

We hope that these tips help you and your dog to have a safe and fun Halloween!

Do Your Part

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 19:25:46 GMT

The Importance of Supporting Small Rescues

Rescue work is like a dam; if it doesn't keep flowing, it all stops. In a time of historically high shelter overcrowding, the heartbreaking reality is that dogs are being killed in exchange for space to accommodate the constant intake of

more dogs. It's a vicious cycle that we rescues strive to interrupt.

The most efficient way for rescues to save dogs is to utilize a foster based approach, and for the community to get involved. Without fosters, we are either forced to place the dog in a boarding facility or to leave the dog's life hanging in the balance at the shelter. Though the dogs placed in boarding have technically been “saved,” the rescued dog is still in a shelter like environment while the search for a foster or adopter continues. Often times, the public and networkers often forget about them since they aren't at risk of immediate death.

Boarding for long periods of time can negatively impact their stress levels and they may exhibit signs of anxiety or depression. For some dogs, it can mean regression or behavioral changes. Not only does this put additional stress on the dog, but places financial stress and responsibility onto the already overworked rescue. While rescues certainly appreciate the shared passion from fellow advocates who pledge and plead for the safety of dogs in the shelter, rescues NEED FOSTER FAMILIES!!!

Foster care greatly improves the chances of a dog being adopted. It is imperative for their rescue. We urge you to help the dogs in your community. If you have the ability to foster, do it. Even just a week of fostering can be the catalyst for a beautiful future. When the community comes together to support the flow of animal rescue, we will see greater life saving outcomes.

Stop Posting your pets for free!

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 23:46:08 GMT

If you have considered rehoming your dog, it is critical to do so humanely and responsibly. When dog owners advertise their pups as being "free to a good home," they may have the best of intentions. In reality, it can put the dog in a dangerous situation. Listing any animal on Craigslist, Facebook, or other websites and forms of social media as “free to a good home” may put the animal at risk of falling into the wrong hands. With shelters overcrowding and dogs being turned away, people often resort to this method of rehoming out of desperation or blissful ignorance. Many may not grasp the potential harm and it is crucial for pet parents to understand the risks of posting for pets for “free”.

Criminals scour the internet in hopes of finding these listings, knowing they can easily prey on these families and their pets. They will rely on that raw emotion and make every effort to persuade you that they will make a good guardian to the pet. Naturally, people want to believe others are good and would never harm an animal, which is to criminals' advantage. In many unfortunate instances, the dog may end up involved in dogfighting, unethical breeding, resold commercially, or to a laboratory. Some laboratories try to save money by recruiting dishonest middlemen who deal in stolen animals. These sellers are referred to as "Class B dealers" and are recognized by the USDA as random source animal sellers who are permitted to sell animals to research facilities for use in experiments. Animals are often obtained by Class B dealers in dishonest ways. Your animal will become unprofitable to them if you charge a little adoption fee, so they'll probably look elsewhere. Those searching for animals to abuse typically won’t pay an adoption fee. By having an adoption fee and a screening process, you can also stop people from impulsively adopting your animals, returning them to the shelter when they lose interest, or leaving them otherwise neglected or abandoned. Dogs require expenses past being adopted, so an adoption fee can also guarantee that the person is willing to pay these expenses and are more likely to take them to the vet and supply their needs. An adoption fee is just one way to ensure the new pet parent is willing to make an investment in the animal.

Preforming a home visit, asking for personal and vet references, checking animal abuse registries, and forming a contract are just some of the important ways of making sure that your dog is going to a good home. If you are unsure of how to rehome your dog in a proper way, consider reaching out to your local shelters or rescues for help to ensure their safety. If a dog owner truly cares about the life and well-being of the dog being re-homed, taking the steps above to ensure he goes to a good home are worth the time and effort.

The Urgent Need for People to Adopt and Foster Rescue Dogs

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 13:24:29 GMT

With shelters filling up quickly, rescue dogs all over are facing euthanasia at faster rates than ever before. South Carolina specifically, has an overflow of rescue dogs. Everyday more dogs are coming in than are being adopted or fostered, putting shelters in a state of emergency. With the population of humans increasing, and the growth and development of areas like Charleston County, there naturally will be a surge in dogs, but it is common that lack of responsibility that is one of the main reasons hundreds of dogs are being surrendered on a daily basis. A shortage of veterinarians is also a contribution to the overcrowding, as South Carolina has a law that adopted dogs must be fixed, and 75% of the shelters don’t have a dedicated veterinarian.

Due to the lack of space and large population of dogs, it is becoming more difficult for shelters to establish a calm and comfortable environment for them. The shelter is already often a scary place for dogs, so with adding pop-up kennels and additional dogs, comes new stress and fear for dogs. This may also affect how quickly they become adopted as people commonly avoid reactive dogs, but it is hard for many dogs to remain calm in this situation.

If you are unable to adopt, shelters ask for you to please consider fostering as it will open space in shelters to maintain a positive environment and bring comfort to the dogs you choose to foster. Medical bills are also a major issue for shelters and animal rescues as many dogs come in with injuries or sick and face costly care. Viruses like distemper are spread easier and are more common because of the overcrowding. Due to many of these places being ran on volunteers and donations, these costs are extremely hard to cover making donations crucial. Sharing this crisis on social media and helping to spread the word is also vital in getting these dogs the second chance they deserve.

The Decompression Period of Rescue Dogs

Sat, 17 Sep 2022 02:30:51 GMT

The Decompression and Introduction Period for Rescue Dogs is a Critical Time

While getting a new dog is exciting for everyone in the family, it is critical to give your new rescue dog a period of time to transition into their new home. This time is often overwhelming for your rescue dog, which is why taking it slow is essential for building a bond with your new friend and ensuring your new pup is a perfect match for your family. Preparing your home before your dog arrives with a quiet, separate, cozy place is one of the first steps to a successful relationship. Be prepared to initially limit interactions with other pets and children in the house so that they don't become overwhelmed. Using enrichment items will also help to keep your new dog relaxed and comfortable.

Within the first 3 days of bringing home your dog you will want to keep them in a calm and predictable environment, to help them acclimate, which is why it is suggested to not introduce other pets before this period. During this time, introducing a consistent schedule of feeding, rest time, and exploring approved areas will allow you to observe your dogs needs and challenges to better accommodate your dogs needs. Being consistent with rules, rewarding for calm indoor behavior, and providing proper things to chew on are all important for setting your dog up for success.

Doing research and gaining knowledge before introducing children and other pets to your rescue is vital. When doing so, body language is important for removing your dog from a harmful situation before it occurs. Interactions between children and other pets must be supervised and monitored closely. Setting boundaries on how your dog is allowed to act around your child and how your child can act around the dog will ensure the safest interactions. For example, the dog does not get attention from the child until they stop jumping, and the child isn't allowed to put their face in the dogs face or mess with them while they're eating. When introducing dogs, use leashes to maintain control and don't allow for them to rush up on each other. One effective way to introduce them would be to take several walks with them on neutral territory, keeping them on separate sides of handlers to keep distance while still exploring and sniffing their own sides. The perfect time to introduce them would be when they can successfully ignore one another and aren't straining to get to each other.

After about 2 weeks, it is time to start introducing your dog to new areas like a nearby park and to practice meeting friends and family. Continue providing your rescue with proper enrichment as well as opportunities for sniff walks. After about a month, if your dog is successfully becoming acclimated in their new home, they may begin slowly taking new adventures and practicing with socializing and group play!