One of the most popular breed of dogs here in New England is the Labrador Retriever. They are smart, fun and food obsessed. I love treating labs. They are usually good natured and very well behaved for their acupuncture sessions as long as there is food involved. It is very important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet for labs since they can become overweight.

This information is from Wikipedia

The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, Labby, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in the United States (since 1991), and the United Kingdom. It is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States, Australia, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. They are exceptionally affable, gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured,and Labradors are generally considered good companions for people of all ages (including a high level of patience and tolerance for children), making them both excellent companions and working dogs. With training, the Labrador is one of the most dependable, obedient and multi-talented breeds in the world

There are three recognized colors for Labs: black (a solid black color), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to “fox-red”), and chocolate (medium to dark brown). There are no such things as silver or golden Labradors, a common mistake for the Yellow variant. There is also a black-and-tan coat type, but this coat color is the least popular as it renders the Labrador un-showable except in the UK.

Inherited disorders

* Labs are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding.
* Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A luxating patella is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped.
* Eye problems are also possible in some Labs, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.
* Hereditary myopathy, a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in type II muscle fiber.
* There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and deafness in labs, either congenitally or later in life.”

Many of the ailments that labs suffer from can be treated with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine for relief of painful symptoms. For more information on acupuncture for your lab please visit www.fourpawsacupuncture.com

Four Paws Acupuncture may be a small company, but we would like to play a big part in doing our best to be a green company.

Each week we generate several receipts which use up quantities of paper, ink and electricity. It is our goal to eliminate as much of this as possible. You can help!

Beginning on May 1, 2009, Four Paws Acupuncture will be giving $2.00 off each acupuncture session to all those clients who would forego a paper receipt and allow us to email you the receipt instead. Thank you for your cooperation!

Fleas-Fleas Everywhere. How do you know what’s safe?

From our friends at VetLocater.com

On April 16, the EPA issued an announcement that they were intensifying their investigation into its evaluation and closely monitoring the use of topical flea and tick products on pets.

The flea and tick killers under the most intense scrutiny are commonly known as “spot-on” treatments, but all flea and tick products are of interest.

This announcement is in response to the more than “44,000 potential adverse reactions to spot-on flea and tick products reported in 2008.

You can read the full EPA announcement Increased Scrutiny of Flea and Tick Control Products for Pets by clicking on the link in this sentence.

We investigated different sources and websites that are actively discussing this matter. The bottom line is most recommend that you find a veterinarian that you trust your pet’s health to, and follow their recommendations.

We investigated different sources and websites that are actively discussing this matter. The bottom line is most recommend that you find a veterinarian that you trust your pet’s health to, and follow their recommendations.

If you have questions about a flea or tick product or suspect that your pet has had an adverse reaction, please contact your veterinarian immediately. It is always important to read directions carefully and to only use products determined to be safe for the species (dog or cat) you are treating. In particular, cats are very susceptible to poisoning from certain pesticide products.

The Humane Society of the United States has a web page with good information which you can visit by clicking here:
What You Should Know About Flea And Tick Products

If you have questions about a flea or tick product or suspect that your pet has had an adverse reaction, please contact your veterinarian immediately. It is always important to read directions carefully and to only use products determined to be safe for the species (dog or cat) you are treating. In particular, cats are very susceptible to poisoning from certain pesticide products.

From the ASPCA: Secondhand Smoke: Silent Killer Hurts Pets, Too

Health officials often talk about the dangers of living with a smoker, but few pet parents are aware that our animal companions face similar risks—from respiratory problems to cancer—when exposed to secondhand smoke. New research suggests that secondhand smoke is unsafe at all levels—for humans and pets—so it’s time to get serious about ditching those butts for good.

One recent study shows that nearly 30 percent of pets live with at least one smoker. This is a grave concern, according to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Medical Director of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, since secondhand smoke can damage the nervous systems of both cats and dogs.

“Tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans,” says Dr. Gwaltney-Brant. “Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of dogs as their human counterparts.”

Cats who live with smokers are prone to developing malignant lymphoma, perhaps as a result of ingesting carcinogenic residue when it settles on their fur. Kitty’s canine counterparts are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke’s respiratory effects, and can develop life-threatening nasal and lung cancers.

Nicotine—found in cigarettes and other tobacco products—is also highly toxic to animals if ingested. A dog who accidentally eats tobacco may develop weakness, muscle twitching, decreased breathing rate, and finally collapse, coma and possibly death. The ASPCA strongly recommends keeping your pet away from tobacco as well as secondhand smoke. To read more of this article :www.aspca

Wiki-photo :Belgian Shepherd Tervuren

This weeks featured dog breed was inspired by a new patient, Harry a Belgian Shepherd Tervuren. He is a delight to be around and was a most well behaved patient. This information comes from Wikipedia/BelgianShepherd

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (also known as the Belgian Sheepdog or Chien de Berger Belge) is used to refer to both a breed of dog as well as a type of medium-sized to large-sized dog. It is a member of the Sheepdog Group, and as such can be commonly mistaken for the German or King Shepherd. Four breeds have been identified by various kennels as a separate breed or variety: Groenendael, Laekenois, Tervuren, and the Malinois. All are registered as a herding dog, more specifically a sheep dog.

Temperament
The Malinois variant

Belgian Shepherds are highly intelligent and are bred to be alert and sensitive to everything going on around them, and to develop extremely strong relationship bonds. This means that they need significant socializing as puppies, lifelong activity outlets, and will seek to be with “their human” all the time, preferably doing something rather than waiting around. They can find it very difficult to be left alone. They tend strongly to be a “one person dog.”

All the Belgian Shepherd breeds need a lot of activity and close interaction with people[citation needed]. Like most herding breeds, they need a job to do (be it herding, learning tricks, or dog agility). The Belgian breeds are intelligent and sociable dogs who can easily become bored with such simple and undemanding repetition. Many Belgians make superb assistance dogs who thrive on knowing that their jobs are indeed necessary for their chosen person.

They are widely considered to be a good looking dog, loyal, intelligent, fun, and well suited to family life[citation needed]. However because of their high sensitivity to criticism or to being ignored, their careful handling and socializing needs, their need for ongoing stimulation and purposeful activity, and their potential, they require a lot of exercise and interaction.[citation needed.”

More info on Belgian Shepherds can be found at: www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/belgianshepherds.htm

The scoop on poop!

More than 4 million tons of dog poop is collected each year. Dog waste is thought to be third or fourth on the list of contributors to bacteria in contaminated waters. Yuck! (One more reason for you or your pets not to drink tap water.)

What can you do help? First, always pick up after your dog. But what do you put it in? Most people like to use the plastic bags that come from grocery stores.

Unfortunately these bags are not biodegradable, becoming something that our great grandchildren will still be finding. It would be better to bring your own canvas totes to the grocery store and skip using their plastic bags at all. Many stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes now sell reusable grocery totes for a mere dollar.

Back to the problem of where to put your dog poop. I never thought I would be suggesting this as a blog post, but there is a solution: 100% biodegradable dog poop bags are now available. There are several brands to chose from. Most pet stores carry them now.

For more information on dog poop bags, cat box liners and other environmental friendly pet products check out the Poop Bag website.

www.poopbags.com

Does your dog suffer from arthritis? Learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine, veterinary acupuncture, good nutrition and supplements can help ease your dog’s painful symptoms.

Visit the Four Paws Acupuncture’s latest Squidoo Learning lens:Ancient Solutions for K9 Arthritis

From our friends at Handicapped Pets. I often recommend using a heated pad for dogs suffering from arthritic pain made worse when it is cold and damp. New England weather plays a toll on our furry friends with these ailments

Hot/Cold Pack for a Sore Dog.

Whether it be an aching back in need of heating pad or a nasty sprain that requires a cold compress, the Hot/Cold Therapy Wrap is just what the veterinarian ordered. This therapeutic wrap features a dual purpose gel insert that can be warmed in the microwave or chilled in the freezer depending upon your pet’s needs.

The adjustable nylon wrap has Velcro® tabs for a comfortable fit, and a mesh pocket keeps the gel insert securely in place. To learn more about the Hot/Cold Therapy Wrap.HandicappedPets.com

It is that time of year again. Puppy Season! If you have recently adopted a new puppy I highly recommend reading or listening to the “Art of Raising a Puppy” by the Monks of New Skete. This book gives detailed information on everything you could ever need to know about raising a dog.

I have been fortunate have spent time with the the Monks and their “Divine Canines” on several occasions. I always leave there amazed at how well behaved their dogs are. (Too bad they don’t take wretched children in for behavior training!)

You can find this book and others by the Monks at www.newsketemonks.com

Our latest article on Treating Canine Arthritis Naturally has been posted at
www.cureyourbody.com