Category: Health

It’s not just us!

That can be affected by the weather!

In posting this I must admit to not noticing any changes in our group of ‘buddies’. Correction: I don’t notice any changes in behaviour as a result of cold temperatures. Hot weather is different.

See what you make of the following article that was taken from here.

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How Changes in Weather Can Affect Your Dog’s Mood

By Jul 05, 2018

Have you ever noticed that your dog’s mood shifts with the weather? Storms, heat, cold, and the changing seasons affect our dogs, just like they affect us. Understanding this behavior can help you prepare your canine companion for the forecast ahead.

Changing Seasons

When the temperature heats up, some dogs rejoice, while others seek out cool, shady spots where they can rest. Though all dogs can be susceptible to hot weather hazards, certain dog breeds are less heat tolerant than others. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, do best when staying cool in hot weather because they can have difficulty breathing in extreme heat. Large breeds are also susceptible to heat, as are longhaired breeds like the Komondor, Afghan Hound, and Alaskan Malamute. If you own a breed like these, you may find that your dog is not as active in hot weather or as willing to engage in play and other activities.

Colder climates, on the other hand, is where Northern breeds like American Eskimo Dogs, Samoyeds, and Siberian Huskies thrive. Longhaired or double-coated breeds like German Shepherd Dogs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, and Newfoundlands typically enjoy cooler weather, too. They often become more active and playful during the winter months, unlike cold-intolerant breeds such as Italian Greyhounds, Greyhounds, hairless breeds, toy breeds, senior dogs, and dogs with conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.

Relocating to a New Climate

Seasons change gradually, giving your dog time to adjust. Relocating to an entirely new climate, however, can cause sudden shifts in your pup’s mood. Depending on your dog’s breed, you may notice that he becomes more or less active, and some dogs even show signs of irritation if the weather makes them too uncomfortable.

A move to a cold climate can be shocking for dogs that are not used to chilly temperatures. Some pups seek out warm places, like air vents, blankets, or human contact, and you might notice your canine companion becoming cuddlier in the cold. Understanding the cause of your dog’s sudden lethargy or increased activity can help you determine if his change in mood is circumstantial or medical. Lethargy is a common symptom of many illnesses and should be taken seriously, so make sure your dog is not exhibiting any other abnormal signs. If he is, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Helping Your Dog Adjust

If your dog gets grumpy in the heat, don’t worry. There are things you can do to make him more comfortable and lower his risk of heatstroke.

  • Avoid taking your dog for walks during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Make sure he has plenty of fresh water.
  • Raised canvas platform dog beds offer a cooling alternative to traditional beds, and you can even invest in cooling mats or kiddie pools for particularly heat-intolerant dogs.
  • If you don’t have air conditioning, adjust a fan so that your dog has access to a nice, cool breeze.
  • Never leave a dog unattended in an enclosed vehicle or in a warm environment that does not have good air circulation.

You can also help your dog acclimate to the cold. After all, who doesn’t love a pup in a sweater? With so many dog sweaters, jackets, raincoats, and booties to choose from, keeping your dog warm is easier than ever. However, it’s important to note that you should never leave an item of clothing on an unsupervised dog. And anything you do put on your canine companion should fit properly (not too tight or too loose).

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“Understanding this behavior can help you prepare your canine companion for the forecast ahead.” One wonders just how one prepares our canine companions (all six of them) for the forecast.

Maybe we should go back to the drawing board!

And that video appeal by Greta Thunberg

You may have already seen this because it was very widely shown.

In the tail end of Deep Adaptation there is reference to Greta’s video because it was so powerful. Young Greta Thunberg is a 16-year-old person who passionately wants this world to change and to change soon.

Here’s the piece that accompanied that video:

In this passionate call to action, 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg explains why, in August 2018, she walked out of school and organized a strike to raise awareness of global warming, protesting outside the Swedish parliament and grabbing the world’s attention. “The climate crisis has already been solved. We already have all the facts and solutions,” Thunberg says. “All we have to do is to wake up and change.”

And here’s the video:

Well said, Greta, well said indeed.

Back to dogs tomorrow!

An introduction to Scientists Warning

The power of networking!

I am indebted to Margaret K. for including a number of videos in her long comment to my post The End Of Ice. They are being watched.

On Monday morning we watched one of them Deep Adaptation. It was a stark message.

It is included below. It’s 39 minutes long.

Please watch it!

Then if you are so minded their website is here. It’s free to join and you will be left with the feeling that you are doing something important. From that website:

The Union of Concerned Citizens of Earth

At some point we realize that humanity has strayed down a rabbit hole from which it cannot seem to emerge.  This quagmire is the belief in the idea of Consumerism, with its cast of advertising executives, bankers and economists, corporate CEOs, politicians, etc.  We have evolved a defective ‘operating system’ that insists on infinite, accelerating economic growth despite the ecological costs – namely the destruction of Nature.  Those who have signed or endorsed the Scientists’ Warning through this website have displayed a clear understanding of what is wrong and how we must head to avoid the worst of ecological destabilization that we have inflicted on Mother Earth.  We are all therefore de facto members of what we are calling the Union of Concerned Citizens of Earth.

“The world will have to start listening to the good scientists and not the ones paid to justify dodgy developments.”
– Greer Hart

Tied to a fence

Cruelty to animals

I know hundreds, if not tens of thousands, share my lack of understanding of those who are cruel to dogs, or any other animal come to that! I cannot get into the head of someone who does cruel acts towards dogs.

Now read this about Joe. Taken from here.

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A New York cop found a shivering dog tied to a fence and became his new best friend

‘He was just looking up at me … sitting in this puddle of water.’

By CHRISTIAN COTRONEO   January 30, 2019

If Joe had shed any tears over his fate — tied to a fence in a New York City park — it would have been hard to notice for the puddle of water he sat shivering in.

In fact, it was hard to notice the 11-month-old pit-bull mix at all on that cold December day in Betsy Head Park. The rush of people hurrying to get to where they were going must have seemed endless, all the while oblivious to the tragedy unfolding at their feet.

Joe was emaciated and nearly frozen when he was found abandoned in a park. (Photo: New York City Police Department)

But while on a routine patrol in the area, NYPD officer Michael Pascale caught a glimpse of the abandoned dog.

“Just out of the corner of my eye I saw him,” he told the New York Post. “I jumped out of the car before the car even stopped.”

He found him scarcely moving, but still managing a whimper.

The officer wrapped the near-frozen dog in a towel.

“He was just looking up at me with these eyes … sitting in this puddle of water,” Pascale added. “I knew I had to get him out of there.”

Pascale and his partner wasted no time in ushering Joe to a local shelter. A triumphant photo of the pair was taken and later tweeted by NYPD Special Ops.

Officers Pascale and Levin pose with Joe at the shelter on the day they found him. (Photo: Animal Care Centers of New York City)

And that’s where you might think the chance encounter between Pascale and Joe would end.

But three weeks would pass and Joe was still at the shelter looking for a family. So Pascale, who had been keeping tabs on the dog, came to his rescue once again.

And this rescue would last a lifetime. Last week, after filling out the adoption papers, Pascale took Joe home for good.

“I felt a connection,” he told News 12. “I felt responsibility to make sure that he was going to have a good home, especially after what he experienced that day.”

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 Officer Michael Pascale, you are a very good person. And I know Joe will be very happy with you.

Yet another dog food recall.

This is important!

Hill’s Prescription Diet and Science Diet Dog Food Recall

January 31, 2019 — Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D, when consumed at very high levels, can lead to serious health issues in dogs including kidney dysfunction.

What’s Recalled?

The following products and lot numbers are affected by the recall.

Difficulty reading the image below? Click here to view the actual FDA statement.

About Excessive Levels of Vitamin D

While vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure.

Dogs may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss.

Pet parents with dogs who have consumed any of the products listed and are exhibiting any of these signs should contact their veterinarian.

In most cases, complete recovery is expected after discontinuation of feeding.

Where Were the Products Sold?

In the United States, the affected canned dog foods were distributed through retail pet stores and veterinary clinics nationwide.

No dry foods, cat foods, or treats are affected.

Message from the Company

Hill’s Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our canned dog foods after receiving a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels.

Our investigation confirmed elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error.

We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents with safe and high quality products.

Hill’s has identified and isolated the error and, to prevent this from happening again, we have required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to their release of ingredients.

In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients.

This voluntary recall only impacts canned dog food and primarily in the United States.

It is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What to Do?

Pet parents who purchased the product with the specific lot/date codes listed should discontinue feeding and dispose those products immediately.

To have discarded products replaced at no cost or for further information…

Please contact Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. at 800-445-5777 Monday-Friday 9 AM to 5 PM (CST) or at contactus@hillspet.com.

Information can also be found at:

www.hillspet.com/productlist

Impacted products outside of the United States will be subject to separate notices on the country-specific website.

If you are outside of the United States, please check your own country’s Hill’s website for more information.

U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to https://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Canadians can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.

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Please share with all the other dog owners you know!

Woody’s Pet Food recall

Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Food Recall

January 28, 2019 — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is notifying consumers of a recall of raw turkey pet food from Woody’s Pet Food Deli due to Salmonella contamination.

This recall was issued after product samples collected by the MDA tested positive for Salmonella.

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What’s Being Recalled?

The recalled product was sold in 5-pound plastic containers labeled “Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Free Range Turkey” and can be identified by the white date sticker on the cover of the pet food container.

The product was sold at Woody’s Pet Food Deli locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Woodbury.

The following three lots of product are being recalled:

  • Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Free Range Turkey
    Use by date: 01/10/20
  • Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Free Range Turkey
    Use by date: 01/12/20
  • Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Free Range Turkey
    Use by date: 01/15/20

No other lots of Woody’s Pet Food Deli products are affected by the recall.

What Caused the Recall?

Sampling was begun after the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) identified a human case of Salmonella linked to the pet food.

The person with Salmonella infection was identified as part of an ongoing, multistate investigation of Salmonella Reading infections coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

MDH’s interview of the person revealed that Woody’s Pet Deli raw ground turkey pet food was regularly fed to a pet in the household.

The pet also tested positive for Salmonella, but not the outbreak strain.

In February 2018, MDA and MDH investigated two other cases of Salmonella Reading that matched the outbreak strain and were linked to raw ground turkey pet food from a different manufacturer.

About Salmonella

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever.

Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 96 hours after exposure, but they can begin up to two weeks after exposure.

Infections usually resolve in five to seven days, but about 28 percent of laboratory-confirmed cases require hospitalization.

If you’ve handled these products or had contact with an animal that has eaten these products, become ill and are concerned about your health, please consult your health care provider for more information.

After eating or coming into contact with Salmonella-containing food, pets can spread the bacteria from their mouths, saliva, fur and feces, even if they’re not showing signs of illness, to humans and other animals in the household.

Pet dishes, floors and the environment around the feeding station should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Pets with a Salmonella infection may be lethargic and have decreased appetite, diarrhea, fever and vomiting.

Pets exposed to contaminated food can also be infected without showing symptoms.

If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

Salmonella bacteria can survive for weeks in the household environment, which can serve as a continuing source of infection.

CDC does not recommend feeding a raw meat diet to pets because it can make animals and people sick.

If you choose to use pet food containing raw meat, follow CDC’s tips for healthy feeding.

What to Do?

If you have recalled product in your home, you should throw it out or return it to a Woody’s Pet Food Deli for a full refund.

Do not feed the contaminated product to pets.

Consumers with questions can contact the Woody’s Pet Food Deli stores directly at the following phone numbers:

  • Minneapolis: 612-208-0335
  • St. Paul: 651-493-7269
  • Woodbury: 651-340-8678

Or by email at info@woodyspetdeli.com.

U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to https://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Canadians can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.

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As per usual, feel free to share this as far and wide as possible.

Cutting your dog’s nails

Another guest post.

There’s been a flurry of requests to share a guest post with you all.

To be honest, I love it. So long as the author is not trying to sell something.

Anyway, here’s David Huner with a very useful guest article.

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10 Tips to Clip Dog Nails When Dog is Scared of It

Why are Long Dog Nails a Problem?

Fear of nail trims is a quite common issue dog guardian’s face and therefore the concern will vary from a mild dislike to outright terror, depending on the dog. For a few pet parents, the only way to trim a dog’s nails is under anesthesia that is certainly not a choice that works each week. Several give up making an attempt and simply permit the dog’s nails to stay long. Whereas the frustration is comprehensible, this selection will result in health drawbacks for dogs. Overgrown nails have an effect on a dog’s posture, eventually resulting in joint issues and inflammatory disease. They’re also a lot of vulnerable to splitting and breaking in painful ways. Long nails are a problem for humans likewise. Dogs with longer nails are more likely to destroy furniture and alternative objects, unwittingly, further as break human skin once jumping up to mention hello or when playing.

The most common reasons for avoiding nail trims are that the owner is frightened of “quicking” the dog, or that the dog fusses and creates unhealthy feelings round the procedure. Nail cutting becomes a happening encircled by angst and drama. For very active dogs who run all day long on varied surfaces, cutting nails might not be necessary. High mileage wears them down naturally.

But among town or community dogs who are lucky to induce a mile or 2 walk daily, excessively long toenails are more common than not.

Reducing stress once trimming your dog’s nails

If your dog is fearful of having nails cut, what are you able to do? Here are some ideas:

Some dogs’ nails can reside a healthy length if they’re exercised frequently on a rougher surface like concrete or pavement.

Another innovative plan is to make a filing “board” that consists of a sheet of wood lined with sandpaper. You teach your dog a paw target behavior so apply that behavior to the board, therefore the dog effectively is filing down his own nails as he paws the board.

Nail trim mats are essentially doormats with a rough surface that files the dog’s nails each time he walks on the mat.

While these concepts are often useful, a desirable choice is to be ready to trim your dog’s nails whenever you need to. A good set up is to do away with your nail clippers all at once and switch to a nail grinder.

Here are 8 Best Tips to Clip Dog Nails When Dog is Scared of It

1. PREPARATION IS PARAMOUNT!

First, be ready. It’s essential that you simply recognize specifically however your tools work, this includes where and how the blade slides and moves. Without this knowledge, you will not be able to totally make sure that you’re cutting the nail properly and within the correct place. In addition, if you’ve got any queries or uncertainties with the tool, take care to look up the answers before using the product on your dog’s nails. Cutting nails are some things that ought to never be a ‘learn as you go’ task.

2. Don’t Pressure Him

If you do not dare to cut your nails and take your dog to the vet to try and do it, attempt to be as delicate as potential with your pet. A trick? Choose an extended walk together with your furry friend before going, thus your pet is going to be tired and cannot be thus stressed before this dreaded moment.

3. Observe It With A Prize:

After that ‘tragic’ moment provide a prize to your pet as a ‘snack or a chuche’, during this approach you’ll build a process that may be ‘traumatic’ a pleasant moment for your dog. There’s nothing higher than the relationship of ideas and experiences to form it less tedious.

Whether you head to the vet to cut your dog’s nails or if you opt to do it at home, discuss with your dog during a loving way, this fashion you’ll feel more secure and calm.

4. Safety First

If you’re not a professional, never cut your dog’s nails, you may get to the hyponychial and cause injuries. If you’re feeling more secure, you’ll be able to prefer to file your pet’s nails rather than cutting them. There’s presently a series of very effective electric files on the market. But beware, the sound they emit scares many dogs, thus before you buy one make sure you’ll not be afraid of your furry friend.

5. Get your Time

While each you and your dog might want to finish the nail trimming as shortly as doable, it’s necessary to take your time. Dog nail clipping is tough even for the specialists. To stop accidents, go slowly and cautiously.

6. Firm Grip

The next step in nail trimming has a firm grip on their paw and pushing back any hair that’s within the way of the nail. You will need to make sure that you are able to see specifically wherever you’ll be cutting.

It is necessary for pet homeowners to understand that if the dog’s nails are overgrown, their paw can likely be sore and tender. Stay alert and responsive to your dog’s behavior after you take their paw in your hand. If they yelp, be gentler. However, your grip ought to be firm enough that their paw doesn’t accidentally slip one direction or the other during the cutting method.

7. Dogs Nails are Totally Different than Our Nails

Next, it’s necessary for dog homeowners to acknowledge that our nails are very different from our dog’s nails and should be cut consequently. Most significantly, you must never place the dog’s entire nail within the clipper or cut the whole nail. The nail ought to be cut from beneath and at a 45-degree angle.

Now, fastidiously place the gap of the nail clippers over the tip of the white nail. It’s imperative that you only cut within the white nail area. Again, if you’ve got any question concerning this it’s crucial that you get an accurate answer before cutting the dog’s nails. Cutting past the white nail area means you’re cutting within the pink area of the nail (also referred to as the “quick”). The pink area of the nail is wherever blood vessels are live. Cutting into this space are unbelievably painful and might cause a considerable quantity of bleeding. Trust us, you’ll be wanting to avoid this at all costs.

8. Creating a Clean Cut

Finally, hold the paw steady and create a clean, swish cut by gently squeezing on the handle of the nail trimmer. It’s necessary to have an educated idea of however tightly you’ll need to squeeze so as to urge a clean cut, however not unknowingly hurt your pup’s tender paw.

Precautions of Dog Nail Trimming

There are some necessary precautions that pet homeowners should remember of before cutting their dog’s nails.

THE “QUICK”

First, as we previously mentioned, the “quick” is that the living a part of the nail. It’s the area of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerve endings. Unknowingly cutting the quick can usually lead to a bleeding toenail and a substantial quantity of pain.

DARK NAILS

Additionally, the color of your dog will have an effect on the color of their nails which may increase the problem of determining where the “white nail” ends. For example, several black and dark brown dogs can have black nails. Black dog nails will prove to be unbelievably difficult and sometimes lead to the owner accidentally cutting the nail too short.

NAIL SHAPE

Finally, pet homeowners will make sure that they’re cutting the nails appropriately just by paying attention to the shape of the nail. The bottom of the nail should form a triangle area. Above all, go slowly. You’ll be able to invariably cut additional nail, however there’s no going back if too much is cut off.

What to try and do if you cut Nails Too Short

The main factor that the majority pet homeowners worry once cutting their dog’s nails is what happens if you narrow too deep. First, we urge our readers to actually try to avoid this. Always cut the minimum off and go from there depending if you wish to cut more. However, we all know that accidents happen. Here’s what to own reachable just in case you narrow your dog’s nails too short.

1. STYPTIC POWDER

Professional groomers and veterinarians ordinarily use a substance referred to as styptic powder to help stop bleeding from cutting nails, minor cuts, and scratches. Styptic powder not only stops bleeding but also serves as an antiseptic, serving to stop infections and creating it safe to use.

2. BAR OF SOAP

If you do not have styptic powder in your home, you’ll be able to use a fragrance-free bar of soap. Merely hold the bar against the toenail for some minutes and permit the blood to clot.

3. BAND-AID

Finally, if you’ve got nothing else reachable you’ll be able to use a Band-Aid to help control the bleeding. However, please recognize that this is often simply a temporary solution. If the bleeding continues it’ll be necessary to get one of the aforementioned tools so as to clot the blood. In severe cases, veterinary treatment may be necessary.

The Final Decision

Your ability to clip your dog nails without inflicting a lot of pain assure him and create him more at home another time you need to try and do a similar.

Author Bio:

David Huner is the founder of the pettrainingtip, where he and his team provides all necessary information related to pet care, supplies, health and even more. His team also always doing research on new pet related article topics to cover information from all bases including training tips.

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I don’t know about you but I found this article extremely useful.

Why dogs are so good for us.

A delightful share.

I only recently came across this blog and loved it.

There is more and more great stuff about dogs it seems to me.

Anyway, I have permission to share it with you.

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Why you are better off with a Dog…

I have always had dogs around me. I remember my first dog, Sugar, from when I was a baby. She was always by my side. I am very grateful to be raised that way and in fact it made me a healthier person! Here are proven facts and studies that show dogs are very beneficial for humans!

10 reasons life is beneficial with a dog…

  1. Dogs reduce stress levels. Did you know just the act of petting a dog can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Petting a dog for just 10 to 15 minutes can release “feel good” hormones to also help cope with depression and other mental illness.
  2. Dogs can smell cancer. It is known that Dogs have the ability to smell cancer on a human body. Many studies state that dogs have pointed out cancer sites to their owners by licking or repeatedly sniffing a mole or lump!
  3. Dogs force you to exercise. All dogs need exercise, although some more than others. Dogs can keep you healthy and at a healthy weight by getting out and getting that fresh air! Don’t forget to take your shoes off for even more grounding benefits!
  4. Dogs are personal security. When you have a dog you never have to be alone. Even though my dogs are sweet, they can sound mean when they hear something or scare the mail man! Studies have shown that potential break ins are put off by barking dogs.
  5. Dogs teach responsibility. Children especially benefit from growing up with a dog. They need to be fed, watered, exercised, potty-time, etc. A dog is like a child and needs around the clock attention.
  6. Dogs can reduce allergies. I know it sounds backwards but it’s true! Studies have shown growing up with a dog in your house reduces your chance to develop allergies over the course of your life.
  7. Dogs can help you be social. People tend to gravitate towards people with dogs. Plus it gives off an impression that you are trust worthy.
  8. Dogs make work more enjoyable. Bringing dogs to work is increasing as it shows to lower work stress and keep staff more energized. They can pet, walk or play with their dog at work which make them more productive and satisfied. That is why I love working from home!!!
  9. Dogs teach compassion. Studies have shown children with dogs show more empathy and show more positive attitude towards animals. Dogs love humans more than themselves so we feel that heart and soul.
  10. Dogs connect with our souls! I wrote another blog about just how connected dogs are to our souls. It is said they can reincarnate and be our pet again and again.

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Give your dog/s a hug and remember why they are so special.

The End of Ice – A review

Background

On January 21st this year I republished a post by Tom Engelhardt and called it The song this planet needs to hear. His post was essentially a piece written for Tom by Dahr Jamail. It was called A Planet in Crisis and it included reference to a recently published book The End of Ice.

Subsequently, I decided to order the book by Dahr Jamail, it arrived a week ago and I ended up finishing it last Saturday.

I was minded to publish a review of the book, and here it is:

The End of Ice by Dahr Jamail

This is a book that I wished I had not read.

Yet, this is a book that once started I wanted to finish, and finish quickly.

It’s a brilliant book. Very impressive and very readable.  But I speak of it from a technical point-of-view.

Now that I have finished it life will never be quite the same again. Nor, for that matter, for anyone else who chooses to read it.

Dahr Jamail has a background as a reporter, with some other books under his belt. But his reporting skills really come to the fore with The End Of Ice. For he has travelled the world speaking to experts in their own field and listening to what they say about the future prognosis of the planet that you and I, and everyone else lives on.

Earth has not seen current atmospheric CO2 levels since the Pliocene, some 3 million years ago. Three-quarters of that CO2 will still be here in five hundred years. Given that it takes a decade to experience the full warming effects of CO2 emissions, we are still that far away from experiencing  the impact of all the CO2 that we are currently emitting. (p.5)

And if you are below the age of 60 or thereabouts you are going to experience this changing world head on. To be honest, whatever age you are things are starting to change.

Take this:

We are already facing mass extinction. There is no removing the heat we have introduced into our oceans, nor the 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide we pump into the atmosphere every single year. There may be no changing what is happening, and far worse things are coming. (p.218)

It really is a grim read. A grim but necessary read.

The eight chapters in the book spell out what is already happening. The diminishing glaciers and rising snow levels, the loss of coral, the rise in sea level and the loss of vast tracts of land as a consequence. Then there is the future of forests around the world. As I said, it is a grim read but a necessary one.

Towards the end of the book Dahr Jamail quotes author and storyteller Stephen Jenkinson:

“Grief requires us to know the time we’re in,” Jenkinson continues. “The great enemy of grief is hope. Hope is a four-letter word for people who are willing to know things for what they are. Our time requires us to be hope-free. To burn through the false choice of being hopeful and hopeless. They are the two sides of the same con job. Grief is required to proceed.” (p. 218)

Upon finishing this superb book, that you really do need to read, the one emotion that I was left with was grief. For what we have done to this planet. For what we are doing to this one and only home of ours.

Grief.

P.S. Dogs would not have done this to our beautiful planet.

How to walk your dog on a pet leash.

A guest post from Anoop Nain.

From time to time I receive inquiries as to whether or not I publish guest posts. And if they are not trying to sell something then I am more than happy to do so.

So here is a guest post from Anoop Nain.

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How to walk your dog on a leash?

By Anoop Nain.

Walking with your dogs should be a fun activity, free from stress and worries. Unfortunately, for many dog parents it can be more complicated. Here are some common problems faced by the people when walking their dogs and some solutions to address those problems.

Preventing Pulling
Leash pulling is one of the most common dog walking challenges. There may be a number of factors at play, but often pulling is due to excitement on the walk and a lack of focus. If your pleasant dog walking dream has turned into a tug-of-war game with your pooch, here are some tips you can try to stop them from pulling on the leash.

  • The first step to stop your dog from being a major-league puller is to make sure your dog is paying attention to you and not everything around you while you walk.
  • Walk in front of your dog. This will allow you to be seen as the pack leader. You should always be the first one out the door and the first one in.
  • Keep the leash really short (This will allow you to have more control).
  • With your dog calmly by your side or behind you, make different moves, such as – start, st
    op and turn. This way, he/she will start paying attention to you in order to keep up.
  • Stop walking if your dog begins to pull. When he stops pulling, begin walking forward again. Repeat this until your dog understands that pulling will prevent him from moving forward.
  • If your dog obeys you and shows good behavior, reward him/her by allowing him to sniff around.

Stop Constant Sniffing

Does your dog want to sniff everything on walks, or mark his territory? Rest assured; you are not alone! Sniffing is totally normal in dogs but constant sniffing while walking, especially when you have not allowed him to do so is not acceptable. As a responsible pet parent, you should not allow your furry kid to decide when and where to sniff.

Dogs, who pull on walks to sniff do so because they find it rewarding. Everytime your pooch pulls on the leash he gets to sniff something, which is a form of reward for him/her. You have to teach him/her that pulling no longer works and good behavior will get him/her reward from you. Here are some tips to try:

  • Keep the leash short but not tight. Walk in front of your dog and make sure his head is up during the walk. Stay focused on your destination and maintain your calm-assertive energy. When your dog starts following you, allow him brief breaks to relieve himself and explore the area around him. These breaks are your dog’s reward for obeying you.
  • Never reward your dog when he stops to sniff. Many people think treats will lure their dog to get up and walk again. But, it is wrong as you’re rewarding them for stopping.
  • Don’t pull on the leash because your dog will only strain harder due to “oppositional reflex.” It means when you try to pull your dog to make him move, he/she will pull in the other direction to maintain balance.
  • Instead of pulling your dog, stop and say your dog’s name or do something strange that distracts them, like squeaking a toy, whistling or anything to capture their attention and distract them from the thought that they don’t want to move anymore. When using a squeaky toy to distract him/her, remember not to actually give your dog the toy as your dog will see it as a reward for stopping.

Lunging and barking at other dogs and people

If you always have to walk to the other side of the street to prevent your dog from lunging, barking and snapping at other dogs and people, then you need to fix this problem as soon as possible. This problem is commonly known as leash reactivity. Most leash reactivity is caused by fear, anxiety or discomfort. Dogs bark and lunge at others to warn them.
Here’s what you can do to fix it:

  • To ‘heal’ your leash reactive dog, you have to identify the triggers and then avoid them altogether for some time. After some time, you have to gradually reintroduce them after desensitization and counter conditioning. For example: you can initially walk your dog when there are no other dogs or people around.
  • Then gradually, you have to figure out what your dog’s threshold is with other dogs – Does he/she get triggered when the other dogs are just a few meters away, or just seeing one on the other side of the park makes them agitated?
  • Once you have figured out your dog’s threshold with other dogs, you can ask a friend with a well behaved dog for help. You friend has to walk his/her dog within sight of yours. Each time the dog is in sight, shower your dog with lots of praise and treats. By doing this you will make an association between seeing the dog and getting lots of treats and praise.

Important thing to remember: Never punish your dog for his reactivity. Doing so will make the problem even worse. Dogs learn by making associations, and you want your dog to associate other dogs with pleasant things. So, make all the sessions positive by using lots of rewards.
When reframing your dog’s opinion of seeing other dogs and people, be protective of what he is exposed to and be careful where you take him. Just one fight is enough to trigger leash reactivity.
As you reframe your dog’s opinions of other dogs, consider not walking your dog for some time. Instead, just sit on your front porch with your dog on leash, and practice giving him rewards every time another dog comes into your dog’s line of sight.
When desensitization and counter-conditioning is done right, your dog will turn his head away on seeing another dog and look into your eyes, expecting a reward. Over time he will come to tolerate or even look forward to meeting other dogs.

WALKING TOOLS YOU CAN USE TO TRAIN YOUR POOCH

Training your dog to be a ‘good boi or gal’ on a leash can take few weeks to months of regular practice and patience. To make your job a bit easier, here are some humane walking tools that can be used:
Head harnesses

Head harnesses are designed to fit around your dog’s snout, with the leash attaching in front to gently turn his head when he starts pulling. This tool can be effective for short-term pull-prevention but it must be properly fitted and used appropriately to avoid stress and injuries.
Front-hook harnesses

These harnesses work exactly like head harnesses but they are fastened on your dog’s chest. When your dog starts pulling, it turns your dog back towards you, discouraging pulling.
No-pull harnesses
When the dog starts pulling, these specially designed harnesses discourage pulling by applying gentle pressure to the dog’s chest or legs.
All these tools can be quite effective for training your dogs but they must be gradually introduced, properly fitted, and used appropriately.
Wrap up
Training your pooch is an important and necessary part of your life together. It is a great bonding experience and well worth the effort! So train your dog to put his/her best paw forward and you will soon be able to enjoy the world with your happy, fun and leash friendly four legged companion.

ooOOoo

So it needs little else from me save to explain Anoop’s background. In response to me asking for him to provide a little about himself he wrote:

Anoop Nain is a proud father of four rescued dogs and two Flemish giant rabbits. Besides being a full-time dog father, he is a freelance content writer/blogger and an educationist, with more than 6 years experience in the field of content writing.

I hope you enjoyed this guest post.