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Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

By
Dr. Jennifer Bailey, DVM
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hip dysplasia
A dog’s hips can be considered dysplastic – a phrase that indicates abnormal growth or development – for several reasons. Some of the abnormal conditions observed on the x-ray of a dog with hip dysplasia include: the ball of the hip is subluxated (meaning less than 66% of the ball-shaped part of the joint is covered by the hip “socket”); the femoral head may be flattened or deformed; or the space between the ball and socket may have widened. Photo © Alterfalter | Dreamstime.com

There are many orthopedic conditions that can affect our dogs, but the one that strikes fear in the hearts of most dog parents is hip dysplasia. With early detection, hip dysplasia can be successfully managed in puppies. Even dogs with arthritis secondary to hip dysplasia can have an improved quality of life with surgical intervention or medical management.

Causes | Signs | Diagnosis | Treatment

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia is the malformation of the hip joint during a puppy’s growth period. The hip joint is composed of two parts: the head of the femur (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). This is why the hip is known as a ball and socket joint.

When a puppy grows, the head of the femur and the acetabulum need to grow at a uniform rate. This creates a snug fit of the ball within the socket. In hip dysplasia, the head of the femur and the acetabulum grow at different rates, creating laxity within the joint.

To demonstrate what this looks like, form a fist with your left hand. This represents the head of the femur. Now cup your right hand snugly over your fist. This represents the acetabulum. Rotate your fist inside of your cupped hand; this is how the ball of the hip moves naturally within the socket.

In a puppy or dog with hip dysplasia, the acetabulum does not fit snugly around the ball of the femur. Relax the fingers on your right hand so they are no longer snugly cupping your fist. Now rotate and move your fist within your right hand. Your fist has a lot more space to move around; this is analogous to the joint laxity in hip dysplasia.

When the ball sloshes around in the socket, the cartilage lining the ball collides with the cartilage lining the socket in unnatural ways. Over time, your dog’s body creates scar tissue along the edges of the cartilage to stabilize the hip joint. This scar tissue is not smooth like cartilage; it is bumpy and irregular.

A hip joint that is lined with scar tissue is known as an arthritic joint. Walking with an arthritic hip joint is painful. Your dog may exhibit periodic or chronic lameness. Dogs that live with a low level of chronic pain may not always exhibit lameness. But they will often have a shortened stride in their hind limbs or have atrophied thigh muscles because they cannot fully extend their hips.

What causes hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that is influenced by several environmental factors during a puppy’s growth period. These factors include nutrition, exercise, and growth rate. Any breed of dog can be affected by hip dysplasia, although it is more commonly seen in large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards.

Large breed puppies (any puppy that will weigh more than 50 pounds as an adult) should be fed a high-quality large breed puppy food. Puppy food that is formulated specifically for large breeds delivers a more controlled amount of calcium and protein to ensure proper bone development.

All puppies regardless of breed or size should be kept lean as they grow and not be allowed to gain excess weight. Being overweight puts additional strain on the hip joints and promotes joint laxity. The best way to ensure that your puppy grows at the correct rate is to feed two or three meals daily and follow your veterinarian’s recommendation on how much to feed at each meal.

Strenuous exercise in puppies, such as long hikes or going for long runs, can lead to premature excessive muscle development. This can contribute to laxity of the hip by changing the mechanical forces on the joint as it develops.

What are the signs of hip dysplasia in dogs?

Puppies who have hip dysplasia may walk with a bunny hop gait in their hind limbs. However, many puppies with hip dysplasia show no overt signs of lameness or gait abnormalities.

As dogs with hip dysplasia age and develop arthritic hip joints, they may show periodic lameness, a reluctance to use stairs, and may be slow to rise from a sitting or laying position. It is important to note that not all arthritic hip joints are caused by hip dysplasia. And the aforementioned signs can also be caused by osteoarthritis in joints other than the hips. Have your dog assessed by his veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of his discomfort and formulate a treatment plan.

How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?

The gold standard for diagnosing hip dysplasia is with radiographs (x-rays) of the hips. Your dog will require moderate to heavy sedation or even a brief period of anesthesia to complete these radiographs.

Young German Shepherd Dog at play
Owners would be wise to err on the conservative side with pups who are of one of the breeds that are most frequently plagued with hip dysplasia. Jumping should be extremely limited – and daily jogging with a dog under a year old is ill-advised in a vulnerable breed. Photo by Anita Kot /Getty Images

There are two radiographic methods for diagnosing hip dysplasia. One method involves completing a single radiograph of your dog’s hips while he is laying on his back with his hind limbs extended. This is called an extended ventrodorsal view of the pelvis. This radiograph can be interpreted by a board-certified veterinary radiologist or submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for analysis and certification.

The second method is a specialized set of radiographs called PennHIP (this stands for the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program). The PennHIP method requires three views of your dog’s hips. The first view is the extended ventrodorsal view discussed above and is used to detect if any arthritic changes are evident in the hip joints.

The second view simulates how the hip joints would appear if your dog were held up in a standing but non-weight bearing position. The third view simulates how your dog’s hip joints would appear if he were standing and bearing weight on his hind limbs. This is achieved through the use of a special positioning device for his hind limbs.

The extended ventrodorsal view of the pelvis is the most widely used radiographic method for diagnosing hip dysplasia. It can be done by any veterinarian and requires no special equipment or additional training. However, this method does not take into account the forces that apply pressure to the hips when a dog is standing. Therefore, the hips of some dogs with hip dysplasia may appear normal using this method. Also, this view may not be diagnostic in dogs who are less than 1 year old.

In contrast, the PennHIP method can be used to detect if a puppy is likely to develop hip dysplasia. This method can be used in puppies as young as 4 months old. Only veterinarians who have undergone specialized training can utilize the PennHIP method to screen for and diagnose hip dysplasia.

There is a simple palpation technique to screen for hip dysplasia that can be completed during a puppy’s wellness exam. This palpation technique, called the Ortolani Sign, tests for laxity of the hip joint. Light sedation may be required to relax the muscles around the hip (and to better control a wiggly puppy!).

A positive Ortolani Sign indicates the presence of hip dysplasia. However, some puppies with hip dysplasia may have a negative Ortolani Sign. The PennHIP method has been shown to be a more accurate screening tool for hip dysplasia in puppies as young as 4 months old.

Hip dysplasia in dogs treatment

There are two surgical options for puppies with hip laxity and two surgical options for dogs with hip dysplasia. Medical management is also an option for dogs who are unable to undergo surgery.

Dogs on lockdown in demand-Breeders and associations concerned
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that is influenced by several environmental factors during a puppy’s growth period. These factors include nutrition, exercise, and growth rate. Photo by Picture Alliance Images / Getty Images

Puppies who have been diagnosed with hip laxity between 10 and 18 weeks of age may benefit from a surgical procedure called Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS). This simple procedure prematurely closes a growth plate in the bottom of the pelvis. Closing this growth plate causes the acetabulum to cup the head of the femur more as it grows over the next 4 to 6 months, minimizing joint laxity and the development of hip dysplasia. Puppies with hip laxity who are older than 18 weeks of age are not candidates for this procedure.

Puppies between 4½ and 10 months of age who have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia may benefit from a procedure called a double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO or TPO). In this surgical procedure, two or three cuts are made in the pelvis. Then the acetabulum is rotated so that it properly cups the head of the femur.

Only puppies with mild to moderate hip laxity qualify for the DPO or TPO procedure. Puppies with severe hip laxity, lameness, or evidence of arthritic changes to their hips on radiographs should not undergo a DPO or TPO.

Adult dogs with hip dysplasia have two surgical options to improve their quality of life and give them pain-free movement of their hips. These procedures are total hip replacement (THR) or femoral head osteotomy (FHO).

A total hip replacement involves replacing the femoral head and the acetabulum with metal and plastic implants. This is similar to the procedure that is done in humans. THR gives dogs with hip dysplasia the best possible chance to return to a normal and pain-free activity level.

The FHO procedure is the complete removal of the femoral head, or ball of the hip joint. No replacement ball is installed in the femur. Over the next few months after surgery, the dog’s body develops scar tissue around what remains of the hip joint to create a false joint. Removing the head of the femur eliminates the pain associated with the arthritic hip but does not allow for full range of motion of the hip joint. Dogs who undergo an FHO will be more comfortable and pain-free but will not be restored to their pre-arthritic activity level.

Medical management of hip dysplasia and the associated arthritis consists of light daily exercise, the use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and other medications to treat pain, cartilage protectant supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, an omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplement, and physical therapy.

Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be allowed to become overweight. Being overweight increases the strain on a dog’s arthritic hip joints. Talk with your veterinarian about an appropriate medical management plan for your dog.

With appropriate intervention and management, dogs with hip dysplasia can lead a relatively normal life. Early intervention is the key to maintaining pain-free mobility and an active lifestyle.

What Is the Runt of the Litter?

By
Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
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Labrador mother with her puppies
Runts will often catch up to their siblings if they get a full share of mom’s milk, so most breeders keep a close eye on things to ensure no one is shoved away. Credit: Stefan Cristian Cioata | Getty Images

What is a runt puppy? By definition, the word “runt” refers to an animal who is smaller than average. Runt is also used to refer to the smallest pup in a litter, who may or may not be smaller than average size. It’s important to realize that, after birth, runt puppy development is usually normal.

 

 

Runt Puppy Development

Puppy fed of baby bottle
If needed, breeders will supplement puppies who are not getting enough of mom’s milk, but it’s now recommended to be one of the bigger pups, allowing runts to get nourishment from the mother. Credit: Laures | Getty Images

While birth size is important, the smallest born pup usually catches up to his siblings and might even surpass them at adulthood. Why he was born as the smallest pup isn’t clear. It could be he was a day later in the fertilization process, or his placenta wasn’t providing as many nutrients as the other puppies were receiving. Still, with momma dog providing plenty of milk, the runt usually catches up in size.

Concerns with a runt puppy include making sure he gets his fair share at the milk bar and doesn’t get shoved out of the way by his bigger siblings. Previously, people would supplement the runt, but current recommendations are to allow the runt separate feeding times so he can get his fill of the mom’s nutritious milk, supplementing one of the bigger pups instead, if necessary.

Runt of the Litter Health Problems

Don’t believe old wives’ tales about runt of the litter health problems. Being born smaller does not necessarily mean the puppy has or will have health problems. What matters is how the runt develops.

Puppies who do not develop and remain smaller than the rest of the litter may have health problems. Common problems that can cause a pup to lag behind include heart defects, a cleft palate, and gastrointestinal problems such as a liver shunt or blocked anus. Any organ defect may contribute to small size and potential illness or death.

If the runt puppy does not make up for this smaller size fairly quickly, have him evaluated by a veterinarian. You can detect a cleft palate yourself and sometimes you can “feel” a serious heart murmur right through the chest, but you still need veterinary documentation and direction.

Runt Puppy Personality

If your pup checks out as healthy but is just small, you’re good to go. Runt of the litter personalities are usually very positive. Runt puppies often get handled more and loved on more, so they are usually well socialized and happy. They still need to learn boundaries, however, so don’t spoil them. Let their dam handle interactions if she is a good mother.

Is That Growth on the Dog’s Nose a Polyp?

By
Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
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Close-Up Of Sneezing Dog On Field
Frequent sneezing and rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal tissues) are often symptoms of nasal polyps in a dog. Credit: Supalak Kosiyakue/EyeEm | Getty Images

Nasal polyps in dogs are growths that often develop due to chronic rhinitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the nose. These pink growths consist of fluid and connective tissue. Although nasal polyps are not common in dogs, compared to cats, male dogs have a slightly higher risk.

Symptoms of Polyps

  • A pinkish growth in the moist tissues of the nose/throat that may not be visible, except possibly near the nostrils
  • Discharge from one or both nostrils (may be bloody)
  • Increased sneezing
  • Obstructed, difficult, or noisy breathing

Dogs tend to have a single polyp but can have more than one. Diagnosis is generally done via endoscopy/rhinoscopy or radiographs. A CT gives a clear diagnosis but is not always needed.

Causes of Nasal Polyps

  • Exposure to environmental irritants, such as cigarette smoke and air pollution
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Chronic inflammation to the nasal tissues (rhinitis)

Are Polyps Cancer?

Canine nasal polyps tend to be benign, or noncancerous. However, dog nasal polyps frequently occur with nasal carcinoma, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania published November 2019 in Veterinary Pathology.

Treatment

Treatment is most successful with surgery. Endoscopic debulking, which is removing as much of the tumor as possible, possibly with a laser, is an option. A biopsy should be done on the tissue. Radiation has been used for a few cases. Medical treatment is generally steroids, but that’s not especially effective, compared to debulking (see study published July 2021 in The Canadian Veterinary Journal).

Recurrence is possible with any treatment and more likely if your dog has multiple polyps.

Warning: Natural Treatments for Nasal Polyps

There is currently no safe, effective natural treatment for nasal polyps in dogs. In humans, various essential oils have been tried but success is varied. Some of these oils can be toxic to dogs, so it’s best to avoid them.

Can Dogs Eat Soy?

By
Dr. Mary Cope, PhD
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husky in the soy field
It’s unlikely this pretty Husky knows that the soybean field he’s in is one of many in the United States, the world’s largest soybean producer. Credit: Perytskyy | Getty Images

Seeing soy in a dog food ingredient list may not sound like something a dog would like to eat. Indeed, ingredients like soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, and soybean oil may make you raise an eyebrow. But before you start searching pet-food shelves for soy-free dog food, let’s talk about what purpose soy serves in dog food. It’s a big one.

Soy Complements Animal Protein

To say that dogs have a protein requirement is misleading. Truthfully, dogs have amino acid requirements, which are the building blocks of proteins. Of the 20 amino acids, 10 are essential in dogs, meaning dogs cannot produce or synthesize high enough quantities of them to meet their biological requirement. They must instead obtain these amino acids from their diet.

Each protein source, whether plant or animal, has a different amino acid profile, with some levels of amino acids being higher than others. Proteins also vary in bioavailability, with some protein sources being utilized more efficiently than others. The term “limiting amino acids” refers to essential amino acids that are naturally in short supply but utilized in the highest quantities. In dogs, those amino acids include methionine and lysine.

That is where soy products come in. Soy is very high in lysine and complements animal protein sources very well. While raw soybeans do contain anti-nutritional factors that can negatively impact digestion, the soy products commonly used in commercial pet foods have had many of those components removed.

Soy That’s Good for Dogs

Obviously, soy that is used in dog foods should be included in a form that is easy to digest and benefits the dog’s health. These types of soy include:

  • Soy protein concentrate. This is soybean meal that has gone through additional processing to further isolate the protein and contains much lower levels of oligosaccharides, decreasing its impact on digestibility and stool quality. This process results in a nutrient-dense, highly digestible ingredient.
  • Soy protein isolate. This type of soybean protein contains none of the carbohydrates or fiber found in soybean meal. This ingredient is the most concentrated source of soy protein and is highly digestible by dogs.
  • Soybean oil. As the name implies, soybean oil is the extracted fat from the whole soybean. Soybean oil provides energy and is a good source of the essential omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid.

The form of soy that most dog foods limit or avoid is soybean meal, which is the defatted flakes of soybeans. Soybean meal is used as a protein source as well as a source of energy. Of the soy ingredients used, this ingredient has the highest number of oligosaccharides, a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by dogs. The presence of oligosaccharides can negatively impact stool quality and increase flatulence. Because of this, soybean meal in dog food is limited.

From a nutritional standpoint, soy can provide a good source of digestible amino acids for pets. While some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to soy products and should opt for soy-free dog food and treats, for many others, it is a viable ingredient.

When to Stop Feeding Puppy Food

By
Dr. Mary Cope, PhD
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Chihuahua standing in front of Border Collie
Deciding when to switch from puppy foods rests heavily on when the dog will reach maturity. Small dogs stop growing at an earlier age than large dogs. Credit: Hillary Kladke | Getty Images

Proper nutrition is vital for puppies, and puppy food has been specially formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of a growing, developing dog. But when should you stop feeding puppy food and make a switch to adult dog food? The short answer is it depends on your puppy.

Dogs are the most diverse species of land mammal, with weights that range from under 1 pound for some of the smallest breeds to over 150 pounds for several of the giant breeds. Because of this great variation, the amount of time it takes for a dog to reach maturity depends primarily on their expected adult size.

When the Dog Stops Growing

Small-breed dogs mature more quickly than the larger breeds and, therefore, do not need to stay on a diet designed for growth and development—a puppy food—as long. The general rule of thumb is that a dog can be transitioned to adult dog food once they are mature, or done growing, and this typically is around the 1-year mark for most small- and medium-sized dogs. For large- and giant-breed dogs, this benchmark is pushed back as these dogs may not finish growing until they are 2 years old.

All Life Stages Formulas

If you have reservations about whether your young dog is ready to transition directly to an adult maintenance formula food, you may want to consider switching to an “all life stages” formula instead. These complete and balanced diets are formulated to meet the AAFCO-defined nutritional requirements for puppies, adults, and pregnant/nursing mothers. That means your dog can stay on an all life stages formula throughout their adulthood as well as puppyhood. However, for dogs weighing over 70 pounds—these are the giant breeds—the AAFCO statement should say, “including growth of large-size dogs (70 pounds or more as an adult)” to keep your big dog happy and healthy.

You can search for all life stages dog food on our 2023 Whole Dog Journal Approved Dog Food list.

Can Dogs Be Vegan?

By
Kate Basedow, LVT
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Funny dog and bag of groceries in front of market or local store.
Should your dog go vegan? Research is lacking. Can your dog go vegan? Yes, with the help of a nutritionist. Credit: Photoboyko | Getty Images

All dogs can be vegan, provided their nutritional needs are met. Dogs are omnivores, able to utilize nutrients from both meat and plant-based foods. Dogs require protein in their diet, but that protein can come from either meat or plants. And yes, dogs can digest carbs—it’s one of the key differences between dogs and modern wolves.

Research on Vegan Dogs

Overall, research on feeding a dog a vegan diet is limited. A study published in PLOS ONE in 2022 concluded that nutritionally sound vegan diets may be healthier than conventional or raw diets. Unfortunately, some of the study’s methods raised questions, such as the number and ages of the dogs studied. More work needs to be done.

A 2023 study from Veterinary Sciences determined there is little solid research about the impact of a vegan diet on a dog’s health, also citing small sample sizes. Still, said the researchers, there’s no evidence showing the vegan diet is bad on a dog’s health. This study recommended that if you want to feed vegan, you stick with a commercial vegan diet. We recommend that the food you choose is formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional recommendations.

Other nutritionists suggest sort of walking the line. Rather than going full vegan, include eggs, dairy, and/or fish in your dog’s diet.

And, for some dogs, vegan diets may help with some health issues. “For some dogs, such as those with food allergies, liver issues, and even some urinary stones, vegan diets can be considered therapeutic. There are some well-balanced commercial diet options available that have been helping the management of these issues for a long time,” said veterinary nutritionist Renee Streeter DVM, DACVIM, in an article in Cornell DogWatch.

It’s Not Easy to be Vegan

Feeding a dog a vegan diet is challenging. The diet must provide your dog with everything that she needs while feeding a vegan diet. Although there are commercial options—Natural Balance, Canidae, Addiction Foods, Halo, and more—many owners still prefer to make a homemade diet for their dogs. Homemade diets are notorious for nutrient deficiencies, including many recipes you find online, that can lead to health problems.

If you’re determined to feed your dog vegan, consult with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a nutritionally balanced recipe or choose a commercial diet with an AAFCO statement on the label. In general, vegan diets are often lower in protein and amino acids than meat diets, and these nutrients are essential to good health. Nutritionists are skilled at being creative to meet the unique nutritional needs of dogs and can ensure that your dog is getting everything that he needs while still following your vegan preferences.

What Causes Yeast Infection in Dog Ears?

By
Kate Basedow, LVT
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Veterinarian doctor examining a pritty dog
While yeast infection pictures of a dog’s ear may resemble what you’re seeing in your dog’s ears, the only true way to know what’s wrong with the ear is a veterinary examination. Credit: bymuratdeniz | Getty Images

Your dog naturally has yeast on her body, and it normally doesn’t cause trouble. The issue is when it grows out of control. Dog ears – especially floppy drop ears – are a perfect home for a variety of microbes including yeast. These ears are enclosed and warm, so all that is needed is a little moisture and/or irritation and an infection can be at hand.

Possible causes of yeast infections include:

  • Chronic moisture in the ear from lots of swimming or baths
  • Bacterial infection
  • Debris stuck in the ear
  • Damage to the ear drum
  • Allergies
  • A tumor or polyp in the ear canal

What Does a Yeast Infection Look Like on a Dog?

If you search for “yeast dog ear infection picture,” you’ll come up with a lot of photos of dogs with grimy-looking or reddish ears. Yeast infections do frequently cause a characteristic light brown, waxy exudate inside the ear, but appearance alone isn’t reliable. Bacterial infections in the ear can look similar, or there may be multiple issues occurring at the same time.

Besides that gross, waxy debris in your dog’s ears, other signs that you may notice include:

  • Scratching or rubbing at the ears
  • Ears sensitive to touch
  • A distinct odor, often compared to corn chips
  • Red, inflamed ears
  • Head tilt
  • Neurological signs such as stumbling, circling, and falling over in severe cases

Time to See the Vet

The only way to be sure that your dog’s troubles are caused by yeast is to have your veterinarian do an ear cytology, which involves swabbing the exudate in the ear and examining it under a microscope. This allows the veterinarian to see what infectious agents are present and prescribe the right medication to treat that problem.

If your dog is up to date on her wellness exams, your veterinarian may allow you to drop off an ear swab without bringing your dog in for an appointment. However, if the symptoms are severe, return after treatment, or don’t improve at all, your dog will need a physical exam, so the veterinarian can look inside the ear canal and check out the ear drum. This can be an important step, because some ear medications like the long-acting Claro can cause deafness if applied in an ear with a ruptured ear drum.

What Is a Safe Dog Crate?

By
John Strassburger
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dog in plastic crate
Plastic crates offer a cave-like comfort for many dogs, and some, like the Ruff Land shown here, can double as crash-tested travel crates and regular crates. Credit: Cindy Foley

A safe dog crate is a sturdy crate that fits your individual dog: his size, his temperament, his training, his environment, and then your needs.

A safe, comfortable crate is big enough for your dog to walk into, sit in, stand in, and turn around. Start by measuring your dog’s standing height, including his ears, and his length, including his tail, then add 2 to 4 inches to both to find the proper size.

Four Main Types of Dog Crates

  • Plastic crates: These durable dog crates are made of strong plastic, usually with a swinging, wire door in front and often with a handle on top for moving the crate. Except for the door, plastic crates have smooth surfaces to minimize the chance of an injury. Plastic crates are often not well-ventilated, however. Look for one with holes at least on both long sides. They’re good for travel and easy to clean but bulky and awkward to move, especially if you have a large dog. They’re also not all that pretty.
  • Wire crates: Easily cleaned, unrestricted view, well-ventilated. You can purchase heavy-duty wire crates, if needed, but otherwise wire crates are great for all dogs, especially escape artists. Look a crate with two latches on the doors, especially on larger crates. Some wire crates come with a divider for housing more than one dog and/or more than one door for convenience. Wire crates can eventually rust and can become difficult to put together and then unfold, especially if it’s folded and moved around frequently. As the crate becomes worn, watch for stray pieces of wire that have come apart and could cause injury and/or escape.
    dog in wire crate
    Wire crates are difficult for a dog to escape from when properly put together, but you still need to be sure all of the dog—including the ear—fits comfortable. In addition, many dogs would prefer a cover over their wire crate. Credit: Cindy Foley
  • Soft-sided crates: These crates are not the best choice for determined escape artists or dogs who are not properly trained and don’t settle into a crate. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to chew through the canvas or nylon fabric or push through zipper enclosures. These crates can be difficult to clean but are lightweight and portable, as they easily come apart and fold nicely. Soft crates are only suited for dogs who are crate-trained. These crates often come with a top opening that can be used for little dogs. A few brands have more than one door.
  • Wooden furniture crates: Wood crates are suited for crate-trained dogs who won’t chew the wood. They are usually house-only crates as they are heavy and don’t easily fold for transportation. These crates can be difficult to clean and tend to be expensive.

Clearly, the plastic and wire crates are the most durable and the most escape-proof. If you’re just training your dog, these are the best choices.

Soft-sided crates are most often selected by competitors and trainers who who take their dogs places and are looking for lightweight, easy-to-fold crates for well crate-trained dogs.

There are also crash-tested travel crates like the Variocage, Impact Crates, SleepyPod (for small dogs), and Ruff Land Kennels that are made to endure a car crash. These come in metal and plastic materials, and many can be custom made to your car space and dog ventilation needs. Some can double as a house or competition crate, but these products tend to be heavy.

Crates Dogs Like

When choosing a crate, give some thought to what your dog likes. Some dogs prefer a wire crate with no covering so he can see everything going on around him. Others seem to feel like they’re on display and aren’t comfortable.

Most dogs like the cave-like feeling naturally offered by a plastic crate or soft-cover crate. Dogs who need a wire crate due to their Houdini-like abilities can get the same cave feeling by purchasing a crate cover or simply placing a cotton sheet or lightweight blanket or throw over the crate. Dogs who bark in wire crates are often quieted by the addition of a cover.

Any crate can have safety issues, depending on your dog. He can get a leg stuck in metal if the crate is not properly put together and sized to the dog; he can chew through wood; and he can pretty easily destroy a soft-sided crate.

Remember that a dog’s crate is a safe, temporary haven for him to eat, relax, or remain confined when necessary. A crate should not be a punishment area or a permanent prison.

All crates need a pad or thick towel on the floor for comfort. Chew-resistant crate beds are available, if you suspect your dog may be destructive. A stuffed Kong toy can keep your dog occupied. If your dog is left in his crate for any length of time, you must provide water as well.

While we believe all dogs should be crate-trained due to the possibility of emergencies, there are dogs that simply won’t relax in a crate. For these dogs, we recommend crate alternatives, as discussed in our article “Creative Confinement: Dog Crate Alternatives.”

Riding in Cars With Dogs

By
Dr. Jennifer Bailey, DVM
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A Side View Of A Happy French Poodle Mini Puppy Dog With Hair Clips Looking Out Of A Car Window
Adorable, no? Actually, NO! This dog’s life is being endangered in several ways. She can be hit by debris on the road, be thrown out of the car in an accident (or even just when the car needs to swerve to avoid a road hazard), she might get excited about something she see and jump from the car to her death, or she can be seriously injured by the car’s airbag if it deploys in a crash. Photo by Francisco Umaña / EyeEm, Getty Images

Most of us love taking our dogs places. And this usually means taking them with us in our car, truck, or SUV. But improper car safety can turn an innocent trip into life-altering ride. Both human and canine passengers need to practice proper car safety. Emergency veterinarians are all too familiar with dogs that suffer injuries from improper car safety. This includes riding in the driver’s lap, riding with their head out the window, or riding without proper restraint inside the vehicle.

Airbags Can Kill Dogs: No Dogs On Laps

It is so tempting to put your small dog in your lap while you are driving. They are cute and they love to snuggle. And how much harm could come of having your six pound Maltese or Chihuahua ride in your lap?

If you are in an accident, your airbag is likely going to deploy. The airbag is meant to protect you in a crash. If your small dog is riding in your lap when the airbag deploys, the force of the airbag can significantly harm your small dog. Fractures and spinal cord trauma resulting in paralysis are common injuries in small dogs that have been impacted by an airbag.

Secure Your Dog With Safety Belts or Car Carriers

dog in seatbelt
Car safety harnesses are built with a different design than walking harnesses. They are stronger and generally have wide, padded straps and a broad chest-plate, where the dog will take most of the impact if the car stops suddenly or is in an accident. They not only keep your dog safe in an accident, they keep him in one spot in the car, which helps prevent him from distracting you while driving. Photo by Nancy Kerns

Unrestrained dogs can also become projectiles in a car accident. Head trauma from being thrown into the windshield is common. Another common scenario seen by emergency veterinarians is small dogs launched out the driver’s side window like a catapult during an accident. This happens when the driver’s window is rolled down and the small dog is standing in the driver’s lap with their paws on the door. During an accident, the small dog can fly out the window and land on their head on the pavement below. This type of injury often results in traumatic brain injury or sudden death.

The safest way for a dog to ride in a vehicle is buckled into a dog car safety belt or harness or in a secured travel carrier designed for use in cars or planes. Read WDJ’s review of dog car safety harnesses from April 2021 here. Small dogs who are buckled into a safety harness may also ride in a car seat designed for dogs. WDJ has a review of small-dog car seats from the May 2021 issue here.

Prevent Injuries From Open, Unprotected Windows

Large dogs often ride in the back seat away from air bags but can still become injured due to an open window. Dogs who ride with their heads out the window are more prone to eye and/or ear injuries caused by flying debris. Another common injury occurs when unrestrained dogs jump out the window of a moving vehicle. These dogs can fracture a limb when they land on the pavement. Emergency veterinarians have also seen cases where an owner accidentally backed over their own dog after the dog jumped out the rear window!

Installing a dog car window screen or guard on each rear window of your vehicle can help protect your pooch when the windows are rolled down. Wire mesh panels made from welded steel that are custom designed to fit your vehicle’s rear windows are available from BreezeGuard. Screens made from polyester mesh fabric are available from The Skeeter Beater and from Luno. The screens from The Skeeter Beater attach to the window frame with sewn-in magnets. Luno’s screens fit over the top of your vehicle’s rear door frame like a glove. All of these screens and panels allow for normal operation of your vehicle’s windows when installed.

Accidents can happen when we least expect it. Don’t let improper car safety ruin your outing!

Download The Full March 2023 Issue PDF

By
Nancy Kerns
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4
  • Dewclaw Disagreement
  • Rodenticide Poisoning
  • Socialize your Puppy
  • Canine Acupuncture
  • Loose Dog Coming
  • Help a Choking Dog
  • Won’t Eat from a Bowl?
  • Pet Health Insurance
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Should You Send Your Dog to a Board and Train “Dog Boot Camp”?

By
Stephanie Colman
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0
A board and train doggy boot camp offers obedience training and boarding.
When evaluating a trainer that you are thinking about hiring, it’s important for you to see him or her in action – preferably training several clients’ dogs (not just their own dog), and preferably when working with a dog who seems to be at the same level of training as your dog. Photo by Gajus, Getty Images

Have you considered sending your dog to stay with a trainer for some intensive training? This is commonly known as a “board and train” arrangement – but sometimes marketed as a dog training “boot camp” – and it comes with definite pros and cons. You dog may, in fact, learn a lot in a short amount of time. But you need to understand that you, too, will need to take some lessons so that you and your dog understand the behavior cues and criteria that will help him succeed in your home. And you need to look out for signs that not all is well with the trainer’s methods or business management.

What is Board and Train?

The term “board and train” refers to a type of training arrangement where your dog resides with the trainer or at the training facility for a set period. When done properly, the set up allows for a concentrated training experience with a skilled professional who has the time to set up frequent training sessions to help build the desired behaviors.

Potential Benefits of Board and Train for Your Dog

There are several important things to keep in mind when considering utilizing a board and train service. Ideally, you receive all the things in the “Pro” column:

  • Your dog receives consistent training. Many households find it difficult to dedicate consistent time to training. In a board and train setting, training the dog is number one on the to-do list, not an additional task one attempts to juggle amongst work and responsibilities at home. Consistency goes a long way toward jump-starting a dog’s learning and creating a solid foundation upon which you, as the owner, can continue to build.
  • Your dog learns quickly with a professional. When a pet owner works with her dog under the guidance of a professional trainer, often, both species – the human and the dog – are learning new skills at the same time! A human working to conquer her learning curve can create moments of confusion for the dog that don’t exist when a skilled professional trainer is at the end of the leash. Thankfully, dogs are forgiving and almost always eventually figure it out even when we humans might bumble our way through an exercise but minimizing those moments of confusion better supports the dog’s learning.
  • Your dog is able to make positive breakthroughs in a new environment. In the case of behavior issues, a change of scenery can be useful to help break patterns of behavior that might be heavily tied to the environment. Sometimes, the environment becomes such a strong trigger for an unwanted behavior, it’s difficult to create opportunities to reinforce a more desirable behavior within the environment. Ideally, during the dog’s time away, the trainer can help the dog develop alternate behaviors under similar circumstances so when the dog returns home, with the help of a little management and continue practice, it’s easier for the dog to be successful.

The Potential Cons of Board and Train Arrangements

  • Finding the right program can be challenging. Unfortunately, dog training is still an unregulated industry, and anyone can they are a dog trainer. If you don’t carefully do your homework when choosing a board and train trainer or facility, at best you’ll have spent money with little to nothing to show for it and, at worst, your dog may have been subjected to harsh training methods or unsafe conditions.
  • It’s spendy. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of money – typically in the thousands of dollars for a two-week program. You’re not only paying for the trainer’s time spent training your dog (which, remember, is frequent in this set-up), you’re also paying for time spent caring for your dog daily.
  • You’re not the one working with your dog. We know, we know, you’re thinking, “Duh. That’s the point.” But consider this: Training is a relationship-builder and the better relationship you have with your dog, the more successful the outcome. Dogs tend to work best for whomever spends the most time engaged in training. Just because your dog is responding wonderfully to the trainer doesn’t mean the behavior will naturally carry over to you when your dog gets home.

How to assess a board-and-training facility

Dog trainer with a belgian malinois
When evaluating a trainer that you are thinking about hiring, it’s important for you to see him or her in action – preferably training several clients’ dogs (not just their own dog), and preferably when working with a dog who seems to be at the same level of training as your dog. Photo by Gajus, Getty Images

Here’s what to keep in mind when researching board and train options:

  • Get referrals from sources you trust. If you search online, you will find countless reports of cruelty, abuse, and neglect occurring at boarding and training facilities. Some people have found their dogs in terrible condition or have been unable to retrieve their dogs at all. Don’t rely on internet-based reviews; the stakes are too high. If you’re working with a trainer you’re comfortable with, ask if they offer board and train services or if they recommend anyone. Query friends and family to get honest, trustworthy references.
  • View the facility and watch some training in action. If the board and train takes place at a dog training facility, find out when you can visit to observe some training in action. Does the facility look clean? Does it have a noticeable “doggy” odor? Are dogs barking endlessly? As you observe the training, watch the dog’s body language. Does the dog appear comfortable with the trainer? If the trainer is working with a shy or fearful dog, does the trainer appear patient with the dog? If you’re working with a private trainer who offers board and train services out of his home, you may not be able to tour the home, but you should be able to observe the trainer in action as he teaches classes or private lessons.
  • Talk about training methods. Ask what training methods are used and what equipment will be used on your dog. Explicitly ask if aversive tools such as training collars (“choke chains”), pinch collars, or shock collars are used, even if the trainer says she uses positive-reinforcement training.
  • Be leery of guarantees and other claims that sound too good to be true. It’s a huge red flag if a board and train facility or private trainer states you can expect problem behaviors to be eliminated, or that your dog will be 100 percent reliable off-leash following the board and train program. Of course, you should expect to see progress – even significant progress depending on the issue – but, as we said, training a dog takes time, patience, and consistency, and if a trainer is claiming he can guarantee amazing results within the timeframe common for a board and train arrangement (typically two to four weeks), there’s a good chance they’re using punishment-based training collars in an attempt to quickly suppress unwanted behaviors.
  • Have clear expectations. Make sure the trainer understands what behaviors you want to prioritize during the board and train time. The trainer should also help you understand what to expect from the dog at the completion of the program. The time in board and train should end with a few private sessions where the trainer works with you to understand how to continue with the new behaviors at home.

Is board and train worth it?

If you have the financial resources, know you’re working with a professional you can trust and understand it’s not a quick fix and you’ll still need to invest some time and effort into transferring the behaviors from the trainer to yourself – and working to maintain the dog’s success – it can be a great way to jump-start your dog’s learning.

It can be especially effective with young puppies where ensuring consistency means your dog is better able to learn correct behaviors from the start versus learning unwanted behaviors you’ll need to fix later. As part of a board and train arrangement, the trainer can also help make sure your puppy gets out to safely experience the world during the critical socialization period, helping to create a confident dog.

As an alternative to board and train programs, consider working with a trusted trainer who can offer “day training.” Like board and train, a trainer works with your dog in your absence, either picking the dog up from your home or working with the dog on your property. As a trainer, I’ve successfully offered this service to many clients looking for a training boost when they themselves are unable to commit as much time to training as they’d like. Day training is much less expensive – typically the same cost as a private lesson with the trainer – and you aren’t without your canine friend!

Not Enough Vets

By
Nancy Kerns
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0

Every pet owner I know is talking about it: the difficulty we are all experiencing in getting veterinary care – especially emergency care – for our dogs. Friends have driven hours to find an emergency clinic that is still operating at night or on weekends – and in some cases have spent six, eight, or even more than 10 hours waiting for their dogs to be seen in an emergency. Call to make a routine appointment and the first opening they have may be more than a month in the future.

This sobering reality has definitely made me more careful with my dogs than ever before. I don’t throw the ball as much for Woody, who puts all of his heart and soul into catching every ball, without particular regard for collision hazards or graceful landings. Knowing that I might not be able to find a vet to take him to if he sliced himself open running into something, or being unable to schedule a timely ACL repair if he were to blow a tendon, has definitely made me less inclined to encourage him to engage in the potentially injurious activity. I even stop him and my year-old dog, Boone, from chasing each other at high speeds around my property! It used to be fun to watch; now I just flinch every time they almost run into a tree or take a bad step as they leap over the little stream in our pasture.

I strongly suspect the difficulty and delay in obtaining prompt veterinary care is also partly to blame for what seems like record numbers of unwanted puppies and kittens flowing into animal shelters.

About a year ago, Mars Veterinary Health published some statistics that put some hard numbers to the experience many of us are having:

  • Nearly 41,000 additional veterinarians will be needed to meet the needs of companion animal healthcare by 2030.
  • Even with the new veterinary graduates expected over the next 10 years, a shortage of nearly 15,000 veterinarians will likely still exist by 2030.
  • It would take more than 30 years of graduates to meet the 10-year industry need for credentialed veterinary technicians.

If you haven’t seen your veterinarian for a while, be advised that it might take longer than usual. And when you do take your dog in for an appointment, be extra considerate of the veterinarian and staff time and expertise! They’re under extraordinary pressure these days.

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