Warm Winter To Blame for Increased Leptospirosis Cases

by Lori Ennis

March 29th, 2017 12:00 AM

warm winter to blame for increased leptospirosis cases

Thanks to a warm winter, U.S. veterinarians are seeing an increased amount of leptospirosis cases. Here are some recommendations to help protect your pets.

In Paramus, New Jersey, more than 10 dogs were treated for leptospirosis they most likely contracted from drinking water contaminated with the bacteria. Leptospirosis, or lepto, is a potentially fatal infection and can be transmitted through the urine of infected wildlife, mainly rodents.

Related: Leptospirosis in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

Five dogs were treated at BluePearl Veterinary Partners, and two of the five died. Three dogs were treated at the Bergen County Veterinary Center and all survived; and three or more are being treated at Oradell Animal Hospital and their status is unknown. Tracy Horyczun, hospital administrator at BluePearl, says that the number of dogs they are seeing with Lepto is elevated for this time of the year. Lepto is not typically seen this early, but she believes the warmer winter much of the U.S. has experienced has given rise to the disease in wildlife animals.

The urine of infected animals such as rats or squirrels is the most common source of infection. It seeps into melting snow or rain–a dog on a walk may drink from the puddle and contract the potentially fatal disease.

Related: Warmer Winter Means Higher Risk of a Leptospirosis Outbreak

Veterinarians recommend a vaccine that covers multiple strains of the leptospirosis bacteria as most effective way to prevent your pet from contracting the disease. If pet owners forgo the vaccine, they should not allow their pets to drink standing water while outside or on walks.

If pet owners see signs of tiredness, red eyes, or chills in their pets, they should seek veterinary care immediately. Lab tests are needed to determine positive cases of lepto, and if untreated the infection can severely damage a pet’s organs, or even kill them.

Vets warn that humans can also catch the disease, but that the infected urine would have to go through the mouth, eyes or other exposed body part of a human for that to happen. Still, pet owners should also be cautious as they walk their pets. Person-to-person transmission of lepto is possible, though rare.

Lori Ennis

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Deadly Dog Disease ‘Alabama Rot’ Afflicting Pets in the UK

Pet owners are being warned to be on lookout for signs of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot, which has shown up in confirmed cases throughout the United Kingdom in the last several months. There is no known exact cause for the deadly disease known as Alabama Rot, though it is believed to be acquired from the paws and legs of dogs who go on muddy walks. The latest confirmed case of the disease has been reported in Cornwall, England, thought Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists have reported numerous cases throughout England since January. Concerned clinicians are warning pet owners to be on the lookout for symptoms in their pets. Related: What Is Mange In Dogs? Alabama Rot is actually Idiopathic Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy, also abbreviated as CRGV. Some vets think that it is a parasite, while others believe it to be bacterial. Most widely, it is believed to be from toxins that are produced by E. Coli, and acquired when dogs take walks through affected, muddy waters. Because there is no exact cause, there is no vaccine, though it is under study in the United Kingdom, as the first case was confirmed there in 2012. The first identified cases were in America in the 1980s. According to a report published by the British Veterinary Association in 2015, there is a poor prognosis for dogs when azotaemia, or high nitrogen levels in the blood, develops. Related: Warm Winter To Blame for Increased Leptospirosis Cases With the latest confirmed case in Cornwall, pet owners are being strongly cautioned to keep their dogs from mud while walking, and to be on diligent when spotting the symptoms. Initially, skin lesions on the chest, abdomen, and legs develop, along with skin lesions, red patches or swelling. In a quarter of the cases, Alabama Rot leads to kidney failure. Officials in Cornwall advise pet owners who are in doubt as to the origin of any skin lesions to contact their vets immediately upon noticing. More information, including locations of confirmed cases, can be found at Vets4Pets.

Can You Teach a Dog to Swim?

Most dogs absolutely love water, whether it's splashing in puddles, playing at the beach, or jumping into lakes and rivers. Let’s face it, your pooch would not hesitate to take a big splash, wherever they are, if given a chance! However, while some dogs take to water naturally, others may need a little help and guidance to become confident swimmers. Believe it or not, not all dogs are born knowing how to swim. While some dog breeds, such as Labradors and Retrievers, are known for their swimming abilities, others may be less inclined to take a dip. However, with patience, positive reinforcement, and proper training, most dogs can learn to enjoy swimming and be safe in the water. Before you attempt to teach your dog how to swim, though, you need to know how to safely and efficiently introduce them to water.Teaching Your Dog to Swim: Step By StepIf you notice that your dog isn’t a natural swimmer and that they avoid larger bodies of water altogether, it is most likely that they don’t have a particularly developed sense of swimming. That sense, however, can be “awakened”, with just a little bit of practice and teaching. For these purposes, it is best that you conduct the training in a small pet pool, in your backyard. That way, you will have complete control over their safety.  This Niubya foldable pool for pets is a good choice as it has an anti-slip bottom so your dog won’t slip around, and it’s made from sturdy PVC that can’t be easily punctured by their nails. Once you have your pool set up, you can begin the introduction.

Boxer

Boxer Basics You don’t usually come across someone who doesn’t know what a Boxer looks like. Enjoying widespread popularity, Boxers sport that square jaw line and impressive under bite that gives them a fighter-like appearance. Sporting strong legs and deep, loud barks that make you take notice, Boxers are an impressive breed that is great for families. Notorious for being incredibly intelligent, Boxers are often used for service purposes like police dogs and therapy aid. Along with Golden or Labrador Retrievers, Boxers rank among the most popular dogs for this important work. It’s not just its intelligent that makes it a real people dog – Boxers love being around people! They love human affection, especially from children, and will never leave your side when you’re at home. There are plenty of reasons why a Boxer will make a welcome addition to your family – read on to find out more about this breed. Notorious for being incredibly intelligent, Boxers are often used for service purposes like police dogs and therapy aid. Origin We’ve filled you in on the recent history of the Boxer breed. They make great pets, service dogs, and even guard dogs. But let’s go back to its past, where you’re sure to find in much more interesting. Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were used by butchers to control cattle and for hunting purposes (they could run and hold down wild boar and bison), as well as being one of the first breeds of dogs used as police and military dogs. Unfortunately, they were also used for dog fighting – a Boxer would stand up on its hind legs and “box” with its opponent. Boxers were later imported to America after World War I, and gained popularity in the late 1930s. Pedigree

Giant Schnauzer

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Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei Basics Let’s put it this way: when you own a Chinese Shar-Pei, you know you own a Chinese Shar-Pei. It’s one of the most distinctive-looking breeds available – certainly one of the dog breeds that makes other uninitiated dog lovers ask “what breed is that?” Well, they have good reason to be curious: this is actually one of the rarest breeds out there and despite its relatively rich history – considering the breed’s numbers – it was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1991. The chances are if you’re looking for a Chinese Shar-Pei, you’re going to have more difficulty than simply making the decision of choosing the right breed for you. Acquiring this dog can be a bit difficult, but for many people, the adventure is worth it. A Shar-Pei can be a very protective dog that bonds well to a close-knit group of people, but without proper handling and training from a young age, it can become a bit territorial. Let’s find out more about this impressive and rare breed of dog that will certainly become a main attraction wherever you decide to take it. A Shar-Pei can be a very protective dog that bonds well to a close-knit group of people. Origin Where else could the Chinese Shar-Pei come from if not China? Its name roughly translating from Mandarin into English as “sand skin,” the origin is similar to that of many old Chinese breeds like the pug. In other words, it goes back through a lot of history. Although no definitive dates are available regarding the early development of the Shar-Pei, historians believe it can be traced to the Guangdong province and southern provinces of China. During their early days in China, the Chinese Shar-Pei would be used for a number of reasons, often by peasants: the dogs could be used for protection, for hunting, and for herding animals. This has given the modern version a certain athletic versatility and a wide taste for different types of both exercise and play. As time went on, the Chinese Shar-Pei was also used in the upper classes as a fighting dog, although this practice went out of style after the Communist revolution. After the Communist revolution in China, the Shar-Pei population was nearly wiped out, and to this day it is among the rarest breeds in the world. Pedigree

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Camry

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6 Common Mistakes You’re Making When Training Your Dog

We all make mistakes – even when it comes to our training our dogs. Let’s go over the most common training mistakes and what you can do to correct them. One of your most important tasks as a dog owner is to properly train your dog. Despite what many people think, basic dog training is not just about learning where to go potty or responding to commands. Training a dog involves more than just teaching him to sit and stay – you also need to housetrain your dog, socialize him, and make sure that he learns basic obedience. The goal of training is to mold your puppy into a well-behaved, well-balanced, and content pet that will know what is expected of them. As pack animals, dogs benefit from having an authority figure and respond well to structure and rules, so when you know how to properly train your canine friend, the results will be fantastic, even if you’re not a pro. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation out there about dog training which results in a number of common mistakes that dog owners make while training. It’s easy to fall trap to these misconceptions, especially if you don’t have much experience training dogs in the first place. After all, how is anybody supposed to pick out frauds from experts on the Internet? But don’t worry- we’ve got you covered even if this is your first time owning and training a dog. Here is a list of the top six training errors that dog owners make so you can learn to avoid those mistakes or correct how you’ve been training. Mistake Using punishment-based training methods Many dog owners make the mistake of using punishment as a training method. And we’re not talking about aggressive or abusive training methods such as yelling or beating. There are other aversive methods that have an equally detrimental effect but are, for some reason, widely accepted as proper training methods. One of the most common examples is rubbing a dog’s nose in his mess if he has an accident in the house. It’s likely that if you haven’t ever done this that you’ve heard of someone saying it’s a foolproof method of potty training puppies. Wrong! These dog owners mistakenly believe that rubbing the dog’s nose in it will teach him what he is being punished for but, in reality, it just confuses (and might even scare) your dog. Punishment-focused training works by teaching your dog to fear the potential consequences of acting in a way that you don’t deem to be appropriate. However, if you haven’t taken the time to teach your dog what you expect, how can you expect them to follow your rules? In addition to confusion, this can even lead to anxiety where your dog starts to worry about doing anything in their home out of fear of punishment. This can lead to additional behavioural issues, making the whole situation worse. Using aversive methods such as this one can also ruin your relationship with your pet, as they can end up fearing you instead of feeling like you’re their pack leader. Positive-reinforcement training – methods that involve rewarding your dog for good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior – are infinitely more effective. They teach your dog to act appropriately because they WANT to act appropriately to enjoy the prize that they know is waiting if they do. It may seem like a small shift in thinking, but it can have a major impact on the effectiveness of your training efforts. This training method will help you build a bond with your dog rather than tearing it down. Related: Head’s Up, Dog Trainers: Why You Should Treat Humans Likes Dogs Mistake Not training often enough The key to training your dog is to do it often. Spending one or two hours a week training your dog won’t get you anywhere, unfortunately. Even though many dogs are smart enough that they learn quickly, it still takes a lot of repetition for a behavior to become ingrained and for a dog to respond consistently to a given command. You should engage in several short training sessions per day when you are initially training your dog and then reduce it to one or two reinforcement sessions each week. Mistake Extending training sessions too long or keeping them too short In more ways than one, dogs are like little kids. In this instance, it’s their attention span: it can be super short, but you still shouldn’t let them dictate the pace of the training. If you try to make your training sessions too long your dog could become bored or frustrated – when that happens he might stop listening to you and you will both become frustrated. When we become frustrated with a project that we are walking on, we are often told to step away, take a breath and return to it with a clear mind and fresh eyes. Why not apply this same concept to our dogs? There may be times that you have to end your training session a little early when you see that your dog has hit a wall, and that’s okay! It’s better to end a couple of minutes early than to turn training into a negative experience by continuing to push your dog (and yourself) through frustration. On the opposite end of the spectrum, keeping your training sessions too short could prevent your dog from properly identifying the desired behavior. We’re not saying your pooch is a dum dum, don’t worry, it’s just that most dogs need a bit of time before figuring out what exactly you want them to do. Aim for several 10 to 15-minute training sessions a day and cut them off when your dog starts to get bored. No pooch is hyper that much that 15 minutes of training is boring- keep it short and sweet and you’ll see results. Related: The Basics About Dog Body Language Mistake Relying on treats rather than praise Yes, we all know that the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” applies to man’s best friend, too. Food is an excellent motivator for dogs but you shouldn’t go overboard. Use treats for the first few repetitions of your training sessions – only until your dog positively identifies the desired behavior. After that, you should cut back to rewarding your dog only every few repetitions but keep praising him every time he responds correctly. Dogs love getting positive attention almost as much as they like treats but your love won’t get them obese, so feel free to praise away. Also, a bonus tip: studies have shown that that high-pitched baby voice we use when we talk to our dogs (don’t deny it) improves the bond- feel free to baby talk when you tell your pooch that he’s done a good job. Another great option for rewarding your dog is their favourite toy or activity. For example, if you have a dog that LOVES playing tug, keep a tug toy in your hand. When they perform a command properly, a short game of tug can be just as rewarding and positive as any food-based treat. The same idea can be applied to a dog that prefers a game of fetch. If you keep a tennis ball in hand during training, you are prepared for a quick game of fetch, throwing the ball a couple of times, to praise your dog for listening. Mistake Being inconsistent with training methods We can’t stress it enough: consistency is the key. You can teach your dog to do just about anything if you are consistent in your training methods. First, you need to be consistent in using the same verbal command every time. If you start to use different phrases or commands interchangeably, this can cause confusion. Your dog won’t understand what you are asking them to do and if they don’t understand, they aren’t going to respond in the way that you want them to. Stick with easy, short commands, ideally one or two words at most. For those that prefer to also incorporate hand gestures with their commands, these must also remain consistent. The command isn’t the only part of training that this rule applies to. You must also be consistent in praising and rewarding your dog every time he responds correctly. Once a command or behavior has become ingrained you can cut back on food rewards but always praise your dog for responding correctly. Even when it’s a thousandth time that your pooch is sitting down like a good boy he is, don’t forget to applaud their effort. A quick ‘good boy’ or ‘good girl’ with a pet can go a long way and it doesn’t cost you anything more than a few seconds of your time. They’ve earned it! Mistake Using emotion rather than authority During training, you need to establish yourself as an authority figure so your dog will respect you and listen to your commands. You might want to pet and snuggle your pooch all the time, but the training time should be “business” time. This will help your dog understand that they need to focus and listen when you are giving a command as they will associate your tone of voice and body language with serious time. Pay attention to how you say your commands and carry this over to the real-world application of your training. Always give your commands with a firm and authoritative voice (but not an angry voice) to see the best results. Do not take this too far, however, and force your dog to become submissive – this will only encourage him to fear you. Try to find a balance between being an authority figure for your dog while also developing a loving a trusting bond with him. The beauty of dog training is that you can train your dog to do just about anything if you employ the proper method and use the right motivation. If you find that you are making one or more of the training mistakes discussed above it is not the end of the world – all you have to do is correct the mistake and your dog will adjust.

Veterinarians Make FaceTime House Calls Using New “Vet On Demand”

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Silky Terrier Basics Known as the Sydney Silky and Australian Silky Terrier, the Silky Terrier is an energetic, lively, entertaining and confident companion dog. Looking much like Yorkshire Terriers, this breed is a great family dog. But is it the right dog for you? The Silky Terrier can also be temperamental and you have to have the time to devote to this little dog. An indoor dog, the Silky Terrier is great for someone who lives in the city or likes to spend time inside. Dependable and loyal, you’ll find that this pooch is a wonderful companion, watchdog, and friend. Read on to see if the Silky Terrier is a fit for your family. The Silky Terrier is an energetic, lively, entertaining and confident companion dog. Origin Making its start in Australia during the late 1800s, the Silky Terriers were used for small vermin hunting and companionship. Closely related to the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier, this breed is called the Silky Terrier in North America, but in its country of origin and the rest of the world, it is called the Australian Silky Terrier. Pedigree

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Say “Selfie!” Get In Front Of The Pooch Selfie Smartphone Attachme

Thanks to this Kickstarter campaign, taking a selfie with your BFF has never been easier! No dog can resist the Pooch Selfie – a hypnotizing tennis ball that attaches to your cell phone. Okay, file this one under “why didn’t I think of this!” It’s such a simple concept that anyone with a pooch just knows will be a sure fire way to get Rover’s attention. Imagine you’re out at the leash free park with your little guy. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and you think to yourself “what a picture perfect moment”. Out comes the camera and… off goes your pooch in search of a stick, a squirrel, a leaf. You know what I’m talking about. For love or money, you can’t get him to settle down long enough to capture the moment. Related: Super Cool Kickstarter Toy Looks Cool And Will Exercise Your Dog’s Grey Matter

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PetGuide.com Halloween Howl Contest Rules & Regulations

PetGuide.com Halloween Howl Contest –“PetGuide.com Halloween Howl Contest” includes one (1) Grand Prize of a Canada Pooch Alaskan Army Parka or Everest Explorer Vest, with a PetGuide Leash and Poop Bag Holder/Flashlight, one (1) second place prize that includes a Tall Tails Bone Sherpa Blanket (crème), with a PetGuide Leash and Poop Bag Holder/Flashlight, and (1) third place prize that includes Green Tea Spritz and Grooming Foam for Dogs, with a PetGuide Leash and Poop Bag Holder/Flashlight. Entrants are eligible to win mentioned prizes by submitting a photo of their dog wearing a costume. Winners are determined by the three users by a panel of PetGuide judges (there are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes). NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS CONTEST. PRIZE: One (1) Grand Prize winner will be randomly selected to receive: a Canada Pooch Alaskan Army Parka or Everest Explorer Vest, with a PetGuide Leash and Poop Bag Holder/Flashlight. One (1) Second Place winner will be randomly selected to receive: a Tall Tails Bone Sherpa Blanket (crème), with a PetGuide Leash and Poop Bag Holder/Flashlight. One (1) Third Place winner will be randomly selected to also receive: a Green Tea Spritz and Grooming Foam for Dogs, with a PetGuide Leash and Poop Bag Holder/Flashlight. Prizes are not transferable and no cash or prize substitution is allowed. Prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied. ELIGIBILITY: From the time of entry through the final date of prize fulfillment, each contest entrant and winner must be a permanent lawful citizen and resident residing in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, or Canada and be eighteen (18) years of age or older. VOID IN PUERTO RICO, THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND ALL OTHER U.S. OR CANADIAN TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS AND WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Employees, officers, directors, agents and representatives, of Verticalscope Inc. (“Prize Supplier”), their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, promotion partners and any entity involved in the development, production, implementation, administration or fulfillment of this Sweepstakes, and the immediate family members (e.g., spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, grandparent, in-law, daughter and son, regardless of where they live) and persons living in the same household (whether or not related) of such individuals are not eligible to participate or win. Only one winner per household. All decisions of the Sponsor with respect to this contest are final. ENTER BY INTERNET: Beginning October 3rd, 2015, you may enter this contest via the Internet by sending photos of dog(s) in costume to photos@petguide.com with the subject line HALLOWEEN HOWL. Please include your name, location, and dog’s name, plus a little story about the picture, if you have one. Only one entry per person. If you have more than one dog, you are welcome to gather them together in costume and submit ONE picture of them together. Photos are showcased on a Halloween-themed photo album on PetGuide.com’s Facebook page. You agree that we can post the photo on our social media accounts and in conjunction with news about the contest. SELECTION OF WINNER: Three (3) winners will be selected on or about October 26th, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. EST by a panel of judges. The winners will be contacted via e-mail once the contest closes and will have 48-hours to respond with a verified mailing address. ODDS OF WINNING: Odds of winning a prize are determined by the total number of eligible entries received. RESTRICTIONS: The prize package consists of only those services and items specifically described as part of the prize. If prize cannot be awarded due to circumstances beyond the control of the Sponsor or Prize Supplier, no substitute prize will be awarded due to the unique nature of the prize. Sponsor and Prize Supplier shall not be liable to winner or any person claiming through winner for failure to supply the prize or any part thereof, by reason of any acts of God, any action(s), regulation(s), order(s) or request(s) by any governmental or quasi-governmental entity (whether or not the action(s), regulations(s), order(s) or request(s) prove(s) to be invalid), equipment failure, terrorist acts, threatened terrorist acts, air raid, blackout, act of public enemy, earthquake, war (declared or undeclared), fire, flood, epidemic, explosion, unusually severe weather, hurricane, embargo, labor dispute or strike (whether legal or illegal) labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slow-down, civil disturbance, insurrection, riot, or any other cause beyond Sponsor’s or Prize Supplier’s control (collectively, “Force Majeure Event”). Sponsor shall not be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitutions or any act or omissions whatsoever by the performers/events, other transportation companies or any other persons providing any of these services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof such as changes in services or accommodations necessitated by same. CONDITIONS: By entering the contest, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and that Sponsor has the right to use in perpetuity entrants’ names, likenesses, photographs, voices, home address, biographical and prize information, and entry materials, without notice to entrants and without compensation or obligation, in any and all media now or hereafter known throughout the world, in any manner whatsoever, to advertise and promote Sponsor, its products and services, the Sweepstakes, and for any other purpose except where prohibited by law. Entrant waives the right to assert as a cost of winning a prize any and all costs of verification and redemption or travel to redeem said prize and any liability which might arise from redeeming or seeking to redeem said prize. Sponsor is not responsible for fraudulent calls or emails made to entrants not by the Sponsor. If the contest is not capable of running as planned by reason of damage by computer viruses, worms or bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical limitations or failures, any Force Majeure Event or any other cause which, in the sole opinion of Sponsor, could corrupt, compromise, undermine or otherwise affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, viability or proper conduct of the Contest, Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend all or any part of the Contest, and to select a winner from among all eligible entries received by Sponsor up until the time of such cancellation, termination, modification or suspension, as applicable. Sponsor reserves the right at their sole discretion to disqualify any individual that (i) tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operations of this Contest in any manner, (ii) violates the Official Rules, or (iii) acts in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AND/OR DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. Any expenses and receipt and use of the prize and federal, state and local taxes and fees applicable in connection with the prize awarded are the sole responsibility of the winner. This Contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws of the United States. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Sponsor, Prize Supplier, their officers, directors, parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and promotion agencies are not responsible for and shall not be liable for (i) any injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused by a prize resulting from acceptance, possession or usage of the prize, or (ii) printing, distribution or production errors. Sponsor or its affiliates may rescind any promotion found to contain such errors without liability at their sole discretion. ARBITRATION: Except where prohibited by law, as a condition of participating in this Contest, entrant agrees that any and all disputes and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. Entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, or any other damages, including attorneys’ fees, other than entrant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses. (i.e., costs associated with entering this Contest), and entrant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.

Arizona’s Most Flamboyant Dog Fashion Show Is So Fetch!

Posh pooches and trend petters will be at the Canine Couture show, a doggy fashion contest that takes place at The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. Its back and it promises to be bigger and better than ever! Nope, we’re not talking Rocky 10 (or is it 11?). It’s the second annual Canine Couture being held at the nation’s largest polo party – The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. Attended by thousands of movers and shakers from within the horsey-set, this over-the-top fashion show is presented by Arizona’s Applewood Pet Resort and Bark Avenue Pet Resort and it takes place Saturday, October 24, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. Related: Oscar de la Renta Launches New Designer Coats For Dogs Accompanied by their human companions, this over the top fashion extravaganza sees style-savvy pooches strut their stuff to benefit the area’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter, the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL). Yes, dozens of local and visiting canines get to stroll the “catwalk” in a bid to support their less fortunate counter-parts. Think you and your pooch have what it takes to set tongues-a-wagging? Organizers confirm that all dogs, regardless of size or age, are welcome to enter and contestants are encouraged to be creative, fun and fabulous. The only stipulation is that you need to have purchased a ticket to the polo event through the Polo Party site. Online registration for this coveted event is simple but should be completed by October 20 at The Canine Couture page in order to ensure you secure your place on the runway. Related: Lady Gaga’s New Clothing Line Is Designed For Your Little Monster Tips to what this year’s judges are looking for? You’ll need to focus on overall appearance, creativity and fashionable presence. First place wins $300 cash and a free three-night stay for your little guy at your choice of the decadent Applewood Pet Resort or Bark Avenue Pet Resort. Second place prize is $200 cash and a free two-night stay at your choice of the above-mentioned resorts, and third place wins $100 cash and a one-night stay. But even those bringing up the rear in fourth and fifth spot receive treats – gift baskets assembled by the resorts (so you just know they’re going to be full of great stuff!) This year’s judges of Canine Couture include: top model Michelle Davis and her pooch Teddy, decorated dog and horse show competitor Lori Lewis, and local KUSI TV pet correspondent Sandie Lampe. Hey, if history repeats itself, we may even see the Westminster’s “Best in Show” make a special appearance!

Northern Red-Bellied Turtle

Northern Red-Bellied Turtle General Info The Northern Red-Bellied Turtle is also referred to as the Northern Red-Bellied Cooter. There are three distinct breeds of red-bellied turtles, and they are isolated from one another geographically. However, they all have broad red stripes on their carapace, along with a varied red and black pattern on their plastron. Northern Red-Bellied Turtles are also referred to as Northern Red-Bellied Cooters. Native Habitat These turtles are usually found in freshwater bodies of water, such as ponds, creeks, streams, lakes, and rivers that also provide basking areas and a soft substrate that is used for hibernating. However, these turtles can also survive in brackish water. The Northern Red-Bellied Turtle prefers permanent ponds with a lot of vegetation. It is found in states ranging from New Jersey to North Carolina, although it has also been found in Massachusetts. Overall Description

Mini Lop

Mini Lop Breed History/OriginSome people think that dogs are the only pets who have a diverse world of breeds to boast with – canines of all shapes, colors, and sizes to make any family happy. Well, that’s definitely not the case, as many other popular pets have been bred selectively to produce all types of animals to suit different lifestyles and families, including rabbits. From giant breeds created to be docile and calm, to petite dwarf bunnies that make exceptional companions for owners of all ages to show bunnies with prized fur or striking appearance, there is a rabbit breed to match anyone’s preferences.In other words, these remarkably cute and desirable little pets have been taking the world by storm for decades and none of them are more popular or beloved than the Mini Lop. This breed was developed with the sole intention of creating a perfect companion or show rabbit, and it really shows, both through their cute appearance and loveable temperament. With their irresistible looks and plenty of positive character traits, they make great pets in so many ways. And in the end, one thing remains certain – if you like cute, cuddly, and infinitely fluffy, you will adore a Mini Lop rabbit.The Mini Lop originated in Germany when a German Lop was bred with a small Chinchilla rabbit. The newly developed breed became known as the Klein Widder or “Little hanging ear.” Due to the distinct parent breeds, the Mini Lop has quite a unique look, mixing that fluffiness and rounded look of a Chinchilla, with the rabbit features of a German Lop. Besides the Klein Widder nickname, these rabbits have many names, but no matter what you choose to call them, these little darlings are certain to melt your heart. The soft and cuddly looks are hard to resist, as is their personality.In the early ’70s, a Californian breeder named Bob Herschbach spotted this newly developed breed at a show in Essen, Germany, and consequently brought a trio of them to the United States. He began breeding them and crossing the breed with a Standard Chinchilla rabbit. The first rabbit of this kind was presented to the American Breeder’s Association (ARBA) with the name “Klein Widder,” but the name changed to the Mini Lop in 1974. The Mini Lop was successfully accepted into the ARBA later in 1980 by a man named Herby Dyke. Ever since then, bunny lovers everywhere have been seeking out Mini Lops to fill the rabbit sized holes in their hearts. Their “rise to fame” amongst show rabbit breeds was nothing short of stellar, and the Mini Lop soon became a favorite of many.The Mini Lop makes an excellent pet for families with children and seniors.Overall DescriptionYou might not find the words “fuzzy basketball with a head” in the ARBA Standard of Perfection for the Mini Lop, but it really does sum up how an ideal representative of what this breed should look like. The Mini Lop has a compact body type and is among the smaller rabbit breeds. An adult Mini Lop should weigh anywhere from 3 to 6 pounds, with the does being smaller than bucks. Regardless of their ultimate size, they all share a signature rounded body type: little furry balls of joy. Their legs are short and stocky, as well as their tails, which also contributes to their fluffy ball look, and of course, only makes them more irresistible for potential owners.When it comes to the official standard for showing Mini Lops, an overall rounded appearance is not enough to describe them – the criteria are much more precise in the world of show bunnies. According to the standard, their body should be massive and thickest, despite its relatively small size. It is heavily-muscled and well-rounded, and dewlap is permitted for the females of the species. The neck should be as short as possible, with the broad head sitting close to their compact bodies (often it appears like they don’t have a neck at all). As the name of the breed suggests, the rounded and well-furred ears sit lopping vertically to the sides of the head. Coat

Top 10 Black and White Dog Breeds

It’s not all black and white… unless you’re one of these pooches! Of you’re stuck on these two colors, check out our list of Black and White dog breeds.From author Truman Capote’s famed “Black and White” ball at New York’s iconic Plaza Hotel to the obsession of Disney’s fictional fashionista Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians, the allure of this stylish two-tone color palette just never seems to wane.The striking contrast of monochromatic two-color coats remains popular now as ever, with dog owners all over the world. Now for those of us who appreciate a splash of drama in our own lives, we already know what a big bold statement a black and white dog can make. Whether he’s large or small, spotted, patchy or looks like he’s just slipped into a snappy tuxedo, your best buddy sure is a head-turner when you arrive at the dog park. Am I right?To be clear, all pooches collect a little snow on the roof as they age and many pure black dogs come with a whiff of a white bib or chin patch that adds a quirky sense of charm to their appearance. But we’re not talking about those fun little blips. We’re talking iconic black and white breeds where their stark coloring is as important a part of their “brand” as their ability to hunt, herd or guard. Sure, a black and white coat might not dictate their personality, skills, or predispositions for certain tasks, but it does make them stand out in the canine world when it comes to appearance. There are many black and white dog breeds out there, but we’ve selected the 10 most popular ones, both for their bold and dashing looks as well as their lovable personalities. Read on to learn which of these black and white beauties is the perfect match for your family! 

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