The Thinking Dog Blog

Keeping Cali Safe on Dark Winter Walks

Pam Hogle The Thinking Dog Blog

Golden retriever Cali wears a blue lighted collarI read this article in WDJ recently: High Visibility Clothing and Gear For You and Your Dog. Since it’s dark in the morning when I walk Cali, and dark after work when I walk her, this topic has been on my mind, and I’ve been trying out different things to make her — both of us — more visible.

For a few years, I’ve had a light-up collar for her. Jana had one (pink, of course); Koala has one. They recharge with a USB charger, and the charge lasts a long time, maybe a couple of weeks. I use the non-flashing setting because the flashing light is annoying to me, and, I am sure, to the dog. But it’s effective:  It makes her visible from quite a distance!

But the WDJ article points out that an approaching car won’t see the light if the dog is right in the path of its headlights, since the bright light of the headlights will sort of cancel out the softer colored light.

They suggest using reflective gear instead. I think we need both.

Since I read the article, I have been watching for cyclists and dog walkers when I walk or drive in the dark. Often, when I am driving, I’ll notice a walker or cyclist approaching from the side — well before I’d be able to pick them up in my headlights. I want to know they’re there before I am heading straight for them as they cross the street! Those (rare few) who have lights are visible, which is very helpful for keeping my blood pressure at its normal level.

Unfortunately, many walkers and cyclists do not have any; some lack reflectors as well. If I notice anything, it’s a dark shape (with a death wish) moving off to the side. Scares the crap out of me sometimes.

I also agree with the point made in the WDJ article that reflectors are useful when you happen upon someone strolling across the street, right in your path!

So, clearly, Cali and I need both; her pretty lighted collar is a good start, but not sufficient.

To that end, I bought some reflective tape and attached it to Cali’s harness. I left for a trip before I got to really test it out, though. Cali also has a spiffy winter coat that has reflective trim. It definitely helps, but she’s only worn the coat a couple of times so far this winter, since the weather hasn’t been very cold yet.

For myself, I have a reflective strap that I can wear over my coat, and I have a headlamp or flashlight with me on most walks. There’s got to be better gear, though, designed for runners or cyclists. I’ll check into that. Cali and I both need to be able to see and be seen on our winter walks!

What do you use? If you have suggestions, write them in comments!

Not Afraid of Needles

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An acupuncturist places red-tipped needles in Cali's backIn addition to her swim therapy, Cali has had a few acupuncture treatments. These, along with her new pain meds, are intended to help Cali deal with her painful muscles and readjust her gait.

Fortunately, Cali is not bothered by needles. I’m not sure she even notices when she gets a shot at the vet’s; she’s too focused on the treats.

an orange cup-shaped Toppl toyThat must be the case at acupuncture, too. The first time we went, Cali got a Toppl toy filled with … I am not sure what, but Cali loved it. I’m not sure she noticed the acupuncture; she was deeply engrossed in licking clean this wonderful new treat toy.

The Toppl is a cup-shaped toy made by West Paw, a Montana company that makes indestructible dog toys. I have since gotten her her own Toppl, which I fill with Greek yogurt and freeze. She gets that after each swim therapy session, since we all know how hungry one gets after swimming.

But I digress.

Acupuncture. Cali gets needled in her back. Both times, one muscle twitched strongly several times when the needles went in. This is apparently a sign that the muscle is releasing tension.

The second time we went, the Toppl toys had all been emptied by some hungry Labs (I wonder if they also swim), so Cali had to make do with regular treats. She was a little more restless and at one point, she stood up and gave a big shake.

Once a muscle relaxes, the needles become loose and can just fall out. So … well. Needles went flying! Fortunately, they have bright red tops, so we quickly found them all.

The combination of swimming, acupuncture, and meds seems to be working. Cali has been energetic and playful to the point of constantly asking me to go outside with her and throw the ball. She even brings it back (sometimes)! And we’re taking longer walks in the neighborhood and along the river, too.

The Modern Dog Apparently Needs Her Own Phone

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Koala, a black Lab, studies her iPadThose of us old enough to have been teenagers before everyone over the age of 4 had smartphones in their pockets may remember how desperately we wanted our own phone. By which I mean a physical telephone that was an extension of the family landline, but one that we could use (for hours) in the privacy of our own bedrooms.

Not only are today’s children more likely to have their own phones, apparently, so are some dogs.

The DogPhone, invented (one must wonder why) by a Scottish professor, is a device that allows a bored, lonely, anxious, or playful dog to call her owner’s cellphone. Actually, the device triggers a video call, which puts the dogs in a technical skills league ahead of many adults …

Showing some insight into dog behavior, the inventor of the DogPhone packaged the phone inside an appealing ball. This nicely sidesteps the problems of dialing without opposable thumbs and an inability to read the numbers on those tiny keys.

Apparently, your dog also needs her own laptop or tablet, as moving the ball triggers a video call which connects the dog’s laptop with the owner’s phone.

The inventor, Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, told Gizmodo that the device is intended to enable researchers to “study the way dogs experience technology” and “improve and study the user experience for dogs.”

I wasn’t aware that my dog had a smartphone “user experience” other than leveraging the observation that I am using one as a chance to bark or otherwise demand attention. It had also never occurred to me that Cali might “experience technology” other than as the source of many irritating noises or as competition for my attention. So if you’re mystified by the need for this device, you’re not alone.

Cali has many talents but holding up her end of a conversation is not among them. And I can deliver neither treats nor belly rubs via video phone; I also cannot let her out / back in or throw a tennis ball. Since those are my only useful functions, I am not sure how much use Cali would have for the device.

A short YouTube video about the DogPhone offers some interesting insights. A hint: Despite her statements about the importance of giving dogs agency and control over their use of technology, I am not convinced that this is actually about the dog. For instance, Hirskyj-Douglas mentions feeling anxious if her dog doesn’t phone at his “usual” time.

I’m all for giving dogs agency and choices — but within limits. And within parameters that are meaningful to dogs. I let Cali choose which toy to play with or which direction to go on our walks, for example. But I do not let her order takeout or borrow my credit card to shop at the Holistic Pet Nutrition Center, her local grocery, treat, and toy emporium.

Anyhow, most of us have enough friends and family members calling, texting, Snapchatting, and Slacking us throughout the workday to torpedo our productivity. Do we really need to add a bored dog to the mix? How are we going to resolve her boredom from afar anyhow? Or, consider the other end of the spectrum — the dog who just loves to play with this specific ball… triggering constant chats until the battery dies!

So no, Cali is not getting her own phone for Hanukkah this year (or any other year). And I am adding this to a growing list of dog-focused technologies that just did not need to be invented. Just because we can make a phone for dogs, that does not mean that we should!

Household Noises Might Increase Your Dog’s Anxiety

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Golden retriever Cali wears a navy blue onesie
This surgical suit is similar to a “Thundershirt” or other close-fitting anti-anxiety garment for a dog

Many dog people are familiar with dogs who are sensitive to specific noises. Thunder and fireworks are common triggers, and some dogs are so phobic that they hurt themselves in their efforts to escape the noise, cause damage to walls, carpets, or furniture — or run away. (Lost dogs on July 4th are sadly common.)

But what most of us may not realize is that less extreme noises might be feeding our dogs’ anxiety as well. High-pitched, intermittent noises, such as the beeping of a smoke detector that needs a battery change or even the beeping of your microwave could be putting your dog on edge, according to a new study by Emma Grigg, of UC Davis (and Bergin University).

Many dogs fear vacuum cleaners; again it could be the sound. That might be why Cali, who had absolutely no fear of the vacuum I had when she was a puppy shies away from my current dog-hair-collecting tool as if she fears that it’s going to swallow her whole.

“We know that there are a lot of dogs that have noise sensitivities, but we underestimate their fearfulness to noise we consider normal because many dog owners can’t read body language,” Grigg told Science Daily.

It’s bad enough that we humans don’t realize that our dogs are afraid of or anxious about common noises. Unfortunately, many owners actually find their dogs’ reactions amusing! We owe them more than that.

Grigg also said that the anxiety might be related to pain. Because dogs’ hearing is more sensitive than ours, very loud or high-frequency noises might actually hurt their ears. They can even experience a painful reaction to sounds that are outside our range of hearing: When I was teaching at Bergin U many years ago, we (very briefly) set up ultrasonic devices meant to repel mice. We never found out whether they worked on the mice because the dogs immediately started showing signs of distress and anxiety.

Cover of Doggie Language bookIf your dog seems anxious, and you haven’t been able to figure out why or how to help, a noise might be the cause. Identifying the cause might be a challenge, but closely watching your dog’s body language and trying to minimize exposure to any loud or high-pitched noises can help.

If you need a refresher on stress signals, revisit Please Back Off. Or, yep, I am going to recommend it again: Take a look at Doggie Language.

Water Dog!

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Golden retriever Cali with swim therapist Varen in a stainless steel swimming poolCali started her swim therapy recently — one of the treatments the neurology team at the Pullman vet hospital recommended — and she’s doing great!

Montana Water Dogs, right here in Missoula, offers swim therapy (hydrotherapy). The owner, Varen, has a really nice setup. She’s got an indoor “infinity pool,” essentially a small, shallow swimming pool. There are steps at one end. The water is about waist deep.

We’ve only had a few sessions, and so far, I get in the water too. But as Cali gets more comfortable, I might not need to do that.

Cali wears a life preserver along with a special collar that helps her keep her head out of the water.

Golden Cali is guided as she swims in her orange life vestVaren holds onto the handles on the back of Cali’s life vest and guides and supports Cali. She also does exercises with Cali so that Cali uses all four limbs, works her muscles properly, and uses her full range of motion.

During a session, Cali might spend between 9 and 12 minutes actively swimming. But she gets a rest break every 1-2 minutes so she doesn’t get over-tired or overheated.

Cali loves to swim after a tennis ball—or just swim holding her tennis ball—so we use a ball, along with lots of treats, to keep her motivated.

When she’s done, we both rinse off, and I shampoo her so the bromine from the pool water won’t irritate her skin. She doesn’t love the baths, but she’s been very cooperative. The cookies help.

She’s always hungry when we get home (I understand; I’m always hungry after a swim too) but not as tired out as I’d expect. She works pretty hard during her swim sessions!

 

 

 

Do Dogs Have Legal Rights?

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Golden retriever Cali with an empty food bowl
WHY is my bowl empty?

An article about dogs’ right to food caught my attention recently.

Dogs in the United States lack legal rights, although some (weak and ineffective) laws exist to criminalize some cruel treatment of dogs and other animals. It’s a question that comes up occasionally — in ownership disputes, custody cases, and sometimes in cruelty cases. But for the most part, dogs (and other nonhuman animals) are considered property, not beings with intrinsic value and rights. This question — and the many possible answers — is addressed in Citizen Canine, a book I enthusiastically recommend.

However, courts in other parts of the world are taking different approaches to legal questions concerning animal rights. The article linked above addresses a recent High Court decision in Delhi, India.

The decision concerns whether residents of a town or community have the right to feed and care for street or “community” dogs. India, like many countries, has an enormous stray dog population.

The court could have addressed only the rights and obligations of the humans in either side of the case: pro-feeding people who were opposed by people who believe the dogs are a health and safety threat.

While confirming the rights of the people to feed the dogs, the court went several steps farther: It also stipulated that the dogs have a right to food.

Significantly, the court spelled out that the dogs’ right to food and medical care stems from their existence as sentient beings with intrinsic worth. The decision even states that dogs have the right to engage in normal (for them) behavior!

In going beyond acknowledging that dogs need food and spelling out that humans have a moral obligation to care for — to protect and show compassion toward — all living creatures, the High Court went farther than U.S. courts have (yet) gone to establish something like legal rights for nonhuman animals.

Though there is also progress on the U.S. front, notably in a case involving Columbian hippos, dogs have a ways to go before U.S. law recognizes them as “persons” with intrinsic value and some of what we usually call “human” rights.

Cali says she’d be happy with a ruling that she has a right to (as much) food (as she wants) and that I have an obligation to provide her with food (on demand), just like those dogs in India got.

Leash Matters

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A double leash, a small retractable leash, a leather leash and a coiled fabric leash
Just a few of the leashes in my collection

Choosing a leash for your dog seems like a really simple thing, but, as I have talked to dog owners over the years, I’ve discovered that a poor choice can make walks miserable for you, your dog, or both of you — for years.

Many people buy a leash without giving it much thought. They might get the one that matches the cute collar they’ve selected for their new dog or choose a durable looking chain one. Some people think an extendable or “flexi” leash is a good choice (it’s not; more about that in a moment).

But the wrong leash can be uncomfortable to hold, too heavy for your dog, or actually make walks less safe.

Why I avoid extendable leashes

The idea behind an extendable leash seems sound. You can “lock” it at any length, offering flexibility — or allow your dog more freedom to explore. What could go wrong? How about:

  • The cord ones can get wrapped around a finger or wrist when the dog pulls and cause serious injury (up to and including loss of a finger). The tape or belt ones are less risky, but they are bulky, so the handles are large and cumbersome.
  • Most extendable leashes have large plastic handles where the retractable cord or belt winds up for storage. If/when the dog pulls suddenly, you might drop this awkward handle, then this large plastic monster is clanking on the ground, chasing your dog as she runs away in fear. I’ve seen it happen many times, and had it happen to me during the (very brief) period when I thought an extendable leash was a good idea.
  • Your dog might get tangled around bushes, trees, children, parking meters …
  • You have little control over the dog and if she’s surprised by another dog, tempted to chase a squirrel or cat, or spooked by something, and bolts, you could get hurt. You could also drop the leash (see above).

Why I like leather leashes

I’m not generally a huge fan of leather. I hate leather furniture and car seats, for example. But I nearly always use a leather leash. The handles are easy on my hands. A leather leash won’t scrape or cut my hands — or arms and legs — like a nylon one will if the dog pulls suddenly or the leash gets wrapped around a limb. Leather leashes last for years — The one I use daily on walks with Cali is more than 25 years old. I saddle soap it occasionally to clean it and keep it soft.

What about chain leashes?

Chain leashes with leather handles might seem appealing for their durability and the advantages of a leather handle. But be careful. They might be too heavy for your dog, especially if you walk the dog using a collar. (I use a chest-fastening harness, so there’s no pressure on Cali’s neck. She also is less likely to pull.)

When I got my first dog, a small mixed-breed dog, I bought a chain leash. the metal clasp alone was too heavy, and the whole setup was just wrong for him. I then got the leather leash I still use …

Consider having more than one

Cali has a shorter leash, also leather, that I use when I want more control. For example, if we’re on a road trip and I have to take her to a dog-friendly restaurant patio, I’ll want to keep her close. If I’m training a young puppy, I will also choose a short (3-4 foot) leash. Cali’s usual leash is a little over 6 feet long. She can wander and sniff, but she will come back if I call her and ask her to heel. She’s not happy about it, but she’ll do it.

I usually have an extra long leash or two around — 20 or 30 feet — for training or swimming when I am nervous about letting dogs off leash. I only buy the cotton ones (the nylon ones are rough on the hands) and I tie a knot every 2-3 feet. This makes it easy to step on the leash and stop a dog who bolts suddenly, perhaps in pursuit of a deer. Or a duck. The knots keep the leash from sliding under your shoe.

Other options

There are many more leash options to consider, and if the cute matching leash has a comfortable handle and is a good length for you and your dog, go for it. I’ve had canvas ones; leashes with soft, fleecy handles; elasticized ones that stretch a little to reduce the impact of a pulling dog; braided nylon ones; and double leashes with a single handle, for walking two dogs at once.

So, although I’ve got several leashes, for regular walks, I almost always turn to my favorite leather leash.

But you’re not me! The reason there are so many options out there is that people (and dogs) have different preferences and needs. I encourage you to do your own research — with lots of dog walks to try out the different options. I am sure that your dog will enjoy helping with that project!

Nothing (Much) Is Wrong with Cali!

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Golden retreiver Cali smiles as she poses next to PamThe long-awaited Pullman visit date finally arrived.

Cali, a golden retriever, poses in the hollow center of a fallen cedar treeWe drove down the day before, a sunny, golden Sunday. I decided to take the scenic route, along Highway 12 through Idaho. Cali and I stopped a few times along the way — for a walk in our favorite photo spot, for a picnic — and we arrived in late afternoon.

Our appointment was at 10 am. We got to campus early and enjoyed a walk among the fall leaves.

Finally, it was time to go inside. The small-animal clinic is huge, with a vast waiting area, which was filled with dogs of a ll sizes, one or two cats, and assorted pet owners. Cali marched in confidently and popped up to put her paws on the desk and greet the receptionists.

A neurology resident soon came out and sat with us for about a half-hour, taking Cali’s history and explaining the process. Cali had skipped breakfast in case the team wanted to do X-rays and needed to sedate her. She was not thrilled about this and kept nudging me and the resident, asking for cookies.

They finally went off to the exam area, and I had a couple of hours before I would get an initial report. I went back to our hotel to do a little work before check-out.

When I returned for the consultation, the news was good: The neurology team did not think there was anything major (= a tumor) wrong. They thought she might have a mild disc herniation. They asked if I would consent to a blood test to rule out Degenerative Myelopathy, “a non-painful chronic degenerative disease.” I agreed, and I should have those results soon.

They recommended having the orthopedics team examine her as well, and I agreed to that — and to X-rays if that seemed necessary. Off they went.

A few hours passed slowly … I could not get online, but I had some work I could do offline. I watched other dogs and humans come and go.

Finally, the neurology resident returned with more good news. The orthopedics team did a thorough exam and found that Cali has full range of motion and no joint issues; no X-rays were needed. They did find “multiple myofascial trigger points in all limbs — muscle pain likely secondary to compensation for abnormal gait.” Basically, knotty, tense, painful muscles (and she doesn’t even sit at a computer all day!).

The recommended treatments include massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, and a newer NSAID, Galliprant. Cali’s local vet has already talked with me about a local acupuncturist and a physical therapy place in Missoula that offers water therapy. I’ll be scheduling her first appointments very soon, and we’ll both get to swim regularly this winter!

I know that the news could have been much worse. In addition, I fully expected the team to strongly recommend an MRI (very expensive). Though they said we could tell more about what was going on with an MRI, they said it would not change their treatment plan.

I gave Cali some food and, at a little after 4 pm (5 pm in Montana …) we set off for home. We drove the slightly faster I-90 route; even so, it was well after 9 pm when we finally pulled into the driveway.

Green and gold larch trees line the Idaho highway
The scenic route to Pullman is gorgeous in the fall, with the golden Larch shining among the evergreens

Cali ♥ Sid

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 Golden retriever Cali gazes up at Sid, a seated man in a blue shirt and tan hatIn last week’s blog post, I shared a problem that Cali was having with her legs. She was slipping a lot, and when she walked, her back legs swung way out to the sides.

Cali goes regularly to a chiropractor here in Missoula, and I had asked the chiropractor if she had any ideas. We’d discussed the ACL tear possibility, but we were both skeptical.

The chiropractor uses laser therapy and manual adjustments to help Cali walk better, but … over several months, the problem persisted.

One evening, I was meeting with my Jewish community group planning committee, and we were selecting dates for our next events. A date was suggested and I said that I couldn’t do it that day because I was “taking Cali to Pullman.” All animal-friendly Missoulians know that that means going to the vet school clinic.

“What’s wrong with Cali?!!!” the other committee members asked, in unison.

I explained briefly, and a fellow committee member and friend, a skilled horsewoman and dog person, spoke up. She described a vet / chiropractor who “works miracles” with dogs and horses who have neurological issues, and said that I “must take Cali to see Sid.”

Sid has a colleague who makes his appointments on his visits to Missoula, about once a month. My friend gave me this “fixer’s” phone number. I called the next day. Got a call back a day later. Spoke to one of the nicest people I have yet to meet.

But, she said, I had just missed Sid and he wouldn’t be back in Missoula for a while. “I’ll just give you his number. Maybe you can take Cali to him.”

I called on a Friday afternoon. Sid suggested that I bring Cali by “now.” In Helena, a couple hours’ drive away. I said I couldn’t that day, but did he have time in the next week or so. We settled on Monday.

Golden retriever Cali sits in front of Sid, in a blue shirt and tan hatLong story short, Deni, Cali, and I journeyed to Helena to meet the magical Sid. Sid adjusted Cali’s back, talked to us about nerves firing and communicating — or not firing. Explained that there was a block in her spine preventing proper nerve signals from reaching her legs.

He doesn’t use any tools, just his hands. Though she startled once or twice, Cali sat patiently for her exam, gazing adoringly at Sid.

He showed me how to massage Cali’s thigh muscles and said that she’d start to develop her atrophied leg muscles over time. He then had me walk Cali around a bit, then looked at her gait and examined her again. He thought things were working properly.

The best part was, he did not think there was a tumor or other serious problem, and he thought he’d gotten things working again. We should come back in a few weeks or next time he was in Missoula.

Golden Retriever Cali twists her head to watch Sid, a man in a blue shirt and tan hatA few weeks later, I got a call from the “fixer.” I had an appointment. I was to meet Sid in the empty lot north of the Town Pump convenience store on North Reserve at 1 pm.

Feeling a little like a character in a spy novel, I did. I wandered around the dusty lot a bit, feeling silly. Soon, though, I saw a Forester pull in with Sid at the wheel, followed by a truck pulling a large horse van.

I was in the right place.

Cali was delighted to see Sid, bouncing and squealing.

Sid said that Cali seemed a little better; he made some more adjustments, and watched her walk a bit. He was satisfied. Cali was love-struck.

He explained that I would see very slow progress, as some of her leg muscles were severely atrophied and needed to develop strength. He added that I should come back to see him in a few months.

I rescheduled the Pullman visit so that I could see if there was any progress, and I waited. And walked Cali. A lot. I took her swimming several times, too.

We’ve been back to see Sid once more, in the same dusty lot. We do both see improvement. She’s still slipping on the floor, but less often. Her gait is a lot better; I only see the legs arcing out when Cali is tired. She’s also more playful and eager to walk, hike, or dance around the house.

I’ve still got that Pullman visit coming up, though. I still want the neurologist to examine Cali. I guess I am hoping for confirmation that there’s nothing wrong with Cali.

Slipping and Sliding

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Golden retriever Cali with a tennis ballCali’s has an ongoing issue with her back legs slipping out from under her. I’ve seen some posts on the Facebook group (ick, I know) for her Morris Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study mentioning the same thing … but not always with the same results. So I decided to share Cali’s story in hopes that it might help another dog.

She’s had an odd gait for a while, especially running. Her back legs seemed kind of floppy. One friend said it looked like her whole back end was going to just fly off of her body.

She never seemed to be in any pain, though, and loved to run, hike, and jump off the deck to chase tennis balls.

When I noticed that she was swinging her back legs out to the sides while walking, though, I decided to try to figure out what was happening. It was more noticeable on her right side, but both legs were arcing outward when she walked or ran — more noticeably when she was tired. She was also slipping a lot on our hardwood floors and sometimes on the sidewalk.

We went to her Morris study vet, who took some X-rays and decided that Cali had a partial ACL tear. She prescribed Adequan.

I did the Adequan injections for a while, but I did not think it was helping. And I did not think that Cali had a problem with her knee or ACL. She did not seem to be in any pain and still loved running and jumping.

I took her to see another vet in town, whom I have known for years and who is an excellent diagnostician. He examined Cali and watched her walk inside (slippery floor) and outside, and run. He agreed with me that her knees look fine and she did not seem to be in pain. He thought there might be a spinal or neurological issue, and he recommended consulting with a neurologist.

It turns out that veterinary neurologists are few and far between. None are in Montana, but there is one in Pullman, Washington, at the vet school hospital. With a months-long wait for an appointment.

We made an appointment, and waited. In the next couple of blog posts, I will continue Cali’s story.