Dogue de Bordeaux's looking for a loving home.

This is the Blog Hop that features shelter animals. Find a cat, dog, rabbit, etc. at your local animal shelter or rescue and feature them on this Blog Hop! Come join the fun and help a furry friend find a forever home! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to visit the other blogs and share their doggies, cats, rabbits, and all the other animals that need forever homes on your social media sites. Please spread the word!

Can anyone please help this big girl out, she's had a terrible start in life I know we can't change the past but we can give her a good future to look forward to. She isn't coping well at the moment and needs some TLC and a place she can call home.

Summer was in horrific condition when we got her over year ago. She is not settling here as she has aggression with female dogs and we need to find a home for her asap. She would be ideal for a retired couple or some one looking for a house pet that has NO OTHER DOGS She is house trained, has no destructive behavior, is excellent on leash and recall and knows her commands ( sit, stay etc) She has no food aggression. She is in Ireland at the moment but could be brought to the UK if the perfect home was found here.

  EXPERIENCED PEOPLE ONLY

SDDBS would offer full back up to any prospective home if she came here so someone would always be on hand. Message us through the page or email on info@sddbs.co.uk for more info.

Scottish Dogue de Bordeaux Support facebook page.

Website. http://www.sddbs.co.uk

DOUGAL affectionately called Dougie is 6 years old and looking for a new home!! He is a shy boy that loves company, and walks, but needs to learn how to play! He is good on the lead and with other dogs, however he could do with a little more socializing. Could you be his new family?? PLEASE SHARE.

Bonnie.

Thinking of adding a new member to the family?. This little lady is just about as perfect as it gets, she is not phased by anything and is going to make a family so happy. 07812357740 ddbwelfare@gmail.com

This gorgeous girl is looking for a foster home could it be yours? This lovely girl is as good as gold with everythingxx 07812357740 ddbwelfare@gmail.co.uk

Dogue de Bordeaux Welfare Dogue's in need of homes facebook page.

The Tuesday’s Tails blog hop is hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs.  This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!

A quick update on Summer.

With over 30000 views and 500 shares no home has been found for Summer and its not looking good. Its not possible for her to stay here much longer so if any one knows of a rescue who can take her in (not into kennels as she stresses too much so needs to go a persons home only) or some one who is willing to adopt her can you contact me ASAP. She is NOT good with other dogs so needs to be the only DOG or to live with a quiet large breed male dog. Families interested in adopting must have children aged over 10 and she is house trained, excellent on leash, good with commands, has no food aggression and is not destructive. She came to us in horrific condition and has a lot of scarring which will never heal. She is 5 years old and spayed, home check will be required and she is not be kenneled, we are looking for home where she will live indoors, if you feel you can offer her a home please feel free to contact me Siobhan At Dar Og If you are in the Uk we will be happy to do a homecheck on Siobhan's behalf. This gorgeous girl now needs to be in her forever home.

Sunshine Award.

I got awarded the Sunshine award by my good friend Hawk @ browndog cbr I'm honoured thank you.

The conditions for this award are to mention ten things about myself, that should be easy I could talk all day about myself.

1) I love water as long as I'm not being bathed in it.

2) I love snow especially when my staff throw snow balls for me to catch in my mouth.

3) I was born the runt of the litter,

4) I am leash reactive meaning I don't like strange dogs when I'm on the lead,

5) My staff always take me on holiday with them.

6) I love going to the pub with Dad so I can meet new people, don't tell Mum though.

7) I love my Grandma because she spoils me.

8) I've got lots of beds but the cats won't let me use them.

9) I'm very protective of my staff and won't tolerate idiots.

10) Dad bought a new car aka my taxi just so I would have more room in the back to get comfortable.

Now the hard part to pass on the love to 10 other Blogs theres to many to choose from.

1) Love is being owned by a Husky.

2) Sarge Speaks out.

3) Two French Bulldogs.

4) Mollies Country Kitchen Deli.

5) Trout Talkin Tabbies.

6) The Grady Report.

7) The Daily Oskar.

8) My Mini Pet Pig.

9) My Dogs Love Me.

10) The Misadventures of Misaki.

Oral dog hygiene (Guest Post)

A lovely lady called Laura Barns who is doing some work for Vet Medic Pharmacy reached out to me about doing a guest post, this months topic is about Oral health I hope you all enjoy.

How to Optimise your Dog’s Oral Health

Good teeth can promote good health in your dog, so it’s vital that their teeth, gums and mouth are as healthy as possible. It’s also important not to leave your pooch’s dental health in the hands of the vet that you only see once or twice a year – being proactive when it comes to their teeth will help them greatly.

Therefore we thought we’d compile some tips for how you can help your furry friend’s teeth so that they have a long and happy life. You should also notice a dramatic improvement in their breath, too, which will be a good sign that their oral health and hygiene levels are getting better.

Give them chew toys

One of the simplest ways to improve your dog’s oral health is to give them dentist-approved chew toys for them to play with. Look for rope-based toys and items with ridges that will help scrape away plaque and tartar build up as they enjoy themselves. You can get some dental friendly dog toys quite cheaply, too.

Give them other fun things to chew that will also help their health in general, such as crunchy raw fruit and vegetables like apples, carrots and broccoli. This will work in the same way as the tough; crunchiness will help scrape some of the build up on their teeth, as well as being a healthy alternative to sugary treats.

Keep an eye on their diet

Optimising their diet so that it is really healthy will be useful for their teeth as well as their general health. Ensure that any health problems are solved as swiftly as possible – you can even get prescriptions for pets online – so that your pooch has no problem eating and digesting the foods that will make them healthy and happy.

Avoid always opting for the cheapest dog food available as these brands usually contain the most sugar. Get clued up on ways in which food manufacturers are labelling sugar in the ingredients too; they may use words such as glucose, fructose and molasses to disguise this pesky additive.

Brush their teeth regularly

Just like our teeth, the best thing you can do for your dog’s teeth is to brush them regularly with high quality products. This may take some getting used to for both you and your pooch, but if you are consistent and patient, it should not be a problem for too long. Ease them in to the process by familiarising them with your hands being near your mouth. As they get more comfortable, bring in the tooth brush, and when are ok with this, add some toothpaste to it.

Some pet experts advise brushing their teeth daily, but a few times a week should be ok if you are taking other steps to look after them, too. If you don’t brush them daily, ensure that when you do brush that you are thorough and spend time on both the teeth and gums, just like you would when brushing your own teeth.

I hope you all enjoyed reading the article and hopefully I will be able to get more informative/educational posts up on a once a month basis.

Many thanks to Laura Barns and Vet Medic Pharmacy.

Cat scratching post. (Wordless Wednesday)

Mum and Dad went shopping and bought the kittie cats a new scratching post which was reduced to half price Cody loves it and has claimed it as his.

Cody loves the mice that pop out of the holes.

Coco was more curious until Cody chased him of.

Coy and Coco playing.

In the end Cody decided the box was more fun, typical cat.

And I got a new grooming glove so I can have a nice relaxing massage.

3 Dogue de Bordeaux's looking for forever homes.

Meet Willow and Sanna the two newest additions up for Adoption.

Sorry I nearly forgot Chester.

Dogue de Bordeaux Welfare facebook page.

Dogue de Bordeaux Welfare dogue's in need of homes.

Quick news flash, Sanna has just found a permanent forever foster home. 

Pet Theft Awareness.

  

I know I'm a bit late getting this post up but better late than never, I don't think it's ever to late to raise awareness of this terrible crime that seems to be on the increase.

This is the first ever Pet Theft Awareness Week in the UK and statistics show this type of crime is on the up in the UK, please don't become another case by following the safety tips provided by Pet Theft UK.

Where thieves steel your dogs.

The facts about dog theft.

How to protect your pets.

Worst areas for pet theft.

Its not just dogs at risk.

Using Technology to trace lost and stolen pets.

Pet Theft Awareness facebook page.

Pet Theft Awareness twitter page.

Pet Theft Awareness web site.

Dog Lost UK.

Microchipping your dog.

Cody's new perch.

Whenever I bend forward to put my boots on Cody jumps on my back.

Meet Hooch.

 

Hooch

My name is Hooch and I am 4 years old I have been with my mum and dad since a puppy but unfortunately
 their circumstances have changed dramatically. They love me so much but want what will be best for me it is breaking all of our hearts. I am a shy boy and often things scare me but when I get to know you I am a loving boy. I have never shown any aggression to anyone or anybody I am good with children and other dogs but can bounce about like Tigger when I see a dog outside as I want to play but mums tells me to behave so I walk on as I am so good on the lead and do not pull. I also like to have a run around off lead but do not go far from my mum and dad and return as soon as I am called but I usually am only about 50 yards from them as I like to be close.


I like to have my toast in the morning and will follow into the kitchen to receive my toast I like to have butter on my toast not so keen on margarine. I also like pigs ears but when I was first given one I was a little scared of it but soon realised it was something yummy to eat. I am very shy when someone come into my home I will bark but I will run away mum always asks people to sit down and let me come to them I will let them pet me but in my own time once I let people pet me I really enjoy it. I do not do well in kennels and I am really scared so mum and dad find someone to look after me in my own home.


In the summer time I get really hot and cannot go for a walk during the day I do not like the hose so cooling me down is pretty hard saying that if I was held on lead and hosed down I would not show aggression would try to get away then afterwards will show my I am not amused face. I need a home where I can get out and be loved I do like travelling in the car I really am a good boy I am wary of cuddles until I get to know you and sometimes I will give a yelp if I get a fright even although nobody has been near me. There is a lot more about me but if you need anymore info my mum and dad will be on hand even after I go to my new loving forever home.

For more information contact.

 Scottish Dogue de Bordeaux Support. Facebook page.

Scottish Dogue de Bordeaux Support Website.

#Woof Support (Dog Back Packs)

WOOF (Working Out OurFears) Support is where reactive dogs and their owners can come together to share similar experiences.  Are you a reactive and/or fearful dog or its owner?  Then please join us and share your story.  The Blog Hop is open through Sunday.

Thank you to Oz the Terrier, Roxy the Travelling Dog and Wag n Woof Pets For hosting this Blog Hop. This months theme is Success, Frustration and Everything in between or in our case Frustration, Frustration and more Frustration.

We've tried all the usual methods of walking away and getting her to focus on me etc none of them work when Sheba sees another dog she just goes wild it's like a red rag to a bull it's the same in the car if she sees a dog she barks and tries to get out I'm concerned for her own safety. We've had it confirmed by her trainer that she's not aggressive because at training she loves it and wants to play with the other dogs that she knows and trusts but will create a fuss at any strange dogs, everyone loves her because of her friendly, playful nature. I feel as though I'm letting her down because were we live there's a lot of dogs around so exercise is confined to early Mornings and late Evenings when there's less chance of meeting any dogs or driving to the park, Normal things like walking to the shops which people take for granted is a challenge for us I'm convinced someone will report us one day roll on the holidays when we're in the country and most of her walks are off lead.

I came across this article by Cesar Millan of using a dog back pack and am thinking of trying it out I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain, you never know I might just hit on the one thing that works for us.

 By Juliana Weiss-Roessler

The walk is the foundation of a good relationship with your dog, so when humans struggle with it, those problems aren’t just confined to time on the leash, but also carry over into all aspect of their dog’s behaviour.

So what’s a dog lover to do? For many, the solution is a backpack. It’s one of the simplest and most powerful tools that an owner can put into practise. Here are a few of the benefits of adding it to your dog’s walk.

It Gives Your Dog a Job

Your dog wants to contribute to the pack, but most companion dogs don’t have a way to do so. Instead, they often direct that energy into problem behaviours, like barking, hyperactivity, and anxiety.

So let your dog feel useful. Allow him to carry a bottle of water, a ball, or even the spare poop bags on his back. It’s a task that he has to focus on as he walks alongside you. If your dog isn’t big enough for that, don’t worry. Even an empty backpack can give him or her a sense of purpose.

It Presents a Greater Physical Challenge in Less Time

Most dog owners have busy lives balancing the demands of their work and home life. Even if you’re committed to providing a long, regular walk, sometimes life just gets in the way, and you may have less time to dedicate to it than you intended.

The backpack can help maximize the time you do have with your dog. In most cases, a 15-minute walk using a weighted backpack provides the same physical challenge as a 30-minute walk without one.

It Re-focuses Your Dog’s Attention

Is your dog ready to chase after every squirrel or bicyclist that crosses your path? A backpack can help redirect that focus. After all, they’ve got a job to do. They don’t have time to bother with those pesky passersby. They have to get this backpack where it needs to go, even if that’s back to the house.

It’s Easy

Learning to rollerblade or bicycle with your dog alongside you are both great ways to increase the exercisethey receive, but those activities typically involve a learning curve for both of you. But the backpack is simple. Once you’ve learned how to strap it on, you’re halfway there. The only question you have from there  is how much weight to include.

For most dogs, a good rule of thumb is 10 to 20% of their body weight, but you need to take into account your particular pup’s health and energy level. If your dog suffers from any health issue, or you’re uncertain about their ability to carry the weight for any reason, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Many owners also find it beneficial to start out small and increase the challenge as your dog gets more fit.

Bloat in dogs (GDV)

I'm no medical expert and all information has either been gathered from the Internet, talking to friends or vets.

Bloat aka Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Gastric Torsion is the second biggest killer after Cancer and has been known as the silent killer. Though a lot of people aren't even aware of it.

Bloat is a life threatening condition which requires urgent medical attention. It's a good idea to have the contact details of your vet and emergency vet readily to hand so you can get treatment as soon as possible.

Bloat can occur in any dog at any age, but typically occurs in middle-aged to older dogs. Male dogs also seem to be more prone to bloat probably because because they can be of stockier build.

Bloat mostly affects large deep chested breeds but can also affect small to medium sized deep chested dogs ie Dachshund and Standard Poodle.  Breeds commonly affected include the Great Dane, Dogue de Bordeaux, Rottweiler, Weimaraner, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Doberman Pinscher, Old English Sheepdog, Labrador Retriever, Irish Wolfhound, Great Pyrenees, Boxer, Collie, Bloodhound, Standard Poodle, Chinese Shar-Pei, Bassett Hound, Dachshund and Pekingese.

Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a serious, deadly medical condition that occurs for a number of reasons that aren't fully understood. Bloat happens when the stomach fills with air, putting dangerous pressure on the lungs and other organs. Pressure on the lungs makes it hard for the dog to breathe. The stomach, once filled with air, then folds over or rotates around itself, cutting off the supply of blood to the internal organs, and putting the dog's health in serious danger.

Causes of Bloat.

I don't think anyone knows for sure what causes Bloat but there are certain risk factors that can contribute to it ie Over eating, Drinking to much water, Stress and exercising to close to meal times.

Symptoms of Bloat.

It is very important to be aware of the signs of Bloat because if your dog shows any signs immediate medical attention is required bearing in mind dogs are very good at hiding signs of pain until it's to late.

    Distended abdomen
    Unsuccessful attempts to belch or vomit
    Retching without producing anything
    Weakness
    Excessive salivation
    Shortness of breath
    Cold body temperature
    Pale gums
    Rapid heartbeat
    Collapse
 

Recognizing Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs -- powered by ehow

What can be done to reduce the chances of Bloat.

1.   Rigorous exercise done either right before a meal or right after one. You should wait one hour before  feeding and one hour after eating or preferably two hours to be on the safe side before you let your dog run around.                     

2.  Excessive drinking should also be avoided, especially right before and straight after feeding time.                         

3. Dogs that are under stress may develop a predisposition to ingest air and be prone to bloat. The same applies to dog that are particularly anxious and fearful. Allowing the dog to lead a stress free and happy life, therefore, lowers the incidence of bloat. Stress can be brought on by visits to the vets, Dog shows, A new addition to the family, Boarding Kennels, Change of routine etc.

4. Avoid raised feeders. The issue of raised feeding bowls is still one of contention. Research and theories are ongoing regarding whether raised dog bowls and feeders really help bloat or may actually aggravate the condition. Via Dogs Today magazine's Think Tank we asked vet Alison Logan what her view is on the issue of dog bloat and raised feeders:

"Bloat is one of many conditions where advice varies with time, reflecting the results of ongoing research. Yes, raising the feeding bowl was advised at one time and current thinking is that it is best to feed from the ground once more. That advice may well change in the future, if it has not already. It may be a matter of by how much the feeding bowl is raised, so perhaps feeding off the lowest back-door step rather than raising it by twelve inches, for example? There are so many factors potentially at play in the development of bloat that the height of the feeding bowl may be insignificant or a relatively minor feature in comparison with another factor, which may not have even been identified yet."

5. Avoid over feeding instead of feeding one big meal split it up into two or three smaller meals, in multi dog households try and avoid feeding the dogs together split them up to avoid competition for food. In greedy dogs buy a slow feeder to avoid dogs gulping down food.

 

Eat better slow feeding dog bowl.

Drink better anti gulping dog water bowl.

Green dog slow feeder.

Please feel free to print off this infographic and keep it safe for reference, also keep the phone number of your local Taxi firm after making sure they accept dogs just in case your car's off the road for servicing, MOT etc or you don't drive.

There is now a preventive treatment for Bloat called Gastropexy how successful it is though I don't know.

Dogue de Bordeaux's looking for loving homes.

Dogue de Bordeaux welfare facebook page.