Dogs and their Positive Impact in Mental Health

Dogs and their positive effects in the overall mental well being of people has long been looked into by researchers, with studies indicating how valuable human and canine relationships can be.

Though not exactly focused on the effects of a dog-master relationship, the 1997 blockbuster hit As Good As It Gets, starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear, did touch up over how beneficial dogs can be as companions, depicting the effects a toy dog had in soothing the curmudgeon character of Melvin Udall played by Nicholson.

Bair Justice, PhD, author of Who Gets Sick: How Beliefs, Moods and Thoughts Affect Your Health, had once looked into the link between “stressful chemicals” norepinephrine, Cortisol and plaque buildup in arteries, and establishes the positive effect of dopamine and serotonin in keeping “stressful chemicals” in check.

People take drugs like heroin and cocaine to raise serotonin and dopamine, but the healthy way to do it is to pet your dog, or hug your spouse, watch sunsets, or get around something beautiful in nature,” shares Justice, who happens to be a dog owner himself.

A study which involved the blood pressures of stockbrokers – a stressful field in its own – reveals that study participants who had adopted a dog or cat had lower blood pressure readings when compared against those who didn’t.

Also, a number of research touching up on the impact of having dogs in households for people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease note that those suffering from the condition are liable to encounter fewer anxiety attacks, which is a huge positive in itself.

Studies also note that children who had grown up with household pets tend to be more responsible and more tuned for social situations, well balanced and healthy in their societal outlooks and bearing.

Bottom line, though no in-your-face conclusive facts and figures are set in stone, the positive impact of dogs in the mental well being of persons is one upside in having man’s best friend around.

Chihuahuas

When it comes to popularity, the Chihuahua is definitely one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the world. Such is its popularity that a film was made with the lead character being a Chihuahua. Beverly Hills Chihuahua, a comedy film released in 2008, tells the story of a Chihuahua named Chloe, whose owner leaves her with her irresponsible niece, who devices to go on vacation in Mexico, tagging the dog along. However, Chloe is kidnapped and sent to the local dog fights. Hilarity ensues as she tries to escape with the help of other dogs she meets along the way.

The Chihuahua’s earliest records trace its origins back to Chihuahua, a state in Mexico. They are described as being swift, alert and having an expression of being aloof and saucy. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are intelligent and can be feisty, so it’s best not to underestimate them. These small dogs can come in any color, from splashed, marked or solid, with coats coming in both short and long. Their sassy demeanor makes them popular as purse dogs, or dogs kept in small bags and kept close to their owners.

Again, their small size belies the feisty nature of Chihuahuas. They’re cute and cuddly, but they are very alert and have a personality similar to terriers. They’re not the best choice for families with children, as they don’t take kindly to rough play. Chihuahuas have to be handled gently and their independent streak may make training a challenge. Chihuahuas require ample exercise, but still make for great city dogs. Short-coated Chihuahuas require little grooming maintenance, while the long-coated dogs will need periodic brushing.

Chihuahuas Video

 

Bloodhounds

Bloodhounds have long been popular as a dog breed, with a number of feature length movies, brand name mascots and advertising campaigns having bloodhounds involved in their production and release.

The 1991 sequel to Disney’s American Tail, American Tail – Fievel Goes West, featured a bloodhound as one of the movie’s title characters in Wylie Burp, a “washed out” sheriff in a town overrun by menacing cats.

Following after the events of the previous American Tail, American Tail – Fievel Goes West revisited the old West, with cowboys and cattle ranchers, saloons and bar fights. To the tune of American Tail’s original premise, the movie is one of rediscovery and adventure, with a bloodhound playing a pivotal role in the plot’s development.

The specifics as to why a bloodhound was pegged to perfectly match Wylie Burp’s persona hasn’t really been revealed, but the popularity and familiarization of the breed can be ascribed to be one of the factors.

As a dog breed, bloodhounds are famed for their keen sense of smell. Also famed for being one of the most easily recognizable dog breeds in the world, bloodhounds are also known for their incredible tracking instincts, capable of identifying different scents even if a day or two had already passed by.

Back then, bloodhounds were often found as hunting partners, trained to track the whereabouts of catches like wild boar and deer. Today, their keen sense of smell and incredibly accurate tracking skills have been utilized by police and government agencies in tracking human beings, from fugitives to those who are lost or have gone missing.

Classified as a large breed, bloodhounds kept as household pets are not strange, though they are commonly found being kept as tracking/hunting dogs. Gentle, cool, calm and reserved in terms of temperaments, Bloodhounds are great to have as pets, who can live at a 6.5 year average.

Bloodhound Video

Cats and their homing instinct

Cats and their homing instincts have been the subject of a lot of research and investigation given the cat’s inherent ability to find his/her way home.

The 1993 remake of the 1960’s Disney classic Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, tells the tale of how two dogs and one cat got separated from their home, only to go on a cross county trek across America to find their way back.

Though Sassy, a snobby Himalayan cat, wasn’t the titular character of the trio in the movie, her presence in the story reinforces the theories surrounding the homing instincts of cats, dogs and birds.

One theory which links cats and their homing instincts touch up on the Earth’s magnetic fields, with cats senses capable of detecting minute magnetic metal particles. The theory suggests that the cat’s fore and hind paws can easily sense these magnetic particles, which they can use as references in finding their way home.

The story of a Persian named Howie is one that tells a lot about how the cat found his way home, with Howie crossing an estimated 1,000 miles in the Australian outback. Some human beings can’t even go far with that distance, let alone manage to navigate their way home.

However, the “conflict” pertaining to cats and their homing instinct contradicts with cats oftentimes getting themselves in tight spots. From being trapped in boxes or cabinets, to getting stuck in trees or worse, electric posts, there is still a lot to be learned regarding the cat’s senses and inherent unexplainable abilities pertaining to their homing instincts.

That, or maybe cat owners tend to be too overprotective with their cats.

Have you ever lost a cat? Did he/she find his/her way home?

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey Trailer Video

Dogs and the Supernatural

Dogs have long been linked with the supernatural, a status which comes from the dog’s acute senses of hearing, smell and taste.

The 1982 classic family sci-fi feature, E.T., directed by Steven Spielberg and starring a younger Drew Barrymore, managed to highlight the dog’s inherent awareness of the strange and alien (literally, in the case of E.T.).

The 2009 “Tails of the Afterlife” book, written by Peggy Schmidt, compiles a number of unexplainable situations where a dog or pets are interacting with someone or something that is not visible.

One of the book’s tales tell of how Del Johnsen, who died leaving behind six cats and seven dogs, allegedly “visits” her pets on a regular basis, with witnesses noting that the pets would, at one point in time, gather around in a circle in one spot, displaying indicators of affection, with cats pleasantly purring and dogs wriggling in excitement and enjoyment.

Even Schmidt, in one entry, confesses that her dog often reacts to venues which are rumored to be haunted.

Though acute senses are oftentimes ascribed to be the cause of a dog’s “misinterpreted” reactions, biologist Rupert Sheldrake, in his book “Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home and Other Unexplained Powers of Animals: An Investigation”, explores the dynamics of dogs and other pets for a period of five years, and concludes that "there is a strong connection between humans and animals that lies beyond present-day scientific understanding."

What say you? Think dogs really do have the senses that links them to the afterlife? Or are they just born with too sensitive senses, with humans simply misinterpreting their reactions?

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Benefits of using Hydrotherapy on Dogs

Swimming has always been used as a form of therapy. Hydrotherapy is not only being used on humans, it has been found to yield benefits for animals as well. Dogs for example, can use hydrotherapy to minimize the damage and symptoms of arthritis, muscular strains, and DM in dogs, just to name a few. Hydrotherapy is easier to use since it does not hurt as much as using a treadmill. Water’s buoyancy helps support and lessens stress, encourages freer movements and keeps the dog in a safe ad controlled therapy environment. Below are other benefits when using hydrotherapy.

It is Cooler

When using a treadmill, a dog may have a hard time because of the heat created by their body and the heat of the environment. With hydrotherapy, the dog is placed in a water tank or small pool, keeping them cool as they go through the exercises of their therapy session.  This makes it perfect for the summer time when it’s too hot to have therapy activities outside.

It’s Less Stressful

Resistance and muscle tension is reduced by up 15 to 20 times when under water. Regular walking is too painful and tiring, especially for dogs that have arthritis, DM in dogs and hip dysplasia. With hydrotherapy, dogs can build stronger muscles without too much tension. Dogs who have physical disabilities will also find hydrotherapy easier

It Calms the Nervous System

Water helps soothe and calm the body and nervous system. It can also decrease stress and let the dog have fun. Water also helps stimulate joint position sensation and re-establish broken sensation channels.

Helps the Circulatory and Immune System

Water also helps stimulate blood circulation. Warm water is commonly used to increase the dog’s body temperature to dilate blood vessels and increase blood circulation. This helps detoxify the dog’s blood, removing any toxic substances that could have entered their system and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the organs. Soft tissues are also compresses which help increase lymph movement which decrease inflammation, increase drainage and improve the dog’s immune system.

Improves Apatite and Digestion

Hydrotherapy can actually help you improve your dog’s eating habits. Most of the time, sick dogs become very picky and do not eat as much as they should. This is one way to help it establish an ideal weight and keep it well built. Water also increases smooth muscle or digestion activities, making it easier to eliminate unneeded materials through feces.

 

Rough Collie

Lassie is one of the most famous dogs in Hollywood. This lovable dog is the creation of Eric Knight back in 1940s, first mentioned in the novel Lassie comes home. MGM then turned the novel into a movie, staring a Rough Collie named Pal. Pal appeared as lassie in 6 other films featuring the Lassie story line. The Lassie series basically revolved around the adventures the dog  and her owners faced.  Rudd Weatherwax, Pal’s trainer and owner, obtained the Lassie trademark and name from MGM. He appeared alongside Pal, as "Lassie", during events like fairs and rodeos across America during the1950s.

The Lassie television series debuted in 1954 and over 19 years, Pal and his descendants appeared and played the loveable dog character. Besides the television series and movies, Lassie has also appeared in toys, radio shows, juvenile novels, animated series, and even comic books. To this day, Pal’s descendants continue playing Lassie’s character in movies and television.

Rough Collies are wonderful dogs. They are known for their ability to heard sheep, work in farms and protect the territory. These natural sheepdogs have long rough coats that come in many different colors. Despite being long, their fur is easy to take care of, with a bath 3 to 4 times a month enough to keep it clean. They also have a long snout and sharp looking eyes.

As you probably guessed, these dogs are incredibly easy to train, with some owners reporting success after just 2 repetitions of a trick! They are also intelligent, patient and protective, making them great family dogs. Rough Collies are generally healthy and resilient dogs. However, they do have a few genetic illnesses that could develop when they are older. A common illness that strikes these dogs is CEA or Collie Eye Anomaly, an improper eye development which usually ends in blindness.

 Rough Collie Pictures

Rough Collie images

Rough Collie image

Rough Collie Picture

 

Rough Collie Video

 

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are known to be the dogs of royalty. The Cocker Spaniel was featured in the classic Disney movie, the Lady and the Tramp. The movie revolves around the love story of a Cocker Spaniel, Lady, and a common street dog named Tramp. Lady’s owners are expecting to have a baby soon, which shifts their attention away from Lady.

Once the baby arrives, her owners tell her that they have a new member in the family and that she needs to protect and care for the baby. She happily does so until a nanny comes in and brings two cats with her. The cats trick the nanny into thinking that Lady attacked them, which leads to her placing a muzzle on the Cocker Spaniel.

Lady escapes and meets Tramp, who shows her around leading to the two becoming close. Instead of going back home, Lady decides to spend more time with Tramp, which leads to her getting caught and taken to the city dg pound. Tramp saves her and takes Lady home. There, Lady’s family takes him in and gives the once lone dog a home.

In the movie, Lady shows the grace a Cocker Spaniels has, which isn’t too far from how Cocker Spaniels behave in real life. These dogs are very smart and charming, and are known for their long, floppy and furry ears that droop down.

There are two types of Cocker Spaniels, the English and American Cocker Spaniel. These dogs were bred as game and gun dogs. As such, they have a very strong sense of smell that covers low areas. They retrieve birds with a “soft mouth”, which is a dog’s ability to carry objects in their mouths without damaging or breaking it. These dogs also have a wide variety of coat colors, ranging from black, tan, red, liver and golden.

 Cocker Spaniel Pictures

 Cocker Spaniel images

 Cocker Spaniel image

 Cocker Spaniel Picture

 Cocker Spaniel Video

 

Care for Dogs during summer

When the warmer seasons start rolling in, expect a lot of people going out and enjoying the sun. Many of these people would bring their dogs out to enjoy themselves and also have a good time. However, too much heat might cause the dog to get sick. Below are a few tips that can help your keep your beloved pet dog safe during summer.

No parking

You should never, in under any circumstance, leave your dog inside the car. It does not matter if you parked in the shade or in a covered car park. The interior of your car will heat up and it’s very dangerous for dogs to stay in very hot places. If you are off running errands, leave your dog or bring a leash so you can take it around with you. When taking your pet out, also make sure that its leash is securely on it so that it will not run off or get lost.

Give it a lot of water

Make sure your dog is well hydrated. Give it a good amount of water and make sure their water bowl is full with clean water all the time. Dogs that are paralyzes, such as the ones suffering from dm in dogs, will need assistance in keeping them hydrated. You can use a feeding tube and squirt water into their mouth so it goes into their system. If you are planning to go out with your pet dog, bring a small container of water along with you.

Cut their hair

Grooming your pet will not only make it look good, it will also help them keep cool. Dogs that have long and shaggy hair commonly suffer from heat strokes. Keeping their fur well kept, clean and trimmed will be a big help. Bigger dogs are more prone to heat strokes during summer. Other illnesses that dogs also be prone due to the heat are DM in dogs, arthritis, and bone and muscle problems. A dog who is suffering from a heat stroke are constantly panting, staring at blank spaces, refuse to obey any commands, has dry skin, being tired all the time, and vomiting.

Crank up the cooling system

Dogs who are more use in living in colder areas will love you for it. Boost the temperature of your cooling system to a relaxing and comfortable temperature. Another way to keep them cool is to give them a bath. Once or twice a week should cover it.