Four Paws Dorset Dog Willow out in the fields (hadn’t unclipped her lead yet!).
These images totally capture, in my mind at least, what Spaniel’s are all about!
Willow out in nature, the long grass, wind blowing and watching the Buzzard circling above!
It doesn’t get much better than moments like this.
I love my job! Thank you Willow 🐕🥰
☀️ HEATSTROKE SYMPTOMS ☀️
Following on from yesterday’s Dog Tip –
We’ve got another long hot weekend coming up so please familiarise yourself with the signs of heatstroke!
Signs of heatstroke can progress quickly. If you think your dog may have heatstroke it is vital that you immediately contact your vet while cooling them down. Getting early advice and treatment is essential to saving a dog’s life. Research has found that in the UK, although 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to vets with heatstroke die, 98% that are seen early with mild signs are likely to survive.
Know the signs, don’t risk your dog’s life and remember, if in doubt, don’t go out.
Four Paws Dorset Dog Tip for today – HEAT STROKE IN DOGS.
I found this very helpful and hope you do too.
Safe walking all you doggies and their walkers.
Especially those in Shaftesbury and the surrounding areas! 🐕🐾🥰
A big hello to Barney, who has just joined Four Paws Dorset. Barney lives in Shaftesbury.
Barney is an adorable Cocker Spaniel.
He has the sweetest nature and is a credit to his owner.
I will be doing regular ‘drop ins’ with Barney. Feeling very lucky!
Welcome Barney! 🐕🥰
Cuts on a dog’s paw pads can be caused by various factors, including sharp objects, rough surfaces and extreme temperatures. Common culprits include broken glass, metal shards, thorns, and hot pavements. Additionally, paw pad injuries can result from overexertion on rough terrain or even from chemicals like ice melt.
Glass, rocks, metal, thorns, and even overgrown nails can pierce or cut paw pads.
Excessive running or playing on concrete, gravel, or other abrasive surfaces can cause wear and tear or cuts.
Hot pavement, sand, or even chemical burns from cleaning products can damage paw pads.
Dry, cracked paw pads can result from nutritional deficiencies (like zinc or protein), or medical conditions like liver disease, allergies, or autoimmune diseases.
Extreme heat or cold, or exposure to chemicals like de-icing salt, can dry out and crack paw pads, making them more vulnerable to injury.
While mosquito bites are usually minor, fire ants or ground wasps can cause painful stings or bites.
Thorns, sticks, pebbles, or other debris can become embedded in the paw pad, leading to cuts or punctures.
In extreme cold, paw pads can be susceptible to frostbite.
When nails are too long, they can curl around and puncture the paw pad.
Fungal or bacterial infections can cause itching, swelling, and redness, leading to chewing and licking, which can further damage the paw pads and cause cracks.
Willow waiting to get out! 🐕
Four Paws Dorset Dog Willow, off in the car for our dog walk this morning.
As we set off I noticed Willow was walking slightly unevenly. I checked her paws and one of her front right digital pads had a slight cut.
It appeared very minor so I decided to only walk Willow on the grass (she walked perfectly fine on this), using a long lead and no excessive running. Hence going in the car today.
Willow had a great time sniffing and meeting a few other doggies. No town walk training today!
I checked Willow’s pad again at the end of our walk and it looked the same. We will monitor closely and if necessary put a self sticking stretchy bandage on it prior to going on our next walk.
Such a good pup! 🐕🌟🥰
Dog Walk today with Holly and Bella below Castle Hill, Shaftesbury.
Such a lovely walk today with these two wonderful Labrador Retrievers.
We set off and headed to and then along the top of Castle Hill in Shaftesbury. At the far end there are several slopes going down which led us to a lovely grassy expanse (being extra careful near the ponds, as we all know how much Labradors love water!).
Holly and Bella can be seen in the photo having fun sniffing and exploring together.
It’s safe for them to be off lead here which gives them freedom.
We met several other doggies which is good for socialising and confidence building.
After this we headed up the ‘150 steps!’ and back.
A super walk, thank you Bella and Holly!
🐕🐕❤️❤️
Four Paws Dog Willow being a Super 🌟
I love this photo! Willow is checking in with me as she knows not to chase other doggies balls.
We’ve been working really hard on this and Willow has done so well because chasing all 🥎 ‘s was her favourite thing to do! It’s just her own now!
Using a long line as a training aid made it much easier. Willow will even leave another doggie’s ball when off lead!
Well done Willow! 🐕 🌟 🥰
Four Paws Dog Willow enjoying a game of ‘swap the balls!’. Willow is pictured here in her garden after our very early dog walk. Such a happy girlie!
Our dog walk this morning had mainly included lead walking in the town (part of Willow’s on going training) so garden fun was very much deserved!
This is a great game if your pup is inclined to keep hold of their ball. This way Willow is kept constantly engaged and much happier to return to me and release her ball as she is watching the other one I am holding. In this photo I had mixed it up and thrown two balls together adding a different dynamic to the game as
Willow is brilliant at returning to me and giving me her ball.
Willow you are such a 🌟 puppy!
ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
If your dog suddenly stops greeting you at the door, don’t assume you’ve offended them.
Sometimes dogs in pain become less social and may avoid contact with their owners.
