Recent research concludes: Dogs steal food in the dark.
But why is that significant?
Dogs steal food in the dark because people can’t see them do it.
But why is that significant?
That means that dogs know that human sight is inhibited by darkness. Or, in other words, dogs have an awareness of human perception.
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When they look at you, do they know that you know?
You don’t need to be in the dog world for very long before you hear about desexing benefiting the health of dogs. These claims talk about reducing cancer (testicular, mammary, prostate, ovarian, uterine, cervix), reducing prostate disease (in boys), and preventing pyometra (in bitches).
What we don’t hear about is the undesirable side effects of desexing, and how desexing is linked to increased risks of some cancers, and an increased likelihood of joint disorders.
Torres de la Riva et al, in their research published just this month, decided to look into the health effects of desexing in golden retrievers; Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers.
They, indeed, hit back at these spruced ‘health benefits’ in the introduction of their piece, saying:
“In contrast to the rather strong evidence for neutering males and/or females as a risk factor for osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumours and prostate cancer, evidence for neutering as protection against a dog acquiring one or more cancers is weak.”
This research set out to investigate spay and neuter in Golden Retrievers from 1-8 years. They chose goldens because they are commonly used as assistance animals, and so they hoped the implications of this study may have consequences for related assistance organisations (of course, dog science only happens when it helps people!). It makes sense: it’s ‘wasteful’ to invest in a dog becomes invalid for the work they were trained in, especially if that invalidity could’ve been prevented by more-appropriate timing of desexing.
While other research has pooled many breeds and health affects together, this is the first study to look at desexing in just one particular breed. Prior-analysis determined several conditions to look at: hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumours, osterosarcoma, and elbow dysplasia.
Dogs were included in the study if they were between 1-8 years of age. They were put into categories of either ‘early neuter’ (before 1 year of age), ‘late neuter’ (after 1 year of age), and ‘intact’. Data regarding their health was retrospective, gained from veterinary records. Any dogs where a health diagnosis was ‘grey’ (non-conclusive), they were excluded from the study.
In response to the Dog & Cat Management Board’s recent proposal for mandatory desexing, my friend Ruth Bell (Markable Curly Coat Retrievers) and I decided to create the event “My dogs are ENTIRELY FRIENDLY”. We were lucky enough to hit the media! We appeared in the City Messenger (below) and also appeared on the AdelaideNow website.
The article can be viewed online (we are on page 10).
I would love to see you at the rally!
My Dogs Are ENTIRELY FRIENDLY!
9am in Victoria Square
17th February 2012
Please only bring sociable and friendly dogs to the event. We recommend that bitches in season stay home. Desexed dogs are welcomed to show their support. Dogless people are also welcome!
It would be greatly appreciated, if you are on Facebook, if you could RSVP to the event. If not, that’s fine, but if you can, please do!
Further reading:
Guilty until proven innocent – SA’s Dog and Cat Management Board’s next grand plan
This is a guest blog post by Jon Clarke at Aussie Professional Pest Control Sunshine Coast. Thank-you Jon!
Veterinary scientists discovered that oral flea treatment is significantly better at controlling fleas in dogs versus a topical treatment.
In a study published in the January 2013 issue of Veterinary Parasitology, scientists compared which was more effective of the two most popular veterinary flea treatments for dogs: oral spinosad (commonly found in Comfortis) or fipronil/(S)-methoprene topical (commonly found in Frontline).
Do you strive for peak performance in your dog? Then this seminar is not to be missed, whatever sport or competition you train for! Kamal’s motivational training methods balance drive and control to get the very best from your dog.
Kamal Fernandez is arguably one of the world’s finest obedience performers and trainers, much sought after to conduct classes in the UK and Europe. His name is synonymous with heelwork but he is competent in training all aspects of obedience, and his motivational reward-based methods apply to all dog sport disciplines including obedience, agility, protection sports and canine freestyle/DWD. His specialty training revolves around using play and games to create motivation and control. Kamal is an engaging presenter with a fantastic sense of humour and a knack for solving problems. If you are interested in positive, motivational training and getting precision and drive from your dog, no matter what canine activity you do, then Kamal is inspirational and definitely a “must see”!
Tracey and Kate are delighted to be able to take your seminar bookings NOW! Places are limited, so register quickly to ensure you don’t miss out.
**Early Bird special** – pay in full by June 30th to be in the running for a FREE private training session with Kamal
Please make your payment (bank transfer or cheque – details are on the form), complete the registration form and return it by post, or scan & email.
And here is Kamal in action training his own dogs
For more details, please email Kate Lloyd from Dogs Etc or Tracey Hardcastle from Oh Do Behave.
Note: I am not affiliated with this event, but do plan to attend!