Black Dog Weather For Pets

[samoyedman]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/its-black-dog-weather-for-pets-aftre-nsws-big-wet/story-e6freuzi-1226305682118

THE skies are not the only gloomy thing about the state's recent wild weather - pets are suffering from stress and depression because of the big wet.

Veterinarians and behavioural specialists said changes to an animal's lifestyle caused by being cooped up inside could cause anxiety-based conditions, similar to those suffered by humans.

The peak industry body in the manufacturing of animal drugs and supplements - the Animal Health Alliance - released a list of the top five wet weather risks to pets.

Stress topped the list followed by fleas, ticks, heartworm and parvovirus.

Vets have also warned of several reported cases of myxomatosis, spread by mosquitoes, killing pet rabbits.

Kathryn Rabbitt, 32, of Newcastle, said ticks were a worry for her 10-year-old silky-cross Andy and two-year-old labrador Olli.

"The wet weather changes everything," she said.

"And they're just like kids; if they don't get outside and run off all their energy they go stir crazy. One of the things we've also noticed is we haven't been able to go to the beach as often this summer. We used to go every second day, which is important for their socialisation."

Parasite expert and Alliance boss Dr Peter Holdsworth said it was important for pet owners to know what symptoms to look out for. "The heavy rains and moderate to warm temperatures create ideal breeding conditions for a wide range of external parasites and biting insects that spread internal parasites and other diseases in household pets," he said.

"The weather conditions can also cause stress for a lot of pets, particularly in flood-hit regions or areas where there have been ongoing thunderstorms."

There have been 204 cases of tick paralysis in NSW since January 1, the highest in the country. This is followed by 95 cases of the deadly, highly contagious, canine parvovirus.

Edited March 20, 2012 by samoyedman

[WreckitWhippet]

Unless you're 6 feet under in water or the lightening is bad, then there's no excuses for not putting the leash on and taking your dogs out.

A simple thing like a couple of towels, usually does the trick when you come home wet. To be honest the behavioural issue can be directly attributed to lazy owners.

Buy some repelx or other insect repellent and protect your pets, it's not rocket science.

[melzawelza]

Unless you're 6 feet under in water or the lightening is bad, then there's no excuses for not putting the leash on and taking your dogs out.

A simple thing like a couple of towels, usually does the trick when you come home wet. To be honest the behavioural issue can be directly attributed to lazy owners.

Buy some repelx or other insect repellent and protect your pets, it's not rocket science.

Exactly!

[Aidan3]

I love going out in the mud and rain with the dogs.

[wuffles]

Kind of true, except my dogs don't really like heavy rain. They squint and slink. They're happy to walk in showers though!

With the recent wet weather here we only missed two morning walks in as many weeks, and I made sure I at least gave my young girl some indoor training instead.

[Miranda]

I love going out in the mud and rain with the dogs.

Me too

[Aidan3]

One thing that isn't mentioned often, probably due to a lack of research, is the possibility of Seasonal Affective Disorder in dogs. There is really no reason why susceptible dogs wouldn't suffer from this in the same way susceptible humans do, although last time I checked there wasn't much literature on it. Also, vitamin D deficiency is another possibility if dogs are kept inside for long periods without much sun exposure.

I have some anecdotal evidence for SAD in dogs, but nothing more objective.

[megan_]

My two hate the rain and it would be so easy to say "they hate it, so I'm not walking them". But they don their rain coats and off we go. I have to drag my girl out the house (literally) but after a minute of walking (she has no choice but to if I'm walking at a quick pace) she is wagging her tail and loving it. Great new smells come out in the rain and they love it.

I agree - just plain laziness. Put on a raincoat (human and/or dog) and go for a walk - it is good both both!

[Chezy]

I hate the walking in the rain, missing a day is nothing , but I wouldn't not go out for days because of it, I suck it up and off we got, I do look out for the occasional stop of rain and do a mad rush to go before it starts again

[Atanquin]

Why not increase training and do fun stuf inside that's that I do, we do new tricks and play hide and seek tug of war all different stuff

[Janba]

Seeing as I can't walk well mine never get walked but excersised in the yard and do mind games but the weather is playing havoc with that. The BCs are a bit stir crazy - the dally couldn't care less, she spends all day in bed

[Sheridan]

I have terriers. We're all crazy no matter the weather! :D

[Staffyluv]

I have a mud monster that will do anything to get out in the rain...

When we were about to flood here, I came home one evening about 6ish and the loon was sitting in his clam pool that was overflowing because of all the rain..

He is not phased by the sound of storms with all the cracking and banging...

[GeckoTree]

My rain jackets a dud, It leaks. Must find some decent wet weather gear.

[TheCheekyMonster]

Lol i wouldnt mind going for a walk in the rain.... but Gus does hahah :).... if his little head gets wet its all over rover.... but nothing stops us from a game of tug and some training in the garage or some undercover part of the house.

[Scarlet]

Mine love walking in the rain so they still get their daily walk but for weeks and weeks I've lived inside which means they do as well.

I know they miss me walking aound outside because I always throw the ball and they are just more active when I'm out and about. We are all feeling this years cabin fever.

[Daisys Mum]

My dogs look forward to their walk every night including the rain..they just walk faster :laugh:

Which reminds me... I want to get them a raincoat each.

[Alkhe]

Unless you're 6 feet under in water or the lightening is bad, then there's no excuses for not putting the leash on and taking your dogs out.

A simple thing like a couple of towels, usually does the trick when you come home wet. To be honest the behavioural issue can be directly attributed to lazy owners.

Buy some repelx or other insect repellent and protect your pets, it's not rocket science.

Totally agree. And come on, how many days does it rain CONSTANTLY? 99% of the time there's a little window of opportunity, even if it's only a quick dash around the block.

I'm already seeing numbers at my park dwindle as it gets colder. I just stick a jumper on my dog and she's happy as larry. I'd rather wet feet and mud tracked through the house than a bored or sad little dog!