Dog Research » Big Dog Blog

A lot of barking, or any noise for that matter can be stressful to most people, but now research has shown that dogs too can be stressed out, even leading to behavioral, physiological and anatomical changes in a dogs mental make up.

Research suggests that the noise made by barking dogs may be stressful to other dogs that have to listen to it. A veterinary medicine instructor at the University of Illinois states that the deafening noise that is made when a lot of dogs are barking at one time, can lead to behavioral, physiological and anatomical changes in a dogs mental make up.

The reactions of dogs to the noise of barking dogs was analyzed by researchers who studied dogs at an animal shelter. The researchers gaged the reactions of the dogs based on the volume of the background noise and learned, “Noise levels regularly exceeded the measuring capacity of our noise dosimeter, which was 118.9 decibels,” said Coppola. “These levels were higher than that produced by a jackhammer (110 decibels).”

The Cost of Owning a Big Paw

A thread on BPO’s message forum about Big Paw fur cleaning equipment got me to thinking: how much does it really cost to own a massive fur shedding, food eating, house messing big dog?

We have spent an embarrassing amount of money on surgeries for our beloved Rottweiler, but that is certainly not the norm for all dogs. Most dogs have average vet costs associated with their care, including spay and neuter, ear infections, hot spots, flea treatment, removal of foreign non-food items from tummy (my brother’s dog Comet ate rocks and cost them quite a bundle; I took to calling him Comet Vomit but never to his face), cherry eye surgery….you get the picture.

I thought it would be interesting to tally the total lifetime cost of owning a Big Paw with average to above average costs (I am assuming that anyone reading these blogs is likely dog obsessed and spends somewhat more than the average dog owner).

Big Paw down payment (combined rescue/breeder cost): $600.00

Puppy shots/package $500.00

Spay/Neuter $300.00

Flea tick $30/month x 6 months x 10 years $1800.00

Vet check ups $50/2x a year x 10 years $1000.00

Fence for yard (do it yourself; big paw owners are handy) $1000.00

Replacement doors/sheetrock (eaten by big paw over lifetime) $1000.00

Furniture/clothing/shoes (eaten by big paw over lifetime) $1000.00

Dog crates (small/med/large/monster) $200.00

Dog stuffed toys ($5.00 ea/2/month/12 months/10 years) $1200.00

Dog Chew toys ($5.00 ea/1/month/12 months/10 years) $600.00

::looks around house at carnage, trying to spot costs that happen to be in plain sight::

Big Dog Bed $20.00/1/5 years/10 year lifespan) $40.00

Big Dog special wecial Pillow for head resting $20.00

Big Dog Collars

Baby $8.00

Bigger Baby $8.00

I can’t believe how fast this thing is growing $ 8.00

OMG how CUTTTTTTTTTTTE $8.00

Final Big boy/girl Fancy Schmancy Collar $20.00

Food inc snacks $80/mo/12/10 years $9600.00

Vacuum Cleaners $400.00/4 years/10 year lifespan $1000.00

Dog shed reducing brushes $150.00

Dog Shampoo $10/bottle (plus the one the dog ate)/year/10 $110.00

Dog ear cleaner $30.00

Dog nail trimmers $15.00

The time you went to the groomer, before they told you

not to come back $40.00

Cost to reimburse Groomer for ‘damages’ $100.00

Damage to car to take dog to self serve dog wash $1000.00

Pet deposit $400.00

Dry cleaning bill for slobber removal

$3.00/item/24/year/10 years $720.00

Carpet Cleaner $5.00/bottle/12 months/10 years $600.00

New Carpet (including urine soaked under pad) $2000.00

Landscape damage control $200/year/10 $2000.00

Dog Pool for summer fun (Aunti Kooky system with fountain) $30.00

Second pool to replace the first one that met a tragic end $30.00

Miscellanous items that are routinely destroyed/needed that

We don’t think about because love blinds us $2000.00

Of course if anyone thinks of anything they would like to add, that would be great. Keep in mind that I am a dog LOVER and will always own at least one big paw. I happen to think they are worth EVERY LAST CENT.

Grand Total $29,137.00

::runs from room screaming::

There are many obvious reasons and benefits for us to exercise, whether we are just starting or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We, as pet owners, are also aware that our dogs need exercise; so we usually let them outside to run and play, or engage in a game of fetch or, as I like to call it, “please bring it back, I don’t want to walk over there to get it”. If we merge our routines with our dogs there are increased benefits for both of you.

For our beloved dog it can help eliminate or, at least reduce, behaviors such as digging, chewing, barking and excessive hyperactivity. Our dogs get bored too and they need an acceptable outlet for their energy, or else it will manifest itself through these unacceptable behaviors. If Spot is not getting a sufficient amount of exercise and you find your brand new shoes shredded in the hallway, you may have no one to blame but yourself. Exercise also aids in your, and your dog’s digestion and reduces the incidence of digestive problems and constipation. As well as the fact that walking together increases your bond with your dog, depression is also reduced or avoided for both, dog and owner alike, with a thirty minute daily walk. One of the best, immediate benefits, is a happy, healthy, TIRED dog!

One of the most motivating reasons to begin a walking regimine with your furry best friend, is the weight loss benefit. A study from The University of Missouri-Columbia has concluded that having a pet is encouraging owners to exercise and results in more weight loss than nationally known diets. A monitored study group averaged a loss of 14 lbs in one year, and the best part, that was without dieting! The study participants began walking 10 minutes a day, three times a week and eventually worked up to 20 minutes a day, five times a week.

So put on your running shoes and clip on the leash, the benefits cannot be denied. It will keep, both, you and your beloved pet happier and healthier and here for a little while longer. Remember, don’t overdo it, increase your workout gradually and you will begin to look and feel much better.

source: The Many Benefits of Exercise and Play from Your Dog newsletter (published by Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine)

source: http://munews.missouri.edu/NewsBureauMain.cfm

So you are moving and need to find an apartment that welcomes pets? Thanks to the increasing number of pet owners in the United States, there are many options available for renters. I recently stumbled upon the The Humane Society Of The United States’ website where I noticed listings for animal friendly apartments nationwide. For the list, visit their website at www.hsus.org. For additional options in your city, contact your local Humane Society, rescue groups, and consult newspaper listings. And lastly, for big dog lovers, remember to ask if there is a weight limit when looking for a home with your supersized pet(s).

Many, seemingly, harmless items we have in and around our homes, can be fatal to our beloved pets. Some of the most dangerous items are also the most commonly reported causes of dog and cat fatalities. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, has been administered by well meaning pet owners, to ease the pain of arthritis or other pet ailments, with devastating results. Excessive drooling, vomiting, weakness, and abdominal pain (sometimes indicated by lunging) are the main symptoms of Acetaminophen poisoning, and should be immediately addressed by a veterinarian.

Some other dangerous items to be aware of are:

If you believe your pet has ingested a toxin, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Line (888) 426-4435. Many cities have a local Animal Poison Control line, as well.

reference: www.about.com