Yorkie Times
Newsletter for Yorkie Rescue
March 2021
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“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” ~ Rachel Carson
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Editor
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Technical Editors
Amalia Spaulding
Laura Morrisey
Contributors
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Hannelie Vermeulen
Perpetua Phillips
Athena Maria Dugmore
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Dear Yorkie lovers and supporters |
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We are roaring into the month of March, leaving behind some unusually challenging winter weather. Personally I am looking forward to Spring being around the corner, and right now I am ready for white Easter lilies versus powdery white snow outside. After all the storms we recently experienced across the country, I believe you are ready to join me, as are all of our animals.
We are starting to experience the light green hues of Springtime, and I am considering whether to plant a garden with flowers and vegetables, or just keep it to flowers - knowing some will be ruined by careless four footers. As a rescue, Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue wishes the milder weather will bring you sunshine, fun outdoor times with your animals, and many long happy walks together.
We remain incredibly grateful for every animal our foster providers are able to provide a chance after they suffered from neglect and abuse, or just needed to be rehomed. We are thankful for the passion you all have for animals. Please sign up with your local humane societies should they need to place a Yorkie with a rescue, and keep your eyes open for those who are in need of being rehomed on other platforms. Our numbers of rescues are low at current, and we would love to be of more help to more animals. I would also like to update you on little Steve, whom you read about last month. With the love and care of his doting foster parent, he is starting to bloom like everything else in Spring. We hope he will soon be able to experience his very own forever home.
As we head into Easter time, may we all stand together to take good care of ourselves and those who love us and depend on us, and may we find many more dogs a happy and loving home. Like the Easter lily, which rises from a bulb planted in the earth, and then blooms into a beautiful representation from the death to the resurrection of Christ during Easter, may we find hope, and may faith see us through the hardships we experience and witness.
During this time of celebration, please also be careful to heed safety measures during the pandemic we are still facing, and remain cautious. Please also be watchful of the intestinal discomfort Easter lilies can cause dogs, and the kidney failure and death it can lead to in cats. As during so many of our celebrations, be vigilant about our animals being around chocolates and the other rich foods we may celebrate with, that can be toxic to them. Do not hesitate to call your vet, your emergency clinic, or pet poison control for assistance. Many animal health insurance companies now also have an advice line.
YTNR extends our thanks to friends and supporters like you during this special celebration of faith. May your Easter holiday be blessed with happiness, health, and love, and may you experience the hope and joy of new beginnings this season.
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MaryElizabeth Dugmore
President and Founder, YTNR
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Please join us in lighting a candle for our beloved Patti, who has put her heart and soul into saving and supporting Yorkies within YTNR for over a decade now. Patti has recently stepped down from our Board due to health issues, but her heart has remained with all the less fortunate animals - and she has never stopped assisting when a little one has been in need. |
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Over the years Patti has etched a secure place in so many of our hearts with her love, her work ethic, and her fighting spirit for all who needed help or saving - human and animal. Now Patti herself is in need of our prayers and our love. We are asking for your support in keeping Patti in your thoughts and prayers, as she once again is living with cancer. She’s inspired us by being a Yorkie hero for so long - now let us return the favor. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder and prayer to prayer with her through her journey of managing a complex disease with the help of her medical team. |
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Patti, may faith, hope, strength and courage guide you. May the confidence, bravery and fearlessness you have instilled in so many little dogs’ hearts as you assisted in rescuing them, now be in your heart too. We love you, and will walk alongside you every step of the way. |
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Patti, may you live each day with wings of faith
and roots of hope surrounding you.
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SNOWMAGEDDON, SNOWPOCALYPSE, SNOWZILLA.
by Hannelie Vermeulen
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Across our lovely country, just as we thought we were heading closer to Springtime, a myriad of winter weather hazards set in around Valentine’s day. |
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Cupid Teddy
In Portland OR we were covered in up to 10 inches of snow, unheard of for us. To top that off, freezing rain and ice covered our roads and devastated public transport, while also putting a stop to much of private transport. For several days, many were home bound (some without electricity), others were stuck at work or in local motels, and a few brave souls tackled the treacherous roads to make essential trips or perform essential jobs. Many of our restaurants, who had just reopened for inside dining, as well as take-away facilities and even grocery stores, closed up again as snow blanketed the North West.
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Teddy wondering if it will ever get better
The world around us looked serene and pure, covered in white snow and iridescent ice. It was eerily silent, other than for the howling of the wind, the crackling drops of ice rain, the breaking of branches, or trees falling down. Vancouver WA, across the river from us, had up to a foot and a half of snow. Thousands of people remained without power for days on end, struggling with cold temperatures.
Seattle, a few hours north of us, also received more than a foot of snow, as the gusty winds spread across the North West. Suddenly the outdoors became a mixture of fun and challenge, of shoveling the sidewalks, walking carefully, and building snow men all bundled up, as pictured by Brianna, Leila and mom Julie who braved the snow and engaged in some rigorous exercise in exhilarating temperatures.
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The southernmost states, such as Texas, experienced unheard of crippling ice, several inches of snow, deadly vehicle crashes, and extended power outages leading to hardship and loss of life. Our thoughts to and prayers remain with them as they continue to struggle through many issues.
In parts of Illinois, closer to Corrine, snow kept accumulating 10 inches plus, while subzero temperatures led to ice covered driveways and roads. Amalia and her family experienced a polar vortex in the Chicago area, with daily snow and super cold temperatures, leading her to worry so much about the less fortunate pooches.
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It kept adding up at Corrine’s
Kim and her family in northwest Indiana received three feet of snow in three weeks, and didn’t see above freezing temperatures in at least two weeks. In lower Michigan Kathy also got 15+ inches of snow, amidst temperatures way below freezing point, extreme even for her neck of the woods.
Nashville TN pre-empted their snowstorm with sleet and ice, and freezing temperatures brought down further by the wind chill. MaryElizabeth and Dan’s pond froze over and their fields did the same, as they themselves remained chilled to the bone. And then the snow struck them, and made their roads impassable, while feeding the farm animals led them trudging through the ice and snow.
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MaryElizabeth and Dan’s
winter wonderland
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Janie, closer to Memphis, experienced similar freezing temperatures, while Spring Hill where Jessica lives, was also covered in snow.
Initially the cold weather made for a cozy Valentines weekend tucked away inside, and living out of the freezer, as so many of us have become accustomed to during the pandemic. Unfortunately the snow, ice, the power outages, and for some the inability to heat homes or have access to water became increasingly scary across the country. We all prayed for those in more dire need than us.
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Angel Simon
Some of our members had it a little easier. In Nevada, where Ann lives, it got colder as well, but they still had days up to 50’s, while their nights barely stayed above freezing point. Patti in southern CA got some chilly weather and icy cold winds, but Roger, also in CA, was lucky enough to have warm enough weather to mow his lawn. Carrie and Mike in Hawaii continued to experience lovely weather and spectacular sunsets, where lower temperatures meant 68 degrees.
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Pua touched by the Hawaiian weather fairy |
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However, not everyone is lucky enough to experience warmer weather and the warmth of being indoors. Across our country extreme weather shelters assisted housing individuals who are homeless. Some of our YTNR group struggled to receive medications on time, others had their vaccinations delayed due to inability to deliver to their areas, and some struggled with closed grocery stores, and access to fresh water. Our thoughts remained with all who were struggling more than us, as we kept checking in with each other on YTNR’s blog.
As winter heads towards an end, and we hope to escape further deadly cold temperatures, please continue to look out for neighbors, friends or anyone else in need of assistance during inclement weather (or for any other reason). Many cities and towns open severe weather shelters, and 211 or police non-emergency can be called for assistance.
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Please also keep an eye out for animals in need, and contact your local humane society, or police non-emergency in your area, if you are not able to assist them. As for our own Yorkies and other animals, as always, please be very careful of allowing them outside alone in the freezing weather, or unmonitored in snow that could accumulate deep enough to bury them. Also consider young or active dogs may become naughty without exercise, and have “accidents”. Older and blind doggies, like Lynn’s little Wren, may be confused by the acute change, find walking on the ice and snow challenging, and may be too scared to go potty in the now “unknown” outside. Consider using the time during icy weather to be ingenious, and find ways to help our four legged critters potty and exercise safely. Offer inside potty pads, and use the additional indoor time to train those who typically go outside, to use the pad by the door, by offering praise, treats and toys. Make it a game, and give us all advice on what worked! Our Suzanne could not be persuaded to set foot into the freezing cold outside, and kept us on our toes supplying fresh potty pads. |
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Wren’s brother Murphy trying to help guide her. |
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For those willing and able to go outside, keep warm rainproof jackets and booties by the door, ready to dress them for the cold and wet - and remember to keep the leash close by too. Personally we cordoned off a small area outside the door, where LeeLee and Caroline loved to go color the snow yellow, while unable to venture far enough to get into trouble. Palemon, our 100 pounder, loved to run circles through the white powder while wearing his jacket similar to those of the horses. LeeLee, a little tomboy fashionista, couldn’t wait to dress up and run out, but some dogs may need to get used to putting on their protective clothing by being offered a treat. Leave a towel by the door too, to dry them off when they come back in. If you don’t feel like shoveling a path and a several feet wide potty space for your critters, consider leaving a piece of wood to cover a spot on the grass, then lift it up and allow a pooch to potty with no snow there. |
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LeeLee and Palemon up to the winter challenge |
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If you are able to take them for walks, stay away from frozen ponds where either or both of you could fall through and become hypothermic or drown. Just being outside for an extended period can also lead to hypothermia, so consider limiting your time out in the elements. When you return indoors, check between your dogs’ little paw pads for snow being stuck in it, and wash their little feet to make sure chemical ice melts and salts don’t poison them when they lick it. Always have fresh water available, and a warm spot to retreat to. |
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Kirby and Jesse warm and secure |
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While forced to spend more time indoors, teach your old dogs new tricks. Also consider keeping them entertained with frozen Kongs, puzzles, squeaky toys, or some type of safe exercise within the house. Be careful of loose standing heaters, or if you are out of electricity and are using candles, which could lure an animal and lead to a fire should they fall over.
Most of all, pay attention to the little things that make life worth living, make the best of all the time you get to spend together, and love one another. Together we have prevailed during a challenging past year, and together we will stride forward - even if it’s one step at a time. We are a dog loving force to be reckoned with. We love, we live, we care and collaborate, and we help animals around us prosper.
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Furbaby in need of donations |
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MOLLY
Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue received a heart breaking email from a mom who’s little Yorkie has been diagnosed with liver shunt, and is needing surgery.
“This sweet little girl is Molly, she has been diagnosed with a liver shunt. She is only 9 months old and weighs 3 pounds. Her neurological symptoms seem to be getting worse by the day even with the antibiotics the Vet has put her on. I can't afford the surgery she needs to fix her and I'm devastated. I'm so scared to lose her, she seems so depressed and it hurts my heart. Please give me any information on what I can do for her. Thank you so much.”
Liver shunt surgery is expensive, and the recuperation process can be difficult. YTNR took little Molly into our rescue, and through our Liver Shunt Fund, we will have surgery done and give her a fighting chance. She will be going to the University of Tennessee as soon as her records are in order, and all the necessary information gathered. Over the years, Dr. Tobias has been able to give many of our liver shunt diagnosed dogs a second chance. Molly’s treatment is estimated to be between $3000 and $4000 for the scintigraphy, surgery to place the ameroid constrictor, and her hospital stay, which if all goes well, is about 3 or 4 days.
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We are reaching out and asking for donations to help us to continue taking in these little dogs that desperately need our help. Any donation large or small will help. All donations are tax deductible, we are a 501 (c)(3) organization.
Thank you so very much for supporting the work we are doing on behalf of these little dogs.
Our PayPal address is YTNR@bellsouth.net.
Or mail a check to
YTNR
1065 Lewis Rd
Chapmansboro, TN 37035
love…
MaryElizabeth
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Our beloved little Harley crossed over the Rainbow Bridge this past Friday. It was a heart wrenching decision but one that we had to make. Harley fought bravely that damn cancer that has now taken both of our beloved Yorkies in the past four months. Harley only came to us a year ago but what a wonderful year. He had the best personality. Harley never barked and he just loved everyone but especially the attention he got from me very one plus he loved his car rides. He is with Lexi now along with Ashes the cat who we also lost during these four months. Rest easy little guy and you will forever be in our hearts.
Kathy Schuller
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♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
"It is eerily terrifying that there is no sound when a heart breaks.
Car accidents end with a bang, falling ends with a thud, even writing makes the scratching sound of pencil against paper. But the sound of a heart breaking is completely silent. Almost as though no one, not even the universe itself could create a sound for such devastation. Almost as though silence is the only way the universe could pay its respect to the sound of a heart falling apart."
- Nikita Gill, The Sound of Heartbreak
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Volunteers are from all walks of life: men and women, single professionals, married couples, retirees, business owners and just plain folks.
We need them in every State to help us foster and take care of the yorkies needing our help.
Volunteers are Yorkie-owners and Yorkie lovers whose passion for the breed extends into an active desire to serve and help the breed through rescue efforts.
No experience required to join us, we have State Directors and Helpers to walk you through the guidelines necessary to get a dog ready for its forever home. If this sounds like you, please fill out an application and we will add you to our YorkieSpice list of volunteers and supporters that will help and support you.
(Please click on the picture above to be taken to the volunteer application).
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
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We received some lovely donations to help us raise funds for our little dogs.
Please browse our latest listings.
Check back often as we are adding more things as we get pictures and descriptions.
Thank you for supporting our rescue efforts.
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We would Love your support! |
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Just click on the above image and you will be ready to shop
♥ Yorkies across U.S. will Thank You, as will YTNR ♥
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Special Thanks to this month's Donors |
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Thank You to the Many Wonderful & Generous February Contributors
General Fund
Suzanne Ditsler
Marianne Owczarski
Karen Roff in memory of Pee Wee
Lynn Garcia
Arlene Gilbert with love from Lucky
Anne Hobbie
Amalia Spaulding for Mr. Steve
Virginia Story
Antoinette Lowery for Lyric
Kendra Beals
Antoinette Lowery Bosco, Spencer, Paddywak, Giovanni & Lou
Nancy Nicoulin
Lisa Hanson for Mr. Steve, he's so precious
Monthly Yorkie Angel Donors
Sandra Flolo
Karin & Alan Nakashima
Kathryn Schuller
Pieter Vermeulen
Hannelie Vermeulen
MaryElizabeth Dugmore
Mary Jane Sanders
Carla Pucket
Betty Jo Williams
Ron & Amalia Spaulding
Lindsay Hardin
Stephi Jackson
Ann Sousa
Joan Willner
Bette Gae Dart
Paula Scott
Lisa Ellison
Julie Gedro
Patricia Johnson
Jessica Damisch
Paula Fonseca
Sandra Grumbein
Carrie Unger
Karen Roff
Linda Connor
Any donation large or small helps us help those more desperate cases that would otherwise be left in the system.
We can't do the things we do without you...
The Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue Inc. is run solely on private donations and fundraising efforts made by people like you who love this Breed. We very much appreciate your support.
We are a 501 (c) (3) organization, your donation is 100% tax deductible.
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Supermodel Athena Maria Aphrodite
The Goddess of Wisdom and Love...
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6 Reasons Why Dogs Cough
Just like us, dogs cough for a lot of different reasons, and the causes range from harmless to quite serious. If your dog coughs once in a while and it passes quickly, there’s no cause for alarm. But if she’s coughing frequently or has intense coughing spells, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian.
A persistent cough in a dog is very often a symptom of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. The following are some of the more common causes of canine coughs.
What Makes Dogs Cough?
1 — Reverse sneezing is a common condition in small breed dogs and also brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. While a reverse sneeze is not a cough, the sound can be mistaken for coughing or choking. It’s caused by a spasm of the throat and soft palate that is triggered by an irritant, which can include simple excitement, exercise, a collar that’s too tight, pollen, or even a sudden change in temperature.
In a regular sneeze, air is pushed out through the nose. In a reverse sneeze, air is instead pulled rapidly and noisily in through the nose. The sound of a reverse sneeze can be disconcerting, and many dog parents wonder if their pet is choking or having an asthma attack. Some dogs who reverse sneeze also tend to stand with elbows spread apart, head extended or back, and eyes bulging.
Most cases of reverse sneezing don’t require treatment. However, it’s a good idea to keep track of when the episodes occur so you can determine what the probable triggers are and try to avoid them.
If the sneezing becomes chronic or episodes become more frequent or longer in duration, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out other potential health problems.
2 Kennel cough — A sudden persistent cough in an otherwise healthy dog is often due to kennel cough (Bordetella) or another similar viral or bacterial infection. These infections tend to produce deep, dry hacking coughs, sneezing, snorting, gagging, and in some cases, vomiting. There can also be coughing “fits” or spasms if the dog becomes excited or during exercise.
If your dog has recently been in contact with other dogs, he may have contracted a kennel cough infection. Symptoms usually appear from 2 to 14 days after exposure, last between 10 and 20 days, and can recur during periods of stress.
Most of these infections are mild and resolve without medical intervention. Many veterinarians immediately prescribe antibiotics, but that is never my approach. I prefer to let a dog’s body heal itself naturally, as long as he’s otherwise healthy.
Complete recovery from kennel cough can take up to 3 weeks in healthy dogs, and twice as long in older pets and those with underlying immunosuppressive conditions. Puppies can also take a bit longer to recover.
Since a serious bout of kennel cough can result in pneumonia, if your dog doesn’t start to improve on his own with the support of non-toxic remedies, or if the cough becomes progressively worse, it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
A word about the Bordetella vaccine. Unfortunately, many boarding kennels, doggy daycares, groomers and even some veterinarians require dogs be vaccinated against kennel cough. It's important to realize the only reason these facilities demand your dog be vaccinated is simply to remove liability from their businesses.
Kennel cough is most often a complex cocktail of different infections rather than a single infection. Because it's caused by a variety of different bacteria and viruses, there's no single vaccine that can provide protection for every potential infectious agent. In addition, whatever protection the vaccine might offer wears off very quickly, usually in less than a year, which means your dog will need to be revaccinated at least annually if you use pet care businesses that insist on the vaccine.
If for some reason you absolutely must allow your dog to be vaccinated, I recommend asking for the intranasal vaccine, which is significantly less toxic than the adjuvanted injectable vaccines. If in a worst-case scenario your dog receives the injectable Bordetella vaccine, I recommend you consult an integrative veterinarian about detox options.
And remember that your dog can still get kennel cough even if she has been recently vaccinated, which is why I strongly recommend avoiding this unnecessary and frequently ineffective vaccine if at all possible.
3 Pneumonia — If your dog’s cough sounds wet or is productive, it could be the result of a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Fluid or phlegm in the lungs is a red flag for pneumonia, which can have a variety of causes. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
Bacterial pneumonia is caused by a pathogen, and there are several organisms that can result in infection. Typically, your dog will require antimicrobial drugs, rest, immune support, and specific supportive therapies.
Fungal pneumonia is the result of a deep fungal lung infection and is more difficult to treat. Since many dogs don’t respond to anti-fungal drugs, the treatment for fungal pneumonia will depend on what type of fungus has caused the infection. I recommend you ask your veterinarian about inhalation therapy, which is one of the most effective, direct ways to treat these types of lung infections.
Another type of pneumonia is aspiration pneumonia, also called inhalation pneumonia. This is a condition in which the lungs become inflamed and infected as the result of breathing in a foreign substance like vomit, regurgitated gastric acid, or food.
Aspiration pneumonia is life threatening, and the prognosis for most dogs with the condition is poor, so the goal should always be prevention. If you suspect your dog has aspirated something, it’s important to get her to your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic right away.
4 Foreign object lodged in the throat — A cough that grows suddenly violent or sounds more like gagging, especially when accompanied by lip licking or attempts to swallow, could be a sign your dog has a sore throat, or something stuck in his throat.
If he’s outside when he begins coughing or has just come in from outdoors, he may have swallowed or inhaled a grass seed or other foreign object that has become wedged in his throat. If he can’t seem to cough up whatever it is, it’s time to make an appointment with your veterinarian to prevent a potential infection or even pneumonia.
5 Collapsing trachea — A recurrent, episodic cough that sounds like a goose honk can be a sign of a collapsing trachea, especially if your dog is a small breed. Tracheal collapse is a chronic, progressive disease that can be either congenital or acquired. Dogs with the condition also typically show signs of exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, and gagging while eating or drinking.
Treatment options for a collapsing trachea include medical management, which works for about 70% of dogs with a mild form of the condition. More serious cases often require highly specialized surgery. Cartilage building supplements are also given to maintain the integrity of tracheal cartilage.
6 Heart disease — Coughing is unfortunately also a symptom of heart disease in dogs. Other signs include a bluish color to the tongue, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, decreased exercise endurance, a too-fast or too-slow heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart condition and coughs mainly while he’s resting, lying down, or at night, it could be a sign the disease is progressing.
Treatment of heart disease in dogs depends on a variety of factors including the severity of the problem, the age and health of the animal, cost of treatment, and other considerations. A visit to a board-certified veterinary cardiologist can provide more information about the severity of your dog's condition.
There are a variety of natural therapies that can support a weakened cardiovascular system, so consult your integrative veterinarian for the best options for your pet’s individual situation.
Other conditions that can cause coughing in your dog include lung disease; chronic bronchitis, allergic bronchitis (including reactions to household scenting products) and tumors or masses in the lungs. Heartworm disease is another reason dogs may have a persistent cough.
If your dog’s cough doesn’t resolve quickly on its own, it should be investigated, and the sooner you make an appointment with your veterinarian, the better your pet’s chances for either a full recovery or a well-managed condition.
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Many Thanks to Lifeline4Paws |
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Chris Hogan,
Executive Vice President
of the Hogan Family Foundation Inc,
is the Program Director of Lifeline-4-Paws.
She is a YTNR member and has generously supported
our rescue efforts, contributing tens of thousands of dollars
to hundreds of our dogs since 2007.
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