Latest news with #WestHighlandTerrier
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
My Dog Died During A Routine Vet Appointment. If I'd Done Just 1 Thing Differently, He Might Still Be Alive.
What began as a 'routine' care decision for our beloved dogs veered into irrevocable loss. We raised our two adorable West Highland white terriers in a house of love, spoiling Duncan and Dooley beyond measure. Rather than serving them dog food, my wife prepared special meals every day — chicken and rice or hamburger and noodles. Born from the same litter, they ate with us, slept with us and traveled with us. We raced to their rescue after skunk sprayings, possum gashes and a terrifying coyote attack. But like most pet owners, it never occurred to me to consider their dental care — and I worked as a dentist for nearly 40 years. When the dogs were 11 years old, Duncan developed a benign cyst on his shoulder, and needed it removed. Our vet recommended that she clean Duncan's teeth while he was under for surgery, and, oh, why not bring Dooley in for a cleaning, too? Sedation for canine dental care is a relatively common practice done to keep dogs still during the procedure and for the safety of the dental staff. Both dogs were anesthetized, but Dooley never woke up. My wife couldn't forgive herself for putting Dooley under anesthesia just to get his teeth cleaned, and we have never gotten over the loss. Our vet, traumatized as well, vowed to stop elective cleanings under general anesthesia. The author's dogs, Duncan and Dooley. Since then, I've made it my mission to inform people about of what's needed to control their pets' oral health and how to avoid problems like infection and abscessing that can require invasive treatment or tooth extractions under anesthesia. Most people aren't aware that the exact same progression that leads to decay and periodontal disease in humans also happens for dogs; only the bacterial species is different. Inflammation causes the gums to swell and bleed, then comes breath odor, loose teeth and, finally, abscesses that typically require a tooth to be pulled. But just like with humans, there's a preventative solution for these problems — daily oral care. We know how important that is for us, but for some reason we haven't gotten that message with our pets. Stop brushing your teeth for one day and you feel the effects. It's gross. Now imagine not cleaning your mouth for weeks or years, and you begin to understand what dogs experience. The veterinary community recommends daily brushing as the gold standard, but most dog owners simply don't do it. As much as we adore our animals, one survey found that only 7% of dog owners brush their pet's teeth every day. We dog lovers take great care in feeding, sheltering and vaccinating our pets but we ignore this basic and treatable health concern. Even if your dog's teeth look healthy, it's estimated that 80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 are dealing with some form of periodontal disease. If you think those problems are minor, they're not. Periodontal disease can lead to health issues that affect the kidneys, liver and heart. If you've ever had a toothache, abscess, infected gums or mouth sore, you know how distressing and downright painful periodontal disease can be. Some say tooth-related pain in humans, when it is severe, is matched in intensity only by acute cardiac pain or the pain of childbirth. Dogs experience pain, too, but there is a difference: they can't tell you what they are feeling. That's why so many dental problems in dogs go unnoticed until they are severe. Ignoring your dog's dental care inevitably leads to more invasive treatment down the road. Without regular at-home cleaning, your pet is more likely to need intensive procedures like cleaning under the gumline to remove hardened tartar or extractions — and those almost always require sedation, which can put your pet at risk. Duncan lived to be 16 and had a wonderful life. Today, we have a new furry friend, Bogey, a Maltese-Westie mix we rescued off the street around the start of the pandemic. It's not always convenient, even for me, to clean my dog's teeth, but I do it. The author with his dog Bogey. You never want to use human toothpaste because it can contain ingredients that are toxic to them. I apply a dog-friendly product with a finger cot similar to one I used as a dentist, but a soft-bristled dog toothbrush or even a bare finger works, too. I'll rub Bogey's teeth and gums for about 30 seconds. If your dog resists, try just the front teeth first. Once they get used to it, you'll find that it's a real bonding moment for you and your pup. It's recommended that you brush every day or, at the very least, three times a week to help keep your dog's mouth healthy. It is time to end the disconnect and start educating dog owners about the science of canine oral health. That begins with dispelling certain myths people have about dog's teeth. No, dogs' mouths are not cleaner than humans' mouths. No, chewing on bones won't clean their teeth; in fact, fragments from bones often cause injury to dogs. Perhaps the saddest fallacy is that dental problems are just an inevitable part of a dog's aging process — that your pup will get old, get infections and lose a couple teeth — but it doesn't have to be that way. Learning from Dooley's passing was tough — it showed us how crucial dental care is for our pets. That lesson came too late for him but it's not for others. Start cleaning your dog's teeth early and keep it consistent. We owe it to our four-legged family members to prioritize their dental care — not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental responsibility. By doing so, we not only safeguard their well-being but also deepen the loving and powerful connection we share through our commitment to their overall health. Henry Crossetti, D.D.S., M.S., a retired periodontist who lives on Johns Island, South Carolina, now researches and develops solutions for canine oral health care. Visit his LinkedIn page for more info. This article originally appeared on HuffPost in August 2024. Also in Goodful: I Prayed For Years That No One Would Discover The Issue With My Private Parts. Now I'm Done Hiding. Also in Goodful: 21 "Fatal" Safety Mistakes People Make Every Day (And How To Avoid Them), According To First Responders Also in Goodful: "It's Soul-Crushing": People Are Revealing The TellTale Signs Someone Has Been Through A Lot Of Shit In Their Life, And Some Of These Might Surprise You
Scotsman
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Dogs For Older Owners: These are the 10 best breeds of adorable dog for the elderly
The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the UK Kennel Club has seen dog ownership soar to record levels. Dogs can make wonderful companions for mor elderly animal lovers. But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there's plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed. While every person has different needs, for slightly older dog owners it can be worth looking for a dog with a particular range of attributes. Breeds needing less in the way of grooming and exercise are easier to care for by those with mobility issues, while dogs with the right easy-going temparament make loyal and loving companions for people living alone. Here are 10 of the breeds that tick all of these boxes, according to the American Kennel Club. 1 . Pug For people with mobility issues, Pugs make the perfect pet. These little character would rather nap on the couch that go for a run and spend most of their time indoors. They tend to be quite quiet and require very little grooming. Photo: Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Cavalier King Charles Spaniel The diminutive Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires a little more grooming than other breeds of small dog, but they are quiet, intelligent, easy to train, and never happier than when they are snuggled up in your lap. Photo: Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Pembroke Welsh Corgi Famously Queen Elizabeth II's favourite dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is perfect for active seniors as they need several short walks a day. Otherwise they are simple to groom, are desperate to please and are very protective of their owners. Photo: Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . West Highland Terrier West Highland Terriers are great companion pet that combine small stature with a big lyal personality. A couple of 15 minute walks each day will give them all the excercise they need and they are very easy to train. Photo: Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales Related topics: Dogs
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Woman suing Riverside Towers over emotional support dog
BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – A woman is suing a co-op on Riverside Drive in Binghamton, claiming she was denied an apartment because of her emotional support animal. Carole Manculich, owner of a year-and-a-half old West Highland Terrier named Candy, is suing Riverside Towers. Manculich says she and her husband lived in the penthouse in unit 1102, and she inherited it after her husband passed away on January 30th. For her to continue living there, Riverside Towers asked her to submit an application and undergo a background check, which she says she passed with flying colors. Manculich says a day after meeting with the Riverside Towers' board members, she was told she can't move in. 'I was told that I was denied. And, I asked for a reason, and they wouldn't give me one. They said they don't have to give me a reason. And, I've had an emotional support service dog for, I can't tell you how many years, it's probably been 25 years now, and I need this,' says Manculich. Manculich is being represented by attorney Ron Benjamin. She says before her husband passed away, she would bring the dog around the building on a leash, and it was never a problem. One piece of evidence submitted in the lawsuit, is a letter to Riverside Towers from Manculich's therapist, stating she struggles with depression, and her dog is how she copes. Manculich says she considers Candy somewhere between an emotional support dog and a service dog. News 34 reached out to the lawyer for Riverside Towers, and they cannot comment on pending litigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince William Cuddles Dogs In Sweet Moment On Estonia Trip
Prince William is making the most of his recent trip to Estonia. The Prince of Wales was spotted greeting fans in the Baltic nation's capital, Tallinn, on March 20, where he gave special care to a few furry friends on the first day of his visit. William cuddled multiple dogs who came along with their owners to meet the future King, including a friendly West Highland Terrier who appeared to enjoy the royal attention. William also visited students and staff at a local school, where he received a friendship bracelet that he said may just end up on daughter Princess Charlotte's wrist instead! The 42-year-old dad of three also went on to meet Estonian president Alar Karis before donning military fatigues to spend his second day with troops stationed at Army base Camp Tapa. William rode in a tank as part of a field training exercise, a moment which likely reminded fans of a similar outing he and brother Prince Harry had as boys back in 1989.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
9-Year-Old Shelter Dog's Devastated Cries After Being Surrendered Are Breaking Hearts Everywhere
Sometimes on social media, you stumble across something that absolutely breaks your heart. For me, it's usually a sad animal story. Knowing that dogs are normally so happy and love the attention of their families, it hurts so much to see one in a shelter or rescue that is sad, depressed, and missing their humans. That's exactly what happened to this 9-year-old Pit Bull mix who was dumped at a shelter recently. Fortunately, the sweet girl is in a foster home with a loving woman named Elaine Harrison. Throughout Elaine's video she's speaking to the sad dog softly, trying to let her know that she's loved. The poor pooch is missing her family so much and barely responds. Her said cries at the beginning of the video made me cry too! Elaine seems like the perfect foster mom, and I hope the sweet pooch can feel that too. I know that senior dogs are less likely to be adopted than a puppy or younger dog, but this one seems so gentle and loveable that I hope she finds her forever family soon. Viewers were just as upset as I was about the sweet dog's reaction to being abandoned by her family. @1,000 Faerie Wishes shared, "She's crying for her family..." and Elaine responded with, "She absolutely is!" @ agreed, "Her heart is broken. Thank you for showing her grace and love." @KB added, "I can't imagine giving up my senior dogs. They are the best. Her cries are heartbreaking." @Arletty Rodriguez cried, "That poor baby!" and Elaine almost made me cry when she shared, "I've done this a long time, and this is one of the most shut down dogs I've ever met. But I got her." Elaine said at the end of the video that she's going to be sharing the dog's incredible transformation. I checked to see if there's an updated video, but she hasn't posted it yet. I can't wait to see what happens next and I hope that there's a very happy ending coming!There is something so special about senior dogs. We had a West Highland Terrier for almost 14 years, and saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do as a was my first baby and my son's first sibling! Senior dogs tend to be easier going and enjoy just cuddling up and relaxing as much as they enjoy playing. They mellow out, and don't have nearly as much energy as young dogs do. They are the best! The term "senior" isn't the same number for all dogs. Some dogs become seniors when they are as young as 6 years old while others don't become seniors until they're 11 or so. The reason for the difference? It all has to do with how much your dog weighs. Dogs weighing 15 pounds or less become seniors at 11 years of age. Dogs weighing between 16 and 50 pounds are seniors at 9 years of age. Dogs weighing between 51 and 80 pounds are seniors at 8 years of age, and dogs weighing more than 80 pounds become seniors at 6 years of age. In short, the more they weigh, the shorter their lifespans. As your dog ages, it's important to keep up with their routine wellness checks and bloodwork. This allows your vet to monitor for potential health-related issues that may be treatable before they become a problem. Talk to your vet about concerns about your fur baby's health or any pain they may begin to experience. Remember that as they enter their senior years, they'll need (and want) you more than ever.
