Immunisation (vaccination) schedules for dogs and cats in Hong Kong

Research Paper for the Pet Technician Certificate : 

Module 5 - Promoting Health

Owner: Alice Lam

All Rights Reserved.

In Hong Kong, it is law that all dogs above 5 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies, and the vaccination must be repeated every 3 years. Cats can also be vaccinated against rabies but it is not a legal requirement.

Whilst Hong Kong is a high-risk environment for infectious diseases due to the relatively hot, humid conditions and as most dogs are kept in apartments, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Kennel Cough are all still very common.

Taking these factors into account, the following immunisation schedules normally apply:

Recommended Schedule for vaccinations

DOGS

Schedule for puppy from birth onwards:
 

First vaccine	8-12 weeks old
Second vaccine	12-16 weeks old
Third vaccine	16-20 weeks old

Kennel cough vaccine	Once at 8-12 weeks
Rabies vaccine	Once at 5 months old

8th week - First vaccine for Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Hepatitis

12th week - Second vaccine for Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Hepatitis; First vaccine for Leptospirosis

16th week - Third vaccine for Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Hepatitis (only if needed); Second vaccine for Leptospirorsis

(normally, the above vaccines are combined together in one single injection called the DHPPiL Vaccination and first dose to be administered during 8th-10th week, and each dose to be applied 4 weeks apart. Third dose only applied if necessary)

3-5 months - Rabies vaccination (required by law)

Annually: DHPPiL vaccination booster

Every three years: Rabies vaccination booster

Recommended Schedule if adult dog has never been vaccinated / unknown vaccination history:

First vaccine:	If the dog has not been vaccinated before first keep at home for 7-10 days to be sure he is healthy. If already vaccinated we will give the next vaccine one month after the last vaccine, if he is still healthy.
Next vaccine:	This is given one month after the first vaccine.
Last vaccine:	Is given one month later. This is especially important for some breeds.

For adult dogs of unknown vaccination history, then usually at least two doses of vaccination are given about 3 to 4 weeks apart to start or restart the vaccination programme.

After the initial course of vaccinations, a booster vaccination about one year later is normal to keep up the immune response levels. After that, booster doses are usually given every one to three years depending on the vaccines and the risk of disease.

Remember the rabies vaccination for your rescued / adopted adult dog.

CATS

Similar to puppy and dogs,vaccinations of kittens and cats are around 4 weeks apart.

Schedule for kittens from birth onwards:

First day	6-12 weeks old	Body check Advice about care
1-2 weeks later	8-12 weeks old	First vaccine Deworm
4 weeks later	12 weeks old	Start monthly flea control Second vaccine Deworm
	16 weeks old	Last/second vaccine Deworm
1-2 months later	20-25 weeks old	Deworm
	From 6 months	Neutering operationflea treatments Deworm every 3 months
1 year later	1yr 3 months	First booster vaccine Body check

8th week - First FVRCP vaccination (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia)

12th week - Second FVRCP vaccination & Rabies vaccination. In certain cases, a third dose of FVRCP might be needed in the 16th week.

Annually : FVRCP vaccination booster

In cats, rabies vaccination is not required by law, however it is recommended for outdoor or semi-outdoor cats for your own protection, or if you are exporting your cat to another country.

Recommended Schedule if adult cat has never been vaccinated / unknown vaccination history:

For adult cats of unknown vaccination history, similar to adult dogs, usually at least two doses of vaccination are given about 3 to 4 weeks apart to start or restart the vaccination programme.

After the initial course of vaccinations, a booster vaccination about one year later is normal to keep up the immune response levels. After that, booster doses are usually given every one to three years depending on the vaccines and the risk of disease.

Source:
(1) http://www.spca.org.hk/en/veterinary/preventative-pet-health/essential-vaccinations
(2) http://www.cwbvet.com.hk/dog.html
(3) http://rosina.wordpress.com/2009/07/19/vaccination-of-dogs-and-cats-%E7%B5%A6%E6%82%A8%E7%9A%84%E5%AF%B5%E7%89%A9%E4%BC%B4%E4%BE%B6%E6%B3%A8%E5%B0%84%E7%96%AB%E8%8B%97/
(4) http://www.pawsandclaws.com.hk/pet-care-info/vaccination/
(5) http://www.hhvc.com.hk/en/pet/main.do?mappingName=Dogs&method=detail&id=4028e48624d70d760124e7ab777e0061
(6) http://www.hhvc.com.hk/en/pet/main.do?mappingName=Cats&method=listing

數碼港草地 跑跑跑！

好久沒有更新這個 BLOG 了。今天，就讓我把最近的開心照片給上載啦~

2014.8.24 數碼港草地

在香港島如果要跑草地，我們有兩個推介。首選又最多人認識的當然是山頂公園啦，而第二個就是位於南區的數碼港草地。如果以方便程度來說，我們就比較喜歡數碼港，因為那裡就近西環，交通方便，迫車又方便，而且又不用走上山。

數碼港的草地以及狗公園的設施都保養得不錯，可能是因為它是由數碼港公司 (不是政府) 維護的關係吧 (君不見由政府維護的狗公園都是不知所謂)。那裡有很多樹蔭、垃圾桶、長椅。。。等。只要在公園多走兩步，多數都可以找到有樹蔭的長椅坐下休息一下。

因為附近沒有四邊的高樓，所以很多時候，我們都可以看到藍天白雲。因為在西邊，又有無敵海景，在炎夏的黃昏，更擁有美麗的日落MAGIC景。難怪那裡的樓都賣這麼貴。:p

夏天的草地都比較長的，因為安全問題，所以都沒有太多的狗狗進去玩。但是，在旁邊的路上一直走走走、嗅嗅嗅，他們看起來好像也很高興呢。

 

因為附近的住宅的面積都是較大的單位、或是低密度的花園洋房，所以經常都會見到市區罕有的大型狗隻和主人在那裡散步。大狼狗、大丹犬、都柏文、大POODLE、大牧羊等我們都有見過。因為我家的狗狗自少都被教導不怕大型狗狗，而那裡的大狗狗都很守紀律，所以這情景在我們的相片中都是常見的-->

最佳時間

我們通常都是一大早去：

一、首先，是因為我們都是偏向讓狗狗一早就做運動，然後回到家裡就可以倒頭就睡，不用整天心事重重的。

二、然後，就是因為我們都怕狗狗會太熱。雖然那裡的樹蔭很多，但是炎夏的地氣可會灼傷牠們的腳底啊。

三、當然，我們還要迴避一下中午開始的人流。雖然那裡設計成一個狗公園，但也確實是一個人類和小孩都很喜歡去的地方。由於沒有飼養犬隻的人類小孩是會對狗狗會造成可怕傷害的動物，我們通常都會在他們出現前就離開 (他們出現的時間大蓋是早上十時至十一時左右)。 

四、最後，我們雖然也很喜歡那裡的黃昏 MAGIC  美景，可是，經驗告訴我們，黃昏才去的話，就要忍受很多不負責任飼主及/或其傭人遺留下來的狗大便，通地都是，滿目瘡痍，又臭又污糟，連自己也不想走一步。。。

所以，在夏天時，我們通常在早上八時至九時左右就會去到，冬天就可以晚一點，但十一時前都一定會離開。

水源及人類洗手間

最後提提大家，那裡的水源比較不方便，要走進草叢，所以建議大家帶備足夠的飲用水給狗狗。而最就近的人類洗手間就要走回數碼港商場。

　

在收養CC 之前，我家聰聰在那裡都已經留下了不少快樂的記憶和腳毛的喇~ 

那裡，的確記載了我們很多歡樂的記憶~ ^_^

－－－－－

那天，我們玩完，就回去西環見醫生，幫CC打一年一度的防疫針喇。

玩完打針都會開心D~ ^_^

地圖：

Ticks in Dogs

Research Paper for the Pet Technician Certificate : 

Module 4 -Parasitic Conditions

Owner: Alice Lam

All Rights Reserved.

Tick is one of the most common and lethal parasite that affect dogs in Hong Kong.

Ticks usually live in grassy areas and feed by biting and drawing blood from animals such as dogs and cattle.  When the tick attaches the dog and bites to feed, it injects the tick fever organism into the dog.  Before feeding, ticks are small and flat, however after feeding they puff up and look a bit like a fat raisin.

Tick Fever is the common name given to the protozoa Babesia.  There are two common strains that is seen in Hong Kong, Babesia gibsoni and Babesia canis.  The protozoa destroy red blood cells in the body resulting in anaemia.  If left untreated for too long, life-threatening anaemia may result and may require blood transfusions and a long hospital stay to recover.
However, if treated early, most dogs don't have to stay in hospital and can have the full course of treatment at home.

The most common first symptom is a loss of appetite.  However, it often comes on gradually and to the inexperienced owner it may take some time to notice that anything is wrong.  Sometimes a dog will not eat breakfast, but will eat his dinner and will eat his treats.  Then the next day, he might not eat any of his dog food, but is more than happy to eat human food. 
The other common symptoms are lethargy (tiredness) and dark coloured urine.  Often dogs will be reluctant to go for their regular walks and won't want to play as much as usual.  They may also be reluctant to walk up stairs.  During the course of the disease, red blood cells are destroyed will be expelled in the urine which can result in very dark (rusty or red coloured) urine.

If a vet suspects Tick Fever, he or she will probably order a blood test called a General Health Profile.  This initial blood test will give the vet a better idea as to whether your dog has tick fever.  Dogs with tick fever generally have a lower than normal number of red blood cells and platelets.  In order to get a confirmed diagnosis, a PCR test (or a DNA test), needs to be performed at an external laboratory.  This usually takes 2-3 days for the results to come back.

Unfortunately there is no vaccine for Tick Fever, so the only way to stop a dog from getting the disease is tick prevention:

1)      Preventic Collar (Amitraz): This is a rubber collar adjustable in length and can fit any size dog.  Any excess collar can be cut off and discarded.  The collar should be taken off before the dog goes swimming or has a bath.  A new collar should replace the old one every 2 months.

2)      Spot-on prevention

a.       Frontline Plus: This liquid is safe for use on both cats and dogs.  To be effective against ticks it should be applied every 2 weeks.

b.      Advantix: This liquid is toxic to cats and can only be used on dogs.  To be effective against ticks it should be applied every 3 weeks.

Treatment

Two currently accepted methods of treatment are:

1)      Atovaquone/Zithromax: Atovaquone is an antimalarial drug that has been shown to be effective in Tick Fever cases.  It is used in conjunction with an antibiotic called Zithromax.  This is one of the most commonly accepted treatments in Hong Kong and has been used for the past 6-7 years.  Treatment is usually 10-20 days long depending on the case.

2)      Tri-Therapy Treatment: This involves two injections two weeks apart and a 30 day course of three types of anti-protazoal medications.  This is a relatively new treatment and so far responses have been very positive.

Following successful treatment of Tick Fever, it is advisable to have a repeat PCR Blood Test 2 months after the end of treatment.

Video:

  

Source: http://www.eastislandvets.com.hk/en/pet-emergencies/Tick-Fever

Canine Distemper

Research Paper for the Pet Technician Certificate : 

Module 3 -Infectious Disease

Owner: Alice Lam

All Rights Reserved.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs. It is the leading lethal infectious disease in dogs. The virus infects the gastrointestinal system, respiratory tract, brain, and the spinal cord.

Symptoms include fever, eyes discharge, running nose, vomit and diarrhea, dehydration, excessive salivation, coughing and/or labored breathing, loss of appetite, weight loss, hardening of the footpads and nose, seizures of any part of the body, in particular, the developing of “chewing gum fits”.

Another lasting symptom commonly is enamel hypoplasia. Puppies, especially, might suffer damage to the enamel of teeth that are not completely formed or those that have not yet grown through the gums, as a result of the virus killing the cells responsible for the production of tooth enamel. Teeth affected tend to erode quickly.

The animal may also show signs of sensitivity to light, coordination disorder, prolonged circling, increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as pain or touch, and deterioration of motor capabilities. Sometimes, it may cause blindness and paralysis.

HOW THE CARRIER STATE DEVELOPS

The virus first enters the bronchial lymph nodes and tonsils 2 days after exposure, then the blood stream on the 2nd or 3rd day. A first round of acute fever tends to begin around the 3rd to 8th day, which is often accompanied by a low white blood cell count, especially of lymphocytes, as well as low platelet count. These signs may go unnoticed or be accompanied by loss of appetite, may or may not be accompanied by anorexia, running nose, and discharge from the eye. This first round of fever typically recedes rapidly within 96 hours, and then a 2nd round of fever begins around the 11th or 12th day and lasts around a week.

Gastro-intestinal and respiratory signs may follow and are usually complicated by bacterial infections. Overgrowth of the skin of the footpads (“hardpad” disease) and hardening of the nose may be seen.

This is called the Mucosal Phase.

Neurological signs will then gradually appear. These may include seizures in the form of : 1) localized involuntary twitching and seizures of a muscle or group of muscles, such as in the leg or face, 2) slight or complete paralysis, often most noticeable in the hind limbs as failure of muscle coordination, followed by weakness and paralysis in all 4 legs, and 3) the development of chewing-gum fits.

The seizures become more frequent and severe as the disease progresses. The dog may fall on its side and paddle its legs. Involuntary urination and defecation sometimes occur.

This is the Neurologic Phase.

Younger puppies or dogs with weak immunity often die during the mucosal phase while stronger ones may have relatively mild mucosal signs and may not be apparent until reaches the neurologic phase.

WHAT ARE THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAKE THE CARRIER ANIMAL INFECTIOUS TO OTHER ANIMALS

CDV spreads in 6 to 22 days after exposure, through aerosol droplets and contact with infected bodily fluids. The time between infection and disease is 3-8 days for first fever to appear and 14 to 18 days for full infection is noted.

It is with this long incubation period that stray animals lacking vaccinations are more susceptible to the virus and be the host to spread to the community. The typical distemper suspect is a rescue dog or a pet shop puppy, usually with questionable vaccination history or an as yet incomplete vaccination series, or dogs or puppies which has been housed with other rescue dogs. Puppies from three to six months old are particularly susceptible. Puppies and dogs that have not received their shots can then be easily infected.

Moreover, an infection of CDV may or may not be noticeable as the symptoms may be mild with few or even no signs, or the attack comes strong at a late stage when the patient is already suffering from acute health conditions and showing neurological signs, which may not come until several weeks or months later. Infected dogs with no signs at all may be spreading the infectious virus for months without being discovered.

HOW THE DISEASE IS SPREAD

The Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) transmission must involve dog to dog contact or at least contact with extremely fresh infected body secretions. The infected dog typically infects other dogs via coughing infected respiratory secretions though the virus is shed in most other body secretions including nasal and ocular secretions, faeces and urine. It can also be spread by food and water contaminated with these fluids. The virus enters the new host via the nose or mouth and promptly begins to replicate.

WHAT MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO MINIMISE THE SPREAD TO OTHER ANIMALS IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD?

Infected animals should be quarantined from other dogs for several months due to the length of time the animal may shed the virus.

The virus is destroyed in the environment by routine cleaning with disinfectants, detergents, or drying.

It does not survive in the environment for more than a few hours at room temperature (20–25°C), but can survive for a few weeks in shady environments at temperatures slightly above freezing.

It, along with other labile viruses, can also persist longer in serum and tissue debris.
Vaccination is the best available prevention for canine distemper. Puppies should be vaccinated when they are 6 weeks old and then at 2- to 4-week intervals until they are 14 to 16 weeks old. Annual revaccination has been suggested because of the breaks in neurologic distemper that can occur in stressed or diseased dogs or those with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Dog 狗醫生

今年的五月，思思成功考取了 Animals Asia Foundation 的 狗醫生喇！

在剛剛過去的星期六，我們終於一家三口去了第一次的探訪，跟位於港島區的一老人院舍的公公婆婆握握手，做個好朋友。

當日，我們還認識到好多的醫生朋友仔，大家都是希望利用我們短暫的狗生，為人類服務，特別是一些年老無依的老人家，希望為他們帶來一點生氣。

過程中，好多老人家都跟我們說原來他們年輕的時候都有養狗狗的，更和我們分享他們的經驗。能夠令到他們記起快樂的回憶，期待我們下次的探訪，令我們十分鼓舞呢 ~  ^0^

尋家：倉狗 ｢妹妹｣，四歲的混種史立莎

一隻混種史立莎同佢跟唐狗生的囡囡原本在重型機械倉作為巡邏狗安安定定的生活。。。

2014年農曆新年後，囡囡比車撞死了。兩個月後的復活節忽然行唔到而被接去就醫。好彩的妹妹因為有一班好有愛心的朋友捐錢，有班有愛心的醫護人員照護，現在已漸漸康復。。。

隨著妹妹離開機械倉的日子日漸拉長，機械倉之環境亦有所改變，工人日日做到無停手，每日有數以十計之大型車輛不停進出，究竟妹妹仲可唔可以回到倉裡生活？。。。

曾經下身癱瘓的妹妹已經好得八八九九，剩下一興奮就滴尿問題還需跟進！

鬼鬼馬馬、極度親人的妹妹現在寄居在診所，每日等人來放佢出籠同佢walk。。。佢係一隻好乖好sweet既狗，行行下突然會停低要你錫下佢再行。

Post by 突然下身癱瘓, 倉狗 "妹妹" 尋找暫托的家.

妹妹是混種狗（估計是混了史立莎和唐狗，身型大蓋跟邊境牧羊咁上下），大約四歲，已絕育，大家可唔可以一齊幫佢搵個永久的家呢？

如果有興趣領養，請聯絡 －－＞倉狗｢妹妹｣Facebook 群組，約個時間去探妹妹先！謝謝大家！

有關妹妹資料及相片，請到 －－＞倉狗｢妹妹｣Facebook 群組 閱讀。

SPCA ｢暫養父母計劃｣

從2005收養聰聰開始，多年來，我從聰聰身上學懂了很多照顧狗狗的知識。2011年，收養了當年9歲的Wincy思思。由於Wincy思思的身體有多處 缺憾，而聰聰的年紀亦日漸老邁，數年來，我累積了一些照顧年老、患病及殘缺狗狗的經驗。今年年初，聰聰終於因腦癌擴散，抵不住病魔而離開了我，終年十二歲 半。現在家裡只剩下 Wincy 思思。

由於自問仍未準備好再收養新的小朋友，但家中確實可以短暫為尋家的小朋友提供一個中轉環境，知道SPCA有一個暫養父母的計劃，我剛剛就在SPCA登記了做暫養父母。

SPCA的暫養父母計劃每次三至四星期，是為準備出領養的狗狗做中轉入室適應的。我沒有能力做太多，希望這樣可以有多Ｄ人認識他們的暫養計劃，希望可以多Ｄ人幫忙被遺棄的孩子，希望可以間接幫到SPCA出狗。。。

如果大家仍未有心理準備收養第二隻狗狗的，但自問又有餘暇做短期暫養父母的，都可以SEND EMAIL去這裡：foster@spca.org.hk，他們的負責人Lucy很快便會與你聯絡。 

愛護動物協會的暫養父母計劃

資料來源：愛護動物協會

愛護動物協會的暫養父母計劃旨在幫助遺棄動物，尤其需要特別照顧的動物，增加日後被領養的機會。透過一個充滿關愛的暫養環境，照顧到牠們到合適領養，以及幫忙尋找一個永久愛護牠們的家。協會需要暫養義工的幫助。

計劃一直需要招募更多新血，因為很多暫養父母在照顧了動物一段時日之後，毅然決定正式收養，亦偶有暫養父母因個人理由如搬遷或工作等，使他們不能再參與計劃。

不過，在同意成為暫養父母之前，有幾點需要詳加考慮：

暫養父母計畫絕不等同租養寵物

一個好的暫養父母應具備以下條件：

• 能作無私的付出及具有關愛之心，但同時亦能以現實的態度對待動物暫養事宜
• 有照顧動物的經驗
• 會親自履行暫養父母的義務，而不是把所有工作轉交家務助理或朋友代為處理
• 有責任感，並能夠滿足動物的所有需要，這包括在必要時留在家裡看顧動物，或者遵照嚴格的餵飼時間表（年幼的動物可能需要每兩至三個小時便餵飼一次）
• 能讓暫養動物生活在適當的環境裡，並在有需要時，與家裡的動物隔離
• 遵從愛護動物協會規定和指引，並明白這些規定是為了動物的福利著想才設立的
• 親自照顧動物，因此在牠們的健康出現異樣時能第一時間發現，例如肚瀉、嘔吐、皮膚病等，並能及早到協會尋求協助
• 遵從獸醫的所有醫療指示
• 與我們的暫養團隊保持良好溝通，包括能遵守並出席有關檢查或領養的預約
• 尊重和明白愛護動物協會的決定。當漫長而成功機會不大的治療不再對病情起作用，又或者從動物福利的觀點上，無助動物找到新的家園，獸醫有權作出最後醫療決定。

如果你想成為暫養父母，或對計劃有任何疑問：
請電郵 foster@spca.org.hk 或致電 2232 5524與Lucy聯絡。

多角度圍欄 塑料籬笆

新居的大門位置屬狗，宜走狗。數月來一直令我和主人出入都提心吊膽。上星期，向「淘寶神」求助，終於求得此法寶，從此一家出入平安，善哉善哉~

用後感：

品質不錯，沒有氣味，膠片的連接位置也很完整。 

我們這樣放就用了兩片，頭尾共三只腳，自由拼合，除了可以一字排開，仲可以L型，圍四方，六角，八角都得架。

 

待領: Louis, 七歲

7 YO Louis needs a foster home as of Thu. He was surrendered and asked to be put to sleep. Hopefully we can rescue him.

To Foster please contact minnie@lap.org.hk or whatsapp Jen 91302919

 Source: LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection Charity) (10 June 2014)

狗狗不是玩具

 

待領: Marie, 女, 九歲

Marie is 9YO friendly little Westie girl. 

To Foster or adopt, please contact jen@lap.org.hk or whatapp 91302919.

 

Source: LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection Charity) (10 June 2014)

Animal Testing is the cruelist thing in the world: End the beagles testing factory

Reject B&K’s appeal to erect a building for 

breeding beagles for research

 

Bantin & Kingman Universal Ltd (under the name Yorkshire Evergreen) is again attempting to overturn a decision of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council preventing it constructing facilities to breed beagle puppies, destined for a life of misery and suffering in laboratories.

The farm is based in Grimston, a picturesque village in the heart of East Yorkshire. Local Councillors have already rejected the application following a widespread campaign by the BUAV in 2012 and 2013, which sparked public outcry and gained support from Brian May and Ricky Gervais.

Beagles are largely used in toxicity (poisoning) tests for drugs and chemicals. They can be force fed the substance in capsules or via plastic tubes inserted through their mouths directly into their stomachs. Or they may be strapped into a harness for hours at a time while substances are pumped into their bloodstream.

The dogs can suffer adverse effects that result in vomiting, diarrohea, weight loss and lethargy. Some dogs may become so ill that they either die or have to be euthanased for welfare purposes.

The BUAV Our Best Friends campaign is calling on the Government to ban all experiments on dogs and cats, including refusing permission for breeding or importing dogs for research.

If you believe dogs belong in loving homes and should not be bred to suffer and die in laboratories, please sign the petition now.

Many local residents have expressed concern that a beagle breeding farm may be constructed on their doorsteps. Please show your support for them and the countless puppies who may be born into a life of misery.

Multiply your impact

Turn your signature into dozens more by sharing this petition and recruiting people you know to sign...

To:Planning Inspectorate

Please reject the appeal by Bantin & Kingman to the Planning Inspectorate to erect a building for breeding beagles and other animals for research.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Source: Change.org

 

Water intoxication 中 ｢水｣ 毒

Water intoxication 中 ｢水｣ 毒

人 ｢水｣ 我們也有聽聞：當人排汗過多短時間渴下太多水因而出現低鈉血症（EAH)。原來狗 狗 ｢水｣ 情況更常發生，尤其在夏天游泳季節。不要少看它，它能瞬間取走狗狗性命，即使趕到獸醫處已因器官壞死及大腦細胞腫脹而救不了。

當狗狗短時間喝下大量水，身體細胞外的鈉含量會急速下降而導致低鈉症 hyponatremia。通常身體細胞會吸回過多液體，如肝腎臟可以處理那 swelling cells，但是其他如腦部是不能的。

中 ｢水｣ 毒症狀：
- 忽然很累嗜睡
- 腹脹
- 嘔吐
- 身體協調障礙
- 唾液分泌
- 牙齦蒼白
- 失禁
- 瞳孔放大眼神呆滯
- 腦壓增加而令呼吸困難、抽筋及失去知覺

發生原因：

1. Fetch and play in the water : 我們很喜歡和狗狗玩水中執波執飛碟遊戲。每次這過程牠們都不其然渴下水。若狗狗主人不懂給牠每 15-20 分鐘便要休息（dry land breaks) 狗狗便有機會渴下過多水而腎臟無法處理了。

2. 除此之外，不同的狗品種有獨自的游泳方式，如精於泳術的 Labs and Golden Retrievers 傾向把頭伸出水面上，因此喝下過多水的情況會減少。但有些狗狗邊游邊飲水時我們便要注意，要讓牠們足夠上水休息時間。

3.Water toys 的選擇：很多狗狗也極度沉迷找回玩具 retrieving toys 這遊戲。一件平面玩具如飛碟會較圓形的波安全因狗狗張嘴的角度較細喝下水的容量相對較小。

輕微的中水毒狗狗會自行把身體大量的水份經尿液未經稀釋排出，狗主甚至不會發現。但嚴重時令腦幹細胞死亡則造成永久性損傷或死亡。

Salty-water dog

順道提一提salt water toxicity,即狗狗短時間喝下大量含鹽量高的水 - 高鈉血症 hypernatremia。症狀包括嘔吐、腹瀉、身體不協調抽筋及脫水等，當腦細胞液體過度被抽出生命便有危險了。所以當我們帶狗狗游海水時也要留意。

資料來源：沽喱寵物百貨

2014 下水禮

因為有團購套票這偉大的發明，我們於剛過去的星期天，終於都試了這間慕名已久，但一直未有機會試的狗狗訓練中心的游泳池喇～　^_^

今次，我們買的嘅團購套票包括了狗狗三十五分鐘的教練游泳訓練課堂，以及一次的狗狗美容造型。

因為聰聰的骨骨毛病，其實我們已於前年開始，讓聰聰思思在夏天的時候定期練習游泳。除了帶他們去接受教練的治療式的課堂 (參看前篇：田園犬舍) 之外，也有帶他們去主人也可以下水的泳池陪同他們游泳(參看前篇：愛寵店)，也有帶他們去沙灘讓他們在大自然的環境下舒暢地玩水，更試過於淘寶購買一個 室內游泳池 回家讓他們在家裡練習。但，他們對於半浮半沉的環境始終都不甚享受。。。

知道今次的訓練中心有專業的教練陪同狗狗下水，而且游泳的時間也不算很長。所以就抱住即管一試的心態，帶同思思去玩下，順便又試試外面的美容師能否為我們帶來驚喜。

我們到了中心，門口的接待姐姐已經很熱情的在招呼我們了。由於是第一次去的關係，我們需要預備針咭、狗牌等讓他們檢查。他們也很細心的詢問思思的身體狀況。我們覺得這些都可以確保場內的環境及水質的清潔，讓狗狗游泳後感染的機會減低，這樣令我們很安心耶~

做完簡單但仔細的CHECK-IN 手續以後，接待姐姐就帶我們到下層的游泳池。游泳池是採用半開放式的設計的。泳池不算大，問過教練SAM，每個時段可以容納一只大狗狗、或兩只細狗狗，都是由教練陪同下水的。而主人就可以靠在池邊看著自己的狗狗游泳：

Copyright: 朋友狗狗@2014

思思那天的表現完全出乎朋友狗狗和主人意料之外，她不但沒有好像以前搬要爬上岸，也沒有很用力的打水，也沒有抓著教學哥哥不肯游、甚至會自己在池內不用扶著游來游去~

由教練扶著適應環境及水溫

   

Copyright: 朋友狗狗@2014

開始自己主導游的方向

   

Copyright: 朋友狗狗@2014

Copyright: 朋友狗狗@2014

  

Copyright: 朋友狗狗@2014

 因為她年紀的關係

教練讓她每次游數分鐘之後都會抱著她讓她休息

不會要她太累

     

Copyright: 朋友狗狗@2014

其實以思思的年紀，以及輕微骨刺的問題，她是應該開始以游泳間斷地取代每天十五分鐘的散步的。又因為她的問題，每次又不能游太久。所以每次三十五分鐘的訓練對我們來說是足夠的喇。

這裡的環境不錯，對主人及狗狗都很貼心。所以就算這裡對我們來說比較遠，我們最後也十分滿意地買了一個十次的套票。希望她可以持續游多一點，慢慢減少她的畏水感覺啦~

最後，讓我們分享一篇思思2014下水禮的游泳片段讓大家開心一下啦~ ^_^

Copyright: 朋友狗狗@2014

更多關於狗狗游泳資料：從 ｢阿公阿嬤碎碎唸｣

老狗狗、冇胃口

吃了一個星期的腸胃藥後，思思的胃口和便便都已經大致回復正常喇 ^_^。

由於仍然是調節腸胃階段，她的主食仍然需要以處方糧為重。
 
早前，因為思思厭食，有朋友教我們，老狗早上的胃口的確會欠佳，所以我們就依她的建議在早上一餐以少量的homemade diet引起她的食慾，待中午及晚餐她比較餓的時候就吃處方糧。如果中午不吃的，就待她晚上餓一點再給她一個大份。
 
這個方法真的十分有效啊！
 
過去一個星期，她的早餐都是30克白魚肉、30克雞胸肉、40克白米飯。午晚餐仍然維持是處方糧。

另外，為了鼓勵她吃處方糧，每次她午晚餐之後就會獎勵她一小塊魚肉。她現在習慣了，就會知道吃完臭臭處方糧後就會有好事發生。因此就更加肯吃。
 
一個星期過去後，她的活力也已回復不少了。今天開始便會由每日一餐的homemade diet增加至兩餐，晚餐暫時仍然會吃處方糧。
 
再觀察多一個星期再決定下一個轉變 ^_^。

亞洲動物基金：狗教授

經過個多月的觀察訓練，朋友狗狗終於成功克服對人類小孩的恐懼，正式成為AAF Professor Paws的導師義工！

如果大家自問對小孩尚有一絲的忍耐力，而平日週一至五的上學時間間中可以抽一個小時出來的，能以英語溝通教學，對象是小四學生，不妨考慮加入這個計畫。

我們每週都會去一些小學，教導學生怎樣去愛護生命，領養不要買，以及寵愛一生的道理。因為我們都相信，要改變牠們的幸福，一切要由人類的教育開始。

找尋一個永久的家大行動 ：嬌滴滴女生“ALICE”

Alice 是一隻溫順的唐唐。有著甜美的笑容，溫柔的眼神。3年前，姐姐把剛剛出生的Alice 從垃圾堆中救回來，一直把她收留在家，教她家居禮儀。Alice 的性格可人及斯文、十分嬌嗲，義工去到姐姐的家時，Alice便已經以渴望的眼神望著義工哥哥姐姐們，要和我們一起玩。可以從相片中看見，她十分親人，很愛摸摸，亦很文靜。

由於姐姐的家同時已經收留了二十多隻狗狗和二十多隻貓貓，有一些已經年老又或傷殘。她一心希望把身體健康的BB們教好後就有人可以領養他們，讓他們有一個永久的家。而同時間，姐姐就可以騰出空間讓她再去拯救其他仍在街上的浪浪。

Alice 現時已經3歲，已絕育，身體健康。她的性格及家居禮儀居家習慣已經可以容許她入室了。你喜歡她嗎？你願意給她一個永久的家、給她一生的幸福嗎？

 

領養Alice不需要費用，但你必須承諾無論日曬雨淋，富貴貧窮，對她不離不棄，照顧他終老。你住的地方必須可以容納她，如果有人對她有意見，你要陪著他守著她，不可遺棄她。她會病，會老，無論疾病痛苦你都要照顧她。你必須定期接受家訪讓義工們放心把 Alice 留在你的家。

如你對Alice 有興趣，請聯絡FACEBOOK的 ｢猫朋狗友行動派｣ 或WHATSAPP義工：劉小姐 9480 5134。