Where To Get Pet Pictures With Santa In Chicago And Surrounding Areas

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake

Nowadays people want pet pictures not just of their children with Santa but with their pets as well.

Many people consider their dogs and cats as cherished members of the family. Because of this pet pictures with Santa have become almost a fad. A number of malls, as well as stores and animal shelters are now offering this service to the public. Most places only allow dogs or dogs and cats to be photographed, but some places have gone so far to allow just about any species to have their picture taken with Santa.

Not sure how Santa is going to feel when people show up with their pet cobra, alligator or skunk but it could be interesting... LOL !

So here are the places I have found in the Chicagoland Area that are offering these services...

Arlington Heights

Photos with Santa Paws in Arlington Heights
Saturday, November 30^th, Saturday, December 7th & 14th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 11 am to 3 pm
Sponsor: The Buddy Foundation
Event at: 65 West Seegers Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 290-5808

Cost: $7.50 donation per picture

Bensenville

Pet & Kids Pictures with Santa in Bensenville
Tuesday, December 16th, 2014
Santa Pet & Kids Pictures Hours: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm and 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Sponsor: Bensenville Park District
Event at: Deer Grove Leisure Center
1000 West Wood Street
Bensenville, IL 60106
(630) 766-7015
registration required
www.bensenvilleparkdistrict.org/
Cost: $7 for residents or non-residents

Bloomingdale

Pet Portraits with Santa at Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale
Sunday, December 8th & 15th 2013

Santa Pet Hours : 6 pm to 8 pm
Sponsor: Picture People
Event at: Stratford Square Mall
Lower Level in Center Court
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
(630) 582-4120
Cost: Call Pet People for prices

Bourbonnais

Photos of Santa with Your Pet at Paws Meets Claus
at Northfield Square Mall Bourbonnais
Sunday, December 7th 2014

Santa Pet Hours: 6 pm to 8 pm
Sponsor: Northfield Square Mall
Event at: 1600 North State Route 50
Bourbononnais, IL 60914
reservations not required
(815) 937-4111
Cost: Photo package prices apply

Burbank

Pet Pictures with Santa in Burbank
Saturday, December 20th, 2014
Santa Pet Hours: 11 am to 12 pm
Sponsor: Burbank Park District
Newcastle Park Recreation Center
8050 South Newcastle
Burbank, IL 60459
(708) 599-2070
Cost: $5

Chicago

Pet Photos with Santa at Water Tower Place
Monday, November 17th & 24^th, Monday, December 1st, 8th, & 15th 2014
Santa Pet Hours: starting at 6 pm
Sponsor: Water Tower Place
Event at: 835 North Michigan Avenue
at the Santa set
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 440-3166                                                                 
Cost: Photo package prices apply - purchase before your visit & save 30%

Pet Pictures with Santa at the Red Door Animal Shelter
Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale in Chicago
Sunday, November 23rd, 2014
Santa Pet Hours: 11 am to 4 pm
Sponsor: Red Door Animal Shelter
Event at: Warren Park Fieldhouse
6601 N. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 764-2242
www.reddoorshelter.org
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Note: While there is no cost to attend this event pictures of Santa with your pet are $10 each
           

Photos of Your Pets and Santa at Doggy Style in Chicago
Saturday, December 7th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 12 Noon - 5 pm
Sponsor Doggy Style Pet Shop
2023 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622-3157
Reservations recommended
doggystylepetshop.com
(773) 235-9663
Cost: $15 Donation to Alive Rescue

Photos with Santa & Your Pets in Chicago 

Metropolitan Veterinary Center
Saturday, December 6th, 2014
Santa Pet Hours: 2 pm - 6 pm
Sponsor Metropolitan Veterinary Center
1556 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 583-1921
Cost:FREE SANTA EVENT                                                                               

Donations accepted but not required
           

Evanston

Photos with Santa and Your Pet at
the Holiday C.A.R.E. Faire in Evanston

Saturday, November 29th, 2014
Santa Pet Hours: 11 am – 5 pm
Sponsor: Community Animal Rescue Effort
Event at: Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Street
Evanston, IL 60201
www.care-evanston.org/calendar.htm
(847) 705-2653

Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT

Glen Ellyn

Pictures with Talons and Claus
Saturday, December 6th, 2014
Santa Pet Hours: 10 am to 3 pm
Sponsor: Willowbrook Wildlife Center
525 S. Park Boulevard
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
www.dupageforest.com
(630) 942-6200
Cost: $10 per photo
                        

Glenview

Pet Photos with Santa at The Book Market
Saturday, November 29th 2014
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Sponsor: Glen Town Center
Place: The Book Market
2651 Navy Boulevard
Glenview, IL 60028
(847) 904-7304
Cost: No cost but a $10 donation to the Heartland Animal Shelter appreciated

Huntley

Pet Pictures with Santa at Animal House Shelter in Huntley
Saturday, December 7th, 14th & 21st
Sunday, December 8th, 15th & 22nd, 2013

Santa Pet Hours: Saturday 12 pm to 3 pm

Sunday 3 pm to 6 pm
Sponsor: Animal House Shelter
Event at: I3005 Ernesti Road
Huntley, IL 60142
(847) 961-5541
Cost: $10 donation for each photo to the shelter

Joliet

Pet Night with Santa at Louis Joliet Mall
Monday, December 9th & 16th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 6 pm to 9 pm
Sponsor: Louis Joliet Mall
3340 Mall Loop Drive
Joliet, IL 60435

reservations are not required for information (815) 439-1001
Cost: Regular photo package prices will apply

Lincolnwood

Pet Night with Santa at Lincolnwood Town Center
Sunday, December 8th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Sponsor: Lincolnwood Town Center
Event at: 3333 W Touhy Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 674-9220
Lincolnwood Town Center is located at the intersection of Touhy Avenue and McCormick Boulevard in Lincolnwood, Illinois.
reservations are not required
Cost: Regular photo package prices will apply

Lombard

Pet Night with Santa at Yorktown Center
Sunday, December 7th & December 14th, 2014

Santa Pet Hours: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Sponsort: Yorktown Center
Event at: Yorktown Mall
Highland Avenue and Butterfield Road
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 629-7330
reservations are not required
Cost: Regular photo package prices will apply

Morton Grove

Santa Claws & Chanukah Hound Pet Photos
Sunday, November 17th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: Saturday - 10 am to 1 pm
Sponsor: Adopt-A-Pet

Morton Grove Animal Hospital
9128 Waukegan Road
Morton Grove, IL 60053
(847) 965-4010 for an appointment
advance appointments appreciated, walk-ins ok
Cost: $10 for framed photo print or three photo digital package

Naperville

Santa at Pet Night at Riverwalk in Naperville
Thursday, December 11th, 2014

Santa Pet Hours: 5 - 8 pm
Naperville IL 60540
(630) 848-5000 to reserve a time for your pet
Santa House location
Jackson Ave. & Webster St.
(along the Riverwalk)
reservations required
Cost: $8 per photo or two
for $15 - cash or checks only

Pet Day at Naperville Park District's Santa House
Riverwalk, Jackson Avenue Photos
Bring your dog or cat to the Santa House on the Riverwalk, get their picture taken with Santa Claus and they will receive a treat.

Niles

Pet Pictures with Santa at Golf Mill Shopping Center
Monday, November 18th & 25^th, December 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 5 pm to 8 pm
239 Golf Mill Center
Niles, IL 60714
(847) 699-1070
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT - Note: Regular photo prices apply

Northbrook

St. Nick's Pet Pet Pictures at Northbrook Court
Monday, November 18th & 25th
December 2nd, 9th & 16th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 6 pm to Santa set closing
2171 Northbrook Court
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-8161
Reservations not required
Cost: Regular photo prices apply
                              

Photos with Santa Paws at Heartland Animal Shelter
Sunday, December 7th, 2014
Santa Pet Hours: Noon to 3 pm
Heartland Animal Shelter
2975 Milwaukee Avenue
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 296-6400
Reservations not required
Cost: $5 donation

Orland Park

Pet Pictures with Santa in Orland Square
Sunday, November 16th, 2014
Sponsor: Orland Square Mall
Event at: 288 Orland Square Drive
(at Lake View Drive)
Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 349-1646 For more information
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: Photo picture prices apply

Palatine

Pet Pictures with Santa in Palatine
Saturday, December 6th, 2014
Sponsor: Salt Creek Rural Park District
Event at: Twin Lakes Clubhouse
1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive
Palatine, IL 60074
www.saltcreekpd.com
pre-registration required
(847) 259-6890 For more information: aklein@saltcreekpd.com
Time: 10 am - 1 pm
Cost: $7                  

Roselle

Santa Paws and Picture
Saturday, December 20th, 2014
Sponsor: Roselle Park District
Event at: Clauss Recreation Center
555 West Bryn Mawr Avenue
Roselle, IL 60172
pre-registration required - online registration not available
For information: (630) 894-4200
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: $5 for pooch pass holder; $8 for non-pooch pass holder

St. Charles

Animal House Veterinary Hospital Pet Pictures with Santa
Saturday, December 7th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 10 am to 2 pm
Sponsor: Animal House Veterinary Hospital
2079 Route 38
St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 584-7404
Cost: $10 per pet photo

Schaumburg

Pets Pictures and Family Photos too with Santa
Sunday, November 10th, 2013
Santa Pet & Kids Pictures Hours: 10 am to 4pm
Sponsor: Purr Photography
Event at: 1800 W. Irving Park Road
Schaumburg, IL 60195
(847) 977-9774 questions?
Cost: Your donation will make the holidays brighter for homeless pets

Santa at Pet Night in Schaumburg
Sunday, November 24th, 2013

Santa Pet Hours: 6:30 pm to 9 pm
Woodfield Shopping Center
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 330-1537
Cost: See www.shopwoodfield.com/petphotos

Santa at Jingle Paws in Schaumburg
Saturday, December 6th, 2014
Santa Pet Hours: Noon to 2 pm
Meineke Recreation Center
220 E. Weathersfield Way
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 490-7020
Registration required
Cost: Residents $2 per person; Non-residents $3 per person

Residents Dogs $5 per dog; Non-Residents Dogs $7 per dog

South Barrington

Photo of Your Pet with Santa
at Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital in South Barrington
Saturday November 23rd, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 3 pm - 6 pm
Sponsor: Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital
Event at: 35 South Barrington Road
South Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 310-8668
call to schedule an appointment
Cost: $5 donation per photo goes to The Buddy Foundation
                                            

Spring Grove

Pet Pictures with Santa at Nature’s Feed in Spring Grove
Saturday, December 7th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 11 am to 2 pm
Sponsor: Nature’s Feed
Event at: I2440 Westward Drive
Spring Grove, IL 60081
(815) 675-2008
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT

West Chicago

Puppy Pictures with Santa
at Wiggly Field in West Chicago
Saturday, December 13th, 2014
Santa Pet Hours: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Sponsor: West Chicago Park District and Paws in Time Pet Resort
Event at: Wiggly Field in Reed Keppler Park

157 West Washington Street
West Chicago, IL 60185
pre-registration required
(630) 231-9474                                                                                                            

Cost: Free Wiggly Field pass holder; $3 non-pass holder

West Dundee

Santa Pet Pictures in West Dundee at Spring Hill Mall
Tuesday, November 26th, December 3rd & 10th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: Tuesday, Nov. 26th - 3 pm to 7 pm

Tuesday, December 3rd & 10th - 6 pm to 9 pm
Sponsor: Spring Hill Mall
Event at: Spring Hill Mall
Route 59 and Aurora Avenue
West Dundee, IL 60118
(847) 428-2200
No reservations required
Cost: Regular Photo prices apply

Worth

Pet Photos with Santa at Photography by Angel in Worth
Sunday, December 8th, 2013
Santa Pet Hours: 1 pm to 5 pm
Sponsor: Photography by Angel
Event at: 11416 South Harlem Avenue
Worth, IL 60482
Call for an appointment (708) 361-7750
Cost: Two 4 x 6 photos are $10 - additional prints can be ordered

Yorkville

Photo of Your Pet and Family with Santa Claus at Yorkville Animal Hospital
Saturday, November 30^th - 10am – 3pm

Friday, December 20th - 4pm to 7pm                                                                          

Saturday December, 21st, 2013 – 4pm to 7pm
Sponsor: The Yorkville Animal Hospital
Event at: 102 Garden Street
Yorkville, IL 60560
reservations not required
(630) 882-6060
Cost: $8 for one 4 X 6 professional photograph shipped to your home - all proceeds donated to local animal rescues.

How To Care For Outdoor Cats In Winter

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

We are now getting into the colder months and if you happen to see outdoor cats roaming around, you might be thinking about how you can help these outdoor cats stay alive in the winter months.

Here is some information that will help you if you want to help them.

Providing Shelter for Outdoor Cats:
Cats don’t need a lot of space, just a space that is large enough for them to stand and move about and stay safe from the harshest outdoor elements. When the weather is at its coldest, the cats will be relying on each other for warmth, and will create their own tight spaces within their shelter. With that in mind, you can use whatever space and materials available to you to create a small haven.

Homemade shelters can be crafted out of nearly anything: from a sturdy cardboard box to an anchored plastic garbage can to a few pieces of scrap wood that have been arranged as a buffer against the wind and snow and rain. The shelter should be large enough to accommodate several cats comfortably, but not too wide or tall. In fact, the smaller the size, the better the space will be equipped to retain the cats’ body heat.

When creating the entry opening into the shelter, keep in mind that the opening should only be large enough to allow a cat to enter, so that as much of the wind and snow stay outside of the shelter as possible and the interior of the shelter remains dry. If space allows, you can create an awning or plastic “curtain” to shield the entry. Plastic sheeting or heavy garbage bags are quick and inexpensive options for this. If it is not possible to cover the opening, you can try placing the shelter close to a wall, with the entry facing the wall.

If you are able to put a little more work and material into the shelter, try adding insulation to the interior roof and walls of the structure and line the seams of the shelter with caulk so that it is as draft free as possible. Also, elevate the shelter off of the ground to prevent ground moisture from seeping into the floor of the shelter. Of course, you do not want the shelter to be entirely sealed. Some amount of ventilation is necessary, perhaps as some small holes along the bottom of the structure. Bedding material can be added, but blankets and towels are not a practical idea, since they can get wet and moldy and can even freeze, making them unusable. Straw is an excellent material, since it does not hold onto excess moisture, and helps to retain heat, however, make sure it is straw not hay.  Hay can cause allergic reactions in cats.

Finally, be sure to locate the shelter in a safe, concealed spot where the cats feel securely hidden from predators and can watch their surroundings.

Food and Water Access: 
The cats will require extra calories and fat during the cold weather months in order to maintain their energy requirements. If you can inspire your neighbors to be involved in the project, even if only through drop off donations of food to the designated “feeder of the cats,” the project will have a much better outcome. A dry kitten formula is an excellent source of extra calories and balanced nutrition. Canned cat foods are also a great source of high calorie nutrition, but because of their higher liquid content they may freeze during the coldest temperatures.

Feeding and water stations should be protected from the cold and placed as near to the sleeping shelter as possible so that the cats do not have to be exposed to harsh conditions when they need to eat or drink.

Feeding the cats at the same time each day will allow them to expect and rely on a schedule. If they do not know whether they will be eating or not, they will venture out into the cold to look for food, defeating the whole purpose for the care project. Having a dedicated “feeder,” or a small group of scheduled “feeders” who take turns, can make the process much smoother. Also important to the cats’ survival is fresh, clean water. Of course, snow is an excellent source for water, but don't forget to check the water bowl regularly to make sure it hasn’t frozen during the night.

So if you are living in an area where you see outdoor cats quite often, these are just some wonderful tips to help them get through the cold winter months. 

There's A New Deadly Infection In Town... Leptospirosis!

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake

I recently signed up for Google Alerts regarding dogs, puppies, cats, pet food, etc.  I do this because I want to be aware of what is happening out there with our pets.

Yesterday I read an article in the Chicago Tribune about a bacterial infection called Leptospirosis.  This is a deadly infection that has been popping up lately in different areas of the country.  To read the article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-forest-lake-bluff/ct-dog-disease-tl-20141026-story.html

Because I found this to be very scary I wanted to make sure my readers are aware of this infection and what to look for if your pets are showing symptoms.

This type of infection must be handled carefully. In fact, you must wear latex gloves when handling your pet if they have this infection. This infection can be passed from animal to human and back to animal so extra care is required.

So here goes:

What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an infection of bacterial spirochetes, which dogs acquire when subspecies of the Leptospira interrogans penetrate the skin and spread through the body by way of the bloodstream. Two of of the most commonly seen members of this subspecies are the L. grippotyphosa and L. Pomona bacteria. Spirochetes are spiral, or corkscrew-shaped bacteria which infiltrate the system by burrowing into the skin.

Leptospires spread throughout the entire body, reproducing in the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, eyes, and reproductive system. Soon after initial infection, fever and bacterial infection of the blood develop, but these symptoms soon resolve with the reactive increase of antibodies, which clear the spirochetes from most of the system. The extent to which this bacteria affects the organs will depend on your dog’s immune system and its ability to eradicate the infection fully. Even then, Leptospira spirochetes can remain in the kidneys, reproducing there and infecting the urine. Infection of the liver or kidneys can be fatal for animals if the infection progresses, causing severe damage to these organs. Younger animals with less developed immune systems are at the highest risk for severe complications.

The Leptospira spirochete bacteria is zoonotic, meaning that it can be transmitted to humans and other animals. Children are most at risk of acquiring the bacteria from an infected pet.

Symptoms and Types:

• Sudden fever and illness
• Sore muscles, reluctance to move
• Stiffness in muscles, legs, stiff gait
• Shivering
• Weakness
• Depression
• Lack of Appetite
• Increased thirst and urination, may be indicative of chronic renal (kidney) failure, progressing to inability to urinate
• Rapid dehydration
• Vomiting, possibly with blood
• Diarrhea - with or without blood in stool
• Bloody vaginal discharge
• Dark red speckled gums (petechiae)
• Yellow skin and/or whites of eyes – anemic symptoms
• Spontaneous cough
• Difficulty breathing or fast breathing, irregular pulse
• Runny nose
• Swelling of the mucous membrane
• Mild swelling of the lymph nodes

Causes:
The Leptospira spirochete infection mainly occurs in subtropical, tropical, and wet environments. Leptospira spirochetes are more prevalent in marshy/muddy areas which have stagnant surface water and are frequented by wildlife. Heavily irrigated pastures are also common sources of infection. The infection rate for domestic pets has been increasing in the U.S. And Canada, with infections occurring most commonly in the fall season. Dogs will typically come into contact with the leptospira bacteria in infected water, soil, or mud, while swimming, passing through, or drinking contaminated water, or from coming into contact with urine from an infected animal. This last method of contact might take place in the wild. Hunting and sporting dogs, dogs that live near wooded areas, and dogs that live on or near farms are at an increased risk of acquiring this bacteria. Also at increased risk are dogs that have spent time in a kennel.

Diagnosis:
Because leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, your veterinarian will be especially cautious when handling your pet, and will strongly advise you to do the same. Protective latex gloves must be worn at all times, and all body fluids will be treated as a biologically hazardous material. Urine, semen, post-abortion discharge, vomit, and any fluid that leaves the body will need to be handled with extreme caution.

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog's health, including a background history of symptoms, recent activities, and possible incidents that might have precipitated this condition. The history you provide may give your veterinarian clues as to what stage of infection your dog is experiencing, and which organs are being most affected.

Your veterinarian will order a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis, an electrolyte panel, and a fluorescent antibody urine test. Urine and blood cultures will also be ordered for examining the prevalence of the bacteria. A microscopic agglutination test, or titer test, will also be performed to measure the body's immune response to the infection, by measuring the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream. This will help to definitively identify leptospira spirochetes and the level of systemic infection.

As always, keep an eye on your pets and if they ever show signs of not feeling well, it is always best to get them to their Veterinarian right away.  It may not be Leptospirosis but better safe than sorry.

Did My Dog Have A Stroke? It Could Be Vestibular Disease !

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake

This post is personal to me which is why I felt it is was important to write it.

On Monday morning (10/20/14), I woke up at 4:00 am to hear my dog scrambling around like he didn't know where he was at.  He was panicking.  When I got down on the floor with him I saw that his eyeballs were moving rapidly back and forth.  My first thought was.. Oh My God he is having a stroke.  It was terrifying.  I called my boyfriend at 4:30 am and told him that I thought Sebastian was having a stroke and could he help me get him to the Emergency Vet Clinic.

My boyfriend and I put Sebastian into the back of my car and off we went.  The Emergency Vet is about 20 minutes away and throughout that entire drive all I kept thinking was is this it?  Is this the day I have to put my dog down if he is suffering?  Sebastian is a little over 14 years old now and is a Yellow Lab so I knew in my heart that no matter what I was going to do what was best for him... not for me.

We get to the Emergency Vet Clinic and they take him right into the exam room.  A few minutes later the doctor came out and told me it was not a stroke... he has Vestibular Disease.  Sometimes called "old dog disease" or "spinning disease".  She went on to explain that the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brainstem had been compromised which is why he was having all these symptoms.  That nerve is responsible for telling the brain whether you are out of balance or not.


Vestibular Disease is like someone having Vertigo or Motion Sickness 24 hours a day.  Which is why his eyes move back and forth and his "scrambling" around.  They lose all balance and direction.  Awful right?  It was terrifying.

This disease is recoverable and you do not have to euthanize your animals because of this.  It can correct itself with some help and lots of TLC.

So, as usual, I did some research on this particular disease and I wanted to share it all with you.  So just in case your dog or cat has these types of symptoms and you get terrified like I did.

So here it goes:

What is vestibular disease?

The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining normal balance. The vestibular system has central components located in the brain, and peripheral components located in the inner and middle ear.

"Vestibular disease refers to a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance."

Vestibular disease refers to a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance. It is more common in older dogs. It is also referred to as old dog vestibular syndrome and canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome.

What are the clinical signs of vestibular disease?

Most dogs present with the sudden onset of loss of balance, disorientation, head tilt and irregular jerking eye movements called nystagmus. Many dogs will become reluctant to stand or walk. Most dogs will lean or fall in the direction of their head tilt.

What causes vestibular disease?

Causes of vestibular disease include middle or inner ear infections, drugs that are toxic to the ear, trauma or injury, tumors and hypothyroidism. When no specific diagnosis is found, the condition will be called idiopathic vestibular syndrome. These cases are distinguished by the sudden onset of clinical signs and the subsequent rapid improvement with little, if any, medical intervention.

How is vestibular disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical signs, and the results of blood and urine tests. In some cases, diagnostic testing will include radiographs of the head to assess the appearance of the middle and inner ears and the tympanic bullae. Occasionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans will be performed to look for tumors or other abnormalities. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing may also be performed in some patients.

The criteria for diagnosing canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome are:

1. Older dog

2. Sudden onset of peripheral vestibular signs

3. No detectable cause - no signs of outer- or middle-ear infection, ototoxicity, trauma, hypothyroidism, rickettsial disease, etc.

4. Signs resolve over several weeks

How is vestibular disease treated?

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause, if one can be identified. In severe cases, supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and hospitalization may be required until the pet can eat and walk on its own. If the pet is seriously disoriented or ataxic (stumbling, unable to stand or walk), it may be given sedatives to help it relax.   Drugs that help combat nausea or motion sickness such as dimenhydrinate may be beneficial. Antibiotics may be used in cases suspected of having middle or inner ear infections. Although corticosteroids have been used in the past, there is little scientific evidence to support their use in this condition.

What is the prognosis for a dog diagnosed with vestibular disease?

"The clinical signs associated with vestibular disease are often most severe during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours."

The clinical signs associated with vestibular disease are often most severe during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Many pets begin to improve within seventy-two hours. The head tilt and stumbling often improve over a seven to ten day period. Most patients are completely recovered within two to three weeks although some will have residual symptoms such as a head tilt or mild "wobbling" for life. If the patient fails to improve or worsens, then a more severe underlying disorder should be suspected and advanced diagnostic testing should be pursued.

The good news is Sebastian is getting better.  I give him 25mg of Meclizine (motion sickness) pills once per day.  You can buy this over the counter at any pharmacy.  He still cannot get up by himself which is why I utilize a harness I have to help him walk outside to go pee.  I try not to do that too often throughout the day as you can imagine what it feels like to walk when you have Vertigo or Motion Sickness.  He did not want to eat his regular dry dog food so I purchased some canned food and mixed that with his dry, some rice, and lots of water so he can stay hydrated.  I do bring him his food and water to him as he still cannot get up by himself.

So, if your pet shows these types of signs.. don't just think it is a stroke and you have to put him down, it may just be Vestibular Disease and with lots of help and TLC they will be back to their somewhat normal self within days and usually fully recovered within a few weeks.

Is It Important To Train Your Dog To Walk On A Leash? YES YES YES!

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President/Owner, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

Just the other day I have a new client who has a very very big dog.  However, this dog has not been trained to walk on a leash.  In fact, when he saw a squirrel and went for it, he literally pulled me off my feet and dragged me across the lawn.

Not only is it important for the safety of the dog but for the safety of anyone who is walking your dog is leash training important.  If you would prefer to hire a Certified Dog Trainer that is great.  Just make sure you hire the right one.

Here are some training tips for training your doggie on a leash.  If you are a pet owner, PLEASE take some time with your dog to train him to behave on a leash.

How to Teach Your Dog to Walk Nicely on a Leash
You’ve probably seen dogs at shows or on TV who prance alongside their handlers, staring up with rapt attention. These dogs have received extensive training in precision heeling. It’s impressive but demanding work. Precision heeling demands constant attention from both dog and handler and is not appropriate for long periods of time, like for your daily walks around the block or to the park. Even dogs trained to heel need to learn to walk on leash without pulling when they’re not formally heeling.
You can use various methods to teach dogs to walk without pulling on leash. No single method works for all dogs. Here are some overall guidelines before we look at several methods:

• Until your dog learns to walk without pulling, consider all walks training sessions. Keep training sessions frequent, short and fun for your dog.
• Since loose-leash training sessions will be too short and slow to provide adequate exercise, find other ways to exercise your dog until he’s mastered loose-leash walking. In fact, you’ll succeed more quickly if you find a way to tire your dog out before taking him on a training walk. Dogs pull, in part, because they’re full of excess energy. So unless you can expend that energy, your dog will find it hard to control himself. Before you train, play fetch in a hallway or your backyard, play a vigorous game of tug, or drive your dog to the park so that he can play with his buddies.
• Teaching a dog to walk without pulling requires plenty of rewards. Use highly desirable treats that your dog doesn’t get at other times. Soft treats are best so your dog can eat them quickly and continue training. Most dogs love wieners, cheese, cooked chicken or ham, small jerky treats or freeze-dried liver. Chop all treats into small peanut-sized cubes.
• Walk at a quick pace. If your dog trots or runs, she’ll have fewer opportunities to catch a whiff of something enticing, and she’ll be less inclined to stop and eliminate every few steps. Additionally, you are far more interesting to your dog when you move quickly.
• If you expect your dog to control herself while walking on leash, you must also expect her to control herself before you go for a walk. If she gets wildly excited as you prepare for a walk, you need to focus on that first. Walk to the door and pick up the leash. If your dog races around, barks, whines, spins or jumps up, just stand completely still. Do and say absolutely nothing until your dog calms down a bit. As soon as she has all four paws on the floor, slowly reach toward her to clip on the leash. If she starts to bounce around or jump up on you, quickly bring your hands (and the leash) back toward your body. Wait until your dog has all four paws on the floor again. Then slowly reach toward her again to attach her leash. Repeat this sequence until your dog can stand in front of you, without jumping up or running around, while you clip on her leash. This may seem like a tedious exercise at first, but if you’re consistent, your hard work will pay off. Eventually, your dog will learn to stand still while you attach her leash.

Choosing the Right Walking Equipment
While you’re teaching your dog not to pull, you should use a four-foot or six-foot leash. Use whichever width and material that feel comfortable to you. Extendable leashes, such as the Flexiä, or leashes longer than six feet in length are great for exercising dogs, but they don’t work well if you’re trying to teach your dog not to pull on leash.

Suitable Choices

• Regular buckle or snap collar
• Martingale collar (also called a limited slip collar or greyhound collar)
• Head halter/head collar (such as the Halti®, the Gentle Leader® and the Snoot Loop®) Please note that serious injury could result if they are used with punishment methods using leash jerking.
• No-pull harness (such as the SENSE-ation®, the Easy Walk® or the LUPI®)

Head halters and no-pull harnesses can decrease pulling enough for you without any additional training. They are effective tools, making walks more pleasant for you and your dog, so some people decide not to train at all. Just keep in mind that if you choose to use them without training, they won’t have any effect on pulling when your dog is not wearing the equipment. Dogs learn very specifically. If they learn not to pull while wearing a head halter, they won’t automatically know not to pull when they’re wearing something else, like a flat collar.

Unsuitable Choices

• Regular body harness (Actually encourages pulling)
• Fabric or metal choke/check collar (May be effective for your dog if used under the guidance of a Certified Professional Dog Trainer)
• A pinch/prong collar (May be effective for your dog if used under the guidance of a Certified Professional Dog Trainer)

Please remember your dog and whoever walks your dog could get injured if the dog is not properly trained.  As the pet parent it is your responsibility to make sure your dog behaves correctly.