Welcome to K-9 Lifesavers!

Inspired by Emma: Adopting a Pit Bull After losing my purebred boxer, I knew I wanted to adopt a dog. I never planned to bring home a pit-bull mix that would turn me into an advocate for her breed. By Douglas Sonders I woke in the middle of that anguishing night to find my best pal, Winston—a boxer—looking up at me from his usual place, nuzzled between my arm and chest. We stared at each other for an hour as I stroked his fur and told him he was a good boy. The next day, Halloween 2011, I had to put him to sleep. Winston had been fighting an aggressive growth on his spine that shut down his organs and took away his ability to walk. For months after he died, my heart felt wrecked. It took nearly a year before I was ready for another dog. I’d acquired Winston,

Pre and Post Adoption Consultations Helping the newest member of your family get off on the right paw: Discover what kind of dog would be a good match for you Crate training and house training The basics of good manners How to stop problem behaviors before they start Dog and Puppy-proof your home Good nutrition Spring Training For Positively Good Dogs 202.664.4206 SpringTrainingForDogs.com Spring Training, LLC is independently owned and operated by Kelly Spring.   Kelly began working with dogs by volunteering with local rescue groups — fostering dozens of dogs and, eventually, co-founding an all-volunteer animal rescue organization.  While serving as a Director, she oversaw the care and welfare of nearly 1,000 dogs.  After many years volunteering in the DC rescue community, she decided to take her love of dogs and make it a career — and Spring Training was born! Call Spring Training for their price list and

Bee Stings in Dogs • Just like in people, a bee sting can be serious; dogs are more likely to be stung because of their natural curiosity and playful nature. • If a dog is stung by a bee or shows signs of a bee sting, remove the stinger if possible and seek professional help from your veterinarian. • Bee stings can be successfully treated and sometimes prevented. What You Need to Know Bee stings can be a serious event and even life threatening in some cases. Dogs are at greater risk for bee stings than people, as they tend to chase or play with things that move. Dogs are likely to get stung in the mouth or on the nose, face, or feet by several different insects, including bees, wasps, and hornets. Signs of Bee Stings • Crying out, running in circles, salivating • Mild signs include swelling of

Training Advice for Positively Good Dogs by Kelly Spring, CPDT Thunder Phobia The warm weather has rolled in – that’s good news and bad news at my house. While we’re all enjoying the longer days and opportunities to hike and play outside, my little Lab mix, Tallula, is scared of the thunderstorms that have rolled in with the season. Poor Tallula starts panting and fidgeting hours before I see any sign of a storm. When it arrives, she huddles up against the tub in the bathroom – unable to move until it’s over. I know Tallula isn’t alone in her fear of thunderstorms. Every year at this time, I start hearing from clients who are concerned about how distressed their dogs become when it’s storming out. Like all fears, dogs’ fear of thunder storms can range from mild discomfort to outright panic. If your dog is uncomfortable, scared or panicked

Heartworm Disease in Dogs Heartworm is endemic in all 50 states. • Heartworm disease attacks the lungs, heart, and related blood vessels. It is serious and potentially fatal. • Dogs are highly susceptible to heartworm. Nearly all exposed dogs will become infected. • Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. • Treatment can be costly and complicated. • Illness is easily and effectively avoided by giving preventive medications. What Is Heartworm Disease? Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs, cats, and up to 30 other species of animals. It is caused by parasitic worms (heartworms) living in the major blood vessels of the lungs and, occasionally, in the heart. These worms are transmitted (as microscopic larvae) through the bite of an infected mosquito. The scientific name for the heartworm parasite is Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworm disease can cause a variety of medical

Heatstroke in Dogs • Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when body temperature reaches 106°F to 109°F. • Being left in a hot car and exercising in hot weather are the most common causes of heatstroke in pets. • “Cracking” car windows does not keep a car cool. • Organ failure, seizures, and death are likely if treatment for heatstroke is not started immediately. • Starting the cooling process at home is key to the pet’s chances for survival. What Is Heatstroke? The word stroke comes from “strike,” and heatstroke means “to be struck down by heat.” Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition suffered when a pet is unable to lower its body temperature. Cells in the body become damaged when the core body temperature is between 106°F and 109°F. Heatstroke is most common in dogs but can happen to cats. Heatstroke may occur when a pet is left in

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth • Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and affects most dogs before they are 3 years old. Bacteria from periodontal disease can spread to affect other organs and cause illness. • Before you start brushing your dog’s teeth, have them checked by your veterinarian. • Make toothbrushing enjoyable for your dog by rewarding him or her immediately after each session. • Be very patient when teaching your dog to accept toothbrushing. • If your dog won’t tolerate toothbrushing, your veterinarian can recommend plaque-preventive products for your dog. Periodontal Disease—Why Brush? Periodontal (gum) disease can lead to tooth loss and affects most dogs before they are 3 years old. Bacteria from periodontal disease can spread to affect other organs and cause illness. One of the best ways to help prevent periodontal disease is to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis—daily, if he or she

Food Allergies • A food allergy is an immune response to something in the pet’s diet that did not cause problems in the past. • Food allergies commonly cause itchiness and/or vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. • Food allergies are diagnosed with an elimination diet trial. • Long-term treatment can be very successful if the offending ingredient is avoided. What Is a Food Allergy? Food allergy (also called food hypersensitivity) refers to a type of physical reaction to food. Food reactions are classified into two categories: those that are the result of immune system stimulation and those that are not. Food allergy occurs when the immune system begins to overreact to ingredients that the pet has eaten with no problems in the past. Food intolerance occurs when what is eaten has a direct, negative effect on the stomach and/or intestines, such as spoiled meat, chewed up toys, food

Exercising Your Dog • Exercise can have many health benefits for your dog. • You can help your dog get plenty of exercise by scheduling regular activity. • Consult your veterinarian before beginning an exercise program for your dog. Benefits Exercise can have many health benefits for your dog. Regular exercise burns calories, reduces appetite, improves muscle tone, increases metabolism, and improves temperature regulation. It can be a valuable contributor to weight loss and maintenance. Exercise can also help stimulate your dog’s mind, thereby preventing boredom and destructive behaviors. Needs and Precautions Individual exercise needs vary based on breed or breed mix, sex, age, and level of health. If your dog is a 6- to 18-month adolescent or a sporting, herding, hound, or terrier breed or mixed breed, your dog’s exercise requirements are high. However, strenuous exercise can cause problems in some dogs, especially those that are not fit or

Fostering Larissa and the “Baby L” Pups by Lynne Brummitt We became a foster family for K-9Lifesavers in January and we have had an incredible experience over the last 3 months! After fostering our first dog Marika mentioned that sometimes a pregnant dog is rescued and it is harder to find a foster family. I told her that we would be willing to take a pregnant dog, never thinking that I would be asked the very next week if I would foster Larissa, a pregnant Australian Shepherd mix expecting 6 puppies (at least that’s what the vet thought!). I had never seen puppies being born (never been around a puppy younger than 7 weeks) and I had no idea what to expect. I asked a lot of questions of k-9lifesavers volunteers and did some research to find out what could be used as a whelping box, what supplies I needed