Where's my brother?

To enjoy a dog...

'In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be a semi - human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.'

- Edward Hoagland.

Miss Bobby & Miss Brandy!

There's a difference between an Akita and an Akita Inu?

Strangely enough there is! The original breed of Akita, known as the Japanese Akita or Akita Inu is native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita, it's breed standard has remained unchanged for centuries. The Akita Inu is the largest of all the Japanese Spitz breeds and is a solid powerful dog. They are an extremely strong breed, both mentally and physically and their main separate feature from their American breed is their image. The Akita Inu will never have a black mask, brown is permitted on white but black is preferred.
The American standard Akita though has a wide variety of colouring including white, bridle or pinto, white Akita's will have no mask though black masks are accepted in the American breed.

In Japan, U.S.A, Canada and many other countries around the world the two different breeds of Akita are recognised as separate breeds and both can vary in different sizes also.

The American Akita male averages around 66 - 71 cm and can weigh up to 54kgs, while females grow to around 66cm and weigh up to 50kgs.
The Japanese Akita is a smaller dog with males growing up to 66com and weighing up to 54kgs, females can get to the same size as the males also.

The Japanese Akita Inu.

The American standard Akita.

Guess this breed...

We spend quite a bit of our time introducing everyone to different and quirky breeds but it's always interesting to find out what people already know!
So we're going to test your brains and see how much we all know about some quirky breeds!

This is Basil, can anyone guess what breed Basil is?

Your Dog, Hot Spots and this time of year...

What is a hot spot?

A hot spot is a localised area of inflamed and infected skin. The infection can be superficial or deep.

Hot Spots are also known as moist dermatitis and acute moist dermatitis and can appear on any part of the body.

What causes hot spots?

There are a number of reasons your dog may have hot spots. Fleas, mites or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite could be causing irritation. Allergies, most common being food or environmental. These irritation cause the 'hot spots' on the skin which leads to your dog  biting, licking or scratching the area. This then only makes the wound worse. Some dogs have also been known to start a hot spot out of pure boredom or stress related psychological problems. 

How to treat hot spots.

The first thing you can do is speak to your local Vet, due to the fact hot spots can spread rapidly and there is a possibility of deep skin infection it is wise to begin treatment. Hot spots can also be extremely painful so you want to try and narrow down what is causing this irritation.

To soothe the hot spot you can;

• Shave the area - the first treatment is to dry them out and allow the area to air. Hair loss may occur due to licking, biting etc but the hair can also mat over the inflamed area.
• Cleanse the area with cool water. Black or Green tea bags are also great to help dry and clean out the area.
• Compress the area 2-4 times a day with a cool, wet cloth
• Depending on the result of your consult with your vet, you may be prescribed antibiotics, sprays or special shampoos.
• Although the area is irritating, you need to give it the chance to heal so an Elizabethan collar (also known as the buckets that go around the dogs neck) may be required.

If you have any other further concerns or worries, make sure you consult your local Vet immediately.

Examples of hot spots;

 

Some more great tips at;

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/dogdiseasesh/a/hotspots.htm

Gemma's Update.. Frodo was busy!

Have we told you yet about how awesome our Luxury Penthouse Suites are?

Although they've been up and running since before Christmas and many of our guests have already been lucky enough to experiences the luxuries, as always, we continue to add and improve all our facilities at Dogs Country Club.

Our Luxury Penthouse Retreat takes our guests to a relaxing, calm environment where everything revolves around them. We've just added some finishing touches to our Penthouse Retreat and we just had to show them off, we know you'll be impressed!

Some new signage, lighting and postal box added to front of Suites. 

All Retreats are now complete with their door signage, beautiful room art work and own special spark. Guests can enjoy their stay in the Beach Retreat, or why not relax in the Farmhouse Retreat or enjoy the luxuries of the Rainforest Retreat? 

Lovely new couches for our entrance and beds for our outside yards....

Frodo was unavailable for this weeks photo shoot, he had prior arrangements with a pigs ear!

March Dog of the Month - Meet NELLIE!

We are so excited to introduce you to our March Dog of the Month, Nellie!

Nellie is a beautiful Great Dane - and she is a big girl too, weighing in at over 50kgs!

Nellie is like family at Dogs Country Club and we just love her to bits! She has such a beautiful nature and is always so happy to see everyone.. and give them a famous Nellie cuddle (which really just involves your entire body being hugged by a giant dog!)

All the Doggy Doaters are very excited when Nellie visits and we hope she enjoys her month as 'Top Dog!'