Podenco Post

Category: Advice

  • Scalibor collars – protecting dogs from contracting Leishmania

    Scalibor collars are highly effective at protecting dogs against Leishmania.  They contain deltamethrin, an insecticide and repellent that prevents sand flies—the carriers of the Leishmania parasite—from biting your dog. 
    Key points on how they protect your dog:
    • Anti-feeding Action: The collar repels sand flies, significantly reducing the risk of them transmitting the parasite during a blood meal.
    • Proven Efficacy: Studies show it reduces sand fly blood-feeding by up to 90%.
    • Duration: The collar typically provides active protection against sand flies for 5 to 6 months (though some formulations/guidelines suggest longer tick/mosquito

    Spanish rescue shelters are always desperate for Scalibor collars to protect their dogs in the summer.  Please consider purchasing some for them.

    Where in the world dogs are at risk from contracting leishmania.

  • Foods that are poisonous to dogs

    Toxic food for dogs body image - greyhound sitting in kitchen looking at camera

    Here’s a comprehensive list of foods poisonous to dogs.  If you know your dog has eaten one of them and shows signs of being very ill, an immediate visit to the vet is a must.

  • Helping a rescue dog adjust to a new home

    I’ve had rescue dogs all my life, mostly from rescue associations.  Most of them have come with problems, usually as a result of bad treatment in their past.  One 4-year old galga took over 2 years before she was anything like a ‘normal’ dog, and that was after living with 4 other housemates.  My current Spanish podenca came with a fear of men – what a surprise – after spending the first 7 years of her life shut in a shed and just let out for hunting.  Even after over 4 years in our home, she is still nervous of men and many life situations.

    So it is vitally important to understand the problems which adopting a rescue dog will bring with them, needing much patience whilst they adjust to home life, new people and situations.

    Read about adopting a rescue dog article here.

  • Natural remedies for Dogs

    Natural remedies are readily available these days, so we can treat medical problems in our pets without putting profit into the pockets of the pharmaceuticals.

    Three I have used for my dogs are Devil’s Claw, Turmeric and Hemp Oil.   As my dogs aged, I gave them a daily dose of Turmeric, which is also recommended for humans with arthritis too.  One particular galgo had arthritis set in a serious hind knee joint which he had damaged as a puppy and which vets did not recomment operating on, as there was no guarantee of improvement.  To help ease the pain I used Hemp Oil, or CBD oil as it is sold as.  Vets very often prescribe Medicam but a side effect of this is liver damage. A small daily dose of CBD oil had the desired effect as he never showed any signs of discomfort. (more…)

  • How long should a dog be left alone?

    Dogs are pack animals, they prefer company, whether it is another dog, cat or human.  Many suffer from separation anxiety.  We have always had more than one dog, although now we are down to just one and take her with us most places we go.

    So how long should a dog reasonably be expected to be left alone.

  • Skin Lesions and Cancer in Dogs

    As a family, we have lost 5 dogs, 1 horse and l cat to different types of cancer.  Lymphoma reared itself as a lump on a galgo’s neck, which had spread.  A sarcoma started bleeding under my horse’s tail.  Cancer developed in my cat’s mouth.  2 more galgos had stomach tumours.

    Weblink to an interesting article on lumps on your dog.  It doesn’t always mean cancer.

  • From Pyramid to Perrera – the definitive guide to the Podenco

    This is my definitive guide to the plight of the podenco, giving you all the information about the different types of podenco, their history, diseases and a lot more.  All sale proceeds are donated to appeals for help for podencos with rescue associations and shelter.

  • URGENT APPEAL for scalibor collars

    Animal lovers the summer months are approaching and it’s very important to protect dogs from the sandfly that causes Leishmaniosis. Every year, unfortunately, too many dogs adopted from Spain die abroad due to ignorance, poor information, wrong diagnosis, not the right treatment… So preventing infection with the Leishmania parasite is very important. Contrary to what is often said, Leishmaniosis cannot be cured, in other words your dog will have it for the rest of his or her life. Fortunately, with proper treatment and medication, the infection can be kept under control. Regular blood tests are also recommended, that way your four-legged friend can also grow old like other dogs. We protect dogs during and before the summer months with a collar combined with a pippet. A vaccination is also possible, it’s quite expensive and studies have currently not been able to show whether this vaccination gives sufficient security. (more…)

  • Which peanut butter is safe for dogs

    Dogs love peanut butter but make sure you buy the one specifically for dogs.  Why?  Read about it on this weblink.

  • Hunting dogs to be included in the Royal Pet Zoo Decree

    From Plataforma NAC

    Animal welfare entities achieve commitment to include all dogs without exception in the Royal Pet Zoo Decree.
    The Director General of Animal Rights, José Ramón Becerra, undertakes to animal protection entities to incorporate “hunting” and “working” dogs in the regulatory text of his ministry.