Chapter Twenty-Three Dogs

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Dogs  Used for experimental physiology, pharmacology & surgical studies since 17th century.  many heart studies  orthopedic studies  Canis familiaris  Beagles = standard laboratory breed.  Hounds & mixed-breed also frequently used.

Handling & Restraint  Individual personalities; handle accordingly  Mild, even temperament, eager to please  If not been well socialized, may remain timid throughout life.  Respond favorably to gentle & frequent handling.  Extended hand slowly, palm down, with fingers folded.  Never force into corner so it feels trapped.  When calm & at ease, a leash or loop rope w/ slip knot may be put around its neck.  Patience & kindness a successful handler’s best assets.

(Images) Dog Restraint

Handling & Restraint II  Never lift by scruff of neck.  Place1 hand underneath chest & other under rump.  Or lift in both arms, keeping side against you.  If aggressive, catchpole used to provide safety.  Muzzle can be made of gauze bandaging material.  Use a two-foot length of gauze bandage.  Place loop over muzzle & tie snugly.  Bring loose ends down & tie below lower jaw.  Bring ends up behind head & ears & tie securely.  Secures mouth firmly but gently.

(Images) Restraint and Muzzle

Handling & Restraint III  Restraint:  On secure surface, hold in chest-down position  Place 1 arm around neck & bring head up to handler’s shoulder.  Hold head & neck firmly & securely in this position w/ 1 arm, while other arm placed around chest & free to hold foreleg.  Lateral recumbency:  Reach across & grasp lower front leg w/ 1 hand, rest forearm across neck.  Grasp hind limbs w/ other hand, resting that forearm across rump.  Leg can also be left free for second handler to hold while performing manipulation.

Physiological Data  Body temperature: 100.4°-102.2°F  Heart rate: per min  Respiration rate: per min  Weight: adult kg, depending on breed; newborn gm  Water consumption: ml / day or 40 ml / 1 kg of body weight daily  Food consumption: gm / day or 45 gm of dry food per 1 kg of weight daily  Life span: years

Sexing & Breeding  Male called dog & female called bitch.  Estrus signaled by swelling of vulva & blood-tinged vaginal discharge.  Female permits mating during a day window, beginning 11 to 17 days after onset of estrus.  Ovulation takes place during early to mid-estrus.  Sexual maturity: 6-10 months  Estrous cycle: 3 wk cycle, 6-7 month intervals  Gestation: days  Litter size: 4-12, depending on the breed  Weaning: 6-8 weeks

Behavior  Daily contact improves well-being.  Normal, happy, dog seeks attention from handler.  Attention-seeking posture may be submissive or exuberant.  Submissive approach = crouched, sideways movement, w/ head low, ears flattened, body close to ground & tail between legs but wagging.  In an exuberant, confident dog, approach is more direct.  Head is held high, eyes bright & ears alert.  Ill or frightened dog often tries to isolate itself.  Must observe & be certain less dominant animals are getting their share of food & water.

(Images) Exercise

Husbandry  AWA requires opportunity for additional exercise.  Supplement by walking on leashes or access to runs.  Outdoor runs: heat, cool, shade & protection  Cages: solid, slatted or coated metal floors  Resting platform required in cages w/ wire floor.  Solid floors can have absorbent bedding.  Remove soiled bedding daily.  Do not get animal wet during cage cleaning.  Sanitize cages more than 1x / 2 wks.  Check automatic watering daily.

Diet  Primarily carnivores  Meat, grains, vegetables, fats & vitamins  Feed adults measured amount dry food 1x / day.  Fresh, clean water available ad libitum.  Amount of water consumed varies, depending on individual variations or type of diet.  If fed dry diets, drink > water than those fed canned diets.

Additional Reading Anderson, R.S. and Edney, A.T.B. Practical Animal Handling. Pergamon Press, Oxford, UK Crow, Steven E., and Sally O. Walshaw. Manual of Clinical Procedures of the Dog, Cat and Rabbit, 2nd Ed. Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, PA