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From A Dog's Eye View

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by Susan Coleman

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A space to embrace your dog and understand their behavior. Bi-weekly episodes exploring all things positive reinforcement training + effectively communicating with your dog. Because dogs are simple, when their owners have the right information. <br/><br/><a href="https://canineconcierge.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">canineconcierge.substack.com</a>

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7/2/2024

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for Dr. Randy Talks About Allergies and Arthritis

May 19, 2026

Dr. Randy Talks About Allergies and Arthritis

<p></p><p>It’s springtime and that means allergy season is in full swing! The emergence of budding leaves and flowers can cause great distress to humans and dogs alike. Whereas humans tend to have runny eyes and noses with a tickle in their throat, allergies tend to manifest differently in dogs. It is common for dogs to start itching, sometimes constantly, leaving them with abrasions, and feeling downright miserable. We’ll cover how to recognize the signs, what’s changed in treatment options, and the latest immunotherapy breakthroughs that are giving dogs real relief without the side effects of old-school steroids. My guest, Dr. Randy Hutchison has some solutions for allergy sufferers that can provide relief almost immediately.</p><p><strong>The most common allergic reaction in dogs</strong></p><p>Allergic reactions can be caused by the environment, fleas, or food allergies. The most common reaction to all of these culprits is itching. Dr. Randy states that the location of the itching is a good indicator as to what the cause is. For example, itching from flea bites caused by the saliva in fleas, is mostly found at the base of the tail. Dogs will tie themselves into pretzels to try to reach that area. You will notice they will try to bite back there with their little incisor teeth. </p><p>When dogs lick their feet a lot or itch their nose, face, and lower legs, this usually indicates something in their environment. In springtime, pollen from budding trees falls on the grass they walk and lay in. In the fall, there are certain weeds and molds on leaves. All of these outdoor elements can cause allergic reactions. Dr. Randy can almost predict to the day when clients will bring their dogs in because they started itching a lot. Once a dog has allergies, they almost always will for the rest of their life. </p><p></p><p>Allergic reactions don’t form after the initial exposure to an irritant. In fact, Dr. Randy says if a puppy comes in for an appointment due to itching, he can start a history of the dates of the itching, but can rule out allergies as a probable cause. It takes over a year or two of exposure to an irritant for the body to react. As time goes on, the length of the allergic reaction will be longer and more pronounced. </p><p><strong>Reverse Sneezing</strong></p><p>Another reaction that can be caused by allergies is <strong>reverse sneezing</strong>. This is when your dog rapidly inhales air through their nose creating a honking sound. It can be triggered by excitement, prolonged tension on their collar, or allergies. It quickly subsides and the dog returns to normal breathing. The first time I experienced this with my dog Hank, I thought he was choking and couldn’t breathe and was having some kind of seizure. It was frightening to say the least. </p><p><strong>Symptoms of food allergies</strong></p><p>Food allergies are similar to seasonal allergies. Dogs can be allergic to certain foods, most commonly, certain proteins. They can cause dogs to itch all over their body and lick their paws. I have seen dogs’ paws that have turned raw and become a rust color because they have been licked so much. There are a lot of additives in dog food that their bodies have difficulty digesting and ultimately causing an allergic reaction. I have seen the itching subside after changing the protein source from chicken to turkey or other proteins. Prescription dog foods that hydrolyze the protein for easier digestion and relief from allergic reactions can be recommended by your vet. I will be discussing this further in a future episode concerning nutrition.</p><p></p><p><strong>Allergy Testing and Shots</strong></p><p>Allergy shots are available which involve injecting small amounts of specific allergens to build up tolerance. Dr. Randy states that if a client chooses this option, they have to commit to a long term plan. This is not a quick fix. </p><p>Allergy testing through blood samples and intradermal skin testing are also available. This can be costly and intradermal testing can be invasive, requiring mild sedation. This is usually done when immunotherapy drugs and protein elimination have failed. Specific blood panels can be ordered to pinpoint the irritant causing the reactions. It will test for approximately 60 different environmental factors and will identify food allergens as well. However, testing for food allergies does not yield as reliable results as environmental influences do. This type of testing and allergy shots used to be very popular before immunotherapy drugs were available. </p><p><strong>Immunotherapy Drugs to Alleviate Allergic Reactions</strong></p><p>The biggest advancement in veterinary medicine over the past five to ten years is<strong> immunotherapy treatments. </strong> Before then, when dogs and cats had allergic reactions, the only option was to prescribe steroids or antihistamines. Most of the time, they would stop the itching, but the side effects prevented them from being used long term. Antihistamines do not get absorbed to the level they need to be to become effective. Nowadays, two immunotherapy drugs are commonly prescribed for allergies: <strong>Apoquel</strong> and <strong>Cytopoint.</strong> They have revolutionized allergy treatment. However, certain cases still require administering steroids. Prescribing them has dramatically dropped with the introduction of immunotherapy drugs. </p><p><strong>Apoquel </strong>is not an allergy pill. It is not a steroid or an antihistamine. It is an immunotherapy drug. It inhibits the attachment of specific molecules to receptors that trigger an itching and inflammatory response. According to Dr. Randy, it is very effective and can be prescribed to dogs 12 months and older. It can work almost immediately with little to no side effects. In fact, if it doesn’t work within approximately 48 hours, a different option will have to be explored. A higher dosage is not an option. Apoquel has also worked to relieve allergic reactions to food and proteins. </p><p>There is a misconception about Apoquel that it can cause cancer. Dr. Randy debunks this myth. Since Apoquel is an immunotherapy drug and suppresses the immune system in a particular way, it is not recommended for dogs who have been diagnosed with cancer. Their bodies need all the help they can get to fight cancer cells. </p><p><strong>Cytopoint </strong>is an injection that is effective in eliminating the itching response and can last up to two months. Both Apoquel and Cytopoint can be stopped and started at any time that is recommended by your veterinarian. Cytopoint is different than Apoquel in that it targets a specific protein that is responsible for sending signals to the brain to stop the itching. Due to the difference in how these two immunotherapy drugs work, Cytopoint can be given to dogs diagnosed with cancer and to those with compromised immune systems. </p><p>A key takeaway when calculating the possibility to prescribe either Apoquel or Cytopoint is to ascertain the reasons for using them. It is essential to determine the root cause of the itching. Both of these drugs are very effective but costly to pet parents. Dr. Randy likes to be sure that he prescribes them for the right reasons. He believes that immunotherapy is the wave of the future for treating not just allergies, but also for treating other common conditions he sees in dogs and cats. </p><p><strong>My dog’s history of allergic reactions</strong> </p><p>It took me a few years to realize that my Leonberger, Ebi, was allergic to something in the environment in the fall. One August, I was visiting my parents in Rochester, New York. I had been warned that pesticides had been applied to the grass in their townhouse community to kill crab grass. By the time I got back home to Cleveland, Ebi was itching almost constantly. In a few days, she stopped. I never went to the vet because it started to subside quickly. I thought maybe she had a reaction to the pesticide used to kill the crab grass.</p><p>The following year, around the same time of year, Ebi started itching again. This time it lasted longer. I noticed abrasions and scabs on her sides and belly when she would lay on her back. It went away in about a week to 10 days. I did not go to the vet this time either. Then, around the same time of year as before, I went to Rochester again and Ebi started itching so much that she could barely sleep (neither could I). I finally started to believe that she was allergic to something in Rochester. By the time I got back home, the itching subsided, but it lasted longer.</p><p>I didn’t want to put Ebi through that ever again! So, as soon as she started itching the following August or September, I took her to Dr. Randy and told him my story. He gave her a Cytopoint injection which stopped the itching almost immediately. </p><p>Just last year, I tried a supplement for seasonal allergies around mid-August until the end of September. That worked! However, I am noticing for the first time, Ebi is itching a little more than usual this spring. She is now 8 years old with an 8 year old immune system that doesn’t work as efficiently as it used to. Dr. Randy says that dogs can have allergies year round. Once they manifest symptoms, they can last longer each time. It is very rare to see dogs or cats become less allergic to things over time. </p><p><strong>Arthritis in Dogs </strong></p><p>Just as humans suffer from arthritis typically in their senior years, so do dogs. Arthritis in general is referred to as osteoarthritis or OA. A type of arthritis that is familiar to most of us dog lovers is hip dysplasia. This is when the ball and socket of the hip joint does not form a tight fit with enough cushion around it. Instead of rotating smoothly with movement, it is more of a pounding bone on bone action causing discomfort and inflammation. </p><p>Osteoarthritis can be caused by the following:</p><p>* Hereditary factors - large and giant breeds are more susceptible</p><p>* Strenuous exercise - repetitive jumping</p><p>* Excess weight</p><p>* Previous injury </p><p>* compensatory damage due to lessening the load on the affected joint</p><p>According to Dr. Randy, when dogs walk, they carry about 60% of their weight in the front and 40% in the back. Therefore, if a back leg or hip is hurting, more weight will be put on the front legs. Over time, this will contribute to the wear and tear on the front limbs, compounding the existing problem. As osteoarthritis progresses, the cartilage in the affected joint deteriorates causing inflammation and irritation. Pain management is critical to keeping the pain in check.</p><p>A way to confirm that a dog has arthritis is to take an x-ray. This can be a very challenging procedure that sometimes requires mild sedation. Not all dogs will lay on their side or back and be perfectly still for several seconds! Vet techs will try to keep the dog as calm and comfortable as possible. Dr. Randy believes this method of diagnosis is crucial in order to avoid prescribing medication for a condition that possibly does not exist. Certain conditions can get worse by adding incorrect treatments. </p><p><p><strong>“Know what you are treating”. - </strong>Dr. Randy</p></p><p></p><p><strong>Common myths </strong>that Dr. Randy hears about arthritis:</p><p>* glucosamine and chondroitin prevent arthritis </p><p>* walking your dog short distances will prevent arthritis</p><p>* arthritis can be cured</p><p>* it only affects older dogs</p><p>* a few extra pounds won’t affect the arthritis</p><p>* treating arthritis will prevent further degradation of the joints</p><p>* dogs should not exercise when diagnosed with arthritis</p><p>Osteoarthritis is a progressive, incurable disease that can affect young and old dogs alike. Treating arthritis with various medications and alternative medicine will help manage the pain associated with it. If the synovial fluid around the joint is lacking, and the cartilage is compromised, inflammation and pain will result. Therefore, managing the pain is crucial. This can be difficult to initially diagnose without x-rays since cats and dogs are good at masking their pain. However, if you notice your dog being reluctant to climb stairs, struggling to get up from lying down or being more lethargic than usual, this may indicate they are suffering from stiff, arthritic joints.</p><p>If pet parents suspect or just want to find out if their dog has arthritis, they can first seek the counsel of a veterinarian who can properly diagnose it through x-rays. One of the worst things pet parents can do is to stop taking the dog for walks and cease all activity. Regular activity like walking can strengthen the muscle around the affected joints, improve circulation around the arthritic area and nourish cartilage that exists. </p><p>It also helps maintain a healthy weight. Your veterinarian can tell you the ideal weight for your dog. You may have to start counting calories and measuring their daily food instead of just eyeballing it. A few extra pounds is more to carry around and puts more stress on the joints.</p><p>The good news is there are several options to keep your pooch comfortable:</p><p>* non-steroidal anti inflammatories such as Galliprant and Rimadyl</p><p>* immunotherapy drugs such as Librela for dogs and Solensia for cats</p><p>* alternative medicines such as acupuncture, laser therapy, water therapy, shockwave therapy, swimming, and massages</p><p>* platelet rich plasma (PRP) </p><p>* Arthramid - hydrogel injected directly into the joint</p><p>* All natural supplements including Omega-3, glucosamine and chondroitin, and MSM</p><p>When pet parents get a diagnosis before the arthritis has progressed too far, they can start managing the pain as needed with an anti inflammatory medicine. However, this is not for long term daily usage as they affect internal organs. As the arthritis progresses and noticeable symptoms appear, such as limping and favoring a particular side when lying down, an immunotherapy drug such as <strong>Librela</strong> will be recommended. This is administered by a veterinarian as a monthly shot. As with any drug, there can be possible side effects. Dr. Randy stresses the importance of confirming the diagnosis of arthritis before starting this type of treatment. The story below illustrates accurately how Dr. Randy handles arthritic dogs.</p><p>I can attest first hand to the effectiveness of Librela. Dr. Randy diagnosed my friends’ German Shepherd, Heidi, with arthritis - more specifically hip dysplasia. It was confirmed by an x-ray when she was young. It was nothing to be alarmed about, but something to keep an eye on. </p><p>Dr. Randy took another x-ray a couple years later to see if it progressed. There wasn’t a lot of difference in the hip dysplasia, which was good but later x-rays showed arthritis in various parts of her body. Heidi was able to continue her daily walks and had arranged play dates often with no noticeable discomfort. </p><p>Not until she was about 9 years old were her symptoms more obvious. She started hesitating walking up stairs, and then later injured her CCL (the equivalent of the ACL in humans). The injury was not bad enough to warrant surgery. In fact, she recovered after not being as active for a period of time. She did re-injure the same CCL and it took longer to recover. Her pet parents gave her anti-inflammatories to manage the pain. </p><p>Occasionally, I walk Heidi for my friends. I noticed the progression and how it seemed Heidi was struggling while walking. She was limping and panting from the stress and pain. That’s when Heidi’s pet parents took her back to see Dr. Randy. He suggested the Librela shot. From that point on, I notice when Heidi gets the shot, she walks more comfortably. When it is time for another monthly shot, she is more uncomfortable, so I won’t go as far as we usually do. Heidi started receiving laser treatments under the supervision of Dr. Grace Schmeiser. She was mentioned in an earlier podcast about the therapy programs offered at Animal Clinic Northview. I walked Heidi a few days ago and she lasted the entire walk like we usually do. She still limps a bit but seems to be in less pain. </p><p></p><p>Other types of therapy mentioned earlier that is offered at Animal Clinic Northview are swimming in a pool, underwater treadmill, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, and acupuncture. In addition to these modalities are supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, Omega-3, and MSM. Please seek the guidance of your vet or a holistic vet. I am a certified herbalist and can advise on correct dosages. </p><p>A more up-to-date way to treat arthritis is Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP. This is when blood is drawn from the dog, is centrifuged, and then injected back into the affected joint. The purpose is to reduce inflammation which helps manage the pain, improve joint mobility, and accelerate healing for injured ligaments. It is a safe alternative to medications and steroids. Your veterinarian can discuss with you if this is a good option for your dog.</p><p>Arthramid is another option for treating arthritis. It is a hydrogel that can restore the elasticity of the synovial fluid and can provide relief for up to 2 years. Again, your veterinarian will determine if your dog is a good candidate to Arthramid. </p><p>The very last option for dogs suffering from hip dysplasia is hip replacement surgery. It is difficult to find doctors who specialize in this operation. Dr. Randy will refer these patients to The Ohio State School of Veterinary Medicine. As with any surgery, there are risks involved such as infection. The rehabilitation can be challenging for the dog and the pet parents. Some pet parents who find themselves in this predicament will choose alternative methods, immunotherapy drugs, and/or supplements instead. </p><p>I would like to personally thank Dr. Randy Hutchison for once again sharing his expertise and giving us a clearer picture of what our dogs are going through every allergy season. The big takeaways: know the signs — itchy feet, rubbing faces, reverse sneezing — and know that there are real, effective options beyond steroids, including Apoquel and Cytopoint. </p><p>Dr. Randy also shares his highly proficient knowledge on how to diagnose and treat arthritis in dogs. X-rays provide the concrete evidence of the prevalence of arthritis and where it is located. There are many options to treat arthritis depending on the location and severity of the symptoms. If your dog is struggling, don't wait — talk to your vet.</p><p></p><p><p>Thanks for reading From A Dog’s Eye View! This post is public so feel free to share it.</p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://canineconcierge.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">canineconcierge.substack.com</a>

Episode thumbnail for Lumps and Bumps with Dr. Randy

May 5, 2026

Lumps and Bumps with Dr. Randy

<p>Have you ever been petting your dog and suddenly felt something — a lump, a bump, something that wasn’t there before? My returning guest, Dr. Randy Hutchison of Animal Clinic Northview, walks us through exactly what to do when that happens. From simple fatty lipomas to cancer diagnosis and cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments — this episode covers it all. </p><p>Improvements continue to be made in the rehabilitation department. Not all injuries require surgery. Animal Clinic Northview has a new and expanding rehab facility. Dr. Grace Schmeiser oversees canine patients in need of rehabilitation from arthritis discomfort, sports injuries and surgeries. Many different therapies are offered: acupuncture, shock wave therapy, laser therapy, and massages. </p><p></p><p>Dr. Randy also shares with us some new capabilities which improve the overall recovery process for canine patients. Animal Clinic Northview has equipped their ICU unit with <strong>central lines - </strong>an advanced way to administer medications quickly. They also reduce the stress and pain by allowing multiple treatments and drawing blood samples through one port. </p><p>Another improvement to the ICU is the addition of high flow oxygen. This provides more direct oxygen flow to canine patients via nasal cannulas who may be in respiratory distress. Oxygen can be delivered via these cannulas before, during, and after surgery. Patients can also receive oxygen via their state- of-the-art environmentally controlled Snyder oxygen cages. Recently, Dr. Randy shares with us how the high oxygen flow process aided in ensuring that a bulldog who came in for airway surgery received the appropriate amount of oxygen. He believes this accelerates the recovery process and promotes a swift recuperation. </p><p></p><p>Animal Clinic Northview employs a full time doctor, or hospitalist, whose sole responsibility is to oversee the ICU and make sure it runs efficiently. The ICU can accommodate up to 40 patients. This relieves the 34 veterinarians in the practice of checking in whenever they have a spare moment to visit their critically ill patients while also maintaining a heavy client workload. Having a hospitalist on duty is an excellent way to give the patients the attention they need. They also rely on the staff dedicated to working and assisting with cases that are admitted to the ICU. Dr. Randy says “From the technicians to the assistants to the kennel staff - they are really the heroes. They’re the ones that are in it minute by minute, hour by hour, taking care of these patients.”</p><p>Vets are expected to be jack of all trades. This can be very challenging. However, Dr. Randy’s staff has the freedom to choose what they would like to specialize in. He always tells his new doctors they are allowed “five No’s”. It is important to know the types of cases they are uncomfortable with and leave them to other vets who want to be treating them. He wants them to choose what they are passionate about so they become very good at what they do. This allows Dr. Randy to direct specific issues to vets who see these types of cases often. </p><p><p> “It’s all about putting patients in the hands that are most likely to give them a chance to help them.” - Dr. Randy</p></p><p></p><p>One common reason to bring your dog in for a checkup is when you notice a lump or bump. You may notice a lump while petting your dog. You may see it when they roll over. The lump could be as innocuous as a wart, a skin tag, or the result of an allergic reaction. Others could be a fatty lipoma, a sebaceous cyst or a mass. Some dogs have a predisposition to forming lumps and bumps. Certain breeds are prone to them. However, every dog is susceptible. Dr. Randy always recommends bringing the dog in to get it checked out.</p><p>Sometimes, groomers find lumps that the owner never saw or felt. Lumps can be in hard to see areas and places you don’t typically touch. For example, a groomer will feel inside a back leg while they are combing the dog’s fur or they have to shave the rear end and a lump is discovered. In my podcast about grooming, Sharyn Ugan has found lumps on dogs that the pet parents had no idea were there. </p><p>When Dr. Randy is assessing a lump or bump, he typically manipulates it with his fingers. He can feel if it is hard or soft. The dog usually does not seem to be in any discomfort. The texture and the look of the lump does not indicate whether it is benign or malignant. In fact, he has learned over the years - <strong>never assume anything</strong>. </p><p>Screening is necessary to determine exactly what the lump is. It is done with a fine needle aspirate of the lump. A needle is injected into it to draw a sample of cellular material. This is transferred onto a slide to be examined and will reveal two things immediately: whether it is benign or malignant. </p><p>The cells in the sample may be benign cystic junk aspirated from a sebaceous cyst. These lumps can fill up with cystic debris so much that they can burst. This can be painful for the dog. Once it bursts, the process of forming and filling up can resume as long as the lining inside them keeps secreting the debris. Surgical removal of the entire cyst, including the lining, may be recommended. </p><p>Another type of benign lumps are fatty lipomas. They have clear fatty cells inside them with no cellular makeup. They can grow to be huge and located in cumbersome spots on a dog’s body. In both of these types of lumps, the pet parent is advised to keep a watchful eye on them. If they change color or size quickly, it should be checked out as soon as possible. </p><p>Depending on the location and the size of the lump, surgery may be recommended. For example, if the fatty lipoma is located on the dog’s side and it bothers them when they lay down, then the pet parent may want to remove it. Dr. Randy has experienced the pet parent initially deciding not to surgically remove a decent sized lipoma, but then later changed their mind. After the removal of the lipoma, they noticed their dog moving around more freely and even acting a lot happier. </p><p>Dr. Randy and his staff are accustomed to looking at certain cells from the different types of lumps mentioned above. It’s when abnormal cells make an appearance that require the expertise of a pathologist. Animal Clinic Northview is equipped with one of Dr. Randy’s favorite instruments called a digital cytology unit. This instrument scans the slide of cellular material collected from a lump and sends it to a pathologist somewhere in the world. They will get results within hours! Before the digital cytology unit was available, results were sent to a laboratory somewhere in the U.S. and results were not available for days. The expediency of the digital cytology unit results provide comfort to the pet parents so they can start making decisions that are best for their dog. </p><p>When talking about lumps that may be malignant, it is important to understand the difference between what a cytology is and what a biopsy is. A cytology is squirting material from a lump on to a slide and determining what type of cells are present. It may not tell the doctor everything, but it may provide some clues as to what it is. If it is viewed by a pathologist who determines there are some cells that have changed, then a biopsy will be recommended. This is when the lump is surgically removed and the whole mass is sent out for pathology. </p><p>Sometimes the lump is from a family of tumors called a <strong>sarcoma. </strong>One of the characteristics of a sarcoma is they like to adhere to muscles, nerves or bones, making them very difficult to remove. They are not necessarily aggressive, but they are invasive. The decision to remove some of the sarcoma, or to possibly have to remove a limb affected by it, is a difficult one to make. It is essential to have all the facts in place so that the best decision can be made. Sometimes CT scans or ultrasounds reveal that the removal of the tumor is not advisable due to the location and what it is attached to. Dr. Randy has to have an open and honest discussion with the client as to what will be the next course of action.</p><p>As in human medicine, cancer has become an increasingly prevalent occurrence. Over the years, Dr. Randy has seen a rise not only with cancer in dogs, but also cancer in younger dogs. </p><p><p><strong>“Cancer is not an old age problem”. - Dr. Randy </strong></p></p><p>Dr. Randy often gets asked by clients looking for puppies if he can recommend a breed that won’t get cancer. There is breed disposition, especially in Golden Retrievers, Boxers and giant breed dogs. In fact, when Dr. Randy was in vet school, he would go to a park and watch the different breeds go by. When he would see certain breeds, he would come up with 3-5 diseases they were prone to get. However, all breeds have the possibility of getting cancer. He advises the clients to get the dog that fits their lifestyle instead of basing their decision on a hypothetical. </p><p>If all of the tests come back positive for cancer, then the decision will now be to treat it medically or surgically. Another option is to not treat the cancer and instead provide comfort to the dog through pain medications and other therapies. Treating cancer in dogs medically means to treat the patient with traditional modalities such as chemotherapy or radiation. Animal Clinic Northview does not have radiation equipment. If the client wishes to choose this option, university teaching hospitals or specialized veterinary oncology centers provide this treatment.</p><p>One thing Dr. Randy wants his clients to keep in mind when faced with this difficult decision is how to provide the best quality of life. His ultimate desire is to find the best treatment that allows the dog to still run and play and be a happy dog, even with the diagnosis of cancer. In human cancer diagnoses, the goal is to cure the cancer. As much as veterinary medicine would like that goal to be the same, most veterinarians agree they are giving the dog the best quality of life possible. Even though Dr. Randy believes dogs do better with chemo treatments than humans do, there are still side effects. This is due to dosages not being as strong and the frequency of treatments may be more spread out than those for humans. </p><p>The most common cancer Dr. Randy treats with chemotherapy is lymphoma. He will see dogs with big lymph nodes under their jaw, shoulder, or knee. The most common protocol for this type of cancer is the Wisconsin Protocol, often called CHOP. This determines the type of drugs, a schedule of frequency, and the amount of medicines the dog will receive. All of this is adjusted based on the side effects the dog may experience. </p><p>Another option to treating lymphoma besides the Wisconsin Protocol is two recent drugs available on the market. Scientists have conducted so much research in ways to combat canine lymphoma by identifying specific cells to target that are essential for fighting infection. They can also suppress the immune system’s response to cancer which can ultimately kill cancer cells and slow down the spread of them. </p><p>Tanovea is a drug to treat canine lymphoma. It is commonly recommended when the lymphoma has relapsed using standard protocols. It is an injection that is scheduled according to the veterinarian’s advice. Another drug is called Laverdia. It is administered in a convenient pill form which can be given at home. It is not chemotherapy, but works with the immune system to inhibit a specific protein, and ultimately prevents the spread of the cancer cells. </p><p>Dr. Randy believes that immunotherapies are the new age cancer therapy and will continue to improve. There already are immunotherapy drugs to successfully treat melanoma. One can hope that more solutions will be invented and approved to help our canine companions fight the increasing threat of this deadly disease.</p><p>In conclusion, don’t assume — get it checked. A simple fine needle aspirate can give you answers fast, and catching something early can make all the difference. If this episode helped you, share it with a fellow dog parent. </p><p><p>Thanks for reading From A Dog’s Eye View! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></p><p><p>This post is public so feel free to share it.</p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://canineconcierge.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">canineconcierge.substack.com</a>

Episode thumbnail for Hunting Dogs - Part 2

April 14, 2026

Hunting Dogs - Part 2

<p>Regulated hunting in the United States is a safe activity enjoyed by over 14 million adults. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recorded almost 400,000 paid hunting license holders. This number includes hunting of birds, small animals and deer. Regulations exist to preserve, protect and control wildlife populations. Hunting can bring communities together and help feed those in need. It is a skill that can be learned through hunting clubs and trusted family members. </p><p>In Part One of the Hunting Dogs podcast, my guest, Gary Flynn, shares stories about how he learned about the many facets of hunting from family members. Not all hunters use dogs, but Gary’s initiation to the world of hunting at a young age included neighborhood and family dogs to help in the process. He was able to witness how motivated a dog can become while pursuing their prey. He also experienced a “pecking order” amongst dogs gathered under a tree with a raccoon hanging on for dear life. Everyone knew which dog had the tenacity and skills to snatch the coon out of the tree. It helped Gary learn about individual and pack dog behavior. </p><p><strong>Living at home versus living in kennels</strong></p><p>Hunting dogs <strong>can</strong> live in the house with their humans. Gary can’t imagine not having his dogs live in his house. He trains them with obedience skills that are a necessity when out in the field. He also makes it a priority to teach them manners so he can socialize them inside hunting clubs and with guests coming to his house. </p><p>Many hunters will keep their dogs separate from social gatherings inside the clubs. They do not go to the extent that Gary does in socializing and training his dogs. Some are of the opinion that hunting dogs will not be effective hunters if they become family dogs. Some hunters prefer to board their dogs at kennels. It provides a safe environment for hunting breeds who like to run and roam over great distances. They will climb over fences and dig their way out of a common crate. These kennels are designed with secure slats that are impossible to bend and are cemented to the ground. The boarding staff is often trained on the specific traits of the different hunting breeds. They are also exercised daily so they stay in good shape in between hunts and during the off season. </p><p>Over the past 15 years as a dog trainer, there are hunting breeds I frequently see in my obedience classes and private home sessions. I work with a lot of doodles that have either Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever combined with a poodle, as well as many from the terrier group. It is important to remember that all three of these breeds are hunting dogs by nature. There are also breeds I have never seen before. For example, the Black and Tan Coonhound, pictured on top of the video of the podcast above, the Plott Hound or the Mountain Cur. Regardless of the type of hunting dog you may have, it is highly recommended to fulfill their physical and mental needs in order to maintain a balanced dog.</p><p><strong>Plott Hounds</strong></p><p>As with many hunting breeds, Plott Hounds have a unique bark that can drive a lot of families crazy. They require lots of daily exercise with plenty of space to roam. They are used primarily for hunting larger animals such as bears and boars. They are an intelligent breed which means they need to be challenged not just physically but also mentally. </p><p>As Gary mentions, some breeds like the Plott Hound can be a challenging family pet due to their high energy and strong prey drive. They can also be difficult to potty train. They may eliminate whenever and wherever they feel like it. Gary advises families with Plott Hounds to put in durable, waterproof vinyl flooring. It may take awhile to fully potty train them! </p><p><strong>Bloodhounds</strong></p><p>Another hunting breed that can be challenging to have as a family pet is a Bloodhound. I have only experienced one Bloodhound in my career as a dog trainer. A woman brought one to Petco for my six week obedience class. He lasted two weeks. He was already a huge dog at 10 months old, which made it difficult to control his urge to jump on everyone and everything. Petco discouraged and forbade their dog trainers from using pinch collars, but when my manager saw how out of control this dog was, he handed me one! Gary jokes about how many Bloodhounds should be in an obedience class - one! Their independent nature requires very patient and consistent training. Their intense tracking instinct sets them in a class above all others. Gary has fond memories of working search and rescue sites with a man who handled Bloodhounds. </p><p><strong>Tracking vs Trailing</strong></p><p>We have all seen our dogs sniffing the ground wherever they walk. If you observe your dog long enough as they are sniffing, sometimes they sniff intensely and seem to follow a path. This is called tracking. When this is done in a hunting environment, it is sometimes done as the dog drags a long leash or the handler is holding a leash. Handlers use the keen sense of smell of scent hounds to detect, follow and locate a specific scent, such as a wounded or dead deer. Most of us have seen shows on television where the scent hound is used in search and rescue missions. Handlers will have their dogs search for a scent left by footprints, blood, or broken vegetation where animals may have passed through. </p><p>Trailing dogs follow a specific scent in the air or around obstacles. They can locate a deer that may have fallen when wounded, but then got back up and kept walking. Their heads are usually level or held in the air. They are usually ahead of their handler and operate independently. If they lose the scent, they will start to circle around to find the scent again. Many dogs will be adept at both tracking and trailing to assist the hunter. Gary talks about how dogs are highly skilled at staying on the scent trail. They know that the scent is stronger on the shady side of a hill covered with dew in the morning versus the sunny side where the scent has been baked off. </p><p>Another type of hunting dog is a scent dog. Their powerful sense of smell allows them to track prey over long distances. Their alluring long ears is a characteristic that aids them in sweeping the scent of their prey towards their nose. Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Coonhounds are all scent dogs with the Bloodhound being the apex scent dog. Just look at those ears in the picture above!</p><p>Beagles make excellent hunting dogs and family pets. They are known for their nose to the ground while running approach to sniff out and direct rabbits and small game towards their hunter. They work well in a pack to flush out bunnies in the brush. Their baying (type of bark) is unique and can alert their hunters from far away. If you have ever heard a beagle baying, I think you would agree with me that it sounds like he’s being tortured. We had one in our neighborhood we called Torture Dog! However, their curious, clown-like nature makes them fun family pets. They do very well in obedience classes and can learn any skill presented to them. </p><p>When referring to hunting dog breeds, there are sight hounds like the Greyhounds, Whippets and Salukis. They rely on their sense of sight over their sense of smell to spot and chase prey. They are notorious for their incredible speed and aerodynamic build. They also make wonderful couch potato loving companions but must be socialized and exercised daily. </p><p><strong>Training Hunting Dogs</strong></p><p>According to Gary, the most important skill you can teach your hunting dog is the recall, or the “Come” command. Most 8 week old puppies have an innate desire to follow you around. Foster that instinct and develop it by increasing the distance between you and your puppy. At that stage, all you have to do is just look and smile at them, and they will come running to you. When they get distracted by something, go hide behind a tree not too far away. Let them look for you and use their nose to find you. When they do find you, make a big deal out of it. You don’t want to create what Gary calls a “bootlicker” - a dog that won’t wander off on their own and prefers to stay by your side. </p><p>The Recall or “Come” Command</p><p>As the dog matures, get them used to dragging a long leash around. Gary recommends a <a target="_blank" href="https://rayallen.com">Biothane leash</a> that won’t get tangled in bushes. This will be your tool to follow through to make sure they come to you. In the early stages of the recall on leash, keep the distance short and the distractions few. Repeat, repeat, and repeat some more. Add the command “Come” as they are in the act of running to you. Dogs associate commands with the action they are performing at that moment. Only say the command once. If they don’t come, follow through with a tug on the leash until they come to you. It is important that they come right to your feet. Finish the recall with a nice sit and the dog looking at you. Reward them with a toy or treat and lots of praise. We have to make it worth it to the dog to come to us. Have an energetic way of calling your dog’s name to you. Keep it positive. Why would a dog want to come to their handler if they are consistently being yelled at to come?</p><p>The “Leave It”/”Drop It” Commands</p><p>Another very important command to teach your hunting dog is “Leave It” and “Drop It”. Work with a trainer to help move your dog through the stages of escalation as they pursue a moving target. The dog should be able to leave or drop the lure while they are excited. This can come in handy when your dog is pursuing a skunk!</p><p>Some ideas your pet hunting dog can do to fulfill the instinct to hunt without actually hunting:</p><p>* train your dog to have a reliable, consistent recall</p><p>* Contact the <a target="_blank" href="https://akc.org">American Kennel Club</a> , <a target="_blank" href="https://nstra.org">NSTRA </a>(National Shoot to Retrieve Association) or a local hunting club to attend hunting breed specific training and trials </p><p>* take them for a “sniffari” (walking on a long leash in the woods)</p><p>* play hide and seek with your dog</p><p>* set up a scent trail of hidden treats or a squirt bottle trail of pureed meat and have your dog follow the trail</p><p>* invest in a flirt pole designed to have dogs chase, catch and release a toy lure at the end of the pole (advisable to work with a trainer)</p><p></p><p>* bury a valuable treat or bone for your dog after they have chewed on it and watch them find it and dig it out (great for hunting breeds known to dig out small prey from their burrow)</p><p>* enroll in obedience classes for mental and physical stimulation throughout the dog’s lifetime</p><p>* attend pack walks in wooded areas that also do obedience skills with the pack</p><p>So many different hunting dogs make great family pets. As I mentioned in my previous podcast, it is important to know the characteristics of the breed you wish to have as a family member so that you can genetically fulfill their needs. We all can get in a rut and get lazy with our dogs. You will notice a difference in their behavior when you drain their energy with one of the many ideas mentioned above. They will be more calm and obedient. Make a commitment to your dog to walk them daily to drain their pent up energy. Do some research on the breed, join a breed specific club, and most of all, have fun with your dog!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://canineconcierge.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">canineconcierge.substack.com</a>

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