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What’s it like being a San Francisco Dog Walker?

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

San Francisco Dog Walker

I have been walking dogs in San Francisco for over 11 years now and I can truly say that I love doing this work!

In order to be a successful dog walker in San Francisco, you need to relish being outside everyday in any kind of weather condition.  Tramping around in mud on stormy days, freezing cold windy days, you get the idea!  The weather can make the job pleasant or unpleasant and that is something that you have to be willing to put up with.  It is part of the job description and a must do.  I happen to love a stroll through the woods on a rainy day.  Do you?

Another job requirement for being a San Francisco dog walker is that you must be ok with a lot of driving!  You must be able to drive without accidents or tickets and at the same time make quick pick ups and drop offs. You must operate like a UPS driver.  In fact, that is exactly how you will feel, like a UPS driver.  Driving the same route everyday can become really monotonous.  Also this can be said for the tasks you do everyday.  You need to remember to lock the houses, set the alarms, while answering text messages about schedule changes.  You need to be a multi-tasker extraordinaire.

You need to be able to say good-bye to dogs.  They will either die from old age or move to another location. This is very heartbreaking and if you really love them, you will cry.  Emotions run high in this business, so you must be prepared for heartbreak. Can you stand having your dog ripped from your arms?  You have to give so much of your heart to be a good dog walker, but you must also be able to walk away, if the time comes.  Very difficult to do.

Ok so here is the most important requirement:  you must love dogs.  Correction, you must love YOUR dogs!  Actually, this is the BIGGEST key to being a very successful dog walker in San Francisco. You must love each and every dog that you are taking to the park. You must open up your heart and let them in.  Dogs know if you love them and will not follow your lead if you don’t.  It is a given.

The best advice my sister gave me is, don’t take every dog that comes along.  You must carefully choose candidates for your pack.  Are they well trained?  Do they have an excellent recall?  Are they aggressive or have any play styles that might be misinterpreted by other dogs?  Don’t be afraid to turn down dogs that will not be good for your pack. Do not try to grow big without considering how it will affect your day, your attitude and the behavior of your pack.  I know for a fact that when you are walking too many dogs, you are tired and grumpy.  The job no longer seems fun and you are not happy doing this work.  Young, struggling dog walkers often work for dog walking companies as employees or contractors and need to make enough money to cover expenses.  They often cut corners to make things work, thus there is a high turnover in the dog walking industry.  They find out that the job requires too much work for the amount of pay and the fun of being with dogs all day looses its appeal.

I have been told time and time again that people really like my dogs and my pack.  They are in awe that they behave so well.  I have been called a dog whisperer, but mostly I just love my dogs and they know it.  They are all really good dogs and behave.  I chose my pack carefully and did not making “growing business” a priority.  More importantly, I do the right thing for the dogs and the owners.  Other dog walkers in San Francisco cannot say this.

Another must have – a strong desire to open your own business and willingness to put in the time.  Owning your own dog walking business in San Francisco is not easy and you will need to love it so much that you are willing to spend the time.  You need to market your business, interview clients, bill your clients every month, create schedules, purchase equipment and clean your vehicle inside and out. This is not a 9-5 job and you have to have the flexibility to work the many hours necessary to make the business take off.

Good luck!

Dogs Can Die From The Summer Heat!! BEWARE!

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

Dogs

 

Dogs Can Die From Heat Stroke!

Animal experts say that it’s a common misconception that dogs can survive if the windows are cracked on a hot day, or if the car is parked in the shade. They said people often think that dogs can handle high temperatures.  Wrong!  In fact, even a dog walk in high heat can hurt or kill them.  Dogs can get overheated much quicker than we can. Their temperature can shoot up to 104, 105 in just a matter of ten to fifteen minutes, and that can lead to a seizure. Even cracking a window a little bit, thinking they’ll be okay isn’t enough in  to keep them safe.  There’s not enough breeze.  Dogs don’t cool down the way we do.  They cool down by panting.

If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, get him out of the heat as soon as possible. Here are a few other things you can do:

  • Put rubbing alcohol on the pads of their feet.
  • Pour cool – not cold – water on them.  Start with their feet, neck, and genital areas.
  • Wrap them in a sheet or other cloth that’s been soaked with cool water.
  • Get your dog to the vet!  Even if you think your dog is OK, it’s a good idea to have him checked out.

Heatstroke or exhaustion can occur very quickly for our dogs as they only have the ability to sweat throught the pads of their feet. The major way they expel heat is through panting. The two most common ways that pets get overheated is being left in cars or kennels when it is too hot or playing or running excessively in the heat. Our canine friends are almost always up for a brisk dog walk or a game of fetch. The problem is that they do not know when they are overheated until it is too late. Thus, it is up to us as their caregivers to understand when it is time to take a break, drink some water and rest in the shade for awhile. A dog’s normal temperature runs between 101 and 102.5 degrees so they are naturally warmer than we are. When their temperature exceeds 106 degrees there is a very real danger in damaging cells in their brain and causing permanent damage or even death. Treatment for heat stroke is immediately getting the pet into a cool shady  area or inside an air-conditioned building. Cooling can be continued with cool cloths or ice packs in the groin area or in the armpits.  It is important not to submerge the pet in cold water as this can lead to shock.

Bottom line:  Dogs can’t handle the heat as well as we can and run the risk of developing heat stroke much more quickly.  Even if you leave the window open and park in the shade, it may not be good enough.  The test to tell if it is too hot to leave your pet in the car, if it is too hot for you in the car, it is way to hot for your dog.  And don’t forget the longer you are away, the hotter your car gets.  Even 15 minutes may be too long.

Some summer problems to look out for!

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

San Francisco Dog Walker- bee

It is very common at this time of the year that dogs will have swollen faces with eyes that are nearly closed up. In most cases this is from a bee sting. It can also be from vegetation that is caused by allergies. In most cases an antihistamine, such as Benedryl, will will take the swelling and discomfort down rapidly, but in severe cases it may be necessary for the pet to be seen to receive treatment with cortisone or even epinephrine. During times when insect activity is high, it is not safe to use repellants like OFF to discourage them from attacking your pet, because it contains DEET which is poisonous if ingested by dogs.  Instead try, K9-Advantix, which repels mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

By far the most common concern seen in the spring and summer months involves pets that eat things that they shouldn’t. This can happen any time of the year, but when the weather is nice and the ground is warm and moist it becomes a perfect incubator for viruses, bacteria and parasites.

Tick Season Hits McLaren Park

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker – Excerpt from Save McLaren Park Newsletter

Ticks are currently abundant in McLaren Park. Tom Scott of Save McLaren Park said, “In the past two weeks alone I’ve found 3 different ticks on me. I don’t recall finding any ticks in the previous 8 years that I’ve been going to the park. My dog remains tick-free thanks to the medication she uses.”

Suggestions when going to the park: Apply mosquito repellent, especially to your legs and even if you’re wearing pants. Also, it’s a good idea to check yourself after returning from the park. Ticks tend to go for warm moist areas, such as armpits and groins.

Tom explains, “the ticks I found on myself have been identified as Dermacentor variabilis, also known as American Dog Tick and Wood Tick. This species is not known to carry Lyme Disease, but it can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It’s unlikely, though, that the ticks in McLaren carry this disease. I don’t think this is an urgent health concern for park users, but something to be aware of.”

San Francisco Dog Walker-Ticks in San Francisco

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

San Francisco Dog WalkerGolden Gate Park and Fort Funston are crawling with ticks. Even if your dog has prevention, such as a tick collar, they still crawl off of him and on to you! Be sure to check your dog over carefully when you return home and frequent grooming and chemicals for control may help to control the spread.

Ticks can detect heat emitted from dogs and humans from far distances and will often situate themselves on well traveled paths to gain access to hosts. They will generally drop off the animal when full, but this may take several days. In some cases ticks will live for some time on the blood of an animal. Ticks are more active outdoors in warm weather, but can attack a dog at any time. Ticks can be found in most wooded or forested regions throughout the world. As a San Francisco dog walker, I find that they are especially common in areas where there are deer trails or human tracks. Ticks are especially abundant near water, where warm-blooded animals come to drink, and in meadows wherever shrubs and brush provide woody surfaces and cover. Ticks are a vector for a number of diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

The American dog tick
The American dog tick is perhaps the most well-known of the North American hard ticks. This tick does not carry Lyme disease but can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. As a San Francisco dog walker I have come across them numerous times.
The black-legged tick

The Western black-legged tick lives in the western part of North America and is responsible for spreading Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It tends to prefer livestock such as cows as its adult host.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be lethal. Initial signs and symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of fever, headache and muscle pain followed by development of rash. The disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, and without prompt and appropriate treatment it can be fatal. Tetracycline has dramatically reduced the number of deaths caused by Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

The San Francisco dog walkers top tips
Check your dog over when you get home. Put your clothes in the dryer on high heat or just simply wash them in hot water.  Be sure to check yourself over too!

watch this video for more tips!   5min.com/Video/How-to-Remove-a-Tick-from-Your-Dog

Toxic Cocoa Mulch

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

San Francisco Dog Walker - Cocoa MulchCocoa Mulch, which is sold by home Depot and various Garden Supply stores  contains a lethal ingredient called ‘Theobromine’, which is lethal to dogs and cats. Cocoa Mulch is a mulch that is used for retaining moisture around plants in the garden and is popular because it smells like chocolate, which is also, really attractive to dogs. They can ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in San Francisco.

The ingredient Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker’s chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine.  A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later in San Francisco. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

Toxic Raisins

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

Written by: Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville , OH

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1 AM on Wednesday but the owner didn’t call my emergency service until 7 AM.

I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn’t seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet and the doctor there was like me – had heard something about it, but… Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give IV fluids at 1 & 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours. The dog’s BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids. At that point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care.

He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn’t control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to Euthanize.

This is a very sad case – great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler’s. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern. Onions, chocolate, cocoa, avocados and macadamia nuts can be fatal, too.

Look out for Deadly Mushrooms

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

Amanita phalloides, the death cap mushroom, has come out in full force since the rains started Dec 2009. We had one death at Lake Veterinary Hospital 2 weekends ago, and PETS emergency clinic in Berkeley called on Friday and said they have had 3 deaths in 6 days – all  from the Oakland area. The mushrooms have a sweet odor (like honey) and are attractive to some dogs   (whose owners report they actually seek them out to eat them).  They are  really non little white mushrooms. The toxic effects appear about 6-36 hours after the mushrooms are eaten, and once signs are seen the toxicity is poorly responsive to treatment (we try a lot of things to support the animal, but if enough mushrooms were eaten it will be fatal despite the treatment).  If someone suspects their dog may have eaten a mushroom, the best treatment is to take the dog immediately to a vet or emergency clinic and have them induce vomiting and give activated charcoal.  The mushroom toxin is absorbed fairly rapidly, but the damage to the liver can take hours before it is clinically apparent.  Don’t waste time trying to figure out if the mushroom is toxic as speed in removing the mushroom from the digestive system is the most important thing in my experience.Here is a link with some pictures http://wikipedia.org/wiki/amanita_phalloides

Although most SF/local mushrooms are not poisonous, and those that are usually cause only digestive upset (perhaps causing someone to wish they would die), Death Caps (Amanita phalloides) are aptly named. After an initial digestive upset death caps prevent liver cells from regenerating. Within a few days after ingestion there are no new liver cells to replace the old ones, and liver failure occurs. The below message describes death caps as “little white mushrooms.” Note: They might look like that in the early stages, but mature mushrooms can grow quite large (check yahoo group for photo of mushroom I’m holding in hand)  and they have a slight metallic, greenish look. Check out the wikipedia link for photos of death caps in various stages. I have seen death caps south of SF and in the east bay. There might be some in SF. The common “white mushrooms” I’ve seen in SF, e.g. growing in lawns, are not death caps (various Agaricus–see photo). Death Caps have WHITE GILLS (e.g. the radiating blades on the underside of the cap), while most of the “lawn” mushroom have brown gills. At Fort Funston beneath the trees, I’ve spotted white-gilled mushrooms, but they have shaggy scales on the cap (see photo). Not death caps. Possibly Lepiota rachodes. Don’t take a chance w/mushroom, especially death caps. Supervise your dog. If you spot death caps, you might discretely bag them up & securely dump them to prevent other dogs/people from eating them. Since I currently have a curious puppy who thinks everything is to be sampled, I’m bagging up all the mushrooms I find in my yard mainly to prevent potential digestive upsets

Hemlock in Our San Francisco Parks

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

San Francisco Dog Walker Hemlock 2       San Francisco Dog Walker- HemlockSan Francisco Dog Walker- Hemlock 3

Maybe you have seen this plant at a San Francisco dog park? . . . I took these pictures at Stern Grove.

I was told by a former San Francisco city parks gardener that this plant is called Hemlock and is very poisonous to dogs!

What makes it particularly troubling is that is grows in abundance and it grows next to that tasty grass your dog loves.

If you see this plant, keep your dog away!

Researchers Say You Can Give Your Dog The Flu

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

Scientists claim that we can now give our pets the flu virus and that some people’s pets have died as a result. It worries researchers because it means that there is a possibility of transmitting diseases to animals, which opens a new can or worms in terms of mutations, new viral forms and evolving diseases.  Oregon State University recently reported this information and recommends that if you have the flu or a cold, to try to stay away from your pets as much as possible, while you are contagious.

Tales From a SF Dog Walker- Dirty Puddles and Dead Seals

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Tips from a SF Dog Walker

Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

I came upon a Dog Walker in McLaren Park while he was on his cell phone discussing an issue with one of his clients. As he was preoccupied and had his back to his pack of dogs, he didn’t notice that one of the dogs was drinking from a muddy puddle of water. As a fellow SF Dog Walker, I thought I would help him out by shooing the dog away from it. When he got off the phone, he said that I need not bother doing this in the future; that he lets his dogs drink from puddles and has been doing so for over 10 years and nothing has happened yet. He then reminded me of the time that I informed him that one of his dogs was eating a dead seal on the beach. He informed me that the dog had been eating dead sea lions on the beach for years and nothing had happened yet.

As a SF Dog Walker, I know from research that puddles in San Francisco Parks are often sources of drinking water for racoons, rats and other wildlife and can cause a dog to develop bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, by infecting the dog with Giardia, a water borne disease. Additionally, if a dog is eating dead or coming into contact with dying seals on the beach, they are potentially being exposed to Leptospirosis – a serious and deadly situation.

These two diseases are currently very active in San Francisco and both are contagious to dogs and humans and can be passed from dog to human. What this means to the average San Franciscan is that the family dog may be exposing your family to very serious illnesses if they are regularly drinking from muddy puddles in the parks or eating dead or dying seals on the beach.

Highly Recommended Activity – Puppy Socials

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

Why should my puppy attend a Social?

Puppy Socials are hour-long play sessions where puppies get to play off-leash in a supervised setting. Puppies who get to play with lots of different puppies during their early months learn how to communicate better with other dogs, learn confidence around other dogs, and are much more well-adjusted as adults.
Just playing with other dogs in your house or the neighbor’s dog isn’t enough – they need to learn to be comfortable around unfamiliar dogs too.  Dogs have different communication styles and the more dog language your puppy understands the less likely there is to be a misunderstanding between dogs. Supervision is important when puppies play too. Shy puppies can get bullied and become fearful.

Also, at this young age a puppy is learning how to use their teeth.  We want them to learn how to inhibit their bites so that their teeth don’t damage other dogs or people when they’re adults.  Simply telling them “NO” when they bite won’t teach them anything about jaw pressure.

Who is eligible to attend Puppy Socials?

Puppy Socials are for puppies aged 8 weeks to 6 months.  Check the Internet to find one that fits your needs.

Anxious Dog?

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

dog-separation-anxiety

I have heard about using Benadryl to calm an anxious dog down, but now there is new evidence that Melatonin might work better in some dogs.  Dog owners who are interested in a natural treatment for behavioral problems should ask their veterinarian about melatonin for dogs. Melatonin is a neurohormone, and it can be used as a sedative. There is no specific formulation of melatonin for dogs. It’s manufactured in human formulation, and the FDA has not actually approved its use in dogs. Veterinarians often prescribe it for a number of different treatments in dogs. Melatonin does not require a prescription. The human formulation is sold under the brand name Melatonex®, and it can be found in generic form simply labeled as melatonin.

Many owners have successfully used melatonin for dogs that are anxious or display other behavior problems. It can help calm a dog that becomes frightened at loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or other sounds. The medication is often prescribed for canines that suffer from separation anxiety, such as when their owner leaves the house to go to work. Some dogs become overly excited at night and begin pacing or otherwise become a nuisance while the household is trying to sleep. Melatonin often works to calm a dog down enough so that it can rest.

Dog’s Left Home Alone

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

Avoid the routine of crating your dog all day.

This can lead to future behavior problems.

The crate is a safe place for the dog to rest, but it doesn’t teach the dog good habits.

Use a crate wisely.

Don’t overuse it.

How Old is Your Dog, Really?

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

 

Do you multiply your dog’s age by 7 to find out how old they are in human years?

No, that’s the wrong way to find out, according to the following websites.

The important factors are the dog’s size, its age, and breed.
The websites below will help you to determine your dog’s real age.

 

http://www.pedigree.com/All-Things-Dog/Dog-Age-Calculator/Default.aspx
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/how-to-calculate-your-dogs-age?ecd=wnl_dog_080311

Alternative To Surgery for Joint Injuries

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

imagesThere is a new alternative to surgery for joint injuries such as ACL tears in the knee, dysplasia and arthritis.  Prolotherapy is an injection technique that stimulates growth of cells and tissue that stabilize and strengthen weakened joints, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.  The injected stimulates the tissue to heal and regrow new tissue.  Go to www.getprolo.com for more information.

 

 

Knowing DNA can be Beneficial

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

Parent-DNA-CartoonDNA technology has become an extremely important tool for veterinarians in keeping your pet healthy. Many diseases are related to a dog’s genetic make-up. Knowing your mix’s genetic predisposition can help your vet anticipate problems, such as hip dysplasia, so they can provide early diagnosis or preventive care. Knowing the DNA can also help the vet when prescribing medications. Some breeds are allergic to common medications and so this knowledge can help your vet avoid any mishaps.

Leptospirosis has been linked to dead seals, but now it’s in the parks too!

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Biologist Therapy for DogsPosted by the San Francisco Dog Walker

Five documented cases of Leptospirosis in the past two months!  Don’t let your pets near muddy puddles in the parks or dead seals on the beaches!  Leptospirosis is rarely seen in San Francisco’s dog population, but this year, it’s rampant.

This potentially fatal bacteria is spread through the urine of infected animals, particularly wildlife like raccoons, skunks and coyotes.  If excreted in standing water, it can live for weeks if not months, infecting dogs and other animals tramping through or drinking from puddles.  This year’s marked increase in leptospirosis cases is likely due to the mud and puddles left by the rains.

When the disease is caught in time, most studies show a 75 percent survival rate. Unfortunately, the initial symptoms can be hard to recognize. Symptoms are often non-specific and variable, and can include lethargy, decreased appetite, increased drinking and/or urination, vomiting or diarrhea.

Leptospirosis is preventable: the canine DHLPP vaccine protects against the bacteria, as well as against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Though the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, it is a dog’s best defense.

If your dog seems to be under the weather, “it is important to bring up to your veterinarian that your dog is out at the park or swims a lot, as these lifestyle components increase exposure to leptospirosis.

The DHLPP vaccination is available at any veterinary office.

It is a Miracle! Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation

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Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

One of my clients has a 14 year old lab mix dog and the dog’s health has been spiraling downhill for the past year. One day when she was out for a walk, she fell and wound up with a dislocated disc in her back. After that, she could no longer stand, nor walk and even getting outside to go potty was becoming a real struggle.  The owner was ready to put the dog down when I suggested that they try something called VOM.

Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation is a healing technology that locates areas of the animals nervous system that has fallen out of communication, and re-establishes neuronal communication and thus induces healing.  VOM is singularly the most simple, effective and safe healing modality in veterinary care to date.  VOM exists in a gray area between both professions (Veterinary and Chiropractic) and benefits from the positive aspects of both, a hybrid, and thus more effective than either by themselves.  VOM is not animal chiropractic care.  You may see a response while your pet is on the examination table.  It can be that fast. An experienced Vet may have treated cases who haven’t walked for weeks, given up for dead, with one adjustment thrust and pet stands and walks about the exam room!

VOM is performed by Michael Schneider, who is also a human chiropractor in San Francisco. For a relatively small sum of money, he will come to your house and do a series of procedures on your dog, if you are unable to go to him.  My client’s dog is not only standing, but she is running around and not falling down! She is back on her daily walks and is happy and feeling good.  Find out more about Michael Schneider and VOM go to www.michaelschneiderdc.com or call him directly at 415-292-7878.  This is completely awesome!

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