23.9.24

Halfway House Dogs

Meet the Halfway House Dogs: Lucky, Bryan, and Kobi

Three dogs were abandoned at a halfway house by the same man over time. While a kind pastor took them in, they haven’t received the care they need. A caring volunteer reached out to HOPE Dog Rescue, and we’re stepping in to help turn their lives around.


Lucky (Shih Tzu)

At just two years old, Lucky has suffered from malnourishment leading to dental issues. Despite his struggles, he is a fighter. He recently had a full check-up, costing $600. Though we haven’t fully raised the funds, we’re committed to his recovery. Lucky will undergo dental work and sterilization soon and will be ready for adoption once he’s healed.

Bryan (Chihuahua Mix)  

Bryan, estimated to be three years old, is in poor condition. He has serious skin issues that make him scratch constantly and his eyes show signs of severe pain. Next week, we’ll take him to the vet for treatment, blood tests, and check-ups. Once his condition improves, Bryan will also receive dental work and sterilization.

Kobi (Chihuahua Mix)  

Kobi is estimated to be five years old. Like Bryan, he has been patiently waiting his turn for vet care due to limited funds. We are determined to help him as soon as possible.

Your support can change their lives. With your help, we’re one step closer to giving these dogs the care they desperately need and the chance for a loving home.


14.8.24

Please help SYDNIE

 




This poor little soul was found sitting by the roadside curb and according to eyewitnesses, she had been there all day. A kind lady took her home in the evening and eventually handed the dog to us. We immediately took her to the vet.

 
After a series of blood tests, we found out that she has hypoglycemia and is anemic - which probably explains why she had sat by the kerb all day - she was too weak to move! Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. She must be hungry - poor little soul.
 
Apart from this, she has a host of issues - extremely dry eyes that have caused her eyes to become bloodshot, rotten teeth, gingivitis that make her gums extremely red and sore, severe skin and ear infection that looks untreated for a long time, and a lump on the right side of her neck.

Her vitals are normal. She is stable and safe now.
 
Apart from bloodwork and a spinal xray for her, on the cards is also a cardiac and abdomen ultrasound as well as a much needed dental scaling. Her poor dental health is one reason her bloods is showing chronic infection.
 
And like most of our rescues, despite being in a bad state, she is still the sweetest. (Because of her recent experience, she is slightly anxious and clingy and we can understand why she feels that way ☹️.)

We hope time will heal her and she will be able to eventually love and smile again.
We have named her Sydnie.
 
Based on the horrible state that she was found in, the vets estimated her to be about 8 to 10 years old. We know that many of our supporters will band together to help this sweet little doggy and help her feel better and loved again.
 
To help with Sydnie's vet bills, email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg, or just drop us a private message.
 
*The case has been reported to the authorities. We are not in a position to comment on the circumstances that she was in.

4.7.24

Reverse Sneezing

 As a pawrent, you might have heard strange noises like your dog inhaling sneezes into its nose. These episodes can be scary because your dog might look like it's struggling to breathe.

If you've witnessed this with your dog, the first thing to know is that this isn't coughing; it is reverse sneezing, and it's more common than you think. Most of the time, it's completely normal, but some factors can trigger this issue in dogs. There are also ways to treat and prevent it.

Reverse sneezing in dogs is a common and usually harmless reflex action that helps clear the nasal passages.

It is important to differentiate between reverse sneezing and coughing, as coughing can indicate underlying health issues.

If reverse sneezing persists or the dog shows signs of distress, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Normally, a dog pushes air out of its nose if there is an irritant, but it's the opposite in reverse sneezing. Here, the dog rapidly and intensely inhales air, which results in it producing a cough-like sound. 

Why Do Dogs Reverse Sneeze?

Dogs may reverse sneeze due to various reasons. Reverse sneezing is a reflex action that helps clear the nasal passages of irritants or mucus. Excitement, allergies, respiratory infections, post-nasal drip, or nasal irritants can trigger it. During a reverse sneeze, dogs rapidly inhale air, producing a snorting or honking sound.

While it may appear alarming, reverse sneezing is usually harmless and self-resolves. However, if your dog experiences frequent or prolonged episodes, it's advisable to consult with a veterinarian for a proper evaluation and to rule out any underlying respiratory issues.

Causes of Reverse Sneezing in Dogs

1. Allergies or irritants

Most dogs reverse sneeze when the areas around the nose, back of the throat, or sinuses are irritated. Irritants include smoke, pollen, grasses, seeds, or certain odors. Dogs with seasonal allergies are more prone to sneezing.

2. Presence of bugs or parasites

Sometimes, the irritants in your dog's nose are alive and moving! Worms, worm larvae, and nasal mites that enter the dog's nasal cavity can cause dogs to reverse sneeze. If you have more than one dog in the house and they start to do this one after the other, parasitic infestation might be the underlying cause.

3. Nasal inflammation or infections

Dogs can develop rhinitis or sinusitis. When this happens, mucus may start developing, and as a natural response, dogs reverse sneeze to clear their nasal passages.

4. Trauma

Injuries to the nose can also cause repeated episodes of reverse sneezing. One veterinary case report describes a dog who caught a stick in its mouth while playing, and the stick pushed a hole in the dog's soft palate from the mouth to the nose. This accident caused injury to the dog's nasal lining, and the dog tended to reverse sneeze, which lasted even after the wound was healed.

5. Excitement or exercise

Dogs can reverse sneeze when excited or happy, often after playing or exercising. For example, dogs may do this when they welcome their family back home.

6. Structural abnormalities

Some breeds of dogs are more prone to reverse sneezing than others. Dogs like pugs and bulldogs are known to have elongated soft palates, which extra length can obstruct adequate airflow.

Breeds like chihuahuas are more susceptible to respiratory disorders compared to other breeds. They can be prone to tracheal collapse, where the windpipe is weak and can fold in on itself. This can then manifest as coughing or reverse sneezing.

7. Other conditions

Reverse sneezing can be a symptom of other problems with the respiratory tract, like polyps, nasal tumors, or other respiratory illnesses.

Symptoms of Canines Reverse Sneezing

Dog reverse sneezing can be mistaken for coughing. To help you identify it, here is a video of a classic dog episode. You can also watch out for these signs:

Dog breathing heavily through the nose. You may notice abnormal breathing patterns in your dog. This involves deep breaths that are coming from the mouth.

Honking or snorting noise. When dogs forcefully pull the air through their nose, you hear a loud snorting sound.

Rapid, noisy breathing. You will notice rapid breathing patterns accompanied by noise.

Head and neck extended forward. When reverse sneezing, dogs tend to stiffen while extending their neck and head forward.

Eyes are bulging or watering. Excessive sneezing can make the dog's eyes bulge and water. Irritants can contribute to this symptom.

Treatment for a Reverse Sneezing Episode in Dogs

Most dogs experiencing reverse sneezing do not need medical treatment. Here are a few treatments you can do at home to make your dog feel comfortable and the options your vet might suggest if the episodes persist.

1. Gently massaging the dog's throat

Lightly massaging your dog's neck. This treatment can calm your pet down. Talk to your dog softly while doing the massages. This can be very effective, especially if the cause is due to excitement.

2. Covering the dog's nostrils

Cover your dog's nostrils for a brief moment. Holding the dog's nostrils closed briefly and gently petting its throat will help it swallow and clear its nose of any irritation, thereby stopping the spasm.

3. Offering water or food

Water can clear any irritants that are causing the reverse sneezing. Food also diverts the dog's focus and stops the spasm.

4. Using medication

Dogs can become exhausted from reverse sneezing for a long time. In that case, vets may prescribe antihistamines if they determine that the cause is an extreme allergic reaction. They may also prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation.

5. Surgical procedure

Surgical procedures may be needed in severe and frequent reverse sneezing episodes. Soft palate resection is done on dogs with excess tissue in the soft palate area to allow better airflow.

How to Prevent Dogs From Reverse Sneezing

Reverse sneezing is generally harmless, but it can be very uncomfortable for your pet and distressing for you as a pet parent. Here are some ways to prevent dogs from reverse sneezing.

1. Keep the dog's environment clean. Ensure the surroundings are clean to prevent any infestation of parasites like worms, nasal mites, and bugs. Ensure the dog is also free from fleas, ticks, and other parasites.

2. Minimize exposure to irritants. Pet parents should be mindful if certain plants cause allergic reactions in their pets. Avoid using substances with a strong scent, such as cleaning products at home, particularly in the areas where your dog spends the most time.

3. Avoid sudden changes in activity level. This can make dogs overexcited and can trigger a reverse sneezing episode.

•4. Regular checkups with a veterinarian. Frequent monitoring by a trusted vet can check if these episodes are still normal or if they are clinical signs of a more serious condition.

25.4.24

Lost & Neglected, Mr White finally gets the medical help he needs

Another neglected dog.

We were alerted to a seemingly lost dog found wandering the streets 3 weeks ago. The dog was in a severely neglected state. He was unkempt, smelly, with very bad skin and overgrown nails. We have since reported the case to AVS and cannot comment while the case is being investigated. We have taken to calling him Mr White while he is in our care.



Even though Mr White might have belonged to someone, our first course of action was to take him to the vet and get him the medical help he obviously needed as we could not leave him in such a bad state. His skin, which was extremely bad, had yeast and bacterial infections, and he also tested positive for ringworms. His ears were also infected and filled with pus. He dribbled pee, likely from prostate nodules which were found during the ultrasound. The nodules could be from previous chronic prostatitis, or from being neutered late. They could also be contributing to a secondary UTI as a urinalysis also showed bacteria in his pee. The ultrasound also showed 2 nodules on his spleen, and some kidney stones. He had badly rotted teeth and 23 teeth were extracted. Those that were left were starting to have root exposure and were very embedded in the jaw. They could not be extracted as there was a risk of fracturing the jaw. X-rays taken of his spine showed narrowing of the thoraco-lumbar intervertebral spaces indicating spinal disease which can only be monitored for now. 

We have spent $5k+ on his vet bills so far. If you can help contribute to Mr White's vet bills, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg

21.4.24

Little Richie (owner surrender)

Yet another old dog unwanted and a long suffering one.



The owner didnt want her old dog anymore and asked us to take him away. She had no harness, collar or leash for him, as she had given it away long ago. He hasn’t gone out of the house for years, and hardly goes to the vet. In fact, its been so long, the owner couldn’t even remember the name of the vet clinic. He also hasn’t been showered for eons, and not groomed – his nails were so long, it curled almost full circle and the gunk in his ears literally overflowed from his ear canal.
 
Hardened by more than a decade of rescuing, I have become quite immune to how wicked some humans can be, although I often wonder how they can look at their dogs in that sad, neglected state day in day out and not feel anything for the poor dog. Have they forgotten the cute puppy they bought years ago, the puppy that brought so much joy to their lives? It’s been years since I’ve shed tears with the rescues but today, the volunteers and I were teary eyed when the small, old dog was given to us in a bag; double bag, just in case.
 
First thing that hit us was the smell – yeasty smelling. His fur was so long, we couldn’t see his eyes but when he lifted his fringe, his eyes were sunken! It is most likely that he is deaf and blind. His nails were so long, it must have hurt him terribly to even walk. One cant begin to imagine how long he has been suffering to reach this state of neglect.
 
We rushed him to the vet.

Estimated to be 13 to 14 years old, he is anaemic, some suspicious skin growths, nasal congestion and has difficulty breathing. He is presently on the nebulizer.
We hope he pulls through and be able to live some happy moments with us.

Here’s a summarized list of Richie’s health issues: 

Corneal ulcers in both eyes, he is most likely blind
Severe skin and ear issues, including a bad ear infection
Pending ringworm test
Anemic with mild inflammation
Enlarged internal lymph nodes
Suspicious lesion on chest requiring monitoring
Nasal congestion
Heart murmur detected, requiring scheduling for heart and abdominal ultrasound
temperature slightly high (39.3°C)
Severe disc disease between L3 - L4 of spine
Both lower ribs are floating and in abnormal position - vet reckons he may have been born this way 
        *        severe dental disease with receding gums 
Enlarged heart, recommending an echo ultrasound


If you would like to help save Little Richie, please email hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg or drop us a private message.
Thank you.




14.3.24

The Cemetery Dogs

Mumtaz, a Muslim lady, approached us recently regarding her dedication to feeding stray dogs at a Chinese cemetery. Her commitment to caring for these dogs is truly inspiring. She has been feeding them every night, rain or shine, even during the month of Ramadan since 2009. Mumtaz's compassion extends to breaking her fasts with the dogs, highlighting her selflessness and devotion.

Despite us facing financial constraints with our outstanding vet bills, there was no way we could say no to her plea for help. 

Mumtaz was concerned about one particular dog, Cemetery Datuk (the brown dog), who was experiencing difficulty chewing and eating, prompting her to seek help. Concerned that there might be a dental issue or something stuck in his mouth, especially since they were strays and prone to ingesting various items, she reached out for assistance. Cemetery Datuk's companion, Cemetery Batman (black dog), was also suffering from severe itching, he couldn’t even eat without scratching.


Cemetery Datuk who lives in the Chinese cemetery
His best friend, Cemetery Batman
             


He had been clawing at the sides of his mouth and the feeder thought something was stuck in his mouth

Feeder was concerned he would get maggot wounds and so asked for help with medical treatment


Moved by Mumtaz's dedication, we agreed to assist both dogs. Trappers were enlisted by her to capture them, and they were taken to our regular vet. Upon examination, it was discovered that Cemetery Datuk had exposed root canals in all four of his canines, making chewing excruciatingly painful. The teeth were severely worn down, with nerves exposed, explaining his discomfort.


Trapped and taken to the vet


We opted to proceed with dental extractions for Cemetery Datuk, removing a total of three broken canines and six small bottom incisors. For Cemetery Batman, the vet diagnosed a yeast infection causing his skin issues and prescribed oral medications, which feeders could administer easily.

 Many of his teeth were worn down and the roots were exposed


Bad yeast infections on Batman

After their procedures, the dogs were returned to the cemetery, and Mumtaz and her feeder friend, Moothi, will monitor their recovery and feed medications. The total bill for their treatment amounted to $1900/-

Cemetery Datuk getting dental at the vet

They love their freedom and will be returned to the cemetery after discharge
                                             

We express our gratitude to Mumtaz and others like Moothi for their unwavering dedication and compassion towards these cemetery dogs. Their selfless acts deserve recognition and support.

To contribute towards covering the vet bills for these cemetery dogs, please consider reaching out to hopedogrescue@singnet.com.sg or sending us a private message. Together, let's stand behind their kindness and ensure these dogs receive the care they need and deserve.

10.3.24

The horrors of a breeding kennel

A few weeks ago, we went to a breeding kennel again to rescue 4 more dogs; two adults and two handicapped puppies with deformed back legs. 

Bred, used and discarded

It was a disturbing sight.

Hundreds of dogs were kept in small cages, stacked on top of one another, all for the sole purpose of breeding and making money from selling them. And this is just one breeder. Not forgetting, there are MANY breeders in Singapore. 



You cannot even begin to imagine what the dogs have gone through - poor ventilation, lack of proper nutrition, standing on metal grilles all their life, drinking from an algae filled rabbit bottle tied to the cage, never smelling fresh air, never even knowing what sunlight is, never ever seeing their puppies grow up because they were taken away as soon as they turned two months. Before you know it, the mother dog is put back into the cage at the far end of the kennels, waiting for her next heat to mate and make money again. 


Dirty, matted, hip dysplasia 


If you think about it, might well be possible that father is mated with daughter, brother is bred with sister. The thought makes us sick. In humans, it would be called incest. Dogs are no lesser beings than us and definitely more magnanimous than humans. Despite their neglect and sorry life, they still love and trust humans, and are absolutely the sweetest souls, ever so grateful to you for saving them from a life of hell. 



Badly decayed & rotten teeth at just 4 years old 


Badly decayed & rotten teeth at just 4 years old 


Many of these breeding dogs that we rescued, at a young age of 3 or 4, have rotten teeth, receding gums and often require a full mouth extraction. This stems from poor nutrition. Some also have fractured ribs on xray, possibly due to lack of calcium from constantly giving birth. Imagine! How healthy can the puppies be? Yet, suckers continue to buy because puppies are cute. You can imagine our concern if an inexperienced or unprepared owner buys the dog home only to discover these issues. 


Spinal issues / pain from years of standing in a small cage on metal grills


Apart from their physical and emotional abuse, these dogs suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some take years to overcome, such as fear of walking on leash, or fear of showering because they were jetted with water when workers washed their cages. Some are so fearful to make eye contact because they have not been socialized.

The two handicapped puppies that we took out, are a mere 3 months old, with back legs so deformed, they look like mermaids. What would have happened if we hadn't taken them out? Kept for breeding? Produce more handicapped puppies? Or sold at a low price to an unwitting buyer. We shudder to think.

So, don't call yourself a dog lover if you know what goes on behind closed doors, and yet buy a puppy.


Paris, an ex=breeding dog, on the day of her rescue 


By the way, a registered breeder does not equate to being humane or ethical in our view. In the first place, we question the morality of keeping dogs in cages and forcing them to reproduce.

About tightening breeding rules; we all know enforcing rules is the biggest challenge. Behind closed doors lie the possibility of terror and the unknown.  Our next question: how many inspectors are out there to ensure the breeding dogs and puppies needs are met adequately, that pups are given vet checks when they look ill, and in-breeding is not carried out? We have vaccination cards of these ex-breeding dogs, the stated breed was incorrect and even the birthdate was questionable. 


Badly matted fur and skin problems


Our other concern - what is going to happen to the many many breeding animals who have to be retired by the age of 6 years old, and the specifically bred pets who can't be sold? Remember, the breeding farms are businesses prioritizing money over welfare, so space, time and costs are a prime concern. Unsold dogs become a liabilty. 

Puppy mills are legal. They are allowed. But, that does not make it right.

Which brings us to our next point. 

With the rising number of animal abuse cases, why is there still no tightening of the laws on abuse, neglect and abandonment? A person who is fined and jailed for abusing an animal can serve his sentence, go out and buy a dog, and abuse again? 


The left front paw and hind legs are deformed, from poor breeding.

Not only are our animal welfare laws lax, it is also upsetting that our regulator is slow to take enforcement action. Small animal welfare groups like us end up saving these grossly neglected dogs like Caitlyn  and Archie, spending thousands on their medical treatments when perhaps their sufferings could have been avoided if stricter laws were in place. 


Too fearful to even make eye contact


And increasingly, it seems to be the case of people no longer willing to take care of their pets when they reach advanced age, neglecting them, or surrendering them to a shelter and taking the easy way out because it is cheaper to buy a puppy than to pay vet bills for an older dog. 


Dirty. Smelly. Fearful. Neglected.


Just look at our rescue stories over the past 2 years.

So, on the upstream, we have breeders churning out puppies, and downstream, enforcement officers and animal groups like us have to deal with the aftermath.

Current efforts are not good enough.