October 14, 2025 • 28 mins
On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show, Harriet is joined by Seeing Eye Dogs Dog Wellbeing and Adoptions Manager Kat Kakafikas. We're going to talk about the process for adopting a released dog, and how Seeing Eye Dogs works to match our career-changed dogs to the right forever family from writing an adoption profile for the dog, shortlisting candidates and adoptions meetings.
If you'd like to find out more about released dog adoptions or find the dogs up for adoptions currently, head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/about-our-dogs/released-dogs/adopt
If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
S1 (00:19):
On Vision Australia Radio. You're listening to the Seeing Eye
dog show with me, your host, Harry Moffat. Today I
have two little interviews. The first is with Cat Vision Australia.
Seeing Eye Dogs, Dog Wellbeing and Adoptions manager, and the
second is with Doctor Ash Mooney from the Seeing Eye
Dogs vet team sharing some of that tips. This is
(00:40):
a little section from our archive. We're talking about limbs
with Cat. We are talking about our adoptions program. So
what it means to adopt a dog and how we
find the best homes for our career changed. Seeing eye dogs,
those who don't quite make the grade. So without further ado,
let's hear from Cat about released seeing eye dog adoption.
S2 (01:06):
Hi Cat, thanks for joining me on the show today.
S3 (01:08):
Always happy to be here.
S2 (01:10):
Could you please start off by introducing yourself? What is
your role at seeing eye dogs?
S3 (01:14):
Absolutely. So I'm the dog well-being and adoption services manager
at Seeing Eye Dogs. So I look after the team
who work on site, who look after all the dogs.
So all the dogs in training and boarding. Um, yeah,
that's that's where I sit.
S2 (01:28):
And then through to, I guess, helping to rehome those
dogs on that adoptions team. So obviously some of our
seeing eye dogs go on to help people or go
to other organisations. But why might dogs come up for
public adoption that might end up in the website, or
adoption as a pet dog to a, you know, do
many of them go to puppy carers as well?
S3 (01:46):
Yeah. That's right. So I guess once the dogs have
been deemed not suitable to continue in the Seeing Eye
Dog program, we review um, that dog and see whether
there are any other opportunities for that dog to still
be functioning in a working capacity. So we'll look, we've
got partnerships with other agencies. Um, our dogs, I guess,
are raised as companions, and they have some really nice
(02:07):
qualities that lend to assistance dogs role. So many of
our dogs will go on to perform a therapeutic role
in like a PTSD kind of situation. Um, because, yeah,
they'll have really nice qualities that maybe aren't suitable for
guide work, but are quite suitable for somebody who's sighted
that has other, other, um, needs. I guess that that
would benefit from that dog. Um, and then if that's
(02:30):
not an option for that dog, whether there's qualities there
that aren't quite suitable for that role, um, then we
will contact the puppy carer, and the puppy carer will
get the first option to adopt that dog. Some do,
some don't for various reasons. Um, and the ones that don't,
then those ones we work with, the carer, the trainer, um,
to find out all the information we can about that
dog so that we can advertise them on the website
(02:52):
and find them the right home.
S2 (02:54):
So how do people find out about the dogs that
we have currently for adoption?
S3 (02:59):
Uh, there is a link on our website that lists
all of the dogs that are up for adoption. Um,
and on there you'll find like a little bio about
each dog. So it'll have, uh, sometimes it'll touch on
kind of the reasons why the dog might have not
been suitable for our program. Um, it'll have information in
there about the kind of home that the dog is, um,
has experienced before. And then information about what kind of
(03:21):
home we're looking for that would be best suit the
needs of that dog. Um, and then there'll be the
the adoption fee, um, will be listed on there as well.
And a little picture of the dog, too.
S2 (03:30):
So what is the process to adopt one of the
dogs that you might find on the website?
S3 (03:34):
Yeah. Um, so once people have had a read through
all the bios of the dogs that are available, there's
a link on the bottom to register your interest for
that dog. What that does is it prompts you to
answer a questionnaire. Um, so the information we're looking for
on there will be information around your home and lifestyle,
your routine. Um, there's I think a section on there
(03:56):
around kind of what are your expectations, um, of a,
a seeing eye dog, um, and such like that. So they'll,
there'll be plenty of opportunity there to elaborate on kind
of what kind of dog you're interested in. Um, what
we're looking for from the adoptions team's perspective is whatever
we think is going to be a good match in
terms of what the dog's requirements are. So if somebody
(04:16):
references that in their application, that's always fantastic. It gives
us a really good insight into how that dog would
then fit into that lifestyle.
S2 (04:24):
So how might someone use that ad that's on the
website to work out if the dog is right for them?
S3 (04:30):
Yes. So the advert should be relatively individualized to the dog.
So it should potentially kind of describe the kind of
home that that dog would be best suited to. Um,
and there'd be information around where the dog came from
and what, um, requirements that dog, whether they might be
temperament based requirements or whether they are medical support. So
(04:52):
if the dog's been released for a health reason, that
information will be on there as well. So I guess
it really depends on what you're looking for. There's a
wide variety of dogs available. Um, they are all raised
in really similar way in that they are all really
well socialized dogs. They have all gone through the same process. Um,
but obviously temperament is all, you know, very individualized. So
(05:13):
there'll be information around the dogs kind of personality that
will be up there as well. So really there's a
dog for everyone. It just depends on what you're after.
You're after a really active dog that's going to go
jogging with you and play agility, or you're after a
couch potato that's going to sit there and want snuggles.
We've got all of those kinds of dogs. Um, you know,
some are going to require a lot more support in
terms of training, but some people love that. They want,
(05:34):
you know, to grow with the dog and learn with
the dog and get the best out of that dog.
Other people want a really easy dog that's just going to,
you know, exist around the house and follow them around
like a little shadow. Um, but yeah, there are very
different dogs, which is great because, you know, there's very
different applicants out there as well.
S2 (05:49):
And I guess kind of what from what you said
as well about the fact that they all have that
same lifestyle and keeping in mind the I think I
feel like one of the things that I see in
most of the adverts is the, you know, most of
the dogs won't be that good to be left alone
from kind of day, you know, day one is that
do you think that's kind of quite a valid thing
for people to consider is in that, you know, that
(06:09):
lifestyle that I was growing up in? It's not going
to be sure.
S3 (06:13):
And I think that's the biggest expectation, um, that we
manage the adoptions team in terms of setting people up
really well. Um, so our dogs are raised, you know,
with that view that they're going to be someone's support
and they're never going to be on their own. So
they're raised that way. Our carers, um, don't leave their
dogs for more than 2 to 3 hours alone. Um,
(06:34):
so they're just not used to it. And if it
is something that you're expecting your dog to do, it's
something that some dogs might learn to be able to
cope with quite well. Others not at all. And you'll
find those kinds of dogs, it'll be pretty clear in
the in the advert, whether those are the kinds of
dogs that are going to suit that or not. Um,
but yeah, some very, very much can like the dog
that I've adopted. He's he's really versatile like that. He's
(06:56):
more than happy to be at your shadow all the time,
and he's quite happy to sit at home and wait
for you as well. So he's, um, it really depends
on the dog. Um, but yeah, for the most part,
our dogs really, really just want to be with their companion.
S2 (07:09):
And I guess as well. I just as a side note,
the dog that my mum adopted, um, likes to be
by your side. And sometimes I think my mum finds
that a little bit on the frustrating side because she's like,
just leave me alone. But you can also kind of
look at, I guess, some of the training, training things
on some of those things, because a dog might make
a choice on what they prefer, but it's not like
(07:30):
a be all and end all thing. Like you can
use tethers and crates and you can use tools. Yeah. Yeah.
And I just think that's I just think that's a
kind of funny side. It's like some of them are like, oh,
this is what I prefer. And it's not necessarily like
this needs to be the way if you give them
no guidance, they're going to do something that might not
be what you want.
S3 (07:48):
I think I think that's that's right. We're kind of
handing over a dog that's had a whole history. So
it's developed its own routines and its own preferences. But
when you're adopting a puppy, you get to mould that
puppy into into your life. There is a little bit
of that as well with these dogs. They do, in
time adapt to your routines and your life, and then
(08:09):
they become, you know, they kind of weave themselves into
your life. But that does take time. And I think
that's another expectation that we need to manage as well,
is that people really need to see these dogs, as
it's going to take a good three months for them
to really integrate into your world and for their true
colors to start to show. Before that, it's all just adjustment.
S2 (08:27):
Yeah, and it's not necessarily the kind of simple, easy
process of they come home and it's like, you know,
I guess adopting any dog or welcoming any family member
is a is an adjustment.
S3 (08:38):
Exactly right. You're a complete stranger to this dog. You're
just another carer looking after this dog until until all
of a sudden they've been there long enough to realize, no, no,
this is home now. Yeah. Um, so that's a big
adjustment for the dog, too. So I think just keeping
those expectations quite low for those first few months is
really important. Um, otherwise you're just going to find yourself disappointed, um,
and unnecessarily so, because you haven't given that time frame
(09:01):
for the dog to really kind of shine. Um.
S2 (09:04):
So you've said that I guess you've got that, you know,
listing in that adoption profile for the dog. And then
the people that are interested in those particular dogs will
put in that application. Um, I wanted to ask, I
guess kind of what happens next in terms of like,
you know, I guess you match them up for the best.
Is there a chance that sometimes the application, like the
(09:26):
volumes of applicants, are just really high? So it might
not be that you get that first one?
S3 (09:31):
Yeah, absolutely. Um, so again, depends on the kinds of
dogs people are looking for. Obviously there's going to be
ones that are really popular because they read really well
and really easy. Um, and also like those adorable faces
that's going to be ones that just trap you and
people get. And people do get really emotionally invested in
the dogs that they apply for as well. So it's
managing that as well that sometimes there can be a wait. Um,
(09:53):
we have some applicants that we know now, like we know, oh,
this person has applied for 6 or 7 dogs. So
we know kind of what they're really looking for. Um,
and our priority obviously will be always first the dog
so that we're finding the right home for that dog. Um,
but then secondly, we want to try and help the
people who have been applying for some time as well. Um,
(10:13):
so you might luck out and you might get a
first time applicant matched to a dog because they're just
the right person for that dog, and that dog needs
that particular environment to really thrive. Otherwise, um, yeah, we
do try and look after people who have been applying
for a few times as well. So they're kind of
on our radar in the background there while we're making
those decisions. Um, but yeah, it really varies.
S2 (10:35):
Um.
S3 (10:35):
No guarantees.
S2 (10:36):
Yeah. And then when that person and the dog are
kind of matched, how does the meeting work?
S3 (10:41):
Yeah. So we have a team of, um, our dog
care staff here who are part of our adoptions team. Um, collectively,
they have so much experience fielding these, um, these adoption meetings.
What that entails is inviting the person who's applied for
the dog to come to Seeing-eye Dogs headquarters for us
to have an adoption meeting with them, so that we
ask for any dependent household members to be there as well.
(11:04):
So any kids, we really need to see how they
go with the dog, and also any pet dogs that
they have also need to attend the adoption meeting too.
That's really important. Um, because we need to make sure
that it's safe for our dog to, to, um, be
matched in with that dog. So our staff, that's such
a big part of what we do here is, is
matching our dogs to make sure that they are with
(11:25):
compatible dogs. Um, so we need to be able to
see that, to confidently know that we're putting that dog
in an environment that's best for that dog.
S2 (11:32):
So why might certain dogs have particular requirements, such as,
for example, you know, no kids or needing a dog
friend or any particular kind of environmental home, um, traits?
S3 (11:44):
Yeah. So again, it depends entirely on the, um, the
temperament of the dog that we're dealing with. So some
of those dogs that come through might, you know, just
be really big silly dogs. They're, they're Labradors and golden
retrievers and they're young. Um, so they, they are sometimes
really quite unaware of their size, and they can be
quite excitable. Um, so those dogs that are a little
bit more excitable, energetic, um, or larger, we tend to, um,
(12:07):
specify in our adverts that, you know, older children or
children who are more confident around dogs is going to
be best for that dog. Um, not that there's any,
you know, reason why that they would ever want to
harm a child. It's just that their size can sometimes
be a little silly, or that they are a little
bit more activated than some of our other dogs that
are a bit more docile and slower.
S2 (12:26):
I mean, I know that, yeah. My last one, um,
when she got overexcited, would kind of gently mouth. Yes.
Which would be not helpful for, for some children would
find that very worrying.
S3 (12:38):
Yeah, exactly. So those, those particular matches we need to
be really careful with to make sure that the expectations
are all met and that everyone is kind of set
up for the, for the right dog. Yeah.
S2 (12:48):
So what sort of information or support will owners get
to help the dogs through the transition?
S3 (12:55):
Yeah. So once we we do the adoption meeting on site,
as I mentioned. And that's quite a thorough meeting. So
it lasts kind of anywhere from an hour to two hours. Um,
so what happens there is we'll get some really good
insight into what kind of home and what kind of
match this is. Um, and from there, if the match
is successful, um, we obviously transfer all the ownership over
(13:17):
to the new family. They are able to take the
dog on the day. Or are they able to have
a whole week if they need a week to set
up their homes or, or, you know, change rosters at work,
those kinds of things. Some people like to have that,
that period to, to adjust and settle the dog in. Um,
so once that happens, they then get invited to an
on site, um, support, I guess, training session. We call
(13:40):
it our building connections session, and it's run by one
of our team here. And what that does is, um,
it brings back a whole bunch of dogs, um, at
the same time, who are adopted around a similar time,
and we find out kind of what behaviors it is
that they're managing or that they're wanting some more guidance on. Um,
often it'll be things around like loose leash walking, recall, um,
(14:00):
dog distraction, that kind of stuff are the big ones. Um,
so we'll have a bit of an insight as to
what it is they're needing. They'll come back on site
and they'll meet with us, and they'll do another hour
with one of our staff here, and we will work
with them through some of those tricky behaviors that they've
been managing. And a lot of those will be transitional stuff. Um,
and some of that will be really easy, quick fixes.
(14:21):
And it really empowers new owners to feel like they've
got a better connection with their dog. So it really
focuses on the bond and making sure that they're speaking
the same language. Um, because, you know, that's all it is,
is just trying to figure out what it is that
your dog is showing so that you can know how
to adjust what you're doing, um, to help support them through.
We also, um, provide the adoptive families at the time
(14:41):
of adoption with a manual. Um, so it's an adoptions manual.
It's their Bible. Um, and what that has is a
whole bunch of information around dog ownership. Um, it has
lots of information around behavior, transitional behaviors, um, common health
concerns in Labradors and retrievers has information on veterinary emergency centers, um,
a whole bunch of stuff in there. So it's really
(15:02):
useful resource to have. Um, and we have also just
now launched our YouTube channel as well for post adoption support.
So once people come to along to our Building connection session,
we then provide them with that link. Um, it's a
work in progress. Obviously we are trying to add content
to that as we go. Um, but it has videos
on there, um, around, like setting up an ideal crate
(15:24):
for your for your dog. It has how to fit equipment.
It has um, lots of other training, kind of short
sharp training videos on there. So we'll keep adding content
to that, um, as we go. But that's going to
be a nice resource for owners to use as well.
S2 (15:39):
And it sounds like, you know, there's a lot of
kind of support going through it as well. And I
guess for people to kind of keep in mind, like,
you know, these dogs are still really young and, you know,
you have to work with them. So it sounds like
it's a really good support to help people work out
how they can get the best of that. Yeah. Foolish era.
S3 (15:57):
That's right. And I think that people coming back for
those building connection sessions as well, it they meet other
owners who are in exactly the same circumstance. So they've
they've just adopted a dog too. So they're going through
the same thing. So there's a little community there that
is built. Um, so I have no doubt that adoptive
owners have reached out to other owners, and there's a
little community out there of support for them, too. Um,
but yeah, that's kind of where we're at in terms
(16:19):
of our post adoption support. Um, and what we can
provide people, obviously people do sometimes contact us a few
years down the track needing kind of a bit of
support here and there, but we are limited in what
we can provide in terms of, you know, physically going
out there and giving ongoing support, um, especially when we
haven't had any influence over the dog for several years.
For example, if I have somebody come back a few
years later saying, hey, I've got this going on with
(16:41):
my dog, and we haven't seen that dog for three years.
It's really.
S2 (16:44):
Difficult.
S3 (16:45):
You know, really tangible, helpful support. Um, so we always
encourage new owners to find trainers in their local area
that use similar methodology to us. So positive reinforcement training, um,
so we can provide people with a list of, of
options that are suitable in their area as well.
S2 (17:02):
And just to finish off, is there anything else that
an owner or potential owner should consider about adopting a
career change dog?
S3 (17:09):
Yeah, I think the biggest one is just managing your
own expectations. These dogs are not working seeing eye dogs.
There's a reason these dogs didn't make it through the standards.
To become a seeing eye dog are really, really high.
They've got a very important role. Um, you know, they've
got lives in their hands. Um, so we need to
be really discerning around which dogs get through. Um, so
(17:30):
the ones that don't, obviously don't for a reason, some
of it might be, you know, for reasons that are
barely anything for a pet dog, or they might be
reasons that, oh, okay, I can see why this would
be not a suitable attribute for a seeing eye dog. Um,
so just making sure that, you know that you're not
adopting a completely trained, completely infallible dog. These dogs are
still learning. They're young, they're exuberant. Um, and they still
(17:53):
need support as well. So just making sure that you
come in with that right expectation from the get go. Yes,
they're well socialized dogs and they're bred really well. Um,
they're bred for purpose. Um, but they obviously are going
to have their own little quirks that need to be
worked with as well.
S2 (18:08):
And I guess kind of coming from somewhere where they
are given quite a lot of support and training suddenly
kind of if, if you're not, then maintaining that in
the ways that are recommended, that might make it a
bit harder to because they might go, ah, I don't
get very much for doing things that are, you know. Yeah, absolutely.
S3 (18:25):
Absolutely. It's a huge change for the dog as well,
that transition from having the support of a trainer, um,
of a foster carer who's got lots and lots of
skills they might have, you know, puppy raised 6 or
7 dogs prior to this dog. They're then going into
a home that may not have ever, ever owned a
pet before. Ever had a dog before. Um, so I
think just really that first, like I said, those first
(18:45):
three months are really important to just give yourself a
break and give the dog a break. Um, you're really
just kind of sussing each other out, working out each
other's routine. Um, the dog, you know, you're going to
see the dog pushing boundaries at certain points because they're
going to try and figure out what it is that they,
you know, what are the rules in this? And that's
that's normal. And, you know, it's so similar like with
raising children. Like you're going to get to a point
(19:08):
where your kid kind of figures out, wait a minute.
If I push here, what happens? You know, they're just
out there learning what it is they can and can't
get away with. Um, and it's really similar in these
dogs as well. You're going to see all of that. Um,
so just getting really, I guess, comfortable recognizing your what
your dog's telling you, you know, read your dog's body language,
read what it's doing. Um, because there's a lot of
(19:28):
insight there that I think people don't notice. Um, so
just kind of observe your dogs and see what they're
showing you and try and support them in the best
way you can, especially in those first few months.
S2 (19:39):
Food on food on walks is always good. And then, um,
maybe making sure you don't leave food on the counters yet.
S3 (19:45):
Oh, yeah, I've.
S2 (19:45):
Learned that.
S3 (19:46):
The hard way. Um, my dog, for example, we had
him for a year and he'd never done any counter
surfing ever. Um, and then one night he found food
up on the bench, and now we have to clear
the bench every night because he's had this one.
S2 (20:00):
One time.
S3 (20:01):
Where he hit the jackpot and he found this. So
now he will go there every night and he will check.
S2 (20:05):
Wow.
S3 (20:06):
So he's learned that. And he learned that after a year. Um,
but yeah, obviously not a big problem. It just means
we can't be messy. So it forces us to tidy up. Um, but, yeah,
that's something that kind of came out of nowhere, and
we're like, oh, now we need to adjust kind of
how we're doing because it's not the dog's fault I've
left food there. It's my fault. Um, yeah. So they
keep you on your toes.
S2 (20:27):
Um, at the end of the day, a Labrador is
still a Labrador.
S3 (20:30):
Yeah, exactly. Food is is life. So. Yeah.
S2 (20:35):
Well, thank you so much for sharing some of that
information and joining me on the show.
S3 (20:39):
Yeah, no problems at all. Thanks, Harriet.
S1 (20:46):
You've been listening to the Seeing Eye dog show on
Vision Australia Radio. I hope you enjoyed my interview with Kat.
Head to our website at. For more information on Release
Dog Adoption and to find some of our lovely dogs
who are looking for their forever homes now. Now, without
further ado, here is an interview from our archives with
Doctor Ash Mooney from our senior vet team talking about
(21:09):
limps in dogs.
S2 (21:10):
So something that a lot of dog owners may be
aware of and may have taken a dog to the
vet for before, is when your dog's walking a bit
funny or it looks like they're a bit injured. You know,
these things happen. It's like when you go to the
gym and you pull up a bit sore. Why would
a dog kind of limp, and how would you diagnose
or take a dog to the vet when your dog's
starting to look a little bit uncomfortable physically when they're
(21:32):
walking and moving around?
S4 (21:34):
So, um, any limping, especially limping where the dog is
fully holding a leg up and seems like they're in
excruciating pain. You should definitely go to a vet as
soon as possible. Um, but certainly if you see, um,
any blood, any obvious broken bone, your dog is in
extreme pain. Go straight to an emergency vet. Um, but
(21:54):
it can be difficult to tell with milder cases whether
or not the dog even is limping or what a
limp looks like. Since we're used to seeing a limp
in a two legged animal like ourselves as humans, it
can be hard to discern which leg is limping in
a four legged animal. So I think your best friend
is usually your your phone, actually, and taking a video
(22:14):
of your dog walking up and then bringing that video
with you to the vet. That way they can have
a look at what you're seeing. Um, and they can
actually understand what what the day to day is looking
like for you, because it can be quite difficult for
vets to discern what's actually going on based on what
clients say. Sometimes.
S2 (22:33):
I think I've seen quite a few things where as well.
I've actually had to kind of like, do you do
a bit of a phone? Phone a friend thing and say,
you know, when you're looking down at that particular angle,
it's hard to work out if you know, if the
head's bobbing a bit or that type of thing. I
think that's one of the things that I have been
told to look for the head. Bob, is that something
that you look for, for kind of diagnosing a limp?
S4 (22:52):
Yeah. So the head bob is helpful in diagnosing a limp.
That being said, um, I found it quite difficult in
vet school, and it took a lot of hours of
watching different videos, examining different dogs to be able to
get used to when the head bobs and all of that. Um,
so that certainly is a method, but if you're not
that experienced, it's not something that's really suitable for explaining
(23:13):
over radio, and then you actually having the benefit of
of being able to do it yourself. Um, so I
think that the best case scenario is, yeah, certainly phone
a friend, get another person to watch your dog walk
while you hold the lead. That way they can see
from a further angle. Um, and that might kind of
provide more clarity as to which leg is limping. And
then if not, just take the video and bring the
(23:34):
video to your vet.
S2 (23:36):
So if you have noticed that your dog is limping, um, and,
you know, potentially you're kind of working out whether to
take them to the vet. I mean, do dogs have
kind of very, you know, some of those minor limps
that might just go away with time? Or would it
be a case of that, you know, maybe after 24
hours you should see a vet, if that makes sense?
S4 (23:55):
Yeah. So you can certainly wait on it if it
seems mild. Um, you know, if it if it seems
like an emergency or something where if your human child
did the same injury, you would be taking them to
emergency hospital. Use the same logic. Take your dog to
the emergency hospital. But if it's mild, um, you can
just rest them. So keep them nice and quiet. Don't
let them jump. Um, even in and out of the car.
(24:15):
Sometimes I see people having a limping dog and they
make it jump out of the car. Not great for
its legs. Um, so lifting your dog in and out
if you're physically able to, um, and also making sure
that you don't give your animal any random human medication, um, one,
because you might accidentally overdose your dog or give it
something that's toxic to dogs. But two, um, it'll prevent
(24:37):
your veterinarian from being able to prescribe the correct medication
for your animal. As often we have to let the
old medication wash out, so you might end up causing
your animal to have no pain relief for a certain
amount of time by accidentally giving it human pain relief.
S2 (24:52):
If the limp is something ongoing, how would you kind
of work out? Or how would your vet help you
work out? If it's something a bit more, I guess
serious or a longer term issue, something like arthritis or um,
or or even something more orthopedic, like, um, like an
ACL tear.
S4 (25:08):
Yeah. So, um, it typically you have to have x
rays to really understand if there's any sort of bone
issue and sometimes ligament issues, um, as well. Um, some
vets might progress on to things like a CT scan
if it's a more complicated area, like the elbow, um,
where things are a bit more, um, 3D in terms
(25:28):
of the joints, but even a mild limp if it's ongoing,
I definitely recommend going to a vet. Um, I've seen
some dogs that are are quite reserved and stoic, and
they don't show much pain. And so they've had just
a really mild limp on a back leg. And it
turns out they've actually torn their ACL and they need
orthopedic surgery. Um, and it's the case with all orthopedic surgeries.
(25:51):
The sooner you do it, the better the outcome will
be because the the bone won't start modifying itself and
healing incorrectly. So the earlier you get it treated, the
better long term outcome your dog will have.
S2 (26:04):
Something that I think I've maybe encountered a few times before,
especially if I've been out and about and I've thought
that my dogs maybe stepped on something or gotten something
in their foot is, you know, what are the potential
things that you might, um, either the dog might pick
up on their walk or in the environment that might
cause something like a limp.
S4 (26:21):
So coming up into spring and summer, grass seeds are
certainly a really big one. Um, so grass seeds are
kind of arrow shaped and they can poke into the skin,
and then once they're fully under the skin, they can
actually travel around the body. So if you notice that
your dog either yelps or is suddenly limping after you've
been walking in some long grass or anything like that,
check all four feet to be sure that there's no
(26:44):
plant matter. And if there is, and if it looks
like you might be able to pull it out, definitely
do so and make sure you get everything out. Um,
and if you aren't able to get all of that out,
bring them straight to a vet clinic before it starts
moving around under the skin and causing infection. Um, the
same goes for things like glass or splinters. Um, sometimes
(27:04):
the stinger of a bee can get stuck. Really? Anything
that gets stuck, you just want to, um, safely and
gently try to remove it if you can. And then
if you are worried at any in any way, just
bring them to your vet clinic.
S1 (27:22):
You've been listening to the Seeing Eye dog show on
Vision Australia Radio. I hope you enjoyed my interviews with
Cat dog, Wellbeing and Adoption Services Manager at Seeing Eye Dogs,
and doctor Ash Mooney from Seeing Dogs Vet Team. If
you'd like to find out more about seeing Eye dogs,
the work we do, or how you can help, head
to our website at. Don't forget to tune in! Same
(27:45):
time next week for another episode of The Seeing Eye
Dog Show. And thank you! Have a lovely week!
On Vision Australia Radio. You're listening to the Seeing Eye
dog show with me, your host, Harry Moffat. Today I
have two little interviews. The first is with Cat Vision Australia.
Seeing Eye Dogs, Dog Wellbeing and Adoptions manager, and the
second is with Doctor Ash Mooney from the Seeing Eye
Dogs vet team sharing some of that tips. This is
(00:40):
a little section from our archive. We're talking about limbs
with Cat. We are talking about our adoptions program. So
what it means to adopt a dog and how we
find the best homes for our career changed. Seeing eye dogs,
those who don't quite make the grade. So without further ado,
let's hear from Cat about released seeing eye dog adoption.
S2 (01:06):
Hi Cat, thanks for joining me on the show today.
S3 (01:08):
Always happy to be here.
S2 (01:10):
Could you please start off by introducing yourself? What is
your role at seeing eye dogs?
S3 (01:14):
Absolutely. So I'm the dog well-being and adoption services manager
at Seeing Eye Dogs. So I look after the team
who work on site, who look after all the dogs.
So all the dogs in training and boarding. Um, yeah,
that's that's where I sit.
S2 (01:28):
And then through to, I guess, helping to rehome those
dogs on that adoptions team. So obviously some of our
seeing eye dogs go on to help people or go
to other organisations. But why might dogs come up for
public adoption that might end up in the website, or
adoption as a pet dog to a, you know, do
many of them go to puppy carers as well?
S3 (01:46):
Yeah. That's right. So I guess once the dogs have
been deemed not suitable to continue in the Seeing Eye
Dog program, we review um, that dog and see whether
there are any other opportunities for that dog to still
be functioning in a working capacity. So we'll look, we've
got partnerships with other agencies. Um, our dogs, I guess,
are raised as companions, and they have some really nice
(02:07):
qualities that lend to assistance dogs role. So many of
our dogs will go on to perform a therapeutic role
in like a PTSD kind of situation. Um, because, yeah,
they'll have really nice qualities that maybe aren't suitable for
guide work, but are quite suitable for somebody who's sighted
that has other, other, um, needs. I guess that that
would benefit from that dog. Um, and then if that's
(02:30):
not an option for that dog, whether there's qualities there
that aren't quite suitable for that role, um, then we
will contact the puppy carer, and the puppy carer will
get the first option to adopt that dog. Some do,
some don't for various reasons. Um, and the ones that don't,
then those ones we work with, the carer, the trainer, um,
to find out all the information we can about that
dog so that we can advertise them on the website
(02:52):
and find them the right home.
S2 (02:54):
So how do people find out about the dogs that
we have currently for adoption?
S3 (02:59):
Uh, there is a link on our website that lists
all of the dogs that are up for adoption. Um,
and on there you'll find like a little bio about
each dog. So it'll have, uh, sometimes it'll touch on
kind of the reasons why the dog might have not
been suitable for our program. Um, it'll have information in
there about the kind of home that the dog is, um,
has experienced before. And then information about what kind of
(03:21):
home we're looking for that would be best suit the
needs of that dog. Um, and then there'll be the
the adoption fee, um, will be listed on there as well.
And a little picture of the dog, too.
S2 (03:30):
So what is the process to adopt one of the
dogs that you might find on the website?
S3 (03:34):
Yeah. Um, so once people have had a read through
all the bios of the dogs that are available, there's
a link on the bottom to register your interest for
that dog. What that does is it prompts you to
answer a questionnaire. Um, so the information we're looking for
on there will be information around your home and lifestyle,
your routine. Um, there's I think a section on there
(03:56):
around kind of what are your expectations, um, of a,
a seeing eye dog, um, and such like that. So they'll,
there'll be plenty of opportunity there to elaborate on kind
of what kind of dog you're interested in. Um, what
we're looking for from the adoptions team's perspective is whatever
we think is going to be a good match in
terms of what the dog's requirements are. So if somebody
(04:16):
references that in their application, that's always fantastic. It gives
us a really good insight into how that dog would
then fit into that lifestyle.
S2 (04:24):
So how might someone use that ad that's on the
website to work out if the dog is right for them?
S3 (04:30):
Yes. So the advert should be relatively individualized to the dog.
So it should potentially kind of describe the kind of
home that that dog would be best suited to. Um,
and there'd be information around where the dog came from
and what, um, requirements that dog, whether they might be
temperament based requirements or whether they are medical support. So
(04:52):
if the dog's been released for a health reason, that
information will be on there as well. So I guess
it really depends on what you're looking for. There's a
wide variety of dogs available. Um, they are all raised
in really similar way in that they are all really
well socialized dogs. They have all gone through the same process. Um,
but obviously temperament is all, you know, very individualized. So
(05:13):
there'll be information around the dogs kind of personality that
will be up there as well. So really there's a
dog for everyone. It just depends on what you're after.
You're after a really active dog that's going to go
jogging with you and play agility, or you're after a
couch potato that's going to sit there and want snuggles.
We've got all of those kinds of dogs. Um, you know,
some are going to require a lot more support in
terms of training, but some people love that. They want,
(05:34):
you know, to grow with the dog and learn with
the dog and get the best out of that dog.
Other people want a really easy dog that's just going to,
you know, exist around the house and follow them around
like a little shadow. Um, but yeah, there are very
different dogs, which is great because, you know, there's very
different applicants out there as well.
S2 (05:49):
And I guess kind of what from what you said
as well about the fact that they all have that
same lifestyle and keeping in mind the I think I
feel like one of the things that I see in
most of the adverts is the, you know, most of
the dogs won't be that good to be left alone
from kind of day, you know, day one is that
do you think that's kind of quite a valid thing
for people to consider is in that, you know, that
(06:09):
lifestyle that I was growing up in? It's not going
to be sure.
S3 (06:13):
And I think that's the biggest expectation, um, that we
manage the adoptions team in terms of setting people up
really well. Um, so our dogs are raised, you know,
with that view that they're going to be someone's support
and they're never going to be on their own. So
they're raised that way. Our carers, um, don't leave their
dogs for more than 2 to 3 hours alone. Um,
(06:34):
so they're just not used to it. And if it
is something that you're expecting your dog to do, it's
something that some dogs might learn to be able to
cope with quite well. Others not at all. And you'll
find those kinds of dogs, it'll be pretty clear in
the in the advert, whether those are the kinds of
dogs that are going to suit that or not. Um,
but yeah, some very, very much can like the dog
that I've adopted. He's he's really versatile like that. He's
(06:56):
more than happy to be at your shadow all the time,
and he's quite happy to sit at home and wait
for you as well. So he's, um, it really depends
on the dog. Um, but yeah, for the most part,
our dogs really, really just want to be with their companion.
S2 (07:09):
And I guess as well. I just as a side note,
the dog that my mum adopted, um, likes to be
by your side. And sometimes I think my mum finds
that a little bit on the frustrating side because she's like,
just leave me alone. But you can also kind of
look at, I guess, some of the training, training things
on some of those things, because a dog might make
a choice on what they prefer, but it's not like
(07:30):
a be all and end all thing. Like you can
use tethers and crates and you can use tools. Yeah. Yeah.
And I just think that's I just think that's a
kind of funny side. It's like some of them are like, oh,
this is what I prefer. And it's not necessarily like
this needs to be the way if you give them
no guidance, they're going to do something that might not
be what you want.
S3 (07:48):
I think I think that's that's right. We're kind of
handing over a dog that's had a whole history. So
it's developed its own routines and its own preferences. But
when you're adopting a puppy, you get to mould that
puppy into into your life. There is a little bit
of that as well with these dogs. They do, in
time adapt to your routines and your life, and then
(08:09):
they become, you know, they kind of weave themselves into
your life. But that does take time. And I think
that's another expectation that we need to manage as well,
is that people really need to see these dogs, as
it's going to take a good three months for them
to really integrate into your world and for their true
colors to start to show. Before that, it's all just adjustment.
S2 (08:27):
Yeah, and it's not necessarily the kind of simple, easy
process of they come home and it's like, you know,
I guess adopting any dog or welcoming any family member
is a is an adjustment.
S3 (08:38):
Exactly right. You're a complete stranger to this dog. You're
just another carer looking after this dog until until all
of a sudden they've been there long enough to realize, no, no,
this is home now. Yeah. Um, so that's a big
adjustment for the dog, too. So I think just keeping
those expectations quite low for those first few months is
really important. Um, otherwise you're just going to find yourself disappointed, um,
and unnecessarily so, because you haven't given that time frame
(09:01):
for the dog to really kind of shine. Um.
S2 (09:04):
So you've said that I guess you've got that, you know,
listing in that adoption profile for the dog. And then
the people that are interested in those particular dogs will
put in that application. Um, I wanted to ask, I
guess kind of what happens next in terms of like,
you know, I guess you match them up for the best.
Is there a chance that sometimes the application, like the
(09:26):
volumes of applicants, are just really high? So it might
not be that you get that first one?
S3 (09:31):
Yeah, absolutely. Um, so again, depends on the kinds of
dogs people are looking for. Obviously there's going to be
ones that are really popular because they read really well
and really easy. Um, and also like those adorable faces
that's going to be ones that just trap you and
people get. And people do get really emotionally invested in
the dogs that they apply for as well. So it's
managing that as well that sometimes there can be a wait. Um,
(09:53):
we have some applicants that we know now, like we know, oh,
this person has applied for 6 or 7 dogs. So
we know kind of what they're really looking for. Um,
and our priority obviously will be always first the dog
so that we're finding the right home for that dog. Um,
but then secondly, we want to try and help the
people who have been applying for some time as well. Um,
(10:13):
so you might luck out and you might get a
first time applicant matched to a dog because they're just
the right person for that dog, and that dog needs
that particular environment to really thrive. Otherwise, um, yeah, we
do try and look after people who have been applying
for a few times as well. So they're kind of
on our radar in the background there while we're making
those decisions. Um, but yeah, it really varies.
S2 (10:35):
Um.
S3 (10:35):
No guarantees.
S2 (10:36):
Yeah. And then when that person and the dog are
kind of matched, how does the meeting work?
S3 (10:41):
Yeah. So we have a team of, um, our dog
care staff here who are part of our adoptions team. Um, collectively,
they have so much experience fielding these, um, these adoption meetings.
What that entails is inviting the person who's applied for
the dog to come to Seeing-eye Dogs headquarters for us
to have an adoption meeting with them, so that we
ask for any dependent household members to be there as well.
(11:04):
So any kids, we really need to see how they
go with the dog, and also any pet dogs that
they have also need to attend the adoption meeting too.
That's really important. Um, because we need to make sure
that it's safe for our dog to, to, um, be
matched in with that dog. So our staff, that's such
a big part of what we do here is, is
matching our dogs to make sure that they are with
(11:25):
compatible dogs. Um, so we need to be able to
see that, to confidently know that we're putting that dog
in an environment that's best for that dog.
S2 (11:32):
So why might certain dogs have particular requirements, such as,
for example, you know, no kids or needing a dog
friend or any particular kind of environmental home, um, traits?
S3 (11:44):
Yeah. So again, it depends entirely on the, um, the
temperament of the dog that we're dealing with. So some
of those dogs that come through might, you know, just
be really big silly dogs. They're, they're Labradors and golden
retrievers and they're young. Um, so they, they are sometimes
really quite unaware of their size, and they can be
quite excitable. Um, so those dogs that are a little
bit more excitable, energetic, um, or larger, we tend to, um,
(12:07):
specify in our adverts that, you know, older children or
children who are more confident around dogs is going to
be best for that dog. Um, not that there's any,
you know, reason why that they would ever want to
harm a child. It's just that their size can sometimes
be a little silly, or that they are a little
bit more activated than some of our other dogs that
are a bit more docile and slower.
S2 (12:26):
I mean, I know that, yeah. My last one, um,
when she got overexcited, would kind of gently mouth. Yes.
Which would be not helpful for, for some children would
find that very worrying.
S3 (12:38):
Yeah, exactly. So those, those particular matches we need to
be really careful with to make sure that the expectations
are all met and that everyone is kind of set
up for the, for the right dog. Yeah.
S2 (12:48):
So what sort of information or support will owners get
to help the dogs through the transition?
S3 (12:55):
Yeah. So once we we do the adoption meeting on site,
as I mentioned. And that's quite a thorough meeting. So
it lasts kind of anywhere from an hour to two hours. Um,
so what happens there is we'll get some really good
insight into what kind of home and what kind of
match this is. Um, and from there, if the match
is successful, um, we obviously transfer all the ownership over
(13:17):
to the new family. They are able to take the
dog on the day. Or are they able to have
a whole week if they need a week to set
up their homes or, or, you know, change rosters at work,
those kinds of things. Some people like to have that,
that period to, to adjust and settle the dog in. Um,
so once that happens, they then get invited to an
on site, um, support, I guess, training session. We call
(13:40):
it our building connections session, and it's run by one
of our team here. And what that does is, um,
it brings back a whole bunch of dogs, um, at
the same time, who are adopted around a similar time,
and we find out kind of what behaviors it is
that they're managing or that they're wanting some more guidance on. Um,
often it'll be things around like loose leash walking, recall, um,
(14:00):
dog distraction, that kind of stuff are the big ones. Um,
so we'll have a bit of an insight as to
what it is they're needing. They'll come back on site
and they'll meet with us, and they'll do another hour
with one of our staff here, and we will work
with them through some of those tricky behaviors that they've
been managing. And a lot of those will be transitional stuff. Um,
and some of that will be really easy, quick fixes.
(14:21):
And it really empowers new owners to feel like they've
got a better connection with their dog. So it really
focuses on the bond and making sure that they're speaking
the same language. Um, because, you know, that's all it is,
is just trying to figure out what it is that
your dog is showing so that you can know how
to adjust what you're doing, um, to help support them through.
We also, um, provide the adoptive families at the time
(14:41):
of adoption with a manual. Um, so it's an adoptions manual.
It's their Bible. Um, and what that has is a
whole bunch of information around dog ownership. Um, it has
lots of information around behavior, transitional behaviors, um, common health
concerns in Labradors and retrievers has information on veterinary emergency centers, um,
a whole bunch of stuff in there. So it's really
(15:02):
useful resource to have. Um, and we have also just
now launched our YouTube channel as well for post adoption support.
So once people come to along to our Building connection session,
we then provide them with that link. Um, it's a
work in progress. Obviously we are trying to add content
to that as we go. Um, but it has videos
on there, um, around, like setting up an ideal crate
(15:24):
for your for your dog. It has how to fit equipment.
It has um, lots of other training, kind of short
sharp training videos on there. So we'll keep adding content
to that, um, as we go. But that's going to
be a nice resource for owners to use as well.
S2 (15:39):
And it sounds like, you know, there's a lot of
kind of support going through it as well. And I
guess for people to kind of keep in mind, like,
you know, these dogs are still really young and, you know,
you have to work with them. So it sounds like
it's a really good support to help people work out
how they can get the best of that. Yeah. Foolish era.
S3 (15:57):
That's right. And I think that people coming back for
those building connection sessions as well, it they meet other
owners who are in exactly the same circumstance. So they've
they've just adopted a dog too. So they're going through
the same thing. So there's a little community there that
is built. Um, so I have no doubt that adoptive
owners have reached out to other owners, and there's a
little community out there of support for them, too. Um,
but yeah, that's kind of where we're at in terms
(16:19):
of our post adoption support. Um, and what we can
provide people, obviously people do sometimes contact us a few
years down the track needing kind of a bit of
support here and there, but we are limited in what
we can provide in terms of, you know, physically going
out there and giving ongoing support, um, especially when we
haven't had any influence over the dog for several years.
For example, if I have somebody come back a few
years later saying, hey, I've got this going on with
(16:41):
my dog, and we haven't seen that dog for three years.
It's really.
S2 (16:44):
Difficult.
S3 (16:45):
You know, really tangible, helpful support. Um, so we always
encourage new owners to find trainers in their local area
that use similar methodology to us. So positive reinforcement training, um,
so we can provide people with a list of, of
options that are suitable in their area as well.
S2 (17:02):
And just to finish off, is there anything else that
an owner or potential owner should consider about adopting a
career change dog?
S3 (17:09):
Yeah, I think the biggest one is just managing your
own expectations. These dogs are not working seeing eye dogs.
There's a reason these dogs didn't make it through the standards.
To become a seeing eye dog are really, really high.
They've got a very important role. Um, you know, they've
got lives in their hands. Um, so we need to
be really discerning around which dogs get through. Um, so
(17:30):
the ones that don't, obviously don't for a reason, some
of it might be, you know, for reasons that are
barely anything for a pet dog, or they might be
reasons that, oh, okay, I can see why this would
be not a suitable attribute for a seeing eye dog. Um,
so just making sure that, you know that you're not
adopting a completely trained, completely infallible dog. These dogs are
still learning. They're young, they're exuberant. Um, and they still
(17:53):
need support as well. So just making sure that you
come in with that right expectation from the get go. Yes,
they're well socialized dogs and they're bred really well. Um,
they're bred for purpose. Um, but they obviously are going
to have their own little quirks that need to be
worked with as well.
S2 (18:08):
And I guess kind of coming from somewhere where they
are given quite a lot of support and training suddenly
kind of if, if you're not, then maintaining that in
the ways that are recommended, that might make it a
bit harder to because they might go, ah, I don't
get very much for doing things that are, you know. Yeah, absolutely.
S3 (18:25):
Absolutely. It's a huge change for the dog as well,
that transition from having the support of a trainer, um,
of a foster carer who's got lots and lots of
skills they might have, you know, puppy raised 6 or
7 dogs prior to this dog. They're then going into
a home that may not have ever, ever owned a
pet before. Ever had a dog before. Um, so I
think just really that first, like I said, those first
(18:45):
three months are really important to just give yourself a
break and give the dog a break. Um, you're really
just kind of sussing each other out, working out each
other's routine. Um, the dog, you know, you're going to
see the dog pushing boundaries at certain points because they're
going to try and figure out what it is that they,
you know, what are the rules in this? And that's
that's normal. And, you know, it's so similar like with
raising children. Like you're going to get to a point
(19:08):
where your kid kind of figures out, wait a minute.
If I push here, what happens? You know, they're just
out there learning what it is they can and can't
get away with. Um, and it's really similar in these
dogs as well. You're going to see all of that. Um,
so just getting really, I guess, comfortable recognizing your what
your dog's telling you, you know, read your dog's body language,
read what it's doing. Um, because there's a lot of
(19:28):
insight there that I think people don't notice. Um, so
just kind of observe your dogs and see what they're
showing you and try and support them in the best
way you can, especially in those first few months.
S2 (19:39):
Food on food on walks is always good. And then, um,
maybe making sure you don't leave food on the counters yet.
S3 (19:45):
Oh, yeah, I've.
S2 (19:45):
Learned that.
S3 (19:46):
The hard way. Um, my dog, for example, we had
him for a year and he'd never done any counter
surfing ever. Um, and then one night he found food
up on the bench, and now we have to clear
the bench every night because he's had this one.
S2 (20:00):
One time.
S3 (20:01):
Where he hit the jackpot and he found this. So
now he will go there every night and he will check.
S2 (20:05):
Wow.
S3 (20:06):
So he's learned that. And he learned that after a year. Um,
but yeah, obviously not a big problem. It just means
we can't be messy. So it forces us to tidy up. Um, but, yeah,
that's something that kind of came out of nowhere, and
we're like, oh, now we need to adjust kind of
how we're doing because it's not the dog's fault I've
left food there. It's my fault. Um, yeah. So they
keep you on your toes.
S2 (20:27):
Um, at the end of the day, a Labrador is
still a Labrador.
S3 (20:30):
Yeah, exactly. Food is is life. So. Yeah.
S2 (20:35):
Well, thank you so much for sharing some of that
information and joining me on the show.
S3 (20:39):
Yeah, no problems at all. Thanks, Harriet.
S1 (20:46):
You've been listening to the Seeing Eye dog show on
Vision Australia Radio. I hope you enjoyed my interview with Kat.
Head to our website at. For more information on Release
Dog Adoption and to find some of our lovely dogs
who are looking for their forever homes now. Now, without
further ado, here is an interview from our archives with
Doctor Ash Mooney from our senior vet team talking about
(21:09):
limps in dogs.
S2 (21:10):
So something that a lot of dog owners may be
aware of and may have taken a dog to the
vet for before, is when your dog's walking a bit
funny or it looks like they're a bit injured. You know,
these things happen. It's like when you go to the
gym and you pull up a bit sore. Why would
a dog kind of limp, and how would you diagnose
or take a dog to the vet when your dog's
starting to look a little bit uncomfortable physically when they're
(21:32):
walking and moving around?
S4 (21:34):
So, um, any limping, especially limping where the dog is
fully holding a leg up and seems like they're in
excruciating pain. You should definitely go to a vet as
soon as possible. Um, but certainly if you see, um,
any blood, any obvious broken bone, your dog is in
extreme pain. Go straight to an emergency vet. Um, but
(21:54):
it can be difficult to tell with milder cases whether
or not the dog even is limping or what a
limp looks like. Since we're used to seeing a limp
in a two legged animal like ourselves as humans, it
can be hard to discern which leg is limping in
a four legged animal. So I think your best friend
is usually your your phone, actually, and taking a video
(22:14):
of your dog walking up and then bringing that video
with you to the vet. That way they can have
a look at what you're seeing. Um, and they can
actually understand what what the day to day is looking
like for you, because it can be quite difficult for
vets to discern what's actually going on based on what
clients say. Sometimes.
S2 (22:33):
I think I've seen quite a few things where as well.
I've actually had to kind of like, do you do
a bit of a phone? Phone a friend thing and say,
you know, when you're looking down at that particular angle,
it's hard to work out if you know, if the
head's bobbing a bit or that type of thing. I
think that's one of the things that I have been
told to look for the head. Bob, is that something
that you look for, for kind of diagnosing a limp?
S4 (22:52):
Yeah. So the head bob is helpful in diagnosing a limp.
That being said, um, I found it quite difficult in
vet school, and it took a lot of hours of
watching different videos, examining different dogs to be able to
get used to when the head bobs and all of that. Um,
so that certainly is a method, but if you're not
that experienced, it's not something that's really suitable for explaining
(23:13):
over radio, and then you actually having the benefit of
of being able to do it yourself. Um, so I
think that the best case scenario is, yeah, certainly phone
a friend, get another person to watch your dog walk
while you hold the lead. That way they can see
from a further angle. Um, and that might kind of
provide more clarity as to which leg is limping. And
then if not, just take the video and bring the
(23:34):
video to your vet.
S2 (23:36):
So if you have noticed that your dog is limping, um, and,
you know, potentially you're kind of working out whether to
take them to the vet. I mean, do dogs have
kind of very, you know, some of those minor limps
that might just go away with time? Or would it
be a case of that, you know, maybe after 24
hours you should see a vet, if that makes sense?
S4 (23:55):
Yeah. So you can certainly wait on it if it
seems mild. Um, you know, if it if it seems
like an emergency or something where if your human child
did the same injury, you would be taking them to
emergency hospital. Use the same logic. Take your dog to
the emergency hospital. But if it's mild, um, you can
just rest them. So keep them nice and quiet. Don't
let them jump. Um, even in and out of the car.
(24:15):
Sometimes I see people having a limping dog and they
make it jump out of the car. Not great for
its legs. Um, so lifting your dog in and out
if you're physically able to, um, and also making sure
that you don't give your animal any random human medication, um, one,
because you might accidentally overdose your dog or give it
something that's toxic to dogs. But two, um, it'll prevent
(24:37):
your veterinarian from being able to prescribe the correct medication
for your animal. As often we have to let the
old medication wash out, so you might end up causing
your animal to have no pain relief for a certain
amount of time by accidentally giving it human pain relief.
S2 (24:52):
If the limp is something ongoing, how would you kind
of work out? Or how would your vet help you
work out? If it's something a bit more, I guess
serious or a longer term issue, something like arthritis or um,
or or even something more orthopedic, like, um, like an
ACL tear.
S4 (25:08):
Yeah. So, um, it typically you have to have x
rays to really understand if there's any sort of bone
issue and sometimes ligament issues, um, as well. Um, some
vets might progress on to things like a CT scan
if it's a more complicated area, like the elbow, um,
where things are a bit more, um, 3D in terms
(25:28):
of the joints, but even a mild limp if it's ongoing,
I definitely recommend going to a vet. Um, I've seen
some dogs that are are quite reserved and stoic, and
they don't show much pain. And so they've had just
a really mild limp on a back leg. And it
turns out they've actually torn their ACL and they need
orthopedic surgery. Um, and it's the case with all orthopedic surgeries.
(25:51):
The sooner you do it, the better the outcome will
be because the the bone won't start modifying itself and
healing incorrectly. So the earlier you get it treated, the
better long term outcome your dog will have.
S2 (26:04):
Something that I think I've maybe encountered a few times before,
especially if I've been out and about and I've thought
that my dogs maybe stepped on something or gotten something
in their foot is, you know, what are the potential
things that you might, um, either the dog might pick
up on their walk or in the environment that might
cause something like a limp.
S4 (26:21):
So coming up into spring and summer, grass seeds are
certainly a really big one. Um, so grass seeds are
kind of arrow shaped and they can poke into the skin,
and then once they're fully under the skin, they can
actually travel around the body. So if you notice that
your dog either yelps or is suddenly limping after you've
been walking in some long grass or anything like that,
check all four feet to be sure that there's no
(26:44):
plant matter. And if there is, and if it looks
like you might be able to pull it out, definitely
do so and make sure you get everything out. Um,
and if you aren't able to get all of that out,
bring them straight to a vet clinic before it starts
moving around under the skin and causing infection. Um, the
same goes for things like glass or splinters. Um, sometimes
(27:04):
the stinger of a bee can get stuck. Really? Anything
that gets stuck, you just want to, um, safely and
gently try to remove it if you can. And then
if you are worried at any in any way, just
bring them to your vet clinic.
S1 (27:22):
You've been listening to the Seeing Eye dog show on
Vision Australia Radio. I hope you enjoyed my interviews with
Cat dog, Wellbeing and Adoption Services Manager at Seeing Eye Dogs,
and doctor Ash Mooney from Seeing Dogs Vet Team. If
you'd like to find out more about seeing Eye dogs,
the work we do, or how you can help, head
to our website at. Don't forget to tune in! Same
(27:45):
time next week for another episode of The Seeing Eye
Dog Show. And thank you! Have a lovely week!
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