How do you keep over 100 dogs healthy?
As of this writing, The Ranch has 107 dogs in residence. Our shelter is built to house about 75 dogs, so you can imagine that quarters are very tight. Crowded conditions can lead to the spread of illness and to stress-induced fighting injuries. Maintaining the health of so many dogs requires close attention to detail and in-depth veterinary knowledge.
The Ranch is fortunate to work with local veterinarian Dr. Luis Maciel of Maskota’s Lake veterinary office in Ajijic (more on wonderful Dr. Luis in a future article). Dr. Luis visits The Ranch regularly and performs on-site spay/neuter surgeries. This prevents the dogs having to be transported and spending a night at the vet office. He also supervises the health protocol for the dogs and consults with us frequently via WhatsApp.
Working closely with Dr. Luis is volunteer Cheryl Okerlund, a former Registered Nurse. “I am fascinated by medicine and working with the dogs keeps me happy,” Cheryl said. “When I retired, I didn’t miss the people, but I missed medicine!”
When a new dog enters The Ranch, it is placed in isolation for two weeks before vaccinating to ensure it is not sick. It is also tested for tick-borne diseases such as Ehrlichia. If a dog has a tick-borne disease, it is best to catch it early and treat it. Often, by the time symptoms occur, it is too late. New puppies receive three vaccines. Adults receive two. And all receive rabies vaccines and regular flea/tick and de-worming medicine. Keeping track of all this data for 100 dogs is a challenge and is handled ably by Cheryl Okerlund and Corrine Kelly using index cards.
If dogs receive an injury, they are treated with a vet-approved antibiotic regimen, and with anti-inflammatories. This combination of medicines is also used for dogs after surgery. If possible, dogs with injuries are taken in by fosters to recuperate. This is critical when dogs need twice-daily medicines, as this is not possible at The Ranch. We are always looking for willing fosters to help out!
Infection control protocols are also important in a dog shelter, including control of flies and periodically using bleach solution to clean kennels.
Before being sent “up North,” dogs are tested again for tick-borne diseases and also for Giardia and for heartworm. A negative heartworm test enables adopters to start heartworm medicine immediately once the dogs arrive. New U.S. regulations also require that all dogs are microchipped before entering the United States. The Ranch has been doing this for some time already, as several rescues who accept our dogs had required it.
As you can see, it takes a coordinated and concentrated effort to keep our dogs healthy. We can always use your help with fostering, walking dogs and of course with donations! All those vaccines are darned expensive!
You can find out more on our Facebook page or at www.theranchchapala.com. Or email us at adoptaranchdog@outlook.com.
- Ramblings From The Ranch – November 2024 - October 30, 2024
- Ramblings From The Ranch – September 2024 - August 30, 2024
- Ramblings From The Ranch – July 2024 - June 29, 2024
