Healthy Tidbits for Pets

DOGS DIE AFTER BEING LEFT IN HOT CAR

2011-06-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

I just can't understand why people leave pets in their cars on a hot day. They must love their dogs, because they bring them in the car. But if they love them, then they should want the best for them and being locked in a hot car is abusive and could be deadly.

Since moving to the Sacramento area, when temperatures can get to the triple digits in the summer, I have seen several dogs left in cars on these days. When I approach the owners they are defensive, say the animals are OK and to mind my own business.

There was a recent TV news report that dogs were being left in hot cars at one of the local malls. A very disturbing surveillance video showed a German Shepherd trying its hardest to try to escape out the window, that was left cracked a bit. It was panting heavily. The car was in the sun and the outside temperature was 102 degrees. The inside of the car was most likely over 120 degrees.

There are laws passed now and it is a crime to leave a pet in a hot car. But, there are hundreds of calls across the nation everyday to rescue pets.

In June, a police dog died in New Castle, PA, after his fellow officer left him for over two hours as temperatures reached 90 degrees.

It takes only 6 minutes for a dog to die in a hot car and a mere 4 minutes for it to cause brain damage.

Signs of Overheating in Pets: Heavy panting; increased salivation; dry mouth, nose and gums; weakness; vomiting or diarrhea, and ultimately, collapse.

Heat Stress Care: If you think your pet is suffering from heat stress, seek immediate veterinary care. As you wait for veterinary assistance, wet or sponge the animal down with cool (not ice) water. Take care not to get water in the mouth of an unconscious animal.

OVERHEATING KILLS!!!! LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME IN HOT WEATHER!!!!

DOES YOUR PET REALLY NEED THAT RABIES SHOT?

2011-06-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

Read what Dr. Ronald Schultz, an expert in the field of veterinary vaccines, has to say about the Rabies shot, as well as other pet vaccines.

Go to: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/06/21/expert-proof-most-pets-are-vaccinated-way-too-often.aspx

http://www.mercola.com/ is one of my favorite websites for natural news, now he also has a site for healthy pets.

WHAT TO DO WHEN BRINGING A NEW KITTEN HOME

2011-06-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

To make an easy transition for your kitten, you need to be prepared before bringing it home. This time needs to be simple and stress free for the kitten.

You should also keep the kitten away from your other dogs and cats for awhile. It will have had a big ordeal already, taken away from its' mother and the only home it has known.

Before bringing kitty home, you need to create a "safe room". This will be a spare bedroom or bathroom with a cat bed, a cat carrier or box that the kitten can hide in, a water bowl and a litter box. You will bring it food 3-4 times a day and that will build trust in you.

Put an unwashed T-shirt or blanket, that you've used, on its' bed or hiding box so the new kitten can start getting used to your scent.

Right when you bring the kitten home, go straight to the safe room. Don't put the kitten down in any room, don't give it a bath and don't give it a chance to run and hide somewhere.

Don't give the kitten free access to any other rooms for at least several days or a week. It is best to introduce your kitten to one room of the house at a time, focusing on one or two new rooms a day. This applies to all kittens under 4-5 months.

This worked very well for me when I got a new kitten a year ago.

A WEBSITE FOR KIDS WHO LOVE ANIMALS!

2011-06-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I came across a great ASPCA website, just for kids. It is filled with stories, games, cartoons, videos, photos, pet advice, pet of the week (your kids can send in a photo of their pet), advice on pet care and information on animal careers.

To view this site go to: www.aspca.org/aspcakids/

CHEMTRAILS - GEO-ENGINEERING, HARMING OUR PETS

2011-06-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

Have you looked up in the sky and see the criss-cross trails coming from airplanes? The emissions coming down to earth from these planes are found to have large amounts of aluminum and barium. These are both toxic to humans, animals, plants and the soil.

To watch a documentary called, "What in the World are They Spraying?" go to:
http://www.patriotactionnetwork.com/forum/topics/what-in-the-world-are-they-1.

Let your government officials know what you think about what this is doing to our world.

VACCINATION: THE PET CONTROVERSY

2011-06-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

Please read an aritcle from Celeste Yarnall, PhD, holistic practitioner and nutritionist.

http://www.naturalnews.com/z032708_pet_vaccines_scam.html.

Dr. Oz is WRONG!

2011-06-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, Dr. Oz had a segment on his show, about keeping your dog healthy. He was promoting Pedigree Dog Food. I don't think he had read the ingredients of the food. Pedigree Dog Food is like feeding your dog junk food.

Pedigree Dog Food contains corn, (first ingredient), corn gluten, by-products, bone meal, chicken fat (so the animal will eat it), artificial colors, artificial flavors, salt, sugar, sodium nitrate (linked to cancer) and BHT (a preservative linked to cancer).

Pedigree Dog Food rates only 1 star, the worst rating for pet foods, by http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/. Find out why.

There are millions of people that follow Dr. Oz and follow has advice. I love watching his show, especially the shows about nutrition and alternative therapies. He has lost credibility with me for promoting a food that is harmful to pets. I know he has received a lot of negative responses for promoting such an inferior pet food. It is sad to think that there are many more people out there that will buy this food because Dr. Oz recommended it.

Please check out http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/. How does your pet food rate?

Another great resource concerning pet food is: http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

Please view my past blogs on pet food. What's really in Pet Food - Grains, July, 5, 2008; Ingredients to Avoid in Pet Food, July 6, 2008; Worst Pet Food Ingredients, Sept. 27, 2008; Natural Diet, What Do I Feed My Dog and Cat?, July 9, 2008; "People Food" is Good for Pets, July 17, 2008; Why Do Vets Sell Poor Quality Pet Food?, July 18, 2008.

PETS ARE BEING OVER VACCINATED

2011-05-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have just finished a 56 page dissertation on the harmful effects of vaccinations. Most of my research was on vaccines for children. It is very alarming the numbers of babies that die and are disabled because of vaccinations. More babies die from vaccines than do from the diseases they were meant to protect them against.

Pets are being harmed at the same rates, if not more often. Pets are being vaccinated yearly or in some cases twice a year. This is totally unnecessary. Veterinarians are seeing an alarming increase in auto-immune system diseases resulting from vaccines. Some veterinarians say that most of their clients (80%) have illnesses caused by vaccines.

When I got Buddy, he was 8 weeks old. The very next day, I took him for a check up with the vet. The vet gave him all his puppy shots. A few days later, he became violently ill. He spent 3 days at the pet hospital and the vet didn't know whether he was going to live or not. The vet had no idea what made him sick. It wasn't until I wrote my paper on vaccinations, that I realized that it probably was a reaction from the vaccines.

Buddy also has a chronic runny nose. While doing my research on vaccine side effects, I discovered that the Bordetella vaccine, which is put in the nose, can cause chronic sinusitis which can lead to nasal cancer.

Here are some reactions pets can have after vaccinations (can be hours, days, weeks or years): fever, stiff or painful joints, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, blindness, encephalitis, skin problems, lack of appetite, allergic shock, bleeding gums, allergies, seizures, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, hemorrhages, kidney or liver failure, degenerative arthritis, cancer, chronic health problems and even death.

Here is a quote from Martin Goldstein, DVM, from his book "The Nature of Animal Healing": "A growing number of holistic and now even conventional veterinarians are convinced, from sad experience, that vaccines as they're administered in this country to pets are doing more harm than good. I myself think that's a conservative view. I think that vaccines, justly credited as the tamers of disease epidemics, are nevertheless the leading killers of dogs and cats in America today."
He continues, "So are we better off for having curtailed epidemics with vaccines if in the long run the vaccines leave us weaker as a species than we were before? At the least, such doubts cast troubling shadows on the once bright case for human vaccines. For pets, the picture is far, far darker than that."

More than thirty different highly concentrated organisms are injected into a puppy before they are a year old. Some of the diseases they are vaccinating against, don't even exist anymore.
Richard Pitcairn, DVM, has not used vaccines in his practice in over 30 years (except legally required rabies).

Never vaccinate a sick animal, an animal undergoing surgery, an animal on steriods (even creams) or an animal that is too young or too old. Their immune systems will be over burdened.
There are some great resources available on vaccines for animals. "Vaccine Guide for Dogs and Cats, What Every Pet Lover Should Know", by Catherine Diodati, MA; "Natural Health for Dogs & Cats", by Richard Pitcairn, DVM; and "The Nature of Animal Healing", by Martin Goldstein, DVM (Chapter Four "The Dubious Legacy of Vaccines" is excellent!).

Some veterinarians say, "If pet owners really knew what vaccines did to the health of their pets, they wouldn't get them vaccinated...period!"

**My advise is to be informed about vaccines (for your pets and your children), the dangers, and the side effects. Find a veterinarian who does not believe in giving annual vaccines or giving vaccines at all.

To view my past blogs on vaccines for pets, see August 8, 9, 10, 2008

Non-Toxic Flea Collars for Cats and Dogs

2009-06-30T23:06:00.001-07:00

It is summer and that is the time of year that fleas seem to be at their worst. Most flea and tick products on the market are harmful to your pets.

I have found a holistic doctor who sells a non-toxic flea and tick collar for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens called MediPatch.

For more information go to: http://www.holisticfamilyandpets.com/

IMPORTANT: DEATH CAUSED BY FLEA SHAMPOOS, COLLARS AND DROPS!

Read my blog - March, 18, 2009

Don't Give Corn Cobs to Your Dog

2009-05-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

Many dogs love to chew on corn cobs -- most love the taste of the salt, butter and bits of corn. However, corn cobs can cause intestinal obstruction, a very serious (and potentially fatal) medical condition. Additionally, some dogs are allergic to corn and can suffer intestinal and other health effects from allergy, as well as the cob obstruction.

Please keep all cobs away from your dog, safely secured in the trash.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a cob, please call your vet, as soon as possible. The symptoms of intestinal obstruction may include: vomiting or dry heaves, diarrhea, painful abdomen or lethargy.

Personalized Frames For Your Pet Dog or Cat

2009-05-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

I have a business of making handpainted frames. I have been selling my frames on Ebay for 10 years. You can see my frames by going to The Krazylady Store,

http://stores.ebay.com/The-Krazylady-Store

I can change the inscription, paint the frame the color of your choice and of course, personalize the frame with your pets name.

No Red Dye for Hummingbirds

2009-05-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and summer is coming soon. I love to feed the birds in my backyard and I have a hummingbird feeder as well. I wrote a blog last year on July 8th about the dangers of using red food color in the hummingbird feeder. It is totally unnessesary to color the water red to attract the birds.

The Red Dye # 40 is made from coal tar and has been reported to cause tumors on the bills and liver of hummingbirds. The purchased nectar also contains preservatives that can harm the birds.

A simple recipe for your hummingbird feeder is to mix 1/2 cup sugar with 2 cups of water (or 1 part sugar to 4 parts water). Mix in a sauce pan and warm it until the sugar dissolves. Put in feeder when cool. Change once a week or more often if you see mold forming.

I use bottled water because I don't want the birds to have fluoride, chlorine, pharmaceutical drugs, lead and other contaminants that are in the tap water.

If Red Dye #40 is harmful to the birds, it is just as harmful to our kids and adults as well.

Keep Pets Safe on Easter Sunday

2009-04-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is Easter and that means lots of Easter baskets and candy. Some of these items can be dangerous to your pets.

Easter grass can cause digestive blockages to cats and dogs. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and candy and gum sweetened with Xylitol can be fatal to dogs. Plastic eggs can be chewed on by your dogs and can cause cuts and damage to the digestive system if swallowed.

Easter is a fun day, but please keep your pets safe.

Happy Easter from Buddy and me!

Shock Collars are Cruel

2009-03-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

I recently watched an episode of America's Funniest Videos. One of the videos clips was of a man trying to program his dogs' shock collar. The man had the collar on himself and he was trying to adjust it, his dog barked and the collar shocked him and the man was in horrible pain. It wasn't very funny. It was disturbing to me because I thought of all the dogs that are subjected to that pain and shock every day.

Most dog experts agree that a combination of boundary setting, follow-up, and positive reinforcement work best when training young dogs. They also agree that negative reinforcement, such as hitting, spanking, or the use of electric shock collars, can have negative long term psychological, and sometimes physical effects on dogs.

According to the American Humane Society, shock collars are painful, cruel, and inhumane. Shock collars can be dangerous to pets, sometimes causing painful burns to a dog's skin. In England, there is a law under consideration that would ban shock collars.

I think that a requirement for the use of these collars should be that the owner needs to try it out first!

WARNING! - FLEA DROPS, COLLARS AND SHAMPOOS ARE CAUSING DEATH

2009-03-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

Flea shampoos, collars and drops are causing tens of thousands of animals to have reactions such as: burned skin, seizures, vomiting and all the side effects of being poisoned. Thousands of animals have died.
The shampoos, collars and drops are manufactured by Sergeants, Bio Spot and Hartz. The ingredients that are poisoning these pets are Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids.

Thousands of complaints still have not resulted in these products being pulled from the shelves. The poisoning of innocent pets continues. There were 36,472 reported incidents in 2009 and 27, 216 reported in 2010. Statistics show that only 1-10% of side effects are reported. That means the numbers killed or injured by these products is staggering.

To read about some victims of these products go to: http://www.hartzvictims.org/

To read my blog on Natural Solutions for fleas go to "Problem with fleas - Natural Solutions" July 27, 2008.

Irish Dogs - Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

There are nine breeds of dogs that are native of Ireland. Dogs of great size are believed to come to Ireland from Greece by 1500 BC. The first definite mention of the Irish Wolfhound occurred in Rome in 391 AD.

The nine breeds are: Irish Red and White Setter; Irish Red Setter; Irish Wolfhound; Kerry Beagle; Irish Water Spaniel; Glen of Imaal Terrier; Kerry Blue Terrier; Irish Terrier; and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY !

Dogs and Protein

2009-03-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a lot of misinformation of protein in the diet of dogs. Dogs perform best on animal based products. A good source of information regarding dogs and protein is in the B-Naturals Newsletter, written by Lew Olson, PhD Natural Health. For more information on dogs and protein; concerns about protein and kidney problems; protein and senior dogs; protein and puppies, click on the web address to the newsletter you would like to read.

http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/protein/

http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/kidney-diet/

http://www.dogaware.com/kidney.html

http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/feeding-puppies-seniors/

http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/mixing-fresh-food-with-kibble/

http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/cooked-diet/

What Causes Hip Dysplasia?

2009-03-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hip Dysplasia is the term that describes a poorly formed hip joint. The veterinary profession generally regards hip dysplasia as a genetic problem, complicated by a variety of environmental influences. It is common among dogs. Along with genetics being passed down, it can skip a generation or two, other causes are improper nutrition, over use due to too much exercise and over vaccinations of young developing animals.

Dr. Pitcairn in his book "Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" says part of the preventive program is to minimize the effects by using the smallest number of vaccines possible and using them as infrequently as you can. Puppies are usually over-vaccinated, which can cause a whole lot of health problems. A good preventative is to give lots of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The instructions are in his book of how much to give the pregnant female and then how much to give puppies to prevent the disease. He recommends giving older dogs that have hip dysplasia, 500 milligrams to two grams a day. Start out giving a small amount and build up to a higher amount and give in divided doses with breakfast and dinner.

I wrote 4 blogs about the dangers of vaccines, August 8, 9, 10, and 11th, 2008.

Holistic veterinarians use acupuncture with great success if started early. Supplements also have been successful, MSM, glucosamines, omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin C.

March is National Nutritional Month

2009-03-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

I received the March newsletter from Only Natural Pet Store. I thought you would find it interesting. This month's newsletter has a lot of information regarding Food Safety, Pet Food Recalls and what ingredients should not be in your pets' food.

Their website has natural foods and supplements for sale and also has interesting articles, etc. You can also sign up to receive their free newsletter. For more information go to: http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/

For the link to this month's newsletter go to:
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/emails/031209b.html?click=73581

Happy Birthday Buddy! - How Old is My Dog in Human Years?

2009-03-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

Buddy celebrated his 5th birthday yesterday. My granddaughter made sure that Buddy had a grand celebration with streamers (some draped on him!), balloons, presents and a dog food cake with candles. Buddy barks when we sing "Happy Birthday" and that blows out his candles, it's pretty funny. Buddy turned 5 years old which is 36 in human years.

Contrary to popular belief, one "dog year" does not equal seven human years. The veterinarians are using a different chart. How long a dog lives also varies with the breed of dog, and the size of breed. Small breeds tend to live longer and giant breeds have a life expectancy that is significantly shorter. While it is fun to know the relative age of your pet in human years, it can also help you understand your dog's behavior, his special needs as he gets older, and different nutritional requirements as he progresses through life. The chart shown is a fairly accurate measure of the relative age of the average dog when compared to humans.

Age of Pet -"Human Years"
1 year = 15 years
2 years = 24 years
3 years = 28 years
4 years = 32 years
5 years = 36 years
6 years = 40 years
7 years = 44 years
8 years = 48 years
9 years = 52 years
10 years = 56 years
11 years = 60 years
12 years = 64 years
13 years = 68 years
14 years = 72 years
15 years = 76 years
16 years = 80 years
17 years = 84 years
18 years = 88 years
19 years = 89 years
20 years = 93 years

Do Pets Go to Heaven?

2009-02-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

I wrote a blog in October about pets going to Heaven (Do Pets Go to Heaven?, October 22, 2008). There is a website http://www.eternalanimals.com/, that has a lot of great information.

You can sign up for their monthly newsletter and you can ask for prayer for sick or lost animals. They even have stories about answered prayers. The site has many articles, stories and resources about animals.

Recommended books from Eternal Animals:

"Who Says Animals Go to Heaven?" - A collection of prominent Christian Leaders beliefs in life after death for animals.

"The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss is Heaven's Gate" - Pet loss support from a Christian perspective.

"There is Eternal Life for Animals" - Proves through Bible scripture that all animals go to Heaven.

"Animal Prayer Guide" - Prayers and blessings for your pet that you can use everyday.

All of these books can be purchased on their website.

Should a Dogs Nose Be Hot or Cold?

2009-02-23T23:29:00.000-08:00

Many of us were taught that a dry, hot nose was a sure sign our dog was sick and that a wet, cool nose was a sign of health. In fact, your dog's nose may change from wet and cool, to dry and hot from one minute to the next in the course of the day, based on environment (temperature, humidity, etc.).

The most important gauge of illness is how your dog behaves. Does he have a good appetite, is he full of energy and wants to play?

If your dog acts sick and has a hot dry nose, check with your veterinarian.

Kindred Spirits - Healing Your Pets Naturally

2009-02-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

Last night, I watched a video called Kindred Spirits, Healing Your Pets Naturally by Allen M. Schoen, DVM. The video had a lot of useful information for pet owners. The most important thing is to feed them a quality diet, that prevents most health problems. He give instructions about giving your pets a "body scan" that will alert you to problems when they first arise. It is worth watching. I rented it from Netflix.

Dr. Schoen has also written a book by the same name, "Kindred Spirits: Healing Your Pets Naturally".

Pregnant Woman Shouldn't Clean Kitty Litter

2009-02-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

My daughter and her family have a cat, she is also pregnant with my third grandchild. Her husband is cleaning the kitty litter box and for good reason.

Pregnant women need to be aware that toxoplasmosis can cause problems with pregnancy, including abortion. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is carried by cats and is passed in their feces (stool). Our immune systems typically protect us from harm caused by toxoplasma, but this is not the case for a developing fetus. If a woman contracts toxoplasma while pregnant, the parasite can reach her developing baby. The baby's immune system is not able to defend against the parasite, and damage to the eyes, brain or even a miscarriage may occur.

Preventive measures will reduce the risk of toxoplasma infection.
1. If you own a cat, have a non-pregnant person change the litter box. If there is no one else to change the litter box, wear gloves and wash hands with soap and running water after changing the litter.
2. Change the litter every day. The risk of infection is reduced.
3. Keep cats indoors.
4. Don't feed your cat raw or undercooked meat.
5. Avoid adopting or handling stray cats.
6. Do not bring a new cat into your house that might have been an outdoor cat or might have been fed raw meat.
7. Wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat and working in the garden.

Costco Dog Food (Kirkland) Causes Gas

2009-02-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

My daughter's dog, Shasha was having horrible gas. She was feeding her dog Kirkland Lamb and Rice (from Costco) and the gas was disgusting. She switched to Kirkland Chicken and Rice and it was worse, so she switched back. Shasha finally stopped eating her food.

My daughter has taken Shasha off Kirkland and is now feeding her Natural Balance, grain free brand. The gas is gone and Shasha is eating again.

I did some research and found that a lot of dogs have gas on Kirkland Dog Food and also on Diamond Dog Food, who makes Kirkland. Something is in the food to cause such a reaction. It does contain some ingredients that are not good for your dog, like meat "meal", beet pulp, chicken fat and salt, to name a few.

So, if your dog has gas and you are feeding Kirkland, switch to a higher quality food and try a grain free brand and see if the gas goes away.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

2009-02-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

Digging is instinctive behavior for a dog. Dogs may dig for any of the following reasons: they are bored; it's fun; they are hot; they are trying to escape; they are lonely; they have excess energy; or you have put fertilizers in the garden (nice smelling to your dog).

To stop the digging, try to find the reason.
Alleviate the boredom. If you leave your dog alone in the yard for long periods of time, provide him with something to do. Leave him with bones to chew or toys to play with. (Bones really need to be supervised and some toys also are dangerous.) It would be a good idea to exercise and play with your pet before leaving him. He probably would sleep instead of being destructive.
A lonely dog can be a digging dog. It's no fun being left alone most of the day. Dogs are pack animals and crave company. If you work long hours or are away from home a lot consider hiring a professional dog walker, a neighbor who would take him for walks or a doggy day care. Boredom sets in when dogs are in the back yard for hours on end. Bring him inside and let him be part of the family.
Your dog may be digging holes to keep cool. In hot weather many dogs will dig a cool hole to lie in. Ensure that your dog has a cool place to retreat to during the heat of the day or bring him inside. Make sure that he has plenty of water. Another idea is to supply him with a kiddie wading pool. Many dogs just love to splash and play in these and after cooling down will not have a need to dig a hole.
Dogs may dig under fences and gates in order to escape. They usually want to escape because they are bored and things look more interesting on the outside. If your dog is not spayed or neutered he/she may be trying to escape in order to mate. Spaying or neutering usually fixes this problem.
Let him have a designated digging area. Some breeds have a very strong instinct to dig. Perhaps there is one part of your yard that you will permit digging.
To stop dog re-digging existing holes. Use dog-poop! Place some of his poop in the hole. Lay chicken wire over the hole.
When Buddy was a puppy, I filled a soda can with pennies with the top tapped shut. When he started to dig, I shook the can, yelled NO, startling him. Don't let him see that you have the can. Buddy never dug in the back yard again.

Pet Dairies - Today, Dog Diary

2009-02-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

My cousin sent me an email today called Pet Dairies. Today I will share "Dog Diary".

DOG DIARY

8:00am - Dog Food! My favorite thing!
9:30am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Dog biscuits! My favorite thing!
1:00pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Dangers of New or Self-Cleaning Ovens for Birds, Cats, Dogs and Humans

2009-02-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

I turned on my new oven tonight and the smell was horrific. My granddaughter started coughing, I felt like I couldn't breathe and Buddy was sneezing. I turned the oven off and aired out the house and turned on all of my air purifiers.

I looked at the instruction book that came with the oven and there was nothing about toxic fumes for a new oven or warnings about using the self-cleaning function.

I looked online and found that the fumes from new ovens and when self-cleaning can put out toxic fumes that can kill your pet birds. The birds should be moved to another room and put a towel under the door to block out any fumes.

If these fumes are so toxic that they can kill a bird, they can be toxic to cats, dogs, children and adults, as well. I found out that the fumes cause flu-like symptoms (polymer fume fever) in humans.

It is the non-stick surfaces that contain polytetrafluoroethylene that are toxic. The oven needs to off-gas by heating full blast for 2 hours. The windows need to be opened up and keep pets, birds and humans outside.

Secondhand Smoke Dangerous to Pets

2009-02-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

Secondhand smoke causes almost 50,000 deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year, and there's a mountain of evidence that secondhand smoke can affect a pet's health as well.

Studies have linked smoke exposure to oral cancer and lymphoma in cats and nasal and lung cancer in dogs. Both dogs and cats can suffer from bronchial disease due to smoke.

A 2007 study found a link between secondhand smoke, lung cancer, eye, skin and heart problems in pet birds.

People are motivated to help their pets and so hopefully these smoking pet owners will not expose their pets or their families to secondhand smoke.

Natural Treatment for Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats

2009-02-10T20:20:00.001-08:00

Ear mites are a tiny spider like parasitic mite that infect the ears of dogs and cats. They usually live in the ear canals but can live on other parts of the dog or cat's body. Ear mites are the most common cause of ear infections seen by vets. They are more commonly found in cats.

Some breeds of dogs are more prone to ear mite infections, especially dogs with long floppy ears. The ear mites thrive in the warm moist area where the air flow is restricted.

Ear mites feed on epidermal debris and ear wax. They burrow into the ear, causing inflammation which the body responds to by producing more wax.

Ear mites are terribly uncomfortable for your pet. Usually the first symptom you notice will be your pet is scratching his ears or shaking his head. His ears may be painful to touch and he may cry in pain when you touch them or while he is scratching them.

Inside the ear of an infected dog or cat you will see dark reddish brown or black debris (this is the discharge from the mites) throughout the ear canal which looks somewhat like coffee grounds.

Ear mite infections can be serious if left untreated resulting in damage to the ear canals and eardrums and leaving deformity of the ears and possible deafness. Secondary bacterial or yeast infections are also common so it is important to consult your veterinarian.

Dr. Pitcairn in his book "Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats", recommends: A mixture of 1/2 ounce of almond or olive oil and 400IU vitamin E (from a capsule) makes a mild healing treatment for either cats or dogs. Blend them in a dropper bottle and warm the mixture to body temperature by immersing it in hot water. Holding the ear flap up, put about 1/2 dropper-full in the ear. Massage the ear canal well so that you hear a fluid sound. After a minute of this, let the animal shake its head. Then gently clean out the opening (not deep into the ear) with cotton swabs to remove debris and excess oil. The oil mixture will smother many of the mites and start a healing process that will make the ear less hospitable for them. Apply the oil every other day for six days (3 treatments in total). Between treatments, cap the mixture tightly and store at room temperature. After the last oil treatment, let the ear rest for three more days.

Once the ears are cleaned out, one of the simplest ways to kill mites is with the herb Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus). You can purchase this herb in the form of a tincture. Dilute it, three drops herb to one teaspoon of pure water or nine drops to one tablespoon. Apply it in the same way as the oil, above. Treat the ears once every three days for three to four weeks. You may need to shampoo your pet because the mites hang out around the outside of the ears and head.

Ear mites are very contagious and can be passed on from dog to dog or cat to dog, etc. It is important to treat all of your pets at the same time.

Snail Bait Poisoning in Dogs

2009-02-09T19:21:00.000-08:00

Snail bait is one of the most common causes of accidental poisonings in dogs. The toxic active ingredient found in most slug and snail baits is metaldehyde.

Snail bait usually comes in pellet form which your pet can find very attractive because it resembles dog kibble. The snail pellets are sometimes combined with molasses, apples and bran which is added to attract the slugs and snails. Unfortunately this also attracts your dog to them.

Snail bait is also available in liquid and granule form, however, if you use it in this form dogs may walk on it and later lick their paws. It is in your dog's best interest not to use snail bait around your yard.

A very small amount of snail bait is fatal for dogs. Approximately 1 teaspoon per 10 lb of bodyweight will cause death in fifty percent of ingestions.

Symptoms of snail bait poisoning occur quickly after ingestion. The most common symptom is twitching. Initial symptoms may include nervousness, apprehension, increased excited mood. Other symptoms include excessive drooling, muscle tremors, panting, fever, seizures, diarrhea, fast heart rate, respiratory failure, rigidity, and vomiting.

It is critical to get veterinary attention immediately if you suspect snail bail poisoning. Your dog could die within hours of ingestion. Get to the vet as soon as possible. Every minute counts.

Try to stay calm and before heading off to the emergency room remember to grab the packet containing the snail bait so your vet can check the active ingredients. If you dog has vomited at home it may also be useful to take the dog's vomit with you to the vet for testing.

There is no antidote for metaldehyde poisoning. Your vet will give supportive treatments by treating the symptoms.

There are pet safe snail killers and repellents. There is a product called Sluggo, which is said to be non toxic to pets.

Be Careful of Revolution

2009-02-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

A relatively new "medication" for pets, is Revolution. It is a parasiticide, which is basically a poison that you apply to your pet's skin once a month. It is a treatment for a long list including: heartworm, fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, ticks and cats from roundworms and hookworms, and other foreign invaders.

The problem is that the drug companies usually do not do long term studies about the safety of their products. You and your pets are basically the guinea pigs for new drugs.

I have a friend whose dog was put on this. Her dog was having a lot of side effects. I asked my friend if her dog had ear mites? mange? fleas? or lived in an area where there were ticks or mosquitos? She said no. Why was this poor puppy put on this medication? I told her, that her dog was basically being poisoned!

The side effects are: digestion problems, hair loss at the site of application, loss of appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and muscle tremors. For humans, it can be irritating to the skin (how about the poor animals). Bathing or shampooing the pet will not reduce the effectiveness. Which means you can't get it off, once you put it on. It is not advisable to use on pets that are ill or underweight.

Revolution works by penetrating the skin and entering your pet's bloodstream!

I can't imagine what the long term effects will be from this medication, I hate to even think about it.

Are You Exposing Your Pet to Toxins Around Your Home?

2009-02-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

I wrote a previous blog (October 2, 2008 "Close-to-the-ground toxins your pet needs to avoid."), but this subject is well worth repeating.

Think about all of the places your dog or cat walks around inside and outside of your home. Now consider some of the everyday products that you use -- household cleaners, garden products, and more. All of these products are such a part of our everyday lives, most pet parents don't think about how harmful they can be to your pets. In fact, many of these products go beyond just giving your pet a tummy ache if licked or eaten. They can pose a real health hazard to your furry friends.

Because our pets walk and play on the floors, and come in contact with just about everything in the house, they are constantly being exposed to dangerous toxins -- things like:
Wall/floor/toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, detergents, rust removers, metal polish, drain cleaners, ammonia, oven cleaners, furniture polish, floor wax.

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are a major source of environmental toxins. A study at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, revealed that the exposure to lawns treated with herbicides four or more times a year doubled a dog's risk of canine lymphoma. And the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. reported that, when exposed to chemically treated lawns, some breeds of dogs were four to seven times more likely to suffer from bladder cancer.

Antifreeze is made with ethylene glycol. It has a sweet taste that animals love, but can be fatal in a dose as small as 1 teaspoon.

De-icing salts used to melt snow and ice on your walkways and driveway can irritate paws and can be poisonous if licked off. Wash and dry your pet's paws as soon as they come in from the outside. Boots help protect your pet's feet outdoors.

Carefully read the labels of housecleaning and garden products. Change to safe and environmentally friendly products that will help prevent your pet from getting sick --or worse.

No Animals Were Harmed in Super Bowl Commercials

2009-02-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

There were a variety of animals, including a rhinoceros, ostrich and water buffalo, sometimes in outrageous situations, in the commercials shown during the Super Bowl. The American Humane Association say that they have Certified Animal Safety Representatives that monitor the many commercials. The AHA ensures us that no animals were harmed. In fact, most TV networks will not air a commercial featuring animals unless it receives American Humane's sign-off letter stating that the production did not harm any animals.

The American Humane Association is strongly supporting the adoption message. Far too many healthy and treatable animals who could be adopted are euthanized because there are just not enough resources or loving homes for them. They are reminding people to adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue group --to save a life while enhancing your own with a new companion.

In today's economic climate, the need for adoptive homes is greater than ever. More and more animals are being abandoned in vacant houses - as people lose their homes to a foreclosure. American Humane responded to this situation by establishing a foreclosure pets grant to help shelters deal with this new flood of incoming pets. It's just one of the many ways they are working to protect animals and promote the human-animal bond.

To donate to the American Humane Association go to: www.americanhumaneassociation.com

Salmonella Recall Includes Some Pet Foods

2009-02-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

Pet products are on the list of food recalled in connection with a nationwide salmonella outbreak that sickened more than 500 people and several deaths.

Dog products appear most frequently on the list of recalled pet products, ranging from puppy chow to rawhide bones. Most have been sold nationwide, and some could be in your pantry. The latest were four Carolina Prime dog treat products and rawhide dog chews made by Salix that contain peanut butter manufactured by the Peanut Corp. of America, which is being investigated for the salmonella outbreak. The Salix chews are sold at Target and Petsmart.

You can find the products on the recall list by visiting www.ocregister.com/pbrecall or www.fda.gov.

If your pup contracts salmonella, he's not the only one in danger, the FDA warns.
"Salmonella is an organism that can potentially be transferred to people handling these pet treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products," according to an FDA release.

Sick pets are often lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.

Contact your vet if you think your pet might have eaten one of the products on the list. If you find one in your pantry, throw it away or return it for a refund or exchange, the FDA says.

Words of Wisdom From Cesar Millan

2009-01-28T21:48:00.000-08:00

What your pet can teach you, by Cesar Millan. The most valuable lessons I've received have come from animals. Here are some of the ways dogs have helped me become a better, happier, and more-balanced human being.

Live in the moment. People often wonder how I get such quick results with the dogs I rehabilitate. The answer is simple: Dogs live in the moment. They don't regret the past or worry about the future. If we can learn to appreciate and focus on what's happening in the here and now, we'll experience a richness of living that other members of the animal kingdom enjoy.

Nurture a balanced life. I tell my clients to follow this simple rule with their dogs: Offer exercise, discipline, and affection every day. Do the same for yourself. We humans are happier if our routines include physical activity, a sense of structure, and the opportunity to give and receive love on a daily basis.

Learn to listen. Make the time to lend an ear to those you love or those who want to transform their lives. But don't try to fix their problems, and don't take their problems personally, either. A great leader is also a great follower and knows that everybody counts.

Don't hold grudges. There's a remarkable lack of conflict in dog packs. That's because members resolve the situation when disagreements arise, then move on. Imagine what our world would be like if we dealt with our conflicts before they escalated out of control. Holding onto negative feelings tends to make them multiply and prevent us from moving forward.

Celebrate every day. For a dog, every morning is Christmas morning. Every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game is the best game. We can learn so much by observing the way our pets rejoice in life's simplest moments. Take time every day to celebrate the many gifts that are hidden in the ordinary events of your own life.

The Animal Odd Couple

2009-01-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

A friend emailed me this youtube video about a friendship between an elephant and a dog. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=aFz-FMj-9Ps

Get Rid of Allergens, Not Pets

2009-01-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

Today in my local paper, there was a column written about a 10 year old boy with allergies. His family has cats and his doctor said to get rid of them. The writer responded about how tramatic it would be for the boy to lose his pets.

She had this advice to get rid of allergens in the house.
1. Have your house steam cleaned. This is a safe, chemical-free way of eliminating allergens that are already in your home.
2. Then, be diligent with vacuuming. This means carpet, furniture, all the corners of every room, walls, etc. You'll need to use the hand tools to get all the nooks and crannies. This is a big job if you haven't vacuumed this way before, but once you get past the first time, it will be much easier and quicker after that, especially if you vacuum on a daily basis.
3. Invest in a couple of high quality HEPA air purifiers. These devices work great and really do clean the air. You'll notice allergy relief almost immediately once these are up and running. Be sure to change the filters according to the directions.
4. Teach your children to wash their hands frequently, especially after playing with or petting your pets. A lot of kids rub their eyes without thinking. Make sure they keep their hands away from their face and eyes. This will take practice and frequent reminders.
5. Keep the pets out of their bedroom. This should be a pet free zone. Having one room in the house should remain allergen-free, especially the one they spend their sleeping hours.
6. Finally, the most important step involves the use of a product that is called Allerpet/c (cats) or Allerpet/d (dogs). All you need to do is to regularly comb your pet and then apply Allerpet/c or d. with a microfiber cloth directly to your pets' coat. The application process is fairly enjoyable for your pet. It's like a massage. You'll want to use strokes that go both with and against the direction of the fur growth. You only need to apply the Allerpet/c or d weekly. But you should comb or brush you pet daily.

This seems like a lot of work, but allergy sufferers who love their pets have developed systems that work for them, and these systems become fairly simple routines.

Thought For The Day

2009-01-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

"Acquiring a dog may be the only time a person gets to choose a relative." Unknown

Obese Cats, Grains and Diabetes

2009-01-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

I wrote in a previous blog about overweight cats, diabetes and the cause (The Diabetes Food Connection in Cats, Sept. 3. 2008). Cats are becoming obese and getting sick with diabetes at an alarming rate. The cause --- their food. Most cat foods are filled with grains, mostly corn. Cats are carnivores, they need meat as the main ingredient in their food, not grains.

I was visiting a friend the other day and her cat is very obese. She said she was very concerned about him. I asked to see the food she was feeding him. She brought out a bag of Meow Mix. I showed her the first ingredient --WHOLE YELLOW CORN. I told her that cats are not grain eaters and the corn is just turning to sugar, which turns to fat. I had her switch to a natural brand of food, Wellness, they have a grain-free food for cats. I have a picture of her cat now, (at 23 pounds !) and will give you an update in a month.

Important Information About Chew Toys

2009-01-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

This information is from Frazer Hale, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, of the American Veterinary Dental College: Just because pet stores sell chew toys, does not necessarily mean the objects are good for pets' teeth.
He recommends the following rule when evaluating the appropriateness of chew toys: If you would not want the chew toy thrown at your knee cap, you shouldn't allow your pet to chew on it. (Hard on your knees, hard on their teeth!)

A Pet's Ten Commandments

2009-01-10T19:33:00.000-08:00

I received this from a friend today in an email:

A Pet's Ten Commandments...

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

When Do Dogs Turn Grey?

2009-01-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

I tried to do research about what age dogs turn grey. I found out that some can be as young as 1 years old and some don't turn grey until 9 or 10. Some breeds don't turn grey at all.

Buddy has alot of black fur on his face. I have noticed in the last year that it is sprinkled with white hair. He will turn 5 years old next month. I thought this was much too young to turn grey. Jake was probably 10 years old when he started turning grey.

What I have found out is that, dogs are like humans, some turn grey young and some turn grey when they are very old.

Pet Toys Can Be Dangerous

2009-01-08T21:16:00.001-08:00

My last blog was about how much pets love new toys, but pet owners have to be very careful and cautious about what to buy.

There are no safety protocols in effect for pet toys. Most toys are made in China and some even contain lead. Pets can become sickened due to lead poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, difficulty walking, abdominal pain, tremors, blindness and even coma.

Some toys have small parts, robe or strings that can be swallowed by pets, but not passed in the stool. This can lead to intestinal blockages. Some of these pieces can actually perforate the intestines or the stomach, or leech toxic chemicals.

Cat owners need to be careful about bungee toys affixed to cat trees, cats have been strangled by the cord.

Dogs have choked to death on rawhide treats. Avoid rawhide toys.

Dogs have gotten their tongues sucked into rubber balls.

If you have a bird, you need to be especially careful. There are a lot of plastic bird toys. These are easily broken up by any sized bird and the sharp pieces can be swallowed. Avoid bird toys with bells as some of these are coated with zinc.

Supervise your pet when you give him a toy. Make sure the toy is size and species appropriate. Purchase products that come from trusted manufacturers and appear to be high quality. (I avoid anything made in China). Balls should have a number of air holes so that suction will not be created when a dog chews on them. Cat toys on strings/springs/elastic bungees should only be used when a cat is being supervised.

There just aren't the same safety measures taken for pets that there are for people. When in doubt, talk with your veterinarian. Most veterinarians have seen accidents that are toy-related and can give you some good tips on what to avoid.

Dogs Enjoy Presents for Christmas

2009-01-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of Buddy with his new toys that he opened for Christmas. My granddaughter picked out a green fuzzy bone that squeaks. She wrapped it up and Buddy opened it on Christmas morning. I don't know who had more fun, she or Buddy.

Santa brought him a new ball, biscuits and some duck jerky in his stocking. Buddy gets very excited about his new toys. He knows that Christmas is a special day.

When I was a child, our family had a dog named Cindy. She was a shepherd mix. Cindy always had a new toy wrapped for her under the tree each Christmas. The wrapped toy would be put under the tree weeks before Christmas. She would proudly carry around the wrapped toy, but she knew not to open it. On Christmas morning, as we were opening our presents, Cindy knew it was OK to open hers. I can still remember how happy she was about her new toy. It is just one of many fond memories that I have of her. I haven't had a dog since that would carry around a wrapped toy and not want to open it.

Pets Get Scared of Noise

2009-01-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas, New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July, are times for fireworks. Unfortunately, many dogs are lost when they become frightened of the noise, and escape from their yard or the house.

To prevent your dog escaping, make sure he's securely confined. Ideally, this means he's inside your house, either in a crate or locked in a room. It's unlikely he'll escape under these circumstances.

If he does need to stay outside, be sure your fence is in good condition. Have a sturdy collar on your dog, make sure it won't slip over his head. Have a current ID tag on his collar. Hopefully you won't need it, but take a good clear photograph of him, so it's easy to make posters and share his description online, if he should escape.

Buddy and I wish you a Happy New Year!

Give Your Pets Pure Water

2008-12-29T21:41:00.000-08:00

I wrote a blog on giving your pets pure water months ago. I think it is important to cover this subject again. Tap water is contaminated with chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, pesticides, etc.
Plastic water bowls also leach chemicals.

To read a great article on the importance of giving your pets and yourself pure water, read an article written by Dr. Michael W. Fox, Ph.D, B.Vet. Med. Go to http://tedeboy.tripod.com/drmichaelwfox/id36.html.

Protect Your Pet From The Cold Weather

2008-12-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

Despite their fur coats, pets can get cold in the winter months especially short haired breeds. Try and keep outdoor cats in on cold winter nights.

If your dog is an outside dog, and you don't want to bring him indoors, make sure he has insulated shelter from wind and rain, and warm, dry bedding in his kennel.

Make sure that the water in his bowl is not frozen.

If you take your dog for walks in the snow, be sure to get some booties to protect his paws. Be sure and dry your pet after walks in the rain or snow.

Foods To Avoid Giving Your Pet At the Holidays

2008-12-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

Foods to avoid giving your pet at Christmas, New Years or anytime for that matter.

* Alcoholic beverages

* Chocolate (highly toxic to pets)

* Coffee

* Moldy or spoiled foods

* Foods high in salt or fat

* Chicken or turkey bones (they can splinter or get lodged in your pet's throat)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Festive Foliage to Keep Away From Pets

2008-12-21T22:18:00.000-08:00

Poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are all popular Christmas decorations. Eating any of these can make your pet quite ill. The plants can irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.

Mistletoe can be more serious depending on what species is eaten. Some mistletoe can cause upset stomach, with vomiting; however others may lead to liver failure and seizures.

Festive plants really do add to your home's Christmas decor, but its best to keep them well out of reach of your pets.

Christmas Tree Dangers to Pets

2008-12-20T23:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas decorations and celebrations can pose a threat to all pets. These tips will help you to keep your pets safe around the home this festive season.

The Christmas tree is one of the highlights for adults and children alike. It also poses a few hazards to your pets.

The tree can be pulled over by tugging on branches or cords. Make sure your tree is well anchored so your pet can't pull it over.

Electrical light cords can be chewed and cause severe electrical shock. Put cords in a PVC pipe or cover them well.

Broken ornaments can cause cuts to the feet and other parts of the body and even more dangerous if they are chewed on. Use unbreakable ornaments.

Many people add chemicals to the tree water to extend the life of the tree, which can be toxic to pets if they drink it. Its a good idea not to add anything to the water if your pet can get to it.

Fallen tree needles are very sharp and can easily get stuck in your pet's paws or throat. Sweep or vacuum often.

Avoid tinsel or ribbons which are dangerous to the gastrointestinal tract if your pet swallows them. This could mean that surgery is necessary to remove it from the intestines.

Do not hang chocolates from your Christmas tree. They are highly toxic and your pet will be tempted if he can see or smell them.

More Dangers of Choke Chains

2008-12-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

Choke chains always choke and they are responsible for a number of medical conditions including: Injured ocular blood vessels; Tracheal and oesophageal damage; Severely sprained necks; Cases of fainting; Transient foreleg paralysis; Laryngeal nerve paralysis; and Hind leg ataxia.

Choke and shock collars are designed to stop dogs from pulling on a leash, for barking, through the application of pain. Their use is unnecessary and often ineffective and in many ways are cruel.

Halters and reward-based training can achieve more effective results without hurting dogs.

Dangers of Choke Chains

2008-12-15T22:26:00.000-08:00

Some people keep their pet in a choke chain instead of a collar. Choke chains and other training aids are only to be used when you are actively training your pet.

A pet that is left alone wearing a choke chain is in real danger of choking to death. If a dog becomes entangled or catches the collar on something, its instinct is to pull away. This will tighten a choke chain and can make the dog choke itself. Dogs have died when they catch the choke chain or pinch collar and they struggle until they suffocate and die.

Papaya for Tape Worms Worked!

2008-12-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

In Dr. Pitcairn's Book, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, he recommended alternative treatments for tapeworms. One was giving papain, which is a powder made from Papaya. I used Royal Tropics, The Original Green Papaya, Digestive Aid. Their website is http://www.gincointernational.com/ . Their supplement just contained Papaya. Most other brands contained other ingredients. I gave Buddy 1 capsule in his food each night for 2 weeks. I haven't seen any signs of tapeworms.

Why Do Dogs Get Gas?

2008-12-10T21:10:00.000-08:00

Fortunately, Buddy doesn't have a problem with gas. Jake did have a lot of gas because he wasn't on a great diet, I didn't know about pet nutrition then.

Why do dogs get gas? The dog's diet has a lot to do with flatulence. Most supermarket brands of dog food are made up mostly of corn products for fillers. Soy products in your dog's diet are loaded with proteins that can be hard to digest. This can contribute to a smelly gas problem. Feeding a high quality food, with the top ingredients listed as chicken or lamb, can not only mean a more comfortable pet, but a less gassy one, too. High quality kibble will also reduce the amount of waste product, meaning less poop. A good diet results in less end product, because more of the meal is actually digested.

Flatulence is caused when bacteria in the digestive tract break down food items producing gas. Some breeds are more prone to flatulence, but all dogs can suffer from it and owners can suffer from smelling their dogs.

Be careful with table scraps. Vegetables and lean meats are good for your dog, but fries, bacon, bologna or ice cream, etc. can cause problems.

Don't feed you dog rawhide. Dogs love them, but they are very high in protein and dogs swallow a lot of air while eating them. They also can cause blockages, which can be a serious problem.

Feed your dog more often. Divide the food and feed him 2 times a day and see if that make a difference.

Try a digestive enzyme. These are safe products that will help their digestive track to digest the food, eliminating the gas build up in their intestines.

Give a probiotic. This will increase the friendly bacteria in your dog's intestines.

I give Buddy, Plant Enzymes & Probiotics from Animal Essentials. You can order this on http://www.animalessentials.com/ or call 888-551-0416.

If none of these helps the gas problem, it may be time for a check up.

How to Treat Hotspots

2008-12-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

Hot spots are usually caused by food or flea allergies. The foods that cause the most problems are corn, wheat, beef, pork, soy. Some dogs can have allergies to other foods as well. Don't give your pet tap water if your water is fluoridated. Switch your pets food to a high grade natural food.

First you need to treat the sore and then remove the underlying cause to prevent recurrence. Trim the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of in the infection. Gently wash the area with a natural organic soap and rinse well.

Home Remedy: Boil water and put in a tea bag (black or green tea). The tannic acid helps dry up the moist places. Let it steep for 10 minutes or so. Remove the tea bag and let it cool to room temperature. Once it's cool, press the tea bag onto the hot spot. Wrap in place for a half and hour. Do this 2-3 times a day.

You can also smear on some Vitamin E oil or fresh aloe vera gel (from the living plant or in a liquid from a health food store).

Pet Silk is available at pet stores. It is organic with 100% natural oils, it protects and soothes the wound.

If these natural solutions don't work, take him to a holistic veterinarian.

The Importance of Trimming Your Dog's Nails

2008-12-06T22:25:00.000-08:00

Today, I took Buddy to get his nails trimmed. He doesn't like to ride in the car, so he gets very anxious in the car. He also doesn't like to get his nails trimmed, but he knows the routine and lets the groomer trim them. They always make him bleed which I don't like. I don't like to cut his nails because I am afraid of making him bleed.

Why should you trim your dog's nails? Untrimmed nails can cause a variety of problems including broken nails, which are painful and bleed profusely. A dog walks on his toes not the soles of his feet. Long nails can cause the dog to rock back on his paws, causing strain on his leg assemblies and interfering with his gait. Some dogs, particularly overweight ones, may find it uncomfortable to put their body weight on their feet with overgrown nails, causing sore feet, legs and hips. Over the long term, this can also contribute to the development of arthritis.

Many people have their dog's nails trimmed by a groomer or at the vet's office, which is usually affordable and quick. However, it can also be a very stressful experience for the dog. They usually have to muzzle or restrain the dog. It would be far better, and nicer, for you to handle this frequent task with care and compassion, which is way you should do it yourself.

There are two popular methods of trimming dogs nails: using a clipper tool and using a Dremel-style rotary grinding tool. Clipping the dog's nails involves squeezing the nail and putting pressure on the sensitive quick, potentially causing discomfort and pain. There is also the risk, especially with dark nails, that you will cut through the quick and cause considerable pain and bleeding--and perhaps make your dog afraid of nail cutting forever. A properly used Dremel or similar rotary tool involves no squeezing or pressure on the quick. With the Dremel, you can also grind off all around the quick so that it recedes faster and you can get even shorter nails. You can grind off all the corners and rough edges leaving nice smooth nails.

I'm not going to have Buddy go through the trauma of getting his nails trimmed by a groomer that makes him bleed. I am going to invest in a rotary tool to trim his nails.

Avoid Using Artificial Snow and Flocking Around Pets

2008-12-02T21:44:00.000-08:00

Artificial snow and flocking on trees and decorations can cause health problems for pet. The snow is poisonous and can cause digestive distress when eaten. The snow is also a respiratory irritant if inhaled.

Buddy Got Skunked, AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-24T21:15:00.000-08:00

Buddy got skunked again, last night! Buddy must have remembered the skunk because he was sprayed on his rear end (he must have been running away!).

This time I was prepared. I didn't let him in the house, I didn't try to wash him with water. I made a mixture of 1 quart peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 tsp liquid dish detergent. I washed the smell off of him, rinse him, and then let him in the house. There is a slight skunk smell, but nothing like the last time. This happened at midnight, much too late for a bath. This mixture works really good removing the smell, but it has bleached parts of Buddy's hair, red. He looks more like a tri-colored Border Collie on his head. I have read that an alternative to peroxide is white vinegar.

I need to work on making sure this skunk doesn't come back. I have learned that skunks can and do eat anything; bird eggs, bugs and larvae, small rodents, garbage, pet food, nuts, berries, fruits, water sources and bird feeder spills. Well, I do have bird feeder spills.

They can get through a hole only 4" wide. They are not climbers, but are great diggers. He dug a hole under the chicken wire that is across my back fence. I need to repair the fence so he won't come under it. Skunks also don't like light, so I will leave my back porch light on. Some people have used spicy pepper solutions that should be reapplied every few days. I will also call my local nursery to check out commercial repellents.

I will spray the hose, with a high pressure nozzel, before I let Buddy out at night. Skunks don't like water. It will get the skunk out of the yard, before Buddy goes out. I am tired of my house smelling like skunk.

Acupuncture Therapy for Pets

2008-11-23T23:12:00.000-08:00

Acupuncture is an ancient therapy from China involving the placement of needles at specific sites along nerves' pathways to evoke positive healing action and bring relief from distress and suffering. In modern times it has been medically validated and found to be extremely useful in very painful situations. Some holistic veterinarians have begun to use it in their practices with much success.

Acupuncture can promote better circulation, reduce overall inflammation, and to provide local pain relief. Acupuncture automatically promotes the release of endorphins into the animal's body, which can reduce pain and inflammation. It is used to treat hip dysplasia, Lyme's disease, inflammatory skin conditions, inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract, constipation, diarrhea, allergies, epilepsy, lung conditions, and arthritis. It can also boost the immune system.

To get a list of certified practioners from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society go to their web address: IVASJAGG@ix.netcom.com

Tips to Keep Pets Safe on Thanksgiving

2008-11-22T21:29:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day is a joyous and relaxing holiday for most humans, but for pets, Thanksgiving can pose some very real dangers. To avoid a pet injury or illness on Thanksgiving consider the following tips, designed to help pet owners reduce the number of holiday pet hazards and dangers.

1. Keep Bones Out of a Dog or Cat's Reach. A dog or cat who eats turkey bones can suffer an intestinal obstruction, punctures and tears to the intestinal tract and potentially deadly internal bleeding. If your pets can access outdoor trash cans, instead place the container with the bones in the freezer and place the bones curbside on trash collection day.

2. Keep Dogs and Cats Out of the Kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. A pet in a crowded kitchen is a recipe for disaster. A pet can easily get under foot and cause a cook to trip and fall. If they have a hot food item in their hands, this could lead to burns and a big mess.

3. Confine Cats and Dogs When Thanksgiving Guest Arrive. Some dogs and cats are very social, while others don't appreciate visits to the home from strangers. Many cats and dogs find Thanksgiving Day guests overwhelming and frightening. If a guest attempts to pet a nervous pet, this may be a recipe for a dog bite, cat bite or cat scratch. Children visiting may pose a danger to cats, dogs and other pets. A child may act inappropriately, injuring the pet or provoke the dog or cat, leading to a bite.

4. Thanksgiving Dinner for Dogs and Cats. Most food at Thanksgiving should be OK for pets. Fat trimmings and very fatty food should always be avoided as this can trigger pancreatitis. Large amounts of unfamiliar foods will cause nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea in pets. Offer a small amount with the pets regular meal.

5. Keep the Emergency Vet and Pet Poison Control Numbers Handy. The ASPCA's Pet Poison Control Center is (888) 426-4435.

Buddy Has Tapeworms!

2008-11-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

Buddy has tapeworms but doesn't have fleas. To get tapeworms the pet has to ingest a flea. I don't know how he got them, but I found them in his poop. The tapeworms look like pieces of white rice. Dr. Pitcairn says that the tapeworm parasites do not usually cause any detectable health problems and are not serious.

I am going to try alternative remedies first. In Dr. Pitcairn's book he recommends first a fresh diet which improves the chance that the parasites will be sloughed off.

The idea in treating tapeworms is to use substances that annoy or irritate the worms and to use them over a long period of time. Eventually, the worms will give up and loosen their hold, passing on out.

Pumpkin seeds - use raw seeds and keep them sealed in an airtight container. Grind them to a fine meal and give them to your pet in consume immediately. Add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon depending on the size of your animal.

Wheat-germ oil - buy a very good quality wheat-germ oil at a health food store, it is an excellent natural tapeworm discourager. Add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon to each meal.

Vegetable enzymes - the enzymes of many plant foods, especially those from figs and papaya, eat away at the outer coating of the worm. Add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon to food. You can use enzyme supplements that contain papain (the papaya enzyme) and other digestive enzymes. Follow the instructions on the label.

Homeopathic - Filix Mas 3C: Give 1 tablet or 5 pellets 3 times a day for 2 to 3 weeks, shorter if the segments go away sooner. Cina 3C, can also be used if Filix Mas is not available.

If these don't work Dr. Pitcairn recommends using conventional drug treatment.

Pets Are Good For People's Health

2008-11-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

A great deal of research has been done with the effects of animal companionship on the elderly. The evidence conclusively proves that single seniors who connect with a cat or dog live longer, enjoy life more, and have far fewer health problems as a rule than do those who have no pets. Pets are indeed good for our health!

Stress - What Relaxes Our Pets

2008-11-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

Animals get stressed just as people do. Everything from loud noises and bright lights to crowded places and strange locations can make pets jumpy and irritable.

Some of the same things that calm the animals' owners work equally well for them. A nice, gentle massage helps relax tense muscles. So does hand stroking and brushing. Animals seem to like being touched in a loving way when they're under a lot of stress. Finger and hand caressing seems to help their bodies unwind and put them at ease.

Soft music works its own kind of magic. Animal psychologists discovered some years ago that not only does music "soothe the savage beast" within, but it changes the mood and behavior or pets as well. Fear and aggression are replaced by calmness and peace. When soothing sounds are played, inner anxieties disappear. Animals no longer are frustrated but feel a sense of confidence within themselves.

Tips For Bee Stings for Dogs and Cats

2008-11-16T22:32:00.000-08:00

If your pet gets stung by a bee, there are many remedies that can be used to help with reactions and reduce pain.

First remove the stinger, by scraping in out. Don't use tweezers because it will pump more venom into the skin.

-Bathe the stung area with a solution of baking soda and water. Make a thick paste. You may need to trim the hair to make this stick.

-Immediately apply ice packs to reduce swelling (this also keeps the poison from spreading quickly). Keep on 10-30 minutes. Repeat several times during the day to relieve pain.

-Give the homeopathic remedy, APIS MELLIFICA (this is good to keep on hand for pets and humans).

-Give Benadryl (diphenhydramine) by mouth. Use only the plain Benadryl formula. Call your vet for dosages.

-Dr. Pitcairn recommends applying a freshly sliced onion, rub in one drop of ammonia water, or use Urtica Urens tincture or glycerine extract on the sting. He also gives the homeopathic Ledum 30C, for all insect bites, a few pellets every 15 minutes for a total of 3 treatments.

Watch your pet for any adverse reactions. A sting in the mouth could be very serious because of swelling.
Take your pet to the vet immediately if he shows signs of weakness, trembling, vomiting, breathing problems or major swelling.

How To Introduce Your New Baby to Your Dog

2008-11-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

I just found out that I am going to be a grandmother for the 3rd time! My daughter and her family have a rescue dog, Shasta, a black lab. Here are some hints to help when bringing home a new baby.

1. If you need to change house rules, change them before the baby arrives, so that your dog doesn't associate changes with baby's arrival.

2. Consider a series of obedience classes before the baby arrives.

3. Have your dog checked by a veterinarian to make sure he doesn't have parasites.

4. Let your dog get used to the sights, smells and sounds of a baby in advance. Let him get used to sounds of rattles and other baby toys.

5. Before bringing your baby home from the hospital, send home a blanket or gown that the baby has been wrapped in. This will get your dog used to the baby's scent.

6. Let Dad or someone else carry the baby inside at the first homecoming, so that Mom is free to greet the dog with open arms. The dog will be less jealous.

7. Praise your dog when you're near the baby so she will think of the child as a positive influence.

8. Reassure your dog, each time your baby cries, and train him not to bark when he hears it. Give the dog a treat or hug for doing the right thing.

9. Spend one-on-one time with your dog while the baby is napping.

10. Be patient because it may take some time before your dog is comfortable around your baby.

Warnings: Never leave your dog alone with your baby, no matter how well-trained and friendly the dog may be. Even the best-behaved dog can become frustrated with a baby's cries.

(The picture is Buddy and his "Baby".)

Are There Hypoallergenic Dogs?

2008-11-12T23:05:00.000-08:00

About 10 percent of the U.S. population is allergic to animals, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. For those persons afflicted with asthma, the rate is even higher - approximately 25%. Allergic reactions to pets can range from bothersome (itchy or watery eyes) to downright dangerous, such as asthma attacks that constrict breathing.

The term, "Hypoallergenic" are breeds that result in a "reduced allergic reaction" among allergy sufferers. Non-allergic breeds simply do not exist. Dog allergens originate in the dog's skin, saliva, urine, and dander, that drift about your home, contaminating everything. It is the dander (skin scales) that causes the most significant allergic reactions, not the length or amount of hair on the pet.

All dog allergen is not the same and some breeds produce less than others. Breeds that produce less allergen are Poodles, Labradoodles, Bichon Frise, Havenese, Miniature Schnauzers, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Maltese, Airedales, Italian Greyhound, Chinese Crested, Chihuahua, and Mexican Hairless.

Buddy Got Skunked!!!!!

2008-11-11T18:55:00.000-08:00

Last night, Buddy got skunked. He went outside to do "his business" before going to bed, and chased after something. I thought it was probably a rat. Well, Buddy ran in the house and started acting like he needed to spit. He smelled awful! A liquid was dripping out of his mouth. The skunk sprayed his face and mouth.

I didn't know what to do and got a towel and washed him with water. It was the wrong thing to do. He smelled so bad. Now the whole house stunk like skunk.

I went on the internet and learned what I should have done. Mix 1 quart hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent together and sponge on your dry dog. ( They recommend not to put this solution in a sealed container, because it will explode.) Leave the solution on for 10 minutes and rinse off. Repeat if necessary. Then shampoo your dog with a pet shampoo.

It was very late at night when this happened and I did the peroxide mixture a couple of times. The smell was so overwhelming in the house, that I couldn't tell whether it was working or not.

The next morning, I couldn't smell the skunk on Buddy, but everywhere he had gone in the house, smelled awful!

If you have skunks in your area, have hydrogen peroxide handy, just in case. Don't let the dog in the house before you treat the smell on the dog. The spray is oily and can stay on carpet, upholstery, bedding, floors, etc. for a long time (one website said 2 years!).

Max Is Alive And Well !

2008-11-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

In July, I wrote several blogs about our goldfish, Dorothy, who died after 3 years. I also wrote a blog about my granddaughter winning a new fish at the Orange County Fair. Well, I just wanted to report that Max is still alive and well. I wonder how many other fish from the fair are swimming in bowls today.
Max is being fed a goldfish food by Wardley with no artificial colors.

It is amazing how goldfish can each have their own personality.

More Recommended Books

2008-11-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

I recommend these books by Linda Tellington-Jones, Animal behaviorist and author.

The books are: Getting in TTouch with Your Dog; Getting in TTouch with Your Puppy; and Unleash Your Dog's Potential. TTouch is not misspelled, it is a touch therapy for animals.

For more information go to: http://www.ttouch.com/

Keep Your Pets Safe on Halloween

2008-10-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Halloween is full of fun things for you and your family to enjoy, but it's one of those holidays that is enjoyed more by people than by pets. Keep the following precautions in mind when preparing for the frightfully fun festivities and help ensure that everyone in your family - including your pet - has a safe Halloween.

Keep your pet in a quiet place, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. You may know that the monsters and goblins who come knocking on Halloween aren't real, but pets don't. In addition, frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for escape, which can go unnoticed during all the commotion. Be sure all pets are wearing collars and ID tags in case of an accidental getaway.

Cats--black ones in particular--often fall victim to pranksters. Keep cats safely indoors. Visit www.humansociety.org/safecats for more information.

Place live flame decorations like candles and jack-o'-lanterns out of your pet's reach. Curious critters risk being singed or burned by the flame--they could also easily knock over a candle or pumpkin and cause a fire.

Keep candy away from pets. All those sweets may taste great to pets, but candy, especially chocolate, can be toxic to pets. Candy wrappers can also be harmful if swallowed. Raisins are also toxic. Candy and gum sweetened with Xylitol can be deadly.

Don't let the family dog accompany the kids on their trick-or-treat outing. Your dog can get easily spooked by the strange costumes, sights and sounds of trick-or-treaters. Your dog can get loose and run away.

Keep decorations that pets could chew on--like streamers, fake spiders webs, wires or cords. If pets chomp on Halloween decorations they could choke or become ill. Pets could also become tangled and injured by dangling cords or decorations.

Keep Your Pets Safe While Traveling in Your Car

2008-10-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some tips to keep your pet safe when traveling.

1. Choose a special safety harness or belt that will keep your pet from jumping around the vehicle or from flying forward if you have to slam on the brakes.

2. Remember that the air bags can be deadly for a pet in the front seat in case of a collision.

3. Being restrained will keep a pet from falling or jumping out of the window.

4. Never leave your pet in the car on warm days because heat can be deadly and also, because your pet can be stolen.

5. Always take water along for your pet. They make collapsible food and water bowls.

6. Small pets can safely travel in a crate.

A New Book - "Speaking for Spot"

2008-10-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

This book should be in the library of every person who loves their dog. Dr. Kay provides step-by-step guidelines that teach you how to be a responsible and informed advocate throughout your dog's life. It could save you thousands of dollars and give you the tools to prevent the heartache that comes with making uninformed or rushed decisions about your dog's health care.

Visit http://www.speakingforspot.com/ for more information including sample chapters, downloadable health forms, POD cast interviews, and order information.

Pets Are The Victims of Economic Downturn

2008-10-28T23:44:00.000-07:00

Pets are being turned in to shelters and rescue organizations in alarming numbers. Pet owners are having to give up their pets because they can not afford them anymore. Shelters are bursting at the seams. It's very sad because a large percentage of these pets will be euthanized.

Unfortunately, it is going to take quite awhile before the economy improves. In the meantime, if you are looking for a new pet, go to your local shelter first and rescue one of the many cats, dogs, rabbits, goats, or horses that are looking for a home.

Pets Thefts Rise As Economy Hits Low

2008-10-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

It is very sad, but dog thefts are up. There's a black market for dogs. People sell them on the roadside out of vans, at flea markets or through online classifieds. Some thieves walk off with puppies from pet stores and animal shelters or take dogs tied up outside stores and coffee shops. Other break into cars where dogs have been left while their owners run an errand. Some have even posed as prospective puppy buyers to case breeders' homes, breaking in later to snatch the dogs.

In most states, the value to the animal determines whether pet theft is a felony or a misdemeanor. People increasingly view their pets as members of the family and are willing to cough up big rewards if they go missing.

How to protect your dog:
1. Don't leave your dog alone in your yard for long periods, especially if it's visible from the street. Don't leave your dog in a car.
2. If strangers approach you with admiring comments about your dog, don't share information about his cost or where you live.
3. Report a theft to police and animal control as soon as it happens.
4. Keep a current photo of your pet so you can make flyers or posters immediately and post the photo on web sites.
5. If possible, hold back some kind of descriptive information about your pet so you can sort out crank calls from serious ones.
6. Microchip your dogs and cats, and keep microchip registration information up to date so shelters and veterinarians can contact you if your pet is found. A microchip also serves as proof that an animal belongs to you.
7. A tattoo on the inner thigh is a permanent way of identifying your dog if the tattoo is registered with a tracking organization such as National Dog Registry.
8. Consider GPS for your pet. New GPS collars allow owners to set up a safety zone. If the pet strays beyond it, an alert goes out e-mail and text message. The collars have potential for tracking missing dogs, but they're expensive at $129.99 and up, and they can be removed by someone who finds the dog and decides to keep it.

Are You Ready For A Dog?

2008-10-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

A dog relies on you for everything, from his food, water, shelter, exercise, grooming, his companionship, training, veterinary care and protection. Know what you are getting into. Are you prepared to spend the next 10-15 years of your life taking care of your dog? That is about how long your dog will live.

Can you afford the added expense of a dog? When you get a dog, it is a life long commitment, and should not be treated like a piece of furniture that you can just "get rid of" when you get tired of it. After all, this dog will be part of your family.

The decision to get a dog needs to be carefully thought out. Do you honestly have the time to take care of a dog? Is anyone in your family allergic to dog hair? Are you bothered by hair on everything from your clothes to your toast? Some breeds are heavy shedders, while others hardly shed at all.

Do you have children? Are you going to have children in the next 10-15 years? Do you have friends who visit your home who have children? Some dogs are excellent with children and would be their best friend. Some are only good with children when they are raised with them from puppyhood, while others are very sensitive and may bite your child if they are pestered by him or her.

Do you mind holes being dug in your yard? Some dogs like to dig, while others are less likely to dig. Do you mind hearing a dog bark all the time? Some dogs love to bark and do it all the time, while others are more quiet, barking only when necessary.

Do you have time to exercise your dog? Some dogs need daily vigorous exercise and you would need to take them out every day for a run and a nice long walk, while others will get enough exercise with a shorter walk and by running around the inside of your house.

Some dogs need a job to do or they will become restless, bored, very destructive and unruly. Some can be highly obedience trained, while others cannot.

All breeds of dogs are different, and all families are different. Find a dog that fits well into your family, so you and your dog can live in harmony.

Lawn Burn Products Can Be Harmful

2008-10-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

Products are being sold in pet stores and on the internet that are supposed to prevent lawn burn from your dogs urine. These products are to be given to your pet internally, do not work and can be harmful to your pet. The products are urine acidifiers. Too much acid in a dog's urine may predispose them to bladder stones.

The basic cause of lawn burn from a dog's urine is the urine concentration. Highly concentrated urine contains a large amount of nitrogen (from protein digestion). This makes dog urine just like liquid fertilizer. The brown spots are basically over fertilized. To prevent this burn, try to increase your dog's water consumption, dilute the urine spot with a bucket of water or turn on the sprinkler. It is a good idea to create a potty area in the yard with mulch or stones. Your dog can be trained to use this area.

The products that are sold to prevent lawn burn contain chemicals that are hard on the liver and kidneys. Read the fine print on the label of the warnings.

Dogs Go 'Batty' On Chains, Not a Good Idea

2008-10-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Dogs who are chained run a much higher risk of biting and are more likely to be the dogs that run off and don't come back when called.

Why? Chaining a dog goes against its natural instincts. Dogs were not meant to be chained. Most become protective of the area around them and in some cases, down right mean, even to their owners. They feel confined, trapped and it drives them crazy. They are harder to train and some appear to be literally untrainable when really they are just going stir crazy. Most chained dogs will take off on you any chance they can get off the chain. And why not? Coming back means they have to go back on the chain and they want to enjoy the freedom if even for a little while. Not all dogs will be biters and runners if chained, but all dogs would be happier, with a better temperament, if they were not chained.

I am not talking about the occasional time when you need to tie your dog up for a little while.
I am talking about the Back Yard Dogs. The ones with the dog house and a chain. The ones that spend the majority of their time and life chained, sitting and waiting, with nothing else to do but wait and protect.

Other options: Invisible fences are great. You can not see them and the dog has some freedom to walk without dragging a chain behind them. They are relatively cheap compared to the above ground fence. A regular fence is another option. The bigger the area your dog has the happier he will be and in return, the happier you will be with your dog. Training. Take your dog to obedience classes or teach him yourself. Teach him to stay around the house. An outside kennel would be better than being chained, if the owners take the dog out every day to run free or for a walk and play. But in the end, it all depends on how much time you spend with your dog. If you do not have time to spend with your dog you probably should not have one.

Xylitol Sweetner is Toxic to Dogs

2008-10-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

A sugar substitute found in a variety of sugar-free and dietetic cookies, cupcakes, mints, candies, toothpaste and chewing gum is proving highly toxic, even fatal, to dogs.

It doesn't take a whole lot of xylitol, and the effects are so rapid that the window of opportunity to treat the dog is extremely small.

Within 30 minutes of consuming a small amount of a xylitol-sweetened product, dogs can experience a dramatic drop in blood sugar, and they usually begin vomiting, become lethargic and can have difficulty standing or walking. Some have seizures, develop internal hemorrhaging and lesions and suffer liver failure. As few as two or three sticks of xylitol gum could be toxic to a 20-pound dog.

Immediate and aggressive veterinary treatment, which includes glucose drips and IV fluids, has proved effective in many cases.

Pet owners need to be very careful because some dogs, get into just about everything and eat everything they find.

Do Pets Go to Heaven?

2008-10-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

I believe that pets do go to heaven. The Bible tells that there are animals in heaven. The Bible tells us that God gives us the desires of our hearts. God loves and cares for the animals. After all, He made all of the wonderful animals in the world.

A book that is based on Bible Scripture on this subject is: There is Eternal Life for Animals by Niki Shanahan

How To Choose a Dog Collar That Fits Your Dog

2008-10-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

Dog collars are an important accessory for your dog. Putting a collar on your dog enables you to walk it safely. Collars can help you teach your dog obedience skills and they come in many different styles, shapes, sizes and colors.

The collar should be the right size for the dog. A small dog should have a small, thin, delicate collar. A large dog should have a thicker, stronger collar. The size and strength of the collar should fit the size and strength of the dog. A leather collar is best for all dogs. Leather is comfortable and it lets your dogs neck breathe.

All colors should fit your dog properly. It is best to either measure your dogs neck or take your dog to the pet store to try on the collar. The collar should not be too tight. A tight collar can restrict air flow when the dog is breathing and a tight collar can make swallowing hard or impossible for a dog. Many dogs get their collars imbedded in their necks when they are too tight. You should be able to put two fingers easily between the collar and the dogs neck. A dog with a tight collar is a very unhappy dog. A collar that is too loose can slide down the dog's neck and cause trachea damage.

Choke collars should be used for training or walking only. Dogs can strangle if the choke collar gets caught on something when no one is around. Metal collars are uncomfortable and get hot in the sun and cold in the winter.

Veterinarians say pet owner's should be checking their dogs collar every 2 weeks throughout the animals lifespan to make sure that it's not too tight.

Regular Stool Checks A Good Idea

2008-10-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Regular stool checks are a critical part of our pets annual wellness visits. Regardless of having never seen worms in your pets stools, it is important that a fecal exam be done at least once yearly on all pets.

Several of the parasites that affect pets are contagious to humans and can cause serious illness. It is simple to have a stool check preformed. Just bring a stool sample to your veterinarian at every wellness visit, but especially when they have stomach or intestinal illness.

Don't Spook Your Pet on Halloween

2008-10-18T22:39:00.000-07:00

If you or your children are planning to wear a costume this Halloween, be careful not to frighten your dog. The American Veterinary Medical Association, warns that masks and disguises can be confusing and alarming for animals, and could increase the potential for dog bites. "Dogs believe they are the guardians of their homes, and they can feel threatened if a 'stranger' enters their space".

If your pet is stressed or nervous when the doorbell rings, prepare for trick-or-treaters in advance by finding a safe and comfortable place for your pet.

EMFs May Threaten Pets

2008-10-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

Several studies have linked residential electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with human cancer, especially those of the blood. A new study now suggests that these fields may pose a similar risk to pets.

A study at Colorado State University focused their study on 230 dogs hospitalized with cancer. These included 93 animals with canine lymphoma, a common blood cancer whose origins remain unknown. They did a study of each pets home and measured the actual magnetic fields where the dog spent most of its time.

Overhead power lines running along streets and up to homes constitute the biggest overall contributor to residential EMFs. In this study, factors associated with those lines also showed the strongest link to lymphoma. Compared to animals whose homes were fed by buried power lines, dogs exposed to these factors faced double the cancer risk--and it tripled if the animal spent 25 percent or more of its time outside. The most powerful statistical association to the cancer occurred in those 10 dogs whose homes were located very near a large, primary power distribution line. Researchers found that the dogs had 13.4 times the lymphoma risk of animals from homes with buried power lines.

This investigation suggests that "dogs may act as a 'sentinel' species" for studying environmental threats to the families with whom they share a home. This study was done in 1993! New housing developments are still being built next to large power lines even though this there is evidence of the connection to EMFs and cancer in humans and pets.

Too Much Salt Can Be Toxic or Deadly

2008-10-16T21:32:00.001-07:00

Salt in high amounts can cause kidney problems. Also dogs that eat salty food may then drink too much water and develop bloat which is fatal unless emergency treatment is given very quickly.

Salt used in pet food is used to cover up rancid meat and fat, and can cause kidney and heart disease, hypertension. It is used in cat food to encourage cats to drink water (another problem of dry food for cats).

Dogs that swim in the ocean can become very sick or can cause death, when drinking salt water. Homemade playdough that is high in salt can also be toxic.

It would be best to feed a pet food that is free of salt and don't give salty foods to your pets.

Allergies in Pets

2008-10-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

If your pet has been raised on commercial food, he or she may experience food allergies. The inferior quality of meat and poultry by-products, brewer's yeast and other pet food ingredients for increasingly common allergic reactions. Dogs can be allergic to beef, beef by-products, milk, yeast, corn, corn oil, pork, turkey, eggs, fish, fish oils, wheat and wheat by-products. Cats can be allergic to beef, beef by-products, tuna, milk, yeast, pork and turkey.

In addition, any pet may react to chemical additives, mold or contaminated drinking water. Some of the chemical that can cause an allergic reaction are sodium nitrite, benzoic acid, red dye number 40, blue dye number 2, BHA, BHT, MSG, sodium metabisulfate, ethoxyquin, artificial flavors, sugar, propylene glycol and formalin.

As an experiment, study the ingredient list of whatever food your dog or cat has been eating, then prepare a high quality diet based on other foods and supply only clean (filtered, bottled or distilled) drinking water. Raw meat does not cause the same allergic reaction that cooked meat does and organic meat can be tolerated, when meat from the supermarket can set off their symptoms.

In most cases of food sensitivity, the change is rapid, obvious and dramatic. A scratching pet stops itching, a lifeless coat begins to shine, a tired dog becomes an energetic puppy, a high strung cat becomes calm and affectionate and symptoms of poor digestion disappear.

Find a holistic veterinarian in your area for more help with an allergic pet.

Chocolate Can Poison Your Dog

2008-10-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

With Halloween just around the corner, it is important to know that chocolate is poison to dogs. Once dogs have tasted chocolate, they want more. And for dogs, that's a bad thing. The problem, according to veterinary experts, is that eating a speck of chocolate leads a dog to crave more. It can mean that your dog will jump at an opportunity to get any type of chocolate. Certain chocolates in large amounts can be lethal.

"Chocolate ingestions are one common reason why pet owners and veterinarians call us," said ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. There is always a rise in chocolate calls around holidays, Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter.

Why is chocolate lethal? Chocolate contains theobromine which is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean. Theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle.

You can recognize that your dog has eaten a toxic dose of chocolate from the symptoms. Within the first few hours, the evidence includes vomiting, diarrhea or hyperactivity. As time passes and there's increased absorption of the toxic substance, you'll see an increase in the dog's heart rate, which can cause arrhythmia, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination or excessive panting. This can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma and even death.

To answer the question "how much is too much" is not simple. The health and age of your dog must be considered. Not all chocolate is the same. Some has a small amount of theobromine and others have large amounts. The quantity eaten has a relationship with the weight of your dog.

Baking chocolate has 450 mg of theobromine per ounce.
Semi-sweet chocolate has 260 mg per ounce.
Milk chocolate has 60 mg per ounce.
Hot chocolate has 12 mg per ounce.
White chocolate has 1 mg per ounce.

If your dog has eaten chocolate call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

Keeping Your Pets Safe in Catastrophic Situations

2008-10-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

Catastrophes come in many forms: earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, violent storms and even terrorism. In the event of a disaster, would you know what to do to protect your pet?

The best thing any responsible pet owner can do is to be prepared. It is recommended to have a disaster travel kit readily available should you need to hit the road with your pet.

Your evacuation kit should be readily assessable, easy to carry and contain essential pet supplies for at least 5 days. Consider keeping the following basic items in your pet disaster kit:
1. Food, water and portable feeding bowls.
2. Collar, leash, rope and/or harness.
3. Pet medications, medical records and the name and number of your vet.
4. Garbage bags or doggie waste bags, small litter box, scoop and litter.
5. Current photos of your pets.
6. Carriers and/or portable kennel.

You might also consider taking along pet toys and bedding to help reduce your pets' stress and to keep them as comfortable as possible.

Plants That Are Poisonous to Pets

2008-10-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

Certain plants can be dangerous to the lives of our pets. More than 700 plants have been indentified as producing toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals. Poisonous plants produce a variety of toxic substances and cause reactions ranging from mild nausea to death.

For more information on plants that could be dangerous to pets, go to The Humane Society of the United States website:

www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_common_household_dangers/common_poisonous_plants.html

Keep Cats Safe On Halloween

2008-10-11T23:13:00.000-07:00

Cats and their owners can safely enjoy Halloween with some advance planning and some common sense, says the American Humane Association. As you get ready for the festivities, keep these tips in mind.

Keep your cat safe inside. Make sure your cat is kept away from the door so it doesn't escape when you disperse candy to trick-or-treaters.

Make sure your black cat is safe from harm. Halloween in particular can lead strange people to do strange things to black cats, AHA says. Children may even react to seeing a black cat by yelling or scaring the cat. Bring your cats inside for the night and away from sight of the front door.

Make sure your pet has identification. With so much activity happening near your front door, your cat may slip outside. Identification will help ensure your cat returns to you if she becomes lost.

Keep lit candles out of reach of your pets and don't give your pet candy which can make them sick.

Tips On Finding a Lost Pet

2008-10-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

It can be a traumatic experience when your beloved dog or cat strays from home. Here are some tips that will help you find your pet.

1. Contact local animal shelters and animal control agencies. File a lost pet report with every shelter within a 60 mile radius of your home and visit the nearest shelters daily, if possible. To find your local shelter go to http://www.pets911.com/ or check your phone book. If there is no shelter in your community, contact the local police department. Provide these agencies with an accurate description and a recent photograph of your pet.
2. Search the neighborhood. Walk or drive through your neighborhood several times each day. Ask neighbors, letter carriers and delivery people if they have seen your pet. Hand out a recent photograph of your pet and information on how you can be reached if your pet is found.
3. Advertise. Post notices at grocery stores, community centers, veterinary offices, traffic intersections, online at http://www.pets911.com/ and http://www.findtoto.com/, at pet supply stores and other locations. Also, place advertisements in newspapers and with radio stations. Include your pet's sex, age, weight, breed, color, and any special markings. When describing your pet, leave out one identifying characteristic and ask the person who finds your pet to describe it.
4. Be wary of pet-recovery scams. When talking to a stranger who claims to have found your pet, ask him to describe the pet thoroughly before you offer any information. If he does not include the identifying characteristic you left out of the advertisements, he may not really have your pet. Be particularly wary of people who insist that you give or wire them money for the return of your pet.
5. Don't give up your search. Animals who have been lost for months have been reunited with their owners.

A pet, even an indoor pet, has a better chance of being returned if she always wears a collar and an ID tag with your name, address, and telephone number.

Keep Fake Spider Webs Away From Pets

2008-10-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

Halloween is a fun time to decorate your home. Dogs and cats who eat or chew on the fake spider webs can have some horrible digestion problems. The fake webs can clog their intestines and this requires surgery to remove. Deaths have been reported. Please keep your pets safe and keep fake spider webs out of their reach or don't take a chance and keep them out of the house.

Are Microchips Safe?

2008-10-08T23:39:00.000-07:00

There is a new debate starting about the possible dangers of microchips. At this time it may be best to get your vet to tattoo your pet instead of microchipping. Tattooing may have many advantages over the chipping. Microchips do not always work and they tend to migrate. Also a tattoo can be removed, but a microchip is more difficult to remove. Also many pets end up getting killed because the chip never showed up on the scan, or that shelter doesn't have a scanner.

A series of veterinary and toxicology studies, dating to the mid-1990's, stated that chip implants had "induced" malignant tumors in some lab mice and rats. Fibrosarcomas and Liposarcomas have been reported in dogs at the site of an implanted microchip.

To read what a vet has to say on the subject of microchips, go to: www.thepetwhisperer.com/MicroChips.html.

Preventing Animal Cruelty

2008-10-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

Nothing tugs at the heartstrings more than a neglected or mistreated pet. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the safety of the animals around us. The following are 10 tips that you can use to prevent animal cruelty.

1. Familiarize yourself with your local animal control or ASPCA organization so that you know whom to call to report signs of animal cruelty.
2. Get to know the pets in your neighborhood. Know the conditions they are kept in and whether they seem healthy and well cared for.
3. Know what to look for. Animal cruelty can manifest in many forms; tick or flea problems, hair loss, injuries that have not received medical care, and being severely underweight are all signs of neglect. If you see any of these signs, contact your local animal control or shelter.
4. When reporting a case of animal abuse try to have as much information as possible detailing what you have seen and pertinent facts (name, address) for the abuser.
5. If you see a pet that is frequently chained without adequate food, water or shelter, contact your local animal care organization.
6. Become active politically supporting anti-cruelty laws. This may include writing letters to legislators or starting a petition in your neighborhood.
7. Know your state and city's laws pertaining to animal cruelty and abuse.
8. Support your local animal rescue organization. This can be monetary, donating supplies or volunteering your time.
9. Teach your children how to treat animals with kindness and respect.
10. Set a positive example by treating your pets with love and care.

Mysterious Thyroid Disease in Cats

2008-10-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

There is a mysterious thyroid disease in cats that is being linked to flame retardants, says EPA chemists. This hyperthyroidism is a new condition for cats that emerged in the 1980's and is today a leading cause of death in cats.

PBDE fire retardants are structurally similar to thyroid hormones. Fire retardant chemicals are believed to migrate out of furniture and then accumulate in house dust, food, animals, and people. People in the United States have the highest PBDE levels in humans worldwide, but our cats are even more exposed--some with levels 100 times greater than humans.

When tested in animals, fire retardant chemicals, even at very low doses, can cause endocrine disruption, thyroid disorders, cancer and developmental, reproductive and neurological problems such as learning impairment and attention deficit disorder.

There are federal regulations that put these chemicals in everything in our homes from our children's pajamas to our computer. Fire retardant were suppose to protect us from our things catching fire, but instead our health and that of our pets have been compromised. We don't even know the full extent of the problems.

Write letters to your state legislature to stop the practice of adding chemicals to our furniture and clothes. The state of California has an Assembly Bill 706 that will prohibit PBDE in furniture, etc. The chemical companies are spending millions opposing reforms that would protect our health and environment. They are even calling for federal regulations that would lead to higher levels of fire retardants in all furniture, bed clothing and pillows.

Receipe For Homemade Dog Treats

2008-10-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 medium eggs

1-1/2 cup water

1/4 natural crunchy peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

2-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour

3/4 cup unbleached flour

1 cup cornmeal

3/4 cup rolled oats

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix together the water, oil, eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla. In another bowl mix the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Roll the dough into a ball and place it on a sheet of floured wax paper. Roll or pat the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Cut the dough with a cookie cutter (if you can find one shaped like a dog bone, great!) and place the biscuits on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the biscuits in the oven for one hour. Makes 1 to 2 dozen biscuits, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.

These are not for dogs with allergies to wheat or corn.

"Meat First" Food, Not Really Meat First

2008-10-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

In the 1980's, some dog food manufacturers heavily promoted the "meat first" position in the ingredient panel. The dog food manufacturers have continued letting you think that the food you buy has meat as the main ingredient. It is a game that food manufacturers play.

Ingredients are listed in order by weight. If two or more ingredients are used in the same amounts, the manufacturer can choose the order in which to list the ingredients. Also, dog food manufacturers divide up the grain ingredients into different types, such as: ground rice, rice flour, rice bran, rice gluten and rice hulls. The food really has more than twice as much grains than meat.

Treats Can Add Up Alot of Calories in a Day

2008-10-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

We all love to treat our dogs. Sometimes we treat our dogs to reward them for doing what they are told, but most of the time we give them treats because we love the interaction with our dogs. Dogs show their happiness when we give them treats, and that gives us pleasure. The treats we give our dogs are often one of the highlights of the dog's daily life. But unless we give our dogs the right treats, we may be shortening their lives.

Treats are often a major source of calories. A large biscuit or green treat may have more than 100 calories. One extra biscuit a day can cause a dog to gain a pound a month or 12 pounds per year. The grain and gluten content of these foods can add considerably to the carbohydrate level of the diet, and the stress placed upon the digestion system. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, salt and sugar.

The size of the treat is not important to dogs, it's the interaction and play with their humans that is important. Therefore give tiny treats instead of large biscuits. Tiny treats can be Charlee Bear Dogs Treats or small biscuits from Old Mother Hubbard or small pieces of meat, bananas, cheese, lettuce, a blueberry, carrot or other fresh food.

Close-to-the-Ground Toxins Your Pet Needs to Avoid

2008-10-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

Dogs and cats are low to the ground. Their noses are always at ground level, sniffing, tasting, eating, licking and drinking. They can find and consume human-made toxins which we often don't think about. Run-off water from farmland or suburban lawns may have high concentrations of toxins including pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can be neurotoxic (poisonous to the nervous system, including the brain) and can cause cancer. This is not what you want your pet to drink.

Certain lawn chemicals and carpet cleaners are dangerous to dogs and cats. Our pets absorb some of the chemicals through their pads. Read the fine print on all labels of chemicals and cleaners.

Pressure-treated wood decks contain arsenic that may be absorbed by dogs through their pads. We do not know the long-term effects of dogs absorbing the arsenic through their pads. It is most important to prevent dogs from chewing on pressure treated wood decks and picnic tables.

Flame retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ether - PBDE) are used in products that range from kid's pajamas, carpets, fabrics (couches and curtains), pet beds, pet costumes, to computers. A flame retardant may be especially dangerous to fetuses. Products containing PBDE may release or outgas these chemicals. If your pet is pregnant, keep her away from products containing flame retardants. Be careful of the fabric used in the pen when the puppies are born.

Other toxins to watch out for include many plastic pet toys, bug bait, bug sprays, certain fertilizers, oil, snail bait, antifreeze, sidewalk and road salts, certain soaps, fabric and pot/pan coatings, burnt trash, flame retardants found in electrical appliances, building materials and household products and many more.

Some of the human-synthesized preservatives --ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT and others are known to be poisons. (Used in pet foods and treats).

The dangers from many toxins are cumulative; every exposure weakens your pet. We have to watch close to the ground for human-made toxins and help our pets avoid them.

Natural Remedy for Cushings Disease

2008-10-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

Cushing's disease results from an excess of adrenal gland hormones. It is a common side-effect of drugs like Prednisone, which is often prescribed to treat dog arthritis, allergies and other ailments. Cushing's disease can also result from a benign tumor on one of the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland.

Symptoms of Cushing's disease include:

1. Increased thirst and appetite

2. Frequent urination

3. Loss of hair

4. Skin problems

5. Panting

6. High blood pressure

7. Increased susceptibility to infections

If left untreated, Cushing's disease can lead to even worse conditions like diabetes and heart problems.

Traditional treatments for dog Cushing's disease: If your dog's Cushing's disease was caused by a tumor, surgery might be an option. Only your vet can answer this question. If caused by a corticosteriod drugs such as Prednisone, it may be possible to wean your dog off these drugs. You should speak to your vet about this. Prednisone sometimes has side effects that are worse than the condition it was used to treat, and make your dog more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.

There is a natural, herbal treatment: Supraglan.

Supraglan is highly effective in treating the symptoms of Cushing's disease. It helps normalize adrenal functioning and balance corticosteriod levels. No awful side effects, that usually prescription medications have. Ask your holistic vet for a recommendation.

For more information on Supraglan go to : http://www.petwellbeing.com/.