DogWatch of Central Florida

Introduction

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Useful links on Pet Healthy Living, Pet Safety and Protections, Pet Bereavement

Healthy Living

 

Animal Safety and Protection

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
    Dedicated to providing the most medically useful veterinary poison and drug information possible. 24-hour poison hotline available.
  • The Perseus Foundation
    Numerous online resources provided by an organization dedicated to promoting public interest in the search for a cure for cancer in animals and children.
  • The Marine Mammal Center
    Working to protect marine mammals and their environment. Click on the link to see what creatures are in the hospital!
 

Dog and Cat Owners

 

Bereavement

 

Monday, November 29, 2010

The Big Book of Puppy Names

This is the definitive guide to naming your new puppy. Every name you could think of and many more that you never thought of are in this book.

Get Your free copy here

How to Make Dog Treats Part 1

Ace's Favorite Cheesy Dog Biscuits

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/4 pound margarine -- corn oil
1 clove garlic -- crushed
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup Milk -- or as needed

Grate the cheese into a bowl and let stand until it reaches room temperature. Cream the cheese with the softened margarine, garlic, salt and flour. Add enough milk to form into a ball.

Chill for 1/2 hour. Roll onto floured board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly brown, and firm.

Makes 2 to 3 dozen, depending on size.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Dangers of Dogs Eating Acorns

Ingested Oak Leaves, Buds, and Bark Can Cause Kidney Failure

May 22, 2009

Joy Butler

Acorns Can Make Dogs Sick - Wikimedia Commons
Acorns Can Make Dogs Sick - Wikimedia Commons
Many people are surprised to hear that those beautiful, shady oak trees in the backyard that everyone, including the dog, loves to stretch out under can be a potential danger for their dog.

According to the ASPCA website, as well as Dr. Jon Geller, veterinarian with dogchannel.com, acorns contain gallotannin which, depending on the amount eaten, can cause gastrointestinal upsets in pets and other animals, with symptoms such as cramps, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, sometimes bloody diarrhea, and kidney failure. A few dogs may have seizures. Acorns swallowed whole have the potential to block the intestines, while chewed acorns release more toxin and the sharp pieces can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

The hard outer shell of an acorn contains the most gallotannin while green acorns contain more gallotannin than brown acorns. Small amounts may cause only mild illness but in severe cases, dogs have died of  kidney failure from eating acorns. Dr. Geller even mentions that oak buds, bark, leaves, and drinking water that oak leaves have soaked in can cause illness in dogs.

Oak trees are the icon of strength and beauty and form a comfortable shade during hot summer but when leaves and acorns begin to fall, dog owners may be wise to keep an eye on the dog. Not all dogs will eat them but the little round objects can look an awful lot like a toy or something fun to play with. Dogs don’t always know what is and is not good for them. Teething puppies, especially, have a tendency to investigate and taste everything. Some dog owners report that symptoms can show up quickly after ingestion or be delayed for several days.

Outside drinking water should be kept in a place where leaves can not fall into it and should be cleaned and changed every day.

There is no antidote for animals poisoned by oak tree parts. Treatment is supportive such as intravenous fluids and medications for pain and gastrointestinal upsets.
There are other common plants that are toxic to dogs, as well as some garden supplies and antifreeze. Dog owners may also be interested in learning about  table foods and onion toxicity.

Dog owners who suspect their dog has been poisoned should call their veterinarian or the ASPCA emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435, immediately. The call is free but a consultation fee may be charged to
your credit card. Be prepared to provide the animal’s breed, age, gender, weight, symptoms, suspected toxin, amount involved, and time lapsed.

And remember, the best treatment is always prevention.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Dog Prayer

Pets at work can be a plus


By: Marie Stempinski

Marie Stempinski is President of Strategic Communication, a full service public relations/marketing/business trends consulting business in St. Petersburg, Florida.  She writes for The St. Petersburg Times and business newspapers and magazines. Marie also provides marketing and business trends consulting for small businesses and corporations.


We Americans love our pets.  In fact, we love them so much that we see them as members of our families.  Perhaps that’s why we can’t seem to part from them even for a few hours a day. In fact, according to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association, 1 in 5 American companies allow employees to bring their pets to work.  They also say that having pets at work means more productivity, lower stress, less absenteeism and even greater employee willingness to work overtime!

Allowing pets at work isn’t something new.  It’s been commonplace to see dogs, cats, parrots and other animals in small, one or two person businesses for decades.  However, recently the trend has been growing and now many large companies and corporations allow Tabby and Fido in the office.  There’s even a “Take Your Pets to Work Day” every June.

But all is not rosy in petland. Some people aren’t so keen on non-humans in the workplace. There’s a growing backlash and it seems to revolve around workplaces without planning and policies. The biggest negatives are:

  • A pet can distract the owner from his or her work
  • Employees with allergies or other health issues can be negatively impacted by the pet
  • Employees with fears of animals may be uncomfortable
  • Poorly supervised pets roam into other people’s work areas can cause trouble
  • Bad doggie breath can make for a not so great day at work
  • Customers may have negative feelings about encountering your pet at the work site
  • Insurance considerations can cause problems.  Will the pet be an insurance hazard?  What are the insurance implications for the business?

The Answer:  Establish “Pettiquette” at your work place.  Paw-Rescue.org suggests many strategies including the following:

  • Establish a policy that includes what type of pets your company will allow and when, where, and how they will be welcomed into your workplace.
  • The policy must respect coworkers’ space and make sure the pet(s) do not frighten coworkers or are not around coworkers with health or allergy issues that would be compromised by the pet
  • Forewarn all employees and make them aware that pets are coming and when
  • Ensure that the pets are housebroken, comfortable around strange people, and in strange surroundings
  • Allow only healthy pets
  • Owners must provide food, treats and water for their pets and take them outside for breaks.  Owners must also clean up after their pets.
  • Owners must be responsible for their pet’s behavior.  For example, the best type of dog to bring to work is one that is calm and obeys simple commands like SIT, STAY, and LIE DOWN.
Please contact Ms. Stempinski at mstratcomm@gmail.com with any questions. Make sure you put "Pets At Work" in the subject line so she will know it is not spam

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Pet Links-Healthy Living

Pet Links
Healthy Living
Animal Safety and Protection
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
    Dedicated to providing the most medically useful veterinary poison and drug information possible. 24-hour poison hotline available.
  • The Perseus Foundation
    Numerous online resources provided by an organization dedicated to promoting public interest in the search for a cure for cancer in animals and children.
  • The Marine Mammal Center
    Working to protect marine mammals and their environment. Click on the link to see what creatures are in the hospital!
Dog and Cat Owners
Bereavement