Dogwatch of Central Florida

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

2010-12-28T04:08:00.000-08:00

Healthy Living

Motion Sickness Medication
Does your dog get sick in the car? Now there's a treatment for motion sickness in dogs.
Pet Insurance Review
Looking for pet insurance? Read reviews and compare the rates and benefits of top insurance companies at one convenient site.
PetCARE TV
Online free pet health videos!
HealthyPet.com
The American Animal Hospital Association's website for pet owners.
VeterinaryPartner.com
Animal health information from the Veterinary Information Network, an online veterinary database and community.
AAHA Pet Emergency Info
What constitutes a health emergency for your pet?
Pets Need Dental Care, Too
Learn more about proper oral health care for dogs and cats.
Whispering Hope Ranch
A place where animals and people come together for mutual healing.

Animal Safety and Protection

Petfinder.com
Search a vast database to find a homeless pet to adopt.
The Humane Society of the United States
The world's largest animal protection organization, working for the welfare of domestic and wild animals.

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

The American Kennel Club
Breed registry for purebred dogs in the United States. Working to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred dogs.
The American Kennel Club - Dog Breeds
Learn more about the 150 different breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Indoor Cat Initiative
Dedicated to enriching the lives of indoor cats.
The Cat Fanciers' Association
The world's largest registry of pedigreed cats, with information on cat shows, cat breeds, cat care and more.

Bereavement

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
A non-profit organization dedicated to helping people suffering from the bereavement of a pet.
Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline
Helping people work through their grief and get through a difficult time.

The Big Book of Puppy Names

2010-11-29T02:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-29T01:22:00.000-08:00

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.

Alfalfa Hearts

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup soy flour
1 teaspoon bone meal -- optional
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon lecithin -- optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons alfalfa sprouts -- chopped
1 cup brown rice -- cooked
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup water

Combine flours, bone meal, yeast, lecithin, salt, garlic powder and alfalfa leaves. Add rice and oil. Combine well. Add 1/4 cup water and mix well. Dough should be very easy to handle, not crumbly. Add more water if needed to achieve proper consistency.

Lightly flour board or counter and roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with 2 1/2 inch cutter. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Makes 3 dozen.

Alfie And Archie's Dog Biscuits

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup dry milk -- powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
6 tablespoons beef fat1 egg -- beaten
1/2 cup ice water

1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Combine flour, dry milk, salt, garlic powder and sugar. Cut in meat drippings until mixture resembles corn meal. Mix in egg. Add enough water so that mixture forms a ball. Using your fingers, pat out dough onto cookie sheet to half inch thick. Cut with cookie cutter or knife and remove scraps. Scraps can be formed again and baked.

2. Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from tray and cool on rack.

An Apple a Day Dog Treat

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple -- chopped or grated1 egg -- beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
3/8 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal m large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water; mix until well blended.

On floured surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters of desired shape and size. Place treats on prepared sheet.

Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door closed 1 hour to crisp treats. Remove treats from oven.
Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in refrigerator or freezer.

MAKES 2 to 2 1/2 dozen

Apple Cinnamon Doggie Biscuits

1 package apple, dried
1 teaspoon Cinnamon -- (I usually just shake some in)
1 Tablespoon parsley, freeze-dried
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 cup ice water
1/2 cup Corn Oil
5 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon corn oil

Put the apples in a food processor so that pieces are small. Combine in a bowl all of the ingredients -- can add oil or water if dough is too dry. Using a rolling pin roll out dough to about 3/16" thick (can make thinner or thicker). Using a cookie cutter -- cut into shapes -- place on cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for approx 20 -25 minutes (until golden).

NOTE: if you substitute corn meal just subtract about 3/4 cup from flour and add Corn meal

Apple Crunch Pupcakes

2 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 medium egg
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup apple, dried
1 tablespoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix together water, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla. In a large bowl, combine flour, apple chips, and baking powder. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until very well blended. Pour into greased muffin pans, Bake 1 1/4 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry. Store in a sealed container.

Makes 12 to 14 pupcakes

Aunt Bianca's Dog Biscuits

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg -- beaten

Flavoring: Meat drippings, broth or water from canned tuna (enough to make a stiff dough).

Combine flour, powdered milk and garlic powder in a medium sized bowl. Add beaten egg, flavoring and mix well with hands. Dough should be very stiff. If necessary add more flavoring.

On a well floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with shaped cookie cutters of your choice.

Place biscuits on cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Baby Food Doggie Cookies

3 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained -- *see Note
1/4 cup cream of wheat -- *see Note
1/4 cup dry milk

Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 min. until brown.

Cool on wire racks and STORE IN REFRIGERATOR. Also freezes well.

NOTE: Carrot, Chicken or Beef baby food. substituting wheat germ for cream of wheat.

Bacon Bites

3 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup bacon grease -- or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 slices bacon -- crumbled
1/2 cup cold water

Mix ingredients together thoroughly. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/2 - 1/4" thickness. Bake for 35-40 minutes in a 325 degree oven.

Bacon Bits for Dogs

6 slices cooked bacon -- crumbled
4 eggs -- well beaten
1/8 cup bacon grease
1 cup water
1/2 cup powdered milk -- non-fat
2 cup graham flour
2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup cornmeal

Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cookies on baking sheet in the oven overnight to dry out.

Baker's Bagels

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup unbleached flour
1 package yeast -- 1/4 ounce
1 cup chicken broth -- warmed
1 tablespoon honey

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. In large bowl combine the whole wheat flour with the yeast. Add 2/3 cup chicken broth and honey and beat for about 3 minutes. Gradually add the remaining flour. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth and moist, but not wet (use reserve broth as necessary).

3. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Divide the dough into about 15-20 pieces, rolling each piece into a smooth ball. Punch a hole into each ball with your finger or end of spoon and gently pull the dough so the hole is about an 1/2" wide. Don't be too fussy here, the little bagels rise into shape when they bake.

4. Place all the bagels on a greased cookie sheet and allow to rise 5 minutes. Bake for 25 minutes. Turn the heat off and allow the bagels to cool in the oven.

BARF Breakfast (med size dog)

1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup yogurt
1/4 cup vegetables -- *see Note
250 mgs vitamin C -- for dogs. Crushed
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon kelp seaweed powder -- *see Note
1 teaspoon alfalfa powder -- *see Note
1 digestive enzyme -- for dogs Optional
1 teaspoon flax seed oil -- *see Note
1/4 cup kibble -- optional

Soak rolled oats in yogurt overnight. Mix all ingredients and serve. Add kibble if desired.

Note: shredded, lightly steamed or pureed. carrots, celery, spinach, yams and/or broccoli, apples etc.

Note: items can be purchased at health food store or pet store.

BARF Dinner (med size dog)

3/4 pound Raw Meat -- *see Note
1 egg -- raw
1/2 clove garlic -- chopped
2 tablespoons yogurt
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon flax seed oil -- *see Note
1 teaspoon kelp seaweed powder -- *see Note
1 teaspoon alfalfa powder -- *see Note
250 mgs vitamin C -- for dogs
1/4 cup kibble -- optional

Mix together and serve.

*Note: raw beef chunks (not ground), raw chicken, mackerel, or lamb etc. twice a week use liver or kidney.

Note: found in health food store or pet store

Barking Barley Brownies

1 1/4 pounds beef liver -- or chicken liver
2 cups wheat germ
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1 cup cooked barley
2 whole eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt -- optional

Pre heat oven to 350.

Liquefy liver and garlic clove in a blender, when its smooth add eggs and peanut butter. Blend till smooth.

In separate mixing bowl combine wheat germ, whole wheat flour, and cooked Barley. Add processed liver mixture, olive oil and salt. Mix well. spread mixture in a greased 9x9 baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or till done.

When cool cut into pieces that accommodate your doggies size.
Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Basenji Stew

4 small parsnip -- **see Note
2 whole yellow squash -- cubed
2 whole Sweet potatoes -- peeled and cubed
2 whole Zucchini -- cubed
5 whole tomatoes -- canned
1 can garbanzo beans, canned -- *see Note 15 oz
1/2 cup Couscous
1/4 cup Raisins
1 teaspoon Ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon Ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon Ground cumin
3 cups Water -- *see Note

** kohlrabi may be substituted for the parsnips.
*Chick-peas*or 3 cups chicken stock

Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Place over cook brown rice or barley
Beef and Rice Moochies

1 jar babyfood, dinner, vegetables and beef, strained
2 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup rice
1 package unflavored gelatin
1 whole egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup powdered milk
1 package yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 beef bouillon cube

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Add yeast, egg, oil, baby food and dissolved beef bouillon. Mix well. Mixture will be very dry, knead with hands until it forms a ball. Roll out on floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness, cut in 1 or 2 inch circles. Bake on un-greased cookie sheet 30 minutes at 300 degrees. Store in refrigerator.
Beef Twists

3 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
1 cup cornmeal
1 package unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup corn oil
1 jar Baby food, meat, beef, strained
1 beef bouillon cube
3/4 cup boiling water -- or beef stock

Dissolve bouillon cube in water. Sift dry ingredients in large bowl. Add milk, egg, oil, beef and beef bouillon. Stir until well mixed. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut in 1/4 inch by 3 inch strips, twisting each stick 3 turns before placing on cookie sheet. Bake 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees. Store in refrigerator.
Birthday Cake for Pups

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup soft butter
1/2 cup corn oil
1 jar baby food, meat, beef, strained
4 eggs
2 strips beef jerky -- (2 to 3)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour an 8x5x3 inch loaf pan. Cream butter until smooth. Add corn oil, baby food, and eggs. Mix until smooth. Mix dry ingredients into beef mixture until batter is smooth. Crumble beef jerky and fold into batter. Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes. cool on wire rack 15 minutes. Ice with plain yogurt or cottage cheese. Store uneaten cake in refrigerator.
Biscuits For Dogs

1 cup oatmeal -- uncooked
1/3 cup margarine
1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
5 1/2 cups hot water
1 tablespoon garlic powder -- optional
3/4 cup powdered milk
3/4 cup cornmeal
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 whole egg -- beaten

Pour hot water over oatmeal, margarine, and bouillon; let stand for 6 min. Stir in milk, cornmeal, and egg. Add flour, 1/2 c. at a time; mix well after each addition. Knead 3 - 4 min., adding more flour it necessary to make a very STIFF dough. Roll or pat dough to 1/2" thickness. Cut into dog bone shapes with cookie cutter. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 min. on baking parchment Allow to cool and dry out until hard. Store in container. BJ'S Peanutty Pupcicles

1 ripe banana
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Mash banana's and peanut butter, stir in wheat germ. Chill 1 hour. Place in container, store in refrigerator or freezer.
Bone A Fidos

2 1/4 teaspoons Dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 Pinch sugar
3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
2 cups Whole wheat flour
2 cups Cracked wheat
1 cup Rye flour
1/2 cup Nonfat dry milk
4 teaspoons Kelp powder
4 cups Beef broth -- or chicken
GLAZE:1 large egg
2 tablespoons Milk

Equipment: Cookie sheets lined with parchment or aluminum foil; rolling pin; 3-31/2" bone cutter or 2 1/2" round cookie cutter.

Place 2 oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Sprinkle the dry yeast or crumple the compressed yeast over the water (110 degrees if dry yeast, 100 degrees if compressed yeast). Add a pinch of sugar and allow the yeast to sit in a draft-free spot for 10 - 20 minutes. The mixture should be full of bubbles. If not, the yeast is too old to be useful.

In a large bowl, place all the dry ingredients and stir to blend them. Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of the broth. Using your hands, in the bowl, mix to form the dough, adding more broth if needed to make the dough smooth and supple. Half a batch at a time, knead the dough briefly on a lightly floured counter. (Keep the second batch of dough covered with a moist towel while shaping and cutting the fast.)

Roll out the dough into an 18 x 13 x 1/4" rectangle. Cut it into desired shapes, using a 3 - 3 l/2-inch bone cutter or a 2 l/2-inch round cookie cutter. Re-roll the scraps. Repeat the procedure with the remaining dough.

For an attractive shine, lightly beat together the egg and milk. Brush the glaze on the cookies. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until brown and firm.

For even baking rotate the cookie sheets from top to bottom three quarters of the way through the baking period. Use a small, angled metal spatula or pancake turner to transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. The dough must be used immediately. The baked cookies will keep for many months.
Allow cookie sheets to cool completely between batches.

Bone Bonanza

1/2 pound ground beef -- uncooked
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup black beans, cooked -- mashed
1/3 cup cottage cheese
1 teaspoon soy sauce

Combine ground meat and chicken broth in a bowl. Add the black beans and cottage cheese. Add soy sauce. Mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly. Mold the mixture into bone shapes and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 45 minutes in a 375 degree oven. Let cool. Boo's Biscuits

3 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 cup Quaker oats
1 cup milk
1/2 cup hot water
2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes
1/2 cup meat drippings

Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat.
In a separate bowl, mix flour and oatmeal. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well. Press onto an ungreased cookie sheet and cut into shapes desired. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Turn off heat and leave in the oven to harden. Refrigerate after baking.
Bow Wow Biscuits

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup powdered milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 tablespoons bacon grease -- or margarine
1 egg -- beaten
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons beef broth -- or chicken
1/2 cup ice water
6 slices Bacon -- crumbled, optional
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded -- optional

In a big mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients thoroughly to form a dough. Roll the dough out with a rolling pin and use a cookie cutter to make shapes for cookies, Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 min. Bow Wow Burritos

1 tablespoon oil
12 ounces cooked beef -- *see Note
1 clove garlic -- minced
3 tablespoons chunky peanut butter
1 can sweet potatoes -- (23-oz.) drained
1 can black beans -- (15-oz.) rinsed
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons beef bouillon -- powder
6 flour tortillas -- (10-inch)
2 tablespoons cilantro -- chopped
6 tablespoons cheese -- shredded
6 tablespoons vegetables -- *see Note

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add garlic; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in peanut butter, sweet potatoes and beans; mash slightly. Add cumin, cinnamon and chili powder, beef bouillon; mix well. Reduce heat to low; add beef, cover and simmer 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, heat tortillas according to package directions. To serve, spoon and spread scant 1/2 cup mixture across center third of each tortilla with one piece of meat in center.

Top each with 1 tablespoon sour cream, 1 teaspoon cilantro, I tablespoon Cheese spread to cover mixture.

Fold sides of each tortilla 1 inch over filling. Fold bottom 1/3 of tortilla over filling; roll again to enclose filling.

*Note: Beef or chicken cut into 1/2 inch strips, or "meatless" meat for the vegetarian doggies.

*Note: Optional... Shredded veggies for added nutrition, carrots, green beans, broccoli etc.

Serving Ideas : Add 1 Teaspoon Dog Oil Supplement and 1 teaspoon Dog Powder Mix Supplement for added nutrition before folding burritos.

Bread Machine Dog Biscuits

3/4 cup Beef stock -- *see Note
1 egg
3 tablespoons oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup Bulgur -- *see Note
1/3 cup Bran
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons yeast

Place ingredients in bread pan according to manufacturers directions and press "Dough" cycle.

When machine beeps, remove dough to lightly floured countertop and with a rolling pin, roll dough out to 1/4" thickness.

Using a dog bone cookie cutter (or any small seasonal cookie cutters), cut out dog biscuits and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet or one sprinkled with cornmeal. Re-roll scraps and repeat till all dough is used up. Place in a warm location and let rise 30 minutes.

Bake at 325 for 30 minutes until brown and no longer soft. Place on a rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

* Chicken, Vegetable Or use hot water and 2 or 3 -bouillon cubes.
**If you don't have bulgur try substituting something like a 7-grain cereal.

2010-11-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

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

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.

Read on

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.

Dog Prayer

2010-09-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Pets at work can be a plus

2010-09-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

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

Pet Links-Healthy Living

2010-09-15T03:45:00.000-07:00

Pet Links

Healthy Living

Motion Sickness Medication
Does your dog get sick in the car? Now there's a treatment for motion sickness in dogs.
Pet Insurance Review
Looking for pet insurance? Read reviews and compare the rates and benefits of top insurance companies at one convenient site.
PetCARE TV
Online free pet health videos!
HealthyPet.com
The American Animal Hospital Association's website for pet owners.
VeterinaryPartner.com
Animal health information from the Veterinary Information Network, an online veterinary database and community.
AAHA Pet Emergency Info
What constitutes a health emergency for your pet?
Pets Need Dental Care, Too
Learn more about proper oral health care for dogs and cats.
Whispering Hope Ranch
A place where animals and people come together for mutual healing.

Animal Safety and Protection

Petfinder.com
Search a vast database to find a homeless pet to adopt.
The Humane Society of the United States
The world's largest animal protection organization, working for the welfare of domestic and wild animals.

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

The American Kennel Club
Breed registry for purebred dogs in the United States. Working to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred dogs.
The American Kennel Club - Dog Breeds
Learn more about the 150 different breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Indoor Cat Initiative
Dedicated to enriching the lives of indoor cats.
The Cat Fanciers' Association
The world's largest registry of pedigreed cats, with information on cat shows, cat breeds, cat care and more.

Bereavement

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
A non-profit organization dedicated to helping people suffering from the bereavement of a pet.
Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline
Helping people work through their grief and get through a difficult time.

Dave Benfeld-Principle of Dogwatch of Central Florida speaks about his company

2010-09-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Visit us at http://www.dogwatchfl.com

Plexidor® Performance Pet Doors

2010-09-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that we are now a dealer for the Plexidor Performance Pet Doors

Plexidor® Pet Doors are professionally engineered and manufactured from quality materials to be the very best: quiet, energy-efficient, completely secure, long-lasting and most importantly safe and easy for pets to use.

Manufactured in the U.S.A. to ensure reliable delivery and replacement parts service.

Plexidor® Door Unit - high performance pet doors for various doors
Plexidor® Wall Unit - security pet doors to be installed in walls
Electric Plexidor® Unit - Security and Animal Access Control
BiteGuard KennelPlex - Kennel Line

With a Plexidor® Performance Pet Door you will enjoy...
» Peace and Quiet
» Security and Convenience
» Undisturbed Sleep
» Uninterrupted TV
» Freedom from worry about letting your
pet out

Customer Testimonials » read more
"Though your Plexidor comes with only a 3-year warranty (now 5 years), I want to let you know how good it is: 14 years with no problem! It was the right choice then, and I think it would be the right choice for anyone who buys a Plexidor today."
---Maureen O'Connell, North Reading, Massachusetts

For more information on Plexidor® can work for you please call us at:

(800) 884-STAY (7829) or email us at dave@dogwatchfl.com

DogWatch is not invisible

2010-09-03T10:13:00.001-07:00

DogWatch "hidden fences" are often mistakenly referred to generically as "invisible fences". Invisible Fence® and Invisible Fencing® are Brand names, products and registered trademarks of Radio Systems, Inc. Click the links below to learn more:

• Compare DogWatch to Invisible Fence
• Compare DogWatch batteries to others
• Read an independent dog fence review

Pet Penguin Goes Shopping

2010-08-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Get Rescued-Save the Date February 26, 2011

2010-08-26T02:06:00.000-07:00

Save The Date!

February 26, 2011

Get Rescued

Applications are now available for the 7^th Annual Get Rescued Event! Early Bird Application fees, postmarked by January 26, 2011, start at only $75. As always, Rescues with proof of non-profit Status will be invited to attend at no charge. (Please include proof of status when applying.) Proceeds from this event will benefit participating Rescue Groups.

We will once again hold the ever popular evening celebration at the Gulfport Casino, where rescues are invited to offer silent auction items in order to raise additional funds for their causes. Last year several rescues raised well over $500.00 from the evening event!

We will also continue our food for fosters pet food drive during the hours of the event.

Interested Sponsors for this extraordinary event should contact Suzanne King at 727-322-5217. We will work with the needs of our current and potential sponsors for maximum exposure and return.

Please follow this link to the Get Rescued Information…The application is at the bottom of the page. Please note...Vendor fees will not be sent for deposit until vendors are approved and notified beforehand. The approval process will begin in the next few months.

Feel free to forward this email if you know a rescue, sponsor or pet related vendor who may be interested.......see you as always, on the last Saturday in February, if not before.

--
Suzanne King
SIK Promotions
PO Box 530234
St. Petersburg, FL 33747
727-322-5217
http://suzieking.com/

Onions and Toxicity for dogs

2010-08-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

Edgar's people cook most of his food for him, and add some good quality kibble to it, always being so careful in what they feed him (and their previous dogs). Several days ago she thawed some stew that she'd made them and thought she'd just give that to Edgar instead of making up a new batch of food. She knew there were some onions in it, but didn't think there were enough to be a problem.

To make a "long story short", Edgar got very sick. Right now, he's very ill & in the hospital. He's had a blood transfusion yesterday. He's been in an emergency hospital in London,Canada over the weekend, but today I believe they are picking him up and taking him to their local vet for the rest of his treatment.

This is an article on Onion Toxicity. Even if your dog has had onions in the past without any problems, please don't take a chance and put them or yourselves through what Edgar and his people are going through now. Click here to get the full report

CANINE ADDISON'S DISEASE-Lack of energy, vomiting and weight loss in dogs

2010-08-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

Lack of energy, vomiting and weight loss in dogs may be symptoms of a number of common disorders; however, they can also be early signs of a relatively rare disorder called Canine Addison's Disease (hypoadrenocorticism). Because it is so easily confused with many other diseases and frequently remains undiagnosed until the dog collapses from weight loss, weakness or dehydration, Canine Addison's Disease is often referred to as "The Great Pretender." If left untreated, the disease can be critical, even fatal.

Canine Addison's Disease occurs when a dog's adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones and other chemicals that help regulate many bodily functions, such as metabolism, blood pressure and stress response. While it is not contagious, it is not fully understood why dogs develop Addison's. The most likely cause is genetic; however, other possible causes include infections, immune system disorders and trauma.

Studies have found that 70% to 85% of dogs with Canine Addison's Disease are female1 and that the dogs most often affected are between 4 and 7 years old. Some breeds seem to be affected more commonly than others. These breeds include Great Danes, Portuguese Water Spaniels, Rottweilers, Standard Poodles, West Highland White Terriers and Wheaten Terriers.

Some of the most common signs a pet owner may observe in a dog with Canine Addison's Disease include:

Anorexia
Lack of energy
Weakness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Dehydration

Less frequent signs include:

Bloody vomit or stool
Excessive thirst or urination
Loss of appetite
Hair loss
Shaking and tremors

If your dog shows any of these signs, consult a veterinarian at once. Chances are, your dog does not have Addison's, but any discomfort or irregularity should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Although abnormalities may be noted in EKGs and X-rays, veterinarians generally use laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis of Canine Addison's Disease. These may include various blood and urine tests. Even then, Canine Addison's Disease may escape diagnosis because the results of the laboratory tests may be similar to those in dogs with kidney failure.

The ACTH stimulation test provides one of the most accurate and reliable tests for diagnosing Canine Addison's Disease. For this test, the veterinarian collects blood samples before and after giving the patient an injection of a hormone to see how the dog's body responds.

Most veterinarians will treat Canine Addison's Disease with a medication that replaces the hormones that the adrenal glands can no longer produce. Today, the only medication approved by the FDA* for treating Canine Addison's Disease is PERCORTEN®-V (desoxycorticosterone pivalate).

It has been demonstrated that PERCORTEN-V is well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. In a small percentage of treated dogs, depression, excessive thirst and urination, digestive, skin and coat changes, weakness and injection site reactions (pain, abscesses) may occur. Some of these effects may resolve with adjustments in dose or interval of PERCORTEN-V or concomitant glucocorticoid administration.

Do not use in pregnant dogs or in dogs that are suffering from congestive heart disease, severe renal disease or edema. Dogs with renal failure must be stabilized before receiving PERCORTEN-V.

How You can train your cat

2010-08-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

What Basic Training Does Your Cat Need?

Cats are animals. Humans are animals as well but supposedly of a higher order. In order to live together in a compatible and happy relationship there are some things your cat needs to learn. Owning an animal of any sort should be more pleasure than pain, but there will be considerable pain if the animal is in control of the house

Read this 28 page eBook for free! Click here
Audio Version Click here

Diabetes in cats

2010-07-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Numerous feline health experts will agree that diabetes and obesity are preventable diseases. Because obesity is a risk factor for developing diabetes, by keeping your cat’s weight to a healthy one, you can reduce the risk of your cat developing diabetes.

Diabetes occurs when the body’s pancreas cannot secrete the hormone insulin to balance blood sugar levels. Because sugar is processed into energy, a diabetic animal though may typically first be obese, she will eventually lose weight because she cannot process that sugar. The older and more overweight the cat, the greater the risk for developing diabetes.

Signs of Diabetes

Signs of diabetes in cats are excessive urinating as the body attempts to flush sugar in the urine, increased water drinking, increased appetite but accompanied by weight loss and loss of energy. A condition called neuropathy can also affect the cat’s hind legs.
If early signs go unnoticed, the disease soon progresses to cause secondary conditions such as an unhealthy coat, liver disease and infections.
Your veterinarian will diagnose the cat based on signs observed and by running tests on the cat’s blood and urine.

Treatment

Treatment for a diabetic cat is much like that for a human with diabetes—diet control, blood sugar testing, insulin injections or oral medication and regular visits to the veterinarian for check up. Though some cats may first require insulin, they may later be maintained by diet later once the pancreas adjusts. But your veterinarian will need to keep a watchful eye on the cat’s progress and will determine when, how, and if changes should be made to the cat’s treatment and diet.
Your veterinarian will help you determine the healthiest diet for your diabetic cat—one that is high protein, low in carbohydrates. Many feline fanciers feel that diabetes can even be prevented if cats are started on low carbohydrate, high protein diets. Canned food is often preferred to dry because canned food is typically higher in protein. Dry food is usually higher in grains and fillers, which are carbohydrates.

Some commercial formulas are geared toward high protein diets and include canned Wellness with 3% carbohydrates, Purina DM with 8% carbohydrates, Hill’s Prescription Science Diet m/d 16% carbohydrates and Innova EVO (diet and canned), which is based on the cat’s ancestral diet of high protein. Several formulas, even Innova’s EVO dry, are grain-free. Plus, some less costly formulas, such as Fancy Feast, can offer less than 10% carbohydrates. Learn what your cat needs, discuss diet with your veterinarian and become an expert at reading cat food labels.

Especially for diabetic cats, experts recommend steering clear of cat foods that contain cornstarch, wheat gluten and rice. Also, if your cat is obese, he needs to lose weight. Talk with your veterinarian about the caloric intake, in addition to the percent protein and carbohydrates, that your cat should receive each day.
With your help, your diabetic feline friend can live a long healthy life for years after being diagnosed with diabetes.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

2010-07-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

Cat owners often confuse feline leukemia with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV, also known as feline AIDS). Like feline leukemia, FIV is caused by a virus. However, the similarities end there. The diseases differ in many ways including risk, transmission, and prognosis. What Is FIV?

Much like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), FIV attacks a cat’s immune system, reducing his ability to fight off other infections. An infected cat may be at greater risk of developing other infections because his immune system isn’t as strong as that of a health cat. Thus, he is at greater risk of catching what are called “opportunistic” infections—those resulting from his depleted immune system being unable to fight infections that a healthy cat may be able to fight off.

A cat’s risk of catching FIV is much lower than that of catching feline leukemia because experts do not believe that FIV is spread through routine contact with infected cats but instead through deep bite wounds such as might occur during intense territory battles among male cats.

Pregnant cats infected with FIV may not pass the virus onto their kittens.

Signs of FIV

Many of the signs of FIV look like those for feline leukemia including fever, lethargy, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, skin and respiratory infections. Other problems include dental or oral infections, diarrhea, eye diseases such as cloudiness in the cornea, vomiting, abscesses, poor coat or hair loss, ear mites, ringworm, among others. Some cats show neurological problems or anemia. Viewed individually, some of these infections (like ear mites or ringworm) are normal problems affecting even healthy cats. However, a vigilant cat owner should take note when infections occur at greater frequency, duration or in concert with other infections.

What if My Cat Has FIV?

FIV is not necessarily a death sentence. Unlike feline leukemia, many cats infected with FIV can survive healthily for many years, even to a normal life span. If the cat does succumb to the disease, his death is caused by opportunistic infections or diseases rather than the virus itself.

Additionally, if you have multiple cats, the risk of transmission of FIV to other uninfected cats is low as long as they don’t fight and bite. If they do, you may wish to keep them separate. Though the risk of transmission is low, the only way to truly put a risk of transmission at zero is to keep your healthy cat from contact with infected cats.

If your cat has FIV, you do need to take steps to help him live a long, comfortable life. Because the virus reduces a cat’s ability to fight other, opportunistic infections, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the state of your cat’s health and effectively treat opportunistic infections as they arise. That means taking him routinely for wellness visits to the veterinarian every six months. You may also speak to your veterinarian about the type of healthy diet and supplements that may help boost his immune system.

Protecting My Cat from FIV

The best way to protect your cat from catching FIV is by keeping him away from potentially infected cats. That may mean keeping your cat indoors or allowing him supervised outdoor access. Neutering and spaying cats can often help reduce the territorial battle instinct while keeping such cats from wandering excessively (and reproducing uncontrollably).

Because of the general low risk of transmission, following these precautions can be enough to keep your cat FIV-free; however, you may also wish to consider the FIV vaccine. Talk to your veterinarian about the pros and cons of the vaccine and whether it would be a benefit to your cat.

Cardiomyopthay in Cats (also known as heart disease)

2010-07-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Kitty’s Broken Heart
If your fuzzy little feline is having trouble getting up the stairs or seems down and out, something more insidious may be causing his lethargy.

Cardiomyopthay (also known as heart disease) can affect animals, like your cat. It is the most common type of feline heart disease and causes fluid to build in the lungs and leads to heart failure. The disease is more common in breeds like the Himalayan, American short hair, ragdoll, Abyssinian and Burmese; though it can be found in other and mixed breeds.

Two types of cardiomyopathy exist: the first is when the heart muscle grows weak and dilated and the second is when the heart muscle becomes thick, which constricts blood flow.

Cardiomyopathy can result from many different health issues such as hypertension, hyperthyroidism, an infection, an autoimmune problem or a taurine deficiency. It can also be inherited from the cat’s parents as a genetic disease.

Signs of Heart Disease

Signs of cardiomyopathy include weakness, panting or labored breathing, collapse, vomiting, pale mucous membranes (like the gums), and appetite loss. The cat’s belly may also bloat from fluid build up. A cough may be present. A problem related to the condition causing poor circulation can cause a clot to form, which can lead to paralysis of the back legs.

Your cat’s veterinarian will make a diagnosis based on x-rays of the heart and lungs, echograms, electrocardiograms, and blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment for cardiomyopathy includes medication prescribed by the veterinarian, diet change, and reduced stress. Reducing stress can include keeping your cat more comfortable in more moderate temperatures. Additionally, a diet change will focus on a low-salt diet (including treats that must be low salt too).
Your veterinarian may suggest prescription foods such as Hill’s Prescription Diet g/d Feline with reduced sodium and phosphorus.

Because heart disease often leads to fluid accumulation in the cat’s body, your veterinarian may also prescribe a diuretic. Some veterinarians suggest vitamins or other natural health supplements such as co-enzyme Q10 to assist with enzyme functions and vitamin E to support the heart. Before adding supplements to your cat’s diet, confer with your veterinarian to ensure that the supplement will not interact with the cat’s medication.

If your cat shows signs of heart disease, it’s important to take him to the veterinarian soon before the disease progresses. With careful care with medication and diet, you can keep your feline feeling more comfortable and energetic.

Dental Disease Affects Dogs and Cats

2010-07-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

Did you know that one of the most common problems seen in veterinary clinics is also one of the most preventable? Most veterinarians will agree that 75% or more of the health problems that they see in clinic practice are related to dental disease—gum disease or periodontal disease. In fact, studies show that most animals already have signs of dental disease by age 3 or 4!
Just like us humans, dogs and cats are as susceptible to gingivitis and periodontal disease. And like us, preventative care can help prevent such problems and keep your pet’s mouth pain free.

In gum disease, plaque forms around the toothline causing inflammation (gingivitis). As the gums get inflamed, they swell and form pockets that trap bacteria. The bacteria eat away at the tooth support system. If allowed to progress, eventually the problem leads to tooth and jaw bone loss. Also, many experts believe that the bacteria involved in this process can enter the blood stream and cause other serious problems like kidney or heart disease.

Signs of Gingivitis

Early signs of gingivitis are redness around the gum line, bleeding, inability or discomfort while eating, and bad breath.

Veterinary Treatment

For dental care to treat periodontal disease, your veterinarian may recommend professional cleaning. At the veterinary clinic, your pet would be anesthetized. Then the tartar and plaque can be removed by the veterinarian by scaling devices (much like when your teeth are scraped during a cleaning). Teeth needing repairs like fillings or root canals can be fixed, and teeth beyond repair can be removed. Then the veterinarian polishes the teeth, which slows the progression of further plaque development. If there are signs of bone loss or other more serious oral problems, your veterinarian can evaluate and may wish to refer your pet to veterinary dental care specialist for further care.

Home Prevention

Many products are available to assist you in keeping your pet’s mouth healthy from toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically manufactured for pets to dental care treats and even dental care additives to put in your pet’s water bowl. Tooth cleaning towlettes as well as finger-shaped dental treatment devices are also available for owners whose pets may be less cooperative for toothbrushing. Also, tartar-control food is available for both dogs and cats. Your veterinarian can help you determine which home treatments are best for you and your pet. He or she can also show you how to brush your pet’s teeth.

Regular veterinary exams every 6months to every year and a half will help you determine how successful your home treatment is.

Good preventative care now can help keep your pet’s mouth health and pain free while also saving you from a larger veterinary bill later on!

Cystitis in Cats

2010-06-29T01:03:00.000-07:00

Grandma Anna used to complain about her cystitis all the time, and when her cat Kiki developed idiopathic cystitis, Grandma Anna was quite understanding of how important proper treatment was for her beloved cat.
Idiopathic cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. Also known as lower urinary tract disease, causes of the problem are unknown except that there are some diet and environmental factors that increase the cat’s risk for developing cystitis.

Risk Factors for Cystitis

Several factors have been shown to cause a greater risk for developing idiopathic cystitis, and they include diet, environment and genetics:

Diets that are primarily dry food with high minerals
Stressful environment
Indoor environment
Long-haired cats

Male cats can get a more severe, life-threatening form if they develop a urinary tract obstruction in addition to the cystitis. Female cats, though they do get cystitis, rarely develop a urinary tract obstruction because the urethra of the female cat is wider and shorter than that of the male cat.

Signs of Idiopathic Cystitis
Cats suffering from cystitis often exhibit the following signs:

Urinating in areas other than the litter box (bathtub, sink, ceramic floors…)
Meowing while in the litter box (a sign of distress)
Straining to urinate
Blood in the urine
Increased urinations in the box or outside the box
Increased grooming of the genital area (a sign of discomfort)

The more serious result of idiopathic cystitis is urinary obstruction. If your male cat suddenly stops eating, is very lethargic (more so than usual), is vomiting, and makes frequent (and failed or painful) tries at urinating in his litter box, he may have a urinary obstruction. If he shows these signs, he must be taken to the veterinarian immediately. This is an emergency situation; if it is after hours, find a 24-hour veterinary clinic. If his bladder ruptures, he could die.

Diagnosis of Cystitis
If your cat shows those signs, you need to take him to the veterinarian for treatment. The veterinarian will palpate the bladder and may perform a urinalysis.

Treatment for Idiopathic Cystitis
Treatment involves changing the cat’s diet to canned food, reducing the cat’s stress, encouraging more water drinking, increasing exercise, and pain or anti-inflammatory medication that may be prescribed by the veterinarian.

Canned food helps increase your pet’s intake of fluids, thus allowing the cat to make less concentrated urine, which is healthier for the urinary tract and will also be less painful.

If the cause is an infection, the veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic.

To increase your cat’s drinking of water, you can also add clam juice or tuna juice to his food. In addition, constantly running pet fountains encourage cats to drink and play more in their water. Such products, Drinkwell, for example, are available in pet stores.
Toys, climbing trees, scratching trees, laser pointers…anything your cat can play and chase are recommended to reduce his stress and increase exercise.

Because many cats will hold their urine if the litter box is unclean, ensure that your cat’s box is routinely clean to encourage him to use it frequently.

Is camping with a dog a good idea?

2010-06-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Anywhere that you go outdoors is completely appropriate for your dog as well, right? While many pet owners believe that as long as they are not going onto someone else's property or indoors where pets are not welcome, that it is completely appropriate to bring their dog along. While this is not always true, taking your dog camping with you is a great idea for many reasons.

Physical Exercise

Dogs need to stay active just as much as humans do. Right now we are facing an obesity epidemic, not just with the human population but with the domesticated dog population as well. More and more pets are becoming overweight and struggling with many of the same health problems that humans face as a result of carrying too much excess fat stores on their body. The best way to combat this and ensure your dog isn't one the unlucky who suffer from obesity is to get them outdoors and moving around on a consistent basis.

Camping trips are excellent sources of physical activity because you are outdoors and have access to a wide variety of recreations. You can take your dog on hikes in the nearby woods or for strolls around the camping site. You may also be able to find them a grassy area to just run around or play fetch and Frisbee. If there is a stream or creek on the campgrounds, your dog may enjoy swimming or splashing around on a hot day as well.

Bonding Time

When you get out in the wilderness with your dog, you will bond with them in ways that just can't happen at home sitting on the couch. Camping offers a lot of uninterrupted time to pet and love on your dog as well as some time to sit and enjoy looking around at the beautiful scenery together.

Of course, all of those physical activities are great for bonding and enjoying one another as well!

Protection

Your dog can also offer an extra source of protection for you and your family. Sleeping outdoors in an area you aren't completely familiar with and around people who you don't really know can present some dangers, though you should look into the safety ahead of time. Dogs can alert you to others walking onto your campsite and provide a real sense of protection when it comes time to sack up for the night.

Training Opportunities

If you have a smaller puppy or a dog that is still being trained on skills such as socializing with others, camping is a great opportunity to challenge their new skills and see how much progress they are making. For instance, a dog that is being trained to stay by your side and not chase after birds, squirrels, and other passing creatures and objects will have tons of opportunity to master this skill in an active campground environment!

There are tons of benefits for your dog if you take them along for a camping adventure! They will enjoy just being outdoors and getting some fresh air, but they will cherish the time with you even more. Dogs live for attention and the positive feedback they get from their owners when they do something right. Taking them on a camping trip rather than leaving them behind will do a world of good for your relationship with them, as long as you select a dog-friendly campsite.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

Catching Kennel Cough

2010-06-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

Shep always seemed to come home with kennel cough after a stay at a dog boarding facility. Much like kids in day care, when dogs go to kennels, they’re often prone to catching kennel cough. Kennel cough is commonly caused by bacteria called Bordetella. Other causes of kennel cough might be parainfluenza or adenovirus viruses.

Signs of Kennel Cough

A dog with kennel cough has a dry, hacking cough for a few days. The coughing is sometimes accompanied by sneezing or gagging. He may cough more after exercise. Dogs with kennel cough seem to cough constantly over the course of several days, but they may not have any other signs. Infections typically are not serious, can last up to three weeks, but do not usually progress in severity. Sometimes, more than one type of infectious microorganism causes the irritation of the dog’s trachea and bronchii.

Prevention and Treatment

Like a cold virus is very contagious to humans, kennel cough is very contagious to dogs. It is called kennel cough (also known as infectious tracheobronchitis) because it shows up more often in dogs that are closely confined, such as in the kennel environment, a dog show or even a veterinary clinic. But a dog might also pick it up from another dog through a groomer or at a park dog run. Also, much like people and colds, the infection usually resolves on its own.

An injection vaccination as well as nasal spray containing the Bordetella agent is available to vaccinate dogs against the bacteria. However, this vaccine would have no effect on kennel cough resulting from another source like parainfluenza. If your dog routinely comes into close contact with other dogs, such as at dog shows or in a boarding facility, you may wish to consider getting him vaccinated. Because the dog’s body needs time to build immunity to the vaccination, make sure you get him vaccinated a few weeks prior to his possible exposure.
Regarding treatment for kennel cough, most dogs don’t show much in the way of signs beyond a cough. They typically maintain their usual behavior of normal sleeping, eating or playing. Because a cough can be a sign of other problems, like heart disease or heart worms, your veterinarian should examine the dog, even if you’re sure it is kennel cough.

The veterinarian will determine the cause of the dog’s cough by examination, history and ruling out other issues. Kennel cough might be treated except with the use of cough suppressant to ease coughs or antibiotics for a bacterial infection.

If your dog has kennel cough, even if your veterinarian decides that no medication is necessary, your dog should be back to his old self in about three weeks. Just allow him some time to rest and stay warm and comfortable.

Hip Dysplasia

2010-05-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Signs of Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia starts when a dog is young. The condition means that the bones in the hip joint don’t fit quite right and might be misshapen, leading to abnormal movement and wear and tear on the joint.

Young puppies may run with an odd gait, with both hind legs running together. Some run with a “bunny hop.” Others may limp.

As the dog ages, he has likely been learning to live with chronic pain and discomfort, so observing for signs of pain may be difficult as signs might be subtle or the same as the dog has been showing over the course of several years. Some indications of increasing discomfort maybe the reluctance to move, suddenly sitting down while out on a walk, refusal to climb onto furniture or up steps, or the inability to get up to his favorite spot on the couch. He is probably stiff in the morning and has a hard time getting up. As he gets older, his hind end loses more muscle tone, and he is less able to move comfortably.

Though some breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, like German Shepherds, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, etc., even smaller dogs and cats can have the condition.

Treatment

There is no cure for hip dysplasia; however, you can keep your dog more comfortable by having your veterinarian evaluate him for medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Surgery might be an option. Other options may include supplements with glucosamine.

Prevention

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can be passed on through generations. So, breeding dogs with hip dysplasia would not be wise. Overfed giant breed puppies tend to be more prone to the condition. So keeping a puppy’s weight more healthy on the lean side may keep the strain off his growing muscles and bones and reduce his risk for developing hip dysplasia.

If your dog or cat is showing signs of odd gait movements in his hind end, regardless of age, have your veterinarian evaluate him. And if he’s older, don’t just assume he’s having a hard time getting up just because he’s aged. Many owners are surprised at how much more spry and happy their dogs become after being given medication to relieve the pain of hip dysplasia.

Food Allergies and Dogs

2010-05-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Adam’s new Siberian husky puppy had trouble keeping her food down, and when she finally did keep it down, she then had diarrhea.

Food allergies or intolerance to particular elements in dog foods, is the third most common cause of allergies for dogs. Food allergies affect all breeds, both genders, and can even suddenly show up years into a dog’s life.

Signs of Food Allergy or Intolerance

Adam’s husky more likely had food intolerance rather than a food allergy. Food allergies usually show signs of itching skin problems. They might be chronic skin infections that recur after antibiotic treatment. The allergic condition is usually year-round and doesn’t respond to antihistamines. Conversely, food intolerance is often seen with vomiting or diarrhea.

Typically, the most common causes of food allergy or intolerance are the most common ingredients in dog foods—beef, dairy, soy, corn, and wheat, among others.

Treatment for Food Allergy

Your veterinarian will rule out other causes of the skin problems (in the case of food allergies), such as parasites or fleas. Once other potential causes are ruled out, one can look at your dog’s diet. If you suspect food allergies, keep a list of what your dog eats, bring the can or dried food bag to your veterinarian for his or her review, and don’t feed him any table food.

Your veterinarian may recommend a special dog food formula made for dogs with food allergies or to help rule out the offending food. Most of those allergy-specific formulas include protein sources from lamb, rabbit, venison or duck. Sometimes a homemade diet is recommended, starting with basic protein sources and then gradually adding other sources until food allergy signs are seen again. This elimination diet approach helps you determine what food is causing your dog’s allergy so you can avoid feeding it to him. It also allows you to see what foods don’t cause allergies so you can ensure his diet is still broad enough so he may get all the nutrients he needs.

Some homeopathic veterinarians feel that dogs can react to the additives and preservatives in commercial dog foods. If this is the case for your dog, you might try feeding a more natural brand of dog food that doesn’t contain preservatives, fillers or color additives.

Once you determine the cause of your pet’s food allergy or intolerance, you must ensure that he never eats it again. Much like a child with a peanut allergy, your dog’s food allergy isn’t going to go away. Your diligence in keeping his diet free of the offending allergen will keep him healthy and comfortable.

Understanding Flea & Ticks

2010-05-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Overview
Fleas and ticks may pose a very real threat to the health and comfort of your pet. In addition to extreme discomfort, fleas and ticks can also cause serious health problems in pets and people. Don't compromise your pets health.

Fleas & Ticks

FLEAS

Few creatures can inflict more misery, ounce for ounce, than fleas. These tiny, almost-invisible pests can make life miserable and disrupt your household with a vicious cycle of biting and scratching. Fleas may also cause flea allergy dermatitis in some pets and may be carriers of dangerous diseases.

TICKS

Often too tiny to be seen, ticks attach to pets and feed on blood until they are engorged. They thrive in high humidity and moderate temperatures, but can be found all over the country. Ticks may carry and transmit diseases, including Lyme disease, that can cause serious health problems for pets and people.

Where Fleas Hide

While most adult fleas are visible there are plenty of places for them to hide that you may not be aware of. Fleas hide in your carpet, bedding, around baseboards, cracks in floors and in hard to reach areas. The flea can live for about a month without even feeding from your pet. Instead it will feed on dirt, debris and body waste. Fleas will live outside in areas that have a lot of weeds, grass or piled debris. Fleas can also be commonly found in sidewalk cracks. When fleas infest your pet they will hide around your pets ears, between paws, in armpits, skin folds, and at the base of their tail.
Warning Signs

Here are some typical warning signs that you pet may indicate that your pet has fleas

Scratching or rubbing excessively against objects to gain relief from the bitten area.

Bacterial infections can be developed from flea bites and may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Excessive licking to soothe irritated areas where your pet has been bit.

Tape worms can be developed from injesting just one single flea.

Flea Dirt may be visible on your pet or in their bedding, this is the dried blood excreted from the adult flea.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis can be developed in the event that your pet has an allergic reaction to the saliva that goes into your pet’s skin when the flea bites it. You may notice scabs or bumps on your pet’s back or neck.

How to Prevent Flea & Ticks

Applying a once monthly topical or oral flea treatment will not only kill your pet's fleas, it will prevent a possible reinfestation from occurring. Always try and make sure that you keep all areas of your house and yard that you or your pet uses clean. As your pet walks fleas are able to hop on or off and eggs can fall of into grooves in your flooring or onto the carpet. Vacuuming on a regular basis is important as fleas will hide in your carpet while waiting for a pet to feed off of. Try to change your pet’s bedding as frequently as possible as this is a hospitable environment for fleas to live and feed off your pet while they are at rest. If it is machine washable bed, wash it in the hottest water allowable by the manufacturer.

First Aid: Treating a Dog’s Laceration

2010-05-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

As your dog approaches you, you notice that he’s limping and bleeding. You notice an open wound on his leg. Do you know what to do?

A laceration is an open cut wound and dogs can get them from other dogs as bite wounds or from having been hit with something, even hit by a car.

If you don’t know the source of the dog’s injury, or haven’t seen the incident that caused the dog’s wound, there’s no way to know if his injuries are more extensive without taking him to a veterinarian. A dog that’s been hit by a car may show a few minor-looking cuts or abrasions but also may be suffering from internal bleeding.

Handling an injured dog, no matter how sweet or tame he normally is, can be tricky. To examine and clean the dog’s wound, you’ll need to muzzle him. You can make makeshift muzzles from nylons, socks, or a cotton lead or leash.

If the wound is clean, you won’t need to clean it. But if it is dirty, you should clean it by irrigation with a saline (sterile salt water) solution. If you don’t have saline on hand, you can use emergency chemical eye wash solutions or even saline solutions used for cleaning contacts.

Once the wound is clean, you’ll be able to better assess the bleeding. For bleeding wounds, you’ll need to apply pressure. Use a clean towel or shirt, or, if you have it in a first aid kit, clean gauze. Apply pressure for 3 minutes. If the wound is still bleeding and it is located on a leg or tail, you can apply a tourniquet. But if the wound is elsewhere, you’ll have to continue to apply pressure.

If the bleeding is from an artery, it will be pumping out with a strong pulse with each heart beat. Its color will be bright red. If the bleeding is coming from a vein, the blood will not be spurting and the color is a darker red.

For pulsing bleeding coming from an artery, the tourniquet needs to be applied between the wound and the heart, to keep the blood from pulsing so much. The opposite is for bleeding for a vein. Instead, for vein bleeding, you would apply the tourniquet below the wound.

Tourniquets (using a bandana, torn shirt or towel, or a nylon, etc.) should be tight enough to slow or stop the bleeding, but you must loosen the tourniquet every 15 minutes for about 10 seconds to allow circulation to return to the leg. If not, the dog could lose all circulation to the rest of the extremity, and could chance losing the extremity later as a result of those injuries.

Now your dog is ready for transport to the veterinarian. He may or may not need stitches, and the veterinarian will be able to tell if his injuries are more extensive.

Being prepared for a situation such as this means having a first aid kit. You can find often find them in pet stores, in pet catalogs or through your veterinarian. You can also make sure that you have a sufficient muzzle contraption as well as saline, clean gauze and items to be used in case you might need to make a tourniquet always at the ready in case you need them.

Epilepsy in Dogs

2010-05-08T02:15:00.000-07:00

Dogs that suffer from seizures may have a condition called epilepsy. Epilepsy can be inherited or can be caused by outside factors. Idiopathic epilepsy is the condition that is thought to be inherited (genetic), and secondary epilepsy is the condition for which the seizures are caused by something else like an infection or a toxin.

Signs of Epilepsy

Seizures occur in four stages. In the first stage (called “prodome”), the dog shows a change in mood or behavior. In the second stage (called “aura”), he shows obvious signs such as trembling, pacing, whining, hiding, wandering, vomiting or barking excessively and trying to get his owner’s attention. In the third stage (called “ictus”), the dog suffers the seizure, but the seizure could be different for different dogs.

Some may just stare into space; others may lose consciousness; others might lay on the floor and paddle their legs like they’re running in their sleep; others might lose control of their bowels. Some dogs were even known to run in circles or seize in just one area of the body, like twitching in the face.

In the final stage of the seizure (called “ictal”), as the seizure resolves, dogs might show odd behavior such as acting drunk or doped. He might also pace again or drink a lot of water. While others may appear exhausted and fall to sleep with fatigue.

Causes of Secondary Epilepsy

When epilepsy is not an inherited condition, outside influences can be causing the dog’s seizures. Possible causes include: toxin poisoning such as that from arsenic, fertilizer, poisonous plants or lead (from chewing on lead paint), other disease or infection such as a brain tumor or encephalitis, which is a swelling of the brain, thyroid problems, low blood sugar, trauma to the head, or even parasites.

Treatment for Epilepsy

For secondary epilepsy, finding the cause and preventing the dog’s exposure to that cause will help prevent future seizures. For dogs with an inherited condition, medication such as primadone, valium, Phenobarbital, among others can help him live a comfortable life by controlling or stopping seizures.

If your dog suffers from seizures, your veterinarian can help you understand the causes and the treatments available either to prevent a seizure or stop one that has started. He or she can also help you understand how to observe and record (in a journal) your dog’s behavior before a seizure so you can recognize one before it becomes full blown. Once you can recognize the signs and know how to treat your dog and keep him comfortable, you’ll be able to help prevent a seizure or minimize the stress caused by one.

2010-05-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

Our Story ● Golden Doodle Puppies ● Meet The Parents ● About Golden Doodles ● Video Player ● Photo Galleries ● Donate Now ● Contact Us ● Home

Barnyard Ventures is breeding Golden Doodles and from each litter a service dog is developed for a needy Veteran and given to him/her as a gift. Their business is set up as a charity, enabling people to give to the cause. The other pets in the litters are available for adoption, and the donation for the pet is tax deductible. Tony is a disabled Marine and uses one of the dogs as his service dog. Please see the video and the website for the most complete understanding of their charity.

For the dogs delivered throughout Central Florida DogWatch of Central Florida, LLC will give the owners a $50 discount off of their fence purchase and will donate $50 to Barnyard Ventures when they have a fence installed

Animal Rescue Shelter Pet Stamps

2010-05-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Starting April 30th you can buy stamps at the post office that help to buy food for shelter pets. You can pre-order them online. I think this would be a great thing to spread around. Could you please forward to your contacts?

Click here for more information

These Stamps Are Something to Wag At
Photographer Sally Anderson-Bruce found these beautiful, adopted pets in her hometown of New Milford, Connecticut. Each of these animals was given a good home thanks to animal rescue shelters and the families who adopted them.

Itchy Skin: Dermatitis in Pets

2010-04-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Snowy scratched and bit at his skin so much that it bled. The 3-year-old West Highland white terrier was miserable.

Skin allergies are common problems among dogs and cats. We often forget that sometimes, just as with humans, our pets can suffer from allergies too. But instead of sniffing and wheezing, dogs and cats often demonstrate their allergies in the form of skin problems.

Numerous outside problems can cause your pet to have an allergic reaction including fleas, food allergies and even the things that cause you to sneeze and sniffle like pollen or dust mites. With pet foods, common ingredients can sometimes cause skin allergies including corn, dairy products, soy, beef and preservatives and other chemical additives. When pets react to the presence of fleas, they are typically allergic to the flea’s saliva.

Signs of Allergies

With skin allergies, pets do a lot of scratching, biting, and licking of parts of their bodies. If fleas are the cause, you might see the presence of “flea dirt,” the tiny blood spots left behind by the little parasites. Sometimes the hair will fall out or will be stained dark from blood or appear greasy from constant rubbing. The skin may also be inflamed and red, sometimes with discharge. Skin inside the ears may be inflamed. Scabs may be present from constant scratching and bleeding. Some breeds, like the Westie mentioned previously, are more prone to particular types of skin allergies.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If your dog or cat shows these signs, your veterinarian can perform several tests to determine the cause. Depending on the signs, testing can include skin scrapings to see if the cause is a type of parasite, skin swabs to view under the microscope for microscopic parasites, fecal exam to see if the parasite cause is internal, intradermal allergy skin tests, and blood analysis, among others.
For some pets, just the elimination of the offending allergen can solve the problem. For Snowy, a change in food as well as the addition of fatty acid supplements was all that was needed. The veterinarian felt that he had allergic reactions to the red dye in his artificially enhanced burger-looking dog food.
Some pets may require medical treatment such as antiinflammatories, antihistamines, antibiotics or allergy shots, among others. If fleas are the cause, removal of the fleas with medication solves the problem. For fungal infections, medicated shampoo solves the problem. And, finally, topical medications can help treat the irritation.

Keep in mind that often the skin allergy can be a chronic problem that needs to be maintained. But if you recognize the signs early enough before your pet really suffers from inflammation and, with the help of your veterinarian, establish the cause of your pet’s allergies, you can keep him happy and comfortable with routine maintenance.

Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure

2010-04-29T02:29:00.000-07:00

Jesse commented that she thought her dog may be showing signs of congestive heart failure. Her friend Sara asked what the signs are. She described a dog that was lethargic and showing an inability to cope with exercise. Sara noted that if those were the only signs, all of her lazy, fat dogs would be candidates for congestive heart failure.

Congestive Heart Failure Signs

The signs can be subtle—intolerance of exercise, excessive panting and labored breathing, and coughing. Sometimes those signs are missed until the condition is more severe.
Because the signs are subtle, a yearly check up for your dog is in order to ensure that problems are picked up long before they become severe.

The early signs often include a heart murmur from leaky valves. Not all leaky valve conditions will lead to congestive heart failure, but if you catch the heart murmur early, you’ll be prepared to watch for more signs and to get your dog treatment early on. The leaky valve condition allows blood to flow backward to the heart. Then the heart can’t function properly, and fluid begins to accumulate in the lungs and other parts of the dog’s body.

Besides degenerative valves, other causes may be implicated in congestive heart failure including heart worm infestation, heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), or a defect of the heart.
In congestive heart failure, the dog’s heart doesn’t function as it should, which leads to the dog’s body retaining too much water and salt, the fluid having impact on his lungs. The heart is a pump, and if there is a failure with a pump, then there is a fluid accumulation.

The disease often occurs during the degeneration of heart valves, which is a condition that may be more common in older, smaller dogs.

Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam including electrocardiogram and x-rays to determine if he has congestive heart failure.

Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure

Dogs are successfully treated for congestive heart failure by several ways: first, through diet. Dogs with congestive heart failure should be fed a low sodium (low salt) diet. Specific diets have been formulated for dogs with congestive heart failure. Your veterinarian will be able to explain how to feed the new diet. Medication including diuretics help the dog expel the extra fluid, which reduces the load on the heart and other organs. Dilating medications can dilate the arteries or veins to relieve some of the fluid congestion on the heart. Digoxin medication helps the heart beat more regularly.

Prognosis for the dog depends on the treatment for the dog. Untreated dogs have expectedly shorter life spans; whereas treated dogs can live several more years.

Cancer In Dogs

2010-04-27T01:25:00.000-07:00

The Samoyed was a beautiful dog, and just one look at his face told you there was something wrong. One cheek was more distended than the other. On palpation, a tumor larger than a golf ball had been growing in the dog’s mouth for some time. His owners only noticed that he had stopped eating and started walking into walls (a neurological sign). After much inspection, it was found that the cancer had metastasized well into the dog’s skull, and she had to be euthanized. The veterinarian was distraught because she felt that the dog could have had a longer life, or at least more humane existence, with treatment if the owner’s had noticed the growth long before the dog stopped eating.

Cancer—it’s a frightening word to hear whether regarding a friend or the family pet. Dogs, like people, can get cancer. But just like for people, there are therapies to help reduce, cure or maintain dogs that have been diagnosed with cancer.

Numerous types of cancer can afflict dogs. Depending on the type of cancer, treatments exist such as chemotherapy or radiation. Mast cell tumors are small skin cancers that can be either malignant or benign. Sometimes treatment may require removal of the tumors to prevent further spread. Other cancers include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the blood vessels, or lymphoma, which attacks the lymph nodes or other organs.
Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are at greater risk for developing cancers of the reproductive tract organs such as mammary gland or testicular tumors. In fact, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in older, unneutered dogs. You can reduce your dog’s chances of suffering these types of cancers by spaying or neutering the dog.

Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is more likely to attack large breed dogs. In fact, many experts believe that large heavy dogs (like the Great Pyrenese or St. Bernard) are more than 60% more likely to develop this cancer than their smaller peers. These bony growths usually occur on the legs below the elbow or knee joints. This type of cancer is aggressive, and though there are medications that can attack the cancer, dogs may require amputation of the affected leg to prevent metastasis.

Signs of Cancer

Growths are the usual sign of cancer; however, numerous other signs can accompany tumor growth including weight loss, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, wheezing or shortness of breath, listlessness, pain, etc. If your dog has growths, look for other signs.

Cancer Treatment

Therapies exist such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Your dog may have a successful outcome if he is diagnosed with cancer. Regardless of whether there is a treatment for your dog’s cancer, your top goal is to keep him comfortable and pain free. Pain-relieving medications can keep him more comfortable. Make sure his living environmental, especially sleeping area, is comfortable and stress-free—like a soft dog bed in a quiet room.

Just as for people, cancer therapies have progressed for pets. Though your dog may be diagnosed with cancer, his cancer may be benign or treatable. The goal is to pay close attention to your pet’s body and behavior so you know when a growth appears or when something is bothering your pet. Know the changes in his body, and seek veterinary care when such signs appear

Treating your Dog for Gastroenteritis

2010-04-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

Soothing the Upset Tummy: Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea are not unusual problems for dogs—especially since some of them seem to have no sense of taste with regard to what they might eat. Some dogs seem to have a penchant for raiding garbage cans; whereas others enjoy taking part of an occasional sock or two.

Gastroenteritis is a technical name for an inflammation of the dog’s gastrointestinal tract—its stomach and intestines. It’s a broad term that can have numerous causes—some more serious than others. An occasional vomit or diarrhea episode lasting a day isn’t often something to worry about. But there are occasions when gastroenteritis can be so serious that the consequences could be fatal.

Some types of gastroenteritis can be controlled by changing a dog’s diet or by ensuring that you limit exposure to things that have caused him gastroenteritis problems in the past, such as very fatty people food.

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Certain items that dogs may choose to eat can cause serious gastroenteritis problems. They include chicken bones, which can cause splintering and, thus, punctures in the stomach or intestines; poisons like anti-freeze or even flea treatments; poisonous plants; chocolate or even onions. Numerous other causes can create gastroenteritis signs like infections, allergies (such as a food allergy) or parasites.

Signs of Gastroenteritis

Signs to look for in gastroenteritis include vomiting, diarrhea, refusal of food, gas, bloating, disorientation, whining, and other unusual behaviors. If your dog is vomiting for longer than one day, call the veterinarian. If he has chronic, intermittent and self-limiting vomiting or diarrhea episodes of just a few hours at a time, you may wish to have the veterinarian perform a routine physical check to see if the cause is parasites or another condition. For chronic, intermittent conditions, observe and document when the dog had the problem (such as right after eating his regular food) and see if there is a common theme. He or she may direct you to feed your dog a bland diet for a few days to rest the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment for Gastroenteritis

Dogs with severe gastroenteritis lasting longer than 24 hours will need veterinary attention and may require medical treatment as well as fluid replacement. Treatment and prevention of further episodes will depend on the cause of the problem.

Guarding Your Pet’s Heart from Heartworms

2010-04-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Weeks after Tony found the German Shepherd puppy he named Shep, he noticed that the dog coughed after their runs in the park. Shep was also thin, but Tony thought that was a result of his being out on his own for some time.

Tony would soon find out from the veterinarian that Shep was suffering from heartworm infestation—a parasitic infection with subtle early signs that could be easily overlooked.

What Are Heartworms?

All animals can be susceptible to parasitic worm infections from food, water or insects, and examples of parasitic worms include hookworms, roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms and heartworms. Parasitic worms live off their hosts and can cause enough damage to eventually kill the animal.

Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and can affect dogs, cats, ferrets and other animals. They are called heartworms because they eventually end up in the heart where they can live for years before killing the animal with heart failure.

When a mosquito that is carrying heartworm larvae bites a dog, it transmits the infection. The larvae then grow and migrate throughout the animal’s body until they mature, which can take up to a year after infection, when they end up in the heart, lungs and related blood vessels of the animal. Female heartworms can grow up to 12 inches. The heartworm’s lifespan can be as long as 7 years in a dog.

What Are the Signs of Heartworms?

Recognizing signs of heartworm infestation may not be easy as the early signs may be subtle or nonexistent. Some signs may be coughing, especially after exercise, weight loss, or coughing up blood. Sometimes the worms migrate to different areas and cause other problems like seizures or blindness. Often signs can be so slight or missed that the condition may not be recognized until it’s too late—when the animal has suffered heart failure.

That’s why veterinarians recommend that the best defense in heartworm prevention is a good offense—that is, first ruling out heartworm infection with diagnostic tests and then maintaining a routine prevention program.

How Are Heartworms Treated?

Heartworm treatment has evolved over the years, and many dogs can be successfully treated for the infection.

Dogs with mild infection are typically better positioned for a successful recovery. Dogs with more severe infection have greater risk for complications or death. Because there is some risk to the dog with potential side effects of the heartworm treatment as well as health complications from a large die off of heartworms, your dog’s best bet is to have a strong health care routine recommended by your veterinarian that includes routine vaccinations as well as a heartworm prevention program.

Can Cats Get Heartworms?

Years ago, experts thought that dogs were far more susceptible than cats to heartworms, but more recent research shows that though cats have smaller and fewer heartworms than dogs, they can suffer from the damage that heartworms causes them. Heartworms cause damage to internal organs in cats even in the larvae stage. In fact, according to the American Heartworm Society, cats can suffer from a newly recognized syndrome called heartworm associated respiratory disease, which is often misdiagnosed as asthma. Other signs in cats may be vomiting, lethargy, no appetite or weight loss. Like dogs, however, signs may be subtle or lacking and cats can die suddenly before the signs were even recognized.

At this time, there is no treatment for heartworm disease in cats, which is an especially good reason why cats should be on a prevention program. Medical treatment of cats with heartworms is usually for supportive therapy, which addresses the actual damage done by the heartworms (for example, prednisone or bronchodilators for lung disease resulting from heartworm infection). Sometimes surgery may be required for manual removal of heartworms that are obstructing blood flow in major vessels.

How Do I Protect My Pet from Heartworms?

Heartworm prevention medicines are available for dogs and cats and may be in tablet, chewable, topical or injection preparations; some are given monthly. Some examples are Heartguard, Interceptor and Revolution. Some preparations have additional benefits of killing other types of parasitic worms. Check with your veterinarian as to which formula is best for you and your pet. He or she will recommend a diagnostic blood test to first rule out heartworm infection. Then you can begin your pet’s heartworm prevention program.

As for Shep, he was successfully treated for heartworms, and Tony makes sure that Shep is on a full preventative health program that includes a monthly heartworm medication.

Dental Disease Affects Dogs and Cats

2010-04-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

In gum disease, plaque forms around the toothline causing inflammation (gingivitis). As the gums get inflamed, they swell and form pockets that trap bacteria. The bacteria eat away at the tooth support system. If allowed to progress, eventually the problem leads to tooth and jaw bone loss. Also, many experts believe that the bacteria involved in this process can enter the blood stream and cause other serious problems like kidney or heart disease.

Signs of Gingivitis

Early signs of gingivitis are redness around the gum line, bleeding, inability or discomfort while eating, and bad breath.

Veterinary Treatment

For dental care to treat periodontal disease, your veterinarian may recommend professional cleaning. At the veterinary clinic, your pet would be anesthetized. Then the tartar and plaque can be removed by the veterinarian by scaling devices (much like when your teeth are scraped during a cleaning). Teeth needing repairs like fillings or root canals can be fixed, and teeth beyond repair can be removed. Then the veterinarian polishes the teeth, which slows the progression of further plaque development. If there are signs of bone loss or other more serious oral problems, your veterinarian can evaluate and may wish to refer your pet to veterinary dental care specialist for further care.

Home Prevention

Many products are available to assist you in keeping your pet’s mouth healthy from toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically manufactured for pets to dental care treats and even dental care additives to put in your pet’s water bowl. Tooth cleaning towelettes as well as finger-shaped dental treatment devices are also available for owners whose pets may be less cooperative for tooth brushing. Also, tartar-control food is available for both dogs and cats. Your veterinarian can help you determine which home treatments are best for you and your pet. He or she can also show you how to brush your pet’s teeth. Regular veterinary exams every 6months to every year and a half will help you determine how successful your home treatment is.
Good preventative care now can help keep your pet’s mouth health and pain free while also saving you from a larger veterinary bill later on!

Coping with Arthritis

2010-04-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

When Shep started having trouble laying down and getting up, his owners sadly thought they were seeing the inevitable signs of aging. But, much like for humans, research into arthritis and treatments has made many arthritic dogs far more comfortable as they mature into their golden years.

What Is Arthritis?

There are two types of arthritis—a degenerative form that can occur during the normal aging process and an infectious form that can be caused by an infection or immune system disorder. In degenerative arthritis, which may affect one or two joints, the cartilage that protects the bones in joints wears away. In inflammatory joint arthritis, which typically affects several joints throughout the body, the cause of the inflammation can be a bacterial infection such as that from a tick borne-disease like Rocky Mountain spotted fever or an immune-system disorder like lupus.

Signs of Arthritis

Much like for humans, the signs of arthritis in dogs include difficulty in laying down or getting up, lameness or stiff gait, slowing down on walks and reluctance to play. Other signs include personality changes or cringing/flinching when being touched.

Treatment for Arthritis

For dogs with infectious arthritis, the root cause of the issue would need to be diagnosed by the veterinarian to determine treatment. For degenerative arthritis, several treatments are available for dogs to give them greater comfort including painkilling medication and a program of exercise and rest—both as recommended by the veterinarian, in addition to a healthy diet. Many dog owners also report seeing benefits with adding supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonyl methane (MSM), and/or hyaluronic acid to a dog’s diet.

Other options for degenerative arthritis include prescription medication such as carprofen (trade name: Rimadyl) and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (trade name: Adequan). Surgery may also be an option. Your veterinarian can help you weigh your dog’s options.

Diet and Arthritis

The risk of developing arthritis is increased when a dog faces particular stresses on his joints. In addition to stress involved from constant overexertion, like excessive jumping, diet can not only aggravate existing arthritis but it can also play a role in the dog’s eventual development of the disease.

To help prevent arthritis, ensure that your dog is fed a complete, balanced and healthy diet. If you’re unsure of what that means, talk with your veterinarian. One of the most important things you can do to prevent and alleviate effects of arthritis is by helping your dog to maintain a healthy weight and not allowing him to become obese. If your dog is overweight, he is at greater risk of developing arthritis, and if he is already arthritic, the extra weight puts greater burden on already unhealthy and overtaxed joints.

Quality of Life

Like people, dogs with arthritis can’t often do the things they could before. Arthritic dogs have more difficulty getting up into cars or onto a couch or bed. Products like pet stairs can help both you and your dog by allowing him the access to those favorite places while also helping you by not having to lift him.

Your dog’s sleeping place should be warm, dry and comfortable, whether he is arthritic or not, but especially so for the arthritic dog. Orthopedic and heated or thermo-regulating pet beds can provide more comfort to arthritic dogs.

With numerous options available, you can help keep your arthritic dog more comfortable and feeling like his old self.

Halftime at the dog show

2010-04-12T02:03:00.000-07:00

Necessity Of Good Nourishment For Your Dog

2010-04-04T08:38:00.001-07:00

Good nutrition is a primary necessary for your dog. It influences their health and long life by contribution a vital balance of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates and the draw nutrients and minerals their bodies must for growth, fix and maintains of sound resistant system.
Nutrition is a composite and essential part oEdit Postsf your dog’s talent to think plainly, inferior strain levels and create soother activities.

To think takes so much force. Dogs mixed up in a training program, use wonderful intellectual power focusing on the responsibilities existing to them. If your dog begins with minimum nutrition, they become tired, anxious or hyper active when asked to carry out the simplest of tasks. They cannot focus and loss attention after a short time or become puzzled. If the dog is frequently asked to do something they cannot realize, uncertainty can guide to a hostile form of acting out.

Prestige undertaking dogs, the nonpareil organization I beholding at the dog’s nourishment. I do operation from the inside foreign. Job becomes fruitless if the fundamental basis owing to the activities is not distorted. Hyper, distracted further exterior of direct dogs recurrently are eating foods with sterling levels of cornflakes foods alike now wheat, corn, and corn meal.

Aggressive dogs eat chuck containing upper levels of variant spring protein. countless of these proteins are imperfect derbies of amino acids which win not offer befitting rack further repair of tension fiber and cell tissue.

Shy further haggard dogs get done not digest their foods positively at undivided besides oftentimes suffer from intestinal complications such because diarrhea. Their coats are usually ever desert again shed heavily.

One drawing near to dare the foods you are feeding is to permeate the ration mastery humidify as about 30 toilet paper. If legitimate swells significance size and becomes mushy, evident is primarily cereal.

Are you dog’s stools oftentimes softhearted and hospitable or is the grisly gassy? They are not digesting the mess properly.

By looking at their food, you leave carry out more to succor bill their behavior, because in fact as, hype to their health and longevity. Dash Abundance offers the cool society of larder now unbroken dogs concerned. The proteins are score besides digest easily.

The carbohydrates are streak also wind up not temperament curiosity wearisome sugars effectual life swings of highs besides depressed behaviors. The Proboscis influence the menu tally also digest additional easily, which is not characteristic follow through for the weird or throw dogs, but ensures faultless dogs are recipient the cuisine they appetite from food.

Is camping with your dog a good idea?

2010-04-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

Anywhere that you go outdoors is completely appropriate for your dog as well, right? While many pet owners believe that as long as they are not going onto someone else's property or indoors where pets are not welcome, that it is completely appropriate to bring their dog along. While this is not always true, taking your dog camping with you is a great idea for many reasons.

Physical Exercise

Dogs need to stay active just as much as humans do. Right now we are facing an obesity epidemic, not just with the human population but with the domesticated dog population as well. More and more pets are becoming overweight and struggling with many of the same health problems that humans face as a result of carrying too much excess fat stores on their body. The best way to combat this and ensure your dog isn't one the unlucky who suffer from obesity is to get them outdoors and moving around on a consistent basis.

Camping trips are excellent sources of physical activity because you are outdoors and have access to a wide variety of recreations. You can take your dog on hikes in the nearby woods or for strolls around the camping site. You may also be able to find them a grassy area to just run around or play fetch and Frisbee. If there is a stream or creek on the campgrounds, your dog may enjoy swimming or splashing around on a hot day as well.

Bonding Time

When you get out in the wilderness with your dog, you will bond with them in ways that just can't happen at home sitting on the couch. Camping offers a lot of uninterrupted time to pet and love on your dog as well as some time to sit and enjoy looking around at the beautiful scenery together.

Of course, all of those physical activities are great for bonding and enjoying one another as well!

Protection

Your dog can also offer an extra source of protection for you and your family. Sleeping outdoors in an area you aren't completely familiar with and around people who you don't really know can present some dangers, though you should look into the safety ahead of time. Dogs can alert you to others walking onto your campsite and provide a real sense of protection when it comes time to sack up for the night.

Training Opportunities

If you have a smaller puppy or a dog that is still being trained on skills such as socializing with others, camping is a great opportunity to challenge their new skills and see how much progress they are making. For instance, a dog that is being trained to stay by your side and not chase after birds, squirrels, and other passing creatures and objects will have tons of opportunity to master this skill in an active campground environment!

There are tons of benefits for your dog if you take them along for a camping adventure! They will enjoy just being outdoors and getting some fresh air, but they will cherish the time with you even more. Dogs live for attention and the positive feedback they get from their owners when they do something right. Taking them on a camping trip rather than leaving them behind will do a world of good for your relationship with them, as long as you select a dog-friendly campsite.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies

How to stop your puppy or older dog from biting

2010-04-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

World Class Trainers Tips To Raising a Well Behaved Dog.

Compiled by Lateef Olajide

This little book goes forth—a finger-post on the road of positive reinforcement training. It is hoped that if you follow the steps according to the index you will arrive at a state of peace of mind with your dog. You are advised to call on a dog-training professional, veterinarian or animal behavior specialist if you notice unusual behavior in your dog.

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Warning for pet owners!!! (Cocoa Mulch Warning!!!)

2010-04-03T01:16:00.000-07:00

Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do.
Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog (Calypso) decided the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Halfway through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's web site,
This product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it."
*Snopes site gives the following information: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp *

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

**PLEASE PASS THIS ON**

Funny and clever dog video

2010-03-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Dogs and All about them

2010-03-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Get this FREE 666 page e Book Dogs and all about them

The popularity of the dog as a companion, as a guardian of property, as an assistant in the pursuit of game, and as the object of a pleasurable hobby, has never been so great as it is at the present time. More dogs are kept in this country than ever there formerly were, and they are more skilfully bred, more tenderly treated, and cared for with a more solicitous pride than was the case a generation ago. There are fewer mongrels in our midst, and the family dog has become a respectable member of society

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How to choose the right dog for you

2010-03-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

So you have decided to get a dog. Now is the time you should decide what is the right dog for you and your family. Do you want a Purebred, Designer, or a Mutt? Do I use a Breeder, Pet Store, Pound/Rescue Shelter? There are so many things to take into consideration when making your choice. Do you have children? Do you have your own home with a nice yard, or do you live in an apartment in the city? Do you have any experience with dogs? These are important questions you should be considering before you make your decision.

If you are looking for a Purebred dog, please investigate the breed you are interested in. Each breed has unique qualities that may or may not be a good fit for you. Lets take a Jack Russell Terrier for example. They are a very intelligent and hyper breed dog that needs a lot of interaction with its owner. This is not the type of dog you would want to leave alone all day long in an apartment. If you have children a great breed would be a Golden Retriever. They have a wonderful deposition, are gentle, and make a great family dog. Another thing to take into consideration is health issues. Many purebred dogs have a predisposition to certain medical conditions and illnesses. So please investigate the breed you are interested in to make sure it is a good fit for your family. The last thing we need is another dog at the shelter looking for a home.

If you decide you want a Purebred, PLEASE use a reputable Breeder. There are many websites today where you can get that information. When you have selected a breeder, go and visit the dog kennels and meet the breeder. See what the kennel conditions are like. Meet the dogs and take notice of their appearance, temperament, and behavior. Ask questions of the breeder about his/her experience. The last thing you want to do is go to a Pet Store to purchase a puppy. Most (but not all) of these poor animals come from Puppy Mills. I am sure you have either read or heard what the conditions of most of these places are like. Why they are aloud to exist is beyond me. (sorry just my opinion)

Lets look at getting a dog from the pound/rescue shelter. Believe it or not, there are thousands of poor dogs looking for good homes. You would be surprised at the Purebred dogs at shelters. With hard economic times the way they are, many people have had to give their beloved pet to a shelter because they could not afford to care for it anymore. Some have lost their homes and could not bring their pet to their new apartment. Others have gone and purchase a Purebred dog that was the wrong fit for their family and decided they did not want it anymore. What I am trying to get at is there are thousands of great homeless dogs available for adoption that would be a perfect dog for your family. There is nothing wrong with most of these dogs. So please make sure you take what I have said into consideration when deciding which is the right dog for you.

About The Author:
Barbara Young - I am an avid animal lover. Dogs are my passion. I wanted to promote good products and information to try and help these wonderful animals. I am not a Titled Dog Professional, however I do have over 50 years experience owning dogs. To help me get the word out I created a website called http://www.busterscaninesupplyoutlet.com. I have a great Links Page to assist you with choosing the proper pet for you and your family. After you have chosen the right pet, I can assist you with quality products.
Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

Outdoor Pet Fence Systems-How it works

2010-03-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

A DogWatch® outdoor pet fence offers dog and cat owners the very best system for containing pets within your yard and out of areas you deem “off-limits.” Safely keep your K-9 kids in the yard and out of the flowerbed, swimming pool area, BBQ pit or any area you designate. If your property includes a gated driveway, you can keep your dog or cat in your yard when the gate opens and closes. Our outdoor pet fence systems also work great for cat containment.
DogWatch pet fence systems operate from coast to coast, on small yards to 200-acre farms. Our Performance Series Transmitter comes with a Life-time Equipment Warranty, including dog chews. DogWatch also gives you the best available lightning protection on the market. Whatever product you own — an outdoor dog fence or cat fence — you always have the ability to adjust the system for your pet’s needs without the expense or planning of a service call.

IT ALL STARTS WITH THE TRANSMITTER.
Our Performance Series Transmitter has many unique features and benefits:

Loop Monitor Display Constantly monitors the boundary signal range to alert you of any change.

Broken Boundary Warning Both audible and visual warnings alert you of a break in the perimeter wire; great if your pet fence wire is buried underground or is invisible to the eye.

Range Control Allows you to adjust the signal field width for any pets’ need: a broad outdoor dog fence field for a larger animal or a smaller range cat fence for your favorite feline.

PowerPak™ Keeps your pet fence system working temporarily, in the event of electric power failure; an optional addition to your pet fence system.

Lightning Protection Feel confident that your DogWatch pet fence is protected should your home experience an electrical surge due to lightning. That’s why we’ve gone to extremes, like no one else, to equip your DogWatch Hidden Fence with both internal and external surge protection. External Surge Protection directs power surges and lightning from the boundary wire to the ground rod into the earth and away from your home. Internal Surge Protection suppresses surges coming in through your house wiring and diverts them to your house ground.

A pet fence that Knows no Bounds DogWatch offers dog and cat containment solutions for properties up to 200 acres. Contact us for a FREE estimate on one of our pet fence systems.

SMALL PACKAGE. OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE.
Our R7 receiver is just right for even the tiniest dogs (and cats!) thanks to its sleek design and unique pet-friendly™ features. The R8 receiver is perfect for medium to large dogs and boasts a 2-year battery life — the longest in the industry!

Our R7 Receiver (at left) is great for smaller dogs and cats. Our R8 receiver (at right) has a two-year battery life.

Our receivers have many unique features and benefits:

SafeLink® Technology Our patented FM radio signal protects your pet from unintentional correction. It's the most secure pet fence system available. We use an FM radio frequency; the same secure system as fire, police, and emergency personnel use.

AutoMemory™ This feature, exclusive to DogWatch, constantly monitors and adjusts the training level on your pet’s receiver — assuring you the highest degree of safety in dog and cat containment.

FastReact™ Our pet fence receivers offer the fastest reaction time in the industry: less than an eighth of a second! If your dog challenges the boundary the receiver reacts before he reaches the wire, not while traveling over it.

Status Light Only DogWatch offers a status light to monitor your pet's receiver collar. It not only confirms that your pet fence system is functioning properly but lets you know the training level the receiver is set to, when the receiver battery is low, and if your pet has recently challenged the boundary of the dog / cat fence.

Flexible Training Levels DogWatch offers a comprehensive range of 20 distinct training levels to accommodate all breeds and personalities of pets. This includes an “audible only” option for dogs and cats that need only to hear a warning to learn the boundaries of the dog / cat fence.
Automatic Shutdown Assures safe and humane training experience for your pet.

Omni-Directional Antenna Provides the best possible receiver reception, no matter the angle your pet approaches the outdoor dog fence.

High Impact Case Both of our Performance Series outdoor dog fences’ receiver cases are waterproof and designed to withstand the rigorous environment your dog experiences every day.

Lifetime Warranty Both transmitters and receivers come with a lifetime equipment warranty when installed by an authorized DogWatch Dealer. Contact us for a FREE estimate

*Exclusive SafeLink FM Digital Design, protects your pet from accidental stimulation caused by stray radio signals.

Dogwatch Testimonial from another satifisfied customer

2010-03-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

March, 5, 2010

I had made the decision to purchase a hidden fence to keep our one year old lab in our yard. Most of my neighbors had purchased the Invisible Fence brand. I had their representative come out and give me a quote. I also went to the Internet and found another company by the name of Dogwatch. I talked to their representative and found the technology and cost was better with Dogwatch. Dogwatch uses FM band whereas the Invisible fence company uses AM band. The battery used by Dogwatch lasts 2 years whereas the Invisible fence company replaces their battery every 3 months and they can only be purchased from Invisible fence. The local representative with Dogwatch was Tim Smith. He was very comfortable to work with and was most patient with all my questions. He also did a fabulous job installing the system. I am a very happy and satisfied customer.

Thanks,

Mike Moran