Dog Information

Navigate a potentially dangerous holiday season with your dog by watching your surroundings. Dogs like spending time with their owners keep the holidays safe and less stressful by knowing what puts your dog at risk.

The Trouble With All That Food

Holidays and food go hand in hand. But with all that temptation you have to be vigilant about what your dog has access too. When you have family and friends around you also usually have some of the big problems foods and drinks around.

• Chocolate: Chocolate, and coffee, contain xanthines. In dogs this causes damage in the nervous and urinary systems, and can cause excessive stimulation of the heart. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous for your dog, but you’ll want to keep all chocolate out of your dog’s reach. Even if your pet doesn’t suffer any of the more serious affects you may still have to take care of a dog with diarrhea. And who wants that!

• Alcohol: When friends and family are around for holiday gatherings there will also be drinks around. Alcohol and pets don’t mix. Dogs are drawn to the sweet taste of mixed drinks and holiday specialties like eggnog, but they can be lethal. Keep an eye on drinks set on easily accessible coffee tables. After the party resist the urge to wait to clean up, clear leftover drinks up right away.

Be careful what goes under your tree. You may want to wrap up a treat for your special pup. Don’t put it under the tree, at least not unattended! Your dog will smell something yummy under there and you risk him eating more than just his present. Trees and holiday plants can cause upset stomachs and irritation. Don’t tempt your puppy by putting treats next to them. If you want a package under the tree for your favorite pup choose from a selection of favorite dog toys. Or get your dog some aromatherapy shampoos to enjoy after the holidays to help relax. You can look up dog shampoo reviews to choose the best one.

Shiny Shimmering Ornaments

Holiday decorations are shiny, shimmery, and sooooo tempting for a dog to play with. There are two major concerns when it comes to holiday decorations.

• Intestinal Blockage. This happens when your dog eats strings, ribbons, bows, yarn, or Christmas decorations like tinsel. When your dog eats these things they can become stuck in their intestines requiring surgery to heal.

• Cuts and other lacerations. Dogs love to play with balls or other things that may look like favorite dog toys. And they will use their mouths to explore them. Glass decorations can easily break and cut your pooch.

Adding to the Family

A new puppy needs all of your love and attention. They are full of energy and can easily find trouble. The holidays are a far from an ideal time to add a new puppy to your home. If you had been planning on giving a dog as a gift consider alternative options. Put together a basket of favorite dog toys. Or a basket of all the things they’ll need like brushes, jackets, or organic dog shampoo. You can choose the shampoo using dog shampoo reviews. Then when things calm down after the holiday you’ll be ready for your new pet.

After the Holiday Stress

Now that the holidays are through give a treat to your dog. Aromatherapy is a great choice. Look at the dog shampoo reviews to find just the right one for your pet.

Stay out of urgent care over the holidays by watching your pet and keeping them out of potential trouble.

Joy Randel is the owner of Dazzle Dog Delight, an online store that offers a variety of high quality dog products and accessories from funny dog stuff to designer dog supplies. We are passionate about dogs and would love to send you a FREE e-Guide on how to solve barking problems and other great info. Get your FREE e-Guide now at http://www.DazzleDogDelight.com

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Dog Information Blog

Dog Information

Here it is, winter time up north in December and it is getting pretty cold outside. They say it could get down to zero tonight. And then you add in the wind chill, it could get down to 10 to 15 below zero. You are thinking that is pretty darn cold outside.

I need to take Bailey (my dog) out so he can do his thing. I will put on a big jacket with some mittens. I will also put a stocking cap on my head to keep my ears and head warm. But what do I do to keep Bailey warm.

If it is just cold without any snow on the ground, you would be alright to take him out just as he is. But if there is snow on the ground, then there are a few things you can do to keep him warm. You could put some booties on his feet. They would protect his feet from the cold snow and ice. The booties would also keep the snow out of the inside of his toes. If you have a long hair dog, be sure to keep the hair between the toes as short as possible. The inside part of their toes is very tender and gets very cold very fast. So if you see a dog walking around on three legs in the winter time, it is because their paw is very cold.

Another thing you could do to keep your dog warm on a cold winter day is to put a jacket on him. Some things you might take into consideration, does your dog have thick heavy hair or is it short and thin. If it is long and thick, you will want to put a thin jacket on him. If it is short and thin, you will want to put a heavier jacket on him. Just be careful, you do not want your dog to over heat. You just want to keep your dog warm, not hot.

The ideas I mentioned above are if you are going to take your dog out to do his business, and nothing else. If you are going to go on a run, dog sledding, snow shoeing or just letting him run, then you would not need a jacket. I would put the booties on to be on the safe side.

It can be a lot of fun in the winter if you be careful. Take your dog somewhere they can run and have fun. They will enjoy just running and rolling in the snow. You do not need them to get cold feet or a cold body. Pick up a set of booties and a jacket for the next time you go outside in the bitter cold.

Having owned a dog for a long time, I am not sure what I will do when he is gone. You go to love them so much. Taking care of them year around is a full time job. But it is worth every penny and I would not trade it for nothing. Show your pet that you care and love them and they will return the love. They make you relax and stop thinking about the rough day you had at work.

Dan V Anderson

Visit my site, http://www.mypetisspecial.com and look at some of things you can get your pet. There is everything from food to toys and everything in between for any type pet you have.

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Dog Information Blog

Dog Information

A healthy dog’s ear will appear to be the same pale color as the rest of your dog’s skin and there is no particular smell. An infected ear can look and smell awful. Additionally, your dog’s infected ears may be overly sensitive and if you touch them he may cry or try to get away from you. It may be despite the terrible smell that only the outer part of the ear is infected and the problem is not too serious. If your pet’s ears are filled with brownish-pink wax, there is a good change that allergies have triggered a yeast infection

If your pet has an inner infection, they will need to be treated by a vet. They may exhibit such symptoms as head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles, or drooping eyes. In this case your pet will probably need antibiotics to knock out the infection. In addition, your vet may need to drain pus and other fluid from inside the ear.

It is also possible your dog may have ear mites, if they are frequently scratching their ears and shaking their heads. Ear mites are very tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye. If the mites have been present for awhile, you may also see dried blood inside his ears. A veterinarian will need to diagnose this condition.

You can clear up yeast infections by cleaning the ears thoroughly and it is just a good practice in general to clean your pet’s ears to prevent future infections. Veterinarians often recommend using white vinegar, because the vinegar helps break down the wax in the ear, and helps restore a healthful chemical balance in the ears.

Here are the steps to clean your dog’s ears:

1. Assemble your supplies. You will need a couple cotton pads or balls, which can be found at any drug store. Don’t use a cotton swab because you might hurt something in the ear. Choose your ear cleaning solution. You can use vinegar or a natural ear cleaning product.

2. If your dog isn’t comfortable with you touching his ears or the ears are so infected they are painful you may not be able to clean them. If you have the time, you may want to start handling your pet’s ears on a daily basis for awhile before you attempt a cleaning.

3. Fold your pet’s ear back so that you expose the inside of his ear flap. This should not be painful for your pet. If your pet seems uncomfortable with this be more gentle and speak in a soothing tone of voice. Pour a small of vinegar or ear solution into the ear canal. Massage the area, and then gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball. The wax and dirt will come free with just gently wiping. Avoid pushing the pad into too far into the ear as this could do damage to your pet.

4. If you are cleaning to cure an infection you will need to perform this procedure once a day until the ear is healed. If you are cleaning for maintenance and to prevent infection perform the procedure once every few weeks.

There are other natural ways to help prevent ear infections plus some good natural products which can help clean your pet’s ears and protect them from future infections. See our post Clean Dogs Ears With Vinegar for more on natural cures for ear infections.

Marianne Wolff

Naturesway4pets supports natural cures for common pet problems. Please stop by and visit with us. You will find well researched information about home remedies and natural cures for dogs and cats.

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Dog Information Blog

Dog Information

The decision to adopt a dog will affect your life for many years to come. Your pet will become your companion, and look forward to spending time with you whenever he is given the opportunity. He’ll also expect you to provide for his basic needs, such as food, shelter, and exercise. Pet adoption takes commitment since there will be challenges along the way.

A lot of people decide to adopt canines without considering the traits that would best suit their lives. Our goal in this article is to provide direction. We’ll discuss grooming needs, size, age, and activity level. Choosing a dog that matches your lifestyle ensures you’ll enjoy his company.

Maintaining Your Dog’s Appearance

Grooming involves giving your pet regular baths, brushing his hair, clipping his nails, and providing him haircuts. Keep in mind that some canines’ hair grows faster than others, and thus needs to be cut more frequently. For example, a Poodle has fast-growing hair, and may need haircuts every two or three weeks. Hair growth will also influence how often you’ll need to brush your dog. The more quickly his hair grows, the more quickly it will become matted and tangled.

Baths should be given at least once a month. If your canine gets dirty more often, or develops an unpleasant odor, bathe him more frequently.

Large Versus Small: Selecting The Right-Sized Pet

Small dogs are popular for a number of reasons. They can be easily transported from place to place; they are small enough to sit on their owners’ laps; and they are better suited for apartments and condominiums. On the other hand, they can be injured more easily than their larger counterparts.

Large canines are less fragile. They also tend to be protective of their families, and particularly good with young people. One of the downsides to owning one is that they need more room than smaller pets. In cramped spaces, their tails may knock over objects. Additionally, large dogs are usually more costly to care for.

Puppies Versus Adult Canines

Most people choose to adopt puppies. The reasons vary, and range from cuteness to a desire to raise them from an early age. But it’s important to note that adult canines also make wonderful companions. Moreover, they do so without subjecting their owners to the challenges of raising a puppy.

For instance, adult dogs are usually house trained. Their temperaments are more reliable (a puppy’s temperament often changes). Many adult canines are also socialized, having spent substantial time around other people and animals.

Puppies require a lot of time and patience. They need to be house trained. They also need to be supervised lest they chew and destroy valuable possessions. Plan to invest plenty of time into training a pup.

Couch Potato Versus An Active Dog

Some canines are far more energetic than others. Breed plays a role. Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and Chihuahuas tend to be high-energy pets while Great Danes, Chow Chows, and Bernese Mountain Dogs usually have much less energy. But other factors that are more difficult to predict (and control) are also important.

One of the most important things you can do is provide your canine with daily exercise. Not only will doing so help to ensure his long-term health, but will also normalize his energy level. As a result, he’ll be less inclined to display poor behavior (e.g. barking, destroying furniture, etc.).

Choosing a dog that suits your style of living will have a major influence on the relationship you share with one another. It will make the experience of caring for him seem even more rewarding.

Jon Ericksen

Treat your dog with quality all natural Bully Sticks from the eco-friendly dog treat company www.PawLux.com.

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Dog Information Blog

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VetInfo

Dog Information

Two things Americans love are their pets and their medications. This is especially true of their prescription medications! The problem is, pets and medications don’t mix!

Veterinarians are seeing a sharp rise in the number of toxic pets, especially puppies and dogs, being brought in for emergency treatment for poisoning. It can also happen with kittens and cats too, but, for the most part, they are generally a bit more discerning about what they eat!

The leading cause is carelessness by owners with their medications.

The trouble is, most don’t realize their puppy or dog has ingested their pills, until it’s too late.

Recently released statistics in the past year report, approximately 40 Americans die each day due to over medication of prescribed drugs. Those are just the ones who have died! That is not including the thousands, possibly millions who are walking around addicted and over medicated right now. Regrettably, many are pet owners.

Over medicated people are normally less functional and less responsible, not only for themselves and families, but also for their pets. The majority are not as conscious of what they are doing, when in their preferred altered state. They are forgetful. And, they tend to procrastinate more than someone who is functional.

Medications are spilled and not picked up. It could be they didn’t realize they dropped them, or it could be it’s too much effort to look for them.

Medications are left within reach of the pets; instead of in secured containers, kept in drawers or medicine cabinets.

Sometimes they know they dropped their pills or spilled their medications, but forget to look for them or wipe it up.

They know they dropped their pills, but they will look for them…later.

They know they spilled their medication, but they will wipe it up…later.

Later, may be too late!

Signs and Symptoms of Drugged Puppy or Dog

Not all puppies or dogs have the same response. Age, size and general health may work for or against you. Puppies, toy and small breeds, those in poor health and senior dogs usually have the slightest chance of survival.

Signs to watch for are: drooling, vomiting, disorientation, eyes appear dilated, lack of focus/response, lack of control of bodily functions, tachycardia, lethargy, sleepiness, weakness, restlessness, itchiness, shallow or labored breathing, weak pulse, pale gums, cold limbs, seizures, anaphylactic shock, collapse, and coma.

Veterinary attention is essential immediately, at the slightest likelihood your pet may have gotten into your medication.

Time is of the essence; if you suspect your pet is toxic! It is suggested to call the nearest veterinarian, inform them of what you suspect, and the name and dosage of the medication, so that they will be prepared to respond as soon as you arrive.

Side Effects

Even if you are fortunate enough to save your pets life, there may be serious and life long side effects of the poisoning. They can include: seizures, liver and/or kidney damage as well as neurological problems.

Note: Even if you are not on medications, your friends or your house-guests may be. Be extra cautious! Inform them the rules of the house are all medications must be secured and are not to be left anywhere the family pet may have access to them. If they drop them, they must make sure every single pill is accounted for immediately! If they spill it, it must be cleaned up immediately.

Don’t be shy! It’s your pet’s life that will depend on your candor and watchfulness!

Bottom line: Unfortunately, for the most part over medicated people are in an inflexible and perpetual state of denial. This article will mean little or nothing to them.

That means those who live with them, as they well know, must relentlessly watch everything they do. That includes keeping medications out of the reach of pets and being vigil for spilled or dropped medicines.

It could be the difference between the life and death of your pet.

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite – http://www.facebook.com/pages/GOOD-DOG-DOG-TRAINING/95917282486

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Dog Information Blog

Acidophilus is a bacteria found in fermented foods such as yogurt. It’s also present in supplements and is available in powdered form. Acidophilus is a supplement that’s given to cats to maintain good digestive health. It helps to treat diarrhea, flatulence or smelly stools.

Acidophilus for Cats

Acidophilus is generally prescribed by veterinarians to treat cats with upset stomachs. Pets with cancer, suffering from side effects of chemotherapy also benefit from acidophilus. The supplement or powder duplicates the action of the acidophilus bacteria and protects the cat from harmful bacteria and parasites by releasing hydrogen peroxide that’s toxic to such organisms. Research has proven that acidophilus is beneficial to the health of healthy cats as well as ailing ones.

It helps by altering the bacterial balance in the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, thus increasing the effectiveness of white blood cells and decreasing the susceptibility of red blood cells to osmotic pressure. Acidophilus also enhances the immune systems of cats and improves the efficiency of their digestive systems.

Acidophilus and Cats

Cats have a tendency to eat unsavory things that can harm their digestive systems. If they exhibit symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea for an extended period of time such as weeks or months, they could be suffering from a serious digestive problem, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome. Acidophilus supplements are highly recommended in such cases.

Acidophilus supplements specially formulated for kittens and older cats contain acidophilus, digestive enzymes and friendly microorganisms. Such supplements cleanse the digestive tracts of the cats, deodorize and purify them. The supplements are fortified with Vitamin E, taurine, cranberry juice and yucca in addition to the acidophilus.

Benefits of Acidophilus

Acidophilus supplements have several health benefits. They help maintain a healthy digestive system. They effectively treat and prevent diarrhea and cure the problem of smelly stools and foul odor. The yucca contained in the supplement acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and provides relief from painful joints in arthritic cats. Acidophilus supplements prevent shedding caused by digestive imbalances and also negate the harmful effects of antibiotics on the digestive system.

The taurine contained in the supplement prevents the development of early heart disease or blindness. The supplements are also fortified by Vitamin E and this has a beneficial effect on the cat’s skin and fur.

Side Effects of Acidophilus in Cats

• Flatulence
• Temporary bloating
• Diarrhea 
• Allergic reactions such as difficulty in breathing, itchiness and swelling of the face

Dosage for Cats

The dosage of acidophilus for cats is expressed not in grams or milligrams but in the number of live organisms present. The suggested dose is 20 to 500 million microorganisms depending on the pet’s weight. A human dose can be administered to cat. Cats weighing less than 20 pounds, should be given a quarter of the human dose. Half the human dose should be administered to pets weighing more than 20 pounds and less than 50 pounds. The full human dose should be given to cats that weigh more than 50 pounds. The precise dose is not important as the supplement consists of living organisms.

Acidophilus supplements should be given in conjunction with a nutritious diet and tender loving care for maximum effectiveness. The label on the supplement should confirm that it contains live acidophilus at the time of purchase and not only at the time of manufacture.

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VetInfo

Dog Information

One of our most treasured possessions is our pets. We love them and they love us. We do our best to care for them, love them, and attend to their needs each and every day. But what about when we are gone, whether it is for an extended day, or longer, like a business trip or vacation? How can we make the best decision to be sure their needs are met while we are gone? The love we feel for our pets can’t be replaced, but we can make sure they are well cared for.

You first have to decide if you want your dog or cat cared for in your home. Are you comfortable with a stranger coming into your home? Which option is the least stressful for your pet; someone coming into your home, or taking them someplace else to be cared for?

The cost of all of your options also needs to be part of your decision. You need to find someone or some place that is reputable, reliable, and who is pet friendly.

Boarding Your Pet

If you decide you want to board your dog or cat, you should visit several facilities to see which one you feel is best for your pet. You can ask family members, friends, and/or your vet for recommendations. You can also go online to find a local pet sitter, or look in your yellow pages. Look for a reputable place that is professional, dog and cat friendly, and preferably one that is near you. Then begin your interview process. Don’t just take someone else’s word for it. What may be good for their pet may not be the best for your pet. For instance, some boarding facilities may be better for dogs, and not for cats.

Create a list of questions you want to have answered before you make your decision. Call your prospective boarding facilities and ask them as many questions as you want. Have them ask you any questions they need answered, and to list any requirements they have, such as vaccinations, etc. A phone call can easily narrow down your prospective facilities.

Some questions you might want answered are:

1. Are the dogs and cats always caged?

2. Do they get exercised? How often?

3. Are cats and dogs in separate boarding areas?

4. What requirements do they have regarding vaccinations, etc?

5. What are the pets fed? Canned and/or dry foods? How often are they fed? Can you bring your pet’s favorite foods?

6. What is their price schedule? Are there any additional charges that you could incur?

7. Ask if you can bring your pet for a visit. You will want to also inspect the facility. Watch how your cat or dog reacts to the environment. Remember, they may act or react differently when you leave.

8. Also consider that any negative reaction your pet may have, or you have, will make you realize that a pet sitter coming to your home would be the best avenue to pursue.

Pet Sitters at Home

Once again, formulate some questions to have answered. You can also find a pet sitter the same way as you could find a pet boarding facility; ask family, friends, online or yellow pages.

Knowing your pet’s personality is the key to making your decision. Your options for a pet sitter are:

• Someone who comes into your home once, twice or 3 times a day, depending on the needs of your cat or dog. The availability of your pet sitter may or may not meet your pet’s needs if it is more than twice a day.

• Someone who stays in your home to both pet sit and house sit. House sitting may include some light chores such as bringing in the mail and papers, play with your kitten, water indoor and outdoor plants and yard, clean the yard of dog waste, walk your dog daily, etc. This person may also have a full time job, so they would not be there 24/7.

• Take your pet to someone who pet sits at their home. This could possibly be a 24/7 position because they are full time pet sitters. Or they may work full time also, caring for one or two pets at a time.

• Take your pet to a family member or friend’s home just because you don’t want to leave your pet alone all day, they know the dog or cat. You may have someone express an interest to take care of your dog or cat.

Either of the last two options would be because you don’t want someone coming into your home.

The cost of services is definitely a major criteria in making a decision. Prices vary in different parts of the States. When comparing the prices be sure to compare ‘apples with apples’ and not ‘apples to oranges’. Find out if they have defined services with their charges not just that they come to your home for ½ hour twice a day. Ask what they would do during that ½ hour. If you take your pet to another home, find out if they will have other pets at the home. Your pet may not get along too well with another pet they don’t know.

When you are hiring a professional pet sitter to come to your home daily, look for a person that is detail oriented.

• See if the prospective sitter is taking notes regarding what you want from them, like a schedule of feeding times, what to feed your pet, etc.
• Ask if they will be bringing anyone else with them, such as their children.
• How will they communicate with you in your absence?
• Do they have a back up plan if they can’t be there – illness, car trouble, etc?
• Will they be the same person to come each day?
• Do they have references? Always call and check out the references.
• Are they bonded? Liability/theft insured?
• Discuss a plan should your pet have an emergency.
• What would they do if they saw something unusual at your home, like a burglary?
• Do they have a formal contract?
• How long have they been a pet sitter?
• Are they trained and licensed?

These are just some of the questions you could ask in an interview. Also know that they will have questions of you.

Don’t wait until the last minute to find a pet sitter, especially around holidays. Good sitters do get booked in advance. Don’t wait until just before you leave to have your pet’s vaccinations become current.

Be considerate of your pet sitter as you want them to be to you and your pet. Always have an interview with them, preferably in your home, and be sure they meet your pet. Leave plenty of dog food and cat food and pet toys for them. You may be unavoidably detained because of weather or illness.

As you can see, deciding on care for your dog or cat should not be left until the last minute. Once you have established a good relationship with a pet sitter, the next time you need them will be much easier. Always check on the rates and services before you sign a contract to make sure they are what you are expecting.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article is not to replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.

Lori Kniff loves cats and dogs. She has had a cat most of her life and several dogs. She is concerned with the health and welfare of our pets. Please visit http://www.pawsitivepamperings.com for items, such as dog toys, dog chews, or cat toys that will help you show your love for your cat or dog while you are away.

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Dog Information Blog

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