Spring is Officially Here – And so are the Fleas!

By with Comments Off on Spring is Officially Here – And so are the Fleas!

We are all enjoying the longer days and the warmer spring weather.. However, in addition to the welcome showers, spring also brings some unwelcome guests that should be of concern to pet caregivers. As outside temperatures and humidity rise, the onslaught of mosquitoes, fleas and ticks begin. It is important to be conscientious about flea and tick prevention because these pests are more than itchy annoyances to your dog. Both fleas and ticks can transmit other parasites and diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and flea allergy dermatitis.

The best way to deal with fleas to prevent them! According to Dr. Michael Dryden, a leading expert on fleas, preventing flea infestation is one of the most important things pet caregivers can do for their pet. “For some reason,” asserts Dr. Dryden, “most people tend to react to fleas AFTER the fact. They seem to treat pets when they see fleas, then stop once the problem seems to be resolved.” Not a good idea. That philosophy only results in a frustrating ongoing cycle of re-infestation. We encourage responsible pet caregivers to use preventative treatment all year round! An even more serious parasite than fleas and ticks is heartworm which can seriously damage your dog’s heart. Spread by the bite of a mosquito, adult heartworms settle inside the heart and lungs, and slowly strangle these organs until they cease to function properly.

Many over-the-counter flea, tick and mosquito control products can be purchased at pet stores and on the internet. However, all products are NOT equal. If they are misused, they can sicken or even kill your pet. We urge you to talk with your veterinarian about the best preventative treatment for your four-legged companion. Parasites are a medical problem and it is wiser to spend a little time, energy and money preventing a medical problem rather than playing catch up to cure an existing one!

With the continual pet food recalls, more pet caregivers are making homemade food for their furbabies. The TLC has a Canine Recipe Book and a favorite recipe is Poultry Loaf. Served on top of their dry food, dogs snarf it down with intense concentration. For those of you who don’t have the TLC Canine Cookbook, here’s the recipe for Poultry Loaf (and if you would like a copy the cook book, just contact us):

  • 1 lb. ground chicken or turkey
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 Tablespoons wheat germ
  • ½ cup chopped carrots.

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Put into a lightly greased loaf pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for an hour( or until done) Crumble into pieces and serve over dry dog food. Freeze in small portions for later use.

The Season for Caring and Sharing

By with Comments Off on The Season for Caring and Sharing

‘Tis the season for caring and sharing, with the holiday season definitely in full swing, which means an over abundance of rich foods, many of which are not healthy for our four-legged friends …..actually many of them are not healthy for two-legs either, but we won’t dwell on that (or the fact that we stuffed ourselves at Thanksgiving)!

Holiday staples that are hazardous to pets include your turkey, which is usually basted in tasty herbs and spices that would likely upset her stomach. The fatty skin, and added salty brine isn’t good for her. Resist her begging looks and don’t share more than a small, (very small), bit of turkey breast, or you risk causing a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas which requires immediate medical attention. .

When the turkey is gone, the bones that remain are NOT good chew toys ….they are brittle choking hazards that usually splinter if chewed. Be mindful of any bones on the table, kitchen counter, or trash, so your inquisitive pooch doesn’t make himself a bone buffet.

What do you put in your stuffing? This is a dish that usually includes some onions, mushrooms, garlic, and butter, none of which your dog should have. And then there’s the gravy, often loaded with garlic, onions, spices and herbs that are not safe for dogs. Since garlic is a member of the onion family (as far as dogs are concerned), garlic bread is also a no-no for them Sausage also contains onions, garlic, and other spices harmful to a dog’s health.

Raisins should never be given as a treat, and fruit with seeds or pits should be avoided, because they inflame the intestines. No plums, peaches, or grapes either!

If you bake for the holidays, it is important to NOT leave yeast dough on the counter unattended. Dogs will eat anything, and if yeast dough sits in his stomach, it can expand due to the warm, moist environment which can cause stomach upset, bloat, and twisting of the stomach. Yeast dough which ferments in the stomach can morph into alcohol and carbon dioxide which can become toxic very quickly as it is rapidly absorbed into the dog’s G.I. tract.

Most cooks know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but dogs are curious creatures, and can often snag a chuck of chocolate off the table or counter. Theobromine and caffeine are two components in chocolate that stimulate the nervous system and cause severe symptoms.

Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute used in a ton of products, including baked goods, some peanut butters, gums, mints, chewable vitamins Life threatening conditions can result when ingested by dogs,

Both pumpkin and sweet potatoes are good for dogs, but at the holiday season, many people add cinnamon and nutmeg to their pumpkin or sweet potato dishes. Not good for the dogs!

Dogs shouldn’t be eating desert anyway, but some are worse than others. Pecan pie contains nuts which can cause muscle spasms and weakness of the legs, and is also loaded with sugar, nutmeg, and other not-so-dog friendly ingredients. (Nutmeg is added to many holiday desserts and is toxic to our canine companions.) Walnuts and macadamia nuts should be kept out of paw’s reach..

You certainly don’t intend to feed your dog rotted, moldy food, but trashcans are treasure cans for canines. Your overflowing trashcan can contain moldy foods that produce harmful mycotoxins, which can do serious damage to your dog’s health.

If you serve alcoholic beverages, keep them away from your dog. Accidental ingestion can cause severe coma, slowed respiration, and a life-threateningly low blood sugar in your dog.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested something poisonous, contact your veterinarian right away, but prevention is a better solution. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!!!

Summer Has Collapsed Into Fall

By with Comments Off on Summer Has Collapsed Into Fall

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” This quote by Oscar Wilde has certainly proven true out here on the Iowa prairie, and we are all suddenly thinking about winterizing our homes and cars, and making cold-weather-plans for our four-footed friends. It may be true that some breeds tolerate the cold better than others, but few dogs do well left outside for extended periods of time in cold, damp weather.

We discourage caregivers from keeping dogs outside all of the time in any weather, but the risk is certainly worse when the temperatures drop below the freezing mark. And remember that temperature is not the only factor to consider; wind chill makes conditions even more dangerous for animals.

If, for some reason, you do not want your dog in the main part of your home, surely there is a heated porch, an entryway, or even a corner in the garage that could be made into a cozy spot for her. If you accepted the responsibility of caring for an animal, you must also recognize the importance of finding a warm, comfortable place for her to stay. If she has behavioral issues, the solution is not to banish her to the back yard, but to spend the necessary time to train her. Dogs are smart and eager to comply to human rules, but they must be taught what the rules are.

Perhaps one of the most important considerations to prepare your pet for winter is nutrition. A high quality nutritionally balanced diet is essential. To find out how different foods rate, you can go to www.dogfoodadvisor.com which rates all of the major dog foods. Check out the food you are currently using—you may be surprised at what you find. All dog foods are not created equal and with all the clever marketing techniques used, it is difficult to sort out what is good and what is simply advertising hype.

Every year dogs die from ingesting traditional ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. It smells and tastes good to them, but it is very toxic. Never keep antifreeze where curious dogs (or children) can reach it, and remember that antifreeze sometimes collects on driveways and roadways. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, at least 10,000 dogs drink antifreeze every year because of the pleasant sweet taste. It takes only a small amount of traditional antifreeze to cause serious problems to the dog’s kidneys, and most dogs who drink it will die.

With winter just around the corner, don’t think that the fleas have all gone south. Most of us don’t associate fleas with dropping temperatures, but the fact is that fleas are more prevalent now than at any other time of the year. Throughout the summer, flea populations have increased and are peaking in the fall. They are also seeking out warm bodies and other warm places to feed and exist, so it is important to continue using flea preventatives well into the winter. A little extra prevention is better than having to deal with a flea infestation.

The use of rodenticides increases in the fall as rodents seek shelter from the cooler outdoor temperatures by attempting to move indoors. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets, so if you use these products, be careful to put them in places inaccessible to your pets.

Don’t use cooler weather as an excuse to skip walking the dog…an exercise-deprived can get a serious case of cabin fever, which often leads to frustration-induced behaviors such as destructiveness and hyperactivity.

We are surrounded by potential dangers for our four-footed friends, but with a few extra precautions, you can keep your pet safe and healthy during these crisp, cool autumn months.

Halloween Pet Dangers

By with Comments Off on Halloween Pet Dangers

Halloween is a fun time for the kids, but it can be a time of stress and anxiety for your pets. PLEASE do not leave your dog outside where it can become the prey for pranksters. Many animals are teased, injured, stolen, or even killed on Halloween. If badly frightened, a pet may escape even from a fenced yard and get lost or injured. If you, or someone you know, keep pets outside, we encourage you to make changes and keep them indoors. It is best to keep them in a separate room during trick or treat time. Too many strangers in weird costumes can frighten even the calmest dog, and a frightened pooch may bolt out the door.

Very few dogs enjoy being dressed up in a costume. It is big business for pet stores and the internet to offer really cute doggie costumes, but we really advise you to forget the costume. As cute as they are, costumes pose a danger to your pet’s well-being. Depending on the outfit, the temperature, and your pet’s hair coat, it’s easier than you might think for him to overheat while all dressed up. Pets have also been injured when their range of motion, vision, or hearing is restricted by a costume, or when they frantically try to remove it. Many costumes contain buttons, bows, and other small accessories that can be pulled off and swallowed. It is important to make this about your pet. If he seems anxious, fearful, or uncomfortable, don’t force him to wear it. If you can’t resist dressing him up, just use a decorative bandana!

Candles, including the small ones inside jack ‘o lanterns, are fire hazards. You don’t want your dog getting too friendly or feisty with a carved pumpkin with a candle inside it. Make sure that any of these types of decorations are up well out of the dog’s reach.

We also discourage taking the dog along trick-or-treating. He may become overexcited and break loose. Leave the dog home.

Do not leave Halloween treats where the dog can reach them. Dogs do not properly digest sugary treats, and chocolate and candy with zylitol are toxic. (Zylitol is a sugar substitute that is showing up in all kinds of products, including sugar-free candy, gum, mints and baked goods.) A small amount of xylitol can cause a rapid, dangerous blood sugar drop and acute liver failure.

Halloween candy isn’t the only health hazard for pets. Empty candy wrappers smell like what was in them, which can intrigue your pet. Ingestion of cellophane wrappers or foil can case life-threatening bowel obstructions. Emphasize to everyone, especially the kids, the importance of keeping all candy wrappers out of paws’ reach.

Some people give non-candy treats, and a recent fad is the small boxes of raisins, or small bags of trail mix containing raisins. Raisins are toxic to dogs and very small amounts can trigger kidney failure. Chocolate covered raisins pose an even larger risk.

Talk to your children about the importance of respecting animals, and not pulling pranks on dogs. Encourage them to tell you if they see anyone annoying an animal. It is a good opportunity to discuss respect, responsibility, and compassion toward both humans and animals.

Taking just a few common sense precautions will make Halloween a lot more fun for both four-leggeds and two-leggeds. Have a safe, happy Halloween.

 

Down in the Dumps

By with Comments Off on Down in the Dumps

“Down in the dumps” is a phrase humans often use when depressed or unhappy. This was a commonplace expression used frequently in plays and manuscripts from the 16th century on. Shakespeare used the term several times, for example, in The Taming of the Shrew. No one really knows if dogs suffer from clinical depression similar to humans but we know that they experience mood and behavior changes. Since dogs can’t talk to us, we must rely on observation to determine if a canine is feeling “down in the dumps.”

Changes in behavior symptomatic of depression, including lack of appetite, having accidents in the house, sleeping more than usual, reluctance to exercise, and sudden aggressive behavior in a usually mild mannered dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian. If the dog gets a clean bill of health, perhaps the problem is depression.

Dogs are social animals and many are left alone long hours without access to human contact, access to bathroom facilities, or an outlet for their energy. If the time you are able to spend with your dog doesn’t seem adequate, consider asking a friend to stop by while you are gone, or consider doggie day care, or hiring a dog walker.

  • Pets do best when their daily routine is consistent. Try to keep exercise, walks, playtime, bedtime, and other regular activities on as regular a schedule as possible.
  • Be careful to not reward his depression. Giving extra attention to a dog who is displaying an undesirable behavior can reinforce the behavior.
  • Give it time…..your dog’s depression may take a few days or even weeks to blow over, but usually most bets return to their normal selves.
  • Keep your dog’s mealtimes and diet the same. It is important to give him the same food he’s used to, at the same time each day, but you might consider making him some homemade treats. Here are a couple recipes that will be appreciated by any dog, whether ‘down in the dumps” or not!!

PEANUT BUTTER-PUMPKIN TREATS

  • 2 ½ cups flour (preferably whole wheat)
  •  2 eggs
  •  ½ cup canned pumpkin (NOT pie mix)
  •  2 Tablespoons peanut butter
  •  ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix together.
  2. Add enough water to make the dough workable, but stiff.
  3. Roll into balls.
  4. Flatten with a glass or the palm of your hand.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. For harder treats, bake for 40 minutes.

MICROWAVE BOW WOW BONES

  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tablespoon bacon bits or grated cheese (or both
  1. Grease a microwave safe dish (and grease your hands!)
  2. Mix the ingredients and knead with your greased hands (add a bit more broth if needed)
  3. Roll into small rolls…like mini tootsie rolls
  4. Place in a dish and microwave for about 4-5 minutes or until hard (microwaves differ, so check the bones a couple times)

Summer Fun & Safety

By with Comments Off on Summer Fun & Safety

This really hot, humid weather can make anyone feel uncomfortable, including our four-footed friends. Responsible pet caregivers understand basic safety rules:

  •  Do NOT leave your dog in a car….even a few moments in the heat can turn your car into an oven.
  • Do NOT shave your dog down to the skin because shaving him down inhibits his ability to deal with temperature changes. Leave the hair length at least an inch long to protect his skin .
  • Ticks are thriving right now……Check regularly for ticks, especially under the tail, on the stomach, in the ears, and between the toes.
  • Always make sure to have cool, clean available water available at all times.
  • Keep your exercise routines in early mornings or evenings when it is cooler.
  • We disapprove of tying a dog outside in any weather, but it can be fatal in this kind of weather. Find a place where he can be comfortable and out of the sun.
  • When walking your dog, steer clear of all areas that may have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaks which can be fatal if ingested.
  • Stay alert for signs of overheating, which include excessive panting, drooling and mild weakness.
  • It it’s too hot for you outside, it’s too hot for your dog!!!

Everyone enjoys a summer treat, and your dog is no exception. If you want to make summertime frozen dog treats, just remember these basic steps:

  1. Start with a liquid base
  2. Mix in a favorite ingredient (blueberries, apples, bananas, peas….the options are endless)
  3. Freeze and serve.

Here are a few recipes for quick and easy treats for your favorite canine:

FROZEN YOGURT-PEANUT BUTTER BITS

An easy two ingredient dog treat can be quickly made with just two ingredients:

  • Combine 1 cup creamy peanut butter (softened)
  • 32 ounces of plain yogurt until combined and smooth
  • Drop 2 tablespoon mounds of the mixture onto a greased baking sheet,
  • Place in the freezer until completely frozen.
  • Transfer the treats to a freezer-safe container or zip top bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

 FROZEN PUMPKIN TREATS

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 ¼ cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix)

Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until smooth. Pour mixture into mini molds or ice cube trays and freeze.

Celebrate the season and keep your dog happy and healthy by taking just a few precautions, and offering a few cooling treats!

 

Rethinking Treats

By with Comments Off on Rethinking Treats

We all love treats, and our dogs look forward to them, but before you make a decision on what type of dog treat to buy, do a little research. Many popular treats are full of artificial ingredients, fillers, and other harmful additives that are not good for your dog. Treats in all shapes, sizes, and colors fill entire aisles at pet stores. Marketing these treats has become big business, and since dogs are indiscriminate eaters, who will devour just about anything, so it is the responsibility of the humans to choose treats that are healthy for their pooches. Some people foods are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Chocolate and dogs don’t mix. Just an ounce of dark chocolate can be a serious problem for a small dog. Dogs are also sensitive to a chemical in grapes and raisins that induces kidney failure. Chicken, turkey, or ham bones can cause gastritis and perforate the small intestine. Macadamia nuts can cause fever, diarrhea, and neurological problems! Other foods to avoid are avocados which can cause heart damage, and onions which can damage red blood cells.

To take the guesswork out of what’s a good treat, and more importantly, what is not, you can check the website of the ASPCA at www.aspca.org where they give a comprehensive list of treats to avoid. Some people foods are great treats. Most dogs love raw carrots, and they are good for the animal’s teeth. Beef knuckle bones, or large, sturdy leg bones are usually safe if you trim off excess fat that could trigger diarrhea. (In a multi-dog household, be aware that even normally gentle dogs may decide a bone is worth a fight). Animal based chews are hits with most dogs, but rawhide, hooves, and pig ears can all cause problems, especially with aggressive chewers. If big hunks of rawhide are chewed off and swallowed, serious internal problems can result. Never give these treats to your dog unless you are there to supervise! If you buy commercial packaged treats, check the ingredient list on the package BEFORE you buy. (You will probably be horrified to find out what is really in those cute little tidbits!)

Good treats should NOT contain:

  • animal by-products …this term can mean almost anything
  • artificial preservatives such as BHT, BHA, or Ethoxyquin
  • artificial colors…your dog doesn’t care what color his food is. He doesn’t need exposure to unnecessary chemicals, and green, red, and yellow treats contain dyes
  • propylene glycol, a chemical which is added to some “chewy” treats to keep them moist.

If you are serious about giving your dog healthy treats, the best solution is to make homemade ones. Remember, the dogs don’t care about appearance. They go for taste, and there are many simple recipes to satisfy the most finicky dog! Here are two, guaranteed to please, easy to make, recipes from our TLC Canine Cookbook. ENJOY!

SSS BISCUITS (Simply Scrumptious Simple Biscuits)

  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • 6 Tablespoons oil
  • 2/3 cup meat broth
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour

Mix ingredients well. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.

 

CORNMEAL TREATS

  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1/ ½ cups flour
  • ¾ cup cornmeal
  • ¼ cup oatmeal

Mix thoroughly. Drop walnut sized pieces on lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

 

Tony Buffington, professor in veterinary clinical services at Ohio State University stresses that treats do not have to be food…”Treats are things that bring joy….if you want to provide your dog with a good treat, take him for a walk, and give him extra attention. He appreciates your time more than a snack.”

 

Tis The Season for Love and Joy… And Debt

By with Comments Off on Tis The Season for Love and Joy… And Debt

For many Americans, the quality of Christmas is determined by gifts It is an undeniable fact that for our society as a whole, gifts are the central feature of the holiday season, with retailers pressuring us to spend more than we can afford by promoting the ‘buy now, pay later’ philosophy, piling on credit card debt. In a recent survey, many said they would prefer to skip Christmas altogether because the holiday season brings so much financial pressure. How sad….we need to learn that things will never make us happy, and Christmas is not about accumulating more “stuff, ” for either our two-legged friends or our four-legged companions.

According to the American Pet Products Association, pet caregivers are spending more than $60 BILLION dollars on their pets this year. Chris Riches of Dailymail says that pets are more popular than relatives at Christmas with more than half planning to spend more on their animal companions than each of their own family members. Naturally every pet supply outlet is taking advantage of the impulse buyer, tantalizing dog lovers with toys, but remember that there is NO agency overseeing the dog toy market , and many of them are not good for your canine. With the market flooded with cheap imports, it’s BUYER BEWARE. Double check…and then check again to make sure a toy is non-toxic and safe. Squeaky toys are a favorite for almost all dogs, but it is easy for dogs to choke on them, often causing a blockage that requires surgery. Dogs love rawhides, but I recommend that you NEVER give rawhides to your dog! Consider toys made of very hard rubber which are safer and last longer, and remember your dog is not impressed with expensive stuff…. They possess the spirit of Christmas every day of the year, realizing that it is not the Christmas wrapping or the gifts…it is about joy and love, and they are eager to share those attributes with you every day of every year. . However, a gift or two would be appreciated, so please choose products made in North America or Europe over those mass-produced and imported from other countries where safety standards are almost non- existent. Avoid the cheap, stinky latex toys, and Inspect all toys for loose parts or pieces that might easily break off. Don’t give children’s toys to dogs, because they could chew off and choke on the eyes and noses of stuffed animals.

One of my favorite toys is the Kong. Kong toys are uniquely shaped, extraordinarily strong, rubber toys with hollow centers, and they have an unpredictable bounce that appeals to almost all dogs. This toy can be used for therapy, boredom, separation anxiety, other behavior problems, and just plain fun. A Kong can be stuffed with almost any kind of food your dog likes…mix some of his meal with a little canned dog food, yogurt, peanut butter…combinations are endless, and if you freeze them , they will occupy your dog for extended periods of time.

Kyjen Pet Products has a great assortment of quality dog dogs….the Squeaker Mat Toy has multiple squeakers that have the squeakers sewn inside, and doesn’t have any stuffing to be swallowed when your dog eventually rips it open.

The Nylabone Durable Dental Dinosaur and the Nylabone Dura chew Wishbone are great gifts for serious chewers. They have interesting shapes and raised bristles to help clean her teeth.

The Cuz is an ingeniously designed, natural rubber ball with feet…but that’s not its only special feature. It squeaks…and the squeaker is built into the Cuz so that it won’t fall out. It is a well-made toy by JW Pets, a U.S. based company that claims their ideas are l00% homegrown in the USA. They also have a large assortment of other creative, well-made toys, including Cuz Tails, which has a soft, squeaky tail that can be bounced, tugged and fetched. JW dog toys are higher quality than most of the toys you find in the big box toy departments.

Remember that no toy is indestructible, and as long as the toy industry is an unsupervised playground, it is the responsibility of the caregivers to keep their eyes on the ball, the stuffing, and the squeaker.

Dogs help us to better understand what Christmas is truly about, and even though they cannot speak in our language-or perhaps it is that we cannot speak in theirs-we know that dogs realize the true meaning of Christmas. Have a loving , joyous, debt-free holiday season!

Frights, Chills and Spooky Thrills

By with Comments Off on Frights, Chills and Spooky Thrills

Frights and chills, spooky thrills, candy and nuts, bring lots of fun and laughter! Filling your Halloween with absolute delight” for humans, but Halloween can be a traumatic or even dangerous time for your pet. Here are a few tips to protect him on this spooky day:

  • Never leave your dog (or cat) outdoors. There are plenty of stories of pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, or even killed pets on this night. A frightened pet could easily get lost in the confusion of the holiday, so set up a place with a quiet space in a room away from the front door, so he doesn’t freak out every time he hears the doorbell or knocking sound. Even a very mellow dog can be overwhelmed with all the strange looking creatures in wild costumes.
  • Exercise him early, before the kids begin to trick-or treat. He will be less anxious if he is tired. Be sure he is wearing complete, up-to-date , identification, just in case an escape does occur. A lost dog wearing proper ID, especially one that has been microchipped, has the best chance of being reunited with his caregiver.
  • Think twice about a costume. Most pets do not enjoy wearing a pretty pink tutu, or ghost or goblin suit, and it can put a lot of stress on the animal. If you feel you must dress up your dog, make sure the costume is reflective, isn’t constricting, annoying, or unsafe, doesn’t obstruct her vision, or have loose parts. An emergency visit to the vet could ruin the fun!
  • Dogs are naturally curious, and decorations can pose a huge threat to them. Keep all decorations including streamers, glitter, glues and adhesives, glow sticks and jewelry, costume parts, silly string, electrical cords, jack-o-lanterns, and all the props from skeletons and skulls to spider webs and candles out of reach.
  • The National Fire Protection Association estimates that over 1,000 house fires are accidentally started each year by pets. A better choice than burning actual candles would be no-flame candles. Battery operated candles with flickering LED lights create a real burning candle effect…..however, even these should be kept away from inquisitive paws…ingesting the batteries would be serious.
  • NO candy – especially chocolate. This is an important Halloween safety tip as chocolate contains the stimulant theobromine from cacao beans, and can cause seizures, coma and even death if consumed by dogs. Also sugar-free candy containing Zylitol can cause liver failure and death. Be sure that all the children in your household understand the importance of never sharing their candy with the dog. Treat bags should be stored in a designated safe place, and candy wrappers should be disposed of in a secure garbage container. Empty wrappers as well as sucker sticks can cause choking or intestinal problems,

 

A quick and easy treat for your dog would be Peanut Butter-Pumpkin Yummies:

  • 2.5 cups of flour (wheat preferred but white is okay)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin (DO NOT buy pie mix)
  • 2-3 Tlbs of peanut butter
  • A bit of water ( to make dough workable)

Steps

  1. Mix together flour, 2 eggs, ½ cup canned pumpkin, and 2 or 3 tablespoons of peanut butter.
  2. Add water as needed to make the dough workable.
  3. Either roll the dough out and cut into shapes, or you can just drop by small spoonfuls, onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
  4. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes…for harder biscuits, bake about 10 minutes longer.

Remember that your pets are depending on you to keep them safe from the dangerous ghosts and goblins that this holiday brings out!

Appreciate Your Pet

By with Comments Off on Appreciate Your Pet

While we always love and appreciate our pets, the Animal Welfare Association claims this as a special month to appreciate them even more, stressing that appreciation means love, understanding, paying extra attention to your pet, and doing something special. Here are just a few ideas for you to celebrate your pet this month.

  • Good old fashioned attention is always welcome…taking them to an extra long walk (maybe on a new route, with new sights and smells)…extra tummy rubs or ear massaging…. quality lounging time with your dog.
  • Nothing shows your appreciation more than making sure your pet is happy and healthy. It is important to stay up to date on necessary vaccinations, and have regular checkups. Many problems can be easily corrected if detected early. Sounds gross, but fecal checks are probably one of the first indicators of health problems. Usually a healthy poop is well-formed, firm but not hard, moist, and doesn’t fall apart when picked up. If your dog’s poop strays from the norm for a day or two, it may not be serious, and even blood doesn’t mean that your dog is dying, but it definitely warrants a visit to the vet, and just because you don’t see worms doesn’t mean that parasites are not infecting your dogs. A fecal sample should be taken to the vet for examination at least once a year, or if you detect a change in color, odor, consistency, contents, or amount of poop.
  • A couple new toys are a great way to appreciate your dog, but if your pooch already has an over-abundant supply of toys, have a “toy exchange party. Your dog-lover friends probably have the same situation. Toys that are in good condition can be washed and exchanged… toys that a friend’s dog is no longer interested in can become a “new” toy for yours! And it gives you an excuse to throw a party!
  • Volunteer at your local shelter or rescue…your opportunities are almost endless…writers, graphic artists, and photographers can help produce fliers, newsletters, or information packets; dog health professionals and groomers can offer free or discounted services….dog trainers can provide positive training methods….socializing or transporting the dogs …money, supplies and your time are always needed. Keep in mind that anything you do is appreciated.
  • According to research, dogs have the genetic potential to live 20 years, but humans often rob years from their lives by feeding low quality pet foods. Deciphering a pet food label may be confusing, so www.dogfoodafvisor.com, an independent on-line site, ranks all the major dog foods. Click on BRAND and it will rate any specific food, or you may also review all brands A to Z. If you check the ranking of the dog food you are currently feeding, you may decide that it’s time to make a change. (Popular foods like Beneful, Iams, Kibbles and Bits, Pedigree, Purina, and Science Diet all rate law). It is also important what treats you are giving your dog. Most commercial treats are not healthy, and some are downright toxic. There are continual warnings about dog treats (and foods) that are potentially poisonous to your dog.

We recommend NO commercial treats, but especially avoid those that are imported from China. Make your own homemade treats for your companion animal. There are plenty of recipes that can be found online. Here is a very easy-to-make healthy treat:

  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 ½ cups flour (preferably wheat)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup non fat dry milk powder
  • 6 tablespoons of margarine.

Mix ingredients and knead until the dough forms a ball Pinch off small bits and drop on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. (If you want to make fancy looking cookies, roll to ½ inch think and cut into dog bone shape… the dogs don’t care about their appearance, but if they are for gifts, they will look more impressive.)

“Dogs have given us their absolute all…We are the center of their universe….We are the focus of their love and faith and trust.
They serve us in return for scraps….It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made…they are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole” (Roger Caras) CELEBRATE PET APPRECIATION MONTH BY SHOWING YOUR DOG SOME EXTRA LOVE AND ATTENTION !