January 24, 2008
Southern California is known for its sunny weather all year long. While a lot of people treasure the idea of a “White Christmas,” I usually spend mine in a tank top and jeans… well, if its raining I might throw on a sweatshirt when I go outside. In other words, we don’t get a whole lot of real weather, just occasional rain storms and lots of fog. And while those of us that walk upright might enjoy the occasional lazy day on the couch with the rain falling outside, our four-legged counter parts might have a bit of cabin fever. So how do solve this dilemma?
Well, according to an article in the “Sacramento Bee”, Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori suggest exercising the mind. Obesity has recently become a concern in the United States, and now it is carrying over to our pets as well. Exercise will not only help prevent that, but it will also improve the mental health of your pet as well. I just saw on an episode of the Discover Channel show Mythbusters that it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks!
So why not try? Becker and Spadafori believe that training is a way of communicating with your dog, and the more communication there is the stronger a bond can form. When teaching a new trick, it is ok to do one at a time, or a few, just as long as you go over them several times a day. An important thing to remember is that some dogs are physically able to do some tricks better than others. The article uses the example that a terrier can jump through hoops with more ease than a bull dog… but you have to admit it would be pretty cool to see a bull dog jumping over the moon through hoops. Whatever type of dog you have, find out their talents and bond over them!
Mikai, the Honest Kitchen puppy pictured, learned how to sit at an early age.
Want more of the article?
Pet Connection: Tricks are actually a treat for your dog
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January 10, 2008
Many families today see health insurance as a necessary part of life. I know first hand that I would be in severe debt without it, as I am a tad bit clumsy and frequent the Urgent Care on a biannual basis. Luckily my dog, Kylie, is more graceful than I am… at least for now. Every time I visit her Vet, the insurance flyers bombard the bulletin board in the reception area, but are they really worth it?
Amanda Ricker’s article in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle finds many of the benefits to insuring your pet. One interviewee claimed that for as little as $16 a month, she gets “gets free visits to the veterinarian, free vaccines and discounts on prescriptions.” Not bad if you ask me! For older dogs, the plans do increase, but thats to be expected. Some plans will cover dental costs, surgeries, cancer treatments, and even alternative medicine, all for a price of course. The downside to this, as I have found in the hunt for Kylie’s insurance, is that many policies have you front the money and the carrier will reimburse you after some lovely paperwork, but definitely still worth it.
*Some interesting facts:
- 3% of dog owners and 1% of cat owners in the US carry health insurance for their pets, while 25% of dog owners in Great Britain and nearly 50% of pet owners in Sweden have pet insurance
- Half of pet owners said their dogs sleep in the same bed as them
- 63% of US households own a pet
- $38.4 was spent on pets in 2006 in the US, and $9.4 billion was on veterinary care
Bekko here, an Honest Kitchen dog, just got insurance!
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Pet health insurance policies paying off
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 Pet Insurance
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In the winter months, it is especially important to watch our animals. According to the Wadena County Humane Society in Minnesota, food, water and shelter are the basics for dog care. Water should be constantly available and food should be given at least once, or better yet, broken up into two meals a day. Dog houses should be set off the ground to avoid moisture from getting inside and the entrance should be facing a direction to avoid wind from coming in and out. Chaining dogs up for the daytime is not recommended, but if you must, the less time the better in order to avoid aggression and psychological problems. Dogs have a lot of energy, so you also want to make sure they are getting their daily exercise!
In order to keep animals warm, sweaters have become a popular fashion trend for dogs and cats, but are they really necessary? According to Bonnie Beaver at Texas A&M University, not all dogs need them. Sure the short haired dogs might love the extra help, but for those extra furry friends, its not necessary. As for cats, the older ones wont be shredding their sweaters any time soon! And if you think heating pads are a good idea, think again. Beyond the seemingly obvious fact that some curious animals might chew through cords, others might not be able to recognize what is too hot for them. Maybe just leave an extra blanket near their favorite sleeping spot and watch them cuddle, or cuddle up with them and you can stay warm too!
Want to read these full stories?
Take Care of Pets During Harsh Winter Months
Keep Pets Snug in Cold Weather
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January 8, 2008
Keeping your pup’s paws healthy is essential for his health and vitality. How else would he chase down his favorite tennis ball?
“Easily cracked and dry pads can reflect a deficiency of blood circulation or vitamin absorption, which is essential for healthy paws. Licking of the pads and between the toes can result form an itchy contact allergy, or refereed pain from back, limb, or stomach. Often when animals cannot reach the painful spot, they’ll resort to licking to soothe their frustration. Licking can also mean circulatory malfunction, making the paws tingle like pins and needles.
A few tips to help ease the symptoms and pain:
- Massage gently between the webs of the paws and on the pads to stimulate circulation, which is what your buddy is trying to do by licking.
- Topical Treatment: Vitamin B complex, with extra Biotin, reinforces weak pads and fills the cracks
- Homeopathy: Calcarea fourica in the 6th to 30th potency may be given once weekly or every 2 weeks, for up to 3 doses should help remedy the condition.”
Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats by Cheryl Schwartz
As always, check with your vet if there are serious paw problems, as these are just friendly suggestions The Honest Kitchen enjoys and should not be taken as professional medical advice!
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“For best results when feeding your dog, feed at the approximate same time each day. Dogs have an extremely accurate biological clock, and they will be hungry at feeding time, whether or not itÁ-?s convenient for you. They do best on a regular schedule. The same rule applies when traveling!”
A Sad Day for the San Diego Police Department. One of their most loyal and dedicated K-police officers, Stryker, was killed earlier this week by a suspected drunk driver. The suspect had led Stryker and his 2legged partner on a wild car chase from Oceanside to San Diego, ending on the Coronado bridge, where, while being attacked by the K-9, he grabbed Stryker and plunged 200ft into the San Diego bay. Stryker died upon impact but the suspect survived. “He was in the prime of his career” says officer Greg Rainwater, “It’s a real tragedy.” It definitely is a tragedy for the little guy who worked his entire life for the police department and never required nothing but a little love in return.