March 28, 2008
Dogs are naturally curious creatures and have a tendency to explore and get into things…and puppies are known to chew on everything they can wrap their mouth around. It’s important to take into consideration what types of plants you bring into your home. More than 700 plants produce toxic substances that could potently hurt your pet. Common symptoms to keep an eye out for are mouth sores, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors and seizures. If you have a concern that your dog has ingested a poisonous plant you can call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435, a consultation fee may be applied.
Ten Common Poisonous Plants
Azalea/Rhododendron
Castor Bean
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Lilies
Marijuana
Oleander
Sago Palm
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
Yew
Image Source: Mooseys Country Garden
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My little lady was a serial barker at any sound coming from the door. If a pin dropped outside the front door, her snarls and howls would immediately follow! As with the door, she would bark like a mad woman at the vacuum. Fortunately, I found a quick tip on training to correct this and I’m happy to say it’s worked. Of course, it took me a few days, and alot of treats, but Snickers now ignores the vacuum and doesn’t seem to care whats going on outside the door. Give it a try!
“For the doorbell, you will need a helper; someone to stand outside your door and ring the doorbell over and over for you, while you handle the dog.
You should take hold of the leash, and your helper should go out the door, wait several seconds, and ring the doorbell. As soon as your dog starts barking, tell her to hush and immediately correct her, by getting your dogs attention with a treat in your hand and doing the sit, down or stay command. Then praise her when she stops barking. When your helper hears that she has stopped her barking, he should count to 5, to give you time to praise your dog, and ring the doorbell again. Repeat, repeat, repeat, until the dog no longer barks at the sound of the doorbell, and you can immediately praise him/her.”-Good Puppy Blog
Source: Good Puppy
Image Source: Flickr
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After reading the beneifts of garlic, you might consider it a medicine as much as a food ingredient. Garlic has been said to fight caner, low blood glucose,, boost the immune system, and fight viruses for both people and dogs. In addition, dogs re attracted to food containing garlic, perhaps because the foods both smell and taste good. However, be aware, too much garlic can become toxic. “Everything in moderation”- Liz Palika, The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook
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Though summer is still a few months away, for several of us around the country the heat is already inching it’s way up to summer temperatures. Our 4 legged friends could care less what the thermostat reads, and will chase their tennis ball at the park in 95 degree weather until we drag them home. BF Info Station offers a few tips to protect your pup from dehydration.
Tips to avoid Dehydration
“Dogs lose a lot of water while panting. Leave two or three bowls filled with water around the house, so that he gets enough to drink.
If he has not had a good drink for a long time, start re-hydration slowly … allowing your dog a few sips every few minutes. Overdrinking after a dry spell can quickly lead to vomiting and he may end up losing more fluids than he had.
Don’t let your dog drink excessive amounts of water after a strenuous exercise session.
Wait a few minutes after your dog has exerted in very heavy exercise and then allow frequent but small amounts every few minutes.
If your dog is showing some signs of dehydration, give him electrolyte mixed in water. While water helps in replenishing a lot of nutrients, electrolyte can do the job more quickly.
Dogs who have gone a long time without water have a problem holding it down. So let him lick ice, he hydrates himself with licking the ice.
If your dog refuses to drink for any extended period of time, consult your veterinarian immediately!
(more…)
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March 27, 2008
Not too long ago I was in New York City walking the streets, acting like a tourist, when I saw a small pup come “ROLLING” up from behind me. The little guy had wheels for back legs?! I was a bit shocked, since I had never seen such a thing, but the dog was as happy as ever to be running down the street with his dad following close behind!
For dogs suffering from paralyzing nerve diseases, such as degenerative myelopathy, theres still hope for a happy “fetch filled” life thanks to company’s like “Eddie’s Wheels”, who specialize in wheel chair-like carts for dogs of all sizes, from mini dachshunds to St. Bernards.
Most dog carts start around $250 and can exceed $500 based on the size of the dog, while the cost of wheelchairs for other animals can vary depending on the type and size of animal.
Since launching the business, Eddie’s Wheels has shipped carts worldwide — the largest to a 220-pound Saint Bernard in Great Britain — and has made wheelchairs for several cats, a ferret, alpacas, goats, sheep, a rabbit and a possum.
They even keep a supply of tiny wheels on hand for a gerbil or hamster.
When paralyzation happens to a pup, they don’t understand why, but are almost ALWAYS accepting. “Oh, this is the way I am today.’ So when we put them in the cart, they’re like: ‘Oh, now I’m back to normal. I can go where I want.”
Source: Yahoo News, The Pet Blog
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March 26, 2008
We’ve all heard it, *Everything in moderation* but when it comes to grains (for our dogs) this is certainly the rule. Moderate amounts of whole, unrefined, low-gluten, grains can be beneficial for most dogs.
The opposite of unrefined would be Refined grains. During the milling process, the germ (nutrient-rich inner part) and bran (fiber-rich outer layer) of the kernel is removed, which is 90% of the nutritional content, such as B Vitamins, iron, Vitamin E, selenium and fiber. What remains is only the endosperm (starch), which increases the shelf life of the product. The germ and bran are what bugs go for first, so when this is removed, the grain is not as appealing. It would seem as though bugs are more intelligent than we are?
Grains also provide something called FSO, or “fructooligosaccharides” to help regulate the beneficial bacteria (normal and healthy micro flora) in the lower intestines and upper bowel.
Examples of Whole Grains that can be added to your dog’s meals are listed below: (Grains need to be cooked prior to feeding)
• Barley
• Bulgur
• Whole oats
• Quinoa
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March 25, 2008
We admit it, dehydration is a little bit different from your average method of preserving food. But nobody said we had to follow the pack! (All our pet food diets from The Honest Kitchen are gently dehydrated)
Here’s a quick primer on how dehydration differs from cooking and freezing - so next time you have a friend who asks about this crazy food you’re making up as your pet anxiously drools upon the kitchen floor, you’ll have some answers ready!
Dehydration is a slow, gentle method of preserving food. it helps to keep many of the natural nutrients in the raw ingredients in tact. On the other hand, cooking denatures many of these nutrients including delicate enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making for a less nutritious finished product).
Most of our raw ingredients are dehydrated below 104 degrees F and are therefore still considered raw. If you wish to incorporate raw meat or RMB’s you can do this without the need for extra supplements, since the calcium: phosphorus ratios are already balanced to allow for the addition.
The meats and eggs in our foods are dehydrated at a high enough temperature to kill any pathogenic bacteria that may be present, and the required temperature for this (above 120 degrees F) is essentially equivalent to cooking.
For dogs with compromised immune systems or other reasons for not consuming raw meats, the dehydration process that our food undergoes, makes the finished product completely safe compared with frozen raw foods that may not be recommended under such special circumstances.
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