Archive for October, 2009
Safety For Dogs On Thanksgiving Day – Part 1
Pet insurance is definitely affordable and helpful financially during times when your pet gets sick and needs medical attention. If this happens during Holidays, you’re covered, if this happens anytime, you’re covered. Keep in mind there are many things a pet parent can do in keeping their pet’s safe. Every day is a challenge when there is food around. It is very hard not to give in to your dog during the 
Holidays, especially when food is being prepared and the aroma takes over their imagination. Not only does this effect the taste buds of pet parents, but pets as well. Make no mistake, dogs will wait when their pet parents are not looking and grab food off the kitchen counter, table, or wherever temptation takes over. They may not normally do this, but when friends and family are around, excitement is in the air and the dogs thought is, “all is safe, so have at it.”
If you want to share a piece of Thanksgiving turkey with your dog, remove as much of the skin from a piece of white meat, and place it in their food bowl, then watch them smile. Dark meat is much higher in fat content than white meat, when in time. can result in servious medical conditions. You don’t want your dog to be at risk having pancreatitis. Allowing too much fat given in their diet, not only with the turkey, but anything that they digest can cause problems that you may not be prepared to handle. (Part 2 will be available soon for more info) Be Happy!
Safety For Dogs On Thanksgiving Day
There’s nothing like the smell of turkey roasting in the oven in preparing the Thanksgiving dinner. The smell makes our mouths water just waiting to sit down at the table to indulge what we all love at Thanksgiving. Well guess who else is waiting? Our wonderful pet friends! Be careful though, because like anything else in keeping our pets safe during the Holiday Season, there are ways to avoid complications by not giving our pets food from the table. Make sure your pet is not subjected to any food droppings on the kitchen floor. Don’t leave garbage cans open, which is such a temptation when you’re not looking. Make it a practice of keeping them out of the area when preparing food during the Holidays or anytime for that matter. Actually it’s just a good practice. Keep in mind when setting candy dishes out, no matter how well behaved your pet is, again temptation is hard to ignore. Celebrations are meant for families and their pet friends, so taking all precautions will keep your pet from becoming sick and ending up in an emergency room with medical bills that you weren’t prepared for.
All bird bones are dangerous to your pet and will break and splinter. Most pets don’t take their time in chewing, especially bones and as the result, sharp 
pieces can chock, or tear their intestines. This can result in a serious situation and may require surgery. In times such as this, we all know how expensive surgery can be, and if the pet parent is not prepared financially, having already purchased pet insurance can be a life saver. Times have changed from long ago when pet insurance for our beloved pet wasn’t even a consideration. But now, it is a must in every pet household. (Part 1 will be available soon for more info) Be Happy!
Dogs at Halloween – Part 1
Once again, consider the thought of dressing your dog up for Halloween. Articles suggest this is not a good idea. Tricks or treats, and children running around screaming with funny looking costumes can be 
scary to dogs. It can’t be emphasized enough that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, bakers’ chocolate used for baking is especially dangerous. The ingredient, theobromine for making chocolate, interferes in a dogs digestive system. Never leave a pet outdoors on Halloween, even if you have a yard that is fenced. Many terrible things can happen by pranksters. If a pet parent insists on a costume, make sure it was made for a dog, and doesn’t interfere with their hearing, eyesight, or breathing. Beware of decorative pieces or elastic items that could be swallowed. NEVER USE RUBBER BANDS on dogs. Terrible situations that could have been avoided if common sense had been used. Reports have been made on dogs loosing a foot because rubber bands were too tight, and a dog trying lick off a rubber band, lost part of their tongue. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
When goblins begin to ring your doorbell on Halloween, don’t let your dog near the door if there is fear of loud noises, or scary sites. Move them into another room, or a dog kennel at least a half-hour or before festivities begin, and provide them with their favorite toys, blankets, or whatever feels secure to them. If they are allowed at the front door, they could become scared and excited, some dogs might get loose, bite someone, or run away. You would be surprised how often this has happened and then tragedy occurs. If you want your dog to be involved in celebrating Halloween, keep them on a short lease while you are entertaining trick or treat visitors. You don’t want to start out the holidays with this undue justice to your pet.
Be Happy!
Dogs at Halloween
I’m sorry but I’m afraid for our wonderful dogs being submitted to wearing 
costumes at Halloween, and possibly be in harms way. Guess I’m being a little morbid, but our world has become so unpredictable. Scary sights and loud noises can upset your dog and frighten them. Some people get their thrills from agitating animals, and there have been reports on the news of taunting, poisonings, and pet thefts. There have always been safety tips for children on Halloween night, but have you heard of any safety tips for your dog? Be aware of where you put a bowl full of candy for the trick or treat visitors. Chocolate in all forms is extremely dangerous for dogs and cats, and can cause death. Candy wrappers are just as bad for your dog if swallowed because choking or intestinal obstruction can occur. Be sure and caution your children on these important tips for keeping your dog safe.
Safety will avoid medical bills at the vets. You don’t 
want to start out the Holidays with tragedy. Remember Halloween has always been for kids, not dogs. If you insist on dressing up your dog, make sure that what you put on them will not get tangled up, or get hung up on some object. I’m sure there are costumes that will be safe for them to wear. A pet safety collar, or a lighted dog collar should be attachedwith ID tags having all the necessary information if somehow they become lost. Safety cannot be stressed enough for all concerned in having a happy evening treating the goblins. (See Part 1 for more info) Be Happy!
Acupuncture For Dogs – Part 1
When our pets are in pain, we feel the pain as well and want to help them in any way possible. There are dog wheelchairs to allow our pets to become independent and be happy campers, but there are other choices available as well. Have you ever wondered if acupuncture has ever been used on dogs? 
Yes it has, and has been very successful. Years ago neither one of these options were that well known, but now it has and will become more popular. Veterinarians are discovering that the legitimacy and benefit of this treatment will relieve pain in the dog’s joints and other medical problems. It can be administered and it does work with great results. Pet parents who have had this treatment applied to help their beloved pets experience less pain, have actually noticed a difference after their first treatment, but some may take longer. Acupuncture was built on the idea that all living things have energy channels that run though out their bodies. An actual Chinese practice inserting thin needles into the skin in specific points in helping to relieve pain and cure diseases, has been successful in their treatments. In the use of acupuncture, the well being of our pet friends does work and allows them to live longer without excruciating pain.
Listed in an article I read on the more common bodily disorders included ailments such as: neurotic behaviors, nervousness, fatigue, hip dysplasia, depression, joint pair, and obesity. Many veterinarians are incorporating 
holistic approaches in their efforts in giving support to relieve chronic pain from arthritis, hip dysplasis, ease metabolic stress, and degenerative diseases of the dog’s joints. This treatment is now used on cats as well in trying to allow better lives and less pain for all pets. Be Happy!
Acupuncture For Dogs
Yesterday I took my dog to his vet to have him examined to see how much further his hip dysplasia has progressed. This has been going on for quite awhile now and I’m beginning to be concerned. He stands at the top of the stairs and puts 
his two front feet down on the first step, swaying back and forth until he finally starts the decline. This has only been the last few monthes. The vet used a small hammer with a rubber tip, like what our doctors use to test the reflex of our knees and other parts of our body. He told me that my boy’s problems are progressing and will eventually take over, so keep giving him his daily medication. The Vet asked if I had ever considered acupuncture? Guess I never gave that a thought, but I will check out who has the ability to do this, and how much it costs. Not knowing about pet insurance when he was a pup, would have been a wonderful thing to have now, but I’m not sure if this procedure is covered. Most companies have an age limit, and any existing health problems are not covered, so just a suggestion, when purchasing your pet, think about pet insurance, this will take care of them for the rest of their lives.
My boy’s hip problem may have gone too far, but it’s worth the effort 
to consult with who offers this treatment. I do not know much about this procedure, but have read there are other ways of treatment as well. Herbs, magnets, and hot/cold applications. I know that magnet bracelets are quite common for humans in relieving arthritic pain, so it will be interesting to find out about the possibility of helping my boy feel better than he does. (See Part 1 for more info) Be Happy!
Shep, The Turnpike Dog
In 1964, a dog died perhaps from old age after spending 14 years of his life living next to a Springville turnpike tollbooth. In 1950, construction workers during the construction of the tollbooths area found this little pup with no home of his own. He chose to stay close because he was being fed, has his treats, and was loved by all who came in contact with him. Travelers 
passing through the tollbooth always looked for the pup to see that he was okay and growing up to be a big dog. In fact, people would make it a habit of looking for him as they drove through, and brought treats, food, bones, and even a dog safety collar to wear. A kind salesman working for a popular dog food company supplied Shep with food for the rest of his life. He was so loved by all that there was a picture of him printed on the company’s business statements. When Shep was mysteriously shot and would get into fights with wild animals, a loyal veterinarian was kind in caring for him.
Improvements became necessary for construction on an interchange that had been Shep’s grave site since his burial in 1964. The site had tombstones donated by the local people, and a blacksmith made an iron fence. Flags, and toys were there, and a very special person always decorated Shep’s grave for the holidays. No one ever found out who this person was. Permission was finally granted by the Department 
of Transportation to move his grave site to a local museum, knowing that if permission was not granted the site would most likely be demolished. There were still remains of Shep present, and the same veterinarian who cared for him and put him to sleep, will cremate him as well. Let’s say, the circle was finally completed.
Be Happy!
Fire Departments Need Pet Oxygen Masks
National Fire Safety Month will end at the end of the month of October. A promotion was offered and is of importance for all to know about pet oxygen masks. It should be an absolute necessity for all fire departments to store these emergency aids in all fire trucks for use on our pets. Lives can be saved with the pet oxygen masks in cases of suffocation, or caught in house fires. 
Firemen see many pets succumb to fires, and it is a devastating experience for the pet’s family. You hear from time to time about dogs that arouse their pet parent to alarm them of a fire, but sometime can’t get out themselves. Our police, fire department, and emergency medical services can save many dogs and cats in having an oxygen mask available in their vehicles and fire trucks. Some most likely already have them, but the ones that don’t, suggestion is a powerful word.
Most fire departments have more than one fire truck, but there may be other equipment that is needed, before a pet oxygen mask is purchased. Our 
fire departments actually save many pets trapped in fires, as well as pets falling through icy ponds or lakes. There are not enough words in offering our thanks as to what they do in saving lives, pets included. In recuperating from such terrible accidents, treatments for our pets are necessary to bring them back to health. Consider pet insurance in cases such as this, as well as for other illnesses and diseases. You will not regret it! Be Happy!
Antifreeze Poisoning In Dogs And Cats
Antifreeze poisoning can be, and usually is fatal. I think most all pet owners are aware of how deadly antifreeze poisoning can be, and will make sure that no such fluid will drip on the driveway. If this happens, please clean it up immediately. Children 
can be poisoned by this toxic as well as pets. Years ago, it wasn’t an educated experience of realizing that adding antifreeze to your car’s radiator and dripping onto the driveway could be extremely dangerous. Most of the time it probably wasn’t even noticed.
There are many signs of a cat or dog ingesting antifreeze, and requires medical attention as soon as possible. If the pet parent is absolutely positive that their pet was licking up the antifreeze, call your veterinarian. Vomiting should be induced if suggested by the vet, but that could be dangerous with some toxins. If recommended by the vet, inducing vomiting can be accomplished with a hydrogen peroxide solution, using one teaspoon per five pounds of the dog or cats weight. Do not give more than three teaspoons at once. This treatment should only be done if ingesting was in the previous two hours. This first aid should not exceed three times in 10-minute intervals. If there is no sign of vomiting within the third treatment, stop and rush your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Treatment will most likly be expensive and when it’s time to pay the medical bill, you will be relieved that you had purchased pet medical insurance long before you actually needed it. Remember again, I’m not an expert on this treatment by any means, only what I’ve read about antifreeze poisoning in cats or dogs. Be Happy!
Rat Poisoning In Dogs
outdoors or even in the home, especially something that appears strange. Rat poison can include muscle tremors, seizures, impaired movement, and accumulation of excessive water in the brain. Severe health problems can occur and medical bills can become costly. Hopefully the pet parents have pet medical insurance to help with the financial strain involving treatments and tests that would be required, in a terrible situation of rat poisoning in a dog. 
Signs of ingestation by your pet could possibly not be detected immediately, and at times, will not develop any signs of being poisoned from two to seven days. It is also possible that it may take a couple of weeks before any symptoms are noticeable. If the poison is mild and not full strength, it may take one to two weeks to resolve any symptoms of being poisoned. This is especially dangerous if a dead rat or mouse is left undetected inside and around the outside of your home. Various tests are required in most cases, such as an MRI or CT scan before a diagnosis can be made by the veterinarian. Decontamination of the dog’s digestive tract needs to be performed as soon as possible. I don’t pretend to know all there is on rat poisoning other than, don’t use it. There are traps out on the market that work very well, and do just as good in catching those ugly critters, avoiding a terrible tragedy. But be aware of your cat’s curiosity as well. Be Happy!