Archive for November, 2009
Hard to Let Go, Story of Tex
My heart became very sad and heavy after reading an article in our Sunday paper about a dog named Tex. He had medical problems that his pet family tried to fix, but their effort was to no avail. There were times that their dog Tex, felt better and seemed to improve and could move around much better after taking his medication, but then, things seem to get worse. Suggestions were given to his pet parents such as chiropractics and acupuncture. Acupuncture has been suggested for my boy Pope, but after much consideration and cost, I’ve decided not to go there. Pope is on medication for arthritis and hip displasia and seems to respond well to this treatment, but I get scared watching him get up from laying down and going up and down stairs. Pet insurance would not have helped because he’s too old.
Tex had medical issues diagnosed as arthritis and spinal injury, but had an abscess in his leg from something foreign and was spreading infection to all of his joints. Surgery was suggested, but would be costly. In hopes of Tex being able to recover, his pet parents went ahead with the surgery only to discover he wasn’t responding to his medication. Swelling in his joints and an additional abscess formed. Tex would need intensive care which again would be costly and no proof he would heal. This decision of what the right thing would be for Tex and not his pet parents, became heart breaking for them because like all pet lovers, we don’t want to accept the inevitable for 
selfish reasons. Dogs have a way of looking at you with expressions of love, but pleading to end their pain and be peaceful with the “doggie angels.” This kind of love, devotion, and championship will never be forgotten, but you know in your heart, you did the right thing. Be Happy!
Doggy and Kitty Waiting for Santa
Trees are being decorated, lights are being turned on, cookies are being baked, elves begin their work, children are beginning to think about toys, 
and Doggie and Kitty Cat are waiting patiently for Santa to bring them something special. Treats, toys, safety things to keep them safe, and perhaps something very special from their pet parents. Don’t forget the Christmas stockings that need to be filled. Consider what size gift to give to the appropriate size of your pet. 
Hugh toys for small dogs may be a problem, and small toys for large dogs may not be a smart idea, but don’t forget lighted safety collars, and dog life jackets. Dogs and cats love to sleep in cuddly places, (ever seen a cat sleep in a brown paper bag, they love it), so a blanket of some sort for your pet is a good choice, a cute doggie and kitty place mat to set their food dishes on, doggie cookies can be found that looks like the real thing, but be careful where you put them. Or better yet, label them.
There’s not enough space to include all of the Christmas gifts that are available for our pet friends. Squeaking toys are great gifts too. One of the best gifts that a pet parent can give to their pet, is pet insurance that will protect them in covering medical expenses, suggesting this to friends and relatives would not be a bad idea either. So much is being said that pet parents can’t afford pet insurance because of our economic situation at this time, and of course we don’t know how long that will last, but if, and when it may be needed, not having it, would really be stressful. Be Happy!
Adopting Dogs
One day you decide you want to adopt a dog, so you visit a rescue center, dog pound, animal shelter, pet stores, or have read ads in the paper of puppies for sale. Most likely you don’t know what kind of dog you want, such as breed, size, or color but want to adopt one. You will have to make a choice with all considerations that will meet your needs and the needs of the 
dog. There are so many dogs that are confined to a kennel, waiting for just the right person to come along, and seeing their little faces of sorrow, their fear, and the looks on their faces, just melts your heart away. Admiration is over whelming for people with concerns in adopting a dog that makes a choice in giving them love and a home with security for the rest of their lives. These poor dogs have no place to go and will be picked up by the local animal control until a decision has been made as to where they will go. This is really a very touching scenario between a concerned and compassionate individual who is willing to adopt a dog, or kitty, and the results may prove to be well deserved of each other.
There will most likely be very few times that the pet parent is disappointed in their decision to adopt a dog, maybe even a kitty. Dogs have a way of showing appreciation, even though we don’t always see it. They become attached, obedient, and faithful as long as they are treated respectfully and given a chance to give back to their pet parent. Offer a safe and comfortable area for your new found love in providing their own pet kennel, cozy blankets, and numerous toys. Don’t forget the treats. Be Happy!
Have You Socialized Your Dog?
I tried years ago when my boy was a puppy to socialize him, but living out in a rural area didn’t make it any easier. Seemed like whenever I left the house I wasn’t gone for any length of time to take him with me, so I take full 
responsibility that he wants to eat up every dog that he sees, even the ones on television. When he sees a dog on the TV he jumps up, runs over and sits in front, then starts jumping up and down with excitement. I did take him to a country parade one time and he was around humans more than dogs, so he didn’t mind that too much. Walked him up and down the street, but that didn’t make any big difference to him. He always had his dog safety harness on, so if he were to become overly excited, handling him would be much easier. Guess I just didn’t realize that this was something important to do when they are young, because if you wait, they will become aggressive to other dogs and sometimes children won’t be accepted within their environment.
It is definitely not a good idea to wait until your puppy is older, this may 
become a real challenge in socializing, and they will have their own opinion as to who is accepted to be their friend. Kinda like us humans, with first impressions. You like them, or you don’t. My dog is afraid of vacuum cleaners and as soon as you go into the room with one, he leaves and goes to his place of comfort. He’s definitely not a scarey cat, but just doesn’t like the noise. Now he is too old and doesn’t get out much anymore. Come to think of it, done of my dogs were ever socialized like we know of today. Things were different back when . . . Be Happy!
Happy Thanksgiving To You And Your Dog!
My dog and I wish you, your family and your pets a wonderful and prosperous Thanksgiving. We all have something to be thankful for during 
this holiday. Our world has become such a turmoil, make this day the best ever. The most important holiday is spending it with your family and the family pet. Your dog wants to be among the celebrations, so if your dog has been trained well, they won’t mind if you let them have their own place away from the dining table. Have them lay down, and stay. If they have a few problems in their behavior, arrange for them to go in their dog kennel, and set it in an area where they can see what’s going on. Give them an appropriate treat and everyone should be happy. Don’t forget, be very careful of any bites that you may be tempted to give them, and alert the family not to feed them because of certain dangers in our human Thanksgiving dinner. Be aware of nuts of any kind, chocolate candy, any sweets, grapes, raisins, mushrooms, anything with onions, such as in the turkey dressing, and bones of any kind. These goodies are harmful to a dog.
If you want to give them their very plate, fix them a dish with a very small piece of turkey with no skin on it, green beans without seasoning, slices of apple, plain yogurt and cottage cheese. Any of these will make your doggie a happy camper. Be Happy!
Do You Whisper To Your Dog?
Do you whisper to your dog in loving ways and tell them that you love them? My dog is very obedient and knows what I’m saying to him, but has his moments as we all do. His comfort area is in his dog kennel, and I think sometime he stays inside just to get away from me. He knows when a 
command is given and may not be particularly interested in obeying, starts to move his head around as if he doesn’t know what to do. What a goof. He will stare at me, and all I have to do is stare back, not blinking an eye, and again turns his head around and pouts as if to say, “oh come on Mom, what’s the big deal?” Less time that you can say jack rabbit, he will obey the command.
Good dog!
I’ve heard of dog whispering, so just what is it? It is an understanding between you and your dog that discipline is the No.1 thing. Communicating with your dog in association between your level and theirs is to be obedient in your commands, and never let them get by with something you don’t approve of in their behavior. Talk to your dog and watch their expressions. I do believe that most of the time, they understand what you’re saying. Sit down and read them a story or two in their Doggie Book. There is such a 
book you know. Dogs understand that their pet parents love them dearly, but never let them take control as a pack leader. You the pet parent, is the pack leader and the sooner your dog accepts that, the better off everyone will be. Always be consistent in what you expect of your dog. My dog sometime tries to get in front of me when coming in from the outside. Never allow them to do so. They will begin to believe they are the pack leader, not you. Be Happy!
Christmas Presents For Your Dog
If you are like me, there has to be a Christmas gift under the tree for my dog. 
I really need to watch him though, because he wants to unwrap all of the presents. My guess is, he thinks they’re all for him. He started doing this as a pup, which has been 13 and them some years ago. He starts at the ribbon as if to untie it, then starts on the paper. He takes his paws and wraps them around the paper, and then gradually starts ripping piece by piece until he has uncovered his present, then on to the next one. This has always been such fun to watch, because he is absolutely dedicated as to what he’s doing. Then after that present, was opened, he starts for the other one, etc. He tried to open my granddaughters presents last year, so I really have to watch him.
Just a suggestion to all pet parents, consider giving your pet something that will keep them safe. There are some great gifts to choose from, and by all means, don’t forget the dog life jacket for this coming Spring. It’s possible though, he could use it before Spring when going for his walks. Always be alert if you and your dog are walking by a lake or pond. Our local fire department has had to make 
several calls to rescue dogs that have broken loose from their pet parent chasing another dog, geese, or whatever has caught their attention. Lakes and ponds will freeze over, sometime solid depending the temperature, and others may only freeze partiality. Both are extremely dangerous. Always be on the lookout and pay special attention to what’s ahead. Be Happy!
Dangerous Household Items for Your Dog
I posted an article a few months back on “Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog,” but there are also household dangers to our dogs. Household detergents should be carefully stored away. The toxic effect to animals is very poisonous. Mouthwash, as well as fabric softeners are in this category. Toothpaste should not be left out. Make sure when taking medication, a pill doesn’t fall on the floor, and watch out for pain killers 
coming in contact with your dog. I myself, have taken my daily medication and accidently dropped a pill through my fingers. I didn’t realize I hadn’t taken them all until I turned around and saw one on the floor. Dogs usually don’t go after our medication because of the taste, but you never know. Have you ever dropped a tiny watch battery? These are highly toxic as well as alkaline batteries. Just make sure you throw them away in a safe container.
I didn’t know that moth balls contained insecticide, did you? They too, will cause a dangerous effect to dogs. Puppies are so active and bore easily, so chewing is giving them something to do. Make sure they have chew toys around. Change the toys often, put the old ones away, rotate. Don’t put away their favorite toy, you’ll really be in trouble. Some house plants 
are very poisonous and the pet parent needs to be aware when Christmas time comes around, the beautiful Poinsettia we all love is very toxic. Ivies, Lilies, Aloe, and Philodendron are toxic. Actually there are many poisonous indoor and outdoor plants. All of these things may seem petty in making all efforts in keeping your dog safe, but you’d rather be safe, than sorry. So you will be pleased that you had pet insurance, just in case. Be Happy!
What About Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs?
From the time you bring a new puppy home, until the time the “doggie 
angel” comes, you, as a pet parent, are responsible for love and care of your new friend. Making sure they always have water, feed them every day, once, twice, whatever is good for your dog, and provide a safe shelter that belongs to them. Puppies need their inoculations, vitamins, and routine checkup ups with their veterinarian. Plan to purchase pet insurance for them at this early age. Check what all is covered, what’s not covered, cost of premiums, then go from there. Most pet insurance companies cover illnesses, diseases, injuries, accidents, etc. until . . . If you wait too long, they won’t cover any existing medical conditions, then it’s too late. Make sure they are feeling good in observing their daily routine of running, playing, and eating well.
A condition which is when the heart no longer pumps blood, is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and if not discovered soon enough, could become fatal if not caught in time. CHF seems common in some dogs and could occur before their 5th birthday. Watching your dogs’ activities in and out of the home, can alert you for unforeseen problems. If your dog coughs in 
irregular intervals, pants more frequently than usual with heavy breathing, beware. Observe your dogs’ tummy for any swelling as well, this could be a warning sign of possible CHF. Perhaps some other problem has occurred with your dog rather than CHF, so it’s best to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Be Happy!
What Should We Give Our Dogs to Eat and Drink?
I read an article that many vegetables are important to your dog’s health. I know my dog loves Carrots most any way, but don’t add seasoning, butter, 
etc. Don’t over do giving them meat, Asparagus can take the place and will help to maintain healthy intestines. Celery contains many vitamins, especially sedanolide which has been known to decrease the chance of having tumors. Broccoli is the best and has an extreme amount of vitamin C, fiber and calcium. A good source of iron is Spinach. Some dogs love it along with sweet potatoes that contain an abundance of carbohydrates, fiber, iron, and calcium. Alfalfa Sprouts and Kale are good sources of nutrients. Overweight dogs do well adding kale to their diet to keep calories down. Keeping them healthy and happy, will save on your dog’s medical bills, and when needed their policy on pet insurance will be there for them.
I became concerned in reading this article because it included Cayenne Pepper, and Garlic. I posted an article earlier on this blog about onions and garlic, and found more articles on foods that a dog should not be given. The list keeps growing to alert pet parents of what they should not be giving their 
dogs. Foods referred as deadly to our dogs are all Alcoholic Beverages. I have personally seen friends and relatives give a little beer to their pet, this is not something to play around with, but think it’s cute to do so. We all know that Chocolate is very toxic to your dog, and contains theobromine which is an ingredient in foods that are toxic to dogs. Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks and Soft Drinks contain the same ingredient. Beware and be Safe! Be Happy!