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Dogs

Simple Steps for a Happier, Healthier Dog

Victoria Seidler

For some time now there have been various health trends that people follow. Some are good, while many are not. Many of these trends are simply a good way for someone to make some really good money off of peoples desperation to be healthy. There are always new diets to follow, new artificial sweeteners, and new methods for a achieving a healthy lifestyle.

While all this is taking place, a similar trend is beginning to take place with dogs. It seems nowadays that everyone has a new doggie diet to put your faithful canine companion on.

Again, not everything people recommend is good. I have found in my years studying health that it is usually very simple things that you can do that have the greatest results. The same applies to your dog.

Let us go through some simple ideas that will have a great impact on your dogs health, and should grant them a long them a longer healthier life. These things may seem rudimentary, but as I said the simple things that people most often overlook are the things that work best.

Lets start with their diet. If you are feeding your dog table scraps stop it. For one thing, a lot of the common foods we eat on a daily basis are not good for dogs. For instance, studies have been done that prove grapes can make some dogs sick causing potential kidney failure, vomiting or diarrhea.

Dogs need to eat a healthy diet full of protein and healthy meats. They are carnivores aren’t they. Some vegetables are OK in moderation, but you need to research before you feed your dog these things. Under no circumstances give them junk food. We shouldn’t be eating it either. Peanut butter, carob, and yogurt are OK in moderation as well.

The occasional dog treat is OK, but make sure they are made from all natural ingredients. You also want to make sure your dog drinks filtered water, and takes an all natural supplement to support healthy function. There are some really good ones out there if you research. You can find supplements and vitamins that help with dog obesity, joint problems, and general supplementation for better health

Next, you want to make sure your dog gets plenty of good quality rest. This can start by spending a little bit more money and getting them a nice bed to sleep on. There is a great variety of nice dog beds to choose from if you know where to look. You can find everything from simple mats, to gorgeous masterpieces that will even rival your bed in terms of elegance and quality.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Give your pooch some good quality dog toys to play with. Give them some variety and see which king of toys keep them busy the longest. I have found that the hard rubber ones with the hollow spot for treats will keep them busy for a long time, especially if you put a couple of small treats inside.

Try some good fetch toys, and take a few minutes each day with them playing and interacting with them. A few minutes a day means a great deal to your loyal four legged companion. Simply put, make sure to spend some time loving on them each day. Following these simple tips will do wonders for the health of your dog.

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Dog Air Travel Tips – Take your Dog Anywhere

John Hinkle

Luckily for dog owners, these animals travel by air better than cats. If the dog is accustomed to car travel, then air travel shouldn’t be a problem at all. Use the following dog air travel tips for safe and pleasant airpline travel with your best furry friend.

Certify Your Dogs Health before Air Travel - Not only is dog air travel better for your dog if the dog is healthy, but it’s actually the law. Federal law requires that a dog has been certified within 10 days of the trip to be healthy, vaccinated, and free from contagious diseases. This is a very important for any pet travel, large or small.

Avoid Excessive Temperatures – Ensure the safety of your dog during air travel by never flying with your dog while temperatures are over 85 degrees or under 35 degrees, on either end of the flight. Many airliners put “heat embargos” and/or “cold embargos” on dog air travel during the summer and winter months respectively. This means that the airliners prohibit dog air travel during these times. This shouldn’t be seen as a problem, because the airlines do it to prevent disease or death, and guarantee a safe flight for your dog.

Overseas Dog Air Travel May Involve Quarantine – For international dog air travel, keep in mind that some isolated countries, such as New Zealand and England, quarantine animals arriving by air. Before traveling and booking reservations, familiarize yourself with the laws, requirements, and procedures of your particular destination. Unless your flight is non-stop, remember that you may have to deal with regulations in multiple places.

Don’t Tranquilize Your Dog During Air Travel - Although tranquilization may seem like a good idea during canine air travel, it isn’t. Tranquilizers are the leading cause of death or sickness of dogs during air travel. A dog can’t receive immediate or professional medical care during air travel, so unnecessary medications do more harm than good. In fact, many airliners reject tranquilized pets as a safety precaution.

Obedience During Dog Air Travel - Training your dog before airline travel is the best way to ensure a good flight. Unfortunately, even short air travel means hours of separation between owners and their dogs (except for service dogs). Your medium to large size dog will be confined to a shipping crate for the entire flight.

You can help relinquish the strain and discomfort on your dog by preparing him for dog air travel beforehand. Do this by getting your dog used to being inside a travel crate for extended periods of time. Also, make sure your dog works well with strangers, namely in busy, frantic, or uncomfortable environments. This will do wonders for traveling with your large furry companion.

Using Tags During Dog Air Travel - Thanks to horror stories of lost or misplaced dogs during dog air travel, airlines have improved their handling of dogs. Nonetheless, on both the dog’s collar tags and the crate, place your dogs name, your name, your phone-number, and a special emergency number of someone not traveling with you. This is extremely important.

Professional Pet Air Transporters – Consider using a professional pet transporter for your dog air travel needs. These professional companies ship many pets to many different locations. Thus, they are knowledgeable about the specific regulations that will affect you. Professional pet transporters can offer much help for your dog air travel needs. In fact, many airliners have stopped allowing the general public to book dog air flights. Some top rated professional pet transporters can be found at Iata.org or uShip.com. These airliners will only deal with professional companies.

Whether you have help or are going at it yourself, keep all these dog air travel tips in mind when considering and preparing for flight. Keep your dog’s air travel safe, humane, and pleasurable. They will thank you for it.

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Training Abused and Neglected Animals

Tracey Wilson

It never gets easier, listening to the heart-wrenching tales of animal abuse and neglect. Sadly, it seems that the abuse and neglect of animals is on the rise- or perhaps it’s just being brought to our attention, because it is being reported more often; at least one can only hope that is the reason.

Our Judicial System is showing these cold-hearted criminals that Americans are not going to turn a blind-eye to this kind of horrid and cruel behavior, anymore. Animals are promptly taken away from the abuser. If they are not beyond the point of being helped: the animals are adopted out by caring, loving families who are able to meet the special needs that these animals so demand.

Then the impending job of retraining, or perhaps, training for the first time, begins. These special need animals need to learn to re-trust humans and not be intimidated and terrified around them, or other animals. Though the road may be long and hard: it will also be one of the most rewarding journeys you and your pet, will ever travel.

As with all forms of animal training – always use positive reinforcement. This can be in the form of treats, petting, play and/or positive attention. Never use punishment in training any animals – especially animals who have already learned to fear humans and will have a difficult time learning to re-trust.

Always make sure your pet can see and hear you clearly. In the beginning stages of training, it’s best to have as least amount of distractions around, as possible. As training progresses, you can slowly add to the amount of distractions.

Never yell at your pet. Yelling at an abused animal, can throw him into a panic and set back days of training. He will most likely associate yelling with being hit or whatever form of abuse and/or neglect, he experienced.

For behaviors such as excessive barking, jumping on people, etc… Give a firm, “no”, with an associated hand signal: lightly clapping, snapping fingers, etc…

When they learn to mind and follow commands, be sure to show them praise. Rewarding them with love and attention will make them associate minding with positive feedback.

You must be ready to have plenty of patience with your special needs pet. They will need extra TLC in everyday living, as well. They’re going to need you to show them that they are valued, and it may take a while for them to understand that when they do, do something wrong – that it will not result in severe punishment. If you do not believe you have the patience required, then maybe an abused or neglected animal is not for you at this period in your life. That doesn’t make you a bad person – actually it’s the opposite – it means you thought more about the animal, then you did about yourself. There are many calm animals in shelters all across the country, which would love to have a new, loving master and a comfortable home to rest their body and quiet their mind.
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Dog Talk: Old Dog, New Trick

Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis

A lady called me a few weeks ago and said, “Matty, can you help me? I have a dog that’s 12 and needs to be housebroken.”

“Twelve weeks?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“Months?”

“Years,” she said.

That’s right — years.

My question, naturally: Why did you live with this problem for so long?

Her answer: I thought nothing could be done. I just accepted it as a way of life until one day I thought, no harm in asking.

As for the answer to her question, “Matty, can you help me?” I had her dog fully housebroken in one visit. It’s the easiest thing in the world to do if you know what you’re doing. You don’t have to live with this kind of stress and chaos. Education is the way out.

I wanted to share this story with you to illustrate only one point: You can teach an old dog new tricks.

So many people give up on older dogs without ever giving them a chance. A trained — a.k.a. educated — dog is a joy at any age. But sadly, shelters are full of 9- and 10-year-old dogs abandoned by their families because of behavioral problems that are entirely solvable! It’s one of the saddest and most frustrating realities of my line of work.

There are two myths about older dogs. One is that once they reach a certain age, if they don’t already know something, they’re never going to. As we learned from this woman’s experience: Wrong.

The other is that you can avoid “puppy problems” if you adopt an older dog. Maybe, maybe not. If an 8-year-old dog has never been educated, he won’t know anything more in terms of human expectations than an 8-week-old dog. Dogs don’t know what “come here” means unless we teach them. How could they? They’re dogs.

That simple statement sometimes feels like the biggest hurdle of all — getting people to understand that their dog is, indeed, a dog. He’s not a person. He’s not a plant from Home Depot. He’s a dog, and he comes with his own set of challenges and his own many rewards. But the great part is, when tackled from the get-go in the right way, your relationship with your dog can become one of the great friendships of a lifetime.

Not long after that woman’s call, a man called me and grumbled, “I got this dog, and there’s something wrong with him.”

I asked, “What’s wrong with him?”

“He won’t come.”

“Why not?”

“Not sure.”

“Is he trained?”

I’ll let you guess the answer.

Then there’s the woman with the blind, 11-month-old Yorkie that’s driving her nuts. The dog barks. She yells. The dog barks some more. … If yelling worked, I’d be in the yelling business. Very little overhead in the yelling business.

All of the people I’ve mentioned so far were living with unnecessary frustrations and missing out on the good stuff! A dog at any age is trainable. It’s best to teach them while they’re young, but it’s never too late. Please believe me when I say 95 percent of behavioral problems are entirely manageable, if not completely erasable. The solution is education. Love him, yes. But teach him! Train him! Love can’t be the only ingredient when trying to build a long-lasting, healthy, functional relationship with your pooch. You have to teach him how you want him to behave, show him what you want him to do, guide him through the motions and reward him for a job well done. Love, praise and affection are all part of a good education.

So this holiday season, if you’re thinking about adopting an older dog, that’s wonderful because there are so many in need of and deserving of good homes. But if you’re thinking about adopting an older dog because you think he won’t come with all those nasty “puppy problems,” don’t sign on the dotted line too quickly. Do your homework. Get to know your potential pup. Animals are the single greatest impulse purchases in the world — which is understandable, but can nevertheless lead to problems for both of you down the line.

My holiday wish is that people wouldn’t take animals home with them without a true commitment. If I could have two wishes, the second would be that getting the pooch trained would become as natural an inclination as sending the kid to school. For more information on dog training or solving behavioral problems, visit unclematty.com.

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Feeding Your Dog – The Finicky Eater

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Kevin Nguyen

Does your dog act like a picky rock star when it comes to food? Some dogs can be very finicky about their food, and it can be frustrating for the dog owner. They may turn up their nose at certain food or even refuse to eat. Cats have developed a reputation for being finicky but dogs can also be quite choosy at mealtimes. There are a few things that you can do to help your finicky dog be more agreeable at mealtimes.

If your dog had a normal appetite and suddenly became a finicky eater, it is important to get to the root of why he has lost interest in food. Most importantly, you should determine if your dog is ill. If your dog’s appetite has changed and he is showing other signs such as diarrhea, lack of energy, coughing or anything out of the ordinary, you should see your veterinarian. If your dog is healthy, here is a checklist of items that will help you with your finicky dog.

- Have you changed his food? Dogs are a bit like toddlers in that they do not always immediately adapt to new foods. Luckily, unlike toddlers dogs will not throw food at you! To introduce your dog to a new food, you will have to make the change gradually. Mix the new food with the old food. You can mix about 1/4 of new food with 3/4 old food for several days. Gradually increase the new food and decrease the old food. Be patient as your dog may not adjust quickly, especially if you are switching him from “junk food” to healthy food. His taste buds will adapt in time.

- Is the food spoiled? Dry and canned food can spoil, or you could have purchased a bad batch of food. Refrigerated food should never be left out all day. If you feed your dog canned food, and you do not use the entire can, store the remainder in a glass container in the refrigerator. Dry food that is naturally preserved has a shorter shelf life than dry food that is chemically preserved. Be sure to check the expiration date on the bag.

- Is your dog hungry? If you are giving your dog treats in between meals he may not be hungry. Treats should comprise no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Make sure that the whole family is aware of the treat ration for the day and that you all have a system for communicating when the dog has received treats. Too many treats can not only lead to a finicky dog but an overweight dog! One dog owner had a sweet little schnauzer that convinced anyone who entered the house to give her treats. She would show the visitor the treat box and dance around with a big sad look. The poor dog ended up 20 pounds overweight and barely able to move from her doggy bed! No matter how cute and lovable, don’t overfeed your dog, it is not healthy for them.

- Is the food too cold? While the temperature of the food does not matter to your dog, the aroma makes a difference. Cold food has less of an aroma than room temperature food. You can add a bit of hot water to the food to bring out the aroma.

- Does your dog have a feeding schedule? Free feeding can lead to a finicky dog. Free feeding is not a good choice for any dog. Some breeds are prone to obesity, and will just continue eating even when full. If food is left out for them at all times, they will eat it! Some breeds are prone to bloat or gastric torsion and as such they need to have their food intake controlled. Finally, all dogs must have time to rest their digestive systems or it can lead to medical problems. If you are free feeding your dog, it may take a week or two to adjust your dog to a feeding schedule. Initially the dog may only nibble at his meal because he has been accustomed to feeding all day. Take the food away after 15-20 minutes. The dog will soon adapt to only eating at certain times. This is not cruel, and it is okay for your dog to be hungry. Dogs can even go 1-2 days without food and it will have no adverse effect.

Some dog breeds are just hard wired to be picky, such as the German Shepherd. If you are the proud owner of a breed that is naturally a finicky eater, it will take a bit of patience to find out what your finicky dog will eat.

- Change the texture. Some dogs may prefer moist food to dry or vice versa. If you are giving your dog dry food, try adding a bit of broth or hot water to moisten the food. If you are giving your dog moist food, add kibble to give it some crunch. In making the change, make small adjustments to test what will work. Finicky dogs will be slower to adjust so give it time.

- Change the feeding schedule. If your dog is on a twice per day schedule, try switching to once per day. Do not overfeed as this could lead to gastric problems. As long as your dog is healthy and not overweight, it is okay to try the once per day schedule. Some dogs do better with one daily feeding.

- Change the flavor. It may not always be practical to run out and buy a new flavor of dog food, but you can make subtle changes to the existing food. Add a little bit of unsalted meat to the food, or poultry broth. If you are due for a new bag of food, try a different flavor. One caution here, don’t buy the biggest bag of food! Buy a small bag so that you can try it. Remember your finicky dog may well reject the brand!

- Bribe your dog. Is there a treat that your dog loves? Break it up into the food. You can try to gradually decrease the treat until your dog eats the food alone. Remember that treats should comprise no more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

Working with a finicky dog requires patience. Do not leave the food out if they do not eat. Take the food away after about 15 or 20 minutes. Even if your dog goes a day or two without eating, he will be okay. He will get hungry enough to eat his food. For naturally finicky dogs, you may have some trial and error with food but you will find the right texture and taste combination to keep your dog happy!
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Protecting Your Cats and Dogs in Winter

Elyse Grau

In the summer we worry about keeping our pets cool, come winter and it’s time to think about keeping them warm and dry. Here are some simple ways you can protect your pets this winter.

The easiest, safest way to keep your pets warm is to keep them indoors, especially overnight. Older dogs, puppies, and dogs with certain diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney problems should never be kept outside. All cats should remain indoors.

Some dogs tolerate cold weather better than others. Some dogs can take cold better than others, such as Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies. Short -haired and toy dogs will have a particularly hard time in the cold.

Snow and ice can pose problems for dogs. Snow can get packed between dog’s toes and freeze, causing pain and discomfort. To avoid this problem, keep the hair between the toes cut short.

Keeping nails cut short also helps. Shorter nails allow for better traction. If a dog is slipping on ice it tends to splay the toes, which causes more snow to pack between them.

If you are walking your dog on sidewalks or streets that have been salted to melt ice, be sure to wash his paws when you return. The salt can be drying and irritating to the paws.

If a dog must be kept outside during the day, be sure to provide proper shelter. An oversized dog house or shed will not retain enough heat. The house should be just large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.

Do not use blankets for bedding. These will just get wet and freeze. Clean straw or hay is preferable.

Position the house on the south or east side of the house if possible, out of the wind. Raising it up off the ground helps, too.

Remember that the dog’s water may freeze if left outside. Putting the water in a deep container helps keep it from freezing. Also plastic is a better choice in this case, as metal conducts the cold quicker. Dark colored dishes will absorb more heat than lighter ones, slowing the freezing action. Be sure to break up any ice on the surface of the water each morning.

Are you aware of the dangers of antifreeze? Ethylene glycol based antifreeze is deadly to cats and dogs! Be sure to keep containers tightly capped and out of reach. Wipe up any spills immediately. For the safest bet, use one of the alternative products made with propylene glycol instead.

Outdoor cats will look for warm spots to curl up. Some cats have learned that cars and trucks offer nice warm nooks. They will crawl up into the wheel-wells or engine compartments. Banging on the hood before you get in your car is a good idea in case you have a stowaway.

Indoors, pets will often curl up next to heaters or under wood stoves. Watch out for tails and fur getting too close to heating elements! Make sure your cat does not overheat.

Some extra vigilance may be needed if you will have a Christmas tree. Anchoring the tree to the wall is a good precaution. Tinsel can be dangerous to pets if ingested, so either don’t use it, or place it well out of reach of cats and dogs. Start hanging decorations a few feet from the bottom of the tree.

If you have a puppy, don’t leave gifts unattended under the tree. Don’t use string or dangling ribbons on packages if you have a cat. Cover the base of the tree to keep animals from drinking the water.

There is debate over the toxicity of Poinsettias. Even if they are not deadly, the sap is an irritant and will probably make the animal sick. Holly and mistletoe berries are poisonous; so keep them out of reach of pets.
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Easy Way to Wash Your Dog

• Put your pooch into your children’s plastic wading pool. This will contain it while you use the hose to clean off and the feet will be soaked while standing during the cleaning.

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Losing a Pet is Like Losing a Member of the Family

Dalvin Rumsey

When put in the situation of losing a beloved pet, many people might wonder whether it is something wrong to have such intense feelings of grief and pain. Most of them are even taken by surprise to see that they feel worse than if they had lost a friend or relative.

The explanation is simple, as most pet owners in the United States regard their pets as members of the family. Furthermore, more people have pets than children, so it should all be clear by now.

Depending on the part a family member has played in our daily lives, the significance of our relationships with him or her and also on the strength of our attachments to that person, we may react differently when a sudden death occurs. This is the same for people and animals.

Pets are the picture of devotion and availability and are our best source of unconditional love, becoming for many of us the ideal child, parent, mate or friend. No matter how much change we must endure in our lives, our pets are always there for us. They can listen without judgment or reproach. The bad thing about it is that they never give advice. They just accept us exactly as we are, no matter of how we look or feel or behave. They forgive us at once and never hold anything against us. Nowadays even the word pet, which implies ownership of one creature by another, is used less often in the professional literature than the term companion animal, which implies mutual friendship.

Pets are a constant presence in our daily life. We share with them happiness and sadness all the same. They are there when we drink our coffee in the morning, and need our help to toilet, feed, water, exercise and groom. They want us to play with them and even greet us joyfully when we come home to them and may even sleep with us in our beds at night. There is nothing we cannot do with our pets. We can touch them, stroke them, pet them, hug them, even kiss them, and tell them our troubles. People often share their deepest secrets with them.

So, the way people get attached to their pets may differ from individual to individual, but the result is still the same. We just love them and there is nothing that can be done to change that. Sometimes our love for pets even goes beyond their death, causing us to grief and feel an enormous pain in our hearts.

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How to Stop a Dog from Digging

Navy T

Dogs like to dig. Really, it’s just that simple. They like to dig and bring the cool dirt to the top so they can lay on it. They like to dig and burry their bones. They like to dig under fences so they can go exploring. Some breeds are also natural diggers and burrowers. The Alaskan Husky will dig out a hole in the ground so that he can stay warm in the winter. Dachshunds will dig because they like to hunt small animals. There are various reasons that dogs will dig and training them to stop can present a challenge.

The first fact that must be realized is that dogs will generally dig because they are bored. They let their natural instincts come in and before you know it your yard has a lot of potholes. There are several natural ways to stop your dog from digging. The first is to give him a lot of attention. Give him bones to chew on and toys to play with. Often this will keep your dog occupied and he will not want to dig. Some people provide a sandbox for dogs to dig in, but this will only reinforce the bad behavior and you want to avoid that. Yelling at your dog will also not do you any good, as you will only be teaching him to dig when you are not around. Dogs are usually less destructive when they get ample exercise. Often, a simple walk on a regular basis will keep your dog from destroying things. They also dig to make themselves a cool bed in the summer. Provide your dog with plenty of shade, water and perhaps a wading pool. These items will encourage your dog to use them and not dig.

Another interesting way to stop your dog from digging is to place feces in the holes. Many dog breeders, trainers and owners have found this to be very useful. Many dogs will only use the bathroom in one part of the yard. When you go to scoop the dog feces out of your yard, place some in the holes where the dog has been digging. Dogs do not like the smell of their own feces and will stop digging. Eventually, the dog will run out of places to dig and they will not go back to the old places.

There are certain spices that will also deter dogs from digging. These include cayenne and paprika. The spices are not pleasant for dogs and they will make their nose itch. The dog will not go back to digging. Spices can help stop the dog’s bad behavior because they experience a negative reaction to something they have found enjoyable in the past.

Turf-Block is another option to keep dogs from trying to dig under fences. Turf-Block is a concrete block that is lattice shaped. The blocks keep the dogs from digging under the fence while still allowing water permeation in the soil. Turf-Block can be effective in keeping your dogs in the yard, but not as effective as stopping the behavior.

Many people do not mind if their dog digs, they just don’t want them to dig in certain areas. If your goal is a manicured lawn, then provide your dog an area of his own. Many owners will fence off the side of a house and give it to the dog. The dog has freedom to play, dig, and destroy that part of the yard all he wants. You should never punish a dog for digging in his own area, but you should punish him for digging in your area.

Training your dog not to dig depends on your goals. There are numerous ways to make the experience of digging unpleasant for your dog and those should be explored. Dogs generally only do things they enjoy; they are sort of like people in this respect. They will quickly learn that it is not fun to get sprayed by the water hose when they are digging and this will encourage them not to dig for fear of the hose.

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Harmful Plants That Could Kill Or Injure Your Pet

Melanie McVarney

Plants are wonderful outdoors and indoors, and they are certainly a beautiful addition to your home. However, if you have pets, you may want to reconsider which plants you choose to have in your house (and out if you have an outdoor dog). Some plants are completely harmless if they are chewed or eaten, but some are very toxic and can even cause death. Because dogs are naturally curious and will often eat anything, it is a good idea to doggie-proof your house where plants are concerned. Here is a brief list of several plants that are harmful to your pet if ingested.

The first plant on the list is the Azalea (Rhododendron sp.). This is a poisonous plant, though consumption does not usually result in death, it does cause severe irritation. The symptoms of ingestion include stomach irritation, abdominal pain, an abnormal heart rate or rhythm, and convulsions. Sometimes, in great quantities of Azalea consumption, a coma and/or death can result.

Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is a common plant that can be very harmful if it is eaten. The primary toxic ingredient in this plant is called ricin. Ricin has been used as poison for decades, and about 1 milligram is enough to kill an adult human. These plants may be grown as an ornamental plant, or they can be a household plant. Though the seeds are primarily the most harmful part of the plant, consider the whole plant toxic. The symptoms of ingestion are vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, shortness of breath, dehydration with excessive thirst and muscle twitching or convulsions.

English Ivy (Hedera helix L.) is a beautiful plant that can be found almost anywhere. They are gorgeous and elegant as they climb up the side of the house, or as they hang from a plant holder in your home. English Ivy’s beauty may be deceiving, since this plant is very toxic to dogs if consumed. The symptoms of ingestion include stomach irritation, diarrhea, difficulty breath and coma resulting in death.

Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) is not a household plant, but it grows heavily in meadows, fields, by rivers, ponds and lakes. So if you live in a rural area and have a pet that loves to roam around outside, you will want to be familiar with the appearance and symptoms of Johnson grass poisoning. The symptoms of consumption include difficulty breathing, severe anxiety, convulsions and coma. There is an antidote available, so be sure to take your dog to the vet as quickly as possible if you suspect Johnson grass poisoning.

Lantana is the final plant that is harmful if eaten. It is a popular plant that adorns gardens almost everywhere. It does not always cause death, but it can in severe cases. The leaves and berries of the Lantana plant are the most toxic part. The symptoms of ingestion include weakness, sluggishness, and bloody diarrhea. If the case is severe, death will occur within 2 to 4 days time.

Protecting your pets by considering what plants you put in your home and in your garden is an important thing to do. Since you can’t keep an eye on your pets all the time, the safest and best solution is to simply remove these plants or avoid them altogether so there won’t be an accident. Your pets will thank you for keeping them safe!

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No Pets As Gifts

Elyse Grau

Can’t think of the perfect gift for your animal-loving friend or family member? How about a new cat or dog? How about, no way! Pets should be chosen by the recipient, when they are ready to adopt one. Dogs and cats are not objects that can be gift-wrapped, and handed over to someone.

Giving a dog or cat to a child in the same manner you would give a book or a doll can give them the wrong idea about that animal’s worth. While other gifts may be returned or exchanged if they are not right, a pet is not a toy, not an article of clothing or decorative object. Toys are often forgotten in the weeks after the holiday, things are misplaced. It’s fine to buy a dog or cat for your child, but make it a family event, and do not tell the child it is a “gift”.

The person you want to give an animal to has to be ready to make a commitment to the care of that animal. The potential new owner should be able to choose the animal that they are going to commit themselves to. An animal is a living, feeling creature, and cannot be abandoned when one gets bored of it. All too often the attraction fades as the adorable puppy or kitten grows into an adult animal.

Rather than purchase the animal outright, why not come up with a creative way to help the person with the choice and/or purchase of his new pet? For example, you can give any of the necessary and useful accessories and gear that the new pet owner will need.

Create or purchase a gift certificate to an animal shelter, rescue group or breeder. Be sure the person truly wants an animal before giving a gift certificate, as they may not be refundable. Offer to take your friend to one of these places if transportation is an issue.

Other ideas could include gift certificates to training classes, groomers or veterinarians. Give gifts of books or videos. If the pet is to be for the family, wrap up a stuffed version, with a card that promises an outing to your local shelter on a date after the holidays.

Unless you are planning a very quiet one, holidays are not the best time to bring a new pet into the home. There is usually a lot of activity in the home, and stress levels may be high. It is difficult to give the pet the attention it needs. There may be more noise and people in the house than usual, which can be stressful and confusing for the animal.

Doors may be opening often, and a frightened animal could easily escape. There also may be additional hazards in the house, such as Christmas trees and decorations, ribbon bedecked packages, lit candles and an abundance of food on counters and tables. After the holidays, when there are two to three quiet days with at least one person home all day is the best time to get your new pet. If your new pet is a puppy, it will need to be housebroken. That will be much easier if you can be giving the dog your total attention. You also have a better chance of bonding with your new friend if there aren’t a lot of other distractions for both of you.

Getting a pet is an exciting event, but since anticipation can be just as sweet, the promise of the gift to come will be just as welcome.

Cute Doggie

Dog Won’t Swallow Pills?

• Try this trick. Wrap the pill with just a little cheese, peanut butter or whatever treat/s your pet loves. They will gobble down those pills.

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Dog Talk: Letter of the Law

Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis

Every day, I get e-mails from people who have problems with their dog. Occasionally, I get e-mails from people who have problems with their fellow man. Here’s one of them:

“I thought it might be useful if I mentioned that your efforts to persuade owners of the need for training, as well as a lot of the discussion in recent news about possibly banning pit bulls, etc., would be unnecessary if we had proper laws to motivate the owners.

“There is definitely a problem with aggressive dogs. There are hundreds of reported dog bites in our (Brevard, Fla.) county alone every month. Nobody seems to know what to do about it. I have a simple solution.

“We need simple laws that make the dog owner totally responsible for the actions of their dogs. It could say, in effect, we don’t care what kind of dog you have, how many or how you train them, but we will have your head on a platter if your dog harms anyone.

“If the owner truly needed to be concerned about the consequences of his dog’s behavior, the owner would automatically make sure the dog would not do anything that would lead to adverse consequences. He would take care of training, veterinary care, etc. If he did not know how, he would find out.

“The problem now is, dog owners practically have a license to kill. Dogs can cause serious harm to innocent people, and the owners get a slap on the wrist. A dog owner has little to fear because the laws are written and enforced in a way that strongly favors the dog owner and they provide such mild penalties.

“If we had laws like I propose, you wouldn’t have to persuade and cajole owners to get them to properly train their pets. The owners would beat a path to your door to make sure they had proper training for their pet. Or they wouldn’t own one.”

While I have mixed emotions about people beating a path to my door, I do love the idea of everyone having properly trained pets — just as I love the idea of everyone having polite children and well-behaved congressional representatives. What a wonderful world it would be.

The author of this letter makes a necessary point: Dog aggression is a serious problem. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. And some of those “bites” cause serious injury or even fatality. Those are the bites that feed the media frenzy surrounding pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds and other so-called dangerous breeds.

He’s also right in suggesting that breed bans aren’t the solution. Just ask the police departments, bomb squads, fire departments, military units, and search and rescue teams that depend on those highly intelligent breeds for their survival and our protection. Just ask the thousands of dachshund, beagle, Chihuahua and Lhasa apso owners who have had ankles chomped, faces marred and fingers gnawed. Banning pit bulls isn’t going to help them.

But he is wrong in saying dog owners have a license to kill. There are a growing number of cases in which dog owners are sentenced to years in prison for some degree of criminal negligence or culpability in tandem with their dog’s infliction of serious bodily injury to another person. And there are more and more states becoming “strict liability” states and moving away from the “common law” theory of dog bite law.

According to attorney Kenneth Phillips, in 2006, “Deanna Large, whose pit bulls killed Dorothy Sullivan, was sentenced to three years in a Virginia prison and a fine of $500. She had been convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and two misdemeanor charges for allowing her dogs to run loose.”

So be informed. As Phillips says, “Dog owners need to understand not only their responsibilities, but also their potential liability, criminally as well as civilly. If a dog owner cannot control, socialize, train and keep healthy his or her dog, there can be serious consequences.”

I believe the solution is education more so than legislation. That’s why I write this column. That’s why I emphasize the importance of training whenever I can. That’s also why I co-authored the book “GRRR! The Complete Guide to Understanding and Preventing Aggressive Behavior in Dogs.” It addresses the letter author’s understandable frustrations and spells out for dog owners both their responsibilities and their options.

From the introduction to “GRRR!”: There is a strong, growing reaction against aggressive dogs and owners who refuse to confront the issue of aggressive behavior. This reaction has brought about a great deal of anti-dog legislation that attempts to place severe limits on breeding and owning, and even attempts to ban specific breeds. We hope to make a contribution to responsible dog ownership in order to help change the negative feelings developing toward all dogs and their families.” You can find “GRRR!” and other helpful information on dealing with aggression at unclematty.com.

Woof!

Bumper Stickers & Cool Remarks

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Dogs

Oh No – Pet to the Vet

Dover Read

Yikes – do you know how much it costs to take your pet to the vet. Lets just say that you should encourage your kids to be come veterinarians because you will be well looked after in your old age.

But for pet owners that don’t have children who are veterinarians, taking your pet to the vet is a concern not only because your pet is unwell, but how much is it going to cost – YIKES.

Pets can be so unpredictable and often without warning pets are involved in an emergency that necessitates a visit to the vet. For those who have the foresight to obtain pet health insurance, then a visit to the vet is less stressful and the less stress that you have to endure in these situations the better. Pet Insurance brings peace of mind.

As an example – a cat that fractures their leg or a dog that swallows a foreign object can cost a pet owner more than $2000.00 in Vets fees and if you pet has the misfortune of needing cancer treatment, this can amount to more than $3500.00 in vets fees.

Often pets are regarded as a member of the family, but are not treated like a full member of the family because their health insurance is ignored.

Pet health insurance usually covers the following items: prescribed medication, X-rays, surgeries, hospitalization, ultrasounds, MRI/CAT scans, homeopathic treatments including acupuncture and chiropractic, chemotherapy, and referrals. Good pet health insurance policies also cover endoscopy for cases of foreign body ingestion requiring surgery, and let’s face it, dogs are especially prone to eating things that they shouldn’t.

Increasingly more companies are not just paying out for emergencies but are also providing coverage for routine expenses such as vaccinations and routine surgery such as neutering and spaying.

Veterinarians often hear people say ‘I thought about getting pet insurance, but I didn’t and now it is too late. I wish that I had gotten it before my pet got sick’. Pet Health Insurance companies do not allow pet owners to claim for pre-existing problems, so you must insure before your pet has problems.

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Dry and Canned Pet Foods – What is the Difference for Your Pet?

Eric S Bell

The biggest nutritional difference between dry food and canned food is water. Some canned foods are up to 70% water, Semi-moist foods have about 33% water, and dry food is usually only about 10%. There are some other pros and cons as well.

Dry Foods:

* Made up of cereal, vegetable protein, bone and meat meal.

* The best for the teeth and gums.

* Considerably less inexpensive.

Semi-Moist Foods:

* Contain much higher protein content than canned food.

* mostly composed of meat by-products and vegetable protein.

* Best used in conjunction with dry foods, or used as treat.

* More expensive than dry foods, be sure it meets your dog’s nutritional needs.

Canned Foods:

* Composed of meats, meat by-products, vegetables and grains.

* Most dogs prefer taste to dry foods.

* Will not remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums, which requires

frequent dental care.

* Can cause diarrhea unless supplemented with dry food or biscuits.

* very expensive when compared to the two above.

Just be sure you are feeding your dog a quality dog food designed to meet the nutritional needs of your dog at his/her current life age. For my own dog we feed Diamond rice and lamb formula with the occasional meal of soft dog food just to keep her from becoming bored with her main dry food, the soft food is a nice treat as well.

At all costs avoid feeding them table scraps, as this will decrease appetite for the dog food that is the primary source of nutrition.It is our belief that through informative training we can achieve our vision of happy dog owners with obedient pets, We strive to keep the best pet info on the net.

Maxine

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How To Move With Your Pets

Jay Banks

Moving to a new home with your pets is not an easy task, but it’s nothing to be afraid of. Below are some tips and ideas you might want to take a look at.

* Think in advance -

It will make the process of moving less stressful, which is important both for you and your pet. Make sure you arrange every aspect of your trip, including looking for hotels that are animal-friendly or talking to the airlines if you’re flying to your new destination.

* Get a pet carrier -

It’s worth investing in a well built pet carrier. If you want to keep your pet safely confined during the moving period, make sure you gradually introduce this temporary home to your animal and make sure it gets used to it.

* Security -

make sure you get a ID tag with your new address and full contact details. Consider using up-to-date tools such as collars with imprinted ID information or collars with a digital data carrier on them, such as a USB stick or a microchip implant. The latter allows you to put very specific information on how to contact you along with the medical history of your pet. Some countries even require this when importing animal, as a proof that the animal and the vaccination record belong together. You also want to prevent your pet for getting lost on the day of your move. Place your pet in a safe place (in one particular room) so it’s not possible for him or her to escape. Make this room off-limits for everyone who enters the house on that day.

* Airfare -

Remember that the airline must check your animal in all cases for medical and other reasons. Some airlines allow passengers to carry their pets in the cabin of a plane if the cases fit under the passenger’s seat. Keep in mind that certain countries require a quarantine period for specified or all animals at the owner’s expense, make sure you ask your travel agent about this. Don’t forget about possible medical certificates required.

* By car -

Consider your experiences with the pet so far. How does it behave during long car journeys? Make sure your car is well ventilated and never leave your pet in the car in a parked vehicle during a warm period, as the temperature rise could kill them. Never put an animal in the trunk of a car, the open bed of a pickup truck, or the storage area of a moving van.

* Veterinarian -

Consult with your veterinarian in detail in every single case. Make sure he or she knows all the necessary information about where are you moving and alerts you about possible difficulties. Your veterinarian might also be able to recommend a specialist in your new area.

* Feeding -

If you travel by plane, make sure you attach feeding instruction and watering for your pet over a 24-hour period to the kennel. This is just in case your pet gets diverted from the original destination. In other cases, make sure you have everything you need for feeding with you, if you travel by car.

* Take a walk before you go -

If you have a dog or a cat, make sure you take her out for a long walk before you start your journey.

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Training Abused and Neglected Animals
Tracey Wilson

It never gets easier, listening to the heart-wrenching tales of animal abuse and neglect. Sadly, it seems that the abuse and neglect of animals is on the rise- or perhaps it’s just being brought to our attention, because it is being reported more often; at least one can only hope that is the reason.

Our Judicial System is showing these cold-hearted criminals that Americans are not going to turn a blind-eye to this kind of horrid and cruel behavior, anymore. Animals are promptly taken away from the abuser. If they are not beyond the point of being helped: the animals are adopted out by caring, loving families who are able to meet the special needs that these animals so demand.

Then the impending job of retraining, or perhaps, training for the first time, begins. These special need animals need to learn to re-trust humans and not be intimidated and terrified around them, or other animals. Though the road may be long and hard: it will also be one of the most rewarding journeys you and your pet, will ever travel.

As with all forms of animal training – always use positive reinforcement. This can be in the form of treats, petting, play and/or positive attention. Never use punishment in training any animals – especially animals who have already learned to fear humans and will have a difficult time learning to re-trust.

Always make sure your pet can see and hear you clearly. In the beginning stages of training, it’s best to have as least amount of distractions around, as possible. As training progresses, you can slowly add to the amount of distractions.

Never yell at your pet. Yelling at an abused animal, can throw him into a panic and set back days of training. He will most likely associate yelling with being hit or whatever form of abuse and/or neglect, he experienced.

For behaviors such as excessive barking, jumping on people, etc… Give a firm, “no”, with an associated hand signal: lightly clapping, snapping fingers, etc…

When they learn to mind and follow commands, be sure to show them praise. Rewarding them with love and attention will make them associate minding with positive feedback.

You must be ready to have plenty of patience with your special needs pet. They will need extra TLC in everyday living, as well. They’re going to need you to show them that they are valued, and it may take a while for them to understand that when they do, do something wrong – that it will not result in severe punishment. If you do not believe you have the patience required, then maybe an abused or neglected animal is not for you at this period in your life.

That doesn’t make you a bad person – actually it’s the opposite – it means you thought more about the animal, then you did about yourself. There are many calm animals in shelters all across the country, which would love to have a new, loving master and a comfortable home to rest their body and quiet their mind.

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Trivia and Amazing Facts

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Pet Parade: Pets at home for the holidays

CHICAGO (UPI) — Assuming most pets cheerfully survived the gut-busting Thanksgiving holiday, it’s again time to warn of holiday dangers from table scraps to decorations.

Most dogs probably successfully begged for a piece of turkey or ham, but hopefully did not get hold of any bird bones, which can splinter and catch in their throats. Also, you should have skipped handing out chunks of dressing.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns sage and other herbs and spices can upset a dog or cat’s gastrointestinal system and, in large amounts, depress their central nervous system.

Bones and fat may be just what your four-legged friends crave, but it’s best to keep the table scraps to a minimum since too much food can cause diarrhea and even pancreatitis.

My older dog, normally not a forager, camped out next to the garbage can after dinner but he didn’t stand a chance of getting in the self-closing, stainless steel trash repository.

A favorite dog snack is better than table scraps as most people seek to include their pets in the holiday fun. Speaking of fun: What dog owning household doesn’t have cloth antlers or a small Santa hat in the Christmas decoration box for the dog or cat?

A poll of more than 7,000 pet owners about their travel plans commissioned by PetRelocation.com found 63 percent of respondents travel at least 50 miles with their pets during the holidays, and 85 percent said their pets influenced where they stayed during holiday travel.

Asked why they brought the pets along, 71 percent said it was “because pets are part of the family and should be with the rest of the family during holiday occasions.”

Many pet owners include their pets in gift-giving, Florida Today said.

“They’re part of our Christmas tradition,” said a woman surveying the selection of pet presents at a pet store in Melbourne, Fla. “They open presents when we open presents.”

Some pet stores even had “Black Friday” specials the day after Thanksgiving. A PetSmart survey found most pet gifts cost $3 to $15 and 72 percent of respondents planned to include pets in their holiday celebrations.

Although 1.3 million homeless pets were adopted during the holidays last year, experts warn it may not be the best time to add new members to your household.

Los Angeles dog trainer Jonathan Klein tells Paw Print people should think twice before giving anyone a pet as a gift, especially during the hectic holiday period.

He recommends people avoid making an impulse purchase of a cute little kitten or puppy and consider providing a foster home for a rescue animal, waiting to see how things work out.

One of my neighbors has fostered homeless cats from animal shelters for years. It’s a better alternative than a “surprise gift” puppy or kitten ending up in an animal shelter when the holidays are over.

“Millions of pets are given up to shelters because of behavioral issues, so consider investing in professional animal training to prevent problems,” advises Lorraine Corriveau, a wellness veterinarian at Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in West Lafayette, Ind. “Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks, so obedience training can be beneficial for dogs of all ages.”

Petfinder.com assists both shelters and rescue groups in placing pets in foster homes.

Also, pet-proof your home by removing household chemicals, potentially poisonous houseplants (like poinsettias, mistletoe, amaryllis lilies, red azaleas, paper whites and even Christmas trees that contain fir oil), and keep electrical cords, Christmas lights, tinsel, liquid potpourri, chocolate, sugar-free snacks and fruitcake out of reach.

Glass ornaments can be munched on, tinsel, ribbon and icicles can cause intestinal blockages in pets and tree preservatives can be toxic.

“You’ll want to make sure your Christmas tree is well anchored so that the pets can’t get into it and knock it down,” veterinary technician Tiffany Conner, told WHSV-TV, Verona, Va.

If a cat or dog swallows a wad of ribbon don’t try to pull it out; call the vet or head for a veterinary emergency room.

Watch the packages and especially presents containing food. My brother’s two Labrador retrievers once wolfed downed a holiday package of biscotti wrapping and all.

Holidays can be stressful times for both pets and their owners as some animals are left alone for longer periods than usual and others are exposed to a lot more excitement than normal at family gatherings and parties.

If small children are running around the situation can become even more chaotic. Pets may have to be restricted if too many strangers are around, especially if alcohol beverages are being served.

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Ear Problems in Pets and the Solutions
Deanna Raeke
Ear infections and problems are one of the top reported problems faced by many pet owners. Does your dog or cat shake their head and scratch their ears or rub their ears against the ground or furniture? Do you ever notice a foul smelling, discharge in their ears, black, yellowish or brown in color? Are their ears red and tender? These are all signs of an ear infection or problem in your pets.

A dog or car’s ear canal is L-shaped which causes dirt, moisture, parasites; mites, and wax to be trapped in the canal which can lead to ear infections. Dog which have long, floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear problems due to the lack of air circulation available to the canal. With long haired, floppy eared dogs, you can keep the hair trimmed on the inside of the ear to increase air circulation.

The conventional treatment for most infections is antibiotic and anti-fungal medications. The problem with these treatments is that they treat only the symptoms, not the underlying cause. To successfully conquer the problem, both must be treated. Medications will mask the problem and may actually make it worse in the long-run by creating a chemical imbalance in the ear resulting in long-term problems.

Approximately 80% of ear infections are actually caused by allergies, with the ear infections and problems actually being one of the symptoms. You need to treat the allergy; the underlying cause as well as the ear infection for a long-term cure.

Treatment

One of the first things you need to do is to clean your pet’s ears. Use white vinegar (acetic acid) diluted by half with water and squirt this into the affected ear with a small squirt bottle or syringe. Rub the base of the ear to move it into the canal and clean the outer ear with cotton balls or a soft cloth. The vinegar will remove debris from the ears as well as kill the yeast and bacteria responsible for ear infections. Do this for 5-7 days then continue weekly to avoid recurring problems.

You can also treat the infection herbally. Garlic, sage and thyme all have natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Pau d’arco has natural antibiotic properties. Soak the herb of choice in calendula oil overnight, remove it and using a dropper, apply the oil to the infected ear, 2-3 drops a day for several days. You should see a cessation in the infection. This should also eliminate ear mites.

For the itching and inflammation you can apply aloe or calendula essential oils topically to the ear twice a day. Vitamin C can also be added to your pet’s diet and works in two ways; it suppresses the product released from cells in the body that causes itching (histamine) and it will help the adrenal glands, which produces a natural steroid that can help reduce inflammation, to function more efficiently. Watch the dosage, vitamin C can cause diarrhea. Starting with a low dosage of 100mg per 10lb of body weight should be a safe dosage. If there are problem, decrease the dosage.

The next and very important step in treatment is working on the underlying cause, most likely allergies. Some of the main food allergies are grains, such as corn and wheat in many commercial pet foods as well as some of the protein sources and in some more sensitive dogs and cats, the additives and preservatives can cause problems as well.

The best thing you can do for your pet is do change their diet over to a natural, homemade diet free of the toxins of commercial pet foods. You may have to try different foods to figure out what your pet will respond to best, but in the long run it is worth it for your pet’s health and comfort. There are some natural and organic alternatives out there but you need to take the time to know what is really in the food you are feeding your pets.

There are also some supplements you can add to the diet to help with allergies. Quercetin has been effective for people with allergies and may be effective in dogs, it helps prevent an allergic response in the gastrointestinal tract, making food allergies less of a problem. The dose is 25mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily, and omega-3 fatty acid, a must for any allergy that triggers recurring ear infections. My preference for omega-3 is organic flaxseed oil or cold salmon oil. Aside from the allergy benefits, omega-3s offer many benefits to pets including improving the skin and coat and for joint and heart problems to name just a few.

Vet Time

As much as I am a strong advocate for natural health and treating your pet at home when the options are advisable, there are times when you must turn to a professional for treatment.

Most of the time, especially when caught and treated early, ear problems are confined to the outer ear and can be successfully treated at home. When the infection is in the inner-ear or cannot be alleviated by the above treatment, you need to see a vet. Symptoms to be watchful for include; head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes. The vet may need to drain fluids and treat with antibiotics if the infection has progressed to this point. Sometimes even more aggressive measures need to be taken. In any case where surgery is advised, I always suggest getting a second opinion. Not every vet knows everything.

Something else to be watchful for is that aggressive scratching and head shaking can cause a hematoma in the ear. Hematomas can cause permanent damage if severe enough and left untreated. A vet must evaluate and advise proper treatment.

The best thing you can do for your pet is to take the time to spend time with them and notice any problems before they turn into major problems. Many pet health issues can be treated at home with the right knowledge and if caught early enough.

And for your pet’s sake, go natural!

Dog

Petspeak – Does He Really Understand You?

You said “No!” three times with a rolled up newspaper and he still goes into the garbage for a late night snack. What about “no” doesn’t he get? It’s true that dogs can actually understand the human language-English, French, Portuguese, he knows what you are saying. But there’s something called instinct that calls a little louder to him.

When dogs “hear” a message they discern its importance. They read the tone. If there’s not a constant reminder, verbal or otherwise, you can be sure he’ll think the trash was bad an hour ago but okay to go peek in now.

To further complicate a dog’s mastery of the human language, is the role of emotions in their understanding. Dogs are highly social, their firmest bonds with those they consider one of their pack. They share your emotions and experience the same range of emotions as you do: jealousy, joy contentment, anxiety, sorrow and boredom. Did you laugh when you were disciplining him because he looked so darn cute? Did you forget the newspaper and appear distracted? Was it a bad day and perhaps you were distraught? Anyone of these emotions could come into play when your furry friend is disregarding your empathic, “No!”

And note that dogs do sneak. But they don’t do it out of maliciousness. Catching him or her in the act is not a failsafe for driving a lesson home. Consistency is key–at your home and in others. The message must stay the same-whether it’s for staying out of the trash or staying out of the street. A simple: “No!”

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