The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Pet Health The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Pet Health
Showing posts with label Pet Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pet Health. Show all posts

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Did You Know That Baking Soda is Safe to Use on Pets?


Baking soda is a natural cleaner and deodorizer that every pet owner likely has on hand. It’s a good option if you wish to avoid cleaning products that contain potentially toxic chemicals or perfumes. Baking soda contains no harmful chemicals and poses no danger to children or pets unless it is ingested in large amounts.

Always consult your veterinarian before using baking soda on your pet and spot test before using baking soda to clean carpets and furniture.

How Does Baking Soda Work?

Pet urine is usually acidic, which plays a role in its ability to produce a foul-smelling odor. Baking soda is a base and pet urine is acidic. When you put them together, baking soda chemically has the ability to neutralize acidic substances and make them more alkaline, eliminating the odors. 

Here are some uses of baking soda for pet owners:

Deodorize Your Home

sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture to get rid of pet odors in the home. Leave it on for about 20 minutes then vacuum it up. 

Always test a spot first to make sure the baking soda doesn’t discolor your carpet or upholstery. 

Deodorize Your Car

Baking soda will also eliminate doggy odors in your car.  Sprinkle it on the seats and floor mats. The longer the powder sits, the more odor it will absorb. Vacuum all surfaces and throw out the disposable vacuum bag immediately, just in case it contains any fleas, ticks or mites. Another trick to keep your vehicle smelling fresh is put a tablespoon of baking soda in the ashtrays.

Deodorize Bedding

Put pet bedding in your washing machine. Use a mild (no dyes or fragrance) laundry detergent and 1 cup of baking soda. Place the bed in the dryer for 15 minutes with a pet-safe dryer sheet, and if it’s still wet, let it air dry to avoid shrinking. The dryer sheet is important to use when drying because it will help to remove excess hair from the bedding.

If your pet spends time rolling around in your bed, when you wash your sheets, add 1/2 cup baking soda into the washing machine to neutralize the odors.

Clean Up Pet Accidents

Baking soda can help you clean up your dog or cat’s “accidents”.  Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and baking soda to create a runny paste. Apply the paste to the soiled carpet or furniture, let it sit for a few minutes, then sponge it up.  When it’s dried, vacuum the area.

Before using the paste or applying baking powder on its own, blot up as much of the liquid as possible. It helps to place a book on the cloth and stand on it to ensure you get it all out.

Freshen the Litter Box

Many brands of kitty litter contain baking soda for its ability to neutralize odors. If your current kitty litter doesn’t contain baking soda, you can sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the box before adding the litter.

Dry Shampoo Your Cat or Dog

Baking soda also works as an odor eliminator for pets between baths. In between wet shampoos, baking soda may be used for dry shampooing dogs and cats. Start by brushing your pet to remove any dirt or loose hair. You may want to do the next step outside. Rub baking soda into your pet’s fur and massage it into their skin, making sure not to set it into their eyes.

Let the baking soda sit on your animal’s fur for five minutes and then brush out the fur.  To remove any remaining baking soda, rub your pet down with a dry towel, otherwise your dog or cat might lick its fur and ingest the baking soda. While baking soda is harmless for your pet to ingest in small quantities, it’s best to remove as much as possible. Consult with your vet before using baking soda as a dry shampoo to make sure your pet is not allergic to it.


Wet Shampoo Your Dog

Unless your dog has rolled around in dirt or sand, you only need to use a wet shampoo every two or three months.  Many pet shampoos contain baking soda which helps eliminate odors. However, you can make your own shampoo by mixing three tablespoons baking soda with one quart warm water.

Wash your dog with the solution and massage it into his coat. Give the baking soda a few minutes to neutralize odors. Next, apply your regular, vet-approved dog shampoo and massage it into your dog’s skin. Rinse your dog in clear water and make sure you do not leave any shampoo residue, which can make your pet itch. 

Help Toenail Accidents

If you trim your pet’s nails too close, you may accidentally draw blood. To stop bleeding, dip the nail in baking soda and applying pressure.

Get Rid of Skunk Smell

If your pet is sprayed by a skunk, baking soda alone will not remove the foul odor. A mixture of ¼ cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap and 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide is a recommended solution. It’s best to use this mixture outdoors or in a basement sink to avoid bringing the odor into your home.

Do not get the solution in your pet’s eyes and do not leave the mixture on too long or the peroxide will bleach your pet’s fur.  Rinse your pet well, then follow with a vet-approved pet shampoo and rinse again. Towel dry your pet before bringing him into the house.


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Thursday, August 15, 2019

Mom Dog Desperately Hides 9 Puppies in Ditch From Cruel Owner Until Help Arrives


The arrival of new life is always a remarkable experience for parents and other family members. However, one dog owner thought just the opposite when his own dog gave birth to a litter of nine little bundles of joy. He was quick to post them on Facebook, not making a happy announcement; he simply wanted the dogs gone for good.

Nana is a 4-year-old pit bull boxer mix who gave birth to two litters of puppies, of which only one baby survived. When she was blessed with her third litter, all nine babies lived!

Chained for three out of her four years of life outside her home in North Carolina, Nana had a hard life living with her owner, who neglected her except for breeding. Then, with a big litter of nine puppies, the owner decided that he’d had enough. He wanted to give away all 10 pups, including the one from the previous litter, plus the mom.

To read more on this story, click here: Mom Dog Desperately Hides 9 Puppies in Ditch From Cruel Owner Until Help Arrives

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Thursday, May 30, 2019

When Dad Pushes The Dog in a Swing - She Gives a Big Smile


Dad asked their dog Sara if she wanted to get in the swing for a push. When they put the dog in she gets a big smile on her face and wants to be pushed more. The owner says she's done this for four years and goes wild with happiness when they tell her she gets to go swinging.

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Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other’s Butts?


Every dog owner knows that dogs sniff each other’s butts.  It probably isn’t the most pleasant sight to witness, but it’s just a dog’s way of life.  There are a few reasons why dogs sniff each other’s butts and it really boils down to their sense of smell and communication.

Dogs smell each other when they first meet

When two people meet, they evaluate body language, facial expressions and tone of voice to quickly assess each other.  When two dogs meet, they don’t say hello or shake hands like we do, but they will gather lots of information from each other’s body language. When two dogs meet, they usually walk in circles while scrutinizing each other’s demeanor and posture. Are their ears back? Is their tail wagging?

Dogs use their acute sense of smell to get a an assessment of the dog they’re meeting

Dogs use their keen sense of smell, along with a visual assessment, to get vital information about a new canine acquaintance. The chemical aromas identify gender and mood, and can even communicate what a dog likes to eat. By simply smelling, a dog can determine if a new friend is male or female, happy or aggressive, healthy or ill. Dogs get a general idea about each other with a quick sniff, but get more detailed information by getting up close and personal and that’s where the butts play a part.

The video below, from the “American Chemical Society’s Reactions series” explains this whole butt smelling communication!

To read more on this story, click here: Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other’s Butts?

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Why Do Cats Put Their Butts in Your Face?


Cat lovers know all the quirky traits of our favorite felines.  One of the more perplexing behaviors is when you are sitting down, waiting for your kitty to curl down next to you, but instead your cat puts her butt in your face!  And while we humans would never do this to each other, there are a few reasons why cats might put their butts in your face.

Cats put their butt in your face as their way of saying hello!

Cats raise their tails as a sign of friendliness and trust, allowing us full access to all of the intimate, olfactory details about them found in their scent. Turning around makes that invitation even clearer.  Smell is so much more important to cats so inviting us to check them out is just a friendly hello!  The butt in the face is their way of trying to be nice, not naughty!

When cats greet each other, they usually sniff each other’s faces

When greeting each other for the first time, cats sniff each other’s face and neck as an initial greeting. This is pretty similar to nodding a greeting to a stranger at first meeting. Cats produce cheek pheromones that signal friendship, so sniffing this area can actually help calm feelings of aggression or fear.

To read more on this story, click here: Why Do Cats Put Their Butts in Your Face?


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Saturday, November 24, 2018

Does Your Puppy Have Swimming Puppy Syndrome?


Does your puppy have swimming puppy syndrome? Do you know the signs? Swimmer puppies are puppies that cannot walk and stand upright. Instead, they paddle their legs like a turtle.

Meet Harper, she was rescued by Erica Daniel, 26, who fosters dogs that need serious help. On Aug. 31, a woman in Sanford, Fla., first encountered the little dog when she spotted it squirming garbage bag.

“There was a man outside of a store selling pit-bull puppies for $50,” Daniel explained. “This woman approached him and noticed a noise coming from a garbage bag he was holding. She asked him, ‘What’s in the bag?” He wouldn’t answer her, so pressed the issue and the man opened the bag and gave her the puppy. Harper, was so deformed that she could not walk or hold up her head. Veterinarians advised that the puppy should be euthanized.

Daniel, a regular at the local animal shelter, decided to take the puppy home for one full and final day of affection. “I had to show her what it was like to be loved,” Daniel said. “I’d planned on taking her home that night, letting her sleep in bed with us, and having her humanely euthanized in the morning.”

The puppy had been born with a condition commonly called “swimmer puppy disorder,” and most dogs afflicted with it don’t survive. The formal name of Harper’s disorder, pectus excavatum, causes puppies to lie flat on their chests with their legs perpetually splayed out, as if they were humans or frogs swimming through water.

Daniel kept massaging Harper’s tight muscles, hoping to alleviate at least some of her stiffness and pain. Within just a few hours, Harper started lifting her head and looking around. Her front legs became more limber as well, so much so that she tried using them to walk and pull herself around.

Symptoms of Swimming Puppy Syndrome

If you notice a puppy that is always on its belly or beginning to show signs of a flat chest. Lay mom down and put this pup on a good nipple. Turn it on its side, holding its entire body and making sure it stays on its side. If the pup lets loose start over. Do this several times a day until the pup returns to normal and lays on its side; when that happens you have just cured swimmer puppy syndrome. There's no way to prevent Swimming Puppy Syndrome.



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Saturday, November 10, 2018

Could The Drug That Cost This Beloved Pet Its Life Kill Your Dog Too? - Vet Raises The Alarm Over An Arthritis Pill Prescribed To Millions Of Animals


When Sue and Robin McGibbon took their beloved Labrador Abby for her annual check-up last month, they thought the most they had to worry about was slightly increased creakiness in her joints.

"She’d had problems with arthritis for some time, but it was growing worse and we didn’t want to see her in pain," says Sue. "Our vet had always tried to treat her with homeopathic remedies, but this time he gave her an anti-inflammatory drug." The family took Abby home, hoping life would become more comfortable for her. Instead, she suddenly became seriously ill.

For six days she suffered endless bouts of vomiting and diarrhea before suffering paralysis in her hind legs. Eventually, Robin and Sue, from Bickley, Kent, felt they had no choice but to have her put down.

Now, the heartbroken couple and the vet who treated Abby are convinced the drug used to treat her actually killed her.

The drug was Carprodyl, which is widely used to treat millions of dogs in Britain and around the world.

Vet Paul Grant had believed the drug, whose active ingredient is the painkiller and anti-inflammatory carprofen, to be safe. He has decided to speak to the Mail in the hope of raising awareness over the drug’s potential dangers.

"I’ve never seen a dog deteriorate like this from using a medicine that was supposedly safe," says the vet, who had treated 13-year-old Abby since she was a puppy.

"Carprodyl is what we call a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, and Abby had been on a similar one before with no problems. But this was different.

"I’m heartbroken for the family, and feel devastated by what happened. I’ll never prescribe that drug again."

Such an impassioned reaction from a vet who deals with animal deaths on a daily basis is unusual, yet he does not believe owners or vets have been made properly aware of the drug’s potential dangers.




The vet who gave Carprodyl to Abby the Labrador has since said he will never prescribe the controversial anti-inflammatory drug again.

This is exacerbated by the fact Britain has a complicated system of reporting reactions to animal drugs, so it’s almost impossible to gauge how many other dogs like Abby there have been.

In the U.S., however, where the drug has been on the market for five years longer than in Britain and where the reporting system is more transparent, concerns have been raised for more than a decade. Shockingly, this supposedly "safe" drug is thought to have killed at least 3,200 dogs.

Civil claims for damages have been settled with bereaved dog owners and campaigns have been waged to warn of carprofen’s potential dangers.

On this side of the Atlantic, however, dog owners are kept worryingly in the  dark, something that haunts the McGibbons.

"We would never have allowed Abby to take this medication if we had known about the potential side-effects," says Sue.

"She was a wonderful dog,  full of personality. It is difficult to describe the horror of watching her deteriorate. She only went in for a check-up, but we lost her."

Carprofen was first marketed in the U.S. in 1997 by Pfizer Animal Health as a treatment for arthritic dogs. It works by restricting the production of chemicals that cause inflammation.

Marketed with the brand name Rimadyl, it was an instant success. In 2002 the drug was launched in Britain, where it has been similarly popular. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which licenses medicines, soon began receiving thousands of reports of adverse reactions.

One complaint was from Jean Townsend, 75, from South Carolina. "I had a chocolate Labrador called George," she tells me. "My vet noticed he was limping and said Rimadyl could help."

"But he began to go off his food and then started vomiting and passing bloody faeces."
Within a month, George was dead. A post-mortem examination revealed he had liver damage, bleeding and gut ulceration. Jean sued and was joined by 300 other people in a class action that was settled by Pfizer in 2004 for $1,000 per owner, but the company didn’t admit liability.

"We would never have allowed Abby to take this medication if we had known about the potential side-effects."


Dangerous: In the U.S., where Carprodyl has been on the market for longer, it has claimed that the drug could have killed as many as 3,200 dogs (stock picture).

Subsequently, Pfizer was twice ordered by the FDA to beef up its warnings, eventually to include "death" as a possible side-effect.

"I have no doubt this drug does benefit many dogs, but others have a terrible, sometimes fatal reaction," says Jean. "The drug companies have never satisfactorily explained that and they should."

In its defense, Pfizer points out that fewer than 1 per cent of animals react badly to Rimadyl, and that of those the vast majority recover.

Pfizer and other drug companies also point out with justification that many of the dogs that benefit from taking carprofen would otherwise be in so much pain they would have to be put down.

"For any medicine to be licensed by the regulatory authorities, it must meet rigorous quality, safety and efficacy standards," says a Pfizer spokesman. ‘Carprofen has been licensed in the UK for more than ten years and millions of tablets have been prescribed during this time.

"We would encourage anyone who has a concern to speak to their vet, who can then report it."

"I have no doubt that this drug does benefit many dogs, but others have a terrible - sometimes fatal - reaction."

In Britain, animal pharmaceuticals are licensed and monitored by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), a branch of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

It runs a system of reporting bad reactions to drugs called the Suspected Adverse Reaction Surveillance Scheme (SARSS), but this is discretionary, not compulsory.

Harvey Locke, past president of the British Veterinary Association, says there might be a case for making reporting mandatory, but adds: "There would need to be strict guidelines laying down exactly when a report should be made. At present it is up to the discretion of the vet."

Mr. Locke, in common with most vets, believes carprofen is perfectly safe in most cases, but he and his colleagues have no way of knowing how many animals are reacting badly to it. Here’s why.

Carprodyl, the branded carprofen that was given to Abby, was given a license for Buckinghamshire-based Ceva Animal Health in 2008.

Potential side-effects listed on the Veterinary Medicines Directorate website include: vomiting, soft feces/diarrhea, fecal occult blood, loss of appetite and lethargy, which in very rare cases may be serious or fatal. It also lists rare incidences of gastro-intestinal bleeding.

However, as side-effects do not have to be reported to the VMD, there is no way of knowing the true scale of the problem.

"I have treated dozens of dogs where these drugs have upset their stomach, but this would not come under SARSS reporting," says Mr. Locke.

Disturbingly, when I repeatedly asked the VMD how many adverse reports it had received about drugs containing carprofen, I was initially told "it would not be simple" to find out. Later I was told I would have to make a Freedom of Information request for the figures, which could take six weeks.

In the U.S., adverse reaction figures are freely available from the FDA to any member of the public. In Britain, pet owners are told the figures could be "commercially sensitive"  even though the same drug companies operate in both countries.

For any medicine to be licensed by the regulatory authorities, it must meet rigorous quality, safety and efficacy standards.

Instead, it was left to Ceva Animal Health to tell me that in the case of Carprodyl, there have been just four SARSS reports, including Abby’s death. During the past year, the company has sold 1.7 million doses of the drug.

"We think this is proven to be a very safe drug," says Martin Mitchell, Ceva’s global director of communications. "I have four dogs, and two of them are on Carprodyl. I would never put any animal at risk, least of all my own."

In the case of Abby, Robin, 68, and his wife Sue feel certain carprofen caused her death. But they’ll never be able to prove it.

In the U.S., however, one couple believe they have evidence directly linking carprofen to the death of their golden retriever, Sophie.

Christopher Cooper and Shelley Smith filed a lawsuit against Pfizer last year after six-year-old Sophie was given the drug, as Rimadyl, to help recover from ligament surgery on a knee.

"We were given the drugs without any information on potential side-effects," Christopher, a 45-year-old businessman, tells me from his home in Colorado.

"If I had known, there’s no way we would have given her Rimadyl. She was in the prime of life."

Instead, she suffered a similar reaction to Abby’s and had to be put down. ‘We have no doubt this drug killed Sophie,’ says Shelley.

The couple’s solicitor, Jennifer Edwards, says: "Since I filed the lawsuit last July, I’ve been contacted by hundreds of dog owners who say they’d like to join a class action. When you consider that kind of response, the company’s safety claims for this drug don’t stack up."

Sue and Robin McGibbon wish they’d known all this before allowing Abby to take Carprodyl.

Martin Mitchell, of Ceva, sent me a copy of the leaflet his company issues with Carprodyl. It includes all the potential side-effects in full accordance with the law.

However, the couple say the pills they got from their veterinary clinic, Tender Paws Ltd, in West Wickham, Kent, appeared to have been repackaged in a "fuchsia-colored" box with a slip of paper inside. I sent them a copy of the official instructions and Sue was shocked when she saw all the potential side-effects  warning that the drug could be fatal.

"We never got this," she says. "The only side-effects that it warned of was diarrhea."
I approached Tender Paws several times, but no one would comment on the repackaging of this drug.

All that remains to be seen is whether the Veterinary Medicines Directorate will take any action — and find out if the practice of re-packaging drugs without adequate warnings is widespread.

Or will it simply hide behind secrecy and Freedom of Information requests? A watchdog without a bite or even a bark.

For any medicine to be licensed by the regulatory authorities, it must meet rigorous quality, safety and efficacy standards. Instead, it was left to Ceva Animal. FOLLOW US!
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Friday, November 2, 2018

The Pros and Cons of Pet Ownership – Are You Really Ready for Pet Ownership?


I have always had a pet in my life. Even as a small child, I had pets. Some my parents would let me keep…and others that belonged to neighbors, that I had to return! I have had dogs, cats, birds, and fish.

As a pet owner, I feel that I can speak freely on my experiences with pet ownership. I had two Shih Tzu’s, Sugar and Domino for twelve years each. I got each of them when they were only months old. They have both crossed over the “Rainbow Bridge”.  Sugar in 2008, and Domino crossed on February 25, 2011.

I believe there is a health benefit to having pets. It is said that they can lower your stress level, and blood pressure. We have all had one of those days when we are not feeling well. One day I had a headache, and was lying on the sofa and fell asleep, only to wake up to warm bodies on me. They had both jumped up on the sofa and cuddled up with me, Domino on my feet and Sugar on my back…it was so cute, I actually forgot about my headache!

Then there are the days when I would arrive home from a stressful day a work, only to be greeted by the sound two yapping little dogs ready to go outside!  Once in the backyard running, and playing with them made the stress of the day slowly fade away.

The Pros:
  • A pet is a wonderful addition to a family. I say “addition”, because eventually they become a part of your family.
  • They are cute, playful and can make you laugh.
  • Dogs are great for protecting you and your home.
  •  If you get one from a shelter you are saving a life.

The Cons:
  • Pets are not toys.
  • Require commitment
  • They can be expensive
  • Hard work
  • Require attention and maintenance

Pets Are Not Toys:
Have you ever noticed people’s reaction to pets in a pet shop. You’ll hear “Awww, look at this one…so cute!” or “I want one”. You may also have noticed someone in the street with a well-groomed dog, and think “that is a cute dog, I sure would like to have one like that”. The truth of the matter is that they are all cute…but require commitment, maintenance and can be expensive!

Pets are not toys, and you should never ever give one as a gift. Pets given as gifts usually end up on the streets or in the animal shelter.  Why? Because the person giving the gift thought it was cute, and would make the recipient happy. The recipient accepting the pet also thought it was cute…until it came time to care for it.

Pets Require Commitment:
Some dogs and cats can live up to 15 years and some longer. Are you committed to taking care of a living-breathing animal for 15 years? There are some birds, especially exotic ones that can live over 50 years.

They Can Be Expensive:
Pets can be expensive! Be mindful of your income before deciding to get a pet. I am not referring to pet food unless you have big pets such as several big dogs or horses!  I am referring to Vet bills, unexpected medical expenses, grooming and boarding.

I will refer to my expenses for my dogs. When they were puppies my grooming bill was $50 per dog approximately every 6 weeks, plus $10 tip ($110 every 6 weeks). They saw the Vet once a year for all of their shots, which was approximately $65 per dog. Unless they got sick…which my did several times. The office visit was $35 plus additional if they needed medication. Did you know that some pet medications could cost as much as human medications?

If you take your pet to an animal hospital they are very expensive. I paid $65 for an emergency visit, this was just for walking in! Then you have your Vet charges and medications. I also paid to have them spayed and neutered.

As my dogs turned in to adults, the grooming charges went up to $65 per dog. Thank God, the yearly visit to the Vet bill remained the same, however, they now needed to be on medication for heartworms, flea and ticks. A six-month package of each would run me approximately $35 - $50 depending. Since the packages contained only six doses, that would only last me 3 months because I had two dogs. I estimated it at being approximately $80 for both treatments every 3 months.

As pets get older, they can start experiencing health problems. Sugar was diagnosed with heart problems in August 2008. She was put on daily medications. In October she was rushed to the animal hospital on three occasions. A few days before she passed she was put on oxygen at $25 an hour. She stayed there for 4 hours ($100).

On the day that Sugar passed, I rushed her to the animal hospital where they began to work on her. They called me to let me know that she had passed, and let me know that I had a balance of  $650 due. I chose to have her cremated and put in an urn for an additional $500.

Domino got sick shortly after Sugar passed, and started chewing on his leg, which required a Vet visit and medication.

Now without Sugar, I only had Domino to worry about. Everything was okay for about two more years. Domino got sick in December 2010, right after Christmas. I took him to his regular Vet, and then there where three more visits to the animal hospital, two in the middle of the night. He had test done, x-rays and was put on medication. Domino had a tumor and past at home on February 25, 2011. I also had him cremated, and he now sits in my curio cabinet next to Sugar.

Hard Work
Did I say hard work? When you get a new puppy or kitten, it requires constant attention, and you will be cleaning up after them. You must pet proof your house! Just as you would for a child. You must take time to train them. This means getting your kitten use to the litter box. Did you know that young kittens have to go several times a day…so yes, you have to take them to the box…several times a day. I had them sectioned off in room outside of my kitchen with a folding gate while I was away. He told me to never give them full run of the house even when I was at home until they became adults. This stops them from getting into things and chewing in other parts of the house. The room was big enough for me to put their feeding bowls and water on one side, and their beds and puppy pads in other areas.

I took them out in the mornings, evenings and at night. I am so glad I have a fenced in backyard. Some people have to walk their dogs!  Taking them out three times a day was cute at first, but after awhile, you realize that you have got to stop in the middle of that good movie, or get up a little earlier for work to take them out. Oh yeah, my husband was on yard patrol with his pooper-scooper!

Sometimes, I would come home and they had been playing in their food, and missed the puppy pad!  Then there was the time when I came home and one had diarrhea and the other was spitting up. Oh, well that comes with the luxury of having pets. I would just clean it up. I can’t tell you how many times that I would be sitting at the dinner table and one would decide to throw their dinner back up!  I would have to run and get the cleaning supplies, and then clean them up. You should always clean up their messes immediately, this eliminates staining and odor. I had to make sure that I kept everything away from them, if I dropped anything they would both come running. Pets will eat anything off of the floor. When Sugar was teething, I bought her teething rings…she still chewed up my coffee table leg. Domino took out my Christmas lights! I am sure that some of you have had your experiences with cleaning up after pets.

Require Attention and Maintenance:
I don’t care what type of pet you have…it requires attention and maintenance. Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, hamster…etc. require play periods and some belly rubs and hugs. Dogs especially love human touch.

When you walk your dog the responsible thing to do as a pet parent is to carry a bag to pick up after them. If you have a pet in a cage…you must clean its cage. Birds will throw food all over the place, go in their water, which must be changed every day.

I currently have a 45 gallon fish aquarium that I maintain. I have approximately 60 tropical fish. I change 15% of their water, clean the sand, filter and the glass. I carry buckets of clean water to refill the tank. I do this, every Saturday…whether I want to or not!

I chose my dogs and my fish, they did not choose me. In doing so, I made a commitment to care for them and help them live happy lives.

Before you choose to become a Pet Owner, please consider some of the things that I have mentioned. If your lifestyle does not give you the time to take care of a pet…don’t get one until you have the time to commit. Also, please don’t buy an animal. A lot of pet shops get their dogs from puppy mills. Consider adoption. Check with you local animal shelter, they always have wonderful animals just looking for a forever home.

My intentions are not to discourage you from getting a pet, but only to let you know the requirements behind those cute little faces. Please take time to think before rushing out to get a pet, don’t buy on impulse, check your finances…and your heart. Are you ready for the commitment?



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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Did You Know that Mulch is Highly Toxic to Pets?


Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don’t have a pet, please pass this to those who do.

Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog (Calypso) decided the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn’t acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Halfway through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company’s web site,

This product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey’s, and they claim that “It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won’t eat it.”

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called ‘Theobromine’. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker’s chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.


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Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Cat Poisoning Advice: A Visual Guide to Keeping Your Pet Safe


Picture of cat log
There are a number of everyday household items that can be poisonous to cats, so as they are inquisitive animals it's important to keep them out of their reach. This visual guide lists some common cat poisons, explains what the symptoms of poisoning are and what to do:

Most importantly, if you suspect your cat has ingested poison, take them to a vet immediately.

COMMON CAT POISONS
Spot On dog flea treatments: Never use a dog treatment on a cat. Some dog flea treatments contain concentrated permethrin insecticide, which is highly toxic to cats. Cats can even be poisoned simply through contact with any dogs that have been recently treated with flea spot on products containing concentrated permethrin, so read labels and take care.

Human medicines: Common painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol can be deadly – just one paracetamol tablet can be enough to cause severe illness or even death.

Antifreeze: Antifreeze is lethal to cats – ingestion of just a small amount can lead to kidney failure and death.

Household chemicals: Disinfectants (particularly those containing phenol, which usually go cloudy when added to water) and decorating agents like white spirit are toxic to cats. Pest control such as slug pellets, insecticides, weed killers and rodent bait are also very dangerous.

Lilies: A number of plants can be toxic to cats, but lilies in particular can be lethal. Cats have been poisoned by simply brushing against toxic plants and then licking the pollen from their fur, so avoid them altogether. You can see a full list of plants that are dangerous to cats on International Cat Care’s website.

Human foods: Certain human foods including onions, raisins, coffee and chocolate can poison your cat. It’s also worth noting that although it’s not poisonous, a common food intolerance in cats is to lactose in milk.

To read more this story, click here: Cat Poisoning Advice: A Visual Guide to Keeping Your Pet Safe


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Sunday, October 14, 2018

Choosing the Best Pet for Your Family


Twice when I was a child, my parents surprised my brother and me with a pet. When I was 8, it was a puppy at Christmas. And when I was 13, a kitten, several months after a beloved cat had died.

We always had a dog or a cat, or both, in the house, and those pets were completely woven into the fabric of our family life. The dogs went on vacations with us; the cats were a fixture at the foot of my bed, or firmly planted between my face and whatever book I was reading. We were devastated when they died.

Of all of the pets that came and went, though, the two I remember most were the ones Mom and Dad sprung on us when we weren’t expecting it. Being a kid, I figured they had stopped somewhere on a whim and picked up the new animal on the way home.

Now I know better.

My husband and I surprised our own children with a kitten a few years ago, much to their delight. Just as my brother and I didn’t know how much planning went into my parents’ surprises, our kids didn’t know that we spent many evenings weighing the pros and cons of getting a cat. I had lived with cats my entire life, but I read “Cats for Dummies” and found out how much I didn’t know. (Cats have a pattern on their noses that is unique, just like a human fingerprint!)

We visited the shelter and played with several animals before choosing one. Then we waited a week for our application to be approved, and for her to get spayed. There was a lot that went into her popping her little head out of a picnic basket one Saturday morning and worming her way into all of our hearts.

The right pet in the right home can be one of the best experiences you can give your child. Pet ownership can teach a child about responsibility and unconditional love. But the wrong pet at the wrong time can lead to a heartbreaking disaster for everyone, including the animal.

To read more on this story, click here: Choosing the Best Pet for Your Family

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Saturday, October 13, 2018

Large Study Finds Pet Owners Are Different


You’ve seen headlines like “Puppy Love: Pet Owners Are Happier, Healthier” and "How Pets Save Us Billions Every Year In Health Care Costs!" And it is true that a lot of studies have reported that pet owners have better physical and mental health than people who do not live with companion animals. But as I have pointed out in previous posts, the results of this body of research have been mixed (here and here). Further, we do not know whether getting a pet causes better health, or whether the causal arrow points in the other direction. In other words, pet owners might be different to begin with. If so, non-pet-related differences such as socioeconomic status might be the real cause of better health for companion animal owners. For example, people who are married, white, female, and wealthy have lower death rates. If individuals with these characteristics are also more likely to live with pets, we could wrongly conclude that it is dog or cat ownership that makes them live longer.

If we really want to understand the effects of companion animals on human health, we also need to know how pet owners and non-pet owners differ in terms of demographics. Investigators from the Rand Corporation and UCLA used a large data set to address this question. Recently published in the journal PLOS One, their research report offers important insights into the differences between pet owners and non-pet owners and the impact of pets on our health.

To read more on this story, click here: Large Study Finds Pet Owners Are Different

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Monday, October 8, 2018

What Every Ferret Owner Should Know about Insulinomas


What is an Insulinoma? 

Tumors of the pancreas (insulinoma) can cause excess secretion of insulin, thus lowering the blood glucose (sugar) level to a point that a ferret can become ill. Unfortunately, this is a relatively common problem in middle aged and older ferrets.

Symptoms
Some ferrets do not show any symptoms while others exhibit lethargy and weakness. There might be a decrease in appetite and weight loss. These symptoms might even come and go over a period of months. Some ferrets will have increased salivation and even a glazed appearance to the eyes, and might even collapse or have seizures.

Diagnosis
Some ferrets are diagnosed as having an insulinoma when an abdominal surgery is being performed for other reasons (adrenal gland disease, spay, liver disease ). This is especially true for the ferrets that are not showing any symptoms of this disease. For those ferrets that are symptomatic of insulinoma, the diagnosis is made based on history, examination findings, and diagnostic tests.










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Wednesday, October 3, 2018

The 10 Most Common Mistakes That Dog Owners Make


1. Not Reading Up on Different Dog Breeds 

The most common mistake future dog owners make, according to Gina Spadafori, pet columnist and executive editor of PetConnection.com, is not doing enough research before heading to the breeder or shelter. "People end up with a pet that is inappropriate for their home, their living situation and their lifestyle," says Spadafori.

"Dogs come in such a huge range of sizes, temperaments and exercise needs." Before you buy or adopt, consider your space, children, other pets and any allergies. If you have a particular breed in mind, pay attention to genetic traits. "Know what genetic diseases are possible in the breed or the mix of breeds you're getting," Spadafori says. "And do not get a dog from a breeder who did not do the genetic testing." To find out what tests each breed needs, visit CanineHealthInfo.org.


2. Assuming a Puppy Is Always Better Than a Dog

Puppies are extremely needy, requiring ample amounts of time, attention, training and more. "When people think about puppies, they don't think about how much time and money is involved in that first year," Spadafori says. "If your real goal is to get a good dog, then pick one that is 1 or 2 years old." A number of breeders train dogs for shows, and if those dogs don't make the cut for whatever reason, the breeder will be looking to place that dog, who is already trained and socialized in a good home.

Great dogs are also available at animal shelters. "It’s a mistake to think the older dog won't bond with you," Spadafori says. "The best dog I ever had I got at 2 years old. Rescue dogs know when they've found their forever home."


3. Not Making Exercise a Priority

Dogs are physical animals, and need daily exercise for optimal health, which means their owners need to make time for that as well. "Dogs had a working role in the past. They herded cattle, they guarded stuff, they retrieved stuff…now they're born retired," says Marty Becker, DVM, author of Your Dog: The Owner's Manual. He recommends brisk walks, playing fetch with tennis balls and, for larger breeds such as golden retrievers, a Chuckit Ball Launcher. "A basic rule of thumb is that all dogs should receive at least 45 to 60 total minutes per day of physical exercise and 15 minutes of behavioral training to be happy, well-adjusted canines," says Michael Landa, CEO of Natural Pet Food brand Nulo. "And this is really just a starting point. The actual amount can vary greatly depending on the dog's age, breed and health status."


4. Not Reading Pet Food Labels

While many people pick their dog food based on price, there are several other important factors to consider, particularly nutrition. "Pet food can have a huge effect on how your pet feels, which can translate into how your pet behaves," Landa says. The key is understanding the ingredient list. "The first two ingredients should be meat and meat meals.

Dogs are carnivores. They really need high-meat diets, and that's the only way to guarantee you'll have a high amount of protein," Landa says, recommending brands such as Nulo, Wellness and Castor & Pollux.


5. Doling Out Too Many Treats

Obesity is a huge problem with dogs, especially in the United States. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. "Everybody gives treats; veterinary nutritionists give their pets treats," Dr. Becker says. However, he cautions that treats have their place, and should be used sparingly. Instead of special snacks, Dr. Becker recommends taking their regular food and giving it to them away from the bowl, which turns it into a treat. Or just give your pet more words of encouragement or "emotional Milk-Bones," as Dr. Becker calls them, such as: "You're a good boy," "That's a good girl!" “They go crazy, their tails wag and there are no empty calories." Whatever approach you take, Dr. Becker advises that treats should never account for more than 10 percent of your dog's daily caloric intake.


6. Babying Your Dog Too Much

Dressing them up, talking baby talk and sleeping with your dog may sound like good ways to show love, but that’s not always the case. "It may be good for us, but it is not the best thing for your dog," Landa says. "People think it's really cute to have their dog sleep with them in bed, but dogs are pack animals, so if you're letting your dog into the bed without permission, your dog begins to think of itself as on par with the pack master." This makes it harder to enforce rules and control bad behavior. "You're telling him on the one hand that he's equal to you, and on the other that he's not, so it can create anxiety," he says.

Boundaries and rules make dogs happier because they know exactly where they fit in. If you do want to sleep with your dog, Landa recommends only letting him on the bed when you invite him, so that there is a clear division of authority.


7. Washing Your Dog Only When Dirty

Bathing your dog can be cumbersome, but it’s essential for his or her health. Veterinary dermatologists recommend bathing your dog once a week to get rid of spores, dust, dust mites and even MRSA, the highly resistant staph virus. "Most of the time humans give MRSA to pets, and pets act as a reservoir and ping-pong it back and forth.

A new study showed that bathing was more effective for getting rid of it than using antibiotic treatments," Dr. Becker says. Plus, a clean coat makes for an even more huggable dog.


8. Not Brushing Their Teeth

Sometimes you don't even want to brush your own teeth, let alone your dog's. But according to Dr. Becker, this is one of the biggest problems in canine health. "The number-one thing we diagnose is periodontal disease,” he says. “So if you do daily oral care, or even a few times weekly, you'll be saving yourself money in the end." Brushing every day is the gold standard. But if you can't, there are alternatives, such as a dental vaccine against periodontal disease, as well as oral health products, like the C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit and C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews. "Dog's teeth are not only used for chewing, they are their front hands, that's how they pick up something and carry it," says Dr. Becker.

More important, they need their teeth to regulate their body temperature. "If those teeth aren't in place, they can't pant, and if they can't pant, they can't regulate heat


9. Passing on Parasite Control

Parasite control isn’t a pleasant topic, but it’s a necessary one. Year-round coverage is essential; to prevent parasites, get a veterinary checkup every six to 12 months, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's guidelines.

Ask your veterinarian what parasites your dog is at risk for, it will depend on your pet's lifestyle, location and anything that's going around the neighborhood. In addition, have a heartworm test performed annually, and a fecal examination at least twice a year to make sure your pet’s system is clear.


10. Being Unprepared for Serious Illness

Understanding your dog’s breed and its healthcare needs is important, but it’s especially important when it comes to recognizing the symptoms of serious illness. "Have a basic list of symptoms handy," recommends Spadafori. "Knowing what is and isn't an emergency will save your dog's life and save you a lot of money." And if your pet is sick, don’t waste time trying to help him yourself. "If you are worried your dog is critically ill, you need to get hold of a vet. You cannot go online and get a diagnosis or a cure," she says. "People think they're saving money by not going to the vet, but then you're going to end up with a very sick dog and spend a lot more money." Before an emergency arises, inform yourself by researching your dog at DoggedHealth.com or at Animal.Discovery.com.

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