Some Special Health Problems That Are Associated With German Shepherds

 There are some special health problems that are associated with German Shepherds.  Some are hereditary but you may be able to avoid by choosing a reputable breeder.

1. Hip Dysplasia 

Hip Dysplasia is probably the most common hereditary condition for German Shepherds. However, you can reduce the chances of your dog being affected by keeping exercise to a gentle level until your dog is at least 6 months old. You should also check the hip scores of parents.

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Virginia Creates Nation's First Attorney General's Animal Law Unit

Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring has created the nation's first attorney general's Animal Law unit.

The small group of existing staff attorneys will spend a portion of their time working with local law enforcement and state agencies on issues involving animal welfare, animal fighting or abuse,  attorney general's office said in a statement Thursday.


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Find the Owner: "Reward" to Track Down Britain's Most Wanted Dog Owner

The Daily Echo has today launched a "reward" to track down Britain's most wanted dog owner.

It comes after nine dogs were callously dumped in the countryside in such a state they could not see, walk or stand.

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What to Do if You See a Dog Chained Up in Freezing Temperatures

For animal lovers, seeing a dog tied up outside elicits a visceral response. Many times the chain is meant as a dog sitter, a way to get the dog out of its owner’s hair. The dog is stuck and if the owner is not paying attention, the dog could get tangled up and severely — or fatally — injure themselves.

The situation becomes even worse when the dog is left out in freezing conditions. A dog’s fur coat can only go so far, with shorter-hared dogs like chihuahuas and Jack Russell terriers succumbing to the cold quicker than heavy-coated dogs like Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes. In fact, a dog like the Jack Russell Terrier may start to shiver if it is left out for too long in weather that is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Even leaving your dog in the car during these temperatures is considered neglect. A car cools down as quickly as it warms up, so if you are gone for more than 10 minutes, a dog will start suffering from the cold.

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The Health Benefits Of Mushrooms For Dogs

Our kitchen cupboard at home always contained at least one can of button mushrooms. My mom made thick tomato sauce with meatballs, and it was always dotted with mushrooms. At the time, we never thought of these small “fungi” as being magical in any way. But button mushrooms have as much antioxidant clout as many fancy shaped and scented medicinal mushrooms that have popped up in health food and grocery stores. And mushrooms of many kinds aren’t just good for us – they’re good for our animal companions too.

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WARNING: Several Dogs Have Gotten Sick After Eating What Are Being Called Raw Sausages Stuffed With Pills, Which Were Scattered in an Arlington, Virginia Neighborhood

Arlington, Va. - It's hard to stomach, but it seems as though someone may be trying to harm dogs in Arlington. Two pets ate poisoned meat that was purposely placed along sidewalks, and now neighbors are fighting back.

In the last few days, several dogs have gotten sick after eating what are being called raw sausages stuffed with pills, which were scattered along sidewalks along North Columbus Street, just off of Lee Highway. The area is heavily residential, which means many dogs may have followed the same path while out walking with their owners.

So far, two dogs have gotten sick and been hospitalized at the Hope Center in Vienna. Those dogs are now back at home with their owners, and they continue to be monitored.

As of Monday night, the tainted meat had been picked up, but concerned pet owners posted signs throughout the neighborhood warning others to be aware and have their dogs checked out by a vet if they start to exhibit symptoms.

If you live in the area and have walked a pet that is experiencing symptoms which might include pacing, hyperactivity, panting, diarrhea, or lip licking, you should get them to a doctor because it's possible they may be a victim.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is investigating. They're looking for witnesses who may have seen someone tossing poisoned meat long the sidewalks. They say this situation is a reminder to watch what your pets are eating while you walk them—not only in Arlington, but anywhere.

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How to Recognize Poisoning in Dogs

Dogs cannot use words to tell you they are feeling bad but they often display non-verbal cues that can help owners recognize internal illness such as accidental poisoning. Signs that your dog ingested something toxic range from straightforward clues such as fainting, vomiting, loosing fur, and seizures to subtle signs including lethargy, black stools and heavy panting. If you suspect your dog is suffering from poisoning, thoroughly examine your dog and surrounding environment, then call your veterinarian.


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In Less Than 13 Days, Oregon Dachshund Rescue, Inc., Will Have To Vacate, Leaving These Dogs Homeless - Please Donate If You Can, And Share

Sharing for my friends at: Oregon Dachshund Rescue, INC.

In less than 13 DAYS.. Oregon Dachshund Rescue, INC. rescue doxies will no longer have a place to call home...

Oregon Dachshund Rescue Inc. is desperate and needs your help!

The location in which the rescue dachshunds live in, are cared for and most importantly, saved, is being listed on the market and we are down to less than two weeks left to vacate.

We are still short the down payment on another property and are reaching out to you for any donation you can make. If everyone could just do $5 or $10, it all adds up! As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Oregon Dachshund Rescue Inc. will provide a tax-deductible receipt.

If you can help, please donate! Please also share this to friends and associates who might not know about us but share in the same passion in making a difference in the lives of these wonderful dogs.

Thanks so much!

Donations may be made either by check to:

Oregon Dachshund Rescue Inc.
P. O. Box 820082
Portland, OR 97282
Via PayPal to jrangan@comcast.net

Or simply give Jenell a call at 503-313-3220 to make a CC donation.

Visit them on Facebook: Oregon Dachshund Rescue Inc.
Website: http://www.odr-inc.org/

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 at: www.whispersoftheworld.com

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The FDA Issued a Warning Letter to a Purina Pet Food Canning Facility Finding 'Significant Deviations' from Pet Food Regulations

The FDA issued a Warning Letter to a Purina Pet Food canning facility finding 'significant deviations' from pet food regulations. Though no recalls have been issued, FDA had serious concerns about this pet food plant.

The FDA Warning Letter stated their inspection lasted for two weeks – from September 15, 2014 through October 1, 2014. Inspection revealed “that your facility has significant deviations from the LACF (low-acid can food) regulations.”

The inspection found that this Purina plant deviated from the required processing of the pet food – and further did not document the deviation (as required by law). The FDA Warning Letter stated “your firm did not provide documentation associated with the evaluation of the entire lot of product affected by the process deviation and did not provide documentation and/or the specifics of your corrective action plan in order to ensure that your firm will prevent these occurrences in the future.”

FDA also found temperature drop concerns with the pet food manufactured at this plant. Law requires canned pet food to be heated to specific temperatures and any variations of these required temperatures are required to be noted in a log. This Purina plant did not document the drop in temperatures.

FDA “observed” that the conveyor system in this plant did “not have adequate protection in place to prevent an unprocessed can” from ultimately reaching the consumer. An ‘unprocessed can’ of pet food would be an uncooked can of pet food – uncooked can of feed grade ingredients that could be full of dangerous bacteria. Purina responded to FDA they are in the process of correcting this issue, however FDA stated “We do not consider this response acceptable because you did not provide specifics of your corrective action plan in order to INSURE that your firm will prevent these occurrences in the future.”

The public FDA Warning Letter to Purina  – posted on the FDA website – does not provide lot numbers of products involved. The only information consumers have is product names – listed below. All of these products are canned/moist foods.

Alpo PRIME Cuts with Beef
Alpo Chop House Originals Filet Mignon
Alpo Chop House Originals roasted Chicken
Friskies Mariner’s Catch
Friskies Mixed Grill
Friskies Gravy Sensations with Turkey and Giblets
Friskies Supreme Supper
Friskies Indoor Chicken
Friskies Salmon Dinner
Mighty Dog Chicken Egg & Bacon Country Platter
Mighty Dog Chop House Originals Filet Mignon
Mighty Dog Lamb and Rice
ProPlan Senior Beef and Rice Entrée

If you are feeding your pet one of these products – please pay close attention to your pet’s health. Should any illness occur, notify your veterinarian first, the FDA second.

You can report a pet illness to the FDA here: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm

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Have You Heard About The Worlds First Airport Terminal for Animals?

Air travel can be such a nightmare, but one airport is determined to improve the experience… for animals, that is.

John F. Kennedy Airport is set to open the first privately-owned animal terminal in the world. It will be called, naturally, The Ark.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has signed a 30-year lease deal with Ark Development, an affiliate of the real estate company Racebrook Capital, to design and build a 178,000-square-foot animal cargo facility at the Queens, New York-based airport.

The $48m project will create 180 jobs and generate $108m in revenues over its 30-year span, the organizers said.

“For the animals who [will] pass through The Ark, as well as the people who own them, air travel can be stressful and confusing,” said Cliff Bollmann, an architect at Gensler, one of the firms designing the facility. “Aligning the needs of quarantine with kennelling and elevating the experience for animals and their owners, our design team sought to create a comfortable, healthy environment for them all.”

The Ark, which is scheduled to open in the early months of 2016, will include a departure lounge with comfortable places to sit, eat and drink (Costa Coffee for critters?), individual climate-controlled bedrooms for horses and cattle, a vet, an aviary and a Paradise 4 Paws for cats and dogs.

JFK is one of the busiest airports in the world, with some 50m people a year landing and taking off from its runways.

John J. Cuticelli, Jr, the chairman of Racebrook Capital, said the concept tackles “unmet needs” of travelling companion, sporting and agricultural animals. The terminal “will set new international airport standards for comprehensive veterinary, kennelling and quarantine services.”

If only someone would think of a way to make the flying experience that pleasant for humans.

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A Volunteer Firefighter in Peru Tied a Stray Dog to the Back of his Vehicle and Dragged it Through the Streets to Teach Him a Lesson

A volunteer firefighter in Peru tied a stray dog to the back of his vehicle and dragged it through the streets to teach him a lesson for allegedly biting his son.  

Fortunately, locals were outraged and barricaded his car and got the dog to a veterinarian.

Five-year-old Paco suffered four broken legs and lost all the pads on his feet as he struggled to keep up with the SUV he was tied to as it sped through the streets of Salamanca de Monterrico in Peru.  He had also been kicked several times before being tethered to the car.

Jose Percy Chiroque Chacon told the questioning police that he was punishing the dog for biting his son.  He said he grabbed the dog and tied it up before heading off around town.

Residents saw the tormented dog and blocked off Chacon’s vehicle, forcing him to stop.  They detached Paco and took him to an animal hospital.  Vets said all his pads were scraped off and he lost several claws.

Locals are outraged and say that Paco is a beloved member of the community and has never bitten anyone.

“Everybody around here knows Paco,” one neighbor explained.  “He is really friendly and that’s why he gets fed a lot and hangs around.  Nobody has ever heard of him biting anybody and we very much doubt he bit the man’s son.”

An animal protection law was passed in Peru in 2000, but it is unclear if charges are being brought against Chacon.  However, General Commander Gonzalo Lostaunau Silva of the Volunteer Fire Department of Peru said the man’s actions do not represent the oath their firefighters take and go against the values for which they stand.  He will no longer be working for them.

Hopefully Paco will be well-cared for a recover.

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Food Allergies Could Cause Your Dog to Scratch Excessively

There is an ever raging debate of what dogs should and shouldn't eat. Dogs are scavengers by nature and most dogs will munch down on almost anything, but that doesn't mean everything that gets in their way is good for them. Food allergies are fairly common amongst dogs, and a pet can develop an allergy at any age.

The most common allergy in dogs is flea bites. The second most common is created by inhaling allergens, such as molds and pollen. Food allergies come in on third place.

Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to something that's not really a threat; the immune system believes something is foreign and should be eradicated. This is normally an important defense mechanism that protects the body, but when it comes to an allergy the immune system reacts to something that wouldn't otherwise be a problem.

Dogs are most often allergic to beef, dairy products, chicken, eggs, corn, soy, and wheat. To develop a food allergy, a dog must be exposed to the same ingredient for at least a couple of years.

Symptoms include excessive scratching, paw licking, paw chewing, repeated ear infections, rashes, and stomach problems. Some dogs with food allergies scratch until they lose all hair in an area.

If your dog develops a food allergy, he or she needs to stay away from that specific ingredient. In order to find out what causes the problem, you will need to feed the dog something completely different from what they've eaten in the past.

The dog should eat the new food for two to three months. During this time there can be no treats or tastes of human food. Once the dog is free of symptoms, add back one ingredient at a time to see if and when the immune system reacts.

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What To Do When Your Dog Is Afraid Of Thunderstorms

Some dogs demonstrate radical behavior in response to storm or noise phobias. Some researchers believe it is more than simply the noise of the thunder that triggers their fear. Studies have shown that dogs may hear distant thunder claps of approaching storms long before we do, and they also may be able to smell the moisture of coming rain, maybe even sense static electricity generated by electrical storms, and feel changes in barometric pressure.

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Watch: Hippo Charges at Boat Full of Tourists (Video)

The tourists definitely did not see that coming.

In a video posted to YouTube on Jan. 11, folks experience a hippo charging at a Pangolin Photo Safari boat in Kasana, Botswana.

The hippo dashed at the boat on the Chobe River, which runs along the northeast border of the Chobe National Park in Africa.

YouTube user David Jackson said in the comments section that the video was taken by his son Craig Clive Jackson while the pair were on a safari.

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Why This Stray Cat Is Being Hailed a Hero

While some cats don't have the sweetest of reputations, Masha, a stray cat from western Russia, is being called a lifesaver. The long-haired cat stumbled upon an abandoned baby boy in a box on the street. With frigid temperatures, the baby ran the risk of freezing or worse. Before that could happen, Masha jumped into the box to keep the baby warm.

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How to Handle a Seizure Emergency in Dogs

Seizures are extremely frightening, especially when they occur out of the blue and your dog has no history of seizures.  Seizures in dogs can be caused my many health issues or trauma so during your initial response to your dog’s seizure, it is important to look for any signs of trauma or incidence of poisoning.

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Los Angeles Woman Has Her 8 Foot Alligator Pet Seized by Cops After Claims She Was Feeding it Feral Cats After the Creature Was Found Surrounded by Kitten Carcasses

California animal control discovered an eight-foot alligator surrounded by the bodies of two cats at a suburban Los Angeles home on Monday.

The female crocodile named Jaxson was found in a box with a lid at the home of Laura Mattson, who had been caring for the reptile for years, possibly decades.

'It was found under foliage and debris. You had to be looking for it to locate it,' said Mark Salazar, of field operations director for Los Angeles Animal Services, who said experts estimate Jaxson is 40 years old.

To read more on this story, click here: Los Angeles Woman Has Her 8 Foot Alligator Pet Seized by Cops After Claims She Was Feeding it Feral Cats FOLLOW US!

9 Totally Fascinating Facts About Cats (Video)

Cats have a reputation for being a bit mysterious, but devoted owners often come to love their kitten's quirks and personality. However, as the folks at Buzzfeed discovered, there's still much to learn about the everyday feline. Watch this fun video to find out why your cat purrs, whether its right-pawed or left-pawed (yep, they're just like us!), and more.

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Meet Miracle Mike the Colorado Chicken Who Lived for 18 Months Without His Head

Mike meet everyone, everyone meet Mike. No, no, don’t wave. He can’t see, you’re just making this awkward.

Also known as Miracle Mike, Mike the Headless Chicken was a plump, five-year-old cockerel when he was unceremoniously beheaded on 10 September 1945. Farmer Lloyd Olsen of Fruita in Colorado did the deed because his wife Clara was having her mother over for dinner that night, and Olsen knew she’d always enjoyed a bit of roast chicken neck. With that in mind, Olsen tried to save most of Mike’s neck as he lopped his head off, but in doing so, he accidentally made his axe miss Mike’s jugular vein, plus one ear and most of his brain stem, and to his surprise, Mike didn't die.

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Northwest Boxer Rescue: The Importance of Collar-Less Dog Play

Sharing from my friends at, Northwest Boxer Rescue

A few years ago I was pretty shaken by a phenomenon I had never heard about: the intense, chaotic, life-or-death struggle that ensues when one dog gets his jaw stuck in another dog’s collar.

It happened to two dogs that live a few houses down from my home office. I was working at my computer when I heard a dog’s horrifying screaming. I leaped up from my desk and ran outside toward the screaming.

It was a young Malamute and a Lab-mix in the back yard of a house down the street. One had grabbed his friend’s collar and then mostly likely rolled over, twisting his lower jaw in the collar. His tooth had somehow gotten stuck under the collar; he was the one making all the noise.

His buddy was not screaming; he was fighting for his life, and being choked to death by his own collar. Both dogs were thrashing in pain and fear. The owners were not home but thankfully a neighbor and I were able to help.

I grabbed one dog by the scruff; he grabbed the other. The neighbor quickly found the collar with a quick release buckle and it released.

These dogs survived the experience. A couple days ago a dedicated NWBR volunteer encountered a similar situation and her dog wasn’t so lucky. We share this story so you can be aware of this risk and take preventative measures when your dog is playing with other dogs.

Here are five things you can do to keep your dog safe when he’s playing with other dogs.

1. Play Naked! Remove your dog’s collar or harness.

2. Use a Collar With a Quick-Release Buckle. If you’re nervous about having your dog naked (and without ID), get your dog chipped or use a collar with a buckle that can be released even under tension. Another option is a safety breakaway collar (but do not use when walking your dog).

3. Don’t Allow Your Dog to Play With Dogs Who Are Wearing Gear. At times, this may mean your dog won’t be able to play at a dog park, because it’s nearly impossible to get everyone to comply with sensible rules at a dog park.

4. Spread The Word. Share this story so others can consider this potential hazard they can prevent a tragedy happening to their dogs.

5. Keep Something Sharp Handy. This is quite a long shot – and yet, this may be your only option to help a dog quickly.

Like them Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestBoxerRescue?fref=photo
Visit their website at: http://www.nwboxerrescue.org/

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Pet Lovers, Win a Beautiful Pewter Peace, Love and Paws Bracelet and Book Prize Pack from Auction4PetSupplies

We’ve got a fun price pack from Auction4PetSupplies, a site that lets you sell or shop for new and gently used pet supplies by auction. (The site does NOT permit selling of animals on the site, only pet supplies!) Not only can you find some great pet products at a discount or make some money selling gently-used pet supplies, but a portion of the proceeds goes to help rescue organizations!

The winner will receive a prize pack of two great prizes, starting with a silver-plated charm bracelet. The bracelet features a pewter Peace Love Paws Charm donated by Auction4PetSupplies.

Ready to enter, click here: Auction4PetSupplies

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'She's The Daughter I Never Had': Meet Bella Mia The Trust Fund Dog Who Has A $100,000 A Year Allowance for Paw-dicures And Designer Shopping Sprees

Forget give the dog a bone, this pampered pooch would likely dine on filet mignon and lobster given half the chance.

Bella Mia, a three-year-old full-breed Maltese from Great Neck, New York, is said to be one of the richest dogs in the world with a six-figure trust fund under her collar.

Last year, her owner Rose Ann Bolasny gave her a $100,000-a-year allowance to play with towards weekly paw-dicures, haircuts and designer shopping sprees.

The 60-year-old accountant, who has two adult sons, says Bella Mia is the 'daughter she never had' and likes to refer to her as a child instead of an animal.

To read more on this story, click here: 'She's The Daughter I Never Had': Meet Bella Mia The Trust Fund Dog

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Coolridge Animal Hospital: Visit Our Online Pet Pharmacy and Pet Store

We are pleased to introduce our new online store. You will find all manufacture coupons and rebates on the site. If we have your email address you will be receiving a welcome letter and a $5.00 off coupon if we don't have you email call us and give to us, as coupons are emailed to you throughout the year.

To visit our store, click here: Coolridge Animal Hospital Online Store

If you are a current client, please share the card below with family and friends!

Website: http://www.coolridgeah.com/


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Betty White Gets the Sweetest Surprise Birthday Flash Mob

Betty White is officially 93 as of Saturday, and she received one sweet surprise!

Everyday on the Hot in Cleveland set, Betty is greeted by her assistant with a hula. So in honor of her special day, she was greeted by not just by her assistant in a hula but an entire hula flash mob on set!

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This Hamster Is Living The Good Life (Video)

This little hamster is living the good life! She has a big house, a car…and loves to eat! Watch as she goes through her daily routine.





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