My Friendly Pets

Doggles are goggles for dogs that have gained popularity for our four legged friends because of their practicality, ease of use, and their “coolness” factor. So why would you buy goggles for your dog? A dog’s eyes are senstitive to sunlight just like yours and mine. Just as you and I are encouraged to block UV rays from our eyes, we should do so for our dogs to prevent sun damage to the eyes. This is particularly true if your dog suffers from an increasingly common eye disease known as Pannus. While the exact causes of this disease are not known, we do know that ultraviolet radiation plays a significant role in propagating this disease. A dog with this eye disease needs chronic treatment and the disease could lead to blindness. Doggles block 99 - 100% of the UV raise, thereby minimizing sun damage to the dog’s eyes.

The lenses that are made for the doggles are shatterproof and that is a blessing for those rough and tumble dogs. For those of you who have a dog that enjoys riding with their head out the car window (not a great idea, but some still do it), and you fear, dust, dirt or debris will end up in the eyes of your dog, fear no more, because the doggles will help protect those soulful eyes that you love so much. And of course, they must be comfortable, because we wouldn’t want our loveable pooches to be uncomfortable. So how does Doggles insure their utmost comfort? Doggles feature the following:
Flexible snug-fitting frames
Foam padding for comfort
Shatterproof & anti-fog lenses
Deeper eye-cup to ensure your dogs eyes are safe whilst wearing Doggles
Adjustable elastic head and chin straps to keep Doggles secure

Goggles for dogs aren’t the only things that are made and sold by
Doggles. They have a complete line of apparel, collars, necklaces and health items. There are dog hats, dog art and even other dog comfort products. Check them out by clicking here.

If you haven’t seen all of the reality TV that you need in a lifetime already, and are a dog lover, you are in for a treat. On CBS networks beginning on July 10th, will be a new show titled, Greatest American Dog. How can a show with dogs possibly be good reality t.v.? Well, check it out!!! Twelve teams of dogs and their owners from all over the country will come together and live in the same house. The owners’ ability to train their dogs will be tested through many challenges and the teams will compete against each other. Each week a team of a dog and owner will be eliminated until there is one remaining team. The team will win $250,000 and the title of Greatest American Dog.

If you enjoyed shows like Real World, Big Brother or even the Surreal Life, this should come pretty close to that type of entertainment…only better, remember there are dogs in it. So you not only watch the dynamics of the people and how they get along in the house, but you also get to watch how the dogs interact as well. I think there will be some true drama. In fact, one of the contestants announced in the preview video (which can be seen here) that she is an “alpha bitch” and says that being in the house with twelve other people and their dogs will be a “true challenge”. The contestants and their dogs will compete in various types of training challenges and will be rewarded or not based on their performance. For example, a winner of the dog bone competition will be able to spend time in the dog bone room, which is supposed to be the best in the house, while the loser ( and his owner) will have to stay out in the dog house…and it truly is a dog house without any human amenities.

You can count on me watching, reviewing and rating the dogs as the summer goes on. This is one reality show I won’t want to miss, and you won’t either. Check your local CBS listings for days and times of the show….!!!

With the increase in housing forclosures and bankruptcies, humans are not the only victims of this economic suffering. Unfortunately shelters are being swamped with animals who are being abandoned because their owners are just up and leaving their homes and can’t take their dogs with them. While the amount of animals increasing in shelters is alarming, it is still a better alternative than just leaving your dog in the house to die, which is also happening around the country.

The mortgage crisis is not the only reason why people are having difficult economic time. We are all victims of increased energy costs. Most of us are worried about how we are going to pay for gas and oil to heat our homes. The increasing price of food and other household goods due to natural events as well as increased energy costs have also caused people to abandon their dogs because they can’t afford to feed them or keep them healthy. Bringing a dog for well care visits, keeping up on vaccinations and spaying or neutering can be expensive. If people don’t have money for their basic expenses, many will neglect the needs of their dogs.

I am not condemning those who have run into economic hard times. We are all victims of the rising costs to live in this country. But we can’t allow those dogs, who we promised to care for and who love us unconditionally, to suffer. They too are innocent victims. There are many ways to keep your animals as part of your family and afford to do so. Many local municipalities will offer vaccine clinics and discounted heartworm and tick preventative medications. There are also places where spaying and neutering will be performed at discount rates. It is not necessary to bring other dogs into this world if you can’t take care of the ones you have already. And finally, if you cannot take your dog with you or absolutely cannot afford to keep your dog, don’t abandon it or drive and dump it somewhere, take it to a shelter where you know it will be cared for until adopted. While shelters are full and resources scarce, your dog will be better cared for than leaving it to starve or fend for itself.

Just like humans, dogs can have heart murmurs. A heart murmur means that there is an abnormal blood flow in the heart, which may be caused by a malfunction of the heart valves or a lack of communication between the left side and the right side of the heart. So how does a dog get a heart murmur? There are several reasons why a heart murmur may exist in your dog. Your dog may have a congenital heart defect, meaning that they have had it since birth, or it can develop in your dog as a result of a diseases and changes in the heart valves of your dog over time.

So how do you know if your dog has a heart murmur? Your dog can be diagnosed in a variety of ways, which I’ll mention in a bit, but you might notice symptoms as warnings that will warrant a visit to the vet. Symptoms may include one or more of the following: coughing, difficulty in breathing, a lack of energy or enthusiasm for exercise, fainting or a blue tinge to the gums or toungue, which would indicate insufficient blood flow. The vet may be able to pinpoint the murmur, and severity with a physical exam of your dog, but may also require other diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram or an x-ray.

So if your dog is diagnosed with a murmur, what do you do? If your dog is a puppy and is diagnosed with a heart murmur, the vet might take a “wait and see” attitude. Very often, this condition, as with human children disappears with age. In many cases, the existence of a heart murmur may not affect your dog at all. In other cases, the dog may possibly be treated with medication or with a surgical procedure. As with any medical condition, it is good to get a second opinion, so if your dog is diagnosed with a heart murmur, you may want to request a referral to a canine cardiologist as this type of vet will have specialized knowledge of your dog’s condition.

Just when you thought you had seen everything possible about the pups you love, how about being witness to the nuptuals of those love pups? Well, wait no longer. WE TV, famous for the shows about weddings such as Bridezillas and Platinum weddings now has a new series called Puppy Weddings. There are new episodes of dogs getting hitched every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in June.

There is the dog wedding story of Sallie Sue and Harry, who met through a chance meeting during walks through the streets of New York City and their wedding was a true NYC event. Stanley’s and Mimi’s courtship was a bit different. They met on a blind date set up by their Mom’s. At the last minute, before their wedding, Mimi decided she wasn’t ready to tie the knot and the wedding was off!!! And lets not forget Eli and Vanilla, two chihauhuas who went to the alter in style. They got married in a Central Park carriage ride. For all of you who don’t believe these stories and want to watch for yourself, just watch here. You’ll be a believer in true puppy love.

Now what do you serve at puppy weddings? Well, I’m sure there is the traditional fare, but you can’t forget the doggie wedding cake and there is plenty of cakes to choose from at Pet Cakes.com. Check it out by clicking here
There is a heart shaped cake called the Suzy medium cake and it comes in chicken beef or turkey flavor. What a hit that would be and show the love of these pups in such a delicious way. Oh, but there’s more!!! How about the Max Brown Round Cake? Again, it comes in chicken, beef or turkey flavor, but its made with carob instead of chocolate…so Fido and his bride can enjoy without the fear of getting sick!!!

So if you can match your pup with another for eternity, you can share all of joys of preparing a wedding, the tears that come from paying for it and the enjoyment of the bride and groom as they feast on the treats you’ve had prepared for them….!!!

Well, its a warm Friday (almost summer)evening where I live. A few cars are whizzing by and the chirps of several birds can be heard in the distance. Every once in a while a lone dog barks, letting his owner know that he is still around and requires some attention. Because it is such a lazy Friday, I wanted this entry to be relaxing and fun and I think I’ve found a couple of things I believe you’ll enjoy.

Remember, I said its summer, so “I scream, you scream; we all scream for ice cream!!!” Does anyone recall that from their youth? Well, now you can share that delicious treat with your pooch and not be concerned about the people food your dog might be eating. In conjunction with Pedigree, the pet food company, another famous company, named Good Humor has come up with an ice cream sandwich for dogs!!! Yes that’s right!!! Both companies got together and came up with a special formula that dogs would be able to tolerate and enjoy. Dogs, for the most part are lactose intolerant. The doggie sandwiches are 99% lactose free and have added protien and no sugar.

There is a unique company called K9Cuisine, where you can get almost any type of dog food you desire. How about Marella Paella? What, your dog isn’t into seafood? In this lucious combination, you dog will will eat a mix of mackerel flakes, whole calamari, baby shrimp and mussels, rich in omega-3’s !!!! There is freeze dried raw beef, freeze dried raw venison and according to K9Cuisine, “Paw lickin’ chicken and gravy”!!! Yum, yum!!! You can check out this site by visiting www.k9cuisine.com

Stay tuned, because I will probably have some new summer treats to share with you so that you can share them with your dog!!! Remember, keep cool, keep your dog hydrated and never left alone in the car. Summer heat inside a car can kill your dog

I’ll pick up from the entry yesterday where I was talking about the using airplane travel as an option for your dog. I spoke about the carriers or crates necessary and the additional cost that will be incurred from having your dog fly with you. Now I will provide you with some additional guidelines for flying with your dog.

You will most likely have to visit your vet about a week or so before you leave for your trip. From the vet, you will need to obtain a health certificate to show that your dog is healthy to travel and up to date on all required vaccination. There are some airlines that are more diligent about this than others. However, this should not be used as excuse not to get the information, because if they ask for it, you will be required and expected to produce it. If you think it might be necessary, knowing the personality and stress level of your dog, you might ask your vet to perscribe a mild sedative that could make the trip easier for your dog.

It is also recommended that you keep a current photo or two of your dog with you for any type of identification issues that might occur. Also keep a leash and your dog’s collar handy, so it is available when it is needed. Don’t pack them away where you will have limited access to them if needed in a hurry. There is nothing wrong with letting the flight attendant know you are travelling with your dog and checking on him/her and the amenitities in the dog cargo area. Most will check themselves or have the pilot verify that the conditions where your dog will travel are good and indicate how your dog is doing. As pet travel becomes more and more popular, the airlines will want to accomodate all types of passengers, including your dog.

Finally, when you arrive at your desitnation, remember that your dog will probably be found in the oversize baggage area rather than the usual baggage claim. Usually the luggage comes off first and then the dog, so it might take a little longer to get your dog than to get your suitcase. Need not worry. The most important goal is to get to where you want to go and have your dog safe and sound in the process.

I have talked about travelling with your dog in a previous entry, but that was really about travel in a car. However, more and more travelers today want to have their dogs with them when they vacation and are willing to travel with them on airplanes. Travelling with a dog on an airplane is significantly different than travelling in a car. First of all, when you want to travel with your dog, it is necessary to purchase a ticket for yourself, other travelers in your party and your dog. Yes, you are required to purchase a ticket for your dog. Tickets were running about $50.00, but I have recently heard that some airlines, specifically Jet Blue have recently raised their airfare for dog travelers to $100.00. You should plan your travel time around the temperatures of the departure and arrival locations. For example, if you are travelling from Arizona, it is best to leave earlier in the day when it is not so hot as your dog will be waiting to be put into the plane, on the tarmack and the less severe the weather conditions for transport, the less anxiety your dog will experience.

If your dog is a toy breed, he/she may be able to travel with you in the cabin as long as he can fit in a small dog airline approved carrier. The dog has to be small enough so that the carrier fits under the seat as that is where the dog will be placed during takeoff and when the plane is landing. If your dog is too large to ride in the cabin, he/she will fly via the cargo area of the airplane. You’ll have to make sure that the dog travels in a stable plastic crate where the dog has enough room to stand and move around. Make it comfortable. Your dog might be there for a while, so you might want to put some familiar blankets and toys in the crate with the dog. Again, the crate should be airline approved and you should check on this prior to the actual departure day. I’ll continue with more dog air travel tips as the week goes on.

With the nice weather here, many people are inclined to take their pooches for a ride in the car. They may end up someplace for a nature walk, a nice game of frisbee, or a dip in a cool pond or stream. The most iimportant thing that can be done for the safety of the dog and everyone else in the car is to insure that the dog is securely restrained in some way, so that the dog does not become a UFO. No, that’s not an unidentified flying object; it is an unsecured flying object; something that you don’t want your dog to become. Really, it is important for your dog to be restrained for a variety of reasons. For the obvious, you don’t want him/her being jostled around during the car ride. Secondly, a dog running around the car can be a major distraction for the driver. Third, if you were involved in an accident, your dog could escape and because of fear and shock, become lost. And finally, and what should be most important is that your dog could needlessly die from injuries that would be prevented if the dog had been restrained.

There are several options when considering restraining your dog. If you can crate your dog in either a soft, wire or plastic crate, that is preferable. The crate shown above is a great idea for the car (without the dog on top). The crate provides stability for the dog as long as there is not a lot of room where the crate can slip and slide. Others use “doggie retraints” which are mechanisms that clip or work with the actual seatbelt of the vehicle. There are various types and price ranges and for some good dog car safety information, check out a great site by clicking here. Lastly, it is not a good idea to allow your dog to hang their head out of the window while you drive. While dogs love the feel of the wind on their face, they can get seriously hurt if there is something that can hit the dog’s head as you drive by. So enjoy your travels with your dog and enjoy them safely!!!

On Friday, 25 dogs arrived at Newark International Airport after a long trip from Iraq. These are dogs that are being relocated to the U.S. after befriending American soldiers and will have homes with those soldiers upon the soldiers’ return from their tours of duty.

One soldier in particular, Alicia Morris became especially close to a dog named Iraqi. Her mother commented during a press conference that Iraqi gave her daughter a sense of peace and normalcy. Operation Baghdad Pups understands the critical role that these dogs play in the lives of soldiers and the bond that is created between the soldiers and the dogs they grow to love. I have spoken about Operation Baghdad Pups before in previous entries, but I think it is so important to highlight the work that they do as part of ASPCA International, for the animals and for our soldiers serving our country so far away from home.

It is agains military regulations for soldiers to befriend, care or transport animals while on active duty. However, for many of our troops the love that they share with a dog they might have “emotionally adopted” is critical to the soldier’s physical and psychological well being. The difficult arises when a soldier has to move out and is unable to bring the dog with them. This is where ASPCA International steps in and helps unite the dog with the soldier or the soldier’s family. In fact, it is required that a dog have a home in the United States before it ever leaves the war zone where it currently exists. Extensive screening efforts are done with the soldiers to insure that they understand the transition the dog will have to make from a war time climate to a peace time home.

The trip to the U.S. for Iraqi and 24 other dogs was extensive. Click here to see the video. The dogs left Iraq on Monday and traveled through Dubi, the United Kingdom and France until they arrived in Newark this Friday. Fed Ex transported the animals shortly before a ban on transporting animals goes into effect.The high temperatures of the season that will exist in cargo areas will prohibit the transport of these dogs or any other animals shortly.

If you haven’t checked out the work of ASPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups, I would encourage you to do so by clicking here. This is a gallant effort on behalf of the soldiers that are fighting for us and the dogs they love. Please take a look and if possible, help this organization out as much as you can.

Yea it’s Friday!!!! The weekend in the northeast promises to be an extremely hot one with temperatures into the 90’s and so it’s time to remember to keep your dog hydrated, in the house for the hottest parts of the day and OUT OF THE CAR (unless you are in it and the air conditioning is running)!!!!

Since it’s the end of the week, I thought I would pass on a bit of information that was realized from a tragic situation. This time of year many people want to spruce up their yards and using mulch is one way many gardeners choose to pretty up their property. There is a mulch product on the market called Cocoa Mulch which contains a chemical called Theobromine and caffine. Dogs are attacted to the smell of the mulch and they don’t mind the taste either. However, the mulch can kill the dog as a result of the poison they ingest from the mulch. Such a case happened last weekend when the owner of two lovely labs purchased the cocoa mulch in Target. Its also sold in Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other garden center establishments.

One of the labs named Calypso loved the smell of the mulch and took a fairly large helping. Shortly thereafter, the dog vomited a couple of times, but that seemed to be the last of the malady. However, the next morning when the owner took the dog out for the morning walk, the dog had a seizure and died instantly. There are no warnings on the bags of mulch that are made by Hershey’s, but they do acknowledge that about 50% of the dogs that ingest the product do end up getting sick. Theobromine is an ingredient that is used to make all types of chocolate and is potentially lethal for dogs. Mulch made with the shells of cocoa beans can be just as lethal and several dogs just in the past several weeks have died from ingesting the shell mulch. So know what is in your garden and in the gardens of people with whom your dog visits. Another tragedy doesn’t need to happen.

What is Woofstock….it is billed as the largest dog festival in North America with over 140,000 people and their four legged best canine friends come and enjoy the outdoors, each other and some great canine activities such as Mr. and Mrs. Canine Pagent, Stupid Dog Trick Contest, a Fashion Show and a “Rescue Me, Walk-A-Thon. There is free admission to this nonstop party that is located in the The St. Lawrence Market Neighborhood in the historic heart of Old Town Toronto. This neighborhood is famous for its wonderful food market as well as its dog friendly Sunday Antique Market.

Regarding events including those mentioned above, there will be shows sponsored by Purina called the Purina Pro Plan Dog Stars which features McCann Professionally Trained dogs (and one pig) exhibiting their unique talents and tricks. These dogs will amaze you with their agility and enthusiasm. Or how about the extreme doggie makeover? The people at Woofstock will take two scuffy dogs who need a little work and make them into canine beauties. Once they are “beautified”, they can take the “catwalk”, oh sorry…”dogwalk” to be part of the Woofstock Fashion Show. Who knows, your picture perfect pooch could be the next “Canada’s Next Top Model Dog”!!!

There will be all types of pet pooch shopping. There will be over 138 exhibitors for you to buy everything you could ever want and need for your dog. Also represented will be dog food vendors as well as representatives from over 13 dog rescue organizations.

So if you are in the Toronto area this weekend, the 7th and the 8th, stop by with your dog and you will be part of the largest dog festival in North America!!! Check out more by going to their website by clicking here.

Bo is a two year old Black Labrador who has recently returned to the U.S. from his tour of duty in Afghanistan. Bo was trained to clear roadways, find explosives and bomb-making materials. On his last mission, February 5th of this year Bo was injured, but his handler, Staff Sgt. Donald Tabb was killed when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle. Bo is now retired and will live with Tabb’s brother Willie Smith in Georgia.

In a moving ceremony, Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Timmins, kennel master with the 6th Military Police Detachment said, “You’re not just receiving a pet today. Bo is an outstanding soldier, and he served his country with distinction.”

Sgt. Tabb, who was only 29, was on his fourth deployment with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, when the tragic incident occurred. Tabb was Bo’s handler and they went through extensive training together in Lakeland, Texas and they graduated from the special canine program in March 2007. Tabb was thrilled with Bo and very proud of the fact that so many people truly loved the dog. Timmins commented on this by saying that “The one constant thing he would always tell me is how much everybody loved Bo. And I wholeheartedly believe that a dog takes on a personality of its handler … because everyone who knew Sgt. Tabb loved him too.”

Bo fought for his country, like any good soldier and has been rewarded with a loving home of those related to the handler he loved so much. While this is a happy ending for Bo, it is a bittersweet ending for Willie Smith and his family. Let’s hope that Bo brings the family the love, comfort and peace that will help them deal with the loss of Staff Sgt. Donald Tabb.

There are many dogs wandering in war torn areas of Iraq and Afghanistan. To find ways that you can help, check out the website, http://www.baghdadpups.com/ This is an organization that is dedicating itself to saving the many stray dogs that have the potential to get to the United States and live in families that are welcoming and loving. However, the obstacles that present themselves are complex and expensive. This is an organization, working with ASPCA International that would truly benefit from any donations that you could make.

In the last two entries, I identified some significant issues with the eating habits of your dog and how things can be improved. In this final entry, I would like to offer you, my readers two things. First, I’ll inform you about why some of the current dog feeding methods don’t work and secondly, I’ll offer you an easy solution to getting your dog to eat at a slower pace.

One of the ways that people attempt to get their dog to eat slower is by putting something in the center of their food bowl, such as a rock. The dog eats slower because they have to eat around the rock. But the rock is clunky, can move and is a host for bacteria. Then there are those individuals who believe a raised feeder is the best way to go. However, there has been research done on the use of raised feeders and according to Lawrence Glickman, VMD, professor of environmental health at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, using elevated feeding bowls “…actually increased the risk (of bloat) by up to 200%” (from Feeding Fido, a publication developed by Dogpausebowl.com)

If you haven’t guessed by now, the solution to the dog feeding dilemma is the DogPauseBowl. In this simply engineered bowl, there are four divided and distinct areas where food for your dog is placed. The dog tends to eat more slowly because he/she has to go through all 4 compartments rather than plunging their face into the entire portion of food, barely taking a breath. See for yourself by clicking here. Make sure to watch the YouTube video!!!

As a special treat to my readers, I would like to open up a contest where the winner will be given the wonderful innovative dogpausebowl for their own loveable pup!!!

The contest will run like this. Beginning with this entry, comment to me the best story about your dog. The story can be happy or sad, (I prefer happy). You might want to tell me a funny story(anything that makes me laugh is way ahead of the game). The contest will end one week from today, June 8, 2008. I will choose the winner, share their story on my blog and send them their very own DogPauseBowl. So start writing and think of how much better your dog will eat when he/she does so with the DogPauseBowl!!!