My Friendly Pets

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!!!

In my last entry, I talked about the best practices when feeding your dog. Some of your dog’s eating habits are all his own and those habits can cause trouble. Dogs, by nature, usually eat very fast. According to the “Feeding Fido” report, available on www.dogpausebowl.com, if your dog eats his food in less than 5 minutes, the dog eats too fast. Eating this fast can cause your dog serious problems. The large intake of food at one time makes it difficult for the digestive system of the dog to react, thereby minimizing the nutritional benefit of the food. Based on a clinical study, research showes that pace at which a dog eats can increase the risk of the dog developing eating disorders such as bloat and megaesophogus.

If you have ever been around a dog who passes gas continuously, you know it is not a pleasant place to be. Dogs who eat very fast tend to gag, choke, pass gas and at times vomit. I can remember that my dog would almost inhale his food and then for a few moments afterward he would gag, trying to swallow pieces of food that did not go down smoothly because he didn’t take time to chew. Slowing down the eating process for your dog will prevent the dog from taking in too much air. This can hlep lessen the production of gas or flatulance. Dogs who gag and choke do so if they are taking large bites because they stretch the esophogas.

If you notice any of the events mentioned above, you should discuss it with your vet. A new type of food may be needed. However, you may need to teach your dog to eat slower. Since food intake is basically an primative action for the dog, it is difficult to formally train the dog to eat slower, however you can “teach” the dog to eat slower.

In my last entry of this series, I will discuss the most effective way to slow down your dogs’ eating and offer some other information about snacks and mealtime with your dog. I will also be announcing the contest that I spoke about, where your dog could win a prize that will help him/her change their bad eating habits forever!!! So keep reading!!

People are becoming very aware and concerned with the food they are feeding their dogs today. With the tainted dog food crisis last year which resulted in many dog deaths as well as hundreds of ill dogs, many dog owners are carefully researching the ingredients and source of the dog food while still others are making their own…a true labor of love. However, many of the digestive issues that dogs have are not with the food itself, but how the dog eats. There was a whitepaper recently published by dogpausebowl.com that discusses many issues regarding the meals of our pups. The publication is titled “Feeding Fido”. I’d like to offer some bits of information from the publication that may be helpful to you and your dog.

Dogs seem to have many of the same eating issues that their human owners have. Unfortunately many of our bad habits are passed on to our dogs and that has led to severe obesity in dogs, reflective of society as a whole. Portion size is a major issue for everyone and should be taken into consideration when feeding your dog. According to the publication, which was developed with the assistance of veterinary experts, most dogs require a maximum of two cups of food per feeding. A less active dog would require less. O.K, but how should I be feeding the dog? More and more information and recommendations are being made that states it is better to feed your dog 2 to 3 smaller meals throughout the day than one large feeding. It is better for the dog’s digestive system and will also allow for an equal distribution of caloric intake and usage throughout the day, giving your dog a more even keel energy level. It is better to take the total daily food amount for your dog and spread it out over the day. This gives the dog “special mealtime events”, while also allowing them to feel better. This is an excellent way to train your dog that when it is human mealtime for you, it is also dog mealtime for them, thereby eliminating or minimizing Fido’s table begging!!!!

In the next couple of entries, I will highlight some other dog eating issues, and will also be announcing a contest with a great doggie prize…so keep reading!!!

I know, its not Christmas or even your dog’s birthday, but you can and should get your dog new toys occasionally. Obviously, the ones in very bad shape should be replaced to avoid harm to your dog and variety in toys should be introduced to reduce and minimize boredom. This could help with separation anxiety and the dilemma of dogs chewing things that they shouldn’t.

The site that seems to offer the greatest variety of toys with the easiest ways to search is www.dogtoys.com You can search by breed and then based on the breed various types of toys will be offerred. You can also search by breed size and the results will include size specific toys for your particular dog. There are over 150 breeds of dogs listed and each breed is classified by breed size. There ave 9 breed size categories and within each breed size category are toys that work well with that specific breed and strength of dog.

The toys on this site are also grouped in other ways. If you have a favorite brand that you use for your dog, you can identify toys by the brand name. Also, there are toys that are grouped by type, meaning if you are looking for fetching toys, you can shop this way as well.

We know that there is little more satisfying to our dogs than the treats that they dream, beg and salivate for. There is an entire section of this website devoted to treats for your dog. There are Greenies, gravies and food sprays that add that gourmet taste to your dog’s dry food. An excellent benefit in this section is that ingredients in the products are listed with each product. From the brief look that I took, most products included only natural ingredients with few if any preservatives.

Take a few minutes and check out the site (click here). I guarantee you will find something (or many things) your dog will love….and there is free shipping for orders over $100.00

Happy Memorial Day!!! Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer in the U.S. Many of us are enjoying outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or just a good old fashioned barbeque. We are now enjoying these outside activities because we have the beautiful late spring/early summer temperatures that make being outside a pleasure. But as the thermometer goes up, there are some really simple but important precautions to take with your dog, so that he/she enjoys the summer as much as you do.

Exercise is very important for all of us, including our dogs, however in high summer heat excessive exercise can be dangerous for EVERYONE! When walking or exercising your dog, try to do it in the morning or evening when the day is coolest. You will enjoy the experience more and so will your dog. Remember, while you have sneakers or sandals on, your dog doesn’t and hot asphalt can hurt and damage the pads of their feet.

It is always important to stay hydrated, but even more so in the heat of the summer. Your dog can get overheated and dehydrated very easily and it is necessary for you to recognize the signs of dehydration. Dogs don’t sweat as humans do, so an overheated dog will pant and drool in excess. The signs of dehydrations include bloodshot eyes, legarthy and a pale pallor to the skin. Keep fresh clean water for your dog and insure that they drink often.

Dogs love to romp in the grass. During the summer season, many mushrooms grow wild in our yards. Dogs find these mushrooms irresistible, but they are dangerous. Dogs can become very sick if they eat many of these mushrooms and in small dogs, it takes very few to make them sick. Pick the mushrooms and dispose of them so that the dog cannot get access to them as a late night snack.

And I can’t offer this summer dog safety tip enough. NEVER, NEVER leave your dog in the car for any reason in the summer. Even a few minutes in the sun, will cause temperatures in the car to rise very quickly. Many beloved pets are lost to people who thought they could keep their dog in their car - even if only for a few moments.

Be happy and be safe and enjoy a great Memorial Day.

Molly is a very special dog who does very special work. Molly is owned by the Browns and volunteers with them on search and rescue missions for the Newton County K-8 search-and-rescue unit which doesn’t have a budget. Molly, who is a five year old chocolate Labrador retreiver was diagnosed with complete electrical heart blockage. This past Thursday, veterinarian surgeons at the University of Missiouri College of Veterinary Medicine installed a pacemaker in the dog’s heart.

Molly, who had always been exceptionally energetic became lethargic and out of breath last month. Vets in their town believed that Molly had a heart attack. When the dog’s heart rate dropped from 80 to 38, the Brown’s rushed Molly to Columbia, where the University Veterinary hospital staff determined her fate. The surgery, travel and vet expenses totalled over $2500.00. The Browns were amazed at the outpouring of support they received after Molly’s story was reported in the Joplin Journal. The device itself has been donated and the other costs have been covered by fund raising efforts and anonymous donations.

Molly’s was scheduled to go home yesterday and would have to remain in her crate for 2 weeks. Then there will be about a two month recovery period which will involve limited activity. After that, hopefully, Molly will be able to return to the work she loves and does so well.

Molly is one of the five dogs owned by the Browns. Of the Browns’ five dogs, there is only one other dog besides Molly that is trained as a search and rescue dog. It can actually take about 2 years to train a dog to do what Molly does. If a town or municipality were to buy a dog for search and rescue purposes, it would cost about $20,000.

We wish Molly a good recovery. She is both loved and needed.

Most people are familiar with the website www.petfinder.com . This website is a product of Animal Planet and began in 1996. The purpose of the site is to try and match people with pets of any type. The animals to be adopted are mainly from rescue and shelter organizations, especially the dogs and cats. The database search website takes credit for the adoptions of over 12,000,000 animals over the past 13 years. On the website, there is also great information about adoption issues as well as tips for caring for many different types of pets. This site makes the search for a pet easy and fun. There is even a Petfinder.com Foundation, which raises money to help pet organizations and shelters around the country. For example, in the April 2008 newsletter, put out by Petfinder.com, Care and Feeder grants were awarded to animal shelters in six cities to purchase enough vaccines to inoculate all their incoming canines against kennel cough* for approximately one year. That is a phenomenal effort and one to be applauded!!

Now, on the television station Animal Planet, a new reality show has been developed that takes the Petfinder concept even further. The show, that has the same name as the site, matches shelter animals with families searching for their perfect pet. Of course it wouldn’t be a reality show without drama and that’s just what you get. Family members fight over which animal they believe is best and in most cases the family members have completely different ideas about what animal would make the perfect pet. That is where the hosts, Jarod Miller and Dina Zaphiris come in. They not only work to bring the best pet into the home but they also offer advice and guidance to viewers about how to pet proof your home so that it is safe and secure for the pet and family members alike. Both hosts, while very talented on camera are also educated and experienced in their fields of study. Miller has a degree in zoology and Zaphiris has her degree in psychology from University of California-Davis. The entertainment they provide is great and the information is even more valuable. The show is on Saturday nights at 9:30 e/p times. Check it out when you get a chance!