Is your dog scratching, biting and licking himself excessively? Then he might have Atopic Dermatitis or Inhalant Dermatitis. This is when your dog has an allergic reaction to something that he’s inhaled such as dust, dust mites or pollen. He becomes extremely itchy.
What are some of the symptoms of a dog that has Atopic Dermatitis? You may see your dog licking, scratching or biting his skin around the face, feet armpits and ears. You may notice red, scaly, raised areas on his skin. He may shake his head a lot. You may see staining of his skin from his saliva where he’s been licking himself. His skin may thicken and he may have increased skin pigmentation.
If you are looking to treat your dog naturally this is what is recommended: First identify the source of the allergen (pollen, mold, dust, etc.). Then reduce your dog’s exposure to it. Next bathe him weekly with an anti-itch moisturizing shampoo. Make sure you provide him with omega fatty acids to help reduce the inflammation. Support the immune system by feeding him a high protein, low carb, moderate fat diet.
Many dog owners will use a steroid or antihistamine to help with their animal’s skin allergies. However a more natural approach may be to support his immune system by reducing the occurrence of flare-ups and allergic responses. Having a strong immune system helps clear out allergy response cells like histamines. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the amount and effects of histamines that are released during an allergic response. They help to reduce inflammation and improve your pet's coat quality by creating a protective barrier in the skin to block out irritants and infections.
Along with the Atopic Dermatitis, your dog may also have food allergies. Many times commercial dog foods are to blame for a range of health problems so feeding your dog a high quality food or raw diet is essential to his well being.
Why are Fatty acids essential for a healthy skin and coat for your dog? Omega 3 essential fatty acids play a vital role in your dog’s overall health and are very beneficial for his skin and coat. Omega 3’s help create a protective barrier in the skin to block our irritants and infections and it also reduces inflammation. A deficiency in certain types of fatty acids can result in a dull coat and dry itchy skin. This makes the skin susceptible to irritations and allergic episodes.
Extensive research indicates that omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation—which many experts consider to be the root cause of most chronic diseases. However, it is very important for your dog to maintain a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in its diet since omega 3s help reduce inflammation, while an over-abundance of most omega-6s tend to promote inflammation. Consequently, an inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to health problems, while a proper balance helps maintain and improve your pet's health.
Supplementing your dog’s diet with Omega 3 fatty acids can prove very beneficial in inflammatory disorders because it regulates your dog’s eicosanoid production which means your dog may find relief from itching and the pain associated with it.
Dogs need essential fatty acids just like us humans do. Neither one of us can live without them! They are critical to every cell in the body and regulate nearly every bodily function. They help build muscle mass and strong bones and teeth. They nourish the skin, hair, mucous membranes, nerves, thyroid, adrenals and much more. They also keep the gastrointestinal tract lubricated and aid in smooth, efficient digestion and elimination. They control the way cholesterol works in the body and play a key role in the functioning of the brain in regulating inflammation and healing and immune, digestive, reproductive and cardiovascular functions.
What is an Omega-3 fatty acid? They include: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA can be found in cold-water fish such a salmon, mackerel, halibut and herring as well as fish oil supplements. ALA can be found in dark leafy greens and in soybeans, walnuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oils as well as canola oil.
In scientific studies the Omega 3 fatty acids have demonstrated that they: support healthy brain development, exert positive effects on inflammatory problems which may include stiff and aching joints, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, support healthy blood lipid levels and blood viscosity, and provide high levels of vitamin A and D which is necessary for the development of strong bones, teeth and healthy skin and mucous membranes as well as healthy nigh vision.
Studies have shown the positive effects that Omega 3’s have on heart health. It has been shown to stabilize irregular heart beat, reduce blood pressure, reduce clotting of blood platelets which means lower risk of stroke and reduce abnormal heart rhythms. These fatty acids may also help heal tissue lining the heart has suffered by the damage caused by heartworms and help animals with congestive heart failure live longer.
Although studies are still being performed, some have shown that they may reduce cancer risk by reducing and stopping the growth of tumors as well as the reduction of skin damage from radiation treatment. Omega 3’s are also beneficial in helping stop cancer cachexia (weight loss).
Omega-3s increase prostaglandins that reduce inflammation in the kidneys and improve blood flow to them. Since omega-3s also support healthy blood lipids, and dogs with kidney disease often have elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, this is a double benefit.
Preliminary research suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may decrease inflammation and improve lung function in pets with asthma.
There are many natural and holistic products on the market that can provide your dog with the Omega 3’s that are vital to his health.
My rating: Omega 3's: (4)
Review of "GRIZZLY SALMON OIL ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD SUPPLEMENT" (there are 89 customer reviews on this outstanding product)....Derived from wild Alaskan Salmon, this nutrient-rich 100-percent pure salmon oil provides essential building blocks dogs need for a healthy heart and strong immune system. In addition, it helps relieve dry itchy skin, reduces shedding, makes fur soft and velvety, and helps keep the heart, eyes, and joints healthy. The all-natural supplement contains over 15 beneficial Omega 3, Omega 6, and Arachidonic fatty acids, plus a fresh fish flavor. To use, simply pump the salmon oil onto the dog's food directly from the convenient 32-ounce pump-bottle dispenser. A handy weight chart on the label displays the correct amounts to use.
Showing posts with label natural dog vitamins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural dog vitamins. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
GETTING THE STORY STRAIGHT
Wow.....this is my 200th. article that I've written for this blog. I never believed that I could find that many things to write about.
GETTING THE STORY STRAIGHT
By
Barbara J. Galasso
So I tell this guy the other day that I own a few German Shepherd Dogs. He says to me, “Hey, what do you want to own those kinds of dogs for? They’re very vicious.” To which I reply, “No they’re very protective.”
“Oh yeah, well I hear that they turn on their masters. Who wants to raise a dog that’s going to turn on you?” he shouts back at me. “The only one they turn on, I tell him, are those trying to hurt his master. And believe me, that’s when you’d be glad that you owned this dog!”
“Well I don’t care what you say. I wouldn’t want them around my kids. I’d never trust them.” I tell him “A more loyal and protective companion you won’t find for your children. There’s no better guardian to watch over them.”
“I hear that they’re wild and uncontrollable” he continues. I tell him that they need to be trained and given something to do because of their high intelligence. Looking over at his children punching and kicking one another, I tell him, “No sir, he won’t be any more wild and uncontrollable than your darling little angels.”
He ignores me and continues his rambling. “Why just look out how crippled they are in the rear” he almost shouts at me. Those back legs are all messed up. Who wants a dog that looks like that?” “Oh probably all those people who own them and made them the second most popular and beloved breed in the country,” I smugly reply back to him.
“And what about all the hair that they leave all over the house?” he questions me. “Well you got me on that one,” I tell him honestly. “They constantly shed so you will have to brush his coat often and vacuum the house at least every other day”, I tell him hoping this will finally shut him up.
“I just got one more thing to say to you my friend,” the man continues. Friend, he called me friend? I’m wondering when that took place? “Those German Shepherds have got wolf in their blood! Just look at those teeth!” he shouts at me. “Will this never end with this guy?” I ask myself. And when I can no longer tolerate one more second of his stupidity, I turn and look him straight in the eye and tell him, “Yeah, and the better to eat you with MY FRIEND!”
I love stories about animals because I feel we can learn so much from them. We are truly blessed when we are owned by a dog. Check this book out if you are looking for a "laugh out loud" enjoyable read.
"THE DIARY OF JINKY: DOG OF A HOLLYWOOD WIFE"...........Jinky's "mom" and "dad" might be complainers, but Jinky is just happy to be alive. He enjoys every minute and he can't understand why his lucky, pampered Hollywood parents and their show business friends are such miserable whiners. After all, Jinky's life started badly:
"My life began in a cage in San Pedro, California. Some creepy guy bought me for his stupid wife and she didn't want me. . . . One night, the guy took me to the pound. They threw me into a cold, wet crate and slammed the gate. . . . I was scheduled to be 'put down' or, as I like to say, murdered. But I got lucky."
Now Jinky lives in a beautiful house in the Hollywood Hills. He has a pool and a Jacuzzi and sports cars and a fat blond terrier girlfriend named Finley who loves to lick his ears. Jinky went from an unloved and abandoned pet to sleeping in bed with his mom (a former Pet herself, in Penthouse¿she looks good) and eating delicious food off his dad's plate (his mom cooks good, too). Jinky knows what's important in life, and he wishes his mom and dad could stop worrying about their status in Hollywood and enjoy life as much as he does. He can't understand why show business people are always so unhappy, especially the funny ones. Every "pitch" meeting Jinky overhears, every Hollywood dinner he eavesdrops on, every Hollywood barbecue, lunch, and casual encounter in coffee shops is another chance for these people to bitch and moan about "the business." But Jinky's "tail" is not just about his hilariously self-obsessed parents and their friends. And his message is not just that happiness is not about how much we have, but how we love. His is a tale about how hope, perseverance, and even one small act of kindness can change a life.
My rating: "The Diary of Jinky": (4), dog stories: (4), the week-ends here: (4)
GETTING THE STORY STRAIGHT
By
Barbara J. Galasso
So I tell this guy the other day that I own a few German Shepherd Dogs. He says to me, “Hey, what do you want to own those kinds of dogs for? They’re very vicious.” To which I reply, “No they’re very protective.”
“Oh yeah, well I hear that they turn on their masters. Who wants to raise a dog that’s going to turn on you?” he shouts back at me. “The only one they turn on, I tell him, are those trying to hurt his master. And believe me, that’s when you’d be glad that you owned this dog!”
“Well I don’t care what you say. I wouldn’t want them around my kids. I’d never trust them.” I tell him “A more loyal and protective companion you won’t find for your children. There’s no better guardian to watch over them.”
“I hear that they’re wild and uncontrollable” he continues. I tell him that they need to be trained and given something to do because of their high intelligence. Looking over at his children punching and kicking one another, I tell him, “No sir, he won’t be any more wild and uncontrollable than your darling little angels.”
He ignores me and continues his rambling. “Why just look out how crippled they are in the rear” he almost shouts at me. Those back legs are all messed up. Who wants a dog that looks like that?” “Oh probably all those people who own them and made them the second most popular and beloved breed in the country,” I smugly reply back to him.
“And what about all the hair that they leave all over the house?” he questions me. “Well you got me on that one,” I tell him honestly. “They constantly shed so you will have to brush his coat often and vacuum the house at least every other day”, I tell him hoping this will finally shut him up.
“I just got one more thing to say to you my friend,” the man continues. Friend, he called me friend? I’m wondering when that took place? “Those German Shepherds have got wolf in their blood! Just look at those teeth!” he shouts at me. “Will this never end with this guy?” I ask myself. And when I can no longer tolerate one more second of his stupidity, I turn and look him straight in the eye and tell him, “Yeah, and the better to eat you with MY FRIEND!”
I love stories about animals because I feel we can learn so much from them. We are truly blessed when we are owned by a dog. Check this book out if you are looking for a "laugh out loud" enjoyable read.
"THE DIARY OF JINKY: DOG OF A HOLLYWOOD WIFE"...........Jinky's "mom" and "dad" might be complainers, but Jinky is just happy to be alive. He enjoys every minute and he can't understand why his lucky, pampered Hollywood parents and their show business friends are such miserable whiners. After all, Jinky's life started badly:
"My life began in a cage in San Pedro, California. Some creepy guy bought me for his stupid wife and she didn't want me. . . . One night, the guy took me to the pound. They threw me into a cold, wet crate and slammed the gate. . . . I was scheduled to be 'put down' or, as I like to say, murdered. But I got lucky."
Now Jinky lives in a beautiful house in the Hollywood Hills. He has a pool and a Jacuzzi and sports cars and a fat blond terrier girlfriend named Finley who loves to lick his ears. Jinky went from an unloved and abandoned pet to sleeping in bed with his mom (a former Pet herself, in Penthouse¿she looks good) and eating delicious food off his dad's plate (his mom cooks good, too). Jinky knows what's important in life, and he wishes his mom and dad could stop worrying about their status in Hollywood and enjoy life as much as he does. He can't understand why show business people are always so unhappy, especially the funny ones. Every "pitch" meeting Jinky overhears, every Hollywood dinner he eavesdrops on, every Hollywood barbecue, lunch, and casual encounter in coffee shops is another chance for these people to bitch and moan about "the business." But Jinky's "tail" is not just about his hilariously self-obsessed parents and their friends. And his message is not just that happiness is not about how much we have, but how we love. His is a tale about how hope, perseverance, and even one small act of kindness can change a life.
My rating: "The Diary of Jinky": (4), dog stories: (4), the week-ends here: (4)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
HOW FRED AND MABEL HANDLE THEIR ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
“Hey Mabel, I’m just going over the checkbook” Fred says scratching his head. We really got to do something about all these outrageous expenses we have.” “What outrageous expenses are you talking about Fred?” Mabel questions him impatiently. “Well I’ll tell you what’s bothering me Mabel. It’s the exuberant amounts of money I’m seeing you spend on the dogs. That’s what I’m talking about. We need to cut back on some of these expenses. “Exuberant? I’m impressed Fred. Where did you get such a big vocabulary from? I didn’t even know that you knew what that word meant,” she taunts him. “Don’t be sarcastic Mabel. I’m trying to be serious here,” he says with irritation rising in his voice. “Alright, alright, and just what is it exactly that you want me to cut back on Fred?” Mabel asks him.
“Well I’ll tell you right up front Mabel. For one, it’s that expensive holistic dog food that you insist on feeding Koochie and Sassy. That’s got to stop. You better put them back on that Wal-Mart brand. It was good enough before and it’ll have to be good enough now.” “And what else Fred?” she asks him. “Well no more of those vitamins that you add to their food. I don’t see that their coat is any longer and fuller as the bottle promises anyway. So we need to get rid of the vitamins,” Fred continues. “Anything else darling?” Mabel sweetly mumbles. “Yeah, I’ll tell you another thing that is really getting on my nerves” her husband says. “Oh no, he’s on a row now” Mabel thinks to herself. “And just what may that be my sweet?” she coos. Feeling he’s got Mabel’s attention, Fred continues, “You can get rid of those big time handlers that you got showing our dogs. Why I could do just as good of a job with Koochie myself as “what’s his name” does! He’s only put two single points on him and he’s shown him 28 times now. Who’s eating steak Mabel? Who’s eating steak? It certainly isn’t you and me. I can tell you that right now. How do you like the nerve of that guy anyway? I would like to have a steak once in awhile. Is that too much to ask Mabel? As it is now, I’m putting in overtime every week at “Flip the Burger.” What more am I suppose to do Mabel? I mean is this fair to me?” Fred asks feeling sorry for himself.
“Alright already, Mabel says in frustration. Your mouth is giving me a headache.” “Yeah and what are you planning to do about it?” Fred questions her. “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do about it Fred. We’ll make some changes, if that’s what it is that you’re looking for me to do.” This puts a triumphant smile on Fred’s little old worried face.
“First we’ll stop having cheeseburgers twice a week. I’ll stretch the hamburger meat out by adding it to Hamburger Helper. That should make it last a little bit longer. “Yeah, but I love my cheeseburgers,” Fred pipes in. She ignores his outburst. “Instead of having hotdogs once a week, we’ll now have it twice a week. Instead of having a ham steak once in awhile, I’m going to buy a ham hock and make you some home made split pea soup. It’ll take a little more time for me to do, but it’s the least I can do for my Freddie boy, she says sarcastically. We’ll find a way to cut back on expenses” she tells her open mouthed husband sitting across the table from her. Before he can say another word, she continues her plan to help make life a bit easier. “Oh yeah Fred, you know those “One a Day men’s extra energy” vitamins that you take, well Wal-Mart’s has a deal on their own brand of vitamins that is half the price as those that you take. “Yeah but that Wal-Mart brand repeats on me Mabel and it leaves a yucky after taste in my mouth. “We’re trying to make ends meet here Freddie boy” she challenges him. “Yeah, but I need my “One a Day’s” he says ignoring her. “And why is that Fred? Do you think your “One a Day’s” gives you more energy and zip? Please…….I think not” she almost spits out at him. Fred’s face is turning red now as Mabel continues her assault.
“So you don’t think that our handler is getting the job done to your satisfaction? Alright Fred then, we’ll have to go all the way to the top this time. We only hired Benny because Timmy A. Roses trained him and he shows a lot at the all breed shows. So I’m going to call Mr. Roses myself and ask him to show Koochie from now on in. Oh I know what you’re thinking Freddie boy, Mr. Roses is more expensive……and you’re right he is. But look at it this way, he’ll finish him quicker. I’ll leave it up to you to call Benny and tell him we are no longer in need of his services. So how does all of this sound to you Fred?”
“Are you finished yet Mabel? You got any other words of wisdom that you want to share with me?” The anger Fred has had to suppress listening to Mabel’s plan of “saving” has now reached its boiling point. Right about now, he’s ready to explode. “How does it sound to me Mabel? Is that your question? Do you really want to know how it sounds to me? Mabel takes out her pocket mirror to freshen up her lipstick while Fred gets up and starts to pace the floor.
“You’re asking me to eat Hamburger Helper so Koochie and Sassy can continue to eat holistic food? You want me to take Wal-Mart’s brand name vitamins when you know how much I love my “One a Day men’s extra energy vitamins? I’m suppose to eat split pea soup which you know I hate and have another night of hotdogs just so the dogs can be shown by Mr. Roses himself? Is this what you’re asking me to do Mabel? Do I have it right? Tell me I didn’t hear you say all of this, because if that’s the case, I’m afraid I don’t know the woman I married anymore” he shrikes.
Fred is expecting Mabel to blow a fuse. Instead, she coyly says to him, “I have another idea that will solve our entire problems darling.” It’s like she was waiting to drop her final means of helping them survive until the very last moment. “Oh?” Fred” says lifting his eyebrows waiting for her problem solving plan. “I’m going to apply for the job I saw in the window front down town” she informs him. “What job Mabel? I didn’t know anyone was hiring down town. “Oh Freddie, but they are, she teases him. “Yeah, well I think you better look into it then Mabel if you plan to continue to spend like you are, he tells her.”
“Alright Fred,” Mabel says as she gets up to dial the telephone. Fred sits quietly watching her. “Yes, hello” Mabel says. Is this the “Meow Club? It is? Oh great. I’m calling about the position you have advertised in your front window. You know the one. The one that says you’re were looking for a “pole dancer.” She puts her lips close to the telephone receiver and seductively purrs into it; Well I think I’m the woman you want!” At first Fred is grinning thinking how nice this is that Mabel is willing to take on a part time job to help with their expenses. But then when he hears her say, “Pole dancer”, he’s not sure at first what that exactly is. Then all of a sudden he puts two and two together realizing what the “Meow Club is and he jumps up grabbing the telephone out of his wife’s hand slamming it down on the receiver.
And that folks is how Fred and Mabel have dealt with their economic slump. The dogs still eat holistic food, they get their vitamins, and Benny is still handling for them. Fred is happy he still gets his two cheeseburgers a week, and takes his “One a Day men’s extra energy” vitamins. Fred realizes what a good wife he has after all. Mabel helped make him realize that sometimes staying the same is a good thing. Oh yeah it does look like they did make one small change after all. They had to change their telephone number because the “Meow Club” kept calling.
My rating: making positive changes in a depressed economy: (4)
From the book: "DOGS: FUNNY SIDE UP!"....."Dogs Funny Side Up by Nola Lee Kelsey is a hysterically funny and honest book by a dog lover who has worked with dog rescue agencies at home and in Thailand. I read it in a single sitting and laughed out loud. This will be a sure hit with all dog lovers on your list."
Friday, April 2, 2010
I'M HUNGRY....FEED ME!
My dogs are great eaters, and unfortunately that can mean that they put anything and everything in their mouths that vaguely even resembles food. If it’s on the floor, the next thing I know it, it’s in their mouth, especially my “chow hound!” I don’t know how many times I ask her “What do you have in your mouth?” (like I expect her to answer me) while what ever it is is finding it’s way down her throat or a piece of it is still hanging out the side of her mouth. I get up to go open her mouth and she chews it even faster and swallows it! She always has something that she’s not supposed to have in her mouth. Outside she chews on sticks and I hear her choking and run out to pull the invading sharp object from her jaws. She is a constant joy! But what about those things that can poison our dogs?
More than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which include household items were reported to the ASPCA and their Animal Poison Control Center (APCC).
The ASPCA has published the TOP 10 Pet Toxins of
2009- Here they are:
1. Human Medications
For several years, human medications have been number one on the
ASPCA's list of common hazards, and 2009 was no exception. Last
year, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and
over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications,
Antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill
vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications
accidentally dropped on the floor, so it's essential to keep meds
tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.
2. Insecticides
In our effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, we often
unwittingly put our furry friends at risk. In 2009, our
Toxicologists fielded 29,020 calls related to insecticides. One
of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick
products--such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong
species. Thus, it's always important to talk to your pets
Veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.
3. People Food
People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing
xylitol, like gum, can seriously disable our furry friends, and
accounted for more than 17,453 cases in 2009. One of the worst
offenders--chocolate--contains large amounts of methylxanthines,
which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting,
diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity,
and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
4. Plants
Common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to APCC in 2009.
Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe
and schefflera is often found in homes and can be harmful to pets.
Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening
kidney failure even in small amounts.
5. Veterinary Medications
Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they're
often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents.
In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related
preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and
nutritional supplements.
6. Rodenticides
Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets that had
accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many types of bait used to
attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive
to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions
can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including
bleeding, seizures or kidney damage.
7. Household Cleaners
Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to
adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets
from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants.
Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household
cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can
cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the
respiratory tract.
8. Heavy Metals
It's not too much loud music that constitutes our next pet poison
offender. Instead, it's heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury,
which accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is
especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many
sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and
lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.
9. Garden Products
It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer and
garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last
year, the ASPCA fielded 2,329 calls related to fertilizer exposure,
which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal
obstruction.
10. Chemical Hazards
In 2009, the ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure
to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards--found
in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and
pool/spa chemicals--form a substantial danger to pets. Substances
in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression,
respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.
Prevention is key in avoiding accidental exposure, but if
you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact
your veterinarian immediately or the Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
My rating: Prevention: (4)
From the book: "FIRST AID FOR DOGS: WHAT TO DO WHEN EMERGENCIES HAPPEN"....From cleansing a wound to making a splint, from Elizabethan collars and frostbite to premature birthing and broken bones, all the information dog owners need to take care of canine emergencies is included in this clearly written guide.
A customer says: "First Aid for Dogs" was one of three similar books I bought and is clearly the best, by a head and shoulders margin. It has almost 200 pages of information about a variety of conditions that can occur at home, in the neighborhood, or in the field.
More than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which include household items were reported to the ASPCA and their Animal Poison Control Center (APCC).
The ASPCA has published the TOP 10 Pet Toxins of
2009- Here they are:
1. Human Medications
For several years, human medications have been number one on the
ASPCA's list of common hazards, and 2009 was no exception. Last
year, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and
over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications,
Antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill
vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications
accidentally dropped on the floor, so it's essential to keep meds
tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.
2. Insecticides
In our effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, we often
unwittingly put our furry friends at risk. In 2009, our
Toxicologists fielded 29,020 calls related to insecticides. One
of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick
products--such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong
species. Thus, it's always important to talk to your pets
Veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.
3. People Food
People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing
xylitol, like gum, can seriously disable our furry friends, and
accounted for more than 17,453 cases in 2009. One of the worst
offenders--chocolate--contains large amounts of methylxanthines,
which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting,
diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity,
and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
4. Plants
Common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to APCC in 2009.
Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe
and schefflera is often found in homes and can be harmful to pets.
Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening
kidney failure even in small amounts.
5. Veterinary Medications
Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they're
often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents.
In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related
preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and
nutritional supplements.
6. Rodenticides
Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets that had
accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many types of bait used to
attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive
to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions
can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including
bleeding, seizures or kidney damage.
7. Household Cleaners
Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to
adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets
from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants.
Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household
cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can
cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the
respiratory tract.
8. Heavy Metals
It's not too much loud music that constitutes our next pet poison
offender. Instead, it's heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury,
which accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is
especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many
sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and
lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.
9. Garden Products
It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer and
garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last
year, the ASPCA fielded 2,329 calls related to fertilizer exposure,
which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal
obstruction.
10. Chemical Hazards
In 2009, the ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure
to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards--found
in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and
pool/spa chemicals--form a substantial danger to pets. Substances
in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression,
respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.
Prevention is key in avoiding accidental exposure, but if
you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact
your veterinarian immediately or the Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
My rating: Prevention: (4)
From the book: "FIRST AID FOR DOGS: WHAT TO DO WHEN EMERGENCIES HAPPEN"....From cleansing a wound to making a splint, from Elizabethan collars and frostbite to premature birthing and broken bones, all the information dog owners need to take care of canine emergencies is included in this clearly written guide.
A customer says: "First Aid for Dogs" was one of three similar books I bought and is clearly the best, by a head and shoulders margin. It has almost 200 pages of information about a variety of conditions that can occur at home, in the neighborhood, or in the field.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
MY LINES? SURELY YOU JEST?
Well yesterday’s blog certainly generated a lot of conversation. Some chose to answer on this blog, others through different e-mail lists and then many to me personally. Unfortunately some of the best responses are sent to me personally and I wish I could share them with everyone as they are normally very informative. However, because some people name names, I can understand their hesitance in sharing some of their e-mails to the public for fear of offending others.
One of the letters I received asked me if I would write an article about the health problems in the breed. She was wondering why we breeders are not more willing to share health problem issues with one another. She, like many others feel it would be very beneficial if we knew the problems in some blood lines so we could make better judgments when choosing breeding partners for our animals. She asked me why breeders are not willing to share this information with one another. My answer to her (of course my opinion)……MONEY! But on further reflection, I still say that that is the number one reason, BUT there can be other reasons as well. Those reasons can be because of friendship with the stud dog or bitch owner. It could be fear of talking about someone’s dog and having them never talk to you again. I can hear people saying right about now, “Well friendship should have nothing to do with honesty in breeding.” You would think. Try telling that to the person whose dog you will be talking negatively about.
Lets say you breed to your friends dog. You have high hopes for the litter. Like usual, it looks so darn good on paper. The pups are born. Within the first few weeks, you see puppies who are throwing up after nursing. You’ve never dealt with this before. Right away you are thinking (and rightfully so); you have some puppies with mega esophagus. So you tell your friend who owns the stud dog about this. She tells you that so far he hasn’t produced it with any other bitches. So obviously this was a bad combination with her stud and your bitch. So now you are stuck with a litter of genetically sick puppies. Now do you go telling your other breeder friends about this knowing you may ruin the future stud services on your friend’s dog? Some of you may be saying, “Well that stud dog shouldn’t be bred if he is producing genetic health problems.” Do you risk the anger of your friend or maybe even lose the friendship by telling people the health problems of your litter? Yup, I know there are those of you saying, “Well, if you lose the friendship because of dogs then it wasn’t a very good friendship to start with.” And yes that’s the right way to think about it, but we’re talking about MONEY here and people can do crazy things because of it!
Alright then you breed your bitch to a stud dog that isn’t owned by a friend. The breeder is well known. You get a litter with a bunch of bad temperaments. You tell the stud dog owner. She tells you, “Oh that must be your bitch’s line. My dog is known for the good temperament that he produces. That’s not in my lines!” You tell her your bitch and her father and mother before her are therapy dogs and go into hospitals to be with the sick. She screams at you saying, “Not my problem!” and hangs up on you. This is not the type of communication you were hoping for. This is not honesty among breeders. There can be no honesty if BOTH parties are not willing to take responsibility for their bloodlines. You may breed that bitch again (some would not) and she may never produce the problem with different stud dogs. BUT, realize that her puppies and their puppies will carry her gene and the same health problem can come up in future generations.
If breeders are not willing to acknowledge the problems in their lines (and they all have them), then what is the unsuspecting honest breeder to do? If you don’t get the help from the stud dog owners and people don’t want to tell you the problems that they got with their litters, we continue to breed blindly and end up having a cesspool of genetically unhealthy dogs that not only affect this generation, but generations down the line. These genetically inferior dogs are not like breeding for better pigment that you can correct in one or two generations. Their ugly little heads with pop up time and again, if we are unknowledgeable about the lines that we are breeding to.
Will we correct the health problems in our breed? Well in my opinion……not anytime soon! As long as money is involved with the breeding of dogs, you will find that many (not a few) will continue breeding with their heads in the sand because of the almighty buck! If word gets out that their stud dog produces health problems than no one will want to breed to their dog and lost stud services equal lost money. If word gets out that a bitch produces health problems, then no one will want to buy her puppies. No puppy sales equal no money!
So right about now, if you’ve read this far, there are those of you who are saying, “We’re supposed to be breeding to better the breed because we love the German Shepherd Dog.” Yup, and you’d be right again. That’s because you are one of the more conscientious breeders who truly does love the breed. I’m not going to say that there are not a lot of people like you out there because I just don’t know. What I do know is that anytime that money is involved, it can bring out the worse in some people. Some people are looking for prestige and acknowledgement from their fellow breeders. They would have you believe that their lines are free from all faults except maybe a long coat or two every once in a while. So then, where is all the health problems’ coming from if no one admits to their lines producing them?
When you call up a stud dog owner, do you ask them about the health problems or faults that their dog is producing? Are they admitting to any? How about in their blood lines? What problems are behind them? Are they willing to talk to you about them? Be weary if all you hear is about that cute little long coated puppy or the lighter pigmented puppy as the only thing undesirable that they have produced! These are things that can be easily corrected. Health problems are not. On the other side of the equation, how many stud dog owners ask the bitch owner, what faults has she produced or discussed your bitch’s bloodlines with you? I have personally NEVER had a stud dog owner ask me about the genetic problems in my bitch’s line!
Strictly looking at the German Shepherd Dog you see a “hardy” healthy looking dog. But is he really? I mean he’s big and hunky looking. He’s a brave looking dog. But what blood flows through his veins? What genes will he carry to future generations? Eventually the dirt will come out in the wash. People do talk and some don’t care if they lose a friendship or not. They don’t care if you lose stud services or if you can’t sell your puppies. These are the dedicated breeders who are willing to step up to the plate and say, “Look, these bloodlines didn’t blend well together because I got this problem or that problem.” They know why they’re in the breed……improvement, improvement, improvement! Their egos are not that fragile that they are concerned whether you breed to their dogs or buy their puppies. They love what they do and most importantly they love and cherish this breed and want it to be around for many generations to come. These are the TRUE breeders of the German Shepherd Dog! Every line produces it's share of problems. There is no sin in that. The sin is denying that they do!
My rating: breeders concerned with health problems: (4), breeders concerned with making a buck no matter what: (1)
One of the letters I received asked me if I would write an article about the health problems in the breed. She was wondering why we breeders are not more willing to share health problem issues with one another. She, like many others feel it would be very beneficial if we knew the problems in some blood lines so we could make better judgments when choosing breeding partners for our animals. She asked me why breeders are not willing to share this information with one another. My answer to her (of course my opinion)……MONEY! But on further reflection, I still say that that is the number one reason, BUT there can be other reasons as well. Those reasons can be because of friendship with the stud dog or bitch owner. It could be fear of talking about someone’s dog and having them never talk to you again. I can hear people saying right about now, “Well friendship should have nothing to do with honesty in breeding.” You would think. Try telling that to the person whose dog you will be talking negatively about.
Lets say you breed to your friends dog. You have high hopes for the litter. Like usual, it looks so darn good on paper. The pups are born. Within the first few weeks, you see puppies who are throwing up after nursing. You’ve never dealt with this before. Right away you are thinking (and rightfully so); you have some puppies with mega esophagus. So you tell your friend who owns the stud dog about this. She tells you that so far he hasn’t produced it with any other bitches. So obviously this was a bad combination with her stud and your bitch. So now you are stuck with a litter of genetically sick puppies. Now do you go telling your other breeder friends about this knowing you may ruin the future stud services on your friend’s dog? Some of you may be saying, “Well that stud dog shouldn’t be bred if he is producing genetic health problems.” Do you risk the anger of your friend or maybe even lose the friendship by telling people the health problems of your litter? Yup, I know there are those of you saying, “Well, if you lose the friendship because of dogs then it wasn’t a very good friendship to start with.” And yes that’s the right way to think about it, but we’re talking about MONEY here and people can do crazy things because of it!
Alright then you breed your bitch to a stud dog that isn’t owned by a friend. The breeder is well known. You get a litter with a bunch of bad temperaments. You tell the stud dog owner. She tells you, “Oh that must be your bitch’s line. My dog is known for the good temperament that he produces. That’s not in my lines!” You tell her your bitch and her father and mother before her are therapy dogs and go into hospitals to be with the sick. She screams at you saying, “Not my problem!” and hangs up on you. This is not the type of communication you were hoping for. This is not honesty among breeders. There can be no honesty if BOTH parties are not willing to take responsibility for their bloodlines. You may breed that bitch again (some would not) and she may never produce the problem with different stud dogs. BUT, realize that her puppies and their puppies will carry her gene and the same health problem can come up in future generations.
If breeders are not willing to acknowledge the problems in their lines (and they all have them), then what is the unsuspecting honest breeder to do? If you don’t get the help from the stud dog owners and people don’t want to tell you the problems that they got with their litters, we continue to breed blindly and end up having a cesspool of genetically unhealthy dogs that not only affect this generation, but generations down the line. These genetically inferior dogs are not like breeding for better pigment that you can correct in one or two generations. Their ugly little heads with pop up time and again, if we are unknowledgeable about the lines that we are breeding to.
Will we correct the health problems in our breed? Well in my opinion……not anytime soon! As long as money is involved with the breeding of dogs, you will find that many (not a few) will continue breeding with their heads in the sand because of the almighty buck! If word gets out that their stud dog produces health problems than no one will want to breed to their dog and lost stud services equal lost money. If word gets out that a bitch produces health problems, then no one will want to buy her puppies. No puppy sales equal no money!
So right about now, if you’ve read this far, there are those of you who are saying, “We’re supposed to be breeding to better the breed because we love the German Shepherd Dog.” Yup, and you’d be right again. That’s because you are one of the more conscientious breeders who truly does love the breed. I’m not going to say that there are not a lot of people like you out there because I just don’t know. What I do know is that anytime that money is involved, it can bring out the worse in some people. Some people are looking for prestige and acknowledgement from their fellow breeders. They would have you believe that their lines are free from all faults except maybe a long coat or two every once in a while. So then, where is all the health problems’ coming from if no one admits to their lines producing them?
When you call up a stud dog owner, do you ask them about the health problems or faults that their dog is producing? Are they admitting to any? How about in their blood lines? What problems are behind them? Are they willing to talk to you about them? Be weary if all you hear is about that cute little long coated puppy or the lighter pigmented puppy as the only thing undesirable that they have produced! These are things that can be easily corrected. Health problems are not. On the other side of the equation, how many stud dog owners ask the bitch owner, what faults has she produced or discussed your bitch’s bloodlines with you? I have personally NEVER had a stud dog owner ask me about the genetic problems in my bitch’s line!
Strictly looking at the German Shepherd Dog you see a “hardy” healthy looking dog. But is he really? I mean he’s big and hunky looking. He’s a brave looking dog. But what blood flows through his veins? What genes will he carry to future generations? Eventually the dirt will come out in the wash. People do talk and some don’t care if they lose a friendship or not. They don’t care if you lose stud services or if you can’t sell your puppies. These are the dedicated breeders who are willing to step up to the plate and say, “Look, these bloodlines didn’t blend well together because I got this problem or that problem.” They know why they’re in the breed……improvement, improvement, improvement! Their egos are not that fragile that they are concerned whether you breed to their dogs or buy their puppies. They love what they do and most importantly they love and cherish this breed and want it to be around for many generations to come. These are the TRUE breeders of the German Shepherd Dog! Every line produces it's share of problems. There is no sin in that. The sin is denying that they do!
My rating: breeders concerned with health problems: (4), breeders concerned with making a buck no matter what: (1)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
YOU KNOW AND I KNOW, SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?
Before beauty and before movement, temperament should be of the utmost importance in the German Shepherd Dog…….when we’re breeding to them, showing them or judging them. There is no German Shepherd that is worthy of being called a German Shepherd without good temperament. What truly amazes me and I see it time and time again is that breeders who have been in this breed for any length of time are breeding to dogs that are known to have bad temperament. What’s up with that?
These breeders are responsible for helping these stud dogs attain their ROM (register of merit) titles and have now polluted the gene pool with this undesirable temperament. Why is that? Is it because the dog is owned by a “big shot” in the breed and they know they can get help promoting their puppies? So you’re hoping that your bloodlines will go down in breed history as being some of the top producing dogs? The only thing that these types of bloodlines should be remembered for is that they helped destroy the temperament of the breed. Temperament should never be sacrificed for beautiful breed type or movement.
Some are complaining that the temperament test evaluation is not good enough to judge our dogs in the show ring. They argue that you can teach most any dog how to stand in the ring and be approached by a judge and without the dog blinking an eyelash. Now ringside may very well know that that dog standing out in the ring doesn’t have good temperament but is very well trained by some top professionals. But what about the average Joe who has never seen or heard of the dog before and thinks what a great temperament this dog has and he’s beautiful as well? He breeds his bitch to the handsome stud dog and most of the litter ends up being a bunch of spooks…..but pretty! Whose responsibility is this? Certainly not the bitch owner. He believed the stud had good temperament. In this case, the responsibility would most definitely fall on the stud dog owner.
How about an AKC licensed judge that knows of a certain dog’s temperament. He’s seen him outside the ring many times before. What happens if this same dog comes under this judge and the dog doesn’t act out and stands like a rock for his temperament test? He has a full mouth. He is in gorgeous condition. He moves right up there with the best of them. And in fact, he is the best dog in the show. What does a judge do? Well we all know that the judge has to judge the dog on the day that that dog is shown under him. If there is no better dog in the ring must he put up a dog that he knows has bad temperament because he is standing in front of him like nothing bothers him at all? What’s the judge to do? Should he stomp his feet at the dog? Should he have a coughing fit a few inches away from him hoping the dog will show a spooky reaction? What should he do? Well this stinks because unless this dog does something showing he has bad temperament, the judge would have to put him up, right?
So now the dog wins under this judge and the next one and the next one after that. How can they deny him? So the breeders watch this dog winning under some very knowledgeable judges and everyone starts to breed to him, forgetting the true spook or fear biter that he is. Do they really forget or do they look the other way and pray that their bitch’s bloodlines are strong enough to dominate the litter?
So whose fault is this that the dog now is a Champion and top producer? Is it the judge’s fault, the breeders or the stud dog owner? Do they each play a role in the promotion of this unsound dog? Well in this writer’s opinion, it all starts with the owner of the stud dog that has the audacity to put this dog out in the ring to start with. Shame on him! Then shame on the breeders who know the bad temperament of the dog and breed to him anyway. The judge is more in a “damned if I do, damned if I don’t” position. If he’s an honest judge, he wants to do what’s right, but because the dog does nothing wrong under him, he has to judge him as he sees him on this day. For the good judge with a conscience, this must weigh heavily upon him. Does the judge say something to the handler? Does he say something to the owner? Whatever he decides to do is up to him, but to the unsuspecting audience that doesn’t know of this dog’s bad temperament, the judge has just said a ton to them. They think they just watched an outstanding representative of the breed win.
So what do you do? Do you jump on the band wagon and breed to this dog because everyone else in the breed is doing it? Do you figure that this is a good way for you to get on the good side of this influential stud dog owner? Are you thinking this person does all the winning and you want a piece of the action? Alright your puppies are born and there's nothing special in the litter. Do you think said stud dog owner will help you sell the "afraid of life" little darlings? Now you are stuck with trying to find homes for them. Also you can expect all sorts of telephone calls from their anxious new owners when the puppy can't seem to adjust to their home life because they're afraid of everything. Are you willing to take the chance in the hopes of getting the elusive "great one?"
So in this case the old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover” would seem appropriate. Things are definitely not always what they may seem. If you are considering using a stud dog for your bitch, try to see the dog “one on one” away the show ring. Ask other breeders who may have bred to him about their litters. Don’t just breed to the big winner of the day or the next day. Their winning record has nothing to do with their ability to produce the ideal German Shepherd temperament that this breed is admired and known for. You owe it to yourself, to your puppies and to the future of this breed!
My rating: ideal temperament: (4), poor temperament: (1)
These breeders are responsible for helping these stud dogs attain their ROM (register of merit) titles and have now polluted the gene pool with this undesirable temperament. Why is that? Is it because the dog is owned by a “big shot” in the breed and they know they can get help promoting their puppies? So you’re hoping that your bloodlines will go down in breed history as being some of the top producing dogs? The only thing that these types of bloodlines should be remembered for is that they helped destroy the temperament of the breed. Temperament should never be sacrificed for beautiful breed type or movement.
Some are complaining that the temperament test evaluation is not good enough to judge our dogs in the show ring. They argue that you can teach most any dog how to stand in the ring and be approached by a judge and without the dog blinking an eyelash. Now ringside may very well know that that dog standing out in the ring doesn’t have good temperament but is very well trained by some top professionals. But what about the average Joe who has never seen or heard of the dog before and thinks what a great temperament this dog has and he’s beautiful as well? He breeds his bitch to the handsome stud dog and most of the litter ends up being a bunch of spooks…..but pretty! Whose responsibility is this? Certainly not the bitch owner. He believed the stud had good temperament. In this case, the responsibility would most definitely fall on the stud dog owner.
How about an AKC licensed judge that knows of a certain dog’s temperament. He’s seen him outside the ring many times before. What happens if this same dog comes under this judge and the dog doesn’t act out and stands like a rock for his temperament test? He has a full mouth. He is in gorgeous condition. He moves right up there with the best of them. And in fact, he is the best dog in the show. What does a judge do? Well we all know that the judge has to judge the dog on the day that that dog is shown under him. If there is no better dog in the ring must he put up a dog that he knows has bad temperament because he is standing in front of him like nothing bothers him at all? What’s the judge to do? Should he stomp his feet at the dog? Should he have a coughing fit a few inches away from him hoping the dog will show a spooky reaction? What should he do? Well this stinks because unless this dog does something showing he has bad temperament, the judge would have to put him up, right?
So now the dog wins under this judge and the next one and the next one after that. How can they deny him? So the breeders watch this dog winning under some very knowledgeable judges and everyone starts to breed to him, forgetting the true spook or fear biter that he is. Do they really forget or do they look the other way and pray that their bitch’s bloodlines are strong enough to dominate the litter?
So whose fault is this that the dog now is a Champion and top producer? Is it the judge’s fault, the breeders or the stud dog owner? Do they each play a role in the promotion of this unsound dog? Well in this writer’s opinion, it all starts with the owner of the stud dog that has the audacity to put this dog out in the ring to start with. Shame on him! Then shame on the breeders who know the bad temperament of the dog and breed to him anyway. The judge is more in a “damned if I do, damned if I don’t” position. If he’s an honest judge, he wants to do what’s right, but because the dog does nothing wrong under him, he has to judge him as he sees him on this day. For the good judge with a conscience, this must weigh heavily upon him. Does the judge say something to the handler? Does he say something to the owner? Whatever he decides to do is up to him, but to the unsuspecting audience that doesn’t know of this dog’s bad temperament, the judge has just said a ton to them. They think they just watched an outstanding representative of the breed win.
So what do you do? Do you jump on the band wagon and breed to this dog because everyone else in the breed is doing it? Do you figure that this is a good way for you to get on the good side of this influential stud dog owner? Are you thinking this person does all the winning and you want a piece of the action? Alright your puppies are born and there's nothing special in the litter. Do you think said stud dog owner will help you sell the "afraid of life" little darlings? Now you are stuck with trying to find homes for them. Also you can expect all sorts of telephone calls from their anxious new owners when the puppy can't seem to adjust to their home life because they're afraid of everything. Are you willing to take the chance in the hopes of getting the elusive "great one?"
So in this case the old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover” would seem appropriate. Things are definitely not always what they may seem. If you are considering using a stud dog for your bitch, try to see the dog “one on one” away the show ring. Ask other breeders who may have bred to him about their litters. Don’t just breed to the big winner of the day or the next day. Their winning record has nothing to do with their ability to produce the ideal German Shepherd temperament that this breed is admired and known for. You owe it to yourself, to your puppies and to the future of this breed!
My rating: ideal temperament: (4), poor temperament: (1)
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