Dog Is My Teacher

Keep Sugar-Free Gum Away From Dogs - Xylitol Is Toxic

2008-07-10T10:40:00.002-05:00

With so many people trying to make healthier choices sales of sugar-free sweets are on the rise. Caution -- gum, candies and other foods made with xylitol can make your pets ill. Dogs who’ve ingested xylitol may develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. Data from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) also shows a link between xylitol ingestion and liver failure in dogs.

My eyes and ears are always open for toxins in food and everyday used items. This has been a way of life for me for the past 30 years with my pets. After all, the animals can't read and don't know enough spoken words to understand news stories about what to eat or what is dangerous. By the way the picture is me with my best dog friend Tara.

One thing many pet lovers might not think about is xylitol, a popular sweetener used in sugar-free gums, mints and oral care products. Xylitol is an all-natural sugar substitute derived from beets, birch tree bark, corncobs and other natural sources.

Xylitol is used in cookies, candies, cupcakes and other sweets developed for people who have diabetes. It's also sold in bags of crystals for baking. Because of its bacteria-killing properties, it is put into some oral care products, including Oxyfresh, Tom's All Natural and Biotene toothpastes.

It's also used in Jello sugar-free puddings and a wide variety of sugar-free gums, including Trident, Orbit, Stride, Icebreakers and Altoids.

Some sugar-free chewing gums are as much as 70 percent xylitol, depending on the brand and whether the product is used as a primary sweetener.

A 22-pound dog who consumes 1 gram of xylitol should be treated. This can equate to 3 to 4 pieces of some gum products.

The number of xylitol-related pet poisonings is on the rise, partly because of increased awareness, but more so because xylitol is being used in more products.

Keep your furry friend safe - keep all products, food, gum, mints and oral care products with xylitol out of reach. Dogs really do have a sweet tooth and can dig through a bag to find the gum or mints - so please dog proof your sugar-free products.

Visit ASPCA for more info.

PETCO: Pet Food Kept In Filthy Conditions FDA Report

2008-06-24T11:04:00.005-05:00

FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center

Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

"We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company's failure to adequately control and prevent pests in its facility," said Margaret O'K. Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "Consumers expect that such safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well."

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.

As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.

If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should contact their veterinarian and report illnesses to FDA state consumer complaint coordinators.

Seen on Reuters

Whole Food And More: PETCO Storing Food In Filthy Conditions FDA Report

Healthy Pet Food

Are these ingredients in your dog's food?

2008-04-27T08:22:00.000-05:00

These are not things your dog should eat.

*Ground Yellow Corn is the entire corn kernel, ground or chopped. While the whole corn kernel is nutritious and supplies whole grain nutrition, corn is considered to be highly allergenic and difficult for dogs to digest.

*Beef & Bone Meal is the rendered product from beef tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Beef & bone meal is a by-product made from beef parts, which are not suitable for human consumption. It can incorporate the entire cow, including the bone; although the quality cuts of meat are always removed before beef & bone meal is made.

*Beef Tallow is obtained from the tissue of cattle in the commercial process of rendering. Although this is a very palatable source of fat, it is low in linoleic acid, which is necessary for skin and coat health. It is a low quality fat product.

*Soybean Meal is the product obtained by grinding the flakes, which remain after removal of most of the oil from soybeans by a solvent or mechanical extraction process. Soybean meal is poor quality protein filler. Pet food companies can use the cheaper by-products of human food production, such as soybean meal, to boost protein numbers.

*Animal Digest is a material, which results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed animal tissue. Animal digest is a palatability enhancer, which can contain unpredictable parts from animals of unknown origin.

*Animal Fat is obtained from the tissues of mammals and/or poultry in the commercial process of rendering or extracting. Animal fat is a by-product of meat meal processing. The origin of the contributing animals is never known, and the resulting oil is very low in linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that is important for skin and coat health.

*BHA/BHT is short for Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), both of which are chemical preservatives. BHA and BHT have been banned from human use in many countries because they are potentially cancer-causing agents. In the US, they are still permitted in pet foods.

*Propylene Glycol is a chemical preservative used as a less-toxic version of automotive antifreeze.

Healthy dog & cat food

There's still more questionable things in dog food

*Dried Beet Pulp is the dried residue from sugar beets, which has been cleaned, freed from crowns, leaves, and sand, and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. Dried beet pulp is added to some pet foods to act as a fibrous stool hardener.

*Poultry By-Product Meal consists of the ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcasses of slaughtered poultry, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines; exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices. This is a low-quality, inconsistent ingredient, with multiple organs used, constantly changing proportions, and questionable nutritional value. The origin can be any fowl (turkeys, ducks, geese, buzzards, etc.), instead of a single source, like chicken. Poultry by-product meal is much less expensive and less digestible than chicken meal.

*Brewer's Rice is the small milled fragment of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. Brewer's rice is a lower quality rice product that is missing many of the nutrients found in ground rice and ground brown rice. It is basically a waste product of the alcohol industry.

*Corn Gluten Meal is the dried residue from corn after the removal of the larger part of the starch and germ, and the separation of the bran by the process employed in the wet milling manufacture of cornstarch or syrup, or by enzymatic treatment of the endosperm. Corn gluten in dog foods is cheap protein filler.

*Meat By-Products consist of organs and parts either not desired, or condemned, for human consumption. This can include bones, blood, intestines, lungs, ligaments, heads, feet, and feathers.

*Corn Syrup, Sugar, and Cane Molasses are sweeteners. They are usually added to lower quality foods to increase their appeal. Dietary sugars can aggravate health problems, including diabetes.

*Vegetable Oil is the product of vegetable origin obtained by extracting the oil from seeds or fruits which are processed for edible purposes. The source vegetables for this oil (and their nutrient properties) are unknown.

Healthy dog & cat food

If a dog was the teacher....

2008-04-26T11:24:00.001-05:00

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

*When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
*Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
*Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
*Take naps.
*Stretch before rising.
*Run, romp, and play daily.
*Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
*Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
*On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
*On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
*When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
*Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
*Be loyal.
*Never pretend to be something you're not.
*If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
*When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

*ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY*

FDA bans certain cattle parts from all animal feed

2008-04-25T19:45:00.003-05:00

U.S. makers of pet food and all other animal feed will be prevented from using certain materials from cattle at the greatest risk for spreading mad cow disease under a rule that regulators finalized on Wednesday.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which oversees animal feed, said excluding high-risk materials from cattle 30 months of age or older from all animal feed will prevent any accidental cross-contamination between ruminant feed (intended for animals such as cattle) and non-ruminant feed or feed ingredients.

Contamination could occur during manufacture, transport or through the accidental misfeeding of non-ruminant feed to ruminant animals.

Canada and the United States banned the inclusion of protein from cows and other ruminant animals such as goats and sheep in cattle feed in 1997, following a mad cow outbreak in Britain.

The measure issued today finalizes a proposed rule opened for public comment in October 2005. It goes into effect on April 23, 2009.

The major U.S. safeguards against mad cow disease are the feed ban, a prohibition against slaughtering most "downer" cattle -- animals too sick to walk on their own -- for human food, and a requirement for meatpackers to remove from carcasses the brains, spinal cords and other parts most likely to contain the malformed proteins blamed for the disease.

The United States has found three cases of mad cow disease, including the first one detected in December of 2003. Soon after, U.S. beef exports were virtually halted. U.S. official have been slowly working to resume beef shipments.

Last week, South Korea officially announced it would gradually open its market to U.S. beef imports as Washington intensifies safety standards.
Eventually, if all goes well, a full range of U.S. beef boneless and bone-in, from animals of any age, would be shipped to a market estimated to be worth up to $1 billion a year.
source

My feelings about this:
I thought this article was going to be about helping improve pet food and maye make it safer. Then I realized it had nothing to do with Pet Health. It comes down to wanting to get the $1 billion dollars a year to exports.

The I realized pet food that is being mass-marketed cannot be helped by just banning certain animal parts. If you can't prepare your pets food buy the best healthy, natural product you can afford. Having a pet is for the life of the animal and you owe it to them to do the best you can.

Don't support the pet food giants that mass-market pet food, they do not have your pet's health first in their mind, they are after the dollar.

Healthy Pet Food My Gang Eats

Pets For The Environment

2008-04-19T18:46:00.003-05:00

This post comes to us from a new friend Eddie. For more of his work, visit Pets for the Environment.

About Eddie & Pets for the Environment

ABOUT EDDIE

I'm a dog on a mission.
When nonstick chemicals from a frying pan killed my buddy Feathers, and my feline friend Cleo and I found out that we're full of chemicals too, I was barking mad. Did you know that the humans' government doesn't make companies test chemicals for safety before they start using them in our toys, furniture, or even our food? And where do you think all those flame retardants, mercury, and perfluorochemicals end up? In us! And I know because I was tested.

The chemicals in me are the same kinds of chemicals in people, and scientists think that other cats and dogs—and horses and birds and bunnies and snakes—around the country are full of them, too.

That's why I started Pets for the Environment. The humans have made a mess, and they aren't doing anything about it. I need your help educating our humans and getting their government to pass toxic chemical reform legislation. They'll never listen to just one pet, but all of us barking and meowing and cawing and squeaking together can make a lot of noise. Join Pets for the Environment and help me make a difference!
Want to know more?

Read my blog
Join Pets for the Environment
Check out the science
Learn what you can do to protect yourself and your family

Let's say, just for the sake of example, that you were a dog. Or a cat, if you prefer (although I can't imagine why you would). You'd spend your days lazing about, taking naps, playing outside, and eating treats. Humans would pat your head and tell you how cute you looked.

Sounds like a pretty neat life, right? Lighthearted, carefree, simple. . . I bet you're a little jealous.
Well, I thought it was pretty neat too, until I found out that pets are full of toxic chemicals. And that really burns my brisket, because see, I am a dog.

EWG took samples from 20 dogs and 40 cats to test for toxic chemicals in our bodies, and I'm one of those dogs. They found 48 of the 70 chemicals they looked for, including PCBs, PBDEs, phthalates, and heavy metals, and lots of other stuff. In fact, we were more polluted with 43 of the chemicals they found than most humans are! Scientists think that other cats and dogs (and birds and lizards and fish and rabbits) have the same chemicals in them. Humans call it body burden. I call it really lousy. It turns out we're all exposed to this stuff every day, in lots of different ways. There's pollution in the air and water and chemicals in the housedust, on the carpet and the couch, and probably even in our food. Humans created all these chemicals, and now they might be making us sick!

That's why we pets have decided to step in. We've formed our own organization, and we're calling on humans to clean up the mess they've made. It's time for the humans' government to pass chemical safety standards that will keep all of us, pets and people, safe and healthy.
In the meantime, we're finding tips for keeping pets healthy. So if there's an eco-pet in your household, send them on over to Pets for the Environment. We need all the paws we can get!

Pet Evacutation Tips

2008-04-12T10:53:00.003-05:00

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

Step 1 Get a Rescue Alert Sticker

This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes

1) the types and number of pets in your household;

2) the name of your veterinarian;

3) your veterinarian's phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED" across the stickers.

To get an emergency pet alert sticker for your home, please fill out our online order form; please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Your local pet supply store may also sell similar stickers.

Step 2 Arrange a Safe Haven

Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Note that Red Cross disaster shelters will not accept pets because of health and safety regulations, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:

- Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities. - Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. - Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets. - Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.

Step 3 Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits

Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
- Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include, or visit the ASPCA Store to buy one online)

- 3-7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)

- Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)

- Litter or paper toweling

- Liquid dish soap and disinfectant

- Disposable garbage bags for clean-up

- Pet feeding dishes

- Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security)-

Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)

- Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)

- A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet

- Flashlight - Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet) - Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)- Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable litter

- Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner.

You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family.

Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.

Step 4 Choose “Designated Caregivers”

This step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility.

When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this "foster parent," consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet. Click here for information about pet trusts.

Step 5 Evacuation Preparation

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:
- Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.

- Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's carrier.

- The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal's shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at most animal shelters.

- Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis. Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

Step 6 Geographic and Climatic Considerations

Do you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods? If so, you should plan accordingly.
- Determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.

- Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones. - Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage or other crises.

- In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.

If emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it's crucial that you keep your pets with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and comfort.

Special Considerations for Birds-

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.

- In cold weather, make certain you have a blanket over your pet’s cage. This may also help reduce the stress of traveling.

- In warm weather, carry a spray bottle to periodically moisten your bird's feathers.

- Have recent photos available, and keep your bird’s leg bands on for identification.

- If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels that you can change frequently.

- Keep the carrier in as quiet an area as possible.

- It is particularly imperative that birds eat on a daily basis, so purchase a timed feeder. If you need to leave your bird unexpectedly, the feeder will ensure his daily feeding schedule.

- Items to keep on hand: Catch net, heavy towel, blanket or sheet to cover cage, cage liner.

Special Considerations for Reptiles

- A snake may be transported in a pillowcase, but you should have permanent and secure housing for him when you reach a safe place.

- Take a sturdy bowl that is large for your pet to soak in. It’s also a good idea to bring along a heating pad or other warming device, such as a hot water bottle. Lizards can be transported like birds (see above).

Special Considerations for Small Animals

- Small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs, should be transported in secure carriers with bedding materials, food and food bowls.

- Items to keep on hand: Salt lick, extra water bottle, small hidebox or tube, a week's worth of bedding.

ASPCA Emergency tips

Keep Artificial Sweeteners Away From Dogs!

2008-04-03T12:23:00.003-05:00

For those trying to lose weight or avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners can be toxic to your dog. Xylitol which is found in a lot of candy, gum, and baked goods, can lead to low blood sugar in dogs, resulting in depression, impaired muscle coordination and even seizures.

Researchers have also found a strong link between xylitol and liver failure in some dogs. Since 2005, the Animal Poison Control Center has managed well over 100 cases of xylitol poisoning per year, so if you consume foods containing this sweetener, be sure to keep them well out of reach of you dog's reach. Actually keep this away from all pets. Cat's don't usually get into the same things a dog would but you never know about a kitten.

Using Aromathrapy Around Animals - Caution

2008-03-30T19:58:00.002-05:00

Aromatherapy is becoming more widely accepted in the mainstream, more people are using essential oils at home. Unfortunately, as some people are finding out, this is not always having a positive affect on the animals in their lives.

I've been an animal lover for over 40 years. I use mostly natural remedies for them. I have read a lot about aromatherapy with pets the past few years but never tried anything. I do know cats, birds and fish are very risky to use any strong scents and oils around. I learned this while working at the Humane Society.

There have been many reports of animals harmed, even dying, from essential oils. Tea Tree has received a bad rap lately, most likely stemming from the fact that it is so widely available. Well meaning owners have used this oil to treat skin problems such as bites and scratches, only to end up at the veterinarian's office with an animal exhibiting signs of toxicity, such as ataxia, in-coordination, weakness, tremors, vomiting or depression.

Misinformation is an enormous problem in this area as well. As an increasing amount of people turn to a more natural approach at life, companies are jumping to cash in. Thousands of products include essential oils in their ingredients; pet products are no different. The average person, unaware of the dangers, can easily think these products would be completely safe when in fact they are not.

Pennyroyal for instance, is widely used as flea control. This oil is a known abortifacient in humans, and considered a toxin to the liver and the kidneys. Not exactly a strong selling point, although it is very good at keeping fleas at bay!Many products for cats also contain essential oils.

Many cat owners are unaware that by using these products, they can slowly cause toxins to build up in the feline's system, causing a slow onset of organ failure. A cat's liver cannot process toxins as a human's or even a dog's can, and the chemical constituents of the oils, such as terpenes, phenols, and ketones, are no exception. The effects of these can be immediate in showing up, or can take years.

Birds are well known for being sensitive to scents and particles in the air, and essential oils are no different. Gillian Willis, a toxicologist in Vancouver, has seen many cases of avian poisoning, including a well-meaning cockatiel owner who, upon seeing an abrasion on her bird's foot, applied a drop of Tea Tree oil. The bird became depressed and even with veterinary intervention, died within 24 hours of respiratory failure. Even diffusing oils around a bird can produce dire consequences.

There are some essential oils that should never be used for animals: Anise, Clove Leaf/Bud, Garlic, Horseradish, Juniper, Thyme, Wintergreen, or Yarrow, to name a few.

Some that can be used include: Cedarwood Atlas, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lavender, Myrrh, Ravensare, Rose, and Valerian (note that these lists are not exhaustive and further research from the pet owner should be done).

For dogs, essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, from bathing to calming the nerves through diffusion. Some points to remember:
* Dogs cannot tell you what is or is not working. As such, you must closely watch their reactions. Excessive scratching, sniffing, nervousness or whining are all signs to watch for.
* Always dilute the oils. A common acceptable dilution is 25% of the adult human formula.
* Giving essential oils internally is not generally recommended.
* Do not use any oils on medium-large breed puppies under 8 weeks, and small or toy breeds under 10 weeks. Hydrosols are a much better choice.
* Gradually introduce the oils.
* What is good for a large dog is not good for a small dog. Size matters, and less is definitely more when working with oils, for animals or humans.
* Sick, frail, older, or pregnant dogs have special considerations, just as in humans. Do not administer the same dose to them as you would to a healthy animal of the same size.
* Never use oils near the eyes, mouth, nose, or genital area.

Felines are especially sensitive, as previously mentioned. Even dispersing oils in the air or using them as cleaning agents around the house can be detrimental. Make sure that the cat has a way to go into another room, with fresh air to 'escape'. Oils should never be used topically because of their liver's inability to process them. Hydrosols, also known as hydrolats or floral water, are a much safer option with many of the same benefits.

For smaller animals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits, hydrosols are also the best option, at a 50% dilution of what is used for felines.

Birds should never be exposed to oils, whether topically or in the air due to their extreme sensitivity. Hydrosols can be used, but in very minute amounts, much like in homeopathic remedies.

Fish cannot tolerate oils or floral waters. The oils, not being water-soluble, would end up sticking to the fish, causing a host of problems, up to and many times, including death. Hydrosols each have their own pH levels, and have the possibility of wreaking havoc on the pH levels within the tank, also causing harm to the fish.

An animal lover's best bet, for the sake of their pet, would be to educate themselves even further. One must be cautioned about searching the net, however, as misinformation is everywhere. Be sure to check the credentials of the writer before following the advice of any site. There are a few good books on the subject, one of my favorites, and the reference for this article, is Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals by Kristen Leigh Bell. source

Tara - Febuary 16, 1990 - March 2, 2008

2008-03-05T14:59:00.003-06:00

I can't write this now but wanted to drop a note to say my sweet old Tara crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge on Sunday March 2, 2008. It was 15 days after her 18th birthday she knew it was time she joined her brother and sister.

When my heart can handle it I will finish her life story.

Thank you all for your birthday wishes and kind comments about Tara.
Robin, Tara's best friend and mom.

Tara Had Her 18th Birthday!

2008-02-19T13:13:00.005-06:00

My sweet old Sheltie, Tara turned 18 on Saturday, Feb.16th.

I made her a doggy birthday cake and shared some with her Sheltie brothers, Scotty and Riley. She loved it, especially the strawberries and blueberries. Yum... My husband and son thought it was real cake for people. We could eat it but when they found out it was for Tara they didn't want any.

Tara had a good day doing her normal things, eat, sleep, walk around, go outside to potty and sleep some more.

Then, she woke me up at 6am Sunday whimpering. To make the story short, she suffered a stroke. She has been having mini strokes for a few months and always got back to normal. This was a bad one. She couldn't stand at all. I lifted her onto her bed and sat crying for a long time.

I couldn't stop thinking about our 18 years together and then her likely crossing over to the rainbow bridge one day after her birthday. It was torture sitting with her and wondering if she could bounce back one more time.

I started giving her Rescue Remedy every 30 minutes and drops of water every few minutes. She was still totally limp, not able to move and not improving. At one point I decided to see if she would eat a few bites of food so I got her birthday cake out and cut a tiny bite. I held her head up, put the cake under her nose and she ate it! That lifted my spirts but she still couldn't move on her own so I proped her head on a pillow and covered her with a light blanket.

Tara has been amazing me for years with her exceptional health, mobility and will to live. The only problem she's had was not eating well so I cooked her pancakes, chicken and bought jar baby food for her. She was very thin but still very healthy!

Tara moved with me from Texas to Minnesota 12 years ago. She's been a constant in my life for 18 years. In all honesty, she's been the perfect dog and my very best friend.

Ok, back to Sunday. For 5 hours Tara was on her bed totally motionless and I was just watching her to make sure she was still breathing. I still gave her water and the Rescue Remedy every half hour.

I was on my computer getting ready to write the end to Tara's life story when I heard her toenails on the hardwood floor. She was up! I yelled to my family - Tara's Up! I'm still giddy happy remembering how I felt when she got up. She is the most amazing dog. I carried her outside to go potty. It was really windy outside and I was afraid she would be blown over, but she wasn't. She went potty, came back inside, drank some water and walked around a bit. I watched her like a hawk all day and she kept improving.

It's Tuesday and she's still doing great. She is starting to eat a little better, walks better and is back to her pre-birthday condition.

I know Tara will not be with us too much longer, a dog can't live forever. I don't want to have to euthanize her if at all possible to avoid. I won't let her suffer though. I hope she goes to sleep one day and crosses over in her sleep.

I asked her to spend last Thanksgiving with us, then Christmas, then New Years, and lastly her Birthday. I'm not selfish, she gave me my 4 wishes so now when she's ready, I'll let her go. I'll always love her, miss her, think of her daily but I'll always know she was my lifeforce and I was hers for many years.

Happy 18th Birthday Tara. We love you dearly,

Mom, Dad, Matthew, Scotty, Riley and Bob Cat.

PetSmart Suspends Bird Sales Until Spring

2008-02-14T15:18:00.001-06:00

Thanks to everyone who has written to PETsMART to urge a ban on the sale of birds and other live animals. Your efforts are making a difference!

Born Free recently learned that PETsMART has extended its original suspension on the sale of birds in approximately 775 stores in 46 states across the U.S. until at least April. In late 2007, birds in 43 PETsMART stores tested positive for avian chlamydiosis (also called psittacosis) — a disease that is transmittable to humans.

As we told you in an earlier alert, PETsMART was also recently in the news, in a Today show segment alleging animal mistreatment at one of its major suppliers.

Born Free USA united with API continues to call on PETsMART to discontinue its sale of birds and other live animals. If you have not done so already, please let PETsMART know that you won’t be shopping at its stores until live animal sales cease.

Now is the time to keep the pressure on to help turn PETsMART’s temporary suspension of sales into a permanent change!

To find out more and take action on this alert, click here.

Stop the Long Distance Transport of Animals for Slaghter

2008-02-12T19:34:00.001-06:00

Today, February 12, 2008, marks the release of a two-year investigation by Handle with Care, a global coalition of national and international animal welfare organizations — including Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute (Born Free USA)— seeking to end the long-distance transport of animals for slaughter.

Revealed in the investigative footage, gathered across several countries and continents, is evidence of the brutality of transporting live animals long distances — only for them to be slaughtered at the journey’s end.

One of the worst routes for cruelty was the 4,000 mile journey from Canada to Hawaii –endured by up to 15,000 pigs a year — in which investigators uncovered a number of serious animal welfare issues.

"Anyone who watches the footage of pigs desperately trying to escape when they are finally let out of containers in Hawaii after more than a week of brutal confinement cannot help but be moved by their suffering. It is unconscionable to permit the unnecessary long distance transport of animals to continue," said Monica Engebretson, Born Free USA’s Senior Program Associate.
We need you to help us put a stop this cruel and unnecessary trade as soon as possible. So please check out the ways you can help and take action today.

To find out about the investigation and take action right away, click here.

You can view the footage and get more indepth coverage of the investigation and the issue by clicking here.

Contaminated pet food caused pet illnesses and deaths last year

2008-02-08T18:05:00.000-06:00

FDA Investigation Leads to Several Indictments for Importing Contaminated Ingredients Used in Pet Food

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations announced that two Chinese nationals and the businesses they operate, along with a U.S. company and its president and chief executive officer, were indicted by a federal grand jury today in separate but related cases. The indictments are for their roles in a scheme to import products purported to be wheat gluten into the United States that were contaminated with melamine. These products were used to make pet food.

Report Here.

Looking For Love

2008-02-02T15:01:00.000-06:00

Davey, a lovely Collie is looking for love.

From: Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue

'Hi Folks, Davey here. I'm just looking for a nice place to spend my golden years. Is your home looking for love and a gentle soul? If so...I might be your man. I just arrived and haven't shared all my wisdom with these new foster folks.

Davey is up to date with routine shots. He is already house trained. He has been altered.
Davey's Contact Info
Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue
Minneapolis, MN
Phone: 612-869-0480

Teflon Cookware Kills Birds.

2008-02-01T09:07:00.000-06:00

This is also posted on Whole Food And More blog, but in case you missed it read it here.

Avian veterinarians have known for decades that Teflon-coated and other non-stick cookware can produce fumes that are highly toxic to birds. As early as 1986, a Chicago-area expert on “Teflon toxicosis” called the phenomenon a “leading cause of death among birds,” and estimated that hundreds of birds are killed by the fumes and particles emitted from Teflon-coated products each year. Although an accurate national accounting of deaths is not available, in a single year this Chicago veterinarian documented 296 bird deaths in 105 cases involving non-stick cookware.

Under ordinary cooking scenarios, Teflon kills birds. A review of the literature and bird owners’ accounts of personal experience with Teflon toxicosis shows that Teflon can be lethal at normal cooking temperatures, with no human lapses in judgment or wakefulness.

Bird deaths have been documented during or immediately after the following normal cooking scenarios:

What is Teflon doing to all living creatures? Want to risk it? Not me.

PETsMART Again Linked to Mistreated Animals

2008-01-25T18:35:00.000-06:00

Recently Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute alerted members to the discovery of diseased birds in 23 PETsMART stores that were linked to a distributor in Florida that mass-produces birds for PETsMART.

Now PETsMART is in the news again for allegations of animal mistreatment at one of its major animal suppliers. A story that aired on the Today show revealed appalling conditions that birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small mammals are force to endure while used for breeding or awaiting shipment to PETsMART stores. Video footage shows sick and injured animals tossed in garbage cans and rabbits being neutered without proper veterinary protocols. View the Today show segment here.

Born Free USA is once again calling on PETsMART to discontinue its sale of birds and other live animals. You can let PETsMART know that you won’t be shopping at its stores until live animal sales cease.

To find out more and take action on this alert, click here.

10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

2008-01-24T12:50:00.000-06:00

There are many more reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered - here are 10 to start.

1. Your female dog or cat will live a longer, healthier life. Spaying—the removal of the ovaries and uterus—is a veterinary procedure performed under general anesthesia that usually requires minimal hospitalization. Spaying a female cat or dog helps prevent pyometra (pus-filled uterus) and breast cancer. Treatment of pyometra requires hospitalization, intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Breast cancer can be fatal in about 50 percent of female dogs and in 90 percent of female cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.

2. There are major health benefits for your male animal companion, too. Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male dog or cat—the surgical removal of the testicles—prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.

3. Your spayed female won't go into heat.While cycles can vary greatly, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house. Unspayed female dogs generally have a bloody discharge for about a week, and can conceive for another week or so.

4. Your male dog might not want to roam away from home… An intact male in search of a mate will do just about anything to get one! That includes digging his way under the fence and making like Houdini to escape from the house. And once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.

5. …and he will be much better behaved to boot! Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Indoors, male dogs may embarrass you by mounting on furniture and human legs when stimulated. And FYI, a neutered dog protects his home and family just as well as unneutered dog--and many aggression problems might be avoided by early neutering.

6. Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.It's no use to use that old excuse! Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.

7. Spaying or neutering is highly cost-effective.The cost of your pet's spay or neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered tom escapes and gets into fights with neighborhood strays…or the cost of cleaning the carpet that your unspayed female keeps mistaking for her litter box, or the cost of…well, you get the idea!

8. It's good for the community. Stray animals pose real problems in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause vehicular accidents, damage the local fauna and scare children.

9. Your pet doesn't need to have a litter for your children to witness the miracle of birth. I've heard this one a lot. But you know what? Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping teaches your children irresponsibility. Anyone who has seen an animal euthanized in a shelter for lack of a home knows the truth behind this dangerous myth. There are countless books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a responsible manner.

10. It packs a powerful punch in the fight against pet overpopulation. Millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized annually or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unwanted, unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.

Pet Toothpaste Recall

2008-01-24T10:41:00.000-06:00

Do you brush your pet's teeth? Have you heard about the pet toothpaste recall? Pets by Penny has a post and also The Dog Log. I feel it's important to help spread the word about all pet product recalls so use the links below to read more. It's on two different posts. Both links here:
Very dangerous pet product recall
Recall affects human products too

I've read about a herbal product that claims to be natural with no side-effects. I've never used it so I can't say much about it. Here's the website if you want to check it out. http://www.lebalab.com/. If you try it let me know the outcome.

What You Should Know About Cancer In Animals

2008-01-16T12:35:00.000-06:00

What is Cancer?
Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells on or within the body. Cancer may be benign or malignant. It may be localized or it may invade adjacent tissue and spread throughout the body.

How Common is Cancer?
Cancer is common in pet animals and the incidence increases with age. Cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers.
How is it Diagnosed?
Strong circumstantial evidence of cancer can be attained from x-rays, blood tests, ultrasonography, the pet's physical examination and medical history. Most cancers, however, will require a biopsy (a removal of a piece of tissue) for confirmation that cancer exists and to grade the level of severity from benign to aggressively malignant.
Is Cancer Preventable?
Unfortunately, the cause of most cancers is not known and, therefore, prevention is difficult. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to manage cancer in pets.
Common Types of Cancer in Pets
Skin - Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign. Your veterinarian should examine all skin tumors in a dog or cat to determine if any are malignant.
Breast - 50% of all breast tumors in dogs and greater than 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your female pet between 6 and 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this type of cancer. Follow up treatment may be recommended.
Head & Neck - Cancer of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. Signs to watch for are a mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficulty eating. Since many swellings are malignant, early, aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may also develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling are symptoms that may indicate cancer and should be checked by your veterinarian.
Lymphoma - Lymphoma is a common form of cancer in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A contagious feline leukemia virus can be the cause of lymphoma in some cats. Chemotherapy is frequently effective in controlling this type of cancer.
Feline Leukemia Complex - The feline leukemia virus is contagious among cats and will occasionally cause different types of cancer. It is not contagious to humans. While a great deal of research is ongoing, no consistently effective treatment is presently available for virus-positive cats.
Testicles - Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testes. Most of these cancers are preventable with castration (neutering) and curable with surgery if done early in the disease process.
Abdominal Tumors - Tumors inside the abdomen are common but it is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss or abdominal enlargement are signs of these tumors.
Bone - Bone tumors are most often seen in large breed dogs and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites. Persistent pain, lameness, and swelling in the affected area are common symptoms of the disease.

Many of the above signs are also seen with noncancerous conditions but they still warrant prompt attention by a veterinarian to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.
How is Cancer Treated?
Each type of cancer requires individual care and may include a combination of treatment therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or immunotherapy. Once you have a diagnosis, your veterinarian will discuss the best treatment option(s) for your pet. In some instances, your veterinarian may refer you to a board-certified oncologist (cancer specialist) depending upon the recommended course of treatment.
What is the Success Rate?
This strongly depends upon the type and extent of the cancer, as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Some cancers can be cured and almost all patients can be helped to some degree.

Your veterinarian will have a betterchance to control or cure your pet's cancer if it is detected early.

10 Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals
1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10.Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Resources for More InformationAmerican Veterinary Medical Associationwww.avma.org
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicinewww.acvim.org
Veterinary Cancer Societywww.vetcancersociety.org

This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Redistribution is acceptable, but the document's original content and format must be maintained, and its source must be prominently identified.

Top 10 Cold Weather Tips

2008-01-14T16:12:00.000-06:00

Source:http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_coldweathertips

Brrrr…it’s cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags and has been Micro chipped.

4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.

9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

What Cleaning Products Do You Use Around Pets?

2008-01-12T18:17:00.000-06:00

I know many pets suffer from allergies related to the cleaning products we use in our home. This can be carpet cleaner, bleach, pine cleaners, etc.

What kind of non-toxic cleaners do you use? Do you make your own?

When I make my own, I use vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice and rosemary. I mix these single ingredients with water, with good results. I need something for my hardwood floors.

Anyone know what I can use in the kennel that is known to kill Parvo? I have to use bleach and don't like it but I can't take a chance. I've never had a case of Parvo here but still have to clean to kill all germs.

I would appreciate any ideas.

Nascar Fans - Pet Lovers

2008-01-11T15:22:00.000-06:00

Do you love Nascar and pets? My husband is a racing fanantic, has been his whole life. I'm not a fanantic but I am a pet lover so I was happy to see what Greg Biffle is doing to help rescue pets and raise money for them.

Visit The Greg Biffle Foundation to see how these Nascar Drivers are making a difference and adding fulfillment to pet's lives.

Heartworms in Dogs and other pets

2008-01-10T19:40:00.000-06:00

What is heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other species of mammals, including wolves, foxes, ferrets, sea lions and (in rare instances) humans. Heartworms are classified as nematodes (roundworms) and are filarids, one of many species of roundworms. Dogs and cats of any age or breed are susceptible to infection. Learn more...

Where is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. The map below shows particularly endemic areas based on the number of cases reported by clinics.

How Heartworm Happens: The Life Cycle
First, adult female heartworms release their young, called microfilariae, into an animal's bloodstream. Then, mosquitoes become infected with microfilariae while taking blood meal from the infected animal. During the next 10 to 14 days, the microfilariae mature to the infective larval stage within the mosquito. After that, the mosquito bites another dog, cat or other susceptible animal, and the infective larvae enter through the bite wound. It then takes a little over 6 months for the infective larvae to mature into adult worms. In dogs, the worms may live for up to 7 years. Microfilariae cannot mature into adult heartworms without first passing through a mosquito. What Are the Signs of Heartworm Disease?
For both dogs and cats, clinical signs of heartworm disease may not be recognized in the early stages, as the number of heartworms in an animal tends to accumulate gradually over a period of months and sometimes years and after repeated mosquito bites.
Recently infected dogs may exhibit no signs of the disease, while heavily infected dogs may eventually show clinical signs, including a mild, persistent cough, reluctance to move or exercise, fatigue after only moderate exercise, reduced appetite and weight loss.
Cats may exhibit clinical signs that are very non-specific, mimicking many other feline diseases. Chronic clinical signs include vomiting, gagging, difficulty or rapid breathing, lethargy and weight loss. Signs associated with the first stage of heartworm disease, when the heartworms enter a blood vessel and are carried to the pulmonary arteries, are often mistaken for feline asthma or allergic bronchitis, when in fact they are actually due to a syndrome newly defined as Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).

Please visit http://www.heartwormsociety.org/article.asp?id=17 for detailed info about heartworms.

What's That Smell? Yuck, It's The Dog Again!

2008-01-08T16:24:00.000-06:00

Doggie flatulence (gas) -sorry to bring it up -can clear a room.

It's commonly caused by a dog inhaling or gulping air into the stomach while eating. If your dog is an out-of-control snarfer at the food bowl, some vets recommend placing a large rock or brick in the bowl, to force the dog to eat slower and around the brick. Sometimes this can control the problem. You might try feeding your super fast eater from a 12-portion muffin pan. The small amount in each muffin area is sure to slow things down.

Of course there are many reasons a dog will have gas, it could be from his diet also. If you haven't changed anything with his food it could be just that he is eating too fast.