Just what IS in my dog's food, part 8: Sweeteners

Read more!

Sweeteners have no place in food products that are consumed daily, period. They are generally only added to poor quality foods to make them more attractive, since otherwise dogs would simply refuse to eat them. Many dogs get addicted to sweeteners, which can cause or aggravate health problems, including ear infections and diabetes. This addiction frequently poses a problem when owners are trying to convince their pets to eat a better quality food that does not contain any sweeteners, so frustrated owners continue feeding unhealthy brands.

• Blackstrap Molasses is not very sweet, a source of many trace minerals and not the same as Cane Molasses. It is harmless as a supplement in small amounts.
• While any sweeteners should be avoided in food that a dog eats on a daily basis, small amounts of unrefined sugar, such as honey or molasses, are okay in dog treats.

What to avoid:
►Cane molasses, corn syrup in any form, sugar, sorbitol, sucrose, fructose, glucose, ammoniated glycyrrhizin, propylene glycol

Next time....dyes

Print Page

Read More......

How to Prevent Serious Doggie Illnesses

Read more!

Seeing your pooch sick is no fun. You feel powerless. Fortunately, some of the most common and serious canine diseases can be avoided with vaccinations starting in the first few months of your pet's life, with updates as she grows. It also helps to know red-flag warning signs of some of the most life-threatening diseases -- cues that you should call your vet immediately:

Distemper
Caused by: Canine distemper virus (CDV)
Symptoms: Eye discharge, either watery or pus-like. Symptoms escalate to coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and fever. If virus spreads to nervous system, it can cause seizures and possible paralysis.

Parvovirus
Caused by: Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea (may be bloody), loss of appetite, dehydration, lethargy, and fever. Most infected dogs die within 2 to 3 days of the first signs of infection, so take immediate action.

Coronavirus (Corona)
Caused by: Canine coronavirus (CCV)
Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, reduced appetite, increased thirst, and weight loss. Similar to parvovirus, but generally more treatable.

Leptospirosis
Caused by: Leptospira bacterium
Symptoms: Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and jaundice. Dogs who recover may have permanent kidney damage.

Hepatitis
Caused by: Canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-1)
Symptoms: Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain; can also cause lasting kidney damage.

Read More......

A Pet's Ten Commandments...

Read more!

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.


Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters

Print Page

Read More......

snopes.com: Xylitol Deadly to Dogs

Read more!

Check out this article on Snopes about xylitol poisoning in pets.
snopes.com: Xylitol Deadly to Dogs
If you suspect your pet has eaten a food or candy containing Xylitol, call your local emergency vet immediately to let them know you're on your way, and go straight there for urgent treatment. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice, on (888) 426-4435 but it is crucial not to delay medical attention because of the very sudden effects of consumption.

Print Page

Read More......

Warning! Toxic Mulch!

Read more!

WARNINGS - DO NOT USE COCOA MULCH IF YOU OWN PETS

(This was verified on Snopes.com)

Here is the email I received:

"Yesterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my dog loving friends and family. Please tell every dog owner you know.
Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly. (more...)

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats. Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden s upply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine' . It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells
like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your
gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

PLEASE GIVE THIS THE WIDEST DISTRIBUTION! !!
Amy Beichler
E xecutive Director, Public Animal Welfare Society, (PAWS)
A Nonprofit Humane Society Serving the Animals & People of Greater
Cleveland
and Cuyahoga County Since 1976

Print Page

Read More......

Merry.....Happy.........something...?

Read more!

Print Page

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Kwanzaa, Blessed Ramadan, Happy Diwali, Merry Yule.......

Did I miss any?

No matter how you say it or what you believe, may everyone have a blessed holiday season and a wonderful new year. Peace and good wishes to all, man and beast alike.

Terri

Read More......