Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog

Dogs are notorious for begging under the dinner table and inhaling everything that comes within a two foot radius of their mouth. It may be tempting with those puppy dog eyes but feeding these foods to your animal can be VERY harmful.

· Alcoholic beverages can result in intoxication and death.

· Bones not made specifically for dogs. Rib bones, chicken bones, fish with bones can cause choking and puncture internal organs.

· Cat food is too high in fats and can lead to obesity.

· Anything containing caffeine which could hurt the heart and disrupt the nervous system.

· Fat trimmings can lead to pancreatitis.

· Grapes and raisins contain toxins hurt the kidneys and lead to renal failure.

· Liver can cause vitamin A toxicity, in high amounts.

· Macadamia nuts affect the digestive system.

· Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) can cause issues such as gastrointestinal issues, and can cause anemia and red blood cell damage.

· Sugary foods can cause obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.

· Xylitol (artificial sweetener) can cause liver failure.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Always Read Pet Labels

With cats comes fleas, by the thousands. Fleas are a major problem for cat owners. These tiny creatures can cause some for you and your cat such as anemia, dermatitis and tapeworm. Flea control is often a necessary step in keeping you and your cat healthy.

There are many flea and tick treatments out there but never ever use a product labeled “For Dogs Only” on your cat or any animal other than a dog. Dogs and cats do not react the same way to the same insecticides at the same concentrations. As an example, look at permethrin.

Permethrin is in many “Dog Only” direct application flea and tick treatments. It comes in concentrations ranging from 45-60% permethrin. While that is a very acceptable level for a canine it would most certainly kill a feline. A cat suffering from permethrin exposure would display tremors, muscle tensing and seizures anywhere from an hour to 48 hours after the exposure.

If your feline receives medical attention the odds of recovery are very high. It is crucial that you take your cat to the vet and tell them you suspect permethrin.

Read ALL the labels on things before you give them to your pet. Not sure if it’s for your pet, call the vet.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

5 Fun Things to Do with Your Dog

The weather is changing.  Here are some ideas to get you and your wet nosed companion outside.

1. Head on over to your local lake and bring your dog’s favorite toy, just make sure it can float. Your dog will stay cool and have a blast retrieving his toy from the water. This does not apply to Bulldogs as many of them cannot swim.

2. Call up some of your friends and plan a play date at your local dog park. While you and your crew catch up your dogs can do the same. Visit www.dogpark.com to find your local dog park.

3. Throw on those rollerblades and allow your dog to pull you along. This can also be done with a bicycle but steer clear of uneven and cracked sidewalks as this can be a safety hazard.

4. Plan a day trip to a wooded area and have a picnic while your dog sniffs around. Don’t forget to bring toys and food for your dog as well.

5. Go to an indoor agility track and show your dog how much fun weaving, jumping, and teetering can be. For agility classes in Dallas, visit www.dallasdogsports.com or www.dogcitytrainingcenter.com

No matter what activity you and your dog choose to do remember to be safe and always keep an eye out for potential hazards to your pet and yourself.

What is a Quality Breeder?

After you have done your research on the type of dog bred you want and have taken into account the genetics problems of your chosen breed, you can begin looking for a nice quality dog breeder. There are so many puppies available from adoption agencies and rescue groups, but if you must get from a breeder, it is important to keep some things in mind so you do not get more than you bargained for.

A good breeder will:

· Provide paperwork from their vet for both the puppy and its parents and will have been screened for genetic problems and birth defects. Simply saying the dog is “vet checked” is one clue that your breeder may not know exactly what they’re doing.

· Provide a “take back” clause. Good breeders do not want to see the dog go to the pound or other inappropriate home. It states they will take back the dog if you cannot keep it for any reason or you can give the dog to a home the breeder has approved of.

· Give you plenty of references and require an application and list of references from you. If the breeder refuses to give you references DO NOT purchase an animal from them.

· Will explain the breed and its needs to you so that you fully understand what kind of dog you are buying.

· Require you to sign a contract with a spay/neuter clause and other requirements.

· Require you to wait for your puppy because good breeders do not breed their dogs until they have pre-sold an amount equal to a likely litter.

· Invite you into their home and conduct business in an open and friendly manner.

· Only sell one to two breeds of dog. Puppy mills often have multiple breeds and maybe even species.

· House the puppies in their home and treat them like family. They will never be caged up in the backyard or neglected.

· Never allow you to take a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old.