Table Scraps that can be Dangerous

Check out this article from DogAge.com on dangerous table scraps:

Table-Scrap Scares

December 18, 2008

Sure, you’d like Fifi to share in the joys of the holiday table, but resist the urge to be generous. Foods and drinks you digest easily, like the following, can cause trouble for your pooch:

Dinner rolls — Dough expands in the stomach, creating distressing gas.

Onions and garlic — These flavor enhancers contain a compound that could damage a dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia.

Rich sauces — Gravy upsets the stomach and may lead to pancreatitis.

Bones — Sharp pieces of bone can choke a dog or pierce or block her gastrointestinal tract.

Alcohol — Even slightly spiked eggnog can be toxic, so don’t leave any drinks unattended.

HOW OLD IS YOUR DOG??? Take the Free Quiz!

Check out this cool link to find out!

Is your dog as young as he or she can be? Take the free DogAge Test today to find out your dog’s biological age, measured in people years!

The DogAge Test determines your dog’s biological age, based on health, breed, risk of disease, and behavior.

Take the FREE test

Just like RealAge, DogAge is based on science and statistics. Now you have a reliable and easy way to measure your dog’s health status — and help improve it. You’ll also get personalized tips that can help your dog live younger longer. Take the FREE DogAge Test today!
 

From the creators of REAL AGE! http://www.dogage.com/reg/regassess.aspx?cbr=RA70_RA

DOG TREATS? Dogs Seem to Know What’s Fair!

December 9, 2008 from the New York Times
Observatory By HENRY FOUNTAIN
To the list of the qualities of dogs — enthusiastic and steadfast come to mind — can be added another. That pooch of yours, researchers say, may be envious.

Scientists in Austria report in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that a dog may stop obeying a command if it sees that another dog is getting a better deal.

In this way dogs may be showing a sensitivity that is similar to, although perhaps more primitive than, that shown by chimpanzees and some monkeys. Until now those primates were the only nonhumans to show what is called “inequity aversion” in the absence of a reward.

The finding may come as no surprise to some dog owners, and it didn’t completely surprise Friederike Range, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vienna who led the study.

“We have a dog at home,” she said, “and I know how jealous she is of different people and situations.”

The study tried to quantify the behavior by using well-trained dogs that readily offer a paw on command. The researchers used two dogs side by side but treated them differently, giving one a better reward (sausage) and the other a lesser one (bread) when the paw was given, or giving one dog no reward at all.

They found that the quality of the reward made little difference. But in the case in which one dog got no treat at all, that dog became less and less inclined to obey the command.

DOG ESCAPES OWL’s CLUTCHES IN PHOENIX

Check out this story from - KPHO Phoenix

PHOENIX — It’s not unusual for a small dog or cat to be taken by a wild animal, such as a coyote, in the Valley; however, one Ahwatukee family’s pet was nearly carried off by an owl. Lucy, the Cocanour family’s Maltese and Yorkshire terrier mix, was playing in the yard nearly two weeks ago when Becky Cocanour heard a “horrible shrieking.” The family ran to the dog’s aid.

 

“I realized she had tears on both sides of her — punctures — torn, ripped about an inch and a half,” Dave Cocanour said. Dave Cocanour, is a wildlife biologist, and he said he quickly realized Lucy’s wounds were the work of a great horned owl. They rushed the dog to the vet. “I was scared I was going to have to put her to sleep that night,” Becky Cocanour said. “I’ve had her 10 years. (It) would’ve been horrible to lose her … to an owl.”

 

The 11-pound terrier’s weight probably saved her, said veterinarian Kurt Baumler. “It made a difference; it really did,” Baumler said. “Those (owls) can pick up a full-grown rabbit, and you’re talking six — seven — eight pounds without a problem.” Becky Cocanour agreed. “The owl couldn’t pick her up,” she said. “Or, if it did, she was able to get away.” The Cocanours said they’re happy Lucy is OK. “I don’t have anything against the owl — it was just trying to eat,” Dave Cocanour said. “I’m just glad it didn’t eat Lucy.”

TRAVEL SAFELY WITH YOUR PET THIS THANKSGIVING!

Take care when traveling with your pet this Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many of us will be taking to the road to meet up with family and friends for the holiday. Some of us will be bringing along our pets. According to the American Pet Products Association, the number of pets traveling in vehicles in the United States was up 300 percent from 2005 to 2007.

“Bark Buckle Up” is the leader in pet travel safety. “Bark Buckle Up” works closely with first responders and Animal Care and Control to help mitigate some of these problems.

- A 60-pound pet in a 35 mph accident becomes a 2,700-pound projectile.

- Pets in vehicle accidents delay access to human occupants.

- They become injured or aggressive and may bite.

- They may escape through an open window or door and cause a second accident.

For information about traveling safely with your pet, contact Phoenix Fire Division Chief Mark Faulkner at (602) 256-3535.

CHAMPION DOGS COMPETE IN LONG BEACH

Thousands of Champion Dogs From Around the World Compete for Top Honors and $225,000 at Eighth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

Press Release EST Nov. 24, 2008 Brought to you by Sleepover Rover, Inc. the premier provider of dog boarding service in certified private, loving,  host family homes. 

NEW YORK, Nov 24, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — One of the World’s Most Prestigious Dog Shows Descends on Long Beach, Calif.

The American Kennel Club(R) (AKC) and Eukanuba today announced that nearly 3,000 award-winning canines will go head-to-head at the eighth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California, Dec. 13-14. Recognized as one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world, this highly anticipated two-day event features dogs and handlers competing in a range of events all under one roof, including the AKC Agility Invitational, the AKC National Obedience Invitational and the breed competitions that will lead to the crowning of the 2008 the Best in Show champion.

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship also is host to the Eukanuba World Challenge, a colorful event showcasing top dogs from 52 countries all vying for prestigious international recognition. Rare breeds such as the Briquet Griffon Vendeen and the Xoloitzcuintl will compete against traditional favorites such as the Dachshund and Labrador Retriever for the title of “World Challenge Champion” and a total of $15,000.

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be simulcast on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 from 8-11 p.m. (ET/PT). Highlights from the AKC Agility Invitational will air on Animal Planet on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).

Are Rawhide Treats Good for your Dog?

Are raw hides or beef hides chews good for dogs? This is a real concern for pet owners. Learn how these chew toys are made and how they should be used, then decide for yourself.

 

Info on Raw Hide Chews

Raw hide chews are manufactured from by-products of the slaughterhouse industry, usually from cows and horses. Every hide has an inner and outer layer, and chews are typically made by processing the tissue from the inner layer. Beef hide is the more appetizing name given to chews made from cattle that have been raised for human consumption. The quality of these chews varies slightly, but those made from corn-fed cows are considered a premium product and usually fetch a higher market price.

 

How Are Chews Made?

 

Processing

When an animal hide is processed, the skin is divided into two layers and cleaned. The tough outer layer is processed into leather for clothing and other utilitarian uses, while the fleshier inner layer is reserved for making raw hide chews. Excess fat and tissue must be scraped away from the hide before it can be formed and dried for dog chews, and here is where part of the debate over the safety of rawhide chews comes into play. Manufacturers outside of the USA generally find it expedient to soak the hides in a solution of commercial lime and water for several days before scraping. Once the hide is soaked and scraped, it is usually rinsed in bleach water to remove traces of the lime and sanitize the hide before shaping and drying. In the USA, hides are tumbled in a hydrogen peroxide solution, and then rinsed with plain water before further processing. After preparation, the hide is either cut or ground before it is pressed into its final shape. It is then run through a commercial dryer to give it that signature tough texture dogs love.

 

Flavoring

Before they are dried, some raw hide chews are basted with a flavor solution made from beef, chicken or liver broth to make them more enticing to your pet. Brown basted bones sometimes have a tendency to stain a dog’s fur as well as carpet and upholstery. Clear basted bones still provide a tasty treat, but are usually a better choice because there’s no worry about color run off from your dog’s saliva.

 

Types

Raw hide/beef hide chews come in three main types: Pressed raw hide chews are made from folded layers of hide to create long lasting chew toys. Granulated raw hide chews are made from ground raw hide that has been compressed into formation. These normally pose the least choking hazard. Flat raw hide chews are made from a single layer of hide, and are far easier to chew than pressed raw hide.

 

Hazards and Benefits

 

Hazards

As with any toy you give your dog, raw hide and beef hide chews can present a choking hazard if they’re not used under supervision. As your dog chews and slobbers on his treat, the hide becomes rehydrated, soft and gooey. When it reaches this point, your dog is able to tear away sections from the main bone. Most of the time your pet will simply wind up eating the hide and it will pass through his digestive system without a major event. In some cases: The hide can actually become lodged in a dog’s teeth, requiring an owner’s assistance to remove it. Larger chunks may be too big to swallow, causing a dog to choke. Intestinal blockage can also occur if the chunk of hide becomes lodged somewhere along the intestinal tract, and may require surgery to remove it. While all of these scenarios are possible, they actually happen quite rarely. However, you should still take some precautions to ensure your dog’s safety whenever you give him a raw hide chew.

Here are a few safety tips: Make sure the chew is large enough that your dog can’t fit it completely into his mouth. Only give your dog a beef hide chew when you can be around to keep an eye on him. Keep two chews on hand and trade them when one becomes too soft. The hide will harden as it dries, and you can give it to your dog again when the other chew becomes soft. Replace your dog’s chew when he has whittled it down far enough to fit in his mouth.

 

Benefits

Raw hide chews do provide some dental benefits for your dog. As your pet chews, the hide scrapes away tartar and calculus from his teeth and gums where harmful bacteria like to hide. This will reduce your dog’s chance of developing gum disease and tooth loss.

Raw hides also give your pet a chance to exercise his natural chewing instincts on an appropriate item versus your table leg or favorite pair of loafers. Chewing can be a great stress reliever, so it’s important to supply your dog with safe chew toys and bones.

 

So, Are Raw Hides or Beef Hides Chews Good for Dogs

As you can see, questions about giving your dog raw hide are not easily answered when you consider the pros and cons. Used under proper supervision, a carefully selected raw hide treat can give your dog a lot of chewing satisfaction, but it takes an owner’s watchful eye to head off potential problems. Choosing beef hide chews manufactured in the USA may also prove a better alternative to chews produced in countries that use harsher chemicals during processing. Are raw hides or beef hides chews good for dogs? In the end, only you can decide.

Provided by Donna West in Las Vegas, From the article: http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Are_Raw_Hides_or_Beef_Hides_Chews_Good_for_Dogs

A Dog’s Purpose (from a 6 year old)

  A Dog’s Purpose (from a 6-year-old) sent to us from a veterinarian. …..

                Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners,  Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

                I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the Family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

               As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as thought Shane might learn something from the experience.

                The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old do g for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion.  We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ‘I know why.’ Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. He said:

 ’People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?’ The six-year-old continued, ‘Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.’

 

Live simply         Love generously         Care deeply         Speak kindly              

 

               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!

 

Benefits of Dogs to Old Folks well being

You may think that “Living a Dog’s Life” is a strange but read on and you will likely become excited about a “dog’s life” and the benefits for you.

In today’s busy world, we find ourselves lost in our own lives. Because of many people’s lack of time, many elderly people are getting less attention from others. Thankfully, there are organizations that assist in making today’s elderly feel like they have a place in this world.

Within the past 10 years, animal therapy has become a popular therapeutic option for many. Take my granddaughter for instance. While working at an assisted-living facility, she witnessed the positive outcome of animal therapy. She told me that of all the activities, animal therapy is the one that brought out the most residents. The answer lies within each person, but if I had to guess, I would say it’s because animals provide a constant source of comfort and focus for attention. They make us feel safe and accepted, which is really what each of us strives for.

Visiting with animals can help people feel less lonely and less depressed. Visits from dogs can provide a welcome change from routine or the renewal of old friendships. People become more active and responsive during and after visiting with animals.

An animal visit can offer entertainment or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity. People often talk to the dogs and share with them their thoughts, feelings and memories. Animal visits provide something to look forward to. Stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person’s blood pressure. Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning.

The pet makes it easier for two strangers to talk. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation. Many people in hospitals or group homes have had to give up pet ownership, and they miss the casual acceptance a pet gives them. A dog pays little attention to age or physical ability but accepts people as they are. The benefits continue even after the visit. The visit leaves behind memories not only of the visit but of past experiences. It offers something for people to share.

Research has shown that heart attack victims who have pets live longer. Even watching a tank full of fish may lower blood pressure, at least temporarily. A study of 92 patients hospitalized in coronary care units for angina or heart attack found that those who owned pets were more likely to be alive a year later than those who did not. The study found that only 6 percent of patients who owned pets died within one year compared with 28 percent of those who did not own pets.

Research has shown that pet ownership can:

•Reduce stress-induced symptoms. In a study, people undergoing oral surgery spent a few minutes watching tropical fish in an aquarium. The relaxation level was measured by their blood pressure, muscle tension and behavior. It was found that the subjects who watched the fish were more relaxed than those that did not watch the fish prior to surgery.

•Cut the need for medical care. A study conducted at the University of California-Los Angeles found that dog owners required much less medical care for stress-induced aches and pains than those without dogs.

•Add years to your life. In a study conducted at City Hospital in New York, heart patients who owned pets were significantly more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital that those who didn’t own pets. A pet’s presence was found to boost the survival rate more than having a spouse or friend.

Some point out in this connection that pets can be a source of stress to some people. They may worry who will take care of their pets after they die. In most cases, however, the need to take care of the pets gives a reason for living to many terminally ill patients, prolonging their life.

If you are still uncertain how you feel, take this into account. Research has shown that people who own pets have a long life span. Simply owning a fish tank can be a good source of stress relief for some. In a nursing home or assisted-living setting, it can boost self-esteem and social functions.

I suggest finding local pet therapy programs and getting them involved in your loved one’s life. If your loved one lives at home, contact your local shelter or rescue organizations to see if there might be an animal that might be a good fit. It could, after all, save two lives.

By Rosemary Isom Vintage Visions

POLICE DOG STRYKER BURIAL PLANNED SAN DIEGO

OCEANSIDE, CA  – A memorial service will be held Monday at Camp Pendleton for Stryker, an Oceanside police dog who was killed New Year’s Eve when a man being pursued by police jumped with him from the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.The 11:30 a.m. ceremony will take place at the Marine base on Vandegrift Boulevard between 13th and 14th streets. While it is open to the public, those attending will need a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance to enter the base. The Oceanside Police Department has received many inquiries about a memorial fund for the dog, who was a 6½-year-old Belgian Malinois, officials said.The department has a fund that supports the K-9 program. Those who want to donate can write a check to “K9 Fund” and mail it to the attention of Lt. Fred Armijo, Oceanside Police Department, 3855 Mission Ave., Oceanside CA 92054.

Stryker was the department’s most experienced police dog.