Sleepover Rover

Are Rawhide Treats Good for your Dog?

sleepoverrover — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:55:08 +0000

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)

sleepoverrover — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:30:34 +0000

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

sleepoverrover — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 21:00:59 +0000

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

sleepoverrover — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:43:48 +0000

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.

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Tips for a Merry Holiday Season

sleepoverrover — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 22:11:35 +0000

Englewood, CO, November 03, 2007 While most of us welcome the sights, sounds and smells of the season, holidays can also be chaotic especially for pets, said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist, Bark Busters USA. Holiday festivities can disrupt a dog’s routine and potentially present dangerous circumstances. But by following a few common-sense tips, the holidays can be cheery for everyone including the family dog.

1. Avoid Christmas tree disasters. Christmas trees are a wonderful tradition, but they can lead to problems if you have a curious canine.

a. Prevent the tree from tipping. Anchor it to the ceiling or wall.

b. Hang non-breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree.

c. Tinsel can be deadly when eaten. It can twist in your dog’s intestines and cause serious problems. Just don’t put it on your tree.

d. Don’t let your dog drink the Christmas-tree water. It often contains chemicals to help the tree last longer; these chemical can cause severe indigestion in dogs.

e. Pine needles can cause health problems. If ingested, they can puncture holes in your pet’s intestines. Regularly sweep up fallen pine needles to avoid a trip to the emergency animal clinic.

2. Mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis are toxic. Be aware of these poisonous holiday plants and keep your pets away from them.

3. Keep blowing snow in the globe. Many snow globes contain antifreeze, which is extremely toxic to dogs so it’s best to keep snow globes and all antifreeze out of the reach of a happy, tail-wagging dog. If there is an antifreeze spill of any kind, send your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to make sure your dog does not lick these harmful chemicals later.

4. Holiday sweets are not dog treats. Candy, cookies, cakes, peppermints and especially chocolate can trigger life-threatening illnesses in dogs.

5. Make no bone about it. Cooked turkey and chicken bones are not for dogs, as they can easily break, causing choking or bone shards that can get stuck in your dog’s gums. Stick with compressed rawhides or other bones specifically designed for dogs to chew. Ask your local veterinarian for suggestions.

6. A tired dog is a good dog. Exercise your dog prior to the arrival of guests. After 30 minutes of walking or playing, most dogs will be ready to take a nap, just as guests arrive. (or leave your dog with a pet sitter who is a ceritified a host for Sleepover Rover, Inc.)

7. Keep the liquids flowing. When pets are stressed by unfamiliar circumstances, they typically pant more, so keep fresh water readily available for them to drink.

8. Beware of cold and snowy weather. While it might be convenient to put your dogs outside when guests arrive for holiday festivities, falling temperatures and snow can be dangerous to pets. In addition, never let your pet roam freely, as icy roads can make it hard for cars to stop if your dog wanders into the street.

9. Do not give pets as surprise gifts. A cute and cuddly puppy might seem the perfect gift choice, but many of these holiday presents end up at animal shelters. A dog takes a real commitment of time, and adoptive owners must be ready to participate in training and managing the responsibility of their new family member. If you know someone who’s serious about adopting a dog, consider giving a leash, collar or dog training certificate from Bark Busters, along with a note saying a dog of the recipient’s choice comes with it. This will help ensure the lucky person receives the dog he or she wants to have as part of the family.

10. Add your pet to your gift list. Help your dogs stay occupied and out of the holiday decorations by giving them their own gifts. The Buster Cube or a Kong, for instance, are both nearly indestructible and will distract your dog for long periods of time.

About Bark Busters

Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, nearly 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 240+ franchised offices in 41 states and more than 410 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. www.BarkBusters.com

Do chip implants cause cancer?

sleepoverrover — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:28:04 +0000

The microchips now being implanted under the skin of pets - and in some cases, humans - may cause cancer. The chips, approved by the FDA in 2005, emit radio frequency signals that can be tracked if a pet gets lost. Some people with chronic medical conditions also have had the chips implanted, so that if they become unconscious, doctors can instantly obtain their medical histories. In the past two years, 2,000 people and millions of pet cats and dogs have been fitted with the glass-encased RFID chips. But now, the Associated Press has uncovered a series of studies conducted between 1996 and 2006 that found the chips caused deadly tumors in rats and mice. A 1998 study found that 10 percent of their microchipped mice developed cancer - a finding researchers called “surprising”. German researhers found a 1 percent cancer rate in a spearate study, concluding that the tumors “are clearly due to the implanted microchips.” Manufacturer VeriChip disputes the studies, and the FDA says it remains confident of the safety fo the implanted chips. But Dr. Robert Benezra of New York’s sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says the research cannot be so easily dismissed. “There is no way in the world, having read this information, that I would have one of these chips implanted in my skin, or in one of my family members.” From THE WEEK Sept 28, 20007

Sleepover Rover, Inc. named Petco Inc.’s Preferred Provider

sleepoverrover — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:52:55 +0000

Sleepover Rover Inc, the Phoenix based company that boards dogs utilizing a network of host families, won the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce 2007 Athena Powerlink Award and has just been named the “preferred” dog boarding solution in Arizona by Petco Inc. Unlike their main competitor, Petco does not cage dogs in a warehouse type fashion within their stores. Petco and Sleepover Rover have a great strategic “fit” and this alliance a win for both companies. Petco is committed to doing what’s best for the pet and Sleepover Rover’s network of certified host families are clearly a better alternative for the family pet than warehouse - type concrete kennels. Sleepover Rover has been avalanched with requests for their service since inception, which offers unparalleled peace of mind to worried pet parents. All certified host families, which are carefully screened by the company, are trusted animal lovers, home full time and provide pet safe yards for their furry houseguests!

The company is enjoying solid repeat business and Founder Maggie Brown reports “once clients try us, they never go back”. The company is privately owned by Maggie Brown and Tina Myers, two over 40 women passionate about dogs and about their cause to making kenneling dogs obsolete. The company is four months into its Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Athena Powerlink mentorship year and has a team of local business leaders guiding its rapid growth. The Athena mentorship team is very excited about this partnership with Petco and see it as a “natural fit” similar to the Geek Squad’s partnership with Best Buy.

Contact Info:
Maggie Brown, Founder Sleepover Rover, Inc.

1-866-817-0500