February 2, 2011
I recently came across an amusing blog article that I just had to share, thanks to FOR THE LOVE OF DOG BLOG (http://fortheloveofdogblog.com/).
Many animal shelters give potential adopters the option of filling out an application for a dog. In these applications, they are able to request a certain breed they may be looking for. Shelters will keep the list and call if they have the requested breed of dog come in for adoption.
If you need a laugh today, here is a list of some of the wanted dog "breeds" collected from actual applications at some animal shelters:
Westminster Terrier
Rhode Island Ridgeback
Palmeranian
Copper Spaniel
Cocker Spaniard
Black Labrador (from a license app, requested dog's color was "yellow")
Shit Sue
Dorky Terrier
Lopso Apso
El Paso (attempt at Lhasa Apso)
Highland Heeler
Alaskan Malibu
Belgian Manawa
Belgium Malenoise
Basket Hound
Bagle
Welch Corgi
Wild Haired Terrier
Carrion Terrier
Wineamimer
Rockwelders
Rottenwiler
Great Pekingese (suppose to be "Pyrenees")
Great Pyramid
Miniature Datsun
Irish Settler
Jack Daniels Terrier
German Police Man
Chesapeake A Retriever
Borderline Collie
Chevy King Charles (Cavalier)
Unfortunately, this list is not surprising to me, though it is definitely quite amusing. I surf the pet section of Craigslist frequently, and have seen ads and misspellings of breeds even crazier than what is listed above!
Seven Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe This Halloween
October 30, 2010Play it safe with your dog on Halloween with these tips:
1) Keep all candy, particularly chocolate, out of reach.
2) Cellophane and wrappers can block intestinal tracts, so secure all rubbish. Also, watch for leftover Halloween litter while walking your pooch the next day.
3) Be smart with decorations. Wagging tails can easily knock over lit candles and jack-o-lanterns.
4) Only dress your dog in a costume if he can tolerate it. Don't cover her eyes or airways.
5) Keep Fido away from the front door, especially if he is not properly socialized with children or is known to escape.
6) Occupy your dog and avoid anxiety with a special chew toy.
7) Don't leave your pup outside. Pranks, taunting and theft are common this time of year.
(From the Team at http://fidodogtreats.com)
Helping Your Pet Adjust to New Situations (Entry #1 - Introduction)
October 27, 2010
"Dogs are creatures of habit. Have you ever noticed how your pet anticipates and acts on certain cues in your daily routine, like going to her kennel when you pick up your briefcase or running to the kitchen when you ask your kids if they're hungry? Pets like having stability and routine in their lives. That's why pets experiencing major changes in to their daily routine - like moving to a new home or welcoming another pet - can sometimes require a little extra attention to minimize stress and anxiety." - VetPetHealth.com
Because of this, I thought it would be nice to start a new series that addresses how to help your pet adjust to various new situations. In this series, we'll cover how to help your dog during a move to a new home, how to introduce your dog to a new pet, how to help your dog adjust to a change in routine, how to recognize anxious body language in your dog, and tips for calming an anxious dog.
We hope this series will be helpful to all of our readers. If you have any suggestions of topics you would like us to cover, just shoot us an e-mail and let us know. We welcome your comments!
"Dogs are creatures of habit. Have you ever noticed how your pet anticipates and acts on certain cues in your daily routine, like going to her kennel when you pick up your briefcase or running to the kitchen when you ask your kids if they're hungry? Pets like having stability and routine in their lives. That's why pets experiencing major changes in to their daily routine - like moving to a new home or welcoming another pet - can sometimes require a little extra attention to minimize stress and anxiety." - VetPetHealth.com
Because of this, I thought it would be nice to start a new series that addresses how to help your pet adjust to various new situations. In this series, we'll cover how to help your dog during a move to a new home, how to introduce your dog to a new pet, how to help your dog adjust to a change in routine, how to recognize anxious body language in your dog, and tips for calming an anxious dog.
We hope this series will be helpful to all of our readers. If you have any suggestions of topics you would like us to cover, just shoot us an e-mail and let us know. We welcome your comments!
"Pumpkins Are a Dog's Best Friend" (taken from Daily Dog Tips)
October 22, 2010Highly palatable pumpkin is liked by dogs and their owners who recognize its nutritional benefits. This superfood is loaded with beta-carotene, which aids in cancer prevention, reduces inflammation and regulates Vitamin A. Vitamin C boosts basic immune functions, and the presence of Vitamin E also helps maintain healthy skin and coat.
Pumpkin is also high in fiber, which is vital to your dog's digestive health. A small amount of canned or fresh pumpkin puree is often recommended for dogs with upset stomachs and it is even known to help dogs who suffer from motion sickness. Stay away from pumpkin pie mix as it is loaded with sugar. Fruitables offers a variety of pumpkin-based treats that dogs enjoy.
Emma Zemba gives away healthy pet products on the FidoDogTreats Facebook Page.
**By Fido Dog Treats
PUPPY CAM IS BACK!!!
I am very proud to announce that Ju-Ju had her first litter of puppies on Saturday, August 7th, 2010. Mama and babies (3 little girls) are all doing well. The password to view this puppy cam is "scrabble". We hope you enjoy watching these little girls grow as much as we do!
If, for some reason, you are unable to view the puppy cam, on this blog, you can view it by clicking here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sweet-samurai-japanese-spitz-puppy-cam---8-7-10
If, for some reason, you are unable to view the puppy cam, on this blog, you can view it by clicking here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sweet-samurai-japanese-spitz-puppy-cam---8-7-10
FIRST AID IN THE FIELD (Entry #9 - The First Aid Bandana)
August 1, 2010
In this series, we have covered what you should do for various injuries that your dog may sustain. The problem is, unless you thoroughly commit this information to memory or have a computer near by, you still may not know the correct procedure to follow should an emergency occur.
Problem solved - I recently discovered the First Aid Bandana by Wag'N Pet: http://www.wagn4u.com/pet_first_aid_bandana.html. As the off
icial product description states, this nifty item is a very useful resource in emergency situations, and covers topics such as Cold Injuries; Heat exhaustion and heat stroke first aid; Bleeding first aid; full list of situations requiring emergency veterinary care; choking management; insect, spider and snake bite first aid; burns; seizure response; and the ABCs for Cats & Dogs Diagram (which covers opening the airway, rescue breathing and CPR techniques). Summarizes symptoms and treatment.
Take this $8 bandana with you on your pet-accompanied hikes. In the unlikely event that an emergency occurs, you'll be very glad you had it.
In this series, we have covered what you should do for various injuries that your dog may sustain. The problem is, unless you thoroughly commit this information to memory or have a computer near by, you still may not know the correct procedure to follow should an emergency occur.
Problem solved - I recently discovered the First Aid Bandana by Wag'N Pet: http://www.wagn4u.com/pet_first_aid_bandana.html. As the off
icial product description states, this nifty item is a very useful resource in emergency situations, and covers topics such as Cold Injuries; Heat exhaustion and heat stroke first aid; Bleeding first aid; full list of situations requiring emergency veterinary care; choking management; insect, spider and snake bite first aid; burns; seizure response; and the ABCs for Cats & Dogs Diagram (which covers opening the airway, rescue breathing and CPR techniques). Summarizes symptoms and treatment.Take this $8 bandana with you on your pet-accompanied hikes. In the unlikely event that an emergency occurs, you'll be very glad you had it.
The Benefits of Feeding Yogurt
July 21, 2010
You've probably heard about the health benefits associated with humans eating yogurt, but did you know that your dog can benefit, as well? It's true. Yogurt not only improves the digestive health of your canine friend, but 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon per day can also help ward off infections in the body due to high yeast, such as ear and skin infections. Additionally, feeding yogurt helps to build a strong immunity and can ease the negative effects associated with taking antibiotics.
You can buy yogurt from your local market (our dogs prefer vanilla, rather than plain), but be sure to get the fat-free variety. If you want to stretch your dollar to make a little go along way, here is a recipe:
1) Preheat oven to its lowest setting, then turn the oven off, leaving the door closed.
2) In a heavy pot or double boiler, heat 1 gallon of milk (low-fat) to almost a boil, then remove from heat source and let it cool to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (about the temperature of a baby's bottle).
3) Stir a small amount of the warmed milk into 8 ounces of yogurt (be sure it contains live cultures) until blended. Gradually continue to stir in small amounts of milk until the mixture becomes thin, then pour the mixture into the remainder of the warm milk and stir until blended.
4) Pour the milk-yogurt mixture into plastic containers and cover with lids. If you prefer, leave the mixture in a covered pot, then transfer it to containers later.
5) Place in the warmed oven overnight. Leave the oven light on to provide warmth (if necessary, prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon to keep the light on).
6) Refrigerate the finished yogurt in the morning. This yogurt can be used to start the next batch.
I am a firm believer in the benefits of yogurt. My old Labrador, BlackJacks, suffered with severe, chronic ear infections for 7 years. After a strong round of antibiotics, we started giving him a tablespoon of yogurt every day. BlackJacks lived for 8 more years without another ear infection.
As many Japanese Spitz owners know, they can be prone to sensitive stomachs. With our JS, I have found that a bit of yogurt helps with their digestive issues, by providing beneficial bacteria called probiotics.
So, grab a couple of spoons and share a tasty yogurt treat. Not only will your furry best friend be healthier, but I'm willing to bet he'll be a tad bit happier, too!
You've probably heard about the health benefits associated with humans eating yogurt, but did you know that your dog can benefit, as well? It's true. Yogurt not only improves the digestive health of your canine friend, but 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon per day can also help ward off infections in the body due to high yeast, such as ear and skin infections. Additionally, feeding yogurt helps to build a strong immunity and can ease the negative effects associated with taking antibiotics.
You can buy yogurt from your local market (our dogs prefer vanilla, rather than plain), but be sure to get the fat-free variety. If you want to stretch your dollar to make a little go along way, here is a recipe:
1) Preheat oven to its lowest setting, then turn the oven off, leaving the door closed.
2) In a heavy pot or double boiler, heat 1 gallon of milk (low-fat) to almost a boil, then remove from heat source and let it cool to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (about the temperature of a baby's bottle).
3) Stir a small amount of the warmed milk into 8 ounces of yogurt (be sure it contains live cultures) until blended. Gradually continue to stir in small amounts of milk until the mixture becomes thin, then pour the mixture into the remainder of the warm milk and stir until blended.
4) Pour the milk-yogurt mixture into plastic containers and cover with lids. If you prefer, leave the mixture in a covered pot, then transfer it to containers later.
5) Place in the warmed oven overnight. Leave the oven light on to provide warmth (if necessary, prop the oven door open with a wooden spoon to keep the light on).
6) Refrigerate the finished yogurt in the morning. This yogurt can be used to start the next batch.
I am a firm believer in the benefits of yogurt. My old Labrador, BlackJacks, suffered with severe, chronic ear infections for 7 years. After a strong round of antibiotics, we started giving him a tablespoon of yogurt every day. BlackJacks lived for 8 more years without another ear infection.
As many Japanese Spitz owners know, they can be prone to sensitive stomachs. With our JS, I have found that a bit of yogurt helps with their digestive issues, by providing beneficial bacteria called probiotics.
So, grab a couple of spoons and share a tasty yogurt treat. Not only will your furry best friend be healthier, but I'm willing to bet he'll be a tad bit happier, too!
The 4-1-1 on Heartworm Disease
July 14, 2010The sad truth, according to the American Heartworm Society, is that only 55% of dogs in the U.S. are on heartworm prevention medication, which means 27 million dogs are at risk of acquiring the disease. Out of that 27 million, it is estimated that 80% - 90% will acquire the disease. If not treated in time, heartworm disease has a 100% fatality rate.
HOW CAN YOUR DOG BECOME INFECTED? When Adult Heartworms reproduce, millions of microfilaria (baby heartworms) result. Microfilaria circulate in the blood of the host (infected animal). A mosquito bites the host, thereby ingesting the microfilaria. The mosquito then feeds on your dog, transmitting the infectious microfilaria into your dog's blood stream. The microfilaria molt in your dog's tissues for 3 - 4 months. Once the Microfilaria become worms (reaching up to 14 inches in length), the worms migrate from the tissues to the heart and surrounding blood vessels, where they mature to adulthood and the cycle continues. Adult heartworms cause severe heart and lung damage in canines.
IS THERE A PREVENTATIVE AND HOW DOES IT WORK? Yes. There are monthly heartworm preventatives. And it is much easier and cheaper than treating the disease after your dog has developed adult heartworms. Heartworm preventative kills the molting microfilaria in your dog's tissues. The preventative must be given monthly, otherwise it may be rendered uneffective. It is important to note that the preventative does NOT kill adult or near-adult heartworms. It is also important to note that if your dog currently has heartworm disease, consult your veterinarian before giving the preventative. Giving a heartworm positive dog a preventative prior to completion of treatment for the disease can prove to be fatal for your dog. For this same reason, all dogs should be tested for heartworm disease prior to beginning treatment.
CAN HEARTWORM DISEASE BE TREATED? Maybe. It depends on the stage of the disease. Stages 1 & 2 carry the best prognosis for survival (95% or more). Stage 3 patients have a fatality rate of 5 -20%. Statistics for Stage 4 patients are contradicting. Treatment involves killing the heartworms, which unfortunately, can also kill your pet. Dead worms can clog small blood vessels, causing your dog's organs to fail. Since vessels constrict during excitement and exercise, it is imperative that your dog stay calm, and possibly confined, during the months of treatment. The treatment is extremely expensive.
Your pet's hair, even if a double-coat exists, will not protect your pet from the disease-carrying mosquitoes that pass along . Heartworm-positive pets have been found in all 50 U.S. States. If you value your pet's life, heartworm preventative is an absolute must. Your four-legged best friend will thank you.
* A special thanks to my brother for suggesting this topic.
BBQ Beef Bones
July 7, 2010
Summertime is the time for weekend cookouts and picnics. Why not let your four-legged friends partake in the paw-lickin' fun? PupDog Bakery in Illinois Amish Country has a great recipe to try.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups 100% whole-wheat flour - medium or fine grind. (For dogs with wheat allergies, you can substitute oat, rice, or potato flour at about 2 1/4 cups)
- 3/4 cup beef broth (low-sodium, no msg)
- 1/3 cup non-fat powdered milk (optional)
- 1/3 cup shortening, or 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 egg
- 8 oz can of organic, low-sodium tomato sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon blackstrap molasses (you can use regular baking molasses, but blackstrap has significantly higher calcium and iron)
Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2) Combine all dry ingredients.
3) Add the shortening or oil to the dry ingredients and mix well.
4) In a separate bowl, add egg to the broth, and beat by hand until smooth.
5) Pour the wet mixture into the dry, and mix by hand. Combine all the dry ingredients until a ball of dough is formed. If it seems too dry, add water (one teaspoon at a time) until dough pulls away easily from the sides of the bowl and your fingers. If the ball is very sticky, then its too wet, and you may add a little more flour (one teaspoon at a time) until desired.
6) Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, and cut using a bone-shaped cookie cutter.
7) Lightly spray or grease a cookie sheet; cookies may be placed close together. Bake approximately 15 - 20 minutes or until brown on bottom. Remove from the oven, and let cookies cool.
8) To make the sweet and savory BBQ sauce, add 1/2 teaspoon of molasses to the entire can of tomato sauce and mix well. The molasses will give the sauce a delicious-looking brown color.
9) Lightly brush cooled cookies with the sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
10) Bake the treats at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes, or until the edges of the bones begin to darken slightly. Let the treats cool overnight.
Alternate Version:
For BBQ Drumsticks, use chicken broth instead of beef broth, and cut into drumstick shapes. You can also use vegetable broth for a meatless treat.
This recipe makes about a pound of treats.
Summertime is the time for weekend cookouts and picnics. Why not let your four-legged friends partake in the paw-lickin' fun? PupDog Bakery in Illinois Amish Country has a great recipe to try.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups 100% whole-wheat flour - medium or fine grind. (For dogs with wheat allergies, you can substitute oat, rice, or potato flour at about 2 1/4 cups)
- 3/4 cup beef broth (low-sodium, no msg)
- 1/3 cup non-fat powdered milk (optional)
- 1/3 cup shortening, or 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 egg
- 8 oz can of organic, low-sodium tomato sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon blackstrap molasses (you can use regular baking molasses, but blackstrap has significantly higher calcium and iron)
Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2) Combine all dry ingredients.
3) Add the shortening or oil to the dry ingredients and mix well.
4) In a separate bowl, add egg to the broth, and beat by hand until smooth.
5) Pour the wet mixture into the dry, and mix by hand. Combine all the dry ingredients until a ball of dough is formed. If it seems too dry, add water (one teaspoon at a time) until dough pulls away easily from the sides of the bowl and your fingers. If the ball is very sticky, then its too wet, and you may add a little more flour (one teaspoon at a time) until desired.
6) Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, and cut using a bone-shaped cookie cutter.
7) Lightly spray or grease a cookie sheet; cookies may be placed close together. Bake approximately 15 - 20 minutes or until brown on bottom. Remove from the oven, and let cookies cool.
8) To make the sweet and savory BBQ sauce, add 1/2 teaspoon of molasses to the entire can of tomato sauce and mix well. The molasses will give the sauce a delicious-looking brown color.
9) Lightly brush cooled cookies with the sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
10) Bake the treats at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes, or until the edges of the bones begin to darken slightly. Let the treats cool overnight.
Alternate Version:
For BBQ Drumsticks, use chicken broth instead of beef broth, and cut into drumstick shapes. You can also use vegetable broth for a meatless treat.
This recipe makes about a pound of treats.
Independence Day, Noise Sensitivity & Safety Tips
July 2, 2010
As we all know, fireworks = loud, booming noises. These noises can be very startling for some of our four-legged friends. Have you ever wondered why one puppy may grow to fear loud noises while another completely ignores them? According to Chris Cos-Evick, writer for DogFancy magazine, there are three contributing factors:
1) Genetics. "Some breeds, specifically hunting and sporting breeds, were developed for their ability to ignore loud noises," says Cheryl Smith, behavior lecturer and owner of Forever Friends Dog Training School in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She believes this partly explains why Labrador and Golden Retrievers often adapt well to large families."
2) Socialization. "The brain develops more neurotransmitters with exposure to stimuli," Smith says. That means your puppy needs ongoing varied experiences to accept life's noises.
3) Negative Association. Consistently banging the crate or clapping loudly to startle a puppy into stopping undesired behavior can create a lasting negative sound association.
Overall, consider your lifestyle before choosing a breed, socialize well, and stop undesirable behavior through training to help your puppy avoid noise sensitivity. For dogs sensitive to noise, you may reduce the reaction by playing music or a television fairly loudly in the background.
For more information regarding how to keep your dog calm and comfortable during Independence Day celebrations, visit my previous blog entry here: http://www.sweetsamuraikennels.blogspot.com/2009/07/fourth-of-july-fireworks-fright.html.
For ASPCA tips on how to keep furry friends safe during this holiday, visit my previous blog entry here: http://www.sweetsamuraikennels.blogspot.com/2009/06/fourth-of-july-safety-tips-from-aspca.html
As we all know, fireworks = loud, booming noises. These noises can be very startling for some of our four-legged friends. Have you ever wondered why one puppy may grow to fear loud noises while another completely ignores them? According to Chris Cos-Evick, writer for DogFancy magazine, there are three contributing factors:
1) Genetics. "Some breeds, specifically hunting and sporting breeds, were developed for their ability to ignore loud noises," says Cheryl Smith, behavior lecturer and owner of Forever Friends Dog Training School in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She believes this partly explains why Labrador and Golden Retrievers often adapt well to large families."
2) Socialization. "The brain develops more neurotransmitters with exposure to stimuli," Smith says. That means your puppy needs ongoing varied experiences to accept life's noises.
3) Negative Association. Consistently banging the crate or clapping loudly to startle a puppy into stopping undesired behavior can create a lasting negative sound association.
Overall, consider your lifestyle before choosing a breed, socialize well, and stop undesirable behavior through training to help your puppy avoid noise sensitivity. For dogs sensitive to noise, you may reduce the reaction by playing music or a television fairly loudly in the background.
For more information regarding how to keep your dog calm and comfortable during Independence Day celebrations, visit my previous blog entry here: http://www.sweetsamuraikennels.blogspot.com/2009/07/fourth-of-july-fireworks-fright.html.
For ASPCA tips on how to keep furry friends safe during this holiday, visit my previous blog entry here: http://www.sweetsamuraikennels.blogspot.com/2009/06/fourth-of-july-safety-tips-from-aspca.html
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