The ThunderShirt

July 2, 2011

Independence Day is right around the corner. This is a pretty scary time for many of our four-legged friends. Fireworks can cause quite a bit of fright and anxiety. Accordingly, I thought this would be a good time to discuss a product called the Thundershirt.

According to a veterinarian I saw on NBC (sorry guys - can't remember the vet's name), constant pressure on one's nervous system provides a soothing & calming effect. This is why babies are comforted through swaddling. It seems this is a rule that also applies to our canine friends. Thus is the basis of the Thundershirt.

The product's website (www.thundershirt.com) claims: "Thundershirt’s gentle, constant pressure is a terrific solution for many types of dog anxiety, fearfulness, barking and more." Now, as a trainer, I am skeptical that the thundershirt alone can magically solve all of your dog's problems. However, I do recognize how the use of tools such as this one, are beneficial. And in connection with other training techniques, these tools can help to alleviate the symptoms that commonly accompany anxiety in dogs.

Have you used the Thundershirt for your dog? If so, I'd love to hear the results!

LIVING IN HARMONY (Dogs & Children) - Entry #2 - A List of Quick Tips

June 18, 2011

Here are some quick tips for helping to keep the peace between your children & dogs:

• Before getting a dog, seek advice from veterinarians, vet techs or other knowledgeable pet care professionals.
• Make sure any dog acquired by a family with children was well-socialized, especially to children, as a young puppy and into adolescence.
• Teach kids to stay out of the dog’s personal space when the dog is eating, sleeping, injured or has puppies.
• Don’t startle or surprise any dog –let the dog know when you are approaching.
• Avoid hugging, kissing or any activity that puts your face in close proximity to the dog’s face.
• Supervise all interactions between dogs and children and be sure that both adult and child know the body signs that indicate fear or anxiety.
• When signs of fear or anxiety are observed, stop interactions between child and dog.
• Provide dogs with a child-free zone in which to retreat—such as a baby-gated room or a kennel or crate.
• Don’t allow children to mistreat the family dog, teach them to interact appropriately.
• Don’t approach strange dogs without the owners’ permission.
• Don’t approach loose dogs or ones tied out on long lines.
• Don’t reach through a fence to pet a dog.
• Don’t reach into a car window to pet a dog.
• Do train your pet to obey basic commands such as sit, lie down and come when called by having clear expectations and rewarding the good behaviors with something the dog enjoys
• For dog households with children, teach the dog good things happen when children are close by.

* Above information taken from: http://positively.com/2011/05/17/why-dogs-bite-children-a-lesson-in-preventing-dog-bites-in-kids/

The Magnificent & Wonderous KONG!

June 16, 2011

If you have not yet discovered the amazing Kong and its many uses, boy are you missing out! Not only does the strong & durable rubber satisfy the needs of avid chewers, but the treat-dispensing ability of this toy is invaluable!

Whether your dog needs a distraction, mental stimulation, or simply relief from boredom in order to deter destructive behavior, the Kong is a tool you can't afford to be without.

The problem we have been running into lately is trying to decide what to stuffing we should use for our dogs' Kongs. Frozen peanut butter has always been a favorite, but like people, dogs can get bored with the same old thing. Fortunately, after much internet research, I discovered some more tasty recipes that I'd like to share with you.

Banana Rama

Fresh Banana

2 Tbsp wheat germ

1 Tbsp plain yogurt

In a bowl, mash up banana. Then add wheat germ & Yogurt. Mash all ingredients together & use a spoon to stuff in Kong. Freeze for 4 hours. Makes 1 serving in a medium Kong (Double recipe for every larger Kong size)

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Philly Steak

Steak scraps

1 oz cream cheese

Place small scraps of the steak inside the Kong toy. Spread cream cheese in large hole to hold scraps.

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Fruit Salad

Peaches, Apples, Carrot Chunks

1/4 of a Banana

Place apples & carrots in Kong toy. Push banana in large hole to hold fruit in place. You can include other fruits & veggies such as orange slices, plums, nectarine chunks, celery sticks, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. (Be sure not to include any human foods that are unsafe for canine consumption.)

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Veggie Kong Omelet

1 egg

Shredded Cheese

Any vegetable safe for canine consumption

Scramble egg & fold in vegetables. Put in Kong toy. Sprinkle some cheese over the top of the Kong toy opening & microwave for about 20 seconds. Cool thoroughly before giving to dog.

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Frozen Jerky Pops

Peanut Butter

Bouillon

Jerky Strips

Water

Smear a small amount of peanut butter over small hole in Kong toy. Fill the toy with cool water & add a pinch of bouillon. Place jerky stick inside Kong toy and freeze. This also can be put in (once frozen) in a children's size swimming pool for a fun day of fishing for your pet.

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Crunch 'N Munch

Crumbled Rice Cakes

Dried Fruit

Cream Cheese

Plain Croutons

Combine all ingredients & place in Kong.

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Pumpkin Pieces

Plain Yogurt

Canned Pumpkin

Cooked Rice

Combine all ingredients in a small Ziploc baggie & mix thoroughly. Snip off the corner of the bag & squeeze mixture into Kong. Freeze.

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To add a bit of complication, try layering the treats in the Kong. For example, try a Kibble-Sicle: Put a glob of peanut butter into the Kong first. Then add some dry dog food. Pour in some chicken broth. Add some more peanut butter, followed by more kibble. End with another glob of peanut butter at the very top. Freeze until solid. To the left, you'll see an example of a well-stuffed, layered Kong

Bottom line: You can be as creative as you want to be. Just be sure to only feed your dog foods that you know are safe. If you have a question about whether a human food is safe, visit ASPCA.org or visit previous entries in this blog that discuss that topic.

Just remember to make it fun & tasty. The Kong will do the rest!

Do you have any Kong recipes you'd like to share? Let us know! We'd love to hear from you!

Help for Allergy Sufferers

June 11, 2011

As one who has suffered with allergies all my life, I know how miserable they can make a person. If you have allergies like me, DogFancy magazine offers tips for us:

Always consult with an allergist first to understand the severity of the reaction and to learn methods to manage it. Then consider how to minimize the symptoms.

Bathing dogs with special shampoos, giving them oral agents, or using vacuum filters can help, but don't always work for every allergy sufferer, says American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. When vacuuming and grooming your dog aren't enough, ACAAI suggests taking these steps to further reduce the irritants in the household:

• Avoid carpeting: Hardwood or polished floors are less likely to harbor allergens.
• Banish fabrics: Avoid fabric or upholstered furniture; use blinds or shades instead of fabric curtains.
• Launder properly: ACAAI states that the best way to remove dog dander from fabric is to wash at 140 degrees with one rinse; at any temperature with two rinses; or use a steam washing machine.
• Cover pillows and mattresses: Studies show that using tightly woven fabric with openings less than 4 microns wide can reduce allergens.
  

For best results, incorporate as many of these changes as possible, particularly in the areas where allergy-sufferers sleep.

* Above information taken from DogFancy Magazine - March, 2011 issue.

Deaths of Dogs in Hot Cars Already Reported This Year

June 10, 2011

We haven't hit summer yet, but already much of the nation has hit record high temperatures. Unfortunately, there have already been numerous reports of dog deaths due to being left in hot cars.

The Animal Protection Institute did a study on hot cars not too long ago. The study showed how even moderately warm temperatures outside can lead to deadly temperatures inside a car - even with the windows partially open. In fact, cracking the windows did very little to slow the rise of temperature in the vehicle. Below are their findings:

* Information taken from www.mydogiscool.com/x_car_study.php

Delicious Oatmeal Dog Treats

June 4, 2011

A big THANK YOU to my good friend and grandpuppy owner, Terri Corsner for the following recipe! You can check out her website at http://www.amedeajapanesespitz.com.

Ingredients:
3 Cups Oatmeal, uncooked
1 1/2 Cups whole-wheat flour
4 – 6 oz cold water (depending if your dog likes soft, or crunchy treats)
2 Baby Food jars of meat with gravy (Beef/Chicken/Ham/Turkey) – 2.5 oz each
2 Baby Food jars of Vegetable, or Fruit (I use Carrots) – 4 oz each
1 Tablespoon parsley, chopped (All natural breath freshener)
2 Egg yolks
1 Teaspoon baking soda

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together. Spoon onto a greased cookie sheet into desired size. I use a melon baller for bite size reward treats. Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees. Place on a cooling rack. Store in refrigerator.

LIVING IN HARMONY (Dogs & Children) - Entry #1

June 4, 2011

Last month was Dog Bite Prevention Awareness Month. Every year in the U.S., nearly one million people are bitten bad enough by a dog to require a hospital visit. To many people, those bites may seem to be out-of-the-blue. However, those of us in the "know", know better.

Positively.com reports: Says Dianne Fabretti, a registered veterinary technician for the Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, “We read [bite reports] and it tends to be people don’t know body language of animals [and] they don’t exhibit proper behavior to the animals so the animal behaves as an animal.”

She emphasizes further, “People don’t educate their children as to how to handle and act around animals. I know that. I have one son and two stepsons and I was always amazed what kids do and how much more training kids need in terms of how to act around the animals.”

It’s all in the education according to Fabretti and the worst part, is that when children are not taught what to do and what to avoid around dogs, dogs get into situations where they need to defend themselves and the results are not only bad for the kids but can be much worse for the dog. Says Fabretti, “When animals do bite, people get emotional. The [dogs] end up here and most are euthanized.”

It is the ALWAYS the responsibility of the parent to teach their children appropriate dog interaction, and to monitor those children around the family dog. It is my hope that this blog series will help educate parents on this subject.

* The above italicized information taken from Why Dogs Bite Children-
http://positively.com/2011/05/17/why-dogs-bite-children-a-lesson-in-preventing-dog-bites-in-kids/

HAPPY EASTER!

April 24, 2011

On this wonderful and joyous day, we at Sweet Samurai would like to wish you all a very Happy Easter and to remind you that common Easter items contain dangers for your pets. In particular, please keep Easter Lilies and chocolate out of the reach of your beloved four-legged family members. For a list of other springtime poisons, check out our previous blog entry here: http://sweetsamuraikennels.blogspot.com/2009/03/spring-time-poisons.html.

If you're looking for a sweet treat to give your pooch this Easter, why no go the natural route with these tasty options:
Apple slices
Strawberry tops
Peach slices
Red bell peppers
Green bell peppers
Romaine lettuce
Watermelon

But most importantly, don't forget the real reason why we celebrate this holiday - Jesus is Risen!!!

Helping Your Pet Adjust to New Situations (Entry #4 - Tips for Calming an Anxious Pet)

April 10, 2011

Since unfamiliar situations or disruptions in routine can sometimes make your pet feel uneasy, try these simple tips to help soothe your pet's frazzled nerves.

• Make an extra effort to retain as much of your pet's familiar schedule as possible.
• Choose specific key phrases to say each time you perform a certain action, so that your pet begins to identify repeated cues and establish a new sense of routine. For example, each time you leave the house, calmly say something like, "Be good."
• Stabilize your pet's routine by feeding meals at the same time each day and incorporating a set daily playtime.
• Provide stimulating, interactive toys to give your pet a distraction.
• Play soft music or leave a radio or TV on in the background.

Above all, its important to recognize that your pet needs time to adjust. Be patient and give him ample time to regain his bearings.

* Information provided by VPI Pet Insurance (VetPetHealth.com / 866-Vet-Pets)

Fire Safety

April 3, 2011

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 500,000 household pets are killed in household fires each year. Following these safety steps (provided by Dog World magazine) might protect your dog from a fire.

1. Adhere pet decals on your home's front windows to alert first responders that you have a dog inside. Pet decals can be found at pet-supply stores, local fire departments, home-security companies, and online. (In fact, SunBear Squad provides a great decal: http://www.sunbearsquad.org/files/wallet_rescue_cards.pdf)
2. Give an extra set of keys to a neighbor.
3. Consider investing in a monitored alarm system with remote access control. This will automatically alert the fire department if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected in your home.
4. Maintain a clean yard and keep hedges trimmed to decrease the likelihood of a brush fire igniting near your home.
5. Have your heating system inspected for gas leaks each fall. Every year, carbon monoxide is responsible for more than 400 human deaths and 20,000 trips to the emergency room.