Paw Passion

Talking Dog For Sale

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:46:18 +0000

Talking Dog For Sale

A man was driving around the back woods of Montana, and saw a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: “Talking Dog For Sale.”He knocked on the door; and the owner appeared, telling him the dog is in the backyard.

The man walked into the backyard, and saw a nice-looking Labrador retriever sitting there. “You talk?” he asked.

“Yep,” the Lab replied.

After the man recovered from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he said “So, what’s your story?”

The Lab looked up and said, “Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA.

In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.”

“I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running.

But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger, so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.
I got married, had a mess of puppies; and now I’m just retired.”

The man was amazed. He returned to the owner, and asked what he wanted for the dog.

“Ten dollars,” the owner replied.

“Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?”

“Because he’s a big fat liar. He’s never been out of the yard!”

Dog Food Recall

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:28:18 +0000

Dog Food Recall

According to the Associated Press, Advanced Animal Nutrition of Thayer, Missouri has today announced a voluntary dog food recall involving three of its products due to contamination with aflatoxin.

The event was initially announced by the FDA on December 8, 2011 and later updated by a second news bulletin dated December 13, 2011 (republished February 2, 2012).

The recall includes the 50-pound bags of the following products:
Dog Power Hunters Formula 27-14
Dog Power Adult Maintenance Formula 21-12
Dog Power Hi-Pro Performance Formula 26-18

The contaminated products were apparently distributed in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by a certain species of mold commonly found in cereal grains.
The affected products originally included Lot Codes K0004 through K1322. However, the updated bulletin now includes Lot Codes 4K1004 through 4K1322.

What to Watch For

According to the above FDA news release…
“Pets that have consumed any of the above recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.”

What to Do

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Advanced Animal Nutrition has suggested consumers return the recalled dog food to the store where it was bought for a full refund.

You Know That You’re a Dog person When…

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:43:57 +0000

You know that you are a dog person when

• nobody’s feet are allowed on the furniture, except dog paws.

• it takes an entirely separate garbage can to handle the poop.

• you refer to yourself as a dog guardian and appreciate all the responsibilities that go with that title.

• you start telling your children to “Sit! Stay!”

• you’re more concerned with the dogs’ needs than your own when the budget gets tight.

• dog crates double as chairs and/or tables in your family room.

• you can only remember people’s names by associating them with their dogs.

• your overnight guest who shares your bed is offended by having to sleep with you and the dog(s).

• you snuggle closer to the dog than the person with whom you are sleeping.

• most, if not all, of your social activities revolve around other dog people.

• people at work want to know if the dogs are all right because you were late for the meeting.

• your trunk has an emergency food kit for any strays you might come across.

• the majority of your charitable contributions go to animal organizations.

• you no longer have to buy extra large garbage bags, because you have empty 40-pound dog food bags.

• your mom calls and asks how the granddogs are.

• every gift you ever get has something to do with dogs.

• your cookie jar is filled with dog biscuits.

• you rip up the carpet and lay tile to make clean up so much easier.

• your family complains that you always take more pictures of the dog than you do of them.

• most conversations you’re having is effortlessly directed back to the topic of dogs.

• your first concern when planning a vacation is whether or not the hotel will take pets.

• the number one priority when buying a new house is the size and landscape of the backyard.

• you describe your children as having temperaments rather than personalities.

• the cost of boarding your dogs equals that of your entire vacation.

• your dog decides he doesn’t like someone and you tend to agree.

• all of friends know to dress down when visiting your house.

• your friends know which chair not to sit in.

• first time visitors wonder aloud: “Do you smell something?” and you really can’t smell anything different.

• you become the family dog kennel for all your relatives.

• your desk displays your canine family.

• all dates must pass your dog’s inspection.

• the first question you ask when on a date is: “So, do you like dogs?”

• you buy a bigger bed that will comfortably sleep six.

• you break down and buy another pillow so you can have one to sleep on.

• more than half your grocery money goes to dog food and treats.

• you buy a mini-van to give them all enough travel room.

• your carpeting matches the color of your dog’s fur.

• changing a baby’s diaper makes you sick, but you have no problem picking up dog poop.

• you send out especially-made holiday cards that feature you and the dogs.

• your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend says, “It’s them or me!” and you have no problem helping them pack.

• you readily allow your dogs to give you slobbery kisses, but you don’t dare wipe a toddler’s nose.

• your dog has the best birthday party over and above any kid in the entire neighborhood.

• your dogs eat only the most nutritionally sound food.

• you’re more familiar with dog laws than you are with people laws.

• your vet’s office number is on speed dial.

• your dog files at home are really organized and are about the same size as War And Peace.

• you have dog doors.

• you’ve just spent $75 on groceries and realize none of it is for yourself.

• you are easy to shop for as all you want is anytrhing with a dog motif.

• your bedspread doesn’t have to coordinate with the bedroom as it’s always covered with a sheet.

• the family’s eye doctor is located in town, but the dog’s ophthalmologist is located an hour drive away.

• it’s easier to get a hairdresser’s appointment for yourself than it is to get one for your dog.

• dog hair in food is just another spice.

• your dogs have their own Christmas card and gift list.

• the part of your will dealing with your dogs is longer than any other part.

• the guardians of your dogs will receive a larger amount of insurance policy money than will all others.

• the instructions to the dog kennel are longer than the instructions to the house sitter.

• your personal library is heavy on dog books.

• your favorite month is April – National Dog Appreciation Month!

• your dogs have a larger wardrobe of holiday-related bandanas than you do.

• you hate to go to the grocery store for people food, but when the dog treats are gone, you go.

• you have web pages for your dogs.

• most of the photos on your Facebook page are of dogs.

• the most exciting times on vacations is when you get to pet a dog

• most of your vacation pictures are of dogs around the world.

• the largest display of collectibles in the house is dog stuff — plates, photos, cards, etc.

• You kiss your dogs when you greet them.

• You cut your vacations to 3-day weekends only.

• call long distance and talk with your dog.

• order 5 x 7 photos of the kids and order 16 x 20 of your pooch.

• your Mother’s Day (birthday, anniversary, etc.) present is a rescue puppy.

• the part of the backyard you finish first is the dog run.

• you spend more time on the computer dealing with “dog stuff” than “other stuff”.

• your “Welcome” sign and “Welcome” mat has a dog on it.

• your e-mail address is your kennel name.

• your e-mail address is your dog’s name.

• when you call your kids, you whistle for them to come.

• you call you kid’s names like you would a dog.

• you named your last child after your favorite dog.

Cataracts in Dogs

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:41:22 +0000

Cataracts in Dogs

Lorie Huston, DVM
Cataracts are a common problem in dogs and occur in the lens of your dog’s eye. In the normal canine eye, the lens aids in focusing the eye and should normally be clear without any opacities. Essentially, a cataract occurs when an opaque area forms within the lens of the eye, making it impossible for light to penetrate the affected area.

Causes of Cataracts in Dogs
There are numerous causes of cataracts in dogs, including:
• aging changes (cataracts are common in older dogs)
• congenital defects (dogs may be born with cataracts)
• genetic predisposition (some dogs are genetically disposed to developing cataracts)
• trauma
• dietary deficiencies
• toxins
• electrical shocks
• diabetes mellitus

Consequences of Canine Cataracts
A cataract results in an area of the lens which your dog is unable to see through. If both eyes are affected and the cataracts cover both lenses completely, your dog may become completely blind.

In addition, a lens afflicted with a cataract may luxate and move from its normal position within your dog’s eye. By doing so, the lens may block the normal flow of fluid through the structures of the eye, causing glaucoma as a result of an increase in the intraocular fluid levels.

Alternatively, a lens with a cataract may also absorb fluid and swell abnormally, again resulting in glaucoma when the swelling blocks the outflow of fluid from the eye causing an increase in intraocular pressure.

Cataracts can also begin to dissolve when they become mature and this dissolution may result in inflammation within the eye, known as uveitis. Uveitis is painful for your dog and can also lead to the development of glaucoma.

Diagnosis of Cataracts in Dogs
Cataracts can be mistaken for a number of different eye diseases and an ophthalmic examination is necessary to determine whether cataracts are present.

Cataracts must be differentiated from nuclear sclerosis, a normal increase in the compactness of the fibers of the lens that occurs as a dog ages. Though the resulting changes in the sclerotic lens can physically resemble a cataract, the dog is able to see normally through the lens.

Blindness and/or changes in vision do not occur with nuclear sclerosis.
A thorough ophthalmic examination by an experienced veterinarian can determine whether changes in the eye are a result of cataracts, nuclear sclerosis or other canine eye problems.

Cataract Surgery in Dogs
When treatment for a canine cataract is necessary, surgery is usually the only treatment option. Surgery for a cataract in a dog involves either:
• physically cutting into the eye and removing the lens with the cataract
• breaking up and removing the diseased lens using a procedure known as phacoemulsification

In phacoemulsification, sound waves are used to physically break apart the diseased lens. During phacoemulsification, the dog is under an anesthetic and medicated to induce paralysis to prevent the dog from blinking or otherwise moving the eye. Once broken into small pieces, the lens is then removed by suction through a small tube. Phacoemulsification is the most commonly employed method of cataract removal and is preferred, where possible, over cutting into the eye to remove the lens.

After the diseased lens is removed from a dog with a cataract, an implant is placed in the eye to replace the lens.

Before surgery for a cataract is performed, your veterinarian may recommend an electroretinogram to ascertain whether the retina is functional. An ultrasound of the eye may also be needed to rule out the possibility of retinal detachment. If the retina is not functional, the eye will be functionally blind even with the cataract removed and cataract surgery may not provide any benefit for your dog.

Cataracts are common in senior dogs but can occur for various reasons in dogs of any age. Cataracts may involve both eyes and may cover the entire lens, resulting in blindness for your dog. Surgical options exist which can restore the canine eyesight if the retina is functional and the eye is otherwise healthy.

Reprinted with permission from Pet Health Care Gazette (http://www.pet-health-care-gazette.com/2012/01/23/cataracts-in-dogs/)

Are You as Good as Your Dog?

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:40:48 +0000

Are You the Same as your Dog?

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can get going without pep pills,

If you can always be cheerful without ignoring aches and pain,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand that your loved ones may be too busy to give you anytime,

If you can overlook it when those you when, through no fault of your own, something goes wrong,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct him or her, If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,

If you can face the world without lies and deceit,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

If you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion, or politics,

Then, my friend, you can say that you are almost as good as your dog.

Preservatives in Some Commercial Dog Foods

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:21:55 +0000

Preservatives Used in Some Commercial Dog Foods

(This excerpt is printed here with the kind permission of its author, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M. in his book 8 Weeks To A Healthier Dog. Dr. Messonnier’s veterinarian practice, Paws and Claws Animal Hospital is in Plano, Texas.)

You should read dog food labels carefully to avoid foods with the following chemicals and additives.
These are some of the common preservatives in commercial dog Foods.

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole): This is a chemical preservative and antioxidant that, whole generally regarded as safe in low concentrations, may cause allergic reactions and affect your dog’s liver and kidney.

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): Although this preservative and antioxidant is believed to be generally safe, it may cause liver and kidney problems.

Ethoxyquin: Depending on the dosage, this preservative, rubber hardener, insecticide, and pesticide may cause cancer.

Ethylenediamine: This solvent, urinary acidifier, and color promoter can irritate the skin and mucus membranes and may cause asthmatic reactions and skin rashes.

Sodium metabisulphite: Another chemical preservative, sodium metabisulphite has caused weakness, loss of consciousness, difficulty swallowing, and brain damage in people.

Sugar, sorbital, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol: These preservatives and sweeteners may contribute to diabetes and obesity.

Common Byproducts in Commercial Dog Food

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:43:16 +0000

What Are Some Common Byproducts in Your Dog’s Commercial Food?

It’s best to avoid byproducts in your dog’s food. Your dog shouldn’t be eating those cast-off parts of meats and grains that aren’t used in our foods and are relegated to food for our pets. Here’s how to spot them on labels:

Meat: If the label says “meat”, the food must contain clean flesh from slaughtered animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and pigs, limited to skeletal muscle or muscle found in the tongue, diaphragm, heart, or esophagus, with or without accompanying fat, sinew, skin, nerve, and blood vessels.

If the label specifies a type of meat such as chicken, the meat must be from chickens and not other animals.

Meat meal, such as lamb meal: This byproduct is rendered (processed to remove fat and water), meat without added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, or stomach contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. It can contain meat from 4D animals (dead, dying, diseased, or disabled) which comes from animals condemned for human consumption.

Some manufacturers of high-quality natural dog and cat foods, make their own meal, in which case it isn’t such a bad thing, so this designation is somewhat vague. As a rule avoid pet foods containing meat meal unless you contact the manufacturer to find out exactly what is in theirs.

Meat and bone meal: This is similar to meat meal described above, except it can also include bone as well as meat. The amount of meat and bone can vary between batches, so the amount of protein varies as well. Like meat meal, it can contain meat from 4D animals.
Meat byproduct: This byproduct is made of non rendered (so it still contains fat and water), clean animal parts, other than meat, including lungs, spleen, kidneys, brains, livers, blood, bone, stomachs, and intestines freed of contents. Meat byproducts cannot contain hair, horns, teeth, or hooves.

While this protein source may be more wholesome than meat and bone meal (because it comes from nonrendered tissue and from slaughtered animals rather than the carcasses of already dead animals), there is no way to tell by reading the label how much of which byproducts are included in the food. For example, the byproduct could be liver organ meat (healthy), or it could be intestines (not so healthy). It’s best to contact the manufacturer to determine what is contained in their meat byproduct.

Animal byproduct meal: This general term is meant to be for animal byproduct ingredients that don’t fit the other categories. It is made of rendered meat without added hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, and stomach contents, except in such amounts as they may occur unavoidably in good processing practices.

Rice Gluten Meal: This is a byproduct of rice, the dried residue of rice protein without starch or fat. It is low in critical amino acids, so look for a food with ground or whole rice instead.

Corn gluten meal: This is a byproduct of the manufacturing of corn starch and corn syrup. It is the dried residue of corn protein with the starch and fat removed and the bran separated. It is low in critical amino acids, so instead try to find a food with ground corn, which contains the entire corn kernel.

Service Dog to be Returned to Retired Police Officer

admin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:09:18 +0000

Servie Dog to be Returned to Retired Police Officer in Iowa

Retired and disabled police officer Jim Sak was prevented from keeping his black-and-white service dog while staying in Aurelia, Iowa.
His dog, Snickers, is a pit bull mix. The 65 year-old Sak, suffered a stroke three years ago and depends upon Snickers for his health and safety.

“I have spasms on my right side where the leg gives out whenever I get upset or try to do too much,” Sak, also a Vietnam veteran, had the Chicago Sun-Times. “When Snickers sees that my hand is moving, he sits down by me right away and waits for me to tell him what to do. Usually, he goes to get my wife so she can help me get back in the chair. Without him, I feel lost.”

When living in Chicago, his service dog was never a problem. However, recently, Sak and his wife moved to Aurelia to live closer to his 87-year-old mother. Aurelia has a three-year-old ordinance banning all pit bulls because a dog bit a meter maid and has forced Sak to send Snickers to a kennel outside the city limits. If Sak brought the dog back, the city council has threatened to have the animal destroyed.

The matter made its way before the city council on Dec. 14, but officials voted 3-2 against making exceptions to the pit bull ban.

A nonprofit called the Animal Farm Foundation has been paying for Snickers’ kennel fees and says it has hired an attorney to represent Sak. The organization says that Snickers is exempt from the pit bull ban because he is certified with the National Service Animal Registry and that attempts to remove him are a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Department of Justice issued guidelines in 2010 that says service dogs are not subject to breed bans.

There has been some difficulties since the separation. Sak told news station KTIV in Sioux Falls that he has fallen twice since Snickers has been boarded. Meanwhile, Snickers is displaying signs of anxiety. “He’s got hives on his underside, his hair is just falling out,” Sak said.

Pit bull bans exist in many towns and cities around the country, but some have recently made exceptions for service animals. Denver, Colo., put its pit bull service dog exemption in writing in April of this year after lawsuits from the Animal Law Center.

The case came up to a federal court in Sioux City on Dec. 28. Meanwhile, a petition of Change.org seeks 1,000 signatures asking the Aurelia City Council to let Sak keep his service dog.

Great Links to Great Places

admin — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:27:21 +0000

FloridaPets.net – Pet-friendly info and
resources for Florida residents and visitors. Central Arkansas
Rescue Effort for Animals Pet Friendly
Canada’s ultimate online directory of pet-friendly vacation rentals Dog Friendly
Complete dog travel guides Dreampower
Animal Rescue Dog Friendly Britain
the UK’s premier dog-owner information site Rescue Me!
Animal rescue network Hearts United for Animals
National no-kill shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization. Nebraska Animal Rescue
Connecting people with pets

Chicken Cookie Dog Treat Recipe

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:21:07 +0000

Chicken Cookie Recipe for Dog Treats

Here is a modified recipe for chicken cookies for dogs. Like all new food that you want to try, talk with your veterinarian first before giving it to your dogs.

Pre-heat oven to 350°.

1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
1 ¼ cups rolled oats
¾ cup non-fat dry (powdered) milk
1 egg
½ cup canola oil
¾ cup chicken broth

Mix dry ingredients together. Add egg, oil, and broth. Mix well.

Optional: add shredded chicken and/or shredded carrots.

Baking time depends on your oven. Bake as you would oatmeal cookies.

Important: As there are no preservatives, you must KEEP COOKIES REFRIGERATED.