Monday, November 30, 2009

Deck the Halls with Fido & Felix: Pet Christmas & Holiday Safety Tips

Its that frantic time of a year again! Time to trim the tree, deck the halls, sing carols & of course host a Christmas dinner party. As the “Hostess with the Mostess” this holiday season you are in charge of entertaining a dinner party of 8. As Uncle Ernie snores in your recliner you keep an ear open for the timer signaling it time to baste the ham.

Like a musical score you have managed to plan a menu and compose a beautiful 5-course meal. Which by the way as the official taster you’ve managed to taste every course & morsel within spoons reach. Leaving you fully satisfied all you want to do now is enjoy the beautiful place setting, conversation and perhaps dessert. Besides, with so many leftovers a midnight snack is a must and the creature stirring and tiptoeing the night before Christmas will be you to the fridge (psst..this will be our secret).

As you frantically stir, mix, baste, taste, pour and lick your battered fingers your loyal yet salivating dog waits patiently. For what you may ask... for you to drop just one mouse size crumb of your grandmothers plum pudding. Of course being the season of giving and granting wishes you oblige. Little do you know that your has his eyes set on that juicy ham, covet operation GRAB the ham is in effect.

You go down the checklist and everything is in the oven and tree is beautifully trimmed. Now you can take a moment to breath and sit back. All you want to do is bask in a brief moment of silence with a big sigh. So you steal a few seconds to sip a cup of eggnog and listen to seasonal favorites like Jingle Bells. But you are quickly remained that you are not alone when you hear the slamming of doors and screaming children running up the stairs. Oh, yes their muddy snow boots are a sure sign that they have just arrived back from a long afternoon playing snow ball fight & building snowmen. But when you thought you had everything done on your to-do-list you realize your work is not done. Then out the door to pick of your mom and dad at the airport. Hey, at least you enjoyed serenity while it lasted.

So as you see with so many things to do, dishes to prepare, places to be and people to greet this season it is so easy to forget the important word “SAFETY”. No one wants to make a last minute call or run to the vet or emergency room just as your husband is about to carve the ham. So, to take away some of the stresses of the holiday's here are some simple tips on making the holiday safe & festive for your pet, kids and family.

1. Don’t give Scraps- It is so easy to give your dog leftovers or table scraps from the meal you wonderfully prepared. But this can do more harm then taste good. Not only is it bad for Fido waist line. Man there goes that New Years Resolution! But it can put a strain on their sensitive digestive systems. Make no bones about it! Feeding your dog turkey or chicken bones, and rawhides can cause choking, digestive problems and puncture the intestine. Also, bone shards can get stuck in your dogs gum. So, instead treat your dog to a safe and healthy dog treat.

If Fido is still turning his snout up at his dish that looks like unpleasant roadkill then here is a better option. Instead opt for organic, holistic, and all-natural dog food that is just as tasty. It contains no preservatives or bi-products, very healthy and easier to digest. And yes, it contains real meat, not that fake rubber stuff from 1950's tv dinner. Hey, you may be tempted to swap dishes with Fido. Merrick is a great choice, with an array of gourmet entrees from the Puppy Plate, Senior Medley, to their holiday favorites such as Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Venison Holiday Stew to the famous Turducken these are doggy crowd pleaser. For all you cats they even have some yummy flavors that even the most finicky feline can’t resist.

2. Beware of Toxic Plants- Although beautiful festive Holiday plants like holly, amaryllis, mistletoe (pucker up!), poinsettias and lilies can be harmful & deadly to dogs and cats. So if you are going to decorate with plants this season keep them out of paws reach or opt for other alternatives.

3. Snow Globes are toxic if Shattered-Snow globes often contain antifreeze, if shattered is poisonous to pets if licked. Be very careful with these around pets and children.

4. Holiday Sweets are Not Good dog eats- Giving your dog candy, cookies, cakes, peppermints, and especially chocolate can cause life-threatening illnesses. So keep all desserts away from Fido on a very very very high shelf so they cannot reach. If your dog is an expert at paw lifting then you may want to invest in infrared lights and survelliance cameras. Okay, perhaps that's a stretch. Your mission if you dare to accept it, is to get dinner to the table safely in one piece minus the doggy teeth marks.

5. Keep Dish Free of Pine needles- Keep your pets food dish far away from pine needles. If ingested can puncture your pets intestines.

6. Give your dog a safe chew toy- Pets can get in a lot of mischief and play with extra cords, plugs, holiday lights, fixtures and slippers mistaken for chew toys. So, tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries to your pet and hide those slippers. While you are out running errands unplug lights when you are not home.

7. You didn’t say Timberr!!!- Cats love climbing to top of Mount Everest on your Christmas tree. With that said its important to cat proof your tree, because you don't want your cat losing one of its nine lives. So anchor your Christmas trees to the ceiling with a string to keep it from falling on pets.

8. This Ain't No Watering Hole-Do not let pets drink the holiday tree water. Some may contain harmful fertilizers if ingested, and stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria. Check labels for tree water preservatives and artificial snow, and buy all natural and nontoxic alternatives. Some folks use screens around trees to block and barricade their pets & small children access to electrical cords and gifts.

9. "No, Trees Do Not Get Headaches- Very important: do not put aspirin in the water. Some folks do this to keep the tree or plant alive longer. If a pet ingests the aspirin-laced water, his health or even life can be at risk.

10. Hang tinsel high- Pets, particularly cats, are fascinated with all things shiny and can be tempted to eat tinsel. Although tinsel provides a beautiful glisten to your tree if ingested by your pet can block the intestines. So, hang tinsel high and securely to keep it out of paws reach.

11. "Now thats a Mouthful"- Keep all ornaments out of reach of pets, especially those that are sentimental. Ingestion of any ornament, which look like toys to pets, can be life-threatening. Even ornaments made from dried food can lead to ailments. And remember, shards from broken glass ornaments can injure paws, mouths and other parts of the body. So, if an ornament breaks make sure to get out your sweeper and clean up the mess immediately or your pet may do it for you.

12. Put toys in the toy box- Even though little Tommy may scream and throw a tantrum, make sure he puts away his miniature army of toy soldiers. Once gifts are opened and children are done playing, toys should be safely put away in their room or toy chest. Small plastic pieces and rubber balls are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs. Ingested plastic or cloth toys must often be removed surgically. By having your child put their toys away you won’t have to console a tearful little Tommy over the unfortunate demise of toy soldiers.

13. Opt for Non-toxic decorations. Sorry to rain down on your parade but as a precaution as you decorate your home or tree for the Annual Neighborhood Holiday Decorating Contest. Just bare in mind the following: Bubbling lights contain fluid that can be inhaled or ingested, snow sprays and snow flock can cause reactions when inhaled, Styrofoam poses a choking hazard, tinsel can cause choking and intestinal obstruction, and water in snow scenes may contain toxic organisms such as Salmonella.

14. Create Safe Haven- With the non-stop ringing of the door bell, expected and sometimes unexpected holiday guests, Christmas Carolers, kids running & screaming, pans banging, china breaking, and doors slamming. The hoopla of the season can be stressful, frightening and exciting to any pet. Stress, fright and excitement can trigger illness and intestinal upset. Make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house and a comfy place to flop.

Also, don’t be afraid to give your dog a break in a quiet room with their familiar doggie bed or in his den. Allow your canine companion, co-hostess and official Christmas Licker & Greeter to join the festivities after the initial commotion & excitment from the arrival of guest and dad dressed as Santa have subsided.

Important Note: For furry Escape Artist (they know who they are) make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out doors as guests come and go.

15. Be on Schedule- During the Holidays it’s important to have a sense of normal in the midst of chaos. Reduce your pets stress by keeping feeding and exercise on a regular schedule. Once again, do not give your pet table scraps.

*Exercising your dog for 30 minutes prior to arrival of guest will keep both of you happy and get your dog napping.

16. TLC Required- Always make time to care and nurture your pets, besides isn't he or she part of the family. With the busyness of the season it is so easy for folks to get lax about walking their dogs, and a few resort to letting pets out on their own. This puts the animal in danger, can lead to nuisance complaints and dog bite incidents. Although it may be tempting do not take a holiday from responsibly caring for your pet. With so much on your plate taking care of a pet can be a juggling act, so call in reinforcements. Enlist the help of a responsible teenager, neighbor, family member or friend as the official surrogate parent. They can be in charge of walking, feeding and playing fetch with Spot. But, we can't forget the all-important task of belly rubs and treats.

17. Quench their thirst- When pets are stressed by holiday activity or during travel, they may require more water. Dogs typically pant more when they feel stressed. Keep fresh water available for them to drink.

18. Guard Gifts & Packages- Nothing says Merry Christmas to grandma then a ripped, torn and half eaten crocheted sweater with matching scarf. Which by the way you made in a beginners knitting class and to add coal to the fire it took over a month to make. So, for everyone’s sake keep pets away from gift packages as well as your gift-wrapping area. Ingested string, plastic, cloth and even wrapping paper can lead to intestinal blockage and require expensive surgical removal. Not to mention pets have been severely injured by scissors and other items left on floors and tables, disguised as play toys.

19. Take out the Garbage- With so much food there is bound to be a few scraps going in the garbage from bones, rolls, to a half eaten drumstick. Not to mention your finicky, yet sweet little niece is known not to finish her plate of string beans and ham unless bribed by Santa. With that said keep pets away from the garbage and use pet-proof containers. As a side note if you are going to be discarding some food don’t forget peels, uneaten fruit, and flowers can be placed in your compost. This not only means less waste in the landfills but now you have a great fertilizer.

20. Call for Emergency Help- It is always good to be prepared for anything, especially a call or run to your vet or doctor. So have emergency numbers posted on the side of your fridge just in case. If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hot line (1-888-426-4435). Keep in mind that the key to your pet survival is to act fast, remain calm and don't panic. You don't want to upset your pet or make an already stressful situation worse.

21. Check Detectors- By the way, with so much cooking, house guest, Christmas lights and candles being lit its important to be checking it twice, detectors that is. Now is a good time to double-check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, other safety devices and replace batteries. Always keep an extra pack of batteries on hand. Remember the safety of your family and loved should always comes first.

But another good reason to check these safety devices is for your your pets well-being. When batteries run low, the devices often emit alert or alarm sounds at frequencies that can be painful and frightening to many pets. If you're not home when the alert/alarm sounds, your animals will have to endure that sound until you return, which can be traumatic. So always keep fresh batteries in those devices.

22. Beware of dropping temperatures, ice & snow- With the arrival of guest you may be tempted to put your dog outside. It can be very dangerous putting your dog outside in the cold & freezing weather with pavements covered in ice. To avoid huge vet bills, broken bones and injures it’s best to keep pets in doors.

Important Note: Don’t let your dog roam the streets alone on icy roads. Ice can make it harder for cars to put on the break when they see a wandering pet cross the road.

23. Squeaky Green- With guest coming to visit this season its all about making a lasting impression. So opt for green cleaning products with the green seal of approval such as Method, Seventh Generation or Mrs. Meyers. These eco-friendly cleaning solutions will keep your house dust mite free. If you want you can even use lemon, vinegar and baking soda that would put Mister Clean to shame. These basic ingredients are non-toxic to both you and your pet and very effective in fighting dirt & grime. Now your dog can retire as the official floor mopper & shoe shiner, its on to bigger and better things.

24. Give a gift to Buster- You may be wondering whether or not to give your beloved, yet bad to the bone pup a present this year. But as the phrase goes "Tis the season to give" and that includes that sometimes hard to love chew-minator whom you can't live with, but can't live without.

Well, with all the entertaining you will be doing you may want to say yes to gifts. Giving your dog a new toy on his wish list will not only keep him entertained, but out of harms way. Now you can carry hot dishes from the kitchen to the table worry free. You won’t have to worry about spilling your 5 course meal on the floor, stepping on paws or having to stare at those begging puppy eyes. So, save a shoe and throw your dog and the planet a green bone.

By keeping these safety tips in mind the Holidays are sure to be a cheery one for everyone, including your pet. When all is said and done you have truly earned the name and badge "Hostess with the Mostess".








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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Turkey Pet Safety 101: Thanksgiving Day Pet Etiquette

The seasons for giving thanks is upon us. It is time to celebrate Thanksgiving & the holidays with friends, family & for many of us our furry companions. But it is also a time where your dogs good canine manners and will power will be tested. We have all heard the stories of dogs committing turkey larceny & theft on the biggest eating day of the year (just ask our waistline), putting a damper on the celebration. Here are a few tips to keep your guest, turkey fanfare & pets safe this holiday season.

1. Set boundaries. Make sure to train your dog not to beg, jump, counter surf, bark incessantly or paw-lift the turkey & appetizers. Being a responsible pet owner means teaching your dog basic commands like sit, down, stay, quiet, come and how to walk on leash.

2. Make sure your dog has an open invitation to the feasting festivities. If you are going to a friend or family member's house for Thanksgiving, call ahead and ask if you can bring your dog. Keep in mind some hostess or guest may be allergic or afraid of dogs. Perhaps your family or friend has a territorial dog that does not like other four legged guest. If your dog gets the honor of being invited it is important for your pup to be on his or her best doggy behavior. Your dog must clearly understand your firm commands. Remember a poorly behaved dog will not be invited back again for seconds.

3. Alert your guest you have a dog. If you have been given the turkey honors of hostess this year make sure to let guest know ahead a time you have a dog. As I mentioned above, some of your guests may be afraid or allergic to dogs. Also , at this time you may want to inform your guest not to give in to your dogs pleading eyes that say "Feed me". Tell your guest not to feed your pet table scraps since certain foods are toxic to pets.

4. Thanksgiving should not be doggy training day. For the Thanksgiving soiree to go smoothly make sure you get your dogs begging, jumping & barking behavior under control prior to the big day. Trust us with so many dishes and things literally on your plate, you won't have time to sit down and have a heart to heart talk with your pup about the turkey do's and dont's.

5. Give your dog a timeout! When you can't supervise your dog or your pup is not behaving or listening to your commands, a crate or separate dog ready room is a great place for timeouts away from hungry guest. Sending your dog to his or her designated safe haven will keep your pet out of the kitchen and away from the dangers of a hot stove, dishes and broken glass.




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Monday, November 23, 2009

Turkey Pet Safety 101: Thanksgiving Food Your Pet Should Avoid

Thanksgiving is a time of gathering, feasting till your hearts & waistline content, and last but not least hitting the snooze button for some Zzzz’s. With all the fixings of a Thanksgiving meal, and sad puppy eyes gazing at that prize drumstick you can be tempted to set out an extra place setting or share the turkey fare, scraps and leftovers with your furry family member . While your motives may be good, many of the foods you will be cooking on the big day are doggy no no's. In fact, some of your most beloved turkey fixings including grandma's famous cornbread stuffing secret family recipe, can be hazardous to your pets health and cause illness or even death. Here are a few foods that your dog should always avoid and why.

Turkey Skin – High-fat foods, such as turkey skin & gravy, can be hazardous to your dog. Since the skin is hard to digest, it can lead to pancreatitis (symptoms are vomiting, extreme depression, reluctance to move, and abdominal pain) . If you still want to share your bird, give your dog a small piece of white meat.

Macademia Nuts- If ingested can cause a toxic reaction called macadamia nut toxicosis. Within twelve hours of eating the nuts dogs can start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand, ataxia (walking wobbly), depression, vomiting, muscle tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. Usually the symptoms go away within 48 hours but the weakness, vomiting, and fear can lead to dangerous, and sometimes deadly, shock.

Turkey Bones - Cooked poultry bones are brittle and splinter easily. If ingested, they can lodge in the esophagus or cause stomach or intestinal irritation.

Xylitol - This sweetener is present in products from gum to sugar-free cookies. Even in small amounts, ingestion can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and death.

Grapes and Raisins - These common snacks although healthy for you, can induce permanent and life-threatening kidney failure in some dogs. Though some pets seem to handle eating grapes just fine, it's safest to avoid grapes and raisins completely.

Chocolate - Most pet owners are aware of chocolate's danger, but with the recent popularity of dark chocolates -- which contain higher doses of toxic cocoa -- it's more important than ever to be vigilant about chocolate consumption. Ingestion can cause abnormal heartbeats, kidney failure, and near death by chocolate.

Onions - High levels of onion ingestion in dogs and cats can cause life-threatening anemia. Be aware of food at your table -- such as stuffing or casseroles -- that may contain this dangerous ingredient.

Raw bread dough- Rising dough in combination with your pets stomach can be deadly. If eaten by your dog can rises in their stomach, causing terrible abdominal pain, vomitting and bloat.

Nutmeg - This is a very popular spice found in sweet potato, yams, pumpkin pie & dessert dishes. It has mild hallucinogenic properties, can cause seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems in dogs. In severe cases, shock and death have been reported.

Sage- Contains essential oils and resins that can cause stomach upset and central nervous system depression if eaten in large amounts.

Cake Batter-Don't let your dog be the official bowl batter licker. Cake batter, especially if it contains raw eggs, may contain salmonella.

**IMPORTANT: Make sure to discard of your table scraps and leftovers properly and right away so your dogs excited taste buds won't get him or her in trouble and sent to the vet. It is important to put scraps in a dog proof sealed garbage can that even the most skilled four legged dumpster diver can't infiltrate.

Many other human foods can also be harmful to your dog, so always beware and do your research first. It is important to keep your dog's medical background in mind. If your dog is on a vet recommended strict diet stay the course to avoid other future health problems. As always consult you veterinarian for dietary recommendations and guidelines specific to your pet.

If you suspect that your dog may have ingested one of these foods or another harmful substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center National Hotline: 888-426-4435.





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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Knowing is Half the Battle: Answer to Common Pet Cancer Questions

With pet cancer on the rise it is always devastating to hear when a furry friend has fallen victim to this disease. But understanding this silent killer is half the battle. The stats are sad and astounding, for dogs over six years of age, 60 percent will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. Nearly half the deaths of pets over the age of 10 years fall victim to cancer.

There are nearly 100 different types of animal cancer. The most common type in cats is leukemia, and the most common cancers for dogs are lymphoma and mammary gland cancer. But there is hope and good news! With treatment advances and early detection, pets with cancer have a much better chance of survival. Here are answers to some common pet cancer questions. Let's not be silent to this silent killer, educating ourselves about cancer is the difference between life and death. Let's work together toward prevention and a cure.


What is cancer?

Cancer describes cell in the body that grow and divide at an abnormal rate & uncontrollable rates often forming tumors or masses. These growths can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Is My Pet At Risk?

Did you know that cancer is the #1 killer of pets. Although cancer is more common in older adult dog & cats, younger pets are still at risk. Make sure to do your research on your pets breed because certain breeds are more susceptible & predisposed to cancer. It is imperative that you understand your pets risk. By speaking with your vet you can take proper precautions. Also, early detection toward this silent killer is the difference between life and death and the key to good prognosis, successful treatment & recovery.

What are the pet cancer warning signs?

*Abnormal swelling that persist or continue to grow
*Sores that do not heal
*Weight Loss
*Loss of Appetite
*Bleeding or discharge from any body organ
*Offensive odor
*Difficulty eating or swallowing
*Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
*Persistent lameness or stiffness
*Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Why Is Early Detection & Diagnosis So Important?

Regular vet checkups play a vital life role in the early detection of cancer & other health issues. As loving pet owner it is important that you take your pet for his or her wellness exam twice a year. Annual blood screenings is helpful in detecting & effectively treating pet cancer. If the vet finds at abnormalities in your dogs health x-rays, ultrasounds and other diagnostic test will be preformed.

When should you see a vet if you suspect cancer?

It important that if you see any of cancer warning signs, lumps, bumps that don't go away or a change in your dogs behavior to seek help immediately. Don't wait, because the clock is ticking away with a good prognosis. But remember to not panic and remain calm because not all tumors or growths are cancerous. If you do find a lump on your pets skin or coat seek vet aid quickly, its better safe then sorry. Look for lumps that may appear at the site of a vaccination or injection which can signal a concern. Regular vet checkups will help to detect cancer that is affecting other parts of the body like your pets blood or internal organs that are not visible. Please take your pets annual checkups very seriously and mark your calenders so hidden health problems are detected & treated early.

Is Pet Cancer Treatable?

In many cases pet cancer is treatable, but early detection & treatment is crucial to your pets outcome. With the help of ongoing cancer research, advances in veterinarian medicine and organizations on the front line working to find a cure there is hope. There are so many treatment options available which not only help to treat the disease but improve your pets quality of life. Speak with your vet about these treatment options and do your research beforehand so you can ask any and all questions before making a decision.

Pet cancer treatment options will be based on the type of cancer and how far it has progressed. You may be referred to a cancer specialist or vet oncologist who will work with you to determine the proper course of treatment that's right for your pet. Some of the cancer treatment options may include: surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. There are also some effective homeopathic cancer pet treatment options available which takes an holistic approach. Please seek the advice of a certified vet or holistic vet and do your research first.

What Are Some Common Cancer Terms?

Learning that your pet has cancer can be scary & hard to cope with. But like your qualified vet it is important for you to be in the know when discussing your pets health & options. Here are a few definitions worth remembering.

Tumor-A growth made of abnormal cells, also known as masses or lumps. Tumor can be either benign or malignant

Benign Tumor- non-cancerous growth usually confined only to the affected area.

Malignant Tumor-cancerous growth capable of spreading to other parts of the body

Metastasis-The spread of cancer cells from the primary affected area to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Let's not be silent to this silent killer anymore! Bark the word that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month and advise your friends on the important of annual vet checkups. Lets remember paw pals who lost the cancer battle, celebrate the lives of survivors, and give hope to those suffering. Let's see Spot run toward a cure!

Is your dog or cat a cancer survivor? We would love to hear about your pets heroic winning battle. Give someone suffering the gift of hope! Share your pets story by commenting below.




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Monday, November 9, 2009

Canine Cancer Diet: The Recipe for Helping Your Dog Fight Cancer

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, you may feel a sense of hopelessness. You begin to ask the worrisome question "What can I do?". One of the best things you can do for your dog besides the best proper treatment, love & support is to provide them with a nutritious, healthy diet. Many dogs suffering from cancer will require a special diet high in protein, unsaturated fats, omega 3's and low in complex carbohydrates & sugars. Starve cancer cells by avoiding sugar.

Many pet owners have decided to get out their doggy cookbooks. The debate still continues over raw diet and its cancer fighting benefits. Some pet owners opt to feed their dogs a raw diet, while other suggest that raw meat is never good for a dog undergoing chemotherapy and who has a low immune system. Remember, before you start your dog on any diet, you should consult with your veterinarian or holistic vet first and do your research. Every dog is different and each dog requires individualized care.

Its important that after the cancer diagnoses that your dog stays on your vets consistent & strict cancer fighting diet. This will increase your dogs chances of survival & prognosis. Like humans, a good diet also helps to boost & strengthen dogs immune system. Here are some tips to ensure your dog has a healthy and balanced diet that will help in their fight against cancer.

Its important for your dog to have protein rich food. So, what are some good sources of digestible animal protein?

Feed your dog beef, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, canned fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines, eggs and dairy products such as whole fat yogurt and cottage cheese. Some holistic vets suggest that dogs should eat animal proteins and some vegetables, but no foods derived from grains. They believe plant-based grains or proteins promote, rather than restrict, the growth of cancer cells.

Now on to the topic of fat content..

Its important that your dog has good a amount of fat in their diet. Meat is a good source of fat, and the fattiest meats include lamb, pork and goat. When feeding poultry, leave the skin on, which is where most of the fat resides, and use dark meat, which is higher in fat, rather than light meat. Eggs also contain fats. Canned fish is also a good source of fat. Remember that a diet high in saturated fat is very beneficial. Omega 3's found in salmon, fish & flaxseed oil can be placed in your dogs food daily (not recommended for dogs undergoing radiation therapy).

Fight Canine Cancer with Nutritious Homemade Dog Recipes

Here are some homemade dog food recipes for canine cancer sufferers from our friends at ehow. Dish up! These recipes are better healthy options then processed foods. Dogs with cancer should avoid commercial dog foods which is high in grains, starches and sugars which fuel cancer cells.

Recipe #1. Mix together 1 scrambled egg, 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli, 1/2 cup of cooked yellow squash and 4 oz. of low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese. Then add meat to the mixture. You may add 1 pound of ground beef or 1 pound of chopped chicken. This recipe will make 2 servings for a 50-pound dog or one serving for a 100-pound dog.

Recipe #2. Mix in a large bowl: 1 can salmon, 1 hard-boiled egg, 1/2 cup of chopped spinach or cabbage, 1/2 cup of carrots and 4 oz. of low-fat cottage cheese. Servings are same as above.

A dog with cancer will understandably lose his appetite, resulting in malnutrition. One simple way to stimulate his appetite is to warm his food up to release the aromas in the food. Make sure before feeding that the food is properly cooled down before serving.

Is your dog or cat a cancer survivor? We would love to hear about your pets heroic winning battle. Give someone suffering the gift of hope! Share your pets story by commenting below.




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Thursday, November 5, 2009

Barking for a Cure: The Canine Cancer Facts & Pet Prevention

It is a devastating feeling to find out your furry family member has cancer. We can't imagine the sadness of losing a loved one, your four legged best friend to this terrible life threatening illness. So bark the word that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Lets remember paw pals who lost the cancer battle, celebrate the lives of survivors, and give hope to those suffering.

But there is hope, through continued research & medicine cancer does not have to mean a death sentence for your pet. Making simple lifestyle changes can help your pet fight a good fight and win. Together we can save lives, help support cancer research, spread awareness, educate loving pet owners & promote cancer prevention. Let's see Spot run towards a cure!

The Facts about Canine Cancer

1. Dogs get cancer at the roughly the same rate as humans
2. Approximately 1 in 4 dogs will develop a tumor of some kind during his lifetime
3. Over half the dogs currently aged over 10 years old will die of cancer.
4. Fifteen years ago there was virtually no pet oncology; now the level of dog cancer treatment is similar to human oncology.
5. Available surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment is successful in treating many canine cancers.
6. Early detection and effective treatment is essential to give your dog the best possible prognoses.

Early diagnoses is the key to a brighter diagnosis. Recognizing early cancer warning signs and getting proper vet medical care immediately may give your pet a better diagnoses & prolong life. What are the common signs your pet may have cancer?

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Preventive Steps Can Save Lives!

Despite the many risk factors facing your dog, there's a lot you can do to help make sure your pet stays cancer free. Although not a 100% foolproof, here are some critical and life saving steps you can take to protect your pets from cancer and allow them to live healthy & happy lives.

1. Visit the Vet: Make sure you and your dog visit the veterinarian on a regular basis for cancer screenings and checkups. The sooner cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated. This vastly improves the chances that your dog will beat the disease. Vets recommend a checkup every six months for dogs over 7. For younger dogs, an annual exam is a safe precautionary measure.

2. Doggy Exercise: To stay healthy, dogs need regular exercise. Exercise strengthens immunity to a range of diseases, including cancer and reduces stress. In fact, overweight pets are twice as likely to develop cancer than their healthy counterparts. Ensuring that your dog leads an active & stress free, mental & physical stimulating lifestyle can reduce their cancer risk.

3. Avoid Chemical Exposure: As loving and responsible pet owners it is our duties to provide our pets with a nurturing and safe environment to live & grow. There are many known carcinogens that your dog interacts with everyday in and outside the home.

One key to cancer prevention is to keep your pet away from herbicides, insecticides, harsh chemicals and tobacco smoke. In doing so you can make sure they won't develop cancer from chemical exposure. Instead of using toxic house and garden products, choose non-toxic all natural household cleaning & gardening products. Not to mention keep your pets away from secondhand smoke.

When sudsing up your pup opt for all natural, non-toxic, chemical free flea solutions, spa and grooming products. Conventional pet bathing products can contain toxic chemicals you would normally avoid for yourself – parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, cocomide DEA, cocomide MEA, TEA lauryl sulfate and propylene glycol. Known to irritate skin and contribute to a variety of cancer.

4. Spay and Neuter Pets. Simply spaying or neutering your dog can decrease their cancer risk. For females spaying your dog before her first heat or birthday reduces her risk of uterine infections, reproductive ovarian and breast cancer. While males have a decreased chance of being diagnosed with prostate & testicular cancer.

5. Prevent Sunburn. While all dogs can get sunburned and become a burnt hot-dog, short-haired and light-haired dogs carry a greater risk for developing skin cancers caused by overexposure to sunlight. Dogs need sunscreen just like their owners. Rub a bit on your dog's nose and ears.

6. Avoid Contaminated Water. Keep your pet from drinking stagnant water in street puddles, which can contain cancer-causing toxins. Change your pets water daily, and make sure the bowl is clean and fresh.

7. Give your dog Self-Examinations on a regular basis after a grooming session. Feel for unusual lumps or other skin abnormalities. Check the dog's teeth and gums and observe his gait as he walks. Report any changes in appearance or behavior to your veterinarian immediately.

8. Give daily vitamins & supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplements can help boost your dog's immune system and help prevent cancer. Antioxidant supplements include vitamins A, C, and E, beta carotene, lycopene, and mineral selenium. Fish & Salmon oil is chalked full of Omega 3's & anti-oxidants can be given to your dog daily to help in the prevention of cancer and support dogs immune system.

9. Healthy diet- Diet plays a vital role in ensuring optimal health and building a robust immune system. Many commercial dog foods & treats are made up of questionable ingredients such as animal-by-product, poultry fat and split grains. Allergens and genetically modified crops such as corn and wheat are also often used. These ingredients often contain high levels of toxin and carcinogens.

So, when perusing the pet food aisle spend a little extra time reading the labels & ingredients. Remember you can't put a price on your dog's or cat health. Opt for high quality premium dog or cat food with no artificial preservatives and additives. Choosing a holistic and all natural dog food benefits outweigh the cost and in the long run you will be rewarded with lower vet bills. A huge savings to you!

Monitoring what goes in your pets mouth is your best bet for safeguarding your dog's and cat's overall health. Dogs should eat high protein diets with minimal carbohydrates - high quality kibble ensures that your dog's food is free from poisonous elements like fluoride, melamine and hormones. Kibbles made up of free-range meat and organic vegetables can help avoid these problems.

Is your dog or cat a cancer survivor? We would love to hear about your pets heroic winning battle. Give someone suffering the gift of hope! Share your pets story by commenting below.




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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Natural Flea Control: DIY All Natural Herbal Dog Flea Powder

Fleas are a pest to you and your pet and sometimes it may seem like a never ending battle. Although commercial flea medication may work fast and are intended to kill flea infestation, there is a downside. They contain toxic chemicals & insecticides that are harsh on your dogs skin & coat and can cause serious illness.

So, lets take an all natural approach that is both good for your dog and the earth. We were so excited to come across this do it yourself all natural, safe and eco-friendly alternative Herbal Flea Powder that repel fleas and is harmless to your dog.


Herb Ingredients

Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Lavender
Fennel
Yellow Dock
Pennyroyal

Directions

1. Combine as many of these herbs you can find.

2. Mix together equal parts of each herb in a shaker jar

3. Brush your pets coat backward with your hand or a comb while sprinkling the powder onto the base of the hair. Apply sparingly, paying special attention to the neck, back and belly

4. Put your pet outside for a little while after appyling so these tailbitting pest will flea outside the home and not your carpet of furniture.




twitter.com/PawLuxury


Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !