10 New Year Resolutions for Your Dog

The impending arrival of the New Year brings the inevitable resolutions: Trim your girth, be nicer toward your in-laws, spend more time with the family. We're all familiar with the promises we make to improve ourselves in the coming year.

As you make this ironclad list (you mean it this time – really!), have you wondered what resolutions your pet may be thinking of? Your dog also vows to improve himself (and he means it this time – really!). We conducted a survey of the resolutions pets may want to make for the coming year and found some surprises. Here are the top 10 New Year's Resolutions from the dog's perspective.

(Just don't say anything if he falls a little short of the goal. You keep his secrets and he'll keep yours.)

Resolution #1: I will eat less and exercise more.

Too many nights on the couch, too many dog biscuits and too little time running around the local dog park has made me a little, well, fluffier. I don't think the old "I'm-just-big-boned" excuse will work anymore. I resolve to bug my owner to take me out to the doggy park several times a week.

Resolution #2: I will beg less

I've got begging down to a fine art – he's puddy in my paws – but it sure is demeaning. I promise to reserve the begging for worthwhile things, like going out to the park and T-bone steak.

Resolution #3: I will recognize the difference between furniture and fire hydrants.

I promise not to treat the furniture and walls the way I do fire hydrants. It drives my owners batty and has no lasting benefit for me (they clear away the scent almost as fast as I can "deposit" it.)

Resolution #4: I'll stay out of the cat's litter box.

I vow to resist the urge to snoop around the cat's private lavatory – even though it's a lot of fun and really makes her go nuts.

Resolution #5: I won't bite the vet anymore.

I'll remember that the vets and their staff are just trying to help in their own, inscrutable way, although they really know how to push my buttons with those needles!

Resolution #6: I won't steal food as much.

I won't go out of my way to steal food, although all bets are off if they make it really easy for me.

Resolution #7: I'll introduce myself in more appropriate ways.

In other words, I'll focus above the waist when introducing myself to humans. Somehow, I get the feeling my normal greeting methods invade their private space.

Resolution #8: I'll do better "holding it" until morning.

When nature calls, I'll steel my resolve to wait for my normal morning walk, unless special considerations apply. I'll decide what those special considerations are.

Resolution #9: I'll bark at the mailman less.

Even though it works to put him in his place, I'll try not to exercise my authority over him and other delivery people, although my self-esteem does get a boost when they retreat.

Resolution #10: I'll tolerate those homemade bandannas more.

My owner has gone to a lot of trouble to make these things, so I'll just put up with the way they feel and the taunts of the other dogs.

Champ Says: Give thanks for your pets this Thanksgiving!

    

Are you ready for Thanksgiving? We sure are! After all, our company is all about making all sorts of delicious meals and tasty treats…just because they’re made for animals instead of humans doesn’t make any real difference. We appreciate the comfort and zest of a great meal, especially when surrounded by loved ones. That’s why the holiday seasons tend to be our favorite times of the year.

So, you’ve got family and friends coming over…you’ve got all your favorite recipes lined up…everyone is debating their favorite kind of pie…what are you forgetting?

Oh, right! The family pets! Thanks for the reminder, Turkey-Hat-Cat.

Our furry family members are just as much a part of the festivities as always. Since Thanksgiving tends to revolve around the big meal, it’s quite tempting to let them sneak in a few bites off the dinner table. Before you start letting them slurp up gravy or gobble down turkey scraps, here are a few reminders about dietary health for dogs and cats:

1. Keep an eye on your pet. They’ll be plenty tempted by all the goodies around the house and on the table and may try to sneak off with a snack. They don’t know that cinnamon roll could greatly upset their digestive system–but you do! And if you remain aware, you can keep them from getting sick later.
2. Turkey is fine to let your pet nibble…just not too much. A few tiny scraps are okay, but cut it off there. Also, be sure the turkey is fully cooked (no raw meat!) and remove excess skin and fat so the grease doesn’t cause trouble.
3. Cranberry sauce is also allowable, but once again, keep it minimal. Plus, try to limit it to low-sugar sauces rather than the super-sweet kind.
4. Keep them away from cake, cookies, and other bread foods–especially raw dough! If an animal eats raw dough, their internal heat can cause it to rise in their intestinal system, causing pain and bloating.



Turkey & Shrimp Diner

5. Don’t feed them anything with spices or herbs (like sage). Those can make meals delicious for humans but have various oils and resins that can be disruptive to an animal’s digestive as well as nervous system.

Could your Pet be Diabetic ?

                        

We’ve talked before about pet health issues such as heat stroke, holiday hazards, and even cancer. These are somewhat “downer” topics, I think we’d all agree as none of us want to think of our pets struggling with such issues. We want to imagine them happy and healthy all their lives with nary a trip to the vet to be seen. Sadly, though, that isn’t realistic. Sooner or later, something will afflict your beloved pet, whether it’s from outside circumstances or internal health issues. If we educate ourselves on the potential issues, though, we greatly increase the chances of giving our pets a chance to overcome the illness or enjoy a higher quality of life!

This month is dedicated to another major health complication that could spell serious trouble for your dog or cat…but which does have very manageable approaches to dealing with it.

Yes, pets can suffer from diabetes just as much as humans. There are three main symptoms that could indicate this condition:

·  Excessive Thirst – Is your dog or cat constantly drinking even if they’re not being particularly active or hot? Perhaps to the point where they’re getting bloated.

·  Frequent Urination –  Are they having to go outside or using the litter box far more often than usual? Maybe they’ve even begun peeing around the house when that’s never been a problem before.

·  Constant Lethargy – While pets certainly slow down as they age, if they never seem to move and never seem to have energy, that might be a warning sign–especially if it’s happening in conjunction with the previous two.

Let’s say you suspect your pet suffers from diabetes. What should you do? Unfortunately, there’s no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed in an effective manner so you can still help them enjoy an active and happy life.

Most importantly, a trip to the vet is the most surefire way to determine whether diabetes is the cause of their symptoms or not. You especially want to determine if it’s diabetes because this illness in itself can give rise to numerous other complications if not addressed. Early diagnosis gives your pet the best chance of living out a full life in the best-possible health.

Once diabetes has been diagnosed, daily insulin injections become part of the routine. Your vet will be able to help you get comfortable with this. Plus, alongside everything else, your pet’s diet will need to be carefully monitored. It’s all about achieving a balance of glucose and insulin levels in their system.

For more in-depth information, plus quizzes and checklists you can review both at home and with your vet, visit PetDiabetesMonth.com!

Do you have a pet who struggles with diabetes, or you suspect they might? What has your experience been like? How have you been able to care for them during this?

What will your pet transform into this Halloween?

    

It’s a bit of a toss-up about which part of Halloween is more fun…the candy or the costumes. Fortunately, as humans, we can indulge in both! Pets, though, have to keep their paws away from all that sugar. It can just be a bad idea. There’s still ways they can be involved: costumes. Of course you could just go out and buy one from the pet store, but what if you want to indulge a little DIY project?
Here’s one that’s easy enough. Just wrap your pup or cat in a snug blanket and re-enact the bike scene from ET: The Extraterrestrial!

Another good use for a blanket or old shirt. A few eye-holes and you’ve got Ghost Dog!

These next two are a bit fancier, but if you’ve a deft hand with clippers and access to a little non-toxic hairspray, you can turn your pup into a whole other creature! Apparently these pup-paintings are popular in China. Don’t worry, it doesn’t bother them at all, though your dog might suddenly look in the mirror and wonder why there’s a tiger in the house!


So there you go. A few fun–if very silly–ideas on how to dress up your pets for Halloween. What’s the best costume your pet has ever had? We’d love to see. Are you going store-bought or dare to get crafty? Check in next week as we discuss ways to keep your pets safe and un-spookified when the little ghouls come out to play.

ATTN: It's Fine to Dress Your Pet Up But Remember Candy Is a NO NO for PETS !!!

Time to celebrate! October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month

Time to celebrate! October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month

Every effort to help more pets get adopted means more families finding the joy of caring for their new dog (or cat, of course). While we love animals of all shapes and sizes, this month gets a special focus: shelter dog adoption! Shelter dogs need particular care because unless they’re at a no-kill shelter, their whole life could be on the line if they don’t find a new family in time. So consider this a month-long rescue operation!

Now we know everyone wants to get in on the effort, right? Obviously, the biggest and best thing you can do is as the theme say–find a dog and adopt them from your local shelter. But there are other things that can make a big difference too.

First, spay or neuter your pets if you haven’t already. Many shelters struggle so much because there are overpopulation pet issues in most cities and towns across the country. Don’t let your dog be a contributor.

Second, ID your dog, either with a properly licensed collar, an implanted chip, or both. This can also help cut down shelter demand because if your dog escapes, it can be brought directly back to you.

Third, support your local shelter by volunteering time or funds so they can purchase necessary supplies. If you don’t know what they need most, just call them up or drop by. They’ll be so thankful you cared.

And fourth, of course, spread the word! Hop on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or even just start calling friends and family and let them know what the month is all about. Maybe put together a Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog party or coordinate an adoption event with local rescue and foster groups.

See? There’s so much you can do. Every dog counts!

Pit Bulls - Good Dogs or Bad?

Pit Bulls - Good Dogs or Bad? The Irreverent Vets Speaks Out

By: Irreverent Vet

Read By: Pet Lovers

Related Articles

• Aggressive Dogs and Society
• Aggressive Dogs: Fact and Fiction
• Pit bull puppy and new baby
• Pit Bull Dog Names: Cool Names for Pit Bull Breed Dogs

Pit Bulls – Good Dogs or Bad? The Irreverent Vets Speaks Out

There is nothing more polarizing in many veterinary clinics and shelters than the topic of pit bulls; more specifically, the personality and aggression potential of these dogs. Some pit bull lovers believe they are the best dogs ever, while many other people are leery of them.

I've been a veterinarian for over 20 years and I have to be honest, I'm not a pit bull fan but I know some vets who are.
The other day I was working at a clinic when a pit bull came in. The dog was fine-the problem was minor and there was no signs of aggression or problems with this patient. After he left a fellow veterinarian asked me if I heard about the
59-year-old woman had been killed recently by a pit bull-type dog. I had not, so I found the new story online. Basically, as I understood it, this woman had a pit bull with no history of aggression. She was out in the yard with the dog when he attacked and killed her mother.

Before I go any further, let me introduce myself for those of you that don't know me. I'm the Irreverent Veterinarian and I give you my honest opinion of issues in the animal care world. Some might say that I'm honest to a fault. I speak my mind and I won't sweet-talk you or sugarcoat the truth. I tell it like it is – to you, the drug companies, the pet product manufacturers, professional breeders and pet owners. Some of what I say can be controversial, but that doesn't stop me-it can be hard to hear the truth.

Now, this makes me nervous. Critics will say that an attack of this type can happen with any dog. That may be true, but I've never heard of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel killing a woman.

I believe that pit bulls (which are actually several breeds of dog with similar characteristics, not a single breed) do have the ability to be loving and sweet dogs. When I see one that is well-behaved and socialized, there is almost no sweeter dog. But honestly, I never fully let my guard down. I never fully trust them.
I've personally seen 3 different pitt bull dogs in my career who were nice, loving dogs for years but one day they just snapped. And when they snap, they can cause injury or even kill. They are so strong that it doesn't take much for them to hurt another animal or a person.

Here is an example: I saw a pit bull who lived peacefully with 2 small poodles and 3 cats. They all got along, played, and had a happy home for years. One day the owner went to pick up some groceries and came home to find both poodles and one cat were dead. The dogs had been eviscerated; it seemed that the pit bull snapped just like that and killed three of its friends.

Pit bull owners will tell me that their dog is no more likely to be aggressive and have a problem than any other dog. I disagree. I've never personally seen a cocker spaniel or collie "snap" and if it did, it probably wouldn't kill a 59-year-old woman. It takes a lot of training to handle all their strength and even then, they still have the force necessary to really hurt someone.

               

My Final Thoughts on "Pit Bulls – Good Dogs or Bad?"

Personally I think you can never fully trust a pit bull. I have no idea what goes on in their heads but I do think there is an instinct that is strong and scary, like they are a loaded gun and you never know if or when it will go off. The best you can do is to train them well and be very careful about how you interact and what situations you put them in.

What do you think: do you think pit bulls can are likely to "snap" or be more aggressive than other dogs? Weigh in on our poll here.

Disclaimer

The Irreverent Vet is a columnist that regularly contributes to PetPlace.com. The goal is to add a balanced and alternative view of some controversial pet issues. As happens with all of us, veterinarians can't always say what they really think without offending some clients. This commentary allows vets to say what they think and give you, the pet owner, the opportunity to consider another point of view. All opinions are those of the Irreverent Vet and not the views of PetPlace.com and are not endorsed by PetPlace.com.

- See more at: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/pit-bulls-good-dogs-or-bad/page1.aspx?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Breeds&utm_content=DL-20140919%20(1)%20remainder#sthash.oMhFDJb3.dpuf

Take Your Dog to Work Day June 20th

Today (June 20th) is Take Your Dog to Work Day. This day is meant to be a celebration of companion dogs.  It is also being done to promote pet adoption.  Many businesses participate by allowing their employees to bring their dogs to work today.  Others choose not to.

I have a couple of poll questions for you today.
I'm interested in what you think about dogs in the workplace. Take this poll.

Would you like to take your dog to work? Take this poll.

Have you ever brought your dog to work with you? Take this poll.

What do you think about dogs at work?

For some more tips on dogs at work - go to:  Bringing Pets to the Workplace

Remember; if you do take your dog to the office, please be careful. There may be people that are afraid of dogs (or not fond of them). Keep your dog on a leash. Also, there can be different things around the office that can be dangerous. If your dog likes to chew on things, there may be electrical cords and other things that your dog may perceive as "toys" that can be dangerous.

To learn more about dogs at work - read this: Work Is for the Dogs - At Least It Should Be! 

Have a great and safe day!

WOOF WOOF !

Champs' Message for "Preppers"

When the SHTF do you have adequate supplies of dry and canned food for your Pets? Ed has a 6 month supply dog and cat food plus medications and of course plenty of Treats. I personally inventoried the treats. All items have a purchase date on them to make it easy to rotate the stock each week to make sure older food is eaten first. I sleep better knowing if something bad happens myself and the rest of our pet family will be taken care of. If you would like to begin putting back some supplies for your pets just in case the SHIF, visit my website: www.champsdogdish.com/ and place an order.

  

Woof, Woof ! ( that means thanks from Champ)

Champs' Bedtime Prayer

Champ Hogs the Covers but That's Just Fine With ED !!!

Why Do Dogs Chase Cars?

 

I want to start the weekend early by asking a FUN question - Why Do Dogs Chase Cars?  How about dogs that ignore cars but never miss a chance to bark at a bus or a large truck?

Do dogs love to do this because cars are cowards and always "run way”– (giving the dog a sense of victory for having chased off the big noisy intruder!)? Well, there is a little more to it than that. To help understand this dog behavior
Car chasing is a dangerous behavior. Thousands of dogs are killed by autos and trucks every year. So please keep your dog safe.

Have a wonderful weekend.

People who wonder why dogs chase cars are missing the real question – what would a dog do if he caught the car? Finding the answer will satisfy both questions.

Dogs chase cars for the same reasons they chase kids on bikes, cats, small animals and other dogs: They are either playing a game or they are hunting. To a greater or lesser degree, chasing involves a dog's natural prey drive.

In most socialized, well-adjusted dogs, prey drive expresses itself as a canine tag game, in which the dogs take turns being "it." The object isn't necessarily to catch the other dog; the real fun is just running around. Chasing balls or Frisbees is another outlet for dogs' prey drive.

Dogs may play-fight as part of the game of tag, lunging or even snapping playfully at one another during the chase. This form of play may extend to include cats, joggers, people riding on bicycles or skateboards, or cars. The intent is not to hurt or kill, but to engage the other creature (or thing) in a game.

                 

A more serious form of chasing is the hunt. Some dogs have a higher prey drive than others. Sporting, herding dogs, terriers, and hounds have enhanced prey drive; they have the potential to chase and kill their prey. The sequence involves searching, stalking, chasing, catching, biting, killing and eating. Such dangerous behavior is called predatory aggression, but it's not a disorder or and is not engaged in out of anger. It's a natural behavior that's triggered by movement.

Predatory aggression has few warning signs. The dog slides up to the intended victim silently until it is within range, and then launches the attack – nipping at heels, biting, hanging on in an attempt to drag the victim to the ground. The consequences of such an attack can be deadly to the victim.

If your dog shows a heightened prey drive, he should be under your control at all times for his own safety and for the safety of the general public. He may need to undergo behavior modification as well. For more information see the article on predatory aggression.

Canine Heritage Test: DNA Reveals Mixed Breeds’ Makeup

By: Renae Hamrick, RVT

What kind of dog is that?! Mutt owners are quite accustomed to the frequent guessing of their dog's breed composition. It can be fun to imagine what breeds are in a mixed breed's family tree. However, for many families with a "Heinz 57" dog, truly knowing their canine companion's history would be very satisfying. Thanks to DNA testing technology, this is now an easy question to answer.

MetaMorphix, INC. Genomics has developed a test called the Canine Heritage Test which can genetically reveal the breed composition of your mixed breed dog at any age. This exciting advance in technology will allow mixed breed owners to learn more about their dog's health, behavior, and family history. For those who own a mysterious, loveable mix and want more dogs like him, this test can help in the search for similar dogs.

The first test they produced tested fro 38 breeds which has been replaced by the current version that tests for over 100 breeds.

How Can You Test Your Dog?

For $119.95 plus shipping and handling, you can order a test from the company's website, www.canineheritage.com. In three to seven days, the test will arrive at your home. Without pain or the help of a veterinary professional, you collect the DNA sample in the comfort of your home.

You will receive a soft-bristled brush which you rub on the inside of your dog's cheek to collect cells. There is video footage of this procedure on the website. You will also receive written cell collection instructions with the test. The swab is simply mailed back to MetaMorphix in a pre-paid envelope, and results will be returned in four to six weeks.

Results

The company has genetically identified and certified over 100 common, canine breeds. If any of these validated breeds are present in the composition of your mixed breed, they will be listed in one of three categories: "primary, secondary, and in-the-mix". Primary breeds make up 50% or more of the dog, secondary breeds are easily recognizable but not part of the majority, and breeds "in the mix" are present at a very low but measurable percentage.

Perhaps the only con of this exciting scientific development, if your dog has DNA of a breed that is not yet validated, it will not be listed. However, MetaMorphix's compilation of validated breeds is quite extensive and covers most breeds commonly found in mixes.

The results will be printed on a frame-quality "Certificate of Breed Analysis". This certificate can also include a picture of your dog if you email MetaMorphix a digital photo in .jpeg format. Visit the website for complete instructions on emailing a photo.

Validated Breeds

The validated breeds are the following

1.        Afghan Hound

2.        Airedale Terrier

3.        Akita

4.        Alaskan Malamute

5.        American Eskimo Dog

6.        American Water Spaniel

7.        Australian Shepherd

8.        Australian Terrier

9.        Basenji

10.        Basset Hound

11.        Beagle

12.        Bearded Collie

13.        Belgian Sheepdog

14.        Belgian Tervuren

15.        Bernese Mountain Dog

16.        Black and Tan Coonhound

17.        Bloodhound

18.        Blue Tick Coonhound

19.        Border Collie

20.        Border Terrier

21.        Borzoi

22.        Boston Terrier

23.        Bouviers des Flandre

24.        Boxer

25.        Brittany

26.        Brussels Griffon

27.        Bull Terrier

28.        Bulldog

29.        Bullmastiff

30.        Cairn Terrier

31.        Canaan Dog

32.        Cardigan Welsh Corgi

33.        Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

34.        Chesapeake Bay Retriever

35.        Chihuahua

36.        Chinese Crested

37.        Chinese Shar-Pei

38.        Chow Chow

39.        Clumber Spaniel

40.        Cocker Spaniel

41.        Collie

42.        Dachshund

43.        Dalmatian

44.        Doberman Pinscher

45.        English Cocker Spaniel

46.        English Coonhound

47.        English Setter

48.        English Toy Spaniel

49.        Field Spaniel

50.        Flat-Coated Retriever

51.        French Bulldog

52.        German Shepherd Dog
53.        German Shorthaired Pointer
54.        German Wirehaired Pointer
55.        Giant Schnauzer
56.        Golden Retriever
57.        Gordon Setter
58.        Great Pyrenees
59.        Greyhound
60.        Irish Setter
61.        Irish Terrier
62.        Italian Greyhound
63.        Keeshonden
64.        Kerry Blue Terrier
65.        Labrador Retriever
66.        Lhasa Apso
67.        Mastiff
68.        Miniature Pinscher
69.        Miniature Schnauzer
70.        Newfoundland
71.        Norwich Terrier
72.        Old English Sheepdog
73.        Papillon
74.        Pembroke Welsh Corgi
75.        Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
76.        Plott Coonhound
77.        Pointer
78.        Pomeranian
79.        Poodle
80.        Pug
81.        Puli
82.        Red Bone Coonhound
83.        Rhodesian Ridgeback
84.        Rottweiler
85.        Saluki
86.        Samoyed
87.        Schipperke
88.        Scottish Deerhound
89.        Scottish Terrier
90.        Shetland Sheepdog
91.        Shiba Inu
92.        Shih Tzu
93.        Siberian Husky
94.        Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
95.        St. Bernard
96.        Staffordshire Bull Terrier
97.        Standard Schnauzer
98.        Tibetan Spaniel
99.        Tibetan Terrier
100.        Treeing Walker
101.        Vizsla
102.        Weimaraner
103.        Whippet
104.        Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
105.        Yorkshire Terrier

In the News

The Canine Heritage Test was recently featured on the Today show when host, Meredith Vieira tested her mixed breed, Jasper. She purchased him from a pet store believing he was an Aussie-Poo, or Australian Shepherd, Poodle mix. She discovered that Jasper is actually a Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Borzoi mix. (Note: Because the Australian Shepherd is not in the list of validated breeds, it is still possible that Jasper is part "Aussie".)

With the increasing popularity of "designer" dogs, this DNA test will surely continue to be an exciting phenomenon for mixed breed lovers everywhere.

  

Cheeto The FAT CAT

Early one rainy morning back in December of 2012 a mangy starving tabby cat appeared out of our bushes. He was scared and he wouldn’t allow me to touch him plus he was bleeding from an open wound on his hip. First thing to do was get some food in him, which wasn’t easy but after about 30 minutes he cleaned out his bowl.  Now if I could just get my hands on him to give him a good once over. Around 2 pm I had gain his trust and checked out his bloody hip but it needed more attention than I was able to provide. Got him into a pet taxi (after some kicking & squirming) and away we went to Dr. Michele at Graham Animal Hospital. His injury wasn’t as bad as I had feared and with some meds for pain and some to prevent infection he was bandaged up with TLC. An appointment was set up for a recheck of the hip and a round of prevention shoots (rabies, leukemia etc) .

On the way home I picked up a Rubber Made storage container so he would have a warm dry place to sleep. He took to it like a duck to water and hasn’t missed a meal since

We got him fixed in March of 2012 and for the most part he hangs with Tigger on and around the front porch close to his tubs, food and water.

He did give me a scare in June when he went missing for a couple of days, I scoured the neighborhood in search of him with no success. Jean suggested I check the dog pound and low and behold he was there crying up a storm when he saw me. He was scheduled to be euthanized the following day. I made his bail (45.00) and away we went back home. We bonded that day on the trip home,  He’s my Fat Cat Now!

Tigger (6 yr old female) shares the tubs with Cheeto