Medications You Should Never Give Your Dog.

I would estimate that 10% of all pets are on some sort of medication - and I don't mean pets that are taking heartworm prevention or flea control medications. Without including those two very common types of medicine, about 1 in 10 companion animals take medicine such as antibiotics, medications to control seizures, pills to treat heart disease, allergy medications or meds to treat various other medical problems.

In some cases, certain medications work well for both humans and animals. However, there are some medications you should never give to your dog no matter what. See the list by going to: Medications You Should Never Give Your Dog.

It's one thing to know the names of medications your dog is on but it's another to really understand what they are and how they work. At first glance many of them are very confusing but I want to help you learn how to keep your dog safe.

On PetPlace.com, we have a very good section with an alphabetical list of common drugs that are prescribed for pets like yours. Each name links to more information so you can better understand the medications your dog is taking. To see the whole article, go to our Alphabetical List of Drugs.

I hope this information helps answer some common questions you may have. If you have more questions, please call your veterinarian and ask. Remember that this information is no substitute for your vet's advice.

P.S.: Do you know any good ways to give your dog a pill? We have some tips and tricks that can help. If you want, print out this article and keep it handy. It will really help you in a pinch. Go to: Giving Pills to Dogs.

FEATURED ARTICLE 3 Medications You Should Never Give Your Dog

Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks?

This Topic Hits Home for Champ and Myself. During Champs Puppy stage from about 8 months to he was about 2 we had to have our Vet remove Rocks from his belly and Intestine 5 Times! Our Vet suggested we have a Zipper installed on his belly to make removal easier. Champ is our 10 Thousand Dollar dog since each operation ran about $2,000.00.
Champs' behavior was out of Boredom and a need for Attention. At the time Jean and I were still working and he would roamed the backyard seeing what he could get into. He had three female dogs to play with but he was a little to rough with them and they tended to Shy away from him.
Even to this day if Champ doesn't get his way he will bring a rock in his mouth and demand a treat for it. We have just Spoiled him to death!

Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks?

Dogs

• Written by: Alex Lieber
• Edited by: Dr. Nicholas

Dogs eat a lot of questionable things that, from our point of view, make no sense, such as their own or another animal's stool. Although unpleasant to contemplate, it's relatively normal behavior, especially for young dogs.

But dogs sometimes try to eat inorganic matter that has no digestive upside at all. Rocks provide an example of one of the more common non-food objects dogs chew on. This behavior is sometimes called pica, the term used to describe the craving and ingesting of nonfood items.

Chewing rocks can be dangerous to more than your dog's teeth or soft mouth tissues. It can lead to intestinal blockage, vomiting, diarrhea, or even choking, if the rock is large enough to block your dog's throat.

What causes this bizarre behavior? There are a number of possibilities that range from medical to behavioral. Chewing rocks may be one way for an attention-starved dog to get noticed. In this instance, the dog may even be acting out of boredom, anxiety or frustration.

There may also be medical reasons behind the behavior. Disorders of the intestinal tract, deficiency of some vital nutrient, such as iron, or diabetes mellitus (as well as other illnesses) may underlie indiscriminate eating behavior. It's important to rule out a medical cause for pica by visiting your veterinarian. If the pica is subsequently deemed to be a purely behavioral problem, you and your vet can devise a strategy to overcome it.

Pica, by the way, is not limited to rocks. It includes any non-digestible item, such as rubber bands, carpet, string, wood, etc. Stopping this behavior is difficult, and usually cannot be done just by scolding. Scolding may even "reward" the behavior if it's an attempt to gain attention. Furthermore, to scold your dog after the fact is useless; he or she won't connect the "correction" with the behavior.

Finding and Treating the Cause

Pica may be nothing more than an outlet for chewing. One strategy is to keep a good number of chew toys on hand, and rotating them every several days. For instance, put three chew toys out for your dog to play with, and keep three hidden. After several days, bring out the three hidden toys and remove the other three, so they always appear to be "new."

If you catch your dog eating rocks, you may want to startle him out of the behavior with a loud noise or spray gun – but try not to let him see you doing it, or he may associate your presence with the noise or water. Praise him when he leaves items alone.

Look at your own schedule: is your dog left alone most of the time? In that case, spending more time with your dog will probably help. Better yet, aerobic play may leave him too tired and happy to want to chew rocks. A final strategy involves dietary and feeding changes. Ad libitum feeding of a high fiber weight reducing diet provides your dogs with a constant option, rocks or kibble. Many choose kibble! It's best to check with your vet before switching your dog to a different diet if problems are to be avoided.

Your veterinarian may prescribe a behavioral drug to help defeat the pica. He or she may also refer you to an animal behaviorist, if necessary. Always keep your dog leashed when walking to stop him from eating inappropriate or dangerous items. If your dog runs in your backyard, clear out rocks and other dangerous items or keep him with you under supervision. (In other words, don't just tie your dog up to restrict his movement and then leave him.)

If you and your dog look forward to running free in an off-leash doggie park, you may have to curtail these outings until the pica disorder is under control. For more information, see the article on pica.

How Much Do I Feed My "Fat and Hungry" Dog? How Much?

How Much Do I Feed My "Fat and Hungry" Dog?

Dogs

·         Written by: Dr. Patricia Khuly

·         Edited by: Dr. Debra Primovic - DVM

·         Published: May 21, 2015

·         Last Modified: May 21, 2015

I had to put Champ on a diet since he has become less active with age, the Vet suggested he lose 15lbs. which would get him down to 100lbs. 

I switched his Dry Kibble to : 

Life's Abundance Weight Loss for Dogs. Click on Image for more info.

In American pet care, obesity is the most common nutrition-related health condition in dogs. The sad fact is that studies suggest a dog who lives his life at an ideal weight can live 2 years longer than a dog who is obese. 

·         Got a fat dog? If so, chances are, he's also what you might consider a "hungry" dog. No matter how much you feed him, he always seems to want more.

Which should come as no surprise. After all, our dogs seem to be well aware that squeaky wheels get greased. And since "food is love" in so many U.S. households, the trend towards feeding dogs as much as they're keen to consume shows no signs of abating. ("But she's hungry!")

But here's the thing: She isn't actually hungry. She simply enjoys her food and would happily eat as much as you're willing to shovel into her bowl. It's a common problem which begs the question: If a dog isn't capable of self-regulating the amount of food she takes in, how are you supposed to know how much to feed?

This is a tough question... a really tough one for most of my clients who claim to keep bottomless pits for dogs. But it's really not rocket science.

Tips to Deal with a Fat and Hungry Dog

So here's my simple prescription for owners of young, healthy animals who face this frustrating dilemma:

1.      If your dog is overweight, reduce the amount you feed her by a teensy bit every week until you can see the pounds start coming off. There's no need to switch diets or add in any fancy supplements. All you have to do is start feeding a set portion of food and reduce the amount just a bit at a time.

2.      Once you start to see the weight come off, maintain this food volume until she's reached the weight your veterinarian has recommended as her target. Once there, you might find that giving a little more is perfectly fine. With just a little trial and error, you've got yourself a bona fide vet-approved weight loss plan.

3.      Now all you have to do is add in the exercise. Which is pretty easy for most dogs. Some dogs require more exercise, some less. Some demand extra attention to detail as some enjoy exercise or play more than others. But all healthy dogs -without exception - have the capacity to attain normal weights on this simple calorie-restricted regimen.

But She's So Hungry!

Makes sense, right? And yet it's not so intuitive. Why? Because nothing rational stands up to this common utterance: "But she's so hungry!"

At this point, it's my role to calmly explain that the notion of “hunger” is something they should probably re-examine. After all, being “hungry” is a very different thing from wanting food.

We can all glean these basics from our own personal experience: Food tastes good, so we eat more. And we "overdo it" a lot (take, for example, Thanksgiving). We even experience severe, life-threatening effects related to our overindulgence. Yet, we continue to eat more.

From the medical point of view, we've also come to the understanding that a barrage of hormones are released when we're hungry, when we smell food, and then when we eat it - all of which affects our total caloric intake. But, if we eat too fast, our hormones don't get the chance to deliver the memo in time. So we keep eating. And it seems that the memo can be similarly delayed when we consume certain kinds of food. So we keep eating… until the message gets through.

In the absence of clear directives, I'll admit it can all be a bit confusing. Yet the upshot should be obvious: As a culture, we Americans are a whole lot less “hungry” than we think we are - which really should help inform how we treat our dogs. And yet, we clearly share a collective interpretation of our dogs' hunger.

Otherwise they wouldn't be tipping the scales as they are at increasingly alarming rates.

I hope these tips help you deal with your "hungry" and overweight dog. 

Which Dog is Better - Male or Female?

Which Dog is Better - Male or Female?

I hear a lot of frequently asked questions. When I find a good answer to them, I like to pass them along; chances are that if a client is asking me, our readers probably wonder the same thing too. Today's question is a very popular one, especially during puppy season: do male or female dogs make better pets? What do you think? Take our poll and let me know.   Do you have a preference? Many people do. A lot of owners swear that one or the other makes a much better pet. Clients have told me that they think male dogs are better "guard dogs" or that female dogs are "gentler." Some of these reasons are really interesting and I want to know what you think.  Read about the pros and cons of keeping both at Male or Female Dog - Which is Best? In one poll I read, more people preferred male dogs to female dogs. Let's see how you vote. I’m really curious to read these results.

Why Do Dogs Snore?

Why Do Dogs Snore?

During the course of exams I love to chat with clients about their pets. Sometimes it even leads them to come up with a joke or two that makes me laugh, as was the case a few days ago. This patient in particular was a chubby little Beagle who apparently had quite the snoring habit. His owner put it a little more creatively though -"We call him 'our little lumberjack' because his snoring sounds just like a chainsaw!"

Well, what's going on there? Why DO dogs snore, and what can be done about it?

In the most basic terms, the snoring sound itself occurs when there is some type of blockage in the upper respiratory tract. This blockage can be anywhere along the respiratory path from the nose to the trachea (the tube that takes air to the lungs). As air is forced through these passages, it moves unevenly past the blockage and creates the groaning, creaking noise we recognize as snoring.
There are several factors that can make your dog snore including abnormal confirmation and structure of the face, obesity, nasal congestion, infections, polyps, allergies, medications and sometimes even the sleeping position.

Take a look at these common causes for snoring and see if any sounds like something your dog might experience:

Flat Faces – Dog breeds with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) or pushed-in noses often have several structural abnormalities that affect their noses and airways. Their cute squished up faces typically mean that the same number of body structures must fit into a much smaller space. The nasal cavity, already quite small in dogs, is even smaller in these dogs but must hold similar tissue and structures. Redundant skin folds (like the wrinkles in a Pug's face) often result in blocked passages and snoring. Breeds which are commonly affected include Boxers, Pugs, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers and Bulldogs. Some of these breeds require surgery to remove excess tissue and relieve the blockage.

Soft Palate Disorders - Soft palate disorders are usually congenital defects of the fleshy tissue at the back of the throat (soft palate and epiglottis) these normally separates the oral and nasal cavities. The most common disorders are a defect or "cleft" in the palate or an elongation of the palate. This overlapping causes an obstruction of the airway during breathing. The sound the pet makes (stridor) worsens during exercise. Treatment of an elongated soft palate is surgical. This condition is seen also in the brachycephalic breeds group.

Obesity – A chubby dog isn't always a happy dog. A few extra pounds can cause a lot of extra pressure on a dog's respiratory system and chest cavity. Excess weight can even result in brief interruptions in breathing during sleep, a condition commonly known as sleep apnea in humans. Thankfully, weight loss typically eliminates snoring in these cases.

Nasal Congestion – Just like humans, dogs are more likely to snore when their noses are clogged. Nasal congestion can result from allergies, nasal infections or even nasal tumors. Allergies can be caused by dust, house dust mites, mildew, mold, and smoke.

Medications – Some medications such as muscle relaxants or those used to treat pain can lower respiratory rate or even constrict air passages.

Weather – Dry air can cause nasal tissues to stick together, resulting in snoring from dogs who are typically silent sleepers. In some individuals, changes in altitude due to travel or even varying air pressure can increase snoring.

Sleep Positions – Some people tend to snore more when they sleep on their backs and less when they sleep on their sides. Dogs also can snore more or less based on their sleep positions. Dogs who sleep on their back and stomach typically place more pressure on their respiratory tracts, while those who sleep on their sides usually experience less.

For the most part, snoring in dogs is not a problem as long as they are getting plenty of good sleep and they continue to breathe normally while awake. Snoring becomes a problem if it interrupts or prevents normal sleep patterns or causes difficulty breathing during exercise.

If you are worried about your dog's snoring or see a behavior change, nasal discharge, sneezing or a bloody nose, please see your veterinarian for an examination. Ensure that there is no medical reason for the symptoms.

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Is Your Dog Kissing or Licking?

Is your dog kissing you when he slurps your face like a lollipop? Although we may never know, there are several possible explanations for this behavior, not all of which are mutually exclusive. The motivation for face licking appears to vary for different dogs and different circumstances.

Background

Dogs lick for a number of reasons, some of which are purely biological:

Bitches lick their newborn pups to arouse them from their postpartum daze. In this situation, licking serves to remove clingy membranes from the pup, freeing him up to move and stimulating him to breathe.

Once the birthing and clean-up processes are over, the mom dog's licking her pups stimulates them to eliminate both urine and feces. It is a couple of weeks before pups will eliminate spontaneously.

Licking also serves another more romantic role in the sense that it is a comfort behavior that assists with pups' bonding to their mom and spurs on their mental development.

From about six weeks of age, some pups lick their mom's lips when they want her to regurgitate food for them. They lick; she vomits; they eat it. This behavior is a vestige of their wild ancestry and was designed to ensure that they profited from the spoils of the hunt.

Licking can also be a signal of submission and so is part of dog's body language communication system.

Pups and adults lick and groom themselves. It is part of normal survival-oriented behavior. Licking their own lips, limbs, and trunk removes traces of the last meal that would otherwise begin to decompose and smell. Quite apart from the hygienic aspects of this behavior, it also serves to keep dogs relatively odor free and thus olfactorily invisible to their prey. Domestic dogs retain these instincts even though they are not vital today.

Psychology

Dogs, like people, engage in a number of "displacement behaviors" when nervous or stressed, and many of these behaviors involve self-grooming. You only have to glance to the side the next time you are stuck at a red light to see what I mean. The driver next to you will likely be stroking his hair, looking in the mirror, or trying to pick something out from between his teeth.

Dogs do not experience the stop-go conflict of the traffic lights but they do have their own share of dilemmas. Take going to the vet's office, for example. We vets expect our more anxious patients to begin nervously licking their own lips as they enter the clinic. They may even lick or nibble their feet or flank.

There is no doubt that some dogs lick as a gesture of appeasement and goodwill. They may lick their own lips or may lick a person to whom they wish to signal deference. If the recipient of the licking interprets this behavior as "make-up kisses," that's just fine. Perhaps the behavior is analogous to some forms of human kissing and thus their interpretation may be close to the truth.

However, not all dogs seem penitent when they slurp the faces of people they meet. For some dogs, it seems that they engage in face licking because they can get away with it and because it gets a rise out of the person. When licking is performed for such a reason, it may be component of the "center stage," attention-demanding behavior of dominant dogs. No lick! is a good command to have working for these guys.

Psychopathology

Some sensitive dogs in stressful environments compulsively groom themselves to the point of self-injury. Licking of this type leads to acral lick dermatitis (a.k.a. lick granuloma). Compulsive licking by dogs is not always self-directed. Some dogs take to licking floors, walls, or furniture. Whatever the outward expression of compulsive licking, the mechanics underlying the disorder are the same. In treatment of this condition, first the underlying anxiety must be addressed though, in some cases, it is also necessary to employ anti-compulsive medication to help break the cycle.

Lovey Dovey?

I don't believe dogs express their sometimes quite profound feelings for their owners by licking or "kissing." In fact, I don't believe dogs really "kiss" at all. Perhaps some dogs are so awed by their owners that they feel the need to signal their ongoing deference by face licking. Call it love, if you will.

One other thing we should always bear in mind is that any behavior can be enhanced learning. Psychologist BF Skinner immortalized the concept that reward increases the likelihood of a response. So it is with licking. If a dog licks his owner's face – perhaps as a vestige of maternal lip licking, perhaps out of anxiety, or just because his owner's face tastes salty – and his behavior is greeted with attention, hugs and (human) kisses, he will likely repeat the behavior in future. In such cases the dog learns just how to push he owners buttons and the owner becomes analogous to a vending machine.

So while face licking may not represent true romantic love, it nevertheless can sometimes be interpreted as some token of a dog's affection or respect ... and that's nothing to sniff at.  

How to Protect Your Pet from the Cold

Cold weather has set in for a while across the country, and we’re sure your families are bundling up quite well already. You’ve got the warm drinks, warm fireplaces, warm sweaters…and fortunately your pets come with built-in sweaters as well! Yet it’s important to keep their health in mind during those colder months and know what steps you can take to keep them safe and sprightly. This is especially important for dogs who spend more time outdoors, needing exercise or to use the bathroom. Cats tend to seek warm shelter inside when the temperatures drop, but those who prowl outdoors might also apply here.

So what can you do to help your dogs enjoy the winter weather and stay physically active without being threatened by the chilly season?

First, consider taking them in for a vet checkup once or twice during the winter. Some illnesses or joint conditions in particular can be made worse by regular exposure to the cold. Even if you get a regular annual checkup, it may help them stay more comfortable and active if you know the winter is a time to pay particular attention to their condition.

Second, know your pets individual limits. Every dog is going to react to winter times differently, even if they’re perfectly healthy otherwise. This will have to do with their overall size, body fat levels, the thickness of their fur, and more. If you have smaller dogs, they may be able to run around more indoors, limiting their need to go outside at all. Even for larger dogs, though, you might shorten the length of their walks or times at the dog park just so they don’t develop a sensitivity.

Third, outdoors time should be limited overall. Many people have bought into the idea that dog and cats are more resistant to colder weather than people–that their coats and padded paws shield them from the main negative effects. However, dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Certain breed have certainly developed the ability to withstand the cold, but even they will suffer from it if left outdoors too long.

Lastly, whenever your pet does spend any time outdoors in the winter, whether on a walk or tromping through the snowy yard, be sure to inspect them when they come back indoors. Wipe down their paws to remove snow and ice and inspect the pads for potential damage. Not only does this help reduce injury, but people use more chemicals such as antifreeze and other toxic substances in the winter that can be spread along snowy paths and icy roads.

Does your dog or cat enjoy getting out in the snow or do they prefer to spend most winter days curled up by the fireplace? What do you do to help them stay active during cold months…while also staying safe from the chill?

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

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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.

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