The commercial make it look so good, don't they? Hearty beef, chicken, vegetables, whole grains--yum! But guess what? That's not really what your getting. Sure there are meat byproducts and some vegetables, and plenty of grain filler...but what are you REALLY feeding you beloved pet?
Here is an excellent article on the BornFree website that gives you a bit of insight into the pet food industry.
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?more=1&p=359
Next is another great independent review site I found filled with information about what exactly is the pet food your buying made of. Complete with ranking from lowest quality to highest.
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
While money is tight for us all in these hard economic times, it is very tempting to purchase the cheapest food we can buy. Hopefully these articles will convince you that while a budget has to be considered, there are still healthy options for a few dollars more that can really make a difference in the health of your family pet.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Summer Safety Tips For Your Pets.
Hot weather can make us all uncomfortable, and it poses special risks for your dog. Keep the following safety concerns in mind as the temperature rises, and follow our tips to keep your dog cool.
Heat Hazards
If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are NOT good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat--unless they have A/C. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.
Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. And here in TX, when it's already over 100 outside, it can be over 130 in the car!
Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water. You can use old butter tubs and if your yard is large, place several in shady spots.
Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense. Better yet, go before sunrise and after sunset.
Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws.
Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.
And don't think your dog can't get sunburned, especially if you have a short-haired dog! Be sure to put sunscreen on his nose and ears!
General Health
Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date, especially since dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months. If you are a new pet owner or new to TX, be sure to check with a vet about which vaccinations are needed for this area of the country.
Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions), and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers.
Keep your dog well-brushed and clean.
Fleas and ticks, and the mosquitos which carry heartworm disease, are more prevalent in warmer months. Ask your veterinarian for an effective preventive to keep these parasites off your dog. The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan can help with the cost of providing quality healthcare, including preventive medicine, throughout your dog's life.
Beach Tips
Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.
Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.
Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.
Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.
Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.
Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.
Water Safety
Most dogs enjoy swimming, but some cannot swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog's preferences and skills before trying to make him swim.
If you're swimming for the first time with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling his name. Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another experienced dog he is friendly with.
NEVER just throw your dog into the water. If you were afraid or did not know how to swim, how would you feel?
If your dog begins to paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and keep his back end up.
Don't let your dog overdo it; swimming is very hard work and he may tire quickly.
If swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides.
If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Don't count on the fact he can "see" them. You have to teach him what they are for. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown.
Never leave your dog unattended in water.
Travel--Your BEST choice is to hire a pet sitter and go on vacation worry free. But if you feel you must take Fido along, here are some great things to keep in mind:
By Air - Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening. Check with your airlines for specific rules.
If you do ship a dog, put icepacks or an ice blanket in the dog's crate. (Two-liter soft drink bottles filled with water and frozen work well.) Provide a container of fresh water, as well as a container of frozen water that will thaw over the course of the trip.
Some airlines still allow small pets to travel in the cabin for a fee. Check with your airline for rules and size restrictions.
By Car - Keep your dog cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated.
Put a sunshade on your car windows.
Bring along fresh water and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz on your dog to cool him down.
Be sure to stop ever few hours for your dog to go potty and stretch his legs.
By RV - A dog's safety should not depend on the air conditioning and generator systems in an RV or motor home. These devices can malfunction, with tragic results.
If you leave your dog in an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it. Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should malfunction.
Never leave an RV or motor home completely shut up, even if the generator and AC are running. Crack a window or door or run the exhaust fan.
Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in the summer months. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog's prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.
Early Stages:
If you cannot get the dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heatstroke, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately.
If you keep these safety tips in mind, you and your pet will enjoy a happy, healthy, safe summer.
Heat Hazards
If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are NOT good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat--unless they have A/C. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.
Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. And here in TX, when it's already over 100 outside, it can be over 130 in the car!
Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water. You can use old butter tubs and if your yard is large, place several in shady spots.
Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense. Better yet, go before sunrise and after sunset.
Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws.
Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.
And don't think your dog can't get sunburned, especially if you have a short-haired dog! Be sure to put sunscreen on his nose and ears!
General Health
Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date, especially since dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months. If you are a new pet owner or new to TX, be sure to check with a vet about which vaccinations are needed for this area of the country.
Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions), and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers.
Keep your dog well-brushed and clean.
Fleas and ticks, and the mosquitos which carry heartworm disease, are more prevalent in warmer months. Ask your veterinarian for an effective preventive to keep these parasites off your dog. The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan can help with the cost of providing quality healthcare, including preventive medicine, throughout your dog's life.
Beach Tips
Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.
Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.
Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.
Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.
Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.
Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.
Water Safety
Most dogs enjoy swimming, but some cannot swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog's preferences and skills before trying to make him swim.
If you're swimming for the first time with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling his name. Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another experienced dog he is friendly with.
NEVER just throw your dog into the water. If you were afraid or did not know how to swim, how would you feel?
If your dog begins to paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and keep his back end up.
Don't let your dog overdo it; swimming is very hard work and he may tire quickly.
If swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides.
If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Don't count on the fact he can "see" them. You have to teach him what they are for. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown.
Never leave your dog unattended in water.
Travel--Your BEST choice is to hire a pet sitter and go on vacation worry free. But if you feel you must take Fido along, here are some great things to keep in mind:
By Air - Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening. Check with your airlines for specific rules.
If you do ship a dog, put icepacks or an ice blanket in the dog's crate. (Two-liter soft drink bottles filled with water and frozen work well.) Provide a container of fresh water, as well as a container of frozen water that will thaw over the course of the trip.
Some airlines still allow small pets to travel in the cabin for a fee. Check with your airline for rules and size restrictions.
By Car - Keep your dog cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated.
Put a sunshade on your car windows.
Bring along fresh water and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz on your dog to cool him down.
Be sure to stop ever few hours for your dog to go potty and stretch his legs.
By RV - A dog's safety should not depend on the air conditioning and generator systems in an RV or motor home. These devices can malfunction, with tragic results.
If you leave your dog in an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it. Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should malfunction.
Never leave an RV or motor home completely shut up, even if the generator and AC are running. Crack a window or door or run the exhaust fan.
Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in the summer months. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog's prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.
Early Stages:
- Heavy panting.
- Rapid breathing.
- Excessive drooling.
- Bright red gums and tongue.
- Standing 4-square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.
- White or blue gums.
- Lethargy, unwillingness to move.
- Uncontrollable urination or defecation.
- Labored, noisy breathing.
- Shock.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog's paw pads.
- Apply ice packs to the groin area.
- Hose down with water.
- Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water.
- Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes.
If you cannot get the dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heatstroke, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately.
If you keep these safety tips in mind, you and your pet will enjoy a happy, healthy, safe summer.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Why should you hire a pet sitter?
I frequently hear from clients who are trying to decide if a pet sitting/dog walking service is right for them. Here are some things I think you should keep in mind if you are considering hiring a professional pet sitting service, such as Waggin' Tails Walking,to care for you pet in your absence.
Puppies:
Daily mid-day visits will help establish a solid housebreaking schedule. To effectively train your puppy, he must be on a rather rigid schedule. This is often impossible when you are miles away at work. Crate trained puppies need to be let out every 3-4 hours for maximum effectiveness. When you hire a pet sitting professional, your dog is able to maintains his needed schedule, housebreaking him faster and more efficiently. And an added bonus? He gets to socialize with someone other than yourself which in turn, helps him learn good puppy manners.
Adult Dogs:
Adult dogs need regular exercise to ensure proper physical and mental health. Dog owners who happen to work long hours can depend on a professional dog walker to walk their dogs, on a consistent schedule, while you are at work and your time is the most constrained. Crated dogs or dogs confined to a small area are in particular need of a mid-day break. Over-crating and under exercising an adult dog can result in an under-socialized dog who is hard to train and who can develop behavioral problems over time.
Senior Dogs:
Elderly dogs need more frequent bathroom breaks than they did when they were younger. Most elderly dogs become stressed when they have accidents because they were trained to go outside but can no longer hold it as long as they once could! Don't become a frustrated owner with your elderly dog and confine him to small areas. Hire a petsitter and keep your pet on a regular schedule to prevent accidents and maintain a happier, healthier dog--and owner.
Now what about cats? Why would they need a petsitter??
Good question. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right care for you cat.
Though a cat does not need to go outside to potty like a dog (though some do), cats DO get lonely and if left for extended periods of time , they need fresh water and food, litter changed, and most importantly--ATTENTION.
Your cat may sleep 19 hours a day but that's only because she has nothing else to do. Trust me, she is lonely. And often times, this is how behavioral problems in cat's start out. Leaving your cat in her own environment virtually eliminates any stress she might suffer from traveling with you or from being left in a noisy kennel. Plus, there is little or no change in daily routine and feeding schedule. Most importantly, you have peace of mind that a professional sitter is not only giving your pet the one-on-one attention she deserves, but maintaining a "lived-in" look for the security of your home.
Puppies:
Daily mid-day visits will help establish a solid housebreaking schedule. To effectively train your puppy, he must be on a rather rigid schedule. This is often impossible when you are miles away at work. Crate trained puppies need to be let out every 3-4 hours for maximum effectiveness. When you hire a pet sitting professional, your dog is able to maintains his needed schedule, housebreaking him faster and more efficiently. And an added bonus? He gets to socialize with someone other than yourself which in turn, helps him learn good puppy manners.
Adult Dogs:
Adult dogs need regular exercise to ensure proper physical and mental health. Dog owners who happen to work long hours can depend on a professional dog walker to walk their dogs, on a consistent schedule, while you are at work and your time is the most constrained. Crated dogs or dogs confined to a small area are in particular need of a mid-day break. Over-crating and under exercising an adult dog can result in an under-socialized dog who is hard to train and who can develop behavioral problems over time.
Senior Dogs:
Elderly dogs need more frequent bathroom breaks than they did when they were younger. Most elderly dogs become stressed when they have accidents because they were trained to go outside but can no longer hold it as long as they once could! Don't become a frustrated owner with your elderly dog and confine him to small areas. Hire a petsitter and keep your pet on a regular schedule to prevent accidents and maintain a happier, healthier dog--and owner.
Now what about cats? Why would they need a petsitter??
Good question. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right care for you cat.
Though a cat does not need to go outside to potty like a dog (though some do), cats DO get lonely and if left for extended periods of time , they need fresh water and food, litter changed, and most importantly--ATTENTION.
Your cat may sleep 19 hours a day but that's only because she has nothing else to do. Trust me, she is lonely. And often times, this is how behavioral problems in cat's start out. Leaving your cat in her own environment virtually eliminates any stress she might suffer from traveling with you or from being left in a noisy kennel. Plus, there is little or no change in daily routine and feeding schedule. Most importantly, you have peace of mind that a professional sitter is not only giving your pet the one-on-one attention she deserves, but maintaining a "lived-in" look for the security of your home.
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