Are you dealing with the problems of an aging dog, or a dog that has been diagnosed with a major illness, and you’re wondering how to cope?
Dog Health at Home is a wonderful e-book, full of helpful hints about taking care of your dog at home.
Check it out here, and drop me a line with a story about your dog.
Add comment April 3rd, 2006
Thankful Paws, maker of donation coats and regular dog apparel, is branching out into clothing for people, but with a twist. These t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and polo shirts) are geared towards owners of deaf or blind dogs. One t-shirt anounces, “Our blind dogs don’t see our bad hair days!”
Jody Cohen, one of the owners of Thankful Paws, owes her inspiration for this clothing line to her own deaf and visually impaired Great Dane, Aspen.
Check out Thankful Paws for a beautiful coat for your dog, and maybe a little something for yourself. A percentage of every purchase goes to the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League.
Add comment April 3rd, 2006
Those of us who have Great Danes and other breeds with deep chests worry constantly about bloat, or gastric torsion. Bloat can take a Great Dane down in less than an hour and science is divided on what causes bloat and how to prevent it.
Several recent studies have clouded the issue more, by seeming to find that raised-bowl feeding doesn’t help prevent bloat, and that the prohibitions against eating and drinking right before or after exercise may not be valid.
You can read the entire article here.
The best defense against blost is to familiarize yourself with the early symptoms, be alert to even the most minute changes in your dog’s condition, and know the phone number and directions to the closest emergency vet. Once a dog starts to bloat, you probably have less than 30 minutes to get him to help — and even then it may be too late.
Add comment March 22nd, 2006
BestDogFoodInfo.com has a series of interesting and informative articles about feeding and caring for your dog.
The topics include:
Is Soft or Hard Dog Food Better…
Types of Dog Food
Five Feeding Tips for a Healthy Dog
Controlling Your Dog’s Weight for a Longer and Healthier Life
Bringing Home A New Puppy
Training Dogs the Lazy Way
You can read the whole text of the articles here.
Add comment March 22nd, 2006
Many families want to let their children experience the joys of living with a dog — but at what age is a child old enough to co-exist with a dog?
According to a recent study published in the March issue of Pediatrics, families should postpone getting a dog until their children are school-age. “The reason is simple: Toddlers are much more likely than older children to unknowingly aggravate dogs, who may then react as dogs do — by biting.”
Read the rest of the article here.
And when you’re ready for a dog, please go to a rescue organizaiton or a shelter and give an abandoned dog a second chance at a good life.
Add comment March 22nd, 2006
I just discovered a great website, all about our favorite couch potatoes! Take a look at The Dog Couch and send in your favorite picture of your pooch just chillin’.
Look closely at the pics, and you’ll see my babies, Ethel and Napoleon (and Charlie the cat).
Add comment March 6th, 2006
Greenies — one of the most popular treats out there for dogs. Dogs go so nuts for them, they’re referred to as “doggie crack”. And just like their cocaine namesake, Greenies can be deadly killers.
CNN did extensive research on Greenies and the results were appalling. Dozens of dogs have gotten ill and many have died as a direct result of Greenies.
I know a number of dog owners who fed Greenies to their dogs and have had adverse reactions, including vomiting, diarrhea and blockages. Many report that the Greenies aren’t digested and come out looking just like they did when they went in.
Joe Roetheli, the inventor of Greenies, says they’re perfectly safe, and adds that the death toll has been small in relation to sales. Roetheli further states that owners have to assume the responsibility to make sure their dog chews the Greenie and doesn’t just swallow it. Dog owners aren’t so sure, and several lawsuits have been filed against Roetheli alleging that Greenies caused the death of a pet. Personally, I don’t know what kind of dog Roetheli has experience with, but I’ve never seen a dog chew treats — they always gulp them. That’s why dogs can be easy to pill — they just gulp down whatever you give them whole.
Read more Greenies stories at any of the links below. And please, stop giving Greenies to your dog.
Add comment February 20th, 2006
In the Chinese Calendar, 2006 is the Year of the Dog!
People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, very stubborn, and quite eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.
Learn more about this sign here.
Add comment February 1st, 2006
According to a recent survey, dog owners say that they would work more hours for less pay if they could bring their dog to work with them.
I guess that would work better than cats. When I sit at my desk, one of my Great Danes tries to push his Kong into my lap. That’s distracting, but at least I can still work, in between throwing the Kong. One of my cats, Hobbes, lies on the desk across my arm, preventing me from using the mouse until he gets his requisite share of pets and scratches.
Read more about the survey here.
Add comment January 24th, 2006
This post is part of a series of educational topics written by Lissa Scott of the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL).
For many of us, ’tis the season to decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and holiday greenery. But did you know that some of these holiday traditions can be hazardous to your pet’s health? Perfect timing to cover the precautions we should follow as we enter the holiday season!
* Lovely lilies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties — including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and the Casa Blanca — can cause kidney damage to dogs.
* Those delicious holiday chocolates contain a caffeine-like substance which is very dangerous for dogs. Two squares of baking chocolate, or just over a pound of milk chocolate, can kill a 20-pound dog.
* Make sure all your leftover cooked chicken or turkey is put away, somewhere safe, where your dog cannot reach. Your pet can easily choke on cooked chicken and turkey bones.
* Do not feed your dog grapes or raisins as these can cause poisoning. Just a handful of grapes have been shown to cause kidney failure. The toxins may be due to a type of mould found on the skin of grapes and raisins.
* Be careful that children’s toys are not left lying around, especially if they have small parts that your dog could tear or chew off and choke on.
* Visiting children love to play with animals. This interaction should always be supervised as one or the other could become over excited and end up being hurt.
* Wrapping paper, plastic bags, balloons, tinsel, string, Christmas tree decorations, or any sharp objects can be dangerous if your dog swallows them.
* Dogs are sometimes tempted to chew on Christmas-tree light cords, which can cause mouth burns or fatal shock. Even brief electric shocks can trigger an irregular heartbeat, which can cause fluid to gather in the lungs, leading to serious complications or death.
* Puppies may be attracted to tinsel, but if a dog swallows a piece it can stimulate an accordion-like folding of the intestines–a life-threatening condition. Ornaments and tinsel should be kept out of a pet’s reach, when possible, and pet-owners should watch their animals closely.
* Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Yes, they add a nice touch to your holiday decor, but holly can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and lethargy if ingested by your pet. And should he eat mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-pretty artificial plants made from silk or plastic instead.
* If your dog ingests pine tree needles, she can suffer an upset stomach and oral pain.
* Don’t drink the water! Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria — and your dog could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
* Although the potential toxicity of poinsettias is generally overrated, these showy holiday plants can be irritating to your pet’s mouth if eaten and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.
* If you suspect that your pet has eaten a potentially toxic substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline 1-888-4-ANI-HELP for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit http://www.napcc.aspca.org.
Finally, do yourself a big favor — put your dog in a quiet darkened room with a radio or TV on whenever you’re bombarded with family and friends over the holidays. This avoids stressing both your guests and your dogs.
Lissa Scott
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
MD/DC Adoptions & Events
Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL) events
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” - Josh Billings
Add comment December 13th, 2005
