With an estimated 171 million overweight dogs and cats, it should come as no surprise that the weight loss/pet industry was scratching for what looks like a very lucrative industry.
In a world where dogs can get there hair done (not "clipped," I'm talking coloured, straightened, streaked, etc), massages and other spa treatments, it's no surprise that owners will be willing to shell out to get their four-legged friends in shape.
From harnesses and leashes, to toys and technology, here are 7 hot pet fitness/weight loss products on the market.
1. Canicross Belt
It's a belt/harness for your dog. That's pretty much it. I would suggest that the average overweight dog would take one look at this thing and laugh at its owner. However, towing a human is pretty good exercise, and it does leave the owner hands-free to eat peanut butter cups.
2. The Wood Chuck with Orbee-Tuff Recycle Ball
Simple, environmenatally friendly, and reasonably priced device that will help you throw Cliff Lee-like fastballs.
3. The FroliCat Bolt
Remember the old days when you actually had to raise your arm to use a laser pointer? Well not anymore! Enter the "FroliCat" - an automatic, timer-controlled device that moves a laser around, so your pet can chase it aimlessly.
4. The Dog Casino
From Nina Ottosson, this device is basically a food puzzle. Your dog must dislodge several removable bones, and then open hidden doors to hit the treat jackpot. As your dog learns how to beat the house, you can increase the difficulty. I guess the weight loss connection is making it difficult for your dog to earn its food. Smart!
5. My Agility Set
Oscar Newman Luxury Pet Couture brings us "My Agility Set" - some plush uprights, a small tunnel, and a carrying case for about 5x what you would pay to pick up these accessories individually. The amount of treats you would need to bribe your pet to perform an obstacle course would likely negate any fitness benefit.
6. FitPaws Balance Disc - Ball Dynamics
This hard rubber half-ball is designed for dogs of any size, and used to promote balance, core strength and gentler exercise for injured or arthritic dogs. It also allows for some indoor exercise. I suspect though that balance implements may be just as overrated for dogs as they are for humans.
7. CocoTherapy Coconut Chips
I'm sure there is an endless array of diets, diet dog foods, treats, etc. that claim to promote weight loss. One such snack are coconut chips. Coconut oil has become a hot ticket food item in recent years due to some largely exaggerated health claims. Still, a mostly natural snack for pooches isn't a bad thing.
Pet gadgets: Useful or Faddish?
It's funny how silly human weight loss gimmicks make their way to the dog world. While I think there is some merit in items like harnesses and balance implements, most of these items come across as very gimmicky. And when all else fails, take your dog out for a freaking walk. resource: www.diet-blog.com
Each October, Halloween ushers in its own brand of awesomeness in the form of pumpkins, candy, and costumes. Spider webs and creepy decorations set the stage for ghost stories and trick-or-treating. But holiday fun for humans can translate into hazards for companion animals. Halloween is the busiest time of year for the Pet Poison Helpline because companion animals often accidentally ingest Halloween candy or décor. Check out the following tips to help keep your furry friends safe and happy this Halloween season:
Keep your animals inside around Halloween and away from the front door during trick-or-treating. Animals can become excited or threatened by visitors, so keep them in a separate and enclosed room where they can remain calm—this also eliminates the risk that they will escape. Don't leave dogs in the yard because they can escape or be subjected to torment by passersby. As an added precaution, make sure that your animal companions wear identification at all times. And if you're going trick-or-treating, don't take your animals with you.
Although all cats should be indoor cats, this is even more important during the month of October—especially if you have a black cat. Black cats are often associated with dark forces and are an easy target for Halloween pranksters who commit violent acts against unsuspecting kitties. You can also help black cats this Halloween by supporting PETA's SNIP mobile clinic.
Decorations pose a threat to dogs, cats, and other animals. Keep your animal companions away from jack-o-lanterns, candles, balloons, or other decorations that they could ingest, become tangled in, or be injured by.
One of the biggest hazards to four-legged friends during Halloween is candy. Keep candy in secure containers and in an area that your animal companions cannot gain access to. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and sugary candy can lead to pancreatitis. Raisins, certain nuts, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in some gums and candies) can also be poisonous to furry friends. Plus, animals don't remove the wrappers from candy and may try to eat discarded wrappers—ingesting these wrappers can cause choking or life-threatening bowel obstruction.
If you think your animal companion has ingested something, symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, not defecating or straining to defecate, agitation, increased thirst, an elevated heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures. Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline immediately at 1-800-213-6680 if you suspect that your animal companion has ingested something or might be injured. Keep these numbers on hand for quicker response—the faster that you can get help, the less your animal companion will suffer and the more likely he or she will make a speedy recovery.resource: http://www.peta.org/living/Animal-Friendly-Fun/keep-your-animals-safe-and-happy-this-halloween.aspx
One of the major concerns for all cat owners to watch out for is their cat gaining too much weight. Obesity in pets is becoming more visible and as a good cat owner you want to take care of your cat’s health. This article will provide some tips for obese cats.
You may be asking why I should be concerned about my cat being overweight. For starters, you may not know which foods are best to feed your cat and how many treats you should give your pet during training sessions. Obese cat diet tips will provide you with this information so you can have a healthier pet.
The following topics will be covered: why is obesity dangerous for pets, how can I know if my cat is overweight, facts about feeding cats, establish a regular feeding time, and how are treats different from normal cat food.
Why Is Obesity Dangerous For Cats?
Just as obesity is dangerous for humans, it is also for cats. The extra pounds can weight in on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems, exacerbating existing conditions and may cause new ones. Fat pets are prone to injury, more at risk in surgery, and open to other conditions such as diabetes. A list of additional problems is; decreased stamina, diminished immune function, and digestive disorders are consequences of an overweight cat.
If your cat is severely overweight it can diminish your pet’s quality of life. It is important that you, as the owner, control your pet’s intake of food and treats.
How Can I Know If My Cat Is Overweight?
Here is an interesting fact, between 25 to 40 percent of cats are obese or are likely to become obese. So, what can I do about it? Good question. So, here is how you can take action now:
Monitor your cat’s weight. They don’t get overweight overnight. Keep a close eye on them. Be sure to have your pet exercise daily. Failure to keep your pets weight under control may cause your cat to be a higher risk for diabetes, arthritis and other health related conditions.
Here is how you can know if your pet is overweight when you gently press down as you are petting her. If you are not able to feel her ribs, consider taking her to the veterinarian for an exam. When any underlying medical causes are ruled out, your veterinarian can help you develop a proper nutrition and exercise program to remove the excess weight.
Facts About Feeding Cats
Just as humans require a healthy balanced diet, so do cats. As a cat owner, you can provide your pet with the best quality cat food that has all of the nutrients your pet requires together with a high level of palatability. Do not add any human food to your cat’s diet. Doing so may upset the nutrients of a balanced diet.
Milk. Here is a little known fact; milk is not a substitute for water. As a food, it’s incomplete and does not provide a balanced diet. Milk contains lactose and requires lactase to break it down in the pet’s intestine. Too much milk can cause diarrhea.
Raw eggs. Repeatedly giving your cat raw eggs can cause a deficiency of the vitamin biotin which can cause a loss of hair, dermatitis, and poor growth. Restrict this item in your pet’s diet.
Raw fish. Some raw fish can cause a deficiency of the vitamin thiamine. Signs of this vitamin deficiency include anorexia, abnormal posture, weakness, seizures, and even death.
Raw meats. Most cat owners think that giving your cat meat is good for them. Usually raw meat does not contain all of the nutrients for a balanced diet. This must be added. Also, raw meat may contain parasites, and cooked meats can be high in fat and do not contain a proper balanced diet. I would stay away from giving your pet raw meat to eat.
Raw liver. Raw liver fed in large quantities, can cause vitamin A toxicity in cats. Small soft bones, pork chop and chicken bones, should never be given to cats. They may lodge in the cat’s mouth or throat.
Table scraps. Table scraps will not provide your pet with the proper nutrition your pet requires. Best advice is never to feed your cat table scraps. Once you start, it is very difficult to stop. So, don’t start.
Supplements. Supplements are not required when a normal healthy cat is being fed a complete and balanced diet. A balanced diet can be found in the pet food you are feeding your cat. The same is true for additional minerals. You can find this with high quality cat food. Be a good shopper and provide your pet with the best quality cat food so you don’t have to purchase supplements.
Establish a Regular Feeding Time
This is important for your pet’s digestive health and regular bowel movements. The first step is to determine the correct quantity of food required to maintain a healthy weight. Next, is to establish a regular routine time for feeding your pet. Knowing when your cat will be hungry will assist you when you plan training sessions. Part of your pet’s meal will include treats or rewards.
How Are Treats Different From Normal Cat Food?
Everyone one likes to have a treat once in a while. So does your pet. But, what is the difference between a treat and dry cat food? Cat food is higher in nutrition than treats. However, if you want to reward your kitty with a different flavor or texture, than a treat is the ticket. They are like desserts and should be given sparingly.
Cat food is higher in protein and should make up the bulk of your pet’s diet. Some treats can be nutritional, so read the labels before making your selection. If you offer tidbits that are different from their meals, it will add to your cat’s pleasure, making training more successful. This will also help build a strong bond between owner and pet.
Treats should not be more than 10% of your cat’s total diet for the day. You will need to watch out here because giving your pet too much treats can be a cause for obesity.
By following the above diet tips for obese cats will help your pet to stay healthy and have a longer life.
If you want to learn more about cats, you can visit my website at www.petsstore4u.com. There you will find other cat articles, cat gifts, cat toys, cat supplies, cat training videos, cat furniture, and organic cat food to keep you interested.
Baby's best dog friend Muffy needs to on a diet and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. of Topeka, Kan., today launched a weight loss program aimed at improving pet owner feeding compliance.
The Hill’s Prescription Diet Therapeutic Weight Reduction Program, available only through veterinary clinics, is recommended for dogs requiring clinical nutrition such as overweight, obese or obese-prone dogs.
The program was designed with four principles in mind, according to Hill’s. They are:
• Convenience and efficacy – Each starter kit contains pre-measured Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d Canine Weight Loss-Low Calorie Dry brand pet food and low-calorie biscuit packets customized to help dogs reach their target weight. The kits are available in a small breed size (target weight of 10 pounds – 35 pounds) with an up to five-week supply and a medium/large breed size (target weight of 36 pounds – 105 pounds) with an up to four-week supply. Home delivery for clients can be coordinated through a Hill’s representative. Replacement cartons to refill both the meals and biscuits are also available.
• Support – Pet owners are given a Therapeutic Weight Reduction Guide which includes the health care team feeding recommendation, instructions and tips. Pet owner online support is also available at PetFit.com. Veterinary staff can access support materials from HillsVet.com/weight.
• Taste guarantee – The kit comes with a 100 percent “great taste guarantee.” Hill’s noted that the program uses the body fat index (BFI) scoring system, what the company says is the next evolution of the body condition score (BCS). The BFI emphasizes body fat percentage over the BCS to determine the severity of a dog’s weight program.
Based on the BFI, the program helps achieve a target weight for overweight and obese dogs with a BFI greater than 30, according to the company. resource:http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-breaking-news/2010/10/18/hills-launches-
weight-reduction-program-for-dogs.aspx
www.ataarticles.com
Every single year, millions of dog owners around the country learn how to isolate their dogs in a crate when they leave the house so they can reduce anxiety, destructive behaviour and barking. In addition, it is a vital tool when you are trying to housebreak a new german shepherd puppy and it can simplify your life greatly than if you end up with your dog sleeping in the bed or on your couch.
Whether you’re learning how to crate train a german shepherd or just determining if it is safe for your dog, know that most dogs love their crates. This is because in the wild, dogs seek out small and safe locations they can burrow into for warmth and safety. With a crate, dogs get to have that safe burrowing area that belongs to them and them alone. When dogs are given too much space, they can’t figure out where is their own “home” and where isn’t, and they get anxious about trying to control the whole space.
Ideally, you will crate train your german shepherd as a puppy. Full grown dogs get anxious about crate training because they haven’t lived in that small space before. In the beginning, your german shepherd pup may be upset, but it will adapt more quickly, especially if it has not had the opportunity to sleep in your bed with you.
It is best to place the crate in the family room where a lot of people will be. Keep the crate in your bedroom at night so your dog feels safe with you around. Eventually, after a month or so, you should be able to leave them in one place, but for now, be close to keep them calm and safe.
When you put your puppy in the crate, make sure he has a clean, comfortable place to sleep, a source of water, and a toy to play with. The crate only needs to be large enough so he can sleep in it. If he can walk around in it, he may make a mess in it. The main thing is that the german shepherd has room to turn around in its crate so it can be comfortable.
When you’re learning how to crate train a german shepherd puppy, make sure you do not pull the dog out if he’s upset about something. This will only teach the puppy that if he makes a fuss, you’ll give him attention. Only let the puppy out if he has been quiet for 5 minutes or more. Then, greet him with a lot of attention and even a treat to reinforce that he did it right.
In the beginning you should try to leave the german shepherd puppy in his crate for short periods of time, maybe an hour or two at most. Eventually as the german shepherd puppy grows, you can increase this time so it is a full night of sleep or equal to your entire workday.
If you can learn how to properly train a german shepherd puppy, you will never again have to worry about your dog getting too loud, anxious, or destructive when you leave the house. On top of that, german shepherd puppies adapt much quicker and that means less stress on everyone in the household.
It's revolutionary. It's not cheap. And it's destined to prompt a certain amount of late-night talk-show guffawing.
But some early converts are raving about it.
It's the PowerLoo, a recently released invention aimed at a segment of the dog-obsessed among us.
A little like an in-ground toilet bowl (though, really, it's quite attractive and comes in several colors) that you bury in a secluded part of your yard, it addresses some of the worst aspects of dealing with dog doo.
Dogs don't stroll on up and use it on their own (sorry to say), but when the human lifts the lid of this thing, deposits the pup poop and steps on the flushing device, everything flows away just as it does in your home (since the PowerLoo is connected to your sewer line).
It runs about $1,000 (you can get a freeze-proof one for about $400 more if you live in the cold regions), and, its inventor says, you'll never again have to anguish over your contribution to the tons of doggie dung being hauled off to landfills or contend with many of the other disagreeable aspects of dog waste.
It's easy to see why a boarding facility or a veterinarian's office would find this product pretty irresistible. Untold pounds of waste every day. Scooping and bagging it before dumping it into the garbage container, where it simmers in the hot sun, stinking up the area, attracting flies and all, for however long it takes until haul-away day arrives.
PAW PRINT POST: Don't tread on ... poop
"I could not be in this business without it," Diane Shoffner says. She opened an upscale boarding, grooming and dog day care facility called Sam Russell's Pet Provisions in Elizabethtown, Ky., in February. One of the biggest worries she had during the planning phase was "what am I going to do with all that poop?" Thirty to 50 dogs at any given time. And, well, you see the problem.
Kennel workers just "scoop everything up and flush it away," a time-saving process compared with the old way. Moreover, it's a conversation-starter that's great for business, she says. When would-be clients come to scope out the facility, "the last stop is the PowerLoo. They're fascinated." The gadget has turned out to be so much better than she has expected, and, in fact, she's an authorized seller now.
But could a regular pet owner with a less voluminous waste situation find happiness with such a product? Some apparently can. Karie Ross and her husband, Detroit Tigers CEO Dave Dombrowski, have "three little crazy weenie dogs," says Ross. And three acres. So there's no risk they'd be ankle deep in dog mess if they weren't totally vigilant about pickup patrol. And yet, she's crazy about the PowerLoo.
"It's like a new toy we show all our friends," she says with a laugh.
But seriously. "It keeps you from having to deal with the unpleasantness." It's true one still has to scoop the poop, but that's practically nothing compared with the bag transfer and the odoriferous storage can, she says. "It's really something that should have been invented years ago."
Well, now it has been.
The inventor, Curt Fournier, says the made-and-based-in-Michigan product he spent years researching and perfecting is tracking to sell more than 500 this year with almost nothing in the way of marketing and advertising.
The No. 1 question people ask, he acknowledges, is: Can't the human cut himself or herself out as the middle man, and get the dog to pop up the lid, use the thing and flush it?
"There may be some people who can train their dog to do that," he says. And some purchasers have claimed that was their aim. But so far, no one has called to report success.
Procter & Gamble (P&G), makers of Iams, has announced a voluntary recall of two specific lots of their prescription dry renal cat food due to possible Salmonella contamination. According to the Procter & Gamble News Release, the following products have been recalled:
This product is often recommended for cats with kidney failure or kidney insufficiency. It is available by prescription at veterinary clinics throughout the U.S.
No illnesses have been reported. A FDA analysis identified a positive result on the lot codes listed above. Lot codes can be found in the lower right corner on the back of the bag.
Consumers who have purchased this food should discontinue feeding it to their cats and discard it. People handling dry pet food may become infected with Salmonella so it’s important to thoroughly wash your hands and all surfaces that have come into contact with this product.
The symptoms of Salmonella in humans include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, and headache. People who are experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled the pet food product should seek medical attention and report their use of the product and illness to the nearest FDA office.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
For further information or a product refund call P&G toll-free at 877-894-4458 Monday - Friday,
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST.
Canine epilepsy is also known as a seizure disorder and is found in all breeds of dogs. It’s a sudden change in behavior and muscle control, and is characterized by recurrent fits. Since canine epilepsy is often a hereditary condition and is getting more common, it’s a cause of concern. Diet plays a crucial role in the management of canine epilepsy as correcting nutritional deficiencies can help control seizures in epileptic animals and might even eliminate them.
Dietary Dos and Don’ts
Diet can play a vital role in the management of canine epilepsy. It’s preferable to feed a homemade diet to your pet as nutritional deficiencies are a major cause of most diseases. Commercial dog food is often full of stabilizers, preservatives, chemicals, sodium nitrate and other substances that can cause allergies, seizures, hypertension and diabetes in dogs. If it’s not possible for you to provide your pet with homemade food, you should ensure that the kibble you feed him is high in quality and contains all the required nutrients.
You may also supplement commercial pet food with lean meat and vegetables. Some people recommend a raw diet for dogs and there are several good quality commercial raw diets that are acceptable. However, if you want to give your pet your own raw food diet, you should ensure that the meat is very fresh and not from the supermarket as the meat from supermarket is supposed to be consumed after it’s cooked and may contain harmful bacteria.
You should avoid feeding your dog grains and grain products as dogs are often allergic to grain products and this allergy can trigger an epileptic attack. Many commercial dog foods also contain wheat, corn and soy that act as allergens and cause seizures. Some dogs are intolerant to corn in their food and benefit from a diet without corn. Milk proteins are also known to cause allergies in dogs. Moreover, since dogs don’t digest dairy products it’s best to avoid feeding such products to your pet. Vegetables such as carrots, cauliflowers, green beans and broccoli, on the other hand, should be included in your pet’s diet.
Taurine
A deficiency of amino acids can increase your pet’s chances of getting seizures. Taurine is a non-essential amino acid that regulates the dog’s metabolism, calms the nervous system and helps in the proper digestion and utilization of calcium, sodium and magnesium by the body. Pet owners should ensure that their pet gets the required amounts of taurine in their diet by feeding meat to their dogs.
You should ascertain that your pet has a wholesome diet and that the food includes all the nutrients essential for optimum health. It’s always advisable to give homemade food to your pet but if you must give commercial pet food, you should supplement it with the required vitamins and minerals to protect your pet from epileptic attacks. You should also read the labels of commercial pet food products carefully and only feed your dog top quality commercial pet food.
resource: http://www.vetinfo.com/canine-epilepsy-diet-recommendations.html
Learn the best ways to treat your pet and give it the best life possible despite this condition.
Step 1
Consider the age of your pet. Most canine epilepsy develops between the ages of 4 and 8. If your dog is acting funny and is between those ages, it's a good bet it has canine epilepsy.
Step 2
Think about injuries. Canine epilepsy can be caused by head trauma. See your vet if you think your dog has been hurt this way to decide if this may be the cause of your dog's seizures.
Step 3
Recognize the symptoms. Not all dogs have typical seizures - you know, where they keel over, twitching spasmodically, eyes rolling back in their heads, foaming at the mouth, chewing up their tongues. In fact, very few dogs suffer this type of seizure. More often, seizures look like this:
* The dog gets clingy or paces relentlessly. It may get ill or vomit. This is the "incoming" phase - the dog senses something isn't right and begins to react.
* The dog begins to run around in a very agitated manner, maybe appearing to try to scratch its neck or behind its ear. You begin to get concerned when the behavior continues. And continues. You run to your pet, thinking maybe it's being bitten or stung by something, but find no insect or sticker, or anything at all. The dog continues to run in circles, very agitated, maybe drooling by now. You realize that there's something wrong with your dog - it cannot control its legs, or keeps cranking its head to one side. But after you get hold of your dog, you begin to soothe your pet, and things start to straighten out. After a few minutes, your pooch seems to be something like his or her old self and you're left wondering what just happened.
* The dog takes a few steps, but appears unsteady, or tries to rise but can't seem to get on its feet. Then it just sits down. It sits, looking confused or blank. The dog may stretch - this stretch looks very peculiar. The dog cranes its neck upward, holds it there for a few seconds, then repeats, maybe. Eventually, the "episode" passes, and the dog gets up and continues on its way.
* Some part of your dog's anatomy seems to get out of control, for example: the dog begins to eat its kibble or dog food, and suddenly, is beset by uncontrollable licking, which it cannot stop or control as its tongue lols out of its mouth sideways, and it continually gags and tries to swallow, or maybe looks like it's biting the air.
* Or maybe your dog actually does have what we would traditionally consider a seizure, with spasms, twitching, and very scary.
Step 4
Treat the symptoms first. The main thing is to realize that your dog is like a little kid, and is going to be scared or confused during and after one of these seizures. Talk comfortingly, in a low, soothing voice, say things like, "It's okay, buddy. That's a good boy. Easy, easy, I got you." Touching your dog in a calming, gentle way seems to help some; holding and cuddling a dog also can help. If the dog is chomping or licking, as described above, be sure to keep your fingers out of the way of its teeth, but touching the side of its face and talking soothingly can console and comfort your pet so that s/he can relax again. Get your dog calmed down and settled before taking any other action - unless the seizure is continuing for longer than a couple of minutes. In that case, get your pet to a veterinary emergency room as soon as possible, since seizures can disrupt your dog's ability to breathe.
Step 5
Try changing your dog's diet. Most canine experts feel that many dogs with canine epilepsy have a problem processing proteins. Changing to a good quality kibble made with all lamb and rice is a first step (grocery store food is typically the worst quality). Stop all rawhide, bones, dog biscuit, table scraps. No more doggie treats. Instead, give your pet carrots, or a little broccoli or cauliflower (be careful not to give much broccoli or cauliflower as these can become toxic in large amounts) -- Also keep in mind that onion, grapes, and tomato are toxic to dogs. The important concept is that your dog has to be limited in its intake of proteins outside of its kibble, and the type of protein has to be high quality (hence the lamb and rice).
Step 6
See your vet. The vet will probably tell you that all that can be done for your dog is to sedate it. The truth is, there may be several episodes or seizures early on, but if you can get the diet under control, and keep the dog calmer, they may become far fewer between. Keeping a dog sedated all the time is no kind of life - dogs should be vital, energetic and able to sense you and its surroundings for a good quality of life. If you can control your dog's symptoms by keeping a calm environment and changing its diet, your dog will be almost normal all the time, and won't need all the medicines.
Step 7
Do what is necessary. If your dog is very high strung, you may have no choice but to tranquilize your animal, to keep it sane and prevent seizures. At holidays such as Indepencence Day in the USA, or others where fireworks are used, and there are noisy exploding sounds, or even during thunderstorms, you may need to tranquilize your pet to get him or her through the frightening noises and flashes of light that go with these holidays or storms. It will be important to be flexible enough to treat your dog's symptoms with drugs when you feel it necessary, and to refrain when you feel the dog's symptoms are well-controlled.
Step 8
Accept a seizure here or there. If your dog gets along well, responds to the change of diet, and the seizures scale back, that's great! But you should expect to see a seizure once in a while. Don't panic. Just calm your dog, and stay calm yourself. An occasional seizure is to be expected.
Step 9
If episodes become more frequent or severe, consult the vet immediately. The first consultation is just to confirm what you already suspect - that your dog has canine epilepsy, and not something else (like a parasite or other illness). If your dog doesn't respond to diet change or environmental alterations, and his or her seizures become more severe, or if s/he seems to be having them more and more often, it's time to see the vet again. Canine epilepsy, while treatable in most dogs, is a progressive problem. As the dog gets older, seizures and episodes can become more frequent and severe, until the dog has no quality of life, and you are a frazzle. But many dogs live a completely normal life span with the simple treatments described here, so have hope and take the great joy in your pet that you always have!
Tips
* Teach your dog to love veggies. Eat them yourself, and enjoy them in front of your dog. After you're all done (don't feed table scraps while you're eating), offer some to your dog. Or use them as a reward for doing tricks or tasks. Saying, "Mmmmm, it's good, buddy," can encourage your dog to eat something s/he wasn't previously interested in, so help your dog develop a liking for these things.
* Relax. It's not the end of the world, and it's not your fault or anything you've done. It's a condition, like arthritis. That's all. Most dogs don't die from it (although it is possible, in very extreme cases) - they just need life adjustments.
* Look for external triggers like pesticides or household cleaners that seem to trigger episodes in your dogs.
Warnings
* Avoid corn products (which is why you need to switch to lamb and rice food - most commercial dog food is almost all corn) - like popcorn.
* Don't give your dog milk or eggs, either.
resource: http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-help-dog-has-canine-epilepsy-074104/
Regular exercise can benefit your cat and dog. Try these ideas to keep your pet happy and healthy.
CATS
Assuming your cat has a clean bill of health from the veterinarian, a feline exercise program can benefit any cat, regardless of weight condition. Try these cat exercises:
1. Use an interactive toy with feathers on the end. Move it like a bird to encourage your cat to leap and stretch.
2. Slither snakelike toys up and down stairs. These toys are also great for going up and over the tops of sofas.
3. Set up boxes, bags and soft-sided tunnels to create an obstacle course for your interactive exercise session. If you can't find the soft-sided tunnels, make tunnels of your own by turning boxes upside down and cutting entrance and exit holes.
4. A small ball in a box works as a mini racquetball court.
5. Use your interactive toy around a tall, sturdy scratching post to encourage your cat to scratch. This causes a full stretch, which helps tone the muscles in the shoulders and back.
6. Invest in a multi-tiered cat tree so your cat can jump from one perch to the other during play. This exercise improves balance and coordination.
7. Plastic caps from milk jugs make great hockey pucks. Drop one on the kitchen floor to work on your cat's speed and coordination.
8. Don't forget to laugh. It will do wonders for you emotionally and physically. Your cat will pick up on your good mood, and everyone will have a good time.
resource: http://www.catchannel.com/behavior/playtime/article_5361.aspx
DOGS
All dogs need exercise and while taking your dog for long walks is one way to give them much needed exercise there are other ways that are more fun that will allow you to bond with your dog while giving them the exercise they need.
Fetch
Most dogs love playing fetch especially retrieving dogs such as Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers and many of your spaniel breeds. Easily trained to fetch sticks and balls and bring them back to you these dogs can play this game for hours on end if you are willing to play along. It is the perfect way to give your dog exercise while interacting with them.
Bird On A Wire
You don’t really use a bird to play bird on a wire or a wire either for that matter. You simply tie a favorite dog toy onto a string and pull it along and the let your dog chase it. Stop immediately once he catches it as playing tug of war can damage a dogs teeth especially that of a puppy. Once the dog drops the toy you can drag it again and he will give chase. Small dogs especially find this game endlessly entertaining.
Swimming
If you live in an area where you are allowed to take your dog swimming this is a great way for both you and your dog to get exercise together. Breeds such as Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water dogs, water spaniels, and Retrievers all love to swim and get wonderful exercise by joining you in the local lake for a dip whenever given the chance. You can even play some fetch games in the water after a swim giving your dog even a longer exercise period.
Teaching Your Dog Tricks
Another great way to exercise your dog both mentally and physically is teaching them a few active tricks such as jumping through hula hoops or over low hurdles. Small dogs like beagles and larger intelligent breeds such as collies really love learning these kinds of tricks but any dog can be taught them with a little patience.
Nature Hikes
Though you will need a leash for most dogs for this kind of activity nature hikes with your dog offers the same exercise as walking him on a lead with a little less boredom for you. Exploring wooded and other nature areas together can be fun for you both and introduces your dog to new scenery to keep him mentally alert as well as physically exercised. Taking him along when jogging will also provide additional exercise at a faster clip for him to enjoy.
Obedience Training
While one does not normally think of obedience training as exercise it does provide both mental and physical exercise for your dog. He exercisers many muscles as he learns to sit, heel, run, walk and lay at your command as well as finding learning the signals mentally challenging. In addition you can teach your dog other commands such as rolling over and even crawling.
Exercising your dog does not have to be boring. There are a lot of fun ways you can exercise your dog that you both will find satisfying.
resource: http://easyonlinejobsreview.com/fun-ways-to-exercise-your-dog/
OR JUST GET THE TWO TOGETHER
MSU News | Michigan State University
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University researchers are testing a special diet for cats they hope will help the animals overcome bladder disorders affecting more than half a million felines each year.
The team from the College of Veterinary Medicine is hopeful the new diet will help cats dissolve certain bladder stones and prevent future occurrences, and prevent a disorder known as feline idiopathic cystitis, in which cats suffer from bladder inflammation.
John Kruger, a professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, is leading the four separate clinical studies on a new commercial diet funded by a leading pet food manufacturer.
"The new diet is unique in that it is designed to help manage three common bladder disorders, which if left untreated can cause frequent painful urinations, house soiling and even urinary blockage and death," he said.
Specifically, Kruger and his team are looking at the effects the diet has on:
Preventing feline idiopathic cystitis: This particularly difficult disorder - the most common bladder disorder in cats - accounts for nearly two-thirds of all feline bladder disorders seen by MSU veterinarians, Kruger said. Unfortunately, there is no consistently effective treatment for management and prevention. While veterinarians often recommend diet changes, supplements and medicine, none of these have been shown to be effective by controlled clinical trials, he said.
Dissolving struvite bladder stones without surgery and preventing them in the future. While these stones traditionally have been treated by surgical removal, some struvite stones may be dissolved using diet.
Preventing calcium oxalate bladder stones: There is no diet as of yet that dissolves this type of stone, and removal by surgery - which can present complications - often is necessary.
The new diet minimizes the building blocks of bladder stones by controlling levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and oxalate. It also has high levels of potassium citrate and vitamin B6 to interrupt stone formation, Kruger added, and it is high in antioxidants to moderate inflammation and reduce symptoms.
As part of the clinical trial, half of the felines will receive the new diet while half will receive a placebo diet formulated to represent the premium quality adult cat foods on the market. The diets look exactly the same, and as cats are enrolled into the study they are randomly assigned.
Happy Easter Everyone!
Cats diagnosed with struvites as a result of FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disorder) requires a dietary balance to acidify urine in order to eliminate or minimize recurrences of struvite so I’ll do my best to explain the how this is best attained in order to avoid future recurrences of FLUTD symptoms.
A little background about causes of FLUTD and struvite. It is caused by several factors, and combinations of these factors, which include obesity, stress, urinary pH, water and fibre intake in the animal’s diet. Recurrence is common with FLUTD cats so preventive measures such a canned food diet to keep hydration levels high plus any other ways to encourage more water consumption is a must, easy access to multiple litter boxes in addition to regular check ups as well as supplementation with prescriptions depending on the severity of the condition.
Cats who eat dry cat foods tend to suffer from recurring episodes and this seems to be a common denominator with cats diagnosed with various types of FLUTD. The idea is to acidify the urine because cats with FLUTD have low urine pH so your goal is to reverse this and canned foods have been known to achieve the results.
Additionally, most commercial grade cat foods contain corn, corn meal which are fillers (carbohydrates) that bind the dry food together as a way of keeping foods lasting longer. Try finding cat food products which are devoid of these ingredients. The first ingredients should show chicken, chicken meal, etc. Most show the first ingredients as corn on the ingredient labels. IAMs, Science Diet, Purina, Whiskas, Friskies …all have corn listed as the main ingredient. Cats who eat these tend to always feel hungry because the carbs don’t metabolize fast enough and cats are obligate carnivores so they need a diet devoid of these types of carbs. Products such as Innova EVO, Nature’s Variety Prairie, James Wellbeloved (for UK residents), are premium brands. Most cats who eat these find that they do not eat to eat as much because their appetite is better satiated.
Also, it’s important to schedule feed a cat so you can monitor servings taken in during the day. Each product lists the recommended servings based on a age and weight. Cats who are switched from a free-fed diet should be fed multiple times a day (if permittable) such as once in the morning, mid-day, and then evening before your bedtime this helps lower the urine pH as well unlike free feeding.
When switching to a new brand of cat food it is also important to note that sudden changes can cause sever bowel distress. Cats have very sensitive digestive systems so the quick change will cause bouts of loose stools and vomiting. Any vet can confirm this fact. Cat food should be changed gradually by mixing the current brand with the new brand over the course of several weeks. For example you would take 3/4 servings of the old cat food to 1/4 servings with the new for one week…then the next week 1/2 to 1/2…then following 1/4 of the old to 3/4 of the new in the third week before completing the switch in the final week. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=99
Furthermore, a canned food diet, which is very helpful for cats who suffer from FLUTD. For some reason the hydration in the canned products helps metabolize food better and are also completely devoid of carbohydrates, which is more optimal for the feline’s body and while at the same acidifies the urine pH which is perfect for cats who have FLUTD . When cats eat raw meat in the wild they get hydration from the fresh meat juices as well as some roughage from the animals who are natural herbivores. A mixture of canned and dry are always best for cats in the long-term, which many people are unaware of. We are have been exposed to so many commercial ads regarding dry food for cats, but in reality it’s the manufacturer’s who benefit rather than the cats. Cats are not naturally designed to eat dry–the products were designed for convenience for the owner.
Here’s an article about commercial cat food; dry vs. canned, proper nutritional needs, etc: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/cat-food/review.html
Here are some websites that I’ve researched to help prepare for the long road ahead to minimize the repeat episodes:
FLUTD (also formerly known as FUS):
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/urinary.html
http://www.hdw-inc.com/healthfus.htm
http://www.thensome.com/flutd.htm
http://www.fabcats.org/flutd.html
http://www.vet.uga.edu/sams/courses/urology/lectures/Lecture06_FelineIdiopathicCystitis.pdf
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_feline_lower_urinary_tract_dis.html
http://www.holisticat.com/fusfaq.htm
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resource: http://www.fathog.net/uncategorized/diet-plans-for-cats-with-struvite-14948/
From Pet Education .com
Some cats develop microscopic crystals in their urine. These may or may not be associated with a urinary tract infection. These crystals, which are like very fine sand, irritate the bladder. In male cats, the crystals may plug the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder, through the penis, to the outside of the body). This is a life-threatening condition, since the cat would be unable to urinate.
In some cats, larger stones can develop. These are called urinary calculi and the condition is referred to as urolithiasis. Stones may actually form anywhere in the entire urinary tract. The urinary stones in cats can be found in the kidneys, ureters (tiny tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder, or urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside of the animal). They can also obstruct the outflow of urine.
Signs and diagnosis of bladder stones in cats
If your cat is straining to urinate and produces little urine or no urine at all, it is considered an extreme emergency.
Cats with bladder stones may have blood in their urine and may urinate frequently, passing only small quantities of urine each time. Often, they will strain while urinating, holding their body in the urinating posture for much longer than normal. They may lick their genital area more than usual. If your cat is straining to urinate and produces little urine or no urine at all, it is considered an extreme emergency.
Some cats with bladder stones may show no signs at all, and the stones are discovered while palpating the abdomen during a routine physical exam.
Several types of bladder stonesIf the stones cannot be diagnosed through palpation, the diagnosis of bladder stones in cats is made or confirmed with abdominal x-rays or ultrasound. Most stones are radiopaque, meaning they show up on the radiographic film as obvious white circles or shapes just as bones do. A few are radiolucent, where the x-ray beams pass right through and therefore, they do not show up on the finished film. To confirm the presence of these types of stones, a special dye is passed into the bladder and it outlines the stones in the x-ray. With this method, we see a white area (the dye in the bladder) with a black hole in the center (the stone).
How bladder stones are formed
Bladder stones are formed by minerals, which first precipitate out in the urine as individual microscopic crystals. Over time, these crystals unite and small grains of sand-like material may be formed. Once these first grains are present, additional precipitation forms on their surface and the tiny specks are gradually built into stones that sometimes reach over 1" in diameter.
The effect of diet on urinary stone and treatment
It appears that diet may increase the risk of a cat developing urinary crystals, stones, and urethral plugs. The development of crystals and stones is mostly dependent upon the:
* Urine pH
* Concentration of minerals in the urine
Whether a cat is allowed to eat throughout the day (free choice or ad libitum feeding) or has specific mealtimes may influence lower urinary tract health. Genetics also appears to play a role.
Three common crystals (and stones) in cats are struvite, oxalate, and urate.
Struvite Crystals and Stones
Formation
Type of Stone Percent of Stones in 1984 Percent of Stones in 2007
Struvite 75 49
Oxalate 2 41
Struvite crystals are made up of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. The crystals and stones are more likely to develop in alkaline urine. The main dietary factors which appear to affect the development of struvite crystals are urine ph and water consumption. In the past, crystals and stones made of struvite were more common in cats. As a result, diets were developed to minimize the risk of forming struvite. These diets were low in magnesium and cats eating them produced an acidic (low pH) urine. As more cats were fed these diets, both for treatment and prevention of struvite, the percentage of cats with struvite stones decreased, but the incidence of calcium oxalate crystals and stones increased. Struvite is still, by far, the most common component of urethral plugs.
Treatment and Prevention
The treatment of struvite stones may include surgical removal, urohyropropulsion (both described in more detail at the end of the article), dietary changes, or a combination of techniques.
Surgery: If there are urethral plugs or any other type of urinary obstruction, we cannot wait for special diets to dissolve the stones, but must quickly surgically remove the stones or use urohydropropulsion (detailed below) to eliminate the stones.
Cats who are on diets designed to acidify the urine should NOT be given additional urinary acidifiers.
Diet Modifications: When struvite is a problem, special diets are available to make the urine more dilute and more acidic. Too much acidification of the urine can result in serious health problems, so urinary acidifiers should never be used in conjunction with diets that are formulated to produce an acidic urine. Since the safety of these products for kittens and pregnant or nursing queens has not been established, it is recommended that these products not be used for these life stages.
Those diets that are designed to actually dissolve urinary stones include Hill's s/d, Royal Canin Dissolution, and Royal Canin Urinary SO. Hill's s/d should only used on a short-term basis, however, since it is not balanced for long-term use. Those diets that are available to help prevent stones and crystal formation in cats that are susceptible to them include Purina CNM UR-Formula, Royal Canin Urinary SO, Royal Canin Control, and Hill's c/d, w/d, and r/d. All of these diets have a balanced level of the minerals that make up the crystals such as magnesium and phosphorous. In addition to being formulated to produce an acid urine, they are also formulated to produce more dilute urine, so crystals are less likely to form. The diets are available through your veterinarian.
Prior to the development of specialized diets, urinary acidifiers such as vitamin C or dl-methionine were sometimes used to lower the pH of the urine in cases of struvite stones, for example. Specialty diets are now preferred since they alter not only the pH, but the concentration of stone-forming constituents. Remember: Do NOT give urinary acidifiers when you are using one of the specialty diets that also acidify urine.
Feeding methods: It is recommended that cats who are at risk for developing struvite crystals or stones should be fed ad libitum. After eating a large meal, the pH of the urine usually becomes more alkaline. By eating small meals throughout the day, the urine pH will stay more acidic.
Increased Water Consumption: An important influence on the development of urinary crystals and stones is the consumption of water. As more water is consumed, the urine is less concentrated, and crystals are less likely to form. Also, since there is more urine, the cat will urinate more frequently, and the urine will be present in the bladder for a shorter period of time. This also decreases the chance of crystal and stone formation. Provide fresh, clean water at all times, and preferably in several areas around the house. For information on how to increase your cat's water intake see Drinking Water: How can I encourage my cat to drink more?. For some animals with a history of urinary tract infections or crystals, a canned diet is recommended. Canned diets contain larger amounts of water and may help dilute the urine and make crystals less likely to form.
The Formation, Treatment, and Diet Modifications for Urinary Stones and Crystals in Cats
Type of stone Tends to
form in: Initial treatment Diet recommended for dissolving stones** Diet recommended for crystal/stone prevention in cats susceptible to them**
Struvite Alkaline urine Diet to dissolve stones unless there is an obstruction; surgical removal or urohydropropulsion if there is an obstruction Hill's s/d
Royal Canin Dissolution
Royal Canin Urinary SO Hill's c/d, w/d, or r/d
Royal Canin Control
Royal Canin Urinary SO
Purina CNM UR Formula
Oxalate Acidic urine Surgical removal or urohydropropulsion Hill's c/d or x/d
Royal Canin Urinary SO
Purina CNM UR Formula
Urate Acidic urine; cats with certain liver diseases Surgical removal or urohydropropulsion; treat any liver disease Hill's k/d or l/d*
Royal Canin Renal LP*
*No specific diets are available; these diets are lower in protein, which is recommended.
**With all diets, it is extremely beneficial to also increase the amount of water consumption.
Oxalate Crystals and Stones
Formation
Oxalate crystals and stones are more likely to occur in acidic urine and if the cat has high calcium levels in the blood. This could be caused by excessive intake of calcium, protein, sodium, or vitamin D. Some metabolic disorders such as hyperparathyroidism, some cancers, and Cushings disease may also contribute to the development of oxalate stones. Unfortunately, oxalate stones often occur in cats with normal blood calcium levels, as well.
Treatment and Prevention
Surgery: Surgical removal or hydropropulsion (described in more detail below) are the only available treatment for oxalate stones. There are no diets that will dissolve them.
Diet Modification: Special diets are available that decrease the probability of oxalate crystals and stones forming in the urine. These include Hills x/d, Royal Canin Urinary SO, and Purina CNM UR-Formula. Urinary acidifiers should not be used with these diets since the goal is to make the urine more alkaline.
Increased Water Consumption: As with struvite, another goal of therapy is to produce dilute urine, so any method to increase water consumption should be used. Again, canned diets may be recommended.
Urate Crystals and Stones
Formation
Urate stones are more common in certain breeds of dogs, such as Dalmations, although they have been diagnosed in cats. They are more likely to occur in acidic urine. They can also be seen with some liver disorders and metabolic diseases.
Treatment and Prevention
Surgery: If there are urethral plugs or any other type of urinary obstruction, we cannot wait for special diets to dissolve the stones, but must quickly remove the stones by surgery or urohydropropulsion (see description later in article).
Diet Modification: There are no specific diets for urate stones in cats, however diets lower in protein are often recommended. These include Hill's k/d or l/d, and Royal Canin Renal LP. Urinary acidifiers should also not be used with these diets since the goal is to make the urine more alkaline.
Increased Water Consumption: Again, increase water consumption as much as possible and use canned diets as recommended.
Other treatment techniques
Surgery
The surgical removal of stones within the bladder is referred to as a cystotomy, meaning an opening of the bladder. With the cat under anesthesia and lying on his back, an incision is made through the abdominal wall in front of the pelvis. The bladder is exposed and lifted out through the incision. Urine is collected for culture and analysis. The bladder is then opened and the stones are removed. The bladder and urethra are flushed with sterile saline solution to wash out any small or microscopic particles. The bladder is then closed with sutures as is the abdominal wall. The patient is placed on antibiotics and usually sent home the following day. The bladder stones are sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine their chemical make-up and the remainder of the therapy will vary depending on the results.
Urohydropropulsion
To perform urohydropropulsion, the cat is anesthetized and a urinary catheter is placed. Through the catheter, the bladder is filled with sterile saline. The cat is then held in an upright position and, by hand, the veterinarian compresses the bladder, forcing the solution back out, and with it, the stones. Urohydropropulsion is used when the stones are very small and are sure to pass through the urethra.
Emergencies
In situations where a stone has lodged in the ureters or urethra, the condition is a life or death matter that must be resolved immediately. Urinary obstructions lead to kidney shut down and death. If there are stones or crystals caught in the urethra, which is especially common in male cats, the veterinarian would first provide pain medication and intravenous fluids. The cat is anesthetized and the veterinarian will try to back-flush the plug or obstruction into the bladder before it is opened. If this cannot be done, a very small endoscope may be used to try to remove the obstruction. In the rare case where stones are lodged in a ureter, an incision would have to be made at the site. This is extremely delicate surgery since the ureters is such a find tube-like structure.
Some work is being done using ultrasonic waves to destroy stones in these situations, but it is not readily available for all practices. This technique is common in human medicine and may eliminate surgery.
Summary
Urinary stones and crystals can cause severe disease in cats. Depending on the type of crystals or stones seen in your cat's urine, a different diet may help prevent the recurrence of the problem. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of urinary crystals and stones. Using the wrong diet not only won't help, it could actually increase the chances of crystal or stone formation.
If you haven’t heard, Nature’s Variety issued a RECALL due to (possible) Salmonella contamination for all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula products with a “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11.
According to the company’s website, “the products included in this expanded recall are any Chicken Formula or Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with a “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11, including:
* UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
* UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
* UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs
* UPC#7 69949 50121 3 – Chicken Formula 12 lb retail display case of chubs
* UPC#7 69949 60137 1 – Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
* UPC#7 69949 60127 2 – Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties”
Montel Williams on the red carpet at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York with a hopeful chihuahua contestant in DogPedic's "Pawsitively Fabulous Photo Contest" (Zootoo Pet News Photo)
NEW YORK -- Celebrity canine hopefuls walked the red carpet at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Saturday, February 13, as Montel Williams attended the auditions for the “Pawsitively Fabulous Photo Contest.”
The contest is a national search campaign recently launched by DogPedic, the memory foam dog bed, which is looking for that perfect pooch star to appear in its next commercial with Williams, its celebrity endorser.
“I got involved with the DogPedic because animals deserve to live well just like the rest of us," Williams told Zootoo Pet News on Monday.
With all kinds, sizes, and ages of dogs asked to strut their stuff, a 7-year-old Samoyed was more than happy to oblige at last weekend casting's call.
"Visa was in her element as far as coming down the red carpet, because she is truly a princess," said owner Judy Davis, of Gardnerville, Nevada.
Even with more than 500 applicants so far, and thousands more expected to stream in, Davis feels her "fur baby" is going to be the next canine celebrity.
"She looked like an elegant princess," Davis said of Visa's "catwalk" performance. "You can put a crown on her. She is a beautiful dog and she knows it -- she would be a great 'spokesFURperson.' "
Yet, it is going to take more than her owner's opinion to secure the gig, as Visa -- or any other starry eyed pooch -- will have to gain enough public votes on DogPedicContest.com to prove their star power. Submissions are being accepted until Dec. 31, and the top 10 finalists will be announced on Jan. 16, 2011.
Voting will be open until Feb. 5, 2011.
Then, just in time for Valentine's Day 2011, one lucky dog will become America's next canine sweetheart.
But in Williams' eyes, every dog deserves to sleep like a sweetheart.
"It is important for dogs to get the proper support to ensure a good night’s sleep and that’s exactly what DogPedic memory foam bedding does,” Williams said of the orthopedic sleep system, specially made with a combination of memory foam and support foam.
In addition to a "good night's sleep," the bedding helps pets suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or morning muscle stiffness by supporting an animal's weight evenly to relieve pressure on joints.
Manufactured in Fairfield, NJ, the DogPedic comes with a zippered, machine-washable cover and the waterproof liner keeps stains and odors from penetrating into the mattress, which ranges from $39 to $59.
For more information about entering your dog into the contest, visit DogPedicContest.com.
resource: http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/montelwilliamswantstoknowisyou-1525
ABC News
The following recalls have been announced:
— Nature's Variety is recalling one lot of Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats because the products could be contaminated with salmonella. Contaminated pet food can infect animals as well as people who have not handled the products properly. The company received one customer complaint linked to a lot not affected by the recall. There have been no reported pet or human illnesses linked to the recalled lot, according to the Lincoln, Neb., company. The recall involves different forms, including chicken medallions, patties and chubs, with a "best if used by" date of Nov. 10, 2010.
The affected products are limited to the Nature’s Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet packaged in the following forms:
3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
Reed Howlett, Nature’s Variety CEO, stated, "Because pet health and safety are our top priority, Nature’s Variety takes every step necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products. In addition to our industry best manufacturing practices, and in an abundance of caution, all Nature’s Variety raw frozen products now will undergo a ‘test and hold’ period before being released for sale."
Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Safe Handling Guidelines published on the Nature’s Variety package when disposing of the affected product. People handling raw frozen pet foods may become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not followed the safe handling guidelines set forth by the company.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the affected product should contact their health care provider.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The products were distributed in retail stores and online in the U.S. and in Canada. Consumers with additional questions can call our dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142. Or, consumers can email Nature’s Variety directly by visiting naturesvariety.com
This story really touched my heart....
Meet Oscar, the cat who knows too much...
Posted by THAI-PANDA on Saturday, February 6, 2010
Sixth sense: Oscar, who lives in a nursing home, can sense when a patient is about to die and waits with them in their final hours
When a nursing home doctor heard that the resident tabby could sense when a patient was about to die, he was sceptical. But a series of spooky events convinced him the cat might really have special powers.David Dosa is a doctor at Steere House Nursing Home, where patients have Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's, or are terminally ill.
One of the home's pets, a cat named Oscar, is special. Dr Dosa believes the tabby can predict the death of patients, seeking them out and remaining with them in their final hours. Here, he explains how Oscar challenged everything he learned at medical school.
Cats may have nine lives, but we only have one, and we're all terrified to talk about the ending of it.
Many of my residents have forgotten almost everything they have ever learned over their lifetimes. They seldom remember the names of their children or the year they were married.
Yet they seem to like having pets around. Their love of animals, like their love of babies and music, is one of the last things to go. Perhaps animals provide a connection to the person that they used to be - they are like a bridge back to the world.
Oscar was adopted from an animal shelter when he was a kitten, to join the menagerie of pets that we have living at Steere House.
When I met him for the first time, he wasn't friendly with me and he wasn't chummy with any of the patients either. He was the type of cat that would hide under the bed or stare out of the window all day long.
But then, about six months after his arrival, Oscar's aloof behaviour changed. He started to make house calls to fellow residents.
I'd like to say that I was the first one to notice Oscar's peculiar abilities, but I wasn't. It was a summer morning in 2006, when Mary Miranda, the day-shift nurse, called me over. 'David,' she said, 'I'd like to show you something in room 310.'
As we walked down the hall, Mary told me a little about Lilia Davis, who lived in room 310. She was about 80 and had colon cancer that had spread everywhere. Given her severe dementia, her family had decided not to treat it.
As we walked in the room, we found Mrs Davis lying on her back, her eyes closed, her breathing shallow. Mary pointed to the base of the bed. 'Take a look,' she said.
As I approached, the head of a black-and-white tabby cat slowly rose up from beneath the sheets. Moving caused the bell on his collar to jingle slightly. The cat's ears perked up and he glanced at me with questioning eyes. Then, with a look of resignation, he rested his head back on his front paws and purred softly while he nestled against Mrs Davis's right leg.
'You brought me in here to see a cat?' I said.
'I know this is weird, David,' said Mary, 'but the thing is, Oscar never spends any time with the patients. He usually goes off and hides, mostly in my office. Lately, though, a couple of us have noticed that he's spending more time with certain residents - patients who are about to die.'
Now I'd heard everything. Mary continued, 'You know, Oscar wandered into another patient's room right before she died yesterday.'
'Don't get me wrong,' I told Mary. 'I love the concept of an animal sitting with me as I die. Maybe he likes the patients who are dying because they don't give him any trouble.'
I left the hospital and drove across town to my outpatient clinic. On my way there my phone rang. It was Mary. 'Mrs Davis died a few minutes after you left,' she said.
It had been less than an hour since I was standing in her room, watching her breathe
No longer doubtful: Dr David Dosa, who has written a book about Oscar
I tried to tell Mary not to make too much of that cat business - that Mrs Davis was going to die soon anyway.
'But it's happening every time someone dies,' said Mary. 'Even some of the residents' families are talking about it.' She was quiet for a moment. 'David, I really think the cat knows.'
I put Oscar out of my mind for the next few months, until I received a phone call one day from Mary.
'I wanted to let you know that Ellen Sanders has passed away. Oscar was there at the bedside, just like all the others. He's made about five or six visits since Mrs Davis died.'
While Ellen Sanders' death was not surprising, the timing of it was rather unexpected. She had given no indication that she was terminally ill. Other than her dementia, she was a poster child for good health. But while none of the medical staff, myself included, thought she was even sick, let alone close to death, that cat sensed something else.
I asked Mary, 'When did you first start to question what Oscar was doing?'
Mary replied, 'Some of the aides started to talk about the cat always being there when patients died.
As I remember it, I suspect Oscar's first patient was Marion McCullough. Her son, Jack, used to bring Oscar into the room with him because his mother loved cats.
Oscar wouldn't stay very long, but as she got sicker, he would stay longer. On the day Marion died, Oscar jumped on to her bed and sat down beside her.
'But the thing that finally made me a believer was a death that occurred several months later. By then, a number of people were beginning to talk about Oscar.
Ralph Reynolds was dying, and we were trying to do everything that we could to make him as comfortable as possible. We believed that he was close to death and one of the aides put Oscar on the bed and announced to us that if the patient were dying, Oscar should be present.
Oscar looked at all of us as if we were mad and ran out of the room.
'Ralph hung on for another 36 hours. But, sure enough, just four hours before he finally passed away, we found Oscar, pacing up and down outside his closed door.
When we opened the door, he dashed straight for the bed and leapt up next to Ralph. He curled up there and refused to budge. A few hours later, Ralph was gone. Oscar didn't leave his side until the funeral director came.'
I thought for a moment, 'When you consider it from a scientific point of view, it's easy to shrug off suggestions that a cat can predict death. Maybe he just likes to hang out with dying people because they don't move much. Most cats sleep two-thirds of the day anyway, so chances are a cat is going to be found on a warm bed somewhere.'
However, in truth, I felt I had to get closer to the heart of this mystery. I decided to talk to families of the patients who had died on Oscar's watch.
Jack McCullough's mother, Marion, had passed away in November 2005. 'When Oscar was just a kitten,' recalled Jack, 'I used to bring him into my mother's room and put him on the bed. He would stay with her for a minute or two and then he would leave.
'During the last week, when my mother had fallen into unconsciousness, Oscar would come into the room, look around or jump on to the bed for a moment and then leave. However, on the night my mother died, I went to her room and saw Oscar lying on her bed. Two hours later, my mother took her last breath.
'Oscar never moved until she died. Then, he got up casually, as if nothing had happened, and left the room.'
Lawrence Scheer was also accompanied by Oscar when he died after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's.
'We thought that Oscar had missed the boat with my father,' said his son, Robin, 'because we hadn't seen him.
'To pass the time, my mother and I went looking for him and found him in another unit sitting with a patient. He looked really anxious. A little while later, Oscar suddenly raced into my father's room.
'It was only later that we learned that the patient in the other unit was dying. Oscar stayed with that patient until he was gone, then he raced over and came to my dad. A few hours later, my father died.'
So how does Oscar know?
There is a plausible biological explanation for the so-called 'sweet smell of death'. As cells die, carbohydrates are degraded into many different oxygenated compounds, including various types of ketones - chemical mixtures known for their fragrant aroma.
Could it be, perhaps, that Oscar simply smells an elevated level of a chemical compound released prior to someone's death? It is certainly clear that animals have a refined sense of smell that goes well beyond that of humans.
It has been suggested that dogs could be trained to identify microscopic quantities of certain biochemicals excreted by cancer cells on the breaths of lung and breast cancer patients. Is it outlandish to suggest that Oscar has learned how to pick up on a specific smell emitted in the final hours of a patient's life?
Oscar's peculiar ability appears to be as real as it is mysterious, and he continues to hold vigils over departing patients.
Science has taken us a long way in our profession, but we still just scratch the surface. The rest remains a mystery. Maybe some people just know when their time has come. Some cats, too.
How to Acclimate a Shy Kitty to New People, Places and Things
shy cat
Google.com images, lolkatz.com
Cats are sometimes shy by nature. Adopted cats can be timid. This article will help you turn a shy kitty into a cuddly cat. Here's what has worked at our house to acclimate a shy kitty to new people: Knowing when to show affection to the cat. Knowing how to pet her if she is shy. Using a soft baby-talk "puss puss" voice when speaking to the cat. And, having several comforting rituals in the home.
Things You'll Need:
a shy kitty
cat comfort spray
patience
safe haven for cat
cat brush
Nutri-cal gel ~optional
Greenies cat treats ~optional
feeding schedule
a "puss puss voice"
your pointer finger
bells & feathers on a stick, cat toy
Step 1
big man, small cat
Use your "puss puss voice" when speaking to your shy kitty. It's similar to baby talk. Speak softly, in a high tone and use sweet words: "That's a goooood kitty, puss puss puss". Ask friends and house guests to use a puss puss voice. Loud, low voices tend to scare a shy kitty. It's fun to hear a 300+ pound lumberjack of a man go along with this. LOL It does work, try it. Give it time.
Step 2
good smells
Schedule feeding times. Measure food so half the food is doled out, twice a day. Wash & dry your hands. Get your fingers into the food and then put it down for the cat. I learned this tip from Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer. He puts his scent on the dogs' food to bond dog to people and it can work with cats too. Putting a T-shirt you've worn to bed into the cat's bed so they are comforted by your scent can work also.
Step 3
comfort the cat
Spray the areas you want your cat to be comfortable in with one or two mists of cat comfort spray. Mist once every 24-48 hours. It has scented hormones it in that naturally relax a feline. Use it on your favorite easy chair or the sofa guests will be sitting on when they visit. Use comfort spray when cat comes home from a shelter, after a move to a new house and mist the blanket inside kitty carrier before going to the Vet.
Step 4
ouch!
Cats have long memories. Avoid a 7 year old niece or nephew pulling cat's tail so she never trusts him again. Teach children to be kind to your kitty. Ask them not to pick her up. Tell them to sit still and wait for the cat to come to them and to be gentle. Explain that the cat's tail is not a toy, don't close doors or step on it either, please.
Step 5
safe haven
Safe haven. A small kitty condo or cat bed can be designated the cat's "safe haven". Cats are very smart. If no human EVER touches her when she is on that bed or condo, she will not leave it even if 20 noisy kids come stomping in after Little League baseball practice, etc. The trick here is to never ever let anyone touch the cat on her safe haven.
Step 6
the dreaded vacuum
The vacuum. Cats generally shy away from the running vacuum cleaner. Some cats are terrified of it. Although no one has ever chased them with it or ran over their tail, they just fear it. The best way to deal with the vacuum is to let a scared kitty hide and coax her out afterwards when you're done.
Step 7
Smoking. Many cats run away from a lit cigarette. If you allow smoking in your house or are having a party and smoking is permitted, your cat may be very shy or hide. Might as well spare her the second-hand smoke and let her hide or ask guests to smoke on the patio outside.
Step 8
bonding
Use a pointer finger to entice a shy cat closer to any person. Use a healthy treat such as "Greenies" teeth cleaning treats or a dab of Nutri-cal vitamin gel. Get down low on the floor or kneel down to cat's level. Hold out one pointer finger (with treat on it or not) and let cat sniff. This is how they check out new people and things. Let cats' natural curiosity melt shyness away. Often they will rub their mouth and head into your hand after sniffing and *viola*! Gently pet cat.
Step 9
entice cat
Pet a cat without spooking her. Sit down in sunny spot or easy chair. Jingle a bells & feathers on a stick cat toy. Once the cat is in close proximity and is interested in the toy, put it away. Read a book or Sunday newspaper, remaining still. Wait for cat to climb into your lap. Kitty will curl up, sleep, allow petting and purr; after a few tries. This is especially helpful for bonding a shy cat to a young child because the child stays seated. Once cozy on the lap, brush kitty with a soft baby brush to really bliss her out. Purr purr purr!!
Hill’s noted that the program uses the body fat index (BFI) scoring system, what the company says is the next evolution of the body condition score (BCS). The BFI emphasizes body fat percentage over the BCS to determine the severity of a dog’s weight program.
Assuming your cat has a clean bill of health from the veterinarian, a feline exercise program can benefit any cat, regardless of weight condition. Try these cat exercises:
