It’s a change of seasons and many of us who garden are salvaging plants to bring indoors. The soil smells warm and the plants look lovely as we pot them, feed them and get them ready for several months of indoor living. But there may be danger lurking among those green leaves. The ASPCA’s garden gurus set the record straight on some of the season’s most poisonous best-sellers and the danger to our pets:
• Although most common in springtime but sold year-round, lilies—including stargazer, tiger and Easter lilies—are pretty on the outside but wreak havoc on the insides of our kitty companions. “Even with very small ingestions, severe kidney damage can result,” according to Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist & ASPCA Senior Vice President.
• English ivy creeps its way into our hearts, but its precious vines contain triterpenoid saponins, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea if eaten by dogs and cats.
• Two of the hottest plants to hit office cubicles across the country are peace lily and pothos. Both are hearty and tolerate a fair amount of neglect, but for cats and dogs, they can cause irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue (peace lily) and swelling of the GI tract (pothos).
• Oleander, a pretty shrub used as an ornamental plant in warmer regions, can also be cultivated indoors in cooler climes. One of the most poisonous plants to pets and people, it can lead to GI irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.
• Don’t forget the Poinsettia which is a holiday favorite as well, keep it well above where any of your puppy pals can reach it, and for those with cats, I would keep it outdoors!
Bottom line - always think about preventive steps regardless if it is a plant, food, or a change in temperature that could affect your pets.
Pet Care with Stabilized Oxygen Proven Safe and Effective
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Tight Budget? Economize on pet care cost!
1. Take care of some pet needs yourself. For instance, brush your pet's teeth regularly and avoid dental-cleaning visits.
2. Trim your pet’s claws/nails yourself. If you ask your vet to do it, the cost adds up and it’s really easy to do during your regular grooming. The regular grooming helps anyway – including reducing hairballs (my favorite) and loose hair around your home.
3. Clean your pet’s ears if they are prone to infection. I have a small dog with long ears and he was prone to ear infections. A few moments with the vet gave me the information I needed to keep them clean and it’s sure a lot cheaper.
4. Check with your vet to see which annual vaccinations you really need. Guidelines on this have changed to recommend some every three years instead of annually. Not only will it prevent over-vaccination, but it helps save on the budget as well.
5. Shop around for meds and supplies. Call your local pharmacy or look online for lower prices. Pharmacies fill prescriptions for millions of animals every year. When comparing prices, be sure the quantity and dosage are the same.
6. Comparison shop for vet services. Fees are usually competitive on a local level – so ask about service charges before making an appointment. It doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality – just make sure you compare the same services.
7. Shop around for pet supplies. Use the weekly specials page to plan trips to the pet store. That means comparing a local grocer with brand name pet stores or online alternatives. You may find bulk sizes that are cheaper, but it’ll mean having a place to store larger containers.
8. Your dog doesn’t care about fashion. Special pet clothes, fancy bags and unusual beds are a complete luxury – and your pets don’t care. Some 80% of us buy gifts for our pets, but a better idea may be simply taking a walk with them.
9. Regular care can help avoid emergency clinics. Prices at emergency clinics or hospitals are usually higher than at your regular vet. If it's an emergency, you’ll have to go. But if it's between 8 and 5, give your regular vet a call to ask for advice or for your pet to be seen.
10. Think about the cost before adopting another pet. Regular costs will increase and you don’t get economies of scale with more pets. Big-ticket items like food and vet care are things every pet needs, so they’ll increase your overall costs.
11. Don't buy the cheapest food. Higher-quality food may help keep your pet healthier, but it doesn’t have to be the most expensive. Today, some pet owners are opting to feed some food prepared at home. If that is your choice, remember to research ingredients and needs of your pets before eliminating commercially prepared pet food. And DO read all labels – so you’ll know exactly what you’re feeding them.
12. Don't overfeed. Feeding your pet the right amount will save on food costs since it represents about 40% of the total cost of caring for a pet. Feeding the appropriate amount also reduces the chances of obesity-related illnesses.
13. Spay or neuter your pet. Neutered pets have fewer health problems like prostate or ovarian cancer as they age. They’re also less likely to roam so they're not as likely to get hit by a car.
2. Trim your pet’s claws/nails yourself. If you ask your vet to do it, the cost adds up and it’s really easy to do during your regular grooming. The regular grooming helps anyway – including reducing hairballs (my favorite) and loose hair around your home.
3. Clean your pet’s ears if they are prone to infection. I have a small dog with long ears and he was prone to ear infections. A few moments with the vet gave me the information I needed to keep them clean and it’s sure a lot cheaper.
4. Check with your vet to see which annual vaccinations you really need. Guidelines on this have changed to recommend some every three years instead of annually. Not only will it prevent over-vaccination, but it helps save on the budget as well.
5. Shop around for meds and supplies. Call your local pharmacy or look online for lower prices. Pharmacies fill prescriptions for millions of animals every year. When comparing prices, be sure the quantity and dosage are the same.
6. Comparison shop for vet services. Fees are usually competitive on a local level – so ask about service charges before making an appointment. It doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality – just make sure you compare the same services.
7. Shop around for pet supplies. Use the weekly specials page to plan trips to the pet store. That means comparing a local grocer with brand name pet stores or online alternatives. You may find bulk sizes that are cheaper, but it’ll mean having a place to store larger containers.
8. Your dog doesn’t care about fashion. Special pet clothes, fancy bags and unusual beds are a complete luxury – and your pets don’t care. Some 80% of us buy gifts for our pets, but a better idea may be simply taking a walk with them.
9. Regular care can help avoid emergency clinics. Prices at emergency clinics or hospitals are usually higher than at your regular vet. If it's an emergency, you’ll have to go. But if it's between 8 and 5, give your regular vet a call to ask for advice or for your pet to be seen.
10. Think about the cost before adopting another pet. Regular costs will increase and you don’t get economies of scale with more pets. Big-ticket items like food and vet care are things every pet needs, so they’ll increase your overall costs.
11. Don't buy the cheapest food. Higher-quality food may help keep your pet healthier, but it doesn’t have to be the most expensive. Today, some pet owners are opting to feed some food prepared at home. If that is your choice, remember to research ingredients and needs of your pets before eliminating commercially prepared pet food. And DO read all labels – so you’ll know exactly what you’re feeding them.
12. Don't overfeed. Feeding your pet the right amount will save on food costs since it represents about 40% of the total cost of caring for a pet. Feeding the appropriate amount also reduces the chances of obesity-related illnesses.
13. Spay or neuter your pet. Neutered pets have fewer health problems like prostate or ovarian cancer as they age. They’re also less likely to roam so they're not as likely to get hit by a car.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Recipe for home made dog food
I've had a number of questions about safe food and how I make sure the food I am feeding to my four footed canine friends is safe - especially after the disaster with pet food over the past months. Here's a recipe that I got from a good friend in the middle of my efforts to remove all tainted or potentially dangerous food from my shelves. (No more 'parts and strange ingredients) It's easy and quick to prepare in advance. Give me some feedback if you try it.
INGREDIENTS
3 pounds minced chicken meat or ground hamburger
2 1/2 cups frozen vegetable blend (no garlic or onions), minced
4 cups rice
6 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup olive oil
DIRECTIONS
Place chicken, vegetables, and rice into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Stir in water until the mixture is smooth. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes. Add oil. Cool completely before serving; store covered in the refrigerator.
I also add a couple tablespoons of cottage cheese right before I serve it, for the calcium. Some people add bone meal for the same reason.
INGREDIENTS
3 pounds minced chicken meat or ground hamburger
2 1/2 cups frozen vegetable blend (no garlic or onions), minced
4 cups rice
6 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup olive oil
DIRECTIONS
Place chicken, vegetables, and rice into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Stir in water until the mixture is smooth. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes. Add oil. Cool completely before serving; store covered in the refrigerator.
I also add a couple tablespoons of cottage cheese right before I serve it, for the calcium. Some people add bone meal for the same reason.
Monday, September 8, 2008
How do you keep your pet safe & fit?
And what products should you choose?
Exercise and healthy choices are as important for your pet as they are for you and your other members.
Daily exercise is important for us, so just assume the same is true for you four footed companions. But the type of daily activity depends on your pet. Dogs and cats clearly require a different level and type of activity.
Larger animals demand a level of exercise that is more intense than a smaller animal. If your dog is over weight, you’ll need to introduce daily activity to build their stamina gradually so they are not stressed beyond a safe level. Your local vet can provide guidelines if you need them.
What about the potential for injury? Well, introducing strenuous activity too quickly, over heating during hot weather, dehydration, bug bites and sore feet, are all possible with active pets. Be sure to keep a small “pet first aid kit” handy. The kit should contain:
• A good quality sanitizing spray or foam to clean a bite, cut or scratch
• An anti-inflammatory spray or gel to immediately begin to relieve pain and cool the injury
• A roll of gauze
• Small sanitary squares to clean and pack a wound
• A topical wrap like VetWrap to hold a bandage in place.
My choice for my own kit is to add the organic pet by Chaé wound and pain management products to handle cleansing and anti-inflammatory products. They’re made with stabilized oxygen and proven not only safe, but highly effective at eliminating pathogens, viruses, etc. in 15-20 minutes. Since that’s all the time I usually have when my dog is injured, it makes me feel prepared and confident the wound will be treated appropriately.
And don’t forget that mental exercises in your yard or in the house can help your pet become relaxed and comfortable with your absence. Separation anxiety or simple loneliness while you are away is not unusual. Dogs, specifically, can become bored or anxious and resort to destructive behavior. This might exhibit itself in behavior such as destroying furniture, carpet, plants, even shoes and their own toys.
Watch for your pet’s reaction to weather extremes – too hot or too cold. Dogs don’t have efficient ways to cool their bodies, so you’ll need to provide water and shade. Most animals can overheat, but their reactions may be unique, so you’ll need to be tuned in to your pet. When the cold weather arrives for winter, your pets’ feet will be at risk if they are left out of doors too long. If it’s too cold for you to be outdoors longer than 30 minutes without a warm coat, it may be too cold for your dog as well. Dogs can suffer frostbite on the pads of their feet very easily in cold weather.
Some of the animals most susceptible to overheating are:
• Overweight animals
• Pets with cardiovascular or respiratory problems
• Breeds with heavy coats
• Animals with a pre-existing history of heat stress
• Arctic breeds of dogs
• Very young or very old animals
• Cats or dogs with short noses
• Animals with long hair
Remember that any animal can suffer from heat stress – dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits, etc. Don’t leave an animal in an auto in the heat. Temperatures climb rapidly and can lead to death or serious illness. Here are the signs of heat stress you’ll want to know about and look for in your pet:
• Changes in behavior – like anxiety
• Excessive panting
• Vomiting
• Elevated temperatures
• Hot, dry skin
• Pale gums
• Glazed, listless eyes
• Rapid pulse
• Unsteady, staggering gait
• Deep red or purple tongue
So, if you see any of the above indicators, what will help your pets?
• Get them into the shade
• Apply cool water to their body
• Wrap them in cool towels
• Call your vet/Seek veterinary care as soon as possible
• Give them small amounts of water
Finally, just remember not to panic. Just as children can become ill from too much time in the sun, so can your pets. If your pet has become a victim of too much heat and sun, use your common sense and get them immediate help from your vet.
About the Author: Molly Heart is a passionate mom to her own dogs and cats and is passionate about using healthy, organic products for her animals. She is a researcher in her professional life and has applied those skills to finding and testing products for wounds, grooming, care and feeding her animals.
Copyright ©2008
Reprint rights granted. Please publish in total along with the link to this blog http://furmoms.blogspot.com/
Exercise and healthy choices are as important for your pet as they are for you and your other members.
Daily exercise is important for us, so just assume the same is true for you four footed companions. But the type of daily activity depends on your pet. Dogs and cats clearly require a different level and type of activity.
Larger animals demand a level of exercise that is more intense than a smaller animal. If your dog is over weight, you’ll need to introduce daily activity to build their stamina gradually so they are not stressed beyond a safe level. Your local vet can provide guidelines if you need them.
What about the potential for injury? Well, introducing strenuous activity too quickly, over heating during hot weather, dehydration, bug bites and sore feet, are all possible with active pets. Be sure to keep a small “pet first aid kit” handy. The kit should contain:
• A good quality sanitizing spray or foam to clean a bite, cut or scratch
• An anti-inflammatory spray or gel to immediately begin to relieve pain and cool the injury
• A roll of gauze
• Small sanitary squares to clean and pack a wound
• A topical wrap like VetWrap to hold a bandage in place.
My choice for my own kit is to add the organic pet by Chaé wound and pain management products to handle cleansing and anti-inflammatory products. They’re made with stabilized oxygen and proven not only safe, but highly effective at eliminating pathogens, viruses, etc. in 15-20 minutes. Since that’s all the time I usually have when my dog is injured, it makes me feel prepared and confident the wound will be treated appropriately.
And don’t forget that mental exercises in your yard or in the house can help your pet become relaxed and comfortable with your absence. Separation anxiety or simple loneliness while you are away is not unusual. Dogs, specifically, can become bored or anxious and resort to destructive behavior. This might exhibit itself in behavior such as destroying furniture, carpet, plants, even shoes and their own toys.
Watch for your pet’s reaction to weather extremes – too hot or too cold. Dogs don’t have efficient ways to cool their bodies, so you’ll need to provide water and shade. Most animals can overheat, but their reactions may be unique, so you’ll need to be tuned in to your pet. When the cold weather arrives for winter, your pets’ feet will be at risk if they are left out of doors too long. If it’s too cold for you to be outdoors longer than 30 minutes without a warm coat, it may be too cold for your dog as well. Dogs can suffer frostbite on the pads of their feet very easily in cold weather.
Some of the animals most susceptible to overheating are:
• Overweight animals
• Pets with cardiovascular or respiratory problems
• Breeds with heavy coats
• Animals with a pre-existing history of heat stress
• Arctic breeds of dogs
• Very young or very old animals
• Cats or dogs with short noses
• Animals with long hair
Remember that any animal can suffer from heat stress – dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits, etc. Don’t leave an animal in an auto in the heat. Temperatures climb rapidly and can lead to death or serious illness. Here are the signs of heat stress you’ll want to know about and look for in your pet:
• Changes in behavior – like anxiety
• Excessive panting
• Vomiting
• Elevated temperatures
• Hot, dry skin
• Pale gums
• Glazed, listless eyes
• Rapid pulse
• Unsteady, staggering gait
• Deep red or purple tongue
So, if you see any of the above indicators, what will help your pets?
• Get them into the shade
• Apply cool water to their body
• Wrap them in cool towels
• Call your vet/Seek veterinary care as soon as possible
• Give them small amounts of water
Finally, just remember not to panic. Just as children can become ill from too much time in the sun, so can your pets. If your pet has become a victim of too much heat and sun, use your common sense and get them immediate help from your vet.
About the Author: Molly Heart is a passionate mom to her own dogs and cats and is passionate about using healthy, organic products for her animals. She is a researcher in her professional life and has applied those skills to finding and testing products for wounds, grooming, care and feeding her animals.
Copyright ©2008
Reprint rights granted. Please publish in total along with the link to this blog http://furmoms.blogspot.com/
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