Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season

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The holiday season is filled with family, friends and parties, but don't forget about your pets. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your animals safe and happy this holiday season.

• Keep Pets Away from the Christmas Tree. Decorations, pine needles and tree water can all be hazard to the animal in your house. Place the tree out of reach from animals or set up a barrier around the tree so the animal can not get to it. When leaving the house for an extended period of time, try to shut the animal out of the room where the Christmas tree is displayed.
  • Tree water may be stagnant and full of bacteria or contain fertilizers that can cause an upset stomach, so keep an eye out to make sure cats and dogs don’t drink from the tree base.
  • Decorations: Avoid tinsel that can be nibbled and swallowed, which could lead to obstructed organs. Keep glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. Shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and paws and be even more harmful to the lining of the stomach if swallowed.

• Keep Pets Away from Holiday Plants and Other Decorations. Poinsettia plants, holly and mistletoe are poisonous to animals if they eat them and can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested, so keep them elevated and away from the reach of pets.
  
  • Candles and Menorahs can also prove dangerous. One wrong wag of the tail and an overturned candle could ruin the holidays for sure. Try to keep those items out of your four-legged friend's reach and always keep a watchful eye on tails near fireplaces or candles.
  • Party Favors if play with or chewed could be hazardous to an animal. Be sure to clean up any party decorations or balloons that an animal could easily choke on or shallow.

• Don't Overindulge Your Pet. Giving pets table scrapes or foods they aren't accustom to is not a good idea. It can upset stomachs and bones from the scraps could easily be swallowed. Instead, stick with pet store treats and bones. A new toy to play with is always welcome too.
  • No Alcohol: Never give an animal alcohol. According to ASPCA.org, alcohol can be extremely dangerous and even deadly to an animal. After a party, make sure all empty bottles and glasses have been cleaned up before letting your pet roam the house freely.
  • No Chocolate: No holiday chocolates for your pet or anything sweetened with xylitol.
  • Party Etiquette: During parties, food is often left out at pet level. Try to keep your animal away from the party as much as possible. Paws can be easily stepped on in a crowd and with guests coming and going, pets could easily wander outside without being noticed.

• Burn Off Your Pet's Energy. A long walk is always a good idea before you head out for a long day away from your pet but for an added bonus try a treat scavenger hunt. This is for dog owners with a fenced in yard or outside area where the dog will be safe. Grab a handful of multi-grain Cheerios, which is a cereal with little sugar, and take your pup outside. Give him one or two Cheerios to start and show him the handful. Then toss the Cheerios across the yard, scattering them in different sections. Let your dog try to find those tiny treats and burning off tons of energy. When it's time to come inside your pup will be ready for a much-needed nap and you can attend your party feeling guilt-free.

Fore more ways to keep your animals safe during the holiday season check out ASPCA.org.

www.angellscafe.com

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Dog Owners

There's enough for people to worry about at Thanksgiving. "Oh no, not Aunt Edna's greasy gravy." "My brother's bragging is going to drive me to drink." "I can't believe I ate the whole thing." But we can't just think of ourselves over this food-focused holiday: We have to look after our best friends, too.

Dogs enjoy the revelry at least as much as humans, with bits of this and that dropping on the floor, and delectable smells wafting around the house. But Thanksgiving mustn't be a free-for-all. Just because we try to pack away all we can doesn't mean our dogs should. And there are certain items your dog really needs to avoid.

"Veterinarians experience an increased number of office calls due to digestive problems after the holidays because humans invite their animals to celebrate with high fat meals (ham, gravy, turkey skin), chocolates, bones , etc.," warns Casandria Smith, L.A. Animal Services Chief Veterinarian, in a PetFinder article.

Here are some tips that will help your dog get through Thanksgiving safely and with a smile on her snout.

Stuff Your Turkey, Not Your Dog

It's easy to want to give your dog a big fat bowl of turkey, mashed potatoes, and whatever else you think she might enjoy. But that's a bad idea. Overindulging in fatty foods can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, or a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis. A few strips of turkey on a dog's normal food is fine, but don't overdo it, no matter how she may plead with her "I'm STARVING" eyes. Keep in mind that turkey skin can wreak havoc with a dog's digestive system, so make sure she gets skinless, boneless turkey.

Stuff Your Dog's Kong, Not Your Dog

Here's a great way to keep your dog busy and happy during your meal. Put a bit of your dog's regular food in a Kong, and then stuff a little boneless turkey, sweet potatoes, gravy - just a tad, mind you - in the Kong. It's not much food, but it will keep him occupied for a long time.

Get Her Pooped

A dog who has been on a big walk or fetched the ball a zillion times will be much more likely to run out of energy during the feast than a dog who's been inside all day. A tired dog is a good dog on Thanksgiving. Make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise before the festivities begin.

Make No Bones About It

Cooked turkey bones can be a danger to your dog. They're sharp, and potentially very dangerous. You may not know a dog has a turkey bone lodged in your dog's digestive system for days. Don't leave plates with bones lying around. Ditto for the turkey carcass. Hungry dogs have been known to run off with the remains of a carved turkey. It can happen in the blink of an eye. You notice the turkey is gone. You notice the dog is gone. With luck, you find their hiding place before anything happens. Put plates in an unreachable area if you can't dispose of everything properly right away.

Know This Sage Wisdom

Sage and some other herbs have essential oils that can cause tummy upset and central nervous system depression if a dog eats them in large quantities. Most dogs aren't going to nosh on a fistful of sage, but keep herbs out of reach just in case. See: Poisonous Plants and Foods for Dogs.

Don't Cry Over Onions

Onions are toxic to dogs. They can lead to a dangerous form of anemia that may not be detected for days. Make sure your dog stays away from the pearly whites, and yellows, and reds. See: Poisonous Plants and Foods for Dogs.

Don't Give Her the Raw Deal

Unless your dog is already on a raw diet, we wouldn't recommend plopping a piece of raw turkey in her bowl (the change from her regular food might cause an upset stomach). But more importantly, keep your pup away from the uncooked dough for bread or rolls. What helps make dough rise? Heat. If a dog eats raw dough, what's it like for the dough in the dog's stomach? Warm. The dough rises in the dog's stomach, and if the dog has eaten enough, the swollen dough can cause pain, vomiting, and bloating -- conditions that can send you to the doggy ER on Thanksgiving.

Avoid Yappy Hour

Some dogs seem to enjoy alcoholic drinks. Walk away from your drink that's set on the coffee table, and Lulu may get lit. Dogs and booze are a bad mix. Your dog may not do anything embarrassing she'll regret in the morning, but she could become disoriented and quite ill. Too much alcohol can even lead to a coma, and death. Watch where you - and others - put their drinks, especially if you have a curious pup.

By following a few basic tips, your dog will enjoy a fun, safe Thanksgiving. Now if only you could avoid Aunt Edna's gravy ...

http://www.dogster.com/dog-food/thanksgiving-safety-tips-for-dog-owners

My Dog Has a Cold

Dogs can catch colds just like people. Help keep your dog healthy by learning how to spot signs of a respiratory infection and how to treat it before the illness has a chance to develop into something serious.

Signs Your Dog May Have a Cold

At its simplest, a cold is an upper respiratory infection, and it produces the following symptoms:

• Nasal congestion and discharge
• A little difficulty breathing through the nose
• Occasional coughing
• Mild fever
• Runny eyes
• Sneezing
• General lethargy
• Loss of appetite

While these symptoms can make your dog relatively uncomfortable, they're not severe. Most dogs will get over a simple cold within about a week without any treatment as long as they are kept warm and hydrated.

How to Treat a Cold at Home

Whether you're dealing with dogs or people, there's still no cure for the common cold. However, you can provide some supportive measures to make your dog feel more comfortable during the duration of his or her cold.

• Keep your dog warm and dry.
• Limit time spent outside during cold weather. Cold air tends to make the bronchial tubes constrict; this makes it more difficult for your dog to breathe.
• Provide extra nutrition like boiled chicken and brown rice to coax your dog to eat. This will keep his or her strength up and provide immune system support.
• Run a cool mist vaporizer near your dog's sleeping area to help keep the bronchial tubes moistened.
• Encourage your dog to drink liquids, even if you have to tempt your pet with low sodium chicken broth. This will help keep nasal secretions thin and less likely to clog your dog's nose.

You can administer children's cold medicine as long as the type and dosage are approved by your veterinarian. This won't cure your dog's cold, but it may help ease the symptoms and make him or her more comfortable.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

The first step in deciding whether your dog needs medical care lies in recognizing his or her symptoms. Once you've determined that your dog may have a cold, you must decide whether or not it's worth a trip to the vet. Although some respiratory infections do get better without medical intervention, as a layperson, it's difficult to judge just how severe your dog's illness really is.

The general rule of thumb is that puppies and senior dogs should both be examined by a vet any time they have cold-like symptoms. This is because their immune systems are usually weaker than those of healthy adult pets, and a cold is more likely to progress into pneumonia. With that said, many owners prefer to err on the side of caution and take all sick dogs to the vet for a professional opinion.

• The symptoms become more intense.
• The dog develops a rattle in its chest.
• The dog is in obvious discomfort.
• The dog stops drinking liquid.

In many cases, a vet will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the illness. While it's true that antibiotics are not effective against viruses, these medications can destroy invading, opportunistic bacteria that make a dog even sicker while its immune system is fighting off the original virus.

Illnesses Disguised as Colds

Sometimes, what appear to be symptoms of a common cold can actually be attributed to a variety of respiratory infections caused by canine-specific viruses and bacteria. Some of these infections simply have to run their course until your dog is well again. Others can develop into serious illnesses if allowed to progress unchecked. Take a look at some of the most common illnesses that produce symptoms similar to the common cold.

Parainfluenza

The parainfluenza virus is one the most common and most contagious purveyors of cold-type illnesses in dogs. That's why combination vaccines include an inoculation against it. The infection is characterized by a chronic cough.

Adenovirus Type-2

Canine adenovirus type-2 is a major cause of common kennel cough, and it produces symptoms that are often mistaken as signs of a run-of-the-mill dog cold. Although this virus is included in combination vaccines, it's not possible to completely protect a dog from contracting the illness. However, an inoculation will go a long way in lessening the severity of the virus if your pet happens to contract it.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough, frequently caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, is another illness that presents cold-like symptoms in dogs. Canines with kennel cough are most notably affected with a rasping cough that often brings up phlegm. Secondary symptoms include discharge from the nasal passages and eyes.

In many cases, kennel cough will resolve itself on its own as a dog's immune system attacks and overcomes the invading bacteria. However, if the animal's immune system isn't strong enough to overcome the infection, it can progress into pneumonia. Parainfluenza and adenovirus can cause kennel cough.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a systemic and highly contagious disease. It is one of the viruses dogs are routinely vaccinated against. The virus is easily spread via the fine vapor in an infected dog's exhale. Distemper is a serious illness that is often fatal. The virus can remain viable in the environment for up to one year. Once a dog contracts this virus, the organism begins to chip away at white cells leaving that dog open to other opportunistic infections such as the diseases mentioned above.

Take All Colds Seriously

Keep in mind that a cold is seldom as simple as it seems. Take the condition seriously and provide your pet with veterinary care if you believe it's warranted. Doing so can keep your dog's cold symptoms from developing into a life threatening respiratory infection.

By Kelly Roper

Dog Breeder and Exhibitor

http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/My_Dog_Has_a_Cold

Road Trip Safety For Your Pets

Sixty-one percent of pet owners travel with their four-footed family members--and no wonder, because road trips are an affordable, convenient way to keep your canine (or kitty) with the pack and out of pricey kennels. Follow this advice to help your pet stay healthy and happy the whole time.

RELATED: If Your Pet is Staying Home Instead

Before You Go...

See the Veterinarian
Your pet may need updated vaccines, depending on the destination, says Gregg Takashima, DVM, president of the American Animal Hospital Association. Carry a record with you on the trip.

Make ID Tags
Even microchipped pets should wear a collar and vacation ID that has your cell number and hotel contact info, says Kim Salerno, founder of tripswithpets.com.

RELATED: Pet Trackers to Keep Your Pet Safe

Don't Let Your Shih-Tzu Ride Shotgun
One in five dog owners surveyed by AAA admitted to driving with pets in their laps, which is incredibly dangerous. Dogs should never ride freely--not in the backseat, not in the bed of a pickup, and especially not in the front seat, where the air-bag risk is the greatest. According to Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, Traffic Safety Programs manager at AAA National, an unrestrained 10-pound dog in a car going 50 MPH will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure in a crash.

To keep your pet safe, you have two main options: a crate or a seat-belt harness. "A crate that's secured to the vehicle with tether anchors and engaged child locks is the safest way for your dog to travel," Dr. Takashima says. "Harnesses are also good, but keep your pet away from air bags, which can easily break her neck if deployed." If your pooch isn't acclimated to the method you choose, take him for short trips before your vacation to get him used to his new gear.

In a minivan, SUV, or station wagon: A crate is a smart choice, says Christie Hyde, automotive/driver safety spokesperson for AAA National. Even a divider between the backseat and trunk/cargo area isn't enough to protect your pet in a crash. Make sure the crate is large enough for her to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around--but not so large that she can pace. Place the crate in the back, facing forward (to prevent car sickness). Pick a hard crate for safety and unclip her leash to prevent dangerous tangling.

RELATED: The Ultimate Pet Summer Safety Guide

In a sedan or sporty two-door model: A crate might not fit in the backseat. A seatbelt harness, available at pet stores for about $20, will keep her secure. Look for one with a broad front, lots of padding, sturdy metal hardware, and wide straps that are made of a seatbeltlike material.

Window Warning!
Your dog should never be allowed to stick his head out the window of a moving car. "Debris can be driven into a pet's eyes, nose, and ears--especially at high speeds--causing injuries and pain," says Dr. Takashima. "I've also seen dogs that have jumped out of a 'small crack.'"

http://www.pawnation.com/2012/07/25/road-trip-safety-for-your-pets/#page=1

It's Too Hot for Dogs in the Car!

The second day of record setting heat as summer begins may cause dog owners to think it's a good idea to bring Fido along.
But, the inside of the car heats up quickly, to levels that are dangerous for most dogs.
In a series of experiments, I left my car with a thermometer in it, in various places, in various conditions, to see how quickly it would heat up.
'I just ran into the store to buy one thing'
In the first experiment, I left the car with the windows shut, in a parking lot for an hour. It was 83 degrees outside. Inside the car, it was 108.
'But I parked in the shade'
Second, I parked the car in the shade at Town Hall, with the windows cracked. It was 81 degrees outside. In two minutes, the temperature inside the car had jumped to 86 degrees. In 10 minutes, it had climbed to 90 degrees.
While dogs have higher body temperatures than humans, the only way they can release heat is through their mouths and the pads of their paws.
Like people, different dogs can tolerate different levels of heat. Older dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke, as are dogs with short noses (pugs, Pekingeses, etc.), dogs with dark coats, and of course, dogs with thick coats. Also, dogs who are overweight or in poor general health.
Signs of heat stroke, according to msnbc.com are excessive panting or drooling, very fast breathing, a dark or bright red tongue or gums, staggering, or bloody diarrhea or vomiting.
Animal experts say the smart thing to do is to leave the dog at home, even if you don't have air conditioning. Leave plenty of water, and put on a fan if you have one.
There are other ways to help your pet stay cool at home. You can put ice in your pet's water. If your dogs are at all amenable, you can run a hose over them. The evaporating water will help them feel cool. Likewise, a cool, wet cloth wrapped or draped around their neck will help. You can freeze the bandana or cloth and put it on your dog just before you take him out walking.

Bycarrie jacobson
http://cheshire.patch.com/articles/its-too-hot-for-dogs-in-the-car