Momathon Blog

Teaching Your Dog Manners {The "Focus" Command}

Did you know your dog likes to learn new tricks? Learning to FOCUS is a basic lesson all dogs can learn and once they have mastered the skill you'll be impressed!

You’ve witnessed the pandemonium. With the TV blaring in the background, cell phones ringing, and one of the kids practicing the trombone, no one is going to listen to you until you get their attention first. Teaching your dog to “focus” on you is the first step to training your dog. When your dog learns to FOCUS on you, then you can begin to introduce dog manners including waiting when you open a door or set down their dog bowl. I'll cover the advanced skills of WAIT and STAY in another post.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you start training, grab some training treats. The treats should be on the small size—one-bite size. Dog-training treats are small easy-to-digest treats that come in a variety of flavors. Some brands to check out are: 

• Newman's Own Organics Chicken and Vegetable Dog Training Treats 
• Zukes Mini Naturals Training Treats
• One-bite size kibble—use your dog's favorite dry dog food

I like to keep a dozen or so small training treats in a snack baggie in my pocket so they are always ready when I need them. Just make sure you don't put them in a container so they rattle in your pocket—this often gets your dog overly excited about the treat and not the lesson.

Click on the audio player link below to listen to How to Teach Your Dog to FOCUS:

 > • > • > AUDIO LINK:  Teaching Your Dog to FOCUS

Step-by-step written instructions for how to teach your dog to FOCUS below.

Happy Halloween {Handmade Masks and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds}

So what are you wearing for Halloween? I love animal masks. The fox mask and tiger masks above are from the lovely Etsy shop BHBKidstyle. (I think my dog wears them the best.) My daughter is going to be Little Blue Riding Hood. We had fun shopping for a blue cape and a dress at vintage shops. Our neighbors will be coming over for our annual pizza dinner before trick-or-treating. Should be fun to see the kids all decked out in wild costumes. The older they get the more imaginative they become.

I will be carving a pumpkin today after school. Not sure what design we'll make. But I know we will roast the seeds. Yum! Check out my recipe at the end of the post.

I have tried a variety of pumpkin seed recipes over the years. I prefer the simple recipes that the kids can help out with. Depending on the personalities of your kids, making the recipe and separating all that pumpkin goop from the seeds can be lots of fun.

Whole Foods Market has a recipe that includes boiling the seeds before you roast them. I haven't tried that recipe yet, but I do like the Whole Foods ideas for making spicy pumpkin seeds:

For spicy pumpkin seeds, mix 1/2 teaspoon each garlic salt, cumin, coriander and cardamom with seeds and oil before roasting. 
For sweet pumpkin seeds, mix 1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cloves and ginger and 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar with seeds and oil before roasting.

 

Here is my favorite recipe—just three ingredients. Pretty foolproof :)

Three-Ingredient Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
• 2 teaspoons butter, melted
• 1 pinch salt

(For extra spice, trying adding one of the flavors listed above.)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet with edges so seeds do not fall off. Bake seeds for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Stir occasionally.

Recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups.

 

Image: M IS FOR MASK photo art by me, Chris Olson, and features the masks by the Etsy shop BHBKidstyle. ROASTED PUMPKIN SEED RECIPE is by me. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

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Hurricane Sandy and Pet Safety

Chances are if you are in the path of Hurricane Sandy, then your pets are feeling very anxious. I've got some tips to keep your pets safe, ideas to reduce pet stress, and guidelines for packing hurricane supplies to have ready for your dog and cat in case you have to evacuate.

1) If the weather permits, when you go outside keep dogs on a leash
Dogs can sense when threatening weather approaches and they will sometimes hide. Make sure you keep track of your pet as the storm approaches. When you take a dog outside, use a leash. Never assume that a dog trained to be safe off leash in normal situations will stay with you during a storm. Even though your dog looks calm, the advancing storm my cause your pet to try to run away outside to flee the situation. 

2) Follow social media updates on Twitter and Facebook
If you are not safe to stay in your home during a hurricane, then your pet is not safe either. The best advice to pet owners in the path of a hurricane may be to evacuate early. Remember to share your evacuation plans with relatives and friends. Many shelters are accepting pets with their families. Here are a few Twitter users to follow because they provide updates on shelters accepting pets in your area: @ASPCA and @HumaneSociety. Also you can follow the hashtag #sandypets. The ASPCA's Disaster Preparedness Checklist is a great resource. The Humane Society of the United States has helpful information via this link: Disaster Preparedness for Pets. If you live in NYC, information regarding the storm is available via Office of Emergency Management. 

3) Check your pet's collar for an ID tag
It seems obvious, but if you change collars you might not remember to have the correct pet ID tags on the collars. (Also, remember to place proper identification and vaccination identification in your pet's  "Go Bag" explained below) 

4) Tips to help calm your dog

• During times of stress for dogs, telling your dog to be quiet if he or she is whining or barking will not be helpful. Your dog is actually trying to warn you about what they perceive to be a dangerous situation. Instead, try to get your pet involved in a new activity and praise them when they participate. 
• If your dog is obsessively licking his fur or barking or whining because of the storm, give your dog an alternative activity to do such as providing a "project toy" like a Kong filled with dog treats. 
• If your dog or cat likes to be groomed with a brush or comb, here's the perfect time to calm them down and give them the spa treatment. 
• If your dog likes to snuggle under a blanket, try wrapping the two of you together and snuggle up. You can even get the kids involved and construct a makeshift tent with chairs and blankets and make a cozy space to relax inside—and be aware some pets don't like to be in confined spaces and stop this game if it is making your dog more anxious.
• Have you ever noticed if your dog or cat likes to sit by your side while you read a book outloud to your kids? This can be a very calming activity. Get your kids involved to read to your pet too.
• If your dog has a good nose, try the hide a treat under a cup game. This is a fun game that challenges your dog to sniff out a dog treat reward. Find three plastic cups or small bowls and some dog kibble pieces. Sit on the floor with your dog and turn the cups upside down and "Hide" a treat under one cup. Move the cups around on the floor. Now ask your dog to "find the treat." Cheer your dog along until he finds the correct cup. You can help him out if needed. Repeat the game with a new treat. After you repeat this game a few times all of the cups will eventually have the scent of the treat inside, your dog will probably still have fun playing because you both are playing together.
• Keeo your dog busy and focused on you instead of the storm by teaching your dog a new simple trick. If your dog knows how to shake, practice that. You can add a step and teach your dog to give you a canine high five instead. Or try teaching your dog to roll over—have your dog lay down, say "Roll Over" and gently help your dog roll to one hip. To help complete the roll, hold a dog treat above his head with one hand and with the other hand gently help your dog finish the roll so he is on his tummy again. Praise your dog and reward with a dog treat. 

5) What to supplies to pack for your pets—tips for making a pet "Go Bag" 
Place the following in a pet "go bag" and have it ready:

• proper backup identification of your pet: proof of ownership, copy of vaccine records, dog license, etc.
• special medical instructions written out now, in case you have to leave your pet at an animal shelter temporarily
• photo of your pet and OWNER 
• list of identifying marks or features of your pet
• 2 leashes 
• extra pet collar or pet harness
• pet food (7-day supply if possible and canned pet food helps pets stay hydrated)
• jugs of water or water bottles (7-day supply)
• pet bowls (lightweight and portable types are best)
• pet medicine and pet first aid kit (first aid kit tips here)
• 2 pet blankets and a few favorite toys 
• cat litter and cat litter box
• pet crate or a pet travelling case for your pet
• lightweight blanket or sheet to cover the pet travel case and calm down your pet if needed 
• Top 10 Pet Emergency Kit Items | petMD
• If your pet is microchipped, have a copy of the microchip information 

 

6) If you are looking for a pet-friendly hotel, check out these pet-friendly hotel locators

Bringfido.com
Dogfriendly.com
Doginmysuitcase.com
Pet-friendly-hotels.net
Pets-allowed-hotels.com
Petswelcome.com
Tripswithpets.com

7) Stay safe after the storm
You probably have heard all the warnings about avoiding dangerous powerlines, tree branches, debris, and flooded areas. Unforutnately your dog is naturally curious and will find these things interesting. Keep your dog on a leash to avoid getting hurt by live power lines or even getting tangled and stuck in tree branches on the ground. Also, some wild animals in the region might have wandered into your neighborhood due to the storm, so watch out for unusual wildlife.

Stay safe, friends. For more information of hurricane preparedness check out check out NOAA general information on safety.

Pet safety tips for families living in wildfire regions

Hope everyone is safe today. If you live in the Waldo Canyon Fire area like me or live in another fire area, then you probably are feeling exhausted and on edge. Chances are your pets are also feeling very anxious too.

Do not allow your pets to go outside without supervision and keep them on a leash if you do not have a fenced area. Dogs and cats will smell the fire and feel like they should flee the area. You need to be the one keeping your dog or cat calm because they do not fuly understand the situation. Pet experts are suggesting the following tips to relieve stress in your pets:

How to relieve stress in family pets:
1) Keep pets inside away from the smoke and heat.

2) Dogs have a great sense of smell, washing your dog or wiping down your dog with a wet towel to remove the smell of fire in the fur helps relieve anxiety. (Note: If your dog does not like baths, do not add to the anxiety by forcing a bath. Just use a damp towel to remove smoke odors.)

3) If your dog is barking or whining, give the dog an alternative activity to do such as providing aproject toy like a Kong filled with dog treats. Telling your dog to be quiet will not be helpful because your dog is warning you about what they perceive to be a dangerous situation. Instead, try to get your pet involved in a new activity and praise them when they participate.

In case your family is asked to evacuate, you should pack these PET supplies.

Evacuation supplies for pets:
-- Vaccine records for pets in case you need to put them in a dog shelter or doggie daycare 
-- Pet crate with a familiar blanket for each pet
-- Dog medications if needed
-- Leashes
-- Dog collar with ID on the collar for each dog
-- Pet food bowls
-- 72-hour pet food supply
-- Gallon containers of fresh water
-- Dog toys including an "activity toy" to keep dog busy
-- Cat supplies, litter box, cat carrier, etc
-- Pet bird supplies including a cage, smaller bird carrier, bird food, fresh water, a lightweight blanket to cover bird cage and lower stress of your pet bird. 

Have you been evacuated? Register with the RED CROSS
If you have been evacuated, please register with the Red Cross—it's a simple way to let your family and friends know that you are safe.

Here is the link: American Red Cross—Safe and Well link

And if you meet a firefighter, give them a hug! They are AWESOME!

Hooray for the Underdog!

If you follow my blog, then you know I am a passionate supporter (and a volunteer) for animal rescue groups. I bought a huge stack of the lovely Hooray for the Underdog!® cards created by the husband and wife team of Joe Grisham and Janet Healey and published by the card company Sunrise Greetings. The series of cards supports animal rescue efforts. The card series has a message and image for almost any occasion.

The back of each card features the dog’s name, rescue details and a “special power.” I can't wait for them to create even more!

xo Chris, aka "the slave to three dogs"

Card Details: 

• Hooray For The Underdog
• Notecards: Hooray For The Underdog
• Sunrise Greetings: Hooray for the Underdog!®

Image: Graphic by me, featuring the adorable cards—I bought a huge stack this week—in the Hooray for the Underdog! card series by Joe Grisham and Janet Healey. Go buy some too! They are awesome and they support animal rescue groups! 

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Keep Your Dog Safe with Pet Poison Help App

Dogs and cats are naturally curious. And sometimes pets—especially puppies—eat things that look harmless, but are toxic. The Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center based in Minneapolis, MN, answers over 100,000 calls a year regarding pet poisonings.

That's why they created the Pet Poison Help app for the iPhone to assist pet owners or veterinarians in quickly identifying potential poisons, recognizing symptoms of a potential poisoning, and to allow one-touch direct dialing access to the veterinary professionals at Pet Poison Helpline.

This app will gives you information to guide you in treatment of a potential poisoning. That said, the amount of toxin ingested, along with the time since ingestion, overall health, age, species, and breed of your pet may affect the severity or outcome of any toxic exposure. When in doubt about pet poisoning, please contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline for immediate, life-saving advice.

Prevention of poisoning
The app is also a great tool in prevention of poisoning. Dogs love to dig in the garden when you aren't looking. I used this app to select pet safe flowers for my garden. It is always tempting to share people food with your pets, but this is not a good idea unless you know the food is safe for dogs or cats. Use this app to understand which people foods are not safe for pets.

App details
According to their website, Pet Poison Help app will provide you with:

* Life-saving access to poison information with one-touch direct dialing to Pet Poison Helpline.

* A searchable database of over 250 poisonous plants, foods, medications and household items, all with pictures.

* Descriptions of how specific poisons affect your pet, their alternate common names, and symptoms to watch for.

* Instructions on what to do if your dog or cat is exposed to a dangerous substance.

Dog photo above by MythicSeabass photography. App photos by the app Pet Poison Help.

5 Pet Safety Tips During the Holiday

From my home to yours: Merry Christmas, Friends! Hope you are enjoying time together with family and friends this holiday.

Seems like I write a great deal about fun things for people during the holidays. Here's a message from my dogs they want you to hear:

4 tips to keep your dogs and other pets safe during the holidays:

1) Provide safe pet toys to chew so they don't chew on holiday decor, etc.
My dogs love having everyone home at Christmas, but they also end up finding lots of not so good things to chew on. Dogs love to chew. On almost anything. Toys (and decorations) that are not designed for dogs are not safe play toys for pets. Small parts--even the squeaky part inside a toy--can spell trouble if your pup chews up the toy and swallows the choking hazard. Instead give your dog indestructible toys like a Kong filled with dog treats. 

2) Supervise your pet around the Christmas tree.
Christmas trees are SO interesting! But keep your dog and cat away from the tree decorations, cords, AND the tree water. Some tree water preservative mixtures may contain fertilizers, and stagnant tree water can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Pine needles when ingested can damage and even puncture the intestine. Vacuum up the needles daily to help keep pets safe. One tip to keep pets away from the tree area from PawRescue Org include: 

• Place sticky mats on or around the tree area
• Put some pennies in empty plastic drink bottles (screw the cap on tight) and balance the bottles on the bottom branches of the holiday tree or plant so that they will noisily tip over if a cat or other pet jumps at or on the tree.

Make a Difference: How you can protect dogs from puppy mill abuse

 

I am writing to you today because I want to give a voice to the thousands of dogs who can't speak for themselves and suffer inhumane treatment in puppy mills each and every day. Sadly, even if you or I witness inhumane conditions at a puppy mill, we could do nothing to stop the cruel treatment unless the current laws change. That's why I am writing this blog post to show you how you can help pass a new law to make the cruel treatment at puppy mills end! Showing your support for these dogs takes less than a minute in just two steps (details below). 

 What's a puppy mill? Close your eyes and picture hundreds and hundreds of dogs kept in small cages at each breeder facility--I think a better word these places are torture chambers. The more dogs each puppy mill can cram into cages, the more money they make selling puppies to pet stores and on the Internet. Hundreds of breeder females accross the United States NEVER leave their cage. Their paws suffer from cuts that won't heal because they walk only on wire cage floors. These females are bred so often and so many times they end up being "discarded" when they don't produce fast enough. (Discarded females are treated like livestock and rarely get a second chance unless they are rescued by an animal rescue group.) The puppies are crammed into the filthy cages that are so crowded they can end up sleeping on top of each other--and on top of their own excrement . And the puppies live 24/7 in these cages without any chance to walk or have social interaction with people. 

This inhumane treatment of dogs does not have to continue! Best Friends Animal Society and thousands of animal lovers across the nation are working to protect animals by showing their support of a new PUPS Bill (H.R. 835: Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act). This bill will crack down on the puppy mill offenders who because of a loophole currently operate without any oversight or regulation to protect the pets they sell.

Irene's flood water risks to pets (and people)

 

 

My three dogs wag their tails when they see a puddle, but even with their amazing canine noses they can't sniff out the hidden contaminants.  And they can't see the dangerous debris hidden in the mud.

Pet Safety: Some foods YOU love can be toxic to your pets

It's hard to resist giving your pooch a snack from the dinner table. Unfortunately some foods that people love--even foods that are healthy for you--can harm or kill your pet. Something as common as guacamole dip is toxic to dogs because it contains a substance called persin according to WebMD.

We know chocolate is bad for Fido, but did you know that meatloaf with onions is very harmful because of the onions? When my Rhodesian Ridgeback got pancreatitis after eating the turkey meat with the fatty skin on it, I found out how quickly a healthy dog can become gravely ill.

For a detailed look at poisonous foods and items for pets, check out ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

People foods you should NOT feed your pets according to the ASPCA:

• Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Avocado/Guacamole (the plant, fruit, bark)
• Macadamia Nuts
• Grapes & Raisins
• Yeast Dough
• Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones 
• Xylitol (food and drink sweetener in gum, candy, toothpaste, etc.)
• Onions, Garlic, Chives
• Milk
• Salt

If you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic substance
Seek emergency assistance immediately–do NOT wait for your pet to show symptoms of poisoning because the symptoms of poisoning may not appear for several hours or days after the incident.

If you think your pet has consumed a toxic substance, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if you do not notice any adverse effects. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Symptoms
According to WebMD–10 Dog Poisons: Plants, Foods, Medicines, and More:

Depending on how a particular substance affects your dog’s body and how much was ingested or inhaled, pet poisoning symptoms can include gastrointestinal and neurological problems, cardiac and respiratory distress, coma, and even death.

Here are are just a few of the signs of poisoning:

• Muscle tremors or seizures, muscle weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling
• Redness of skin, ears, and eyes
• Swelling and bleeding
• Overheating
• Breathing problems
• Coma
• Note: Symptoms may appear hours or days later.

For more information on items that are toxic to pets, check out

• ASPCA | Animal Poison Control FAQ
• ASPCA | Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2010
• ASPCA | Top 10 Human Medications That Poison Our Pets
• ASPCA | 17 Poisonous Plants
• ASPCA | Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants --This link includes helpful photos to identify plants

Dog Photo: Missy, the sweet lab in the photo above, is up for adoption. She has a friendly personality and survived a tough situation before being rescued by an animal rescue group. For more information on adopting her, check her out at this Petfinder Adoptable Dog link. (Photo by me, Chris Olson)

Does my dog really need a doggy high chair?

I know the dog is a part of the family, but does Fido really need a high chair? My three dogs eat on the floor! Now I am feeling kinda guilty. Dogs eat together with their pack in the wild, so it is only logical that a dog would love a high chair... Or, would he?

Watch the clever YouTube clip below and you decide.

 

Before you rush over to IKEA, consider the timing of this new doggy product.

The The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia caught more than a few dog lovers off guard when they reported that IKEA had come out with a high chair for dogs, called the Hundstol.

Bone Appetite & Happy April Fools' Day!

 

The great Pup-kin

"On Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin rises from his pumpkin patch and flies through the air with his bag of toys to all the children." --Linus

 

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Shelter dog of the week: Romo [UPDATED]

 

Romo is a 5-month-old German Shepherd mix with lots of personality. He wants to play, play, play. He would make the perfect addition to an active family. He has survived a very tough life as an abandoned puppy. Now is ready to find a forever home. 

Adoption information is available at the Petfinder adoption link for Romo. He is living in a shelter in Colorado.

 

 

 

BLOG UPDATE:

Great news. Romo was adopted. Thanks for all or your support. His sister, Molly is still looking for a home. 

BLOG UPDATE:

Great news! Romo was adopted. A BIG thank you to everyone for spreading the word and for your support. Sending special Mommy Hugs to all!

His sister Molly was also left in the same abandoned home for a week before being rescued. She is still looking for a forever home. See photo below.

 

Molly's adoption information.

 

A dog is a loyal friend forever

As you know, I am a dog lover. I'm also passionate about adopting shelter dogs. If you are interested in finding a special forever friend, go to your local Humane Society or other animal shelter. I'm sure you will meet a brand new best friend.

For more pet-friendly posts, click on Momathon dogs and cats.

Daily doodle: Small dog with big bone

Dogs have always been important members of my family. If only I could get them to put their toys away.For more doodles by me, click on Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

Momathon Fave: New cuddly stamps help homeless pets

 

Starting April 30th, helping shelter dogs cats can be as simple as buying the new USPS stamps to raise awareness of the plight of homeless pets. During the launch Ellen DeGeneres's natural pet food company Halo will be donating a million meals to animal shelters. A pane of 20 stamps with 10 animal images is $8.80

To find out more about the US Postal Service's "Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet" stamps go to this link: USPS Stamps to the Rescue. 

How to get the cuddly stamps: 
Stamps will be available at post offices April 30th. You can pre-order them at www.stampstotherescue.com, or calling 1-800-STAMP -24 (1-800-782-6724).

About the pets featured:
The images of the five shelter cats and five dogs on the 44-cent stamps were taken by photographer Sally Andersen-Bruce. All the pets featured have been adopted! 

(Stamp photo: USPS Stamps to the Rescue.)

Feels almost like spring

 

When a warm March day tempts us to wear shorts and T-shirts, spring has to be right around the corner. Today is one of those days. Walking my dogs up the "big" hill by my house, my feet feel lighter than usual. No coat is needed. Sandals are almost appropriate. My dogs are smiling at the prospect of an extra-long journey to the ridge high above us and the view of the city below. I'm not sure they ever really marvel at the view. More likely it is the gentle breeze that is a constant up there and the fact this is the epicenter of all the sounds and scents in nature. At the top, the dogs lounge in the tired, brown grass from last summer. Together we survey our surroundings and consider where we might go next.

(Image above is © Chris Olson)

Spay Day Saves Lives

 

The heartbreaking truth is approximately half the 8 million dogs and cats brought to shelters each year are put down. Unfortunately animal shelters don't have the resources to end the pet overpopulation epidemic.

Together we change this tragic trend. Please spay and neuter your pets.

The 16th annual Spay Day is Tuesday, February 23. If you would like to support this event, go to this Humane Society of the United States link for events and sponsorship opportunities.

You can support the HSUS and Spay Day by entering the free Spay Day 2010 Online Pet Photo Contest presented by VISA and Zazzle. The contest will be judged by professional photographers and plenty of prizes to go around. 

(Image at the top of the post "a dog and it's boss" by: Pixie Addict)

Web comics for dog lovers: Dog Eat Doug

 

While you drink your cuppa joe, check out Dog eat Doug and get your daily dose of canine humor by comic strip artist Brian Anderson. Web comic features the antics of Sophie the chocolate Lab and a baby named Doug. 

(Image from Dog eat Doug web comics.)

Keep your dog safe during holidays

 

Tinsel and chocolate. Two big no no's for pets. Dogs love to chew. On almost anything. Toys (and decorations) that are not designed for dogs are not safe play toys for pets. Small parts--even the squeaky part inside a toy--can spell trouble if your pup chews up the toy and swallows the choking hazard. Instead give your dog indestructible toys like a Kong filled with dog treats. 

Even people food can be toxic to your dog. It's hard to resist giving your pooch a snack from the dinner table. Especially during the holidays. Unfortunately some foods that people love--even foods that are healthy for you--can harm or kill your pet. 

We know chocolate and candy is bad for Fido, but did you know that meatloaf with onions is very harmful because of the onions? When my Rhodesian Ridgeback got pancreatitis after eating the turkey meat with the skin on it, I found out how quickly a healthy dog can become gravely ill. Also, you should avoid any candy or other item sweetened with xylitol. For more information on pet safety during the holidays, check out the ASPCA Holiday Safety Tips.

 

Common signs of poisoning include:
Muscle tremors or seizures
Vomiting or diarrhea
Drooling
Redness of skin, ears, and eyes
Swelling and bleeding

For a detailed look at poisonous foods and items for pets, check out ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Here's a quick overview of foods pets should not eat according to the TODAY show:
Avocados
Beer
Nuts (especially macadamia nuts and walnuts)
Chocolate
Candy or anything containing the sweetener Xylitol
Caffeine
Grapes or Raisins
Onions
Human Medicine

Many of your favorite household plants are poisonous to pets too. Check out the ASPCA--17 Common Poisonous Plants

Here are 17 plants that are poisonous to pets:
Lilies
Marijuana
Sago Palm
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
Azalea/Rhododendron
Oleander
Castor Bean 
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Yew
Amaryllis 
Autumn Crocus 
Chrysanthemum 
English Ivy 
Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily) 
Pothos 
Schefflera

(illustration by Chris Olson and photo image by digital_image_fan)

Canine flu and your dog

 

(image of Ella the Snow Dog by jpctalbot)

It's flu season. Did you know even your dog can catch the flu too? It's not the same as the flu humans catch. Humans can't get infected with the canine flu. The flu dogs get is called Canine Influenza (CIV) and it is very contagious in certain “hot spot” regions in their dog communities such as dog parks, doggie daycare, and dog boarding facilities. The good news is that now your dog can get vaccinated for this nasty bug. 

The canine flu is not in every city--only a few "hot spots." So if your dog lives in these areas or will be traveling to these areas you should consider talking to your vet about the virus and vaccine. I recently had my dogs vaccinated because we live in a hot spot and my dogs love to socialize with other dogs.

Canine flu hot spots

Canine Influenza hot spots include the following (and may include other cities too):

• Miami

• Denver

• Northern Virginia regions

• Please note that other cities and regions can be added to this list if outbreaks occur.

Canine flu symptoms

Not all dogs with the canine flu will show symptoms. According to another dog lover’s website, Rachael Ray, the symptoms in general for the canine flu include:

"Symptoms of this respiratory virus include runny nose, coughing, mild fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. It can last for 1 - 3 weeks, after which most dogs are fine, with the exception of the very old or those with other health conditions (just like humans).

Looking for more information?

Talk to your vet or visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website.

True Love: An Old Dog Finds a New Home

Adopting a big dog takes a big heart. Adopting a senior big dog requires even more love. When an older shepherd mix was abandoned back in 2008, I prayed that some kind soul would adopt him. He waited for a very long time. And all that time he never lost his cheery outlook and he never lost the enthusiasm for giving kisses to visitors at the adoption fairs. I think the world would be a better place if people could manage that same optimism.

I am so happy to share the news that Duke found a home because of the good folks at a local animal shelter that never gave up on trying to find him a new home. 

God bless the kind souls that looked beyond his senior age and discovered this amazing forever friend to adopt.

Fitness Fun for You and Your Dog

Looking for an outlet for your pup's endless energy? Is your dog energetic and focused? Adaptable and water loving? Confident and closely bonded to you? Check out Canine Sports & Games: Great Ways to Get Your Dog Fit and Have Fun Together! by Kristin Mehus-Roe.

This activity book for humans who like to play with their canine friends includes:

• Basic dog training principles to get you started.

• Overview of fitness, injury prevention, and nutrition.

• Sport-by-sport examination of 19 games including agility, flyball, weight pulling, and dock jumping.

• Obedience competitions, tests or instinct,

• Safety reminders, related organizations, and much more.

My family has an active dog with slight limitations due to a leg injury last year. Kristin's book introduced my daughter to many fun activities to do with our pooch to keep her canine mind and body in shape.

Let the games begin!

Pets: Janie the Dachshund Mix Needs a Forever Home

Janie, a Dachshund/Chihuahua Mix, is available for adoption at an animal shelter in Arizona. Young Janie is looking for a forever home. You can read more about Janie and see more pictures at the AdoptaPet.com link.

Sweet Janie was found as a stray and needs work to help her overcome her shyness. She is good with kids and other dogs. She is about a year, weighs about 25 lbs., and is a lovely tan/yellow/fawn color.

Because she was abandoned, she is still learning what it's like to be cuddled. She loves it!

If you know someone who might want to adopt Janie, please send them the link to this blog post or have them check out Janie's link on AdoptaPet.com.

Thanks. 

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." -John Billings

Social Petworking Saves the Life of Homeless Pet

Twitter a critter. Blog a dog. Chat a cat. You can help a homeless pet find a home through Social PETworking.

To see how you can help a shelter pet by posting their info onto your Facebook, MySpace or Twitter page watch the video below.

Spread the Word and Help Shelter Dogs

Pet adoption and
rescue powered by

To help find homes for millions of shelter dogs waiting to be adopted, Shepard Farley, the artist who made Barack Obama's face an icon on posters and stickers, has made an icon out of an American mutt. Are you looking for a pet? Click on Farley's and Adopt-a-Pet.com’s image above to find a shelter pet near you.

You can download the "Mutts Like Me ADOPT" image for creating posters, stickers, T-shirt, badges and more at this link.

Creative fun for your family

Spread the word about adopting shelter dogs and have fun doing an artsy family activity. Click on this link for printable PDFs, a coloring page for kids, and much more. You can post your Mutts Like Me artwork at home, work and school. Of course, ask permission before posting your the Mutts poster because posting this image where it is not welcome will only hurt homeless pets.

Just a Thought

Pet Safety: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

My dogs have always enjoyed sitting on my deck. Outdoors on a deck or near the garden might seem like a great place for pets, but their human friends need to make sure the plants nearby are not toxic. 

The ASPCA website has a great list with photos of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

You can also search the plant database using common or scientific names or even symptoms. The list includes categories for plants toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Remember the "common name" of a plant in one part of the country or world might refer to a completely different plant someplace else. Make sure to check the scientific name of the plant to get the most accurate plant information. Using the scientific name is important because some regional plants with common names might not appear on the poisonous plant list.

Please note that I am not a vet or an animal health expert. According to the ASPCA, the information contained on the ASPCA "plant list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather a compilation of the most frequently encountered plants."

Concerned about a potential poisoning? 

If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, 

contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA 24-hour emergency poison hotline 

directly at 1-888-426-4435.

You might be surprised to find out that some of the plants you thought were safe are dangerous to pets. Did you know Aloe Vera is toxic to dogs and cats?

(Photo above: ASPCA website)

Use NonToxic Gardening Products

Keep your garden safe by also using nontoxic gardening products. Certain toxic products like slug and snail bait might seem tasty to pets but they can cause life-threatening side-effects within minutes! Always contact your vet or an animal emergency hotline poison hotline for the best advice to treat your pet. You need a vet's expertise because methods that work on humans are not meant to be used on pets.

Other resources:

Common Poisonous Plants | The Humane Society of the United States

Common Plants Are Toxic to Pets | NBC New York

eHarmony for Pets: ASPCA's "Meet Your Match"

Spring is here and we've got puppies on our mind. The Obama's first dog Bo is set to arrive tomorrow and it seems like the whole country is thinking about adopting a dog.

If six-month-old Bo could talk, I'm sure he'd tell you to give one of his furry relatives a forever home. Since he is a such a smart pup, he'd also tell you to do your homework before you go to a dog shelter.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at the ASPCA, now you have the wonderful online tool Meet Your Match that will help match you (and your family) with the perfect dog (or cat). Wouldn't it be great to know more about your new dog's personality before you adopt her? According to the ASPCA:

The Meet Your Match Canine-ality/Puppy-ality assessment begins with an initial MYM SAFER™ (Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming) behavior screening to make sure each pooch is a good candidate for adoption. Dogs are then tested on their friendliness, playfulness, energy level, motivation and drive, and placed into one of nine color-coded Canine- or Puppy-alities. Some pooches are laid-back “Couch Potatoes,” others are curious “Busy Bees,” and then there are the action hero “Go-Getter” types. 

Here are some of the specific tools at MYM:

Canine-ality 101
Just the facts on finding your perfect dog.

Meet the Canine-alities
Who’s your favorite color? 
Puppy-ality 101
Just the facts on finding your perfect puppy. 

Puppy-ality 101
Just the facts on finding your perfect puppy. 

MYM also has wonderful online tools for selecting the perfect cat for you.

Feline-ality 101
Just the facts on finding your perfect cat. 

Meet the Feline-alities

Who’s your favorite color? 

Go Orange! Go all out for animals this April because it is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Click here to find out how to Go Orange.

I Just Love Dogs

Found a wonderful Etsy photographer who donates 20% of sale price to animal rescue. So COOL! Love Melissa McDaniel's puppy pics.  Check out this Etsy screenshot of an adorable print by her titled "Dog Eyes, Ears, Nose." The fine art print is available at McDaniel's Etsy shop.

Melissa's fine art print is 8" x 8" and printed on archival paper using archival inks. The signed print sells for $24.50 with 20% of sale price donated to animal rescue groups.

This is a Momathon Fave.

 

Hidden Knife in the Yard: Update on the Dangers of Metal Lawn Edging

Spring is here and many of us are planting flowers and fixing up our lawns. One home improvement project that is well worth the money is replacing dangerous metal lawn edging that can seriously cut children or pets playing in your yard. As you might remember, about a year ago my dog was seriously injured on a walk when she sliced the tendons on her right front leg on metal lawn edging in a neighbor's yard.

It's been 11 months since I first wrote about the dangers of metal lawn edging in my blog. Since my last post on this topic my dog has had a second surgery to repair the damage from the sharp metal edging in a neighbor's yard that severed her tendons above her front right foot. 

Now I notice the the hidden knife in grassy areas everywhere: in the park, family yards, and school playgrounds. That's why I tell practically everyone I meet while I bike or walk about the hazards of this type of landscaping. To keep your yard and neighborhood safe, remove metal lawn edging or at least apply the protective plastic covers on the edging.

Metal lawn edging was once the only option for edging. Fortunately now we have many safer alternatives because the metal edging poses a great risk to children (and adults) and pets. If you doubt the how quickly the edging can slice open a hand (or paw), a leg, or a knee consider what happened to my dog. It took only a second. She was on leash and had ventured less than 2 feet from the sidewalk. We were enjoying a long walk when my dog sliced open her lower leg to the bone on exposed metal lawn edging. The cut happened in an instant and it was so deep the all tendons in her lower leg were severed. The metal lawn/garden edging in that yard stands at least 4 inches tall out of the ground--a hidden knife in a lawn. My dog is too big for me to carry and I knew I had to get her to the vet quickly. Leg and foot injuries can have a great deal of bleeding and finding a way to stop the bleeding wasn't easy. She was bleeding profusely so I took off my coat and my gloves trying to find anything that would work as a bandage to stop the bleeding. I was near panic because practically everything I wore was nylon and the bleeding wouldn't stop. I was ready to rip off my cotton shirt, but fortunately neighbors driving by stopped to help us and one kind soul gave me a blanket to wrap her leg and stop the bleeding. One sweet girl sat beside my pup and calmed her down while I applied pressure to stop the bleeding. Thanks to the help of many kind dog lovers nearby, within less than 15 minutes my husband arrived and we took her to the vet for emergency surgery.  

I am writing about my dog's injuries because I am hoping by getting the word out we can prevent this from happening to other dogs and children. I am grateful my dog is alive. I am grateful my daughter or another child didn't fall on that edging. My dog has had two major surgeries to repair the damage to her leg. Her leg was so weak and vulnerable she had a second surgery to fuse the joint above her foot. She has a slight limp when she tries to run.

To find out more about safer lawn edging alternatives, please read my earlier blog post on the topic. Two landscaping options out of the many safer alternatives you might want consider are

Guard-N-Edge (protective cover for metal landscape edging) and A Better Edge.

Today is Spay Day USA

Approximately one cat or dog is euthanized every eight seconds in U.S. shelters. That's about four million cats and dogs who die each year just because they are homeless. 

Spaying and neutering is the only 100% effective method of birth control for dogs and cats that reduces the vast numbers of animals that are put down in shelters because they are homeless. 

The 15th annual Spay Day USA is today, February 24th, 2009. The Doris Day Animal Foundation came up with Spay Day USA to promote spaying dogs and cats. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) also sponsors this day.

Vet clinics across the country are offering low-cost spay and neuter services today to help those who need assistance with paying for the procedures.

In tough economic times like now, more and more "foreclosure pets" are being surrendered in to animal shelters or abandoned on the street. 

How can you help? Support the HSUS and other animal welfare programs that educate people on how important it is to spay or neuter pets. For tips on how you can take action, check out this link: Spay Day USA | The Humane Society of the United States

I am always amazed when I meet pet owners who have not spayed or neutered their pets. They have a variety of reasons--they're too busy...it's too expensive... or they think spaying/neutering will change their pet's personality in a negative way.  (The good news is low cost procedures are available and spaying/neutering will not harm the psyche of your pet.) Unfortunately, these same pet owners usually don't think their dog or cat will accidentally get pregnant (or be the unexpected new father).  And they obviously haven't considered how many homeless pets end up dying prematurely because of pet overpopulation. Building awareness about pet overpopulation is just one reason why Spay Day USA is important. Today or tomorrow or the next day is the perfect time to remind pet owners to spay and neuter.

Pet Safety Tips on Valentine's Day

The ASPCA reminds us humans that many treats we give our sweethearts on Valentine's Day are NOT good for your pet. Each year at Valentine's Day, the ASPCA poison control experts see a rise in cases--many involving chocolate and lilies. (Lilies are potentially fatal to cats.)

Check the ASPCA links below for food, drinks and plants to keep away from your pet.

People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

chocolate, coffee, caffeine

alcohol

avocado

macadamia nuts

grapes and raisins

yeast dough

raw/undercooked meat, eggs and bones

the sweetener Xylitol

onions, garlic, chives

milk

17 Common Poisonous Plants

Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

Pet Products May Be Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

My dogs have always loved peanut butter treats and unfortunately because of the Salmonella outbreak these favorite treats should not be fed to dogs or any pet. The list of potentially contaminated products being recalled includes some pet food products containing peanut paste made by PCA. The list of pet food products is included in the FDA searchable database of recalled products.

The ASPCA is concerned about potential poisoning in dogs and now warns pet owners:

"In light of the FDA's nationwide peanut butter recall last week, the ASPCA is advising pet parents to temporarily discontinue use of peanut butter products, including food, treats and use in pet toys (such as Kongs)."

If you think your pet may have ingested a contaminated product contact your vet or contact the ASPCA: Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

New Searchable Database for Peanut Recall

As you have heard me talk about in earlier posts, peanut butter and peanut paste produced by the Peanut Corp. of America (PCA) has been linked to an outbreak of illnesses caused by Salmonella Typhimurium. Because the contamination of peanut products is so widespread, the FDA has created a searchable database for identifying these products at this FDA link.

Adopting a Dog? Consider a Shelter Dog

Every year 5 million pets are killed simply because they are "unwanted." If the dogs and cats in shelters could talk, they would tell you they once had a family and a warm bed to sleep in. 

And they would ask you: 

Maybe you could give me a forever home. 

In return, I will be your friend always.

If you are considering adopting a dog, please visit your local animal shelter.

The video below by Jessica Hansen tells a story in photos of beautiful shelter dogs waiting to find forever homes.  

A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor.
Give him your heart and he'll give you his.
--MARLEY & ME (The Movie and Book)

Doggie in the Shelter: Make a Difference and Donate to the Humane Society

Page re-recorded her classic hit, "How Much is that Doggie in the Window" to steer the public away from the cruelty of mass breeding places in puppy mills.

You can watch the The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) video featuring Patti Page on the You Tube clip below. 

If you are still deciding on your year-end donations, consider help stop animal cruelty by making a donation to HSUS. The HSUS is rated a four-star charity (the highest possible) by Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator.

Catch Marley Fever

A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor.

Give him your heart and he'll give you his.

--MARLEY & ME (The Movie and Book)

'Tis the the season of giving and this makes it the perfect time to help needy animals by supporting your local Humane Society or other animal shelter. 

Remember, even though it is tempting to give a puppy as a gift this Christmas, unless you have done your homework, bringing home a new family member during this hectic season might not be the be the best idea. 

Instead think about purchasing a pet gift certificate from a local shelter. Then the person who will adopt the new pup will have a chance to go to the shelter and find the buddy she/he wants. 

Heel the Fun. 

Check out the MARLEY & ME movie website and 

• grab a Marley Fetch Widget, 
• adopt a virtual Marley, 
• create a Marley ecard 
• send a MOGREET.

Is Your Bed Too High for Your Dog?

For the past decade mattresses have become thicker and thicker. Good news for finding a softer bed, but bad news for Fido who has to jump higher and fall farther getting on and off your bed.

Diving off beds which continue to reach new heights is causing injuries and degenerative problems with dogs that love to sleep with their humans.

Big and small dogs are ending up with elbow and shoulder arthritis, hip dysplasia and degenerative disk disease. But small dogs are facing the biggest troubles.

"For a little dog to take a flying leap off a bed that's five to six times higher than he stands is an act of courage and a recipe for injury," says veterinarian Stephan Crane according to an article by Kevin Helliker in the WSJ.com.

One of the solutions is to get a pet staircase that helps your pooch climb on and off your bed. From personal experience I recommend a pet staircase for dogs--especially older dogs--to get in and out of an SUV and other cars that keep getting higher.

Here are few suggestions for pet staircases/ramps according to the WSJ:

• PupSTEP +Plus indoor at Drs Foster and Smith, $39.99
  
• Ultra-Lite Pet Stairs at PetSmart, $69.99
• Dog Ramp, Lightweight Portable Pet Steps at Orvis, $189.00
• Puppy Stairs (for puppies or dogs) at Puppy Stairs, Prices vary

  

 Photo: Lightweight Portable Pet Steps at Orvis

Webcam Captures the Cutest Shiba Inu Pups...Ever!

Watching this webcam has to be the best way to spend your time on a Saturday...or any day. If the pups are sleeping, turn the sound up on your monitor and you will be alerted to when they awake by their adorable puppy squeaks.

Online video chat by Ustream
Of course, just watching these adorable pups makes you want to take one home to cuddle. The six pups already have been adopted. Remember, all puppies/dogs require lots of love and adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment. Every breed is unique. Before you adopt a dog, be sure to check out the personality of the breed. And please don't buy a puppy from a puppy mill. 
Here is the scoop on the six Shiba Inu pups (3 boys and 3 girls) turned 5 weeks old on November 11th. This is the first litter from their mom, Kika.

Girls:
- Autumn (Purple collar) - 3 lbs 5.8 oz (as of Nov 11th)
- Ayumi (Yellow collar) - 3 lbs 3.4 oz (as of Nov 11th)
- Amaya (Red collar) - 3 lbs 6.6 oz (as of Nov 11th)

Boys:
- Aki (Green collar) - 4 lbs 0.4 oz (as of Nov 11th)
- Akoni (Black collar) - 3 lbs 12.6 oz (as of Nov 11th)
- Ando (Blue collar) - 4 lbs 1.2 oz (as of Nov 11th)

If you would like to view the pups in a larger window, go here: http://www.ustream.tv/videoplayerpopup/channel/317016

For more information on the Shiba Inu go here - http://www.shibas.org/docs/Shiba_Brochure_color2.pdf

Rachael Ray Launches Line of Dog Food for Charity

You gotta love Rachael. She just launched a new line of dog food, Nutrish for Pets. All of her proceeds from sales will help at-risk animals through her pet charity, Rachael's Rescue. The pet food line is based on recipes she created for her pup Isaboo. 

(Photo: Rachael Ray's Website)

If you have ever adopted a shelter dog, you know how wonderful these pups can be. Unfortunately, many dogs are not adopted because they are older, not as "cute," or because of stereotypes of specific breeds. Rachael's charity helps dogs like these and other pets who are still waiting to be adopted. As Rachael says on her website, "Through Rachael's Rescue we can help prevent cruelty, reduce homelessness, and improve the lives of pets in need." 

So what makes this food so deelish? Here's what Rachael says:

"My dog Isaboo loves how good these foods taste. Lucky for me, she has no idea just how good they really are for her. They’ve got Omega Fatty Acids with a dash of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) to keep her skin and coat shiny and healthy. A blend of fiber including oatmeal makes Nutrish easy for her to digest. Calcium helps to keep Isaboo’s bones strong and her teeth healthy. For her immune system, there are antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium. Plus high quality proteins like real beef or chicken help support healthy organs and lean muscle mass."

My family has adopted two wonderful rescue dogs with "issues." One was an older St. Bernard with a big heart to match her giant breed, but her advanced age made her not as adoptable. Fortunately this didn't stop us from adopting her. I cried when she passed away because she was so sweet and I wished she had come to live with us sooner. We currently have a "Dingo" mutt that had a tough start in life. I don't like to think  about what she endured as a pup, but now after months of training and loads of TLC she is the best pup. So, if you are thinking of adopting a dog, please consider a rescue dog. And if you have the time to dedicate to training, etc, then please give the ones that might get overlooked a second chance. They will love you all the more for that.

Waltzing with Weimaraners

As you know, I am a bit crazy about dogs. So when I started hearing more and more about the latest pet activity that has people dancing with their dogs, I decided I better find out exactly what it means to Cha-Cha with your Chihahuahua. 

Perhaps the best part about dancing with your canine pal is the fact that any type of dog at any age can enjoy this fun activity. Yes, even a giant St. Bernard can learn to dance. My talented pal Mattie, a jolly St Bernard with agility ribbons, would have easily circled me to the beat of polka music, but she would have found it difficult to dance between my legs. Evidently, key to making the dance moves work are finding the right music and  moves for your dog. As soon as my puppy Luna recovers from the surgery to repair her leg injured in an accident, I'm sure she will be delighted to try the tango with me. 

The video clip below features Tokyo's  "Bow-Meow World" where dogs dance with their human pals. Video courtesy of Reuters and reporter Lyndee Prickitt. 

If you want to read more about canine dancing, check out Reuter's article, Dancing goes to the dogs in canine-crazy Japan.

Momathon Faves: ASPCA Pet eCards

The ASPCA offers free eCards for birthdays, get well cards and many more occassions. As a dog lover, sending e-Cards featuring the cute pups and cats is a great way to spread the word about a wonderful organization that reaches out to help  animals in need. The ASPCA mission is simple yet powerful: 

"Whether it’s saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources with shelters across the country, we work toward the day in which no animal will live in pain or fear."

Here are just a few of their cards. Check out this link to send one, ASPCA eCards. 

The Hidden Knife in the Grass: Dangers of Metal Lawn Edging Update

It's been two months since I first wrote about the dangers of metal lawn edging in my blog. Now I notice the the hidden knife in grassy areas everywhere: in the park, family yards, and school playgrounds. Besides telling practically everyone I meet while I bike or walk about the hazards of this type of landscaping, I haven't figured out how to make our grassy areas safer for children and pets. So today I am still reminding people to remove their edging or at least apply the protective plastic covers on the edging.

My dog sliced the tendons in her leg on metal edging in a neighbor's yard. The surgery to repair the severed tendons, the recuperative time at home and now, the disappointment that she can only walk for 5-10 minutes has been quite an ordeal for my pup. She had emergency surgery back in April to repair the tendons, then "rested" six and a half weeks in a cast and now she has restricted mobility since the cast was removed because the tendon damage was so severe. Today my husband and I took our dog to an orthopeadic specialist to evaluate her injuries and consider the options to get her back to the "normal life" of a young dog. More surgery to fuse the joint where the tendons are damaged appears to be the best option. Can't imagine she understands what all the fuss is about. She just wants to go for a walk.

Metal lawn edging has a purpose in landscaping, but unfortunately it also poses a great risk to children (and adults) and pets. If you doubt the how quickly the edging can slice open a hand (or paw), a leg, or a knee consider what happened to my dog. It took only a second. She was on leash and had ventured less than 2 feet from the sidewalk. We were enjoying a long walk when my dog sliced open her lower leg to the bone on exposed metal lawn edging. The cut happened in an instant and it was so deep the all tendons in her lower leg were severed. The metal lawn/garden edging in that yard stands at least 4 inches tall out of the ground--a hidden knife in a lawn. My dog is too big for me to carry and I knew I had to get her to the vet quickly. Leg and foot injuries can have a great deal of bleeding and finding a way to stop the bleeding wasn't easy. She was bleeding profusely so I took off my coat and my gloves trying to find anything that would work as a bandage to stop the bleeding. I was near panic because practically everything I wore was nylon and the bleeding wouldn't stop. I was ready to rip off my cotton shirt, but fortunately neighbors driving by stopped to help us and one kind soul gave me a blanket to wrap her leg and stop the bleeding. One sweet girl sat beside my pup and calmed her down while I applied pressure to stop the bleeding. Thanks to the help of many kind dog lovers nearby, within less than 15 minutes my husband arrived and we took her to the vet for emergency surgery.  

It's been a long couple of months. I kind of feel empty. Wish I could prevent this from happening to other dogs or even children. I am grateful my dog is alive. I am grateful my daughter or another child didn't fall on that edging.My dog has a limp and can't walk more more than a block or so. She wants to run. You can see it in her eyes, the amazing blue eyes of a husky mix. And those eyes are the ones that told me today we should try the joint fusion surgery. For now, she is thankful to be running in her dreams.

To find out safer lawn edging alternatives, please read my earlier blog post on the topic. Two landscaping options out of the many safer alternatives you might want consider are

Guard-N-Edge (protective cover for metal landscape edging) and A Better Edge.

Baby-Proofing Fido

I amit my first baby was a spoiled Rhodesian Ridgeback. When my son arrived a year later I didn't think she would adjust easily the change in our lifestyle, but this normally stubborn dog became the loving canine "big sis." Of course not all dogs find a new baby to their liking. Dogs get accustomed to a certain pace and rhythm of a household, not to mention a certain noise level. When a baby comes home everything changes. So how can you prepare your dog for a new family member?

In recent years a prenatal dog prep industry has emerged to train or "baby-proof" your dogs to behave safely around a new baby in the house. Now parents-to-be can purchase how-to DVDs, CDs, books and even take lessons with a dog trainer to help your canine pooch make the transition. Dog trainers in this field use a variety of techniques including CDs that mimic the sound of a crying baby, including a doll in family routines to help your pooch adjust to the new activities, and other tips to ease your dog into understanding her new role in the house. 

During those pre-baby months or years, many dogs are the treated as if they are the baby in the house--sleeping on the owner's bed, taking long walks or having extended play times in a delightfully peaceful household. And that's just one reason your dog might think you're nuts when suddenly you expect her to be "just a dog" when the baby arrives.The adjustment to assuming the role of the dog can produce canine anxiety. 

According to the WSJ.com  a variety of pet training resources can help you make the adjustment including "A canine re-education course called Dogs & Storks, launched in 2006, now has 35 affiliated trainers in the U.S. and Canada, with hundreds of graduates." Check out the WSJ.com link to see a helpful video by WSJ.com that features dog trainer Jenifer Vickery of the Pawsitive Dog who helps dog owners train their dog to behave appropriately in a family with babies and children. 

Helping your dog make the adjustment to a new baby in the family is well worth the time and commitment. From my experience, I think being consistent with your dog training is key. That means if you make the new rule that your pup can no longer lounge on the couch, don't change the rules on a whim and allow him up on the couch on certain occasions. Dogs love consistency. Any change in routine can be stressful for you and your dog, but your dog can't tell you what is bothering him unless you pay close attention. Dogs can't talk, but they send us important signals all the time. Learning to understand the subtle canine signals for pleasure and displeasure can make all the difference in helping our canine pals adjust. And understanding their feelings can prevent problems from developing. Even though my Ridgeback was an angel around my kids, when my kids were younger I followed the rule that dog and child interaction require adult supervision. Very young children are not old enough to realize when they are pushing the limits of a dog's tolerance. As adults we can help make both our dogs and our children behave safely.

Some People Foods Can Kill Your Pet

It's hard to resist giving your pooch a snack from the dinner table. Unfortunately some foods that people love--even foods that are healthy for you--can harm or kill your pet. According to the TODAY Show, "Most cases of animal poisoning were caused by common human foods and household items." We know chocolate is bad for Fido, but did you know that meatloaf with onions is very harmful because of the onions? When my Rhodesian Ridgeback got pancreatitis after eating the turkey meat with the skin on it, I found out how quickly a healthy dog can become gravely ill.

Common signs of poisoning include:
Muscle tremors or seizures
Vomiting or diarrhea
Drooling
Redness of skin, ears, and eyes
Swelling and bleeding

For a detailed look at poisonous foods and items for pets, check out ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Here's a quick overview of foods pets should not eat according to the TODAY show:
Avocados
Beer
Nuts (especially macadamia nuts and walnuts)
Chocolate
Candy or anything containing the sweetener Xylitol
Caffeine
Grapes or Raisins
Onions
Human Medicine

Many of your favorite household plants are poisonous to pets too. Check out the ASPCA--17 Common Poisonous Plants

Here are 17 plants that are poisonous to pets:
Lilies
Marijuana
Sago Palm
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
Azalea/Rhododendron
Oleander
Castor Bean
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Yew
Amaryllis
Autumn Crocus
Chrysanthemum
English Ivy
Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Pothos
Schefflera

Go Orange for Animals Today--National ASPCA Day

Today the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) marks its founding 142 years ago with National ASPCA Day. You can pay tribute to the organization all month long because April is "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" month too. The ASPCA is urging animal lovers everywhere to wear something orange today because orange is the organizations official color. "While we fight animal cruelty day in and day out, April, and specifically 'ASPCA Day' on April 10, is a great time for us to take stock of our progress, and celebrate our bond with animals as a nation," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres according to 1010WINS.com in NY. The third annual ASPCA Day celebration will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. in NYC as well as throughout the country. Here’s a few ASPCA Day ways you can go orange for animals too:
•SHARE THE ORANGE SPIRIT ON LINE!--Jumpstart your ASPCA day celebration—send an eCard to friends and family!
•LIGHTEN UP--Put an orange light bulb in your porch light. In New York City, many iconic Big Apple buildings light up orange on April 10.
•SIGN LANGUAGE-- You can download our specially designed ASPCA Day posters.
•SEEK SHELTER--Coordinate an ASPCA Day event with your local animal shelter or animal welfare group, and be sure to alert your local media.
•HOW ‘GLOW’ CAN YOU GO?--Get that orange GLOW by wearing and handing out orange glow sticks and glow jewelry.
•PLEDGE YOUR ALLEGIANCE TO PROTECTING ANIMALS Sign the ASPCA Pledge
and show the world you support the ASPCA and the pets we protect.
•TIE ONE (OR TWO!)-- ON Decorate with orange bows--on trees, over your office door, hanging from your dashboard, on your pooch…and so on and so on.

For more tips on going orange, check out ASPCA Day: Ways to Go Orange for Animals.

According to the ASPCA website: “The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and we continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it’s saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources with shelters across the country, we work toward the day in which no animal will live in pain or fear.”

Is My Dog Smarter Than Yours?

We all know dogs are smart. They can be trained to do amazing things--help the blind, assist with search and rescue, and even predict seizures in humans before they occur. Are some dogs really smarter than others? And does it really matter? I give my all of my dogs an A+ for their unconditional love. Of course in my highly opinionated opinion, I also think all of my dogs over the years were very smart. I’m certain one of our pups received her Canine Good Citizen award more from her talents than mine. So can you test your dog’s IQ? Veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner on The Early Show at CBS.com gives a glimpse of how a new IQ test for dogs called the Pooch IQ Kit works. (You can watch the video segment on the CBS link.) Available online for $49.99, the Pooch IQ Kit includes a testing booklet with 15 exercises, a scoring key, detailed IQ explanations, dog toys and puzzles; several challenging props. I’m not sure how scientific this IQ test is, but it sounds fun. And isn’t sharing some canine bonding time what makes your dog special.