Archive for the ‘News & Tips’ Category
Below are some common dog and cat injuries, and ways you can help your pet until you can get to a veterinarian.
Automobile accident
Find or create a firm surface (such as a stretcher, board, mat, or even a blanket held taut). Slide it under the animal and lift gently. Keep animal warm while you take him to a vet or animal emergency clinic.
Bites and cuts
Wash with mild soap, rinse well, and pat dry with a clean towel. Gently dab with hydrogen peroxide. Apply an antibiotic salve. (For punctures or large wounds, get immediate veterinary attention.)
Bleeding
Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.
Bloat
A dog’s distended abdomen may be a symptom of a life-threatening illness. Get to a veterinarian immediately.
Broken bones
Do not move or disturb the bone. Splint fractures with a magazine or newspapers loosely rolled around limb. Tape just above the splint, continue down the leg; do not cover toes. Do not attempt to splint a struggling animal.
Burns
Apply cool compresses. Don’t immerse animals that have burns over large areas; they may go into shock. Dress small burns with sterile nonstick bandages. Do not apply ointments, butter, or petroleum jelly; they retain heat and attract infection.
Choking, coughing, or gagging
Choking may signal a tracheal obstruction or defect. Coughing is common after strenuous exercise and should subside when the pet rests. Frequent coughing may signal illness.
Eye injury
Check for obvious foreign bodies, such as a small stick or hair; flush with mild saline drops. Scratches or irritations may require medicated eyedrops or salves. Cover eye with damp gauze to prevent pet from rubbing.
Frostbite
Discoloration indicates freezing injury. Get pet into a warm place. Warm injured skin slowly with tepid water.
Heatstroke
Soak overheated pet in tepid water; provide fresh drinking water. Never leave pets in cars. Provide well-ventilated outdoor shelter in hot weather.
Insect stings
A swollen muzzle or face indicates a possible sting. Apply a paste of baking soda and water, or a topical antihistamine. Respiratory difficulty signals allergic shock; get to a vet.
Poisoning
Three common poisons are antifreeze, rodenticide, and moldy garbage. In all cases — even if only a suspicion — get immediate veterinary care. Also, call the 24-hour hotline of the ASPCA’s National Animal Poison Control Center, 800-426-4435. Symptoms take as long as 24 to 72 hours to manifest, which may be too late for lifesaving treatment.
Vomiting
If it occurs more than once, or is projectile, call your vet. Never muzzle a vomiting animal; he could suffocate.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Another amazing animal story is making big news here in Colorado. Below is the story from the local Loveland, Colorado news, reporterherald.com:
The Longs don’t often see rattlesnakes in their manicured backyard behind a yellow farmhouse near Masonville. But last week, a rattler slithered onto the rocks in their yard and into the path of their 1-year-old grandson, Booker West.
As Booker splashed his hands in a birdbath in the yard, and as his grandfather, Monty Long, watched him, both unaware of the snake, the rattler poised, standing tall. It rattled and then it struck.
But the family’s Chihuahua, 5-pound, mellow, blond, 1-year-old Zoey, threw herself in front of Booker, taking rattlesnake fangs to the head and face.
“She got in between Booker and the snake, and that’s when I heard her yipe,†Monty said, sitting in his living room Thursday, an almost-walking Booker on his lap.
“I just kept thinking about the baby,†said his wife, Denise. “If it would have struck the baby. …†But Zoey’s yelp brought Monty running to scoop up the baby.
“(Zoey) took the bite for him,†he said. “If I hadn’t been paying attention to her yipe telling me something was wrong, (Booker) would have been next.â€
And for her efforts, Zoey earned a face the size of a grapefruit, a trip to the veterinarian’s office, antivenin and morphine shots and a scar that cuts vertically across her head. She almost lost an eye.
“They didn’t know if she was going to make it,†Monty said. But she has earned hero status in the Long household. She knew she was a good girl,†Denise said. “She just pranced around after that.â€
And now Zoey, and the Longs, keep a closer watch on Booker, and a closer lookout for snakes. Once (Zoey) could see (after the swelling went down),†she was following Booker around,†Denise said. “She had snake on her mind.â€
Thursday afternoon, Denise kept Booker away from the birdbath, away from the rocks where the snake had lurked. And Zoey romped in the grass with one of the Longs’ other three dogs.
“These little bitty dogs, they just don’t really get credit,†Denise said. “It’s usually the big dogs. … Chihuahuas are protective, but she’s on the sweet side, too.â€
Natural Balance has announced that it is recalling it’s Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs due to a supplier’s recall. The affected formulas include 15oz cans of: Irish Stew, Hobo Chili, Chinese Take-Out and Southern Style Dumplin’s with Gravy. The supplier, Castleberry Foods, found one instance of botulism in improperly sealed cans of human food.
The recall information was only sent to subscribers of their newsletters. This information is not yet available on the Natural Balance website.
Full recall details below from Itchmo:
Natural Balance was informed at 2:45 pm by our USDA manufacturer, Castleberry Foods, in Augusta, GA, that they are doing a voluntary recall on all 15 oz edible foods for humans as well as our Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs (Irish Stew, Hobo Chili, Chinese Take-Out and Southern Style Dumplin’s with Gravy).
This voluntary recall is from one reported case of botulism in Castleberry’s human edible Hot Dog Chili Sauce. Botulism is generally due to an improperly sealed can or a can that has become damaged, thus letting air inside.
Natural Balance checks all of its cans for any kind of leakage, puffiness or damage before they are shipped, and we have found none. However, to comply with our manufacturer, we are asking that you discontinue use and return Eatables for Dogs to your store for a full refund.
Consult Itchmo.com for further information as it becomes available.
The director of communications for TripAdvisor.com was quoted as saying, “Animal lovers might be even pickier about travel accommodations for their pets than they are for themselves.” TripAdvisor just conducted a survey of their clients who travel with their pets and found Best Western is the most pet-friendly hotel chain followed by Holiday Inn and Red Roof Inn. The top pet-friendly Best Western is the Best Western Lake Norman in Cornelius, North Carolina, based on pet-friendliness ratings on TripAdvisor.
Check out their complete Top 10 list before you head out on your summer vacation with your furry family members!:
1. Top Dog: TierraLinda Bed and Breakfast, Galena, Illinois – Average nightly rate: $135
A slice of dog heaven, TierraLinda Bed and Breakfast brings you and your four-legged friend closer to nature. Let your dog run through the forest, swim in the lake, dash through the waterfalls, and lay by a bonfire. Most importantly, turn the TV and phone off — who else truly deserves your undivided attention? As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “The best part for us by far, as dog lovers, was how much our dog loved it.”
2. Dog Show: The Sleepy Dog Guest House, Bisbee, Arizona – Average nightly rate: $95
Appreciate the artwork in the Sleepy Dog Guest House, a colorful converted miner’s cabin decorated with canine watercolor portraits, papier-mache sculptures and eclectic Southwestern art. As the only guests, feel free to let your pet loose on one of the leash-free trails and play in the Frisbee lot or enclosed yard. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “The owner is a great host and the Sleepy Dog Guest House is the most pet-friendly place I’ve ever seen.”
3. Lassie Locale: Gazebo Inn Ogunquit, Ogunquit, Maine – Average nightly rate: $144
Don’t leave your dog at home while visiting the Gazebo Inn Ogunquit, an old farmhouse. With pet-friendly rooms and designated dog-walking beach areas and parks, your canine will feel more than welcome in this upscale establishment. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “Nothing like being able to enjoy your pet and very fine lodging, such as you will find at the Gazebo Inn.”
4. Canine Cottage: Spruce Moose Lodge and Cottages, North Conway, New Hampshire – Average nightly rate: $124
With pooch-friendly cottages, the Spruce Moose Lodge and Cottages is the perfect place for a getaway with your pet. Kimball’s room, located in the main lodge, has recently allowed pets, with a separate entrance from the porch. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “The owners were exceptionally friendly and service-oriented. True dog lovers, they made my dog feel welcome.”
5. Pet Stop: The Ocean Lodge, Cannon Beach, Oregon – Average nightly rate: $220
Spoil your pet at the Ocean Lodge with oceanfront views of the Oregon coast. With a private deck, easy beach access, pet packages, and even a dog wash in the front lawn, the hardest part will be leaving. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “If you are looking for a place that is on the ocean and takes dogs, this is as good as it gets.”
6. Basket-Hound: Cambria Shores Inn, Cambria, California – Average nightly rate: $232
Let your canine bask in the sun on the seaside lawn at the Cambria Shores Inn on the California coast. Your pet will be pampered with a welcome basket, including special doggie biscuits, towels, a mat and a copy of “Fido-Friendly” — a dog-lover must-read. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “They have baskets for every dog. The three ocean view lawns are perfect for the dogs, and the views are spectacular.”
7. Pamper Palace: Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge, Massachusetts – Average nightly rate: $288
For the stylish pet, impress them at the Hotel Marlowe, an eight-story luxurious boutique, modern hotel. Choose from the finicky feline pampering kit or the man’s best friend pampering kit, both containing sumptuous treats from the hotel’s preferred pet bakery, Polka Dot Bakery. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, “The Marlowe has captured us! They allow pets, actually greet them with water bowls and a sign announcing the names of all the pets in the house for the evening.”
8. Animal House: Courtney’s Place, Key West, Florida – Average nightly rate: $104
Go island hopping around the Florida Keys with your pet and stay at Courtney’s Place in Key West. With cats, dogs and birds on the premises, your animal is sure to feel right at home in this colorful retreat. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “We spent four nights at Courtney’s Place with our two little dogs and we could not have been more pleased!”
9. Pet-Equipped: La Quinta Inn and Suites South Padre, South Padre Island, Texas – Average nightly rate: $177
Enjoy the hotel’s features with your pet, including a complimentary breakfast, oceanfront views and spacious suites at La Quinta Inn and Suites South Padre. With pet-friendly rooms and endless amenities, this is the perfect accommodation for pet owners looking for great service. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, “We brought our small dog so she could have a vacation as well.”
10. A Real Treat: Hotel Monaco Denver, Denver, Colorado – Average nightly rate: $247
Charm your pet by staying at the Hotel Monaco Denver, a luxurious hip hotel with a vibrant and bold interior. Try the reigning cats and dogs pet package, which includes a pet pamper basket, organic treats, doggie-bed, and food and water bowl, making your pet feel like it’s finally out of the “dog house.” As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “Our dogs were petted by almost every employee they came across, and enjoyed being with us for the evening wine reception, where they met a Boxer.”
We are very honored to be included in the “Better Homes and Gardens” special issue, “For Your Dog” for the second year in a row!
We’re in the section titled, Must Love Dogs, which reads..
Our love for dogs is an all-encompassing affair. Dog-lovers everywhere enjoy surrounding themselves with stuff that reminds them of their devotion to their pets.
Whether you’re devoted to a particular breed or love dogs in general, succumb to your passion.. pay tribute to your beloved companions.
You’ve already given your dogs the run of your house, now let them take over your heart. After all, what would life be like without dogs?
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
PS: July is half over – don’t forget to take advantage of our Pop Promo providing FREE SHIPPING on all portraits ordered this month! Check out the details on our specials page.
This one is really amazing!… The AP picked up on a story yesterday about a kitten found under the hood of an SUV (while it was running, no less) being rescued and nursed by a dog! We couldn’t make this stuff up folks, read about it for yourself, below:
By all accounts, Tahoe is a typical kitten: cute, sleepy and hungry. But his eating habits are far from typical, as the stray’s been nursing from a 3-year-old dog named Lillie.
Ever since the kitten was found under the hood of Eunice Collins’ running Chevrolet Tahoe a few weeks ago, he’s been feeding from the unusually cooperative longhaired dachshund. Tahoe feeds in the morning, at night and after naps, purring and pawing at the dog’s belly.
“That’s not going to happen very often,” said veterinarian John Beck, who added that the “kitten got lucky, basically” that he found a dog with those maternal instincts.
Collins said she was confused by the sound of a kitten meowing as she drove her Tahoe. “I thought I was going crazy,” Collins said. “I came to a light and heard it again. So I pulled into a gas station.”
Collins took the kitten in and kept him in a bedroom. Four days later, she saw Lillie feeding him. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “She has just taken Tahoe on as her baby and has been nurturing and taking care of him. They’re just very close.”
Beck said having Tahoe in the house “induced a false pregnancy, a nursing response. It made the hormones needed to produce milk.” Beck continued, “Now, I’m sure the cat obviously had it in mind the dog was (his) mother.”
We are having a crazy hot summer so far, as many of you probably are, so here are some tips on keeping your dog safe in hot summer temperatures, straight from”the Dog Whisperer” himself, Cesar Millan:
1. Keep him hydrated. Make sure your dog has access to water. If you’re on the move, carry a portable bowl and bottle of water.
2. Different dogs have different needs. Darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats, and overweight dogs dehydrate faster. Keep this in mind when taking your pack on a walk.
3. Never leave your dog in a parked car. A car retains heat, even in the shade. Add an overexcited dog to the equation, and dehydration can result. On long trips, keep the AC on or roll down the window, and make sure water is available.
4. Be innovative. A wet towel, a water spritzer, a kiddie pool, a fan in front of a pan of ice: these are all great ways to help keep your dog cool.
5. Dogs cool from the bottom up. Lay a wet towel under your dog instead of on top of her coat. Don’t forget your dog’s paws and stomach when spraying water.
6. Be vigilant! Watch for signs of dehydration. These include excessive drooling, lethargy, bloodshot eyes, and loss of skin elasticity. If you’re concerned, get your dog into the shade or go inside, provide water, and contact your veterinarian.
The Pet Patio Potty is one of the latest and greatest advancements for city dwelling pets and their people.
Doggy Solutions designed this brilliant concept for loft, condo, and town home pet owners who have no yard and don’t always find it convenient or safe to walk their dog. Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, this sturdy yet stylish box made of either redwood or polyethylene may solve your problem. It is designed to fit in small spaces on balconies or patios or even indoors. This “doggy potty” has removable trays that can be filled with either gravel or synthetic sod. The trays are positioned over a layer of absorbent material. Dogs and puppies can be trained that “doing their business” in the box is an acceptable alternative.
It is certainly a great alternative for you to being late to work every day and for your dog having to wait when you have to work late. There are several different models and they do build to suit your needs and your space, so check them out!
Colorado State University is home to the best School of Veterinary Sciences in the country. That has actually been a benefit to us personally more than once. Not only did Kylie’s Vet graduate from CSU, the clinic actually uses CSU’s lab services, which gives us great confidence when it comes to diagnostics and treatment. There’s no greater peace of mind than having a Vet that you trust!
This week CSU is making national news with it’s plan to implant a prosthetic leg on a dog rescued from Kuwait. Below is the story from Yahoo..
A puppy found hobbling in the Kuwaiti desert has ended up at Colorado State University, where she might be a candidate for an experimental prosthesis that could one day help humans.
Sally, a Saluki, was spotted in the desert several months ago by a volunteer with animal welfare group PAWS and taken to a shelter in Kuwait City. It’s unclear how the dog was injured. Part of the dog’s left hind leg had been severed and a veterinarian in Kuwait wanted to amputate the remaining leg. PAWS volunteer Steve Holden e-mailed his alma mater, CSU, and its veterinary hospital to ask whether that was sound advice.
CSU animal surgeon Erick Egger responded that it was, but that Sally, who
he estimated was about a year old, might make a good candidate for new research on grafting prosthetics to bone, which would prevent her from losing more of her leg. PAWS then flew Sally with Holden to Fort Collins, arriving Tuesday.
While humans can be fitted with a prosthetic limb to be strapped on, dogs don’t take to them well. Egger wants to try an “ingrowth” prosthesis. One concept involves inserting a metallic implant at the bone, attaching an artificial limb to the implant, and then allowing bone to grow around it.
“The real critical part that will make it work or not is whether we can get soft tissues like skin and muscle to grow into the metal that extends into the body,” he said. Veterinarian Robert Taylor in Denver has been working on the concept, which perhaps one day could be transferred to humans, Egger said.
It could be a month or two before Sally gets her new leg, he said. He is looking at ways to raise funds to pay for materials, which he estimates could cost about $5,000.
We brought you the story of the World’s Ugliest Dog competition last year so we thought we should update you on this year’s results from Yahoo news.
Elwood, a 2-year-old Chinese Crested and Chihuahua mix, was crowned the world’s ugliest dog last week, a distinction that delighted the New Jersey mutt’s owners.
Elwood, dark colored and hairless — save for a mohawk-like puff of white fur on his head — is often referred to as “Yoda,” or “ET,” for his resemblance to those famous science fiction characters.
“I think he’s the cutest thing that ever lived,” said Elwood’s owner, Karen Quigley, a resident of Sewell, New Jersey.
Quigley brought Elwood out to compete for the second year at the annual ugly dog contest at the Marin-Sonoma County Fair. Elwood placed second last year.
Most of the competing canines were also Chinese Crested, a breed that features a mohawk, bug eyes and a long, wagging tongue.
Quigley said she rescued Elwood two years ago. “The breeder was going to euthanize him because she thought he was too ugly to sell,” said Quigley. So ha ha, now Elwood’s all over the Internet and people love him and adore him.” Beyond the regal title of ugliest dog, Elwood also earned a $1,000 reward for his owner.
–As far as we are concerned he proves once again that ugly is in the eye of the beholder!
Also, in the past we have shared the always amusing, though sometimes scary, stories of driving dogs. Well, here’s another such story from Yahoo, of a dog who didn’t even need the keys to drive away in his person’s car with some rather “weird” results..
Bad Dog, Charlie, the black lab drove his owner’s car into the Pend Oreille River in Idaho. As Mark Ewing walked home Wednesday evening after returning from picking up a pizza, Charlie jumped into the car through an open window, and apparently knocked the vehicle into gear.
“He somehow got the car into neutral,” Ewing said. “My car just went boom, down an incline and into the drink.” Ewing could only watch as his Chevy Impala sank into the river. No dummy, Charlie jumped out of the window as the car went downhill.
“There’s nothing weirder than looking at your car cruising down your driveway when you’re not in it and seeing your dog jump out and then watching your car go splash,” Ewing said.
Actually, things did get a little weirder when the tow truck driver showed up. Before the driver dove into the water to hook the car up to his truck, he asked Ewing to hold his dentures. My car’s in the drink, I’ve got dentures in my hand and this guy Keith … goes swimming,” Ewing noted.
–Next time, we suggest you offer Charlie some pizza!
