Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monster's 1st haircut :)
Little Franklin
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Happy Holidays!
Winter precautions for pets
Holiday Items
- Tinsel/Ribbon – can be ingested and cause serious gastrointestinal trauma.
- Christmas tree water (with additives) – can cause stomach upset.
- Bubble lights – contain methylene chloride which can be harmful if swallowed as a liquid or inhaled as a vapor.
- Lights/electrical cords – cats, kittens & puppies may bite cords causing electrocution.
- Glass/Plastic ornaments – can cause serious gastrointestinal trauma.
- Antifreeze – even a small amount (1 tablespoon) can be fatal to a small pet.
- Rodenticide – should not be used in a home with pets or small children.
- Ice Melts – can cause ulceration if left on the skin or feet. Can also cause serious gastrointestinal trauma if ingested.
- Alcohol – can be toxic to pets causing breathing problems & depression.
- Chocolate – dark and/or bakers chocolate is more harmful in smaller doses than milk chocolate. All chocolate should be kept away from pets.
- Human Food – is too rich for pets, and while it’s tempting to share over the holidays, it’s best to keep your pet on his/her normal diet.
- Macadamia Nuts – cause difficulty walking, tremors & swollen limbs.
- Yeast dough – if enough is ingested before it has risen fully or cooked, it will continue to rise causing serious gastrointestinal distress.
- Holly Berries – can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
- Mistletoe – can be very toxic to pets if ingested.
- Pointsettias – are not as toxic as once believed, but can cause stomach upset.
- Lillies – even in small amounts, can cause serious kidney damage if ingested.
- Yew – causes muscle tremors, difficulty walking & has adverse cardiac effects.
- Cyclamen – the roots of this plant can cause serious gastrointestinal distress.
This is not a free call.
* 1-800-548-2423 ($30 per case, credit card only; free follow-up until problem is resolved.)
* 1-900-680-0000 ($20 for 5 minutes, $2.95 per minute thereafter).
via Sheltienation.com
The incredible border collie
6-year-old Chaser spent 3 years working with her psychologist owner John Pilley and Professor Allison Reid to see how many words she could learn. Chaser not only knows words, but also organizes them according to function and shape. (Smart doggie!)
They are still teaching Chaser more words and tests her regularly on the ones she knows.
Dr. Pilley put it like this: "We wanted to see if there was a limit to the number of words a dog could understand, and if they could understand the name of an object rather than just respond to a command related to an object, such as fetch. We’re not saying this means dogs can learn language in the same way children do, but it does show they are capable of learning many more words than might have been thought."
Here's Chaser at work:
via The Daily Mail
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Do dogs have bad days? Just a thought...
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Did you know that cats can transmit Toxoplasma parasite to us??
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Toxoplasma is the third leading cause of death attributed to foodborne illness in the United States. More than 60 million men, women, and children in the U.S. carry the Toxoplasma parasite!! Wait, huh? what?!!
How this parasite can be transmitted from an infected cat:
- Accidental ingestion of oocysts after cleaning a cat's litter box when the cat has shed Toxoplasma in its feces
- Accidental ingestion of oocysts after touching or ingesting anything that has come into contact with a cat's feces that contain Toxoplasma
- Accidental ingestion of oocysts in contaminated soil (e.g., not washing hands after gardening or eating unwashed fruits or vegetables from a garden)
- Drinking water contaminated with the Toxoplasma parasite
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Dog Waits Every Day For Dead Owner ...
Similar to the story of Hachiko, a faithful Akita back in 1925 waited for his owner... people would see Hachiko at the same train station everyday for 9 years after his owner passed away!!! O.M.G... *tears*....
Make sure to hug & love your dogs today & everyday, because they are truly happy to see you!!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Does your puppy sleep talk?
A Blue Merle Pom puppy!
Did you know that the original Pomeranians were much larger, weighing up to 30 pounds and worked as sheep herders? Marie Antoinette, Emile Zola, Mozart and Queen Victoria all owned Pomeranians.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Missouri Approves Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act
A study done by the Better Business Bureau, "the southwest section of Missouri is the hub of the puppy industry." The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act states legal guidelines for Missouri dog breeders to maintain humane, small-scale breeding facilities rather than large-scale breeding kennels (puppy mills).
Want to know more about Prob B? Read the full text of the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Canine Parvovirus season
"The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and can lead to lethargy, vomiting and bloody diarrhea."
"The virus passes from the dog through feces, and the virus can live for seven years in the soil, King said. Dogs that are kept indoors are not protected from the virus either, as people can carry the virus from the outside on the bottoms of their shoes. The change in weather can bring it up out of the ground."
So protect your furry kids! The best treatment is prevention!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Mia & Bruno are Giants fans! We won the World Series!!!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Prince Bruno & Princess Mia
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Halloween Safety Tips!
1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.
3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.
5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.
6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.
7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.
8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.
9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.
10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increaing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.
Please be safe!
Giants fan!
Did you go to Game 2 today? Go Giants!!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Getting ready for World Series! Go Giants!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
When Hormone Creams Expose Others to Risks
In female pets, the symptoms resemble heat: swollen genitals, bloody discharge and behavioral problems. Male animals are showing up with swollen breast tissue and hair loss. Standard treatments and even repeated operations have had no effect.
Now vets have identified the culprit. The pets were all owned by women who used hormone creams on their hands, arms and legs to counter symptoms of menopause. Animals who licked or cuddled their owners, or rubbed up against their legs, were being inadvertently exposed to doses of hormone drugs."
See full story - nytimes.com
New Frenchie in town!
Have you seen Zorro?
Zorro was last seen around 1am by the Giants ballpark area. He's also sick so please call the number below if you know where Zorro is!
Harvest Howl at Treasure Island Wines
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Strutting Diva Dogs - A Canine Named Lulu Walks Like a Human Being
"The one-year-old pinscher pup named Lulu loves to walk on her hind legs and carries a teddy bear bag in her front paw to add charm to her "dog walk." The pup can be seen walking in this unusual stance with her owner Zhou Guanshun, a retired teacher in the city of of Zhumadian, China."
I know I can't be the only one thinks this is too weird... BTW, where's her LV purse?
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Top 10 Dog and Cat Medical Conditions of 2009
Source
Sheltie Eating Cookie
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Fast Food Shelties
Friday, October 15, 2010
Paralyzed Dog Lucy Walkin' Wheels Wheelchair Climbs Mt. Washington
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
IPhone App to Help Pudgy Pets!
Below is an App CU-PetHealth developed at Cornell University offers a solution - it addresses pet nutrition in much the same way as popular human nutrition mobile applications. This App doesn't have the pretty interface but it is simple enough to use.
Guard Dog Prices Skyrocket to Six Figures
Monday, October 11, 2010
Pessimistic Dogs See the Bowl Half Empty
- Dogs may be optimists or pessimists, new research suggests.
- Pessimistic dogs appear to be more prone to engage in unwanted behaviors, such as barking and destruction.
- Both behavioral and drug therapies are available to help affected dogs.
FDA announces Blue Buffalo dry dog food recall - FYI
Products recalled - may contain too much Vitamin D.:
Blue Wilderness Chicken (dog) 4.5 lb, 11 lb, 24 lb. Best used by dates: JUL1211B, JUL1311B, JUL2611Z, JUL2711Z, JUL2811Z
Blue Basics Salmon (dog) 11 lb., 24 lb. Best used by dates: AUG2111B, AUG2211B
Blue Large Breed Adult Chicken, 30 lb. Best used by dates: SEP 22 11 P, SEP 23 11 P, OCT 26 11 P
Friday, October 8, 2010
Dogs Join Fight to Save Rhinos in Borneo
"With less than 40 rhinos left in the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo, field staff from WWF turn to man’s best friend to help track rhino movements. It’s a notoriously difficult task, due to the rhinos’ solitary lifestyle and large ranging area. This technique has been used successfully in Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam and is being tested by WWF’s Borneo Species Program. The dogs are trained to search for rhino dung. Samples found are recorded and sent overseas for DNA analysis. The two new recruits, Storm and Thunder, are finishing their training and will be used in the field in the coming months." Story via WWF.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Rub-a-dub-dub, Warren in the tub!
Warren just came from Japan (こんにちは)! I asked him to "sit" (in English) during nail clipping, but... all I got was the huh? look... He was a big slobber & a licker (need a good bath when I get home)! I just love those big floppy ears (they're really soft)!!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I bet that's what my dog thinks...
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Foster a dog
I met few people recently who foster dogs regularly from Rocket Dog Rescue & give the dogs a temporary home. I think it's a great way to test it out & see if having a dog is suitable for your lifestyle.
I think Brooklyn from Rocket Dog is pretty cute :)
Cats for adoption at SPCA
I may need to stop by later & check them out. I wonder if Mickey is ready for another kitty sister? The cat of my life passed away 2 yrs ago... (miss you Kitty)!
Whitney Blondie
RIP - my Hello Kitty (yes, I named her that)
BFF!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Howl-o-Ween @ Mission Creek Park
So not all the photos came out right... (apparently it's not as easy taking pictures with all the exciting dogs around!)
Thanks to all who came out & entertained us!
Can't view Flash? See link for photos.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Danger of Discounted Pet Drugs - NYTimes.com
"The United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a consumer alert to pet owners, warning them about the dangers of buying discounted pet drugs online.
Reputable online pharmacies can help pet owners save money when they purchase prescription drugs, just as they can help people get their own prescriptions filled. However, legitimate companies always require a prescription from a veterinarian before filling an order for pet drugs."
See full story.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday Football
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Polar bears and dogs playing?!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Kittie masseuse!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Man builds cat-sized village for 660 homeless cats!!
I think he did a really good job building a cute place for the cats (30 acres to roam around, that's pretty awesome). Somehow I can't imaging how strong the smell of cat urine is... Full Story.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Dog does the merengue - O.M.G. this dog is freaking awesome!!!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Labor Day Weekend Schedule - Closed 9/6 Mon & 9/7 Tues
Thx boss for the extra day off! ;)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Nonprofit helps pet owners cope with emergency vet bills | Seattle Times Newspaper
Your dog or cat is sick or injured and you don't have the money to pay a veterinarian for treatment. Euthanasia or giving away your best friend become the only options.
The recession and unemployment have made that scenario a reality for more pet owners, animal-care experts say. " See link for full Story...
Learn more about the United Animal Nations programs. You can also donate to the UAN for those who can help.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Disaster Preparedness for Animals (free training!)
Get certified to help animals when a disaster hits our city.
Click here to learn more and to register: www.pawssf.org/sfdpca
The Truth about Dog and Cat Food
I don't like to tell people what they "should & must" feed their animals but if you do care what goes into their tummies like me, here's some interesting info... read your labels...
A just released video of AAFCO* (Association of American Feed Control Officials)'s president finally admitting, on camera, that it’s allowable (and, in fact, fairly common practice) for "rendered pets" to end up in some pet food...
So what else can be rendered and made into “meat and bone meal”? Euthanized pets, road kill, expired grocery store meat (including the packaging), kill floor detritus, dead stock… etc. GROSS...
* AAFCO is the regulatory body that sets guidelines for pet food and pet food ingredients in the USA. They could quite easily ban the use of rendered pets as acceptable for inclusion in pet food – but they don’t... some pet food companies use the cheap protein count that comes from rendered meat and bone meal.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Bark for Life - awareness for the American Cancer Society 8/21/10
The American Cancer Society Bark For LifeTM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.
By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
Join Bark For Life for a fun-filled day starting with a walk, and then continuing with demonstrations, contests, and games.
See more details & sign up here.