Excessive Licking and Grooming

Your pet’s excessive licking and grooming can have several causes: stress, food allergies, and more. Your first step is a visit with your vet to determine whether it’s a health or behavior problem. Many pets are allergic to corn, a main ingredient in most dried pet foods. If your vet suspects an allergy, change the pet’s food and watch for improvements in your pet’s coat and behavior. Your vet can suggest brands of food that will help the most. If the licking is due to stress, try to remove the source, or simply manage the stress. This is particularly important in multiple pet-households. We have four, & the low man on the pecking order stopped chewing his fur when I started feeding him without the others present. I also give him ´special time´, i.e. an hour per day, when he is with me alone and gets undivided attention.

PET POISON TIP: NO CATS & DOGS UNDER THE MISTLETOE, PLEASE!

While it may be nice to run into your sweetie under the mistletoe, this traditional holiday plant can be potentially toxic to our animal companions.

Found throughout the United States, American mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant that lives off a variety of different tree species. If ingested in large enough quantities, mistletoe can potentially produce gastrointestinal irritation, excessive thirst and urination, a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, seizures, coma and even death in pets.

According to our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), however, most animal ingestions involve small quantities—not more than the amount found in a sprig or two—and typically result in mild stomach upset that resolves with little or no treatment.
Remember, if you suspect that your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, contact your local veterinarian or APCC at (888) 426-4435. For more pet poison prevention tips, visit ASPCA.org.

The Signs and Symptoms of UI in Cats

Urinary infection is a common cat health problem for cats, especailly males due to their physiology.

Although it is easily treated, it can lead to kidney failure and even death if left untreated.

If you suspect UI, take your cat to a reputable vet immediately.

Some of the symptoms and signs to look for include: Straining to urinate, discomfort while urinating, howling or crying while urinating, tinkling anywhere and everywhere (very small puddles), and discolored urine (indicating blood in the urine).

Cleaning Teeth

Clean teeth make a big difference in your pet´s oral health. The key to getting your pet to tolerate having his teeth brushed is to do it in small steps over time and to be patient and encouraging. Try to brush several times a week with a child´s toothbrush or a fingertip brush and a toothpaste designed for pets. Regular cleanings under anesthesia by your vet is important to address problems at the root line. Left unchecked, plaque buildup on teeth can ultimately cause infections that can lead to tooth loss, make eating painful, and puts your pet's internal organs (especially the heart) under pressure, therefore causing illness and premature aging.

Plastic Bowl Problems

About Pet Food Dishes - You probably know that pets want you to clean their food bowls after each meal, and that you should not use dishwashing liquid, because they dislike the smell. What you might not know is that plastic bowls always retain some ´old food smell´. A dog or cat will notice, even if you don´t. They´ll refuse to eat out of this bowl for no apparent reason. Therefore, invest in some porcelain bowls and make sure they are dishwasher safe. When washing bowls in the dishwasher, rinse again once the washing cycle is finished for best results.

How to Stop Cats from Fighting

Cat Behavior Problems - The occasional cat fight is expected in multiple cat households, because cats are territorial.

However, when aggressive behavior becomes the norm, you can take steps to stop it.

These are some cat training tips I use, and a few more from Friskies cat food: Identify the aggressor and victim, then separate the cats when they can´t be supervised. Give the aggressor corrective measures, and the victim rewards.Corrective measures can include: confinement in a less attractive space; place a collar and bell on the aggressor; squirt the aggressor with a water sprayer during agressive acts. For the victim give rewards such as free roam of the house, plus edible and affection rewards.Gradually increase the supervised interaction, rewarding good behavior and using corrective measures against cat agression

Puppies as presents? Help us stop it.

Three days ago, The Humane Society of the United States revealed in a shocking undercover investigation that puppies sold by California’s upscale Pets of Bel Air boutique came from puppy mills. Our investigation showed that anyone, even the rich and famous, could be duped into believing what pet store clerks say about the puppies they sell.

The holiday puppy-buying season is in high gear, so please click here to make an emergency donation to support our fight to stop puppy mills and educate consumers.The HSUS’s undercover investigation revealed that many of the puppies sold at Pets of Bel Air come from puppy mills in Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. What our investigators found when they visited five of these large-scale breeding operations was appalling -- puppies living in filthy, overcrowded cages reeking of urine, with little to no food or water, and in many cases exposed to the elements. Some of the puppies suffered from untreated physical injuries. We are committed to putting puppy mills out of business, but we can’t do it without your help.

Please make a gift today to help ensure that our campaign to stop puppy mills has the resources it needs throughout 2008 and beyond to:
Assist local agencies with investigations of puppy mill cases
Rescue and shelter dogs from the cruelty of puppy mills
Fight for stronger laws to protect dogs and cats from unscrupulous breeders
Push for better enforcement of existing laws
Convince consumers to stop supporting puppy mills

With hundreds of retail and Internet sites selling puppy mill puppies, our challenge is formidable, particularly at this time of year. But with your support, we will put an end to this cruel and inhumane industry -- and work to protect animals from other kinds of cruelty, too.Thank you for your commitment to stopping puppy mills and for all that you do for animals.

Sincerely,

Wayne Pacelle

President & CEO

The Humane Society of the United States

Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Holidays

Christmas, New Year's, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and all the celebrations the holidays entail pose safety problems for dogs. Aside from the overexcitement and confusion caused by too many guests, there are purely physical problems.

• First, the food. A dog can over indulge in holiday foods causing gastrointestinal upset or possibly even toxicities - such as chocolate or grape/raison toxicity.
• Second, consider your holiday tree. Trees can be knocked over. Needles can be swallowed. Bulbs and ornaments can be broken and subsequently ingested or stepped on. Electrical cords can be chewed. It is ideal to keep your pet away from the tree. A baby gate may be an effective way to separate your dog from the tree. Allow supervised visitations only until you are comfortable with your dog’s behavior around the tree.
• Third, consider your holiday decorations. Tinsel is dangerous - especially to cats however it can also be dangerous to dogs. If a pet swallows it, it can block intestines, causing decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and weight loss. Treatment may involve surgery. Use unbreakable bulbs. You may want to keep the lower branches that are within reach of your dog bare. Avoid edible and fragile ornaments. Avoid wire ornament hooks that can easily snag an ear or a tail, or, if swallowed, can lodge in the throat or intestines. Instead, fashion loops of yarn, ribbons or thin twine.Next, the gifts. Dogs can chew on or swallow small parts; plastic items can be easily broken and swallowed, too. Gift-wrappings can be dangerous to a pet's health: String and ribbon can cause obstruction of the small bowel if swallowed.
• Lastly, take special care with candles, fireplaces, space heaters, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces can cause burns if animals get too close. Candles are a great attraction for pets, but don't leave them alone in a room with a menorah or candelabra blazing-the swish of a tail can be disastrous.

-- Dr. Jon, Pet Place

Low Cost Medical Care for Dogs and Cats

If your dog or cat is sick or injured and needs veterinarian care, but your budget this month can´t afford the bill, call your local animal shelter/dog pound, humane society, ASPCA, or rescue organization. They have lists of low cost vets in your area, and can even help pay for vet bills in some cases.

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Controlling Hairballs

Hairballs are more of a problem in longhaired cats than short. Hairballs are caused by too much hair in the cat´s stomach from their own grooming.

Although there are many different remedies, preventative health care measures are essential:

• Daily brushing is the best tip to prevent cat hairballs, especially during the warm months of the year.
• If your cat´s pattern of coughing up the occasional hairball changes, take your cat to the vet to find out why.
• Feeding your cat or kitten Iams or Science Diet´s Hairball Control will work wonders.

How does a cat show affection?

Despite the common misconception, cats are not showing affection when they rub against you with the back of their head and the rest of their body. It´s just cat instinct to mark you with their scent; they are actually claiming you as their territory.The only time a cat is truly showing affection is when they bump you with the front part of their head, known as head bonks, a cat behavior also called "bunting". He might rub along your chin and nose, engaging in the bunting behavior that began as a kitten when he´d rub around his mother´s head seeking to nurse. Some cats get so carried away that they even drool.The next time your cat jumps onto the bed and seems to butt you in the face with the top of his head, don´t get irritated, realize the loving compliment your kitty just paid you.

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Awesome Dog Videos, Click to play, or hit arrow to browse other videos!

Teething Puppies

When your dog is teething, instead of have him chewing on couches, walls etc. Buy a few (cheap) wash clothes. Soak the wash cloth and put it ion the freezer. When fully frozen give it to the dog to chew, it will thaw out so have another one ready in the freezer. (be careful when doing this with very small dogs, as they may get a chill. I have heard of small dogs getting too cold too quickly when chewing on ice.)

Teach your cat tricks?

Despite popular belief, you can train your cat to perform tricks. You will get the best results when you offer food rewards such as a morsel of moist cat food or a treat. Work with one command at a time. Be consistent and be patient.

Shaking Hands
With your cat sitting in front of you, touch its paw and say “shake.” As soon as your cat reacts and lifts his paw, shake it. Reward your cat with verbal approval along with a treat. Remember to repeat the command exactly the same way each time.

Come
Say your cat’s name followed by the command “come.” If necessary, tap on her food bowl to gain attention. When your cat comes, praise her lavishly and reward her. This is a good trick to try around mealtime, as your cat will eventually associate food with the “come” command.

Is your dog digging?

Is your dog digging? Try putting cayenne pepper in the holes - they don't like the sensation when they go back to dig again.

Metal Bowls - NO!

Using metal water dishes outside in winter may be a risk, because your pet's tongue could stick to the frozen metal. In the summer medal bowls can get very hot, and burn your dog.

Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

Contributed by Deb:

Since this info is all over the web, and comes from a book, I consider it public domain. So I will post it here without any concerns:

Chocolate - active ingredient = theobromine: The half life in the dog is 17.5 hours

The Toxic dose in the dog is 100-150 mg/kg.A kilogram (kg) = 2.2 lbs. A milligram(mg) = 1/1000 of a gram

So for a 50 pound dog, a toxic dose would be roughly 2.2 grams (2200 mg) of pure chocolate.

However the concentration of theobromine varies with the formulation of the chocolate so: Milk chocolate has 44mg/oz (154mg/100gm) :toxic dose for 50 lb dog - 50 oz of milk chocolate.

Semisweet chocolate has 150 mg/oz (528mg/100gm) :toxic dose for 50 lb dog - 15 oz of semisweet chocolate

Baking chocolate 390mg/oz (1365 mg/100gm):toxic dose for 50 lb dog - 5 oz of baking chocolate

Thus a dog eating one oz of baking chocolate would have to eat almost 3 oz of semisweet or 10 oz of milk chocolate to get the same dose of theobromine.

The theobromine in candies consisting of chocolate that is coated over some other substance - as in filled candies and chocolate coated dried fruits, etc. will be more dilute than that in pure chocolate bars and solid chocolate candies.

Obviously the chocolate in milk chocolate is quite dilute and this is why many dogs can eat a piece here and there and seem not to show toxic effects, how many dogs would get ahold of 50 oz at a time? This is not true of the more concentrated forms however.

Dr Sue Bank's experience was that she had two dogs, a 95 pound one and a 60 pound one. They got ahold of 2 one pound bags of Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate pieces (a bag each). The 95 pound dog survived but the 60 pound dog ingested a toxic dose.

The problem with feeding a dog milk chocolate as a treat is that it develops a liking for chocolate and since dogs do not seem to be as sensitive to bitter tastes as humans - it may then eat the more concentrated, and thus quite toxic, baker's chocolate if it gets a chance or it will consume a toxic amount of milk or semi-sweet chocolate if it can get into a improperly stored supply.

Treatment which is best administered by someone with medical training follows the same strategy as treatment for caffeine overdose: Support Respiration Support cardiovascular function, control arrhythmia's, control electrolytes and acid-base balance. Control CNS excitation. Emesis Gastric lavage Cathartic Activated charcoal.

Administration of an activated charcoal slurry is a major component of the treatment and needs to be administered by a veterinarian - it is not a home treatment. From Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment 6th edition. ************ *********

Consistency in Dog Training

Consistency is very important during dog obedience behavior training especially when correcting unwanted behaviors. Always use the same "command" for a specific task you require of your dog. Don’t confuse him by using different command for the same task.

Once you’ve establish some house rules such as - keeping the cooking area out of bound to your dog, enforce them constantly. If the dog learns that he can get away with it now and then, your previous efforts will go down the drain. Lastly, make sure everyone in the family accept and enforce your rules consistently.

Runaway Dog

If your dog runs away from you and you finally catch up to it, no matter how angry you are at the dog, do not yell or smack it or your dog will never come to you when called for fear of being punished.

Separation Anxiety

A dog demonstrates separation anxiety in many ways. While you're gone, or preparing to leave, your dog may:

• Destroy things
• Lick himself excessively
• Urinate or deficate inside the house
• Whine or bark continuously
• Hyper-salivate
• Pace obsessively
• Refuse to eat when you're not around
• Greet you excessively when you return home
• Be restless or depressed as you prepare to leave

A dog's level of anxiety can vary. But with Separation Anxiety, his behavior when you're away is consistently different from his behavior when you're around.

Keep him calm and collected. Any dog who demonstrates these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian with a strong background in behavioral medicine. When a diagnosis of Separation Anxiety is confirmed, several treatment strategies may be put in place:

1. Control the dog's environment. A busy dog is a satisfied dog. Give him something to do-such as a fun treat that requires some time to eat-and he may not be as concerned that you're gone.
2. Shift his behavior. Don't punish him for feeling anxious, that may make things worse. Try these suggestions: Avoid playing with him prior to leaving the house. Practice graduated departures. Go through some of the steps associated with you leaving the house several times per day, but don't leave. Practice departure exercises. Go out two times per day for 10-15 minutes each time. He should be taught to sit (or lie down) while you go toward the door, step outside and remain for a short period of time. Increase your time away gradually so he gets used to you going - while feeling reassured that you will return. The goal is to teach him that he can be obedient and relaxed when you're not there. Practice independence training. During day-to-day routines, such as watching television, instruct your Dachshund to stay some distance away instead of allowing him to sit in your lap or be touching you. While you're out, provide soothing music or a television at a low volume. To an anxious dog, silence can be deafening. Make sure not to make a big deal when you leave or come home. Ignore your dog for 10-20 minutes before leaving and after arrival - as difficult as this may be, it works. Don't reward clingy behavior. Ignore your Dachshund if he follows you around or demands attention. And reward him when he lies quietly.
3. Medicate. There are prescriptions that may help ease your dogs anxiety. Consult your vet for full details and options.

When is a puppy first bath?

Puppies generally do not need to get bathed until they are five months old -- they get their vaccinations during these first five months and their bodies are more sensitive to catching a cold.

When you give your puppy his first bath, find a nice warm spot to give the bath and use the appropriate dog shampoo.

Puppies and dogs don't need to get bathed very often in order to stay clean. The most important requirement for their cleanliness is to get groomed and brushed everyday.

If the dog or puppy gets mud on his coat, you can clean it off by using a towel with soap and warm water.

Constantly bathing a puppy and dog is not recommended because shampoo and soap leaches the natural oils of the puppy's skin.

To bathe your puppy you will need to use a washtub appropriate for his size. Put a small anti slip mat underneath the puppy's feet so that he does not slip. Put some cotton balls inside his ears so that no water gets inside of them. Make sure to use good quality dog shampoo (never human shampoo or soap), and apply it rubbing opposite of the way his hair grows. Start by first washing the puppy's body and finish with his head. When rinsing the puppy, make sure you keep his head upward so soapy water does not get into his sensitive eyes.

Generally it's recommended to towel of the excess water and let the puppy dry off on his own. In the cold months, you can use a hairdryer with caution -- make sure it is on the lowest setting and that you constantly move the dryer, so as not to burn the puppy. Also pay special attention to ensure you puppy does not get overheated and never blow air into his eyes.

Bath time can become a relaxing and bonding experience for you and your pooch.

Onion Poisoning

Onions cause sickness in dogs, cats and also livestock. Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate.

Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body.

At first, pets affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhoea. They will show no interest in food and will be dull and weak. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected animal’s urine and it becomes breathless. The breathlessness occurs because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number.
The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness.

Onion poisoning can occur with a single ingestion of large quantities or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion. A single meal of 600 to 800 grams of raw onion can be dangerous whereas a ten-kilogram dog, fed 150 grams of onion for several days, is also likely to develop anaemia. The condition improves once the dog is prevented from eating any further onion

While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.

What to do if you've lost a pet

Walk the neighborhood, talk to everybody, and leave your phone number.

Go to each house in the area where your pet was lost and talk to the residents. Write down a description of your lost pet and your phone number and leave it with them. Leave it attached to their door if they are not home.

Talk to everybody you run across. This includes the postman, paperboy, children, parents waiting at the school bus stop, school crossing guards, neighborhood crime watch groups, garbage pick-up crews, etc. Give them a written description of your pet and your phone number as well.

Read on ...

Grapes and raisons can cause fatal kidney failure in some dogs.

Grapes and raisons can cause fatal kidney failure in some dogs. For some unknown reason, there are dogs that grapes and raisons seem to have no ill effect on while others become very ill after eating only a couple. Although the exact toxin is unknown to date, the first symptom of illness from grapes and raisons is vomiting, followed by fatal kidney failure.

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New Proof Dogs Can Imitate

Imitation may be the best form of flattery, but it's also an indication of high intelligence. A recent study determined dogs can imitate -- particularly other dogs.

Keep an eye on your dog and see what he or she imitates!

How to Stop your Dog from Pulling on the Leash

Here is the elusive answer to the ever present question of HOW DO I TEACH MY DOG NOT TO PULL?

Don't walk forward if there is tension on the leash.
When the dog is about to apply ANY tension to the leash at all .... Immediately stop. Be a tree.

When the dog turns to see what happened to you, praise for his attention .... and encourage the dog back into heel position next to you - if necessary, take a few steps backward.

As long as the dog is in the magic spot next to your leg, continue praising, give food rewards, make it the best possible place in the world to be. If he loses concentration and is about to put any tension on the leash at all, stop without warning and repeat the above sequence.

Five Dog Training Tips

1. Begin training your dog as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more ingrained your dog's bad habits become.

2. Pay attention to when your dog has to use the restroom. They usually have to go within minutes of eating, waking and playing. Take them outside at those times and reward them with treats when they use the restroom outdoors.

3. If you are crate training, do not leave your pet in a crate for more than four hours. A puppy can not hold it that long and you do not want them to get used to going in the crate.

4. Socialize your new puppy as much as possible. Introduce them to other dogs and people so that they will not become aggressive.

5. Never train your dog when you are upset. If you dog is afraid of you, they will not learn. Never use their name in anger. The last thing you want is for them to associate their name with something bad.

The Problems with Table Feeding Your Dog

Feeding your dog scraps at the table encourages his bad behavior–begging. It puts him at risk of becoming overweight, because in addition to his regular daily dog meal(s), he’ll be eating the scraps you provide him and any other tidbits he gets from others at the table.

Additionally, food scraps can be unsafe for some dogs; many experience diarrhea, vomiting or develop a serious case of gas. A dog’s digestive system is very sensitive and eating too much human food, which can be high in fat, sugar or sodium, could easily make him ill or cause instant death.

Certain ingredients or foods that are outright toxic to dogs include tomatoes, onion and garlic, grapes and raisins, chocolate, and macadamia nuts. Other foods that are unhealthy for a dog includes raw meats, raw bones, cooked bones, cookies, cakes, ice creams, fried and greasy foods.

DO's and DON'Ts When Introducing Kids and Dogs

DO:

• Ask the owner for permission to pet the dog. Even if the dog looks friendly, ask first!
• Approach the dog slowly and gently, and allow him to sniff your hand before you pet him under the chin.
• Be careful around injured dogs. Injured dogs may bite out of fear or pain. Ask an adult for help.
• Stand still and be calm if a dog approaches you.
• Stay away from stray dogs.
  

DON'T:

• Don't run towards a dog or throw your arms around it. Remember to approach slowly and always ask the owner for permission to see the dog.
• Don't tease a dog or throw things at it.
• Don't try to take food or toys away, or bother the dog when he's eating.
• Be careful when he's sleeping, too; he may be startled if he is woken up suddenly.
• Don't pet a dog by reaching through a car window, a kennel, or a fence. Likewise, don't pet dogs in the back of a truck. Many dogs are nervous or protective and may bite.
• Don't assume that every dog is friendly just because it's tail is wagging. Ask the owner if it's okay to pet the dog.

HOW TO STOP YOUR DOG FROM CHEWING THE WRONG THINGS!

Most puppies have a strong, natural desire to investigate. But this curiosity can lead to problems when your puppy digs up your roses or destroys your new shoes. Many owners rely solely on punishment to correct problem behavior, but you'll find that reinforcing good behavior works better and keeps your dog happier.

Chew Toys
Begin with a variety of toys and determine which types your pup prefers.

Rotate different toys to keep them novel and interesting. Reward your dog when it chews its toys.

Never give items to the puppy to chew that are similar to household items you don't want destroyed. (e.g., your puppy may not distinguish between old shoes and new shoes.)
Destructive behavior is often a direct response to anxiety. Lessen the problem by teaching the dog that it cannot receive attention on demand. Train it to rest in its own bed or crate, rather than constantly lying near you. Exercise your dog before you leave home, and try to sneak out when it is occupied. Practice short departures, then gradually increase the length of time your dog is alone.

The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats

The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats Because of Possible Health Risk.

The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specificlot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats due to concerns that one or more bottles within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administrationin this voluntary recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products.

Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both cats and humans. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention. Owners of cats exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance.

The product involved is 3600 bottles of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats, lot code SZ-16371, UPC number 32700-97701, which was manufactured by a third party manufacturer, UFAC (USA), Inc., in Baconton, Georgia.

While normal testing conducted by Hartz and UFAC has not revealed the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz products, sampling conducted by the FDA did detect the presence of Salmonella. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

Although the company has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Cat owners should check the lot code on their bottles, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bottle has lot code SZ-16371 imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

The Danger of Macadamia Nuts for Dogs

Macadamia nuts are another concern. A paper written by Dr. Ross McKenzie, a Veterinary Pathologist with the Department of Primary Industries, points to the danger of raw and roasted macadamia nuts for pets.

The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.

Dogs have been affected by eating as few as six macadamia kernels (nuts without the shell) while others had eaten approximately forty kernels. Some dogs had also been given macadamia butter.

Luckily, the muscle weakness, while painful, seems to be of short duration and all dogs recovered from the toxicity. All dogs were taken to their veterinary surgeon.

Pets owners should not assume that human food is always safe for pets. When it comes to chocolate, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts, such foods should be given in only small quantities, or not at all. Be sure that your pets can’t get into your stash of chocolates, that food scraps are disposed of carefully to prevent onion and garlic toxicity and that your dog is prevented from picking up macadamia nuts if you have a tree in your garden.

How to Read your Cat's Body Language

Cats communicate with us and other pets in many ways. The biggest way they communicate with other cats is through their speech. Meows mean something among other cats. But the greatest way a cat communicates to humans is through their body language. Vocalization is the main way they communicate. Their hissing, purring, meowing, and snarling is an important part of their lives and the way they interact with others. We know what each of those actions mean with our cats and establish a relationship based on their use of those vocalizations.

One of the favorite body languages an owner has for its cat is when it arches its back, seems to stretch out a bit, curls its tail upward loosely and puts its head down. This is a big sign that it wants to play and that it likes you. It may even get into this stance and move toward you, as it tries to rub up against you. A healthy, confident and alert cat walks straight with its tail extended and its eyes narrow. If your cat walks like this, it's a good sign. It likely has few worries and is quite happy with life. A cat that is on alert to be defensive and aggressive toward another cat or person either points its tail straight upward or lowers it to the ground, it perks its ears, and perhaps the hair on its back stands straight up. You may also notice that its ears point downward and point toward the back of its body, that means it's ready to fight.

It's important for cat owners to get used to how their cats interact and what different body languages mean. If your cat sits focused on you in front of you in an upright and perky position for a long period of time, perhaps it wants to be fed. Each cat will establish its own way of communicating with you. You will need to learn what different signals your cat is giving you throughout the first few months and years you have your cat. Your cat will develop its own body signals when it wants different things from you. It will adopt body signs of when it wants to be playful with you and other pets. Pet owners don't usually have much trouble figuring out what different body signs mean with their cats.

10 Dog Training Tips

1. It is easier to prevent problems than to rectify them. It is never to soon to start even from a puppy stage.

2. Set the rules and stick to them.

3. Ensure that everyone in the family uses the same commands. Sit, down off (as in off the furniture)

4. Do you really want doggy hair and pawprints on the furniture, beds, duvets, etc? No? Make a no furniture rule and stick to it.

5. Reward good behavior with lots of praise and treats, do training sessions before feeding, this is when your dog is eager to please.

6. Always use a lead, until your dog can be reliably expected to come to you, and use walks as an opportunity to practice commands.

7. Never run after your dog when its time to catch him ( he'll interpret this as a game), get him to come to you. Often it is better for you to walk in the opposite direction.

8. If you save the 'come' command for the end of the walk, your dog will associate this with the end of the fun; use it regularly, rewarding obedience with praise.

9. Never tell him off or coming to you, however long it takes.

10. Dogs do get bored. If you are out a lot during the day, he may chew and cause damage, keep him in a confined area with "occupational therapy" in the form of a special toy.

How to Deal with Car Sickness in Dogs

The first thing to realize when dealing with car sickness is that in 95 percent of cases it is stress related and not motion related. The most powerful memory imprint of any dog's brain is probably the car ride when it was taken away from all it ever new to be safe and secure, its litter mates and its mother. The most traumatic memory a young dog has is in relation to a ride in a car. So it's not surprising that subsequent rides in a car should evoke very strong mental and subsequent physical trauma.

The solution is very simple. If the dog has been sick in a car then estimate how long it was in the car before it was sick, say 20 minutes? Find a park about 5-10 minutes from home, preferably one just around the corner, even one within walking distance that the dog has been to before.... but this time drive there. Ideally have someone else in the car too, to soothe the dog and distract him from the ride. Keep him happy all the way to the park. When at the park do all the enjoyable things that the dog loves, fetch the ball, chase the Frisbee, frolic with dad, etc. The stay at the park doesn't need to be that long.... just as enjoyable as possible. Then drive the dog home soothing him all the way again and when home make just as much fuss of the dog as you did at the park. Finish the session with his meal or a treat if time and conditions permit.

This exercise is repeated several times a day or daily if time is limited. Once the dog is enthusiastic to go in the car then the length of the trip is lengthened slightly to 10-15 minutes etc. Once you can drive with the dog for 30 minutes with no signs of stress or anxiety then you have the problem pretty much licked. Some dogs may take a little longer than others. The idea is for as many happy repetitions as possible to overwrite the initial mental imprint the dog has from its youth (or whatever other event caused the initial trauma).

Food that are Potentially Dangerous to Dogs

There are some foodstuffs that humans relish which cause illness and death if eaten by pets.
Chocolate, macadamia nuts and onions are good examples. Each of these foods contains chemicals which rarely cause problems for humans, but for dogs, these same chemicals can be deadly.

• Chocolate toxicity
• Onion poisoning
• The danger of macadamia nuts
• Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips (contain cyanogenic glycosides resulting in cyanide posioning)
• Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
• Rhubarb leaves
• Mouldy/spoiled foods
• Alcohol - serious intoxications have occurred when dogs have been given alcohol to drink as a "joke". Also, dogs seem to be attracted to alcoholic drinks, so drinks should not be left unattended.
• Yeast bread dough - yeast from homemade bread produce alcohol-ingestion of raw yeast dough can result in serious alcohol intoxication. Additionally, there is a risk of bloat and gastrointestinal obstruction from the dough as it rises in the stomach.
• Coffee grounds, beans & tea - caffeine is a no-no for dogs, as it acts as a stimulant and can cause severe heart acceleration and seizures
• Hops (used in home brewing)
  Tomato leaves & stems (green parts): a Nightshade plant, tomatoes contain trace elements of nicotine, mostly concentrated in the leaves and stems
• Cooked Bones - bones become brittle in the cooking process and splinter when broken. These splinters have sharp edges that can rupture/puncture the stomach lining. Amongst the most dangerous cooked bones are ham bones, pork chop, chicken and turkey legs
• Raisins and grapes
• Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars

WHO IS WILLIE AND WHY IS HE A HERO?

Willie is a charismatic, affectionate, little dog. Perhaps a miniature poodle-mix, he has a squat body and a neck that is wider than his head, but he has a beautiful plumed tail and unforgettable twinkling brown eyes.
In 1994, Willie was on "death row" at an animal shelter in Kansas City. A friend of mine asked me for help in saving this dog from certain death. I hurried to reach the shelter prior to closing time, expecting to find a healthy poodle (my friend's description). What I found was a shock. I discovered a pathetic looking creature. The "death row" poodle was completely shaved which accentuated his flat head, stubby ears and long thin tail. He was gaunt and his eyes were incredibly sad. I double-checked the tag number on his cage and sure enough, he was the "poodle" I had come to "save." I wondered if I could love such a homely animal. Then something miraculous happened. Our eyes met and time was suspended as our souls connected. It was if we were lost soul mates who had just been reunited. I said out loud, "Well, I guess you're coming home with me."
For the first several days, I wasn't sure Willie would survive. He was weak from vomiting and diarrhea and his hauntingly forlorn eye said to me "I don't think I can take this anymore. I don't want to get attached to you and have to leave is this real, or will I be sent to 'death row' again?" Our first night together included a midnight trip to the pet hospital. Slowly Willie began to gain strength and his hair started to grow. But he didn't know how to play. With curiosity he would watch Napoleon, my oldest dog, play with his toys. Then one day, Willie gingerly picked up a doll in his mouth and began to shake it from side to side not with enjoyment, but mechanically as if teaching himself how to play. Soon Willie was fetching and shaking toys for sheer fun. Finally, the emptiness in his eyes was replaced with a sparkle. Within weeks, he had become part of my family. Within months he was healthy with soft shiny fur, an elegant feather duster of a tail and a traditional poodle topknot.
Willie had been found near the railroad tracks and the shelter workers had named him after the hobo singer, "Boxcar Willie." The name seemed appropriate, so I christened him "Wilhelm," or affectionately, "Willie." As time went by, I began to realize how fitting his name really was. He is outgoing, happy, and his enthusiasm for life is contagious. Now I say he was named after the great American humorist, Will Rogers, who said he never met a person he didn't like!
In 1996, Willie and I joined a non-profit organization that provides pet assisted therapy to people bound by physical or mental limitations in institutions. After training, Willie and I began a regular schedule of visiting a local psychiatric hospital/dorm for children. The impact Willie had on those struggling children was awesome. One day we met a tiny 9-year-old boy who was immediately drawn to Willie. The boy held Willie on his lap and gave him bear hugs that must have felt imprisoning, but Willie lovingly endured the child's desperate caresses. He took Willie for a walk and then he lay down on the floor and the two romped around like happy young boys. The hospital staff let the boy play longer with Willie than the allotted time. This was most unusual, but the reason was soon clear. Staff members told me that this child had been severely abused and had withdrawn into himself. He was incapable of expressing his feelings openly. Usually, he was very introverted and afraid to touch and be touched by others. Willie had broken through his shell of fear and had given him a few minutes of joy.
It wasn't so long ago that our society considered children like this "throw aways." Similarly, our society stood prepared to extinguish a beautiful dog's life who had the potential to contribute some good to this crazy, mixed up world. Through a stroke of fate, a little dog was spared from death and he has become a great humanitarian. He is Willie, my hero; Willie, the homeless dog that almost died; Willie, a little boy's friend.
In 1998, Willie was awarded the "Pet of the Year" for the state of Missouri for his work in pet assisted therapy.