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Harmony

Labradorable

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 12:35am PST


	This is for any misc. info that doesn't really need separate threads instead of posting in the messages ... I've gone back through all the old messages related to all things healthy and posted them as well so it's easy to go back and see what was posted! Edited by author Sat Jan 24, '09 2:44am PST

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Winnie- 6/6/00-7/19/- 09

Loved Beyond- Measure

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 12:35am PST


	Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs Updated: 01/23/2009 Every home with dogs should have apple cider vinegar. It's a remedy with multiple uses for dogs: alleviating allergies, arthritis, establishing correct pH balance. You can also give apple cider vinegar to cats and horses. As written in an excellent, 1997 article by Wendy Volhard: "...If your dog has itchy skin, the beginnings of a hot spot, incessantly washes its feet, has smelly ears, or is picky about his food, the application of ACV may change things around. For poor appetite, use it in the food - 1 tablespoon, two times a day for a 50 lb. dog. For itchy skin or beginning hot spots, put ACV into a spray bottle, part the hair and spray on. Any skin eruption will dry up in 24 hours and will save you having to shave the dog. If the skin is already broken, dilute ACV with an equal amount of water and spray on. Taken internally, ACV is credited with maintaining the acid/alkaline balance of the digestive tract. To check your dog's pH balance, pick up some pH strips at the drug store, and first thing in the morning test the dog's urine. If it reads anywhere from 6.2 - 6.5, your dog's system is exactly where it should be. If it is 7.5 or higher, the diet you are feeding is too alkaline, and ACV will re-establish the correct balance. If you have a dog that has clear, watery discharge from the eyes, a runny nose, or coughs with a liquid sound, use ACV in his or her food. One teaspoon twice a day for a 50 lb. dog will do the job. After your weekly grooming sessions, use a few drops in his or her ears after cleaning them to avoid ear infections. Other uses for ACV are the prevention of muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, calluses on elbows and hock joints, constipation, bruising too easily, pimples on skin surfaces, twitching of facial muscles, sore joints, arthritis and pus in the urine. There are also reports that it is useful in the prevention of bladder and kidney stones. Fleas, flies, ticks and bacteria, external parasites, ring worm, fungus, staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, mange, etc., are unlikely to inhabit a dog whose system is acidic inside and out. Should you ever experience any of these with your dog, bathe with a nice gentle herbal shampoo -- one that you would use on your own hair -- rinse thoroughly, and then sponge on ACV diluted with equal amounts of warm water. Allow your dog to drip dry. It is not necessary to use harsh chemicals for minor flea infestations. All fleas drown in soapy water and the ACV rinse makes the skin too acidic for a re-infestation. If you are worried about picking up fleas when you take your dog away from home, keep some ACV in a spray bottle, and spray your dog before you leave home, and when you get back. Take some with you and keep it in the car, just in case you need it any time. Obviously for major infestations, more drastic measures are necessary. ACV normalizes the pH levels of the skin, makes your dog unpalatable to even the nastiest of bacteria and you have a dog that smells like a salad, a small price to pay! "

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Jake

Labradork

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 12:51am PST


	"D-Mannose powder (simple sugar) eliminates urinary tract infection quickly (24-48 hours) and safely by causing the bacteria to be flushed right out of the body with normal urination. D-Mannose is easy to buy, your local Health Food store has it. The dosage is - 1/2 teaspoon small dogs, 3/4 teaspoon medium dogs and 1 teaspoon large dogs mixed with a little of a favorite treat crumbled in it - 3 times for only 1 to 2 days, and the infection is gone! (No more blood in urine, no rotten smell.) It works like a magic for people and pets! No antibiotic needed!" Cranberry Extract Pills work just as well too!

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Cal

Bite IS worse- than my bark! ;)

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 12:52am PST


	Another good reason to feed canned pumpkin!!!! Here is background on the condition known as coprophagia, and what you can do to discourage doggie-do-eaters from this somewhat common, natural behavior that strikes humans as a disgusting gustatory pastime. Background and principles: * Coprophagia is a condition that compels dogs to consume feces. * Why does the dog engage in this habit? A dog may ingest fecal matter for various reasons: He may be hungry and has no access to real food. You may be feeding a food lacking in sufficient nutrients and/or not appropriate for your particular dog. When a dog is fed low-quality and/or inappropriate dog food, he feels compelled to eat more of it in an attempt to satisfy his body's craving for nutrients. As a result, the dog is ingesting excess food, and a large proportion of the food goes through his digestive system undigested. The resulting stools smell and look fairly close to the food that the dog previously consumed, so the dog tries to consume the 'food' again. This is not just a vulgar habit; it is a cry for health. The dog needs a better diet that will enable him to absorb the nutrients his body needs. When dogs consume feces from other animals, they may be seeking minerals lacking in their regular dog food. The dog may be consuming feces out of boredom, loneliness, anxiety or stress. A dog who is confined to a kennel, chained, or restricted to a small yard or other space may eat his feces to occupy himself or clean his personal space. This dog needs to be exercised and played with several times a day. Some breeds instinctively like to carry things in their mouths. Picking up feces and carrying it around may signal that the dog needs more daily exercise, mental stimulation and interaction with his people. A yard or kennel where stools are allowed to pile up may prompt a dog to 'clean up' his stools. Be sure to clean the dog's area every day, and preferably right after the dog eliminates. The emotional stress of being left alone or restricted to a small area for long periods of time without the companionship of the caregiver can result, for some dogs, in the eating of his own feces. Internal parasites may lead a dog to consume feces, because the parasites can leach nutrients from the host animal's system. Thus, the dog will feel unusually hungry. If a dog is punished for defecating in the house, she may eat her feces in order to hide the evidence and avoid punishment. Typically, when a dog defecates indoors, it is because she feels unable to hold it. It is a myth that dogs poop indoors for spite; spite is a human, not a canine, emotion. More responsive management and training by the owner is the solution, not punishment. Also realize that elimination in the house can be a sign of a health or medical problem, from parasites to a serious condition. * Sometimes a mother dog will eat the feces of her pups out of a natural instinct to hide evidence of her offspring from predators. * It is common for many puppies to taste and try to eat feces. Some researchers even suggest that some components of feces actually can stimulate the brain and immune function in young animals. However, that possible benefit is far outweighed by the health risks of ingesting excrement. Prevention is the wisest practice. Don't let the pups indulge, and they won't develop a taste for excrement ... and won't develop this habit. * Prevention is better than treatment in mature dogs as well, since coprophagia is usually self-rewarding, meaning that the act of ingesting the feces is satisfying to the dog so he is likely to repeat the undesired behavior. Solutions: * Change the dog's diet. Buy or prepare only nutritious, quality food that is formulated for the dog's age, breed and any medical issues. * For the dog who may be hungry, try feeding him a little more, and make sure you feed a quality, nutritious food that is appropriate for the age and type of canine. * Take the dog to your veterinarian for an examination for underlying medical and health problems, parasites and other problems that may be compelling him to eat feces. * Clean up after your pet, right after he goes - before he has a chance to eat his poop. Stopping access is one key to stopping this habit. * Walk the dog on leash so that you are in a better position to tell the dog 'leave it' and to physically keep the dog from trying to sniff and eat stools. Always praise your dog for listening. You can also reinforce the verbal praise with tidbits carried in a pouch. * As soon as the dog starts approaching excrement, tell her 'nah-ah-ahhh' or 'leave it!', and distract her with praise supported with a treat, clicker click, playtime or other action or activity that is appealing to the dog. This will convey the idea that it is more rewarding to attend to you than to attend to poop. As soon as she turns her attention to her, praise her ('Good dog!') and reward her. A wise practice is to always carry appealing tidbit treats, a favorite toy, clicker - something you can always use to effectively gain your dog's attention and reinforce desired behaviors. Once you get her attention, give her something positive to do. For example, tell her to 'Sit', reward her for listening, then proceed to an enjoyable activity such as playing or walking together. Distract her from undesired things like feces, and substitute a good, desired behavior such as sitting and attending to you. A dog who is interacting with her owner can't be investigating poop at the same time. * If the dog is defecating in the house, the dog needs to be fed and walked on a schedule that allows her to eliminate before the owner leaves her alone for the day and before bedtime. The dog also may need housetraining help. Teach the dog instead of punishing her; this is the sensible and effective approach. Also, visit the vet to see if a medical condition is the underlying cause of the dog eliminating indoors. * If a pup or dog is pooping in his crate, make sure he gets more exercise and has the chance to eliminate before placing him in his crate. Also, read about crate training. Dogs naturally do not like to poop or urinate in their living quarters, so a dog who potties in the crate needs you to help crate-train him properly ... and perhaps a trip to the vet to rule out medical problems that may underlie an inability to 'hold it' for a few hours. However, also realize that pups can't physically hold their elimination for more than one to three hours, and that it is not healthy or kind to crate adult dogs for more than 5 to 6 hours a day. Take the time to properly train your dog so that he can be left alone in the house, in a pet-safe area instead of confined in a crate. * There are products that you can apply to the stools that will discourage your dog from consuming them. Some are available from pet supply stores and others from veterinarians. These include Forbid. * Some alternatives to drugs that work for some: Add two to four tablespoons of canned pumpkin to the food bowl each day. Pumpkin apparently tastes good in food, but repugnant when expelled in excrement. Add a spoon (teaspoon or tablespoon depending on the dog's size) of canned pineapple, pineapple juice or spinach to the dog's food. Add some meat tenderizer or MSG to the dog's food. Coat stools, following elimination, with hot sauce or lemon juice. Or booby trap sample stools by penetrating some left in the yard with hot sauce. * Block the dog's access to any kitty litter boxes to keep him from developing a taste for kitty tootsie rolls ... or to help break a habit that has already formed. Keep the litter box in a room that the cat, but not the dog, can access. Or place a lid over the box that only the cat can access. Or place a baby gate around the box that has openings too small for the dog. * Coprophagia can be a hard habit to break since it is self-reinforcing, but do not be discouraged. Follow these tips and give them a chance to work. * In summary, the steps to stopping poop-eating are: feed a complete, nutrient-packed and balanced diet; provide lots of exercise, playtime and interaction; keep living spaces, crates, kennels and yard clean; avoid confining the dog for long periods of time; and take him to your veterinarian for a health checkup.

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Harley

Labradork

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 12:53am PST


	Porto-systemic Shunt (PSS) Pathophysiology Ammonia comes from bacteria in the intestines and when muscles utilize protein as a energy source. In a normal animal this ammonia gets delivered through the portal vein directly into the liver. The liver cells metabolize the ammonia to urea, which is excreted by the kidneys. The liver also detoxifies bacteria and drugs that are also absorbed from the intestines before they get into the general circulation and go to the rest of the body. Shunts occur when the blood supply through the liver is abnormal. The abnormal blood vessel shunts blood around the liver instead of through the liver. By bypassing the liver the toxins that are normally metabolized by the liver (especially ammonia) are allowed to enter the general circulation before the liver has a chance to detoxify them. It is this ammonia buildup that causes most of the symptoms observed with PSS. It is also know as hepatic encephalopathy (HE) because of its toxic effects on the brain. Several factors can add to HE. A diet high in protein will add to blood ammonia levels, along with infection, cancer, and excess use of cortisone. Kidney disease along with constipation will also add to the problem. Some drugs, notably barbiturates, valium, and anesthetics can also be factors. Shunts can be multiple or single. The shunt can occur within the liver (intrahepatic) or in the blood supply before it enters the liver (extrahepatic). Larger breed dogs are more prone to intrahepatic shunts, extrahepatic shunts are more common in small breed dogs and cats. It is important to differentiate them for therapeutic purposes. There are other diseases that can mimic PSS. They include liver toxins, liver infection, liver cancer, and hepatic lipidosis (see previous description). An organ as complex as the liver necessitates the need for a precise diagnosis before treatment can be instituted. Also, a pet with chronic liver disease leading to cirrhosis will sometimes get acquired shunts. Causes Congenital The congenital version of PSS occurs more commonly in dogs than in cats. Most of these shunts are extrahepatic, meaning the shunting vessels are located outside of the liver. Acquired. Seen mostly in dogs, they occur when there is increased resistance to blood flow through a fibrotic liver. These shunts occur inside the liver and are not easily corrected. Signalment Congenital shunts tend to be found in younger dogs and cats, while acquired shunts tend to occur in older animals. In some situations the symptoms of this disease are so subtle that a diagnosis of congenital shunt is not made until a pet is much older. We tend to see it more often in male cats as opposed to female cats. Several dog breeds are predisposed: * Irish wolfhounds * Maltese * Yorkshire terriers * Miniature schnauzers * Australian cattle dogs * Retrievers * Cairn terriers * Old English sheepdogs Cat breeds might include: * Himalayan * Persian History Some of the symptoms of PSS can be subtle, and easily interpreted as a quiet puppy or kitten. Symptoms can wax and wane, thus they are easily missed. Some pets seem to have a preference for fruits and vegetables. Behavior changes, particularly right after eating. These changes include depression, head pressing, blindness, lethargy, coma, seizures, and personality changes. anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and excess salivation (more so in cats) might be present. Excess urinating and drinking (PU/PD), blood in the urine (hematuria) and an increased incidence of ammonium urate bladder stones might also be present. Other symptoms might include inhibited growth, fever, and abnormally long recovery periods from anesthesia (ex.-when a spay or neuter is performed). Physical Exam Pets with PSS will commonly be stunted in growth, but usually exhibit no abnormalities on their neurologic exams. A small liver might be palpated on smaller animals. Hair coat might be unkempt and there might be ascites on abdominal palpation. Other occasional findings include cryptorchidism. Diagnostic Tests Several diseases mimic PSS. They include Distemper, FIP, toxoplasmosis, FeLV related diseases, toxicities, idiopathic epilepsy, and hypoglycemia. This emphasizes the importance of proper testing to come to an accurate diagnosis. Blood Panel In dogs, a blood panel might show anemia along with elevated levels of ALT and Alk Phos. The BUN might be low, cholesterol might be low, the protein level might be low (hypoproteinemia), and the blood sugar might be low (hypoglycemia) in the smaller breed dogs. A bile acids tests will show an elevation, particularly after we feed a meal. If we suspect PSS as the cause to your pets problem we will run a blood ammonia level, which will come back elevated if PSS is present. An ammonia tolerance test might be needed for verification. In cats the albumin, BUN, and cholesterol might be low or at the low end of the normal range. Urinalysis A urinalysis might show symptoms of urinary tract infection or abnormal crystals, particularly ammonium biurate. Radiography A radiograph of the liver might show a small liver (microhepatica), particularly in the dog. The liver might be hard to evaluate because a lack of abdominal fat, due to emaciation or a young animal. Kidney changes and bladder stones might be visible, although ascites might obscure vision of internal organs. ammonium urate bladder stones might not show up on a radiograph even though they are present. Ultrasound Ultrasound can give further information on the liver and its blood supply, and even detect ammonium biurate bladder stones which normally don't appear on a radiograph. Ultrasound is better at differentiated intrahepatic shunts as opposed to extrahepatic shunts. Positive Contrast Portography Some consider this test the gold standard for diagnosis. In this test a special dye is injected directly into one of the veins of the small intestines while a pet is under anesthesia. A radiograph is taken and the flow of the dye is followed. If a shunt is present this will show up on the radiograph. Biopsy A biopsy of the liver (usually performed when the ultrasound is done) will show microscopic abnormalities consistent with PSS. This usually includes small hepatocytes and a decrease in the blood vessels within the liver. Laparotomy Exploratory surgery to visualize the vessels directly, or to inject dye into the portal vessels, is also used to verify the diagnosis. After the dye is injected a radiograph is taken to assess absorption. Surgical repair can immediately be initiated. Scintigraphy A transcolonic nuclear scan can give a definitive diagnosis. In this test a small amount of radioactive (99technetium pertechnetate) material is put into the colon and its absorption is monitored. In pets with PSS this radioactive material will appear in the heart before it appears in the liver, the opposite of what should normally happen. This test does not require anesthesia like the Positive Contrast Portography test. Treatment Medical Fluids and Electrolytes This corrects the dehydration that occurs with a poor appetite and supplies needed sodium, potassium, and chloride. This fluid is usually given intravenously (IV) at first. Pets that are severely ill from PSS should not be given anything orally initially. Cleansing Enemas Enema's will decrease the bacterial count of the intestines, leading to less ammonia absorption. Lactulose Lactulose works in the large intestine to minimize the production of ammonia by bacteria. It does this by changing the pH and converting ammonia to a form that is not readily absorbed into the bloodstream. It also stimulates normal colon bacteria to absorb ammonia, which is then passed in the feces. Finally, it stimulates the intestines so that ammonia passes through faster, which means there is less time for absorption. Antibiotics These drugs are also administered, especially if mental depression is present. They minimize the bacteria count in the colon, thus reducing the amount of ammonia that is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream. They work well with lactulose to decrease the ammonia level. Dietary Modification A diet that is restricted in protein may be beneficial because less ammonia is produced as a by-product of metabolism. This protein needs to be of high biological value, such as eggs and dairy products. Meat based proteins should be avoided since they can increase the chance of HE. Most of the caloric needs of a pet with PSS should be supplied with carbohydrates like rice and pasta. Higher fiber diets might also be helpful, as long as the dog or cat is not undernourished. They can act to minimize ammonia production and absorption in a manner that is similar to lactulose. Hill Prescription Diet L/D® is very helpful in liver disease. It contains added amounts of nutrients that a diseased liver needs. It also has restricted amounts of nutrients that can make the condition worse. For example, sodium (Na) is limited to minimize fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites). Surgical For many PSS cases surgery is the treatment of choice. The abnormal vessel that is shunting blood around the liver is identified and closed (ligated) to minimize blood flowing through it. When the abnormal blood vessel is ligated blood will now flow through the liver instead of around it. This is readily accomplished for solitary extrahepatic shunts. Intrahepatic shunts can be more difficult to identify and ligate. Post surgical monitoring is important. If the pressure within the liver becomes too high due to the increased blood flow through the liver then the ligation on the shunting vessel(s) must be reduced or removed. In some cases medical management must also be utilized to affect a cure. The final outcome of treatment depends on what age the PSS started, how long it has been present, and whether it is intrahepatic (worse prognosis) or extrahepatic in nature. Long Term Monitoring Pets on long term medical care need to be monitored carefully. Body weight, albumin, and total protein are watched to ensure adequate protein in the diet. Initially, these tests should be performed monthly, then every 3 months. In addition to the above tests, bile acids are monitored monthly, then every three months to assess the vitality of the liver. Blood ammonia levels are monitored monthly to assess effectiveness of treatment. When stable, ammonia levels can be monitored every 3 months. Prognosis Many pets with isolated extrahepatic shunts return to a normal life after surgery. There is no guarantee that surgery will correct the problem, especially those pets that develop the disease very early in life. Some of them will need medical management simultaneously. The prognosis for pets that are treated only medically varies. Cats do not do as well as dogs when surgery is attempted.

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Harmony

Labradorable

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 12:55am PST


	Evaluating your dog's weight How skinny is "pretty skinny"? How heavy is "not as thin as he should be"? The Purina body condition system provides a uniform way to describe a pet's weight, from "emaciated" to "grossly obese" 1. EMACIATED Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences evident form a distance. No discernable body fat. Obvious loss of muscle mass. 2. VERY THIN Ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones easily visible. No palpable fat. Some evidence of other bony prominence. Minimal loss of muscle mass 3. THIN Ribs easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. Pelvic bones becoming prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck 4. UNDERWEIGHT Ribs easily palpable, with minimal fat covering. Waist easily noted, viewed form above. Abdominal tuck evident. 5. IDEAL Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above. Abdomen tucked when viewed from the side. 6. OVERWEIGHT Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering. Waist is discernable viewed from above but is not prominent. Abdominal tuck apparent. 7. HEAVY Ribs palpable with difficulty, heavy fat cover. Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent or barely visible. Abdominal tuck may be absent. 8. OBESE Ribs not palpable under heavy fat cover, or palpable only with significant pressure. Heavy fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent. No abdominal tuck. Obvious abdominal distension may be present. 9. GROSSLY OBESE

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Winnie- 6/6/00-7/19/- 09

Loved Beyond- Measure

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 12:56am PST


	Omega 3 fatty acid supplements for dogs: There is a huge difference in the omega 3 - omega 6 balance in commercial dog foods and the omega 3 - omega 6 balance in the diet of wild carnivores. The wild animal’s diet is composed mostly of small animals and birds eaten whole. This natural diet is high in omega 3 fatty acids and low in omega 6s. Commercial dog food is exactly the opposite. Dog food contains a lot of cereal grain which is high in omega 6 fatty acids and low in omega 3s. This lack of omega 3s affects the health of our pets in ways that nutritionists and veterinarians are only beginning to understand. Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for normal function of every organ system in the body, particularly the immune system. A lack of omega 3s (or relative excess of omega 6s) contributes to allergic and degenerative disorders, causing: * Joint inflammation and arthritis * Allergy - dry itchy skin, recurring skin infection, recurring ear infections * Autoimmune disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease * Loss of mental alertness in older dogs Flax and flax oil are good sources of omega 3s but unstable. Heat processing destroys most of flaxseed’s value. Cold-pressed flax oil is an excellent choice, but has a short shelf life and must be kept continuously under refrigeration. Oils such as cod liver oil derived from cold water fish are an excellent source of omega 3s and a more practical way of supplementing our pets’ diets: * Deep water fish concentrate toxins like mercury and cancer-causing PCBs. If we are going to use fish oil for ourselves or our pets, purity is an important concern. * Fish oils oxidize easily. Old or improperly stored fish oil oxidizes, creating free radicals which are toxic. Pure, fresh fish oil is light in color. It has very little fishy flavor and almost no odor. The pump dispensers used for some veterinary omega oil supplements are easy to use, but oxidize the product. This isn’t what you want. Once opened, fish oil should be refrigerated and used within three months. Wipe away excess oil from the lip of the bottle after each use so you don’t accumulate oxidized oil and contaminate the next dose. * Supplement with cod liver oil or if you find the extra convenience worth the cost, with fish oil gel caps. Buy the highest quality product you can find. Give pets of all ages one teaspoonful of cod liver oil per fifty lbs. or the equivalent amount of fish oil gel caps. Pets that have arthritis, immune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, recurring skin problems, or chronic kidney disease should receive one teaspoonful of cod liver oil (or the equivalent) per twenty pounds.

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Winnie- 6/6/00-7/19/- 09

Loved Beyond- Measure

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 12:56am PST


	Could Your Dog or Cat Be at Risk for Kidney Disease? Catching an Illness at an Early Stage Is Your Best Strategy by Bev Allen Just like people, animals are susceptible to illness and stress. And, just like people, there is a lot you can do to keep them healthy. Julie noticed her dog, Zac, was drinking more water. Not just once, but several days in a row. She knew that excess thirst can be a sign of illness, so she took Zac to her veterinarian for tests. Blood and urine tests showed that Zac was in the early stages of acute kidney disease. But Zac was lucky. Because his problem was caught early, Julie’s veterinarian was able to treat the disease successfully and Zac made a complete recovery. What Is Kidney Disease? Briefly, kidneys filter and remove waste material from the blood stream. They also regulate the volume and composition of your pet’s body fluids. There are two types of kidney disease: Acute – a sudden loss of kidney functioning which is sometimes reversible, and Chronic – a loss of kidney function that occurs gradually over time. Chronic kidney disease is often progressive, but, depending on the underlying cause and with careful management, animals often live comfortable lives for many years. The causes of kidney disease can include inherited defects, infections, toxic substances and simply aging. Although the cause of kidney disease can be difficult to determine, with careful testing by your veterinarian, the disease can often be managed. Most treatments are aimed at decreasing the workload of the kidneys, reducing the severity of symptoms, and slowing the progression of the disease. What Are Its Symptoms? If kidney disease has undermined the kidney’s ability to perform properly, waste materials accumulate in the blood. Signs that could indicate a potential kidney problem include: * Loss of appetite * Increased thirst * Frequent urination or increased volume * Poor hair coat * Depression and/or vomiting What You Can Do To Prevent Kidney Disease? While kidney disease is most often found in older dogs and cats, even young animals can be affected. And while the disease is not always preventable, there ARE things you can do to help minimize the chances of your dog or cat developing the disease, such as: * Feeding the best quality dog or cat food you can * Providing continual access to clean, fresh water * Eliminating toxic materials from the home * Maintaining a low stress lifestyle * Regular veterinary care to detect potential problems as soon as possible You are your animal’s daily detective and advocate. You are your animal’s best chance for receiving medical treatment when the problem is still at an early stage and treatment is most successful. It is always better to prevent a disease, or to treat it early, than to have to treat it after it has become advanced. Bev Allen http://www.thepetcheckup.com/ ThePetCheckup—the at-home, early detection health screening kit for dogs and cats. Now there is something you can do in your own home to help your dog or cat live a longer and healthier life.

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Jake

Labradork

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 12:59am PST


	Pet Food Recall: Just The Tip Of The Iceberg The recent pet food recall offers a glimpse of what is wrong with entrusting your pet’s nutrition (or your own) to corporations and the government regulatory agencies. Largest Recall Of Pet Foods In History Dogs love Pet Flora Why was “gluten” one of the suspected ingredients in the recent recall of pet food? Answer, there is a constant search by manufacturers to produce lower cost food that still meets government protein and nutrient requirements. Gluten is a cheap method to do that. But gluten is not the only cheap and threatening additive approved by the government and added by manufacturers. Scary Ingredients Approved By The Government Wet pet foods are made from the most distressed meat, animals with pus bags and tumors. Even though these animals are approved by the USDA for human consumption, some, but not all, manufacturers are reluctant to use them for humans. Even the meats that are not visibly distressed are all being given growth and fattening hormones, antibiotics, and highly questionable feed. Additionally, among many scary ingredients, pet foods may legally contain euthanized cats and dogs! Dry foods are just as bad, but in different ways. Feral cats and dogs would have to be starving before they would eat the ingredients found in dry pet foods. Dry foods are much like breakfast cereals. They are cooked in a mash and then extruded through nozzles at high heat and pressure. This process inactivates any probiotics and makes much of the rest indigestible. If the ingredients originally had any nutritional value, the very process is sufficient to destroy it. About the best thing you can say about dry pet food is that it’s “convenient”! Catastrophic Free-Fall In Pet Health There is an old saying “You can pay me now, or pay me later.” And that’s exactly the result of many generations of domestic cats and dogs being fed commercial pet foods. Where humans typically only have one generation of offspring, animals raised for breeding can easily have 5 or more. Each generation inherits the weaknesses of the previous generations. Today, millions of kittens and puppies are predisposed to an unhealthy life. Parallels can be drawn between commercial pet foods and human fast foods. Human and animal diseases are at an all time high. GI disorders are varied and common. Both are on multiple medications. What are the common denominators? Fast, nutrition-less foods, chemicalized tap water, multiple nutrient deficiencies, and lack of exercise. According to The Royal Society of Medicine Great Britain, "Fully 90% of all chronic disease is caused by an unhealthy intestinal system". GI disorders among cats and dogs are epidemic. Conventional veterinary treatment with Flagyl, Metranidazole, Immodium, and other drugs is toxic, potentially causing further stress to already weakened animals. While these drugs may be helpful initially, without remedial supplemental treatment, their net effect is negative. Without healthy foods, even healthy animals will decline genetically within several litters. from the website of www.vitalityscience.com

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Cal

Bite IS worse- than my bark! ;)

Purred: Sat Jan 24, '09 1:00am PST


	POISONS FOR DOGS & CATS Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) if you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous. FOODS + POISONOUS TO DOGS A PARTIAL LIST! Chocolate Grapes Raisins, Figs, Prunes Antifreeze Household Cleaners Fly Paper Rat Poisons Insect Repellents Insecticides Snail or slug baits Boric Acid Household Drugs Mothballs Potpourri oils Coffee grounds Homemade play dough Fabric softener sheets Dishwashing detergent Batteries Cigarettes Alcoholic drinks Pennies PLANTS POISONOUS TO DOGS A PARTIAL LIST! Amaryllis Autumn crocus Lupine Chokecherry Daffodil Golden Chain Iris Dutchman’s Breeches Japanese Yew Lilly of the Valley Rhododendron Milkweed Oleander Narcissus Larkspur Foxgl ove Rhubarb Elderberry Water hemlock Oak leaves Hyacinth Castor bean Azalea Bleeding heart Poinsettia Mistletoe Sego Palm PLANTS POISONOUS TO CATS Cats like to chew on grass and leaves, but many common house and garden plants are poisonous to cats and can cause severe illness or even death. Almond Amaryllis Apple seeds Apricot pits Asparagus fern Avocado fruit and pit Azalea Baby's Breath Bird of Paradise Bleeding heart Boxwood Brachen fern Branching Ivy Buttercup Caladium Calla Lilly Candelabra cactus Cherry seeds and leaves Chinaberry Cineraria Clematis Corn r Cornstalk Plant Cycads Cyclamen Crocus Daffodil Daphne Delphinium or larkspur Devil's ivy Diffenbachia Day lily Dracaena (dragon tree) Easter lily Elderberry Elephant ears English holly English ivy Eucalyptus Fiddlel-leaf fig Foxglove Geranium German ivy Glacier ivy Hibiscus Holly Honeysuckle Hyacinth Hydrangea Indian rubber plant Iris Ivy Jasmine Jerusalem cherry Jimson weed Larkspur Lily of the Valley Lobelia Lupine Marigold Marijuana Mistletoe Mock orange Morning glory Mother-in-law tongue Narcissus Nightshades Oak Oleander Onion Oriental lily Peace lily Peach pits and leaves Pencil cactus Peony Periwinkle Peyote Philodendron PLumosa fern Poinsettia Potatoes raw Pothos Primrose Privet Psilcybin mushrooms Rhododendron Rhubarb leaves Sego Palm Sansevieria Schefflera Snake plant Snow-on-the-mountain String of pearls Sweet peas Swiss cheese plant Tiger lily Tobacco Tomato plant Tulip Weeping fig (ficus) Wisteria Yellow jasmine Yew FOODS + POISONOUS TO CATS Rat Poisons snail or slug baits Household cleaners Antifreeze coolant Mothballs Chocolate Potpourri oils (includes skin and eye damage) Coffee grounds Homemade play dough Fabric softener sheets Dishwashing detergent Batteries Cigarettes Alcoholic drinks Pennies Aspirin Signs of Poisoning • Dilated or pinpoint pupils, eyes watering • Weak breathing, difficult breathing, respiratory spasms • Severe pain, slobbering, vomiting, bloody diarrhea • Cold body, fast heartbeat • Twitching, staggering, unusual excitability • Rear-end paralysis • Coma HAZARDOUS "TOYS" TO KEEP AWAY FROM YOUR PETS! Dental Floss Feathers Ribbon Rubber Bands Sewing thread String Twine Yarn

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