HealthyDogs

Six Ways to Pamper Your Pets

2012-01-15T17:45:00.000-08:00

Six Ways to Pamper Your Pets
Article from the Daily Inter Lake, Saturday, January 14, 2012.

Pets are an important component of any household. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 63 percent of all households in the United States features one pet or more.

Today’s pets are genuine members of the family, and pet parents want to do as much as they can to pamper their cats, dogs, birds, and small mammals.

Dogs, cats, and other pets are acquired through a number of methods. Statistics show that most pets come to families from friends or acquaintances for free or low cost. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, 10 to 20 percent of cats and dogs are adopted, while only 2 to 10 percent of animals are purchased from a pet store.

Individuals who want to go above and beyond in their treatment of pets frequently push pampering to the limits. Some people treat dogs and cats as if they were children, with all of the same benefits. Thousands of dollars a year may be spent being sure these animals live the high life. Whether this has any benefit on the animals’ well-being is debatable; the fact remains that individuals spend quite a few dollars caring for their pets.

Those who want to take pampering to new levels can consider these pampering ideas:

1. Pet treats: While the occasional catnip or dog bone is a nice idea, there are entire bakeries designated to whipping up gourmet delights for pets. Many feature organically grown food items that are human-grade. Cakes, cookies and the like can be purchased that fit with the specific diet and tastes of the pampered pet.

2. Doggie daycare: Why leave the pooch home alone when he or she can hang out with other tail wagging friends? There are a number of businesses that now cater to the canines and offer fun activities and socialization for dogs who otherwise by latch-key pups. Some daycare centers offer accommodations that mimic home, such as cozy couches and quiet corners in which to curl up. Furthermore, they enable dogs to catch up with their friends, a necessity when Mom or Dad won’t let them log onto Facebook.

3. Home away from home: Instead of sending pets to a boarder when individuals are on vacation, people are choosing to take pets along. Road and Travel magazine has reported that many pet parents—approximately 78 percent of them—often take to the roads or the skies with their pets in tow. There are many pet friendly accommodations, and travelers have been known to compare amenities and regulations when choosing a hotel/motel for their trips.

4. Pet birthday parties: One in four pet parents in the U.S. has admitted to celebrating their pets’ birthdays, according to Best Friends Pet Care. Some go as far as hosting a birthday party in honor of the birthday pup or kitty. Some pet sitters are daycare centers actually will host pet parties where other animals can be invited to celebrate. Pet parties are growing in popularity and can be quite lucrative considering the millions of pets currently in the country.

5. Spa treatment: From lapping in a heated pet pool to receiving a massage, some pet owners treat their favorite friends to relaxation treatments. Gone are the days of a simple bath and haircut at the local groomer. Today’s dogs and cats can receive massages, aromatherapy and acupuncture while enjoying additional resort-like amenities.

6. Spending time: Of course, one of the easiest ways to pamper a pet is simply to spend time and devote attention to the animal. After all, most animals are content with some love and affection from their owners.

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Take Extra Care with Pets in Cold Weather

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Article obtained from:
The Daily Interlake, Kalispell, MT on Wed. Dec. 14, 2011

Take Extra Care with Pets in Cold Weather

With winter weather here, the Flathead County Animal Shelter urges pet owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of their pets. Help keep your pets safe during cold weather by following these simple guidelines:

* Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for supervised exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision.

* Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal.

* Wind chills can threaten a pet’s life. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his or her body heat. The house should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

* Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife that may crawl under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

* Salt and chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet and may be harmful if ingested. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them to remove snow packed between your pet’s paws. Pet-friendly ice melts are available at many pet supply stores or online.

* Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Consider using antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.

* If you’re feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter, spaying and neutering and more is available at http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats or contact the Spay and Neuter Task Force.

* During the winter months, the happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks or exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

For more information or any questions, contact the Flathead County Animal Shelter at 752-1310 or go to www.flathead.mt.gov/animal. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 am to 4 p.m.

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Today's article was suggested by Lifes Abundance Dog Food and Lifes Abundance Cat Food and Lifes Abundance Pet Food.

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Prepare for Holiday Pet Boarding

2011-11-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

How to Prepare for Holiday Pet Boarding
from the Daily Inter Lake, Saturday November 12, 2011

(MS) – The holiday season is a time when many family and friends come together. If you’ll be going home for the holidays, that trip may or may not include the family pet.

For people with a pet at home, it might not always be possible to bring the pet along during holiday excursions. Therefore, arrangements must be made for the animal while you will be away. From pet sitters to boarding facilities, pet parents must decide where to turn.

According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spend roughly $3.5 billion on grooming and boarding their pets every year. Boarding is common during holiday travel.

When preparing a pet for boarding, there are suggestions for making things go smoothly. The process begins even before your brining your pet to the boarder.

Finding a Boarder

Most animals are like extended members of the family. Therefore, pet parents want to find a facility that will take good care of the animal and ensure its comfort and safety. World-of-mouth recommendations are one of the best ways to get a feel for a particular boarder if you haven’t’ used one before.

When visiting facilities, look for certain things, including cleanliness, the number of employees available, the appearance of the animals, the areas where the pets are allowed to go and things of this nature.

Ask certain questions, including how pets are housed and exercised. Find out if you are allowed to bring in food for the pet and his or her own treats to minimize stomach discomfort. Investigate how a health issue is handled, including whether you veterinarian will be called or if the facility has a relationship with another vet.

Steer clear of facilities that do not offer satisfactory answers to all of your questions or seems opposed to your ideas and concerns.

Preparing your Pet

Many boarding facilities require that pets be vaccinated prior to their stays. The boarder may have specific immunizations that are required. Be sure to update vaccinations a month prior to boarding your animal. Sometimes the vaccination can produce minor symptoms of the actual illness, which the boarder may mistake as a sick dog.

There are also other things that you can do to prep a dog or cat prior to its stay. Get a vet checkup just to ensure your pet’s health, especially if the animal is old and has chronic conditions. At this point, double-check medications and get extra supplies for the boarder.

Bathe the pet and keep up with flea/tick prevention so the animal will be protected when in close proximity o other animals. Inspect the dog or cat to ensure that the pet does not have an infestation.

Checking in

Bring your pet to the boarder early and pack along some of the animal’s comfort toys or belongings, including a piece of clothing that has your scent. Clearly mark bags of food and any items you bring so they will be identified for your dog or cat.

Leave contact information with the boarder and review the information on how long the stay will be. Inquire as to what times are best to phone in and check up on your pet. Some high tech boarding facilities may have cameras in the building that you can access via the Internet to see the goings-on while away.

Leaving your pet may pluck at your heartstrings, so it’s best not to linger, otherwise you could add to your anxiety and also the dog or cat’s level of nervousness.

If you do your homework researching facilities, changes are you have found a boarder that will provide adequate care for your pet and you’ll return to find a pet that is healthy and happy to see you.

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Today's topic suggested by Lifes Abundance Dog Food and Life's Abundance Cat Food

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A Good Treat Idea

2011-11-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Pet Care Tip

Reserve a percentage of your dog's daily food allowance to use for treats. This insures that your dog stays within his recommended calorie intake, while still making him feel rewarded for good behavior.

Food rewards don't have to be big -- a little goes a long way.

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Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy

2011-11-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Eight Ways to Keep a Dog Healthy and Happy
Credit: Saturday, September 24, 2011, Daily Interlake Newspaper

(MS) – Most people view their pets as an extension of the family. Therefore, pet parents are interested in the best ways to ensure their dogs, cats, birds, or small mammals are healthy and happy.

It doesn’t take much to keep a pet healthy, but these steps are essential for the well-being of the animal. An individual who is not able to provide the general care for a pet – whether financially or emotionally – should reconsider if it is the right time to bring a pet into the household. A pet that is well cared for can live many years and provide great rewards.

1. Choose healthy foods. Many commercially prepared foods are full of fillers and sugars in stead of fresh meats and grains. Although it may cost a bit more, pet food that is formulated with good quality meat and grains with minimal preservatives, artificial flavorings or colorings can keep a pet in better form. Diet can affect health in a number of ways including energy levels and coat appearance. So good health begins with good food.

2. Keep fresh water handy. All animals should be given fresh water that is routinely changed. Bacteria and viruses can multiply in water that is left sitting around. Plus, there could be other contaminants in unfiltered water that is left stagnant. If a person wouldn’t drink the water, it should not be offered to a pet.

3. Exercise your pet. All animals need exercise to be healthy. Exercise helps to keep weight in check, banish boredom and ensure that the systems of the body all get pushed to their potential. A dog that does not get to exercise may become destructive in the house when the owners are not home.

4. Consult with a veterinarian. Routine health checkups should be part of keeping a pet healthy. Not only does the vet give pets annual vaccinations that can prevent common diseases, but also the vet will examine the animal to diagnose or catch illnesses early. If a pet is not acting normally, consult your vet.

5. Groom the pet regularly. Some animals groom themselves. Others can use the help of nail clipping, bathing and fur cutting to keep in top form. Matted fur can pull at the skin and cause irritation. Dogs and cats may lick or bite at a wound and cause more trouble. In general, a clean pet is a happy pet.

6. Know pet dangers around the house. Pet proof the home just as one would baby-proof it. Keep chemical products locked up so they cannot be consumed. Certain products smell sweet and inviting to unsuspecting pets, but consumption can be deadly. Even certain house plants can be deadly when eaten.

7. Avoid “people” food. Certain fruits and vegetables can be supplemented in a pet’s diet (consult with a veterinarian). However, on the whole, limit the amount of human food that pets eat. It may not provide the nutritional value the animal needs and can contribute to obesity. Foods like raisins, grapes, onions and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided.

8. Show interest in the pet. A pet needs a certain level of interaction to be content. Discipline, affection and exercise with a pet parent are key components of animal health.

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For a premium, healthy dog food that does not contain corn, wheat, artificial colors or flavors, purchase Lifes Abundance Dog Food

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Portly Pets

2011-10-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

Portly Pets a Problem for Many Owners
Daily Inter Lake, Saturday, September 17, 2011

It's not just two legged animals that are having a problem with obesity. According to recent reports, pets are heavier than ever.

A 2009 national survey of veterinarians by the Association for the Prevention of Pet Obesity found 45 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats were overweight or obese.

Inactivity, too many snacks and poor diets are to blame for both pet and human obesity issues. The health implication can be severe for everyone involved.

Overweight animals can have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, be at risk for heart attack or stroke, be at risk for skeletal problems, such as hip dysplasia, and low self-esteem, among other things.

The good news is some the same methods humans use to lose weight could be effective for pets, too.

Choose foods that list meat (protein) first. Too many pet foods have replaced the majority of protein with high-carbohydrate ingredients such as corn and wheat.
Watch portion sizes. Use the portion suggestions on the food as a guideline for feeding a pet.
Consider smaller, more frequent meals. Instead of one large meal, feed a dog or cat three small meals a day.
Cut out nutritionally poor treats. Replace fatty dog bones with crunch carrots or broccoli for better health.
Get moving. Walking a pet is good for everyone involved. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of activity a day. This will also improve joint flexibility.

Pets don't raid the refrigerator at night and often rely on their owners for exercise and care. Poor habits on the part of pet owners could spell trouble for pets in terms of weight gain.

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Information about Lifes Abundance Weight Loss Dog Food
Information about Lifes Abundance Healthy Dog Treats
For Human Weight Loss visit the ShapeWay Diet Plan

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Puppies Require Loads of Work

2011-09-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

There are no two ways about it … even though they’re unbelievably adorable, puppies require loads of work.

One of the areas on which new pet parents need to focus some of their energies is the proper socialization of puppies.

In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah discusses the latest info to make sure your wee one becomes a well-adjusted, calm and happy adult dog.

Click Here Now to Watch Dr. Sarah's Video Now!

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Today's post suggested by Life's Abundance Dog Food

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Canine Grooming Tips

2011-09-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Canine Grooming Tips by Dr. Jane

Lifes Abundance Blog Wednesday, 24 August 2011 09:37 by Dr. Jane

Family Washing Dog Using
Lifes Abundance Grooming Products

No one likes a bad hair day … and that includes your dog. Just like with humans, the skin is the largest organ of a dog’s body. Every day, their skin and coats are exposed to UV rays, pollution, infectious agents, drying heat or wind.

Because it can contribute to a dog’s overall health, grooming should be an essential part of companion animal care. However, despite your best intentions, it’s not unusual for grooming habits to hit a glitch. Or two. Or three! While bathing a dog, I think all of us have experienced getting wetter than your dog, being interrupted by phone calls, or, worst of all, a sudsy canine tearing off, leaving a wet, sudsy trail behind him. As a veterinarian with a good deal of grooming experience, I can tell you that planning ahead can reduce unwanted problems and stress, so here are a handful of my best tips.

BEFORE THE GROOMING SESSION

Unfortunately, bathing can be stressful for some dogs, as some just tolerate it better than others. For those pups who are particularly skiddish, consider brewing some chamomile tea to calm your dog. Thirty minutes before you bathe, give your dog a cooled cup of chamomile tea with honey, followed by a dog treat that’s rich in carbohydrates, like our Antioxidant Health Bars. The carbohydrates will help deliver the calming tea straight to your dog’s brain. Better yet, you can both sit down with some tea and play soothing music, to set a calming tone for your upcoming grooming session. You can also give your dog tea during the grooming session. As we’ve already mentioned, just make sure the tea has cooled off (no hotter than room temperature).

I recommend the use of a grooming apron with pockets that covers you from chest to mid-thighs, to protect your clothes. While you can always put your clothes in the laundry later, dog hair can be difficult to remove from a washing machine. A full apron not only protects your clothes, in the pockets you can keep treats, shampoo, conditioner and a brush. The treats you choose must smell appealing to your dog - like our Tasty Rewards Training Treats - and keeping them in your apron pockets will leave your hands free for grooming.

If your dog is of a long-haired breed, brush with a fine-tooth comb prior to bathing, so you don’t have to contend with knots while shampooing, potentially making a bad problem worse.

DURING THE GROOMING SESSION

Whether you bathe your dog in the tub or the backyard, sit on a low stool to prevent stress or injury to your back and knees. If you’re outside, I advise that you use a six-foot leash. Tie it around your waist or hook it on your belt to free up your hands and prevent your dog from slipping away for a sudsy romp.

If you’re using water from an outdoor hose, keep in mind that, while it might be warm outside, the water will feel cold to your dog, not always without substantial discomfort. If at all possible, use tepid water, either by running extension hoses from the sink in your house, or simply bathe your dog indoors in a tub.

When you apply the shampoo, make small circles with a hairbrush with plastic nubs to distribute the shampoo evenly through the hair and onto the skin. This will also exfoliate the skin and allow the herbs in the shampoo to penetrate the skin. Leave the shampoo on for about three minutes, but don’t allow it to dry as this can irritate the skin. Our Revitalizing Shampoo suds well, rinses easily, and features rosemary to help increase blood flow, ultimately contributing to healthier skin and hair.

Most animals really don’t enjoy having their heads washed, so I suggest that you simply wet the head using a wash cloth. That way, you’ll be sure to prevent shampoo from entering the eyes or ears, making the entire experience more enjoyable for your canine companion.

AFTER THE GROOMING SESSION

I recommend towel drying your dog versus using a blowdryer, which can excessively dry or even burn skin, and frighten some dogs with the sound generated by this device. The best method for towel drying is by patting rather than using a circular motion, which can often lead to matting.

In most cases, you’ll be able to see an immediate change in your dog’s appearance following a bath. You’ll know that you’re using a high quality shampoo when your dog has a shinier, fuller coat, less dander and no more “doggie smell”. With moisture-activated odor neutralizers, our Revitalizing Shampoo features antioxidants and organic extracts of rosemary and sage, nutritive herbs that penetrate into the hair shaft and promote coat health. Also included are kiwi and mango essences, selected because they too enhance the health of the skin, as well as leaving your dog’s coat smelling clean and fresh.

You should not bathe your dog more often than every two-to-three weeks. If your dog’s coat could do with some freshening in between baths, use Bath Fresh Mist to neutralize odors and condition the skin and coat. This product is so simple to use … just spray and brush into in the coat. You will love the aroma and your dog will love the attention!

And what about you? Do you have any “must-know” grooming tips that you’d like to share with your fellow blog readers? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals!

Dr. Jane Bicks

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Today's post suggested by Lifes Abundance Dog Food

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Does Your Dog Food Contain Flame Retardants?

2011-07-19T06:11:00.000-07:00

Flame Retardants at High Levels in Pet Dogs, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (Apr. 26, 2011) — Indiana University scientists have found chemical flame retardants in the blood of pet dogs at concentrations five to 10 times higher than in humans, but lower than levels found in a previous study of cats.

Their study appears this month in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Authors are Marta Venier, an assistant research scientist in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and Ronald Hites, a Distinguished Professor in SPEA.

Venier and Hites explore whether pets could serve as "biosentinels" for monitoring human exposure to compounds present in the households that they share. Dogs may be better proxies than cats, they say, because a dog's metabolism is better equipped to break down the chemicals.

The study focuses on the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the blood of dogs and in commercial dog food. PBDEs have been widely used as flame retardants in household furniture and electronics equipment. The compounds can migrate out of the products and enter the environment.
"Even though they've been around for quite awhile, we don't know too much about these compounds' toxicological effects on humans or animals," Venier said. "The bottom line is that we still need to keep measuring them, particularly in homes."

PBDE mixtures made up of less-brominated compounds are regarded as more dangerous because they bioaccumulate in animal tissues. These mixtures were banned by the European Union and were voluntarily removed from the U.S. market in 2004, but remain in the environment. Mixtures with more-brominated compounds remain in use in the U.S. but will be phased out by 2013.

Venier and Hites report on an analysis of flame retardants in blood from 17 pet dogs, all of whom live primarily indoors. They also examined samples of the dry dog food that made up the pets' diet, attempting to determine if food was a major source of PBDE exposure.

The average concentration of PBDEs in blood from the dogs was about 2 nanograms per gram, about five to 10 times higher than the levels found in humans in the few studies of human exposure that have been done in North America.

In dog food samples, the researchers found PBDEs at levels averaging about 1 nanogram per gram. That is much higher than levels found in meat and poultry sold as food for humans, suggesting the PBDEs in dog food may result from processing rather than from the food sources.

A 2007 study by Venier, Hites and several co-authors found concentrations of PBDEs in house cats that were 20 to 100 times higher than levels found in humans. A 2010 article by Venier, Hites and two Clemson University researchers also reported high levels of PBDEs in nesting bald eagles.
Venier said the evidence shows dogs metabolize the compounds more rapidly than cats. A previous study showed that dogs produce an enzyme that breaks down organochlorine pesticides, and a similar mechanism may be at work with brominated compounds.

The current study also detected newer flame retardants that have come onto the market as PBDEs have been removed, including Dechlorane Plus, decabromodiphenylethane, and hexabromocyclododecane. The chemicals are largely unregulated but pose concerns because they are structurally similar to organic pollutants that have been linked to environmental and human health effects.

"The concentrations of these newer flame retardants were relatively low compared to the PBDEs," Venier said, "but the fact that they are new and not regulated suggests their levels are going to increase in the future."

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Today's article was suggested by Flint River Ranch Dog Food. Flint River Ranch Dog Food is a wholesome, nutritious dog food made with fresh ingredients in the United States.

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Keep Your Dog Healthy in Summer

2011-07-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Keep Pets Happy, Healthy in Summer

(Adapted from Saturday, July 16, 2011 Issue of the Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, MT)

Most people view their pets as an extension of the family. Therefore, pet parents are interested in the best ways to ensure their dogs, cats, birds or small mammals are healthy and happy.

It doesn’t take much to keep a pet healthy, but these steps are essential for the well-being of the animal. An individual who is not able to provide the general care for a pet – whether financially or emotionally – should reconsider bringing a pet into the household.

1. Choose healthy foods. Many commercially prepared foods are full of fillers and sugars instead of fresh meats and grains. Although it may cost a bit more, pet food that is primarily good quality meat and grains with minimal preservatives or artificial colorings can keep a pet in better form. Diet can affect health in a number of ways, including energy levels and coat appearance.

2. Keep fresh water handy. All animals should be given fresh water that is routinely changes. Bacteria and viruses can multiply in water that is left sitting around. Plus, there may be other contaminants in unfiltered water that’s left stagnant.

3. Exercise your pet. All animals need exercise to be healthy. Exercise helps to keep weight in check, banish boredom and ensure that the systems of the body all get pushed to their potential. A dog that does not get to exercise may become destructive.

4. Consult with a veterinarian. Routing health checkups should be part of keeping a pet health. Not only does the vet give annual vaccinations that can prevent common diseases, but also the vet will examine the animal to diagnose or catch illnesses early if a pet is not acting normal, consult the vet.

5. Groom the pet regularly. Some animals groom themselves. Others can use the help of nail clipping, bathing and fur cutting to keep in top form. Matted fur can pull at the skin and cause irritation. Dogs and cats may lick or bite at a wound and cause more trouble. Long nails can impede a bird’s ability to hold food or a perch. In general, a clean pet is a happy pet.

6. Know pet dangers around the house. Pet proof the home just as one would baby-proof it. Keep chemical products locked up so they cannot be consumed. Certain products smell sweet and inviting to unsuspecting pets, but consumption can be deadly. Even certain house plants can be toxic if eaten.

7. Avoid “people” food. Certain fruits and vegetables can be supplemented in pet’s diet (consult with a veterinarian). However, on the whole, limit the amount of human food that pets eat. It may not provide the nutritional value of the animal needs and can contribute to obesity. Foods like raisins, grapes, onions, and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and cats, and should be avoided.

8. Show interest in the pet. A pet needs a certain level of interaction to be content. Discipline, affection and exercise with a pet parent are key components of animal health.

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For a quality, holistic dog food that does not contain added chemical preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, choose Life's Abundance Dog Food.

Be Aware of Puppy Mills

2011-07-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Puppy Mills
Dog Breeding requires excellent breed knowledge and outstanding responsibility by reputable breeders. Unfortunetly, dog breeding (and cat breeding too for that matter) is often exploited as a profit making business with the sad consequence of cruel treatment of bitches and puppies who are kept in inhumane conditions.

Bitches are expected to breed many litters. In some cases, once they are no good for breeding, they are cruelly destroyed.

The litters produced can be unhealthy and have health challenges. Puppies are often taken away from their mother before they should be so they are denied socialization skills by their mother and litter mates. (It is the opinion of many breeders that puppies should still be with their mother and litter mates until at least 8 weeks old.)

What's the difference between Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills/Farms?

Backyard Breeders practice random or ignorant dog breeding on a small scale.

Puppy Mills or Puppy Farms are large dog breeding operations, and the people who own them are known as puppy millers/farmers.

Backyard Breeders and Puppy Millers are usually motivated by profit. (For example, Backyard Breeders don't realize that the hobby of animal breeding practiced on a small scale is not usually profitable when one considers the cost of health maintenance, healthy food choices and pregnancy care.) Often times, Backyard Breeders and Puppy Millers are ignorant of selective breeding goals and techniques. They aren't even familiar with the breed standard of their chosen breed of dog. Sometimes they are cruel and abuse animals because they are only concerned with profit.

Look Out for the following:

Unethical Backyard Breeders and Puppy Millers want your money, so, they will tell you what you want to hear. The may tell you that the puppy is registered, which it may not be. They may tell you they have a certificate to prove that the puppy is registered but the certificate will not be signed or have the breeders name on it.

Be aware of outlets offering more than one or two breeds. When visiting the seller note the surroundings. Visit the puppy more than once. Ask to see the pedigree papers and ensure the breeder's name is on the certificate.

The breeder should want to know about you too. They will want to make sure the puppy is going to a good home.

Ask to see the puppy with its mother - be very suspicious if you can't.

Think carefully before buying and do not buy the puppy because you feel sorry for it.

If you trade with an unscrupulous breeder, you will be supporting their trade.

Think before you buy from a pet shop. Purchasing dogs, especially those claimed to be purebred, from a pet store is strongly discouraged by reputable breeders and animal shelters.

While many pet stores claim to purchase dogs from "local breeders" instead of puppy mills, this is often untrue. Most reputable breeders do not sell animals to pet stores. The phrase "local breeder" may also refer to backyard breeders.

Reputable breeders raise their animals in humane conditions, provide good socialization and often formal training, and adhere to the breed standard.

They are knowledgeable about major health problems associated with their breed. They are knowledgeable about the principles of genetics and they frequently undertake specific matings to produce or refine particular desirable characteristics in their dogs.

They are sensitive to the requirements of their breeding adults — who may also be breeding for performance champions. Reputable breeders frequently screen potential customers rigorously, and usually provide a pedigree and health guarantee with their puppies.

Always get proof of Kennel Club registration.

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This post was suggested by a Lifes Abundance Dog Food field rep who got the information from dogarticles.org.

A quality, wholesome food is critical for your new puppy's health. We recommend a holistic dog food such as Life's Abundance Pet Food.

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5 Biggest Mistakes New Pet Parents Make

2011-06-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Five Biggest Mistakes a New Pet Parent Makesby Dr. Sarah from May 2011, Lifes Abundance Newsletter

We’ve all been there. Looking into the pleading eyes of a puppy or kitten who needs a good home. In that moment, it’s hard to think straight. Fortunately, Dr. Sarah is here to help. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah discusses the five biggest mistakes that new pet parents make, and how to avoid them. By taking these solutions to heart, your next adoption could just be the best decision you’ve ever made!

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Click the following for the products that Dr. Sarah is speaking about in this video.
Lifes Abundance Dog Food
Lifes Abundance Pet Food
Lifes Abundance Holistic Products for Dogs

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Holistic Dog Care Defined

2011-05-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Holistic Tips
by Dr. Jane Bicks, Lifes Abundance Blog Post, April 21, 2011

The holistic approach to veterinary care has different meanings for different people. Essentially it means just what the name indicates - looking at “the whole” and not the individual parts.

Holistic practitioners consider the whole of a companion animal’s being and how every discrete part works in relation to every other part. Fundamental to this mindset is that everything is interrelated and nothing occurs in isolation.

Furthermore, holistic veterinarians don’t only focus on physical aspects; they also consider the emotional, mental and spiritual elements. Holistic health boils down to balance; imbalance leads to dis-ease. It’s important to remember that physical signs of illness may often be the last to appear, and that mental and emotional imbalance can lead to disease, too.

In the United States, veterinary medicine is usually divided into conventional and holistic medicine. In the conventional tradition, veterinarians focus almost solely on the physical evidence. Holistic medicine, which originated from ancient cultures (such as, Asian, Indian, African and Native American Indian) takes into consideration the mental and spiritual aspects, as well. In the treatment of their patients, holistic practitioners often use herbs, vitamins, minerals, homeopathy, energy medicine and other alternative methods. I believe in an integrative approach, taking the best of all forms of medicine and combining them to produce a modern holistic approach.

In addition to the internal workings of a companion animal’s body, holistic health explores the influence of external factors for their direct or indirect impacts on the body. In the case of companion animals, this includes their shelter, social interactions, levels of exercise and mental stimulation, diet, vaccination history, and any potential exposures to toxins.

A cornerstone of the holistic approach is nutrition, because the quality and type of foods consumed will play a significant role in overall health, on all levels. For example, studies show that an adequate intake of B complex vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in fish oil) can help to promote emotional and mental health, for companion animals and humans.

A vital component of holistic care is taking a preventive stance - promoting wellness and balance to prevent illness in all its forms. Maintaining an excellent diet, stimulating the mind for emotional and mental well-being, and exercising appropriately for your pet’s age and body type are all critical to the holistic approach to leading a balanced life.

I advocate these practices beginning as early as possible, so you won’t have to come see a veterinarian for imbalance and illness later in life. If their furry little bodies are in balance, and thus in good health, then the risk of disease is reduced, as is the need for pharmaceuticals.
While conventional medicine is highly valuable, sometimes it doesn’t tell the whole story. Fortunately, increasing numbers of conventional veterinarians are adopting a more integrative approach. Wellness programs and educational outlets (like this blog post) are empowering pet parents to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their beloved companion animals.

The bottom line is that it is possible for you to develop and adopt a preventive care plan for your furry family members. In most cases, I recommend that pet parents work with both a conventional and a holistic veterinarian to foster a balanced life for their companion animals.
In the coming months, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite holistic tips for companion animal care. Look for future posts on this blog to help your whole family achieve a new level of balance, and wellness.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals,

Dr. Jane Bick,
Lifes Abundance Dog Food Formulator

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Learn more about Dr. Jane's Holistic Dog Products including Lifes Abundance Dog Food, Lifes Abundance Dog Treats, Life's Abundance Wellness Food Supplements for Dogs, Holistic Ear Care Products and more.

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Is your Dog Biting Off More Than They Can Chew?

2011-04-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

PorkHide Bones are Good for Puppies and Adult Dogs

Give your dog and puppy something different to chew on. We suggest Pork Hide Bones.

PorkHide Bones for Puppies and Adult Dogs are gourmet chew treats made with 100% natural pork skin and have a lasting, mouth-watering flavor your dog is absouletly going to love.

These great tasting yummy treats are naturally high in protein and low in fat.

The shape of the bone provides your dog with maximum contact with all parts of the mouth, and chewing help reduce plaque build-up on teeth and helps promote healthy gums.

These Pork Hide Treats sold through Life's Abundance Pet Foods are safe for dogs of all ages. PorkHide Bones are available in small, medium, and large sizes. They are competitively priced too.

For more information on Life's Abundance or to order Pork Hide Bones for your dog or puppy go to:

Lifes Abundance Dog Food and Treats

Give Your Dog a Bath

2011-04-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Give Your Dog a Bath(April 17, 2011 Parade Magazine; Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, science adviser to the ASPCA, on how to shampoo your pet -- without getting soaked)

1. Do a trail run - It's a good idea to "practice" a few times first. Put your dog in a tub without water, give her a treat, and then take her out. This will get her comfortable with the process.

2. Get prepped - Put towels, shampoo, and a cup (if needed) within reach before you start. It's fine to bathe your dog outside if its warm. If you're washing her in the bathroom, remove any items that might get knocked over.

3. Brush up - Take off your dog's collar and tags. Do a quick brushing to remove as much loose hair as possible.

4. Choose the right shampoo - Use one designed for pets. Those meant for humans can strip too much of the fur's natural oils, which protects dogs from cold and wet weather. Rinsing is easiest if you have a shower head on a flexible hose. If not, use a large cup. Don't forget to rinse the belly, chest, neck and under the tail.

5. Shake it off - If you dog is small enough and the weather is good, wrap her in a towel and carry her outside to get dry. If not, pull the shower curtain closed so she can shake it off, then rub her fur with a towel.

6. Do a final grooming - A second brushing will help remove any hair loosened by the bath, redistribute oils in the fur, and make your dog look great!

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We recommend Revitalizing Shampoo from Life's Abundance. It's developed strictly for dogs and is made from pure, natural ingredients. You'll love it!

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Parenting Emotionally Challenged Pooches

2011-04-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Parenting Emotionally Challenged Pooches
by Dr. Sarah, Lifes Abundance
In the last few months, we’ve been besieged with images and stories of destruction, the magnitude of which is difficult to comprehend: Australian floods, New Zealand earthquakes, and most recently the devastating earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. While the loss of human life and the impact on the human survivors makes up the majority of the coverage, we know that many of these people included pets in their families. What are the lasting impacts on behavior of the surviving companion animals? Is it true, as many people believe, that the emotional scars caused by trauma (whether it’s due to a natural event like an earthquake, or an unnatural act like physical or mental abuse) can lead to fearful or aggressive behavior?

Just how common is emotional scarring in companion animals? The answers to these questions may surprise you.

The unfortunate companion animals affected by recent environmental catastrophes are likely experiencing what we call “post traumatic stress disorder” (PTSD). PTSD is a recognized anxiety disorder induced by exposure to life-threatening trauma. Widely recognized as a diagnosis for people, PTSD has actually been studied in non-human animals, too. Research has actually shown that the brains of traumatized animals exhibit chemistries that differ from non-traumatized animals! True PTSD, however, is relatively rare in companion animals, developing as a result of a significant life-threatening event or predatory trauma.

If your dog has undergone a traumatic event, there are warning signs of PTSD, which include hiding, loss of house training, barking, loss of appetite and diminished interest in interacting with his human companions. It can also include out-of-character aggression. If your dog ever does go through a life-threatening or catastrophic event, veterinarians recommend providing a safe, secure area such as a crate, bathroom or laundry room, where your dog can get away from noise, people and other pets. Put familiar, comforting objects in the space, such as their own bed, favorite toys and/or an article of your clothing. Try and maintain a consistent routine, especially with regards to feedings, walks and play times. Like the traumatized pets in Australia, any pet that undergoes life-threatening trauma needs safety, a dependable routine, behavioral (and perhaps medical) intervention as soon as possible.
What about fear and aggression in non-traumatized dogs? We already know that true PTSD in dogs is rare, but too many shelter animals have been rescued from abusive or neglectful situations, so it’s not unusual for them to have fear or aggression issues.

Believe it or not, some dogs are genetically predisposed to experience heightened fear. Just as people can be shy or outgoing, dogs show similar personality inclinations. Other dogs will experience fear due to a specific trauma, such a frightening thunderstorm. While some argue that abuse, especially for young dogs, leads to PTSD, what is more likely is that rescue animals are simply poorly socialized during the critical developmental period between 3-16 weeks of age. At this age, puppies undergo a rapid learning process, making it the ideal window of opportunity for socialization. When puppies fail to encounter appropriate socialization during this critical period, they can develop fear or aggression later in life.

Even though they present challenges, negative experiences or insufficient socialization don’t have to define your dog’s long-term personality. Fortunately, there are ways to work through emotional issues. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah talks about how to recognize the symptoms of fear and aggression, and how to deal with some of these issues
Watch the Dr. Sarah video now!

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For a healthy Dog Food try Lifes Abundance Dog Food
For a healthy Cat Food try Lifes Abundance Cat Food
For healthy Pet Food, Supplements and Treats go to: Lifes Abundance Pet Food and Supplements

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Dogs Do Better as Carnivores

2011-03-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

We found the following article on the Internet and thought we would share it with you.

Dog Food Review – Life’s Abundance Dog Food
by Brigitte Smith / February 2, 2008 / www.healthierdogs.com/dog_food/dog-food-review-lifes-abundance-dog-food

Dogs really do function better as carnivores, and should always have plenty of meat protein in their diet. Meat protein provides the building blocks of good dog health.

Certainly, a small to moderate amount of carbohydrates can play a secondary role in a dog’s diet, dogs should be fed only highly digestible carbohydrates such as brown rice. Excessive and/or poorly digestible carbohydrates of the type found in cereal based dog foods that contain only small proportions of meat are not recommended.

Dogs are historically scavengers and of course, primarily meat eaters. In fact, a natural diet for dogs included bones, chunks of carcass, fish guts, animal guts and heads, together with rotten greens and fruits. In the pre-domesticated stage, dogs started to consume discarded human food, which continued until relatively recent times.

Have you ever wondered why many dogs love to go through your garbage can, and will more often than not eat any and everything in there if given the chance? Well look back in history, and you will discover your answer.

In fact, the major contributing factor in the domestication of dogs was their attraction to whatever food was available at human garbage dumps. Eventually, the tamer wolves that were the least threatened by human beings, over tens of thousands of years, became our companions and evolved into the various dog breeds we have today.

It stands to reason, therefore, that your dog’s digestive system is more suited to raw food coupled with some table scraps – natural dog food, than to most of the substandard rubbish that’s passed off as commercial dog food.

Life’s Abundance Dog Food – from Fresh!
But if you don’t fancy feeding your dog raw food, then at least ditch the commercial dog food and feed your loved companion a quality, premium dog food that has the healthy goodness of a home cooked meal. Life’s Abundance dog food is made using only fresh, human-quality ingredients such as premium all natural chicken and top quality catfish with the best fresh fruit such as tree ripened applies, vegetables like crisp fresh carrots, and select farm foods such as eggs.

Life’s Abundance dog food also contains a superior blend of vitamins, minerals, bacteria cultures that assist digestion, and antioxidants. There are no artificial flavors, colors, sugars, or chemical preservatives – common ingredients in most commercial dog foods.

Dr Jane Bicks is responsible for product formulation and development of Life’s Abundance dog food – and cat food. Dr Bicks is a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian. She is the author of three national books on pet care and nutrition and has served on professional boards including the Cornell Feline Health Center.

Not all veterinarians have much idea on good nutrition for dogs, in fact most don’t. Conventional vets get most of their information from commercial pet food manufacturers. But if you’re fortunate enough to find a good holistic vet, you’re much more likely to learn the truth about healthy dog food.

Life’s Abundance Dog Food is Premium Dog Food!

Life’s Abundance dog food is a premium health food for your dog. Apart from the ingredients in the dog food you select, you should also be concerned about the cooking process used. Commercial pet foods are extruded at extremely high temperatures which effectively destroy any semblance of nutrition that may have been in the ingredients.

Life’s Abundance dog food, on the other hand, is cooked in small batches using an exclusive “fast-cook” process that uses less heat to gently lock in more of the natural goodness and fresh taste of real food.

And they even go a step further to ensure the nutritional quality of Life’s Abundance pet food with their revolutionary reclosable, oxygen resistant packaging that ensures all the flavor, vitamins and natural nutrients from Life’s Abundance remains. So no preservatives of any kind are necessary – natural dog food at its best. In fact, this food is said to be just as natural and deliciously wholesome as if you’d made it yourself.

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Life’s Abundance Dog Food

Six Ways to Whittle Down Your Dog's Waistline

2011-01-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

Six Ways To Whittle Your Pets Waistline
by Dr. Jane Bicks, Lifes Abundance, January 20, 2011

According to a 2009 study published by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 34 million dogs and 54 million cats are classified as overweight. Sadly, these staggering numbers continue to rise. Just like in humans, obesity is now the biggest health threat to pets in the U.S. Excess weight lowers metabolism, increases appetite and can worsen other medical conditions, such as arthritis and respiratory problems.

If your pet needs surgery, extra fat can make it more difficult for a surgeon to operate and increase the chances of complications with anesthesia. With nearly half the nation’s pet population afflicted with weight issues, chances are you or someone you know has a pet that is affected. Here are six tips to help your pet shed unwanted pounds and keep the weight off for good.

1. Increased Awareness

There are two main causes of obesity in pets: too many calories and too little exercise. Secondary factors can also come into play, such as genetic factors of a given breed or the sex of the animal. A quick online search will reveal whether or not your breed is prone to weight gain. And be aware that neutered, middle-aged and female pets are more likely to have weight issues.

The discouraging fact is that many pet parents accept their overweight pets as ‘normal’, or deny the problem altogether, making the problem less likely to be addressed.

Weight is not always the best indicator due to individual variation. For example, one Doberman may be trim at 70 pounds and another trim at 90. In addition, a drooping stomach does not always mean an animal is fat, especially in cats. The best way to determine whether or not your pet is overweight is to have your veterinarian do an assessment.

2. Change Your Lifestyle

Let’s face it … far too many Americans lead sedentary lifestyles, and their pets are following suit. It is no secret that we like to sit and eat at the same time, so if we are going to help ourselves and our pets avoid becoming the next victims of the obesity epidemic, we need to get everybody moving more and eating less.

Realize that everything your pet eats has calories – yes, including treats – so you can begin to reduce calories right away simply by providing low-calorie treats, such as Life’s Abundance’s Wholesome Hearts.

Increasing exercise is good for everybody. Long walks and playing fetch are good ways to bond with your dog, and you can get your cat moving with a feather wand or a laser pointer. Here’s a fun tip: cats love to chase small balls. Throw five or six little balls around and watch the fun … retrieve all the balls at once if you want to minimize your trips across the room.

3. Feed Frequent Small Meals and Measure Amounts

Did you know that every time you eat, you burn calories? The same is true for our companion animals. So measure the food amount for the whole day and divide it into several smaller meals. You can also feed a low-calorie treat or vegetable in between each small meal. It is vital that you measure the food, even if you free-feed. If your pet needs to lose weight, you can reduce portions by 30% without jeopardizing your pet’s health.

Remember that when pets beg for a treat, often what they really want is attention. Instead of a treat, how about a hug or a nice grooming session?

Consider supplementing a cat or small dog’s diet with canned food. Canned food often has a high moisture content, which helps your companion animal feel full with fewer calories. Remember to keep the overall calorie count consistent, even if you change their diet.

If you begin a weight-loss regimen and don’t see any results within two weeks, be sure to discuss other options with your veterinarian.

4. Keep Records

Food journals are not only very effective weight-management tools for people, they are for pets, too. Start by keeping records for seven days, tracking everything that you feed your companion animals. We often don’t realize how much we are really feeding until we see it mapped out.

5. Weight-Loss Medication

The FDA recently approved Slentrol, a weight-loss medication approved for canine use. The exact mechanism of this drug remains unknown, but researchers believe that it helps suppress the appetite and inhibit the absorption of fat. If you have tried all other options and still aren’t having success, or if your dog’s weight is putting his health in jeopardy, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about this new pharmaceutical offering.

6. Dietary Supplements

Many hormones can be controlled with phytonutrients. Resveratrol, sourced from the skin of grapes, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, increase metabolic rate, boost physical endurance and reduce fat mass. Quercetin, found in fruits, vegetables, leaves and grains, has been shown to fight inflammation in obese patients. Leptin is a new hormonal supplement that suppresses appetites and is being used to facilitate weight-loss. Researchers have discovered that diabetic dogs have low levels of leptin, which can lead to overeating. Furthermore, researchers found that by adding leptin to the diet, canine appetites are noticeably suppressed. I caution you to only use these supplements under the supervision of your vet, as the proper dosages vary from animal to animal (for example, leptin can at certain dosages have the opposite effect, actually increasing appetites).

With a little bit of effort, a minimal investment in time and big helpings of love and patience, you can help your companion animal lose excess weight and maximize their chances for a longer, healthier and happier lifetime.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for your dear companions.

Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM

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Today's Blog Post Sponsored by: Lifes Abundance Weight Loss Formula

Lifes Abundance Dog Food - A wholesome, healthy dog food that does not contain corn, wheat, byproducts, artificial color, flavors. There are NO chemical preservatives added to this food.

Wholesome Hearts - A lowfat, healthy treat for dogs.

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A Word about Dog Shampoos

2010-11-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

Choosing a holistic shampoo for your dog makes sense. A healthy shampoo, along with other holistic, synergistic hygeine products makes sense in helping to keep your dog healthy.

While providing nutritious foods and supplements can lead to significantly positive changes from the inside-out in your dog’s life, sometimes they need superior support specifically for the outside.

That’s why holistic veterinarian, Dr. Jane Bicks, has created Revitalizing Shampoo to help our precious companion animals not only look and smell better, but feel better, too.

Revitalizing Shampoo has been formulated to harness the power of botanicals to restore and help rejuventate your dogs's skin and coat. It is a conditioning formula that works itself into a luxurious foamy lather to gently deep cleanse without stripping natural oils and rinses completely, leaving a soft, delicate pleasant fragrance of natural fruit extracts.

Natural antioxidants from organic rosemary and sage help prevent damage from weathering and environmental factors. Natural emollients help soften, detangle, and give the coat more body. As your dog dries, odors are cleaned away and in its place your dog will have a clean, beautiful coat fragrant with the delicate aromas of kiwi and mango.

INGREDIENTS:

Filtered Water (aqua), Certified Organic Herbal Infusion of Salvia Officinalis (Sage) and Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary)¹, Natural Essences of Mangifera Indica (Mango), Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit Oil) and Citrus Limonum (Lemon Oil), Vegetable Glycerin USP, Gentle Cleansers of Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (Coconut) and Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coconut), Glycol Stearate, Oleth-10 (Palm Kernel Oil), Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Ordenone™, Methychloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, Botanical Fragrance.

Revitalizing Shampoo neutralizes Odors – does not just cover them up. Your pet will stay cleaner, longer. Between baths, use Bath Fresh Mist to keep your pet cleaner, longer.

¹ Certified by Oregon Tilth
Ordenone™ is a trademark of Belle-Aire Fragrances, Inc.

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Click to learn more about Lifes Abundance Dog Food and Spa Products for Dogs.
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They Depend Upon You to Stay Healthy, So Are You?

2010-10-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

They Depend Upon You to Stay Healthy... Are You?
Wednesday, 20 October 2010 15:50 by Life's Abundance

The cat’s bowl is full of nutritious Instinctive Choice. Your canine companion has had his daily Wellness Food Supplement. You know that you are forgetting something, but you just can’t seem to place it. Maybe it’s not something you’re forgetting but rather someone! As important of a role your pets play in your life, you are the main character in their lives! Without you who would they turn to?

By changing a few simple things in your daily routine, you could be around for more belly scratches and rub downs!

Get Active – Don’t just let Fido out by himself – join him. A recent survey found that more than 65% of Americans are overweight or obese. Since the health problems associated with excess weight include heart disease, diabetes and stroke, it's important to make weight loss and fitness a priority in your life. So lace up those sneakers and take your dog for a daily walk at the local park or around your block! The fresh air will invigorate you and the companionship of your dog will make this daily activity more enjoyable and seem less like exercise. Not only will this help keep your weight under control, but it will also help make for a healthier heart.

Eat Healthy – You feed your pets the best, most nutritious foods, and you should be doing the same. Hate the word “diet”? Try the 80-20 factor. Eat healthy 80% of the time and indulge for the other 20%. This is a very simple way to improve your diet. The American Heart Association recommends eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. An easy way to ensure that you are getting health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids on a daily basis is to try Sealogix Omega-3 Fish Oil. Thanks in large part to its superior quality, purity and concentration of nutrients, Sealogix represents an exceptional value compared to other market brands.

Stop Smoking – Many of us grew up when smoking was cool. Well, it’s not cool anymore. The American Heart Association could not have put it any clearer. Smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death! Your bad habit does not only affect you - it affects everyone in your home – pets included! There are so many cessation programs available these days that quitting may be easier than you think. Procrastination is one of the biggest hurdles, so make the decision to stop smoking today and consult your health care provider for the program that’s right for you.

Let your pets continue to enjoy the life that you have worked so hard to give them. You need to stay healthy, too!

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Does your Dog eat some of the healthiest pet food on the planet? Try Lifes Abundance Dog Food today!

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Healthy Skin Starts from the Inside Out

2010-10-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

Tips for Better Skin Healthby Dr. Sarah from Lifes Abundance October 2010 Newsletter

While underappreciated or even unrecognized as an organ, skin has amazing properties. For starters, it’s the largest organ of the body. Both tough and pliable, skin has many functions, including regulating body temperature, helping to prevent dehydration and protecting against injury and disease. Without skin, our cats couldn’t have hair, and everything that was on the inside would be exposed, making snuggle sessions a little on the icky side!

Canine and feline skin shares many similarities with human skin, but there are significant differences. They do have three layers of their skin, with the same nerves and blood vessels running throughout. Even though the pigmented skin in dogs contains melanin, dogs do not have the ability to tan like humans do. Also, they have apocrine glands (similar to human sweat glands), however, dogs do not sweat like we do. Instead, dogs have eccrine glands in their paws, which secrete a watery substance like sweat, although this typically only occurs when they are nervous and under stress. Now you know how it is that they can sometimes leave little damp paw prints when exiting the veterinary office!

As the body’s first line of defense to environmental factors, the skin is subjected to all sorts of insults and injuries. Critters of all stripes, from fleas to ticks to parasites (like mange mites) bite and damage the skin. Additionally, skin is under repeated assault by foreign objects, nibbling teeth, scratching claws and constant licking, all of which can weaken and impair the skin’s protective barrier. Skin can also be affected from the inside out by infections, hormonal imbalances, allergies and immune disorders.

Young pets are particularly suspectible to skin problems because their skin is more sensitive and their immune systems are not fully developed. Kittens, for example, are prone to ringworm (fungal) infections and puppies are predisposed to demodectic mange. If your puppy or kitten develops a rash, loses hair, or has bumps or warts, consult with your veterinarian to determine if treatment is necessary.

The bottom line is, healthy skin is a vital part of pet health, and its condition is a reflection of a pet’s overall well-being. Vulnerable to attacks on all sides, it’s very important that pet parents regularly monitor their pet’s skin health. Skin normally does its job well as the body’s protector, but sometimes even skin needs an extra boost. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah reviews some common causes of skin and coat problems in dogs and cats, and reveals some safe and natural home remedies that promote overall skin health.

For more information about Lifes Abundance Pet Food that Dr. Sarah is talking about in the above video, please visit: Lifes Abundance Dog Food

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Help End Pet Abandonment

2010-10-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

5 Ways to Help End the Pet Abandonment Crisis
by Dr. Jane Bicks, September 21, 2010, Lifes Abundance September Newsletter

As uncertainty about the economy lingers, the pace of pet abandonment is on the rise. Largely attributable to the collapse of the housing market in 2007, the effects of which continue to ripple through our economy, nearly every state has seen a dramatic increase in the number of homeless animals. During this short time frame, tens of thousands of companion animals have been surrendered to rescue organizations, or worse, simply abandoned, left to fend for themselves.

You’ve probably read some of the heartrending stories: dogs left behind, locked in foreclosed homes; a box of kittens dumped in a community park; and families facing homelessness themselves surrendering to a shelter all of their pets in a moment of heartbreak. The problem is so severe that some shelters have exhausted their resources and are forced to refuse new intakes.

As a society of pet lovers, this represents an unprecedented situation in most of our lifetimes. Now, more than ever, homeless pets need our help.

Many of us want to provide assistance, but don’t know the best way to make a difference. Fortunately, there are five ways to reach out and make a difference to pets in need.

1. Volunteer at a shelter
Brimming with new admittances, many shelters urgently need “boots on the ground”. Volunteers are needed to walk dogs, play with kittens and greet potential adopters, as well as handle routine feeding and cleaning tasks. In some cases, you may be able to offer assistance based upon your unique skillset. If you have a knack for organization, your talents could help streamline anything from file systems to fundraising appeals. Even if you only volunteer for only a couple of hours per week, you will still be providing invaluable help.

2. Donate money
Unfortunately, growing shelter populations are not the only crisis shelters and animal rescues are experiencing. Organizations of all sizes are struggling with finances, as personal and corporate donations have dropped off a cliff. As you might expect, this lack of funding affects every aspect of a shelter’s operations, including staffing, facility maintenance, veterinary care, food and medical supplies. Any amount you can spare will be welcomed by your local shelters. Don’t fall prey to the misconception that small donations don’t make a difference. Even $5 or $10 can provide several meals for a pet in need.

3. Donate goods
If you prefer to donate physical items rather than cash, please consider donating items like food, treats, blankets or toys. In most cases, these items are sorely needed and gratefully accepted at most animal rescue organizations. Be sure to contact your local shelter to learn their specific needs prior to deciding what you’ll give. If you can’t afford to give new items, consider doing some “Fall cleaning” … because old towels dry just as well as new ones! Just like with financial donations, the gift of goods is tax deductible; just be sure to confirm that the organization you choose has non-profit status.

4. Foster a homeless pet
Fostering a pet is a great option if you’re not ready to commit to a long-term relationship with a companion animal. As a temporary adopter, you will not only provide a loving and healthy environment for a pet in need, but you will also free up valuable space and resources at rescue facilities. Be aware that many of these animals are coming from difficult circumstances and may require a good deal of patience and understanding on your part. To get more information, speak with your local rescues, veterinary schools or humane societies about foster programs in your area.

5. Adopt a pet
Lastly, the boldest and most dramatic step you can take also offers the greatest rewards. Perhaps the best way to combat pet homelessness is by opening your home to an abandoned pup or kitty. Many shelters maintain an online presence where you can review photos and descriptions of the companion animals that are available for adoption.

Even if they receive outstanding care during their stay, shelter animals experience high levels of stress, which can lead to minor illnesses (like colds). With time, love and good nutrition, these conditions usually quickly abate. If you adopt, remember to be realistic about your expectations with the pet and invest time early on acclimating your new family member to their new environment.

If you have ever considered adopting a companion animal in need, the time to act is now.

If your circumstances prevent you from taking part in any of these solutions, please keep in mind that simply by purchasing Life’s Abundance products you’ll be making a positive difference. Every order that you place results in a contribution to our foundation, which in turn awards financial grants to small rescues across the country.

No matter how you choose to help during this crisis, you will have my eternal thanks, and the thanks of the entire Life’s Abundance staff. Together, we truly can make our world a better place.

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Click the following for information about where to buy Lifes Abundance Dog Food or Lifes Abundance Cat Food or Lifes Abundance Pet Food

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Training Treats

2010-10-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Tasty Rewards
Wholesome and Healthy
No Chemical Preservatives

Good behavior should be rewarded, but often training treats are empty-calorie treats with no nutritive value and include undesirable ingredients. The folks at Lifes Abundance believe that you should only feed treats that can help to support overall health.

Tasty Rewards are wholesome nutritional training treats made from New Zealand-raised chicken and venison.

They’re loaded with proteins, minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids. And, like all of the Lifes Abundance foods, supplements and treats, you’ll find no added chemical preservatives or artificial coloring.

With Tasty Rewards Training Treats, discipline can be delicious! There is no junk found in these treats. You can be assured that you are training with one of the best canine training treats on the market.

Click the following for information about where to purchase:

Tasty Rewards Training Treats

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Evolution of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Canine and Feline Diets

2010-09-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

Evolution of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Canine & Feline Diets
by: Jean Hofve, D.V.M. See Article: www.nordicnaturals.com/pet/nnpet_health.html

Before dogs and cats were domesticated, the ancestors of dogs and cats received their essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, from their prey, such as rodents, birds, and elk. But today, our pet companions depend on us for their food. With modern technology, commercial pet food provides pet owners with a convenient method of feeding their pet companions, but some foods still may not provide your pet companions with the ideal levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids to promote optimal
pet health and wellness.

While research indicates a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids of 5:1 – 10:1 is optimal for dogs(1), many commercial pet foods contain primarily omega-6 fatty acids from animal fats and vegetable oils, resulting in a highly unbalanced ratio dominated by omega-6 fatty acids. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is key in helping these nutrients fulfill their important functions in the body. While the ratio is important to consider, it is also important to consider the source of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. Fish oil provides your pet with a direct source of omega-3 fatty acids. Plant oils are not a direct source because they must be converted to EPA and DHA in the body of dogs and cats.

To correct the fatty acid imbalance dominated by omega-6 fatty acids, pet owners can supplement their pets’ food with a high-quality source of omega-3 fatty acids from wild, sustainable fish. Even the best raw food diets or homemade diets will benefit from omega-3 fatty acid.

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1. Vaughn D, Reinhart G, Swaim S, et al. Evaluation of dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios on leukotriene B synthesis in dog skin and neutrophils. Vet Dermatol 1994;5(4):163–173.

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Click the following for our recommended fish oil supplement: pharmaceutical grade fish oil

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Allergies and Healthy Skin and Coat

2010-08-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

Healthy Skin and Coat
Info obtained from: www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/canine-allergies.html

(Remember to always check with your vet before introducing new products to your pet. Many vets are now recognizing the need for holistic allergy treatment instead of the tried and true (and possibly ineffective or dangerous) standby of corticosteroids. If your vet is not helpful, keep looking until you find someone you are
comfortable with. Remember that the success or failure of treatment will rest mainly on you. There is no magic pill to deal with many of these problems. Unfortunately, there is also not necessarily a "cure", only systematic treatment options.)

Is your dog's coat not as lusterous as it used to be? Is it dull and course. Does your precious dog suffer from skin sores and excessive scratching. Does your dog have hot spots?

A majority of skin and coat problems are believed to be caused by allergies and poor pet food ingredients. Allergies may also play a role in chronic ear infections.

About Food Allergies or Food Sensitivities:

Dogs are not allergic to a dog food per se, rather they react to one or more of the ingredients found in the food.

Some of the most common culprits are beef, pork, chicken, milk, whey, eggs, fish, corn, soy, wheat and chemical preservatives.

Many animals are now developing allergies to lamb as well. This was once thought to be very hypo-allergenic, but the more it is used, the more sensitivities are springing up.

The first step in diagnosing a food allergy is to eliminate all possible allergens and feed ONLY a homemade diet with ingredients the dog has never eaten before. The diet should be a protein and a starch. Good examples are one part lamb, rabbit or venison mixed with two parts rice or potatoes. NOTHING else can be fed during this time; no biscuits, chewable heartworm pills, chew toys or any table scraps! You must also keep the dog away from feces if he or she is prone to eating stool.

This diet should only to be fed for a short period, while testing for allergies. It is not nutritionally complete enough for long term use. Check with your veterinarian before beginning the test. If the symptoms improve during the trial diet, go back to the original food for several days. If symptoms reoccur you know that something in the food is causing the reaction.

The next step is to return to the trial diet and add one new ingredient a week (i.e. add beef for one week and if no symptoms occur add corn the next week for one week).

Once you have discovered the allergen you can look for a commercial food which does not contain that ingredient. (The author of this blog recommends Lifes Abundance Dog Food. Lifes Abundance does not contain wheat, corn, soy or chemical preservatives that are known to cause allergies in some dogs. Lifes Abundance Dog Food has never, ever been on a pet food recall list either.)

Keep this in mind too. Just because a food is labeled "Lamb and Rice" or labeled with another so-called commonly known as hypoallergenic ingredient do not immediately assume it is hypoallergenic. Many of those dog foods contain wheat, corn, soy, beef or chemical preservatives.

This process of elimination is trying and time consuming. It may take up to 10 weeks to see an improvement. However, some professionals believe that it is the best method available to test for food allergies.

In the meantime, you might consider switching your dog to a food that has been successful for dogs with food allergies such as Lifes Abundance Dog Food. If your dog shows improvement you know you are dealing with a food sensitivity, you just won't know which ingredient to avoid. If there is no improvement, you will need to begin the elimination testing.

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From Blog Author:

In order to help overcome your dog's frustrating and often time painful symptoms, think about a thorough and holistic approach. Lifes Abundance offers a holistic line of products that work together synergistically.

First, think about switching to a wholesome, nutritious food such as Lifes Abundance Dog Food to provide a solid daily nutritional foundation. Once a good foundation is established, a daily supplement is required because every pet has unique nutritional needs. Advanced Daily Supplement with Phytonutrient Power provides the additional nutrients to support the optimum health of your precious dog.

If your dog is itching and scratching, Soothing Mist for Dogs and Cats may help. Its an herbal blend that enhances the natural life cycle of healthy skin.

Ear Care Formula for Dogs and Cats cleans ears by bringing dirt and debris to the surface. It also helps eliminate odor and helps dissolve ear wax. It soothes the ear during application and long after. It does not contain alcohol.

For those older dogs or those dogs that have a tendancy toward joint problems consider Agility with Glucosamine and MSM. It's a natural, holistic multi-action joint support supplement.

When bathing your dog or cat, Revitalizing Shampoo and Bath Fresh Mist for Dogs and Cats are just what your pet needs. The shampoo and conditioning mist are naturally infused with a harmonizing blend of certified organic herbal extracts, pure plant botanicals and natural fruit extracts. These products detangle and nourish the coat's natural condition, leaving it soft, luxurious and fragrant.

If you give your dog a treat, think about giving a healthy treat such as Life's Abundance Wholesome Hearts or Tasty Rewards Training Treats.

All of the above mentioned products are designed to work well together and the may help in providing your dog with an abundant, happy and healthy life.

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Blog Sponsored by Life's Abundance Dog Food

Click the following to order products listed on this post:
Lifes Abundance Pet Products

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Bad Behavior or Serious Medical Issue

2010-08-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Doggie Dunce Caps: Bad Behavior or Serious Medical Issue
from Pet Talk by Dr. Sarah, Lifes Abundance August NewsLetter
Click Here to subscribe to Dr. Sarah's Pet Talk and Lifes Abundance Newsletter. It's Free!

Have you ever found freshly dug holes in your backyard? Or bits of your favorite chair strewn across your den? Are you the proud parent of a canine that greets your guests by repeatedly jumping on them? Does your furry friend beg at the table, bark incessantly or strategically deposit her poo next to the dining room table? Simply put, if your dog could star in a film entitled “Dogs Gone Wild”, then you share a common complaint among dog lovers worldwide: frustrating behavioral problems.

There is one thing that unites all behavioral problems - they are undesirable to the pet parent. Behavioral problems are the most common complaint received by veterinarians at annual exam time. Whatever the complaint - whether it’s barking, chewing, digging, chasing, biting or aggression - many dogs exhibit problem behaviors. If you’re wondering what could cause these ongoing stresses in your relationship with your canine, you’re not alone.

There are many possible reasons why a dog exhibits bad manners. The easiest and most common explanation is a lack of proper training. Much to the chagrin of some new pet parents, dogs are not born fully trained – it’s up to us to teach them the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Other contributing factors of bad behavior are loneliness and boredom, which is especially common in young dogs of active breeds. Destructive behaviors like hole digging and fence chewing are often physical expressions of cries for attention.

You might be surprised to learn that medical conditions can be at the root of bad behavior. For example, aggressive outbursts might be the result of a serious and painful hip, a broken toe nail or even an infected ear. If your dog has ever snapped at you while you were petting her back or neck, a bulging disc or a pinched nerve might be the culprit. These conditions are extremely painful, and dogs are predisposed to bite when experiencing this level of pain. In fact, aggression and biting are common indicators that your dog is in pain.

In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah discusses common medical causes of unacceptable behaviors, what you can do about it, and the kind of training veterinarians recommend.

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Click the following to Learn More about How to Use Positive Reinforcement to Train your Dog or Puppy

Click the following for more information about Life's Abundance Dog Food

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Riding Out the Recession with your Dog

2010-08-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Despite the struggling economy, sales of pet food have generally held strong as most pet owners remain committed to feeding and caring for their pets. According to the latest data, pet food and pet care supplies have risen 2% from 2008 to 2009 to a whopping $27.5 billion.

Since 1999, Lifes Abundance and HealthyPetNet have been gaining their share of the ever-growing, multi-billion dollar pet food market. Dog and cat owners are thankful to know about healthier alternatives and are eager to make a switch for better holistic and natural food. When people become educated about what's actually in their pet's food, they almost always switch to a healthier more nutritious food such as Lifes Abundance Cat Food and Lifes Abundance Dog Food.

There are 3 questions that will help you decide to start Lifes Abundance as an awesome homebased business opportunity:

1. Do you have a pet or know anyone who has a pet?

2. Do you know anyone with a pet who doesn’t feed them?

3. Do you know anyone with a pet who wants to feed them old, spoiled, non human quality products intentionally?

The answer is an easy astounding YES! People want to do the best for their dogs and cats. They want to keep their best friend around for a very long time and it has been scientifically proven that people that feed their dogs with superior nutrition make less trips to the Vet.

Here's two more reasons to look into the Pet Food Business - most pet owners say that they take better care of their pets than they do themselves.

That being the case, do you see an opportunity here?

Here's a simple illustration. Imagine if more than 40 years ago a little known company such as Purina came to you and said, “If you will recommend our pet foods to every pet owner you meet, we will pay you for that sale and every sale thereafter residually and for life (just like royalties on a hit song or movie)”. Where would you be financially right now? That would be a revolutionary concept in pet food sales, right? Well, that is exactly what the Lifes Abundance Pet Food business can do for you.

Click on the following websites to learn more and to get started today:

Lifes Abundance Pet Food Business Opportunity or

HealthyPetNet Business Opportunity

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Vitamin E and Antioxidants

2010-08-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Vitamin E and Antioxidants
by Dr. Jane Bicks, HealthyPetNet Newsletter, May 2010 Online Issue

As a holistic veterinarian, I feel it is incredibly important to take the whole animal into consideration when it comes to nutrition. And, whenever practical, my preference is to provide nutrients, minerals and vitamins in their natural forms. In this post, I’d like to talk to you specifically about vitamin E, to review both the strengths and weaknesses of natural and synthetic forms.

Vitamin E is an incredibly complex and important nutrient that, among other things, functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that promote health by slowing the destructive aging process of cells (a breakdown called “peroxidation”). In peroxidation, damaged molecules known as free radicals steal pieces from other cells, like fat, protein or DNA. The damage can spread, damaging and killing entire groups of cells. While peroxidation can be useful to destroy old cells or germs and parasites, when left unchecked, free radicals produced by peroxidation also damages healthy cells. Antioxidants can help to stem the tide of peroxidation, thus stabilizing free radicals.

Antioxidants like vitamin E are crucial to the health of companion animals of any age. They can improve the quality of the immune response and the effectiveness of vaccines in young pets, and help maintain a vital immune system in seniors.

Vitamin E occurs in one of two forms, either natural or synthetic. Natural vitamin E is a collection of eight chemically unique compounds that are derived from plants, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. More commonly used and less expensive, synthetic vitamin E is one compound – alpha-tocopherol.

For me, the choice of using natural or synthetic vitamin E in my formulas couldn’t be clearer, and neither could the evidence. The synthetic form of vitamin E is not as active or easily absorbed as the natural form of vitamin E. The molecular structure of vitamin E determines how well the body can utilize it. In human trials, researchers found that proteins in the liver specifically select the natural form of vitamin E and largely ignore the synthetic form. In a Japanese study, scientists found that it took three times the amount of synthetic vitamin E to equal the blood levels of natural vitamin E. In the U.S., researchers found that body tissues and blood retained far higher levels of natural vitamin E versus synthetic. In addition, synthetic alpha-tocopherol vitamin E has only half the vitamin activity of the natural alpha-tocopherol vitamin E.

Why is there such a difference between synthetic and natural forms of vitamin E? The key to understanding how the body absorbs these two types differently lies on the molecular level. The cellular structure of mammals more easily recognizes natural forms of vitamins. And cellular proteins and blood plasma bind to natural forms more readily than their synthetic counterparts. Unfortunately, synthetic vitamins are cheaper and, therefore, are more prevalent in many products on the market today.

So, how can you determine if the products you are using contain the synthetic or natural form of vitamin E? Simply check out the ingredient labels! Natural vitamin E is listed as a-tocopherol acetate, d-alpha tocopherol, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate. Alternately, synthetic forms of vitamin E are labeled with a “dl-“ prefix.

References:
Kiyose C, et al. Biodiscrimination of alpha-tocopherol stereoisomers in humans after oral administration. Am J Clin Nutr 1997 (Mar); 65 (3): 785-9

Burton GW, et al. Human plasma and tissue alpha-tocopherol concentrations in response to supplementation with deuterated natural and synthetic vitamin E Am J Clin Nutr 1998; 67: 669-84

Traber MG, et al. Synthetic as compared with natural vitamin E is preferentially excreted as a-CEHC in human urine: studies using deuterated a-tocopheryl acetate FEBS Letters 1998 (Oct 16); 437: 145-8

Yu W, Jia L, Wang P, et al. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of anticancer actions of natural and synthetic vitamin E forms. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008;52:447-456.

Blatt DH, Pryor WA, Mata JE, et al. Re-evaluation of the relative potency of synthetic and natural α-tocopherol: experimental and clinical observations. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2004;15:380-395.

Weiss WP, Hogan JS, and Wyatt DJ. Relative bioavailability of all-rac and RRR vitamin E based on neutrophil function and total α-tocopherol and isomer concentrations in periparturient dairy cows and their calves. J Dairy Sci. 2009;92:720-731.

Lauridsen C, Engel H, Jensen SK, et al. Lactating sows and suckling piglets preferentially incorporate RRR- over All-rac-α-tocopherol into milk, plasma and tissues. J Nutr. 2002;132:1258-1264.

Sen CK, Khanna S, and Roy S. Tocotrienols in health and disease: The other half of the natural vitamin E family. Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 2007;28-692-728.

Hayek MG, et al. Dietary vitamin E improves immune function in cats. In: Reinhart GA, Carey DP eds. Recent Advances in Canine and Feline Nutrition, Vol III: 2000 Iams Nutrition Symposium Proceedings. Wilmington, OH: Orange Frazer Press, 2000; 555-564.

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The author of this blog recommends Lifes Abundance Dog Food to help keep your dog healthy. We believe that a healthy dog that is fed the proper nutrition makes less trips to the Vet. Good nutrition pays off in the long run.

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Five Plants that Can Seriously Injure Your Dog

2010-07-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

Five Plants that Can Seriously Injure Your Dog
By Dr. Jane Bicks
July 2010, Lifes Abundance Newsletter

If you’re a dog lover, thoughts of summertime conjure memories of long evening strolls and outdoor recreation with your dog. In fact, you may have already started this summer to create new fond memories.

Given that, the last thing you want on one of your nature walks is for your canine companion to be sidelined by an injury. Unfortunately, many pet parents don’t realize until it’s too late that there are menacing toxins lurking in the plants of both cultivated and wild landscapes. Plants that you are used to seeing in public parks, your neighborhood and perhaps even in your own backyard can lead to devastating effects.

In what follows, I will review five of these dangerous plants so that you will be able to identify and avoid them when you’re with your dog. First up are four plants commonly used in landscaping that are actually toxic to canines:

Azalea – Rhododendron Species
A typical choice for landscapers due to its hardiness and lovely flowers, these unassuming ornamentals contain a toxin which can be lethal, even in small amounts. Both the plant’s leaves and nectar are known to be harmful if eaten or chewed by your dog, and can cause drooling (often a symptom of nausea), vomiting, weakness and collapse. If greater amounts of its toxins are ingested, it can lead to severe poisoning, possible coma and even death.

Oleander
Widely recognized as one of the most poisonous plants in the world, even minute quantities of Oleander can trigger a fatal response. Unlike the Azalea, every part of the Oleander is toxic, from flowers to roots. If dogs should chew on any part of this plant, they could suffer varying degrees of illness, including upset stomach, abnormal heart functioning and possibly even death. Beware of the sap, which can irritate the skin and eyes, as well as the leaves, which retain their toxicity even when dried out.

Sago Palm
Most commonly used in planned landscapes where climates tend to be hot and dry, Sago Palms are nevertheless popular all over the U.S. While the whole plant contains harmful chemicals, it’s the seeds that contain the highest levels of toxins. Estimates currently put the percentage of animals that die after eating the seeds of the plant as high as three out of four. The incidence of Sago Palm poisoning in dogs and cats has risen 200% in the past few years, although dogs seem to enjoy the flavor of the plant and the seeds more than cats. Ingestion of Sago Palm can cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure and seizures.

Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are popular ornamentals blooming late in the summer and early in the fall. While beautiful, their flowers contain a natural insecticide. If a canine chews on the Chrysanthemum blooms, the insecticide can cause excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.
If your furry one is exposed to any of these toxic plants, please contact your veterinarian immediately. As is often the case in toxins and poisons, the sooner your pet receives treatment, the less likely they are to experience dramatic, and sometimes fatal, reactions.

And now, I will review a common weed that can cause a great deal of grief for your pet canine:

Foxtails

Weeds that resemble the tail of a fox, Foxtails are considered a widespread nuisance in most states, especially west of the Mississippi. Prevalent from late spring to early fall, they become more dangerous in late summer when their seeds dry. When the seeds are released from their pods, they are covered in barbs like little fish hooks, making them potentially very dangerous to your dog. If she merely brushes up against the Foxtail plant, the seeds can become snagged in her coat. Worse, the seeds can pierce the skin, or even be inhaled!

As a result, Foxtail seeds can become lodged between a dog’s toes, in their ears or armpits; they can be inhaled or swallowed and latch onto the interior walls of the nose or throat; or, they can stick to the eyes.

Obviously, all of these circumstances can be very painful. Perhaps most frightening, the seeds are so small that they can be difficult to locate, and, if embedded in the skin, have been known to migrate to other areas of the body, resulting in severe infections.

If the Foxtail seed becomes infected under the skin, it may result in a visible, inflamed and painful lump. Commonly these lumps are between the toes, and are painful enough that your dog will repeatedly lick or chew the raised area. If a seed becomes lodged in your dog’s nose, she will likely sneeze, violently and over-and-over, and may even repeatedly paw at her face. If the seed latches to or in her ear, she will likely shake her head side-to-side and/or scratch incessantly at her ear. In the case where a Foxtail becomes stuck in or near the eye, you’ll likely see lots of repeated squinting, tears and redness; you may even see the foxtail poking out!

If you see any evidence of an encounter with a Foxtail, take your dog to the vet immediately. If you notice a red bump in between the toes, soak the paw in a mixture of lukewarm water and Epsom salts. This will help to ease the swelling until you can be seen by your veterinarian. Keep in mind that the longer you wait for treatment, the more difficult it is to treat an embedded Foxtail seed, so time is of the essence.

The best way to prevent Foxtail incidents is with an ounce of prevention. During hikes, keep your dog away from grassy weeds, and check her paws after walks. In addition, you should consider brushing her coat while using your hand to feel for any raised areas, checking inside the ears, in between toes, under armpits and throughout the belly and groin area. If you find a Foxtail in the coat, carefully pull or brush it out. If your dog has thick or long hair, consider getting a ‘Foxtail Clip’, a term applied to trimming away the hair between your dog’s toes. And, if you live in an area where Foxtails are common, remove them from your yard (be sure to exercise caution and carefully bag the weeds).

By using a little common sense and being aware of your surroundings, summer walks can be fun and free from environmental injuries. Then, you can get back to making some wonderful, new, summer memories together with your dog outdoors.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for your dear companions,

Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM

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Please visit the following site for more information about healthy food, treats, vitamins, dog diet food and more:
Lifes Abundance Dog Food

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Prevent Dog Obesity by Feeding Your Canine Right

2010-07-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just as the numbers of obese humans are on the rise, obesity rates for dogs continues to rise globally too.

As people tend to sit all day on a couch and became lazy and stagnant, the dog that belongs to the family is forced to adjust to a lesser active lifestyle too.

There are questions that every dog owner should think about:

1. Honestly ask yourself if your dog is suffering from lesser than the ideal physical level.

2. Honestly ask yourself if your dog is overweight because of it.

These are just two questions you should ask to make sure that your dog is on the right tract to stay healthy of its breed and activity level.

If you would want to determine if your dog is overweight, feel the sides of his body. Can you feel the ribs, if not your dog is probably overweight and probably obese.

You can also tell from his activities if he is an overweight dog or not. If there is less interest in walking around or if your dog loses breath when playing with you and chasing for an object, it may mean that he is suffering from obesity. On the other hand, this lack of activity might also be signs of aging and not because your dog is overweight. It is really vital for a dog owner to understand the difference -- is the dog aging or overweight or obese. Knowing the difference will help you to take care of your dog appropriately.

Dogs are not so different from humans health wise either. They tend to get sick when they don’t get adequate nutrients required for health. They may eventually suffer from variety of health related conditions, such as:

1. Liver ailment
2. Diabetes
3. Arthritis
4. Breathing issues
5. Cancer

Make sure that you take care of your dog appropriately because once they became ill the entire household may suffer along with them. Kids will especially be affected whenever dogs becomes sick and eventually dies.

If you are a new dog owner, make sure that you don't feed him unhealthy table scraps because it usually makes them obese. As a dog owner, you need to know how much table food should be given to them to make them healthy and not overweight. You also need to make sure that they will get adequate exercises so they will not develop any ailment that is related to being obese.

Information provided by Jim Kelly of Oh My Dog Supplies, search for limited time deals on car seat covers for dogs online.

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For more information about where to find a health dog food, visit:
Lifes Abundance Dog Food
For more informaiton about how to take care of your new puppy or dog, visit:
Lifes Abundance Pet Food

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Agility Joint Formula for Dogs

2010-07-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Lifes Abundance Agility Joint Formula for Dogs and Cats
Featured Product

As pet parents, we know that good joint health is crucial to the long-term well-being of our companion animals. We know that the best joint formulas utilize natural nutrition. That’s why holistic veterinarian, Dr. Jane Bicks, created a scientifically-formulated supplement to help promote joint health that harnesses the power of natural ingredients.

The ability to walk, run and jump represents a large part of your pet’s unique ability to express emotion. Unfortunately, aching and stiff joints are just as much a part of aging for pets as it is for humans. In fact, tens of million of dogs and cats experience problems with their hips and joints – more than half of the entire companion animal population!

At present, there are several hip and joint formulas on the market for dogs. Unfortunately, most of these products treat the joint as an isolated goal; it is for this reason that they do not work as well as they could.

Agility is a holistic formula, which means that it takes into account the needs of the whole body, including all the parts that work with the joints. This formula helps maintain healthy joint cartilage and connective tissue, and aids in the production of healthy synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. This supplement features glucosamine and MSM, and is a natural, holistic, multi-action joint support formula containing scientifically-tested ingredients.Agility joint formula features Glucosamine and MSM, and is a natural and multi-action supplement containing scientifically-tested ingredients.

Click to learn more about Agility Joint Formula for Dogs and Cats

Ingredients:
Active ingredients per 1 chewable tablet:
Glucosamine HCl.........................................500 mg

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)......................500 mg

Perna Canaliculus (Green Lipped) Mussel......300 mg

Vitamin E.....................................................50 IU

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)..............................50 mg

Boswellia .....................................................50 mg

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)..........................6 mg

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)..........................4 mg

Inactive ingredients:

Calcium Phosphate, Dehydrated Alfalfa, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (Roast Beef Flavor), Fish Oil, Liver Powder, Magnesium Stearate, Powdered Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Sucrose, Stearic Acid, Yucca Schidigera.

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ProPet Vitamins Recalled

2010-06-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

June 22, 2010
Possible Samonella Poisoning Cited.

ProPet Vitamins for Dog has been Voluntarily Recalled.

According to the American Veternarian Medical Association (AVMA) website, the United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio, has voluntarily recalled Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement Tablets for Dogs because of possible Salmonella contamination. The affected products include all lots with expiration dates on or before June 2013 (06/13). The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

Sold nationally through various retailers, the Pro-Pet vitamins are in 100-count white plastic bottles with a light blue label.

The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to dogs.

Laboratory testing has revealed that one Lot of this vitamin product was contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling all unexpired Lots of the product out of an abundance of caution.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

People who handle dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Salmonella can result in more serious ailments. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-800-645-5154 ext. 3, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.

Looking for a Replacement Supplement?

If you are looking for an Alternative Dog Vitamin from a company that has never, ever been involved in a pet food or product recall, we recommend Lifes Abundance Canine Wellness Food Supplement.

Supplementing your dog’s diet can play a crucial role in maintaining overall good health and wellness. It's a fact that some dogs and dog breeds require additional nutritional intake to help them maintain a healthy body. For example, factors such as age, breed, environment, illness will likely cause your canine to require extra nutrition and supplementation.

Based on this premise, holistic veterinarian. Dr. Jane Bicks, has formulated a brand new vitamin supplement formula to enhance your dog’s daily diet called Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs. It's formulated with a broad array of naturally nutritious ingredients from real food to help maintain overall health.

Click for more information bout Lifes Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs.

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Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food Recall

2010-06-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Attention residents of Oregon and Washington! This recall was just announced this morning -- June 22, 2010 -- on Channel 2 News in Portland, Oregon.

Recall on Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food
June 20, 1:08 AMPet Health ExaminerLorie Huston

Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. has announced the recall of one of their pet food products: Natural Balance sweet potato & chicken dry dog food.

Natural Balance sweet potato and chicken dry dog food recalled

The recalled product are the 5 lb and the 28 lb bags of Natural Balance's sweet potato and chicken dry dog food. According to Joey Herrick, the president of Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., the recalled product was "manufactured on December 17, 2009 with a “Best By” date of June 17, 2011". At this time, no other varieties of foods are involved.

Danger of Salmonella contamination in the recalled food

The affected food was voluntarily recalled after a random sampling of the product tested positive for Salmonella by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to Herrick, no complaints have been filed regarding the food and no illnesses have been recorded. Herrick encourages anyone who has purchased the recalled product to return it the store where it was purchased for a full refund.

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Dog food recalls are becoming more and more common. For a healthy, wholesome and fresh dog food that has never, ever been on a recall list, look into holistic Lifes Abundance Dog Food

*****

Vitamin E and Antioxidants

2010-06-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

Behind every superior ingredient in Lifes Abundance Dog Foods, Supplements and Treats for companion animals, there’s a story. In the following post, Dr. Jane reveals why she includes vitamin E in many of her formulas and why she prefers its natural form.

Trust me, once you read this post, you'll know why this source of antioxidant is so important to your dog's long-term health.

Vitamin E and Antioxidants
by Dr. Jane Bicks

As a holistic veterinarian, I feel it is incredibly important to take the whole animal into consideration when it comes to nutrition. And, whenever practical, my preference is to provide nutrients, minerals and vitamins in their natural forms. In this post, I’d like to talk to you specifically about vitamin E, to review both the strengths and weaknesses of natural and synthetic forms.

Vitamin E is an incredibly complex and important nutrient that, among other things, functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that promote health by slowing the destructive aging process of cells (a breakdown called “peroxidation”).

In peroxidation, damaged molecules known as free radicals steal pieces from other cells, like fat, protein or DNA. The damage can spread, damaging and killing entire groups of cells. While peroxidation can be useful to destroy old cells or germs and parasites, when left unchecked, free radicals produced by peroxidation also damages healthy cells. Antioxidants can help to stem the tide of peroxidation, thus stabilizing free radicals.

Antioxidants like vitamin E are crucial to the health of companion animals of any age. They can improve the quality of the immune response and the effectiveness of vaccines in young pets, and help maintain a vital immune system in seniors.

Vitamin E occurs in one of two forms, either natural or synthetic. Natural vitamin E is a collection of eight chemically unique compounds that are derived from plants, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. More commonly used and less expensive, synthetic vitamin E is one compound – alpha-tocopherol.

For me, the choice of using natural or synthetic vitamin E in my formulas couldn’t be clearer, and neither could the evidence. The synthetic form of vitamin E is not as active or easily absorbed as the natural form of vitamin E. The molecular structure of vitamin E determines how well the body can utilize it. In human trials, researchers found that proteins in the liver specifically select the natural form of vitamin E and largely ignore the synthetic form. In a Japanese study, scientists found that it took three times the amount of synthetic vitamin E to equal the blood levels of natural vitamin E. In the U.S., researchers found that body tissues and blood retained far higher levels of natural vitamin E versus synthetic. In addition, synthetic alpha-tocopherol vitamin E has only half the vitamin activity of the natural alpha-tocopherol vitamin E.

Why is there such a difference between synthetic and natural forms of vitamin E? The key to understanding how the body absorbs these two types differently lies on the molecular level. The cellular structure of mammals more easily recognizes natural forms of vitamins. And cellular proteins and blood plasma bind to natural forms more readily than their synthetic counterparts. Unfortunately, synthetic vitamins are cheaper and, therefore, are more prevalent in many products on the market today.

So, how can you determine if the products you are using contain the synthetic or natural form of vitamin E? Simply check out the ingredient labels! Natural vitamin E is listed as a-tocopherol acetate, d-alpha tocopherol, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate. Alternately, synthetic forms of vitamin E are labeled with a “dl-“ prefix.

References:

Kiyose C, et al. Biodiscrimination of alpha-tocopherol stereoisomers in humans after oral administration. Am J Clin Nutr 1997 (Mar); 65 (3): 785-9

Burton GW, et al. Human plasma and tissue alpha-tocopherol concentrations in response to supplementation with deuterated natural and synthetic vitamin E Am J Clin Nutr 1998; 67: 669-84

Traber MG, et al. Synthetic as compared with natural vitamin E is preferentially excreted as a-CEHC in human urine: studies using deuterated a-tocopheryl acetate FEBS Letters 1998 (Oct 16); 437: 145-8

Yu W, Jia L, Wang P, et al. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of anticancer actions of natural and synthetic vitamin E forms. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008;52:447-456.

Blatt DH, Pryor WA, Mata JE, et al. Re-evaluation of the relative potency of synthetic and natural α-tocopherol: experimental and clinical observations. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2004;15:380-395.

Weiss WP, Hogan JS, and Wyatt DJ. Relative bioavailability of all-rac and RRR vitamin E based on neutrophil function and total α-tocopherol and isomer concentrations in periparturient dairy cows and their calves. J Dairy Sci. 2009;92:720-731.

Lauridsen C, Engel H, Jensen SK, et al. Lactating sows and suckling piglets preferentially incorporate RRR- over All-rac-α-tocopherol into milk, plasma and tissues. J Nutr. 2002;132:1258-1264.

Sen CK, Khanna S, and Roy S. Tocotrienols in health and disease: The other half of the natural vitamin E family. Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 2007;28-692-728.

Hayek MG, et al. Dietary vitamin E improves immune function in cats. In: Reinhart GA, Carey DP eds. Recent Advances in Canine and Feline Nutrition, Vol III: 2000 Iams Nutrition Symposium Proceedings. Wilmington, OH: Orange Frazer Press, 2000; 555-564.

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Lifes Abundance Dog Food

2010-05-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Your dog would do anything for you. Your dog loves you so much that he or she would even give their life for you. With an unconditional love like that, you owe it to your precious companion to keep her healthy and happy for years to come. One way to do that is to feed a superior food.

Lifes Abundance Dog Food is a wholesome, superior food that is recommended by Vets

Lifes Abundance Dog Food sets a Higher Standard for Pet Nutrition

Lifes Abundance Dog Food was created to provide your companion animal with a nutritional advantage.

Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies & Adult Dogs is made with select ingredients to help your dog achieve and maintain optimum health.

Formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks, one of the nation’s leading holistic veterinarians, this superior food addresses the needs of the whole body.

Every ingredient is carefully chosen based upon its positive effects on a dog’s physiology, to promote the long-term health of canines.

Loved by both puppies and adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, this delicious recipe features an antioxidant system to support dogs throughout their life cycle. Also figuring prominently are omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat, and complex carbohydrates from oat groats for sustained energy.

Another highlight of this food is our proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals to supply dogs with the nutrients that help them to thrive, regardless of their age.

This Life’s Abundance recipe furnishes the body with optimal protein levels, to help puppies grow strong and adults to maintain muscle mass. Additionally, we have added a balanced blend of calcium and phosphorous to support both developing and aging bones.

The naturally-flavored kibbles come complete with dietary fiber to promote digestive health.

In addition, this formula contains no artificial colors or flavors, no corn, no wheat and no glutens.

Life’s Abundance is nutritionally-dense, which means that you won’t have to feed your dog as much food as other brands. That can translate into savings you can count on, meal after meal, year after year. Not only that, but smaller meals and concentrated nutrition means less mess to clean up outside.

When you try Life’s Abundance, you’ll know why people say it’s what pet food should be.

Life's Abundance Premium Health Food is veterinarian-formulated with select ingredients to help your dog achieve and maintain optimum health. A "fast-cook" process is used to help preserve the nutritional value of each and every wholesome ingredient. Strict inventory controls are maintained to ensure the quality and safety of the foods. With Life’s Abundance, you can be confident that you’re feeding your dog advanced nutrition.

Life's Abundance Dog Food is made with the finest ingredients, including:

- a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals
- High-quality protein from chicken meal for strong muscles
- An antioxidant system including vitamins A, C and E
- A selection of nutritious vegetables and fruits
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones
- Dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract

Since only wholesome ingredients are used, this formula contains:

- No artificial flavors
- No artificial colors
- No corn or corn gluten
- No wheat or wheal gluten

For free samples and information, visit Life's Abundance Dog Food Free Sample

Click to Order Lifes Abundance Dog Food

Petco Food Seizure

2010-02-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

Do you ever think about the shipment and warehousing of your pet's food? Probably not, who does?

Like most people, you are probably only concerned with an attractive-looking bag at a bargain basement price. But buyer beware! What you don't know can hurt you and your pets. If you love your pets, then you need to be aware of what might be going on before a bag of dog or cat food hits the store shelves.

Consider this: Petco found it's Joliet warehouse being raided by the Feds as a result of "unsanitary conditions" as described in a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago. U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions.

The Joliet, IL Distribution Center provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

View the official release from the FDA:
http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm048124.htm

Caring pet parents should also become aware of the other potential problems associated with the archaic mass distribution processes of pet foods.

• Powerful chemical preservatives used to create a two year shelf life • Non climate controlled storage containers (semi trucks) used for extended periods of time • Mass production of product to ensure availability

Always, always remember, there is more to choosing a quality pet food than what you may read on a "pretty" package. Pretty packages are designed to sell, and to draw you in, making you think that you are getting a healthy dog food.

We recommend Lifes Abundance Dog Food which is a healthy, wholesome dog food that has never, ever been on a recall list.

Petco just happened to get caught, think about how this could be happening with other large distributors that we don't know about.

Not All Dog Treats are Created Equal

2009-11-20T06:32:00.000-08:00

by Dr. Jane Bicks
Pet Food Formulator for HealthyPetNet

For years, holistic practitioners have worked to educate consumers about how even the slightest changes in environment, stress and diet can cause significant changes in health. As a holistic vet myself, I believe that nothing should be overlooked when it comes to ensuring the wellness of our beloved buddies.

Since we know that food is the foundation for a healthy life, most people select the best food to provide the many essential nutritional components our dogs can’t do without. But to make sure they receive the nutrition required to help boost healthy functioning, additional nourishment from health treats can be just what the doctor ordered.

To that end, treats should be selected based upon their nutritional merits rather than on cost, flavor or glitzy packaging.

Your dog’s treats should add the healthy components that are known to support hardy immune systems, strong muscles and optimal health. The nutrients required for superior support of these systems can be found in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as in foods like cranberries, apples, tomatoes, rice bran, whole grains and many others.

Unsurprisingly, these wholesome foods appear in the ingredient panels of some of the premium treats I’ve been fortunate enough to formulate for Trilogy.

If your dog could decide which treats they’d want, I feel confident that they would choose all of those offered by Trilogy, including Antioxidant Health Bars (Oatmeal & Apple Recipe), Gourmet Dental Treats (Honey Peanut Butter Recipe), Wholesome Hearts Low-Fat Treats and Tasty Rewards Nutritional Training Treats.

I feel very strongly that every treat you give your pet should have a health benefit so that at the end of the day, your pet truly is a reflection of his or her food, treats and love.

Thank you for all that you do to make the world a better place for companion animals,

Dr. Jane Bicks

(Note from Blog Host: Dr. Jane Bicks is also the formulator of the wholesome and nutritional Lifes Abundance Dog Food. Dogs that are fed foods that are healthy for them lead a longer, happier life with less visits to the vet.)

How to Brush a Dog's Teeth

2009-10-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

by Dr. Sarah from HealthyPetNet

While many people like the smell of puppy breath, the same can’t be said for “Dog Breath”. It’s almost universally considered as eye-stingingly unpleasant. This phrase has even been used by as a play-ground insult! While it’s a joke to some, when you look at the science behind foul panting, it’s clear that bad breath is anything but funny.

In fact, bad breath is epidemic, affecting four out of five companion animals over the age of three. Additionally, this condition could be a sign of dental disease, which can lead to health consequences throughout the whole body, not just in the mouth. As some veterinarians have rightly noted, infections of the gums and teeth can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys and intestinal tract … even the joints!

Brushing your dog’s teeth and providing them with dental snacks are two ways to help improve the health of teeth and gums, especially in reducing the build-up of plaque. Unfortunately, however, many pet parents find brushing frustrating, which can result in a stressful experience for pets.

Thankfully, Dr. Sarah is here to share with you the proper technique for brushing your dog’s teeth.

If dental health is a priority for you, watch this short, how-to video from HealthyPetNet about dental care, so you can help your pet fight dental disease and bad breath.

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Click for information about where to find Holistic Dental Treats or

Healthy, Holistic Treats for Dogs

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Pet Preparedness

2009-06-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Do you have an emergency plan for your pets?

Your home is not only a safe haven for your family, but also for your pets.

When disaster strikes, people often have no other option than to leave their homes. Depending on the severity of the disaster, you may be away from your home for a few hours or a few months.

So what happens to the furry, four-legged members of your family? Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Take time now to identify potential shelter sites or other safe havens where your pet could feel comfortable and be housed temporarily. Many emergency shelters do not allow pets.

• Make sure your pet wears a tag with up-to-date information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, owner contact information, and any urgent medical conditions. Other ID items include license and vaccination tags, or microchips IDs.

• Prepare a pet evacuation kit containing a pet carrier, collar leash, harness, bedding, food/water dishes, medications, toys, pet first aid kit, and at least a three-day supply of food and water.

• It’s always preferable to take your pet with you in an emergency, but if you must leave your pet behind:

o Put him/her in a secure area in your home.
o Leave him at least 10 days of dry food and several water dishes.
o Place signs on doors and windows, describing the type and number of pets inside and providing owner contact information.

• Be prepared to describe your pet, having a photo of your pet can be especially helpful in reuniting pets and their owners.

Adapted from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) article in CITYSCAPE (City of Tigard’s, OR Official Newsletter – June 2009 Edition.)

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Click for information about a wholesome and healthy dog food - Lifes Abundance Dog Food

Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

2009-03-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dog Tail-Chasing Linked to High Cholesterol
Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News

March 24, 2009 -- A team of veterinarians has found a surprising link between compulsive tail-chasing in dogs and high cholesterol, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

The finding adds to a growing body of evidence -- mostly from studies on humans -- that high cholesterol may be a marker for behavioral problems such as panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder, which could be expressed by frequent tail-chasing falls in dogs.

Bouts of tail-chasing can also occur after a dog experiences physical trauma, surgery or illness, noted Hasan Batmaz, a member of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Turkey's University of Uludag, who conducted the study along with a team of colleagues.

Certain breeds, such as bull terriers and German shepherds, seem to chase their tails more often than others.

For the study, the researchers took blood samples from 15 otherwise healthy dogs that were compulsive tail-chasers. To serve as controls, 15 dogs that rarely chase their tails were included in the study as well.

The tail-chasers had significantly higher cholesterol numbers -- including both HDL and LDL -- compared with the control dogs, the researchers found.

The reason, they said, could be that high cholesterol levels glob up cell membranes at the microscopic level, affecting the flow of brain hormones such as serotonin that are involved in mood and behavior.

Female dogs were more likely to be obsessive tail-chasers, but the researchers aren't sure why.

Past studies have found that people with panic disorders and certain phobias often have higher cholesterol levels, possibly as a result of increased activity of hormones tied to the "fight or flight" response.

Lisa Peterson, a longtime dog breeder who is director of communications for the American Kennel Club, was surprised by the new study.

"It's an interesting hypothesis, especially as we don't usually test for cholesterol in dogs," she told Discovery News.

Peterson explained that since high cholesterol in dogs doesn't always lead to the same health issues as it does in humans, such as clogged arteries, dogs aren't tested for their serum lipid levels as part of their annual wellness exams.

"Blood pressure isn't usually measured for dogs either, unless the dog is exhibiting extreme symptoms," she added.

As for tail-chasing, she said, "this is usually just a puppy thing that happens when young pups discover they have a tail."

But when tail-chasing becomes compulsive, she said the behavior could be due to "nature or nurture," meaning genetic or environmental causes, including "a stressful incident trigger."

Although a change to a lower fat diet could help alleviate compulsive tail-chasing in dogs, Peterson doubts high cholesterol is always a result of overeating, since "manufactured pet foods must all meet governmental regulations for protein, ash, fat and water content, and more."

"Dogs don't elect to gorge themselves on french fries all day," she said.

Note from webmaster: Not all dog foods are formulated the same and some may be down right bad for your dog. Learn more about Lifes Abundance Dog Food -- Health Food for Dogs.

Tainted Peanut Butter also a Menace to Pets

2009-02-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

By Jaye Watson and Alex Johnson
Reporters
msnbc.com and NBC News
updated 3:20 a.m. PT, Wed., Feb. 4, 2009

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28938874

CANTON, Ga. - Bert Kanist thought nothing of it when he gave his dog Ozzie a treat one day last month — two packages of peanut butter crackers.

Within hours, Ozzie was terribly sick.

“He was throwing up,” Kanist said outside his home in this suburb of Atlanta. “He had diarrhea. His knees were wobbly.”

The next day, Ozzie was dead. But Kanist’s other dog, Snickers — a pound mutt, like Ozzie — refused the crackers and was just fine.

The crackers were from a brand called Austin, made by Kellogg Co. Kellogg recalled them in mid-January because the line was made with peanut paste supplied by Peanut Corp. of America of Lynchburg, Va., whose salmonella-contaminated products are blamed for sickening more than 500 people and may have contributed to at least eight deaths.

The Austin crackers were just one of more than 420 products that companies across the food industry have recalled because they may be contaminated with salmonella, which most people probably think of only as a human pathogen.

But food safety experts say pets can be equally at risk, either from eating contaminated pet food or contaminated people food. That’s why at least 14 brands of pet treats are on the Food and Drug Administration’s list of foods that have been recalled since Jan. 1 because they were made with products from Peanut Corp.

From owner to pet and back again - As hard as it might be to lose a beloved pet to salmonellosis, doctors say an infected pet poses a bigger problem: It could infect its owner, because the bacterium Salmonella spp. can be transmitted via waste or saliva.

That means you could contract salmonellosis simply by letting your dog lick you, veterinarians warn.

Even if their pets show no signs of the illness, owners should always be careful. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine said last year that they were able to easily isolate Salmonella spp. from healthy-looking dogs and cats, making them classic carrier animals.

“Dogs and cats may suffer salmonellosis as a ‘reverse zoonosis,’ with infection transmitted from human-to-dog and subsequently back to other humans,” the researchers wrote. “Similarly, outbreaks of salmonella infections in large animal teaching hospitals have been linked to the introduction of bacteria from infected human personnel, with subsequent spread to animals and then back to other human workers.”

Most people recover from salmonella exposure without treatment, but it can be deadly to infants, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Of particular concern are children who own “pocket pets” — smaller animals like lizards, turtles and other reptiles — which also can transmit the illness.

In a separate report last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics found that as many as 11 percent of all salmonella illnesses in American children stemmed from contact with small reptiles. Pet turtles were responsible for 103 cases of salmonella infection in the second half of 2007, most of them in young children, the report said.

“It’s pretty common,” said Patricia Joyce, a veterinarian in New York specializing in small animal medicine. “They’re definitely not ideal pets for kids who are still working out their understanding of hygiene.”

Simple steps to stay safe
Unfortunately, said the lead author of the academy’s report, Larry Pickering, an infectious disease specialist at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “many parents clearly don’t understand the risks from various infections” such animals can carry.

The CDC said parents could take some simple steps to keep themselves and their pet-loving children safe:

- Regularly wash your pet’s feeding bowls to prevent growth of bacteria.
- Thoroughly wash your hands and your children’s hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling dry pet foods, including pet treats.
- Avoid letting any human food and utensils come into contact with pet food.
- Make sure to thoroughly clean any counters and utensils you use to prepare your pet’s dinner.
- Handle litter boxes carefully, and always thoroughly wash your hands and keep the area around the litter box clean.

‘Where I went, he went’
Bert Kanist didn’t get sick from salmonella — at least not physically. The hole in his life after Ozzie died is another matter.

“He’s my son in a fur coat,” Kanist said. “Where I went, he went.”

As the investigation of the contaminated peanut products continues, Kanist said he was having a hard time getting authorities to give him a straight answer as to who’s responsible. Until he gets one, Kanist said, he will struggle with a terrible uncertainty, wondering “whether I poisoned my own dog.”

Note from Blog Host... You are a pet's parent and it is up to you to keep educated and learn about the foods you feed your pets. If you are looking for a dog treat that is safe and healthy, please visit: Healthy Dog Treats

The Dog Whisperer: What Your Pet Can Teach You by Cesar Millan

2009-01-19T10:11:00.000-08:00

I am honored that so many people look to me to help them enjoy more fulfilling relaionships with their dogs, but the truth is that the dogs themselves have been my teachers. The most valuable lessons I've received have come from animals. Here are some of the ways dogs have helped me become a better, happier, and more-balanced human being.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
People of wonder how I get such quick results with the dogs I rehabilitate. The answer is simple. Dogs live in the moment. The don't regret the past or worry about the future. If we can learn to appreciate and focus on what's happening in the here and now, we'll appreciate a richness of living that other members of the animal kingdom enjoy.

Nuture a balanced life.
I tell my clients to follow this simple rule with their dogs. Offer exercise, discipline, and affection every day. Do the same for yourself. We humans are happier if our routines include physical activity, a sense of structure, and the opportunity to give and receive love on a daily basis.

Trust your instincts.
Animals don't care about words. They recognize that what's really going on in an interaction is beneath the surface. Many of us have lost touch with this all-important instinctual part of our natures. By paying attention to nonverbal cuse such as body language and energy, we can learn more about our friends, our loved ones, and ourselves.

Be direct and consistent in your communication.
Many of my clients only intermittently enforce rules, leaving their pets confused about what is and isn't acceptable behavior. Great relationships, no matter the species, begin with clear and consistent communication. This is a lesson we should carry into other areas of our lives-with family, our friends, and at work. Remember: We teach people how to treat us.

Learn to listen.
Make time to lend an ear to those you love or those who want to transform their lives. But don't try to fix their problems, and don't take their problems personally, either. A great leader is also a great follower and knows that everybody counts.

Don't hold grudges.
There's a remarkable lack of conflict in dog packs. That's because members resolve the situation when disagreements arise, then move on. Imagine what our world would be like if we dealt with our conflicts before they escalated out of control. Holding onto negative feelings tends o make them multiply and prevent us from moving forward.

Live with purpose.
When dogs are bored, they develop issues ranging from anxiety to aggression. But when given a job and a way to contribute to the pack's well-being, they turn around almost immediately. All animals -including humans- have an inborn need to work for food and water. Ask yourself how you can contribute more to your job, your family, and the world around you. You'll feel much better about yourself if you earn your food and water, too.

Celebrate every day.
For a dog, every morning is Christmas morning. Every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game is the best game. We can learn so much by observing the way our pets rejoice in life's simplest moments. Take time every day to celebrate the many gifts that are hidden in the ordinary events of your own life.

Cesar Millan is the author of "A Member of the Family" and star of the National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer." Article obtained from Parade - Page 10 January 11, 2009.

The author of this blog believes that dogs are happier and at their best when they are active and healthy. To be and remain healthy, dogs like humans require healthy and nutritious food. The blog's author recommends Life's Abundance Dog Food.

Should I Use a Supplement for My Dog?

2009-01-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

Supplementing your dog’s diet can play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. We know that some dogs require additional nutritional intake to help them maintain a healthy body, due to age, breed, environment and other factors. Based on this premise, Dr. Jane Bicks, a holistic veterinarian has formulated a new supplement to enhance your dog’s daily diet.

The perfect complement to a healthy diet, Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs is formulated with a broad array of naturally nutritious ingredients from real food to help maintain overall health.

In this chewable tablet, Dr. Jane has included the following nutritious ingredients:

Poultry liver, rich in vitamin A and D, protein and selenium.

Natural vitamin E, an antioxidant.

Taurine, an essential amino acid.

Stabilized rice bran, a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Cranberries, a rich source of vitamin C, dietary fiber and manganese.

Carrots, a rich source of beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamins C, D, and E, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron.

Dried egg, one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods, plays an important role in a balanced diet. Eggs are considered a complete protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B, E, biotin, and sulfur). Eggs also provide healthy fats, such as omega-6 for healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Flaxseed meal is a rich plant source of antioxidant lignans and omega-3 fatty. Flaxseed meal also has a very high level of protein and essential amino acids. In addition, flaxseed meal contains significant amounts of fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and is extremely rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and phosphorus.

Direct-fed microbials, ingredients similar to those found in supermarket yogurts.

Ester-C*, a unique and patented form of vitamin C (calcium ascorbate).

Tomato pomace, a good source of lycopene and vitamin C.

Alfalfa meal, which is a good source of protein, vitamin A, niacin and calcium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese.

Pineapple, which is a good source of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Like all of Dr. Bick's superior-quality canine supplements, these delicious compressed tablets are scored in-half for easy splitting. And with a tantalizing liver flavor, your dog will be doing the happy dance when it comes time for his or her supplement!

Please visit BestFurryFriends for the entire line of HealthyPetNet Products.

Preparing Your Dog for the Cold

2009-01-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

The cold winds of winter are blowing through the nation.

Some states are experiencing colder temperatures and greater than expected snowfalls. So, what can you do to make sure your dogs (and cats) are prepared for the coming months? Here are a few helpful tips:

If your companion animal is older and arthritic, be sure not to leave her or him outside too long. Just as with humans, colder temperatures can make arthritic joints stiff and painful.

Dogs that are walked on sidewalks and streets need to have their paws cleaned upon re-entering the home. Ice, rock salt and other chemicals can collect in their pads and cause irritation. Not to mention that some chemicals could be harmful to their health if they are licked off.

If you live in an area where snows are frequent or deep, make sure to clear a spot in your yard for your dog to eliminate wastes.

Check outside water bowls frequently during the day for signs of freezing. You can purchase a heated bowl, at a fairly modest price, that ensures that your pet will always have access to tepid water even when the temperature drops.

And remember that companion animals have to burn more calories to stay warm during the cold months, especially if your pet will be outdoors frequently. Consider increasing the amount of food you feed by 10–20%.

We recommend Lifes Abundance Dog Food. It's the wholesome, nutritious food that all our pets have eaten for years.

Premium Quality Dog Food

2004-05-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Dog Lovers,

We've found a great food that does not contain corn, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, or by-products. It also does not contain chemical preservatives. It's highly digestible and contains live probiotics.

Its made by an American company and it does not contain ingredients from China.

If you want to find out more about it, visit: www.BestFurryFriends.com

It's called Life's Abundance Dog Food.

Hope this info is helpful to all people who are looking for a quality food for your dog.

B. Storer