I am so thankful for my loving family – human and canine. Thanks to them, I am healthy, happy and heartworm free. I have a nice cozy bed to sleep in and plenty of good food to eat. I have other doggies to play with and a humom who loves me. What more could a doggie want??

I am most thankful for all the rescued doggies and pound puppies (and older dogs) who have found loving homes this past year.

I am thankful for all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly to rescue homeless pups and doggies on death row at kill shelters and from the mean streets, and to those who volunteered their time to clean kennels, wash bowls and walk doggies at their local shelters.

I am also thankful to all the volunteers who opened their hearts and homes to foster doggies until they could find a furever home of their own.

If I could have one wish this holiday season, it would be for all of the homeless animals to find loving furever homes. I would be so happy if those of you who were thinking about bringing a furry friend into your life, would adopt a wonderful, grateful pet from your local shelter or rescue!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

First, with house training, it is very important that you establish a routine with your puppy. A routine will help increase the likelihood that your puppy will potty in the places you want them to while you are present and not potty in the wrong places. When they do potty in the right place you are going to want to praise them and reward them for doing the right thing. By praising them you are reinforcing to them what is expected of them, so they will want to repeat that behavior.

Now, puppy training is not an overnight process. When you are not home you have to make some provisions for your pup until they are house trained. You definitely are not going to want to let the puppy roam your house freely, if you do you run the risk of allowing your puppy to develop bad habits such as leaving surprises for you around the house. Make sure that you confine your pup to a small room such as bathroom or the kitchen or a utility room. Any room that has water resistant floors. Now confining your pup to a small room while you are out is not the same as crate training.

Crate training is another way to “potty train” your pup. Considered one of the most effective and efficient ways to train pups. This is because dogs don’t like to potty in their sleeping or resting area as long as they are given the chance to potty elsewhere. While confining a pup to a small area will help inhibit the need to potty there is an even more important reason to crate train.

If your four legged love one has not urinated or had a bowel movement while they are in the their crate, they will need to have one as soon as they are let out. So you take your puppy out and they potty in your presence and receive a reward and praise. What you are doing here is double reinforcing potty in the appropriate places at the right time.

Now here is the important difference between crate training and confining your pup when you are not at home. The goal of confining your puppy while you are away is to prevent them from going all over your house. Crate training however is for short term confinement so that your dog learns to “hold it” when they are in a confined space so that they will want to potty when they are released from being confined and are then taken to where it is you want them to potty.

Crate training teaches your puppy that it is not acceptable to go potty whenever they want, where ever they want. Much like a toddler, the puppy learns that there is a certain time to go potty and a certain place.

Now, if your dog eliminates in the crate, it is because you left them in there to long. This will set your house training back by a number of weeks. The only time that your pup should be in a crate is when you are home. With the exception of night time, you are going to want to take your pup to potty every hour on the hour. Each time you take the puppy out, take him/her out on a leash immediately after letting them out of the crate. While you are outside you are going to need to give the pup about 3 – 5 minutes to relieve himself. If they do not go in that time frame, bring them back into the house and put them back in the crate. If they do relieve themselves in an appropriate amount of time tell them, “Good Potty,” pet them and give them a small reward this doesn’t have to be a treat, it could be play time, affection, or an extended walk.

Tags: dog nutrition, homemade dog food, commercial dog food, dog food, pet, pets, dogs, dog health

The last 100 years is when we as humans have been conditioned to believe that dogs are not to eat human food. We have been “brainwashed” that human food is actually harmful to dogs. There is a reason that even today your dog is close to the dinner table when you are eating. They are waiting for their serving of home cooked food.

The best way to keep your dog happy and healthy is by making homemade dog food. Just as you take the time to prepare healthy, home cooked meals for your family you can do the same for your furry four legged family member.

I am sure that you are like me, and you are concerned with what foods go into your dog. But if you were honest, you would admit that even you don’t have the faintest idea of what is really going in the commercial dog food. Did you know that most commercial dog foods are made with harmful and unhealthy chemicals. This has been proven by independent research of my own and research articles that have been published by numerous doctors and veterinarians.

Once you find suitable recipes that will help you make homemade dog food, you may want to consider changing your dogs diet slowly. Try different recipes to see what your dog likes and what your dog does not like. Just like with your family, not everyone likes peas and carrots. Below is a sample recipe for you to try your hand at creating your very first dog food recipe.

Apple Crunch Pup Cakes

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup dried apple chips
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 egg, beaten slightly
• 4 tablespoons honey

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray muffin tin with cooling spray. Mix all wet ingredients thoroughly. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl. Add wet to dry slowly , scraping well to make sure no dry mixture is left. Pour into muffin tins. Bake for 1 1/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out dry. Store in a sealed container. Makes around 12-14 pupcakes.

Tags: homemade dog food, pets, dogs, dog health, dog food, dog, holistic dog food, commercial dog food

10. Recognize when your pet is “old.” When a dog is considered old depends on their breed and their size. A small breed dog, one the weighs less then 20 pounds are considered senior at 9 years of age. Medium sized dogs are considered senior when they are about 10 years old. Large dogs, those that weigh 51 to 90 pounds are considered seniors around the age of 8 to 10 years of age. Giant dogs, 90 pounds or more, are considered seniors by the time the reach about 7 to 9 years of age. The smaller the breed of dog the longer they live.

9. Mental Stimulation – make sure that you play with your dog. Make sure that they have toys to play with. Just as you are never to old to play, neither is your dog.

8. Exercise – proper exercise is important to help maintain a healthy body. Exercise will also help slow the aging process, by strengthening muscles, bones and joints.

7. Weight Control – overweight dogs have a shorter life expectancy. Plus being overweight can lead to a number of other health problems. All that weight can also make it difficult for you dog to run, play and enjoy life.

6. Nutrition – know what your dog is eating. Make sure that you are providing the best possible nutrition for your dog. Make sure that you are over doing it on treats, and that you are feeding them correct portion sizes.

5. Wellness Exams – it is always better to prevent then it is to treat. Make sure that you are taking your dog to their regular schedule checkups. This way your dog’s growth and health and being documented and kept track of. Plus this also gives you an opportunity to talk with your vet about what you should be watching for as your pet ages.

4. Stay on top of illnesses – pay attention to your dog. Dogs are one the best at hiding when they are sick. This is their natural instinctive behavior. Pay attention to the amount of water they are drinking, how often they are urinating, weight gain or loss, appetite changes, coughing or other breathing issues.

3. Monitor your dogs environment – make sure that you are paying attention to the changes in their environment that could pose potential health risks to them. Make sure that toxins are out of their reach.

2. Know where your dog is. It is just not a good idea to let them roam freely. Make sure that they are staying in your yard under your watchful eye. Dogs that are allowed to roam freely have a shorter life expectancy then dogs that do not roam freely. Would you let your child roam the neighborhood on their own?

1. Get your pet spayed or neutered. Simple fact, pets that are spayed or neutered a have fewer health problems. They are also more playful and affectionate once they are neutered or spayed. They are also less likely to roam once they have had this surgical procedure done.

Tags: dog, commercial dog food, pet, homemade dog food, dogs, dog health, holistic dog food, pets

Heartworms are transferred animal to animal mainly by mosquitoes. A mosquito bites an infected animal, at this point the microfilariae or young heartworms move into the mosquito’s blood stream. In a matter of two weeks, these young heartworms have grown into infective larvae. When the mosquito bites other animals at this point, they pass these infected larvae to those animals.

Once an animal is bitten they are now infected. There is a six month process that begins as the larvae mature into adults. During the first three months the larvae move through the dog’s body until the reach the blood vessels of the lungs. In the next three months they grow into adults and enter the heart. Once the heartworms reach the heart they continue to grow reaching about 14 inches in length.

The worms begin to damage the blood vessels which results in severe heart and lung disease. If both sexes of worms are in the heart, they will mate and create new young heartworms that will spread and begin to destroy other organs in the dog once the immune system tries to attack the infection. Heartworms can live anywhere from five to seven years in dogs.

The likelihood of your dog getting heartworms can increase greatly depending on where you live, your vet will be able to tell you the level of risk in your state. There is a potential threat in every state with the exception of Alaska. Every dog, regardless of whether they are indoor or outside dogs are susceptible. Traveling can also increase the risk of your dog getting heartworms, so talk to your vet about where you are going and see if there is extra protection that you should take to protect your dog.

It is important to know that your dog may not show any signs of being infected at first. As the disease progresses your dog may develop a cough, they may become lethargic, they could have problems breathing and have a decrease in appetite. You might also notice that your dog gets very tired with little exercise.

To find out if your dog has heartworms your vet will do a blood test. They may also request that chest x-rays and an echocardiogram are done to confirm the blood test results. These tests are also done to help your vet determine possible medical treatment.

As we stated at the beginning, heartworms is the most preventable disease known to dogs. It is far easier to prevent the disease then it is to treat. If by chance your dog does become infected there is a treatment that has been approved by the FDA. You need to know that there is a risk involved with treating your dog, but serious side effects are less likely if your dog is otherwise healthy and when the disease is caught in the early stages.

Treatment is designed to kill the adult worms and the young heart worms that are currently alive in your dog. Then your dog is hospitalized for some time afterwards. Your dog will need complete rest as well as medications to help lower the chance the risk of an inflammatory response as the worms are being killed.

You may also wonder if it is possible for the worms to be surgical removed. The answer is yes, they can…however this is an incredibly risky procedure and in most cases this treatment option is only used for severe cases.

As you can see, treatment is considerably more expensive then taking preventive measures. Heartworms is 100% preventable. There are a number of approved preventives that are available and your vet can recommend the best method based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Tags: pet, dog nutrition, holistic dog food, dog food, dogs, pets, dog health, commercial dog food

Ahhh…Spring and Summer! What joys await you: lazy days of enjoying the great outdoors with your faithful dog by your side. As you hike through the wilderness or walk in the city park, you begin slapping at pesky insects that seek to make you their dinner. What about Rover? Chances are, he’s being “bugged” too. Fleas have long been the bane of dogs and dog owners. Dogs are bothered by other external parasites as well: ticks, mosquitoes, flies, etc. What’s the big deal, you ask? Here are seven reasons that these pests are a big deal to your dog.

Fleas and other biting insects are a nuisance to your dog. At best, fleas and other biting insects cause your dog some discomfort. You don’t like to be bitten by these pests, and neither does your dog!

Fleas can survive through the winter in your house. If your dog has fleas, chances are you will have fleas in your home as well. They can hide and breed in your carpets, drapes, etc. and can be tough to get rid of. Remember, one female flea can lay hundreds of eggs on your pet (or in your carpet).

Fleas can cause allergy-related dermatitis. Many dogs are allergic to the saliva of fleas. If your dog is allergic, you may notice itchy, red bumps, raw, red skin (hot spots), swelling and hair loss. In an allergic dog, the irritation can be so itchy and painful he may scratch or bite at the spots, making them worse. Open lesions can become infected, causing more health problems.

Your dog can get tapeworm from fleas. If your dog is infested with fleas, chances are he will eventually swallow one of them in all that biting and scratching. If that flea has tapeworm larvae (and there’s a good chance it does) the flea can transmit tapeworms to your dog. It only takes one infected flea to accomplish this. You will know your dog has tapeworms if you see little white, slimy, wriggling segments that look like rice on his rear, feces, or on your chair, lap, bed, etc. after your dog gets up. A trip to the vet is required to eliminate the tapeworms. Tapeworms usually do not cause great harm to your pet, but they are disgusting to the pet owners!

Fleas can cause anemia. Because fleas feast on your dog’s blood, they can cause anemia. A single flea can bite your dog over 400 times in one day! Fleas are not light eaters, either. They typically consume more than their own body weight of your dog’s blood!

Ticks are another external parasite that can cause serious health issues. Ticks can spread disease to both you and your dog. They also feed on the blood of their host by embedding their head deep within your dog’s (or your) skin and feasting on the blood. Ticks can give your dog such diseases as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can make your dog extremely sick and even cause death.

Tags: pets, dog health, dog food, pet, dogs, holistic dog food, homemade dog food, dog

Don’t get me wrong, there is legislation being discussed and passed and the commercial pet food industry is making recommendations on how quality and safety can be improved. However, many critics say that even once they new legislation is fully implemented it may not do much good.

Here is why, the federal legislation is going to rely on commercial dog food manufacturers to recall contaminated pet food on their own. The fact that recalls will be voluntary raises concerns that there will be breaches. Advocates of the legislation point out that there are going to be breaches regardless of whether the recalls are voluntary or regulated. Regulated recalls however would be stricter.

Unfortunately we do not currently have a national tracking system that monitors pet deaths. So we do not have a exact number on how many cats and dogs were killed when they consumed the pet food that had been made with the ingredients that were imported from China and tainted with melamine.

The FDA received more then 14000 complaints about pet food in the 30 days that followed the historic pet food recall. The FDA failed to report more then the initial 14 deaths. Of those 14 pet deaths, nine of them were lab animals from a commercial pet food manufacturer.

Where does this leave us? Right now the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians is running an ongoing study and to date they have found approximately 220 certified deaths of pets that lost their life due to the contaminated food. The current belief is that there were thousands of deaths due to the contaminated pet food and that there are approximately tens of thousands more that were affected by contaminated food.

The upside of the massive recall last year is that the commercial pet food industry is becoming more aware of what they need to do to ensure that the proper safety measures are being implemented and that they are being followed.

The Pet Food Institute, the National Pet Food Commission, the FDA and retailers are working together to develop more efficient ways to get recalled food off the store shelves, and a better way to inform pet owners. The FDA Amendments Act of 2007 made it so that the FDA must set up an early warning system that will not only identify contaminated food outbreaks, but it will also pick up illness outbreaks that are associated with commercial pet foods.

The FDA is also working with veterinarians and industry reps to come up with standards for pet food ingredients as well as definitions, updated labeling requirements and processing standards. The FDA has one year from September 2007 to have the early warning system implemented and two years from that date to have the needed standards and definitions in place.

All the legislation is a good start. However many pet owners remain skeptical. This skepticism has led to an increase demand for organic pet products and an interest in learning how to make homemade dog food. There are currently about 20 different companies that are now promoting organic, human grade, natural food products. This isn’t a new trend in the pet food industry, it was simple given a big push after the recalls last year.

There are many pet owners that remain skeptical over how safe commercial dog foods are. The skepticism is understood. After all, your dog is more then just a dog, he or she is a part of your family.

The Pooch Place is dedicated to providing you information on how to keep your pet safe. There you will find information on how to make your own homemade dog food to orthopedic dog beds. Visit The Pooch Place today.

Tags: holistic dog food, pet, dog nutrition, dogs, dog health, homemade dog food, pets, dog food

To make your dog first aid kit you need is a small plastic tackle box or tool box to hold all of the needed supplies. Make sure that you periodically check your first aid kit, to make sure that the supplies are well stocked and to make sure that you do not have any expired medications.

Take a sharpie marker or create a label to place on the outside of the box. Make sure that you clearly write your name, address and phone number on the kit in case it gets lost. It is probably a good idea that you also include your vet’s name and phone number on the box, as well as the number of the local emergency pet facility.

You are also going to want to include other emergency information in your pet first aid kit, such as your pet’s vaccination record, surgical and medical history, whether or not they have any allergies. Put a recent picture of your dog in the first aid kit as well and include their birth date, breed type and sex.

Once you have all the emergency information in your pet first aid kit, you are ready to get the needed supplies. Here is a list of what should be in your first aid dog kit:

• Roll Cotton
• Some Cotton Balls
  
• Gauze Pads
  
• Gauze Tape
  
• Hydrogen Peroxide (check the expiration date)
  
• Hydrocortisone Ointment
  
• Scissors
  
• Eyewash
  
• Silver Nitrate
  
• Tweezers
  
• Oral Syringes
  
• Balanced Electrolyte Fluid Such as Pedialyte
  
• Baby Food – Meat Flavors Work Best
  
• Large Towel
  
• Exam Gloves
  
• 1 inch White Tape (in addition to gauze tape)
  
• Rolls of Elastic Wrap
  
• Emergency Ice Pack
  
• Thermometer (both oral and rectal thermometers can be used rectally)

It is important to mention that anytime you have someone else caring for your pet that you talk to them about emergency pet care for you dog. Make sure that they have a clear understanding of what you consider an emergency. They will also need to have a way to get a hold of you, a phone number and a name of another person they can contact if they are unable to get a hold of you and where they are to take your pet if there is an emergency.

It is also advisable that you leave a credit card number in the first aid kit to cover the unplanned emergency expenses.

For more information on pet first aid kits visit The Pooch Place. You’ll also find videos for Joe The Vet on how to take care of your puppy, including how to make your own dog first aid kit .

Tags: dog nutrition, holistic dog food, commercial dog food, homemade dog food, pet, dog food, pets, dog health

Here we are going to give you a simple breakdown of what goes into homemade dog food. You are going to use ground beef or ground turkey; these are available in the meat section at any grocery store. Naturally you are going to want to choose the meat that is most economical for you, but meat that is also going to give your dog the protein that they need.

Also, just as you wouldn’t serve your family ground beef everyday, your dog isn’t going to want ground beef everyday. So consider getting both ground beef and ground turkey so your pet has variety, and so they get use to digesting both types of meat.

Naturally you aren’t going to only feed your pup just ground meat. You’re going to want to add other ingredients, just as you would for yourself. Making sure that you add green veggies is advisable. The choice is yours as to whether you add raw veggies to raw meat or if you add cooked veggies to cooked meat. Figuring out which vegetables your pet likes won’t take long. Whatever vegetables are left in the bowl… those would be the vegetables they don’t like.

There are a number of homemade dog food recipes that also call for adding rice. Rice is good filler and it is perfectly safe for you dog to eat. You might want to cut up some bread and add it to the meat mixture. If you are giving your dog supplements you might also want to grind those up and mix those in the homemade dog food.

Just as when you are trying to new recipes for yourself, experiment and try different recipes for your dog. This will help you figure out the foods that your dog enjoys and the foods that they don’t. If you’re just starting out with making homemade dog food, remember that you need to introduce the natural food slowly so that their digestive systems can adjust.

There a number of sites on the internet that offer free dog food recipes. There are also books available that will guide you on how to make sure that you are feeding your dog nutritional homemade dog food. By feeding your dog homemade dog food you will begin to see a happier, healthier dog.

To find more information on homemade dog food and natural dog food recipes visit The Pooch Place. There you’ll find all kinds of information to help your puppy have long and happy life.

Tags: dog food, holistic dog food, dog health, dog nutrition, homemade dog food, pets, dogs, dog

If you spend anytime at all on the internet, then you will know that there is a lot of information out there about the raw food diet. There are many people that are strongly for the raw food diet and there are some against it. In this article we are going to give you the pros and the cons of the diet so that you can make the best decision for your dog.

I’m sure that you’ll recall last Spring, that the raw food diet received a lot of attention when numerous commercial dog foods were recalled. The massive recalls made many pet owners pause and consider giving homemade dog food a try. The idea of giving your dog a fresh, varied, rich in enzymes and amino acids type diet became very appealing to many pet owners.

While many people tend to switch to a raw food diet in times of stress such as when your their dog becomes sick, or they develop allergies. However as dog owners become more proactive about making sure that their dogs are getting proper nutrition they are beginning to think along these guidelines, “If this is how I should feed my dog when they are sick… why don’t I feed him this way all the time?”

Some veterinarians are still not comfortable with recommending a diet that mimics what a wild dog would eat, raw meat, pulverized fruit and veggies and bones. Their main concern has to do more with the bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances and the possibility of internal injuries that can be caused by the bone fragments that can come from chewed bones.

The advocates of the raw food diet counter the bacterial objections by saying that good hygiene is essential in handling raw meat. The majority of healthy dogs are able to tolerate bacteria such as Ecoli. With this in mind if your dog is immune compromised in anyway, the raw food diet may not be the best diet plan for them.

Advocates also point out that if you grind the bones into a hamburger type consistency you then eliminate the risk of bone fragments lodging in the intestinal tract and causing problems. A note about feeding your dog bones…never give them cooked bones. When bones are cooked, they become brittle and can splinter.

As with any new diet it’s not advisable to start your dog on this raw food diet without doing proper research and talking to your vet.

To find out more information on homemade dog food and dog food recipes please visit The Pooch Place .

Tags: dog health, pet, dogs, pets, holistic dog food, homemade dog food, dog food, dog nutrition

• 3 jars baby food, strained chicken, beef or carrot
• 1/4 cup cream of wheat*
• 1/4 cup dry milk

Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on wellgreased
cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350 degree
oven for 15 min. until brown.

Cool on wire racks and STORE IN REFRIGERATOR. Also freezes well.

* Wheat germ can be substituted for cream of wheat.

• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup butter — cut into pieces
• 4 beef or chicken bouillon cubes
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup skim milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups grated cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick
cooking spray.

Mix oats into a medium bowl, top with pieces of butter and the bouillon cubes.

Pour in boiling water and let sit 10 minutes to dissolve the butter and bouillon.

Mix well, then add whole wheat flour, cornmeal, sugar, milk, eggs and cheese.

Add enough of the all purpose flour to make a stiff dough.

Mix well

Roll out dough. The thinner the dough, the crisper the baked treats will be.

Use a cookie cutter to cut out cookies in fun shapes.

Bake on prepared cookie sheets until hard, 5-15 minutes depending on how thin the dough is rolled.

Remove from cookie sheets and cool completely.
This recipe makes 4 dozen cookies

Tags: dog food, commercial dog food, homemade dog food, dog health, pets, holistic dog food, dogs, pet

With long storage times and high heat that commercial dog foods are subjected to. The food can lose much of the needed nutrients. This leaves you with unregulated by-products, refined grains, and less than high quality protein sources in your dog’s food. These are all added for economic purposes, bottom line is this, their nutritional usefulness and bioavailability is suspect.

The next time you are at the vet’s office, talk to him and find out their feelings on dog supplements. More and more vets are recommending nutritional dog supplements to help your dog live a healthier life, as well as help them be more resistant to disease. Using the right dog supplements can be the difference between your dog just getting by and thriving.

Think about the fact that your dog’s diet is one of the cornerstones of their health. They need the proper nutrients in their food to keep their immune system operating at peak levels. When their diet is deficient they become more susceptible to disease and illness. It’s important you talk with your vet anytime that your pup appears to be lacking in energy, has digestive problems, dull coat, or if they seem prone to infections, this can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency.

Instinctively, wild dogs know how to self medicate themselves with different plants and herbs that they know will help them. Our pets are not able to turn to natural aids like wild dogs are; they must rely on us to know when they are in need of a nutritional supplement.

Older dogs can also benefit from a dog supplement especially those that contain antioxidants that will help boost their immune system. There are also probiotics that will help their metabolism as well as their digestive process. An older dog nutritional needs are different then the needs of younger dogs. Just like there are supplements for older humans, there are supplements specifically for those older dogs.

Before you go out and buy dog supplements you should talk to your vet and you need to know about the different types of supplements.

Probiotics – these are what we call good bacteria. They ward off harmful bacteria and help our dog’s digestive process.

Minerals – these include potassium, calcium and magnesium. These nutrients are needed for the nervous system, muscular system, bone growth and the ability to assimilate nutrients.

Vitamins – these are organic compounds that your pet needs in order to develop and grow as well as the everyday life support functions.

Enzymes – these are essential to a number of very basic biological processes. These processes include cell repair and creation, body chemistry regulation and the way the body converts food to energy.

The Pooch Place is the place to find information on dog supplements , holistic dog food and pet vitamins. Throughout The Pooch Place you’ll find all kinds of useful pet facts.

Tags: commercial dog food, dog food, holistic dog food, dog, homemade dog food, pets, dogs, dog health

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 6 – 8 million dogs enter our nations shelters each year. Less than one-third of these are reclaimed by their owners. Do you know what happens to most of the dogs that can’t be adopted out to new families?

That’s right. They are euthanized – that means their innocent lives are ended.

It is estimated that close to half of the dogs that enter shelters in this country are euthanized. Half! Can you believe that? I’d be terrified if I ended up in one of these shelters, knowing that my chances of making it out alive were only 50/50. Luckily, the shelter that I ended up in was a no-kill shelter.

What, you ask, do all those statistics have to do with spaying and neutering? Everything. It is possible for a female dog to have two litters a year. A canine litter produces an average of 6 – 10 puppies.

Think about this: If your dog has 10 puppies, then after they become adults (let’s say at 2 years), they each produce 2 litters of 10 puppies in the next 3 years. Those puppies each produce 2 litters of 10 puppies after age 2. In five years, your one dog has contributed to THOUSANDS of puppies! Where will you ever find homes for all those adorable puppies???? Chances are, you won’t.

Not only does spaying and neutering help reduce the pet population, but it also has benefits for your pet. It helps your pet live a longer, healthier life. It reduces the risks of several cancers in both male and female pets.

Neutering your male dog early will help reduce unwanted behaviors like roaming (in search of females in heat), marking territory, and getting into fights over females.

Spaying your female dog eliminates her heat cycle, which in turn eliminates some messy clean-ups. Females in heat can exhibit nervous behavior, roam, and attract unwanted males. Males will even climb a fence (or dig under it) to get to a female in heat.

Many people think that their pet will become fat and lazy, or have a personality change. Overfeeding and lack of exercise, not spaying or neutering, will make your pet fat, and if there is a personality change it will only be slight, such as your pet being slightly calmer. I can tell you that I am the same sweet girl I was before, and I am less nervous and better behaved.

All of the pets that live in my house have been spayed or neutered. None of us has suffered any ill effects. We are all happier and healthier because of it.

If you can’t afford to have your pet spayed or neutered, check with local animal welfare organizations, such as your local Humane Society, or SPCA. Many organizations sponsor low-cost spay/neuter programs.

If you want more information, check out the following:

www.spayusa.org

www.hsus.org

www.aspca.org

You have to understand that dogs by nature are social beings. They thrive on interacting with other animals and humans. When you chain a dog to one spot for hours, days, months, even years, you are causing immense psychological damage. Chaining dogs turns usually docile, happy dogs into unhappy, anxious, neurotic dogs that become aggressive.

The neck of the chained dog can become raw and covered in sores. This is due to the fact that the collars that are used do not fit the dog properly. Dogs want to run and play and when they are chained they are constantly being yanked by the neck, and their necks are strained as they try to get free.

When a dog is chained for an extended period of time, they become incredibly aggressive. Dogs by instinct are protective of their territory. When they are chained they constantly feel threatened, so they respond solely with the fight or flight instinct. When the dog isn’t able to take flight, meaning that they aren’t able to run and get away they feel forced to fight.

Once the dog is finally off the chain, the dog is going to run. How can you blame them. If they stay they face being put back on the chain. In case you are wondering whether or not chained dogs are otherwise well-treated, the answer is no. It is a rare situation when a chained dog is given the proper amount of time, care, affection and attention. These dogs are often only fed sporadically and may become dehydrated because their water bowls get overturned. Chained dogs are often forced to endure extreme temperatures and do not have adequate shelter to protect them from the cold or the sun.

Just so you are aware, the HSUS recommends that all dogs are kept indoors at night and that they are taken on regular walks as well as being given proper food, water and vet care. If your dog has to be kept outside for a certain amount of time, make sure that the dog is placed in a suitable pen with adequate room for the dog to move around and proper shelter.

This isn’t to say that you can’t place your pup on a restraint for a short period of time to let them get some fresh air. If you have to have your dog chained outside for longer periods of time, then you must make sure that the chain is placed in such away that they can not get tangled up with other objects. Make sure that their collar fits them properly as well as making sure the restraint you are using allows your dog to move around and lie down comfortably.

Chaining should never be used to restrain any dog for an extended period of time. When dogs are chained they are robbed of the freedom to move around and enjoy their life. In addition, you are abusing them and neglecting them may cause them to become aggressive, neurotic and dangerous. Avoid chaining your dog. If this is your idea of caring for a dog, please don’t get one.

To learn more about how to take care of your dog visit The Pooch Place . There you will find information on topics ranging from homemade dog food to comfy dog beds .

Tags: pets, holistic dog food, commercial dog food, dogs, pet, dog food, dog nutrition, homemade dog food

How can you help? You can get your pup spayed or neutered. Not only will you be saving lives, you will actually be improving the health of your four legged friend and extending their life expectancy. The theory that your dog will get fat or lazy after they are spayed or neutered is a myth. The fact is that dogs that have been sterilized lead healthier, longer lives.

When your female puppy is spayed you are eliminating the possibility of them having uterine and ovarian cancer and it greatly decreases the risk of them developing breast cancer. Spaying your female pup eliminates their heat cycle, which can last for up to 15 days two times a year.

Male pups that are neutered have a decreased risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Neutering also helps make your pup more affectionate, less likely to get in fights, get lost or roam away.

What is Spaying/Neutering?

Spaying is a surgical procedure where the vet removes the reproductive organs in the female. This includes the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. This should be done by 6 months of age, consult your veterinarian to determine when is best. There are some clinics that will perform the operation on your pup as young as 8 weeks old, but this is not recommended.

Your pup can be spayed when they are in heat and even when they are pregnant, but these are not the preferred times. In most cases this can be done up to a few days before delivery. When the surgery is done under these conditions, it usually takes longer and can cost more. When it is done before the first liter it is often easier. The gestation period for a dog is 63 days.

Neutering is the surgical removal of the reproductive glands in males which are the testes. The outer organ is left, only the internal (testes) are removed. This is also called castration or orchectomy. The neutering should be done around 6 months of age.

Get Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

You will be extending the life of your puppy by getting them spayed or neutered. Also, you will be helping to control pet overpopulation and preventing more unwanted puppies from being put down. You will also be saving your community money. Millions of dollars are spent every year to try to control and eliminate unwanted animals.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

It is important that you have an understanding of the joint that is effected. The hip joint is what forms the attachment between the hind leg to the body. It is the ball and socket joint. The ball part of the joint is actually the head of the femur and the socket which is called the acetabulum is in the pelvis. When the joint is healthy the ball portion rotates in the socket. Nature made it so that the two pieces are made to perfectly fit together. The socket is surrounds the ball.

To make sure that the joint is strong, these two bones are held together by a ligament. This ligament attaches the ball to the socket. Then there is a strong band of connective tissue called the joint capsule that encircles the bones. The area where the bones actually touch one another is called the articular surface. This surface is smooth and cushioned by a layer of cartilage. In a healthy joint, all of these components work together to make sure that the joint is functioning properly.

What Causes Hip Dysplasia?

When the hip joint has develops abnormally in a young dog. This abnormal development may or may not happen to both sides. What causes this abnormal development is the laxity of the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support the joint. The majority of dogs that have hip dysplasia are born with normal hips but then because of genetic factors as well as other possible factors, the soft tissues around the joint begin to develop abnormally as the puppy grows.

Basically what is happening here is that the bones in the joint are not being held in place and they begin to move apart. The ligaments and joint capsule begin to stretch which increases the instability of the joint. This then causes the articular surfaces of the bones to lose contact. The separation that is caused here is known as subluxation. This subluxation is the sole cause of all the problems that are tied to this disease.

The Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

Keep in mind that dogs of all ages can exhibit symptoms of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. When the cases are severe, puppies as young as 5 months can show signs of discomfort and pain when they are active or after intense play. Unfortunately the condition will get worse until even walking will cause them pain. If these dogs go untreated it is possible that they will not be able to walk at all by the time they are two or three.

That is the most severe of cases. The majority of cases though are when symptoms are seen later on in life. Here is a list of what to look for:

• Your dog walking or running with an altered gait. They are often resistant to any movements that require them to fully extend or flex their rear legs.
• Your dog will run with what is called a “bunny hopping” gait. There is stiffness and pain in their rear legs when they are done exercises.
• Limping
• Decrease activity
• Loss of muscle tone
• May need help with getting up

Don’t be like many owners and think that this behavior is typical of the aging process. Many owners that then take their dogs for treatment are amazed at the vast improvements in their dogs afterward, the dog is able to move with more ease and less pain.

Learn more about hip dysplasia and other dog health issues at The Pooch Place . Here you will find information ranging from hip dysplasia causes to symptoms of hip dysplasia.

There are a number of places of places were you can adopt a puppy. There are listings in most local newspapers that can be found in the classified sections. You can also visit a local veterinary office most of them have a community board where people place signs for puppies that are available.

Your local Human Society or Pet Rescue also has puppies that are available for adoption. You can check with your local pet supply stores as to when they will be hosting their next pet adoption days. There are pet stores that also have animals that are available for adoption. Finally, don’t feel like you can only adopt a dog locally, you can also search the internet for breeders and adopt a puppy that way.

What is the difference between all of these places when it comes to adopting a puppy? There are two main differences, one is cost. Adopting from a pet store is probably going to be the most expensive route to adopt a dog. Paying more does not mean that you are getting a better dog. If you are able, visit all the options that you have available to you. Go to the Humane Society, visit the Pet Refuge, talk to a number of people before you decide on a puppy.

The second major difference between where you are going to adopt a puppy is where the puppy came from. If you go with independent people that have placed ads in the newspapers, you can ask them if the puppies they have are good with kids, have then been house broken, what shots have they had.

If you choose to go with a breeder they can answer the same questions. I am not going to tell you that one option is better then they other, but you need to ask questions to make sure you are getting the right puppy for you and your family.

Now that we have covered where you can adopt a puppy, let’s look at how. Again this is going to depend on where you decide to adopt a puppy from. If you go through an independent person, either a breeder or your neighbor the adoption is pretty simple. You pay them for the puppy and the puppy comes home with you. If you go through a place such as the Humane Society or the Pet Rescue the process is a little different.

The Pet Rescue will actually interview you, ask you a number of questions to make sure that you are a good fit for the puppy. Their goal is to make sure the animals they have are placed in loving, healthy and safe environments. The Humane Society is similar, they will ask about any other animals you have, they will also have the pet spayed or neutered before they come home with you.

In most states both of the Humane Society and the Pet Rescue will have the puppy micro chipped as well. This is for the safety of the puppy, in case he/she ever gets away from you and are found, the Humane Society and the Pet Rescue can get the pup back to you.

Where ever you decide to adopt a puppy from make sure that you are getting the right dog for you and your home. Realize that adopting a puppy is a lot like having a baby. They need love, they need care, they need patience and understanding.

To find more information on where to adopt a puppy and how to housebreak a puppy visit The Pooch Place. There you will find videos, articles and reports to help you take care of your new family member. www.thepoochplace.com

Tags: dog nutrition, homemade dog food, pets, dog health, commercial dog food, holistic dog food, pet, dogs

So how were dogs being fed before IAMS and Purina came along? Their owners were creating delicious meals for them from the very same food that they themselves were enjoying. Plain and simple, the only way for you to know exactly what your pup is eating is for you to take the extra moment or two and make your own homemade dog food.

Naturally you’re going to find people that will tell you this is the best thing you can do for your dog and you are going to find those that are going to tell you this is the worst thing you can do, I say, give it a try. Introduce the homemade dog food slowly so that you dog can adjust to the dietary change you are making. Talk to your vet to make sure that you are meeting your dog’s nutritional requirements.

There foods you should avoid giving your dog because we know that it is harmful. Avoid giving your dog any type of bone, cooked or uncooked. This is due to the fact that bone fragments can get stuck in the digestive track. I know, you are thinking that dogs thousands of years ago ate bones… wild dogs eat bones and survive. They do, I agree, but they are also eating hide and hair which pads those bone fragments so they pass through the digestive track easier.

You are also going to want to avoid foods such as chocolate, mushrooms, avocados, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, garlic and onions.

I have no doubt that you are just as concerned as I am about what your dog is eating. I would also bet that you’ve taken the time to read labels and pick what you consider to be the safest and healthiest dog food available. But if you were to be completely honest with your self, you would have to admit that you don’t really know what really goes into commercial dog food. The majority of this dog food contains harmful chemicals. This isn’t just my opinion; this is a fact that has been supported through independent research by doctors and veterinarians.

Wondering where you can find healthy recipes for your four legged family member. You can search the internet; there are a number of sites that offer recipes. Read the recipe; make sure that it is a healthy recipe. Take the same considerations you would for your family. You are also going to want to try different recipes to see what your dog likes best. To give you a head start, I am including a healthy recipe for a dog treat. Give it a try and enjoy the fact that you are giving your pup a natural, holistic dog food treat.

Apple Crunch Pup Cakes

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup dried apple chips
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 egg, beaten slightly
• 4 tablespoons honey

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray muffin tin with cooling spray. Mix all wet ingredients thoroughly. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl. Add wet to dry slowly , scraping well to make sure no dry mixture is left. Pour into muffin tins. Bake for 1 1/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out dry. Store in a sealed container. Makes around 12-14 pupcakes.

To learn more about how to make homemade dog food that your dog will love visit The Pooch Place

Right after Christmas, I had to start my heartworm treatment. The vet told my foster mom that the treatment would most likely be really hard on me because I had such a bad case of heartworms, and my body was still recovering from pregnancy and nursing.

My foster mom took me to the nice vet lady, and she gave me a shot. It hurt really, really bad. She told foster mom that I had to be kept really still and that I should not allow my heart rate to get too high – no running, jumping, playing or anything like that, and only slow walks to go potty.

Now, I’m a high energy girl, so this was pretty hard. Foster mom kept me crated (in a big crate so I wasn’t too cramped) and I had a nice soft bed to lay on. The day after my first shot, I was in pain and wouldn’t eat. Mom fed me chicken and cheese (my favorites) and gave me some pain medicine. I felt a little better. After a few days, I guess those nasty adult heartworms started dying off and getting into my blood stream. I started coughing a lot. I would cough so much that I would throw up. I was miserable!

One day, Foster Mom came home from work to find that I had been coughing up blood and fluid from my lungs. I was a sick, sick doggy. She rushed me to the vet (her regular vet, not the same shelter vet) and the nice vet man gave me some more medicine. He put his arm around my foster mom and said, “It doesn’t look good, but we’ll do all we can.” He said my heart sounded weak and my lungs were full of fluid.

Foster mom was in tears! She took me home and nursed me through this illness. She kept petting me and telling me, “Fight, Goldie-girl, fight. I’m not leaving you, we’ll get through this.” A couple weeks later, I was feeling much, much better.

On February 1, I got another painful shot, then the very next day I had to get another one! My poor little body was in such pain. Foster mom could tell by looking in my eyes. I wouldn’t eat or drink for a couple days. Mom gave me water through a syringe (with the needle removed of course) so I didn’t dehydrate. She even cooked for me!

We ended up going through the same routine as last time – coughing up blood, etc. Another trip to the vet, another hug from the vet saying this time he really wasn’t sure if I’d make it. More tears for foster mom. Foster mom nursed me through all the sickness and took really good care of me.

In early March, I had one last shot. This one wasn’t near as bad as the others, because it was aimed at killing the baby heartworms, where the last three were aimed at the adult heartworms. I had to stay quiet for a couple more weeks. I was so ready for this long ordeal to be over!!! I was tired of being sick.

Finally, at the end of March, Foster mom took me back to her nice vet man. Everyone in the office was soooooo happy, because my heartworm test came back negative!!!! I was HEARTWORM FREE!!!!!!!!!!! Mom and I celebrated!

The best news I’ve ever had in my life – even better than being heartworm free – came on April 11, 2006. At first I was a little worried. Foster mom came home from a meeting and told me that she would no longer be my foster mom. I was sad. After all the love and care she gave me, helping me through my pregnancy, caring for the pups and that awful heartworm treatment, I had grown to love her more than anyone in the world. I didn’t want to leave her.

Then, she told me the great news! She was my Forever Mom! She had adopted me, and I would stay with her forever and ever! April 11, 2006 turned out to be the best day of my life!

Here I am, happy, healthy and heartworm free!

I wish for all pups to have forever homes where they are cared for like I am. I guess you could call that Goldie’s Dream (and Mom’s too)!

Find out more about Goldie please visit The Pooch Place. There you will find information on variety of topics between natural dog food and heartworm treatment .

Naturally this makes you want to cave and give the lovable little pup the treat he deserves. If you aren’t giving him a homemade dog treat then you could be doing more harm then good. The better thing to do is to pet him in the head and tell him how you love him before you reach for one of those doggie treats.

From purely a digestive stand point, your dog does not need any extra snacks to get him through the day. Giving your pup those extra treats is actually contributing to the growing problem of pet obesity. Obesity can cause a number of health problems including diabetes, GI problems, cardiovascular problems, even immune and respiratory problems just to name a few. Think about it this way, you wouldn’t give your youngster treats every time they looked at you with a cute face, don’t give into your four legged little one either.

I know how tempting it can be to give your dog people food as well. I understand the thought process of, “It’s safe for us to eat,” the fact is that it could potentially make your dog very sick and possible kill them. Items such as baby food, many of which contain onion powder can be toxic to dogs.

Fish, poultry and other meat bones can actually cause obstructions in the digestive system, even cause lacerations. Have another little four legged feline friend, it isn’t okay to have them share the cat food either. Cat food is usually too high in fats and proteins for dogs. The infamous fat trimmings from the juicy steak you enjoyed can actually cause pancreatitis in your dog.

There are many very good dog foods available that will offer your dog all the nutrition they need. You can also look at holistic dog food that can be bought from your vet or you may even consider homemade dog food and homemade dog treats. There are a number of sites on the internet that provide free dog food recipes .

Really let them know you love them by making sure you are thinking of their long term health and not just instant gratification.

Find out more about the best way to take care of you dog, whether your looking for homemade dog food recipes or puppy training tips, check out The Pooch Place . Join other pet owners who share and learn from each other the best ways to take care of their babies.

I was one of the thousands of pets affected by Hurricane Katrina. I fled the storm with my first family. When they had trouble finding accommodations for themselves that would also take me, they did what lots of other people did. They abandoned me – just dropped me off in a Wal-Mart parking lot. I was alone and scared. I was also confused. See, I thought my family loved me, but I guess I was just too much trouble. I really tried to be a good girl for them. I guess I just wasn’t good enough.

Lucky for me, some people, who were also fleeing the storms with their pets, saw my family dump me out of the car and drive off. They caught up with my family and told them about a pet shelter where I could stay for free until they could come back for me. My family wasn’t interested. I chased after the car for a little bit, but stopped when I figured out they weren’t coming back. The nice people who saw me being dumped picked me up and took me to the pet shelter.

The shelter was a scary place. There were so many dogs in cages lined up along a concrete floor. I got a towel to lay on, a bowl of food and some water. I was too scared and upset to eat. The next day, people came in and took us for a walk so we could relieve ourselves. I didn’t want to go with the lady, but they made me. Afterwards, I was put back in my cage and the people all left. That afternoon, more people came in and walked all of us again. This is when I met my new mom for the first time. She walked in and our eyes met. Wow! There was something special there. I loved her the moment I saw her, and I knew she loved me too! Everyone was calling me “Little Wal-Mart” because that’s where I was dumped. This lady said I deserved a better name than that and started calling me Goldie. I liked that. I gladly went for a walk with her and even ate the food she gave me. This was the first time in the shelter that I wasn’t afraid. I was sad, though when she left that night.

The nice lady came and went over the course of several days. The vets came and gave us shots and drew our blood. I remember when the vet told the nice lady that I was a heavy positive for heartworms. She cried. A few days later, the nice lady took me for our usual walk, and sat down outside. I climbed up into her lap. She told me that she loved me and that she was going to find a way to get me out of there. I knew she would, too. I trusted her.

It wasn’t long before the shelter folks realized I was pregnant. Whoa! What a surprise that was! They couldn’t treat my heartworms until after my pups were born and weaned. I really didn’t want my pups born in a prison, but it looked like I had no choice. About a month after I came to the shelter, I got some good news. The nice lady was going to be my foster mom! I would live with her until I had the pups and was well enough to be adopted!

Less than two weeks after I moved in with my foster mom, I had my six beautiful pups. Unfortunately, one little girl didn’t make it, but I had three beautiful, healthy girls and two handsome, healthy boys. My foster mom took good care of all of us. My pups all went to good homes, especially one boy, Boudreaux. He was adopted by my foster mom!

I was so happy that my pups found loving homes, but I still had a long road ahead of me. I was a very sick girl…

Don’t miss part II of my story, coming soon!

Find out more about Goldie please visit The Pooch Place. There you will find information on variety of topics between holistic dog food and heated dog beds .

The average adult dog will sleep 14 – 16 hours a day. If you slept that much, wouldn’t you want to do it in comfort? Having a washable dog bed of his own gives your dog his own space where he can feel secure. A dog bed can also save your furniture and help you get a good night sleep by allowing you to have your bed back! Many older or arthritic dogs need a cushiony, firm, supportive bed to relieve pressure on their aching joints. All in all, having his own dog bed will improve the quality of life for your dog. (Of course, he may still enjoy an occasional nap with his person on their bed or couch….)

What size and type of bed do I need for my dog?

To decide what type, shape or size of bed to get for your dog, you first need to pay attention and figure out how he prefers to sleep. Does he like to curl up in a ball? Does he prefer to stretch out in both directions? Does he spend about half of his snooze time stretched out and the other half curled up?

A dog that enjoys napping all curled up would probably prefer a round or oval shaped bed that has lots of cushion. There are several types of beds that are perfect for these “snugglers”! A bolster bed is a bed that has cushion around a