Sleeping with your dogs

It's always nice to think sleeping with your dog can be glamorous and restful however that is not how it happens in reality. Like children, dogs seem to always move around to the point where you are barely on the bed and you end up twisted sideways or in a small ball on the corner of the bed.

Its starts out all fine and dandy and everyone is comfortable, then someone needs to move and you feel so bad to move cause you know your pooch is far away in doggy dreamland and you don't want to disturb them. So you suffer.

I don't have any problems with my dogs in bed with me. I encouraged it for years since it was just me and my babies. I always slept great and I love having my babies surround me. Their warmth and relaxation always helped put me to sleep. But when I moved in with my boyfriend the bed was no longer big enough for 2 humans and 2 large breed dogs. Comprises had to be made and the rules are - 1. The dogs can be on the bed before we all fall asleep to give belly rubs and kisses goodnight. 2. Dogs have to be off the bed all night. In place since my boyfriend kept waking up with massive back pains due to them pushing us off the bed. 3. The dogs are allowed back on the bed in the morning when everyone is waking up for good morning kisses and belly rubs. 4. The dogs are allowed on the bed during the day but only allowed to LAY on the bed.
Our overall rule is the bed is a place for relaxation and sleep.What is it like in your home?

Claudia’s Cuisine Voluntary Product Withdrawal

Claudia's Cuisine Dog Candy Fruit Hound Cake 

Claudia’s Cuisine has issued a voluntary product withdrawal on Dog Candy Fruit Hound Cake (7.5oz) and Dog Candy Blueberry Hound Cake (7.5oz). No other products have been impacted. These products are being voluntarily withdrawn due to the potential to contain mold. Claudia’s Cuisine has not received any reports of illness associated with the affected product. If you suspect that your Claudia’s Cuisine product may have mold growth, please bring it to your closest PetSmart store for a full refund. If you have any questions about this voluntary withdrawal, please call Claudia’s Cuisine’s Customer Service at 501-851-0002 or email Irma@claudiascaninecuisine.com.

Nature's Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats RECALL

DOG TREAT RECALL

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning pet owners and caretakers not to feed their pets Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats with a lot code of BESTBY061913DEN because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The treats are made, packaged and distributed in the United States by Kasel Associates Industries Inc. (Kasel) and were sold at Costco stores in the Denver, Colo., area.
Kasel has declined to perform a voluntary recall at this time. However, Costco is working with FDA and has removed all of the affected products from its shelves. The company will also contact customers who may have purchased the product to provide additional instructions.
The product is sold in 3.0 lb. packages labeled as Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats. The product is packaged in flexible plastic which is yellow, blue, green and red, with black and white print writing. The packaging also has a digital photo of a dog on the front panel, and transparent sections to view the product inside. Lot code BESTBY061913DEN is located on the reverse side of the packaging in the transparent section immediately following the term “All American Dog.”
In September 2012, a retail sample of a Kasel dog treat product tested by the Colorado Department of Agriculture was found to be positive for Salmonella. An FDA follow-up inspection at the firm found certain finished dog treat products and 34 out of 72 environmental samples positive for Salmonella.
On October 2, 2012, the company recalled one lot of its Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats. However that recall did not extend to the lot code covered by this warning.
In November 2012, a retail sample of Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats lot code BESTBY061913DEN taken by the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella.
These treats are manufactured in the United States and are not associated with FDA’s investigation in reports of illnesses in dogs associated with consumption of chicken jerky treats.
FDA has not received any reports of illnesses associated with these treats. However, both people and animals can contract Salmonellosis from handling or eating contaminated products. People handling dry pet treats should thoroughly wash their hands after having contact with the treats as well as any surfaces exposed to these products.
Consumers should dispose of these products in ways that people and animals, including wild animals, cannot access them, such as placing them in a securely lidded garbage can.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.
The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to become severely ill from Salmonella infection. The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in these vulnerable populations. Most healthy individuals recover from Salmonella infections within four to seven days without treatment.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a 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 any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
As with humans, dogs who are elderly, very young or have impaired immune systems are more vulnerable to Salmonella infection.

Top 10 Gifts For Your Dog 2012

I have decided to start a tradition on the top 10 gifts for your dog. Every year I'll list 10 of the most desired items that dog owners are purchasing. With Christmas right around the corner I know I love to splurge on my Bella and Buddy with Christmas presents, so I want to share great gift ideas for you and your dog. However this list does not limit only Christmas shopping for your pet. This list can go through out the year.

Top 10 Gifts For Your Dog 2012

1. Dog Bed - Each year I feel a dog should receive a new bed. Why? Well through out the year of your fun loving doggies running around, chasing squirrels, digging holes, rolling in dirt and/or grass they bring everything on them in the home and on their bed. I'm guessing mostly everybody washes their dogs beds, and by that I mean the outer cover of the bed, however all the deberis gets caught up under the cover top and sits all year long. Getting them a new bed will bring a smile to their cute little faces. 
2.  Kong Toys - ANY Kong toy. Dogs love them but of course each dog has a favorite type of Kong they really enjoy and can't put down. In the process of elimination you will find their favorite Kong. My Buddy loves the Kong AirDog Squeaker Stick and Bella wont let go of the Kong Classic. Being able to have them inside or outside the home is a wonderful benefit for them.

 3. Collar - Even if its just to replace their old collars. Switch over their tags and voila! This year my boyfriend got the doggies new collars made of Hemp. Natural Hand Made Hemp Collars by Nate Henshaw. My dogs love them and its nice to relieve them from the nylon collar and tags they normally would wear. The fur on their neck has grown back and not being awaken by moving dogs in the early morning has its many benefits.

 

4.  Personalized Dog Bowls - I just love the idea of having personalized dog bowls. Its those little things that add a touch of elegance in the home that includes the four legged ones. The link is for The Potters Barn on Etsy. American Hand Made is always the way to go.

5.  Dog Seat Covers - If you're like me then you take your dogs everywhere you possible can. Keeping your seats clean from hair, dirt and sometimes a wet dog can be very frustrating. Having a full seat cover for the backseat of your car or your SUV is a lifesaver.

6.  Furminator De-shedding Tool - This tool is AMAZING!!! Even though I have Labradors with short to medium hair, their shedding is a drag and last for months. Being able to cut that shedding time in half is a huge help. My house has all hardwood flooring and having to sweep up a new dog almost everyday gets very tedious.

7.  Dog Puzzle Games - These games are designed to help your dog work their mental problem solving skills. Having them figure out where the treats are hidden in the puzzle and then to find them is very rewarding. Its a great busy toy that keeps them thinking and on their toes.

8.  Rawhide Pet Holiday Stocking - Every year Petsmart and Petco put these great rawhides up for sale. I always get my babies one each. Bella and Buddy can't get enough them and spreading them as treats to give through out the month makes the gift last even longer. Through out the month of December they go on and off sale. The best price you will get is Black Friday for 50% off or, if there is any left, after the holidays. However those stockings go pretty quick.

9.  Home Made Dog Treats - The home made dog treat business is a booming business with every type of design and ingredients out there to make unique treats for the human eye. To be honest dogs don't really care about what the treats look like, they just want them to taste GREAT! REMINDER - Always read what type of ingredients are used.

10.  Dog Backpack - Doggy Backpacks are great for exercise and training. It gives your dog a sense of a job they have to perform and complete, plus its great to have them hold snacks, bottled water, and First Aid Kit while camping or hiking.

There you have it folks 10 great gifts to give your dog or gifts you can give a dog owner. If you have any suggestions or questions feel free to ask below. 

Smelly Dawgy Breath and Oral Care

Isn't it a KILLER!!!!! 

Your dogs breath!!! It could NOT be any worse!!!

Then ADD the tartar build up and there's a problem... 

How do you deal with it? 

There are quite a few options nowadays out there to help with these problems from Chews to water additions to just a plain toothbrush and tooth paste. Over the the past 5 years I have tried pretty much almost everything on the market and I have researched and talked to Vet's. Here's something things I KNOW that work.

~These are the main chews on the market~

Pedigree Denta-Stix
They are X shaped semi hard sticks that help freshen breath and clean teeth. They work pretty well and the price ain't to shabby.Feed 1 a day and after about 2 weeks of usage you will definitely start to see and smell a difference. My dogs like them and every now and then I'll buy them some.

Here are the Ingredients:
Rice Flour, Wheat Starch, Glycerin, Gelatin, Gum Arabic, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Poultry Flavor, Cellulose Powder, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Salt (Iodized), Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate [source of Vitamin C], Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, D-calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin [Vitamin B2], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Dl-alpha Tocopherol Acetate [source of Vitamin E], Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1]), Potassium Sorbate (a Preservative), Smoke Flavor, Zinc Sulphate, Green Tea Extract, Turmeric, Iron Oxide, Copper Sulfate.

Greenies by Nutro
These are a green dyed, tooth brush shaped, semi hard chew sticks. I find that not only did they work for the breath but they also made my dogs sick. Breath was great, Tartar build up still there and they got sick. 1 out of 3 was my call to no longer give them to my babies. I rather deal with smelly breath and have to manual brush their teeth than to have an overly sick dog every week.

Here are the Ingridients:
Gelatin, wheat protein isolate, glycerin, pea protein, water, potato protein, sodium caseinate, natural poultry flavor, lecithin, minerals (dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium amino acid chelate, calcium carbonate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide), vitamins (dl-alpha tocopherol acetate [source of vitamin E], L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate [source of vitamin C], vitamin B12 supplement, d-calcium pantothenate [vitamin B5], niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6], thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], folic acid), dried tomato, apple pomace, vegetable oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), ground flaxseed, dried sweet potato, cranberry fiber, dried cultured skim milk, choline chloride, taurine, decaffeinated green tea extract, carotene, chlorophyll (sodium copper chlorophyllin)

Blue Bones by Blue Buffalo
Dark color, semi hard chews with a bone like shape. These smell horrible and I wondered how they were to get my dogs breath to smell better AND clean his teeth. To my ultimate surprise just TWO days after giving them each 1 bone a day, there has been a drastic improvement on their breath. I can take kisses now and get the lovely dovey face to face interaction I LOVE having with my babies. I will check their tartar at the end of this week. UPDATE: I checked their teeth and the tartar is gone!!!! OMG what a difference!!!! I'm extremely satisfied!!

Here are the Ingredients:

Whole Ground Potato, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Water, Vegetable Glycerine, Blueberries, Peas, Carrots (source of Vitamin A), Vegetable Juice, Sunflower Oil (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Oat Bran, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Chicken Flavor, Dried Parsley, Alfalfa Meal (a source of Chlorophyll), Calcium Carbonate, Citric Acid, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (a source of Vitamin C), Zinc Propionate, Vitamin E Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Taurine

~Now onto the other options~

Gel, water additives and Sprays

Clean Teeth Gel by Tropiclean (Just for teeth cleaning)

NO Brushing Necessary! Works fast and naturally to help reduce plaque and tartar on dogs and cats -- no toothbrush required. A proprietary blend of natural, holistic ingredients produce a healthy oral environment. Kills the germs that cause bad breath, plaque and gingivitis. Soothes minor gum irritations. 

Here are the Ingredients:

Purified water, natural derived alcohol, natural mint, glycerin, natural cleanser, carbopol, chlorophyllin, green tea extract.

Water Additive by Tropiclean
Clean teeth, Fresh Breath, No brushing

Here are the Ingredients:
Purified water, Citric Acid, Cetylpyridnium chloride, chlorophyllin, glycerin, potassium sorbate, green tea leaf extract

Fresh Breath Foam by Tropiclean
Regular use of Fresh Mint Foam helps keep teeth clean. Its gentle formula helps freshen breath.

Here are the Ingredients:
Purified water, glycerin, natural mint, baking soda, polysorbate 20, corn alcohol, aloe vera juice, chlorophyllin, green tea extract

Now I don't know about about the products above. I'm really reluctant to even try them. If there are ingredients I can't read or even understand, than why would I give that to my dogs to have in their body? I hold off on those but this is all for your information to take as you please.

I have yet to try the other options however I will be asking for free samples so I can see how they work for my babies. For now I have settled on the Blue Bones by Blue Buffalo. And if you go back to the ingredient lists I provided for the other chews on the market, Blue Buffalo seems to have real natural and more wholesome ingredients.