Maintaining the health of your dog is a fantastic way of keeping him happy. Regular exercise along with a good diet of food is a brilliant way to achieve this.

What type of dog food you choose for your pooch, however, depends totally on the individual dog.

Whereas some dogs enjoy canned, moist food, others prefer the dry variety — both have their benefits. Some dog foods are specially designed to maintain the shine on the coat of your dog; this is good if your dog needs help maintaining the health of his fur, for example.

But what is the most important feature of dog food is what exactly the food consists of and how it benefits your four-legged friend. Dog food of the past consisted in mostly rough, less-than-quality ingredients, over the past 20 years, the quality ingredients in most premium dog food brands has risen to a great standard.

Previously in dog food you would have expected to see poor standard chow, but the dog food of today is quite often made from fresh, natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals intended to keep your dog fit and healthy.

But now you know that dog food is improving, which dog food is best for your dog?

There is a fantastic variety of dog food available e.g., GJW Titmuss’ range of dog food, and you can find a blossoming range of food made to specialize to the individual needs of the animal – ranging from food made as an ailment for sensitive skin to air-based allergens. It is a little known fact that dogs can be allergic to certain foods, just like us humans, so there can be various ingredients in dog foods on the market that cause a reaction. When introducing your friend to a new food, it’s important to monitor the health and happiness of your dog to check as to whether the food is having a positive reaction on him.

What type of dog food you feed your bowow-buddy can also depend on how old he is. Specialized age ranges are available in dog foods and are specially designed for dogs who may need that extra hand at growing, or that extra bit of care resting.

One example of this is Autarky Dog food at GJW, where age ranges apply from when your dog is but a pup, all the way through to when your dog is of mature age and likes nothing better than sleeping off a sunny afternoon in the garden.

Whatever you end up feeding your canine family member, it’s also important to get the right amount of dog food into his belly. With one in five household pets suffering from obesity, it’s crucial not to overfeed your dog as obesity can affect every one of your dogs internal organs and will lead to a shortened lifespan. Happily, with more healthy food on the market and good advice on how much to feed your dog, there shouldn’t be a problem.

Feeding the right amount of food to your dog depends entirely on his size and what kind of breed he is. For example, a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier may only need up to ¾ cup of food per serving; on the other hand, a larger dog such as a Saint Bernard or Mastiff may require up to four cups of food per serving.

Of course, if you’re unsure as to what kind of food and how much your dog should be receiving, the next time you time you take him for a check-up, be sure to ask the vet for the best advice on the top quality dog foods and on serving proportions.

Spring Naturals, who you have read about before on ThoughtsFurPaws – just Search it – is all about vitality, a fresh state of mind. It’s the feeling you get when you consider the abundance of life, and the good things from earth that grow and thrive.

It was this concept that inspired the creation of Spring Naturals – a complete family of natural dinners and treats designed to nurture the health and well-being of dogs of any breed.

And now, this concept of growing and thriving in the community will touch residents and pets in need across the United States through “Spring Into Action.”

Spring Naturals is launching the “Spring Into Action” program – starting in May – to recognize outstanding community members who are making a difference in the lives of animals in need.

In addition to honoring animal advocates on the Spring Naturals Facebook page,they will also recognize the animal rescue group of the everyday hero’s choice.

So, each month an everyday hero will be chosen and the animal rescue group they support will be highlighted on the Spring Naturals Facebook page; each winner will receive a 26 lb. bag of Spring Naturals dog food along with a 6 oz.treat pouch (estimated retail value over $75.). Next March, the selected grand prize winner’s favorite animal rescue organization or shelter will receive $2,000 (retail value) in Spring Naturals dog food PLUS a $500 cash donation! COOL!

According to the press release, ““At Spring Naturals, we value the pets in our lives and wanted to find a way to give the spotlight to everyday heroes working day in and day out to save the lives of pets in need,” said Rob Cadenhead, VP-Sales & Marketing. “With the idea of supporting those on the front lines of animal welfare, ‘Spring Into Action’ was born!”

To celebrate the first day of spring, Spring Naturals also teamed up with Project Rescue Chicago, an organization that is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of abandoned dogs. Project Rescue Chicago is one of the few rescue groups where the directors spend every single day with the dogs to ensure adopters find their perfect match.

In honor of this program, Project Rescue Chicago named an adoptable dog Spring. When Spring is adopted, Spring Naturals will provide food and treats for the dog for one year. For more information about Project Rescue Chicago, please visit www.projectrescuechicago.org.

To learn more about Spring Naturals, please visit www.springnaturals.com or www.facebook.com/SpringNaturals.

I am happy to share with you the conversation I had with well-respected Florida veterinarian, Dr. Ernie Ward. From his home in North Carolina, Dr. Ward shared a major announcement on behalf of IAMS – that a new formula for super senior pets (ages 11+) is being created and offered!

Did you know there are over 33 million super senior aged pets? Those over 11-years-old? It’s a whole new life stage…

“For the first time, we can do something from a nutritional standpoint for these types of senior pets,” he said. “This formula is one of the first of its kind on the market and I highly recommend it to my patients.”

Here’s what I learned about it… Also, I’m going to tell you another exciting thing!

Iams Senior Plus or Premium Protection Line can be bought anywhere – and is a new formula for dogs and cats ages 11+ (for large breed dogs, the recommended age is 9+); it’s the first of its kind ever for dogs and one of the first formulas for cats.

Dr. Ward told me of the specific ingredients and their benefits, which are designed to meet the unique needs of senior pets. The super senior diet for any animal has special needs; these animals sometimes have arthritis, bacterial infections, digestion problems, etc., or other conditions and thus, require certain ingredients.

IAMS Super Senior Dogs!

These are additives like:

-          L-Carnitine for lean muscle mass

-          Double the amount of antioxidants

-          Omega Fatty-3 Acids

-          Pre-biotics like beet pulp

-          FOS formula to feed the good bacteria as seniors often have digestion issues

-          A unique blend of vitamins and minerals and tasty meats!

-         Beta-carotene and vitamin E, to help boost the immune system of your older dog to healthy adult levels

Plus MORE!

The taste is the same as the rest of the foods; IAMS is committed to meat as the first ingredient as usual!

When I asked Dr. Ward what he would tell my readers to do with their senior pets and what the most vital parts of caring for one are, he responded with the following:

1. Take your pet to the vet
2. Nutrition needs changing – don’t be shy about changing the diet of the pet
3. Engage the mental side of your pet
4. Try feeding from a food puzzle every once in a while
5. Variety and novelty are important in life!
6. EXERCISE is CRUCIAL!

* Calling All Senior Pets – IAMS is putting out a call to action on the Iams Facebook page to feature pictures of eight senior pets not acting their age.

The eight pets will be selected at random and will all win food for life! Check the IAMS Facebook page for more info!

Tomorrow, I’ll be on a plane to Kansas, Toto — no we aren’t going to see Aunt Em; we’re going to take the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Tour!!!

So cool

The Hill’s brands, in case you are under a pet food rock or just aren’t that cat and dog food savvy yet, include Hill’s popular Science Diet and also Prescription Diet for both dogs and cats in a variety of formulas, wet and dry, and nearly any flavor you can think of. Their Science Diet formulas are particularly highly recommended by many…

If anyone has any questions they’d like me to post, please reply by leaving a comment on this post or find me on Twitter: @ThoughtsFurPaws or on Facebook at ThoughtsFurPaws: All Pets Go to Heaven – just write on the Wall!

I’m sure we’ll get a hash tag for the event… but I don’t know what it is yet. Ill let you know tomorrow! I’ll be on Twitter and Facebook with updates as the tour progresses.

Let me know if you do have a concern, or want to bring something up, and I will gladly, on your behalf, ask the execs or marketing gurus there for you!

Be back Thursday (late) night, so there might not be a post up on ThoughtsFurPaws until Friday folks, sorry.

The full line of Hill’s® Prescription Diet® and Science Diet® Healthy Advantage™ pet foods are now part of the Trupanion™ Pet Insurance coverage!

Trupanion® now offers coverage and/or premium discounts for therapeutic and preventative pet nutrition! 

According to a press release, Trupanion™ just announced that its dog and cat insurance now includes benefits for veterinary therapeutic pet foods, including the full line of Hill’s® Prescription Diet® pet foods, and veterinary exclusive preventative nutrition, Hill’s® Science Diet® Healthy Advantage™ pet food.

“The insurance covers half the cost of therapeutic pet foods including Hill’s Prescription Diet pet foods for two months followed by a discount on the monthly insurance premium for continued feeding of the therapeutic pet food, available exclusively through veterinary hospitals. Veterinary healthcare teams can find out more about the program through their Trupanion Territory Partner or by calling 1-800-569-7913 (then pressing #1),” the release said.

“The high cost of medical care is a part of everyday life in human medicine, and insurance coverage can help offset hat burden,” said Howard Rubin, COO of Trupanion. “We’re offering a similar plan to assist owners in giving their dogs and cats what they need to have a better quality of life.”

* Trupanion’s dog and cat policies offer one simple plan with 90 percent coverage and no annual, per claim, or lifetime payout limit. With a veterinary physical exam, Trupanion also offers a 30-Day “no obligation,”Trial for pet owners, giving them time to decide if the plan fits their needs and budget. The 30-Day Trial waives typical waiting periods so coverage is effective immediately. *

“It makes sense for us to get the news out about Trupanion’s new coverage. This helps pet owners be in a better place to comply with a recommended veterinary therapeutic pet food and supports the healthcare team’s action plan when it comes to nutrition for every pet,” said Janet Donlin, D.V.M., chief veterinary officer at Hill’s.

For more than a decade, Trupanion has offered affordable pet insurance coverage for cats and dogs that enroll between the ages of 8 weeks and 14 years of age. Trupanion offers pet owners one plan that covers accidents, illnesses, medications and lab work. In addition, Trupanion never penalizes pets for aging or being unlucky enough to file a claim.

About Trupanion Pet Insurance

Trupanion pet insurance is available for cats and dogs in the United States and Canada. Trupanion is underwritten by its’ affiliate, the American Pet Insurance Company, allowing Trupanion to offer a customizable pet insurance policy with no benefit schedules. Trupanion’s mission is to protect the cherished bond between pets and their families by ensuring that pets are able to receive optimal veterinary care. For more information about Trupanion, call 800-569-7913 or visit Trupanion.com. You can also follow Trupanion on Twitter or Facebook.

About Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Hill’s® Prescription Diet® brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill’s® Science Diet® brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill’s is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill’s produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. For more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. and Hill’s Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition™ visit HillsVet.com, follow us on Twitter or visit us on Facebook keywords “Hill’s Pet Nutrition.”

This guest post was provided by Kevin Hagan; please see the end for more information.

If you’ve ever been faced with the prospect of “sending” or “shipping” your puppy across the country, you’ll find that puppies do indeed fly!

… As do many other kinds of pets, whether winged or not.

Here are a few tips to make flying with pets, especially flying with puppies, a positive easy experience for you and your beloved companion.

Flying Puppies: requirements

• Animals must be at least eight weeks of age.
• The puppy’s kennel/cage MUST meet air standards for size, ventilation, strength and design. The animals must have enough room to stand up and turn around. Kennels must be equipped with one food and one water cup. (Admin side note—NOT funny that dogs in the air have better lives/requirements than those at most massive breeders…See Texas puppy mill law article third paragraph [HB1451] from June 2011 … In the air though – Heaven forbid the dog can’t stand…to my US legislators = THIS MAKES A LOT OF SENSE…Another example: right now in Ohio-you could breed and sell 59 puppies a year over the internet or have 8 litters and sell 70 puppies and you would not be regulated. Foster one dog for your local rescue & you’d be subject to state regulation.  don’t get me started!)
• The kennel or cage must be marked with the shipper’s name, address and phone number, as well as the pick-up person’s name, address and phone number (if different from shipper). “Live Animal” stickers should be applied to the kennel, and the last time the little traveler was fed and watered should be indicated.
• Place newspaper or absorbent material on the bottom of the crate.
• A health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and be no more than 10 days old.
• Animals may not be brought to the airline more than four hours before a flight.
• Animals less than 16 weeks of age must be offered food and water if transit is more than 12 hours. Older animals must have food at least every 24 hours and water at least every 12 hours.
  

  "Air-Mail" Puppy!

Other Things to Consider When Flying Puppies

• If shipping international (or to Hawaii) check the quarantine laws WAY BEFOREHAND. (Admin side note – I recommend checking about 4 months in advance if possible… you will wait anywhere from 2 weeks to over a month for your puppy in certain countries/continents… and this is pending rabies et al vaccinations, testing for other diseases, and a million other things. According to the International Dog Quarantine page on PetFriendlyTravel.com, “Some countries require a specific health certificate they have developed.” Wow.)
• Do not give your pet solid food in the six-eight hours before the flight.
• Do not give your pet any sedatives without your veterinarian’s approval.
• Try to schedule a non-stop flight and avoid heavy travel times.
• Place a familiar blanket or a piece of your clothing, plus your pet’s favorite toy in the kennel.

You will probably find that after a six- or seven-hour flight your new arrival will be a bit reluctant to exit the crate on his or her own and may need to be physically extracted.

However, most pets are able to make the journey without accident or incident and will look forward to finally stretching their legs and checking out their new surroundings.

While our company, Transit Systems, does not ship pets, we are constantly asked about it! We are sharing this information because we love our own pets and we want you to be well-informed if you ever have to ship your precious pal. And we thought it important for everyone to know that yes, puppies can fly!

This guest post was provided by Kevin Hagan of Transit Systems, one of the nation’s top residential and commercial freight companies. TSI specializes in furniture shipping, and can assist you with both large and small moves. For more information about TSI, visit their website or follow TSI on Twitter @TransitSystems.

Cat Saved from Fla "Sanctuary:" Photo Courtesy ASPCA

PetSmart Charities® (PC in my easier typing case…) and ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) have teamed up in an effort to save the seriously endangered lives of cats and kittens in Madison County, Florida.

The below info is from both a PC press release and the ASPCA’s website:

PC dispatched three Emergency Relief Waggin’® vehicles, each stocked with $80,000 worth of crucial supplies, to the scene of an alleged animal hoarding situation. Hundreds of cats (and two dogs) are in need of emergency assistance and medical care after being discovered in the overcrowded and unsanitary cat sanctuary known as “Caboodle Ranch” in Lee, Florida.

According to ASPCA, “Many of the cats show signs of severe neglect and appear to be suffering from upper respiratory conditions and eye infections, among other medical issues. Responders are also uncovering numerous deceased cats on the property.”

As a result of an investigation spanning more than a year, a search warrant was executed Monday morning for the removal of the animals.

The ASPCA, the lead on the rescue, is collecting additional evidence on the property for the investigation and has a blog story on it.

*** HALLELUJAH – The founder of Caboodle Ranch, a mean-looking Craig Grant has been arrested and multiple animal cruelty charges are pending. Check his ugly mug out man… Thank GOD. This person should be behind bars and beaten up if you ask me. (I know violence does not beget violence but to abuse and neglect a host of helpless animals is something I simply do not stand for and feel there is no excuse for– if you are a regular reader you know my feelings on this. It’s like beating a child — you deserve to be beat back worse…)

According to the sheriff there, the cats were living outside in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions with various medical issues that were left untreated. Many of the cats exhibited… signs of neglect & appear to be suffering from upper respiratory conditions and eye infections, among other medical issues. Several cats were in critical condition.

Responders discovered numerous deceased cats on the property.

“This is a tragic situation—Caboodle Ranch was clearly overwhelmed with hundreds of cats in dire need of medical treatment,” says Tim Rickey, Senior Director of the ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response team. “The sanctuary had no adoption or spay/neuter program in place to manage its… population.”

The 53-foot PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief Waggin’ trailers and their 48-tons of cargo departed the PetSmart® Distribution Centers in Newnan, Ga. and Ottawa, Il., bound for the scene, where animal-rescue teams will operate an emergency animal shelter. The vehicles are stocked with crucial supplies, including pet food, wire crates, plastic carriers, litter, litter boxes, bowls, fans, a generator, a battery charger and lights to aid the animal rescuers on scene.

“PetSmart Charities also dispatches a team of specially trained volunteers to the scene,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “The volunteers are able to unload supplies and set up the temporary shelter very quickly, enabling on-the-ground rescuers to immediately attend to the animal victims. We are happy to be able to assist in this way to help give these cats a second chance at finding a lifelong, loving home.”

And according to the ASPCA blog post: “We’re at it again… At the request of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison County Animal Control, the ASPCA is on the ground in Florida managing the rescue of hundreds of cats. The animals were found living in overcrowded and filthy conditions at a non-profit cat sanctuary known as Caboodle Ranch.

“This is the largest number of cats the ASPCA has ever had to remove from one location in the course of an animal cruelty investigation.”

These groups need our help guys – please, even if you can only muster $10, go ahead and donate. PLEASE.

Cases like this are tragic, the ASPCA said on its website; although that’s the common notion really…

*Fortunately, with your support of PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief program or/and

*ASPCA’s specific efforts to this case

–The animals will have a second chance

Members of the public can support the PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief program by making a donation online, by email at gifts@petsmartcharities.org or via phone at 623-587-2826, to help more pets like these find the loving homes they deserve.

As you all know, two weeks back we lost Henry the Basset Hound. My sister, Henry’s Mom, was (actually is) beside herself with grief – you guys know what I’m talking about.

Nothing hits you like the loss of a pet that’s been by your side every day through EVERY THING, whether for a year or 11 – as in Henry the Peanut’s case.

So yesterday Ashly again accepted a foster from Ohio Basset Rescue in Columbus (and did some transport on the way!)

PLEASE WELCOME ROM the BASSET!

As far as we know, here are the details on “Romney:”

- He is about 4 or 5-years-old

- He was abused at some point as he totally cowers, puts his head down to the ground when a voice gets loud or when he hears a loud noise, and he has multiple gashes/scars; he also puts his back end down and drags when he feels scared (tail btwn legs, etc.)

- Took a dog warden in Dayton around 5 months to catch him; he was literally like Duffy on “Pit Bulls and Parolees”

- He weighs just 34 pounds right now – that’s how sick he is… don’t worry, we will fatten him up

- He LOVES Ashly, he loved me, and he loved my parents – so he is ABSOLUTELY a LAMB and will recover from all of the above

- He likes walks already, is good on a leash, is good with cats, and was cozying up to Franklin all day yesterday so he likes other dogs; we believe he will do BETTER with another dog actually and not alone

So welcome Rom with open arms as we have; and say a prayer for him & that Ash (et al) can turn him around like she did with Franklin, the former puppy mill stud Basset, who now runs the show at the Smith House… !

We love you Rom and you are forever safe and loved now Thank you Amy at Ohio Basset Rescue for doing what you do!

It is the feeling of not only ME, but many animal lovers, rescuers and welfare advocates across the entire U.S., no matter what part, that there are far too many Americans who are TOTALLY unaware of puppy mills.

I mean, not only unaware of what they are, but blithely unaware how inherently dangerous, problematic and cruel they are. My fellow Up For Pups Boardmember, Chad Darwin says “they place an incredible strain on the animal welfare community.”

He’s so right.

That’s just part of the reason that I sit on the board of the non-profit, Up for Pups – partially also because the founder is brilliant, super-talented, generous, caring and because I was drawn to her the moment I saw the “Don’t Kill Bill” show at BlogPaws/Columbus in 2008 because of our common interests.

Kyla Duffy dedicates more than most people I know – time, funding, etc., to animals in need.

So it’s all I can do to (not only serve on her board, but also) share this important announcement:

* Her awesome show is coming up in Denver; she’ll be performing March 10th in Lakewood *

Kyla Duffy at "Don't Kill Bill"

“Our show offers children, teenagers, and adults of all ages a unique twist and spin on humane education in a fun, safe and entertaining environment,” said Kyla Duffy, show writer and producer. The show aims to “educate as well as dazzle the eyes,” according to Darwin.

“Puppy mills continue to be a despicable source aiding the already challenging problem of pet homelessness, and we firmly believe education is essential.”

Duffy created “Don’t Kill Bill” to raise awareness about puppy mills and encourage people to get involved with animal rescue organizations. I — being the anti-puppy mill maven that I am – was immediately taken with her when I first met her, and I can tell you the show is amazing.

Local organizations that work a multitude of breeds will be present in the lobby to answer any questions, according to the press release.

Up for Pups will be promoting adoptable dogs during the show as well! Tickets are $19 per adult and $15 per student/senior. Tickets are available at http://upforpups.org/events

I hope that if you live even within an hour or so that you can go.

Why?

I GUARANTEE that you will be blown away when Duffy, the founder of Happy Tails Books as well as Up for Pups, swings like an ape (I mean she’s limber and acrobatic, not monkey-like people – it’s a compliment!) through the air in her aerial show, “Don’t Kill Bill: A Celebration of Adopted Dogs.”  The show combines short films, live storytelling and music coupled with Duffy’s personal aerial acrobatics skills to celebrate rescued dogs’ resilience and highlighting rescuers’ compassion.

IT’S AWESOME; you will be so impressed, you’ll laugh and cry with delight and emotion, I promise. Remember, tickets are available at http://upforpups.org/events

*Proceeds from the show will be used to further Up For Pups animal advocacy efforts. In addition to enjoying this wonderfully unique theater production, attendees will have the opportunity to win a gift basket full of dog products as well as a $500 donation for the dog rescue organization of his or her choice (rescue must be present in the lobby to win). Each attendee will get one free drawing ticket at the door with a chance to buy additional tickets during intermission. Drawing ticket sales benefit local rescue organizations.

“Don’t Kill Bill: A Celebration of Adopted Dogs” Event Details:

Saturday, March 10th, 7:00 p.m.

Lakewood Cultural Center

470 S. Allison Pkwy

Lakewood, CO 80226

*** Tickets are available at http://upforpups.org/events ***