The pet blogosphere is abuzz with chatter about this, so I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon with my two cents (which aren’t really mine).

According to renowned vet Dr. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM from VCA Animal Hospitals, here are some sample tips for keeping pets safe and stress-free on Halloween this year.

- Make sure your dog’s costume is comfortable and doesn’t obstruct vision, hearing, or restrict movement. Avoid tying anything around your pet’s neck to prevent choking or strangling. Remove small parts or pieces that may be easily chewed off and swallowed.
- Although tempting, do not bring your dog along for trick-or-treating. Even the best-trained dogs can become spooked or aggressive in the noise and confusion of Halloween. Children you encounter may also be fearful of dogs. 

- Keep your dog in a room separate from the trick-or-treaters. This will prevent them from becoming frightened and threatened by noisy children in costumes. Too many strangers can overwhelm a pet and cause them to be unusually protective or aggressive.
- If you haven’t done so already, visit your veterinarian for a microchip prior to the festivities of Halloween. If your dog does escape from the house or becomes lost, a microchip will increase the chances that they will be returned home again. Also make sure your pet is wearing a collar with proper ID tags.
- Avoid hazardous decorations such as flaming jack-o-lanterns and candles which can burn your pet. Don’t use streamers or ribbons around your pet’s neck, on their collars or costumes or in your home. These items are frequently ingested and may cause intestinal obstruction which requires surgery to remove.   

 
- Keep Halloween candy out of pet’s reach! Chocolate is toxic to pets and many candies can be harmful and make pet’s sick. Also avoid giving your dog alcohol or any rich fatty foods. Keep all countertops clean and a lid firmly locked onto the garbage can to prevent them from eating wrappers and food packages.

So I have this fabulous new product to tell you all about that is am AMAZING alternative to traditional rawhides. They are called Pork Chomps.

They are a “safer, tastier, more digestible alternative to beef rawhide because the revolutionary chews are made from natural baked pork skin.”

I tested these out on the four Basset Hounds this weekend and they were a TOTAL HIT. Of course Henry, the oldest and the alpha male, will eat anything you put in front of him, but the other three, not so much. They often turn their noses at treats and chewies but not Pork Chomps.

Franklin promptly took his Pork Chomp outside for privacy while the other three boys chewed theirs all in a row in the family room. It took them about 10-15 minutes to get through the small chewy treat.

Pork Chomps, according to a news release, were preferred by 9 out of 10 dogs against beef rawhides. “Baked pork skin has a natural flavor that’s extremely appealing to dogs so unlike conventional rawhide, Pork Chomps don’t have to be stuffed or basted to entice dogs…”

Made by Scott Pet Products, extensive research and field tests by the company have shown that pork skin chews are more easily digested than rawhide, which is important for pet parents because there have been tons of reports of dogs getting intestinal issues from beef rawhides (my two Golden Retrievers included).

So I would highly recommend these chewies to anyone looking for a tasty, more easily digestible alternative to beef rawhides.

Pork Chomps are available in Bacon, Peanut Butter, and Pepperoni flavors and in a remarkable range of styles, including Mini Knots, Smoked Bagels, and Rolls. You can find them at PetSmart, Tractor Supply, and other pet stores, or check out the website to order of for more info.

Bottom line: four Bassets give 16 paws up to Pork Chomps:)

All American Pet Brands is launching its “Cutest Dog Competition” where dog owners have the chance to win $1 million dollars (!!!) by submitting a pic of their cute dog. Yes, you read that right: $1 million dollars.

From the press release:

All American Pet Company™, maker of super premium dog-food brands Bow Wow Breakfast™ Cereal and Grrr-nola™ Natural Dog Food, has partnered up with DOG.com, iBeatYou.com and PromotingGroup.com to present its first-ever Cutest Dog Competition. Starting August 1, 2009, every dog owner in America will have the opportunity to submit a picture of his or her pooch to show the world how cute it is. The finalists from these submissions will be given the chance to win the grand prize of $1 million. The deadline for submissions is October 23, 2009.  Dog owners who wish to submit their photos for this competition should visit: www.cutestdogcompetition.com, follow the contest entry form and upload a digital photo of their pup. The contest is eligible to residents of the fifty United States and District of Columbia who own a dog and have online photo-uploading capabilities.

The contest will be judged by online public voting from the photo entrees submitted to the contest site. Twelve weekly semi-finalists will each win $500 in cash. From those 12 weekly winners, 4 finalists will be determined by the greatest number of public votes and will each receive $5000 in cash. A panel of judges will pick the nation’s Cutest Dog and award the grand prize of $1 million on Thanksgiving Day.

The Cutest Dog Competition is an extension of the Bow Wow Million Dollar Look-a-Like Contest. Previous entries will automatically be entered for a chance to win.

For the official rules or more information, visit the All American Pet website at www.aapbrands.com/.

Best Bully Sticks are all natural chewies are inspected by the USDA/FDA and they come from free range, grass fed bulls. Bully sticks are also a good chewy choice for dogs because they are:

- Easy to Digest While Cleaning Teeth and Reducing Tartar

- Better than Rawhide Because They are Naturally Low in Fat

- All Natural – No Chemicals or Preservatives

Of course most importantly, the boys LOVED the way the Best Bully Sticks tasted. I would highly recommend these all-natural treats for any dog. They are a  great way for them to spend some quiet time doing many dogs’ favorite activity: chewing! (To see the different tasty varieties or to place an order, click here.)

 After the boys got them, Franklin ran outside with his to burrow in his favorite spot and semi-bury it so no one would take it! Henry enjoyed his in peace in the family room with me, and Barney took to destroying his Bully Stick in the kitchen.  Here are some pictures of the boys chewing the Best Bully Sticks:

Barney

Peanut (Henry)

Franklin

Thanks to one of our favorite pet sites for this article, Petside.com. Most of this stuff we all already know but it’s always nice to have a reminder before a holiday, especially one with so much candy and chocolate.

7 Easter Dangers for Your Pet

For most people Easter brings fond memories of egg hunts, baskets and bunnies. But be careful! These Easter staples can be dangerous to your pets’ health.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to give up your favorite traditions to have a safe holiday.  Watch out for these hazards, supervise your pets closely and try our substitution tips and everyone can have a Hoppy Easter!

The following seven holiday products are the most common Easter dangers:

Eggs – Dyed and Plastic

Shiny plastic eggs may look like toys to your pets.  If they chew and swallow the plastic, it can cause intestinal problems that may require surgery.  Fresh, hardboiled eggs are not dangerous, but eggs spoil quickly. If days later your pet finds and eats an egg that was undiscovered during the Easter hunt, it can make them very sick.  Tip: Keep track of the number of eggs hidden and make sure all are accounted for at the end of the hunt.

Easter Grass

Cats are especially attracted to these shiny shreds, and just like tinsel, ingesting this “grass” may be lethal.  Pets can not digest it, leading to the threads getting stuck in and damaging their intestines.  Tip: A better choice?  Try using paper, or even real grass!

Chocolate

Most adults already know how dangerous chocolate is for pets, but it is important children know as well.  Make sure to tell your kids that sharing with the family pet could make them very sick.  Still, supervision is key.  Tip: With chocolate bunnies in every basket, and chocolate eggs hidden around the house, it may be best if your pets are in kept in an “Easter free zone” during the festivities.

Easter Lilies

These flowers and beautiful and festive, but should be avoided at all costs if you share your home with pets.  Easter lilies are one of the most poisonous plants for pets, especially to cats.  Vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite are symptoms of lily poisoning.  Cats who take a bite of the flower can die from kidney failure in less than two days if left untreated.  Tip: Try faux lilies for the same look without the risk.

Candy

Chocolate isn’t the only tasty treat dangerous for your pet.  Too much sugar can also cause digestive upset.  Additionally, the foil wrapping around candies can cause internal damage.  The sharp pieces may tear your pet’s esophagus or intestines.  Tip: Be sure to keep a close eye on your pet and clean up all wrappings immediately.  

Easter Toys

Those teeny tiny baby chick toys and bendy bunnies may be good basket stuffers for your kids, but to your pets they look like a good snack.  Small toys are a choking hazard and should be kept away from cats and dogs.  Be sure baskets are kept off the ground, or that pets are kept in another room while baskets are being unwrapped.  Tip: Make sure all toys and parts are too big for your pet to fit in their mouth.

Baby animals

Baby chicks, bunnies and ducks may seem like the perfect Easter basket addition, but think twice!  Not only do these cute babies grow up into large, adult animals requiring full-time care, but they often carry Salmonella.  This harmful bacteria can be transmitted to your children and other pets.  Tip: Stuffed bunnies and chicks make a much better choice as Easter pets!

For more information on keeping your pet safe, check out the list of Dangerous Household Products on thoughtsfurpaws.com or Petside’s original video: Household Dangers.

Along with St. Patrick’s Day falling upon us this week, it’s also the ASPCA National Poison Prevention Week. The ASPCA has put together a video of the top 17 most poisonous household plants for your pets, but here is an even better list: the most common poisonous household items reported in 2008. This article is courtesy the ASPCA:

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With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. In 2008, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Below is a list of the top ten pet poisons that affected our furry friends in 2008.

Human Medications
For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, and 2008 was no exception. Last year, the ASPCA managed more than 50,000 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it’s essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.

Insecticides
In our effort to battle home invasions of unwelcome pests, we often unwittingly put our pets at risk. In 2008, our toxicologists fielded more than 31,000 calls related to insecticides. One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products—such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.

People Food
People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and certain citrus fruit can seriously harm our furry friends, and accounted for more than 15,000 cases in 2008. One of the worst offenders—chocolate—contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.

Rodenticides
Last year, the ASPCA received approximately 8,000 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets, including bleeding, seizures and kidney damage.

Veterinary Medications
Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents. In 2008, the ASPCA managed nearly 8,000 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.

Plants
Common houseplants were the subject of nearly 8,000 calls to the Animal Poison Control Center in 2008. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.

Chemical Hazards
In 2008, the Animal Poison Control Center handled approximately 5,500 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards—found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals—form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.

Household Cleaners
Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Last year, the ASPCA received more than 3,200 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

Heavy Metals
It’s not too much loud music that constitutes our next pet poison offender. Instead, it’s heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, which accounted for more than 3,000 cases of pet poisonings in 2008. Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.

Fertilizer
It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded more than 2,000 calls related to fertilizer exposure. Prevention is really key to avoiding accidental exposure, but if you suspect your pet has ingested something lawn-side, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

I’ve gotten quite a response to this month’s poll question about giving your dog Thanksgiving fixin’s. When asked what you give your dog for Thanksgiving dinner, 52% of you said just a little bit of turkey in his regular chow. Surprisingly, 29% said they give their dog turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and whatever else they want. So regarding that, I thought I should post this little tidbit from the ASPCA about Thanksgiving dinner and your pets. Thanks to the ASPCA newsletter for this article, just in time for the holidays.
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Friends, family and feasts—the main ingredients for holiday fun can actually result in distress for pets. Not only can too many table scraps set furry tummies a-rumble, but many animals get anxious at the change in household routine. Says the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, Animal Health Services, which includes the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, “As you begin to prepare for a festive season, remember to be wary of activities that can be potentially dangerous to pets.”

The following safety tips will help to ensure a safe and fulfilling Thanksgiving for you and your pets:

Talkin’ Turkey: Giving your pets a little nibble of turkey is okay, just be sure that it’s boneless and fully cooked. Raw or undercooked turkey may contain salmonella bacteria, and dogs can choke on bones, which splinter easily.

A Feast Fit for a Kong: While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Stuff their usual dinner—with a few added bits of turkey, dribbles of gravy or vegetables like sweet potato and green beans—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied trying to get their meal out, and way too busy to come begging for table scraps.


Sage Advice: This peppery herb makes stuffing taste delish, but sage also contains essential oils and resins that can cause pets to suffer stomach upset and possible depression of the central nervous system.

Battery Power: The holiday season means lots of cameras, radios and other battery-operated electronics. Please don’t leave batteries lying around. If swallowed, they can cause choking or obstruction; if punctured, the chemicals in alkaline batteries can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.

To learn more, read our complete list of holiday safety tips and special Thanksgiving safety advice straight from our experts.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful substance, on Thanksgiving or at any time, please call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Have a safe Thanksgiving with your pets everyone!

Jaime, Theodore, Sasha, Benson and Gibson

Thanks to an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) press release for this information:

There’s nothing better than gathering with friends and family for the holidays; eating, drinking, and putting up festive decorations. While enjoying this time of year, the ASPCA wants pet parents to be aware of potential hazards that certain goodies and decor can pose to our furry friends.

“Many of our winter habits and holiday traditions could pose a potential threat to our companion animals,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of the ASPCA’s Animal Health Services, which includes the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Ill. “As you begin to prepare for a pfestive season, remember to be wary of activities that can be potentially dangerous to pets.”

To keep pets happy and healthy during the holiday season, the ASPCA offers pet owners the following helpful hints:

-Avoid a sour stomach. ‘Tis the season for overeating, but remember to keep your pets on a normal diet. Any change of diet, even for one meal, can give your dog or cat severe indigestion and diarrhea. “Please don’t give pets holiday leftovers, and do keep them out of the garbage.” advises Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in NYC. Poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages, while greasy, spicy and fatty foods can cause stomach upset.

-Use caution with cocktails. If your plans include adult holiday beverages, be sure to place unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot reach them. If ingested, the animal could become very sick and weak and may go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

- Skip the sweets. Several popular holiday treats are toxic to pets. Candies containing the sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination, seizures and even liver failure in certain cases. “Chocolate, especially baker’s and dark chocolate, can also be potentially poisonous to animals, especially dogs,” advises Dr. Hansen. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and increased thirst and urination, as well as abnormal heart rate/rhythm and even seizures. Cats also love to play with candy wrappers, but ingesting aluminum foil or cellophanes can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.

- Floral arrangements should be given forethought. Be careful with holiday floral arrangements and Christmas tree decorations. Lilies are commonly used this time of year and all varieties, including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Casa Blanca can cause kidney failure in cats. In addition, common Yuletide plants such as mistletoe and holly berries can be potentially toxic to pets. Should a cat or dog eat mistletoe, they could possibly sugger gastrointestinal upset and in rare cases, cardiovascular problems. Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if ingested.

- Cover the Christmas tree water. Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers which, if ingested, could cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria, and if ingested a pet could end up with abdominal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea.

-Decorations can be dangerous. Consider decorating your tree with ornaments that are relatively less enticing to pets, such as dried non-toxic flowers, wood, fabric or pinecones. Traditional decorations such as ribbons or tinsel, if ingested, can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction. This is a very common problem, particularly with cats. Also take care to prevent your pets from having access to glass ornaments, wires and cords from holiday decorations. If chewed, such ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth from shards of glass or plastic, while a wire can deliver a potentially lethal electric shock.

- Careful with candles. Ensure any candle decorations are kept well out of your pets’ reach. Animals can easily knock over holiday candles and start a fire, and curious kittens are particularly at risk of getting burned by candle flames.

My dogs have a new favorite treat: they’re called Omega Treats from Pet Botanics. Chewy little squares filled with chicken goodness, they’re actually a healthy treat and my dogs LOVE the taste of them. The low calorie treat comes in Chicken flavor layered with Cod Fish and Sweet Potatoes. In fact the first four ingredients are Chicken Liver, Sweet Potato, Cod, and Chicken! How can you get any healthier than that?

These treats are in the shape of a 1 inch rectangle and they are perfect for training and everyday treats. These treats contain Omega 3 & 6, fatty acids and antioxidants that help add shine to your dog’s coat. The Chicken, Cod and Sweet Potatos provide a balance of protein, vitamins, minerals, and potassium for added protein. The treats also come in other delicious doggy flavors: Salmon, Duck and Tuna.

From MSNBC, regarding Menu Foods…

“A federal judge (last) Tuesday approved a $24 million settlement for owners of dogs and cats who were sickened or died after eating pet food contaminated with an industrial chemical.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman clears the way for U.S. pet owners with claims to start receiving checks next year. A Canadian judge has scheduled a hearing for Nov. 3 to determine whether the settlement can also apply in that nation.

Under the deal, pet owners have until Nov. 24 to file claims.

The settlement is to compensate owners for many expenses, including: the cost of the food, medical and burial expenses for their animals, the value of the animals or the cost of replacement pets, checkups for animals who ate the food but did not get sick, replacing carpets ruined by sick pets, and time the owners took off work to seek treatment for their animals.

Sherrie R. Savett, a lead lawyer for plaintiffs in the case, has said she believes that more than 1,500 animals in the U.S. died after eating the food last year.

10,000-plus file claims
Lawyers said that so far, more than 10,000 people have filed claims. Of the claims analyzed so far, the average is nearly $1,500. But the lawyers say that average could drop when an administrator reviews the expenses to make sure they are reasonable.

If money is left over after all pet owners have been paid, it would go to animal-welfare charities. If the fund does not cover all the claims, pet owners would receive something less than 100 percent of their economic losses.

A few dozen pet owners formally objected to the settlement — some of them because they believe it should also compensate them for pain and suffering due to the loss of their pets. Some wrote letters to the judge describing their animals, who died after eating contaminated food, as best friends who should not be regarded as mere possessions.

But lawyers in the case say the law is not on the side of their deeply felt sentiments, and a hearing on the settlement Tuesday focused on more routine legal matters.

The case began in March 2007, when dogs and cats began mysteriously getting sick. It turned out that the common thread was pet food produced under nearly 200 labels — much of it by Streetsville, Ontario-based Menu Foods Income Fund.

Food tainted with melamine
Most of the food turned out to contain Chinese-made wheat gluten laced with melamine, an industrial chemical. Since then, the nitrogen-rich chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers have been found in a variety of food products in China. Authorities there have issued guidelines limiting acceptable levels of the chemical in food.

Hundreds of pet owners sued over the contamination. Just over a year after the pets began getting sick, lawyers for pet food manufacturers, stores that sold it, and pet owners had worked out the settlement, which would be in addition to about $8 million already paid by the companies to pet owners.

At Tuesday’s hearing, the judge also considered the issue of payment for the lawyers in the case. Fifty-five firms did work for plaintiffs. Savett told the judge that the lead firms alone had put in work worth more than $5 million.”

Read the full article