Archive for October, 2010

Halloween is here and you know what that means. Those trick or treat bags filled with candy will be just about everywhere and it’s so important to ensure that your dog is protected. Halloween candy can mean more than just a tummy ache for a dog. In fact, in some cases, it can lead to death.

Halloween candy can be incredibly dangerous when ingested by a dog, even if it’s just a little amount. Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but did you know that there’s something else that could cause your pet harm if eaten? Many Halloween candies contain an ingredient called xylitol, which can be incredibly toxic to pets as well. Plus, there’s a danger even in the packaging!

Chocolate is toxic to dogs.
A little bit of chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets, but if your dog has ingested more than that (or baking chocolate), it could be a toxic dose. Chocolate can cause a variety of health issues in dogs, including tremors, increased heart rate, seizures, or even death. If you suspect that your dog has gotten into Halloween chocolate, consult your veterinarian immediately. Always keep chocolate out of your dog’s reach.

So is xylitol.
Found in candies, gums, mints, baked goods, and chocolate as a sugar-free sweetener, xylitol is a substance which can cause rapid hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs, as well as other pets. Keep the Halloween candy away for your pet if it contains xylitol or other sugar-free sweeteners. You just never know what could happen.

Be wary of lollipops too.
Other candies that come on plastic sticks or with plastic packaging can also pose a threat to your dog. If eaten, plastic sticks or packaging can cause intestinal obstruction, intestinal rupture, or another life-threatening emergency. If you suspect that your dog has ingested plastic packaging, give your vet a call immediately.

Keep your dog away from the candy and have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Besides being Adopt a Pet Month, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of cancer survivors and dog lovers everywhere, we’re sharing our Pink Ribbon Dog Biscuit Recipe. Enjoy!

For the treats:
1/2 cup margarine
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup cornmeal
3/4 cup hot chicken broth
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup skim milk powder

In a large bowl, pour hot broth over the margarine. Stir in the powdered milk and egg. Add flour and corn meal and mix well. Then, knead the dough for 3 to 4 minutes, adding more flour as necessary to make a stiff dough. Once the dough is made, roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness and use a ribbon cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes. Or, cut the dough into strips and fold to look like support ribbons. Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Once the biscuits cool, leave them out overnight to finish hardening. Then, use the icing recipe below to decorate them.

For the icing:
3 cups white carob chips (found in most health food stores)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Pink food coloring

Melt the chips in the microwave and add the vegetable oil and food color. Mix well. Dip the biscuits in the melted chips and let harden or using a pastry bag to pipe designs on each biscuit – it’s up to you!

October is Adopt a Pet Month and K9HealthSolutions.com wants to keep you informed of what you can do to help out this wonderful cause.

Maybe you’re looking to adopt a pet this month, but you have a few questions. Not to worry. Let us tackle some of the most common FAQs surrounding pet adoption:

I’ve never adopted and don’t know what I want. Help!
Don’t worry – when you go to adopt a new pet, many shelters and rescues provide free adoption counseling to help match you up with the perfect pet. They’ll find out about your home, your lifestyle, and your preferences before helping you choose a new companion.

I’m looking for a specific breed. How will I know if a shelter has what I’m looking for?
Try looking for a breed-specific rescue in your area. Many times you’ll be able to find one that specifically caters to your preferred breed. If you can’t find one, check any local shelter’s website, call, or check out an adoption network like PetFinder.com.

Are shelter pets bad?
Absolutely not! Don’t be fooled into thinking that shelter animals have something wrong with them because they’ve been put up for adoption. In many cases, shelter pets are animals who made wonderful companions but because of some circumstances, can no longer stay with their owners.

Why were they given up in the first place?
It really depends. Shelter pets come from a variety of backgrounds. Some had irresponsible owners. Others had their owners pass away. Some may have been given up because their families were moving and couldn’t take the pet with them. The best way to find out about a shelter pet is to ask the shelter staff. They try to keep detailed histories on pets that come into their care so that they know how to best find the pet a home.

Why can’t I just buy from a pet store or breeder?
Many backyard dog breeders and pet stores who supply the majority of purebred dogs are usually selling inbred pets without considering the genetic impact. Inbred dogs are more likely to develop many health problems, which can mean higher vet bills and a generally difficult lifestyle for your pet. In shelters, you’re more likely to find mixed breed pets, which have less inbreeding. Less inbreeding means less inherited genetic disease.

In addition, it’s also important to note that when you adopt from a shelter, you’re also helping to save lives. Approximately 4 million dogs and cats are put to sleep each year because of overpopulation in shelters. By taking one home, you’re reducing that number and saving the life of a pet who deserves a good home.

Finally, adopting a pet from a shelter is usually much more affordable. Some shelters offer free adoptions or adoptions for a small donation. Plus, most shelters ensure that your pet is in good health with proper vaccinations, records, and spaying or neutering.

What other questions do you have about pet adoption?

Did you know that:
-Millions of dogs and cats are put down each year because of overpopulation in shelters?
-There are hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats in need of a good home?
-Adopting a dog or cat from a humane society, animal shelter, an SPCA, or rescue can help save lives?

It’s true. There are more than 100,000 pets in need of a good home right now. During the month of October, it’s more important than ever to show your support for the animal adoption cause by bringing a pet into your home.

So why should you adopt a pet this month?
Well for starters, pets are a natural life enhancer! Research shows that having a pet makes people happier and in some cases, healthier. Pets also add a special joy to your life that can’t be found anywhere else. They’re lovable, loyal, and fun companions that can become a part of the family instantly. They’re also beautiful animals that deserve love, attention, and proper care.

Where can I learn more about adopting a pet?
The best place to start is your local humane society, SPCA, or pet rescue. Even if these groups don’t have the pet or information you’re looking for, they can point you in the right direction. Plus, there are tons of sites out there dedicated to helping families find the perfect fit. Just go to a search engine and look for “pet adoptions”. We promise you’ll find an array of great resources.

I can’t adopt. How can I still do my part?
Even if you can’t adopt another pet, consider volunteering your time or making a donation to a local shelter in your community. It makes so much of a difference! Look for online organizations dedicated to helping shelters or contact your local humane society, SPCA, or rescue for more information. They can always use an extra hand…or two…or three…or ten!

Remember, dogs and cats are in desperate need of a home. Do your part during Adopt a Pet Month!

Did you know that K9HealthSolutions.com is on Facebook? Well, now you do! Our Facebook page is full of great tips, dog facts, information about our products and so much more. If you’re a dog lover who wants to connect with people who love pooches just as much as you do, well, then our Facebook page is the place to do it!

Connect with other dog owners, get your questions answered, or even chime in on our wall. We post photos, quotes, information about events, sales, and tons of other goodies for dog lovers just like you.

Give us two paws up and “like” our Facebook page! Thanks and woofy woo (a big thanks to four-legged friends too)!