Rescue Remedy For Dogs

Dogs Have Emotions too.

Recent research shows that upwards of 10.7 million pets in the United States suffer from separation anxiety, resulting in inappropriate, unwanted behaviors. While the trend toward the use of pharmaceutical drugs to deal with animals’ separation anxiety and other complex stress-related emotions is on the rise, many pet owners are turning to all-natural alternative solutions, including Rescue Remedy Pet. This new variation of the original stress relieving remedy available for more than 70 years contains a blend of the same five flower remedies found in Rescue Remedy in an alcohol free formula, ideal for sensitive pets.

Rescue® Remedy can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation, or when your dog needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems.

Appropriate usage times include:
• Visits to the vet
• Fear of loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms, etc)
• Excessive barking or hissing
• Shock, trauma or mistreatment
• Adapting to loss of companion
• Separation anxiety
• Adapting to new surroundings (home, kennel, stable, etc.)
• Obsessive cleanliness
• Constant licking or nibbling of self
• And much more

Rescue Remedy Pet Dosage:
4 drops, given several times a day.
Simply place 4 drops of Rescue Remedy Pet directly into the mouth. Alternatively, add 4 drops to food, water bowl or on a treat. Rescue Remedy Pet can also be rubbed directly on the animal’s nose, ear or paw. Choose the method easiest for you that will ensure the animal receives the correct dosage.

Dogs Get Pricey Stem Cell Therapy

From LiveScience.com

Stem cell therapy is still years away for you, but for your pooch this modern medical procedure is now available.
Vet-Stem, a privately held company in San Diego, Calif., began offering fat-derived stem cell therapy this month for treatment of arthritis as well as tendon and ligament injuries in dogs.

The pricey procedure uses an animal’s own fat to obtain adult stem cells, which are then injected into the problematic area to stimulate growth of healthy cells, spurring regeneration.

“We’ve seen stem cell therapy help dogs whose pain was previously so severe that they struggled to stand, jump into cars, chase balls or run up and down stairs,” said Robert Harman, DVM, and founder of Vet-Stem.

Treatment cost ranges from $2,000 to $3,000.
So far, the company has trained more than 100 board certified small animal veterinary surgeons nationwide to offer the procedure.

How it works

About two tablespoons of fat, usually from the abdomen or shoulder blade area, are removed from an anesthetized dog for shipment to the company. Within 48 hours, the laboratory isolates stem and regenerative cells from the fat and ships them back to surgeons in ready-to-inject syringes.

Cells are not engineered or modified in any way, the company says, and in dogs with osteoarthritis, extra cells are frozen in case re-treatment is necessary.

Stem cells are known for their amazing ability to morph into any kind of tissue, but Harman says they do so much more.

“A huge part of what they do is to provide growth factors and chemicals that help the injury heal,” he said. “It does so by reducing inflammation — it actually blocks inflammatory molecules. They block scar tissue from forming and they recruit in all other kind of healing and stem cells from other places in the body, so they’re actually like a master healing cell.”

Since 2004, the company says it has successfully treated 3,000 horses with tendon, ligament and joint injuries, with many going on to compete again at their prior level of performance.

About 200 dogs have been treated by the company in the past three years. Harman said the only side effect seen in a small number of cases is inflammation at the injection site, lasting a few days.

How much chocolate can harm your dog?

Chocolate contains theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in cocoa beans that can cause vomiting, heart problems, seizures and even death for dogs.

How much Chocolate is too much? Depends of the type of chocolate and weight of the dog.

Please visit www.nationalgeographic.com for chocolate chart.

DOGS IN HOT WEATHER

ALL DOGS
During hot weather care should be taken with ALL dogs. Always have fresh water available. Always make sure they have shelter and shade to stay in. Never leave your dog in a car. Many people still think it is ok to leave their dog in a car if they leave the window down, DO NOT do this. Your dog could still quickly over heat and this could be fatal. There are still so many cases of dogs being found dead in over heated cars, here at dogs.info we want to stress don’t leave your dog in a car! Even if you have a window down it is not enough to keep a car cool. Even if you leave water in the car it is not enough to cool your dog! If you park in the shade the car will still over heat, and as the sun moves the car may no longer be in the shade on your return. Even if your only going to be a few minutes out of your car, don’t leave them, temperatures can soar very quickly. Be safe and don’t take the risk!

BRACHYCEPHALIC DOGS
All dogs with “flat faced” nose and head structure are technically called “brachycephalic”. Dogs with this structure feel the effects of warm surroundings and exertion sooner than dogs with more typical nose and head structure. Brachycephalic dogs include: Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, and Boston Terriers amongst others.

All brachycephalic dog owners MUST know and understand the following:

Hot weather can be fatal to a these dogs, they don’t even need to be moving about in it to succumb to the heat. Please make sure that any exercise is given early in the morning or late in the evening, don’t be tempted to go for a nice Sunday afternoon stroll when it is very sunny or hot. Also please don’t allow your dog to lay out in the sun for long periods, they do not know when they have had enough and it doesn’t take long for their panting to become out of control.

How to recognize when your dog is too hot:

Any exercise will make him pant but watch for when the panting becomes “heaving” this is the earliest sign that he is getting too hot. When the panting has become loud and is becoming a “roar” he has already become too hot and the outcome can be fatal.

Stages of overheating:

Your dog will begin to “heave” as he pants
Your dog will begin to “roar” - best described as sounding like severe asthma
He will begin to look tired and distressed
His tongue will be very floppy and very red in colour
His body temperature will rise (normal temp approx 38.6)
His airway will swell and his throat become full of white foam (caused through the excessive panting)
He will quickly become exhausted and will fighting for breath
He could die

How to prevent overheating:

Do not allow your dog to lay out in the day time sunshine
Do not walk your dog in hot weather
During hot weather keep your dog inside during the hottest part of the day

How to deal with overheating:

Lower his body temperature: Always ensure that you have ice to hand during the summer months. Pour cold water over your dog, especially around his head, rub ice around his head and under his tail (around his rectum). If possible stand him in a cold bath and keep going with the ice until the breathing is less laboured.
Clear the airway: Squirt some lemon juice (from one of those plastic lemon shaped bottles that you squirt on your pancakes) into the back of his throat, he will hate you for it, but the lemon juice will quickly break up the excess foam and clear the throat. Do not allow him to drink a lot of water as this can cause him to vomit.
Keep him calm: Once you have reduced his panic keep him in a quiet place and keep a close eye on him.
If this doesn’t work then you need to get to a vet as quickly as possible - put a cold damp towel under him for the journey

Brachycephalic dogs overheat quickly because of the shape of their throats, their soft palates are almost always too long and when they get very hot they cannot pant sufficiently to keep their body temperature down, their attempts to pant quickly cause the production of foam which in turn blocks the throat and causes laboured breathing and eventually they will begin to roar as they try to breath through the blockage.

Summer Check list:

Plenty of ice
Jiff Lemon Juice
If you need to go out freeze some damp towels the day before and take with you together with both of the above items and plenty of cold water.
In an emergency you can substitute use packets of frozen veggies for the ice. Find a horse trough, stream, river or pond to stand your dog in or knock on the nearest house and ask to borrow a hose pipe. Remember this can happen at any time, even if up until now he has coped perfectly OK with the heat. Prevention is much better than cure.

Note: Stress can often bring on the same symptoms and should be treated in the same way as described above.

Mineral Enhanced Water

Aqua Pure Breed is bottled mountain water for dogs that not only provides hydration but is also available in 4 different formulas to more personally meet your dog’s healthy drinking needs.

And Aqua Pure Breed promotes not only healthy drinking water for your pet but an overall healthy and active lifestyle by offering “Active Dog Guides” for major cities and they started the No Dog Left Behind program which encourages people to include their pet dogs into more areas of their lives.

Visit www.aquapurebreed.com

Green Tea for Dogs

Green Tea enhances the overall health of your dog and provides added support for dogs that are under stress, overweight,
chronically ill or undergoing medical treatment. The polyphenols in green tea enhance immunity, protect against free
radical damage, and help reduce the incidence of disease.

Green Tea:
•Enhances overall health for any dog
•Provides support for dogs that are under stress, overweight or
are recovering from surgery or illness
•Helps improve the condition of chronically or terminally ill dogs
•Protects against free radicals and helps to rejuvenate older
and aging dogs

Visit www.ilovedogs.com

Right toys for dogs

Despite the tough economic times — a recent survey shows most of us still plan to buy gifts for our pets for Christmas. But the wrong toy can be dangerous.

Toys with bells, strings, and feathers can be a choking hazard. It’s fine to buy them and play with your pet when you’re there. But when you’re done, you want to put them away.

Squeaky Toys - Stay away from toys that squeak, as well as kids’ toys, which can be torn apart and swallowed if your pet is aggressive.It’s good to think about what you want the toy for. Some toys are great to play with your pet. Other toys will calm them down. And other toys will keep them busy when you’re not around.

Tennis Balls - You have to careful which ball you choose. A lot of people don’t realize that the fiberglass covering on tennis balls will over time wear down dogs’ teeth. So a firm rubber ball is best.

Stuffed animal can be a comfort toy for some dogs — but not aggressive ones. Most dogs will rip this open in two minutes and if they eat the stuffing that’s inside then that can cause big problems. It can get stuck in their intestines

Kongs - Looking to keep your dog busy? Try a tough toy like the Kong, which you fill with treats. Then your pooch tries to get at them.

The holiday season has special dangers for pets. Avoid glass ornaments, secure your tree and when you are not home — unplug the lights. The same kinds of things that make those fun shiny holiday objects attractive to us are attractive to pets.

And if you are thinking of adding a pet to your family for Christmas experts say don’t do it. It’s noisy, it’s stressful and you won’t be able to give the pet all the attention they really need.For great toys for dogs visit www.planetdog.com

Cold Weather Dangers

If it’s too cold for you to go outside, it’s too cold for your pet! Winter’s chill affects animals, just like it affects people. Exposure to harsh conditions can cause serious illness or death to animals, particularly during periods of freezing rain and rapid temperature fluctuations.

Canada’s laws require that animals receive adequate shelter and care. Willful failure to provide adequate shelter could lead to prosecution and a fine, jail sentence or prohibition from having custody of animals.

Keep pets warm
When the temperature drops below freezing, pets should not be left outside for extended periods. Cats, short-coated dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable in cold temperatures. Keep cats indoors and protect your dogs from frostbite or hypothermia by taking them outside for short periods during cold weather. Consider slipping your short-coated dog or puppy into a comfortable dog sweater or coat as an extra layer of warmth. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. As well, when bathing your dog during winter months, ensure he is completely dry before taking him outside.

Since puppies are generally less tolerant of cold weather than adult dogs, to housetrain your puppy during frigid temperatures put a jacket or sweater on him when you take him outside on leash with you to the designated “toilet” area. Give him a treat as soon as he is done, and then bring him back inside. If he hasn’t shown any signs of needing to “go” after a couple of minutes, bring him inside and supervise to prevent accidents, or crate him (dogs are less likely to soil where they eat or sleep), and then try again a little later.

Avoid car hazards
Never leave your cat or dog alone in a car during cold weather. Cars hold in the cold, acting like refrigerators, which could cause your dog to freeze to death.

Also, be aware of cats seeking warmth under vehicle hoods. When the vehicle motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Make a point of knocking on the hood or sounding the horn before starting the engine. This will warn away any cats who may be hiding in your vehicle.

Another danger for pets this time of year is ethylene glycol, which is found in antifreeze and brake fluids and is deadly to all animals. It tastes sweet, so animals may ingest it; a very small amount can be fatal. Emergency veterinary care is essential. Always clean up any spills carefully and dispose of the rags as hazardous waste. Be alert for antifreeze spills when out on walks.

Protect outdoor dogs
Outdoor dogs must be provided adequate shelter and a constant supply of fresh water. While the Ontario SPCA strongly recommends bringing your dog indoors, dogs that live outside require as a minimum a dry, draft-free doghouse soundly built of weatherproof materials with the door facing away from prevailing winds. It should be elevated and insulated, with a door flap and bedding of straw or wood shavings.

Check your pet’s water frequently to ensure it’s not frozen and use a tip-resistant plastic or ceramic bowl, rather than metal, to prevent your dog’s tongue sticking to the cold metal surface. There are also heated and/or insulated bowls available that prevent water from freezing. To learn more read Ideal Doghouse for Ontario’s Outdoor Dogs.

Take pet precautions
Use a damp towel to wipe your pet’s paws and underside after being outside. Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice on roads and sidewalks can irritate and burn your pet’s sensitive paws - and can cause injury if ingested. Also, remove ice balls by placing your pet’s feet in warm (not hot) water before drying them off with a towel. Consider using “booties” to protect your pet’s paws.

Don’t let your dog off leash on ice or snow, especially during a snowstorm, as dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost.

Ensure your pet always has a warm place to sleep away from drafts and off the floor. A thick cozy dog or cat bed with a blanket or pillow is great.

Woof Wellness Water

Woof Wellness is a veterinarian approved premium pet water.
It is triple purified and enhanced with electrolytes, ginseng, glucosamine, and fortified with Vitamin B and Zinc, and is naturally flavored with peanut butter.

Visit www.woofwellnesswater.com

Bach Flower Essences

ABOUT
Bach Flower Essences were discovered by Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath, in the early 1900’s. While originally developed for human use, we have found that the Bach Flower remedies work beautifully on animals, too. The remedies work on an energetic level, similar to homeopathy, acupuncture or Reiki. They affect the mental and emotional planes, and are useful for problems originating on these levels. Dr. Bach felt that even physical illness has its roots on the emotional plane, and by treating at this level, a general improvement in well-being could be achieved.

PREPARING THE REMEDIES:
1. take a one-ounce medicine dropper (stock) bottle
2. fill ¾ full with distilled water
3. add a half-dozen drops of each of the remedies you wish to use
4. shake well
This formula works for anywhere from one to six remedies (Rescue Remedy counts as one remedy when creating a mixture).

DOSAGE
Just a few drops (about 4-8) at a time are sufficient.
Acute conditions: the remedy can be given as often as needed, even every few minutes.
Behavioral problems: 3-4 times a day for 2-4 weeks.
If the response to the remedy is adequate by that time, you can begin to wean off by decreasing the frequency of administration. You may need to add a dropper-full to drinking water or give once a day long-term for some problems.
Be careful not to contaminate the dropper by touching it to the animal (if this occurs, rinse the dropper in very hot water before returning it to the bottle).
You can also add a dropper-full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution).
You can add a dropper-full to a spray bottle filled with spring water, and use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas.
You can even put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it–the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb the flower essences in this way.
In the case of chewing or excessive licking or hot spots, you might want to try applying the remedy directly to the problem spot (IF it isn’t too raw, otherwise the remedy will sting); the animal will then consume it when it next licks that area.

REMEDIES FOR BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS:
Aspen: For fears of unknown origin.
Centaury: For animals that are overly submissive.
Heather: For animals that need constant attention and reassurance.
Holly: For hatred, jealousy, and ’sibling rivalry’ among animals living in the same household.
Larch: For lack of self-esteem.
Mimulus: For fears of known origin such as the fear of loud noises.
Rock Rose: For terror.
Vine: For animals that are overly dominant or dictatorial.
White Chestnut: For obsessive thoughts or behaviors.
Willow: For resentment (of other animals or of people).

NOTE: Alternative Remedies are not meant to take the place of medical treatment. In all conditions or situations requiring medical attention, you should consult or discuss this with your vet.