There are many foods we can share with our pets but there are some that can cause death. Be careful and know what is safe to feed and what is not! Chewing gum, peanut butter or baked goods containing xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol processed from plants and HIGHLY toxic to dogs, 1 piece of chewing gum can kill an 85 pound dog. Ibuprofen and Tylenol (Acetaminophen). This causes kidney and liver failure, respectively. Keep medicines put away and out of reach of your pets. Just 1 pill is dangerous–seek medical attention right away. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, coffee and caffeine. Chocolate contains theobromine and
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Study shows we do mirror our pets!
In my book Animality, How Pets and People Connect, I describe how we mirror our pets. We do this emotionally, physically, mentally, and even in our medical illnesses. As I interact with my clients I deliver diagnoses and often times my clients tell me “Oh, I have that too.” Its not a coincidence. A recent study published by the Journal of Research in Personality shows dog personality traits share similar characteristics to that of human personality. Researchers at Michigan State University and lead author, William Chopik, PhD, MS, surveyed more than 1600 dog owners. The survey looked into 3 major
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IS GRAIN-FREE FOOD OKAY FOR MY DOG? YES!
Recently the FDA launched its investigation into whether there is a link between some grain-free foods and DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) in dogs- I have been bombarded by concerned clients worrying about what to feed their dogs. I have recommendations! I have been a recommending grain-free diets for over 15 years to approximately 2000 dog owners and have only seen 2 dogs in the last 15 years diagnosed with DCM. Both of these dogs were of breeds in which DCM had a genetic link and both dogs had parents who had DCM. Keep in mind the FDA noted this investigation
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Puppy Crate Training Harder Than Expected?
Is the honeymoon period is over? If this is your reality you figured out that crate training a young puppy is a lot of hard work! I tell my clients to not get discouraged but to set the puppy up for success. First, and most important, use a crate. Crate training is the best way to contain your puppy safely. Crates are not bad-they contain your puppy so he or she doesn’t get into trouble-much like a baby’s car seat. The crate becomes a place of security for the puppy. When introduced correctly, it becomes the puppy’s safe spot and
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Lasers and Pets!
The latest and greatest pain relief for pets are LASERS! Class IV Therapy Lasers reduce pain and inflammation caused by a variety of issues. Lasers are used to treat arthritis, hot spots, anal gland problems, lick granulomas, non-healing wounds, strains, sprains, aid in fracture healing, bladder inflammation, ear infections, and back and neck problems. Theses are just a few of the conditions in which lasers can help. They are safe, painless and fast. A single treatment takes between 5-10 minutes and can instantly relieve pain and inflammation. Even better is that your pet requires very little “restraint” to have a single
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Your Pet and Preventatives
Why is heartworm prevention so important? Heartworm disease in dogs, cats and ferrets is very serious business. It is so much easier (and cheaper) to prevent heartworm disease than it is to treat it AND heartworm disease can cause heart failure, chronic asthma and sometimes death. Heartworm is an actual worm that grows in the heart of your pet. It is transmitted by mosquitos. So if your pet is bit by a mosquito it could get heartworm disease. Once your pet is bit by a mosquito that is carrying heartworm disease, it will take 6 months to develop in your
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