Posts Tagged ‘author’
Some Foods Are Bad For Dogs
Posted by: artlovers008 on: January 29, 2011
By Bonnie Dye
Do you feel guilty eating a snack in front of your dog? If so, you’re not alone. After all, we wouldn’t do that to one of our kids, and our beloved pet is just as much a part of the family. Nevertheless, there are some foods you need to make sure your dog does not eat.
When you think about the wide range of things your pets might nibble on – from dirty socks to kitty litter – it’s easy to believe there’s very little that will make them sick. However, your seemingly indestructible pet can be experiencing many internal issues that don’t show up on the outside for quite a while. Some issues only become noticeable when the problem has become extremely serious.
Here are some foods that will make them sick and can cause permanent harm, so avoid these at all cost.
First – CHOCOLATE
This is one of the worst foods for your dog because their systems are unable to digest it. Those yummy brownies or a bit of your pick-me-up candy bar will make them sick and can cause major health issues.
If you absolutely can’t resist giving your dog a chocolate treat, white chocolate is the least harmful, while dark baking chocolate is the most dangerous.
Second – GRAPES and RAISINS
Once while dieting, I convinced myself that grapes and raisins are candy, so I still eat a lot of them. As a human they’re very good for you, and although they may seem like something that would be harmless to your dog, they’re not.
Consuming grapes or raisins can cause your beloved pet several issues, including kidney failure. At the very least, this seemingly harmless food could result in an emergency trip to the vet to have your dog’s stomach pumped.
Third – ONIONS
In most cases dogs don’t really like onions, but if they get hold of one (even in another food) make sure you call your vet right away. This root vegetable will cause your dog to have major digestive issues.
Although these are the most dangerous things for your dog to eat, these are by no means the only items to avoid.
Here are a few other items that should be kept away from your pet:
*Avocado (including the fruit, skin, seed, leaves and stem)
*Macadamia nuts
*Garlic
*Leaves and stems of potatoes, tomatoes and rhubarb
These foods are toxic to your dog’s gastrointestinal system and will
cause severe digestive problems and potentially kidney failure.
These items can cause your pet to have labored breathing:
*Caffeine
*Eggplant
*Moldy foods (why do they eat those things??)
*Tobacco products
In general, be aware of what your dog is eating at all times. Just as you would for a child, the best way to keep them safe and healthy is to make sure they don’t have access to foods, garbage, chemicals or any objects that could be harmful to their digestion.
It’s ok to give your dog a treat once in a while as long as you know what ingredients are used. Look for all natural products to give your pet the best, and at the same time avoid any health issues.
About the Author: About the Author: Bonnie Dye has raised, trained and cared for dogs and cats for over 30 years. She is the co-author of “What Your Pets Want You to Know”. To get your free report, “Secrets to Happy and Obedient Pets” go to Free Pet Care Tips
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=447975&ca=Pets
Flu in Dogs and Cats – Is it Possible?
Posted by: artlovers008 on: January 29, 2011
By Vicki Apple
Do dogs and cats get colds or flu, as humans do? The answer is yes, but they won’t catch if from you and you won’t catch it from them.
Your pet may be sneezing, coughing or have a runny nose – a dog or cat will have symptoms that seem just like a human cold. They may even suffer from labored breathing or a fever. It’s important to understand that although your pet’s symptoms are the same, the virus causing their illness is not.
In other words, your dog or cat doesn’t have the same variety of cold or flu as you do. Viruses are specific to their host species and require a dramatic mutation in order to “jump species”. It’s very unlikely that your pet will catch a cold from you, and you would not be likely to catch anything from them.
Dogs – According to the California Health and Human Services agency, Canine Flu (Influenza) is relatively new. The first case of Canine Flu was confirmed in 2003 in Florida, primarily affecting the Greyhound racing industry. By 2005, cases were being reported in California and many other states.
Up to 50% of dogs who contract Canine Flu will naturally produce antibodies that clear up the infection without ever showing signs of being sick.
The other 50% however, will end up having flu symptoms. The virus has an incubation period from 2 to 5 days and the actual infection stays in their system for up to 4 weeks.
Signs of Canine Flu are similar to a common illness in dogs known as “Kennel Cough” (Bordetella) and include:
* A thick nasal discharge
* Fever
* Coughing
* Labored breathing
* General state of listlessness.
Note that Bordetella vaccines do not protect your pet from Canine Flu. Since it is a relatively new disease, a vaccine for Canine Flu is still under development.
Cats – There’s a wide variety of organisms that can cause colds in cats. Many of the same symptoms appear in cats as in dogs, but there are a few differences.
* Dogs will tend to cough
* Cats will tend to sneeze.
* Both will have nasal discharge (however cats will likely have some discharge from their eyes as well).
Whether a dog or cat, it’s important to take your pet to your veterinarian if they have signs of cold or flu. The Vet will run tests to determine the actual cause of the symptoms and can prescribe medications to aid in your pet’s recovery.
Here’s a few things you can do to keep your pets comfortable while they recover:
Warm their food.
Your pet may experience some loss of smell while they’re sick. Warm food has a stronger smell and will help increase their appetite.
Keep their environment sanitary.
This will help avoid further infection and/or other diseases from developing.
Keep them warm and quiet.
Don’t encourage rough play or activity that will strain your pets’ ability to breath. Like us, they need rest to allow their system to recover.
With a couple of weeks of rest, your pet should make a full recovery.
About the Author: Vicki Apple has raised, trained and cared for dogs and cats for over 30 years. She is the co-author of “What Your Pets Want You to Know”. To get your free report, “Secrets to Happy and Obedient Pets” go to Free Pet Care Tips
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=449621&ca=Pets
Dreams About Dogs And What They Mean
Posted by: artlovers008 on: January 29, 2011
By Sarah McDermott
From early human art to old superstitions that have been passed on from generation to generation, dogs and their relative have invaded our conscious and subconscious minds for centuries. Dogs have helped us express our fears, our hopes, and questions about our universe. Archaeological findings in China and England, among other places, has shown us that the relationship between man and wolf actually dates back almost 400,000 to 500,000 years. It is speculated that the relationship was based on the need for shelter and protection.
Dogs and their meaning invade not only our consciousness and culture but also our subconscious minds. Here are some interpretations based on both scientific findings and folklore on the meanings of dreams that incorporate dogs:
1. You dream of a vicious dog: You are facing unalterable misfortune.
2. You dream you own a dog with find qualities: You will soon possess wealth.
3. You dream a Bloodhound is tracking you: You will succumb to a temptation.
4. You dream a dog bites you: You will have a quarrel with a business or love relationship.
5. You dream a of a lean, filthy dog: You have a bad conscience.
6. You dream of barking dogs: Difficulties will follow.
7. You dream of growling dogs: You are at the mercy of manipulative people.
8. You dream of lonely baying of a dog: You will be separated from a friend.
9. You dream of puppies: You will be happy in a relationship.
10. You dream of a dog show: You are about to enjoy good fortune.
11. You dream of a fancy pet dog: You will marry a fool.
12. You dream that dogs and cats are fighting but then they stop and are able to get along: A disaster in your love live isn’t far off.
13. You dream of a friendly white dog: If you are a man, you will soon face a victory. If you are a woman, you will marry early.
14. You dream you are swimming with dogs: You should expect good fortune.
15. You dream a dog kills a cat: A happy surprise is near.
16. You dream a hounds are following you: You will have many admirers but no luck finding love.
17. You dream you got bitten by a poodle: You are about to do something foolish.
18. You dream of a black or red dog: You are dreaming about a faithful friend.
19. You dream of being led by a dog: You are aware of your inner strength.
20. You dream of a multi-headed dog: You are taking on more responsibility than you can handle.
21. You dream that you are traveling and a dog is following you: You are in the company of loyal friends.
These are just a few translations of meaning of dreams found in the book “Planet Dog”. Each and every day, people get new pets and lose long time loved pets. The dog and his companionship has meant a lot to many people throughout the centuries and therefore the dog has rightfully earned the name “Man’s best friend”.
About the Author: This author lives in Flemington, NJ with her husband and 5 month old daughter and is an expert contributing author for a luxury raised dog feeders boutique offering variety of dog beds and orthopedic dog beds.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=239021&ca=Pets
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