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Amelia’s Story

October 31st, 2009

Amelia was a tiny 5 month old, 3.4 pound tri-Color Chihuahua. She found her way to Atlanta Pet Rescue from a local vet, where she was surrendered because her owners could not afford to have her broken leg mended.  They signed a waiver to have her euthanized if rescue could not be found.

Our guess is that someone accidentally stepped on little Amelia, breaking both bones in her left front leg, very close to her “ankle”. This was a serious fracture, and we were not sure if her leg could be saved, as she came to us on a Saturday. We got her in to Paces Ferry Animal Hospital as soon as we could for further diagnosis and a prognosis for recovery for Miss Amelia.

Dr. Whittle at Paces Ferry Veterinary Clinic, said Amelia needed surgery to have pins put in her broken bones to stabilize them and allow them to heal in the correct alignment. The location of her fractures was very near her ankle joint, and getting those bones to heal would be very, very difficult. The splints placed on her leg previously did not stabilize and immobilize the fracture sufficiently to allow the bones to heal, so surgery was essential if her leg was to be saved.

Thankfully, Dr. Whittle was able to re-position Amelia’s broken bones and obtain a good positioning of the bones without surgery. This was very good for little Amelia, because there is research that indicates that surgical repair in tiny tykes like Amelia can cause sufficient disruption in blood flow to delay or prevent the bones from healing.

Because the fracture was in a precarious location, good healing was very, very important. We were so pleased that Dr. Whittle was able to avoid surgery on Amelia’s leg.

About three weeks later, Amelia had her leg checked and new X-rays taken. Everything was showing to be healing beautifully. She would need the splints for six more weeks.

Six weeks later, the splints were removed, and Amelia was adopted shortly thereafter! Yay for Miss Amelia!

This rescue story was provided by Betsey Blimline, Director of Marketing and Development for Atlanta Pet Rescue, 404-643-2332, www.atlantapetrescue.org, fundraiser@atlantapetrescue.org.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Tags: atlanta pet rescue, dog rescue, pet rescue, rescue story
Posted in K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Ask the Expert – Cat with Blood in Urine

October 30th, 2009

Name: Amira
Pets species and breed: Tabby cat
Pets age and weight: about 6 yrs, 6 lbs
Pets health status: Good
Are they spayed or neutered? Yes
Brand of food: Orijen chicken/Purina selects fish canned
Animal owned for: 6 years

Question:

I have 3 cats, but Snookie is the only one who gets Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).  He had a lot of blood in his urine. He went to the litter box back to back with difficulty going & then it was just a drop. The urine was tested, and the vet gave him Clavamox. I need help determining if there are ingredients in his food that might trigger UTIs. Thank you for your help.

Amira

Answer:

Dear Amira,

Please read my article. This will hopefully shed some light on the most common feline urinary tract problems and their recommended treatments.

The most common reason for cats to have bloody urine and urination urgency is bladder inflammation…not infection. Often vets put these cats on antibiotics, but bladder infection accounts for only about 2-3% of these type of signs.

However, if Snookie does indeed have a UTI, I would recommend an ultrasound to determine if he has bladder stones–which is a common cause of recurrent bladder infections.

One of the most important things to do for cats with urinary problems is to feed ALL CANNED FOOD diets, increase the frequency of feeding (3 to 4 meals each day) and feed a pH neutral diet. Again, please read my complete article referenced above for more recommendations.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Donna Spector

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Tags: bladder infection, bladder inflammation, blood in urine, urinary infection, urinary problems, urinary tract infection
Posted in K9 Expert Question, K9 Health | No Comments »

 

Evaluating Your Dog’s Health – Weight

October 29th, 2009

I think we all know that over weight or under weight is a sign of a problem, don’t ignore it. We all know that carrying extra weight isn’t healthy for humans, and the same goes for dogs. Obesity is the most common canine nutritional disease in this country, occurring in up to 25 percent of the population. Chubby dogs are more likely to develop serious diseases like diabetes, joint problems, infections, skin disease, and even certain cancers.

Of course, the best thing for your dog is not to let him get fat in the first place. Good habits start young, so if you have a puppy, don’t overfeed him, and don’t leave food out all day for your dog to nibble, cut out snacks, and make sure he gets exercise.

• No more free feeding! Food is for mealtime only.
• Exercise your dog daily.
• Be careful about the type of exercise you give your puppy. Make sure it is age appropriate.

A veterinary checkup will ensure your dog doesn’t have any health problems that would preclude regular exercise and a change in food and current exercise. Your vet will also advise you on the safest rate of weight loss; losing too much weight too fast can be dangerous. Monitor your dog’s progress with weekly weigh-ins, either at the veterinarian’s office or at home.

HINT: To determine whether your dog is already too heavy, stand over him and check for a waist — a visible indentation behind his ribs. Then give him a hands-on test. Can you feel his ribs? They shouldn’t be sticking out, but you should be able to find them through a layer of skin and muscle. If all you feel is rolls of fat, it’s time to work with your veterinarian and develop a diet and exercise plan.

Offer the best quality all natural food at mealtimes. Offer pieces of fruit (apples or bananas) or vegetables (carrots or broccoli) for treats. Dogs love them. The right food is more important than anything else, make smart choices.

This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Tags: canine nutritional disease, chubby dogs, diabetes, dog health, dog obesity, fat dog, obesity, overweight, overweight dog, regular exercise
Posted in K9 Care, K9 Health, K9 Nutrition | 2 Comments »

 

Interview with Jessica Stout – Animal Advocate

October 26th, 2009

K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into pet advocacy?

Jessica: I knew from the time that I was a young child and was performing routine physical “exams” on our family cats that I would be in the animal field. I had always planned on being a veterinarian, however, and even started volunteering my weekends at a veterinary hospital while in high school. Once out of high school, though, I got my first job in advocacy, working at a Humane Society, and I was hooked.

K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the your organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?

Jessica: I was never afraid to take a step-up into a position that seemed beyond my abilities and area of expertise. If you have the fundamental context of the job down, you can learn anything new within it. I always say: as much as you advocate for the animals, advocate for yourself.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Jessica: My approach to advocacy. I firmly believe that animal-rights groups, and even rescue groups, can be somewhat militant in their beliefs and approach. I find that this tends to turn-off members of the public who may have otherwise been willing to step-in and volunteer. So what if a volunteer isn’t a vegetarian or a vegan? They are there to save a life; let’s not make them feel badly for not believing everything in which we believe. Ironically, this gives us less volunteers which in turn actually causes us to save *less* lives.

K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?

Jessica: Dogs do not have complex, over thought, emotions. They pretty much either love and/or fear. There are obviously other traits that we can see in them, but it is all very basic. How many humans, children aside, have that kind of emotional simplicity? I think there is a lot to be learned there!

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?

Jessica: That moment when I have educated someone to an issue and you see that “light bulb” go off in their head that shows that they really get what you are saying. It’s an amazing feeling to share that knowledge with someone else!

K9 Cuisine: Where do you see pet advocacy going?

Jessica: Pets are quickly taking on a whole new role in society. Whereas when I was younger and dogs were provided with basic needs: food, shelter, and water, dogs today are treated like actual family-members. Especially as young couples are opting to hold-off on having children to focus on their careers; their dogs really do become their “children”. As the emotional ties to dogs grow strong in society, it’s fair to say that our desire to protect our furry family-members will only get stronger.

K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?

Jessica: I am currently working on a business metric, The Stout Change-Profit Formula, which is aimed at changing the strategies behind animal advocacy to offer less antiquated techniques. Through my 12 years in the industry, I have seen many people not get involved out of frustration over extreme strategies and view-points. It will be rethinking traditional advocacy strategies that may have worked well in the past when people were less aware of animal issues, but are now dated in a society where people are talking about these issues more, and wanting to get involved on a grassroots level. My plan is to unveil a strategy that allows for the most efficient means of advocacy, and to include a broader range of people. In this way, we have more people involved, and more lives are saved. I am currently working with a data-collection firm for further insight into this issue, and plan to launch it by June of 2010.

K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and the your organization?

Jessica: You can visit my website, www.animaladvocating.com, or email me directly at, animaladvocating@gmail.com.

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Jessica: I am the founder of www.animaladvocating.com. I have been in the animal care profession for over 12 years, with an emphasis on animal rescue and advocacy. I began my career at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, before becoming a veterinary technician and staying in emergency medicine for 5 years with several organizations, including the San Francisco SPCA. After several years as Animal Care Manager for Solano County Animal Control, I went on to manage a veterinary hospital, before becoming General Manager for Wag Hotels, a start-up chain of luxury pet hotels.

I have always been an avid rescuer/foster-Mom; mostly focusing on Chihuahuas, rabbits, and Pit Bulls.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Tags: pet advocacy, pet rescue
Posted in K9 News, K9 Stories | 1 Comment »

 

Ask the Expert – Soft Stool

October 22nd, 2009

Name: Lynda
Pets species and breed: Toy Poodle
Pets age and weight: 10 lbs., 10 yrs. old.
Pets health status: Excellent
Are they spayed or neutered? Yes
Brand of food: Wenaewe
Animal owned for: Since her birth

Question:

Her stool is mushy. It has been going on for most of the last year and a half.  I took her to a high tech animal hospital in Downers Grove, IL where they ran all kinds of tests on her. They said she was in great shape and that I should add a teaspoon of Benefiber to the wet food in the mornings and to the dry food I give her in the evening. At that time, she had been on prescription vet food - salmon and potato – and when I learned they had no solution other than Benefiber, I tried Wenaewe, which she has been on for over a year.

The Benefiber does not work, and I don’t know what else to try.  Thank you!

Answer:

Dear Lynda,

Many dogs are plagued with soft stool problems, and the solution can be easy–such as adding fiber to the diet–or more complicated, depending on the problem.

I am unsure what tests your vets have run but “fiber-responsive diarrhea” is a common condition in dogs. Many dogs require more fiber in their diet to maintain digestive health as they age. Fiber can improve the stool consistency and it helps produce fatty acids that nourish the colon and discourage the overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria.

There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Neither type of fiber is digested by the body and therefore can have beneficial effects on colon health. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber does not–it passes through the intestine largely intact. Benefiber is classified as a strictly soluble fiber. Dogs with “fiber-responsive diarrhea” often require a healthy mix of both fiber types or just insoluble fiber in order to have improvement in their stool. Good natural sources of insoluble fiber include wheat bran, whole grains and certain vegetables (root vegetables and skins). This form of fiber may be “just what the doctor ordered”.

Also consider selecting a food that has both prebiotics and probiotics that help promote excellent intestinal health. Read my article here to learn more about the addition of these to your dogs diet here.

If your dog still has no response, speak to your veterinarian about Inflammatory Bowel Disease, as this is another common problem that often causes diarrhea. You can read more about it here.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Donna Spector

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Tags: ask the expert, diarrhea, fiber, fiber responsive diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, prebiotics, probiotics, soft stool, stool problems
Posted in K9 Care, K9 Expert Question, K9 Health | No Comments »

 

Don’t Forget Your Pets During the Holidays!

October 20th, 2009

October usually means that the holidays are upon us. Many traditions, decorations and parties get planned and executed throughout October, November and December.

This also provides your pets with new objects to sink their teeth into. Remember to ensure your pet’s safety this holiday season with these top tips. Your pet will love you even more when they are safe and sound.

1. Planning a Halloween party? It’s fun to decorate the home with scary things and eerie sounds, but how does that affect your pet? If you are putting out Halloween decorations, be sure your pet is not the one that gets the pee scared out of him! Trick or Theaters are just the beginning – think about your doorbell and how many times it will ring on Halloween. The constant ringing of the doorbell and people coming and going can cause some pets to become stressed out, and stressed out pets can be unpredictable, run out the door or even lash out at people. The neighborhood kids can be cute in their costumes, but to your pet, they are unrecognizable, so be careful even with even familiar neighborhood kids. You may want to move your pet to another room during the party or trick or treat time, give them a treat to chew on or turn the TV on to distract them from the door. If you know your dogs stresses around crowds, consider day camp or overnight boarding. This gives you peace of mind that your pet is taken care of while you can focus on your guests.
2. We all pig out during the holidays, right? Well, just as over-eating turkey & dressing, potatoes and pumpkin pie can upset your stomach, feeding your pets table scraps can also make them sick. Too much fatty foods can be detrimental to your pets, such as pancreatitis in dogs and can make cats vomit easily. In addition, animal bones from dinner can be a tempting but potentially deadly treat. Everyone has heard this before, but NEVER let dogs or cats eat chocolate. It contains theobromine that is extremely toxic to pets. Even though the amount of chocolate varies that can be harmful depends on your pet’s size and how much it consumes, small pets can die from eating too much chocolate. It’s simple, do not feed your pet chocolate and keep it out of reach. If you pet does ingest chocolate, contact your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately.
3. The smell of a fresh Christmas tree is great during the holidays. It can also be a great tree for your dog to relieve himself on or a fun climb for your cat! Placing the tree in an area your pets can’t get to will help to preserve the beauty of your tree and the health of your little ones. If not, try to create barriers around the tree and always supervise your pets when they are near it. Halloween, Hanukkah, and Christmas often mean candles will be burning in the home. If the Festival of Lights fills your home, make sure to keep your pets away from your menorah. A jumping cat or waging tail can knock candles over and easily start a fire during your Hanukkah or Kwanzaa celebrations. Never leave burning candles unsupervised when pets are near.
4. The Christmas tree is not the only thing to be careful with. All the decorations that go along with it can have potentially dangerous consequences for your pet. Tinsel or popcorn on a string looks especially inviting to cats and dogs. While cats are less likely to eat a glass ornament, some dogs may think it is a ball and chomp down on it, ending up with a mouthful of glass. If this happens, call your nearest veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately. Don’t forget about all the live plants that make the holidays special. Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and amaryllis plants can be toxic to pets, so let your pets admire those plants from afar.
5. The holidays can also mean cold weather….. brrr! Keep your pets safe and warn during the season. Dogs’ paws are extremely sensitive to the cold. If there is ice or snow, booties are a way to protect them from the elements. If your dog doesn’t like booties, make sure to wash your dog’s paws after they have been outside to get any ice that may have collected between their toes. Cats like warm places and what better place than uner the hood of a car! If your cat has access to the garage or you have outside cats, make sure to check your automobile for sleeping cats before you start the engine. If your pets are normally outside and you bring them in during cold weather, keep in mind the change in air and humidity, which can dry out a pet’s coat. Brushing your pet more often will keep their coats clean and shiny.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year filled with family, friends and get togethers. Make sure your pets are included in a safe and appropriate way with treats, toys and most of all, love. Being prepared can prevent mishaps and trips to the vet’s office. However you chose to celebrate the holidays, we hope you have a dog-gone good time!

This article was written by Stacey Copeland, owner and operator of Camp Bow Wow and Home Buddies SWDallas located at 519 U.S. Highway 67 in Duncanville, TX. Camp Bow Wow is the Premier Dog Daycare & Overnight Camp, also providing in-home pet services. For more information, contact Stacey at 972-296-WOOF.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Tags: christmas, cold weather, halloween, holiday safety, pet safety
Posted in K9 Care, K9 Health | No Comments »

 

Interview with Beth Willingham – Dog Trainer

October 19th, 2009

K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into working with dogs?

Beth: I have shared my life with dogs since early childhood. They were my playmates when I was young, confidants during my youth, and constant companions through my adult life. I began teaching pet manners classes through a local obedience club in the early 1980s. This has progressed to a full time career working with family pets and performance dogs.

K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with pets-how have you gotten to where you are today?

Beth: Because I love the dogs and the families that I work with, I use a holistic approach to training. There is no secret to what I do. My methods are based on scientifically proven dog friendly techniques.

K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?

Beth: Many of my clients have found traditional training methods have not been successful in helping them reach their goals. I believe that every situation is unique and deserves individual attention. Through careful observation, I identify the issues preventing the pet from reaching the goal set by the family. Once these issues have been identified, I can begin to work with the pet and the family to eliminate problem behaviors and build positive behaviors.

K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?

Beth: What’s not to love about dogs? Where else can you find a companion that will give you unconditional love, keep every secret, never question the wisdom of that second scoop of ice cream, and greet you each day as though you are the center of their universe? They come in every size, shape and personality. Whether you enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book or spending your spare time involved in sports, there is a breed that will enhance your lifestyle.

K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?

Beth: Without a doubt, it is meeting such wonderful people and their canine companions. There is no better feeling than being able to help a rescue dog find its place in a forever home, solve a problem allowing a dog to remain with the family that it loves, or to help a performance dog compete with enthusiasm.

K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the pet training industry going?

Beth: Pet owners today demand quality products and services for their pets. National certification will help promote skilled pet training professionals who understand and utilize humane training methods that promote the bond between pets and their owners.

K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?

Beth: Continued education is essential for professionals in all walks of life. I will continue to stay abreast of current animal behavior research and innovations through professional organizations and self study.

K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your business?

Beth: Visit us at www.agilek9path.com or email me at beth@agilek9path.com.

K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!

Beth: I live on a small farm with 4 dogs, 1 parrot, 3 sugar gliders, and a variety of livestock and native creatures. The dogs and I enjoy romping through the fields and quiet walks in the forest. Many weekends are spent competing at agility trials throughout the southeast.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Posted in K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Rescuing Abandoned Hunting Dogs

October 16th, 2009

During a severe ice storm in the southern US, a pack of 3 adult Beagles and 5 puppies were sighted in a rural forest in Arkansas. The people that spotted them were fortunately animal lovers, and sought out animal rescues who could help the dogs.  Thankfully, Carol and Desiree, two compassionate women, rose to the challenge.

These wonderful ladies gathered their gear and drove 45 miles to the woods where the dogs were sighted. They found the dogs waiting near a plastic tarp tent with some food that a caring Good Samaritan had fixed up for them (at right; photo by Carol). Found next to the puppies were shells littering the ground near the dogs which were evidence of hunters who were shooting at the abandoned dogs.

Carol and Desiree managed to load all eight Beagles into their vehicle and drive them back to town. There they were cared for at Little Rock Animal Village and Care for Animals, two animal rescue shelters who immediately took them into their adoption programs. Thanks to these kind people, the Beagles had warm shelter, food, and affection that cold, stormy night.

Abandoned hunting dogs perish daily of exposure and starvation all across America. Please help them whenever you can. You’ll be in good company. Thank you Desiree and Carol!

More great rescue stories are found here.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Tags: abandoned dogs, animal shelter, beagles, dog rescue, rescue
Posted in K9 Rescue, K9 Stories | No Comments »

 

Evaluating Your Dog’s Heatlh – Paws and Toes

October 15th, 2009

Following is our next post in our series of articles on “Evaluating Your Dog’s Health”. This week — Paws and Toes!

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Don’t overlook routine dog paw care. Because your dog spends so much time on their feet — without the protection of shoes – they are prone to punctures or wounds from glass and other sharp objects, as well as scrapes and abrasions from cement and gravel walkways. Their little pads can even get burned on a hot sidewalk. Examine your dog’s feet on a regular basis to make sure they have not picked up any foxtails, stickers or something else sharp.

• Look for any foreign objects stuck on their feet or between the toes
• Look for cracked, dry, irritated skin, or swelling
• Watch their gate, see if they are limping
• Are the toenails to long?
• Small cuts or mild skin disease may cause infections in the sweat glands of your dog’s feet, resulting in swelling or abscesses between the toes – Soaking the afflicted foot in warm salt water often will relieve the pain. A more severe or persistent infection calls for veterinary care, antibiotics, and other follow-up treatment.
• Invest in a pair of booties, for the hot sidewalk or the snow

HINT: If your dog steps in something gooey soften it up by rubbing the foot with margarine, peanut butter, or shortening; then work it off. Apply ice to chewing gum to make it brittle and easier to remove. You can also try soaking the foot in a mixture of warm salt water and olive or mineral oil.

This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Picture Source:

Posted in K9 Care, K9 Health | No Comments »

 

WebVet Announces “The Dog Days of Summer” Photo Contest

October 14th, 2009

This comes from one of our regular contributors, WebVet.com.  They are having a photo contest.  We would love our K9 Cuisine family to show off your pets and enter this contest!

If you’ve got some great pictures of you and your dog having fun in the sun this past summer, we’d like to invite your to submit your favorite photo.

“The Dog Days of Summer” photo contest runs from October 9, 2009 to November 9, 2009 and the first-place winner and three runners up will be prominently featured on Webvet.com and in Webvet’s blog, The Daily Dish!

So, if you want the world to see some of the special moments you shared with your dog this summer, go here and register now!

Or if you simply LOVE dogs and want to see some great photos and place your vote for who you think should be honored as the “top dog”, go here.  Enjoy!

We can’t wait to see your photos!

Hope Schultz, WebVet

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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Tags: dog photo contest, dog photos, dog pictures, pet photos, pet pictures, photo contest, picture contest, webvet
Posted in K9 Fun | No Comments »