Things your dog would like you to know

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful remember that before you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me- it is crucial to my well being.
4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.
5. You have your work, your entertainment,and your friends. I only have you.
6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understands your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
7. Be aware that how ever you treat me, I will never forget.
8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.
9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative,obstinate,or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out to long, or my heart is getting to old and weak.
10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I cannot bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death. Remember that I love you.



*I saw this on Pinterest and it makes me sad and happy all at the same time*

Potty Training with a Bell

Potty training with a bell is one of the easiest ways to potty train a new dog.  I personally used this on Cherry.  She was the hardest dog to potty train!  I have had numerous dogs and usually consistency and reward has always worked....  But with Cherry, she just wasn't getting it, she knew she wasn't supposed to potty inside, so would often go hide in the back of the house and potty...  She simply didn't know how to tell us she had to go!  So as a last resort we went to bell training.  I didn't really feel like this would work, but at this point I was willing to try anything!  I felt like only little fluffy dogs used potty bells, but this was the best thing we ever did!  Cherry picked it right up and it was a beautiful thing.

Bell Training 101:

1.  Place the bell on the doorknob or hook next to the door your dog exits to go out and leave
it there so it is accessible at all times for your dog to ring.  You can buy those fancy potty training bells at pet stores, or I just used a left over Christmas craft bell tied to a ribbon.

2.  Every time you let your dog out to potty, bring the dog to the bells to sniff, ring them, and state a command such as "You wanna go potty?", praise the dog, then take him/her out to potty. We do not recommend playing or giving the dog a treat at that time. You want him/her to associate ringing the bells with potty time only.

3.  Then take your dog outside, if they pee or poop then reward them with a treat or praise.  If they do not pee or poop, then no treat and no praise.

4.  Throughout conditioning, continue your command, be consistent and praise your dog for their attention and wanted behavior. Consistency is key.  Remember:  You must get up and take the dog out every time it rings the bell, no exceptions.  Just no praise/treat if nothing happens outside

5.  Repeat this training method until your dog begins to ring the bells on their own. Make sure to praise your dog on their newly learned behavior to reinforce the action.

Helpful Hints:
Don't forget to bring your bells with you when travelling with your dog away from home or for the pet-sitter or grandparents- your dog will be looking for his communication tool while on the road as well.

If your dog is a little hesitant about the bells, take your bells off of the door and let him/her sniff them
and touch them on the ground. You may also want to put a dab of cream cheese or peanut butter on them so that he/she knows there is no fear or harm in it for them. Then hang them back up and start your training.

Denture Your Dog

So this is a site by Pedigree, where you can take a picture of your dog and make them have dentures, hats, etc.  For a free thing it was pretty hilarious!
www.DentureYourDog.com

Here is the one I did of Ebby, too funny!
http://www.pedigree.com/All-Things-Dog/oralcare/?mId=48536406.3

This is a generic dog that you can choose from as well.  I love the grill!  Too funny!  The generic/stock pictures are kinda creepy the dogs eyes follow your mouse!
http://www.pedigree.com/All-Things-Dog/oralcare/?mId=48536587.3

6 Pages to LIKE on Facebook

I just read an article about some Veterinary Facebooker's.   I picked out 6 of them that I thought were interesting.  Some are informational, whereas others are more entertaining.  Check them out and see what you think!

1.  Dr. Ernie Ward (Facebook.com/DrErnieWard)
-  He has a nice mixture of medical and non-medical posts.  You might recognize Dr. Ward, he is a huge advocate against pet obesity and has appeared on Rachael Ray before!

2.  American Veterinary Medical Association (Facebook.com/AVMAVets)
-I have blogged about AVMA before, (money tips for caring pet owners), their Facebook have a mix of veterinary news and educational material.

3.  Pawcurious (Facebook.com/Pawcurious)
-Dr. Jessica Vogelsang is a veterinarian, popular pet blogger and lifestyle expert.  I found this facebook more entertaining than educational.  But sometimes I need a little funny in my Facebook!

4.  Catalyst Council (Facebook.com/CatalystCouncil)
It's all about the Cat!  This is a non-profit, that is trying to ensure all cats are valued and cared for as pets.    Their website is also a great place for learning all about cats and their care.

5.  Dr. Marty Becker (Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker)
-The Veterinarian with the largest Facebook following!  He must be doing something right!

6.  Dr. Andy Roark (https://www.facebook.com/DrAndyRoark)
-This is one I just started following myself.  He posts a combo of funny stuff and interesting veterinary cases.

Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch voluntarily withdraw

St. Louis, Missouri, January 9, 2013... Nestlé Purina PetCare Company and its wholly owned subsidiary Waggin' Train, LLC today announced it is voluntarily withdrawing its Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch brand dog treats sold in the United States until further notice.

Please see the press release for further info: Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch

-They do not believe these treats are harmful they are just not complying with the FDA's standards. PLEASE read the entire release before anyone assumes all Purina products are bad, it goes into detail about the problem and where more information can be found. The voluntary recall DOES NOT include any of the Purina Veterinary Diets or other Purina treats or pet food.

Itchy pet

I just found a really good website for itchy pets, its by Pfizer and has some really good info.  And even though it's by Pfizer, who is a drug company, it doesn't refer to there products as possible treatment choices-in any of my readings.  There are some ads on the page for their products but no over the top product promotions...  It has a really great list of questions to answer before you go to your vet, that would be super helpful in finding a diagnosis.  
Here is the website:  My Pet Itches
List of questions:  Questionnaire

Happy Thanksgiving

Well it's already Thanksgiving and before I know it, it's going to be Christmas!  I found a really great article about Thanksgiving food and your pet on the ASPCA website.  I added a little commentary of my own as well (its in green).

Thanksgiving Safety Tips from the ASPCA


‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

Talkin’ Turkey
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.
Please be aware that some pets are very sensitive to certain foods and fats, and can not have any turkey.  It could cause terrible diarrhea and upset stomach.

Sage Advice
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.

No Bread Dough
Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.
This happened to my parents dog, and her belly started expanding right before our eyes...  It is definitely a serious thing, and needs to be seen at a vets office ASAP!

Don't Let Them Eat Cake
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.

Too Much of a Good Thing
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.

A Feast Fit for a Kong
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

Toxic Foods Commonly Found at Thanksgiving:
-Onions
-Garlic
-Grapes/Raisins
-Chocolate
-Coffee
-Macadamia Nuts