Summer Water Safety for your Dog

The heat is on in Massachusetts and now is the time when families are heading to their favorite swimming spots to find relief.  Whether you are heading to the pool, lake, or ocean, if you are bringing your beloved four-legged companion along for some fun, please remember these safety tips offered by the ASPCA:

• If on a boat, use a pet life preserver. Pets can easily slip or fall off a boat. Provide your dog with fresh water.
• Keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset. Also keep pets from drinking any stagnant water, which can contain algae or salt water.
• If you and your dog are visiting a river, keep an eye out for snakes. Even if they’re not poisonous, snakes can deliver nasty bites if curious dogs get too close.
• If you’re visiting the beach, supervise your dog closely when venturing into the water. Many dogs aren’t prepared for the motion of the waves.
• Watch out for rip currents, which are most dangerous during high surf conditions. A strong current can quickly carry a swimming dog away from shore.
• Learn about marine life native to the area you’re visiting. Jellyfish, lionfish, stingrays, Portuguese man-of-war and other animals on the shore or in the water can be dangerous to both people and dogs.
• Continually monitor dogs for signs of heat stroke when spending time outside in the heat.

Happy Summer Everyone!

Healthy Dog Treats

Want to save some money and feed your pup some healthy dog treats? Check out the following:
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Dollars for Daffy Fundraiser

The Barkers Dozen Launches "Dollars for Daffy" Fundraiser

Portion of profits from the sale of company’s organic pet treats will help a loyal fan get the medical care she needs. April 3, 2012 – CHICOPEE, Mass. – The Barkers Dozen launched the "Dollars for Daffy" fundraiser today, where the organic dog treat baker will donate a portion of the profits from the sale of its products to Daffy Trinka, a 6-year-old Toy Fox/Jack Russell Terrier and loyal fan of the company, who is in need of medical care for an unknown illness.

During the fundraiser, which will run through April 2012, The Barkers Dozen will donate 50% of the profits from the sale of its treats purchased on its online store – shop.thebarkersdozen.com – to Daffy and her owner, Ingrid Trinka. Plus, when customers use the promo code "DAFFY" at checkout, they will receive a special thank you gift from The Barkers Dozen.

"I was just so thrilled to see Daffy chosen as a ‘Barkers Buddy’, the rest took my breath away," said Ingrid. "I am overwhelmed to think that complete strangers would extend such an incredible offer to us. We are so very thankful. We never, in our dreams, expected this."

Daffy, an avid fan of The Barkers Dozen’s Gluten-Free Blueberry Bone-anza Organic Dog Treats, was rescued two years ago by her owner, Ingrid Trinka, in what she calls a twist of divine intervention.Ingrid, who had been praying for years for the right dog to enter her life after her beloved Dachshund BetsyRoss passed away, didn’t adopt Daffy the first time she met the dog because the pup didn’t seem like a good match. The dog appeared to have been abused by previous owners, was in poor health and was found homeless. Eight months later, when Ingrid and the same dog crossed paths again, she realized a greater power had chosen Daffy for her.
Daffy’s whole story can be read on The Barkers Dozen’s blog, The Daily Barker.

While Daffy now has a forever home and has blossomed into a well-mannered dog, she is suffering from what appears to be a neurological disorder that causes violent jerking and tremors when she sleeps. Ingrid and Daffy live in a town without the facilities or equipment to diagnose and treat her, and will need to travel more than 250 miles to Manhattan, Kan., to the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, to have bloodwork and an MRI taken. Ingrid, who is disabled, can’t currently afford the treatment or the travel and lodging costs, which are estimated to total around $2,000.

"When we learned of Daffy’s story, we felt compelled to offer our assistance so that Daffy could get the care she deserves," said President/CEO and Founder of The Barkers Dozen, Shawn Sherry. "This dog has been through more than most, and her second chance at life should be as healthy and happy as possible."

Source: The Barkers Dozen:

3 big brands may be tied to chicken jerky illness in dogs, FDA records show

Stumped by mysterious illnesses in at least 600 dogs in the U.S., federal health officials have turned to consumers for help investigating problems possibly tied to chicken jerky pet treats made in China.

A log of complaints collected from pet owners and veterinarians contains references to at least three popular brands of jerky treats that may be associated with kidney failure and other serious ailments, according to internal Food and Drug Administration documents obtained by msnbc.com.

Read more here  http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/13/10657635-3-big-brands-may-be-tied-to-chicken-jerky-illness-in-dogs-fda-records-show

Smart Dogs can be Obedient Dogs

According to Stanley Coren, author of “The Intelligence of Dogs,” some breeds have a “working intelligence” and are more likely to be trainable and obedient.  Intelligent breeds do require attention and activity, because they get bored easily and can become destructive if not given proper channels for their energy and inquisitiveness.  They also need adequate training and consistent human leadership to take the proper family role. 

These are the top ten most obedient breeds:

·         Border collie.  This is an energetic, medium sized dog who needs stimulating activities and active outdoor play.  It can be kid friendly if well socialized.  Life expectancy is 12-15 years.

·         Poodle.  A standard poodle is medium to large, although there are toy and miniature varieties as well.  It is a cheerful, but low key breed.  It dislikes being alone, and is excellent with kids. Life expectancy is 12-15 years.

·         German Shepherd.  This is a large, protective breed, loyal to family and doesn’t like being left alone.  It is courageous and wary of strangers.  It needs regular, challenging activities.  Life expectancy is up to 13 years.

·         Golden Retriever.  This is a medium to large, well-mannered breed.  It is charming, playful, and loves children and everyone else.  It needs regular exercise.  Life expectancy is 10-12 years.

·         Doberman Pinscher.  This is a medium, powerful, energetic breed.  It is affectionate and naturally protective, needing proper socialization to avoid willful behavior.  It needs regular exercise but is cold sensitive.  Life expectancy is up to 13 years. 

·         Shetland Sheepdog.  This dog is small and docile.  It loves people and is affectionate, but will need socialization to get along with children.  Keep this dog on a leash because it loves to chase cars.  Life expectancy is 12-15 years.

·         Labrador Retriever.  This is a large water dog with a high need for exercise and activity.  It is good natured, reliable, and playful.  It is a loyal family dog, but needs training.  Life expectancy is 10-12 years.

·         Papillon. This dog is also called Toy Spaniel. It is small and good with children, with a friendly personality. It and can be playful and affectionate, but is prone to excessive barking.  Life expectancy is up to 16 years.

·         Rottweiler.  This is a powerful breed known for its courage and protective instincts.  It requires early training and can work well with children, but is wary of strangers.  It craves exercise and activity.  Life expectancy is 10-12 years.

·         Australian Cattle Dog.  This breed is small but loyal and protective. It is energetic and does best when it has stimulating or work to do. It is trustworthy with children but suspicious of strangers.  Life expectancy is 12-15 years.

Source:  DogBreed Info Center. 

Stop the Itching!

As the weather warms up, fleas and ticks will once again be looking for new homes among your pets. Why should you treat even if you’ve never had any problems?

Fleas can be picked up at the park, in the yard, or from contact with other animals. I even heard a story of an indoor cat that got fleas from a stray cat that was living under the house!

Fleas take 6 to 8 weeks to make themselves at home and it may take that long before you notice the excessive itching, biting, or dots of blood that mark a flea’s residence. By then, the fleas have laid eggs and have a whole new family living in your pet’s fur.

Even after the initial flea treatment, it may take a month or more to rid your pet of the larva and eggs that have buried themselves beneath the skin. That’s why products like Frontline recommend monthly treatments.

Besides spot treatments, other options are the flea collar, which works in the head and neck area, or shampoos and sprays, which are limited to a few days effectiveness. Most of these work on adult fleas only. Oral medication keeps flea eggs from hatching, but is ineffective on adult fleas.

Flea prevention also includes home and yard maintenance. Insect growth regulators sprayed in your yard can help keep flea numbers down. There are also sprays and powders for the home. Animal bedding, furniture, and carpets should be vacuumed or cleaned regularly.

Although providing for your pet’s comfort alone is a good reason to stave off a flea infestation, keep in mind that fleas like human flesh too. Although you won’t want to put flea collars on your kids, you will want to take the appropriate steps to create a hostile living environment for fleas.

Pets and Planting

Spring is here and if you haven’t already mapped out your gardening and landscaping, you’re considering it.

If you have pets, be especially careful which flowers you choose. The following flowers can be dangerous to their health. (Click on image to enlarge).

If you believe your pet has ingested any part of these plants or bulbs, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. Even if you don’t see any adverse signs at first, that doesn’t mean your pet hasn’t been affected. Keep a sample of whatever it is may have been chewed or eaten.

The ASPCA recommends you keep hydrogen peroxide and a bulb syringe on hand for poisoning emergencies.

Also be especially careful with pest baits, insecticides, and fertilizers. Most of them are poisonous to humans and animals. If you believe your pet has gotten into these items, keep the container for your call to the vet.

Best wishes for a beautiful yard and healthy pets!