MacTavish Scotties

Dog Shapes Rolling Pin

2015-10-14T16:32:00.002-04:00

TERRIER pattern Embossing Rolling Pin. Scottish Terrier Dog pattern. Engraved rolling pin with Scottie for embossed cookies or pasta. This is just too stinkin' cute!

Several great designs on Etsy.
Cookies on the agenda...

6 Ways to Naturally Prevent and Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs

2015-08-11T12:40:00.000-04:00

FROM http://everydayroots.com/flea-remedies

1. Flea collar
A flea collar is a great way to ward off fleas without always having to reapply something topically, and it keeps the flea control constant and steady.
You will need…
-3-5 drops of cedar oil or lavender oil
- 1-3 tablespoons of water
-Bandana OR your dog’s collar
-an eyedropper (optional)
Directions
Dilute 2-3 drops of your chosen oil in 1-3 tablespoons of water. Some people use the oil undiluted, but I personally feel it should always be diluted, even if it’s only by a little. Next, pick out a bandana to be the flea collar-I think a bandana is preferable because you can take it on and off and your dog’s collar won’t smell. It’s always fun to get creative with patterns and colors here. If you go up to ½ teaspoon you can use up to 5 drops of the liquid. Using an eyedropper or other similar means, apply 5-10 drops of the mixture to the bandana and rub the sides of the fabric together, and then tie it about your dog’s neck in a snazzy way. Reapply oil mixture to the collar once a week. In conjunction with this, 1 or 2 drops of oil diluted with at least 1 tablespoon of olive oil can be placed at the base of your dog’s tail.
2. Flea deterring drink- can be used alongside any of these remedies.
You will need…
-1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Directions
For every 40 pound dog add 1 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to 1 quart of their drinking water. We highly recommend using Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. Not only does it deter fleas, it improves a pups skin and coat condition from the inside-out.
3. Flea comb
This contains lemon and lemon contains something called limonene, which is a chemical that kills and repels fleas but is harmless to us or our pets
You will need…
-1 freshly sliced up lemon
-1 pot of fresh water
-a comb, sponge, or brush
Directions
Boil a pot of water and add the slices of a freshly cut lemon to it. Turn off the heat after the lemons has been added and cover the pot, letting the mixture steep overnight. The next day dip a comb or your pets brush in the liquid (make sure it’s sufficiently cool) and run it through their hair. A sponge works as well, especially if you have a very short haired breed. A quick version is to bring water to a vigorous boil and then pour over a freshly sliced lemon. Then just dip the comb, let it cool, and use as above.
4. Flea spray
As a bonus, your pup will get a nice gleaming finish to their coat after using this flea spray.
You will need…
-1 cup white distilled vinegar OR 1 cup apple cider vinegar OR a 50/50 blend of both
-1 quart fresh water
-2-3 drops of lavender or cedar oil
-a decent sized spray bottle
Directions
The essential oil isn’t vital, but it certainly gives the spray an extra edge (and a nice smell.) If you’re using it, add 2-3 drops as you add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar/apple cider vinegar/both to 1 quart of fresh water. Fill your spray bottle, and mist your dog, being careful not to get it in their eyes, nose, or ears-aka avoid spraying near the face. To get up around the neck and behind the ears/their chin area, dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and wipe it on. Spray your pets bedding and around it with this mixture lightly as well.
5. Flea (be-gone) bag
This little sachet contains things that smell pleasant to us, but that drive pests away from your pet.
You will need…
-Two 6 inch squares of breathable fabric (such as muslin)
-a rough handful of cedar chips
-1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender buds
-the peel of 1 lemon
Directions
Follow the instructions on how to make a sachet here if you need more detail. Cut 2 6 inch squares of fabric and place them together inside out. Sew all but 1 side and turn inside out. Fill with a rough handful of fragrant cedar chips, 1-2 teaspoons of lavender, and 1 lemon peel. Leave enough room at the top so you can tie it off with a ribbon or sew it shut (tying allows you to reuse it when the contents lose their potency.) Place under your pets bed/bedding or near it to ward off fleas. Change the mixture every month or so.
6. Flea bath- wash your pup with this weekly to deter fleas.
You will need…
-A half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice*
-1 ½ – 2 cups of fresh water
-1/4 –1/2 cup of mild pet-friendly soap or shampoo
Directions
Stir together a half a cup of lemon juice, 1 ½ cups of water, and ¼ cup of mild pet-friendly shampoo or soap. Bottle and label and bathe weekly to keep fleas away.
*amounts will vary depending on the size of your dog. As a general rule of thumb, use 2 parts water to every ½ cup of soap and lemon juice.

My Flea Market Find

2015-03-24T12:14:00.003-04:00

Found a vendor at a resale shop with a whole bunch of Scottie glasses. Too cute - wish I had room in the cupboard for her whole supply!

February is Pet Dental Health Month

2015-02-17T13:29:00.004-05:00

Dental Chew offer from Natural Balance:

Healthy teeth and gums go a long way for your dog’s well being. Our Dental Health Solutions page provides helpful tips and information for keeping your dog’s teeth looking good.

Download a coupon for Natural Balance Dental Chews

Ear Hematoma in Dogs

2014-11-11T19:56:00.001-05:00

One of my Scotties recently had to have a hematoma removed from her ear. I had never heard of this problem in dogs and didn't realize how serious it can be. Poor baby had to have surgery and it looks like her ear will not be able to stand up again. My Vet says this is a fairly common problem.

I will post some pics and medical info. The earlier it is caught the simpler the surgery.

An ear hematoma is a pocket of blood that forms within the exterior portion of a pet’s ear flap. Although both dogs and cats can suffer ear hematomas, the condition is much more common in dogs.
Ear hematomas are usually caused by some kind of self-trauma — such as when a pet aggressively scratches at the ears or shakes his or her head, causing the ear flaps to slap against the skull. This trauma can cause blood to leave the vessels and pool in a pocket between the skin and cartilage components that make up the outer part of the ear flap.
Treatments range from draining the hematoma with a needle, to surgical correction of the problem.

Surgical repair is often considered the most effective treatment for ear hematomas. While under anesthesia, an incision is made along the length of the hematoma on the inner surface of the ear. After the fluid and blood clots are removed, the inner surface of the ear is tacked down to the outer surface of the ear with sutures. You can see this result in picture at left.

The most common cause of an ear hematoma in dogs is an ear infection or other irritation within the ear. Ear infections cause irritation to the ear, resulting in shaking of the head which in turn causes the development of the hematoma. I also read that a trauma or even flea infestation can be an underlying cause.

6 Bones and Chews Dogs Should Avoid

2014-03-19T22:50:00.002-04:00

By vetstreet.com | Pets

If there's anything that galls my clients, it's being told they could have prevented a painful and expensive condition - if only they'd been told to stay away from A, B or C hazard. Such is the case when it comes to the use of common chews and devices designed for dental cleaning or as an outlet for natural chewing behaviors in dogs.
Yet when I inform my dog-owning clients that certain "dental health" products can lead to serious problems, many can't easily accept the notion that dental fractures, gastrointestinal obstruction and gastroenteritis (among other problems) are possible outcomes. After all, they say, how could anything sold expressly to help improve our pets' dental health and behavior so adversely affect them?
SEE ALSO: 5 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds
The Truth Behind the Marketing Hype Yet it's true. Some of the most commonly marketed "oral health improvement" items are considered unsafe, unwholesome and/or downright unhelpful by board-certified veterinary dentists (and plenty of run-of-the-mill vets like me, too).
But here's the thing: While many dogs won't experience safety issues with the goods veterinary dentists suggest you should eschew, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Which is why I say you should steer clear of the following six "dental health" products:
1. Rawhides. I used to have a Boxer who would swallow these whole, only to turn blue in the process of regurgitating them. Now, you might well ask why I'd give her the second rawhide after watching her do such a thing, but in my defense, I was trying to see whether different sizes might actually get chewed properly. No such luck. To my credit, I always watched carefully just in case a tracheotomy might be in order.
Honestly, though, some dogs tolerate these just fine. And they can be good for the teeth once they become soft and yielding. Just be sure that a) he actually chews it (otherwise, it's not only useless but also a potential gastrointestinal obstruction), b) you know how many calories you're offering when you give him that ginormous one you hope will keep him busy all day, and c) you never leave him unsupervised with it.
2. Dried Pig Ears. Now, these aren't strictly off limits. As with rawhides, however, they can be swallowed whole by some dogs. And these fatty morsels do have far more calories than you'd expect. Moreover, some fat-sensitive dogs can be prodded into pancreatitis by consuming one. Overall, it's perhaps not the best idea.
3. Antlers. I have one patient who not only fractured a tooth, but she also developed a terrible fungal infection at her gumline after eating one. All in all, it was a very strange situation. The good news, however, is that most dogs seem to enjoy these chews, and most do not fracture their teeth while chewing them (much less develop fungal infections). Still, I say you should beware.
4. Cooked Bones. Though there's a lively debate when it comes to whether it's safe or not to feed raw, meaty bones, there's none on the subject of cooked bones. These hard-as-a-rock, splinter-prone bones aren't good for the teeth or the GI tract.
5. Rocks and 6. Cow Hooves. As with cooked bones and antlers, rocks and cow hooves are generally considered a bad idea for pets. Not only do numbers 3 through 6 increase their risk of a tooth fracture and foreign body ingestion, they also don't do much to improve their dental health, either.
After all, says Dr. Jan Bellows, board-certified veterinary dentist and owner of Hometown Animal Hospital in Weston, Fla., products that offer hard, unyielding surfaces are unlikely to offer much help against tartar buildup and gum disease. He urges pet owners to "make sure that whatever they use bends and allows teeth to sink in."
What the Dentists Recommend But none of this should lead pet owners to assume that all chews and treats are a no-no. Dr. Bellows recommends that pet owners head on over to VOHC.org where the Veterinary Oral Health Council offers a seal of approval to dental products deemed effective against periodontal disease in pets. Still, it's important to be cautious, he says.
Dr. John Huff, board-certified veterinary dentist at Alameda East Animal Hospital in Denver, Colo., agrees. Here's what he says when it comes to assessing the safety and efficacy of dental chews and tartar-control products: "Though I have found all the VOHC products to be safe and effective, [VOHC] does not test for safety."
Moreover, he urges pet owners to keep things in perspective: "'Effective' is relative. If brushing is a hundred [percent], treats and chews are probably a one." He adds, "The positives on the VOHC-approved dental products are [that] they are better than nothing."
Which, I'm afraid, can't be said for numbers 1 through 6 above. Proceed to feed any of the above at your pets' peril. And whatever you do, don't skip that nightly brushing your veterinarian recommends.

Feed cats and dogs fresh produce, and they will reap the health benefits

2014-02-08T21:16:00.002-05:00

By Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M http://www.organicgardening.com
I believe fresh organic food contributes to improved health in my patients. There are many foods that are easy to grow, appeal to most pets, and provide health

Fruits and vegetables are generally low in calories, which means they make great treats for pets on a diet. As for how much to feed a pet, I don't suggest a particular amount, as long as the vegetables or fruits make up no more than 20 to 25 percent of a dog's diet (if you are feeding a processed natural food) or 40 to 50 percent of a natural homemade diet.
Carrots. Most dogs like carrots, either whole or cut into pieces. The tops of carrots can be fed whole to pet rabbits and rodents, or chopped fine and used as a topping on dog food.
Beans. Many owners give their dogs varieties of green or string beans. Bean pods (including the seeds) can be used whole or cut into small pieces.
Broccoli. Broccoli is one of my favorite recommendations to pet owners, especially for pets with disorders of the immune system, including cancer.
Dark leafy greens. Any dark green leafy vegetable is good for pets. Some dogs will eat the greens after they are cooked.
Dark-colored berries. I think of fruit as more of a dessert than a main ingredient; therefore I recommend no more than 10 to 15 percent of the diet contain healthy organic berries
Foods to Avoid
While most pets can eat pretty much anything you grow, there are some things to avoid due to potential toxicity. Cats and small dogs are sensitive to some of the chemicals in onions and garlic, as these foods can cause red blood cell damage leading to anemia. All pets should avoid onions. Garlic has many health benefits (antibacterial, anti-blood clotting, immune system support), and I like my patients to have small amounts if their owners desire. I recommend one small clove per 10 to 25 pounds of body weight per day. Regular blood testing (every 3 to 6 months) can detect anemia, which is unlikely at this dosage. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs and should be avoided.

Top 5 Pet-Related Resolutions for 2014 By vetstreet.com | Pets

2014-02-01T18:59:00.000-05:00

Every year it's the same thing. You attempt to shape up, slim down, spend less, live more or quit something for good. So how about this year you resolve to do something you'll easily achieve? For all you pet people I've got just the thing: Resolve to accomplish something on your pet's behalf instead!
Interested? Consider the following five New Year's resolutions I've devised (with my patients in mind, of course):
1. Trim down. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, 38 percent of humans made weight-related New Year's resolutions in 2012. So why not extend that to our pets this upcoming 2014? We know that our pets are chunky and getting chunkier, so why not resolve to start trimming her down now? Not sure where to start? Ask your vet how.
SEE ALSO: 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2013

2. Get pet insurance. If you can't afford a big vet bill in the event of an emergency, you may be facing the unthinkable unless you put a financial solution in place. My sister's dog, Maddie, almost died of salmon poisoning last year, and had it not been for a $13,000 reimbursement to cover 80 percent of the cost of university-level healthcare, he'd have surely succumbed. Who can afford that kind of expense without help? Resolve to get your pets a policy this year!
3. Walk your dog. If you've made resolutions to lose weight and never managed to keep them, consider that long-term weight loss is often more easily achieved when pet owners exercise with their pets. In his book Walk a Hound Lose a Pound, vet surgeon Dr. Phil Zeltzman evangelizes about this concept in a way that's truly inspirational. So this year resolve to get moving in a way that's both fun and doable.
4. Take your cat to the vet. It sounds pretty basic, and yet a recent study conducted by Bayer in conjunction with the Association of Feline Practitioners found that 52 percent of owned cats did not see a veterinarian in the past year. Annual wellness visits for cats, though universally recommended by veterinarians to help prevent and manage serious disease, aren't something most cat owners manage. Resolve to beat the odds and take your cat in this year!
5. Start brushing! I know, I know. You all hate it. But it works! You'd never think not to brush your own teeth, and yet you'd rather hand your pet a highly caloric, dubiously effective "tartar control" chew than whip out the toothbrush and spend 30 seconds brushing. What's up with that? Resolve to fix that this year!

10 Holiday Decorations Dangerous for Your Pet by petMD

2013-12-03T18:01:00.002-05:00

'Tis the Season

Twinkling lights, sparkly tinsel, brightly colored garland, and delicate ornaments - what's not to love about holiday decorations? The dangers they can pose for your beloved pet, that's what. While avoid may be too strong of a word, as we're not suggesting you do away with all of these decorations completely, please be mindful of the sorts of decorations you use and their placement this holiday season.

Check out this link for top ten hazards:

http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/10-holiday-decorations-dangerous-pet-185700875.html
by petMD | petMD.com

#10 Christmas trees

#9 Imitation snow

#8 Preservatives on your tree

#7 Edible ornaments

#6 Lit candles

#5 Christmas lights

#4 Holly berries

#3 Angel hair

#2 Delicate or treasured ornaments

#1 Tinsel

The Scottie and his pumpkin

2013-10-31T12:55:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

FDA advisories on recalled pet food and treats

2013-10-31T12:48:00.001-04:00

2013

October 28, 2013: How to Report a Complaint about Jerky Pet Treats
October 22, 2013: FDA Releases Progress Report on Jerky Pet Treat Investigation
August 30, 2013: Nestlé Purina Voluntarily Recalls Limited Number of Purina ONE beyOnd Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food Bags Due to a Potential Health Risk
August 26, 2013: Goldenfeast® Inc. Recalls Bird Food Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination from Parsley
August 14, 2013: P&G Voluntarily Recalls Limited Quantity of Eukanuba and Iams Due to Possible Health Risk

Cocoa mulch can pose risk for pets

2013-05-31T13:25:00.003-04:00

As soon as the weather breaks again many homeowners and gardeners are sure to be outside getting their hands dirty.

But veterinarians say a sweet-smelling mulch can be deadly to certain family pets.

"Cocoa mulch is a risk, especially to dogs,” said Dr. Larry Family of Aqueduct Animal Hospital.

Found in most home garden centers, cocoa mulch is known for its fine texture and the sweet smell the fresh mulch gives off.

“The weird thing is, it smells like a chocolate Pop Tart. That's the best way I can describe it. It really does have a chocolate scent to it,” explained Shane Compton of Hewitt's Garden Center.

But getting past the scent, Family says cocoa mulch can be dangerous if a dog starts eating it. It contains two key ingredients found in chocolate: theobromine and caffeine. Similar to eating chocolate, he says a dog that eats just a few ounces of cocoa mulch could starting having stomach problems and it could get worse if it eats more.

"As time goes on they might act restless, excited, it can produce tremors and seriously seizures,” Family explained.

Compton says cocoa mulch is not that popular at his store, but says it has its regular customers who every now and then wonder about the rumors they hear and the effect it has on man's best friend.

“There's always stories on the Internet, but in the 30 years we've been here we've actually never heard of any body's dog getting sick,” Compton said.

Family adds that while pet owners might not know it, the information out there on cocoa mulch is much more than just an urban legend or Internet myth if a dog gets its paws on it.

“Puppies are very curious animals. So they've going to be attracted to various things around the yard and it seems to be more severe in the small breeds and it depends on the amount they actually ingest,” Family said.

If you have a dog and a yard Family says the best bet is to just stay away from cocoa mulch.

If you're still looking for a sweet-smelling mulch without the potentially hazardous effects Compton recommends any type of cedar product.

April 24
By MATT McFARLAND
http://web.archive.org/web/20060507105535/http://www.wnyt.com/x7886.xml?ag=x995&sb=x183

How to Create a Garden For Dogs

2013-04-11T21:52:00.000-04:00

From plants to water features, a dog-approved guide to the "ultimutt" backyard

Think having a beautiful backyard and a dog are diametrically opposed? Think again. We spoke with Stephen Westcott-Gratton, senior horticultural editor at Canadian Gardening, who provided tips for creating an outdoor Eden both you and your dog can enjoy. Highlights include:

Patchy Problem - How to Prevent Brown Spots on Your Lawn. From preventing AND rejuvenating burnt-out spots in your lawn to urine-resistant ground covering ideas like clover, ryegrasses, and fescues, we've got you covered.

Pick Your Plants - What's Safe For Dogs. The safest flowers are the ones that are completely edible and which you can use in your own salads and dishes (bonus!). These include violets, pansies, and roses, as well as flowers from vegetables like squash. The signet marigold is one of Westcott-Gratton’s favourite annuals. One of the most famous varieties is called “Lemon Gem” for its lemon colour and delicious lemon flavour.

Solve the Digging Dilemma - How to create a spot designed especially for your dog to dig in.

Ditch the herbicide! A study by Purdue University veterinary researchers found exposure to herbicide-treated lawns and gardens increased the risk of bladder cancer by four to seven times in Scottish Terriers. The study adds to earlier research conducted by the National Institutes of Health that found elevated rates of canine lymphoma in dogs exposed to lawn pesticides. We've got natural alternatives to help keep you pest free.

Modern Dog Magazine

Scottie Dog for Your Easter Basket

2013-03-17T18:59:00.000-04:00

Great addition to your Easter Basket - other dog breeds too!

Scottie Dog Chocolates

Spring Pet Care

2013-03-14T09:14:00.003-04:00

As you hasten to clean out your garage and prep your yard, remember these activities may pose a risk to your pet. Many cleaning agents, fertilizers, pesticides, weed-killers, and even mulch can all be dangerous to dogs and cats. Last spring a friend accidentally left a container of liquid plant food out on her porch. Her cat drank some and developed kidney failure. Luckily, the cat survived, but it could've easily been much worse. Remember, our pets can't read warning labels. Look out for your little ones as you go about greening your homes.

Easter Treats and Decorations Keep Easter lilies and candy bunnies in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets, and lilies can be fatal if ingested by our furry friends. And be mindful, kitties love to nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration. Moreover, while bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the urge to buy—these cute babies grow up fast and often require specialized care!

Let Your Garden Grow—With Care
Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients aren't meant for four-legged consumption and can be fatal if your pet ingests them. Always store these poisonous products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. Check out ASPCA list of garden care tips.

Dog beds from End Tables

2013-03-08T15:58:00.002-05:00

These are just the cutest! Great ideas for unique dog beds from old end tables :

Lucy Designs

Scottish Terriers on parade at Tartan week

2013-03-05T06:56:00.002-05:00

Snow Doggies

2013-02-27T22:03:00.004-05:00

Got so much snow here in Michigan - had to take a break from cleaning up and have a little fun!

Integrative Treatment of Cancer in Dogs

2013-02-27T12:55:00.000-05:00

Integrative Treatment of Cancer in Dogs pdf

View more ebooks on ebookbrowse.com

Scottie Dog Birthday Cake

2013-02-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

This is absolutely the cutest - must try - stay tuned for my version!

The Most Popular Loser At The Westminster Dog Show

2013-02-16T19:26:00.000-05:00

Bruno is a show dog — a Scottie who didn't make it to the podium in his breed's competition at the Westminster Dog Show. But while nearby Best in Breed winners are trimmed and tweezed and doused in relative peace and quiet with more hairspray than a model at Fashion Week, Bruno is being interviewed by TV cameras and posing for Instagrams in his tartan hat. Westminster's most popular dog is a loser.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/hillaryreinsberg/the-most-popular-loser-at-the-westminster-dog-show
http://www.brunothescotty.com/

Two Major Brands of Dog Treats Recalled

2013-02-05T14:28:00.000-05:00

Pet owners are growing concerned over the not-so-safe ingredients that might be present in their dogs’ food. Just recently, Purina and Milo’s Kitchen, two important names in the market for pet food, have decided to recall some of their dog treats based on chicken meat coming from China.

Which dog treats recalled

Purina is pulling out Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch, while Milo’s Kitchen is giving up on Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers. All these are dog treats based on chicken meat.

The reason

Since the decision of pulling out certain dog treats from the market sounds like a radical one, there is natural concern from pet owners in regards to the reason behind all these. According to the pet food brands, the chicken treats in question, may contain minute amounts of antibiotics that come from the chicken meat used in the manufacturing process. It appears that the antibiotics are present in chicken meat because they were used as treatment for the chickens the meat comes from.
The antibiotics in question are approved in China and Europe, but they are not according to US regulations, hence the decision.

Are the treats dangerous for pets?

Since this is the question on everyone’s lips, it is important to find a clear answer for it. Both Purina and Milo’s Kitchen say that the treats are safe for pet consumption, but they decided to pull out the products from the market, because they have not been manufactured according to standards. Since antibiotics should not be present in the said dog treats, their decision comes as a result of the recent findings.

http://www.allpetnews.com/two-major-brands-of-dog-treats-recalled/

Top Ten Winter Skin & Paw Care Tips

2013-01-31T20:27:00.000-05:00

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws.
Says Dr. Louise Murray, ASPCA Director of Medicine, “During the winter, products used as de-icers on sidewalks and other areas can lead to trouble for our animal companions, potentially causing problems ranging from sore feet to internal toxicity. Pet parents should take precautions to minimize their furry friends' exposure to such agents.”
To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s paws and skin, please heed the following advice from our experts:

Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in between the toes.
Trim long-haired dogs to minimize the clinging of ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry on the skin. (Don’t neglect the hair between the toes!)
Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
Dressing your pet in a sweater or coat will help to retain body heat and prevent skin from getting dry.
Booties help minimize contact with painful salt crystals, poisonous anti-freeze and chemical ice-melting agents. They can also help prevent sand and salt from getting lodged in between bare toes, causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
Massaging petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside helps to protect from salt and chemical agents. And moisturizing after a good toweling off helps to heal chapped paws.
Brushing your pet regularly not only gets rid of dead hair, but also stimulates blood circulation, improving the skin’s overall condition.
Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime, sometimes causing dehydration. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help to keep her well-hydrated, and her skin less dry.
Remember, if the weather’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Animal companions should remain indoors as much as possible during the winter months and never be left alone in vehicles when the mercury drops.

If you spot wounds or redness on your pet’s feet, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

One Treat Too Many – People Food Dogs Should Avoid

2012-08-16T16:18:00.000-04:00

While many of us like to spoil our pets with tasty treats from the table, and it’s incredibly tough to resist those puppy dog eyes we all know to well, it’s important to be aware of the dangers in feeding “people food” to our dogs.

Here’s a list of a few foods we enjoy but should avoid letting our dogs get their tongues on:

Ice Cream
While summer’s heat makes it tempting for us to share our tasty treats with our dogs, ice cream and other dairy products should be avoided, as they can cause digestive issues and diarrhea.

Alcohol
Beer is a staple at summer cookouts, but should never be shared with our pets. Alcohol (beer, wine AND liquor) affects dogs’ brains and livers just as it does ours. Even small amounts of beer, wine or liquor can cause vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty breathing.

Chocolate
While many know to keep chocolate away from dogs, it’s worth another reminder. Theobromine, the toxic agent in chocolate, [yes, all kinds of chocolate] can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death.

Potato Chips
While a couple of plain chips may not be a problem, salty chips and dips like guacamole can cause serious issues for dogs. Salt consumption can cause excessive thirst and urination, and can ultimately lead to sodium ion poisoning. Guacamole contains a substance called persin, which can be toxic to dogs.

Grapes
Many of us love tossing our dogs a treats like grapes or other fruits. While it isn’t clear why, grapes have been known to cause kidney failure in dogs. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, lethargy and depression.

Medicine
The most common cause of poisoning in dogs is a reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans. Even the common ingredients in cold medicine and pain relievers can be deadly for your dog. Never give your pets over-the-counter meds unless your vet approves.

Our dogs are very curious creatures. No matter how careful we are, they may still get their mouths on something they shouldn’t. If you think your dog has consumed something toxic or harmful, get emergency help immediately.

The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at (888) 426-4435.

For more information on what foods to avoid, and a list of foods your dog can enjoy safely, visit www.pets.webmd.com.

Heat Wave! Should You Shave Your Pet?

2012-07-21T08:20:00.000-04:00

Nearly everywhere in America, this summer is a scorcher, and we know that as a responsible pet parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your best four-legged friends cool. So when you look at your Pomeranian, Golden Retriever or long-haired cat wearing a thick, fluffy coat, you might feel tempted to break out your grooming tools and give him a serious hair cut.
But hold those clippers! While you or I would hate to sport a fur coat in 100-degree weather, your pets’ fur coats are actually providing them with heat relief.
Dogs’ coats have several layers, and these layers are essential to your dog’s comfort in the heat. Robbing your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort and overheating. And keeping your dog cool isn’t the only reason to leave his coat intact, Dr. Murray warns. Your dog’s coat prevents your pup from getting sunburn and helps protect her from skin cancer.
So what can you do? “It’s OK to trim your long-haired dog’s long hair, such as any hair that hangs down on his legs,” Dr. Murray says. Just never attempt to clip mats off your pet’s coat with scissors, Dr. Murray adds. And if you’ve got a long-haired kitty, leave her coat intact. Instead, brush her a little more frequently during the hot summer months.