Get Your Pets Microchipped--It's a Lifesaver!

People are losing their pets at an alarming rate and as usual it is such a challenge trying to locate them. We see flyers displaying missing pets on a daily basis. As a result, there are advertisements that are encouraging pet owners to get this device embedded in their pets, whether it is a dog, cat, horse, or any domesticated animals.

This embedded tool is referred to as a microchip. It is an identifying integrated circuit that is injected under the skin of a dog, cat, horse or any other animal. The size of this chip is about as large as a grain of rice. Microchips uses the technology that is known as RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification. With the RFID, radio waves are used as a medium to send information. The tag keeps the data information in its memory bank by utilizing electromagnetic forces for power for the purpose of communication.

Many people think the RFID tags come in the same form. These tags have different forms. Microchips that are implanted in pets and other animals do not always have to be operating to send information--the information is stored due to the unique identification number for the pet. In other words, it waits to be read. The passive RFID tags require no batteries and no internal power source.

Microchips have been a tool used to locate lost pets and/or whenever the pet's ownership is in question. Organizations such as animal shelters and animal control centers reap the benefits of utilizing these microchip ID products. In addition to this circuit being a great assistance in returning the pets to their owners, it reduces many expenses as well. These expenses include feeding, boarding, medical attention and even the worst possibility--the pet facing euthanasia.

Shelters are not the only places that are using the microchip. Almost everyone that is a pet professional is making it their number one priority. This includes kennels, breeders, animal clubs and association and many more.

Many people are skeptical about letting their pet get the microchip. They fear their pets will require major surgery, which can be very costly. The good news is that the procedure requires no anesthesia. Just think of it as the pet getting a vaccination--the difference is getting a chip vaccination versus the liquid vaccination. Cost is also a big issue among pet owners. Some may feel the procedure is a little pricey. But it is pretty reasonable. Microchip costs run anywhere between twenty-five and sixty-five dollars plus the registration fees. The prices solely depend on the veterinary clinic and veterinarian the owner visits. Registering your pet along with the microchip is a must; otherwise the procedure is pointless.

Pet kidnappings have been in the news in recent times and the situation is only getting worse. If a pet owner are having doubts about the microchip, then it is suggested that he/she get their pets microchipped. This will be the best investment for the owner and their pets.


Sources:

http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pets-travel/pet-microchip1.htm
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pets-travel/pet-microchip2.htm

Pets Can Also Have Food Allergies

When we hear about food allergies and intolerance, we usually associate it with people. Some of these food allergies and intolerance may include being lactose intolerant and allergic reactions due to certain food ingredients, just to name a few. But most of us do not think that pets can also suffer from food allergies. Believe it or not, it is true.

Food allergies are responsible for at least ten percent of the allergies that are present in dogs. It is one of the most common causes of allergies along with inhalant allergies. In addition, it is responsible for twenty percent of the itching and scratching that occurs in dogs.

What is the difference between food allergies and intolerance? It is a big difference between food allergies and food intolerance? With food allergies, it actually demonstrates the symptoms of itching, scratching and other skin dilemmas that are connected to dog and cat allergies. Unlike food allergies, food intolerance deals with the aftermath as in diarrhea, therefore does not respond to allergies on a normal basis. Pet food intolerance is very similar to their human counterparts vomiting after consuming foods that are greasy and spicy in nature. There is hope: these food annoyances can get some type of relief by switching the pet's diet to something that is allergen-free. These following pet food ingredients are some of the main causes of the annoyances: beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn, wheat and soy.

Allergy Symptoms
Itchy skin is usually the main symptom in terms of the food allergies. It has an excruciating effect on everywhere from the face to the arm area. Other symptoms may be skin infections in response to an antibiotic, which returns after the end of usage, and hair loss, just to name a few. An increase in bowel movements may also be an issue.

Treatment
The best type of treatment for these pet food allergies is avoiding many of the food ingredients. To bring some temporary relief, antihistamines, garlic combining fatty acids and steroids are given. There are two different options for the pet owner: a homemade diet or a specifically formulated diet to feed the pets.

If the choice is a homemade diet, the owner has the option to introduce the pet to new ingredients, just to see the ingredient in which is causing the allergic reaction. If this type of diet is the choice, then the diet should be balanced, with the proper amount of vitamins, ingredients and minerals. Owners should seek advice from a veterinary nutritionist for accuracy.

Food allergies are usually the result of the ingredients that are present in everyday, commercialized pet foods. But if the pets are experiencing any symptoms of food allergies, owners should seek a veterinarian.

Source:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?=C=2+2111&aid=143

Furry Citizens

Furry Citizens

Dog Fragrances: An Owner's Sniff Test

Want to eliminate the typical "doggy" odor? No, this is not in reference to the elimination of pet urine or anything of that nature. We are talking perfumes and colognes for dogs. That right!--fragrances for our beloved pooches.

When we take Fido to the groomer for that summer haircut, the vast majority of these grooming professionals use some type of deodorant just to tickle their owners' olfactory nerves. Think about the Animal Planet show "Groomer Has It!" It is not that the dogs are barking about who's wearing which fragrance! In addition to giving their coat that extra and pleasurable "kick," some dog owners' other concerns are how to moisturize the coat and keeping the skin hydrated, just to name a few.

In almost every dog grooming salons and pet stores (where grooming services are available--think Petco), there are a shelf full of sprays, spritzes and perfumes. Not only the groomer are styling the dog's coat into its desirable look, he/she is encouraged to sell the products as well. Grooming salons and shops usually offer many different fragrances, for female and male dogs.

Recently, I wanted to purchase some dog fragrances for my pooch. I went to Petco, but did not find what was desired. A different approach was sought: the Internet! Dog.com and Bella Poochie have a variety of dog sprays and perfumes to choose from. Dog owners will find that these fragrances' names are similar to the designer fragrances that are made for people. The good thing is that it is not-so-posh in terms of pricing.

Here are a few of them that will pique dog owners' interests:

CK9: Remember CK1 for people? Just think of CK9 as the doggy version. Both genders can get a splash of this fragrance. Not too feminine or too masculine, CK9 is very neutral in terms of scent with a combination of pineapple, jasmine, papaya with a little bit of amber and green tea.

Beautifur: This is just like the perfume,"Beautiful," but the four-legged companion gets her glory with Beautifur. Beautifur is the more elegant perfume. In addition to the more sophisticated fragrance, it is also tangle-free. It is perfect for keeping up Ms. Fido's hair.

Pucci: It is very obvious how this cologne got its name! Does Gucci ring a bell?. Anyway, if you have a male dog, then Pucci is the perfect cologne for him--you will smell his masculinity. This is classy and sophisticated for the four-legged debonair. A classic, but a gem!

Not all of these dog fragrances are "posh." There are some fragrances that are suited for the "common" dog:

Therapet Pet Cologne: This cologne consists of many of the top-notched fragrances and made into the imitation ones. The good news is that it smells nearly like the "posh" stuff. Therapet Pet Cologne is not only easy to apply, but the dog's nemesis, the cat is also welcome to use it. The scent last for more than forty-eight hours. Aqualina Pink Sugar and Island Kiss are phenomenal for female dogs, and Hugo Boss is wonderful on their male counterparts.

Earthbath Mango Tango Dog Spray: Earthbath Mango Tango is just the answer to the relief of a not-so-pleasant odor. This can be used in-between baths. Not only this spray gives the owners satisfaction of eliminating bad odor, but it also give moisture to the skin and coat.  Earthbath Mango Tango also gives the coat its softness minus the residue. The special components of this doggy spray is that it contains all natural ingredients and pH balanced. This product is safe on dogs six weeks old and not recommended for cats. What a bummer!

Whether your dog wears the classy and/or elegant fragrance or the sporty and common type, there is a scent for every dog and their owner. Dog owners: seize the fragrance, whichever is chosen!

The Great Nature

The great nature rules.
Nature is so calm and lovely.
Clear blue skies are wonderful to look at.
A sense of peacefulness is wonderful.
Hearing nature sing sounds very lovely.
The great nature is beautiful.
It is a lovely reflection of the outdoors.
Watching the leaves being carried away is a wonderful vision.
Writing beautiful music is beyond great. 

Nature is...great, wonderful, and lovely! 

Poisonous Foods to Dogs

Own Fido? Chances are if you are a dog owner, you have purchased him/her some treats, or, maybe you have the desire to make homemade dog treats. But before you whip up that batter, there are some things that you should be informed on.

The following are common ingredients that are used in dog treats that should not be used:

Baby food: Baby food is fine, but in trace amounts. On the contrary, it may include onion or onion powder along with an ample amount of sugar and salt. This is terrible for a dog's diet.

Cheese and milk: Although these two dairy products are not toxic to dogs, some dog's systems are intolerant of dairy products. In the case of a dog having intolerance to dairy products, owners can use substitute milk for the recipe, as in almond milk, soy milk, or other milk that is lactose-free. Here is another alternative: beef broth, chicken broth, or water can take the place of milk. Good news: lactose-free cheeses, soy, or cheeses from almond can be used.

Chocolate: Dogs should avoid chocolate in every form because of its toxicity. If dogs ingest any chocolate, then vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Depending on its consumption level, it can also cause conditions, such as tremors, irregular heart rhythm, seizures, and in most extreme instances—death.

Onions: Ingesting onions alters the red blood cells; as a result, causing anemia. Skip all onion products for the pooch.

Liver: Dogs cannot resist the liver treats—the smell is irresistible to them. But as with anything, too much consumption of liver can result in vitamin A toxicity. A rule of thumb: do not overindulge their digestive tract with one type of ingredient.

Macadamia nuts and walnuts: Nuts are very dangerous to dogs. Macadamia nuts and walnuts have toxins that may cause muscle tremors, paralysis, and eventually become weak. Although other nut varieties are deemed to be safe, they are likely to have a substantial amount of salt and fat. Avoid the macadamia nuts and walnuts; as for the rest of the nuts—use in moderation.

Potato: Potatoes in doggie treats are just fine—beware of the green parts due to its toxicity. In potatoes, if the consumption of the green parts is substantial, it is considered dangerous. Other than the green part, dogs can dig in their potatoes!

Salt: By all means, salt should be avoid in a dog's diet. Unlike humans, dogs do not have as many taste buds. Therefore, they do their “taste test” through their keen sense of smell. If dogs consume a lot of salt, then numerous health problem can arise, such as kidney problems and sodium toxicity.

Sweetness/sugar: Trust me, Fido is not going to miss the sugar cravings! If dogs were to eat sugar, it can cause tooth decay, weight gain, and hypoglycemia. As for sweeteners, avoid it as well.

Now that you know what common foods are toxic for dogs, you—the owner—can make healthier choices for them, even it you decide to beat the batter for those tasty, homemade doggie treats. Doggies—snack on and be in good health!

Source:

www.dogtreatkitchen.com/foods-poisonous-to-dogs.html

The Water Myths

Our lives are very dependent upon water, whether it is drinking, cooking, or bathing. Big deal, right? Water is one of the purest elements on planet Earth. So why are there myths about water? The demands for water is a possibility.

Here are some of these water myths:

Myth: We have less water in the present time than we did in the past.

The Truth: The same amount of water that exists on our planet today is unchanged from when the Earth came into existence. The demands on water these days are much greater. As a result, water have regulations, treated and are sold.

Myth: Once the water is used up, no more will be produced.

The Truth: Water is not short of supply; in fact, it is recyclable and goes through this cycle numerous times. There are some water that is rapidly recycled and will be reusable during a week's time, and other parts of water will not probably be used for a few months or a few years.

Myth: There is lead in the water; the water treatment plant is responsible.

The Truth: The majority of the lead that is found in water can be traced to the plumbing system in the home. There is a possibility that the plumbing may include lead pipes and/or lead solder somewhere in the connections. Lead is harmful to anyone, especially for children and pregnant women. If any individual have issues about the lead water, he/she should get in touch with the local public health department of water utility to see how the water can be tested by a laboratory that is certified. If the result of the water lead test is fifteen parts of a gallon, then it is time to have reduction of the water lead content.

Myth: Bottled water is much safer than tap water.

The Truth: Think again! This is not always the case. Bottled water have regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in which the water quality requirements are almost the same as the regulations from the EPA for public water supplies. However, public water supplies and bottled water are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent contaminant-free. The end result of the product should meet every federal, state, or provincial water standards for drinking.

Myth: Water will automatically purify; we should not be concerned.

The Truth: We should be concerned about the condition of our drinking water. Water is supposed to be one hundred percent pure, but unfortunately the environment is composed of so many harmful elements, it can get into the drinking water supplies.

Those are some of the drinking water myths that we often hear. Unfortunately, most people take drinking water for granted, even with the bottled water. The bottom line: we should pay more attention to the water resources so that we can protect them from contamination and make sure that the public water utilities have excellent resources to be able to give the general public safe drinking water supplies.

Source:

www.nsf.org/consumer/drinking_water/ww_myth.asp?program=waterTre

Return of the Pet Food Recall

In the news: there has been another pet food recalling. First, there was recalling of the pet canned food a few years ago. Now, it is bags of cat food that is making the headlines. Purina is hitting the air waves, but this time in a negative perspective.

Purina has recalled some cat food that stands the possibility of being contaminated by salmonella. It has recalled the bags of three and a half pound and seven pound Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food, which is formulated for senior cats.

These bags of food were originally made within a single production that was started during the second half of 2010. According to the press release that is posted on Purina.com, this stuff were sold to pet owners/consumers in at least twelve Midwestern states, such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, just to name a few.

The following recall is for the product that has a “Best by” date of May 2012. This information is found on the bottom corner of the bag:

-3.5 pound bags with production codes of 03341084 and 03351084 and UPC codes of 17800 and 01885.

-7 pound bags with production codes of 03341084 and 03351084 and UPC codes of 17800 and 01887.

According to Keith Schopp, spokesman for Nestle Purina PetCare Company, the decision for the recall was made over a two-day course at the manufacturing facility in Davenport, IA. He was not clear on the amount of the food that was made within a couple of days. Schopp also stated that Nestle Purina was unaware of the contamination and was notified from the Food and Drug Administration. There is good news—no other pet food products from this company were not affected by the salmonella possibility.

What is up with all of these pet food recalls? Is the Food and Drug Administration thoroughly monitoring these food manufacturing plants? If they were really inspecting these places, then how come there are numerous pet food recalling. Believe it or not, there are more pet food recalls that anyone would think.

The question is did any pet owners purchase any of these products and if so, did their pets become sick? But it is advised to discontinue use, of course, until further notice, and discard it. It also gives warning about people handling the cat food. Anyone that purchased this particular product can get their refund by visiting the website, www.purina.com or they can give them a call at 1-800-982-6559.

Source:

www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-purina-recalls-pet-food-contaminated-by-salmonella-20110801,0,299161.story