New Year's Resolutions for You and Your Dog

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

10 Suggestions for Keeping a Dog Healthy and Happy, and Strengthening the Bond

Janet Wendy Spiegel
December 28, 2010

Every year, between holiday festivities and Jan. 1, about 100 million Americans make resolutions for the new year. To help you make resolutions you can keep, here is a list of things you can do to build your relationship with your pet.

1. Walk your dog every day for at least 20 minutes (about one mile). It'll get you in shape, leave your dog a bit tired after structured, focused exercise, and build your pooch-person bond.
2. Take a nature hike once a month with your pup.
3. Clip your dog's claws every few months.
4. Brush your dog's teeth to avoid deep plaque build-up and costly vet bills.
5. Consider training your dog as a therapy dog.
6. Bake your own dog treats.
   
7. Make sure your dog's license is current.
8. Keep your pet's vaccinations current. (But, keep them to a minimum; don't overdo them!)
9. Buy your dog a sweater – or knit one!
10. Spend a lazy weekend day watching a movie and cuddling with your pup in bed.
    

Happy New Year!

Source: http://encino.patch.com/articles/new-years-resolutions-for-you-and-your-dog
Copyright © 2010 Patch

With a Knick-knack, Paddy-whack...

FDA Tells Pet Owners NOT to Give Dogs a Bone

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Associated Press

If they only knew, dogs from coast to coast might be howling over this advice from the government.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a reminder to consumers Wednesday to toss out bones from their meals rather than feed them to their pets.

"Some people think it's safe to give dogs large bones, like those from a ham or a roast," said Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA. "Bones are unsafe, no matter what their size."

The FDA spelled out 10 reasons it's a bad idea to give doggie a real bone.

Among them: broken teeth, mouth or tongue injuries, bones or fragments of bones getting stuck in a dog's esophagus or even its stomach, which might require surgery. Bone fragments also can cause constipation.

Worse, it could be deadly. Giving your dog a real bone could cause a bacterial infection of the abdomen, called peritonitis, when fragments poke holes in a dog's stomach or intestines. "Your dog needs an emergency visit to your veterinarian because peritonitis can kill your dog," says the caution from the FDA.

The Better Business Bureau recently cautioned pet owners about feeding a popular treat, Dynamic Pet Products' Real Ham Bone for Dogs, to pets. It says a number of consumers have complained that dogs became seriously ill or died from internal damage due to bone fragments. The company has denied any wrongdoing, according to the bureau news release.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,591364,00.html
© 2010 FOX News Network, LLC

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Also, see:

• No Bones About It: Bones are Unsafe for Your Dog - html
  
• No Bones About It: Bones are Unsafe for Your Dog - PDF

Canine Dental Hygiene

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth
By Dr. Mike, VetVid

How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth
By Peggy Frezon, Rensselaer, New York

Your veterinarian probably tells you to brush your dog's teeth. I know – if you're like me, it's hard enough to remind your kids to brush their teeth. With all we have to fit in a day, brushing a dog's teeth may be the last thing we can tackle on our expanding To-Do list.

But I've learned that dental care is important to a pet's overall health. So I'm making more of an effort to brush Kelly's teeth. And, it really is quick and easy, once you get the hang of it. Here are some simple steps you can follow:

1. Gather your supplies. You'll need a special pet toothpaste. Remember, human toothpastes may upset your dog's stomach. Pet toothpastes come in flavors like chicken, beef, malt and mint. Yum! You'll also need a pet toothbrush. Be sure to select the appropriate size for your pet. You may want to start off with a small rubber brush that fits over the tip of your finger.
   
   
2. Start off slow. Begin by just checking in your dog's mouth. Get him used to having you open his jaws and touch his teeth. Be careful with nippy dogs – you know your pet best. Advance to rubbing his teeth and gums with your finger.
   
   
3. Offer a taste. Put some pet toothpaste on your finger. Let your dog lick it off. She should enjoy the flavor. Experiment until you find the flavor she likes best!
   
   
4. Use a gentle brushing motion. Apply pet toothpaste to the finger brush or a pet toothbrush. Lift your dog's lips and rub the brush gently on the outside of the teeth. Be sure to get the back teeth. You won't need to worry about the inside of the teeth. If your dog balks at the toothbrush, try a square of guaze or washcloth.
   
   
5. Reward! Keep the tooth brushing time short and pleasant. When you're done, reward with a game of fetch or a walk.

Most veterinarians suggest brushing daily. I admit I fall short of this. But if you can try for once or twice a week, that's a good start. Make it a part of your routine, like before bed or the evening walk.

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Peggy Frezon, freelance writer and pet lover, has owned dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, hermit crabs, turtles and fish. Visit here twice monthly to read helpful tips on caring for your pets and check out her blog.

Source: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth.html

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Tip: You can also try a convenient spray to remove tooth plaque and tarter and maintain gums and teeth.