Keeping Up with the Pet Food Recalls

For the most up-to-date resource for pet food recalls, click on the following ASPCA link that lists all of the pet foods that are currently under recall.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=recall_list

How to Find the Right Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle

Most of my dogs that have wandered into my life were strays, so I have never given much thought to finding a dog that fit my lifestyle. I guess I've adapted my lifestyle to accommodate them. If you are looking for a new addition to your family, it is a good idea to research the different types of dog breeds and be familiar with their personality type, energy level, and care requirements. Doing the research up front will help you determine if the dog will be a good fit with your family and can prevent having to deal with behaviour problems or finding the dog another home.

Some breeds are high maintenance and require regular grooming or lots of exercise. If your schedule doesn't permit enough free time to properly care for a particular type of dog, you may want to consider a different breed. The Animal Planet web site has a fun, 10-question survey that will help you identify what breed may be best suited to your situation. It also has a Dog Breed Directory that lists characteristics for each breed.

Out of curiosity, I completed the survey and had a 99% match with a Canaan, which is a herding dog. Ironically, I've owned mostly large herding dogs, but lately the strays that have have been showing up on my doorstep are getting more diminutive with each addition. The latest is a Chihuahua/Boston Terrier mix. Even the cats are bigger than he is.

If you are considering a pure-bred dog, check out the rescue groups that place breed-specific animals that have been given up for adoption. A local veterinarian or animal shelter should be able to provide you with a list of the groups in your area. If you decide to use a breeder, be sure to verify that they are a reputable operation. Some breeders, who breed strictly for profit, may not keep the animals in a humane environment, or breed without any concern for latent medical problems which can result in expensive vet bills down the road.

So do yourself and the dog a favor and know what you are in for before you choose a new pet. And consider giving a rescued dog a second chance at a better life.

To use the Animal Planet Dog Breed Selector or to access its Dog Breed Directory, click on the following link: http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do

Your dog will be begging you to bake these treats!

Bow-Wow Brownies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup of whole wheat flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup carob chips (Note: Do NOT substitute chocolate chips for carob chips. Canines do not have the enzyme required to digest chocolate, which can be fatal to them)
• 1/4 cup of carob powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend oil and honey in a bowl. Mix in remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 15-by-10-inch baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cut into squares.

From: "Real Food for Dogs: 50 Vet-Approved Recipes to Please the Canine Gastronome"

Evacuation Tips for Pets

Never leave your pet behind in an emergency if you can help it. Here are some tips for preparing your pets for an evacuation should disaster strike:

• You may need to leave your pet in a temporary shelter with limited cage space. Get a pet carrier or crate for each household pet. It should be large enough for the pet to stand up and turn around.
• Animals can be easily frightened by loud noises or unusual circumstances and want to bolt to safety. Have a leash and muzzle on hand to help control your dog. Pack a harness for your cat.
• Pack newspaper, plastic bags, wet wipes, cleansers, and kitty litter to deal with pet wastes.
• Have a sufficient amount of pet food, bottled water, food bowls, and any medications your pet is taking
• Be sure that your pet's vaccinations are current. A temporary shelter may not take your pet unless you can provide proof that its shots are current. Gather your pet's medical records, ID records (such as Rabies tag number and microchip number), a current photo and detailed description of your pet and pack in a waterproof bag.
• Make sure that your pet has an ID on his collar that has current information. Any temporary information, such as cell phone number or number of where you are staying, should be taped to the back of the ID tag.
• Ask local animal shelters or veterinarian clinics if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. If they do not, ask if they can recommend other resources, such as animal sanctuaries, boarding facilities, or farms that may be taking pets in during a crisis.

Check Out All Creatures Great and Small

Animals never cease to amaze me. This section is a celebration of their intelligence, companionship, selflessness, and ability to lift the human spirit with their antics. Enjoy!

Pet Travel Tips

If traveling by air with your pet, here are some suggestions for making it a safe and fun journey:

• You will be required to take the pet out of the carrier and walk through the metal detector with them, while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. If you pet is skittish and has not traveled much, keep a leash on your dog or a harness on your cat as you go through security.
• A few handy things to pack along in your carrier: wet wipes for accidents; a small bowl for water; a small portion of pet food; and some pet treats. If traveling to a cold climate, you may also want to pack a sweater or jacket for your pet.
• If your pet is not an experienced traveler, cover the carrier with a bed sheet if they start getting restless. This has a calming effect on most pets.
• Be sure that your pet has a id tag with current contact information. Add any additional contact information, such as your cell phone number or the number of where you are staying on strip of tape on the back of the tag
• Some airlines may ask to see a copy of your pet's vaccinations to be sure that the pet is current on its shots. It is a good idea to take these records along just in case.
• If you are taking your pet with you in the cabin, be sure that the pet kennel will fit under the seat on any aircraft. An airline-approved, soft sided carrier usually works best if you are taking the pet on-board with you. Airlines frequently substitute equipment, and what may fit on one aircraft may not fit on another. The same holds true for checking a pet as baggage. Some aircraft cannot accommodate extra large kennels. Check the airline's web site for what kennel size can be accommodate, or call their reservations line. The kennel must be an appropriate size for your pet, or the airline may refuse shipment if they feel that the pet may be uncomfortable during transport.
• If you are checking your pet as baggage, it must be in a hard-sided carrier. It is recommended that you use a kennel where the top of the carrier is hard-sided to ensure the safety of your pet during travel and to help prevent escapes. You may also want to secure the door to the kennel with zip ties to prevent escape.
• If you are using public transportation at your destination, be sure to check before you travel if your pet will be allowed on-board
• Many pet friendly hotels have rules on where pets are allowed on the property. They may not be permitted in restaurants or common areas, such as pools. It is a good idea to check ahead to see what their restrictions are, and if any pet fees or deposits apply for cleaning the room after your stay.

Bon Voyage!

Veterinarian Approved Diet for Dogs

This diet was developed by a veterinarian. My 12-year-old collie lost a lot of weight this past year and her coat was very dry and thin. Lily would not eat most dog foods. So my vet recommended this diet, which she loves, and she has gained all of her weight back and has a very glossy coat.

It is very simple to prepare and uses all human grade ingredients. It was formulated for a 60 pound dog, and this recipe equals one day of food. You may want to check with your vet before you try it to be sure that it is suitable for your dog's health condition. This recipe equals approximately 1,350 calories.



Mix together:

• 10 ounces of one of the following: cooked chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or pork
• 1/2 cup steamed carrots
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/2 cup steamed spinach
• 1/2 red or yellow pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 tsp ginger, either dried or fresh
• 1/4 tsp dried mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil