Beware of Chicken Jerky Treats for Pets from China | Poisoned Pets

WARNING: CHICKEN JERKY TREATS FROM CHINA MAY POISON PETS


From The American Veterinary Medical Association

The Food and Drug Administration continues to caution that certain chicken jerky products for dogs—also sold as chicken tenders, strips, or treats—are associated with illness in dogs.

According to a Nov. 18, 2011, update, the FDA has seen an increase during the past 12 months in the number of complaints from dog owners and veterinarians regarding illnesses in dogs associated with consumption of chicken jerky products from China.

The FDA issued warnings regarding chicken jerky products in September 2007 and December 2008. The number of complaints dropped off during late 2009 and most of 2010 before rising again.

The agency advises consumers who feed chicken jerky products to their dogs to watch them for any of the following signs of illness: a decrease in appetite; a decrease in activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; an increase in water consumption; or an increase in urination.

Dog owners should consult their veterinarian if their dogs have signs of illness that are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests might indicate kidney failure, and urine tests might indicate Fanconi syndrome. Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA involved dogs that died.

The FDA and several U.S. animal health diagnostic laboratories are working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. The agency continues chemical and microbial testing of the products but has not identified a contaminant.

How to Report a Pet Food Complaint

www.fda.gov

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), established in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 81,500 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services. Structured to work for its members, the AVMA acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession.

Dog Shows | Yorkshire Terrier | Westminster | NYC

What is it like to go to a dog show?  What do the handlers and dogs go through behind the scenes and during competition?

Here are some videos that examine the Dog Show Experience.

If you are interested in attending Westminster in NYC or attending some of the fun Pre-Westminster events here are links for 2012:
Ticket information for The Westminster 2012 Dog Show
Have a blast at the 2012 Pre-Westminster Dog Fashion Show!
Go to the New Yorkie Fashion Show | NYC 2012

Long Island Dog Parks | Have fun with your doggie!

Please--be a responsible dog owner. DO NOT bring dogs to dog parks that have aggression issues. A dog park is NOT the place to work on them!  Small dogs are especially vulnerable to attacks by agressive dogs.  Work out aggression issues with a professional trainer. 

If you have a small dog--stick to parks that provide a separate area for smaller breed dogs. Small dogs and large dogs don't always mix.  Personally, I no longer bring my small dogs to parks that do not have separate areas for small and large dogs. A friend of mine lost her beloved Yorkie this year after a large dog attacked it in a local dog park.  This particular park has no separate area for small dogs.   Unexpected attacks can happen -- read my post on Jilli Dog.  I myself lost a small Yorkie after a large stray came into our yard and attacked him.  It was devastating for my family.  

In my opinion, mixing small breed dogs with large dogs is just not worth the risk. It is a tragedy waiting to happen.  Be wise and be safe--you can still and have fun!


Not from Long Island? CLICK HERE to find a dog park close to you 

Here is a list of dog parks on Long Island:

Dogs in Cars Videos | Can your dog drive?

Horrors for Ukraine's Stray Dogs in 2012

What the European Football Championship in 2012
means for stray dogs in Ukraine?

As I was looking for content for this posting of my blog, I came across multiple videos exposing the recent mass poisoning of stray dogs in Ukraine, which inspired this post. There are videos being posted noting "As Kiev prepares to host the European Football Championship in 2012, animal rights groups claim attempts to beautify the country are coming at the expense of homeless animals." The videos are too gruesome to place on my blog and personally-- I watched part of one of a poisoned street dog-- I couln't watch more than a few seconds. The image disturbed me too much. I have two videos posted below of news reposts about the situation.


Ukraine is known as the one of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine and its people have suffered in a world turned upside down. A friend of mine there told me "Under the Soviets, we did not have much, but we knew what we had. Since the collapse, we do not know how much money we will have from month to month." 

 I have personally visited Ukraine three times and have seen first hand the result of years under Soviet rule--much of Ukraine looks like it was frozen in time.



I could write about many impressions from my experiences there, but in this blog I share my thoughts about dogs and dog boarding. I am a true dog lover. It was difficult for me while I was in Ukraine to see all the stray dogs-- big and small-- wandering the streets and countryside. Every where I went, there were lonely stray dogs. On the subways, in the train stations, on the street, along the road in the middle of no where.



One day we were driving through a farming area --miles and miles of endless farming fields, covered in snow and not a house or person in sight. Suddenly, in the middle of nowhere, there were three small dogs running along the side of the road. The largest looked to be about 15 pounds or so. The second was a little smaller and the smallest perhaps about 10 pounds, trailed behind.


As an American involved in the dog world, it actually pained me to see the sight of three little dogs-- one smaller than the other, all alone in the middle of no where, running along the road-- to where? It was bitterly cold. 

 The landscape was covered with deep snow and I couldn't see a sign of human life anywhere. Where I live on the East Coast, our strays are quickly picked up by concerned neighbors and brought to a vet or shelter. We have rescue groups for just about every breed imaginable, working to find homeless dogs a new forever family. I myself am a foster mom for Yorkie 911 Rescue, Inc. and so far  I have fostered 7 pups while we searched for new families for them.


Back to Ukraine...in the village center of the small remote town where I lived during much of my last my visit to Ukraine, I observed strays of all sizes politely walking through the crowds at the open air shops.  These shops were actually nothing more than cramped and dirty outdoor stalls, separated from one another by tarps and sheltered overhead by another tarp which offered some protection from the snow and rain. Hoping for a scrap or morsel from the shoppers and vendors at these open air stalls, these stray dogs stood patiently, hopefully, quietly looking up at the people passing by.


There was one particular stall that caught my attention--in it was the chicken vendor. While there were different cuts of chicken meat available, their most popular item was chicken feet. I suppose people bought the feet for soup. Perhaps it was all they could afford. Occasionally a kind person would drop a chicken foot to a silently begging dog. This lucky little pup would run off with this little treasure to quickly gobble up this scant meal.

The guest house where I stayed during my stay at this remote village had their own resident stray dog. They called him Bobbick, a Shepherd mix who one day appeared on their property and never left. He was there everyday, no matter what the weather was, in his favorite spot on the slopped hill outside the fenced property of the house. They fed him scraps and kept an eye out for him.

 He was very happy during my stay there because I always tried to remember to bring some cookies or biscuits with me when I went outside for him. Bobbick was a sweet dog, he would have made a great family pet.


While I loved my experiences in Ukraine, and I loved the people I met, it still is a harsh society-- where orphaned children are institutionalized and brutalized. It is a country where the weak and defenseless are very vulnerable and often without protection. For a government lacking the resources to properly care for its elderly, its weak, its homeless and orphaned children, there can't be much (if any), provisions for stray, homeless animals.



However, everywhere I went, I saw signs of ordinary people taking care of stray animals. In the Kharkov apartment complex where I lived in for a couple of weeks, I saw people leaving scraps and leftovers outside for the stray cats and dogs of the neighborhood. Everyday there were new offerings left out on planks for the homeless animals.  And while I saw many animals living out on the street, I can't say that I saw any emaciated dogs with rib cages showing.


My hope and prayer for Ukraine, is that true reform will come for the people. That the people will find God's peace and healing from the oppression that they lived under for several generations. That the government and society will reform, and that the people of Ukraine find true freedom, that they will prosper and experience economic independence. Perhaps then, when the people have the care and services they need, and eventually there will be the resources for animals-- for spay/neuter programs, shelters and rescue groups to help homeless pets. May God heal and bless the people of Ukraine.

Video Collections | How to Groom a Yorkie | Dog Grooming Tips

Recently, I have had some problems bring my Yorkies to groomers. It's not that I don't like my groomers, actually I love them, but my little dogs have had some issues, and I am not sure if it might have happened when they were getting a haircut.

First, my little one got a scratched cornea that couldn't heal. I first noticed her squinting after a trip to the groomer.  Did it happen there?  I really can't say.  After many trips to the Vet, I finally had to have her see a specialist and they she went through a procedure under anesthesia for her eye to recover.

Dangerous Foods for Dogs | Toxic or Poisonous Foods for Dogs

A list of helpful online articles on toxic foods for pets:


Dangerous foods for dogs

Foods potentially poisonous to pets

Prevent Poisonings

Foods to avoid feeding your dogs

List of Toxic Plants

If you suspect your animal may have ingested any of the substances on this list or if your pet shows any abnormal behavior (vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, etc), you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Take a sample of the suspected toxin and its packaging with you to the veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

Dangerous foods for dogs include:

• Alcoholic beverages 
• Apple seeds 
• Apricot pits 
• Avocados
• Baking Soda
• Bones
• Cherry pits
• Candy (especially CHOCOLATE, which is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets, and any candy containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol) 
• Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans) 
• Corn on the Cob
• Fat -can cause pancreatitis 
• Grapes 
• Hops (used in home beer brewing) 
• Nutmeg
• Macadamia nuts 
• Moldy foods 
• Mushroom plants 
• Mustard seeds 
• Onions and onion powder 
• Peach pits 
• Potato peelings, leaves and stems (green parts) 
• Raisins 
• Rhubarb leaves 
• Salt 
• Tea (caffeine) 
• Tomato leaves and stems (green parts) 
• Walnuts 
• Xylitol 
• Yeast dough
• One 200mg ibuprofen tablet is toxic to a small dog
• acetaminophen--never assume that a human drug is applicable to an animal unless a veterinarian instructs you to use it.

What can happen if your dog gets into your takeout:
The case of Buddy and the $10,000 burrito

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very hazardous to your dog's health.   


It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are very much scavengers and will often eat whatever they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to be aware of these items since their sense of smell is so well developed that your pooch will be able to find what you may think is well hidden.   


One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in human-friendly antioxidants, it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected since they do not care for the taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to be crazy about it. 


Certain breeds of dogs react indifferently to chocolate. The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various chemicals which are called methylxanthine alkaloids (some types have more of these chemicals than others) 


Sadly, relatively minuscule amounts of these chemicals are capable of causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even more dire symptoms and a pound of milk chocolate could possibly kill a sixteen pound dog.  


If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate then by all means take note of the it's type and try to estimate the amount eaten. Then get on the phone with a veterinarian or an emergency facility. Be sure that your children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog's reach.


If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks. In addition to seemingly innocent chocolate, there are a number of other common household items that may seem safe for our dogs but that can be downright dangerous.


Some mushrooms, for example, can produce abdominal pain, liver and kidney damage and anemia. So be aware of wild mushrooms when you are out walking your dog in wooded areas.


Garlic may seem benign but can cause vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea so do not give your pet baby food since it can contain garlic.


Anti-freeze can shut down your dog's kidney and they tend to love the taste. Miscletoe can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and depression. 


Onions can cause liver damage, anemia and diarrhea. Onion can also sometimes be found in baby food. Cats are actually somewhat more sensitive to this one so keep out of the reach of both.


Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous, and may cause heart rate increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, death. Caffeine just does not have the same effect in dogs.  


When outside be careful around apple and cherry trees. While the fruit is safe, the leaves, roots and seeds are not.


And be very careful about Moth Balls. it's primary chemical naphthalene is extremely toxic to dogs and can result in tremors and seizures.


Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane BHA, for instance, which is one of the main synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in laboratory rats at certain doses. Small doses are as yet unclear but since dog food is eaten every day caution is advised.


Many conventional dog food brands have large quantities of sodium to make them palatable, and this can be quite harmful to a dog. Other ingredients to wary of are dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives and artificial colors 


Certain foods, while not considered toxic, can still be unhealthy for your dog. Avoid any foods that are high in fat, sugar or sodium. These foods can contribute to indigestion, obesity, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and more.


Other foods to avoid: Dairy products may be difficult for dogs to digest. Corn cobs and bones can cause GI obstruction.  Cooked bones may splinter and break easily, risking GI damage. Like people, too much junk food can cause poor condition and decreased energy.


Remember that your dog is smaller than you and may be sensitive. What seems like "just a bite" for you is more like a small meal for your dog.   

Most of the above story was written by Ryan Joseph-- a write and researcher of Pet health issues. 

Top Trick Dogs | Poker Playing | Dancing and more!

Here are some fun little videos of the Internet's Top Trick Dogs and some training videos as well.
 JILLI DOG is a personal friend of ours and one of America's Top Trick Dogs! She is the "World's only Poker Playing Dog!
MISA MINNIE - one of the world's tiniest and smartest dogs!

ENJOY

Christmas Puppies | Long Island Dog Boarding | The Doggie Nanny

New device for dogs -- The Poo Trap -- for dog poop/feces

Well, now I have seen everything for dogs! (Scroll down to see the video)


Have you ever walked the dog and forgot your poop bag?  Or, have you ever walked the dog and while picking up the poop, gotten some on your hand? It's a long walk home while keeping your hand safely away from your face or clothes until you can soap up!  Or do you just find the idea of picking up poop even with your hand protected by a bag just disgusting?

Although this might be an unpleasant task, picking up is a pet owner's responsibility-- especially here in the New York area.  A good pet owner always picks up the poop! RIght?

If you hate bending over and pulling that poop out of the grass, I may have found the poop solution for you!

I have had many conversations with my doggie friends joking about creating a device for collecting dog poop like they have for horses in NYC-- a bag that collects the poop right where it originates. 

Well, evidently some creative person has solved this long time doggie dilemma!  I haven't tried it, but sure it looks interesting.  My little Yorkies leave behind the equivalent of a cigarettes so it's easy for me, but for someone with a large dog--I suppose this could be quite helpful.

To order visit:  www.PooTrap.com


No poops, no opps!