X-Ray of Dog Drinking – This Is the COOLEST Video!

Brothers Bentley & Buddy

I think this is video is very cool, so I'm excited to share it with you today. 

Water is important for our dogs. They've got to drink plenty of water because their bodies are comprised mainly of water, perhaps as much as 75% water for an 8-week-old pup. 



We would die without water. Water is the substrate in which all the chemicals of the body are dissolved, all cells are bathed, and all cell contents are suspended. It is also the essential vehicle of the circulatory system.

This video shows how a dog drinks and takes water into his mouth in slow motion.

This video shows how a dog drinks by radiograph.




Have a great day. And always make sure your dog has plenty of fresh clean water. 

PMI Nutrition Recalls Red Flannel® Cat Food

 PMI Nutrition Recalls Red Flannel® Cat Food Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Posted by Susan Thixton on January 27, 2014 at 11:34 am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 25, 2014 – PMI Nutrition, LLC (PMI), Arden Hills, Minn., has initiated a voluntary recall of its 20 lb. bags of Red Flannel® Cat Formula cat food for possible Salmonella contamination. There have been no reports of illness related to this product to date. This recall is being issued out of an abundance of caution after routine testing by the FDA Detroit District Office identified possible Salmonella contamination.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Red Flannel® Cat Food was manufactured by a third-party manufacturer for PMI. The product was sold through dealers to customers distributed in the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
The lot number is printed on the lower back side of the bag in a white box on the right-hand side. The lot number will be preceded by a time stamp that will be unique to each bag. (Example 14:32) The lot number and best-by date impacted by this recall are as follows:
Best by 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A (lot number)
The UPC code for the recalled product is: 7 42869 00058 5.
No other products/lot numbers are affected by this recall.
Customers should immediately discontinue use of and return impacted product to their dealer for a full refund or replacement. We continue to work with impacted dealers and distributors to trace the bags.
For more information on the recall, customers can contact the customer service line for PMI products at 1-800-332-4738. Customer service representatives will be available Sunday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST and Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.

How to Select or Build a Doghouse

You want to build your dog his own house, but wonder just how elaborate it needs to be. Heat? Air conditioning? Cable hookup so he can watch reruns of "Rin Tin Tin"?

The first step to building a doghouse is to decide if he even needs one. If your dog spends his time primarily indoors, he's not going to want to move outdoors. Dogs are social animals, and they want to be near the members of the pack. The weather also plays a role – temperature extremes can put your dog at risk. If your dog is used to indoor living, it's best to keep him there.

That isn't to say all dogs must live indoors all the time. Many doghouses are simple structures for temporary stays (a few hours a day). Other dogs, such as guard dogs, may live in doghouses. These structures are usually much sturdier and more comfortable – many have fans and air conditioning built in.

Whether your dog spends only few hours outside or lives in his house, always check on him regularly. Inspect his doghouse to make sure he is not eating something dangerous, and that his area is clean and safe.

Size

Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to a doghouse, especially in colder climates. During the colder months, your dog generates the heat that keeps him warm. If the doghouse is too big, your dog may not be able to generate enough heat to warm it.

The house should be wide enough to allow the dog to turn around in and long enough for him to stretch out without his body touching any side. You should measure your dog when he is lounging in his most relaxed position. The width of the door should be large enough so he does not have to scrunch his shoulders to get in – so measure his width as well.

The Roof and the Floor

The floor should always be several inches above the ground, preferably on concrete blocks (if possible). This is to prevent water from running inside, which can lead to illness.

Straw can be used for bedding, but be sure to change it periodically to keep the environment clean. Do not use hay, which can get moldy and cause illness.

The roof should be slanted so snow and rain won't build up. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) suggests building a hinged roof to make cleaning easier and to spray regularly for fleas and ticks.

The Materials

You may be tempted to use pressure-treated wood, which stands up great against moisture and rot. However, it is very poisonous (containing, among other things, arsenic and heavy metals). It should not be used for any part of the doghouse that comes in contact with your dog. This means the floor, ceiling and sides should be made from untreated wood.

Pressure-treated wood could be used for the base frame (which is then covered with untreated wood). Even so, inspect the house regularly to make sure he can't get to it.
The Placement

The house should be placed to protect it and your dog from the prevailing wind, rain and snow. It should be placed so the sun can reach it during a good part of the day during winter. In the summer, the doghouse should be in the shade and well ventilated.

If your dog will spend a lot of time in his house, you should consider running an air conditioning duct into it. A professional should help you do this. A duct should have a control on it to limit the amount of air running into the doghouse – you don't want him to be too cold.

The threshold to the door should be upraised to block drafts. In colder months, a heavy tarp or blanket can be used to keep out the bad weather. It should be removed for warmer temperatures.

A Word About Breeds and Doghouses

Some dogs are just not built for the outdoors. A toy or shorthaired dog, for instance, should consider his house more of a playroom than a residence. Working dogs are usually better prepared for harsher climates and can live outdoors in cold weather. Akitas, malamutes and St. Bernards are a few examples. But you also have to consider the warmer months – these breeds have denser coats. They can overheat if the doghouse isn't well ventilated and/or cooled by air conditioning.

Heart Health

Heart Health for Humans and Pets by Dr. Jane

	This month, Dr. Jane sets her sights on expanding the national dialogue about heart health to include dogs and cats. In side-by-side comparisons (of humans, dogs and cats), our Veterinary Formulator looks at the seven most commonly asked questions about heart disease. There’s a surprising range of issues, and certain things all species share in common. Learn about the health of your heart, as well as canine and feline heart health topics relevant to your pet kid.  Read Dr. Jane’s latest post now …

Do Dogs Feel Pain?: What You Need To Know

Today I want to talk to you about something important: how to tell if your dog is in pain.

Look closely at this photo. Does this dog seem to be in pain?



Pain can be really hard to detect in pets. Dog can't talk, so it’s not easy to tell if they are in pain. You have to look for the signs, and sometimes they can be very subtle. Look for things like stiffness, particularly in the morning or after a nap. Does your dog have difficulty going up and down stairs? Does your dog  favor a particular limb?

If you do notice signs of pain in your pet, be sure to consult your veterinarian for treatment options right away. Thee sooner you detect and treat the problem, the better the prognosis – and the less your dog will suffer.

As dogs age they can develop arthritis, joint pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. The good news is that your dog does not have to suffer from these painful conditions.

With the proper treatment, your dog can start moving again with less pain and inflammation. You can also prevent pain by keeping your pet's joints healthy with frequent exercise, keeping your dog warm (especially on those cold mornings), and using supplements to support joint health.

As you know from earlier articles, I always prefer to use non-drug alternatives whenever possible to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis or pain as a first step. There are a number of natural, simple and effective ways to help your pet feel better before starting a medication regimen. In addition to the treatment your vet prescribes, I recommend the following feel-good secrets:

1. Help your pet lose weight – Joint pain can be aggravated in overweight animals. If your dog is overweight, consult with your vet about putting him on a monitored weight-loss program.
   
2. Plan a little play time every day – Help your dog maintain mobility and flexibility with frequent short sessions of moderate exercise and play. Excessive exercise is not recommended. Swimming is a great way for dogs to exercise without stressing their joints.
   
3. Keep your dog warm – Make sure your dog has a nice warm spot to rest and warm blankets when it's cold. You also can try using booties. A carpet also makes your sore dog more comfortable.

	TODAY'S PET TIP Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The cause can be abnormal bone or joint development, instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons, damage or injury to the joint, an infection, or injury caused by the immune system. While anti-inflammatory medicines are popular treatments for arthritis, another approach involves protecting the cartilage in the joint and "nourishing" the joint. Here are 6 things that you can do that may help your arthritic dog. 1. Slip-free Flooring 2. A Soft Bed 3. Ramps 4. Massage. 5. Weight Control and Dietary Therapy. 6. Exercise.

Good joint health is crucial to your companion animal’s wellbeing. The ability to walk, run and jump represents a large part of your dog’s unique ability to express emotion. Unfortunately, aching and stiff joints are just as much a part of aging for dogs as it is for humans. In fact, there are an estimated 68 million dogs experiencing hip and joint challenges – that’s nearly 60% of the canine population! At present, there are several hip and joint formulas marketed for companion animals. Unfortunately, most of these products treat the joint as an isolated goal; it is for this reason that they do not work as well as they could. Our Agility supplement is a holistic formula, which means that it takes into account the needs of the whole body, including all the parts that work with the joints. This formula helps maintain healthy joint cartilage and connective tissue, and to aid in the production of healthy synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. 60 Ct. Your Price: $40.35 *Autoship Price: $32.57 What is Autoship? 120 Ct. Your Price: $70.65 *Autoship Price: $57.52 What is Autoship? This supplement features Glucosamine, MSM, sea mussels and hyaluronic acid. Agility Formula is a natural, holistic, multi-action joint support formula containing scientifically-tested ingredients. Glucosamine helps maintain and promote joint and connective tissue health. It has been shown to be essential in the healthy development and ongoing maintenance of connective tissue and synovial fluid. Research studies indicate that Glucosamine supports healthy joint flexibility, mobility and lubrication. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural source of organic sulfur, an element vital to the maintenance of healthy joints, bones, ligaments and tendons. Sea mussels also contain Chondroitin Sulfate, which works in tandem with Glucosamine. And hyaluronic acid helps to keep cartilage strong and flexible to better cushion joints. These nutrients work synergistically with the other ingredients in Agility (vitamins E and C, boswellia serrata, alfalfa leaf extract, chondroitin sulfate, manganese and boron) to supply your companion animal with a comprehensive formula to help maintain the health of the entire musculoskeletal system. And last but not least, this holistic formula has a delicious flavor that your furry friends will love! Join thousands of satisfied customers, and help your dog to live a healthier and happier life with Agility Formula.

What You Should Know About Feline AIDS

We lost a Loving Companion "Buddy"  to this Deadly Disease last August so Please have your cats checked and have them vaccinated to prevent the early demise of your companion.

 

Buddy Relaxing on the Glider

Buddy & Champ Napping

Learn about a deadly cat disease that is infectious and spread from cat to cat. It is called Feline AIDS is also known as FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It is spread primarily from cat to cat by bite wounds. If you didn't catch that article, this sums it up pretty well and tells you what you should know.

Go to: What You Should Know About Feline AIDS

I promised you I'd also tell you about another important cat disease - also infectious and spread cat to cat. It is called Feline Leukemia Virus. Many refer to it as "Fe-leuk" - pronounced Fee-luke. It is commonly abbreviated as FeLV.

Many people may know about the virus but they may not know what to do or how to test for it.

The most important thing to know is that any NEW cat you go to bring into your home should be tested. 100%. The new cat should be separated from your other cats for 1 month (ideally) and retested about a month later. This can vary a little depending on the cat's (or kitten's) age.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE - If you find a new cat, take him to your vet before you take him home. Have your cat tested for Feline Leukemia and the Feline AIDS test. This is a combo test (FeLV/FIV) - and depending on where you live it can cost anywhere from $30 to $60. It is important to keep your existing cats safe! Don't be foolish. Please.

This is one of the worst things cat owners do. They are well intentioned but do the wrong thing.

Learn more about testing - go to Feline Leukemia and the Feline AIDS testing.

There are also vaccines for both of these diseases. Learn more about them. Go to Vaccine Recommendations for Cats

Questions You Should Ask Your Dog's Vet

By: Debra Primovic

Read By:39,180 Pet Lovers

To get the most out of your visit with your veterinarian, ask questions. The answers and advice you receive will help you to provide the best possible care for your pet. Here is a list of questions to consider:

1. How much does he weigh? Find out what your puppy weights and make note of it. Keep track of the weight and notice any study change.

2. What is his body condition score? What this really means is... if he is too fat or too thin. The body condition score looks at the amount of fat on a dog's frame relative to his overall size. If he is too fat, ask your vet what you can do to help him loose weight. They may recommend that you cut back on his portions or table scraps, change his diet, or increase his activity by going on more walks. If he is too thin, ask for recommendations to address this issue.

3. What should he be eating? Ask your veterinarian their opinion on the best food to feed your pet. Most vets recommend a good quality premium pet food that offers good quality control and has AAFCO approval formulated to meet the needs of your dogs life stage. For example, if you have a puppy, a common recommendation would be AAFCO approved food to meet the growing demands of puppies. Additionally, it can be further segmented into growing large or small breed dogs. Depending on your dogs' sex, age, weight and overall health, your veterinarian may recommend a formula for less active dogs or a prescription formula that may be beneficial in the presence of an underlying medical condition.

4. Was his physical examination normal? This may be the most important part of your pets visit to the veterinarian. The examination can help to identify problems early when conditions may be more treatable. Ask if his heart and lungs sounded normal, if his abdomen felt normal on examination and if he overall appears healthy. If not, what is wrong? What can be done?

5. How do his teeth and nails look? Should you be brushing his teeth? Trimming his nails? If so, will they show you how if you don't already know?

6. Is he getting the vaccines he needs? Make sure your pet is getting what needs but not more than what he needs. Depending on where your dog lives, his age, and his lifestyle, vaccine recommendations may vary. There are some vaccinations he may not need or he may be at risk for Lyme disease and some other diseases that may be prevented with a vaccine. If your pet boards at a kennel, additional vaccines may be recommended. Rabies is required by law.

7. Does he need heartworm prevention? Dogs that live in warm climates are at risk for heartworm disease. This can be prevented by a monthly medication. Find out what he should take and when he should take it. Some vets recommend a seasonal approach and others a year around medication.

               

8. Does he need tick prevention medication? Depending on where your dog lives and his level of risk, he may benefit from tick control medications. Ticks can carry diseases that can cause severe illness.

9. Does he have worms or need a dewormer? A fecal examination can help determine if your pet has gastrointestinal worms. Some pets may be routinely dewormed. Some of the heartworm preventative medications also treat gastrointestinal parasites.

10. Should he have any "routine testing"? Are there any routine tests that should be done to monitor his health for his age? Dogs age differently depending on their breed, size and weight. Some large breed dogs, such as Great Danes, are considered "senior" at 6 or 7 years. Some smaller breed dogs, such as Dachshunds, are not considered senior until 8 or 9 years of age. Many veterinarians recommend routine blood work to assess your pet's organ function on a periodic basis.

11. How do you handle emergencies? It is always easiest to ask this when you don't have an emergency. Find out what number to call if they handle their own emergencies and if not, find out the number and location for their emergency clinic of choice. Hopefully you won't need it, but if you do, you will be glad you have it.

12. What is the best way to communicate? Do they accept and answer emails? Can you renew prescriptions or order food in this manner? If so, which address should you use? Or is all their business handled over the phone?

13. How about microchips? Should your pet have a microchip and if he already has one, can they test it to make sure it is working properly? Microchips are small devices implanted under a dog's skin that helps to identify them if they are lost. Make sure you document the number and the microchip company and number. Ask if the chip is registered to their practice or to you. It is far better to have it registered directly to you.

14. Is there anything you can do to make your pet more comfortable? This applies most often to senior pets. Does your veterinarian think your pet is in pain? If so, is there something they recommend? There are many new arthritis medications that work well in dogs. Some additional comfort measures may include a special bed for arthritic pets or a ramp to aid arthritic pets to get in and out of the car.

15. Is your pet at risk? Is your pet at risk for anything that you can prevent or any disease that you should know about? For example, unsprayed dogs are at risk for life-threatening uterine infections that can be prevented by spaying. Some dog breeds are at risk for arthritis and certain types of cancer. Ask what problems your pet might be at risk for and symptoms you should watch for.

Tips on Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

To get the most out of your vet visits, make sure you have information about your pet to help the vet better understand your pet and your dogs problems. If you are visiting your veterinarian for any type of ailment, make sure you know details about the ailment. Your veterinarian will want to know when the problem started, how often it is a problem, and if there are associated symptoms. For example, if your pet is vomiting, they will want to know when it started, how frequent it occurs, if there is blood or other abnormalities, and associated symptoms such as if there diarrhea, if your pet is not eating, or if your pet is acting lethargic?

Finally, make sure you are honest. Don't underestimate what table scraps you feed or anything else about how you care for your pet. If you missed a dose of medication, don't be embarrassed, just tell them the facts. Your veterinarian is there to help you to provide the best care for your pet and they can only do that if they know the facts.  

Why Choose Life's Abundance? For the most part, your dog eats the same food every day. That is why carefully choosing a food is so important to your dog’s long-term health. For nearly a decade, tens of thousands of dogs have been eating and thriving on Life’s Abundance foods. We attribute this success to our painstaking attention to detail. Each ingredient in Life’s Abundance food is carefully chosen to work with all the others to provide your dog with a wholesome, highly-nutritious and perfectly-balanced meal every day, every year … over a long and loving lifetime. With Life’s Abundance, you can be confident that you are feeding your dog advanced nutrition.