http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/26/investigators-government-approval-fake-medical-product/
A Dog named Trooper!!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Feeding your dog
Information gathered by my friend Chris.....feeding your dog is an important thing to consider. Just like us, the better your dog eats, the longer and healthier he will live.
FEEDING YOUR DOG
Just as with people, what your dog eats can have a dramatic impact on their attention span, energy level, and overall health. Unfortunately, it is difficult to come by reliable nutritional information. Most veterinarians do not take nutrition classes, and some receive benefits for selling particular brands. However, these brands may not be the best foods for your dog. Rather than to think about just the brand name, let’s think about what we are feeding them in terms of ingredients.
Here are some ingredients you should be aware of, what they are and how they may affect your dog.
CORN – For some dogs, corn is difficult to digest and can be allergenic. Recently some dog food companies have set about defending their use of corn as a good carbohydrate source for dogs. What they have not addressed is, in a dog, corn metabolizes in much the same way as sugar metabolizes in people. So, when you feed your dog a corn-based diet, it’s like feeding your seven year-old a diet whose main ingredient is cotton candy. Your seven year-old is going to exhibit dramatic energy spurts and crashes, hyperactivity, lack of attention, and is not going to be very healthy overall. The same is true of feeding your dog a corn-based diet.
Corn-Free Brand Names: AvoDerm, Blue Buffalo, California Natural, Canidae, Chicken Soup for the Dog, Innova, Kirkland Signature (Costco), Merrick, Natural Balance, Newman’s Own, Nutro Natural Choice, Orijen, Pinnacle, Solid Gold and Wellness. Brand Names containing Corn: Alpo, Beneful, Bil-Jac, Diamond, Eagle Pack, Eukanuba, Iams, Nutro Max, Ol’Roy, Pedigree, Proplan, Purina One, All Purina products, Royal Canin and Science Diet.
This list is by no means complete, so if you are unsure about whether your dog’s diet is corn-based, just read the ingredients label. Look for corn, corn gluten, corn meal and corn syrup. If any these ingredients are in your dog food, they are probably among the first ingredients you will see listed. If your dog food contains corn, you should seriously consider making a diet change.
**In addition to their regular commercial diets, Hill’s Science Diet and Eukanuba both produce prescription diets. If your veterinarian has placed your dog on a prescription diet, you should obviously discuss any concerns about the ingredients with your veterinarian prior to making any diet changes.
BHA/BHT – BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are used to preserve fats. However, studies have linked these preservatives to various types of cancers. They are also suspected of causing liver and kidney dysfunction.
Ethoxyquin – A preservative which studies have linked to kidney and bladder cancer, and increased incidence of stomach tumors. The Department of Agriculture lists it as a pesticide.
Byproducts - Basically anything left over of animal carcasses after the parts destined for human consumption have been removed. This can include organs, intestines, heads, feet, and so on.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON FOOD
How to change foods: So, you’ve read your ingredient label and have decided to make a change? Your dog’s digestive system (and taste) needs time to adjust. If you change your dog’s diet too quickly you may see loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, refusal to eat or other problems. ANY DIET CHANGE MUST BE GRADUAL!!!!
Generally, you should start feeding your dog ¼ of the new food with ¾ of the old food. Do this for a few days until you are sure the stools are firm. Then increase the ratio to ½ of the new and ½ of the old. Adjust the ratio every few days until the stools are firm and your dog is on 100% of the new food.
Cost: The foods we are recommending may cost more than the bag of food you are currently buying. That does not mean that they are actually more expensive. The foods we are recommending contain higher quality ingredients, are more nutrient-dense and more digestible. This means you can feed your dog less, and the bag will last longer. Also, an added bonus ... you will have less “backyard” clean up.
Where to purchase: There are many local retailers (Pet Supplies Plus, Petco) that carry these premium brands, including many feed stores. Generally, you will not find them at the supermarket.
Feeding Guidelines: How much do I need to feed my dog? Start by following the feeding guidelines on the back of the bag. Your dog’s health, activity level and age can affect how much food your dog needs. Start with the guidelines and pay attention to your dog. How is his or her weight, are they gaining or losing? Do they leave food in the bowl? Then, adjust accordingly. A good indication of a healthy weight is being able to feel ribs, but not see them and having an obvious waistline.
We recommend feeding your dog two meals per day. We advise against leaving food available all day long (free feeding). Place the food down for 20 minutes and then take up what has not been eaten. If after three or four days your dog is not finishing the meal in 20 minutes, you are probably feeding your dog too much. An early indicator that your dog is sick is a loss of appetite. If your dog has food available all day long, you will not notice this loss of appetite as quickly.
There are significant training benefits to making your dog work for his or her meals. Studies have shown that animals that have to “work” for their meals learn more rapidly. That is one reason why we teach our dogs to ‘sit’ before putting their food down. Also by your having control of a resource as valuable as food, this will help establish your position as the leader of your pack.
For even further information, visit www.dogfoodproject.com
FEEDING YOUR DOG
Just as with people, what your dog eats can have a dramatic impact on their attention span, energy level, and overall health. Unfortunately, it is difficult to come by reliable nutritional information. Most veterinarians do not take nutrition classes, and some receive benefits for selling particular brands. However, these brands may not be the best foods for your dog. Rather than to think about just the brand name, let’s think about what we are feeding them in terms of ingredients.
Here are some ingredients you should be aware of, what they are and how they may affect your dog.
CORN – For some dogs, corn is difficult to digest and can be allergenic. Recently some dog food companies have set about defending their use of corn as a good carbohydrate source for dogs. What they have not addressed is, in a dog, corn metabolizes in much the same way as sugar metabolizes in people. So, when you feed your dog a corn-based diet, it’s like feeding your seven year-old a diet whose main ingredient is cotton candy. Your seven year-old is going to exhibit dramatic energy spurts and crashes, hyperactivity, lack of attention, and is not going to be very healthy overall. The same is true of feeding your dog a corn-based diet.
Corn-Free Brand Names: AvoDerm, Blue Buffalo, California Natural, Canidae, Chicken Soup for the Dog, Innova, Kirkland Signature (Costco), Merrick, Natural Balance, Newman’s Own, Nutro Natural Choice, Orijen, Pinnacle, Solid Gold and Wellness. Brand Names containing Corn: Alpo, Beneful, Bil-Jac, Diamond, Eagle Pack, Eukanuba, Iams, Nutro Max, Ol’Roy, Pedigree, Proplan, Purina One, All Purina products, Royal Canin and Science Diet.
This list is by no means complete, so if you are unsure about whether your dog’s diet is corn-based, just read the ingredients label. Look for corn, corn gluten, corn meal and corn syrup. If any these ingredients are in your dog food, they are probably among the first ingredients you will see listed. If your dog food contains corn, you should seriously consider making a diet change.
**In addition to their regular commercial diets, Hill’s Science Diet and Eukanuba both produce prescription diets. If your veterinarian has placed your dog on a prescription diet, you should obviously discuss any concerns about the ingredients with your veterinarian prior to making any diet changes.
BHA/BHT – BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are used to preserve fats. However, studies have linked these preservatives to various types of cancers. They are also suspected of causing liver and kidney dysfunction.
Ethoxyquin – A preservative which studies have linked to kidney and bladder cancer, and increased incidence of stomach tumors. The Department of Agriculture lists it as a pesticide.
Byproducts - Basically anything left over of animal carcasses after the parts destined for human consumption have been removed. This can include organs, intestines, heads, feet, and so on.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON FOOD
How to change foods: So, you’ve read your ingredient label and have decided to make a change? Your dog’s digestive system (and taste) needs time to adjust. If you change your dog’s diet too quickly you may see loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, refusal to eat or other problems. ANY DIET CHANGE MUST BE GRADUAL!!!!
Generally, you should start feeding your dog ¼ of the new food with ¾ of the old food. Do this for a few days until you are sure the stools are firm. Then increase the ratio to ½ of the new and ½ of the old. Adjust the ratio every few days until the stools are firm and your dog is on 100% of the new food.
Cost: The foods we are recommending may cost more than the bag of food you are currently buying. That does not mean that they are actually more expensive. The foods we are recommending contain higher quality ingredients, are more nutrient-dense and more digestible. This means you can feed your dog less, and the bag will last longer. Also, an added bonus ... you will have less “backyard” clean up.
Where to purchase: There are many local retailers (Pet Supplies Plus, Petco) that carry these premium brands, including many feed stores. Generally, you will not find them at the supermarket.
Feeding Guidelines: How much do I need to feed my dog? Start by following the feeding guidelines on the back of the bag. Your dog’s health, activity level and age can affect how much food your dog needs. Start with the guidelines and pay attention to your dog. How is his or her weight, are they gaining or losing? Do they leave food in the bowl? Then, adjust accordingly. A good indication of a healthy weight is being able to feel ribs, but not see them and having an obvious waistline.
We recommend feeding your dog two meals per day. We advise against leaving food available all day long (free feeding). Place the food down for 20 minutes and then take up what has not been eaten. If after three or four days your dog is not finishing the meal in 20 minutes, you are probably feeding your dog too much. An early indicator that your dog is sick is a loss of appetite. If your dog has food available all day long, you will not notice this loss of appetite as quickly.
There are significant training benefits to making your dog work for his or her meals. Studies have shown that animals that have to “work” for their meals learn more rapidly. That is one reason why we teach our dogs to ‘sit’ before putting their food down. Also by your having control of a resource as valuable as food, this will help establish your position as the leader of your pack.
For even further information, visit www.dogfoodproject.com
Friday, March 20, 2009
Fundraider for GSRCA, Pet pics with the Easter Bunny
Come have your pet's picture made with the Easter Bunny. See flyer for information.http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/gsdcentral.html#Events
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Clarification
Let me clarify, the rescue with whom I have such a big problem over this dog is NOT German Shepherd Rescue. I volunteer with several rescues and post on my fosters for GSD rescue. The large rescue who is doing wrong is NOT them. I realized after I posted that it would sound that way from my posts on my fosters. The dog that they are/have euthanized is a traditionally non-aggressive breed who is supposed to be cuddly and cute.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I quit, I quit, I quit
I've decided the rescue is wrong. They are euthanizing a dog that I do not believe needs to be euthanized. They obviously do think so and they are listening to lawyers about liability, but I think they are wrong. I quit. I won't work with a rescue who kills dogs in the best interest of the organization, not the dog. What would Cesar say? What would the devoted people of Dog Town say? They have all worked with much worse cases to great succes. Maybe I'm wrong and maybe the dog is dangerous, but there is no listening to reason in that organization so I quit. No more for me. I will devote my time to smaller rescues who actually need me, listen to me, let me be a part of things. I do not mention names on purpose because this large rescue DOES do alot to help dogs and have helped many to find homes so I will not intentionally speak ill of them. Many dogs live long happy lives because of them, but in this case, I vehemently disagree with them. I resigned from a volunteer organization and was made to feel GUILTY about it. How ridiculous is that? I feel guilty for quitting something that I VOLUNTEER to do, to give my free time. Nope. I'm done.
A philosophy on life
A wise friend said to me recently "some people make my train and some don't", meaning that as we journey through life there are those who will continue your journey and "make your train" and those that will diverge onto a different set of tracks. I am grateful to have several friends who have continued on my train and sad for those who have not. There are so many types of friends to have, those that will reach out with an email hug because they know you need it and they are far away, those that will commiserate with you when something bad happens, those who will let you wallow and then advise you to eat some chocolate and move on, those that you have not seen in years but will still listen to you, those that you can always count on when it really counts, those that are fun but not reliable, those that may shock you but you know are still always your friend. We must all value each type of friend we have and be grateful for those people who come into our lives no matter the path they traveled to get there. It is difficult to let go of friends, and even acquaintances, when you know your paths must diverge. Perhaps it is a difference of opinion or belief or just a distance in time and space and wants and dreams, but it is sad when it happens. I've always wondered about those I grew away from, but now through the magic of the internet, I have reconnected with many. It is a wonderful experience. They are not the friends they once were, not the same people really, but valuable and needed.
Choose wisely who you allow to attach to your train and who you allow to continue on their divergent path.
Choose wisely who you allow to attach to your train and who you allow to continue on their divergent path.
Monday, March 16, 2009
What a bad week.
This week is rapidly turning into one of the worst. It is only Monday. I found out yesterday that my vet, the person who spent 8 years obtaining a specialized degree, prescribed Ivomec incorrectly to the tune of telling me to give my dogs TEN times the recommended dose. It seems she can't do math and said to give 0.1 ml per 20 lbs of dog of a 1% ivermectin solution, which I bought from HER. This is completely wrong and way too much of this heartworm preventative. It should be 0.01 ml per 20 lbs of dog to match the heartgard dose. I am sending her a certified letter with the copy of the prescription label that she typed. So far, no ill effects in my dogs but we only gave this once as we just started this regimen. Then, I have been sick for about 4 weeks with a bad sinus infection. Got meds and shots from the doctor and it recurred so back to the doctor for more meds and shots. Yuck. Then I find out one of my adopted dogs is being returned due to "food aggression" that he didn't exhibit in foster care. The people have been good and we have been trying to work with them but this is turning out to be one of those matches that just wasn't right. He will go to training and then be evaluated for a new home. I am sad for him. Then the dangerous dog being euthanized who I am crying for out of the sadness of it all. Please, please let Tuesday be better.
So very sad
This evening I was told about one of our rescue dogs who is dangerous and will be put to sleep tomorrow morning. He has attacked people and after careful evaluation by two trainers, this very tough decision has been made. I am so sad that he was once a cuddly puppy, a sweet little ball of fur, and has become this dog who attacks people without provocation. I hate the unknown people who bred him and did not care for him. I hate the unknown people who mistreated him, did not teach him, and raised him into this bad, dangerous dog that has to be destroyed for human safety. I firmly believe that any dog raised wrong can be dangerous, regardless of the breed. This dog is not an aggressive breed dog. He is wired wrong somehow, probably from mistreatment. Since he came from a shelter, we have no idea of his background. We tried to save him, even treated him for heartworms, but it is not to be. I can only wish him a swift trip to the bridge where he will be made whole and sweet again to meet the only family he has ever known to be good to him, his fosters who are heartbroken.
Friday, March 6, 2009
next foster Nugan....or I should say fosterS Nugan and Marlow
So, we now have Nugan, a heartworm positive, stray pickup who was 67 lbs at intake. He should be about 85-87 lbs when healthy and, with our care, is at 82 lbs and looking much better. Apparently, animal control was called because he was getting into people's garbage. Hello! He was literally starving to death and these people call animal control! I can't understand how they see him, a skeleton with skin, and don't feed him or try to help him. Fortunately, the animal control officer recognized him to be a GSD and knew if he took him to the shelter that he would be put to sleep so he called us. This dog is SO SWEET. He wants nothing more than to be loved. He is frightened of loud, aggressive behavior, probably because people shooed him and threw stuff at him. We've had no housetraining issues so far, though he hasn't had run of the house yet since he hasn't been neutered, but no issues with supervision. He takes treats gently, doesn't jump on us, is happy to see us and go outside to play, loves the Kong, and generally gets along with everyone. He is going to make someone a wonderful pet some day, after his HW treatment and some time with us.
Marlow is a temporary foster, GSD, tiny female at 47 lbs. She is very small overall, not underweight. She was in a shelter for about 3 weeks. Once she learns that people are ok and not going to hurt her, she'll be a good dog. Right now, she's a bit unstable and unsure. She wants attention but then gets scared when she gets it and runs away. She wants to play but is frightened by people playing with her. She is very loud with this whiny/howly noise. She's beautiful with a silvery coat that makes her look like a silver fox. Sadly, she is also heartworm positive and will be beginning treatment in another week.
One of the most interesting things about fostering is I'm learning that I really prefer male dogs with submissive personalities. I LOVE my dominant female and it will kill me when she's gone, but the males really are easier. If you are thinking of getting a dog and have a breed in mind but are not certain about it, foster for a local rescue. It's a great way to see if you like that breed of dog. One of the biggest things I've learned about GSDs is that there are "German" and "American" temperaments, and they are VERY different. Also, of course, if you are getting a dog, PLEASE adopt from a reputable rescue or shelter. Please do not buy from a breeder. Don't sell or buy while they die! When the millions of homeless pets euthanized each year are no longer that statistic, then people should buy from breeders. A rescued dog will pay you back 100 fold for the love of a good home.
Marlow is a temporary foster, GSD, tiny female at 47 lbs. She is very small overall, not underweight. She was in a shelter for about 3 weeks. Once she learns that people are ok and not going to hurt her, she'll be a good dog. Right now, she's a bit unstable and unsure. She wants attention but then gets scared when she gets it and runs away. She wants to play but is frightened by people playing with her. She is very loud with this whiny/howly noise. She's beautiful with a silvery coat that makes her look like a silver fox. Sadly, she is also heartworm positive and will be beginning treatment in another week.
One of the most interesting things about fostering is I'm learning that I really prefer male dogs with submissive personalities. I LOVE my dominant female and it will kill me when she's gone, but the males really are easier. If you are thinking of getting a dog and have a breed in mind but are not certain about it, foster for a local rescue. It's a great way to see if you like that breed of dog. One of the biggest things I've learned about GSDs is that there are "German" and "American" temperaments, and they are VERY different. Also, of course, if you are getting a dog, PLEASE adopt from a reputable rescue or shelter. Please do not buy from a breeder. Don't sell or buy while they die! When the millions of homeless pets euthanized each year are no longer that statistic, then people should buy from breeders. A rescued dog will pay you back 100 fold for the love of a good home.
Why do people stop your reading to ask....
What are you reading? If I'm engrossed in a book, I am obviously not intent on interacting with you, so why do you feel the need to interrupt me? Do you really, truly care what I'm reading? Are you going to run out and buy the book? No, every time this happens, the person wants to tell me about THEIR favorite book or author. Um...I don't care. I didn't ask and really do not care. I read what I like. I know how to find new authors (browse the library on a slow Sunday). I, very much, like to read while eating my lunch. It's 30 mins of ME time completely without anyone else. I really hate it when someone interrupts that little time I have.
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