DOG-Breath

“An outspoken commentary of ideas, healthy insights, and occasional rants that will bust your dogma!”

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Natural Birth Control For Flies

June 1st, 2009 · 2 Comments

Spalding LaboratoriesGet a death grip on flies where they love to breed and feed — horse barns and kennels — with the help of natural insects that eat them called Fly Predators. These tiny insects are harmless to animal life and feed on the fly’s pupa (cocoon) stage of development. They do not attack the adult pest flies. Thus, the adult flies currently existing must either be removed by supplemental methods or tolerated until they live out their short life span of about 21 days.

During fly season, you must repopulate fly infested areas every 30 days with a new supply of recruits that will be mailed directly to you from Spalding Fly Predators. From the website, read all recommendations carefully on how to handle your fresh supply of these little exterminators. You want them to be alive and hungry when you release them!

The author has successfully used and recommends Spalding Laboratories for their excellent customer support.

→ 2 CommentsTags: Natural Remedies

Got Flies?

May 21st, 2009 · 2 Comments

Effects of fly stike.
Photo: AkitaRescue.org
Lucy’s ears are hairless and missing the ends from fly strike. We thank AkitaRescue.org for use of their photo.

Got flies or other biting insects like mosquitoes on your dog or ponies? You can buy effective non-chemical products made from essential oils or make your own concoction. Once again, Mother Nature’s garden comes to our aid — the cedar tree and various plants and herbs contain natural oils that repeal buzzing, flying pests. No need for toxic chemical warfare!

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Planet and Pet Friendly Bug Killers That Work!

May 6th, 2009 · 7 Comments

Boric acid is nature’s "secret ingredient," used in many commercial treatments for insect control. This magical white powder is mined from the Mojave Desert in California and has a proven track record in eliminating cockroaches, palmetto bugs, water bugs, ants, silverfish, and termites. Boric acid (100%) powder is odorless and non-staining. Also used in a popular powdered cleaner: good old fashioned Borax!

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Is Your Vet Going the Extra Mile for Your Dog?

April 22nd, 2009 · 2 Comments

Veterinary Information Network

Did you know that your vet can quickly find the most up to date medical treatments or get extra help with a challenging case by joining VIN (Veterinary Information Network) for a reasonable monthly fee of only $55? If your busy vet can’t keep up by reading all the monthly journals (guilty as charged!) this information timesaver could be a lifesaver for your dog or cat! VIN offers an extensive online database and questions are answered by experts in the specialty fields of dermatology, internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology and more.

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→ 2 CommentsTags: My Shout Box

Xylitol Poisoning: More Deadly Than Chocolate

April 9th, 2009 · 7 Comments

 

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Re-printed with permission

Authored by: Carlye Rose DVM, Dip. ABVP

Ladybug Graham
Photo courtesy VeterinaryPartner.com
Ladybug Graham, a Norwich terrier, died at the age of 5 months after ingesting sugarless gum with xylitol. She weighed 9.8 pounds. Only one wrapper was found. Her family created a website at www.ladybugslegacy.org to inform pet owners of the dangers of xylitol.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a white, crystalline sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute sweetener in many products. In the United States, the use of xylitol has grown rapidly over the last few years. It is increasingly found in sugar-free gum, candy, and foods. It is also available in granulated form for baking. It is popular among diabetics and those on low-carbohydrate diets. It also is increasingly being included in toothpastes and other oral hygiene products due to its anti-cavity properties.

How is Xylitol Different in Humans than Dogs?

In humans, xylitol is absorbed slowly and has little to no effect on blood sugar or insulin levels. However, in dogs, xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. It then acts as a strong promoter of insulin release, which causes profound hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). In dogs, xylitol can also cause liver failure, bleeding, and death.
Xylitol’s effect on insulin and blood glucose in cats is not clear at this time.

How much Xylitol is Toxic to my Pet?

It takes very little xylitol to cause signs of toxicity in dogs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has reported that dogs ingesting greater than 0.22 grams per pound of body weight of xylitol should be considered at risk for hypoglycemia. At doses exceeding 1.1 grams per pound of body weight, there is risk of liver failure and other more serious effects.

It is often difficult to determine exactly how many grams of xylitol were ingested. Although the xylitol content is more commonly listed on food products, this is not the case with many chewing gums. In general, we estimate that one or two pieces of gum could cause hypoglycemia in a 20 lb dog.

Dr. Terifaj notes: In comparison, approximately 1 ounce (28 grams) per pound of body weight of milk chocolate or 1/2 ounce per pound of body weight of dark chocolate is toxic to dogs. On a consumption basis, xylitol is over 100 times more toxic than chocolate! Chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine and theophylline. On average, it takes a fairly large amount of theobromine to cause a toxic reaction. Xanthines affect the nervous system and cardiovascular system. Symptoms may include: hyper-excitability, hyper-irritability, increased heart rate, restlessness, and muscle tremors. Most often, dogs don’t consume enough theobromine to cause a toxic reaction. Lesser amounts can cause gastrointestinal signs: vomiting and/or diarrhea.

What are the Symptoms? What Tests can be done to Diagnose Xylitol Toxicity?

Diagnosis is made on history of ingestion, symptoms, and blood work. Because of the rapid progression of the toxic effect, testing for xylitol in the blood is not realistic.

  • Vomiting is often the first symptom 
  • Signs of hypoglycemia (lethargy, weakness) occur rapidly
  • Diarrhea, collapse and seizures may be seen.

Dogs that develop acute liver failure may not show signs of hypoglycemia immediately after ingestion of xylitol. 

What other Toxins Should be Ruled Out?

Other causes of low blood sugar should be ruled out (overdose of insulin, young or toy breed – related hypoglycemia, etc). In addition, many other toxins can cause liver disease (sago palms, hepatotoxic mushrooms, Tylenol ®, aflatoxins, other drugs). Dr. Terifaj notes: Aflatoxins are molds that have been found in pet foods that contain contaminated grains.

Is Xylitol Poisoning Treatable?

  • All xylitol exposures should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. This is because of xylitol’s rapid absorption, which carries a risk of severe hypoglycemia, liver failure, and even death.
  • There is no antidote for xylitol toxicity. 
  • Remember that even tiny doses—1 to 2 pieces of xylitol-containing gum– can be toxic to a dog.
  • Do not induce vomiting or give anything orally unless directed by your veterinarian.

What is the Prognosis?

The prognosis is good for uncomplicated hypoglycemia when treatment can be instituted promptly. Liver failure and bleeding disorders generally carry a poor prognosis. Dogs that develop stupor or coma have a grave prognosis.

Is it an Epidemic?

“In the last few years, xylitol has grown from being a rare (or non-existent) problem to being a very common one. The dictionary defines epidemic as ‘affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time’…so… technically you can call xylitol an epidemic.” - Eric Dunayer, MS, VMD, DABT, DABVT; ASPCA APCC; VIN, 8/16/2008
 
The number of products containing xylitol has been steadily rising over the last few years, with a resultant surge in xylitol cases reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 

 

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Chart prepared by Carlye Rose, D.V.M., Diplomate A.B.V.P.

Xylitol poisoning is preventable. Xylitol-containing foods or gums should not be consumed in pet-owning households.

Dr. Terifaj notes: While xylitol products are safe for people, they are poison for our canine pets. What’s worse is that products that contain xylitol don’t always list it as an ingredient. Sometimes it is just called “sugar alcohol,” although that could also mean sorbitol or mannitol. The safest thing to do is to keep all sugar-free foods, and all foods that say they contain xylitol or “sugar alcohol”, away from dogs. Especially chewing gum!

It is of utmost importance to read the labels on any pet or human products you buy — this is just one more example of why. FYI: Since fluoride containing toothpastes have come under scrutiny — as to their human safety — many health conscious folks have switched to toothpastes that contain xylitol, including myself.  Since dogs are more apt to search out chewing gums, candies, breath mints and foods, than your toothpaste, this is less of a concern, unless your dog is brushing with your toothpaste!

 

 

→ 7 CommentsTags: Nutritional Facts & Fiction

Vet Warns Dog Owners to Stay Out of Denver, Colorado!

March 11th, 2009 · 2 Comments

American Dog Magazine Winter 2009 cover

Jamie Downey, publisher of The American Dog Magazine, is committed to stopping the rise of breed discrimination and abolishing breed bans. In the Winter 2009 issue (President Obama on the cover) she published an article I wrote: Vet Warns Dog Owners to Stay Out of Denver, CO.

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First-Aid Tips Every Pet Owner Must Know

March 3rd, 2009 · 5 Comments

1.  Know the location of your nearest ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL

Drive to the location so that you know which side of the street it is on and where the entrance is. This is not something you want to be thinking about when your pet is in trouble — you want to know how to get there quickly! Best to ask your vet for a recommendation to a facility that is open 24/7. If it’s not a true emergency — but you know the problem can’t wait until your vet is available — better to drive a further distance for better quality care. If you live in or near Orange County CA, I strongly recommend Advanced Critical Care and Internal Medicine (ACCIM) in Tustin.

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Passion, Dogs, and Food

February 19th, 2009 · 1 Comment

I love a good story and this one is right up my alley: Passion, dogs and food!  Bravo to Marie Moody — dog lover and entrepreneur extraordinaire!

Stella & Chewy's

 




Taken from the website of Stella & Chewy’s:

Stella & Chewy’s has been a labor of love since its inception…

It all began in 1998 when I rescued Chewy (the one on the right side of the logo with the funny ears). At that time, his immune system was so weak he had a number of health problems, including distemper. Like so many dogs in the shelters, his beginnings were horrible, filled with abuse and neglect. Only another dog lover can understand me when I say that he became my soul mate. My goal in life became getting him better (he was two years old at the time), and I began extensive research on dog nutrition. My vet recommended looking into raw diets; I did, and started making his food in my kitchen with a food processor. As I watched Chewy recover 100% and become a healthy, more energetic dog, I became convinced that the right food (and a lot of love) really does matter.

As my responsibilities at my "real job" (as a sales rep in the fashion industry) grew and began to include a lot of travel, it became increasingly difficult to always have the homemade food on hand. None of my local pet food stores carried anything like what I was preparing in my kitchen. I couldn’t understand why a city like New York didn’t have better pet food; people in NYC love their pets; we lavish them with expensive treats, dog walkers, spas and fancy haircuts and accessories. But we were missing the most important thing — real food that nourishes our pets and helps them to live longer and healthier lives.

I became obsessed (there is really no other word for it) with producing the best pet food possible and making it reasonably convenient for busy people to use. Because I grew up in a rural town in Wisconsin, where farms and fresh foods are a way of life, I returned there in 2002 to create this product, working with animal nutritionists, local farmers, and manufacturers. Now we can offer you what I believe is the best food possible for your pet. Stella and Chewy continue to be the official taste testers and were very happy when I quit my job to focus on pet food fulltime!

Our commitment to animal welfare is stronger than ever…

Our business has grown phenomenally — you can now find Stella & Chewy’s in pet stores and dog spas in more than 30 states across the U.S. and at several online outlets. Fueled by this growth, we remain firmly committed to improving the health and happiness of pets. We are striving to make a difference in the quality of life of your pet and also to save the lives of dogs and cats who are less fortunate. To that end, we donate a percentage of our profits each year to animal rescue groups and no-kill animal shelters.

I wish for you a happy and healthy pet — Marie Moody, owner and founder.

Available at Only Natural Pet Store (buy quality pet products and support this blog) or these on-line retailers: http://www.stellaandchewys.com/site/buyonline.asp

For locals, it’s also available at my Orange County practice: Founders Veterinary Clinic.

And you guessed it — Rosie’s new diet is Stella and Chewy’s raw and freeze dried (great for the road trips I take with Rosie!) chicken steak patties. If you are a winner and would like to receive one free e-book of your choice — please reply to DrT@30MinVetConsult.com with the subject line: Winner.

Congratulations!

→ 1 CommentTags: Nutritional Facts & Fiction

Is Your Vet Telling The Truth? Three Top Veterinary Myths Exposed

January 29th, 2009 · 17 Comments

1) Feeding dry food (kibble diets) prevents tartar build-up

Kong toy

Truth: Effective chewing (raw meaty bones, rawhide chews, and other man made chew products — like the durable rubber Kong) simulates how wild canines gnaw on the bones of prey animals to ‘brush’ their teeth. Kibble is simply crunched and swallowed like a bowl of Cheerios and does nothing to prevent tartar build-up.

Fact: Raw food diets contain live enzymes and are free of grain — closer to a dog’s natural diet, which naturally promotes better dental health. Kibble lacks any live enzymes (killed by heat) and contains cheap grain products (unless listed as grain-free) which bacteria-producing plaque love to feed on!

Don’t fall for kibble marketing hype promoted by some clueless vets. Remember, invisible plaque build-up ultimately leads to visible tartar. You can help prevent plaque build-up by regular tooth brushing and choosing better diets.

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→ 17 CommentsTags: Nutritional Facts & Fiction · Your Q and My A

How to Survive and Thrive In Spite of Kennel Cough

January 4th, 2009 · 11 Comments

‘Tis the season for coughing dogs — especially if your dog has recently been boarded during the winter Holidays. If your dog starts honking like a goose within days of visiting the groomer, daycare center, or boarding kennel, chances are your dog’s upper airways have been infected with a contagious bug impossible to avoid. The good news is that with some TLC most likely your can dog skip the dog doc and just stay home from work for a few days of R&R.

Animal shelters and boarding kennels are infamous breeding grounds for two common pathogens: bacteria (bordetella) and viruses (parainfluenza) that can team up to cause an outbreak of what is commonly called “kennel cough”. If your dog presents to the vet for symptoms of a dry, hacking, relentless cough and has recently been boarded or is a daycare playmate, chances are your vet will quickly diagnose your dog with tracheobronchitis. That’s medical jargon for inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchioles (upper airways leading to the lungs).

Typical cough for dog with tracheobronchitis:

 

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