New Year’s Resolutions for You & Your Pet

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As the year comes to an end, we tend to instinctively think about the improvements we can make in our lives and how we can be better in the year to come. This New Year I propose to not only consider yourself, but your pet as well. I have put together this guide on how to keep your dog or cat healthy, happy and safe in 2013.
Trips to the Vet
At minimum you should take your pet to the vet once a year for an annual exam. Vaccines that are needed can be given at this time and any necessary blood work can be taken. Younger animals, older animals, or those with medical conditions may need more frequent visits. For example, the majority of your dog’s vaccines will be given in the first few years of life, meaning more vet trips during the puppy years. Consult with your veterinarian about vaccine schedules and routine visits to make sure you stay on track in the upcoming year.
Diet & Exercise
Most of us are guilty of looking at the New Year as the perfect starting point for a diet or exercise regimen. Why not take this opportunity to help your pet get fit in 2013 by making healthy changes to their diet and incorporating more fitness into their days.
The easiest way to improve your dog or cat’s diet is by doing some simple research on the pet food and treats you feed them. Are the ingredients wholesome and nutritious or is your pet food muddled with chemicals and preservatives? (My recent series What is Your Pet Eating? can offer more insight on this topic.)
As important as diet is exercise. All pets, young to old, need some form of physical activity. How much depends on his or her breed, age, size, and health condition, but every pet can benefit from a little bit every day. Walking, swimming, jogging, and playing games are just a few of the ways to get your pet moving. Swimming is the lowest impact activity, which means it’s safe for almost everyone, even those with limited mobility.
Pet-Proof
You would be surprised at how many things in your home and around your property can be hazardous to your pet. (I’m sure a few of you have discovered this season that your pet has a palette for Christmas tree ornaments…) Save yourself and your pet from a horrible ordeal by taking similar precautions that you would with a small child. Below you’ll find a few easy tips:
• Baby safety gates are excellent in blocking off dangerous areas of your home (or shielding your Christmas tree, for example).
• Cable clips can help compile wires or place them in discreet places where your animal won’t be tempted to investigate them.
• Outdoor floor lighting (or simply carrying a flashlight) can help illuminate areas when you take your pet out after dark. This will help you avoid an unexpected visit from a poisonous frog or friendly snake.

At the end of the day you know your pet better than anyone and are aware of which parts of his or her life could most benefit from improvement. I hope these tips aid in you making 2013 the best year for you and your pet. Happy New Year

What is Your Pet Eating? Part V

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These last few weeks I have talked a lot about the negative effects of feeding your animals processed pet food, but I don’t believe in addressing a problem without offering a solution. In today’s post, the last of this five part series, I will provide suitable alternatives to feed your pets that will hopefully help you avoid processed pet food (and frequent trips to the vet).
Raw Food Diet
In a perfect world, your pet would be able to eat a completely raw diet, which would be most similar to what he or she would eat in nature. This raw diet would include raw meat and bones, as well as some vegetables and fruit.
Unfortunately, preparing raw meals can be very time consuming for an owner. Repetition of the same foods over and over again can also neglect your animal of all the nutrients he or she needs. That being said, feeding your pet a raw diet is possible, it just requires a lot of diligence and proper research.
Home Cooked Meals
Preparing your pet home cooked meals consists of planning balanced meals with adequate protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. There are many recipe books out there and websites available for inspiration. For the most part, meals consist of cooked meat alongside rice or potatoes and a serving of vegetables.
As with a raw diet, cooked meals can be time consuming. They also require an owner to keep track of what their pet is eating to make sure they are receiving proper nutrition. If you are considering a raw or home cooked diet for your pet, be ready to make a lifelong commitment. It is not recommended to switch your dog on and off, from raw or home cooked back to processed kibble.
Packaged Goodness
For most owners, we do not have the time to keep up with a raw food diet or to prepare home cooked meals. Luckily there are some healthy alternatives on shelves that are far better choices than the processed pet food advertised by large manufactures. My personal favorite is Taste of the Wild, but my advice is to visit a food comparison website, like www.dogfoodadvisor.com, and find the best match for your pet and budget. Another good site to visit is www.truthaboutpetfood.com. Here you can find pet food reviews and learn about specific ingredients.
Once you pick a pet food that feels right for you and your pet, don’t forget that companies can change their ingredients. Check your packaging from time to time and visit websites, like the ones I listed above, to ensure that the food you are feeding your pet is still up to par.

Your Pet’s Holiday Wish List

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In the whirl of the holiday season it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget about your favorite four-legged friend. Don’t leave your loyal companion high and dry this year—gift them one of these personalized presents and leave them jumping (or barking) for joy!
Couch Potato
Your cuddle companion will surely feel loved in his or her very own Premium Dog Couch by L.L. Bean. This comfortable lounger is available in four different sizes to accommodate all animals, from smaller cats to dogs over 70 pounds. Let your little guy snuggle up this season in style with this durable and easy to wash pet bed.
Forever Young
Keep your fiery guy occupied with some brand new toys. Stick with a classic favorite or choose from one of the holiday themed options stocked at most pet stores. Lots of Value Packs mimic stockings and make for a perfect variety of fun and festiveness at an affordable price. A field trip to a favorite park or play spot can also be a thoughtful way to show your affection and will beat a Santa chew toy any day.
Hungry Hippo
I’ve seen treats shaped as candy canes and even braided into wreaths. Varieties of flavors and designs mean a special treat for your pet this holiday. For something extra special explore recipes for homemade dog treats. You can even shape them with holiday themed cookie cutters for a festive twist. We all know the way to a pet’s heart is through the stomach…Your furry friend will love being able to enjoy his or her own seasonal snacks while you enjoy yours.
Bargain Hunter Tips:
• Check retailers’ websites and mailers for coupons and promos to get the best deals on toys and treats.
• Many stores will price match, so if you see competitors offering a better deal on an item bring the proof with you. This way you can avoid hopping from one place to another.
• Look for super saving days where you get an amount (for example: 20%) off your total purchase. During the holidays many stores offer these bonus savings to beat out competitors. This can also be a good time to stock up on staples.

What is Your Pet Eating? Part IV (And what are YOU eating?)

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What is Your Pet Eating? Part IV (And what are YOU eating?)

My ongoing interest in health and nutrition led me to the book Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis. The shocking information I learned by reading this book made me not only reevaluate what I was feeding my pets, but what I was putting in my own body as well. Since I have been posting about the poor quality and ingredients found in processed pet food these past few weeks, I thought now was as good a time as any to share a few of the main points discussed in this book.

The Whole Grain Hoax

We are constantly hearing how incorporating whole grains into our diet will help us maintain a healthy weight and improve our overall health. Sadly, the majority of whole grains available to Americans today are far from healthy.

Over the past few years, technology has birthed a new breed of genetically modified grains. A food that has been genetically modified has had its natural genetic makeup altered, turning it into a laboratory created “super food.” GM foods are typically easier to crop because they grow faster and are more resistant to disease. It has even been said that they taste better.

But as we all know, super hero powers don’t come without a price. GM foods have been linked to many health issues, including allergies (ever wonder why so many people are on a gluten/wheat free diet these days?). The scary part is that because GM foods are so new, the majority of their risks are unknown. I don’t know about you, but I’m not completely comfortable being a GM food guinea pig.

The Most Popular Ingredient

Aside from the fact that the majority of grains we consume are genetically modified; grains have also swindled their way into all of our food. Wheat is by far the most popular ingredient in grocery stores around the country. So much so, that you will often see “GLUTEN FREE” labeled on products that you could never imagine would contain a grain.

This wheat overload is adding to the ever-growing wheat intolerance in this country and correlating health problems. We are constantly ingesting wheat from morning to night, even when we don’t think we are. As a validation of this claim, I challenge you to check the ingredient list. How many of the things that you eat, CONTAIN: WHEAT?

Knowledge is Power

I hope you take some of this information into consideration and pause for a minute and think about what you, your family and your pets are eating on a day-to-day basis. You may be shocked at how stagnate your nutrition has become and how predictable your next meal really is.

What is Your Pet Eating? Part III

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There is a lot to be said about the negative effects of processed pet food, which is why I put together this five-part blog series. In my last post, I discussed how many of the seemingly harmless ingredients in processed pet food, like poultry meal and apple pomace, can actually be detrimental to your pet’s health.
But what about all the other ingredients? What about the chemicals, preservatives, “flavor enhancers” and binders? We already know our pets don’t need to eat those ingredients, so why are they there? And what does consuming them do to your pet?
Chemicals & Preservatives
Many of these mystery ingredients also have mysterious names. Ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), to name a few. Some go by the rule, “If an ingredient can’t be pronounced, it shouldn’t be eaten,” and with good reasoning. These preservatives, which are included in pet food to keep the meat from rotting, have been linked to allergies, organ failure and cancer.
Some brands have already replaced these chemical preservatives with natural alternatives, like Vitamin E, which can also keep the food fresh but often have a shorter shelf life than their chemical counterparts.
Flavor Enhancers
Any kind of added flavoring is unnecessary. If the food your pet was given had any nutritional value, his or her instinct would be to eat it. Flavor is added to pet food in most part to make it more appealing to your pet. Even worse is that these “flavor enhancers” are rarely from natural sources. They are usually an artificial composition that resembles the taste of meat.
Binders
Wheat and corn gluten are commonly used to bind pet food together. Neither of these ingredients have any nutritional value. They are typically of poor quality and come from the byproducts of human food processing – not that the corn and wheat produced for humans is much better.
In the book Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis, the genetic manipulations of wheat is discussed and how the altering of this grain in the last 50 years has contributed to many of the health problems we face.
In Part IV of this series I will share some of the facts I learned from reading Wheat Belly, and explain how eliminating this genetically modified grain will not only improve your pet’s health, but yours as well.

Around Town With George

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Things to do 11/7-11/13/2012

Paws for Cocktails benefiting Furkids Animal Shelter
Thursday, Nov 8 5:30p to 10:00p
at Park Tavern at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA
Phone: (770) 613-0880
Age Suitability: 18 and up

Please join us for a fun evening to benefit Furkids Animal Shelter, Georgia’s largest no-kill animal shelter caring for over 600 animals daily.
Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a raffle and spectacular live and silent auctions. Plus fabulous free prizes – and surprises!
Follow the event on Facebook for silent auction previews and event details as they come! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paws-for-Cocktails-Atlanta/314390051993107
Event Website

 

What is Your Pet Eating? Part II

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In Part I, I touched on a subject that is of great importance to me – the negative effects that processed pet food has on dogs and cats. In this segment I will go into more detail about processed pet food and a few of the risky ingredients that are used to make this popular “fast food.”
So, what exactly is considered “processed food”? Processed food can include both dry and wet varieties of pet food. The scary part is that the majority of pet food found on store shelves falls into this category of cheaply made, overly processed food.
Despite misleading packaging and ingredients lists filled with fancy words, many of the ingredients in processed pet food are just byproducts of human food processing and contain little to no nutrients. For example, you may find “apple pomace” listed as an ingredient. You figure an apple is a nutritious food and probably contains some vitamins and minerals that could be beneficial to your pet. Although it is true that an apple is a nutritious fruit, apple pomace is not an apple. Apple pomace is what is left over after making apple juice for human consumption. That’s the skin, seeds and core. Apple pomace does not contain the same nutrients as an apple.
Pomace is just one of many fancy words used in ingredients lists that can be misleading to pet owners. And while we’re on the topic of apples and misleading information, I should mention that packaging that boasts fruits and vegetables may be doing so for a reason. Let’s not forget that our pets are carnivores, which means that the number one most important ingredient in their diet is meat. Apple pomace aside, what your animal really needs is a hearty meat diet. Many pet foods today point a lot of attention to these “filler” ingredients like fruit and vegetables, to distract from the fact that they don’t include very much meat.
Is the first ingredient in your pet’s food meat? If not, that’s a problem. Is it the only meat ingredient among tens of others? That may also be a problem. Processed pet food tends to not have adequate amounts of meat to fulfill your pet’s dietary requirements. The quality of the meat used is also extremely questionable. For example, some brands list “poultry meal” or “meat meal” as an ingredient, without specifying which animal the meal comes from. This generalized term leaves a lot of opportunity to source from basically anywhere and does little to regulate quality or the possibilities of contamination.
I know this a lot of information to take in and I have only discussed the ingredients we thought we wanted to find in pet food. What about all the chemicals, preservatives, binders and “flavor enhancers” that are also in processed pet food? We’ll save that for next time. Join me next week for Part III of this series, What is Your Pet Eating?, where I will discuss other harmful ingredients found in processed pet food and what these not-so-good ingredients can mean for your pet’s health.

Things to do with your dog this weekend

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Things to do 10/31-11/6/2012
For the Love of Dogs Pet Festival
Saturday, Nov 3 11:00a to 5:00p
at Dogma Dog Care, Smyrna, GA
Join us for this family friendly pet festival sponsored by Dogma Dog Care. This year’s event includes a bounce house for the kids, pet-friendly vendors, food trucks and fun for your four-legged friends. This year’s festival is dedicated to the Villalobos Rescue Center from Animal Planet’s, “Pit Bulls and Parolees” as they build a new pit bull sanctuary in the South! read more
Event Website
Annual Cotton States CFA Championship & Houshold Pet Cat Show
Saturday, Nov 3 10:00a to 5:00p
at Gwinnett County Civic Center, Duluth, GA
Price: Adults: $8.00 Children: $5.00
Age Suitability: All Ages

450 cats and kittens of all breeds, including felines of undetermined origins, will compete for honors and prizes. Known for their top annual shows, Cotton States Cat Club will host participants from all over the country and abroad. Elvis will be in the building for a special musical presentation on Saturday at noon. For additional information and a discount coupon, please go to www.cottonstatescatclub.org or Cotton States Cat Show on Facebook.
Annual Cotton States CFA Championship & Houshold Pet Cat Show – Website

Good Mews Animal Foundation Holiday Sale
Saturday, Oct 20 9:00a to 5:00p
at Sandy Plains (Publix) Shopping Center, Marietta, GA

Price: FREE Admission
Phone: 770-499-CATS (2287)
Age Suitability: All Ages

Good Mews Animal Foundation will be having a Holiday Sale this year so mark your calendars! We will be selling all holiday items, so you will be sure to find a lot of great things! The sale starts Friday October 12th (9-5)and will run every Saturday 9-5) and Sunday (Noon-5) thru the first weekend of November.
The sale will be located at the Sandy Plains (Publix) Shopping Center:
1860 Sandy Plains Rd at Scufflegrit Rd. Marietta (2 doors down from Publix)
For information, visit www.goodmews.org

What is Your Pet Eating?

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What effect does processed food have on your pets?
The negative effects of processed pet foods are not widely publicized, but that does not mean they are not concerning. Processed pet foods, both dry and wet, have been linked to diseases and illnesses in dogs and cats. Some veterinarians believe the onset of these illnesses, ranging from kidney failure to cancer, especially in younger animals, is due in large part to diet. I think of it like this; we know a human who consumes large amounts of fast food and junk will be in poor health, so why should we assume an animal is any different?
Processed food first and foremost, does not contain the same nutrients that can be found naturally in whole food. A dog that only eats processed foods will likely not receive the proper nutrients he or she needs and, unfortunately, signs of this malnutrition can sometimes take years to surface. The main ingredients in processed pet food are also a concern, since the majority of brands use cooked grains, which is not natural for dogs or cats to consume.
Additionally, many processed pet foods contain chemicals and additives that have already been deemed unsafe for human consumption, but are still allowed in food for pets. If these ingredients cause harm to humans, why should they be considered safe for animals?
Another related concern is that animals that eat predominantly dry food can potentially suffer from dehydration and related illnesses. With so many potential risks, it is important for pet owners to become educated. Although processed pet food is convenient, natural options are the better alternative – even if they require some extra effort from owners.
Since pet food manufacturers play such a large role in the veterinary world, from education to testing, it is difficult to be fully educated on the effects this food has on animals. Despite this restriction, there is still plenty of information available from veterinarians and scientists who have made it a point to bring attention to this issue.
Being that this is an extensive topic and of personal importance to me, I am going to be publishing a series of related posts in the upcoming weeks. I will go into further detail about the risks of processed foods, the benefits of a natural diet, and share my recommended alternatives to processed pet food.

Fun things to do Around Town with Your Pet

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Weekend of 10/24-10/30
Glamour Paws Annual Howl-O-Ween Party
Friday, Oct 26 7:00p to 10:00p
at Glamour Paws, Atlanta, GA
Price: Free
Phone: (404) 885-9285
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: family, halloween, dogs, party, pets
Ghosts, Goblins and Witches Brew…but it wouldn’t be a party without You! Jump on your broomsticks and bring your pets to Glamour Paws for our Annual Spooktacular Soiree. There will be costume contests with awesome prizes, live music, screamingly delightful drinks & hors d’oeuvres for you & your four legged friends, and more!
780 N. Highland Ave. Ne, Atlanta, GA 30306
Event Website
Category: Pets
Creator: glamourpaws

• Atlanta Pet Expo
• Saturday, Oct 27 10:00a to 6:00p
• at Gwinnett Center: Convention Center at Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA
• Price: Free
• Age Suitability: All Ages
• Bring your pet to the ATLANTA PET EXPO! Sat, 10/27/2012, from 10AM to 6PM, INDOORS at Gwinnett Center with FREE admission and FREE parking! Check out a special appearance by SHORTY ROSSI (and his pit bull, Hercules), star of ‘Pit Boss’ on Animal Planet, 125 + PET-FRIENDLY EXHIBITORS, live demos, LOW-COST VACCINATIONS, giveaways, DISCOUNTS on your favorite pet products, contests, RETAILERS and much more FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Plus a MEGA-ADOPTION event with 300+ pets available for adoption.
• Event Website
• Creator: AmazingPetExpos
• Pet Parade at the Johns Creek Arts Festival
• Saturday, Oct 27 12:00p
• at Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, GA
• Price: Free
• Phone: (678) 512-3309
• Age Suitability: None Specified
• The Johns Creek Arts Festival features a “Pet Parade” at noon, Saturday, Oct. 27, giving local pets a chance to get in on the fun.
Dress your pet in its best costume and then march your furry friend across the festival stage for a chance to win “Best Costume,” “Cutest Critter,” or “Best of Show.”
The Pet Parade is open to the first 60 pets registered. Registration is free. All pets must be on a leash or in a cage.
For more information, visit www.JohnsCreekGA.gov or call 678-512-3309.
• Event Websit
• Creator: jennifer.chapman

Dog First Aid Class
Saturday, Oct 27 12:00p to 4:00p
at Dog School 101, Marietta, GA
Price: $60
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: dog, rescue, first aid
What to do if your dog becomes sick or injured? Join us to learn the basics of dog first aid. Learn what to do in case of accident or injury to your pet, and when to go right to the vet.
Space is limited, please reserve a spot by e-mailing info@ashepherd.org.
Portion of ticket sales benefits GSD Rescue of GA.
Event Website
Creator: gsdrga

Loews Atlanta’s Costumes on the “Woof”
Tuesday, Oct 30 7:00p to 9:00p
at Loews Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, GA
Price: Free to attend
Phone: (404) 745-5000
Age Suitability: None Specified

Party with your pets this Halloween at the Loews Atlanta Hotel’s third annual Costumes on the “Woof” event! On Tuesday, October 30, from 7 to 9 p.m., Loews will open up the terrace for a pet costume contest, music mixed by DJ Joel Rabe of Lethal Rhythms, specialty cocktails and canine friendly cuisine. Proceeds from Costumes on the “Woof” will benefit Canine Assistants. In the unlikely case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. To RSVP, please email loews@thereynoldsgroupinc.com.
Event Website
Creator: triciaTRG

Good Mews Animal Foundation Holiday Sale
Saturday, Oct 20 9:00a to 5:00p
at Sandy Plains (Publix) Shopping Center, Marietta, GA
Price: FREE Admission
Phone: 770-499-CATS (2287)
Age Suitability: All Ages

Good Mews Animal Foundation will be having a Holiday Sale this year so mark your calendars! We will be selling all holiday items, so you will be sure to find a lot of great things! The sale starts Friday October 12th (9-5)and will run every Saturday 9-5) and Sunday (Noon-5) thru the first weekend of November.
The sale will be located at the Sandy Plains (Publix) Shopping Center:
1860 Sandy Plains Rd at Scufflegrit Rd. Marietta (2 doors down from Publix)
For information, viisit www.goodmews.org
Event WebsiteCreator: goodmews