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.

I’ve Got A Beef With Chicken Jerkey Part II

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Chicken Jerky Alternatives
Last week I brought you information about the growing concern of feeding your pets chicken jerky made in China. This “treat” has been linked to over two thousand illnesses and deaths of both dogs and cats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been warning of the possible danger of chicken jerky made in China since 2007, yet it can still be found on store shelves.
(Review the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration consumer advisory here.)
As a follow up to my last post, this week I bring you recommendations on some of my most loved dog treats. There are many alternatives to chicken jerky and other pet treats made in China. Here a few of my favorites:
• Beef neck bones: You can find these in the meat section at Publix or your local grocery store. Ask the butcher about purchasing beef neck bones to be used as dog treats. For my dogs, I request they be cut two to two and a half inches thick and usually buy a whole case at a time. This is a very fresh, natural and easy way to provide your dog with a delicious treat. The bones should never be cooked, as that can cause them to become brittle, just pop them in the freezer and take out as needed.
• Kongs: A kong is a great treat and toy for your dog, especially those with tons of energy! Fill and freeze for long lasting entertainment. I personally like to make mine with yogurt or peanut butter, but the possibilities are endless.
• Kona’s Chips: If homemade dog treats don’t fit into your busy schedule, there are also excellent store bought choices. Kona’s Chips is a great brand that offers a variety of different treats that are made in America (my dog Suzy is a big fan of their Chicken Jerky).
• Three Dog Bakery: The “Woof”ers from Three Dog Bakery are always a big hit, but I don’t give them out as often as the others. Although their ingredients are very wholesome and natural, these cookies do contain wheat, which I try to avoid.
I hope you enjoy my suggestions. If you have any questions or other recommendations, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Another reason I love my dogs!

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Miss Jennifer is back from vacation this morning and has taken over her accounts. That means I only have one kitty cat sit today and one meeting with a new client.
The house is a wreck as you can imagine after a week of 14 and 16 hour days. My office looks like a hurricane has gone through, with files stacked here and there, and the inbox, well we won’t even talk about that. But as I look around trying to come up with a game plan to dig out, I see five beautiful faces, saying “Mom, please we have missed spending time with you, we have missed our nice long walks, and when was the last time we went to the dog park together. The dirt will be here when we get back and really we don’t care, we just care about being with you and having some fun!”
Just another reason I love my dogs, they help keep me grounded, they remind me of what is really important and today that is spending time with my pets and visiting my mother, everything else is just noise. So with that said we are off to the park …

I’ve got a beef with chicken jerky

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I’ve got a beef with chicken jerky
This summer more shocking news flooded in that seemingly innocent dog treats were causing more harm than happiness. Complaints surfaced from pet owners with reason to believe their pets died shortly after eating certain brands of chicken jerky. These new cases added to over two thousand illnesses and deaths that had previously been reported.
So what’s the jury on this jerky? Speculations have been made about the treats’ origin. The product in question, Nestle Purina’s Waggin’ Train Yam Good, is made in China despite misleading packaging that reads, “Waggin’ Train of St Louis Missouri.”
An April investigation by the FDA, which attempted to produce samples from plants in China, was less than successful. No samples were permitted to be released for U.S. testing and it was also discovered by investigators that the number of previous routine tests that were conducted on the meat in question ranged from few to none.
But this news is far from new. The first warning about chicken jerky was released back in 2007. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a caution to pet owners in regard to chicken jerky products imported from China. That warning has since been updated in late 2011 and can be reviewed here. However, no proof has yet to be established that these sicknesses and deaths are directly related to the consumption of chicken jerky from China, which is why the treats can still be found on shelves.
Aside from the fact that the U.S. permits pet food to be irradiated at almost twice the limit considered safe for human consumption, this particular case is more likely related to the meat and other specific ingredients that are found in the chicken jerky.
Since the product has yet to be recalled it up to you to protect your pets. We recommended avoiding chicken jerky until further information is provided explaining the exact cause of these unnatural deaths. Many safe alternatives are available, as well as more natural options.
Check back next week for more information on this issue as well as recommendations on some of our most loved dog treats.

Sponsor a Pet Friday

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Let’s make today Sponsor a Pet Friday!!! Here is just a couple you could choose from. Please send the money you would spend on a cup of coffee or a sandwich it would make such a difference to these animals in need.

Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
It is me Weddles presenting my 5 remaining babies. I gave birth to 11. I grieve for them but know I will see them at the rainbow bridge. I was very sick and my babies needed help. We had to be at a vet. If you can please help with my big vet bills. I didn’t want poor Angels to have to spend so much on me but they tell me I am worth it. All of us will be grateful to all of you who prayed, shared and donated to us. More doggies like me could be saved if fosters could be found for mom and babies. Sweet Andria Levine took my picture!!!! Angels will post her site. God bless and please donate to that bill. www.angelsrescue.org
IMOM (In Memory of Magic)
Sirocko is a 19 month old Persian cat sick with a partial urinary blockage. Sirocko is currently at home with his owner and is losing a lot of weight. He needs a perineal urethrostomy, to allow him to urinate on his own. He has had several obstructions and has been treated for this already. We are trying to raise $1359.80 before he blocks again. To donate, please visit http://tinyurl.com/79og6jd and mark your gift “Sirocko Adkins” or we also have paypal, our address is paypal@imom.org. To read more about Sirocko, visit his topic in our online community at http://bit.ly/Q6b0p8.
Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
These little Angels desperately need your help!!! Poor Momma Winnie developed mastitis and an awful ear infection 10 days ago and stopped nursing her babies. A wonderful foster has been bottle feeding the babies, but they have coccidia and are not absorbing nutrients, as they diarrhea continuously. If the foster falls asleep and doesn’t feed/medicate them every 2 hours, they will literally start dying and she has to revive them. They are so tiny and fragile and we are so afraid of losing them. We are wanting to take them to a 24 hour vet so that they can be monitored, medicated, and fed every 2 hours, but their care is going to be sooo expensive 🙁 Poor Momma Winnie needs to go to the vet too, as she hates getting her medication so much she spits out most of it and has basically stopped eating and drinking. We are begging you to help us pay for their care, they are all very pitiful and sick, when just 10 days ago they were happy healthy kitties. It’s so sad to see. Please donate at www.angelsrescue.org with Winnie and Sick Babies as subject line. We desperately need your help! Thank you and God Bless! ♥ ~R — Please Help Us Save Poor Winnie & Her Sick Babies!!
Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
Hi! I’m Flip Flop and I am so worried. I urgently need a foster or adoptive home. Yes, I know I am a pit mix, but I never asked to be born. I’m just a baby. Maybe 6-8 mos. I don’t deserve to die because my mom wasn’t spayed and because my owner didn’t love me and my sister, Mittie. Our time is up and luckily the shelter gave us a bit more time over the weekend . They believe in us despite our breed mix, but every day, dogs like me get dumped here at the pound or picked up as strays. Please sponsor me and Mittie, my twin sister, and most importantly consider fostering me to save my life. $150 each is needed for our vetting. Anything not needed goes to help another dog or cat in need. Please hurry. Applications and PayPal at www.angelsrescue.org
Foster@angelsrescue.org

Dog Food Avalible at WalMart

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Feeding five dogs a good diet can be  expensive, so when I find a good deal I like to share it with my dog lover friends.
I was at Wal-Mart the other day picking up medication for my mother and I needed some canned dog food to add to my crew’s kibble.
I found Grandma’s Casserole made by Variety. I read the label and it looked good, so I looked it up on my favorite website when choosing dog food DogFoodAdvisor , and I see it has a for star rating. After reading there review I decided to give it a try. Well let me tell you it gets four paws up at my house, the pup’s love it, and it is only $1.50 a can, so I love it too!
Let me know if your dogs like it as much as mine.

December Newsletter

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logo
IN THIS ISSUE
Holiday Donations to Pet Orgs
Last minute holiday sitting
Dirty Muttini Recipe
Pet Sitting with Latrece

FEATURED ARTICLE

We encourage you to make a donation to your favorite rescue group or animal non-profit organization this holiday!

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RECENTLY ON THE GPW BLOG

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LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SITTERS

Forgot to book your sitter for the holidays? Though limited, we still have availability this season.

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Winter 2011

First and foremost we want to express our gratitude to all of you for a wonderful 2011. Working with you and your pets has made this past year  so wonderful for us! It is hard to believe that the year is almost over. Everyone at Gwinnett Pet Watchers is incredibly grateful that we are able to do what we love while working with such great people (and animals!)

 

Although 2011 has been a successful year for Gwinnett Pet Watchers, we want to acknowledge that there are many who are not so fortunate and have had a rough year, which also means a rough year for their pets. Donations to shelters and non-profit animal organizations have decreased and they are not getting the help they need. Because of this, Gwinnett Pet Watchers will be making donations to two of our favorite animal organizations, Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen and Mostly Mutts, in lieu of giving gifts this year. We want to encourage you to do the same by donating to your favorite pet charity; instead of giving your sitter a gift, consider making a small donation in their name. Together we can make a difference!

 

Not sure what organization to donate to? Visit our Links Page for a list of our favorite Rescue Groups and Pet Charities!

 

Happy Holidays!

Dirty Muttini Recipe
 At the end of a rough day, Vinny likes to unwind with a little something for the discerning dog. A Dirty Muttini will do the trick.Ingredients:

  • 1/2 water
  • 1/2 chicken broth with NO onions (onions are toxic to dogs)
  • Chicken jerky strip

Directions:

  1. Be sure to use chicken broth with no additives, especially no onions.
  2. Mix with broth and water. Serve in your mutt’s favorite dish.
  3. Garnish with a chicken jerky strip.
  4. NEVER give alcohol to your pet!
 Do you ever make a special drink for your pooch? Maybe something warm on a cold day or a cool treat in the summer. If so,email it to us with a picture of your pal (preferably enjoying his libation) and we’ll feature it on Facebook and in our next newsletter!

Pet Sitting with Latrece
   Latrece Barcik, one of Gwinnett Pet Watchers newest sitters, has really wowed us all with her love of animals and the bond that she shares with them. We wanted to highlight her this month by letting her share some heartwarming stories from her pet sitting!     Each pet I have sat for throughout the years has given me a very special and unique experience. Not that we don’t have favorites, but I consider it a privilege that I am able to be a part of an animal’s life for any length of time, whether it is for a few days, a week, or longer. Here are a couple of fun, extra-special moments I’ve experienced in the recent months…A Springer Spaniel I sit for loves to take me to the stream behind her house. She always wades in for just a minute or two, but one day she seemed like she wanted to stay longer. I waded in with her and we ended up walking further down the stream. She was so happy, how could I say no? Obviously, it was warmer then!There was a Chihuahua that was such a bundle of energy that I thought he needed more exercise. Apparently that wasn’t the case because he didn’t go for any of it. He just kept jumping up and nipping at my hands and shirt – I couldn’t make him stop! Finally, I sat down (since walking and playing wasn’t his thing) and he jumped up in my lap, leaned against me and laid his little head on my chest, looking at me like I was the best thing since sliced bread. All he really needed were some extra snuggles! We sat that way for 20 minutes and he was calm and happy as a clam after that.

 

I try to figure out what a pet needs and deliver it. Does a dog seem a little bored? I’ll introduce them to the wonders of a peanut butter-filled Kong. Extra snuggles? Always welcome. An elderly kitty that is content to stay on her heating pad? No problem. I’ll try to be as quiet as possible to not disturb her. I’m almost always at a visit longer than I’m scheduled to be and 9 times out of 10, it’s purely by choice. I don’t set a timer; pets aren’t a meatloaf where it’s Ding!and they’re done. I just want to make sure a pet’s time away from their family is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.-LatreceSee below for details on discounted pet sitting from Latrece! 
Thank you for using Gwinnett Pet Watchers for your pet sitting needs and happy holidays!

 

Sincerely,
Robin Taylor
Gwinnett Pet Watchers
Save on pet sitting!  
For the month of January, we are offering a 10% discount on pet sitting when you mention the

“Welcome Latrece Special!”

Plants Poisonous to Dogs

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With spring here many of us are spending more time outside, and our dogs are outside with us.  If you have just gotten a protect you dog from poisonous plantsnew dog or puppy, or maybe  moved into a new home, take a look around for thing that  could be dangerous.

Some things you might want to look at are the plant life in your yard, especially if you have a puppy or young dog that loves to bite and chew.

Below is an article written by Jenna Stegowski, RVT

Many types of plants and flowers can be poisonous to your dog. Effects range from mild to severe depending on the type of plant and the quantity consumed. Some plants will only cause slight stomach upset, while others can cause seizures, coma or even death. Learn about the plants in your yard and neighborhood that are dangerous and be sure your dog does not have access to them. Ideally, toxic plants on your own property should be removed. Houseplants are a bit easier to control – simply do not keep toxic plants inside your home and you have removed the risk. If you are planning to get new plants or flowers, research them ahead of time to learn whether or not they are toxic.

Find out what plants and flowers may be poisonous to dogs with the following list of common toxic plants and flowers. Please note that this is not a complete list. If you have a particular plant in mind for your home or yard, you should thoroughly research it first. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with a potential toxin, please contact your vet or animal poison control immediately.

Plants Poisonous to Dogs

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME SYMPTOMS WHEN INGESTED
Aloe Aloe vera vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, tremors, change in urine color
Amaryllis Amaryllis sp. vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, tremors
Apple and Crabapple Malus sylvestrus seeds, stems and leaves can result in red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock
Autumn Crocus/Meadow Saffron Colchicum autumnale oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, organ damage, bone marrow suppression
Azalea/Rhododendron Rhododendron spp. vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, coma, death
Calla Lily/Trumpet Lily/Arum Lily Zantedeschia aethiopica oral irritation and pain, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Castor Bean/Castor Oil Plant Ricinus communis oral irritation and burning, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, convulsions; Note: beans are highly toxic
Chrysanthemum/Mum/Daisy Chrysanthemum spp. vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, loss of coordination, dermatitis
Cyclamen Cyclamen spp. excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, seizures, death
Daffodil/Narcissus Narcissus spp. vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, heart arrhythmias
Dumbcane Dieffenbachia oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Elephant Ears Caladium hortulanum and Colocasia esculenta oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
English Ivy Hedera helix vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, diarrhea
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea heart arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, death
Hosta Hosta plataginea vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors
Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Iris Iris species excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
Lily of the Valley Convallaria majalis vomiting, irregular heart beat, low blood pressure, disorientation, coma, seizures
Marijuana/Hashish Cannabis sativa depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, excessive salivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, coma
Mistletoe/American Mistletoe Phoradendron flavescens gastrointestinal complications, cardiovascular collapse, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, behavior changes, vomiting, diarrhea
Oleander Nerium oleander vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, shallow/difficult breathing, muscle tremors, collapse, cardiac failure
Peace Lily Spathiphyllum oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Philodendron Philodendron spp oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy Epipremnum aureum oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Sago Palm Cycas revoluta, zamia species vomiting, black (tarry) stools, jaundice, increased thirst, bruising, blood clotting problems, liver damage, death
Schefflera Schefflera oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Tobacco Nicotiana glauca hyperexcitability then depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, paralysis
Tulip Tulipa species vomiting, depression, diarrhea, excessive salivation
Yew/Japanese Yew Taxus sp. sudden death from acute cardiac failure (early signs include muscular tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

In case of toxin exposure, keep a list of important phone numbers in a visible, easily accessible location. Be sure pet sitters and other people who might be in your home are aware of the location of the list. The following phone numbers should be included:

  1. Your primary veterinarian
  2. One or more nearby 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics
  3. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 ($50 fee)
  4. Animal Poison Hotline: 888-232-8870 ($35 fee)
  5. Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680 ($35 fee)
  6. An emergency contact number for you and your dog’s co-owner (if applicable).

Domino’s DNA Testing

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Back then the DNA Kits were a little bit expensive back around $90.00.  But if you watch you can catch them on sale for under $60.00.

The hardest part about getting the sample was isolating the dog.  In my house we have dogs, a cat, and even a bunny rabbit. So we had to put Domino in a room by himself, no toys (not that he would care) that another animal may have had in their mouth, clean water bowl … After two hours we went in and got our swap, put it in the envelop that came with the kit, and put it in the mail box. Then waited for the answer, Border Collie or imposter!

It did not take long  to get a package in the mail from BioPet.  With anticipation we all made our last bets then opened it … Imposter!  I knew it!  It turns out that Domino is German Shepherd Dog, Chow Chow and Labrador Retriever …. Not a drop of Border collie not even a little bit!

Most of you would think the fun would end their but no now instead of saying, “He doesn’t act anything like a Border Collie,” we say, “That’s the chow in him!” Even his groomer says, “See, that’s the German Shepherd in him.”  Goodness we love our Domino no matter what his ancestry is.

On that same Christmas I gave a DNA kit to my kids for their new pup Bella… great minds think a like! But as they say, that is another story for another day.

Be safe and have fun.

DNA Testing

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There are those of us who never get to go out and pick a new pet — rather, they seem to pick us. You open your door one Animal loverday and there they are. Or you’re driving to work and you see the sad eyes of an abandoned cat or dog. Or the universe says it’s time for the Taylor household to have a new pet! For those like me, we can end up with a strange assortment of pets. Most of time we don’t know a lot about their background and never got a chance to meet mom and dad. We just open our hearts and love them and they love us back. Not a bad deal for either party.

As our new friend grows we notice certain traits and sometimes I find myself saying “He must have Lab in him,” or “That’s the Border Collie in her.” We sit around with our friend and look at the shape of their heads and the length of the tail and come up with what breed we think they are and argue our points. When we are at the vets we ask the vet to get their opinion, and when they have a different idea of our dog’s ancestry we will argue our point. We find ourselves telling the vet how he does this like a Beagle or she looks just like another German Shepherd-Collie mix you had as a child.

Well now all the guesswork can be put to the real test with DNA testing for dogs! That’s right, we can now test our dogs for their heritage. I know some of you may be thinking that it would take the fun out of guessing what Fido is mixed with, but it doesn’t, it just adds another level. And yes, you can still argue with the test results.

Let me tell you about my family’s fun with DNA testing.

Eight years ago I was looking for a playmate to keep my female Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix Suzie (Psycho Suzie). Suzie was nonstop full of energy and smart, smart, smart –  but also crazy. We never even saw her lay down until she was four years old. Needless to say I wanted a calmer dog. Still needed one with lots of energy to keep up with Suzie but with a calmness we hoped would rub off (Suzie was badly abused before she adopted us, but that is another story). So in comes Domino. I adopted Domino from the Border Collie rescue group out of South Carolina and what a beautiful boy he is; he is the poster child for a Border Collie. With his beautiful long black coat with majestic white mane encircling his neck, he could be on a Border Collie calendar.

As he settled in, the family noticed that he looked like a Border Collie on the outside but he did not have a single Border Collie trait. Hell, he won’t even fetch! Believe me some of the missing Border Collie traits were a blessing (anyone who knows how has Border Collies are, no matter how much we love them … can we say intense!?). But not Domino. When he is in the house he lays down and sleeps. No squeak toys for him, no bringing a ball over and dropping it at your feet, no following you everywhere you go in the house, in other words, no Border Collie traits! Not one! In this case even the vet and his groomer thought he was a Border Collie. Once when I explained to my vet that I thought Domino might be an impostor, he chuckled and told me to be thankful. After all, he knew Psycho Suzie!

Well, for the Christmas of 2009, I got a wonderful Christmas present from my son and his fiancée: a DNA kit from BioPet. I looked around at all of my dogs but my son made it clear that it was to be used on Domino to see once and for all if he was a Border Collie or an impostor…