Dog Service Network, LLC » Safety

Airline Pet Deaths Increase in 2010

admin — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 04:54:01 +0000

US domestic airlines reported 39 pet deaths, 12 injuries, and 5 lost pets during 2010.

Park City, UT (PRWEB) February 11, 2011

The number of pet deaths reported by domestic US airline carriers in 2010 increased to 39, rising from 23 in 2009. The vast majority of the deaths (70%) involved brachycephalic, or short-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs and Pugs.

In addition to the 39 pets deaths in 2010, there were 12 reports of injuries and 5 pets that were lost. Most of the injuries were caused by pets trying to escape their kennels.

The biggest step travelers can take to help ensure their pet arrives safely is to makes sure the kennel is solid and to secure the doors and frame with zip ties. Several of the deaths in 2010 happened after pets escaped their kennels and were later hit by cars.

For more information and details on all the pet related airline travel incidents visit http://www.petflight.com.

A summary of all pet incidents for 2010 can be found athttp://www.petflight.com/pet_travel_incident_summaries/2010.

Source: PRWeb

Summer Fun Can be Deadly for Pets

Dog Service Network — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:17:41 +0000

Summer fun can be deadly for pets. Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital warns of the dangers of heatstroke particularly in dogs.

(PRWEB) December 17, 2010

While chasing a ball at the park and taking trips to the beach might sound like fun, pet owners are being warned of the dangers of heatstroke this summer, particularly in dogs.

According to Murdoch University’s veterinary expert Dr Katrin Swindells, heatstroke is one of the most catastrophic, and yet easily prevented, conditions that dogs can suffer.

“Dogs are so eager to please their owners; they often won’t stop playing until their bodies can’t take any more. Owners need to watch for warning signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting and act quickly,” said Dr Swindells.

“Days with temperatures of over 30 degrees bring an increased risk of heatstroke – and days of 36C or more make it a lot harder for your dog to cool down. When a dog overheats, the proteins in their cells start to break down, which can lead to the dog cooking internally.

“Dogs can’t sweat – they can only pant, so they need to find other ways to cool down such as drinking water, seeking shade or laying on a cold surface to manage their body heat.

“Heatstroke can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea, bleeding disorders and even brain damage. If the dog survives one episode of heatstroke it has a higher risk of future episodes as the area of the brain that responds to heat is forever changed.”

According to Dr Swindells, dogs most at risk of heatstroke include those with existing airway abnormalities who may snore or have noisy breathing, short-nosed breeds such a pugs that can have structural problems in their larynx, and dogs that have recently moved to hotter climates without having time to adjust.

“Particularly dangerous situations for all dogs include driving in cars if the dog’s area of the car is not air-conditioned or cross-ventilated, and exercising in the heat of the day – even if the dog seems to want to run or play.”

Watch for signs of heatstroke

Dr Swindells says it is easy to prevent heatstroke by avoiding activity in the middle of the day and providing ways to cool down, such as large iceblocks or a paddling pool and at least two bowls of fresh drinking water. Importantly, pet owners should monitor their animals for signs of heatstroke.

“If your dog collapses, or is breathing strangely or panting excessively, cool it down by hosing or wetting all over. Spend five minutes at home cooling your dog down, then drive to your vet with your windows open or air-conditioning on.

“If you spend a few minutes cooling your dog at home and then go to your vet, they generally have the best chance of survival, compared to going straight to the vet, or doing nothing to see if the situation improves.”

For more information about keeping your pets safe this summer, please visit http://www.murdoch.edu.au/Summer-fun

About Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital
Open hours for General Practice 8.30am-6pm
Murdoch Pet Emergency Centre open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Phone: 1300 652 494

Source: PRWeb

Now Your iPhone Could Save Your Dog’s Life

Dog Service Network — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:16:13 +0000

It was one of the most feared moments in any dog owner’s life that convinced dog-owners Arie Kopelman & Holger Laufenberg to develop the just released iPhone App “My Dog”: Holger’s 2-year old Terrier-Mix Dax got away!

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 16, 2010

It was one of the most feared moments in any dog owner’s life that convinced dog-owners Arie Kopelman & Holger Laufenberg to develop the just released iPhone App – “My Dog”.

Holger’s 2-year old Terrier-Mix named Dax got away!

Holger had plans to see a matinee showing and as so many times before left Dax with his friend’s good-hearted 100-pound German-Shepherd named Luke, for a play-date with access to a securely fenced and locked front yard.

How could he have known that his friend’s gardener would come back unannounced and let himself in to retrieve the wallet he’d left in the tool shed earlier that morning. How could he have foreseen that despite the numerous talks they had about taking precaution when unlocking and opening the front gate, Dax, his little escape artist would take his chance at wanderlust and dart out the gate when it was opened?

The call that his dog ran away put him into shear panic. He left the movie theater immediately and went back to search his friend’s neighborhood in fear and desperation thinking: What if Dax gets hurt? What if someone takes him to any one of the many local vets or shelters? They wouldn’t know about his allergies to certain medications nor how to contact him if Dax’s collar somehow got lost. Every worse case scenario rushed through his mind simultaneously.

After what felt like the worst hour of his life searching the neighborhood he started Goggling Rescue Organizations, shelters and vets in the surrounding area to make them aware in case some kind soul would find his Dax and bring him there. Over and over again he was asked what his dog looked like, what kind of breed he is, whether he is micro-chipped, whether he has any medical conditions and how to contact him should Dax be found. Thankfully Dax was found before anything bad could happen.

Still Holger remained worried and thought there had to be a better way. He called his friends Arie & Jane Kopleman, both of whom are dog professionals and also run a national dog rescue organizations and a local shelter in upstate New York.

Together they developed the “My Dog” – the iPhone App Holger wish he’d had that day–the App that puts both the dog’s wellbeing and the dog-owners peace of mind at the App users fingertips. “My Dog” lets you:

Create & share personalized profiles for your dog(s) including detailed dog description, vet- owner- and emergency contact, vaccination history & schedule, current medications and medical history.
Take or Select photos of vaccination and medical records and attach them to each profile
Access the largest national dog-service directory right from the App
Email each profile including copies of vaccination and medical records right from the App to any service provider – anywhere.

Because “My Dog” also features the most comprehensive national dog-service directory with over 30,000 listings including local vets, hospitals, shelters and rescue organizations—other dog-owners will never have to go through what Holger experienced on that haunting day he thought he had lost his best friend.

Of course it works just as well for all the other occasions when loving dog-owners need to share their dog’s information and provide copies of vaccination or medical records including: Leaving your dog at a daycare facility, boarding your dog, attending a puppy or training class.

Whether locally or on the road, now dog owners will never again be without having all of their dog’s information ready to be shared at the touch of a button nor wonder where the closest dog park, grooming or pet shop or dog trainer is – wherever they are the information is in the palm of their hands. And our Pet Travel Guide is included and provides them with all the info needed when traveling with their dogs.

With an iPad optimized version being released in early December and an Android version scheduled for early 2011, “My Dog” is determined to put the mind of many dog owners at ease.

“My Dog”: 3 Must-Haves in 1 Great iPhone App

Your Dog’s Personalized Profiles: all of your dog’s personal, medical, vaccination, ID info and photos in your hands and ready to send right from the app to a vet, hospital, trainer, day care, pet sitter or local shelter / rescue group should your dog ever get lost or need care – anywhere.
The National Dog-Service Directory: It covers every dog service from vets, emergency care, trainers, walkers & day care to pet shops, rescue organizations, parks and beaches, for the metropolitan areas in every state. Anywhere you are or plan to go, you’ll have instant access to any service & business.
The Pet Travel Guide: It gives you up to the minute pet travel rules for airlines and train systems plus comprehensive listings of pet-friendly hotels and pet travel tips.

For our website and screenshots visit: http://www.doginfousa.com
To visit us on the App Store go to: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-dog/id402402508?mt=8#

Dog Info USA, LLC donates 15% of its net revenues local shelters and national organizations including: Animals For Adoption and the APCA.

For Press inquiries contact: Holger Laufenberg, Dog Info USA, LLC, 323-378-5496

Source: PRWeb

PetAg Initiates Comprehensive Pet Nutrition and Safety Education Program

Dog Service Network — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:04:35 +0000

Leading Pet Nutrition Manufacturer To Implement Education Program For Animal Food Safety

Hampshire, IL (PRWEB) August 10, 2010 – PetAg today announced the creation of a comprehensive program designed to inform and educate consumers on pet nutrition safety and proper storage of their newly improved KMR and Esbilac powdered milk product for infant animals.

As part of PetAg’s Safety Education Program, they have revised the packaging to provide consumers with even clearer instructions for handling and storage. Consumers can sign up on PetAg’s website to receive emailed updates on product information and educational materials.

PetAg’s 70-year history of innovation in the manufacturing of pet nutrition products has led them to be one of the most trusted manufacturers of pet products in the USA. Their products have been used to care for millions of animals worldwide. As a trusted partner of pet owners and veterinarians, PetAg continually examines all of their products and processes to ensure best practices and best nutrition for pets.

In this economy when people are looking to trim costs in every possible corner, pet professionals and pet owners may hold onto product beyond the “best by” date, or longer than advised on labels after opening. Recent FDA announcements on infant animal nutrition safety indicate that consumers should follow labeled advice completely in order to insure their pets’ safety. It is also vitally important to store unopened or opened cans above at the recommended temperature to avoid degrading the product quality.

As with human infants, animals depend upon milk as their only source of nutrition in the early weeks of their lives. When pets are unable to nurse from their mother, milk replacement products such as PetAg’s KMR® or Esbilac® offer excellent alternatives to allow pets to get off to a good start in life. Much like formula for human infants, or any other milk product, these products have a finite shelf life, and should be used quickly once opened or prepared. This information is readily available on packaging for all products. Best-by dates only apply to manufacturer sealed products that have not been opened. The FDA advises that anyone who is concerned about the safety of a product should contact the manufacturer for further instructions and advice.

With decades of innovation and advancements behind them, PetAg brings unquantifiable knowledge to the field of pet nutrition.

“We take our place as a market leader seriously,” said Darlene Frudakis, president and COO of PetAg. “By continually testing and revising our formulas, we can bring the best alternatives to the market for our pet companions, and can educate our consumers on how best to care for their pets’ nutritional needs,” continued Frudakis.

PetAg urges consumers to review labels on stored cans to determine if they have reached or surpassed the use by date, and if so return the product to PetAg for a free replacement. PetAg also encourages consumers to contact the company at anytime if they have mixing, product storage or usage questions call 1 (800) 323-0877.

About PetAg

Founded in the 1930s, PetAg, Inc, is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pet nutrition and other pet products. Headquartered in Hampshire, Illinois, this woman-owned company has brought pets and their owners some of the most recognizable brand names in the industry.

PetAg products cover a wide range of animals through every stage of the life cycle. From newborn care including the scientifically balanced neonatal milk replacers, Esbilac® and KMR®, to senior pet care supplements including CatSure® and DogSure® which lead the category. PetAg’s health and fitness categories include dog chews Rawhide Brand® and Chunky Chews® for dogs, DogSlim® and CatSlim® weight management program of supplements and nutritional dog treats and cat treats, and Hawaiian Delights® edible treats and toys for birds. Each of the product categories has the same focus: to enrich and prolong the lives of pets worldwide. You can find tips on Health, Fitness, and Fun For Pets on their new blog. For more information on PetAg, visit www.petag.com.

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Source: PR Web

Pet Sitter Credits Training with Ability to Recognize and Treat Dog’s Heat Stroke

Dog Service Network — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:40:30 +0000

Soaring summer temperatures heightened concern for all animals in her care.

King, NC (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 9, 2010 — Susan Ewing, owner of Susie’s Pet Sitting in Arlington, WA, believes her accreditation coursework through Pet Sitters International (PSI) helped her diagnose and treat severe heat stroke in a client’s dog. Her actions helped to save its life.

Ewing became concerned for all the animals in her care during a heat wave a few years ago when temperatures soared to almost 100 degrees. She was especially worried when one of the dogs she visited daily did not come bounding down the driveway to greet her.

Professional pet sitter checks dog for signs of heat stroke

“I found the dog lying on the ground looking dazed,” Ewing said. “He had bright red gums and was acting almost as if he was in a drunken stupor. I moved him into the shade, cooled him down with the garden hose and wrapped him in wet towels.”

Ewing learned through PSI’s Accreditation Program that the goal in treating heat stroke is to decrease the dog’s body temperature to 104 degrees in the first ten to fifteen minutes, then stop the cooling process and proceed with transport to a veterinarian. The dog recovered with the help of Ewing’s quick thinking and her ability to immediately recognize and treat the signs of heat stroke.

“Had it not been for the Accreditation Program I took through PSI, I’m not sure I would have known what to do,” Ewing said.

With more than half of U.S. adults expecting to take a trip during the next six months, professional pet-care givers are ramping up for a busy summer.

According to Ellen Price, academic manager and creator of PSI’s Accreditation Program, research shows that pets are happier and experience less stress at home. A pet’s diet and exercise routines are also uninterrupted and a pet’s exposure to illness is minimized.

“Friends, family members or neighbors may seem like a logical choice for pet care,” Price said. “However, a professional pet sitter has the experience and qualifications necessary to appropriately care for companion animals.”

PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, recently expanded its accreditation program and is now re-certifying its members every three years to keep skills and knowledge current.

Price believes that PSI’s Accreditation Program is a unique benefit because it is the most comprehensive and scientific course of study in the industry.

”A PSI Accredited Pet Sitter brings a tremendous wealth of knowledge to the care of companion animals on topics such as health and nutrition, canine and feline behavior, separation anxiety and pet loss,” Price said.

PSI gives its members access to the most extensive benefits and affiliate programs in the industry, including monthly educational e-newsletters, a bimonthly educational magazine, an annual convention and access to bonding and liability insurance. These policies fully cover pets and property and provide pet owners peace of mind while they are away.

To find the best care for your best friends, please visit The Pet Sitter Locator.

About Pet Sitters International
Established in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad. PSI provides members with access to affordable bonding and liability insurance and educational resources including a comprehensive Accreditation Program, The Pet Sitter’s WORLD magazine and PSI’s annual Quest convention. PSI also publishes the The Pet Owner’s WORLD magazine and thepetsitblog.com. For more information, visit www.petsit.com, home of the Official Pet Sitter Locator™ or visit the PSIStoreOnline, the largest specialty retailer of products for pet sitters and pet-sitter business owners.

Source: PRWeb

Staying Calm During Pet Emergency is Best Advice for Owners, Caregivers

Dog Service Network — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:36:30 +0000

Pet First Aid Awareness Month is a Good Time to Learn the Basics

King, NC (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 24, 2010 — According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), 92 percent of animals will experience an emergency during their lifetime. Perhaps just as important is information from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which reports that 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care.

Rob Nager, Owner of Decadent Dog and Certified CPR and Pet First Aid Instructor

Rob Nager, owner of Decadent Dog in Needham, MA and certified PetTech™ CPR and first aid instructor, believes that the most important thing for pet owners to be aware of is that pet CPR and first aid classes exist.

“In my experience, most pet owners just aren’t aware that they can spend four hours learning crucial techniques that may someday help them save the life of their beloved pet,” Nager said. “In any emergency, feeling helpless is excruciating and, because of pet CPR and first aid classes, unnecessary.”

According to Nager, Pet Sitters International’s 2008 Pet Sitter of the Year™, abrasions and choking are the two most frequent pet injuries he encounters.

”Dogs are usually eager to make the most of their outside time by running and playing with reckless abandon,” he said. ”Unfortunately the world is filled with rocks, sticks, trees, broken glass, pieces of metal and other sharp objects that can quickly puncture or cut the pads of their feet. Additionally, dogs and cats are both prone to choking hazards by eating too quickly and from swallowing toys, balls, string, tinsel, bones and biscuits.”

Simple first-aid procedures can make the difference between life and death. Nager recommends that all pet owners and pet-care givers know how to perform rescue breathing and/or CPR, as well as be able to respond effectively to bleeding, poisoning and injuries such as heatstroke and frostbite.

The best piece of advice Nager gives pet owners is to stay calm when dealing with a pet emergency.

“By taking a deep breath when you first discover an injured pet, you are more able to assess the situation and react with safety as you put your knowledge and experience into action,” he said.

Nager says that becoming a certified CPR and first aid instructor has been enormously beneficial to his business.

”I’ve earned the respect of my clients, staff and other pet professionals like veterinarians, groomers, trainers and pet-store owners in the Boston area,” he said. “By being PetTech™ certified, I have earned a level of credibility as a knowledgeable professional within my community. There is no doubt in my mind that this knowledge helped our company achieve solid growth last year in a down economy.”

The decision to become certified in CPR and pet first aid was an easy one for Nager.

“As a pet sitter, the health and well-being of my clients’ pets are in my hands,” he said. “My first priority and pledge to every one of my clients is that I will do everything I can to keep their pets safe.”

To find the best care for your best friends, please visit The Pet Sitter Locator. And to find a pet first aid class in your community, please visit PetTech™.

About Pet Sitters International
Established in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad. PSI provides members with access to affordable bonding and liability insurance and educational resources including a comprehensive Accreditation Program, The Pet Sitter’s WORLD magazine and PSI’s annual Quest convention. PSI also publishes the The Pet Owner’s WORLD magazine. For more information, visit www.petsit.com, home of the Official Pet Sitter Locator™ or visit the PSIStoreOnline, the largest specialty retailer of products for pet sitters and pet-sitter business owners.

Source: PRWeb

Access to Dangerous Materials is Biggest Holiday Pet Safety Hazard In and Around Homes, according to Pet Sitters International

Dog Service Network — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:20:17 +0000

King, NC (Vocus) November 13, 2009 — Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters reports that the biggest pet safety hazard consistently witnessed by pet sitters during the holidays is a pet’s access to dangerous materials in the home that can be easily ingested.

PSI recently surveyed its nearly 8,000 member businesses to determine the top three hazards professional pet sitters encounter during the holidays. More than 10 percent of the association’s members participated in the survey. While the majority of respondents, 63 percent, said that access to dangerous materials was most prevalent, 25 percent cited electrical appliances left on in the home and 24 percent referenced a pet’s access to dangerous plants.

Other hazards noted were a pet’s access to holiday food and decorations and issues related to weather.

Most professional pet sitters can quickly identify hazardous and potentially harmful material in the home and are proactive in communicating these hazards to clients. Some of the most frequently recommended cautions are:

Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty scraps, bones from pork and poultry, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and other sweets and candies can be harmful or toxic to pets.
Pine tree water can be poisonous, so be sure to cover open tree stand bases. The tree should be secure to the wall with strong wire or twine because a toppling tree can cause serious injuries to dogs and cats.
Keep these poisonous holiday plants away from pets: the berries of the mistletoe, holly, hibiscus, Christmas roses and the poinsettia.
Many holiday decorations are hazardous to pets. If decorations are not pet-friendly, keep them, as well as lights, out of a pet’s reach. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that house fires increase considerably during holidays.

Remember, the most common pet-related emergency that occurs over the holidays is the consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Make sure all prescription and non-prescription drugs are safely stored.

Nancy Haggerty of Paws and Claws Pet Care in San Rafael, CA, believes that the holidays are one of the most stressful times for pets because human behavior changes so much.

“From a pet’s perspective, homes become filled with loud noises, strange people, tasty treats and odd plants and ornaments,” Haggerty said. “We, as humans, become so busy with the festivities that we can easily forget what our pets’ needs are during this time.”

Dolores Barton of Duby’s House and Pet Sitting in Grand Island, NY, has seen this time and time again.

“One client had more than 30 shopping bags with the cord and string handles all over her home,” Barton said. “One of the cats was stuck in the handle when I arrived. I advised the owner how dangerous this was, but upon my next visit the bags were still lying around.”

November and December are traditionally the busiest months for the pet-sitting industry as pet owners fulfill their shopping, travel and entertainment obligations.

Marsha Wheaton, owner of Dog Mom at Your Service in Traverse City, MI, encourages pet owners to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to keep a pet’s routine.

“Keep life as normal as possible,” Wheaton said. “Make sure pets get regular walks, cut out all the extra treats and don’t let your pets get pushed aside with all the hustle and bustle and added activities.”

Planning is key. The PSI survey indicated that the majority of member businesses begin taking reservations three months in advance and cease taking reservations one week prior to the holiday.

For more information on holiday safety or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, please visit www.petsit.com.

About Pet Sitters International

Established in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad. PSI provides members with access to affordable bonding and liability insurance and educational resources including a comprehensive Accreditation Program (http://www.petsit.com/content331831.html), The Pet Sitter’s WORLD (http://www.petsit.com/content330924.html) magazine and PSI’s annual Quest convention (http://www.petsit.com/content334830.html). PSI also publishes the The Pet Owner’s WORLD (http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/psi/pow2008/) magazine and thepetsitblog.com. For more information, visit www.petsit.com, home of the Official Pet Sitter Locator™ (http://www.petsit.com/locate/) or visit the PSIStoreOnline (http://www.psistoreonline.com/), the largest specialty retailer of products for pet sitters and pet-sitter business owners.

Contact:
Courtney Klein
(336) 983-9222 ext. 318
Terry Chance
(336) 983-9222 ext. 314

Source: PR Web

Head Over Tails for Pets Warns to Watch for Signs of Pet Poisoning

Dog Service Network — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:28:18 +0000

Pets are naturally curious and will consume foods and products not intended for them. Head Over Tails for Pets reminds pet owners to watch for signs of an accidental poisoning.

Fargo, ND (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 20, 2009 — Curiosity killed the cat — the old English proverb is unfortunate, but true. It is an animal’s nature to be curious. Instinctively, they sniff, lick and eat random “treats” that are found in their path. Head Over Tails for Pets reminds pet owners that unattended “people” food, beauty products, medications, insecticides, and household plants have the potential to poison pets.

Even the best precautions cannot always prevent an accidental pet poisoning. The following is a list of signs that a pet has been poisoned:

Note if a pet becomes uncomfortable, drowsy, lethargic or unsteady on their feet.
Watch for any vomiting or uncontrolled voiding of the bowels and bladder.
Look for drooling from the mouth or changes in the animal’s breathing, such as altered or forced breathing.
Pay attention to signs of convulsions, muscle tremors or uncontrolled movements such as twitching.
Note signs of change in the pet’s behavior like symptoms of hallucinations, disorientation or confusion.
Check inside his mouth for burns of any kind to the mouth or tongue or noticeable changes in the color of your pet’s gums. If their gums change to blue, become pale or turn very red, this may indicate poisoning.

Call a veterinarian immediately if you suspect pet poisoning. It is best to find what was ingested and show it to the veterinarian. If what was eaten is not apparent, a list of medication kept in the home may be helpful for a diagnosis. Treatment will depend on the type of poison consumed.

When an animal suffers from an accidental poisoning, they are at risk of dehydration caused by vomiting and/or diarrhea. Warning signs of dehydration include the following: excessive panting; skin turgidity decreases; unsteady on feet; weakness in the hind quarters; and pet appears more apprehensive. Adding HydraPet to a pet’s water dish will help replenish vital electrolytes and help in maintaining fluid balance. HydraPet should only be used in conjunction with veterinarian’s care in the case of accidental poisoning.

Head Over Tails for Pets offers a better way to shop for your dogs and cats. The company specializes in offering the best pet products available, including organic pet food, healthy treats, natural pet supplements and professional grooming tools. At headovertails.com — the premium online pet store — you will find over 500 of the finest products available for your favorite dogs and cats.

Source: PR Web

Head Over Tails for Pets’ Commitment: Keeping Pets Healthy During the Holidays

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:15:58 +0000

Head Over Tails for Pets is committed to keeping pets healthy during the holidays by reminding pet owners that “people food” can be dangerous — even lethal to pets.

Fargo, ND (Vocus) November 4, 2009

The holidays would not be the same without family, friends, extravagant meals and decadent desserts. Head Over Tails for Pets reminds pet owners “people food” can be very dangerous — even lethal, to pets. During this holiday season, take extra precautions to avoid a proverbial pet buffet by eliminating unattended food or food dropped on the floor.

The list below highlights some of the most common foods that can be dangerous for pets. This is not an exhaustive list and any decision to provide pets with food not specifically intended for animals should be discussed with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist.

Xylitol: It is a low-calorie sugar substitute found in gums, mints, toothpaste and sugar-free baked goods. Even a small amount can cause liver failure and death.
Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Onions: Onions destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia.
Chocolate: Chocolate can cause seizures, coma and death. Baker’s chocolate is the most dangerous.
Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea and Tea Bags: Drinks/foods containing caffeine cause seizures, coma and death.
Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts: Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, muscle tremor and paralysis. Limit all other nuts as they are not good for dogs in general. The high phosphorous content is said to possibly lead to bladder stones. Exception to this rule seems to be PEANUT BUTTER. Use only salt/sugar free ORGANIC peanut butter as regular peanut butter contains toxins and is full of pesticides.
Animal fat and fried foods: Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis.
Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and damage a dog’s internal organs. Raw bone should always be supervised, as a piece can always break off and cause problems.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes can cause tremors and heart arrhythmia. The tomato plant is the most toxic, but tomatoes themselves are also unsafe.
Avocados: The fruit, pit and plant are all toxic. They can cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures and death.
The Seeds/Pits of Apples, Cherries, Peaches and Similar Fruit: These fruits are great for your dog — HOWEVER, the seeds/pits of these fruits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs as well as humans. Unlike humans, dogs do not know to stop eating at the core/pit and easily ingest them.
Raw eggs: Raw eggs can cause salmonella poisoning in dogs. Dogs have a shorter digestive tract than humans and are not as likely to suffer from food poisoning, but it is still possible. It is best to use organic eggs if served raw, but scrambled lightly is best.
Sugar and Corn Syrups: All, even organic, sugars and corn syrups are dangerous for pets.

It is important to work with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to establish a healthy, balanced diet for pets. When additional nutrient support is needed, supplements are available to assist with a healthy, well-balanced diet. Below are supplements designed specifically for pets:

Head Over Tails for Pets Multi-Nutrient For Cats & Kittens: Veterinarian-recommended multi-nutrient for cats provides extra nutrition for cats and kittens. Each tablet contains essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients–including essential fatty acids for a healthy, luxurious coat.

Head Over Tails for Pets Time Release Multi-Nutrient For Puppies: Puppies need extra nourishment to help them grow strong and healthy and to develop beautiful coats. This multi-nutrient for puppies delivers a special blend of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids in timed-release tablets that taste like treats.

Head Over Tails for Pets Time Release Multi-Nutrient Adult Dogs: Supplement the diet of an adult dog with a multi-nutrient tablets. Each tablet delivers 25 vital nutrients that are slowly released into their systems and tastes like a treat.

Head Over Tails for Pets Happy Stomach: This concentrated enzyme is blended with live/viable probiotics to support a healthy digestive tract and help ease the effects of dietary change and general stomach upset. The palatable powder mixes easily with any food and is safe for regular use.

Source: PR Web

How To Secure Your Dog While Traveling

Dog Service Network — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:05:53 +0000

In this article, “How To Secure Your Dog While Traveling”, we will look at the best ways to protect your canine when taking him along with you on car trips.

Have you ever seen a dog fall out of the back of a pickup truck? Have you ever seen a dog hanging on a rope off the side of a pickup truck? Have you ever seen a panic stricken dog struggling to keep its balance in the back of a pickup truck? Pretty dismal situation for a dog, isn’t it?

According to a SPCA representative it is the law to have your dog secured in a vehicle. There does not appear to be a guideline to how to secure your dog. Nor is the law being enforced.

However, if you love your dog, ensure its safety when you are traveling with it in any type of vehicle. We secure ourselves with seatbelts and our small children and babies with appropriate sized car seats. Why not protect our beloved pets?

There are many brands of dog cages available through pet stores. When purchasing one for your dog, buy one that offers enough room for the dog to turn around and lie down, but also is small enough to offer comfort and security. Dogs are feral animals, that is, they are happy in a den. If caging your dog, make sure the cage is secure. Cages can slide around and get projected from an open vehicle in an accident. If your vehicle isn’t large enough to accommodate a cage, then use one of the many seat belt adapters or harnesses that can be used to secure your dog. Save your dog from being tossed around in a car. The simple act of slamming on your breaks to avoid an accident could cause your dog to fall off the seat and possibly get injured. Save yourself grief and possible veterinarian bills due to your pet being injured in your vehicle, SECURE YOUR DOG. And make sure your dog has ID tags or discs.

Remember…………….
BUCKLE UP, IT’S THE LAW.
SECURE YOUR DOG, IT’S THE LAW.

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.k9klearup.com/19726. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

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Dog Service Network, LLC » Safety

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