Do you brush your dog’s teeth?

Oral health is just as important for our dogs as it is for us. Did you know that dental disease can lead to problems with your dog’s organs? And in most cases, by the time you find out its too late; the damage has been done.

We brush our own teeth on average 2 to 3 times a day. And yet many people have dogs for years and never brush their teeth. How could a dog possibly have fresh breath!

I admit I have been guilty as the rest, but have recently turned over a new leaf and have been brushing both my dog’s teeth every day for the past several months.

While you may not be able to avoid an extensive teeth cleaning at your vet’s office all together throughout your dog’s life, you can certainly prolong the need for it. And you will be contributing to your dog’s overall health.

So how did I do it?

Here are some tips to help you to make brushing your dog’s teeth an enjoyable habit.

1. Pick a time of day that you consistently have time.
   
   After dinner was the perfect time as I always make a tea and relax a little. So I started putting my brushing kit in the same place as I keep my tea to remind myself. Turns out that not only did I start remembering on my own, my dogs got used to the routine and started waiting for me after dinner.
   
   
2. Pick the right toothbrush for you and your dog.
   
   Not all dog toothbrushes are created equally. Try different kinds to see what feels the best and allows you to brush your dog’s teeth for the longest time. There are some really cool and fancy looking ones but they felt quite awkward to me and kept slipping through my dog’s teeth. I found that a simple brush works best for us. You can also get a finger brush if you prefer.
   
   
3. Make sure your dog likes the flavor of the toothpaste you choose.
   
   This is very important. If your dog doesn’t like the taste of the toothpaste, he will not be waiting every day for you to brush his teeth. My dogs both love the peanut butter and vanilla ginger flavors. And there are many more to choose from. You will pretty much know the second your dog licks it if he likes it or not. If not, move on. You want your dog on board with this. Never ever use human toothpaste!
   
   
4. Make it fun for you and your dog.
   
   Okay it’s not going to be as fun as going to the dog park, but a little enthusiasm goes a long way. Get a little goofy and let your dog think this is a great thing to do!

I go over my dog’s teeth twice and then end things with a dab of toothpaste for them just to lick and enjoy. It’s good for them and ends things on a positive note!

Happy brushing!

Dog First Aid - Cuts and Scrapes

Your dog cries out and is all of sudden limping and bleeding.  What do you do?

The way dogs tear around it’s not a wonder that they sometimes get scraps and cuts. If you have a pet first aid kit it will help make it easier to deal with if the time ever comes.

First, be cautious when examining your dog’s cut. Even the most docile and sweet dogs can react if they are in pain.  If your dog starts lifting his lip when you touch around the area of the wound, it might be a good idea to muzzle him for your own safety.

Now assess the wound(s).

• Is the wound a scratch, cut or an open wound?
• Is it bleeding?
• Is it dirty?
• Are there any objects in the wound?

Minor Cuts and Scratches

If the wound is dirty, clean it right away. Once you are ready, wash the wound with a saline solution or antibacterial wash if possible. If you have no cleaning solutions, use warm water with salt.

Once the area is clean you can dry and cover it with a clean cloth or gauze. If you have some anti-bacterial cream or something along those lines dab some on the wound with a cotton ball or a q-tip before you wrap it.

Most minor scratches and cuts will heal on their own with no infection and don’t really require to be wrapped. You may want to trim the fur around the cut so you can keep an eye on it and also to ensure it heals properly.

For open and bleeding wounds, apply pressure using a clean cloth, towel or gauze. Hopefully the bleeding will stop after a few minutes of applying pressure. If not you will have to continue to do so until you get to the vet unless you are able to make a tourniquet. Deep cuts may or may not require stitches; your vet is the best to judge that.

If there is anything embedded in the wound, leave it there and let your vet take care of it. You could do more damage trying to remove it yourself.

See Related Articles – Dog First Aid – DIY First Aid Kit

Dog First Aid – DIY First Aid Kit

It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit at home and when you travel just in case you have an emergency with your pet. You can buy one and many courses have them included. Or you can just as easily make your own at home.

You want to be prepared for anything so get yourself a Tupperware storage bin and keep it in a safe place that is accessible to you but out of reach of curious young hands or paws.

Here are some essentials for your first aid kit:


• Pet first aid book
• Emergency Numbers
• Gauze
• Self-Adherent Bandages
• Digital Thermometer
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Eye dropper
• Blanket or a couple of old towels
• Paper Towels
• Wipes
• Pair of gloves
• Tick remover
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tongue Depressor
• Muzzle
• Vaseline
• Disinfectant Soap
• Cornstarch or Flour

Include any other items you can think of that might help you and your pet in the case of an emergency.

Stay tuned for a series of articles to help guide you through different situations with your dog.

Dog Books for Kids

Any child who grows up with a dog is a very lucky one! Kids can have such wonderful relationships with dogs, but it’s crucial that they learn to respect them as animals.

Dog Books for Kids is an absolutely wonderful website filled with dog education for parents and kids. The site is cute, colorful and offers books, downloads, pictures and puzzles all about dogs.

“A Puppy’s New Home” is a series of fun and educational books to teach kids about different dog breeds. Your children will meet Louie the Labrador Retriever, Max the Golden Retriever and Bella the Bichon Frise to name a few. Each book has dog and youth interacting to easily identify with and learn about dog behavior, health and specific breed information.

Most importantly download a free copy of “The Kid’s Guide to Dog Bite Prevention”.  It’s essential for kids to learn how to interact with dogs when they meet them; or to respect a dog’s space when they are eating, sleeping or playing with other dogs. Educating families on dog body language will help decrease the number of dogs that end up in shelters through no fault of their own.  Help ensure your kids and dogs can be with each other safely and they will have the friendship of a lifetime!




Be sure to subscribe to see more exciting ways for you and your children to learn about man’s best friend.

Is Pet Insurance Really Worth It?

In the 1980's pet insurance first came on the scene and for many pet owner's they were thrilled until they saw what was being offered and the limitations of these plans. There was only one company that offered insurance and it was only for extreme cases, such as if a pet had cancer and it paid very little of the treatment costs. Therefore, many pet owners were frustrated with the offerings and never looked into insurance for their pets again.

However, pet insurance has come a long way since its early days and while it is still relatively new, there are several companies that the consumer can choose from. Moreover, the coverage is much more comprehensive and even includes add-ons such as wellness, which means that the annual vaccinations and office exams can also be covered.

How does an insurance policy on your pet work? Simple. If you had to take your dog or cat in for an ear infection and it ended up costing $600 for treatment and medications, you pay the bill, then file a claim with your pet's insurance company. Depending on the plan, they typically have a deductible of $50 to $100 and then pay 80 to 90 percent of the bill. Therefore, if the plan had a $50 deductible and paid 90 percent of the cost, you would get a check back from the insurance company for $495. This a substantial savings for you, and many policies offer the wellness option that includes your pet's annual physicals, vaccinations, and many times heart-worm medications and tests.

Today, cheap pet insurance has advanced significantly so that you can make sure your pet is covered from babyhood into old age. Keep in mind that premiums are often based on the age of your pet and some companies will not insure your pet if it is over 10 years of age. However, if you have your pet insured, your insurance will not be canceled once the pet turns 10, which is why it is important to have them covered as early as possible.
You may be thinking with all the advancements in cheap pet insurance that it may be expensive, but the truth is, it is still very affordable and if you have more than one pet, you can get a percentage of a discount when you insure them at the same time. It truly is a great way to keep your finances protected and be able to make sure your pet gets the care they need, when they need it. Lastly, shop around for insurance, because some of them are very unique and may not be what you are looking for. However, with a bit of research, you will find the perfect plan that is cost-effective for you and protects your pet at the same time.

GuardMyPet offers a cheap pet insurance program benefits for your pet to give you peace of mind. Diseases and accidents are very costly with veterinarian charges, so we chose to offer our customers the most popular cheap pet insurance in the industry, and is available at affordable rates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5406552

Cat Pet Insurance: Deciding If It Will Benefit You and Your Cat

As you may know, cats make wonderful pets. They come into our lives and become companions and beloved friends. For most cat owners they become a special part of the family. They're always there sitting on the window ledge, sleeping on the couch or welcoming us home hoping for some playtime and a treat. We love our cats and they love us back in their own special way.

Our cats mean a lot to us and we can't imagine anything happening to them.

We feed them nutritious food and treats, give them fun toys to play with and watch them as they grow from a playful kitten to lovable, curious cat. We spend our days enjoying each other's company without really worrying about anything unexpected happening.

We've always had cats around. We were the happy owners of four cats up to a year ago. We have two cats now. The unexpected happened to us. Unfortunately we weren't prepared since we thought our cats were well taken care of, well loved and would always remain healthy.

When they became sick, it was too late. What they had was untreatable but we tried anyway and in the end we were left with a huge Vet bill and no cats. The loss of two cats was tough enough and the Vet fees only compounded the situation.

If we had Pet Insurance it might have made dealing with everything less stressful by giving us one less thing to worry about. Do you think an Insurance policy for our cats would have been a benefit to us? Most likely.

Owners that dearly love and care for their cats should consider buying a cat health insurance policy. But what are the benefits? Is it something you must have in order to avoid having the same thing that happened to us, happen to you?

We put together some thoughts that helped us decide whether having Pet Insurance would benefit us and our two remaining cats. These ideas may help you make the same decision for you and your cats.

What are the Long Term Benefits of Pet Insurance?
Depending on the plan you select the cost may seem too high to warrant buying Pet Insurance. It might be better to put some money aside for emergencies. It is an additional expense on your part but it can pay for itself later on down the road. You can also look at it as an investment in the safety, protection and health of your cat.

Like all insurance, cat pet insurance is something you need but hope you never have to use. It's a preemptive measure that you should consider taking early on in your cats life to be able to handle any unfortunate situations, which brings us to our next point.

How soon should I buy Health Insurance for my cat?
It's never too late as long as your cat is in good health. As a rule it is best to start looking for a plan when your cat is young and healthy. This way you can take more time to learn about cat Pet insurance and find a plan that works best for your needs.

If you do buy a policy you can be assured that whatever happens, your cat will get the care they need in a timely manner. In the case of sickness, or even an accident, you know that your cat will get the best medical attention. Having pet insurance will also provide peace of mind knowing that your pet is safe.

What benefit does it have to offer cat owners?
cat insurance provides financial protection for many cat owners and health protection for their cats. Everyone can sleep better at night knowing that they won't need to worry as much about sudden surprises that can inevitably lead to large Vet bills.

Money becomes less of an issue with the right policy and you can focus you attention on your cat. You'll also be able to act without any hesitation and get your cat to the Vets quickly for immediate medical attention.

Is pet insurance worth the cost?
Purchasing a pet health care insurance policy is a great idea from a financial standpoint. This may not be too apparent in the beginning but Vet bills can add up and become expensive. By investing in a cat health care insurance plan, you are protecting yourself from the risk taking on any unneeded debt.

Without pet insurance for your cat money can become one of the main deciding factors when choosing the right medical attention for your cat. Unless you have the funds available you may run into trouble if you simply can't afford treatment for your cat?

Buying pet insurance for your cat is your way of expressing your love for your pet by looking out for his or her well being.

Cat pet insurance will effectively reduce most money concerns when it comes to providing care for your cat. Depending on your cat's coverage you may not have to worry about paying a high premium.

There are many cheap pet insurance plans available out there that you can also consider when searching for a policy. Be sure to do you research as best you can and understand all of the features before deciding if pet insurance will benefit everyone concerned.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6361922

Pet Insurance Reviews - Is Cheap Pet Insurance the Best?

Health insurance is something almost everyone has, or strives to have. In addition, many people also get pet health insurance as well. Animals are a very important part of most families just like the rest of the family members and sometimes even more. Most people don't realize that there are now many options out there for pet health insurance and most are much more reasonable and affordable than what we have available for ourselves.

Most pet health insurance policies cover all basic needed services such as spaying and neutering, de-worming, shots, and basic tests such as leukemia testing. Most of these pet health insurance policies offer different tiers to choose from depending on the age and specific needs of the pet. Rather than having to pay outright and break your pocket book for needed vet visits these policies enable you to make low monthly payments, and not owe anything at the time of the visit.

When checking out pet insurance reviews, going for the cheap pet insurance may or may not be the best idea depending on your pets needs. The cheapest pet insurance usually only covers the basic needs of the pet for example; vaccinations, de-worming, etc. When going through a pet insurance review make sure you get the level of coverage that is most accommodating to your needs as well.

Below is a list of the different kinds of coverage pet health insurance usually offers to aid in finding and selecting the best pet health insurance plan for your animals needs. Unfortunately pets just like people get health issues, and it's just heart breaking when this happens and you're not prepared or able to get your pet the help they need. Similar to our health insurance depending on the type of visit there may be added expenses that may need to be paid, but those can normally be taken care of at a later date in easier to pay monthly installments along with your pet insurance costs. This makes properly caring for your animals a lot more feasible.

When Does an Individual Not Need Pet Insurance?

This is a tricky question. For some, the cost of caring for a pet may be unjustified if the finances are above the individuals needs. In addition, some may feel that smaller pets, ie; rats, mice, frogs, etc. may not be the best candidates for pet insurance and the pet insurance cost may not be justified. This is also determined on an owner-by-owner basis and is strictly up to the pet owners discretion.

Another time when pet insurance is not needed is when a pet owner is completely capable of paying the vet bills without strain at any given moment. Many people have very healthy pets and only want to pay when the pet is sick or in need of treatment. This is completely o.k. for plenty of individuals. In general, pet insurance is for those who don't want to pay a lump sum, but find it more affordable to pay ahead of time and be covered when the time is right.

Unfortunately there are many individuals that don't take their pets to the vet at all. This can lead to undiagnosed illnesses, and a lower quality of health. For example, it's very important to take your cats in for leukemia testing as it has become a common fatality among the feline society. Most kittens also require de-worming and de-fleeing which is very important to their health and development. We are offering here resources to some of the cheapest pet health insurance so that everyone can find a plan that can work for them and their pet.

The benefits for having pet insurance are abundant though unfortunately it may not be financially feasible for everyone at least it is to most. Below is an example of what a tiered plan may offer:

-Leukemia testing and shots

-de-worming

-de-fleeing

-spaying and neutering

-rabies vaccination

-heartworm testing

-fecal exam

-coronavirus vaccinations

-canine and feline distemper vaccinations

-Treatment and medication for illness

-Treatment and medication for injury

-Annual physical exam

*A plan like this would normally run you anywhere from $25 to $35 a month per pet.

This is an example of a well rounded option for a plan that includes wellness as well as continuing care and accidents which could be most important as they account for the larger bills and can never be planned for. There are also plans lower than the above. one such as this that is just strictly accidental coverage, which may be a good option for some as well that are not so much concerned with the costs of routine visits but are with the possibility of accidents. There are also of course plans higher than this as well that offer additional services to the plan, but for most this would be sufficient.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1993838

Cheapest Pet Insurance Plan Tips and Pet Health Insurance Reviews

Out of all the different kinds of insurance plans available, pet health insurance is probably one of the least commonly advertised types of coverage. To many of us, our pets are an integrated member of our family and we treat them as if they were our children or an old best friend or companion. Many people consider buying pet insurance plans in order to protect the ones they love whether it be a dog, a cat, or exotic animal. So is it wise to go with the cheapest pet insurance policy or is cheap pet insurance not going to provide the kind of protection you need for your pet?

When shopping for pet health insurance a.k.a. veterinary insurance, it is highly suggested that you go over and review all your possible options when looking in to a new policy. You can find a multitude of pet insurance reviews online and visit the insurance sites directly to get a feel for what kind of policy works best in your favor. It is highly not suggested that you go with the first one you find, but instead do your research before hand.

Each type of veterinary insurance companies provide different types of coverage, co-payment and costs which can make a significant difference when choosing the right type of pet health insurance to match both you pets needs and your wallet. Some pet insurance plans have small co-pays while requiring a higher monthly deductible and some policies may cover pre-existing conditions while others do not. Some plans offer extremely cheap pet insurance plans but lock you in to using only specific care facilities that are in conjunction with the pet insurance company. These are all extremely important to keep in mind when looking for vet policy that meets your needs.

As a general rule, the more you pay upfront, the less you'll have to pay when a vet emergency arises. Depending on your consistency of income and your level of buying power at any given moment may sway your decision on whether or not to get the cheapest pet insurance plan or go with one in which requires more upfront payment.

Various aspects or your pet may also affect your choice in policies and options for different types of pet health insurance plans. The gender, age, breed, genetic history and pre-existing conditions may be considered when deciding on which plan you'll want to invest in. For example, if you don't foresee your pet having any health problems, they are extremely healthy and still have a lot of years ahead of them, then it may be in your best interest to go with a cheaper pet health insurance plan. Adversly, if your pet is older, has had a history of health issues or a genetic predisposition to certain health problems like hip dysplasia, then going with a more than inexpensive coverage plan may be better suited for you and your pet.

The fact of the matter is that generally speaking, most all insured pet health plans are on the cheap side so you'll most likely won't break the bank when choosing a specific plan. Your decision should be based on your pets health and care needs and your financial disposition in order to get the most bang for your buck. In today's day and age, things like pet health care may seem like something not of necessity, however it can definitely save you time, money, stress, anxiety and heartache when your dog, cat or exotic animal needs professional medical health care.

Pet Insurance - Getting the Best Insurance Possible for Your Pet

If you are an animal lover, then the welfare of your pet is important to you. The most common pets are dogs and cats and they are affectionate animals. As part of your family set-up, they deserve the same high quality treatment that you afford other human members of your own family. It is therefore important for you to learn how to choose a good pet insurance company in order to cater for their well-being. With increasing medical costs for both humans and animals, it is the only way to make sure that the highest quality of medical care will be provided without denting your wallet.

For every pet, it is important that they receive what is known as an annual exam. This exam costs quite a significant amount of money. This is because plenty of resources will be spent during the exam to check your pet for anything that may be out of place within the body. It is during the exam that veterinary doctors will be able to ascertain if there are any tumors or cancerous cells that are present within the body as well as what to do in such a case.

Catching medical complications early will enable your pet to enjoy a high quality of life for a long period. When you have pet insurance, you will always be able to attend these annual medical exams for your pet without giving any check or scan amiss, something that may be the difference between life and death for your beloved animal.

While you may be able to anticipate some illnesses in your pets due to congenital deformities or hereditary conditions, it is impossible to anticipate allergies or pet poisonings. When poisoning occurs, your pet will need emergency and high quality treatment that will most likely be effective within the first few hours after the poisoning has occurred. The same conditions apply for severe allergies that may prove to be fatal. Without pet insurance from reliable companies such occurrences will end up being fatal and you will lose your beloved animals simply because there is no money for treatment.

Before you get the services of an insurance company, you need to check pet insurance reviews for that company. This way you will know what to expect as well as the quality of services provided by the company once treatment and checkups are needed.

You can compare pet insurance rates online.This way you can determine the monthly premiums that you need to pay as well as the reimbursement percentages offered to you. When you do this you will be able to get the insurance package that you can afford to pay comfortably.

Apart from the cost of insurance, comparisons enable you to get information on customer care services provided as well as coverage levels available. If you want pet insurance companies that will help you cover even chronic illnesses for your pets then this information will help you make the right choice. It is important that the knowledge you acquire on insurance of your pets come from unbiased websites that have a good reputation. That way, your decisions will provide the most accurate solutions to your pet problems.

My goal is to assist pet owners to make the best choices when looking to buy insurance for their pet. I Compare, Review and Rate Pet Insurance Plans to make it easier for consumers to choose the best pet insurance.

This information can be used by consumers to help them make the best possible Compare Pet Insurance choices that suits them and their pets. I hope you find this resource useful.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7237773

Vital Information About Pet Insurance

Proper health care is one of the most important aspects of having a pet. You have to ensure that your pet is properly taken care of by giving it access to good veterinary care. You can do this effectively by buying affordable pet insurance. Veterinary pet insurance is available no matter the kind of pet that you have. There are policies for dogs, cats, guinea pigs, parrots and other kinds of domestic animals. This article will give you valuable and reliable pet insurance information.

It is not difficult to find out the cost of insurance for pets. You just have to spend a few minutes on the internet to find several insurers that are ready to give you the best pet insurance. The pet insurance quote tat you will be given will depend on the animal's health history, species or pedigree, age, location and other risk factors. You will be presented with a range of coverage options to choose from. You may decide to buy coverage for certain conditions or choose a basic or premium package.
It is good to shop around to find the cheapest pet insurance but you have to ensure that the coverage that you choose can sufficiently meet the needs of your pet. You should find a reasonable balance between cheap pet insurance and the quality of service that is provided by the insurer. It is important to choose a good pet insurance company that has a reputation of offering excellent service.

Insurance for puppy/dog is designed to provide the best possible health care. You can save a lot of money every year on your pet's visits to the veterinary. The coverage usually includes prescriptions, hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic tests and so on. With ban-field pet insurance, you will know exactly what is included in the coverage and the benefits that are available to the pet. All pre-existing and recurring conditions are usually treated at no charge.

There a re a few things that you can do reduce the premiums that you have to pay on medical insurance for pets. Taking advantage of exclusions will help to keep your rates low. A list of possible exclusions will be given to you by the provider. You can decide what you want to include or remove. If your pet is healthy and relatively young, you can go for the minimum coverage that is available. Exclusions usually include hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, grooming, behavioral problems, elective procedures and so on.

The cost of dog or cat pet insurance varies from one provider to another. You can expect to pay up to a dollar per day on a good policy. This will of course depend on your location, pet species, breed size and age. Most providers are reluctant to provide insurance for dogs or cats that are above certain age limits. If you have more than one pet, you can take advantage of multiple pet discounts which will help you to reduce the premiums that you have to pay.

Your application for pet insurance will have to be reviewed by the insurance company. It may be necessary to provide the pet's medical records. In cases where medical records are not available, a medical examination will be used to establish the state of health of the pet. This is usually common with adopted or rescued animals.

It is important that you buy pet insurance for your dog as early as possible. A lot of providers will not accept dogs that are above a certain age. However, they will continue to provide insurance for pets that have existing policies before attaining the age limit. Ensure that you choose a reliable insurer that has a good reputation and a system that makes easy for customers to file claims.

You should take your time to read through the policy agreement before singing up with the company. Ask the representative to explain any aspect of the policy that you do not understand. It is important that you know exactly what you are getting for your money. You should also be satisfied with the quality of veterinary clinics that are available under the policy. Choose a policy that you can cancel easily if you are not satisfied with the service that is provided.

Pet policy will help you to save a lot of money on vet bills. It will ensure that your pet gets proper medical attention when required. Pets face day-to-day hazards even when they are limited to the home. They could get injured or eat inappropriate food. They can also come up with emergency health problems. A good pet insurance policy will help you to handle any of these unexpected circumstances.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6427157

Bone Voyage

Going on vacation is always fun! But leaving our furry friends behind isn’t.

It would be great if all of our dogs could go with us every single time! But it just isn’t always possible is it?

Bone Voyage offers the next best alternative for your dog; a home away from home with people who love dogs!

Bone Voyage is run by long time dog lover Christine Thomson who has a network of care providers around the city of Ottawa that take personal care for your dog while you are away. Your dog will live in a guest home and be treated like one of the family.

Each care provider is carefully screened before chosen to join the team. They decide what kinds of dogs they would like to look after (size, breed, personality, energy level, etc.) and you will be matched based on an extensive questionnaire you fill out about your dog. Once a suitable care provider is chosen by Christine, a meeting is set up between you, your dog and the caregiver at their home. If you are both happy, you can book your dog’s stay right away. If you are unsure for any reason, a different care provider will be chosen. You both have to be comfortable and you won’t pay a cent until you are.

This past summer I contacted Bone Voyage for our sweet senior dog Bear. As a three dog household it was only feasible to bring the youngest two on our fall vacation to the East Coast. As promised on the website, I was contacted within a couple of days of filling out the information about Bear. Among many things you can specify if your dog would like the company of other dogs or children while being cared for. Soon after I was told there was a family that would be a good match for Bear’s needs and they wanted to meet him.  The meeting went very well and we all decided to go ahead on the spot.

The family Bear stayed with were so nice and took wonderful care of him. It gave me peace of mind knowing he was with loving people. And although I missed him like crazy, I knew he was being taken care of just as if he was at home. No noisy kennels or being left alone for hours on end or all night long. And it was comforting seeing pictures of Bear on Facebook while we were away. He even had a couple of other guest dogs throughout his stay which was really nice for him.

If you live in the Ottawa area and find yourself having to leave your dog behind during your next vacation, business trip or even for just the night, be sure to consider Bone Voyage. I’m glad I did!

Website: http://bonevoyage.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonevoyage.ottawa

My Sweet Bear

Living with an Epileptic Dog - What to do if your dog has a seizure

If you’ve ever experienced your dog having a seizure you know how unsettling it is. You feel helpless but you aren’t entirely. There are things you can do to ensure your dog’s safety and yours. My most important piece of advice is to try and remain calm (I know easier said than done). The first time my dog Effie had a seizure, I had no idea what was happening and I panicked. If I had known more about seizures, it would have been a lot less stressful.

If your dog experiences any of the following, he may be having a seizure:

• Disorientation or staring into space;
• Bumping into things, stumbling on his feet;
• Temporary blindness or paralysis;
• Collapsing on the floor (drooling, jerking, shaking, paddling motions).

If your dog is having a seizure, do the following:

• Clear the area around your dog of sharp items or anything that could potentially harm him;
• Block any open stairways;
• Remove your dog’s collar if possible (but avoid getting too close to the mouth and head);
• Take a video of the seizure for your vet;
• Document all the information you can (when it occurred, how long it lasted, whether your dog was conscious or unconscious, shaking, drooling, paralysis);
• Call your vet if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if your dog has more than one in a 24 hour period.

Dogs are disoriented when they come out of a seizure and it takes time for them to get back to normal. It could be anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the dog. During this time they may not recognize you. If that happens, use a soft welcoming voice but give them space. They will come around. Other dogs seek comfort and reassurance after a seizure. Give them the reassurance they need whether it’s a massage, a cuddle or a particular food. Most of you will instinctively know what will help. Remain calm and do any required clean up quietly.

If and when you decide to put your dog on medication, make sure you and your vet are on the same page. They will need to ensure that the medication dose reaches and maintains a safe therapeutic level by doing blood tests. So it’s more expensive at the beginning. Once the level is reached and the dose of medication is established, you can do blood work just once or twice a year. Life does happen but try not to miss a dose and never stop the medication without first discussing with your vet. Typically once you start your dog on an anti-seizure medication, he will be on for it for life. Any changes to the medication whether it be the dose or trying a different one should be discussed with your vet.

Effie is currently taking 30 ml of Phenobarbital every 12 hours. In order to keep the time as close as possible we decided on 7am and 7pm. I bought a pill organizer and have the two doses in every day so I don’t have to rely on my memory. I set a reminder in my calendar for every night just in case. It sounds scary and overwhelming but we’ve gotten use to it.  I try to look at it like this … when you adopt a dog you have to feed him every day to keep him alive and healthy. Well this is no different. And to date Effie remains seizure free!

June 2016 update: The month of April 2016 was a tough one for Effie as she had four seizures. After the last seizure our vet consulted with a neurologist. It was recommended to us increase her dose of Phenobarbital to 60 ml every 12 hours. We agreed and she has not had another seizure since.

Previous articles:

• Living With an Epileptic Dog - Effie's Story

Articles to follow:

• What is a seizure?
• Canine Epilepsy
• Seizure Triggers
• Canine Seizure Medication and Side Effects

Guest Article - 9 Things I’ve Learned from Being a Dog Walker

Having been a dog walker for about 2 years I wanted to share my experience because it has taught me many things, challenged me, helped me grow, taught me invaluable skills, and made me more self-aware. I’ve used the lessons that I’ve learned far outside of dog parks. Professional dog walking involves many things beyond scooping up the poop, scratching bellies, and taking brisk walks in the sunshine. There are good days and bad days and it’s all part of the experience. Some days are easy and humorous and some days are sad and heartbreaking. Toronto is a great place for people and dogs and people with dogs! Although, I’m sure every dog owner wishes for more off leash trails and dog designated areas in their neighborhood. The things I’ve learned aren’t exhaustive and there are plenty more to come! But if you are still reading I hope you will enjoy what I’ve got so far:

1. To be a dog walker you must really enjoy being outdoors. Bad weather is not for everyone. Clear sunny days make you feel like you hit weather jackpot. But summer only lasts for a couple of months in Toronto and fall, winter, and spring bring the nasties. I.e. snow storms, freezing temperatures that hurt your skin, slush, mud, non stop rainfalls, etc.
   
   
2. Being taken for a walk in the middle of the day is like the moment you board the plane to go on a tropic vacation for dogs. They are always happy to see you, can’t wait to get into car, meet other dogs, and get to the park to run around. Dogs just don’t have the “I don’t feel like a walk today” attitude which can make you enjoy working with dogs more so than with people! Although, other behaviours can be more challenging to deal with.
   
   
3. Getting a dog to listen to you and do what you are asking them to can be hard or not! Every dog has a unique personality. Some learn the recall very quick and others take more time. Taking the time to understand each dog’s unique needs and their response to different commands, response to being around other dogs, and what they value helps build strong communication with them. Strong communication, positive reinforcement, and creating clear and consistent expectations really help create a common ground for communicating and understanding one another.
   
   
4. Dogs do not necessarily take on personalities of their owners. Don’t judge a dog by its owner. Or vice versa. Actually, don’t judge at all!
   
   
5. Certain behaviours can be very challenging but they also create an opportunity to develop skills and to tackle reactions and emotions that arise. Practicing and growing patience is one of the invaluable skill here.
   
   
6. Many people will have their own take on the “right way” to manage people and dog situations. Have a conversation, share your thoughts, ask questions. At the end of the day, let go. That’s what dogs would tell you to do if they could talk.
   
   
7. Some days are great but others you spend being stuck in traffic, complaining about construction permits, and just not being in the mood to face up to challenging human and dog behaviours. Days like these come and go.
   
   
8. Yes, dogs do need to be walked. Getting outdoors is important for physical and mental health. Being out and playing with other dogs allows them to get daily exercise, energy, socialize with others and be less grumpy or restless!
   
   
9. You and your dog don’t speak the same language yet it doesn’t stop you from being best buds. Great companionship isn’t rooted in words alone.

Mila xx

Posted on June 14, 2015

Website is: http://www.pawtheory.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/paw.theory

Living With an Epileptic Dog - Effie's Story

On February 14th, 2014 my husband and I adopted an 18 month old Husky mix stray from Iqaluit. She would make us a three dog family. It took some time but she was an amazing addition to our pack. Her name is Effie and she’s sweet, playful, goofy and very affectionate.

That October we headed out on our vacation with our two youngest dogs. That night in a motel far away from home we were awoken at 2 am with a thud. When we turned on the light we discovered Effie on the floor in a pool of drool shaking and paralyzed.  We didn’t know what was going on.

After what seemed like ages we located the number of an emergency vet in the area. The technician on call said it sounded like a seizure. She talked to us until it subsided which again seemed like forever but in reality was under 5 minutes.  She told us if it ever happened again we should take a video for our vet to see and to write down everything about it including the length, the intensity, the symptoms and how long before she’s back to normal. I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life. After the seizure Effie was very anxious to go outside. We had to bring her out about four times. And she was extremely hungry. We finally settled her down around 4am and had all had a very restless sleep. Our vacation was off to a rocky start and we still had another long day of driving ahead of us. We didn’t know what to expect. As it turns out she was fine the rest of the time. We chalked it up to reacting to her first trip, the long drive and unfamiliar surroundings. It was soon forgotten, until four months later.

Effie’s second seizure happened but this time it just was a normal Sunday. She had gone to the dog park as usual and had a great time. On the way home in the back of the car just as they arrived home she started to seizure. She came out of it and ran into the house and then a second wave came. She had the same symptoms as last time. This time I took a video and documented the information for our vet. Again it was all over within 5 minutes and Effie was back to normal not too long after.

We decided with our vet to keep Effie medication free at that point since she had only had two seizures and they were four months apart. We ordered blood work to rule out things like liver or kidney disease, or a brain tumor. Thankfully the tests all came back negative. And I found out that ruling everything else out is how epilepsy is primarily diagnosed. That and the dog’s age as epilepsy most commonly develops when a dog is between 2 and 3 years old. Effie was right in between.

I started doing a lot of research to find out what possible triggers could be. We really wanted to keep Effie off medication if possible. It was worth it to avoid anything we could that might be a possible trigger. We were hopeful it would never happen again.

But a little over a month later we came home from work and Effie was in the middle of a seizure but this time it was different. It wasn’t stopping and there was drool in a different location which indicated she must have had a couple of waves. I called the vet and they said to bring her right in right away. She was on her bed so we lifted the whole thing up and put it in the back of the car. This time she also urinated on the bed. The technicians met us out front with a small stretcher and they put Effie on it and restrained her. My emotions were all over the place. They put her on IV and gave her Valium and also started her on Phenobarbital which is a fast acting anti seizure medication. We agreed that we couldn’t avoid it any longer. They monitored her until closing time and we brought her home unsure of whether we’d end up calling the emergency number. We were on edge and slept with one eye open but she made it through the night. She was getting 30mg of Phenobarbital every 12 hours and had no other seizures.

Two months later and still seizure free, after much research and discussions with our vet, we decided to switch Effie to a different medication called Potassium Bromide. It's a slower acting medicine that takes about two months to get into the system at a therapeutic level. Some vets prefer this medication because it isn't processed through the liver and believed to be less harsh on the body long term. We wanted her on that medication. So for two months we gave her both medications and then tested her blood to ensure the Potassium Bromide level was within the safe therapeutic level. When the results came in she was within the safe range.  It was time to start weaning her off the Phenobarbital. There is no one correct way to do this between vets so together we settled on cutting the dose by a quarter every two weeks so within two months we would be only on Potassium Bromide. Everything went as planned and we were feeling very optimistic the day we gave her the last dose.

Unfortunately the very next evening at 3 am we heard the thud. We had been given a syringe with Valium that you put in the back end so we used it right away. It seemed to work very quickly but she did have another small wave. The seizure was less intense with less drool. But we were back to square one and very disappointed. After a conversation with our vet we decided to up the Potassium Bromide by .25 ml and try to wean her off the Phenobarbital once more. This time a seizure came before we got to the end of the weaning off period.

We came to the conclusion with our vet that Phenobarbital is the medication that works for Effie. We wanted her seizure free so we were thankful that we found a medication to do that, even if it wasn't the preferred one. Though we were told that there is no guarantee she would never seizure again no matter what medication she is on.

To date, Effie has not had another seizure since going back to the original dose of Phenobarbital.

Living with an epileptic dog has been a learning experience to say the least. We have had our share of anxious moments but with the support of our vet and each other we have navigated through it and would never trade our amazing Effie for anything.

Stay tuned as I share more information I’ve learned about seizures.

Articles to follow:

• What to do if your dog has a seizure
• What is a seizure?
• Canine Epilepsy
• Seizure Triggers
• Canine Seizure Medication and Side Effects

Helping Shelter Animals

Have you ever wondered how you can help shelter animals? There are many ways you can help.

Adopt:

Do you have room in your heart and home for a shelter animal? If you are able to give a shelter animal a second chance at a great life you will both benefit. Numerous studies say people living with animals are happier and healthier! And you will never find a more loyal companion. Take the time to read the article “Things to Consider BEFORE you get a dog” before making a commitment to a new furry friend. The last thing anyone wants is for you to end up back at a shelter because you didn't realize what you were getting into.

Donate money:

Consider giving a onetime gift or even a small monthly donation. Shelters often run on donations alone. It takes an incredible amount of money to house, feed, provide medical attention and run the facility.

Volunteer your time:

If you have time to donate to the shelter you could apply to:

• walk dogs
• clean cages
• transport animals from other locations
• take photos of the animals for their website
• groom (you will have to be a trained groomer)
• spend time with the animals

Donate items:

Shelters are always in need of the following:

• clean sheets
• blankets
• towels
• supplies from your pet store (food, collars, leashes, toys, clothing)

     
Social Media:

Use your social media sites to share posts of adoptable animals, happy tails and fundraiser events.

Take part in a fundraiser:

Do you have technical, organization or marketing skills? Approach your local shelter or visit their website, often the skills or volunteers they need will be posted.

My New Hobby Ends up Helping Shelter Animals

A few months ago I was looking for a new hobby. A friend had been crocheting and posted cute hats on Facebook and I thought it could be an interesting hobby. After practicing for weeks I finally got the hang of it. I wanted to incorporate my love of dogs so I found a free dog paw pattern and tried it. I was going to add paws on everything! Finally the time came to attempt a hat. Once I completed one I added my signature paw on it. Well I haven't looked back since. I've made over 40 hats in all different colors! It's so addictive!

This past National Cupcake Day I had an idea. I would sell my Paw hats in lieu of cupcakes to raise money.  I brought 17 hats to work and to my surprise sold 10 of them! That night I was able to donate $200.00 to a local shelter (I chose the shelter where my current 3 dogs were adopted from). The shelter liked my hats and asked to buy some from me. Of course I said no! I wanted all money from these hats to go back to the shelter so I got busy and donated 20 hats to them a few weeks later. They are currently having a Paw Hat fundraiser where they give away a hat for every $25.00 donation. How cool is that. I had no idea when I chained that first stitch that this would turn into something so amazing.

Now I'm "hooked" on helping shelter animals!!!

So get creative and help shelter animals! It feels so good. Read my tribute to Shelter Dogs.

Food and Your Fingers

Does your dog take treats from your hand gently or do you fear for your fingers? If you said the latter, you are not alone!

Sometimes a dog’s excitement will get the better of him around food. It’s nothing personal, but dogs do need to learn manners around food and our fingers.



To Chomp or Not to Chomp

Why are some dogs gentle with food and others not? There could be different reasons, such as:

• Excitement level
• Untrained
• Competition with other dogs

It’s best to address this as soon as you adopt your pooch. There are different ways to teach your dog to take treats or any food gently. Try all of them and see which one works best for you and your dog.

“Ouch”!

If your dog is nippy or if you adopted your dog as a puppy, you have probably used the “Ouch” method to soften his mouth around you. That comes in handy when giving him a treat. If he forgets and gets a little overzealous you can use the “Ouch” which usually will cause him dog to back off.

Closed Hand

Place the treat in your closed hand with your palm facing up. Bring your hand close to your dog’s nose and let him sniff your hand. Then slowly open up your hand and let him take the food out of it. Your fingers will be safe however this method is a little sloppy as you almost always end up with a wet palm.

Wave

Hold the treat with your fingers and bring it down to your dog’s nose. When you get close wave the treat past it around in a circle or up and down close and watch his nose follow it.  After a couple of seconds you can let them take the treat. If you wait too long, you will have the opposite effect.

Bear, Judique and Effie sit nice for a treat.

In all fairness my senior dog Bear was gentle from the day I adopted him and has never once compromised my fingers when taking food from my hand. My young Huskies are much more exuberant and excited around food. 

I practice recall often outside with them and since I really like my fingers, it’s important they accept treats gently. I often call them by name or whistle when they are the furthest away from me in our large back yard, so you can imagine how fast they come barreling towards me. They definitely live up to their Husky trait of being awesome runners. Suffice it to say when they get to me they are more than ready for their reward. I've used all three methods but I have to say the wave method worked for me almost instantly. When my timing was right, the dogs took treats so gently.  

Keep your fingers; teach your dog to be gentle!

Dog Poop Bags

There is something else we dog people can be sure of other than death and taxes. And that is dog poop!

Just like babies, dog poop and leave it up to us to deal with! And with the amount of poop we pick up over our dog’s lifetime it’s nice to know there are options out there to clean it up.

PoopBags.US offers a wide variety of high quality dog waste bags to suit any dog’s needs, big or small. And because they offer them in bulk, you can literally buy thousands of bags at a time for affordable prices. The shipping is free and many orders include a complimentary bag dispenser.

Now that 2015 is fast approaching, you can start the year off on a green foot by cleaning up after your pet with these Eco friendly bags.  Whether you prefer your bags on a roll or with a handle, they've got you covered. Pick up after your dog with the standard black bags or choose the assorted colors. Who says dog poop bags can’t be stylish.

PoopBags.US will soon be expanding to other dog related products so stay tuned.

The Doggie Chalet

When you go on vacation and have to leave your beloved dog behind, you want to ensure he is well taken care of. And your furry friend also deserves a vacation. If you are unsure of the traditional type of kennel or want to try something new there is another option.  The Doggie Chalet  is a family owned cage free boarding business that operates in the Northern New Jersey area.

The Bradley family, a husband and wife team provide cage free boarding in their home. And with a certified dog trainer in the house, you know your dog is in good hands. He will probably go home with some new and improved doggie manners. All you have to do is supply his food and a leash. The rest is taken care of. Your dog will have access to a home environment, other dogs and a dog park.

Pick up and drop off services are available for clients in the NYC, all New Jersey and PA areas.

It’s always hard leaving our dogs behind. But knowing there are many different options available to us makes it a little easier.

Stress and Your Dog

We all experience stress in our lives from time to time.  And our dogs are no different.  They can experience stress from any number of things.

Some common causes of stress for dogs are:

• Change or lack of routine
• Loud noises inside or outside the home
• Living with anxious and highly stressed humans
• Isolation and lack of proper  socialization
• New or different situations
• Lack of physical exercise and mental stimulation
• Fear of something
• Harsh and unfair corrections
• Loss or addition of family member

How to Recognize Stress

Not all dogs experience stress from the same cause. So you have to keep in tune with your dog and watch for the obvious and less obvious physical signs that your dog is stressed.

Common Signs of Stress:

• Cowering
• Pacing
• Whining/Barking
• Avoiding eye contact
• Yawning
• Panting
• Drooling
• Shaking
• Chewing or licking obsessively
• Sniffing
• Refusing food
• Hiding or running away
• Aggressive behavior
• Seizures

Subtle Signs of Stress:

• Pupils dilated
• Licking lips
• Furrowed brow
• Veins more prominent in face
• Tense muscles
• Sweaty paw pads

How to Deal With Stress

If it’s possible to leave or remove your dog from the stressful situation, then do so. If you cannot then you’ll have to remain as calm as you can. The calmer you are, the more likely your dog is to follow suit. Just as with a fearful dog, you don’t want to baby dogs and reinforce their feelings. However I have personally found a slow firm massage or stroking does help my dogs when they are stressed.

How to Avoid Stress

A well balanced dog gets plenty of exercise, has many different experiences, visits many different places and meets new people and other animals. This doesn’t mean a balanced dog will never be in a stressful situation, but the number of potential causes of stress should be less.

Helping Arctic Animals

“Help us save dogs and cats in our Arctic City of Iqaluit & other communities across Nunavut, Canada”

The Iqaluit Humane Society is in full swing with their campaign to raise money for Arctic animals.

Please consider donating to this wonderful organization. They give second chances to animals that have been abandoned, mistreated or injured.

They have not yet reached their goal and only have a couple of weeks left.

Please like and share.

My Iqaluit beauties!

Update***

The Iqaluit Humane Society reached their goal ☺ that means many more lives will be saved!