Tummy Troubles

Posted on December 8, 2010 by daysofourdogs

The other day Windy had loud tummy sounds, nasty gas and didn’t want breakfast. Fearing another round of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, I called my veterinarian. She said to give her a Pepcid (famotidine).

I have given dogs Pepcid before and had success. Please remember: Not all human medicines are appropriate for dogs. Pepto Bismol, for example, is not a good idea.Yet I have had dogs take baby aspirin, amoxicillin and phenergan prescribed by a vet.

Windy’s symptoms were gone later that day, and she ate a good dinner. Looks like I’ll stop buying Tagamet for me and use Pepcid.

 

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Winter Woes on Little Toes

Posted on December 7, 2010 by daysofourdogs

Jake ventures past his potty path.

With ice and snow here, you need to be careful about the kind of ice melt you buy.

If your dogs will be walking on the area you will apply the melt, please get a brand that is labeled “pet friendly”. Last year we bought a brand called Road Runner and were pleased with it.

I found a 20-pound bag of Road Runner at Lowes this week for $9.34.

Unless you are willing to wash your dog’s feet, or dress four feet into snow booties, be sure to buy some pet safe ice melt. However, you live in southern Florida, like my cousin, your dog would prefer you spend that money on treats.

 

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Gifts for Dogs

Posted on December 6, 2010 by daysofourdogs

Jake enjoys a Christmas gift.

Many dog lovers buy presents for their furkids, and we are no exception. Here are some gift ideas for indulgent furparents.

Bed, Bath & Beyond has a Pawprints Ornament for $9.99. You make an impression in clay of your pet’s paw print.

Doctors Foster and Smith offer “Pegetables”. These hard treats are made of “real celery, corn and carrots…with wheat protein.” www.drsfostersmith.com

Petco has a pawprint Snuggie blanket for $9.99 on its website.

Pet Supplies “Plus” has a cute stuffed hedgehog in a Santa hat for $8.98. That’s too expensive for my guys who tear open and unstuff toys in a heartbeat. I usually get stuffies at a dollar store for them, but at Christmas I splurge and will go up to $3.

 

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Dogs Get Dry Skin Too

Posted on December 3, 2010 by daysofourdogs

Jake licks Hope, but that doesn't help her dry skin.

The cold, dry winter air makes a person’s skin itch. Dogs are no different.

I have started fish oil supplements for Jake and Hope. Both are scratching, and I know they don’t have fleas. Because of Windy’s history with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, she won’t get the capsules. I don’t want to take the risk.

You can get fish oil from your vet, pet stores or online. It comes in a pump bottle or a gel pill. Both have disadvantages.

The pump bottle can be messy and become sticky and smelly as you squirt it on dog food. The gels pills must be punctured then squeezed onto food. This is not as bad as using the pump bottle, unless you squirt the fish oil onto yourself.

If you aren’t sure about any supplement, please check with your veterinarian.

 

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Puppy Mill Girl Still Anxious

Posted on December 2, 2010 by daysofourdogs

Hope has been free of the Amish puppy mill for almost two years. She has lived with us for nearly 15 months.

Hope has improved greatly. She never goes into a crate, will let you pat her on the head without flinching and gets excited for walks. However, she still suffers from anxiety.

Not a single dog blanket in the house is intact. Most resemble Swiss cheese to one degree or another. Thankfully she does not swallow the blanket bits because there is no evidence of this in her stool or any other indication of a blockage.

I’m hesitant to try to break her of this. She is sensitive. This is when I would like to be on Cesar Millan’s show for some help. If any of you have suggestions, I would welcome them.

 

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Cleaning Up the Fur

Posted on December 1, 2010 by daysofourdogs

Windy, left, explains to Jake why shedding can be a problem.

Dogs make messes. Dealing with the clean up doesn’t need to be complicated.

Aside from waste management, hair can be a problem. Even shorthaired breeds, like Jake and Windy, will shed.

My dogs are allowed on the furniture. A throw or slipcover provides protection. Those rollers with the removable sticky cylinder are wonderful for not only furniture but also to give yourself a quick freshen up to remove hair before you head out the door. Keep one of these in your utility drawer or in the coat closet.

How anyone can live with dogs and not have a small, portable vacuum seems impossible. Fur, bits of dog food and toy particles can be picked up easily. I know of folks who can use those directly on dogs, but my guys could not handle that.

Now, if I could teach them to put away their toys.

 

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Rainy Days Aren’t Dog Days

Posted on November 30, 2010 by daysofourdogs

It’s going to be a four-pad day.

Early this morning Jake, Hope and Windy went out to the backyard. They were hesitant because they saw it was wet, but I convinced them it was not raining. For the rest of the day, I won’t be able to get them to do that again.

These delicate wolf descendants don’t want to get wet. It is raining, and it will rain all day and night. When I am out of sight of the back door, the potty pads will be popular. I guess they also want their privacy.

 

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Shopping Ideas for Dog Lovers

Posted on November 29, 2010 by daysofourdogs

Angel dog Alex, a dachshund-terrier mix, liked to nap under the Christmas tree.

With today being “Cyber Monday,” I have an online shopping suggestion.

The Animal Rescue Site, http://tinyurl.com/26xhh4, has some great gifts for animal lovers. In addition, the site and its sponsors donate bowls of food to animal welfare and rescue organizations.

Snow or rain boots, flannel pants, jackets, candleholders, steering-wheel covers, watches and magnets are some of the hundreds of gifts you can find on the site. I have purchased many items there for my dog-loving (and cat-loving) friends and never have had a problem.

In addition, if you click on the site every day, the site still makes donations to charity. First thing after I turn on my laptop each day, I go and click on the Animal Rescue Site.

 

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Food No-Noes for Dogs

Posted on November 24, 2010 by daysofourdogs

This Thanksgiving you will be tempted to share food with your dogs.

Veterinarians and other experts say do not give dogs table scraps, but you know most of us will give them a bite or two.

Please remember: No poultry bones, chocolate, potato chips or grapes. If you have anything else to add to this list, please feel free to do so with a comment.

Happy Thanksgiving from Jake, Hope, Windy and family.

 

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Shopping Finds for Dogs

Posted on November 23, 2010 by daysofourdogs

One nice thing about shopping for dogs is they don’t nag.

This week at Target in the $1 area is plenty of Christmas dog toys and accessories. Dishes, small fleece blankets, sweaters and T-shirts were plentiful, not all at $1 but still cheap.

Windy is short on wardrobe, so she got a $2.50 T-shirt with gingerbread man on it with the words “Bite me.” When it is chilly at “walkie” time, I put T-shirts on the wiener dogs because of their short hair. When it is cold, everyone gets a coat on for a walk.

Windy still needs a coat. I haven’t taken her into a pet store yet. When we go shopping I want her to try on a coat first. At least we won’t have to wait in line for a fitting room.

 

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