December 04

Dog Tales

Egyptian Hairless?

In ancient Egypt, it was traditional for families to shave off all their hair to signal that they were mourning the death of a dog. (O'Meara, 2008)

Nuisance in the Navy...

A Great Dane named just Nuisance is the only dog ever to have been enlisted in the Royal Navy. He started life as a pet after following sailors to their ships when they docked in Cape Town, South Africa, but was given the rank of Able Seaman so that he would become entitled to rations. (O'Meara, 2008)

Airedale Terriers...

During World War I, the Red Cross used Airedale Terriers to help them find injured soldiers. (O'Meara, 2008)

12:34 PM GMT  |  Read comments(2)

The Steps of Letting A New Dog In The House

1. The dog is not allowed in the house.

2. Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.

3. Ok, fine, the dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.

4. The dog can get on the old furniture only.

5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep
with the humans on the bed.

6. Okay, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.

7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.

8. The dog can sleep under the covers by invitation only!

9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night.

10. Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the dog.

7:24 AM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

Is What You Feed Your Dog Healthy?

Pets Need to Eat Healthy Too

We often consider our pets as "part of the family" but when it comes to feeding them, we do not think twice to the type of food we are offering them.

Do you have pets? Do you give them people food as treats? In the average home, there are some food items that may seem harmless, that are actually hazardous to our pets. I will touch briefly on some of these foods and explain what the outcome could be if your pet digests them.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

Fruits and Nuts

Grapes and raisins are often a common treat for pets. The toxins in these simple treats can cause kidney failure. The kidneys work as a filter; so if the kidneys are not functioning correctly, urine production will decrease or stop and toxins will begin to build up that can lead to the death of your pets.

Macadamia nuts, alone or in candies and cookies, can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, or pancreatic in dogs.

Avocados contain Persin (a fungicidal toxin) which can lead to diarrhea or vomiting.

Caffeine or Alcohol

We all know that chocolate is toxin to our pets, but what about coffee or caffeine? The cacao seeds (raw cocoa) used to make these foods contain theobromine, which can cause serious effects such as vomiting, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and even death. White chocolate has the least amount of theobromine; baking chocolate has the highest amount.

On a hot summer day, do you ever recall seeing anyone pour beer in a bowl for their dog to drink? Alcohol, including beer, even in small amounts can result in liver failure, coma, and death for the pet.

Common herbs and vegetables

Onions, garlic and chives are more dangerous to cats, but also to dogs if large amounts are consumed. These spices can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and could cause red blood cell damage.

Salt, to include on potato chips, can cause sodium ion poisoning.

Mushrooms, potatoes, and tomatoes can cause abnormalities in the nervous system, kidneys and digestive tract.

The Best Treat for Your Dog is Your Attention

Do not risk your pet's health - or life - by feeding them people food. There are many alternatives to safe pet treats on the market that even the “hard to please” eater will appreciate. A simple cheerio and a hug will go a long way!

For more information on these or other foods that may be hazardous, you can visit the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org  or generate a web search for “toxic foods for dogs.”

7:28 AM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

Cat Commandments

Thou shalt not jump onto the keyboard when thy human is on the modem.

Thou shalt not pull the phone cord out of the back of the modem.

Thou shalt not unroll all of the toilet paper off of the roll.

Thou shalt not sit in front of the television or monitor, as thou art not transparent.

Thou shalt not projectile vomit from the top of the refrigerator.

Thou shalt not walk in on a dinner party and commence licking thy butt.

Thou shalt not lie down with thy butt in thy human's face.

Thou shalt not leap from great heights onto thy human's lap region. Fast as thou are, thou cannot run through closed doors.

Thou shalt not reset thy human's alarm clock by walking on it.

Thou shalt not climb on the garbage can with the hinged lid, as thou will fall in and trap thy self.

Thou shalt not jump onto the toilet seat, just as thy human is sitting down.

Thou shalt not jump onto thy sleeping human's bladder at 4 am.

Thou shalt realize that the house is not a prison from which to escape at any opportunity.

Thou shalt not trip thy human even if they are walking too slow.

Thou shalt not push open the bathroom door when there are guests in the house.

Thou shalt remember that thou are a carnivore and that houseplants are not meat.

Thou shalt show remorse when being scolded.

8:06 AM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

Ways Dogs Are Superior To Cats

10. Dogs are bigger (well... Some dogs are).

9. Dogs don't need a litter box, as long as your neighbor has a yard.

8. Dogs don't have kittens in your closet on your new shoes.

7. Cats can't wag their tails. (And won't even try...)

6. Dogs respond when you call them by name. (Almost any name)

5. Dogs are too stupid to hide when they make a mess.

4. Dogs have cooler home pages on the Internet.

3. Dogs will stay up and watch Letterman with you, even if there are no stupid pet tricks.

2. Dogs are easy to buy Christmas presents for, get them anything that smells.

1. Cats have an attitude, dogs just have that "Where's dinner?" look.

8:10 AM GMT  |  Read comments(0)