Here's To Happier Healthier Pets

Puppy Mills

2012-02-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

Puppy Mills. We’ve all heard the term. We’ve watched in horror as news reporters show different rescue groups pulling matted and diseased dogs from small wire cages, where they have spent the majority of their lives. These dogs have never known the gentle, loving touch of a human. All they know is loneliness and suffering at the hands of the people who see them only as a way to make money by forcing them to breed over and over again.

Puppy mills usually house dogs in very small and unsanitary conditions. The dogs do not receive adequate veterinary care, food, water or socialization. These dogs do not receive treats, toys or exercise. The cages they live in have wire bottoms to minimize the amount of clean-up the puppy mill owner must do. Because of this, the dogs’ paws are often bleeding and severely injured. Often, these cages are stacked one on top of the other with the urine and feces of the dogs above going into the cages of the dogs in the lower cages.

More often than not, when a breeder dog reaches the age of 4 or 5, it is considered not to be useful anymore and is killed. Some of the luckier ones are taken by rescues groups. However, sometimes the lack of socialization makes them aggressive and unadoptable.

Due to the horrific conditions in which these dogs are kept, puppies from these facilities are often in poor health, and because of so much inbreeding of the dogs, a lot of the medical problems are hereditary and will show up in later years, such as hip dysplasia. They are also prone to respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. Puppy mill puppies travel far to the pet stores that will sell them. Cramped quarters on these long journeys cause stress and in some cases, the puppies arrive at their destination dead.

In recent years, state legislatures have passed new laws aimed at eliminating the worst abuses at puppy mills. New laws include limits on the number of breeding females, requirements that facilities be licensed and inspected, and requirements that dogs be given proper veterinary care. Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Virginia passed puppy mill laws in 2008, and 10 states passed laws in 2009 to crack down on abusive puppy mills.

Puppy mills have been around for decades. They continue to thrive because they prey on unwitting people who are smitten by adorable little faces of the puppies in pet store windows and on legitimate-seeming websites.

There are too many homeless dogs and puppies in the United States. Puppy mills only contribute to that figure. Instead of buying your next puppy or dog from a pet store or from an online breeder, consider visiting your local animal shelter and adopting your next furchild. Maybe if the demand for pet store puppies disappears, puppy mills will soon be a thing of the past.

This post is dedicated to Crystal, a former Puppy Mill Breeder Dog who went to the Rainbow Bridge on February 16, 2012…….much too soon. Thank you to Bonnie and Ray for giving her the love and care she so deserved in the last years of her life.

Keep Your Pets Safe this Holiday Season

2011-11-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

The winter holidays are a wonderful time of year for us humans. On the other hand, this is a very dangerous time of year for our pets.

Many of us have parties and lots of guests during the holidays. With guests come doors and gates opening and closing. This is a great opportunity for your pet to get out. After the 4^th of July, this is the number 1 time of year that pets are usually lost. Take some extra precautions during this time.

When company comes, be sure YOU are the person answering the door and make sure you keep an eye on your pet when guests come in.

If you allow your pet freedom in the yard, this time of year it might be better to limit his freedom. There will be a lot of smells and activity going on which will entice your pet to explore. It just takes one second for a pet to run off and get lost or worse.

Tell the guests, and especially the children, what the rules for your pet are. Make sure you let them know that it’s not OK to feed your pet table scraps. And be sure that the children (and even the adults) are not allowed to harass your pet.

Alcoholic beverages, candy, chocolate, turkey and fixings, pork, fish, chicken bones, are just a few of the hazards facing our pets. Do not give bones, especially chicken or turkey bones. They can splinter when chewed and eventually puncture the intestinal tract. Never give your pet chocolate!! It is highly toxic to animals -- causing stomach cramps, constipation or diarrhea. It's best to keep your pet on its regular diet. It's common to see dogs with both vomiting and/or diarrhea right after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some can be seriously ill. Another food related hazard is the plastic six-pack beverage holders; kittens especially, can become entangled in them. Remember to cut them up before putting into the garbage. This will also help the wildlife at the landfills too (especially birds).

Electric cords, tinsel, glass ornaments, candles, spray on-snow, ribbons, plastic or foil wrapping, etc. can be dangerous to your pet. Cover up or hide electric cords, never let your pet chew on them. Do not tie ribbons around pet's necks or limbs. Watch out for rubber bands too.

Tinsel is very attractive to both dogs and cats and if ingested, can cause serious intestinal problems.

Many plants, including Christmas rose, holly, mistletoe and poinsettia, can be toxic to your pet. Always try to keep them out of your pets reach. The smaller the pet is the more risk of toxicity if he ingests a poisonous plant. Some signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, difficulty breathing, and change in pupil size. Your pet may even stumble, go into convulsions, or become unconscious.

Every year thousands of pets are seriously injured or sickened by dangers that could have been easily prevented just by using a little common sense and taking a few extra precautions.

For more tips on protecting your pets during this holiday season, watch the following video by Dr. Sarah Wooten, D.V.M.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJSqyf7NSnc

Holiday Gift Baskets for Your Pets

2011-11-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

Our furbabies give us love all year long, and the holidays are a wonderful time for us to give back. Holiday Baskets are the perfect gifts for your pets and your pet friends.

Life’s Abundance Holiday Gift Basket for Dogs contains an entertaining plush toy and an assortment of our most popular treats, including: Wholesome Hearts (low-fat, heart-shaped sensations), Gourmet Dental Treats (honey peanut butter recipe), Antioxidant Health Bars (oatmeal and apple recipe), a bag of Tasty Rewards (savory jerky treats) and Porkhide Bones (small and medium oven-roasted treats) to top it all off, the price for all of this is only $17.95 ($30.00 retail value!!!)

Life’s Abundance Holiday Gift Basket for Cats contains a wonderful assortment of playful toys that will keep any playful kitty happily occupied during the holidays.

Plus we include a bag of our popular Life’s Abundance Gourmet Cat Treats for Healthy Skin & Coat. The cost for this wonderful basket is only $12.95 (retail value $21.00!!)

Both of these gift baskets are beautifully presented with a colorful ribbon and a cute holiday gift card that you can personalize. They make an absolutely wonderful gift for any furry friend. (Toys may vary.)

Click here for these holiday gift baskets or our regular gift baskets for dogs and cats. But hurry – quantities are limited for the holiday baskets! Order yours today!!

Coprophagia – or How Do I Make My Dog Stop Eating Poo???

2011-11-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Why would I write about such a disgusting topic? Well, mainly because I have been trying to get my pug, Hu-Mi, to stop doing this since I got him in March! Some days I think “I could save a lot of money on dog food if I just clean up the back yard and put it all in his bowl. He’d love it”! UGH! YUK!! BLAH!!!

Actually, this is a fairly common “practice” among our canine companions. After all, dogs in the wild are scavengers. It is also thought that they eat their feces and that of their pups to eliminate the scent to ward off predators.

Dogs will clean up after their puppies and it’s not uncommon for one of the pups to be the “designated poo picker-upper”. Sometimes this behavior continues on into adulthood.

There can be several things that contribute to this rather disgusting behavior; attention-seeking, anxiety or stress or health problems, such as pancreatitis and intestinal parasites can be to blame.

If you have a doggie-doo-eater, this all may sound too familiar, but do not despair! Even if your dog has done this their whole life, it is possible for them to stop, and there are training methods and products available to curb and possibly even end the behavior.

For more information and some tips on how to stop your dog from eating poo, please take a look at this short video by Dr. Sarah Wooten, D.V.M.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEEBJjAvaug

Do You Know What is in Your Pet’s Food?

2011-11-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

Many of us have become concerned over the last several years about what we are putting into our bodies. We have become a nation of label readers, making sure that only the best is being consumed by us and our loved ones.

Do we do the same for our pets? When was the last time you took a long hard look at what food and treats you are feeding your furry family members?

Pet lovers all over the country have begun to really pay close attention to what they are feeding their pets now. Many of the most popular brands of food and treats contain some terrible things. Along with the most common ingredients that most pet owners are familiar with, wheat and soy, you will also find preservatives such as BHA and BHT. While these have gone through the review process required by the US Food and Drug Administration, the same chemical properties which make BHA and BHT excellent preservatives may also be implicated in health effects. Propyl Gallate is another preservative found in your pet’s food and treats. According to the International Journal of Toxicology, “animal toxicity studies indicate that Propyl Gallate was slightly toxic when ingested”. Even “slightly toxic” is too toxic for my pets.

You could also find “bone meal” in the food and treats. The question here is what kind of bone? If your pet happens to be allergic to beef and this is bone meal from a cow, you won’t know it until your pet has a reaction.

Artificial flavors and colors are another popular ingredient. When was the last time your pet turned his or her nose up at something because it was the wrong color?

There are many, many more unnatural ingredients listed on the different foods and treats that we have been feeding our pets. Some of these products have been around for many years.

At Life’s Abundance we are determined to keep pets healthy while giving them delicious food and treats. Click on any one of our Dog Treats then click on “ingredients”. You will find only natural ingredients with no artificial additives or preservatives. You will find the same with our Cat Treats.

Looking for a better food for your pets? Compare our Dog Food and Cat Food to many of the other major brands and see how much better it is for your pet.

Keeping our pets healthy is very important to us pet parents. It’s very important to Life’s Abundance as well.

http://HeresToHappierHealthierPets.com

Palliative Care

2011-11-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Prayer for a Dying Pet

May you find rest near refreshing waters,
may you lie in cool, green pastures,
and may you warm yourself under the sun that never sets.
You have been my constant companion,
my shadow and confidante,
my comfort and playmate.
You filled my days with life and brought me endless joy.
For this I give thanks to God who gave you to me.
Now return to your Maker who eagerly waits for you
as you waited for me at the end of each day.
In the Father’s arms, let there be no more pain.
Let there be no more suffering.
Let there be only light as it was on the day God created you.
For our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forever. Amen.

You may or may not have heard the term, palliative care. Palliative Care is the medical approach that improves the quality of life of terminally ill patients and their families. It helps to relieve the pain and suffering of these patients in the comfort of their own homes.

Palliative Care is now being used to help our companion animals and the people who love them address their spiritual, physical and emotional needs. It is terribly hard to say good-bye to a beloved pet and even harder to watch them suffer from pain or a terminal illness.

Please watch this short video to learn more about Palliative Care.

http://tinyurl.com/4yr6utu

You can also visit http://PetHospice.org or http://SpiritsinTransition.org to read more about in home care for your terminally ill or dying pets.

Love to Follow Fridays Blog Hop Giveaway 11/4/11 - 11/6/11

2011-11-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Special give-away for this weekend's blog hop! Any customer, new or old, who makes a purchase of $30 or more on my site, http://HeresToHappierHealthierPets.com, will get a $10 gift certificate for ANY future purchase from site. There is no expiration date on the gift certificates. You will be given a code to enter at checkout. All you have to do is make the purchase, then come back to my blog and leave a comment on this post saying you heard about the give-away on the blog hop. Be sure to leave your email address so I can email the gift certificate to you.

We not only have healthy food and treats for dogs and cats, but also gift baskets, nutritional supplements, grooming supplies, GREEN cleaning products and for us humans, Clay Face Masks and Sealogix Fish Oil.

Tara - Our Gentle Giant

2011-10-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

My parents loved dogs, which I’m sure is where I got my love for them. Growing up we had 3 German Shepherds, all males and all named Duke. After Duke #3 went to the Rainbow Bridge, my dad swore he wouldn’t get any more dogs. Famous last words….

My mom passed away in 1995 leaving my dad very lonely, even though she had been in a nursing home suffering from Alzheimer’s. He kept busy by working part time for an old boyhood friend and visiting the nursing home twice a day to feed my mom her breakfast and supper.

A few years after losing my mom, he started thinking about another dog. I was not at all surprised when he called me and told me he had gotten another German Shepherd, this one a female. He couldn’t very well name her Duke so he named her after a nurse that took care of my mom in the nursing home – Tara.

German Shepherds have always been my favorite breed; they're so intelligent and loyal and great protection. Even the nicest dog will scare someone with just one great big bark and a flash of those huge teeth!

She was only 7 weeks old when he got her and he immediately started taking pictures of her and sending them to me. I swear I have more pictures of Tara growing up than I do my own 2 kids!

Here are a couple of pictures of Tara as a pup:

She’s 4 months and 6 months in these pictures. I always thought she’d grow into those ears but she never did. They just kept growing right along with her.

In 2002 I lost my Dad very suddenly. He told me he was putting himself in the hospital because he had pneumonia. He lived in Massachusetts and I’m in Florida so my husband and I jumped in the car and headed north. We got to his house on a Tuesday and on Wednesday he went into the hospital. He passed away Thursday.

For anyone who thinks that animals don’t mourn, let me tell you – they do. The night we got back from the hospital for the last time, Tara went into my Dad’s bedroom, laid on the clothes he changed out of before leaving, and let out the most awful, loud moan. She knew her Daddy wasn’t coming back.

The only people I trusted to keep Tara couldn’t for different reasons. The one person who said he would take her ended his offer with “and if I can’t keep her I have a friend…” I wasn’t about to let her be bounced from home to home, so we brought her home with us.

My Dad always told me that he took Tara to disobedience school. I would laugh thinking he was joking. After living with Tara for a short time, I do believe he meant it. Don’t get me wrong, she was a very good dog, but also a very hard headed dog. And it’s very hard to get a 110 lb. dog to do what you want them to do if they don’t want to do it.

She would sit out in the back yard and when I would call her to come in, she would turn her back to me and act like she didn’t hear me. She would just look all over the place but not at me. I swear I heard her saying "La la la la la I can't hear you". Dumb animals – yeah, right!

Tara was TERRIFIED of thunder storms. Her ears would go back, her eyes would get huge and she’d pant like crazy. I began calling it her thunderstorm face. When we saw her like that we know something was scaring her and we would brace ourselves because she would try to become a lap dog.

She had a lot of funny habits, one was barking without making a sound. Honest! She would mouth the word “woof”. When she did that she either needed to go outside or she wanted fresh water. You could tell because if she wanted to go out, she’d “woof” and look out the window. Who says dogs can’t talk??

I always called her our gentle giant. She was so good with other animals, never hurt any of them. She actually is the one who found our cat. Frankie was a tiny kitten about the size of Tara’s muzzle. She would attack Tara and grab her tail and wrestle with it and Tara would just lay there and let her play. They grew very close and at the end, Frankie would back up to Tara and they’d lay together on the floor and sleep. When we brought home our second mini-dachshund, I got the best picture of the 2 of them together. Smoke was about 2 months old at the time. Tara leaned down to sniff him and Smoke gave her a kiss.

She was such a sweet dog. The only thing I ever worried about with her and the smaller animals was that she might step on one of them.

Tara could also sound very ferocious when she wanted to or felt she needed to. Let anyone come to the door and she would bark and bare her teeth. Strangers would think twice about knocking again, which I liked since I was home alone most of the time. But as soon as either I or my husband let someone in the door, she knew right away they must be all right and would cover them in great big doggie kisses.

In 2010, right around the time Tara turned 12 years (she was a Christmas baby) she started having trouble with her hind quarters. She walked with a wobble and would slip on our hard wood floors. I would walk into the living room and find her spread-eagled on the floor. I would put my feet against her hind feet and she would push herself back up. I went out and bought a lot of throw rugs and put them everywhere to keep her from hurting herself.

She took a real turn for the worse in late February of 2011 and it got to the point that she couldn’t stand at all anymore. My husband was on the road so it was up to me to take care of everything. For several days I tried to get her up but she would get scared. I ended up letting her stay on the rug in the living room and I cleaned up after her when she needed me to. I brought her food and water to her while we waited for my son to be able to come and take us to the vet.

On March 3^rd my son carried her into the vet’s office and we said good-bye to one of the most gentle, sweet dogs I’ve ever known.

I know Tara is happy though. She and my Dad are together again.

Win a $10 Gift Certificate to Life's Abundance!

2011-10-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Enter to win a $10.00 Gift Certificate for ANY product on my Life's Abundance website during Live Laugh Love to Shop's Weekend Blog hop, 10/28 through 10/30. To win simply follow my blog, then leave a comment under this post telling me what you like most about my blog. Don't forget to include your email address so I can contact the winner. Winner will be chosen randomly from all entries.

The winner will receive an email with a unique gift certificate code, along with a printable version of your gift certificate. With no hidden fees and no expiration dates, you can redeem the gift certificates for any products on my Life's Abundance web site @ http://HeresToHappierHealthierPets.com

Live Laugh Love to Shop's Weekend Blog Hop

2011-10-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Join me this weekend, 10/28 - 10/30, for another great blog hop hosted by Live Laugh Love to Shop and Network Marketer's CPA. Find lots of great blogs to follow and enter for some awesome give-aways!

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

2011-10-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

My only cat, Frankie

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes a collection of conditions that can affect the bladder and urethra of cats. This syndrome can have many possible causes, but cats generally exhibit similar, recognizable signs. Cats with FLUTD usually show signs of difficulty and pain when urinating, increased frequency of urination, and blood in the urine. Affected cats tend to lick their genital area excessively, and sometimes they will urinate outside the litter box, often preferring cool, smooth surfaces like a tile floor or a bathtub.

While the condition can be seen in cats of any age, it is most frequently seen in middle-aged, over-weight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have restricted access outside, and eat a dry diet. Environmental factors, such as interactions with owners, multi-cat households, and changes in routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD.

There is evidence to suggest that stress can be one of the primary causes of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Stress can let loose a flood of hormones that could cause the muscles of the lower urinary tract to constrict. Changes in your routine, a new companion animal in the home, changes in weather and even a lack of attention can increase your cat’s stress level. You can see how important it is to be in-tune with your cat’s emotional state, and take steps to decrease or eliminate stress in her life.

Additionally, you might consider providing water for your cat using a continuous fountain. The constant motion of the water attracts the attention of cats, hopefully encouraging them to drink more. And, of course, providing fluid-rich canned foods like Instinctive Choice Premium Canned Cat Food.

But because FLUTD can have many causes, it can be difficult to diagnose. Based on your cat's signs, your veterinarian will likely perform an initial physical examination and run a urinalysis. If the cause of the cat's signs has not been identified with a urinalysis, other testing may be recommended, including bloodwork, x-rays, and urine culture.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce occurrences and signs of FLUTD:

Feed small meals on a frequent basis.
For cats with a history of struvite formation, owners should feed diets that promote the formation of urine that is acidic.
Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Provide an adequate number of litter boxes (usually one more than the number of cats in the household).
Keep litter boxes in quiet, safe areas of the house.
Keep litter boxes clean.
Minimize major changes in routine.

If you take steps now, you might be able to prevent your cat from developing urinary health issues, helping him or her to live a healthier – and much more comfortable – life.

Pink Pumpkin Blog Hop Giveaway 10/21/11 - 10/23/11

2011-10-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

AND THE WINNER IS........

Lora Cheese!!! Lora commented on a few of my blog posts during this hop and all of her comments were meaningful and thoughtful. Congrats Lora! I'll be getting a gift basket out to you this week!!!

Treat your furry friends to a great gift basket from Life's Abundance - FREE during the Pink Pumpkin Blog Hop!

This Cat Basket contains an irresistible spring action toy plus an assortment of additional fun toys and a bag of Life’s Abundance Gourmet Cat Treats for Healthy Skin & Coat. The gift basket is beautifully packaged with a ribbon.

This Dog Basket contains a plush, fun squeak toy plus an assortment of Wholesome Hearts Low Fat Treats, Gourmet Dental Treats, Antioxidant Health Bars, PorkHide Dog Bones, one 4-ounce bag of Tasty Rewards Training Treats and one yummy Porky Puff Dog Chew. The gift basket is beautifully packaged with a ribbon.

*Visit http://HeresToHappierHealthierPets.blogspot.com. Winner will be chosen from all comments on my blog during this blog hop. EXCEPTIONS: I won't consider any comment simply stating "I'm visiting from the Pink Pumpkin Blog Hop" or anything similar. Be sure to leave your contact info in your comment so I can reach you to find out where to send the basket and whether you prefer dog or cat.*

Canine Grooming Tips

2011-10-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Along with proper nutrition and regular trips to your vet, a very important part of keeping your dog happy and health is grooming.

The right brushes, shampoos, water temperature – all these things come in to play.

The following link has some great advice and pointers by Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM:

http://blog.lifesabundance.com/post/2011/08/24/Canine-Grooming-Tips-by-Dr-Jane.aspx?realname=20061693#continue

http://HeresToHappierHealthierPets.com

Dachshund Potty Philosophy

2011-10-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is just a little poem that my sponsor with DARE (dachshund adoption rescue and education) sent to me when I first became a foster mom with that rescue. We were talking about the difficulties of house breaking these little, long darlings. I've tried to find the author of this poem but nobody has claimed it. Anyone who is owned or has been owned by a dachshund will surely be able to relate.....

My 2 "Spawns of Satan" Smidgen and Smoke

~Dachshund Potty Philosophy~

Doxies belong to an international sorority

It’s called “Pooping outside is not a priority”!

Did I mention they don’t like wet grass?

It’s poop on the sidewalk and run in fast.

And forget it when it rains

They use that rug by the door, the one that’s stained.

Some doxies find a nice, dark carpet is high on their list.

So be careful or that last step may go “squish”!

Always wear your glasses and washable shoes.

And be extra careful how you move.

So rip up the carpet cause it ain’t gonna stop.

Buy a bucket and bring out the mop!

By ARF

Shelter Pets

2011-10-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking of adding a new furbaby to your household? Are you a cat person or a dog person…..or maybe both? Have you considered looking into a local shelter or pet rescue to adopt your new friend?

There are thousands of homeless dogs and cats in shelters. Many people have lost their homes in this bad economy and cannot take their pets with them when they move. Sometimes someone will get a pet and realize they don’t have the time or patience for the animal, and they are dropped in shelters. Everyone loves a kitten or puppy, but the kittens turn into cats and the puppies into dogs and suddenly, they aren’t so cute anymore so off to the shelter they go. Some become a financial burden when they get old due to health problems. There are many reasons (or excuses) why dogs and cats end up in shelters. Unfortunately many of these pets will be euthanized because there just isn’t room to care for them all in the shelters.

Rescue groups do a wonderful job of taking pets from high-kill shelters and then finding foster homes for them until a suitable adoptive family is found. But again, they too run out of room eventually and have to stop pulling pets from shelters or accepting owner surrenders.

There are many reasons why one should check into getting a rescue animal FIRST when looking for a new pet. Shelters are flooded with great pets that are just waiting for a home to love them. A rescued animal will normally cost you less than buying a puppy from a breeder. Rescue pets seem to understand that you have taken them out of a very bad situation and are so loving and protective of their humans. I say this from personal experience. And most important - you will be saving a life!

Before going to a shelter to find your new friend, have a good idea of what you are looking for. There are many breed specific dog rescues in the US. Learn all you can about the breed before you decide. Some are prone to many health problems, some behavioral problems. If you are not willing to deal with either of those, chose another breed. There are also shelters and rescues that rescue both dogs and cats, no matter the breed or mix. Take time when you visit to get to know the pet you are looking at. How awful it must be for a cat or dog to be adopted, only to be returned because he wasn’t the perfect fit for the family. Take time to make your decision. Puppies and kittens and dogs and cats aren’t disposable commodities, something to take lightly or to be passed from home to home to home. They require attention, exercise, discipline, training, medical care, good nutrition and above all else, love.

Whether you are looking for a young pet or a “senior” dog or cat, please consider adopting from your local shelter or pet rescue.

And remember – Responsible pet owners SPAY AND NEUTER!!

Household Cleaners and Your Pets

2011-10-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

The EPA has estimated that more than 50 percent of indoor pollution is a direct result of household cleaning products. Companion animals are at even greater risk than their humans due to their faster metabolisms and smaller lungs. Pets process these chemicals at a faster rate and absorb more of these toxins into their bloodstreams as they breathe them in more rapidly. Today, rates of canine cancer are increasing. Dogs now develop mammary tumors at four times the rate that women do. Breast cancer has been linked to chemicals found in cleaning products, particularly alkylphenols, the chemicals that produce the suds in many household cleaning products.

Traditional cleaners can cause respiratory irritations due to the fumes they emit, whereas natural, chemical-free cleaners do not.

These are definitely more eco-friendly times -- and it's evident in all the "green" products everywhere you turn these days. And fortunately, eco-friendly normally goes hand in hand with pet friendly -- which is great news if there are pets in the house.

Life’s Abundance offers a line of environmentally-friendly cleaning products that are more natural alternative to harsh conventional cleaning product lines.

Although our cleaning products are industrial-strength, they are safe for use in the home. Additionally, these products represent the latest in microbial technology, with friendly bacteria that eliminate the organic wastes that cause odor, rather than just masking the smell.

They have also adopted a new strategy to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our already overburdened landfills. We use plastic containers that are very dense, so they can be used over and over again. Additionally, our superior-grade sprayer nozzles are built to last, enduring repeated use.

Life’s Abundance BioDeodorizer Spray and Refill gets rid of odors by digesting their sources. Safe for use on tile and carpet, trash receptacles, recycle bins, hampers, even drain lines! Eliminates odors from pet beds and pet accidents on carpet and grout, and freshens litter boxes. BioDeodorizer is non-toxic, fully biodegradable, has a neutral pH and contains no harmful phosphates.

The amazing Floorwash Concentrate contains environmentally-safe and highly-effective cleansers in addition to microbial grease digesters to completely rid your floors of dirt, grime and odor-causing organic matter. Floorwash works extremely well on waxed and polished floors, hardwoods, glazed ceramic tile, concrete, quarry tile, even brick. Just one bottle contains enough concentrate to make 32 gallons of high-powered Floorwash! And best of all, it is non-toxic, fully biodegradable, has a neutral pH and contains no harmful phosphates.

If you’re looking for environmentally-friendly cleaning products that are pet-safe, child-safe and effective, look no further!
These products can be found at http://tinyurl.com/5svcntn.

Tips to Care for Sick and Injured Dogs and Cats

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Tips to Care for Sick and Injured Dogs and Cats

Anyone who is owned by a dog or cat should have some basic first aid supplies on hand at all times. Often you can take care of simple problems on your own. You can buy commercial first-aid kits from pet supply stores and catalogs. These kits contain the basic care items. You can also put together your own. Here are some of the things you should have on hand just in case…..

· Information Card with your veterinary emergency clinic phone number and the local or national poison control number

· Information Card with your pet’s base-line temperature and weight

· Muzzle or length of fabric to make one

· Bandaging Materials – Sterile gauze pads in various sizes, 1 to 2” rolls of stretchable and non-stretchable gauze, elastic (Ace) bandage, plastic wrap such as Saran Wrap to seal wounds, bandage tape, blunt scissors for bandaging and to trip fur away from wounds, duct tape or other heavy tape to immobilize your pet on a firm surface, bubble wrap for splinting, blunt-tipped tweezers or hemostats to remove splinters and other foreign objects, electric clippers to trim fur around wounds, needle-nose pliers to remove foreign objects, large needless syringe or eyedropper to give liquid medication, rectal thermometer, clean towel or blanket to restrain your pet, keep him warm or to use as a stretcher, ready-made cold packs and hot packs, or a washcloth and a hot-water bottle, and antiseptic liquid soap

Some human medicines are also effective for dogs and cats, though the dosages are usually lower. Be sure to give your vet a call before administering any human medicine just to verify that it’s safe for your pet and will work on his condition. Here is a list of medicines that vets recommend most often:

Here is a list of medicines that vets recommend most often.

A&D Ointment — Antibacterial ointment for scrapes and wounds.
Dogs & Cats: Apply thin coating 3-4 times a day for 7-10 days.
Anbesol — Topical anesthetic for mouth pain.
Dogs: Dab on liquid with cotton swab once or twice a day for up to 2 days.
Cats: Do not use more than one time.
Aveeno Oatmeal Medicated Bath — For soothing itchy skin.
Dogs & Cats: Use as bath rinse as often as 3 times a week.
Benadryl — Antihistamine.
Dogs & Cats: 1 mg per lb every 6-8 hours.
Betadine Skin Cleanser — Antiseptic liquid soap for cleansing on or around wounds.
Dogs & Cats: Use full strength to wash affected area.
Betadine Solution — Antiseptic solution for flushing or soaking injured area.
Dogs & Cats: Dilute with distilled water to the color of weak tea, and then apply.
Bufferin — Pain reliever.
Dogs: 10-25 mg per 2.2 lb two or three times a day.
Cats: DO NOT USE.
Burow’s Solution — Topical antiseptic.
Dogs & Cats: Moisten cotton ball and apply to wound.
Caladryl — Soothing topical lotion for pain and itching.
Dogs & Cats: Paint on sore area.
Cortaid — Anti-itch cream.
Dogs & Cats: Apply once or twice daily as needed.
Desitin — Soothing ointment.
Dogs & Cats: Rub on affected area.
Dramamine — For car sickness, nausea.
Dogs: 2-4mg per lb 3 times a day.
Cats: 1/4 of 50-mg Tablet (12.5 mg) once a day.
Dulcolax — For constipation.
Dogs: 5- to 20-mg tablet once a day or 1/2 to 2 pediatric suppositories (10 mg) once a day.
Cats: 5-mg tablet once a day or 1/2 pediatric suppository once a day.
Epsom Salts — Soothing soak for irritated, itchy skin.
Dogs: 1 cup per gal of water, then soak affected area.
Cats: 1 cup per 2 gal of water, then soak affected area.
Hypo Tears — Eye lubricant.
Dogs & Cats: Apply 4-12 times a day.
Iodine — Topical antiseptic.
Dogs & Cats: Paint on wound.
Ipecac Syrup — Emetic to promote vomiting.
Dogs: 1 tsp per 20 lb, up to 3 tsp.
Cats: DO NOT USE.
Kaopectate — For diarrhea.
Dogs: 1/2 – 1 tsp per 5 lb, to a maximum of 2 Tbsp every 8 hours.
Cats: 1/2 – 1 tsp per 5 lb every 4-8 hours for 1 day only.
Lanacane — Topical anesthetic.
Dogs: Apply to sore area with gauze pad.
Cats: DO NOT USE.
Massengill Disposable Douche — Odor neutralizer for skunk spray, body odor.
Dogs & Cats: Mix 2 oz per gal of water, use as a soak for 15 min, and then bath as usual.
Metamucil (unflavored) — For constipation.
Dogs: 1 tsp per 10-25 lb, mixed in food.
Cats: 1/2 tsp (small cat) to 1 tsp (large cat), mixed in food.
Mylanta Liquid — For digestive upset, gas.
Dogs: 15 lbs or less — 3 Tbsp; 16-50 lbs — 4 Tbsp; 51 lb or more — 6 Tbsp.
Cats: DO NOT USE.
Neosporin — For preventing wound infection.
Dogs & Cats: Apply 3-5 times daily as needed.
Pedialyte — For dehydration.
Dogs & Cats: Mix 50/50 with water, offer as much as dog or cat wants.
Pepcid AC — For vomiting.
Dogs & Cats: 5 mg per 10 lb once or twice a day.
Pepto-Bismol — For diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, vomiting.
Dogs: 0.5 ml per lb or 1/2-1 tsp per 5 lb, to a maximum of 30 ml or 2 Tbsp up to 3 times per day, or 1 tablet per 15 lb up to 3 times per day.
Cats: DO NOT USE
Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia — For constipation.
Dogs: 2-4 tsp per 5 lb every 6 hours.
Cats: 1/2-1 tsp once a day.
Preparation H — For sore anal area.
Dogs: Apply up to 4 times daily.
Cats: DO NOT USE.
Robitussin Pediatric Cough Formula — Cough suppressant.
Dogs & Cats: Ask your vet.
Solarcaine — Topical pain reliever and anesthetic.
Dogs: Apply to sore area once or twice a day for up to 2 days.
Cats: DO NOT USE.
Tylenol — Pain reliever.
Dogs & Cats: Ask your vet.
Vicks VapoRub — For congestion.
Dogs & Cats: Smear a small amount on your pet’s chin for easier breathing.
Witch Hazel — Astringent/topical antiseptic.
Dogs & Cats: Dab on affected area.

Some human drugs are dangerous when given to pets. But because many human medicines contain the same active ingredients as the pet versions, you can often relieve your dog or cat’s symptoms with first aid using the right choices from your own medicine chest. But please get the OK from your vet first.

Another home remedy is to give canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling) to your dog or cat if they are constipated. They love the taste and it works wonderfully. A little tip – get some plastic ice cube trays. Fill each space with some of the pumpkin, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it. When you need some, just pop out a cube and defrost.

For dogs that are vomiting or have an upset tummy, boil some white meat chicken and white rice and feed it to them. It’ll help settle their tummies and make them feel so much better. BUT constant vomiting needs to be checked by your vet. The dog could have a blockage and only an x-ray will tell you that.

There is a great book with many tips that you can do either instead of or before taking your pet to the vet. The book is The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats by Amy D. Shojai. I highly recommend this book. Not only does it have this list of human meds safe for your pets, but it has information on when to see your vet immediately or when you can wait, what you can do at home, information on over 150 accidents and emergencies and different symptoms to watch for. I have several dogs and a cat and have used it many, many times. It has saved me more trips to the vet than I can count and a lot of money.

Food Allergies Can Cause Chronic Ear Infections and More

2011-10-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

A dog's ears can easily become inflamed or infected. In fact, ear inflammation is one of the most common medical conditions in dogs. The condition is also one of the easiest to prevent, however, with the help of regular ear care.

Keeping a dog's ears clean is essential to keeping them healthy, and buildup can usually be prevented through regular weekly cleanings. However, once a significant amount of dirt and debris has accumulated, more frequent cleanings may be necessary to get the problem under control. Some wax in the ears is normal, and likely won't cause a problem. However, if the ears have a bad smell or abnormal appearance, or if they seem to hurt, immediate veterinary attention is warranted.

Some of the symptoms of ear disease are:

--discharge from the ears
--a strong, foul smell
--dark, dry debris in the ears
--ears that are red or swollen
--shaking or tilting the head
--scratching or rubbing the ears or head
--pain in the ears
--changes in behavior or mood, such as irritability or depression

A vet will be able to tell if your dog has an infection or if he has ear mites or another parasite. Infections are treated with antibiotics and ear drops. However, this may not help a dog with chronic ear infections.

Take Flopsy, one of my dogs who had suffered from chronic ear infections in the past. I took her to my vet several times and each time she was treated with antibiotics, ear drops and steroid injections. Each time her ears cleared up but within a month she was back to flopping her head and scratching at her ears. Eventually she not only had ear infections, but she would lose her entire coat when she would shed her winter coat, her skin turned black and she had a horrible odor, much worse than “dirty dog smell”.

We started looking for other causes and agreed that she had allergies. There are so many things that could cause allergies and the test for them is so expensive that we just started with the most likely cause – her food.

Many of the store brands of kibble have corn, wheat and soy in them. Corn, especially, is one of the most common ingredients that cause allergies in dogs. At that time I was feeding a brand that can be bought anywhere and when I read the label, corn was the first ingredient listed.

I started looking for foods that didn’t include these ingredients. There are a lot of brands out there, some more affordable than others. I tried a few but she would stop eating them after a short time. I was at the end of my rope.

Last year I met someone who is a representative for Life’s Abundance All Natural Pet Food. She sent me a free bag to try. My dog loved it so I continued to buy it for her. This past spring she shed normally. She doesn’t smell bad anymore. And her ears are so much better. I put an ointment in the once a week for maintenance and cleaning and that, along with this great pet food, has given me my happy healthy dog back.

I am so happy with this food that I decided to become an Independent Field Rep also. The food is shipped to your door fresh. It does not sit on store shelves or in warehouses for months on end. There is no corn, wheat, soy, or byproducts – just all natural ingredients. I’ve started feeding this to all my dogs and every one of them has benefited. Their coats are all so shiny and they have great body tone and muscle.

Life’s Abundance also makes food for cats, dry and canned, as well as canned dog food, treats, supplements and shampoos and ear cleaners.

Watch this short video, Truth About Pet Food, to learn more about pet nutrition.

I would love to share this with you. I will send you a free sample bag of either cat or dog food to try. Shipping is free in Florida. Out of state I will refund the first $5.00 of shipping when I send the food to you. This is only for US residents. If you would like to try a bag please email your name and address to kadams12154@gmail.com. Specify cat or dog food. Please put “pet food” in the subject line.

I know your pet will love the food and you will love the positive changes you see in your pet.

A Tribute to Chewy

2011-10-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

Chewy came into our lives and our hearts when he was just a pup of 7 weeks. He was a chow/black lab mix and weighed 20 lbs!! He was just a big black ball of fur. He was named both for his resemblance to Chewbaca and for his constant chewing of everything he could get his teeth around.

Chewy was a very smart pup. He was housebroken after only two weeks, learned to "shake" in 15 minutes and was just the best little guy around. He was so afraid of everything; our neighbors rottweiler, a little cat that hung out around our house and even a baby possum that he found in our back yard. That may have been what endeared him to me. He grew so fast and looked so big and tough, but I knew he was just a big baby that would rather run and hide than put up a fight. However, I don't doubt for one minute if anyone tried to hurt any of us he would have protected us.

I think everyone has that one special dog in their lives. Chewy was mine. Not only was he a smart dog but he was such a good dog. He knew what was expected of him in any situation. He had a tumor on his right side that had to be left open to drain after surgery. Every day I would bring him into the kitchen and have him lay on his left side so I could clean the incision. After the second time I did it, he would see me with the antiseptic and Q-tips in my hand and walk into the kitchen on his own and lay on his left side. I didn't have to say a word.

Chewy also alerted us to a very large water moccasin that was in our back yard. He was a 100 lb. dog but was yapping like a poodle. When I looked out the window he pounced at a pallet we kept his water bucket on, then jumped back, looked up at the window and yapped again, then pounced again. I knew right away what it was because we had several of them come into our yard that year. I went out to get him into the house and my husband went out to kill the snake. We both told him what a good boy he was and he was so happy and proud.

About a week later I heard the poodle yapping again. I ran to the door and when I opened it I started laughing. He had been digging in the dirt and dug up an old dog collar. To him it looked like another snake and he was warning us again. I had to tell him what a good boy he was and again, he was so happy and proud.

In the summer of 2010 Chewy started limping. It got worse and worse. We tried pain medication and steroids. They would help for a short time but eventually he would be crying and dragging his paw again. He was 10 1/2 years old by then. The vet and I spoke often of what to do. I've been taking my dogs to him for 10 years so I trust him completely. I also appreciate the fact that he asks my opinion on certain issues since I know the dogs and pay close attention to what goes on with each and every one of them. We both knew that he had something pressing on a nerve in his neck; a herniated disk, bone spur, tumor......Since Chewy was prone to tumors that was most likely the culprit. We didn't have the money for surgery, especially at his age and size. I kept him as comfortable as I could, even laying on the floor with him several nights so he would relax and sleep. But soon it was obvious what had to be done so, on September 17th, when my husband was home from his trucking job, we took him to the vet one last time.

I know Chewy is at the Rainbow Bridge now, waiting for me to join him. I take comfort in knowing he isn't suffering any more and is still watching me from above. All good dogs go to heaven and Chewy was the best.

I miss him so much.....