In part one of this article, we asked the rhetorical question: “If you’re going to feed your dogs ‘people’ food, shouldn’t you feed them something that’s actually good for them?” and answered it with a list of 10 healthy, easily obtainable options straight from the shelves of your local market. As promised, here are 10 more “easy pieces” for your consideration. (Part One can be found here.)
As before, we urge you to keep a few cautions in mind: None of these items by itself constitutes a “complete and balanced” meal. If your dog has health or weight issues, check with your vet before adding any of them to your dog’s food dish. And, as always, start with a small portion and introduce gradually.
Finish the article here
Friday, October 16, 2009
Ten Commandments of Veterinary Office Visits Become an advocate for your dog By Nancy Kay, DVM
How much easier it would be if vets had Dr. Dolittle’s ability to talk to the animals—when we took our pups in for a check-up, they could speak for themselves. Since that’s not the case, our dogs rely on us to act as their advocates in the exam room. In Dr. Nancy Kay’s ground-breaking book, Speaking for Spot, she provides us with the tools we need to do just that, relayed clearly and with gentle humor. We’re pleased to offer our readers a sample.
Here are 10 tried-and-true secrets to making every visit to your dog’s veterinarian exceptional for you and the entire office staff. They also directly benefit your dog’s health—and nothing is more important than that.
Finish the article here
Social Networking for Dogs Online or on the ground, 21st-century technology provides options By Peter Bronski
Proper and regular socialization is an important aspect of life for any pup. My dog, Altai, is no different. He’s a Korean Jindo, and a highly energetic, loving and sociable one at that. He’s a lover and a licker, and put simply, he needs to get out and see other dogs. As a self-employed writer who works from home, I can certainly sympathize with his desire to leave the house and mingle with the outside world. If we didn’t, who would blame Altai—or me—for coming down with bad cases of cabin fever?
For both of us, avoiding that ailment has usually meant a trip to our local Boulder, Colo., dog park. A fenced-in OLA adjacent to the East Boulder Community Center, most of it is dirt and rocks. There’s some grass around the perimeter and in the far corners, a tree or two; on one side is a lake where dogs swim, wade in to cool off, or chase tennis balls and sticks.
Finish the article here
For both of us, avoiding that ailment has usually meant a trip to our local Boulder, Colo., dog park. A fenced-in OLA adjacent to the East Boulder Community Center, most of it is dirt and rocks. There’s some grass around the perimeter and in the far corners, a tree or two; on one side is a lake where dogs swim, wade in to cool off, or chase tennis balls and sticks.
Finish the article here
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tax Break for Pets, from Bark Magazine
Tax Break for Pets
Rep. McCotter introduces HAPPY to encourage responsible pet care.
Earlier this month, Michigan Congressman Thaddeus McCotter introduced HR3501, a bill more commonly referred to as HAPPY, the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years Act. The new bill proposes a change to U.S. Tax Code that would allow pet care up to $3,500 to be tax deductable. Qualifying expenses include veterinary care, but won’t include the cost to acquire a new pet. The deduction is exclusive to legally owned, domestic animals. Animals used for research or owned in conjunction with a business do not qualify. HAPPY was drafted to encourage responsible pet care and reduce the abandonment of pets by people struggling as a result of the economic downturn. The bill also mentions that 63 percent of U.S. households include a pet and that the human-animal bond has been shown to have positive effects upon people’s emotional and physical well being. I don’t currently itemize my taxes, but if I could deduct pet care, it might become worth it for me to change the way I file. I’m not convinced that HAPPY will help reduce the number of abandoned dogs, but I do think it has the potential to encourage responsible pet care. It also legitimizes animals as a member of the family since we can currently deduct for human health care and education. However, if HAPPY passes, I would hope that no one would buy a pet because of the potential tax benefit (which isn't much compared to the cost of caring for an animal). Finish the article here |
Fun and Useful Pet Gadgets
Here's the latest in pet gadgets and goodies from Bark magazine! I particularly like the cup holder water bottle...although My Fit K9 encourages all pet parents to securely strap in their K9 companions in a seatbelt designed just for them, or even better, a crate is the safest option. We also love the Kangaroo pouch! It's cute and efficient! If anyone buys these items, we'd love to hear from you.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Obesity in Dogs
Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of body fat. Between 25 and 40 percent of dogs are considered obese or are likely to become obese. It is the most common nutrition-related health condition in dogs in our society.
The primary causes of obesity are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat. As little as an extra 1 percent caloric intake can result in a 25 percent increase over ideal body weight by middle age.
Most owners don't recognize that their dogs are overweight until they take them to the veterinarian for another reason. Most pets begin slowly gaining weight and only a historical review of body weight reveals the insidious nature of this condition.
Dogs that are overweight may experience difficulty breathing or walking or they may be unable to tolerate heat or exercise.
The primary causes of obesity are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat. As little as an extra 1 percent caloric intake can result in a 25 percent increase over ideal body weight by middle age.
Most owners don't recognize that their dogs are overweight until they take them to the veterinarian for another reason. Most pets begin slowly gaining weight and only a historical review of body weight reveals the insidious nature of this condition.
Dogs that are overweight may experience difficulty breathing or walking or they may be unable to tolerate heat or exercise.
Continue reading the article here
Obesity is one of the issues we at My Fit K9 are trying to address. Daily walks are essential to your dogs health, and aren't bad for you either. Very few dogs seem to get the daily exercise they need. Please exercise your pup!
Pet Allergies
July 28, 2009
Itchin’ and Scratchin’: Does Your Pet Suffer from Allergies?
According to the ASPCA, more than 20 percent of pets may suffer from some sort of allergy. Allergic reactions in cats anddogs are caused by inhaling, ingesting or having physical contact with an allergen, and the resulting symptoms can cause great discomfort to our furry friends. Furthermore, dogs and cats may persistently lick and scratch itchy areas, causing skin irritation, hair loss and, in some cases, skin and ear infections.
We all want our pets to be comfortable and healthy, so it’s extremely important to determine the source of an allergy and treat it appropriately. Flea allergies are especially problematic during the summer months, and need special attention because they can cause serious health problems like anemia.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, talk to your vet about determining the exact cause and a specific treatment program. Here are a few common causes:
- Tree, grass, weed, mold, mildew and dust pollens
- Food
- Fleas and flea-control products
- Prescription drugs
- Perfumes
- Cleaning products
- Cigarette smoke
- Fabrics
- Rubber and plastic materials
Removing the offending allergen from your home is the best way to combat allergies. Check out our other expert tips for treatment:
- Prevention is the best remedy for allergies caused by fleas. See your veterinarian for advice about safe flea control products for your pet.
- If dust is the problem, clean your pet's bedding once a week and vacuum at least twice weekly—this includes rugs, curtains and any other materials that gather dust.
- Weekly bathing may help relieve itching and remove environmental allergens and pollens from your pet’s skin.
- If your pet suffers from a suspected food allergy, she may need to be given a prescription or hydrolyzed protein diet to determine the exact cause of the irritation.
For more information about pet allergies, please visit our online health center for cats anddogs.
What do you think? Tweet on this article. Include @aspca and #PetAllergies
Sad Story
August 4, 2009
Dog Hurled From Roof of Brooklyn Housing Project
On July 31, Brooklyn resident Fabian Henderson, 19, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Peter Rivas for hurling his one-year-old Terrier mix from the roof of his Brooklyn housing project—the Red Hook Houses.
The cold-blooded act occurred on June 18. “The ASPCA initially received a complaint that an animal was being beaten on the third floor of 28 W. Ninth St., where Henderson lives with his family,” Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) says. “A few minutes later, HLE received two more calls from people reporting a dog had been thrown off the roof.”
Upon their arrival, ASPCA officers found Oreo on the ground six floors below, badly broken, but alive. “We couldn’t believe the dog survived the six-story fall,” says Special Agent Rivas. “We immediately took her to the nearest animal clinic, where she received emergency care.” As soon as she was stabilized, Oreo was transferred to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital where veterinarians treated her shattered legs, bruised lungs and severe internal bleeding. Surgery was also performed to reconstruct her front legs, using plates and screws.
“She's showing a lot of resilience. She's eating on her own, she's standing and she’s walking,” confirms Pentangelo. “But it is a long road ahead.”
Henderson pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated cruelty to animals—a felony punishable by up to two years in prison—reckless endangerment and criminal trespass. He is being held on $50,000 bail. The case is scheduled for the grand jury in Brooklyn, date to be determined.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Pet Airline, Sunblock for the Kitty, Legislation
Great news for pet owners!
Kitties can get sunburns too.... Protect Your Cat
From the Humane Society ... Legislation For Our Pets
Friday, July 17, 2009
Tips for Staying Cool in the Summertime
Since it is summertime, why not make Fido a frozen treat? Here's a great recipe from Bark magazine called Frozen Sunrise
Frozen Sunrise
An icy treat to be enjoyed from sunrise to sunset.
Ingredients
2 cups fruit juice (apple works best)
1 mashed and puréed banana
1 cup plain non-fat yogurt
1 cup puréed strawberries
Directions
Combine all ingredients and whisk thoroughly. Pour mixture into small disposable cups (three-inch bathroom or kitchen paper cups work best). Freeze until solid (at least four hours). To pop out the treat, push up on the bottom of the cup.
And don't forget that dogs can suffer from heat stroke too! Another great article from Bark magazine about being safe in the summer: Summer Health Tips
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
New info coming soon...
Welcome to the My Fit K9 Blog. Here we will post K9 info that you will find beneficial!
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