Don't breed Annie ... (opens up a pdf file)

Big thanks to Michelle Cascio, Outreach Assistant, Animal Sheltering Issues of The Humane Society of the United States, for bringing this remarkable piece to our attention.

If you are thinking about breeding your "Annie" PLEASE read-this-letter-first. Feel free to pass this onto a friend.

We talk about how a dog is "man's best friend." We can be theirs when we spay, neuter and adopt ...

wsRadio.com & Loving Your Pet to Health Radio

I came across this way cool Internet radio program today. I love Internet radio 'cause that means I can listen in anytime, 24/7.

Click here to go to the "Holistic Pet Care" page on wsRadio and hear about how to:

Protect Your Pet from Disease
Tips from the Holistic Vet
Food Allergies in Pets
Restore your pet's emotional harmony and balance
Toxicity and your pet

Finding The Right Vet
Written by Dr. Sherry Weaver

I am now in the process of needing to find a new vet since my last one retired a few months back. I do not like his replacement and neither does my dog, Rosie.

Since I have not had to look for many years, what is the best way to find a new vet and what questions should I ask them? I only want the best for my dog.

Please help. The time for her shots is fast approaching.

Thank you, Becky B.

To read Dr. Sherry's advice, click here

Home alone. This drives some dogs, like my Angel, absolutely NUTS.

Here are 3 tips to help curb your pup's separation anxiety:

1. Stuff a Kong toy with dog cookies. Seal it with a thick coat of peanut butter and pass it off to them as you are heading out the door.

According to my dog trainer, keeping them busy for the first ten or so minutes after you leave is critical to helping them relax and not go into the dramatic behaviors that indicate separation anxiety -- whining, pacing, digging (Angle tried to dig her way out of my bedroom), barking, counter surfing ...

2. Be "low key" whenever you greet them in the morn, eve and in between. Do not make a fuss about your coming and goings -- in fact, don't say anything at all when you leave -- just leave. Some people -- mostly women -- go into this high pitched, excited and sympathetic voice that communicates excitement and anxiety. You know what I'm talking about ...

(According to The Dog Whisperer "alpha dogs" come and go without seeking approval or agreement. If you are alpha your pup will be relieved to follow and be a part of your pack.)

3. Add "time outs" and strategic separations into your day. Get your pup used to your coming and goings. Leave them alone in a room for a few minutes ... then five minutes ... then ten minutes ... With this technique you are basically desensitizing them and, with time and patience, eliminating separation anxiety for good.

This health tip is for you - yes - YOU!

Some 70 million Americans have trouble sleeping. If you are one of them -- one way to sleep tight is to sweat-a-lot.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that people who exercised for 30 to 40 minutes, four times a week, were able to cut the time it took them to fall asleep by an average of 15 minutes.

Well - today I walked dogs for the Humane Society for 2 1/2 hours in 90 degree weather. I plan to sleep tight tonight!

Fun in the Summer Sun: Health Tips from Banfield, The Pet Hospital.

1. Make sure your pet doesn't get overexerted. Exercise is important BUT don't over heat your pet. Walk in the shade when possible, walk at a gentle pace and take a break under a shady tree if you notice excessive panting, drooling, weakness or brick red gums.

2. Provide plenty of water. Keep that water bowl full in fact you may want to put down an extra bowl and leave nothing to chance.

3. Sun lotion is good for you ... and don't forget your Pets. Pets get sunburned too! (I didn't know that.) Talk to your vet or groomer about how short to cut their fur in the summer.

4. Bring your Pet inside. When the heat goes up you need to bring your pet in ... Dark pets can overheat quickly as their coats absorb the sun's rays. Pugs and bulldogs have a hard time staying cool because they can pant efficiently; Overweight pets are also more prone to overheating. Unsure what to do? Err on the safe, vs. sorry side and invite them in ...

5. Watch out for heatstroke! This is a medical emergency. Signs are: exaggerated panting; brick red gums; unresponsive to commands and surroundings; staring/anxious expression; high fever; rapid heartbeat; vomiting; collapse; warm/dry skin.

6. NEVER leave your Pet in your automobile. On an 83-degree day the temp inside your car can reach 102 degrees in ONLY 10 minutes and 120 degrees in 30 minutes. Leave your Pet home.

7. If it is too hot for you to sit in the bed of your truck it is TOO hot for your Pet. Leave 'em home where it is cooler, where there is water and comfort. Don't leave your Pet in a situation where you wouldn't put yourself or someone you Loved.

- adapted from "Fun in the Summer Sun: A Client Handout" from Banfield, The Pet Hospital

Is is arthritis or is it Lyme Disease? How would you know?

I just took my baby dog, Velvet, in for an exam at Banfield Pet Hospital.

I mention Banfield by name because I am so grateful to them. They offer an excellent health plan that includes a complete physical exam. I never would have been able to afford this exam at a regular vet office and without it would never have uncovered Velvet's problem.

I think she was infected a year and a half ago. She had an "attack" where she could not get up. I gathered my neighbors to help me carry her on a litter down the stairs.

The vet told me it was arthritis. There was no mention of Lyme disease or suggestion I should test for it. I assumed there wasn't anything I could do about it - she never had an attack like that again - and we just continued on ...

Well - that is water under the bridge. Can't change the past but at least now we are on the right track for her present and future. I will do all that I can to help Velvet rebuild her joints and feel good 'cause we got a lot of living to do ...

BTW Banfield is nation-wide. So - when we drive out to San Diego this fall I am not leaving my vet behind -- they will be there waiting for us if need be.

5 Money Saving Tips for you & your pooch!

1. Brush your pup’s teeth regularly and reduce the number of vet dental cleaning visits which average around $200. Best way? Use sterile gauze bandages. Just wrap one around your index finger and gently massage the teeth and gums. Also feed them treats like greenies, carrots and dry bones designed to reduce plaque and tartar.

2. Clip their toenails yourself. You can do it! Ask the vet to show you how then be patient with yourself and your pup. (I had to clip one nail a day for months before my dog Velvet would relax enough to allow me to clip all her nails. This was worth the effort! Now neither of us is stressed when it's manicure time and there is a lot less clicking going on ...

3. Regularly brush your pup's coat. This reduces grooming costs and eliminates unnecessary stress and discomfort. (A pup's beauty parlor isn't as fun as ours!)

4. Discuss vaccinations with your vet to prevent over vaccinations.

5. Shop for "best pricing" on medications on-line and offline. You will be surprised at how prices vary ...