All Things Dog Blog

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 01:07 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Today's drawing is for the "New Dog Kit", a gift package of goodies that is perfect for a new puppy or toy dog, whichever the owner may have. The winner of the drawing will receive an Eco-Carrier for toy-dogs, made by Outward Hound, specially for the Blogpaws blogger conference held earlier this year. It comes emblazoned with screen-printed logos of many of your favorite pet products companies and pet websites, so Fido will always remember where to go for help. With a removable pad and lightweight construction, this carrier will easily fold up into your tote bag when not in use. If you're interested in one of these economical dog carriers, you can purchase them in a variety of colors by clicking the Amazon ad at the bottom of this post.

Bissell has provided an 8 oz. bottle of enzyme powered pet stain and odor remover, just what you need when house training a puppy.

You can thank the Iams folks for offering 2 rubber rimmed bowls with adorable pawprints--unbreakable and heavy duty for years of wear. Innova has included a sample of their small bite dog food, specially sized for your petite pup and there's also a Greenies dental treat for your little one to try.

Since our winner will be busy learning about dogcare and training, FoundAnimals has graciously given me a copy of their dog care manual, Caring For Your Dog.

While our winner is learning a bit about dog care, she'll also want to have some fun. Outside, she'll have a lanyard for her housekey from Hartz, when she walks little Rover, and a whistle to practice his "Come when Called" command, thanks to World Vets. Finally, our new pup owner will want to get her puppy busy with social networking, an easy task with my friends at Toki Poki. They have provided a starter pack of trading cards and I'll throw in Oliver and Tanner's cards as well. Have you guys visited their site? It's just too cool!

I suppose I should announce the winner now. Congratulations to Betty T. You'll be hearing from me in a few minutes. Be sure to reply with your address so we can get your package out early next week. Be sure to thank Oliver for guarding your goodies; he's exhausted from all that work and ready for a nap over at 5 Minutes for Fido. Congratulations Betty!

Visit Adopt a Dog Park

Help protect our precious dog parks

Follow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook

Bookmark this on Delicious

Ask the Vet, with Dr. Pat: A Probiotics Primer for Dogs

Posted: 12 Nov 2010 05:00 AM PST

by Pat Bradley, DVM

(c) Carrie Boyko
Probiotics are Good
for Humans and Dogs Alike

Dear Dr. Pat,

Probiotics is one of those words that is becoming more common and I still do not know what it means. When I saw it mentioned in an article about dogs I got more curious. What is it and what does it do and where do you get it and how do you use it?

It probably does not matter what kind of dog i have since he is not sick, but I have a mixed breed from the pound. I am just curious about this stuff and how I might use it with Ozzie if he ever needs it. Thanks.

Sincerely, Annalise

------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Annalise,

Thanks so much for asking about probiotics. Although we see the term everywhere, many people, including most veterinarians, don't really know much about them. Probiotics are living organisms that we swallow in some form or other so they'll set up housekeeping in our guts. Sound gross? It's not, if you think about it. Living organisms are responsible for such yummy things as bread, cheese, wine, and sauer kraut. They are also on every square inch of our skin and GI tract, mostly living in invisible harmony with each other.

Probiotic organisms not only help protect us from "bad" organisms, but they help us digest food better. And good digestion is the basis for good health. "Probiotic" literally means "for life". The name may be no accident, for originally probiotics were marketed for people who were taking antibiotics; the literal meaning of "antibiotic" is "against life".

Most people seem to have the idea that an antibiotic targets only the "bad organism" that's causing a problem. But that's not true – they affect every part of the body. Have you noticed how often people or animals get yeast infections or diarrhea after being on antibiotics? That's because the drug kills off some organisms, which allows others to grow too much. "Give 'em an inch and they'll take a mile…" Eating yogurt or taking another form of probiotics feeds your GI tract with "good guys", helping to prevent the others from getting "more than their inch".

"Eating yogurt is the easiest way to get probiotics"

Eating yogurt is the easiest way to get "probiotic" organisms, most commonly the one named Lactobacillus acidophilus, but there are many others. You can get high quality organic yogurt at most regular grocery stores these days. Just make sure it's unflavored, and the label says something like "Contains live organisms". If Ozzie can't eat dairy products, talk to someone in your local health food store to get advice about some of the other options. I definitely recommend probiotics if Ozzie is ever on antibiotics, but why wait? He'll think yogurt is a tasty treat! You don't have to let him know it's good for him!

Try these yogurt treats from Carrie's recipes:

Yogurt Pupsicles: Dog Treats to Celebrate the End of Summer

Pat