All Things Dog Blog |
- Ask the Vet, with Dr. Pat:What's Safe for Fido?
- Dog Safety During Gator Mating Season
- Dog Lover Handbag GiveawayJust in Time for Mother's Day
| Ask the Vet, with Dr. Pat:What's Safe for Fido? Posted: 05 May 2011 09:01 PM PDT by Carrie Boyko, CEB
Dear Dr. Pat: We use different human foods to supplement our dogs' kibble, like chicken, turkey, pasta, cheese and rice. No bones or fruit or vegetables. My friend told me about All Things Dog Blog and I see there that sometimes dogs are given carrots and green beans and broccoli. No onions or garlic? What else? I would be able to give Angel and Skippy vegetables but I want to make sure I do not feed anything that is dangerous. I know about chocolate and read here about grapes and raisins. Can you tell me what else to avoid. Thanks, Penny T. --------------------------------------- Believe it or not, Penny, this is not as straightforward a question as it sounds. So I've grouped problem foods into "scientific" categories to help make it easier. Category I: "If you know it's not good for your baby, for goodness' sake, don't give it to your dog!" Alcohol, coffee, candy, chocolate, tea, colas (especially sugar-free), fruit pits, any food that is moldy or nasty, or your prescription medicines. Category II: "You can't believe how bad these can be for your dog!" Avocadoes, macadamia nuts, persimmons Category III: "Hysterical reactions in the news lately for causing toxicity in small quantities in a small percentage of dogs" Onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, mushrooms Category IV: "Most dogs enjoy and tolerate well in moderation (if introduced slowly, or given with digestive enzymes): Milk, cheese, pasta, meat fats, eggs, cooked broccoli Category V: "Some dogs have had bad reactions to in small quantities: Everything else Category VI: "Foods that can be toxic in large quantities": See Category V, including water So my advice is to memorize and avoid the items in Categories I and II. And even if Angel and Skippy get some by accident, chances are they'll be OK. People have given beer and chocolate and grapes to dogs for as long as I've been around. And dogs have been getting into garbage and stealing food off the counters since…well, even before there were kitchen counters. And probably 99% of them were OK. Most dogs, like most humans, can tolerate moderate amounts of most things without long-term consequences. But we all know people who are so sensitive to things like shellfish or nuts or MSG that even one bite can be life-threatening. I think it's likely that the items in Category III are like that. While I've never seen a bad reaction to grapes or garlic -- in fact, I recommended giving them for decades – individual dogs can be so susceptible that even a little can be life-threatening. A wonderful book to have as a resource for nutrition is Dr. Richard Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. And just in case…keep the number for the Poison Control Center handy: 888.426.4435* For a visual aid on dangerous foods for your dog, check out the slideshow by WebMD, posted here at Doggie No-No's at Snacktime. * Check the Pet Emergency Resources page, here on All Things Dog Blog, to look for other poison control numbers, as well as many different types of emergency help. Thanks for writing! Dr. Pat
Have a question for Dr. Pat? You can reach us at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services. Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian Are you interested in checking out other sites on the Internet? Let's hookup with another blogging group to see what's new with them. Feel free to follow the links below to see what's new. While you're there, be sure to offer a thank you comment at the host's site: Free Hot Samples.  
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| Dog Safety During Gator Mating Season Posted: 05 May 2011 09:01 PM PDT by Carrie Boyko, CEB
It's May and that means gator mating season is peaking. This may sound natural and harmless, but actually it means more activity and more roaming. Both male and female gators expand their territories during April and May as they seek out mating partners. The mating period lasts through May when mating occurs during the night, generally in shallow waters. This time of year is a dangerous time for our canine friends to be in fresh water after late afternoon. Gators become active just before dusk, seeking both food and mating partners. Shallow water, however, is of particular danger. Gators spend their days lazing in these areas, hunkering down in the mud or lying in wait in the marshy, weedy areas where they are less visible. Taking your dog to a fresh water area to swim or play fetch along a shore line may sound like a ton of fun, but there are hazards to be aware of. Fido can be at a particularly high risk when these critters are feeling pretty fiesty during mating season. The erratic movement of a swimming or playing dog attracts the attention of this fierce predator from a fair distance, and he may wander over--under water--to check out what the fuss is all about. When Fido starts to bark, it's all over. Gators may frequently take a dog by surprise, rising up out of the depths near a dog and hauling it away to its 'locker' deep under the water. A small to medium dog is at greatest risk, of course, but larger dogs have been known to be taken by mature male gators, that can reach lengths of 12 feet and weigh nearly half a ton. Although large gators such as this are considered a danger and are often ordered removed by professionals, the hunt can often be trying and unsuccessful. If your large swimmer simply must have a dip, the safest place to swim is in the middle of a large lake during midday, where these predators don't venture as often. Be sure to avoid early morning and late afternoon and evening, when gators become more active as they seek food and mating partners. Another extra precaution to take is a super-thick life vest. Although this will not protect Fido from the strong bite of a large gator, it may give him some relief if attacked by a smaller one. Your best bet? Leave your fresh water swimming expeditions for cooler weather when gators are not as active. October through March is much safer. Finally, whenever you allow Fido to swim in fresh water lakes or rivers where gators may be present, using a long leash, attached to a harness, can give you a chance at assisting him, if your worst fear occurs. Likewise, if you walk your dog along a fresh water area known to be inhabited by gators, always use a leash. Better safe than sorry. I'll be back soon to talk more about Gator safety during the hatching and trapping seasons. There's nothing nastier than a momma gator with a nest of babies to protect. Stay tuned for my next post, coming in June. I know this information has not been my usual perky menu. Just to say thank you for reading this important warning, I'm going to give away 3 gator toys for you to get back in a playful mood with your pup. Read the Gator Toy Giveaway article on Sunday to learn more. BTW, if you are interested to learn whether you were a winner in the handbag drawing, be sure to check that post Friday, May 6, to learn your fate. Watch for the Kurgo Cargo winner to be announced on Saturday, May 7.   Sources: Smithsonian National Zoo, LakeOkeechobee.org, Florida Environment audio programs, Florida Outdoors. 
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| Dog Lover Handbag GiveawayJust in Time for Mother's Day Posted: 05 May 2011 09:01 PM PDT by Carrie Boyko, CEB
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