Pet Chef Express California

Why should I pay for a Quality Pet Food?

2007-08-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have heard dog owners complain that their dogs eat sticks, grass, leaves, shoes and other assorted items so why bother with good dog food? They will eat anything and often do.

First of all, puppies should have a baby-proofed house and yard and be supervised. Surgery is sometimes required to retrieve items puppies have ingested.

Secondly, providing your animal with an appropriate and good diet is essential to long life and good health. It is similar to allowing your children to eat what they want rather than what you know is good for them.

Owners have told me, “My dog or cat won’t eat good food. They like the cheapest, smelliest and poorest quality food out there.” That is like saying “My child will only eat Big Macs, Snickers and Sugar Frosted Flakes!” You are in control of what your animal gets to eat.

Dogs have a sweet tooth. That is why they have been known to lick anti-freeze off of a parking spot. It is poisonous. Be careful of what you are allowing your pet to eat everyday.

If you want to be a responsible pet owner you can learn what to look for in buying your pet’s food.

Do look for meat or fish as the first ingredient listed on your pet’s food bag.

Do look for rice, oatmeal and beet pulp for fiber.

Do look for Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils.

Do look for essential amino acids – Methionine and Lysine.

Do look for natural minerals and vitamins.

Do require Glucosamine to be included.

But, Don’t risk buying pet food with:

Artificial colors.

Chemicals like ethoxyquin as a preservative.

BHA or BHT – possibly Cancer causing preservatives

Crude Fiber such as peanut hulls, rice bran, soy hulls or wheat bran which can damage the digestive tract.

Dyes

Soy

Sweeteners

You can buy quality pet food that will see your animal through all stages of his life. You should find a highly digestible, nutrient dense food that your pet will love. Back yard clean should be easier with a quality food, too.

Find a good quality food, feed it to your pet on a consistent basis and you will notice a better coat, less digestive problems and overall better health.

TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN CARS WITH DOGS

2007-08-23T10:29:00.001-07:00

Even though summer is almost over, most dog owners take their dogs in the car all year long. The following are tips for car travel that includes some insight into why some dogs react the way they do.

Dogs vomit more readily than humans. Motion sickness and nervousness can cause some dogs to be sick almost as soon as they get in the car. Some veterinarians recommend not feeding your dog for at least 4 hours before taking him on a trip. Anti-nausea medication or natural or prescription tranquilizers can help. Always keep a towel handy.

Dogs can be injured when they ride in cars, unrestrained or crated. Especially dangerous to our animal friends are dogs riding in the back of pickup trucks without being tethered.

Dogs shouldn’t be allowed to hang their heads out of car windows as you drive. I know dogs love this but they are in danger of falling or jumping out the window and their eyes can be badly damaged by the whipping wind and foreign matter.

Always bring a container to share your bottled water with your dog.

Dogs are ready to get out of the car as soon as it stops. Leash your dog before opening the door or stopping if your car windows are down.

Most important of all, be very careful leaving a dog alone in a parked car. Dogs can be stolen and even worse, they can become overheated and experience serious illness or death due to heat prostration. This can happen very quickly!

Know where the emergency veterinarian hospitals in your area are and keep your vet’s number programmed into your phone.

TIPS FOR ENJOYING YOUR NEW PUPPY

2007-08-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Now that you brought home that new puppy, are you experiencing some problems that you didn’t anticipate? Probably, so I hope the following ideas from an old hand with puppies will help you understand and be able to enjoy this time with your new pup.

Baby-proof your house and yard. Remove any small items that might be ingested by a curious puppy. Eliminate any poisonous plants.

Use a dog crate to potty train. Also, use the crate for “Time-Outs.” Instead of yelling or spanking when the puppy does something wrong, take the puppy to the crate or a small room where he can be alone for a few minutes.

Use another word, like “Enough” or “Ah-Ah” instead of constantly using NO!

Establish a structured routine. Eating, walking, playing, quiet time.

Feed 2-3 times a day (divide the portions accordingly) at about the same time. Dogs are social and like to eat when the family is eating. Eating smaller portions will be helpful in digestion and metabolism.

Be aware of over-stimulation before and after eating. Don’t throw the ball or take the puppy out for exercise right before or right after eating.

Be sure you have all the puppy’s shots before you introduce him to dogs outside of the family. Don’t go to the dog park and expose him to strange dogs before your veterinarian has completed his series of puppy shots protecting him from serious diseases.

Take him to a local puppy training class with a group or hire a personal trainer to help you teach your dog to learn - sit, stay, down and how to walk on a leash.

Make a “Shaker” out of a soft drink can or a plastic bottle filled with a few pennies. This simple device is invaluable in correcting inappropriate behavior. Catch him in the act and shake the shaker. He is distracted and stops doing what he is doing. It is a noisy and startling attention-grabber.

Use lots of talking and praise with your pup. Use treats, a squeaky toy or clicker to train him to do tricks and understand that by pleasing you he will be rewarded with your loving attention and maybe a special, tasty treat.

Enjoy your new best friend.

Pet Responsibility: “Are you a good owner?”

2007-08-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

When you decide to bring home that shelter dog or darling kitten or puppy, are you ready to assume the responsibility that decision entails? A few considerations are in order and I sincerely hope you are ready to adopt a pet and allow all that love and devotion into your life. Pets depend on their human parents to keep them safe from harm and to make their lives as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Neuter your pet to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens.

Be sure to count on veterinarian costs for an annual physical, teeth cleaning, vaccinations and other visits that might be necessary. Watch for tummy upsets, head shaking, severe itching/scratching, or limping. Your pet can’t ask for help. You will need to be observant and caring.

Licensing for dogs – making sure that the dog collar is worn at all times.

Keeping cats indoors to prevent them from becoming a tasty treat for coyotes.

Keep your yard and kitty litter box, scrupulously clean.

Keeping your yard safe – a secure gate closure system to prevent a dog from leaving the yard. Make sure there is shade and shelter from the heat/cold and rain.

Making sure your dog is invited in, regularly. An outside dog doesn’t become a part of the family.

Be responsible by planning ahead with car restraints or cages, calming tablets for thunder and lighting, and recognizing when your devoted pet
experiences health changes.

Make sure your pet food is the best you can buy. Read the labels and compare.

Thank you for being a responsible and caring pet owner.

HOW TO FIND A MISSING PET

2007-08-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

Because we are always focused on dogs in our family, we notice dogs that seem to be running loose. You can easily spot the dog that is confident and enjoying a run in the neighborhood. Although, that is very dangerous and totally irresponsible that is not the dog that we are talking about. The dog that is running, hot and wild-eyed is a dog in big trouble. Oftentimes, that dog will cross busy streets, narrowly escaping cars and trucks with no idea how to get back home.

Cats that are allowed to roam free will sometimes not return home. Who knows where they might be? Sometimes they get trapped in garages that they are visiting when the owner comes home and locks up for the night. Other times they are frightened and hiding in silence.

We highly recommend getting a microchip inserted into your pet. Then, register your pet and keep your contact information current. Shelters scan every pet brought to their facilities. Contact your veterinarian for this easy and inexpensive procedure. Dogs and even cats that wear collars can lose them and this additional level of ID offers you a better chance of getting back your faithful companion.

Here are some good suggestions for finding a lost pet:

Search your property – An indoor cat that escapes might be very close by. Start looking around the escape point and in the nearby bushes. Call the pet’s name or use a squeaky toy, electric can opener noise or even shake their pet food bowl that’s filled with dry food.

Canvas the Neighborhood – For dogs, go door-to-door asking neighbors if they’ve seen your dog and then trace the progress and focus your attention in following the trail. For cats, ask permission to search yards in a five-house radius. Check carefully in what might be hiding places, with a flashlight.

Update your voicemail – Make sure your callers hear a detailed message about your pet’s situation. Leave your cell-phone number for a faster contact.

Make Posters – Write “Reward” on top in large, black letters and lost dog/cat at the bottom with a picture of your pet. Make it easy to contact you. Post the signs wherever you can. For sure, include major intersections in a one-mile radius of your home.

Place an Ad – Take out ads, immediately in local newspapers. Post listings online with local rescue groups and at shelter Web sites.

Check the Shelters in your area – It is imperative to check and check again, for a pet that might be yours.

Know your community policy on where to report or check for a lost pet – We found and rescued an old, collared with no tags, one-eyed dog that was loose one rainy night, heading for a 6-lane highway. She spent the night with us and we called the local police department the next morning. The owner had left his information and we were able to reunite the happy pair within a few hours.

You can also check out the website of a former pet detective: www.lostapet.org.

Keep your pets safe and be responsible in making sure they can return home.

10 Tips for getting the Dog that you want

2007-08-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Because many households will choose to buy or adopt a new dog for the holidays, it is important to make the best choice for your family. Consider your animal adoption to be as important as welcoming any new member into the family.

Be sure your family is committed to having a dog in the house. An outside-only dog is asking for trouble as the dog doesn’t become a part of the family.

Get a commitment from all family members as to what they want to do with the dog. Who is going to clean the yard? Who is going to walk him? Who is going to groom him? Who will be responsible for his food? Who will pay for his veterinarian visits?

Always neuter or spay your dog, as he or she will be healthier, less aggressive, and incapable of adding to over-population.

Choose a dog that fits with your family. Do you want a high-energy dog that needs lots of aerobic exercise like a Border Collie or do you want a Basset Hound that takes it easy?

Plan to spend time with your new dog even if he isn’t a puppy that you adopt. Don’t adopt a dog and then immediately leave him in the backyard as everyone in the house leaves for work and school. Spend time with training and leaving/returning in short intervals to avoid separation anxiety and unwanted behavior. Make sure he wears a sturdy name/address tag and a license.

Don’t roughhouse play. Avoid tug of war or hand wrestling with your dog. This can lead to aggressive behavior.

Select a dog food that is nutritionally dense, has no by-products or artificial preservatives. It will be healthier for your dog and it will make the yard clean up easier.

Plan to attend dog-training classes or to hire a trainer. It is important to factor in this cost if you are unable or not experienced in dog behavior and dog training. An inexpensive audio collection is offered through an animal welfare center, St. Hubert’s in Madison, NJ. Two audio tapes called, “Dogs will be Dogs” is $15.95. Their website is www.sthuberts.org. You can also get info at www.unclematty.com.

Plan on being the boss. Control access to the couch, his food bowl and his toys. Use simple commands and let your dog earn his treats for sit and stay.

Be patient and enjoy a friend for life. Your diligence in the beginning will create a safe, happy and loving environment that will enrich your life and his.

Pet Safety Tips for Summer

2007-08-22T17:03:00.001-07:00

As the summer weather approaches, it is important to remember to protect our pets from the sun and the heat As the kids are home from school and responsibilities are reassigned, it is a good time to go over pet safety.

SUNBURN:

Dogs and cats with white fur and pink skin are as susceptible as babies to sunburn. If your animals are left outside, add sunburn protection to your pet’s daily routine and be sure they have shade available. Pink noses and tender ears are as likely to get skin cancers as fair skinned people. Also, be aware of walking an animal on a hot day. Tender foot pads will burn on hot asphalt or concrete.

BEE/WASP STINGS:

Nosy animals poking around in bushes will often encounter a bee or wasp. An allergic reaction to a sting can be a swollen muzzle or a more dangerous reaction can be a restricted airway. Keep the Veterinarian’s Number prominently posted!

PET FOOD:

Don’t leave pet food out. Besides ants, the food can draw small animals like possums, rabbits and rats. These animals can attract coyotes to your yard.

FLEAS:

The simplest and most easily corrected problem can result in expensive veterinarian visits. Unless you plan to vigilantly watch your pet for fleas, you can quickly turn a dog or cat into an itching, miserable mess. Frontline and Advantage, applied monthly during the Spring and Summer months eliminates fleas and ticks. Check your supply.

CAR TRAVEL:

Don’t risk your pet’s life by taking him with you to run errands during the summer. The temperature in the car can quickly turn deadly if your animal is left in the car on a summer day with the windows just cracked for “fresh air.”

PESTICIDES AND STORED CHEMICALS:

Anti-freeze is an especially appealing, sweet-tasting, deadly poison to animals. Garden insecticides used by your gardener or the gardeners maintaining the community association greenbelts can affect your pet’s health. Verify and know if pesticides are used and insist on notification be given to the residents.

“DOG TREATS:”

It might seem funny or fun to watch the dog catch grapes or chase raisins. But, these foods can be toxic to some dogs. Warn the Kids. Don’t feed the dog – milk, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, tomato leaves and stems, broccoli, raisins and grapes.

WATER:

Make it a mandatory rule that someone checks the animal’s water bowl everyday at least twice. Dogs and cats need sufficient water to carry nutrients through the body and to flush out waste. The bowls should be of sufficient size and be Tip- Proof. Preferably, they can be located in a shady spot.

POOL SAFETY:

If you leave a dog or dogs unsupervised and you have a pool that is available for them, please be warned. Dogs that swim and can get out of and into the pool, can also drown if they are unsupervised. You may want to restrict access when no one is home.

Take good care of your pets. They are counting on you to protect them. Have a safe and fun Summer.

Christmas Puppies

2007-08-22T17:02:00.001-07:00

It’s that time of year when family and friends gather for holiday celebrations. Sometimes, right in the midst of all the noise and hullabaloo, a new puppy is given as a present! What a sweet, cuddly and warm addition. HOWEVER, beware of the situations that can arise if your home is not pet proofed and you weren’t really planning on taking time to potty train, pet-proof your house and garden and socialize/train the new puppy.

Check the floors for loose toys to swallow, Christmas Poinsettia plants are poisonous, new slippers are great to chew on and puppy mistakes are common.

Puppies need to be watched just like babies.

Restricting the puppy to an area ( a crate works great) for quiet time is essential.

Potty training is usually simple if you monitor the puppy and take him or her outside just before he needs to go. He’ll learn quickly with lots of praise.

Yard cleanup immediately, is essential for puppy health.

Rough handling/tugging playing can cause puppies to become over-excited and
sometimes teaches aggression. Also, it can lead to tummy upsets.

Just like babies, puppies like routines. Time to eat, time to play, time to sleep.

Puppy food is essential for growth. Ask us for our recommendation.

Puppy toys that have squeakers are fun but need to be watched for breakage. Don’t leave a puppy alone with a toy that has parts he could swallow.

Training treats are necessary as training the pup should start right away. Ask us for a recommendation.

Always buy tip-proof bowls to keep filled with fresh water and to put down with food when it is time to eat.

Giving puppy his first bath is fun and pleasurable if you are prepared with puppy, not people shampoo, warm water and clean towels for drying. Long haired dogs will need grooming combs and brushes.

I wouldn’t be without “Pet Mistakes” (cleaner deodorizer) and “Gentle Digest” for digestive upsets.

Have the family attend the first check up with your vet. Everyone will hear how well your puppy is growing. Any instructions and advice will be learned by the whole family as it will be everyone’s responsibility to raise the pup to an adult.

Good luck with your new dog or kitten. Little fur packages are the best kind. Merry Christmas.

Skin Problems

2007-08-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

Many of our dogs experience skin problems. One thing to keep in mind: Regular grooming helps keep the skin and coat healthy. Brushing distributes skin oils and removes dead hairs. Giving your dog a rubdown with a damp towel, between shampoos, really feels good to the dog and it helps with itching. We have a Sensitive Shampoo with an Oatmeal base, too.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis – Amazingly enough, the bite from a single flea can cause an eruption of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). This is the most common allergy in dogs. Many dogs are highly sensitive to certain substances in flea saliva and the allergic reaction caused by the bite results in severe itching, inflamed skin and red bumps on the skin long after the fleas have been eliminated. FAD is at its worst during hot Summer/Fall days. Treatment at the vet’s office can involve antihistamines, corticosteroids and sometimes antibiotics. We have Frontline and Advantage to help you get rid of fleas and Royal Coat can bolster the skin’s natural healing powers with Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Hot Spots - Hopefully your pet will never get a hot spot. An infection on the skin involving warm, painful and swollen areas can result when dead hair gets trapped next to the skin. Like so many skin problems, they develop in response to flea bites, allergies and lack of grooming. They are especially common in thick coated dogs. A thorough brushing down to the skin in very important in preventing this problem. We have Itch Free which when sprayed on a spot stops the itching for a while. It’s natural.

After discussing with you and helping treat the underlying cause for this problem, your doctor will probably clip away the hair and cleanse the skin. Antibiotics, oral corticosteroids and one of the Elizabethan collars can keep the dog from gnawing the spot is usually prescribed.

Our two Goldens got hot spots on their faces right after our gardener added fertilizer to the backyard. Maybe it was a coincidence but environmental changes can definitely affect your pet.

Lick Granulomas - Formally known as acral pruritic dermatitis are open sores, usually on the dog’s wrist or ankle. They are common in many large breeds, including Dobermans, Labradors and Great Danes. The licking starts when the foot/toe area becomes itchy. Then, with licking, the hair comes off, and the skin becomes red and thickened. When the underlying cause is treated (Good Luck) the itching will go away but the problem of the dog’s habit of licking needs to be discouraged. You can bring out the Elizabethan Collar, use bitter apple as a taste deterrent or distract the dog with playtime. Having another dog around is a very good distraction to a bored dog who licks his paw when he is alone.

Hope this helps…..

“We Feel their Pain….”

2007-08-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

To customers who frequently call with questions about their pets, we know that the most familiar complaint as dog’s age, is that they seem to be experiencing joint stiffness. Many customers don’t realize that their pets are suffering pain as most dogs are very stoic. Giving an occasional Sea Mobility jerky treat is what some customers assume takes care of the problem. I guess the easiest way to explain the problem with that method, is to take an occasional dose of your own medication. That is not effective in helping reduce inflammation and pain.

Keep or start your pet on Sea Mobility Venison, Chicken or Beef Jerky. One stick contains 500mg. of Glucosamine – the daily Veterinary recommended serving. Use this as a preventative.

If you have a pet with chronic Pain then we suggest a new product we are carrying. Joint “Rescue” – Super Strength Chewable. Each natural liver flavored, chewable contains 500 mg. of Glucosamine + Anti –inflammatory botanicals, Vitamins, Minerals, and Amino Acids. This remedy contains therapeutic doses of botanicals that provide relief for swollen joints, morning stiffness, inability to run and play and age related issues. The premium pharmaceutical grade Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate is essential for the synthesis of synovial fluid and maintenance of connective tissues and cartilage health.

The weight of the animal depends on the daily usage. An example is up to 25 lbs suggests ½ a chewable. For a dog up to 100 lbs. the suggested dosage is 2 chewables. We carry 60 chewables for $30. For animals with visible joint distress, double the recommended use for 4 weeks; thereafter reduce to recommended use.

The chewables contain All Natural Human Grade Ingredients. Doesn’t your pet deserve this remedy?

SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY….except

2007-08-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

With warmer weather already here, be aware of the additional cautions you will need to take to be sure your pet will be safe in your absence.

HEAT – Pets can die of heatstroke. Don’t make the dog jog with you unless you go before the sun is up and you are watching for over-heating. Make sure you leave the dog and/or cat at home even though they love to go bye-bye in the car. Cars are not storage areas even if you park in the shade and leave your windows cracked. Be sure your pets that are left outside, have plenty of shade and at least two full, clean water containers before you leave for the day.

WATER – Water containers need to be clean and heavy-bottomed. Accidental tip-overs can leave your pet with no water all day long.

FLEAS – Flea season starts in the Spring. Watch carefully for the first sign of itching. Even before that make sure you have your favorite brand of Advantage of Frontline in your cupboard. Hot spots can develop and the inflammation can lead to serious infections with large areas of skin becoming infected before you know it.

POOLS – Make sure your pet is pool safe or fenced off from the pool to prevent accidental drowning.

SKIN PROBLEMS – Summer brings out skin problems. Fleas can cause irritation but so can flowering plants and the heat just seems to add to the irritability of skin. Light skinned animals, especially white dogs and cats are really susceptible to skin cancers. Check with your vet for his suggestions on sun screen (nose and ears for sure). We use oil that is added to our pet’s food dish each morning (4000 mg. of Fish Oil and 500 mg. of Borage Oil). Call us if you need some Royal Coat.

FOURTH OF JULY - Be prepared for the noise, confusion, loneliness and sheer terror if you leave your pet alone when fireworks are sure to be going off. Many sad pet owners have returned from 4th of July celebrations only to find their pets have dug under a fence or jumped over a gate to escape the unexpected noise and bright lights. Your vet can prescribe tranquilizers and we have calming tablets, Happy Traveler can relieve anxiety, naturally.

YELLOWING GRASS - This is not a caution for your pet, just a suggestion for solving a problem that we faced. Yellow spots on the lawn from dog urine. The spots would cause the grass to die and soon we had lots of bare dirt patches in our once beautiful lawn. Now, since we have been using G Whiz we have a very green lawn with very few yellow spots. And, if we get a yellow spot we soon see the same grass re-growing back so the roots were not affected. No bare spots in our lawn. Yucca plant extract is the main ingredient and it is so easy to use – a daily food supplement.

I hope this summer is sunny, slightly breezy and very green. Keep your kids and pets safe. Make sure your cupboard is stocked with good food, supplements, a few treats and lots of TLC.

PET TIPS: You Can Enjoy Health Benefits From Owning A Pet

2007-08-22T16:56:00.002-07:00

You have probably already learned that owning a pet and feeling that mutual love and caring will help you feel better at the end of a difficult day. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They even boost our immunity. They are worth every penny and more. Watching your pet play with a ball or a toy will make you laugh and want to share the cute “picture” with someone. It gets us out of our bad mood and lifts our spirits.

I recently read an article that listed just 5 Ways Pets Can Improve our Health:

Pets are Allergy Fighters –

A growing number of studies have suggested that kids growing up in a home with furry animals from dogs and cats to large farm animals will have less risk of allergies and asthma. Studies performed by James Gern, MD, a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin, published his findings in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

He found that if a dog lived in the home, infants were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies. The kids were also less likely to have skin reactions like eczema and had higher levels of some immune system chemicals. This reaction means that the kids had a stronger immune system if there were pets in the home.

Dogs as Date Magnets –

A dog is a natural conversation starter. It gives us an opportunity to meet and greet lots of people. A recent movie, “Must Love Dogs” showed the example of a woman who “connected” with a man because they both loved dogs.

Questions about what kind of breed, age, dog tricks will help a shy person strike up a conversation and who knows what may happen. Dogs are great for making love connections. It could change your life.

Dogs for Older Adults –

Walking and caring for a dog gets people out and about. Everyone gets the exercise and everyone gets to meet and greet. Alzheimer patients are generally found to be less anxious if a pet is in the home. One insurance company, Midland Life asks clients over age 75 if they care for a pet as part of their medical screening. Having a pet can oftentimes lead to a favorable response in getting the insurance.

Cats are especially suitable for elderly adults as they generally require less care than a dog.

Sick people get better -

Aids patients that have pets are generally less depressed than those without pets. The benefit is especially pronounced when people are strongly attached to their
Pets. Having a good attitude assists in fighting disease.

People who are stressed release chemicals in their bodies like cortisol and norepinephrine. These chemicals can cause plaque buildup in arteries leading to
heart disease. Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine. These are both nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties.

Good for the Heart –

Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without, according to several studies. Male pet owners have less signs of heart disease – lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels – than non-owners, researchers say.

So, go to your local shelter. Irvine, San Clemente and Mission Viejo have beautiful, clean shelters that keep their “guests” as long as necessary until they can find a good home. You’ll be so glad that you chose a shelter dog or cat. Hope you will join us.

Healthy Dogs and Cats - What you’re feeding your pet might just make a difference…

2007-08-22T16:56:00.001-07:00

It seems that Fall is a time to re-group and get serious about health and commitment. Long, hot summer days are behind us and we need to be prepared with a healthy diet for our families and our pets. Evaluating our dogs and cats health can start at home. Does your pet have a glossy coat? Can you feel the ribs of your dog or cat or are they lost in a thick layer of fat? Are their bathroom habits normal? Are their eyes clear and their skin free of rashes? Do they seem themselves or are they acting differently?

You can tell a lot about your pet if you take the time to observe. It is better to check now before an emergency trip to the vet results in a serious problem. Most of our pets show affection and calm stoicism instead of whimpering with pain or showing the discomfort they are in. But, you can tell there is something wrong if you observe and notice changes from the norm.

A dog that gets up slowly is usually stiff and in pain. We would recommend checking out an older pet that may need a supplement like Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health. Or, even a prescription for pain and reduction of inflammation in the joints. I am always amazed that once an aging pet is diagnosed with joint pain that an owner would only occasionally think to give their devoted pet an occasional supplement for his arthritic joints. A daily dose of Glucosamine and Chondroitin is essential to maintain the joint and reduce the pain and inflammation. It would be like a person not taking a daily vitamin supplement or an aspirin for heart health.

Dogs and Cats gain weight just like we do and they experience the same problems that we do with that condition. Better to take charge now, than be told by your veterinarian that your pet needs to be on a prescription reducing diet to save his life. We keep our pets that have a tendency to gain weight on a lean diet food. One dog has joint problems and loves to eat. We need to keep her lean and feeling as healthy as she can. You can feel her ribs but not see them. She loves to run and will chase the ball until we put it away. Golden Retrievers and Labradors have a tendency to want to eat a lot and as they age, they can be our best customers for Adult Lean dog food. It seems simple to me to restrict my dog’s food as I measure it out to them twice a day. Free feeding a cat or dog with an always full bowl of kibble, can easily result in a pet that eats a lot more than he needs. We have cats that love our Lean Cat formula.

Treats that are low in fat, without additives and artificial preservatives allow us to reward our pets with something to chew on or do tricks for. New treats that we like to use fall into that category as our customers are knowledgeable about pet health and want only the best for their pets. Low fat biscuits are a must, sliced, dried chicken breast is tasty and satisfying, venison and chicken all meat soft jerky is great for training. For cats we have shaved bonito fish (Kitty Kaviar) that is pure protein and easy to sprinkle in their dish.

Sensitive, Fish and Potato or Venison and Potato kibble choices for dogs are for customers that want something unique and also made for pets with allergies. Undefined allergies result in tummy upsets and itchy skin. This special food is not a prescription diet but works for many dogs that have battled skin problems for years.

For older pets that have trouble chewing kibble, we have a canned food that is healthy and easy to digest. As a bonus it is also low in fat.

So, check out your devoted, non-complaining, always glad to see you best friend and see how they are doing. Then, do something good for them.

Confused, Guilty, Worried, about what you should be feeding your Dog or Cat?

2007-08-22T16:54:00.001-07:00

Most well-meaning pet owners are very concerned about what they are feeding their pets. Commercial dog and cat food is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). State regulators may decide to follow or not follow AAFCO standards, but most pet food manufacturers choose to comply with the AAFCO regulations so they can sport the AAFCO wording “a complete and balanced diet” on the feed bag or can. The wording is reassuring in that it indicates that the food sustains the animal for which it was manufactured. It can stand alone as a complete diet.

Why good nutrition is so important – Without good nutrition, your dog can suffer from a number of problems, including allergies, malnutrition, skin and coat problems and obesity. In addition, with artificial additives such as colorings, flavorings and artificial preservatives dogs can react adversely. Many dogs are overweight which is a health risk and a lack of antioxidants like vitamin C and E could contribute to an increased risk of Cancer.

Feeding dogs is a choice made by the owners. Allowing a dog unlimited access to food can create problems when a dog gorges himself and eventually gains too much weight which puts extra strain on joints and increases the risk of heart and liver disease. Feeding a dog twice a day (at your mealtimes) stabilizes metabolism. Providing a slightly reduced amount of food, reducing treats and table scraps and adding a walk will all bring about the result you want. Feeding a high quality pet food also creates an easier backyard cleanup.

People Food vs. a Commercial Diet – Not everyone agrees on this subject. Buying a high-quality dog food provides the dog with all the nutrients he needs in correct proportions. On the other hand, holistic veterinarians and their clients believe that home-cooked food is fresher and less processing is an advantage. However, once a dog gets used to Mommy cooking for him, it is sometimes difficult to interest the dog in store bought food. I have talked to people almost in tears as to how to switch a dog back to commercial food once they have started cooking for him. Vacation travel, illness and changes at home can sometimes occur and interrupt the food preparation process. Be very sure of your commitment and follow-through before you decide to start cooking.

Don’t even think about feeding your dog - Chocolate that is darker and less sweet is especially toxic. Onions and Garlic in a large quantity is harmful in that it can cause hemolytic anemia. Onions are potent and should never be fed to dogs. Raisins and Grapes – One grape hand-fed to the dog will probably not be harmful but certainly dogs should be kept away from grape vines and not given a cluster of grapes to eat. Raisins are especially toxic and can lead to lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and eventually renal failure. Alcohol – dogs absorb alcohol quickly and are prone to toxic reactions such as seizures, arrhythmias of the heart, low body temp, kidney damage and even coma or death.

How to read a label – Dog food manufacturers must list ingredients in descending order according to weight. If Corn is listed as the first ingredient that means that corn is the largest single ingredient. Generally, dogs do better if a high quality protein is listed as one of the first ingredients. Grain based diets don’t typically provide dogs with as much usable protein and may be harder to digest. Also, watch out for grains being listed separately as in corn meal, ground corn, chicken by-product meal and corn gluten meal. Manufacturers can list meat as the first ingredient and then split up the corn products so it appears that corn isn’t the main ingredient. Fresh meat sounds delicious but may not be as nutritious as meat meal which has its moisture removed before being added to the dog food. Hence, fresh meat is lower in protein than meat meal. AAFCO regulations protect the consumer and only qualified terms can be used after inspections and standardized terminology.

Supplements - Many people believe supplements should never be added to food and that if needed, should be taken separately to ensure proper dosage. Antioxidants are vitamins C, E and selenium which have anticancer properties. Fatty Acids – Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil and flax seed oil is one such fatty acid. Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM – support and promote joint health and can even restore cartilage. Probiotics – intestinal friendly, “good” bacteria that promotes healthy digestion. These are all added to dog foods. Check to see what your food might contain

Other natural, “health food,” type products are available like “Royal Coat”, “Sea Mobility Chicken or Beef Jerky”, “Itch Free,” and “Gentle Digest” for dogs that need additional supplements for skin problems, joint problems, and digestive problems.

Call us or e-mail us with any questions you might have in deciding if you are feeding your pets the best possible food and/or supplements.

Biofuel & Pet Food Costs

2007-08-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

With the recall of so many pet foods this year, the international demand for U.S. commodities, the continued domestic demand and the additional demand by the new ethanol plants has caused continued upward movement in the commodity market. Recent articles in The Wall Street Journal talk about how "farmers are poised to reap the richest corn harvest in memory, and last month's record-breaking wheat crop has already infused local economies with cash. Meantime, the nation's growing appetite for ethanol, the alternative fuel derived from corn is bolstering the price of that crop, prompting farmers to plant more of it. And the move away from wheat and other grains is boosting their prices by limiting supply". Instead of flooding the market with corn, the opposite is taking effect. Farmers are very sophisticated commodities traders and are storing corn while they await the best price. (This has caused an interesting side effect; a shortage of storage space which results in another increased cost to pass along). To make matters even more expensive, farmers who traditionally raised other grains are plowing them under to grow corn.

You might wonder what this has to do with a product that does not use corn or wheat. Unfortunately, those grains are used in the feed consumed by the protein source, chicken, lamb, beef, venison, etc., used in pet foods. Because we pride ourselves on the fact that our food is made in small batches only when we order it, and not stored in warehouses or silos, the turnover in raw material is much quicker and more susceptible to rapid fluctuations in costs. We recently received our second price increase in three months and the third this year. It is only a matter of time until all of the pet food manufacturers start to pass along these costs.

We would be very interested in hearing from you.