What Not to Eat: For Cats

Chocolate: Toxic to both cats and dogs, the ingredients theobromine and caffeine can have a devastating effect on their entire bodies. Chocolate is one of the deadliest substances for cats to consume. Chocolate poisoning can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures. If you see any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately. There are treatments for chocolate poisoning. Inducing vomiting is sometimes recommended to purge the system of the toxins.

Wild Mushrooms: While the small, store-bought mushrooms will have no effect, these fungi can sometimes contain neurotoxins which causes multiple dangerous symptoms including toxic shock, kidney problems, and even death. A more severe mushroom poisoning symptom is hallucinations. Any behavior that makes a cat seem “high”, such as excessive saliva and uneven walking, means that you need to get to the vet ASAP.

Grapes/Raisins: This is a relatively recent discovery. Although the studies were carried out with dogs, it is believes that cats would show the same symptoms, but since cats are picky eaters, they may not even go after grapes. Just keep an eye out if your cat actually does ingest grapes or raisin, and make sure, if you see symptoms, to consult your veterinarian.

Raw Eggs: In years past, cats and dogs would eat the eggs right out of the nest. However, times have changed. They haven’t had the same access to raw eggs, which means that raw eggs are no longer harmless. Not to mention that the shell, once fragmented, can hurt their mouths. Raw Eggs contain an enzyme, avidin, which can decrease the levels of several vitamins in cats’ bodies.  In addition, raw eggs can contain Salmonella.

Raw Fish: Raw fish, like raw eggs, have bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. Consuming uncooked fish could result in a B-vitamin deficiency, or thiamine. This can escalate into loss of appetite, seizures, and, in a worst-case scenario, death, especially when fed regularly. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. In addition, Tuna, raw or cooked, and either prepared for cats or humans, can be harmful, especially when there is a serving every day.

Milk: Despite the common misconception, milk is not good for cats. Like most mammals, after entering adulthood, cats become lactose intolerant. Also, milk is high in calories for cats, and can lead to obesity. Other side-effects are diarrhea, upset stomachs, cramps, and gas.

http://pets.thenest.com/mushrooms-poisonous-cats-9179.html

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_chocolate_toxicity

http://www.petplace.com/article/cats/dr-debras-faqs-and-posts/dr-debras-posts/are-grapes-and-raisins-bad-for-cats

http://pets.webmd.com/cats/ss/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat

http://www.pawnation.com/2013/01/11/7-facts-about-cats-and-milk/8

How To Tell if Your Dog is Sick

Like human babies, dogs do not have to ability to say what he wants. Instead, dogs show us what they need by their behavior. Sometimes its hard to tell if your dog is ill. These are some of the red flags that may convey that your pet is sick.

Vomiting:

Dogs vomit on occasion, most often without being sick. It could be something they ate or if they eat too fast. However,  if the bouts of vomiting are several times a day, it’s time to visit the vet. Another symptom consists of blood in the vomit. This can indicate other, more serious problems such as ulcers in the stomach or an irritation caused by ingesting foreign bodies such as sharp pieces of bone, socks, and even children’s toys. 

Diarrhea:

While in the same category as vomiting, diarrhea can a symptom of many other conditions. For example, problems with their digestive system and parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and giardia all have diarrhea as an indicator.

Lack of Appetite:

Vague symptoms like this are hard to pinpoint, but if they persist, bring your dog to the vet. Dogs will stop eating for many reasons, such as a fever, pain, or stress. It is recommended by veterinarians that if the loss of appetite continues for over 24 hours, they need to be brought to a vet.

Decreased Activity:

This is another vague symptom, but it is sometimes an alert that something isn’t right. Many things can cause lethargy, including but not limited to heart disease. When there is no obvious reason for the lull in activity, you may need to consult your veterinarian, especially if other symptoms such as weakness or loss of consciousness present themselves.

Changes in Bathroom Habits:

More frequent urination can mean liver or kidney disease or adrenal gland disease, but a decrease in urination could be signs of a urinary tract infection or bladder stones. Both problems are enough to warrant a visit to the vet.

Hair Loss:

Fleas, ticks, mange mites, and ear mites are common reasons for hair loss, but there are other problems besides those. It can be a result of endocrine problems, staph infection, fungal or yeast infections, and many more. Have your dog checked out at the vet if he shows this symptom.

http://www.k9instinct.com/blog/tips-for-feeding-your-sick-dog

http://pets.webmd.com/features/pet-symptoms-6-signs-illness-dog-cat

The Coolest Cats

Maine Coon

The state of Maine’s official cat, this beautiful breed has long hair and longer whiskers. They are believed to be one of the oldest breeds in North America, and are known for their valuable hunting skills. Their long fur helps them keep warm in the winter.

Kurilian Bobtail

Straight from the heart of Russia, this short and fluffy feline has a very short tail. This breed, with its gorgeous white and grey coat, originate in the Islands of Kuril, off Russia’s east border. They lived for years on those islands for decades before they were domesticated.

Toyger

This breed shares with tigers its beautiful black and orange stripes. This breed is the result of a cross between a Bengal and a shorthaired tabby. While they have no wild blood, they have beautiful orange, brown, and black stripes.

Turkish Van

These unique cats are known for their peculiar love of swimming, against the notion that all cats fear water. This breed originated in Lake Van, Western Armenia. Turkish Vans enjoy playing games and learn obedience and commands easily.

Manx

The Manx is a tailless breed, which is a distinguishing characteristic. Another is that this cat’s back legs are longer than its front legs, which means that it has a very unusual walk that a some people say resembles a bunny hop. These cats bond closely with one individual, but they don't deal with relocation very well.

Dragon Li

Owning a cat of this breed is the closest you can come to owning a tiger. Like the Toyger, they have some of the visual characteristics of a wild tiger. They don't need much attention, but are very active and have bouts of energy lasting between ten and fifteen minutes.

Munchkin

Perhaps the cutest of all cats, Munchkins are best known for their unique spine curve and short legs. Also, they are one of the smartest breeds, very outgoing and friendly. Despite their legs, they can jump up on kitchen counters while also are able to squeeze through small spaces.

Egyptian Mau

This spotted short-haired breed with its beautiful spotted fur has been around for more than 3,000 years, and has not been shown to change appearance in all that time. This breed is the same as those cats worshipped by the Ancient Egyptians.

Siamese

While they are the most talkative breed, with cries comparable to a human infants, siamese cats are one of the most popular breeds as well. These beauties originated in southeast Asia, from Siam in Thailand. Social cats, they usually bond closely with one individual. Even as adults, siamese cats are very active, and are described by some as more dog-like than cat-like.

Sphynx

Sometimes called “hairless” cats, the sphynx is a rare breed that does not have a coat. Completely hairless, the sphynx goes unprotected from the extreme temperatures.These cats are reported to be quite energetic, but also intelligent and affectionate. Their namesake, the Sphinx, is a creature with the body of a lion with the face of a woman. The Sphinx is a part of both Egyptian and Greek mythologies.

Abyssinian

The gorgeous ticked coat and large ears of Abyssinians are not these cats’ only lovely qualities. They are playful, intelligent, and very active. They are not the kind who sit on your lap while you read; rather, they are more interested in exploring. These felines originated somewhere around Ethiopia.

Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds, named such for their folded ears, have a longer than average lifespan. These cats have a dominant genetic mutation that causes the cartilage in their ears to fold in on themselves. They are cuddly, friendly felines who don’t mind having other pets in the house.

http://abcsofanimalworld.blogspot.com/2011/08/26-most-beautiful-and-prolific-cat.html

http://www.petinf.com/10-most-popular-cat-breeds-in-the-world/

http://www.demolistic.com/view/most-interesting-cat-breeds

It's Getting Hot in Here . . .

Spring has sprung and the weather is heating up fast. As the temperature rises, so do the risks associated with dogs. Here is a list of things to think about concerning your dog’s health in the heat.

GET THEM OUT OF THE CAR:

This is one that you hear a lot. Unfortunately, many dog owners still do it. We cannot stress it enough: you should never leave your dog in the car in the heat, no matter what the temperature is, no matter how long you will be away from the car, no matter how many windows are cracked open. In the summer, especially in cars parked out in the sun, cars can reach over 100 degrees in less than half an hour.

Not only is it unwise to keep your dog trapped in the car, it is also considered abusive and is illegal in more than 15 states.

If you see a dog in a hot car, call 911 or Animal Control immediately. That call could save a dog’s life.

BEWARE OF TICKS

These little buggers are perhaps the most common, but also the most dangerous, threat to dogs. Ticks are disease-carriers, and the ailments they carry, namely Lyme Disease, can be deadly. Make sure to inoculate them with  a monthly dose of a tick control product and keep them up to date on their shots. Also, be careful where you let your dog wander off to. You never know what could be hiding in the plants he wants to run through.

WALK YOUR DOG IN COOLER HOURS

The scalding heat of the mid-day sun is not the best time to walk your dog. If possible, try to go out in the early morning or later in the afternoon to dusk, when the sun isn’t so direct. This is not just for your dog’s benefit, but also for yours.

WATER, SHADE, AND AIR CONDITIONING 

Make sure that, while your dog is outside, he has plenty of fresh water and a cool, shady place to curl up and hide from the heat. When he is inside, try to keep the house as cool as possible.

BE CAREFUL WITH DOG TOYS

Several years ago, there was a social network post that quickly went viral. The person who posted it claimed that their dog was poisoned by a pet toy that was abandoned in his favorite dog park. There have been several similar stories over the years. Whether or not they are true, the moral of all of them is this: never let your dog bite, pick up, or touch in any way a toy that is not yours. Any abandoned toys should go in the trash immediately.

https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/hot-weather-tips/

http://nakedlaw.avvo.com/crime/leaving-dogs-in-hot-cars-cruel-illegal-many-states.html

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/dogdiseasesconditions/tp/CanineParasites.htm

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/hookworm-in-dogs

8 Things to Remember While Teaching Your Dog

We all love dogs that do tricks, but there is more to training a dog than sit and stay. So before you make the commitment to teach your furry friend some tricks, take the time to see what others have to say.

Do Some Research:

Resist the urge to wing it, and do a little looking online to find suggestions and ideas on how to go about teaching all those snazzy new tricks. There are many, many resources online that can give excellent tips to help you and your pet learn new tricks.

Make a Schedule:

It’s not only a good idea for you, but also for your dog. Just like human babies need a schedule, so does your fur baby. This schedule can be for days, weeks, or months, depending on your judgements. 

One Trick at a Time:

Don’t confuse your pet by trying to teach him two tricks at once. Dogs are smart, but even the most intelligent of canines is incapable of switching back and forth with more than one lesson. 

Don’t Over-Use the Treats:

It’s tempting to reward your pet for almost anything while teaching tricks, but make sure you’re not overdoing it. If you give your dog treats too often, it can encourage obesity and/or the expectance of a treat every time he does a trick.

Be Patient:

Don’t expect your dog to catch on right away. It may take some time for them to show progress. Keep going and you will see results. Also keep in mind that all dogs are different, and therefore it will take different amounts of time for each dog to master any trick.

Pain Should Never Be Used For Teaching Discipline:

Sadly, there are some pet owners who will exploit pain in order to teach their dogs. This can be considered animal abuse. Again: pain should not under any circumstance be used as a teaching tool. There are many other ways of discouraging bad behavior, including spray-bottles and loud noises.

Go Positive:

From the start of teaching to the end results, keep giving them a positive attitude. They love you and are eager for praise. 

Have Fun:

Teaching tricks is one of the best ways for you and your dog to bond. It should be fun for both of you. Enjoy the time you have with them.

Ready to train your furry friend, but you need some rewards for him? Shania Bakes offers many delicious organic dog treats.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/training-your-dog

http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/dog-tricks.html

https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-training/dog-training-tips/