Keep your pets safe during these holidays.

Keep your pets safe during this holidays. PLEASE read the enclosed information about what people foods can be dangerous to your pets, courtesy of WebMD (references cited). You might be surprised to see some of these foods on the list.

Here are some of the foods that are dangerous to your dog(s) and cat(s):

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

* Avocado: No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It's harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs. If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.

* Alcohol: Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it's good for your dog. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.

* Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That can happen even with the onion powder found in some baby food. An occasional small dose is probably OK. But just eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.

* Coffee, Tea and other liquids with Caffeine: Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee - including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.

* Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for dogs. But it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, the dog will become lethargic and depressed. The best prevention is to keep grapes and raisins off counters and other places your dog can reach.

* Milk and other Dairy Products: On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream cone with your dog. But if your dog could, it would thank you for not doing so. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as set up food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness).

* Macadamia Nuts: Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts or foods containing macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death.

* Candy and Gum: Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog's body. That can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures. Liver failure can occur within just a few days.

* Chocolate: Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.

* Fat Trimmings and Bones: Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog's digestive system. It's best to just forget about the doggie bag.

* Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums: The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus, peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them. Dogs don't.

* Raw Eggs: There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog's coat if raw eggs are fed for a long time.

* Raw Meat and Fish: Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease" or "salmon poisoning disease." If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.

* Salt: It's not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. It may even cause death.

* Sugary Foods and Drinks: Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly the onset of diabetes.

* Yeast Dough: Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that's exactly what it would do in your dog's stomach if your dog ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the dog's abdomen and cause severe pain. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.

* Your Medicine: Reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Just as you would do for your children, keep all medicines out of your dog's reach. And, never give your dog any over-the-counter medicine unless told to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog.

* Kitchen Pantry: No PetsAllowed. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your pets. For instance, baking powder and baking soda are both highly toxic. So are nutmeg and other spices. Keeping food items high enough to be out of your pet's reach and keeping pantry doors closed will help protect your pet from serious food-related illness.

CATS
* Tuna: Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation.

If I still have your attention, please note that if you need special dog walking and/or pet sitting services over the Thanksgiving and the year-end holidays, please let us know ASAP. Our available slots tend to fill up quickly. Send us an email; we'll reserve time for you.

Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829

[DOGS] Self Defense When You're Walking Your Dog(s)

As professional dog walkers, Chris and I have run across most situations that dog walkers can encounter.

One particularly distressing situation is when other dogs are allowed to run off their leashes and run towards us and our dogs. Nothing good can come out of that, especially when we have a Husky, Akida or some other no-nonsense dog at the end of our leash.

A ham radio friend told me of a new legal defensive weapon that the elderly have adopted in New York city, namely a can of Wasp Pesticide Spray.

Wasp Pesticide Sprays are manufactured to spray a stream of potent spray a good 30 feet (presumably to allow the sprayer plenty of distance and time to get away without getting stung). This works marvelously at stopping a charging dog in its tracks. Oh how I'd like to spray the humans who insist on letting their dogs run free in areas that are frequented by other, on-the-leash dogs.

In any case, I bougt a couple of cans and tried them out in our back yard. And yes, they spray a strong stream a good, long distance.

I hope not to have to use it on any dogs, but I've been told that the Wasp Pesticide Spray works as well or better than pepper spray.

Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829

[DOGS - CATS] Beware of what you feed your pets

Recently I noticed that a dachshund that I walk, suffered from an ever-worsening case of diarrhea. After every walk I mentioned this matter in my daily written notes to the owner. When the diarrhea was as bad as it could possibly get (use your imagination) I called the owner at work and advised him that he should take the dog as quickly as possible to the vet. Diarrhea robs the body of fluids and the all important dialectrics that are necessary for proper nerve responses and muscle movements, and a small dog like a dachshund is ill equipped to loose any fluids without possible consequences.

I should also mention that I had noticed this dog's teeth getting whiter over time. I recall talking to Chris about this, saying that this dog had the whitest teeth that I'd ever seen on a dog.

After the owner took the dog for a checkup, the vet concluded that the doggie-teeth whitening treats that the dog was getting before bedtime were the cause of the diarrhea.

Imagine that!

Although this is a real life incident from our dog walking, pet sitting business that occured with a dog, I tagged this post for both dogs and cats. The pet business is a multi-billion dollar business where new products are constantly introduced to pet owners. We all love our pets, and we love to give them new, yummy treats.

I caution you, however, that, as in this case, not all yummy treats are necessarily healthy for your dog or your cat.

Know what it is that you're giving to your pet. When diarrhea happens ... and diarrhea is much more complex and potentially dangerous to pets than it is to us ... look at any new additions to your pet's diet as a possible cause of the malady.

Enjoy these wonderful days of relatively mild temperatures (in the Washington DC area)

Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829

[DOGS – CATS] Be Careful When You Travel With Pets

If you have to travel with your pet(s) in your car during these hot summer months, please remember to keep them cool. In many States it’s unlawful to leave your pets unattended in the car during extreme weather conditions. What may seem to you to be only a few minutes in the grocery store may, in fact, be sufficiently long to injure or kill your pet. A car can heat up incredibly quickly, even with the windows cracked. Many jurisdictions now punish pet owners with sizeable fines for keeping their pets in hot cars.

Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829

[DOGS] It’s Tick Season

Be aware of those lovely deer that you may run across in the park or even in your back yard. They're lovely, to be sure, but they are hosts to those obnoxious deer ticks that pass lyme disease to humans.

On our daily walks, Chris and I carry tweezers that are handy for picking off ticks before they sit in too deeply. I recommend that after you walk your dog(s) you brush them from front to back with a brush. Then run your hands over your pets all over to feel any ticks that may have escaped the brush.

Lyme disease is no joke; it's quite debilitating actually. A little additional vigilance will go a long way towards protecting pets and owners alike.

Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829

[DOGS – CATS] Fondle your Pets

Shocked? Don’t be. The magic of touch doesn’t only apply to us. It also works its wonders on our cats and dogs. Chris and I consider the TLC that we give to our clients’ pets as important as the walk that we give to their dogs or the playing that we do with the cats.

Unfortunately, too many pets that we service crave the human contact that they’re not getting from their owners.

Take a few moments and give your pet a good, whole-body rub. Scratch their ears, rub their bellies and massage them from nose to tail.

It feels good to them and cements the bond between you.

Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829

[DOGS] Dogs and Crates

I’ve been asked by a number of dog owners about what I think about using crates as their dogs’ homes. They were especially interested in whether the crates could be closed at night or at times when they, the owners, were away from their homes.

I’m generally not a fan of “imprisoning” a pet just for the convenience of the owner. There are instances where even the most compassionate pet lover should not get a pet because of their living situation. In those situations perhaps a different pet would be in order.

With regard to crates for dogs, however, I’ve read that they can be beneficial if used correctly. Dogs like to sleep in covered areas … perhaps that’s a throwback to the days when they lived in caves … and they can be trained to bed in them. I’ve read that a thick blanket thrown over the crate adds to the cave-like atmosphere that your dog will appreciate.

As to locking the crate, this is a touchy subject with me. If your home is not pet friendly then perhaps you’re not ready to own a dog. The obvious reason for locking a dog in a crate is to restrict its movement throughout the home. Before resorting to such drastic measures as imprisoning your pet in a crate, think about baby gates or other effective barriers that can easily be installed to restrict your dog’s movements.

In summary, I like dog crates if they’re used as resting/sleeping places, or if they’re used for transport. I am not in favor of locking dogs in a crate at any other time.

Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829

[DOG} Outoor Dogs in Winter

I spoke to a gentleman the other day who called me to ask about his outdoor dog and these very chilly days. He was particularly concerned about the dog’s bedding and frozen water dish.

I did a little reading on the matter and learned that outside dogs adjust to lower temperatures much better if they’re kept outside rather than if they’re brought in on a regular basis. It goes without saying that if the outside temperature is extremely low your dog will let you know by howling or barking. That would be a good time to bring him/her in, otherwise ensure that the doghouse is well equipped to keep your dog warm.

The doghouse should have 4 to 5 inches of fresh hay or straw as bedding. Unlike old blankets which retain moisture, freeze up and become uncomfortable for the dog, the natural bedding readily allows moisture to evaporate and presents itself as a comfortable, warm layer for the dog to lay on. A farmer friend of mine advised me that the natural bedding should be changed frequently; certainly it should never be allowed to smell musty.

It will also make sense to reposition the doghouse, if possible, in a sheltered area away from the wind but exposed to as much sunlight as possible.

With regard to water, it is important all year round. Replace the metal water dish with a dark-colored plastic one that absorbs any heat from the sun and delays freezing. A deeper dish with more water in it will also take longer to freeze than one with a shallower layer of water. If need be, though, replace any ice in the dish with water as often as needed. Failing to do so can bring on dehydration. Sufficient water is important year round.

Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829

[CAT] Urinary Infection

I heard a most distressing bit of news the other day. A friend of mine was telling me that a work associate lost his cat over the holidays. The tomcat that was about 6 years old initially became listless and then lethargic. They thought that a good night’s sleep would cure the problem since the cat was already very quiet.

The next morning they found their cat had died during the night. The owners’ children were upset enough for the father to take the dead cat to their veterinarian.

The short of it is that the cat developed an all-too-common urinary infection that killed him in short order.

The lesson to be learned is that uncommon behavior in our pets, be they cats, dogs, whatever, are a possible sign of needed medical attention. Remember, they can’t tell us what’s wrong; we have to keep an eye on them and then do the responsible thing as loving pet owners.

BTW I counseled the family to go to the Fairfax Animal Shelter and adopt another cat; the children would get over their grief much faster this way.

Ray
Christine’s Pets
703-626-3829

[DOG] Chapstic; it works on dog’s paws

Here’s one that I came across by sheer accident. One of my holiday-walk dogs exhibited some noticeable limping after we’d been out a while. When I checked it out, I saw that one of her paws was cracked and on the brink of bleeding. When I later discussed it with the pet’s owner he was unaware of the problem and we surmised that it might have been road ice stuck between her paw fur that could have irritated her.

In any case, the dog was clearly uncomfortable and she was stopping every few yards to lick her paw. It then occurred to me in a flash of inspiration (which, by the way, I wish would happen more often) that I could use the Chapstic in my pocket to help her out.

At first it was tough getting her to hold still while I was rubbing the lip balm over her pad. But after I’d rubbed it on my finger and then gently applied it to her paw she held still enough for me to put a gob on it.

Naturally it wore off by the time we came back from the walk. Nevertheless, I carefully washed her paws and applied the lip balm on all of them. She laid on her blanket, hopefully long enough to let the balm soak into her paws and not into the carpet.

Here’s the biggest surprise. When I checked her paw the next day it was as if nothing had happened.

I’m keeping an extra Chapstic in my pocket now.

Ray
Christine’s Pets
703-626-3829

[DOG-CAT] … and the holidays are now behind us

It’s been a while since I posted. The year-end holidays beginning with Thanksgiving and ending with New Years had Chris and me busy with special-request dog walks and cat sitting. We’re delighted that we’ve become a viable option to costly pet boarding.

Everyone’s back home taking care of their own pets now and we’ll go through the separation blues of missing them all; we always get those when we leave our charges.

It’s back to our regular customers now.

Ray
Christine' Pets
703-626-3829