Healthy Pets

Arwen · 11-12-2009, 11:10 AM

Let's share things that keep our feathered, furred, finned, scaled and shelled friends healthy.

Got recipes?
Got questions?

I'm not a vet and I don't play one on TV either, but I am an animal lover. Let's talk about what keeps our companion animals healthy!

Arwen · 11-12-2009, 11:12 AM

From Banfield's newsletter:

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a statement confirming that a cat in Iowa tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Iowa state officials confirmed that this is the first time a cat has been diagnosed with a strain of influenza.

The cat, which is recovering, is believed to have contracted the virus from a human in the household who had H1N1. There are no indications that the cat passed the virus on to any other Pets or to other people. Prior to this diagnosis, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets. The virus was confirmed in two ferrets in Nebraska and one in Oregon. There have been no reports of infection in dogs.

As with humans, supportive care is the only treatment available for Pets with this virus. However, if your Pet has a fever, cough/sneeze and nasal discharge and someone in your household has had an influenza-like illness the week prior to the illness of your Pet, you should contact your local Banfield veterinarian.

So this really surprised me. I didn't realize H1N1 had been found in birds and ferrets either.

Bit · 11-13-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arwen

So this really surprised me. I didn't realize H1N1 had been found in birds and ferrets either.

They call it H1N1 because it is a mutant combination of Swine Flu and Bird Flu, so yes, birds can get it.

I didn't know about ferrets and cats getting it, though.

Thank you for the thread, Arwen!

Arwen · 11-13-2009, 12:16 PM

My niece makes dog cookies. She shared some with the Del Valle dogs who LOVED them. Here is her recipe.

A*'s Dog Cookies

Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease cookie sheet.

Combine:
2 C flour
1 T baking powder
Set aside.

Slowly pour 1 Cup milk into 1 Cup Peanut Butter (Crunchy or Smooth – your dog’s choice). Mix until smooth

Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until all ingredients are mixed together. Form into a ball and then knead on a LIGHTLY floured surface for a few minutes. Flatten (or roll) out to about ½ inch thickness and cut with cookie cutter (A* uses a tree shaped cookie cutter, but you can use whatever you have on hand).

Place on lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Store in an airtight container

I think I might be inclined to use a different liquid for the mixing. I'll have to experiment.

Bit · 11-13-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arwen

I think I might be inclined to use a different liquid for the mixing. I'll have to experiment.

Chicken broth!

Thank you for the recipe; I'll have to try these for Lady after I get my oven fixed.

jfreas · 11-19-2009, 07:46 AM

This is an interesting link- Grade your dog food.

http://zenathepug.blogspot.com/2009/...food-rate.html

Arwen · 11-12-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackhammer

Oh NO

I was just looking at our baby (Sister Amazing Gracie Fabulosa) the other day and wondering if this H1N1 crud could be passed to her.

Not good.

Right now it has not been found in dogs but I'd certainly be cautious.

Darth Denkay · 11-12-2009, 10:22 PM

Great thread! I imagine I'll be hanging out here quite a bit, figuring out what to do with 4 cats and a dog...

blackboot · 11-12-2009, 10:41 PM

I used to own a grooming salon and also sold product. I always cautioned dog owners about the choking danger of solid (not shredded and compressed) rawhide bones with the knots on each end. Those knots easily slide down a dogs' throat and can become lodged. A piece of rawhide can also cause intestinal blockage. I refused to sell these products in my shop. Another common danger is using a choke chain in place of a collar or leaving the choke on unattended.

Arwen · 11-13-2009, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackboot

I used to own a grooming salon and also sold product. I always cautioned dog owners about the choking danger of solid (not shredded and compressed) rawhide bones with the knots on each end. Those knots easily slide down a dogs' throat and can become lodged. A piece of rawhide can also cause intestinal blockage. I refused to sell these products in my shop. Another common danger is using a choke chain in place of a collar or leaving the choke on unattended.

Nod. Choke chains are dangerous. I also owned a grooming salon (I think we talked about this once) but I did not sell product.

One of my clients died from a cow hoof treat. Beautiful Husky.

Best bet with any big chewy treat is to watch your pet. I know it's an easy thing to give them a chew while you are gone, but the things that could happen are myriad. And many of them are fatal.

Hate to be a drag, but better that then losing your pet.

Bohemian Rhapsody · 03-28-2010, 08:43 PM

I saw in a few earlier posts that someone had mentioned rawhides as being dangerous. I found out the hard way that rope toys are also not the best toys. My miniature daschund, Brutus used to play with them until 4 weeks ago when he had to have emergency surgery to remove the strings from his esophagus and stomach. The strings has lacerated his stomach and throat causing internal bleeding. Scary to say the least. The Vet told me that the only toy she recommends at all are Nylabone products which are made of materials that break into small enough pieces to be swallowed and digested without problems. They are also made of something that is non toxic if it does get swallowed. So thats my take on toy safety. Better safe than sorry.

SuperFemme · 03-28-2010, 08:53 PM

It's Boo-Boo the MinPin's birthday today. Oh, and my preggo daughter turns 24. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...&id=1392406251

AtLast · 03-28-2010, 10:05 PM

Another danger to look out for if you a dog that loves to chase and retrieve balls- make sure you use the right size. Small balls are a choking hazard for larger breeds. Especially if they are rubber/plastic and get slippery. You really do not want to see what its like to lose a dog to choking!

Also, the tennis balls made for dogs break apart easily and can be ingested in pieces that can cause a blockage. My Frenchie ate a piece of a tennis ball at the park when he was a pup and ended up having emergency blockage surgery. I pick up and throw away tennis ball pieces all the time! What went down easily (and before I coiuld get it) expanded internally. Actually, tennis balls are bad for dog's teeth, they wear them down.

OK. anyone use the joint supplements for cats? I see I can get some via Drs. foster & Smith for my 14 year old cat. Wondering if he'll actually eat it!?

Soft*Silver · 03-29-2010, 06:33 PM

I buy my dog stuffed animals all the time at garage sales. In fact, she has inherited all of mine and my daughter's collections of web kinz. No more.I am sorting through her stuff as I pack it. She is only allowed to keep the things manufactured specifically for dogs. Why? Read this....

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/stuffedtoys.asp

Blade · 03-29-2010, 07:16 PM

Puppies are susceptible to Parvo and Corona virus. They have maternal antibodies they get from the colostrum (first mothers milk) that protect them from birth until they can form their own antibodies via puppy shots.

Parvo is yes STINKY. It is a smell you will never forget once you smell it. Another thing you will never forget is the look of death. They get so dehydrated that their eyes look to have sunk into the sockets. If you see this likely the pup will be dead in 12-24 hrs. Parvo is well I call it violent. It has violent diarrhea, violent vomiting. Typically you treat the symptoms. Don't force feed or water on the pup, some people do force Gatorade but I don't force anything. Treatment doesn't have to cost a fortune. Ask the vet for something for diarrhea, something for vomiting and a IV bag and line and a few needles. You can IV the pup yourself. Also you can use over the counter stuff for the other symptoms. Rule of thumb, if the pup won't eat or drink offer it raw chicken liver, raw egg or cheese not a lot just a taste if he wont eat after about 3-5 days he's probably gonna die. Though I have seen them come back after 5 days. Also shoot 'em up with B12.

Corona virus is not as violent as Parvo and has a much lower death rate. But you have to be able to recognize which it is, but you treat the symptoms the same. Typically it doesn't last as long either.

Someone mentioned Coccidia. Coccidia is a one celled intestinal parasite. Many believe that most dogs are carriers. I don't know about that, I'm not a scientist.
I do know that you can check on a litter of puppies and go back out in the evening to check on them and they are dead. I treat the bitch for Coccidia and worm her as quick as the last puppy hits the ground. Coccidia can also become active due to stress in puppies. I use to always send my puppies to their new homes with a run of Albon.

Best advice I have is as I use to tell new owners. When you take him home leave him there. The next day the vet is open take him there and have him checked out. I always gave a 10 day health guarantee but only if they had taken it to the vet. Back then it was said that Parvo had a 3 to 10 day gestation period. I figured if the pup got sick in 10 days I should honor that.

For some reason people want to take their new puppy around everywhere. Showing him off and everyone in the world hold him. Remember he's a baby and will get sore from being held and passed around.

AtLast · 03-30-2010, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by softness

I buy my dog stuffed animals all the time at garage sales. In fact, she has inherited all of mine and my daughter's collections of web kinz. No more.I am sorting through her stuff as I pack it. She is only allowed to keep the things manufactured specifically for dogs. Why? Read this....

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/stuffedtoys.asp

Smart move!

My dog ate part of a stuffed animal while I was visiting a friend- very dangerous dog and cat toys strewn all over. He ended up with a bacterial infection in his gut and did not pass the stuff for nearly a week. Finally, he threw it up- never did travel down the other way! Lucky he didn't get blocked and need surgery .. again!

Now, when I take him to someone else's house, I ask about pet toys that might be there beforehand. If it isn't a safe environment for him, he doesn't get to go.

I never give him rawhide or even Greenie type chew things (they can expand in the gut). Manufacturers even for pet toys/chews don't really make safe toys/products... they make things that people want to buy!

I'm very careful about toys and chew toys.

11-12-2009, 11:10 AM	#1
Arwen Joy Seeker How Do You Identify?: Smartly-Flavored Preferred Pronoun?: Goddess Relationship Status: Mrs. Syzygy 1/9/14 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Joyville, NM (aka Land of Enchantment) Posts: 10,140 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,636 Thanked 28,123 Times in 6,414 Posts Rep Power: 21474862	Healthy Pets Let's share things that keep our feathered, furred, finned, scaled and shelled friends healthy. Got recipes? Got questions? I'm not a vet and I don't play one on TV either, but I am an animal lover. Let's talk about what keeps our companion animals healthy! __________________ I wrote a book, y'all! *FREE* Tarotscopes Seek Joy, y'all. Eschew hate. 9Words: A Poetry Challenge \| Do you like me?

11-12-2009, 11:12 AM	#2
Arwen Joy Seeker How Do You Identify?: Smartly-Flavored Preferred Pronoun?: Goddess Relationship Status: Mrs. Syzygy 1/9/14 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Joyville, NM (aka Land of Enchantment) Posts: 10,140 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,636 Thanked 28,123 Times in 6,414 Posts Rep Power: 21474862	CONFIRMED: Cat with H1N1 From Banfield's newsletter: On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a statement confirming that a cat in Iowa tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Iowa state officials confirmed that this is the first time a cat has been diagnosed with a strain of influenza. The cat, which is recovering, is believed to have contracted the virus from a human in the household who had H1N1. There are no indications that the cat passed the virus on to any other Pets or to other people. Prior to this diagnosis, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets. The virus was confirmed in two ferrets in Nebraska and one in Oregon. There have been no reports of infection in dogs. As with humans, supportive care is the only treatment available for Pets with this virus. However, if your Pet has a fever, cough/sneeze and nasal discharge and someone in your household has had an influenza-like illness the week prior to the illness of your Pet, you should contact your local Banfield veterinarian. So this really surprised me. I didn't realize H1N1 had been found in birds and ferrets either. __________________ I wrote a book, y'all! *FREE* Tarotscopes Seek Joy, y'all. Eschew hate. 9Words: A Poetry Challenge \| Do you like me?

11-13-2009, 12:16 PM	#4
Arwen Joy Seeker How Do You Identify?: Smartly-Flavored Preferred Pronoun?: Goddess Relationship Status: Mrs. Syzygy 1/9/14 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Joyville, NM (aka Land of Enchantment) Posts: 10,140 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,636 Thanked 28,123 Times in 6,414 Posts Rep Power: 21474862	My niece makes dog cookies. She shared some with the Del Valle dogs who LOVED them. Here is her recipe. A's Dog Cookies Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. Combine: 2 C flour 1 T baking powder Set aside. Slowly pour 1 Cup milk into 1 Cup Peanut Butter (Crunchy or Smooth – your dog’s choice). Mix until smooth Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until all ingredients are mixed together. Form into a ball and then knead on a LIGHTLY floured surface for a few minutes. Flatten (or roll) out to about ½ inch thickness and cut with cookie cutter (A uses a tree shaped cookie cutter, but you can use whatever you have on hand). Place on lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Store in an airtight container I think I might be inclined to use a different liquid for the mixing. I'll have to experiment. __________________ I wrote a book, y'all! *FREE* Tarotscopes Seek Joy, y'all. Eschew hate. 9Words: A Poetry Challenge \| Do you like me?

11-19-2009, 07:46 AM	#6
jfreas Junior Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Irondequoit, NY Posts: 1 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	Grade your dog food! This is an interesting link- Grade your dog food. http://zenathepug.blogspot.com/2009/...food-rate.html

11-12-2009, 10:22 PM	#8
Darth Denkay Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Preferred Pronoun?: I'm good with whatever Relationship Status: in love and loved Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tennessee (Memphis, from Chattanooga) Posts: 315 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 456 Thanked 463 Times in 150 Posts Rep Power: 891935	Great thread! I imagine I'll be hanging out here quite a bit, figuring out what to do with 4 cats and a dog... __________________ Darth

11-12-2009, 10:41 PM	#9
blackboot Member How Do You Identify?: TransgenderMasculineQueer Preferred Pronoun?: H with a y Relationship Status: fluxing the solder. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 484 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,964 Thanked 835 Times in 184 Posts Rep Power: 7482394	I used to own a grooming salon and also sold product. I always cautioned dog owners about the choking danger of solid (not shredded and compressed) rawhide bones with the knots on each end. Those knots easily slide down a dogs' throat and can become lodged. A piece of rawhide can also cause intestinal blockage. I refused to sell these products in my shop. Another common danger is using a choke chain in place of a collar or leaving the choke on unattended.

03-28-2010, 08:43 PM	#11
Bohemian Rhapsody Junior Member How Do You Identify?: Stone femme Preferred Pronoun?: she,her,princess Relationship Status: possibly disillusioned, too stubborn to quit Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 83 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 188 Thanked 440 Times in 47 Posts Rep Power: 1022441	Dog Toy Dangers I saw in a few earlier posts that someone had mentioned rawhides as being dangerous. I found out the hard way that rope toys are also not the best toys. My miniature daschund, Brutus used to play with them until 4 weeks ago when he had to have emergency surgery to remove the strings from his esophagus and stomach. The strings has lacerated his stomach and throat causing internal bleeding. Scary to say the least. The Vet told me that the only toy she recommends at all are Nylabone products which are made of materials that break into small enough pieces to be swallowed and digested without problems. They are also made of something that is non toxic if it does get swallowed. So thats my take on toy safety. Better safe than sorry. __________________ *I dont want a Knight in shining armor, I want a Rocker in Dickies with Tattoos* http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...edamnworld.gif http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...59/biscuit.gifGramma's lil biscuit, Aurora Rose

03-28-2010, 08:53 PM	#12
SuperFemme Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Permanently Banned 10/24/2010 Preferred Pronoun?: She. Relationship Status: Married (one of 18,000) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 4,933 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,309 Thanked 7,108 Times in 2,327 Posts Rep Power: 0	It's Boo-Boo the MinPin's birthday today. Oh, and my preggo daughter turns 24. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...&id=1392406251

03-28-2010, 10:05 PM	#13
AtLast Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Woman Preferred Pronoun?: HER - SHE Relationship Status: Relating Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CA & AZ I'm a Snowbird Posts: 5,408 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,826 Thanked 10,826 Times in 3,199 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Another danger to look out for if you a dog that loves to chase and retrieve balls- make sure you use the right size. Small balls are a choking hazard for larger breeds. Especially if they are rubber/plastic and get slippery. You really do not want to see what its like to lose a dog to choking! Also, the tennis balls made for dogs break apart easily and can be ingested in pieces that can cause a blockage. My Frenchie ate a piece of a tennis ball at the park when he was a pup and ended up having emergency blockage surgery. I pick up and throw away tennis ball pieces all the time! What went down easily (and before I coiuld get it) expanded internally. Actually, tennis balls are bad for dog's teeth, they wear them down. OK. anyone use the joint supplements for cats? I see I can get some via Drs. foster & Smith for my 14 year old cat. Wondering if he'll actually eat it!?

03-29-2010, 06:33 PM	#14
SoftSilver Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: rose cottage Posts: 5,592 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 8,948 Thanked 15,911 Times in 4,062 Posts Rep Power*: 21474857	I buy my dog stuffed animals all the time at garage sales. In fact, she has inherited all of mine and my daughter's collections of web kinz. No more.I am sorting through her stuff as I pack it. She is only allowed to keep the things manufactured specifically for dogs. Why? Read this.... http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/stuffedtoys.asp __________________ Pole bachit, a lis chuye. The field sees, the forest hears

03-29-2010, 07:16 PM	#15
Blade Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: TG Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: once in a while someone amazing comes along...and here I am! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Down on the farm Posts: 5,501 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,855 Thanked 14,417 Times in 4,058 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Puppies are susceptible to Parvo and Corona virus. They have maternal antibodies they get from the colostrum (first mothers milk) that protect them from birth until they can form their own antibodies via puppy shots. Parvo is yes STINKY. It is a smell you will never forget once you smell it. Another thing you will never forget is the look of death. They get so dehydrated that their eyes look to have sunk into the sockets. If you see this likely the pup will be dead in 12-24 hrs. Parvo is well I call it violent. It has violent diarrhea, violent vomiting. Typically you treat the symptoms. Don't force feed or water on the pup, some people do force Gatorade but I don't force anything. Treatment doesn't have to cost a fortune. Ask the vet for something for diarrhea, something for vomiting and a IV bag and line and a few needles. You can IV the pup yourself. Also you can use over the counter stuff for the other symptoms. Rule of thumb, if the pup won't eat or drink offer it raw chicken liver, raw egg or cheese not a lot just a taste if he wont eat after about 3-5 days he's probably gonna die. Though I have seen them come back after 5 days. Also shoot 'em up with B12. Corona virus is not as violent as Parvo and has a much lower death rate. But you have to be able to recognize which it is, but you treat the symptoms the same. Typically it doesn't last as long either. Someone mentioned Coccidia. Coccidia is a one celled intestinal parasite. Many believe that most dogs are carriers. I don't know about that, I'm not a scientist. I do know that you can check on a litter of puppies and go back out in the evening to check on them and they are dead. I treat the bitch for Coccidia and worm her as quick as the last puppy hits the ground. Coccidia can also become active due to stress in puppies. I use to always send my puppies to their new homes with a run of Albon. Best advice I have is as I use to tell new owners. When you take him home leave him there. The next day the vet is open take him there and have him checked out. I always gave a 10 day health guarantee but only if they had taken it to the vet. Back then it was said that Parvo had a 3 to 10 day gestation period. I figured if the pup got sick in 10 days I should honor that. For some reason people want to take their new puppy around everywhere. Showing him off and everyone in the world hold him. Remember he's a baby and will get sore from being held and passed around.