Dog Training, Dog Supplies, and Dog Care

Keep Children and Pets Away from Evamist

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:23:00 +0000

The FDA recently released this important information and I wanted to share that this got posted in order to keep your pets and children safe. Keep in mind that these are reports and we can all heed those warnings in order to be safer for our children and pets. If you do use this drug, watch your pets licking as that can cause a chain reaction and the symptoms listed below.

Doggie Hugs and Kisses;

DivaB

http://www.divab-dogs.com

Evamist: Keep Children and Pets Away

Children and pets should not come in contact with Evamist on the skin. Evamist is a drug for women that is sprayed on the inside of the forearm between the elbow and wrist to reduce hot flashes during menopause.

The Risk

FDA has received reports of side effects in children who were unintentionally exposed to Evamist. Side effects include:

1. nipple swelling and breast development in girls

2. breast enlargement in boys

3. FDA has also received reports of unintentional exposure in pets, which may show signs of mammary/nipple enlargement and vulvar swelling.

Dog Food Recall Notices From FDA

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:12:00 +0000

Below is an FDA list of Dog Food/Pet Food and pet item recalls:

08/13/2010 Merrick Pet Care Recalls Filet Squares & Texas Hold'ems 10oz Bag (Item # 60016 All Lots) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

08/09/2010 FDA: Salmonella risk from frozen rodents fed to reptiles

08/03/2010 Merrick Pet Care Recalls Texas Hold'ems 10 oz Bag (Item # 60016 Lot 10127 Best by May 6 2012) because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

07/30/2010 P&G Expands Voluntary Limited Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to Possible Health Risk

07/28/2010 Evamist Hormone Spray May Cause Illness in Pets

07/27/2010 Mice Direct Recalls Frozen Reptile Feed Because of Possible Health Risk

07/25/2010 P&G Recalls Two Lots of Prescription Renal Diet Cat Food due to a Possible Health Risk

07/15/2010 Feline's Pride Expands Nationwide Recall of its Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination Salmonella

07/02/2010 Merrick Pet Care Recalls Beef Filet Squares for Dogs Treats 10oz Bag (Item #60016 Lot # 10084TL7 Best By March 24, 2012) Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

07/02/2010 United Pet Group Voluntarily Expands Recall of Nutritional Supplements For Dogs to Include Additional Tablet and Powdered-Form Products for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

07/01/2010 Feline's Pride Issues Nationwide Recall of its Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination

06/22/2010 United Pet Group Voluntarily Recalls Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement for Dogs Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

06/18/2010 Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. announces a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food Due to a Possible Health Risk

06/18/2010 Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Kent Feeds Swine Products

06/09/2010 P&G Recalls Specific Canned Cat Foods Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

06/02/2010 Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. Undertakes Limited Recall of Kent Feeds 20 Lamb DQ45 Medicated

04/12/2010 Response Products Voluntarily Recalls Advanced Cetyl M Joint Action Formula for Dogs Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Some Tips To Saving Money On Puppy and Dog Health Care

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:45:00 +0000

Some tips to save money:

Get Hartz pee pads at BigLots (the ones with the blue backing) Wal-marts brand with the white backing says leak proof....but they definitely are not.

You can get your 7 way shots at Tractor Supply, they are given 4 weeks apart and will need 2 more shots. Then it is once a year. Simply under the skin shots, not in the muscle. Very easy to do. Tractor Supply also carries Kennel Cough (this is not a shot and goes in the nose) I can not stress enough how important it is to vaccinate. I always prefer people to get their puppy checked out by a vet first, and then if you need to save some money here and there, these are great ideas to implement.

You can also get your shots at Pet Smart. Call your local Pet Smart and find out the dates or what store closest to you gives the shots. I believe they will also do rabies which is one that you can not do your self as of yet.

Here in our county we have a mobile unit called Rascal that fixes dogs and also adds micro chips, if you choose to have one installed (I recommend it). Call your local pound and/or your animal shelter to find out about a mobile unit near you. Many Countys offer this and it is at a very reasonable price and the crew that works them are very professional and polite.

You can get your wormer at Walmart. It is Hartz pyrantel palomate. Make sure you are getting the one for the correct size puppy. Our walmart does not carry the pill form, so we use the liquid, your Walmart may carry the pill form. It is always best to under estimate the weight when giving any kind of medication if you are unable to weight your pup or dog yourself; I reccommend you finding a way to weight them though. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Unless you choose to use natural remedies for flea and tick control or over the counter items, it is usually prescription by a vet. Fleas and ticks are terrible this year. We use Revolution which is a prescription form and it also covers against heart worm (which the wal-mart wormer does not do) and it is water proof.

As you can see, you have to have a vet, just as we have to have doctors; however there are some things that you can take care of yourself, just as we do with ourselves. Always stay up to date with vaccinations, just as you would a child. And when your pup is old enough, be sure to implement good flea and tick control....after all, you wouldn't let your child run around with lice!

Doggie Hugs & Kisses;

DivaB

http://www.divab-dogs.com

What is a Party Poodle

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:36:00 +0000

The question people have been asking a lot lately is: What is a party poodle? Well, lets talk about that. Some breeders will give different definitions to what a party poodle is. Some will tell you that any poodle with more than one color is a party poodle and that is not necessarly true. Some will even have you believe that, for example, an apricot poodle with a white blaze is a party poodle. That is not true, it is just what it is, an apricot poodle with a white blaze.

A true party poodle is one with two different colors that are marked evenly on the body and face, it is 50/50. They can come in many colors such as apricot and white, black and white, blue and white and so on....but the markings are 50/50, well marked, and evenly beautiful.

A poodle that has two different prominent colors that are not 50/50 and evenly marked from one side to the other is actually an "abstract party poodle". An example would be a black patch on one side of the poodles body, but not on the other side. Or a patch of color on one side of a poodles face and legs, but not on the other side. (are you picturing the difference now). An abstract party poodle does not have the evenly marked, 50/50 beautiful colors.

I hope I have solved, or at least made this great question clearer for my readers.

Doggie Hugs and Kisses;

DivaB

How To Build Your Own Dog Agility Course

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:07:00 +0000

I am looking for some ideas on How to build my own, affordable agility course. Please share your ideas on the different elements of the agility course and how others can build their own without the major expenses involved in purchasing the dog agility equipment.

Here are a couple of quick and cheap things:

Pause Ring: A hoola hoop from the dollar store

Pause Table: Our dogs are all very small, so we just just a wood foot stool.

Childrens skate board cones: you can get these some times in a package in Targets dollar day area. They are great to use for many things such as marking out the course, using as boundries, and so on.

Jump in and share your ideas!

Doggie Hugs and Kisses;

DivaB

http://www.divab-dogs.com

Is The Swifter Dangerous To Dogs?

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:05:00 +0000

It is a common rumor that the Swifters are dangerous to dogs when using the Wet Jet or Pre-wetted Wet Jet towlettes to clean your floors. I, myself have heard this rumor over and over again. Contrary to that believe, and thankfully, they are not true what so ever. As a matter of fact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that Swiffer products are safe to use around dogs and other pets when used as directed. Oh yea, ye'mighty Wet Jet God and of course the ASPCA, we can't forget them.

Of course, with common sense you should allow your floors to dry before letting your dog walk accross it. I suppose I needed to mention that before someone contacts me because their dog's pads got irritated due to me giving them the okay to Wet Jet away. With some, common sense is not always common.

Of course steam cleaning your floors is always best with pets, and even small children, but it is nice to be able to squilch this rumor regarding the Wet Jet when it comes to dogs and cats. As most of you know, we have pets in abundance here, and our dogs make up the majority, so I've always used the Wet Jet due to the simple fact that the floors need cleaned a lot and it is more convienient. I personally do not want to deal with a steam floor cleaner, or a mop and bucket every single day...and sometimes more than once a day due to rain and mud.

Doggie Hugs and Kisses;

DivaB

http://www.divab-dogs.com

Get Your Dog Tags and Update Shots!

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:27:00 +0000

It's a short one today:

Well, its another year. Make sure you have gotten your new tags for your dogs!! This is a yearly thing, that you as a responsible dog owner needs to take care of. Also, while on the subject of being a responsible dog owner, now is a good time to check your dog's shot records and plan your yearly shot updates. I can not stress enough the importance to maintaining up to date records. I personally do not want my dogs around someone else's dog who has not been kept up to date on their shots. Please, please take care of these important items every single year.

Doggie hugs and kisses;

Diva B

http://www.divab-dogs.com

Can Women Pee Standing Up? Try Go Girl!

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:15:00 +0000

How is that title for a blog? Did that get your attention? Let'sstart with the questions as to "what is a Go Girl"? It is anF.U.D, also know as a female urination device. Point blank, itallows women to pee standing up, a very liberating, yet strange feeling becausewe are not used to doing such a feat.

Yes, I got one of these. At first I was real hesitant, but now I seethe endless possibilities.

I do not get any kick backs from the Go Girl site, or the product. Itis just an easy product for us women to be able to use in our travels and Ifelt like sharing. To find out more please visit their site at http://www.go-girl.com/

Trust me, if you open your mind just a little bit, and realize howliberating it is, you will learn to appreciate this product as much as I do.

Once you have tried Go-Girl, give them some feedback. If theypublish your story you will get a free t-shirt and another Go-Girl for yourtravel needs. (I keep one in my glove box of my car...you just never knowwhen you'll need it!) They published my feedback 2 weeks ago, so now I amofficial so to speak. Yes, it is funny to think about, but now I don'tworry about camping, traveling, hiking, boating, or even those scaryport-a-pots! With so many knee surgeries, my squatting and hovering daysare over, so this is a God send to me.

Doggie Hugs and Kisses;

DivaB

http://www.divab-dogs.com

AKC Now Welcomes Mixed Breed Dogs

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Hooray! AKC's Canine Partners is now open for business! This is very exciting news to many dog owners. It used to be that you could not enter your dog into any of the AKC competitions if they were not AKC registered. This also shut the door on many people who had CKC registered dogs from competing in the AKC arenas. Now, with the AKC Canine Partners program, all dogs that have the ability to compete in agility, obedience, and Rally competitions will have that opportunity.

I personally feel that this is a very positive and solid move for AKC to take. There will still be separation, but that is justifiably the right thing to do. However; with this new program it will allow for all dogs and dog owners to have a chance to make their mark. It will make for better, more exciting, dog competitions in the dog world.

If you are interested in signing up, go to http://www.akc.org/mixedbreeds/ In addition to event eligibility, owners enrolling in AKC Canine Partners will receive lifetime enrollment in the AKC CAR Lost and Foundrecovery service, a one-year subscription to AKC FAMILY DOG, an AKC Canine Partners decal and a frame-able certificate of recognition!

Currently the price to enroll your dog into the AKC Canine Partners program is only $35 for a lifetime membership. A very reasonable price, with many benefits that you and your dog will enjoy. I hope you will take advantage of this new program.

Doggie Hugs & Kisses;

DivaB

http://www.divab-dogs.com

All Dogs and Cats Must Have Microchips

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:47:00 +0000

In Elk Grove, Ca, as of September 23, 2009 all dogs and cats must have microchips in order to get their licences, and of course all dogs and cats must have a license or the owner gets fined.

This part of the new ordinance I can agree with. The cost is approximately $25 to get pets micro-chipped, and they do ask that you contact them if there is any kind of hardship with that cost. So, it appears to me as though financial issues should not be a problem. I also understand that many people feel that if you can't afford the $25 microchip, then you can't afford a pet.

There are so many lost pets that "escape" their yards that end up back home do to these microchips. This is both great for the owner and the pet and nothing but a benefit. Even most of your vet hospitals that have an animal brought in, will immediately check for a microchip. This doesn't only come in handy for lost pets, but for stolen pets too. It is a great way to be able to prove that your neighbor has stolen your pet....trust me on this one. I know from experience.

The ordinance goes on to say that all dogs and cats that are under the age of 8 weeks must be seen by a vet before sale. I definitely agree with this. We always take our pups to have a "well puppy check-up" before going to their new home. There are so many reasons that this portion of the ordinance is so important to have. First off, it would stop some people and stores from selling ill pets, this would be a big help to buyers. Secondly, it would also help to protect the sellers from any buyers who are not responsible pet owners.

Now we get to the part of the ordinance that makes me uneasy. It states that any dogs or cats being placed in ads for sale must have their license number printed also. Right now I can't put it into words exactly why that makes me uneasy, but it just does. I feel that this can bring about many problems and perhaps dishonest individuals making claims that they shouldn't. I personally don't want my "litter" registration number printed in a public anything. That number is personal, and between me and the new owner...once they have signed their contract. I guess I'm looking at it a bit like a social security number, something that shouldn't be just out there in papers. Now, I know that is maybe reaching far, by comparing it to a social security number, but that is the closest thing I can come up with right now. Call it intuition, and I've learned time and time again that my intuition is always, and sometimes regretfully right.

That is all I have to say about this. Just as with any ordinance, there are some good, bad, and ugly that has to be worked out. Let me know your opinions on any of this.

Doggie Hugs and Kisses;

DivaB

http://www.divab-dogs.com