My Fetching Fido

• Keep Your Pet Fit and Trim
To help your pet maintain a normal weight(you should be able to feel ribs), measure its food, keep treats to a minimum, and exercise your pet daily.

• Learn to Do Things Yourself
Learn to handle pet grooming at home, from brushing to bathing to nail trims. Learn to brush your pet’s teeth to save money for expensive cleanings at your vet’s.

• Minimize Risk from Accidents
Keep dogs in an enclosed area and always walk them on a leash. Keep cats indoors to prevent injuries and disease.

• Work with Your Vet to Cut Costs
Ask your vet if he/she offers discounts for senior citizens, multiple pets, and promotions such as Dental Health Month.

• Shop Smart for Pets
Buy in bulk. Choose largest bag of food or litter. Split food purchases with a pet-owning friend.

• Trade Goods and Services
You can provide one service such as tax prepartion for another, such as pet sitting or pet supplies.

Date: October 25, 2008
Time: 1:00 – 4:00PM
Place: Humane Society of Sonoma County
Phone: 707 542-0882

Come to this fun, annual event that benefits an important cause. All dogs are welcome on leash. The festivities include a dog costume contest, K9 demos, prizes, bobbing for hot dogs, pet photos, paws painting, pet psychic, wine tasting, and much more. $10 donation per dog.

All proceeds benefit the Humane Society and SPCA of Sonoma County

It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting a bit cooler, and there is something in the air that reminds us of fall. It’s time to start preparing. Though Halloween isn’t really an official holiday, it is a fun-filled time for children and adults alike. Children might already be thinking about what costume to wear. And we also need to be sure our pets are decked out to go trick or treating with us. There is a wide selection of pet costumes to choose from. It’s never too early to begin planning. Trick or Treat!

We need to make sure that our homes and yards are pet friendly. Here are some important tips.

In the Home:
Household environmental toxins can be a major concern to our pets. According to a report from EWG (Environmental Working Group), industrial chemicals show up in our pets at even higher rates than those of the average person. The chemicals most detected are stain and grease proof coatings and flame retardants used in furniture and flooring.
It stands to reason that if our homes are safe for our pets, they will also be safe for humans.
For sofa loving pets, hemp mixed with raw silk or wool are often the best fabrics. Because pets are sensitive to chemicals in products, cat scratch posts made from polyester carpeting or pet beds of polyester batting should be discouraged.

Household Toxins:
• Fabric softener sheets • Ibuprofen • Most cleaners and detergents

In the Garden:
Aside from not using toxic fertilizers and plants in gardens, there are other pet friendly approaches. Create pathways of hardscape along the pathways where your pet naturally walks. Plant durable foliage like grasses that can withstand a dog chasing a ball or toy.

Toxic Plants and Substances:
• Azaleas • Geraniums • Lilies • Mistletoe • Mushrooms • Oleander • Snail & Slug baits • Weed killers • Fertilizers • Cocoa mulch

This informatiion is provided by barkingmart.com

Congratulations, Presley! You’re awesome!

The final portion of the competition consisted of one serious obstacle course, and Presley, the boxer, was perfect. AND THEN his last challenge was to retrieve his toy from under an elephant! Presley was very reluctant, so Travis, Presley’s owner, finally had to lead Presley under the elephant himself, which was worth the $250,000 grand prize right there.
The second place winner, Andrew, had a tougher time on the course, but fearless little Andrew had no problem running under the elephant — twice!

In the end, either Andrew or Presley would have worn the Greatest American Dog title well. In fact, all of the dogs competing from the very start were remarkable.

Andrew would look adorable lounging and relaxing in a soft fleece sweatshirt to celebrate his new-found status.

No matter how much you love your dog, you probably don’t care too much for the way he smells when he comes in from the rain. Previous blog posts have discussed the importance of dog boots to protect delicate paw pads, but dog rain coats are also a consideration, particularly in chilly climates.

Rain gear for your dog will keep her cozy and help prevent her from catching a cold. She might even be excited when you want to dress her in her rain coat and boots since that means she will be going for a walk soon!

Some dogs just have sparkling personalities and need dog collar charms or other dog apparel with sparkling accents. I’d say it was a girl thing, but some boys want to shine, too!

If a collar charm isn’t something your dog would enjoy, maybe that fabulous canine would prefer a flashy outfit to catch the light and show off their sassy walk and talk instead.

Pawcatuck River Labrador Retriever Club
Thursday & Friday
September 18 – 19

North Stonington Agricultural Fairgrounds
Wyassup Road, North Stonington, Connecticut 06359

The Labrador Retriever is medium in size, strong, athletic, and well balanced. They are friendly, outgoing, and possess an extremely sweet personality. There are two types of Labrador: The American, which is tall and lanky, and the English, which is more thick and heavy. This sporting breed is adept at hunting and retrieving. Labrador Retrievers are revered as companions and highly respected for their loving nature. They make excellent family pets.

This information is provided by barkingmart.com

This is an excellent new book about keeping our dogs healthy.

Speaking for Spot was a labor of love for Dr. Nancy Kay, fueled by her passion to teach people how to be effective medical advocates for their four-legged best friends. Gone are the days of simply following doc’s orders-today’s dog lovers are confronted with health-care decision-making on many levels. Perhaps you’ve wondered:

• How do I find a vet that feels just right for me and my dog?
• How will I be able to afford my dog’s health care? Is pet insurance the way to go?
• Does my dog truly need all those vaccines listed on the reminder postcard?
• What are the important questions I should be asking my vet?
• Does my dog really need the surgery or procedure that has been recommended?
• Are there other options I should be considering?
• When is it appropriate to get a second opinion? Where should I go to get one and how can I avoid offending my vet?
• Should I take my dog to see a specialist?
• Should I consider treating my dog’s cancer?
• Am I doing the right thing? Am I doing this for him or for me?
• Is my dog ready to say goodbye? Am I ready to let him go? What are my choices when it comes to the euthanasia process?

If you’ve struggled with these questions, you’ve come to just the right place! Dr. Kay and Speaking for Spot will help you answer all of these questions and many more. With warmth, candor, and humor cultivated over 20-plus years of working with dogs and their human companions Dr. Kay provides an insider’s guide to navigating the potentially overwhelming, confusing, and expensive world of veterinary medicine. The result is everything you need to know in one fabulous, fully illustrated book. Speaking for Spot is the consummate guide on how to be your best friend’s medical advocate!

Check out the Speaking for Spot website for more information.

This information is provided by barkingmart.com