Barks to Bytes: Tell Me How You Really Feel
Posted on January 17, 2008
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Cacophony of Canines? Not so says recent research out of Hungary, where researchers analyzed over 6000 barks from 14 different Hungarian Sheepdogs. Read more here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080116/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_hungary_dog_1. We have bigger questions to answer.
As any dog owner worth their salt knows, we already know our mutts basic emotions - and when they communicate them to us. In addition, we’re talking a small cross section of pooches here: 6000 barks and yelps amongst 14 dogs? What did that take them - all of one day to amass that critical data? We just get worked up with all the buzz surrounding this one. Aside from all that, research shows us the computer judged the dog’s emotions correctly, 43% of the time. Human beings judged the emotions correct 40% of the time. We’re talking about 3% here…in a group of 6000 barks, from 14 dogs…of one breed.
Again, not the kind of science we would go all Jetsons about, but certainly entertaining. There may definitely be a market for some kind of dog-human communication decoder thingamajig in the future, but then again…do we really need pet owners who rely on a computer program to tell them how their pet is feeling?
Even Astro didn’t need that.
America’s Ten Most Popular Dog Breeds
Posted on January 17, 2008
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Our cars are getting bigger, and our dogs are getting smaller. Recent research suggests that Americans are moving more toward the toy breeds when considering dog adoption. Now we hope this uptick in smaller breeds popularity is due in large part to a better educated dog-loving public, and proper recognition for the individual breed. In large part, the owners and breeders themselves are responsible for this groundswell of interest. What we hope isn’t responsible for the surge in interest; Our increasing desire to make things more portable! Leave pick up and go to incredibly small iPods and increasingly larger coffee troughs, not Malties and Teacups. Yorkies and Brusselranians need just as much care and love as some of our less vertically challenged canine companions. Sometime a lot more!
Don’t take our word for it, according to the AKC (American Kennel Club):
THE PETITE POOCH
• The popularity of small dogs (under 20 lbs) has steadily risen over the past decade. Some of the biggest movers include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: 735% increase
French Bulldogs: 305% increase
Brussels Griffon: 231% increase
Papillons: 132% increase
Chinese Cresteds: 100% increase
• Of the breeds that have seen the highest decrease in registrations during the past decade, larger dogs are affected the most:
Rottweilers: 83% decrease
Dalmatians: 97% decrease
Chow Chows: 91% decrease
Back to good ol’ Muttspace science…Don’t consider “all the rave in
2007: Ten Most Popular Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Golden Retrievers
4. German Shepherds
5. Dachshunds
6. Beagle
7. Poodle
8.
9. Boxer
10. Shih Tzu
Hollywood Hounds: Top 10 Celebrity Mutts
Posted on January 17, 2008
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No we’re not talking Britney Spears and her incredibly neglected, anxiety-ridden, pharmaceutically addicted
We’re showcasing the real celebrity mutts!! Albeit, nary a Hound or Mutt in this regal lot.
1. Numero Uno, Top Dog, Leader of the Pack…whatever tag you wanna throw at this pooch, he’s fine with it. Won’t change him a bit. The gifted hund in question, you ask? None other than Rin Tin Tin. Sure some may say Lassie, or Benji, but this gracious German has everything in ordung. He started first (1922), and blazed the trail for all other canine performers to come.
2. Lassie – gotta be. Aside from the Gentle German previously mentioned, Lassie is a lasting American icon. Maybe even more so than Rin Tin Tin, we just had to give it up to Tin for making his way out of war torn
3. Although this next choice in our incredibly accurate, entirely important compilation of cinematic canines is not necessarily “real”, he is most certainly one of the world’s most beloved Beagles. Charles Shultz first penned the Black and White Bombardier back in 1950 with the first run of the Peanuts comic strip. Snoopy is arguably the most successful mutt on this list. With theme parks, current running comics, tv specials…etc., this pooch rakes in the dough. And remember, he did all this without uttering a single bark. There is a lot to be said for silence…
4. Higgins. That’s right, you read it correctly! Higgins! No, I’m not going to launch into some soliloquy spouting off Magnum P.I. lines. I’m simple honoring the true recipient of our entire movie going praise over the last couple of decades. You see, Higgins was the original Benji. Following Higgins’ original contribution to major motion pictures, much like the Courageous Collie honored above, there were several actual dogs that played the part. Rather than honor the human who created the captivating movie franchise (latest release in 2004!), we choose to pay tribute to the original Tenacious Terrier. Higgins!
5. I can’t believe it either, two Terriers in the top 5. We ain’t in
Top Ten Celebrity Mutts - Part Deaux
Posted on January 4, 2008
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6. This one may surprise some people (if they were actually still reading). We’re not going for cute and cuddly here, more like cantankerous and maniacal. Much like Peter Benchley forever instilled the fear of Jaws in me to this very day, Stephen King reminded us all of the dangers of rabies! Cujo was one mean dog. We can’t blame him for being curious and chasing that rabbit down the hole…..Uh oh….conjuring up too many references …it’ll just sound crazy…..Just count Cujo the rabid St. Bernard number 6 and we’ll move forward.
7. What would a top ten list be without Disney? They probably own the damn concept. And we’ll be hearing from their lawyers soon. For dog’s sake we’re launching Goofy, Disney’s all time pooch, in at number 7. We may have misspoke before (don’t worry, we’ll do it again) when mentioning Snoopy as the all time breadwinner. Goofy probably has everyone there. Including most small countries around the world. Yep, this classic, buck-toothed grinnin’ hound may very well be the most profitable canine in the word. Ever. Still. But don’t forget the behind the music type events of yore: click here for the sordid Mickey/Minnie divorce transcripts: http://www.wocka.com/joke.php?id=5427 (yes, it is a dirty joke).
8. We really wanted to put this guy up there a little bit higher but just couldn’t find the correct forum to honor such a hero. There were even rumblings of top dog honors being throw about. Maybe he deserves his own article….more on that later – perhaps, The Psychology of Old Yellar. Yes, that’ll do. Oops, OK, you’re still here reading this inane drivel. Old Yellar is the glorious Yellow Lab Mutt we are pinning number 8 on our top dog list. Wait, uh oh – turns out the Yeller one was another D I S N E Y creation! Another article indeed…
9. Throwin’ two prize pooches at you here, and no way are they number 9 on any list! In fact, these two are tops in the minds of yours truly. A little obscure, yes. A wee bit presumptuous, only for the uninitiated. Flash and Fred are two Basset Hounds that will go down in television and movie making history. If for not their stellar acting, and commanding on screen presence, then at least for their garish personalities. We can go on for pages and pages describing the dialogue and plot lines in great detail; I’ll save you that and give you the fine works these two beautiful Bassets were most noted for: Dukes of Hazzard (tv) and Smokey and the Bandit (movie), respectively. Flash played an affable, if not somewhat aloof Southern Basset Hound in the Dukes of Hazzard television series of the early ‘80s. Fred, in many circles considered the fore father of Southern Basset Hound, was an integral part of Burt Reynolds’s convoy kicking, law breaking squad, in the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy (ok, he was in one). These two prize Dixieland Hounds definitely played it to the bone!
10. Last, certainly not least. Much like Disney talking dollars and cents, this dog is singularly responsible for my binge drinking as a teenager. You guessed it, none other than the man himself – oops, I mean the lady – Spuds Mackenzie! Yes, Spuds was female. The original party dog was actually played by a champion Bull Terrier out of the
This bitch knew how to party!
Our Money is Going to the Dogs
Posted on December 6, 2007
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Who gets more of our money, our kids or our pets?
To the ones we love, it’s never a question of how much. We want to give the best life possible to our kids, as well as our pets. Although, sometimes we must admit to wanting to trade both of them in for some new ones! Not only is America becoming more pet-friendly, we are also droppin’ some serious coin on our pet population. In light of some recent news out of the biz world, we at Muttspace felt compelled to highlight and share some interesting data. None of which is our own mind you – we leave that up to the experts. What’s great is through some simple research, we’ve learned that Americans spend more on their pets than they do their children’s toys! That includes video games….
Don’t take our word for it, match the data below with this (http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=3887) from the Toy Industry Association (TIA).
We love it! We spoil them, buy them clothes, jewelery, holiday gifts, designer accessories, anything to show them our love, they are our Pooch Nation. Now you’re not gonna catch The Brigadier sportin’ any bling, but we’re not haters either. If Ms. Grand Champion Fefe Francesca’s Fiery Fiefdom Toy Poodle wants a diamond studded Tiffany necklace, then so be it – let them eat cake!
According to American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (AAPMA):
Total U.S. Pet Industry Expenditures
Year Billion
2007 $40.8 Est.
2006 $38.5
2005 $36.3
2004 $34.4
2003 $32.4
2002 $29.5
2001 $28.5
1998 $23
1996 $21
1994 $17
Estimated 2007 Sales within the U.S. Market
For 2007, it estimated that $40.8 billion will be spent on our pets in U.S.
Food: $16.1billion
Vet Care: $9.8billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine: $9.9 billion
Live animal purchases: $2.1 billion
Pet Services: grooming & boarding: $2.9 billion
Actual Sales within the U.S. Market in 2006
In 2006, $38.5 billion was spent on our pets in the U.S.
Food: $15.4 billion
Vet Care: $9.2 billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine: $9.3 billion
Live animal purchases: $1.9 billion
Pet Services: grooming & boarding: $2.7 billion
* Unless otherwise stated, spending statistics are gathered by APPMA from various market reseach sources and are not included in the organization’s bi-annual National Pet Owners Survey.
• According to the 2007-2008 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey, basic annual expenses for dog and cat owners in dollars include:
Dogs Cats
Surgical Vet Visits 453 363
Food 217 188
Kennel Boarding 225 149
Routine Vet 219 175
Groomer/Grooming Aids 127 18
Vitamins 77 31
Treats 66 40
Toys 41 26
**Note: APPMA does not ask Survey Participants how much in total they spend on their dog or cats annually. The expenses listed above are not all inclusive and each category was asked separately of the survey participant.
What Should I Feed My Dog?
Posted on December 5, 2007
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Simple question, lots of choices. What we’re going to do here is simply highlight what we have found to be the healthiest dog food options for your pet. Much light has been shed on the pet food industry of late, thanks in large part to a recent scare involving contaminated pet food coming out of China. Rice gluten, wheat gluten, communist dog food production – a serious international incident affecting not only the canine world, but the entire population of the planet. Your dog’s food is the number one responsibility if you’re looking to provide a healthy, active, enjoyable life for your pet. Gone are the days of grabbing a 50lb sack of kibble from the local supermarket, no now we have pet Supercenters! And you know what, our pets are better off for it. Let them eat cake I say!!
When considering food options, one thing we should not do is use price as the differentiator. It’s important to keep your pet’s diet consistent, and with that you have the responsibility to feed your dog the best food available. Easy, just ask your vet. For reading purposes, we’ll list a few brands below that seem to be amongst the top consumer choices.
Premium Dry Dog Food
Innova EVO is widely recognized by breeders, and veterinarians alike, as a high quality, premium dry dog food. From the high-grade protein, the whole fruits, vegetables, this is a can’t miss when it comes to quality nutrition for your pooch. I’m getting hungry from reading the ingredients.
Dry Dog Food
As with most so-called store bought brands, most contain ground yellow corn as their main ingredient, something not essential for the well-being of your dog. Not harmful mind you, just not essential. A good choice that is a little less expensive than the premium brands is Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul. Yeah, truthfully I think the same thing. What does the book have to do with dog food?? Actually a lot of the ingredients are of a higher grade than the run of the mill types, and the cost isn’t as prohibitive as the premium brands…
Premium Canned Dog Food
Most sources say the best nutritional plan for your pooch is a mix of quality canned and dry food. Canned food is generally believed to be higher quality – with less fillers, unneeded grains, and preservatives. A good option many dog owners stand behind is the Canidae brand. They boast human-grade ingredients free of hormones and chemical preservatives. Nutro MAX is another less expensive option, with a slight drop off in quality of ingredients.
Canned Dog Food
Here’s a name we’re all going to know; Pedigree. Why do we know it so well? Because we have all seen the commercials! Let’s just hope they put the same care into their dog food, as they do their marketing and advertising. But seriously, Pedigree is a good budget option when considering nutritional options for your dog. Considerably less expensive than the Nutro MAX, Pedigree provides quality beef and poultry protein. In fact, it contains a lot more meat than most other store bought brands.
As with any health concerns (and nutrition should be number one), please consult your veterinarians before heading off to the local pet depot and grabbin a sack of ‘Ol Roy.
Designer Dogs: Intentional Mutts or Hybrid Pups?
Posted on December 5, 2007
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Goldendoodle, Cockapoos, Labradoodles and Pomapoos…what other whacky names can we possibly come up with? We’re not going to get into all the genetic behind advantages and disadvantages of hybrid dogs. No, what we are going to address here is the groundswell of popularity these hybrids have generated. It seems as if pure breed canines or jolly ol’ mutts are no longer enough to satisfy the dog owning public. We gotta take two good things and mix ‘em up! Why you ask? That is the question we look to answer here.
Why? Are these dogs and the new breeds we are creating better off for having the human interference? We’re going to take a stand here and say absolutely not. Furthermore, is that the fundamental reason we are genetically engineering our dogs? We just don’t see it that way. We’re putting Hybrid dogs into the category of status mutts. Yup, you heard it – hybrids just benefit the mental state of the owner. Sure, we’ll take a lot of heat for this, but that’s the only way we would want it. Without dialogue, there is no progress!! Get off your high horse, think of the welfare of the animals, and come back to Earth with the rest of us. How many dogs are euthanized in shelters every year? The answer is too many. Especially when we have people who have never owned dogs choosing mutts in much the same way they choose their automobiles – EXACTLY how THEY want them. This seems more like a Dr. Moreau approach to running the Neverland Ranch, than it does a responsible dog owning public.
Why do we need so much attention? Does the dog really know it is this unique, one of a kind privileged pup to be put on a pedestal? Of course not, the Goldendoodle is much the same dog as the Golden Retriever/Poodle mix down at the local shelter. Only you can go get a shelter dog for $26, the Hybrid will cost you $3000. Yes, we know bloodlines can be manipulated, and if we are paying that much, we must be getting a better quality animal, right? We’re not so sure – and beyond that, another question comes to mind. Why are you considering dog ownership in the first place?
What do you get when you cross a Shih Tzu and a Bulldog?
A Bullshit.
Couch Potato Mutts
Posted on December 1, 2007
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Some dogs belong on fire engines, and some dogs want nothing more than to stand guard. Some prefer to hunt game, while others choose to herd whatever is around them – whether that be kids, ducks, toys – you get the picture. Some animals help rescue swimmers, some wear kegs around their necks filled with hot cocoa, while still others want nothing more than…to…just…lay…around.
Maybe you partake in a bit of television over the weekend, and every weeknight. Maybe you prefer to slow things down and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Are you not just as entitled to dog ownership as the fitness freaks? Sure you won’t be taking your Weimaraner for a fox hunt, but you can still enjoy all the benefits of dog ownership without sacrificing the vitality of the pooch. That being said, you must provide at least a short walk everyday to ensure the overall health of your pet. If you don’t plan on any physical motion or activity for your dog, then adopt a cat – they are a heck of a lot more independent. They’ll take care of their own agenda.
What we’re talking about here are the best breeds for the couch potato. Now, we’re not condoning the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle – for you or your pet. We’re just providing some entertaining info that might help match you with the correct breed when considering dog adoption.
Top Five Breeds for the Couch Potato
Basset Hound – low to the ground, short legs, they even look lazy. This has to be our number one breed for the couch potato. Sure, they will need a short walk everyday, or a brief run on the yard. But they will love nothing more than to curl up by the fire while you read a good book, and they snore.
Dachshund– yes they can get yappy, and may seem quite high-strung. But actually this breed doesn’t require much exercise beyond the normal walk. Certain breed characteristics even point to orthopedic problems which limit prolonged periods of activity. A perfect lap dog. Check out the Minnies for a scaled down version of this big dog in a little body.
Bulldogs – take your pick, French, English…maybe not the American so much. How opposite is that of real life? Aren’t the Americans the biggest couch potatoes in the world? Not so for the canine universe I guess. The French and English Bulldogs both offer great companionship for the couch potato. They will be playful and even a bit rambunctious, but will not turn unruly if their time is spent indoors enjoying the easy life. Because of their skull structure most dogs of these breeds experience some type of respiratory difficulty. Exercise will only exacerbate this condition.
Ch
Our Ridgeback/Bloodhound Mutt– if you’re lucky enough to come across such a fine specimen (yes I am completely impartial), be sure to adopt immediately. Above even the Bassett Hound, this gigantic mutt clocks about 14-18 hours of bed and couch time daily. Ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions on the savannah you say? Bloodhounds are the best trackers in the canine world? Try getting our magnificently massive mutt off the couch! Sure he loves
This is in no way a complete list of dogs that are ideal for the lazy person; it’s a sampling of dog breeds that don’t require much exercise. Again, you need to walk any dog EVERYDAY as an integral part of their overall health and happiness. We’re just providing a list for entertainment purposes. Just because you’re a lazy couch potato doesn’t mean you can’t enrich your life with the pleasure of dog ownership.
Bloodhound Bodywork
Posted on December 1, 2007
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Bloodhound Bodywork
Yes, just like you could benefit from a walk around the block, or a game of catch, so to can your prized pooch. In fact, exercise is essential to the health and overall well-being of your pet. Second only to proper nutrition, exercise will help keep your pooch physically fit and lead to an overall better quality of life. Of course, the first thing I should mention is to take a ride over to the vet and make sure your dog can handle the activity – whatever that may be. ‘Nuff said – don’t be stupid and take your Pug on a 5 mile beach run! Or anything else that wouldn’t make sense. To touch on proper nutrition again; Nutrition is the number one concern with keeping your dog physically fit. Feed your pet according to quality, not price. I think the recent scares within the pet food industry made us all aware of that fact.
Start with a foundation of solid nutrition (again, ask your vet) and enlist your dog into a daily fitness regimen. You try to eat healthy and exercise, allow your precious pooch the same opportunity. You’ll realize the dog is experiencing many of the same benefits you do. In addition to increased stamina, flexibility, and better rest, physiological benefits will also result. A simple jaunt around the track can help increase your pet’s bone and joint health, and even improve cardiovascular fitness. Just as a jog helps your heart, lungs, and spirit; your pooch deserves the same. Get out and take a walk!
Doggie fitness classes are available at our local gym.
Top Ten People Foods That Are Bad For Your Dog
Posted on November 30, 2007
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Top Ten People Foods That Are Bad For Your Dog
Although we sometimes slip up and bring a bone home from the steakhouse, or add some fresh ground chuck (cooked) to some dry kibble; as a general rule we should abstain from feeding any of our pets so-called “people food.” When we give our pets food meant for human consumption, we are not bonding or sharing with our beloved family members as some may interpret, but rather interfering with the dog’s natural metabolic process. As harmless as it may sound to let Bosley lick the bowl, or throw Zeke a nice juicy T-Bone, we need to keep the best interest of our animals in mind. We’re all guilty of it, just think twice next time. I’ll be you ten to one odds there is already some type of doggie treat already in your home - give them that, they’ll love you just the same. And you can be confident you are giving your dog the best opportunity for a long, healthy life! Through some research done by more qualified people than us, we’ve compiled a list of the absolute, unequivocally most dangerous people food for your pet.
1. Chocolate, Caffeine
Milk, dark, coffee, semi-sweet, baking…whatever it is, keep anything chocolate or caffeine related away from your pet. If any of us can consider ourselves responsible pet owners, this one should be a no-brainer. There are certain enzymes and chemicals in chocolate that seriously disrupt the canine digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems. Much like you and I may get the coffee “buzz” to wake us up in the morning, the same symptoms will be experienced by your pet if ingested. This could lead to diarrhea, vomiting, panting, excessive urination…you get the picture. Not pleasant for your dog. No Hershey’s or Starbucks for your pets.
2. Alcohol
Allow me to retort! Another no-brainer here. It doesn’t take a DVM to tell you that alcohol consumption for your pet is a bad idea. Sure, a beer or glass of red wine each day may be great for the humans of this planet. But avoid giving alcohol to your pets at all costs! You don’t live in a frat house and they aren’t looking to loosen up, or take the stress of a rough week - a walk around the block will do them just fine. Not to mention it might be a better route for you to go as well. No problem you say, just strap on the 2 beer baseball helmet and hit the bricks! Sounds good to me - just don’t be giving Fido any nips off the ‘ol bottle…or can…or mason jar…depending on your preferred method of consumption.
3. Raw or Undercooked Meat of Any Kind
This one might not be so obvious to all of us, and I must admit to feeding raw or undercooked meat once or twice to a couple of my dogs some years back. I would look at it as a treat for them, they seemed to love it. Thankfully I learned that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although dogs in the wild are able to consume and digest raw meat, bones and all other sorts of rotten matter, this should not be common practice for your house pet. Just as in humans, salmonella and e coli bacteria are just as dangerous to our canine companions. Furthermore, tossin’ a fresh steak bone into the yard after a butcher visit might seem like you’re rewarding your pooch. But, along with the concerns about raw meat, there are also choking and digestive problems that can arise. Bones can splinter and puncture the digestive tract or worse yet get lodged and prevent the animal from breathing. Think twice here. Good intentions, bad outcome.
4. Yeast/Dough (Uncooked)
Although it is ok for your pet to consume very small quantities of cooked bread, uncooked dough/yeast should definitely be avoided. This is sorta an easy one to remember. Most of us wouldn’t look at throwing some uncooked dough over our shoulder as a great treat for our dogs. Small amounts to regular store bought bread are ok for your pet, but again no real reason to be feeding them bread. I use it sometimes as an aid when administering supplements or medications, but even then just a little rolled up ball. According to the ASPCA, bread should not be more than 5-10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake. Serious digestive problems result with consumption of yeast or uncooked dough. The yeast produces gas that will accumulate in the dog’s digestive tract leading to possible stomach and intestinal problems, even causing death. Keep them off the carbs!
5. Milk (Dairy)
Our dogs don’t possess the same enzymes that help our systems break down the lactose in milk products. We all know people who are lactose intolerant - and we really don’t want to be anywhere near them if they mistakenly ingest some dairy!! Same goes for our mutts, best to just keep from turning your dog into a milk drinker. Here’s one fact the Dairy Lobby can’t argue with - Milk does not do your dog’s body good. Stick to water and proper dog nutrition. Ask your vet if you’re unsure about your pet’s nutritional requirements, as with all things related to your pet’s overall health.
6. Avocados
Birds are the biggest worry when it comes to avocados, usually we don’t need to worry about feeding any to our dogs. In fact, I advise anyone out there feeding their dog avocados to check themselves into a mental institution - or go grab a hard days work somewhere - you have too much time on your hands! Fruit or vegetable, Hass or Fuerte? When it comes to your pet’s eating habits, keep the avocados away. They may be a great source of “good fat” and high in vitamins and minerals for us upright walkers, but for our pets it’s a big no-no. Avocados contain Persin, which is a type of fungicidal toxin. Harmless to you and me, but will lead to sever digestive problems if ingested by the family dog.
7. Macadamia Nuts
You don’t have to be all high maca maca to enjoy the sweet nutty goodness of these royal Hawaiians of the nut world. Macadamias, seemingly omnipresent during the holidays in all the cookies and assorted treats, should never make their way to your dog’s mouth. It may be easier to whistle and have the dog come running over to play floor sweeper when Grandma’s cookie hits the deck, but unless you want to inflict some painful tremors, digestive problems, and even paralysis, bend over and clean it up - if only for your dog’s sake.
8. Onion and Garlic Poisoning
OK double shot here, two more foods that can seriously harm your dog. Onions and garlic both contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Although onions contain more of this dangerous toxin, both foods should be avoided at all costs. This means pizza cheese that falls on the floor, onion rings, left over pasta, and even some types of baby food are all dangerous to your pet. Now hopefully none of us are feeding those types of foods to our pets anyway. Dogs affected by onion toxicity will develop what is called haemolytic anaemia; this is where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. This leads to listlessness, weakness, general malaise, and no interest in food. Keep these aromatic foods away from your pet.
9. Grapes and Raisins
We can put men on the moon, convert cooking oil into Diesel gas, but we have yet to identify the toxic substance in grapes and raisins (and probably prunes…) responsible for causing our pets a pain in the kidney. Whatever it is, keep the wine, Sun Maids, and dried prunes away from your pets. Ingestion may result in kidney failure, exacerbated in dogs who already exhibit certain health problems.
10. Cigarettes, Tobacco, Cigars
Although there are certain underground elements within the canine community who choose to frequent the dark, dank, smoke filled rooms of the speakeasy K9 poker circuit; smoking is harmful to your pet’s health. Smoking By Pregnant Mutts May Result in Fetal Injury, Premature Birth, and Low Birth Weight. Do not be an enabler and make these poisons available to your animals. And lay down the law, like McGruff! How do you know what they do when your not home???
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Hello, I'm Wayne - Welcome to my Dog Blog
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