Made a Plate for Fido

Roast turkey and stuffing, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes and giblet gravy, cranberry relish ... oh, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. This is just a partial list of typical Thanksgiving fare, and it's enough to start most mouths watering.

Thanksgiving is all about abundance and sharing. But if you're thinking of sharing your feast with your pet, think again. This special meal is full of Thanksgiving taboos that can harm your dog or your cat. And nothing can take the life out of your celebration like an unexpected tripVehicle Barrier With Door
Precision Pet Products Vehicle Pet Barrier with Door protects the interior of your car, SUV, van or other vehicle and minimizes distractions for you b... to the closest veterinary emergency treatment center.

Cats and dogs are creatures of habit and do not really need much variety in their diet. In fact dietary changes frequently lead to loose stools and other digestive problems. So before you add that extra turkey and giblet gravy to your pet's dish, consider some holiday banquet boo boos.

Things to Keep Off Your Pet's Plate

Bones. Bones are not as healthy as you may think and may cause some serious problems. Even well cooked, baked or stewed bones are dangerous. They can also be a choking hazard and can cause possible intestinal bleeding if the bone shards break off and tear the intestinal lining.

Rich and fatty foods. These typically include the giblets, dark meat turkey and turkey skin, potatoes and butter-coated vegetables, gravy and stuffing. Too much fat can result in pancreatitis, which is a potentially life threatening condition.

Pancreatitis occurs when the dog is trying to digest a very fatty meal. During digestion, the pancreas produces enzymes to assist in the digestive process, but with pancreatitis, too many enzymes are produced; as a result the pancreas becomes inflamed and can even begin digesting itself. The symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, usually bloody. Your dog can become dehydrated and die.

Sweets. Forget the pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows, and after dinner mints. Also on the list are chocolate, which can be poisonous to your pet, eggnog, alcohol and nuts. All of these can cause stomach painBiocaine 4oz Tomlyn Biocaine (4 oz) is a First Aid Lotion for dogs and cats relieves pain and stops wound chewing, licking and scratching. Painless and soothing to... and diarrhea.

Spicy foods. Many pets suffer upset stomachs caused by spicy foods, so hold off on the spicy sauces and dressings. Various types of onions, too, can be toxic in varying amounts.

Your Pet Can Go Gobble, Gobble

We all know we shouldn't feed table food to our pets, but it is awfully difficult to keep from sharing, especially when the meal is as special as Thanksgiving. There are a few things you can add to your pet's dinner that won't cause any harm.

White meat turkey or chicken. These are okay, as long as you don't give too much. A small piece cut up and mixed with his food or given separately will be a real treat for your dog or cat.

Cooked vegetables. Dogs are omnivores and they especially like vegetables, but serve without the butter and salt. Cats may not be interested.

Turkey broth. Try cooking the giblets in water to make a tasty turkey broth that you can use to moisten your pet's food. By the way, you can use canned broth, too.

So during the holidays, if you choose to share with your pet, the best advice is to use common sense. Stick to foods you know won't cause your pet any distress. Do not feed from the table – save the treats for after the meal. And don't forget to add a little special attention or play time for the best treat of all.

Sniffing Out Ear Infections

Dogs aren't known for their sweet fragrance, but if you notice a foul odor -- and Fifi hasn't been rolling in yucky stuff -- lift up her ear flaps and sniff. Healthy ears don't smell bad. However, if you get a whiff of something alarmingly bad, chances are bacteria, mites, or fungi are thriving in your dog's long and hairy ear canal. Other telltale signs of infection that warrant a vet visit include redness, discharge, extreme warmth, and sensitivity to touch. Your pet may run the side of her head along the floor, too. Don't attempt to clean sore ears yourself -- instead, get treatment instructions from your vet.

Source: http://www.dogage.com/Index.aspx

Look Mom, no Hands

You've seen human Moms carrying babies in similar slings; now pet Moms can benefit from the bonding and sensory development that occur when you carry your furbaby close to your chest, comforted by your heartbeat, and stimulated by sharing your activities, be they shopping, errands, or goings on around town.

All hands free! Ideal for nurturing and bonding with any small pet, this carrier fosters a sense of security that's especially valuable for newly adopted pets or disabled/special needs pets.

Product Buzz: The Cuddle Up Sling and Snuggle Up Sling are perfect for keeping your fur-babies close and secure. Perfect for puppies or older pets that can't move around as easily - as well as for pets that don't "play well" with others and need to be kept safe.

How to Prevent a Lost Pet

Accidents can happen to even the very best of pet owners. In some cases, however, the heartbreak of losing a petcould have been prevented. No pet owner expects to losetheir pet or have it stolen. Take these steps to helpsafeguard your pet:

• Make sure your yard is securely fenced. Dogs can squeeze through small gaps under the fencing so be sure to patch any that you find. Regularly check your fence for new holes, gaps, or rotten boards and fix them right away.
  - Also be aware of items that could help your dog escape the yard, such as chain link fencing (some dogs can climb it!), or a patio set or storage unit near the fence (which a pet could use as a stepping stone to leap over the fence).
  
• If your dog likes to dig:
  - Dig a trench a foot or more deep around the perimeter of your yard, right underneath the fence line. Fill it with concrete or place more boards in the trench and then re-fill it. This will help to prevent your dog from digging underneath your fence and escaping the yard.
  - Build a separate dog run with a concrete floor (or with a similar setup to the above to help prevent digging dogs from escaping).
  
• Lock your gates. Fence gates can blow open in the wind; swing open if they're not properly latched; or be left open for any number of reasons. Protect your pet by placing a lock or a tension cable across the gate to keep it securely closed. This will also prevent visitors from entering your yard without permission.
  
• Keep dogs leashed and cats crated when travelling. Your pet could become disoriented and get lost if he escapes in an unfamiliar area.
  
• Check collars and leashes for fraying. Replace them as needed.
  
• Make sure your pet's collar is properly fitted. It should neither be too tight or too loose, since loose collars may slip off over your pet's head.
  
• Do not leave your pets outside or in the car alone and unattended. There have been unfortunate cases in which family pets have been stolen. It only takes a quick moment for someone to take your pet!
  
• Train your dog. Dogs should respond to basic obedience commands. Many dog owners love to frequent leash-free areas, a great place for dogs to interact with each other and get some exercise. However all dogs must be under control. A dog that is obedience-trained will be less likely to run off inappropriately.
  
• Beware of loud noises. Many dogs have noise phobias over things like fireworks, thunderstorms, or construction noises. Don't bring dogs to events where loud noises are expected - even if they've never before had a negative reaction to them. If you must bring your pet, make sure he is supervised and securely leashed or crated.
  
• Spay or neuter your pet. "Fixed" pets are less likely to wander, and there are health benefits too.
  
• Make sure your pet is always wearing appropriate ID. That includes a collar with license tag; a tag with up-to-date telephone numbers; a rabies tag; plus a microchip and/or a tattoo. Collars can come loose and tags may fall off, so a microchip is an an additional safeguard for your pet. Always make sure your contact information is current. Periodically check to make sure the tags are still readable, and if not, replace them.
  
• Take a few clear photos of your pet right now. They will be indispensable if your pet gets lost.
  

From Petfriendly.ca newsletter September 2008

Monday Madness

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I wear my sunglasses....

And now your pup can too!!

Pawhaus Pet Boutique is now carrying Doggles for your pooch!

Doggles are protective eyewear for dogs. They are actually goggles for dogs, hence
the name. Unlike ordinary sunglasses for dogs, Doggles actually protect dog’s eyes from
foreign objects, wind, and UV light.

What do Doggles look like?

They are modeled after sports goggles. All models have flexible, snug-fitting frames, which have foam padding against the face; polycarbonate (shatterproof) and anti-fog lenses; and adjustable elastic head and chin straps to keep the Doggles securely on the dog.

Doggles ILS feature patented wide nose bridge, deep lens cup, interchangeable lenses. Dogs have a much wider nose bridge than humans, along with protruding eyes. You need a goggle designed specifically to fit a dog's unique face structure.

Why are Doggles better than sunglasses for dogs?

Feature Doggles – goggles for dogs sunglasses for dogs

UV coating on lens Yes Yes - usually

Polycarbonate
(shatterproof) lens Yes No

Anti-fog lens Yes No

Fits to face,
not allowing stray light
or UV rays Yes No

Fits snugly to head Yes No

Foam padding
for comfort Yes No

Used for actual
protection of eyes,
not just for cosmetic
purposes. Yes No


Vets and Vet Ophthalmologists all around the world recommend this product.

In the aftermath of the World Trade Center tragedy, Doggles was one of the few
companies that the ASPCA contacted directly for protective gear for the Search and
Rescue Dogs.

Unique Pet Gift for the Holiday Season

The E.B.D. Carry-all is a great item for the Holiday season! This trendy dog travel gear bag is perfect for packing all your dog's belongings!

Think of it as a doggy diaper bag ergonomically designed with functionality and style. The sleek, stylish exterior makes it a great accessory that does not compromise your personal style.
This bag includes:

• Bone-shaped carabineer
• Integrated waste bag dispenser pocket
• Indoor/outdoor blanket
• Freezable gel pack
• Food bowl
• Water bowl
• Eight interior pockets including a zipper pocket for vet records, hand sanitation canisters, exterior cell phone/MP3 and exterior pen pocket

Do you know a friend or family member that travels alot - but maybe needs to be more organized? Do you have the Gand-Furkids over on the weekends sometimes and would love all their toys and goodies to come in one organized pack?

This is the item that you need to have under the tree! For yourself or for a loved one - it's a no miss on Santa Claus' list!