Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs on the Rise

Just read an article posted on Pet Health Care about the rise of Xylitol poisoning in Dogs and I thought it would be a good idea to share some of it with you.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is primarily used as a substitute for sugar in a lot of diet and confectionery products.

Xylitol negatively effects dogs as it is quickly absorbed through their digestive tracts. Xylitol in tiny amounts can potentially cause significant toxic poisoning in dogs. Even just one to two pieces of regular sized chewing gum that contains Xylitol can be potentially toxic to a dog that weighs less than 20lbs. In dogs who have ingested Xylitol, the symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of coordination, pale gums, liver damage/failure, and even seizures. If these symptoms are not immediately treated, Xylitol toxicity may eventually lead to liver failure, blood clotting abnormalities, and possibly death. Therefore it is of extreme importance that you take your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect that he ingested any Xylitol containing product, especially if it has been less than 2 hours as a veterinarian will have better luck in preventing your dog’s body from absorbing it.

As a dog owner you can prevent Xylitol poisoning by removing all consumer products containing Xylitol from your home. Better safe then sorry.

We've Chosen to Go Natural and Here's Why

EPA warns of some flea, tick control products
By Garner Roberts Special to the Reporter-News Friday, April 17, 2009

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week said it is intensifying its evaluation of flea and tick control products for pets that involve the use of spot-on pesticide treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos.

The federal agency reported "a recent sharp increase" in the number of incidents reported of adverse reactions, ranging from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and, in some cases, deaths of pets. The EPA statement issued by Dale Kemery says the "spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back." The agency lists seven products on its Web site (www.epa.gov).

More than 44,000 "potential incidents" associated with spot-on products were reported to the EPA in 2008. The EPA said "a cause and effect relationship between these products and any individual adverse reaction or incident has not been confirmed. EPA is carefully evaluating all available data."

There are lot's of natural alternatives to protect your pets. We've chosen to use Mad About Organics as our alternative for Flea and Tick control. Their Dog Flea & Tick Skin Treatment is a safe, natural and effective flea and tick treatment Developed using Organic Infused Oils (Olive Oil, Neem, Catnip, Lemongrass and Yarrow) and Aloe Vera Oil, Organic Essential Oils (Catnip, Clove, Calendula, Cedarwood, Lavender, Juniper Berry, Tea Tree, Citronella, Eucalyptus and Lemongrass) with guaranteed results.

Lavender oil which repels fleas as well as ticks, mosquitoes and other insects naturally and effectively. Lemongrass is quite popular as an insect repellent due to its insecticidal properties. Catnip - Researchers report that Nepetalactone, the essential oil in Catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes then DEET - the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. Calendula oil improves the blood flow to the inflicted area and in further tissue regeneration. It remains one of the most popular herbal anti-fungal and anti-bacterial remedies to promote skin healing and cell regeneration. Tea Tree Oil is an efficient insect deterrent and insect killer. It does not let parasites and other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, lice, flies.

We also use Dog or Cat Relief Spray. It's list of Ingredients include - Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil, Organic Infused Oils(Calendula, Lemongrass, Catnip, Neem and Yarrow) and Jojoba Oil, Organic Essential Oils (Lavender, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Catnip, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Calendula, Cedarwood, Juniper Berry, Geranium, Orange, Rosemary and Witch Hazel) Borax and Lecithin. In addition to being a great Insect Repellent a wonderful side benefit from this spray is it also works as a natural sun screen, which is great for those fair skinned animals (My Dog Kanji falls into this category- white colored dogs have sensitive skin and need protection) or to help keep your animal's hair color from fading.

Made in Eugene Oregon by Mad About Organics these safe, natural and effective animal care products are great for those who care about the environment as much as they care about their pets.

Why Canine Dental Hygiene Is Important

I found the following helpful information on vetinfo.com and thought it would be nice to share.

Your dog can't brush his own teeth. But that doesn't mean that plaque and tartar won't build up on his teeth. It doesn't mean that he won't get cavities, or suffer from gum disease, abscesses, or the pain and inflammation associated with infected teeth.

These ailments can cause your dog a lot of pain and suffering. They can inhibit his ability to enjoy meals, and impact his overall health. Daily brushing with dog toothpaste is a necessary part of your dog's dental hygiene regimen, along with yearly veterinary dental exams and dental cleaning. Daily brushing can go a long way toward keeping your dog's teeth, and your dog, healthy.

Some symptoms of canine dental hygiene problems include:
Halitosis, or bad breath, Bloody saliva, Broken or fractured teeth, Excessive drooling , Diminished appetite, Swollen, bleeding, or inflammed gums, Yellowish-brown tartar build-up along the gum line. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, he's probably suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis.

Preventing Dog Dental Problems
Dog toothpaste is a vital part of a preventative dental hygiene regimen. You might think that brushing your dog's teeth is too difficult, and it's true that it can take some time to accustom an adult dog to this practice. It's best to start when your dog is a puppy; he'll get used to having his teeth brushed much more quickly. But even if you have an adult dog, you can still begin a canine dental hygiene regimen.
More info on how to brush your dogs teeth can be found at: http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-toothpaste-essential.html

If you find it difficult to brush the dogs teeth daily there are some other options you can try - including Petzlife Gel that helps to "melt" the tarter from the teeth. The ingredients mix with your pet's saliva when applied on your pet's teeth and completely coats your pet’s teeth and mouth. This process kills harmful bacteria and loosens plaque and tarter. Available at Cause to Paws.