NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR!

We had a very scary experience last week in front of the store. There was a dog left in a closed up car when the temperatures outside were close to 80 Degrees. Everyone on the block went on a search for the owner to no avail. The dog began to look stressed. The police were eventually called and an animal officer showed up (but to be honest he didn't seem to concerned or to even know what to do). Someone was about to use a hammer to break the window when the owner finally showed up. She seemed very unconcerned and said the dog liked warm weather - trust me if it is warm outside it is HOT in the car - even if the windows are open. The good news is that the dog survived, but the woman left in a huff and I am sure she will do it again AND the Brookline police did nothing. This surely must be a crime.

In Watertown a similar incident happened that a friend told me about. In this case the police did break the window just as the woman showed up, gave her a $1500 ticket for cruelty and took her and the dog to Angell Memorial to be check out - this is the way it should have been handled. Thank you Anne Conklin - my hero!

Bottomline - NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven - temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage - or even death - can occur.

Understanding and Preventing Hyperthermia By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide says if you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.

First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head.
DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
Be smart, Be safe!

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.

How to Calculate a Dog's Age in Dog Years

From Dogster.com

A popular misconception is that dogs age 7 years for each calendar year. In fact, canine aging is much more rapid during the first 2 years of a dog's life. After the first 2 years the ratio settles down to 5 to 1 for small and medium breeds. For large breeds the rate is 6 to 1, and for giant breeds the rate is 7 to 1. Thus, at 10 years of age a Great Dane would be 80 years old while a pug would only be 64.

How to Tell a Dog's Age
If you've taken in a dog whose age is unknown, there are some ways to determine his age. Here are some things vets check to get a general sense of how old a dog is:
The Teeth: Dogs usually have a set of permanent teeth by their seventh month, so if you've come across a dog with clean pearly whites, he is likely a year old or thereabouts. Yellowing on a dog's back teeth may put the dog between one and two years of age, while tartar build-up at a minimal level could mean you have a dog between 3 and 5. Missing teeth or severe wear usually means the dog is a senior and could use some special dental care.
Muscle Tone: Younger dogs are more likely to have some muscle definition from their higher activity level. Older dogs are usually either a tad bonier or a little fatter from decreased activity.
The Coat: A younger dog usually has a soft, fine coat, whereas an older dog tends to have thicker, coarser (and sometimes oilier) fur. A senior dog may display grays or patches of white, particularly around the snout.
The Eyes: Bright, clear eyes without tearing or discharge are common in younger dogs. Cloudy or opaque eyes may mean an older dog.

Old Age in Dogs
The age at which a dog can be considered elderly varies widely among models. In general, the larger the dog, the more quickly it declines. For instance, a Great Dane could be considered "senior" at age 5, while a smaller toy poodle would still be spry at twice that age. Remember, however, that just because a dog is chronologically old doesn't mean that an endless series of malfunctions is in store. In many cases an elderly dog can enjoy many healthy, active, pain-free years.
One of the best ways to prolong the life and improve the functions of an elderly dog is to carefully regulate its fuel intake. Older dogs exercise less and thus need fewer calories. And since age reduces their ability to digest and absorb nutrients, high-quality food specifically formulated for their needs is a necessity. Excessive amounts of protein, phosphorus, and sodium can aggravate kidney and heart problems, so most such foods contain smaller amounts of higher-quality protein, along with reduced quantities of other elements. Levels of vitamins, zinc, fatty acids, and fiber, however, are increased.

Need a Good Laugh - Read This

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.


The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.


I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It Is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.


For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.


The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough. Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.


Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, normally come when called, never ask to drive the car, don't hang out with drug-using people, don't smoke or drink, don't want to wear your clothes, don't have to buy the latest fashions, don't need a gazillion dollars for college and if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ...

Not all Bully Sticks are the same

Not all Bully Sticks are the same. Where they come from and how they are processed are things to consider. We primarily carry Bully Sticks from Top Dog - these are from free range South American cattle- which means that they cattle roam freely and graze on wild grass - there are no hormones, no antibiotics and no steroids involved, nor dyes or coloring used. These are vertically drained and then baked, a safer approach then sun drying, although more expensive. These sticks are not irradiated and are evaluated by the FDA and USDA after going through inspection by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. Also it seems that thicker is not necessarily better.

Odor free? Well that's a whole other story. My take is - how did they get them odor free? My dog only likes things that smell so odor free would not cut it for him.

Other options for chews include Trachea - very digestible with a crunchy texture and high in chondroitin, which helps form and nourish cartilage. You can even fill them with peanut butter as an extra special treat.

Lamb chews - such as ears are lower in fat then say pigs ears - and great for small dogs. Also, Pizzles- the lamb equivalent of a bully stick and weasands are other options for the small dogs.

At Cause to Paws we try to carry a large selection of bones/treats/tendons to meet all types of chewers. Be sure to check it out the next time you are in the store.