A Dose Of Heart Warming Pet Stories

Dog Breeds For Men – What Does that Mean?

2008-11-06T09:15:00.007-08:00

Hi ,

Are there certain dog breeds that are better for men or more commonly associated with men? Yes, there are. Some believe that there are actually "manly" dogs.

There are all kinds of lists. For example, there are not only lists of dog breeds that are considered more "manly" but also lists of dog breeds that help men meet women. After all, what woman can resist and adorable dog in the park?

And if you are trying to meet someone...if they can resist your irresistible dog, maybe they are not the type of person you want to get to know better anyway! After all - we want to be with fellow dog lovers, right?

So...what breeds do you think are on this list of manly dogs?

Check out the list. Go to....13 Manly Dog Breeds.

We also have a list of Top Breeds to Impress Men! Can you guess what breeds are on that list?

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. By the way, I'm curious about what you think. Do you believe "real men can own cats"? This is a conversation that I've been having with my cat newsletter group. It has been interesting to see the results and read some of the comments.

Interested? Go to the poll - Do real men own cats?

P.P.S. To read some of the Petplace reader comments - Go to - User Comments to the Question - Do real men own cats?

Vet Complaints - What to Do If Your Vet Makes a Mistake

2008-11-06T09:15:00.005-08:00

Hi ,

After being in the veterinary profession for years, I've seen clients complain about a number of things. Their wait was too long, the receptionist was "rude", and the shot hurt their dog more than last time. Some of the complaints are valid... while others are not.

So what should you do if you really think your vet made a mistake?

What are your options and what is the best approach?

This is another one of those topics that often no one really wants to talk about, but it is an important topic. So I asked the irreverent veterinarian to research and write about this sensitive issue.

Please take a moment to read The Irreverent Vet Speaks out on "What if You Think Your Vet Made a Mistake"? It will give you tips on how to handle potentially difficult situations with your vet.

To read this article go to: www.petplace.com/vetcomplaints

I'll be interesting to see what you think. Read it and let me know your thoughts.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. Another good topic that our Irreverent Vet wrote about is the safety of microchips. Go to The Irreverent Vet Speaks out on Microchip Safety.

Very, Very Cool - Dog Drinking Water in Slow Motion

2008-11-06T09:15:00.003-08:00

Hi ,

Someone sent me this very cool video of a dog drinking water in slooooow motion. By doing this and slowing down the speed, you get to see exactly how dogs use their tongue to drink water.

Do you think you know how dogs use their tongues to drink water? Most people (even professionals) have a misconception.

Check out this dog drinking in slow motion. ...this is very cool. To see the video Go to: petplace.com/dog-videos.aspx?p=90 or click on the image below.

Isn't that cool? I even liked the slow motion balloon at the end. It is amazing what you can see in slow motion!

Remember - water is very important to your dog. Do you know why? If not - this article will tell you about the importance of water and how much your dog should drink every day. Go to Why Water is Important.

Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh clean water available at all times. Change the water daily and wash out the water bowl well at least weekly - or even more often. I think it is a good idea to run the bowls through the dishwasher once or twice a week to ensure they are good and clean.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. A while back - there was a lot of warnings about the danger of tap water and if it was safe for us to drink. We wrote an article about the safety in dogs. Check it out - go to: WARNING: Is Tap Water Safe for Your Dog?

WILD and CRAZY Halloween Dogs - 3 FUN Halloween Ideas

2008-11-06T09:15:00.001-08:00

Hi ,

This Friday is Halloween and is a great time to have a little fun! Why not include your dog in all the FUN.

We have compiled some great Halloween ideas for your dog or for you AND your dog. Today I wanted to share them with you. So... here are 3 of our favorite articles to help make Halloween more FUN for you and your dog.

1. Bewitching Guide to Halloween Costumes
2. Costumes for Your Sidekick - Make your dog part of Halloween
3. Halloween Costume Ideas for You and Your Dog

For some more ideas - check out our cute photos of dogs in Halloween Costumes! Go to Wild and Crazy Halloween Dogs (the photos are towards the bottom of the page).

Go to: petplace.com/dog-photos-from-our-users.aspx or click on the image below.

Hope you have a wonderful time this Halloween.

Dr. Jon

P.S By the way - last year we had a pumpkin-carving contest where people carved pumpkins with a pet theme in mind. These still amaze me. Check out these photos! Go to - Pet Pumpkin Carvings - Unbelievable!

Where Should Your Cat Sleep?

2008-11-06T09:14:00.009-08:00

Hi ,

Where should your cat sleep?

Nestled in the crook of your knees on your antique quilt? On an easy chair close to the bed? Or does she position herself flush against the closed door to your bedroom? Or in her own bed in another part of the house?

How about in your bed?

There's no need to make excuses if you allow your cat to sleep in his favorite place? Your bed. Pets love to cuddle up in a cozy bed with their best friend, and often the feeling is mutual

A recent online survey revealed some very interesting facts about where cats sleep. If you let your cat sleep in your bed you may find that you are not alone. Check out the survey results and learn more about Cats Sleeping Habits.

To see the results and read the article go to: petplace.com/cats/where-should-your-cat-sleep/page1.aspx.

Well like Eleanor Farjeon's poem says, "Cats sleep anywhere, any table, any chair..." With any luck, you will be the one to decide.

Until next time...

Dr. Jon

P.S. - Did you see the video I sent recently of a litter of kittens playing in the bed. They almost make you tired just watching! If have not seen Take a minute to check out this fun video.

To the see the video go to: petplace.com/cat-videos.aspx?p=57 or click on the image below.

Learn How to PREVENT Cat Scratching?

2008-11-06T09:14:00.007-08:00

Hi ,

Last week - I talked to you about WHY do cats scratch and gave you some suggestions for the best scratching post ever and even some tips on how to make your own scratching post.

If you missed those - check out these articles - Go to:

Why do cats scratch?
How to Choose the Best Scratching Post

Today, I want to talk to you about how to PREVENT scratching. There are several methods. I'm going to give you the link to another article that has very good tips on how to deal with furniture scratching. If you have a cat that scratches - check this out - Furniture Scratching in Cats.

Here are some tips. Some ways you can prevent scratching is to cover the area with plastic. Most cats don't like to scratch the texture of plastic and will not bother the area. Another thing you can do is use sticky tape. Sticky tape is also a deterrent. There are some commercial available double-sided tapes made for cats that scratch that is clear and sticks to furniture.

Another thing you can do is odor neutralize the areas. Some cats scratch to mark territory and by eliminating any underlying scents can help deter the desire to scratch. You can use an odor eliminator product to help change any marking odors on that piece of furniture. That can diminish a cat desire to scratch. Remember, cats don't just scratch to sharpen their claws. If you understand why they scratch, then you can find ways to deal with it.

For more tips - check out this article Furniture Scratching in Cats.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. Keeping your cats nails short can also minimize damage to furniture. Over the last couple of weeks I have been telling you about a very cool new product for trimming your cat's nails. - It is called PediPaws. Our Senior Veterinarian tested it on one of her cats and said, "B.C. (her cat) didn't mind it at all. I went slowly with him introducing it to him and giving him praise when he responded well. He tolerated it very well. This will definitely be how we trim his nails from now on".

So take a look for yourself, maybe this is just what you need to avoid catch scratches all over your house. For more information go to: pedipaws.com or click on the image below.

438.117357-]

Adorable Photos and Video of Cats in Costumes

2008-11-06T09:14:00.005-08:00

Hi ,

It's two more days until Halloween. And for fun today - I have some photos of cats in costumes. These photos are adorable! There are some cats that actually like to be dressed up.

I have to say - the cat dressed like a bat absolutely cracks me up! That was so creative! The cat actually looks like a bat! The witch cat was also cute. Actually, I liked all of them. Go to: Wild and Crazy Halloween Cat Photos. or click on the image below.

I also have a video to share with you. It is just too cute and funny. A dog and cat battle over best costume in this video. I loved it. If you have a couple minutes - you need to check this out. Go to: Dog and Cat Halloween Costume Battle.

Enjoy!

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. How about making a special Halloween treat for your kitty? Here is a recipe for you - They are called Tasty Cat Claws.

P.S.S. How about a poll question - do you dress your cat up for Halloween? Take our short poll.

Scary Cats, Halloween Myths & Spooky Pet Stories

2008-11-06T09:14:00.003-08:00

Hi ,

Spiders and Cats and Bats, Oh my! What is the deal with all the scary stories and superstitions about Halloween and animals? We asked one of our writers to tell us about just that. Go to Spiders and Cats and Bats, Oh my!

Spooky pet stories or coincidences are common banter around dark sofas on Halloween. Have you read the story about the ghostly horses of Lincoln's Funeral train? Or the Phantom cat? Or the Dog who was loyal beyond the grave? Check out these stories - these will be great to share after it gets dark! Read more.

Another common question asked is....Why is the Halloween cat considered so scary?: Back arched, beady eyes, tail high, claws ready to strike and hissing. This is the classic Halloween symbol. But how did the cat become a symbol for Halloween and ....a scary one? We put together a story about just that. Tonight - know the trivia behind the scary cat. Go to: How the Halloween Cat Got to Be So Scary. I think you'll enjoy this short article - I know I did.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. Check out these adorable cats in Halloween costumes. They are just too cute! See their photos now.

P.S.S. - Don't forget to keep you cat safe. Many cats are frightened during the trick-or-treat times. Some are frightened by the door, screaming kids and other cats may try to escape out the open door. Either way - you may want to keep your cat save by closing him in a room where he will be comfortable during the trick-or-treat hours. For more safety tip, go to Keep Your Cat Safe this Halloween.

P.S.S.S. I have too many good Halloween ideas - so one more P.S. How about making a special Halloween treat for your kitty? They are called Tasty Cat Claws. Give your cat a little treat for being such a good cat.

Are Cats More LIBERAL Than Dogs? - See Our Poll Results

2008-11-06T09:14:00.001-08:00

Hi ,

Well, the election is over. We stayed up late last night counting votes from all the dogs and cats that voted on our site.

Our Ballot was simple

1. Which presidential candidate would be best for your DOG
2. Which presidential candidate would be best for your CAT

The results were quite different between dogs and cats.

Here are the FINAL RESULTS.

CATS Vote For President - 53% for OBAMA

Total Cat Votes: 5941

DOGS Vote For President - 49% for McCAIN

Total Dog Votes: 9250

My editor sent me these results this morning and asked - why are they different? Are cat owners more liberal? Are dog owners more conservative?

We are pet people, not political analysts. I wonder how CNN would interpret this? Does anyone know Wolf Blitzer?

Have a Great Day!

Dr. Jon

P.S. Do you know which presidents had the strangest pets? Find out - go to 10 Strangest Presidential Pets.

P.S.S. Now that Obama has been elected, he promised his daughters a puppy. What dog breed do you think would be best for the White house? Take our poll - and we will email it to him with the winner! Go to What Dog Breed is Best for Obama.

7 Last Minute Costume Ideas for You and Your Dog

2008-11-06T09:13:00.005-08:00

Hi ,

Happy Halloween! It's here and maybe you are thinking about dressing up your dog or dressing up with your dog. Here are a couple last minute ideas.

1.   How about veterinarian and patient? All you need is a pair of scrubs (when you can often get at your local Wal-Mart or thrift store and some bandage material. A stethoscope is a great addition to your outfit. You wear the scrubs and place the stethoscope around your neck and place a bandage on your dog's leg. And you are set!

2.   Ball players - Wear a ball cap and jersey and dress your dog in a jersey or hat. Alternatively, dress your dog with a simple bandana in the theme or colors of your favorite team.

3.   Angel and Devil- This is an easy and inexpensive costume. Buy the over-the-ears head thing with horns and the angel version. These are available in many stores now and some even made for dogs. You can additionally dress the angel in a white t-shirt (you or your dog) and the devil in a black t-shirt.

4.   Dog / hydrant - For the sake of humor, dress the human like the dog and the dog like the hydrant. The dog could wear a red shirt, and a hat could be sewn to look like the top portion of a hydrant.

5.   Two Cats - For the fun of it, you could do a dog and cat or two cats. For the dog and cat, you dress like the dog, and embarrass your dog by dressing him like a cat in a black shirt and cat ears. OR...go as two cats. You can also wear some cat hears and draw on some whiskers for a simple and fast costume.

6.   Dorothy & Toto - This is another classic that is easy. You dog can go as himself and you...do a little Dorothy dress and braid your hair.

7.   Mother & Baby - Put a bonnet on your dog, and if he's small, place him in a stroller. Be a proud Mom (or Dad) as you push your bundle of joy along.

Make sure the costume is not too tight and is comfortable. Some dogs will overheat so be careful.

One more thing - if you didn't catch this video yesterday - you have to watch it. I played it for a couple friends and they loved it. Go to: Dog and Cat Halloween Costume Battle.

Or if you want to look at some adorable photos of pets in costumes - vote on your favorite now. (I like them all but I may have a soft spot for Zorro!)

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. Do you know why the Halloween cat is so Scary? There is a history there that is very interesting. Take a minute and find out. Go to Why the Halloween Cat is so Scary.

P.S.S. Don't forget - chocolate can be toxic to dogs! If you make something - make it a safe treat. Go to Halloween Treat Recipes for Your Pet or Pumpkin Cookie Dog Treat

You Have to Read this...A Little Girl Wants to Find the Right Puppy...

2008-11-06T09:13:00.003-08:00

Hi ,

A Petplace.com dog lover sent me this story. I generally try not to read a lot of those "forwarded emails" or that is all I'd get done every day. However, someone sent me this and said you have to read it. I did and I'm glad I did (sometimes, you just can't resist opening some of those forwards, can you?)

I wanted to share it with you. It is about a little girl looking for a puppy at the shelter. She is very particular and her parents are about fed up with the whole experience.

Take a minute and read it. I know the description doesn't sound real appealing but you'll get it once you read it. Go to A Little Girls Works Hard to Find the Right Puppy.

Let me know if you liked it.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. Have you read the story about the little boy that wanted to buy the crippled puppy? It is very cute. If you are a dog lover, you will like it. Go to Boy Wants to Buy Puppy.

P.S.S. One more thing, if you have a dog loving friend, forward this to them. It is sure to make them smile today. Click on the forward to a friend link below.

Why Dogs are Better Than Children?

2008-11-06T09:13:00.001-08:00

Hi ,

I could not help it - I have to share this with you today. It's Sunday and we are almost back to a work week so why not have a little fun? A Petplace.com pet lover sent this to me.

It was titled "Why Dogs are Better then Children". Don't get me wrong, children are great but this list cracked me up.

Go to Why Dogs are Better than Children.

My favorite is #4 on the list. What did you think?

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. I have another fun article - 18 Signs that your Dog is a Furry Child. I think you will like it.

P.P.S. If you missed it the other day - check out the Wild and Crazy Halloween Dog Costumes. I know Halloween is over but I wanted to thank all of you that submitted Halloween photos of your pets - I really loved them! If you haven't seen them - check them out.

Gourmet Dogs - Designer Dog Breeds

2008-10-21T11:00:00.005-07:00

Hi ,

Have you heard the term "Designer Dog Breeds"? This is a term used for purposeful mating of two dissimilar purebred dogs to achieve a mix of one hope is the best of both worlds.

For example - there is the Peekapoo. That is a cross between a Pekingese and a Poodle.

And there is the very popular Labradoodle. This is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle.

And do you know what a Bowzer is? A cross between a Basset Hound and a miniature schnauzer!

You would not believe the list. Go to: Your Guide to Hybrid Do Breeds to see the list. It is amazing.

Also - we have breed profiles for what you can expect of some of these mixes - such as the Labradoodle, Puggle, Cockapoo, Schnoodle, Pomapoo, Peekapoo, Goldendoodle, etc.

Go to: Most Common Breed Mixes.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. To learn about the top 10 dog breeds - go to "Top Breeds of 2007".

P.P.S. - Last week I told you about an amazing new product for trimming your dog's nails. We got an incredible response and are getting great feedback from users. Tammi recently wrote, "Dr. Jon I recently purchased the PediPaws product. I love it and so does my Sheltie Bailey. Tammi and Bailey, WI"

Tammi has gotten good results, so take a minute to watch the video and see how PediPaws can help you.

Go to: pedipawsvideo.com or click on the image below.

Bichon is BRUTALLY Attacked... While on Evening Walk!

2008-10-21T11:00:00.003-07:00

Dear

As a vet I believe in providing the best medical care for your dog. A healthy dog is a happy dog. As a vet, I also see people struggling to pay for medical bills and forced to make tough choices. This is one of the reasons why I frequently mention pet insurance in my newsletters.

I recently got a very rewarding e-mail from Anthony Porter, one of my Petplace subscribers. Anthony had heard me talk about the benefits of pet insurance in my newsletter. Recently Anthony's Bichon was brutally attacked and badly hurt...

Here is Anthony's e-mail:

"I would like to thank you for talking about pet insurance and helping me decide to purchase it for our dog. A few months after purchasing it, my Bichon and I, while out for our evening walk, were attacked by a pit bull. It was a brutal attack. After several days in ICU and surgeries, follow up vet appointments etc. our final total was close to $3,000.00.

Because VPI insurance is so extensive in their coverage, we only paid approximately $600.00. I don't like to think of the choices we would have faced that night. It gave us not only peace of mind but the choice to save our dog. Thank you!!"

Anthony Porter

I know pet insurance may not be right for everyone (i.e. - it may not be for people that can afford unexpected expenses and still provide the best care for their dog). But, I do think that everyone should consider pet insurance and make an informed decision. You do never want to be faced with a tough decision about your dog's health because you cannot afford to pay for treatment.

So take a few minutes to learn about the many benefits of pet insurance and to get a quote Go to: veterinarypetinsurance.com Anthony was glad that he did.

Because your dog deserves the BEST!

Dr. Jon

P.S. - Have you heard me talk about pet insurance in the past, but have not bought it for your dog? If so, I am very interested to learn about some of your concerns or questions you may have about Pet Insurance. This will help me serve you better. Can you do me a quick favor? Can you please answer the question "The # 1 Reason I Have Not Bought Pet Insurance Is..." Simply Click on the link below and enter your response. Your response is confidential. Please be honest, I really want to know what you think (both good and bad).

So please, please take a minute to answer "The # 1 Reason I Have Not Bought Pet Insurance Is..." . Go to: petinsurancesurvey.com

Thanks in advance for your valuable input and for being a value Petplace subscriber.
-438.470060-]

Is Chewing Gum Toxic to Dogs? - You Need to Know

2008-10-21T11:00:00.001-07:00

Dear

Is chewing gum toxic to dogs? The answer is yes - some of it is! It is actually the sweetener in some chewing gum products that can be toxic. The toxic ingredient is called xylitol. Many pet owners have no idea about this, so I wanted to make sure all my Petplace subscribers knew about this.

I first found out about this several years ago when a dog got into the owners purse and ate some different vitamins and medications. There were several different pills with complex combinations of minerals, herbs and as well as some heart medications. We were not sure if this particular mix of ingredients was toxic.

The owner thought the dog was acting a little funny so she was on her way to the clinic. In the mean time, we called poison control that handles tons of toxic calls about dogs and I asked about that drug combination and their best recommendation for treating the dog. Luckily, it ended up the medications were under the toxic level but in the mean time, the toxicologist asked if was there any chewing gum in the purse....

I put them on hold - and called the owner - and they said yes - there was. She had sugar-free gum in her purse. Some sugar free gum contains an ingredient that can be toxic to dogs - an ingredient called Xylitol.

When the owner arrived - the dog was indeed acting a little lethargic. We checked his blood sugar and it was low. This is a common side effect from the xylitol. I had never heard of this before that phone call. Apparently - they had seen only 1 or 2 cases at the time when I happened to call and were on the lookout. We were fortunate to know and be able to help the dog. That was several years ago.

The dog did fine. However, since that time, they have documented several cases and also found that xylitol cannot only cause a temporary low blood sugar but it can cause liver problems.

"Xylitol" is commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies and some baked goods. It seems some pets are more sensitive to it than others. The exact amount that needs to be ingested to cause problems is still being determined. Signs can develop quickly. So yes, something as simple as your dog eating a piece of your gum can create and emergencies that can cost hundreds of dollars in vet bills.

Many of you have told me that you have the perception that pet insurance may be too expensive for you. Please do not make assumptions, but get the facts. I encourage you to take a minute to educate yourself about pet insurance, understand the costs and learn how it can save you money and give you peace of mind, that you can afford to provide the best medical care for your dog in case of emergency ( dogs are way too curious and are always getting into things).

So take a few minutes to get the facts about pet insurance and to get a personalized price quote Go to:petinsurance.com

Finally, it is best not to feed your dog anything but dog food. If you must feed a human treat - try to avoid all treats with artificial sweeteners. If you want to give your dog a treat - stick with dog treats!

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. - Pet insurance is good at any vet in the country, so you can keep going to the same vet you trust and like. The only difference is that you may not be as shocked every time he gives you the bill since you will be reimbursed by your pet insurance policy.

To get the facts about Pet Insurance and a personalized price quote Go to: petinsurance.com

Adorable Puppy Trying to Whistle

2008-10-21T10:59:00.011-07:00

Hi ,

Puppies are cute - and the puppy in this video is irresistible. Check out this puppy trying to whistle. Have you ever seen anything like it?

Go to: petplace.com/dog-videos.aspx?p=78

Isn't it amazing how puppies can love and communicate? Not only do dogs communicate with us vocally - but they also say a lot to us through their body language. Do you know how to read your dog's body language? Knowing what your dog is trying to communicate can really help you understand your dog. Go to: What Is Your Dog Saying? A Key to Canine Body Language.

Let me know what you think of the puppy video. He is just too cute! Go to: Whistling Puppy.

Have a great weekend!

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. By the way, every year that there is a presidential election - our editors do some sort of fun poll, such as "which pet do you want in the white house". Since Barack Obama doesn't have a pet - we can't do that this year. My editors asked me to ask YOU the readers if you had any ideas for a fun political pet poll. Send your ideas to editors@petplace.com.

5 Most Requested Dog Recipes

2008-10-21T10:59:00.009-07:00

Hi ,

We get a lot of questions about pet recipes. What homemade dog food is good for this problem or that problem or just a basic good dog food recipe. To be honest - over the years I've seen problems from people trying too make their own dog food. It can be difficult to properly balance what a dog needs and a poor diet can cause problems. Generally, we recommend that dogs be fed a good quality premium dog food that is properly balanced in all needed nutrients.

But some owners still insist on making their own food. So...in my opinion, if you are going to do it - do it right. Also, if your dog is sick and you are trying to get him to eat - this might come in handy.

If you decide to feed any of these recipes to your dog - print it out and take it to your vet to discuss it based on your particular dog's needs.

Here are our most sought after dog recipes:

Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Healthy Adult Dogs

Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Overweight Dogs

Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Dogs with Intestinal Disease

Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Dogs with Kidney Disease

Super Easy Dog Treat Recipes

You may even want to print one or two and keep them around in the case you run out of food or your dog will not eat and you are trying something to entice him to eat.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. My editor insisted that I share this recipe with you - it is a people snack (NOT for dogs) but it is a fun recipe. It is a snack that looks like dog food. Our techs love it and it is common at parties - especially kid's parties. Actually - adults love it - it is the favorite snack of one of my techs husbands. Anyway - it is called Puppy Chow. Here is the recipe! Seriously - it looks like dog kibble. Enjoy.

P.P.S. If you think that is strange - check out the Litter box Cake. It is a cake for people, but it looks like a litter box - with special "prizes in the litter". Kids love it and I have to admit - it tastes pretty good. Here is the recipe for this one too - go to Litterbox Cake.

A Dog that Wants So Badly to Live...and Be Happy

2008-10-21T10:59:00.007-07:00

Hi ,

Some dogs just have a will to live. This is one dog that came to a shelter and had such a strong will to live. He is adorable and you can't help but fall in love. When you combine a loving dog with a wonderful will to live - you can't help but fall for that dog. This is how Tamba affected me. Check out Tamba - go to: Tamba is Loving Life.

This pooch could barley walk when it came to that shelter. Isn't this something?

Here is a video of Tamba in the early days: Go to: petplace.com/dog-videos.aspx?p=16

Doesn't it make you feel good to see an animal that is so happy?

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. Do you have a favorite pet video? Share it with us!

P.S.S. Tomorrow - I want to give you an update on a new toxicity that is affecting dogs.

See you tomorrow.

Follow-up on Sweetener Toxicity in Dogs

2008-10-21T10:59:00.005-07:00

Dear

I wanted to follow-up after an email that I sent the other day. I talked to you about Xylitol toxicity - which is an ingredient in sugar-free gum, candies and baked goods. I wanted to point out this is not just the sugar-free gum but also many of the commercial candies and baked goods also contain this ingredient. I know a lot of pet owners that take a bite of something and give their little friend a piece as well. This can be dangerous.

As I told you the other day - xylitol is toxic. Don't give your dog access to sugar-free gum or feed candies or baked goods with this ingredient. I know it can be fun to give a dog a treat but it really is best if you stick with dog food and dog treats.

An emergency vet friend of mine called me last night after she read the xylitol "Is chewing gum toxic" newsletter. She was happy that we are educating pet owners and prevent problems before they happen. I asked her how often she saw xylitol toxicity. She has seen it occasionally but fortunately the ones that she has seen have done okay with treatment.

The classic treatment is that they are admitted to the hospital, given intravenous fluids with dextrose (to help keep their blood sugar up since a common side effect of the xylitol is a low blood sugar level) and time. She said they had one not too long ago that left the hospital after 2 ½ days and did fine. The dogs name was "Sweetie" and had gotten a pack of gum off the coffee table. She came in to the clinic having a seizure caused by a low blood sugar level.

Out of interest - I asked what the final cost was to the owner for this hospital stay - and she told me she thought there final bill was just under $1,500.00. They had checked blood work a couple times because the xylitol can also cause liver damage. Fortunately, the dog was fine. But that is a lot of money for one of those little things that can so commonly happen with dogs.

If that is a lot of money to you, please consider pet insurance. It can really help when emergencies like this happen. No one ever thinks this will ever happen to them, but it does. Go to petinsurance.com for a free quote.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. If you want some examples of how dog owners with pet insurance have been reimbursed for treatments. Go to: petinsurance.com

How Long do Expired Dog Meds Last? - Find Out!

2008-10-21T10:59:00.003-07:00

Hi ,

How long do expired dog medications last? This is one of those questions that most veterinarians and medical professionals try to avoid and no one wants to answer - especially in writing. If a family member asks a medical professional in their family, they might get an answer but only because they are family. Most medical professionals are reluctant to tell a client.

Well - I asked the Irreverent Vet to write about this topic. So the Irreverent Veterinarian did some research and even asked other vets what they did for their own expired meds and their own pets. Go to: The Irreverent Vet Speaks out - How Long Do Expired Dog Medications Last?

I think you'll find this topic interesting.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. I don't know if you caught it or not - but the Irreverent Vet spoke out a couple weeks ago on - What Vaccines does Your Dog REALLY need. Excellent topic.

P.S.S. We are going to run a fun Halloween slide show of pets dressed up. Do you have a photo? Email us with your dog's name and photo. Go to editors@petplace.com

Check out the Doggie Nick Names

2008-10-21T10:59:00.001-07:00

Hi ,

I recently had someone ask me - "what is a Golden?" What happened... they were at my vet hospital and overheard a couple of technicians talking and one said, "we need to take the Golden out". They wondered what that meant. It is not uncommon for certain words and slang to make no sense to someone listening. Abbreviations and slang terms are very common in medical professions.

What that phrase meant was that the technicians needed to walk the Golden Retriever outside to allow him to go the bathroom.

It is very common for purebred dogs to have "nick names" or shortened names. So in this case the Golden Retriever is the "Golden". Some are commonly abbreviated - such as the German Shepherd Dogs = GShep (Gee-shep) or commonly written as GSD. The Labrador retriever is commonly referred to simply as the "Lab" and the Yorkshire Terrier is the "Yorkie" - that is just to name a few. Do you know the others?

Check out our list of common breeds and their shortened names. Some are pretty interesting. Go to: Nick Names for Common Breeds.

If you think those are something - you should see the nick names for mixed breed dogs. Someone the other day wrote to me a question about their dog and told me he was a "Dobrador". I was thinking - what is that? It took me a second but thought - ahh, they have a Doberman Pincher/Labrador Retriever cross. If you really want to see a list - check out this one - Common Mixed Breed Dog Names. Some of them are quite funny.

Is your dog on the list?

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. By the way - we have another fun article - it is about what kind of dogs to celebs have? For example, did you know Mariah Carey and her Jack Russell Terrier, Jack travel everywhere together? Check out the list of celeb pets. Go to What Kind of Pets do Celebs have?

P.P.S. Check out the "Halloween Dogs slideshow". Meet "Yoda" , "Ringo the Skeleton", "Batgirl", "Peter Pan" and many more. Go to Wild and Crazy Halloween Dog Photos.

Do you have a cute photo of your pet in Halloween costumes? We are working on another slide show and need more photos. Send us your photos. Go to editors@petplace.com

Big Problems - Nasty Pet Neighbors

2008-10-21T10:58:00.015-07:00

Hi ,

The other day - I had a talk radio on and the topic was about nasty neighbors. I was surprised that more than half the calls were about pets. Most of the calls were from neighbors saying that they have bad pet owning neighbors and a few were from pet owners saying they had nasty neighbors that were unkind to their pets for one reason or another.

For example, how would you like to live next to this dog? Go to this article and click on the short video. Would this dog drive you nuts?

For example, one lady called in and said she has an "uppity neighbor" with 4 little foo-foo dogs (those were her words). Every day, the dogs came over to her yard and ...well - they did their business. Day after day - she gets up - has her morning coffee, looks out the window and grinds her teeth as she watches these dogs come in her yard and do their business. Finally - she went out and confronted the neighbor. She said "Hey - why do you let your dogs crap in my yard?" The neighbor walked away and hasn't talked to her since. That was 2 years ago. This is not uncommon.

Another call was - a man said he was taking his dog for a walk and the neighbor's dog attacked his little dog. His dog was on a leash - the neighbor's dog was not. He wanted the neighbor to pay and he wouldn't. Now - they are enemies. How do you deal with that?

I'd like to learn from you about what the most common neighbor problems are and how you deal with them.

Would you mind taking a quick survey about the most common problems - and let me know how you deal with them? Go to the article and click on: Tell us about Your Neighbor.

I'll try to create an article with the results and share it with you soon.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. By the way - the most common complaints I've seen people have about their neighbors dogs are...they aren't confined, bark too much, and defecate in their yard. So...try to be a good neighbor. Here are some tips on How to Be a good Neighbor.

P.P.S. What do you think? Go to the article and click on: Tell us about Your Neighbor.

3 Symptoms that are a REAL EMERGENCY

2008-10-21T10:58:00.013-07:00

Dear

This is a real combination of symptoms that spells out EMERGENCY. These are the classic symptoms of a condition referred to as "bloat" - a dog that is pacing, restless and has unproductive attempts to vomit.

This is a common problem in large breed deep-chested dogs but can also occur in smaller dogs.

Basically what happens is this - the stomach twists causing the blood supply to the stomach to be compromised then leads to tissue death. As tissues are damaged, toxins are released and a sequence of events occurs that if left untreated, leads to death.

If you ever notice these symptoms in your dog, call your local veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible.

This is a condition that is fairly common and often occurs in the evening or nighttime hours. It is also a very expensive condition to treat. I was at a local emergency clinic the other night and they had two dogs with bloat there at the same time.

One dog named Buster - an 11-year-old mixed breed, was euthanized because his owners didn't have the money to treat him. The other dog was a 6-year-old German shepherd and she was treated and saved with surgery. She was doing well when last I talk to the clinic.

It is not uncommon for this hospitalization, treatment, surgery - etc. to cost over $2000.00 and even up to $5000.00. That is A LOT of money.

If this would also be a lot for you - consider pet insurance. See if it is right for you.
Go to Petinsurance.com and get your free quote.

Also, keep your vet's number and emergency clinic on your frig or in some central location so you have it in the case of an emergency. Most pet owners are very upset and flustered when something happens and having the number handy can really help.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. I know I talk about pet insurance off and on. I really do believe in it. I've seen it save many dogs lives by allowing its owners to afford to do the best they can for their pet.

So...take a minute and find out if it is right for you. Go to petinsurance.com.

Should You Spank, Hit or Squirt a Bad Cat?

2008-10-21T10:58:00.011-07:00

Hi ,

Today, I'd like to talk to you about cat discipline. Should you hit a cat? The answer is NO! You might ask - what if he does something really bad? The answer is still...absolutely No. You should NEVER hit a cat.

Should you ever spank a cat? The answer is no. You might ask - what if he does something really bad? The answer is still no.

Should you ever squirt a cat (that is with a squirt bottle of water?)? Well, you can but it is best if they think it is not coming from you.

Some cats do things that we don't like. They may fight with other cats, get on the counter, or urinate inappropriately. What is the best way to deal with your cat?

According to Nick Dodman, a well-known behaviorist, the best way to deal with behavior problems in your cat is to UNDERSTAND your cat. You need to take some time to understand WHY your cat is performing a certain type of behavior then give them alternatives to that behavior.

For example, if you have a smelly dirty litter box and your cat urinates outside of the box - don't hit your get mad at your cat. Try to understand WHY he is doing what he is doing and fix it. By this I mean...make sure the box is attractive to your cat - has clean litter, no harsh smelling chemicals, is in a quiet friendly location, is big enough and that you have enough litter boxes.

If you make the box ideal - then it is more likely your cat will use it.

If your cat is scratching your favorite chair - think about why he or she might be doing that.

It is possible to train a cat. To learn how go to Clicker Training Your Cat for more information on tips on training.

Also, read - 8 Common Reasons Kitty Won't Use the Litter Box for tips on why your cat won't use it if you have problems.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. - Have you ever seen an animal and they just immediately do something to you? Well - that happened to me when I saw this video of Charley. Charley has cerebellar hypoplasia but I think he looks pretty happy, don't you?

Take a minute to Meet Charley go to: petplace.com/cat-videos.aspx?p=87 or click on the image below.

Nasty Pet Neighbors - "My House Smells Like Cat Urine"

2008-10-21T10:58:00.009-07:00

Hi ,

The other day - I had a talk radio on and the topic was about nasty neighbors. I was surprised that more than half the calls were about pets - both cats and dogs. Most of the calls were from neighbors saying they had bad pet owning neighbors and a few were from pet owners saying they had nasty neighbors that were unkind to their pets for one reason or another.

For example, one man called and said that his neighbors' cat constantly urinates on his porch. He doesn't have any pets and his house smells like cat urine. He confronted the neighbor that has 12 outdoor cats that run the neighborhood and she won't talk to him now and the cat is still urinating on his porch.

Another caller complained that their neighbors' cats stalk her birds that she feeds. She loves the birds and has lovely bird feeders in her yard that help entertain her wonderful indoor cats. How do you deal with this?

Barking dogs, aggressive dogs are also common concerns to cat owners. I'd like to learn from you about what the most common neighbor problems are and how you deal with them.

Would you mind taking a quick survey about the most common problems - and let me know how you deal with them? Go to: Tell us about Your Pet Neighbor.

I'll try to create an article with the results and share it with you soon.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S. Our last poll asked "Do REAL men Own Cats?" The results of the poll were as follows:

Yes, 83.7% of responders believe real men can own cats. Only 1.1 % said no and 16.7% said they were not sure.

We also got lots of very interesting and insightful comments To read these comments, go to: Do real Men own Cats - PetPlace Users Speak Out.