Is Chocolate Really bad for pets?

We have the answer!This is what the Vets say.

The ASPCA's Poison control center and Vetrinarians have what they call a chocolate season. Like clock work, durning the time from Halloween to Valentine's Day, their phone lines ring off the hook, from frantic pet owners with "My pet ate chocolate!" calls. But how much is too much? What is the big deal anyway? Well here's the scoop.
Chocolate has stimulants in it, like caffine. Unlike humans, the digestive system in dogs and cats can not process these stimulants. So it is easy for a pet to overdose on this particular type of sweet treat. Cats have some sort of self control, only nibbling on it and walking away, whereas dogs have no "off switch" to their sweet tooth, like cats do. So they have a tendancy to gorge themselves.
The big deal being, that since pets, dogs especially cannot properly digest the stimulants in chocolate, and will consume as much of it as possible, causing an overdose, also called "Chocolate Poisoning", their body can pay a heavy price. Let me explain. The undigestable stimulants can affect the cardiovascular and central nervous system.
The following are some symptoms to look for if you suspect your pet has consumed chocolate:

1.High Heart rate

2. Tremors (including siezures)

3.Heart errythmia (uneven beating)

4. Coma

5. Death (fatalities are RARE BUT DO happen)

 

So how much is too much?

The risk of fatal chocolate poisoning depends on 3 things, the amount consumed, size of the animal, and type of chocolate consumed. Let me explain:
The darker and more % of cocoa in the chocolate, the higher amounts of toxins. So a smaller amount of dark chocolate would do more harm than a larger amount of milk chocolate.

Example:

A healthy 35-40lb dogwould have to eat 1lb of milk chocolate versus 1/3 lb of dark, before consumption owuld cause serious health risks. Whereas, That same dog would have to comsume nearly 61 lbs of White chocolate before it's life threatening, Why so much of White chocolate? Because white chocolate dosen't really contain cocoa. But by far the worst type of chocolate for a pet to consume, Cocoa Powder.

What to do if your pet shows signs of the above symptoms:

Call ASPCA Poison Control Center ( 1-888-426-4435) or your vet or Emergency Clinic IMMEDIATLEY,bring remaining chocolate or what was suspected to have been consumed to the Vet. If they ate it all, bring the wrapper.

We ask all pet owners to share this post with friends. It could save a life!

                       *EMERGENCY*
           CAT HEALTH WARNING SIGNS
   Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

I feel that it is important to post this type of information as often as possible. I unfortunately, despite all my animal knowledge lost two beloved cats to this disease. I am NOT posting this to create a panic for cat owners! I am simply trying to make cat owners aware of the signs and symptoms of this killer disease so they don't lose their pet. This information, as with ALL information like this that I post is based on information provided to me by a vetrinarian. Please read this post, learn the signs and save you pet. This disease is common and KILLS QUICKLY!
    This Disease is very common in cats and if warning signs are not headed and treated, it can lead to kidney failure, and death. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or FLUTD (formerly known as FUS or Feline Urologic Syndrome) can present itself in many different conditions.
These conditions can include Inflamation of the bladder due to injury, or infection, or crystals/stones. Another cause is partial or total obstruction, or blockages of urinary tubes. These blockages can be caused by diet, crystals, or Mucus and blood clot plugs.
    This problem affects both male and female cats, however males are more likely, due to their longer and more narrow tubes (bladder to penis). 
    Key signs that may indicate you pet is suffering from this condition:
1. Increase in thirst
2. Frequent trips to litter box with little or no output, (maybe even blood in urine).
3.Not urinating at all or in undesired locations.
4. Distended bladder, Feel in hip area between legs, if hard ball or pet is sensitive to touch in this area RUSH TO VET!
5. Hiding, and howling cries*
 *later stages RUSH TO VET! 

 If a blockage is in fact causing the problem and your cat shows any or all signs PLEASE rush to vet. The longer you pet's urinary tract is blocked the more toxins build up in the blood stream. This can lead to kidney failure and The death in just 3 days!
I cannot stress this enough. This quick onsetting disease DOES Kill! And it kills quickly. It is very important that we as pet owners notice even the slightest changes in our pets behavior. PLEASE share this to every cat owner you know!!!!

                       
                                               Good Boy Kimo!

Breaking the Jumping Habit
 As with any training, consistancy is the key. Follow these steps with every homecoming, and guest arrival. Sit, open the door, turn your body away from jumps, and praise the sits. Once they get the concept that jumping is not allowed or rewarded, and appropriate behavior is observed consistantly, problem solved. However, if the issue rears its head again in the future, or a new pet enters the home, Start back at 1.
When people see or get a puppy it is a natural instinct to hold it, let it be in your lap while watching T.V.. But as that tiny puppy grows it never looses that desire for closeness. They continue this in your face behavior, from oh so adorable puppy, jumps to full blown dog body weight, muddy paws on your lap and couch. Unless you train them from the get go.
Yheah right, you say?Well these four simple tricks, done correctly and consistantly, will turn that Kangaroo greeting, oversized lap dog,to a well mannered pooch.

1.Play it cool:
Rather than making a big deal of your return home, which actually re-enforces the undesired behavior, simply say "SIT". Once the dog has complied, offer a "Good Boy/Girl". As with any "new change'" The first step is always the hardest. Hence step #2.

2.Practice, Practice, Practice
Leave the house from one door and come in through the front.Invite guests to join in. Get them accustomed to the comings and goings. Ignore the bad behavior, and repeat the "sit" comand. Only reward the appropriate and desired behavior, Sitting. How do you ignore the bad? That's step #3

3. Turn your back:
When entering the home or sitting on the couch/chair, and the puppy/dog starts to jump, TURN YOUR BODY AWAY! I know it's hard to resist the urge to push them down back to the floor, but DON'T PUSH THEM! Why? When you push they can take this as a sign that you are trying to play. Once the dog is sitting or at least back on all fours, Immediatley reward with praise, "Good Boy/Girl"

4. Train your dog and guests:
You have to include All possible visitors, to the rules of this training process, otherwise your just spinning your wheels, and giving the your washing machine, and seamstress a workout. So how do you do it? Teach your dog to sit before opening the door to let guests in. Also train your guests. Inform them that your in the process of training your pet NOT to JUMP, and they need to refrain from touching the pet until it complies (sitting). And if the pet does start to jump, they are to turn away from the animal. Once the pet is sitting, and appropriate behavior is observed, PRAISE ALL AROUND!

Newest pet health post Signs of Dental Disease in your pet

 Signs of Dental Disease
        Bad breath is just one sign of dental disease. But did you know that dental disease if untreated can lead to more severe and life threatening problems for you pet?
    Just like you your pet needs a good brushing and routine dental care, and cleanings. Dogs and cats can develop dental and gum disease by the age of three years. When your pet has regular checkups at the vet they look for early signs. Here are some warning signs to look for in your pet between vet visits:

*Bad breath
*sensitivity around the mouth
*yellow and or brown deposits on teeth
*loose or missing teeth
*Difficulty chewing
*loss of appetite
*bleeding receding, or inflamed gums
* pawing at the mouth or face.

Way to prevent dental disease:
*Regular vet checkups
* Brush their teeth at least a few times a week. with persistence and practice they WILL get used to it. They actually make flavored toothpaste for pets, (p-nut butter, beef and salmon)
*choose a pet food formulated to reduce tartar and plaque deposits. (ask your vet for recommendations)
* use plaque reducing treats and toys.

Tip: pet tartar sprays you see advertised only work on minimal deposits. If you baby has it caked on there... Have the vet Clean the teeth then use spray as a preventative measure.Owners of older pets used caution. consult vet before considering cleaning. Teeth cleaning involves sedation, some complications could arise. Make sure you pet is able to go under and come out safely.     

New "In Memorium" page needs photos! In honor of our beloved lost pets.

In honor of the Siberian Husky, Runa, owned by our founder and the namesake of R.R.F., who passed away 1 year ago. We would ask all pet owners who have lost a pet, big or small to post their pictures to Runa's R.A.C.E. Fund's Facebook page.* We are currently working on a "In Memorium" page for our site. If you would like you pet's picture to be posted in this new page please email picture and brief information about your beloved pet to mnmscry16@gmail.com
When we say all we mean all pet owners/pets, fish, turtles, dogs, cats, goats, horses, etc, and especially  service pets (military animals included). If you loved and cared for it and it was an animal send us their picture!

*Out of respect, pictures that are posted on  (R.R.F's) FB page WILL NOT be added to our website runasracefund.com "In Memorium" page without your submission and permission (pic and pet bio sent in an email to mnmscry16@gmail.com notes permission to post to website's "In Memorium" page). This is simply to honor and acknowledge the love shared by pets and their owners left behind who still miss them dearly.

Big changes and additions to our store shop.runasracefund.com

As the Official Blog of Runa's R.A.C.E. Fund, we are pleased to announce that our online store is sporting a new look! We now also have a working shopping cart feature! And have been adding some of our inventory to the store. There are many more items to come in the next few weeks, but these are some of the items up and running so far:
1. Signed and unsigned copies of our official book "A Beautiful Husky Needs a home" At the lowest price available on the internet.
2. Our Dog/ Cat Charm Necklaces ^
3. Dog/Cat Charm Bracelets ^
4. A whole line of our signature earrings available in clip on, hook and lever back.
5. The first 2 scents in our 1oz fragrance oil line "Botanical Gardens" and "Fruit Salad". *
6. And the first 2 scents in our signature Aroma Rocks line. Made from 100% natural Dead Sea mineral salt crystals. Scents currently available are: Daddy's Little Girl" (small size only), and "Botanical Gardens"(small and medium only).*

These products are just the tip of the iceberg. More scents to come are: "Northwoods Christmas", Momma's Boy", "One Sexy Evening", "Fruit Salad", "Rain in Roses", "Thanksgiving at Gramma's House", Raspberry Vanilla Cream", and "American Summer".

^ Additional charms can be added to necklaces and bracelets for a nominal charge of $1 /per charm. Engraving of up to 2 initials can be added to each charm for a nominal charge of $1 /charm. Example: A additional dog charm with one initial is a total of $2, and a dog charm with two initials is still $2. If you simply want to add engraving to the charm that comes with item add $1 for engraving cost.Currently the engraving and additional charms tabs are not available but will be in the next week or so. We will keep you posted when this status changes.

* In our efforts to be green, we are offering $0.10 in store credit for each of our empty/used 1oz fragrance oil bottles you return to us. And same credit applies to all of our Aroma Rocks containers with labels still attached (we use child proof pill jars, and glass jelly jars). If you have any of these types of items laying about or would like to collect them for us we would gladly except them. By keeping our costs low (recycling containers) more of your purchase dollars goes to helping the animals!

I invite you to please check out our store at shop.runasracefund.com  If there is something you wishe to purchase but are having difficulty checking out, we appologize. You can email us at mnmscry16@gmail.com with "ORDER in subject line, and be sure to include your paypal address with order details. We will then send you an invoice and total.

"On Toby's Terms" By Charmine Hammond
If you like the "Marley" book, You'll LOVE THIS Book!  It is a beautifully told story about Toby, and the struggle of his human parents to curb his less than stellar behavior. Toby's affinity for destroying toilet tank lids, and other destructive exploits has his parents in constant turmoil, and they're decision whether or not to give him up. Because of their love for Toby, they explore avenues to try to see him in a different way. Through their journey, they rediscover the world as Toby sees it. Finding him an outlet and a purpose, as a Therapy Dog. This hilarious and touching story is a must read for any animal lover! Need another reason to pick this up? Read the BOOK Before the movie comes out! Yup Toby's hitting the BIG Screen, And it's being done ON TOBY'S TERMS.

Book: "A Beautiful Husky Needs a home" By Cherie Orcutt

       ISBN # 9781468571561

Have you ever wondered what goes through the mind of a dog at a shelter? Find out what life is like for a shelter dog, and discover what one shelter dog  wants more than anything in the world?
  A beautiful Husky needs a home, is a story of such a dog, told in her words. As you read, you will experience her  roller coaster of emotions as she waits to get a home, and wonders what will happen if she dosen't. This somewhat snobby, and beautiful Siberian Husky, in her quest to get adopted, discovers that looks aren't everything.
 This story will give you a new perspective the next time you consider getting a new pet, or when entering a shelter. After reading this story you'll realize that the barking isn't noisey dogs, but a desperate plea to take them home, and save their life. Please consider adopting from a shelter.

 

"The book about Runa is Lovely! It is a beautiful way to get a valuable lession to children of all ages Including me -- I'm 89!"
                              --- Betty White

 

10% OF SALES GETS DONATED TO ANIMAL CHARITIES!

This book is available for purchase at: Authorhouse.com, AbeBooks,The Book Depository, Amazon MarketPlace, Alibris, amazon.com, Books a million, and Barnes and Noble. If you find this book on any sites not listed here please leave a comment. If you have purchased this book please be sure to leave a review. 

Common causes of Sensitive Stomach in Dogs

How do I know if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

By: Nikki Moustaki*

 

This is a post we saw on the internet and felt it was very important to share this information with you. There are alot of pets that have sensitive stomachs due to parasites, digestive changes due to age and food allergies. I would like to thank Nikki for posting this valuable information.

 

                                 

 

You may notice that your dog is vomiting more than usual or passing a lot of gas.  Could he have a sensitive stomach?  What does that mean? And what would cause that?
“Sensitive stomach is a generic and vague term,” says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a veterinarian from Los Angeles. “This can range from vomiting and diarrhea due to changing foods, to internal organ system damage. It’s very common for dogs to have sensitive stomachs, in part because dogs are curious and explore the world through their mouths.” Meaning dogs will eat just about anything.
Sensitive stomachs can have several causes, according to Mahaney.  Some breeds such as the Scottish Terrier and the Yorkie are more prone to this.  Older dogs, puppies and small dogs are also more susceptible.   Dry dog food can expand inside of a dog’s stomach, causing a dog with a small stomach to vomit soon after eating.

Signs of a Sensitive Stomach
The good news about sensitive stomach is that the signs are easy—albeit unpleasant—to recognize. Among them are:

• Vomiting: Occasional vomiting is not necessarily a cause for concern, but if there are other symptoms, such as lethargy and diarrhea, it’s time for a veterinary visit.
• Diarrhea:  Loose stool can be a sign of a sensitive stomach, particularly if there was a recent change in diet.
• Gas: Dogs can have flatulence from gulping air when they eat, from a gastrointestinal illness or from eating too fast. Try using an elevated feeder and taking your dog out for a walk soon after eating if gas is an issue.
• Eating grass: Grass is a natural remedy for an upset stomach.  However, the grass blades tickle the stomach lining which may cause your pet to vomit.

Food intolerance and food allergies can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.  Some dogs are allergic to certain grains (wheat, soy, corn) found in pet foods while others are allergic to certain protein sources used in pet food.
If you think that food might be the culprit, try switching your dog to a food specially formulated for sensitive stomachs. Your veterinarian might prescribe this food for a short time, or for the long term, depending on your dog’s reaction.   Your vet may also suggest switching to a brand with a different protein source or grain component to see if the reason for the upset stomach is allergy-related.

However, if your dog has been vomiting or having diarrhea for several days, it's time to visit the vet. He will take a stool sample, blood sample and possibly an X-ray to determine if this is due to something more serious such as:

• Parasites such as roundworms, whipworms or tapeworms
• Bacterial infection
• A fungal infection from eating something moldy from the trash
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Addison’s Disease (a disease of the adrenal glands near the kidneys)
• Gastrinoma (a tumor of the intestines)
• Ingesting a foreign body or toxin
• Pancreatitis (from eating fatty food or table scraps)
• Stomach ulcers

Once your vet has determined the reason for your dog's sensitive stomach, proper treatment can be given, whether medication or surgery.

                    If you care DON"T share

Don't feed your talented beggar poultry bones. They tend to splinter and pose a dangerous chocking hazard to you pet
 I am guilty of trimming fatty meats before cooking, and giving the trimmings to the dog, and letting them help clean the dessert dishes. But this too is not a good idea. too much fatty, or rich sugary foods can cause stomach and digestive discomfort. 
     If you want to really treat or "share" with your pet, share you time in playing, or even pet friendly goodies. Treats are good, but they should remain as "treats" not a supplemental meal, or frequent snacks throughout the day. This can lead to pet obesity. 

Know the signs of heat stroke in your pets.

                  *SUMMER PET HEALTH*                               
Do you know the warning signs of HEAT STROKE?
Heat stroke signs: slobbering, panting vomiting, rapid heart beat, high temperature.
Treatment: Remove pet from sun, bathe in cold water. apply ice to head and chest, massage limbs gently, If conscious feed small amounts of cool water. RUSH TO VET.
Never leave a pet in a parked car on a sunny day. A car's inner temperature and rise over 30 degrees in minutes. A closed car (windows shut) can go from 90 to 120 degrees in less than 30 minutes.

All of the pet tips and disease warning signs posted on this blog, runasracefund.com are based on information provided to us by Veterinarians.

Welcome to Wags for Giggles & Books with Bite!

This blog will posts a variety of things. I am the author of  " A Beautiful husky needs a home", so naturally I will be posting about events involving my book. I must mention that this book is also the official book of Runa's R.A.C.E. Fund (R.R.F.). And portions of the book's sales will go into this fund and also other reputable animal charities. Having said all that, I must also mention that this blog will feature reviews of books about animals, and others that I happen to like and review.
As a board member and founder of the afore mentioned R.R.F. I will also post reviews of pet products, pet health tips, disease warning signs and anything else that may cross my desk that I feel is important to share with pet parents, and book lovers.
You may see many posts of new changes to R.R.F.'s website runasracefund.com and it's Facebook page that holds contests and giveaways. R.R.F.'s website runasracefund.com also post donated pet adoption stories and photos, as new stories are added to the website I will post the additions here. I ahve a few things already to add to this blog, but alas it is in the wee morning hours, and my 11 yr old gets up early for school. So those postings will added VERY SOON. I hope you all come back and share this page that will be full of stories, reviews pet health information, and contests and giveaways!.