Wednesday, May 30, 2012

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.
 
                                  Dog
 
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.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

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!.