| News and Tips
from Shih Tzu Palace Puppies |
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Greetings!
Gizmo has had his eye surgery and came through the procedure fine. He will have to be on medication for about three weeks, but he takes it like a trooper.
We still have three little boys left. I hope to find them homes soon as I am getting really attached to them. They use the potty pads all of the time indoors and are going out most of the time. Rarely do we have an accident on the floor. Be sure to visit our web site often to see updates and pictures. Shih Tzu Palace Puppies
Sincerely,
Barbie
864-972-9687 |
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 2007 Top Dog Breeds
The American Kennel Club recently released their 2007 numbers of registered dog breeds. For the first time since 1935, a new dog bullied its way to the top 10 list. Can you guess?
It is the Bulldog! The bulldog ranked #10 on the top 10 list - pushing out the miniature schnauzer.
Can you guess who is number one? Yep - you got it. For the 17th year in a row, the Labrador Retriever is once again the most popular dog.
Wonder how your favorite breed ranked? Check out the full list of 157 breeds
Top Dog Breeds
For the 17th year in a row, the Labrador retriever is once again America's favorite purebred dog, according to registration numbers tallied by the American Kennel Club. The AKC released the figures and, as in past years, the Labrador far outstrips the other dogs in the top 10. For the first time, the bulldog made it into the top ten list since 1935.
Changes This Year
Last year, all breeds in the top 10 were the same as the prior year but not this year.
The bulldog made the list this year displacing the Miniature Schnauzer from the top 10 list. The boxer jumped one notch to #6 bumping the dachshund into the #7 position.
Two years ago, in 2005, one new breed joined the top 10 list and one got bumped off. The Miniature Schnauzer came in at #10 displacing the Chihuahua into the #11 position.
Large Vs. Small Breeds
Five out of the top ten AKC registered breeds are large breed dogs! These include the Labrador retriever, German shepherd, golden retriever,Boxer and Bulldog. The rest are smaller breed dogs which includes the Yorkie, Beagle, Dachshund, Poodle, and Shih Tzu.
The Top 10 Breeds of 2007 are:
1. Labrador retrievers
2. Yorkshire terriers
3. German shepherds
4. Golden retrievers
5. Beagles
6. Boxers
7. Dachshunds
8. Poodles
9. Shih Tzus
10. Bulldog |
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 Winter Dog Care Tips
With winter here, it is important to avoid common winter hazards to keep your dog safe and healthy. I thought I'd pass on to you today about these common problems so that you can do your best to keep your dog safe.
Some products made for winter can be very dangerous or even lethal to pets. Ice melts, salts and antifreeze are three commonly used products that can make pets very ill.
* Ice melts and salt, if ingested, can result in significant gastrointestinal inflammation. These products are spread on sidewalks and streets, and can get on your pet's paws. They may ingest the salt or ice melt if they lick or clean their paws. One way to prevent ingestion of salts and ice melts is to wash your dog's feet after coming indoors.
* Antifreeze poisoning is common in winter. Even a small amount of antifreeze is extremely toxic. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but it can cause permanent kidney damage or death. The lethal dose is 1 teaspoon per 2 pounds of body weight. Don't let animals drink from puddles, and make sure to clean paws when a pet comes in from the outdoors.
* Don't leave your dog alone in the car while you do last-minute shopping or errands. Carbon monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous. In addition, a running car is a target for thieves. Your car can be replaced, but your pet is irreplaceable.
The cold weather and winter conditions pose their own dangers:
* Prolonged exposure to cold weather, especially accompanied by high winds (the wind chill factor), can lower the body temperature. This is called hypothermia, a condition that can interfere with normal bodily functions and result in injury or death. Pets can also suffer from frostbite, which occurs when skin dies from the cold.
* Dogs walking across ice-covered lakes have been known to fall through the ice and become submerged in freezing water. Drowning is likely if the pet does not get help. If pulled from the water, the animal is at risk for hypothermia if not quickly warmed.
Be safe!
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 Indoor Winter Hazards
I also want to share some common indoor winter hazards that we see so that you can do the best to keep your dog safe!
As the outside temperature falls, people and pets tend to spend more time indoors. Some common dangers include:
* Certain plants are a menace to dogs and cats: Poinsettias irritate the stomach and eyes. Berries of the Jerusalem cherry are toxic, and cause pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Holly and mistletoe, amaryllis, chrysanthemum, rhododendron and winter broom as well as Christmas berry, cherry, pepper and rose can all cause problems to pets that ingest them. Note: Liquid potpourri can cause terrible burns in an animal's mouth should it be ingested.
* Candles are a great attraction for pets, but don't leave them alone in a room with a menorah or candelabra blazing. A careless swish of a tail can be disastrous.
* Have your furnace evaluated for potential carbon monoxide leakage. Pets are generally in your house for longer periods than people and have a higher potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Also, in the winter, house fires are more apt to occur. People often use space heaters, electric blankets and other heating products. If not carefully monitored, these items can be causes of house fires. Pets caught in a fire have the potential to be badly burned and suffer from smoke inhalation.
Be safe. |
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 Lead Warning: Be Careful
There has been a lot of press about lead in toys and the potential for lead toxicity. The most common source for lead toxicity in dogs is ingestion of paint chips and dust caused by home renovations.
Do you live in an old house? Before you start your next renovation there is something you should know. There may be lead in the paint you are scraping away and it could poison your children and your dog!
Lead is a metal that can be toxic. Old paint contained lead and the paint, paint chips and paint dust from homes being renovated are a possible source of lead that can cause lead toxicity. This was a problem in paints produced prior to 1977 contain high lead levels. The paint is perfectly safe while it's on the walls, but once you start scraping and disturbing the paint, you may have a problem.
Dogs are in danger of suffering lead toxicity. The dust may get in their fur or paws and then be ingested when grooming. If you suspect or know that there is lead in the paint of your home, you should definitely keep you can away from any renovation projects, either in another room or by boarding her.
Common signs of lead poisoning may include vomiting and diarrhea that may progress to symptoms that involves the nervous system such as seizures or abnormal behavior. Lead toxicity can also cause anemia, which can cause lethargy and weakness. Hundreds of pets are poisoned each year. |
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 Lead Warning: What About Toys and Bowls?
What about toys and bowls? What is safe? Should you be concerned? Is it just paint that can cause lead toxicity? How about toys made in china?
This past fall, there were a series of recalls involving over 1.5 million Fisher-Price children's toys made in china with lead based. I asked a friend to research this topic and I'll share some of that information with you now. I'll try to answer some of the most common questions.
Is Lead Toxic?
Yes. Lead is a metal that can be toxic. Old paint contained lead and the paint, paint chips and paint dust from homes being renovated are a possible source of lead that can cause lead toxicity. This was a problem in paints produced prior to 1977 contain high lead levels. The paint is perfectly safe while it's on the walls, but once you start scraping and disturbing the paint, you may have a problem. Come companies are still using it to paint children's and pet products.
What are Common Signs of Lead Poisoning?
Common signs of lead poisoning may include vomiting and diarrhea that may progress to symptoms that involves the nervous system such as seizures or abnormal behavior. Lead toxicity can also cause anemia which can cause lethargy and weakness. Hundreds of pets are poisoned each year.
Does Anyone Test Animal Toys to Determine Safety?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) checks the safety of all toys intended for humans. Unfortunately, there are no organizations regularly testing animal toys, and there are no federal standards regarding lead in pet toys. The CPSC enforces a federal standard for lead in paint on children's toys. This standard is 600 parts per million (ppm).
Are Pet Toys Toxic?
In the wake of the lead scare, two laboratories have conducted independent tests on randomly selected pet items. These very qualified laboratories include Trace Laboratories, Inc. in Illinois and ExperTox Analytical Laboratories in Texas. Both labs **have** found lead and other toxic heavy metals in pet items purchased from American stores.
ExperTox Analytical Laboratories tested a Chinese-made, Wal-Mart marketed cat toy and dog toy. Both were packaged in a clear plastic wrapping with a cardboard label and no brand name.
The dog toy, a latex, green monster, contained high levels of lead and chromium (a cancer-causing heavy metal) and smaller amounts of other toxic materials. The cat toy contained very high levels of the toxic heavy metal, cadmium.
The lab determined these toxins were easily accessed and could be acquired from the toy with a simple lick of the dog's or cat's tongue.
Trace Laboratories tested Paws 'N Claws tennis balls purchased at a dollar-type store. They found an astounding 27,200 ppm lead levels in the ink on the balls. They also tested a ceramic food dish and found lead levels at 2,890 ppm. The lead levels in both these items far exceeded the limit set for human toys.
Should You Be Concerned?
There are conflicting opinions regarding the severity of these levels of lead and other heavy metals in pet products. Because of the lack of federal regulation at this time, it is up to you, the pet owner, to determine your level of concern.
An interesting bit of information to consider: Wal-Mart actually recalled children's toys which are quite similar to their lead-containing pet toys. These Chinese-made, Wal-Mart children's toys are sold at a similar price, without a brand, in packaging very similar to that containing their toxic pet toys. If these toys are not safe enough for your children, should your pet be playing with them?
What Can You Do?
How can you protect your pet? Talk to your veterinarian. Do your research. Check with the manufacturers of your pet's toys; ask for proof of their safety testing. Strongly consider discarding your pet's current products which are made in China. When buying new products, look for items made in the United States. Also, avoid toys made of latex, as they are more likely to contain lead. Above all, be proactive and don't take chances with the health of your pet.
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 Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine's Day
As Valentine's Day approaches, you may be thinking about giving-or getting-the perfect gift. But did you know that the traditional tokens of affection-roses, chocolates, and other candies-can be harmful for the four-legged loves of your life? ASPCA experts offer some tips to ensure a loving and safe day for all species this February 14:
1- Please use caution with roses and other blooms containing thorns, which could prove harmful to pets if played with, bitten, stepped on or swallowed. Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine for the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital explains, "It's all too easy for pets to step on thorny stems that fall to the ground as a flower arrangement is being created. Be sure to keep your pets clear of your workspace, since they can develop serious infections from thorn punctures. Also, many varieties of lilies are highly toxic to cats, so if these are your Valentine's flower of choice, make sure your cats can't get near them."
2- Chocolate in any form-ranging from one-ounce baking squares to hand-dipped truffles-contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that can cause stimulation of the central nervous system, an increase in heart rate and tremors. Clinical signs-vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate-can be seen with the ingestion of as little as two ounces of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.
3- It's very tempting to give your sweetie a new puppy or kitten for Valentine's Day-they are the ultimate in cute and cuddly! But please keep in mind that bringing a new companion into the home is a big decision. We suggest presenting your loved one with a gift certificate. |
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 From Our Kitchen
Everyone deserves a special treat on Valentine's Day, and that includes our fur-babies as well.
Valentine Bacon Crumbles
Yields 40 crumbles
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter
- 1/4 cup cram cheese
- 3/4 cup peanut butter flavored dog biscuits, crushed
- 4 pieces bacon cooked and crumbled
Directions:
- Combine peanut butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl
- Mix at high medium-high speed until combined.
- Add the bacon and the crushed biscuits to the peanut butter mixture
- Mix until just combined.
- Wet your hands and shape into small cubes or rounds.
Store the crumbles in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Bow-Wow Brownies
Ingredients:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup carob chips
- 1/4 cup carob powder
- ½ Teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 10x15 baking sheet or pan
- In a large bowl, blen the oil and honey thoroughly using a wooden spoon.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Pour onto baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
Cut into bite-sized squares and treat your pooch. | |
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I hpe you have enjoyed this edition. As always, I welcome comments and suggestions for articles and changes. Just email me at the address below.
Until next time,
Barbie | |
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