| News and Tips
from
Shih Tzu Palace Puppies |
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Greetings! 
Spring is here in our area. Many of you are still waiting. My flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and there is a lot of yard work to be done. With that in mind, I need to look at potential poisons in and around the house and yard. Many plants are toxic to pets, and we need to make sure our babies are kept away from them. I have included an article about poison proofing your home to help you with this.
We are also spending more time outdoors now that the weather is nice. I have a wonderful fenced-in acre for my babies to run and play in, but that does not prevent them from escaping if a delivery man leaves the gate open, or it is not latched securely. Precautions must be taken, and if your baby does disapear from view, there are five steps to take immediately if your pet gets lost.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
Barbie |
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How Your Dog Tells You To Be Calm |
 Do you know that sometimes your dog attempts to calm you? Let's see if this scenario sounds familiar. For one reason or another, you are not in your best mood. You call your dog and expect the dog to come to you. Instead, your usually well behaved dog turns to the side or even turns its back to you. Of course, you might think that this is the last thing you need. It makes a bad day worse. However, what you may be seeing is a gesture of kindness and caring for you. The problem is that you do not understand canine body language and may miss the communication.
If you are upset, the dog knows it. The dog reads your body language and knows. Even if you are not aware of the signals that you are sending, the dog knows. Through your body language, tone of voice, scent, or a combination of these and other factors, your dog knows when you are not in good humor. What is actually happening, when the dog does not come and turns away from you, is a message. The dog is asking you, in a polite canine way, to calm down. The dog is trying to neutralize the situation. It is not an act of defiance or an attempt, on the dog's part, to make your day worse.
Now, the question is 'will this ruin the obedience training with the dog?'. - It seems far better to heed the dog and indeed recognize that you are upset. Take a moment and see if the dog is not absolutely correct. Don't be upset with the dog. Your dog was simply polite and communicating with you. Read the dog. Your dog doesn't like you to be upset - and turning away is a kind and loving gesture extended to you. You have a wonderfully attentive, sensitive dog there. Perhaps a 'thank you' to your best friend is appropriate. |
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Finding your lost pet: 5 things to do! |
Losing a pet can be a heart breaking experience for all concerned. Of course you should already have had your darling micro-chipped so that if he is found, it will be easier to ensure his return. Here are five steps to follow in case he does wander off:
1. Rally your family and friends and go looking. This is especially important if you realize early on that the pet is missing.
2. Call your veterinarian. If your pet is wearing a rabies tag on its collar, the tag number often can be traced to your veterinarian who can then help reunite you with your lost pet. The microchip can also be "tagged" so that shelters and other vets are put on alert.
3. Call every animal shelter or humane organization in your area. Visit the most likely shelters in person because you know your pet better than anyone else. Keep checking daily!
4. Check with neighbors and put up signs around your neighborhood that include a photo or description of your pet, your phone number, and how long your pet has been missing.
5. Call your local newspaper and place a lost pet ad. Also check the newspaper daily for "found pets" ads. Often they will print found ads for free. |
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Get ready for a two-dog family |
What's more entertaining than a dog? Two dogs! If you're thinking of bringing a second dog into your family, there are some important factors to consider. This informative article offers expert advice, and outlines the joys and challenges of living with two dogs.
If you decide to add another dog to your family, remember timing is crucial. Make sure your "resident" dog is fully trained before bringing in a new dog. Trained means that he knows what he can and cannot chew on, listens to and obeys your commands, and is completely house trained. Often the new dog will take her lead from the older dog. That is why it is especially important to have a well trained "resident" dog to show the newcomer the ropes. Otherwise you can end up with two unruly pets on your hands.
Here are some tips when adding a second dog to the family:
Purchase new bedding, bowls, and necessary supplies for your new dog so each dog will have her own "property." You'll be helping the "resident" dog feel less threatened when the new little one invades his territory.
Even if your two dogs seem to hit it off well from the start, make sure they have time away from each other. This teaches each dog to feel special and teaches the them both that sometimes they need to be away by themselves. Never leave them alone together until you know they have fully accepted each other.
A young puppy may be overwhelming to a senior dog; supervision is essential for the puppy to learn proper socialization and how to act when around the senior.
I hope these tips will help you to bring that new little one into your home. |
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A Real Threat to Dogs |
 Unexpected emergencies, like carbon monoxide toxicity, can occur. Make sure you can care for your dog in the case of a medial emergency.
Recently a friend of mine lost a pet due to carbon monoxide poisoning. I don't want this to happen to you.
Carbon monoxide may be a real danger in your home and can harm you and poison your pets. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless poisonous gas. When present, this gas is absorbed into the bloodstream and forms a compound that causes a reduced oxygen supply to the heart and brain.
The most common cause of carbon monoxide toxicity is a non-vented or poorly ventilated furnace, gas water heater, gas/kerosene space heater in your home or faulty exhaust systems. It can also be caused by an automobile exhaust in a closed garage, smoke inhalation (for example, in burning buildings) and airplane cargo areas.
Common signs include drowsiness, lethargy, weakness and/or coordination problems, bright red color to the skin and gums, difficulty breathing, coma and sudden death. Occasionally, chronic (low-grade, long-term) exposure may cause exercise intolerance, changes in gait (walking), and disturbances of normal reflexes.
Prevent toxicity by minimizing exposure and using carbon monoxide detectors around your home. Ensure your furnace or space heaters are well-ventilated. Carbon monoxide detectors are available in most home improvement stores and are also available as co-monitors with smoke detectors.
Buy one and protect yourself, your family and your pets. |
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Do You Know How to Poison-Proof Your Home? |
 Ready to do a little homework, pet parents? National Poison Prevention Week is almost here March 16 to March 22 and because our pets depend on us to keep them safe, we think it's the perfect time to review the harmful substances your furry explorers may encounter at home. Here are just a few ways to ensure that your household is pet poison-proof:
Keep prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold and flu preparations and antidepressants behind tightly closed cabinet doors.
Make sure chocolate, coffee and other potentially dangerous foods are kept out of pets' reach.
When using products to eliminate fleas, ticks and other pests, follow directions exactly. Be sure the item you're using has been formulated specifically for your pet, and check with your veterinarian before using it.
Many common household plants such as lilies, azaleas and kalanchoe can cause surprisingly severe, even life-threatening effects in pets. Please check our complete lists of toxic and nontoxic plants.
Take care to use cleaning products that have been proven safe for use around pets. If you do use bleaches, detergents or disinfectants, keep your pets away from the cleaned areas until the product has dried thoroughly, and be sure to store the products in a secure place.
A Poison Safe Home
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet - Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic
- Products sweetened with xylitol
Warm Weather Hazards - Animal toxins-toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
- Blue-green algae in ponds
- Citronella candles
- Cocoa mulch
- Compost piles Fertilizers
- Flea products
- Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
- Swimming-pool treatment supplies
- Fly baits containing methomyl
- Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde
Medication
Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:
- Pain killers
- Cold medicines
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Antidepressants
- Vitamins
- Diet Pills
Common Household Hazards - Fabric softener sheets
- Mothballs
- Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)
Non-toxic Substances for Dogs and Cats The following substances are considered to be non-toxic, although they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals:
- Water-based paints
- Toilet bowl water
- Silica gel
- Poinsettia
- Cat litter
- Glue traps
- Glow jewelry
12 Most Common Poisonous Plants
- Lilies: While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestion of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.
- Sago Palm: All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or "nuts" contain the largest amount of toxin.
- Tulip/Narcissus bulbs: The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.
- Azalea/Rhododendron: Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.
- Oleander: All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects-including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.
- Cyclamen: Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant.
- Yew: Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing.
- Amaryllis: Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.
- Autumn Crocus: Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.
- Chrysanthemum: These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten.
- English Ivy: Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.
- Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily): Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.
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| From Our Kitchen |
Do you like to cook? Have you tried your hand at dog treats? If you haven't maybe you should try giving your pooch a homemade gourmet experience. All dogs could use a little TLC in their daily treats and meals.
Dogs need veggies as much as we do. My babies all love veggies. When I found these recipes, I thought I would give them a try. They love them!
Carrot and Cinnamon Cookies
Makes about 1 lb of cookies
Preheat oven to 350 F
Ingredients:
4 cups whole wheat flour
½ cup cornmeal
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped carrot
½ cup water
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp liquid honey
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal and cinnamon.
- In a food processor, combine carrot, water, oil, honey, egg and vanilla.
- Puree until smooth.
- Pour over dry ingredients and stir until well incorporated.
- In the bowl and using hands, knead until dough holds together.
- Transfer to lightly floured surface.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out dough to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness.
- With a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the dough.
- Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut dough into bite-size rectangles or squares.
- Place about ½ inch (1 cm) apart on baking sheets.
- Bake in preheated oven, in batches if necessary, for 20 minutes or until firm.
- Place pans on racks and let cool completely.
- Reduce oven temperature to 300 F
- Bake for 30 minutes longer or until hard.
- Transfer cookies to a rack and let cool completely.
- Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 30 days.
Variation: - Low-Fat Carrot and Cinnamon Cookies: For a lower-fat version of this cookie recipe, replace the canola oil with 2 tbsp of additional water or unsweeterned apple sauce.
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Veggie Puppy Treats
Makes about 1 lb of treats
Preheat oven to 350 F
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp each dried basil, cilantro and oregano leaves
- 3/4 cup water
- 2/3 cup chopped carrot
- 1/4 cup cut (1/2 inch) green beans, thawed if frozen
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp canola oil 25
- 1 clove garlic
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, basil, cilantro and oregano. In a food processor, combine water, carrot, green beans, tomato paste, oil and garlic. Puree until smooth. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well.
2. In the bowl and using hands, knead until dough holds together. Transfer to lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness.
3. With a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the dough. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut dough into 1/2-inch (1 cm) squares. Place about 1/2 inch (1 cm) apart on baking sheets.
4. Bake in preheated oven, in batches if necessary, for 20 minutes or until firm. Place pans on racks and let cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 300 F (150 C). Bake for 25 minutes longer or until hard. Transfer cookies to a rack and let cool completely.
Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 30 days. | |
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All of the puppies have homes. The last to leave was Zhou Chin. He has a very happy home in Michigan with a wonderful family.
As always, I welcome comments and suggestions, please don't hesitate to write.
Woofingly,
Barbie
Shih Tzu Palace Puppies |
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