Puppy mill measure Prop B passes in Missouri November 3rd, 2010 Dog lovers, don’t overlook this headline when you’re following up on election news today: Missouri voters on Tuesday narrowly approved a ballot measure aimed at ridding the state of its reputation as the nation’s puppy mill capital. Proposition B, which would take effect in a year, will beef up Missouri’s existing laws by restricting commercial breeders to no more than 50 female dogs for breeding, increasing the size of dogs’ living spaces and by requiring commercial breeders to have their dogs examined yearly by a veterinarian. The measure, which applies to operators with fewer than 10 breeding dogs, also requires the animals to be fed daily and not be bred more than twice every 18 months. Breeders also must house animals indoors with unfettered access to an outdoor exercise yard. Violations will be misdemeanor carrying up to 15 days in jail and a $300 fine. The Humane Society of the United States said the measure – drafted partly by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – is needed to better regulate Missouri’s 1,400 licensed commercial dog breeders and the hundreds of suspected breeders who operate under the radar. Washington and Oregon have also toughened laws against operators of puppy mills. The HSUS and ASPCA urge people to adopt from shelters rather than buy from pet stores, often the recipients of puppy mill dogs. “This is truly a watershed moment in Missouri history,” Kathy Warnick, the Humane Society of Missouri’s president, said early Wednesday. “All of us in animal welfare are elated by the outcome, and we give our heartfelt thanks to Missourians for doing the right thing and providing a voice for Missouri’s defenseless animals.” Many of the grim details about puppy mills are detailed in Carol Bradley’s book Saving Gracie, which includes the tale of a dog who was a breeding machine. Posted in Chit Chat | Comments Off Win $100 Gift Certificate to Grove Pet Service! November 3rd, 2010 ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ❀ Win $100 Grove Pet Service Gift Certificate! ❀ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ ✳ Grove Pet Service is Miami’s most widely used Pet Sitting & Dog Walking company. Open to existing and new clients. To enter to win: post a picture of your pet(s) on the Grove Pet Service facebook page and tell your friends to “like” your picture of your pet on our page. The pet with the most votes (likes) wins! Contest ends 12/31/2010 Don’t “like” Grove Pet Service yet? Do so now, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coconut-Grove-FL/Grove-Pet-Service/81393837845 Posted in Chit Chat | Comments Off Does the dog look likes its owner or vice versa? (Photos) October 14th, 2010 Posted in Chit Chat | Comments Off Dog food is recalled by Blue Buffalo October 12th, 2010 Blue Buffalo Company Ltd. of Wilton, Conn., is recalling select packages of Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods sold under the BLUE brand, because they could contain excessive levels of vitamin D. Dogs with elevated levels of vitamin D in their systems may show signs of lethargy or exhibit unusually frequent water consumption and urination. The company has received 36 reports of dogs with symptoms consistent with high vitamin D levels. All of the symptoms have subsided after discontinuing the recalled food and no longterm health problems are apparent. The recalled products were sold nationwide. Posted in Chit Chat | Comments Off The Wet Versus Dry Food Debate October 11th, 2010 Does your dog come running at dinnertime because you’re shaking his kibble out of the bag? Or is it because you’re stirring his wet food in the can? Or do you shake a little, stir a little? When choosing a dry diet, a wet diet or a combo for your dog, there are many comparisons to make. Wet Versus Dry Food Deciding between wet and dry food for your dog can be tough. Dry dog kibble is easier to store and serve. Wet often contains fewer grains and more protein. Here are a few more comparisons: Benefits Of Dry Dog Food Easy to store and measure out Benefits your dog’s teeth and gums Helps ensure firm stools Lower cost per serving Drawbacks of Dry Dog Food According to the Animal Protection Institute, some dry foods are sprayed with animal fat, an unnecessary and unhealthy ingredient Tends to be high in gluten Benefits of Canned Food Contains more protein which can be beneficial for some dogs Contains more moisture which is good for hydration and the urinary tract Many dogs find it more palatable Long shelf life when unopened Drawbacks of Canned Food Some dogs gain weight more easily on canned food Short shelf life when opened; requires refrigeration Mitigating Circumstances If you have a dog with special issues, it is best to consult your veterinarian for food recommendations. Dogs, like people, react differently to different diets – some need mostly protein, some need lots of carbs; some benefit most from dry kibble, some from canned food. Here are a few special circumstances to keep in mind: Age: Young pups and senior dogs tend to do better on wet food because of the added hydration. It is also easier on their teeth. Overweight Dogs: Wet food is higher in protein which is what a dieting dog needs. It also makes them feel fuller longer. However, a high-protein dry dog food can also be sufficient. Medical Conditions: Diabetes: A low-carb diet is best. Epilepsy: It is thought that a high-protein diet, whether dry or wet, may reduce seizures. Food Allergies: Dogs are sometimes allergic to dairy, wheat and beef. A duck and potato or chicken and rice diet is often recommended and can be accomplished with either dry or wet food. Hyperactivity: It is thought that a low-protein diet is best, which can easily be achieved with dry kibble. Why Premium Dog Food Is The Best Choice Whether dry or canned, dog food that falls into the “premium” category offers the most balanced nutrition for your dog. Premium dog foods range in price from approximately $25.00 to $50.00 per 15-pound bag. If this is too pricey, consider mixing a premium food with your less expensive food. Premium dog food is beneficial in several ways: Few to no fillers or animal-by-products All-natural and/or organic No preservatives or artificial additives Usually only a few ingredients which is good for dogs with digestive problems and dogs with food allergies Tends to be high in Omega-3 which is good for your dog’s coat Made in small quantities at small factories which means it is easier to insure health standards Made with the whole dog in mind, holistic viewpoint Taste testing tends to be done either by in-home tests or, if they keep dogs for testing, adoption to a loving home is assured Mix It Up It’s not always a question of wet versus dry food. While a dog can certainly be healthy on either a dry or wet diet, experts agree that often the most balanced diet is a mix of both. Also, supplements can be added to round it off (ask your vet which would be right for your dog). So keep your dog healthy and happy with a diet that works well for him. http://www.dogster.com/articles/The-Wet-Versus-Dry-Food-Debate-123 Posted in Chit Chat | Comments Off « Older Entries Newer Entries »