Zoey has really taken to blogging. She asked me to help her create a blog just for and about her and other canines. She says she wants to spotlight dogs like her. So there is no time like the present to start the New Year off with www.Zoeytherescue.blogspot.com


Zoey wants to remind you that there are tons of animals that need a FUREVER home. Also shelters need donations not only monetary but many other items too. She says to take in consideration that there are lots of humans who donate to wonderful, much-needed causes to help humans but there is not enough humans that donate to help save animals.


Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational/entertainment purposes only. I make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link.


Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Chip bags, cereal bags, bread bags, popcorn bags, dog / cat treat bags can be fatal to your pet






Reprinted from Facebook: Post from Christina Young

Are you aware of the danger of your pet getting into bags? I wasn't. Thank you Christina for your message below to bring awareness to what can happen. I am very sorry that Petey lost his life and you lost your beautiful Petey. 

One week ago I kissed my baby boy goodbye on my way out for work. But I had no idea it would be for the last time. Although I still can’t even wrap my head around what happened and I feel we have an obligation to share what happened to Petey to hopefully prevent it from happening to any of your babies. So we apologize in advance bc this is so hard to write about & I’m sure such a downer to read. Last Monday, Christian beat me home from work by about 10 min & was surprised when Petey didn’t greet him at the door like usual. As he walked in further he saw our sweet boy laying lifeless with a stupid chip bag over his head. He was able to get them off the counter that we will forever blame ourselves for leaving out. He ate every chip out but of course went back for crumbs... with there being nothing left inside every time he would go for more he would inhale making the bag tighter & tighter around his head.. ultimately resulting in suffocation ðŸ’” Petey was SMART so I didn’t understand why he couldn’t get it off with his paws. But after doing research the stats on how often this happens is shocking. 3-5 pet suffocation’s get reported every week and 42% of those occur while the owner is in the next room. It only takes about 3 minutes for their oxygen to drop to fatal levels. With this happening so often we were so surprised by the lack of awareness on this topic out there. Especially bc I was a very overprotective dog mama. In fact 90% of the incidents reported the owner had never heard of this until it happened to them (us included). Chip bags, cereal bags, bread bags, popcorn bags, dog / cat treat bags seem to be the most common. So I just ask that in honor of my boy Petey that you be extra careful, warn other dog owners & give your fur babies some extra love today and everyday after this. I pray none of you ever have to experience your heart breaking this way. We love you papas you were the best boy in the whole world & we will remember our good times forever 



Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day!



Re-purposed from a post by Sky and Christa on the Internet


February 20 marks National Love Your Pet Day, a holiday on which we celebrate our pets! Today is another day for an excuse to spoil your pets.  Organizers suggest using the day to pamper your pet by giving them an extra special treat or taking them on an extra long walk.
A husband may wind up in the doghouse some days but not our dogs. 41% of our precious pooches now share our beds according to the National Pet Owners Survey. The figure is up from just about a third of all canines who cozied up for an overnight snooze with their owners revealed during a previous survey. Cat owners are just as nuts for cozying up with their feline friends. 51% said their kitties snooze anywhere they fancy, which is usually snuggled up in bed with their people. Other fascinating facts about our animal amigos revealed:
  • A whopping 63% of all American households have at least one pet. But contrast, only about one-third of homes have a child under the age of 18, according to the Census Bureau.
  • We spend a staggering $34 billion a year on pet products and services, according to the Census Bureau's reckoning of retail sales. That's more than we spend on hardware and even on jewelry.
  • 90 million cats have places in our hearts and homes.
  • 74 million pooches share our home and hearth, representing an 18% increase from seven years ago.
  • We're very democratic in our love of different species. 41% of homes with a dog also count a cat as part of the family, blowing the myth that the four-footers fight like, well, cats and dogs.
So today, show some extra love and give your animals a hug, and maybe throw in a treat too.

Woof, woof, till later, 
Zoey Elizabeth

Friday, February 16, 2018

PROTECT DOGS AND CATS IN SOUTH KOREA


The Animal Rescue Site




Woof, another dog food recall!


Dog food is withdrawn over concerns about euthanasia drug

Copied from FB: The Associated Press / Updated: Feb 16, 2018 11:33 AM EST
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The J.M. Smucker Co. is withdrawing some shipments of dog food amid reports that it could be tainted with traces of a drug used to euthanize animals.
The company said Thursday it is pulling back shipments of several varieties of wet canned Gravy TrainKibble ’N Bits, Skippy and Ol’ Roy brands. It said it is investigating how the euthanasia drug pentobarbital got into its supply chain and is focusing on a single supplier of a minor ingredient used at one manufacturing facility.
The recalls come after WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., said it tested 15 cans of Gravy Train. It found nine cans, or 60 percent of the sample, tested positive for pentobarbital.
Smucker cited experts noting that the low levels of the drug cited in the report do not pose a threat to pets.
“However, the presence of this substance at any level is not acceptable to us and not up to our quality standards,” said the company, which is based in Orrville, Ohio. It said it does not use meat from euthanized animals in its pet food.
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Do you brush your dog's teeth?



7 tips for doggie dental care
The good news for dogs is they’re not as prone to cavities as human beings are. But despite the old conventional wisdom that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a humans, dogs can still develop problems like tartar and plaque buildup and gingivitis. But it’s not just bad breath and yellow teeth you have to worry about. As with humans, these canine dental problems can actually lead to life-threatening infections and issues including heart, liver, and kidney disease.
Here’s how to practice good dog dental care that will extend your dog’s life:

How to brush your dog’s teeth

If your dog can brush his own teeth, you can stop reading this article and start posting the video to YouTube. For the rest of us, we have to use a canine toothbrush and a little strategy. The best brush to use is double-headed with the brushes at a 45 degree angle to clean below the gumline, like those offered by companies like Petosan.
Your dog might not go for the tooth brushing at first, but hopefully, you can make it a reasonably pleasant experience for both of you. Try and choose a time when your dog has had a decent amount of exercise, so he’s more inclined to sit still for the procedure. Don’t overdo it the first few times. Start slowly and quit if your dog gets agitated, even if you don’t brush the whole mouth. You can increase the time every day as he gets used to it. Also, make sure to speak soothingly and pleasantly during the brushing and reward your dog with a treat afterwards. Before too long, your dog should start looking forward to the event.

Start early with your dog as a puppy!

Grown dogs can learn to become comfortable with dog teeth cleaning, but make things easier for yourself by working with your dog as a puppy.

How to pick the right tooth paste for your dog

This is very important. Do NOT use regular human toothpaste for your dog. Most human toothpastes include fluoride, which is extremely poisonous to dogs. You can find toothpaste formulated for dogs at most good pet stores.

Dry food is better than soft food

If the tooth brushing ends in blood, sweat, or tears, there are still choices you can make to help improve your dog’s oral health. Crunchy kibble is better for your dog’s teeth than soft food, as soft food is more likely to stick to the teeth and cause decay.

Chew bones and chew toys to clean teeth

There are many synthetic bones and chew toys that are specially designed to strengthen your dog’s gums and teeth. Just make sure you’re providing safe objects for your dog to chew on. Hard objects can cause broken teeth.
Giving your dog a good bone to chew on can help get rid of build up and keep teeth strong, but imagine a human who only chews gum and uses mouth rinse. That’s not an effective means of ensuring good dental hygiene and overall health. The same is true for your dog.

When to see a veterinarian

Whether you brush your dog’s teeth or not, you should have a look inside his mouth every week or so. If you notice any of these signs of dental problems, then take your dog to the vet:
  • Bad breath
  • Change in eating or dog chewing habits
  • Pawing at the face or mouth
  • Depression
  • Excessive drooling
  • Misaligned or missing teeth
  • Discolored, broken, missing or crooked teeth
  • Red, swollen, painful or bleeding gums
  • Yellowish-brown tartar crust along the gum line
  • Bumps or growths within the mouth

How often to see a vet?

Even with healthy teeth, just like you, your dog should have his teeth checked by a professional every six to twelve months. Your vet should include a dental examination with a normal checkup, but ask for it if they don’t.
Dental care can be a hassle for humans and dogs, but proper maintenance can be a money saver in the long run and even a lifesaver. Letting it go can lead to costly and often painful vet visits down the road. Many dogs have to be given anesthesia to have their teeth and gums cleaned if the buildup is bad enough. Keep your dog’s mouth clean though, and you’ll both be smiling!


Bye bye bad breath

There are many reasons why good dogs sometimes behave badly. You’ve seen many cases on Cesar Millan’s TV shows where bad behaviors in dogs were caused or triggered by human behavior.
Cesar has dealt with a lot of these cases, including severe aggression, fear, and dominance issues. But what you might not know is that bad behavior, or a sudden change in your dog’s behavior, can be caused by undetected medical problems. For example, if your dog starts chewing on random household objects, he may be experiencing tooth pain that could be helped with regular brushing.
Symptoms to watch for
If your dog suddenly becomes a compulsive chewer, there is a chance that something is wrong with her teeth or gums. The most frequent medical problem dogs have is dental disease, and it usually goes undetected. You should watch for the following symptoms:
  1. Bad breath
  2. Red or swollen gums
  3. Bleeding gums
  4. Sudden change in eating or chewing habits
  5. Pawing at the face or mouth
  6. Compulsive nose licking
Please consult your veterinarian if you see any these symptoms.
Prevention
Cesar prefers prevention over treatment and believes that, “The daily practice of good oral health can prevent problems down the road.”
Dental disease will develop if plaque is present and remains over time. Tooth brushing is the single most effective way to prevent dental disease. Dental treats and chewing aids may also help reduce plaque buildup, but they should be used as a complement, not a replacement, for the toothbrush.
Dental care routine
Dr. Rick Garcia, who is the veterinarian at Cesar Millan’s Dog Psychology Center, shares his tips for a good and stress-free dental care program with seven simple rules sure to provide your pooch with a good dental care routine:
  1. A brushing routine is important for dogs of all ages. It’s ideal when introduced during puppyhood.
  2. Establish brushing as part of a daily routine with your dog. Try to brush at the same time every day.
  3. The best time for brushing is after walking and feeding but right before bed, when your dog may be most relaxed.
  4. Inspect your dog’s mouth before brushing. Make sure the gums are pink and not bleeding, and look for broken or chipped teeth. If you spot any of these signs, take your dog to the vet for a checkup.
  5. Introduce the taste of toothpaste to your dog before you brush. The best way to do this is by applying a small amount of toothpaste to your index finger and allowing your dog to smell and taste it.
  6. At the Dog Psychology Center, Dr. Garcia uses a toothpaste designed for dog, with a dog-friendly flavor.
  7. After your dog has sniffed the toothpaste and is used to its taste, apply more toothpaste to your index finger and carefully touch the gums, so your dog gets used to the feeling. Then, gently rub the toothpaste along the gum line.
  8. Let your dog rinse at the water bowl when you'r through.
Remember, do not attempt to wipe all of the teeth in the first or second brushing. Dr. Garcia recommends increasing the number of teeth you wipe each day as the routine becomes more familiar
How to introduce the toothbrush to your dog
After you have introduced cleaning and toothpaste to your dog, it’s time to introduce the toothbrush.
Make sure your dog is calm and submissive. Cesar warns to never attempt this with an excited dog. “Tooth brushing can be a form of affection for your dog. Never let it be stressful. Just be patient.”
Here is a step-by-step approach to help you add the toothbrush to your dog’s dental care routine:
Step 1: Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush.
Step 2: Let the dog lick it off.
Step 3: Start by brushing one tooth with a gentle back and forth motion.
Step 4: Gradually increase the number of teeth brushed by one tooth per day.
If you have any questions or encounter problems with this dental brushing routine, consult your local vet. Good dental care is important and it is often overlooked. Cesar Millan is emphatic in saying that a dog’s strongest sense is smell. Dental disease can adversely affect a dog’s sense of smell, which can lead to behavior problems, fatigue, and overall unhappiness. .
Editor's Note:  I think I will be getting a toothbrush and some flavor-full toothpaste. 

Woof, woof, till later, 
Zoey Elizabeth

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

I am sure most dog owners will enjoy this cartoon...


Photo reprinted from FB "Photo Doggies for Anthony"

How to Protect Your Pet from Coyotes


There have been coyote sightings around my neighborhood over the past few months. I saw this article on Facebook and thought it would be a good one to post here. 



Reprinted from Facebook post on Feb. 7, 2018, PetMed, by Nicole Pajer

In recent years, we have been hearing more and more about wildlife posing a threat to dogs and cats. News headlines have highlighted the tragedy that can unfold if a hungry coyote crosses paths with a small, unattended pet. People have reported coyotes snatching their pups from their backyards, causing mass hysteria. But how common are coyote attacks in urban and suburban areas? Is this really something to lose sleep over? We asked the experts to answer burning questions about coyotes, and offer advice on how to keep your pets safe.

Are Coyotes a Danger to Pets?


While coyotes once lived on untouched lands, the species has spread into heavily populated areas. And this is ultimately why we are hearing more about their growing urban presence today. “Coyotes are found pretty much everywhere now, including urban centers,” says Dr. Shari Rodriguez, assistant professor of human dimensions of wildlife at Clemson University, noting that she has seen “an incredible photo of a coyote that got onto a subway car in Portland and curled up and went to sleep on a seat.”

“As we increase human populations and develop formerly green space, wild areas, we are coming face to face with more wildlife, like coyotes,” explains Camilla Fox, founder and executive director of Project Coyote, an organization that strives to foster coexistence between people and wildlife. “Things like habitat encroachment, habitat alteration, and food can be an attraction for different species.”

Rodriguez adds that coyotes are generalists, which means they don’t have narrow requirements for habitat, food, and such, like specialist species do. “This means they can live off their natural prey (smaller mammals like rabbits, squirrels, and even deer fawn, as well as insects, fruits, birds, amphibians, and reptiles), but they can also do fine preying on domestic pets and small livestock, human refuse, and agricultural crops,” she says. And demographic wise, she notes that coyotes have been found “everywhere from Central America to the Arctic.”

Though everyone seems to have a “coyote ate my friend’s pet” story, Rodriguez says that these occurrences are still relatively low. “It does happen from time to time, but it’s not all that common,” she explains. “When it does happen, it’s typically because humans are engaging in risky behavior—e.g., leaving/letting their pets outside alone, walking pets at night in urban centers.” And even then, Rodriguez explains that we can’t really place the blame on the coyotes. “I like to think of it this way: A coyote is just being a coyote,” she says. “So it’s going to do whatever it can to make a living at the lowest possible cost.”

Even in urban areas, a coyote will prefer to eat its natural diet of rodents and fruit but may snatch up a pet if the opportunity presents itself as an easy one, Fox adds. “If a coyote is in an urban area and there is a fat fluffy [pet] that doesn’t have a lot of defense mechanism, cats could be considered prey,” she says. “Once you allow your pets to roam, they basically become part of the ecosystem, so they may be perceived as prey by any given species.”

How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Coyotes


“Coyotes are here to stay,” Rodriguez says. The key to ensuring pet safety is for owners to adjust to their behavior and to take extra steps to keep their animals out of harm’s way. “Humans need to avoid risky behaviors if we are to avoid interactions and conflict with coyotes,” she explains. Here are a few precautions you can take:

Be aware that some dogs may be drawn to coyotes: To ensure your dog’s safety in a coyote-ridden area, it’s essential to be aware that coyotes and dogs can be attracted to one another, Fox points out. “A dog and a coyote are genetically similar enough where they can interbreed, though interbreeding is not very common,” she notes. “There is an attraction often between dogs and coyotes and it’s often the dog that starts the chase behavior. But if an incident occurs, then the coyote gets blamed.”

Do not feed wildlife: One of the biggest reasons that coyotes are infiltrating neighborhoods is the attraction of people food, Fox says. “We encourage people to not intentionally or unintentionally feed animals if they are trying to deter them from their yards and neighborhoods.”

Do not leave your pet unattended: Keep an eye on your pet when you open the back door to let him out and do not let him stray too far away from you. Whenever possible, take your dog out on a leash. “You should use a 6-foot leash, not a retractable leash,” recommends Dr. Kate Magers, a veterinarian at Pennfield Animal Hospital in Missouri. “Those give little to no control if your pet encounters a coyote. Also avoid walking your dog during twilight hours.” Rodriguez adds that coyotes are more active at night, so it’s best to keep an extra eye on your pet when you let him out after the sun goes down. “Carry a headlamp or flashlight when walking your dog at night,” she says.

Do not feed your pet outside: As food can be a big attractor of coyotes, giving your pet his dinner indoors is always a good idea. “If you feel you must feed your pet outside, feed midday at a set time and pick up leftovers immediately,” Magers says.

Be extra mindful during coyote breeding season: April is when the coyotes are going to have their young and April through August is when they are going to be more protective of their young,” Fox says. “Be extra careful during this time. Walk a dog on leash and be cognizant of coyotes in the area.”

Remove any kind of attractants around the exterior of you house: Attractants for coyotes include compost, dirty grills, and birdseed, Fox says. “Birdseed, for instance, can attract rodents and, therefore, attract coyotes.” Fallen fruit should also be cleaned up, as Fox notes that coyotes consume large amounts of fruit during certain points in the year. Magers adds that you should secure garbage cans and refuse.

Make your yard a less attractive habitat: “Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed to reduce cover, which makes great hiding places for coyotes,” Magers recommends. “Install coyote-proof fences (these are typically quite high) or use motion-triggered deterrents like light or sprinkler systems.” Fences should be at least 6-foot high and buried at least 6 inches underground or fitted with a mesh apron on the outside of the fence extending 12 inches out from the bottom of the fence and secured with landscape, she adds.

Try a coyote-deterring gadget: “There are lots of new items on the market for protecting pets, such anti-coyote collars and jackets,” Rodriguez says. “The vests are made of Kevlar and have spikes on the back of the jacket and the collars also have spikes on them.” While both products should help deter attacks, Rodriguez notes that she hasn’t seen any convincible statistics that would allow her to tout their effectiveness. So don’t skimp on the precautions mentioned above.

If you see a coyote in your yard, “stand tall and maintain eye contact with the coyote,” Magers advises. “You should haze the coyote by yelling, clapping your hands loudly, making loud noises, flashing a flashlight, tossing rocks or sticks near the coyote, and anything else that will frighten it off. Move toward the coyote quickly and aggressively and do not run away from it.” Rodriguez adds that if you see a coyote while walking your dog, maintain eye contact with it and back up until you and your pet are a safe distance from it.

What to Do if Your Pet Gets Bit by a Coyote


If your pet gets bit by a coyote, it requires immediate veterinary attention. “See your veterinarian to have the wounds cleaned, get some antibiotics started, and booster the rabies vaccine if indicated by vaccine records,” Magers says.

Although rare, coyotes can carry rabies, Fox notes. “That is very geographically dependent on which species of wildlife are actual rabies vectors. For example, in California, we haven’t had a case of rabies in coyotes since the early ’90s. A coyote may become rabid, but it’s much more prevalent in bats, skunks, and raccoons than coyotes in terms of a rabies vector species.”

Per Rodriguez, any attacks should be reported to your state’s wildlife agency as soon as possible. “Sometimes coyotes get habituated to humans, and thus become more brazen,” she explains.

While coyotes can pose a threat to pets, it’s important for people to recognize the fact that these animals are native to North America and a very crucial part of the country, Fox says. “They play an important role in helping to keep ecosystems healthy and diverse. Coyote management is largely about people management,” she says. “By taking a few precautions, there is no reason why the two species can’t live together peacefully.”

PS: I hope we don't run into any coyotes while we are out!  Be careful...

Woof, woof, till later, 
Zoey Elizabeth

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Cesar's 6 tips for mastering the dog walk


By Cesar Millan

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/walking/6-tips-for-mastering-the-dog-walk?roi=echo2-13490884334-5737157-1896c97f61b77520b97ffc0253a0ee4e

Here are six dog training tips on how to walk your dog and master the dog walk. When I’m out with my dog pack, I often walk about ten dogs at a time, sometimes even off-leash if I'm in a safe area. People are amazed by this, but it's simple: the dogs see me as their pack leader. This is why dogs follow me wherever I go.

1. Walk in front of your dog. Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.

2. Use a short dog leash. This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Pack Leader Collar. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections.

3. Give yourself enough time for the dog walk. Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.

4. How to reward your dog during the walk. After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

5. Keep leading, even after the walk. When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.

6. Reward your dog after the walk. By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water.

And don’t forget to set a good example by always picking up after your dog!