Keep those sugarless treats out of Fido's reach. Veterinarians warned on Friday that a commonly used sweetener might cause liver failure in dogs, and perhaps even kill them.
Their report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association appears to strengthen the suspected link between the sugar substitute xylitol, thought to make dogs sick, and possible liver failure.
Xylitol, a naturally occurring product, is found in many sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and toothpastes.
Researchers Sharon Gwaltney-Brant and Eric Dunayer with staff at a poison unit of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Urbana, Illinois, gathered information on eight dogs treated between 2003 and 2005 after eating products containing xylitol.
Each dog became ill, and five died or had to be put down because of liver failure, possibly from ingesting xylitol.
One dog who had to be euthanized had eaten four large, chocolate-frosted muffins containing about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of xylitol.
"People don't think sugar-free gum can kill their dog. I didn't before I got into this. But this is something people should be aware of," Gwaltney-Brant, who co-authored the study with Dunayer, said in a statement.
Gwaltney-Brant said for dogs, ingesting even a small amount of xylitol can trigger significant insulin release, which drops their blood sugar and can be fatal.
"A 22-pound (10-kg) dog who consumes one gram (0.03 ounces) of xylitol should be treated," she said, adding that further studies were needed to definitely establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
How to Pick the Right Dog for your Family
How to Pick the Right Dog for your Family
By Gemma Dayanan
There are many kinds of dogs to choose from. Vital things to take into consideration are your lifestyle, your hobbies and your present and future situation. You have to take into account the distinction between raising a dog from young pup hood and getting it as an adult dog.
Do you want a pet or a show dog or a male or a female dog? What are the benefits in having a small dog? They may not need a large space but small dogs still need room to exercise. Think about whether you would like a crossbreed, or a purebred. Always, carefully check out the breeder or any other place where you are considering getting your new dog.
Should I get a puppy or an adult?
The best benefit in getting an adult dog is that it is probably potty trained. Also you won’t have any surprises as to its final size and personality. Though the adult dog may get along very well with you it may have unknown behavioral issues such as an aversion to children. If you decide on acquiring an adult dog, try a couple of tests to be sure of its disposition and personality. Study the dog’s conduct as you get close to it. Try walking it near another dog, near a child that the dog has never met before and see how it reacts.
Puppies still have a lot to learn and are easily influenced and impressionable. Though still young each and every puppy has its own distinctive personality. Once the puppies are a few weeks old you will surely see the behavioral differences between them. The shy ones stay close to their mothers or hid in corners, while the more sociable puppy will go right over to you and want to play.
Should I choose a male or a female?
Some of the major differences in the comportment between male and female dogs are quite evident. Males tend to be more dominant with their owners and often exhibit hostile behavior towards other dogs. They are more energetic and will do more to guard their territories. Male dogs are inclined to urinate to mark their territories and to wander. They are usually more playful, more destructive and sometimes do not get along with children.
In contrast, obedience and house training of females is much easier. They also want more affection and attention from their owners. They are usually in heat twice a year this comes with some blood– tinged discharges that last around one week
You will see no difference between male and female dogs in the way they bark whether it is nervous barking, defensive barking or just being plain excited. Neutering or spaying your dog will diminish and even remove many of these behavioral differences.
The dog you choose will be more than a pet. It will also be a member of your family. We have looked at many things to take into consideration when selecting a dog. Don’t pick the first dog you see, think and choose carefully so that you and your dog will be happy.
This article was written by Gems a proud dog owner for dogs.value-guides.com
By Gemma Dayanan
There are many kinds of dogs to choose from. Vital things to take into consideration are your lifestyle, your hobbies and your present and future situation. You have to take into account the distinction between raising a dog from young pup hood and getting it as an adult dog.
Do you want a pet or a show dog or a male or a female dog? What are the benefits in having a small dog? They may not need a large space but small dogs still need room to exercise. Think about whether you would like a crossbreed, or a purebred. Always, carefully check out the breeder or any other place where you are considering getting your new dog.
Should I get a puppy or an adult?
The best benefit in getting an adult dog is that it is probably potty trained. Also you won’t have any surprises as to its final size and personality. Though the adult dog may get along very well with you it may have unknown behavioral issues such as an aversion to children. If you decide on acquiring an adult dog, try a couple of tests to be sure of its disposition and personality. Study the dog’s conduct as you get close to it. Try walking it near another dog, near a child that the dog has never met before and see how it reacts.
Puppies still have a lot to learn and are easily influenced and impressionable. Though still young each and every puppy has its own distinctive personality. Once the puppies are a few weeks old you will surely see the behavioral differences between them. The shy ones stay close to their mothers or hid in corners, while the more sociable puppy will go right over to you and want to play.
Should I choose a male or a female?
Some of the major differences in the comportment between male and female dogs are quite evident. Males tend to be more dominant with their owners and often exhibit hostile behavior towards other dogs. They are more energetic and will do more to guard their territories. Male dogs are inclined to urinate to mark their territories and to wander. They are usually more playful, more destructive and sometimes do not get along with children.
In contrast, obedience and house training of females is much easier. They also want more affection and attention from their owners. They are usually in heat twice a year this comes with some blood– tinged discharges that last around one week
You will see no difference between male and female dogs in the way they bark whether it is nervous barking, defensive barking or just being plain excited. Neutering or spaying your dog will diminish and even remove many of these behavioral differences.
The dog you choose will be more than a pet. It will also be a member of your family. We have looked at many things to take into consideration when selecting a dog. Don’t pick the first dog you see, think and choose carefully so that you and your dog will be happy.
This article was written by Gems a proud dog owner for dogs.value-guides.com
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