Dogs are Carnivores Argument

Here's an interesting article by licensed veterinarian Dr. Becker. In this article Dr. Becker voices concern over the idea that dogs are plant eating omnivores like humans are and as such can exist on a vegetarian diet.  Ellen DeGeneres is a co-owner of the "Halo" brand and there are reports that she will develop a "vegan" line of dog food.

The Doctor reminds dog owners that a dog's teeth are built for meat eating, they don't have the digestive enzymes in their saliva for processing carbs and starches and their digestive system is designed to hold and break down meat-based proteins.

Read more interesting facts at Mercola.com.

5 Things Hiding in Your Purse That Could Poison Your Pets

This article is a very important read for any pet owner. These common items a lot of women carry in their purses can be deadly if pets consume them. Many pets will eat virtually anything in front of them so it's important to make sure all potentially poisonous products are not available for your pets.

Check out 5 Pet Poisons Hiding in Your Purse, Backpack or Workbag.

No Words Are Needed

Dogs Welcoming Home Their Owners from Deployment

If you're a fan of dogs - you'll have a tear in your eye by the end of this video!

Dressing Up Dogs.......

Here's a cute video called "Why Dogs Bite." It's a collection of poor doggies dressed up by their owners. Notice the expression on each dog's face-very cute:

How to Treat an Ear Infection in Dogs

A couple of common symptoms of ear infection is your dog shaking their head. If they keep shaking their head, check out the ear. Sometimes an infected ear will have a bad oder emitting from it and the inside of the ear may look very red as compared to the other ear that has no problem.
Here's general advice on how to treat an ear infection:

Hunter Shot by His Dog

In Utah a hunter was shot when his dog stepped on his shotgun. The dog later apologized and said, “Sorry, but you did neuter me.” - Conan O'Brien

The Yellow Dog Who Won't Leave His Fallen Master's Side

Story of a "Yellow Dog" who lives in a small village in china who refuses to leave the graveside of his owner. The 68 year old owner passed away earlier this month and the villagers have tried to lure the dog back to the village but he always returns to the graveside.

Animals have emotions similar to ours. They might not be exactly like our emotions but they have feelings and in some cases very strong deep feelings.

The villagers have started feeding and watering the dog and have planned to build a kennel for the Yellow Dog.

Daniel the Miracle Dog

Eighteen dogs were euthanized in a Florence Alabama animal shelter on October 3rd 2011. The animal control officer opened up the door to the gas chamber and found a Beagle wagging his tail and waiting for attention.  For some reason the Beagle was able to escape the effects of the deadly gas while the other 17 dogs had not.

Word of the "miracle dog" got around quickly and now the dog who refused to die is a celebrity of sorts. He was immediately fostered temporarily by Karen Rudolph of West Tennessee who runs a Schnauzer rescue with her husband Michael.

Rudolph has nicknamed the wonder-dog "Daniel" from the Daniel in the Bible who walked out of the lion's den. She had him checked by a vet and he's not sick so the theory is he didn't breathe in the gas as the other dogs did. His immune system is a little bit compromised but otherwise the 20 pounder has been given a clean bill of health.

Another rescue group from Rockaway New Jersey named "Eleventh Hour Rescue" flew Daniel up to Rockaway and foster parent Jill Pavlik and her husband are taking good care of him until a good home can be found. Daniel fits right in with their other dogs and has a sweet fun-loving personality.

She says in the video below she's going to be very careful who she lets adopt him. Over two hundred people have sent emails wanting to adopt Daniel.

Here's a glimpse of Daniel the Miracle Beagle:



 More details about Daniel at ABC News.

Always Include Your Pets in Any Evacuation Plan

Include your pets in your evacuation and disaster planning


(ARA Content) - All too often when a disaster strikes, our four-legged friends are left to fend for themselves and sometimes end up lost, injured or killed. The best way to avoid this tragic scenario is to have a well-thought-out disaster plan that includes Fido, so you know where to go and what to take.

"Many public shelters that are set up for disaster victims don't accept pets so you need to find out in advance which shelters or hotels along your evacuation route will accept animals," says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services for Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. "It is tragic, but people have actually died because they were ordered to evacuate a disaster area but stayed because they did not want to leave their pets."

With so many different potential disasters, advance planning is the best way for everyone to survive a catastrophe and get their lives back to normal as soon as possible.

Fireman's Fund offers the following tips to protect your pets in the event of a disaster:

1. Have a disaster plan

Put together a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians along your evacuation route and outside your area that might be able to shelter your pets in an emergency.

Talk to your vet, the local humane society or the local emergency management agency for information regarding community evacuation plans that include pets.

Make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets in the event you are not at home when a disaster strikes. And, plan where you will meet or how you will reach each other.

2. Make a grab-and-go disaster kit for your pets

Just as you should have a disaster kit for your family, containing important papers and other key items, you should prepare a similar kit for your pets. It should contain the following:

* Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container.
* Leashes, harnesses, crates and carriers for transporting your pet.
* A muzzle, if your pet requires one.
* Food and water for at least three days.
* Cat litter and litter box.
* Comfort toys.
* Recent photo of your pet in case you become separated.
* Name and phone number of your veterinarian.

3. If you must evacuate, take your pets

Be prepared to leave early; do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind.

Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification. Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet gets lost and you cannot be reached. And mark the crate or carrier with similar information.

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.

4. After the disaster

Once you return to your home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on a leash and other animals in their carriers.

Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their "new" surroundings. Be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems; if these persist, talk to your veterinarian.

"Planning for your pets ahead of time will relieve stress and help you and your family to focus on safety during and after a disaster," says Munson. "Safety should be your primary consideration."