Stop Dog Shedding With Mud

If you don't think mud can stop your dog from shedding you would be wrong! SuperZoo in Vegas this year, the largest pet trade show, had a great surprise for us as we shopped all the latest and greatest in the pet industry. We stumbled upon mud....and not just any mud, Mediterranean Mud. You know the kind of mud you might find at the finest of spas for yourself. Well, this mud was unique in that it had special properties to stop the shedding on your dog. Watch this video and see how much hair Nash, the lab, lost during his walk in shower mud bath. His owner will tell you Nash has seen some "spectacular" results stopping the shedding. Easy to apply and the dog will love you for it. Stop in and see us at 3586 C Hartsel in the Woodmen Shopping Center, Furry Friends Inc and get the Mediterranean Mud upgrade...you and the vacuum will be glad you did. Phone 719-495-7387

What's Up With Coconuts and Canines?

You've heard the benefits of coconuts for humans? Well, that transfers to your dogs health, too! That's great news when you look at what advocates of coconut oil are saying. Here's some of the benefits although there have been no clinical trials. Check out this list:
*Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions
*Improves choesterol levels and helps fight heart disease
*Improves digestion
*Get rid of disorders like Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and colitis
*Powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents that prevent infection and disease
*Helps arthritis
*Treats yeast and fungal infections
*Prevents viral infections
*Normal thyroid function
*Reduces allergic reactions
Coconut oil today can easily be found at your local health food store and not only can be ingested but, also applied topically. Dogs love the taste so incorporating it into their diet may be easier than you think. Go slow at first as not to create diarrhea. 1/2 tsp per small dog and 1 tsp per large dog daily. The optimum dose is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. Although, each dog can vary for what is ideal for that dog.
Internet forums suggest that overweight dogs can become lean, coats are super shiny and arthritic dogs walk much better with it. Contact dermatitis, hot spots, and other allergic reactions can be soothed by topically applying coconut oil or adding it to their food. You can even use it to improve your dog's breath! The dogs generally love the taste so make sure if put on topically that it is allowed to dry before they lick it all off.
Don't forget about buying fresh coconuts which can keep your dog busy for hours. Check out the internet on how to open and remove the coconut water (which your dog can also drink). Split the coconut in half or in several pieces and let your dog chew away.
So, take your coconut daily and include your dog in this healthy routine!

Senior Dogs Have Special Needs

I've had so many dogs in my life and as I watch them age I wanted to share with you all the things that make their senior dogs life so much more enjoyable. It starts with the little things, like a heated pad made especially for dogs to keep those old joints warm and agile as they age. We also pay special attention to their teeth so none of that terrible bacteria goes to the rest of their bodies. I make sure to give all of my dogs The Missing Link everyday to help with their immune system and their fiber content. I'm sure to give an easier diet when I see they are having a hard time digesting. You know, we used to eat whatever we want well not so much as we get older too. So, as my dogs age I incorporate some raw and canned food into their diets for easy digestion.
 One of my dogs Lucy is hard to wake up after sleeping and becomes startled easily if we approach from behind.  Hearing loss or deafness may be a reason for this. There isn't a lot that can be done for age-related hearing loss, but a vet exam should be done first to rule out other medical problems, such as an infection, growth, or foreign body in the ear.
                                    
*If your dog does experience hearing loss, take care to protect him/her from hazards, such as cars and kids that s/he may not hear (or see). Dogs do learn and adapt well using hand signals to come, stay, sit, and so on. It is a good idea to "cross train" your dog early in life to recognize basic hand signals. C

• 
  Cody had Cloudy or "bluish" eyes - As they age, dog's eyes often show a bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal effect of aging. Vision does not appear to be affected. This is NOT the same as cataracts. Cataracts are white and opaque. Vision can be affected by cataracts. Make sure to provide a safe place for your furry friend and don't move the furniture around once you have provided a safe path for your pet to go to and from.

When it comes to jumping, I try and make things easier by providing ramps and stairs depending on the size of the dog. We want to protect their hips and knees and make sure we get some good exercise with some steady walking. I also make sure to give Answers Raw Goat's Milk it's like giving the best probiotic ever. The dogs love the taste and it makes for a great morning treat because it's real food. Talking about food, don't forget the fresh veggies that will help with their immune systems too.
So, think of all the things you may have changed in your life to give you a long and healthy life...let's do the same for our furry friends. They'll kiss you for it!

What's Up With All The Recalls?

A record number of pet food recalls has happened in the past year. Contrary, to thinking that the pet food manufacturers are not working harder to prevent positive test for Salmonella and other bacteria in their products, just the opposite is true. Just about every food manufacturer now has a "test and hold" program in place. No product gets released for resale until it comes back with a negative test for Salmonella. So, why do the recalls keep happening?
Turns out the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act  which became a law in January, 2011 is to "ensure the US food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it."  Hence, the FDA is testing more foods. The more you look the more you find.
In March 2013, an FDA directive explains why we've had so many pet food, treats, and pet nutritional supplements recalls lately. FDA agents were instructed to collect and analyze 300 samples for Salmonella in the pet food industry. They specifically were looking at pet items that are fed in the homes and were directly handled or ingested by humans. So, from March through September 2013 the FDA did their job.
Salmonella has been with us humans and our furry friends for thousands of years. As long as a pet food manufacturer uses good ingredients and good practices we'll survive minor contamination. Just remember to wash the raw chicken off your kitchen counter while preparing your families dinner.

FDA Update on Jerky Treats Making Our Pets Sick

If you have a dog or cat that became ill after eating jerky pet treats, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would like to hear from you or your veterinarian.

The agency has repeatedly issued alerts to consumers about reports it has received concerning jerky pet treat-related illnesses involving 3,600 dogs and 10 cats in the U.S. since 2007. Approximately 580 of those pets have died.

To date, FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has conducted more than 1,200 tests, visited jerky pet treat manufacturers in China and collaborated with colleagues in academia, industry, state labs and foreign governments. Yet the exact cause of the illnesses remains elusive.

To gather even more information, FDA is reaching out to licensed veterinarians and pet owners across the country. "This is one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we've encountered," says CVM Director Bernadette Dunham, DVM, Ph.D. "Our beloved four-legged companions deserve our best effort, and we are giving it."

Meanwhile, a consumer fact sheet will accompany the letter to veterinarians so they can alert consumers to the problem and remind them that treats are not essential to a balanced diet. The fact sheet also explains to consumers how they can help FDA's investigation by reporting potential jerky pet treat-related illnesses online or by calling the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator for their state.

What to Look Out For

Within hours of eating treats sold as jerky tenders or strips made of chicken, duck, sweet potatoes and/or dried fruit, some pets have exhibited decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption, and/or increased urination.

Severe cases have involved kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and a rare kidney disorder. About 60 percent of cases involved gastrointestinal illness, and about 30 percent involved kidney and urinary systems.

The remaining cases reported various symptoms, such as collapse, convulsions or skin issues.

Most of the jerky treats implicated have been made in China. Manufacturers of pet foods are not required by U.S. law to state the country of origin for each ingredient in their products.

A number of jerky pet treat products were removed from the market in January 2013 after a New York State lab reported finding evidence of up to six drugs in certain jerky pet treats made in China. While the levels of these drugs were very low and it's unlikely that they caused the illnesses, FDA noted a decrease in reports of jerky-suspected illnesses after the products were removed from the market. FDA believes that the number of reports may have declined simply because fewer jerky treats were available.

What FDA Is Doing

More than 1,200 jerky pet treat samples have been tested since 2011 from antibiotics to metals, pesticides and Salmonella. 

Inspections of the facilities in China that manufacture jerky products associated with some of the highest numbers of pet illness reports did not identify the cause of illness. However, they did identify additional paths of investigation, such as the supply chain of some ingredients in the treats. Although FDA inspectors have found no evidence identifying the cause of the spate of illnesses, they did find that one firm used falsified receiving documents for glycerin, a jerky ingredient. Chinese authorities informed FDA that they had seized products at the firm and suspended its exports.

To identify the root cause of this problem, FDA is meeting regularly with regulators in China to share findings. The agency also plans to host Chinese scientists at its veterinary research facility to increase scientific cooperation.

FDA has also reached out to U.S. pet food firms seeking further collaboration on scientific issues and data sharing, and has contracted with diagnostic labs.

"Our fervent hope as animal lovers," says Dunham, "is that we will soon find the cause of—and put a stop to—these illnesses."

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Oct. 22, 2013

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If Your Dog Is Walking Slower It May Be More Than Old Age

Thanks to some great nutrition available to our dogs our canine friends are living longer these days. My Moms' dog (on Pet 's Healthy Choice food) just passed away at age 17.  The passing of time also can bring on inflammatory diseases like arthritis. This can make it difficult to get up, walk without hurting and have playtime. Most dogs will take those long walks with you and that afternoon be unable to move off the floor, or in the case of my dogs' off the couch.

Today, there are so many great supplements to help. I really like adding glucosamine to my dogs' diet. There are several ways to do that. Some people choose regular people glucosamine for their dogs. I prefer a more flavorful way with a product that includes even more benefits. The right glucosamine dosage for dogs depends on various factors.  The main factor is the dog’s weight.  Generally speaking, a dog that weighs under 10 lbs. should only take 300 mg of glucosamine daily; dogs that weigh from 11-29 lbs. should have twice this much.  Dogs that weigh from 30-59 lbs. should have 1200 mg of glucosamine daily, and dogs that weigh from 60-120 lbs. should have a dosage of 1800 mg. My product of choice is  The Missing Link it is a sprinkle and you use one teaspoon per 25 lbs of dog. The other benefits include omegas for joint and heart health and a beautiful coat. It also has flaxseed for the immune system along with the glucosamine. I have used The Missing Link for over ten years now and it works wonderfully.
Most of our clients who use it come back with some amazing stories about how their dogs are moving so much better. Recently, one dog was having such trouble getting up the stairs they tried the sprinkle now they are so thankful they discovered this product. With Winter soon approaching, it's time for you to consider adding this to your furry friends diet for a comfortable aging process. Recent science tells us not to wait until symptoms appear but, to include it after age two years old as a preventative for our pets.The Missing Link a great product to keep out furry friends happy and healthy! Call, email or stop by our store for more information.

Hairballs! Yuck!

Cats get hairballs. They just do. Ok, so what to do about them? First, make sure you're feeding a high quality kibble, canned or raw diet. Fiber is the key to less frequent hairballs. In the wild, cats took care to add fiber with yes, feathers and fur while eating their prey.  Today, if your feline is indoors and not out hunting make sure to add fiber to the diet if you are having frequent hairball issues. Read the cat food label to look at the fiber content within the guaranteed analysis. 8% is a good number. If you are wanting to add more fiber to the diet you can accomplish that with pumpkin (canned with no sugar, please) or veggies. Although, most cats are not into veggies (kinda like the kids). Cats are carnivores and as meat eaters that is what excites them. If all else fails, there are natural supplements on the market today to help. NutraVet makes a hairball gel that works. If you have any questions, just let us know we're here to help! Furry Friends Inc.