Natural Pet News - 11/20/06

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A NOTE FROM DONNA

It's a bit cold for Squeek to spend her days on the screened porch, so she now spends time at the windows wildlife watching with me. She especially likes the door to the deck since we have squirrels that entertain her while they look around for peanuts we toss out there. What won't we pet owners will do to entertain our pets in winter?

We also have a clay dish out there with mealworms for the birds and it attracts bluebirds. I got a series of photos of Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird with a conversation titled in since there was a turtle in the dish with the mealworms to provide entertaining dialogue. The story begins here. Click the double arrows to the right to continue. Please add your own comments or captions. I love reading them!

I was talking on the phone about a week ago as our cat was walking through the kitchen. At the moment she was passing the area of the counter where the toaster sits, it popped up with my English muffin. She popped up higher than the muffin and then hit the ground with all fours scratching away on the vinyl as she tried to race out of the kitchen. She was obviously startled but it was hard to be sympathetic while I was having a really good laugh. We need a web cam installed for such moments.

There's more about how Squeek became part of our family below.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

HOLIDAY TIPS

No Turkey Bones For Dogs or Cats!

On the day following Thanksgiving veterinarians will tell you that the most common calls are from concerned from pet owners inquiring about diarrhea with blood in it, vomiting, or a pet's lack of appetite. These calls are all due to a pet getting turkey bones out of the garbage, a pet stealing turkey bones off the counter, or a well meaning pet lover giving a pet a turkey bone. Read more here:
www.hswaynepets.org/features/turkeybones.htm

Thanksgiving Pet Care

Pet care expert, magazine columnist, radio and television pet care personality, Charlotte Reed offers Thanksgiving pet care tips that will ensure a happy holiday for you and your pet:
www.doggienews.com/lib/education/missfidomanners-thanksgiving.htm

No Bread Dough!

Your pet could require surgery like the dog in this article:
www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/223444

Don't Purchase Puppy Mill Puppies and Don't Give Pets For Gifts

Christmas is not the time to give an animal as a gift unless all things have been considered beforehand and the last place to buy a puppy is at a store that gets them from puppy mills. Not only because of the cruelty of it all, but because the puppies are not healthy. How could they be when females are bred simply to produce litter after litter of pups while they live in a small caged area with rare moments of individual attention, if any.

Wait till after the holidays and get a dog from the shelter to give it a truly Happy New Year. The timing will be better to introduce a new animal to a home outside of the holiday rush-rush. Here's a blog that has some good links to information:
spadafori.typepad.com/woof/2006/11/no_christmas_pu.html

PETS IN THE NEWS

Having Pets In Childhood May Reduce Allergies To Them Later

Having companion animals in the home may actually help to reduce allergies, according to new research. The nine-year study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, investigated the respiratory health of nearly 10,000 adults in relation to their lifelong history of having companion animals in their homes.

Previous studies have indicated that exposure to cats and dogs in early childhood may make one less likely to develop asthma and allergies later in life. This study added to this evidence, noting that pet owners had significantly lower incidences of allergies - by over 30% - than those who had no pet.

Source: Healthy Pet Newsletter

How To Make Your Christmas Pet-Safe

Christmas trees pose all sorts of hidden dangers for dogs and cats. Learn how to minimize the risks on this eHow article: www.ehow.com/how_9309_make-christmas-tree.html

CATS

Christmas Tree Decorated by Iris and Fern

Getting your cats to decorate your Christmas tree is something that should be considered because it's been done by Iris and Fern, two fluffy tailed kitty sisters! This website will give you a step-by-step instruction presented by Iris and Fern. Maybe you need to get your cat to view it with you ..... or maybe not! You might not want to give them too many ideas if you like to have your tree free of kitties this Christmas. Hilarious! www.fluffytails.ca/christmas.asp

How to Trim Your Cat's Nails

Learn to cut your cat's nails. You will have a much happier and calmer pet. It is extremely painful and inhumane to declaw . This How-To article will help you with photos and instructions on how to cut your cat's nails: www.wikihow.com/Trim-Your-Cat's-Nails

DOGS

Games to Play With Your Dog

People who regularly play with their dog develop understanding, respect and communication with their dog. Games are activities you do with your dog that require the two of you to communicate and work together in some way. Playing games with your dog is really good for your relationship. While dogs are not humans in fur suits they are social creatures and playing is an important element in developing social relationships. Here's a site with lots of ideas and links to more: www.dogplay.com/Activities/games.html

How To Make Christmas Ornaments From Pet Toys

Christmas is celebrated all over the world, and not just by humans. Ornaments made from pet toys can be hung on the tree. This eHow site has a very simple project you can do to let your pets know that they are part of the family, too: www.ehow.com/how_11082_make-christmas-ornaments.html

PET SUCCESS STORY

Heartworms Gone With Herbal Program

"Hi Robin, I know you don't remember me but I contacted you about a year ago regarding my dog, Dakota, who was diagnosed with heartworms. We put her on the Nature's Sunshine Products you recommended. My wife and I took her to the vet tonight and were hoping for the best but expecting the worse. We told the vet that we were using natural herbs to treat the heatworms. She was polite but we both caught the look of "you have to be kidding me." She came back and told us that Dakota's blood test came back negative and that she was heartworm free. The vet asked what we gave Dakota and we told her. She wanted me to call her with the more detailed information. Just thought you would like to know. Thanks again, Tom N."

If you know somebody with a heartworm dog, send them a link to our site for more information on the heartworm program. There is a prevention program also. Robin will be happy to work with your dog. She's helped over a thousand dogs and loves animals. There are alternatives to all the drugs and chemicals if you get informed of the options. Send this newsletter to somebody you know who needs this information.

BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING

The Demanding Dog

Q: Our dog is very demanding and nudges us with his nose when he wants a bone. If that doesn't work, he grabs our arm with his teeth. It's so annoying so we end up giving him the bone, but now his behavior is getting worse. He tears the newspaper and spills our coffee. He even does it to guests. I'm afraid we've created a monster by always giving in and letting him have a bone, but I don't know how to stop him from grabbing our arms!

A: Well, as you guessed it, you rewarded the behavior by giving him the bone, so now he's going to do it more. It worked in the past, so why not keep doing it?

Now you are going to have to turn the dog's behavior around. When you see him coming, be prepared. Body block him by turning your body, or getting up and walking away. The key is to totally ignore this kind of behavior. Act like he doesn't exist, which is going to be difficult in the beginning because he sounds pretty persistent.

Have the newspaper ready and put it between you and the dog when he approaches. Cross your legs, put out a foot, anything to body block him but do it without looking or talking to him. Make it a casual move that stops his actions. If he gives up and goes away, make sure you go over and praise his behavior. That is the time to give him the bone.

Pretty soon his little doggie mind is going to realize that lying down gets the bone, not being obnoxious and grabbing at his humans. It takes a while to turn this kind of behavior around, but consistency is the key. Set it up so you have guests that know what's going on. Let them know the rules so the dog sees that all humans have changed their behavior.

If he's being too obnoxious for body blocks to work, get up and walk away. DO NOT SAY ANYTHING TO HIM. Don't look at him, don't talk to him, the dog does not exist when he acts this way. Your change in behavior will throw him for a loop. His ill-mannered behavior may actually escalate at first because it worked before, so maybe doing it more will work now. When he sees that tactic not working, he'll try different behaviors.

Wait for the behavior you want, and be sure to praise and reward that behavior immediately. Patience and consistency is the key. If he's a really big dog and walking away and ignoring is not working too well, have a little can of Binaca breath spray in your pocket. When he comes up to grab your shirt, spray a little Binaca in his mouth. When he stops pulling on you and hopefully walks away trying to get the taste out of his mouth, you can then set a biscuit on a pillow (dog bed, mat) away from where you are sitting to encourage him to go to that spot.

Again, during this process you say nothing, you make no eye contact. The squirt of breath spray is only to interrupt the behavior. However, I suggest starting with the above method and only using the Binaca as a last resort as, believe it or not, it is a form of attention--some dogs even crave negative attention.

Ask About Your Pet's Behavior Problem
Cheryl Falkenburry has traveled the world helping people make sense of mind-boggling animal behavior. Working with animal behaviorists in Tucson, Arizona and England, majoring in psychology, and becoming a certified parenting educator prepared Cheryl to teach both humans and animals. Cheryl recognized that the concepts of positive parenting and loving leadership worked whether her clients were parents of human children or furry ones and applies her positive parenting skills to her animal training sessions. She has helped thousands of people develop new and exciting relationships with the animals who share their lives. Get details on phone and email consultations.

FEATURED PET PRODUCT

Instinctive Choice Premium Moist Cat Food

We fell in love with a feral cat that visited our place for many years before we were to make a move to another state. It took a couple of years to even get to pet her head and by the time we were selling the house, she had been with us for almost 4 years, visiting daily and now even lying on the rug inside the patio door. We called her Kitty Girl all those years, but it seemed that since she was to officially become part of the family, we should give her a name. Since all we'd ever heard out of her was a squeak rather than a meow, I decided to name her Squeek.

We discovered she was an opera star after we got her into the truck and off to the highway. She serenaded my husband in his vehicle for 13 hours. Why don't animals ever get hoarse?

We had always fed her natural dry foods which we knew only supplemented her diet since she would share her wild meals with us from time to time. Finding a vole, mouse, or lizard at the doorway was not a treat to me, but she meant well, and she seemed to think it grand that we allowed her to share in the meal. Any time we would try a moist food she would refuse it. When Healthy Pet Net came out with Instinctive Choice, I thought it would possibly fit her wild nature and ordered some. What a delight to see her dig in as if she had been given a gourmet feast.

She finished her wet food before her dry Life's Abundance, so we thought we'd fill in a bit with a variety of natural canned foods at the health food store. I opened one after the other to have her refuse them entirely. Even if I left it there all day, she would rather fast than eat them. We are delighted to have Squeek's approval on the Instinctive Choice canned food. She certainly appreciates getting a bit of "wild" food again and apparently quality is worth more to her than variety.

PET INFO

Have You Lost A Pet or Know Somebody Who Has?

Maybe this website will be of comfort to them. My Auntie buried a beloved cat a short while ago and she sent me the link to this place. The site offers a place to post photos, send ecards, read poems and tributes, and even a message board to communicate with others. This may be a comforting site for those who have a recent loss or one that they've not been able to move beyond. Here's the website address: www.in-memory-of-pets.com

PET SAFE CLEANING PRODUCTS

There are three ways toxic chemicals enter the body: by swallowing, by breathing, or by contact with the skin or eyes. An EPA report concluded that toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than oudoor air pollution. In one study conducted over a 15-year period, women who worked at home had a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who had jobs away from the home. The study concluded that the increased death rate was due to daily exposure to hazardous chemicals found in ordinary household products.

What is not being reported are the slow poisonings that occur in every home from continual exposure to household cleaning chemcials. Cancer, birth defects, heart disease, genetic changes - almost any symptom imaginable, both physical and psychological, has been associated with certain chemicals in common household products. At greatest risk are fetuses, children, the elderly, pets, and those who are already ill.

Microbest Safe Cleaning Products
Sunshine Concentrate Household Multi-Use Cleaner

URINE AND ODOR REMOVER

Pet Force Removes Urine And Odors Even Under The Carpet
Only $15.78 for Two Quarts - Shipping Included

This stuff really does work. Don't be fooled by the low cost. This superior concentrated natural bacterial-enzyme cleaning product has a fresh lemon scent and will remove nasty odors and stains from all animals, even skunks. Read about Pet Force.

HERBS FOR PETS

Herbs for Pets Online Catalog by Health Topic

Pet Success Stories Using Natural Remedies

Herbs and Supplements for Pet Owners
One reason to keep yourself healthy is because your pet needs you! Find a natural solution for yourself. Many pet owners do everything to keep their pet healthy, but neglect their own health. We use Nature's Sunshine Products.

PET FOODS

Flint River Ranch Oven-Baked Pet Foods
The baking process results in a greater degree of nutrient absorption. All natural ingredients include chicken, lamb, fish, whole grains of wheat, rice and millet, vitamins and chelated minerals along with flax seed and herbs for super nutrition.

No by-products, chemical preservatives or anything artificial. Read testimonials. About Flint River Ranch.

What's In Your Pet's Food?

Diet is so important for health. Many health issues directly link to diet and can affect long-term health and life of your pet. Watch an online video clip about what might be in your in your pet's food.

Free Samples of Pet Food, Treats, & Supplements Formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks

Your pet depends on you to make the right choices when it comes to his or her health. HealthyPetNet wants the best for your pets. That’s why they promise to provide products that are inspired by nature and made using good nutritional science.

Free sample pack of food, treats and supplements.

NATURAL HEARTWORM PROGRAMS

Yes, there are herbal and supplement programs for pets. Robin Sockness has been working with people for many years and has helped over a thousand pets now.

Read more about natural heartworm programs or read some success stories that Robin has shared with us.

HEALTHY PET CORNER

This site provides links and resources for dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits and reptiles. You'll find links to basic care, health, safety, etc. Visit Healthy Pet Corner.

ANOTHER PET NEWSLETTER

This complimentary monthly email Healthy Pet Newsletter contains:
* Helpful Pet Information
* Interesting Stories
* Nutritional Advice
* Insight From Veterinarian, Dr. Jane Bicks

Register now to get the next issue or view a sample issue.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Poison Control Number: 800-548-2423
ASPCA Poison Control Number 888-426-4435
There may be a charge for these calls.

ADOPT A PET
Find the perfect pet for your family at PetFinder.com. You can search by breed, locality, age, size, gender, etc. It's so rewarding to take an animal who really needs a home.

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COPYRIGHT & REPRINT INFORMATION
© 2006 Healthy Pet Corner

The stories, suggestions, and information in this newsletter are not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If your pet has amedical problem, you may want the advice and recommendations of a veterinarian. All stories and information content that is passed along in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily endorsed by its editor, Donna L. Watkins, its sponsor, HealthyPetCorner.com, or its owner, Sunshine Life Center, Inc.

Forwarding and Use of This Newsletter
You may forward this to a friend and/or use this copyrighted newsletter on a website if you include the following credit:

Editor, Donna L. Watkins, of HealthyPetCorner.com, provides this free newsletter to subscribers. Healthy Pet Corner provides quality natural pet foods. Visit now to subscribe or shop: http://www.healthypetcorner.com