Jumpin' Logs!
That was FUN!! I jumped these logs on our way out of beautiful Gardiner's Park and Beach, where we had an Excellent Beach Adventure!
JOIN US ON THE BLOGPAWS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!!
Fight Breed Discrimination, Not Dogs
I get so tired of people discriminating against what they know as "Pit Bull" dogs. In my time as an animal shelter volunteer I came across so many loving Pit Bulls. It broke my heart when people would pass over a dog if their Kennel Card said "Pit Bull/Mix" simply because they were afraid of that name, Pit Bull.
I learned a lot through my years of volunteering. One of the things I learned was that the term "Pit Bull" actually refers to several breeds, there isn't any one specific breed that was created and called "Pit Bull". That designation is given to dogs of various breeds or mix of breeds including:
> American Pit Bull Terrier
> American Stafforshire Terrier
> English Bull Terrier
> Staffordshire Bull Terrier
There is some debate about exactly which breeds comprise the designation of Pit Bull. It seems to me that virtually any dog with a square looking head and muscular body is assumed to be a Pit Bull!
Awhile back, I won a terrific book about Pit Bulls on Alison Reder's blog, Sarcastic Dog. The book is called PIT BULL, by Bronwen Dickey. As I started reading it, the book opened with a heart-wrenching story, one I remember all too well. I wish I didn't, but it was all over the news in 2003 and I can't forget it.
On the way home from a vacation, a family stopped for gas in Tennessee; a Father, Mother, Son and two dogs. The father mistakenly left his wallet on the roof of the car, money flying out of it as they drove away. Someone called 911 and somewhere along the line police got the impression that a robbery had occurred. Their car was pulled over by police and the entire family forced to get on the ground. They told police they had dogs in the car and begged them not to open the doors or they would run out. The ending of this messed up incident resulted in their beautiful, friendly "Pit Bull/Boxer" mix family dog, Patton, being shot to death by police! The Officer cited that the dog "looked like a Pit Bull" and that he "felt threatened". The entire family was devastated by this senseless tragedy.
Bronwen shares a lot of history and information about Pit Bull type dogs. She also does a lot of myth busting about Pit Bulls. She shares that prior to the 1970's, these dogs were a much loved and admired breed. There were many famous and beloved Pit Bulls in movies and television. Anyone remember Petey from the Little Rascals? Did you know that Helen Keller and Teddy Roosevelt both had Pit Bulls? Then there was Pal the Wonder Dog, a Pit Bull who appeared in over 200 movies! Pit Bulls were even used in posters for the U.S. military!
Pit Bulls started being used in dog fighting, which gained popularity in the '70's and 80's in the U.S.. Bad breeding and abusive treatment of these fighting dogs helped to cast them as blood thirsty killers, and they were soon demonized by the media. America's love affair with these majestic dogs had officially ended. Here we are decades later, still trying to reverse the negative stigma on Pit Bull type dogs, a stigma that is not at all deserved.
So many people have come to fear all Pit Bull type dogs. It breaks my heart when I hear about cities that have chosen to ban Pit Bull type dogs, and euthanize them in shelters just to appease a terrified public.
In my time volunteering at the shelter I met so many wonderful, loving, Pit Bull type dogs that I came to love and defend these dogs. One of my most heartbreaking days as an Adoption Counselor was when a family came in to adopt a dog. They saw a beautiful black dog that looked just like a Labrador Retriever. The family interacted with him and was just crazy about him. I was overjoyed that this beautiful, sweet dog was getting adopted .... until the mother noticed the words "Pit Bull Mix" on the kennel card. "I thought he was a Lab!" she exclaimed.
I explained as best I could about the nose to tail point system the shelter used to estimate what a dog's breed was. I told her he was a great dog that could be a mix of anything, including Labrador Retriever. But because she saw those fateful words, Pit. Bull. Mix. she became fearful. She said she was worried for her children and decided Not to adopt him. Despite protests from the kids, the family left the shelter without him. I nearly cried as I stood by this beautiful, sweet dog's cage. If only the Kennel Card had said "Lab Mix" he would have been on his way to a loving new home with kids to play with in a yard of his own.
It makes me angry that these wonderful dogs have such a stigma. It makes me angry that many shelters simply label SO many dogs "Pit Bull Mix". It infuriates me that some cities and towns have banned any dog with the words "Pit Bull" in their breed designation.
BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) is inhumane, ineffective in reducing dog bites, and simply outrageous. Every dog is an individual and every owner is an individual. There truly are no bad dogs, but there are plenty of bad dog owners!
A dog will be vicious if you train him to be vicious. A dog will be fearful if you fail to socialize him by exposing him to people and dogs. A dog will become agitated, frustrated, and likely aggressive if you leave him chained up outside all day and night. What kind of life is that for any living creature??
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) does not support breed-specific laws, they favor a breed-neutral approach, holding dog owners accountable for their dog's aggression, regardless of breed. Laws should focus on holding dog owners accountable, not the dogs themselves. Here is a statement from the ASPCA posted on their web site:
"The ASPCA recognizes that dangerous dogs pose a community problem requiring serious attention. However, in light of the absence of scientific data indicating the efficacy [effectiveness] of breed-specific laws, and the unfair and inhumane targeting of responsible pet guardians and their dogs that inevitably results when these laws are enacted, the ASPCA instead favors effective enforcement of a combination of breed-neutral laws that hold reckless dog guardians accountable for their dogs’ aggressive behavior."
Best Friends Animal Society does not support Breed Specific bans either, and stated that:
"...a peer review study found that nearly 85 percent of dog bite fatalities were from unneutered dogs. Other factors that contributed to bites were abuse or neglect, tethering for long periods of time, and lack of positive interaction with people and other animals."
Best Friends also stated that " Some people assume some breeds of dogs are more prone to attacking and biting, though this is a misconception. BSL is often enacted to ease fears over public safety, but these laws are ineffective and very costly"
Oddly enough, I've been reading that Pit Bulls are BOTH one of the most frequently surrendered dog breed types AND one of the most popular breeds to adopt! These two facts seem to contradict each other, don't they?
Some experts in the field have hypothesized that due to bias against Pit Bull type dogs, it may be difficult for their owners to find housing that allows Pit Bull type dogs. This could result in Pit Bulls being surrendered. So many landlords (and some Home Owner's Association's too!) have restrictions on the size and breed of dogs they will allow in their rental units, if they allow dogs at all.
I recently heard that long time shelter resident ICE (pictured above) has been ADOPTED! I am overjoyed that after more than 2 Years in the shelter she has finally found a home! I've been in contact with the shelter to see if I can obtain a little information about her adoption, whether it was an individual or family that adopted her and if they learned about her via social media or as a shelter walk-in. I always like to know what works in terms of finding forever homes for pets in need. If I find out, I'll post the information here. I'd like to thank each and every one of you who shared this blog post. Sharing is Caring, and sharing about adoptable dogs in need of loving homes can make a difference!
It's been suggested that higher homeowners insurance costs and the high energy and exercise needs of the breed (probably no different than a Husky's high energy requirements!) may also cause some owners to ultimately surrender their Pit Bull type dogs to a shelter.
We can't ignore the fact that many people who adopt Pit Bull type dogs often do so for protection both of themselves personally and protection of their property. When I volunteered in Phoenix, there were quite a few people who said they'd feel safer with a Pit Bull type dog and sought them out for that reason. Many people in the rougher neighborhoods in our city had Pit Bull type dogs they left out in the yard for protection, and cute little Chihuahua's inside the house for companionship. It's not a judgement, it's a fact of life in some of the city neighborhoods our shelter served.
A young woman came into the shelter with a friend to adopt a dog one day. I was happy to see her drawn to the Pit Bull type dogs, she seemed to be looking for just that type of dog.
She decided to adopt a fabulous, sweet Pit Bull girl. As we finalized the adoption, she turned to her friend and said "No one's gonna mess with me walking down the street with THIS dog!" I was a bit taken back, but she was so nice and affectionate to the dog, and seemed to genuinely like her a lot. I felt she would give her a good home.
I assume the woman lived alone, perhaps in a lower socio-economic area. If she didn't, I doubt she would be so concerned about safety in her neighborhood that she'd need what she perceived to be a tough looking dog to feel safe. I have no actual facts to back up my assumptions about the woman, it was just my perception of her. As long as she provided a loving home, that was fine by me.
Although dog fighting is illegal in every state in the U.S., it still goes on. Sadly, Pit Bulls are often the fight dog of choice in this illegal and cruel activity. Dog fighting is a horrific form of animal cruelty, with terrible consequences for the dogs, and for the community as well.
DOG FIGHTING IS A CRIME!! IF YOU SUSPECT DOG FIGHTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY, PLEASE CONTACT AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY.
DOG FIGHTING DOESN'T JUST HURT DOGS, IT'S LINKED TO ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS DRUG TRAFFICKING. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW DOG FIGHTING HURTS COMMUNITIES.
What are your thoughts about Pit Bull type dogs? Have you ever owned or known a Pit Bull? Please leave us a comment and share your thoughts! We love when you bark back!
I learned a lot through my years of volunteering. One of the things I learned was that the term "Pit Bull" actually refers to several breeds, there isn't any one specific breed that was created and called "Pit Bull". That designation is given to dogs of various breeds or mix of breeds including:
> American Pit Bull Terrier
> American Stafforshire Terrier
> English Bull Terrier
> Staffordshire Bull Terrier
There is some debate about exactly which breeds comprise the designation of Pit Bull. It seems to me that virtually any dog with a square looking head and muscular body is assumed to be a Pit Bull!
Awhile back, I won a terrific book about Pit Bulls on Alison Reder's blog, Sarcastic Dog. The book is called PIT BULL, by Bronwen Dickey. As I started reading it, the book opened with a heart-wrenching story, one I remember all too well. I wish I didn't, but it was all over the news in 2003 and I can't forget it.
 |
| In her book PIT BULL, Bronwen Dickey delves into how a once beloved dog became Public Enemy #1 |
Bronwen shares a lot of history and information about Pit Bull type dogs. She also does a lot of myth busting about Pit Bulls. She shares that prior to the 1970's, these dogs were a much loved and admired breed. There were many famous and beloved Pit Bulls in movies and television. Anyone remember Petey from the Little Rascals? Did you know that Helen Keller and Teddy Roosevelt both had Pit Bulls? Then there was Pal the Wonder Dog, a Pit Bull who appeared in over 200 movies! Pit Bulls were even used in posters for the U.S. military!
 |
| Fabulous hoodie with a great message. Purchased from New York Bully Crew PitBull Dog Rescue |
 |
| New York Bully Crew, a Pit Bull Dog Rescue working to change the negative perception |
In my time volunteering at the shelter I met so many wonderful, loving, Pit Bull type dogs that I came to love and defend these dogs. One of my most heartbreaking days as an Adoption Counselor was when a family came in to adopt a dog. They saw a beautiful black dog that looked just like a Labrador Retriever. The family interacted with him and was just crazy about him. I was overjoyed that this beautiful, sweet dog was getting adopted .... until the mother noticed the words "Pit Bull Mix" on the kennel card. "I thought he was a Lab!" she exclaimed.
I explained as best I could about the nose to tail point system the shelter used to estimate what a dog's breed was. I told her he was a great dog that could be a mix of anything, including Labrador Retriever. But because she saw those fateful words, Pit. Bull. Mix. she became fearful. She said she was worried for her children and decided Not to adopt him. Despite protests from the kids, the family left the shelter without him. I nearly cried as I stood by this beautiful, sweet dog's cage. If only the Kennel Card had said "Lab Mix" he would have been on his way to a loving new home with kids to play with in a yard of his own.
It makes me angry that these wonderful dogs have such a stigma. It makes me angry that many shelters simply label SO many dogs "Pit Bull Mix". It infuriates me that some cities and towns have banned any dog with the words "Pit Bull" in their breed designation.
BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) is inhumane, ineffective in reducing dog bites, and simply outrageous. Every dog is an individual and every owner is an individual. There truly are no bad dogs, but there are plenty of bad dog owners!
 |
| This Pit Bull dog was in the shelter for a long time. I'm not sure if he ever got adopted, but I'm hoping he did. |
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) does not support breed-specific laws, they favor a breed-neutral approach, holding dog owners accountable for their dog's aggression, regardless of breed. Laws should focus on holding dog owners accountable, not the dogs themselves. Here is a statement from the ASPCA posted on their web site:
"The ASPCA recognizes that dangerous dogs pose a community problem requiring serious attention. However, in light of the absence of scientific data indicating the efficacy [effectiveness] of breed-specific laws, and the unfair and inhumane targeting of responsible pet guardians and their dogs that inevitably results when these laws are enacted, the ASPCA instead favors effective enforcement of a combination of breed-neutral laws that hold reckless dog guardians accountable for their dogs’ aggressive behavior."
Best Friends Animal Society does not support Breed Specific bans either, and stated that:
"...a peer review study found that nearly 85 percent of dog bite fatalities were from unneutered dogs. Other factors that contributed to bites were abuse or neglect, tethering for long periods of time, and lack of positive interaction with people and other animals."
Best Friends also stated that " Some people assume some breeds of dogs are more prone to attacking and biting, though this is a misconception. BSL is often enacted to ease fears over public safety, but these laws are ineffective and very costly"
Oddly enough, I've been reading that Pit Bulls are BOTH one of the most frequently surrendered dog breed types AND one of the most popular breeds to adopt! These two facts seem to contradict each other, don't they?
Some experts in the field have hypothesized that due to bias against Pit Bull type dogs, it may be difficult for their owners to find housing that allows Pit Bull type dogs. This could result in Pit Bulls being surrendered. So many landlords (and some Home Owner's Association's too!) have restrictions on the size and breed of dogs they will allow in their rental units, if they allow dogs at all.
 |
| This beautiful girl has been at the Town Of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh Long Island, NY since early 2015! I think you'll agree, that is way too long to be waiting for a home with someone to love. |
********* UPDATE!!! *********
I recently heard that long time shelter resident ICE (pictured above) has been ADOPTED! I am overjoyed that after more than 2 Years in the shelter she has finally found a home! I've been in contact with the shelter to see if I can obtain a little information about her adoption, whether it was an individual or family that adopted her and if they learned about her via social media or as a shelter walk-in. I always like to know what works in terms of finding forever homes for pets in need. If I find out, I'll post the information here. I'd like to thank each and every one of you who shared this blog post. Sharing is Caring, and sharing about adoptable dogs in need of loving homes can make a difference!
It's been suggested that higher homeowners insurance costs and the high energy and exercise needs of the breed (probably no different than a Husky's high energy requirements!) may also cause some owners to ultimately surrender their Pit Bull type dogs to a shelter.
We can't ignore the fact that many people who adopt Pit Bull type dogs often do so for protection both of themselves personally and protection of their property. When I volunteered in Phoenix, there were quite a few people who said they'd feel safer with a Pit Bull type dog and sought them out for that reason. Many people in the rougher neighborhoods in our city had Pit Bull type dogs they left out in the yard for protection, and cute little Chihuahua's inside the house for companionship. It's not a judgement, it's a fact of life in some of the city neighborhoods our shelter served.
A young woman came into the shelter with a friend to adopt a dog one day. I was happy to see her drawn to the Pit Bull type dogs, she seemed to be looking for just that type of dog.
She decided to adopt a fabulous, sweet Pit Bull girl. As we finalized the adoption, she turned to her friend and said "No one's gonna mess with me walking down the street with THIS dog!" I was a bit taken back, but she was so nice and affectionate to the dog, and seemed to genuinely like her a lot. I felt she would give her a good home.
I assume the woman lived alone, perhaps in a lower socio-economic area. If she didn't, I doubt she would be so concerned about safety in her neighborhood that she'd need what she perceived to be a tough looking dog to feel safe. I have no actual facts to back up my assumptions about the woman, it was just my perception of her. As long as she provided a loving home, that was fine by me.
Although dog fighting is illegal in every state in the U.S., it still goes on. Sadly, Pit Bulls are often the fight dog of choice in this illegal and cruel activity. Dog fighting is a horrific form of animal cruelty, with terrible consequences for the dogs, and for the community as well.
DOG FIGHTING IS A CRIME!! IF YOU SUSPECT DOG FIGHTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY, PLEASE CONTACT AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY.
 |
| Get Tough on Dog Fighting! |
What are your thoughts about Pit Bull type dogs? Have you ever owned or known a Pit Bull? Please leave us a comment and share your thoughts! We love when you bark back!
Dog's Excellent Beach Adventure!
This week's big adventure was a trip to dog friendly Gardiner County Park and Beach in Bay Shore, Long Island. Bay Shore is also the town where you can take the ferry boats to Fire Island. We love Gardiner's, it's a beautiful neighborhood park that allows dogs. It's a real hidden gem for dog lovers on Long Island!
The park itself is lovely, with an open grassy field and several short trails to walk along, but the real draw of Gardiner Park for dogs and their people is the fabulous dog friendly beach at the end of it!
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| We're Off on an Adventure! |
A Dog's Ode To Summer
Oh Summer, leaving us already?? Ah, the fun we had .....
NOW THAT IT'S COMING TO A CLOSE, WHAT WILL YOUR PETS MISS THE MOST ABOUT SUMMER??
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| ICY ENJOYING THE BEACH |
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| ICY CRUISIN' FOR SOME ACTION ON THE BEACH |
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| PHOEBE LOUNGING IN THE YARD |
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| PHOEBE SCOUTING FOR BEES! |
NOW THAT IT'S COMING TO A CLOSE, WHAT WILL YOUR PETS MISS THE MOST ABOUT SUMMER??
JOIN THE BLOGPAWS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!!
Appearance on the Sibe Vibe Radio Show!
I was so honored to be a guest on the SIBE VIBE Radio Show on Dog Works Radio this weekend! I felt particularly honored because it was the show's 5th Anniversary and their Back To School episode! The SIBE VIBE focuses on Siberian Huskies, rescue stories, canine sports and events and much more!
The SIBE VIBE Radio Show is hosted by award winning Author, Photographer, Photo Journalist, and Blogger at the FiveSibes blog, Dorothy Wills-Raftery.
On the show, Dorothy and I talked about Therapy Dogs and the attributes a dog needs to be a successful Therapy Dog. We talked about the process of becoming a Therapy Dog and we discussed some of the work Icy and I do together as a Therapy Dog team in our community.
We talked about the Kids Read Aloud To Dogs programs Icy and I participate in and how it helps children improve their reading skills by reading out loud to dogs. It was a perfect Back To School topic!
I mentioned our visits to the local High School as well, which help give students a sense of togetherness and helps relieve some of the daily stress they may feel at school.
Dorothy asked me what my top recommendations for U.S. dog friendly travel places to visit were. I shared some of my favorite dog friendly travel destinations, (Hint: Sedona, AZ is #1) and a few of my most important pet friendly travel tips.
We ended our conversation by talking about how special it is to be a part of the pet blogging community and what that means to us.
If you missed our discussion on the SIBE VIBE radio show, you can listen to the Radio Show Replay here.
Are you ready for Back To School? What are your plans for the first month of Back To School? Leave us a comment and share, we Love hearing from our readers!
The SIBE VIBE Radio Show is hosted by award winning Author, Photographer, Photo Journalist, and Blogger at the FiveSibes blog, Dorothy Wills-Raftery.
On the show, Dorothy and I talked about Therapy Dogs and the attributes a dog needs to be a successful Therapy Dog. We talked about the process of becoming a Therapy Dog and we discussed some of the work Icy and I do together as a Therapy Dog team in our community.
 |
| Icy at one of the children's reading programs, posing with a copy of one of Dorothy's wonderful books, Getting Healthy With Harley |
We talked about the Kids Read Aloud To Dogs programs Icy and I participate in and how it helps children improve their reading skills by reading out loud to dogs. It was a perfect Back To School topic!
I mentioned our visits to the local High School as well, which help give students a sense of togetherness and helps relieve some of the daily stress they may feel at school.
 |
| Icy at one of our library visits |
We ended our conversation by talking about how special it is to be a part of the pet blogging community and what that means to us.
If you missed our discussion on the SIBE VIBE radio show, you can listen to the Radio Show Replay here.
Thanks to Dorothy Wills-Raftery for inviting me to be a guest on the SIBE VIBE show, it was such a pleasure!
Are you ready for Back To School? What are your plans for the first month of Back To School? Leave us a comment and share, we Love hearing from our readers!
Don't Let Dog Anxiety Sideline Your Adventures Together, #GrabTheLeash and GO!
Many dogs experience anxiety. Anxiety in dogs can be caused by a variety of things such as fireworks, thunder, car rides, or being left alone (separation anxiety).
Three things make my dog Icy anxious; Thunder, Fireworks...... and a weird, puzzling occurrence on our walks into town. We tried countless times to address her anxieties, but nothing worked. We don't want to medicate her, but we need something that will effectively ease her anxiety.
This post is sponsored by Therabis™ and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about Therabis - Hemp wellness products to help your dog with itching, anxiety and joint mobility. Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Therabis is not responsible for the content of this article.
We love going on the 7 minute walk from our house into town with our dogs. It's a really nice walk to shops, restaurants, and other attractions on Main Street in our town, or "the village" as locals call it. The noise, people and dogs walking along sidewalks don't bother Icy. In fact, she is very confident on walks, hikes, meeting new people and visiting new places.
However, there is ONE SPOT along our walk into town that creates a ton of anxiety for her! As soon as we get to this one particular spot on our walk, she becomes anxious and refuses to go any further. She insists on changing direction to head back home again. In this video you can see Icy's anxious reaction when we get to that particular spot on our walk, and then the difference after we gave her two Therabis Calm and Quiet treats.
We cannot figure out what is causing Icy such anxiety! It's not a particularly noisy or crowded spot, there are no scary statues or anything, and there are no uncomfortable gratings on the sidewalk in that area. Friends have joked that maybe there is a ghost who haunts that precise spot! OK, so our town is historical and was settled in the 1600's, but seriously, a ghost!? We don't know what causes this anxiety in our normally confident dog, we just want to calm her anxiety so Icy can enjoy walks into town as much as we do.
When I was presented with the opportunity to try Therabis™ Calm and Quiet treats, I jumped at it! I knew that if these treats could help Icy calmly walk into town and reduce her anxiety during thunderstorms and fireworks, it would make life much more enjoyable for all of us. So I decided to give it a try.
PIN THIS!
Therabis Calm and Quiet treat supplements are formulated with naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the Hemp plant. Combined with vitamins and green tea leaf extract (L-theanine), they can reduce stress levels and help dogs stay calm in stressful situations.
I had been reading a lot about Cannabinoid products and their success in treating both people and pets for a variety of issues. At first I was unsure about pet products that use "naturally occurring cannabinoids", but after doing some research I felt much more confident about it.
➤ Cannabidiol (or CBD) is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the Hemp plant that is classified as a "Cannabinoid". CBD interacts with your pet's endocannabinoid system - the central regulatory system known to affect bodily processes like digestion, mood and sleep.
➤ Therabis Hemp Derived Cannabinoid products contain Whole-Plant Hemp Oil, a Vitamin Blend, L-Theanine from green tea, Green Lipped Mussel powder, and other ingredients. Calm and Quiet treats also contain natural ingredients including: Garbanzo flour, Pea flour, Palm fruit oil, Flaxseed meal, Coconut oil, and natural flavorings.
➤ Therabis was founded by Dr. Stephen M. Katz, a Veterinarian who spent a decade researching, developing, and perfecting their all-natural formulas. Therabis products have been rigorously tested at the Bronx Veterinary Center over the past 10 years. Additionally, Therabis products must pass any and all FDA requirements regarding stability and contamination.
NO. Products with Cannabidiol (CBD) do NOT get people or pets "High", they are NOT the same as marijuana at all. Hemp and Marijuana are two very different plants.
THC is an ingredient that comes from the Marijuana plant. THC creates a psychoactive effect and is the ingredient that creates the euphoric "high" of marijuana.
CBD comes from the Hemp plant and does NOT create a psychoactive effect in people or pets. The Hemp plant has been bred to fulfill industrial applications like fiber, paper and nutrition. It contains only trace amounts - less than .3% THC by law, which is why neither people nor dogs experience a "high" when they consume hemp-derived products.
Therabis Calm and Quiet Treat Supplements for dogs do not create a psychoactive effect in yor pet like the THC in marijuana does. Calm and Quiet treats reduce stress levels and to help ease anxiety and maintain a calm energy through stressful situations. Learn more about Therabis Hemp Wellness Products for Pets .
Therabis Calm and Quiet dog treats helped ease Icy's anxiety on our walks into town so much, I was encouraged to try them for her thunderstorm anxiety issue! Icy always heads for the closet at the first hint of thunder. We have a lot of thunderstorms on Long Island so I didn't have to wait long to try it out. At the first clap of thunder, Icy was up like a shot and retreated to the closet.
I always feel so bad for Icy when a thunderstorm hits, she suffers the entire time. I'm delighted to report that after giving Icy two Therabis Calm and Quiet treats while she was hiding in the closet, within 15 minutes she calmed down enough to come out of the closet on her own, with the thunderstorm still going on!
I'm so glad I finally found something that will help Icy deal with the anxiety she feels during Walks into town and Thunderstorms! I was really happy to see that in both instances, the Therabis Calm and Quiet treats worked beautifully. I'm almost looking forward to the next time our town decides to shoot off fireworks.... well, almost!
Therabis UP AND MOVING Hemp Derived CBD Supplement for dogs
If your dog has issues with joint mobility such as difficulty walking up stairs or jumping, Up and Moving helps promote healthy joints and mobility.
Therabis STOP THE ITCH Hemp Derived CBD Supplement for dogs
If your dog suffers from Itchy skin or hot spots, Stop The Itch can help ease the constant itching and scratching.
Therabis CALM AND QUIET Powder supplement for dogs
Icy's anxiety is triggered by 3 things; Thunder, Fireworks, and our Walks into town. But if your dog suffers from frequent separation anxiety, or other more general anxiety, Therabis Calm and Quiet Powder formula might be a great fit for you. It comes in a single serving size you can give your dog daily to help her maintain a calm energy on a continual basis.
Note: I am not a Veterinarian, Vet Tech, or health professional, nor do I play one online! I do however, share information & tips that have worked for my own dogs, my foster dogs, and the dogs of my family and friends. Always check with your Veterinarian before giving your pet a new food, treat, or supplement.
Have you tried any Hemp Derived CBD products for your pets? Please tell us in the comments!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Therabis™. The opinions and text are all mine.
Three things make my dog Icy anxious; Thunder, Fireworks...... and a weird, puzzling occurrence on our walks into town. We tried countless times to address her anxieties, but nothing worked. We don't want to medicate her, but we need something that will effectively ease her anxiety.
This post is sponsored by Therabis™ and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about Therabis - Hemp wellness products to help your dog with itching, anxiety and joint mobility. Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Therabis is not responsible for the content of this article.
We love going on the 7 minute walk from our house into town with our dogs. It's a really nice walk to shops, restaurants, and other attractions on Main Street in our town, or "the village" as locals call it. The noise, people and dogs walking along sidewalks don't bother Icy. In fact, she is very confident on walks, hikes, meeting new people and visiting new places.
However, there is ONE SPOT along our walk into town that creates a ton of anxiety for her! As soon as we get to this one particular spot on our walk, she becomes anxious and refuses to go any further. She insists on changing direction to head back home again. In this video you can see Icy's anxious reaction when we get to that particular spot on our walk, and then the difference after we gave her two Therabis Calm and Quiet treats.
We cannot figure out what is causing Icy such anxiety! It's not a particularly noisy or crowded spot, there are no scary statues or anything, and there are no uncomfortable gratings on the sidewalk in that area. Friends have joked that maybe there is a ghost who haunts that precise spot! OK, so our town is historical and was settled in the 1600's, but seriously, a ghost!? We don't know what causes this anxiety in our normally confident dog, we just want to calm her anxiety so Icy can enjoy walks into town as much as we do.
When I was presented with the opportunity to try Therabis™ Calm and Quiet treats, I jumped at it! I knew that if these treats could help Icy calmly walk into town and reduce her anxiety during thunderstorms and fireworks, it would make life much more enjoyable for all of us. So I decided to give it a try.
PIN THIS!
 |
| Therabis Calm and Quiet treat supplements can help dogs stay calm in stressful situations |
ARE HEMP DERIVED CANNABINOIDS SAFE?
I had been reading a lot about Cannabinoid products and their success in treating both people and pets for a variety of issues. At first I was unsure about pet products that use "naturally occurring cannabinoids", but after doing some research I felt much more confident about it.
➤ Therabis Hemp Derived Cannabinoid products contain Whole-Plant Hemp Oil, a Vitamin Blend, L-Theanine from green tea, Green Lipped Mussel powder, and other ingredients. Calm and Quiet treats also contain natural ingredients including: Garbanzo flour, Pea flour, Palm fruit oil, Flaxseed meal, Coconut oil, and natural flavorings.
➤ Therabis was founded by Dr. Stephen M. Katz, a Veterinarian who spent a decade researching, developing, and perfecting their all-natural formulas. Therabis products have been rigorously tested at the Bronx Veterinary Center over the past 10 years. Additionally, Therabis products must pass any and all FDA requirements regarding stability and contamination.
WILL THERABIS CALM AND QUIET GET MY PET HIGH?
NO. Products with Cannabidiol (CBD) do NOT get people or pets "High", they are NOT the same as marijuana at all. Hemp and Marijuana are two very different plants.
THC is an ingredient that comes from the Marijuana plant. THC creates a psychoactive effect and is the ingredient that creates the euphoric "high" of marijuana.
CBD comes from the Hemp plant and does NOT create a psychoactive effect in people or pets. The Hemp plant has been bred to fulfill industrial applications like fiber, paper and nutrition. It contains only trace amounts - less than .3% THC by law, which is why neither people nor dogs experience a "high" when they consume hemp-derived products.
Therabis Calm and Quiet Treat Supplements for dogs do not create a psychoactive effect in yor pet like the THC in marijuana does. Calm and Quiet treats reduce stress levels and to help ease anxiety and maintain a calm energy through stressful situations. Learn more about Therabis Hemp Wellness Products for Pets .
Therabis Calm and Quiet dog treats helped ease Icy's anxiety on our walks into town so much, I was encouraged to try them for her thunderstorm anxiety issue! Icy always heads for the closet at the first hint of thunder. We have a lot of thunderstorms on Long Island so I didn't have to wait long to try it out. At the first clap of thunder, Icy was up like a shot and retreated to the closet.
I always feel so bad for Icy when a thunderstorm hits, she suffers the entire time. I'm delighted to report that after giving Icy two Therabis Calm and Quiet treats while she was hiding in the closet, within 15 minutes she calmed down enough to come out of the closet on her own, with the thunderstorm still going on!
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| Icy can come out of the closet now that she has Therabis Calm and Quiet Treats! |
👉 IF YOUR DOG SUFFERS FROM ANXIETY LIKE ICY DOES, give Therabis Calm and Quiet Treat Supplements a try!
Therabis hemp derived cannabinoid products are also available in these formulas:
Therabis UP AND MOVING Hemp Derived CBD Supplement for dogs
If your dog has issues with joint mobility such as difficulty walking up stairs or jumping, Up and Moving helps promote healthy joints and mobility.
Therabis STOP THE ITCH Hemp Derived CBD Supplement for dogs
If your dog suffers from Itchy skin or hot spots, Stop The Itch can help ease the constant itching and scratching.
Therabis CALM AND QUIET Powder supplement for dogs
Icy's anxiety is triggered by 3 things; Thunder, Fireworks, and our Walks into town. But if your dog suffers from frequent separation anxiety, or other more general anxiety, Therabis Calm and Quiet Powder formula might be a great fit for you. It comes in a single serving size you can give your dog daily to help her maintain a calm energy on a continual basis.
Note: I am not a Veterinarian, Vet Tech, or health professional, nor do I play one online! I do however, share information & tips that have worked for my own dogs, my foster dogs, and the dogs of my family and friends. Always check with your Veterinarian before giving your pet a new food, treat, or supplement.
Have you tried any Hemp Derived CBD products for your pets? Please tell us in the comments!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Therabis™. The opinions and text are all mine.
Teach Kids About Pet Care & Safety Using Stuffed Animals
Teaching kids how to properly care for a pet is so important. As many of you know, Icy and I are a Therapy Dog team. We make several different kinds of visits throughout our community through Bideawee, in Long Island NY. Bideawee is near and dear to my heart, not only because Icy and I do our Therapy Dog work through them but because I got my first dog, Ginny from them. Having Ginny in our lives meant so much to our family, I'll always be grateful to Bideawee for giving that to us!
One of the therapy visits we are sometimes asked to do is speak to children about what Therapy Dogs do, and also about how to properly care for pets. I've done a couple of these visits with girl scouts and younger kids, talking with them about pet care and proper interaction with dogs. We talk about thinks like:
🐶 Providing food, fresh clean water, and shelter
🐶 How to approach and interact with a dog safely - always ask before petting!
🐶 Dog's body language - a wagging tail doesn't always mean a dogs is happy!
🐶 The importance of walks, playtime, and exercise
🐶 Having proper identification on the dog at all times
🐶 How you know when a dog is sick, and the importance of Veterinary care
🐶 The difference between a Therapy Dog and a Service Dog
As a member of the Bayer Animal Health Pet Influencer Team, I was given a box of adorable stuffed dogs. The dogs were modeled after a puppy named Champ who appeared in Bayer Advantix flea/tick commercials several years ago. You can see this and some of his other adorable Advantix commercials on YouTube by clicking this link .
PIN THIS!
When Bayer asked if we'd like some stuffed Champ pups to donate or share to help children learn about pet care and safety, they included suggestions on how we might use the stuffed pups:
💝 Teach kids about general pet care and Veterinary care
💝 Teach kids about keeping pets active; demonstrate fun things to do with pets
💝 Take along on Therapy visits to a hospital to provide comfort and bring smiles
💝 Use to illustrate that you should never leave pets in a hot car
When I received the stuffed pups and Bayer's suggestions on how they could be used, I immediately thought of Bideawee. I thought the box of Champ pups would be perfect for their pet education visits with kids, or for therapy visits to local hospitals. I reached out to my Volunteer Manager, Alicia Ryan, and she was happy to have our donation of stuffed dogs for Bideawee!
Bideawee is a no-kill shelter that rescues both dogs and cats. We care for each animal we take in until they find a loving forever-home. Bideawee means "stay a while" in Scottish, each animal is meant to "stay a while". We were founded over 110 years ago in 1903 and Bideawee is one of the OLDEST animal welfare organizations in the United States! Bideawee has lots of dogs and cats up for adoption, ready to find new homes! We not only have animals for adoptions, but we have animals that make special visits, to bring the love of pets to our community. It’s called our pet therapy program! We have this program because pets make people feel good and we want everyone to feel good!
Thank You to BAY ANIMAL HEALTH for sending us these adorable stuffed animals to help educate kids on pet care and safety!
Get More Pet Health & Safety Tips & Therapy Dog Information here:
Are these Pet Dangers lurking in YOUR yard?
How Therapy Dogs Help Kids Improve Their Reading Skills
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| Icy listens intently during one of our Kids Reading Aloud To Dogs visits, helping kids improve their reading skills |
🐶 Providing food, fresh clean water, and shelter
🐶 How to approach and interact with a dog safely - always ask before petting!
🐶 Dog's body language - a wagging tail doesn't always mean a dogs is happy!
🐶 The importance of walks, playtime, and exercise
🐶 Having proper identification on the dog at all times
🐶 How you know when a dog is sick, and the importance of Veterinary care
🐶 The difference between a Therapy Dog and a Service Dog
As a member of the Bayer Animal Health Pet Influencer Team, I was given a box of adorable stuffed dogs. The dogs were modeled after a puppy named Champ who appeared in Bayer Advantix flea/tick commercials several years ago. You can see this and some of his other adorable Advantix commercials on YouTube by clicking this link .
PIN THIS!
 |
| Use stuffed animals to teach kids about pet health & safety, & the importance of Vet care |
💝 Teach kids about general pet care and Veterinary care
💝 Teach kids about keeping pets active; demonstrate fun things to do with pets
💝 Take along on Therapy visits to a hospital to provide comfort and bring smiles
💝 Use to illustrate that you should never leave pets in a hot car
When I received the stuffed pups and Bayer's suggestions on how they could be used, I immediately thought of Bideawee. I thought the box of Champ pups would be perfect for their pet education visits with kids, or for therapy visits to local hospitals. I reached out to my Volunteer Manager, Alicia Ryan, and she was happy to have our donation of stuffed dogs for Bideawee!
 |
| Me with Alicia, Sr. Manager, Volunteer Programs at Bideawee, holding one of the stuffed Champ pups outside their Wantagh, Long Island facility. |
Bideawee is a no-kill shelter that rescues both dogs and cats. We care for each animal we take in until they find a loving forever-home. Bideawee means "stay a while" in Scottish, each animal is meant to "stay a while". We were founded over 110 years ago in 1903 and Bideawee is one of the OLDEST animal welfare organizations in the United States! Bideawee has lots of dogs and cats up for adoption, ready to find new homes! We not only have animals for adoptions, but we have animals that make special visits, to bring the love of pets to our community. It’s called our pet therapy program! We have this program because pets make people feel good and we want everyone to feel good!
PROUD MEMBER OF THE BAYER PET INFLUENCER TEAM!
Thank You to BAY ANIMAL HEALTH for sending us these adorable stuffed animals to help educate kids on pet care and safety!
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| I had to give one of the stuffed dogs to Phoebe, she insisted on having one for herself! She loves to snuggle with it! |
Pet Health Tip from an expert Veterinarian at Bayer
Pet Safety Tips both at home and while on Outings
Are these Pet Dangers lurking in YOUR yard?
How Therapy Dogs Help Kids Improve Their Reading Skills
Dog Friendly Belmont Lake State Park in New York
There are so many fun summer activities to do with dogs! We've been taking the dogs to dog friendly parks and beaches here on Long Island, New York. There aren't many dog friendly parks and beaches on Long Island. I'm still trying to figure out why. There are some, but there are more dog friendly beaches and parks in Suffolk County, the Eastern half of Long Island, than there are in Nassau County.
A really nice state park that allows dogs on Long Island is 463-acre Belmont Lake State Park. Like so many of NY's state parks, it was once a mansion and estate owned by a wealthy family, the Belmont's, in the later 1800's - early 1900's. This park was formerly part of the family owned thoroughbred horse farm. The farm was owned by August Belmont, the namesake of the Belmont Stakes!
It's such a beautiful park, I'm so happy to have it available for public use and for well behaved, leashed dogs to enjoy with their owners! The lake and walking/hiking paths are so lovely, we really enjoy it.
CANNON BAAALL!! OK, SO THAT'S REALLY FOR THE POOL, BUT THIS IS AN ACTUAL CANNON. The Belmont Lake State Park Cannons have been there since the park was a privately owned mansion, owned by the Belmont family.
The quote captioned above is excerpted from one of the most famous quotes in military history. I know what you're thinking, Hey!! That quote is wrong, it's supposed to be We Have Met The Enemy And He Is Us.... but that was actually the original quote paraphrased by a 1970 Cartoonist, for an Earth Day poster. Actually, I think many people would agree that his version of the quote probably belongs on a photo of a globe. I've always wanted a globe, why don't I ever get one!? I'm so deprived.
CHECK OUT THIS BEAUTIFUL TREE, DON'T YOU THINK IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT HALLOWEEN TREE? OR PERHAPS THE KEEBLER ELVES LIVE IN IT?? OR PERHAPS A HOBBIT?!
When you take your pets out for a fun adventure, make sure to Hydrate and Keep Your Pet Safe!
Summer and Fall are prime times for flea and tick activity, be sure to protect your dog against flea and tickborne diseases like Anaplasmosis (Tick Fever)!
Have you been to any pet friendly parks this Summer? Leave us a comment and tell us about it
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| Icy exploring the rocks and a little waterfall around the lake at Belmont Lake State Park |
It's such a beautiful park, I'm so happy to have it available for public use and for well behaved, leashed dogs to enjoy with their owners! The lake and walking/hiking paths are so lovely, we really enjoy it.
A PIECE OF HISTORY
CANNON BAAALL!! OK, SO THAT'S REALLY FOR THE POOL, BUT THIS IS AN ACTUAL CANNON. The Belmont Lake State Park Cannons have been there since the park was a privately owned mansion, owned by the Belmont family.
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| "WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY, AND THEY ARE OURS....." - OLIVER HAZARD PERRY, COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN FLEET, September,1813 |
BEAUTIFUL NATURAL SURROUNDINGS & HIKING TRAILS
CHECK OUT THIS BEAUTIFUL TREE, DON'T YOU THINK IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT HALLOWEEN TREE? OR PERHAPS THE KEEBLER ELVES LIVE IN IT?? OR PERHAPS A HOBBIT?!
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| I shall guard the tree in case the elves or some hobbit try to escape and wreak havoc throughout the park! |
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| Phoebe and I stop along the bridge to watch the ducks play in the stream |
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| The ducks were so cute! There's 4 of them, it's funny but the two in front almost look like alligators, don't they? But it's the back tail end of two of the ducks, LOL! No gators on Long Island! |
A GOOD SOCIALIZATION OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR DOG!
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| Parks make for great socialization opportunities for dogs, as long as both are leashed and they both want to meet. Phoebe met this cute little boy, I think she was kinda smitten! |
When you take your pets out for a fun adventure, make sure to Hydrate and Keep Your Pet Safe!
Summer and Fall are prime times for flea and tick activity, be sure to protect your dog against flea and tickborne diseases like Anaplasmosis (Tick Fever)!
Have you been to any pet friendly parks this Summer? Leave us a comment and tell us about it
Hand Over The Pink Unicorn!
HAND OVER THE PINK UNICORN RIGHT NOW AND NO ONE GETS HURT
Does your pet have a toy that drives them crazy? Leave a comment and let us know what it is!
THIS IS THE BLOGPAWS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!!
Adoptable Dogs In Need of Love & Exposure
There are two adoptable dogs at the BIDEAWEE Animal Shelter in New York, where I volunteer, that are waiting for someone to love them and give them a loving home. Pace and Gracie are not as easy to find homes for as some of the other adoptable dogs at the shelter, for a couple of reasons. They both need some extra help and exposure to find their forever homes.
I'm sharing their stories here in the hope that readers will share these dogs on social media to help get them in front of more people. The more exposure these two dogs get, the better their chances will be of finding their forever homes. I'm asking for your help to spread the word about these two dogs in need of loving homes.
One of these dogs in need is Pase, an adorable and super loving dog who just had hip surgery. Pace needs a home that can provide a lot of extra care. He may potentially need follow up hip surgeries as well.
Pase is a goofy, energetic, and snuggly two year old Labrador Retriever mix who came to BIDEAWEE in early November, 2016 from Alabama. Pase weighs in at 65 pounds, but he's 65 pounds of love! His beautiful brown eyes sparkle with curiosity, watching everything around him. His smile is large and happy, and when you catch him smiling you're sure to feel your mood elevate as well.
Pase gets along well with other dogs, although a meet and greet is always recommended! While he's gentle, he's also fairly large at 65 lbs and very energetic, so the Bideawee animal shelter recommends he go to a home without young children.
Pase also considers himself a lap dog and isn't totally aware of his size relative to yours! How many of us have experienced that, LOL!? He'll wiggle his way towards you and try and curl up in a ball in your lap. Despite his best efforts, he's rarely able to fit his whole body in your lap and will resort to being half on & half off.
His dream forever home has an active and attentive owner who will give him all the love, exercise, and stimulation this adorable boy needs. Pase would be thrilled to live with somebody who works from home as he gets bored easily and loves companionship. But hey, who doesn't need a 65 pound fur-ball as a coworker!?
The other dog available for adoption is a stunning pooch named Gracie. Boasting a dark ebony coat, with beautiful be-speckled paws and the deepest brown eyes you've ever seen, this girl is simply gorgeous! During her time at Bideawee, Gracie has already won over the staff and volunteers with her sweet personality!
This sweet girl is definitely shy at first, but once she knows you, her sparkling personality shines bright! Gracie is an active girl, who would love a family that will enjoy spending time taking her on long walks, and exploring different places. All this sweet girl needs is a family that will be by her side, guiding her through life!
I'm sharing their stories here in the hope that readers will share these dogs on social media to help get them in front of more people. The more exposure these two dogs get, the better their chances will be of finding their forever homes. I'm asking for your help to spread the word about these two dogs in need of loving homes.
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| Adorable Pace recently had hip surgery and will need some extra love and care. |
Pase is a goofy, energetic, and snuggly two year old Labrador Retriever mix who came to BIDEAWEE in early November, 2016 from Alabama. Pase weighs in at 65 pounds, but he's 65 pounds of love! His beautiful brown eyes sparkle with curiosity, watching everything around him. His smile is large and happy, and when you catch him smiling you're sure to feel your mood elevate as well.
Pase gets along well with other dogs, although a meet and greet is always recommended! While he's gentle, he's also fairly large at 65 lbs and very energetic, so the Bideawee animal shelter recommends he go to a home without young children.
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| Pace is positively Adorable!! This sweetie needs a home with people who can provide some extra TLC. |
His dream forever home has an active and attentive owner who will give him all the love, exercise, and stimulation this adorable boy needs. Pase would be thrilled to live with somebody who works from home as he gets bored easily and loves companionship. But hey, who doesn't need a 65 pound fur-ball as a coworker!?
The other dog available for adoption is a stunning pooch named Gracie. Boasting a dark ebony coat, with beautiful be-speckled paws and the deepest brown eyes you've ever seen, this girl is simply gorgeous! During her time at Bideawee, Gracie has already won over the staff and volunteers with her sweet personality!
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| Stunning Gracie is shy but loving and full of personality! |
Both of these beautiful shelter dogs are badly in need of a second chance at love and life. They are available for adoption from BIDEAWEE, Long Island New York. Founded in 1903, Bideawee is America's first No-Kill animal rescue!
If you interested in adopting a dog, I hope you will please consider Pace or Gracie!
JOIN US ON THE PET PARADE BLOG HOP!!
Pet Safety Both At Home and On Outings
We want our dogs to have fun and be safe both at home and away, but there are things that can harm our pets and ruin our fun! Some of them can be found in the home, some are near water, and some we may encounter on travel outings and adventures we take them on.
Last week I talked about dangerous Insecticides and Pesticides that could be lurking in your yard or on walks with your dog. Today I want to talk about things that can potentially harm our dogs inside our homes or while we are out on dog friendly adventures together.
The most obvious potentially harmful items that can be found in our homes are things we use every day without giving them a second thought. Cleansers are one of the biggest culprits. We use them often and sometimes leave them lying around the house open, or in poorly secured areas.
Other hazardous items include nail polish remover (it's SO toxic to both pets and children!), medications, and rubbing alcohol. Speaking of alcohol, booze is toxic to pets as well so don't leave wine, beer, or cocktails lying around in glasses on the patio! Pets are often attracted to the scent of these items. Dogs love to LICK, and they can lick up spills of any of these substances as well as get into containers of them.
Visit the Humane Society of the United States web page for a list of Common Household Dangers For Pets, both inside and outside the home.
It drives me nuts when we are at Starbucks and someone has spilled a giant blob of something I know can be toxic to my dogs, but smells delightful to them. They will jump at the chance to lick it up if we don't move to another table or clean it up ourselves!
Cigarette butts on the ground are another thing that irritates me. For some reason, every Starbucks we ever go to has like a million cigarette butts on the ground around their outdoor tables. It feels like the Marlboro Man has just had his coffee there! Cigarette butts are like a magnet for my dogs. They always find them and invariably start chewing on them! If dogs eat cigarette butts it could cause nicotine poisoning.
Algae can be very toxic to pets so don't let pets drink stagnant water, especially if it has a blue-green film on it. This algae thrives in hot temperatures and can be found in stagnant ponds, lakes, even puddles. Algae in stagnant water can contain toxins that cause anything from skin rashes to potentially serious health risks for dogs such as organ and nervous system problems. A variety of harmful parasites and bacteria, such as Giardia and Leptospirosis can also be found in stagnant water.
Don't let your dog drink sea water at the beach either. Salt water can be toxic to pets and could result in salt water poisoning if they drink too much of it. Toys and other items can absorb large amounts of sea water, and can be absorbed by your dog if he chews on it or sucks on it.
Rinse your dog and his toys off thoroughly after playing in or by the water. If your dog has diarrhea or vomiting after being by the ocean, lake, or pond, consult your Veterinarian right away.
Always keep your dog well hydrated with fresh, clean water at the beach. Follow these Beach safety tips for dogs as well.
When you travel with your dog, keep an eye out for potential hazards to dogs. I've shared this story before but it bears repeating. During a cross country trip with Icy and Phoebe, we stayed in a hotel that we had stayed in several times before and were familiar with. In fact, it was one of our favorite places to stay along our route between New York and Phoenix - until my dogs got really sick in one of their pet friendly rooms.
It was late at night and we were glad to finally reach our hotel and settle in. For some reason, there were really loud people smoking up a storm on a patio close to our window so I asked to have the room changed. The guy at the front desk was apparently new and seemed a bit confused as to what room to give us and the dogs - that should have been a red flag right there. He finally gave us a room and we settled in for the night. Icy was sleeping on the floor between the wall and my side of the bed. Phoebe was sleeping on the floor on the other side of the bed.
Somewhere around 3am Icy started coughing and hacking uncontrollably. We couldn't figure out what was wrong with her, we panicked! We put her up on the bed and after a few minutes the coughing lessened a bit. We thought she might have found an object under the bed and swallowed it, or perhaps she ate a bug.
Shortly after, Phoebe began coughing and hacking as well! Then she vomited, right on the bed. We were freaking out and began searching for an emergency Veterinarian in the area. As the dogs lay on the bed their coughing eased up. We were slightly relieved but still perplexed and frightened.
Around 5am we got the heck out of there and onto the highway, windows open to get the fresh air. I couldn't find an all night emergency Vet but we located a Veterinarian in the next city, not far away. As we drove in the car the dogs began to improve - a lot. Clearly, getting them out of that hotel was key, there had to be something in the room that made them both so ill.
We found the Vet's office, no small feat in the somewhat rural area of Ohio we were in. It was a quaint little office and the staff was really nice. We loved the Veterinarian, he was wonderful to us and the dogs! He examined the dogs and asked us lots of questions. In the end, the Vet determined that whatever the hotel used to clean the carpeting made our dogs sick. He gave us a prescription, but we never needed to use it because hours later both dogs were perfectly fine!
My guess is that the guy at the desk put us in a dog friendly room that was very recently cleaned. It probably shouldn't have been rented out so soon, I'm thinking the cleansers they used needed more time to dissipate. Because the dogs were on the floor, so close to the area cleaned, it effected their breathing.
You'd think a hotel that has rooms designated for pets would be totally safe for pets, but you never know. Now my dogs sleep in the bed with us in hotels!
Has your pet ever gotten into something that made them sick? Please leave us a comment & tell us about it, we really Love hearing from you!
Last week I talked about dangerous Insecticides and Pesticides that could be lurking in your yard or on walks with your dog. Today I want to talk about things that can potentially harm our dogs inside our homes or while we are out on dog friendly adventures together.
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| I'm always on the alert for potential dog hazards inside and outside the home |
PET DANGERS INSIDE THE HOME
The most obvious potentially harmful items that can be found in our homes are things we use every day without giving them a second thought. Cleansers are one of the biggest culprits. We use them often and sometimes leave them lying around the house open, or in poorly secured areas.
Other hazardous items include nail polish remover (it's SO toxic to both pets and children!), medications, and rubbing alcohol. Speaking of alcohol, booze is toxic to pets as well so don't leave wine, beer, or cocktails lying around in glasses on the patio! Pets are often attracted to the scent of these items. Dogs love to LICK, and they can lick up spills of any of these substances as well as get into containers of them.
Visit the Humane Society of the United States web page for a list of Common Household Dangers For Pets, both inside and outside the home.
A TOXIC MESS WITH YOUR MORNING COFFEE?
It drives me nuts when we are at Starbucks and someone has spilled a giant blob of something I know can be toxic to my dogs, but smells delightful to them. They will jump at the chance to lick it up if we don't move to another table or clean it up ourselves!
Cigarette butts on the ground are another thing that irritates me. For some reason, every Starbucks we ever go to has like a million cigarette butts on the ground around their outdoor tables. It feels like the Marlboro Man has just had his coffee there! Cigarette butts are like a magnet for my dogs. They always find them and invariably start chewing on them! If dogs eat cigarette butts it could cause nicotine poisoning.
OCEAN AND STAGNANT WATERS CAN HARM YOUR DOG
Algae can be very toxic to pets so don't let pets drink stagnant water, especially if it has a blue-green film on it. This algae thrives in hot temperatures and can be found in stagnant ponds, lakes, even puddles. Algae in stagnant water can contain toxins that cause anything from skin rashes to potentially serious health risks for dogs such as organ and nervous system problems. A variety of harmful parasites and bacteria, such as Giardia and Leptospirosis can also be found in stagnant water.
Don't let your dog drink sea water at the beach either. Salt water can be toxic to pets and could result in salt water poisoning if they drink too much of it. Toys and other items can absorb large amounts of sea water, and can be absorbed by your dog if he chews on it or sucks on it.
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| Icy loves the beach! I always have fresh water available for her to drink |
Always keep your dog well hydrated with fresh, clean water at the beach. Follow these Beach safety tips for dogs as well.
IS THIS DOG FRIENDLY HOTEL ROOM REALLY FRIENDLY?
When you travel with your dog, keep an eye out for potential hazards to dogs. I've shared this story before but it bears repeating. During a cross country trip with Icy and Phoebe, we stayed in a hotel that we had stayed in several times before and were familiar with. In fact, it was one of our favorite places to stay along our route between New York and Phoenix - until my dogs got really sick in one of their pet friendly rooms.
 |
| We travel a lot with the dogs , I keep a very close eye on them while traveling |
Somewhere around 3am Icy started coughing and hacking uncontrollably. We couldn't figure out what was wrong with her, we panicked! We put her up on the bed and after a few minutes the coughing lessened a bit. We thought she might have found an object under the bed and swallowed it, or perhaps she ate a bug.
Shortly after, Phoebe began coughing and hacking as well! Then she vomited, right on the bed. We were freaking out and began searching for an emergency Veterinarian in the area. As the dogs lay on the bed their coughing eased up. We were slightly relieved but still perplexed and frightened.
Around 5am we got the heck out of there and onto the highway, windows open to get the fresh air. I couldn't find an all night emergency Vet but we located a Veterinarian in the next city, not far away. As we drove in the car the dogs began to improve - a lot. Clearly, getting them out of that hotel was key, there had to be something in the room that made them both so ill.
We found the Vet's office, no small feat in the somewhat rural area of Ohio we were in. It was a quaint little office and the staff was really nice. We loved the Veterinarian, he was wonderful to us and the dogs! He examined the dogs and asked us lots of questions. In the end, the Vet determined that whatever the hotel used to clean the carpeting made our dogs sick. He gave us a prescription, but we never needed to use it because hours later both dogs were perfectly fine!
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| Icy and Phoebe love to sleep in bed with us in hotel rooms! |
You'd think a hotel that has rooms designated for pets would be totally safe for pets, but you never know. Now my dogs sleep in the bed with us in hotels!
Has your pet ever gotten into something that made them sick? Please leave us a comment & tell us about it, we really Love hearing from you!
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