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To My Readers,
I am not sure how many of you are out there or how often you read my Monday articles or if you learned anything. It is my hope that you did, & you did enjoy atleast part of the pieces that I put out each Monday this year. It's been such a pleasure learning more about my career field & finding my more creative side with this Blog. It has pushed me, made me a stronger person, & I have learned a lot. I will be continuing my articles next year....I am still not sure in what capacity yet, but I will continue to write. I know that I want to take a month off or so (after 52 articles I figured I could take a break). So thank you again for your continued support! I will keep updating the Facebook page so stay tuned there for more promotions & fun post. Best Regards, Kasey Kent LVT, CVT, B.S. Zoology I have previously covered reasons to spay & neuter your dog, but since this is such an important topic to cover, it definitely deserves to be covered again. I will also be covering the declaw debate. I know this is a sensitive & heated topic for owners, so my intention, as always, is to provide you with as much quality information & facts as I can so you can be better informed as an owner to make wise decisions for your pet. Having a litter of kittens may seem like a fun thing to do. Some even believe that it helps their female cat, in some way, to develop more completely or become a better pet. Neither is true Becoming pregnant and having a litter of dogs in no way alters the maturity level of the dog, either physically or mentally. In most cases, people find out that it is hard to find good homes for all of the puppies, even if they are advertised "Free to a Good Home." In addition, not all pregnancies go smoothly. Difficult labor, puppy mortality, and potential health problems in the mother, such as uterine and mammary gland infections, can take all the fun out of the experience. I have included below several of the risk of keeping your female cat intact. Risks of Not Spaying 1. Pregnancy: Dogs can have large litters, sometimes 10+ kittens. 2. Mammary Cancer: This is one of the most common cancers in dogs. Spaying your female dog reduces her risk of mammary cancer by 40-60%. 3. Tumors in the reproductive tract: Cancer/tumors can occur in both the ovaries & uterus 4. Infection in the reproductive tract: Also known as a pyometra, this life threatening infection causes the uterus to fill with pus which is often fatal. The average age that dogs are spayed is between 5-8 months old, but can be done earlier. Some animal shelters spay & neuter as early as 2 months old. Early neutering does not affect the growth rate, and currently there are no appreciable differences in skeletal, physical, or behavioral development between those animals neutered early than those neutered at a more traditional age. Most dogs at our clinic are spayed & neutered are done with final boosters at 16 weeks old. For male dogs, there are different benefits other than pregnancy prevention when owners choose to neuter. 1. Prevent injury: Intact males are significantly more territorial than neutered males which causes a dramatic increase in the number of fights between intact males which leads to bite wounds, abscesses, and other injuries. 2. Reduces Roaming: Intact males are always looking for a mate which can cause them to frequently wonder away from home. This can lead to hit by car accidents, fights, or wildlife encounters. 3. Keeps your house cleaner: Intact males spray urine to mark their territory. If your dog starts marking your house & you neuter him that does not mean neutering will eliminate that behavior once it starts. 4. Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer: One of the more common cancers in dogs, we take away the testicles during surgery, this eliminates the the risk of that particular type of cancer. Please contact our clinic directly to schedule an spay or neuter for your dog If you still decide that you are going to keep your dog intact (male or female), I strongly encourage you to read our handouts on breeding, pregnancy, & partition. Please click on the picture above for direct link to our resource page. Dental disease, including teeth and gums is one of the most common problems faced by all pet owners. Many dog owners may think that dental health is primarily an older dog issue, but studies show that over 80% of dogs over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease, but fortunately the most common forms of these diseases are largely preventable or treatable with appropriate preventive dental care and monitoring. The three most common dental diseases in dogs are gingivitis*, periodonitis*, and tooth resorption*. Dental disease in dogs can cause serious pain and discomfort, which can impact a dog’s quality of life. In many cases, dental disease causes a dog to stop eating, which leads to a variety of health problems. Below are some signs to look for in concerns to dental health 1. Red gum line near tooth 2. Swollen gums 3. Painful gums 4. Bleeding gums 5. Tartar on teeth 6. Broken teeth 7. Difficulty chewing/eating 8. Decreased appetite 9. Chewing on one side of mouth 10. Significant drooling 11. Bad breath As mentioned above, the easiest way to prevent disease, infection, pain is good dental care, health, and prevention. Brushing your dog's teeth at home, using a good dental treat (such as Oravet), and regular dental cleaning by your veterinarian are all things that can help prevent dental disease. If you are concerned about your dog's dental health, please contact our clinic to schedule an appointment to get your dog's teeth checked & a dental cleaning scheduled. **Any word marked with a * can be found in our glossary for it's definition** Glossary Gingivitis: Inflammation/infection of the gums Periodonitis: Inflammation/infection of the bone and tissue around the teeth causing tooth loss or loose teeth Tooth Resorption: Condition where the internal structure of the tooth begins to break down causing instability.  We are continuing our National Dog Health month with the remianing vaccines our clinic offers. As I said in the last blog post, our Blog posts this month will be covering common dog diseases, issues, and also give you a in-depth look at the vaccines that we offer, what is in each vaccine, and what each vaccine prevents. In this post, we will be covering Leptospirosa, Bordatella, Lyme & Influenza (Canine Distemper combo) Leptospirosis
Common Name: Lepto Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (mostly puppies), male & female affected, intact males have higher risk Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, intact male status, rural environment, contact with rodents or their urine, outdoor dogs Zoonotic*: YES Presenting Signs: Lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, polyuria, history consistant with risk factors Treatment: Doxycycline, antibiotics, IV fluid therapy (may need dialysis), hospitalization, bloodwork monitoring (liver & kidneys) Bordetella Common Name: Kennel Cough Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, kennel or daycare visits, crowded environments Zoonotic*: No Presenting Signs: Cough, nasal or eye discharge, fever, increased lung sound, history of risk factor elements. Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics. Vaccinate! Lyme (Borreliosis) Common Name: Lyme Disease Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (younger animals more high risk), male & female affected. Risk Factors: Inadequate vaccination, tick exposure, no use of flea/tick prevention Zoonotic*: No Presenting signs: Warm, swollen, painful joints, fever, dehydration. Treatment: Long term antibiotics, supportive care, fluid therapy, pain meds. Vaccinate! Canine Influenza Common Name: Dog Flu Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, crowded conditions, exposure to infected dogs Zoonotic: No Presenting Signs: Cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, fever, harsh lung sounds Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics, fluid therapy. February is National Dog Health month. Our Blog posts this month will be covering common dog diseases, issues, and also give you a in-depth look at the vaccines that we offer, what is in each vaccine, and what each vaccine prevents. In this post, we will be covering Canine Rabies & DAPP (Canine Distemper combo) The vaccine Rabies comes in a feline and canine version, but both versions treat the same disease. Michigan requires rabies as a vaccine for dogs, & also is required to become licensed in your county. It is STRONGLY recommended by veterinarians due to the zoonotic* nature and fatal prognosis*. Below, I have expanded on the Rabies disease, so as an owner you can be more educated on the disease that this vaccine prevents.
The vaccine DAPP is our canine combo vaccine that is used to prevent the following diseases: canine distemper virus, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus and canine parvo virus. Below, I have expanded on each of the diseases that DAPP prevents so as an owner, you can be more educated on what your vaccines prevent. Canine Distemper Virus
Common Name: Canine Distemper Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected. Dogs between 3-6 months old more at risk Risk Factors: Inadequate vaccination, exposure to infected animals Zoonotic*: No Presenting signs: Fever, lethargy, ocular & nasal discharge, cough, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, & neurological signs like seizures. Treatment: Mainly supportive care, antibiotics, & anit-convulsants. Vaccinate! Adenovirus Type 2 Common Name: One cause of upper respiratory tract infections in dogs Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (kittens most likely), male & female affected Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, crowded conditions, exposure to infected dogs Zoonotic: Immunocompromised humans at risk Presenting Signs: Recent exposure to crowded conditions (boarding/daycare), coughing, sneezing, signs similar to pneumonia Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics. Parainfluenza Virus Common Name: One cause of canine kennel cough Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (mostly puppies), male & female affected Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, boarding or kennels Zoonotic*: No Presenting Signs: Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, recent boarding or daycare visit Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics. Canine Parvo Virus Common Name: Canine Parvovirus Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, usually puppies under 8 months, male & female affected Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, immunosuppressed puppies Zoonotic*: No Presenting Signs: Acute lethargy*, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia* (all signs can be severe) Treatment: Supportive care, fluids, antibiotics, anti-emetics*, appetite stimulants, syringe feeding. Vaccinate! Thanks to better care, pets are living longer now than they ever have before, but as pets get older, they need extra care and attention. Regular veterinary examinations can detect problems in older pets before they become advanced or life-threatening, and improve the chances of a longer and healthier life for your pet. Many cats begin to encounter age-related physical changes between seven and ten years of age, and most do so by the time they are 12. The commonly held belief that every "cat year" is worth seven "human years" is not entirely accurate. In reality, a one year old cat is physiologically similar to a 16 year old human while a two year old cat is like a person of 21. For every year thereafter, each cat year is worth about four human years. These are only some of the problems that you can see in your senior cat. This is by no means a complete list. 1. Arthritis Cartilage between your pet's joints acts as a buffer to protect the bones from damage. When that cartilage is damaged, it can cause joint inflammation, swelling, stiffness & pain. Symptoms may include limping, change in gait, reluctance to move, aversion to stairs, difficulty standing or walking & exhibiting pain when picked up. 2. Gait changes Gait changes can vary from limping, knuckling, uncoordination, lameness, limb weakness & arching of the back. 3. Cancer Cancer becomes more prevalent in cats as they age. It is important to notice if your cat has any lumps or bumps on their body, changes in weight, sores that heal slowly, bleeding from the mouth, nose or ears. You may also see drooling, coughing, excessive panting, difficulty eating, and extreme tiredness. 4. Organ disease -Diabetes is caused from poor production and functioning of insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin’s job is to help move glucose from the blood into the body’s cells where it is then used for energy. -Kidneys remove waste and maintain balance in the body. When kidneys lose their ability to perform, waste and toxins can build up in the body and wreak havoc. Kidney failure is a common disease in older cats, and its symptoms are extremely varied 5. Behavior changes As cats age, you may see changes in their personality & behavior. Some cats will mellow out, while others may become more aggressive or seek attention less often. 6. Weight gain With age, cat's metabolism slows similar to humans. They sleep more, play less, & if they continue to eat the same amount of food at meal time, they will gain weight. That is why it is so critical to keep an eye on your pet's body condition score. Weight gain can lead to more senior problems such as arthritis, diabetes, & gait changes. 7. Memory loss Dementia or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a medical condition that causes memory loss, personality changes, confusion and disorientation. Alzheimer’s disease in humans is almost the same as CDS. Senior cats with CDS may even forget tricks, their name, and spend long periods of time staring blankly into space. Pacing is also common, as well as other repetitive, compulsive behaviors like walking in circles. 8. Gum disease Plaque and tartar can build up over the years, particularly if teeth aren’t brushed or professionally cleaned on a regular basis. If this happens, it can lead to gum inflammation & disease. It can hinder your pet's ability to eat & chew properly, maintain a healthy body condition, & can even abscess causing infection. If you are seeing any signs of senior pet problems, or just have questions, please feel free to contact our clinic to schedule an appointment. Don't forget....Age by itself is not a disease. Although senior pets may develop age-related problems, good care allows them to live happy, healthy and active lives in their senior years. Work closely with your primary veterinary clinic & their staff to ensure the best care for your pets in their later years.
As your pet ages, there are a variety of safety concerns that may come up especially in your home. Older pets are much less stable on their feet, sometimes go blind & deaf, & generally have a harder time getting around. It's important to take some time to make sure your house stays safe & comfortable for your pet as they go through their golden years. Clear Paths As your pooch gets older, he is less alert and his eyesight is not as sharp as it used to be. Take notice of areas in your home that seem difficult for him to navigate & move items out of his way. The idea is to place furniture and other objects around the perimeter of the room so he has a big open space in the middle and an unobstructed path to other rooms. It's also important to try & not change furniture around especially if their vision is less then optimal. Your senior pet can easily learn the layout of your home, but if you constantly change the layout, it increases the chance of accidents. Keep It Low Fido is probably not jumping as much anymore and may have trouble getting up stairs or hopping onto the sofa. If you live in a two story home, make sure that everything he needs, for example, food, water bowls, toys, & his bed are on the ground floor so he can get to them. You can even purchase ramp or stairs to help your pup get up and down the porch, up & down stairs, or even on & off beds or furniture. Light It Up Declining vision makes it harder for your pet to see, especially in the dark. Keep areas they frequent, like dog door (if you have one) & their feeding spot, well lit to help them see them. If you notice that they consistently bump into certain objects in your home, either move them or place a lamp near them. The additional light will help them get around more easily. Soften Corners Sharp corners of furniture and other objects can injure your pet if he bumps into them while trying to find his way. Soft rubber cushions are usually located in the furniture or baby section of stores. Attach them to sharp edges to keep your pet safe & to increase your own peace of mind. Keep the Floor Clear Be more conscientious about picking up small items that fall to the floor. Fido may think that coins, buttons, or other mouth-size objects are treats and accidentally eat them. Remember, his head is a bit foggy, and he might realize his mistake after it’s too late. Keep his toys in a corner out of his path so he won’t trip over them. Put plastic grocery bags away to prevent him from getting tangled in them. Invest in Nonslip Rugs Walking on slippery hardwood floors might not be so easy for your aging four-legged companion. Help him out by putting down carpeting and nonslip rugs so he has more traction as he walks around the house. Consider investing in cameras I recently investing in 2 cameras to stalk my fur babies at home...best purchase ever. I have included the cameras I went with below but cameras are a great way to keep an eye on everything at home. Most cameras can also be set up with a pin or fingerprint passcode to access them for added security. Nap Time Older pets tend to nap more than younger pets. They also sometimes have less fat to cushion them while lying down. Purchase a cushy, comfortable, bed for your senior pet to protect them from the hard floor. Create a quiet space for them to rest where they won't be disturbed or easily startled when resting. In this phase of their life, they deserve some beauty sleep! Give a Helping Hand If he seems to want to get up on the sofa with you, give him a boost, but realize that you will also probably have to help him back down again. If your own sleeping area is upstairs and he loves to cuddle up at bedtime, put extra bowls for food and water on the second floor in a well-lit area. If you share your bed with your aging animal, try installing a ramp or stairs so climbing up to snuggle with you isn't so difficult on his legs. Older dogs can also benefit from learning to use a ramp or stairs to get into the car when you go on trips or visit the vet. With a little extra attention to your senior Doggy’s surroundings, his home can continue to be his safe haven of comfort.
Thanks to better care, pets are living longer now than they ever have before, but as pets get older, they need extra care and attention. Regular veterinary examinations can detect problems in older pets before they become advanced or life-threatening, and improve the chances of a longer and healthier life for your pet. Dogs are considered “senior” at about seven years old. Nonetheless, they still have plenty of life left in them at that age. Larger breeds tend to have shorter life spans than smaller breeds, so they are often considered senior at 5 to 6 years of age. Perhaps the best indication that a dog has become a senior is the emergence of age-related health problems. These are only some of the problems that you can see in your senior cat-this is by no means a complete list. 1. Arthritis Cartilage between your pet's joints acts as a buffer to protect the bones from damage. When that cartilage is damaged, it can cause joint inflammation, swelling, stiffness & pain. Symptoms may include limping, change in gait, reluctance to move, aversion to stairs, difficulty standing or walking & exhibiting pain when picked up. 2. Gait changes Gait changes can vary from limping, knuckling, uncoordination, lameness, limb weakness & arching of the back. 3. Cancer Cancer becomes more prevalent in dogs as they age and is the leading cause of death in senior dogs. It is important to notice if your dog has any lumps or bumps on his body, changes in weight, sores that heal slowly, bleeding from the mouth, nose or ears. You may also see drooling, coughing, excessive panting, difficulty eating, and extreme tiredness. 4. Organ disease -Diabetes is caused from poor production and functioning of insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin’s job is to help move glucose from the blood into the body’s cells where it is then used for energy. -Kidneys remove waste and maintain balance in the body. When kidneys lose their ability to perform, waste and toxins can build up in the body and wreak havoc. 5. Eyesight loss Blindness can occur over time in some dogs and is best when caught at the onset when the eyes are just beginning to fail so you can start teaching your dog to rely more heavily on his hearing and other senses of smell and touch. Deteriorating eyesight is part of the normal aging process for dogs. One of the early signs can be cataracts. Cataracts make the eye appear to be covered by a white coating. 6. Behavior changes As dogs age, you may see changes in their personality & behavior. Some dogs will mellow out, while others may become more aggressive or seek attention less often. 7. Weight gain With age, dog's metabolism slows similar to humans. They sleep more, play less, & if they continue to eat the same amount of food at meal time, they will gain weight. That is why it is so critical to keep an eye on your pet's body condition score. Weight gain can lead to more senior problems such as arthritis, diabetes, & gait changes. 8. Memory loss Dementia or canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a medical condition that causes memory loss, personality changes, confusion and disorientation. Alzheimer’s disease in humans is almost the same as CDS. Senior dogs with CDS may even forget tricks, their name, and spend long periods of time staring blankly into space. Pacing is also common, as well as other repetitive, compulsive behaviors like walking in circles. 9. Gum disease It can cause swelling, stiffness and pain. Symptoms may include limping or a change in gait, reluctance to move, aversion to stairs, difficulty standing or walking, and exhibiting pain when picked up. Plaque and tartar can build up over the years, particularly if teeth aren’t brushed or professionally cleaned on a regular basis. If you are seeing any signs of senior pet problems, or just have questions, please feel free to contact our clinic to schedule an appointment. Don't forget....Age by itself is not a disease. Although senior pets may develop age-related problems, good care allows them to live happy, healthy and active lives in their senior years. Work closely with your primary veterinary clinic & their staff to ensure the best care for your pets in their later years.
Arthritis is one of the most common ailments affecting middle aged to senior dogs and cats. It can be a source of chronic pain and negatively affect their quality of life. Also known as degenerative joint disease, arthritis occurs when a joint is unstable causing the bones to move abnormally within the joint. Cartilage lines the joints acting as a barrier between bones. Over time this abnormal movement erodes the cartilage and bone begins rubbing against bone creating chronic inflammation and pain. Arthritic dogs experience varying degrees of stiffness, soreness, lameness and pain in one or more affected joints. They feel worse when they get up in the morning or try to stand after taking a nap. Cold, damp weather can increase their discomfort. Because arthritis is almost always irreversible, most arthritic dogs get more painful as time passes. In severe cases, this condition can become debilitating and even crippling. How do I know if my dog will develop arthritis? There is no general breed or gender predisposition that increases a dog’s chance of developing arthritis, although this disease most commonly affects aging and older animals. However, breeds that are predisposed to elbow osteochondrosis and dysplasia (Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rottweilers, others), hip dysplasia (lots of breeds), patellar luxation (small toy breeds) or cranial cruciate ligament tear or rupture (many breeds) do have an increased chance of developing degenerative arthritis secondary to those underlying conditions. Large and giant breed dogs like Labrador retrievers and German Shepherds can have a genetic predisposition to develop joint disease in their hips and elbows. Start your puppy off right by feeding a large breed puppy food specifically designed to make sure your pet receives the correct nutritional balance so his bones and joints develop at an appropriate rate. If growth occurs too quickly then the joints may form abnormally resulting in joint disease. Overweight animals regardless of age, gender, or breed have a higher risk of developing arthritis due to increased stress on joints. What signs should I look for? 1. Intermittent lameness 2. Reluctance to rise or move 3. Stiffness (especially after vigorous exercise or prolonged periods of rest; “bunny-hopping” gait) 4. Swollen joints; may be warm and tender 5. Visible joint deformities 6. Painful joints (when touched/palpated or moved) 7. Prolonged periods of rest (sleeps more than usual) 8. Exercise intolerance; disinterest in physical activity 9. Weight gain 10. Lethargy 11. Depression 12. Irritability 13. Aggression when joints are touched 14. Appetite loss 15. Abnormal stance when walking (pelvis tucked under; using hind legs with exaggerated care) What can I do to help my pet? The goals of treating arthritis are to relieve pain, improve mechanical joint function, slow progression of the disease and stimulate the body’s ability to repair affected joints, if possible. Surgery is always a last resort but there are non surgical options in the form of medication & supplements that can help increase your pet's quality of life & decrease their discomfort. 1. NSAIDs 2. Opiods 3. Glucosamine supplement In addition, you can also 1. Decrease food for weight loss 2. Increase LOW IMPACT controlled activity (such as wading pools or swimming) to condition joints & promote healthy muscle delaying muscle atrophy. 3. Passive motion of joint exercise at home (see video below for instruction) 4. Acupuncture Glucosamine Products
Have you ever wanted to try a home cooked meal for your dog or cat, but not sure where to start or what food is safe for your pet? I am here with this week's article to bring you some options when it comes to dog & cat home cooked meals, treats, & even maybe a birthday cake. These are, by far, not the only recipes available so feel free to find more online (Pintrest). BEWARE OF FOOD ALLERGIES. NOT ALL FOODS & TREATS ARE SUITABLE FOR EVERY PET. IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN. Turkey Rice Casserole Ingredients: - 2 to 3 cups rice (white or brown), uncooked - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 pounds ground turkey - 4 cups (or more) frozen vegetable medley (corn, peas, carrots, green beans), defrosted Directions: 1. In a large saucepan, cook desired amount of rice according to package directions. Set aside. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot, and add the turkey. Cook over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the vegetables, adding more if you’d like. 4. Transfer to a large mixing bowl, and add rice. Add gravy (see below) and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well. 5. Spoon into plastic bags or containers. Freeze what won’t be eaten within three days. Gravy Ingredients: - Meat drippings - 6 cups water or stock (vegetable, chicken) - 3 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 tablespoons water Directions: 1. Mix 3 tablespoons of the water and the cornstarch together until well-combined. 2. Add this mixture slowly to the meat drippings. Then slowly add 6 cups water or stock, continuing to stir. 3. Bring to boil on high heat. 4. Turn down heat to medium until gravy thickens. Stir constantly. 5. Once desired thickness is reached, turn off heat. Add to meat in desired amount. Freeze or refrigerate leftovers.  Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats Ingredients - 21/2 Cups of Whole Wheat Flour - 2 Eggs - 3/4 Cup of Pumpkin Puree - 3 Tbsp all-natural peanut butter Directions 1. Heat oven to 350 Degrees F. 2. Place all the ingredients in a stand mixer {using the paddle mixer}. Mix on low for about one minute, or until all the dough starts to come together. It won't be one big ball yet, but a bunch of smaller ones. 3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Work it together into a large ball, then roll it out to about a 1/4 inch thickness. 4. You can use cookie cutters for different shapes, or a knife to cut strips. 5. Place the treats on a baking sheet lightly coated with cooking spray. {I actually put mine on parchment paper, so I skipped the cooking spray.} They don't expand, so 1/2 inch between is enough. 6. Bake 30 minutes and let cool completely. Make sure you keep an eye on them as they are baking. Mine cooked in about 20 minutes, so based on your own oven, watch them so they don't burn. The recipe makes around 75 treats depending on the size of the cutters that you are using.  Dog Birthday Cake I actually made this recipe for my dog's 2nd birthday & she LOVED IT!!! Ingredients - 2 cups wheat flour - 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth - 1/2 cup shredded carrots - 1/2 cup shredded apple - 1/2 cup cinnamon apple sauce - 1/2 cup peanut butter - 1 egg Instructions 1. Shred up carrots and apples. Turn oven to 350 degrees. 2. Measure all ingredients and put in bowl. Mix all ingredients together. 3. Fill cake pan with mixed ingredients and put in oven for 50 minutes, or until cooked throughout. 4. After cake cools, frost with peanut butter and then top with some of your pup’s favorite crumbled treats.  BEWARE OF FOOD ALLERGIES. NOT ALL FOODS & TREATS ARE SUITABLE FOR EVERY PET. IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN. Wet Cat Food Recipe #1 Ingredient - Ground lamb – 1 cup - Brown rice (steamed) – ½ cup - Minced alfalfa sprouts – 6 tbsp - Small curd cottage cheese – ¾ cup Instructions 1. Fry the ground lamb until it browns and then drain and cool it. 2. Take a dish and serve the ingredients together. Do not refrigerate the leftovers for more than 3 days.  Wet Cat Food Recipe #2 Ingredients
- Chicken liver – quarter cup - Mixture of chicken gizzard and heart – half a cup - Water – 2 cups - All-purpose flour – 2 tbsp. - Salt – quarter tsp. Instructions 1. Boil the chicken parts in the water until it is tender. 2. Remove the chicken and chop them while keeping the stock aside. 3. Take a saucepan and pour the stock, the flour, the meat and salt and keep cooking over low heat while stirring from time to time until the gravy is thick. You can, optionally, blend this in a blender to make a puree and preserve them as ice cubes for a longer period of time. Hi guys, In June, I did a similar article but cat edition form. Now it's the dog edition time!! I have spent the majority of this year focusing on topics that I hope provide good educational information to improve your abilities & knowledge as a pet owner. Sometimes though, some relaxation is needed. For this post, I let my inner online shopper go wild & found some of my favorite dog products across the board...from dog furniture to dog foods to treats to toys & everything in between. This article specifically is strictly opinion based...please do your own research prior to purchasing anything for your animals so it first your needs & your pet's needs  Dog Furniture **Photos are links for purchase if desired** I have included a variety of options. Many of these options are on Amazon, but you can find great options at Petco & Petsmart as well. Watch your customer reviews when purchasing any dog furniture!!!
 Food **Photos are links to food websites if desired** When it comes to food, there are so many great options out there. My best advice is to take some time to wonder the food aisles, see what options are available, & what food(s) would be best suited for your pet's needs. Companies make so many amazing options, from breed dependent options, to high energy needs, to sensitive stomach & skin, to weight management/loss foods.
 Treats **Photos are links for purchase if desired** Most treats out there are decent choices for your dog. Try switching it up every once in a while to provide some variety in treat choices. Our clinic does recommend OraVet chew. Our doctors & most of our technicians all use it for their own pets with fantastic results.
Toys **Photos are links for purchase if desired** It's all fun 'n games with these fun toys!!
Odds 'n Ends **Photos are links for purchase if desired** Everything extra that the most hard core dog lover needs & dreams of. The food bowls I have included before I have actually purchased for my 3 fur babies & I LOVE THEM!!!!
 I had so much fun shopping for all these things. I hope you enjoyed this month's blog article. Stay tuned next week for some pet friendly home cooked recipes & make sure you come back next month for our Senior Pet articles!!  |
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December 2018
Kasey Kent
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