News Items Around The World

Pets Can Improve Children's Health
Children who have pet animals at home have stronger immune systems and are less likely to take days off school sick, a study suggests.

Researchers at Warwick University in Coventry found that having a cat or dog exposed children to more infections early in life.

However, this exposure boosted their immune systems in the medium term and meant these children attended school more often, on average, than pupils who did not have pets.

The authors said the benefits were most pronounced in children aged between five and eight years.


Brighton Spirit, Dec.1, 2007. http://brightonspirit.co.uk/

DOGS TAUGHT TO USE COMPUTERS IN AUSTRIAN STUDY
Four dogs strutted their stuff recently by using touch-screen computers to classify color photographs for a study of animal cognition.
"Using touch-screen computers with dogs opens up a whole world of possibilities on how to test the cognitive abilities of dogs by basically completely controlling any influence from the owner or experimenter," the University of Vienna, Austria, researchers write in the most recent online issue of the journal Animal Cognition.
Fox News, www.foxnews.com

Origin of dogs traced

Dogs today come in all shapes and sizes, but scientists believe they evolved from just a handful of wolves tamed by humans living in or near China less than 15,000 years ago.
Three research teams have attempted to solve some long-standing puzzles in the evolution and social history of dogs.
Their findings, reported in the journal Science, point to the existence of probably three founding females - the so-called "Eves" of the dog world.
They conclude that intensive breeding by humans over the last 500 years - not different genetic origins - is responsible for the dramatic differences in appearance among modern dogs.
One team studied Old World dogs to try to pin down their origins, previously thought to be in the Middle East.
The other team studied dogs of the New World and found they are not New World dogs at all, but also have their origins in East Asia.
Carles Vila, of Uppsala University, Sweden, one of the team studying the New World dogs, told BBC News Online: "We found that dogs originating in the Old World arrived to the New World with immigrating humans.
"Thus, even before the development of trade as we know it now, humans had to be exchanging dogs." He added that exactly how or why humans domesticated dogs was not known, but the speed at which they seem to have multiplied and diversified indicates they played an important role in human life. ”I can imagine that if dogs were, for example, improving the quality of hunting, that would be a very great advantage for humans. It could even have made the colonization of the New World easier.
"There must have been something advantageous about those dogs that made them extremely successful and allowed them to spread all over the world."
Peter Savolainen, of the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, led the study of Old World dogs, analyzing DNA samples taken from dogs in Asia, Europe, Africa and arctic America.
'Bit of a surprise'
His team found that, though most dogs shared a common gene pool, genetic diversity was highest in East Asia, suggesting that dogs have been domesticated there the longest.
"Most earlier guesses have focused on the Middle East as the place of origin for dogs, based on the few known facts - a small amount of archaeological evidence from the region, and the fact that several other animals were domesticated there," he says.
The researchers studied gene sequences from the dogs' mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited directly from the mother. The findings indicated that the major present-day dog populations at some point had a common origin from a single gene pool.
Matthew Binns, head of genetics at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, UK, said the findings were significant.
He told BBC News Online: "For the first time, there's relatively convincing evidence actually pinpointing the date at which the dog was domesticated and also the location of that domestication, which is a bit of a surprise.
"People have previously thought that a lot of species were domesticated in the Middle East and this data clearly shows domestication took place in East Asia."
He added: "It looks as if 95% of current dogs come from just three original founding females and I guess these are the Eves of the dog world."
BBC News World Edition, 22Nov. 2002 http://news.bbc.co.uk/

Para-Free

The digestive health of your animal companion is important to maintain overall good health. Parasites interfere with the normal biochemical and metabolic processes of your pet’s organs and may contribute to disease, illness, toxicity and organ failure. Para-Free kills or dislodges parasites from the intestinal tract to help improve digestion and nutrient absorption. Para-Free is also recommended to use before detoxification of metabolic organs. There is a specific protocol to use for Para-Free. Use as directed according to your pet’s weight.

Your beloved pet need not suffer the ill effects of parasites. Suitable for both cats and dogs, Para-Free contains the following herbs: Quisqualis indica, Torreya grandis, Areca catechu, Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Curcubia moschata, Allium sativum all in an easy-to-use, and better absorbed liquid formulation, with natural chicken flavour.
Suggested dosage

By animal weight:

1-10 Lbs: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) daily.

11-20 Lbs: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) daily.

21-50 Lbs: 1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 ml) daily.

51-100 Lbs: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) daily.

>100 Lbs: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) daily.

Use daily for 2 weeks. Stop for 1 week. Then use daily for another 2 weeks.

Made by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals

LiverTone

The liver is the primary organ of detoxification in both humans and animals. Your cat or dog can be exposed to the same environmental and biological toxins as humans and may benefit from a gentle cleanse of the liver. Liver Tone has been specially formulated for your pet to gently detoxify the liver. Follow label directions for the size and weight of your animal for best results.

Your family pet need not suffer the ill effects of a toxic or fatty liver. Suitable for both cats and dogs, Liver Tone contains the following herbs: Milk thistle seed, Burdock, Artemisia capillaris, Gardenia jasminoidis , Dandelion , and Bupleurum chinense all in an easy-to-use, and better absorbed liquid formulation, with natural chicken flavour.
Suggested dosage

By animal weight:

1-10 Lbs: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) daily.

11-20 Lbs: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) daily.

21-50 Lbs: 1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 ml) daily.

51-100 Lbs: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) daily.

>100 Lbs: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) daily.

Administer daily for one month.
Made by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals

KidneyTone

The kidneys are just as important to the health of your animal companion as they are for humans. Pets can be exposed to the same environmental and biological toxins as humans and may benefit from a gentle cleanse of the kidneys. Kidney Tone has been specially formulated for your pet to gently detoxify the kidneys. Follow label directions for the size and weight of your animal for best results.

Your family pet need not suffer the ill effects of kidney toxicity. Suitable for both cats and dogs, Kidney Tone contains the following herbs: Lysimachia christinae, Uva ursi, Corn silk, Horsetail , Crataeva nurvala, and Schizandra chinensis all in an easy-to-use, and better absorbed liquid formulation, with natural chicken flavour.
Suggested dosage

By animal weight:

1-10 Lbs: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) daily.

11-20 Lbs: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) daily.

21-50 Lbs: 1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 ml) daily.

51-100 Lbs: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) daily.

>100 Lbs: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) daily.

Administer daily for one month.

Made by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals

GlucosaPet

The joint health of your animal companion is important especially as they grow older. To maintain your pet’s mobility and strengthen their ligaments and joints use GlucosaPet daily.

GlucosaPet has anti-inflammatory properties too! Your cat or dog need not suffer the painful effects of aging or recovery from injuries or surgery. Suitable for both cats and dogs, GlucosaPet contains the following: D-Glucosamine sulphate, Chondroitin sulphate, Methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM), and Devil’s Claw, Boswellia serrata, and Ledebouriella in an easy-to-use, and better absorbed liquid formulation, with natural chicken flavour.
Suggested dosage

By animal weight:

1-10 Lbs: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) daily.

11-20 Lbs: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) daily.

21-50 Lbs: 1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 ml) daily.

51-100 Lbs: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) daily.

>100 Lbs: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) daily.

Made by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals

E-Z Rest

Pets suffer from the same stressors that cause human anxiety. Moving to a new home, the loss of a loved one, introduction of a new pet or family member can all trigger a stress response. Stress and anxiety felt by a cat or dog may result in destructive behaviours, loss of sleep or appetite, yowling or barking at all hours, especially due to separation anxiety. E-Z Rest has been specifically formulated with these particular pet anxieties in mind.

Use E-Z Rest daily or as needed to help calm your anxious pet. Suitable for both cats and dogs, E-Z Rest contains the herbs Biota orientalis, Zizyphus jujuba, Polygonum multiflorum, and Albizia kalkora, in an easy-to-use, and better absorbed liquid formulation, with natural chicken flavour.

Note: E-Z Rest is an "as needed" product much like a person would take St. John's Wort or Valerian to calm anxiety so dosage may vary depending on whether the anxiety or aggression is moderate or severe. For severe anxiety or aggression, administer the adequate dosage 2 to 3 times per day for approximately the first week, dose 1 or 2 times per day in the second week, or as needed. For moderate anxiety or aggression, administer dosage 1 to 2 times daily in the first week, then just once per day in the second week, or as needed.

We suggest to always consult with a licensed animal health practitioner before using any of our pet products to ensure best results.

Suggested dosage

By animal weight:

1-10 Lbs: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) as needed.

11-20 Lbs: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) as needed.

21-50 Lbs: 1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 ml) as needed.

51-100 Lbs: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) as needed.

>100 Lbs: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) as needed.
Made by Alpha Omega Pharmaceuticals

HealthyPet

Animal nutrition is as important as the nutritional needs of a human child or adult and may not always be achieved with commercial pet food products. To give your pet’s immune system a boost use Healthy Pet daily and help your animal’s natural body defenses be in top form to fight off illness and disease.


Healthy Pet has been specifically formulated with the needs of your animal’s immune defense network in mind. Although different species, their nutritional needs for immune support are relatively the same. Suitable for both cats and dogs, Healthy Pet contains the herbs Echinacea angustifolia, Ashwagandha, Reishi Mushroom,(Cranoderma lucidum), Siberian Ginseng , Cats Claw bark, and Astragalus, in an easy-to-use, and better absorbed liquid formulation, with natural chicken flavour.
Suggested dosage

By animal weight:

1-10 Lbs: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) daily.

11-20 Lbs: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) daily.

21-50 Lbs: 1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 ml) daily.

51-100 Lbs: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) daily.

>100 Lbs: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) daily.

Nok Out Broad Spectrum Disinfectant

NOKOUT Broad Spectrum Disinfectant is an antimicrobial stabilized Chlorine Dioxide sterilant product that disinfects, sanitizes and deodorizes. It possesses powerful, cumulative, long lasting effects that kills viruses, bacteria, mold and mildew - in addition to eliminating noxious odors from organics, inorganics and pathogens. This disinfectant is for use on non-porous hard surfaces such as glass, laminate, chrome, stainless steel, polyurethane coated hardwood floors, glazed ceramic tile floors, sealed concrete floors, linoleum floors, examining tables and toilets. It is safe and non-toxic to humans, animals and plant life.
It is effective against:
FUNGUS Curvularia Mold Aspergillis MoldCladosporium MoldPenicullumRhodotorulaStachybotrysBACTERIA Candida AlbicansBacillus SubtilisCampylobacter PseudomonasListeria
SalmonellaStaphyloccoccusStreptococcusVIRUSES Hepatitis B VirusHIV (AIDS Virus)Herpes SimplexInfluenzaParvovirusE. ColiBacillus
For Canadian customers it has a DIN number from Health Canada.
The Broad Spectrum Disinfectant's stabilized chlorine dioxide-based technology works through oxidation and penetrates bacteria cell walls that react with vital amino acids in the cytoplasm of the cell to kill the organism. Chlorine Dioxide (not to be confused with Chlorine Gas) was recognized for it's disinfectant properties since the early 1900's. Chlorine Dioxide kills microorganisms by disrupting transport of nutrients across the cell wall.
Remove loose debris and heavy soiling prior to application. For general disinfection apply the Broad Spectrum Disinfectant at full strength to the surface to be cleaned - wetting thoroughly with sponge, mop, spray or by immersion in solution. Allow surfaces to remain wet for 10 minutes.
Food Handling Surfaces: Follow general disinfection instructions... PLUS all food handling surfaces MUST BE RINSED THOROUGHLY with potable water.

Bling Is Taking off

jewelry by Glitzy Pet Jewelry™

Jewellery has always been the gift of choice for loved ones, and who doesn’t love their pet? That’s the logic behind the latest craze in Jewellery – bling for our best friend. Pearl strands, personalized rhinestone and crystal collars, dangling gold charms, tiaras and teeny-tiny, gem-encrusted "fluff holders" (for the little ponytail wisp
of hair at the top of a gussed-up pup’s head) are all the rage in retail specialty dog and gift shops. The trend may soon arrive in jewellery stores as dog jewellery manufacturers expand their marketing horizons and products become increasingly well-crafted.
The care, feeding and adornment of pets has become big business. Last year, Canadians spent $3.7-billion on their pets, including food, accessories, toys and health care. A recent survey by the American Pet Products Association found that eight out of every 10 dog owners buy gifts for their pooches, which can include anything from clothing to cosmetics and accessories. They spend between US$100 and US$500.
The trend is partly driven by popular culture. Images of Reese Witherspoon’s character in Legally Blonde and her pet Chihuahua, and celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan, posing with their designer-clad pooches have appeared everywhere. Celebrity fashion designers are also getting in on the act. Ralph Lauren recently launched a line of cashmere sweaters for pets, and Jennifer Lopez is set to introduce her own line of Jewellery for dogs. Last April, a Purina Celebrate Pets Weekend Gala in Toronto featured a doggie fashion show, including Jewellery, hosted by Fashion Television’s Jeannie Beker. Trends included jackets with matching winter boots, cowboy boots, reversible parkas, velour, fur (under the "Fursace" label) and velvet coats, scarves and sunglasses. Popular nail polish maker OPI even introduced a line for dogs – called "Pawlish," naturally.

Christmas Colours for Greyhound Collar

Christmas Holly Poinsetta

Our new LARGE DESIGNER COLLARS are adjustable martingale style collars with the added feature of beautiful patterns to give the appearance of richness & elegance. Each collar is designed to accentuate the "swan-like" neck of the Greyhound. The collar is 2" wide and made from durable webbing and is lined with a smooth satiny lining. The hardware is brass plated. The loop with a d-ring works as a choke collar to prevent the collar from slipping over the head. These collars are also suitable for all sighthounds, such as Borzoi, Saluki, etc.
NECK SIZE: one size (adjustable; fits neck 11" - 18")

Neem And Our Pets

The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) has been known as the wonder tree for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. Neem fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, bark and roots have such uses as general antiseptics, antimicrobials, treatment of urinary disorders, diarrhea, fever and bronchitis, skin diseases, septic sores, infected burns, hypertension and inflammatory diseases. Where our pets are concerned neem has been used mainly for the treatment of skin problems, and as a flea repellent.

Most dogs have a microscopic mite population In small numbers these mites are just a normal part of the flora of the skin of dogs and cause no clinical problems. The dog's immune system keeps them in check very nicely. When the immune system is not mature yet(puppies) or is suppressed, it may not be able to control the mites. They begin multiplying and attacking the dog. It is thought that dogs infected with demodectic mange are immunodeficient. In other words, they are not able to fight off the mites as a healthy dog would. Serious infection by Demodectic mange does require a trip to the Vet. As this can be life threatening.

Cheyletiella mange is also known as walking dandruff. It affects puppies and is caused by a large reddish mite that can be seen under a magnifying glass. This mange is identified by the dandruff flakes that occur over the dog's head, neck, and back. Cheyletiella is highly contagious but short-lived. It causes mild itching. The mite that causes the mange dies a short time after leaving the dog.

Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by a microscopic mite. The female mite causes the characteristic intense itching as they burrow under the skin to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch in a few days, develop into adults, and begin laying their own eggs in less than three weeks.Sarcoptic Mange can be transmitted to humans and visa-versa. Fortunately scabies (as it is also called) in humans is self-limiting, the mite can burrow under the skin and cause itching, but cannot complete its life cycle on humans and dies within a few weeks.Skin damaged by sarcoptic mange and secondary skin infections can take weeks or months to recover, depending on extent of the infestation. Frequent medicated baths may be necessary to soothe irritated skin.All pets in the household should be treated once a pet is diagnosed.

Neem oil is very effective for many situations when used externally but should be diluted with something else like shampoo, other oils or creams and lotions to enhance their effect. It is not recommended that neem be used internally at full strength. All dogs are different and the reaction may vary. Some will show no reaction at all while another may show a reddening or rash of the skin. A small test spot is a good way to check for sensitivity.
The ratio for neem to shampoo is 1/2 to 1oz. of neem oil to sixteen oz. of chemical free shampoo. This is the recommended mixture for the first step in most skin treatments, especially mange. This will place the neem over the entire animal, open the pores and clean the dead skin and scabs off the animal, allowing the extract, herbal outdoor spray or tea to do their job. Neem oil mixed with a good hand lotion or a base oil such as sweet almond or grape seed oil is also very effective and can be applied more liberally if the pure neem oil is too strong for comfort.

Remember also, that external treatment is only part of the total treatment. Pay very close attention to your dogs diet. In some ways you can view mange as a warning that diet plays an important role in a healthy pet’s ability to resist disease, and something is out of whack.

South-Western Ontario's Dog Fighting Problem

Michael Vick has been indicted on federal felony charges alleging that he has sponsored dog fighting since 2001, has frequently gambled on dog fighting, and has authorized acts of cruelty against animals on property that he owned.
Michael Vick has declined to discuss the investigation.
Vick, the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback, and three other men were indicted in United States District Court in Richmond, Va.
The indictment of Vick, one of the National Football League’s star players, is troubling not only for the Falcons, but for a league that has taken a harder stance against players involved in off-field transgressions under policies laid out by the new commissioner, Roger Goodell.
Vick has said that he had no idea the property might have been used in criminal activities, but in recent weeks he has declined to talk about the investigation.
New York Times
Guilty of innocent, and the courts rightly will decide. This once again brings into focus the problem of policing a practice that is cruel and should be dealt with. In case anyone thinks that we in south-western Ontario is immune the facts speak of otherwise.
From “Western’s New Media Journalism” blog:
Dog fighting is more of a problem in central and southwestern Ontario than the rest of the province, says the Society for the Protection of Cruelty against Animals.
Mike Draper, chief of investigations with the Ontario SPCA, attributes this to the proximity of Michigan where there is a significant problem.
Cathy Crawford, branch manager of the Chatham-Kent SPCA, is concerned that aggressive dogs are getting out into the community.
Crawford says authorities became aware of the dog-fighting problem in the Chatham-Kent area around 1993. They started seeing wounds on some dogs and got phone calls about dead dogs that were being found in garbage bags or dumpsters.
Crawford says there are still signs that dog fighting is an ongoing problem in the Chatham area, but it has mainly gone underground and is hard to get evidence.
My own experience has been that dog fighting twenty years ago was present in the Aylmer area. There are still signs that it continues around London. Dogs of the supposed fighting breads go missing, I suspect stolen or kidnapped.

Two immediate solutions I feel are immediately possible, though considering human nature, probably not the full solution to the problem. One, is to give existing legislation some bite and enforcement. One reason dog fighting comes to this area is because penalties are mild compared to Michigan or Ohio. Secondly. There needs to be some thought given to dealing with backyard breeders. They are the suppliers of animals to the fighting ring. Ontario has tried to ban pit bulls. Watch and see which breed the backyard breeders switch to; and we will know which breed will be the dangerous one for the next few years.

Paw Protectors

Invisible Boot Paw Protector
Protects your dog's paws during the winter from cold, ice and salt. Invisible Boot provides a barrier to shield the pads while soothing and moisturizing chapped paw pads. Simply apply Invisible boot to the dog's paw pads before walking. After walks, wipe pads lightly to remove salt and street residue.
Provides a protective barrier to shield pads from cold, salt and ice;
Soothes and moisturizes;
Lickable.
Ingredients: soybean oil, cornstarch, cottonseed oil, beeswax, fullers earth, tea-tree oil, benzoin.

Invisible Sandal Paw Protector
Creates a barrier to shield pads from hot pavements, sands and helps heal cracked split pads. This lickable creamy blend of beeswax, oils, and plant extracts provides protection while it soothes and moisturizes. Keeps road and park residues from entering cracked or split pads while healing wounds.
Specially formulated as an aid in the care and repair of dry, calloused pads and elbows. Invisible Sandal softens calloused areas while protecting against the hot pavement, sands, and street/park residues. Works well to soften calloused elbow joints, caused by sleeping on hard surfaces. Jojoba is used to help improve the elasticity and suppleness of the pads while benzoin is used for it's anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties.
Ingredients: soybean oil, cornstarch, cottonseed oil, beeswax, melaluca oil,, coconut oil, benzoin, jojoba.

Greyhound and Dachshund Boot Measurement

To measure a greyhound or a dachshund's foot there are two methods. One is to outline the dogs paw on a piece of paper, and then measure heel to toe. The measure width. The other is to lay the paw on a ruler as shown in the picture to get its width, and length.

For a dachshund it is also important to measure from the toes to the end of the leg. Lenghts are variable with these little guys, and you will need to know the length of its leg to get a comfy fit.

If our dog is right on the line between sizes, we suggest getting the larger size.

Most dogs will begin by hating boots. Try putting the boots on the front paws first to get the dog use to wearing them.

Nok Out and Pets

Listed below are some instructions for using Nok-Outfor full odor removal and perfect disinfection. Remember that Nok-Out, the odor eliminator, and Nok-Out, the Broad Spectrum Disinfectant, is totally Non-Toxic and safe to use on and around your pets (dogs, cats or other animals in your home) without fear of any harm to them or to you.
Carpet Odors: Spray directly onto the SOURCE of the dog or cat odor contamination. Allow to penetrate into the padding and backing of the carpet. Saturate for up to 5 minutes. Remember that liquids will "wick" outwards from the site of the pollution. You should spray outwards as well in an irregular pattern. Scrub lightly, and sponge any remaining moisture away with a clean, dry cloth. For overall carpet cleaning, a steam cleaner may be used. Place 8-10 oz. of Nok-Out in the container of the cleaner, and fill with water. Saturate, allowing Nok-Out to be absorbed into the carpet before extracting the liquid back into the tank. (It is always prudent to check for color-fastness before applying Nok-Out. Although Nok-Out is non-staining, different dye lots may cause a color change.)
Upholstery Odors: When your pet has left scent markings, pet urine, or other odors on your furniture, vacuum any solids that may be present, and spray with Nok-Out. Saturate well into the padding where odors may still reside. (For longstanding contamination, more than one application may be necessary)
Pet Baths: It is safe to put Nok-Out into bath water when rinsing your pets. It can be reduced by 50% and retain effectiveness as a sanitizer and deodorizer or you may lightly spray a pets' coat with Nok-Out before toweling dry.
Kennels, Cages, and Pet Bedding: Spray kennels weekly with Nok-Out. Allow to air dry. Cages may be wiped down as often as needed, or on a weekly basis. Place 8 oz. of Nok-Out in your regular laundry alongside pet bedding. Nok-Out will eliminate odors from all of your laundry! Odors in a pet's coat: Spray directly onto your pet's coat for immediate odor removal even skunk odor! Avoid contact with the eyes. Use Nok-Out for any offensive odor that may be connected with your pet. Keep your pets clean with regular grooming. Minimize the amounts of pet dander and pet hair in your home. You can spray NOK-OUT directly on fur to quickly remove all surface odors. Give your pet a rub-down using NOK-OUT. A nice massage is good for the both of you!
Litter box odor will be eliminated with NOK-OUT! Covered litter boxes may be just fine for you but pity the poor cat who has to eliminate in them! Odors collect and stay inside! Treat the entire box with Nok-Out (inside and out), if you prefer the covered type. Spray the entire interior every time you spray the litter. Your cat will smile! If you use an open litter box, simply spray the top of the litter everytime you remove solid wastes, and always spray the bottom of the box when adding or changing litter. Litter box odor is truly gone!
NOK-OUT works best in an alkaline environment. If your cat vomits on the floor (carpet or hardwood flooring) the acidic nature of vomit should be neutralized with a mild baking soda solution before using NOK-OUT. Blot up as much as possible, saturate with a baking soda solution, blot again, and apply NOK-OUT.
NOK-OUT works to eliminate odors and sanitize aviary cages and perches. It is totally safe to use, even around baby birds. You can even spray in the landscape where the neighbors pet has eliminated. Reduce NOK-OUT by 50% with water. NOK-OUT will not harm your foundation plants and perennials.
NOK-OUT, AND THE EFFECTS OF CLORINE DIOXIDE AROUND ANIMALS. The dilemma of animal keepers and pet owners is that if they disinfect cages, litter pans, dog runs, and/or other animal spaces, they put their animals in jeopardy of chemical poisoning, but if they don't thoroughly disinfect, they put their animals at risk for disease. Veterinarians tell us that most deaths are premature and unnecessary. The best answer to date has been to remove pets from their enclosures, scrub the habitat clean, and treat the enclosure with one of a number on nasty (and often expensive) chemicals. It is then necessary to wash everything down, and hope that there is no dangerous contamination lingering from either the pathogens of the disinfectant. The problem is that disinfectants are toxic, and most good disinfectants are not safe to use around pets, period. The newest approach involves the use of Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide. Chlorine Dioxide is a truly remarkable substance. The principal ingredient in NOK-OUT is Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide. It is one the fastest acting broad-spectrum disinfectants, proven to destroy bacteria and viruses (including parvo) that are difficult to treat with other products, and yet is safe to use around pets who may be sensitive to more toxic chemicals. It is extremely powerful, killing bacteria, viruses and fungi. It creates no harmful odors; in fact it is an perfect deodorizer. Cages, enclosures, and animal habitats should be cleaned with water to remove unwanted solids, and then NOK-OUT sprayed liberally on the source of the odors to affect the sanitizing and deodorizing properties of Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide. The chemistry of Chlorine Dioxide is radically different from that of chlorine itself. Technically speaking, both ore oxidizing agents. But, because of their fundamentally different chemistries, they react in distinct ways with organic compounds, and as a result, generate very different by-products. Chlorine tends to react with organic matter by attacking cell walls and creating by-products, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic, whereas chlorine dioxide does not affect cell walls (which is why it is safe to use around living things.) Chlorine Dioxide disassembles organic compounds rendering them harmless. It 's this difference that explains the superior performance of chlorine dioxide. The anti-microbial efficacy of chlorine dioxide against bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa has been repeatedly demonstrated and documented. It is very safe, has an extremely low toxicity, and is not harsh to use. Along with its disinfecting properties, chlorine dioxide is also a natural anti-inflammatory, making it very useful for wound treatment. Veterinarians are using a chlorine dioxide gel mixed with aloe vera to treat incisions and wounds.

The Popularity of Bling

Bling has become the thing for our best friends our dogs and cats. Although one has to wonder just how popular bling is with the cats themselves. Personally I think that my Calico could care less.

Bling itself enter our conciousness through rap artists of the last ten to twenty years. Wearing jewelry to show status or to flaunt wealth is not uncommon. Through man's history jewelry has been used as a status symbol for men and women.

In todays world our attitude towards our pets has been changing. In my youth dogs were pets; but underling everything were very practical considerations- ie. working dogs(we always had Scotties to hunt rats on the farm), guard dogs, hunting dogs, or as my father always said every boy should have a dog(I think he was thinking of the responsibility of looking after my dog).
As such, little thought went into the care of the pet, and it was felt that food and a good brushing was enough.

Now a days we have more money and we look on our pet as a valued family member. Also there are those who use their pet as a status symbol. I have lost count of the times that people have come into the store that I managed bragging about what they payed for their pet. Also, I am seeing more singles, male and female, who spend a great deal of time and effort looking after their best friend. Many times I have wonder if the dog or cat were child subsitutes.
Certainly, Hollywood had had a lot to do with the popularity of bling. One can not miss a hollywood star or starlette's little dog on the pages of the popular fan magazines. I am sure that the increasing numbers of chihuahua that I am seeing in the London, Ontario area has a great deal to do with Paris Hilton.

Bling comes in different shapes, sizes,and prices. Generally bling is seen in collars, charms, and clothing. Also, there is an increasing desire with pet owners to buy jewelry for themselves that announces to the world pet ownership. It is an interesting phenomena that is by no means the same world over. It seems very popular in the cities, and in different states in the US, and different provinces in Canada. It has also been found by business that seems to advertize everything as bling. It will be very interesting to see what comes next.

The only thing that I can be sure of is that the cat will not give a damn.

Retailer Peeves

We have all sat through lectures, usually from young men and women with little practical experience, on the value of customer service. With out a doubt service is a valuable tool in building business, and rightly distinguishes the independant pet supply retailer from the big box chains.
We have all heard horror stories about the level of knowledge and the quality of service provided by the chains. At the store that I managed for the last five years a week rarely went by that I wasn't a sounding board for irate people who went first of all to the chain for product or grooming, and were not happy with the results.
Having said that I find that I have also been disappointed and frustrated in watching good service go down the drain. I would venture a view that in London. Ontario, price trumps service.
How many have had to listen to usually a man complain after buying six cans of Fancy Feast at $.50 ea that his cat is eating better that he is. How do you explain to this man without insulting him that a steady diet of this food might well result in vet bills down the road. How do you explain to a customer that the purchase of a Gentle Leader will not turn his or her dog into a fully trained animal overnight. How many have had the customer return an emply bottle of stain remover which she says does not work and wants a full refund. Does it take the full bottle before you realize that it does not work? Or is that customer trying to get your store to pay for her cleaning?
How about the WalMart customer who wants you to give his kid a job? He is quite insulted when you don't.
Clothing I have found is a money loser in the London market. People simply do not know their pet's size. Returns are often unsaleable, and can only be written off. Besides they can get it cheaper at WalMart.
There is the grooming customer who has no intention of paying. They will throw a fit, and demand that you not charge them because of shoddy work. I have been around groomers for 40 odd years, and groomed myself for a number of years. I know a bad groom when I see one. I also know what they are trying to do.
I could go on and on. The saving grace is the customer who treats you like a human being, and truly regards their pet like a family member, and wants to do the best that they can with the money that they have to spend.
I have found that at the end of the day going to the back entrance of the store and screaming helps.
Bruce

Sizing For Collars And Harnesses

Sizing for collars for your dog is relatively easy. Use a cloth or another flexible measuring tape. Measure around the dog's neck to get the size in inches or metric. I like to add one inch for my dogs. Puppies like children are more of a problem. I find that I am going to go through two or three collars before my dogs are grown(just like the kids). In the last few yearsI have favoured using cloth choke collars with the puppies not because I want to choke the little buggers; but because they seem to last me longer.
For harness and clothing you need to do a bit more. I work in a pet store, and managed one for several years, and yet I am continually taken back by the number of people who do not know their pet's sizes. Usually they will tell me the breed, and expect me to know exactly. Dogs are individual. Even in one breed there are differences in length or chest size which can make a difference. Also there does not seem to be a consistent agreement between manufacturers over size.
Measure the neck, chest just around the legs, and length. Go by those measurements not S, M, L.

For Bling Dog collars check out http://www.petmansemporium.com/

Those Little White Striped Devils

The day your dog gets nailed by a skunk, it will be after-hours at your local pet store or veterinary clinic. You will probably then resort to using tomato juice or some other home remedy and end up smelling like a skunk yourself for the next two weeks!
Years ago I hade a male Scottie that never seemed to learn. I can attest to the fact that tomato juice alone does not work. Many attest to the following receipe:

1 quart or 3% hydrogen Peroxide 1/4 cup of baking soda 2 tbsp of a dish detergent. Mix all of the above and work into your dog's coat.

I have found that bathing immediately after being sprayed is a mistake. Don't if possible let the dog into the house before you start working on the smell. I found out that that was a big mistake later in November when the heat in the house came on with a distincly skunky aroma.
I prefer using Nok Out. It works on the skunk odour, and is versitile in that I can use it on urine odour, mold or anything else that stinks. If you want more info check the link to Nok Out on www.petmansemporium.com