Did you know that February is pet dental month? Yeah, neither did i!?

Bad breath in a dog is often dismissed simply as “doggy breath.” In fact, it may signal periodontal disease, which is the most common ailment suffered by dogs and cats over 3 years old. Preventing periodontal disease can result in longer, healthier lives for pets.

To educate owners of this, February has been designated National Pet Dental Month by the American Veterinary Medical Society, the American Veterinary Dental Society and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Unfortunately, dental care is often ignored by owners. One survey notes that just 1 out of 10 owners make sure their pets’ teeth are cared for. Although dogs and cats rarely get cavities, the plaque and tartar that do form can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. This can lead to tooth decay, bleeding gums and tooth loss. The bacteria that cause all this can travel through the bloodstream and eventually damage the major organs.

For all of you owners out there that did not know that dogs having bad teeth as also bad for their health you are not alone. This is relatively new. Dogs are just like you humans when if they or you do not take care of your teeth it can lead to other health problems. Considering us dogs can’t grip onto a tooth brush and many of us don’t like when our teeth get brushed (me included) it is up to you owners to make sure your dogs teeth are in good health. A tip is to start brushing your dog’s teeth as early as possible. Just like with nail trims, your dogs will get used to the routine.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/february-is-pet-dental-month-2/page1.aspx

By Roger Nelson, Special to the Green Valley News

Remember what it was like to be a kid on a Saturday morning. No school, the sun was shining and time was all yours. How about those weekends when it was raining hard and you were stuck inside all day. It was enough to make you bounce off the walls.

That’s how it is for our dogs when they don’t get enough exercise. They can literally go bonkers with pent-up energy they don’t know what to do with. Behavioral issues often result and many dogs are given up for adoption or, worse, dumped along the highway or in the desert. Sometimes a trainer or behaviorist is called in to figure out a dog’s problem. More often than not a lack of exercise is one of the major underlying causes of behavioral problems.

I own a border collie, a very intense sheep-herding dog with a strong work ethic. Even though she knows at least 200 words, is obedience trained, a demo dog for my classes, and a Canine Good Citizen (CGC), she will tear up her toys out of frustration when not exercised enough. That’s when I know I am falling down on my job and need to get her out for a long walk or a run (not always easy for an aging dog trainer who never has enough time). I make every effort to get her out twice a day and run her along side my bike until she is huffing and puffing. This usually will do the trick and drains off that excess energy that becomes cumulative if not released. She does not tear up toys and is much easier to live with, as long as I am consistent in exercising her. It is wise when choosing a dog to do your research and get a dog that matches your energy and activity level … more on that topic at another time.

Get out and walk

Walking is a primal activity for a dog and they need to do it every day. For those who are able, two 45-minute walks daily is recommended. These are not to be slow, meandering walks where your dog stops to sniff every rock and bush. Walk as quickly as you are comfortable with so that you and your dog get a workout. Get into a rhythm, get your heart rate up, take charge and see if you can log a couple miles on your walk.

If you cannot walk your dog at a brisk steady clip, consider a professional dog walker who is able to do so. On days when you absolutely cannot get outside to walk, find fun activities you and your dog can do indoors such as hide-and-seek. Dogs love to search for you. Teaching your dog to walk on a treadmill is another good alternative.

Before you give up on your misbehaving dog stop and ask yourself, “Am I exercising my dog enough?” The answer might surprise you.

 

This is the way I see it… you dog owners out there have two options. Either walk your dog or just bring them to doggy daycare. My choice, well I believe many of you know what I would choose. Dog daycare of course! 

 

 

http://www.gvnews.com/articles/2010/02/03/columns/5cnelsonpets0203.txt 

Follow me
Wherever I go,
And do what I do
When I tell you so.

First we walk

And then we skip,

And then we will bark
With a ruff ruff ruff!

Now we’ll run
A merry race

And then we will STOP!
Ev’ryone, stay in place!

We’re following the leader!

You’ll find our doggies playing follow the leader in both the Toybox and in the Gym. In the Toybox it’s probably when some of our Pug or Terriers like to run laps around the room, or when some want to follow each other onto the play equipment. The Gym dogs like following each other when they chase after the Kongs, or when a pack leader walks laps round the room there is usually at least 4 or 5 dogs always following them. Sometimes it can get to be like NASCAR in the rooms when the dogs are playing follow the leader!

If you are a dog owner, be sure to take care not to violate any of the numerous laws concerning your four-legged pal. If you’re planning a short stint in Hartford, Connecticut, you might want to keep your dog’s obedience training under wraps. It’s against the law to educate dogs in that city.

In some places, it’s also against the law to expose your dog to the hazards of smoking. In Illinois, for example, it’s illegal to give lighted cigars to your pets—even if they do enjoy a good Cuban from time to time. If you happen to stay in Normal, Oklahoma, be sure to restrain yourself from teasing dogs by making ugly faces. You guessed it, that kind of inflammatory behavior is against the law.

http://sermons.logos.com/submissions/110480#content=/submissions/110480

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Social networking is going to the dogs.

In its first-ever toy created for the canine community, Mattel is introducing a product called “Puppy Tweets” that meshes the hugely popular Twitter with consumers’ love of pets.

The tag is set with several pre-recorded tweets that are triggered by the dog’s activities. So if he’s running around, you might get a tweet that says “I finally caught that tail I’ve been chasing and…OOUUUCHH!”

If Sparky is napping, he’ll tweet “Somedays it feels like my paw is permanently on the snooze button!” If he’s making a ruckus, his tweet will let you know that as well, saying”YAHOOOOOOO! Somedays you just gotta get your bark on.”

“Puppy Tweets capitalizes on two popular trends – the use of social media and real time communication, as well as peoples’ extreme love for their dogs,” said Susan Russo, Mattel’s director of marketing.

Puppy Tweets is part of the No. 1 toymaker’s line-up of new products for 2010 that it showcased to members of the media Thursday ahead of the industry’s annual Toy Fair in New York next month.

Jim Silver, a toy industry analyst and editor-in-chief of TimetoPlayMag.com, said he was “curious” about Puppy Tweets when he first saw it.

“I thought that a 5-year-old doesn’t know about Twitter,” he said. But he said that Mattel is going after an entirely different market and “expanding beyond kids” with Puppy Tweets. “This is a product for adults.”

Does it make sense?

Said Silver,”It’s a good thing to try especially since no one else has come up with a pet product quite like this.”

Puppy Tweets will be available at retailers in the fall, and will carry a suggested retail price of $29.99.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/21/news/companies/mattel_puppy_tweets/index.htm?cnn=yes 

Now obviously the doggies that come to daycare at Dogtopia don’t need this when they come because their mom and dads can watch them on our super cool webcams. Bt on those days when they don’t come to daycare it would be a cool thing to have. I would never need one because I’m always by my dad’s side… well there are those times when I venture out for treats but shhh thats just between you and me. I’m trying to watch my girlish figure but I can never resist a treat!

Are you interested in owning a Pit Bull puppy? Look at these cuties. If you are; contact Brittany King bcooper9@earthlink.net. There are 3 total puppies.

Once again, the prestigious American Kennel Club (AKC)/Eukanuba National Championship brings some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse dogs together to compete in this celebrated canine competition. With their coats trimmed, nails filed and gaits perfected, top dogs from around the country – and the world – vie for the title of Best in Show and the chance to join the elite family of past National Championship winners. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship premieres on Animal Planet and will be simulcast on Discovery Channel on Saturday, February 6 2010, from 8-11 PM (ET/PT).

Last month nearly 4,000 dogs descended upon Long Beach, California, to compete for more than $225,000 in cash prizes at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. The competition is the largest prize-money dog show in the world, bestowing a $50,000 cash prize to the dog crowned Best in Show.

Hosted by entertainment personality Bob Goen, the competitors are usually determined through an invitational system including the top 25 dogs in each AKC-recognized breed, but this year it has been waived in honor of the AKC’s 125th anniversary. This year’s open format allows any pure-bred, unaltered dog that is six months of age or older an opportunity to compete for top dog honors.

Dog show insider and breeder Gina DiNardo and American Kennel Club judge Edd Bivin also assist with the play-by-play. Throughout the broadcast, feature reporter Leanza Cornett checks in with special profiles of owners, handlers and dogs and digs up dog health and training tips from the experts. Viewers also learn about the rules and regulations, passions and preferences of the dog show world and many of its star breeders and handlers.

About the Competition

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the AKC’s culminating event, determining the nation’s best canines. Like all dog shows, it is a process of elimination, with one dog being named “Best in Show” at the end of the two-day contest.

Only the “Best of Breed” winners advance to compete in the group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one of seven group classifications. The seven groups are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first-place winner advances to the “Best in Show” competition.

The Seven Groups in All-Breed Shows

Sporting — These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. The breeds in this group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels.

Hounds — These breeds were bred for hunting game by sight or scent. These breeds include beagles, bassets, dachshunds and greyhounds.

Working — These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property, and perform search and rescue services. Among the breeds in this group are the Akita, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernard.

Terrier — This group includes breeds such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin such as rats.

Toy — These dogs were bred to be household companions. This group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug.

Non-Sporting — This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle. These dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs.

Herding — These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock. The Briard, Collie, German Shepherd and Old English Sheepdog are some of the breeds in this group.

Finally, the seven group winners are brought into the ring, where they compete for “Best in Show,” the highest award at any dog show.

A Breed Apart

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the only major dog show that…

• Out of thousands of AKC sanctioned events, is organized and held solely by the AKC, the nation’s oldest and only not-for-profit purebred dog registry.
• Is strictly by invitation only. The top 25 dogs in every AKC recognized breed and variety, as well as every Bred-by-Exhibitor Champion and Best in Show winner during the qualification period, are invited to compete. In addition, the winner of each breed’s national specialty show is invited to compete.
• Invites international competitors. In January 2006, international dogs from 20 countries as far away as Brazil, Malaysia, England and Japan participated.
• Offers significant prize money — a total of over $225,000. In addition, special competition and prize money for AKC Bred-By-Exhibitor Champions is offered.
• Celebrates the heart and soul of the sport of purebred dogs by awarding the AKC Breeder of the Year Award. Seven individuals are honored who have left a great impact on a specific breed. These breeders have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs.
• Invites nearly 4,000 dogs to compete in three national AKC events taking place under the same roof. The AKC National Agility Invitational and the AKC National Obedience Invitational are held at the same time.
• Showcases the AKC Meet the Breeds, an exciting annual event for families as representatives from up to 157 AKC National Breed Clubs, who share their knowledge and love of their chosen breed via informative displays and canine representatives.
• Serves as the only all breed qualifying show in America for entry into Crufts — the world’s largest dog show. The Kennel Club (England) has designated the winners of Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Best Bred-by-Exhibitor and Awards of Merit at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship as qualified to enter Crufts.
• Offers sizable scholarship awards for its Junior Handler winners and requires a specific grade point average as part of the eligibility criteria. Junior handlers, between 9 and 18 years of age, are invited to demonstrate their expertise for an opportunity to receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Everybody get up it’s time to slam now
We got a real jam goin’ down
Welcome to the Space Jam
Here’s your chance, do your dance at the Space Jam
Alright….

Come on and slam, and welcome to the jam
Come on and slam, if you wanna jam

Hey you, watchagonna do
Hey you, watcha gonna do
Hey you, watcha gonna do
Hey you, watcha gonna do
Party people in the house lets go
It’s your boy “Jayski” a’ight so
Pass that thing and watch me flex
Behind my back, you know what’s next
To the jam, all in your face
Wassup, just feel the bass
Drop it, rock it, down the room
Shake it, quake it, space KABOOM…Jus
work that body, work that body
Make sure you don’t hurt no body
Get wild and lose your mind
Take this thing into over-time
Hey DJ, TURN IT UP
New CD, goin’ burn it up
C’mon y’all get on the floor
So hey, let’s go a’ight

Wave your hands in the air if you feel fine
We’re gonna take it into overtime
Welcome to the Space Jam
Here’s your chance, do your dance at the Space Jam
Alright…

C’mon it’s time to get hype say “Whoop there it is”
C’mon all the fellas say “Whoop there it is”
C’mon one time for the ladies say “Whoop there it is”
Now all the fellas say “Whoop there it is”
C’mon and run, baby run
C’mon, C’mon, do it, run baby run
Yeah, you want a hoop…so shoot, baby shoot
C’mon and slam, and welcome to the jam
C’mon and slam, if you wanna jam
C’mon and slam, and welcome to the jam
C’mon and slam, if you wanna jam

Slam, Bam, Thank you ma’am
Get on the floor and jam
If you see me on the microphone
Girl you got me in a zone
C’mon, C’mon and start the game
Break it down, tell me your name
We the team, I’m the coach
Let’s dance all night from coast to coast
Just slide, from left to right
Just slide, yourself enlight
You see me, drop the base
3-1-1 all in your face
Jam on it, let’s have some fun
Jam on it, One on One
You run the “O” and I run the “D”
So C’mon baby just jam for me

A majority of our larger dogs love chasing after Kong and getting massive “air” to catch them. This is Crash a Great Dane/Lab mix that loves jumping in the air to get the Kongs before anyone else.

Did you know that George Lucas’ inspiration for Chewbacca was his loyal pet Alaskan malamute, Indiana, who would also inspire the name of a globetrotting archaeologist several years later. Chewie’s original suit — made of knitted mohair and yak hair, was designed by Stuart Freeborn. Numerous versions of the suit were made to handle the wear and tear of filmmaking. The suits were borrowed from the Lucasfilm Archives during the making of Episode I and slightly redressed to become Senator Yarua of Kashyyyk.

Chewie’s voice was a combination of numerous animal sounds from Sound Designer Ben Burtt’s personal library. Walruses, camels, bears and badgers were all blended in different ratios to come up with Chewbacca’s various utterances. One of the key ingredients in the mix was the sound of Tarik, a black bear from the Happy Hollow Zoo in San Jose, California. Tarik passed away in 1994 due to congestive heart failure.

See dogs can inspire anyone!

Spay Day is an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats.

Officially the last Tuesday of February, Spay Day includes events and activities taking place throughout February across the United States and U.S. territories, and around the world.

The 16th annual Spay Day takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, with events and activities in honor of Spay Day taking place throughout the month of February. The information on this page will help you decide how you’d like to participate—as an event organizer, volunteer, photo contest entrant, or corporate sponsor. Eligible event organizers will receive funding from the Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest to spay or neuter even more animals after Spay Day is over!

Special information is provided for veterinary and media professionals. Be sure to review the Spay Day Event Planning Guide and, if you haven’t already, create a Spay Day Event Organizer record. Doing so will ensure you are kept up-to-date with the latest Spay Day happenings!

Ways to participate 

• Organize an event
• Volunteer at an event
• Spay or neuter your pet
• Enter the Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest
• Become a corporate sponsor
• Veterinarians and vet techs: Offer your skills
• Media professionals: Cover Spay Day

Get Spay Day stuff

• Spay/Neuter Postage
• “It’s Not Just Rabbits” and “Save a Life Today: Neuter or Spay” T-shirts
• Spay Day Store

Organize an event

Host an event on the last Tuesday of February (Spay Day) or any time during the month of February. The main objective of Spay Day is to inspire as many people as possible to have their pets—or other animals in need—spayed or neutered in conjunction with the campaign. Additional objectives include raising money to provide spays or neuters for animals whose caretakers need assistance, and informing people of the importance of spaying or neutering their pets to reduce the numbers euthanized in shelters. You can organize a spay/neuter, fundraising or educational event for Spay Day.

1. Spay/neuter events involve the spaying or neutering of animals, or the distribution of spay/neuter vouchers for animals to be spayed or neutered at a later date. Most event organizers arrange for special, discounted or free* spays or neuters to be made available, particularly to low-income pet owners, homeless shelter animals awaiting adoption, or feral cat colony caretakers. Others use different means to motivate people to schedule that spay/neuter appointment, such as offering a prize drawing, hosting a spay/neuter party (free cookies and punch for everyone who brings in their pet!), or providing special information about the many lifesaving benefits of spaying and neutering. Spay/neuter events may also include fundraising and educational elements.
2. Fundraising events involve raising money to subsidize the cost of spays and neuters performed during or after Spay Day. Raffles, bake sales, “spay-ghetti” dinners, benefit concerts and shelter open houses are just a few examples of fundraising events that some organizers have found to be successful.
3. Educational events include activities like setting up a table and distributing literature, holding a Spay Day essay contest or writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. 

To get started planning your event, download the Spay Day Event Planning Guide and check out the Spay Day Action Kit. Be sure to login to your existing Spay Day Event Organizer record (or create a new one if you haven’t participated in Spay Day before) to register your event and report your event results. Event registration for Spay Day 2010 opens Nov. 23, 2009.

Volunteer at an event

Volunteers are often needed for a variety of important tasks at Spay Day events. For example, during spay/neuter clinics volunteers may assist with greeting and checking in clients, and monitoring recovering animals. Other volunteer positions include staffing information tables, hosting fundraising parties, and helping to publicize the event. Please check with the organizer of the event in your area for more information about volunteer opportunities.

Enter the Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest

Win prizes and raise lifesaving funds for spay/neuter by entering your pet’s picture in the Spay Day 2010 Online Pet Photo Contest, which runs from Jan. 20-Mar. 4, 2010. Each vote for your pet costs just $1, with the money going to the eligible Spay Day Event Organizer of your choice to spay or neuter even more pets after Spay Day is over. Spay Day 2009 photo contest entrants raised more that $228,000 for 173 U.S. event organizers, which allowed them to spay or neuter an estimated 7,361 additional animals.

Become a corporate sponsor

Have a product or service that you’d like to market to pet guardians or the animal welfare community? Spay Day corporate sponsorships can help companies achieve their marketing and public relations goals. Through our many outreach vehicles, we help companies promote their products/services to new audiences; build relationships with local animal welfare organizations; provide exposure to The HSUS’ constituents; and align with a cause that resonates with the general public. Help end pet homelessness while reaching new customers. Email us at corprelations@humanesociety.org to learn more.

Veterinarians and vet techs: Offer your skills

Veterinarians are vital to the success of Spay Day. Without your involvement, spay/neuter surgeries would simply not be possible.The following are just a few suggested ways you can participate in Spay Day.

• Find a Spay Day event near you, and ask if you can join their team.
• Form or join a coalition of local veterinarians and hold a city, county, or statewide Spay Day event.
• Offer your existing clients—or only new clients—a special discount on all spay/neuter surgeries performed during the month of February, the last week of February, or just on the last Tuesday of February (Spay Day).
• Contact your local animal shelter and volunteer to spay or neuter a certain number of adoptable animals at no charge. Ask the shelter to provide the animals’ adopters with your business card for follow-up health care visits. (Visit theshelterpetproject.org to find shelters near you.)
• Write an op-ed or letter to the editor of your local newspaper educating readers about Spay Day and the importance of spay/neuter.

Vet techs are also important to Spay Day’s success! As a vet tech, you can:

• Encourage your vet clinic to host an event.
• Volunteer at a local humane shelter’s event.
• Discuss the importance of spay/neuter with clients whose pets are not yet altered.
• Distribute information about Spay Day and the importance of spay/neuter.

More information is available in the Spay Day Event Planning Guide.

Media professionals: Cover Spay Day

During Spay Day, people around the world will come together to fight the tragedy of companion animal euthanasia by spaying or neutering their pets.

To interview an HSUS expert on companion animal issues or to find out more about the hundreds of Spay Day events taking place nationwide throughout the month of February, contact Martin Montorfano at 301-258-3152 or mmontorfano@humanesociety.org in The HSUS’ Public Relations department.