Vote The Nosey Dog Best Of Denton County

Friends, it's that time again! Please take a moment to vote for us in the Best of Denton County 2013! Thank you!
 
Do you have a favorite business that you would like to recognize? Then give them the ultimate complement by nominating them for the 7th. annual BEST OF DENTON COUNTY award, the areas most prestigious award! Please share this with your FB Friends and help spread the word. Nominations will begin next week at www.TheBestOfDentonCounty.com. 

TOP FIVE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CANINE ALLERGIES

 Five Essential Oils For Your Dog’s Allergies

Essential oils have been used for health and well being for centuries. In fact, well preserved oils have been found in Egyptian tombs. There are also 188 references to essential oils in the Bible! Essential oils are volatile liquids that are distilled from parts of plants. They aren’t to be confused with essential fatty acids.

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The best oils have been distilled at low temperatures and low pressure. The oils are so concentrated that it may take thousands of pounds of plant material to produce just 16 ounces of quality oil. Pure oils aren’t made in a lab however and don’t have any added chemical constituents.

The natural chemical composition of an oil can have an emotional as well as a medicinal impact. Many oils contain hydrocarbons called terpenes which can aid in kidney and liver detoxification. Others contain high levels of caryophyllene, which is an anti-inflammatory constituent. These components make many essential oils a great choice for allergy symptoms.

Lavender

Lavender is a great analgesic, anti-fungal, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It can be used topically or in a diffuser.

Roman Chamomile

This oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and anti-parasitic properties. It can be used topically or orally.

Elemi

Elemi is anti-infectious, antiseptic and works as a sedative. It can be applied topically, orally or it can be diffused.

Myrrh

This oil is anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and also has astringent properties. It can be applied topically.

Peppermint

Peppermint is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic. It can be used topically or orally.

Mountain Savory, Oregano and Clove

These oils can be added for immune support, an important component of allergy prevention and treatment. They can be applied topically, given orally or placed in a diffuser.
Sometimes these oils can cause rapid detoxification. A post application rash can occur in these cases. If you notice a rash, apply a vegetable oil such as olive or grape seed oil to dilute or remove the essential oil. Never apply water to remove an essential oil!

Be Aware! Just one stick of gum containing Xylitol may kill a 20 lb dog.

This Toxic Sugar Substitute Could Be in Your Purse, Pocket or Pantry

Most dog owners know the sugar substitute xylitol is toxic to their pet.

But many people are unaware of the ever-expanding list of consumable products that contain xylitol. This sweetener is now being added to human vitamins and prescription drugs, including pediatric elixirs once considered safe for dogs.

According to Patty Khuly, DVM, the increasing use of xylitol presents a risk that veterinarians, pharmacists and pet owners must be made aware of.

“I used to recommend Flintstones vitamins for my patients,” says Khuly. "Now I have to caution my clients to stick to pet-only brands and to be very diligent about reading labels."

Dr. Becker's Comments:

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol extracted from corn and corn fiber, birch, raspberries and plums. It is used to sweeten many products, including:

• Sugar-free gum, mints and other candy
• Nicotine gum
• Chewable vitamins
• Certain prescription drugs
• Dental hygiene products
• Baked goods

Xylitol can also be purchased in granulated form as a sugar replacement to sweeten beverages, cereals and other foods.

The Number of Products Containing Xylitol is Diverse and Growing

The use of xylitol is increasing because it is as sweet as sucrose, but with only two-thirds the calories of sugar. It’s less expensive than other sugar substitutes, tastes better, and causes little if any insulin release in humans.

Just a few years ago, xylitol could be found in less than a hundred products in the U.S., primarily limited to sugar-free gums, candy and foods. Today it can be found in a wide range of health and beauty products, food products, over-the-counter drugs and supplements, and prescription medications.

A fairly comprehensive list of families of products as well as some specific products containing xylitol can be found at Wikia.com.

Response to Xylitol is Species-Specific

While xylitol appears safe for human consumption, the same can’t be said for pets. In fact, the FDA recently released a consumer alert on the dangers of xylitol ingestion in certain animals.

The sweetener’s effect seems to vary by species. In people, rhesus monkeys, rats and horses, intravenous (IV) xylitol causes little to no insulin release. However, it has the opposite effect on baboons, cows, goats, rabbits, dogs, and ferrets. Its effect on cats is unknown.

Humans absorb xylitol slowly, and the sweetener ingested orally is absorbed at from about 50 to 95 percent.

In dogs, xylitol is rapidly and completely absorbed within about 30 minutes. Just a small amount of xylitol can cause a dangerous insulin surge and a rapid drop in blood sugar. Symptoms of xylitol intoxication include:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Loss of coordination
• Collapse
• Seizures

If you suspect your pet has eaten a product containing xylitol and is experiencing any of these symptoms, immediate veterinary care is needed to save your dog’s life.

Xylitol and Liver Failure in Dogs

A more recent discovery than the connection between xylitol and hypoglycemia is the incidence of acute liver failure in dogs that have ingested the sweetener.

According to a 2006 case report of xylitol-related liver failure in eight dogs, five of the eight died or were euthanized despite treatments that included IV administration of fluids, blood transfusions, and administration of dextrose.

Six of the eight dogs with liver failure did not develop hypoglycemia first, and no symptoms were present for from 12 to 24 hours after they ingested the xylitol. So it isn’t safe to assume, if you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol that signs of toxicity will show up quickly. Your pet could appear fine for up to a day after getting into some xylitol, only to then develop liver failure

The cause of xylitol-related liver failure in dogs is not well understood, but scientists suspect it has to do with the fact that xylitol and its metabolites deplete adenosine triphosphate stores in the liver. Adenosine triphosphate is a chemical substance that gives cells energy. Without a sufficient amount of this chemical, the cells in the liver die off.
Interestingly, neither other sugar alcohols (mannitol, sorbitol) nor artificial sweeteners like saccharin are known to cause illness in canine companions.

How Much Xylitol Does It Take to Make a Dog Sick?

Generally speaking, dogs ingesting over 0.1 g/kg of xylitol are considered at risk for hypoglycemia. Amounts above .5 g/kg can poison the liver.

Since it is almost impossible to figure out how much xylitol is contained in a particular product, I strongly recommend that dog owners avoid anything containing xylitol.
I urge you to inspect the labels on any sugar-free gum, candy or processed food you have on hand, as well as oral hygiene products (toothpaste, mouth rinse, teeth whiteners, etc.).
Also check all your OTC medications and supplements, for example, chewable vitamins, as well as your prescriptions – especially any drug in liquid form.

Stick only with veterinary drugs and supplements for your pet, and if your veterinarian prescribes a new medication, make sure he or she can confirm for you the preparation is xylitol-free. You can also consult your local pharmacist about new prescriptions as well as any drugs you, your pet, or other family members are currently taking.

How Sick Can My Dog Get?

If your pet is treated promptly by a veterinarian, an uncomplicated blood sugar drop brought on by ingestion of a relatively small amount of xylitol can be reversed.
A minor increase in liver enzymes, meaning the sweetener is affecting your pet’s liver, should also resolve in a few days with proper veterinary care.

However, if dramatic elevation of liver enzymes occurs, as well as increased levels of bilirubin and lack of blood clotting activity, your dog is in serious trouble.
Hyperphosphatemia, which is an abnormally high level of phosphate in the blood, is also an indicator of a very poor prognosis for dogs that have ingested a significant amount of xylitol.

Because xylitol intoxication can create a dangerous downward spiral in your dog’s body very quickly -- and because it has such deadly potential -- if you suspect your dog has ingested even a very small amount of this sweetener, you should seek immediate veterinary care.

Swimming season is open. Watch out for your dog's safety!

The Danger of Water Intoxication

Swimming dogs are at risk of ingesting too much water

http://thebark.com/content/danger-water-intoxication#.Ubk8ity9-v0.facebook

Last week a friend’s dog had a close call with water intoxication. Her crew was playing in a local river when one of her Border Collies emerged staggering and vomiting liquid.
Symptoms quickly worsened on the way to the vet, but after a few harrowing days, the dog was fortunate to make a full recovery.

Apparently the poor pup ingested too much water while repeatedly diving into the river, mouth open, trying to catch a ball. Drinking too much causes electrolyte levels to drop, thinning blood plasma and leading to swelling of the brain and other organs.

Before I learned about water intoxication, I thought that playing in the lake was safe if your dog was a strong swimmer. But now I know to be mindful of how my guys interact with the water and to force them to take ample breaks. Dogs can even drink too much water from playing with a lawn sprinkler.
Unfortunately water intoxication progresses quickly. Now that summer is officially here, it’s important to review the signs so you can get an affected dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Symptoms include lack of coordination, lethargy, nausea, bloating, vomiting, dilated pupils, glazed eyes, light gum color, and excessive salivation. Advanced symptoms include difficulty breathing, collapsing, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

As the weather gets warmer, stay safe. Water intoxication can affect both people and our pups.    

Don't forget to enter your cute dog in the cutest pet photo contest!

HSFM's Cutest Pet Photo Contest

Think your pet is the cutest one around? Have a picture to prove it? If so, enter your photo into our contest! The Humane Society of Flower Mound is holding a photo contest, and winners will be featured in our 2014 calendar.

ENTRANTS HAVE TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO WIN!

• Enter your photo, share the link with your friends, and get the most votes! Votes cost $1 each with a minimum of 5 votes per person. The picture with the most votes will win the Grand Prize and 5 runner-up prizes will go to the other fundraising leaders. So get your friends and family to vote early and often!
• Enter your photo, and at the end of our contest on August 31, 2013, our judges will select 6 winning pictures from all photos.
  

All proceeds from the photo contest and the calendar sales will go to benefit the Humane Society of Flower Mound. Entries and votes may be submitted at any time through August 31, 2013. Pictures with the most votes (Fundraising Winners) will be posted on the website at the closing of the contest. Photos will be judged by our team and those winners announced within 5 days of the closing of the contest.
 for more info: https://www.360photocontest.com/198

The 100 degree days are upon us. Be mindful of hot asphalt and pavements.

The 100 degree days are upon us. Be mindful of hot asphalt and pavements.

Hot cars aren't the only summer danger for dogs. Hot pavement is an issue, too.

Upcoming Pet Friendly events- Pet CPR & First Aid Seminar Sunday, June 16, 2013, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Pet CPR & First Aid Seminar

Event Date & Time
Sunday, June 16, 2013, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Event Location
The Dog Lofts – Oak Lawn
2732 Oak Lawn Ave
Dallas, TX 75205

Event Description

Will you know what to do when your animals need you most?
“Guaranteed to be the most complete &
comprehensive training in DFW!”
CPR Demo
Beth Bowers
Longest Active Pet Tech Instructor in DFW!
Certified Pet CPR, First Aid & Care Instructor
Veterinary Technician
ABKA Pet Care Technician
http://www.dallaspetfirstaid.com
Beth@DallasPetFirstAid.com
(214) 476-9938

Over 15 years experience with
Veterinary Medicine,
Canine Nutrition,
Canine Behavior & Training
& Dog Daycare/Boarding
Facility Management!
___________________
PetSaver™ Program
Includes all of the Following:
Pet CPR & First Aid
Caring For Your Senior Pet-izen™
Dental Care For Your Pets
(Most Complete Training &
Absolutely the Best Value!)
PetSaver Registration Includes Handbook, Certificate, Starter First Aid Kit with Muzzle for Safety & Complimentary Breakfast!

___________________
“Beth’s CPR & First Aid Seminar is, without question, the most comprehensive and enjoyable pet care class I’ve ever taken. She uses her own experience as a veterinary technician and dog care facility manger to create meaningful scenarios and experiences that you can apply to your own pets. Beth ensures that every student understands each technique by allowing practice on both stuffed and demonstrations with live dogs, which makes the instruction more memorable. The 8 hour class simply flew by! It was a great value and I will be taking it every year from now on.”

~Yvonne Ybarra – DallasDogLife.com~
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) 1-out-of-4 more pets would survive, if just one pet first aid technique was applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care. WE TEACH OVER 50 SKILLS TO HELP SAVE YOUR PET!

The PetSaver™ Program covers the following topics:
Skill: Restraining & Muzzling

“Any pet that is pain or is going to be moved into pain, can and will bite.”
PetSaver Handbook
Hands-on Skill Practice
Skill: Primary Assessment
“In the first 15-25 seconds of you being on the scene you will know what to do and what actions to take.”

PetSaver Handbook
Hands-on Skill Practice
Skill: Rescue Breathing
“The pet patient had a heartbeat but is not breathing”
PetSaver Handbook
Hands-on Skill Practice
Skill: Canine & Feline CPR
“The pet patient has no heart beat and is not breathing.”
PetSaver Handbook
Hands-on Skill Practice
Skill: Choking Management
Conscious Choking, Unconscious Choking (Witnessed & Found)
Hands-on Skill Practice
Skill: Bleeding & Shock Management
Restraint, Muzzle, Elevation, Direct Pressure, Pressure Points, Immobilization, Shock Management & Transportation.
Hands-on Skill Practice
Skill: Snout-To-Tail™
Assessment for Injury & Wellness
“A deliberate and systematic assessment from the snout to the tail of the pet with intent and purpose looking for any injuries the pet does not present to you or for wellness to create a base-line of your pet’s health.”
Hands-on Skill Practice
Skill: Assessing the Pet’s Vitals
“If you know what is normal for your pet then you will be able to quickly recognize when your pet is presenting not-normal.”
Hands-on Skill Practice
Handbook: Pet First Aid Kit Contents
Equipment & Supplies for Putting Together Your Own Pet First Aid Kit
Lecture: Insect Bites & Stings & Snakebite
Definition, Causes, Signs & Actions For Survival
Lecture: Heat & Cold Injuries
Definition, Causes, Signs & Actions For Survival
Lecture: Seizures
Definition, Causes, Signs & Actions For Survival
Lecture: Caring For Your Senior Pet-izen
Senior Pet-izen Care, Signs & Symptoms, Risk Factors & Euthanasia
Lecture: Dental Care For Your Pets
Dental Care Facts, Periodontal Disease, Risks, Preventative Care & Cleanings
One of the skills we teach is the Snout-to-Tail ™ Assessment.