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Labrador Retrievers Basset Hounds Equals Bassadors

By Alice
31
Dec 2008

At least that is what I call my little mix breed and the love of my life.

So you take a Labrador and a Basset Hound..

 

 

 

 

Now we didn’t breed these dogs together and they are not my Moedawgs parents. We were looking for a yellow Lab. So I called my friend that worked at our local animal shelter. I told her what I was looking for and she said she did have a little yellow Lab puppy with short little legs and then laughed.

I went down to the shelter and fell in love with that little fur ball. As he was growing it wasn’t hard to figure out where the short legs came into the picture. Thankfully he didn’t get the long ears…not that there is anything wrong with long ears. He did get the longer back though which has caused him problems. You can see what happen here when he had his back operated on.

He turn out looking like a Yellow Lab with short legs…

So now you have met my Bassador. Later I will introduce you to my other two rescued dogs. Curley and Hunter.

To Your and Your Pets Health,

Alice

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Labrador Retrievers and Poodles Equals Labradoodles

By Alice
30
Dec 2008

 

A Labradoodle is a crossbred or hybrid dog created by crossing the Labrador Retriever and the Standard or Miniature Poodle.

The Labradoodle was first deliberately bred in 1989, when Australian breeder Wally Conron first crossed the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle for Guide Dogs. His aim was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of the Labrador, and to provide a Guide Dog suitable for people with allergies to fur and dander. Labradoodles are now often used as Guide, Assistance, and Therapy Dogs.

 

 

While many Labradoodles display desired traits, their appearance and behavioral characteristics remain, from an overall breed standpoint, unpredictable.

 

 

 

Labradoodles’ hair can be anywhere from wiry to soft, and may be straight, wavy, or curly. Some Labradoodles do shed, although the coat usually sheds less and has less dog odor than that of a Labrador Retriever. The color range includes white, cream, gold, apricot, red, brown and black, and most of the other colors seen in Poodles.

 

Like most Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, Labradoodles are generally friendly, energetic and good with families and children (although as with any dog the temperament may vary between individuals). Labradoodles also often display an affinity for water and the strong swimming ability present in both their parent breeds.

Like their parent breeds, both of which are amongst the world’s most intelligent dog breeds, Labradooodles are very intelligent and quite trainable. Labradoodles can be taught to obey verbal or sign language commands, or both, and remain commonly used as guide dogs for disabled or handicapped persons around the world

Although most Labradoodles are healthy, they can suffer from certain problems common to their parent breeds. Both Poodles and Labrador Retrievers can suffer from hip dysplasia, and dogs should have specialist x rays to check for this problem before breeding. The parent breeds can also suffer from a number of eye disorders, and a CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) exam should also be performed.

Over the past couple of years, a number of Multi-generational Labradoodles have also been found to suffer from PRA (progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited disease that causes blindness) which occurs in both Miniature Poodles and Cocker Spaniels. It is strongly recommended that Multi-generational Labradoodles be DNA tested for PRA before being bred.

Notable Labradoodle owners;

Golfer Tiger Woods has two Labradoodles named Yogi and Riley. 

2008 Vice President Elect Joe Biden owns a Labradoodle named Brother. 

Actress Jennifer Aniston also owns a Labradoodle, bought for her by former husband, Brad Pitt.

Model Christie Brinkley owns a Labradoodle named Maple Sugar

Actress Barbara Eden has a Labradoodle named Djinn Djinn

Stuffed Labs, Poodles and Labradoodle

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Do You Know What Is In Your Flu Shot

By Alice
29
Dec 2008

 

Flu shots are recommended for high risk age groups but they are not a guarantee that you won’t get the flu. Many studies have shown that they can cause more harm they good because of the large amounts of toxins found in them such as Mercury, Formaldehyde and Ethylene glycol (which is anti-freeze) and that is just to name a few… Who would want to have that injected into them?

Okay we all know that a cold involves a stuffy nose, sniffling, a mild cough, maybe a sore throat and just feeling run down. This can weaken your immune system. Eating right and getting plenty of rest and reducing stress will help support your immune system.

The Flu on the other hand is a little more serious. You start off with the same symptoms as the cold but you have a fever, your body aches, harsh coughing and extreme fatigue. Sometimes the flu can turn into pneumonia if you are not careful. Of course continuously high fevers, a steadily worsening condition, or even for your peace of mind as with any condition always seek your doctors’ opinion. 

A leading expert on stress related illnesses (Dr.Sheldon Cohen, PhD), has concluded from studies that the singular strategy to keep your immune system and general health strong and avoid catching a cold or the flu, is to reduce stress.

During the cold and flu season you need to support your immune system there are preventive dietary choices and herbs that are very safe and effective to help you get back on your feet again without taking a bunch of chemicals.

 

 Echinacea is a powerful assistant at the first sign of a cold but don’t use me for more than 10 days at a time. It supports the immune system by boosting the white blood cell count which helps to fight off an infection. It is great for strep throat and an excellent first aid remedy you can use Echinacea tincture on your wounds to prevent infection.

 

It is better to take Echinacea as a tincture or tea rather than a pill form because the powered herbs lose their potency so quickly. (Do you know how long those pills have been sitting on your stores shelf?)

There is some caution to using Echinacea however it is an immune stimulant and should not be used by those that have a compromised immune system such as (rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme’s, Lupus, etc.) Also one should not use it as a means of not getting sick…it doesn’t work that way.

There are healing herbs in your local market that can make powerful home remedies. The answer to your ailment might be in your cupboard. Make a cup of herbal tea to relieve your stress you owe it to yourself sit back and relax.

Do You know that cats can get the Flu also? The obvious signs you will see are a runny nose, many cats will also be sneezing and often will be accompanied by swollen and runny eyes. Which just like with us the virus will run its course in 7-10 days. Echinacea will help boost your cats immune system also, the dose would be 1 drop per pound 3 times a day of alcohol -free tincture, give no longer than 2 weeks.

Echinacea is an effective herb for stimulating your dogs immune system when they are feeling down too. The dried herb dose is 100mg per 10 lbs of body weight twice a day; the tincture dose is 1 drop per lb of body weight twice a day.

This information is not to be taken as a cure I am not a doctor and am not diagnosing, prescribing, or treating anything or anyone reading this article. Please consult your family practitioner in the event of serious illness or if you have special considerations when taking herbs.

Do you know how easy it is to make your own Echinacea tincture? Find out where you get these herbs, how they are used and a whole lot more. You can find out the answer to that just by visiting http://www.forpeopletopets.com  Make sure you Grab your f-r-e-e Home Remedy Secrets Course and The  f-r-e-e Supermarket Herbalism Course while you are there, they are amazing. 

 

To You and Your Pets Health, 

Alice Gines

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Forbidden Fruit: Avocados Can Poison Your Dog

By Alice
28
Dec 2008

Dogs are not the only pet acceptable to being poisoned by Avocados. Birds, rabbits, horses and even cattle can be devastated by consuming avocado. Avocados contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In birds it can cause increased heart rate and labored breathing. High does can cause death in 12 to 24 hours after consumption.

So keep that avocado dip away from animals. Rabbits, cows, horses and goats should not be allowed to eat the leaves or bark from the trees for those California people that are so lucky to have an avocado tree in their back yard or farm. Make sure to tell your friends and family of this danger to their pets.

If your pet has eaten something that is toxic,contact you vet or call the 24 hour ASPCA’S hotline at (888) 426 -4435

In most cases of poisoning getting your pet to vomit is the most important thing that you can do.

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING if something that is caustic has been consumed (such as drain cleaner or bleach). 

If a caustic substance has been ingested give something to neutralize it. An alkaline toxin like drain cleaner is neutralized by something acidic such as vinegar; give 2 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight.

To induce vomiting give hydrogen peroxide at 1 teaspoon pet 10lbs of body weight. If your pet doesn’t vomit in 10 minutes repeat again. NEVER do more than 2 treatments of peroxide.

You can also try salt; dilute 1 teaspoon of salt in a tablespoon of water per every 10 lbs of body weight.

If you suspect Antifreeze poisoning it must be treated within 4-6 hours, before there is irreversible damage is done to the kidney.

Activated charcoal is available at most pharmacies. It delays absorption of any toxin by binding to the toxic compound in the stomach. You can get this is capsule form and would be easier to give to your pet.

Hydrogen peroxide and Activated charcoal are something that you should have on hand for you and your pets

 

To You and Your Pets Health,

Alice

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Keep Your Pet Healthy And Wise

By Alice
27
Dec 2008

One of the greatest pleasures in keeping pets comes from giving them personal care. There is hardly any dog or cat so dull that it does not learn to recognize the one who feeds and cares for it, and therefore comes to love this person for all of its comforts and necessities.

Gentleness and kindness are the two means at your command for gaining the love and confidence of your pets; and there is no happiness quite so heart-satisfying, as that which comes from feeling that some little dependent creature looks up to you with faith that you are the most beneficent being in the whole world.

Give your pet healthy safe food; keep their beds clean, and always provide plenty of fresh water. Do by your pets as you yourself would be done by, for the Golden Rule works quite as well with pets as with people.

The dog always recognizes a friend. He is very sensitive, and harsh treatment will never teach him obedience. He is intelligent, and with patience may be controhed by the tone of voice. When he does wrong, he should be corrected at the time, but he should never be struck over the ears, mouth or abdomen.

An obedient dog is far happier than one that disobeys. Develop his intelligence, and teach him to do useful things, as well as to play.

 

To You and Your Pets Health,

Alice

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How To Relieve An Upset Stomach With Home Remedies

By Alice
26
Dec 2008

I got my Herbal Kit for Christmas and I can’t wait to start using it. It seems like every day you hear that the FDA is recalling some kind of drug because of the side effects it caused or has some kind of ingredients that can be harmful. That is why I decided I was going to learn to heal myself with natural herbs and with something that I have in my own cupboard. At least I will know it didn’t come from China

Grab your Fr*ee Home Remedy Secrets: Build Your own Herbal Medicine Chest This    step-by-step course takes you through 9 lessons. Each lesson has a 3-5 minute video that accompanies the written information on the page.

By the end of Home Remedy Secrets, you will know exactly which herbal remedies to have in your herbal apothecary, how to use them, and WHERE to get them. This is a great course..beautifully done.

Don’t forget to Sign-Up for the Supermarket Herbalism Fr*ee 7 day herbal course. There are healing herbs in your local market that can make powerful home remedies. NOW with video instruction!

  • What are the supermarket herbs you need to know?
  • How can you beat cold and flu season with herbs?
  • What common kitchen items make a soothing herbal bath?
  • Can you fight an on-coming cold with a spice you have in your fridge?
  • What’s the best common herb in the tea aisle to relieve a stuffy nose?
  • Sooth a minor burn with one of the most common veggies in the produce section?

Find out How To Relieve An Upset Stomach With Home Remedies?
Posses the skills to help yourself and family naturally.  Save money by learning to make your OWN remedies. Realize the answer to your ailment might be in your cupboard.  Get you Herbal Kit and we can learn together!

To You and Your Pets Health,

Alice

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Happy Holidays, Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa

By Alice
25
Dec 2008

Whether you celebrate Christmas,

Hannukah, Kwanzaa,

or some other holiday…

I wish you all the best.

Happy Holidays From Our House To Yours!

To You and Your Pets Health,

Alice

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Hot Crab Dip

By Alice
24
Dec 2008

This is my favorite.

Hot Crab Dip

1lb. crab meat

10 oz. Cheese Whiz

8 oz. cream cheese

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp old Bay Seasoning

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Let cream cheese set at room temperature. Melt cheese whiz in double broiler, add milk gradually, add Old Bay and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and then add crab meat.

Serve with crackers of choice. Enjoy

Pretzel Snack that is easy to make and great to munch!

1 bag of large pretzels broken into small pieces.

Mix together

3/4 oil (Orville Redenbacher’s Buttery flavor popcorn oil gives the best taste) /if you can’t find that then just use any popcorn oil.

1 tsp lemon pepper spice

1 tsp dill weed

1 tsp garlic powder

Pour over pretzels mix well abd back in the over for 30 minutes at 250

Let cool and enjoy!

Happy Holidays,

Alice

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Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

By Alice
23
Dec 2008

Here are a couple of easy recipes to enjoy. Hope you are ready for the holidays.


This is a really easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Mix in a large pan on medium heat

Melt
1 cup of peanut butter
1 stick of butter or margarine

Add 1 egg stir in quickly

Then add 6 cups of powdered sugar keep the pan on the burner but turn the heat down so it does not burn, but this will make it easier to mix the powdered sugar in.

put into a greased 13 by 9 glass or cake pan place a piece of wax paper on top and press until it is firm and solid. When cooled cut into bite size pieces.


Great little treats you can make for your doggie, you can even have one.  ;-)

2 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 heaping teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup of ground flax seed
3/4 cup of honey
1/4 cup of water

Preheat oven to 350

Stir flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and peanuts in a bowl and set aside.
Whisk the honey with a 1/4 cup of water in a large bowl add dry ingredients and stir until dough is smooth.

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface, with a rolling-pin rool out to about 1/8 thick. Cut into 1-inch squares and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes or until light golden brown.

Cool to room temperature before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Happy Holidays To you and Your Pets,

Alice

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Catnip Mix A Treat For People

By Alice
22
Dec 2008

I don’t know why this is called catnip mix other that you keep coming back for more. From now until Christmas I am going to just give out of snacks  recipes that my family enjoys hope your will also.

Catnip Mix Snack

1 medium box of rice chex cereal

1 small can of peanuts

1 bag of small pretzels

1 bag of oyster crackers

Mix well 2 cups vegetable oil, 1 pkg. of Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Mix, 1 Tbs garlic powder, 1 Tbs dill weed.

Pour over the dry and mix well. Store in a covered container.

Enjoy!

Happy Holidays

Alice

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Constipation Diarrhea Diseases Of Cats Digestive System

By Alice
21
Dec 2008

Constipation and Diarrhea

Constipation is much less frequent in the cat than in other animals. On the contrary, there is a tendency in the cat, especially in one kept in the house, to have a certain amount of looseness of the bowels, which would be looked on in other animals as suspicious. When this looseness becomes excessive, and the discharges become watery, or mixed with mucus, or even bloody, it takes the name of diarrhea.

When the diarrhea becomes chronic, or is excessively severe, it takes the name of dysentery. In this case there is usually great straining, with very little discharge at each evacuation, and sometimes protrusion of the mucous membrane. Diarrhea is frequently produced in the cat by feeding it out of soiled pans in which the milk or other food has been allowed to ferment. It is produced by irregular feeding or over-feeding the animal at one time and allowing it to starve at another. The use of fatty meat, of putrid meat, and too much liver or sour milk are also causes.

Diarrhea can be caused by a number of different things, from them eating out of a garbage can, to have parasites, to infectious agents (such as parvovirus). Most cases of diarrhea respond well to home treatment. Herbal treatment you could use Slippery Elm which is helpful for chronic diarrhea. Chamomile is useful for mild indigestion and peppermint helps with intestinal gas and cramping. Canned pumpkin is good for both.

This information is intended as an informational guide only. This is not to be substituted for professional veterinarian care. Always ask your Veterinarian for advice and have them explain why they have chosen that treatment and what the side affects are.

To You and Your Pets Health,

Alice

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Chicken Jerky Treats For Dogs Cautions To Consumers

By Alice
20
Dec 2008

The FDA issues warning about jerky treats for dogs made in China.

FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs which may occur within hours to days of feeding the product: decreased appetite, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination.  If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product.  Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours.  Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine).  Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.

You can read the whole report here:

http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/ComplaintsChicJerky.htm

Unfortunately, many of the dog treats available on the market today are non-nutritive “junk foods”, that could be harmful to your dog’s health. It’s important to remember that even if you feed your dog a diet of healthy food, “junk food” treats could have a significant negative impact on his or her health.

Look here for healthy safe dog treats.

To Your Pets Health,

Alice

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Symptoms Of Gastritis In Your Cats Digestive System

By Alice
19
Dec 2008

Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach is produced by overfeeding and too frequent feeding, or feeding with irritating food, by the ingestion of foreign bodies or poison in the stomach. Constipation and Diarrhea are diseases of the cats digestive system. (which I will talk about tomorrow)

The symptoms of gastritis are vomiting, first of the contents of the stomach, then of a thick, frothy mucus, and later, perhaps, of blood. The animal shows pain upon pressure on the stomach just at the lower border of the last ribs, which is more or less severe according to the intensity of the inflammation.

If the cat is outside and is able to get at fresh grass, it will itself eat a sufficient quantity to act as a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting, which affords temporary relief. In the house-cat this can be replaced by a cup of tea which is an old remedy used for upset stomachs in people. Brew up a strong cup of tea and allow it to cool and give your cat 1 tablespoon three times a day.

Vomiting is a common problem for cats If your cat is profusely (i.e. every few hours) vomiting then they are probably becoming dehydrated and in need of veterinary care. If your cat is still drinking water and occasionally vomiting then you could try the home remedy.

This information is intended as an informational guide only. This is not to be substituted for professional veterinarian care. Always ask your Veterinarian for advice and have them explain why they have chosen that treatment and what the side affects are.

To You and Your Pets Health,

Alice

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Diseases In A Cats Respiratory System

By Alice
18
Dec 2008

The diseases in cats respiratory system includes colds, bronchial troubles and other diseases of the lungs.

In the beginning the cat loses its appetite, and seeks a dark corner, where it wants to remain out of sight. Their nose becomes hot, there is total loss of appetite, the coat becomes dry and harsh, and the animal lies quiet, sleeping most of the time, unless there is any degree of pain, when it gives evidence of it by constant crying.

A cat may take cold in the head just as a “baby” might do, with inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose, the pharynx or larynx. The symptoms are a discharge from the nostrils, more or less difficulty of breathing, due to the obstruction of the nostrils. The discharge accumulating in the throat may produce a spasmodic cough.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the tubes leading from the lungs, this the cough is more violent; there is a discharge from the nose and throat, but the amount of phlegm is increased after an attack of coughing.

Simple colds and bronchitis do not require much treatment. The cat should be placed in a quiet, darkened corner, and be protected from drafts. It should not have food forced upon it, although it should have a small saucer of water.

Every cat has unique nutritional needs which can be affected by life stage (kitten, adult or senior), differences in personality (high-strung or laid-back), living conditions. Premium health food for cats and supplements can provide your cat with excellent nutrition, every single day.

Most cats spend a good portion of their day grooming themselves and often loose hair is swallowed, which can lead to an accumulation in the stomach commonly known as hairballs. A stronger coat will result in less hair being swallowed during normal grooming, giving your cat Gourmet Cat Treats For Healthy Skin & Coat will help.

This information is intended as an informational guide only. This is not to be substituted for professional veterinarian care. Always ask your Veterinarian for advice and have them explain why they have chosen that treatment and what the side affects are.

To You and Your Pets Health,

Alice

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Pet Food TV Commercials And Marley and Me

By Alice
17
Dec 2008

Not a day goes by that you don’t see TV commercials advertising pet food. You know what I am talking about cute little puppies playing in the yard, running with their owner. Then scarfing down a bowl of pet food.

Marley & Me is a terrific book by John Grogan and now there is a movie, which I am sure will be great; starts showing on Christmas Day. Every little kid and even some grown-ups will want to run out and get a Labrador retriever. Of course you will also see commercials selling pet food and using Marley and Me I just saw one this morning and now not only will everyone want a Lab they will think maybe I should get that “brand of food” also, had sad is that?

Americans are constantly being misled by clever marketing tactics regarding which food is best for their pet. You should not buy pet food because of what you see on TV.

You need to know about unsuitable and harmful ingredients that are used, how long it is stored before it is ever placed on shelves for sale. Most brands of pet food are sold in the mass market and stored multiple times before you buy them. In fact, it is not uncommon to find pet foods that are already 6 months to a year old by the time you buy them.

How nutritious do your think your pet food will be after sitting around in semi-trucks and multiple warehouses?

Many pet food companies create several varieties to capture your business and your budget. If you look at the ingredients most the time you will find they are the same just put in a different wrapper. That is the mind thing they play with people. Ones for puppies, one for adults etc. you get my point.

How to Choose the right food for your pet.

I know it is hard to decide as to which dog or cat food to buy for your “best friend”, and also who to trust. Although you may think all pet food manufacturers have your pet’s best interests in mind, this is not always the case.

In March 2007, our nation experienced the single largest recall of pet food ever. More than 100 brands of pet foods were pulled off the shelves due to tainted ingredients. Thousands of pets were sickened (the FDA received more than 17,000 reports) and an estimated 20% died. You can view the list of recalled products from the FDA’s website here

It’s time to stop trusting the your pet to just anyone who makes a pet food. If you love your pet, you will naturally want to feed them the best – not what is cheapest!

To You and Your Pets Health,

Alice

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