Be Careful of Holiday Toxins and Dangers

This is the time of year when pets can be exposed inadvertently to toxic substances or tempting taste treats that can be dangerous.

One "toxic" plant you don't have to worry much about is the poinsettia, though. These plants are either nontoxic or only slightly irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, depending on the reference source. On the other hand, mistletoe berries are poisonous and it is best to be very careful when hanging mistletoe so that pets are not exposed to the berries. Even one or two berries of this plant may be fatal. Even the products used to help plants make it through the holidays can be a problem.

Some of the solutions used to make the Christmas tree last through a long holiday season can be pretty irritating to mouth or stomach tissues. If you add these to the water in your Christmas tree stand you should be sure that pets can not drink the water.

Plants are not the only problems. Holiday food treats and decorations can be dangerous to pets. It takes a fairly large amount of milk chocolate to cause poisoning problems in dogs and cats but a whole box of chocolates is likely to cause diarrhea at the least and may be toxic to smaller pets.

Tinsel strands seem to be very attractive to cats and these will often cause severe problems, often requiring surgical removal to prevent the death of the cat if they are ingested. For some reason, almost every season a dog or cat in our practice eats a Christmas tree ornament or even one of the light bulbs off the tree. Chewing on the extension cords to the tree lights or the electric train around the tree sometimes leads to problems, too.

The abundance of food found at holiday tables presents a danger even if it isn't cooked by your mother-in-law who believes in partially thawing the turkey then cooking it a 200 degrees. We see a definite increase in pancreatitis around the holidays due to pets getting fat laden table scraps. At least one dog a year manages to eat the whole turkey carcass and has a major case of constipation in a day or so. Try to resist the urge to cover the pet's food with the extra gravy and put the trash out of reach of pets after an attractive meal!

Pets sometimes have a really hard time adjusting to the increases in family activity around the holidays. They may not handle the stress of house guests well. Often just scheduling a few minutes at approximately the same time each day to spend playing with your dog or reviewing those obedience exercises can make the holidays a lot easier for an anxious canine. Cats are a little harder to reassure and it is sometimes best just to make sure they have a safe haven in the house where the guests can't find them, especially the very young guests. Make sure their litter pan is private, too.

If you are going to board your pet for the holidays make sure their vaccinations are current well before the time for boarding and check to see if there are special vaccination requirements at the boarding kennel, such as requiring Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination. Make sure you have all the contact numbers for wherever you will be written down for the kennel, pet sitter or veterinary hospital. You might even consider giving your vet written permission to treat your pets in your absence, especially if your relationship with your vet is not close enough to be sure he or she would be comfortable caring for the pets without your permission.

Do not tranquilize pets for air travel if you are taking them with you, unless you are absolutely certain it is necessary. A recent review of pet deaths during airplane trips revealed that most of the pets who died had been sedated. The effects of sedatives are intensified at higher altitudes and even though cargo holds are pressurized they are at a lower atmospheric pressure than is found at ground level. If you do have to sedate a pet follow the veterinarian's directions EXACTLY. It could save your pet's life!

If you take a little time to prepare and think about the special risks holidays impose your pet should be safe. Just in case, make sure you know the number of the emergency veterinary hospitals in your are and can drive by it to be sure you can find it an emergency when you may not be thinking as clearly as on an ordinary day.

source: Michael Richards, DVM

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

From the ASPCA, we have a set of essential safety tips for ‘pet parents’ to keep furry family members safe and sound during the upcoming Halloween period:

• All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers in unusual garb can be scary and stressful for pets.


• When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that Max or Mittens doesn’t dart outside. Make sure all your pets are wearing current identification, just in case.


• No tricks or treats: Keep all Halloween candy out of your pet’s reach. Chocolate can be poisonous to animals, and tinfoil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.


• It’s not a bright idea to keep lit pumpkins around companion animals. Pets can knock them over, and curious kittens especially run the risk of being burned.


• Don’t leave your pet in the yard on Halloween. There have been reports of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen and even killed pets on this night.


• Although the ASPCA recommends that cats remain indoors at all times, it is especially important to keep your feline inside for several days before and after Halloween. Black cats in particular may be at risk from children’s pranks or other cruelty-related incidents. As a safety precaution, many shelters will not adopt out black cats around Halloween.


• Don’t dress up your dog or cat unless you know he or she loves it. If you decide to do so, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe, and doesn’t restrict her movement, vision, hearing or ability to breathe or bark. Avoid costumes with small or dangling accessories that she could chew off and possibly choke on. Make sure an adult supervises pets in costume at all times.

Adorable Cuteness!

Pretty cute, huh?

Found at Way Cool Pictures

Current Prices

Full Trim

Includes: nails trimmed, ears cleaned and plucked, anal glands, hand scissoring when appropriate, bows and/or bandanna.

• TOYS (10 " or less) $32 - $46
• MINIATURES (10" to 17") $34 - $51
• MID SIZE (17" to 22") $36 - $61
• LARGE (45lbs and up) $51 and up

Basics:

Includes: nails trimmed, ears cleaned and plucked, anal glands, light clipping on face and feet when appropriate, bows and/or bandanna.

• TOYS (10" or less) $26 and up
• MINIATURES (10" to 17") $29 and up
• MID SIZE (17" to 22") $31 and up
• LARGE (45lb and over) $36 and up

Bath/Brush

Includes: nails, ears, and anal glands only.

• TOYS (10" or less) $22 and up
• MINIATURES (10" to 17") $24 and up
• MID SIZE (17" to 22") $26 and up
• LARGE (45lb and over) $31 and up

Other Services:

• HAND STRIPPING $100 and up
• DE-MATTING (if possible) $26 per hour
  We do not do extensive de-matting.
• NAIL TRIMS $10
• FLEA TREATMENTS (Organic Flea Bath with Ovitrol Flea Spray)
  $9 + groom
  (Flea treatments are available with grooming only.)

Cats:
(all trims for cats require sedation)

• BATH/BRUSH
  $28 - $38
• SHAVES AND TRIMS
  $38 and up

Dog For Sale

• Free to good home.
• Excellent guard dog.
• Owner cannot afford to feed him anymore, as there are no more thieves, murderers or molesters left in the neighborhood for him to eat.
• Most of them knew him as 'Holy Shit.'

Found at: More Cool Pictures

Puppyland!

I can't decide if this is cute or scary!
What do you think!

Found at: Way Cool Pictures

Spotlight on Bichons

A cheerful, happy dog, the Bichon Frise is small and sturdy with a dark-eyed inquisitive expression and a plumed tail it carries merrily over the back. The breed is often compared to a cotton ball due to its curled double coat, which consists of a textured outer coat and a silky undercoat. The coat must be white, but may have shadings of buff, cream or apricot around the ears or on the body.

General Appearance
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog whose merry temperament is evidenced by his plumed tail carried jauntily over the back and his dark-eyed inquisitive expression.

A Look Back
The Bichon Frise appeared in the 13th century as a descendent from the Water Spaniel. Because of their merry disposition, they traveled much and were often used as items of barter by sailors as they moved from continent to continent. The dogs found early success in Spain and it is generally felt that Spanish seamen introduced the breed to the Canary Island of Teneriffe. In the 1300s Italian sailors rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning them to the Continent, where they became great favorites of Italian nobility. Often, as was the style of the day with dogs in the courts, they were cut "lion style."

The "Teneriffe" or "Bichon" had success in France during the Renaissance under Francis I (1515-47) but its popularity skyrocketed in the court of Henry III (1574-89). The breed also enjoyed considerable success in Spain as a favorite of the Infantas, and painters of the Spanish school often included them in their works. For example, the famous artist, Goya, included a Bichon in several of his works.

Interest in the breed was renewed during the rule of Napoleon III, but then waned until the late 1800s when it became the "common dog", running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind and doing tricks in circuses and fairs. Although the breed’s colorful past includes use as a circus dog, today the Bichon is enjoyed primarily as a companion animal.

On March 5, 1933 the official standard of the breed was adopted by the Societe Centrale Canine of France. As the breed was known by two names at that time, "Teneriffe" and "Bichon", the president of the International Canine Federation proposed a name based on the characteristics that the dogs presented - the Bichon Frise. ("Frise" refers to the dog's soft, curly hair.) On October 18, 1934 the Bichon Frise was admitted to the stud book of the French Kennel Club.

Right Breed for You?
The Bichon is a naturally gentle, playful dog. He loves activity and requires regular exercise. His hair grows continually and does not shed, so extensive grooming is a must to prevent mats. Bichons also tend to be a good breed for allergy sufferers.

Temperament
Gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate. A cheerful attitude is the hallmark of the breed and one should settle for nothing less.

If you are considering purchasing a Bichon Frise puppy, learn more here.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Food Drive for Furry Kids

Furry Kids is running low on dog food supplies, would you be willing to donate a bag of dog food?

CAN YOU HELP?
They'll be holding a food drive on Saturday, June 19th at the Lee's Summit Petco located in the Summit Woods Shopping Center. When you're out and about enjoying the weather or doing some shopping for your pets, please consider dropping by with a bag of food! Good quality food with meat being listed as the first ingredient is preferred. Many of our animals have been malnourished prior to joining Furry Kids so good nutrition is essential in getting them healthy. If you're able to come out and donate a bag of food, our Furry Kids would be so incredibly grateful! :)

If you'd like to donate monetarily for the food drive, just click the 'donate' button on their website (the button is in the right hand corner) and specify that you'd like your donation to go towards food. Donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible!

We're Helping With The Gulf Oil Spill Clean-Up!

We have signed up with Matter of Trust to send pet hair to help with the oil spill on the gulf. Here's why:

Hair is THE most efficient material for absorbing oil -- that's why we have to wash it so often! Mats of human (and pet) hair, which naturally acts as a sponge to absorb oil from air and water are being used with oil spills, plant nurseries and more. We've got a video:



In a recent Calfornia oil spill, the hair mats were used to soakup the oil, and then volunteers added mushrooms, which absorb the oil over a 12-week period to turn the hair mats into nontoxic compost. Here's another video:



Here's what they have to say about it on their website:

Matter Of Trust is providing a safe, non-toxic, effective way to participate in the Gulf Spill clean up. Donors from every state in the US, from Canada and beyond are sending in hair, fur and wool clippings as well as nylons and funding for outer mesh. This is used to make Booms that can protect beaches and white sands.

Boom B Q's (boom making parties) are cropping up all over the Gulf and now in other states as well. The booms will be stored in donated temporary warehouse spaces all up and down the Gulf Coast. IF BP and UNIFIED COMMAND need more boom, the Gulf Coast residents, and the donors from all over, will have provided an unprecidented support, supply of materials and volunteer hours, for their assistance!

Matter of Trust does not condone untrained residents touching the oil! Leave that to the protected HazMat professionals. What we are all orchestrating is a NATIONAL FIBER RECYLING SYSTEM. Hair and Fur are more effective than deployed fiberglass and petroleum fiber based boom materials. The hope is that the industry engineers will take this up and run with it!

We do not believe that it makes sense to drill oil to make products that clean up oil spills, when we are throwing away hundreds of thousands of pounds of natural, renewable fiber each day that is far more effective and could easily be recycled and used for this purpose.

They also have a facebook page - check it out! Matter of Trust on Facebook

Talking Dogs

I found this funny video on YouTube and thought it might be something fun for our Heavenly Pets readers!

Keeping Ticks Off Your Pet

The best way to keep ticks off your pet is to regularly inspect your pet whenever he or she comes in from outdoors, and remove any ticks you might find. You might also want to take a look at our post on keeping ticks out of your yard. In addition, there are a number of products on the market that can be used to discourage and repel these pesky critters, and here's the scoop on that:

If your pet goes outside regularly, you can use some type of residual insecticide. Frontline (fipronil) is a liquid applied to the skin between a dog’s shoulders that discourages ticks from staying or implanting. Revolution (selamectin) is labeled for one kind of tick. A permethrin spray can be used on dogs (but not in cats, for whom it can be fatal) as a tick repellent and killer.

If you use a liquid spray treatment, cats and skittish dogs typically prefer a pump bottle because of the noise from aerosol cans. Avoid topical powders if your pet has a respiratory condition. Powders are fairly easy to apply, but they can make a real mess, and they often contain permethrin. Shampoos are useful only for ticks that are already on your pet.

An amitraz collar, such as PreventicÒ, has some efectiveness against ticks. Like Frontline, amitraz cannot keep all ticks off your pet, but it discourages ticks from implanting or staying on. The collar might be somewhat more water resistant than a residual insecticide, so if your dog likes to swim, the collar might be a better choice.

Flea combs can be used to help remove ticks. Wash your pet’s bed frequently.

Some people use a topical spray, but don’t realize they should not use more than one insecticide or repellent. Doubling the amount of anti-tick product, or using two at once, may cause toxicity problems. DEET, found in many over-the-counter insecticides, is toxic to pets. Any spray insecticide labeled for use on clothing should not be sprayed directly on pets.

Finding And Removing Ticks

The best way to find ticks on your pet is to run your hands over the whole body. Check for ticks every time your pet comes back from an area you know is inhabited by ticks. Ticks attach most frequently around the pet's head, ears, neck, and feet, but are by no means restricted to those areas.



If you find an embedded tick, do not simply grab its body and pull, as the tick's barbed hypostome (feeding tube) may break off and remain in the bite. Applying chemicals or flame to the tick is not a good idea because, while it may make the tick let go, it can also cause the tick to spit blood back into the wound, possibly sending disease germs into the bloodstream in the process.

The best way to remove a tick is to use rubbing alcohol and a pair of hemostats or sharp tweezers. Dab rubbing alcohol on the tick, and then use the hemostats or tweezers to take hold of the tick as close to the dog’s skin as you can; pull slowly and steadily. Try to grab it where its mouth-parts enter the skin and pull gently without letting go. It will eventually releases its hold by withdrawing its barbed mouth-part from the skin.

Try not to leave the tick’s head embedded in the dog’s skin. Do not apply hot matches, petroleum jelly, turpentine, nail polish, or just rubbing alcohol alone (the tick must be pulled out after application of alcohol) because these methods do not remove the ticks and they are not safe for your pet.

Once you have removed a tick, do not try to crush it - unengorged ticks are flat and very hard to crush, while engorged ticks will burst and release blood. Instead, you should flush the tick down a drain or seal it in a jar. (It can be useful to keep the tick to show to a doctor in case you or your pet gets sick from the bite.) Some people kill and preserve ticks by dropping them into bottles of rubbing alcohol; if you do this, do not use the alcohol in that bottle for anything else.

After you pull a tick off, there will be a local area of inflammation that could look red, crusty, or scabby. The tick’s attachment causes irritation. The site can get infected; if the pet is scratching at it, it is more apt to get infected. A mild antibiotic, such as over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment can help, but usually is not necessary. The inflammation should go down within a week. If it stays crusty and inflamed longer than a week, it might have become infected.

Although ticks can transmit diseases, they are usually nothing more than a nuisance. The best approach is to prevent them from embedding, and once embedded, to remove them quickly. As long as you stay on top of the situation, your pets should cruise right through the tick season with no problems.

sources: Veterinary Partner and Regional Pest Management

Keeping Ticks Out of Your Yard

Deer ticks are most abundant in the woods where hosts for the tick flourish and ticks find high humidity levels necessary for survival. On lawns, most deer ticks (82%) have been recovered within 9 feet of the lawn edge, especially areas adjacent to woods, stonewalls, or ornamental plantings. Fewer ticks are found in the sunny, manicured areas of the lawn. Ticks may also be found in groundcovers such as Pachysandra.

Create a tick safe zone by altering the landscape to increase sunlight, reduce tick habitat and discourage rodent hosts. Create a clearly defined, manicured border. A dry wood chip, tree bark, mulch, or gravel barrier between woods and lawn can reduce tick migration into the lawn. The removal of leaf litter at the lawn perimeter also can help reduce the number of I. scapularis nymphs on the lawn. Landscape modifications include:

• Keep grass mowed.
• Prune trees, mow the lawn, and clear leaf litter and brush, especially along edges of the lawn, stonewalls, and driveways.
• Move play sets away from the woodland edge.
• Restrict groundcover in areas frequented by family.
• Adopt some landscaping practices such as gravel pathways, mulches, decking, stone, tile, and other hardscapes around the home.
• Wildflower meadows, herbal gardens, etc. have very few ticks and may be an acceptable alternative to grass in some areas.

Treating the yard and outdoor kennel area, if any, is an important tool in the arsenal against ticks. There are products containing fenvalerate, that can be used to spray the outdoor area. According to the CDC, Fenvalerate is not harmful to the environment, it is however, toxic to animals, pets, and people, so please use common sense.

The Life Cycle of a Tick

Most types of ticks require three hosts during a two or three year lifespan. Each tick stage requires a blood meal before it can reach the next stage. Hard ticks have four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Larvae and nymphs must feed before they detach and molt. Adult female ticks can engorge, increasing their weight by more than 100 fold. After detaching, an adult female tick can lay approximately 3,000 eggs.

Adult females drop off the host to lay eggs after feeding, usually in the fall. During the egg-laying stage, ticks lay eggs in secluded areas with dense vegetation. The eggs hatch within two weeks. Some species of ticks lay 100 eggs at a time, others lay 3,000 to 6,000 per batch.

Eggs hatch into six-legged larvae and overwinter in this larval stage. When spring comes, the larvae move into grass and search for their first blood meal. They attach themselves to their first host, usually a bird or rodent. Later in the summer, engorged larvae fall onto the ground and molt into nymphs, usually in the fall.

Nymphs (which are generally the size of a freckle) remain inactive during winter and start moving again in spring. During the following spring, the nymphs seek out and attach to the second host, usually a rodent, pet, or human.

The nymphs feed on the second host and after this blood meal, fall off the host and molt into adults - off the host - in the late summer or fall. Throughout the autumn, the male and female adults try to find a host, which is again usually a rodent, pet, or human. If adults cannot find a host animal in the fall, they can survive in leaf litter until the spring.

The next spring, adults seek out and attach to a third host, which is usually a larger herbivore, carnivore, or human. The adults feed and mate on the third host during the summer.

The adult female feeds for 8 to 12 days. The female mates while still attached to her host, then both ticks fall off, and the males die. The female remains inactive through the winter and in the spring lays her eggs in a secluded place.

Females may reattach and feed multiple times. The three hosts do not necessarily have to be different species, or even different individuals. Also, humans may serve as first, second or third hosts.

source: Parasites and Health at the Center for Disease Control

What Is A Tick?

Ticks are small parasitic arachnids that live by sucking the blood of mammals, birds, and other animals. Not only a major nuisance to humans and domestic animals, ticks are also responsible for transmitting many diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. Although there are hundreds of tick species, the major species of concern in the United States are the deer tick, the American dog tick, the brown dog tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, and the lone star tick.

The deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the blacklegged tick, lives in the eastern and middle U.S. and also has a close relative on the West Coast. It attacks many animals including humans, deer, and pets. Known for infecting humans with Lyme disease, the deer tick can also transmit human granulocytic ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.

The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is found east of the Rockies as well as on the West Coast. It prefers dogs but will also bite humans and other large mammals. It can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans. The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) lives throughout the U.S., and though it rarely bites humans, it is a highly annoying pest to dogs and other pets. It is not known to transmit disease to humans.

The Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) occurs in the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S. and southwestern Canada. It transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans and blood parasites to cattle and dogs. It also can inject dangerous toxins into the host as it feeds.

The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is found in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. It has a painful, itchy bite and can transmit ehrlichiosis, tick-borne typhus, and tularemia to humans.

Appearance and habits:

A tick has eight legs, a tiny head, and a flat, seed-shaped body that swells up like a balloon as it feeds. Ticks that are only a few millimeters long before they bite can grow up to half an inch when engorged with blood. Their appearance varies depending on species, sex, and life cycle stage, but they are generally dark-colored, sometimes with distinctive patterns.

In each stage of a tick's life cycle (larva, nymph, and adult) it searches for a host, using its ability to sense heat, light, and carbon dioxide. The tick often crawls to the top of weeds, grass, and other vegetation so that it can grab a passing host animal with its front legs. Once it has grabbed onto a host, it may bite any part of the body but usually prefers to crawl to the top of the host and bite the head, neck, or ears. The tick uses fanglike mouth parts called chelicerae to pierce the skin, and inserts a feeding tube called a hypostome. The hypostome is barbed, making it very hard to remove the tick by pulling. The tick drinks blood until it is full, then drops off the host to molt or lay eggs.

People typically acquire ticks in the spring and summer, while walking through tall grass, woods, and weedy areas. Many ticks can smell animals and are thus attracted to paths and trails where their potential hosts travel. They can also infest homes if carried indoors by pets.

A Horoscope For Your Dog?

Here's something fun for all of you astrology buffs! I found it at Dogscopes on Animal.Discovery.com.

Dogs have feelings too, and are perhaps more in tune with the natural forces than humans. So why shouldn't the potent influence of the celestial forces have just as much impact on their furry little lives? Most of the symbols of astrology are based on animals anyway. If you need proof, just watch your dog's behavior around the full moon. They often feel it even more than humans. Using the time-tested principles of astrology, we hope our dogscopes will bring you and your furry friend even closer together.

* Note: Is your dog's birthday a mystery? If you adopted your dog or just aren't sure which sign to use, try the month your beloved first woofed her way into your life.

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
This feisty firedog gives new literal meaning to the saying "crash and burn." Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Aries dog wants to be the first dog to do everything.
• The Aries dog is both macho and heroic.
• The Aries dog hates to be kept waiting.
• The Aries dog wants it his way and right away.
• The Aries dog has a lot of chutzpah.
• The Aries dog jumps in face first.
  Read more ...

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)
Your Taurus teddy bear likes to move in the slow lane, is a good listener and will never let you down. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• Taurus lives for the good life.
• Taurus is the supreme listener and will never get tired of listening to the same stories over and over again.
• Taurus is the guru of patience.
• Taurus knows that good food comes to those who wait.
• Taurus will never let you down.
• Taurus is the consummate couch potato.
• Taurus cannot be bullied into changing his position on things.
• Taurus loves steady routine.
• Taurus knows there is nothing worth rushing for.
• Taurus needs a slow tempo and a large dog bowl.
  Read more ...

Gemini (May 21 - Jun 21)
The Gemini pup is the Paris Hilton of the dog world -- the ultimate trendsetter, wants to be in the know and is eternally youthful. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Gemini dog wants to run around town with you.
• The Gemini dog needs to be in the know.
• The Gemini dog wants you to be their twin.
• The Gemini dog loves newspapers, magazines, and TV.
• The Gemini dog is eternally youthful.
• The Gemini dog likes to play games with you and trick you.
• The Gemini dog is the ultimate trendsetter of the zoo-diac.
  Read more ...

Cancer (Jun 22 - Jul 22)
There's no place like home for this sensitive pup and being "mommied" is what this cuddle bug needs most. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• Cancer dogs need to be cuddled.
• Cancer dogs need to be mommied.
• Cancer doggies say "home is where the heart is."
• Cancers dogs need home-cooked food.
• Cancer dogs need you to remember their birthday and your anniversary.
• Cancer dogs have memories like an elephant-they never forget.
• Cancer dogs are extremely sensitive to harsh words-so speak sweetly and softly.
• Cancer dogs don't always like other dogs unless they're equally as sensitive.
  Read more ...

Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22)
If anyone should be dripping with diamonds, it's your super-glam furry Goddess. Leo dogs live for the limelight and a 5-star lifestyle. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Leo dog needs an audience.
• The Leo dog lives for the limelight.
• The Leo dog loves affection, attention, praise and a big fan club.
• The Leo dog needs to live a 5-star lifestyle like the royalty she is.
• The Leo dog needs to be adored.
• The Leo dog needs to rule your world.
  Read more ...

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
A clean environment and a simple life is all that the Virgo dog needs to stay happy. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Virgo dog needs a clean dog dish.
• The Virgo dog wants the vitamin supplements.
• The Virgo dog loves a minimalist environment to keep his mind uncluttered.
• The Virgo dog wants a simple life.
• The Virgo dog loves order and routine.
• The Virgo dog likes things pristine.
• The Virgo dog worries when things get chaotic.
  Read more ...

Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
This partner-oriented pooch is the most optimisic of all the signs -- everything is beautiful, peaceful and balanced. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Libra dog loves to have an equal partner to do everything with.
• The Libra dog has an innate sense of fair play.
• The Libra dog loves all things beautiful.
• The Libra dog needs the scales to be perfectly balanced.
• The Libra dog needs social events with beautiful pooches and people.
• The Libra dog needs peace at any price. The Libra dog is all sweetness and light.
• The Libra dog needs attention.
• The Libra dog needs to please others.
• The Libra dog needs charm.
  Read more ...

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
This dog is intense! Scorpio pups like high intensity, loyalty and can see right through your every motive. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Scorpio dog demands loyalty.
• The Scorpio dog is all or nothing.
• The Scorpio dog sees right through your every motive.
• The Scorpio dog wants all the dirt.
• The Scorpio dog needs you to go to hell and back to prove your love.
• The Scorpio dog needs lots of reassurance that you're eternally devoted.
• The Scorpio dog needs the intensity level turned up.
  Read more ...

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Fun-loving, goofy, clumsy and adventurous are just a few of the terms used to describe this free-spirit! Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Sagittarius dog needs the open air convertible rides.
• The Sagittarius dog needs constant excitement and greener pastures.
• The Sagittarius dog needs to bark it like it is.
• The Sagittarius dog needs positivity and joy.
• The Sagittarius dog needs the carnival and the parades.
• The Sagittarius dog needs rainbows to chase and dreams to dream.
• The Sagittarius dog needs to travel long distances.
• The Sagittarius dog needs freedom.
• The Sagittarius dog loves to explore, know and understand.
  Read more ...

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
What some consider the Donald Trump of the canine world, this dog needs your respect, to be in control, to feel accomplished and a fat bank account. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Capricorn dog needs to feel very accomplished.
• The Capricorn dog needs to feel in control.
• The Capricorn dog needs a sense of status.
• The Capricorn dog needs a fat bank account.
• The Capricorn dog needs security and simplicity.
• The Capricorn dog needs to feel like the head honcho.
• The Capricorn dog needs respect.
  Read more ...

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
This dog will definitely shake up your life with an eccentric, erratic and high-strung personality. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Aquarius dog needs to shake up the status quo.
• The Aquarius dog wants a wild troupe of doggie and people friends.
• The Aquarius dog needs dreams and goals to chase.
• The Aquarius dog likes to experiment and come up with new crazy inventions.
• The Aquarius dog likes to shock your socks off.
• The Aquarius dog wants freedom at all cost.
• The Aquarius dog loves surprises.
  Read more ...

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
The dreamer of the zodiacs, this pooch often lives in fantasy land, thriving on chaos and living in a very imaginative world. Here's a Personality Snapshot:

• The Pisces dog loves to escape reality.
• The Pisces dog could sleep for 3 days straight.
• The Pisces dog lives in their own fairy tale world.
• The Pisces dog thrives in chaos.
• The Pisces dog is here to give unconditional love and compassion.
• The Pisces dog is a psychic sponge and will absorb all the energy in the home.
• The Pisces dog takes on all of your mannerisms.
• The Pisces dog empathizes with everyone.
• The Pisces dog wants to merge with everyone and everything. All is one.
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Want to know more? You can also visit Doggie's Paradise for a free horoscope reading based on the age, sex, and birth sign of your pet.

Help Wanted

We are currently accepting applications for a dependable groomer here at Heavenly Pets. The right candidate will have 3 years professional grooming experience.

Experience in all breeds and hand scissoring are a must. Creative grooming a plus. Quality over quantity is stressed. You must have your own equipment. Naturally, we require that you be reliable, and enjoy working with animals.

Do not respond to this ad via the web. If you have questions, give us a call at 816-358-7387, or simply stop by the shop and fill out an application. We want to hear from you in person.

How To Groom A Rabbit

Here at Heavenly Pets, we do not groom rabbits. However, it's Easter, and we thought it might be informative and interesting to post this video about grooming rabbits so that if you have a rabbit of your own that needs grooming, you'll know how to do it.

One Last Thought About Shedding

All animals shed, even us humans. Of course different animals shed differently. Some short haired dogs can shed an amazing amount of hair, especially if they are "double coated" breeds with an undercoat. Some dogs, such as poodles, hardly seem to shed at all when properly groomed. Twice a year or so, most animals go through their seasonal shedding, and then the problems can get worse for a while. This is also known, among dogs, as "blowing the coat".

All shedding problems can be helped by regular grooming. If you think your animal is shedding excessively, take him or her to the vet. It can be a symptom of some underlying health problem, such as a thyroid imbalance.

All About Dog Hair

The fur, or hair, of all mammals is made up of the protein keratin and dead skin cells. It grows from follicles in the dermis, or inner layer of the skin. The follicles of humans have one hair each. The follicles of dogs, which depend on their fur to regulate their body temperatures, sometimes have several hairs growing out of one follicle.

Most hair follicles have an associated oil gland that works to keep the skin pliable and the hair smooth. Dog breeds that were developed to retrieve game from water have very active oil glands, a factor that helps to waterproof their fur and skin.

Most dogs have three types of fur: Undercoat, guard hair and whiskers. The undercoat lies closest to the dog's skin and grows in clusters from a single follicle. The undercoat has a soft, downy appearance and works to protect the skin from cold weather.

The guard hairs are harder in texture, thicker in diameter and longer than the downy undercoat. Considered the dog's primary coat, the guard hairs protect the skin from superficial injuries and form an additional layer of insulation to protect the dog from cold weather.

Dogs, such as the Collie, with both an outer primary coat and the inner undercoat, are said to have a double coat. Dogs with a coat that is made up mostly of the primary coat, with little or no undercoat are said to have a silky coat. Some breeds, such as the Pumi, have a coat made up of dense undercoat only. The guard hair of the wire-haired breeds is characterized by a crisp, hard texture. The corded coat of the Komondor and Puli looks as though each strand was twisted into individual mop-like strings. The Curly Coated Retriever has a coat characterized by tight, soft curls and Poodles have dense, harsh textured coats that will grow continuously if never trimmed.

The whiskers grow from deeply-rooted follicles on the muzzle and eyelids. These thick hairs function as sensory structures for the dog. When something brushes against these "feelers," the dog will automatically react by either closing his eyes or pulling away.

The color of a dog's fur comes from the cells in the skin that produce melanin. The shade of color depends on the dog's genetic make-up. Some breeds carry genes for a solid color (Samoyed, Maltese). Other breeds carry genes for multiple shades of a certain color (Weimaraner, Yellow Labrador). Some breeds carry the genetic code for a multi-color pattern (Doberman, Tricolor Collie). Other breeds can come in a wide variety of pattern and colors (Cocker Spaniel, Greyhound).

The color of a dog's fur can be black, liver (brown), red, yellow, white or combinations thereof. Dogs with dilution color factors in their genes will be a paler version of these basic colors. Even though breeders have come up with a wide range of descriptive terms for these primary colors and dilutions of these colors, all are actually just variations of these five primary colors.

Genes also determine the color patterns of a dog's coat. Coat patterns include spotted, masked, patched, striped (brindle), dappled, merle and agouti (where each individual hair shaft has several alternating bands of color).

Some coat colors and patterns are associated with genetically linked health problems. Collies, Great Danes, Dachshunds and Shetland Sheepdogs that have a merle pattern may also be deaf or have severe vision problems. The white coats of Boxers and Dalmatians are linked to deafness.

A dog's fur grows in seasonal cycles. When it reaches a genetically determined length, it stops growing and falls out -- a process known as shedding. Shedding is determined by the duration of daily sunlight as well as environmental temperature. (Some breeds, particularly terriers, shed very little and can be tolerated by some people with allergies.)

As days become longer and temperatures warmer, dogs shed their undercoat, allowing them to stay cooler in warm weather (vital for an animal whose only sweat glands are in his foot pads). As days grow shorter and temperatures cooler, the light summer undercoat is shed to make room for the thick winter undercoat. The dog's winter coat traps air warmed by the dog's body and keeps it next to the skin. Muscles in the dog's skin can fluff up the coat, creating even more insulation. Shedding can also occur after a dog has been given anesthesia or in females after they have given birth to a litter of puppies or come out of heat.

Regardless of the color, pattern or texture of a coat, it is an excellent barometer of your dog's overall general health. A dry, lifeless coat and itchy, irritated skin can indicate fleas, internal parasites, a thyroid problem, and hormone imbalance or poor nutrition. If your dog's coat is in poor condition, consult with your veterinarian.

Check Out The Dog Articles at Dog.com!

A Quick Lesson On Dog Hair

Every hair in the dog coat grows from a hair follicle, which has a cycle of growing, then dying and being replaced by another follicle. When the follicle dies, the hair is shed (moults). The length of time of the growing and shedding cycle varies by breed, age, and by whether the dog is an inside or outside dog.

Many dogs shed their undercoat each spring and regrow it again as colder weather comes in; this is also referred to as blowing the coat. Many domesticated breeds shed their coat twice a year. In some climates, the topcoat and undercoat might shed continuously in greater and smaller quantities all year.

Coat textures vary tremendously. Densely furred breeds such as most sled dogs and Spitz types can have up to 600 hairs per inch, while fine-haired breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier can have as few as 100, and the "hairless" breeds such as the Mexican Hairless and the Peruvian Inca Orchid have none on parts of their bodies.

Texture, like colour and pattern, might be called by different terms for different breeds, even when referring to the same quality of coat. Some terms used to describe dog coat texture are smooth, rough, curly, straight, broken, and silky.

The texture of the coat often depends on the distribution and the length of the two parts of a dog's coat, its thick, warm undercoat (or down) and its rougher, somewhat weather-resistant outer coat (topcoat, also referred to as guard hairs). Breeds with soft coats often have more or longer undercoat hairs than guard hairs; rough-textured coats often have more or longer guard hairs.

What follows is a short description of the various coats and what they mean:

Double Coated:
Means having both a soft undercoat and a coarser topcoat. Some breeds with this type are Poms, Huskys, Samoyeds, Collies, Shelties and Akitas. The undercoat of a double coated breed can become very matted very easily. These are the heaviest shedders.

Undercoat:
The undercoat lies closest to the dog's skin and grows in clusters from a single follicle. The undercoat has a soft, downy appearance and works to protect the skin from cold weather.

Outercoat:
This is composed of long, stiff guard hairs that protect the undercoat.

Single-coated:
Lacking an undercoat. Single coated dogs include poodle, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier,
Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier, Kerry Blue Terriers, Portuguese Water Dog. Many of these dogs do not shed much if at all.

Smooth-coated:
Smooth to the eye and touch. This would refer to dogs such as beagles, labrador retrievers, greyhounds, etc. Smooth coated dogs often shed quite a lot.

Long-haired:
A "long haired" dog typically has hair longer than an inch or so.

Short-haired:
Dogs referred to as short-haired have hair around an inch long or shorter.

Wire-haired:
Also called broken-coated. The harsh outer guard hairs are prominent, providing excellent weather protection for hunting dogs such as the Border Terrier or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Shedding is minimal for most wire-haired dogs.

All About the Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier sports a beautiful red coat, an alert expression and trim outline with piercing eyes that reflect a rare intelligence. He is a gallant picture of authentic terrier type and character. The breed is good tempered, spirited and game. The breed’s coat is short and wiry in texture.

A Look Back:

His origin has been much debated, but there is indisputable evidence that he is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds. Early Irish Terriers came in a variety of colors, including black and tan, gray, and brindle. It was only near the end of the 19th century that the solid red color become a fixture of the breed. In World War I the Irish Terrier was used as a messenger and sentinel.

Temperament:
The temperament of the Irish Terrier reflects his early background: he was family pet, guard dog, and hunter. He is good tempered, spirited and game. It is of the utmost importance that the Irish Terrier show fire and animation. There is a heedless, reckless pluck about the Irish Terrier which is characteristic, and which, coupled with the headlong dash, blind to all consequences, with which he rushes at his adversary, has earned for the breed the proud epithet of "Daredevil."

He is of good temper, most affectionate, and absolutely loyal to mankind. Tender and forebearing with those he loves, this rugged, stout-hearted terrier will guard his master, his mistress and children with utter contempt for danger or hurt. His life is one continuous and eager offering of loyal and faithful companionship and devotion. He is ever on guard, and stands between his home and all that threatens.

Right Breed for You?

The Irish Terrier is a smart, quick dog that quickly adapts to new situations. He’ll guard his home and family members with determination and pluck. This breed is great with children when raised with them and is deeply loyal to his owner. Pups require firm boundaries so they will grow into respectful adults.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Happy St Paddy's Day!

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.

~an old Irish Blessing

Cabin Fever

Not all dogs get out and enjoy wintery weather like this guy! So, we thought it might be good to post the following article about cabin fever:

Going inside - and staying there - provides physical protection from the elements, but also opens the door to a mental hazard: boredom. A bored dog can wreak considerable havoc on his household in the form of excessive barking, hyperactivity, and destructiveness. Worse still, if the dog's efforts to relieve his boredom prompt him to partake of poisonous plants or other toxic substances, he'll need immediate veterinary attention, and you are likely to face a significant bill.

To prevent such occurrences, be sure to dog-proof your home; in other words, put any toxic, hazardous, or other forbidden items beyond your dog's reach. Then, find ways to provide your dog with plenty of indoor physical and mental exercise. Here are some activities that you and your dog can do together indoors to help the two of you stay sane:

Fetch:
A rousing game of fetch - particularly if it requires your dog to go up and down some stairs a few times - can give him a good physical work out.

Tug-of-war:
As long as you are not having aggression problems with your dog, a good tug session can siphon off considerable excess cannine energy. Rules of the game: The person needs to start the game, the person needs to end the game, and most of the time the person needs to win the gam.

Hide the toy:
To give your dog a mental workout, try hiding a toy or treat and then directing him to find it. Hold the item for him to see, then place him in another room so he can't see where you hide the object. Once you've hidden the toy, allow him to come out and look for it. When teaching this game, put the toy or treat in plain sight, gradually increase the difficulty until your dog understands how to look for it.

source: The Family Dog

About Scotties

The Scottish Terrier, often called the "Scottie," is best recognized for its distinctive profile and hard, wiry, weather-resistant outer coat in a black, brindle or wheaten color. Its beard, eyebrows, legs and lower body furnishings are traditionally shaggy. Like many breeds in the Terrier Group, Scotties are small yet strong and known as fast, alert and playful dogs. The Scottish Terrier is the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House three times, with Presidents Roosevelt and George W. Bush.

A Look Back
Naturally a "digger" at heart, the Scottie was originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms. King James VI, known to adore the breed, is said to be responsible for the rise in popularity in Scotland during his reign. Scotties were introduced to America in the 1890’s and continue to remain a common fixture in American households.

Right Breed for You?
Scotties thrive as house pets and are gentle, loving members of their families. Their spirited natures require obedience training, and they need regular exercise (on leash, as the chase instinct is strong). The Scottie coat requires regular brushing and clipping to maintain the characteristic breed outline.

Love Story

Isn't this sweet?
I do not know the story behind these pictures, but the love is evident.

Found at: Way Cool Pictures