MacTavish Scotties

Helping a Child to Be a Pet Parent

2011-12-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

Even the most fervent yearning for a dog or cat won’t make a child a good pet parent. It’s up to you to prepare your children for the responsibility of having a pet. A young child will not have
the ability to train a pet. That will fall to you, so if this is your first dog, or you’ve never had a cat before, make sure you read up on the best way to establish and maintain a good relationship with your pet. This is also a good time to shape your child’s expectations, and impress upon him or her that a pet is a long-term commitment. Once that cute kitten or puppy matures, or the novelty wears off, some children may lose interest.

An older child may be expected to assume some responsibility for walking the dog or feeding the cat, but this should still be supervised by you. Children, including teenagers, sometimes get distracted or forgetful, and may not realize how their unintentional neglect can affect a pet who needs attention.

What Every Pet Parent Should Know about Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones—human and animal alike. So it makes sense that we’re tempted to fix Fido a plate of all the scrumptious holiday food we’re eating, right? But wait! Put down the serving spoon. Are you sure that’s safe for your pet? Here’s what you need to know.

Ten Thanksgiving dangers. Some foods are totally off-limits to our furry pals (and there’s a full list of them at ASPCA.org). Ten of them are especially common around the holidays. Just say no to:

•	sage
•	chocolate
•	candy with xylitol
•	bread dough
•	batter with raw eggs
•	onions and garlic
•	macadamia nuts
•	raisins and grapes
•	rich or spicy foods
•	alcohol

Let’s talk turkey. Good news for Fido! ASPCA experts say a little bite of plain turkey is usually safe for pets. If you decide to share, remember: Only boneless, well-cooked turkey is OK. Giving your pet undercooked or bone-in turkey, fat or gristle, or cooked bones for chewing is not OK.

FDA to Test Pet Food for Salmonella

2011-11-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

According to an October 4 bulletin posted by the FDA, the Thumb Oilseed Producer’s Cooperative of Ubly, Michigan is recalling some of its packaged soy flour and bulk soy meal because of contamination with Salmonella bacteria.
Unfortunately, the affected products are used in the manufacture of both human and animal foods.

As of this writing (October 7), there have been no pet food recalls actually announced.
This good news is most likely explained by the natural tendency for Salmonella bacteria as well as its associated toxins to be readily destroyed by the heat used to produce most dog foods.
However, since the recall notice specifically states the affected soy products are used to make both human and animal foods and because so many pet foods contain soy, we believe it’s important for dog and cat owners to monitor the developing situation closely.
In the meantime, check your dog food’s ingredient list for the words “soy flour” or “soy meal”. If you don’t see one of these two phrases, it’s highly unlikely you have any cause for concern.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/11/02/fda-to-test-pet-food-for-salmonella/

Small Number Of Milk-Bone Dog Biscuits 10lb Box Voluntarily Pulled

2011-10-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

10/6/2011 - Safety News - Small Number Of Milk-Bone Dog Biscuits 10lb Box
Voluntarily Pulled

Del Monte Pet has voluntarily pulled 88 boxes of Milk Bone Dog Biscuit 10lb. Code #90967 Milk Bone Dog Biscuits 10 lb (UPC 24000-92502) with lot code 12071k only. The product could contain mold as a result of temperatures being too low during the drying process. Milk Bone has contacted the one distributor that receive the affected product and believe this issue is resolved. However, if you have a 10lb. box of Milk Bone biscuits with Code #90967, do not feed it to your pet and return it to the store you purchased it at for a refund.

What to Look for in a Grooming Salon

2011-10-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

Grooming plays an important role in keeping your pet clean and healthy. We know it can be challenging to maintain you dog’s groom on your own, so how do you choose the best grooming salon for your pet? Here’s a guide to the ins and outs of finding a grooming salon.

Step 1 – Ask For Referrals

When searching for a suitable grooming salon, referrals are key. Consult with fellow Pet Parents; they may be able to recommend salons based on experience. You can also check with the National Dog Groomers Association for information on certified groomers.

Step 2 – Take a Tour

Once you’ve nailed down a few perspective salons, set up a to get a firsthand look at the operation. Check for proper lighting as well as the cleanliness of the floors and grooming tables. Ask to speak to the salon manager for information on licensing and health policies. Some states require salons to be licensed and enforce strict guidelines on rabies vaccinations for all dogs. Asking about the equipment and tools used is a great way to learn more about the groomers’ expertise and style.

Step 3 – Have Patience

Spending time observing groomer’s interactions with other dogs is imperative. You want to make sure your pet is handled with the best care possible. Also, ask what the salon’s protocol is for handling aggressive and fearful dogs. Some salons may not accept hostile dogs and may suggest they undergo training before they considering taking them on as a client.

Is Health Insurance the Best Policy for Your Pet?

2011-09-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Your pet is a member of the family. When he or she isn’t feeling well, you want to do whatever you can to help — and these days, there’s a lot of help available. Many advances in human medicine also work for pets. Vets can now use MRIs, ultrasound, laser surgery, endoscopy and other techniques to diagnose and treat cats and dogs.
While being able to extend your pet’s life is priceless, sophisticated medical procedures don’t come cheap. Not only are the diagnostics themselves expensive, but they uncover problems that couldn’t previously be detected. Treating these conditions can cost thousands of dollars.

Start Early

The older your pet, the higher your premiums are likely to be. In fact, you may not be able to obtain coverage for an older pet at all. Many policies won’t generate a policy for a pet older than nine. Of course, the younger you start, the longer you’ll pay premiums. This can cost you thousands of dollars by the end of your pet’s life.

AVERAGE COSTS OF MEDICAL TREATMENTS

Dogs
Hip replacement - $2400
Liver cancer - $8500

Dogs & Cats
Tooth extraction - $900
Abscess - $450
Malignant skin tumor - $1500
Bladder stone - $1000

Every pet is different. So is every plan.
Insurance companies and plans vary considerably. Your best bet is to research and compare online. Only by taking your specific information into account can you make the decision that’s best for you.

Tertius and Pliny

2011-08-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Frankel's first picture book introduces Tertius, a stuffed Scottish terrier, and Pliny, a toy monkey with one glass eye, who for years have sat on the shelf in ``the small cubbyhole that served as Mrs. Kay's shop.'' Though Pliny is content to stay in the dark store and swing by his tail among ``the things that people call antiques,'' Tertius longs to escape to the outside world. He gets his chance when the uncle of two siblings, Bruno and Rebecca, agree to buy them the stuffed dog. Tertius makes friends with a wooden toy in his new home, ``a daredevil red airplane named Baron Hendrik von Krug,'' who agrees to fly him to Mrs. Kay's shop to rescue Pliny from the shelf. Though Frankel infuses his well-intentioned narrative with a certain Milne-like drollery--and the adventurous flight adds considerable zip--youngsters may find the overall effect wordy and slow-moving. They'll doubtless delight, however, in Clark's ( Listen to This ; The Queen's Goat ) richly hued, waggish renditions of these winsome toys and the wide-eyed children who befriend them. Ages 4-8.

Poochie Pupsicles

2011-08-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Sweet and savoury pupsicles

Beat the heat. Whip up these quick frozen treats for your dog and his canine pals with food you have on hand. All you need is 5 minutes, a few ingredients, and a freezer.

BASIC RECIPE
1 ripe banana
4 cups orange juice
1/2 cup plain yogurt
Puree all ingredients in a blender—or simply mash the banana by hand and combine with the juice and yogourt—then pour into a popsicle mold, freeze, and serve to your favourite hot dogs.

VARIATIONS
Switch up your fruit. Try subbing in:

Blueberries, Strawberries, Peach, Watermelon, Or mix in some peanut butter.

You can also vary the juice you use. Try pineapple juice or apple juice; just check to be sure the juice you use is all-natural and has no added sugar.

Modern Dog pup-approved combinations include:
* watermelon, strawberry, pinapple juice, and yogurt
* peanut butter, banana, apple juice, and yogurt

7 Ways Fish Oil for Dogs Can Boost Your Pet’s Health

2011-08-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Perhaps better known as omega 3’s, the essential fatty acids of ALA, DHA and EPA are required for your dog's cellular health. They also inhibit the development of prostaglandins. Left unchecked, prostaglandins can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
In short, fish oil is highly beneficial for dogs.
Here are 7 ways Lucy can benefit:

•Soothe dry, flaky skin
•Give your pet a shiny, healthy coat
•Reduce inflammation
•Heart health
•Vision
•Boost immune system
•Even healthy adrenal function

According to health guru Dr. Andrew Weil, veterinarians now recommend fish oil for dogs with allergies, kidney disease, arthritis and high cholesterol.
It’s a natural anti-inflammatory which is crucial for disease prevention. \
What’s the Right Fish Oil Dosage?

The right fish oil for dogs dosage is based on weight.

For example, if you used this fish oil, you’d give a larger dog (more than 20 lbs.) ¾ of a capsule each day for a 1500 mg dose.
For smaller dogs, you could puncture the capsule and squeeze some of the oil onto the food.
Of course, you should always check with your veterinarian whenever you add something new like a supplement and to get the right ratio for your pet.
Some dogs may require a higher dosage to reap the biggest benefits.
For example, dogs with allergies or other health concerns may need more omega 3’s for the greatest health benefits.

Pet Age Gauge - In Calculating Age, Size Matters

2011-03-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

A surprising number of pet parents don’t know when their pets become seniors. To convert your pet’s chronological age to the equivalent in human years, start with 15 human years when your pet is a year old. This is based on the age at which they achieve sexual maturity. When your pet turns two, add nine years, so that at age two, your pet is the human equivalent of 24 years old. After that, simply add four “human“ years for every pet year.

Winter Care for Canines

2011-02-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

General Concerns

Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:

Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.
Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.
Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.
Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat. Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate area of the foot.
Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.
Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean its paws, too. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.
Don't leave your dog alone in a car. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold.

Health Tips

Dogs cannot talk to us when they are sick. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season. Remember the following health concerns:

Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.
Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk.
Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
Frostbite is your dog's winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog outdoors for too long.
Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.
Don't use over-the-counter medications on your dog without consulting a veterinarian.

Finding the Right Rawhide Chew For Your Dog

2011-01-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

There are literally thousands of “rawhide” dog chews on the market, but they are anything but equal in terms of safety, quality, and price. We advise that you do your homework and take your time before buying chews for your dog.

Avoid buying chews like these, which were made out of shredded, pressed bits of rawhide bound together with who-knows-what material. Also, these contain artificial colors – a completely unnecessary ingredient in a dog chew.

These rawhide rolls are made with a small sheet of rawhide wrapped around a bunch of chunks and fragments of rawhide. When the outer sheet loosens with the dog’s chewing, the small chunks inside could pose a choking hazard, or even perforate the dog’s esophagus or intestines.

The rawhide roll on the left is an example of the kind of rolls we would not buy. The outer layer is nice and thick, but it is hiding all sorts of little scraps inside. The roll on the right, made by Wholesome Hide, displays all the traits we are looking for in a top-quality rawhide chew. It’s made in the United States from a single sheet of fresh, thick, natural rawhide from U.S.-raised cattle.

Quality is worth the expense
I’ve also never seen any other rawhide chews that are as expensive as these chews! Good quality rawhide rolls usually sell in stores for about $6-7 for a three-pack; a single roll of the largest size that Wholesome Hide sells for that much in some stores! (Prices are generally lower online and in bulk.)
However, the Wholesome Hide rolls last much longer than most rawhide chews; it lasts up to a week (chewing for an hour a day or so) to chew one down to the point that I take it away for safety reasons.

Doggy Paws in Winter

2011-01-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

Winter can be especially hard on a dog's paws. Unprotected from ice, snow, and slush, and bitter cold, their paws need special care in winter. By taking a little extra time to keep your dogs' paws well-groomed, you can minimize problems with cracked, sore pads, blisters and infections.

The products used to clear the ice and snow that accompany cold winter weather can be a real hazard for dogs. Rock salt and most chemical de-icers can irritate a dog's paws and turn a winter walk into a painful ordeal. Stay away from heavily salted areas as much as possible when walking your dog.

Inspect paws after walking in areas treated with salt and other de-icers. Check between toes and examine the foot pads for cracks in the skin. Look closely at any inflamed areas for splinters, embedded gravel, etc.
Snow, especially wet snow, clings to long haired dogs as they run and play in the snow. When snow or slush from melting ice and snow on sidewalks sticks to the hair beneath a dog's paws, lumps of ice, often mixed with rock salt and gravel, build up between their foot pads and toes. Walking hurts.

Always wash paws with warm water after outdoor play and winter walks. Even if there's no trace of cracks, irritation or any damage and no snow and ice to remove, it's important to wash away all traces of salt and other de-icers so a dog can't lick it off later. Never let a dog try to chew away any lumps if ice and snow sticking to its paws or hanging from its fur.

Food Allergies 101

2011-01-05T05:22:00.000-08:00

Nothing to sneeze at: food allergies in dogs.

At a Glance

Some of the breeds most prone to food allergies include: Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Collie, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Retriever, Shar Pei, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Dachshund, and West Highland White Terrier
Most common food allergens include: beef, dairy, and wheat.
Least common food allergens are fish and rabbit.
General signs and symptoms of allergies include: dry itchy skin, excessive scratching or licking, bald patches, a high frequency of hot spots, ear infections, skin infections, diarrhea, and vomiting.

By Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott

Is your dog itching and scratching? Does she have frequent ear infections or poor coat quality? You could be contributing to your dog’s distress without knowing it if she’s allergic to what you’re feeding her. Food allergies are a rising concern with dog owners and it seems like more and more dogs are suffering from them.
But what exactly is a food allergy?

Learn more...

Toy Poodle found in a ditch outside a shelter practically unrecognizable as a dog

2011-01-05T05:17:00.000-08:00

An amazing rescue story surfaced last week, one with all the hallmarks of a good Cinderella tale, including dramatic makeover. Ripley the dog, so named because it's nearly impossible to believe there was a young, purebred, Toy Poodle under the matted, dirt- and cockroach-filled fur ensnaring him, must have one heck of a fairy godmother.
read

Read Any Good Pet Food Labels Lately?

2010-12-30T18:52:00.000-08:00

As more and more pet parents like yourself consider feeding their dogs and cats a healthier diet, learning about the ingredients in your pet’s food becomes all the more important.
While many leading dog food and cat food brands cover the front of their bags with beautiful photography or illustrations of healthy ingredients, the ingredient listing on the back is where you can determine whether your pet’s food is of the highest quality.
Why is the first ingredient the most important? How do some brands categorize certain ingredients to make their food appear healthier? Why is corn not necessarily the healthiest ingredient? Take a minute to find out the answers to these questions and more.

How to compare dog and cat food.

When evaluating pet food ingredient listings, consider these factors:

The first ingredient is the most important because there is more of that ingredient than any other. All dog foods and cat foods must list the ingredients of their food in order of weight. When you compare the labels below, you see the first ingredient in BLUE is always real deboned chicken, fish, or lamb. The first ingredient in a leading brand pet food is ground yellow corn (which can be difficult for dogs and cats to digest, and has been linked to allergies in some dogs).

The top 10 ingredients usually comprise 80% or more of a dry pet food's entire formula and give you a real insight into the formula’s overall quality. For example, if you compare the top 10 ingredients in BLUE Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe dog food to some of the leading dog food brands, the differences in ingredient quality are clear.
Some dog food and cat food brands define their ingredients in several different ways so that the ones of lower quality appear further down the ingredient list. For example, a product list could contain chicken, ground corn, corn gluten, ground wheat and corn bran. And, if you were to group all of the corn ingredients as one, they might far out-weigh the amount of chicken in that food, and be the first listed ingredient.
Be sure to read all of the ingredients at the end of the listing to know if any artificial preservatives and colorings are being used.

Safe Dog Toys

2010-12-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

How many of your dog's toys come from China? A quick count through our toy box shows more than 10 - a mixture of plush and plastic dog chew toys.

Until I read an article at ConsumerAffairs.com, I hadn't given too much thought as to whether or not these were safe toys for them to play with.

However, given all the recent health scares about products from China - pet food and treats, children's toys, toothpaste, etc - I should have known that pet toys would be the next item on the item on warning list.

ConsumerAffairs.com randomly chose 4 Chinese-made pet toys from a Wal-Mart store and tested them for the presence of heavy metals and other toxins.

Here is what they found:

A green latex stuffed toy contained high levels of lead and chromium;
The same latex toy also showed traces of cadmium, arsenic and mercury;
A cloth catnip toy tested positive for cadmium; and
Lesser amounts of cadmium were found in a cloth hedgehog dog toy and a plastic dumbbell toy for cats;
How much is too much?
According to Cornell University (in the United States), symptoms of nervous system poisoning appears in dogs and cats when the daily intake of lead is 5 mg/kg of body weight.
There's no readily available information on Chromium and Cadmium, though it's believed that the intake of these metals has to be higher than lead before they are considered to be toxic.
Does this mean that the dog toys tested are safe?
Two veterinarians approached by ConsumerAffairs.com stated that the amounts of lead, chromium and cadmium were too low to pose any health risk to cats and dogs.
However one of the vets, from Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, stated that the risk of these heavy metals to pet health depended on how much had been absorbed into the body.
What do dogs do with toys? They lick and chew them, they don't admire them from a distance!
What did the tests find - that the toxic materials easily came off the toys, so if a dog does what comes naturally to him, a few licks and a bit of chewing could easily result in your dog quickly absorbing the heavy metals into his body.
To me, that does not sound safe.
What's the alternative?
You can buy toys that aren't made in China and other countries that still use the same old manufacturing processes that China does, and/or you can make your own.
My puppies get far more fun from chasing an empty plastic milk bottle around the house than from any bought toy - apart from her Kongs (which are manufactured in the United States)!

More Recalls - Still need to be vigilant with the products you buy

2010-09-17T05:43:00.001-07:00

Beef Dog Treats Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination
Hartz Mountain Corporation has issued a recall for one lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, after random samples tested positive for Salmonella. The voluntary recall includes 74,700 8-oz bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519. No reports of illness have surfaced, but the ASPCA and the FDA recommend all pet parents immediately discontinue use of and properly discard the recalled product.
Although pets are fairly resistant to Salmonella-related disease, affected pets may show decreased appetite, fever, lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. Humans should avoid contact with suspect food and follow strict hand washing procedures. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
For more information about this recall and the affected brand, please visit the FDA’s website.

Kids Back to School - Lonely Pup?

2010-09-15T05:28:00.001-07:00

Is Your Dog Afraid of Thunderstorms?

2010-08-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Try the following strategies to reduce your dog’s anxiety during storms. For dogs with mild thunderstorm phobia, these tricks may get rid of the problem entirely.

Let your dog take refuge inside. Storms aren’t as loud and scary with four walls around you! Bringing your dog into the house also ensures that he won’t try to escape from the yard.
Having some human company often calms panicked dogs. If your calm, quiet touch brings him comfort or if he comes to you for security, it’s perfectly fine to pet and reassure him.
Try turning on some calming music, a TV or radio, or a fan to muffle storm noises. Shutting the drapes may help if lightning also frightens your dog.
More active distractions may help, too. See if your dog will eat from a food-filled toy, such as a stuffed Kong, scatter treats in the house for him to find, or try playing tug or fetch with his favorite toy.

If your dog’s quality of life is seriously impaired by thunderstorms, consider speaking with a vet about anti-anxiety medication. Medication can enhance the effectiveness of other efforts to help your dog cope with his fear.

AUGUST TIP

2010-08-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

so much to do - so little time

2010-05-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy with the new puppies I haven't had time to post... pups are now 3 weeks old - eyes are open and they are starting to explore! They are so precious at this age. Let the fun begin! Also, our little Maxwell is 4 months old and just loves the new babies. He got his 1st big boy haircut this week - his new nickname: skirmy wormy!

The doggie biscuit business is busy also - going to a fair this week-end. The pups love the homemade stuff - and it is so much better for them. We keep you posted on our progress....

THE PUPPIES ARE HERE

2010-05-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

Bailey has given birth to 6 new little wheaten babies - 4 girls and 2 boys! Very exciting!!!!

TAVISH TREATS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

2010-04-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

We are now selling our homemade doggie treats - the shopping cart is up and we are offering are most requested treats for sale. We will offer more choices in the future and would be glad to put together a special occasion basket of box for you!

Tavish Treats is finally ready to go to market!

2010-04-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Here is pic of our setup at a local vendor ... pleased to say - we were a huge success. The online store will be open by this week-end. Please check us out at www.mactavishscotties.com/treats

You can feel good about giving these treats to your dogs - they luv them and they are all made with ingredients from the cupboard (with love).

More recipe testing

2010-04-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

Another successful week-end of recipe testing... My cheese twists could use a little finessing - but the dogs didn't seem to mind. The biggest hit: pumpkin treats. As you can see -everyone was anxious to give these a try!

TAVISH TREATS - NEW

2010-03-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

I have been making dog treats for some time because I hate that I go to the pet store and still find treats with corn gluten and other crap STILL on the shelves. I have so many friends that ask that I make treats for them that I am going to start selling homemade treats off of our MacTavish Scotties website. So... every few days I experiment with a new treat recipe. This week-end: peanut butter Snaps and peanut butter puffs. SNAPS - YES... puffs - not so great. As I develop the process I will offer a sampler pack with some of the proven favorites: milk bones (biscuit au lait) , peanut butter snaps, and cheesy bones - to name a few. Please check our links often -and I will announce as soon as we are up and running! Bone Appetit

Here's some recipes for your dogs to drool over!

2010-03-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

We are always on the lookout for new doggy websites - and this one fits the bill - It is called the Poop Pantry and has gobs of dog treat recipes. I have tried several, including some easy microwave treats that the dogs really love! Check them out:

http://www.thepoop.com/pooppantry/

Are Grapes and Raisins Really Toxic to your Dog?

2010-03-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Are grapes and raisins really toxic? They seem like such healthy fruits, that reports of toxicity seems impossible. However, over the past few years reports have begun to surface that ingesting grapes or raisins can be toxic to dogs.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, between January 2001 and August 2004, over 200 calls were made to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center involving potential exposures to grapes or raisins in dogs. Grape and/or raisin ingestion can cause acute kidney failure in some dogs.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center studies suggest that the lowest documented toxic studies suggest the lowest documented toxic raisin dose is 0.1 oz/kg and 10 to 12 grapes in a 20 pound dog. Raisins are 4.5 times or concentrated than grapes on an oz per oz basis.

So far, at least 10 dogs have been officially reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Blue Buffalo Announces New Puppy Food

2010-03-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

Website Blue Buffalo has always been one of my preferred dog foods. They now have a smaller kibble for puppies. This is excellent food for pups. These foods can be a bit pricey though - but if your dogs haven't had to go on the budget plan yet - then this is the way to go!

If you live near a Tractor Supply Co. they have a new food called 4Health. I have found this to be of the same quality as Blue Buffalo and at about half the price. My dogs love it!

website

Dangers of Flea Medication - Beware of Overdosing

2010-03-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

Overview
Flea and tick medications are common treatments for pets. They are often sold over the counter and applied to millions of pets ever year; however, flea medication carries a myriad of risks to both pets and owners. The medications are filled with toxic chemicals (they kills fleas and ticks, after all). If they are not applied to extreme caution, serious complications and possibly death may occur.
Concentration
Flea medication is highly concentrated; when rubbing the medication onto an animal, high concentrations can be left on one spot on the dog or cat. The high level in one are then seeps into the skin and into the pet's circulatory system. The toxins that are used to kill fleas are also harmful to the animal . Uneven application can cause nerve problems and can make both dogs and cats extremely ill with lasting effects.
Ingestion
Many flea medications come in shampoo form. The theory is that the flea medication will be applied and then rinsed from the animal. It is imperative to rinse the pet thoroughly, as dogs and cats tend to lick themselves and any medication residue could be ingested. The toxins in flea medication, even if just residue, can lead to nerve damage, brain damage and may be fatal for pets.
Human Contact
Any people using a flea medication on their pets also must be extremely careful when handling the products. Hands must be washed thoroughly afterward and skin contact should be limited. The toxic chemicals used to kill fleas can seep into the skin and cause unpleasant reactions in some people. .
Puppies and Kittens
Flea medication should not be used on kittens and puppies. The young animals are not big enough or strong enough to defend against the chemicals and may end up with brain damage, kidney damage and nerve damage if the product is not applied correctly.

ALTERNATIVE:

Healthy And Flea And Ticks Free! How Flea Free Works

Flee Free is an ALL natural, none toxic liquid supplement that will get your pet rid of fleas in 20-24 hours and will prevent any re-infestation. When added to your pet's drinking water the product is ingested and works internally and naturally by producing an enzyme that shields the protein the female needs to lay eggs. Without this protein the female flea will have no choice but exist the animal since it has only 20 to 24 hours to live without drawing blood.

Scottish Terrier owners, beware! Bridget sick after ingesting more Cuz ball feet

2010-03-09T05:46:00.000-08:00

'Excerpt from Scottish Terrier News'

Bridget is a ball thief and she especially likes to steal Cuz dog toys with feet and chew the feet off.

Given her past history with these balls, I have learned to look out for them and steer her away, especially from the small ones, on which she can perform a foot amputation in mere seconds.

Well, last night in the middle of the night, she started barking to go out, something she very rarely does. I let her out and assumed the problem was solved but the barking continued and at dawn, I let her out again and saw that the floor was covered with pools of vomit. She was also madly eating grass, hiding in the bushes, walking tail down and generally behaving very listlessly. I thought maybe it was a wood chip she had eaten at the park or the sandwich crumbs she had hoovered up at a sidewalk cafe the day before.

At one point, she retreated under the back garden stairs and I worried that she might have passed out, but then she perked up so we headed out of town instead of to the emergency vet. She continued to behave normally until noon when she pooped and, behind the regular stuff, two perfectly-formed Cuz ball feet emerged.

Bridget was with me all day yesterday so I'm almost 100% sure they weren't consumed then. They must have been consumed earlier this week when I wasn't around and backs were turned, but I have no idea how long they were churning around in her stomach.

Please, keep these dangerous balls away from your Scotties.

Update: Bridget has been herself since three hours before the feet emerged. I guess the problem was preapring the feet for expulsion

TOO FUNNY

2010-03-01T11:55:00.001-08:00

Dogs need toys, the same as they need walks, food, fresh water, and their people.

2010-03-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

The Kong: Bigfoot Dog Toy

Dogs need toys, the same as they need walks, food, fresh water, and their people. The Kong toy satisfies the dogged yen to chew, slurp, slam, bam, and, yes, think like an animal. A first Kong for a puppy is a rite of passage and a necessary item for play and comfort to sustain and entertain a dog during a lifetime. For shelter dogs, Kongs are lifelines. The toys connect these orphans to their roots and can be best friends in a lonely cage.

Listen to this interview with Mark Hines of the Kong Company that aired on "Ask Dog Lady," the radio show. Dog Lady hopes you will better understand a woofer's desire to follow the call of the wild, bouncy, rubber thingamajig. Dog Lady, by the way, thinks the classic Kong is shaped like a snowman. Hines suggests a beehive. Hear the story of how this intriguingly-shaped essential dog plaything was invented in Part 1 of the interview:

And Part 2, like the stuffed Kong itself, is filled lots of juicy morsels:

Scottie Shoes

2010-02-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

Ok Ladies - if you love your Scottie more than your pocket book - then these shoes are for you!
These and many other Scottie products can be found on www.zazzle.com Just search for scottish terrier

Scotties in the Snow

2010-02-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

DogTime Media Partners with National Canine Cancer Foundation to Keep Dog Owners Aware and Prepared

2010-02-24T11:37:00.001-08:00

DogTime Media Partners with National Canine Cancer Foundation to Keep Dog Owners Aware and Prepared

Posted using ShareThis

The Scottie Chronicles

2010-02-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

This is an cute little website - check it out!

The Scottie Chronicles

Share some Scottie Snow Pics

2010-02-22T16:28:00.001-08:00

Scottie in the Snow

2010-02-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

SADIE WINS BEST IN SHOW

2010-02-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Sadie, a Scottish terrier, soaks up the attention Tuesday after winning Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York.

All Scottie lovers can relish in the joy!

We are all one big family!

Potty Park Comparisons

2010-02-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

As a breeder I am often sent promotional emails to try new products. Two of these are for the indoor potty system to train puppies. Here goes my thoughts..
The Potty Park Dlx sells for $239 and seems to be the most expensive one on the market.

The other product is called PetZoom Dog Potty and retails for $29.99 plus shipping - comes out to about $45.
Here is what you get:

Being a practical ( and somewhat suspicious) purchaser, I opted to try the $29.99 product.

To my surprise, the puppies began using it right away. I am anxious to try it when pups are even younger. I am quite happy with the results.

These produts are not substitution for potty training - but are a good product for winter training and for use when you might not make it home when planned.

I am including this video clip

Happy New Year!

2010-01-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

We have been very busy with our 6 new Scottie pups. We have 4 boys and 2 girls - lots of newspaper and puppy poo! They are adorable though. Here's a new picture!

The Puppies are Here!

2009-11-25T08:20:00.001-08:00

Maggie has had six beautiful pups! More pics coming soon!

Scottie Christmas Cards

2009-11-23T08:18:00.001-08:00

Do you have a favorite source for cute Scottie cards? If so, please share them with us. Here are a few of my favorites:

Scottie Winter Woods
The Inky Paw
Cafe Press

IT IS CONFIRMED - new Pups Coming Soon!

2009-11-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

NEWS from the VET: Maggie is going to have pups - possibly six showing up on a x-ray!
We are very excited - pups should be whelped sometime during this next week!

We are expecting!

2009-11-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

Our Maggie is going to the VET tomorrow for an x-ray - we are hoping for a good report on puppies due date! Keep posted! We are hoping for a litter like this one!

2009-11-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

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Scottie Network

2009-09-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

If you want to join a social media network for Scottish Terriers, you might want to check the Scottie Friends group on Ning. It is run by Robbin Barkley of Sir Bill's Scottish Terriers and has almost 500 members. It is a fun and informative site with member from all over the world. A great way to connect with other Scottie lovers!

Just 8 Weeks Ago

2009-08-19T13:35:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe the puppies are 8 weeks old today - here is newborn pic.

David Cook's new Scottie 'Dublin'

2009-08-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

Our 3 yr old Scottie with the 8 week old pups

2009-08-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

Dawson County GA totally looks like scottish terrier

2009-08-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

Dawson County, GA Totally Looks Like Scottish Terrier

Pretty good likeness!

Scottie Puppies Everywhere

2009-08-12T08:26:00.001-07:00

MacTavish Scotties has been busy raising 6 rambunctious little Scottie pups! Puppies are now 7 weeks old and at last weigh in were all of 4 lbs. All are VERY active and love to go outside. We still have 2 little boys that need adopted. Both have nice light wheaten coloring!

Petland stores are still supporting puppy mills

2009-07-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

A Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) follow-up investigation has found that Petland stores are still supporting puppy mills, including some of the largest and most notorious in the country.
The new investigation of Petland's puppy sources also traced shipments of puppies from out of state brokers to more than 95 percent of Petland's domestic stores, revealing once again that the chain is supporting puppy mills.

More than 80 stores were linked directly to the Hunte Corporation alone, a massive Missouri broker that resells about 80,000 puppies a year and has documented Animal Welfare Act violations.

Please - DO NOT SUPPORT THIS STORE

read the entire store HERE

Best Homemade Dog Biscuits

2009-07-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have just the easiest recipe for milk bone biscuits : I double this recipe and get about 60+ small bones.
3/4 cup hot water
1/3 cup margarine
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
3 cups whole wheat flour Variation: increase margarine to 1/2 cup and add 2 teaspoons sugar
In large bowl pour hot water over the margarine. Stir in powdered milk, salt, and egg. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Knead for a few minutes to form stiff dough. Pat or roll to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into bone shapes. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool. They will dry out quite hard. Makes about 1 1/4 pounds of biscuits. Costs around 30 cents per pound.

Wheaten Litter

2009-07-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Mama Bailey with her pups. Feeding time is lots of juxtapositioning to get to just the right spot!

Bailey is a really good mom. Very attentive to her pups!

Wooden Scottie Box

2009-07-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

Check out this really cool wooden box my niece found in her Grandmother's things. Of course she thought of me to pass this on to.
How cool is this?

Wheaten Scottie Puppies

2009-07-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

We are so fortunate to have a litter of six new Scottie puppies. They are almost three weeks old. This litter is a darker wheaten color - 4 boys and 2 girls! Just precious! The girls are the lighter ones

WE HAVE NEW PUPPIES

2009-01-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

We are blessed with six beautiful puppies.... we have 4 girls and two boys! Mom is also doing fine... please check our website for more info and pictures! What an experience this has been!

www.mactavishscotties.com

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

New Puppies Soon!

2008-12-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

We are expecting a new litter of pups anytime after Christmas!
Although the timing could be better...... we are still very excited about the new babies' arrival. Bailey is very big and starting to get a little grumpy. That is a sure sign pups are soon to be delivered. Please check back as we will post pictures to our website!

Puppies coming

2008-11-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

It appears that MacTavish Scotties will be having a new batch of pups in January 2009.
This all comes about because my 86 yr. old mother let Do It Again Dugan out into the yard with Baillie during that critical time of separation. Needless to say, our Dugan took advantage of that!

Please check back for further updates.

Support your local shelter

2008-09-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can support your local shelter by visiting theanimalrescuesite.com
It's as easy as selecting your shelter and clicking a button!

Scotties w/Ball

2008-09-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

New Web Design

2008-09-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of re-designing our website. Our hope is for a brighter, more inter-active site. Check back often - hope everyone likes the new look!

New Clan Member

2008-09-23T10:36:00.001-07:00

MacTavish Scotties is happy to add a new little girl to our family. She is a very small, black scottie - with a BIG personality! Her name is Maggie and she has already won our hearts!

Five Places to Remember to Keep Clean

2008-09-22T10:55:00.001-07:00

1. Launder your pet’s bed or bedding cover as often as you launder your sheets – or about once a week. Hot water is ideal to remove dander and other allergens on your dog’s bed, and help handle the dirt and debris dragged into the house.

2. Toss your dog’s favorite dirt-encrusted toy into the washing machine with a very small amount of laundry detergent. Rinse it well and check for any soap residue left before giving it back to him.

3. Use a hose with a high-power nozzle to spray clean your dog’s crate. Just scrub or wipe the crate to remove stubborn gunk, then rinse, and leave it in a sunny spot to dry.

4. Wash your dog’s food bowls with soap and hot water after every use to prevent food-borne illness. Glass and stainless steel dog bowls are dishwasher-safe and easiest to clean.

5. For dog clothes, follow the care instructions on the label as you would your own clothes. Add one-half cup of baking soda to minimize dog odor and the perfumed aroma of laundry detergent, or use a detergent made just for dog laundry.

Dog Food/Treat Recalls

2008-09-19T05:25:00.001-07:00

1. Petsmart pulls Smokehouse brand Dog Treats from shelves

2. AVMA warns about Jerky Dog Treats

3.**NEW** Canidae Dry Dog food tests positive for Acetaminophen in private test done by Expertox

Scottish Terrier Did You Know?

2008-09-10T05:53:00.001-07:00

* The Scottish Terrier was bred in Scotland as a fierce hunter of foxes and badgers.
* The first show to have a class for the Scottish Terrier was in 1860.
* John Naylor is credited with being the first to introduce the Scottie to this country.
* The first registered Scottie in America was "Dake," whelped Sept. 15, 1884.
* Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottish Terrier "Fala" reportedly received more fan mail than many presidents did.
* Dwight D. Eisenhower owned two Scottish Terriers named "Caacie" and "Telek."

Lawn Chemicals Raise Cancer Risk for Scottish Terriers

2008-09-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana (ENS) — Exposure to herbicide treated lawns and gardens increases the risk of bladder cancer in Scottish terriers, according to a team of veterinary researchers.

A team of veterinary researchers including Lawrence T. Glickman has found an association between risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Scottish terriers and the dogs' exposure to chemicals found in lawn treatments. The study, based on a survey of dog owners whose pets had recently contracted the disease, may be useful not only for its revelation of potentially carcinogenic substances in our environment, but also because studying the breed may help physicians pinpoint genes in humans that signal susceptibility to bladder cance

Only use pet safe products on your lawns!

New Puppies

2008-09-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

We had a litter of 4 wheaten pups on July 5, 2008. All pups are healthy and now adopted out.

Welcome

2008-09-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to MacTavish Scotties... a place for all who love their scotties!
Please add your comments, questions, favorite links or just a great story to share! Enjoy!