The Scottie and his pumpkin

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

FDA advisories on recalled pet food and treats

2013

October 28, 2013: How to Report a Complaint about Jerky Pet Treats
October 22, 2013: FDA Releases Progress Report on Jerky Pet Treat Investigation
August 30, 2013: Nestlé Purina Voluntarily Recalls Limited Number of Purina ONE beyOnd Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food Bags Due to a Potential Health Risk
August 26, 2013: Goldenfeast® Inc. Recalls Bird Food Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination from Parsley
August 14, 2013: P&G Voluntarily Recalls Limited Quantity of Eukanuba and Iams Due to Possible Health Risk

Cocoa mulch can pose risk for pets

As soon as the weather breaks again many homeowners and gardeners are sure to be outside getting their hands dirty. 

But veterinarians say a sweet-smelling mulch can be deadly to certain family pets.

"Cocoa mulch is a risk, especially to dogs,” said Dr. Larry Family of Aqueduct Animal Hospital.

Found in most home garden centers, cocoa mulch is known for its fine texture and the sweet smell the fresh mulch gives off.

“The weird thing is, it smells like a chocolate Pop Tart.  That's the best way I can describe it.  It really does have a chocolate scent to it,” explained Shane Compton of Hewitt's Garden Center.

But getting past the scent, Family says cocoa mulch can be dangerous if a dog starts eating it.  It contains two key ingredients found in chocolate: theobromine and caffeine.  Similar to eating chocolate, he says a dog that eats just a few ounces of cocoa mulch could starting having stomach problems and it could get worse if it eats more.

"As time goes on they might act restless, excited, it can produce tremors and seriously seizures,” Family explained.

Compton says cocoa mulch is not that popular at his store, but says it has its regular customers who every now and then wonder about the rumors they hear and the effect it has on man's best friend.

“There's always stories on the Internet, but in the 30 years we've been here we've actually never heard of any body's dog getting sick,” Compton said.

Family adds that while pet owners might not know it, the information out there on cocoa mulch is much more than just an urban legend or Internet myth if a dog gets its paws on it. 

“Puppies are very curious animals.  So they've going to be attracted to various things around the yard and it seems to be more severe in the small breeds and it depends on the amount they actually ingest,” Family said.

If you have a dog and a yard Family says the best bet is to just stay away from cocoa mulch.

If you're still looking for a sweet-smelling mulch without the potentially hazardous effects Compton recommends any type of cedar product.

April 24
By MATT McFARLAND
http://web.archive.org/web/20060507105535/http://www.wnyt.com/x7886.xml?ag=x995&sb=x183

How to Create a Garden For Dogs

From plants to water features, a dog-approved guide to the "ultimutt" backyard

Think having a beautiful backyard and a dog are diametrically opposed? Think again. We spoke with Stephen Westcott-Gratton, senior horticultural editor at Canadian Gardening, who provided tips for creating an outdoor Eden both you and your dog can enjoy. Highlights include:

Patchy Problem - How to Prevent Brown Spots on Your Lawn. From preventing AND rejuvenating burnt-out spots in your lawn to urine-resistant ground covering ideas like clover, ryegrasses, and fescues, we've got you covered.

Pick Your Plants - What's Safe For Dogs. The safest flowers are the ones that are completely edible and which you can use in your own salads and dishes (bonus!). These include violets, pansies, and roses, as well as flowers from vegetables like squash. The signet marigold is one of Westcott-Gratton’s favourite annuals. One of the most famous varieties is called “Lemon Gem” for its lemon colour and delicious lemon flavour.

Solve the Digging Dilemma - How to create a spot designed especially for your dog to dig in.

Ditch the herbicide! A study by Purdue University veterinary researchers found exposure to herbicide-treated lawns and gardens increased the risk of bladder cancer by four to seven times in Scottish Terriers. The study adds to earlier research conducted by the National Institutes of Health that found elevated rates of canine lymphoma in dogs exposed to lawn pesticides. We've got natural alternatives to help keep you pest free.

Modern Dog Magazine 

Scottie Dog for Your Easter Basket

Great addition to your Easter Basket - other dog breeds too!

Scottie Dog Chocolates

Spring Pet Care

As you hasten to clean out your garage and prep your yard, remember these activities may pose a risk to your pet. Many cleaning agents, fertilizers, pesticides, weed-killers, and even mulch can all be dangerous to dogs and cats. Last spring a friend accidentally left a container of liquid plant food out on her porch. Her cat drank some and developed kidney failure. Luckily, the cat survived, but it could've easily been much worse. Remember, our pets can't read warning labels. Look out for your little ones as you go about greening your homes.

Easter Treats and Decorations Keep Easter lilies and candy bunnies in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets, and lilies can be fatal if ingested by our furry friends. And be mindful, kitties love to nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration. Moreover, while bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the urge to buy—these cute babies grow up fast and often require specialized care!


Let Your Garden Grow—With Care
Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients aren't meant for four-legged consumption and can be fatal if your pet ingests them.  Always store these poisonous products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. Check out  ASPCA list of garden care tips.
   

Dog beds from End Tables

These are just the cutest! Great ideas for unique dog beds from old end tables :

Lucy Designs