Critter Blog

Organic Gardening, Toxic Chemical Pesticides and Fertilizers

2012-05-12T10:12:00.001-04:00

Spring is the time of year that we put a great deal of attention into our lawns and gardens to prepare them for a great growing season.
The following newsletter excerpt is right in line with what we promote at Village Critter Outfitter. Our animals and children are rolling around and sniffing on the very lawn and gardens that we are treating. Our pets' feet are very porous and absorb whatever is on the ground. Pets will lick their feet. Children inevitably put their hands in their mouth after playing with toys that have been rolling on the treated lawn.

Our environment is inundated with chemical exposure but here are ways to cut down or minimize some of that exposure in our own back yard, please read on.....

Toxic Chemical Pesticides and Fertilizers Their Real Purpose

Research has shown that pests are attracted to weak, unhealthy plants that got that way from the use of toxic pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Healthy plants with proper trace minerals and sugars are mostly immune to pests.

Toxic chemical pesticides have a purpose. They keep unhealthy plants alive by killing the pests that nature has sent in to take them out. These toxins are harmful to pets, wildlife, livestock and humans; they contaminate the air, soil and water, and they are costly and time consuming to apply. They do one other thing as well. They make money for the people who manufacture, promote and sell them.

Insects are natures cleanup crews. Their job is to move in and take out unfit plants. Preventing or even interfering with that natural process without solving the cause of the stressed plants serves no one but those who sell the toxic pesticides. There's a purpose for everything, including salt fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. They keep sick, unhealthy plants alive so more toxic chemicals can be sold! Simple as that.

Pest Control Products to avoid in General all toxic synthetic products and all toxic organic products should be avoided because they are ineffective and they are toxic.
Pest issues do arise, even for organic gardeners and farmers, and pest control products are sometimes needed. What should be used are non-toxic products that work. Here are some of the best natural choices:

Acceptable Natural Organic Pest Control Products		Unacceptable pest control products include but are not limited to the following:
Alpha Bio Systems pond products Aqua-One Alpha Bio Systems pet products ANTidote Avenger pest control products AzaSol Bactimos Briquettes Bio Blast (Fungus product) Baking soda Beneficial insects Beneficial nematodes BioWash Bonide Mosquito Beater Granules Bora-Care Borate products Boric acid Bt products Cinnamon products Citric acid products Citrus Green Citrus products Clove oil Cornmeal products D-limonene Deer Scam Diatomaceous earth (natural) Earth Harvest Essential-1 PHE Pesticide EcoEXEMPT Essential -1 PHE products Eugene oil Garden Weasel Crab Grass Killer Garlic tea products Garlic pepper tea Glue traps Horticultural oils Hydrogen peroxide Insecticidal soap Kaolin clay Live traps Mole Scram Monterrey Herbicidal Soap Mosquito Dunks Nature-Cide Neem Niban (without PBO) Sluggo Snail & Slug Control Surround WP Orange oil Pepper products (red and black) Potassium bicarbonate Rabbit Scram Spinosad Scram animal repellant products Sycthe Tim-Bor Vinegar Products (from grain alcohol, 10% concentration or less,not distilled from 99% glacial acetic acid).		2,4-D Aldicarb Amdro Atrazine Bayer gardening products Bayleton BHA BHT BR-61 Broadleaf herbicides Carbonates Chlorpyrifos Clothianidin Copper fungicides and other products Copper sulfate Daconil Diazinon DSMA Dursban Ethoxyquin Finale Funginex Glyphosate Imidacloprid Insect growth regulators (IGRs) Ironite Manage Marrik Merit Methyl iodide Monsanto products MSMA Neonicotinoids Orthene Ortho products Orthonex PBO Piperonyl butoxide & all containing PBO Polychlorinated biphenyls Pyrethrins Pyrethroids Pyrethrum Rotenone RoundUp Scimitar Scotts products Sevin Silica gel SU herbicides Synthetic fungicides Telstar Temik Tempo Vinegar (20% and stronger) And all other toxic chemistry products

Ask for these products in your Independent Garden Center. Highlighted products are available at the Natural Organic Warehouse (NOW). You can read more in my new book Organic Manual for the Professional.

If you have any questions on this newsletter or any other topic, tune in Sunday 8am -11am (CST) to the Dirt Doctor Radio Show . The phone number for the show is 1-866-444-3478. Listen on the internet or find a station in your area . Organic Club of America Members can log in on Sunday mornings to see the Dirt Doctor's Live Broadcast. Please share this newsletter with everyone in your address book and all of your friends on Facebook and Twitter to help me spread the word on organics.
Naturally yours,

Howard Garrett

Diamond Pet Food Recall Facts & Updates

2012-05-09T14:48:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 8, 2012 - Solid Gold Health Products for Pets, Inc., El Cajon, California, announced a voluntary recall of one batch of WolfCub Large Breed Puppy Food and one batch of Solid Gold WolfKing Large Breed Adult Dog, both with a Best Before date of December 30, 2012, and an “X” in the 11th digit of the date code.

Solid Gold is voluntarily recalling the products below, distributed in the United States and Canada. This voluntary recall is being done out of an abundance of caution as these products were produced at the facility that has been linked to recent recalls of Diamond brand pet foods due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Latest news: 5/8/2012 2:49 PM ET
(RTTNews) - Diamond Pet Foods expanded its food recall from three bands to nine as fourteen people in nine states become infected with a rare strain of salmonella poisoning linked to the pet food brand. It is believed improper handling of the pet food by Diamond workers lead to the contamination.

5/7/12 A recent conversation with the regional Diamond Pet Food representative that covers our area, gave great information to clarify the facts on their recent voluntary recall.

Diamond Pet Food has issued a voluntary recall of dry pet food due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall has affected the following brands that were manufactured in their Gaston, S.C. plant.

All bags with production codes of “2” or a “3” in the 9^th position AND an “X” in the 10^th or 11^th position and/or “best before” dates of December 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013 are part of the recall.

The following brands have been affected:

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
Canidae
Country Value
Diamond
Diamond Naturals
Natural Balance
Premium Edge
Professional
4Health
Taste of the Wild
Wellpet (Wellness Complete Health® Super5Mix® Large Breed Puppy, 15 lb. and 30 lb. bags and 5 oz. sample bags with best by dates of JAN 9 2013 through JAN 11 2013).

The food was distributed to the following locations:

Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Maryland
Michigan
Mississippi
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Canada

In order to satisfy the FDA’s inquiry, Diamond believed it to be in the best interest of the pets, pet parents and Diamond to recall the product with the above production codes.

Village Critter Outfitter receives some of its food from a distribution center in Pennsylvania. From the start of the recall, we have diligently checked the bags for the above codes and have found none to have been affected. If there is any doubt at all, please double check the codes on your pet’s food for the above dates. If you purchased one of the above brands at our store and you suspect any bad products were purchased, feel free to reach out to us for any assistance.

Until we can get product back into the store, we have other excellent choices that your pet should do well with. We have always encouraged introducing variety into your pet’s diet.

After 80 swabs in various parts of the plant tested negative to salmonella, Diamond began production of food last week.

Diamond insists that no pets were affected with salmonella. However, if your pet has shown the following symptoms - decreased appetite, fever abdominal pain, lethargy has diarrhea, fever or vomiting, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Individuals not washing their hands thoroughly after handling the potentially tainted food, can become infected with Salmonella after exposure.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are more likely to be affected by Salmonella include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people receiving treatment for cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have received a limited number of reports of salmonellosis, the illness caused by Salmonella. Diamond is working with the CDC, but due to patient confidentiality, Diamond cannot comment further.”

Consumer Hotline Information:

Diamond: 866.918.8756 8am - 6pm EST Monday - Sunday or www.diamondpetrecall.com

Wellpet : 877.227.9587 8am - 6pm EST Monday - Friday and

9am - 5pm Saturday/Sunday

Natural Balance : 800.829.4493 8am - 5pm EST or www.naturalbalanceinc.com

Canidae : 800.398.1600 Press 1 for Consumer Service. 9am - 5pm PST

March is National Pet Nutrition Month

2012-03-07T16:35:00.000-05:00

Pet Nutrition. Feast or Famine?

At a recent AAFCO meeting there was a pet food labeling discussion. AAFCO is the Association of American Feed Control Officials, a governing body that oversees the pet food market.

They were trying to determine how to word smith "Rendered Food Processing Waste", which, in essence, is expired grocery store waste that includes lots of outdated pizza, Hot Pockets and other such stuff. The dilemma was to make it sound appealing to the consumer so they will buy the product. What is disturbing is that the discussion wasn’t IF they should put this garbage in pet food, but what they should label the expired garbage so it sells. Really? Labeling deception at its finest.

Does this sound like something you’d want your beloved pet to ingest?

In many instances, the pet food found in the grocery stores is owned by companies that make human food. Pet food made by these companies is a convenient dumping ground for outdated human food products. Get the picture? It’s no wonder why there is such an increase in allergies and cancers and general sickness.

What would you choose?

This ingredient panel was taken from the website of a highly advertised grocery store brand.

INGREDIENTS -
Ground yellow corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole wheat flour, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), rice flour, beef, soy flour, sugar, propylene glycol, meat and bone meal, tricalcium phosphate, phosphoric acid, salt, water, animal digest, sorbic acid (a preservative), potassium chloride, dried carrots, dried peas, calcium propionate (a preservative), L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, added color (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 2), DL-Methionine, Vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, calcium carbonate, copper sulfate, Vitamin B-12 supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin D-3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), calcium iodate, folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite.

This ingredient panel was taken from the website of a small company that does not spend a lot of money on advertising but rather puts the money back into the bag. They leave the selling and buying up to caring independent shop owners and discriminating pet owners.

INGREDIENTSFresh boneless chicken*, chicken meal, fresh boneless salmon*, turkey meal, herring meal, russet potato, peas, sweet potato, fresh boneless turkey*, fresh whole eggs*, fresh chicken liver*, fresh boneless lake whitefish*, fresh boneless walleye*, sun-cured alfalfa, pea fiber, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), organic kelp, pumpkin, chicory root, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, apples, cranberries, blueberries, licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, marigold flowers, sweet fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, summer savory, rosemary, vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, selenium yeast, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium.

* DELIVERED FRESH, preservative-free and never frozen.

You can pay now or pay later at the veterinarian office from sicknesses derived from poor nutrition. The diseases may not show up immediately but over time, by continually feeding poor nutrition, the body is assaulted and disease creeps in.

Remember, you are what you eat. The same holds true for your pets that love you inconditionally.

Please visit us for a free food consultation. We've done all the product research so we can offer you and your pet the very best.

Over-Vaccinating: A Very Real Risk!

2012-03-05T12:21:00.000-05:00

We blindly follow recommendations to vaccinate our pets yearly thinking we are doing our best to protect their health. But where do these vaccination recommendations come from?Would you be surprised to learn it is not based on your veterinarian's knowledge?

Overall, vaccine recommendations are based on the vaccine manufacturer's package insert. The vaccine manufacturer performs a study prior to getting approval for their vaccine to hit the market. The study must demonstrate that the vaccine is "safe" and effective regarding its claims. It is easy to evaluate "safety" short-term, not so much long-term. Demonstrating a vaccine is effective is also easy... for a year or so. Imagine having to demonstrate a vaccine is effective for 15 years before it can be approved to hit the market? Neither can the vaccine manufacturer. So they measure the immediate effectiveness and usually they measure the effectiveness for some"reasonable" time, say about a year out and when that looks good,they make a label claim that it should be boosted yearly (as they haven't done any testing to show it could/should be done less frequently).

Only recently has the veterinary community spoken up and lead the vaccine companies. With increasing concern regarding over-vaccination, the veterinary community began to make recommendations to booster dog's and cat's"distemper" vaccines every 3 years. The response from the vaccine manufacturers was to market a "labeled 3-year effective" vaccine. And veterinarians are buying it.

The reality is these vaccines are effective longer than 3 years, so even an every 3 year blind protocol is over-kill, and the "old" vaccines were also effective for 3 years, and for 10 years, and for 15 years for many, many pets.

For 17 years I have done blood tests, called titers, to see if a dog needed a "distemper/parvo"vaccine booster as an adult. It is rare to find a dog that doesn't show antibody to previous vaccines. My own dogs were vaccinated as puppies; blood tested yearly and showed good immune response to previous vaccination their entire long and healthy lives.

So how long does a vaccine last?

Well, the truth is it depends on the type of vaccine. A viral vaccine stimulates long-term immunity. Things like feline "distemper" orFVRCP, canine "distemper/parvo combo" or DA2PP, rabies, feline leukemia (a risk to primarily young cats that go outdoors) are all viral. A bacterial vaccine has a short-lived immunity, probably even less than a year.Things like bordetella (for kennel cough - a typically mild disease for which not every dog is at high risk), Lyme disease, and Leptospirosis are bacterial.If dogs develop protection from these bacterial diseases due to vaccination(and the jury is still out on this), it likely only lasts 3-6 months.

What does this all mean? Well,firstly that it is easy to over-vaccinate for the viral diseases as immunity likely lasts a lifetime once kitten or puppy vaccine immunity is developed, and secondly that the bacterial vaccines could be given without much benefit.

Is there really a risk associated with a vaccine given in excess or unnecessarily?

You bet! Every vaccine has known immediate risks which at their worst includes death. The risk of short-term adverse reaction is usually pretty small across a community; however the risk of severe allergic reaction from vaccinating a dog with allergies increases markedly.

The benefit of vaccinating your dog?

Well, if it is being vaccinated against a viral disease for which it already/still has immunity the benefit isNONE. No additional benefit is gained by vaccinating a dog that is already protected. So we allow this dog to receive a vaccine which has risk but no benefit in this situation. AND, the long-term risks of any vaccine are just not determined yet, but many serious immune system problems are now thought to be linked to long-term vaccine effects. And it's well-known in the veterinary community that cats can develop cancers at the sites of some rabies and leukemia vaccine injections. Google Dr. Jean Dodds or Dr. Ron Schultz and you'll see some well-known, respected veterinarians speaking out against over-vaccinating.

So what do we do moving forward? Be sure you are not "cookbook"vaccinating your pet. Vaccinating is a medical procedure which needs to be well thought out and every single vaccine needs to be evaluated for its risks and potential benefits in every single pet on any given day. Vaccine protocols need to be thoughtful and unique to each patient. I'm disappointed when I see a mostly indoor miniature poodle vaccinated for everything under the sun year after year.

By Janette Alvarez, VMD

Heartworm Disease in Connecticut: Hazard or Hype?

2012-02-29T16:33:00.000-05:00

Heartworm disease is so named because infection with this parasite in dogs generates adult worms in the heart. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? And surely it can be deadly in dogs. So a preventative seems in order, right? Well, the preventative is a chemical and not without risk. This begs for us to analyze then the risk: benefit ratio before making a decision for our beloved doggies. There are so many chemicals our dogs’ bodies are subjected to these days, it behooves us to minimize where we can.

First, let’s examine the risk of developing heartworm disease in Connecticut. Heartworms need a mosquito and temperatures of 64 degrees for 30 days,or 80 degrees or higher for 10 days in order to develop into larva that can infect the dog. Infection in CT would not occur at all in cooler weather months. Then we need to ask the question of whether or not heartworm infection occurs at all in Connecticut. The reality is we do not have a good answer to this question. The American Heartworm Society does have data that would lead you to believe there is a 0.3 – 0.6% chance of heartworm disease affecting dogs in this area. This figure translates to 3-6 out of every 1000 dogs.

What this study does not take into account is WHERE these positive dogs were when they contracted their disease. Just because they were diagnosed in Connecticut, doesn’t mean they caught it here. I have refused to take part in heartworm epidemiology studies that did not ask about the dog’s travel history. So far, not one has asked this important question. Instead, they want veterinarians and dog owners to believe that every dog everywhere is at risk and should be on heartworm prevention monthly year round, forever. What I can tell you is in the 18 years I have been practicing in this area, I have not seen one dog that was heartworm positive that did not travel to an area known to have a high prevalence of this disease. I’m not saying there isn’t one out there, but I am saying it must be rare. My own dog could easily have been one of these 3-6 out of 1000 dogs with a heartworm positive test in Connecticut. We adopted him from Georgia (a high risk area). He tested negative for heartworms in December just before we got him, but due to the nature of the heartworm and the test, an infected dog takes at least 5 ½ months to show positive on a blood test. When we retested him in March, he was positive. Since the test reflects an infection that had to be at least five and ½ months old, we know he was infected while still in Georgia. He was diagnosed however, in Connecticut. Suffice it to say, it is unlikely your dog will get heartworm infection in Connecticut. So what is the benefit of preventing a disease that your dog is not likely to get?

What is the harm, you may say, of giving this monthly tablet designed to kill any immature heartworm infection your dog may get? Well… it depends on how much you believe chemicals presented to the body may be harmful. If you think a chemical may harm your pet’s body then therein lays the harm. Surely chemicals are not innocuous, though true correlations to disease can be hard to definitively identify.
Now let’s talk about the worst case scenario. Your dog does happen to be that rare one that gets infected while in Connecticut. How would you know? And what can you do about it? If you decide to forego the chemical preventative altogether, you should have a blood test for heartworm done on your dog twice yearly. This will help you detect an infection early in the course of disease, which will allow for earlier treatment and better outcomes. Your test timing is important. Dogs not on preventative should be tested in January and in April orMay. The January test will alert you to any infections that occurred the year before in April, May, or June (as it takes approximately 6-7 months after exposure for the typically performed test to become positive). The April or May test will alert you to any infections that occurred the year before in July,August, September, or October. You do not need to worry about infections contracted in November, December, January,February, or even March in Connecticut as the temperatures and 30 day life of a mosquito will not allow for heartworm disease to be contracted during these months here. Even the occasional mosquito on a warm winter day poses no risk of transmitting heartworm disease.

If your dog does test positive, the treatments these days are relatively safe with the caveat that your dog needs to avoid heavy physical activity during the treatment period which lasts anywhere from 5 months to 2 years. This could be a life-changer for very active, athletic, and sporting dogs. But dare I say a majority of our dogs would not be terribly affected by this kind of rest.

If an owner of a very active dog doesn’t want to take any risk of their dog getting heartworms, no matter how small, we begin to talk about seasonal heartworm preventive. If you wanted to protect your dog against heartworm disease in Connecticut, I’d recommend an April heartworm test yearly followed by a first monthly dose May 1 and a last monthly dose November 1. There really is no need to do it year round for a dog not in warm climates. This will at least minimize the amount of chemical you put into your dog’s body, and allow your dog’s liver, kidneys, and bladder a six month rest every year from this chemical’s assault, while still protecting against heartworm disease.

For my own dogs, I choose to assume the minuscule risk of heartworm infection in Connecticut and forego the chemical preventative. Whether you choose year round, seasonal, or no preventative for your own dog is up to you. My job is to inform you so you can make educated decisions that you and your dog can live happily with.

Remember, the incidence of heartworm disease in the US increases below the Virginia-North Carolina state line. If your dog has recently arrived to you from areas southern, or if your dog travels with you to more temperate climates, you may want to consider consulting your veterinarian about testing and using a monthly heartworm preventative for a short period of time after (but within 30 days of) your dog’s potential exposure.

In health,

Dr. Alvarez

Janette Alvarez, VMD
Animal Wellness Veterinary Center
203-295-8080
www.wemakepetsbetter.com

Why Feed Good Pet Food?

2012-02-24T14:04:00.000-05:00

Village Critter Outfitter has helped educate many pet owners, throughout the years on how to make healthy choices for their animal companions. We take great pride in our selection of quality, all natural foods,carefully chosen by our experienced staff.

We first ask two simple questions when choosing a food for the store: Are the ingredients high quality? Is the product made by a caring manufacturer with good manufacturing practices? If the answer is “yes” to both questions, we then see if dogs and cats enjoy the taste of the food. The highest quality food on the planet doesn’t work if our animal companions won’t eat it. We then look at the big picture. After several months on the food, are the dogs and cats thriving?

We offer a wide variety of good foods for dogs and cats. You should choose a food by what works best for your pet. Each animal is an individual. There is no one perfect food. The things you should look for that will tell you if a food is working well for your pet are: a glossy coat,itch-free skin, bright eyes, clear ears and a happy, alert attitude.

Tips on How to Care for your Dog when the Snow Falls

2012-01-03T17:29:00.003-05:00

What's a Dog to Do When the Snow Comes?

In winter it may be difficult to get our four-legged friends outside on regular basis with so much ice and deep snow in the way.

For those times that we do go outside take a few precautions and you and your pet will be able to get safely through the remainder of winter.

Booties will protect against cold, salted and sanded roadways and walkways. A dog will lick to clean his paws, and since we don't want him to ingest the chemicals used to prevent ice and snow buildup, the booties offer protection for the dog's digestive system as well as his feet. Booties come in a variety of materials. Bring your pet to the store and try on different styles to find out what he -- or she -- is most likely to wear. An independent pet shop with trained employees will offer help in making your selection.
Paw wax offers another layer of protection from the frigid surfaces. A thin layer will protect against pad dryness and ice buildup between the paws.
Coats allow and added layer of warmth, especially for the very young and very old. Puppies and elderly dogs can have difficulty maintaining a safe body temperature. Short haired dogs could also benefit from the added layer of warmth. A coat will also help minimize the "snowballs" long haired breeds accumulate after a romp in the snow. All this cold and snow is creating a lot of cabin fever for our four-legged furry friends. It is difficult to get them out on regular basis with so much ice and deep snow in the way.Take a few precautions and you and your pet will be able to get safely through the remainder of the winter.
Use pet safe ice melt on your drive and walkways. These products do not create the burning effects that come with commercial salt used on the roadways. They are very effective and leave no residue.
Shoveling paths through the deeper sections of your yard is a kind thing to do, especially for the smaller breeds. We don't want to discourage them from going out there and doing their "business".
Beware of icy patches on walkways and driveways. Dogs are as susceptible to slipping on ice as we are.Older dogs are not as stable so will have an even more difficult time keeping their balance on the slippery surfaces. And if you're at the other end of the leash, be careful. A slip or sudden move by your dog could knock you off your balance, creating injuries for you, and possibly a runaway animal.
The cold can magnify problems for pets that suffer from arthritic conditions. Try to minimize the amount of time an arthritic animal is out in the cold, and continue with glucosamine supplements.
When walking on the roads with your pet, be sure to walk on the side of the road facing traffic.With snow buildup there is less space on the shoulder to walk, so be very careful which roads you decide to take. Try to keep your dog between you and the shoulder of the road, always being wary of your dog darting in front of the oncoming traffic. Take all precautions to make sure you and your dog are clearly visible at all times.
If your dog -- and you-- are not inclined to spend a lot of time outdoors, and when the temperatures dip well below freezing, no one could blame you -- substitute your outdoor time with indoor activities.
Shoveling paths through the deeper sections of your yard is a kind thing to do, especially for the smaller breeds. We don't want to discourage them from going out there and doing their "business".

Village Critter Outfitter has all your snow bound needs. Stop by for anything you need.

A Dog's New Year's Resolution List

2012-01-03T17:23:00.000-05:00

I, Dog,resolve to do the following in 2012

• Play and run around more often with my guardian.I love fetching in the yard and especially going for a walk in the park. Thenew smells and meeting new people will wear me down so I won't get so bored anddig holes or eat stuff I'm not supposed to.

• Attend training classes to prove that, yes, youcan teach an old dog new tricks.

• Play gently with all the toys that I get to makethem last as long as possible. I'll even try to refrain from gutting and de-squeakingmy new toys in the first few minutes.

• Snuggle more often with my guardians,especially when they are tired or sad.

• Not roll on dead, stinky stuff.

• Remind my guardian that there is always time forpetting. I especially like being scratched behind the ears and on my belly.

• Not get upset when I have to take a bath. Don'tthey know how much hard work it takes to get that perfect doggie funk.

• Not splatter slobber on the car when my head issticking out of the window, sucking in all those amazing smells along theway.

• Remember that everyone can hear the doorbellring. They don't need me to keep telling them that someone is at the door.

• Refrain from sniffing a strange person's crotch.Geez, don't they know that's the best way to greet a new friend?

• Make healthier choices when eating -- no moredeer poop and questionable spoiled trash.

• Lose the extra pounds I gained eating all thefood the kids at the table didn’t want.

• Not beg for food. It's just not proper etiquette.

• Restrain myself from eating the specialdelicacies left in the litter box for me. I get a really adverse reactionfrom my family when I lick them after having these little snacks.

• Show my appreciation for my family by alwayscoming when called even when I'm hunting after something in the back yard.Where'd that skunk go?

• Not panic when the suitcases come out. I willtry to remember that when my family leaves for vacation, they will always comeback to me, I think.

• Know that whether or not I keep theseresolutions, my family's life is much more fulfilled with me in it.

12 Days of Holiday Gift Giving Ideas and DEALS at VCO

2011-12-16T08:14:00.001-05:00

1. December 16 Christmas Photo contest begins! Top 3 vote getters receive an embroidered stocking filled with Holiday Toys and Treats. Go Here to cast your votes.

2. December 16 10% off all Dog Sweaters and Coats

3. December 16 10% off all Holiday Toys

4. December 17   Free Jerky treat for any furry critter that visits us.

5. December 18   $5 off the purchase of 2 or more Holiday toys.

6. December 19    $5 off any holiday collar valued above $10.

7. December 20    I-Blast will be honored for 20% off a single non-food item. (normally 15%)

8. December 21   15% off all raw bones


9. December 22   15% off any Santa hat or antlers

10. December 23   Double Coupon Value Day! Any $5 Coupon from the Newsletter will valued at $10.

11. December 24   10% off all Holiday themed cookies.

12. December 24 thru 31 50% off VCO calendars. Full of great images of VCO customers. The gift that keeps on giving all year round. Endless coupons and discounts throughout the year inside each month.

Puppies and Christmas, Not a Good Idea.

2011-12-16T07:37:00.000-05:00

A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas.

There's nothing's cuter than seeing the kids' eyes light up when the puppy appears beneath the Christmas tree. And what could be more fun than seeing the puppy run around through the chaos of gift opening? But what happens after the gifts are open and the kids are off playing with their new toys -- going from one new thing to the other?

Wait, where's the puppy? Oops, he's eating something. Could it be wrapping paper, one of the kid's new toys, or a piece of candy? He just tore a hole in squealing Georgie's new pajamas while chasing him down the hall. Oh geez, now he's pulling the garland off the tree and chasing the cat around in circles. Oh noooo, puppy just piddled on the Oriental rug.

Let's be fair, it's not his fault. The puppy is getting caught up in the same holiday crazies as everyone else -- and he has no idea what the rules are.

Along with all the other "things" that must be attended to during this very hectic holiday season, after the novelty of the puppy's arrival has worn off, who will be there to house train the puppy, to feed the puppy, to clean up after the puppy? Who will watch to be sure the puppy is not chewing something undesirable? Who will watch the puppy to make sure it is getting along with other critters in the house? Animals pick up on stress in the house, and the truth is there just isn't enough time in the day to add one more task to the holiday routine. A Dog is for Life, not just for Christmas.
Raising a puppy is difficult enough without adding all the other stressors of the holidays. Getting a puppy for the kids for Christmas might be a good idea in theory but in reality the responsibility falls back on the adults in the household.

Getting a puppy should be a well thought out family process to make sure the breed that's selected fits the family's lifestyle.

Careful planning with responsibilities clearly defined, is the kindest and most fair thing you can do for your family and the animal. The process allows everyone to get involved and plan ahead of time.

Owning an animal requires alot of time, patience and dedication to do it right. Commitment is key to having a well adjusted animal for life. The first few weeks of its life are crucial for proper adjustment.

A puppy or a dog should never be a "surprise." If the puppy is truly a "surprise" all the details will not have been worked out. Statistics show that after the holidays are over, shelter organizations are overwhelmed with all the unwanted "surprise" puppies as gifts. Please do not add to that statistic. Puppies are living creatures and should not be treated as a disposable commodity. Please plan appropriately.

If you want to bring a puppy into your household, wait until after the holidays. You can "announce" the puppy's arrival with one of these gifts under the tree:

A stuffed animal of the breed of puppy you plan on getting
A wrapped picture of the new puppy that will be arriving soon
A breed ornament to hang on the tree
Purchase a collection of toys or gift basket for the new pup
New food and water bowls -- possibly personalized
A placemat for the dishes
A dog tag
A festive, personalized leash and collar
Treats
A personalized dog bed
A new puppy training book
A book to teach about house training
Gift certificate for puppy training classes

Remember: A Dog is for life, not just for Christmas.

Thanksgiving Tips for Pet Safety

2011-11-21T07:40:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is usually seen as time spent to be with family and friends, feasting on wonderful food that we prepare. Our pets feel the excitement and salivate with aromatic smells of cooking food, too.

Please don’t be tempted to feed the “table scraps” to Fido as you may be headed to the emergency vet with a potential pancreatic attack or a bone stuck in their intestines. Not fun!

Here are some very simple, safe rules to follow during the holiday season that will keep your pets safe:

No cooked bones! Cooked bones are brittle and can puncture stomachs and intestines.
No fatty foods! There are too many instances where people think they are doing their pet a favor by feeding high fat content food and “scraps” from the Thanksgiving dinner table. High fat foods can cause acute pancreatitis, which is very painful. Bloody diarrhea and restlessness are just a couple cues that will insure an emergency visit to the vet.
No sweet or spicy food!
No access to counter surfers!
Keep garbage cans well secured.
No pets in the kitchen. This will prevent you tripping over them and spilling hot gravy on them.
Be aware of your pet’s ability or inability to adjust to new people and other people’s visiting pets. All this is stressful for them – and you. Provide a safe haven for them that will keep them safe and out of trouble.
Supervise visiting children. You pet does not know them and they do not know your pet’s little habits that you’ve become comfortable living with. They may not heed the pet’s warning to stay away which could escalate into a bite. Avoid a confrontation by providing a safe haven or constant supervision.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A Great Halloween Shooting!

2011-10-19T21:06:00.000-04:00

This year's (first) Great Halloween Photo Shoot was a blast! Here are a couple images to share. Keep watch for upcoming photo shoots you won't want to miss!

Adopt a Dog Month

2011-10-12T22:28:00.003-04:00

October is Adopt a Dog Month

There is nothing more rewarding than saving an animal from anot-so-good life. It takes special understanding and an enormous heart toovercome some "baggage" the animal might be carrying around.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 5-7 million animals enter the animal sheltersnationwide and about 3-4 million are euthanized. You can make a difference.

Are you looking for an exercise buddy?
Are you looking for a best friend?
Are looking for unconditional love?
Are you looking for companion for a senior citizen?
Are you looking for a friendly face who is always happy to see you after a hard day at work?
Are you looking for a more mature pet, avoiding the puppy and kitten crazies?

Then adopting a pet is the answer.

See below for a list of local and nationwide adoption shelters:

The Humane Society
The APCA
Petfinder.com
Any pure-breed organization has a rescue program
Strays and Others
PawsCT.org
Wilton Parrot Rescue
Animals in Distress
Adopt-a-Dog

These are just to name a few... We will be expanding the list.

Ask us about our Adoption Package at our store.

The Great Halloween Photo Shoot

2011-10-07T06:21:00.000-04:00

The Great Halloween Photo Shoot will take place at the Village Critter Outfitter on October 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is FREE!

Senior Pet Health

2011-10-04T06:21:00.000-04:00

Senior Pet Health Awareness

What makes a senior? This is not as straightforward an answer as you would think. It is partly age and partly size and partly individual characteristics that contribute to calling a pet senior. Cats and small dogs are generally considered senior at 10 years old. Medium sized dogs are considered senior at eight years old, large breed dogs at 6 years old and giant breed dogs at 4 years old. Having said that, there are some pets that technically fit into the categories above that I wouldn’t consider senior at all based on their genetics and environment and their individual history.

What is aging? As our pets age, their cells gradually lose water, or become dehydrated. Dehydrated cells don’t work as well as young plump cells full of water. This happens to all pets. The effect this has within the body varies according to what the cells are responsible for. For example, we can see decreased kidney or liver function as the kidney and liver cells age. Both of these organs help to detoxify the body and metabolize proteins. As the cells in the digestive system dehydrate we see difficulty with digestion and absorption of nutrients. As stressed joints and hearts experience more extensive wear and tear as a function of genetic weaknesses or lifetime insults, we see arthritis and heart disease. As the cells in the various glands weaken, we see deficiencies in the production of numerous hormones normally active throughout the body including the brain, beginning to reveal the symptoms of dysfunction such as we see with senility in our older pets.

So what can we do? Firstly, all pets that qualify as potential seniors based on their size and age should begin to get exams twice yearly along with blood work and a urine analysis. During your pet’s exam, there should be an extensive history taking to be sure any early signs of disease have an opportunity to be detected. Early signs of disease in seniors could include a change in water intake, urination amount, appetite, elimination behaviors, cough, energy level, and involvement in family activities, vomiting, difficult with stairs or jumping into the car, an increase in the amount of barking, a change in the sound of a dog’s bark, or a change in weight.

At home you can affect your pet’s longevity and happiness by feeding a healthful, preservative-free food not necessarily designed for seniors. (The pet food companies don’t have it right when it comes to senior pet’s needs. They have lower fat and lower protein. Our senior pets need more protein now than ever as they need to support muscle tissue, including heart muscle, and immune system function. Did you know recommendations for senior humans are for a 25% increase in protein? Why aren’t we there yet with our pets? This is a pet peeve of mine so pardon me as I digress a bit.)

Design an exercise regimen which allows your senior-acting pet to get shorter but more frequent activity. All seniors, according to age and breed, should have at least 50% of these activities include something that would involve the brain, like training sessions (yes, even for cats), using a puzzle or buster cube for dogs, or ball puzzle or laser light games for cats. Beware of medications your older pets take and ask about possible side effects. I like to minimize the use of medications, particularly for older pets as older animals are more sensitive to adverse effects from drugs. Give your pet some healthy support. Supplements that likely benefit all aging systems are fish oil, digestive enzymes and probiotics (good bacteria), a good multi-vitamin and anti-oxidant, and water. You are unlikely to be able to increase the amount of water your pet drinks from a water bowl, but giving canned foods and fresh foods suitable for your pet will greatly increase their water intake. Please speak with your veterinarian before feeding fresh foods as not all fresh foods are healthy for all pets.

And if you see any signs of “aging” please have a discussion with your veterinarian. Many signs that owners attribute to the aging process end up being correctable issues related to disease or deficiencies. Together we can help our older pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives!

In Health,

Janette Alvarez, VMD
Animal Wellness Veterinary Center

Norwalk, CT

National Dog Day

2011-08-26T00:24:00.000-04:00

National Dog Day, August 26th.

Honoring and recognizing all dogs on this designated day.

"It is the Human Condition to Love.
It is Love that Changes the Human Condition.
It is the Love of one Human that can Change a Nation.
It is that Love which empowers one Nation, to save man's best friend."
~ Colleen Paige - Founder of National Dog Day

Over 100,000 lives saved since 2004!!!

Village Critter Outfitter fully supports and encourages the adoption of animals. National Dog Day celebrates all dogs but emphasizes saving a life by adopting or rescuing an unwanted animal.

Just a few simple suggestions on how to celebrate the day (feel free to add to the list):

· Adopt a special dog.
· Make a donation to a local shelter.
· Donate needed supplies to local shelter.
· Volunteer at a local shelter.
· Plan a play date with other dog friends.
· Take your dog for a walk.
· Get a current ID tag for your dog.
· Give a special treat.
· Schedule some training sessions that encourage a bond between you and the dog - no harsh training tactics.
· Take your dog for a ride in the car.
· Take a picture of your dog.

Come celebrate with Village Critter Outfitter, on this special day, by picking out your dog's favorite treat. Is it a pig ear? Or a Bully stick? Or a Beef Jerky? Or a frozen Yogurt treat? Whatever your dog's pleasure, it is his when he enters the doors of Village Critter Outfitter.

For more information visit:
www.nationaldogday.com
Sponsored by - Animal Miracle Foundation + Network
National Dog Day was Founded by Pet Lifestyle Expert & Animal Behaviorist "Colleen Paige"

Avoiding Separation Anxiety with the Back to School Routine

2011-08-12T16:21:00.000-04:00

After a summer filled with family fun vacations in the sun, barbeques, swimming, surrounded by friends and animal companions, fall brings us to the Back to School routine. However, there is nothing routine about it. School activities create hectic schedules with less time spent at home. The family dog doesn't understand and wants to know why no one is around to play anymore.

Dogs, being creatures of habit and routine, can become stressed by this sudden change in their day. Separation anxiety is common in this situation and boredom can set in later, too. Some behaviors that indicate separation anxiety are:

·         Inappropriate Chewing
·         Excessive Barking
·         Digging
·         Eliminating in the house
·         Decrease in appetite
·         Depression
·         Acting out in ways that are not typical.

There are ways to help them transition through the change in routine with a few simple ideas:

·         Re-establishing a routine
·         Feed at the same times during the day.
·         Dogs love to learn, too. Sign up for an obedience class.
·         Learn to be a pet therapy team at a hospital or school.

·         Mental stimulation can be just as effective as physical exercise so use educational toys to make them think.
·         Hide multiple, stuffed toys like a Kong throughout the house, creating a Hide n Seek game.

·         Schedule play dates.
·         Join a Meetup group.

·         If your schedule cannot handle one more task, select a good, kind daycare or pet sitter that will spend quality time with your pet during the day.

A couple things to remember, a tired dog is a well behaved dog and nothing replaces time spent with you. Who loves you more?

Skunked? Here's a Homemade De-Skunking recipe.

2011-08-09T15:55:00.000-04:00

It's late at night, you're ready to go to bed, sending the dog out for one more 'business break'. You open the door. Your dog curiously runs over to the kittty hanging out in the yard. As you focus in the darkness, you realize too late that the kitty-looking black creature has a white stripe!!

At that very moment the acrid stench from this furry creature has been released and doused all over your dog. It's a very distinguishing smell, wouldn't you say? The molecules just seem to never leave the hairs in your nostrils.

Now, how are you going to clean the dog? Tomato juice, right? Wrong. This solution is not effective, and besides, who had 10 cans of tomato juice hanging out in their pantry? Speed is the key here. Quickly get those oils off before it completely absorbs into every piece of hair and follicle. Just like a first aid kit, have these ingredients handy and your dog and family will be very thankful.

1 bottle of hydrogen peroxide
1 cup of white vinegar
2 Tablespoons of baking soda
1 tablespoon of liquid soap
1 gallon of warm water.

Mix ingredients together and bathe, concentrating on the area that got the direct hit.

Hopefully you will never need to experience your beloved pet being sprayed by a skunk. If he does, you will be well prepared.

Print this recipe and leave it in a convenient place that can found by all.

The Meaning of Dog Days of Summer

2011-08-09T15:06:00.000-04:00

You've heard the expression 'Dog Days of Summer.' What does that expression really mean?

The answer is in the stars.

The Dog Days of Summer are days in July and August, when Sirius, the major star in the canis major constellation is at its closest to Earth. Canis Major is Latin for "greater dog," and Sirius is Greek for 'sparkling' or 'scorching.'

When early Romans looked to the stars, they saw Sirius following his "master", the constellation Orion -- the hunter -- across the sky. They believed Sirius, the largest and brightest star in the sky caused the hottest days in summer.

The "Dog Days" are a celestial occurrence during the hottest time of the year in the northern hemisphere. According to Webster's Dictionary, it is a period of stagnation and inactivity.
That definition may have been inspired by the way dogs behave during this period of oppressive heat: they seek shade and slow down.

The only way a dog can cool itself is through panting and sweating through its foot pads.
If the air is hotter than the body, the dog cannot cool down.
Walking on hot pavement is like putting the heater on.

Dogs at greatest risk of heat stroke are:

The very young, the very old and overweight dogs.
Dogs not acclimated to heat, who spend most of their lives indoors in air conditioned environments, have trouble adjusting to high temperatures.
Brachycephalic dogs -- those with pushed-in faces, like pugs and bulldogs suffer most from heat.

Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke, and their instincts seem to tell them to slow down when it gets hot. We should listen to and learn from our dogs.

Heat stroke is a very serious condition in which the animal's body absorbs more heat than it can release. As the temperature rises, the muscles and internal organs shut down. It is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate emergency intervention.

Heat stroke can occur within 20 minutes.

Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs are: restlessness, excessive panting, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, dry tacky gums, labored breathing , agitation, whining, barking, signs of anxiety, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, lack of muscular coordination and very red gums.

In advanced stages of heat stroke a dog will become listless and weak and experience increased difficulty breathing. Left untreated, heatstroke is fatal.

The dog can suffer seizures before collapsing, becoming comatose and dying. Again, this can happen in as little as 20 minutes.

Treatment of heat stroke requires awareness of the situation and reacting by lowering the core temperature as quickly as possible.

Remove the dog from the over-heated area, spray the dog with cool water or immerse it in cool water—never ice cold!
Use fans or cooling pads to lower body temperature.
Encourage evaporative cooling by applying rubbing alcohol to the foot pads, under the front armpits and on the groin areas.
Most importantly, get the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Preventing heatstroke is not difficult.

NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day. "Cracked" windows do not matter. The inside of the car acts like an oven and temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes.
A small thermometer in your car will help you gauge the interior temperature. (Village Critter Outfitter sells thermometers for just this purpose.)
Avoid exercise on warm days, and limit exercise to early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are less intense.
Keep fresh cool water available to your dog at all times.
Be sure your dog has access to shade any time he is outdoors in summer.
Give your dog access to a swimming pool, kiddie pool or a sprinkler.

A dog cannot tell you when it has become overheated, so watch for the warning signs of distress and don't take unnecessary risks with your dog during these last few weeks of summer.

Dogs, Fireworks and Thunder Are Not a Fun Mix

2011-08-08T16:04:00.000-04:00

Dogs, in general, just don't like loud noises. Fireworks and Thunder, in particular, are two of the worst offenders.
The array of pops, crackles and booms of fireworks could create a major panic attack in some pets. Celebrations can go on for days and, from the dog’s perspective, it is a never-ending experience, filled with stress.
Although sound sensitivity is a common phobia, watching your dog go through the anxiety is no fun.
So, just what is the problem and why do most dogs have such an aversion to the loud noises of fireworks?
A dog’s hearing is 10 times more sensitive than a human’s; therefore the loud, unpredictable bangs are cause for a very fearful, stressful reaction. Unfortunately, you cannot reason with them that the event will be over in a short while.

Symptoms of a stressed dog:

Eyes wide
Salivation
Frantic movement
Whining
Barking excessively
Pacing
Hiding in places they don’t normally go
Trembling, shaking
Cannot relax

There are a few things you can do to help with safety and provide as much comfort as possible to your canine companion:

Do not take your dog to a fireworks display.
Keep your dog inside. In a high panic situation, your dog could have the potential to bolt anywhere for safety and it may result in running into the road or somewhere where they may never be found again. Dogs will even dig under fences or jump through closed screens and windows to try to get away from the terrifying noise.
The basement of your home can provide a safe haven as the noises won't be so loud there.
Some dogs are sensitive to the flashing light, so be aware of your dog’s light sensitivities and keep it to a minimum — close the shades.
Crating can create a safe environment for those accustomed to being crated.
Try distracting with their most sought after prize — their favorite treat!
Make sure they have up-to-date ID information. The Fourth of July holiday has the highest rate of pet recovery activity.
When the dog shows signs of fear, we cannot help but want to shower with more cuddling, petting and soothing. Believe it or not this actually reinforces the dog’s fear. They’re thinking, “There must be a reason to be afraid…..”
Consider taking the dog to a friend’s house that will be noise free of fireworks.
Use Rescue Remedy, which assists in calming naturally.
Use a Thundershirt, which provides gentle pressure that calms the nervous system.
Use a pheromone based product that assists the dog in stressful situations.

In the future, keep these tips in mind to prepare your dog (or new puppy) for loud noises fireworks and thunder:

During the critical impressionable stage (3-5 months), try introducing different noises that the dog will experience through life, including different loud sounds.
Several days or weeks before the fireworks display, desensitize your dog to the noise by getting a fireworks recording (video or audio) and play periodically, starting out with low volume and gradually increasing. Reward with treats and/or soft praise.

Water Safety and Fun for Dogs

2011-06-19T12:16:00.000-04:00

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for any dog. Because swimming is a non-weight-bearing activity, it strengthens the cardio vascular and muscular systems without placing stress on bones and joints. Many dogs naturally enjoy swimming and most can learn to love the water. All breeds, with the help of a life jacket (PFD - personal flotation device), and good supervision, can be kept safe in the water.

WATER SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS

If your dog is going swimming in a pond, thoroughly check out the area for broken glass, fishing lines and other hazards. If swimming in the ocean, be aware of tides and currents.
Never leave your dog unsupervised. Every year, dogs drown in pools after becoming exhausted, trying to find their way out, even when stairs are available.
Always have your dog wear a flotation device.
Always show your dog a safe, simple way to get out of the pool.
Always hose off your pet after swimming.
If boating, be aware that dogs get seasick too.
If boating or out in the sun for long periods of time, dog get sunburn, too.

For more information on how to teach your dog to swim and create a water loving dog, visit Canine Water Sports:

KFAC-CCI-VCO Special invitation

2011-06-19T10:56:00.000-04:00

Kayak for a Cause XI raises money for several local and national charities by paddling across Long Island Sound. July 30, 2011.

Special invitation:

Once a month we've done a "Get to know the Charities" function at a local establishment to increase awareness of who KFAC is raising money for.

Meet: Canine Companions for Independence (www.cci.org) Visit with the dogs, view a short presentation, learn about their program and talk to the people whose lives have been changed by having a CCI dog in their life.

When: Thursday, June 23rd from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Where: Brewhouse in Norwalk, CT, Directions

CCI's mission is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Learn more by checking out this video

Real stories on how CCI dogs have changed people's lives

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

2011-05-19T13:00:00.000-04:00

How serious are dog bites in America? Very serious - and many are preventable. According to the Centers of Disease Control, approximately 4.7 million people are bitten annually. Half of this number involves children under the age of 12. The after affect of these bites is tremendous as we see in our increased homeowners insurance costs and emotional and physical distress experienced from such trauma.

Tips for Dog Bite Prevention:

· Always assume the dog may view you as an intruder or threat
· Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
· If the temptation is just too much, when approaching an unfamiliar dog, let them smell your semi-closed fist first. Never reach for their head, as this is viewed as very threatening by them.
· Body language is everything when viewed from a dog's perspective. Never approach straight on or lock eyes with them.
· Always ask the owner first if you can approach their dog.
· Do not disturb a sleeping dog
· Do not disturb a dog that is eating food or a chew on anything.

Tips if there is an impending attack:

· Never turn your back and run, as the dog's instinct with be to chase and catch you.
· Remain motionless, stand like a tree.
· Avoid eye contact with the dog.
· As the dog loses interest, slowly back away.
· If dog is attacking, try to put anything you can between you and the dog, such as a backpack or jacket.
· If you fall to the ground, do not roll around and make noise as this will encourage "prey" instinct in the dog. YOU are the PREY!

Tips for owners

· Always seek out positive, kind training methods. Studies have shown that aversive, negative, harsh , punishing training methods actually trigger aggressive tendencies in dogs. Some examples of negative trigger methods are yelling, "alpha rollovers", any form of hitting, and shock training.
· It is your responsibility to ensure that your dog receives proper socialization and training and is supervised around children. Successful socialization takes place in the first 16 weeks of a puppy's life. If not properly exposed to "life" stimuli, the dog will often fear the stimuli, which could lead to fear-biting.
· Dogs and children speak different languages. Please take the time to teach respect and kindness to both.
· Recognize the signs a dog gives. In many instances the dog is being very appropriate in the language it is speaking - in dog language. If no one is listening, the situation could escalate. It will start with a low growl, a louder growl, trying to move away from the situation, then a nip, then a real bite.
· If children are having a party, place the dog in a safe place from the overwhelming stimuli - away from the screaming, running, very excitable strangers. Children move much more quickly than adults, making them unpredictable therefore increasing the dog's nervousness.

When it comes to dog bites, in the law's eyes, it's always the dog's fault. Please do everything you can to teach and train the children and your pets so they understand each other as best as possible. This gives everyone a safe, fair chance to share in the amazing relationship that can be shared between human and canine.

3 Quick Tips To Teach Your Dog to Walk On A Leash

2011-04-22T13:23:00.000-04:00

Let’s Go For a Walk!

Teaching Your Dog to Walk and Let You Lead

Knowledge of how dogs use their bodies to communicate can help establish the proper technique for walking your dog and who will be the leader. Dog’s bodies talk to one another and to us. Learning the nonverbal language of dogs can help you understand their communication and avoid behavioral issues.

Your body language and emotional state of mind are conveyed directly down the leash to your dog. So it is important to be aware of how your carry yourself, the amount of tension you transmit down the leash to your dog, and how close your dog is to your knee during the walk.

Walking, in your dog’s mind, is a bonding experience that unites members of the pack. Since the alpha dog determines the direction and duration of walking, it is necessary that you are viewed by your dog as the alpha dog and thus leader. The following three-step walking technique will help you and your dog solidify your walking relationship.

1. Stand up straight, with your dog and leash on your left side at your knee. Tell your dog “let’s go.” As you say, “let’s go,” immediately step off on your left foot. Reading your body language, your dog will
associate your movement and instruction to “let’s go” as she walks forward with you. The need for your dog to be at your knee sends an immediate message of your dominance at the onset of the walk. Dog’s are born followers of humans. They look for a leader who is calm, assertive, kind and patient.

2. Almost immediately your dog’s nose will pass your knee and she will be ahead of you. Quickly and abruptly turn around and go back in the other direction making sure that your dog is walking at your knee.
If your dog passes your knee once again, turn again. In a few minutes, your dog will realize that you are simply walking in circles.

3. Keep walking (in circles) until your dog relaxes into your stride. Then begin to walk forward. If your dog attempts to pass you, turn to the circles again. This repetition will teach your dog, effectively and without confrontation, that you are the leader of the pack, dictating the walk and that he/she is safe with your lead. The amount of tension on the leash conveys your level of confidence and relaxation to the dog. A relaxed leader’s muscles are soft and not contracted. A soft and easy stride teaches the dog again that you are in-charge and she need not be in a protective or prey mode.

My Grateful Dog “Think Like Your Dog Teaching Method” is about understanding how dogs communicate with each other and the most effective method to communicate with them. Understanding their non-verbal body language will help you earn their respect while reducing the misunderstandings that lead to problems.
Your dog will be The Grateful Dog…and you will be grateful, too!

Mary Ellen Walsh, founder of The Grateful Dog is an APDT and CGC certified dog trainer, canine behaviorist and an American Kennel Club champion dog breeder. She provides private, in-home empowering teaching techniques which nurtures the dog's cooperative, loving nature and is always non-threatening for the dogs, the owners and their children. Mary Ellen also hosts "The Grateful Dog, Think Like Your Dog" radio call-in show on 1400 WSTC 1350 WNLK every Saturday afternoon from 2 - 3 p.m. The show also streams live on-line. She can be reached at 203 426-7086 or her website: www.thinklikeyourdog.com

TICKS. YUCK!

2011-04-22T13:02:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Spring, 2011 (or less affectionately, Tick Season)

The seasons certainly do seem to be confused this year, or perhaps Winter thinks that it has been so successful, it doesn’t want to give up a good gig. The tick I pulled off of my aunt’s pet Yorkie 3 weeks ago was the first I’d seen this year. Little did I know, that one little tick would open the flood gates and signal the official beginning of tick season.

If a room full of people were playing a word association game and I said, “ticks”, I can almost guarantee that most people would blurt out Lyme Disease without hesitation. Every time we diagnose a case of Lyme Disease at Smith Ridge Veterinary Center, it comes out in the conversation that the pet has been previously infected, the caretaker knows of another pet who has had Lyme Disease, they themselves have been infected, or they have known someone who has had Lyme Disease. First diagnosed in Lyme, CT, it is a plague in this area for pets and people alike. Signs can range from the classic limping, joint swelling, and fever, to severely ill pets, to nothing at all. I have seen pets with Lyme Disease present with a plethora of different symptoms--hence its nickname, “the great imitator”. The scary part is, not only do ticks transmit Lyme Disease, but a laundry list of other diseases as well. These include Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (which is now common in the northeast) to name just a few.

So how can we protect our pets from ticks and the disease they spread? The answer is simple and complicated at the same time. Ready?--You just do the best you can. I know it sounds vague, but there are just no guarantees when it comes to ticks and that is why all you can do is, after all, the best you can.

There are many options you can use to try to prevent your pet from playing host to ticks and all of the disease they spread. However, the one preventative measure which is very rarely mentioned and often overlooked is…wait for it…health! We have largely become a profession, and to a larger extent, a society which knows how to treat disease but has forgotten how to promote health. Through a combination of good diet, exercise, rest, and support--we hope that our immune system is up to the task. Ask yourself--why is it that if somebody sneezes in a room and spreads virus through the air, only some of us get sick? Because at that particular point in time, the immune system let a few of us down because of poor dietary habits, excess stress, etc…in short, poor health.

Still, at Smith Ridge, we recognize how bad the tick problem is and we offer a number of preventative options so that you can choose the one that is right for you. Two of my favorite natural flea and tick products are Flea and Tick Spray from Quantum Laboratories (catchy title, eh?) and Internal Powder (herbal blend) from Earth Animal. I usually recommend using both together as the Internal Powder is ingested in the food and works over time and the Flea and Tick Spray is an herbal repellant which can be sprayed on prior to walks in tick infested areas. If you prefer a pharmaceutical approach we do have Frontline which is a topical flea and tick medication you put between the shoulder blades. While in a perfect world, I would prefer not to use pesticides and toxic substances on any of our pets, the prevalence of ticks in this area have made this a consideration for many. We just recommend using the product with some forethought and only when appropriate. Many people are able to use products like Frontline in just the spring and fall when ticks are most active and voracious, and can avoid using it during the rest of the season. While there are many topical flea and tick medications which have hit the market in past years, we do consider Frontline to be the safest option. We have seen many products that don’t work and many which have produced downright dangerous results.

As Smith Ridge is an integrative practice, we are commonly asked if the Lyme vaccine is the answer for tick-borne disease. While it is common practice to vaccinate yearly for Lyme Disease in this area, we do not endorse this. We believe the efficacy of the vaccine is questionable and we have treated side effects from the vaccine. Also, the Lyme vaccine does *not* protect against all of the other diseases ticks spread. For these reasons, we prefer to primarily address tick disease from a health and prevention standpoint, and by running multiple screening tests during the year. In addition to the in-clinic SNAP test, a diagnostic test has been developed which can actually quantify the infection level if infection occurs. It is called a Lyme C6 test. Developed by Idexx Laboratories, this test is one of the best tools in the war against Lyme Disease, and in my opinion, should be used to monitor the status of any pet who has been infected.

If your pet does become infected with a tick-borne disease, treatment usually entails antibiotic therapy for about 1 month. At Smith Ridge we also incorporate homeopathic remedies and/or herbal formulas. My favorite is an herbal formula called Lyme Formula from Jing Tang Herbal which can be used safely with antibiotics and used with any tick-borne disease.

While there is no magic potion which will be 100% effective in preventing tick infestation or tick-borne disease, if you do the best you can, you can minimize the risk to your furriest of family members.

Dr. Mike is an Associate Veterinarian at Smith Ridge Veterinary Center located in Oakridge Commons Plaza in South Salem, NY. He is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbologist. He also teaches at the Chi Institute and is a contributing author to Xie’s Veterinary Herbology.
fmi: www.smithridge.com

Village Critter Outfitter has wide selection of very effective all natural, non poisonous flea and tick protection. Please stop in to pick up a bottle.