Homemade Frozen Dog Treats

When you're spiking volleyballs on the beach and lapping chocolate dreamcicles, make sure your dog has some frozen 'pupcicles' of his own.

Remember those carefree hot summer days when you were a kid and how a cold creamy treat from the ice cream truck tasted so good? You probably even shared some with the dog and that made it even more special!
Yes, our dogs love those icy treats on hot days too. Whether they’ve been out playing Frisbee or just napping under a tree, they love crunching on frozen ‘pupcicles.’
You can find frozen dog treats in the freezer section of some stores now and a particularly popular one is Purina Frosty Paws. Containing high quality protein fortified with vitamins and minerals and no added sugar, artificial flavors or colors, it actually is nutritional as well as delicious. But you can easily make healthful and delicious summer snacks at home for your best friend.

 

 

A simple frozen banana, carrot, chunk of cheese, or weenie will delight your dog on hot days. Something as easy as plain old ice cubes or treat cubes with a strawberry or banana slice or a cheese chunk in the center will cool your pup when the heat is relentless. For larger dogs, add several different treats and freeze in disposable cups.

To make your pup feel extra special, try this recipe. Blend a couple of spoons of peanut butter with mashed banana, add a spoonful of honey and mix in about a half cup of water to make a better freezing consistency. For optional extra crunch, throw in a few unsalted peanuts.
If you want to be a bit creative, try mixing and matching various fruit juices with your dog’s favorite fruit such as apple bits or canned peaches along with plain yogurt before freezing into cubes. You may even want to go all out and blend smoothies or slushes for your dog to lap up or crunch in frozen cubes. However, stick to fruit juices and water for liquid as many dogs cannot easily digest milk. Creamy treats can be made by mixing half cottage cheese and half water and freezing into cubes.
For dogs who prefer meaty tastes, freeze chicken or beef broth, or even thin unsalted gravies into cubes. For an extra surprise, add a chunk of baby food meat, a piece of milkbone, or a cheese bit into each cube before freezing.
Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy cold goodies on hot days. Whether you’re spiking volleyballs on the beach and lapping chocolate dreamcicles or just relaxing around the patio slurping ice cream floats on a summer evening, make sure your dog has some 'pupcicles' of his own.

Doberman Protects Baby

Kill Fleas and Keep Your Pets Happy

If you have pets, at some point, you will definitely have to deal with fleas. There are a few different brands of flea treatments you can give your pet that will work well to get rid of them. You should choose from Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel because they are the top flea-eliminating brands. These brands of treatments for fleas are very easy to use and won't bother your pet at all. All you do is take the pre-measured dose from the tube provided and put it on the back of your cat or dog. After this is done, you apply the Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel solution to your pet's skin. You can only get these flea treatments, Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel at your veterinarian. When you buy it straight from their office, you will know that you're getting a quality product you can trust. Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel for fleas will start working almost immediately to provide your pet with relief from the biting. It only takes 3-5 minutes for the fleas to stop biting though it will be up to 12 hours for them to be killed. If your pet gets wet or you give him or her a bath, Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel will still work because they're water resistant. Even if it rains or your pet is soaking wet from a bath, these treatments for fleas work wonders. Puppies and kittens can be treated with these Advantage, Frontline or Sentinel products to kill fleas without harming the young animals. Just make sure your pet is at least seven weeks old before you apply the product. Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel for fleas will kill flea larvae upon contact. This is a great benefit of using these products. It's very important to keep your pet healthy, so don't neglect this part of their upkeep.

How to Treat Demodectic Mange on Dogs with Promeris

Demodex mites usually live on dogs without producing any ill effects. However, in young puppies with developing immune systems, or in older dogs with weak immune systems, the mites can lead to a condition called demodectic mange. Demodectic mange starts out locally, but can spread to large areas of the body. Symptoms include hair loss and irritated and oily skin, often with crusty sores. Promeris is a medication approved to treat dogs with this condition.

 

Instructions

1. • 
     1
     Remove Promeris applicator from foil pouch. After holding upright for a few seconds to avoid spills, bend the tip of the applicator back toward user so that applicator snaps open along perforation, being careful not to squeeze. Then, fold tip back and hold in place with finger. Do not touch medication.
   • 2
     Apply Promeris between your dog's shoulder blades. Part your dog's hair so that the opening of applicator rests directly against skin, then gently squeeze entire contents onto skin in that same spot. Ensure the medication is applied high enough on the back so your dog can't lick the spot.
   • 3
     Wash hands thoroughly after applying.
   • 4
     Allow Promeris to dry before your dog gets wet or you touch your dog in that spot.

                5. Wait at least one month to reapply

.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your doctor do a skin scraping of your dog's skin, to make sure it's demodex causing the problem and not some other skin condition.
• Do not let either yourself or your dog accidentally ingest Promeris. Be cautious what your dog touches while the medication is still wet. Be aware that some pet owners have associated Promeris with severe neurological side effects, including lethargy, staggering and loss of coordination. Also, breathing problems can occur. Never give over the prescribed dosage, or more often than once a month. The ingredients in Promeris may carry a high risk of overdose.

Bloat

By Carrie Gustavson
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine



People can pig out on Halloween goodies,
or anything else for that matter, without
it coming back to haunt them. But, for
some dogs who overindulge, even on plain old food and water, their stomach may inflate like a balloon and twist on itself
– a canine horror story.
Food is sometimes the cause of a dilated stomach, but often a dog’s stomach will
mysteriously dilate, or bloat, for no known reason. Either way, bloat is a medical
emergency, and the puffed-up pooch will need veterinary help as soon as possible.
Bloating and twisting of a dog’s stomach is a serious condition veterinarians call GASTRIC DILATION VOLVULUS
or GDV.
Overeating, especially in predisposed breeds, may cause GDV,
but often there is no underlying cause, making this disease one that is baffling to
veterinarians and to owners alike. “A dog with GDV will have a distended abdomen and
may appear restless and depressed and have dry heaves,” says Dr. Cathy Greenfield, small
animal surgeon at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. “A
common history is that he may have just eaten or drunk a large amount of food or water.
But most of the time there is no underlying cause for GDV.”
While the exact cause of GDV is unknown, a dog’s anatomy is thought to play a significant
role. Since the stomach of a dog is securely fixed only at one spot near the top, when the
stomach is full or dilated, it can easily rotate on that one fixed axis. If that happens, not only
is the stomach distension painful, but the blood vessels that feed the stomach are kinked
and stretched as the stomach twists. With reduced circulation to the stomach, the lining of
the stomach can die or be damaged enough to allow bacteria and toxins to enter the
bloodstream.
In addition, the distended stomach can put pressure on major veins, blocking blood flow
back to the heart. Without the normal blood flow to the heart, blood pressure will plunge
and a dog can easily go into shock.
A dog’s breed and age also play a role in GDV. “Deep-chested, large breeds, such as
Weimaraners, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, standard poodles, Great Danes,
Saint Bernards, Irish setters, and Gordon setters, are affected most commonly. Shar-peis,
basset hounds, and springer spaniels are the medium-size breeds that may be predisposed,”
says Dr. Greenfield. “GDV can occur in any age dog, but more commonly it occurs in
middle-aged to older dogs.”
With all the complications associated with bloat, it’s not surprising that mortality rates are
very high with this disease. “With GDV, owners need to get the dog to a veterinarian
immediately. Successful emergency treatment involves relieving the pressure within the
stomach and treatment for shock. In most cases, treatment will also involve emergency
surgery to untwist the stomach and “tack” it in place to prevent future reoccurrence of the
stomach twisting,” says Dr. Greenfield.
The surgical procedure for GDV is called a gastropexy. In it, the stomach is attached to the
body wall to prevent twisting, or future episodes of volvulus. “Recurrent volvulus can be
pretty effectively managed with gastropexy, but dilatation may still occur. Owners should be
vigilant in observing their dog for any signs of trouble,” says Dr. Greenfield.
Especially if your dog is a breed that is prone to GDV, feed smaller meals more often and
limit the amount of water consumed after exercise. Talk to your local small animal
veterinarian for more information about GDV
For more information on BLOAT:
Bloat in dogs
First aid for bloat
Bloat the mother of all emergencies

Doberman Sleding in the Snow

Dolphin helps save life of Doberman

An 11-year-old Doberman trapped for more than 15 hours in a canal off South Bahama Avenue on Marco Island owes his life to a dolphin that splashed and made a ruckus until a nearby homeowner responded.



Cindy Burnett and Turbo the Doberman on Tuesday revisit the canal where Turbo apparently spent a day in the water before a dolphin splashed and made enough noise to alert a homeowner to the dog's plight



Turbo, belonging to Cindy Burnett of Dogwood Drive, slipped through an open fence gate Sunday, Feb. 20, sometime after dark.

The Doberman's sister, Porsche, also strayed, but was later found wandering just a few houses down, Burnett said.

"I was at work (at her Little Caesar's Pizza business), and when I got home, I searched for Turbo from about 9:30 p.m. until 2 a.m.," Burnett said.

She eventually stopped searching; hoping that someone might have stopped to pick up the dog, which Burnett said loves hopping into cars.

Instead, she would find out the next morning, Turbo had made his way down to the South Bahama area about 500 yards from the Burnett home as the crow flies.
At sometime during the night, he is thought to have fallen into the canal.
Next morning, Burnett called the Humane Society and local police, who took down details.
Just before lunch, police received a 911 call from a South Bahama resident who said she'd rescued a dog from a canal after she'd heard and seen a dolphin making a "lot of noise," Burnett said.
The woman told Burnett she'd found Turbo in a corner of the canal.
At that stage, the dog had been able to stand in some sand because of a low tide.
Police called Burnett to tell her the dog had been found, and Burnett rushed down to the area. She had been preparing some posters asking people to look out for her pet.
"He was shivering, and dehydrated, and he had some cuts on his legs I guess from trying to jump out," Burnett said.
She took him home, gave him an electrolyte drink and let him rest until he regained his strength.
Burnett said she forgot to get the neighbor's name.
"I'm so grateful to her," she said. "She told me the dolphin had attracted her attention to Turbo by splashing, making noises and generally causing a ruckus in the water. That's when she saw him (Turbo) in the canal."
Attempts by the Sun Times to contact the neighbor Tuesday and Wednesday at the house were unsuccessful.
"I think it's just a miracle," Burnett said. "I'm so thankful to those people."

Once again alert and in touch, Turbo shows no signs of his dehydration or exhaustion

Doberman Puppies at Play,

A Few Tips on Crate Training Puppies

It is a common misconception that crate training puppies is a cruel practice. This is untrue as long as the dog has adequate exercise and a chance to go outside before placing him in the crate.






Everyone needs a special place to call his or her own and pets are no different. Many dogs enjoy lying in a darkened area such as under a table or bed. It acts as their own private sanctuary and crates can be the perfect substitute that is beneficial to both you and your pet.



Crate training puppies is also effective for potty training.



The natural instinct of a dog is to not eliminate in its personal space. By using the crate, a puppy can be taught the proper places to eliminate.





Crate training puppies can also help to control the cost of repairs due to chewing, digging and other typical destructive behaviors of an overactive young dog. Crates also help the pet become accustomed to traveling, boarding and veterinary care.





Care should be taken when crate training puppies. It is important for the puppy to have plenty of room to stand and turn around in. Unless you wish to purchase different sizes, get a crate that will accommodate your puppy’s expected adult size. When crate training puppies, the crate should be kept as a positive enjoyable retreat.


Never use it in punishment. Remember dogs are social animals that like interaction with other members of the household. The ideal locations for crates are where the family spends time. Kitchens, dens, bedrooms, living rooms and game rooms are best. Avoid isolated areas such as the garage or laundry room.






If the family is going to be gone for an extended period of time during the day, make the puppy feel less alone by leaving a radio or television playing.





This will often calm the pet and avoid problem behaviors such as barking; chewing, and self inflicted wounds from boredom licking.





Introduce your puppy to his or her crate as early as possible. Leaving treats, toys and food are recommended. This will often encourage your puppy to enter it on his own.





The first crating should be after a period of play or exercise and an elimination trip outside. The puppy will be tired and more likely to take a nap.



Encourage him to enter the crate on his own with plenty of praise and rewards. If your puppy refuses to enter, gently put him in yourself keeping your tone as quiet and calm as possible. After placing him in crate, latch the door and leave the room.













When crate training puppies vocal protest can be expected the first few times. It is important not to give in to your puppy’s wishes. Usually the barking will subside after a period of time ranging from minutes to an hour or so. If it does not, a correction may be needed. This correction does not mean removing the pet and physically punishing it.



Remember, you do not want your puppy to associate the correction with you. Some methods that are effective are remote controls for the television or radio. When these suddenly come on without your presence, the puppy is often startled into being quiet. An aluminum can containing a few coins or a water gun used out of site is often affective as well.









Start out crate training puppies in short periods of time. Never remove him or her from the crate while they are still protesting it. Increase the quiet time span and always praise the dog for good behavior.





Eventually, the dog will view the crate as his own personal home. A place to relax, sleep and avoid the rush of everyday living with the oddity of humans.

Doberman Pinschers: Getting to Know Them

When it comes to tough and intimidating guard dogs, the Doberman pinscher is among the most well-known breeds. However, behind this tough exterior is a smart, athletic, and loyal dog that can make a great companion for families. Here is some trivia about this breed that is built for speed: sources explain that it originated in Germany during the late 1800's.
The dog is described as having a medium build, with a square body, with height ranging from 24 to 28 inches. The coat has short hair, which makes it easy to clean and groom. The common colors for Doberman pinschers are black, rust red, bluish black, and fawn. There is always an energetic and alert expression with this breed, and it also apparent in its stance and gait.
Doberman pinschers have been described to be vigorous and determined. Their slender legs are built for speed, and these are they kinds of dogs that will work well if they are exercised regularly. When it comes to having a Doberman pinscher in a home with children, these dogs are generally obedient and will be protective if they are trained to get used to their companions. However, some pinschers have a short temper or are hyperactive, so they might jump on small children if they are teased and provoked.
According to the American Kennel Club, Doberman pinschers are ranked 18 th in the list of most popular dog breeds of 2008. Because of the athletic abilities and loyalty of the Doberman pinscher, it isn't a wonder why many are choosing its companionship. As a matter of fact, there is a dedicated organization for avid Doberman pinscher owners in the US, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA), which was established in 1921. To date, this breed has proven to be very obedient and easy to train, which makes it a popular choice for many homes.