The Artful Canine TImes Newsletter

Canine Holiday Hazards

Before you get caught up in the festivities and pass a piece of Grandma's famous holiday nutcake under the table to your dog, read through our list of foods that are harmful to most canines. While non-toxic to us, the following items can cause severe reactions and/or sickness in your beloved canine. <Read More>

FOOD

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
Alcohol
Avocado
Macadamia Nuts
Grapes & Raisins
Yeast Dough
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs, Bones
Xylitol
Onions, Garlic, Chives
Milk
Salt

Please visit the ASPCA site for full details on the above foods for a safe and happy holiday for your dog!

OTHER HARMFUL DOG PRODUCTS
Sad but true - there are products sold for dogs that are actually toxic! Some of these products are sold by reputable, trusted brands. But because most dog products are not regulated or inspected for safety in the same way that items for human's, they have become easy for companies to produce and sell. As a result, our dogs are at a greater risk of harm. We've learned of a site that reports toxicity levels on all kinds of dog products like beds, collars, and other items that your dog could be in contact with daily. Check out Healthystuff.org for pets, which provides a comprehensive list of the most dangerous products, for more information. Our thanks go to Sally F. of North Port, FL, for providing us with this very helpful info and potentially dog life-saving information!

Ticks - A Year Round Issue?

For those of you living in cooler climates, tick control may not be an issue for you right now. However Keep ticks are present in many parts of the country year round, making tick control a ongoing challenge for some.

Beyond cold temperatures, there isn't much that keeps ticks in check naturally. That leaves the use of insecticides and tick treatments for most of us, and I have tried just about all of them. Over-the-counter collars and spot-ons like Advantix and Frontline, although effective at controlling fleas, don't really work here in Florida. I am embarrassed to admit that I once had a severe household infestation in Miami that was terrible! And if you have ever been bitten by a tick, just imagine how your dog feels when they have several of them burrowing into their coats everyday!

Ticks can cause severe reactions is some dogs, much like flea dermatitis does. It triggers an allergic reaction that can propel a dog into a constant state of itching, scratching and sometimes biting their skin to the point where it becomes raw. Here's a few tips that will help you prevent ticks from taking control over your dog - and your home.

Dog Products: Advantix or Frontline Plus work for many dogs, but are ineffective for many because they are topical and can wear away with bathing. I've found (and confirmed through many conversations with my clients) this is more of an issue with tick protection than with fleas. I strongly suggest using Verbitim's Preventix Collar, which offers protection for 3 months, and works like a charm! It's more expensive than the common Flea & tick collars you find in your local pet store,but it really works. I personally guarantee it.

Home Products: You may also have to treat your home if you've got a heavy infestation of ticks. You will usually find them near entryways or where your dog sleeps. Like fleas, ticks hop rides on your dogs, fall off and burrow into carpets and walls pretty easily. It's not real hard to treat - any insecticide with Permethrin will do the trick. Simply spray in entry ways or where you've sighted ticks. Unless you have a severe infestation, you can get away with this treatment on an as need basis. As always, use caution when applying insecticides, which can be harmful when in direct contact with the active ingredients.