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Archive for November, 2017

FDA Warns That Bone Treats Could Kill Your Pet

Thursday, November 30, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

The following is an article release by the FDA regarding how dangerous bones could be for your pet. All dogs like bones but it’s not worth the risk. There are other safer treats that your dog will enjoy just as much.

This is an article that originally appeared on Huff Post.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a grim warning for dog lovers thinking of getting a special treat for their pups.

This week, an FDA statement on the dangers of “bone treats” — meaning bones for dogs that have been commercially processed by means like smoking or baking — has gone viral.

However, while most media outlets have been reporting on the anti-bone treat decree like it’s brand new, the FDA has had the warning up since at least 2010, based on archives from the Wayback Machine. The statement has been periodically updated over the years to factor in the number of reports of canine illnesses and deaths the FDA has received.

On Nov. 21, the statement was updated to reflect that the agency has received about 68 reports of dogs dying or falling ill in connection with bone treats. Some reports involved more than one dog, for a total of 90 dogs reported being adversely affected by the bones. An estimated 15 of those dogs have died.

An FDA spokeswoman told HuffPost that the warning reflects reports the FDA has received from Nov. 1, 2010, to Sept. 12, 2017.

The Food and Drug Administration continues to warn dog owners that "bone treats" can be dangerous.
The Food and Drug Administration continues to warn dog owners that “bone treats” can be dangerous.

The FDA warning does not specify any particular brand of dog treats, though it does note that the list of potentially dangerous treats includes those described as “Ham Bones,” “Pork Femur Bones,” “Rib Bones” or “Smokey Knuckle Bones.”

Illnesses reported included serious symptoms like diarrhea, choking, digestive obstruction and “bleeding from the rectum.”

“Giving your dog a bone treat might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death for your pet,” FDA veterinarian Carmela Stamper said in the statement.

The types of bones that dogs can chew on safely is somewhat controversial. Experts typically agree that poultry bones, as well as any cooked bones, are unsafe for dogs because of their tendency to splinter. Though the American Kennel Club advises that it’s safe for a dog to chew on raw cow or bison bones too big to swallow, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals maintains that the risk of even raw bones splintering and harming the digestive tract is too great.

Thank you to HuffPost for providing this very valuable information!

Remember, your pets count!

The best oldies are playing right now on Edgewater Gold Radio – oldies, standards and holiday favorites are on Edgewater Gold Radio. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website, The Edgewater Radio Network.

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Pets Can Help Sick Children Recover Faster!

Tuesday, November 28, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

To help comfort children who need to go to the hospital, veterinarian  Randall Lang wrote a book called “I’ll Be OK.”  This book describes a trip to the animal hospital from the perspective of Randall’s dog, Josh. In the book, Josh gets scared then realized that he has this wonderful family who loves him and great doctors and nurses who are there to take care of him.  He realizes that with all of the veterinary technicians and staff, the he will be OK because of the great support he will be receiving. Dr. Lang is the one that is behind “Josh and friends” which distributes the book  to children in the hospital.  This makes the child’s stay in the hospital a little more pleasant and takes away some of anxiety associated with going to the hospital. If you have a real dog, keep the dog bed next to your child when he gets home to comfort him and help him recover faster.

Remember, your pets count!

Great oldies, great standards and great holiday music on Edgewater Gold Radio —listen all day, download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app and listen from our website, The Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

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Cyber Shopping For Pets

Monday, November 27, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

Today is cyber Monday and there are millions of us that will be looking for those great deals online. When it comes to our pets, it’s easier to buy pet food, toys etc. in the convenience of your own home. In this fast paced world, it’s still important to pay attention to details. If you’re shopping online for your pet make sure you click on “details” and read all of the information carefully. If you’re buying food, check the ingredients and labels. Sometimes, you think you’re buying the same product that you buy in the stores but when it arrives at your home, you see that the product is different and has to be returned. If you’re buying pet toys, check closely that they are safe for your pet. Be very careful, if you are purchasing medication online, it is imperative that you check to name and dosage. Make sure you’re getting the medication that you ordered.

Slow down a bit in this fast society, pay attention to details and enjoy your cyber Monday. I hope to get some great deals!

As you do your online shopping today, keep the greatest oldies, standards and holiday music playing in the background. Edgewater Gold Radio has all of your favorite music. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app today and listen from our website: The Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

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Anti Freeze is Deadly to Pets!

Sunday, November 26, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

As the weather gets colder, many people will be adding  Anti freeze to their cars to prevent freezing. Anti freeze, the fluid that makes your car run better in both summer and winter is very dangerous to your pet. Ethylene Glycol is the anti freeze that is commonly used in car radiators and this is extremely toxic to pets. As little as one tablespoon can kill a cat and a couple of ounces can kill a dog.  Animals will  ingest it because it smells and tastes so sweet.  If you have pets, it is vital that you clean up any leaking anti freeze.  If you’re worried that you pet may have ingested some, don’t waste any time. Call your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control hot line right away!  Your veterinarian may suggest that you administer hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Don’t administer any pet medication on your own. This situation is out of your control just get your pet to a vet as soon as you can!!

Remember, your pets count!

Oldies, standards and holiday favorites are playing on Edgewater Gold Radio! One station with 4 decade of memories, timeless pop standards and holiday classics throughout the holiday season. Trigger those great memories with Edgewater Gold Radio. Listen on our website, The Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

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That Chewing Puppy!

Saturday, November 25, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

Puppies seem to want to put everything in their mouths.  If this is not taken care of early, this chewing could destroy a lot of your belongings.  Your shoes, belts and bags could fall victim to your puppy’s very active little jaws.  The problem doesn’t end there. Your puppy could end up swallowing something he shouldn’t and endangering his own health.  To avoid inappropriate chewing, direct your puppy’s attention to something that he can play with.  Give him plenty of dog chew toys both in and out of his crate. Make sure to keep your own belongings off of the floor. The tendency to chew could also be motivated by stress or boredom. Make sure that your puppy is getting plenty of exercise.  If chewing is still a problem, talk to your veterinarian.

Remember, your pets count!

The oldies are playing all the time on Edgewater GOLD Radio. We play a large variety of music from the 50s 60s 70s 80s plus standards and holiday favorites. Oldies/Standards/music and local events all on Edgewater Gold Radio! Download our free app today, listen on Live 365, Tunein, Nobex and many other places! You can also listen from our website: The Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

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Thankful For Our Precious Pets

Thursday, November 23, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

Today, as I prepare for Thanksgiving day, I think of all the things I have to be thankful for. I’m thankful for family and wonderful neighbors and friends as well as thankful for our life here in southern Delaware. We love Rehoboth Beach and are very thankful that we decided to make the move! I’m also thankful for my pets Molly and Millie! They have provided us with unconditional love for a very long time and they are our precious little spirits who bring joy to our lives .

I’m particularly thankful that I can spend another Thanksgiving with Molly. She’s had a rough year dealing with Kidney and Thyroid disease. I’ve been doing my best to treat her and keep her as comfortable as possible. I strongly believe that love is a key reason why my little girl is still here! I treasure every moment I have with her!

There’s a lot to be thankful for and our pets make great reasons to be thankful this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

As you prepare you holiday feast, play great oldies in the background. Edgewater Gold Radio is our online station playing a great variety of oldies from the 50s through the 80’s plus great pop standards and now holiday favorites! Download our free Edgewater Gold Radio app and listen on our webiste. The Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

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Our Pets Can Partake in Thanksgiving Day!

Wednesday, November 22, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

As you gather around the table with family and friends this Thanksgiving, lets not forget about our furry friends. It’s a special time for them too. After all, they were adopted and have a warm, loving home with lots of food and treats so why not make their holiday special as well? Of course, stay away from treats that can harm your dog like chocolate and other food that may harm his stomach. Here are five great treats for your dog during the holidays.

Cooked vegetables like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas are terrific options for cats and dogs.
Bones and chews – don’t give your dog turkey bones as they may break and cause your dog to choke or injury to his intestines. Instead look for some tasty turkey flavored chews.
Fresh turkey – remove the skin and bones and don’t give him turkey that has been sitting for more than two hours.
Biscuits and other treats. You’ll find these at your local pet supermarket.
Toys. You can pick out a toy that your dog will “drool” over. This is a good option in place of food.
Have a great Thanksgiving with you family, friends and pets!

Remember, your pets count!

As you prepare your Thanksgiving dinner, have your favorite oldies playing in the background! EDGEWATER GOLD RADIO,the  greatest songs of your life! 50s 60s 70s 80s and standards! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app. Listen from our website: The Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

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Protecting An Outdoor Cat From the Winter Elements

Tuesday, November 21, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

We’ve been feeding an outdoor cat for some time now. He hangs around our deck and porch even in cold weather. Jim and I were talking about getting him some kind of shelter that would keep him warm during the colder months here in southern Delaware. We would like  to put this shelter on our porch which is covered and would protect him from the elements. There are shelters that your can buy . I was reading about one that you could make yourself out of a Coleman cooler. Here’s the link: http://www.instructables.com/id/Cat-House/    You may want to consider this option if you have a new outside friend!

Remember, your pets count!

All of your favorite music in one place: The oldies play all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio –Enjoy your day with the best oldies from the 50s 60s 70s 80 plus great standards! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app today or listen on our Website, the Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

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Mayhem with Molly This Morning!

Sunday, November 19, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

Mayhem with Molly morning! A difficult time!

It was mayhem in our house this morning. My cat Molly has to take about three pills two to three times a day. I usually put her pills in pill pockets and give them to her and she has been taking them very easily, up until yesterday. As her kidney disease progresses, treatment is getting more and more difficult. Lately Molly has been much more fussy with her food. I am doing everything I can  to try to get her to eat. Now after two and a half years, she has discovered that there is a pill inside the Greenie pill pockets. So she’ll eat around the pill leaving the pill lying on the floor. This morning, when she refused to take her pills, I attempted to try to pop them in her mouth. I must admit, I am no expert at this and it was a complete disaster. I wrapped her in a blanket like the instructions say and then tried to slip her jaw open and give her the pill. She hissed, turned her head and  bit me drawing lots of blood and the pills fell on the floor! I was completely frustrated and don’t know what I will do going forward because I don’t always have the time to spend on coaxing Molly to take her pill. Even though this experience was very frustrating, there is a method to follow when giving a cat a pill.

Some tricks may help. Before you get started, gently wrap your cat in a towel to protect you from his claws.  Put your fingers on both sides of his cheeks and then tilt is head way back.  Remember, you have gravity working for you. Gently press against your cats lips to make him drop his jaw. When he opens up, quickly pop the pill as far back in his throat as possible.  Hold his mouth shut and stroke his throat to get him to swallow. The key is to tilt his head all the way back so the pill drops right in.  Pet medication and pills for cats could be difficult to administer. If you have trouble, ask your vet for a demonstration.

I will do just this. Today I will call the vet and see if there is a better way like crushing the pills and giving them with a little water in an eye dropper. I know that if the pills are time released, this may not work. I will also inquire whether or not her medication is available in liquid form although I am not too confident that they are available in this form.

Taking care of a beloved pet can be very frustrating and difficult. You should always have some kind of alternate plan which I discovered this morning as I was dripping with blood!

Remember, your pets count!

Oldies will calm my nerves today. Maybe they’ll calm yours too — Edgewater Gold Radio plays a large variety of oldies 24/7 plus great pop standards! Download the Edgewater GOLD Radio free app or listen on our website. The Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

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The Tiny Italian Greyhound

Saturday, November 18, 2017
posted by Jim Murphy

You just saw a small dog run by that seemed like a small version of the Greyhound.  You may have seen an Italian Greyhound.  This is an ancient canine breed  that has all of the sleek proportions of a full size greyhound. These dogs are barely a foot tall. If you compare a regular greyhound to, lets say a bus, then the Italian greyhound could be compared to an Italian sports car. They have the same easy going, sweet disposition of the larger greyhounds and the desire to run.  It was a favorite of Italian noblemen and if you know anything about art, you would know that the miniature greyhound is frequently seen in renaissance art.  So now you’re thinking that the Italian greyhound would make a perfect apartment dog right?  You are partially correct. They are good for apartments in terms of size, but they require lots of exercise. You can’t just put on his dog leash and stroll around the neighborhood. These dogs like to run in wide open spaces. So if you live in a city, you way want to re-consider owning an Italian greyhound.

Remember, your pets count!

Make your favorite oldies a part of your weekend! Edgewater Gold Radio plays the best variety of oldies from the 50s 60s 70s 80s. Plus great pop standards! Please spread the word! The Edgewater GOLD Radio app is available in your app store download it today and enjoy everywhere! You may also listen on our website. The Edgewater Internet Radio Network!

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