We’ve all seen in and most of us are disgusted by it. Your dog eating poop that is, whether it be cat poop, their own poop or any poop, it’s disgusting! Why do they do this especially after they are fed a healthy diet? Rather than why they eat it, how can we stop it?

Pet Helpful has put together things you can do to stop this bad habit.

How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Eating Poop?

I’m sure that you’ve had this experience if you own a dog and don’t keep him in is dog carrier or dog crate while you’re gone. You come home to find your dog at the window barking up a storm!  When your dog is home alone and starts barking, he could be barking a things outside or he may be just upset because you’re gone. Victoria Voight,an Animal Behavorist in Pomona, California suggests that you turn on a thirty minute tape when you leave the house and then listen to the tape when you get back. She says that if you hear  the dog start walking around and whining and barking or knocking things over, he probably has separation anxiety. Dogs have to be acclimated slowly to being alone. Start by leaving for only a minute or two then gradually work your way toward longer intervals. If the problem doesn’t get better seek professional help.

Remember, your pets count!

Keep some oldies playing for your dog while your gone—-Edgewater Gold Radio plays the largest variety of oldies and standards from the 50s thru the 80’s plus some great pop standards! You and your dog will love them! He may even sing along. If you have a google device or Alexa, just say ” play Edgewater Gold Radio!” and the oldies will flow!

Today we are going to discuss healthy weight for cats. Some cats are naturally slim, like my younger cat Millie. They are perfectly healthy at this weight. Many times I thought that she was a little too thin but now I realize that this is just the right weight for her. Now that she is getting older, she is filling out a bit. I now have to watch her diet closer. Other cats who appear thin may not be eating enough or may have a health issue. To check your cat for undernourishment, place your thumb on the cats spine and run your fingers lightly along both side of her rib cage. You should be able to feel a thin layer of fat between your finger and her ribs. The ribs should not be visible. Unlike a dog, slightly protruding shoulder blades are normal for a cat. When viewed from above, like a dog, your cat should have an hourglass shape. If your underweight cat seems to have a normal feeding routine and she seems to be eating, take her in for an exam. Your veterinarian can also help you analyze your cat’s diet.

Give her lots of cat toys, a fair amount or treats, lots of attention, a good diet and lots of love. Remember, your pets count!

Remember, your pets count!

Make music a part of your day! How about the greatest oldies of your life! The fifties, sixties, seventies and eighties plus great pop standards! Edgewater Gold Radio. Tell your google device or Amazon Echo “Play Edgewater Gold Radio.”

I’m sitting here writing this today still very sickened and saddened after the death of an innocent dog that was stuffed into an overhead compartment on a United Airlines Flight. You can read this very disturbing story in a CBS article below. Before we do that, let me point out that of the last 24 pets that died on an airplane, 18 we on United. There is a real underlying problem with United Airlines. The care of passengers and pets are neglected in preference to money, money money!

I’ve been writing this blog for over nine years and I’ve never asked my readers for anything. This time, I’m asking you to boycott United Airlines. The only thing that will cause an large, corporate conglomerate to chance is by hitting them in the pocket book, the only thing that really hurts them. They don’t care at all for people and beloved pets, they’re only about the money! The flight attendant was heartless, soul less and knew exactly what he or she was doing. She was murdering an innocent little dog!  This pers

The following article was provided by author Gary Kurz.  Gary is the author of many inspiring books about our beloved pets. I reached out to Gary after reading his book “Wagging Tails in Heaven” following the passing of my cat Molly. I will be publishing future articles by Mr. Kurz in future postings. Enjoy this very informative article.

Don’t let the title fool you. This is not an article about your pet getting old. The title is just a “hook” to encourage you to read on. Hopefully, when you do, you will find this a very informative article relating to your pet’s health, or at least your understanding of some aspects of it.

I actually want to talk to you about grass. That’s right, grass; not marijuana, not pakalolo, not Maui wowie, but regular lawn grass. More specifically, I want to talk to you about the importance of grass to our cats and dogs; why they eat it and need it.

I think we would be hard-pressed to find anyone who has not witnessed this peculiarity of domestic animals to munch on turf at one time or another. It is a common occurrence. When it is our pet, however, it can cause concern, because we feel this signals that something is wrong with them. And, if we let our imaginations go unchecked, it can cause us great alarm.

It has been my experience that on occasion, that alarm can lead to unnecessary expense as we panic and rush our best friend off to the nearest veterinarian, only to hear him/her tell us with a chuckle “She’s okay, it’s normal for her to eat grass.”

While that satisfies our immediate concern, it does nothing to help us understand why it is normal. Why do they do it? Are they not getting the right nourishment? Are we not giving them the right food? Do they need vitamin supplements? These are all unsettling, but reasonable questions.

More unsettling is that invariably shortly after ingesting the grass, perhaps 20 minutes later, they regurgitate it back up in a kind of green gooey mess (sorry to be so graphic). Why would they do this? Why would they do something that appears to be so hard on their system, or maybe even harmful to them? Should I be alarmed? Should I go back to the veterinarian? Maybe he/she didn’t understand that they vomit the grass back up?

The short answer is “No, don’t panic.” The long or more detailed answer is that the outdoors is an animal’s natural world and grass is part of that world. And there are many reasons grass is important to them and their health.

One reason, that really has nothing to do with their health is what local lawns mean to your pet. It helps them “know.” You and I can turn on the radio or television and be kept up to date on what is happening in our world. For dogs and cats, the ground is their primary source of connection with their world. The ground is like a giant newspaper or news program for them

They interpret the “droppings”, the odors and conditions to discover what other dogs have been visiting their turf and what they did there. They “read” the yard to know what is happening in the world outside the house. With their heightened senses, they perceive when another dog or cat has been on their turf, what type and size of animal it was, whether it was male or female, in heat or on the prowl and a host of other information they consider important to know.

And the role the ground plays in our pet’s lives does not end at bringing them the news. Through their own “contributions“, they communicate to future visitors of that site who the yard belongs to, who they are and what they are about. Sometimes the deposit is meant as a welcome, other times a warning. It just depends on what the news is for that day and how they feel led to react to it.

But in keeping with the primary theme of this article, the ground is also the local canine and feline drug store. Perhaps it could more accurately be called the local natural herb store.

I don’t know how many times I have heard someone ignorantly say “Look at that stupid dog eating grass“. The truth is, they are not stupid at all, but are rather quite savvy natural pharmacists. I think most people would be surprised to learn that animals know a whole lot more about certain herbs and grasses than we do. I concede it may be more of an instinctive knowledge than cognitive understanding, but it is knowledge nonetheless.

In fact, their understanding of herbal remedies is awesome. Have you ever noticed that they don’t eat just any grass…they sniff around until they find exactly what they are looking for? Like the aisles in a drug store, each section of the outdoors holds different remedies.

For instance, certain grasses and sprouts are sought out and taken as internal cleansers. They cause vomiting; something we have all witnessed.   This vomiting is the result your pet expected when they ingested that particular grass. They know when they eat it that it will cause this reaction, yet they do it willingly and with purpose, knowing instinctively that it will cleanse their body of bile and other items that they have found indigestible.

Anyone who loves and keeps animals knows that there are a lot of items that qualify in this category; shoes, shoe laces, yarn, hair and a host of other extraordinary items you would never guess a dog or cat could consume. So, while it is unsettling to know that they are not smart enough to figure out that swallowing string is not a good thing, it is comforting that they are usually savvy enough to know how to extricate it from their system before it becomes a problem or threat. This only emphasizes the importance of their having access to the outdoors on a regular basis.

Continuing, there is more to their natural pharmacy than just cleansers. Other grasses and herbs help evict or terminate worms and other parasites in their system. Still others provide needed minerals and nutrients and enhance digestive enzymes and acids. Uncannily, they all seem to know what remedy is needed for exactly whatever ails them at the moment. The hope is that what they need is available in their limited area of freedom.

Then, perhaps the biggest benefit to them is the presence of chlorophyll in most grasses. Chlorophyll helps to fight infection, enrich the coat and even relieves pain such as joint aches. It can also enhance cartilage soundness and offers a host of other benefits.

It really isn’t that complicated; animals appear to know more about these things than you and I do and certainly more than we would think they should know. I am not sure how they know, but it is enough to accept that they do.

Acknowledging this instinctive savvy in animals, modern medicine has actually taken a step backwards to develop more primitive remedies. Science is now recognizing that many of the grass roots (pardon the pun) remedies nature provides for our pets are as good as, if not better than synthetic drugs.

In fact, people are learning how to cultivate and produce certain herbs and grasses to help their pets, even freezing summer crops for winter dispensing when grasses are not in season. This can be especially helpful to cats and other mammals who are not allowed to venture outdoors, but who still need to ingest some of the natural cleansing agents found there.

Next time you see your pet eating grass, don’t worry about it. They are doing something to help their health. Just give them time to allow the process to culminate before you let them back in on your carpet.

Remember, your pets count!

Keeping a little music on for your pet can help with boredom. Make that music great oldies—they will also make you feel good as well.

Edgewater Gold Radio plays the best variety of oldies and standards! Listen from our website: edgewatergoldradio.com

Detecting a fever in a dog can be difficult. Some signs to look for are lethargy and panting. If your dog does have a fever, he may also refuse his food.  A dogs normal temperature at rest is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees. This number can climb higher when your dog has some kind of medical problem. Anything higher than 104 degrees requires an immediate call to your veterinarian.The most common cause for fever in dogs is infection, particularly from a wound or abscessed tooth. The most accurate way to detect a fever in your dog is to use a rectal thermometer.  Ask your veterinarian to show you how. Do not try to do it by yourself or never administer any pet medication with your vets advice.

Remember, your pets count!

Spend your weekend with great oldies and standards. Turn on your memory machine–Edgewater Gold Radio. If you have a Google or and Amazon Echo device. Just say “Play Edgewater Gold Radio.” Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app from your play store!

As you know my cat Molly had chronic Kidney disease before she passed. As a pet owner, we would do anything to keep our pet alive for as long as we can. In some cases, a Kidney transplant could be a possible solution. The problem is of course the cost, stage of CRF and age of the cat.  A kidney transplant could prolong a cats life for six years or more and is the only way to cure feline kidney disease.

Timing is critical. A kidney transplant should be done before the disease gets too advanced. If your cat, is in the final stages of the disease, it may be too late for a kidney transplant. Your vet will advise you whether a kidney transplant is a viable option for your feline friend.

In the case of Molly, she was diagnosed at age 15 and managed it for over 3 years. Molly was 18 1/2 when she passed about a month ago. Age and quality of life must also be considered when determining if your pet is a candidate for a kidney transplant.

Remember, your pets count!

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour tonight and keep those great oldies and standards playing on EDGEWATER GOLD RADIO!  Download the free Edgewater GOLD Radio app, or tell google or Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio.”

Here’s the scene, you’re out walking your dog around the neighborhood, he starts by peeing on the neighbors flowers, you cautiously look around to see if anyone was looking. The coast is clear so you continue walking. Oops you just remembered that you left the house without taking the little plastic bags or scooperf to remove your dogs poop. You think that you should go back but decide to “wing it” and continue walking. Then the moment of truth. Your dog finds a cozy spot on your neighbors lawn, squats and out comes an especially large poop. You stop, look around and decide to leave it there on the lawn, then all of a sudden, you hear someone shout “what are you doing?” or “pick up that poop you pig!” You’ve been caught in the act! Now there’s no escaping. You are now known as the neighborhood’s non pooper scooper!  You are called on the carpet and given a summons for  neglecting the rules and defacing the community.

Be considerate and scoop your dog’s poop. You help your community and you may even get some needed exercise!

Remember, your pets count!

Wrap up your week with great oldies and standards! Edgewater Gold Radio is your station for the best variety of oldies from the 50s through the 80’s plus great popular standards! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app today or listen from our website edgewatergoldradio.com.

Getting a dog and cat to accept each other can be difficult but it can be done.  There are some simple steps that you should remember when introducing a new dog or cat.

• Under no circumstances should you throw the dog and cat together and let them work things out for themselves.  That is much too stressful and keep in mind can be dangerous especially for the cat. Some dogs see cats as prey and could injure them.
• All introductions must be supervised and should be handled with lots of patience, planning and care.
• If you have a cat and plan to adopt a dog. Do your research. Find out which dogs get along best with cats.
• If you have a dog and plan to bring home a new cat, work on your pets obedience before bringing home the cat.  The dog should be comfortable on a dog leash and obey commands such as stay, sit, etc.
• Confine the cat to a small area like a bathroom at first. This way he could become familiar with the sounds, and smell of the dog. He will also feel safe.
• After a couple of days, put the dog on a leash and open the door.  Allow both animals to see and sniff one another but do not allow the dog to chase the cat.  Don’t force the cat to interact with the dog. Use the “sit” and “stay” commands if necessary with the dog. Reward both animals for good behavior.
• Keep the dog on his leash for a few weeks when interacting with the cat and always make sure that the cat has a way to escape from the dog if necessary.  Always reward with treats and praise.
• When your dog isn’t interested in bothering with the cat, you can take the dog off the leash and let them begin interacting. Of course only leave the dog on the leash in the cats presence at first. Introduce them slowly and things should work out fine.

Remember, your pets count!

Music, memories and local news and events–-Edgewater Gold Radio is your memory machine with the greatest variety of oldies and standards from the 50s 60s 70s and 80’s. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen on our website: edgewatergoldradio.com.

We have been feeding a feral cat for the past six months or so.  We place the food and water out on our porch each day and everyday our new little friend comes and eats his food. As soon as I approach, he will run away but will usually come back again when the coast is clear!  Frequently he’s been lying on our deck furniture but I still cannot approach him without him getting “spooked” and darting off.

Why are feral cats so skiddish around humans?   Here’s what PetMD as to say.

Feral cats have a rough life and live, on average, two years on their own. With regular care, which includes reliable shelter and daily feedings similar to the care of barnyard cats, they can live as long as ten years. If you decide to become a caretaker, an important lesson is to never forcefully grab an outdoor cat or make a sudden movement towards it. These cats are fearful of people and tend to run away as strangers approach them. Let the feral or stray cat come closer to you on his/her terms.

Through daily feedings, in time they will let you know if it’s acceptable to touch them. Another helpful hint: If you do decide to become a caretaker, squat or sit on the ground so you’re at their level when you regularly feed them. This approach indicates to the feral or stray cat that you are not threatening.

Always remember that feral cats are always on the look our for predators and humans fall into that category.

Remember, your pets count!

The greatest variety of oldies and standards are alive on Edgewater Gold Radio! Click, listen and enjoy! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: edgewatergoldradio.com.