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Archive for December, 2018

The Importance of Kitten Vaccinations

Tuesday, December 18, 2018
posted by Jim Murphy

You’ve just adopted a very young kitten who has not yet had any vaccines. Now’s the perfect time to get off to a good start. Don’t worry about all of the cat toys and accessories now, vaccinations are very important at an early age. All new kittens need a series of vaccines that are spaced between 3 and 4 weeks apart. You should start the vaccination series when your kitten is between 6 and 8 weeks old. Essential vaccines include rabies (this is required by law in New Jersey) and the FVRCP combination vaccine that protect against the common feline viral infections. Some health organizations also recommend the feline leukemia vaccine for all kittens. I would strongly recommend this as well.  This is essential if your cat goes outdoors. There are also many “non-essential” vaccines that can be recommended by your veterinarian.

After the series of vaccinations are completed, a first year booster for both rabies and FVRCP is required. Rabies is given yearly after this and FVRCP is often given every three years for indoor cats. Another important item that should be considered for all kittens is parasite screening, routine deworming (most kittens have worms either from their mother or the environment) and retrovirus screening. This includes leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.

As soon as you get your kitten, get him in for a checkup. If he is sick, the disease will take over quickly and could be fatal. Many years ago when I was very young, I adopted a kitten. I didn’t take him for a checkup and he developed feline distemper and within two days, he died.  Had I known at the time how important these checkups are, I may have been able to save him.

Remember, your pets count!

All of your favorite oldies and holiday favorites are playing right now on Edgewater Gold Radio! The best music on the best station! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen on the Edgewatergoldradio.com.

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Remember your new pets nose and mouth is the way that they explore not by using hands. So I would advise to put away anything that you don’t want licked, chewed or eaten. The main reason is that many of these things could be dangerous to your new friend. This also includes household items which can be poisonous to pets.

Some things to keep out of sight are:

  • Cleaning products and lawn chemicals
  • Pest control products
  • Human medicines
  • Poisonous plants, including azaleas, some lilies, daffodils, buttercups, and hyacinths
  • Toys with small parts (dogs can choke on them, just like babies)

Replace these items with some  doggie toys that safe for your dog to chew on and that you don’t mind if your dog tears them apart. Remember a new dog is very curious. They will check out all areas of their new home so make sure that you’re one step ahead of them.

Remember, your pets count!

When you get to work today make sure you turn on the best oldies of your life. Edgewater Gold Radio playing the greatest oldies for 17 years! Edgewater Gold Radio is your oldies and holiday station on Delmarva. Don’t miss a single hit. Listen right now to Edgewater Gold radio. You can listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com

 

 

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Cats love lights and anything that shines. They are also very inquisitive when anything new is introduced to the household.  It’s that time of year and you will spend many hours decorating your tree and it’s possible that your cat may put a damper on all of your hard work. Here are some tips which may help keep your cat and tree safe.

  1. Consider the tree. Real trees can be more dangerous to your cat than artificial ones. The needles are sharper and could pierce or puncture the skin of your curious cat.
  2. Select a very strong base for your tree.
  3. Select the proper place for the tree. Make sure there is enough space around it and it isn’t too close to anything that your cat can climb on and potentially do damage to your tree.
  4. Consider waiting a few days before decorating the tree. Let your cat become familiar with it. This may reduce his desire get into it after it’s decorated.
    • If you’re still concerned prior to decorating the tree, spray it with a product called Apple Bitter. This will deter her without leaving a noticeable odor to human noses. Or, you might try a citrus spray, as cats are repelled by citrus odor too.
    • If it’s a plastic tree, a small amount of Citronella oil shaken into a bottle of water and misted on to the tree makes it smell unpleasant to the cat but fresh and citrus-like to you.
    • You could also place orange peels under the tree to make your cat less likely to go near it. (Cats also dislike the smell of rotten apples but then you probably won’t like that smell much either!)
    • Spray some pine cones with Citronella and pile them around the base of the tree. Cats do not walk on pine cones! (Pine cones also have the same effect in the base of your houseplants.)
  5. Decorate your tree with your cat out of the way.
  6. Choose ornaments that are less attractive to your cat. Buy non breakable ornaments and place them on the bottom of the tree. Place the more fragile and expensive ones towards the middle and top of the tree,
  7. Attach ornaments securely.
  8. Watch out for electrical wiring.  Don’t leave dangling wires around. You may want to coat the wires with bitter apple to keep your cat away.
  9. Relax and enjoy your holiday!

Remember, your pets count!

The greatest variety of oldies and holiday favorites are playing right now on Edgewater Gold Radio! It’s a 60s and 70s weekend! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app today or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

 

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Don’t Ignore Your Dog’s Cough

Saturday, December 15, 2018
posted by Jim Murphy

The are many times that we don’t pay attention when our dog coughs once in awhile. If the cough is persistent, you may think about taking him to the vet. Even if you notice your dog cough once in awhile, get him to the vet as soon as possible. It’s better to catch an illness in it’s early stages that panic and try to treat it later where in some cases, it may be too late.

Vetstreet.com has composed a great article on coughs and causes.

When humans cough, it’s usually to clear our throat or perhaps because we have a cold. A persistent cough can sometimes signal something more serious, such as pneumonia or lung cancer.

In dogs, a cough can signal a number of different problems. The type of cough, and sometimes your dog’s breed or circumstances, can be clues to the cause of the cough. Here’s what you need to know when you hear your dog cough.

Coughs and Causes

Dogs with canine cough, more commonly known as kennel cough, tend to have a deep, dry, hacking cough. The cough usually gets worse with exertion. If your dog has been boarded recently or has been in some other situation where he has been in contact with large numbers of dogs, he may have picked up this highly contagious viral or bacterial infection.

Sometimes dogs have sort of a high-pitched gagging cough. If the dog is also making swallowing motions and licking his lips, your veterinarian may diagnose a sore throat or, rarely, tonsillitis. This type of cough can also suggest that something is stuck in the throat.

A wet cough, one that sounds as if the dog is gargling, may mean that fluid or phlegm has built up in the lungs. Usually, this occurs with pneumonia, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. The dogs most at risk for pneumonia are very old, very young or have a weak immune system. Dogs can also develop pneumonia if they accidentally inhale a foreign body or throw up and then inhale some of the vomit. Yuck!

Many tiny toy breeds often make a big sound that resembles the deep honk of a goose. These little dogs are prone to a condition called collapsing trachea. You’ll often hear the characteristic goose honk when the dog is pulling against his collar.

Does your dog cough mainly at night when he’s lying down? If you have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or other breed prone to heart disease, this often signals that the disease is progressing.

What to Do

You can tell that all of these are serious problems. If your dog is coughing frequently or violently, get him to your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Most problems are treatable or manageable, especially if caught early.

Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics for kennel cough, and your dog should be isolated so he doesn’t infect all his buddies. If you’ve ever had a bad cough, you know how painful it can be. Help soothe your dog’s cough by running a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with you while you’re taking a shower.

Suspect a small foreign object such as a grass seed lodged in the throat if your dog has been playing in an area with tall grass and suddenly begins coughing. If he doesn’t cough up whatever it is, its presence can cause a bacterial infection and eventually pneumonia. Before it gets to that point, have your veterinarian examine your dog and remove the object if possible.

Remember, your pets count!

Enjoy the greatest hits of the 60s and 70s on our sixties and seventies weekend on Edgewater Gold Radio and don’t miss our classic disco show tonight at 7pm eastern time. Edgewater Gold Radio playing the best mix of oldies and holiday favorites! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app from your app store or listen from our website: edgewatergoldradio.com.

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Safe and Healthy Dog Treat Do It Your Self Recipe

Thursday, December 13, 2018
posted by Jim Murphy

The holidays are here and you are probably busy, shopping, decorating, baking and entertaining. Sometimes all of the activity may make our furry friends feel a little left out. If you love to bake, here’s a great recipe for some holiday cookies for your dog. Your pet will love this healthy treat. I only have one reminder for you, don’t mix up these delicious looking cookies for the “human”ones!

Applesauce and Oatmeal Dog Treat Recipe

Prep

Cook

Total

Author Kiki Kane

Yield 1 Tray

This is the base recipe for perfect cut-out cookies. You can combine this recipe with the red and green cookie doughs below for dazzling cookie creations.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 cups rolled oat flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbs melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º

Combine all ingredients in food processor or stand mixer. Add flour as necessary until dough is no longer sticky and is ready to roll out.

Keep dough covered to prevent drying between batches. You can rehydrate dough with a little coconut oil as needed.

Courses Holiday Cookies

Thanks to the Dog People for providing this great recipe!

The oldies are playing right now. Not just oldies but the best variety of oldies from the 50s through the 80’s plus lots of holiday favorites. EDGEWATER GOLD RADIO has been playing oldies from 17 years. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app from your play store or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

 

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Dogs Size and Life Expectancy

Wednesday, December 12, 2018
posted by Jim Murphy

It is true if you have a Chihuahua and he is healthy you can expect him to live between 16 to 18 years.  Great Danes rarely live more than 8 years. Why such a big gap?  The answer to this is simple. There is much less strain on the organs (Heart, Lungs and Liver) of a small dog than there is on a large dog.  When we bring our cute little puppies home for the first time, we rarely think about how long they will live. As a general rule of thumb, the larger the dog, the shorter the life span.

The time passes by so fast. We want our little friends to be with us forever and losing a pet is one of the most stressful things in life.  Keep your dog well exercised, well fed and well loved and he’ll give you many wonderful years. Don’t forget to throw in some dog treats every once in awhile.

Remember, your pets count!

Keep your oldies playing all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio!  The greatest variety of oldies play all the time! The 50s 60s 70s and 80s! Lots of holiday music to keep you in the spirit all day! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app from your app store, listen on Tunein, iTunes or Live 365. Listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

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Our pets are amazing! They have such great instinct as well as so much unconditional love and affection for us. This is an incredible story about the survival of the family dog after the California fire destroyed their home.

This story is taken from The Daily Mail.

A woman who was forced to leave her dog behind when she evacuated as a wildfire tore through her neighborhood in Northern California last month returned home this week to find the beloved pet waiting in the ashes where her house used to stand.

Volunteer organization K9 Paw Print Rescue shared a photo of the dog named Madison waiting patiently on the property when her owner Andrea Gaylord returned.

The caption explained that Madison’s ‘parents’ were unable to get home to him after the Camp Fire broke out and rapidly expanded across thousands of acres.

‘They hoped and prayed he would be OK. When they finally got clearance to go back to the lot where their house once stood….Madison was waiting there for them as if he were protecting his former home. Never give up!!’ the post read.

A happy ending to a very sad tragedy!

Remember, your pets count!

Your oldies are playing all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio! The 50s through the 80s plus lots of holiday music! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app from your app store or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com!

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The Purpose of a Dog Exercise Pen

Sunday, December 9, 2018
posted by Jim Murphy

A dog exercise pen is not really used for exercise because they are usually not big enough.  It is used more as a containment area that will keep your dog safe and in a protected environment. You should always exercise your dog regularly and use not this pen as a substitute for exercise. The pen links together to form an enclosure where your dog can play and relieve themselves without you having to worry about them escaping or coming to harm.

The main use of a dog exercise pen is for training your puppy and if you can’t be with him outside, it’s a place where he could get fresh air and remain in a contained environment.

Dog exercise pens come in all sizes. Don’t worry if you have a small yard, I’m sure that you will find one that will meet your needs. If you have a large yard, you may want to join two pens together to create a great space for your dog.

When purchasing a dog exercise pen, make sure that they fold away and that they don’t contain any exposed screws to harm your dog.  You should have separate access panel. You want to be able to have easy access to your dog and not have to climb over any panels. The door panel should have a good locking mechanism to prevent your pet from escaping. Do not leave your dog in his pen unattended or where you can’t see him.

Remember, your pets count!

The greatest oldies all the time are on Edgewater Gold Radio! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Helping Feral Cats Survive the Cold Winter

Saturday, December 8, 2018
posted by Jim Murphy

We have lots of feral cats that live in our community. I feed several of them each day but on cold winter nights, how do they survive. You can make a cat shelter. A homemade shelter can be as simple as a styro foam cooler inside a plastic tub with spray insulation in between and elevated on bricks.

Lifeandcats.com published some guidelines on how to make your own shelter.

Alley Cat Allies recommends the feral cat shelter be at least 2-3 feet long and 18 inches high.  Bigger is not better. If the shelter is too big, the body heat will dissipate and it will feel as cold as it does outside. Choose the size of your shelter based on how many cats will use it.  The opening should let cats in but keep larger animals, and the wind and snow, out. Build your winter cat shelter in a safe spot concealed from predators where your feral cats can feel safe. Provide a buffer from wind and snow. Bushes, or a covering of fir branches, hide shelters well. Bales of straw are great insulation and a good windbreak.

Lifeandcats.com also recommends not to use anything folded on the floor of a shelter. It will absorb body heat and leave the cats cold. Stuff the shelter with straw or pillowcases stuffed with shredded newspaper or bags of packing peanuts. These allow the cats to burrow. Don’t use hay, it gets moist and moldy. Replace the bedding material if it gets dirty or wet.

There are also some high tech products that can help keep feral cats warm inside their shelter. The Snuggle Safe company makes a hard plastic disc you can microwave and put in a shelter to provide warmth.  They will stay warm for 8-10 hours depending on the outdoor temperature. Hot Hands products used by outdoor sport participants are less durable, and not reusable, but can serve the same purpose.

Thanks to Lifeandcats.com for providing the valuable information.

Remember, your pets count!

It’s a 60s and 70s  weekend on Edgewater Gold Radio! Join us for the greatest hits of the 60s and 70s plus lots of holiday music. Don’t forget about our classic disco show Dance Fever 54 – five hours of classic disco beginning tonight at 7pm eastern time. Tell your Alexa device to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio or download the freee Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: edgewatergoldradio.com.

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It’s not uncommon for a cat to have a reaction after receiving a shot. As you keep an eye on your pets condition and behavior, you may observe symptoms such as pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, a low fever or a reduced appetite.  These are generally mild reactions and rarely a cause for alarm. Serious reactions are unusual but not unheard of. If your recently vaccinated cat suddenly has a seizure, exhibits serious vomiting or diarrhea, or show signs of acute distress, there’s no time to waste. Don’t ever try to administer any pet medication on your own. Rush the animal to an animal hospital immediately. Your cat could be having a very serious reaction called anaphylactic shock. Quick action on your part could save you cats life.

Remember, your pets count!

It’s a 60s and 70s weekend plus lot of holiday music on Edgewater Gold Radio! It’s the place for the best oldies of all time! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: edgewatergoldradio.com.

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