Your Pets Count

pet information that caters to your special friend

You are currently browsing the The Pet Product Guru blog archives for February, 2020.

Archives

Calendar

February 2020
M T W T F S S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
242526272829  

Archive for February, 2020

Moody Cats

Saturday, February 29, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Some days we feel like a million bucks other days,we feel bummed out and want to be alone. Our cats are the same as us in this way. Sometimes my cat Millie comes around meowing and seems to be craving our attention and other times she keeps to herself although there is nothing physically wrong with her. Our cat Atlantis is usually a very social cat and loves to sit with us and be with us wherever we are. After he was diagnosed with some medical issues, he gets moody after I give him his meds. He’s ready to eat in the morning and I give him his food and let him enjoy it. After he’s done, I have to squirt a high potency omega 3 oil down his throat, I also have to rub some Laxotone gel on his teeth to keep him regular and finally I need to clean his ears and give him his thyroid medicine. It’s a thermo gel which I put in his ears. After all of this, you would get a little moody too. Atlantis retreats to his “quiet place” for awhile but he’ll be out and about after his mood passes.

Respect your cat’s moods and always give them lots of love. Never scold them it will  get them more upset. Tomorrow they’ll  be back to their “normal” self and will be craving all of your attention as usual.

Remember, your pets count!

Edgewater Gold Radio is playing the best memories of your life as we speak! Great oldies from the 60s and 70s all weekend long! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website” Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Moody Cats

Do Your Homework Before Adopting a Dog

Thursday, February 27, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Certain dogs are not a good fit for some people. Personally I love Beagles but wouldn’t adopt one. The reason is that they are led by their noses since they are hunting breeds. My neighbor adopted a Beagle and he would consistently run outside and dart into the woods. He was once in our house and chased our cat Millie under the bed. He then attempted to slide under the bed to get her. It’s important to do some research and know what to expect when making a choice for adoption.

The best dog selection guide is free. When considering a dog, be aware that each breed has been designed for a specific purpose.  Its instincts, needs and characteristics should be compatible with your lifestyle. Appearances should not be your only consideration. That cute puppy that was bred to chase rats might also want to dig up your  yard! A guard dog might bark with little provocation and hunting dogs can crave lots of exercise.  Other things to consider are intelligence, grooming requirements, food and accessories like toys and dog crate costs. You should also consider shedding, adult size and how much stimulation you’ll need to provide.  By doing your homework ahead of time, you will be able to insure a long, happy relationship with your new pet.

Remember, your pets count!

Edgewater Gold Radio is playing all of your favorite oldies right now! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Do Your Homework Before Adopting a Dog

The price of a pure bred puppy will depend on whether you’re buying a show puppy or a companion puppy. Puppies that are sold on a spay/neuter contract usually sell for about $800.  If your buying a puppy to work or compete, then be prepared to spend at least $1,500.

Make sure that you get these things for that price.

  • At least three generations of pedigree.
  • Titled Champions (sporting, working, or Conformation titles) in the pedigree, within the first two generations listed (directly descended from).
  • Hips, Elbows and  eyes are all good and free from genetic abnormalities.
  • You need a guarantee that your puppy is free from inheritable diseases or other conditions. A refund or exchange policy must be noted.
  • The puppy should be well socialized
  • Care, grooming and feeding information must be provided.

Buying a pure bred puppy is great but I always recommend rescue or adoption first. There are thousands of puppies that need good homes!

Remember, your pets count!

Make your day with the greatest oldies of all time! Edgewater Gold Radio. We play the greatest oldies all the time! Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Important Information to Remember When Adopting a Purebred

If your dog is shaking it’s head  a lot and pawing its ears, it’s time for an ear cleaning before a nasty ear infection sets in. You’ll need soft cotton balls, and ear cleaning fluid from your veterinarian. While your at the vets, ask for instructions. You’ll be using your smallest finger because Q tips can go too far into the ear canal and damage the eardrum. Make sure that you have a towel handy because this could be a messy process.  Squirt a few drops in each ear. Your dog will probably shake it’s head so watch your eyes. Shaking loosens old ear wax. Wrap cotton around your little finger, and repeat as necessary.  If this causes any pain, the dog might have an ear infection and needs to see a veterinarian.

Remember, your pets count!

All oldies all the time on your station for remembering. Edgewater Gold Radio playing the greatest oldies from the 50s through the 80s’ . Just ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio ” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Make Doggie Ear Cleaning Part of the Caring Process

Keep Antifreeze Away From Your Pets

Saturday, February 22, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

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!

All 60s and 70s all weekend long on Edgewater Gold Radio. Download the free, Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Keep Antifreeze Away From Your Pets

Diabetes on The Rise in Our Pets

Friday, February 21, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Diabetes is on the rise, not only in humans. Diabetes diagnosis are rising at even a faster rates for dogs and cats.

Diabetes affects about three in 1,000 dogs and 10 in 1,000 cats in New Jersey. The problems are caused by almost the same thing that causes diabetes in Humans. Obesity is one of the main causes. This occurs because pet owners are feeding the wrong kinds of food or larger portions.

Here are some ways to help prevent diabetes in dogs and cats.

  • Visit your vet. He will be able to tell if your pet is overweight.
  • Practice portion control – read the label and feed the correct amount. Watch out for snacks and treats. They contain lots of calories. That’s how my older cat became a bit overweight.
  • If it’s a new diet, ease into it slowly.
  • Pick up the pace. All pets need exercise. Long brisk walks for your dog and a cat toy that your cat can chase around should do the trick.
  • Skip the self feeder. Remove food after your dog is finished eating.

Remember, your pets count!

Turn on your oldies today! Edgewater Gold Radio– The best variety of oldies from the 50s to the 80s. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website” Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Diabetes on The Rise in Our Pets

Good News For Atlantis

Thursday, February 20, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Over the past month or so our 15 year old cat Atlantis has been on a roller coaster. He was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and beginning stage kidney disease. He stopped eating for awhile, had diarrhea, then constipation, one thing after the other. He’s been back and forth to the vet about five times. I took him in yesterday so they can now check his thyroid again . I’m happy to report that his thyroid has returned to normal and surprisingly, his kidney function is now in the normal range. Atlantis is eating, peeing, pooping normally and getting back to his normal “talkative” self which we love.

I do have a regimen that I have to follow everyday but I don’t mind as long as our little boy is getting better. In the morning I give him Laxitone to make sure his stool moves through is system smoothly. I also five him 1.5ml of Astro’s oil, a high potency omega oil that supports kidney function. He gets medicine for his thyroid and an appetite stimulator. In the evening he gets his thyroid meds again and one quarter pill of Pepcid for stomach acid.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that his good progress continues.

Remember, your pets count!

Keep the greatest oldies of all time playing all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on Good News For Atlantis

A Very Disturbing Story

Tuesday, February 18, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

I heard a very disturbing story yesterday and it begs the question are products really tested properly. A lady who owned two beautiful Macaw Parrots for many years found both of her birds dead. This was both devastating and puzzling since these birds can live to over 70 years old and weren’t sick. After careful investigation, it was found that her self cleaning oven which she had on, killed the birds. There have been many reports that the fumes from self cleaning oven can be dangerous to birds, cats and dogs as well. Aerosol oven cleaners, disinfectants and other cleaning products can also be dangerous to pets.

I had an self cleaning oven and tried to use it once. The fumes were terrible so I turned it off and never used it again. Birdsupplies.com put together a comprehensive list of things that are dangerous to pet birds. Be careful when using cleaners and other dangerous items around your pets. Here’s the list by Birdsupplies.com. It includes all items specifically dangerous to birds.

1) Poisoning
A bird’s health is endangered by a wide variety of toxic substances that are commonly found in the home. Parrots can be poisoned through ingestion (eating) or inhalation (breathing them in). One of the most common poisons for pet birds are insecticides or pesticides. Don’t use chemicals around your bird. Control Insecticide is safe for use around birds.

Other poisons include ammonia, bleach, many glues, nail polish remover, oven cleaner, paint, perfumed candles, and heavy metals (e.g. lead and zinc). Poisonous plants are also dangerous, especially holiday plants. Learn about safe plants for your aviary here.

2) Non Stick Coatings (when overheated)
Nonstick coatings demand special mention because so many household products contain this fatal product. When overheated, non stick coatings emit several extremely toxic fumes that will kill birds in minutes.

Birds are particularly susceptible to teflon toxicity due to their hyper-efficient respiratory system. Teflon is found on non stick cookware, waffle irons, and bread machines. It is on irons, ironing board covers, curling irons, space heaters, blow dryers, self cleaning ovens and other appliances. NEVER boil water on the stove top to add humidity to the air.  It is way to easy to forget about it and kill your bird.

3) Open Water
Toilets are the most common source of open water in your home. A lot of us put our pet bird on a shower perch in the morning for a quick bird bath and quality time.  Don’t forget to put the toilet lid down! Other water dangers to watch for are sinks, bathtubs, buckets, and your dog or cat water bowls. Hot pots of water on the stove are a frequent cause of death in pet birds.

4) Unhealthy Foods
Unhealthy foods might kill a bird.  Birds can’t digest foods that are high in sugar or salt so they end up with Fatty Liver Disease. Some foods are imminently dangerous, meaning they will quickly result in death. Avoid avocados, chocolate, caffeine and alcoholic beverages.  Read this article to learn about the foods that are deadly for birds.

5) Electrical Cords
Birds explore with their beaks and for some reason, they enjoy electrical cords or exploring uncovered outlets. Electrical burns are extremely critical and frequently deadly.   Nasty, painful throat burns take months to heal- IF your bird survives. Please conceal electrical cords as much as possible or if possible, hide them in ordinary PVC pipe. Cover all outlets with child safety devices.  If you use an electrical bird heater or bird light, insure that the cord is safely concealed.  Again, common PVC plumbing pipe will do the trick.

6) Bird Toys
Make sure your parrot is not able to break off or remove any toy parts that it can choke on. Strong beaks can break some plastics into small parts that may be swallowed causing choking or digestive blockage.  We hear about small toy parts getting stuck in the beak, too.  Stick with very reputable bird toy manufacturers like Super Bird Creations, Planet Pleasures and several others found on this website.

Always provide your bird with the correct sized toy for its species. If you think you can save money by purchasing a smaller version of a cool bird toy, think again.  No one wants to come home to a bird that has choked or injured itself on an inappropriately sized bird toy.

Rope toys should be examined at least weekly because birds love to pick and preen the string. String or rope bird toys are dangerous if they have frays that are long enough to tangle around toes or your birds neck.

7) Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans pose a serious danger when unclipped birds fly into them. Being animals of prey, birds are inclined to feel a little anxious about moving objects above them and many birds find a ceiling fan to be stressful. Afterall, hawks fly over wild birds in the hunt. Make sure that your pet bird is well supervised when your ceiling fan is on.

8) Windows, Doors, and Mirrors
A bird that flies into a window or mirror may experience a concussion or broken neck. Frightened birds naturally fly toward the light to escape. It could be a window or a door, but mirrors reflect the light in the room, too. Hitting solid glass at full speed can easily break your birds neck or cause a concussion. Keep your birds wings clipped to minimize this risk. Even interior doors can be risky. If your bird likes to sit on the top of an open door it could be injured when the door is closed.

9) Other Pets
While birds often live happily with other family pets, you should always be careful when your bird is around them. Even though ypu may think it is very cute for your bird to cuddle up to a dog or cat, the fluttering motion of birds attracts the prey instinct in cats, ferrets and dogs and the bacteria in a bite or scratch can be fatal to you bird within hours.

10) Air Quality
Birds are especially sensitive to contaminants in the air. Aerosol products of any kind should not be used around your bird. Cigarette smoke has been implicated in respiratory disease in pet birds. Even nicotine from your hands can transfer onto your birds feathers and cause illness. Carbon monoxide is also dangerous to birds, so use a carbon monoxide detector in the home and be careful not to run your vehicle in an attached garage.


Common Household Products That Kill Parrots:

Aluminum cooking bags
Automatic dishwasher detergent
Avocado
Bleach
Carpet freshener
Cigarettes and cigarette smoke
Cleaning solutions
Coffee grounds
Chocolate candies
Epoxy glue
Essential oils
Ethylene glycol (antifreeze, film)
Flea collars and sprays
Furniture polish
Homemade play dough (toxic levels of salt)
Leather protecting sprays
Linoleum (contains lead)
Matches
Mothballs
Medicines (both prescription and over the counter)
Oven cleaners
Personal care products
Pesticide strips, sprays, foggers
Pine oil cleaners
Plant spikes and all fertilizer
Plug-in air fresheners
Potpourri oils
Poisonous plants (inside and outside)
Spray starch
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca)
Teflon cooking pans
Thermometers (contain mercury)

Remember, your pets count!

Turn on your oldies and memories today. Edgewater Gold Radio the best music on the best station. Download the free Edgewater Gold Radio app or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

add comment    Comments Off on A Very Disturbing Story

Leishmaniasis is potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite. Dogs can become infected when bitten by an infected sand fly. Sand flies become infected by biting an already infected animal. Signs of canine leishmaniasis include dry skin, dandruff, hair loss around the eyes and muzzle and skin sores especially on the dogs head and legs. Weight loss can be severe. Canine leishmaniansis was recently discovered in hunting packs of fox hounds in the southeastern United States. In areas with infected sand flies, dogs should wear collars with impregnated insecticide.  They should also stay indoors when sand flies are most active from just before sunset until sun up.

Remember, your pets count!

Turn on your oldies today on Edgewater Gold Radio. Memory radio where the legends play all the time! Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio” or Listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

 

add comment    Comments Off on Beach Dwellers Should Beware of Leishmaniasis Caused By Sand Flies

When my cat Molly came down with kidney disease, I searched all over for an effective treatment in addition to the medication that I received from the Vet. I wanted to slow the disease down and give Molly a better life for a longer period of time. I came across Astro’s oil and started ordering it on a regular basis. It seemed to really help Molly for a long time. I now have ordered it for Atlantis. I gave him is first dose today and of course he didn’t like a tiny syringe in his mouth but I hope the benefits out weight this little discomfort. I’ve included the story of how Astro’s oil came about. It’s ordered from Canada and you may obtain it from this website.  www.astrosoil.com.

Here’s the story of Astro’s oil.

Over 12 years have passed since I first decided to share my best pal Astro’s story with the world. In 2006, when he was diagnosed with advanced kidney disease, I was told that there was little that could be done to prolong his life beyond a few extra months, or optimistically, a year or so with questionable quality of life. Unfortunately, to this day, this is still the standard prognosis many people will receive for their newly diagnosed chronic kidney failure pet.

The reasons are simple, the average treatment protocol still involves mostly the same handful of drugs that produce very mediocre results, commercial renal diets that provide reduced protein content which some studies have put into question as an optimal long term strategy, and fluid therapy in the form of IV’s or Sub-Q’s which can, if not administered correctly, add an unnecessary work-load to the kidneys.

I did not accept these limited treatment options and the dire prognosis offered Astro, and so, relying on my medical training and based on research I had conducted on systemic inflammation, I set about formulating a solution targeted at the root mechanisms of chronic kidney pathology.

Astro’s condition stabilized and his health began to improve with the administration of the formulation that was created for, and named after, him. It continued to improve, week by week and month to month. His recovery was dramatic, one might even say miraculous.

All these years later, the journey that Astro and I embarked on together has grown to encompass many thousands of people around the globe and their chronic kidney disease pets. His story touched and inspired many people who felt helpless as they watched their best friend suffer and waste away daily, to fight and win time and quality of life for their furry buddies rather than surrendering them to a “kind assisted passing”.

Building upon and investing in research focused on the concept of targeting the disease at its root, 2 new products have since been developed to work synergistically with Astro’s Oil™ Advanced Renal Care Formula to more effectively address kidney pathology. The feedback, as you can read in the testimonials page, has been overwhelmingly positive and the results impressive.

We invite you to join the thousands of people worldwide with kidney disease pets who have achieved superb results and trust us to help you achieve the best possible results for your pet as well. 

Edmond Marcovici MD

 

 

Remember, your pets count!
The oldies are playing all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio! The best variety. Just ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen for a variety of apps including our own Edgewater Gold Radio app.

add comment    Comments Off on Astro’s Oil for Kidney Care in Cats and Dogs – A Great Alternative Treatment!