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Archive for August, 2020

Dog Ear Cleaning

Monday, August 17, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

It’s important that you check your dogs ears regularly especially if you notice that they smell or you notice your dog scratching them. He could have an ear infection which would require the attention of your veterinarian.

You should clean your dogs ears regularly. Your vet will supply you with the proper safe ear cleaner, You’ll want to keep some cotton balls close at hand. Clean your hands or wear gloves and treats are a must. Close your dog into a small room like the bathroom.  It’s a good idea to have a second person on hand especially if your dog begins to squirm.

Start by cleaning the outside of your dog’s ears and work your way in.  Wet the cotton ball with the cleaner and clean the outside  surface of the ear. Then wipe the inside surface of the ear flap Once that is clean, get a new cotton ball wet with the cleanser and clean the inside part stopping when you feel resistance. Pushing further than the dog wants you to go can cause damage. If you find that the cotton balls are dirty, it may be time to have your dog checked by your vet.

Remember, always give him lots of praise and treats.

Remember your pets count!

Astros Oil — A great product to help with feline kidney disease. Find out more! Astros Oil.com.

Start your week with the best oldies — Edgewater Gold Radio--the best variety of oldies from the 50s 60s 70s and 80s.

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The Difference Between a Stray and Feral Cat

Sunday, August 16, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

There are several cats that come onto our porch for a meal. This morning, I opened the sliding glass door and walked out . A gray feral cat that usually comes to eat jumped off of our outside sofa. I tried to talk him into staying but as soon as I stepped outside he was gone. This is clearly a feral cat. Feral cats have never had contact with people and they probably never will. They will eat if food is left for them but will never eat while there is someone there. They eat in isolation and then leave. The cat that was out there today was there to get out of the rain. If you try to approach a feral cat, they will usually run away.

A stray cat a had previous owner and they were either abandoned or got lost. Stray cats are familiar with humans and can be friendly. Another cat in our neighborhood, sometimes stops by and rolls around in our driveway. He is friendly and lets me pet him and even pick him up. This cat can be an outdoor cat belonging to someone in the neighborhood or a cat that was abandoned. I’m thinking that it belongs to someone in the neighborhood.

We place a small dish of food and some water on our porch everyday. The ferals come around and enjoy their meal. Make sure you clean up the uneaten  food at the end of the day or else you may hear those clumsy raccoons out there at night chowing down the leftovers!

Remember, your pets count.

Does you cat have kidney disease? Add Astro’s to his regimen. To find out more about Astro’s Oil visit the website:

www.astrosoil.com.

Enjoy the remainder of our 60s and 70s weekend on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website.

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Is Your Cat Sneezing More that Usual?

Saturday, August 15, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

All cats sneeze every now and then and it’s usually no cause for alarm. Frequent sneezing, especially when one sneeze follows another can be allergies. Some culprits to consider are pollen, dust mites, cigarette smoke or household cleaners.  Allergies can also cause a runny nose or eyes as well as a skin irritation. Always check with your vet to find out which pet medication would be best for helping kitty with her allergies.

If your cat is over 3, sneezes and has stinky breath, this could mean tooth trouble. Aside from being painful, gum disease and abscesses could pose serious threat to your cats health. Habitual sneezing with mucus in the nose and eyes could mean that your cat has a bacterial respiratory infection. Bacterial infections require a trip to the vet for an antibiotic. A viral infection like feline herpes will eventually run its course even though your cat will remain a carrier for life. Don’t worry, this disease doesn’t spread to humans.

Cats are also highly susceptible to rabies and can pass the disease on to humans. This is a concern if your cat is outdoors. A more common disease is cat scratch fever caused by a cat scratch or bite. This is the most common disease that’s passed on the humans.

Remember, your pets count!

Does you cat have feline kidney disease? Add  Astros Oil  products to his daily regimen. Astrosoil.com

Your greatest oldies are playing on Edgewater Gold Radio. Just ask Alexa to play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

 

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How Not to Use a Dog Crate

Friday, August 14, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

A crate should always be a positive experience for your dog. Some people use the crate in the wrong way and create a negative experience for their dog.  Bad crating occurs when the crate is over used or is misused.  Some people want their dog out of the way so they “throw” then in their dog crate. These people should not own a dog.  Crating a dog for eight hours while you’re at work or overnight is fine as long as the dog is given plenty or attention and exercise when you’re home.  People who crate their dog for longer periods must question why they got a dog in the first place.  It’s fine to send a child to his room if he has done something wrong. Dogs do not take to this kind of discipline in the same way. If your dog chews something that he is not supposed to and you “throw” him in his crate to punish him, you are not only punishing the dog but you are punishing yourself. The dog will NEVER want to go in his crate because you created such as bad experience for him. NEVER USE THE CRATE FOR PUNISHMENT!! You’ll be sorry if you do. Remember, dogs live in the moment, so you must catch in in the act of doing something wrong and correct him in the right way.

Are you dealing with Feline Kidney disease? Add Astro’s oil products to your pets daily regimen. astrosoil.com

Your favorite oldies are playing all the time on Edgewater Gold Radio. The 50s through the 80’s all the time. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website” Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Rescuing a Feral Cat

Thursday, August 13, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

We leave food out for a couple of feral cats in our neighborhood. Rescuing feral cat is a process and if you are attempting to rescue feral cats you need to know the proper way to do this.  Feral cat rescue is done by a trap, neuter and return system. If a kitten isn’t socialized with humans within the first few months of life, it is not likely that they will ever become tame. The accepted method is to trap, neuter, spay or neuter then return them to their territory. So what is the best way to rescue a feral cat?  The Nest.com has put together a detail method on how to do this properly.

Preparing to Trap

Discuss the feral cat situation with neighbors, landowners and others in the community. Explain what a feral cat is and how you plan to help. Explain that returning the feral cat to its home territory is the only humane option and that the feral cat will provide rodent control. Once the cat is spayed/neutered, neighbors won’t have to worry about many of the unwanted behaviors that accompany having feral cats living nearby. There will no be constant unwanted litters of kittens and there will no longer be sounds of fighting and mating.

Talk with the veterinarian who will be doing the spay/neuter for the feral cat and schedule a tentative appointment for the day after you intend to trap the cat.

Begin feeding the cat on a regular schedule, about twilight is best. Maintain the schedule for a couple weeks so the cat gets used to showing up at the same time.

Place the trap at the feeding site a couple days before you plan to trap. Cover it with a sheet. Do not set the trap, just place it on the ground near your feeding area. This will allow the cat to get used to its presence and smells.

Trapping

Withhold food on the night before you trap.

Bait the trap with the canned fish at the same time you would normally feed the cat.

Set the trap, leaving the sheet in place. Push the sheet back enough so that the cat can easily access the trap’s opening.

Monitor the trap every couple hours throughout the night.

Move the trap to an area where the cat will be safe until morning, once he has gone into the trap. Usually a garage or outbuilding is best.

Deliver the cat to the veterinarian the next morning. The veterinarian will spay/neuter, vaccinate and ear-tip the cat. Ear-tipping is the removing of about a quarter-inch off the tip of the cat’s left ear. This is a universal symbol that this feral cat has been spayed/neutered.

Release

Hold the cat in its trap for 24 hours after surgery, following your veterinarian’s instructions regarding feeding and watering.

Return the trapped cat to the area in which he has been living.

Release the cat.

Feed, water and monitor the feral cat every day.

Remember, your pets count!

We’re keeping you oldies playing all the time! Edgewater Gold Radio, your place for the best oldies! Ask Alexa to “Play Edgewater Gold Radio or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Some Dangers When Taking Your Dog Fishing

Wednesday, August 12, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

You love to fish and so does your dog. He goes with you on every trip. You’re just getting back to the dock with a good catch of salmon and trout. To reward your dog for being such a good companion, you throw him a fish.  Did you know that you may be killing him with your kindness?  Salmon poisoning disease found primarily in the northern pacific area of the U.S., and the pacific coast of Canada is often fatal for dogs.  The disease is caused when the dog eats raw salmon or trout contaminated with a parasite that contains the infecting organism.  Symptoms usually appear five to seven days later. Look for lack of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea if you suspect that your dog may be infected.  Salmon poisoning disease is curable if caught early and the dog is treated with fluids, antibiotics and anti vomiting medication.  So instead of throwing him a raw fish, stick to his regular safe diet!

Remember, your pets count!

Keep you favorite song playing all day on Edgewater Gold Radio. The greatest variety of oldies play all the time. Just ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Needy Felines

Monday, August 10, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

Cats are usually independent creatures that are fairly easy to care for that is if they don’t have any medical conditions or are not spoiled like mine. Let me clarify, our two cats Millie and Atlantis are like our babies. My partner and I have no children and no family living near us. Our two cats receive basically all of our attention. The Coronavirus pandemic has increased their need for us to be around. Each of them has carved out the structure of their little lives. I get up at the same time to feed them. I must give Millie the same food as Atlantis but I have to put the small bowl of wet food on top of her cat scratching post because Atlantis will quickly devour it.

Millie also wants to be brushed daily at a certain time each day when I get finished with my shower. She there waiting by the door for me each day. Atlantis has hyperthyroidism and kidney disease so he requires different medications several times a day. In addition to prescribed medications, I give him  natural products called Astro’s oil which is a combination of a powder mixed in with his food and a pipette distributing a liquid omega oil. His prescribed medications are transdermal that are applied inside his ears.

Each evening both cats expect snacks not just once but several times. They stand by their bowls and meow for more and because we’ve spoiled them so much, we usually comply. Atlantis loves to snuggle with us at night. He goes back and forth between my partner and myself to get his share of love and affection.

We feel that leaving them alone will really have an affect on them. We are basically home bodies who stay close to care for them.

Check out the wonderful natural  Astros Oil products for kidney disease, I’ve been using them for years and swear by them.

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Working with Pets

Sunday, August 9, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

If you love pets and would like to work with them, realize that Veterinarians and Vet. Technicians aren’t the only ones who work with pets. If you want a career working with animals, consider dog walking, dog sitting or doggie day care.  You may want to look into grooming or animal rescue. You could also learn how to train and handle dogs used for human therapy.  If you’re interested in wild animals, consider becoming a Park Ranger. Working in a zoo, marine park or wildlife center could also give you opportunities as a Keeper, Rehabilitator, or Outreach Educator. Talk to a working professional to learn more about a potential career path with animals. Internships can also help you find the career path that’s right for you.

Caring for pets is a rewarding experience whether it’s selling pet products like leashes, collars and dog clothing or rescuing pets and finding them a good home. Remember, your pets count!

The place for oldies is Edgewater Gold Radio! Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com,.

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The Beautiful Chausie Cat

Saturday, August 8, 2020
posted by Jim Murphy

If you’ve never heard of a Chausie, don’t worry, many people have not. These beautiful cats are a result of careful breeding between wild “jungle” cats and domestic cats. They were first bred in the 60’s as a safer alternative than to keep jungle cats in the home. It has the looks, grace and style of a jungle cats but the gentle disposition of  a domestic cat. Today, the most common breed used to product a Chausie is the Abyssinian because it looks like a jungle cat but is much smaller. Adult males can reach 25 pounds so Chausies require lots of activity and lots of space. Chausies are heavy boned with long, slender legs and a muscular body. They have piercing oval gold or yellow eyes and a triangular shaped face with three round corners. They are loyal to their owners and have a high energy level.They love playing with their cat toys. Some are champion jumpers and they made an ideal companion for young children.

Remember, your pets count!

Enjoy the music of the 60s and 70s all weekend on Edgewater Gold Radio. Just ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewater Gold Radio.com.

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Some foods that are healthy for us can be dangerous for your cat or dog. Nulo.com has put together this article that really does a great job breaking down the foods to avoid.

dangerous foods for cats & dogs


Although chocolate is the most well-known of the banned foods, few realize it’s toxic for both cats and dogs. Chocolate naturally contains theobromine and caffeine, two chemicals that our pets simply cannot handle. These compounds can cause severe heart, liver, and digestion problems. As a general rule: the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. White chocolate is the least dangerous, followed by milk chocolate; dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate are by-far the most deadly.
While many fruits are completely safe for pets, the vast majority of the pits and leaves are not. Interestingly, many fruit stems and seeds contain highly toxic compounds (such as cyanide) that our pet partners metabolize more quickly. Make sure to only give the flesh of any fruit and remove all seeds, stems, leaves, pits, and cores. This includes parts from apples, apricots, cherries, peach pits, tomato leaves/stems, rhubarb leaves, and even potato leaves/stems.
When it comes to celebrating, it can be tempting to want to include everyone in the festivities, even your party pupper or crazy kitty. No matter how tempting, giving your furry pal an alcoholic drink is a bad idea. Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs and cats, causing issues with vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and trouble breathing.

According to the ASPCA, nearly all species of garlic and onions are toxic for cats and dogs; including onion/garlic powder and chives. Due to a toxin called N-propyl Disulfide, (the same compound that causes your eyes to water), these foods can lead to serious complications in four-footed creatures. This includes vomiting, bloody urine, acute weakness, irregular heart rate, and severe breakdown of red blood cells. Pay close attention to these foods during barbeques – and speaking of barbeques, don’t forget that the common condiment, mustard, is also dangerous for pets.
Though it seems obvious not to feed your pet Sweet’N Low, you would be surprised how many products have xylitol. Xylitol is a common artificial sweetener found in countless candies and gums that causes subtle releases of insulin in many species. Cats and dogs suffering from insulin imbalance are vulnerable to liver failure. Avoid giving pets candy and remember to be cautious of discarded gum on the ground or other surfaces while out on walks.
Nuts are often a go-to snack for humans. Nutrient-rich and low-carb, nuts are a common weight-loss food that boosts energy while providing a good source of fiber. Unfortunately, this isn’t true for our canine and feline friends. These high-fat treats can cause upset stomach and severe toxicity, depending on the type of nut. Macadamia nuts can cause temporary paralysis!
Amazingly, grapes and raisins contain a mystery compound that causes kidney failure in dogs and sometimes cats. Despite knowing almost nothing about the toxin, veterinarians agree that raisins and grapes should be avoided at all costs. Be extra cautious of foods that like to sneak in raisins, such as trail mix, granola, and baked goods.

undecided / use with caution


Cheese is one of the most common treats for tail-wagers, many even use slices to help give medicine. Strictly speaking, dairy foods aren’t necessarily toxic to pets…they’re just unhealthy. While your dog or cat probably loses their mind over a slice of cheese, their little digestive tracts can’t produce enough lactase, an enzyme needed to break down lactose for digestion. Much like a lactose-intolerant human, your little friend may struggle with indigestion or diarrhea after having dairy, so avoid if this is the case.

Thank you Nulo.com for providing this excellent information!

Remember, your pets count!

The greatest oldies of all time are playing now on Edgewater Gold Radio. Ask Alexa to “play Edgewater Gold Radio” or listen from our website: Edgewatergoldradio.com.

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