What’s in the package?

Knowing what your dog is eating is important.  Most mass produced and commercially prepared foods contain many bi-products and preservatives.  Commercially made treats are no exception!

More animal nutritionists, veterinarians, and other industry experts have concluded that many of these commercially prepared foods and treats can actually be making our pets sick!  Some signs of poor quality food formula and ingredients are dry and itchy fur, cloudy eyes, bad breath, large stools, and allergies just to name a few.  While these commercial mass produced foods help us feed our pets inexpensively; we must ask ourselves at what expense?

Before you grab that bag or a can of commercially produced food; do some research!  Here is a great link -  www.acreaturecomfort.com/truthaboutpetfood.htm

We as humans have become more aware of our own health and now people are looking at alternatives for their pets too; such as feeding raw diets and home cooking.  There are many viable and healthy solutions for “Fido”; but before you switch, be sure to discuss things with your veterinarian and/or an animal nutritionist to be sure you are feeding your pet meals that are well balanced for their needs.

All California K9 Kitchen treats are made with the freshest human grade ingredients.  In many cases we use certified organic ingredients, and all the ingredients we use are from the USA. We never use any preservatives!  Remember that treats are just that; TREATS!  If you give a quantity of treats everyday, then the treats have become part of your pet’s regular diet.  Moderation and healthier selections are pertinent to keeping your pet healthy and fit.  A well balanced diet and exercise plan is as important for your pet as it is for you.

For training and daily positive behavior rewards consider a healthy snack choice like slices of vegetable or fruit and reserve those California K9 Kitchen treats for the special occasion treat.  Want to start cooking for your dog?  Our California K9 Kitchen bake at home cookie, cake and brownie kits are a great place to start!
 

Emergency Situations!

Just like our children and other loved ones; there are many things we should consider and be prepared for in advance.  Many of us know what to do in the event of a human emergency; but do you know what to do if something happens to a pet?  We have outlined a few important things to consider along with resources for you to start planning for those situations!

- Animal First Aid -
Knowing what to do in a life threatening situation and being able to administer first aid to an injured animal can save its life.  This site addresses many stages of first aid including CPR, bone fractures and other emergency situations that may arise. www.thepetcenter.com

- Emergency Preparedness -
There is plenty information out there about preparing for an emergency situation like a flood, earthquake or other national disaster; but we can never be prepared enough or too soon.  Be sure you have everything you and your furry friend will need for an emergency.  A three day supply is a minimum.  Be sure the kit includes all medications, blankets, leashes, muzzle, food, water, toys and anything else your pet might need.  This company offers complete and “starter” emergency kits which include some first aid guidelines - www.pet-pac.com

- Common Food items for dogs to avoid -
Apples, Apricots, Avocado, Azaleas, Ivy, Cherries, chocolate, macadamia nuts, Corn (the plant), Onion, Garlic, Peach (primarily the pit), Tomato plant, Grapes, Raisins and Broccoli.
Find out more here - www.aspca.org  You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 *Consultation fees may apply*

- Lost Pets -
Are you prepared incase your pet gets lost?  Just like a life threatening situation; time is the essence.  The quicker you are able to mobilize the better your chances are of being reunited with your pal quickly.  Be sure you have a current photograph of your pet and if possible; have a lost flyer all set-up and ready to post.  All you need to do is fill-in the dates and other information.  Then make copies and post the lost flyer!  Here is a sample lost flyer template you can use - Download Sample Word Doc  There are even companies out there that help locate lost pets.  Here is a link to one of them - Sherlock Bones

Pet Insurance

Thousands of families struggle with the cost of family health insurance and doctor bills.  If you have been to the vet lately for an emergency or even a routine check-up, you might have been shocked to discover that your vet bills can be as much as a human doctor.  It might be time to get your pet an insurance policy.  There are several companies out there offering varied services from covering emergency only care to comprehensive and even cancer treatments.

VPI Pet Insurance - www.petinsurance.com

ASPCA Pet Insurance - www.aspcapetinsurance.com

Medical Conditions and Illness!

Most people can’t believe how healthy their pets are; it seems they never get sick!  NOT SO FAST!  Being observant of your pets’ behavior and their needs is critical to knowing something is wrong with your pet.  Simple things like refusing to eat, too loose or too firm of stool, coughing, vomiting and sudden behavior changes can be a warning sign that "Fido" is not well, and it is time to go to the vet.  Believe it or not, our pets too can suffer from medical conditions very similar to us humans.  They can get cancer, acid reflux, arthritis, you name it!  Your buddy should go to the vet at least once a year for a “well check” and to be sure their vaccines or Titers (immunity test) are current.  The Merck Veterinary Manual is a handy resource; it is like the "WebMD" for animals!

Vaccinations or Titer Test?

What is a Titer Test?  To boil it down to simplest terms; it is taking a blood test to see the actual immunity level in the blood stream.  The Titer test can revel if the annual vaccination is truly necessary or not.  Just like our human vaccinations may be linked to increased cases of Autism; Vaccinations can be particularly critical with animals that have immune deficiencies or other conditions such as; Seizures, Epilepsy, Diabetes, and many other serious conditions, or those with more sensitive systems.  With these type of animals; it is best to only vaccinate when it is necessary.  If you do need to vaccinate; it might be best to ask if your vet will separate the vaccinations allowing a week or so between vaccinations.  Here is more information about Titer testing - www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com

Canine Epilepsy & Seizures!

Because of canine epilepsy and other seizure disorders, many owners decide to have their pet Titer tested over regular vaccinations.  Seizure animals are particularly sensitive to vaccinations, anesthesia, household chemicals, and other influences one would not even think of unless you had a seizure animal.  While some animals may actually have Epilepsy or another seizure disorder; why they do is still a question.  Poor breeding, over vaccination, poor quality foods, grain allergies, and head trauma are just some reasons that are increasingly being seen in our pets.

Because some seizures can be triggered by environmental conditions; many people take the approach of creating an all natural environment for their pet to live, including discontinuing the use of floor cleaners, insecticides and other chemicals in and outside of the home.  Limiting the amount of grains and being sure the foods your pet eats are of the highest quality and do not contain preservatives may also help reduce or even eliminate the severity and time between seizures.  Some seizure dogs can not be helped by “going natural” and will need to go on a lifetime prescription of anti-seizure medications.  This is a decision you will need to make with your veterinarian.

If you have a seizure dog or want to learn more about the condition, this is a helpful link - www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com
 

What will happen to them?

Most of us with families have a Last Will and Testament. Many of us also have prepared a Living Will. These documents spell out in great detail to who the possessions we leave behind are to be distributed to. Although we consider our pets like family members; many times the law considers them to be property.  So you will want to be sure to specify to whom or to what organization you want your pet(s) to be turned over to in the event of your passing or if something happens to you and you are no longer able to properly care for them.

Thinking about what will happen to your pet(s) if/when you are no longer there is one thing. Now lets take it to the next step and be prepared for what you will do when it is time to help your life long friend over to the Rainbow Bridge.  Have the discussion with your veterinarian in advance.  Do they offer euthanasia?  Do you want to have somebody to come to the house to euthanize your friend?  Nobody wants to dwell on this; but once again; it is best to think about this before hand and have a plan.  It is much easier to plan and think ahead than make that kind of big decision while the emotions are flowing.

California K9 Kitchen now offers a special Celebration and Memorial DVD to help you celebrate your special friends’ life.