Facts About Dogs

Christmas treats

The holiday season is a time of sharing and goodwill, which is why your dog may get spoiled with extra treats this time of year. There’s nothing wrong with feasting with your favorite furry pal, but it’s important to know what not to feed dogs over the holidays. There are many foods that make dogs sick, and you don’t want your dog throwing up during a celebration (or anytime for that matter)! Here are the basics on what foods you shouldn’t share with your dog. This doesn’t mean an end to holiday cheer, though!

pit Bull Terriers: Fear vs. fact*

FEAR:
Pit Bulls have “locking jaws.”

FEAR:
Pit Bills have massive biting power measuring in 1,000’s of pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI).

FEAR:
Pit Bulls attack without warning.

FEAR:
Pit Bulls are “ticking time bombs” that turn on their owners.

FEAR:
While there are some Pit Bulls with good temperaments, they are the exception not the rule.

FEAR:
Pit Bulls are more dangerous than other dogs.

FACT:
“We found that American Pit Bull Terriers did not have any unique mechanism that would allow these dogs to lock their jaws. There were no mechanical or morphological differences…” — Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, University of Georgia

FACT:
On average, dogs bite with 320 lbs. of pressure per square inch. The bite pressure of a German Shepard, an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Rottweiler were tested. The American Pit Bull Terrier had the least amount of bite pressure of the three dogs. — Dr. Brandy Barr, National Geographic

FACT:
“Pit Bulls signal like other dogs.” — The Institute of Animal Welfare and Behavior of the University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany temperament tested over 1,000 dogs

FACT:
“No single, neutered household pet Pit Bull has ever killed anyone.” — Karen Delise, NCRC Founder and Director of Research, Author

FACT:
The American Temperament Test shows Pit Bulls consistently score above the average for all breeds tested, year in and year out! — The American Temperament Test Society, www.atts.org

FACT:
“A dog is only as dangerous as its owner allows it to be.” — Diane Jessup, Founder of LawDogsUSA, Author, retired Animal Control Officer

* Courtesy of National Canine Research Council (NCRC)

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is a very serious condition that, if not treated, can be fatal for your dog or cat. It is caused by heartworms, parasitic worms that are spread from pet to pet by mosquitos. They live in and affect the arteries of the lungs. Sometimes, they can be found in the right side of the heart.

Signs of Heartworm Disease

According to American Heartworm Society, here are the signs of heartworm disease:

“For both dogs and cats, clinical signs of heartworm disease may not be recognized in the early stages, as the number of heartworms in an animal tends to accumulate gradually over a period of months and sometimes years and after repeated mosquito bites.

Recently infected dogs may exhibit no signs of the disease, while heavily infected dogs may eventually show clinical signs, including a mild, persistent cough, reluctance to move or exer-cise, fatigue after only moderate exercise, reduced appetite and weight loss.

Cats may exhibit clinical signs that are very non-specific, mim-icking many other feline diseases. Chronic clinical signs include vomiting, gagging, difficulty or rapid breathing, lethargy and weight loss.”

Holistic Care

Coconut Oil: The Miracle In A Jar
Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil may be the most important thing you aren’t feeding your dog. Why is Coconut Oil so great? It contains Lauric Acid, not naturally found in any other oil. Lauric Acid is in mother’s milk for dogs and is the amazing substance that gives puppies immunity. Feeding your dog coconut oil will help skin issues, allergies, thyroid function and can even help ward off cancer. Rub some on your baby as a coat conditioner, and you’ll be rewarded with a great smelling dog with healthy skin and fur. A little goes a long way; just one teaspoon per 10 pounds of pooch mixed in their food daily will do it.