$10 Million Gift Establishes Cornell Canine Genomics Program

$10 Million Gift Establishes Cornell Canine Genomics Program
Ithaca, New York

A single donation of $10 million to Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine will establish the world's first canine genetics program.

The recent anonymous donation of $10 million to Cornell was the largest ever received by the College of Veterinary Medicine. The gift will ultimately fund research that will enhance the ability of scientists to fight cancer and other diseases that affect animals and humans. After hundreds of years of selective breeding, canine genetics is quite unique and holds information not available in other genomes.

"We know that each breed possesses a unique and highly similar collection of genes, which confer susceptibility to certain diseases and constitute a stunning opportunity for gene association studies that cannot be performed in people. These investigations can be done non-invasively in dogs and will inform our understanding of the specific genes that result in susceptibility to some of our most serious diseases," Michael I. Kotlikoff, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, told Cornell's ChronicleOnline.

"The recognition of the commonality of disease between animals and man precedes modern medical education and continues to drive discovery that informs animal and human health. What better gift could 'man's best friend' provide than the information necessary to more fully understand and combat these devastating human and animal diseases. This inspiring gift will have an enormous impact on both canine and human health and is testimony to the vision and generosity of one of the college's most committed friends," continued Kotlikoff.

The initial investment from the gift will recruit a faculty member in biostatistics to lead the comparative genomics effort and then to recruit a new faculty member in cancer biology. The gift will ensure that both posts will be permanent positions.

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/10-million-gift-establishes-cornell-canine-genomics.htm

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Wet Behind the Ears

Summer can be loads of fun for water-drawn dog, and a day at the beach can seem like the canine equivalent of Disneyland. Ironically, breeds that love to swim often have floppy ears that are prone to infection, especially when moisture gets in. To guarantee maximum summer fun, here are a few tips for diagnosing, preventing, and treating ear infections.

Diagnosis:

Inspecting your dog’s ears weekly can help with early diagnosis. Look for signs of infection including muck, discharge, and smell. A pussy discharge may indicate an infection, while a dark discharge is a sign of mites. Other indicators of an infection include excessive earwax, redness, scratching, rubbing ears on things, and shaking of the head.

Prevention:

Unfortunately, some breeds are predestined for ear troubles due to the floppy nature of their ears. So dogs such as Spaniels, Hounds, and Labradors tend to have more issues with their ears than breeds whose ears stick straight up, such as Dobermans and Shepherds. To prevent infection, try these tactics:

1. Hair Removal. If your dog has excessive hair in the ear, it may need to be removed (from the root, by plucking) to prevent chronic ear problems. Talk to your vet concerning hair removal in the ear.

2. Drying. Keeping your dog’s ears dry is essential to preventing ear infections. Be sure to swab moisture out of the ear after baths, swimming, and activity in the rain. Even humidity can bring on an ear infection in some breeds.

3. Cleanse and Inspect. Clean your dog’s ears regularly if they are prone to infections. You can buy an assortment of ear cleaners and powders specially formulated for dogs at your local pet store, but talk to your vet before establishing a cleansing routine.

4. Understanding Aggravators. Determine the cause of the infection to prevent further problems. Chronic infections can lead to, are avoidable by diagnosing the cause of the infection early. Talk with your vet to help determine the cause, and avoid repeating treatments that are not effective.

Treatment:

Certain over the counter ear cleansers and antiseptics can be used for some ear infections and mites, but only your vet can properly diagnose an ear infection and recommend proper treatment. Vet treatment usually includes an ointment of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, which is squirted inside the ear canal, rubbed in, and swabbed out. Oral antibiotics are also available depending on the circumstance.

A big thank you goes out to Amber Blount for providing some wonderful information. Amber is a dog blog writer for Ruff Wear, Inc. and freelance blog writer from Bend, Oregon. For more information about outdoor adventures with your dog, visit dogblog.ruffwear.net, or contact @oregonamber on Twitter.

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Housetraining for Labrador Puppies

You finally caved in and picked up your first Labrador puppy. In all of the excitement, you realize that you have no idea of how to properly discipline and housetrain your new pup. No matter how cute his puppy eyes are, it is vital to establish potty training right from the bat. All puppies are different, and housebreaking your puppy could take anywhere from 12 weeks to 5 months. Housebreaking means that the puppy does not have an accident inside the house for 12 consecutive weeks. Even if the pup has an accident after 11 weeks of doing their business outside, the process must start all over again at week 1.

In the beginning, it is a good idea to confine your dog to a small space indoors where it will not have a chance to wander and start bad habits around the house. Having a crate to put the dog in when nobody is watching is a good way to control where it may roam. The most important aspect of housetraining your Labrador puppy is keeping it on a schedule. As a young pup, the schedule should be set at every two hours to accommodate the dog’s undeveloped bladder. As the dog matures and gets used to the schedule, a gradual extension of one hour at a time will help train the dog to hold it longer. Eventually, your Labrador should be able to wait eight hours between bathroom breaks.

Aside from establishing a dog potty schedule, the process of training your Labrador involves awarding the pup for good behavior. You will want to put your dog on a leash and take him to your designated dog potty spot according to your schedule. Using a phrase such as “Go Potty” and repeating it before and immediately after the dog goes to the bathroom will help your dog learn to go on command. When your dog is successful, praise him and possibly give him a treat. Knowing a treat is the reward of going potty will be an incentive for them to go faster next time. Leave your dog outside for another 10 minutes, just in case they weren’t 100 percent successful the first attempt.

When you bring your puppy home for the first time, it is very important to take it directly from the car to the designated potty location and establish the command. If the dog doesn’t need to go, let him eat and drink and then return immediately to the same spot. Do not let the dog run freely until it has successfully gone potty. When your dog does have an accident inside the house, the only effective punishment is a stern “Bad Dog”. Only punish the puppy if you caught it in the act and know for sure it didn’t try and warn you by waiting by the door earlier. Clean up the mess quickly and don’t let the dog visit that spot unsupervised; he is likely to repeat his business and start a bad habit.

A big thank you goes out to Amanda for sharing some wonderful housetraining advice for Labrador Retriever puppies.

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Exercising your Labrador Retriever: Keep Him Happy and Yourself Healthy

Labrador retrievers have got quite a special reputation within the pedigree world: they are known for their friendliness and their loyalty, their temperament and their unique character, and for being eternal buddies. Indeed they are one of the most popular breeds of dog, and they are a staple of virtually every community in the country, gracing parks and backyards from coast to coast. Yet, as a large dog, a Labrador retriever is in need of frequent exercise and proper care in order to stay in good health, and ironically the very things that you will need to do to accomplish his health will also help you keep your own health where you want it. There can be no denying that a happy Lab is the necessary counterpart to a healthy owner, so make sure you’re taking proper care of your dog and start getting out there for a good bit of regular exercise.

Let it be clear: constant exercise isn’t just recommendable for Labrador retrievers, it is necessary. Labs are highly energetic dogs, and therefore their bodies absolutely must be given constant stimulus through exercise, much more so than with tinier dogs, for example. The very friendly and playful nature of Labs makes it easier to fill this exercise quota, thankfully, and all sorts of games can be played.

As their name implies, they are great for playing fetch, whether it be with a ball or with a Frisbee or just the classic old stick you find in the park. This playfulness means that all members of the family, the kids in particular, will be able to help in keeping the dog in good shape and happy as can be. A great purchase for Labradors is one of those tennis ball launchers, take one down to the park and your lab will be happy for hours.

An excellent habit to get into for the sake of your Lab’s happiness and your own health is to go on daily long walks or jogs. Play and games aside, this is the key, the foundation on which you will be able to accomplish the goals you have for your Lab and for yourself. Ideally a jog or walk of several miles should be taken every day to really live up to your obligations in this regard, and you should consider changing up the route of your walk/job to keep it interesting for yourself and your dog. Of course, as your Labrador begins to age you are going to need to change things up, going on slightly lighter and shorter outings to prevent excessive stress on the joints and muscles of your dog.

If you have a young Labrador and want to try some outdoor cardio exercise, you could purchase a running harness for your dog and go out for a jog together. The harness means that your hands are free for running, but you’ll need to have a pretty well trained lab who will run with you rather than drag you around the route!

As with humans, sufficient exercise needs to be accompanied by a proper diet, both of which will help keep your Lab’s weight in check. Be sure to check with your veterinarian as to which kinds of dog food products are appropriate for your Lab, taking into account its age of course. The proper food will ensure that your dog has got the strength and the nutrition to do the necessary exercise, helping it stay happy and helping yourself get in shape!

Not only will a healthy diet and regular exercise mean that both you and your beloved pet will feel better, spending more time in activity together also means that your bond will be stronger than ever. So go out there and have fun!

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DERMagic Lemongrass Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar Review and Giveaway

Recently, I've had the pleasure of trying out the Lemongrass Spearmint Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar, the newest product from DERMagic Skin Care. I'm so lucky and grateful to DERMagic, as they let me try out their products and I've never been unsatisfied. This one being no different from any of the amazing products they produce.

Now, my two Labrador Retriever girls are pretty healthy, no problems like mange, hot spots or yeast infections. Occasional dry skin here and there, but nothing else to report. Proper nutrition, bathing and brushing take care of that, along with a few special products that I like to use to help along the way.

So then, why would I do a review of DERMagic Lemongrass Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar? Because I know their products, have used their products and anything I can do to make my two lovable Labradors more comfortable, the better it is for all of us!

DERMagic's Lemongrass Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar is the first step in treating dogs with serious skin conditions such as mange, hot spots, alopecia X, and yeast infections. DERMagic utilizes sulfur and Neem oil to naturally kill mites, bacteria and fungus (including yeast), and lemongrass and spearmint for their fresh-smelling, flea repellent qualities.

"Initial users are dubbing this the 'healing bar' for its instrumental role in resolving even the most serious skin conditions in dogs," said founder of DERMagic Dr. Adelia Ritchie. "Our organic Shampoo Bars contain no preservatives nor sulfates and other harsh chemicals, providing the perfect first step to restoring a dog's skin to good health. We're thrilled to offer this safe yet powerful cleansing bar to our line of grooming and skin rescue products for furry family members."

After trying the DERMagic's Lemongrass Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar, I'm pleased to report that they have another exceptional product on their hands. Now, as I stated, my Labrador Retriever girls don't have problems with mange, hot spots, alopecia X, or yeast infections, but one can never be to careful. After receiving the Lemongrass Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar, I was more than happy to give my two Lab girls a bath (even though they might not have been).

First off, the fragrance of the bar was fantastic, with it leaving my two Labs with a wonderful clean, fresh smell! Knowing that my Labrador Retrievers were being bathed with organic vegetable oils and ingredients that include coconut, olive, castor, sunflower, neem oil, aloe vera and more natural ingredients, was a blessing.

I saw no after itching associated with other soap based products for dogs and was more than happy to know that my Labrador Retrievers would be getting the extra protection benefits from the DERMagic name. It produced a rich lather, which is something you don't see from many dog soap bars and provided excellent cleansing agents for my Labs. Another outstanding products from DERMagic!

DERMagic was also generous enough to let me do a giveaway for your chance to win a bar of their Lemongrass Skin Rescue Shampoo. If you would like to win DERMagic's Lemongrass Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar, here's what you have to do:

Main Entry:

Let us know why you would like to win the DERMagic's Lemongrass Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar (dog has itchy skin, you want to try new product, etc.).

Extra Entries:

To receive these extra entries, you MUST do the MAIN entry. Please leave a comment for each additional entry you complete (current followers and subscribers count).

One Extra Entry: Sign up to our feed on the right hand side of our blog. If you already subscribe, please let us know.

One Extra Entry: Subscribe to our e-mail on the right hand side of our blog. If you already subscribe, please let us know.

One Extra Entry: Follow All About Labradors on Google Friend Connect. If your already a friend, just let us know.

One Extra Entry if you add All About Labradors to your Blogroll.

Five Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post.

Unlimited Extra Entries

To receive these unlimited extra entries, you MUST do the MAIN entry.

Tweet about the contest (be sure to leave the tweet link). One extra entry for each tweet.

Leave a comment on another post besides this one ( leave link to comment ).

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States only, 18 or older and will end at 11:59 PM EST 9/18/10. The winner will be selected by random generator and the entries verified. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway prize. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen.

You must leave an e-mail address (or have it available in a profile) so that I can contact you if you are the winner. Be advised, comments are moderated.

Disclaimer: I would like to thank Revolution PR on behalf of DERMagic for the opportunity to review the Lemongrass Skin Rescue Shampoo Bar. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. I was not compensated in any manner, other than the product to review. My reviews may not always positive, but they are my personal and honest opinions. Please conduct your own research before purchasing products.

Congratulations to Heather for winning this giveaway!

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Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats

Another recall due to salmonella health risk.

This time the Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling a specific lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for dogs. The concern being that one or more bags have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 at any time with any questions.

The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk.

"SECAUCUS, N.J. - September 3, 2010 - The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products.

Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both dogs and humans. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention. Owners of dogs exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance.

Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling 74,700 8-oz bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519, which were imported by Hartz from a Brazilian supplier, Bertin S.A., and which were distributed to a number of customers in the United States. While regular testing conducted by Bertin (prior to shipment to the US) did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any packages of this product, random sample testing conducted by FDA did indicate the presence of Salmonella. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Dog owners having purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code BZ0969101E imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 at any time with any questions they may have and for information on how to obtain reimbursement for purchased product."

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Is Coffee Safe for Labrador Retrievers?

Have you ever spilled your coffee and your Labrador Retriever has licked it up? Wondering if giving your Labrador Retrievers a little coffee will give them more energy (like they really need energy)?

Bethany Ramos guides us along the way with this guest post:

Is Coffee Safe for Labrador Retrievers? Find Out How to Keep Your Dog Healthy!

As a coffee lover, you may have read recent research about the health benefits of your cup of Joe, namely that it prevents aging and a number of diseases when enjoyed on a regular basis. Still, as a coffee lover and dog lover, it is important to keep in mind that coffee is not anywhere near as beneficial to your Labrador retriever!

When consumed in excess, caffeine is toxic for dogs, which is one of the main compounds found in coffee. This does not mean that coffee is necessarily poisonous, so if your dog accidentally has a sip, there is no reason to panic. Still, it is important to be vigilant in keeping your dog away from cups of coffee sitting out or even from digging into trash that contains coffee grounds.

Unfortunately, when you check out this topic in many forums online, numerous pet owners freely admit to letting their dogs drink from their cup of Joe! We are all familiar with the fact that chocolate is a no-no for dogs because it is toxic, and coffee for pets should also be strictly off-limits. The caffeine within both chocolate and coffee will stimulate the central nervous system, which could cause side effects in your pooch of an upset stomach, increased heart rate, or even a seizure.

To continue to keep your Labrador retriever safe, avoid any products that contain caffeine and steer clear from feeding your dog onions, garlic, grapes, and tomatoes. Onions can cause anemia or difficulty breathing in dogs, garlic has the same effect, and grapes can cause potential kidney failure. If your dog eats tomatoes, that could also cause toxicity in the form of difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or cardiac issues.

So what is the lesson we have learned today? Coffee is a wonderful and healthy treat for humans, but keep it away from man's best friend!

For a great selection of Bunn coffee makers, check out Bethany Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.

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Weather Petcast

Weather.com is offering a new free service called Personal Petcast to determine how your dogs will fare in the expected weather for the next few days.

The Personal Petcast service is very easy to use. After typing in your dogs size, length of hair, age and zip code, you will be presented with the PetCast for location.

Features of the Petcast features include:

Dog Comfort Index - estimates how comfortable your dog will be outdoors in forecasted weather conditions.

Flea Activity Graph - shows graph with past weather data to illustrate when fleas are most likely to be active in your area.

Dog Care Guide - provides expert advice on how to keep man's best friend healthy and happy.

Other features include best time to walk your dog, mosquito activity, dog videos, dog weather maps, park locator and daily tips.

Heading outdoors with your Labrador Retriever? Visit the Personal Petcast to see how you lovable Labrador will fare in the weather.

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Free Dog Toy from Homesense Savvy Paws

HomeSense is offering a coupon for a Free Rubber Dog Toy.

The Free Dog Toy coupon is limited to one per customer while supplies last. Available to Canadian residents only.

Just click on the above link, print the free rubber dog toy coupon and visit your local Homesense store.

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Free Pet Exam at Banfield (PetSmart)

We have had the Free Pet Exam at Banfield posted on the All About Labradors blog before. I'm posting it again for I receive many e-mails asking about free pet exams and for those of you that missed out the first time.

From Banfield: "Since 1955, Banfield has been committed to bringing human quality care and medicine to your Pet, affordably. At Banfield, we understand that Pets are part of the family which is why we offer exceptional health and wellness care. Discover the difference of comprehensive veterinary care for your Pet."

TO get your Free Pet Exam, complete the form on the Banfield website to get a printable coupon. Print and bring the coupon to your Pet's first scheduled exam at your local Banfield (located in PetSmart), and the exam is FREE!

This offer is only valid for residents of the USA. Find your local Banfield Hospital located inside PetSmart.

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Celebrate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days With Us This September

-- Nearly 550 Events Will Be Hosted Nationwide; Also Have a Dog-Gone Good Time Online During Virtual AKC RDO Days --

Americans have embraced dog ownership for centuries, and many people today view their dogs as cherished members of the family. That’s why AKC hosts AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days each September – to shine a spotlight on the commitment it takes to have a canine companion!

This month, dog owners and dog lovers everywhere will join hundreds of AKC-affiliated dog clubs across the country for the AKC’s annual celebration. Nearly 550 events are being held in local communities this year open to all current and future dog owners. All AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events are listed at http://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/events/.

"AKC is proud to host AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days for the eighth time as a reminder about the care our canines deserve," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Our flagship event, as well as the events around the country, will feature educational and entertaining activities, and we encourage families to find an event to visit with their dog! Those with busy schedules can also participate by sharing an "Act" of responsible ownership online as part of our new AKC Virtual RDO Days."

Each AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event is unique but many include obedience/agility/rally demonstrations, low-cost microchipping clinics, breed rescue information, therapy dog/service dog/police dog demonstrations, safety around dogs for kids presentations, giveaways and other entertaining and educational activities. Attendees can speak one-on-one with experienced dog breeders and trainers that are active in AKC shows, clubs, and rescue groups. Those looking to show their neighbors that their dog is an upstanding member of the community can take the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test – a 10-step test certification that rewards well-mannered, obedient dogs.

On Saturday, September 25, AKC will hold its flagship event in Raleigh, N.C.In addition to all the festivities mentioned above, more than 30 AKC-recognized breeds will be on hand for "AKC Meet the Breeds®," including rare breeds such as the Azawakh, Berger Picard, Cirneco dell’Etna, Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and Pumi. Visitors will also be able to greet AKC Canine Partner "Tracker," the station dog for WRAL-TV and WRAL.com.

For the first time this year, we’re also celebrating Virtual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days! To participate, share an "Act of Responsible Dog Ownership" with us via your smart phone, iPad or home computer any time during the month of September.
Volunteer at the local dog park or give your dog a good grooming? Tell us on Facebook or tweet about it. You can also "Like" the AKC’s Daily Act of Responsible Dog Ownership, which will be posted every day on Facebook, and sign the AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise at http://www.gopetition.com/online/9290.html.

Post a description, photo or video of your "Act" on:

* Facebook
* Twitter at @akcdoglovers
* E-mail at communications@akc.org
* YouTube
* Flickr

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days are sponsored by Invisible Fence® Brand, ADT Security Services, Inc., Hill's® Science Diet® Small & Toy Breed Dog Food and Motel 6. These organizations will be highlighting their commitment to responsible dog ownership this September by working with event-hosting organizations across the country to provide resources and information for pet owners and participating in our flagship Raleigh event.

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Information to Know about Owning a Labrador Retriever

Information to Know about Owning a Labrador Retriever.

Guest Post by Kelly Marshall

Having a dog as part of the family is a rewarding experience. Parents and kids enjoy the companionship of a pet like this. Certain breeds of dogs are more suited to the family environment than others. The Labrador retriever is one such breed that is great with kids and adults alike. In fact, this breed is among the most popular breeds.

Labrador puppies can be challenging when you first bring them home like any puppies are. These puppies grow into beautiful bright dogs which are a joy to own. They also have a pleasant nature and like to please their owners. Labrador retrievers enjoy playing and love to go into the water.

These dogs are of medium build with a signature broad head they are recognized by. Its coat is short in length and is water resistant. This breed has good-size tail but its body is slightly longer than it. The Labrador was originally a hunting dog, since it is very intelligent, easy to train and has a high level of energy. This dog has become more than that today though because of its lovable personality and nature. It is a very popular pet now along with still being used for hunting.

Labs, as they are affectionately called, are playful and entertain their owners with their antics. It is not surprising that they have become so popular.

Before a family decides to own a Labrador though, they need to think about a few things. This dog is big enough that it needs some space to roam to burn off its excess energy. They need to make sure their house and yard will accommodate such a large dog. This dog would not be happy in an apartment for example. So if they think their space is too small then they need to choose another type of dog.

The Labrador breed loves to be around people and seeks out their companionship. The owners of these dogs should not leave them unattended for long periods of time. If they have too hectic of a schedule, this is cruel to the Lab not to be around enough. Some other breeds do better left alone and people with busy lives that take them away from their dogs should consider them instead or not having any.

Families who enjoy camping, hiking and swimming in lakes, love having the Labradors to enjoy these activities with. The dogs just go along eager to have a good time too. It is fun watching the dogs having as good of a time as the rest of the family.

These dogs have long been at the top of the list for the breed for families to own. They are great with kids which not all breeds are. The Labs are still also a valuable asset to the hunter going after to prey too. Now you know why it is good to own one. So check them out today if your family is looking for the ideal pet.

Kelly Marshall is a writer for Oh My Dog Supplies, the leading online store for dog beds, dog Halloween costumes and other cool dog gear.

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Free Sample of PlaqClnz Pet Bad Breath Gel

"Pet bad breath is often overlooked, but it’s actually one of the first signs of oral disease.

PlaqClnz is an anesthesia-free alternative to expensive, painful, and sometimes risky pet dental cleaning. And, unlike messy tooth brushing, the easy-to-use PlaqClnz dispenser bottle encourages regular use to improve and maintain your pets’ oral health.

• All natural ingredients including Zinc complex
• Taste-free formula - pets accept it easily
• Ease of use encourages regular preventive care, reducing the risk of more serious pet oral and health problems."

To obtain a Free 2oz bottle of PlaqClnz Pet Bad Breath Gel, visit the PlazClnz website and enter your mailing information. You will also have to enter your groomer's salon name, address and phone number. PlazClnz will send a free product sample to you and your groomer for product evaluation.

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Crate Training Basics

All kids want a space of their own - somewhere they can get away from the activity, somewhere they can chill - even our furry kids. It can often be an advantage to be able to send the kids to their rooms, to get them out of our hair - even our furry kids. And just like our two-legged kids, the other kind will appreciate their own space more if it has some fun toys for them, and it isn't a place of punishment and "time out".

The ideal space for a Labrador Retriever is a dog crate, because a Lab's personal needs are relatively simple; a bowl of clean water and a comfortable bed are the only things that are needed to make a crate a safe and comfortable place for your Labrador Retriever.

How do you get your Lab to enjoy going into his crate? A reward-based training plan will quickly make your him associate the crate with good things. Begin his training from the moment he first encounters the crate. He should get a reward and praise for just sniffing his new room. This could take some time and effort so prepare yourself by putting the crate in an area where you can be around your Labrador Retriever. You might think about dog crate furniture as this allows you to keep the crate in the family room with you without taking up any additional space.

The next step in the training plan is to encourage your Labrador Retriever to enter the crate by putting one of his favorite food treats or toys in the doorway of the crate. If he is hungry at the time, this will work so much faster. If he walks into the crate to inspect it more thoroughly, reward him lavishly, as this is behavior you want to encourage. Gradually up the ante and only reward him for going right into the crate.

Once you have set up a pattern of your Labrador Retriever going into his crate, you can then give this action a name and a simple gesture. The easy way I found was to point one hand into the crate and sprinkle a few treats from the hand at the same time. The command (we use "in your crate") is given and when he runs into the crate for the treats, he is praised thoroughly. After a couple of repetitions, give the hand gesture and command, but skip the treats. Praise the dog and reward him when he has gone to where he thought the treats were. Repeat a couple of times, and then just praise him. You don't want this behavior totally dependent on treats.

You may need to repeat this training routine a few times over the next couple of days to thoroughly establish the behavior, but your Labrador Retriever will quickly learn to associate the command and gesture with the desired result, and will gladly run into his own room from that point onward.

Closing the door behind your Labrador Retriever is similarly built up one step at a time to give him confidence that nothing bad will happen. Start with a quick close/open of the crate door and give him a treat. Gradually increase the duration of the door close and he will be happy to wait for longer and longer. The duration of his stay can be increased up to five hours for older dogs. A rule of thumb is that his crate stay in hours should be no more than their age in months plus one, up to a maximum of five hours.

Crate training can take time, but it is very worthwhile for both you and your Labrador Retriever.

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The Need for Pet Insurance with your Labrador Retriever

Thanks goes out to Mark Martin for this guest article on the need for pet insurance with your Labrador Retriever.

As hard as it is to believe, a recent report by the RSPCA claimed that in 2008 the number of animals being abandoned by their owners rose by 57% compared to previous years. It can’t be a coincidence that this coincided with the credit crunch and reduced disposable incomes for many families. From first hand experience, I know the expense that can come with vet bills for dogs and therefore can understand why people have had to take this drastic step, no matter how unthinkable it may seem.

However, there is a cheaper option. By taking out a pet insurance policy which can cost as little as $5, people can insure their animal so that vet bills are covered and so that no unexpected bills result in financial hardship. I know that to many people, taking out pet insurance seems an unnecessary expense, but when you consider that a Labrador retriever such as my own can suffer from a number of different disorders ranging from obesity, hip dysplasia, cataracts and immunity disorders, veterinary bills can be extortionate. Therefore in my opinion, taking out pet insurance is not just a cheaper method of caring for you animal, but it also reduces the chance of getting yourself into debt or even being forced to contemplate giving up your pet.

I know that as dogs get older, insurance costs will increase, but so will the cost of veterinary bills. Just like us, your Labrador will be more prone to illness the older it gets and therefore the chance of an unexpected bill increases. I implore all owners of dogs to insure their animal and ensure peace of mind. It has certainly saved me money over the years with my ten year old Labrador retriever, and although there have been years where I haven’t had to claim, I don’t regret it at all because when the vet bill eventually does come, I know I can afford to give my animal the care it deserves.

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Free sample of Wyson Epigen Pet Food

We had Wyson Epigen Pet Food samples before on the All About Labradors blog. Here is a new link to request your free sample.

Information from Wysong: Unique Epigen™ features:

• The first extruded dry diet/kibble pet food (patent pending) that is Starch Free™ (Epigen™ does what “Grain Free” pet foods only pretend to do)

• More closely resembles the food your pet is designed to eat

• Contains an unprecedented 60+% meat and organs and over 60% protein

• Has the natural flavor and taste that pets truly desire

• Is replete with all the critical food elements Wysong was first to put into pet foods – probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, natural form antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

• Rich in omega-3's and other essential fatty acids

• Made in the USA at Wysong manufacturing facilities with ingredients from USDA and FDA approved domestic sources

Epigen™ is equally appropriate for both cats and dogs. Starch Free™ Dog Food, Starch Free™ Cat Food.

Visit the Wysong website to request two Free samples of Wyson Epigen Pet Food. Your choices include chicken, fish or venison formulas.

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My 84-year-old Labrador Retriever

Kelev, my almost 12-year-old (84 human years!) Chocolate Labrador retriever, really struggled on our walk today. I had to bribe her with treats to encourage her to make an effort. My husband and I have always believed that “motion is lotion” – when we give up trying, we might as well curl up under a rock. So we keep taking Kelev out even if it’s only for 5 minutes.

The extreme heat this summer is particularly hard for dogs to manage and Kelev is very ill with cancer and arthritis. But her tail is constantly wagging and her appetite is voracious! Of course, if she were in obvious pain, I wouldn’t force her. My husband and I would also make the decision to put her down because we don’t want her quality of life to suffer.

I remember when Kelev was a young puppy! She was the runt in the litter … so small that she couldn’t get up a small curb by herself. In fact, she was so tiny that she would often sit in her food bowl to eat. And, from day one, she was so sweet and determined to please us. It was a long drive home from the breeders to our house but she refused to pee in my lap. She waited until we got home and put her on the front lawn before she did her business.

There are so many wonderful memories of Kelev. We were at my parents’ place several years ago and Kelev was in her usual spot at meal times … at the feet of the person cooking. My step-dad was carving the roast and all of a sudden, the roast slipped off the carving board. I’ve never seen her move faster. She took off with the roast and gobbled it back in what appeared to be a couple of bites. Guess what – the rest of us ate pizza for dinner that night! All of us still laugh when we recall the stolen roast.

Kelev loves to swim. It’s as if she’s pain free in the water. Even today, she was suddenly energetic when we got to the creek and she could cool off. Just the other day, my husband was walking the dogs in the neighbourhood and Kelev took off in to someone’s backyard. Sure enough, they had a pond in their yard and Kelev was lounging in the water as if she didn’t have a care in the world. My husband snapped her photo and I’ve attached it here. My apologies to my neighbours who were still sound asleep at 6:00 am for the uninvited guest.



It’s the wonderful memories of Kelev that will keep us going after she dies. I know I will be a basket case for several days (if not weeks) but I will treasure the life she shared with our family.

Author: Karyn Climans
Tail Wags Helmet Covers Inc.
www.tail-wags.com
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www.karynclimans.com

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Merrick Extends Recall: Beef Filet Squares and Texas Hold’ems

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Texas, has extended its recall (Merrick Pet Care Recalls Texas Hold'ems 10 oz. Bag) to include all lots of its 10 oz "Beef Filet Squares" for dogs and "Texas Hold’ems" pet treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

08.13.2010

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling all lots of its 10 oz “Beef Filet Squares” for dogs and “Texas Hold’ems” pet treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The “Beef Filet Squares” & “Texas Hold’ems” were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” & “Texas Hold’ems” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.

News Source: http://www.merrickpetcare.com/about_us/news_article.php?tid=436

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FREE Pegetables Dog Treats

Dog Days of Summer Dog Treats Days.

On August 14-15, 2010 from 10 am - 2 pm you can stop by your local Petco store with your lovable dog for the Dog Treats Day. While there, you can get a free Pegetables Dog Treat while supplies last.

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The American Kennel Club® Offers Tips on How to Assemble a Disaster Preparedness Kit for Your Dog

A surge of wildfires, floods, and record-breaking tornados this year have proved that hurricane season isn’t the only time you should be prepared for the worst. If you own pets, the likelihood that you and your animals will survive a natural disaster depends largely on being prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. TheAmerican Kennel Club® (AKC)offers the following tips on how to assemble a pet disaster preparedness kit.

Food and water. Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container and at least three days of water specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.

Medicines and medical records. Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.

First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution; pet first aid reference book.

Collar with ID tag, harness or leash. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Pack a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Keep copies of your dog license, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container. You should also consider a permanent identification such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database. Visit www.akccar.org to learn more about microchips.

Crate or other pet carrier. Be prepared to take your pets with you in an evacuation by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.

Sanitation. Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and basic household chlorine bleach.

A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a photo will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing characteristics and microchip number.

Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats, or bedding in your kit to help reduce stress for your pet.

Additional tips on how to prepare your pets for emergencies can be found on the AKC Website at http://www.akc.org/news/disaster_preparedness/.

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