Reinventing the Pet Tag

The MobiPetTags ID Suite kicks the Pet ID industry into the21th century. Using the Microsoft® Tag app and the unique capabilities MobiPetTags, Pet Parents can have quick access to their pet’s information whenever and wherever it’s necessary.

PRLog (Press Release) – Feb 24, 2011 - Reinventing the pet tag, MobiPetTags has advanced from simple pet tags with a number etched on a piece of metal or thick plastic to a modern, high tech one using all of the capabilities of smart phones and the internet. No longer is a pet’s safety dependent upon unreliable and outdated manual record keeping or the drawbacks inherent in microchiping. Once a suite/package has been purchased, the data entered with MobiPetTags is not deleted even if the customer is no longer in contact with the company. In addition, pet profiles are easily updateable.

No longer do cats or dogs have to wear multiple tags to prove they have current shots and licenses. The MobiPetTag Suite of services enables Pet Parents to store multiple phone numbers, updates and emergency contacts. It can store microchip identifying numbers, license numbers—old and new, shot histories, medical records, dietary information, certifications and all critical pet information through one quick access pet tag. Owners can even keep records of breeding, training accomplishments, competition awards and special handling instructions all in one place and also tagged on their companion animal.

The MobiPetTag Company is joining the likes of KOA (Kampgrounds of America), Book(ed) Passage, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Acura, Dentyne, Crown Royal, Foursquare, 3M, Universal entertainment, and the most popular magazine in South America - Huisqenoot Magazine—all businesses which use tag technology. The MobiPetTag System combines the latest in custom 2D bar coding from Microsoft® Tag and the massive capability of the Internet with the 3 billion plus cell phone and computer users to create the largest integrated "Pet Information Portability" System for pets in the world.

The MobiPetTags Suite will enable anyone with an Internet connected cell phone and or a personal computer (over 3 billion in the world today) to identify a lost or injured animal companion immediately by simply scanning the Tag with a mobile phone and with a single click be able to call the owner and/or their veterinarian.

If a pet is lost, making a MobiPetTag emergency call will activate its PetTagAlert system to notify all shelters, clinics, volunteer pet rescuers, animal emergency hospitals, pounds and rescue organizations within a 5 mile radius of where the animal disappeared. Also, an immediate lost pet notification will go out to the national network of MobiPetTag users and social network media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) accounts. A Pet Parent will receive a quick Lost Pet Kit via email which includes ready to print posters as well as special instructions on what to do.

If a pet is injured, especially away from home, and is rushed to the nearest vet for medical treatment, the MobiPetTag System provides quick and easy access to the animal’s medical records through PetCollarTags, PetCallingCards and PetKeyTags. Such access could make the difference between life and death for the animal.

MobiPetTag is not a membership based system but is an integrated product based system. It provides its customers with a Personal Pet Information web page with the pet’s key information and picture; a Pet Collar Tag for small and large pets that have the Microsoft® Tag (pTag) on one side and the pet’s name and access information on the other; PetKeyTags for your key ring with the pet's name and a pTag to a personal Pet Information Page on the front and a pTag to MobiPetTag online Contact Page on the other side; and finally, a PetCallingCards for a wallet or purse, with the pet's picture the pTag to access its personal Pet Information Page on the front and several critical Internet addresses for quick access on the back—including access to our Lost Pet Report page – just in case!

In addition, MobiPetTag offers an additional Shot History/Medical Records/Certificates Page to store pictures of the companion animal’s medical records from its veterinarian for quick faxing on the spot when these records are needed. Today, groomers, boarding kennels, veterinarians, transport services, animal shows, etc. all require key information (shot history, medical records, show certificates, etc.) about the animals they serve. With our custom designed MobiPetTags’, all that information is only as far away as a cell phone.

MobiPetTags (http://www.mobipettag.com) is dedicated to utilizing technology, especially mobile phone technology to make the life of companion animals easier and safer and to make it easier for Pet Parents to provide the most secure and happy environment for their four-footed friends.

MobiPetTag’s Smart System is a custom 2D bar code application from Microsoft® Tag that provides quick access to your pet’s critical information anywhere/anytime.

Download a copy of the Reinventing the Pet Tag PDF to save to your computer and/or print out.

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Free Overby Farm Jr Bones Dog Treats Sample Pack

Overby Farm is offering a Free sample pack of their Jr Bones dog treats (cat treats also).

"Overby Farm, an invitation to Natural Joint Health. Their mission is to provide pet owners with natural treats and supplements for their beloved companion animals that are highly palatable, delicious and functional in all aspects in their formulations."

If your interested in trying their product, head on over to their website and complete your shipping information to request a Free Overby Farm Jr Bones Dog Treats (and/or cat treats) Sample Pack. Only one sample pack of JR BONES per household.

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Labrador Retrievers in the News

Here are some recent news stories in regards to our lovable Labrador Retrievers:

At only 5 months old, Kahlua -- a rambunctious Labrador-Retriever mix -- has escaped death twice thanks to luck and a cooperation of animal-lovers across two states. Continue Reading: Rescued puppy gets second chance, but still needs more surgery

We all know how perfectly the show dogs at Westminster look and behave each year, but some of these dogs do more than work the ring -- they help change lives as therapy dogs. Wes, the Labrador retriever, is one of these amazing dogs. And he's starting by "teaching" children. Continue reading: Wes the Westminster Show Dog Helps Children Learn to Read and Write

Zeus, a black Labrador retriever who was living in the Mt. Juliet Shelter, is now living in a training facility in Texas where he is learning job skills that will keep him in demand for many years. He is learning how to sniff out bed bugs. Continue Reading: Detection dog sniffs out job as bed bug hunter

The Fire Department has a new tool, and his name is Pepe. Pepe, a 1-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, is a certified accelerant detector who can sniff out chemicals used to start fires, according to the Fire Department. Continue Reading: Beach Fire Department gets new chemical-sniffing dog

Outside the room, Mickey, a black Labrador retriever belonging to Donny's father's fiancée, started crying. That woke up the teen's father, Donny Richardson Jr., who at first thought the dog just wanted to go outside. But when Mickey kept crying and looking toward the bathroom, Mr. Richardson checked on his son. Continue Reading: Dog rescues stricken teen

Terry and Marie Partington had never owned a dog before getting their Labrador retrievers Dakota and Kiera. But they have definitely joined the ranks of dog lovers today. Continue Reading: Cancer-stricken Lab retriever keeps rolling along happily

A winter walk along the river almost turned tragic for a black Lab named Trooper. The dog left his owner’s side to chase birds and fell through ice, according to Brian Adams, spokesman for Boston’s MSPCA-Angell. Continue reading: Amazing Animal Rescues: On Thin Ice

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Labrador Retriever Video of the Week

We are adding a new weekly post to All About Labradors called Labrador Retriever Video of the Week. You will be able to find these videos under the "Labrador Videos" label in the sidebar of this blog.

Each week we will post a new video of a Labrador Retriever doing something funny, interesting and/or unusual. If you have a funny, interesting or unusual video of your Labrador Retriever, or know of any videos like this, don't hesitate to send us an e-mail and we will review and post it.

Toilet Paper Labrador Retriever:



Watch as this adorable yellow Labrador Retriever puppy gets called on to pass his owner some toilet paper while in the bathroom. Seems like this little Lab cutie has his loyalties in other places!

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Working With Your Dog's Food Allergy

There are many signs that your dog could have a food allergy. The list is almost endless, but the main culprits are itchy skin, a dull and/or frizzy coat, inflamed ears, excessive licking of certain areas (paws for example), lethargy, diarrhea (even projectile stools), blood, mucous or both in the stool, gas and possibly even vomiting. These, coupled with horror stories of owners coming home from work to find their living rooms sprayed with sick-dog diarrhea can all be symptoms of dog food allergies. Some symptoms can be a lot more dangerous, like seizures or negative behavior changes. When dealing with your dog's food allergies you need to understand, change and monitor the dog's diet and reactions.

A dog owner should keep in mind that most reputable dog foods don't contain corn, soy or wheat. Another part of the understanding of a dog's allergies is to comprehend the grains used to make dog food. If your dog's food does contain any of those "filler grains" it might be wise to continue looking for a different food. Corn, soy and wheat are grains that pet food companies fortify their food with because they are relatively cheap products. But not only that, these three grains are regular allergy culprits.

If you have changed your dog's food in the recent past, this is a telltale reason as to why your dog may be acting sick. A general rule of thumb when changing a dog's diet is to gradually introduce new food into his diet. 25% percent at a time over the period of ten days. This basically breaks down to a 25% increase in the new food and a 25% decrease in the old food every 2 to 3 days. Some dogs adjust well, and some dogs need a more gradual shift. The main point here is that sometimes what looks like an allergic reaction is simply your dog having an upset stomach while re-calibrating his intestines to a different diet.

In order to get your dog back on track if he is indeed suffering from a food allergy is to completely monitor his food intake. This means a "reloading" of his entire diet. Tackling your dog's food allergy starts with changing what your dog consumes while assessing what he has been consuming. This also means that there can be no cheating and that the diet needs to be strict. Look for hypoallergenic foods. Follow the above principle of a 25% shift in food every few days. Things get complicated at this point however, because the words "hypoallergenic" don't necessarily mean that your dog won't be allergic to the food. An example of this is lamb. Lamb is what used to be considered as the "ultimate" hypoallergenic meat. Lamb allergies while not common, are possible as well. So whatever exclusive diet you decide upon for your dog it should fit whatever your dog works with. This could take some trial and error, or it could work nicely and immediately.

Corn, soy and wheat may not be the best grains to fortify your dog's diet with, but brown rice and potatoes are both starches that receive more respect, and have a better track record as far as dog allergies go. Let's assume that you choose a chicken and rice diet. You could prepare the chicken and boil the rice. This way you will know what your dog is consuming, how it was prepared, etc, etc. Hopefully, you will notice an immediate improvement. Most people queried on this subject for this article were very secure with the fact that the determination of a food allergy is started with home cooking your dog's meals. What this betrays is a general mistrust in store-bought dog food. But we also have to be realistic here, some of us simply don't have the time or patience to boil copious amounts of chicken breasts and brown rice. If that is indeed your case, then another method is to scrutinize the dog food that is on the market and find that which seems the simplest, healthiest, and most suited for your dog.

Dog food allergies are unpredictable, much like human allergies. An example of this is that most people are born drinking milk. They drink it through their adolescence but then as adults, they develop a lactose intolerance. Dogs are similar in the fact that they might eat the same thing their entire life and then suddenly a latent allergy kicks in.

As I researched this article, I found that the most heartening fact is that if your dog isn't allergic to the food that you settle on, the positive change can be immediate. When working with your dog's food allergies you need to comprehend, adjust and watch your dog's demeanor as well as his food. A dog is a resilient creature, and when you find the proper diet for your pet, he will bounce back quickly.

When dealing with your dog's allergies, it might be wise to consider a vegetarian diet. At West Coast Pet Supply we have all of the products you need to keep you and your pet healthy and content.

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My yellow Labrador Retriever's Ear Medication and Hair Loss

Subject: My yellow Labrador Retriever's Ear Medication and Hair Loss

From: Mandi (parts unknown)

Labrador Retriever Name: Hank

Reader's E-mail / Comment - Mandi Writes:

Hi. My husband and I read this entire email thread (Yellow Labrador Retriever Losing Hair on Sides - part I, II and III) as we believe our yellow lab, Hank, may have the same issue. I know this email chain is a few years old, but I wanted to know what the final diagnosis was for Cosmo.

Hank is almost 2 years old and has battled ear infections and allergies constantly. We were planning to get him allergy tested but then decided to hold off for now as the success rate is low. When I asked the vet about his hair loss, she was not concerned at all and said it was a result of the medication he is on for his ears.

He was on Predisone which made him very thirsty, hungry and tired. It worked for his itching, but I didnt want him on it long. He has also been on Otomax a majority of his 2 years for the ear infections.

Is this true, do you believe the ear meds are causing the hair loss? Any ideas or comments would be appreciated. Hank is our son and we love him so much and just want to make sure he is OK! Thanks, Mandi.

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Mandi,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's or specialist's advice. Disclaimer:

Hi Mandy,

I haven't talked to Connie in a long time but at last reports, Cosmo was doing well. He was taking an omega fatty acid and his fur was looking very shiny and healthy again. They were brushing him daily and it helped bring back some oil into his fur. He was also taking two 3 mg pills of melatonin for a hormone replacement and the growth of his coat was coming back almost completely.

Let's start with Hank's ear infections. Here are some things that might help:

One of the very best products I've used with success for gunk in my Labrador ears is called a blue power wash (actually I have seen it called many other things, as it has been on the Internet for ages).

"Blue Power Ear Treatment"

INGREDIENTS:

16 Oz. Isopropyl Alcohol (Witch Hazel)
4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
16 Drops Gentian Violet Solution 1%

Mix together in alcohol bottle and shake well. You will also need to shake solution every time you use it to disperse the Boric Acid Powder. An eye dropper can be used to fill the ear.

TREATMENT: Evaluate condition of ears before treating and if very inflamed and sore do not attempt to pull hair or clean out ear at all. Wait until inflammation has subsided which will be about 2 days.

Shake the bottle each time before using. Flood the ear with solution (gently squirt bottle), massage gently for approximately a minute, then wipe with a cloth or tissue. Flood again a second time, and wipe again without massaging in. The dog will shake out the excess. Be advised, the Gentian Violet does stain.

The SCHEDULE of treatment is as follows:

Treat 2x per day for the first week to two weeks depending upon severity of ears
Treat 1x per day for the next 1-2 weeks
Treat 1x per month (or even less frequently, depending on the dog)

All of these ingredients should be available at your local pharmacy. I like to use witch hazel instead of alcohol, as if any scratches are in the ear, the alcohol can cause burning. The Boric Acid Powder soothes the ear and the Gentian Violet Solution is an ant-infection agent. The solution appears to work well on many ear problems. I also like to warm my solution slightly, under warm water, but you can use it either way.

There is also a commercial version of this solution available called K9 Ear Solution. I've also had many people use and recommend DermaPet Malacetic Otic Ear Cleanser and Malacetic Otic Ear/Skin Cleanser.

If Hank displays discomfort or resist having the ears cleaned, stop immediately and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have the ears flushed.

Remember, keeping the ears clean is a great preventive measure against infections!

Hank's Hair Loss:

Dog hair loss can have a number of causes, ranging from disease or infection to a psychiatric disorder. Some cases of dog alopecia are hereditary.

Common causes include:

Dermatitis
Mange
Hypothyroidism Causes Hormonal Imbalance
Ringworm
Cushing's Disease

Ear infections can also cause hair loss. As the infection clears up, the hair will regrow. As for Prednisone Hank was taken, it can cause dry, brittle hair or loss of the hair coat.

Remember, you must find the cause to treat the problem. I would recommend taking Hank to get allergy testing to find out if there are any other medical conditions causing his hair loss.

Hope this is of some help and keep us updated on Hank's condition.

Take care of yourself and Cosmo,

Faith

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Free Bark-Tastik Biskits Dog Treats Free Sample

"Don't settle for pet food with fillers and by-products - Sweet Pea Farm manufactures our own organic quality pet treats- order your free sample today!

Sweet Pea Farm's BARK-TASTIK BISKITS and our other animal treats are ALL NATURAL! Don't settle for pet food with fillers and by-products - Sweet Pea Farm manufactures our own organic quality pet treats - appropriate for human consumption - IF YOU WON'T EAT IT - WHY SHOULD THEY? "

Contact them at sweetpeafarm@gmail.com to get your Free Bark-Tastik Biskits Dog Treats Free Sample.

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National Pet Dental Health Month and Greenies Coupons

With February being National Pet Dental Health Month we recently talked about taking care of your Labrador Retriever's teeth.

In the February is National Pet Dental Health Month - Learn How to Brush Your Labrador Retriever's Teeth post, we stressed how important to start regular oral care habits as early as possible to keep your Labrador Retriever healthy and happy.

We also talked about giving them toys and/or treats that are designed to aid in plaque removal. Now, not all treats have been proven to work but those with a special Seal of Acceptance by an organization called the Veterinary Oral Health Council provides confirmation for the product's effectiveness. The VOHC Seal of Acceptance indicates that the product meets or exceeds the VOHC standards in reducing dental plaque or tartar.

Greenies® Canine Dental Chews have received the Seal of Acceptance from VOHC and to help you get your Labrador Retriever on the path to good dental health we have located some money saving coupons for you.

Buy One Get One Free Single Greenies Canine Dental Chew Coupon - look under the "Pet Care" link in the left sidebar (you should be able to print this coupon out 2 times per computer.)

When you register at the Greenies website you will also get a BOGO GREENIES® Canine Dental Chew Coupon.

If you "Like" the Greenies brand on Facebook, you will get a $3 off any one 12 oz Treat-Pak of Greenies Canine Dental Chews (click the "Dental Health" tab if you don't see the offer.)

Greenies also has a Refer a Friend Program where every two friends that sign up for a coupon, they'll give you a coupon for $1 off your next purchase (Limit of 10 referrals, while supplies last.)

You should be able to print most of the listed coupons twice per computer.

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February is National Pet Dental Health Month - Learn How to Brush Your Labrador Retriever's Teeth

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and several veterinary groups are sponsoring National Pet Dental Health Month in February. This campaign is a great reminder to take care of your Labrador Retriever's (and all pets) teeth now and all year round.

According to a study conducted January 10 by Trone Inc, 160 million pets do not receive any oral care! It's important to start regular oral care habits as early as possible to keep your Labrador Retriever healthy and happy. With good oral hygiene, years can be added to the life of a dog (Jan Bellows, DVM, Diplomat American Veterinary Dental Co.)

Learn how to brush your Labrador Retriever's teeth with the following instructional videos:

Dr. Sheldon Rubin, speaking for the American Veterinary Medical Association, gives easy, step-by-step instructions on how to teach a dog or cat to accept a daily tooth brushing.



Brushing your dog's teeth may actually prevent some serious canine health problems. In this video we learn the proper technique for brushing your dog's teeth, how often you should brush your dog's teeth, and what are some other home care options to keep your dog's teeth healthy.



Make sure to visit your veterinarian where they will examine your Labrador Retriever's teeth and gums and make recommendations for any cleaning, polishing and other dental care.

Start a regular brushing routine which is critical to any preventive dental program. Special toothbrushes and toothpaste for dogs are recommended.

You can also feed your Labrador Retriever a dental diet with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal. This may help prevent accumulation of plaque, tartar and calculus.

Last but not least, return to your veterinarian for regular dental checkups every six to 18 months or as recommended by them.

Follow the above post to keep your Labrador Retrievers health, happy and smiling, just like these guys:



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Labrador Retriever Related Headlines - Thursday, February 03, 2011

Here are some headlines for the past couple of days in regards to our lovable Labrador Retrievers:

Labrador Retriever named most popular dog
The American Kennel Club says the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog in America for the 20th straight year.

Labrador Retriever tops AKC's list of popular breeds; bulldog comes in No. 1 in Los Angeles
For the 20th year in a row, the Labrador retriever is America's most popular dog breed, according to registration statistics released last week by the American Kennel Club.

Labrador Retriever can sniff out presence of cancer
A DOG trained to sniff out colorectal cancer was almost as accurate as a colonoscopy in a study that suggests less invasive tests for the disease may be developed.

Labrador Retriever Dogs Can Detect Cancer
Labrador retrievers are not just a guard dog , but they can also detect potential cancers. The animals’ sharp smell is believed to be capable of sniffing chemicals which are released by cancer cells from the human breath and waste.

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Black, Yellow and Chocolate Lab Names for Your Labrador Retriever

Looking for ideas for Labrador Retriever names? Lets face it, this breed is one, if not THE most popular dog breed in the world. And because of this it deserves a name that's as special as the dog itself.

Sure, you could come up with any dog name, but why not try to find a name that actually fits? A name that reflects this dogs intelligence, sociable nature, or even it's physical characteristics like it's color.

Since we believe that special dogs deserve special names, when coming up with the Labrador Retriever dog names shown below, we chose 3 lab name categories that we felt would help you to think a bit out of the box when it comes to selecting the best Labrador Retriever names. These categories are…

General Lab Names…

These general names were chosen and suggested simply because we felt they would sound good on a lab. We didn't feel that just any dog name would fit this particular breed. As an example, Fifi would be a great Poodle name, but not on a lab. Here's a few dog name suggestions that we thought might be a good match…

Cassidy: This name has a friendly, easy going sound to it, and it seems to be a good match with this breeds temperament.

Charisma: Somebody who has charisma is someone with personal magnetism. If you've noticed that your lab is drawing a lot of attention, then the name Charisma might be an appropriate match.

Fetch: A good name match for a dog that’s a Retriever.

Jazz: A smooth and cool sounding name, and one that might appeal to a music loving owner.

Ricochet: For the lab that’s all over the place!

Other General Lab Name Ideas…

Amanda, Bailey, Bandanna, Boone, Cabo, Caboodle, Cha-Cha, Chelsea, Cheyenne, Cody, Denali, Hailey, Kahuna, Maui, Rio, Sierra, Tango, Tiara

Black or Chocolate Lab Names…

Should you be the proud owner of a Retriever whose color is black or chocolate, here's some name suggestions and a list of names that might be a good fit for it's dark color…

Java: For an energetic black lab that doesn't need caffeine.

Kahlua: A good match for a chocolate lab whose owner is fond of either this famous drink, or Hawaii from where it originates, or both!

Panther: For the lab that's as stealthy and sleek as a black panther.

Sable: Named after the highly valued black sable fur, the lab given this name should be one that carries itself well and that knows its special.

Other Black Or Chocolate Lab Name Ideas…

Aurora, Coco, Ebony, Eightball, Espresso, Hoodlum, Luna, Midnight, Nighthawk, Phantom, Raven, Salem, Shadow, Star, Storm, Taboo

Yellow Lab Names…

Blondes have more fun! So giving your yellow lab a name that highlights its beautiful coloration will make it stand paws above the rest. Here's a few naming suggestions and a list of names after things that are bright or yellow…

Butter: Don't laugh, but I encountered a yellow lab recently who owned this very memorable and unique name. I'll never forget having met Butter!

Marilyn: For the blonde lab whose owner is a Marilyn Monroe fan. This sultry pooch draws the attention of everyone as it enters the room one hip at a time!

Sundance: This energetic dog brightens everyone's day.

Other Yellow Lab Name Ideas…

Amber, Autumn, Blondie, Chiquita, Daisy, Ember, Garbo, Goldie, Harlow, Meadow, Omelet, Paris, Sandy, Sahara, Savanna, Sunny, Zsa Zsa

When looking for Labrador Retriever Names, they're easy to find when you consider your labs temperament and physical characteristics when choosing a name. If you take care to choose the right one, not only will your dog appreciate it, but he will also attract more attention…thus more petting, playing and treats!

When Richard Livitski isn't busy digging up Labrador Retriever Names, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names and puppy names in all shapes and sizes can be found.

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5 Reasons Your Dog May Have a Seizure

Fits, as they are referred to in England, occur when the body is not properly controlled by the brain. In the U.S. these fits are more often called seizures. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief summary as to some of the many causes of dog seizures.

EPILEPSY. Epilepsy is a main cause of seizures in dogs, but it is not the only reason and not all seizures mean a dog has epilepsy. The most common form of epilepsy was made known to the world by a group of idiots walking through the woods one day and they all found themselves on the same path, and collectively observed a wolf in a clearing doing the hokey-pokey. This group told the rangers and since the group was considered a group of idiots, the term used to describe this type of seizure is idiopathic epilepsy. OK, so that story is completely made up, however, the true story behind this term doesn't make much more sense and is actually kind of boring. The truth is that the experts use the term "idiopathic epilepsy" to describe a situation when a dog is having seizures and they don't know the actual, true cause.

TOXINS. There are a lot of different types of toxins that dogs can become in contact with or ingest that will cause them to have seizures. Toxins can be anything from a household cleaning product, somethings used to kill pests or even things like flea medication that is meant to be used on a dog. Other things that are toxins that can bring about seizures, include paint, insecticides and antifreeze, which are also products that can be fatal. If a dog is exposed to such toxins, early and fast treatment is important because in many cases the dog can be saved and make a recovery if the poisoning is caught early.

BRAIN TUMORS. This condition is easy for a veterinarian to rule out, because it is easy to spot any type of abnormal growth on the canine's brain if he is brought in for seizures. Tumors cause pressure to build upon the brain tissue as they grow, causing neurological abnormalities such as seizures. This can easily be determined through the use of diagnostic scans such as CAT or MRI, however it must be stated that this is a rare condition in that tumors and other head injuries are only responsible for a very small number of dog seizures. A tumor or a head injury that causes seizures cannot be treated with medications, so that is why it is important to rule these causes out.

TICK INDUCED DISEASES. A tick, a bloodsucking arachnid, can cause Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in dogs, both of which can cause seizures. If the tick is discovered within the first 24 hours after it has attached itself to the dog, the chance of infection is greatly reduced. There are antibiotics that can kill Lyme Disease, and most dogs respond quite well in general to antibiotics.

DISTEMPER. This condition is generally marked by symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea and dehydration, all of which can lead to seizures in dogs, and is seen most commonly in puppies once they reach the age of 3 months and lose the antibodies they received from their mother. Only through the use of vaccinations can this debilitating disease be prevented, and once a dog has acquired it, they have a fight ahead for their very lives.

Sandra DeMers is the author of "Cory's Story," the story of a yellow Labrador retriever suffering from dog seizures that will absolutely AMAZE you. Cory is alive, happy and healthy at the age of 13 and hasn't had a seizure in over 5 years. Visit www.corysstory.com to learn Sandra's secret to good canine health and how to treat canine epilepsy - you'll be surprised when you learn the truth.

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Are You An Environmentally Aware Pet Owner?

Next to new parents, pet owners are most likely to spend copious amounts of money on spoiling their ‘babies,” and there certainly is a lot of accessories available to help them do it! Cat and dog owners can pick up fancy collars, tailor made shirts and sweaters, Halloween costumes, booties, perfume, and even heated pet beds. You name it; it’s probably out there waiting for you to buy it! One of the most important accessories that you can ever purchase for your pet - dogs in particular- are pet waste bags. All pet owners know how important it is to clean up after their pet, but have you ever considered how important it is to try to be as environmentally friendly as possible while you’re cleaning up after them?

Think about how many dog waste bags you go through in an average month. If you’re using grocery bags or a cheap throw away type of bag, think about how much plastic ends up in landfills every year just from one single dog. It’s actually quite astounding.

Thankfully, there are products out there that let dog owners keep their yards and neighborhoods clean while still managing to be earth and landfill aware. Biodegradable pet waste bags are an excellent option for animal owners who still want to try to be environmentally friendly. They cost just pennies more, can be purchased in bulk, and come in a ton of different great patterns and colors so you and your dog can do your part while still having a bit of fun with it. If your local pet store doesn’t carry biodegradable pet or dog waste bags, ask them to. Most pet stores are more than happy to carry alternative products if they know that they have customers that want to purchase them.

You can still get the goofy sweaters and bright leashes and fun bows, but adding the biodegradable pet waste bags to your shopping list means that you can feel good about your environmental choices while still spoiling your furry friend.

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Free $20 Dingo Brand Coupon

Dingo, makers of meat and rawhide chews and products for dogs has a promotion on their Facebook page where you can get a free $20 online coupon to www.dingobrand.com when they get to 25,000 "Likes".

From the Dingo Facebook page: "Like Dingo then go to the Join My List tab to sign up to receive the $20 coupon when Dingo gets to 25,000 likes."

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Free Doggy Gift Pack From Subaru

Subaru Game Day Dog Walk Event - February 6, 2011.

"Instead of parking it on the couch for an 8-hour football marathon, do something good for you and your dog. Join us for the Subaru Game Day Dog Walk Event. It’s not only a great way for you and your pooch to get some exercise, but you just might meet some new friends as well.

Pledge to walk your four-legged friend on game day and receive a free doggy gift pack from Subaru, while supplies last."

* Available to USA residents. While supplies last. No purchase necessary. Limit one per household. Offer ends Monday, February 7, 2011. A Subaru representative will contact you for your shipping address to receive your gift.

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$2/1 Purina One beyOnd Pet Food Coupon$2/1 Purina One beyOnd Dog Food Coupon

Here's a coupon for Purina’s new dog food called Purina One beyOnd.



To get your $2/1 Purina One beyOnd Dog Food Coupon, "Like" Purina ONE on Facebook. If you have trouble printing their coupon, you will see a link on their page that reads "Having trouble printing? Click here for help," click on that link to have the $2/1 Purina One beyOnd Dog Food Coupon mailed to you.



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$5/1 Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Coupon

Found this great coupon for those of you that feed your Labrador Retrievers Purina Pro Plan.



To get the $5/1 Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Coupon, Simply "Like" Pro Plan on Facebook and print your coupon out.

You can print the $5/1 Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Coupon out twice by hitting your browsers back button. Coupons go fast, so don't delay!

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Free Beneful Incredibites Dog Food Sample

Walmart is offering Free Beneful Incredibites Dog Food Samples.

Information about Beneful Incredibites Dog Food:

"Made with great-tasting, protein-rich ingredients, including real beef. Every piece is small-sized, easy-to-chew and fun-to-eat. Beneful IncrediBites® is another way you can help your dog have it all- taste, nutrition, health and happiness.

Protein-rich nutrition, with real beef, for strong muscles.

Calcium-rich ingredients, including yogurt, to help support strong bones and a healthy smile.

Wholesome grains, packed with carbohydrates, for energy.

Antioxidant-rich nutrition helps support a healthy immune system."

Healthful. Flavorful. Benful. Request your Free Beneful Incredibites Dog Food Sample while supplies last.

Limit (1) sample per household. Samples are only available to consumers in the United States.

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Hill’s Science Diet Weight Loss System Giveaway

Recently, we were contacted by a representative for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, wanting to know if the All About Labradors blog would be interested in helping them out with the debut of an innovative new pet food line specially formulated to help pets lose weight or maintain a healthy physique.

"The Hill's® Science Diet® Weight Loss System is an easy to follow and convenient system that gives the owner of an overweight pet everything she needs to help her pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight."

To help Hill’s Pet Nutrition with this promotion, All About Labradors has been given the opportunity to offer five free one month sample kits for owners of overweight dogs to try and participate in the weight loss system program.

If your interested in participating, the first five readers to send us an e-mail at retrieverlabradors {at} yahoo {dot} com with your type of dog and contact information will receive a free sample kit. You can also contact us by clicking the "Contact Me" button in the top left sidebar of All About Labradors.

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Know Your Dogs! An Intro to the Labrador Retriever

Fast Facts

The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular domesticated animals in America today, and one of the top choices for dog lovers everywhere. Their sweet nature, innocent enthusiasm, and desire to be a beloved part of the family have helped Labs remain popular for decades. Typically weighing 55-80 pounds and standing approximately two feet tall, the Labrador retriever is one of the most easy-going pets a parent could ask for, and is a wonderful addition to any home.

Personality

There are few people who won't get along with a Labrador retriever, and a Lab can make a devoted convert out of those who aren't even pet lovers. They are relatively low-maintenance, but affectionate, playful, and energetic.

One of the reasons Labrador retrievers are so well liked is that they're easy to live with, and rarely aggressive, temperamental, sulky, or difficult to handle. They can keep up with, and even welcome, the rough play and constant chasing that a household with young children can provide. Yet, at the end of the day, your Lab is more than happy to hop up on the couch and snuggle with you while you watch TV.

If you're adding a Labrador retriever puppy to the home, however, be prepared to come armed with a lot of patience and energy. (For instance, the dog in the hit film Marley & Me is a yellow Lab.) At a younger age, the endearing qualities the dog possesses are hard to control and restrain, and can take a turn toward the destructive. Fun is the Labrador retriever's middle name, and that can come in the form of chewing up your favorite slippers, or playing leapfrog on the furniture. Once the Lab has reached a year old, however, they'll begin to calm down and develop into an obedient, well-trained dog.

Sometimes, keeping your Lab restrained can be a challenge. While generally very obedient and well-trained canine companions, certain things will send a Lab off and running, whether it's a neighbor's cat, a squirrel, or an alarming sound. Fencing and leashing are necessary every time your Lab is outside.

Grooming & Appearance

A Labrador retriever is easy to spot, even if his ancestry is mixed with that of another breed. Labs come in a variety of sizes and colors, but are typically medium-to-large animals with puppy-dog eyes and long, floppy ears. The Lab has a broad, clean-cut head, and may be either a solid color, or have spots randomly decorating their body.

An outdoor loving dog by nature, the Lab isn't likely to be fastidious or high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. In fact, they're more likely to run inside the house covered in mud or splash around in the bathtub than they are to demand a trip to the groomer's. Basic upkeep is all this furry bundle of joy requires, and then they're ready to run, play, and get dirty again.

Labs have short, thick hair that always seems to be in abundant supply, particularly as the seasons change. For that reason, they are not ideal companions for those with severe pet allergies, or those who are adamant about keeping the home spotless at all times.

Health And Lifestyle

While only of average intelligence, the Lab is a wonderful communicator, and when trained properly, will tell you what they need as well as respond to your commands.

Labs are among the most laid-back and friendly of canine breeds, and does best with the type of owner who shares these personality traits. A quiet, reserved pet parent that would prefer a dog to stay off the furniture and not run in the house would easily become frustrated with the presence of the playful, fun-loving Lab, and the dog would feel restrained by a home with too many rules and not enough freedom.

With an average life expectancy of 10-12 years, and some living up to 16-18 years, the Lab is one of the more healthy and active breeds around. Because of his size and energy level, your Lab will be likely to have quite an appetite, making them prone to obesity and obesity-related illnesses if they don't get enough exercise, particularly in later years. As Labs age, hip dysplasia and arthritis are common problems, but most combat these symptoms by staying active and leading well-balanced lives. An older Lab may not want to go outside on rainy or snowy days, and will prefer to lie by the fireplace until the sun comes out.

Who Should Own One?

The Labrador retriever is one of the best family dogs around, particularly if your family includes children and teenagers. Although the Lab is very adaptable and can make a home in virtually any type of surroundings, they do best in larger homes, particular those with a large, fenced-in backyard.

Activity and outdoor exercise are of great importance to the Lab-even at 10-14 years old, most still love to run, jump, and play. Although happy to be either a city or a country dog, a Lab owner should be prepared to go on walks, and lots of them! If your normal routine includes running, walking, jogging, hiking, fishing, hunting, or camping, the Lab may just be your ideal companion, since they love the outdoors and have the energy to keep up with you.

Although not aggressive by nature, Labs make wonderful watchdogs and protectors, since they have an acute sense of hearing and smell. They are territorial, both about their space and their beloved family members, and are the dog that's most likely to bark up a storm at the mailman every day. However, they also learn very quickly to approve of anyone who's introduced into the home, and can identify a family member approaching the home by not only their footsteps, but even the sound of the car horn.

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