101furfoster-blog

[101furfoster-blog]

Pepto Bismol

Can you give pepto to dogs? Does your dog have an upset stomach, diarrhea, dry heaves, gas? I know when I have these symptoms that I want something as a quick fix. My vet for Kitsumi said NO! She told me not to give her pepto. While I am not sure if it’s toxic, I can say that when my vet tells me something I tend to listen. They have spent how many years and how much money on vet school, so they should know what they are talking about. Kit has been on antibiotics for her complications after her spay surgery, so she has an upset tummy. She was throwing up and today she was dry heaving. Yesterday she was in for a check up and the vet told me to discontinue the antibiotics, because that’s probably what it is. She said the mass in her stomach has gone down. We left with an appointment for 2 weeks later. Anyway, back to the real issue, I hate seeing Kitsumi in pain. Even if she isn’t necessarily in pain, this time it’s just dry heaves. Does it suck, yes. So what the vet assistant I talked to today said I could make her fast and then give her a bland diet of chicken breast and white rice. Grrrrr…. How can I just let her not eat? I don’t know if you can stand it but I just can’t. So my plan is to give everyone bland diet, I am not going to pick up the food. When I see them hungry as they go for their food, I am going to give them the chicken/rice combo. I have heard that ginger tea can help, for little dogs about 1/4 cup. I personally have never tried it. Does your dog have tummy troubles? Do you have a secret formula? I may try adding some magic pumpkin to a little rice tonight. Any other ideas?

[101furfoster-blog]

Foster Awareness

Do you know what fostering is? You might remember a time when you seen a sign or commercial about becoming a foster parent for a kid in need. Have you seen the television commercials about how abused animals need your help? About how much your donation will help? About how they get a new life with their adopted family? Have you heard about how much medical attention or money it takes to help them? I know I have. I haven’t seen a commercial or much advertising about animal fostering. Animals, meaning not just dogs. But dogs are the focus of my topic.

         When you think about getting a dog, or decide a dog might be the right fit for you, what do think of? Animal shelters? Rescues? Breeders? The cute puppy in the window of a pet shop? How about a foster dog?

         When you decide you want to help a dog by adopting it, that’s great. Some people want only purebreds of a certain breed. They’re rescues and shelters that lean toward one or even a few certain breeds. Some mainly take in small or big dogs, etc.

         There is nothing wrong with wanting to adopt, actually it’s a great thing!

         What have you heard about fostering a dog? I hadn’t heard much. I did know that, I could get a troubled dog dropped off at my house, and then love them before getting my heartbroken when they get adopted by someone else. That’s not true!! I didn’t know what I know now! I also didn’t know that every life you save from a shelter is 2 lives you’re changing. One when you take the pup into your home temporarily(fostering), and another, because the spot you opened up will be another place for another dog in need.

         So what is foster? That’s the question, right? Well I suppose everyone has their own opinion on what fostering is to them. To me fostering is yes, opening your home to a dog that you will fall in love with, and get heartbroken when they leave to their forever home. But it is so much more.

         My first (and current) foster, Kitsumi, comes from animal control in Chicago. It isn’t a great place from what I’m told. It’s probably one of the worst, at least this is what I am told, in our area. I was informed by a senior foster mom, that it might take Kit a while to open up, and mellow out, that it’s “a rough shelter”. Kitsumi has not been with me a month yet, and she is bouncing around with my lab mix, Zoey. They are the best of friends.

         I have watched Kit come out of her shell. She isn’t all the way there but we’re getting there. So Fostering means when kitsumi finds a home (which I am even able to not only help find, but also be there to meet them and interview them) she will get just that, a home, a home forever. She isn’t going to get a few years home. When you get a dog from a shelter kennel, you don’t know a lot about them. You don’t know if they are potty trained, if they are friendly with other animals, their moods, their energy levels, and so on. Sure a few of the kennel assistance could tell you that when they go for a walk all they do is pull, and when they go in to put their food bowl down the dog goes in the corner and shakes or on the opposite side, that they jump on them while trying to knock the bowl out of their hands. That doesn’t mean that the dog isn’t a “good” dog. Nor does it mean that the dog is a high strung speed racer with issues. The only people that dog gets to see daily is the ones that come into his house (or whatever enclosure he is in). So he might be jumping because he thinks you will think its cute, and stay longer to pet him because you do think that so he does get his reward of more of your time, therefore he is getting reinforced.

         With kitsumi, she was dumped off at animal control allegedly because the owner had “too many dogs”. It was written down that the owner said “she sleeps on the porch with the rest of the dogs.” Kit was scared after everything she had ever known what ripped away. So she growled at some “nice” people at the shelter. They told her that they understood by removing her from the adoption floor and placing her in the back to sit on death row, you could go see her. She wasn’t one of the dogs you could even ask about, she was put under that only a rescue group could take her (which isn’t easy to find on their website, or anywhere for that matter).

         I found kitsumi on a website that said she was in danger of being euthanized any day. I talked it over with my mom, and when we agreed, I took action immediately. I emailed the contact on the website (that was all the info I could get, the animal control in Chicago doesn’t have a phone number you can call or talk to someone). I received an email back later that day, and was directed to find a rescue to help, and then that’s when everything began.

         I can tell a future owner that Kitsumi does have an off switch, but it’s after Significant play time. She would rather sleep with you in bed, but she will go in her crate. A plus is that she is crate trained, if you prefer to crate train, if not that’s okay too. Kit loves to train. She likes learning new things, and she picks them up fast. She doesn’t appear to like staying in the kitchen. She isn’t great with cats, but is bff’s with dogs. She likes to play rough, so if they have a dog, it needs to be the same energy level. She doesn’t pull hard on leash, but she could stand to do a little more training, as she doesn’t pay much attention to where your feet are and ends up trying to trip you. She is very destructive with toys. I could go on, and on.

         A dog that comes from a foster family, is more likely to get a forever home versus a dog that comes from the shelter. Does that mean I don’t think you should get a shelter dog? No, shelter dogs are not bad, they don’t all get taken back, some dogs go from shelter to homes and get a forever home with a patient loving family.

         It is just that you know what you’re getting with a foster pup. Therefore, it is easier to make a better match. It is also less frustrating for the owner and gives them more confidence.

         If a dog cowers in the corner, for a few days, that makes an inexperienced dog owner nervous and unsure of themselves. If Kitsumi was the dog in this situation, she would growl if this person came too close. What do you think an inexperienced dog owner will do with a dog that they can’t get near (so it is going to the bathroom all over the place.) and now she is growling at said person. If I play this scenario in my head, I don’t like the conclusion I come to.

         Fostering doesn’t cost anything, is what rescues say on their websites. That is true for the most part. It also depends on the rescue. With my rescue, and I think every other, the vetting is billed directly to the rescue. They provide the food, toys, crate, etc. But I free feed, and long story short, it’s easier to have everyone on the same thing, so I buy the food for her. They didn’t bring toys, I bought some of those because I wanted kit to stop chewing on everything else (they did bring some later though). I also borrowed a crate, because while they did bring one, it didn’t work right. They brought a thin crate mat and sheet. I donated blankets I had.

         I know that it might hurt to give her to someone else, but I know that without my help, she would be put to sleep by now. I know that fostering her, helped make her chances at not only survival better, but the chance to have a long and happy life, with a family that will provide not only the basics (a warm and dry place to sleep, food, water, etc.) but love her, cuddle her, and give her a life that full of meaning, and happiness. I feel like if more people knew more about fostering, they could be better educated and know more about what fostering really is. Consider fostering, if you can’t give up your foster, that’s perfectly okay. Many people fall in love and decide to adopt them that they even have a name for it. It’s called foster fail.

         What does fostering mean to you? Do you have a foster story? I do, and I am willing to share. Have questions? If I know the answer, I will be more than happy to pass it along, if not I might be able to find out from fellow moms.

[101furfoster-blog]

The Magic Of Pumkpin

The magic of pumpkin, that should say it all. I love pumpkin. The dogs go nuts for anything I make with pumpkin. They even love it straight out of the can. I can't emphasize it enough though, it should be plain pumpkin! Not the stuff for pie. The pumpkin mix in the can looks like the same thing, and might even smell better, but all the spice and things that they add in that make our pies yummy, are not great for the dogs.

So getting normal pumpkin in the can, can be expensive and in some places hard to find. It does last a while though. I get mine at the superstore by my house around thanksgiving. I can normally find it for a little more than a dollar. Any other time of the year it is anywhere from $2.50-$4. So I stock up.

On to why pumpkin is so great! For one (and for me it's the best reason) its great for digestion! I recently had to change dog food, and I had to specially order it from a store. It wasn't going to work out where I had enough of the old food to mix for transition. Zoey has a sensitive tummy on somethings, mostly she gets diarrhea. So for this instance, I made some bowls with pumpkin, enough that it coats all the kibble. My pups will eat this like they haven't had food in days. No upset tummies. I mixed this for about 2 days.

They also love a spoonful as a treat. For them it is a very yummy treat.

Also it hides pills great. Kitsumi is having complications with her insides after her spay, and is now on antibiotics which she won't eat in a pill pocket, or any other way. I don't like to even think about forcing it down her throat. The trust you thought you had, yeah gone. The vet said I could take the medicine in the capsule and mix it in something. "As long as she gets the medicine, it doesn't matter" said the vet.  

Kit also loves peanut butter. With pumpkin, it can be watery, so I mix 50/50. I dump her pill with pumpkin and peanut butter and mix in a small bowl. I spoon a small bit at a time to kit, and she takes it. Success!!

It is also watery, as I said above! That's great, because dogs can get dehydrated from any number of reasons. Pumpkin (and wet food) is a great way to get extra water. You can also freeze it then in the summer they get a great treat!

I have mixed flour (you can use any variety you like), peanut butter, pumpkin and made a dough. Roll it out and make shapes or however you want to cut it up. Bake. 350 degrees, how long depends on how big your shapes are and how think, as well as how crunchy or soft you want them. You really can't go wrong.

Don't be afraid to cook for your dogs. They don't care if you left something in a bit too long and it's a little browner than normal (at least dogs that don't have sensitiveties). They also don't care if it's chewy, or dry. Some of my best recipes for my family have come from practicing on dog biscuits. My cinnamon rolls are a bigger version or the small ones I make for the dogs.

A bit of advice for people on budget: Don't get the transition pumpkin canned food that they offer for $4 at the pet stores!! All it contains is pumpkin!! I got suckered into buying a jar. You know how someone puts you into a position where if you don't get it you look like a turd, or a cheapskate? Yeah that's exactly what I mean! When I got home I was so disappointed. Have your own pumpkin recipe? Let me know, and we can swap!

[101furfoster-blog]

Canine Hypothyroidism

Zoey is a black lab mix, with what else I have not idea. It’s not rare but it is uncommon for dogs under 2 years old to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It is very similar to hypothyroidism in humans. I know to some people that word might sound like a mouthful, and well, it isn’t the easiest thing to repeat.

Hypothyroidism in dogs is when their thyroid doesn’t function properly. The thyroid is a butterfly gland in the neck that secretes hormones. Its regulated by the pituitary gland, which is located on the base of your brain. The hormones that the thyroid secretes are a vital part of making your body function the way it should. The thyroid regulates your energy levels and regulates our metabolism. It can also effect your mood. It also does a lot more, but this is just for a basic over view without going too deep.

A blood test is the only way to truly diagnose a thyroid disease. Hyperthyroidism in dogs is rare. Hypothyroidism is the most common type of thyroid problem in dogs.

It’s said that fixed dogs have a higher risk, and certain breeds are more genetically likely to get this disease, but it can affect any dog, at any point in their life.

Some of the symptoms of a thyroid problem are:

Lethargy: which means that they lie down, don’t really play around like they usually do, and basically sluggish. Zoey did have this symptom. She also stopped holding her tail up high, which is normally higher than her butt and slightly curled.

Skin/Coat Problems: You will know if your dog has a problem in this area. Believe me! Zoey started off super itchy. Then she started pulling out her fur. We tried to stop her but I couldn’t watch her 24/7.  When we took zoey to the vet, I thought she had mange.  I was calling a few vets to get prices, and they were all the same for a skin scrape.  (their coats and skin won’t be red or irritated like with allergies.)

Weight Gain: Zoey didn’t gain much weight, if she did at all. She also wasn’t finished growing, so what I thought might have been normal growth for a developing puppy, might have been thyroid related.

Muscle loss: Zoey isn’t very muscular to begin with so I didn’t notice this either. (Also the developing puppy thing.)

Intolerance to cold: Yes! Zoey didn’t like to go out in the rain. She normally was fine, then one day she just started to refuse to go to the bathroom in the rain. I tried everything. In the end I was soaked, she stayed dry under the awning on the deck, she didn’t go to the bathroom and I was frustrated and confused.

Recurring Infections (skin and ear): Zoey didn’t have any issues with this one.

There are other symptoms, but these are the most common. If in doubt, just have the vet check it with their physical or the next time you’re at the vet.

The difference with this disease is that in dogs they take a pill twice a day (every 12 hours). Whereas in humans, we would take it once a day. I know so much about both because Zoey developed hypothyroidism, than a month later I did. I know it might seem weird right? It truly is “like dog, like owner”.  No it is not contagious, but it does seem rather funny.

Does your dog have these symptoms? Do you? Is your dog less active than normal, for no apparent reason? Is your pup losing all her fur? Do you have more questions? Feel free to ask me, I will let you know, if I know the answer or give you my opinion. I’m not a vet, just an experienced dog owner.

[101furfoster-blog]

Qumy

These are the boots we got. For my pups they are great! They are really easy to get on, even if they do squirm a little. There is two straps on the top, which is nice. if you fit the boot on all the way, they stay on and don’t come off when they move around. They do take the dog some getting used to, but that’s going to be with anything. They don’t take them that long, but I used a lot of treats, when trying them on, and we went really slow, so when we need them for winter, they are ready and can walk in them. They are not very tall but I don’t think they need to be very big for my pups with what I want them for. I need them for Riddick, and Zoey (as well as Kit) because they both freeze up in the winter and I have had to carry them from the back yard into the house. With warm coats and shoes they should do better this year. Riddick is older and has a bit of arthritis, so he needs to have something to keep his paws warm and dry.

Qumy Dog Boots

They were really hard to get pictures of. Will hopefully post new pictures soon, when they are calmer.

[101furfoster-blog]

Shiba Inu

Kitsumi is a mix of Shiba Inu, and something else. I am not sure what, that’s not important. So Kit does have some of the personality that a Shiba Inu tend to have.

Shiba Inu is a small dog breed originating from Japan. It is actually their smallest breed. The breed was brought to america as recently as 60 years ago. So they haven’t been state side for a very long time, like some of the other imported breeds we now have. The Shiba Inu have a very distinct coloring and build. Their colors vary of red, red sesame, or black and tan, each color would have their white markings.

Their personality traits are alert, active and attentive.  This is very much Kit in every way. She is alert to any noise, she ping pong’s from couch to couch in our living room, and can keep going for hours, she probably wouldn’t stop if I didn’t make her calm down for a few. She also follows me everywhere. She has tripped me a few times because she is trying to stay by my side, and she will wake from a dead sleep to get up and follow me to where ever I am.

Energy level for a Pure breed is listed as active, and again totally Kitsumi! You are advised that your pup will need lots of exercise and daily walks, even though they are on the small side, I can definitely vouch for that.

Good with children: Pure breeds are supposed to be but I don’t have kids and haven’t tested Kit yet, so I can say more on this.

Good with dogs: with supervision is what they say as a breed standard but I think this goes with every breed. It’s all about your dog, and whether they like the other dog or not. Just like with people not everyone is going to be friendly and not every one is going to like each other. And not every dog is a bully.

Shedding is listed as seasonal, I can say that Kitsumi doesn’t shed a whole lot, she has fur about an inch long, with her face being softer and shorter. I don’t think you would need to worry about this too much, Kit doesn’t have hair falling out, really at all, but maybe as winter approaches faster and faster, her coat will change and she might a little. We will see. Grooming is also listed as occasional, and I think what I said a few sentences ago, covers that.

Trainability is listed as independent. Okay so what does that mean? I’m not sure but I do know that Kit doesn’t like to sit when asked when I train the other dogs. She tries to jump on me, take the treat out of my hand, and so on. I can’t be sure if that’s because of her previous owners or breed. When she finally does sit (We have sat a total of 4 times in almost a month if that says anything.) she lowers her head. I immediately give her a treat and praise as well as a good jackpot. I have to believe the more I work with her that this is starting to be her previous owners, but I could be wrong.

They are a small dog, breed standard is 14-17 inches for males and 13-16 inches for females, with males weighting 24 max, and 20 max for females. So they don’t get very big. Kitsumi is a mix so she is a little heavier at 45 after her spay, but she isn’t much taller than the higher side of the male breed standard.

Life expectancy, as with smaller dogs is 12-15 years.

Bark Level is listed at quiet, kit isn’t quiet, but she isn’t a pure breed either. Maybe the pure breeds have less tendency to bark than if they are a mix, but kit doesn’t know when to stop with her voice. She also isn’t very into her quiet training, but that’s okay, we will keep working, and trying different things and approaches.

In Japan the breed was originally bred to hunt by sight and sent, in the dense forest of japanese mountains. They are said to be agile and alert, making them great watch dogs as well as companions.

Its said that the Shiba Inu is weary of strangers but loyal and affectionate to those who gain their trust. I can say on this topic, that yes this is true!! Kit has never growled at me, EVER!! But I have seen and heard her growl at people, including my mom, who feeds and plays with her. You need to have a very stong bond with her, she needs trust and care, not just an owner who provides a roof, warmth at night and food. Kit needs A LOT MORE!! She needs me to tell her when Zoey has had enough, when there needs to be a break in their games, she needs me to set guidelines and boundaries.

It is said alone time for them is fine. With Kit, no. She needs to be out of her crate more than in. She isn’t in her crate very often now. She goes in when we have to leave the house, but that isn’t forever. There is almost always someone at home. I would disagree whole-hearted till my face turned blue on this.

Fun Facts: 1992 was the year that the Shiba Inu breed was recognised by the AKC.

According to the AKC they are the 44th most popular dog.

There were only 3 remaining blood lines left after WWII when the breed almost became extinct.

They are considered the oldest breed in Japan. They are also the #1 dog companion in Japan.

While they are still used as hunting dogs, back when they were bigger, many upon many of years ago, they were used to hunt large game. In modern time they are used to hunt smaller critters.

Source Website

[101furfoster-blog]

Barks A Lot

Kitsumi has finally found her voice! And boy does she use it. She is learning a lot from the other dogs. She watches them and reacts according to them. For a few days Zoey’s bark had an echo! Zoey barked at something, Kit would bark, even if Kit had no idea what she was barking at! It’s the cutest thing ever! She barks when she wants anything now, from your attention to out of her crate. Although she is getting better in her crate. She doesn’t get to come out of her crate until she is quiet, and she is learning that very quickly. She hasn’t caught on to “quiet/hush” but she is learning some things. She has massive amounts of energy! She could go on a walk through the woods or park by our house for HOURS and still be ready to play, and in GO mode! She will make a great companion for a family who likes to exercise, be outside, or just be active period, whether outdoors or in. She makes sure I get enough exercise though, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Anything I can do to get her energy out, I do with her, she isn’t bug on fetch, so I am hoping Zoey and Riddick can help with that. Zoey can play fetch forever, and ask for more.

[101furfoster-blog]

Pawz Dog Boots

We have gotten Pawz dog boots. I need something to keep Riddick, Zoey &Kitsumi’s feet dry and warm. Well these will certainly keep their feet dry. They are made out of a rubbery material that reminds me of a really thick balloon. Riddick is wearing green ones, with Kitsumi in the size small, wearing black. I couldn’t get them on Zoey. She wasn’t feeling it! The package they come in gives you information on how to put them on your dog. You might need another person to help if your dog will run from you. Riddick did good!! He let me put them on him. They are a little “saggy” by the sides of his feet. What I mean by that, is there is space but no feet or toes to fill the space. It’s not a bad thing, just weird-looking.  The dogs adjusted to having them on their feet really quick. with some feet wear for dogs, it feels weird(or so I assume) to them and they move strange and get very upset, very quick. The package says not to leave them on unsupervised, which is smart. If I left them on with our dogs, they would bite them off when my back was turned. Seems very durable, while giving the water-proof function. They are much easier to get off than they are to get on. I am not going to give this a star rating because I’m not even sure what I would rate these as. I like them, but they do have their drawbacks. For disposable and cheap price, I think they are a great product. In some environments they would definitely have some more effectiveness. If we took the dogs to the beach, I would try them. I am not sure how well they would work but I will definitely try when the weather is better, some time next year. I am flippy floppy on this brand, if you can’t tell.

[101furfoster-blog]

Every Dog Owner Should Have These Phone Numbers

I already posted the poison control number but here it is again: 1-888-426-4435 (Remember this isn’t a free line.)

SPAY USA is a national referral service that helps connect pet parents with free or low cost spay and neuter services in their area. With partnerships at over 950 programs and clinics nationwide, they eliminate finances as an excuse for not spaying or neutering your pets.

The spay and neuter help line: 1-800-248-spay

Emergency Disaster Information Line 1-800-227-4645

Provides support and relief information for pet owners living in areas affected by disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, fire and more. While not an official “hotline,” this number is manned by live persons able to direct pet owners in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Your Vet

I have multiple Vets in my phone. I have my personal vet. I have my foster pups vet, I have a 24 hour vet, and a close vet that I used to get my dogs prescriptions from.

Pet Travel Hotline: 1-800-545-USDA

If you plan on traveling by plane with your dog, a quick call to this number will ensure you are prepared for any bumps in the road where your dog is concerned.

I didn’t come up with this is myself. Below is the owner of the list, and the website I found this information from.

Source Website

[101furfoster-blog]

Toxic Plant List

I know that everyone has had at least one plant, (or maybe not). Either way, there is alot of toxic plants for animals. Below is a link to the ASPCA’s toxic & non-toxic list of plants. Due to the enormity of the list I am not listing all of the plants here.

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list

If you need the poision control hotline (not free, if you need advice):

1-888-426-4435

[101furfoster-blog]

Bark If You Want Some Toys

Zoey, Riddick & Kitsumi LOVE their toys! They are QUALITY!!! They aren’tmade cheaply. Kit is turning into an agressive and destructive chewed! So the fact that even she hasn’t ripped her new toy to sheds is impressive. I really like them. The dogs seem to as well. They are good size for carrying them in their mouth. A little small for Riddick mouth but he has an unusual size head. He has a big mouth, but I am not worried he would choke on them either. They are also incredibly cute!! I love that they have all have a similar toy(so they don’t fight) but they are different. They also have a monthly box option that would be nice for some. Finding quality toys in budget without Kitsumi destroying them in a few seconds is getting hard, but I have to give a thumbs up to bark if you want some! They know what dogs want and they know exactly how to execute it! Very impressed. You will be too!

Aren’t they super adorable in the picture below!?!?!😝

[101furfoster-blog]

About Me

Most people ask themselves where they want to be in a few years. I have always seen myself in one place. The actual location doesn't matter so much as the career choice. I have always wanted to be a rescuer. Ever since I was little, I wanted to have my own rescue. I wanted to save the dogs that people gave up on! The dogs that rescuers wouldn't take in for one reason or another! I have always loved animals and I always will. Fostering kit is the first step but I can feel my future beginning to come together. 

My dream had always been to have land somewhere, with dedicated employees and foster homes for the dogs! Helping them has always been what I wanted. For Christmas I didn't want a pony or the newest game or dolly. No, I wanted to go to the shelter and rescue a dog. My parents were great at helping me in any way they could! They really have told me I could achieve anything! But they also had restrictions too, like we didnt have room for all the dogs I wanted to save. It was sad but I understood. When we had the room, my parents didnt mind. I really hope this new found step I'm taking. Is one toward the future I always wanted! 

I hope I can start climbing my way toward my dream. 

[101furfoster-blog]

Cloud Star Dog Treats

The pups were very excited to stiff their new treats. Made with bacon, cheese and apples! They are made in america. They do have a few ingredients that I might not be for every one. I know they are made with whole wheat flour. Some dogs can’t have wheat, but mine loved them! I liked that they were different. I haven’t seen any other treats like these. They are 30% moisture. So they are wetter than most of there other treats. They didn’t make a mess when the dogs eat them either. The treats themselves aren’t very big, maybe quarter size, not crate treat size (or at least the size that I like to use for crate treats) but they make great treats for training when you get a break through, or just an everyday snack. They also don’t have a strong/funny smell. That’s always a plus for my house! Some treats make my stomach turn from the smell, but not these, they don’t smell.

My pups always have to sniff proof them before I open them! Aren’t they the cutest?

[101furfoster-blog]

Rogz By Kong

The dogs got their Rogz by Kong package today!

One toy was a little small, but I am very excited to try the interactive ball. It has 3 different settings, easy, medium & hard. (called the tumbler) It spits food out, as the dogs play with it! I know, sounds exciting right?Zoey threw the blue cowboy around as I walked by she threw it right into my ankle, but don’t worry, it didn’t slow her down a bit. Their is also a squeaker in it! Super Cool!! Zoey’s favorite thing is a squeaker! Riddick likes the scrubz (ours is green). It looks great as he walks around with it in his mouth. It’s perfect size for his mouth! As we just got them today, I can’t say how well they will last but they seem very sturdy.If something changes like the toys aren’t as sturdy as they appear, I will update and change my review!

.

[101furfoster-blog]

“Kit Doesn’t Like Me”

That’s what my mom said to me when we were trying to get kitsumi out of her crate. I said “mom the only reason she doesn’t cower and growl at me is because she sleeps with me.” “But I feed her! All the time.” Says mom She does too, but for the most part I take care of her. I take her to the bathroom (95% of the time.), she sleeps in my bed at night, or in her crate, which is in my room. Mom feeds her people food and dry kibble as well. As do I. But I seem to spend more time with her. Whether my mother wants to say its because she sleeps in my room, or because Kit just doesn’t like her, either way, I feel like my mom should make more of an effort. I can’t tell her that, but Kitsumi and mom relationship shows it.

[101furfoster-blog]

Dangerous Human Food For Dogs

I know I’m not the only one who loves to feed their dog table scrapes! This is just a lost for reference of human food that are bad for dogs to ingest. Of course depending on the size of your dog, how much of certain foods vary. The smaller the dog the less of the food they have to eat to get sick. 

                                    (From the Aspca website)

Alcohol

Avocados (primarily a problem for birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and ruminants including sheep and goats.)

Chocolate ( Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest)

Caffeine

Coffee

Citrus (The stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. Small doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset.doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset.)

Coconut/ coconut oil (_When ingested in small amounts, coconut and coconut-based products are not likely to cause serious harm to your pet. The flesh and milk of fresh coconuts do contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea. Because of this, we encourage you to use caution when offering your pets these foods. Coconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet.) _I give Zoey a little and she is fine, she also licks it off of her skin when I apply a liberal amount to her fur/skin.

Grapes/ Raisins

Macadamia nuts

Milk/ Dairy (Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset) (basically it will upset the belly. Not all dogs but some)

**Nuts **(_including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and _including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats. The fats can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets.)

Onion/ Garlic/ Chives

Raw/ Undercooked Meat/ Uncooked Eggs/ Bones (Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.)

Salt/ Salty Snacks (Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. As such, we encourage you to avoid feeding salt-heavy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn to your pets.)

Xylitol (used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.)

Yeast Dough (Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach to bloat, and potentially twist, becoming a life threatening emergency. The yeast produce ethanol as a by-product and a dog ingesting raw bread dough can become drunk)

The Vet told my mom that Zoey shouldn’t be having people food anymore, the look on her face was funny! Mom asked the vet, “Because of her thyroid? Are some foods worse than others? Should we switch her dog food too?” 

The Vet told mom that dogs shouldn’t get people food. We both just nodded our heads. Some vets will tell you absolutely no dog should get a morsel of food. Some vets (the ones who probably realize that we animal lovers can’t NOT share) tell us moderate is key, like in us two leg walkers. Also some foods should not be given to animals, especially some who have different sicknesses. I believe some dogs with diabetes makes giving them salty snacks more dangerous than others. a goldfish here or there isn’t going to hurt any dog.

[101furfoster-blog]

SPORTMIX & CHRIS CRAWFORD FEED HUNGRY DOGS!

I recently decided to switch dog food. I researched for day and many hours to figure out what everything really meant and what was best for my dogs. I called a few veterinarian offices, that gladly talked to me about my needs and my dogs. I finally found one. A brand I felt I could trust as a pawrent! They are a great company who many more than one brand and sportmix had never had a recall.

ANYWAY, SPORTMIX FEEDS HUNGRY DOGS: I was having an issue with finding their grain free gluten free whitefish and chickpea formula. So I contacted the company. I got a call from Chris Crawford! He told me I could find it online and that he didn't have anyone who was currently selling what I wanted. (Long story short, and a different post, healthi paw in Valparaiso Indiana was willing to buy it for me from their warehouse). When I was on the phone with Mr. Crawford I told him that I was with a non profit and that one of my fellow foster moms feeds her dog this brand and that when I was in the edge of deciding between this brand and another, she was my final denominator in choosing this brand. I asked if since I had them on the phone, his company would be willing to donate to our non profit all foster based rescue. He told me when I went to pick up my bag of food, I could pick up 4 bags of chicken. AMAZING! As with most non-profits our rescue realize on donation. Which means Mr. Crawford, thank you for helping us not only do what we love (help animals) but thank you for feeding our dogs. Hungry mouths and growling bellies are very appreciative. (Not that we don't feed our dogs. Because we DO! But every dollar we save on something like food, allows us to save another dog in need. When we don't have the money for dogs who need it most it sucks and we take it personally.) . Sure 4 bags might not seem like a lot to some people but every bit, no matter how big or small helps!

THANK YOU CHRIS CRAWFORD

THANK YOU SPORTMIX

THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!! IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERNCE! 

Not only do I love sportmix the brand and their ingredients ( or maybe I should be more specific and say what ingredients they don't have in their dog food). I love the company, their understanding, and their dedication.