youngkelpie - Tumblr blog

[youngkelpie]

#dogs #dogsofinstagram #dogsitting #dogsplaying #ball #tennisball #mychicagopix (at Chicago metropolitan area)

[youngkelpie]

NEW AMERICAN ALSATIAN PUPPIES HAVE ARRIVED!!!! at Vallecito Alsatians in Washington State. This litter gives us pure white Direwolf Dogs!!!

[youngkelpie]

Choosing the Best Pet Food - the Raw Food Debate

Nothing sparks more controversy in the pet community than the feeding of raw food for our pets. Some pet owners, veterinarians and nutritionists believe that raw foods pose a significant health risk that is not worth the potential benefits. On the other side of the fence are pet owners, veterinarians and nutritionists that believe that raw foods are the best possible choice for our pets in terms of nutrition.

The health risks associated with the feeding of a raw food diet, commonly known as the BARF or biologically appropriate raw food, are well documented. They include an increased risk of intestinal pathogens such as Salmonella which may or may not cause symptoms for the pet but which may be passed in the feces of the pet, potentially exposing humans who contact the pet's fecal movements. However, Salmonella contamination has also been known to occur in commercial diets. In fact, recently, several people were confirmed with salmonellosis associated with handling contaminated dry pet food.

Until recently, much of the evidence supporting the benefits of feeding a raw food diet were anecdotal. However, the Winn Feline Foundation recently funded and published this report about raw food diets for kittens. According to the report:

In this study, kittens were fed either a commercial processed diet, commercial raw diet, or home-prepared raw diet.

Growth performance was similar on all three diets. Nutritionally, there was neither an advantage nor disadvantage among any of the diets, as all three were nutritionally adequate. The raw food diets were associated with higher digestibility and decreased fecal matter, although a direct health benefit of this difference was not observed.

Maintaining safety while feeding a raw food diet

One of the most crucial elements of any pet food diet is that the diet is complete and balanced, providing all necessary nutrients in adequate quantities with no excesses or deficiencies. For this reason, if feeding a raw food diet, it is wise to choose a diet that is AAFCO labeled as being complete and balanced as evidenced by feeding trial. Alternatively, if you are planning to formulate your own diet, consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the diet is complete and balanced to meet the needs of your pet.

Maintaining your own safety is important as well. In most cases, routine hygienic measures, if strictly followed, should be enough to protect yourself.

Use dedicated serving utensils and feeding bowels for feeding your pet. Do not use the same utensils for preparing or serving your family's food.

Wash all utensils and bowels thoroughly with dish soap and water before reusing.

Never prepare your pet's food in the same area that you prepare your own food.

Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet's food or your pet's feces (or litter box.)

Do not allow your children to handle your pet's food or feces without washing their hands thoroughly afterward.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food for your family.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating. Encourage your children to do the same.

[youngkelpie]

[youngkelpie]

Haven’t been able to go on tumblr much because of long tests and short visits to my 3 floofly cousins—

The cloud boi is Yuki, gentle and soft. He loves me a lot and is very calm unless you’re a stranger. Easily scared :( protecc him

The little white one is Pebbles and she’s very smart! Knows how the do the hand thing for begging, very clever and works with her lil brother to get food.

Storm is smol and in charge. He hogs the doggy fan and I usually see his face in the bowl.

[youngkelpie]

Tips for Finding Your Lost or Missing Dog

It only takes a moment. You're walking your dog; he gets excited about something he sees, slips out of his collar and runs off. Or someone comes to your door and your dog sneaks past you and out the door as you greet your visitor. Now what do you do?

Hopefully, this will never happen to you. Nobody ever plans on it or hopes it will happen. Still, accidents do happen and dogs do escape. In the event it does happen to you and your pet, being prepared will give you a much better chance of retrieving your missing companion.

Here are some tips:

Be sure your dog has an identification tag with your name, address and a phone number where you can be reached. Providing a cell phone number that is or can be monitored regularly is preferable.

Consider having your dog microchipped. Even though identification tags are a good first-line defense, tags can be removed or lost. Microchips are permanent. However, they do require a scanner in order to detect and read the microchip. If you do microchip your dog, be sure to register the microchip. Registering the microchip connects your personal information to the microchip through a database and allows you to be contacted if/when your dog is found. If the microchip is not registered, it is virtually useless as there may be no way to trace it back to you.

Carry a current photo of your pet. In the event that your dog does become lost, the photo can be used on flyers which can be posted in the neighborhood. It can also be shown to friends, neighbors and shelter personnel while asking if these people have seen your dog recently.

These are just a few tips. For more, listen in on this interview with Tammy Humphries of Lost Dogs-MN and Mel Freer of No Dog About It. Mel actually lived this nightmare when her four-legged buddy, Lady, got lost. In trying to find her, Mel turned to Tammy for help and suggestions. Listen to Mel talk about her experience and hear some of Tammy's best tips for finding a lost or missing dog.

Most of all, if your dog does get lost, don't give up hope. Keep looking. Keep checking with pounds, shelters and rescues. Keep asking friends and neighbors if your dog has been seen. Consider taking your search online and asking for help through social media channels like Facebook and Twitter.

[youngkelpie]

Meet my beautiful new puppy, Lily. She’ll be coming home…