Forest Hills Pet Care

Great Halloween Costumes

2010-10-12T15:52:00.001-07:00

All right, I've been searching the 'net for a while, trying to pick out the perfect Halloween costume for my cutie. This one might take the cake... (via snuzzy.com)

Crafty Pets

2010-10-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

No, not just the way pets are crafty. Because they are definitely that, too. But you know you've always wanted to make your dog a collar. Yourself. Because you love him. Or PJs for your cat. Because what cat could resist some new PJs? Most of them, from what I've observed, but no matter. Someone out there is making them.

Anyway, here's a great link to a gazillion projects. Send us a picture of anything you've made - we'd love to see it!

Convenience

2010-02-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

9 of the Strangest Looking Dogs

2010-02-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

Are you looking to turn some heads at the doggy park? Consider getting one of the following dog breeds. Don't forget, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

This little guy has quite the name. It is a Xoloitzcuntle, pronounced "show-low-its-queen-tlee". Sometimes known as "Xolo" for short, this mexican hairless is an interesting dog. The breed was considered sacred to the Aztecs because they were believed to guide individuals through the underworld after their death. Like other hairless breeds, Xolos required bathing, moisturizing, sunscreen, and coats to keep that bald skin healthy and happy.

The Bergamasco is a mopish looking breed. Their coat is "felted". They are from Persia and served as sheepdogs and livestock guardians. Even though they may look shabby, it is frowned upon by breeders to shave this coat because it will never be the same again.

The Komondor's coat is "corded", not "felted". These dogs are often said to look like a large mop. Actually, the coat really resembles a used mop because the cords often collect dust and dirt. Komondors were bred to guard livestock and their thick coats protected them from the elements as well as predators. As you probably guessed, the Komondor needs a great deal of grooming.

Peruvian Inca Orchid is anohter hairless breed. These little doggies appear in art dating back to 750 A.D. However, when Peru was conquered by the Spanish, it almost led to the loss of these unique dogs. While these dogs occasionally have a bit of hair on their feet, tails, and heads, breeders strive for a completely hairless dog. Peruvian Inca Orchids can be prone to acne and blackheads.

No one can confuse a Shar Pei with any other breed. This heavily wrinkled dog has an unusual "hippopotamus" shaped muzzle. Shar Peis also have solid bluish-black tongue. What a dog!

The Puli is one of the "dread lock" breeds. These cords begin to form naturally when the puppies are about 9 months old. Owners have to help this process by separating the cords as they can form very large matts if they are not maintained. Bathing one of these dogs can be a lengthy process as they take hours to dry!

The Neapolitan Mastiff looks something like a mini-Rhino! Look at all that loose skin. They have wrinkles all over their bodes, most prominently on the face and head. All those wrinkles need some extra TLC. Folds must be cleaned and kept dry as acne and infections are a concern if they are moist. The canine actor who played "Fang" in the movie Harry Potter was a Neapolitan Mastiff.

Chinese Crested dogs have fur on their paws (socks), tail (plume), and a long flowing mop on their heads (the crest). Their skins is soft and needs careful care. A Chinese Crested named "Sam" was voted world's ugliest dog three years in a row.

Even though the Bedlington Terrier could easily be confused for a lamb, in the early days this breed was often used for fighting. While the Bedlingtons of today have been bred to be sweet companions, they can still hold their own if challenged.

What's in a name?

2009-08-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Do you have a new pet but aren't quite sure what to call this sweet bundle of joy? Maybe some of the following sites can help.

funpetnames.com

hunch.com

trendypuppy.com

bowwow.com

Who is smarter? Dogs or 2-year-olds?

2009-08-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Dogs' Intelligence On A Par With 2-Year-Old Humans, Renowned Canine Researcher Says

(Picture found here)

Although you wouldn't want one to balance your checkbook, dogs can count.

They can also understand more than 150 words and intentionally deceive other dogs and people to get treats, according to psychologist and leading canine researcher Stanley Coren, PhD, of the University of British Columbia. He spoke Saturday on the topic "How Dogs Think" at the American Psychological Association's 117th Annual Convention.

Coren, author of more than a half-dozen popular books on dogs and dog behavior, has reviewed numerous studies to conclude that dogs have the ability to solve complex problems and are more like humans and other higher primates than previously thought.

"We all want insight into how our furry companions think, and we want to understand the silly, quirky and apparently irrational behaviors [that] Lassie or Rover demonstrate," Coren said in an interview. "Their stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity are reminders that they may not be Einsteins but are sure closer to humans than we thought."

According to several behavioral measures, Coren says dogs' mental abilities are close to a human child age 2 to 2.5 years.

The intelligence of various types of dogs does differ and the dog's breed determines some of these differences, Coren says. "There are three types of dog intelligence: instinctive (what the dog is bred to do), adaptive (how well the dog learns from its environment to solve problems) and working and obedience (the equivalent of 'school learning')."

Data from 208 dog obedience judges from the United States and Canada showed the differences in working and obedience intelligence of dog breeds, according to Coren. "Border collies are number one; poodles are second, followed by German shepherds. Fourth on the list is golden retrievers; fifth, dobermans; sixth, Shetland sheepdogs; and finally, Labrador retrievers," said Coren.

As for language, the average dog can learn 165 words, including signals, and the "super dogs" (those in the top 20 percent of dog intelligence) can learn 250 words, Coren says. "The upper limit of dogs' ability to learn language is partly based on a study of a border collie named Rico who showed knowledge of 200 spoken words and demonstrated 'fast-track learning,' which scientists believed to be found only in humans and language learning apes," Coren said.

Dogs can also count up to four or five, said Coren. And they have a basic understanding of arithmetic and will notice errors in simple computations, such as 1+1=1 or 1+1=3.

Four studies he examined looked how dogs solve spatial problems by modeling human or other dogs' behavior using a barrier type problem. Through observation, Coren said, dogs can learn the location of valued items (treats), better routes in the environment (the fastest way to a favorite chair), how to operate mechanisms (such as latches and simple machines) and the meaning of words and symbolic concepts (sometimes by simply listening to people speak and watching their actions).

During play, dogs are capable of deliberately trying to deceive other dogs and people in order to get rewards, said Coren. "And they are nearly as successful in deceiving humans as humans are in deceiving dogs."

Invited Address: "How Dogs Think," Stanley Coren, PhD, University of British Columbia, Session: 3282.

Source: Pam Willenz American Psychological Association

From: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160242.php

Chess Player

2009-08-14T09:17:00.001-07:00

A man went to visit a friend and was amazed to find him playing chess with his dog. He watched the game in astonishment for a while. "I can hardly believe my eyes!" he exclaimed. "That's the smartest dog I've ever seen.""Nah, he's not so smart," the friend replied. "I've beaten him three games out of five."

$5,000 Give-Away from Tiday Cat

2009-08-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just because you own more that one cat should not mean that anyone should question your sanity. Right now, running until September 11, TIDY CAT is sponsoring a campaign to end cattiness.

Tidy Cat found that 88 percent of multiple cat owners credit their cats with making their lives more fulfilling and rewarding. And, while that 62 percent hang the ‘crazy cat lady’ moniker on multi-cat owners, people who own more than one cat have very different perceptions of themselves and their homes.

According to the survey, multiple cat owners describe themselves as being caring and loving (96 percent), generous (90 percent), well adjusted and fulfilled (87 percent). And, nearly nine in ten cat owners (87%) say their cats do not prevent them from keeping their home clean and odor-free. (No word on what their visitors think).

Multiple cat owners can enter the Tidy Cats Campaign to End Cattiness contest . You’re invited to share your purrsonal stories of how you “enjoy more life and less worry at home” with your multiple cats.

The Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000, a one-year supply of Tidy Cats® Scoop brand cat litter, and the opportunity to be featured in a Tidy Cats Cribs Webisode. For complete contest rules, visit tidycats.com/EndCattiness.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. ~Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Tribe, letter to President Franklin Pierce

Dogs Will Eat the Darndest Things

2009-08-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

Dog Thwarted in Effort to Kill Self by Eating Fake Breast
Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM 08/02/09 www.dogster.com

Dogs eat the strangest things. Last night at the emergency hospital a nurse carried a five-year-old Terrier cross into the treatment room. She advised me matter-of-factly that the dog had consumed a fake breast three hours earlier.To prove her point, she showed me the box that the clients wisely decided to bring with their dog. One end of it was chewed. Inside was a plastic tray with two slots. One was empty. In the other slot was a stick-on silicone falsie, size B. Evidently the dog had eaten one and found himself sated.

I evaluated the piece of silicone, coated in polyurethane, that the dog had not consumed. Although it was non-toxic, there was little doubt that the other half of the pair ultimately would lodge in the intestines. The dog only weighed 15 pounds. Size B was too much for this guy to handle.

Three hours had passed since the dog’s indiscretion. If the breast was still in the dog’s stomach, it might be possible to eliminate it by making him vomit. However, if the fake breast had already passed into the intestines, then the dog would require surgery. In that case making him vomit would be pointless. After three hours, either was possible.I considered the option of taking an X-ray to see if the breast’s location could be determined. But a technician took a sample X-ray of the non-ingested breast and it turned out to be invisible. X-rays would be useless in this case.
I decided that the best course of action would be to make the dog vomit. But first I would need to talk to the clients. Keeping a straight face during the encounter would not be easy.
One of the nurses offered a helpful suggestion. “Only look at her from the neck up.”
I entered the exam room where a bemused looking couple was waiting. I did my best to maintain eye contact.

We discussed the risks and benefits of inducing emesis in order to eliminate the, er, product from the dog’s digestive tract. The clients authorized the procedure.

I prefer to make dogs vomit by giving an intravenous injection of a drug called apomorphine. I am aware of only one use for the medicine. It causes vomiting. I do not understand why many bottles of the drug contain a warning that it may be habit forming. While a nurse drew up the medication I offered the dog some canned food. Filling a dog’s stomach with food before he vomits causes the vomiting to be more productive. It is like priming a pump.I, for one, would be too nervous to eat low-quality food in my doctor’s office. But the sort of dog who is silly enough to eat a fake breast generally doesn’t let such trivialities stand in the way of gluttony. Although he lost his appetite for fake breasts after one, he had saved room for a half can of junk food.
The nurses mainlined the apomorphine. In the course of 30 seconds, the dog transitioned from a happy, tail-wagging, breast eating, goofy mutt to a visibly nauseated creature. He retched and regurgitated a small amount of dog food. He then recovered.

This would not do. For this problem, the dog would have to go through gut wrenching, side splitting, eye popping vomiting. He had brought this upon himself. He needed more apomorphine.The nurses gave another injection of the medicine. This time the floodgates opened. The dog vomited copious dog food, a moderate amount of grass, several small twigs, an ear plug, some yarn, and a fake breast, size B.

45 minutes later the dog was ready to go home.

I had to ask.“Do you want the other, uh, product back?”

The clients graciously declined.

Ten Tips for Preventing Pet Behavior Problems

2009-08-12T11:09:00.001-07:00

1. Set rules immediately and stick to them.

2. Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior.

3. Observe the pet and provide what it needs to be cared for and attended to.

4. Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided individual attention and training, and restrict the pet's access to a limited area of the house until training is complete.

5. Encourage good behavior with praise and attention.

6. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives. (A toy for a slipper, scratching post for the sofa.)

7. Never physically punish or force compliance to commands. This may lead to fear biting or aggression.

8. Don't play rough or encourage aggression or play biting.

9. Expose pets to people, animals, and environments where you want them to live.

10. See your veterinarian if serious or unresolved behavior problemsexist.

Back to School

2009-08-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is a great t-shirt for any kid who may need proof of their homework excuse. It's on sale at threadless just in time for back to school.

Thankful Paws

2009-08-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Thankful Paws owners, Jody Cohen and Terry Lanphear are deeply committed to helping hearing and vision impaired dogs with their Deaf and Blind Dog Collar Covers, bandanas, and coats. Jody's Great Dane, Aspen, is deaf as well as vision impaired. She feels that, "Should a deaf and blind dog find themselves on the run, the collar cover alerts the public that "calling" the dog to them, or "motioning" to them, many not always work. It is also a wonderful educational took which allows owners of dogs who are deaf or blind to discuss canine deafness and blindness with the public. Deaf and blind dogs can learn commands via hand and touch signals and many people are amazed to learn that deaf and blind dogs can adapt well to their environment.

To find out more, or to purchase click on this link.

There are many other products, including some for dogs who are shy.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Ever consider what pets must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul - chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! ~Anne Tyler

Pet Furniture on the Cheap (and Creative!)

2009-08-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Now that IKEA has hit Salt Lake, we have more pet furniture options than ever before. Don't believe me? Check out some of the furniture "hacks" we found from ikeahacker.blogspot.com. These are ingenious...and really got our imaginations going! All of these pictures are from common - and fairly inexensive - IKEA products.

Shelving systems turned cat trees for these lucky climbers.

A DOLL bed with an added cushion made the perfect perch for this sweet kitty.

A raised bowl for the tall dogs; a protected bowl for the small dogs. Perfect!

This one is awesome. Can you guess the secret it's hiding?

Yep, a whole litter box! Goodbye visual clutter. You can't see it very well in this picture, but they have cut a small cat-size hole in the partition for easy access for the cat. Yes, your cat would have to be willing to do it's thing in a confined space, but if s/he will, what a great litter box solution!

For more fun ideas, check out this direct link: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/search/label/pet%20furniture

Vacation Pet Tag

2009-08-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

If you take your pet on vacation this summer, add a tag like this one to her collar. That way, if she strays, people will be able to reach you.

Print your contact information on card stock. Using a 2-inch circular craft punch or scissors, cut out card stock and 2 pieces of clear self-adhesive shelf liner. Sandwich paper between pieces of liner. Punch a hole for a key ring to attach to a collar.

From Martha Stewart Living

Safe Summer Procedures

2009-08-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

Even though summer is nearing an end, we would like to remind you that it is still hot outside, which can cause safety hazards for you pet. Here are some good tips to help your furry friends comfortably enjoy the rest of the season.

Transportation:

Never leave your pet in an unattended car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows slightly open.

When you bring your pet along on a car ride, use a pet safety harness. If an accident were to occur, a pet safety harness can ensure that every passenger is protected.

If your dog must ride in the back of a pick-up truck, make sure that he or she is in a crate that is secured to the bed of the truck. If you were to suddenly hit the brakes, swerve or be hit by a car, it could result in serious injury not only to your pet, but to other drivers.

Wellness:

Make sure that your pet is protected from heartworm. Dogs and cats are at higher risk of contracting heartworm during the summer because there is an increase of mosquitoes, which transfer the disease. Contact your veterinarian in order to determine the best schedule for heartworm testing and preventive medication for your pet.

Protect your pet from the heat by providing him/her with large amounts of fresh water and keeping them indoors with you and providing plenty of shade when they are spending time outdoors. On hot days, limit your pet's exercise to the early morning or evening hours. Also, keep in mind that the hot asphalt can burn your pet's paws.

Precautions:

Learn to identify the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet does become overheated, immediately lower his/her body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water over his/her body, and giving small amounts of water or ice cubes.

Make sure that your pet is always wearing a collar with an updated identification tag.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. -Anatole France

Tasty Treats

2009-08-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

Microwave Dog Biscuit Treats From the very friendly folks at RecipeGoldmine.com

I N G R E D I E N T S
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup dry milk
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup shortening
1 tablespoon bouillon granules
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon sugar
1 egg slightly beaten
1/2 cup hot water

I N S T R U C T I O N S
Combine flour, cornmeal, milk, oats and sugar. Cut in shortening.
Add egg, bouillon and hot water. Knead 5 minutes.
Roll 1/2-inch thick and cut out into favorite shapes.
Microwave at 50% power for 5 to 10 minutes, rotating plate.
These don’t last long, so make a bunch.

Quote of the Day

2009-08-07T12:42:00.001-07:00

"Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog." ―Franklin P. Jones

Breed Blends

2009-08-06T14:42:00.001-07:00

I'm sure many of you have heard of a cockapoo (Cocker-Spaniel/Poodle mix) but here some fun mixes you might not be as familiar with.

Ba-Shar

Mix: Basset Hound/Chinese Shar-Pei

American Eagle Dog

Mix: American Eskimo/Beagle

Bosapso

Mix: Boston Terrier/Lhasa Apso

Bullmation

Mix: Bulldog/Dalmation

Cheeks

(also known as a Pekachi)

Mix: Chihuahua/Pekingese

Cocker-Pei

Mix: Cocker Spaniel/Chinese Shar Pei

Puggle

Mix: Pug/Beagle

Saint Dane

Mix: Great Dane/Saint Bernard

Boxerdoodle

Mix: Boxer/poodle Terrier/Poodle

What fun mixes have you seen?

Cat Extremes

2009-08-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Biggest Cat
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world's fattest cat on record was a male tabby named "Himmy" from Queensland, Australia. Himmy died of respiratory failure in 1986 at the age of 10 years old. When he died, he weighed almost 47 pounds. He had a 15 inch neck, was 38 inches long and had a 33 inch waist.

There is a new contender for the world’s heaviest cat. Five year old Katy, who lives in Russia reportedly weighs 20kg. Katy’s owners had hoped to have her recognised as the world’s heaviest cat with the Guinness Book of Records however they are no longer accepting nominations in this category as they don’t want to encourage pet owners overfeeding their animals.

Smallest Cat

Mr. Peebles, a 2 year old domestic cat of Central Illinois holds the Guinness Book of World Records award for the smallest living cat. Weighing in around 3lbs he is 6.1 inches high.
Apparently his small stature is due to a genetic defect. Because he's already past the age when a cat reaches normal size, Mr. Peebles probably won't get any bigger. Mr. Peebles lives in the Good Shepherd Veterinary Clinic in Pekin. The clinic's employees serve as collective co-owners.
The clinic said he was named after a ventriloquist's dummy on an episode of "Seinfeld."

Quote of the Day

2009-08-06T11:17:00.004-07:00

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras

Lifesavers

2009-07-13T00:08:00.000-07:00

Of course I love my pets. But I also love my newborn baby, and so I'm generally reduced to blubber when I read sweet stories that combine the two. Here's a true one.

A dog sheltered a newborn baby abandoned by its 14-year-old mother in a field in rural Argentina until the boy was rescued, a doctor said Friday.

A resident of a rural area outside La Plata called police late Wednesday night to say that he had heard the baby crying in a field behind his house. The man went outside and found the infant lying beside the dog and its six newborn puppies, said Daniel Salcedo, chief of police of the Province of Buenos Aires. The temperature was a chilly 37 degrees, Salcedo said.
The dog had apparently carried the baby 50 meters from where his mother had abandoned him to where the puppies were huddled, police said. "She took it like a puppy and rescued it," Salcedo said. "The doctors told us if she hadn't done this, he would have died. The dog is a hero to us."

Dr. Egidio Melia, director of the Melchor Romero Hospital in La Plata, said police showed up at the hospital at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday with the baby, who doctors say was only a few hours old.
Though the infant had superficial scratches and bruises and was bleeding from his mouth, he was in good shape, Melia said.

(Source: CNN)

OK, so yes, I'm extremely disturbed that a baby was abandoned. But what an amazing dog! And I love a good story with a happy ending.

What Breed Are You?

2009-03-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

I just found out I'm a poodle, which is fantastic - good looks, intelligence, and great personality all in one happy little package. To be perfectly honest, I've always been more of a lab / mutt / dachshund lover myself, but I'll take compliments where I can get them!

But you can find out what dog breed you are right here!

Now to find out what kind of cat I am...

If a Dog Were Your Teacher...

2009-03-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

If a Dog Were Your Teacher

You would learn stuff like .....
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in yourface to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest - practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shadetree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout ...
run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit closeby and nuzzle them gently.

From the Cartoon Vault...

2009-02-27T14:09:00.000-08:00