Pet Proof Your Home

Dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets, birds and other pets are curious by nature. That’s why it’s so important that you make sure your house is “pet-proofed” before bringing home your new family member. Dr. Mark Verdino, VP and Chief of Veterinary Staff at North Shore Animal League America, advises taking a “whole-house” approach. “There are potential dangers to your pet in every room, but you can keep them safe with some careful planning,” he says.

Your first step, according to Dr. Verdino: Start by getting down on your hands and knees so you can view each room from your pet’s eye level. Of course, most animals can find a way to get into higher places, but surveying their world from ground level might alert you to unseen hazards like candy wrappers, coins, dropped pills and game pieces.

While most people have heard that chocolate is a no-no for pets (it’s true), other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, Xylitol (in sugar free gums), Macadamia nuts, coffee grounds and alcohol. Cigarettes are also bad for pets (no surprise), and though they’re not likely to smoke them, they could be tempted to eat them (not to mention what the second-hand smoke does to their little lungs . . . ).

Many common household products contain chemicals and other toxic substances. As you would for children, lock these materials away from your pets:
* Pesticides (try to use natural products, which are better for you, your pets and the planet)
* Antifreeze
* Rat, mouse and insect poisons (there are better natural alternatives for this . . . )
* Mothballs (again . . . there are more natural alternatives, such as cedar balls or blocks, as well as some herbs)
* Fabric softener sheets
* Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter)
* Cosmetics
* Potpourri oils
* Batteries
* Paints, glues and varnishes

Even certain household plants can be hazardous if ingested. Some of the more common ones to avoid:

* Aloe Vera
* Boston Ivy
* Poinsettia
* Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
* Peace or Easter Lily
* English and German Ivy
* India Rubber Plant
* Mistletoe
* Philodendron
* Chrysanthemum

Puppies, kittens, bunnies and ferrets and even birds love to chew everything in sight, so keep electrical wires, dangling blind cords and all sharp objects out of reach, Dr. Verdino adds.

Finally, be sure to keep an Emergency Pet First Aid Kit handy in case your pets have an accident, and call your Vet immediately if you suspect they’ve been injured or exposed to a toxic material.

P.S. Here's a handy checklist to get you started!

http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/safety/pet-proofing-your-home.html

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

What to Feed Your Pet Hamsters

Feeding Hamsters ~ The Basics ~ The basis of a hamster's diet should be a good quality store-bought food designed specifically for hamsters. Should you choose a pelleted diet or a diet based on a loose seed mix?

Pelleted Diets ~ Pelleted foods offer a completely balanced diet, and for this reason we generally recommend pelleted diets. As explained below, a hamster can be picky with loose mixes resulting in an imbalanced diet. However, pelleted diets are a bit monotonous and some hamsters will refuse them. A pelleted mix can be supplemented with a variety of other items, as long as the pelleted food makes up the bulk of the diet to ensure well-balanced nutrition.

Loose Mix/Seed Diets ~ It is important to pick a loose mix diet that contains a variety of foods such as grains and dried vegetables along with some seeds ~ and some loose mixed foods also contained a balanced pellet food as part of the mix. As mentioned previously, the biggest problem with loose mixes is that hamsters can pick and choose their favorite bits, which could result in a dietary imbalance. When feeding a loose mix, make sure your hamster empties the food bowl before adding more as this is the best way to make sure your hamster does not just eat his or her favorite parts.

Our recommendation: try to get your hamster to eat a pelleted diet, and supplement it with a variety of other foods such as human foods. If you like, you can even sprinkle a bit of a loose mix diet in with the pellets to add a bit of variety.

Fresh Foods and Treats ~ You can feed your hamster a variety of human foods, as long as you stick to healthy human foods and limit the treats to no more than about 10 percent of the diet. Skip the junk food and stick to healthy things like whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruits (in moderation, or diarrhea may result). Store-bought treats such as yogurt drops and honey/seed sticks are generally sugary, and we recommend avoiding them.

Note: since dwarf hamsters are somewhat prone to diabetes, it is prudent to avoid much sugar in their diet, so avoid fruits as treats for dwarf hamsters.

Some suggested fruits and vegetables:

apples (no seeds!)
bananas
blueberries
broccoli
carrots
cauliflower
cucumber
dandelions greens
grapes
kale
peas
potato (cooked)
romaine lettuce
spinach
strawberries
sweet potato
squash

Other treats:

hay
whole grain bread or toast
whole wheat pasta (cooked)
brown rice (cooked)
whole grain cereal (no sugary cereal)
meal worms
crickets
bit of hard boiled egg
nuts (no almonds; unsalted)
unsalted peanuts
pumpkin seeds
lentils
sunflower seeds
plain air popped popcorn (no butter or salt!)

Hamsters usually love peanut butter, but it must be fed carefully (as with any other sticky food) because it can get stuck in their cheek pouches and cause severe problems. A very thin layer on a piece of wood is okay as an occasional treat, but peanut butter must be given with caution.

What to Avoid:

apple seeds
raw beans
raw potatoes
almonds
citrus fruit
garlic
onions
rhubarb leaves or raw rhubarb
chocolate
any sugary or salty foods
any junk food

Again, variety is the key here, so start with a healthy pelleted mix, add in some fruits, veggies and the occasional treat and your hamster should be happy and thriving for a long time! 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Cats Are Different ~ How a Cat's Nutritional Needs are Different from a Dog's

Our wonderful life-supporting planet is home to a remarkably diverse and complex spectrum of living organisms. And although all living things do share some common traits and similar biochemical pathways and cellular functions, there are many notable differences that make each creature stand out from the crowd. So even with the thread of sameness joining all the planets’ life forms, diversity and difference makes us take note of each creature’s uniqueness. Maybe that’s why the cat is America’s favorite housepet . . . cats are different!

This extraordinary four-legged feline has, for all of recorded time, evoked wonder and surprise, superstition and affection, damnation, and deification. From pharaohs to philosophers to paupers, the companionship of and affection for cats has been a result of the cat’s unique ability to make us humans gaze in awe and admiration.

Eons of special environmental circumstances have forced the cat to evolve some interesting and individualized biochemical activities. Let’s take a peek at how unique the cat is inside, in that mysterious universe of liver and kidneys and glands and fluids where a million chemical reactions are going about their biological business in silent obscurity. And to make our little peek at the inner workings of the cat more interesting, let’s contrast a few of the cat’s biological activities to those of our next most favorite companion the dog.

In so many obvious ways, cats look, act, react, and respond differently than dogs. You never see a cat happily wag its tail; a dog’s reflexes are quick, a cat’s reflexes are incredible; dogs are doers, cats are watchers. These differences are easily noted by simple observation. Now let’s explore some of the unseen microscopic world of the cat ~ the invisible world of metabolism and chemistry that is just as real as those traits we can see with our eyes.

To begin with we must get a good grip on two terms . . . carnivore and omnivore. The cat is considered by scientists to be a strict carnivore and the dog is considered to be an omnivore. Both species are in the Class Mammalia and the Order Carnivora, but here’s the difference: The cat cannot sustain its life unless it consumes meat in some form. Dogs, however, are able to survive on plant material alone; they do not have to consume meat. But always keep in mind that dogs do best and by nature are primarily meat-eaters. Just because by definition they are omnivores (can digest and utilize plant and animal food sources) does not mean that plant material alone makes a good source of nutrition for the dog. Far too many dogs have been undernourished by those cheap grain-based dog foods. And grain-based cat foods are even worse!

So a good way to think of it is that cats are carnivores, dogs are omnivores, but they both have evolved as hunters of other animals in keeping with their nature as meat-eaters.

There are numerous chemical substances that are required for a cat to remain alive. These substances, some very complex chemical molecules and some very basic and simple, must be provided along the internal chemical reaction pathways at all times. Like other living plants and animals, the cat can manufacture most of its own required substances within its own body’s chemical factory. For example, Vitamin C is a requirement for life sustaining processes for us Mammalia, and dogs and cats make plenty of their own within their body’s chemical factory ~ the liver. We humans don’t make enough within our body chemical factory . . . so to keep ourselves alive we have to find some Vitamin C already made (preformed) somewhere in our environment, gather or capture it, then eat it. Without the Vitamin C, we would die.

Dogs and cats don’t have to worry about gathering, capturing, and eating other preformed Vitamin C. They don’t care where their next grapefruit will come from because they make all the Vitamin C they need inside their own personal chemical factory.

On the other hand, there are numerous nutrients and chemicals that cats need that they can only acquire if they eat animal-derived tissues. That is, they need to prey on other living creatures that do make the essential chemicals that cats don’t! Out of necessity, the cat has evolved ways to hunt down, capture and eat this prey in order to "borrow" the prey's nutrients.

Outlined below are just a few of the unseen, but still very real biochemical differences between cats and dogs. Look these over, and you will be even more convinced that cats are different!

VITAMIN A ~ Also called retinol, this vitamin is required at the cellular level by both cats and dogs.

Cats ~ Process little or no enzymes that will break down the plant-produced carotenoids. Must eat preformed active Vitamin A (that is, Vitamin A that already has been converted from carotenoids to its active form by some other creature such as a mouse or rabbit). Here’s a good example of why cats are called strict carnivores . . . they need to eat some other animal in order to "borrow" its active Vitamin A!

Dogs ~ Have enzymes in the lining of the intestine that can break down plant carotenoids and convert these into active Vitamin A.


NIACIN ~ An essential B vitamin (essential means must be eaten, can’t be made inside the body’s chemical factory.)

Cats ~ Can obtain Niacin only by eating the preformed vitamin. Cannot convert Tryptophan to niacin.

Dogs ~ Obtain Niacin in two ways. One is by converting a dietary amino acid call Tryptophan into Niacin, and the other way is by eating preformed Niacin.


ARGININE ~ A building block for proteins, it is an amino acid. Arginine is vital to many of the animal’s internal chemical factory’s functions. No Arginine and the entire factory goes on strike!

Cats ~ Are extremely sensitive to even a single meal deficient in Arginine and are unable to make their own Arginine within their chemical factory. Cats need lots of protein, and Arginine is involved in aiding the elimination of the protein waste products so the wastes don’t pollute the whole factory!

Dogs ~ Are not very sensitive to low levels of Arginine in their diets and produce enzymes internally that can aid production of Arginine.


TAURINE ~ An amino acid that is not built into proteins, but is distributed throughout most body tissues. Taurine is important for healthy functioning of the heart, retina, bile fluid and certain aspects of reproduction.

Cats ~ Must eat preformed Taurine. And since it is not found in plant tissues, cats must consume meat to obtain Taurine. Therefore, Taurine is essential in the diets of cats. Here again, meat has to be supplied to the factory so the Taurine can be extracted for its many uses.

Dogs ~ Make their own in their internal chemical factory.


FELININE ~ It is a compound made from a sulfur amino acid (SAA) called Cysteine.

Cats ~ Have a much higher requirement for SAA than other Mammalia and are the only creatures to manufacture the Felinine chemical. Felinine’s role in the overall function of the chemical factory is unknown, but like most factories whose wastes generate offensive odors, any Felinine present in the male cat’s urine alerts the neighbors that the factory is up and runnin’!

Dogs ~ Don’t know and don’t care what this stuff is.

DIETARY PROTEIN 

Cats ~ If fed a perfectly balanced and 100-percent digestible protein in a diet, the cat will use 20 percent of that protein for growth metabolism and 12 percent for maintenance. Here’s any easy way to say it . . . cats need more protein in their diets than dogs do.

Dogs ~ If fed a perfectly balanced and 100-percent digestible protein in a diet, the dog will use 12 percent of that protein for growth metabolism and only 4 percent of that protein for maintenance. Here's an easy way to say this . . . dogs need less protein in their diets than cats.


ARACHIDONIC ACID ~ An essential fatty acid that plays a vital role in fat utilization and energy production.

Cats ~ Cannot make their own Arachidonic Acid even in the presence of adequate linoleic acid. The reason cats can’t make Arachidonic Acid from linoleic acid is because the cat’s chemical factory (liver) contains no delta-6-desaturase enzyme to convert linoleic to Arachidonic. Tell your cat owning friends about this one. Tell them about the cat’s lack of liver delta-6-desaturase enzyme and they will think you’ve got a Ph.D. in biochemistry!

Dogs – Can make their own Arachidonic Acid if they consume enough linoleic acid by eating proper fats. Therefore, we can say that Arachidonic Acid is not an essential fatty acid for dogs.


FASTING AND STARVATION

Cats ~ Do not mobilize fat reserves for energy very efficiently and, in fact, break down non-fatty body tissues for energy. This upsets the internal chemical factory and can lead to a very dangerous feline disorder called hepatic lipidosis. Never put a fat cat on a starvation diet, it might just put the entire factory out of business.

Dogs ~ Can tolerate prolonged fasts and utilize fat reserves for energy.

So, there you have an insight into some of the invisible goings-on in our friend the cat. It should be obvious that a high quality, meat-based diet is imperative to a cat's wellness. There are no vegetarian diets for cats! And, feeding your cat a homemade concoction of meat may be a disaster. Often, the best recourse is to find a good quality meat-based diet for your feline. 

The next time you admire a cat's unique personality and behavior, and watch the way they egocentrically carry themselves for anyone to see, remember . . . hidden beneath that furry skin is another unique and vast universe. There is a veritable chemical cosmos inside your cat that's just as wondrous and magnificent as the cosmos above. You can't see it, but it's there, silently following the rules of nature to sustain our unique and valued feline friends. And it's that complex chemical cosmos, working it's fantastic magic, that prompts us cat lovers to say, truly . . . cats are different!

We love them all equally, which is why we feed them only the best . . . . safe, natural, premium food, treats and supplements!

For more information or to request samples, visit our website at:

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com


*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Skin Problems ~ Lumps and Bumps

Skin problems rank high among the most common reasons that pets go to the veterinarian. Chief complaints include unexplained lumps and bumps that develop on the surface of the skin, under the skin, or even inside the mouth. The good news is that most of the time these swellings are simply benign (non-cancerous) growths. However, it is imperative to have any suspicious growths examined by your vet since they could lead to a more serious condition that may require treatment.

There are a few things that you can do at home if you spot a ‘bumpy lumpy’ on your pet. You should immediately inspect your companion to see if there are multiple bumps or just one. Your pet could be acting fine, the lumps not sensitive to the touch but they can still be serious. The size of a lump is not an indication of its severity. If your pet is acting normally, the lump does not appear painful, and it’s not accompanied by a bad odor, then you probably aren’t facing a dire emergency. Benign growths can include fluid-filled cysts, fatty tumors, warts, skin tags and histiocytomas. Don’t make yourself crazy by trying to diagnose the malady at home. Simply schedule a vet appointment and find out what’s going on.

On the other hand, if you do notice a change in your pet’s behavior then this should be an immediate red flag. Other red flags include fatigue, food avoidance, or inexplicable limping. Symptoms of an infected lump may include red swelling, foul odor coming from the lump, and obvious pain or tenderness associated with the area. Bumps that appear overnight could be due to an abscess, an infection in a wound. Of course, the ‘worst case scenario’ for many is that a bump will prove to be a cancerous tumor. If left unchecked, malignant tumors can grow and spread to other parts of the body. It probably bears repeating … if there’s any question about what’s going on with your dog or cat, take them to the vet for testing.

When you bring your pet in to see your vet, he or she will ask you some questions regarding when you first noticed the lump or swelling, whether you’ve noticed any changes in its appearance, and more. These questions are necessary for your vet to start narrowing down the possible causes and treatments needed. Don’t be alarmed if your vet uses the terms mass, tumor, or growth when referring to any bumps. These are simply medical terms used to describe any swellings and does not automatically mean a cancerous diagnosis. Additionally, your vet will likely perform a physical examination from head to tail. This exam is critical for the assessment of your pet’s health state, and to determine whether there are multiple lumps present (i.e., any that you might’ve missed in your home exam). The look and feel of a bump can give your vet a lot of insight towards what could be wrong. Further testing may be needed to successfully establish the source of the trouble.

After the physical exam, your vet will either offer some immediate treatment options if nothing serious is going on, or ask for permission to conduct further diagnostic testing. A simple test, known as cytology (Greek for ‘the study of cells’) of the lump, may be initially recommended. During this test, a needle is inserted into the bump or swelling, and cells are extracted. The sample will be studied under a microscope for further analysis. The only problem with cytology is that the results can provide only a limited amount of information. If this procedure does not provide a sufficient explanation for the problem, your vet may recommend a biopsy.

There are two types of biopsies: incisional and excisional. With an incisional biopsy, a small amount of the lump is sampled and sent out for analysis. An excisional biopsy requires the removal of the entire mass or swelling, also sent out for analysis. Your pet may need local anesthesia or general sedation before a biopsy is performed, dependent upon the size and location of the mass, as well as the behavioral temperament of your companion.

Ultimately, treatment options will depend on the results of the lump’s analysis. Your vet may determine that the lump or swelling is only cosmetic and poses no threat to your pet kid’s health. In this case, you will want to keep a close eye on the area and notify your vet of any changes. If the diagnosis is more serious, your veterinarian will discuss all available treatment options to address, and hopefully heal, whatever’s going on.

If you remember nothing else, the take-away here is that your greatest resource in diagnosing and treating any skin problem is your vet.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

12 Reasons to Keep Your Cat Indoors

Over the years through my work with rescues and shelters, I hear from guilt-ridden pet parents regarding the horrible things that happened to their cats when they went outside ~ they were hit by cars, attacked by predators, infected with diseases or they simply disappeared.

Even today with so much information available, many people still let their cats outdoors ~ often with misplaced good intentions. Here are twelve strong reasons to keep your cats indoors where they will safe and protected. And no, it's not cruel to keep your cats indoors. There are plenty of ways to keep them happy and content.


1.      Indoor Cats Generally Live Longer ~ In general, a cat who spends his entire life indoors will live many years longer than a cat restricted exclusively to the outdoors. If you cat has indoor/outdoor access, chances are that he will live longer than the exclusively outdoor feline, but he still faces increased risks to his health and safety that can impact lifespan.  If you wish to let your cats outdoors, perhaps you might consider a safe enclosure, such as a "catio".

2.      Indoor Cats Will Not Get Struck by Vehicles ~ The outdoor cat is always at risk of being struck by a vehicle. Even the most supposedly “street savvy” feline can become distracted while in pursuit of prey or while being chased by another cat or a dog. Cats get hit by cars at an alarmingly high rate, and a little eight-pound cat is no match against a car or truck. Even if the cat survives, the injuries are usually extremely severe.

3.      Reduced Risk of Poisoning ~ Outdoors cats are at risk of exposure to ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning, lawn pesticides, poisoning from spoiled food in trash cans, mole and rodent poisons and intentional poisoning from people.  Even though there’s a risk of poisoning in an indoor environment as well, you are better able to remove toxic plants, toxic chemicals and other dangers in order to keep them out of your cat’s reach.

4.      Prevent Injury from Animal Fights ~ It’s not unusual for an outdoor cat to become injured or develop a painful and serious abscess from fighting with another cat, dog or other outdoor animal. Even if you have your cat neutered or spayed, there are many intact cats roaming outside who are extremely territorial and will fight to the death . . . . even when unprovoked.

5.      Decreased Risk of Disease ~ If your cat isn’t exposed to other outdoor cats, he has a greatly reduced risk of contracting a contagious disease.

6.      Decreased Risk of Parasites ~ The chances of your cat becoming infested with fleas, ticks or internal worms will be greatly reduced if he remains in an indoor environment because he won’t be coming in contact with infected feces, prey, grass or soil.

7.      No Danger from Predators ~ Cats are potential prey to some dogs and if you live in certain areas of the country they are also at risk of being attacked by coyotes or even owls.

8.      Food Control ~ With an indoor cat you can control what he eats and how much he consumes each day. If your cat goes outdoors you have no idea whether he is munching on some cheap food left out on a neighbor’s back porch for the local stray cats. By eating from that same food bowl he will also be at risk of contracting disease.

9.      No Risk of Cruelty ~ Outdoors, your cat may easily become the victim of a cat-hating neighbor, mean children who think it’s fun to abuse a helpless animal or people who use cats for unspeakable things.

10.   You’ll Know Where Your Cat Is ~ If your cat is indoors, there is a greatly reduced risk of him getting lost or stolen.

11.   Better Health Monitoring ~ With an indoor cat you can easily monitor what is or isn’t happening in the litter box. That early detection of any change in your cat’s litter box habits could mean less pain and suffering. You will also be able to better monitor changes in food or water intake, activity level, etc.

12.   You’ll be a Better Neighbor ~ Not everyone wants a cat peeing in their garden, stalking the backyard bird feeder or lounging on the car in their driveway. In most cases, your neighbors will be happier knowing your cat is quietly watching the outdoor activity from inside the house.  ♥

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), holistic health products and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Cat Breeds 101 ~ Chartreux

The Chartreux is a study in contrasts. It has a robust body, broad shoulders, and a deep chest, but medium-short, finely-boned legs. Well muscled and energetic, the Chartreux also lives up to its reputation in French literature as a fine mouser.

Physical Characteristics

The Chartreux has earned the infamous description of looking like "a potato on toothpicks" because of its robust body and thin legs. Its coat, which is shades of blue-gray with silvery-colored tips, is dense and water-repellent ~ both of which enhance its ability to swim.

Typically, Chartreux males are larger than females.

Personality and Temperament

A born hunter, the Chartreux may have been primarily used to get rid of mice. It is agile and energetic and has all the characteristics necessary in a good companion. It is a good-tempered, loyal, and above all, quiet cat. Owners rarely hear its voice.

Capable of strong attachments, it may climb onto a lap if someone happens to sit near it. This cat is also playful and fun-loving, amusing its owner with its antics. It enjoys a game of fetch or any other game involving the family and other pets. This intelligent cat can even become familiar with its name and respond when called.

Health

Though this cat is known for health and hardiness, it may possess a recessive gene of medial patellar luxation.

History and Background

The history of this breed is immersed in legend. The tale goes that the Chartreux was bred by monks in the order's head monastery, Grande Chartreuse, in the French Alps. Besides devoting their time to prayers, these fascinating monks made inroads into other not-so-holy activities like liqueur-making, weapon-forging, and breeding cats. The green-and-yellow Chartreuse liqueur originated in the monastery, thanks to the efforts of these monks.

Though the monastery was founded in 1084 by Saint Bruno, the cats staged their appearance only in the 13th century. They were brought to the monastery by crusading, battle-weary knights who, after prolonged battle with the Turks, retired to the peace of monastic life. Among the wealth they brought home were blue cats that they had found on the coast of Africa. These cats were trained to have quiet voices so as not to rudely interrupt meditation. The authenticity of this story, however, cannot be verified.

The Chartreux were first heard of in the 16th century, according to another story closer to the truth. The Histoire Naturelle, written in the 1700s by biologist Comte de Buffon, talks about four cat breeds that were common to Europe at that time: domestic, Angora, Spanish, and Chartreux. In the 1920s, a colony of cats was discovered by two sisters by the name of Leger on the tiny Brittany Island Belle-Ile, off the coast of France. The Leger sisters, who were also cat lovers, worked on this breed and in 1931 exhibited the first Chartreux in France.

World War II, however, dealt a crushing blow to this thriving cat community. Breeders rushed to rescue it and it was crossed with blue British Shorthairs, Russian Blues, and Persians to ensure its continued existence.

The Chartreux finally arrived in the United States in 1970 when the late Helen Gamon of La Jolla, California, brought back a male Chartreux from Madame Bastide in France, a breeder who had pure Chartreux lines. This famous cat was responsible for perpetuating the Chartreux cats in America. The breed was granted Championship status in 1987. It has Championship status in all associations.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Pet Care 101: Holistic Veterinary Care

More and more pets are reaping the benefits of holistic veterinary care every day. Veterinarians are becoming frustrated with their patients not responding to the protocols that they were taught in veterinary school. As a result, many are continuing their education by taking classes in complementary modalities. These may include: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Chiropractic, and Flower Essence Therapy, to name a few.  Large and companion animal vets have embraced these new therapies. In wildlife and zoo animal medicine, homeopathy and flower essences are especially beneficial. This is because of their palatability, infrequent dosing requirements and the fact that they work so well in cases that have a strong emotional basis.

Of course domestic animals have their share of emotional issues also. One of the most rewarding aspects of obtaining a holistic veterinary education is the knowledge one acquires to be able to help in the area of grief. As in people, animals become sad and despondent with the passing of a loved one. Many times the holistic veterinarian will prescribe homeopathic remedies for grief.  A common scenario is:  two senior dogs, let's say Labrador Retrievers who are brothers, 10-12 years old. One becomes ill and dies. The remaining brother stops eating and loses his will to go on.  Most vets are not called until this has been ongoing for 1-2 weeks.  The pet parents are grieving and afraid they are going to lose their other senior boy. However, once they start giving one of the homeopathic remedies for grief (there are a few), within a day or two the remaining Labrador begins to eat, and he is no longer ill from being sad.

All types of animal patients benefit from holistic pet care. The conditions holistic vets see the most are: Arthritis, Allergic Dermatitis, Neurological Disorders, Cancer, and Autoimmune disease. However, emotional issues are common also, such as aggression, separation anxiety, dementia and fearfulness. As in people, often the physical symptoms of the diseases vets see are preceded or accompanied by emotional imbalances. Luckily, holistic veterinary medicine provides a myriad of treatment options for the few, but increasing, holistic vets who have had the good fortune to experience and learn these modalities.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

To keep your pets healthier, happier, and living longer lives, we recommend feeding them our premium line of natural pet food, treats and supplements, as well as caring for them with our line of holistic pet care products.  All of our products are formulated by our holistic veterinarian, Dr. Jane Bicks, who works very hard to not only provide the best, health-promoting products . . . . Dr. Jane and Life's Abundance have also established a foundation to help improve the lives of abandoned companion animals all across the U.S.  Every time you purchase a Life's Abundance product, a portion of the profits are contributed to a fund that supports the operation of this organization.  Thank you so much for your continued business! Together, we are making a positive difference in the world, one animal at a time. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Dangerous Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat!!

Who can resist those big brown eyes and cute doggie grin? Can a little reward from the table really hurt your dog? Well, that depends on what it is and what's in it. A chip with guacamole can cause your dog some real problems. In fact, there's a lot of people food your dog should never eat. And, it's not just because of weight. Some foods are downright dangerous for dogs ~ and some of these common foods may surprise you.


Avocado ~ No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It's harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs. If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.

Alcohol ~ Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol ~ none of it's good for your dog. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.

Onions and Garlic ~ Onions and garlic in all forms ~ powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated ~ can destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That can happen even with the onion powder found in some baby food. An occasional small dose is probably OK. But just eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.

Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine ~ Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee ~ including beans and grounds ~ caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.

Grapes and Raisins ~ Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for dogs. But it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, the dog will become lethargic and depressed. The best prevention is to keep grapes and raisins off counters and other places your dog can reach.




Milk and Other Dairy Products ~ On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream cone with your dog. But if your dog could, it would thank you for not doing so. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as set up food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness).






Macadamia Nuts ~ Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts or foods containing macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death.

Candy and Gum ~ Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog's body. That can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures. Liver failure can occur within just a few days.




Chocolate ~ Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.



Fat Trimmings and Bones ~ Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog's digestive system. It's best to just forget about the doggie bag.

Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums ~ The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus, peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them. Dogs don't.




Raw Eggs ~ There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog's coat if raw eggs are fed for a long time.




Raw Meat and Fish ~ Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease" or "salmon poisoning disease." If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.

Salt ~ It's not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. It may even cause death.

Sugary Foods and Drinks ~ Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly the onset of diabetes.




Yeast Dough ~ Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that's exactly what it would do in your dog's stomach if your dog ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the dog's abdomen and cause severe pain. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.




Your Medicine ~ Reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Just as you would do for your children, keep all medicines out of your dog's reach. And, never give your dog any over-the-counter medicine unless told to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog.

Kitchen Pantry: No Dogs Allowed ~ Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your dog. For instance, baking powder and baking soda are both highly toxic. So are nutmeg and other spices. Keeping food items high enough to be out of your dog's reach and keeping pantry doors closed will help protect your dog from serious food-related illness.

If Your Dog Eats What It Shouldn't ~ Dogs explore with their mouth. And, no matter how cautious you are, it's possible your dog can find and swallow what it shouldn't. It's a smart idea to always keep the number of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center ~ (888) 426-4435 ~ where you know you can find it in an emergency. And, if you think your dog has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once.

What Dogs CAN Eat ~ You can ensure your dog has a healthy, well-balanced diet by asking your vet to recommend a quality dog food. A well-designed dog food gives your pet all the nutrients it needs for an active and healthy life. But that doesn't mean you can't sometimes give your dog human food as a special treat -- as long as portions are limited, and the foods are cooked, pure, and not fatty or heavily seasoned. See the next few slides for some tasty suggestions. But if you're looking to human food as a meal replacement, talk to your vet about amounts and frequency.

Safe: Lean Meats ~ Most dogs are fine eating lean cuts of meat that have been thoroughly cooked. Be sure to remove all visible fat ~  including the skin on poultry. Also be sure that there are no bones in the meat before you give it to your dog.

Safe: Some Fresh Fruits ~ Slices of apples, oranges, bananas, and watermelon make tasty treats for your dog. Be sure to remove any seeds first, though. Seeds, stems, and leaves can cause serious problems.

Safe: Some Vegetables ~ Your dog can have a healthy snack of carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, or zucchini slices. Even a plain baked potato is OK. Be sure, though, not to let your dog eat any raw potatoes or any potato plants it might have access to in your garden.

Safe: Cooked White Rice and Pasta ~ Dogs may enjoy plain white rice or pasta after it's cooked. And, a serving of plain white rice with some boiled chicken can sometimes provide welcome relief from gastrointestinal upset.

What We Recommend:

Our dogs are special and, here at Life's Abundance, we are committed to providing our special friends with high quality health foods, effective nutritional solutions and supplements, treats with a healthy purpose and luxurious pet care products created to beautify and pamper your pup.

For the most part, your dog eats the same food every day. That is why carefully choosing a food is so important to your dog’s long-term health.

For nearly a decade, tens of thousands of dogs have been eating and thriving on Life’s Abundance foods. We attribute this success to our painstaking attention to detail. Each ingredient in Life’s Abundance food is carefully chosen to work with all the others to provide your dog with a wholesome, highly-nutritious and perfectly-balanced meal every day, every year . . . .  over a long and loving lifetime.

With Life’s Abundance, you can be confident that you are feeding your dog advanced nutrition.

Why is Life’s Abundance Better? 

Life’s Abundance foods are veterinarian-formulated with select ingredients to help your dog achieve optimum health. We use a “fast-cook” process at low temperatures to help preserve the nutritional value of each and every wholesome ingredient. And we maintain strict inventory controls to ensure the quality and safety of our foods.

Life’s Abundance foods are made with the finest ingredients, including . . . . 

* A proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals
* High-quality protein from chicken meal for strong muscles
* An antioxidant system including vitamins A, C and E
* A selection of nutritious vegetables and fruits
* Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat
* Calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones
* Dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract

Since we use only wholesome ingredient, this formula contains . . . . 

* No artificial flavors
* No artificial colors
* No corn or corn gluten
* No wheat or wheat gluten

Life’s Abundance delivers concentrated nutrition in every bowl.

* A balanced blend of calcium and phosphorous to support growing and aging bones
* Our kibble has tested extremely positively with both puppies and adult dogs, regardless of breed or size
* Optimal protein levels for growing puppies and adults
* Unique blend of antioxidants that support dogs throughout their life cycle

Choose Life’s Abundance for your dog because a recipe for a better life is more than meeting minimum requirements.

To request samples of our pet food, treats, or supplements, please contact us via the Contact Us! page on this blog or via email at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com!



*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *



Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)


For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com