The Food and Drug Administration approved today the first U.S. drug developed specifically for the treatment of canine cancer.

Palladia, chemically known as toceranib phosphate, is manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health and will be available for use in early 2010.

“This cancer drug approval for dogs is an important step forward for veterinary medicine,” Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M., Ph. D., director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary medicine, said in a released statement.

“Prior to this approval, veterinarians had to rely on human oncology drugs, without knowledge of how safe or effective they would be for dogs. Today’s approval offers dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, an option for treatment of their dog’s cancer.”

Cancer drugs currently used by veterinarians are not approved for use in animals, as they were originally designed for humans. However, according to the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994, vets are allowed to administer human cancer medicine in an “extra-label” manner.

The Palladia tablet, taken orally, is indicated to treat Patnaik grade II or III recurrent cutaneous mast cell tumors with or without regional lymph node involvement. Common side effects include diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, lameness, weight loss, and blood in stool.

Palladia, a tyrosine kinase inhibtor, works in two ways: by killing tumor cells and by cutting off the blood supply to the tumor. In a clinical trial, approximately 60 percent of dogs had their tumors disappear, shrink, or stop growing.

Pfizer estimates 1.2 million new canine cancer cases are reported in the U.S. every year. And because, according to Phizer research, canine mast cell tumors are the second most common tumor type seen in dogs, Palladia is described by many as a new and exciting treatment option for vets.

SHEA BUTTER…all the scoop

I talk about Shea Butter this and that and I just realized that not everyone may be familiar with this amazingly wonderful nut. So, I did what everyone does and clicked right on over to Wikipdia and got all the scoop for my beloved Blissful Dog-gers! Here Goes…

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shea butter or Shea nut butter is a slightly yellowish or ivory-colored natural fat extracted from fruit of the shea tree by crushing and boiling. Shea butter is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and an emollient. Shea butter is also edible. It is used as a cooking oil in West Africa, as well as sometimes being used in the chocolate industry as a substitute for cocoa butter.

The shea or karite tree, formerly Butyrospermum paradoxum, is now called Vitellaria paradoxa. It produces its first fruit (which resemble large plums) when it is about 20 years old and reaches its full production when the tree is about 45 years old. It produces nuts for up to 200 years after reaching maturity.

Many vernacular names are used for Vitellaria, which is a reflection of its extensive range of occurrence—nearly 5,000km from Senegal (west) to Uganda (east) across the African continent. The nomenclature history and synonymy of the shea tree followed a very tortuous evolution since the oldest recorded specimen collected by a European—Scottish explorer Mungo Park—dated May 26, 1797. It eventually arrived at the name vitellaria with subspecies paradoxa and nilotica. It usually grows to an average height of about 15m with profuse branches and a thick waxy and deeply fissured bark that makes it fire resistant.

The shea tree grows naturally in the wild in the dry savannah belt of West Africa from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, and onto the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands. It occurs in 19 countries across the African continent, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinea.
Distribution of shea trees

In Ghana (FAO, 1988a), it occurs extensively in the Guinea savannah and less abundantly in the Sudan Savannah. The shea tree occurs over almost the entire area of Northern Ghana, over about 77,670 square kilometers in Western Dagomba, Southern Mamprusi, Western Gonja, Lawra, Tumu, Wa and Nanumba with Eastern Gonja having the densest stands. There is sparse shea tree cover found in Brong-Ahafo, Ashanti, and the Eastern and Volta regions in the south of the country.

Shea butter is known especially for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer and emollient. Some claim that it is also an anti-inflammatory agent.[citation needed]Shea butter is marketed as being effective at treating the following conditions: fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis.[citation needed] Shea butter provides natural ultraviolet sun protection, although the level of protection is extremely variable, ranging from nothing to approximately SPF 6. Shea butter absorbs rapidly into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. In Nigeria, it is known to be very effective in the management of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion.[1] This is due to its emollient properties which helps in relaxing the tension in the face skin thus easing respiration. All one needs do, if one has sinus problems or congestion, is rub a considerable amount of the butter in and around the nostrils. Scarcity of supply results in an erratic market price.

Shea butter can be found in many high-end moisturizing skin products. Shea butter is known for its skin softening effect. It is also used in hair conditioners to add and maintain moisture in dry brittle hair, in addition to retaining softness and preventing breakage.

Shea butter is used in some indigenous ceremonies. Followers of the Holy Spirit Movement rebel group of Uganda smeared their bodies with shea butter in the belief that it would stop bullets.

Handcrafted shea butter is used in Togo, West Africa for ceremonies among the Fulani ethnic group.

Many carvers of djembe shells and other African drum shells use shea butter to condition the wood. Shea butter is also used to condition the goat or cow skin heads of these drums.

A Bit Of A Diversion

You know, most of us have GREAT intentions about recycling, but somehow never get around to incorporating it all into our daily lives. Here is a great way to get going at work and before you know it…it is part of your life! I thank Tara Troge for sharing this article.

How to Start a Recycling Program at Work

When I worked for corporate America, I was deemed (happily!) by my co-workers as the legal department ‘tree hugger’ because I picked aluminum cans out of my colleagues’ garbage cans, stash them in a box under my desk and take them home for recycling. I even gave each of my colleagues an extra waste basket to throw their paper in and would pick it up on a on a weekly basis for recycling.

As we know, most people will go along with positive change as long as they aren’t the ones who have to do all the leg work! If you’re workplace hasn’t yet caught on to the recycling revolution, make them start now! Take control and banish the bad habits of your workplace by following these simple steps to a more earth friendly work environment:

1. Ask for volunteers to serve as the recycling coordinator. This person must be dedicated and organized! You may actually want to volunteer yourself, since you already have the drive to initiate a recycling program.
2. Decide what you want to recycle. Walk around your office and take note of what items are most often used: paper, aluminum cans, batteries, light bulbs, paper, glass bottles, plastic bottles, etc. If you decide not to recycle everything, then choose what is used the most and focus on those items.
3. Set up recycling bins and guidelines in the break room, inside the front door, or any other place where your co-workers gather to eat and drink. Recycling Guidelines can include such things as a request to smash cans, rinse out containers, etc.
4. Keep your co-workers involved. Send out a weekly/bi-monthly email to let them in on the success, progress and problems with your recycling program.

On a fun note, if you can turn your aluminum cans in for cash, start an office fund that will go towards an office lunch party or happy hour.

By Tara Troge of EcoSisters

Dogs and Kids

As you probably know, we also have a wonderful little resort nestled in the big woods of NW Minnesota, Dancing Bear Resort. We are blessed to have many, many guests that return year and year…and their first questions are always, “How is Mudd? How is Deuce? Where is Zoe?”

They ask about our pets before they ask about fishing, US or the weather. First and foremost is to ask how are our animals. That always makes my heart just explode with warmth! The knowledge that people truly have an innate love for the companion animals we share our lives with is powerful, isn’t it?

Zoe, our Great Pyrenees, was supposed to be an alpaca guard dog…but she had other ideas. She came into our lives when she was eighteen months or so old, so she had her own ideas already…nothing we said or did was going to make any difference to HER! Zoe greets our guests and virtually every week she chooses a family to adopt. Usually it is a family with younger kids, as if by sleeping under their cabin she will protect them from any real or imagined scary “stuff.” I will look out of my window and see her with three or four little kids hanging all over her…she looks very stoic, she does know that eventually they feed her – hahahah!

Zoe also literally turns her bowl of dog food over, as her meals are cooked with love for her pretty much all summer. I have been told she prefers her eggs sunny side up and her bacon just the teeniest bit crispy.

The only thing that scares Zoe are LOUD NOISES, fireworks, gunshots, car backfires…one loud noise and Zoe flies down into the basement and hides behind the old furnace. I immediately apply some of my The Blissful Dog Vibrational Essence HUG to her and just sit with her a bit and calm her down. Just sitting with her and using the HUG makes all the difference in the world, I promise. The Blissful Dog Shop“>Click here for more on HUG.

Everyday I am thankful that Zoe decided her work here at Dancing Bear Resort involved much more than guarding alpacas!

Blatant Sales Plug…Visit The Blissful Dog Shop and grab a bottle of our Vibrational Essence – HUG or RELAX – perfect for helping your dog through the stress and fear of the upcoming 4th of July and summer thunderstorms!

Info on AntiFreeze from Dogster – SAD

7 Things You Need to Know About Antifreeze

Working at Dogster is like being one of the people who runs the dog park – the hilarious times are many and the lessons learned are valuable. But sadly enough, it’s not always just fun and games. Those days do roll around when you show up and one of the dog park regulars is not there.

Last week, there wasn’t just one dog who didn’t show up to play. There were three. Dogster dogs Jake, Joey, and Nari had to be put to sleep last week, after having ingested antifreeze.

It is said that antifreeze is responsible for the poisoning of over 10,000 dogs and cats every year. The toxic ingredient to blame is ethylene glycol, a substance that is found not only in antifreeze, but in radiator coolant, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, and other automotive liquids. Its sweet-smelling and tasting properties make it attractive to pets, and it doesn’t take much to cause damage. One to two teaspoons can poison a cat, three tablespoons can kill a medium-sized dog.

Because it’s a substance that is readily available at auto supply stores and is used in nearly every motor vehicle on the road, it’s important that pet owners know a few things about antifreeze and its effect on small animals. Here are seven things that you should be aware of:

* Symptoms vary, depending on how long it has been since the dog drank the antifreeze. They will also depend on how much of the poison they drank.

* Initial symptoms mirror those of intoxication.

* The ethylene glycol can cause an irritating effect on a dog’s stomach, which may cause vomiting.

* Dogs will urinate and drink excessively. They may be depressed and exhibit signs of poor balance.

* Dogs drink more because the thirst centers of the brain are stimulated in response to the poison ingestion.

* While some dogs may appear to look and feel better 12 hours later, it is only because the liver and kidneys are working to metabolize the ethylene glycol. It is common, however, that symptoms return in 24 hours, and are much worse. Things to look for are dehydration, weakness, depression, diarrhea, rapid breathing, mouth ulcers and seizures.

* If you are certain that your dog has consumed antifreeze, you should attempt to induce vomiting and get him or her to a medical professional immediately.

Brachycephalic syndrome…common in French Bulldogs, Pugs etc.

ELONGATED SOFT PALATE • STENOTIC NARES • EVERTED LARYNGEAL SACCULES

—Janet R. Kovak, DVM
Diplomate ACVS

Synonyms: Brachycephalic syndrome

Certain breeds of dog are prone to difficulties breathing because of the shape of their head, muzzle and throat. The most common dogs affected are the “brachycephalic” breeds. Brachycephalic means “short-nosed.” Good examples of brachycephalic breeds include the English bulldog, Pug, French Bulldog, Pekingese, and Boston terrier. These dogs have been bred to have relatively short muzzles and noses and, because of this, the throat and breathing passages in these dogs are frequently undersized or flattened.

The term “Brachycephalic Syndrome” refers to the combination of elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and everted laryngeal saccules, all of which are commonly seen in these breeds. Elongated soft palate is a condition where the soft palate is too long so that the tip of it protrudes into the airway and interferes with inspiration of air into the lungs.

Stenotic Nares are malformed nostrils that are narrow or collapse inward during inhalation, making it difficult for the dog to breathe through its nose.

Everted Laryngeal Saccules is a condition in which tissue within the airway, just in front of the vocal cords, is pulled into the trachea (windpipe) and partially obstructs airflow.

Some dogs with brachycephalic syndrome may also have a narrow trachea (windpipe), collapse of the larynx (the cartilages that open and close the upper airway), or paralysis of the laryngeal cartilages.

Causes, Incidence and Prevalence:
Brachycephalic syndrome is considered to be an inherited condition. All brachycephalic breeds are prone to airway problems, and the shorter the nose is, the more likely it is that a dog will have respiratory difficulties due to one or all of the three problems. Obesity will aggravate the problems.

Signs and Symptoms:
Dogs with elongated soft palates generally have a history of noisy breathing, especially upon inspiration (breathing inward). Some dogs will retch or gag, especially while swallowing. Exercise intolerance, cyanosis (blue tongue and gums from lack of oxygen), and occasional collapse are common, especially following over-activity, excitement, or excessive heat or humidity. Many dogs with elongated soft palates prefer to sleep on their backs. This is probably because this position allows the soft palate tissue to fall away from the larynx. The signs associated with stenotic nares and everted laryngeal saccules are similar.

Physical Exam:
Stenotic nares can be easily diagnosed on physical examination (Figure 3). Definitive diagnosis of both elongated soft palate and everted laryngeal saccules can only be made with the dog under anesthesia. Generally, brachycephalic breeds have a thick tongue that makes visualization of the larynx in an awake animal very difficult. Attempts to restrain the patient and retract the tongue sufficiently to allow visualization of the larynx are generally unsuccessful. Under anesthesia, elongated soft palates extend past the tip of the epiglottis (the entrance to the airway) by several millimeters. In severe cases the soft palate will extend directly into the laryngeal opening. The tip of the soft palate is and the edges of the larynx are often inflamed (swollen and red). In chronic cases, the cartilages of the larynx become inflexible and begin to collapse, further narrowing the airway. Everted laryngeal saccules look like blue-gray soft tissue masses protruding into the airway just in front of the vocal folds.

Treatment Options:
Soft palate abnormalities should be treated if they cause distress to the dog, become more severe with time, or cause life-threatening obstruction. If your dog shows gagging, coughing, exercise intolerance, or stridor (difficulty breathing), resection of the excess soft palate may be necessary. Soft palate resection is performed using a scalpel blade, scissors, or CO2 laser. The palate is stretched and the excess tissue is removed with blade or scissors.

The palate is often stitched after it is cut; 60-85% of dogs improve with surgery but still have some intermittent noise or snoring. The CO2 laser may reduce bleeding and discomfort, and surgery time is shorter because no stitches are needed in the mouth.

If the laryngeal saccules are everted, they may be removed at the same time as the soft palate resection, or they may be left in and allowed to return to a more normal position. Correction of stenotic nares, if present, helps improve breathing and is done at the same time. (Figures 7a and 7b). Your general practice veterinarian may wish to refer you to an ACVS Veterinary Surgeon for evaluation and treatment of your pet’s breathing problems. To find an ACVS surgeon in your area, click here: Find a Surgeon.

Potential Complications Following Surgery:
Patients must be monitored very closely immediately after surgery. Significant inflammation or bleeding can obstruct the airway, making breathing difficult or impossible. Occasionally a tube must be placed through the neck into the trachea (“temporary tracheostomy”) until the swelling in the throat subsides enough that the dog can breathe normally.

Patients are usually observed in the hospital for at least 24 hours. Post-operative coughing and gagging are common. In chronic cases in which the laryngeal cartilages have become inflexible, removal of the elongated soft palate and laryngeal saccules may not provide enough relief. The creation of a new permanent opening into the trachea in the neck area (called a permanent tracheostomy) may be the only solution, although there are many complications associated with this procedure as well.

Prognosis:
The prognosis is good for young animals. They generally will breathe much easier and with significantly reduced respiratory distress. Their activity level can markedly improve. Older animals may have a less favorable prognosis, especially if the process of laryngeal collapse has already started. If the laryngeal collapse has advanced, the prognosis is poor unless additional procedures are performed to address this serious problem.

BLATANT SALES PLUG: Yes, The Blissful Dog Nose Butter will keep YOUR dog’s nose soft and pliable. Click here and shop.

Off #@$% Tick

Ticks are the bane of my existence, right after CNN, and this time of the year they are heinous here in the big woods of MInnesota. My Great Pyrenees, Zoe, is a true tick magnet and the pour-on stuff I have tried has not done a thing. Plus, it scares me to pour chemicals right onto her…if she were to have a reaction, there would be nothing I could do!

So, I Googled and searched and came up with a couple of more natural tick be-gone alternatives…

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons vegetable or nut oil (almond oil contains sulfur, a repellent
in its own right)
10 to 25 drops Rose Geranium essential oil

Combine the ingredients in a glass jar; shake to blend. Drop onto your dog’s collar, of course this works best on a fabric collar or use a handkerchief if your dog is a nudist.
Make: 2 tablespoons with a shelf life of about six months.

I also found info on these essential oils….cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary or thyme have all been shown to be effective, when used sparingly, to keep fleas and ticks away from pets and their favorite haunts.

Zoe and I will be letting you know which is the best of these essential oils!

Traveling with Your Flat Faced Dog Friend

Once upon a time Jack and Jill decided to travel up the hill and take Mr. Wiggles with them. Jack wanted to just grab a pail, but Jill was a much more savvy traveler and she grabbed her The Blissful Dog Travel List to help get things organized.

The Blissful Dog Travel List for Road Trips

• Make sure your dog is used to traveling before a long trip. A few quick trips around town will accustom your best buddy to being in the car. Of course, you will be using a crate for your dog on the trip, as safety first is Jack and Jill’s motto. No ugly spills will mar your idyllic vacation!
• Also, ensure your dog has a clean ill of health and is up to date on any required vaccinations OR has the appropriate titers (for those of us who are looking askance at over-vaccination issues. Bring copies of any paperwork along, just in case Mr. Wiggles nips someone (the horror).
• Even if your dog is usually “ala naturelle” have him or her wear a collar with identification. May we also suggest you have additional identification with the destination written out (there are nifty little cylinders you can buy and slip a piece of paper in with temporary contact info). While on the subject of collars and such…please make sure you keep your buddy on a leash while you are out of your area. It only takes a blink of a Pug eye for your best friend to get lost. They can quickly become disoriented and then a fun trip becomes a nightmare.
• Take cool water from home, especially if your dog has a sensitive tummy, as changes in water could give a little tourista (oh, no!). Also, bring plenty of food from home so they will not have nay digestive upsets along the way. Dogs crave routine and their same food, in their same bowl, at about the same time, is best, if at all possible.
• If you are the only human in the car there will be times when you HAVE to leave your dog alone in the car. In hotter climates, this can be a bit unsettling and we do not have perfect answers, just what has worked for us. Tip: Have two sets of keys to the car, leave the car locked and the a/c running and dash in and out as quickly as you can! Keep in mind that this is literally a “pit stop” answer, as a/c systems can fail and we do not want that to happen to YOU. If you must be absent for much more than that…leave your flat faced dog at home!
• When I have traveled on long road trips with my French Bulldogs, in moderate weather, I would run in and take MY pit stop and run right back out. Then I would park under a tree (if possible) and let me dogs out for a break. When traveling with one or two dogs I would just keep them on leashes for their walks. With more than two, I would use an exercise pen and allow them time out to romp and go potty. NEVER leave an ex-pen unattended, no matter how tempting it may be to just run into whatever for a minute. Just don’t. (DUH).
• Breeds like pugs and FRench Bulldogs have eyes that protrude just a bit more than many other breeds (we think it makes them even cuter). But this sassy feature also makes it easier for our buddies to get debris in their eyes – ouch! If you do roll the winds down, make sure it is just a bit and of course, never enough for one of these bold buddies to leap out! Yes, I have had crazy Frenchies leap out of car windows and I needed cardiac recussitation both times it happened. Thankfully, I was parked in my own driveway – crazy dogs!
• Ok, here are a couple of common sense recommendations…do not let your dog run loose all over the car! I know there are many of you who let your dog stand in your lap while you drive…one word…DON’T! They can cause accidents when trying to give kisses, roll the window down or by just being a dog…so, do not let them have free rein in the car…period.
• Keep your dog crated OR in a seatbelt OR doggie car seat (yes, they have them). It is safer for them, for you, and for everyone on the road. Please. Heaven forbid we sound strident or preachy…but we do not want you and YOUR Blissful Dog to be injured. Enough on all that!
• Last, we do not recommend you tranquilize your dog, as reactions can occur and their breathing may be compromised, especially our flat faced friends. WARNING…SALES PLUG! We strongly advise you use our The Blissful Dog RELAX Vibrational Essence. That way…no drugs are involved and they will just relax…ahhhh. Yes, blatant attempt to sell you something, but really I feel like I am sharing a great piece of advice by telling you about this amazing product, so there!

May you and your flat-faced friends have a Blissful Road Trip!

Reiki For Your Dog

Reiki (ray-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is shared by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. Reiki comes from the Japanese Rei and Ki meaning spiritually guided life energy. This definition is from reiki.org and applies to animals and people alike. For that matter, one can Reiki ANYTHING…I have used Reiki on my computer, vehicles and pretty much everything.

Reiki can help many physical and emotional issues that our dogs have. It seems that the longer they live with man, the more problems they seem to develop. Eckhart Tolle commented that he is surprised dogs are able to stay as sane as they DO!

• Anxiety and stress-related behavioral problems (thunderstorms, 4th of July, travel, etc.)
• Chronic pain or discomfort like hip dysplasia and arthritis
• Heart disease and cancer management
• Helps rescued dogs assimilate into their new loving home (yours)
• Ease the transition for dogs near death (this has been a great help for me and my own dogs)

Reiki is shared with hand positions that are specific to each type of Reiki. Each position is used to create a certain energy outcome to help bring your dog into balance. Many Reiki practitioners use Reiki on the dog’s chakras to balance the dog. Then they concentrate on the specific area that may be of concern. For example, I go over my dog I am working with, balance their chakras using Reiki, and then I go back and concentrate on the area of concern. I also use my The Blissful Dog Vibrational Essences in conjunction with Reiki as I work on specific issues.

Dogs have the same chakra systems that people do (for the most part) with extra centers in their paws, etc. This is covered my Dog Chakra article.

These charkas are specifically connected to different glands in your dog. Reiki will make the glands release hormones directly into the blood stream and control all aspects of your dogs daily activities and healthy thinking. The key is balance…all things in moderation and in balance!

Reiki is a gentle but powerful healer. It will balance your dog’s energy, organs, and glands. It has proven to strengthen immune systems, relieve pain, clears toxins, and enhances personal awareness while relaxing your dog.

The Reiki Principles

Show gratitude to every living thing.

The BlissfulDog Shop offers an amazing Chakra Kit for your dog. Click here for that.

My Dog’s Nose Is Dry…Is He Sick?

You are sitting and petting your best friend (as you should be) and realize his nose feels a bit warm and dry. Once, a long time ago, an Old Wife told you a Tale (or is that tail?) about that meaning your dog is sick. Do you call the vet? Do you faint? What to do?

Being a good pet parent means knowing when your dog needs to go to the vet, when you can treat at home, or when you can just go on about your day…Twittering or whatever.

Since your dog cannot tell you how they are feeling, unless you are really tuned into them, you need to learn how to differentiate.

The “warm nose myth” has many pet owners feeling that their pet has a fever, or is sick, if the nose is warm and dry. A dog’s nose may be very wet, cool and perfect one moment then be warmer and not-so-moist the next. All within a few minutes, or a day…all just fine.

Changes in texture, becoming crusty or flaky and color of a pet’s nose should be looked at by your vet. A dry, cracked nose, with loss of pigmentation, scabs or open sores should be examined by your veterinarian NOW. A sick little dog will not be so Blissful, sigh and will often have a warm, dry nose in addition to other symptoms, such as: lethargy, decreased or absent appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and so on. In the absence of other physical signs, there can be dermatological (skin) problems that can be seen in this area, such as Pemphigus Foliaceus.

Other nose conditions to be aware of…

Contact sensitivity: Allergies and sensitivities to plastics and dyes may also manifest as changes on the nose and muzzle area on pets fed from plastic dishes. Rather than take a chance use stainless steel, glass or ceramic bowls are also just fine…plus, some of them are gorgeous!

Nasal discharge: Anytime your pet shows signs of a “runny nose” or the dreaded SNOTS he or she should be examined by your veterinarian. Coughing, sneezing and difficulty breathing can be signs of anything from a respiratory infection to a nasal foreign body to a tumor in the nasal passages.

Sunburn: If one of your dogs has a lighter nose, you may want to consider sunscreen.

Well…I hope this has helped give you some insight on a subject near and dear to my heart…DOG NOSES!!!!

Don’t forget…our The Blissful Dog Nose Butters are the perfect solution for many of the above issues. The shea butter has a natural sunscreen in it AND all the amazing oils and essences I put in The Blissful Dog Nose Butter help all the conditions we chatted about here. Just CLICK HERE.

Chocolate Poisoning for Dogs is REAL!

Ok, we have all heard that your dog’s should not eat chocolate and all that. I will admit I have always though all that was being a little melodramatic and over the top. Guess what, it is NOT! 

A VERY dear friend called me and told me that her dogs had eaten some super all natural chocolate and were deathly ill at the vet. It was this fancy, really good (I have had some) chocolate that was almost pure cocao and their hearts were racing and they were sick. Of course, she rushed them to the vet and they are there now. 

Her “Team” of helpers rushed in and the animal communicator said they are resting better and doing well now, but last night it was touch and go. Everyone is sending hugs, love, prayers and lotsa Reiki. Here is some info I found to share with you on this…

The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline. That is why their hearts race and they can actualy die of heart failure!

The good news is that it usually takes a LOT of theobromine (100-150 mg/kg) to cause a toxic reaction. Plus, there are variables to consider like each dogs’ sensitivity, their size and chocolate concentration. The poor Frenchie has it all against him…small, very intense chocolate and already a sensitive guy. Her big dog….serious, but not so much. 

On average,

Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.

Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.

Baker’s chocolate 390mg/oz.

Pure Healthy/Specialty chocolate even more!

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:

1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate

1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate

1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker’s chocolate.

So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker’s chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

Clinical Signs

Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs:

Hyper excitability

Hyper irritability

Increased heart rate

Restlessness

Increased urination

Muscle tremors

Vomiting

Diarrhea

There is no real cure or antidote for chocolate poisoning. And the half life of what makes them so sick is 16-18 hours in dogs. Induce vomiting immediately if you do not know how much they ate and CALL THE VET. 

GO TO THE VET, where they canaAdminister activated charcoal, which may stop or slow down absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be needed, your vet will be able to determine that. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart. YES, this is a big deal!

Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. This would be if your Frenchie ate a bag of M & M’s or a Hershey’s bar.

If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! Do not Google anything until after you get home…just get to the vet ASAP.

Cold Weather Tips

We have had a month (or longer) of below zero highs and I am ready for a ray of sunshine. The Frenchies are virtually refusing to go outside…even for a moment. I feel like I am a slave to their bodily functions – hahahah!

Enough whining…on to a positive subject! Here are a few more tips on cold weather and your dog. If you are blessed to live somewhere warmer…good for you! But for those of us in the cold…here goes!

Small dogs or those with little to no hair should have sweaters or jackets for protection against the cold.  Some dogs absolutely love wearing sweaters or coats and some loathe it! Mudd dances to have a coat put on her, but Keeper will spin and roll and flop around until it comes off or I feel sorry for him and take it off. Don’t push it, just encourage them to wear one if need be.

Beware of FROZE TOES! Ice crystals can form when the heat of their foot hits frozen ground and makes  a sharp little ice point. It hurts and they will hold their foot/feet up and usually cry. Warm the foot and get them back inside, the ground is too cold for their feet if this is happening. If your dog will tolerate it, consider foot protection booties. This can keep your dog’s feet safe from harm and give your dog a better grip and prevent slipping on ice. None of mine would wear them, but I do see lots of dogs sporting booties!

When walking your dog near ice, be extra extra careful. If need be, do the little old lady/man shuffle and take slow flat footed steps. Always keep a close watch your dog and be sure he says nearby. Do not allow your dog to run across frozen bodies of water – he could fall into icy water if the ice is too thin! Then you would have to try and save him, you would fall in and I would be watching you on some bizarre Discovery Channel special…beware of thin ice…nuff said! There is a reason that saying goes..”he was on thin ice.”

If you use enjoy using a fireplace, always keep a safety guard around it in order to protect your dog away from the flames and soot. Our Frenchies are really determined to play in the ashes…we do not know why! We have to watch them or they will get into the coals and get burned. 

If your dog is in the cold and begins excessively shaking or shivering, get him back to warmth as soon as possible. DUH! As much as they might like it, keep your dog from eating snow. Dangerous objects or chemicals may be hidden in the snow. Excessive snow eating can even cause hypothermia! If you live in the country or have a lot of acerage, use your own judgment.

I saved the BIGGEST for last…Beware antifreeze – It is highly toxic! Antifreeze tastes good to pets, but even a small amount can kill your dog. Though exposure to antifreeze is a risk all year, the risk is especially high during the colder months. Keep your eyes on your dog at all times – and keep antifreeze out of reach. If you suspect your dog has had ANY exposure to antifreeze, get to a vet right away. PERIOD!

Caring For the Seniors

I am sitting here looking at a gaggle of old French Bulldogs. A couple have grey faces, one has grey LEGS, Vegas just looks like a little granny dog and a couple just are not moving as fast as they used to (I can sympathize!). Like many breeders, I have reached a stage where I have old dogs. I am NOT complaining…just setting the stage for the sharing of some observations.

Senior dogs need extra TLC, just like all of us aging Boomers… First, diet needs to be changed. No matter how active you think Old Buffy is, after the age of six or seven, it is time for Senior Food. They may need a grain-free food, check with your vet, if needed. Also, cut back on so many treats and make sure they have not accumulated any extra pounds. An extra pound or two can be a LOT on a small dog!

Second, keep those teeth clean. Some Frenchies have a genetic predisposition to tartar accumulation, so make sure you are having their teeth cleaned regularly. I know it is scary to put them under for a routine teeth cleaning, but it is for the best. Do the pre-anesthesia blood work and check up, of course. Share your concerns with your vet, maybe they have an alternative way to relax them. If teeth need to be pulled, do it, they won’t miss them. The cute little underjaw we love in our French Bulldogs makes for a bit of jumbled up teeth and they often loose a few.

Third, cut/dremel/file their toenails more often. As their pasterns drop a bit with age, their toenails will hit the ground at a different angle.

Fourth, there may be some disorientation as they age. Like forgetfulness of where they are or what they were doing. Touch them gently and call their name. I also recommend our The Blissful Dog Vibrational Essence…Age Well. That will help reorient them.

Fifth, it can be easy to push the oldster aside if there are younger dogs. Remember when they were the king (or queen) and give them the respect and dignity they deserve. Not chastizing here, just gently reminding…Last, give them a BIG HUG from me!

Blatant Plug Alert – I do have an amazing product Age Well, a Vibrational Essence that REALLY helps with the aging process.