Saturday 29 June 2013

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Sodium Bisulfate: It Might Burn Your Pet's Mouth, Throat, and Stomach - But They're Adding It to Food Anyway

By Dr. Becker
Anticipated regulations from the Food Safety Modernization Act will affect pet food production. According to PetfoodIndustry.com, as a result, product safety has jumped to the top of the priority list for pet food manufacturers.
One of the primary concerns, especially with the rash of recalls over the last few years, is that humans are being exposed to salmonella bacteria from processed pet food – in particular, dry food.
Pet food producers are implementing a variety of tactics to control salmonella contamination, including more vendor inspections, hazard analysis and critical control point plans, and hold-and-release programs. As you might expect, additives are also being looked at for their ability to control salmonella. One of those substances is sodium bisulfate.
A producer of sodium bisulfate and scientists at Kansas State University are collaborating to study the ability of this substance to prevent recontamination by salmonella after the pet food extrusion process.

Adding Sodium Bisulfate to Kibble May Help Control Salmonella Contamination

Sodium bisulfate is not to be confused with menadione sodium bisulfate, which is synthetic vitamin K3. It should also not be confused with sodium bisulfite, which is a chemical preservative used in fruits and wines.
Sodium bisulfate, also known as sodium hydrogen sulfate, is an acid salt. Its primary function is acidification. It is currently used in some processed pet foods to acidify urine, reduce pH levels, and control microbes in soft treats and liquid digest. But according to PetfoodIndustry.com, “New research conducted at independent laboratories indicates that sodium bisulfate controls Salmonella contamination on the surface of extruded dry petfood.”
Dry pet food is heat-treated twice – once during pre-conditioning and again during extrusion. The very high temperatures used in these processing steps should kill the salmonella present in the food. It is therefore suspected recontamination occurs primarily after the food is extruded – possibly inside the conveying system or from airborne dust in air-handling systems.
If either of those sources of contamination is the cause, it’s assumed the salmonella is only on the outside of the kibble. This is where sodium bisulfate comes in. It is a “surface-active” compound that is highly acidic and in a physically dry state. This means it can be turned into a powder and applied to the surface of kibble for purposes of salmonella control.

And Now for the Bad News…

The good news is pet food companies are actively searching for ways to reduce human exposure to salmonella bacteria in their products.
The bad news? Adding a substance like sodium bisulfate to dry pet food is a little like putting lipstick on a pig (no offense to pigs). The pig may look more attractive. It may not even look like a pig from certain angles, but it’s still a pig. Salmonella-free kibble is still kibble – highly processed, double heat-treated pet food that lacks moisture and other nutrients that can only be obtained from fresh, whole, real food.
In addition, you should know that sodium bisulfate isn’t an entirely benign additive. According to MedlinePlus, in humans, symptoms from swallowing more than a tablespoon of this acid can include burning pain in the mouth, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe low blood pressure.
Sodium bisulfate is produced in a “pet grade” as well as a technical grade. I wasn’t able to find a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on the pet grade product, but the MSDS on the technical grade product states that inhalation of the substance damages the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. Sodium bisulfate is classified as a corrosive, so swallowing it can cause severe, even fatal burns to the mouth, throat and stomach; touching it can cause severe skin burns. Chronic exposure can result in lung irritation, tracheal bronchitis, persistent coughing, and corrosion of teeth.

My Recommendations

The danger of salmonella poisoning from pet food is a risk to the humans serving the food – not the dogs or cats eating it. Healthy pets are able to handle a much higher bacterial load than their owners. It’s important to understand that distinction.
If you feed your pet kibble (which I don't recommend), the following simple handling precautions should keep you and your family safe from contamination:
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any pet food or treats.
  • Don't allow very young children, elderly people or those who are immunocompromised to handle pet food or treats.
  • Keep all pet foods and treats away from your family's food.
  • Do not prepare pet foods in the same area or with the same equipment/utensils you use to prepare human foods.
  • Do not allow pets on countertops or other areas where human food is prepared.
  • Feeding pets in the kitchen has been identified as a source of infection. If you can arrange to feed your pet in an area other than your kitchen, consider doing so. Alternatively, feed your pet as far away from human food preparation areas as possible.
I don’t recommend feeding your dog or cat a commercial pet food with special additives designed to control salmonella. I’m an advocate of wholesome, natural diets for pets (and people). I’m not in favor of chemicals added to food. And I certainly don’t recommend feeding your pet or any pet a highly processed, preserved kibble dusted with a potentially corrosive substance.

Monday 24 June 2013

Heat Exhaustion

Unfortunately our dogs are unable to sweat. The only way dogs cool themselves is by panting.
Panting helps reduce your dog's body temperature. It's up to you to make sure your dog doesn't overheat. Heat Exhaustion is the early stages of Heat Stroke. Always have cool water available for your dog. Move your dog into a cooler or shady place. Stop any vigorous activity. Apply cold wet towels over your dog let them air dry. Dogs that are higher risk for heat exhaustion are older dogs, overweight dogs, breeds with snub noses, Pugs , Boston, Boxers Bull dogs.
SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
Excessive panting
A lot of think white saliva
Warm to touch
Skin in ears red
Possible diarrhea and or vomiting

Sunday 23 June 2013

KNOW THY DOG SUMMER SEMINAR


Come join us Tuesday June 25 at THE SUMMIT FOR DOGS
                                   7:00 to 9:00 pm
KNOWTHYDOG will present a CANINE SUMMER HAZARDS
Cost is 10.00 plus HST = $11.30
6939 McKeown Dr. Greely

Dogs are like toddlers, they get into "stuff" and the impact of that "stuff" on your dog can range from no impact, through totally disgusting to fatal. This seminar will identify hazards specific to the summer season and summer activities that your dog may encounter and provide you with basic guidelines on action to be taken. Presented by Know Thy Dog www.knowthydog.com

7 PM to 9 PM

Cost $ 10 plus 13% HST = $ 11.30



 
 
 
 
 

Saturday 22 June 2013

Summer Travel

CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE :          
 
Welcome to The Pet Friendly Canada Hotels & Accommodations Directory. Search through our list of holiday accommodation including hotels, motels, resorts, vacation rentals, cottages, cabins, bed & breakfasts, and other pet-friendly lodging from across Canada that your whole family can enjoy! (Pets are family, too!)

Wednesday 19 June 2013

I only wish I could be more like my dog

          
                                       ENDLESS ENERGY AND EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE

Monday 17 June 2013

EAR INFECTIONS A GOOD IDEA TO LET EARS BREATH

 
EAR INFECTIONS

With warm weather comes swimming!
Unfortunately water may get into your dog’s ears and ear infections may occur.
Symptoms are, head shaking, ear scratching, sore to the touch, red and inflamed.
Dogs with drop ears or hairy ears tend to be more prone to problems but any dog can have an ear
infection.  Use white vinegar to clean your dog’s ears it will help remove debris. Vinegar  is
effective  because it kills bacteria. Soak cotton balls to clean the inside flaps. Apply small amount of
vinegar into the ear canal. Massage ears to help get the vinegar into the ear canals.

Allow the dog to shake up debris and liquid from the ear canal, wipe
debris with cotton balls.

Prevention  to help stop ear infections caused by swimming, dry your dog’s ears after swimming.

Sunday 16 June 2013

If your dog gets into Advil



Advil Canada | Take action.

What Advil can do to your Dog!

Advil is an non steroidal anti-inflammatory which produces
a drops in blood pressure, resulting in kidney damage, plus can cause severe stomach and intestinal damage in your dog.
 Know what to do if  your dog swallow Advil.
PURGE THE POISON. In most cases of poisoning, getting your dog to
vomit is the most important thing to do.

To induce vomiting, give 3% hydrogen peroxide at 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs
of body weight. If your dog doesn't vomit in 15 minutes, repeat the
Peroxide purge. You should never purge more then twice, and only the second time if your dog hasn't vomited.

Contact your dogs Veterinarian

Friday 14 June 2013

New Ad for KNOW THY DOG PHOTO By Iain Sherriff-Scott


We want to teach you how to get a viable dog to the vet safely, it may be as simple as opening an airway.

Thursday 13 June 2013

TAKE THE PLUNGE JUNE 15/16

                                                                                                                                                                                                       
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday 12 June 2013

BE SAFE

BITE PREVENTION Doggone safe is a company that teaches us how to understand dogs body language. They also have a program for our schools www.be-a-tree.com Dogs communicate with body language learn what your dog is feeling check out www.doggonesafe.com

Tuesday 11 June 2013

PUG STOCK

Very happy to announce that UnderMyWing Pug Rescue raised $5000 at Pug Stock this year.
Many pugs will benefit. Also the next event is Howl-ween Pug stock October 27th don't miss it ! Many photo opportunity's with costumes I am sure.

THEYELLOWDOGPROJECT.com

THE YELLOW DOG PROJECT.COM is world wide project to inform people to be cautious when approaching dogs especially dogs that are fearful, reactive, hurt, or training. Anyone owning a dog with any of these issues Thanks you for respecting the yellow ribbon. Pass it on!

Monday 10 June 2013

YOUR Pet is good Medicine



Pet owners may enjoy health benefits such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels from walking a dog or stroking a cat, cardiologists say.
http://news.yahoo.com/video/pet-good-medicine-030900702.html

 
If you own dogs they make it impossible to stay in doors.  THEY ARE GOOD MEDICINE!
 

Sunday 9 June 2013

Canine Parasite The tick Watch video

                                                                   CANINE PARASITE THE TICK

Deer ticks Brown ticks Black-legged ticks could carry Lyme Disease Your Veterinarian will be able to tell you how prevalent the Lyme Disease is in your area. There is a vaccine available for Lyme but its a newer vaccine and has had some controversy. Research before getting this treatment for your dog. Ticks carry a bacteria and when bites the dog the bacteria in spreading the infection. The longer the tick is on the dog the more bacteria the tick injects. So daily tick inspections and removal, is an important part of prevention. Many products out there to remove ticks without leaving the head behind. The best product I have found is the Tick twister.
http://www.otom.com/how-to-remove-a-tick

Saturday 8 June 2013

Rib Test



                                                                          FAT DOGS


Rib test is a simple way to see if you dog is over weight. You should be able to feel the ribs but not see them.  Your dog should have a waist line the body goes in just before the hips. your dogs tummy should never be lower then the rib cage.  Don't love your dog to death with food and treats. Use attention, play, and long walks instead.

Friday 7 June 2013

Recently I have started biking with my dog Newla a 11/2 year old Border collie.
She does great but tend to try to run in front making turning dangerous. I am not coordinated
enough to click train  hold the leash ,her and ride safely. So my question is I saw bike riding leashes do these work?

Thursday 6 June 2013

Top 5 Summer Pet Hazards

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/top-summer-pet-hazards/story?id=16775200#Our

The Benefits of Green Lipped Mussel Dogs Naturally magazine



Well, this miracle from the sea is welcomed with open arms by pet owners who are constantly on the hunt for natural supplements for their pets. GLM is a natural food source and, unless you are allergic to shellfish, there are no negative side effects.

You and your four-legged friends can benefit from the mussels because, when harvested in peak condition, they are a rich source of omega fatty acids and minerals. Powdered extract of GLM contains very high concentration of omega-3s and a unique combination of fatty acids that is not found in any other marine or plant life. Studies have also shown that they are used in order to reduce pain, and they can act as a feeding stimulant. However, their greatest healing properties correspond to the fact that they are a natural anti-inflammatory due to them being an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin.

Wednesday 5 June 2013



                                          
Reward Based dog training without using treats

Play if your dog has a high play drive it easy

If not Happy talk can be a great reward

Touch, scratch your dog under the chin or a belly rub

Add a walk as a reward

All these rewards  bring you and your dog closer

Tuesday 4 June 2013

UNDERGROUND POOP CONTAINERS

 
 
 

Bruce pit to receive under ground poop container GREAT IDEA
 

Monday 3 June 2013


                                 I will be clipping nails for a GREAT Cause
                                             Come Join us
                               PUPPY MILL AWARENESS

CAUTION

                            
                               Caution Pool owners Children are not the only drowning casualty

Sunday 2 June 2013

Heartworm



Remember to Heartworm test your dogs and put them on Heartworm medication for 6 months during
mosquito season. Heartworm is a mosquito bred parasite.
Protect your dogs

Saturday 1 June 2013

Seasonal Seminars

                                               Meet Cassie she is our Canine CPR Mannequin
                  
                       Knowthydog offers Canine First aid courses and Seasonal Hazard Seminars
                                                Contact us at Knowthydog@yahoo.ca

Modifying Aggressive Behavior by Pat Miller


Though this was worth posting

Modifying Aggressive Behaviorby Pat Miller
There are a host of things you can do to lower general stress in your dogs’ environment.

If you’ve ever had a massage, you know how calming touch can be. Dogs aren’t that different from us; you can calm and soothe your dog with physical touch, both through canine massage and TTouch. Combine your calming touch sessions with aromatherapy, by using a therapeutic-quality lavender essential oil in an electric nebulizing diffuser in the room while you massage your dog. Then you can build your dog’s “ahhh” association with the lavender scent to help him be calm in more stressful environments, by putting a few drops of essential oil on a bandana that you tie around his neck or on the bedding in his crate.

For more details and advice on aggressive dog behavior, purchase Whole Dog Journal’s ebook, Modifying Dog Aggression.