https://shop.trudog.com/

 Henry and I had the pleasure of meeting Donna at the Houston Pet Expo this month! What an amazing, energetic, kind soul. Henry met her Saturday, but stayed home Sunday because he didn't feel well. I bought her book and she autographed it to her new friend...he was thrilled when I gave it to him! Find her on Facebook and get her book! You will be glad you did....warning...you can't put it down once you start reading!

PET BLESSING

May the shelters be empty and everyone have a home where they feel safe, protected and free.

For the dogs, I hope you are blessed with an endless supply of sticks to chase, balls to fetch and that your loved one’s arms never tire.

I hope you are blessed with dirt to dig, miles and miles of room to roam, and for your own safety, you come when called.

I hope you are blessed with never-ending buffets filled with wet food and treats, but you don’t have to watch your weight.

For the cats, I hope you are blessed with a staff, that plant you beds of catnip and brings you an abundance of feathered wands, mouse toys and scratching post. And when you lose interest in those, in the first five minutes, that you have boxes of every shape and size to entertain you; and inevitably the rest of us.

No matter what kind of critter, we appreciate the funny videos you bring to our screens, your slobbery kisses and sandpaper tongues. We appreciate the joy you bring to our hearts and the peace you bring to our minds.

We humans believe our job is to rescue you, but really, the opposite is true.

I hope everyone is blessed with happiness, great health and tons of prosperity and that we all live, like somebody left the gate open.

Amen.

Donna Fuller: Speaker, Comedian & Author

Happy Work. Happy Life. An Inside Job.

Humorous work stories of how the healing power of pets saved my sanity

www.fullerhumor.com [email protected] 512-332-6408

Good morning!

We're at the Houston Pet Expo this weekend!  (it's at the Pasadena Convention Center, not the GR Brown this year)

Come out and find Booth # 427!

Hope to see you there!

Tanya

I was interviewed last Tuesday on the My Cool Inventions Radio Show! Had a great time talking with John and so thankful to be able to present The Pet Pedi Sock to the radio audience!

If you missed the Interview, here's the link!  

 http://mycoolinventionsradio.com/category/mci-blog/

So many great ideas out there...even one for a disposable toothbrush for dogs!

http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/homemade-dog-treats/

Thought I'd address a couple of comments made on my page. First of all...the Pet Pedi Sock is designed to prevent pain for long haired dog breeds. Solving a problem most pet parents are not even aware of because they don't groom their own dogs. In no way do I intend to hurt the grooming business. I'd rather have an honest person telling me an issue, than assuming I know it when I ask to have Simone's nails ground instead of clipped. I've had Groomers verbally attack me because this will slow down their process. (a few, not many. Most think it's a great idea) This product will actually increase business for the Groomer who wants to pamper a pet. As soon as they start telling their clients the benefits of the sock, not only will business increase, but they will gain the trust of the pet owner, not to mention the pet. Dogs remember pain. Second..Yes, the cost is high. I refuse to send my product to China to have it manufactured even though it would only cost me 5 cents a sock. I'd rather give a manufacturer in America the work to keep Americans working. After joining the Houston Inventors Association, I've spoken with too many people who have complained about the delivery time and the quality...I will sacrifice neither. For now, I make the socks myself. I am talking with a manufacturer because I'm starting to have difficulty keeping up with demand. The greatest compliment I receive is when I hear, "Why didn't I think of that?!" I often hear that from Groomers. So instead of finding negative, let's remember the reason for the sock. It's to protect a long haired dog breed who cannot talk...he/she can't tell you their paw hair is being ripped out by a rotary tool. It's no different than trying to protect an infant.

Herbs can be used in conjunction with conventional dog cancer treatments as a supportive adjunct. There are quite a few herbs that have anti-cancerous and immune-boosting properties, such as red clover, astragalus, garlic, turmeric...

4. What are the common food culprits?

Several studies have shown that some ingredients are more likely to cause food allergies than others are. In order of the most common offenders in dogs:

Beef

Dairy products (milk)

Lamb

Wheat

Corn

Chicken eggs

Soy

As you may have noticed, the most common offenders are the most common ingredients in dog foods. This correlation is not a coincidence. While some proteins might be slightly more antigenic than others, many proteins are similar in form and the incidence of allergic reactions is probably associated with the amount of exposure.

(Foster and Smith)

3. What’s the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance?

Food allergies are true allergies and show the characteristic symptoms of itching and skin problems associated with canine and feline allergies. Food intolerances can result in diarrhea or vomiting and do not create a typical allergic response. Food intolerances in pets would be similar to people who get diarrhea or an upset stomach from eating spicy or fried foods. Fortunately, both food intolerances and allergies can be managed with a diet free from offending agents.

(Smith and Foster)

2. What are the signs and symptoms of a food allergy?

Just like humans, a food allergy can manifest itself in various ways in dogs. Some of the most noticeable symptoms you should keep an eye out for are:

Itching or scratching

Sneezing

Itchy ears and running eyes

Scabs on the skin

Paw biting

Obsessive licking

Nausea or vomiting

Increased bowel movements

(Foster and Smith)

1. What is a food allergy?

Food allergies account for about 10% of all the allergies seen in dogs. It is the third most common cause after flea bite allergies and atopy (allergies resulting from skin contact with environmental allergens as well as inhaled allergens). Food allergies affect both males and females and neutered and intact animals equally, and they can show up at any age. Many animals with food allergies also have concurrent inhalant or contact allergies. (Foster and Smith)

Perianal fistulas are chronic and progressive lesions that occur around the anus in dogs. Deep and draining ulcers form, which are painful. The disease may also be referred to as "anal furunculosis."

What causes perianal fistulas?

The exact cause of these fistulas is not known, but is thought to start as an inflammation of the sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands in and around the anus, followed by infection of the area. Abscesses form, open, and then drain. The warm, moist area around the anus and under the tail, and the large numbers of bacteria in the area, make an excellent environment for bacteria to multiply.

What dogs are at risk for perianal fistulas?

Perianal fistulas most commonly occur in middle-aged (5-8 years old) male dogs, but can occur in dogs as young as 1 year and as old as 14 years. German Shepherds are particularly prone to this disease, and in one study accounted for 84% of the dogs diagnosed. This may be due to the larger number of glands in the perianal area when compared to other breeds, or the way the tail is set and carried. German Shepherds are also more prone to immune-mediated diseases, which may be a component of this condition. Other breeds that have been reported as having perianal fistulas include Labrador Retrievers, Irish Setters, Old English Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Bulldogs, Spaniels, and mixed breeds.

What are the signs of perianal fistulas?

Dog licking perianal areaA dog with perianal fistulas will often chew or lick the perianal area more frequently, or may scoot his anal area across the floor or ground. A dog with this disease may be constipated, have diarrhea, or pass stools more frequently. The dog may also have difficulty or show pain on passing stool, strain, have fecal incontinence (cannot control the bowel movements), or have blood in the stool.

Ulcers and bleeding may be seen around the anal area, as well as foul-smelling discharge. The ulcers may be very small, or over several inches in diameter, and may extend up the tail. The anal glands and rectal tissue may also be involved. Some dogs will become lethargic, lose their appetites, and start to lose weight. Because of the discomfort and pain, owners may notice a change in behavior of the dog. Even lifting the tail may cause extreme pain. The area around the anus may become darker in color as the chronically inflamed skin develops more pigment.

How are perianal fistulas diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on physical examination and history. Sedation may be necessary to perform a thorough examination since the condition can be very painful. Biopsy samples will confirm the diagnosis.

How are perianal tumors treated?

Medical and surgical treatments have both been used. Mild conditions may be treated with clipping the hair in the anal region, cleansing the area with an antiseptic solution, and flushing with large amounts of water (hydrotherapy). For more serious conditions, a combination of oral cyclosporine and ketoconazole has been shown to be effective in treating these fistulas. Treatment usually must last for 7-9 weeks. Most dogs will show remission with this treatment, however, recurrence is common after treatment is stopped, especially in dogs that had moderate or severe disease.

Treatment with dietary changes and high doses of prednisone has also been attempted, however, it does not appear to be as effective.

Surgical treatment of perianal fistulas can be difficult because of the many nerves and blood vessels in the area. In addition, some of the ulcers are very deep. Surgical treatments including removal of the affected tissue, cryosurgery (freezing the tissue), laser surgery, cautery, and even tail amputation have been used. Complications after surgery include fecal incontinence and anal stenosis (scarring of the anal area, making it difficult to pass stool).

What is the prognosis for dogs with perianal fistulas?

Regardless of the treatment used, the earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. In most cases the prognosis is guarded to fair, understanding that recurrence is common. In more severe cases, and those involving surgery, fecal incontinence is a major concern.

Follow us of Twitter!!!

And if you have a Pet Business, let me know so Simone and I can follow you!!!!

Wow!!!!  It's been almost a year since I posted in here!!! I stay busiest on the Facebook page answering questions and posting information for pet owners. A lot has happened since last year! Waiting on the Patent to be granted, and the registering of the Trade Mark. We have one company promoting the Pet Pedi Sock for us and another wanting to help us license! Working on a new video this weekend for that! So excited and so thankful to all our great customers who helped spread the word about the Pet Pedi Sock. I had no idea there were as many pet parents as I who did not realize our pets were being harmed when it came to the pedicure. It's a grooming revolution!!!!

Hope everyone has a safe and restful 4th of July...and remember to watch those pets....shelters have the highest number of lost pets during this weekend!

Stay safe and God Bless!!!

tanya

I had the pleasure of meeting the Ladies of Houston Cocker Spaniel Rescue at the Reliant Houston Dog Show! What a wonderful group of women! I've emailed with Mary, and Helen posts on our Facebook page, but this was the first time to actually meet them face to face! I know with our donations, we are helping a great rescue group! 

There were four precious Cockers there today. Well mannered and greeting with smiles and tails wagging, ready for someone to adopt them.

Every retail package sold provides $1.00 in donations to their group each month. Please help me grow that donation amount for them! So glad to able to be a smart part of the huge mission they have!

tanya