Do you have a new pet but aren't quite sure what to call this sweet bundle of joy? Maybe some of the following sites can help.
funpetnames.com
hunch.com
bowwow.com
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Who is smarter? Dogs or 2-year-olds?
Dogs' Intelligence On A Par With 2-Year-Old Humans, Renowned Canine Researcher Says
(Picture found here)
Although you wouldn't want one to balance your checkbook, dogs can count.
They can also understand more than 150 words and intentionally deceive other dogs and people to get treats, according to psychologist and leading canine researcher Stanley Coren, PhD, of the University of British Columbia. He spoke Saturday on the topic "How Dogs Think" at the American Psychological Association's 117th Annual Convention.
Coren, author of more than a half-dozen popular books on dogs and dog behavior, has reviewed numerous studies to conclude that dogs have the ability to solve complex problems and are more like humans and other higher primates than previously thought.
"We all want insight into how our furry companions think, and we want to understand the silly, quirky and apparently irrational behaviors [that] Lassie or Rover demonstrate," Coren said in an interview. "Their stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity are reminders that they may not be Einsteins but are sure closer to humans than we thought."
According to several behavioral measures, Coren says dogs' mental abilities are close to a human child age 2 to 2.5 years.
The intelligence of various types of dogs does differ and the dog's breed determines some of these differences, Coren says. "There are three types of dog intelligence: instinctive (what the dog is bred to do), adaptive (how well the dog learns from its environment to solve problems) and working and obedience (the equivalent of 'school learning')."
Data from 208 dog obedience judges from the United States and Canada showed the differences in working and obedience intelligence of dog breeds, according to Coren. "Border collies are number one; poodles are second, followed by German shepherds. Fourth on the list is golden retrievers; fifth, dobermans; sixth, Shetland sheepdogs; and finally, Labrador retrievers," said Coren.
As for language, the average dog can learn 165 words, including signals, and the "super dogs" (those in the top 20 percent of dog intelligence) can learn 250 words, Coren says. "The upper limit of dogs' ability to learn language is partly based on a study of a border collie named Rico who showed knowledge of 200 spoken words and demonstrated 'fast-track learning,' which scientists believed to be found only in humans and language learning apes," Coren said.
Dogs can also count up to four or five, said Coren. And they have a basic understanding of arithmetic and will notice errors in simple computations, such as 1+1=1 or 1+1=3.
Four studies he examined looked how dogs solve spatial problems by modeling human or other dogs' behavior using a barrier type problem. Through observation, Coren said, dogs can learn the location of valued items (treats), better routes in the environment (the fastest way to a favorite chair), how to operate mechanisms (such as latches and simple machines) and the meaning of words and symbolic concepts (sometimes by simply listening to people speak and watching their actions).
During play, dogs are capable of deliberately trying to deceive other dogs and people in order to get rewards, said Coren. "And they are nearly as successful in deceiving humans as humans are in deceiving dogs."
Invited Address: "How Dogs Think," Stanley Coren, PhD, University of British Columbia, Session: 3282.
Source: Pam Willenz American Psychological Association
From: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160242.php
Chess Player
A man went to visit a friend and was amazed to find him playing chess with his dog. He watched the game in astonishment for a while. "I can hardly believe my eyes!" he exclaimed. "That's the smartest dog I've ever seen.""Nah, he's not so smart," the friend replied. "I've beaten him three games out of five."
$5,000 Give-Away from Tiday Cat
Just because you own more that one cat should not mean that anyone should question your sanity. Right now, running until September 11, TIDY CAT is sponsoring a campaign to end cattiness.Tidy Cat found that 88 percent of multiple cat owners credit their cats with making their lives more fulfilling and rewarding. And, while that 62 percent hang the ‘crazy cat lady’ moniker on multi-cat owners, people who own more than one cat have very different perceptions of themselves and their homes.
According to the survey, multiple cat owners describe themselves as being caring and loving (96 percent), generous (90 percent), well adjusted and fulfilled (87 percent). And, nearly nine in ten cat owners (87%) say their cats do not prevent them from keeping their home clean and odor-free. (No word on what their visitors think).
Multiple cat owners can enter the Tidy Cats Campaign to End Cattiness contest . You’re invited to share your purrsonal stories of how you “enjoy more life and less worry at home” with your multiple cats.
The Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000, a one-year supply of Tidy Cats® Scoop brand cat litter, and the opportunity to be featured in a Tidy Cats Cribs Webisode. For complete contest rules, visit tidycats.com/EndCattiness.
Quote of the Day
If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. ~Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Tribe, letter to President Franklin Pierce
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Dogs Will Eat the Darndest Things
Dog Thwarted in Effort to Kill Self by Eating Fake Breast
Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM 08/02/09 www.dogster.com
Dogs eat the strangest things. Last night at the emergency hospital a nurse carried a five-year-old Terrier cross into the treatment room. She advised me matter-of-factly that the dog had consumed a fake breast three hours earlier.To prove her point, she showed me the box that the clients wisely decided to bring with their dog. One end of it was chewed. Inside was a plastic tray with two slots. One was empty. In the other slot was a stick-on silicone falsie, size B. Evidently the dog had eaten one and found himself sated.
I evaluated the piece of silicone, coated in polyurethane, that the dog had not consumed. Although it was non-toxic, there was little doubt that the other half of the pair ultimately would lodge in the intestines. The dog only weighed 15 pounds. Size B was too much for this guy to handle.
Three hours had passed since the dog’s indiscretion. If the breast was still in the dog’s stomach, it might be possible to eliminate it by making him vomit. However, if the fake breast had already passed into the intestines, then the dog would require surgery. In that case making him vomit would be pointless. After three hours, either was possible.I considered the option of taking an X-ray to see if the breast’s location could be determined. But a technician took a sample X-ray of the non-ingested breast and it turned out to be invisible. X-rays would be useless in this case.
I decided that the best course of action would be to make the dog vomit. But first I would need to talk to the clients. Keeping a straight face during the encounter would not be easy.
One of the nurses offered a helpful suggestion. “Only look at her from the neck up.”
I entered the exam room where a bemused looking couple was waiting. I did my best to maintain eye contact.
We discussed the risks and benefits of inducing emesis in order to eliminate the, er, product from the dog’s digestive tract. The clients authorized the procedure.
I prefer to make dogs vomit by giving an intravenous injection of a drug called apomorphine. I am aware of only one use for the medicine. It causes vomiting. I do not understand why many bottles of the drug contain a warning that it may be habit forming. While a nurse drew up the medication I offered the dog some canned food. Filling a dog’s stomach with food before he vomits causes the vomiting to be more productive. It is like priming a pump.I, for one, would be too nervous to eat low-quality food in my doctor’s office. But the sort of dog who is silly enough to eat a fake breast generally doesn’t let such trivialities stand in the way of gluttony. Although he lost his appetite for fake breasts after one, he had saved room for a half can of junk food.
The nurses mainlined the apomorphine. In the course of 30 seconds, the dog transitioned from a happy, tail-wagging, breast eating, goofy mutt to a visibly nauseated creature. He retched and regurgitated a small amount of dog food. He then recovered.
This would not do. For this problem, the dog would have to go through gut wrenching, side splitting, eye popping vomiting. He had brought this upon himself. He needed more apomorphine.The nurses gave another injection of the medicine. This time the floodgates opened. The dog vomited copious dog food, a moderate amount of grass, several small twigs, an ear plug, some yarn, and a fake breast, size B.
45 minutes later the dog was ready to go home.
I had to ask.“Do you want the other, uh, product back?”
The clients graciously declined.
Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM 08/02/09 www.dogster.com
Dogs eat the strangest things. Last night at the emergency hospital a nurse carried a five-year-old Terrier cross into the treatment room. She advised me matter-of-factly that the dog had consumed a fake breast three hours earlier.To prove her point, she showed me the box that the clients wisely decided to bring with their dog. One end of it was chewed. Inside was a plastic tray with two slots. One was empty. In the other slot was a stick-on silicone falsie, size B. Evidently the dog had eaten one and found himself sated.
I evaluated the piece of silicone, coated in polyurethane, that the dog had not consumed. Although it was non-toxic, there was little doubt that the other half of the pair ultimately would lodge in the intestines. The dog only weighed 15 pounds. Size B was too much for this guy to handle.
Three hours had passed since the dog’s indiscretion. If the breast was still in the dog’s stomach, it might be possible to eliminate it by making him vomit. However, if the fake breast had already passed into the intestines, then the dog would require surgery. In that case making him vomit would be pointless. After three hours, either was possible.I considered the option of taking an X-ray to see if the breast’s location could be determined. But a technician took a sample X-ray of the non-ingested breast and it turned out to be invisible. X-rays would be useless in this case.
I decided that the best course of action would be to make the dog vomit. But first I would need to talk to the clients. Keeping a straight face during the encounter would not be easy.
One of the nurses offered a helpful suggestion. “Only look at her from the neck up.”
I entered the exam room where a bemused looking couple was waiting. I did my best to maintain eye contact.
We discussed the risks and benefits of inducing emesis in order to eliminate the, er, product from the dog’s digestive tract. The clients authorized the procedure.
I prefer to make dogs vomit by giving an intravenous injection of a drug called apomorphine. I am aware of only one use for the medicine. It causes vomiting. I do not understand why many bottles of the drug contain a warning that it may be habit forming. While a nurse drew up the medication I offered the dog some canned food. Filling a dog’s stomach with food before he vomits causes the vomiting to be more productive. It is like priming a pump.I, for one, would be too nervous to eat low-quality food in my doctor’s office. But the sort of dog who is silly enough to eat a fake breast generally doesn’t let such trivialities stand in the way of gluttony. Although he lost his appetite for fake breasts after one, he had saved room for a half can of junk food.
The nurses mainlined the apomorphine. In the course of 30 seconds, the dog transitioned from a happy, tail-wagging, breast eating, goofy mutt to a visibly nauseated creature. He retched and regurgitated a small amount of dog food. He then recovered.
This would not do. For this problem, the dog would have to go through gut wrenching, side splitting, eye popping vomiting. He had brought this upon himself. He needed more apomorphine.The nurses gave another injection of the medicine. This time the floodgates opened. The dog vomited copious dog food, a moderate amount of grass, several small twigs, an ear plug, some yarn, and a fake breast, size B.
45 minutes later the dog was ready to go home.
I had to ask.“Do you want the other, uh, product back?”
The clients graciously declined.
Ten Tips for Preventing Pet Behavior Problems
1. Set rules immediately and stick to them.
2. Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior.
3. Observe the pet and provide what it needs to be cared for and attended to.
4. Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided individual attention and training, and restrict the pet's access to a limited area of the house until training is complete.
5. Encourage good behavior with praise and attention.
6. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives. (A toy for a slipper, scratching post for the sofa.)
7. Never physically punish or force compliance to commands. This may lead to fear biting or aggression.
8. Don't play rough or encourage aggression or play biting.
9. Expose pets to people, animals, and environments where you want them to live.
10. See your veterinarian if serious or unresolved behavior problemsexist.
Back to School
This is a great t-shirt for any kid who may need proof of their homework excuse. It's on sale at threadless just in time for back to school.Thankful Paws
Thankful Paws owners, Jody Cohen and Terry Lanphear are deeply committed to helping hearing and vision impaired dogs with their Deaf and Blind Dog Collar Covers, bandanas, and coats. Jody's Great Dane, Aspen, is deaf as well as vision impaired. She feels that, "Should a deaf and blind dog find themselves on the run, the collar cover alerts the public that "calling" the dog to them, or "motioning" to them, many not always work. It is also a wonderful educational took which allows owners of dogs who are deaf or blind to discuss canine deafness and blindness with the public. Deaf and blind dogs can learn commands via hand and touch signals and many people are amazed to learn that deaf and blind dogs can adapt well to their environment.
There are many other products, including some for dogs who are shy.
Quote of the Day
Ever consider what pets must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul - chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! ~Anne Tyler
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Pet Furniture on the Cheap (and Creative!)
Now that IKEA has hit Salt Lake, we have more pet furniture options than ever before. Don't believe me? Check out some of the furniture "hacks" we found from ikeahacker.blogspot.com. These are ingenious...and really got our imaginations going! All of these pictures are from common - and fairly inexensive - IKEA products.
Shelving systems turned cat trees for these lucky climbers.
A DOLL bed with an added cushion made the perfect perch for this sweet kitty.
A raised bowl for the tall dogs; a protected bowl for the small dogs. Perfect!
This one is awesome. Can you guess the secret it's hiding?
Yep, a whole litter box! Goodbye visual clutter. You can't see it very well in this picture, but they have cut a small cat-size hole in the partition for easy access for the cat. Yes, your cat would have to be willing to do it's thing in a confined space, but if s/he will, what a great litter box solution!
For more fun ideas, check out this direct link: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/search/label/pet%20furniture
Shelving systems turned cat trees for these lucky climbers.
A DOLL bed with an added cushion made the perfect perch for this sweet kitty.
A raised bowl for the tall dogs; a protected bowl for the small dogs. Perfect!
This one is awesome. Can you guess the secret it's hiding?
Yep, a whole litter box! Goodbye visual clutter. You can't see it very well in this picture, but they have cut a small cat-size hole in the partition for easy access for the cat. Yes, your cat would have to be willing to do it's thing in a confined space, but if s/he will, what a great litter box solution!For more fun ideas, check out this direct link: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/search/label/pet%20furniture
Vacation Pet Tag
If you take your pet on vacation this summer, add a tag like this one to her collar. That way, if she strays, people will be able to reach you.
Print your contact information on card stock. Using a 2-inch circular craft punch or scissors, cut out card stock and 2 pieces of clear self-adhesive shelf liner. Sandwich paper between pieces of liner. Punch a hole for a key ring to attach to a collar.
Safe Summer Procedures
Even though summer is nearing an end, we would like to remind you that it is still hot outside, which can cause safety hazards for you pet. Here are some good tips to help your furry friends comfortably enjoy the rest of the season.
Transportation:
Never leave your pet in an unattended car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows slightly open.
When you bring your pet along on a car ride, use a pet safety harness. If an accident were to occur, a pet safety harness can ensure that every passenger is protected.
If your dog must ride in the back of a pick-up truck, make sure that he or she is in a crate that is secured to the bed of the truck. If you were to suddenly hit the brakes, swerve or be hit by a car, it could result in serious injury not only to your pet, but to other drivers.
Wellness:
Make sure that your pet is protected from heartworm. Dogs and cats are at higher risk of contracting heartworm during the summer because there is an increase of mosquitoes, which transfer the disease. Contact your veterinarian in order to determine the best schedule for heartworm testing and preventive medication for your pet.
Protect your pet from the heat by providing him/her with large amounts of fresh water and keeping them indoors with you and providing plenty of shade when they are spending time outdoors. On hot days, limit your pet's exercise to the early morning or evening hours. Also, keep in mind that the hot asphalt can burn your pet's paws.
Precautions:
Learn to identify the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet does become overheated, immediately lower his/her body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water over his/her body, and giving small amounts of water or ice cubes.
Make sure that your pet is always wearing a collar with an updated identification tag.
Transportation:
Never leave your pet in an unattended car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows slightly open.
When you bring your pet along on a car ride, use a pet safety harness. If an accident were to occur, a pet safety harness can ensure that every passenger is protected.
If your dog must ride in the back of a pick-up truck, make sure that he or she is in a crate that is secured to the bed of the truck. If you were to suddenly hit the brakes, swerve or be hit by a car, it could result in serious injury not only to your pet, but to other drivers.
Wellness:
Make sure that your pet is protected from heartworm. Dogs and cats are at higher risk of contracting heartworm during the summer because there is an increase of mosquitoes, which transfer the disease. Contact your veterinarian in order to determine the best schedule for heartworm testing and preventive medication for your pet.
Protect your pet from the heat by providing him/her with large amounts of fresh water and keeping them indoors with you and providing plenty of shade when they are spending time outdoors. On hot days, limit your pet's exercise to the early morning or evening hours. Also, keep in mind that the hot asphalt can burn your pet's paws.
Precautions:
Learn to identify the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet does become overheated, immediately lower his/her body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water over his/her body, and giving small amounts of water or ice cubes.
Make sure that your pet is always wearing a collar with an updated identification tag.
Quote of the Day
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. -Anatole France
Friday, August 7, 2009
Tasty Treats
Microwave Dog Biscuit Treats From the very friendly folks at RecipeGoldmine.com
I N G R E D I E N T S
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup dry milk
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup shortening
1 tablespoon bouillon granules
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon sugar
1 egg slightly beaten
1/2 cup hot water
I N S T R U C T I O N S
Combine flour, cornmeal, milk, oats and sugar. Cut in shortening.
Add egg, bouillon and hot water. Knead 5 minutes.
Roll 1/2-inch thick and cut out into favorite shapes.
Microwave at 50% power for 5 to 10 minutes, rotating plate.
These don’t last long, so make a bunch.
I N G R E D I E N T S
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup dry milk
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup shortening
1 tablespoon bouillon granules
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon sugar
1 egg slightly beaten
1/2 cup hot water
I N S T R U C T I O N S
Combine flour, cornmeal, milk, oats and sugar. Cut in shortening.
Add egg, bouillon and hot water. Knead 5 minutes.
Roll 1/2-inch thick and cut out into favorite shapes.
Microwave at 50% power for 5 to 10 minutes, rotating plate.
These don’t last long, so make a bunch.
Quote of the Day
"Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog." ―Franklin P. Jones
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Breed Blends
I'm sure many of you have heard of a cockapoo (Cocker-Spaniel/Poodle mix) but here some fun mixes you might not be as familiar with.
Ba-Shar
American Eagle Dog
Bosapso
Bullmation
Cheeks
Cocker-Pei
Saint Dane
Boxerdoodle
Ba-SharMix: Basset Hound/Chinese Shar-Pei
American Eagle Dog
BosapsoMix: Boston Terrier/Lhasa Apso
BullmationMix: Bulldog/Dalmation
Cheeks(also known as a Pekachi)
Mix: Chihuahua/Pekingese
Cocker-PeiMix: Cocker Spaniel/Chinese Shar Pei
Puggle
Mix: Pug/Beagle
Saint DaneMix: Great Dane/Saint Bernard
BoxerdoodleMix: Boxer/poodle Terrier/Poodle
What fun mixes have you seen?
Cat Extremes
Biggest Cat
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world's fattest cat on record was a male tabby named "Himmy" from Queensland, Australia. Himmy died of respiratory failure in 1986 at the age of 10 years old. When he died, he weighed almost 47 pounds. He had a 15 inch neck, was 38 inches long and had a 33 inch waist.
There is a new contender for the world’s heaviest cat. Five year old Katy, who lives in Russia reportedly weighs 20kg. Katy’s owners had hoped to have her recognised as the world’s heaviest cat with the Guinness Book of Records however they are no longer accepting nominations in this category as they don’t want to encourage pet owners overfeeding their animals.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world's fattest cat on record was a male tabby named "Himmy" from Queensland, Australia. Himmy died of respiratory failure in 1986 at the age of 10 years old. When he died, he weighed almost 47 pounds. He had a 15 inch neck, was 38 inches long and had a 33 inch waist.
There is a new contender for the world’s heaviest cat. Five year old Katy, who lives in Russia reportedly weighs 20kg. Katy’s owners had hoped to have her recognised as the world’s heaviest cat with the Guinness Book of Records however they are no longer accepting nominations in this category as they don’t want to encourage pet owners overfeeding their animals. Smallest Cat
Mr. Peebles, a 2 year old domestic cat of Central Illinois holds the Guinness Book of World Records award for the smallest living cat. Weighing in around 3lbs he is 6.1 inches high.
Apparently his small stature is due to a genetic defect. Because he's already past the age when a cat reaches normal size, Mr. Peebles probably won't get any bigger. Mr. Peebles lives in the Good Shepherd Veterinary Clinic in Pekin. The clinic's employees serve as collective co-owners.
The clinic said he was named after a ventriloquist's dummy on an episode of "Seinfeld."
Apparently his small stature is due to a genetic defect. Because he's already past the age when a cat reaches normal size, Mr. Peebles probably won't get any bigger. Mr. Peebles lives in the Good Shepherd Veterinary Clinic in Pekin. The clinic's employees serve as collective co-owners.
The clinic said he was named after a ventriloquist's dummy on an episode of "Seinfeld."
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