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Moxie’s Big Adventure
July is national Lost Pet Prevention month, which makes sense since July 4 is arguably the loudest day of the year, and July 5 is definitely the busiest day of the year for rescues and shelters. My two best friends have three cats: a derpy baby named Shuri, and a bonded set of sisters, Josie and Moxie. They could not be more different. Moxie, ironically, is the timid one, so sightings are rare. She’s the epitome of a scaredy cat and hightails it into the bedroom at the slightest disturbance, so when she went missing, we were as surprised as we were worried. It was nearly 24 hours before her…
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What’s the best nation in the world? Donation
Several years ago I was a teenager hanging out in Georgetown when some guy on the street asked me “What’s the best nation in the world?” and followed it up with “Donation!” I gave him a couple bucks and a smile. It was the best thing I’d heard all day, and it’s stayed with me ever since. In fact, I cracked that joke the other day when discussing how to distribute the generous donations we’d received from Optimeal Pet Food. The Big Bad Woof regularly receives and distributes donations to various pet pantries and other entities, but Optimeal generously sent us an entire pallet of dry food for dogs and…
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Colostrum for Hyper-immunity & Dental Health
Colostrum, or first milk, is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands of humans and other mammals immediately following delivery of the newborn. Bovine colostrum can also benefit skin health due to its high content of growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor (TGF), which support healthy skin cells. Its natural antibodies and lactoferrin also support a normal inflammatory response in the skin. Colostrum has added benefits include: “Although older animals cannot absorb antibodies as young animals can, colostrum may still be able to exert a local anti-inflammatory effect in the intestinal tract when ingested, or on the skin when applied topically. There is also…
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Rich with Enrichment
I watch animal videos online more than I care to admit. I spend pretty much every morning watching and sharing goofy, heartwarming clips of cats and dogs and their humans. (I especially enjoy dogs in drag and cats in breweries or bodegas.) We can’t imagine life without them, but dogs and cats weren’t always indoor pets. They lived in the wild and had to work hard to get their nourishment; they were hunters and scavengers. Nowadays things are quite different for them; over time we have domesticated these beasts and, though we love and celebrate our pet companions, in some ways we’ve made their world quite small. They can suffer from malaise…
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Non-Toxic Pest Management for Your Companion Animals – Part 1
As flea and tick season arrives in the Mid-Atlantic U.S., we review recommended products to protect pets. Highlights include Earth Animal's internal powder, food-grade Diatomaceous Earth, a quality flea comb, Kleen Green enzyme cleaner, ultrasonic Tickless devices, non-toxic squeeze-ons, and repellent sprays with essential oils. Reach out for personalized advice on these pet-safe solutions.
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Dr. Jean Dodds Feline Vaccination Protocol
The following vaccine protocol is offered for those companion cats where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one Dr. Jean Dodds recommends and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It’s a matter of professional judgment and choice.
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Dr. Jean Dodds Canine Vaccination Protocol
The following vaccine protocol is offered for those companion dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It’s a matter of professional judgment and choice.
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Bladder Control & Incontinence
Canine and feline urinary incontinence involves involuntary urine leakage, a condition distinct from purposeful inappropriate urination. In dogs, especially neutered and senior females, it can range from small leaks to full voiding, potentially indicating a UTI. For both species, various products and supplements are available to assist with diagnosis, manage symptoms, and protect home environments from accidents. These include special litters, testing strips, bladder control supplements, and absorbent pads or diapers.
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Check your Peanut Butter labels first!
How many times have you had Pet Professionals, your local pet supply store, your neighbors and your friends tell you about using Peanut Butter in your pup’s favorite toy, to re-activate a bone, or to give medicine in a tasty treat? In all fairness, it has been relatively safe all these years, but now there is a hidden danger in SOME Peanut Butter brands that could be lethal for your favorite companion. That danger is a sugar substitute called Xylitol, and while it is safe for people, even a small amount of this substance can be cause dramatic illness and even death in canines. Ingestion of as little as 0.1…
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The Do’s and Do-Not-Do’s of the Dog Park
A fruitful visit to the dog park requires preparation and vigilance. Ensure your dog is well-exercised, trained, and sociable. Observe park rules, assess the environment without your pet first, and understand your dog's body language to prevent conflicts. Always be attentive, pick up after your dog, and use positive reinforcement. Avoid bringing treats, retractable leashes, and ensure your dog isn't overwhelmed by long stays.
