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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.
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Safety of Soresto Flea Collars Examined
At The Big bad Woof we are always trying to find natural ways to prevent fleas and ticks, and having had a number of “seizure dogs” over the years, we have avoided using flea collars with pesticides which may cause adverse reactions. Susan Thixton posted today about a lawsuit regarding Soresto flea collars which the public needs to know, especially if they have used this product. Recently a lawsuit against Seresto flea collars was settled for $15 million. Pet owners would be eligible for “up to $13” for every collar purchased, and “If your pet died in a manner ‘allegedly related’ to wearing a Seresto product, you’re eligible for $300 plus medical…
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Gimme Shelter
I’m not a big fan of the Rolling Stones song “Gimme Shelter,” but it’s a good notion. We all need it, right? The safety of a roof, or a tent, or a cave. A warm radiator or open (and controlled!) fire. My version of shelter includes plumbing and snacks, but the more primal and necessary need that shelter affords us is safety. Safety from the elements. Safety from predators. A kind of sanctuary. This is the time of year when we need to think about the strays and feral colonies out there, of which there are plenty. People often feed strays but they can’t welcome every stray cat into their…