Beware of the Natural Peanut Butter Scare!

       For many of us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were a staple in our lunchboxes. I loved it as a kid and even though I’m grown up now I will confess that a spoonful of peanut butter for a midnight snack sometimes just hits the spot. The creamy nutty taste and irresistible lip licking texture is simply wonderful. It has many health benefits being rich in antioxidant vitamin E, muscle-friendly potassium, and it is a great source of fiber and good fat. With all of these great properties for us humans it is no surprise why it is recommended as a tasty irresistible treat for the four-legged man’s best friend as well.

       For most of us dog lovers, we have learned over the years that our canine family members have a special affinity for the delicious nutty spread. Peanut butter is a common flavor for biscuits and it can be used in toys or to re-fill frozen bones. It can also be a good enticer to get them to eat pills or other types of medication. In many cases using peanut butter as a treat is fine as long as it is just an occasional treat because too much peanut butter in excess can be problematic like causing pancreatitis and obesity. The point of this blog, however is not to discuss the effects of dogs being fed too much peanut butter, but rather to state that not all peanut butters are the same.

        We always want to buy the best foods for our body as well as things we feed to enhance our animal’s health.  As the current issues arise with GMO’s and added sugars, consumers are looking for products that are more “natural” with less additives and more whole ingredients. Overall this is probably beneficial for everyone to have less “junk” in the things we eat and let our pets enjoy. The once thought already good-for-you and super nutritious peanut butter has even stepped it up to reach out to the health conscious customer. Before you and your pet become a cautionary tale please be aware of the scares that some of these sandwich spreads can cause.

         Recently, a few companies have started making a “healthier” peanut butter by adding a natural sugar alcohol sweetener called Xylitol. I learned about this sweetener a long time ago from my obsession with Trident gum: “made with Xylitol”. They use it because of its ability to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. With the newfound knowledge of the properties of xylitol as a natural sugar, its low glycemic index, and its benefit to our pearly whites, we have started to see xylitol popping up in all sorts of food and dental products in the last few years. While this natural sweetener may be harmless to humans it is extremely dangerous for our dogs even in the smallest quantities.

       Ingestion of as little as .1gram of xylitol per kilogram of weight can cause a rapid drop in a dog’s blood sugar level causing a condition called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can show as staggering, appearing disoriented, weakness and seizures. Slightly more than that, approximately .5g/kg ingested can lead to debilitation, and sadly often deadly, destruction of a dog’s liver cells. This toxic dose could even be less for dogs with pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes or hepatitis. Xylitol isn’t comparable to your dog eating avocados or some chocolate, where it may not affect your dog at all or the damage could be minimal. If you were out and about and Fido was able to ingest a whole jar of peanut butter containing xylitol before you came home, the result could be fatal….very sad….but very true.

        

So far the five biggest national brands of peanut butter containing xylitol to watch out for are:

1.     Go Nuts

2.     Hank’s Protein Plus Peanut Butter

3.     Krush Nutrition

4.     Nuts ‘N More

5.     P28

             I’m sure there are more out there on the market, but these seem to be the most commonly seen. Obviously these hound hazards can be easily avoided by simply reading the ingredients in your toothpaste or food items, especially peanut butter, and being aware of them in your house.  Something else to keep in mind is if the package says “sweetened naturally” or uses a “natural sweetener” make sure you flip it over and read the label and look for xylitol. It is often misconstrued as an artificial sweetener- but it’s not. Other sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, glycerol, maltitol, and sorbitol are not yet known to be toxic to dogs but better to be safe than sorry. Some companies have even said they would put a little blurb on the front saying “not safe for dogs” but until that day comes…. please read the labels.

Fort Collins Chicken Laws

Having chickens in the city limits of Fort Collins has been allowed for some time now, but recent changes to the code may have some confused. Have no fear! We have gone over the rules and restrictions regarding backyard chickens, and have laid it out below.

The city of Fort Collins now requires an inspection and a permit to own chickens. The inspection is done by the Larimer Humane Society and animal control. If you are going to purchase chicks, first call (970)226-3647 extension: 7 to set up a time to have your chicken coop inspected. Roosters and Mallards (ducks) are not allowed, only hens are allowed in city limits.[1] No more than 6 chickens are allowed in one coop in the city of Fort Collins.[2]

The requirements are as follows:

-The poultry must be provided with a covered, predator-resistant poultry house that is properly ventilated, designed to be easily accessed, cleaned and maintained, and must consist of at least four (4) square feet per chicken hen or duck.[3]

-During daylight hours, the poultry must have access to the poultry house and also have access to an outdoor enclosure that is adequately fenced to protect them from predators.[3]

-The poultry must be further protected from predators by being closed in the poultry house from dusk to dawn.[3]

-Neither the poultry house nor the outdoor enclosure may be located less than fifteen (15) feet from any abutting property line unless the owner or keeper of the poultry obtains the written consent of the owners of all abutting properties to which the enclosure is proposed to be more closely located, in which event the agreed-upon location shall then be deemed acceptable notwithstanding any subsequent change in ownership of such abutting properties.[3]

-The poultry must be sheltered or confined in such fashion as to prevent them from coming into contact with wild ducks or geese or their excrement.[3]

-The poultry may not be killed by or at the direction of the owner or keeper thereof except pursuant to the lawful order of state or county health officials, or for the purpose of euthanasia when surrendered to a licensed veterinarian or the Humane Society for such purpose, or as otherwise expressly permitted by law.[3]

The above information was compiled from the city of  Fort Collins website. For more information on the rules and regulations click here. For more resources and contacts click here.

[1] https://www.municode.com/library/co/fort_collins/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=CH4ANIN_ARTIIAN_DIV6RE_S4-117SACHDUQUREKECHDU
[2]http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/fort-collins-colorado-chicken-ordinance
[3]http://citydocs.fcgov.com/?cmd=convert&vid=3&docid=1304995&dt=ORDINANCE

Keep Your Dog Active In Bad Weather

Winter in Colorado can get pretty bitter, which makes things difficult for some breeds of dogs to stay active. Those of us that have short coat or lean built dogs can struggle to keep them active in the winter. On those days where the mercury is low, what can you do to get your dog some exercise when you can’t take them outside? I asked myself this question as I have a hyper girl who absolutely hates the cold. After a little research I found the following tips that I think are pretty handy, all of which can be done in warmth of your home or apartment!

Fetch Inside. This one makes sense, but I never really thought of it. Just find the longest open distance you have in your residence and simply play fetch. This works great in a longer hallway, or even on a staircase which will wear your pup out even quicker!

Back and Forth. This one requires at least 2 people. Set yourselves up on different ends of your residence, or in different rooms; and simply call the dog back and forth. Make your pup run around back and forth between the people in the house. This generally excites them because they are getting a lot of attention from multiple people at once!

Hide and Seek. Similar to the previous paragraph, you can hide from your pet and make them find you. Usually works great to wear them out as they are more mentally stimulated trying to hunt you down. If your dog isn't much of a hunter you can always try Chase! Where you chase your pet around the apartment and get them excited running around!

Hide a Treat. If you are not really keen on doing the hiding yourself, you can always just hide treats for your dog to find. This requires a little training as they have to know you are hiding the treat. Start with very easy hiding places and work your way up to more advanced hiding places.

Extra Attention. Sometimes all your dog really needs is a little extra attention, and maybe some snuggle time.

New Toys. If your dog loves playing with toys, bringing home some fresh toys for destruction can do the trick. You can also get toys that are actually games or puzzles in which your dog must work to get a treat. These tend to work for wearing your dog out as they require more mental stimulation.

Tug of War. Another easy way to wear your dog out while you sit on the couch is to find a rope toy and play tug of war with the dog. If your dog is into tug of war they will usually want to play for hours! If you want to be more active or involved there is always wrestling! Wrestling with your dog (Not too rough) can wear them out quickly if you keep them moving and playing, also it gets them more physical attention which they love!

Doggie Daycare. If you can afford to take your dog to doggie daycare this is a great way to make sure your dogs is worn out by the end of the day! While you are at work your dog will be socializing, and running around in a warm building with other dogs having fun.

Treadmill. This one is another that requires training as most dogs are not going to be keen on walking on a moving object. This one seems more likely for dogs that need to burn a lot of energy and some hard playing will not get the job done. I did not believe that people would walk their dogs on the treadmill, but it is actually a very common thing.

As you can see there are a number of ways to keep your pet active when the weather turns cold. I know my dog and I both tend to gain a little weight during winter, but make sure you keep your pup active. If you know any other ways that you keep your dog active in the winter, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.  

Tick Season

I was wondering today about Ticks in Colorado as it is "that time of year." I found some information that I thought we should be passing along to our readers! The summation of this article is that tick prevention is more than worth it seeing as how much curing disease involves. To read the article and see their recommendations click HERE. To visit our website to see pricing, and selection click HERE. Have fun with your pets this summer, but be sure to keep them safe!!!

Messing with your dogs feet

I read a blog post put out by Canidae pet foods the other day and thought it would be a good one to share! I constantly have struggles with my dog on the nail clippings, but this gave me a good reason to calm down and not be so frustrated with it. If you are interested in why your dog doesn't let you mess with his or her feet click HERE to read the blog.

Human foods you should NOT share with your dog

Easter has passed, and this got me thinking about how much chocolate I have sitting around my house. Which made think about what would happen if my dog ate it? I know Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, but how bad is it? Also what other human foods are bad for my dog? My first order of business was to dispose of the chocolate so my dog was safe; so I ate it…unfortunately I ate all of it which led me to feel sick to my stomach. Then I began my research, which upon further review there are quite a few foods that can make your dog sick or worse. Some are quite obvious (Chocolate, medicine, any fruit with a pit) and others are kind of a shocker (grapes, Onions, Milk). So here is my list with a short explanation as to why (I have a list of resources at the bottom for more details):

Chocolate: The ingredient in Chocolate that is poisonous for dogs is called Theobromine. A good rule to know is the darker the chocolate the worse it is. If your dog eats white chocolate it will probably be ok just be sure to monitor them. If your dog eats Dark Chocolate depending on his size and how much you should probably get your dog to the vet!

Avocado: Avocados contain Persin mainly in the leaves, seed, and bark this is mainly seen in Guatemalan variety. Dogs are allergic to Persin, which can cause Diarrhea, vomiting, and heart congestion.

Bread Dough: Homemade bread dough contains yeast which causes the bread to rise and expand, it will do the same in your dog’s stomach. You can understand why this is bad, it will cause your dog’s stomach to expand and will cause a great deal of pain. Also as the yeast multiplies it creates alcohol as a by-product which can cause alcohol poisoning in your dog and could result in death.

Alcohol: Even a small amount of alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning in your pets. If your pet ingests any alcohol be sure to monitor them for vomiting, seizures, disorientation. If symptoms worsen take them to a vet immediately for monitoring.

Grapes/Raisins: These foods have been linked to Liver Damage, and Kidney Failure. The weird part is some dogs were affected one time and not affected another. Even just a hand full of grapes can be life threatening for you dog!

Macadamia Nuts: This one is less life threatening, but can cause some severe discomfort for up to 48 hours, and could still result in death. Symptoms include weakness, paralysis of hindquarters, and vomiting. Be sure to monitor these symptoms closely.

Onions/Garlic: These will destroy your dog’s red blood cell count leading to anemia. Most dogs would have to ingest quite a bit to get very sick, but it is probably a good idea to avoid them.

Sugarless Gum: Sugarless gum contains an artificial sweetener called Xylitol which causes an over-release of insulin which can cause organ failure.               

Caffeine: In large enough quantities can be fatal to dogs. There is no antidote for this, so be careful.

This is just a short list of human foods that are potentially hazardous for your dog. Check out the resources below for more foods, and more detail. I hope this offers some insight the next time you think about giving sparky some table scraps! There are plenty of items that are ok to share with your pets, but we will save that for another day!!

http://www.caninejournal.com/foods-not-to-feed-dog/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/foods-are-hazardous-dogs

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

http://www.pawnation.com/2012/06/05/the-most-dangerous-people-foods-for-cats-and-dogs/13

Fort Collins Pet Laws

Below are the most common infractions people are cited for in Fort Collins. Each is a quick synopsis so you can gain a better understanding and avoid a citation!

Leash Laws – Any and all dogs on city or public land must be on a leash. The only public area where dogs are allowed off leash in Fort Collins is at one of the Dog Parks in town. For the full list of City owned dog parks click here.

Licensing – All dogs and cats 4 months and older in Larimer County must be licensed through the Larimer Humane Society. If they are not properly licensed you can be written a citation.

Rabies Vaccination – All dogs and cats in Fort Collins must be up to date on their rabies vaccination. You can be written a citation if they are not, also you will not be able to license them until this is done.

Pet Waste – As the owner of a pet, you are responsible for the removal of all pet waste on public and private property (not owned by owner of pet). If you are caught not picking up your pet waste, you will be written a citation.

Animal Disturbance of peace and quiet – The owner of an animal shall not allow said animal to create noise problems for neighboring homes or apartments. Noise problems would be barking loud and for excessive periods of time, whining and or yelping loud or for excessive amount of time, howling or squawking loud or for excessive amount of time. We all know dogs bark and birds squawk, it becomes a problem when this happens continuously throughout the day. Once a complaint has been made Animal Control will leave a notice, and if nothing is done to remedy this problem investigative actions will be taken. You could be written a citation.

Quantity of Pets – A pet owner is not permitted to keep more pets on their property than can be properly maintained in a healthy condition. The amount of pets must not create a health or safety hazard for the owner, neighboring persons, or animals.

Obviously the paragraphs above are not the exact laws and regulations in Fort Collins, for a more detailed description on each and many more click here. Below are the rules for all City of Fort Collins Dog Parks:

•  Owners must clean up after their pets.
• No aggressive dogs allowed.
• Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated.
• Puppies under 4 months prohibited.
• Spayed/Neutered Animals recommended.
• Leaving dogs unattended prohibited.
• Limit 3 dogs per visit.
• Dogs in heat prohibited.
• Young children must be supervised.
• Owners must carry a leash at all times.
• Please keep gates closed.

In the future we will write a blog on livestock, and Chicken laws as the majority of the above laws do not apply to them!

[1] http://www.colocode.com/ftcollins/municipal/chapter4.htm

Company Profile: Spring Naturals Pet Foods

Spring Naturals is a line of dog and cat food created by Performance Pet Products which has been producing pet foods since 1946. Their mission in creating Spring was, “to develop a complete family of wholesome products that would provide no-compromise pet nutrition. Every recipe would be made with only select, market-quality ingredients from sources in the United States [1].”  Spring Naturals believes in a “Whole Food Nutrition Philosophy;” meaning they use only whole ingredients no meals or by-products. They also believe a Low-Glycemic food is a great way to keep your pet happy and healthy.

In all Spring Natural Diets Fresh whole meat is the first ingredient! The available proteins are: Beef, Salmon, Lamb, Turkey, and Chicken. This is great for rotating as they have many options to keep your pet from becoming bored or developing an allergy to a specific protein. On top of their whole meat protein sources Spring Naturals uses whole chickpeas, green peas, and eggs for additional natural sources of protein.

Whole Fruits are another great part of this diet! Spring uses fruits such as Cranberries, Blueberries, and Apricots because they are high in antioxidants and help maintain a healthy immune system.

Garden Fresh Vegetables are used in all diets. Spring uses Carrots, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Dandelion Greens (prebiotic), and Whole Tomatoes. These provide great health benefits and are fiber rich for digestion.

Along with traditional Dinner diets that include whole grains, Spring Naturals has a wonderful Grain Free line of foods with the same proteins.

Spring Naturals is available at all Poudre Pet and Feed Supply locations. For more information on Spring Naturals foods, or company visit any Poudre Pet and Feed location and talk with us. Or visit with us at any upcoming events this summer!

Why Frozen Bones are great for your dog!

There are some common misconceptions that divert people from using frozen marrow bones. This is too bad frozen raw bones are actually great for your dog, and will keep them occupied much longer than most treats.

Many believe that bones will splinter and are difficult for dogs to digest. This is true for cooked bones, but Frozen Raw Bones are highly digestible and very rarely splinter. The cooking process tends to alter the structure of the bone which causes it to weaken and splinter.  However frozen raw marrow bones are structurally sound, and have so many benefits to your dog’s overall health!!

The first benefit is actually pretty huge. Frozen Marrow Bones are fantastic for dog’s teeth and overall dental health, “Plaque and tartar can build up on a dog’s teeth offsetting the balance of good bacteria in the mouth which leaves way for infection and disease to spread.”[1]. Most people do not realize that dental problems in dogs can lead to many worse problems. Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums clean and healthy is very important. Frozen Marrow bones are great for teeth and gum health; the left-over meat and tendons on the outside of the bone work almost like dental floss to clean the teeth as your dog chews. Plaque and tartar build up is usually the cause of bad breath, so by feeding raw bones fairly regularly (I try for once a week) you can help keep that breath smelling fresh and the teeth and gums healthy!

Another benefit of frozen marrow bones is they offer a great source of calcium and phosphorous which is necessary for your dog to maintain their bone health. The marrow inside the bones tends to be a little bit fatty, so this is great for dogs that need to gain some weight. Dogs with very sensitive stomachs may get diarrhea from the marrow but most will adjust and do great on them.  Frozen bones are a fantastic way to keep a dog busy while you are entertaining guests, or even just to give you a break from the amount of attention they require. My dog will chew a frozen bone for upwards of 3 hours straight; it’s also a fantastic oral workout for them! 

As with every treat we sell I recommend being present while your dog is chewing a frozen marrow bone, as there is always a risk with anything they chew on. Be sure the bone is the proper size for your dog. Do not give a large dog a tiny bone or choking is a definite possibility. Frozen bones are a fantastic way to help keep your dog healthy and happy. It can be scary to try new things with our dogs, but if you can get over that your dog will love you for it! We carry a large variety of frozen bones so please stop by and ask us our opinions as we love to talk about the benefits of frozen bones!!

[1] http://hungryhound.com/raw-marrow-bones-are-amazing/

Company Profile: Fromm Family Foods

Fromm Family Foods is an independent pet food manufacturer. The company was established in 1904, in Mequon Wisconsin. The Fromm Family can trace the roots of the company back to the turn of the 20^th century. The Fromm brothers raised foxes for fur. In doing so they needed to create a nutrition system to keep the foxes healthy.  As the fur market began to decline the company decided to focus on pet food. They developed the first ever kibble for dogs, and sold their first bag of dog food in 1949. They have since grown and currently employ 110 people; they are still family owned and have zero intention of changing that. Tom Nieman is the 4^th generation to own Fromm Family Foods and his two sons Dan and Brian are very involved in the company.

Fromm has 3 lines of dog food Classic, Gold, and 4-star. The Classic line is a fantastic value brand; it is one of the best priced premium foods on the market. There is a Classic Adult and a Classic Senior. The Gold line offers more life stage variation. All of the Gold line foods use Duck, Chicken, and Lamb as protein, but they offer Puppy, Large Breed, Weight Control, and Senior options. The 4-Star line is where it gets fun! This food is the top of the line. There are multiple proteins including chicken, salmon, duck, beef, and even pork. There are grain free options in the 4-Star line as well! All of the Fromm foods contain fresh fruits and vegetables. On top of a great dog food line Fromm makes two great cat food lines as well. They have a Gold line very similar to the dog it has Kitten, Adult, and Senior formulas. Again the 4-Star line in the cat has many varieties your cat will love! One unique feature of Fromm pet foods is their use of egg and of course being from Wisconsin they use cheese in all of their diets!

The Fromm Family is one of a few companies that have never been on any recall list. This is due to their safety measures. Before any Fromm food leaves the plant it is tested in house, as well as by an independent company. They believe that it all starts with fresh ingredients. Tom Nieman said, "It's the same thing you'd see at the grocery, it's just dropped off at our plant." [1] The safety measures in place at Fromm Family Foods are second to none, for more information visit: http://frommfamily.com/food-safety.

You can find Fromm dog and cat foods at any Poudre Pet and Feed Supply location where our knowledgeable staff is ready for any questions you may have. If you are looking for a great food for your pets we have the best price in Fort Collins, so do not hesitate to come see us!!

    

[1] http://www.jsonline.com/business/fine-pet-foods-sold-at-independent-stores--thats-formula-for-fromm-b99112559z1-226589561.html

A dog for the holidays?

This is the time of year when a lot of people get a dog for the holidays. The holiday season makes a great time to get a dog, whether as a gift for a child, or loved one or as a companion for oneself. The problem is that some people get caught up in the idea of the gift and do not think about the responsibility of owning a dog.

We are very large proponents for dog ownership!! We love our dogs and dogs in general. Dogs are truly man’s best friend. That being said, it is very important to wait until you are ready for a dog. There is a lot of responsibility, and training that goes in to owning a dog. Not to mention the amount of time that must be committed when the dog is a puppy.  

The puppy stage, while it’s the cutest stage of a dog’s life it is the most difficult. Puppies have to be trained to go to the bathroom outside, which requires a lot of effort. They need to be let outside quite often. This means a lot of attention from you the owner!! Getting a puppy when you work 10 hours a day and have no one that can check on the dog is probably a bad idea. Puppies also have a lot of energy they need to burn off. They will become very hyper and want to run around, followed by an hour nap! If you are going to get a puppy be sure you have enough time to get them outside to run around and burn off the energy.

There is always the idea of adopting an older dog that has already been trained to go to the bathroom outside. Don’t let this idea fool you, adopting an old dog is still going to require some work from you. More often than not older dogs have had more than one owner and may be a little nervous. With an older dog, you must gain their trust and they must know you are their master. This is something that will require lots of love and attention. Also an older dog with bad habits will require a lot of work.  We are very much for adopting older dogs from local shelters, as they need love too!!! Just keep in mind that it will still require a lot of effort in the beginning.

We believe that everyone should own a dog, because you will never know unconditional love like that of a dog!! This is just a caution for those who may be thinking about getting a dog for the holidays, just make sure you are ready for the responsibility of pet ownership!! It requires a lot of work, but it is also the most rewarding work you will ever do and very much worth it. Please enjoy the holiday season, and be sure to look at your local shelters if you are in the market for a new companion. Some of the best dogs are waiting for a family this holiday season, why not yours? 

Thanksgiving Has Gone to The Dogs

Now that we have reached November, I am curious whether or not people spoil their pets on Thanksgiving or not? I have done some research and will share! The results were pretty much as expected.

I know that when it comes to my household the dogs are very spoiled around the holidays! I usually don’t feed a lot of wet food to my dog, but when I do my pup loves the stuff. Last Thanksgiving I switched from a canned food (Merrick Thanksgiving Day Dinner) to one of the new “Tubs” available at Poudre Pet and Feed Supply. There are quite a few different brands who make a tub, but for Thanksgiving it only made sense that I give my dog the “Earthborn Holistic Toby’s Turkey Dinner.” This was great because my dog ate what my family ate on Thanksgiving! The Toby’s Turkey Dinner has Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, and Apples. It was a nice way to make the dog part of the family.

My neighbor on the other hand takes it to another level. He like me rarely feeds wet food. But on Thanksgiving Day his dogs eat very well! He makes his dogs a plate of human food. He doesn't go too crazy just a plate of Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, and Stuffing. I have seen this happen and while probably would not feed human food to my dogs, I could see how happy his dogs were and how it made them part of the family.

I asked a co-worker what she did for her dog on Thanksgiving, and she told me she fixes her dog a plate of turkey, sweet potatoes, and stuffing. Apparently I am the only one not fixing my dog a plate of food.

I decided to do some internet research. It would seem that a lot of people give their dogs a plate of human food on Thanksgiving. In fact if done properly it can be a very healthy snack and a great way to include your pet in the festivities. Many of the items we eat are actually good for our dogs. The pumpkin is great for digestive health, Cranberries are great for urinary tract health, and green beans are a great source of fiber. If you treat your dogs to the proper things on Thanksgiving you can actually be helping their health! Things to avoid on this day would be turkey bones!! They are very similar to chicken bones and can splinter and chip which can hurt your dog.

People definitely enjoy spoiling their dogs on Thanksgiving, and it would seem some people take it further than others. There is nothing better than spoiling your dog especially around the holidays. We are always open to more ideas for spoiling your pets, so feel free to send some our way!

http://www.varietypetfoods.com/1282/how-to-make-thanksgiving-a-treat-for-your-dogs/

http://fourmuddypaws.com/blog/thanksgiving-traditions-your-dog-will-love

Company Profile: Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo Company began like many foods, a pet with health issues and owners who want to keep said pet healthy. Bill and Jackie Bishop creators of Blue Buffalo and owners of the aforementioned dog named it after their Airedale “Blue.” Blue Buffalo uses quality protein as the first ingredient in each formula (Chicken, Lamb, and Fish). The interesting part of Blue Buffalo and what makes them different from other quality pet foods is the LifeSource bits. Which are as they put it “a precise blend of nutrients and antioxidants that have been cold–formed for greater potency. Our exclusive LifeSource Bits include a combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help maintain a healthy oxidative balance, support pets' immune systems and provide support for their special life stage requirements.”[1]

The Company was started in 2002, and is based in Connecticut. They offer a wide variety of products. Blue has a full line of dog and cat foods, grain free options, canned dog and cat food, and a treat line for dogs with added vitamins and minerals.

The Company has seen tremendous success in recent years, and has grown into a top food in the retail market. Growth of this proportion can be scary to consumers, but the company remains privately owned by Bill and Jackie Bishop. They have done a lot of advertising and have really done a great job with visibility in the pet food market. For now there is no reason to worry about Blue as the owners’ number one priority still remains the pets! Their slogan is “Love them Like family, Feed them like family.”

The company has been expanding their product line recently. Blue offers numerous new dog and cat food varieties, and even released a new cat litter recently.

You can find Blue dog food at any Poudre Pet and Feed Supply location where our knowledgeable staff is ready for any questions you may have. If you are in the market for Blue Buffalo we have the best price in Fort Collins, so do not hesitate to come see us!!

[1] http://bluebuffalo.com/company-history

Larimer County Pet Laws

Larimer County laws on licensing a pet are as follows:  

1. All dogs and cats over 4 months of age must have a license - regardless if the animal   is kept indoors or not.

2. To obtain a license the owner must provide proof of a current rabies vaccination.

3. All cats and dogs must wear a rabies tag and license on a collar.

For more information on laws/rules for pets in Larimer County Visit the following site: http://www.colocode.com/ftcollins/municipal/chapter4.htm#sec4d31. For the sake of this entry I will be focusing on the licensing laws, since they are easy to follow but often overlooked.

It is very important to keep your dog current on their rabies vaccine. For some time the rabies virus was not a problem in Northern Colorado, but over the last 2 years there has been a surge in rabies cases. The local skunk population has been spreading the virus. Please keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccine. Rabies is a life threatening virus for our pets. In order to license your pets in Fort Collins (which you must do in the city limits) you must have proof of a rabies vaccination.

Once you have the rabies vaccination taken care of you can license your pet. This can be done at the Larimer Humane Society, or at any Poudre Pet and Feed Supply location (Cash or Check payment only)!! Your pet must be licensed after 4 months of age. The cost breaks down as follows:

License Fee	License Fee For Seniors (62+)
4 mo. to 1 yr. - $12.00	4 mo. to 1 yr. - $5.00
Altered Over 1 yr. - $12.00	Altered Over 1 yr. - $5.00
Unaltered Over 1 yr. - $35.00	Unaltered Over 1 yr. - $35.00

All pets are required to wear a rabies tag, and their license at all times. Be sure to keep these on their collar when in public areas as you can receive a citation for not having proof with you.

These are some simple rules to follow that can keep you from receiving a citation or any kind of trouble. If your pet is ever lost this makes it much easier for them to be returned to you if picked up by animal control! Happy, healthy pets are what we love so please be sure to keep your pets current on all vaccines!!!!

Dog Days of Summer

Summer is the best part of the year to get over winter isolation! The key to enjoying summer with your dog is making sure you and your four-legged buddy stay cool!

Dogs have a difficult time cooling themselves due to the fact that they do not have sweat glands like humans(only on paws and nose), and they have thick fur coats. Dogs cool themselves by panting and drinking water.  Be sure to keep plenty of fresh water around for your dog in the summer time.  If you have outside only dogs make sure there is plenty of shade so they do not overheat. Having a dog house in the shade for them to relax in is a great idea; there are plenty of cooling products that can be put in a dog house like a “cool bed.”

A tip to keep your dog from overheating is to make sure you take walks in the morning or evening. If the concrete is too hot it will burn the pads of your dog’s feet and cause them tremendous pain. If it is too hot to touch with your hand it is probably too hot for your dog. Do not be afraid to cut the walk short if you need to. Your dog will understand and most likely tire sooner on a hot day anyway.  As always be sure to take water with you on your walk to keep your dog cool!

Don’t have air conditioning? There are plenty of other ways to keep your pets cool during the peak heat of the day. The easiest and most effective is a kiddie pool!! Just find a shady spot and fill it up, then relax and watch your pups rumble in the water. The sprinkler is another option to keeping your pets cool, although some dogs may not be a fan of the sprinkler you never know until you try. A little known fact is that dogs cool from the bottom up, so rubbing their paws and belly with a cold damp towel can go a long way to helping them feel more comfortable in the heat.

A quick note on summer heat: Please never leave your dog in the car when it is warm outside this chart illustrates what I mean!

These are just a few tips, and there plenty more out there. What it comes down to, is be conscious of the heat and HAVE PLENTY OF WATER AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PETS!!

Keeping Dogs Calm on 4th of July

The 4^th of July can be quite the celebration, but for our dogs it can be quite the nightmare. With barbecues, and fireworks there is plenty to keep us humans busy, the only downfall is the way our dogs respond. Most dogs don’t do well with the flash and bang of Fireworks. This can be a stressful night for our pups.

More dogs are lost on the 4^th of July than any other day of the year, so be sure they have Identification on them! Even if your dog is not an escape artist the stress of the Fireworks can make even the calmest dog bolt. “If you know anyone who makes their dog stay outside, please urge them to keep the dog indoors on the Fourth of July in order to prevent him or her from escaping or getting injured.”[1]   

One keep tip to keeping your dog calm is to wear them out. On the 4^th be sure to get your dog plenty of exercise during the day, this way the will be tired and a lot calmer when the fireworks go off.

The key to keeping your dog calm when the fireworks start is to keep yourself calm, and keep them distracted. Whether this is just being near them and petting them, or giving them something to chew on. This is a great time to use frozen raw bones, because they will keep your dog distracted for a good period of time and they are very appealing to most dogs!!

Having a place where they can hide and feel safe is always a benefit. I usually keep my dogs kennel in the same room as me and cover it with a blanket. I do not close her in, but her kennel is her safe spot so this is where she likes to hide. By covering it with a blanket she feels more protected from the flash of the fireworks.

If none of these tactics work you may try a thundershirt which has a calming effect, or try some calming pheromones (comfort zone) which may also help.

These are just a few tips, and there are many other ways to help your dog through the 4th of July. Enjoy Independence Day as I know I will, and be good to your pets!!

[1] http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/2012/07/03/easy-ways-to-help-dogs-cope-with-fireworks.aspx

[2] http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/seasonal/fireworks

Company Profile: Merrick Pet Care

I thought it might nice to do a profile on one of our best-selling foods, so our readers can understand why we recommend it!

The Merrick Pet Care Company was founded by Garth Merrick and his wife Susie in 1988. The company started on their family’s ranch in Hereford, Texas. Garth wanted to create a true family-owned company which is true still to this day. They started by making treats, which were such a success they grew to making their own dog food. “Garth's son, Tyler, created Merrick's line of 5-Star entrees with the goal of making pet food fun and creating mealtime experiences for owners and their pets by offering them a menu of quality recipes. His recipe for Grammy's Pot Pie (Grammy was Tyler's childhood moniker for his grandmother) became Merrick's signature product.”[1]

By creating the “Flossie” all natural dog treat Merrick put themselves at the forefront of manufacturing all natural pet treats, which they are still known for today.

The line of food has grown from the original Grammy’s Pot Pie to a line now including over 65 wet and dry food combinations. “Merrick takes a simplistic, yet innovative approach during recipe creation. Merrick uses real whole foods that are locally sourced and processed as little as possible in order to retain the natural benefits. We hold true to our five star promises to ensure that our food is of the highest standard. This is how we raise the bar, not just for us, but also for the entire pet food industry. It's Food Worthy of a Fork™.”[2]

Merrick owns every part of their manufacturing plants. The dry food, canning, and treat facilities are all within minutes of one another which allows for greater quality control.

Merrick’s canned dog and cat food are some of the most interesting and palatable foods on the market. The line is large and has very unique flavors such as Cowboy Cookout and Smothered Comfort.    

Merrick released a new line in 2009 called Whole Earth Farms. This is a line that keeps with the Merrick tradition of quality ingredients, with an affordable price tag.  

In 2012, Merrick began a new “Food Revolution” staying current with the most up to date research on pet nutrition. They now have a Classic, and Grain Free Line that use only the best USA sourced ingredients and are some of the top foods on the market. One bonus to feeding the Merrick pet foods is the large amount of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in every bag, which is good for pets with joint problems and for those who like to take preventative measures.

[1] http://www.merrickpetcare.com/our-story/meet_garth_merrick/

[2] http://www.merrickpetcare.com/our-story/merrick-history/

Canned Food

Why feed canned food to your dog or cat? A lot of people don’t know much about canned food, but it has plenty of benefits. Canned food tends to have a higher overall protein content then kibble. The moisture content is great for both dogs and cats, and it almost always gets finicky eaters to gobble down their meal. The downside is the cost, bacteria if left out, and it can cause weight gain.

Canned food tends to have more protein then kibble because the meats in the food are closer to their original state, they also require less carbohydrates and binding agents which are used to keep kibble together. This is especially great for cats since they are carnivores and do not need grains. This provides great protein rich food which both dogs and cats thrive on.

The moisture content in canned food is an awesome feature. Cats generally don’t like water, so it is a nice way to sneak moisture into their diet; because they will generally lick up the gravy in canned food. For older dogs or dogs with dental issues the high moisture content helps make it easier for them to get the food down without the need to chew.   

Finicky or picky dogs can be a pain. Some dogs are just stubborn and will go 2-3 days without eating to prove their point. Dogs will not starve themselves, but as an owner it is alarming when your dog goes this long without food. If you have never tried canned food as a topper we at Poudre Pet and Feed Supply highly recommend it for these situations. Most dogs cannot resist the food when you put a little bit of canned food on it!

There are a few things about canned food that make some people steer away. The cost is usually the first. Canned food tends to be a little pricey if you are trying to feed it alone. We recommend a good mix of can and dry food.  When feeding canned food, do not leave it out for more than one hour as bacteria will begin to form much quicker than dry food. Since canned food is much higher in protein and fat than kibble it is easy for us humans to feed too much. This can cause obesity in our pets which will lessen their quality of life, so again we will recommend a mixture of canned and dry food which will keep pets at a healthy weight!

In the end do not be afraid of canned food, it is a great way to keep your pets happy and healthy and there is nothing better than that!!

Sources
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/canned-or-dry-dog-food/
http://www.doghealth.com/nutrition/wet-food-vs-dry-food-for-dogs 
http://www.catinfo.org/?link=cannedfoods

Cat Facts

We tend to do a lot of blogging about our canine friends here, so I thought it would be good to change it up and give some love to our feline friends! Now, I personally am no cat expert having never owned a cat myself (although I have been around them a lot). So my first instinct was to head to google and see what I could find. I stumbled upon a lot of interesting Cat factoids. I thought I would share some for those who have never done this.

“On average cats spend 2/3 of their day sleeping.” Seriously? Do cats really sleep that much? This made me think for a minute. I thought about our store cat Ohso, and sure enough I think every time I see Ohso she is sleeping somewhere throughout the North store. This means that a 9 year old cat has really only been awake for 3 years of their life. Weird fact, but at least when they are awake they are hunting and taking care of rodent problems!

“Female cats tend to be right pawed, while male cats are more often left pawed.” I thought this fact was very interesting. How can you tell what paw is dominant. Does this have to do with which paw they use to swat more often, or just a blatant lie? This led me to search and find out. It appears as though there have been many studies conducted to find out. From what I gathered the criteria for deciding is which paw they use for foraging. The numbers do not seem as concrete as male versus female, but more that the majority of cats are ambidextrous but there are cats that have a dominant paw!

“Some cats have survived falls of over 65 feet, due largely to their “righting reflex.” The eyes and balance organs in the inner ear tell it where it is in space so the cat can land on its feet. Even cats without a tail have this ability.” We all know that cats always land on their feet; but that is quite the fall to survive. Cats are quite resilient.

“A cat rubs against people not only to be affectionate but also to mark out its territory with scent glands around its face. The tail area and paws also carry the cat’s scent.^” I had to share this fact, because I always wondered why cats would continue to rub against you even when they know you don’t want them to. Marking their territory makes a lot of sense.

These are just a few facts about cats that interested me, and there are a lot more out there. Cats are quite an interesting animal with a lot of skill and ability. We love cats here at Poudre Pet and Feed Supply, so if anyone has any interesting cat facts please share with us either here or at any of our locations!

Sources

http://facts.randomhistory.com/interesting-facts-about-cats.html

http://pets.thenest.com/cats-dominant-paw-8318.html

http://www.petplace.com/cats/cat-paw-preference/page1.aspx

Bathing your Dog the Bad the Good and How!

The Bad:
There is no real downfall to bathing your dog, the only thing to be worried about is potentially bathing them too much. If bathed too much, your dog’s skin and coat will dry out much like our hands do when we wash them excessively.  Bathing your dog removes the natural oils of the skin and coat; so they should only be bathed when they are really dirty, or excessively smelly. If bathed too much they can develop dandruff.

The Good:
Now for the positive! The one that comes to everyone’s mind is the smell. Dogs get stinky that is just the way it goes, but a good quick bath will always take care of that! One of my favorite reasons for bathing my dog is to help with shedding. Bathing your dog will wash away the dead hair that is trapped within your dog’s coat, so it will not continue to end up all over your clothes and furniture.  Another very good reason for bathing your dog is that it allows you to check them for any irregular lumps or bumps that may need to be checked by a vet. By bathing them on a regular routine, but not too often you will know if there is a new lump that was not there before[1]. The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog every 3 months[2].

Tips For How:
The key to a positive experience with your dog’s first bath is to make sure they stay calm, and you stay calm. The first bath is usually a challenge, it was for me anyway; the only thing my dog wanted to do was jump out of the tub. Be sure you are very calm and positive when going into a bathing situation to keep the dog from having a bad experience. One bad experience is very difficult to overcome as they will associate this activity with a negative state of mind, making bathing difficult for a long time. A good way to keep them from fighting you in the beginning and for any bath time really is make sure they are tired when you decide to bathe them. A good way to do it is play fetch beforehand, or take them for a nice long walk[3]. Another small thing that can cause your dog to panic is water temperature. If the water is burning hot, or freezing cold your dog will most likely do anything they can to get away from it. Find a good warm water temperature and go with it. Start with a light stream of water, then increase the water pressure slowly and begin lathering the dog with soap starting with the shoulders. Save the head for last as this tends to cause the most anxiety. Be sure to rinse the soap completely as to not leave behind itchy residue. The key is to remain calm and in control of the situation. As long as you keep it a positive activity and make it part of their routine you should have successful baths for years to come. Dogs will most likely never enjoy a bath, but if done properly they will learn to tolerate them!

[1] http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-articles/bathing-your-dog

[2] https://www.vetsecure.com/canyonsmallanimalhospital.com/articles/252

[3] http://www.cesarsway.com/dogcare/grooming/How-to-Successfully-Bathe-Your-Dog