Dog Owners Have Fitness Companions at the Ready- Andrea Austin [ 8/19/2004 - 10:35 ] #
Richard Meadows, a veterinarian and director of community practice at University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine, advises both human and canine who haven't been exercising regularly to start slow.
Like their owners, American dogs are putting on pounds, too. They may not watch TV or play video games but they may spend lots of time napping.
"The numbers seem to range somewhere between 15 and 25 percent of the dogs and cats in the United States are obese," Meadows said.
The risks of being overweight are the same, whether you have two legs or four, he said. They include heart and joint disease, diabetes, cancer and a shortened life span.
"Just like us, they can't be dumped into a program. They need to work into it and build muscle tone and endurance," said Meadows, who has been a researcher in several animal exercise studies.
dogs feel-good information U.S.
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Valentine Pet – Beware of Chocolate- Andrea Austin [ 1/28/2004 - 10:38 ] #  With the approach of Valentine’s Day, there are a few important tips you should know for your sweetheart pet. A box of treats may not be the perfect way to say, “I love you” to your furry friend. High fat content and over-eating are a few problems for both people and pets during the holiday months.
Your cat or dog may find that hidden box of chocolate intended for your Valentine! Plastic or aluminum wrappers left unattended may pose a choking hazard. Prevent a holiday disaster by reading more from: http://www.petsmart.com/articles/article%5F13565.shtml
cats dogs information seasonal - winter
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Sheltering Animals & the Law- Andrea Austin [ 1/19/2004 - 09:36 ] #
 The Michigan Humane Society reports that shelter is required, by law, for any pet that must remain outdoors for any length of time.
The definition of shelter is, at the least, a well-built, insluated, slant-roofed dog house. The interior must be large enough for the animal to stand and lie down comfortably. It must be elevated at least 4 inches from the gorund for circulation, and the door should face away from wind with a protective flap to reduce drafts.
Use hay or straw instead of blankets because blankets may freeze, thus making the animal even colder.
dogs Helping Houses operations information Michigan Humane Society seasonal - winter weather
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Humane Society Cracks Down on Animals Left Out in Cold- Andrea Austin [ 1/19/2004 - 09:29 ] #  Michigan Humane Society Investigators spent Friday searching for dogs that may have been left out in the bitter cold, WDIV Channel 4 reports.
Investigators had already found one dog dead from exposure when they found a rottweiler chained to car inside an uninsulated garage.
After investigators spoke with the homeowner's daughter, she attempted to bring the dog indoors, but it snapped at her. At that point, investigators decided to seize the dog and bring it to the warm shelter.
Experts advise not to use blankets for dog beds as they retain water and freeze. They recommend hay or straw in dog houses at least 4 inches off the ground.
Read more from WDIV Channel 4...
abuse dogs Helping Houses operations information metro detroit Michigan Humane Society seasonal - winter weather
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Dogs and Cats are safe from Mad Cow- Erica Karmeisool [ 1/1/2004 - 19:54 ] #
Pet owners can feed their fuzzy loved ones with a clear conscious after it was determined that Mad Cow meat did not contaminate the pet food supply of beef.
ST. LOUIS - Ron Hayes, who owns six cats and two dogs, said he hasn’t changed their diet since learning about the country’s first confirmed case of mad cow disease.
“It’s called mad cow disease, not mad dog disease, right?” he asked, but then checked to see if his pet foods contained beef ingredients. He spotted beef tallow on a bag of dry food. Read more from MSNBC News...
information U.S.
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Grit Harmful to Birds- Erica Karmeisool [ 12/17/2003 - 19:30 ] #  After a recent visit to the vet, we were told not to feed our bird, Captain, grit. Our vet informed us that it is not neccessary for their digestive systems and that it may be a health risk. The grit may scratch the lining of the bird's digestive system and cause infection. A better addition to your bird's diet is more "people food." Red meats and vegetables offer nutrients essential to a bird's diet that they cannot get from seeds alone.
birds information
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Fun Facts: Thank a Bat!- Andrea Austin [ 11/3/2003 - 11:59 ] #
 The Oklahoma Nature Conservancy has launched a campaign to make people aware of the benefits of the Big-Eared Ozark Bat, an endangered species.
Facts:
Like Tequila or Margaritas? The Big-Eared Ozark Bat is the only creature that can successfully pollinate the Agave plant, the source of tequila.
Hate those Biting Bugs? This species of bat eats 160 pounds of insects per night.
Eew! Bats Get Stuck in Your Hair! Not true, this is a Hollywood myth.
The Nature Conservancy is taking the Halloween opportunity to let everyone know that bats are not the neck biting vampires that some perceive them to be. They are an important part of the ecosystem.
endorsed businesses information seasonal - fall small & furry U.S. wildlife
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Dying Dogs Spawn Pet Food Recall in California- Andrea Austin [ 10/27/2003 - 09:59 ] #
Canadian Pet food company Petcurean Pet Nutrition is recalling all of its Go! Natural pet food products after receiving reports of illnesses in animals that ate their food.
At $42.99 per 30 pound bag, Go! Natural boasts the highest meat content of any dog food.
14 dogs and cats have fallen ill, at this time 7 have died in California. A spokesperson for the company said that they are focusing on a Texas processing plant that may be responsible. Go! Natural is sold in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Seattle and Denver areas.
more from WDIV Channel 4...
cats dogs information U.S. world
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Canine Commandos- Andrea Austin [ 10/24/2003 - 14:24 ] #
 Every wonder how dogs get to the battle field? They "drop in" just like any other paratrooper.
This Indonesian special forces team is preparing for a visit from President Bush.
more on these special dogs...
dogs government and law information world
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Study: 1 in 4 Cats and Dogs are Overweight- Andrea Austin [ 9/10/2003 - 11:37 ] #  The US National Research Council has found that 1 in 4 cats and dogs in the US and Europe are overweight.
One of the biggest problems is sharing food and giving treats.
More from Ananova...
Editor's Note: My own cat, Kitty, is fat herself. She's been on a diet for years of only a quarter cup of food in morning and one in the evening. I'd like to point out her extreme laziness as another cause!
cats dogs information technology world
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Buy Helping Houses Stuff at the Helping Houses Closet- Andrea Austin [ 6/13/2003 - 16:23 ] # Now you can buy cool Helping Houses merchandise online!
go to www.cafeshops.com/helpinghouses
  
We're adding new products frequently, so check back often!
advertisement Helping Houses operations information
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Find Your New Pet Online- Andrea Austin [ 5/28/2003 - 16:40 ] # Ever think about adopting a loving pet from a shelter or rescue?
 Ever changed your mind because it's so hard to see all the others in their cages?
Ever not been able to find the breed/size/age/sex you're looking for at your local shelter?
The infamous Daisy, Eric's and my second baby girl and Pepper's sister, came to us all the way from Big Rapids, Mi.
We happened to find her online at www.Petfinder.org. I loved this site because you're able to search for the extact type of pet you want from thousands of shelters all over the country. Also, most of the shelters have online applications so you can get pre-approved for your new little baby. Only bummer: the site's a little slow. Let's hope it's because their server's jammed from all the traffic!
For those of you that have met Daisy, you'll all agree that she's just the best! Maybe it's because she was rescued from death row in the city pound. Maybe it's because she's just so cute!
One extra bonus about adoption: Pepper, our Jack Russell Terrier, was $450. Paired with her puppy shots she was over $500! Little Daisy the "Long Duck Dong" (80's maniacs will recognise that name) was only $75, and she already had her shots!
 Cash and Carry pups online...5 paws for this website!
adoption endorsed businesses feel-good information rescue technology U.S.
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