Since Thanksgiving is in a couple of weeks, I thought I would post some pet safety tips to keep your furr kids happy and healthy throughout the holiday season.
It is SO tempting to give your furr kids scraps from your holiday feast, (I'm as guilty as anyone) but I came across the following information and wanted to share it with you.
- Rich, fatty foods such as turkey skins and gravy can contribute to pancreatitis. This inflammation of the digestive gland is painful and can be serious, resulting in emergency veterinary assistance.
- Cooked bones can splinter and cause tears or obstruction in a pet's digestive tract.
- Baking strings can cause BIG trouble if ingested by your furr kid.
- Onions in holiday stuffing can lead to canine anemia.
- Grapes and raisin toxins can cause kidney failure in pets.
- Ingesting chocolate can kill your pet.
- Caffeine and alcohol are also toxic for pets.
- Make sure to keep leftover food out of reach and in tightly closed containers.
- Make sure that garbage cans are secure so our outdoor furr critters are safe from e-coli and unable to chew on leftover tinfoil.
If you would like to surprise your furr kid with their own version of a Thanksgiving day feast I found the following recipes that you may want to try out.
Pumpkin Barley with Turkey
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup long-grain rice
- 3/4 cup pearl barley
- Pinch of freshly grated or ground nutmeg
- 1/3 pound ground turkey or ground turkey breast
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- Salt
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the rice and barley and toast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season the grains with the nutmeg and stir in half of the warm broth. Cook until the broth bubbles, about 5 minutes, then add the turkey, crumbling it as you drop it into the skillet and cook, (about 5 minutes) until the liquid is absorbed by the grains. Stir in the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, allowing the broth to be fully absorbed before adding more. Cook until the barley is tender, about 18 minutes.
Stir in the pumpkin puree. Cook over medium heat until just heated, about 1 minute. Season to "taste" with salt.
I couldn't really find an appropriate kitty turkey day dish, but this one "sounds" pretty good.
Tuna Kitty Treats,
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup nonfat powdered milk
- 1/2 can tuna in oil, or 1/2 cup cooked chicken chopped up into small pieces.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or cod liver oil
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup water
In a large bowl mash the tuna, (or chicken). Add the flour and powdered milk, mixing well. Stir in the water, oil and egg, mixing well, (mixture will be sticky).
Shape mixture into 1/2-inch balls. Place on greased baking sheets. Press balls to flatten.
Bake at 350*F, (175*C) for 10 minutes. Remove treats from oven; let sit for 5 minutes and then turn treats over and bake another 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack, and store in an air tight container in refrigerator.
SWINE FLU, (H1N1) HITS OUR PETS!!!!!
In Iowa, a 13 year old cat developed lethargy, decreased appetite and trouble breathing after several human members of its family became ill with H1N1 flu! It was confirmed as the first case of H1N1 flu in a cat and the cat is recovering. To date, there is no indication that this cat passed the virus to any people.
Other influenza viruses have been known to cross species and all pet owners should take the same hygiene precautions against spreading H1N1 flu to pets as they would with humans. In addition, pets should be monitored for any signs of illness and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if you have concerns. There is no H1N1 flu vaccine available for pets at this time.
So, keep those hands washed furr guardians, and make sure to wipe off your pets paws after a walk in a neighborhood park.
PAUL MITCHELL FOR PETS!!!!,
I was hanging out at my new hair stylist's salon, (http://www.orangecrushstudios.com/) and as usual we began talking about pet related topics. Lonnie, (the owner) was telling me about an upcoming "dog wash" fundraiser that he's planning on hosting next year which all proceeds benefiting the Silicon Valley Humane Society. He told me that the folks at Paul Mitchell host one every year in Los Angeles which raises thousands of dollars for local pet related charities. I asked him why Paul Mitchell would do something like that, and he explained that they are HUGE animal lovers, and actually have their own line of pet grooming products!!!!! Who knew right? I sure didn't. So, I checked out their site, and WOW, what great products!!!!
All of the products are matched with the PH of dogs and cats, which will not dry their skin out like human shampoos. They are also made with natural botanical blends which compliment pet fur. And lastly they are ready to use, you don't need to water them down at all!
They offer Oatmeal, tearless kitten and puppy, Tea Tree, Calming moisturizing, Super Bright, and Waterless foam shampoos and conditioners, (as well as an instant detangling spray). They also have a line of Pet wipes, which include Body and Paw, Tooth and Gum and Ear and Eye.
I know a lot of my furr guardians use baby wipes and human shampoos, but this seems like a much better alternative for your beloved furr kids. http://www.johnpaulpet.com/
PUTTING A SMILE ON YOUR FACE!
I don't know how many of you are huge YouTube fans...but I wanted to post some videos that totally crack me up!!!! I hope these will put a smile on your face!
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK TREE!
Another friendly reminder that if you would like to see your furr kid on our 2009 Christmas in the Park tree to please email me a photo. Here is a shot of our tree from last year so you can see what it's all about.
Well, I guess that's it for now. I hope you all have a wonderful turkey day, and remember to keep your furr kids safe and sound. Please give them a big kiss from Nanny Katy, Nanny Chandel, Nanny Laurel, Nanny Stacy, Nanny Jennifer, "Manny" Ryland, Nanny Samantha and Me, (Nanny Carolyn).
