The last three months of the year are usually great fun for humans with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as well as New Year’s Eve. Regardless which holidays you observe, be advised that each carries specific threats to your dog’s or cat’s safety. Safety risks from food We Americans consider food to be an integral part of celebrations. Each holiday has its own food traditions. While we treasure these things, some of the foods may represent a danger to our pets’ health. These foods can make your pet very sick or even put his life at risk: Chocolate Onions and garlic Grapes and raisins Herbs and spices Poultry bones Alcohol Raw bread dough (body heat can make the dough expand) Anything with raw eggs Anything with caffeine or the artificial sweetener, Xylitol And beware the strings you use to truss the turkey or tie the roast. If your dog or cat ingests this tasty treat, it can cause tremendous damage to his digestive system and require surgery to save his life. Keeping your pet away from these foods can be a challenge when it is so readily available and guests can inadvertently leave plates where our pets can get to them. To be safe, put your pets in another room where they can hang out comfortably while food is served. And ensure all candy bowls have lids and are placed out of the reach of your pets. Pumpkin puree can be a good stomach upset treatment, but be sure it is pure pumpkin puree and not the pumpkin pie filling. The canned filling contains spices and herbs that can cause digestive tract upset. Discuss the use of pumpkin puree with your veterinarian before giving it to your dog. The notion of dangerous plants during these holidays has been greatly exaggerated. Poinsettias arenotlife-threatening to dogs or cats. If your pet ingests a Poinsettia leaf, the worst he will likely experience is stomach upset. The same is true if your pet nibbles on pumpkins, corn, holly and mistletoe that you may decorate with. So don’t banish the seasonal accents from your home—just put them out of your pet’s reach. Other safety hazards Not all pets are as delighted to have people coming and going from their home as you are. Especially on a night like Halloween where visitors come in waves and they look SCARY! And New Year’s Eve noisemakers or fireworks can also present a danger. Those sounds can terrify your pet because they are sudden, unusual and loud. If your pet becomes frightened, he might bolt out the door and run off. Let him spend the evening in a safe, quiet room or at least behind a baby gate well away from the door, and consider leaving his leash on him for the duration. Also be sure all ID on your pet is up-to-date . . . just in case. Decorations can also pose certain hazards to your pet’s health. Unsecured cords for holiday lights can be chewed on, posing the risk of cuts or burns and possibly electrocution. Pumpkins with candles should be placed where they cannot be knocked over by curiosity or play. Tinsel and other bright, shiny “toys” on Christmas trees can lead to cuts, digestive tract obstruction and surgery. Bah Humbug! These safety precautions are not meant to put a damper on your enjoyment of holiday traditions. Enjoy your food, decorating and entertaining traditions. And take just a few minutes for some safe guards so everyone in your home can have happy and healthy holidays. Resources at your fingertips Halloween Safety:http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.aspx Thanksgiving Safety:http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/thanksgiving-safety-tips.aspx December Safety: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/holiday-safety-tips.aspx   Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs throughout g. Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached atcarol@coldnosecompanions.com.   ©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC ...read more

Thinking about adding a second dog to your home? If so, get another dog foryou—not for your dog. A second dog really is twice the work, twice the expense. And yes, twice the love. If you have the time and ability to care equally for two dogs, go for it! But don’t be spontaneous. By planning ahead, the introduction of a second dog to your home will be a wonderful experience—for everyone. Choosing the right dog Your new dog must have good relationships witheveryonein the house. Consider your resident dog. Is he confident or shy? Social or anti-social? Playful or a couch potato? How does he get along with other dogs? This will help you find a good personality match in a second dog. Also consider gender. Generally speaking, the most successful gender pairing is male-female. The meeting Once you have found a dog that may be a good fit, plan the meeting with your dog carefully. The old adage has never been truer: you only have one chance to make a first impression. Make it positive for both dogs. Here are some steps to take: 1. The first meeting should be on neutral ground.This can be the shelter, a fenced ball field, a friend’s yard, the breeder’s property or another secure location. This reduces the risk of territorialism. 2. Control each dog’s access to the other.Two adults start at a distance, each with a dog on leash and move closer together gradually. 3. Make it positive.Each dog receives lots of yummy treats and praise and petting in the presence of each other. 4. Watch body language.Watch each dog for signs he or she is tense, fearful, or threatening. Don’t move closer if you see such signs. Back up until the stress is alleviated. If both dogs appear relaxed and friendly, then let them meet face to face on alooseleash. If one or both dogs are showing warning signs, this may not be a good pairing. Don’t push it; keep looking for a dog that will be a good fit. Coming home Plan the homecoming carefully. Leave your resident dog home when you pick up your new dog. Walk the new dog around your property first, letting him explore. Bring out your resident dog and walk the property together. Take the new dog in first and let him explore the house with you. Follow steps 2 and 3 from above when you bring in your other dog. Continue to watch for signs of tension. Just because they did fine on neutral ground, does not necessarily mean it will be the same at home. Living together Help your dogs learn to live together over the first several months by taking precautions: Feed them in separate areas. Control access to toys and chews when they are together. Keep them separated by doors or gates when you can’t supervise their interactions. Gradually, allow longer periods together alone. Work individually with your new dog to build your relationship and to help him learn the rules of your home. Work with both dogs together to ensure each offers good behavior in the presence of the other (sit, down, stay, etc.). Don’t try to force which dog is the leader. Dogs are pretty good at figuring those things out for themselves. Don’t punish one dog for fearful or aggressive behavior with the other dog—it only makes matters worse. Include both dogs in your daily activities. It helps build their relationship together and with you. After all, you got the second dog becauseyouwanted the additional companionship. Enjoy your expanded household! Resources at your fingertips More tips:http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/78/Introducing-Your-Dog-to-a-New-Dog.aspx Book: “Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-dog Household,” by Drs London&McConnell; Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs. Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached atcarol@coldnosecompanions.com.©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC ...read more

No one wants to choose between their savings and the life of their beloved pet. And given all the advances in veterinary medicine, there are greater treatment options to extend your pet’s life. But they come at a cost. That’s why pet insurance is becoming so popular. More than a dozen companies offer plans these days. However, the popularity of pet insurance plans doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. How do you decide? What is pet insurance? Similar to health insurance for humans, pet insurance is purchased to offset financial risk caused by health problems. There are deductible and co-pay options to consider, as well as exclusions for some conditions or options to cover them. The big difference is that pet insurance is a form of property insurance. Pets are, in the eyes of the law, personal property regardless of how we feel about them. Typical of all property insurance, you are reimbursed by the insurer after your pet has received care, you pay the bill and submit your claim for payment. Do your research There are many different features that contribute to the cost of the plan. Informed consumers make the best purchasing decisions. Here are a few questions to ask when shopping plans. ·   Is a physical exam required for coverage? ·   Is there a waiting period? ·   What are the deductible and co-pays? ·   Does the plan pay a percentage of the vet bill or does it pay on a benefit schedule (set rates for specific services)? ·   Are there caps on payments? ·   Does the plan cover pre-existing or genetic conditions? ·   Can you choose any vet or animal hospital? ·   Does the plan cover prescription medication, alternative therapies, dental care or wellness visits? ·   Are you covered if you travel with your pet? ·   Does the policy pay if your pet dies or is lost or stolen? Also be sure to determine if the plan islifetimeornon-lifetime. Lifetime plans cover a pet for ongoing conditions throughout its life, regardless whether you claimed for a condition in a previous year. These plans typically have limits on those conditions. Non-lifetime plans exclude conditions in subsequent years that have been claimed in prior years. With so many companies offering plans, how do you know which to choose? Consumer Reports has analyzed pet insurance and the companies that offer plans. Online forums, such as PetInsuranceReview.com, offer reviews by consumers who use the service. Check them out before you buy. Do the math Many insurers have online estimators to help you ballpark the cost of coverage for your pet. The younger the pet, the lower the cost will likely be. An annual cost of $300 or more is pretty common, but that can rise with optional covered services. Only you can decide what a fair price for peace of mind is. Independent sources, such as Consumer Reports, believe that pet insurance is rarely worth the price. Is there another approach? You can put a few hundred dollars away into a special savings account each year dedicated to your pet’s medical needs. With this approach the money is yours when you don’t need it for pet medical bills. However, if your pet has a major illness or injury in the first few years, you may not have saved enough to cover the bill. So what’s the bottom line? If you have the discipline to save money on your own, do it. If you don’t or if you won’t be able to deny any potentially life-saving treatment for your pet, then pet insurance may be a good choice for you. Resources at your fingertips Consumer Reports:www.consumerreports.org(search “pet insurance”) Reviews of pet insurers by consumers: www.petinsurancereview.com   Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs. Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached atcarol@coldnosecompanions.com.   ©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC ...read more

We’ve all seen those super-cute photos of dogs and cats curled up together in a blissful nap. Those who have both dogs and cats know that doesn’t come easy. Getting both species to live harmoniously requires time, planning and careful orchestration from the start. Can we all get along? Given the basis for differences between cats and dogs, it’s a wonder they can get along at all. Each has their own innate social preferences inherited from their wild ancestors. Dogs, descending from the Grey Wolf, are inclined to live in cooperative groups and solicit social interaction. Cats, descending from the African Wild Cat, are more independent and aloof (big surprise, eh?). This difference accounts for a host of complications when integrating both species in a home. For instance, dogs use body language to communicate intent; including submissive and play solicitation behavior. Cats also use body language to communicate, but have fewer signaling capabilities and no submissive or play signals. Dogs greet nose-to-backside, while cats greet nose-to-nose. And there are a few significant differences in their threat body language, which can make it hard for each to interpret the other correctly. Generally speaking, cats are more territorial than dogs. If cats squabble, it’s probably over space. Dogs typically work space issues out more quickly through communication. Even so, both cats and dogs can form attachments to other species and learn each others’ communication signals. First impressions are critical. If it goes badly, it will take days or weeks of work to repair the relationship. GgGGet it right the first time The personality of each pet and having exposure early in life influence the quality of cat-dog relationships. Nonetheless, you’ll want to stage the introduction carefully. First, the two pets do not have direct visual, auditory or physical contact for several days. This allows the newcomer to settle in and get used to the new routine in a room that can be closed and protected from accidental introductions. Cats take longer than dogs to acclimate. When she is eating and drinking well, engaging with people and willing to play, you are ready for the next phase. Next, let them smell and hear each other – still separated. Swap beds or other items that each pet has laid on. Elicit your dog to bark in the other room, while giving your cat some really irresistible treat (think TUNA!). Record cat meows and play them for your dog while she gets to indulge in something wonderful. When neither pet seems obsessed, afraid or avoiding smells and sounds of the other, they are ready for visual contact. You have several options for that first “sighting.” You can put them both in separate crates, tether each to immovable objects, use a Calming Cap on your dog, or have a strong see-through door. The bottom line is that they cannot come into physical contact with each other and you can control the distance between them in case one or both become overly agitated. It’s advisable to have something handy to block their view of each other as needed. Continue at this stage until you see that each remains calm and relaxed. Then you are ready to allow physical contact. Safety continues to be the highest priority. Ensure your cat has an escape route and hiding place, as well as a secure place to eat, drink and use the litter box – no ambushes! Keep a leash on the dog and consider muzzling him initially. Above all, take it slow. While you may be eager to integrate your family, you have one chance to make a good first impression. It will take a whole lot longer to reverse the effects of an introduction gone bad.   Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs throughout . Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached atcarol@coldnosecompanions.com.   ©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC ...read more

It’s no surprise that, given the length and intensity of Geauga County winters, we celebrate summer joyously around here. From festivals to dining to travel and more, we love our great outdoors. But why enjoy all the riches of summer living on your own? Grab the leash and take your dog with you. Here are a few ideas for some fun activities your dog can enjoy with you. Dog Events From early spring through late summer, rescue groups and humane societies host festivals to raise funds and awareness. You and your dog get to enjoy fun activities, pet-themed shopping, and great park settings, while supporting the adoption of homeless pets. Looking for your new best friend? These events feature adopt-a-thons, too. Several are scheduled in the coming weeks and months (see Resources for more information on each event): >Summer Scoop&Reunion;(for senior dogs age 7 and older), hosted by The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs, is August 7 at the Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation. >Canine Fun Days, hosted by Greyhound Adoption of Ohio, is August 20&21 at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills. >Mutt Strut, hosted by Lake Humane Society, is August 27 at Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen in Kirtland. >Woofstock, hosted by Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village, is September 11 at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland. >Bark Boo-nanza, hosted by Freedom Greyhound Rescue, is September 24 & 25 at Sunny Lake Park in Aurora. For everyone’s enjoyment: bring only sociable, friendly dogs; use a four- or six-foot leash (no retractables); give your dog plenty of water and shade; watch for signs of overheating or stress in your dog; and clean up your dog’s waste. County Parks We have a wealth of outstanding parks available to us throughout Geauga and Lake Counties. Most parks welcome on-leash dogs. Stay on marked trails, keep your dog on a non-retractable leash at all times, and clean up your dog’s waste. Geauga Parks host Hound Hikes during the summer. Check the website for details. Lake Metroparks also has a Companion Dog Patrol. Volunteers in this program patrol the parks in pairs as “eyes and ears” for park rangers; assist with park-sponsored special events; and participate as park representatives in community events. There are modest requirements for participation, and Geauga County residents are welcome to volunteer in the Patrol. Interested? Contact Lisa Sintic, Volunteer Unit Supervisor at 440-256-2144. Pet-friendly Dining and Travel Take your dog along on family vacations or when you go out to eat. Some Northeast Ohio restaurants host special pet-friendly events. Check out Pugs on the Patio on August 6 at the Branding Iron Cookhouse in Mentor; or the Dog Days of Summer on August 7 at the Great Lakes Brewing Company. Several pet-friendly websites offer directories and tips for traveling with your pooch. See the Resources section at the end of this article. Hot Fun in the Summertime The more your dog is a part of family activities, the better for her and for you! Get out and enjoy our all-too-short summer with your pooch. Please observe summer safety for your dog. NEVER leave your dog alone in the car—the temperature in your car can rise from 80 degrees to 120 degrees just 10 minutes. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous, even deadly, for your dog. See Resources for tips on keeping your precious pup safe this summer. Be safe and have fun! Resources at your fingertips Summer Scoop & Reunion:sanctuaryforseniordogs.org/id40.htm Canine Fun Days:greyhoundadoptionofoh.org/caninefundays.htm Mutt Strut:lakehumane.org/mutt-strut.html Woofstock:www.geaugahumane.org/events/woofstock.html Bark Boo-nanza:www.freedomgreyhoundrescue.org/Pages/events.html Geauga Park District:www.geaugaparkdistrict.org Lake Metroparks Companion Dog Patrol:www.lakemetroparks.com/about/ranger-dept/CompanionDogPatrolHikingPatrol.shtml Pet Friendly Dining and Travel: www.greatlakesbrewing.com/events/886 www.bringfido.com www.petfriendlytravel.com www.ohiolodgingrentals.com/pets_welcome.asp www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-ohio.html Summer Safety Tips: www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/hot-weather-tips.aspx www.mydogiscool.com   Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs throughout Geauga County. Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached atcarol@coldnosecompanions.com.   ©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC ...read more

Do you find a summer thunderstorm a delight when snuggled safe in your home? How does your dog handle the light show and percussion? Does he stress out during thunderstorms and fireworks? It’s hard to see your dog suffer fear and anxiety during these events, but you can do something to ease their discomfort. Get started now, because it takes time and preparation. First, let me put an end to the myth that comforting your dog when they are afraid of something will reinforce their fear. It just isn’t true. Fear is an aversive feeling for a dog. He won’t choose to be afraid because you have given him much needed comfort. So put that old myth aside and provide that support and reassurance when he’s afraid. Desensitization and Counter-conditioning Put the power of desensitization and counter-conditioning to work. Desensitization is the process of exposing a dog to The Scary Thing at a level so low that it doesn’t invoke fear, whilegraduallyincreasing the level so the dog slowly acclimates to it without fear. Counter-conditioning is changing the dog’s attitude about The Scary Thing, so that he sees it as a much more benign—even positive—event. You first have to understand what causes your dog distress. While it may have started as the loud BOOM! your dog has probably associated other things as predictors of The Scary Thing and developed a fear of them all: dropping barometric pressure, gusts of wind, flashes of light, sound of rain. Make a list of the things your dog shows fear toward and get a CD of those sounds. The “Sounds Good” CD series by Terry Ryan is a great choice (see Resources). Get a lot of high value treats you know your dog will love (hot dogs, chicken, cheese, peanut butter, etc.). Plan to work through the process over several days or weeks, doing a little bit each day. How fearful your dog is of those sounds will influence how long it takes to complete the counter-conditioning. With your CD player at a barely audible level, begin playing the sounds. When you see your dog noticing the sound (without fear), give a small tasty treat. Increase the level of the soundvery gradually. It is important not to go too far too fast and induce a fearful state, or you will have set back your counter-conditioning process. If you think your dog can tell the difference between the CD and the real thing, try this: put your speakers face down on the floor above where you will work with your dog. Follow the same gradual procedure. This process can be tricky and time consuming, so don’t hesitate to call a professional trainer or behaviorist to assist you with the process. Other Strategies If the counter-conditioning isn’t yielding great results for your dog, you can try other things in conjunction. An anxiety wrap that offers the acupressure benefits of swaddling is effective with most dogs. Thundershirt is a readily available brand. You can also put on some soothing music to mask the worst effects of the storm. “Through A Dog’s Ear” is a collection of CDs scientifically designed and performed to have a calming effect on dogs—and it’s pretty nice for humans to listen to, as well. Finally, if all else fails, speak with your veterinarian about possible medications to reduce your dog’s anxiety about loud sounds. I hope you and your dog both enjoy the summer. Resources at your fingertips “Sounds Good” Thunderstorms CD: www.dogwise.com; search Video&Audio, “Thunder” (other sound CDs also available from Terry Ryan) Thundershirt: www.thundershirt.com; also available at area pet stores Through A Dog’s Ear CDs: www.throughadogsear.com More information on noise fears and phobias: www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/9/Fear-of-Noises.aspx   Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs throughout Geauga County. Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached atcarol@coldnosecompanions.com.   ©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC ...read more

After the tragic 2007 melamine contamination of pet food and the subsequent recall, alternative pet diets gained popularity. The convenience of commercial pet food was suddenly outweighed by a degree of mistrust. It wasn’t just the bargain brands of pet food that were affected—the recall included some “premium” brands as well. What a shock it was to discover that many brand name pet foods are produced by relatively few manufacturers. If you seek an option to commercially manufactured pet food, consider an alternative diet for your best friend. Alternative diets fall into two categories: raw and homemade. Raw diets Raw food proponents point out that this diet is based on the ancestral origins of our dogs and cats, and mimics prey and carrion feeding. Whether purchased commercially or prepared at home, raw diets contain animal muscle and organ meat, bone, plus some plant matter and grains. The representation of these ingredients will vary for cats and dogs, including any specific health and nutritional requirements. Raw diets are inherently high protein, low carbohydrate formulations. The health benefits of a raw diet generally mirror those of any high quality diet: healthier skin and digestive tracts, fewer allergy symptoms, smaller stools, less shedding, more energy and improved overall health. Detractors of raw diets cite safety concerns. First is the issue of food borne bacteria such as e coli and salmonella. The digestive tract of healthy dogs and cats can generally handle this kind of bacteria. Humans who handle the food or the pet’s stool could be subject to illness and should follow safe handling precautions, such as keeping the food frozen and using immediately when thawed, wearing gloves when handling the food or the stool, and sanitizing all surfaces and bowls before and after feeding. The other concern, especially for homemade raw diets, is ensuring complete and balanced nutrition for your pet. Follow a diet formulated by a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist (see Resources), or purchase commercial raw foods from reputable manufacturers, such as Bravo and Nature’s Variety. Homemade diets If a raw diet is just not for you – or your pet has a health condition that makes raw inappropriate – consider home-cooked meals. You use the same ingredients you purchase in the grocery store for yourself, plus some supplements. If you like to cook and have some free time, a homemade diet gives you the confidence of knowing exactly what is in your pet’s food and that it is safe to eat. Time-starved pet owners can supplement their pet’s complete and balanced commercial diet with fresh fruit (no grapes or raisins!) and vegetables (no onions or garlic!) or home cook the treats you give them. If you are preparing your dog’s or cat’s food, you are responsible for ensuring that all their nutritional needs are met. Don’t “wing it.” There are resources (below) that can help you formulate a complete and balanced diet for your pet. With the proper nutritional balance and safe preparation methods, homemade diets also have the same health benefits as high quality commercial and raw diets. Making the transition Want to make the switch to an alternative diet for your pet? Start with a conversation with your veterinarian. He or she can advise you if your pet is a good candidate for a diet change and what type of diet might be beneficial. Find a good source for formulating the diet. And make the transition gradually to ensure your pet’s digestion is not adversely affected. Resources at your fingertips Petdiets.com: Homemade diets, nutrition counseling and a nutrition library from Veterinary Nutritional Consultations, Inc. BalanceIT.com: Homemade diets, nutritional supplements and a professional resource from American College of Veterinary Nutrition Petfinder.com: Articles on raw and homemade diets, plus homemade treat recipes Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats: a widely-recognized reference book on holistic pet health approaches, including alternative diets   Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs throughout Geauga County. Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached atcarol@coldnosecompanions.com.   ©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC ...read more

Mark your calendars for the Annual Spring Drive-it-Yourself Tour on May 7th!  Stop by and see us as part of  the tour. FREE FAMILY FUN! Celebrate National Tourism Week with this annual trek through Geauga County! Family Friendly, Fun&Prizes. Various locations throughout the County. Detailsat:http://www.tourgeauga.com The perfect way to get out and explore the county, enjoy new venues and have a chance to win some great prizes! 23 locations are participating & offering sales, samples, give-aways & drawings. Pick 10 stops, visit and get your map stamped, then the Finale & great prizes at the Middlefield Market! ...read more

SHUT UP! Not sure what to do with your retirement money?  Call me....I can help.....440-479-1284 Peggy Elliott ...read more

You're probably pretty savvy about interpreting the package labels on the food you eat. But have you ever tried to do the same with your pet's food? Go ahead. Grab the package and take a look. Make sense to you? Last month we covered the topic of the nutrients your pet needs. But how can you tell if their food delivers that? This month we offer the secret decoder ring for pet food labels. Start with the name Your first clue to the composition of ingredients is in the name of the food. By Association of American Feed Control Officers (AAFCO) rules, how the food is named relates to how much of an ingredient is in the food. If the name is, for example, "Beef Dog Food," then it must contain at least 95% of that ingredient by weight. Similarly, "Chicken and Liver for Cats" means that the combination of chicken and liver is at least 95% of the food. This rule applies only to animal product ingredients, so "Lamb and Rice" means that 95% of the food is lamb. If the name includes "dinner" or "entrée" or "formula" or something similar, then the named ingredient must represent at least 25% of the food. A secondary named ingredient will account for at least 3% of the food's weight. "Tuna and Salmon Dinner" means that 25% of the food is tuna and 3% of the food is salmon. If the word "with" is in the name, the ingredient following is as little as 3% of the total weight. "Dog Food with Beef" means that beef is only about 3% of the food, but "Beef Dinner with Cheese" means beef is 25% and cheese is 3% of the food. Finally, know that terms like "gourmet," "premium," "organic," or "specialty" have no specific definition or official guidelines and the AAFCO considers them to be marketing tools. Evaluating ingredient quality Labels list ingredients by weight, so the first one is the largest ingredient in the food. That seems clear enough. But wait. If a manufacturer splits an ingredient into two smaller categories, it can seem like it is a lesser part of the food. For example, corn products are often split into "ground corn" and "corn gluten meal," but together, corn may still be the largest ingredient in the food. And meat is meat, right? Well, not exactly. If the meat is listed as "chicken" it means the clean flesh of the animal. Chicken "meal" is the clean processed remainder after the meat has been removed (meaning it can include bones, feet, intestines and tissues). Chicken "by-products" are the clean unprocessed remains, often including bones, beaks and viscera. Yuck! To keep it straight, use this rule of thumb: avoid foods that contain animal by-products; artificial colors, flavors and preservatives; and growth hormones. Try to choose foods with meat as the primary ingredient. Remember last month's column: dogs and cats need a lot of protein and animal protein is a great source. As a bonus, you can feed smaller quantities of nutrient dense foods. Check out the AAFCO "statement of nutritional adequacy" on the label. It will say either "is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO" or "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate..." The first statement indicates that a chemical analysis is used and the second means the food was tested on animals according to AAFCO procedures. Resources at your fingertips If all this just seems like more than you can comprehend, check outwww.goodguide.com/categories/308912-pet-food. You'll find ratings on over 1,500 pet foods. Concerned about possible food recalls? Get timely information from the FDA atwww.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/. There is so much more you can learn on this topic. Check out Petfinder.com, HealthyPet.com and VeterinaryPartner.com for more information.   Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs throughout Geauga County. Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached atcarol@coldnosecompanions.com.   ©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC ...read more

Watching what food we put into our own bodies is hard enough. Ensuring our pets get a healthy diet can be downright mind-numbing. Standards for pet nutrition and food labeling are not as strict as those for human food. Understanding what is essential for your best buddy and how to provide it will result in a healthy pet. Pet feeding is a complicated topic, so we'll break it down into three parts. This month we examine the nutritional needs of dogs and cats. In March, we'll decode pet food labels. Alternative types of diets will be the subject of our April column. What is a healthy weight? Your pet's age and activity level will have a bearing on how much and what formulation of food you feed him. Feeding guidelines on pet food packaging are more generous than most dogs and cats need. Start at the low end of the guideline for your pet and monitor him closely. You should be able to feel the definition of your pet's ribs without excess fat and see a well-defined "waist" as you look at your pet from above. Measure your pet's daily portion to maintain that healthy weight. And don't forget to take treats into consideration. Treats can add a lot of calories to your pet's diet, so compensate at meal time when giving treats during training. Feeding your pet at established times, rather than free-feeding throughout the day, helps you monitor if your pet is eating normally or if his appetite has suddenly changed. Sudden changes in food and water consumption can be warning signs of illness and should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. What is a balanced diet? Cats and dogs have very different nutritional needs, but there are common building blocks. To start with, both dogs and cats always need clean, fresh water. The other elements of a healthy diet include: Proteins. Dogs and cats both need a lot of protein in their diets. Cats need relatively more animal proteins than dogs, however. Proteins are critical to nearly every one of your pet's physiological systems: muscles, organs, bones, blood, hair, nails and immune system. The best sources of protein for your pet's diet are beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products and grains. Fats. Fats in foods are the most concentrated source of energy for dogs and cats and contribute to healthy tissues such as skin, coat and brain. Healthy fats can come from lean meats and certain oils. Carbohydrates. For dogs, carbohydrates are a major source of energy and they can tolerate three times the amount of carbohydrates than cats. Cats don't make a lot of an enzyme that digests carbohydrates and if they get too much, it causes diarrhea. Vitamins and minerals. Neither dogs nor cats are able to make most of the vitamins and minerals so essential to their well-being. They have to come from food. What dogs and cats need differs somewhat, but commercially prepared pet foods provide these essential nutrients. Supplementing vitamins and minerals beyond what is provided in your pet's food is a subject for discussion with your veterinarian. Fatty acids. Some fatty acids are classified as essential for dogs and cats, meaning they cannot be synthesized within the animal's body and must come from food. Dogs and cats require different fatty acids, but they are critical to healthy circulatory, reproductive and immune systems. Of course these are general nutritional building blocks. Diets may need to change if your pet develops allergies to food. Some diseases require therapeutic diets. Life stage is another consideration for your pet's nutritional needs. Senior dogs and cats, puppies and kittens, and pregnant and lactating pets may need different formulations of these nutrients. A balanced diet goes a long way to helping you and your dog or cat enjoy a long healthy life together.   Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs throughout Geauga County. Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached atcarol@coldnosecompanions.com.   ©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC ...read more

One great thing about losing weight is you will feel so much better. An effective way to achieve your weight loss goals is by using fat burners. This type of supplement is great for boosting energy levels so you actually feel like working out, and it also allows your body to use more fat as energy. Over time you will be able to look exactly how you want to. The best way to approach this is to look for some natural products that don't have any dangerous side effects. Some of the most widely used natural weight loss products include Phen 375 and Capsiplex. ...read more

Out top natural male enhancement supplement that we are huge fans of is Male Extra. This is a great alternative to the old run of the mill products we all know of too well. The reason why it is so effective and healthy for you is because of its ingredients. This supplement uses herbs and amino acids in order to increase blood flow to the corpus cavernosum, give men more endurance, and increase male libido. Some of the main ingredients include Pomegranate 70% ellagic, L-Arginine, Muira Pauma, and MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane). You will experience positive male enlargement results with this type of natural product and you don't have to worry about any of the negative side effects of the mainstream products. Thousands of men are discovering this new method for improving their sexual performance.   ...read more

Having a PDF converter is very beneficial for your business. It increases productivity, allows you to put any type of PDF into an editable word document so you can analyze it and change the information around to meet your needs. This stops all the re typing and copying analytics and numbers by hand. With this great software you can put PDF files into MS word, excel, power point, and other MS documents. This is great for saving time and effective business operations. Our main software products include able2extract and sonic pdf creator. These two solutions provide many beneficial functions for anyone who has to deal with PDF documents.   ...read more

Appetite suppressants are very good at helping you lose weight. One product in particular is a great way to take fat loss to a new level. This is Tava Tea. Its all natural way of helping your body crave less food and burn more fat. This is a type of green tea. Losing weight with green tea is just one of the great benefits. Tava Tea uses a certain blend of nutrients that are very healthy for you and taste soothing. Most fat burners don't use nourishing nutrients that improve overall health. This type of green tea utilizes Polyphenols, which are high powered antioxidants from plants. This contains more potency then Vitamin C, E, and Broccoli or Spinach. Some more benefits include an increase immune system and ease of dieting because you won't be tempted to break your diet. Tava Tea can be found at our Health Food Store. ...read more