Dental Care is as important for dogs as humans

Dogs like humans do not like going to a doctor or dentist, but dental problems are as prevalent in dogs as in humans and Tatar build up/plaque is the number one cause of gingivitis which can lead to exposure of roots, and even cause teeth to fall out. It also allows bacteria to grow and migrate to other organ, such as; the heart and kidneys.

There is a false conception that dry dog food averts this, or can even break it down, when in fact it only allows it to build up at a slower rate.

Brushing the teeth with dog tooth paste or using a washcloth composed of water mixed with baking soda will aid in its' reduction. Check with your vet as to the proportion of baking soda to water.
Petrodex Dog Dental Care Kit, Beef Toothpaste with 2 Toothbrushes

Hurrican Killer

I am no scientist or meteorologist but it looks like everything has to be just right in the atmosphere for a hurricane to form. Warm moist air over a warm body of water, the ocean, starts rising, because heat rises. Surrounding air is pulled in to take its place. As that warm air rises it cools off and forms clouds. All this begins to spin and grow rotating faster & faster. The winds aloft push it along helping it to move over the surface of the ocean but not interfering with the storms evolution. Hurricanes develop vertically so a change in wind speed and direction would be like throwing a ball into a window. The storm would most likely fall apart. So if we could create a wind shear we might be able to stop a hurricane.

Labor Day

Who would have thought that you could be given a holiday "Labor Day" for working so hard. That is right as a nation we have set a side a date on our calendar, September 5th, to remember the hard working Americans. This day is to commemerate the contributions of those who without their sweat, sometimes blood and yes even life this country would not nor could it be the grand nation that it is. It is only fitting that we as a people pay tribute to the workforce that helped build country into what it is today. So make big plans for this holiday because it trully is your holiday.

Weather Survival

In arid regions like the deserts of Arizona wild duststorms can form. You can see dustdevils all over the landscape of Arizona. But when you see a Haboob you need to get to shelter. When a thunderstorm forms the winds will move in other directions being pulled into the storm. Then when the storm reaches the point of producing rain it caves in on it self. This pushes the wind out away from the storm known now as a downdraft. As the wind hits the desert floor it causes the sand to blow out forming a wall of debris ahead of the storm. They can be as wide as 60 miles with severe damaging winds. The following picture

is of one that hit Eloy Arizona August 18th 2011. Homes were damaged, billboard signs were scattered over the highway. We were lucky to make it through this storm. We will share more photos soon. Toby was not to happy about being caught in this Haboob.
Midland Consumer Radio WR-120B NOAA Weather Alert All Hazard Public Alert Certified Radio with SAME, Trilingual Display and Alarm Clock - Gift Box(White)

Profile of a Breed

American Cocker Spaniel, the smallest of the spaniels,was first seen in America around the 1800s. They were popular for hunting back then but today they are a popular as family pets. The American Cocker Spaniel is a fun loving, energetic dog. This breed is well known for being good around children as well as strangers & other dogs. They love the challeges that new activities bring to their lives, both mentally & physically. Most enjoy swimming and fetching things. Dogs that spend more time indoors can be more likely to gain weight. It is very important to feed them a well balanced meal and make sure they get enough exercise.
When it comes to Toby he likes going on a couple of walks a day and a little time inside playing fetch. His favorite game is hide-n-seek. We take him on the road all the time, he loves to travel. You can follow his adventures on our website @ toby-z-website.com See you there.
Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Rice Recipe, 30-Pound Bag

Multi System Neuronal Degeneration in Cocker Spaniels

The internet is a wonderful tool, but I tried to find out why our Cocker Spaniel has occassional times where his teeth chatter and his muscle twitches, all the while conscious, but he acts like he doesn't know what is going on and being a nurse thought had to be some kind of seizure. We found an article by "Dog Owner's Home Vet. Handbook", sudden inexplicable short bouts of teeth chattering could be a sign of focal motor seizures also called partial seizures. It went on to say the dog stays conscious and part of the goes into spasms.

Additionally, found information referring to the phenomenon as Multi System Neuronal Degeneration, usually hereditary in nature. Some of the information was confusing in the sense that said that it was found to be in red colored Cocker Spaniels, but can be found in others, because Toby is basically white, with a hint of "buff". The really disturbing aspect is that it can only be diagnosed post mortum.

While researching this I discovered another affliction for white hair colored dogs, called "White Dog Shaker Syndrome".

I was wondering if anyone knew anymore about either; it is quite concerning seeing him experience this and powerless to help.
Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

Cocker Spaniel Behavior ?

If you have been to our website, tobyzwebsite.com, you know Toby's story, so I always thought that Toby howls when he is away from us because of his abandoment issues, but I have been told by other Cocker Spaniel owners that their dogs do the same. Previously I had a Cocker Spaniel from the time he was a puppy, and naturally he cried when he was first put outside at night, which resulted in his becoming an indoor dog. Shortly after getting him we got another dog and they were always together. I never remember his howling; I have to wonder is it because he had another dog to keep him company? I have thought about getting another dog, but Toby seems to require a great deal of attention, and I am concerned that he would be hurt if another dog was introduced. When he has been around other dogs, he interacts with them until he is bored with them and then turns his back and leaves them, even if they still want to play. Are his lack of social skills the result of his not being brought up around another dog on a regular basis? Is his howling when left unattended even for few mins, when dropped off for grooming, or when taken doggie day care normal?

Best Product

Today most of what we buy is mass produced. I am afraid that a lot of people just use a product with out checking it. Do you read the lable? Regretfully there are times when I buy merchandise without look at the lable for safety and you know I am going to try to put it together without reading the directions. If not all most say: "use as directed", Warning: "keep out of reach of children", "do not use if safety seal is broken or missing".
The product I have on my desk now says "focus on the fun at hand". They all have some kind of guarantee or promise. Here is another product: says it has magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, salt and a negligible amount of sodium. Now what is negligible: so small it can be ignored, unimportant. So why did it have to be included?
Check out this one it has 11% alcohol and it tells you not to swallow.
If you do swallow get medical help right away! So next time you go shopping take a look at what your buying. Do you know what is in it?
Proactiv Solution Original Renewing Cleanser 4 oz

Do I really want a dog?

08/02/2011

As any of us with common sense know it is an awesome responsibility assuming the care of a dog(s). Unfortunately all to often parents are pursuaded to get a dog after the child/children promise that they will take care of him; that may last a week and then it falls back to the parents. I grew up with dogs, and my parents fed them, and who knows who cleaned up their poop(trust me it wasn't me).

In my adult years we had two dogs for thirteen years, and their loss was great; so great we decided never again, and that lasted maybe a year. Hearing Toby's turmoil of being locked in a cage at least 14 hours a day broke my heart, so I had to set him free, by asking his owner to allow me to take him, after discussing it with my family. There was resistance at first from my family as I was reminded of the sacrifices but I didn't listen, so we took him in. He is remarkable; no matter how bad a day at work you've had you come home he and jumps on you, tail wagging, his running through the house as if saying come in, we missed you terribly.

As with most things, with the joy, there is sacrifice. Whatever we do he is a top consideration. When we travel, we have to go to dog friendly places and motels, or places that allow for him to be day boarded, but for short periods; he has separation anxiety.

He is, as they are for so many others, a large part of our lives and brings a great deal of joy, but please remember before you bring a dog into your lives consider the sacrifices and whether you are willing to make them before you bring one home.


Headless Horseman Pet Costume