WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Helpful Buckeye is still feeling the thrill of this past week's climb up to and over Vail Pass in the Colorado Rockies.  The memories will stay with me forever!  More on that later....

About a month ago, we had an interesting discussion about the safety of your pet's food.  Not only was that one of our most-read issues, but also it prompted a bunch of questions from our readers.  As promised in that issue, Helpful Buckeye will now address what you should be feeding your pet and why.  As always, if you have any questions or have a comment to offer, please send it to:  dogcatvethelp@gmail.com  and Helpful Buckeye will send you an answer.

Let's begin this discussion with a few basic facts and informational certainties:

Raw Diet or Commercial Pet Food?

The three main feeding choices for pet owners: raw diet, cooked food, or commercial pet food....

Adapted from: http://northeastcobb.patch.com/articles/raw-diet-or-commercial-pet-food#photo-2835886

The topics of raw diets and home-cooked pet food will be addressed in our next food-related issue...you'll understand why when we get to that issue.  This week's presentation deals solely with commercial pet food.  That includes pet food sold in the grocery store, department store, pet store, farm feed store, online via the Internet, and by your veterinarian.

FDA Sets New Priorities for Foods and Veterinary Medicine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently released the Foods and Veterinary Medicine Program's Final Strategic Plan for 2012 to 2016.

The plan highlights seven strategic "program goals" to better orient the U.S. food supply toward science-based food safety and labeling standards. It also includes nearly 100 initiatives to help achieve those goals....



...The goals, as outlined in the plan, are to....:



...4. Provide accurate and useful information so consumers can choose a healthier diet for their pets and reduce the risk of chronic disease and obesity....



...The program hopes to work with industry and consumer groups to improve the nutritional information on not only human food products, but animal foods as well. The end goal is to allow consumers the ability to make healthier decisions about their diet (or their pet's).

Adapted from: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/04/fda-issues-2012-2016-plan-for-the-foods-and-veterinary-medicine-program/

Pet Points: A pet's diet demands attention

 
…Consumers should try to purchase foods from name-brand companies that have quality control, and list the scientific formulation of their product. This is difficult, as even top-of-the-line products have had quality-control issues and subsequent recalls of both food and prescription products. This is distressing to both veterinarians and consumers who struggle to find substitutes….


…There are hundreds of different foods available to feed pets, but not all are scientifically formulated. They vary in price and quality. Many of the benefits people see in feeding a raw meat homemade diet could also be accomplished by feeding a better or different commercial diet, or by adding supplements or probiotics. Animals do have sensitivities and allergies to foods, and limited antigen diets can be successful to treat their problems. Trial and error is often needed to find a good diet for a specific problem or pet….

Adapted from: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/pet-stories/pet-points-a-pets-diet-demands-attention-636594/

With "hundreds of different foods available to feed pets," how do you, as the pet owner, make the right decision on what to feed your dog and/or cat?  Here are several well-thought out suggestions provided by veterinarians and pet nutritional specialists:

Pet Food Is Confusing, Help Me Dr. Watts!

...Choosing a pet food is a difficult and confusing proposition.  The nutritional fact labels on the bags and cans make the task even harder.  You will usually only find minimum or maximum levels of a select few nutrients....

...The first thing I do is look for is the manufacturer's name.  Store brands and generics will usually have a distributor name or a statement that the food was manufactured for the store.  It will not have the manufacturer's name.  Store brands look the same every time, but may have very different formulas in each bag....

...The second thing to look for is the AAFCO statement.  The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) regulates pet foods.  This statement should be labeled for the appropriate life stage of your pet.  Categories include growth, maintenance, and pregnancy/lactation.  Some are evn labeled, "for all life stages."  Be sure to buy a food approved for the correct life stage.  The AAFCO label statement should also include the words, "animal feeding trials."  This means that after the food was formulated, it was actually fed to animals for a period of time to ensure it met their nutrient needs.  Since this method is expensive, it also mean manufacturers are unlikely to change formulations frequently.  If the words. "animal feeding trials" are not on the label, the company is likely to use "book value" formulation, which gives that food a lot less credibility....

...In recent years, small specialty pet food companies have grown in market share.  Some of these companies are just too small to run animal feeding trials on all of their diets.  While these companies may use high quality ingredients and have the best intentions, I still prefer diets that have gone through more rigorous testing.  Without a feeding trial, your pet may well be the first one to eat that particular formula. 

You should insist on purchasing food by a reputable manufacturer that has used animal feeding trials to ensure the food meets the needs of the appropriate life stage.  The manufacturer's name and AAFCO label will give you more information about the diet than everything else on the bag put together....

...Corn really does get a bad rap...Cooked ground corn is a highly digestible source of carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.  Unfortunately, the niche market pet foods have demonized it to a point that I don't even waste my breath with with clients anymore.  Either a client will take my educated recommendation or they will ignore me, while listening to "Dr. Google" or propaganda from specialty pet food manufacturers....

...The other thing to know about many niche diets is that your pet is literally the first one to eat it.  The diet might very well balance on paper, but most don't do animal feeding trials to measure actual nutrition performance.  A few organic brands have gone through animal feeding trials for some of their foods, but most have been presumed to be balanced based solely on book values....

...In addition, many veterinary therapeutic diets are actually superior for treating specific conditions than anything that can be found over the counter. However, the ingredients lists are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and other scientists...not by the marketing department of that company....

Question from a client:...OK, it goes something like this...After we adopted our first dog, I went to the pet supply store and wanted to get him the best food.  Yes, I asked some of the minimum wage workers what the "best" was.  They told me the "best" foods are priced higher and they claim "no corn, no soy, no wheat"...yada yada.  So one thinks, "hmmm, I guess corn, soy, and wheat is no good."  I had never heard this before, but read that wording on those packages and I was sold.

The thing is after I started feeding the dog the organic food, he started looking good.  Within the first few months or so, I had people on the street asking what I feed him because his coat is so shiny.  Then, I go back to the pet store and they happen to have the food rep there who tells me the feeding portions are smaller because it has less filler.  The dog did have smaller poop!

Now, the AAFCO statement...I thought because it was written on the package, we were good to go.  It's confusing to consumers!  How am I supposed to know there are two statements they can make?  I figured it passed that test, but I didn't look carefully enough.  I misunderstood.  It's annoying!

I do Internet searches on "best dog food," "high quality dog food" and yes, it's annoying because you get bombarded with all sorts of marketing and conspiracy theorists...But I figure if the food is mentioned on multiple sites, I might be alright....

Answer:...I also find the information on pet food bags frustrating.  I almost always need to consult other sources of information to get the data I need to analyze the details of a particular food. 

As for the size of the feces, that is directly related to the amount of fiber in the food.  It does not necessarily indicate better or worse nutrition for a particular pet.  In fact, some have problems with diets too low in fiber.  The shininess of the coat has to do with the fatty acid composition of the food.  You could feed your pet straight Crisco and they would have very shiny coats, but still poor nutrition.

My solution for you is to find a knowledgeable veterinarian that you trust.  If they can converse comfortably and knowledgeably about nutrition, listen to what they have to say and then ask questions.  If one of your pets needs a therapeutic diet, chances are the one that kind of veterinarian recommends is going to be superior for your particular pet than anything you will find at a pet store--no matter what the Internet, the store employees, the dog trainer, or the bag of food might tell you.  There is nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion, but be sure the person whose opinion you seek is well-educated in animal nutrition.

Adapted from: several articles by Dr. Michael Watts, a practicing veterinarian in Virginia, which can be read at:

http://www2.starexponent.com/lifestyles/2012/apr/30/dispelling-conspiracy-theories-about-veterinarians-ar-1879217/

http://www2.starexponent.com/lifestyles/2012/may/07/addressing-food-concerns-pets-ar-1895990/

http://www2.starexponent.com/lifestyles/2012/may/14/corn-just-filler-pet-foods-ar-1912653/

http://www2.starexponent.com/lifestyles/2012/may/21/common-misconceptions-about-pet-food-ar-1930011/

http://www2.starexponent.com/lifestyles/2012/may/29/finishing-our-conversation-pet-food-ar-1949298/

http://www2.starexponent.com/lifestyles/2011/mar/28/pet-food-confusing-help-me-dr-watts-ar-932275/

If you're either still in doubt or just a bit confused about your pet food choices, here is some helpful information from a clinical specialist on pet nutrition:

Myths of Pet Nutrition

Dr. Lisa Freeman, a professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary medicine, speaks on optimal nutrition for pets. 

Freeman's lecture centered on exposing the myths of pet nutrition and educating pet owners on how to select an optimal diet for their pet.  "It's a really difficult area for people to deal with because there are so many mixed messages coming out for our own nutrition," she said.  "You look in the newspaper, on the Internet, in the magazines, every single day there is something on nutrition, and then usually the next week there is something contradictory."

According to Freeman, nutrition is an incredibly powerful area because it is one thing that pet owners can actually control.  The $17 billion pet food industry--and the advertising that goes with it--does not help in debunking those myths.  Freeman emphasized that one pervasive myth in particular--the belief that the pet food industry is not regulated, which exploded after the 2007 pet food recall--is not true.  The AAFCO serves two crucial purposes: the AAFCO has pet food regulations that set the standards for individual states, and it also establishes nutrient profiles.

But how is this useful for the average pet owner when it comes time to select food?  Freeman expressed her disbelief at the number of options in the grocery or pet store aisles, where each brand aims to convince owners that its food best for the animal.  "The key is that a pet food label is an advertisement as well, and it has to appeal to us as consumers," Freeman said.  "Unfortunately, when I talk to owners, what they base their decision on is the advertisement, not the legal part."

During the lecture, Freeman asked audience members which pieces of information on pet food labels were most important.  According to Freeman, the most common answer given is the list of ingredients, but this is yet another myth.  "The...most important thing is the manufacturer," she said.  "You would absolutely be shocked at the variability in the quality of different companies."  Freeman explained that at least one full-time, qualified nutritionist, a research and development department, self-operated plants and internal quality control standards are essential for any reliable manufacturer.

"You would be shocked at how many of these pet food companies do not have a nutritionist.  I also don't want them to be spending all of their money on marketing.  I want research and development so they continue to enhance their own foods, to enhance our knowledge collectively about nutrition."

The second-most important fact on the label, Freeman said, is the nutritional adequacy statement, which reveals three essential pieces of information: whether or not the pet food is complete and balanced, how the company knows that it is complete and balanced, and the intended life stage of the food.  "If you're feeding this to your pet, you want it to meet all the nutrient needs for that animal," Freeman said.  "The best way to decide that is with feeding trials.  AAFCO has regulations, and they make sure that animals fed these foods actually stay healthy on these foods.  And finally, the intended life stage--who it's marketed for can be really different from who it meets the requirements for.  That one little statement tells you a tremendous amount of information."

Freeman presented images of pet food labels representing various brands, reading the nutritional adequacy statements and testing her audience as to whether these statements were reasonable.  One particular label for cat food that Freeman showed listed flaxseed--which can be metabolized in humans and at low efficiency in dogs, but not at all in cats--as an ingredient.  According to Freeman, this is an indication that the company does not know a lot about nutrition.  "They used it for us, because we see flaxseed and think it's great.  That is marketing to us.  People get really deceived by the ingredient list.  But that's how I use it--to look for red flags that say they don't know very much."

According to Freeman, pet owners make the process more difficult than it needs to be.  She advises customers to be skeptical of marketing, as most of the "stuff" on the label is just advertisement and has little to do with quality.

Adapted from: http://www.tuftsdaily.com/a-taste-of-tufts-lisa-freeman-1.2714386?pagereq=1#.T15GVfWjmuk

By now, you should feel more comfortable about what to look for when considering the varieties of pet food.  Some final advice on the choices you have to make comes in the form of some questions and answers from a veterinarian, who is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition:

Food Choices Are Tough To Swallow

By: Sharon L. Peters

The array is dizzying.  Visit any pet store (or any supermarket or Walmart, for that matter), and you'll find dozens and dozens of brands and varieties of dog and cat food.  Lots of individuals and companies are duking it out in the lucrative feeding-our-pets arena, some with brand-new products, some with "new and improved" offerings, most packaged and/or marketed with emotion-invoking verbiage, all knowing that never have so many been so willing to devote so much money and energy to making the right choice....

...But readers contact me with many questions about pet food.  So I found someone who doesn't pitch a particular brand and also has credentials that literally span continents.  Denise Elliot, the above-mentioned board-certified veterinarian and nutrition specialist, offers some interesting information by way of these questions and answers:

Wet or Dry?  "There's no one answer for every pet," she says.  It depends on the animal's "age, lifestyle matters and convenience."  She recommends going wet "if weight control is a problem," since it's easier for owners to cheat with dry food, measuring out heaping cups instead of flat-tops or tossing extra kibbles into the bowl.  Can size is can size, and giving more actually requires opening another, something few people with pets on weight-management programs will do, she says.  Also, she says, cats with urinary tract issues often better on wet food. 

Pluses for dry: It is more cost-effective and convenient, and you don't have to worry if it sits uneaten for a while. (Wet food is subject to spoilage and bacteria growth in fairly quick order, particularly in the heat.)  Contrary to popular belief, however, dry food doesn't necessarily reduce dental plaque, she says, unless it's one of the few specifically designed to do so (and even the special plaque-reducers accomplish little if your pet inhales the food rather than chewing it).

Is it necessary to buy premium brands or are some moderately priced foods from supermarkets OK?  "There are very good brands sold in supermarkets," she says.  "For the majority of animals, we can find something good that will provide complete nutrition at the lower price point."

How can you tell if your pet isn't eating the right food?  There are visual things such as dry, flaky skin or a coat that isn't glossy; there also may be gastrointestinal matters, such as excessive gas or stool that isn't normal, Elliot says.  All signal that the animal is "getting insufficient or the wrong food."

It's especially important, she says, that puppies get proper nutrition during their early months, when they're growing.  Larger breeds, in particular, can develop growth or bone disorders if they don't get food formulated for their extra needs.  Poor nutrition, in fact, can cause a variety of issues in all ages.  Your veterinarian is a good resource on that, she says.

What about much-maligned corn as an ingredient?  Elliot says there's a great deal of anecdotal chat about corn being problematic for many dogs, "but when we look to scientific studies, there's not one ingredient more likely to be implicated."  Some dogs may be sensitive to corn, but some may react poorly to chicken or other ingredients.  Moreover, "use of corn is variable, some may crack corn or extract nutrients," so some corn-containing products may be fine for a particular dog, and others may not.

Is homemade food best?  "I know the intent is good, but most recipes on the Internet aren't complete and balanced and, with time, can cause problems." 

What about the matter of treats?  When I shifted to that topic, I made a confession: I don't buy them and don't see any point in them once a dog is trained, particularly inasmuch as more than half of the nation's pets are, by all measures, too fat.  She laughed and congratulated me.  She doesn't give treats to her three Labradors, either.  She rewards each with the special things each finds wonderful: belly rubs, ball chasing, or special toys.  "Interaction time with you is what they see as the best reward." she says.

The whole treat-giving thing is often driven by "guilt."  Owners would do better--especially owners who have pets "that don't need the extra calories"--to establish "what the pet likes or enjoys" and provide more of that.

Adapted from: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/pet-talk/story/2011/08/Pet-Talk-Food-choices-are-tough-to-swallow/49865792/1

Now, even with all those choices of pet foods, you should feel a lot more confident about making the right choice for your dog or cat.  Later on this summer, Helpful Buckeye will address the topic of "What SHOULDN'T be for dinner." 

SPORTS NEWS

The LA Dodgers have finally put together a nice, 4-game winning streak...including a 3-game sweep of the Mets in NYC.  We're right behind the Giants, with a lot of baseball yet to be played.  Our 2 big stars are back in the daily lineup and our pitching has been getting better.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the AZ Cardinals open training camp this coming Wednesday.  Helpful Buckeye will be at several of the Cardinals' practices here in Flagstaff, with Desperado coming along for a few of them...she really got into it last year.

PERSONAL STUFF

My bike ride over Vail Pass surpassed any expectations I had prior to the event.  The long grind of 30 miles uphill, the culmination of reaching the high pass at 11,400 ft, and the long descent of 10 miles down to 8000 ft in Vail were more exhilarating than I could have imagined.

I bought a T-shirt in Vail that has this message on it:

"You don't stop riding because you get old; You get old because you stop riding."

If that's the case, then I should never get old.... 

Several friends have already asked about going with us if we ever decide to do this ride again...after they heard about our experiences...that would be fun to do.

My next challenge will require a different type of training.  I'll still be biking a lot of miles, but I also will be working on another way of getting from point A to point B.  That event will be the 3rd week of September.

"Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning."--Gloria Steinem

All the dreaming, planning, and realization gave me these photos:

Dodger1 in Monument Valley

Monument Valley

A possible bike for the ride?

How about this bike?

...or this one?

Nope, Helpful Buckeye has Dodger1 and the route goes over the mountains in the distance.... 

At the top of Vail Pass, Black Lake marks the downhill start. 

The east side of Vail and Interstate70 below the downhill trail....

Re-hydration and celebration at a bistro in the village of Vail.... 

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

WHAT YOUR PETS ARE EATING, PART 3

Due to a travel commitment, this week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats will be a bit shortened and lacking some of the up-to-date news items. The conclusion of What Your Pets Are Eating will follow below.

WHAT YOUR PETS ARE EATING....a discussion of dog and cat nutrition, Part 3





Most commercial dog and cat foods are fortified with vitamins to levels that exceed minimal requirements. There is no Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) dietary requirement for vitamins C or K for dogs and cats have no documented dietary requirement for vitamin C.

The water-soluble vitamins include all of the B series and Vitamin C. Water-soluble vitamins are readily excreted in the urine if excess amounts are ingested and rarely cause disease even in very high doses. Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, usually is not a problem arising from properly prepared commercial cat food; however, a deficiency can occur if a cat is fed uncooked freshwater fish, which contains high levels of thiaminase, an enzyme which destroys thiamine in the rest of the diet. Thiamine-deficient cats develop loss of appetite, scruffy-looking hair coat, a hunched position, and neurologic signs including balance problems and convulsions.

Fat-soluble vitamins include those in the A, D, E, and K series and some of these can be associated with serious diseases if ingested in too high quantities. Excessive consumption of liver can lead to high levels of Vitamin A, resulting in skeletal deformities in dogs. Cats, on the other hand, can suffer from too little Vitamin A being available in their diet and the list of disorders associated with this deficiency is too long to include here. Suffice it to say that most commercial cat foods do have the necessary supplement of Vitamin A.

Vitamin D deficiency results in rickets in young animals and osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in adult animals. The classic signs of rickets are most often seen in puppies and kittens when homemade diets are fed without supplements being added. Too much Vitamin D can result in high blood calcium and phosphorus which then lead to chronic kidney failure and death in both dogs and cats.

A balanced amount of the necessary dietary minerals in relation to the energy density of the diet is important. Indiscriminate mineral supplementation should be avoided due to the likelihood of causing a mineral imbalance. Mineral deficiencies are rare when pets are fed a well-balanced diet.

In both dogs and cats, the requirements for dietary calcium and phosphorus are increased over normal maintenance levels during growth, pregnancy, and lactation. Calcium and phosphorus deficiency is uncommon in well-balanced growth diets. The most common problem is an all meat diet which has an imbalance of the calcium/phosphorus ratio and can lead to demineralization of bone, resulting in bone weakness and pathologic fractures. Excessive supplementation of calcium and phosphorus not only leads to bone formation problems in the larger breeds of dogs but also contributes to a decreased absorption of magnesium, which can cause lethargy and muscle weakness in puppies. Excessive supplementation of magnesium can contribute to the formation of urinary crystals in male cats, which then can lead to the "plugged cat" syndrome.

Nutrition is an important part of disease management, even though few disorders can be cured solely with diet. The interaction between illness, health, and nutritional status is multifactorial and complex. The nutritional requirements of sick dogs and cats are qualitatively the same as those of healthy ones. However, they differ in the amounts required...certain nutrients may be needed in greater amounts or may need to be restricted.

Manufacturers of all commercial dog and cat foods are legally required to provide certain information on the label, including the name of the product, guaranteed analysis, ingredient guarantee, net weight, and name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. The most important nutritional information on the label is the guaranteed analysis, ingredient list, and the statement of nutritional adequacy. In the USA, all pet foods sold must be registered with state feed control officials and must contain approved ingredients generally regarded as safe, unless they are for specialized purposes such as the improvement or prevention of disease. Such foods are considered to be drugs and must be approved by the FDA.

Commercial dog and cat foods are available in 3 principal forms: canned, dry, and semi-moist. These classifications depend more on the processing method and water content than on the ingredient content or nutrient profile. Complete and balanced commercial pet diets are formulated to provide adequate quantities of each required nutrient without an intolerable excess of any nutrient. Any supplementation of particular nutrients to commercially produced complete and balanced pet foods should be done carefully and only with appropriate justification, along with some consultation with your veterinarian. Remember that dog foods are not going to be satisfactory for cats because most dog foods are lower in protein than what cats need and usually are not supplemented with taurine.

Dry food is the most popular category of pet foods in the USA. It usually contains 90% dry matter and 10% water. The advantages of dry food would include lower cost than canned or semi-moist, and refrigeration is not necessary for unused portions. Additionally, it provides some beneficial massaging of the gums and teeth to help reduce periodontal disease.

Canned pet foods will usually contain 70-75% water and 25-30% dry matter. The advantages of canned food are mainly a fairly long shelf in a very durable container and its high degree of palatability. The main downside is the cost...it's more expensive than dry foods.

Semi-moist pet foods will contain 60-75% dry matter and 25-40% water. They usually do not require any refrigeration, have been preserved by substances that do not allow bacteria and molds to grow. This also gives them a good shelf life. Other advantages of semi-moist pet foods include convenience of packaging, high energy digestibility, and higher palatability. Similar to canned foods, they are more expensive than dry foods.

Dogs can be successfully maintained on properly formulated home-cooked diets, but this is much more difficult for cats. The advantages are obviously the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients that are chosen by the dog owner. The disadvantages include preparation time, unreliable quality control and diet consistency, higher costs, and the difficulty in formulating and preparing a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. Some of the most common problems with home-cooked diets is that they result in high protein and caloric density, inappropriate calcium/phosphorus ratios, and inadequate levels of calcium, copper, iodine, fat-soluble vitamins, and several of the B vitamins.

The bottom line here is that you should discuss your pet's individual dietary needs and considerations with your veterinarian. The type of food you choose may be different for each of your dogs or cats. Remember, your pets really can't go to the refrigerator, pull open the door, and fix their own meals. They are relying on you to make the right decision for them!

If any of our readers have a story you'd like to share about your choice of pet food or about any problems or concerns you've had with your pets' food, either send an e-mail to: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or post a comment at the end of this issue.

GENERAL INTEREST

1) Most of our readers will remember the old TV show, MacGyver. Well, there's a cat owner who thinks their cat is Kitty MacGyver: http://www.funnieststuff.net/viewmovie.php?id=1489

Looks to me like all the right moves....

2) Helpful Buckeye is starting to wonder if dogs and cats are beginning to read our news updates. That would be the only logical explanation for all the "copy cat" antics we're hearing about: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/15/all-aboard-kenmore-the-subway-cat-rides-on-to-new-home/

Maybe he was looking for MacGyver?

3) Sadie, a Scottish Terrier, won the best in show award at the recent AKC/Eukanuba National Dog Show: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/15/scottie-named-sadie-wins-best-in-show-at-akc-eukanuba-national/

She has won shows at all levels and now has her sights set on the upcoming Westminster Dog Show in February.

4) The following video was sent to Helpful Buckeye by 4 different readers, but Dianne from Chico, CA was the first. If any of you had these dogs, you wouldn't have to spend so much time trimming the Christmas tree! Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUtPKbMwnRo

PERSONAL STUFF

For your holiday pleasure

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

WHAT YOUR PETS ARE EATING, PART 2

Hopefully, the introduction last week to what your pets are eating has stoked your interest enough that you just can't wait to learn more about the various important nutrients your pets require. Instead of "must see" TV, our readers have made this the "must read" blog! Thanks for your continued interest and loyalty. The next part of What Your Pets Are Eating will appear a little further down the page.

With many of our readers still considering what presents to buy for that certain someone, the Humane Society of the United States has this pertinent "Holiday" advice: Finally, think twice before giving an animal as a gift. "The recipient of your furry gift may not be ready for the commitment involved with the lifetime care of a pet," says Betsy McFarland, The HSUS' senior director, companion animals. "Instead of a puppy among the presents, give the gift of adoption. Many shelters offer adoption gift certificates so the recipient can be actively involved in choosing the perfect pet who will share their home for years to come." When you stop to think about all the hustle and bustle surrounding the Holidays, it's easy to imagine a new puppy or kitten being slighted for attention.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made available a new widget for inclusion in blogs such as Questions On Dogs and Cats. This widget will be located in the column to the left and will allow our readers to regularly check for "Tips and Updates" from the FDA relating to pet health and safety. The widget will include topics such as how to report a problem with pet food, purchasing pet drugs online and caring for a pet during a disaster. The widget also allows users to access content on the FDA's Web site without having to leave another site or Web page. As Helpful Buckeye has stated at the top of each issue of this blog, one of our goals is to "enrich the owner/pet relationship," and this will be one more way to ensure reaching that goal. Spend a couple of minutes checking it out and be sure to let Helpful Buckeye know your impressions of the additional site. For comments and/or questions, e-mail Helpful Buckeye at dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or submit a comment, where prompted, at the end of this issue.

This will be the last week for you to vote for Helpful Buckeye on the People's HealthBlogger Awards at Wellsphere, as the voting ends on December 15th. To vote, simply click on the "Vote Now!" on the Wellsphere icon in the column to the left. Thanks to all of you who have already voted!

The polling question from last week about any of your pets ever being involved in a recall of a pet treat or pet food revealed that 8 readers responded "Yes" and 11 responded "No." Hopefully, the ones who said yes did not have a pet that died from the incident. Be sure to answer this week's poll question in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) As reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2 more cats have died from infection with the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus, 1 in Pennsylvania and 1 in Oregon: http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp

2) Also, from the AVMA, comes this advice about amphibians being a possible source of Salmonella infection: http://www.avma.org/public_health/salmonella/amphibians.asp

In addition, the advice continues: In the movies, kissing a frog can result in a prince. But, as the disclaimer often says, "Do not try this at home." Frogs, like all amphibians and reptiles, can be a source of Salmonella infections in people. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) are reminding the public that instead of a prince, improper handling of amphibians and reptiles—and that includes kissing a frog—can result in a nasty illness. For the rest of this news release, go to: http://www.avma.org/press/releases/091211_amphibian_reptile_salmonella.asp

Helpful Buckeye is aware that frogs aren't dogs or cats; however, a lot of our readers may well have a frog as a pet and this is important enough to mention.

WHAT YOUR PETS ARE EATING....a discussion of dog and cat nutrition, Part 2

This week, we'll start to talk about the various components of the food you should be feeding to your pets. When you look at the guaranteed analysis and ingredient portion of the information panel on your package/can of pet food, one of the first items listed will be protein.

Protein

Protein is required to increase and renew the nitrogen components of the body. A primary function of dietary protein is as a source of essential amino acids and nitrogen for the synthesis of the non-essential amino acids. The amount of protein required depends on the age of the animal and the quality of the protein. The amount differs significantly for dogs and cats, with cats needing almost double what dogs need. The quality of a protein is determined by the number and types of essential amino acids it contains, its digestibility, and how easily the pet's body being able to metabolize it.

The dietary need for protein is satisfied when the dog's metabolic need for amino acids and nitrogen is satisfied. Optimal diets for dogs will contain 20-25% protein as dry matter for growing puppies and 10-15% for mature dogs. Cats will require 25-30% when still growing and about 20% when mature. Protein in cat food must have enough taurine to aid in prevention of certain eye and heart degenerative problems. Protein requirements of dogs and cats will vary with age, activity levels, temperament, life stage, and health status.

Without sufficient energy available from the fat and carbohydrate portion of the diet, dietary protein that is normally used for growth or maintenance of body functions is then less efficiently used to provide energy. In this way, these 3 vital components of the diet need to be in a proper balance. The higher the biological value of a protein, the less protein needed in the diet to supply the essential amino acid requirements. Egg has been designated as the highest biologic value, followed by organ and skeletal meat, then vegetable proteins. Most commercial pet foods contain a combination of cereal (vegetable) and meat proteins.

The signs of protein deficiency or protein imbalance in your pet's diet could include weight loss, skeletal muscle atrophy (wasting away) in dogs, dull or unkempt hair coat, loss of appetite, reproductive disorders, low-grade infections, and a failure to properly respond to treatment of an injury or disease.

Fats

A fat is a very concentrated source of energy, yielding more than 2 times as much energy as an equivalent portion of protein or carbohydrate. As much as 60% of the calories in a cat's diet may come from fat. In general, as the fat content of a diet increases, so does the caloric density and palatability (taste). Increase in palatability can lead to excess consumption which can then lead to obesity...we've all heard this story before, huh? Animal fats are the most digestible component of the diet and the addition of too much dietary fat may result in excessive energy intake followed by decreased intakes of protein, minerals, and certain vitamins.

Dietary fat also makes easier the absorption, storage, and transport of the fat-soluble vitamins...A, D, E, and K.

Most dog foods will have less than 20% fat content, depending on the purpose of the diet...work, stress, growth, and lactation (milk production in nursing mothers).

Essential fatty acid deficiencies in good quality, commercial diets are very rare in dogs and cats, but are more likely to occur in homemade or unbalanced diets. These deficiencies could cause dry, scaly, lusterless hair coat; inactivity; and reproductive disorders.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates in pet foods will include low and high-molecular weight sugars, starches, and various plant cell wall and fibers. In cats, carbohydrates apparently are not essential to the diet when ample protein and fats are included. Increased levels of crude fiber from plant sources can increase fecal output.

This will leave vitamins and minerals for next week's discussion, which will then finish up with a comparison of dry foods, canned foods, soft-moist foods, and home-cooked diets. Be there or be square!







NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

Questions On Dogs and Cats has previously presented at least 3 discussions on winter safety tips for your pets: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2008/11/winter-is-begun-here-now.html

http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/02/darwin-and-lincoln.html

http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/11/decreasing-disease-risks-for-your-dogs.html

but one more rendering of that topic would be appropriate at this time of the year, especially in light of the 39" snowfall we had in Flagstaff this past week. The Humane Society of the United States offers this short list of considerations to help you avoid winter problems with your dogs and cats:

• Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for supervised exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.


• Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.


• Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.


• The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet and may be harmful if ingested. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them to remove snow packed between your pet's paws. Pet-friendly ice melts are available at many pet supply stores across the nation or online.


• Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.


• No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.


• If you're feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter, spaying and neutering and more is available at humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats.

This last word from The HSUS about your dog and/or cat: The best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family. PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) If you haven't yet finished your holiday shopping for friends, your pets, or yourself, take a look at the HSUS PetFulfillment Store: http://hsus.petfulfillment.com/index.php?shop=dog

2) Then, go over to this web site if you're looking for gifts for a cat: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/gifts-for-cats/

3) Likewise, there are many offerings for your favorite dog at: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/gifts-for-dogs/

4) Lastly, since this section deals with "products," Helpful Buckeye thought our readers would be interested in seeing the first public advertisement for a dog flu vaccine: http://www.doginfluenza.com/ Remember, this is not the same influenza virus as the Swine Flu, but it is still something about which you might want to consult with your veterinarian.

GENERAL INTEREST

1) This interesting report from the UPI indicates that the current worldwide flu distribution may also affect prices for certain dinner recipes:

Ginger prices rise on flu fears
BEIJING (UPI) -- Ginger prices could skyrocket this year because of a supply shortage coupled with an increase in demand during flu season, a Chinese research firm said. Wholesale prices for ginger prices have increased 85 percent so far this year and could go the way of garlic prices, which increased by 1,500 percent since March, Global Markets China Research said in a release Thursday. Garlic and ginger are believed by many Chinese to have health benefits that include flu-fighting properties, the firm said. Ginger prices began to rise after a 3-year drop, which led many farmers to stop growing ginger and turn to more profitable crops. That has led to a shortage in ginger supplies at a time when demand is increasing, Global Markets said. Ginger and garlic also are two of the most important ingredients in the cuisines of India, China, Thailand and Japan.


2) For our readers who already run (jog) with their dogs and for those who might be contemplating doing so, here is a nice overview of considerations to think about: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/10/running-with-dogs-what-you-need-to-know/

3) For the first of 3 amazing tales (tails?) about a dog or cat being rescued following a harrowing experience, read about this dog which had been marooned on an island, not far from its home, for 98 days: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/dog-missing-for-98-days-on-deserted-island-reunited-with-family/

No, this didn't occur in the South Pacific...but rather, along the coast of New Jersey. Perhaps Buddy should be re-named Robinson Crusoe???

4) Secondly, this cat survived being closed in a container on a freighter for 2 weeks on a voyage from Egypt to England: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/09/trapped-cat-survives-three-thousand-mile-journey/

5) Lastly, Millie, an Australian Shepherd, was rescued after spending 2 weeks in a closed storm drain in Utah: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/rescued-dog-home-after-weeks-in-storm-drain/

Isn't it amazing that these stories would all show up at the same time?

6) Twenty-nine years ago this past week, the 8th of December, John Lennon was murdered in New York City. Helpful Buckeye can still remember learning of this tragedy while watching Monday Night Football, with Howard Cosell breaking the news. With the Holiday Season upon us, take a few minutes and watch/listen to John Lennon's contribution to our compendium of Holiday music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUCbZhIfQbA&feature=related

SPORTS NEWS

The Pittsburgh Steelers are even more DOA this week than they were last week!
PERSONAL STUFF

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye continued our Holiday movie fest this week by watching White Christmas, Love Actually, Elf, and The Holiday. It's tough duty, but somebody has to do it!

Helpful Buckeye shoveled 39" of snow from the driveway on Monday and Tuesday...with a little help from Desperado. Not bad for the first snow of the season!

Saw this ad in a local newspaper this week: Christmas sale...Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.

Thinking back to my early years in western Pennsylvania, where we always seemed to be walking "uphill" in deep snows, this past week brings to mind this short, but meaningful, quote from George Herbert: "Every mile is two in winter."

Whether you're going one mile or two this holiday season, do it carefully!

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

WHAT YOUR PETS ARE EATING....

According to a recent statistic, dog and cat owners pay about $12 billion annually in veterinary bills. However, before you think, "Wow, that's a lot of money!," consider that those same dog and cat owners spend $17 billion a year on pet food. And when it comes right down to it, how many of you really know what you're feeding to your dogs and cats or why you're feeding that particular food. This issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats will begin the task of sorting out all the important aspects and considerations of what to feed your pets and why. Many of you will probably be right on target with your choices of dog or cat food but, hopefully, Helpful Buckeye can help you fill in the gaps of uncertainty surrounding your choices of what you're feeding your pets and your reasons for doing so.

The 3 polling questions for last week were pretty popular for our e-mailers. Not very many readers actually voted at the individual question site, but a lot of you sent your responses by e-mail along with other comments. That's OK too. There were 14 responses to the question of traveling with your pet over the holidays. It was evenly split with half of the responses saying yes and the other half saying they'd use a kennel or a friend to take care of their pet. As for pets being ill from anything involving the Holidays, 17 said yes and 6 said no. Helpful Buckeye hopes that all the references we've made concerning the dangers of the "Holidays" for pets will help bring that number down considerably! The 3rd question about how much grooming of your pet you are willing to attempt produced interesting results. Of the 18 responses, 12 replied that they do both the bathing and grooming, while 2 bathed only and 2 groomed only. That left 2 respondents saying, "Leave it to the pros!" Be sure to participate in this week's poll question in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) From the American Veterinary Medical Association, "Two cats (aged 10 and 11 years) from different households in Colorado have tested positive for 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) influenza, according to Colorado State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The felines are expected to recover, but their cases serve as a reminder to pet owners to seek veterinary attention for companion animals that appear to be ill." Read the media release from Colorado State University for further information: http://www.news.colostate.edu/Release/4934

On a related note, a dog in China has been diagnosed as having contracted the same H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus. Authorities are awaiting confirming tests on that one.

2) WASHINGTON (UPI) -- The American Red Cross advises families to make some changes in how they interact and eat during holiday gatherings, to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus.

Avoid kissing, handshakes during holidays

Sharon Stanley, chief nurse of the American Red Cross in Washington, says the holidays are about food, family and friends -- but with H1N1 flu still circulating families can take some steps to keep the celebration happy and healthy. Stanley advises to:

• Avoid the usual kisses and handshakes when greeting friends and family.


• Wash hands frequently, before preparing food, while cooking and always before eating.


• Keep plenty of hand soap in the bathroom, preferably in a pump container. Skip pretty hand towels and use disposable hand towels or a roll of paper towels.


• Consider putting the glasses away and using plastic cups, or provide a way for guests to identify their drinks to avoid drinking out of anyone else's glass.


• Put serving utensils in every dish, including snacks like nuts, pretzels or potato chips, so people can spoon out their portion instead of reaching in with their hands.

Think about it...everybody likes to spread cheer during the Holidays. Let's try to NOT spread any flu virus!

3) The bad guys seem to capitalize on everything, especially when things aren't going very well. Now, we find out about an e-mail scheme that takes advantage of someone's fear of Swine Flu and plants a troublesome virus on their computer. Be wary of any e-mail that purports to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention! Take just a minute to read this posting about what to watch out for: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/03/swine-flu-email-conceals-phishing-scam-cdc-isnt-seeking-your/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl7link6http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfinance.com%2F2009%2F12%2F03%2Fswine-flu-email-conceals-phishing-scam-cdc-isnt-seeking-your%2F

4) Again, from the AVMA, "The Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert warning consumers to dispose of pig ears and beef hooves from Pet Carousel because of potential Salmonella contamination. PetSmart recalled two Pet Carousel products in response to the situation." For further details on this recall, read: http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/dec09/091215l.asp

Be sure that you don't already have some of these products at home.

5) An update of a cat food recall from 10 weeks ago has revealed a lack of proper level of thiamine, an essential nutrient for cats. For the rest of the story, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/02/cat-food-recall-21-cats-sickened/

This situation was part of the reason for this week's discussion of dog and cat nutrition.

WHAT YOUR PETS ARE EATING....a discussion of dog and cat nutrition

Let's face it...any discussion on nutrition is not likely to attract much interest, whether it's about human nutrition or pet nutrition. Even when I was in veterinary school, it just wasn't a very glamorous topic. There's a lot of general science and chemistry involved in understanding the basics and it can get downright boring at times. However, as with a lot of other things in life, if you don't have a good grasp of basic principles, you won't be able to comprehend the "big picture." And, the "big picture" on this blog is the overall health of your dogs and cats. So, get ready for this cram course on the basics of pet nutrition so that we can then move into the realm of how your pets' diets are related to their health. Some of this information has been adapted from The Merck Veterinary Manual 2008.

Dogs are a very diverse species, with normal body weights ranging from 2-175 lb. The growth rates of puppies are the most rapid during the first 5 months, while that growth rate begins to flatten out after 6 months of age. Overall growth of dogs may be completed by 9-12 months of age in the smaller breeds and not until 18-24 months in the very largest breeds. By contrast, the average body weight of the adult domestic cat usually ranges from 8-12 lb. Full adult growth in cats is usually attained by the 7 month mark. These vast differences in age and weight account for the reason that dogs and cats require specific dietary nutrient concentrations based on their life stage.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) publishes dog and cat nutrient profiles for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. These are based in part on the 1974 and 1985 National Research Council (NRC) nutrient requirements for these species. Update NRC requirements have recently been established and will be published soon.

In developed countries, nutritional diseases are rarely seen in dogs and cats especially when they are fed good quality commercial rations or nutritionally balanced homemade diets. However, the important words here are "nutritionally balanced." Dog or cat foods or homemade diets derived from a single food item are going to be grossly inadequate for your pet. As an example, feeding predominantly meat or even an exclusive hamburger and rice diet to dogs can induce calcium deficiency, leading to secondary hypoparathyroidism...a glandular disorder involving the balance between calcium and phosphorus in the body. Another example would be the feeding of an exclusive raw, freshwater fish diet to cats, which can lead to a thiamine deficiency. Feeding too much liver can lead to Vitamin A toxicity in both dogs and cats. Taking this a step further, malnutrition has been seen in dogs and cats that have been fed "natural," "organic," or "vegetarian" diets put together by their owners with the best intentions. because the palatability, digestibility, and safety of these recipes have not been adequately or scientifically tested, it is difficult to characterize all of these homemade diets. Generally most of these homemade necessary microminerals such as copper, zinc, and potassium. Commonly used meat and carbohydrate ingredients contain more phosphorus than calcium. Some homemade diets for cats are not actually deficient in fats or energy but, since they contain a vegetable oil that cats do not find tasty, less of the food will be eaten causing a calorie deficiency. Beyond these concerns, homemade diets are rarely properly balanced for the important microminerals or vitamins.

The other oral consumption consideration is that of water. Clean fresh water should always be available. Multiple water sources will encourage consumption. Healthy animals can effectively self-regulate their water intake when provided ample amounts of water. Dehydration can become a serious consequence in problems involving the gastro-intestinal, respiratory, and urinary systems and fluid replacement needs to be administered.

One of the quantitative measures of food being eaten involves the amount of energy of a diet that is retained within the body. Ah yes, that would be the calorie...that word which determines how hard some people work to keep their weight under control. Dogs and cats require sufficient energy to allow for the optimal use of proteins and to maintain optimal body weight and condition through their periods of growth, maintenance, activity, pregnancy, and lactation. Of the 6 recognized nutrient groups, only protein, fats, and carbohydrates provide energy, whereas vitamins, minerals, and water do not. Recent evidence shows that dogs kept in households require less calories per day compared with dogs held in outdoor kennels. Other factors that determine daily energy needs include activity level, life stage, percent lean body mass, age, and environment. For example, energy requirements increased by almost 71% in Huskies as the outdoor temperature decreases from summer to winter levels. Effects of environmental temperature are not well established in cats.



That's enough nutritional information for any of you to absorb in one sitting. In the next part of this discussion on pet nutrition, Helpful Buckeye will cover the 5 remaining nutrient groups: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Stay tuned....


PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

This isn't a "product," per se, as in, you can go out and buy one for $20. Rather, this is a cat-friendly house built in Japan for the owners of 16 cats and 5 dogs. Enjoy looking through these photos of blissful cats relaxing in their unique abode: http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/29/another-amazing-cat-friendly-house-design-from-japan/

GENERAL INTEREST

1) Well, it was too good to be true. Cody, the chocolate Labrador, has been booted out of his "job" at the BP gas station/convenience store in Florida. The powers that be in the state health department felt his presence was in violation of food sanitation requirements. For the rest of the story, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/gas-station-dog-kicked-out-by-state/

2) Pet owners always like to take pictures of their dogs and cats, particularly during the "Holidays." Here are 5 good tips for getting that special photo: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/how-to-photograph-your-pet/
3) A Wyoming family had a recent surprise...18 puppies were delivered by their dog, Ariel. The pups are doing well and all have been spoken for. See Ariel and the pups at: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/pawprintpost/post/2009/11/puppies-total-18-set-record-for-breed/1?loc=interstitialskip

4) A really interesting story appeared in the USA Today this week about the rare hairless breed of cat known as a Sphynx and how they are serving so well as therapy animals for humans. The affection these cats show to humans and the contact they crave make them ideally suited for this type of therapy. Enjoy this feel good story: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-12-02-sphynx02_ST_N.htm

5) The USA Today also ran a story of the unfortunate encounter of a family cat with a Tiger Lily. Read about the danger of the lily family and cats: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2009-12-02-pettalklily02_ST_N.htm

The ASPCA has a really thorough index of plants that can be poisonous to pets, including their pictures. You might want to consider keeping this site as a favorite on your computer for future reference: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

A previous issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats covered many different plants that are poisonous to cats and dogs and suggested that pet owners should keep a copy of that list handy for future reference: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/06/common-poisons-and-your-pets.html This site should also be kept on your list of favorites.


SPORTS NEWS

With today's ignominious defeat at the hands of the Oakland Raiders, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been officially declared DOA. It would appear that a change in coaching might be in order.

The Ohio State Buckeyes found out they would be playing Oregon in the Rose Bowl on New Years' Day. For those of you who don't follow west coast football, Oregon is the team that crushed USC earlier in the year, giving them one of their worst defeats in recent years. This will be a tough game for the Buckeyes.

PERSONAL STUFF

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye started off the Holiday movie viewing season this past week by watching an "oldie" (Holiday Inn) and a more recent flick (Deck The Halls). In past years, we have tried to watch 2-3 Holiday movies each week of December...we suggest you try it and invite some of your good friends to join you. This week, we have White Christmas, Elf, and Love Actually on schedule. Bring on the popcorn and joviality!

A blizzard warning is posted for most of northern Arizona for Monday and Tuesday. We'll most likely get in excess of 2 ft. of snow by Tuesday morning.

Winston Churchill (1874-1965) British Statesman, Soldier, and Author said: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Desperado and Helpful Buckeye will take advantage of the deep snows to enjoy our movies....

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~