Friday, March 29, 2013

Dog House Idea for Cheap

I don't know how I ended up looking at craigslist Farm and Garden category, but anyway, I found an ad for 50 gal. plastic drums and part of the ads stated that they could be use as dog houses.  hmmmm.... what a great idea.  So I google barrel drums as dog houses and here is what I found.















Here are the drums I found.  the best part is they are only for $10 bucks each.  So I'm going to grab a couple or maybe more.


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Brownie's Vet Visit

Brownie finally got his chance to visit a vet today.  And it wasn't as costly as I thought it would be.  The visit for today is for his mange treatment and check-up.  So the vet tells us that he sure does have the demodex mange.  The vet issued him some medicine, antibiotic and his yearly rabies shot.  His next visit is due in two weeks from today. 






the Antibiotic medicine is cephalexin
and medicine he has take orally is Ivermectin.
and today Vaccine:  merial 22039B, 1 Year, Killed, TC, Rabies

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

What your dog or puppy should never eat

DON'T FEED YOUR DOG OR PUPPY THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE FOOD.
SOME FOOD ARE GOOD FOR US BUT BAD FOR OUR DEAR FRIEND.

Avocado
No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It's harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs. If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.

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Alcohol
Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it's good for your dog. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.

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Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That can happen even with the onion powder found in some baby food. An occasional small dose is probably OK. But just eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.
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Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine
Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee - including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.
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Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for dogs. But it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, the dog will become lethargic and depressed. The best prevention is to keep grapes and raisins off counters and other places your dog can reach.
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Milk and Other Dairy Products
On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream cone with your dog. But if your dog could, it would thank you for not doing so. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as set up food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness).
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Macadamia Nuts
Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts or foods containing macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death.
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Candy and Gum
Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog's body. That can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures. Liver failure can occur within just a few days.
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Chocolate
Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.
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Fat Trimmings and Bones
Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog's digestive system. It's best to just forget about the doggie bag.
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Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums
The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus, peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them. Dogs don't.
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Raw Eggs
There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog's coat if raw eggs are fed for a long time.
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Raw Meat and Fish
Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease" or "salmon poisoning disease." If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.
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Salt
It's not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. It may even cause death.
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Sugary Foods and Drinks
Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly the onset of diabetes.
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Yeast Dough
Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that's exactly what it would do in your dog's stomach if your dog ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the dog's abdomen and cause severe pain. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.
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Your Medicine
Reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Just as you would do for your children, keep all medicines out of your dog's reach. And, never give your dog any over-the-counter medicine unless told to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog.
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Kitchen Pantry: No Dogs Allowed
Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your dog. For instance, baking powder and baking soda are both highly toxic. So are nutmeg and other spices. Keeping food items high enough to be out of your dog's reach and keeping pantry doors closed will help protect your dog from serious food-related illness
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If Your Dog Eats What It Shouldn't
Dogs explore with their mouth. And, no matter how cautious you are, it's possible your dog can find and swallow what it shouldn't. It's a smart idea to always keep the number of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- where you know you can find it in an emergency. And, if you think your dog has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once.
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What Dogs Can Eat
You can ensure your dog has a healthy, well-balanced diet by asking your vet to recommend a quality dog food. A well-designed dog food gives your pet all the nutrients it needs for an active and healthy life. But that doesn't mean you can't sometimes give your dog human food as a special treat -- as long as portions are limited, and the foods are cooked, pure, and not fatty or heavily seasoned. See the next few slides for some tasty suggestions. But if you're looking to human food as a meal replacement, talk to your vet about amounts and frequency.
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Safe: Lean Meats
Most dogs are fine eating lean cuts of meat that have been thoroughly cooked. Be sure to remove all visible fat -- including the skin on poultry. Also be sure that there are no bones in the meat before you give it to your dog.
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Safe: Some Fresh Fruits
Slices of apples, oranges, bananas, and watermelon make tasty treats for your dog. Be sure to remove any seeds first, though. Seeds, stems, and leaves can cause serious problems.
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Safe: Some Vegetables
Your dog can have a healthy snack of carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, or zucchini slices. Even a plain baked potato is OK. Be sure, though, not to let your dog eat any raw potatoes or any potato plants it might have access to in your garden.
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Safe: Cooked White Rice and Pasta
Dogs may enjoy plain white rice or pasta after it's cooked. And, a serving of plain white rice with some boiled chicken can sometimes provide welcome relief from gastrointestinal upset.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Step by Step Instruction for Puppy Vaccinations

Here's a video on how to give your puppy a vaccinations.  Very helpful and saves money at the same time, specially if you have 6 puppies and 1 dog like we do.




What you should have:
1.  The Vaccination
2.  Alcohol & Cotton Balls or Paper Towels
3.  Peanut Butter and Honey on Spoon
4.  Benadryl, in case of allergic reaction from your pup.



You can save money by purchasing the vaccinations and applying them yourself.  Bought two of these, Canine Spectra 5 for Parvovirus Vaccine,  yesterday at Tractor Supply for only $6.99 each.  Now I feel a bit better.  and Hopefully next week, will get two more for our other puppies.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

One dog is awesome, but 7 dogs is expensive

A visit to Tractor Supply store today cost me $43.70 and all for my canine family.



 Trail Mix Dog Food, works for my dogs and puppies.  This bag probably won't last a week.
We found our Brindle Pitbull Chopper, from craigslist.  His previous owner, were giving him away and we picked him up from Lizella Georgia, out of this huge farm.  The owner stated that he feeds his dogs and puppies Trail Mix Dog Food and even told us where to purchase it from.  Ever since, we been buying our dog food, treats, and vaccines from Tractor and Supply Store.  Luckily, we have a store here in Macon Georgia.
  
 Bought two of these today.  $6.99 a pack


Retriever, Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits - Dog Treats, $5 per bag.  Not bad for such a big bag.

 My puppies love these dog treats.  and I love the for their size and prize.  My pitts love their peanut butter flavored treats.

Retriever, Puppy Blend, cost less than a buck. I mixed this with their dog food sometimes.



Saturday, March 2, 2013

Pitbull Puppies love heater

My puppies love the heater.  I made sure I got a heater without the burning rods.  Instead I got a heater that blows heated air.  They love to gather in front of it.  And sometimes they compete to be in front and often topples the heater down.  And in these cold days, they seems to love it even more.  I'm not exactly sure what type of temperature they can withstand, but I don't let them sleep outside.  I bring them in the house to sleep.  They stay in the kitchen and I block all entrance for the rest of the house.  If not, we will wake up with a lot of dog shit in the living and else where.


Made in the USA dog treats

Found another affordable dog treats that are Made in the USA.  They are called "Peanut Butter Chiplets"  and puppies seems to love them.  on the package it states that it only have 5 ingredients and no preservatives.  Bought them at Big Lots for $4 per bag.

Peanut Butter Chiplets Dog Treats


I also found these other dog treats that's suppose to be Made in the USA, but I became skeptic because the biscuits indicated made in China and the Bacon imitation stated Made in USA.  So be careful and continue to read labels for your dog treats.  I'm very skeptic when purchasing dog treats that are Made in China.