Dogs Eat Bones?

Sometime after dinner or lunch with my friends and colleagues, I often see some of them putting all the bones into a plastic bags for their dogs at home to eat.

When I told them that dogs don't not eat bones, they eat meats; and they will usually answers me "Oh! He/she loves bones". Well, I could not says they are completely wrong because some dogs do eat bones when you feed them like chicken bones. However, it has been long I understand that bones like chicken bones is harmful to the dog's stomach and we should deboned for them. They should only eat the meat and not the bones.

It is true that we can give "big bones" to our dog. Yes..."BIG BONES". Thats for them to chew and not to eat. This is for their oral health (cleaning the tooth cavities) not for dinner.

As E-Dog-Training.com in their article "25 Human Food Toxic To Dogs" it mentioned that bones is one of the 25 human food that are toxic to dogs:

"Bones (Most bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.)" 


Source: http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com/Article/25-Human-Foods-Toxic-To-Dogs/300

Frontline Combo Spot On for Fleas, Ticks or Lice

Fleas, ticks and biting lice are a very common problem among dogs and cats in Sabah. Some pet lovers will choose to use flea collar; while some will prefer injection for convenience.

For me, I prefer the Fontline Combo for my cats. Just apply few drops in both the ears of the cat to prevent ear mites and the rest behind the neck. The cat should stay protected for about 4 weeks. Very easy to use.

Frontline Combo for Cats can be used against infestations with fleas, ticks and/or biting lice:

- Elimination of fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.) and insecticidal efficacy against new

   infestations with adult fleas persists for 4 weeks.

- Prevention of the multiplication of fleas by inhibiting the development of eggs (ovicidal activity), larvae and

   pupae (larvicidal activity) originating from eggs laid by adult fleas for 6 weeks after application.

- Elimination of ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus). The product has a

   persistent acaricidal efficacy for up to 2 weeks against ticks (based on experimental data).

- Elimination of biting lice (Felicola subrostratus).

- Can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).

As for Frontline Combo for Dogs, it can be used against infestations with fleas, ticks and/or biting lice:

- Elimination of fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.) and insecticidal efficacy against new infestations with adult fleas

   persists for 8 weeks.

- Prevention of the multiplication of fleas by inhibiting the development of eggs (ovicidal activity) and larvae

   and pupae (larvicidal activity) originating from eggs laid by adult fleas for 8 weeks after application.

- Elimination of ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus). The product has

   persistent acaricidal efficacy for up to 4 weeks against ticks.

- Elimination of biting lice (Trichodectes canis).

- The product can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).

The Frontline Combo for Dogs comes in four dosages:

- Small Dog = up to 10kg

- Medium Dog = 11kg to 20kg

- Large Dog = 21kg to 40kg

- Extra Large Dog = more than 40kg

Why I don't use flea collar or injection? Well, in my own opinion, the flea collar will also last for about 4 weeks same as Frontline Combo. Although some claimed to be water proof, it is still recommended to take it off when bathing the dog. So there are no differences other than taking it off the flea collar when bathing the dogs. That is extra 2 steps for flea collar. In terms of injections, many breeders discourage me to use injection reason being it's better to minimise drug accumulation in the body as low as possible. Even some vets are recommended me to use Frontline.

How I Choose My Dog Food in Sabah

Many dog lovers in Sabah are facing a dilemma in choosing and getting a good dog food in Sabah; especially in the smaller town like Tawau, Sandakan and Labuan. Not only dog lovers are lacking of information, supply of good dog food are also limited.

"That's why many people are asking for my assistance in obtaining suitable pet food for their pets (dogs and cats). Of course I don't mind helping WITHOUT profit because me myself also need to replenish my pet food. However, I will need to follow my schedule."

The brand of good dog food are not only limited in Sabah, the supply might sometimes gone out-of-stock. As we know that we cannot switch to another dog food immediately, I have no choice but to mix two brands to my puppy just to avoid out-of-stock situation.

I owned a Golden Retriever puppy which is considered a large breed. However, holistic dog food for large breed puppy are not available in Sabah. Thus, I have no choice but to go for a better and proven super premium large breed puppy's dog food combined with a holistic puppy's dog food. The reason why I don't give only the holistic puppy's dog food because I need the glucosamine in the large breed type.

How I know the super premium brand is good? First, the ingredients should not contain harmful chemicals as in my previous posting. Second, the product must be tested by a breeder and proven to have beneficial effects to their dogs. Third, I choose the one with the best quality ingredients and less poor quality ingredients like corn, fillers, preservatives, colouring, by-products, and etc. Fourth, the product should have all the necessary nutrients for the type of dogs that I have. Fifth, the product must meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO) Dog Food Nutrition Profiles. Last but not least, the product must be from a reputable manufacturer.

If you require any advice or assistance, you are welcome to write to me at dogcat.my@gmail.com and I will try my best to assist you.

How Old is Your Cat?

Today, while browsing the internet for more information on cats, I found a very interesting piece of information on Royal Canin website; "How ole is your cat". The answer is as follow:

• 1 year old cat = 16 years old human
• 2 years old cat = 21 years old human
• 10 years old cat = 53 years old human
• 12 years old cat = 61 years old human
• 15 years old cat = 73 years old human

I wonder how they came out with these equation. Anyone know?

2009 7th MKA International Dog Show, 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu

I went to watched the 2009 7th MKA International Dog Show in 1Borneo Hypermall in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah after my work this afternoon (7 June 2009). It was crowded but managed to capture some photos just share with other dog lovers just in case you missed it. Thanks for some very nice dog owners who allow us (photographers) the opportunities to snap.

Some of the contestants:

Interestingly, many dog owners also took this opportunity to bring their dogs for a stroll at the shopping mall. May be this is the only time the mall is being dog friendly. Not sure if they allow pets during normal day.

Some dogs not contesting but having the opportunity to visit the mall today:



I also accidentally shot a funny picture. Looks like the cute dog of this beautiful lady is suffocating. Just kidding. The dog is just trying to move around. :)

Who is AAFCO?

For those pet owners who really studied on the label of the pet food, they often can see the words AAFCO on the labeling. Many manufacturers always trying to tell us that they are meeting the requirements set by the AAFCO. But who is AAFCO?

AAFCO stands for "American Association of Feed Control Officials". It is an advisory body that proposes regulations for the production and labeling of animal feeds, including pet food. Its membership consists of regulatory officials from many states' feed control bodies, Federal agencies (FDA), and like agencies in Canada and Costa Rica, as well as members of other interested groups, such as the Animal Protection Institude, and various veterinarian colleges.

What AAFCO Does

• Defines terms for labeling, e.g., "meat by-products"
• Defines quantity determination for label titles, e.g., "Chicken Cat Food," "Chicken Dinner for Cats," "Chicken-flavored Cat Food"
• Sets criteria for the usage of "complete and balanced" on pet food labels
• Recommends percentage or minimum/maximum amounts of various ingredients in pet foods, depending on age and activity level of cats

What it Doesn't Do

• AAFCO has no regulatory powers (but its membership consists of regulatory officials from various states and municipalities)
• AAFCO does no testing, but recommends protocol for testing, and works with independent laboratories which perform tests
• Makes no determination of "human grade" protein quality, as sometimes described on pet food labels
• Does not directly suggest standards for labeling foods specified as "Hairball Formula," "Lite," or "Dental Care," although ingredient suggestions include certain quantities of protein, fat, etc., for food intended for adult cats vs kitten/lactating queens

Thus, many manufacturers will try to meet the requirements and guidelines set by AAFCO in order to convince their customers. However, pet owners must read carefully as which AAFCO guideline has been met by the individual pet food. If we read carefully, sometimes it just mentioned they met certain guidelines and not all.

Source: http://cats.about.com/cs/catfood/a/tipsforchoosing_2.htm

AACFO Official Website: http://www.aafco.org/

Vitamins Not Supplements?!!

I went to a Pet Shop the other day in Kota Kinabalu looking for product that can reduce the stool and urine odors for my puppy. The shop assistant told me that they have ran out of stock. She further asked me where I got it from. After telling her, she seems like she knows what is the other pet store is selling. She further told me that what I had given my puppy were actually supplements and what she is selling all these while are actually vitamins.

I immediately paused in confusion. Vitamins is not supplements? All these while I only aware that supplements are substances with certain nutritional values taken to make up the deficiency in our diet. For example, if we seldom eat fruits, we might be lacking of Vitamin C. We can take Vitamin C supplements to make up the Vitamin C deficiency; which is important for healthy body.

Supplements are preparation of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids that are missing from our daily food consumption. Enzymes and probiotics are also taken as supplements for better health.

With the simple explanation above, I believe you could easily explains supplements and vitamins. I am just surprise that as a pet shop assistant, she can confidently comment on the products that the competitors are selling without first understanding the particular topic in advance. Furthermore, many of the pet lovers depends on her advice for a healthier pet.

From this experience, I further believe that I should depends more on myself for more accurate information by self research.

Thus my advice to pet lovers, study and understand your pet's needs before heading to the stores; for the benefit of your beloved pet.