Friday, April 27, 2007

Puppy Cottage Opening Ceremony!!!

Hi all,

Well more about Puppy Cottage...

Let's talk about Puppy Cottage opening day. The official opening date was on the 18.3.2007 which is an auspicious day to our Chinese community. By the way, the date and time was chosen after research done by Mr. and Mrs. Yeoh and thank you for preparing the red cloth and advice given to us on way to go about on the this auspicious day.

The day started off with receiving flowers from Elegant Living Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Yeoh family and last but not least Ms. Goh Ian Chen & her husband. First of all, we, Puppy Cottage, would like to say a big thank you for sending us the flower. Below are the three lovely flowers received from them:


After receiving the lovely flowers, at 11am, it is time to hang the red cloth, thus the start of the opening of our shop. Unfortunately no one help me to snap picture of me hanging the red cloth. :) In addition, 11am was also the time for us to put up our signage. Below is the picture of our signage halfway to completion and a completed night view of our signage:

Halfway to completion


Completed night view

Nice? A brief history about our signage. It is design by our designer, Mr. Jeremy Loh, creative director of DNA Crackers Advertising Sdn. Bhd. We, Puppy Cottage, give thanks to you for your effort in designing our signage in such a unique way. We also would like to thank Mr. Yap, marketing manager of YH Advertising & Trading, who produce and ensure that our signage is up within the time frame. (for those of you who may not know, beside the auspicious date, there are certain timing that the signage have to be up) Yes, you have notice our shop mascot right? His name is Mr. Harry, Puppy Cottage's Public Relationship Manager. Mr. Harry is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you would like to know more about the breed history, standard and temperament, you can click here.

The day proceeds smoothly with our usual business until about 4pm, when our relatives and few friends came for a simple teatime in conjunction with our opening. Before I post picture on the teatime, let us say thank you to all of you who took the time to attend our opening ceremony even though it is done in a small scale. In addition, would like to say thank you to the Kwan's family for giving us an ionizer, Poon's family for getting us a thermo pot, Mr. and Mrs. Choo for giving us a vase with orchid decoration and my family member in getting us a point of sales software and refrigerator. Followings are pictures taken during the course of teatime:

My friend and I

Poon's Family on the left & my parent on the right

Mr. & Mrs. Choo with Rachel

From left: Mr & Mrs. Ho with Mr. & Mrs Lim

My grandma with Mrs. Ho

Rachel's dad with Castor

Rachel's Family member having a go at the food

From Left: Jollie, Castor & Harry taking a nap

Okie, the day ended with... well you all have guess it correctly or did you not? PACKING and CLEANING.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Dog Horoscopes

I was surfing the internet for article to be included into Puppy Cottage blog today and I found something rather interesting. Horoscope for dogs!!! Who would have guess that our beloved pet would have horoscope as well. Interesting...

Mar 21 - Apr 20

They are like a baby very demanding - want what they want right now - food or attention. Will bring you their bowl or bark at the door or jump in your lap to get your attention. Lots of energy.

Completely absorbed in their own desires. Believes in you with all their heart no matter what you do, are completely trusting. They seem to look you straight in the eye and ask, "Do you love me? Are you my friend?". They seem vulnerable and helpless, looking at you with their sweet eyes.

Will yelp and bark if a toy is taken away - raising a real fuss until it is returned. They walk proud and with an air of self-confidence. If they hang their heads and tails it is because they have been mistreated, but a little tender loving care and they bounce back.

Very protective of their family and home. They can be brave and face a bigger dog - but the vets needle will make them cower. Not a fussy eater - when hungry will let you know. Strong constitution, but watch for skin rashes. Sometimes a little difficult to train because they have a short attention span. Sometimes your patience will wear thin, but their seeming innocence will always win your heart.

Dislike being put on a leash. Naturally hasty and impulsive, guide them gently - force will not work. Lots of praise and cajoling. They have a fierce and unquestioning loyalty.

20 April - 20 May

Stubborn is their trademark. Difficult to get them to do what they don't want to do. Throw water or light a fire they won't budge. They will look at you with their steady, tranquil, questioning eyes, as if saying "you want me to do what?"

They are very passive, must be tempted to play. Very much the home body, hates to travel. Change upsets them, they are extremely set in their ways and will resist change at every turn. Usually contented and placid - but does have a temper - their eyes will flash and tails lash - but this will pass quickly. They want comfortable and familiar surroundings.

Extremely healthy - if you watch their diet. They love food and will eat anything. Make sure they get exercise as they are happy just relaxing on their favorite pillow, seem to need a lot of rest. Needs own bed to feel secure.

Loyalty and devotion to family surpass all understanding, even when they are mistreated. They move with a slow deliberate pace. They love to be bathed, makes them feel pampered. If a family member is sick they will stay by their side. Normally calm - not easily disturbed. Can be easily trained if given many gentle and praising words.

Can resist discipline and orders forever if yelled at - but a gentle voice and affection will work every time. If scolded they will become defiant until you apologize. They are not overly demonstrative - but will give undying loyalty. Will sulk if they do not get enough attention.

May 21 - June 21

Lots of energy - they seem to snap, crackle and pop around the house. Eyes twinkle and dart here and there, always alert.

Very inquisitive, must see and know everything. Bring a package into the house and they must inspect it thoroughly. Their entire body seems to be saying "Let me see! Let me see!" Everything that moves or looks different catches their eyes and off they go to investigate. They bounce from one thing to the other seeking adventure.

Easily sidetracked when trying to train. They are very persuasive and can charm you into doing things their way. It will take a lot of patience during training, but it is worthwhile as they are so much fun with their lively ways. They are unpredictable at times. Be prepared to chase a lot when they are puppies and go off to explore.

They love people - the more in the household the happier they are. Having lots of company will delight them, they will greet everyone and be your assistant host or hostess. Not big eaters - will eat a little food and then off to explore, eating seems to be a waste of their valuable time. Will sleep in different places - likes change.

Try to make sure they get plenty of rest - they have a tendency to keep moving and playing. They cannot stand long periods of close confinement. Average health, biggest problem is accidents because of their active natures. They love all kinds of toys, will play with anything. This is a very active pet.

June 22 - July 22

They are warm and sensitive to their owners, almost like a parent in their caring natures. Can charm you into doing what they want with coaxing looks.

They love attention and praise, but are very shy and timid. A harsh tone or rough glance and they are easily wounded. When their feelings are hurt they will disappear and hide. It will take a lot of coaxing and petting to get them to join the family again. They love to play "catch me". Watch how they move in quick and clever ways, never impulsively. They will move sideways and backwards, then pounce. Some times they will be the catchee and sometimes the catcher.

They are average eaters - not fussy - but will occasionally hide a morsel of food for a late night snack. Love the water, but the waves will scare them. Will play with a toy by themselves for hours. Do not try to take a favorite toy away as they will hang on to it for dear life. Prefer being inside. Are docile and quiet. Storms frighten them - they'll hide under the bed till its over. During training they will sometimes think over things and be a little stubborn, a sharp tap on the rump will get their attention. When they get their lessons right, lots of praise and pats will make their tails wag in glee.

Their health must be watched as they seem to have delicate systems. Very shy and timid with strangers, so if you're having a party or lots of company let them stay in a quiet room away from the crowd, as they can get crabby. They will snap when irritated - so do not tease.

July 23 - August 22

They are proud with a sunny playfulness. They seem to rule the family. They are energetic and love everyone. They walk with an air of royalty and seem to be telling us how important they are. They must be center stage.

They will have many brief outbursts of barking, as he loves the attention it draws. But never fear, they are extremely gentle. This bark is definitely worse than their bite, especially since they have no"bite".

They will prance and seem to smile when they are happy. They will let you know in no uncertain terms when things don't suit them. You will sometimes get the feeling they are looking down on you - as if they are the master. When they lounge around being lazy, they look regal even then. Need strict and loving discipline - restrain gently but firmly when training. Tell them they are the smartest and they will respond. Do not ignore - in fact they will make it difficult to ignore them.

They prefer food served in a fancy dish or on people plates - dog dishes are beneath them. Prefer your food to dog food. Excellent health - watch for infections and fevers.

Very seldom will you see them run, that is not in tune with their stately and proud natures. Likes bright airy places -will enjoy sitting on a porch, like a king, watching the world go by. Will love it if someone passing by remarks how beautiful they are.

August 23 - September 22

Their eyes sparkle with intelligence. Very easy to train - need little or no discipline. Are well balanced and dependable - very quiet and serene.

They have a restlessness in their natures. Can't seem to stay In one place for very long. They'll be in a chair - then at the front door - then at the window - actually they seem to pace. Very picky about food - it will take a lot of time to find what they will eat. It is surprising but you might find they like vegetables.

They prefer their food and walks in a set routine. They will set the time clock and you will be expected to abide by their schedule. Once you place their food dishes and bed in a certain place - do not move.

They are extremely healthy. They will enjoy being groomed as they seem almost vain about their looks.

They do not like getting dirty - you never need to worry about them playing in the mud. They are very finicky - all bedding and dishes must be kept clean and spotless or they will turn up their nose in disdain. Be sure you give them lots of love and petting each day - since they are so quiet it is easy to forget they are around and they will not demand attention - but they need it to be happy.If they don't get enough attention they will give you a wistful look that says - "Did you forget me?". Loves to play with the family. Very uncomfortable in crowds, will sink into the background when strangers are around.

September 23 - October 22

They are very inconsistent - one minute restless and active - the next calm and lazy. Will obey like an angel - then become stubborn as a mule. Sometimes you will feel at a complete loss on how to cope with them.

Must watch diet as they tend to overeat - love sweets and ice cream. They will run and play with frenzied activity for days - then suddenly plop down and do nothing for days but lay around. Occasionally they seem to find a happy balance, but it usually doesn't last long. One time they will run and greet people, next time they will run and hide. Afraid of sudden noises - a thunder storm will make them tremble - be sure they have a hideaway. Loud noises actually seem to hurt their eardrums - watch them slink away if you play loud music.

Generally good health if you control their diet.

They seem to have trouble deciding which toy to play with or which food to eat. It can be amusing to watch as they seem to study the problem. Although they are very indecisive once they make up their minds about something, there is no stopping them. When training, do it when they are in an active mood, as they will enjoy the challenge. Don't try training when they are lazy, it will be more of a struggle than it is worth. When training, give them time to make up their mind about certain commands. Pressure to perform will only cause them confusion.

They will like their bedding of soft, silky material and they will not object to perfumes in their bath water or on them. Of all the signs this one seems to need his owner to maintain balance - like an anchor to keep them stable.

October 23 - November 21

Piercing eyes that are almost hypnotic. Their steady gaze can make you feel nervous and ill at ease - they'll out-stare you every time. Even when they are quiet you feel an electric vitality about them. They have an inner strength and always seem in control.You will never see them jumping or bouncing around. Intensely loyal, will lay down their lives for a loved one. Dedicated to family and fiercely protective of children, they will leap instinctively to protect a loved one - will endanger own life to rescue a child. Very possessive, will resent a new member in the family for a while. However, once accepted they will receive the same undying loyalty.

Very seldom sick- excesses can cause problems. Must be very firm when training - they respect strength - a firm no and strong eye contact will do the trick. Do not falter. Very warm and caring natures. They are daring and will wander away - so take them for long walks to work off some of their energy and desire to wander.

Has an uncanny ability to find things like a detective. Will find that lost sock or shoe and come dragging it to you. When they want something they will fix those hypnotic eyes on you until they get you to obey. Has a great need for a hiding place all their own - a little private place.When you feel bad or depressed you will receive a soft nudge and look that says "It's OK, I'm here". Food is not important - eat to live - not fussy.

November 22 - December 21

Naturally friendly - will greet strangers like long lost friends. Their whole body seems to wag in anticipation of your greeting. They even seem to smile at you.

They are somewhat clumsy and tend to knock things over in their pursuit of fun. Eyes are bright and alert - normally restless. They love to go riding - the faster the better. This is the dog you'll see happily riding on the back of a motorcycle.

Watch their temper if teased. Health good - accidents occur through their reckless behavior. Loves most foods - will tend to overeat. Clumsy but loves to learn. Acts like a clown - will love to learn tricks and show off. Will not obey unless they want to - applause will spur them on.Cannot stand being shut away by themselves. Need people around - no toys - just people. If ignored when they greet you, they will hang their heads and tails in sorrow. Desperately need to be loved. You are their sun, moon and stars. Their happy-go-lucky nature will endear them to everyone. On your saddest day they will cheer you up and make you smile. Sometimes you will feel they are not too bright - they are - its just their hasty movements that get them in trouble.

They will chase their tails well into adulthood. Very trusting. Good playmates for children. Watch them with babies as they might get too rambunctious. If the family must move they are very adaptable.

December 22 - January 19

Quiet and calm - very dignified and methodical in their movements. Seem rooted to one spot, until they want to move. They seem to be serious and melancholy.

Must force them to exercise and play. Make sure diet is well balanced and that they eat it. Likes everything in a very routine way - walk at 9 - food at 8. Change their schedule and they will be irritable and look even sadder. They do everything a very deliberate manner. When it is time for a certain activity and you are not prompt - they will sulk. Not interested in flighty play.

Do not mix well with children prefer adults. Very obedient - if makes a mistake will be miserable, so be sure to soothe their feelings and let them know all is well. A real stay at home and will sit by your side or in your lap for hours. Worships master - very devoted.

Their serene and sedate manner of observing you will sometimes make you feel as if they are in charge. Will be very easy to train - as they want to please you with their whole being. However, if they decide they prefer something - will ignore your "no" and will patiently wait to wear you down to have their way. They are very timid - seem to need protection and security from you.Will select a favorite chair - you and your friends should respect this and avoid sitting in it as they will glare at you till you move and apologize.

January 20 - February 18

They are very interested in you and the things around them. Will concentrate when you talk to them - they will cock their heads to one side and listen intently.Children intrigue them - will play with them but become bored easily. It takes time to gain their trust - they seem to look deep into your soul. Once they trust you it will be for life. Don't like the cold. Major health problems are circulation.

Difficult to teach - are so busy thinking of other things they don't seem to remember what they are supposed to be doing and will challenge your patience. They don't sleep much, try to control the amount they get. Also need a strong push to get regular exercise. Strong intuition - seems to know what you want before you say it.

Will eat things most dogs normally would not touch. Sometimes you'll give a command and they'll do just the opposite. Though they seem sweet and pliable - they can be determined and stubborn. Very unpredictable, one minute calm and sweetly docile - the next topsy turvy, but usually lovable and amusing. Love to shock you with wild antics - other times timid and moves with caution. Expect the unexpected.Will want to play in the rain - doesn't mind getting muddy. They love to explore and will lope down the street in a fog and run into a telephone pole. The term pixilated suits this pet.

February 19 - March 20

Warm, friendly and very adaptable. They are so gentle and docile, they seem almost too good to be true. They have an air of mystery that you see when you look deep into their entrancing eyes.

They do not like confinement needs room to roam. Trying to get them into a routine is next to impossible. Will want to eat when hungry and sleep when sleepy. Sometimes they will sleep all day then want to romp all night.Only learns what they want, when they want. Can completely ignore you like they are deaf, but they are really just day dreaming. If you have a lot of patience they will learn - because they are really eager to please you. Give them bushels of attention and praise when they do good - because they are very unsure of their abilities. A scolding will hurt their sensitive natures - you will actually see tears in their eyes.

Tell them your troubles and they seem to sympathize with a warm and caring look. Their health is sometimes delicate as puppies - but as adults they are very strong. Have to be tempted to eat - not fussy - just can take it or leave it. Love all adults, will shy away from children at first, until they are sure they are not rough. They will adopt a kitten or puppy and take care of it like a mother.

When they want their way they seem to smile and flirt with you. They will require certain amounts of privacy when they will withdraw to day dream.

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Champ Off to a Good Home

A gentleman by the name of Vincent, came into our shop with a purposed of making a grooming appointment for his Shih Tzu, Max. However, something else caught his attention, and at that moment, Champ was already fated to be part of his family.

Background on little Champ:

Champ is a Shih Tzu (male), son to a Malaysian Champion with MKA certificate.

Below is the picture of Vincent's daughter with Champ:


We, Puppy Cottage, are proud to welcome Vincent, his family and two of his lovely Shih Tzu (Max and Champ) to be part of Puppy Cottage's family. We are in no doubt, together as a family, there will be more moment of joy to share with each other in our journey Max and Champ. :)

Male Yorkshire Terrier for Sale

We currently have one Male Yorkshire Terrier for sale. He is 5 months ++ and MKA certified. He is fully vacinated. Both his grandfather are imported from USA and Malaysian Champion. Nice pedigree with imported and champion line.

Currently, his name is Boy Boy. Please call us or come and visit our shop in order to have a closer look at Boy Boy.

Please visit our classified ads located at the left hand side of the blog for other puppies for sale.

Update:

Boy Boy is now named Chili. He of has gone to a good home.

Kindly click here to have a view of Chili's owner.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Benefits of Dog Ownership

PERTH, Australia, April 23 (UPI) -

An Australian study shows dog owners are seven times more likely to achieve the recommended level of exercise a week than non-owners are.

Research by the University of Western Australia found that dog owners averaged 55 more minutes a week on exercise than those without a canine pet.

The study into "Dogs and Physical; Activity" surveyed more than 1,800 people in the city of Perth.

The author of the report, Hayley Cutt, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that findings "show there is a clear benefit of owning a dog, as it encourages you to be more physically active and get out there each day and go for a walk with your dog."


Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Fleas??!!

Flea is the common name for any of the small wingless insects of the order Siphonaptera (some authorities use the name Aphaniptera because it is older, but names above family rank do not follow the rules of priority, so most taxonomists use the more familiar name). Fleas are external parasites, living by hematophagy off the blood of mammals and birds, and genetic and morphological evidence indicates that they are descendants of the Scorpionfly family Boreidae, which are also flightless; accordingly it is possible that they will eventually be reclassified as a suborder within the Mecoptera. In the past, however, it was most commonly supposed that fleas had evolved from the flies (Diptera), based on similarities of the larvae.

The Flea life cycle

The entire life cycle can be as short as 2-4 weeks.

Understanding how fleas live, and breed, makes it easier to understand the best methods available to eradicate a flea problem.

EGGS
One female adult flea can lay anything from four to 40 eggs a day, with the highest concentration of egg-laying occurring in the final two to three days of life. Eggs are oval, around 0.5mm long, white and rounded at both ends. The eggs are non-sticky and so, once laid, they immediately fall onto the ground, wherever the pet travels.

Depending upon the temperature and humidity, the eggs will hatch into larvae within one to ten days. Humidity below 50% will cause desiccation and destruction of eggs. The environment in which the eggs are deposited is therefore of prime importance to survival rates and helps to explain why warmer winters and hot summers have increased flea populations considerably in recent years.

LARVAE

A larva will hatch from an egg using a chitin tooth - an egg splitting spine on its head. This disappears when the larva changes into the second of its three 'moults' or development stages. It is this tooth that is affected by modern, oral flea treatments which contain an insect development inhibitor, as the treatment renders the chitin tooth ineffective and prevents the larvae hatching from the egg.

Larvae are semi-transparent and sparsely covered in short hairs. They are usually white with a yellow-brownish head and are generally quite active. They are dependent on a diet of adult flea faeces (which consists mainly of dried blood) for survival, but will also feed on other organic debris in your carpet.

In a home environment, flea larvae are found at the base of the carpet pile, where they can encounter food, are sheltered by the canopy of carpet fibre and can keep away from direct light.
The larvae develop through three moults, or changes, before reaching the pupal stage. The time this takes varies from 7-18 days and is once again dependent on the environmental temperatures. Moisture is vital and relative humidity below 50% will cause desiccation and death.

After the third moult, the larva moves to a quiet, undisturbed place to begin spinning a silk cocoon coated with particles of debris picked up from its surroundings for use as camouflage.

PUPAE

It is within the cocoon that the larvae turns into the next stage of development - the pupa.

From this stage, the adult flea develops. The fully formed adult flea remains in the cocoon until stimulated to hatch by, for example, warmth, vibration and exhaled carbon dioxide from a passing pet - or even human!

Development of the flea within the cocoon is also affected by temperature and humidity. Low relative humidity is harmful to the cocooned adult whereas higher relative humidity and higher temperatures result not only in speedier hatching but in bigger fleas!

Pupae subjected to suitable hatching conditions can emerge as adult fleas as early as three to five days following pupation. However, be warned - they can also remain unhatched for up to a year and can cause a re-occurrence of a flea problem if you relax your guard. This phenomenon is known as the 'pupal window' and you need to be aware of it before effective flea treatment can begin.

The pupal window. The pupal window is defined as the period in which fleas are still seen to hatch once an effective flea control regime has been started. By 'effective', we mean a regime that includes an oral insect development inhibitor with or without a household spray.

Environmental sprays and powders can't readily penetrate the cocoon and therefore have no effect on the maturing adult inside if used on their own.

These fleas continue to hatch from their protective cocoons and, unless the flea control regime is maintained, will be the source of the next generation of fleas ready to cause you and your pet more problems!

The pupal window usually only remains 'open' for 1-2 months following the start of a flea control regime but, in some extreme cases, fleas, in their protective cocoons, have been known to live within a house without food for considerable periods of time. This means the pupal window period may extend for several more months after treatment is started.

This cunning feature of the flea is the reason why continuous flea control is needed - the easiest method is to use the new monthly flea treatments simply given to pets in their food.

ADULTS

As soon as possible after the adult flea has hatched from the cocoon, it will begin looking for its first blood meal. Unlike the flea larva, which tends to move downwards and away from light towards protective covering (e.g. the carpet base), adult fleas move upwards and towards the light, in order to be in a better position to locate a suitable host.

A flea's eyesight is not brilliant and so air currents and carbon dioxide in the air appear to be responsible for helping the flea find a target. Air currents will be caused by a cat or dog moving past the adult flea, whilst the carbon dioxide increases are caused by the cat or dog breathing in close proximity to the waiting adult.

Adult fleas have been known to jump as many as 10,000 times in succession, whilst trying to leap onto a passing cat or dog - the flea knows they are close by but it's more a question of luck than judgment when trying to make a successful connection between the hooks on the flea's legs and the fur on the cat or dog.

However, once satisfactorily 'anchored', the flea will immediately begin to feed with females starting to lay eggs within 48 hours of the first feed.

Before taking in blood, the flea secretes saliva into the wound. This contains a substance that softens and spreads the skin tissue, assisting with penetration. The saliva also contains an anticoagulant to help with the feeding. It is flea saliva that is usually the cause of allergic reactions in cats, dogs - and humans.

Once on a suitable host, the adult fleas will remain there until they die, which is usually within one to two weeks. Unfortunately for the pet (although fortunately for the flea population) female fleas tend to live longer than males - there are also more females than males. If a dog or cat is left to groom itself normally (and cats groom more thoroughly than dogs on the whole), many adult fleas will also be dislodged or swallowed naturally. However, if for any reason, a cat or dog is unable to groom itself - it may be ill for example - then the owner should groom it more frequently than usual, to mirror the pet's natural methods of flea control.

Where Fleas Hide?

No matter what the weather is like outside, the climate inside your home is always perfect for supporting an entire population of fleas.

Take a look at the picture below to learn where fleas like to make themselves at home:

How can I tell if my pet has fleas?

The simplest way to tell if your pet has fleas is by finding the adult fleas or the flea feces (often called "flea dirt") on the animal. Brush your pet over a white sheet or paper towel and look for small dark specks. Flea feces contain digested blood and they will turn a reddish brown color when moistened with a small amount of water.

What are the dangers of fleas?

Fleas can cause medical problems in pets including flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), tapeworms, hair loss due to scratching, and secondary skin irritations. In large numbers, fleas can cause anemia from blood loss, especially in puppies and kittens. Some pets have been known to die if the anemia is severe.

Prevent!!!

Kindly consult us, on ways to prevent fleas from jumping onto our beloved pet dogs.


Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Pet Food Good for You

The following new were obtained from http://www.thesun.co.uk. I find this articles rather interesting and would like to share it with you all.

By HARRY MACADAM.

He's sticking with Big Macs TINS of pet food are better for you than many fast food meals, boffins have discovered.

Loads of pet food brands scored better than dishes served by High Street chains in research to measure fat, salt and sugar levels.

Nutrition experts discovered that Gourmet Gold cat food has just 2.9g of fat per 100g — a mouth-watering EIGHT TIMES less than the percentage found in pieces of KFC.

The level of fat was also far lower than a McDonald’s Big Mac and a Pizza Hut meal.

The lab tests by nutrition experts discovered that Cesar dog food uses just 4.4g of fat in every 100g — and has lower salt and sugar levels than many dishes served to humans.

Researchers found that KFC chicken pieces were the unhealthiest fast food on test. They contained 23.2g of fat per 100g and 1.9g of salt. Unbelievably, ADDING fries cut the fat and salt levels, with them falling to 12g and 0.7g per 100g.

Scientists compared 30 human meals with 15 pet foods. They found that the human foods would perform worse than much of the animal nosh under the Food Standards Agency’s “traffic light” labelling scheme.

Scientist John Searle, from the Global food-testing lab in Burton upon Trent, which carried out the tests, said: “It would not do a human any harm to eat this cat and dog food. It would be categorised in the green or amber levels. But some convenience foods would fall in the red or unhealthy category.”

So it’s not such a barking idea, then.

The following new were also obtained from http://www.thesun.co.uk and it tells a story of a curious guy doing a taste test after the report (as above) that dog food has less fat and salt than takeaway meals.

By HENRY AUSTIN.

“WE’VE arranged a three-course meal,” they said. “You’ll be waited on hand and foot,” they said.

“There will even be a butler — and it’s all paid for.”

Yup, that’s for me, so I was the first to volunteer.

I must have been barking. Instead of a feast, my free meal was a right dog’s dinner — literally. As The Sun reported yesterday that pet food has less fat and salt than takeaway meals from the likes of McDonald’s and KFC, I should have known someone would have to do a taste test.

And I felt a right pedigree chump when I saw my meal. It was made up of plates of Pedigree, Winalot and Butcher’s — with a dessert of a Bonio dog biscuit. Nice touch.
Amazingly, all of the brands are officially better for me than many fast food meals.

But looking at the glutenous masses waiting for me to tuck in, none of them had me jumping with glee.

Some were bad, others just plain terrible.

I felt a little strange afterwards — but I reckon I’m all right noooowwwwww.

Well, what do you think about it? Want to do taste test to prove the articles? We at Puppy Cottage will be glad if you want to volunteer yourself to do a taste test. Do contact us if you want to challenge yourself. :P


Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

DOG ATTACK CASE: Surgeon - Canine caused injuries

The followings stories was obtain from a newspaper website in Malaysia: http://www.nst.com.my

SEPANG,20.4.2007: The wounds suffered by a nine-year-old boy two years ago were not self-inflicted.

Instead, they were from a dog attack, a general surgeon told the magistrate’s court yesterday.

Dr Hussain Mohamad said the victim, Muhammad Hazman Seh Zahidi, had multiple puncture wounds on his head, neck, hands, legs and on his back."His left ear lobe was torn while there was a deep wound on the victim’s left buttock," he said.

Dr Hussain said he concluded that the attack and assault on Hazman came from a canine based on the characteristics of the wounds found on the victim.

He was testifying in the trial of salesman Chong Foo Meng, 42, the owner of three dogs which had allegedly attacked Hazman about 1pm on March 18, 2005, in Taman Putra Perdana, Puchong.Chong, who is on RM2,000 bail, was charged with negligence and failure to take due care of his pets.He faces a jail term of up to six months or a fine up to RM2,000, or both if convicted.

To a question by DPP Mohd Zulkhairi Kamaruzaman, Dr Hussain, who is now attached to the Nur Zahirah hospital in Kuala Terengganu, ruled out the possibility that the injuries were self-inflicted.

The hearing was adjourned to May 15.

Have you ever wonder to yourself, who is to be blame for all the dog attack incident? The negligence dog owner? The innocent dog? The victim whom may have provoke the dog? Do think about it...



Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Flax and Sunflower Seed for Dog?

Flax (also known as Common Flax or Linseed) is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. The New Zealand flax is unrelated. Flax is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and was probably first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. It was extensively cultivated in ancient Egypt.It is an erect annual plant growing to 120 cm tall, with slender stems. The leaves are glaucous green, slender lanceolate, 2-4 cm long and 3 mm broad. The flowers are pure pale blue, 1.5-2.5 cm diameter, with five petals. The fruit is a round, dry capsule 5-9 mm diameter, containing several glossy brown seeds shaped like an apple pip, 4-7 mm long.

The sunflower seed is the seed of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus). The term "sunflower seed" is actually a misnomer when applied to the seed in its pericarp (hull). Botanically speaking, it is more properly referred to as an achene. When dehulled, the edible remainder is called the sunflower kernel.

For commercial purposes, sunflower seeds are usually classified by the pattern on their husks. If the husk is solid black, the seeds are called black oil sunflower seeds. The crops may be referred to as oilseed sunflower crops. These seeds are usually pressed into sunflower oil. Additionally, these seeds are generally considered the seed of choice for bird feeders.

If the husks are striped, the seeds are called striped sunflower seeds or "stripers." Due to their lower oil content, the crops are called non-oilseed sunflower crops. Striped sunflower seeds are primarily used for food; as a result, they may also be called confectionery sunflower seeds.
Okie, after a brief definition of the flax and sunflower seed, are flax and sunflower seeds good for our pet dog?

Below is an abstract from Veterinary Dermatology book, which I have obtain from http://www.blackwell-synergy.com:

This prospective study involved supplementing 18 normal dogs with flax seed (FLX) and sunflower seed (SUN) and evaluating their effects on skin and hair coat condition scores and serum polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations. Skin and hair coat were evaluated in a double-blinded fashion using a numeric scoring system and serum PUFA concentrations were determined. Our hypothesis was that changes in serum PUFA concentrations are associated with improvements in skin and hair coat and that serum PUFA would provide an objective method for making dietary fatty acid supplement recommendations. Although a numerical improvement was found in hair coat quality in both groups, this improvement was not sustained beyond 28 days. The relative per cent of 18:3n-3 concentrations in serum phospholipids increased in the FLX treated dogs but these concentrations remained unchanged in the SUN treated dogs. Also, elevations in relative per cent of 18:2n-6 concentrations in serum phospholipids were seen in the FLX group. The ratio of serum polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids also showed a transient increase. These increases preceded the peak skin condition score peak value by approximately 14 days. It was concluded that a 1-month supplementation with either flax seed or sunflower seed in dogs provides temporary improvement in skin and hair coat. These changes appeared to be associated with increased serum 18 carbon PUFA.

Summary

Flaxseed Meal – (Omega 3) Aids in the movement of food through the digestive tract. Flax nourishes and is soothing to the stomach and intestinal linings. This plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids helps enhance the coat’s sheen.

Sunflower Seed – (Omega 6) Known for producing a beautiful skin and coat, as well as visible sheen.

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

History of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel of today is descended from the small Toy Spaniels seen in so many of the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth century paintings by Titian, Van Dyck, Lely, Stubbs, Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Romney. These paintings show small spaniels with flat heads, high set ears, almond eyes, and rather pointed noses. During Tudor times, Toy Spaniels were quite common as ladies' pets, but it was under the Stuarts that they were given the royal title of King Charles Spaniels.

History tells us that King Charles II was seldom seen without two or three spaniels at his heels. So fond was King Charles II of his little dogs, he wrote a decree that the King Charles Spaniel should be accepted in any public place, even in the Houses of Parliament where animals were not usually allowed. This decree is still in existence today in England. As time went by, and with the coming of the Dutch Court, Toy Spaniels went out of fashion and were replaced in popularity by the Pug. One exception was the strain of red and white Toy Spaniels that was bred at Blenheim Palace by various Dukes of Marlborough.

In the early days, there were no dog shows and no recognized breed standard, so both type and size varied. With little transport available, one can readily believe that breeding was carried out in a most haphazard way. By the mid-nineteenth century, England took up dog breeding and dog showing seriously. Many breeds were developed and others altered. This brought a new fashion to the Toy Spaniel - dogs with the completely flat face, undershot jaw, domed skull with long, low set ears and large, round frontal eyes of the modern King Charles Spaniel (also called "Charlies" and known in the United States today as the English Toy Spaniel). As a result of this new fashion, the King Charles Spaniel of the type seen in the early paintings became almost extinct.It was at this stage that an American, Roswell Eldridge, began to search in England for foundation stock for Toy Spaniels that resembled those in the old paintings, including Sir Edwin Landseer’s "The Cavalier's Pets." All he could find were the short-faced Charlies. Eldridge persisted, persuading the Kennel Club in 1926 to allow him to offer prizes for five years at Crufts Dog Show - twenty-five pounds sterling for the best dog and twenty-five pounds sterling for the best bitch -- for the dogs of the Blenheim variety as seen in King Charles II's reign. The following is a quotation taken from Crufts’catalog:

"As shown in the pictures of King Charles II's time, long face no stop, flat skull, not inclined to be domed and with the spot in the center of the skull" and the prizes to go to the nearest to the type described.

No one among the King Charles breeders took this challenge very seriously as they had worked hard for years to do away with the long nose. Gradually, as the big prizes came to an end, only people really interested in reviving the dogs as they once had been were left to carry on the breeding experiment. At the end of five years little had been achieved, and the Kennel Club was of the opinion that the dogs were not in sufficient numbers, nor of a single type, to merit a breed registration separate from the Charlies.In 1928 a dog owned by Miss Mostyn Walker, Ann's Son, was awarded the prize. (Unfortunately Roswell Eldridge died in 1928 at age 70, only a month before Crufts, so he never saw the results of his challenge prizes.) It was in the same year that a breed club was founded, and the name Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was chosen. It was very important that the association with the name King Charles Spaniel be kept as most breeders bred back to the original type by way of the long-faced throwouts from the kennels of the short-faced variety breeders. Some of the stock threw back to the long-faced variety very quickly. Pioneers were often accused of using outcrosses to other suitable breeds to get the long faces, but this was not true, and crossing to other breeds was not recommended by the club.

At the first meeting of the club, held the second day of Crufts in 1928, the standard of the breed was drawn up; it was practically the same as it is today. Ann's Son was placed on the table as the live example, and club members brought all the reproductions of pictures of the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries they could muster. As this was a new and tremendous opportunity to achieve a really worthwhile breed, it was agreed that as far as possible, the Cavalier should be guarded from fashion, and there was to be no trimming. A perfectly natural dog was desired and was not to be spoiled to suit individual tastes, or as the saying goes, "carved into shape." Kennel Club recognition was still withheld, and progress was slow, but gradually people became aware that the movement toward the "old type" King Charles Spaniel had come to stay. In 1945 the Kennel Club granted separate registration and awarded Challenge Certificates to allow the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to gain their championships.

Temperament

The breed is highly affectionate, and some have called the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel "the ultimate lap dog". Most dogs of the breed are playful, extremely patient and eager to please. As such, dogs of the breed are usually good with children, other animals and other dogs. A well-socialized Cavalier will not be shy about socializing with much larger dogs. (However, on occasion, this tendency can be dangerous, as many cavaliers will presume all other dogs to be equally friendly, and may attempt to greet and play with aggressive dogs).

However, the extremely social nature of the Cavalier KC Spaniel means that they require almost constant companionship from humans or other dogs, and are not suited to spending long periods of time on their own. They are descended from hunting dogs and love to romp in the great outdoors. It has a noteworthy sense of smell and vision and can be used in short hunts in open country. This breed sometimes displays a chasing instinct and should be kept well enclosed or leashed so he does not get lost or run over by a car! This breed is the friendliest of the toy group.

Offical Standard (as per AKC)

General:

An active, graceful, well-balanced dog, very gay and free in action; Appearance: fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and affectionate.

Head:

The skull is lightly rounded, but without a dome or peak; it should appear flat because of the high placement of the ears.

Eyes:

Large, round and set well apart; color a warm, very dark brown, giving a lustrous, limpid look. There should be slight cushioning under the eyes, which contributes much to the sweet, gentle expression characteristic of the breed. Faults: Small, almond shaped, prominent, or light eyes; white surrounding ring.

Nose:

There should be a shallow stop, and the length from the base of the stop to tip of nose should be at least 1 1/2 inches. Nostrils should be well developed and the pigment uniformly black. Putty, or "dudley" noses, and white patches on the nose are serious faults, as are small, pinched nostrils.

Muzzle:

Well tapered; mouth level; lips well covering. Faults: Sharp, pointed or snipey muzzle. Full or pendulous lips. Flesh marks, i.e. patches of pink pigment showing through hair on muzzle.

Teeth:

Strong and even, preferably meeting in a scissor bite, although a level bite is permitted. Undershot mouths are greatly to be discouraged; it should be emphasized, however, that a slightly undershot bite in an otherwise well-balanced head with the correct sweet expression should not be penalized in favor of a level mouth with a plain or hard expression. Faults: Weak or crooked teeth; crooked jaws.

Ears:

Set high, but not close, on top of the head. Leather long, with plenty of silky feathering, and wide enough so that when the dog is alert, the ears fan slightly forward to frame the face.

Neck:

Fairly long, without throatiness, well enough muscled to form a slight arch at the crest. Set smoothly into nicely sloping shoulders.

Shoulders:

Sloping back gently with moderate angulation, to give the characteristic look of top class and presence.

Body:

Short-coupled with ribs well sprung but not barrelled. Chest moderately deep, leaving ample heart room. Back level, leading into strong, muscular hind quarters. Slightly less body at the flank than at the last rib, but with no tucked-up appearance.

Legs:

Forelegs straight and well under the dog, bone moderate, elbows close to the sides. Hind legs moderately muscled; stifles well turned; hocks well let down. The hind legs viewed from the rear, should parallel each other from the hock to the heel. Pastern strong and feet compact with well cushioned pads. The dog stands level on all four feet. Faults: Loose elbow, crooked legs; stifles turned in or out; cow hocks; stiltedaction; weak pasterns; open feet.

Tail:

Set so as to be carried level with the back. Tail should be in constant, characteristic motion when dog is in action.

Docking:

Docking is optional, but whether or not the tail is docked, it must balance the body. If docked, the tail must not be cut too short; two-thirds is the absolute minimum to be left on the body, and the tails of broken-colored dogs should always be docked to leave a white tip.

Coat:

Long and silky and very soft to the touch; free from curl, though slight wave is permissible. Feathering on the ears, legs and tail should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed.

Trimming:

NO trimming of the dog is permitted. However, it is permissible, often desirable, to remove the hair growing between the pads and the underside of the foot.

Size:

Height 12 to 13 inches at the withers; weight, proportionate to height, between 13 and 18 pounds. These are ideal heights and weights; slight variations are permissible and a dog should not be penalized only in comparison with one of equal general appearance, type and quality. The weedy specimen is as much to be penalized as the oversized one.

Colours:

The following colors are the only ones acceptable:

Blenheim:


Rich chestnut markings well broken up on a pearly white ground. The ears must be red and the color evenly spaced on the head, with a wide white blaze between the ears, in the center of which is the much desired lozenge (diamond), or "Blenheim Spot". The lozenge is a unique and highly desirable, though not essential, characteristic of the Blenheim.

Tricolor:


Jet black markings broken up on a pearly white ground; with rich tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks and on underside of tail.

Ruby:


Whole-colored rich red.

Black-and-Tan:


Jet black with rich tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest, legs, and underside of tail.

First Official Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Champion

The first Cavalier Champion was owned by Mrs Pitts daughter, Jane Bowdler. This dog was called Ch. Daywell Roger. He was bred by Lt. Col. And Mrs Brierly. Daywell Roger was a widely used stud dog.

Grooming

Comb or brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe. The feathered hair on the ears is prone to tangling and matting, so this dog should be thoroughly groomed often. The hair between the pads on the feet should be kept trimmed and the ears should be cleaned regularly. Always make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm after a bath. Check the eyes carefully for any signs of infection. This breed is an average shedder.

Living Conditions

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.

Evercise

Whatever exercise you can provide will be just fine with this adaptable dog, as they will adapt to your family's circumstances. However, they greatly enjoy a good romp in the park.

Celebrity Pictured with their Pet Dog

Liv Tyler with her dog Neal

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Are Grapes and Raisins Harmful to Dogs??

The heart, like the grape, is prone to delivering its harvest in the same moment it appears to be crushed. "Roger Houseden"

Introduction

A grape is the fleshy, non-climacteric fruit that grows on the perennial and deciduous woody vines of the family Vitaceae. Grapes grow in clusters of 6 to 300, and can be black, blue, golden, green, purple, red, pink, brown, peach or white. They can be eaten raw or used for making jam, grape juice, jelly, wine and grape seed oil. Cultivation of grapevines occurs in vineyards, and is called viticulture. One who studies and practises growing grapes for wine is called a viticulturist.

Raisins are the dried fruit of the grapevine, and the name actually comes from the French word for "grape". Wild grapevines are often considered a nuisance weed, as they cover other plants with their usually rather aggressive growth.

The aroma of wine, the sweetness of the jam and the thirst crunching of grape juice, will surely makes our tongue twitch right. However, are grapes and raisins harmful to dogs?

Following is an article obtains from http://www.wikipedia.com:

Grape and raisin toxicity in the dog is a potential health threat to dogs that have eaten grapes or raisins. It can cause the dog to develop acute renal failure (the sudden development of kidney failure) with anuria (a lack of urine production). The phenomenon was first identified by the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), run by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). A trend was seen as far back as 1999. Approximately 140 cases were seen by the APCC in the one year from April 2003 to April 2004, with 50 developing symptoms and seven dying.

The reason why some dogs develop renal failure following ingestion of grapes and raisins is not known. Types of grapes involved include both seedless and seeded, store bought and homegrown, and grape pressings from wineries. A mycotoxin is suspected to be involved, but one has not been found in grapes or raisins ingested by affected dogs. The estimated toxic dose of grapes is 32 g/kg of grapes per kilograms of mass of the dog), and for raisins it is 11–30 g/kg. The most common pathological finding is proximal renal tubular necrosis. In some cases, an accumulation of an unidentified golden-brown pigment was found within renal epithelial cells.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Vomiting and diarrhea are often the first symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity. They often develop within a few hours of ingestion. Pieces of grapes or raisins may be present in the vomitus or stool. Further symptoms include weakness, not eating, increased drinking, and abdominal pain. Acute renal failure develops within 48 hours of ingestion. A blood test may reveal increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, phosphorus, and calcium.

Treatment

Emesis (induction of vomiting) is the generally recommended treatment if a dog has eaten grapes or raisins within the past two hours. A veterinarian may use an emetic such as hydrogen peroxide or apomorphine to cause the dog to vomit. Further treatment may involve the use of activated charcoal to absorb remaining toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and intravenous fluid therapy in the first 48 hours following ingestion to induce diuresis and help to prevent acute renal failure. Dialysis of the blood (hemodialysis) and peritoneal dialysis can be used to support the kidneys if anuria develops. Oliguria (decreased urine production) can be treated with dopamine or furosemide to stimulate urine production.

In addition, following is a letter obtain from http://urbanlegends.about.com/ describing a vet experience in handling a dog who has consume large amount of raisins. Sad sad case. Do read...

WARNING Dog Owners

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet.
My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix who ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM.
I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me – had heard something about it, but....

Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give I V fluids at 1 ½ times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.
The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids. At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care.

He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to euthanize.

This is a very sad case – great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic.

Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern.

Laurinda Morris, DVM Danville Veterinary Clinic Danville, Ohio

So please please do remember not to give your pet dog grapes or raisins. If your dog consume either grapes or raisins without your knowledge, please consult your nearest vet. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Why Chocolate Poisons Dogs??!!

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. "Forrest Gump - Tom Hanks".

I am sure most of us love the taste and the melting of the chocolate in our mouth and I believe no exception should be given to our pet dog. I bet they will love it too. However be warn about the consequences of giving our beloved pet dogs chocolate.

Followings is an article adopted from http://www.dogownersdigest.com/:

While the pathetic begging look that goes across the face of a dog wanting chocolate can weaken the most stoic dog owner, stay firm. Do not give in. Ever.

Once dogs have tasted chocolate, they want more.

Moreover, for dogs, that is a bad thing.

You might disagree, thinking back to a time when you noticed a dog enjoying a tidbit of chocolate with no deleterious effect.

Do not be fooled.

The problem, according to veterinary experts, is that eating a speck of chocolate leads a dog to crave more. It can mean that your dog will jump at an opportunity to get any type of chocolate, not knowing that certain chocolates are more lethal than other types. Larger amounts of chocolate, particularly of the most toxic type, can bring about epileptic seizures in some dogs, and in all dogs, can kill.

"Chocolate ingestion are one common reason why pet owners and veterinarians call us," said Dana Farbman, Certified Veterinary Technician and Manager, Client and professional Relations, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "However, it would be difficult to verify an exact ranking in frequency of calls, as the types of substances we receive calls on can vary greatly depending on many factors, including the time of year. We generally do experience somewhat of a rise in chocolate calls around holidays, such as Halloween, Easter, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

Why is Chocolate Lethal?

Chocolate contains theobromine. A naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean, theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle. While amounts vary by type of chocolate, the theobromine is poisonous to dogs.

You can recognize that your dog has eaten a toxic dose of chocolate from the symptoms. Within the first few hours, the evidence includes vomiting, diarrhea or hyperactivity. As time passes and there's increased absorption of the toxic substance, you'll see an increase in the dog's heart rate, which can cause arrhythmia, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination or excessive panting.

The theobromine will remain in their bloodstream for up to 20 hours, and these animals may experience epileptic seizures, heart attacks, internal bleeding, and eventually death. How Much Chocolate Is Deadly?

If a 50-pound dog eats a teaspoonful of milk chocolate, it is not going to cause serious problems. However, if that same dog gorges himself on a two-layer chocolate cake, his stomach will feel more than upset and soon it's likely he'll be vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.

To answer the question "How much is too much" is not simple. The health and age of your dog must be considered. Obviously if your dog is aged and not in top shape, his reaction to a plate of chocolate is going to be different from a young healthy dog of the same weight.

Another fact that must be considered is this: Not all chocolate is the same. Some has a small amount of theobromine; another type has a large amount and still another contains an amount that is somewhere in between. The quantity has a relationship with the weight of your dog. Small dogs can be poisoned; it is easy to understand, from smaller amounts of theobromine than large dogs.

Which chocolate is the safest, relatively speaking? White chocolate. It has the least amount of theobromine: 1 mg per ounce. Far on the other side of the spectrum is baking chocolate, which has a huge 450 mg of theobromine per ounce!

Here are a few other chocolates for you to ponder: hot chocolate, 12 mg of theobromine per ounce; milk chocolate, 60 mg/oz; and up there near baking chocolate: semi-sweet chocolate with 260 mg/oz.

Knowing which chocolate is the most toxic is important, but leaves one wondering how much must be eaten to poison a dog. The list in this box should be helpful. Maybe you can clip it and post it on your refrigerator?

White chocolate: 200 ounces per pound of body weight. It takes 250 pounds of white chocolate to cause signs of poisoning in a 20-pound dog, 125 pounds for a 10-pound dog.

Milk chocolate: 1 ounce per pound of body weight. Approximately one pound of milk chocolate is poisonous to a 20-pound dog; one-half pound for a 10-pound dog. The average chocolate bar contains 2 to 3 ounces of milk chocolate. It would take 2-3 candy bars to poison a 10 pound dog. Semi-sweet chocolate has a similar toxic level.

Sweet cocoa: 0.3 ounces per pound of body weight. One-third of a pound of sweet cocoa is toxic to a 20-pound dog; 1/6 pound for a 10-pound dog.

Baking chocolate: 0.1 ounce per pound body weight. Two one-ounce squares of bakers' chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; one ounce for a 10-pound dog.

Finally yet importantly, after reading this article, if you still could not resist the temptation in giving your dog a chocolate treats, do come to our shop and get chocolate treats, which does not contain theobromine for your pet dog.








Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Puppy Cottage

Hi all,

Firstly, welcome to our Puppy Cottage blog. We are operating a pet shop in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, which specialise in dogs. Our facilities include:

1. Grooming centre
2. Cottage suite
3. Doggie day care

Our professional groomer is a member of the National Dog Groomer Association of America ("NDGAA") and has won the Rising Star Category held by Malaysian Pet Groomer Association ("MPGA"). Thus, you can send your beloved dog to us for our professional groomer to pampered them and be assured that our professional groomer will follow the code of ethic set by NDGAA. Kindly click here to know more about our grooming facilities.

Puppy Cottage is also proud to be the 1st member of American Boarding Kennels Association ("ABKA"). For our cottage suite, your beloved will be in their comfortable cubicle (no cages) and it is fitted with CCTV for you to view your beloved via internet around the world. Furthermore, you can be rest assured that your beloved will not be in their suite throughout his/ her stay with us. They will get to roam around the day care centre during the day to socialise with other dogs. Please click here to know more about our boarding facilities.

Busy during the day with party, visit by pesticide or intend to socialise your dog with other dog? Sent them to our specially built day care centre just for your beloved dog. He/ she will be able to play with Puppy Cottage Public Relationship Manager, Mr. Harry for the whole day. The day care centre is also equipped with the CCTV to enable you to view your beloved during the day from your office or home via internet. Please click here to know more about the benefit of our day care to your doggie mate.

Beside the facilities mentioned above, we sell premium dog and cat products. Lastly, if you are looking for a new family member for your family, you may consult us on the suitability of dog that will suit your lifestyle or you may even find one that will make your heart love he/ she the moment you see them in our shop.

Finally, Puppy Cottage provides stud services to approved female dogs. Kindly click here to know more about our stud services.

Note: Our shop has wireless internet connection, thus you can bring along your notebook with you in order for you to surf the Internet while waiting for your beloved dog to be given a lovely grooming session. Kindly click here to know more about the wireless Internet.

Below is a flyer of our shop:

We are located at:

No. 38, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,
60000, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: 03-7728 7299 Fax: 03-7728 6299

Our operating hour: 11 am to 7pm
(Closed on Tuesday)
Do pay us a visit at our shop or frequent this blog because we will be posting articles relating to dog. (i.e. dog standard, news, general health and etc.)