From ASPCA: How to Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

If your dog uses his time alone in the house to bark endlessly, pee on the carpet, or tear up the sofa—and those behaviors are accompanied by depression or stress—your pooch may be suffering from separation anxiety, a very common doggy behavior problem.

Overcoming disorders like separation anxiety takes time, patience and consistency, but it can be done! Just take the following steps, and you’re already on your way. [MORE . . . ]

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BENEFUL® BRAND DOG FOOD KEEPS TAILS WAGGING WITH LAUNCH OF TWO NEW PRODUCT OFFERINGS

St. Louis, MO, July 20, 2011 – Continuing its mission to deliver a perfect combination of taste, nutrition, health and happiness in every bowl of dog food, Beneful® brand dog food is introducing two new product offerings that bring even more excitement and variety to the dry and wet dog food categories. New Beneful® Healthy Fiesta and Beneful® Prepared Meals™ Hearty Roasters™ should be widely available by mid-July 2011.

New Beneful Healthy Fiesta is a dry dog food formula that offers a festive blend of real, wholesome ingredients including accents of vitamin-rich veggies and avocado. The perfectly balanced, high quality nutrition includes:

· Protein-rich nutrition, with real chicken, that helps build strong muscles;

· Wholesome rice packed with carbohydrates for energy;

· Omega-rich nutrition, accented with avocado, to help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat;

· Antioxidant-rich nutrition, accented with carrots and tomatoes, to help support vision and a healthy immune system.

The product features a variety of crunchy and moist pieces, six distinct and delicious shapes, and tail-wagging freshness.

The popular dog food brand is also expanding the offerings in its successful line of wet dog food with the introduction of new Beneful® Prepared Meals™ Hearty Roasters™. Filled with hearty chunks, with real meat or poultry, tender veggies and wholesome grains, dogs will enjoy heartiness and happiness in every bite. Beneful Prepared Meals Hearty Roasters is available in three varieties: Savory Turkey Recipe with green beans, brown rice and potatoes; Savory Pork Recipe with green beans, rice and sweet potatoes; and Savory Beef Recipe with green beans, carrots and barley.

“Millions of dog owners enjoy nothing better than sharing daily adventures with their four-legged best buddies, including the fun of feeding great-tasting, nutritious meals that help keep their dogs happy and healthy ,” said Allison Boland, Beneful brand manager. “Our two new product offerings feature wholesome and delicious ingredients and bring excitement to every bowl.”

New Beneful Healthy Fiesta and Beneful Prepared Meals Hearty Roasters should be widely available (in grocery, mass and pet specialty channels) by mid-July 2011. Beneful Healthy Fiesta is available in 3.5 lb, 7 lb, 15.5 lb and 31.1 lb packages that have suggested retail prices ranging from $5.99 for the 3.5 lb to $29.99 for the 31.1 lb packages. Beneful Prepared Meals Hearty Roasters is available in a 10 ounce re-sealable plastic container with a suggested retail price of $1.86 - $1.99.

Beneful brand dog food offers a line of products that deliver a perfect balance of healthful ingredients, quality nutrition and great taste. It is manufactured by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, one of the leading global manufacturers in the pet food industry. Nestlé Purina promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri. The company is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world’s largest food company.

For more information about Beneful brand dog food, log onto www.beneful.com.

Beneful® Brand Unveils Its First Dream Dog Park!

$500,000 Renovation of Atlanta-area Dog Park Inspired by Local Resident and His Dog;

Helped Brought to Life by TV Host and Design Expert Jason Cameron

JOHNS CREEK, Ga., June 16, 2011 – Every dog has his day. And yesterday, Atlanta-area dogs sure had theirs, as its first Dream Dog Park was unveiled by Beneful® brand dog food in Johns Creek, Ga.

The entire Johns Creek dog-loving community has awaited this day since last September, when their community dog park was awarded a $500,000 renovation from the Beneful® brand after local resident Pat McNeely and his Siberian Husky Koda were named Grand Prize Winner in the Beneful® WagWorld® Dream Dog Park Contest. Since then, Pat and Koda’s dream ideas have served as inspiration for the renovation that was managed by the Beneful Dream Team, led by TV personality and design expert Jason Cameron and pet expert and bestselling author Arden Moore. The Dream Team duo have worked together to transform the Newtown Dog Park into an enviable adventure destination for dogs and owners. Some of the park’s most interactive and unique elements include a giant bone-shaped ramp with tunnels, two water splash pads and a running trail, all of which were put to good use yesterday as local dogs and their best buddies turned out to celebrate at a special unveiling event.

“There’s nothing I love more than spending time with my dog CJ, and one of our favorite places to go is the local dog park, which is why I was excited to team up with Beneful to create its first Dream Dog Park,” said Jason Cameron, TV personality and head designer for the Beneful WagWorld Dream Dog Park Contest. “For years to come, the Newtown Dog Park – and all of its larger-than-life elements – will provide area dog owners and their four-legged companions a space where they can take a break from everyday life and focus on celebrating the time they have together.”

“At Beneful, we truly believe that life is better together with our four-legged friends, and that is why we launched the Beneful WagWorld Dream Dog Park Contest, which culminated at yesterday’s unveil event,” said Allison Boland, Beneful assistant brand manager. “We hope the unveil of the first Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, Ga., will inspire dog owners across the country to share their own dream dog park ideas and possibly win a $500,000 renovation of a dog park in their area.”

Now in its second year, the Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest invites dog owners to get creative and Dream Big from now through June 21 as they answer the question: If you had $500,000 to spend to create the ultimate dream dog park, what would you do? Functional or just plain fun, one lucky Grand Prize Winner’s idea will help serve as inspiration for a half-million dollar makeover of a dog park that the entire community can enjoy.

In addition to having his or her idea(s) help serve as inspiration for a $500,000 makeover of a dog park in their area, the Grand Prize Winner will receive a $10,000 cash award and one year supply of Beneful® brand dog food. Nineteen runners-up will each receive a year’s supply of Beneful® brand dog food. The Beneful Dream Team, which will once again include Jason Cameron and Arden Moore, will serve as judges to help select the winner. Cameron will manage the transformation of the park, with Moore providing expertise from the dog’s point of view. For more information on the contest, official rules and to enter, visit BenefulDreamDogPark.com.

About the Beneful® Brand

Manufactured by Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Beneful brand dog food offers a full line of wet and dry formulas that offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Introduced in 2001, Beneful is one of the most successful dog food brands in the Company’s history. The North American headquarters for the Nestle Purina PetCare Company is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri, where Ralston Purina Company was founded more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of the Swiss-based Nestle S.A.- the world’s largest food company.

Update on Bella - Japanese Refugee Dog Reunited with family

Bella, a 3-year-old Springer Spaniel, was evacuated from Japan after the March 11 earthquake and subsequent events. Bella traveled by airline crate over 8,400 miles and was hosted by a temporary foster family in Austin.

Bella & her family reunite

We're happy to report that Bella's family arrived in Austin to pick up Bella and reunite the family!

Update from Bella's family: They're working with Bella, continuing to teach her to enjoy her crate and to tolerate periods of separation from her family. By consistently reinforcing the crate as a fun place to be by using toys, treats, and soft bedding, Bella is starting to see her crate as her own private den. Her family is also using puzzle/chew toys and Kongs to keep Bella occupied during their absence. Bella has responded well to the philosophy of "a busy dog is a happy dog".

Best of all, we're thrilled to see a family reunited and a happy ending to Bella's travels.

Update and Story from

Dogs Available for Adoption in Austin

May is National Pet Month. If you're looking for a new four-legged best friend, check out Austin Dog Aliance's available dogs ready for adoption! The selection of available dogs is always changing as new dogs join our Foster Program and existing dogs are adopted into their forever homes.

ADA Adoption Managers carefully choose dogs from area shelters after screening them for temperament and friendliness. Each dog is hosted by an Austin Dog Alliance foster until their forever family is found. Most of the dogs are adopted into forever homes within a few weeks.


Join the Foster Program -- the more fosters they have, the more families they can make happy with wonderful dogs. Our Special Dogs for Special Needs program has a wait list. If you enjoy training dogs, contact us for more information about training a Special Dog. The typical commitment is about a month. To find out more about fostering, see the Foster Program page or contact Judy McCarthy, Adoption Program Manager.

Beat the Heat this Summer! Warm Weather Safety for Dogs

Temperatures in Central Texas have already reached 90F and above. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pets are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans when it's hot outside. Pets can't sweat like humans do; they perspire through their paw pads and rid themselves of excess heat primarily by panting. It's important, therefore, to protect our pets during hot months.

Some tips to help our canine friends stay safe and healthy during hot days are:

• If possible, bring pets inside, and avoid prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity
• For pets that must stay outside during the day, ensure they have a shaded and well-ventilated area to stay in throughout the day, as the sun changes position. (Most dog houses trap heat, and aren't a suitable option for shelter on hot days).
• Ensure your pet has access to fresh water; keep water bowls in a shaded area
• Walk or exercise your dog during the cooler times of day, early morning or very late in the day.
• When walking your dog, remember that pavement and sidewalks can become very hot during the Texas summer, and in extreme cases can burn a dog's paws. Avoid or limit exposure to these extremely hot surfaces.
• Yes, dogs can become sunburned - depending on the coat of your pet and amount of exposed skin. Apply sunscreen to sensitive areas and/or limit exposure, just as a human would.
• Make sure your dog is clean and properly groomed. Dogs with longer hair and thicker coats are able to remain cooler and healthier with the proper grooming and cut during warm months.
• Provide a small wading pool, with fresh water, for your dog to cool off. Small pools can be found at Wal-mart, Target, HEB-Plus!, Sears, Toys-R-Us, Petsmart, and other stores.
• During warm months, never leave a pet in a car or confined in a hot space. Even with windows cracked open, temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
• In summer, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more prevalent. Talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate preventative and/or treatment to keep your dog free of these parasites
• Short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs are particularly susceptible to the effects of heat. Watch your dog carefully when exposed to heat if your dog is in this group (e.g., Pug, Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bullmastiff, Pekingese, and others).

If your dog is exposed to high temperatures, be alert for signs of heat stress and/or heat stroke:

• Excessive/hard panting
• Glassy eyes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Deep red or purple gums
• Unsteadiness, disorientation, staggering, stumbling
• Lack of responsiveness
• Vomiting
• Collapse

The AVMA recommends that, if you suspect your pet is suffering heat stroke, put a cool, wet towel around the animal's neck, get them into an air-conditioned car, and take them to a veterinarian for immediate evaluation and treatment.

See a short AVMA video on summer pet safety created in 2010 in response to a series of heat waves that affected the US.

Article From:

Yappy Hour at Bentley's Biscuit and Bones

May 4 (6:00pm) Yappy Hour at Bentley's Biscuits & Bones

Enjoy wine, spirits, and treats for the two-legged and four-legged.

1/2 Price nail trims, too!

Sponsored by Bentley's Biscuits & Bones and Bark 'n Bubbles.

More details here

Bentley's Biscuits & Bones

(In the Anderson Arbor Shopping Center)

13359 N. Hwy. 183, Suite 405

Austin, Texas 78750

512-918-3900

www.bentleysaustin.com

The Pets Left Behind Japan's Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Accident...

Veterinarians, vet techs and several animal welfare organizations launched relief efforts after the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami devastated northern Japan.

Initial efforts included:

Veterinary care for injured animals
Donating food and medical supplies
Deploying search and rescue dogs
According to Veterinary Practice News:

"Every minute counts as the teams work to find people buried beneath the rubble," said Wilma Melville, founder of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. "After the Haiti deployment, this is a battle-seasoned group. If there are people still alive in the rubble, the dogs will find them."

Another immediate concern is the number of missing animals and those left behind by owners who have fled the area. This situation could quickly overwhelm local animal shelters.

World Vets, a nonprofit organization that provides veterinary services all over the world is hands-on in Japan after being deployed as a first responder assessment team. The group is coordinating large scale shipments of supplies to help out local animal welfare groups. Some of the supplies coming in include cages, fluid replacements, wound treatments, de-worming medicines and vaccines.

Three local groups formed a coalition called the Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support. The coalition hopes to raise both public awareness and donations through its Facebook page. The three groups forming the coalition include:

Japan Cat Network
Animal Garden Niigata
HEART-Tokushima
Other organizations lending a hand with rescue teams, donations and other types of support include the Humane Society International, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.

From Mercola Healthy Pets

ASPCA's Top 10 Most Common Poisons that Affect Our Furry Friends

Human medications have topped the list of pet toxins for the third year in a row, according to a new list released by the ASPCA. In 2010, the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline fielded more than 167,000 phone calls about pets exposed to common household toxins and other potentially poisonous substances.

To help keep your pet safe and sound in 2011, experts from the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, Illinois, have created a list of the 10 most common poisons that affected our furry friends last year. A few highlights of their findings include:

• Accidental ingestion of human medications accounted for 25 percent of all calls to the ASPCA in 2010. The most common culprits included antidepressants and over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
  
• Approximately 20 percent of all calls concerned insecticides commonly used for flea control.Our feline friends are especially vulnerable to the misapplication of spot-on flea and tick products.
  
• Baits used to kill mice and rats can be deadly if ingested by pets. Many rodenticides are grain-based, which attracts not only rodents, but dogs and cats, too, and can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure.
  
• Some of the most delicious people food, including grapes, raisins and garlic, can be poisonous to pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if ingested in sufficient amounts.
  
• Household plants may keep your house green and your air clean, but some can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for companion animals. Please visit our list of pet-safe plants before your next trip to the nursery.

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your vet or the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435. To read the complete list of the top 10 pet toxins of 2010, visit APCC online.

Spring Cleaning? Try this Pet & Planet Friendly Idea from the ASPCA

It’s time for spring cleaning, but before throwing your dusty treasures away, call your local shelter—they may need old towels, bedding, leashes and pet toys.

Tomlinson's Warning about Poisonous Plants for Pets

A customer who recently visited Tomlinson's Westlake store told them that she had come very close to losing her two dogs because they had eaten the clippings of a Sago palm that she had cut back. Sago palms are common in the central Texas area and VERY TOXIC. Dogs that ingest them rarely survive! See a photo of a Sago palm and more information here.

The ASPCA has put together an exhaustive list of plants that are toxic to pets - over 700! While looking through them, I began to wonder if there are any safe ones out there. Here is a list of the 10 most common poisonous plants:

1. Azalea - The toxins in azalea plants can be very severe and potentially cause drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, central nervous system weakening and depression, and in some cases possibly coma or death.
2. Castor Bean - Poisoning as a result of this plant can cause abdominal pain, drooling, diarrhea, vomiting increased thirst, loss of appetite and weakness. More serious cases could also lead to dehydration, tremors, seizures, twitching muscles, coma and possibly death.
3. Cyclamen - The most poisonous portion of this plant is located in the root. Ingestion of the plant can cause severe vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation. In some cases death has been reported as a result.
4. Kalanchoe - Ingestion of this plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac rhythm and rate problems.
5. Lilies - Plants of the lily variety are very poisonous to cats. Even very small amounts of this plant could cause serious kidney damage.
6. Marijuana - Animals who attempt to snack on this plant can suffer serious consequences such as diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, drooling, in-coordination, and even possibly seizures and coma.
7. Oleander - All portions of this plant are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal irritation, hypothermia, heart problems and possibly death.
8. Sago Palm - While the seeds and nuts of this plant are most poisonous, the entire plant is toxic. Animals ingesting parts of this plant may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, depression, seizures and liver failure.
9. Tulips - The toxic portion of this plant is the actual bulb, which can cause drooling, central nervous system depression, gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac issues and convulsions.
10. Yew - Poisoning as a result of the yew plant can affect the nervous system and cause in-coordination, trembling and breathing difficulties. It may also result in gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac failure and could possibly lead to death.

NOTE: If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. This is 24 hour a day hotline. (In some cases a consultation fee may be charged to your credit card.)

This list has been compiled using the following sources:

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Earth Clinic

Save on PetSafe Travel with Continental PetSafe®

PetSafe, Continental's award-winning program dedicated to flying pets safely and comfortably, has teamed up with PetSmart PetPerks to offer you exclusive savings. PetPerks members can receive savings of up to $50 each way on PetSafe travel from the U.S. to any destination served by Continental Airlines.

Plus, when you shop PetSmart through ShopOnePass™, you canearn six miles per dollar spent.

Learn more about exclusive PetSafe savings

5 tips from ASPCA for keeping your pet healthy

1. Check-up on your pet's health.

Set up your pet's annual check-up this year. A nose to tail exam can help your veterinarian spot and treat health issues in the early stages. Opt for wellness coverage including an annual physical exam!

2. Brush those pearly whites.

Pledge to brush your pet's teeth regularly, and keep an eye out for signs of gum disease like swelling or discoloration. Ask your veterinarian for tips on good dental care. Plus, Level 4 covers an annual dental cleaning.

3. Watch your pet's weight.

Extra weight on a pet can result in health problems and be like a person carrying an extra 30 to 50 pounds. Hold back on treats and use a well-balanced pet food.

4. Get your pet moving.

Is your pet getting enough exercise to stay fit? Dogs need at least 30 minutes of physical activity twice a day. Cats should get at least 15 minutes of interactive playtime a day.

5. Prepare financially for your pet's care.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance can help you manage unexpected veterinary costs.
It can also cover wellness care to help you keep your pet healthy year round.
Learn more and get a free quote.

Why Cold Weather Can Be Just as Dangerous for Your Pet as the Sweltering Days of Summer

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Do’s and Don’ts for Keeping Your Furry Friend Fit and Trim

From Mercola Healthy Pets

DO feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet. If you’re currently feeding inferior food to your pet, set a goal to gradually improve the quality.

DON’T feed your pet an all-day all-she-can-eat-buffet. In order to take weight off your cat or dog and keep it off, you must feed controlled portions – usually a morning and evening meal, carefully measured.

DO make sure your pet is adequately exercised on a consistent basis. Your dog or cat needs to elevate his heart rate for a minimum of 20 minutes several times a week in order to move his body into a fat-burning state. There are any number of physical activities you can involve your dog in, even during the long, cold winter months. It’s just as important to get overweight kitties moving.

DON’T believe the marketing claims of ‘low fat’ commercial pet foods. These formulas are full of carbs and fiber – exactly what your pet’s body doesn’t need.

DO factor treats you feed your pet into the daily calorie plan. Keep in mind pre-packaged commercial treats are a primary reason for excess weight in many pets. These snacks are loaded with carbs, sugar and fat and are specifically designed to create intense cravings in your dog or cat.

DO partner with an integrative or holistic veterinarian to design a weight loss plan customized for your dog or cat, and take your pet for regular wellness visits to manage her weight and her overall health.

What Your Dog Says About You

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