Best of Breed Blog: April 2011

Friday, April 22, 2011

10 Tips to Reduce Your Pet's Carbon Footprint

Is your dog or cat green? It may sound like a silly question, but as more than 1 billion people in 185 countries celebrate Earth Day it's an ideal time to consider how our pets impact our beautiful planet earth.

As responsible pet parents, we can make simple changes in our pet's lives to help save our planet, while also improving the lives of our pets. In honor of Earth Day, consider these ten simple tips to help you reduce your cat or dog's carbon footprint.

Chemical-free flea and tick solutions: The chemicals in some flea products are very toxic. Consider switching to chemical-free solutions Find ideas for chemical-free solutions and check the level of toxic chemicals in your current flea products on the NRDC's Green Paws directory.
Biodegradable waste disposal: Also known as poop bags, some of these bags are safe to flush down the toilet too.
Clay-free kitty-litter: Made from wheat or corn, clay-free kitty litter is a healthier option. Cats are often resistant to change, so make the switch gradually, adding a little of the eco-friendly product at a time to the cat's existing litter.
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies: Chemical-free floor cleaners and laundry detergents are especially important for people with pets.
Paraben-free pet shampoos: Switch to all-natural shampoo free of fragrance and parabens. Ask your groomer to do the same.
Toxic-free pet toys and pet bowls: Read the labels and choose only organic items made from toxic-free materials for playtime and mealtime. Also try to avoid products made in China since the levels of lead in some products are an issue of concern.
USDA organic pet food and treats. Look for the "USDA organic" label on pet foods. This means they have met the same high standards as any organic human food. The "natural" label on pet foods is deceiving and does not mean they are minimally processed or of high quality, nor does it mean that the vitamins and minerals are natural. Try fruits and veggies as treats or bake some homemade goodies. Higher quality food will help reduce how much your pet poops!
Organic lawn care: Stop using toxic chemcial lawn fertilizers and switch to an organic lawn care program. It will cost more, but will prevent the potential for cancer and organ damage caused by lawn chemicals.
Plant a tree: This is an ideal way to memorialize a departed pet for years to come while enhancing the earth at the same time.
Spay and neuter: Help reduce pet overpopulation by ensuring your pet is spayed or neutered.

These simple changes will not only help save our planet, but they will also help extend your pet's lifespan. Dogs and cats lick their paws and chew or lick their toys often. When you don't buy all-natural, organic products, the chemicals in your floor cleaning supplies, lawn treatments, pet shampoos, flea treatments and pet toys can cause long term health problems for your pet.

For more ideas on environmentally friendly pet products, please visit Breed Trust's online store and click on the "Eco-friendly" link in the categories on the left side of the screen.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Looking for Love? Consider Adopting a Greyhound Dog

Love is in bloom this spring. If you are looking for a soulmate, you're in luck as long as you don't mind the four-legged, tail-wagging variety. National Adopt-a-Greyhound month is the perfect time to fall in love with a sweet and loving retired greyhound in need of a forever home.

Watch this adorable video about a single, retired athlete seeking a long term relationship and get inspired to find your perfect match by adopting a greyhound this April.

There are more retired greyhounds up for adoption than ever before thanks to the passage of legislation in recent years banning greyhound racing in some states. These dogs once housed at racetracks are now displaced and in need of good homes.

Despite their former lives as racing dogs, the greyhound is not a high energy breed that requires considerable exercise or athletic owners. In fact, they are simply big couch potatoes that are adaptable to almost any living environment, including apartment life.

While it may take some time for an adopted greyhound to adjust to life outside of the racetrack kennel, once settled in a loving home environment they are a wonderful and welcome addition to any home.
If all these reasons aren't enough for you to consider adopting a sweet-faced greyhound, then these top ten reasons from The Greyhound Project might convince you:

**Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Greyhound**
10.	They truly know the meaning of retirement.
9.	People will stare at your dog instead of at you.
8.	They can curl up to the size of a ball if they need to.
7.	They can expand to the size of the whole bed if they want to.
6.	They don't bark, keeping your neighborhood safe for burglars.
5.	You can play their ribs like an air guitar.
4.	They are the only dogs that know how to really smile.
3.	You can dress them up as a reindeer for Christmas.
2.	They are never confused with poodles.
1.	A Greyhound in flight is the most amazing sight you'll ever hope to see in your own back yard.

If you are interested in adopting a greyhound, the Greyhound Project's website has a detailed listing of greyhound adoption agencies across the country and internationally. You can also search Breed Trust's nationwide database of shelter dogs available for adoption by entering your zip code and selecting greyhound as the breed.

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The most popular cat breeds of 2010 include a stunning beauty, a gentle giant, something exotic, a little ragdoll and even a hairless breed.

While Labrador Retrievers lead the pack when it comes to the popularity of dog breeds, the Persian reigns in the cat world, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).

Each year, the CFA tabulates the registrations of all cat breeds registered with their organization to determine the most popular cat breed in the nation and in 2010, the Persian earned the top spot. The ranking was no surprise; the stunning Persian has held the number one position for decades.

The second most popular breed is the gentle giant of cat breeds, the Maine Coon. Adaptable to almost any living environment, this shaggy-haired breed is known not only as a wonderful family cat that gets along well with children and other pets, but also for its superior mouse-catching abilities.

One surprising change in CFA’s popularity rankings of cat breeds include the hairless Sphynx, which jumped to the number five position. The breed making the greatest stride in popularity over the years is the Ragdoll. Aptly named because this affectionate breed resembles the doll when it relaxes in the lap of its beloved humans, the ragdoll now ranks as the fourth most popular cat breed.

We’ve listed the top 10 cat breeds below. For a full list of all 41 breeds ranked in order of their popularity, visit the CFA.

**Cat Fanciers' Association 2010 Cat Breed Popularity Rankings**
1		Persian
2		Maine coon
3		Exotic
4		Ragdoll
5		Sphynx
6		Siamese
7		Abyssinian
8		American shorthair
9		Cornish rex
10		Birman

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Pet Treats: Buyer Beware of these Sweet Snacks of Love

Treats are a tail-wagging delight for dogs and cats, but the sugar in some pet treats warrants caution. Avoid the sugary pet snacks listed here and try our recommended treats to help keep your pet happy, healthy and fit for years to come.

What is it about pet treats that can make even the most unruly pet obey us in exchange for a tiny piece of something that tastes so good they can barely contain themselves? It’s an ingredient that is found in some of the most popular cat and dog treats. It’s addictive, causes weight gain and could ultimately shorten the lifespan of your pet and it's commonly known as sugar.

Kibble Crack

Just like humans, dogs and cats can develop a sweet tooth and crave sugary snacks, which are essentially junk food for pets. The sugar in some pet treats can create almost addictive-like cravings that have earned them the name, ‘kibble crack’.

Read the ingredients label on your pet’s favorite treats. If any of the following are listed as one of the first five ingredients on the label, your pet’s treats are doing them more far more harm than good:
Corn syrup
Sugar
Fructose
Sucrose
Dextrose
Maltodextrin

Sugar-laden treats are one of the primary culprits behind the pet obesity epidemic and over time can lead to excessive weight gain. An overweight pet can suffer from arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure, any of which can shorten their life and impact your wallet due to more frequent visits to the vet.

Calories Count Too

Besides high sugar content, another concern with pet treats is the calorie count per serving. Often not disclosed on the packaging, most of us are unaware of how many calories we’re adding to our pets diet by giving them treats. According to Marion Nestle, author of Feed your Pet Right, if the treat package does not list calories, you should assume 3-4 calories per gram, (i.e. a treat that is 3 grams/serving would be 9-12 calories per serving).

Treats should account for no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie requirements to maintain their ideal weight. Some rawhide chews and larger Greenies Dental Chews can contain 100 calories or more, which may far exceed the recommended 10% rule, depending on your dog's size and calorie requirements.

A New Marketing Gimmick

Treats are big business for the pet industry and the newest marketing gimmick is treats that promote healthy benefits, such as healthier hips and joints. There is no government oversight or scientific basis for these claims. When Consumer Lab tested joint health supplements for dogs and cats they found that a popular treat, Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken Breast with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, contained only 6% of its claimed glucosamine and only 15.9% of its claimed chondroitin; amounts too insignificant to provide any claimed benefit.

Healthy Options

With 88% of dog owners and 68% of cat owners giving their pets treats according to the American Pet Products Association, we’re not suggesting pet parents cut out this much-loved ritual. We do suggest the following seven tips to ensure your act of love promotes a healthy pet:

Read the Ingredients Label: Pet treats with sugar, corn syrup, fructose, sucrose or dextrose in the first five ingredients should be avoided. A very common filler in pet foods, maltodextrin, is another name to look for on the label. It has a high glucose level, so it should be avoided if it is a primary ingredient.
Opt for Natural Sweeteners: Choose treats with applesauce, molasses or honey as a sweetening ingredient if you wish to indulge your pet in a sweet treat.
Try Vegetable Dog Chews: Opt for all-natural vegetable-based dog chews made from sweet potatoes over animal-based rawhide chews. Some rawhide is high in calories and may be treated with chemicals and bleach.
Consider Home-cooked or Naturally Moistened Cat Treats: Try giving your cat a small piece of cut up chicken or fish as a treat. If you prefer to buy packaged treats look for those moistened with vegetable glycerin rather than chemical humectants such as propylene glycol.
Try Fresh Fruit and Veggie Dog Treats: Opt for low-calorie vegetables or fruit as a treat for your dog instead of packaged treats. Baby carrots, cut-up apples and green beans are good choices.
Don't Rely on Treats with Health Claims: Discuss supplement options with your veterinarian for your pet’s ailments rather than relying on treats that claim to provide adequate nutrients to maintain a healthy heart or joints.
Use VOHC-Approved Dental Chews: Establish a routine of practicing good dental hygiene on your pet and use treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to clean your pet’s teeth.

There are many good options available for pet treats and we’ve listed some of our favorites below. They are low in sugar or calories, all natural and generally easy to find in grocery and big box stores if you don’t have a neighborhood pet boutique or pet supply store nearby.

Recommended Dog Treats:

Carnivore Crunch or Carnivore Kisses by Stella & Chewy's
Charlie Bear Dog Treats by Charlie Bear Dog Products
Jerky Naturals and other treats for dogs by Zukes
Liv-a-Littles Protein Treats for dogs by Halopets
Newman’s Own Premium Dog Treats by Newman's Own Organics
Original Buddy Biscuits or Muttos by Cloud Star
Sam's Yams Veggie Rawhide Sweet Potato Dog Chews by Front Porch Pets

Recommended Cat Treats:

Natural Purrz by Zukes
Liv-a-Littles Protein Treats for cats by Halopet s
Wellness Pure Delights for cats by WellPet LLC

The Pet Obesity Prevention Association’s Top Treats to Avoid

Sugary Dog Treats	Sugar Ingredients
Beneful Snackin’ Slice	Sugar fourth ingredient
Canine CarryOuts Chew-lotta	Dextrose first ingredient
Canine Carryouts Dog Treats	Corn syrup second ingredient
Cesar Softies Dog Treats	Sugar third ingredient
Exclusively Dog Vanilla Flavor Sandwich Creme Dog Cookies	Sugars first two ingredients
Milk-Bone Chewy Chicken Drumsticks	Sugar third ingredient
Milk Bone Essentials Plus Oral Care	Sugar third ingredient
Pedigree Jumbone	Sugar third ingredient
Pedigree Jumbone Mini Snack Food for Small Dogs	Sugars 2 of 3 first ingredients
Pedigree Marrobone	Sugar third ingredient
Pup-Peroni Lean Beef Recipe	Sugar third ingredient
Purina Busy Chewnola	Maltodextrin second ingredient
Science Diet Simple Essentials Treats Training Adult Treats with Real Beef	Sugar third ingredient
Snausages SnawSomes! Beef and Chicken Flavor	Sugars 3 of first 4 ingredients
Three Dog Bakery Lick ‘n Crunch	Dextrose third ingredient

Sugary Cat Treats	Sugar Ingredients
Petrodex Dental Treats for Cats	Dextrose second ingredient
Meow Mix Moist Cat Treats	Corn syrup fourth ingredient
Pit’r Pat Fresh Breath Mint Flavored Cat Treats	Maltodextrin first ingredient

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Patrick the Miracle Pit Bull: A Lesson in Humanity for All of Us

The emaciated dog now known as Patrick was found in a trash bag after he was tossed 19 stories down a trash chute in a New Jersey apartment complex. This miracle dog not only survived this unspeakable act of cruelty by his owner, but also has some lessons to teach us while on his road to recovery.

As Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “Here Gentlemen, a dog teaches us a lesson in humanity.” Patrick was a victim of cruel and despicable human behavior. Yet, this speechless creature’s sweet and gentle disposition displayed throughout his recovery as well as the trust he has shown towards mankind should make us pause and rethink how we treat some companion animals.

Warning: The images in this video of Patrick shortly after he was rescued are difficult to watch and may not be suited for young children.

The lessons we can learn from Patrick the miracle dog's abuse and survival:

Animal abuse legislation across the nation needs our attention.

The woman who allegedly starved and threw this dog out with the trash faces a mere 18 months in jail or a $3,000 fine. Watch the Humane Society’s heart-wrenching video above showing Patrick’s condition after he was found and then decide if his owner's punishment is just for such extreme cruelty on an innocent living being. Patrick survived to send us the message that it’s time to improve animal abuse legislation nationwide to ensure that the punishment fits the crime and to discourage such outrageous behavior by our fellow man.
Dogs should not be judged or stereotyped based on their breed.

Many insurance companies and municipalities often classify the pit bull, rottweiler, doberman pinscher and several other dog breeds as dangerous and ban or restrict them in some way. Any dog breed can turn vicious under certain circumstances. Rather than some inherent genetic predisposition in the breed, the reason dogs behave badly is because their owners have been irresponsible about properly training them or they are among the Michael Vicks of the world and purposely raise their dogs to attack.

Targeting certain breeds by requiring muzzles or banning them all together in a building, park or city is unfair. Patrick the pit bull has been nothing but loving, gentle and trusting since he was rescued and shows us that we are misjudging his breed as "dangerous". The unfortunate misbehavior by a few dogs within a breed should not cause us to make a blanket judgment about the entire breed.

This miracle dog was named Patrick because he was found the day before St. Patrick’s Day. One could say he is not so different from the saint for whom he is named. Saint Patrick was a slave who later became a priest, forgiving his abusers and teaching his fellow man about love, compassion and eternal life. We now have a modern day Saint Patrick with four paws and a tail that is wagging again, but will we listen and reflect on the lessons he is teaching us?

If you wish to follow Patrick the miracle dog’s road to recovery or donate to help support his ongoing care, it is best to do so directly with the NJ Humane Society that is directly involved in his recovery and future adoption. Unfortunately, scammers are seeking to profit from Patrick’s newfound celebrity and some organizations that claim to financially help with the dog's recovery are not doing so. The New Jersey Associated Humane Societies' Res-Q Fund is the best way to donate to help Patrick and other abused animals in the New Jersey area.