2/06/2011

NEW LOCATION

It is with great sadness that we had to say goodbye to our shop in Old Town Spring. After being there for the past 4 years it was time for a change. We are very happy and excited to be at our new location. The shop and retail space is coming together very nicely and is currently 90% complete. The groom shop has been up and running for the past 3 weeks and the retail space will be open soon. We are very pleased to announce that we will soon offer fresh baked treats. Along with our shop we have a kitchen area that is ideal for keeping the pups & kits happy with all natural treats.

Stay tuned for more updates and look for our info showing up on FB, Twitter & MySpace!!!

NEW ADDRESS: 1609 Spring Cypress Road Spring, Texas 77388
We are located in the UHaul Shopping Center on Spring Cypress (FM 2920) and I45

5/11/2010

Pasadena Strawberry Fest - May 14th-16th

It's has been a very long while with nothing being posted. We have been busy with grooming, events and just every day working and living.

This weekend HDGP will be at the Strawberry Fest in Pasadena. We welcome you to come out and visit us. Our selection will be limited because we are next to Woof Pet Bakery again this year. However, we offer natural bones, party collars, ID tags and little novelty gives.

A kitchen build out will be happening over the next month or so at our store so that we may start offering our clients fresh baked treats & goodies.

for more information on the Pasadena Strawberry Fest

9/17/2009

Now Available: Nutri Source Pet Foods

On Tuesday, September 22nd
Nutri Source Pet Products

will be available at

Haute Dogs & Glitzy Paws




1. Adult Dog Chicken and Rice Formula provides super premium nutrition in a scientifically formulated easy to digest food. Real chicken is the number one ingredient in NutriSource® Adult dog food. Chicken is a source of high quality protein to help maintain muscle mass and strength. Chicken has a rich, wholesome taste that dogs love. NutriSource® combines chicken, rice, and carefully selected ingredients in the precise blend to balance all essential nutrients necessary for optimum health, well being and long life. Readily available nutrients in chicken and rice go to work on the inside, resulting in less waste.Protein - 26%Fat - 16%

2. Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice provides super premium nutrition in a scientifically formulated easy to digest food designed for large and giant breeds. Real chicken is the number one ingredient in NutriSource® Large Breed Adult dog food. Chicken is a source of high quality protein to help maintain muscle mass and strength in large dogs. Chicken has a rich, wholesome taste large dogs love. The larger kibble size satisfies large and giant breeds appetite for chewing and taste. Readily available nutrients in NutriSource® Large Breed Adult dog food go to work on the inside resulting in less waste. Protein - 23%Fat - 14%

3. NutriSource® Weight Management Chicken & Rice Formula provides super premium nutrition in a scientifically formulated easy to digest food designed for maintenance of less active adult dogs that may tend to gain weight and also for overweight dogs. Chicken is the #1 ingredient in NutriSource® Weight Management dog food. Chicken is a source of high quality protein and has a rich, wholesome taste dogs love. NutriSource® Weight Management formula contains 13% fewer calories and 25% less fat than NutriSource® Adult. Readily available nutrients in NutriSource® Weight Management dog food go to work on the inside resulting in less waste.Protein - 21%Fat - 9%

4. NutriSource® Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Rice Formula provides super premium nutrition in a scientifically formulated easy-to-digest food designed for puppies of breeds that will mature at more than 50 pounds. This is formulated to provide proper nutrition for balanced muscular and skeletal growth in large and giant breeds avoiding joint problems later in life. NutriSource® Large Breed Puppy contains specially adjusted levels of calcium and phosphorus matched with balanced protein, fat, carbohydrates and calories to supply large breed puppies the nutrition to grow and develop to fullest potential. Feed NutriSource® Large Breed Puppy food to your Large/Giant Breed Puppy from weaning until your dog reaches it's mature weight and size, typically at about 18 months of age. At maturity, we suggest transition to NutriSource® Adult or NutriSource® Large Breed Adult food.Protein - 26%Fat - 14%

5. NutriSource® Small and Medium Breed Puppy Chicken and Rice Formula is ideal for growing small and medium breed puppies (breeds that mature at less than 50 lbs.). NutriSource® Small and Medium Breed Puppy Food contains the higher levels of protein and fat needed by small and medium breed puppies and is formed to smaller, bite size shapes making it easier for small dogs to eat. NutriSource® is made with real chicken and no chicken by-products. NutriSource® combines chicken, rice and carefully selected ingredients in the precise blend to promote balanced growth and optimum health for small and medium breed puppies. NutriSource® Small and Medium Breed Puppy food also supplies complete and balanced nutrition for gestating and lactating females. Feed NutriSource® Small and Medium Breed Puppy food to your Small/Medium Breed Puppy from weaning until your dog reaches it's mature body weight and size, usually at about one year.Protein - 32%Fat - 21%

6. NutriSource® Lamb Meal & Rice Forumula provides super premium nutrition in a scientifically formulated, easy to digest food. NutriSource® uses the finest quality ingredients including New Zealand lamb meal as the primary source of protein and high quality rice as the primary cereal carbohydrate ingredient. NutriSource® Lamb Meal & Rice Formula contains no corn, wheat or soy. By limiting the protein and carbohydrate sources there is less chance of digestive upset.Protein - 22%Fat - 13%

7. Nutrisource® Large Breed Adult Lamb Meal & Rice formula provides superior nutrition in a scientifically formulated, easy to digest food. Nutrisource® uses the finest ingredients including New Zealand lamb meal as the primary source of protein and rice has the primary cereal carbohydrate ingredient to help maintain muscle mass and strength in large dogs. The large breed kibble size satisfies large and giant breeds appetite for chewing and taste. Nutrisource® Large Breed Adult Lamb Meal and Rice contains no corn, wheat or soy. By limiting the amount of protein and carbohydrate sources there is less chance of digestive upset.Protein - 23%Fat - 14%

8. NutriSource® Senior Dog Chicken and Rice Formula provides super premium nutrition in a scientifically formulated easy to digest food specially designed for dogs 7 years of age and older. Real chicken is the number one ingredient in NutriSource®. Chicken is a source of high quality protein; chicken has a rich, wholesome taste dogs love. NutriSource® combines chicken, rice and carefully selected ingredients in the precise blend to balance all essential nutrients necessary for optimum health, well being and long life. Readily available nutrients in chicken and rice go to work on the inside, resulting in less waste. Protein - 26%Fat - 10%

9. NutriSource® Performance Chicken & Rice Formula dog food provides super premium nutrition for hard working, pregnant and nursing dogs as well as dogs that need to gain weight. Real Chicken, the number one ingredient in NutriSource® Performance, provides high quality protein to maintain muscle mass and strength in hard working dogs. High quality fats and carbohydrates provide the fuel to perform to the highest level. Chicken provides the flavor to encourage ready acceptance and eating under stress. The high nutrient density in NutriSource® Performance helps hard working dogs maintain energy and endurance.Protein - 30%Fat - 20%

10. NutriSource® Super Performance Chicken and Rice Formula provides super premium nutrition in a scientifically formulated easy to digest food. Incorporating the latest scientific advances for canine athletes, NutriSource® Super Performance combines chicken, rice and carefully selected ingredients in the precise blend for highly active, athletic dogs. NutriSource® gives athletic dogs the edge they need to achieve and maintain top performance even through the most adverse conditions. Readily available nutrients in chicken and rice go to work on the inside, resulting in less waste. Protein - 32%Fat - 21%

11. NutriSource® Adult Complete Cat Food for all life stages is specially formulated to promote urinary tract health. Combining a unique hard crunchy shape with ingredients that contain chlorophll works to clean cats teeth and freshen breath. Natural fiber ingredients work to relieve hairballs. High levels of linoleic and linolenic acid plus highly bio-available zinc nourish healthy skin and coat to reduce shedding.Protein - 33%Fat - 19%

8/14/2009

More Than 500 Dogs Rescued from Texas Puppy Mill

On Tuesday, August 13th, 2009, the HSUS helped rescue more than 500 dogs and about 15 cats from squalor on a northeastern Texas puppy mill (read the full story).


Five Tips to help you avoid getting a puppy mill bred dog.
  1. Consider adoption first when getting a pet. Animal shelters are filled with dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes who need and deserve loving homes. Nationwide, approximately 25 percent of the dogs in shelters are purebreds.
  2. Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises in person to see how the parent dogs are living and the conditions in which the puppy was raised. Responsible breeders house their dogs as members of the family and do not keep them confined to cages.
  3. Don't be fooled by common claims made by pet stores when pushing their puppies. Good breeders do not sell to pet stores because they want to meet the families who are taking home their puppies.
  4. Don't be swayed by a great website or ad; many of the puppy mills The HSUS has raided in recent years hid behind beautiful and deceiving websites promising "family raised" puppies.
  5. Avoid the temptation to "rescue" a puppy mill puppy by buying him; your purchase will only help perpetuate a cruel industry and another dog will quickly fill his cage.

6/11/2009

Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows; July 16th-19th, 2009



Come visit us at the Reliant Dog show. Haute Dogs & Glitzy Paws will be handing out free treats to our clients as well as having great products. Also, stop by to find out which dogs we have in the show ring.

See ya there!

6/10/2009

Take Your Dog to Work Day; June 26th

First celebrated in 1999, Take Your Dog To Work Day was created to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. This annual event encourages employers to experience the value of pets in their workplace for this one special day to promote pet adoptions.

On June 26, 2009, businesses, animal shelters and pet-care professionals from around the world will work together to better the lives of shelter dogs everywhere. Thousands of businesses will open their doors to employees’ pets on this day in celebration of the great companions dogs make. Pet Sitters International invites your business to join the pack as we celebrate a decade of working dogs!

We are asking every business--great and small--to become a true friend of the canine community by helping Pet Sitters International promote pet adoptions in a positive and proactive way! Explore our site to learn how you can participate, register your business and spread the word.

For more information, please visit TYDTWD

6/01/2009

Heat Stroke


Heat stroke is an emergency that requires immediate recognition and prompt treatment. Dogs do not tolerate high temperatures as well as humans. They depend upon rapid breathing to exchange warm air for cool air. Accordingly when air temperature is close to body temperature, cooling by rapid breathing is not and efficient process. Dogs with airway disease also have difficulty with excess heat.

Common situations that predispose to overheating or heat stroke in dogs are:
1. Being left in a car in hot weather.
2. Being confined on concrete runs; chained without shade in hot weather.
3. Being of a short-nosed breed, especially a Bulldog or Pug.
4. Being muzzled while put under a dryer (this can happen in a grooming parlor).
5. Suffering from airway disease or any condition that impairs breathing.

Heat stroke begins with rapid, frantic, noisy breathing. The tongue and mucus membranes are bright red, the saliva is thick and tenacious and the dog frequently vomits. Its rectal temperature is high, sometimes over 106 degrees F. The cause of the problem usually is evident by the typical appearance of the dog; it can be confirmed by taking its temperature.

If the condition is allowed to go unchecked, the dog becomes unsteady and staggers, has diarrhea that often is bloody and becomes progressively weaker. Coma and death ensue.

Treatment: Emergency measures must begin at once. Mild cases respond to moving the dog to a cooler surrounding, such as an air-conditioned building or car. If the dog's temperature is over 104 degrees F, or if unsteady on its feet, the dog should be cooled by immersion in a tub of cold water. If this is impossible, hose your dog down with a garden hose. For a temperature over 106 degrees F, or if the dog is near collapse, give a cold water enema. A more rapid temperature drop is imperative. Cool to a rectal temperature of 103 degrees F.

Heat stroke can be associated with swelling of the throat. This aggravates the problem. A cortisone injection by your veterinarian may be required to treat this.

Prevention:
1. Do not expose dogs with airway disease or impaired breathing to prolonged heat.
2. Restrict exercise during the heat of the day in summer.
3. Breed dogs in air-conditioned quarters.
4. Crate a dog only in an open wire cage.
5. Provide shade and cool water to dogs living in outdoor runs.

5/15/2009

Come visit us at the Strawberry Fest


36th Annual
Pasadena Strawberry Fest
May 15th, 16th & 17th
Friday 3pm till Midnight
Saturday 10am till Midnight
Sunday 10am till 7pm
at the
Pasadena Fairgrounds
Fairmont Pkwy & Red Bluff
visit www.StrawberryFest.com for more information

5/09/2009

Meet the World's Oldest Dog

The world's oldest dog proved she was a real party animal by celebrating her 21st birthday with a big bash and a cake, a Guinness World Records spokesman said today.

New Yorker Chanel is 147 in dog years. She struggles to see, hear and walk, but the off-white Daschund-cross, is still able to enjoy the finer things in life.

Her owners Karl and Denise Shaughnessy from Long Island like to dress her up in little jumpers and sunglasses or 'doggles' to protect her ancient eyes from the sun's glare.

Karl, a retired police officer, said: 'This dog is a real work of art.'
Chanel is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living dog after she snatched the title from Bella, a 29-year-old Labrador cross from Britain.

Bella, who was 203 in doggy years, died from a heart attack in her Lincolnshire home in September last year.

Karl's wife, Denice, adopted Chanel from an animal shelter in Virginia when she was just six-weeks-old.

Denice, then 30, was working as a court reporter in the Army. She rescued Chanel for her 12-year-old daughter, but the dog became more fond of Denice.

"Chanel was always very athletic," Denice said, recalling how they used to run three-to-four miles a day together.
Even 21 years later, Denice and Chanel still enjoy walks around their suburbs. But the dachshund now has to be carried and spends most of her time in the Shaughnessy's kitchen.

"We don't have to take her outside to to go and we don't take her out at all in the wintertime," Karl said. "We try to protect her as much as we can." Chanel is starting to look a bit frail, is hard of hearing and fighting a battle with cataracts but her physical impairments are small in comparison to her grand age.#

She celebrated her birthday with a visit to the New York Dog Hotel and Spa where she was joined by some doggy friends.

Chanel's vet Phillip Zangara, of the Roosevelt Animal Hospital in Port Jefferson Station, N.Y said: 'She's the oldest dog we have ever seen.

"She is defying every odd right now. I'm surprised at just about everything about her. She has the body of a six-year-old." Chanel has become slightly crotchety with age and has been known to snap a nip at strangers. But Denice says she still has a fairly calm disposition.

'She doesn't like to be bothered or have her face washed.

'And she doesn't let anybody hold her except me nowadays,' she said.

Denice has thought about the future for her aged pooch. She hopes she will never have to make a decision to put her down/
'I absolutely love her so much, and I am really just hoping that when it is time to go, she just goes in her sleep,' she said.

The oldest dog ever recorded was Bluey, a sheepdog from Australia, who lived to be 29.

5/02/2009

Can your pet get Swine Flu?

The following is a message from the ASPCA. Don't worry, pet parents! The recent, rapid outbreak of the H1N1 virus, previously known as swine flu, appears to present little risk of infecting our furry friends. In the past few weeks, only humans have been affected by the new virus, and it's still unknown how the virus will impact other species.

"Currently there's no data demonstrating any risk of dogs and cats contracting this strain of the virus," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City. "However, owners of pet pigs, as well as farmers, should monitor their animals' health more closely and take steps to limit transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa."

If you do count a pet pig as your animal companion, please consult with your veterinarian about a Type A influenza vaccine, which is available and recommended for all healthy swine.

Dr. Miranda Spindel, Director of ASPCA Veterinary Outreach, adds: "Swine influenza or swine flu is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease in swine throughout the world. Like most influenza A viruses, swine flu generally causes high levels of illness in pigs, but fatalities are uncommon."

For the latest information about the outbreak and your pet's health, please visit the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu). If you suspect your pet is ill or if he exhibits any sudden changes in behavior, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Read the ASPCA's official statement on swine flu.

3/22/2009

HB 3180: No More Puppy Mills

Take Action!

Quick Summary: HB 3180, a bill that will require licensing and regulation of large-scale commercial dog and cat breeding operations, is now pending in the Texas Legislature. This bill was written specifically to address the animal cruelty that is inherent in the puppy mill industry and will require that minimum standards of care, treatment and housing be met by puppy mill operators. Important Note: Hobby breeders who keep no more than 10 intact female dogs are exempt from licensing and regulation.

What can you do to help?
Spread the word! To increase the number of people contacting their legislators, please forward this alert to friends and family who love animals. Ask them to go to www.THLN.org, watch the puppy mill video and sign up to receive Action Alerts. A bill summary for HB 3180 is also posted on the site.

Each Action Alert will give you the progress of the bill and the names of legislators to contact to make your voice heard for the animals now suffering in puppy mills. As soon as HB 3180 is scheduled for a committee hearing, you will receive an alert.
This bill must be passed in a committee hearing before it can go to the House of Representatives for a vote. Please don't assume that this will be easy. Puppy mills operate in backwoods areas and in the shadows of our communities, but their owners have a strong lobby force at work to kill this legislation. They are driving paranoia among the hobby breeders who have not read this bill and are not aware that they are exempt from licensing and regulation, as long as they have no more than 10 intact female dogs.

Tell us your story.
Did you buy a puppy you believe may have come from a puppy mill?
Are you concerned about a potential puppy mill in your area?
Are you a shelter or rescue staff person who has assisted in puppy mill related work?
Do you have a question or comment about puppy mills?

Please share your story or question with THLN by clicking here. Please note that we are unable to accept attachments (including photos) at this time.

If you love dogs and cats, this is one of the most important bills you can help pass to protect them from cruelty. More than 700,000 dogs and cats were destroyed in Texas animal control facilities last year, simply because there were no homes for them. Puppy mills are not only cruel and barbaric operations that are producing sickly puppies with genetic defects, they are mass contributors to the pet overpopulation problem.

Thank you for taking action. Please help us spread the word.

3/13/2009

NOT closing, JUST MOVING

That is correct! Not closing but only moving. I know it is short notice, but we have found the perfect permanent spot for Haute Dogs & Glitzy Paws. We will be moving to 26411 Preston Avenue this weekend. So we will be closed starting on Friday (the 13th) and will re-open Thursday (the 19th) while packing, moving and unpacking take place. Feel free to stop by to see what's going on, it's only right across the street.

We will be on the corner of Main Street & Preston Avenue. The building is an early 1900's house with a full kitchen and another room perfect for grooming. We will offer a large selection of raw, frozen & dehydrated diets and will also be introducing some new kibble dog & cat foods. We are welcoming back Honest Kitchen as well as a new dehydrated food. So stay tuned!!!

As most of you know Old Town Spring has stores that have been in business for years. We are very sorry to see Jessica from Libby Lulu's close her doors after 5 years in OTS, however we wish her the best of luck with her new incredible job designing floral masterpieces. Jessica & her mom Anita are wonderful people and we know they will be back to visit us soon.

Pictures of progress will be posted soon.

3/06/2009

DO NOT MISS THIS CLASS: Self-Defense Semiar



Allison Arnold will be holding a Self-Defense Seminar on Saturday March 28th at the Woodlands Aikido Center.

This is a must attend seminar where you can learn some basic and easy self defense moves and learn how to avoid hazards. If you have a child, please sign up. This is a Parent/Child learning program. We all know the dangers of strangers, but what if something was to happen? Would your child know what to do? Be safe, not sorry!

Colin & I have signed up and I encourage all of you to do the same.

Please contact Allison at 713/822-4312 for questions or for more informaiton.







2/28/2009

Chicken Chinnamon Cookies

Chicken Cinnamon Cookies
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup oatmeal
  • ¼ corn flour
  • ¼ cup oil
  • 1 tbl baking powder
  • 2 tbls of cinnamon

Pretty simple – just mix the ingredients to dough. Roll out and cut shapes. Cook at 350F/ 180C for around 20 mins.

2/21/2009

Feeding Shelter Animals wih Free Kibble


Mini Ausland, a mere 12 year old, has created Freekibble.com to feed hungry animals at local shelters around the country. Partnered with Castor and Pollux to ensure the animals are fed not just any kibble, but a very high quality, all natural delicious dinner.

Already expanding from Oregon to Florida, with no end in sight, her brainchild is not only worthy, but easy, fun and informative! Pick either Bow-Wow Trivia or Meow Trivia, and make a BIG difference in the lives of shelter animals. Just play their online trivia game (you may learn something along the way!) and they’ll donate the kibble.

Remember - every piece of kibble counts!
Visit Free Kibble to learn more or to make a donation.

2/20/2009

COLIN'S TENT SALE: this weekend

(Fri, Sat & Sun.)




ALL PET CLOTHES ON SALE!!!

For those of you who have visited us before know that the "Assistant Manager" loves to sell things out in front of the store, so this weekend you can benefit from Colin's eagerness to become "The Manager", when he says "We must make room for new designs."
ALL PET CLOTHES ON SALE!!!

Tanks Was $14 NOW $5
Dresses Was $15 NOW $8
Jackets Was $45 NOW $15
Raincoats Was $30-70 NOW $20 (all sizes)

25% of each sale will be donated to local rescue groups

BLOAT: The #2 Killer

BLOAT: THE MOTHER OF ALL EMERGENCIES
There are many injuries and physical disorders which represent life-threatening emergencies. There is only one condition so drastic that it over shadows them all in
terms of rapidity of consequences and effort in emergency treatment. This is the gastric dilatation and volvulus – the "bloat."

WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT SO SERIOUS?
The normal stomach sits high in the abdomen and contains a small amount of gas, some mucus, and any food being digested. It undergoes a normal rhythm of contraction, receiving food from the esophagus above, grinding the food, and meting the ground food out to the small intestine at its other end. Normally this proceeds uneventfully except for the occasional burp.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING BLOAT?
Classically, this condition affects dog breeds which are said to be "deep chested," meaning the length of their chest from backbone to sternum is relatively long while the chest width from right to left is narrow. Examples of deep chested breeds would be the Great Dane, Greyhound, and the setter breeds. Still, any dog can bloat, even dachshunds and chihuahuas.
Dogs weighing more than 99 pounds 
have an approximate 20% risk of bloat
Classically also, the dog had eaten a large meal and exercised heavily shortly thereafter. Still, we usually do not know why a given dog bloats on an individual basis. No specific diet or dietary ingredient has been proven to be associated with bloat. Some factors found to increase and decrease the risk of bloat are listed below:

Factors Increasing the Risk of Bloating
  • Feeding only one meal a day

  • Having closely related family members with a history of bloat

  • Eating rapidly

  • Being thin or underweight

  • Moistening dry foods (particularly if citric acid is listed as a preservative)

  • Feeding from an elevated bowl

  • Restricting water before and after meals

  • Feeding a dry diet with animal fat listed in the first four ingredients

  • Fearful or anxious temperament

  • History of aggression towards people or other dogs

  • Male dogs are more likely to bloat than females

  • Older dogs (7 - 12 years) were the highest risk group
Factors Decreasing the Risk of Bloat
  • Inclusion of canned dog food in the diet

  • Inclusion of table scraps in the diet

  • Happy or easy-going temperament

  • Feeding a a dry food containing a calcium-rich meat meal (such as meat/lamb meal, fish meal,chicken by-product meal, meat meal, or bone meal) listed in the first four ingredients of the ingredient list.

  • Eating 2 or more meals per day

  • Contrary to popular belief, the presence of cereal ingredients such as soy, wheat or corn in the first four ingredients of the ingredient list does not increase the risk of bloat.
In a study done by the Perdue University Research Group, headed by Dr. Lawrence T. Glickman, the Great Dane was the #1breed at risk for bloat. The St. Bernard was the #2 and the Weimaraner was #3.

In the study by Ward, Patonek, and Glickman reviewed the benefit of prophylactic surgery for bloat. Prophylactic surgery amounts to performing the gastropexy surgery (see below) in a healthy dog, usually in conjunction with spay or neuter. The lifetime risk of death from bloat was calculated, along with estimated treatment for bloat, versus cost of prophylactic gastropexy. Prophylactic gastropexy was found to make sense for at-risk breeds, especially the Great Dane, which is at highest risk for bloat.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG HAS BLOATED
The dog may have an obviously distended stomach especially near the ribs but this is not always evident depending on the dog's body configuration. The biggest clue is the vomiting: the pet appears highly nauseated and is retching but little is coming up. If this is seen, rush your dog to the veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

WHAT HAS TO BE DONE
There are several steps to saving a bloated dogs life. Part of the problem is that all steps should be done at the same time and as quickly as possible.


FIRST: THE STOMACH MUST BE DECOMPRESSED
The huge stomach is by now pressing on the major blood vessels carrying blood back to the heart. This stops normal circulation and sends the dog into shock. Making matters worse, the stomach tissue is dying because it is stretched too tightly to allow blood circulation through it. There can be no recovery until the stomach is untwisted and the gas released. A stomach tube and stomach pump are generally used for this but sometime surgery is needed to achieve stomach decompression.
ALSO FIRST: RAPID IV FLUIDS MUST BE GIVEN TO REVERSE THE SHOCK
Intravenous catheters are placed and life-giving fluid solutions are rushed in to replace the blood that cannot get past the bloated stomach to return to the heart. The intense pain associated with this disease causes the heart rate to race at such a high rate that heart failure will result. Medication to resolve the pain is needed if the patient’s heart rate is to slow down. Medication for shock, antibiotics and electrolytes are all vital in stabilizing the patient.
ALSO FIRST: THE HEART RHYTHM IS ASSESSED AND STABILIZED
There is a special very dangerous rhythm problem, called a "premature ventricular contraction" or "pvc," associated with bloat and it must be ruled out. If it is present, intravenous medications are needed to stabilize the rhythm. Since this rhythm problem may not be evident until even the next day continual EKG monitoring may be necessary. Disturbed heart rhythm already present at the beginning of treatment is associated with a 38% mortality rate.
Getting the bloated dog's stomach decompressed and reversing the shock is an adventure in itself but the work is not yet half finished.

SURGERY
All bloated dogs, once stable, should have surgery. Without surgery, the damage done inside cannot be assessed or repaired plus bloat may recur at any point, even within the next few hours and the above adventure must be repeated. Surgery, called gastrpexy, allows the stomach to be tacked into normal position so that it may never again twist. Without gastropexy, the recurrence rate of bloat may be as high as 75%!
Assessment of the internal damage is also very important to recovery. If there is a section of dying tissue on the stomach wall, this must be discovered and removed or the dog will die despite the heroics described above. Also, the spleen, which is located adjacent to the stomach may twist with the stomach. The spleen may require removal, too.
If the tissue damage is so bad that part of the stomach must be removed, the mortality rate jumps to 28 - 38%.
If the tissue damage is so bad that the spleen must be removed, the mortality rate is 32 - 38%.
After the expense and effort of the stomach decompression, it is tempting to forgo the further expense of surgery. However, consider that the next time your dog bloats, you may not be there to catch it in time and, according the study described below, without surgery there is a 24% mortality rate and a 76% chance of re-bloating at some point. The best choice is to finish the treatment that has been started and have the abdomen explored. If the stomach can be surgically tacked into place, recurrence rate drops to 6%.

RESULTS OF A STATISTICAL STUDY
In 1993, a statistical study involving 134 dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus was conducted by the School of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, Germany.
Out of 134 dogs that came into the hospital with this condtion:
  • 10% died or were euthanized prior to surgery (factors involved included expense of treatment, severity/advancement of disease etc.)

  • 33 dogs were treated with decompression and no surgery. Of these dogs, 8 (24%) died or were euthanized within the next 48 hours due to poor response to treatment. (Six of these 8 had actually re-bloated)

  • Of the dogs that did not have surgical treatment but did survive to go home, 76% had another episode of gastric dilatation and volvulus eventually.

  • 88 dogs were treated with both decompression and surgery. Of these dogs, 10% (9 dogs) died in surgery, 18% (16 dogs) died in the week after surgery, 71.5% (63 dogs) went home in good condition. Of the dogs that went home in good condition, 6% (4 dogs) had a second episode of bloat later in life.

  • In this study 66.4% of the bloated dogs were male and 33.6% were female. Most dogs were between ages 7 and 12 years old. The German Shepherd dog and the Boxer appeared to have a greater risk for bloating than did other breeds.

Meyer-Lindenberg A., Harder A., Fehr M., Luerssen D., Brunnberg L. Treatment of gastric dilatation-volvulus and a rapid method for prevention of relapse in dogs: 134 cases (1988-1991) Journal of the AVMA, Vol 23, No 9, Nov 1 1993, 1301-1307.

Another study published December of 2006 looked at 166 dogs that received surgery for gastric dilatation and volvulus. The point of the study was to identify factors that led to poor prognosis.

  • A 16.2% mortality rate was observed. The mortality rate for dogs over age 10 years was 21%.

  • Of the 166 going to surgery, 4.8% were euthanized during surgery, and the other 11.4% died during hospitalization (2 of dogs died during surgery). All dogs that survived to go home were still alive at the time of suture removal.

  • 34 out of 166 dogs had gastric necrosis (dead stomach tissue which had to be removed). Of these dogs 26% died or were euthanized.

  • Post-operative complications of some sort occured in 75.9% of patients. Approximately 50% of these dogs developed a cardiac arrhythmia.

  • Risk factors significantly associated with death prior to suture removal included clinical signs of bloating for greater than 6 hours before seeing the vet, partial stomach removal combined with spleen removal, need for blood transfusion, low blood pressure at any time during hospitalization, sepsis (blood infection, and peritonitis (infection of the abdominal membranes).
(Beck, J.J., Staatz, A.J., Pelsue, D.H., Kudnig, S.T., MacPhail, C.M., Seim H.B, and Monnet, E. Risk factors associated with short-term outcome and development of perioperative complications in dogs undergoing surgery because of gastric dilatation-volvulus: 166 cases (1992-2003). Journal of the AVMA, Vol 229, No 12, December 15, 2006, p 1934-1939.)

In is crucially important that the owners of big dogs be aware of this condition and prepared for it. Know where to take your dog during overnight or Sunday hours for emergency care. Avoid exercising your dog after a large meal. Know what to watch for. Enjoy the special friendship a large dog provides but at the same time be aware of the large dog's special needs and concerns.

2/19/2009

Houston Zoo Welcomes Miles

He’s very tall and very cute and brand new. Early Friday morning, January 30 the Houston Zoo welcomed the birth of a bouncing baby boy Masai giraffe. “He was born around 6:30 a.m. and by 7:50 a.m. he was standing on his own,” said Houston Zoo Supervisor Laurie McGivern. “He’s 69 and a half inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. He’s has all the appearances of a strong and healthy boy,” said McGivern.
Miles can now be visited at Houston Zoo giraffe exhibit. “When Miles is in his barn stall Zoo guests can view him through the stall window at the rear of the giraffe exhibit,” said McGivern. “The staff will also be presenting Meet the Keeper Talks with him at various times during the day,” added McGivern. Zoo guests are encouraged to visit the Zoo’s Web site at http://www.houstonzoo.org/ for the Meet the Keeper Talk schedules at the giraffe exhibit.

2/15/2009

CLINIC: Crystal & Color Therapy for Animals

When: Sunday, February 22nd
Location: Kim’s farm near Manvel/Alvin, off 288, 30 minutes south of Houston medical center
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: $125 w/$75 deposit (Paypal and checks accepted)

The use of crystals dates back to at least 25,000 BC. Today, even the medicine men or shamans of the American Indians, Aborigines, and Bushmen still use stones and crystals. Scientists have proven that crystals emit a certain energy vibration. All crystals have healing properties that can help people and animals.

Crystals can help with:
*Physical conditions such as wounds, digestive problems, arthritis, inflammation, pain, allergies, respiratory conditions, and circulatory problems.
*Emotional conditions such as anxiety, shyness, fear, aggression, compulsive behavioral issues, and hormonal imbalances.

Colors also emit energy and can having healing effects, whether it is color on a piece of paper, fabric, or from a crystal.

You will learn the following:
Brief (and fascinating) history of crystals
Benefits of crystals for animals
Healing properties of 19 different crystals
Healing properties of colors
How to administer crystal healing
How to administer color therapy
How to make a custom crystal flower essence including making one as part of workshop
Using a crystal massage wand
Using a crystal pendulum
Animal reactions to crystals
How to properly cleanse crystals
Crystal resources
Bring your animals or photos and muscle test to find out which crystals and colors would be helpful.
You can also muscle test yourself to find out which crystals and colors are helpful for you.
Workshop includes manual, pocket reference card, and a certificate of completion.

Various crystal options are available for purchase.
Crystal beads (6mm & 8mm) can be purchased individually
Set of 19 crystal beads
Metal jewelry cages to hold crystal beads (that go on collar or halter)
Lemurian seed crystals
Crystal massage wands
Crystal pendulums for energy work
Sage is an excellent way to cleanse your crystals

For more information, contact Kim Shotola, 713-822-4382 or visit
www.TheLightfootWay.com

Proper Nail Care for Dogs & Cats

Grooming: Proper Nail Care for Dogs & Cats

When you groom your pet, it is important to incorporate nail care into the routine. Untrimmed nails can be a problem whether it’s scratching up floors and furniture to deformed feet for your pet. In some cases, pain and discomfort can also accrue. (Consider weekly or by-weekly pedicures for your pet)

When is it time?

When your dog walks for instance, if you hear a little pitter patter, in other words, a clicking sound of nails hitting the floor, you’ll know for sure it’s time for a trim. But, with proper weekly nail care for your dog, it shouldn’t reach that point. For cats it can be jumping up or sitting on your lap kneading. You may even notice damage to your walls or furniture. When will I need?

First, invest in a good pair of dog nail trimmers for an appropriate size for your pets nails. Cat nail clippers for cats or puppy size will be satisfactory. With the right size nail trimmers, they can last a very long time. Replace clipper after a year if used on a weekly basis or two years if used on a monthly basis. Next you will need a septic power for any accidents that may happen. Finally a good file board to smooth out any rough edges.

Incorporate nail care into your dog’s weekly or monthly routine. Not only is it good for proper care, it will alert you to possible foot problems which may be lurking.

Remember!

If you are NOT an accomplish nail care trimming pro, please visit your us and we will either assist you in showing your proper technique or will do the trimming for you. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick and don’t forget the dewclaws!! If they haven’t been removed on your dog, dewclaws are approximately one to four inches above the feet on the inner side of the legs. If they’re not trimmed, they can grow incredibly long to curl up and grow into the soft tissue, not unlike an ingrown toenail.

So, once you incorporate weekly, by-weekly or monthly nail care into your pet’s grooming routine, it will become a habit for both you and your pet. At Haute Dogs & Glitzy Paws nothing is more important than your pets’ health and overall well being.

For more information about nail care for your pet, call us at 281-353-4347 or visit us at http://www.hautedogsglitzypaws.com/


Ingrown declaw on a cat
broken declaw on a maltipoo