We LIVESTRONG Today and Every Day

Today is LIVESTRONG Day all around the globe. I, Twinkie, the teacup chihuahua, along with my pack and family are joining our community in support of the fight against cancer. Humans and pets alike have fallen victims to the big C. Most, including my family, have had direct and not so direct encounters. In memory of our lost friends, including the furry ones, and in support of those currently fighting the battle, we're going YELLOW today.

Dress Yellow, think Yellow, post in Yellow! Shout it out and spread the word, 'cause today is LIVESTRONG DAY as it should be every day.

In memory of our friends and our furiends who didn't live to see this day, I urge the rest of us to FIGHT ON!

It is a war, furiends. It's the war closest to home. Support our troops and think positive. Be aware and be thankful. Be proactive!

Twinkie

Proud to participate in LIVESTRONG Day

Dog Supplements For Our Senior Dog

Another emergency visit to the dog vet with our eleven-year-old sick dog. During the weekend, our senior dog, a dalmatian mix that weighs 64lbs, started to limp visibly and at times had difficulty getting up. After a thorough examination, I left the vet's with a $270 bill and an order to go get more dog supplements. Let me break it down.

Our senior dog developed her first of multiple dog tumors and started limping noticeably almost a year ago. I, the mom and owner, got all depressed and preparing obsessively for her trip to the rainbow bridge. I was so wrong. I lack experience in older dogs, that was all. The vet biopsied the tumor, declared it benign and asked me to put her on dog supplements, primarily dog glucosamine. I started her on those immediately and the change happened equally fast. I got my dog back. I was warned that there would be more tumors and not to worry so much. That came true. As for the supplements, I started her out on K-9 Liquid Health with glucosamine and MSM and when she "leveled" out I tried the Petco Joint Support III tablets. The switch gave her another boost. I plan to keep alternating her supplements about once a year.

Last weekend, while the vet's office was closed, my senior dog got worse than last time. She seemed unable to hold herself up. I waited patiently for my own vet because I don't trust the emergency clinic as much. I also gave her rimadyl that I had asked the vet to provide me with for emergencies.

Monday morning, we were at the vet's. Within a few minutes of our visit, the vet had a diagnosis ready. This wasn't a relapse. It wasn't even associated to the newly emerged tumors. The vet pulled a one inch piece of stick out of the front paw of my not really sick dog! But I had already checked my dog out meticulously! I hadn't missed it. It had simply pushed itself out, rejected by the dog's body, on that morning. The vet prescribed antibiotics for the affected area that was slightly pussy and swollen and proceeded to do a general exam. It is really important for older dogs to be seen by their vet regularly.

The vet was satisfied with my senior dog food choice. I have her on Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food, Fish and Sweet Potato Recipe because of the main ingredients that even a human would consume. She was also happy to hear about the dog supplements, but she said I was missing one important dog supplement: omega-3 fatty acids. For my dog of 64lbs, the vet was very specific; the recommended dosage for a dog of that size is 500mg. My vet stressed the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for older dogs. A series of studies published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) has shed light on the benefits derived by this supplement for dogs with osteoarthritis. I suppose everyone knows that an eleven year old is definitely afflicted by dog arthritis. While dog arthritis does not mean sick dog, it does mean special care.

The special care of an older dog suffering from arthritis is simple: keep the weight down (overweight dogs suffer more), consistent and regular exercise, dog glucosamine, and now omega-3 has been added to the list, along with a good quality dog food, not necessarily a specific senior dog food.

Once again, a couple of short days after the emergency dog vet visit, I see my spotted senior dog happily running around. Tomorrow I will start her again on her usual exercise regiment.

M--

Dog Allergies

There has been a general increase in allergies to humans and pets alike. At a seminar I recently attended, Liz Koskenmaki, DVM addressed the issue giving me plenty of information to pass on. Dr. Koskenmaki started out by saying that 50% of all her patients come due to allergies.

While she didn't discuss the cause of this phenomenon, she mentioned the three main dog allergy  causes and their manifestation. She also mentioned dog allergy treatment solutions for each cause.

The three main dog allergy causes are:

1. dog fleas
2. dog food allergies
3. environmental allergies

The patients may have ear issues, skin (yeast or bacterial infections), irritability, weight loss, and itching. For starters, the dog vet has to rule out three major things: ringworm, mites, and bacterial or yeast infections.

1. Allergies Caused by Dog Fleas

No dog is born with flea allergies. Flea allergy develops after exposure for a long period of time. That's why, according to vets, all canines should receive preventive dog flea control. Dog fleas are not easy to see, but that does not mean that your dog is free of them unless he's on medication. Dr. Koskenmaki suggested the use of Fronline Plus, Advantage, Advantix (caution: this one is toxic to cats!) as a way to prevent exposure to fleas, therefore overall avoidance of related dog skin allergies. When I questioned the current warnings against spot-on medications, she replied that the bad rep is due to formulations that come from other countries that are usually really cheap (she used Hartz as an example) that can indeed have devastating effects on our dogs. She also reassured me that overall, the "quality stuff" is still considered quite safe. She mentioned Fronline and Revolution as good choices, and that the only side effect she has personally seen from Frontline was minimal hair loss at the application site.

2. Dog Food Allergies

Dog food allergies are quite common. Many dogs are allergic to corn, byproducts, soy, added dyes . . . There are plenty of hypoallergenic dog food options to try first. If that does not solve your dog's food allergy issue, you should consider the possibility of protein allergies. It takes a dog about 3-5 years from birth to develop allergies to protein. In such cases, one can switch to lamb, venison, duck, rabbit, or fish dog food.  Another option to "test" protein allergies is to switch to hydrolyzed protein. Switching to a hydrolyzed protein diet is a way to diagnose food allergies, but it is not a diet your dog should be on long term. Remember, this diagnostic technique takes a while since it takes about 6 weeks for your dog's system to clear up. There are also blood tests available to diagnose dog food allergies, but they are not 100% correct.

3. Environmental Allergies

Environment related dog allergies are the worst. There is intradermal testing (skin testing) that shows exactly what your dog is allergic too. Based on those results, your vet can provide you with a special cocktail shot fit for your dog, but the process takes as long as 8 months.

Dog Allergy Treatment Suggestions

1. 30% of dogs will respond to antihistamines, which are found to be relatively safe to use even long term. 

2. Atopica: is an immunosuppresant drug with not too many side effects. It takes 2-4 weeks to work but it is not licensed for cats yet (although some vets do use it on cats).

3. Dog steroids: The results are instant BUT there are many side effects. They are tough on the liver and leave your dog prone to infections. 

4. Fish Oil for dogs: A great supplement that boosts the immune system, helps with dog allergies, strengthens the heart, brain, skin and nerves. 

Dog allergies are common and complicated to treat. This article should help guide you to think in the right direction or in the least in your communication with your personal vet.

Boston Terrier Visit

Roxie stopped by for a visit, but I didn't enjoy it much. I'm a tiny delicate teacup chihuahua and she's a healthy hyper Boston terrier. I got in my dog stroller, and she still didn't get it.

I gave her a piece of my mind.

Thank dog for my dog stroller!

Twinkie

Dear Twinkie | A Dog Advice Column

A dog advice column

PLEASE READ THE IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE BOTTOM

 ‪mayziegal‬ asked...
Thank you for all your very wise advices, Twinkie Doodle. I sure didn't mean to gets Frankie in troubles with his wives. But I kinda feel a deep connection with anybuddy else who has experience bear poop first-paw.



My question is this today. Remember how I went on date night with BOTH Booker Man and Mack? But, well, Mack has kinda disappeared off Blogworld and sweet Booker has been there with me through thick and thin. Do you think it's okay to consider myself exclusive with Booker? What if Mack comes back to Blogworld? Would that be awkward?



Take care of that big brain of yours, Twinkie! I don't know where we'd be without it!



Wiggles & Wags,


Mayzie

TVT: I personally don't get doggie monogamy. I respect those, like Frankie Furter (ex Frankie Flirter), who take the plunge, but I wouldn't ever limit myself to one beau. One of the advantages of being of the non human species is that we get to be polygamous. Now, I'm not talking about promiscuity, I'm only referring to dating and going out for frozen yöghund and movies. Relax, dear furiend and enjoy your time with your sweet Booker. I also recommend checking out our pet photo contest entries (Show Us Your Tongue) as a form of a doggie dating site, where we all meet and greet. I've personally picked out quite a few potential dating material doggies.
When Mack comes back to blogworld, he'll be too busy making excuses (like we all do) for his long and abrupt absence, to notice who you're dating.

I highly recommend you forget about exclusivity and broaden your horizons. Have a ball!

‪Tank‬ asked...
Another fine column Ms. Twinkie. You have a real gift for being able to sort through the gibberish that dogs write and getting right at the problem. Some of these dogs are just hopeless... I notice that they're back week after week after week with one silly question after another. I wonder how you keep your sanity (not a question for your column... unless you want it to be.) I think I'd be cursing and throwing things if I had to wade through letters like this every week. Did they ever legalize medicinal marijuana out there in sunny CA? Is that your secret?

TVT: I'll be glad to respond to you, after you're off your pain meds! You silly furiend. For the record, marijuana is not a stimulant. It is a depressant and a hallucinogen. I doubt I could have seen our last contest through had I been using marijuana. As for the legalization, medicinal marijuana use is indeed legal in Cali, but come November, even recreational marijuana may be legalized (although I  doubt it). Are you planning a move?

Enjoy your legal green grass as you fully recover

‪houndstooth‬ asked...
Well, Twink, Mom likes your advice better than mine, which involved cattle prod. 

We are sitting here in the dark on a stormy night with no electricity. I was wondering, what do you think is the best way to pass the time when you're sitting around in the dark?



Bunny

TVT: A power outage is the ideal time to play hide and seek. It's okay if you can't find because it's too dark. You can also have fun playing tug in the dark, and keep in mind that whatever you break doing that, will not be seen, at least for a few hours. You can also play fetch with glow in the dark dog toys,  or led toys, like the Nite Ize Led K-9 pet ball. You can work on your canine IQ by playing brain teasers. Your parents can line up a few bowls, egg cartons, boxes, hiding a treat under one. Finders, keepers! And if your parents are lazy, you can have a store-bought puzzle, such as the Nina Ottosson's Interactive Dog Toy, handy.  Another couple of fun dog puzzles you can also play in the dark are the Premier Twist and Treat Dog Toy and the Premier busy buddy Tug-a jug If you are not prepared and don't have any of the above mentioned items handy, then my best suggestion is to play the "drive your pawrents nuts" game. It's an easy and fun activity for dogs.

Don't ever consider going back to your Greek roots!

They have constant power outages over there.

‪Sonic‬ asked...
Hi Twink! My Pops enjoys your column so much that he's planning to put something similar in a magazine that he works on. But he doesn't think his client will allow him to let a dog answer questions. 



Humans are short-sighted like that, huh? Any ideas on how he can convince them that a dog is just as smart and can solve problems?



Sonic

TVT: Sure, Sonic. Have your humans sniff for cancer, bombs, or drugs and see how they fare. Then, dump them at a remote location and wait for them to come home. You rest and wait. And if that doesn't cover your question, think of all the times your humans kept staring at you blankly when you were trying to tell them something. Bottom line, who picks up who's poo?

The embodiment of K9 intelligence

Mango asked...
Dear Twinkie,



I have a question for your advice column. Why is it that many doggies seem to have trouble following instructions for exciting happy fun times competitions? Hehehe. Hahaha. Oh hohoho.



Slobbers,
 Mango

TVT: Since I've already established our superiority when our intelligence is compared to that of humans, I believe the problem is that most doggies had their humans enter them in the competition, and we all know how humans are. They don't read all of the instructions, they don't always get that email and blog addresses are  not the same, and fortunately for us, they all think that their pooch is so special that everyone should know his or her name. 

Mango laughing at his own jokes while getting Twinkie in trouble.

Frankie the chiweenie asked...

Mango has a point. Why don't you remind everyone about the Show Us Your Tongue pet photo contest and the deadlines?

TVT: At last! A question that makes sense. Good job, Frankie!

VOTING IN PROGRESS HERE

POLLS CLOSE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 10:00 A.M (PST)

ONLY FIVE VOTES PER PACK/TRIBE/HERD/FAMILY member

The results and the winners will be announced on

this blog on Tuesday, October 5th

Oskar asked...

Dear Genius Twinkie dog,
My mom person & I have created a new pet blogging site called Pet Blogs United.  www.PetBlogsUnited.com
It's a cool place to meet new friends, find out what's going on in the pet blogosphere, and get to be a Featured Blogger.
How can I spread the word to all of my friends?

Yours,

Oskar 

TVT: Like this!

GO TO PET BLOGS UNITED TO MEET NEW FURIENDS AND BE A FEATURED BLOGGER!

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.

* * *

THE IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 

As of today, Twinkie is taking a sabbatical for personal reasons and to do further work with animal rescues. The blog will not change. A blogger friend is going to be the new administrator, but he will NOT be monitoring comments. The pet photo contest results will be posted next Tuesday as scheduled.

I would like to thank you all my kind friends, furiends, and supporters. I will be seeing you in the future. Keep rocking, voting, laughing, and lighting up the animal blog-dom.

Now, go take on the day!

Twinkie Van Twinkerson

Our Next Pet Photo Contest

The Show Us Your Tongue pet photo contest was so much fun for everyone involved that I had an "aha" moment. The way to go is... various body parts. I am now thinking that the theme for my next pet photo contest will be: EARS

As I am currently recovering from Show Us Your Tongue, while I catch up on my work and chores, I'm brainstorming. Ears, bellies, be-hinds? I'm going to test them all, starting with the ears.

I have invited a few furiends to help me with my assessment.

First, we have the love goat demonstrating extreme ear action.

The chiweenie is doing a helicopter ear demonstration

The horse is demoing shaking ears

And, I, the teacup chihuahua, am doing a public demonstration of the boo-boo ear.

I wonder how this will go down in the animal blog-dom. Let's all catch our breaths and decide later as to the potential of such a theme for a pet photo contest.

Have a lovely week!

Twinkie

Pet Photo Contest A Howling Success

Back to reality, after National Dog Week. Today also marks the first day of voting on our pet photo contest: SHOW US YOUR TONGUE.

VOTING POLLS ARE NOW OPEN!

Click on the tab "Show Us Your Tongue" at the top of my blog

POLLS CLOSE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 10:00 A.M (PST)

ONLY FIVE VOTES PER PACK/TRIBE/HERD/FAMILY etc. 

The results and the winners will be announced on

Dear Twinkie on Tuesday, October 5th

I can't describe what this contest meant to me. Sure, many of you are aware that it was a lot of work, but work is easy when it's fun. Speaking of FUN, that was the general consensus. I have read that word over and over again, and that and some dog caffeine, kept me going with a big smile under my whiskers.  I got several emails stating that getting the Show Us Your Tongue posts together was a lot of fun! That's like paying me in a million dog treats! I thank you all. 

I have a bit of 'splaining I want to do. One of the participants emailed their pet photos and added, "I hope this brings traffic to your site." This made me stop and think for a moment. These past few days, I've been pushing out of my mind a disturbing thought: I am not posting links to your blogs with this event. Of course, I never said I would, since this was a contest for any pet that wanted to participate, regardless of whether on not they had a blog. I do want to bring traffic to my site, don't we all? I would never, in my teacup chihuahua honor though, try to fool anybody. The proof is through GABE (the Global Animal Blogging Event). All the links are still up, and they will stay up for as long as it's within my power. One more thing. I think most of you know by now that Dear Twinkie, my Tuesday dog advice column "gives" links. I hope this answers evereybody's questions. It is all done in good faith in the animal blog-dom, or so I want to believe.

I thank you again for your entries, encouraging comments, and incredible support! I couldn't have done it without you and your tongues!

Now let's see who the lucky Yöghund winners are going to be . . .

Twinkie