Pawganics

Build Your Own First Aid Kit for your Dog or Cat

2009-10-08T08:30:00.000-04:00

How do you build your own First Aid Kit for those unexpected injuries? Although the contents for a First Aid Kit are somewhat similar, cats and dogs tend to experience different types of injuries largely because their mischievous behaviour is quite different. Here are some tips on how to build your own First Aid Kit to keep close by for those unexpected emergencies.

Creating a First Aid Kit for Your Cat

Most feline-related medical issues should be handled by a veterinarian. However, minor problems can be dealt with at home and some major problems can be stabilized before transport to a veterinarian's office using the following equipment. Place all of these items in one container (a small, plastic toolbox is ideal) and position it someplace easily accessible. Include the name and phone number of your veterinarian, along with the phone number of the nearest animal emergency clinic.

Roll cotton and cotton balls
Gauze pads and gauze tape
Heavy gloves
Scissors
Eyewash
Oral syringes
Large towel
Exam gloves
Surgical tape
Ice pack
3-percent hydrogen peroxide
Thermometer (preferably digital)

What Should Be in Your Dog First Aid Kit?

At a minimum, your dog first aid kit should contain the following:

Gauze sponges

Roll gauze and adhesive tape - vet wrap is best as it sticks to itself but not your dog's skin or fur.

Custom splints

Latex gloves to wear while treating wounds

Dog’s paperwork - including their health record, medications, immunizations, emergency clinic hours and contact information, your veterinarian's hours and contact information, and local and national poison control numbers.

Iodine swabs

Generic Benadryl tablets (for allergies) - consult with your vet before using

Styptic powder or pencil

Ear syringe

Eye wash or saline solution
Small flashlight

This is a condensed list of the essential first aid needs for your dog. Again, it is best to work together with your veterinarian to make sure that you have everything you might need to treat your dog's particular health needs.

How to Make Your Child Dog Friendly?

2009-09-23T10:58:00.000-04:00

The Fall is a busy time of year for many and there are many new and exciting things happening around your nieghbourhood including new puppies. Puppies seem harmless but puppies love to nip, chew, and even chase small children all of which could seen as fun or quite frightening for a child. Parents should be aware that some dogs perceive direct eye contact as a threatening behaviour. Why is this important? Parents need to be keenly aware that this might present a problem as many children eyes are at eye level with a dog. As an adult supervising your child’s activity you will want to be close enough all of them to intervene if a problem arises.

The interaction between a child and a strange dog can be an endearing. These interactions can potentially inspire a child to desire making a dog a part of their family someday when they grow up. By taking simple precautions, everyone can end up with a smile on their face and enjoy the experience -child, parent, dog, and dog owner. Here are some simple tips for parents for a child approaches a dog and their owner:
1) Ask the dog’s owner if their dog is friendly and can the child pet their dog
2) Offer a back hand fist or hand out with fingers down
3) Let the dog approach the child to sniff
4) Pet a dog gently reaching from the side, not over its head
5) Ask the dog’s owner if you and your child can offer their dog a treat, as dogs remember those who reward them
6) Ensure that your child refrains from screaming, yelling, running around a stranger's dog

Barleepalooza @ Milton Fairgrounds

2009-08-24T10:21:00.002-04:00

FREE ADMISSION!!!!

Pawganics will be a vendor and offering a door prize at this exciting event.

Help us to stuff a crate with donations of collars, leashes, toys, treats, and other doggie accessories.

* Silent Auction/ Raffles/ 50-50 Draw
* Giant Bouncy Castle for the Kids
* Pet Contests/ Children's Activities
* Meet some of the animals up for adoption
* Fun for the whole family

** Don't forget the dog!**

Saturday August 29, 2009 10am – 5pm
Milton Fairgrounds - Rain or Shine!

Dog Days of Summer at Todmorden Mills - Sunday Aug 23rd

2009-08-16T21:35:00.003-04:00

Come meet the Founder of Pawganics at Dog Days of Summer
Sunday, August 23, 12 to 4 p.m.

Back by popular demand! Todmorden Mills is going to the dogs! Bring your favourite pooch and enjoy an afternoon of doggie fun. Participate in contests and games; have your dog's portrait taken by a professional photographer; learn about canine health and wellness; shop for treats and trinkets; and more! Free admission (Some activity fees may apply).

Don't miss this great afternoon for for dogs and their owners in a lovely outdoor setting in the heart of the Don Valley.

For more information, please call 416-396-2819 or email todmorden@toronto.ca

Please search our events database by venue for more information on all events offered at Todmorden Mills.

Directions:

67 Pottery Road Map it
todmorden@toronto.ca
416-396-2819

If The Cat's Away The Allergens Can't Play

2009-07-20T08:40:00.003-04:00

Wipe Allergens Off The Baseboards

The same sticky residue of dried dander and saliva that can cover your walls clings to your baseboards as well. Regularly using a spray cleaner to wipe down the area where the wall meets the floor can make a measurable difference. If you have baseboard heating that blows air around the room, pay special attention to the wall area above the baseboard.

Make Certain Rooms Off-Limits For Your Cats

Keep cats out of rooms where allergy sufferers spend a lot of time. This may sound obvious - or it may seem very restrictive towards your cat(s) - but it will really make a difference. The most important off-limits room should be the bedroom: exposing an allergic person to cat dander all night will kick allergic reactions into high gear. In fact, cats should not be allowed on the bed at any time, since that will cause the same reaction when the bed is being slept in. Keeping closet doors closed will also help in reducing the number of allergens that are found in clothing, sheets and other materials.

Summer Fun for Your Dog Can be Simple... Arrange for a Doggie Playdate

2009-07-16T08:42:00.003-04:00

Dogs have so much energy and love to play, Coby, a Shetland sheepdog is no exception. Although we love our dog(s), sometimes you need a break from the energizer “bunny”. Providing regular physical activity is important for releasing excess energy, but to ensure a healthy long life for your dog. A doggie playdate is a great option and can provide you from breathing room from finding new paths and trails for you and your dog to explore. Here are some tips to start the fun.

1. Doggie Daycare - Enrolling your dog in Doggie Day Care full time or for a few hours while you are at work or running errands is a great way to give your dog exercise & socializing time. Many of these day cares have outdoor & indoor play areas. Just make sure to bring your dogs’ tags & vaccination records. Ask the daycare workers who your dog gets along with during most of the day and then talk to those dogs owners about setting up a time to play on the weekend.

2. Off-Leash Dog Parks - You will find a wide variety of dogs at an off leash dog park so your dog is sure to hit it off with one of them. This is a great way to get to know neighbours and interact with their dogs. Often times if dogs like each other the owners will arrange to meet regularly at pre=established time of day for a meet, romp and play time. If you don’t know how to find a local off-leash park go to your City website to find a list of approved parks. These lists helps dog owners find the pet-friendly parks close to their homes or in destinations they’re planning to visit.

3. Join a Play Group - If you don’t feel comfortable bringing your dog to an off leash park, you can join a breed specific or dog personality specific play group that suits your dogs demeanour, size & age. Some communities have indoor venues that cater to these breed specific groups to provide a safe place for dogs to play. If you have a smaller breed this might be a great option if you worry that your dog will get hurt playing in the park with bigger dogs.

4. Advertising for Local Playmates - Place an ad in a local pet publication or on Craigslist is another option r that perfect doggie playmate. This is a great option if you don't have a dog park in the area, no neighbourhood pups, you live in an apartment, or you are looking for that one special dog playmate. Note in your ad the type of playmate, playmates and situation you are looking for.

5. Call a friend-If you have friends with dogs set up an activity with them that includes your dogs. A day at the park, beach or even in your backyard can be fun for you, your friend and your four-legged pals.

Mowfest at Merrill Bridge Park

2009-07-10T14:15:00.003-04:00

A big SHOUT OUT to everyone who turned out on Wed evening for MowFest. The gesture of taking care of the neighbourhood hit the news. The Toronto Star pubished a picture July 9, 2009 of mowers hard at work. Friday, July 10th The Star published an article about residence taking back the parks. This led to a radio interview with 680News at 8:20 this morning. Let's hope the 15 minutes of fame is over!

Clink on the link to the article: http://www.thestar.com/article/663812.

Summer Dog Events in Toronto

2009-07-10T14:13:00.001-04:00

Toronto Blue Jays 6th Annual Dog Day
Warm weather, and walking the dog go together like a collar and leash.
Here are a couple of events worth ckecking out.
Toronto Blue Jays 6th annual DOG DAY Sunday, July 26 http://www.bluejays.com/

Dog Days of Summer
Sunday, August 23, 12 to 4 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Todmorden Mills is going to the dogs! Bring your favourite pooch and enjoy an afternoon of doggie fun. Participate in contests and games; learn about canine health and wellness; shop for treats and trinkets; and more! Free admission. http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/todmorden.htm

Ouch - The Pavement is Hot

2009-07-06T08:00:00.004-04:00

Protect your pooch’s paws this summer…

Don’t forget that pavement is warmer than the air in the summer; imagine what your dog’s paws go through pounding the sidewalks all season long! Protect your dog from injuries to the pads of their paws. The Warmer temperatures are here, and that blacktop pavement absorbs heat, and can get a lot hotter than air temperature.

One way to decide if your dog needs to wear booties is to remove your shoe and place your own foot on the pavement. If the pavement is too hot for you to walk on, it is too hot for your dog. Service dogs and other working dogs are at particular risk for burn injuries

Pawganics offers a variety of shoes to address this concern. All Weather Muttluks features a breathable, waterproof exterior fabric and are suited for either hot or cold weather conditions. The All Weather Muttluks are perfect for hot sand, hot pavement, hiking, rain or snow.

EPIKS utilize the differences in the shapes and angles of a dog's front and hind legs to create separate designs for both sets of paws. Both are great options to protect your pet’s paws this summer.

Get out and enjoy the summer. Your dog will thank you for it... don't forget the water.

Laura King Hahn
Founder, Pawganics

Woofstock - June 13th & 14th, 2009

2009-06-06T09:36:00.003-04:00

Pawganics and Stef and Your Dog (www.stefandyourdog.com) will be a vendor at Woofstock

When Woofstock launched in 2003, the Toronto Star called it “the summer of canine love”. What else can you call 140,000 dog lovers and their four-footed friends coming together each year for this wildly popular doggie love-in!

Woofstock is the largest outdoor festival for dogs in all of North America. One year it was beamed around the world on CNN for the entire weekend. There is no other festival like it in North America.

Woofstock is the largest festival for dogs and their owners on the continent. And we're now world famous. We're "front and centre" – taking up a good stretch of Front Street (as well as adjoining side streets) and just steps from the centre of the city in one of Toronto’s most upscale neighbourhoods, the St. Lawrence Market area.

Quirky and fun, Woofstock is a free admission non-stop party.

SLOBBERFEST - Free Pawganics Treats in Admission Bags

2009-05-30T08:52:00.003-04:00

Pawganics will be offering free sample treats in admission bags. Come and join the fun!

Presented by Community 55- Third Annual Beach Dog-lovers Festival
Today - SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Free Admission
Leuty Pavillion (Bottom of Lee Avenue on the Boardwalk)

A dog day at the Leuty Pavillion when Slobberfest kicks off its third annual Beach dog-lovers festival in the Beach. The fundraising event for Community Centre 55, a city of Toronto agency and an award-winning charity will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2008. Proceeds from Slobberfest will go to Community Centre 55's Share a Christmas Programme and Pet Lover's Programme. Last Christmas the Pet Lovers Programme gave food and treats to nearly 500 dogs and cats through the money raised at last years Slobberfest. We hope to do even more this year.

The opening ceremonies will kick off at 11:00 a.m. with the Slobberfest Pack-a-thon Parade.

Both ends of the leash are invited to Slobberfest. The event will see dogs of every size, colour and description showing off while their owners shop and network. There will be a series of contests for dogs to participate in such as: Slobber King & Queen, Canine Diva Award, Best Canine Trick, Best Canine Howl, Longest Tail and not to mention the coveted Dog/Owner Look-a-Like award. The event will also have workshops by Hillar Sora, who will speak on health and exercise for your pet and Dr. Mitelman who is a professional Veterinarian who will be on hand for an Ask the Vet workshop.

Find Slobberfest today at the Leuty Pavillion (bottom of Lee Avenue on the boardwalk). Slobberfest is free to the public and is accessible by TTC.

For more information please visit: www.centre55.com

POSTPONED - Merrill Bridge Park Notice of Public Meeting

2009-04-21T22:06:00.002-04:00

The Merrill Bridge Dog Park Association has been notified that the Public Meeting scheduled for April 29th has been postponed. At this point, we have received notification of a new meeting date. We will continue to request that the Public Meeting be rescheduled ASAP. Please stay tuned for additional information.

Laura King Hahn
Founder, Pawganics
Member, Merrill Bridge Dog Park Association

Merrill Bridge Park Notice of Public Meeting

2009-04-18T09:41:00.002-04:00

City of Toronto
Parks, Forestry & Recreation

Notice of Public Meeting
Information Update

Parks, Forestry and Recreation Staff are hosting a public information update meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend.

An area of MERRILL BRIDGE ROAD PARK has been assessed for its suitability for dogs off-leash activities.

The purpose of this meeting is to:

Review the Dogs Off-Leash Area that has been approved by Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Location:
Beeches Recreation Centre,
2nd Floor, Large Room, #4
6 Williamson Road
North of Queen, at Lee Ave)

For further information, please contact:

Park Supervisor: Scott Attwood • Phone: (416) 392-1981

Health Canada Advises Consumers to Follow Label Directions on Flea and Tick Pest Control Products for Use on Cats and Dogs

2009-04-17T14:11:00.001-04:00

Advisory
2009-60
April 16, 2009
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Current data from Health Canada's Pesticide Incident Reporting Program suggests there may be a potential for adverse reactions in cats and dogs from the use of flea and tick control products applied to the skin and sold in stores as pesticides. These products can be identified by a Pest Control Product or PCP Registration Number on the label.

This advisory does not include flea and tick products sold as veterinary drugs, identified by a Drug Identification Number, or DIN, that are regulated by Health Canada. Health Canada is analyzing these veterinary drugs to determine if similar incidents have been reported.

While many people have used these products without any harmful effects on their pets, adverse reactions reported range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and in some cases death. As such, Health Canada is taking a precautionary approach and is advising pet owners to carefully read and follow all instructions noted on the product labels. Pet owners that are concerned with the use of flea and tick products should consult a veterinarian to ensure the product is appropriate and used safely.

Incidents with flea and tick products involve the use of spot-on treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos, although the majority of the incidents relate to spot-on products. Spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back.

Pet owners are advised to follow these important safety tips:

1. Use flea and tick control products only on the animal specified by the product label - dog products for dogs, cat products for cats.
2. Apply only the amount indicated for the size and/or weight of the animal being treated. Consult your veterinarian if your pet is sick, aged, pregnant, nursing, is on medication or is exposed to other pesticides, as it may have additional sensitivity to the product.
3. Consult a veterinarian if your pet experiences an adverse effect such as described above.
4. Observe your pet closely during and after the treatment and monitor for any signs of an adverse reaction, particularly when using these products on your pet for the first time, as pets have varying sensitivities to pesticides.
5. Report any adverse effects to the manufacturer who is required by law to report it to Health Canada. Contact information can be found on the product label. You may also report an incident directly to Health Canada by completing the appropriate form and send it by mail to the address on the form.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified similar concerns with the use of flea and tick products. Health Canada and the EPA are currently working with product manufacturers and veterinary health professionals to address this issue.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact the Pest Management Information Service, toll-free, at 1-800-267-6315.

- 30 -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Catch Those Bubbles Kitty

2009-02-09T20:58:00.004-05:00

Trying to exercise a older kitty can be tough. I know as my cat Jade, now 12 years does not have the same spunk she used to. One solution to this problem that still gets her going is catnip bubbles - available at most local pet stores. Jade loves to pounce on the bubbles that land on the floor. You can use the bubble solution indoors on a cold winter day to add some spice to your cats indoor routine or on a warm, breezy day, with all the windows open to create a roomful of bubbles to chase.

Here is some easy solutions if you cannot find catnip bubbles in your local pet store. Make your own by mixing together 1/2 cup dishwashing liquid, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons glycerin, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Other option is buying a jar of bubble solution for children. When you blow your bubbles, face in different directions so they scatter around the room. Alternate between blowing through the plastic wand that came with the bubble solution and waving the wand through the air.

Your cat will have fun trying to catch the bubbles -- and you will be very entertained guaranteed!

Canadian Living Magazine seeks cute pet pics

2009-02-05T12:59:00.000-05:00

February 05, 2009 | By Kristin Laird

Canadian Living is encouraging readers to capture their furry, feathered, scaly or finned friends on camera for its “Most Lovable Pet Photo and Video Contest.”

The contest, sponsored by Eukanuba, Dyson and Epson, asks readers to capture comical, mischievous and adorable images of their pets on still or video camera, which can then be uploaded to PetContest.CanadianLiving.com.

This is the second year the magazine has hosted the contest, although it’s the first year it has accepted video submissions. The magazine received 13,000 photo submissions last year, and has received over 1,700 entries since the contest launched last Monday.

“Our readers love pets,” said Doug O’Neill, executive editor of the Transcontinental Media-owned magazine. “Pets just seem to be one of those growing things—people love showing off their pets, and people love to contribute to our website,” he said.

First place photo and video winners will receive the Dyson DC25 Animal vacuum, second place photo winners will receive an Epson Artisan 800 printer, second place video winners will receive a Dyson DC16 Animal vacuum, and third place photo and video winners will receive $100 cash.

The magazine is promoting the contest through newsletters, Transcontinental websites, blogs and a double-page spread that will appear in the March issue, which hits newsstands Monday.

February is Heart Month!

2009-02-04T07:51:00.002-05:00

Valentine's day is also just around the corner...

If the entire Canadian population followed the physical activity guidelines and did 60 minutes of physical activity a day, we could wipe out approximately one third of deaths related to coronary heart disease (Warburton, D. E. R., Katzmarzyk, P. T., Rhodes, R. E., & Shephard, R. J. (2007))

Our pet's need regular activity too. Those 60 minutes of activity don't have to be done all at once. There are plenty of fun things you can do, 10 minutes at a time, to get to that daily total. Break up walks and play time into 20 minute segments. Try a new games like hide and seek (my cat love this one and really gets into it). There are lots of safe fenced in dog parks available to let your dog off leash for some rough and tumble play time.

Get inspired and build in fun time to your daily routine. You and your pet will benefit from getting off the couch and get moving to shake off those winter blues.

MERRILL BRIDGE ROAD PARK Dogs' Off-Leash Area which is APPROVED.

2009-01-19T16:59:00.001-05:00

GOOD NEWS! re: MERRILL BRIDGE ROAD PARK Dogs' Off-Leash Area which is APPROVED.

I am pleased to announce that your application for an Off-Leash Area - MERRILL BRIDGE ROAD PARK - WARD 32 has been assessed by Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff and found suitable for a Dogs' Off-Leash activities in accordance with the People, Dogs and Parks Off-Leash policy pending the following requirements:

Fencing will be required along the West side of the off-leash area.

Watch for a Notice of a Public Information meeting in the future. And feel free to contact me or my staff directly at any time regarding matters of municipal concern.

SANDRA BUSSIN
Council Speaker -
Toronto City Council
City Councillor -
Beaches - East York - Ward 32
100 Queen St. West, Suite B28
Toronto ON M5H 2N2
EMAIL: councillor_bussin@toronto.ca
PHONE: 416-392-1376
FAX: 416-392-7444

Durham Humane Society Fire

2008-12-18T08:20:00.004-05:00

Please consider donating to the Durham Humane Society this holiday season to support them in their goal of finding a new and safe home for the 9 dogs and 2 cats that have survived this terrible fire.
______________________________________

Fire At Humane Society Kills 160 Cats, Destroys Shelter
Wednesday December 17, 2008
CityNews.ca Staff

Whether vandals, faulty wiring or an as yet undetermined cause is to blame, one thing is certain: the Durham Humane Society will never be the same.

"It's devastating. Totally devastating. So many deaths. They were all so innocent," Karin Martens, president of the society, choked out through her tears.

"We're still in shock. We really haven't come to terms with the fact that these animals that we work with day in and day out and love like our own pets are gone," added distraught manager Ruby Richards.

An unthinkable tragedy just one week before Christmas has destroyed the shelter and killed about 160 cats.

According to a police report, the felines died from smoke inhalation after the blaze broke out early Wednesday morning.

"And now there's no animals left," sobbed volunteer Lori Neakin.

"It's just devastating. It is. We've had some, you know, electrical problems. We've had plumbing problems. I thought it was maybe something in the back room."

Officials were only able to rescue nine dogs and two cats.

The Oshawa Fire Department was already on the scene at Waterloo Street when police officers arrived around 2:30am. The front of the building was completely engulfed in flames.

Christmas Tree Safety for Dogs and Cats

2008-12-15T21:47:00.002-05:00

1. Choose the Right Spot in Your Home for the Tree. Pick an area where the tree can be fun and enjoyed by the family without becoming a "climbing tower" for your pet. Secure the tree to the wall or ceiling, and place away from furniture. Furniture can serve as a step ladder for your pet to reach higher limbs on the tree. Try to place the tree near an outlet so you don't have to run electrical cords across the flour and for long distances.

2. Securing Your Tree. Cats (especially frisky kittens) love to climb trees which can be very dangerous for small children and for your rambunctious kittens. Kittens can be injured if the trees or ornaments fall and break. Dogs can inadvertently knock over a tree by rubbing against or playing underneath it. Increase the safety of the tree by securing it to a corner from two sides to small hooks in the walls. Another trick is to place a small hook in the ceiling above the tree and use clear fishing line from the top of the tree to the hook. The clear line is invisible.
3. Hide the Electrical Cords. Electrical cords are especially dangerous for pets. Puppies and kittens will chew on anything, including electrical cords, this can cause serious injury or even death. Secure the cords by positioning them higher than the pet can reach or hiding them with special covers.

4. No Hooks. Check your ornaments and replace hooks with a loop of string tied in a knot. Ornaments often fall from the tree and pets may catch their mouths on or swallow the hooks.

5. Choose Safe Ornaments. Pet "safer" bulbs would be plastic or wood. Glass bulbs on the lower limbs can be especially dangerous as pets can step on them and cut their feet. Pet can treat the glass bulbs like a ball and chew on them causing them to break, resulting in mouth or throat trauma and bleeding. There is no perfectly pet-safe bulb, as any ornament can be ingested and cause an intestinal obstruction. Many pet owners have learned the hard way not to place any ornaments on the lower limbs. Be aware that ornaments made of food may be especially attractive to pets.

6. Ribbons. Replace tinsel and garland with big red velvet ribbons. Tinsel and garland can be eaten by cats and dogs and become caught in their intestine. Cats are especially attracted to the bright shiny tinsel. Ingestion of this material can cause intestinal obstruction that may require surgery.

7. Gift and Presents. Dogs and cats love to investigate and don't understand that the presents are not meant to be opened before Christmas Day, particularly by them. The draw of decorative ribbons and string can be enticing and if ingested very dangerous. Gifts can be destroyed by a playful pet so consider storing the presents in a safe area until right before the holiday. Another option is to make sure your pet is always supervised while investigating and searching for his special gift.

8. Sweep and Water Pine Needles. Sweep up the pine needles. Ingestion of needles can cause vomiting and gastric irritation. Keep the tree watered and only turn the lights on when you are at home. Risk of fire is always there with a live tree. Do not allow your pet access to the tree water to drink.

9. Supervise. The safest thing to do is to allow your pet access to the tree only when supervised. Pets that continue to want to bother the tree should be encouraged – using positive reinforcement – to leave it alone. Bitter apple can be sprayed on low branches for persistent chewers.

10. Enjoy. The holiday season is a fun time of the year for family (human/ canine/ feline), friends, and colleagues. During the busy holiday season it is easy to forget that pets still need to spend time with their loved ones. Make time for walks, play time, and cuddle time.

Holiday Hazzards for Pets

2008-11-21T08:35:00.001-05:00

During the holiday season the house fills with the warm scent of baking; shiny, glittering decorations; and wrapped and ribboned gifts sure to tempt the curiosity of most pets, especially cats and dogs. As we deck the halls and feast upon treats it's important to be aware of potential dangers to your pet. Here are some safety tips to help your pet enjoy the holidays:

Tip 1: Prevent your pet from sneaking sweets
Holiday sweets with chocolate are not for pets - chocolate contains theobromine which can be poisonous to many animals, such as dogs, cats and ferrets, depending on the amount ingested. And, the less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it could be. For example, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more theobromine as milk chocolate. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increased thirst, urination and heart rate can be seen with the ingestion of as little as ¼ ounce of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.

Tip 2: Don't pass the platter to your pet
Maintain your pet's regular diet - just one "special" meal during the holidays may give your dog or cat severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals that have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. Holiday dinner leftovers also have lurking dangers for pets. For example, poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages. Greasy, spicy and fatty foods can cause stomach upset; spoiled or moldy foods could cause food poisoning, tremors or seizures. And don't forget to store the garbage safely out of reach from your pet.

Tip 3: Prevent accidental alcohol consumption
Don't place alcoholic drinks in reach of pets. If your pet ingests alcohol he can become very sick and weak and may go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

Tip 4: Keep toxic florals out of your pet's reach
Caution must be used when choosing to decorate your home with holiday florals such as mistletoe and holly berries, which can be potentially toxic to pets. Should a cat or dog eat mistletoe, they could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Holly can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and lethargy if ingested. Common holiday plants such as poinsettias are considered to be very low in toxicity, but they can still cause mild vomiting or nausea if ingested by your pet, and can irritate your pet's mouth. Lilies, appearing in many holiday floral arrangements, can cause kidney failure in cats. Beware of toxic varieties including: Asian, Casa Blanca, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Tiger. You may want to consider silk or plastic floral arrangements as a safe alternative, or placing plants out of reach of your pet.

Tip 5: Use Christmas trees with caution
From top to bottom, Christmas trees pose many dangers to pets. Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, and if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water may be full of bacteria, which could cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in your pet. Decorations such as ribbons are very attractive to pets, especially cats, and if ingested can cause intestinal obstruction. Sparkly lights are equally attractive, but can become life threatening if your pet decides to chew the cords. Consider decorating your tree, or at least the bottom third, with ornaments that are less likely to attract your pet's attention, such as dried non-toxic flowers, wood, fabric or pinecones. Ensure any tinsel, ribbons, ornaments and ornament hooks that fall to the floor are picked up immediately and secure your tree so that it can't be toppled or knocked over. Supervise your pet and use barriers (e.g. baby gates) and topical pet deterrents (e.g. bitter apple spray, a bad-tasting substance available from most pet stores) as necessary to keep your pet safe from holiday temptations.

Tip 6: Be watchful of toys that present choking hazards
If you have children's toys under your tree, be as cautious with your pet playing with them as you would a child. Toys with removable parts or small pieces pose a serious choking hazard for pets as well as children.

Tip 7: Take precautions to avoid pet escapes
With guests coming and going during the holidays take extra care that your pet does not escape outside and become lost. Cats in particular are prone to hiding and/or bolting when guests, especially a large number of them, visit your home. Dogs should also be carefully supervised as they may become over-excited with all of the holiday celebrations. One solution is to place your pet in a quiet, safe and comfortable part of the house away from all of the guests, but with access to food, water, litter box, etc. Alternatively, you may wish to use a crate, baby gate or x-pen (a metal exercise pen for dogs that comes in a variety of sizes) for short periods to keep animals from getting underfoot during the festive frenzy while allowing them to be part of the celebration.

Tip 8: Think carefully before giving a pet as a present
In addition to these precautions, also remember that the holiday season may not be the ideal time to bring a new animal into your home. If you have planned to add a new pet to your family during the holidays, ensure that you will be home to provide the care and attention your new family member will require as he adjusts to his new environment. Alternatively, you could adopt your pet before Christmas, but wait until after the holidays to bring him home - honour your family's pet adoption by placing a photo of him under the tree, or a stuffed animal representative of your new pet, or pet products and accessories for when he does arrive. While planned pet adoptions as gifts are great, it is not recommended to give pets as "surprise" gifts to friends or family members.

If you have questions related to holiday hazards, please contact your veterinarian.

Source: Ontario SPA www.ontariospca.ca

Come find us on Facebook!

2008-11-12T08:45:00.001-05:00

At Pawganics, we care about the health and wellness of your pet dog or cat and use only 100% organic products to create our treats. With our freshness and quality guarantee, you can feel great about giving your pet Pawganics Organic Pet Treats.
In addition to our line of 100%organic treats we also offer items for your pet’s special day, a wide variety of safe play toys and clothing that promotes safety, visibility, comfort and warmth for your pet.

“Our pets are part of our family… shouldn’t we offer the same opportunities for optimal health benefits as we offer our human loved ones” says King Hahn. Pawganics represents the melding of two passions to King Hahn - health and love of animals

Merrill Park Dog Association

2008-11-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

The Merrill Park Dog Association began July 14, 2008 to deal with the City of Toronto new off-leash policy. For decades Merrill Bridge Road Park has been informally used as an off leash park for dogs to train, run, play and socialize by dogs owners in the neighbourhood.

The city policy permitting off leash parks has made it necessary for dog and non dog owners in the neighbourhood to come together to address the new regulations; the result was the formation of the MPDA.

The first order of business for the association was to file an application. The application has been received by the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department.
A flyer with information about the association will be circulated in the neighbourhood, or you can read it on the following blog: www.merrillpkdogs.blogspot.com

Dog owners and non dog owners are welcome to join

Welcome to the Pawganics blog!

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This will be an accompanying space to our website where we will showcase our Pawganics line of organic pet treats & products, give you the scoop on upcoming events, or simply to share helpful information pertaining to the care of your pet.

We would like to start off by telling you a bit about the owner and founder of Pawganics. Laura King Hahn is a registered nurse with over 13 years working in health education and health promotion, with a particular emphasis on promoting heart health, healthy eating and regular physical activity. She particularly enjoys the Toronto Beach neighborhood, as it combines her passions – healthy living, regular physical activity, healthy doses of pets, and a sense of community.

The driving force behind Pawganics is a love of animals, and a desire to promote the best possible health for your pet. Offering your pet the opportunity to enjoy the health and flavour benefits of 100% organic pet treats, and promoting regular physical activity to bring out your pets’ zest
for life.