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Paws for Reaction
Dog and cat fact

Photo by Amarand Agasi Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA
The Akita dog breed: Loyal beyond belief

The Akita dog breed: Loyal beyond belief
Photo by gomagoti Foter.com CC BY-SA











Brave, bold and fiercely loyal the Japanese Akita is a great companion for experienced dog owners. With a little patience and a lot of training an Akita can be a valuable addition to your family, happily participating in your day to day activities right by your side.
Bringing Home the Bunny: Shopping list


Photo by pictographic Foter.com CC BY
Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.

The last part of my series for new rabbit owners is a quick checklist of items you need to welcome your new pet into your home.

I hope this helped you prepare for your new rabbit friend. Rabbits are so diverse and with so many sizes, breeds, and personalities out they can be a great new edition to your family.

Shopping List

-Large multi-level cage
-Water bottle
-Bedding
-Hay
-Pelleted rabbit diet
-Chew toys
-Corner litter pan
-Exercise pen or pet-fence
-Hiding house
-Hay manger
-Food dish/manger
-Pet safe cage disinfecting cleaner
-Poop scoop


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Bringing Home the Bunny: Illnesses and common diseases 

pet rabbit care illnesses common diseases
Photo by Robobobobo Foter.com  CC BY-SA

Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.
 
Bringing Home the Bunny: Proper care and socialization

pet rabbit care everything you need to know about your pet bunny socialization
Photo by Cloudtail Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND
Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.

Bringing Home the Bunny: Diet, food, and nutrition 

pet rabbit food and nutrition care
Photo by jemoström photo Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND


Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.
Bringing Home the Bunny: Grooming and cleanliness


rabbit care and grooming
Photo by Robobobobo Foter.com CC BY-SA

Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.
Bringing Home the Bunny: Environment and homemaking 

Everything you need to know about pet rabbits
Photo by  Svadilfari Foter.com CC BY-ND


Bringing Home the Bunny is a seven-part blog series about what to expect when becoming a new rabbit owner.
Bringing Home the Bunny: Cages and rabbit rooms



They are cute and cuddly and can be fun to watch as they play and hop for hours. Rabbits are gentle, social creatures with big personalities, and even bigger popularity with pet parents. These little cuties are commonly thought of as part of the rodent family, but they are in fact lagomorphs.
Wet paws and water logged dogs

Photo by nromagna Foter.com CC BY

 
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The pet food industry: the basics in understanding the pet foods on the market today


Photo by Brian Hathcock Foter.comCC BY-NC-ND
Choosing a food for your dog or cat can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. The pet food industry can seem complicated. Knowing your pet and watching how it reacts to different foods is just a part of selecting the right food. It is also important to know about the different types of pet foods on the market. The advantages to using a higher-grade pet food include easier clean-up, healthier skin and coat and over all immune health.

READ MORE!

 


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The OSPCA National Cupcake Day is tomorrow and my cupcakes look great!




Tomorrow, February 25th is the Ontario SPCA's National Cupcake Day! I have spent the day preparing cupcakes to sell at PetValu in the East End Pembroke Mall to raise funds for my local animal shelter. After a day of shopping, baking and cupcake decorating, I have some tasty cupcakes for you. Check out my cupcakes and please support me by donating online. every dollar counts! 

After a fun trip to Bulk Barn, or as I like to call it 'candy heaven,' it was time to start baking.
Pet Food Recall: February 2013 UPDATED


Photo by nancyg48
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hy-Vee issues voluntary recall of certain dog food products
Routine testing identifies higher-than-normal contaminant levels in select products

WEST DES MOINES, IA – Hy-Vee, Inc. today issued a voluntary recall of certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food due to elevated levels of a chemical contaminant commonly found in corn.

Routine random tests conducted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture indicated higher-than-normal levels of aflatoxin in some samples of Hy-Vee dog food produced at a Kansas City plant operated by Pro-Pet, LLC.


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Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography Foter.com-CC BY
All dogs can be traced back 40 million years ago to a weasel-like animal called the Miacis which dwelled in trees and dens. The Miacis later evolved into the Tomarctus, a direct forbear of the genus Canis, which includes the wolf and jackal as well as the dog.

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#DogFact
Photo by withrow-Foter.com- CC BY-NC

Make your pet smile this Valentine's Day with dental treats for cats and dogs

With Valentine's Day just around the corner and National Pet Dental Health Month here already we are reminded just how important our pet's oral care really is.

With only one per cent of pet owners regularly brushing their pet’s teeth it’s no surprise that veterinarians have seen a rise in kidney and heart problems as a result of oral infections. But let’s face it- this is the real world. Not everyone- myself included- has time to brush their pet’s teeth every day.  

February's featured dog breed is quick and clever

Photo by zoomyboy.com Foter.com CC BY-NC

Considered one of the most intelligent dogs in the world the Border Collie is an energetic breed that can be trained to be so much more than just a pet. The Border Collie is a medium build herding dog that is always alert to its surroundings. The Border Collie has been a favorite of dog owners for years- especially owners looking for a dog that will earn its keep.

Photo by Nicholas Erwin Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND

This month's featured feline is larger than life


The Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat with some recorded as weighing up to 19 pounds. With its Lynx like ears and lion-like mane this feline looks more like an animal of the wild than a house pet but its temperament couldn’t be tamer - this gentle giant possesses above average intelligence and is very calm and mellow. The breed has been gaining popularity since it was first entered in a cat show in May of 1895.

Cute cats stretching after nap time


Photo by Arkomas Foter.com CC BY-NC

Photo courtesy of www.fortheloveofbeagle.com

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Photo by K's GLIMPSES Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND
I will be live tweeting today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate Puppy Bowl Sunday! So give me some barks on twitter @PawsForReaction anfd put your paws up for Puppy Bowl

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A paw above the rest: American Kennel Club releases its list of top 10 dog breeds
READ MORE!

1. Labrador Retriever
Photo by photography.andreas Foter.com-CC BY-NC-ND
 

The truth about brewer's rice in pet food


The truth about brewer's rice in pet food


Reading the back of a bag of dog food can be confusing. Some ingredients are easy to identify- meats, fruits, and vegetables. Even some vitamins and nutrients are familiar. Other items in the list baffle pet owners. Nutrients, the quality of the ingredients, and where they are sourced is far more important than the ingredients on that list. The same goes for brewer's rice. A low-quality product purchased from an illegitimate source can be bad for your pet. If the ingredients are regulated and of the highest quality, it makes all the difference.
Cute and funny felines soaked and wet after bath time
Photo by macwagen-Foter.com-CC BY-NC-ND

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Pet Food Recall: January 2013 UPDATED






































PRESS RELEASE-
SECAUCUS, N.J.
, Jan. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily withdrawing its Hartz ® Chicken Chews™ and Hartz ® Oinkies® Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken for dogs in the United States because they contain trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue.

 
Photo by BillRhodesPhoto -Foter.com- CC BY-NC


#CatFact!
Patsy was Charles Lindbergh's cat and often went flying with him- but not on his famous flight of 1927.

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Safe and healthy: the right fruits and veggies for your canine companion



Photo by soundfromwayout-Foter.com-CC BY
Although their bodies rely mostly on meat proteins there are some fruits and veggies that can boost your dog’s immune system.
It is safe for your dog's diet to contain approximately 20 per cent vegetables. Knowing the best produce to add to your dog’s diet and the proper portion size is the most important thing when considering a change in your dog’s diet. In smaller doses, all of these veggies can be served to dogs as whole foods- boiled or steamed and in some cases raw. Most whole foods are easy to digest while others can be toxic to dogs.

The most common rule is to stay away from Grapes, Raisins, Chocolate, Onions and Garlic- all of these are highly toxic to canines. Broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables for dogs and it contains cancer-fighting enzymes. However if the pet's Broccoli intake is ten percent or more of the pet's diet, it can cause problems due to the toxic substance isothiocyanate. Excess Broccoli can cause gastrointestinal irritation but in small doses, Broccoli is very good for dogs.

 The following is a list of fruits and veggies that are safe and healthy for your dog. Most of them can be found in dry and wet dog food formula's on the market today- I have included some of those selections. These fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are important in sustaining a healthy immune system in canines. But remember- when serving cooked produce to dogs always be sure to not exceed the appropriate portions. It is also recommended to remove the skin of the fruit or vegetable. Dogs can have these treats in addition to their high quality, healthy and balanced dog food. If unsure it is always best to consult your veterinarian.

Sweet Potato is often used as a substitute starch in reduced protein dog food’s that cater to dogs with allergies. Sweet potato is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamins B5 and B6. It is also high in fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Sweet Potato is packed full of nutrition- more nutrition than regular potatoes- as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. If you are looking for an ingredient that is easy on the digestive system and great for sensitive stomachs then Sweet Potato may be perfect for your dog.


Carrots are high in beta carotene and can be found in most dog foods as a result. They are fine to serve to a dog boiled or steamed as long as they are unseasoned and cut into bite-sized portions. Great for the eyes and skin Carrots are rich in vitamins C, A, K and high in fiber and potassium. Rich in antioxidants they can help prevent cancer in dogs. Carrots are a low-calorie treat for dogs that is great for their teeth and canines find them delicious!


Spinach is great for dogs that suffer from inflammatory and cardiovascular problems- as well as cancer- due to the flavonoids and carotenoids it contains. It contains calcium which is great for the growth of puppies that need bone structure support and burns off more calories than adult dogs. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is rich in fiber, potassium and vitamins K, A, and B6. It contains twice as much iron as most other leafy greens.


Asparagus is a great source of vitamin K and vitamin A. It also rich in vitamins B1, B2, C and contains folate, copper, and iron that are great for dogs. In smaller doses, Asparagus is a healthy vegetable to feed your dog but if you feed too much Asparagus its feces will turn green.



Cranberries are the most common berry used to prevent urinary tract infections in humans. They can help balanced urine by lowering the pH of the dog’s urine, therefore, making it more acidic. They DO NOT cure urinary tract infections. Cranberries are also high in antioxidants and minerals as well as vitamins A, C, B1, and B2. They are a great treat for pet and pet parents.



safe fruit and vegetables for your pet

Blueberries are great for dogs as they are rich in antioxidants. Out of all the berries, Blueberries are up there as one of the richest in antioxidants. Blueberries can also reduce tear stains in canines. They work much the same as Cranberries when it comes to overall health in dogs and can be served frozen in small portions.


Pumpkin is fun and delicious but all Halloween memories aside Pumpkin is great for your canine companion. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, diarrhea or constipation Pumpkin can help ease its pain. The fiber contained in Pumpkin absorbs water and helps ease stomach upset. It is also full of vitamin A and antioxidants. It is great for overweight pets as it helps to regulate blood sugar and boosts cardiovascular health. Pumpkin is a great low-calorie treat for your dog that will make it feel full but keep it fit!


Apples are a great source of vitamin A and C making them great for dogs overall health. Red Delicious, Northern Spy, and Ida Red apples, in particular, contain powerful antioxidants. As with most fruits and vegetables, organic is the way to go. But in the case of apples, organic produce contains one-third more antioxidants than regular apples. Most importantly Apples contain pectin, a fiber that creates short-chain fatty acids. This can help get rid of toxins in the intestinal tract, strengthen intestinal muscles and ward off dangerous bacteria.


Bananas are a great fruit to induce energy. Not only are Bananas full of natural sugars that are easy to metabolize and convert into energy but they are also very palatable to dogs. They are loaded with essential amino acids, potassium electrolytes, and minerals. Bananas contain vitamin C and vitamin B6 and can help improve heart function and maintain normal blood pressure. Peel a healthy treat for your dog today!



Cantaloupe is an excellent source of vitamin A because it is high in beta carotene- both of which promote good vision and ocular health. Cantaloupe contains vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in dogs that can help prevent cancer. It is a good fruit to feed to dogs that have allergies and upset stomachs as it is commonly hypo-allergenic. Cantaloupe can help mend a dehydrated canine. The melon can be fed as a treat raw in small portions. Do not feed the dog any of the skin on the Cantaloupe.



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A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS

PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 13 years! Ottawa-based pet care and nutrition, environmental, and lifestyle blog- always searching for the best in pet care, eco-friendly products and fun local events! Come explore with Hazel, the Saint Bernese, as she lives her best, food-driven, outdoor-loving, asymmetrical, #DogLife
ABOUT ME: I have nine years of experience working in veterinary medicine. I'm a Climate Reality Project Leader and have spent years volunteering with organizations including OSPCA, Farley Foundation, Ontario Nature, Future Ground Network, and Girl Guides of Canada.

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