Daily dog inspirations

Affenpinscher wins the Dog Show 2013

So the recent Westminster dog show for 2013 that was on TV the other night is the hot topic of discussion this week in the dog world.
The AFFENPINSCHER "Banana Joe" was the winner!

Heres what I have gathered about this particular dog from the various news sources

• He responds to 4 languages: Dutch, English, Spanish and German
• This is his 86th best in show
• He is 5 years old. Pretty handsome for a 5 year old. 
• 1st of his breed to win best in show out of 137 westminster dog shows.

Now what about this breed? 

Have you ever heard of the Affenpinscher breed?

I have but your average person has probably not.

Heres some information for you about the breed

Fun Facts

• Affen = monkey in German   thats why it can be referred to as the monkey faced dog 
• Pinscher = terrier in German
• In France it is known as the Diabletin Moustache "the moustached little devil"
• Smallest of the pinschers and schnauzers

History

• It is debatable whether the Griffon Bruxellois contributed to the Affenpinscher or vice versa.
• Originated in Germany in the 1600s
• Was 1st used to rid the home and stables of rats and small vermin and also as lap dogs.
• This was a very popular breed in Germany up until World War II. After the war it has remained an extremely rare breed in Germany and America.
• Recognized by the AKC in 1936.

Temperment

• Terrier at heart: Busy, Inquisitive, Bold and Stubborn.
• Monkey like as well: Playful, mischievous and has been known to climb. 

Coat and body

• Naturally scruffy looking toy dog has keen intelligence and is exceedingly affectionate. Its thick coat benefits from daily brushing.
• Height of: 9.5 -11in.
• Weight of 7-8lbs.

Overall the Affenpinscher is a nice breed that can be very active and needs attention and mental stimulation.

But please don't go looking for one just because it won best in show. When these rare breeds suddenly become in high demand because of popularity for a short time the chances of inbreeding and causing many inbred diseases goes way up. 

Daily dog inspirations

People SAFE foods for dogs

• Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all healthy options for your pooch.
• Sunflower seeds (shelled): Skip the salt if possible, or serve in moderation.
• Peanut butter: Peanuts don't appear to cause allergies in dogs like they do in people.
• Berries (fresh and frozen): Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, huckleberries or raspberries
• Cooked chicken: Ran out of your dog's regular food? Whether boiled, baked, served rotisserie-style or grilled, this food is a healthy substitute
• Scrambled eggs, hamburger, rice, pasta and/or oatmeal can serve as meal replacements in a pinch.
• Bananas
• Apple slices: Lauten recommends serving your pup seedless, organic apple slices NO SEEDS, Applesauce is also fine
• Baby Food - no sugars added
• Apricots - NO PITS
• Baby carrots: Fresh, crunchy vegetables are good for your dog's teeth.
• Broccoli 
• Cauliflower (raw)
• Celery
• Green beans, cucumber, zucchini
• Yams / Sweet potatoes
• Brown Rice
• Organic Baby Food (w/no garlic or onion)
• Cook potatoes (but avoid too much because of sugar)
• Cooked Pasta
• Steamed asparagus, green beans, fresh peas, spinach, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, sweet potato, acorn squash
• Cooked salmon 
• Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein. You want one with live active bacteria and no sugars or sweeteners.
• Cooked Oatmeal 
• Ground Flax Seed
• Pineapple has sugar but also has calcium and potassium. Great summer treat.
• Peas are a good source of B vitamin Thiamin, phosphorous and potassium.
• Cheerios
• Cottage Cheese 
• String Cheese 
• Nectarines - no pits
• Tomatoes - no greens or stems
• Tuna and the juice from canned tuna

Daily dog inspirations

Toxic people foods

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine

These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. 

Avocado

The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal. 

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours. 

Grapes & Raisins

Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic. 

Pits and Seeds from Fruits

Apricot / Cherry / Peach / Plum, etc.  and Seeds from Apples and Pears are not good for your dog.
Can cause respiratory difficulties such as breathing, coughing and sneezing.

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake. 

Mushrooms 

Depending on the type of mushroom. The symptoms may vary - depression, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, tearing, hallucinations, defecation, liver failure, seizures, drooling, urination, kidney failure, heart damage, hyperactivity and in some cases, death.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract. 

Raw Marrow Bones are good for your dog if you get them from your pet store.

Xylitol

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days. 

Onions, Garlic, Chives

These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods. 

Milk

Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Some dogs are not lactose intolerant and plain yogurt in small amounts can be good for your dog. 

A little hard cheese or cottage cheese is also good. 

Salt

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself!

If your dog eats any of these and you know they won't harm your dog to come back up you can induce vomiting.

To induce vomiting, give your pet 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (1 tablespoon per 15 pounds of the dog’s body weight) with an eye dropper, syringe, or turkey baster by dribbling the liquid onto the back of his tongue or into his cheek pocket until swallowed. Collect any vomit and take it, along with the poison container or other substance that you think you dog may have ingested and take it to the veterinarian

To dilute caustic poisons such as pine oils, detergents, bleaches, and swimming pool chemicals, feed your dog large quantities of water, milk, or egg whites. Activated charcoal (or even burned toast) may be recommended to absorb insect repellents like DEET.

Daily dog inspirations