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Do You Remember the Latest Pups From Dogs 101?

PetSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:00:12 -0800

It's time again for the next episode of Dogs 101 on Animal Planet . . . and that means it's time for me to recap those pups we met in the last episode including these Westies. I've included a fun fact, and furry face, for each pooch – check 'em out in this slideshow, then tune into Animal Planet on Saturday at 8 p.m to meet five more breeds!

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To the Rescue: Bloat

PetSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:15:51 -0800

While bloat is a fairly common (even deadly) ailment, it is not another way to say a pup is overweight! Much like pharyngeal gag reflexes (aka, reverse sneezes), it has a serious scientific name: gastric torsion. This occurs when a deep-chested dog has a full tum (of food or water) and then engages in vigorous activity or exercise. Pups like this Great Dane have stomachs that are not attached to their ribcages, so when it's heavy and full (the "before"), it can flip around and block the intestinal track (the "after").

What other breeds are commonly bothered and how can you prevent this? Find out when you read more.

Help combat bloat before it happens:

Feed multiple, smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal.
Make sure pets rest for 45 minutes to one hour after eating before any vigorous exercise.
If you notice your pup gulps food or water, consider a "slowing bowl" like the Drink Better or DogPause.

This typically affects the Akita, Great Dane, German Shepherd, Saint Bernard, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Doberman Pinscher, Weimaraner, Bloodhound, and other large mixed breed dogs.

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Four Chloes, Six Delgados But Only One Papi!

PetSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:00:56 -0700

I totally enjoyed Beverly Hills Chihuahua (did you?) – so here's a tail-waggingly good tale about one of the film's heroes, the lovable and macho Papi. The bat-eared Chihuahua mix named Rusco was rescued for the part from the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter by a trainer who's now the pup's proud parent, too.The lil guy was a fast learner (just like another rescue-turned-star pooch I remember) able to quickly acclimate to a role in front of lights, cameras and action. His fave rewards during the learning process . . . steak and a stuffed, squeaky flower named "Daisy May." Ahh, tough life.

Find out about the furry costars of Rusco . . . errrr, Papi . . . when you read more.

First up there, there was the fabulously dressed Chloe, played by a Chihuahua named Angel; she made her big screen debut along with her three body doubles . . . you know for her bloated days. Next, the world-weary Delgado, my personal fave. Although only one pooch (named Samson!) was the German Shepherd face seen on screen, the physical role called for five others to help out with stunts including two more rescues. Lastly, the film's villain, El Diablo was played by a two-year-old Doberman Pinscher all the way from Hungary – Arad was originally trained as a protection dog but quickly adapted to this movie star role and lifestyle.

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Big woofs to all the other pups involved – like the 50 Chihuahuas seen in the desert canyon scene also coming from local shelters – and stay tuned as both Angel and Samson will be seen in upcoming flick Hotel for Dogs.

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Does Your Pet Have a BFF?

PetSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:00:16 -0800

North's very first friend was a Doberman Pinscher named Maximus. After riding in the elevator many times with Max and his dad – and seeing them at the dog park – the two puppies became friends. Fortunately for us, Maximus lived in a much bigger loft than we did, and North was often invited over for games of fetch and tag. When we moved to SF, North lost touch with his old pal, but that hasn't stopped him from making new BFFs at Pet Camp . . . so I've been told. How about your pup? Does your pet have a special BFF that makes his tail wag with joy?
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2008 Westminster Winners: Working Group

PetSugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:20:05 -0800

Powerful and intelligent, the Working group contains many of the biggest – and strongest – breeds around. From pulling sleds to serving in the military, these working pups wear many hats. Also in this group is the fourth newly-accepted breed showing for the first time at the 132nd dog show – the Tibetan Mastiff. Even though he got big cheers from the crowd, and was pulled out for the short list, he sadly didn't make it to the final four. But, hey, it was his first year competing at Westminster so I'm thinking he's definitely a breed to watch! See who won the group when you read more.

Macey the Akita will represent the Working group in the Best in Show competition!

The other top finishers were:

Akita: Ch Redwitch Reason To Believe. Female born Aug. 24, 2003.
Doberman Pinscher: Ch Cambria's Victoria Secret. Female born Apr. 7, 2005.
Great Dane: Ch Maitau's Eye Candy. Female born Apr. 19, 2005.
Bullmastiff: Ch Bastion's Music In The Glen. Male born Sept. 14, 2002.

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