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Sugar Substitutes Still Not Sweet for Pets!

PetSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 08:00:13 -0800

If treating a (human) sweetie this year, please be careful of any dangerous plants or chocolates within your pet's reach. In addition to the potential for poisoning (or sick tummies) from sweets, don't allow any access to sugar substitutes either! Of special risk to pets are gums or candies sweetened with the not-so-sweet sugarish alternative known as xylitol. Ingestion of this substance can result in hypoglycemia, which can lead to depression, loss of coordination, and even seizures. As with other pet-proofing precautions, be extra careful of things pets can accidentally sniff or taste and don't underestimate the lengths they'll go to for what appears to be a savory snack! If you suspect your pet has ingested any products containing this substance (or any other risky or questionable substances), please contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435.

Choco-Chart for Dogs

PetSugar — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:00:56 -0700

Chocolate contains theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean. While the amounts necessary to poison your dog vary by type of chocolate, it's the theobromine that causes the danger to pets.

Check out my handy choco-chart, based on toxicity information from Dog Owner's Digest. I've started you off with some weights and amounts – print this out, calculate your pup's weight, fill in the blanks, and store in a safe place.

Type of chocolate	1 pound dog	10 pound dog	20 pound dog	40 pound dog	______ pound dog
White Chocolate	200 ounces	125 pounds	250 pounds	500 pounds	______ pounds
Milk Chocolate	1 ounce	1/2 pound	1 pound	2 pounds	______ pounds
Sweet Cocoa	0.3 ounces	1/6 pound	1/3 pound	2/3 pound	______ pounds
Baking Chocolate	0.1 ounces	1 ounces	2 ounces	4 ounces	______ ounces

The average chocolate candy bar contains 2 to 3 ounces. Dark chocolate falls closest to the baking chocolate estimations whereas semi-sweet chocolate falls in between milk chocolate and sweet cocoa.

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In the Spotlight: Alicia Keys Has a Furry Run-In On Set!

PetSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:25:35 -0800

Don't worry, these pics are from the set of a music video - no doggies were actually harmed! Songstress Alicia Keys, recorded "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart" featuring this furry scene from her upcoming fourth album on Friday.

The pooch sports a couple collars with a super-chunky, braided-orange one on top - Get a similar, slimmer styles in tangerine (chocolate, white or aqua) from Wagwear for $22 and a matching leash ($34), too. And, of course, peep at the rest of the pics below.

View 3 Photos ›

Ways to Keep Halloween Fun, Not Frightful, For Furry Friends

PetSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:52 -0700

The decorations are up and the candy's bought, but have your prepped your pets for this big day? Remember never force an animal into an outfit and keep him out of harm's way.

Who are you? Where am I? Costumes are scary and seeing Mom and Dad in masks or other bizarre ensembles can freak out your furry family (and kids). Similarly, all those spooky decorations, especially those that move and talk are equally frightful for observant pups.
No loose animals today. Don't leave pets in your yard on Halloween and bring indoor/outdoor cats inside. Disguises can cause people to behave differently and you don't want a pet to be teased, injured, scared (or worse!) by pranksters tonight.

Get two more tips when you read more.

Crowd control. If your pet will accompany your family trick-or-treating or to a parade, watch out for tiny pups under big feet. Make sure your dog is OK with strangers and noise before you set out and return home immediately if you see pooch is stressed. If you're throwing a pet-friendly bash, keep candy and chocolate away and follow these tips.
Minimal stress spots only. I know North freaks out at the doorbell and, if I lived in an area with trick-o-treaters, I would drop him off at a pet hotel for the night. If you think a pooch will get panicked by the constant buzzer, or frustrated that he can't go out, either sequester him in another part of the house away from candy or place a sign on the doorbell asking for knocks only, please.

Do You Know What Your Pets Do When You Aren't Home?

PetSugar — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

This water loving chocolate lab caught having some fun on his family's waterslide had me laughing out loud! It's either super hot outside and he's trying to cool off, or he's just really in love with the slide! Since the video says the user caught the dog sliding into the pool when he thought the family was gone for the day, it makes me wonder what North would be doing if he weren't crated while I'm at work!

Have you ever caught your pets doing something naughty or just plain hilarious while they thought you were gone?

Trick Your Dog's Sweet Tooth With These Treats

PetSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:35:48 -0700

Both chocolate and sugar-free candies are dangerous for dogs - don't worry, that means more for us! Yum. Since candy goes hand-in-hand with Halloween for the (human) kiddies, check out some sweet treats for your furry babes, too. Mmm, in honor of Howl-o-ween, time to dig right in for squeakers, stuffing and all!

Canine Cops Arrest Couple For Chocolate: In the LINK of an Eye!

PetSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:49 -0700

Canine sniffer cops arrest couple for . . . chocolate – Dogster

Eva Mendes and Hugo go walkies – Celebrity Dog Watcher

Get your kitty's likeness made into a plush toy – moderncat

Clicker training for cats? – Pet Connection

Mod plaid bed for Sassy – Rare Bird Finds

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Pet Pic of the Day: Waiting for Summer

PetSugar — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:30:38 -0700

After a wet few weeks here on the West Coast, Morgan finally got a sunny day to spend on the beach with sidekick Tara. She is patiently waiting for Summer - it's her favorite season for obvious reasons.

Congrats to Morgan and ladyr for being chosen as our Pet Pic of the Day! Don't forget to submit your favorite photos to our Pet Pics group - you may see your furry friends on the pages of PetSugar!

Pet Pic of the Day: Morgan and Tara Play at the Lake

PetSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:00:48 -0700

Hummm. . . I wonder who is going to win this tug-o-war?

Congrats to Morgan, Tara, and ladyr for being chosen as our Pet Pic of the Day! Have you submitted your favorite photos to our Pet Pics group yet? What are you waiting for? You may see your furry pals featured on PetSugar!

To the Rescue: Posing (Safely) With Dangerous Props

PetSugar — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:00:34 -0700

There's nothing like a cute pooch plus a silly prop to equal an adoro photo shoot - North poses next to a delicious (for humans) It's-It! If you're not familiar with this San Francisco treat, it's coated in chocolate . . . and that means poison. Since he's such a good model, he's also posed with a wine bottle, a lit birthday candle, and many other things around our house.

I've shared suggestions for snapping a pet, but check out a few tips for adding something iffy at photo time:

Never put him in danger. If you're positioning a pooch near something risky (fire, alcohol, sharp objects, etc.), never let your pet get too close.

Get the rest when you read more.

Think smartly and safely. If posing a pet next to a glass bottle, no matter the contents, only do this with animals with consistent "sit-stay" skills. You don't want a wagging tail or batting paw to break the glass.
Remove the item immediately. Don't leave the room or take your eyes off the pet with sharp bottlecaps, poisonous food/liquids, or other dangers present - it only takes a second for fast pups to inhale it. After you're done, put the things far from your furry friends once again.