EDITOR'S MESSAGE
UPCOMING MEETING
PUPPY PICNIC
2020 BOARD Election
No floor nominations were received via email by the cutoff date. Therefore, the slate as published will be voted on at the May board meeting via teleconference on Wednesday, May 13 (2nd Wednesday of the month) which would have been the date of the May regular meeting. The club secretary will cast one vote for the slate.
As of May 13, 2020, our new board will be:
President: Linda Whitmire
Vice President: Paula Ayers
Secretary: Sharon Utych
Treasurer: Carol Land
Director: Brenda Martz
Director: Mark Fitchpatrick
Director: Carolyn Powell
Thank you to outgoing president Paula Ayers for her many years of service as president of the club.
2021 WINTER SPECIALTY
We are working behind the scenes putting together our February 6 & 7, 2021 Winter Specialty Shows in conjunction with the Conyers KC at the Cherokee Rose Cluster. As usual, it will be held at the Atlanta Expo Center South on Jonesboro Rd.
We will be holding on Saturday the following:
Veteran Sweepstakes & Puppy Sweepstakes: Judge* Mrs. Pat Mixon (Tudorose US) *tentative pending formal acceptance
Regular Classes with NOHS: Judge Cesar Cortes (Londoncor UK)
We will also have a ringside silent auction, snacks, exhibitor bags and a Saturday evening social at the host hotel, Drury Inn
Sunday's activities:
Junior Showmanship
Beginner Puppy Competition
Regular Classes with NOHS
We do not have a judge confirmed for Sunday as yet.
We hope you mark your calendars and make plans to attend our Specialty weekend!
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT ...
I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.
For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.
For some that live alone, they're facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters.
With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment, some are bringing in more money to their households than they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.
Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.
Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk, and eggs for the weekend.
Some want to go back to work because they don't qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.
Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday.
Some have experienced the near-death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don't believe this is a big deal.
Some have faith in God and expect miracles during 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.
So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.
Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.
We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.
Don’t judge and be kind to others. We don’t know what their boats look like.
Unknown author
THANKS TO PAULA AYERS FOR SHARING THIS
NATURAL REMEDIES
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI)
The Pet Lifestyle Guru....Rebecca Sanchez www.thepetlifestyleguru.com
Just like humans, our pups can become ill when they come in to contact with bacteria. Dogs being dogs, they typically cannot see trouble coming, and can’t really prevent making contact with less than ideal things. That’s where we come in. But, we can’t be everywhere all the time. When dogs get into things they shouldn’t they can pick up infections. So you know I like to take a holistic and proactive approach to our dog’s health. This is where we discovered that you can combat your dog’s UTI with cranberries!
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your dog’s urinary system — kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Females are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are males.
What Causes UTIs?
UTIs are known as bacterial cystitis. It’s painful and requires attention from a vet. Oddly enough, UTIs are common in dogs, and it’s frequent in dogs ages 7 and up. Also, certain breeds are predisposed to UTIs:
- Bichon Frise
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terriers
Dogs bump into bacteria in areas where feces or debris is common. A dog park, kennel, and day-cares are high in bacteria. When bacteria travel up through a dog’s urethra it can lead to a UTI. Also, dogs with poor immunity and lack of proper nutrients are highly susceptible. Other causes include cancer, bladder issues, renal disease, prostate issues, blood sugar imbalances, and Cushing’s disease.
A Closer Look
As dogs get older, their immune system tends to function less effectively. This leaves older dogs more susceptible to bacteria and infections. Ultimately older dogs are more likely to get UTIs, as are spayed females and non-neutered males.
Signs Your Dog Has a UTI
Fortunately, when dogs have a UTI they provide a lot of clues. This is what you can look for to help you spot your dog’s UTI:
- Pink, red or cloudy urine (indicates blood present)
- Straining, or yelping, when urinating
- Having to potty more frequently
- Urinating in the house
- Dribbling urine
- Strong or stinky smelling urine
- Licking around the urinary opening
- Lethargic
- Fever
Diagnosis and Next Steps
Once you suspect your dog has a UTI, you need to see a veterinarian. Your vet will confirm the UTI through a urinalysis for the assessment of bacterial, crystals, and protein. Once confirmed, your pup’s vet will prescribed antibiotics for up to 10 days. When your dog is on antibiotics, do not forget to add probiotics to his or her diet. Probiotics help keep your pet’s gut health in balance. Also, keep fresh water available to your dog at all times, and increase the number of times you let your pup out to potty.
But, Can UTIs Be Prevented?
It depends. If your dog is a healthy, non-immune deficient pup, with no genetic predisposition, then yes. But if not, you will really need to work at building your dog’s health on a continual basis. And, that’s exactly why I wrote this article – there are some actionable items you can take right now!
Cranberries Can Help With Your Dog’s UTIs!
Cranberry is one of the natural remedies for urinary tract infections (UTIs). While most people think of this ruby-red berry only during the holidays, it has a lot of medicinal benefits due to its nutritional composition. Most people know that drinking cranberry juice helps humans with UTIs. It works roughly the same way for dogs – but, it’s also a preventative measure. Cranberries are safe for dogs to eat. Which comes in handy since it can help remedy and prevent UTIs in dogs.
Why Are Cranberries So Magical?
It’s what is in cranberries that makes them medicinal bombs. Cranberry is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. Cranberry is also rich in minerals such as phosphorus and manganese. Also, cranberries are antioxidant-rich. The antioxidants in cranberry include polyphenols which are highly effective antioxidants. antioxidant-rich antioxidants react with harmful substances that can cause damage to the cells and tissues of the body and are effective in building up the immune systems as well as preventing cancer.
Polyphenols help protect cells from free radical damage. Without them free radicals can become rampant, causing cells to perform poorly. This leads to tissue degradation and put you at risk of infection and disease.
And More Benefits, Too!
Cranberry is also rich in phytochemicals, which are necessary for maintaining the brain health of dogs. The phytochemicals in cranberry also have anti-aging effects. The dietary fiber composition of cranberry also ensures effective bowel function and prevents bowel disturbances such as constipation. Cranberries also help with good vision for dogs. Dog’s dental health is also improved with cranberry, as it can prevent plaque from forming.
Plus, Heart Health!
Cranberry can also help with your dog’s heart. It reduces the bad LDL in the dog’s blood and increases the good level of HDL. By adding cranberries, your dog will experience a healthy and perhaps improved cardiovascular system. Oh, almost forgot. Cranberries can improve the blood pressure of dogs by helping to ensure the maximum function of the blood vessels.
How To Give Your Dog Cranberry
Cranberry can be consumed by dogs in different forms. The most common form of cranberry that is consumed by dogs, and humans, is cranberry juice. Straight, un-sweetened cranberry juice can help manage and prevent your dog’s UTIs. You can give this type of juice to dogs without any side-effects, as long as the cranberry juice does not contain additives or sugar.
Other Ways Besides Juice
Cranberries can also be consumed raw and fresh by dogs without any issues. That’s not to say that your dog will eat it – a dog may, or may not take it this way. We’ve had good luck with cooking some cranberries and allowing them to cool – then mix in a few with their meals. Cranberry can also be served to dogs in its powdered form in their meals. Cranberry supplements are other forms that can be served to dogs.
How NOT To Feed Your Dog Cranberries
Now that you know how you can feed cranberry to your pup, it’s important to point out how not to feed them. Dried cranberries should not be fed to dogs. Although humans can eat dried cranberry, it has minimal benefits for dogs as the nutritional composition is pretty much stripped. We eat dried cranberries because they are sugary sweet and tasty. Also, canned or jellied cranberry should never be given to dogs – again, the sugar and lack of vital nutritional value.
Dosing
It is also important to note that cranberry should be fed to dogs in small quantities. Large amounts can cause unwanted side-effects. Give your dog cranberry as a treat, maybe two to three times a week for prevention, and the same amount daily for UTIs. If serving in a meal, one to three fresh cranberries can be included in your dog’s meal – most preferably raw and pulsed, or steamed if need be.
Other Things You Can Do To Prevent UTIs in Your Dogs
Fresh Water
While not a cure for UTIs, having abundant fresh water available lessens the chance of infection from starting. Ideally, you’ll serve your dog’s filtered water in a glass pet bowl. This allows you to see the film that can gather at the top and bottom of the bowl. When you see this film, it’s generally from food in their mouth and fur, dump the bowl and wash it squeaky clean prior to refilling.
Potty Breaks
While some dogs may seem fine with going potty once or twice a day, face it – they are holding it. Or not drinking enough water. You truly want your dog to go outside and potty at least three or more times a day. With lots of fresh water available, that could go up to a minimum of six times a day.
Probiotics
You hear me saying this so much, I’m sure you are screaming for me to zip it. But, I can’t help it, probiotics are often the key to your pet’s good health. By adding natural, easy to make DIY probiotics into your dog’s diet you are helping to encourage the growth of healthy bacteria!
Antibacterial Spray & Wipes
Lastly, make sure your dog’s urinary opening is clean. Most pet stores sell antibacterial wipes that can be used to clean this area. If you want to save yourself some money, you can make our easy, DIY antibacterial spray. We just mix this together in a spray bottle. Post each outing, spritz this where needed, wipe with a tissue and it’s all good.
- 3 cups of water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 15 drops lavender oil
Now, Go Out and Fend Off Those UTIs!
Basically, it is fairly easy to make sure your dog stays UTI free. Cranberries truly are a gift when it comes to prevention. As is fresh water, potty breaks, and probiotics. These all work together to help flush out your pup’s urethra and help prevent bacteria from entering – keeping UTIs at bay!
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Cranberry Cookie Treats
Getting your dog to eat cranberries will be a breeze with our scrumptious dog treats! Filled with whole, nutritious ingredients – you can’t miss with this one.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time40 mins
Ingredients
- 1 C Oats old fashioned
- 1/3 C Pumpkin Puree not pie filling
- 1/4 C Peanut Butter natural, unsweetened
- 1/2 C Cranberries whole, fresh
Instructions
Warm and preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet by adding parchment paper.
Place the oats in a food processor and grind into a fine powder.
Once oats are ground, add remaining ingredients and gently blend until the mixture is the texture of a sticky dough. If you would prefer to keep the cranberries whole, add them at the end and just mix into the sticky dough with a spatula.
Remove the dough from the processor, and on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into long rolls and cut in even widths to make little discs about a 1/8″ thick. Alternatively, you can push the sticky dough into bone and paw-shaped molds.
Either place discs on parchment paper on the baking sheet, or fill molds, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the treats dry. Cool and serve. Store in an airtight container for a week.
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