In case you weren't aware how awesome Fall is, we've made this important video of the cutest Golden Retriever puppies playing in a field of pumpkins.

CAUTION: If you already DO believe that Fall is the best season, your love for it is about to grow exponentially, causing you to squeal with excitement upon seeing these fluffy rays of sunshine and wish you were there to snuggle and frolic with them.

You've been warned! Enjoy.

   
Source: Animal Hospital of Martinsville

• Phosphorus 30c – This remedy is good for all noise phobias. It can be given once or twice a day.
• Borax 6c – This remedy is specific for fears of thunderstorms and can be given twice a day.
• Aconite 30c – This remedy addresses fear in general and can be given every fifteen minutes during a storm. Continue only until you see improvement. If you do not see improvement, try another remedy.
• Aurum Metallicaum 30c – may also be given once or twice a day to combat most noise sensitivities.
   

Of course, flower remedies are also an excellent choice for thunder phobias and Rescue Remedy can also be given every 15 minutes until the dog starts to calm.

Here are some really cute pics of pets in costume from Dr. Andrew Jones:

Free Petcare DVD from Dr. Jones

Learn the fundamentals of holistic dog and cat home health care. In the video, I demonstrate and discuss the most important aspects of at-home pet healing.

The Video is a great way to learn how to start treating your pets at home with alternative healing modalities and methods.

Basics of how to Care for your Sick Pet at Home

How and where to start at-home Healing, first steps you need to take

The At-Home Pet Health Exam – full how-to demonstration:

• Where to perform
• How to start
• What areas you should focus on, and what to look for

Extensive discussion and demonstration of the most important at-home healing Modalities, including:

Neutraceuticals

• Scientific Studies backing effectiveness
• MOST IMPORTANT Nutraceuticals to give
• How and when to use

Herbal Healing

• Background and scientific studies
• Safety precautions – Important points to keep in mind
• Best forms of Herbs to use
• How to use and apply herbal remedies
• Using Herbs for allergies and other diseases

Homeopathy

• Theory and background
• How to properly handle and give homeopathic remedies
• Homeopathic remedies for injuries/shock, digestive issues and more

Acupressure

• Background and explanation
• Scientific studies proving effectiveness
• Basic application, proper technique
• Charts of main Acupressure points for dogs and cats
• Demonstration of 5 specific Acupressure points for seizures, joint pain and arthritis, general health and wellness, and hip dysplasia

Pet Massage

• Benefits of Massage, with scientific studies
• Specific Pet Massage techniques – how to apply them and what health issues to use them for
• Demonstration of therapeutic pet massage for back arthritis

Order it FREE online; all you need to pay for is shipping.

Get your copy here:
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Nothing says autumn nourishment more than fresh baked pumpkin. It's a treat you and your dog can enjoy together. When baking a pumpkin for a pie for yourself, scoop out a cup of fresh cooked pumpkin puree and set aside to make this Pumpkin Biscotti for your dog.

You will need:

1 cup fresh baked pumpkin puree (not the pre-spiced canned pie filling) – to make the puree, take a small pumpkin and cut in half through the stem. Scoop out the middle seeds and fiber and place cut side down in a glass baking dish with a little water in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for about 45 
minutes to 1 hour. Allow to cool then scoop out flesh and place in a blender and blend until smooth.

1/2 cup water
1 Tbsp organic, local wild honey
2 tsp olive oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp coarsely ground fennel
1/4 tsp ground rosemary
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder

If your oven is not still hot from baking the pumpkin, preheat to to 350 degrees. Mix together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Form a well in the dry ingredient bowl and add wet ingredients. Using your hands, knead the dough until it is smooth. Roll out on a floured surface into 2 baguette shapes. Cut a few little slashes along the top of the baguette shapes. Place on a non-stick or prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 40 minutes. Allow to cool then slice into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Place each slice on the baking sheet and bake an additional 30 minutes. Allow to cool and store in an air-tight container until ready to serve.

Pumpkin is loaded with fiber and beta-carotene which is full of nutrition for your dog. Just remember like many things, while a little is great, a lot is not necessarily better or even good. Moderation is the key. Too much pumpkin can cause Vitamin A toxicity, so you never want to feed pumpkin in large quantities. A good rule of thumb is a few teaspoons of pumpkin a day for a small dog and a few tablespoons a day for a large dog. As for cookies, a cookie a day for a small pup and two or three for a large dog.

Source: Examiner.com
© 2013 Clarity Digital Group LLC

It was the day after the Fourth of July, a day that is always traumatic for so many of America's pets, and a day that is always extremely busy for animal shelter personnel and pet rescuers. Despite all of the pleas and the warnings for people to keep their pets safe and secure on the Fourth, hundreds of terrified pets run off each and every year and become lost and panic stricken during our nation's numerous fireworks celebrations. And so very sadly, many of them never find their way home again.

This past Independence Day was no exception. After helping to round up several terrified dogs in our neighborhood, I received a phone call asking me if I could pick up a frightened Pit Bull being held at a police station and then return him to his owner. On my way out the door to fetch him, I soon spotted a small brown blur racing down a street near my home, and I immediately gave chase.

I quickly discovered that this canine was a tiny Chihuahua that looked extremely terrified as she desperately raced all around our neighborhood in search of some kind of shelter. And when she spotted me chasing her, her panic only increased, and she quickly hid behind a garbage can in an alley.

I quickly grabbed a discarded cardboard box from a nearby trash can and I managed to push her into it without getting bitten – she was snapping at me in utter terror now, and shaking uncontrollably.

Little Lupita

When we finally reached the safety of my backyard, I opened the box and she immediately scurried under an evergreen bush, still extremely traumatized. She was also extremely thirsty. When I placed some food and water near the bush, she raced out, gulped the water down, and quickly raced back to cover.

This terrified little run-away stayed under that bush in my yard for the next three days, and she would cringe and shake in absolute terror whenever I attempted to pet her. It took a few more days before she finally calmed down enough to let me touch her. But once this happened, she now became a completely different dog. Now, she wanted to be constantly held and comforted after her lengthy and terrifying Fourth of July ordeal.

And now, when I finally got the chance to examine her, I discovered the deep rope burns around her neck. I immediately decided that she had been tied up outside somewhere during all the fireworks, and that she had frantically freed herself and bolted off into the night.

The next morning, when I took her to the vet, I got quite a surprise. "This little girl is pregnant! I'd say she's due in about a month!"

So, I brought her back home, and I now spent the next several days attempting to find her owner – she had no collar, no tags, no microchip, and apparently, no one was looking for her. My wife soon named her 'Lupita' and she quickly became a member of our ever expanding animal orphan household. Lupita also now insisted on sleeping on my chest every night. And about four weeks later, I became her birthing assistant.

She woke me at 5 A.M. that morning, nervously pacing and panting all about the house. At 5:30 A.M., she gave birth to her first tiny pup. I soon discovered that she couldn't bite off the umbilical cord – so I helped her with that.

An hour later, she delivered her second child, and I cut this one's umbilical cord, too. It took another long hour for the next one to arrive, and so very sadly, her third little one was still-born. Little Lupita and I were both extremely sad now, and I thought that her difficult delivery was finally over.

Lupita's Puppies

But an hour later, she surprised my wife and I with her fourth and final offspring, and my spouse did the honors with this puppy's umbilical cord.

Little Lupita turned out to be an excellent canine mother, and my spouse and I soon fell in love with her three adorable pups, too.

I buried her still-born baby under the cherry tree in our backyard that morning, and these days I often find Lupita sprawled out there in the grass next to its grave.

Whenever we watch television, little Lupita insists on curling up on one of our laps. And each and every night, she crawls into our bed and dives under the covers.

Lupita is an extremely happy, healthy and affectionate little dog these days, but she still becomes extremely panic stricken whenever there's a thunderstorm, and whenever she hears any kind of fireworks. I doubt that she'll ever lose this fear of loud noises, but I can't say that I blame her after the terrifying nightmare she went through.

Please safeguard your own pets this coming Fourth of July Independence Day.

Source: Harmony Fund
©2012 Ed Kostro

Whether you've got a (human) sweetheart or not this February 14th, we all know the doggone truth: dogs make the best valentines! Read our Top 10 reasons why, and then tell us what makes your dog is the perfect valentine!

10. A dog never complains when you want to spend the night on the couch in sweatpants watching a New Girl marathon.

9. What five pound weight gain? Your dog didn't notice – or say anything when you sucked in your stomach on the scale.

8. Not only does your dog not mind eating leftovers, he actually prefers it.

7. You don't have to be self-conscious about needing a pedicure when a dog licks your toes.

6. Your morning breath is never going to be as bad as your dog's.

5. Your big, strong dog makes you feel safer than any alarm system.

4. Your dog will happily listen to you complain about your boss's/mother's/ex's wardrobe for the millionth time.

3. Your dog doesn't judge you for needing to slow down and take a breather on your run together; he's just happy to spend time with you.

2. Dogs don't steal the blankets at night. They do, however, fart in bed – so consider yourself warned!

1. No one in the universe loves you more than your dog.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
  Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
  In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
  With no thought of the dog filling their head.

And mamma in her 'kerchief and I in my cap
  Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
  I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
  Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
  Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
  But Santa Claus – with eyes full of tears.

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick –
  Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick.

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
  And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain.

"Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
  On, COMET! On CUPID! On, DONNER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
  Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
  For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear.

The gift of a dog is not just for the season;
  We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of the kids a gift,
  There was one important thing that we missed.

A dog should be family, and cared for the same;
  You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,
  "You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"

– Author Unknown

"Hero"

Goblins and ghoulies, candy corn and cornstalks, doggie costume contests and parades: It's time for dogs to get a scary groove on and don the Halloween garb.

Did you ever dream of having your dog win a prize in the local parade, online photo contest, or pet event? I've judged and entered dozens of dog Halloween costume contests, so I know there are throngs of dog lovers, myself included, who love dressing their canines in spooky, fun, and festive attire each Halloween season.

This cute dog "milks" the competition

If Fido is wearing a costume, make sure he likes it, that it's comfortable, and that he is familiar with walking in it. Never make a dog dress up if the dog is not happy about it. One sure way to lose is a contest is to put a dog in a costume where he is unhappy, uncomfortable and just generally not pleased with the situation. My dog wears clothes and is used to it, so this was an easy transition for me. My previous Cocker Spaniel was a year-round clothes wearer for the nearly 15 years she shared this life with me.

Here are the top 10 things I've learned (as judge and contest winner) to help your canine win.

1. Try a concept costume

Modify a human concept costume so that Fido gets in on the festive conversation-starting fun. A concept costume is the type that makes people think and perhaps even speak it aloud, to "get it." Take a pun and maximize it.

For example, I won first place at two events to benefit rescue last year with my dog Dexter's costume. Check out the photo below and try to figure out what he is before scrolling down. Note the elements of the costume to guide you in figuring it out.

Can you guess what Dexter is?

It's no secret I named my little guy after the series and books of the same name (Dexter), so how apropos to make him a "cereal killer."

See the bloodied plastic spoons and knives? How about the small boxes of cereal? He was, of course, "a serial killer." The cost for this costume, by the way, was $14.99. Plus, Dexter now lives on in Facebook/Internet infamy, so how fun is that!? (Stay tuned for his costume this year – spoiler alert.)

Ideas: Candy wrapper: Dress Fido in a dog-friendly t-shirt, glue a variety of candy bar wrappers on the outside and bling a dog out with gold-tone beads. There you have a "candy (w)rapper." Got the idea? One caveat: Don't make it too difficult to figure out.

2. Go opposite; go in a group

Ever see a dog dressed as a squirrel? A dog dressed as a cat? People love opposites, and by "people" I also mean judges.

So this might be nutty, but it's darned cute, too.

Team up with fur-ends and pull your dogs together in pursuit of the prize. For me, it's usually not about the loot but having fun with everyone and celebrating smiles doggie style. Some ideas include Wizard of Oz, pack of football players and cheerleader, and again, take the pun concept to a group level. Dress all the dogs in a shade of green and show up as (drumroll), "Gang Green!" Dress a group of dogs up with a number appearing on the backs of each of their costumes. One dog gets dressed as a sheep. As a result, you've got (ready for it?): "counting sheep!"

Go, Team Canine, Go!

3. Ripped From the Headlines

Take a news story and turn it into a costume. Remember the swine flu scare from a few years back? Dog Mom Judy Fridono came up with "Swine Floozie!!!" How hysterical is this:

Swine Fluzie, anyone?

It's an election year, so you can always enter a contest as President Obama and first dog, Bo. Be certain the contest criteria has a dog-owner costume category.

4. Mimic pop culture

Who is hip and in and would make a clever costume? I met this gang at a Halloween costume contest in 2010 and they dressed their Chihuahuas as members of the Jersey Shore television show (with the owner resembling Mike "The Situation"). They won first place. Or check out Michael "Cocker" Jackson from Patty Troup. Love the glove!

We got a "Situation" with the Jersey Shore cast here.

No need to "beat it," this Cocker gives us a "Thriller"

5. Modify a kids' costume

When my dog was a pirate for Halloween, I cut and modified a child's size pirate costume and added a parrot purchased at Party City for $5.99. I super-glued that on and she was the most unique pirate in the parade. This is my late dog, Brandy, eternally missed.

The one who got away...

6. Go as a dynamic duo

Dressing with your dog theme-wise – this can go either way; if your dog has a caveman costume and you are the cave woman, that is way cute. Stage moms and dads beware, these contests are for the dogs. Complement the dog's costume, don't overshadow it.

7. Comfort and enjoyment

Your dog needs to enjoy it and not look uncomfortable – the people constantly adjusting something Fido clearly isn't happy in won't (and shouldn't) catch the judges eyes or votes.

8. Add music

When my Brandy was a clown, I added balloons and played "It's a Small World" on a tape recorder I held in my pocket (yes, the tape recorder days). She won first place, and there were several clowns there.

9. Modify dog clothing

I used a dog's polo shirt I found at a pet supply store for $6.99 and used it as a base for Dexter's "cereal killer" costume.

Ch-ch-ch-Chia (pet, that is)

10. Improve a Current Costume

Take a familiar costume and improve it: Clown costume with a makeshift boa; witch costume and when you walk by the judges, spooky cackling sounds emit from a tape recorder in your pocket.

Bonus tip:

Let the costume speak for itself: If I can't tell what it is when I look at your dog (or with a little thought), it isn't good costume fodder. Don't tell me "Now this glitter represents the galaxy and my dog is a star in it."

As promised, here's Dexter in his costume this year. I never enter for the prizes and always donate them to someone else in the parade. I just love being creative. Any guesses?

What is Dexter this year?

Source: https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-halloween-costume-contest

Here are a few tips for keeping your pets happy and healthy on Halloween:


Top Ten Halloween Safety Tips

1. Keep the candy bowl away from your pets. Candy is never a good idea for any pet, and chocolate in particular, can be very dangerous for dogs and cats thanks to a toxic chemical called theobromide. Put the candy bowl where your pets can't reach it and be sure to lock the cupboard door so they can't do some scary scavenging.
2. Careful with the costumes. We may love dressing ourselves up, but I'm pretty sure that if we asked our dogs and cats, they'd agree that they'd just as soon not wear that canine superman outfit you think is so cute. If you absolutely must dress your pet up, consider a simple themed bandanna, or at least make sure the outfit is not constricting, uncomfortable or harmful to the animal. Dog costumes often cover so much of the body that their ability to express important canine body language signals to us or other dogs is compromised, which can lead to unnecessary, avoidable instances of aggression or bites.
3. Don't take your dogs trick or treating with you, even if you're confident that your dog will be able to handle it. There are too many unknown factors on a night like Halloween, and even if your dog is well-adjusted, some others you encounter may not be. Plus, seeing a bunch of four-foot tall Yodas and goblins can unnerve even the most placid dogs.
4. Keep your dogs away from the door during trick or treating hours. Again, even if your dog is a good, well-mannered greeter, your smaller guests are not always prepared to see dogs bounding down the hallway or sniffing their candy bags. Just play it safe and keep your dogs and cats locked away in another part of the house for those couple of hours.
5. Make sure any electric cords for holiday decorations are out of reach of your pets, especially if they're chewers. Nibbling on a hot wire won’t turn out well for anyone.
6. Be sure your jack-o-lanterns with live flame inside them are also kept out of reach. They can get easily bumped or knocked over, leading to fire hazards.
7. Halloween is a great excuse to make sure your dog or cat is microchipped. Given all the crazy sights and sounds of the evening, many pets end up running away each year.
8. Keep your pets indoors on Halloween and in the days surrounding it. There are just too many jerks around sometimes, so play it safe and don't tempt fate.
9. Head out for your afternoon or evening walk with your dogs well before trick or treaters start hitting the neighborhood. No reason to risk a frightful encounter with Buzz Lightyear and his noisy, flashing guns and jetpacks.
10. Desensitize ahead of time. Be aware of how stressful the repeated ringing of the doorbell can be for dogs. If you haven’t already, take some time to desensitize your dogs to the sound of the doorbell or knocking in the weeks leading up to the big night so that they're prepared.

Source: https://positively.com/2012/10/22/victoria-stilwells-top-ten-halloween-pet-safety-tips/

Every day, Pet Poison Helpline receives dozens of phone calls from dog owners and cat owners saying "My cat ate a lily!" or "My dog ate a plant. Is it poisonous?" Some of the most poisonous plants for dogs and cats are reviewed below.

While there are thousands of species of plants and flowers, only a small percentage of plants are truly dangerous and poisonous to your pet. Make sure you know which plants are most deadly to avoid your dog or cat from getting into these poisonous flowers and poisonous plants!

There are two Crocus plants: one that blooms in the spring (Crocus species) and the other in the autumn (Colchicum autumnale). The spring plants are more common and are part of the Iridaceae family. These ingestions can cause general gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea. These should not be mistaken for Autumn Crocus, part of the Liliaceae family, which contain colchicine. The Autumn Crocus is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure. If you're not sure what plant it is, bring your pet to your veterinarian immediately for care. Signs may be seen immediately, but can be delayed for days.

In the same family as rhododendrons, azaleas can have serious effects on pets. Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling; without immediate veterinary attention, the pet could fall into a coma and possibly die.

The roots of this seasonal flowering plant are especially dangerous to pets. If ingested, cyclamen can cause severe vomiting and even death.

There are dangerous and benign lilies out there, and it's important to know the difference. Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies contain oxalate crystals that cause minor signs, such as tissue irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx and esophagus – this results in minor drooling. The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies – all of which are highly toxic to cats! Even small ingestions (such as 2-3 petals or leaves) can result in severe kidney failure. If your cat is seen consuming any part of a lily, bring your cat (and the plant) immediately to a veterinarian for medical care. The sooner you bring in your cat, the better and more efficiently we can treat the poisoning. Decontamination (like inducing vomiting and giving binders like activated charcoal) are imperative in the early toxic stage, while aggressive intravenous fluid therapy, kidney function monitoring tests, and supportive care can greatly improve the prognosis.

Oleander is an outdoor shrub, popular for its evergreen qualities and delicate flowers. However, the leaves and flowers are extremely toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting, slow the heart rate and possibly even cause death.

Popular in many homes and offices, dieffenbachia can cause intense oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

These flowers contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong emetic properties (something that triggers vomiting). Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Crystals are found in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which cause severe tissue irritation and secondary drooling. Daffodil ingestions can result in more severe symptoms so if an exposure is witnessed or symptoms are seen, we recommend seeking veterinary care for further supportive care.

The Convallaria majalis plant contains cardiac glycosides which will cause symptoms similar to digitalis (foxglove) ingestion. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias and possibly seizures. Pets with any known exposure to this plant should be examined and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated symptomatically.

Very popular in warmer climates, this household and outdoor plant can be very harmful to pets. If ingested, the leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in some cases, death.

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Also, see:

• Are Tomatoes Poisonous to Dogs?
• Veterinarian Approved Pet Insurance!
• AGILA Hundehalter-Haftpflicht
• Helpline Poison List