All posts by Cupcake

Increased Space= Increased Responsibility (A Hard Lesson Learned)

General Interest, Stella, ,

In the previous post, “Back to the Drawing Board…”, we discovered that having Stella stay in the kitchen was not the best idea. It was a large amount of space that a wee puppy like her was not ready for. We rearranged and dog-proofed a tiny bathroom space for her, which to our relief, worked out splendidly =) Stella, what a gal you have become! Mommy’s so proud of you!

The Area: Ideal for when you are out food shopping or gone for a short time to e.g. see a movie, meet friends for dinner, etc.
small dog crate
water
food
dog chews e.g. Greenies
toys e.g. Nylabones
baby gate
kid-proof cabinet locks
shower for her to “do her business” (easy clean-up)

Chilly Bone Dog Toy

General Interest, Stella, Toys, ,

When Stella was a puppy and her teeth were erupting, we bought her a Chilly Bone to ease any discomfort she might have and to keep her out of trouble. In her formative years, she had destroyed the bottom of a shower curtain, parts of her crate, and furniture legs. Ahhhhh!!! Anyway, Chilly Bones was easy to use and is made of a very durable canvas. It’s also a potentially great summer dog toy- a sort of pupsicle. Another great inexpensive treat for your furbaby. I imagine you can easily find these at a Petco or Petsmart.

*Photocredit: Chilly Bone

Unstuffed Plush Dog Toys with Squeakers

General Interest, Stella, Toys, ,

One of Stella’s birthday presents this year was an unstuffed chicken plush toy with two squeakers. She really loves playing with it, plus it’s still in pretty good shape even after all the rough treatment. I’m glad I bought this for her. It makes me happy to see her enjoying her toys. It was a gift purchased from Petland but also saw this being sold at Animal Kingdom. I’m sorry I don’t know which brand since I threw the tags away.

*Photocredit: Animal Kingdom

Pet SPF Protection

General Interest, Stella, , ,

If Stella is spending some time in the sun, whether sleeping by a sunny window or going on a summer’s hike, I give her a light spray-down of The Coat Handler’s SPF 15. I bought this from either Petland or Petco. I think some dogs are more prone to sunburn than others, like Chinese Cresteds (hairless dogs), but either way, I believe putting SPF on them is the responsible thing to do. It’s something I would do for myself.

*Photocredit: Sharpwright

Dog Tartar Control

General Interest, Stella, , , ,

In addition to the daily teeth brushing, I also use Four Paw’s Pet Dental for Stella (as directed) to further remove any tartar build-up on her teeth that regular brushing can’t always remove. So far I noticed her back teeth are the hardest hit (which isn’t in bad shape). I truly believe in preventative care. I do these cleanings at night e.g. when commercials are on and after her dinner so she can go to sleep with a clean mouth (something that you would do for yourself). Cleaning her teeth daily has helped to keep the cost of her vet care under better control. Not sure if you realize this but professional dental cleanings for pets involves the use of anesthesia (which is very costly). If I can help it, I’d rather avoid it unless it’s an absolute must. In general, good at-home-care will potentially improve and maintain the overall health of your pet.

*Photocredit: Petland

Chihuahua Morning Vomiting

General Interest, Stella, , , , , ,

Stella has always been prone to having a somewhat sensitive stomach.  Earlier on, there were a number of times that she would vomit during the early morning.  I couldn’t understand why since she was on a consistent wet and dry food diet.  I did some online research and happened upon an article about other chihuahuas who suffer from an “empty-stomach” syndrome (which induces vomiting, with yellow vomitus) and that ensuring small frequent meals would remedy the problem.  From that day on, I made sure Stella had her dog biscuits and vitamin every morning after her first quick nature-calls walk, besides her regular meals spread evenly throughout the day.  The problem dissipated immediately thereafter.  I owe the online authors and chihuahua lovers a debt of gratitude.  If you are wondering, Stella typically receives our ‘Toy’ Temptations or Milk Bones and a half tablet of Hartz Dog or Pet Tabs Dog Vitamins every morning.   They are pictured below.

*Photocredit: Various Sources

Pet Loss

General Interest

My husband just forwarded to me a great link regarding pet loss which I wanted to share…

http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/after-a-loss-how-long-before-we-get-a-new-cat/3809

I admit that I’m still grieving over the loss of our beloved Neo.  Not surprising, since I cried for two weeks (daily) over the passing of my sweet little Pugsley (a pink kissing gouramie/fish); this was when I was a freshman in college.  I’m no doubt the extra-sensitive type.  I’ve always known that the human heart can love infinitely but there are still days that are especially tough.

Merricks Pet Food & Pet Oral Care

Neo, Stella, , , , ,

I decided to switch Stella and Neo back to their previous Merrick foods.  Stella is finishing up her Grammie’s Pot Pies (a gift from Grandma and Grandpa) so she can re-start Smothered Comfort and Wingalings (the latter she eats with great enthusiasm).  Grammies Pot Pie worked out best for Neo so he’s back on it while alternating with Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care.

As a side note, besides brushing their teeth daily along with the use of Petrodex, I don’t know how else to safely resolve the bad breath issues?  I think it will be nearly impossible to combat since they eat and sleep so much, plus they both gulp their food down without much chewing, which only worsens the matter.  Below are pics of their toothbrushes (Stella obviously has to use the smaller end).  I also use separate toothpastes with fluoride that are especially for dogs and cats.

*Photocredit: Petco.com

Small Pie Safe Cabinet

Neo, Stella, ,

To keep all the pet supplies e.g. coats, leads, collars, blankets, etc. organized we bought a small pie safe cabinet in ivory from Greenwich Furniture.  It has worked out pretty well so far.  It’s really charming and takes up very little room.  Below is a picture of one similar to ours.

*Update: Pictured on the right is our pie safe.

Traditionally used for safely storing baked goods (I guess protection from hungry critters) and for cooling purposes.  I love furniture, such as this one, whose use can be converted.

*Photocredit: 1. Teak Home Furnishings; 2. DH

Recommended Readings (Humor & Philosophy)

General Interest, ,

I’ve read Games Dogs Play by Stephen Baker and thoroughly enjoyed it.   I will read How To Live With A Neurotic Cat sometime in the near future just because I found the first book so funny.  Some of his ideas are so sadly true.

My mother-in-law bought a book for me as a Christmas gift, entitled The Wisdom of Yo Meow Ma: A Spiritual Guide from the Ancient Chinese Philosopher Cat by Joanna Sandsmark.  I haven’t quite finished reading it yet but it’s definitely another book I like a lot and would highly recommend.  Another plus is that it’s so beautifully illustrated and a quick read like the others.  I was so pleasantly surprised that it has a siamese-like cat on the cover…  Looks like someone special I know =).

*Photocredit: Amazon.com