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Saturday, June 30, 2012

Coconut Oil For Dogs

Coconut Oil and coconut chips are the richest source of medium chain fatty acids and offer great health benefits.
Pure coconut oil contains about 50 percent lauric acid, and is the most abundant natural source of lauric acid available
Coco Therapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is by far the best and richest natural source of lauric acid (the other source- human breast milk). Lauric acid fights and destroys viruses and various pathogenic bacteria.
Coconut helps build a healthy immune system and promotes healthy skin and coats.
Pet parents report healthier digestive and immune systems, more vitality, eliminating chronic ear infections and less eye tearing.
Health conscious people have known about the benefits of using coconut oil in their diet for years, but it wasn't until Whole Dog Journal published an article discussing the benefits for pets that pet parents finally took notice.
Coconut Oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the brain and nervous system function.
It also works great on hot spots, dry, itchy skin and cracked dry paws.
Just take a bit and massage into those problem areas.  

We only carry CocoTherapy brand USDA certified organic virgin coconut oil and chips.

The recommendation is 1/4 tsp. for every 10 lbs. of body weight- twice daily.

Put CocoTherapy coconut oil in the palm of your hand and it will liquify. Just let your pets lick it off.  You can sprinkle a few coconut chips on your dogs food as a special treat.

CocoTherapy dried coconut chips are made of pure, 100% organic coconut meat with no added sugars, salt, preservatives or chemicals added. Coconut chips are an excellent source of dietary fiber and have the same benefits of coconut oil.

Dogs and cats, alike love the taste.  With so many healthful benefits, Coconut oil is the pure and natural choice for an added supplement to your pet's diet.

Use coupon code COCO10 for 10% off your CocoTherapy purchase at Mickey's Pet Supplies.
Mickey's Pet Supplies is your source for  the most natural pet supplies for cats and dogs.
Call 877-863-5431 to place your order by phone.  We are always available for our customers by phone or e-mail.
sales@mickeyspetsupplies.com
www.mickeyspetsupplies.com


Thursday, June 28, 2012

Whitening Shampoo for dogs

If you are a proud pet parent who has a white breed dog such as a Bichon Frise, Great Pyrenees, American Eskimo, Maltese, Westie or a dog with white fur, you may be looking to brighten and whiten the coat. 
John Paul Pet Super Bright shampoo is a natural coconut oil based dog shampoo that will brighten light and dark coats.  It helps to remove tangles and control flyaway hair.  It is fortified with hydrolyzed oats, chamomile and sweet almond oil.  It smells wonderful, rinses clean and leaves your dog's coats shiny and bright.
Another all time favorite is Sho Sno Shampoo. It's gentle formula whitens gently without harsh chemicals or bleach. Sno Sho's special formula releases moisturizers and reflectones that restore white coats to their original color.
Use coupon code WHITE 10 for 10% off your order of any dog shampoo at Mickey's Pet Supplies.
Call 877-863-5431 to order.


Fourth of July pets-Pet Tips

Repost of article from ASPCA

Fourth of July Safety Tips  for pets

from Mickey's Pet Supplies

Your online source for helpful information for pets

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:
  • Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
  • Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
  • Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
  • Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
  • Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
  • Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
  • Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
  • Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Bully Sticks- Odor Free- 10% off

Mickey's Pet Supplies has the largest selection of bully sticks available.
Take 10% off your order with coupon code BULLY10- expires August 30th, 2012
Orders of $75 or more ship for FREE. We also offer low standard ground shipping rates. 

Call 877-863-5431 to order today. We are always available for questions by phone or e-mail.
E-mail: sales@mickeyspetsupplies.com

We are a family run business that packs each of our orders with care. Our customers and their pets are like our extended family. 

Our bully sticks are odorless and graded by weight.
We are the only store that weighs each stick and grade accordingly.
We carry Made in USA bully sticks and Brazilian bully sticks.
Many people ask us the difference between the two.  Basically, it is the country of origin.
We like to support our USA suppliers and continue to carry as many made in USA products that we can.


We have Mickey's Odorless USA bully sticks- Regular, Thick and Monster size.

The Monster size bully sticks are in high demand and are only available periodically, so get them while you can.

Mickey's Naturals bully sticks are odor free bully sticks from Brazilian, grass, fed cattle.
These are available in 6 and 12 inch length- thick and jumbo sizes.

We know you will find our bully sticks to be the highest quality, odor free bully sticks available.

No other company weighs their bull sticks.  Most categorize by the thickness at the largest part of the cane.  We are very picky about what bully sticks we carry. We do not accept bully sticks that do not meet our high expectations.  We also have packaged our bully sticks in discounted 10 packs. Buy more- save more.

Mickey's USA Odorless Bully Sticks 10 pack of 6 inch- $23.95

Mickey's USA bully sticks:

Regular 6 inch bully sticks- .5 to .8 oz each
Regular 12 inch bully sticks- 1.2 to 1.4 ozs.

Thick 6 inch bully sticks- .8 to 1 oz
Thick 12 inch bully sticks- 1.4 to 1.79 ozs.

Monster 6 inch bully sticks- 1.2 to 1.6 ozs
Monster 12 inch- 1.8- 3.6 ozs each
____________________________________________________________

Mickey's Naturals from Brazilian cattle:

Mickey's Naturals Odorless 6 inch thick- 1.0 to 1.3 ozs each
Mickey's Naturals Odorless 12 inch thick- 1.7 to 2.59 ozs. each

Mickey's Naturals Brazilian Jumbo 6 inch- $3.95


Mickey's Naturals 6 inch Jumbo-1.3 to 1.7 oz. each
Mickey's Naturals 12 inch Jumbo-  2.6 to 3.9 ozs. each



Made in USA chicken jerky

Kona's Chips Beef Jerky

Kona's Chips Jerky Crunch Sticks









Kona's Chips Chicken Jerky


Made in USA chicken, beef and turkey jerky from Kona's Chips.
Kona's chips makes all their jerky from Premium USDA meat. No artificial ingredients, preservatives- just meat and kosher salt.
Their jerky is made in California from only the highest quality sliced meats.
Their jerky is fully cooked at the proper temperature, sliced and dried.
There are no other ingredients in their products.

Since the problem with chicken treats made in China all over again, so many pet parents are looking for high quality chicken treats for the pets.  Try a bag and you will see. 
These smell like roasted chicken when you open a bag.  They are so fresh, that we ask you to refrigerate your bag after opening. 

Kona's chips come as chewy jerky or the crunch sticks and  are available in 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz bags

Try Kona's Beef or Turkey jerky if your dog has allergies to chicken.

Mickey's Pet Supplies is proud to carry these all natural, healthy dog treats that are made in USA.
Use coupon Code KONA3 for $3 off your $30 order.
Expires 07-15-12

Call 877-863-5431 to order by phone.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Isle of Dog Treats- Organic dog treats

Isle of Dogs Treats are fantastic, heart shaped dog treats that are made from organic ingredients
.
What is unique about these treats? There are eight different condition specific treat varieties, not including the mini treats (made just a bit smaller for toy and small breeds). All of their treats are wheat and gluten-free.

Health is full of antioxidant rich, organic blueberries, whole grains and organic vegetables from whole food sources including grains, fruits, vegetables and herbs with no addition of sythetic vitamins, fillers or additives.  There is no wheat or gluten- barley,oat and rice flours.

Joint is a blend of organic cherries, organic apples, flaxseed and whole rolled oats.

Vital is a tasty blend of peanut butter, flaxseed, whole rolled oats, and pea protein to help support a healthy lifestyle and promote vitality.  Vital has 35% more protein than all the other treats. These are great for supporting normal, healthy growth and development.

Does your dog have "doggie breath"? Try Breath treats.  These are a blend of sweet milk and toffee extracts helps keep breath fresh, while healthy whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, and whole flax seeds promote wellness and health.

Chillout treats have lavender, lemon balm and French Vanilla to help ease stress and anxiety.
They are naturally low in calories and have no added salt, refined sugar, synthetic vitamins or preservatives.

Smile treats are full of crunchy baked grains and organic apples to scrub tarter. All ingredients are  from whole food sources including grains, fruits, vegetables and herbs with no addition of sythetic vitamins, fillers or additives.

Skin treats support healthy skin and thick, shiny hair.  Full of organic apples, kiwi fruit, flaxseed, carrots, dried kep, parsley and yucca extract.

Isle of Dogs Natural Weight Dog Treats is a low-fat treat which combines organic fiber-rich peas and rolled oats with a patented strain of probiotics. Aids in smooth digestion and supports healthy intestinal tract. 

There is also mini-versions of Joint, Health and Vital for smaller dogs.

Find great healthy dog treats that are made in USA at Mickey's Pet Supplies.
Call 877-863-5431 to order.
Free shipping on your order of $75 or more
and low flat rate ground shipping anywhere in the U.S.

Shoo! Tags-Customer Reviews

Are you looking for a chemical-free, natural flea product?

Shoo!Tags for dogs from Energetic Solutions may be your answer.
The shoo tags remain effective for 4 months.
They use electromagnetic frequencies that combine with your pet's energy to create a barrier to keep pesky fleas and ticks away.  Do they work?  Read for yourself.

We wanted to share our customers feedback on the shoo!tags.

"This is the third year I have used shoo tags and have been very happy with them. 2 of my 4 dogs do agility and herding so they are  exposed other dogs and nature everyday. I am into the all natural and holistic care of my dogs and this product has proved to be a winner. I love that it's non-toxic!! I also have to say that Mickey's Pet Supplies is AWESOME! Great prices and SUPER fast sevice! 10* Stars!"- customer from Cuyahoga Falls, OH

"I've had very good experience with the shoo tags. I've been using them on both of my retrievers for about a year now."-customer from Big Pine Keys, FL

"A lot of people do not think that these work, but I really think that they do. I use these on both of my dogs. We went for a hike through the woods w/ my Mom and her dog who does not use the shoo! tags. When we got back to the car we noticed that her dog was covered in ticks and I mean hundreds of them. Each of my dogs had only about 5 ticks on them and I would say that is because of their shoo! tags. We must have walked through a nest or something to get that many ticks, so I don't mind having to pull 5 ticks off instead of a few hundred! I love that I'm not exposing my dogs to harsh chemicals that may cause just as much damage as what they are trying to prevent. The only thing about the shoo! tags is that the magnetic strip has to face the animals body. I use a Rubit tag clip because it keeps it facing the correct way and it allows me to move all of their tags from collar to collar."-customer from Centreville, MD

We have been using the shoo!tags for dogs since their introduction. Once we did our research on the side effects of topical treatments such as Frontline the decision was easy.  Our home is nestled into a very wooded area in North Carolina and this year has been the year of the flea.  The mild winter all over the U.S. has really taken it's toll. The flea population is very much alive and in full force.

If you are doubting if the shoo! tags work, give them a try for 30 days.  If they don't work, we will refund your purchase price.  No problem.

We also carry other natural flea products including shampoos,dips,sprays, diatomaceous earth.


Mickey's Pet Supplies offers very inexpensive shipping at only $3.85 for First Class Mail or $5.95 for Priority Mail.  You will find the lowest prices on many natural pet products for cats and dogs and FREE shipping on your order of $75 or more.


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Made in USA Rawhides- Wholesome Hide



Super Thick Retriever Rolls 10 pack
On Sale $64.95


Wholesome Hide rawhide bones are 100% made in USA certified.
Their bones are fresh, unlike other rawhides you will find at pet stores.
They come straight from the meat packing plants in Illinois, are shipped in refrigerated trucks immediately, cut, dried and sent to us. Much of the product labeled as "made in USA" is actually coming from Mexico. They may be processed here in the US but the hides may be coming from overseas.
Why is made in the USA so important?
Hides that are imported from other countries are sometimes sitting around for several weeks in piles on rural farms- unrefrigerated.  They require a great deal of chemical procesing to whiten and stabilize the deteriorating hide. At Wholesome Hide. the hides arrive quickly from the meat packing plants in refrigerated trucks, are rinsed in fresh water, cut, tied and put in drying ovens.


Wholesome Hide is the only rawhide company that is USA-certified. 
What does USA certification mean? It means that audits are actually done all along the supply chain to make sure all the rawhides are USA sourced and USA made.

Wholesome Hide does not cut corners. You will not find their bones stuffed full of rawhide scraps or starch to add weight.  They only use first quality USA rawhide.

Fresh rawhides mean more flavorful chews. Wholesome Hide is the only rawhide company that keeps the tasty collagen layer intact. The composition of their rawhides is tougher than hides that have been chemically processed. Their bones are less brittle and longer lasting.

Wholesome Hide is the only company that makes a Super Thick Retriever Roll.  These are the biggest of any retriever roll you will find.  It is double the thickness. Customers just love these for their aggressive chewers. We have the 10 pack of Super Thick Retriever Rolls on sale this month for only $64.95.

A true test of a quality rawhide is to soak it in water for a short time.  See if the bone softens.
If it doesn't, that means it has been overprocessed and dried. That is not a high quality product.

Rawhide is high in protein, low in fat, and has fewer calories per ounce than a typical dog biscuit.
Give your dog a rawhide bone from Wholesome Hide.  It is only natural for your dog to enjoy chewing. Give him something that is healthy and a high quality chew.

Mickey's Pet Supplies is one of the largest companies carrying Wholesome Hide.
We are very choosy about what pet products we carry. You will only find the highest quality, all natural products for your dogs and cats. 

Take $3 off your $30 order with coupon code WH30. Enter the code at checkout.
Your order of $75 or more ships for free and we offer low flat rate shipping rates of $5.95 to $9.95 to the West Coast.

Call 877-863-5431 to order or visit us online at http://www.mickeyspetsupplies.com

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

No Stuffing Dog Toys-Premier Pogo Plush Review

Pogo Plush Slap Happy
Pogo Plush Bunny
We are always looking for the most durable no stuffing dog toys.
Premier has designed their Pogo Plush dog toys to be super durable and with no stuffing.
We received a sample of the Pogo Plush original dog toy a few years ago and put it to the ultimate test with our Labrador puppy.  Nia, is now three and her Pogo has remained one of her favorite "go to" dog toys.  They have built it with a bouncy rubber inner frame and then put a faux sheepskin material over the frame. Within the frame is a free floating squeaker. 
This toy has been tugged on, chewed on, washed at least 4 times and it has lasted through all of it!
They recently came out with new variations on the original Pogo plush design.
There is the Pogo Plush Bunny and new Slap Happy
They both have the inner bouncy frames and squeakers.  There is something about the bounce back of the rubber framework that keeps dogs enticed and wanting this toy again and again.
We can't say enough about Premier's Pogo Plush dog toys.
Please visit us at Mickey's Pet Supplies for your Pogo Plush dog toys and many more no stuffing dog toys.
Mickey's Pet Supplies is a natural pet store for cats and dogs. We specialize in personal service, low prices and lightning fast shipping.
Our customers and their pets are like family.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Coyote attacks on the rise-Keep your pets inside

Coyote attacks on the rise in Fairfield

 Just a reminder to keep an eye on your pets


Published : Thursday, 14 Jun 2012, 4:33 PM EDT
by Ali Reed
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A string of coyote attacks have Fairfield animal control officers concerned and they are issuing a stern warning to pet owners.  
 
"Do not leave your cat or dog outside unattended," says Gina Gambino of Fairfield Animal Control, "especially during evening hours"
 
She says that coyotes are most active at night and in the early morning hours. That's when you need to keep them on a leash or be outside with them. 
 
Five dogs that were attacked were all in their own yards when the coyotes struck.
 
"They're becoming more brave they're also becoming higher in numbers," explains Gambino.
 
That means that fences, invisible or not, are not enough to keep a coyote out. 
 
"Animals like coyotes are survivors," says Gambino. "They will take every opportunity to get their food whether it be jumping a fence or getting through thick bushes."
 
While the five dogs that were attacked were all small dogs, animal control officers say if you have cats or big dogs you should also be on alert and take certain precautions.
 
For starters, make sure you don't leave any trash out on your property. Officers say that this attracts coyotes.
 
"Keep on walking your dog on a leash, bring a cell phone with you," says Gambino. "What you can even do is purchase something like an airhorn or bring something with you that makes a lot of noise. Coyotes are afraid of noise."
 
"When I let my dog out at night I'm with her now," says Laura Pitaniello, a Fairfield dog owner.
 
She says that she used to rely on an invisible fence in her backyard for safety. "Now, there have been too many dogs it's kind of scary," says Pitaniello.
Mickey's Pet Supplies is a your source for all natural pet supplies for cats and dogs.
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Sunday, June 10, 2012

Are dog's sad when we are?

Repost of article by Stephanie Pappas, LiveScience Senior Writer
Source: Huffington Post, June 8, 2012

Dog Sad When Owner Sad? Study Shows Pets' Reaction To Human Tears 

Mickey's Pet Supplies- Natural pet products for cats and dogs. 
We found this to be an iteresting arcticle, so we wanted to share.
Plenty of pet owners are comforted by a pair of puppy-dog eyes or a swipe of the tongue when their dog catches them crying. Now, new research suggests that dogs really do respond uniquely to tears. But whether pets have empathy for human pain is less clear.
In a study published online May 30 in the journal Animal Cognition, University of London researchers found that dogs were more likely to approach a crying person than someone who was humming or talking, and that they normally responded to weeping with submissive behaviors. The results are what you might expect if dogs understand our pain, the researchers wrote, but it's not proof that they do.
"The humming was designed to be a relatively novel behavior, which might be likely to pique the dogs' curiosity," study researcher and psychologist Deborah Custance said in a statement. "The fact that the dogs differentiated between crying and humming indicates that their response to crying was not purely driven by curiosity. Rather, the crying carried greater emotional meaning for the dogs and provoked a stronger overall response than either humming or talking."
Humans domesticated dogs at least 15,000 years ago, and many a pet owner has a tale of their canine offering comfort in tough times. Studies have shown that dogs are experts at human communication,but scientists haven't been able to show conclusively that dogs feel empathy or truly understand the pain of others. In one 2006 study, researchers had owners fake heart attacks or pretend to be pinned beneath furniture, and learned that pet dogs failed to go for help (so much for Lassie saving Timmy from the well).
But seeking out assistance is a complex task, and Custance and her colleague Jennifer Mayer wanted to keep it simple. They recruited 18 pet dogs and their owners to test whether dogs would respond to crying with empathetic behaviors. The dogs included a mix of mutts, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and a few other common breeds.

The experiment took place in the owners' living rooms. Mayer would arrive and ignore the dog so that it would have little interest in her. Then she and the owner would take turns talking, fake-crying and humming.
Of the 18 dogs in the study, 15 approached their owner or Mayer during crying fits, while only six approached during humming. That suggests that it's emotional content, not curiosity, that brings the dogs running. Likewise, the dogs always approached the crying person, never the quiet person, as one might expect if the dog was seeking (rather than trying to provide) comfort.
"The dogs approached whoever was crying regardless of their identity. Thus they were responding to the person's emotion, not their own needs, which is suggestive of empathic-like comfort-offering behavior," Mayer said in a statement.
Of the 15 dogs that approached a crying owner or stranger, 13 did so with submissive body language, such as tucked tails and bowed heads, another behavior consistent with empathy (the other two were alert or playful). Still, the researchers aren't dog whisperers, and they can't prove conclusively what the dogs were thinking. It's possible that dogs learn to approach crying people because their owners give them affection when they do, the researchers wrote.
"We in no way claim that the present study provides definitive answers to the question of empathy in dogs," Mayer and Custance wrote. Nevertheless, they said, their experiment opens the door for more study of dogs' emotional lives, from whether different breeds respond to emotional owners differently to whether dogs understand the difference between laughter and tears.

Mickey's Pet Supplies believes that our pets are family.
We are a family owned business that truly cares about pets.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Canine Cancer

We found this article very interesting.

Of Man and Dog: The Fight Against Cancer

Repost of article by Ann Hohenhaus, DVM

Golden Retriever
Dogs, surprisingly, retain physiological and genetic similarity to humans. Dogs and humans also share a common environment and suffer from the same diseases, such as cancer. In many cases, studying dog cancer can lead to advances in the treatment of human cancer.
Strike it rich with Golden Retrievers
Take for example the Golden Retriever, with a lifetime risk of lymphoma in the United States of 1:8. Veterinary researchers collaborated and struck “research gold” when they found a deletion in a canine chromosome in a high percentage of Golden Retrievers with B cell lymphoma. The same deletion was found less often in other breeds with lymphoma.
Because genetic abnormalities in human cancers are difficult to pinpoint, studies such as this one help to identify genetic abnormalities to target in future human studies of lymphoma. A newer study employed a virtual rearrangement of chromosomes from Golden Retrievers and other breeds to match the distribution of genes on human chromosomes and identified human chromosomes 8 and 21 as areas for further study to advance knowledge and treatment of human lymphoma.
Research of this caliber requires multiple investigators, each contributing to the work from their own area of expertise. To help decipher this information, I spoke with my friend and one of the investigators, Dr. Jamie Modiano.
He says, “If, at the molecular level, you look at dog lymphoma pretending it is human lymphoma, the genetics are simpler and it becomes easier to find pertinent abnormalities.  The molecular abnormalities stand out in the dog because of the reduced complexity of the genome in inbred, purebred dogs as compared to the complex human genome.”
Dogs guide researchers on the path to success
Osteosarcoma, the most common bone tumor in both humans and dogs, is a devastating disease.  Only 20% of children with osteosarcoma live more than five years and for dogs the number is lower: only 20% of dogs survive more than two years. The similarities of the disease between humans and dogs makes osteosarcoma an important disease to study.  Already studies in dogs have contributed to advances in limb-sparing surgeries and improved chemotherapy protocols in children and dogs. As with lymphoma, veterinary researchers collaborate to study dogs with osteosarcoma because dogs’ more narrow genetic diversity when compared to humans makes identification of genetic abnormalities a bit simpler. In one study, genes associated with cell proliferation, drug resistance, and metastasis were found to be turned on at a higher rate in dogs succumbing to osteosarcoma early, compared to dogs enjoying a longer cancer free life.
Genetic mutations driving tumor proliferation are often similar in human and canine cancers.  Another collaborative veterinary research group investigated the similarties between human and canine genes in osteosarcoma.
First, dogs of breeds like Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers that are at high risk for osteosarcoma were studied. Tumor samples were analyzed to identify what genes were turned on in the tumors. This analysis divided the dogs into two groups and, based on the turned on genes, found a marked difference in outcome between the two groups. When the same genes in children with osteosarcoma were analyzed, again two groups with marked differences in outcome were identified. Now researchers can focus on turning off the genes and developing drugs to block the genes’ effects.
For more information about how purebred dog genetics are helping cure disease, read my previous blog, “Fighting Breed Related Diseases.”
Photo: Goodshoot
Source: WebMd
Article by Ann Hovenhaus, DVM

Mickey's Pet Supplies is an online natural pet store. Your source for the healthiest, all natural dog treats and dog chews.


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Dog Bowls-Lead Free dog bowls

There have been many articles and blog posts about the safety of dog bowls.
At Mickey's Pet Supplies we have researched and found the best of the companies that make their pet bowls from lead-free ceramic glazes.
Signature Housewares has been making dishware since 1995 and they adhere to the highest quality standards for food safety. All their bowls are made food grade safe.

All Signature Housewares products meet FDA and California Proposition 65 standards as they relate to food safety. Their products are independently tested for both standards since 1995 and are completely safe for any type of food usage. 
All Signature Housewares bowls are high fired ceramic and are microwave and dishwasher safe. 
We have all the sizes from XSmall for teacup breeds to Large bowls that hold 43 ozs. of food or water.
Many of the designs are inspired from famous artists like Ursula Dodge and Riviera Van Beers.  
All the bowls are bright and colorful, lead-free, high fired ceramic and made to withstand many years of use.
Use coupon code GBWL10 for 10% off your order of any pet bowls. Expires 6/15/12
Go to http://www.mickeyspetsupplies.com for the best selection of lead-free, heavy duty ceramic pet bowls. 


Saturday, June 2, 2012

Are Lawn Pesticides safe for my dog?

Repost of article by Mickey's Pet Supplies
 Source: Fightcaninecancer.com

Lawn Chemicals & Your Dog

dog_lawn.jpg
We all want a healthy, green lawn for our families to enjoy.  But, did you know that using synthetic lawn chemicals in your yard may increase your dog's risk of developing certain types of cancer?  If being more environmentally-conscious wasn't enough motivation for you to consider organic lawn care, consider the health benefits for your furry family members (and your two-legged kids too!).

Increased Risk of Transitional Cell Carcinoma (bladder cancer) and Lymphoma

"Correlation isn't causation, but it sure is a hint."  ~ Edward Tufte
A landmark 2004 study from Purdue University showed that dogs exposed to chemically treated lawns, specifically those treated with a chemical called 2, 4-D dramatically increased the risk of Transitional Cell Carcinoma (bladder cancer) in Scottish Terriers by four to seven times that of dogs not exposed to these toxins.  A follow up-study is underway. Other breeds considered at high risk of developing this difficult to treat type of cancer include Shetland Sheepdogs, West Highland Terriers and Beagles.

Studies also suggest that there may be a link between Lymphoma, one of the most common types of cancers in dogs, and exposure to lawn chemicals. In a 1991 study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, a link was found between 2, 4-D and malignant lymphoma in dogs and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in people. According to the study, "researchers report that dogs were two times more likely to develop lymphoma if their owners sprayed or sprinkled the 2,4-D herbicide on the lawn four or more times a year. [And] even with just one application a season, the cancer risk was one-third higher than among dogs whose owners did not use the chemical."   Breeds at highest risk of developing lymphoma include Boxers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, West Highland Terriers and Pointers.  Although there is still some controversy over the initial research linking lymphoma with these chemicals, it seems wise to err on the side of caution when it comes to the four-legged members of your family.

2,4-D is a very common ingredient in many broad-leaf weed killers and to give you a better picture of how toxic this chemical is so you can draw your own conclusions, it was also a primary component in Agent Orange, used during the Vietnam War and known for its highly toxic effects on human health, including causing cancer, birth defects and other diseases.

Why Dogs are at Increased Risk from Lawn Chemicals

Although most lawn care companies will try to convince you that their products are safe for your pets, there are a few things to consider before treating your lawn.

First, lawn care companies are only obligated to provide information on "Active Ingredients" in their products.  This list of active ingredients often leaves out the many "Inert Ingredients" that are also found in the treatment products, many of which are known carcinogens or have documented health risks associated with them.  One chemical that is often considered an inert ingredient is 2, 4-D, the focus of the Transitional Cell Carcinoma study.  If you are curious about the information that these companies are willing to share, I encourage you to contact them for more detailed information about the full chemical content of their lawn care products so you can evaluate their safety for yourself.  You may be surpised at how reluctant they are to share this information with you -- if they do at all.

Secondly, dogs are not people, and generally speaking, lawn care companies are concerned with how their products may affect people. Dogs are at greater risk of exposure and potential side effects from lawn care chemicals because:

  • Dogs do not wear clothing -- chemicals get on fur and are more easily absorbed into the skin.
  • Dogs do not wear shoes -- chemicals are absorbed through the paw pads and chemicals can be tracked into your home and they may be ingested when dogs lick their paws, as they often do.
  • Dogs (and children) have a higher ratio of skin surface in relation to their body size, which gives them a proportionally larger surface area which can absorb toxins.
  • Dogs don't just walk on the grass, they roll in it, lay in it, sniff around in it and dig in it -- all opportunities to inhale, ingest and absorb more toxins than the average human would.
  • In addition to walking on and playing in grass, it's not uncommon for dogs to eat grass while out in the yard, either intentionally or as part of all of the sticks and other things that they chew on while outside.  Chemically treated grass was never meant to be eaten.

Ways to Reduce Your Dog's Risk

While there is no way to guarantee that your dog will not develop cancer, there are some proactive things you can do to reduce their risks -- especially when it comes to lawn care chemicals. 

  • Use only natural lawn care products in your yard.  Examples are using corn gluten meal as a natural weed killer and fertilizer, or diatomaceous earth and boric acid for pest control.  Reducing exposure is the best way to prevent potential side effects.
  • Be aware of ALL the environments in which your dog may be exposed to lawn chemicals.  Even if you don't use them in your yard, consider yards you pass when going on walks, the parks where you and your dog play, and other public areas that may be treated.
  • Always wipe your dogs paws off after walks to remove any residue, and wipe down their fur as well if they have been out playing in treated grass.
  • Talk with your vet about your dog's specific risk of developing Transitional Cell Carcinoma or Lymphoma so you can be more aware of the signs and symptoms of these cancers.  For breeds at highest risk of TCC, consider regular urine testing, especially after 6 years old, to catch cancer at its earliest stages.   
  •  Mickey's Pet Supplies is a natural pet store for cats and dogs.Dogs can be like the sentinels for us as canine cancers have the same biology and behavior as they do for human cancers. 
    We wanted to share this information as a reminder to not apply pesticides or use lawn care products that contain insect growth regulators. 
    Please do not allow your dog or children to walk or play on any lawns that have been recently sprayed by a professional lawn care company.