February 2011 Newsletter

This months newsletter was written by Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori.
You're worried your dog is sick, so you take him to see the vet. After a thorough checkup, the doctor tells you she want to put your neutered male dog on a drug you've heard a lot about: Viagra.
No, it's not your vet's idea of a joke. It's actually perfectly legitimate to prescribe Viagra for a dog, even if he's neutered--but not for the reasons you might think.
Viagra, or sildenafil citrate, is best known for fixing what's referred to as "erectile dysfunction" in human males, but because it works by improving blood flow, it can also help treat pulmonary hypertension, a disorder that causes high blood pressure in the lungs. If you dog has a pulmonary problem, Viagra may be the key to his health.
And it's not the only human medication vets prescribe. Another surprising remedy is Botox, used to treat some eye problems in dogs. Most pet owners don't realize this, but aside from flea- and tick-control products, almost all of the medications their pets receive are crossovers from human medicine,
"I'd say 80 to 90% of the drugs used in veterinary medicine come from human medicine," says Dr. Duncan Ferguson, director of the Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology residency program at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "When you get into more specialized treatments, such as those for cancer, that figure goes even higher."
This so-called off-label use of drugs is what allows veterinarians to treat species or medical conditions that may be considered small markets from a drug company's perspective.
Knowing how and why certain drugs are prescribed can help pet owners understand health-care options--including some that save money. A good veterinarian will discuss medications, tell you what side effects to look for, and encourage you to call with questions or concerns. Treatment can often be more complicated in animals than in humans.
"I tell our veterinary students that they need to know more about pharmacology than their physician counterparts," says Dr. Ferguson, whose areas of specialty include both small-animal internal medicine and veterinary clinical pharmacology. "In human medicine, all drugs are FDA-approved, meaning that they have undergone significant scrutiny for safe --but only in one species. Vets must often use fairly limited evidence to treat other species with differences in drug metabolism and action."
Part two of this article will be put into next months newsletter. Remember that we are not professional doctors and you should always consults your vet about what is best for your pet.
Johnny & Connie

January 2011 Newsletter

December 2010 Newsletter

We are sure that everyone noticed that last month's blog did not happen. Last month the business got moved to a new location. Sorry we were not able to provide a blog in November but the business can now be run move efficiently with more office and storage space.
This month's pet hint will help your pet shed pounds. Most of this article was written by Sarah Wilson and Brian Kilcomms.
Almost half of American pets are overweight, which causes help problems and reduces their life expectancy by years. If you are like most pet owners you probably love your pet to much to feed them too much. But the reality is not that simple. People do not want to hear that their pet is heavy. A recent study by Purina revealed that fewer than 30% of pet owners rated their pet as overweight , while 79% of veterinarians disagreed. When you examine your dog or cat from both top and the side, you should see a noticeable waist above the rib cage. Regardless of breed or age, the ribs should be the widest part of the body. The ripple of the ribs should be easily felt when you stroke your pets sides. If you have to press down to find the bones, there is too much fat. Obesity can reduce your pet's life span by 15% - an average about 2 years. Overweight pets risk the same health complications as we do; breathing is harder, knees fall apart, heart is strained, moving hurts and diabetes becomes common.
The healthy solution is to burn move calories than your pet takes in. A few ways to accomplish this are to walk your dog daily, which will also help those of us who are fighting the battle of the bulge as well. Some dogs enjoy going to the park where they can chase other dogs, Frisbees and balls.
To help an overweight cat burn more calories encourage them to play with the numerous cat toys available on the market. One of our best sellers for cat owners is a laser light. This product can be found at www.toys4dogsncats.com
Do not feed your dog or cat from the table as this will add unwanted weight to your pet.
Make a New Year's Resolution to spend more time with your pet and both of your will benefit.
We hope that everyone had a happy and safe Thanksgiving and want to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.
Thank you for your continued support and and we look forward to helping you with all of your pet needs in the future.
Remember that we are not professional doctors, and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.
If there is something you would like to read about in the future, drop us an email at www.azwholesales@gmail.com If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please email us at www.azwholesales@gmail.com

Johnny & Connie

October 2010 Newsletter

Are you ready for a hurricane? This months newsletter does not apply to everyone but can be used for many other emergencies. You and your pets can survive a hurricane if you are prepared to evacuate your home at a moments notice. Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club in the event that you may be part of a hurricane or a national disaster.

Don't leave your pet at home. Most of the time that you have to evacuate, it is only for a couple of days, but there are times when you are unable to return to your home as quickly as you would like. Be prepared to take your pets with you by having a quality crate or carrier to put them in. Just putting your pet on a leash probably will not work with hundreds of other pets at the evacuation center. Ask us for a quote on crates and carriers at azwholesales@gmail.com

If you plan on evacuating to a hotel, call ahead first to make sure that your pets are welcome. Most hotels will forget their pet policies during a time of crisis.

Coordinate with your shelter to make sure that there is room for you and your pets. If you belong to a pet club, contact members outside the effected area to coordinate shelter and transportation for those in need.

Be prepared by keeping copies of your pets licenses, vaccination documents and health records in a plastic zip lock bag or a water proof container, in case you need it in an area that is far from your vet. Ask your vet to supply you with a copy of all records of your pets so that you can maintain these records at your home.

Have a bag pre-packed just for this emergency. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Pack a back up leash, collar and ID tags. It is a good idea to have your pet micro chipped along with registration in a pet recovery service. Include the following items in a pre-packed bag: Your pet's health records, food and water bowls, food and water for one week, a gallon of spring water, a portable crate/carrier, pet bedding and a leash. Be sure to rotate the food and water so you will always have the freshest food and water for your pet.

Remember that we are not professional doctors, and that you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.

If there is something that you would like to read about in the future, drop us an email at azwholesales@gmail.com If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please email us at azwholesales@gmail.com

Johnny & Connie

September 2010 Newsletter

Tips to prevent your pet from starting a fire in your home.

It is estimated that 500,000 pets are effected by home fires. It is also estimated that 1,000 house fires each year are accidentally started by the home-owners' pet. This month's newsletter is to educate all pet owners on how to prevent their pets from starting fires, as well as keeping them safe. Some of these tips come from the ADT Security Services.

1. Extinguish open flames. Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in the fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flames before you leave your home.

2. Remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before you leave the house. A store or cook top is the number one item involved in your pet starting a fire.

3. Invest in flameless candles. These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle.

4. Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready encase firefighters need to rescue your pet. When you leave your pet at home, keep them in areas near entrances so firefighters can find them.

5. Secure young pets and puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home. You can put them in a crate or behind a baby gate in secure areas.

6. Affix a pet alert window cling. Write down the number of pet inside your home and attach it the front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets.

Remember we are not professional doctors, and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.

If there is something that you would like to read about in the future, drop an email at www.azwholesales@gmail.com If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please email us at www.azwholesales@gmail.com

Johnny & Connie

August 2010 Newsletter

Have you or someone you know ever gone online to look for your new furry friend? Beware, there are plenty of online scammers willing to take your money. The American Kennel Club is reiterating this message in a campaign called "Beware of Internet Scams."

Don't buy a pet online, sight unseen or from an unrepeatable pet store. Pet stores often buy from middlemen who get their animals from a mill. We are sure that you have heard of a puppy mill.

Things to look for and to be aware of:

1. Anyone who seems overly concerned about getting paid and requests money to be wired

overseas.

2. Be wary of heart-wrenching tales online containing pictures that most likely have been

lifted from legitimate breeders' Web sites.

3. Research, research, research can not say it enough. Find a breeder through the AKC

breeder referral at akc.org.

4. If you or someone you know has been a victim of scam, report it to local authorities and

the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org)

We actually know people who found their furry friend online, sent an airline ticket to the

seller and purchased their pet. It was determined that their puppies probably came from

a puppy mill. They had some pretty bad habits but with lots of love and patience, they

were able to break the bad habits and have a wonderful pet. Please keep in mind that

this is not the case in most of these kinds of adoptions.

Remember that we are not professional doctors, and should always read instructions

and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.

If there is something that you want to read about in the future or send us some great

shots of your pets, email us at azwholesales@gmail.com If you wish to to removed from

this newsletter please let us know at azwholesales@gmail.com

Johnny & Connie

July 2010 Newsletter

Happy Independence Day Everyone! Now that we have made it into summer and the days are getting hotter and hotter, have you noticed that your pet's breath which is referred to as, halitosis is getting worse? In this issue we will try to help you freshen your pets breath so you can breath easier.

Did you know that it is a fact that using good hygiene on your pets can prolong their life. By the age of 3 yrs old, 80% of pets show signs of oral disease, which is often indicated by bad breath, change in eating habits and pawing at the face and mouth and depression. According to the National Pet Products Association, only one out of three pet owners purchases dental products to use on their pets. Only 5% report brushing their pet's teeth daily. Most bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Normal breath in dogs and cats should not smell bad but any smell you find should be from the food they just ate.

Dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30 teeth in their mouths. Therefore dogs will have worse bad breath than cats.

It is a fact that your pet's teeth must be professionaly cleaned to remove calculus and plaque. Trying to do it at home is not possible. Your pet, just like us humans, must have periodic professional cleaning. To do it thoroughly and completely, anesthesia must be used by a professional. After this the owner can brush their pet's teeth to help maintain the pet's teeth and overall health. By the way, if you have an older pet it needs to be evaluated before you use anesthesia for cleaning.

Yes, we are aware that all of this is very expensive. But if you love and cherish your pet and want it to live a longer life, keeping it's teeth clean will not only control bad breath but also prolong your pet's life.

The products that are available range from toothbrushes, toothpaste, oral gels, sprays, food or water additives, essential oils and enzyme -infused chews. Here are a few ideas that you can do that will help on the pocketbook.

• First of all it is important to use dental products specifically designed for dogs and cats. Do not use human toothpaste on your pet's teeth. Our toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed. Products are available for cats and dogs at most pet supply stores and at your veterinarian's office.


• If you start early when your pet is a puppy or kitten, your pet will get used to having their mouth looked at and their teeth cleaned.


• Some pets do not like things stuck into their mouth, try a finger brush to maintain your pet's teeth.


• Kong dental toys are one of the best ways to help your pet massage their gums and clean their teeth by themselves. This product is dishwasher safe so you can remove any bacteria that may be on it after they are done playing with it. We carry a wide range of Kong toys. Visit our store at http://www.toys4dogsncats.com/ .


• Try not to feed your pet treats that contain large amounts of sugar and that are sticky and chewy. Carrots are a good treat, they are actually abrasive and will help remove plaque.

Remember that we are not professional doctors, and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.

If there something that you would like to read about in the future, drop us an email at azwholesales@gmail.com. If you wish to be removed from this mailing list , please email us at azwholesales@gmail.com.

Johnny and Connie