Dog Threats at Home
I am a beef jerky junkie. I can plow my way through an entire bag of the stuff on a single road trip. Can’t resist. But I’ve always wondered about those little white plastic packets labeled DO NOT EAT found floating around in the bottom.
Those little white packets must look awfully appetizing to my dogs, who drool at the mere sight of a bag filled with dried meat.
Oxygen Absorbers
As it turns out those little white packets are either iron granules or activated charcoal and they are designed to keep food products as fresh as possible. And, not just meats, but all types of foods.
These shouldn’t be confused with the little white packets of Silica found inside electronics, or new tennis shoes. Silica is used as a moisture remover. It is often non-toxic to dogs if ingested in small amounts.
But what about those other white packets in dried food products? You probably already know, but those little white packets are likely iron, or charcoal granules. It depends on who you ask, but iron can be toxic to dogs, especially small dogs. Experts say that the little bit of iron that is in the packets likely will become inert the moment that dog eats it. Others argue against science. Charcoal granules are basically non-toxic. Both types of oxygen absorbers still shouldn’t be eaten, hence the warning label. What’s possibly worse than the substance is the plastic packet itself. It can become entangled in the dog’s intestines.
So how do you know which type of element is in the packet? You don’t. Unless you break it open before the dog ingests it and examine it yourself. Iron looks like rust. Charcoal is made of blackish granules.
Again, charcoal is non-toxic and iron can be toxic. The best advice is to call a Vet immediately, and if you have another white plastic packet give it to the Vet for analysis.
If you’ve ever wanted to see how smart and obedient a retriever can be plan to attend an AKC sporting event. These are across the country. The AKC Hunt Test is a combination of incredible canine eye-sight and physical strength and the ability for the dog to perservere in all types of outdoor conditions.
Not all dogs are considered “working dogs.” Some are couch potatoes. But with training and daily exercise any dog can be trained to retrieve.
St. Bernards get all the credit for snow rescues, and deservingly so. But it was a German Shepard named Bridget, who heroically became the first dog in North America to find a survivor in the worst mountain avalanche disaster in ski resort history.
Websites for dog breeders don’t have to be high-tech, they simply have to be usable. Learn what to include and how to create a beautiful Website for your dog breeding business.
Community pet expos can be a cheap or free way to stay on top of your pet vaccinations for rabies, distemper and other common ailments.
Tired of opening and closing your heavy sliding door for your pet? We may have found a product that does the job for you without a remote, or any hard-to-install hardware.
American Kennel Club offers loads of competitions for your dog. From obedience to field trials, and you and your dog will love it. However, because these are competitions people tend to be nervous, especially newcomers. One way to avoid the jitters is to unleash your inner-child.
Podcasts by dog trainers are reaching large audiences of listeners ready to take advice on any number of subjects. Robert Cabral interviews me about AKC Hunt Test programs nationwide.
This is a must-read for anyone that thinks their dog might have eaten a marijuana laced product.
Believe it, or not drinks like Pepsi and Coke may actually keep your dog healthy and safe! Here’s my true story.
There’s a hidden packet in each bag of Jerky you eat. Do you know that this packet might be harmful to your family dog? Reach more.
What you need to know about today’s e-collars for dogs. In the wrong hands they can cause terrible issues. This story talked about what you should know before you buy.
Ever wonder why Labs are America’s most popular dog year after year? It’s simple, they love being around people of all ages and genders. They are considered the very best family dog. But there’s more to learn about Labs than how sweet they can be around people.
This is one of my favorite video clips from Retrievers in the Field, filmed by outdoor videographer Rick Westphal of Westphal Productions.
Karen Pryor wrote a book that I've read many times called Don't Shoot the Dog. It is a training manual for dog owners that I encourage everyone to read at least once. Anyone with a love for animals will get something from her advice and story that they may not find elsewhere.
If you’ve never seen a working dog like a Retriever in action, you’re missing out on one of life’s biggest pleasures. Retrievers have been working with us as for eons, and their natural instincts to retrieve is simply amazing to watch.
Responsible dog owners love to hike outdoors with their four-legged companions and seldom is there a problem. But while our beautiful wilderness looks safe enough, the wild outdoors can become life-threatening in an instant.
Little puppies have such sweet smelling breath, and I discovered that much of a dog’s freshness comes from good oral health, and dear old mom.
Ever since the days of Lassie on TV or the slobbering St. Bernard in the feature film Beethoven, dogs have been used in television and film production.
Cesar Millan’s story is well-known among dog lovers everywhere. In short, he illegally crossed the border between Mexico and the U.S. in his youth, worked low paying jobs to eat, slept in his car, and through some divine miracle (or destiny) he managed to become one of America’s most beloved television dog trainers.
Fetch is a game that every dog owner has played at some time in their life. The dog chases the dry rubber ball and returns it back to the thrower, somewhat more slimy than before. Simple. It’s a great game and most dogs happily play it.
Here's a lesson I learned early on. Everything we’ve read, seen or heard about retriever training is futile until we embrace the concept that dogs are creatures of habit.
Getting started in the retriever training game takes commitment, and obviously the right equipment. Experienced trainers are fully equipped to handle most training drill scenarios, which leaves 99 percent of others often puzzled by the choices that need to be made.
Larry Saavedra
Subject Matter Experts. Specializing in content for automotive and outdoor projects.
Any dog swims… kinda. While swimming doesn’t come naturally to all breeds like Bull dogs and Basset Hounds and some others, dogs do “dog paddle” in water. Whether or not they can swim across a pool is another thing, and before you tempt fate be sure to buy a doggy vest first just in case.