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| What's new, what's coming, and some important information from the chef at
Tail Waggins Bakery . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| What's Inside August 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Opening Word!
Thank You A sincere thank you to all my well-wishers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A few weeks ago, the summer photo contest failed to start on time.. in fact, it ended up starting one week late. This was truly a historic event, because it was first time in what?, four years that such a thing has happened. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The contest was supposed to start up on the fifth at 5pm eastern time. I know this well, because I was the one who was supposed to kick it off. However on that particular Sunday I checked into Georgetown Hospital in order that I and my appendix could part company. It was about time really, you see, I've been with the same appendix for almost fifty years now and to be honest we were getting a little bored with each other. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anyways, when I finally got around to sending out an announcement stating something everyone already knew (the contest would be starting late), I was inundated with emails from well wishers. How nice is that? A gaggle of get well wishes from a bunch of nice folk who have never even met me (if they had, they'd probably have thought twice about the emails!) But seriously, to all you good folk who took the time to write, "Thank You, Thank You" for all your kind thoughts and words. As you can tell, it caught me totally by surprise, and was truly was greatly appreciated! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coming!
2008 Calendar! We've just begun work on the 2008 Tail Waggins calendar. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| There have been a lot of questions regarding the 2008 Tail Waggins desktop calendar. There seems to be some confusion as to how we are going about selecting the lucky dogs to appear on our next calendar. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First of all, we will be using a couple of last year's Big Dogs... dogs who deserved it, but did not make it on one of calendars. We will choose the remainder of the dogs from our photo contests, and here's how it works. During each round of each contest, we will choose three Manager's Picks. Then during the final round of each contest, we will pick three dogs from all the Manager's Picks for that contest, and those three lucky dogs will be transformed into a unique piece of art, and will appear on the calendar. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We have just barely started work on the calendar. However, if you are interested in a sneak peak, you can go to www.tailwagginsbakery.com/calendar.htm. We will be posting pictures there as we finish them, so you can check back occasionally and chart the progress. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Open!
The TW Bargain Basement! We've restocked our Bargain Basement with toys! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finally, as the noise from our new shopping cart system is starting to die down, we've begun restocking our Bargain Basement. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We've got some great toys on sale, and we will be adding more products as time goes on, so go see what we've got on special, and check back frequently. Where is the Bargain Basement? Why it's right here! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Neat!
Clean, and healthy! We have some great new spa products from Naturvet. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Bully!
Bravo all-natural bully sticks The very best in beef chewies. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Health!
Some Sound Advice Continuing July's discussion on ear care. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last month we started our discussion on ear care with a look into the world of yeast and fungus... well, specifically those types which are likely to call your dog's ears home. Without doubt, these types of ear infections are the primary reason dogs make their way to the vet's office with complaints of itchy ears. Curiously enough though, most folks encounter itchy ears in their dogs, and immediately jump to the conclusion that their dog is suffering from ear mites. (Apparently, ear mites may not be as common as yeast and fungus, however they're much more popular.) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Otodectes dwells primarily on the surfaces of the ear canal. There it feasts on shed skin cells and the normal ear exudates. As they move about grazing inside the ear, the mites cause great irritation. This irritation combined with the dog's persistent scratching causes the membranes of the ear to ooze increased amounts of exudate. These exuded oils, sebum and waxes combine with the mites excretion to create a dark crumbly residue inside the ear. This residue strongly resembles coffee grounds, and is the primary tell-tale indicator that there are mites about. In fact, some vets will make the diagnosis after finding this residue without taking a sample for microscopic examination. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| It is a common misconception that ear mites are incapable of surviving outside the safe, warm, and moist environs of the ear. However otodectes, occasionally dare out of the ear, and move about on the face and head. Perhaps it is the daring of these few tiny explorers which makes the mites a threat of contagion. For, it is true that the infestation is well capable of spreading to all of the household pets. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| In the case of otodectes infestations, it is definitely wise to err on the side of caution. Make sure all your household animals get treated, and eliminate the invaders quickly. Because, more than just a constant irritation, these little mites are capable of producing a serious health risk. The longer the mite population is left to develop, the greater the chances that the insult to the ear tissues caused by the mites and by the constant scratching will lead to a secondary bacterial infection. In some cases, the ear drum itself can become compromised leading to a more complicated inner ear infection, usually indicated by a lack of equilibrium. And in some severe (and rare) cases, the infection can reach the brain causing fits and related nervous disorders. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Of course, the big question usually is; "Am I or my children at risk of getting ear mites from our pets?" The answer to that question is both "yes", and "no". "Yes" because occasionally the mites may find their way to a human host, and if they do, they will try their darndest to start a new colony. However, "no" because humans are quite different than the mites normal hosts, and do not provide the required environment for their sustained growth. So, should the mites find their way to you, the problem usually resolves itself within a week without treatment as the mites are unable to complete their life cycle on a human host. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Like almost all mites, otodectes are extremely ugly and repugnant... it's difficult to imagine them being able to woo a mate with such looks. But, somehow they manage. In fact, one interesting thing (perhaps the only interesting thing) about this nasty little creature is their mating process. The female mite lays her eggs, which hatch after a short four day incubation period. The miniscule little toddlers crawl about feasting on ear wax and skin cells for about one week before they molt becoming what is known as a protonymph. Continuing to grow like a little weed, the protonymph then molts a second time becoming a "deutonymph". At this stage, the mite has yet to develop a gender. These gender-less deutonymphs then find a wandering adult male, and mate with him. Then, for reasons not completely understood, a portion of the deutonymphs develop into females already brimming with fertilized eggs while the remaining adolescents become yet more philandering males. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| That definitely is an unusual life cycle, and the whole thing takes approximately three weeks from egg to egg. This is important to remember! Most treatments of ectoparasites are not equally effective on all life stages of the invaders. So, to eliminate all of the unwanted guests, the treatment must be maintained for the entire duration of the life cycle. It's the only way to ensure eradication. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The first step in the mite eviction program is a good thorough cleaning. Many people make the mistake of trying to treat mite infestations without this first and critical step. The result? Many of the original colonists find refuge deep in the ear's nasty debris build-up. These little survivalists, protected by layers of ear wax are able to survive the treatment virtually unscathed. And at the end of the treatment, they emerge to start the great cycle of life once again. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| So, step one... eliminate all hiding places and food reserves. That is, give the ears a meticulous cleaning. Still the best home-brew for this job is virgin olive oil to soften the debris, and a baking soda solution to flush it out. (Refer to the July article on ear care for details of this cleaning process if you've forgotten.) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| After the ears have been cleaned thoroughly, the mites are exposed and vulnerable. It's now time to teach them the meaning of the word parasiticide (something which is destructive to parasites). At this point you've got some options, and need to make the decision between conventional treatment (better living through chemistry) or the natural route. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sounds like a winner, except the potential side effects of Selamectin include such things as temporary hair loss, loss of appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and muscle tremors. Breed specific? Well, Selamectin is a semi-synthetic avermectin, which means there may be reason for concern with collie breeds. In fact, there have been scattered reports of neurological symptoms in collies after administering Selamectin. The drug is a neuro-disruptor, it functions by interfering with the normal transmission of signals in the parasites little nervous system. Does this mean that the drug could potentially cause neurological problems in your dog? Of course it's possible, especially with susceptible breeds... in all honesty, it's reasonable to believe that Selamectin has a certain level of bio-activity in every animal, however the damage is so minute that the symptoms are not observable. Not all people may warmly embrace this particular route, however it is an option that will deal with the mites. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Drugs always have what the pharmaceutical companies like to call "acceptable risks", so you're wondering whether or not there is a safer yet effective natural treatment for the mite problem. Actually there are at least two natural agents reported to have good efficacy against the little ear mites. Both are readily available, and the treatment can be easily accomplished at home. Keep in mind though, that although natural remedies may be just as effective, and perhaps degrees safer, they typically take longer to work the desired miracle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Tea tree oil has also been reported to have good success in treating ear mite infestations. Actually the oil from the melaleuca alternifolia plant, this "medicine chest in a bottle" has been used by the Aboriginal Peoples of Australia for hundreds of years. It has been historically used for a variety of afflictions ranging from headaches to fungal infections such as athlete's foot to.. you guess it, ear mites! Available in most good health food stores and herberies, for the highest quality look for the organic varieties. Also, observe the packaging, because this valuable oil should be sold in blue glass bottles to help preserve it's potent properties. Avoid products that are packaged in clear glass, or worse yet plastic bottles! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To create a working otic solution, dilute the tea tree oil by placing five drops or so in a tablespoon of water. Apply in the same fashion as the Yellow Dock solution, and continue the treatment for three to six weeks applying the solution every other day despite the quick relief that it will bring. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Be very careful when using tea tree oil with cats. Cats typically are hyper-sensitive to a variety of biological compounds, and the active terpenes in tea tree oil can be toxic to cats, particularly kittens and cats with nerve disorders. Toxicity is a concern with cats even in the small concentrations discussed above, applied topically. If you decide to use tea tree oil on your cats, watch for the symptoms of toxicity which include depression, weakness, lack of coordination, behavioural disorders and muscle tremors. It has been noted that these symptoms will typically present within eight hours of treatment if the cat has problems with the terpenes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Just to be on the safe side, remember that it is not a bad idea to shampoo your pet's head and facial areas frequently during the treatment process. If the mites should venture out of the ear (particularly at night) we don't want them to get comfortable and miss all the fun of the parasiticides we're applying. After shampooing, sprinkle lightly (protecting the eyes) with a food grade diatomaceous earth, and gently massage the dust into their fur. Food grade diatomaceous earth can be tricky to find, if you have a large health food store in your area, that will most likely be your best bet. If you can't find it locally, we also have it on our shelves, you can find it here. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The final word on mites concerns nutrition. It has been noted that dogs and cats who are regularly fed a diet of superior quality foods high in natural proteins and low in grains and fillers have a much greater chance of averting parasitic invaders such as ear mites. High quality foods rich in top quality proteins, and bolstered with natural vitamin and mineral sources will help bestow your dog (or cat) with a healthy, active immune system capable of staving off a myriad of maladies including ectoparasites. And, as a side note... for those of you who are raw feeders, the reports of dogs and cats fed well-constructed raw diets developing ectoparasites are considerably less than for animals fed processed foods. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Let's hope your house pets never suffer through the irritation of ear mites, however if they should, hopefully you are now better equipped to safely and quickly offer relief and remedy! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Supplements We now have new supplements in from our friends at Naturvet. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Special Just for our readers! A little extra savings... just for being good readers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| And, here's a little special something for you, just for being such good and loyal readers. The one-time pricing on these two popular favorites can only be found here in the Bakery News. Shhh! Don't tell them, but all those other folks who are missing out on the news, well... they're paying full price! Enjoy your cookies, and your savings. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Smart Ready for algebra? This dog can't be that smart... right? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Humor More cool stuff on the net One very funny Dalmation! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Look! Photo Contest The Summer contest is in full swing! And, there's more to come.. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Summer photo contest is already underway, but don't fret if you didn't get a seat. We will be starting up the fall contest immediately following the final round of the Summer Games! Come join the fun, simply go to the contest rules page and find out how to enter! Remember we'll be picking three "Manager's Pick" winners from each contest to appear in the 2008 Tail Waggins calendar! Send those photos in today! Come vote in the Summer contest here! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Feedback We Listen to Your Needs! We want to hear from you! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| If you are looking for something special or can't seem to locate the right type of food for your fur friend, give us a call or email us. We will be happy to help you find what you need to make your life easier! Drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From our family to yours, here’s hope for a world full of happy and healthy dogs! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| If you receive regular notices from Tail Waggins and you would prefer not to, simply email us at chef@tailwagginsbakery.com and put the word “Scratch” in the subject line (like “Scratch me from your mailing list”) and we’ll get you taken off the list before our next regular mailing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At Tail Waggins Dog Bakery we are bakers, not trained veterinarians. We enjoy passing along the tips and wisdom of others, but there is no replacement for the sound advice that you will get from your local vet. When confronted with a medical emergency, please consult a trained professional. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tail Waggins Dog Bakery offices are located at 402 Tamara Dr.,
Georgetown, TX 78628. Our storefront is located at 2102 North Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626. You can call the store at 512.868.0047 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||