Bakery News An update from the Tail Waggins Chef

What's new, what's coming, and some important information from the chef at Tail Waggins Bakery .

What's Inside August 2007

Opening Word - Thank you! Yes, you. Coming - Work has just begun on the 2008 TW calendar! Open - We've started restocking the Bargain Basement. Neat - Some great new spa products from Naturvet. Bully - The very best bully sticks by Bravo. All-natural and 100% digestible! More sound advice - A continuation of our ear care discussion. Smart - Simple math? No problem. "I had to let you know that Nitro Fish and Rossco loved the liver brownies so much, I just had to order some more. Rossco got hold of the empty bag and carried it around all one evening. Too bad I didn't have my camera for a good picture! My order arrived promptly and the dogs are happy campers again." Kathie F., Cincinnati, OH Supplements - We've got some new supplements also from Naturvet! Special - A special treat just for our BakeryNews readers. Humor - Is a dog riding a bike funny... I think so! Come join the fun! - Do you have a calendar dog? The Summer Contest is underway, and the time is right to sign up for the Fall Festivities. New spa products from Naturvet!

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.

Three new natural spa products from Naturvet. Earwash with Tea Tree Oil is a gentle, yet effective product for removing waxy ear build-up and foreign debris. Safe enough to use as often as needed, this mild otic solution contains tea tree oil for natural antibacterial protection. Herbal Flea Spray is a combination of rosemary and cedar oil which repels fleas and flies. Safe for all dogs and cats older than six weeks, this spray may be applied to both pets and bedding, and will not interfere with spot-on products. Pleasant Breath is a combination of glutamic acid (a naturally occurring amino acid), chlorophyll, parsley and yucca, and is actually four products in one. Pleasant Breath will help discourage stool eating, help reduce stool odor, helps with doggie breath, and reduces body odor. New spa products! Naturvet Ear Wash (4 oz) $7.59 Naturvet Herbal Flea Spray (16 oz) $10.99 Naturvet Pleasant Breath (150 tabs) $13.99

Bully! Bravo all-natural bully sticks The very best in beef chewies.

Bravo is a great company, and a new line for us in the Bakery. We are really excited to have them, and their products are a perfect fit for our natural, holistic approach to doggie care! These bully sticks are the very best available! They are made in the USA from USDA certified beef, and are smokehouse cured without any artificial flavorings or colors. Each bully is 100% beef, and 100% digestible. A great alternative to dangerous chews made from hide and other by-products! Come in and see our whole line of Bravo raw foods! 6" Bully Stick $3.99 12" Bully Stick $6.99

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.)

Just what is an ear mite then? You may find this surprising, but ear mites are mites which live in the ear. All kidding aside, these little irritants are true mites, generally microscopic with hard, segmented bodies and four pairs of legs. (I say "generally" because there are actually several different species of external parasites which can set up residence in your dog's ear. All of these critters are loosely grouped together under the term 'ear mites'.) The most common of these nasty creatures is a mite affectionately known as otodectes cynotis. To the unaided eye, otodectes looks like no more than a white speck of dirt (approximately 64 of them stacked end to end would stretch just an inch), and a colonized ear could easily contain several hundred. otodectes cynotis

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.

Now, although dogs do occasionally suffer ear mite infestations, the canine ear is not the mite's food of choice. Cats, rabbits, ferrets, and other small rodents are much more prone to ear mites than dogs. Cats especially, are frequent sufferers of the itchy plague. This being said, don't assume that your dog is safe, or immune. Once the little critters find the way into your home on one of these other animals, they will most likely find your dog as well. Why am I telling you this? Because it is important to remember when treating one of your pets for ear mites to treat all of your household pets prophylactically. Better safe than sorry. If you treat one but not the others, the infestation may migrate from one animal to another, back to the original host, and so on until you end up pulling your hair out from frustration.

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.

Bizarre little creatures...

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.

Move 'em out!... Step 1

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.)

Move 'em out!... Step 2

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.

In the category of conventional treatment, there are two choices, either systemic, or local (topical) drugs. In the systemic category, are spot-ons such as Revolution. This class of drugs is most familiar as a flea preventative. A little squirt (usually between the shoulder blades) is absorbed through the skin and transported via the circulatory system to all parts of the body. The primary active ingredient in Revolution is an insecticide/parasiticide called Selamectin, and the makers claim it is effective on everything from Sarcoptic mange to heartworms. Revolution is also touted as an effective treatment for ear mite infestations. In most areas, Revolution is only available with a perscription, however you can find it on the internet dispensed from localities where perscriptions for such things are not required. As an aside, Selamectin's chemical cousin, Ivermectin is sometimes prescribed as an injection to eliminate ear mites, although this is not (to the best of our knowledge) an FDA approved use of the drug.

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.

The second choice in conventional treatments is a local (or topical) parasiticide which is applied directly to the tissues of the ear canal. There are several such formulations available, most notably Mita-Clear and Otomite. Both of these products are available without perscription, and are otic solutions (they are applied directly to the inside of the ear). The primary active ingredient in both of these popular medications is pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is potent insecticide derived from the chrysanthemum flower. Sounds natural, however pyrethrin is also a neuro-disruptor, and can be quite dangerous if ingested. Even applied topically, there is some risk of overdose, particular among smaller breeds. Symptoms of overexposure include, tremors, drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, hyperactivity, disorientation, vocalization, depression, difficulty breathing, and seizures. In extreme cases, death is possible. Also, it should be noted that pyrethrins are not recommended for use on cats. OTC otic solutions

Au Naturel?

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.

The herb Yellow Dock has received numerous acolades for its ability to combat ear parasites. Yellow Dock, also known as Curly or Curled Dock is generally considered to be a weed, and although native primarily to western Europe and eastern portions of Asia, it has now spread to most of the civilized world including temperate areas of North America. The mature plant has brownish flowers on a primary stalk usually about three foot high. The plant's root is a yellow, forked tap root which is ground and used to make a tincture which is readily available in most health food stores or herberies. To utilize the tincture, it should be first diluted to prevent an irritating burning sensation. A good concentration is nine drops of tincture per tablespoon of water. After the dog's ears have been thoroughly cleaned, this solution can be placed by dropper into the outer ear and allowed to run into the ear canal. Gently massage the outer portions of the ear to encourage good wetting of the ear canal and ear flap. This process should be carried out every other day for a full six weeks even though relief has been reported within two days of yellow dock treatment. The trick once again, is to ensure the eradication of all life stages. The eggs, are particularly resistant, and consequently treatment must progress through the larval, nymph and adult stages to guarantee success. Also note, that if you are concerned about a secondary bacterial infection in the ear, a few drops of colloidal silver added to this home-brewed otic solution won't hurt!

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.

Move 'em out!... Step 3

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.

Here are four new supplements we've just got in... Cranberry Relief is a veterinarian designed support system for your pets urogenital organs. Cranberry extract, Echinacea, and Oregon Grape Root are combined in this exception formula. Enzymes is a concentrated blend of enzymes derived from vegetable sources, and designed by veterinarians. Active enzymes to help digest starches, proteins, cellulose and triglycerides. Plus, live probiotics for sustaining healthy gut flora! ArthriSoothe provides optimal levels of glucosamine, Chondroitin, Green Lipped Mussel, Hyaluronic Acid and MSM. This combination is recommended to help support, maintain, and contribute to rebuilding damaged cartilage and tissue. Also recommended to help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness. (For use with dogs only.) (Available in liquid or tablet form.)   Cranberry Relief (50g) $13.99 Enzymes (16 oz) $35.99 ArthriSoothe Gold Liquid (8 oz) $18.99 ArthriSoothe Gold (40 tabs) $24.99

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.

Cream Cheese Danish - One of our first cookies is still one of our best sellers. With applesauce, cream cheese and cinnamon, these scrumptious goodies are sure to get him droolin'! net wt. 8 oz. $6.00  $4.50 Pitza Bonz - One of our most aromatic cookies! When these come out of the oven, they smell like the corner pizza joint! Made with premium vegetable juices, parmesan cheese, and Italian style herbs and seasonings. If your dog is crazy about pizza, he'll love our Pitza Bonz! net wt. 8oz. $6.50  $4.85

Smart Ready for algebra? This dog can't be that smart... right?

Math whiz? When I first watched this video, I remember thinking that Maggie's owner must be one talented trainer. To train a terrier to do simple tricks while there is food on the floor! What? If she could teach our own Tegan that, maybe I could keep him out of the cat food! Anyways, good training, but the video wasn't all that spectacular, until we come to the math portion of the program. You need to watch this video... I couldn't detect any way that Maggie's owner was communicating the answers to her... but, she can't be that smart, right? Check Maggie's math act out at www.chaosvideos.net/videos.aspx/video~704/Super_Smart_Dog/Animal_videos/ .

Humor More cool stuff on the net One very funny Dalmation!

Ready for the Tour de France?   I've heard so many people put dalmations down because of their... well, their.. oh, you know they're not quite as clever as some dogs. But, you would never convince the owner of this dalmation. If you can teach a dog to ride a bike, he's no slouch in the IQ department. I'm not sure what makes this video funnier, the dog riding the bike, or the fact that I can't understand a single word of the commentary. You can catch the video on Yahoo.

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!

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