1.  Early problem detection

Strong evidence supports the theory that, due to their hyper sharp olfactory senses, dogs can detect ailments like prostate cancer, diabetes, and hypoglycemia before an owner knows he’s in peril.  Ongoing studies to determine how dogs can be trained for specific disease detection are in progress.

2.  Psychic seizure powers

People who are subject to seizures have reported that their dogs can sense one coming on before they do.  As a result of this finding, “seizure alert” dogs are now being specially trained to warn their owners that a seizure is on the way, giving them time to call for help and position themselves in a safe spot - away from a stairwell or a hot stove, for instance.

3.  Fewer falls

People with Parkinson’s disease sometimes experience what’s known as “freezing” - the feet “freeze” in place while the rest of the body keeps moving - and the result is often a nasty fall.  for reasons that baffle scientists, a dog’s touch can actually unfreeze an offending appendage, and some canines are now being trained to master that touch.

4.  Increased heart health

People with pets (OK, not just dogs!) have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

5.  Fewer medical appointments

A study by the National Institutes of Health showed that pet owners “make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions.”  That means pet ownership can actually lower healthcare costs!

6.  Increased survival odds

The NIH study also found that people with pets are more likely to be alive a year being treated for a coronary condition than their pet-averse counterparts.

7.  Lower blood pressure

A study by the State University of New York at Buffalo found that, in stressful situations, a person with hypertension and a pet has better blood pressure numbers than a pet-free person with hypertension.  Other studies have confirmed this.

8.  A fitter you

This one is almost too obvious:  when you walk your dog, you also walk yourself.  No one can argue the health benefits of that!

From Cesar’s Way magazine  Winter 2010

Human Medications

Human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards for several years. Last year, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or consume medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it’s essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.

Insecticides

In 2009, ASPCA toxicologists fielded 29,020 calls related to insecticides. One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products—such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.

People Food

People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can seriously harm our furry friends, and accounted for more than 17,453 cases in 2009. One of the worst offenders—chocolate—contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.

Plants

Common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to APCC in 2009. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.

Veterinary Medications

In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements. Often well-meaning pet parents misapply or improperly dispense pet medications.

Rodenticides

Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or kidney damage. 

Household Cleaners

Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household cleaners. These products, such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.

Garden Products

Certain types of fertilizer and garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded 2,329 calls related to fertilizer exposure, which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.

Chemical Hazards

In 2009, the ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards—found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals—form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.

Brake-fast Bowl:

• Prevents dogs from eating too fast
• Clean, no-tip design
• Works with all foods and water
• Durable, dishwasher safe, plastic

Durapet Stainless Steel Slow-Feed Bowl:

• Made of high quality, heavy-duty stainless steel with a permanently molded rubber ring on the base that prevents the bowl from sliding  The Slow-Feed Bowl design
• Features a dome in the center to make dogs eat around the obstruction, slowing their feeding
• Eating more slowly improves your dog's digestion and nutrient absorption

Contech EatBetter Bowl:

• you select coinsurance of 0%, 10%, or 20%
• you select deductible of $50, $100, or $200

• $250 boarding kennel fees
• $250 advertising and reward fees
• $250 reimbursement due to loss of pet from theft or straying
• you select coinsurance of 0%, 10%, or 20%
• you select deductible of $50, $100, or $200

• $500 boarding fees if you become hospitalized and there‘s no one to take care of your pet
• $500 advertising and reward fees if pet goes missing
• $500 reimbursement if loss due to theft or straying
• $1000 reimbursement if death from illness or injury
• $1000 vacation cancellation reimbursement due to your dog’s life-threatening illness or injury
• you select coinsurance of 0%, 10%, or 20%
• you select deductible of $50, $100, or $200

• Seats - The Lookout II Booster Seat and the Pet Booster Seat are designed for small dogs.  Both strap securely to your car seat to keep your pet in place throughout the trip.

• Harnesses - The Car Safety Harness is available in sizes to fit most dogs.  It attaches directly to your seat belt holder, and doubles as a walking harness during stops.

• Fold & Carry Classic Cages can provide strong protection in your vehicle and at your destination. Your pet also enjoys an extra degree of personal comfort in his own familiar enclosure.

• Crates, lightweight and easy-to-clean, are also a popular choice.  With their high, soft sides, a Crate Pad inserted in cage or kennel, will enhance your pet's comfort.

• Barriers are easy to install in your back seat or deck.  The Barrie-Aire and the Euro Barrie-Aire barriers, or the Net Pet Vehicle Barrier will dramatically decrease injuries in the event of a sudden stop.