A Chastity Belt For Dogs?
Dexter Blanch, Highly Favored Creations, LLC.

Dexter Blanch considers himself quite the inventor. And he should. He's created a chastity contraption for dogs to wear. His saying is, "Stop it. Block it. Lock it When The Heat Is On." It's also the tagline for his product, the Pet Anti-Breeding System (PABS), a kind of chastity belt for dogs whose owners opt out of spaying and neutering but want to avoid unintended pregnancy.

Dexter invented PABS (Pet-Anti-Breeding System) because he claims that there are a lot of accidental and unwanted breeding that was happening when he first invented the product.

Being a handler and trainer himself, Dexter states that there are issues when a female comes into heat. If you are training a female dog when this occurs, she has to be isolated. Dexter found this very unfair and cruel. Plus, he was not able to train any males around females in heat.

Dexter explains that there is scientific evidence that shows we are spaying and neutering too young. PABS is perfect against juvenile spaying, which if done too early doesn't allow hormones and growth platelets to grow out, thereby causing debilitating issues, as they grow older.

Our own Dr. Debbie tells us that there are some concerns against early spaying and neutering, but there are far more unwanted pregnancies avoided and less pets being injured by cars (usually males chasing females in heat). So, spaying and neutering is not a bad thing. She states that a pet owner should be counseled on when is the right time to spay or neuter their particular pet and their potential lifetime risk for various diseases.

So how does it work? PABS is a rear-end harness made out of polypropylene straps that are very durable. It also has a mesh cover to allow the female to defecate over the top and urinate through the mesh, so it never has to be taken off while she is in heat. It also comes with a pocket for a sanitary pad for the bleeding during the early stages of the heat cycle. It is basically an 8-point buckle system that keeps her covered.

Although Dexter supports and promotes the indisputable benefits of spaying your pet at the right age, that age varies with the breed of your dog. Knowing the right age to breed or spay is extremely important. His products allow pet parents to be prepared until that time comes and eliminate diseases associated with premature spaying.

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Dog Friendly Boating
Jen Seitz, Boatsetter

Summer is around the corner, which means lots of outdoor fun with your dogs, and many pet-lovers will take their furry-companion on boats. This is where Jen Seitz comes in the picture. She's from the website boatsetter.com and she has tips for making your journey safer for everyone including the pets.

Most dogs love the water almost as much as they love being with their people and more and more people are taking their dogs boating. However, there are some safety things you need to prepare for before taking your dog out on a boat.

Jen Seitz, the Marketing Manager for Boatsetter, says the first thing you need to consider is actually your dog. Each dog is different, with some being less fazed by loud noises or unfamiliar surroundings.

Sometimes when a boat starts up it is very loud, even for dogs that don't mind loud noises. So perhaps a test run should be done. But before you do that, you should take your dog on the boat while it is at the dock to see how they react to the new surroundings.

If you find that your dog is not warming up to being on a boat, perhaps this isn't a good idea for them. But if you find that they are getting comfortable just being on the boat, next just start it up while at the dock, without taking it out to see how they do. Then, if they don't mind it, they might be ready to go out in the water. But don't go unprepared, make sure you have the necessary items for your pet.

The first thing you need is a doggy life jacket. Even if your dog is a natural swimmer, a life jacket will provide peace of mind for everyone. Canine life jackets are made of high-floatation neoprene or nylon and they feature reflective trim, rescue handles and leash rings. If your local pet supply store doesn't carry pet life jackets, check out West Marine, Outward Hound, Overton's, L.L. Bean or SwimOutlet.

Next, you should put together a doggie first aid kit in case your dog steps on a sharp shell or decides to take on a marine animal. In addition to the basic supplies like a muzzle, leash, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors and tweezers, consider items such as hydrogen peroxide, extra towels, ear cleaning solution, styptic powder, a flashlight, needle-nose pliers and the phone numbers for your vet or an emergency clinic and even a poison control hotline number.

You should also have a water dish and extra fresh water for your dog. Even if you're boating on fresh water, it's never a good idea to let your pet drink from the lake, as it can contain harmful bacteria.

Don't forget the sunscreen. Yes, even pets need sun protection. Dogs with short hair or light skin, such as white boxers, are especially susceptible to sunburn. Sunscreen with SPF-15 is a good choice for most dogs. Be sure to reapply often.

But what about potty time? Whether you're on land or in the middle of the lake, when a dog's "gotta go," a dog's "gonna go." An ideal situation would be to train your dog to go on puppy training pads in a certain spot on the boat, but we all know that's not always going to go exactly as planned. Be sure to take lots of pet waste bags along with you on your boating adventures. Paper towels and odor neutralizer are also good items to have on board. Take along some odor neutralizing trash bags, the kind you use in your kitchen trash can, to dispose of everything until you're near a proper trash receptacle.
So go ahead and take your dog out on the boat, and if you are properly prepared, everyone will have a good time!

Boatsetter was founded in 2013 and exists for those who love boating. Boatsetter has a simple goal: to make boating available to everyone. They provide world-class insurance, 24-hour free cancellations, connect our network of boat owners and certified captains with boaters, allowing everyone a chance to get out on the water. No ownership required.

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Prevent Pet Poisonings - Dr. Debbie

March 21st through the 27th is Pet Poison Prevention Week, and an important time to look out for your pet's safety. As a veterinarian I see all types of pet toxicities, but it is through my own foolish Labrador's "toxic adventures" that I've experienced the anxiety and worry of a pet toxicity. My male Labrador, Magnum, has eaten a full bottle of urinary continence medication, and another time suffered from the worst case of chocolate toxicity I've ever seen.

Magnum loves to eat anything and everything. He doesn't discriminate with his ingestions, and has savored every type of animal excrement, ingested deceased rodents, gobbled on loaves of bread, destroyed jars of nuts, and slurped up rocks like Beggin-Strips. Learn from my experience, on both sides of the exam table and heed Dr. Debbie's "must know" tips to avoid pet poisonings.

Don't Underestimate Motivation
Pets are naturally curious and will knock items off counters, sniff out edibles and unearth household belongings all in the name of something interesting or tasty. Keep counters clear of food and medications. Eliminate opportunities for your pet to get into trouble in the first place.

And if you are the proud owner of a Labrador, as I am, you should know that the Labrador is the most common breed for toxicities. Labradors are very food motivated and poses a keen sense of smell - main reasons why this breed leads in emergency room visits.

Secure Human Medications
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the top toxicity in 2012 was from ingested human prescriptions. The main three culprits were heart medications (i.e. blood pressure meds), pain medications and antidepressants. Secure all human medications and avoid taking your medications with pets in the immediate area. Just one dropped pill can mean big problems for your cat or dog.

Know Dangerous Human Foods
Become informed on common human foods that are off-limits for your pets. A stick or two of sugar-free xylitol containing gum can kill your dog. Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions and chocolate are all toxic to animals.

Be Aware of Chewables
Chewable and flavored pet medications definitely make it simpler to administer our pet's medications, but are easily ingested in large quantities. Secure all human and pet chewable medications. Common pet chewable medications include arthritis medications, vitamins, supplements and heartworm preventatives.

Take the Evidence
If your pet should suffer a toxic exposure, bring all suspect material. Your veterinarian needs to know what was ingested and the approximate time of ingestion. Don't make your veterinarian guess on these important details. Look for evidence of vomiting or diarrhea in the home. Bring any chewed medications, containers or vomitus.

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Know your veterinarian's daytime and after-hours emergency facility phone numbers. Not sure if you need to see the vet? Check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, a consultation service staffed by veterinary toxicologists to investigate your pet's toxic risk or call 1-888-426-4435. Consult fees apply.

Fortunately after decontamination, ICU time, and emergency care, silly Magnum came through just fine. But even with a cautious, watchful mom, he still has been able to rack up his share of emergency hospital visits in 11 years.

My best advice to any dog owner, is that no matter how well-behaved the pet or how prepared the owner, your pet is really just one gulp away from a toxicity. Besides, if it can happen to a vet's pet, it can happen in any pet household.

Featured veterinarian known as "Dr. Debbie" on national pet radio program, Animal Radio. Ebook author of "Yorkshire Terriers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Pugs: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Mini Schnauzers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; and "Shih Tzu: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend." Dr. Debbie's books.

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Animal Radio News - Lori Brooks

Most Stolen Dog Breeds
Last week we wrapped up Pet Theft Awareness Week and it worked. We're now aware of the most stolen dogs in America. In no particular order, these ten breeds are stolen far more than others: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, French Bulldog's (some of which are then resold for as much as $4,000), Pomeranian (resale is said to be around $3,000) Maltese dogs are also on the most often stolen pet list, as are Boston Terriers, Labradoodles, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds (puppies go for around $2,500) and the number one breed in the county, the Labrador retriever.

Prosthetic Legs For Baby Goat
A baby goat is able to walk on four legs now thanks to the woman who made a custom pair of prosthetic legs from PVC and other things found around her home. She adopted the little goat from a meat ranch after it suffered frostbite on its back legs due to paralysis from malnutrition. A second battle with frostbite caused the goat, named Izzy, to have his back legs amputated from the shin down. "His name, Izzy, or 'Is he' was coined from the constantly being asked, 'Is he going to live through the night?' 'Is he going to walk?' 'Is he going to be able to keep up with his mother to nurse?" With his homemade prosthetics, Izzy has since learned to walk on the temporary prosthetics his mom made.

12,000 Year-Old-Dog Found Frozen In Ice
A fully intact ancient dog was found in the ice of Siberia. It's believed to be over 12,000 years old! Scientists have now thawed out the dog and say they are learning many things about dogs because of this one furry find. The specimen is thought to be a now-extinct species of dog that went out about 12,400 years ago. The dog was so well preserved in the ice, that it still has a fully intact brain to study. Scientists are hoping to better understand the history of man's best friend and there's going to be an effort to see if there are any breeds alive now with similar genetics and even if the dog could possibly be brought back from extinction. Back in 2011, a similar species of dog was found. However, that one was nowhere near as well intact as this one is. Scientists hope to bring us even more insight into our dogs.

Listen to the entire Podcast of this show (#1111)