He’s been making a bit a nuisance of himself by all accounts, dicing with death in full view of dogs just itching to tear off his feathers, strutting his way into the Rose Garden delighting the japanese tourists, napping in the middle of the main road, disrupting the tennis matches at the tennis school and screeching really loudly during performances at the Open Air Theatre to try and find a girlfriend. Poor bird is now considered to be a nuisance and being kept under house arrest 9in that grand house with the amazing chandeliers), for his own safety. Welcome to the news. No reason for telling you this. It has nothing to do with dogs. Im just passing on what the bird warden told me today.
SOME COMMON MYTHS ABOUT FEEDING YOUR DOG
There are many different myths that have evolved over time about feeding dogs. Some have a basis of truth while others are simply a combination of misinformation, a bit of folklore and urban legend. No one knows how these myths came about it, but it is important for dog owners to be able to determine fact from fiction and choose the healthiest option for their dog.
Myth 1. All human food is bad for dogs
Some people have very literally taken the "don’t feed dogs table scraps" wisdom and created a much bigger issue. In fact some human food or table scraps may be very good for your dogs and provide additional opportunities for the dog to get vitamins and minerals as well as protein. The good types of human food include steamed or raw veggies without salt or seasoning, raw fruits, small amounts of whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal as well as lean meats that are boiled, baked or boiled. Avoid feeding dogs anything salty, sweet, spicy and hot or processed foods.
Myth 2. Dogs can't have poultry bones
Dogs should never, ever have cooked poultry bones, but raw poultry bones are absolutely fine for your dog. The best option is the wings. Many of my vet friends recommend raw or defrosted chicken wings. These make a very healthy and tasty snack for your dog and here isn't anything in them that will make them choke or get sick. I can sense your shudder but in reality, all dogs love raw meat and it IS good for their digestion. And NO, they won't throw up after eating anything raw. Dogs are carnivores and it is only the ill informed owners who insist on forcing their poor dog to eat dry foods and raw eggs.The same is true for turkey or duck, just be careful to never give cooked bones that are thin and liable to splinter. A good raw beef bone is like a gourmet feast to a dog. Not only will it aid digestion but all that gnawing will clean their teeth as well.
Myth 3. Never feed your dog pork
Dogs should not eat raw pork. Pork that is boiled or baked without seasoning, with all the fat removed is fine to feed your dog. In addition those that feed raw food diets recommend freezing pork bones first for at least three weeks before feeding to avoid any risk of Trichinosis, a parasite that is sometimes lurking in pork. By freezing the bones or meat for three weeks the parasite will die and then there is no risk of passing on a parasite in the gut.A big beef bone is much better for your dog.
Myth 4. Dogs can't have any dairy products
Most dogs can tolerate small amounts of dairy products, especially those that are low in lactose. Dogs should not be fed large quantities of milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, cream or half and half but most dogs can eat small amounts of plain yogurt and cottage cheese. Cottage cheese or plain yogurt in particular, can be a good source of probiotic that helps to regulate the digestive tract. if your dog is feeling off colour, one of those probiotic drinks that you buy in the supermarket is good for making them feel better.
Myth 5. Dogs should never change food
Dogs, just as humans, get bored with the same old kibble so a little variety once in a while will perk them up and brighten up their lives. There is no harm in trying out different dog foods to feed your dog because it stimulates their taste buds and also gives you an idea of the one they enjoy eating most. My dogs love variety and just like divas, will often turn up their noses at a favourite, preferring instead to eat a brand that we would consider cheap and nasty, that smells foul. There's no accounting for taste!
Having fun on a trampoline and no sight of an 'Elf and Safety officer lurking nearby!
Did you read in the papers that Melati the tiger at Regent's Park Zoo has developed a preference for Chanel No5 EDT ever since they started spraying it into her new enclosure to make her feel at home. Obviously a cat with expensive tastes as a bottle costs £55.
That's it for this week.
Dawn (.''.'") (People ask what this little icon is. Its supposed to be moi with my fringe!)
