Most Popular Puppy Names of 2012



Esme, 11 weeks

I thought this would be fun to share as 2012 comes to a close. Although these are supposed to be the ten most popular puppy names of the year according to Shine from Yahoo!, I think they've actually been popular for... well, forever.

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Puppy Names of 2012

 

After examining the names of more than 1.25 million puppies born in 2012 from Vetstreet's database, we came up with the year's top pet names.

No.1 - Female: Bella, Male: Max

No. 2 - Female: Daisy, Male: Buddy

No. 3 - Female: Lucy, Male: Charlie

No. 4 - Female: Molly, Male: Rocky

No. 5 - Female: Lola, Male: Cooper

No. 6 - Female: Sophie, Male: Bear

No. 7 - Female: Sadie, Male: Bentley

No. 8 - Female: Chloe, Male: Duke

No. 9 - Female: Coco, Male: Jack

 

No. 10 - Female: Maggie, Male: Toby


That's it, folks. Give your Duke a pat on the head, or Molly a good belly rub. Have a blessed and happy New Year.

Wags,
Whitney

Snow Fun

We have had more snow in the last week than we had all winter last year, and have seen more snow in the last week than we've seen in the last eight years (we only moved back to Ohio from Louisiana in 2011). For all the inconveniences that come along with winter weather, (i.e., getting stuck in the snow, shoveling, breaking out the hot water bottle for my back, walking to work, taking dogs out in all kinds of weather, the heating bills, etc.), it has been a lot of fun! One of us has enjoyed it in particular...

On top of the four or so inches of snow we got a few days ago, we got another five or six inches last night. All of the tracks in the backyard had been covered over and it was a blank slate; inviting.

Today, Esme is 22 weeks old. It has been a sort of project of mine to take pictures of her every week, chronicling her growth. They will be fun to look back on when she weighs 40 plus pounds, and I'm sure they will also become very sentimental memories.

After lunch today, we took to the fresh snow. I can't quite get over how very at home-- how natural-- Esme is in the snow. She'd never seen the stuff before the last couple weeks, yet she ran like the sled dogs of her ancestors; free, happy, tireless. The snow crunched under her insulated paws as she tore around the yard, scooping up snow in her mouth, catching the mounds I kicked her way, and having a highly enjoyable romp in general.

After our hands had turned to ice, and our camera was exhausted, we all returned to the house to lay our gloves over a vent, and to wait for our faces to regain feeling.

The smooth texture of the snow's surface is now split and rumpled, complete evidence of an afternoon well spent.

 

 

 

Snow-dusted wags,

Whitney

The Truth About Poinsettias

We all recognize the festive flower that lends itself as much to Christmas as Holly or pine trees. Like any good parent, mama's and daddy's to furry children worry about their animal's health and safety as well. We've all pondered (read: fretted) over the question: Are Poinsettia's toxic to our dogs?

The truth about Poinsettias according to the ASPCA...

 

Poinsettia

Scientific Name:

Euphorbia pulcherrima

 

 
Family:

Euphorbiaceae

 

  

Toxicity:

Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats

 

Toxic Principles:

 

Irritant Sap (latex)

 

Clinical Signs:

 

Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity.


If your pet ingested this plant, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.*

* A $65 consultation fee may apply. 

 

I always think that you can never be too careful where your dog's wellbeing is concerned. If you have any doubts, don't let your dog within sight of it. Although some dogs would never dream of chewing on the delicate petals of a flower (toxic or otherwise), you can never tell if or when Rover will suddenly get a taste for your prized potted plants.

Don't forget to use the resources at your disposal, such as consulting your veterinarian, or reading books on the subject written and researched by knowledgable professionals.

Just in case you thought you were off the hook because you've re-gifted those Poinsettias all these years doesn't mean you can pop Spot a cookie. Not a human cookie anyway. Here is another list comprised by the ASPCA of "people foods" to avoid giving your dog.

People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

Chocolate, Macadamia nuts, avocados…these foods may sound delicious to you, but they’re actually quite dangerous for our animal companions. Our nutrition experts have put together a handy list of the top toxic people foods to avoid feeding your pet. As always, if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. 
 

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine 

These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.
 

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Avocado

The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Grapes & Raisins

Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.   
 

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Xylitol

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.    
 

Onions, Garlic, Chives

These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.

Milk

Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset. 
 

Salt

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself! 
 

 

As always, warmest wags to you and yours,

Whitney

A Christmas Tail

Image by Norman Rockwell

Christmas is flying in on the heels of the recent winter weather system, otherwise known as snow. Many are busy finding those last minute deals, tying bows around shiny wrapping paper, and baking more goodies than ought to be allowed.

I know there will be those popcorn-strung trees out there with carefully set boxes under them just before the children race downstairs Christmas morning. Boxes whose loose-fitting tops are bobbing to and fro like the lid of a pot of boiling water. Boxes with puppies or kittens in them, the parents standing to the side, saying to their bright-eyed children, “Wait. Open this one first.”

I am not against bringing a new puppy or dog home for Christmas. I am against the box part. No, if Christmas happens to naturally fall as the time of year in which you have finally come to a decision on the perfect dog breed for your family and lifestyle; contacted and researched reputable breeders until you can recite every breeder within 200 miles; scoured your local animal shelter, inquiring as to which canine pal would fill your home with laughter and love for years to come; dog-eared every book you could find about health, socializing, training, etc.; talked to the entire family and come to a unanimous conclusion on individual responsibilities; picked the local vet’s brain until they know you by name when you enter, even though you do not yet even own a dog; puppy-proofed your home from top to bottom… Then, and only then, is bringing a puppy or dog home for Christmas acceptable.

Image by Norman Rockwell

Last week, I heard a "tail" that had me inwardly grimacing in knowledgeable foresight. A lady’s adult son (who lives with the mother) had a girlfriend. This girlfriend surprised this son with a puppy for Christmas, without asking any of the four people living in the home how they felt about it. A German Shepherd, the lady thought. “Four weeks old, or something. Just a little pup.” (If you are thinking puppy mill already, you are not alone). No one is home during the day to take care of this puppy: see to his emotional needs as he is just entering a new environment, potty needs, food needs, or wellbeing. No puppy-proofing. But, this girlfriend was able to attain a small indoor pen of sorts. They put newspaper down for the puppy’s potty needs during the day. I don’t know what the food/water regime was to be. This lady went on to say that it is a heartbreak when something happens to them (dogs), as if she half expects something to. This family lives out in the country, but does not have a fenced area. She spoke of leaving the dog outside, had it been spring instead of winter. Do they know how fast a dog can travel? Can reach a highway? Have they considered puppy shots? Safety of any kind? No. And it was not entirely their fault. Someone “surprised” them with this little, helpless life who had no say in who he went to, how his life was to turn out.

Image by Norman Rockwell

Giving an animal of any kind as a present is never a good idea (unless you have done the responsible pet owner things listed in the third paragraph). There are so many different paths—reasons—I say this. The cute wears off fast and real life begins. Many of these charming little Christmas puppies will end up in a cage at the animal shelter within a week. It is never fair to decide a puppy’s or dog’s fate based solely on the momentary reaction you hope to achieve from members of your household who do not understand, desire, or plan to execute any of the day to day duties after the initial “cute” fades away. And believe me, it fades fast.

 

Consider this year, buying a book about how to care for puppies and dogs as the best present to put under the tree as a way of broaching the ever exciting subject of bringing home not just a puppy or dog, but a very real commitment—a member of the family.

 

Warmest Wags,
Whitney

Wipe Your Paws

Woof, woof, and welcome to Sixth Day Dogs!

As an animal enthusiast, trainer-in-training, and proud dog momma, creating a blog about this beloved species seemed like a no brainer.

Along with a lot of photos and news about my own brood, I want to help in the efforts to raise awareness, share my own experiences, offer insights and research, and in general, present a place of camaraderie among dog lovers.

Please bear with me as this blog is new and will be under construction for a little while.

Wipe your paws and settle in for a visit with the furry member of your family.

Lots of wags,
Whitney