Beware of Artificial Sweetener Xylitol!

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol -- an artificial sweetener created from birch, raspberries, plums and corn. This sweetener is found in many human "sugar free" products, such as gum, candies and other sweets. In humans, high doses may have a mild laxative effect, but in dogs, ingestion could be fatal.

Xylitol is found most often in chewing gums and mints from brands such as IceBreakers, Biotene, Peelu, Xponent, Xylimax and Trident. For the amount of xylitol to be at decay-preventing levels, it must appear as the first ingredient.

Other products containing xylitol include toothpastes, mouth rinses, candies and nasal sprays from brands such as Epic, Xlear, Trident and Peelu. Xylitol is sold as a sugar substitute by companies such as Xlear, Swanson Health Products, Emerald Forest, XyloBurst and NOW Foods.
Read more....

Click here for the ASPCA press release concerning Xylitol.

GPA-NW Meet A Retired Racer Adoption Event - Sat, Jan. 16 - Corvallis AND Eugene

Here's your chance to get up close and personal with a retired racing Greyhound!

Representatives from the Northwest Chapter of Greyhound Pets of America will be at the Corvallis Petco in the Timberhill Shopping Center in Corvallis and at the Petco in Eugene located at 1169 Valley River Dr on Saturday, January 16th from 11AM to 2PM.

We'll have some "display models" for you to interact with, as well as an adoptable Greyhound or two.

Come join in the fun and frivolity! See you there!

Need directions? Click here for Corvallis. Click here for Eugene.

For Long-Term Management Of Inflammation....

Duralactin® is a natural product derived from milk that can help your companion live a comfortable and active life. Duralactin® helps stop chronic inflammation at the cellular level.

For more information on Duralactin®, click here.

Disclosure: My Greyhound, Tom, receives a dose of Duralactin® on a daily basis. I recommend it based on the results I've seen in Tom.

Photos from the 1/10 Greyhound walk in Eugene

January 2010 Issue Of 'Greyt Happenings In The Willamette Valley

Click here for the January issue. Enjoy!

Season's Greetings From the Willamette Valley Greyhound Lovers!

Have a happy and safe Holiday Season!

'Tis The Season: Poinsettias and Mushrooms

Oregon has entered its rainy season, and with it, mushroom season. Mushroom toxicity does occur in dogs and it can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten. Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic. Symptoms include abdominal pain, drooling, liver damage, kidney damage, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, death. For more on the dangers of mushrooms, click here.

Additionally, we have entered the Christmas season. Many folks traditionally bring Poinsettia plants into their homes. These plants are probably the most popular holiday plant and are easily recognizable by their large red, white, pink, or mottled leaves. While not highly toxic, Poinsettia plants do contain a thick, milky irritant sap. In general, it would take ingestion of a large amount of this plant to see possible clinical signs in your pet. Signs could include vomiting, anorexia and depression. The symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment is rarely needed. Your Vet may recommend limiting food and water intake for 1 or 2 hours if your pet is suspected of becoming sick after ingestion of Poinsettias. Please exercise caution if bringing a Poinsettia plant into your home this holiday season.