Dog Waste Powered Lamp

American artist Matthew Mazzotta is putting a spin on modern day poop scooping. He created an interactive art piece that uses poop to power lamps in a Cambridge, Massachusetts park. The project is called the Park Spark and it uses local dogs poop to form energy which later turns into methane which ignites several lamps around the park. When asked about his overall perception of this project he says, “Dog owners everywhere are collecting pet waste in plastic bags and then sending it to landfills. The waste contained in these plastic bags release small amounts of methane that over time is a substantial quantity. The Park Spark Project is based on substituting the common trashcan and plastic bag with a public methane digester and biodegradable bag, so that the dog waste collected is converted into a usable form of energy (methane).

 The Park Spark machines are  relatively simple to use. They consist of two steel 500-gallon oil tanks. Dog owners drop their waste in one of the tanks and then gently turn the wheel which stirs up the waste and water. Then methane mixture than ignites the lamp! Watch out America, Matthew is planning on expanding his project to six more -cities this year! For more information, visit Matthew's website: Park Spark Project.

Check out Matthew demonstrating the Park Spark below! 

Congratulations We Have A Winner & Many More to Come

Congratulations to Ms. White, she is this months winner of our Pet Deodorizer Gift Basket ($75value).  For all those who did not win this month, no worries! Starting today our new contest begins! To enter: Sign up for service by March 12, 2011 or refer-a-friend, it's that simple. 

Congrats Again to Ms. White

This month we also have an added bonus, for every friend referred you will also receive a free gift valued at approx $10, and have your name added to our March drawing an additional time. Good Luck to all and remember with PetTastics Service everyone is a winner.

For more information go to: Facebook, Twitter, or PetTastics.

The Future of Dog Toys

Once upon a time, dog toys use to be simple. A rawhide bone or a squeaky rubber ball. We're in 2011 and dog toys have finally advanced to our time. From dog bowls to chew toys, PetTastics is showcasing those not-so-ordinary doggy treats. Who knows you may see one of these toys featured in our montly give-a-ways! So make sure you follow us on FB & Twitter to get the latest information.

Alikiou Interactive Food Bowl
Make feeding time fun with this entertaining dog bowl. Not only is this bowl fun and exciting, it slows down eating at mealtime and it gets your pooch's brain crunching!

Fetchtastic

(Sounds lovely with PetTastics!) Fetchtastic is probably one of the best toys invited. Fetchtastic is an automatic fetch machine. It can be purchased in two forms; battery powered or AC powered. It holds up to 15 tennis balls which dispense at a rate of 7 seconds. This particular toy is sure to keep your dog in shape! For more information check out their website: Fetchtastic.

Shooey Chewie 

Does your dog like to make your shoes his chew toy? Finally! A chew toy that is made from natural leather. The rubber is tough, yet flexible and will keep them entertained for hours.

 

Hunk 'O Meat

This bone is ham scented and completely safe and chewable! It doubles as a squeky toy and hard nylon chew! 

Artist Spotlight: William Wegman

William Wegman is an extremely well known  photographer who features Weimaraners as his focal point. Unlike most photographers, his work is original in the aspect for which he dresses these dogs up and places them in various localities. His well-respected photos are showcased all around the world and his merchandise can be purchased at Wegman Store. William Wegman's most popular items are his calendars, which also can be purchased through the website. Give a warm PetTastics welcome to influential photographer William Wegman and his modern day spins on not so normal portraits!

Sneak Peek At Our Grand Prize Gift Basket

Just as we promised, here is the sneak peek of our Grand Opening Pet Deodorizer Gift basket! The rules are simple. Sign up for a PetTastics service by February 12th, 2011 and you will automatically be entered into the drawing. Good Luck :)

Canine Obesity

Canine obesity is one of the most common health conditions in dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has estimated a total of 17 million, approximately 40% of the dog population is either overweight or obese. Recognizing obesity may be a little difficult for pet owners. But we are the only ones who can help! The extra weight can cause tons of other hazards down the line and the best way to be sure your pet is safe is to take caution in obvious signs. Overweight dogs have increasing amount of fat over their ribs and an almost non-existent waist. Morbidly obese dogs have protruding abdomens and fat deposits throughout their body. Often times breed characteristics should be taken into account as well.

How do you stop it?? Stopping canine obesity or easing the growing pace is simple. Monitor the amount of food they are given and how many times they are fed a day. Giving a dog 24/7 access to its dog bowl allows them to eat throughout the day. When your dog is finished eating, put the bowl on the table until the next time it should be fed. Or ration their food when it is being poured. Make sure to pay special attention to dog treats. Often time they are extremely high in calories and that may also aid to obesity.Neutering also plays a huge role in canine obesity. Being neutered lowers the metabolism rate in dogs and thus can cause an expedited weight gain.

EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE! Letting your dog out for a 5 minutes is not considered adequate exercise. Much like people, dogs should exercise for at least 45 minutes unless a medical problem or age permits them to do so. Take your dog for a walk, maybe take them up hill or down hill to change up the terrain. (If you don't have the time, PetTastics can help you with that.) 

My dog is obese! Now what? If your dog is obese start small and work your way up. You don't want to overwhelm it or make it uncomfortable with their new routines. Keep it on a strict diet and begin a daily workout regiment. Be sure to keep your pooch away from the dinner table. The food that we eat carries a lot more calories than dog food. Keep in mind, you don't want to starve your dog but rather balance their meals.


To be sure your dog is living a safe and healthy lifestyle, visit The Barc Test at Stop Canine Obesity and see if your pooch needs help tackling weight loss.

Help! I Don't Know What to Name My Puppy!?!?

New puppy? Having a hard time trying to name it?  No worries! We understand that naming a pet can be quite difficult and often time consuming. We've been through it ourselves. Trying to find the perfect name for our perfect pet. PetTastics is taking the sweat off your brow with this one. We are giving you useful tips for naming your perfect pooch. Let's face it, Fido is a little overused these days!

• Before you begin this process make sure to have a pen and pad. Trust us, you'll need it!  Having these things handy will make your selection process a lot more organized. 
• If this happens to be a family pet, grab the entire gang and make this a joint effort. Jot down names as you guys yell them out. You can make it into a game!
• If its just you and your new pooch, involve some close friends to assist you. The more the merrier. 
• Jot down 20-30 possible names. No matter how silly or extremely long they are, write them down anyways. You'll end up eliminating them one by one.
• Keep in consideration the breed of your dog, the size, the color. It could be extremely helpful with the process. For example, a Chihuahua is relatively small so a name such as "Tiny" might work. Chocolate Labs have brown coats, so maybe "Brownie" can work! 
• If you have small kids, try to choose a name that they are able to say. A dog listens when his name is called and that often instills trust. 

In a nutshell, this is a new edition to your family. Despite the fact that it is solely up to your discretion be aware that your pet's name will stick with it forever. Keep it fun, safe and reliable!

Pet of the Week

It's that time again! PetTastics showcases YOUR pet every week! Remember to send in your submissions to questions@fayettevillepetservices.com and give your pooch an opportunity to be featured next week.

This Weeks Pet: Let's give a warm PetTastics welcome to Malin and Joey!

 "Joey is a 7 year old Shih Tzu that still gets treated like our little baby! He gets along great with our 1 year old daughter, Malin. He has the spunk of a lab and the face of an angel. He enjoys running around our poop free yard..Thanks to PetTastics!" 
 - Beth
Fayetteville, NC



If you would like your dog to be featured as our Pet of the Week, simply email us with a picture and quick blurb on why your dog is the best!! Email:questions@fayettevillepetservices.com

Peter Hannon- He Puts the "P" in PetTastics. LITERALLY!

Many of you are dying to know who is the brains of this operation! Others are quite perplexed as to who would want to pick up dog poop for a living. No need to google names. We are giving you an exclusive insider on the owner, Peter Hannon. The who, the what, the why and of course the "poop".

PetTastics: PetTastics is such an original name. Where did you come up with the concept?


Peter:  I wanted something original but completely relevant to the services we provide. It took me a few days but I wrote down a bunch of adjectives that I felt described our services. The word "Fantastic" stuck out the most and with a play of words I came up with "PetTastics".

PetTastics: What made you come up with PetTastics?  Scooping poop seems like a pretty dirty job.

Peter:  I've had pets all my life and the importance of keeping your pets happy and healthy was always something my parents instilled in me. I always wanted a business that catered to the health and vitality of household pets!

PetTastics: Do you have any pets of your own? If so, what type and what are their names?

Peter: I have 3 dogs and 2 cats. My dogs are Angel which is a German Shepard, Coco which is a Vizla, and Sincere which is a Yorkie. My cats are Fergie and Luna. Fergie and Luna are both Tabby's. 


PetTastics: Would you like any other animals?

Peter: I'm always willing to provide a healthy home to an animal. I love animals and in the future I would definitely consider it but right now I have my hands full.

PetTastics: What was the sole purpose for creating PetTastics? What do you hope to achieve?

Peter:  My sole purpose for PetTastics was to raise awareness in the local pet community. I strive to make pet ownership easier because I know sometimes it can be a slight hassle. PetTastics wants you to stop worrying about the extra and spend more time with your pet!

PetTastics: You work with a lot of dogs with PetTastics. Do you ever find yourself becoming emotionally attached to these animals?


Peter: Definitely! I always try to find balance between my personal life and the professional aspect of it. They say a dog is a mans' best friend and in some cases their companion. I sometimes form a bond with these animals. It's like they are one of my own.

PetTastics: How big would you like the company to go? Local, National?

Peter: Go big or stay home! That's always been my motto. Promoting a safe and healthy environment for pets is one of my long-term goals. To have PetTastics grow nationally would be a dream come true!

PetTastics: Before I let you go, for those who are second guessing PetTastics or feel like the service isn't worthy. What would you say to them?

Peter:  Our customer promise is to keep your pet both safe and healthy. Pet ownership can be straining at times and we honestly are trying to take a load off for you. We want to make PetTastics a company that can both benefit the dog and their owner. Smiling faces and wagging tails is motivation for us to keep doing what we love!

Healthy Homemade Doggy Treats

Do you like baking cookies? Or how about icing cupcakes? Baking is one of America's most favorite hobbies. Often times dog treats can cost you an arm and a leg. Especially those high quality all natural dog treats. Baking isn't only for humans! Go ahead, grab your pooch and start baking some of these delicious treats. And remember, it's perfectly ok for them to lick the bowl!


Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats 

Ingredients 

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

2 tablespoons peanut butter1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
3. Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes. 

 Fido's Favorite Treats

Ingredients  

1 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup margarine or butter
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons chicken or beef instant bullion 
1/2 cup milk 

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten                                       

2 cups white or wheat flour 


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.Grease cookie sheets.
2. In large bowl combone rolled oats, margarine and water; let stand for 10 minutes. 
3. Sitr in cornmeal, sugar, boullion, milk,cheese and egg. Mix well. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form stiff dough. 
4. On floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longer sticky, 3 to 4 minutes. 
5. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2 inch thickness; cut with cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets. 
6. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozen large biscuits. 
 

The Best Doggy Biscuits  

 

Ingredients
2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup cornmeal

1 tablespoon salt

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 cup water

Directions 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, cornmeal and salt. Mix in the oil, egg and water to make a soft dough that is not too sticky. You may add more flour if needed. Roll teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten slightly. 
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until nicely browned and firm. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

PetTastics Grand Opening Giveaway !!

 

We all love FREE stuff! Yes, I said it..ABSOLUTELY FREE! For PetTastics Grand Opening we are giving YOU a chance to win our Home Fragrance Pet Deodorizer Kit. We love our pets, but sometimes they can be a little stinky. This kit is equipped with Wallflowers, Fragrance Sprays, Candles and much more! C'mon, you know you want it! How do you get it? It's simple! Sign up for any service by February 12th and you will automatically be entered into our drawing!   If you don't happen to walk away with the prize this time, no worries, PetTastics has exclusive giveaways EVERY month. Click on the picture above to visit PetTastics website for a complete rundown of services as well as the prices. As the deadline approaches, we'll post a picture of this fabulous basket on our Facebook page, website, and our blog. Get excited for PetTastics because we definitely are!

Winter Weather Dog Tips

Global warming is in full effect and snow storms are hitting us left and right. Temperatures are near freezing and our grass is growing little icicles. For many, its beautiful but for our pets it could be extremely dangerous. There are tons of ways to prevent safe conditions for our pets such as boots or sweaters but there may still be tons of hazards present. Your pet's safety is PetTastics number one priority. Don't let Jack Frost nip at your pooch's nose!

•  Never let your dog off their leash or roam free in ice or snow. Dogs can lose their scents and easily become lost. Statistics show that more dogs are lost during the winter than any other season. If your dog happens to be trained off the leash, make sure he/she wears their id tag at all times. 

• After your dog comes from outside, wipe off their legs and stomach. Antifreeze, salt and other cold weather products are dangerous chemicals that could potentially harm your dog. Also, paw pads are prone to bleeding from snow or encrusted ice. 

• Giving your dog a short haircut isn't the best idea for the winter. A longer coat provides them more warmth. When grooming your pet make sure to completely dry them before letting them outdoors. Dogs can get sick as well! If you happen to own a short haired breed invest in a coat or sweater to keep them warm. 

• If you have a puppy understand that cold weather may be a little rough for them. If your puppy is afraid of the winter weather, try to paper-train it inside until it warms up a little. 

•  Does your dog engage in several outdoor activities? If so, make sure to increase their supply of food. Particularly focusing on protein.

• Often times someones home can be quite cold during the night. Make sure your dog has a warm place to sleep. Lay a few covers on the floor or make a bed. Either way, ensure they are as warm as you are!

• If your dog is an outside dog be sure to invest in a heated bowl which can be found at most pet stores. Water is extremely important and can easily freeze in frigid temperatures. 

• NEVER leave your dog alone in a vehicle. If the engine is off, he/she can die from hypothermia. If the engine is left running, he can be overcome with carbon monoxide fumes. 

Please keep all these tips in mind during the winter season. Accidents can be prevented with adamant planning. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about any of our blog posts feel free to leave a comment or email PetTastics at questions@fayettevillepetservices.com and we will try our hardest to provide you with an efficient answer. Always remember that YOUR pet is OUR pet. 

Celebrity Dogs: The Paparazzi Pooch

Celebrities absolutely love dodging the paparazzi but their pooch's can't get enough of the limelight! Celebrity dogs are the "it" thing for the season. From sweaters to doggy bags these celebrities make their dog a personal accessory. Click Click Click!! Let's see if these paparazzi pooch's can escape the PetTastics camera!

 

Demi Moore and her black chihuahua Vida Blue.

 

Jessica Biel and her pitbull Tina.

Ashley Tisdale and her maltipoo Blondie.

Jake Gyllenhaal with his puggle Boo Radley and German Shepard Atticus.

Rihanna and her maltipoo Oliver.

Tommy Hilfiger and his French bulldogs Jimi and Dylan.

The Obama Family and their Portuguese water dog Bo.

Inspirational Dog Quotes

Often times we need a pick me up and we look to our "best friends" to lay their little heads on our lap and give us hope. To most, our dog is like our child. When times get rough they are always there to snuggle up with. Inspiration comes in all forms and our animals tend to play a big part in it! Grab your pooch, big or small and give it a HUGE hug. PetTastics is showcasing the most adorable inspirational dog quotes. Enjoy :)

My goal in life is to be
as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.
-unknown

 

No matter how little money
and how few possessions you own,
having a dog makes you rich.
-Louis Sabin

 

Dogs are not our whole life,
but they make our lives whole.
-Roger Caras

 

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true,
to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
-unknown

 

A dog is the only thing on earth
that will love you more than you love yourself.
-Josh Billings

 

The dog represents all that is best in man.
-Etienne Charlet

 

If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either.
-unknown

 

Puppies are nature's remedy for feeling unloved,
plus numerous other ailments of life.
-Richard Allan Palm

 

Happiness is a warm puppy.
-Charles M. Schulz

Pet of the Week

It's that time again! PetTastics is showcasing another Pet of the Week! Your pet, is our pet!

Give a big PetTastics welcome to Tilly!

"Tilly is our little baby! She is so loving and has a personality of her own. We have an elderly grandmother and Tilly keeps her company when I'm at work. Tilly is just like a human, she interacts with her surroundings as if she were a child. She loves to smell. She smells everything from lamp shades to shoes. She's an all around great family pet!" - Lauren

Remember to send in a picture of your pet as well as a few kind words. We love all pets. Cats, dogs, fishes and even horses. Your pooch means the world to PetTastics, let us show them off! Send in your submissions to questions@fayettevillepetservices.com.

K99 Ice Cream Van

Move over Mister Softee, there's a new van in town! Greater London areas are putting the cool in ice cream with their K99 treats truck. Parading around London parks blasting the Scooby-Doo theme song, this K-9 heaven will be offering dogs two exclusive flavors of delicious creamy treats. Canine Cookie Crunch consists of dog biscuits mixed with ice cream. Dog Eat Hog World is a combination of chicken or ham with ice cream. These treats have been investigated by a prestigious group of scientists and they concluded that the combination of temperature, texture and taste are delicious and 100% safe! The best part about this ice cream truck, the dogs get to do the ordering! The K99 Van will only be traveling through London for now and all proceeds will benefit the Berksire Search and Rescue Dogs.

Going Green: Environmentally Friendly Pet Secrets

Go Green! is the theme for the season. From organic food to recycling to canvas totes, everyone is sticking their paws in new and improved ways to preserve our environment. Guess What? Your pooch can help as well! PetTastics strives to make your yard clean and eco-friendly but we also take great pride in our community. The air we breath as well as the water we drink plays a meaningful role in our day to day activities. Here at PetTastics we want both our clients and their pets to have healthy and secure living environments. So once again we are bringing you tips, tricks and treats to help you and your pet Go Green! We are showcasing pet food, pet grooming products, dog waste products and even doggy accessories! Let's put a kick into the new year with environmentally friendly alternatives!

Pet Food

Merricks Dog Food- Merricks Dog food's motto is "Comfort for the Soul" and that is exactly what they strive to do with their product. The ingredients that they use are combined with the finest human grade products which provide the ultimate source of protein through fresh vegetables and fruits. They are ranked number 2 in the U.S. Pet Retailer Report. 

 Newman's Own Organic Pet Food- Newman's Own is USD Organic certified with 95% Uruguay beef. It provides all the nutrients and protein to ensure your pet gets the most healthy benefits provided. Have you ever heard of the saying "You are what you eat"? Newman's Own strives to give healthy alternatives to that greasy sloppy dog food. Some natural ingredients include: natural chicken, organic brown rice, organic oats, carrots and fresh parsley. 

Pet Shampoo

  Organimals Organic Pet Shampoo- Organimals Pet Shampoo is the premiere grooming formula. It contains the most exclusive ingredients such as coconut oil, balm mint, chamomile and almond oil. Organimals gently cleanses your pets skin without overdrying and provides a soft, great smelling coat. Some reviews have said that it also works for humans who suffer from sensitive skin.

 Vermont Soap Organics is USDA approved and provides a blend of organic food grade ingredients into soap products the old fashioned way. Their bar soap process removes excess alkali from the soap, creating a super mild bar for the most sensitive skin. 

Beds, Toys, Accessories Etc.  

Bambeco is your one stop shop for everything doggy related. They specialize in everything from beds, toys, collars, pet bowls and other accessories. Bambeco is ALL NATURAL! Their collars are made out of recycled rubber, their ceramic dog bowls are lead free! Bambeco has everything you need to provide your animal (as well as yourself) with a healthy lifestyle! 

Doggy Waste

BioBag- BioBag is the first and ONLY biodegradable waste bag. The waste as well as the bag can be thrown in your backyard and will compost 100% naturally. The bag can be buried of even tossed with other trash and will provide no negative effects to the environment.

One Week Until Our GRAND OPENING!

The Pampered Pooch

There are times when our pooch likes to be pampered a little more than what we normally do for them. Scratching behind their ears or rubbing their stomachs is highly appreciated, but can often get rather repetitive. Why not take your dog out for a ultimate weekend of pampering! Whether it be for their birthday, or a special holiday, we are giving you Fayetteville's Doggy Hotspots!

First Stop: Hair & Nails 
Everyone needs to look their best before heading out! PetTastics recommends K-9 Styles Pet Salon for your pet's fabulous grooming! Their services offered are dog grooming, bathing, nails, hair cuts, tooth brushing and spa services. Please be sure to make an appointment. K-9 Styles Pet Salon only accepts walk-in's for nail cutting. If you happen to be on the other side of town, stop by Great Paws Pet Spa for an extreme pet make-over!

K-9 Styles Pet Salon
4808 Ramsey St # 107
Fayetteville, NC 28311
(910) 482-4555

Great Paws Pet Spa
4011 Sycamore Dairy Rd, Suite 101
Fayetteville, NC 28303 
(910) 864-8663



Second Stop: Shopping /Snack Time
Before we set out on our fabulous night we want to make sure our dogs are completely satisfied. Woof Boutique and Barkery is the premiere bake shop for all things dog related. They also have several other items to compliment your dogs new cut! My personal favorite happens to be the Swavorski crystal retractable leashes as well as the freshly made pupcakes. For the grungier dogs who want to sit at home on the couch all day and watch Sunday football, they have non-alcoholic doggy beer to keep them entertained.

Woof Boutique and Barkery
4011 Sycamore Dairy Road
Fayetteville, NC 28303
Woofbb.com


Last Stop:Strut Your Stuff!
Not that your pooched is equipped with the hottest fashion, the newest cut and a full belly. Let's make our way to the one place where we can show them off; Fayetteville's Riverside Dog Park! Conveniently located in the heart of Fayetteville, Riverside Dog Park is open every day from dawn to dusk. They have very few rules to abide by. Like most dog parks, their sole mission is to make a safe and peaceful pet-friendly environment. A small enclosure is provided for dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds and another larger area is set aside for larger dogs. All dogs must be legally licensed and have current vaccinations upon entering Riverside Dog Park. Also, please make sure tags are securely attached to the dogs collar. Here are a few other rules:

Riverside Dog Park
555 N. Eastern Boulevard
Fayetteville, NC
Located on the side road right in front of the wastewater treatment plant and across highway 301 from the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

For those of you who are interested in weekly, or bi-weekly social activities for your dog, there is a Meet- Up Group called Fayetteville's Fun Dogs which specializes in creating a healthy and exciting social life for your dog. Check their website periodically to see what events are happening around your area!

"My Dog Ate My Homework!!"- Things Your Dog SHOULDN'T Eat!

We all had those times when we like to blame our animals for our lack of dedication to complete our every day tasks. Our dogs like to chew on things other than their toys and some times we let them get away with it. Your old high heel becomes their new chew toy. Some of us may look at the glass half full and feel as though it saves us money on dog bones, while others know the real truth about the health hazards some of these things may cause. We've researched several of items that are extremely dangerous and often fatal to your animal. Jot some of these things down and share them with your family (especially the kids), even post them on the fridge. A lot of these items are things that we give our animals every day! YIKES!!

• Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause acute renal failure in dogs.Which means their kidneys will eventually stop functioning correctly. 
• Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause brutally painful muscle weakness, tremors and paralysis. A dog can be affected by just a few nuts. Studies show that both raw and roasted macadamia's can trigger the illness. 
• Onions, Chives and Garlic: All of these ingredients contain a material called thiosulphate. Thiosulphate can cause Heinz body hemolytic anemia. Dogs and cats do not have the proper enzyme which digests thiosulphate which causing their red blood cells to clot and weaken. The clumps eventually rapture which shortens the lifespan of the cell and makes the body starve for oxygen. Onions seem to be the most dangerous toxicity although it depends on the dosage. This material can be found in raw, cooked, dehydrates or powdered onions.
• Cooked Bones: Once bones are cooked they become brittle. The most most dangerous bones are turkey and chicken bones because they cause splinters that may cause choking or the bone may puncture or become embedded in their stomach.
• Caffeine: Coffee, soda and any other caffeine related product can cause death within an animal. Caffeine causes a dog's heart to race to impeccable heights and often times dogs can suffer from seizures.
• Corn: Corn is extremely difficult for animals to digest. Their stomachs are entirely too small and their intestines could get blocked indefinitely often causing death.
• Human Medications: NEVER EVER give your animal human medications. Ibuprofen is by far the worst thing to give to your animal. Pain relievers, vitamins and other pills can be affective in a little as one dose!
• Sugarless Candies: Sugarless candies have a toxin called xylitol. It can cause liver problems and even death if consumed by your pet.
• Chocolate: We all are familiar that chocolate is bad for our dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a central nervous system stimulant that may cause seizures, excessive urination (leading to dehydration), and heart damage.Side effects that are noticeable in chocolate poisoning are  diarrhea, vomiting, excessive urination, hyper/restless, panting hard, fast heart rate and excessive thirst.
• Tomatoes: These contain atropine which can cause dilated pupils, tremors and irregular heartbeat. The highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants, next is the unripe (green) tomatoes and then the ripe tomato. 
• Cat Food: Cat food is too high in protein and dogs have a problem properly digesting it.

 As you noticed, the smallest things give the most powerful punch. The next time your dog decides to steal the fruit off the kitchen table, be sure to stop him!

Picture of the Week

PetTastics strives to showcase not only our pets, but your pets as well. Send your pictures and a few kind words about your loved one to PetTastics and you and your pooch can be featured as the Pet of the Week!

This Weeks Pet:
Give a huge PetTastics welcome to Aaliyah!

"Aaliyah is a toy chihuahua. She is extremely playful and ultimately a piece of work. She keeps the kids busy and on their feet all day. She's really spoiled and family oriented. Aaliyah is now the family baby! We love her! "
- Nicole
Fayetteville, NC


If you would like your dog to be featured as our Pet of the Week, simply email us with a picture and quick blurb on why your dog is the best!! Email:questions@fayettevillepetservices.com