Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Emergencies can happen anytime, and it's best to be prepared. With pets, there are some important things you should keep in mind.

Having an emergency bag handy with the things you may need is always a good idea. Should you need to evacuate, please take your pets with you. Making sure someone will be able to take care of or evacuate your pets if you are not at home is of utmost importance.

Many shelters will not accept pets, so deciding where your pet will go ahead of time in the event of an emergency is of utmost importance. It's a good idea to keep a list of pet friendly hotels, boarding kennels or veterinary hospitals in the area.

Below is a list of suggested items to include in an EVAC-PAK and First Aid kit. To view this list as a pdf click here.For more information please visit www.ready.gov.

EVAC-PAK Checklist

• Medications (heartworm, flea prevention or any medication your pet may be taking regularly)
• Pet First Aid Kit (see below)
• Pet Health Records (sealed in a ziplock bag)
  
• Travel Bowls for food and water
• Food (enough for 1 week)
• Bottled Water (enough for 1 week)
• Collar with Pet ID Tag and leash (an extra collar and leash are a good idea)
• Pet Wipes
  
• Harness (to attach to seat belt)
• Blanket/Bed
• Crate/Travel Carrier
• Your regular sanitation supplies (pickup bags, wee wee pads, litterbox, etc)
• Familiar items (favorite toy, treats)
• Prepare a flyer with a current photo of your pet and contact information including cell phone number, address and evacuation location

Pet First Aid Kit

• Waterproof storage container
  
• Antiseptic/anti-bacterial wipes
• Eye Wash
• Sock (foot wrapper)
• Latex gloves
• Electrolyte Powder (add to water to replenish nutrients)
• Emergency Space Blanket
• Bottled Water
• Medicated Balm
• Leash and Collar
• Soft Muzzle
• Flexible Bandage (Vetrap)
• Gauze Roll
• Bandage Scissors
• Wood Splint
• Pet Thermometer
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Baggies
• Cold Pack/Hot Pack (self activating)
• Cotton Swabs
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Tweezers
• Pet's papers/Vet Records (sealed in a ziplock bag)
  

Breed of the Week - Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois dog, originally a part of the variety of Belgium Shepherd dog, was developed in the 1900s. This dog was bred to be an intelligent and loyal dog in the city of Malines and was the favorite there, and in Belgium. In 1911, the first Belgian Malinois was imported in the United States and recognized by the AKC. Initially they were registered as part of the miscellaneous group. Finally, in the late 1900s the AKC recognized them as part of the herding group.

The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized, hard-working dog in the sheepdog family. In many ways, the Malinois is similar to the German shepherd. They strong, muscular dogs with a level back and a slope at the withers and deep chest that goes down to the elbow. It has a long tail that reaches to the hock. The hair is short coated, eyes are dark and almond shaped, and ears are erect and alert. The most basic color of the Belgian Malinois is a rich fawn color to mahogany with black tips on the hair. Most dogs with the fawn to mahogany color also have white spots or patches on the paws and chest. They have a very elegant appearance of being strong and solid but not bulky.

Being a smooth short-coated dog, they are easy to groom. Because they have a double coat, they will shed constantly, but they do their heavy shedding twice a year. They require a regular brushing with a firm bristle brush. As with any dog, it is important to keep their ears clean and have regular nail clippings. There are dental products for dogs, from rinses to toothbrushes, which can be used to avoid future dental problems. These health routines should be started on your dog when he is a small puppy to get him used to the idea of daily hygiene.

The Belgian Malinois is a very versatile dog. They are serious and watchful, but yet loving and playful. They are a great watchdog, very protective and territorial with their family and home. They have a tendency to become loyal to one or two people and will bond very strongly with them. Some Malinois may be shy, but this is usually a result of too little socialization from a young age. From a very young age, the Belgian Malinois needs to be social with people and needs firm but loving training.
Malinois dogs need as much exercise as you can possibly give them. They are highly energetic dogs that need more than just an occasional walk around the block. They love the outdoors and do not do well living in a kennel. They excel in almost every dog sport they participate in, which include agility, lure coursing, herding, search and rescue, competitive obedience and flyball. Because of their loyalty, high-energy drive and intelligence, they participate and succeed in Schutzund training. These are some of the traits that make them excellent police dogs, one similarity they have with the German Shepherd Dog.

Because of their high energy level, it is important to start their training at an early age to deter them from negative and destructive behavior brought out by boredom. The training should begin at a very young age and good behavior should be rewarded with praise. Positive reinforcement works very well with this dog as all he wants to do is please you. Often, the Malinois that isn't properly socialized as a pup will grow up to be either a shy dog or an aggressive dog. This problem can be avoided if proper care and socialization is given throughout his life.

The Belgian Malinois is basically a healthy dog. Once more like the German shepherd, they are occasionally prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, which is a crippling genetic problem. Other health concerns that sometimes occur are skin allergies, or eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy. Bloat, or gastric torsion, which is a life threatening condition, can also affect this breed. Luckily, these conditions are rare. Most Malinois live a long, healthy life when properly cared for.

While these dogs do require a lot of time, attention, and exercise, their owners will tell you it is all worth it! They make great pets, companions, and friends. As with any breed, please do your research to be sure you get the dog that is best suited for you and you lifestyle.

For more information visit the American Belgian Malinois Club website.

written by Kellie Murphy

Do you know someone who loves Belgian Malinois? Do you? Shop for gifts, apparel, jewelry, hom decor, and more, at Cherrybrook.com using the Shop by Breed tab.

Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies Named Retailer of the Year

November 10, 2010 - For Immediate Release:

Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies, headquartered in Phillipsburg, NJ, has been named 2010 Retailer of the Year by Pet Product News International in the category of Outstanding Holistic Approach.

Citing Cherrybrook’s commitment to an Holistic approach to pet health, nutrition and wellbeing, as well as their extensive selection of Natural and Organic Pet Foods and Supplements combined with an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Pet Product News International awarded Cherrybrook with the distinction of 2010 Retailer of the Year - Outstanding Holistic Approach. The award was announced in an article published in the November 2010 issue of Pet Product News.

Cherrybrook has three retail locations in Bedminster, NJ, Washington, NJ, and the newest Cherrybrook location which opened this August, in Garwood, NJ.

In addition to being named Retailer of the Year - Outstanding Holistic approach, Claudia Loomis, Vice President of Cherrybrook, has been appointed to the 2010 Pet Product News Retail Advisory Board.

Cherrybrook, a family owned business, has been in operation for over 40 years. Cherrybrook began selling grooming supplies at dog shows, growing from a dog show general vendor into a catalog company, and then expanding once more to an online retailer which offers their extensive product line through their retail website at Cherrybrook.com. Cherrybrook continues to operate as an online retailer, as well as a dog show general vendor, in addition to providing one-of-a-kind service at its retail locations.

Pet Product News International is the top monthly business newsmagazine in the professional pet industry. For 62 years, the trade magazine has helped pet retailers manage their business and provide them with the latest news and trends in the pet product industry through its publication and corresponding website, Petproductnews.com. Pet Product News International is published by Bow Tie News, a division of Bow Tie, Inc. America’s leading producer of pet and animal magazines.

KONG Wobbler and Weight Loss

Canine obesity is an all too common medical condition that can result in serious health implications for your dog. Currently there are an estimated 72 million dogs in the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates 35 percent of those dogs, approximately 25 million, are overweight or obese. A recent study conducted by Pfizer Animal Health found veterinarians consider 47% of their canine patients overweight or obese, but only 17% of their pet parents felt the same. Why the difference? It could be denial or difficulty in recognizing the signs associated with being overweight or obese. Regardless, dog owner perception and education is one of the underlying challenges in maintaining a healthy canine weight. This is a great reason for an annual veterinarian check-up.

Veterinarians highly recommend weight loss to prevent weight associated complications and to make sure canine companions live longer, healthier lives. As with humans, weight loss can be achieved through dieting and exercise. Consult your veterinarian for a weight loss program tailored specifically to your dog. Below are some of the weight loss strategies your veterinarian may suggest:

• Adopt an exercise routine.
• Reducing calories by limiting current food or changing to a diet food.
• Eliminating table scraps.
• Choose healthy, low fat treats.
• Eliminate Free-Feeding.
• Feed 2 – 4 smaller servings throughout the day.
• Consider the use of slow feeders and food dispensing toys.

The KONG Wobbler presents an excellent alternative to traditional bowl feeding and makes feeding the recommended two – four smaller servings fun and easy. By slowing down and extending the joy of mealtime throughout the day, the Wobbler will keep hunger under control. It also prevents unhealthy gulping and rapid eating that can lead to other digestive problems like bloat.

The Wobbler is made in the USA with an FDA food-approved, high-strength polymer. It unscrews for quick filling and cleaning. The Wobbler is suitable for all dogs weighing 25 pounds or more.

Reprinted with permission from the KONG Newsletter Volume 20.

Susie's Story - A Tale of Rescue

March 17, 6:16 p.m. “Can you help us? Our vet says Susie needs x-rays and probably surgery for something that she swallowed and may be stuck inside. We’re on a fixed income and can’t afford what this might cost. Our vet said if she is not x-rayed and maybe operated on she will die.”

This desperate plea for help came into GRRI’s (Golden Re-Triever Rescue, Inc.) email account on a Tuesday evening. It was immediately forwarded to the GRRI Board of Directors, and within hours of receipt, an action plan was decided upon and Susie’s adopters were called. A message was left on their answering machine that “yes, we could help”.

They were first offered the option of keeping Susie and obtaining an emergency line of credit via a program called CareCredit® to help pay for her surgery. Her family stated that they could not afford it. GRRI asked that they return Susie to rescue so that she could get the emergency care that she desperately needed.

Hours passed and they continued to delay a decision. They were attempting to feed Susie despite our admonitions not to. Feeding a dog with a suspected blockage is extremely dangerous. GRRI’s attorney recommended having them bring Susie to an emergency hospital with the understanding that GRRI would pay for the emergency treatment and they in turn would make a donation back to GRRI. A 501(C)(3) organization such as GRRI cannot pay for private veterinary expenses. At this point saving Susie’s life was the main priority. This is not a practice that GRRI normally offers. The adopter again refused to take her to the emergency hospital that was recommended. Finally, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, March 18, 2-year-old Susie came back into rescue.

GRRI volunteers were in place, just waiting to hear the words “go get her”. “I have her” was relayed across cell phones, and another GRRI Board member and her husband jumped into their car and drove to a designated meeting area so they could get her and bring her to one of the rescue friendly vets that work with GRRI at a reduced cost. Dr. Joseph Zuckerman of Village Animal Clinic in Ardsley, NY had been notified of our emergency and was on alert, waiting to help.

Because of her stress level she wouldn’t let anyone near her. She was given a mild sedative before radiographs were done. The films revealed that there was a suspicious area in her small intestine “larger than the width of a vertebra”. This is always suspect, so the approval was given to perform an exploratory surgery.

About 20 minutes into the surgery a vet tech came out and said there was a really large foreign body obstruction (FBO), the worst Dr. Zuckerman had ever seen. It was wrapped around the coils of her small intestine. There were two pieces, each about 9-inches in length, 1-inch in diameter. 1-1/2 feet of her small intestine was shirred around it like a curtain would be on a curtain rod. Putrid black fluid leaked from her blocked intestine. We later found out that Susie had ingested a skein of knitting yarn.

Two hours after surgery began, at 8 p.m., Dr. Zuckerman came out. He said she was resting and he and the tech would stay with her until she awoke, then he’d give her some morphine. He had to make a large incision down the center of her stomach. Then an incision was made in the center of the small intestine where the blockage was; he cut the rope-like mass in half, then made another incision to one side so that he could remove half of the sock/rope mass’. He did the same on the other side and extracted the other half. We had to hope that he’d gotten it all.

The following morning Susie was very combative and didn’t want anyone coming near her. She was vomiting a black tar-like fluid and swampy smelling bile. She looked terrible. She was receiving IV fluids and antibiotics. She couldn’t have any food or water until bowel sounds could be heard, indicating her intestines were functioning properly. Normally this occurs within 24-48 hours.

Our GRRI volunteers cooked up some boiled chicken and sweet potatoes and pureed it in a Cuisinart so it would be easy for her to eat. Probiotics were purchased to help restore the “healthy’ bacteria in her intestinal tract. They were allowed to visit her later that afternoon and both were shocked by her appearance. This was clearly a very sick dog. Dr. Zuckerman said she wasn’t doing as well as he’d hoped, but then she’d been through an awful lot the past couple of days. She didn’t let them touch her either so they quietly sat on the floor with her until she fell asleep.

On day two, fearing the worst, we received a new update, “She’s showing some spunk and we hear faint bowel sounds. She’s letting one of the techs examine her. Her temp is normal, the incision looks clean.”

She was given a small amount of water. If she kept it down she could have an Italian meatball sized portion of the chicken mixture. Again, our volunteers went to visit her and received a very pleasant surprise. Susie remembered them and actually wagged her tail a bit! She went outside for a walk and then came into a treatment room for a visit. Again, patiently waiting for her to accept them, they sat on the floor with her. Soon she came over to be petted. She ended up with a full body massage, which she loved. She rolled on her side so they could see her incision. Then it was time to feed her. Dr. Zuckerman brought in a small amount of food which had been warmed in the microwave. She was ecstatic…FOOD! She gobbled it down and then looked around for more. “If you keep that down, then you can have some more every hour”, she was told. Life was looking better and better for Susie.

The 3-5 day period following any kind of intestinal surgery is always the most critical. The body needs protein to heal. If a dog’s blood proteins are low, then it increases the risk at the surgical site that the sutures can break down, spilling the infection into the stomach membranes. This spillage results in a serious condition called Peritonitis.

Susie was discharged from the hospital three days after her surgery. She was moved to a foster home where she continued to receive the love and pampering that she needed. During her stay in her foster home GRRI discovered that Susie was terribly un-socialized and fearful of people, particularly men. We learned she had been disciplined with a newspaper. Her emotional healing would certainly take longer than her physical one.

Susie’s foster home decided to adopt her. She is now under the care of a homeopathic vet and her prognosis is excellent. She runs and plays with the other Goldens in her forever home, and is an affectionate, loving dog. Her new parents make certain that there is nothing left around that this curious little girl can get her mouth around.


It’s for dogs like Susie that we do what we do. GRRI saved a dog’s life on Wednesday, March 18th. The love and thankfulness shining out of Susie’s eyes as she gazed at our volunteers spoke volumes.


None of us ever want to be put in the position where we have to look into the eyes of our beloved friend and say I love you so much but I can’t afford to help you.

Thankfully GRRI didn’t have to either.

written by Eileen McFadden

Did your dog find their way to your heart through a shelter or rescue? Now they can proudly proclaim that they are "Rescued and Loved" with a collar and lead set from Dog Ink. Through November 30, 2010, get 10% off of Rescued and Loved collar and lead sets.

Breed of the Week - Japanese Chin

Despite the name the Japanese Chin, it is actually believed that the breed’s true origin is China. Three different scenarios exist as to how the Japanese Chin made its way to Japan. Some believe Buddhist teachers brought the dogs over in 520 A.D., while others believe that a Korean Prince bought the Chin over as a gift to the Japanese Emperor – either that or a Chinese Emperor gave a pair as a gift to the Japanese royal family. Regardless as to how they got to Japan, the Chin soon became known as the Japanese Chin, to better distinguish them from the Pekingese. The Japanese Chin is held in high regard in Japan – even to this day!

The Japanese Chin’s main purpose was (and still is today) to serve as a companion to men and women. They were used to warm the laps of Asian aristocracy and kept the ladies company in the Imperial Palace. They were only kept by nobility and only given as gifts to foreigners who had performed exceptional service to Japan. For almost 200 years, the Japanese Chin was kept away from the Western world while Japan closed itself to the outside world. Luckily, in 1854, with the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, they opened up their borders once again and many American forces were given these little dogs as gifts.

Originally, the Japanese Chin was registered by the American Kennel Club as the Japanese Spaniel in 1888 – but in 1977, the breed’s parent club was able to have the AKC officially change the breed’s name to the Japanese Chin.

The Chin is a small breed of dog with quite an original and aristocratic appearance. They come in a few color varieties, which consist of: black and white (probably the most common), white with lemon or red, and even black and white with tan points above the eyes. They are naturally great companions. They are extremely intelligent, playful and willful and tend to keep themselves extremely clean! They are often described as being part cat and part dog. The Chin was originally considered to be royalty in the canine world, and to this very day they continue to rule their households.

Many Japanese Chins grace us with their presence at Cherrybrook and I have to admit: they are probably some of the sweetest little dogs to ever sit up at the counter! With their charmingly large eyes, they have a darling little face which is hard to ignore! If you are considering a Japanese Chin for you or your family, be sure you understand the breed thoroughly and are willing to take on this spirited little dog.

Like many other small breeds, the Japanese Chin has few health problems, but that does not mean they are all free from them! Their adorable flattened faces can cause them to suffer from some breathing problems; this also can make them vulnerable in extreme heat! Also, because their eyes do have a slight bulge to them, they can be easily scratched which can lead to more serious complications. They can also suffer from luxating patellas, heart murmurs and some have even been known to suffer from some seasonal allergies. With that being said, they are also a common breed who has sensitivities to corn. It is important to feed your Chin (or any dog) a high quality food free of fillers to help avoid itchy, dry skin and other allergies.

Most view the biggest drawback of the Chin to be the shedding. They are a single coated breed and as long as they are brushed at least once a week and bathed about once a month – maintaining the coat tends to be more manageable. Luckily, as stated above, they are actually very clean dogs. They can even be caught grooming themselves (like a cat)! They also don’t have quite a doggy odor – so you may not have to bath your Chin that frequently. Many Chins who are kept as pet have coats which are kept much shorter than Chins who canter around the show ring. Like other breeds (bulldogs, pugs, etc.) It is important to keep the face of your Chin clean and dry. Their facial area can lock in moisture and cause eventual fungal problems. Be sure to wipe the folds of the face with something damp and then swab the folds again with something dry. Then, trimming their nails and cleaning their ears are important factors in their up keep.

Because they are such smart dogs, they do well in fields such as agility and obedience, yet they do require consistent training! The Chin is known for being a bit stubborn, but still quick to learn. They can be a bit sensitive as well, so it is important to always remain calm and patient when training your Chin. Training can sometime take a while, but in the end it is always worth it. Everyone loves a well behaved dog. Socializing them when young is always a great idea with any puppy so that they can handle new situations and people confidently. Though, most Chins tend to really be fond of people – making them great for therapy dogs!

Because they are quite small, they can do very well in apartments. They also tend to be a bit more on the quite side, which is promising when having close neighbors. However, do not let their small size fool you. They are playful and active little dogs. They will want to be stimulated and they will want to play with you! Be sure to have fun with your Chin and give him or her plenty of stimulating toys to play with! They should also get at least two long walks a day to keep them in good shape and to satisfy their migrating instinct.

The Japanese Chin is truly a great little dog and can make a great addition to any home! Be sure to speak or even meet with a responsible Chin breeder to better know the breed and even get to know some Chins yourself (you’ll love them, I guarantee it!). There are also great breed specific rescue organizations dedicated to finding Chins loving homes (which they all deserve!). A breeder or a breed specific rescue will help you decide if a Chin will be a good match for you and your home and give you even more information about this fantastic toy breed!

To better understand the breed or find a local club or breeder, be sure to also check out the Japanese Chin Club of America website.

written by Stephanie Teed

The Japanese Chin is featured on gifts, apparel, jewelry and home decor. To see all of the breed specific products available featuring the Japanese Chin, visit Cherrybrook.com and click on the Shop by Breed tab.

Breed of the Week - Greyhound

The Asiatic Wolf is the most commonly accepted ancestor of modern sight hounds, including the Greyhound. Large parts of the Sahara were once well-watered lands, which provided the Greyhound's early ancestor with both wide open land and plenty of prey to give chase to. Sight hounds, as their name implies, hunt by sight and overtake their prey with great speed. The body of a Greyhound is a perfect example of such a hound, as its lean body and powerful legs give it both speed and endurance.

Greyhounds were popular in Egypt as both pets and hunting dogs. Some were even paid divine honors. When a Greyhound died, it was greatly mourned, being carefully embalmed and mummified. Sight hounds were also well-known to the Greeks, where they were commonly depicted in artwork. The Greek historian Arrian lectured on hunting with sight hounds, and detailed the appearance of a properly-bred Greyhound.

Greyhounds may have a high prey drive, especially in ex-racers which are usually bred to have a high chase instinct. In such instances, Greyhound owners commonly use muzzles to protect smaller animals until they have trained their dog to not give chase. On some occasions, ex-racers who aren't used to dogs other than Greyhounds, may mistake small dogs for the lure used in races, but this behavior is uncommon and will go away once the Greyhound is properly socialized. Contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds don't need extended periods of daily exercise as they're bred for sprinting, not endurance. That said, they do extremely well in agility events, and make great disc dogs.

Greyhounds have no undercoat, and naturally short fur. This lack of fur means that they aren't well protected for the cold. If you plan to take your Greyhound outside during colder months, then a coat is always a good investment. While the lack of long fur means you won't experience tangling with your dog, it's important to give him a good head to toe brushing once or twice a week.

Greyhounds are very sensitive to insecticides. Many vets do not recommend the use of flea collars or flea spray on Greyhounds unless it is a pyrethrin-based product. Greyhounds have a higher level of red blood cells than other dogs. Red blood cells carry oxygen to muscles, so the high amount of the cells allows Greyhounds to move larger quantities of air to the muscles much faster than other breeds.

As you can see, the Greyhound is a beautiful breed of dog with many qualities that make it a great family pet. So if you're considering adopting a dog, you can't really go wrong with the Greyhound. They make a great companion for both an experienced pet owner and a first time dog parent.

For more information about the Greyhound, visit the Greyhound Club of America website.


By Colin McNevin

Looking for the perfect breed specific gift for a dog lover? Click on the Shop by Breed tab at Cherrybrook.com to find a large selection of gifts, apparel, jewelry and home décor featuring the Greyhound.