Holiday air travelers who plan to bring their pets with them on a flight need to be especially careful if their pet is a Persian cat or short-nosed dog such as a bulldog or pug.

Reports of pet deaths during flight by the Department of Transportation – who put out the report each month – have people wondering about the number of unexplained deaths with short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds that had no problems prior to take off.

It’s speculated that these particular breeds have a harder time breathing in the first place, and the combination of this and the atmosphere in an airplane cargo hold can spell trouble. Some airlines already refuse to allow these breeds to fly with them during the warm summer months.

The article does point out that there’s no way of knowing how many short-nosed pets have been transported safely, and there’s no hard evidence or active investigation either.

What do you think?

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Cargo Could Be Dangerous for Some Pets

Donuts aren’t just for people! Of course, these donuts for dogs are a bit more healthy and don’t take nearly as long (just pop them in the microwave!) and are overall more dog-friendly, so why not whip up a batch for your dog to enjoy the next time you treat yourself?

Microwaveable Dog Donuts

2 C Whole wheat flour
3 T Oatmeal
1 Egg; lightly beaten
1 tsp Garlic powder
2/3 C Beef or chicken broth

Place flour in a bowl, add egg and broth and mix well. Blend in oatmeal and garlic powder. Roll dough into a ball, roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/2″ thick. Cut with small doughnut cutters; reroll scraps and repeat. Arrange on a shallow baking dish or on a sheet of parchment paper in a single layer. Cook in the microwave on high for 10 minutes or until firm. Let cool until hardened. Store in covered container in refrigerator.

These could also be baked in the oven at 375 degrees for about ten minutes.

[cute puppy 'donut' from flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Microwaveable Dog Donuts

Victoria writes:

“I had toyed around with the idea of getting a dog for some time. I did some research on pugs because I think they’re too cute and decided that was a good match for me, they were just a little pricey.

“Still, one day I ended up in a pet store and fell in love with the only pug in the store. The price tag threw me off a little, but I had become so attached to him in just a few minutes that I had to have him. I don’t regret it at all and I have now been the proud mommy of a 9 month old pug puppy who I named Tyson for 5 months.

“He loves to eat white rice, which is convenient since I’m Korean and cook it all the time. He loves to steal my sister’s cat’s toys and claim them as his own. He is a definitely a people person, when I take him to Petco he gets all the attention. I let him sleep with me on the weekends, but during the week he curls up under my bed and goes to sleep despite the fact that I bought him a plush bed of his own. And because I love him so much and want to show him off to everyone I have created him his own photoblog at lovetyson.com.”

Thanks, Victoria!

Post from: Blisstree

Pet of the Week: Tyson