Cherrybrook

The Importance of Digestive Enzymes and Friendly Bacteria

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:19:00 -0700

Written by: Claudia Loomis

Digestive enzymes breakdown and deliver nutrients to every part of your pet?s body. Therefore, in addition to being fed a high quality all natural diet, all pets require enzymes and in order to maintain digestive efficiency. Since enzymes are destroyed in the normal process of heating and processing most commercial pet foods, even the highest quality kibble, supplementing with enzymes is an effective way to maintain digestive health.

There are four classes of enzymes necessary for proper digestion and optimal health:
Amylase: Necessary for energy, Amylase aids in the digestion of starchy foods and releases simple sugars.
Protease: Necessary for muscle growth and maintenance, Protease aids in the digestion of proteins in the stomach and small intestine.
Lipase: Necessary for overall health, Lipase aids in the digestion of fatty acids and allows the pet to absorb Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamins A, D, E and K.
Cellulase: Necessary for the digestion of fiber, Cellulase aids in the digestion of cellulose, helping reduce the bulking associated with eating fibrous foods.

Along with digestive enzymes another important part of digestive health is the proper balance of prebiotics and probiotics commonly known as ?friendly? bacteria in the digestive system. There are hundreds of species of good and bad bacteria in your pet?s digestive system. There must be a balance of the both good and bad bacteria in order for your pet to digest and absorb food. Without the proper balance of friendly bacteria proper immune response is compromised and our pet?s become prone to illness and infection.

Without the proper concentrations of digestive enzymes and friendly bacteria in intestines an enzyme deficiency will occur. Some of the symptoms of enzyme deficiency and resulting poor digestion include:
Intermittent or chronic diarrhea
Constipation
Gas and bloating
Body odor
Excessive itching and rash
Hair balls
Runny Nose
Bad Breath
Infection and poor immune system response
Joint problems and resulting arthritis
Allergic reaction

Some of the factors that will decrease the amount of enzymes available for your pet?s proper digestion of nutrients will cause an enzyme drain. These include:
Age: Digestive enzyme production decreases with age, so it is particularly important to supplement with digestive enzymes in older pets.
Strenuous exercise or overwork: The more physical work we ask our pets to perform requires more energy input and taxes the balance of digestive enzymes in your pets system.
Stress and anxiety: Pets are just like humans and stress has an overall negative effect on the body including hampering the production of digestive enzymes.
Illness: Anything that attacks or affects the immune system effects the production of digestive enzymes.
Poor diet: Pet foods that contain highly processed, poor quality, hard to digest ingredients such as corn, wheat, animal by products, artificial colors and preservatives will place additional strain on the digestive system.

In addition to pets that are prone to gastric issues and poor digestion, most all pets will benefit from supplementation with digestive enzymes and additional friendly bacteria. It will be most beneficial to pets that are:
Switching Foods: it will help ease or eliminate the gastric distress that comes with getting accustomed to a new food
Experiencing Bowel Issues: will help with diarrhea and constipation.
Senior pets: help add to the diminished capacity of older pets to produce enzymes
Gas: proper digestion eliminates excessive gas
Dogs that eat their feces: also known as coproghagy: There are many reasons why dogs eat their own poop. However output that is free of undigested food will be less likely to entice pets to eat their feces.
Pets taking or have taken a course of antibiotics: Antibiotics are equal opportunity bacteria killers. They not only destroy the harmful bad bacteria that cause infection, they also kill the good bacteria and upset the delicate balance of the digestive flora in the intestines. It is important to re-build the stores of good bacteria in the intestinal tract so that proper digestion and absorption of nutrients can occur to encourage healing and optimal health.

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets Brought to you by Cherrybrook

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Chocolate in all forms, especially dark chocolate or baking chocolate, is dangerous for both dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include:
Excessive drooling
Excessive thirst
Excessive urination
Pupil dilation
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting and diarrhea
Hyperactivity
Muscle tremors and seizures
Coma
If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms take them to the vet immediately.

Candy containing the natural sugar substitute Xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Small amounts of Xylitol, which is present in many human foods, can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar which leads to depression, lack of coordination, seizures and liver damage in a relatively short amount of time.

Halloween plants such as Pumpkins and decorative Corn are relatively non-toxic to pets. However if ingested they may cause gastrointestinal distress.

If you dress your pet up for Halloween make sure that your pet is comfortable in their costume. The costume should not constrict your pet?s movement or hearing. Make sure your pet can breathe, see, hear and bark. Remove any small or dangling accessories that can be chewed or swallowed.

Walk your dog before Trick or Treaters start to make their rounds. Be sure to keep a firm grip on the leash as many dogs are frightened by people in costumes. Use a lighted or reflective leash for added safety.

Consider putting your pet in a separate room, a secure place or a dog crate away from the door at least a half hour before Trick or Treaters arrive. Play soft music and provide a chew toy or favorite blanket to comfort your pet.

If you want to have your dog near the door to greet visitors, keep him on a leash. Pets can become stressed by holiday activities and interruptions in routine. A normally calm and friendly dog may become nervous or feel threatened and growl, lunge or bite.

If your pet is typically high strung consider using Rescue Remedy Pet, Homeopet TFLN or other anti-anxiety products to calm your pet prior to the Halloween festivities. You may also want to consult your vet about tranquilizing your pet for the night.

Make sure your dog is wearing an up-to date ID tag. If your dog does dart out the door in the rush of Trick or Treaters an identification tag with the correct address and phone number will assist in locating your lost pet.

Petzlife 100% All Natural Oral Care Gel and Spray

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:01:00 -0700

Petzlife Oral Care Spray and Gel is 100% natural with specially formulated Grape Seed extract and other all natural herbs and ingredients to produce a very safe alternative to tooth scaling.
The natural ingredients in Petzlife include Grapefruit seed extract, Grape seed extract, Thyme oil, Neem oil, Rosemary oil, and Peppermint oil.

These ingredients are all specially formulated with distilled water and grain alcohol to produce one of the most effective and safest dental products ever produced. A small amount of grain alcohol is used to activate the herbs used in this safe and effective teeth cleaning wonder.

Keeping your dog?s teeth clean and tartar free will not only help your dog live longer but will keep bacteria from his mouth from entering the bloodstream. We all know we should brush our dog?s teeth regularly but it can be a time consuming hassle. The convenience of spraying Petzlife into on your dog?s teeth once or twice a day ensures that you will keep up with your dog?s dental care. Once you see the amazing results you?ll continue to use Petzlife regularly.

Dental cleanings are normally performed by your veterinarian under general anesthesia. General anesthesia can be risky for some dogs, particularly older or overweight dogs. Regular use of Petzlife will lessen or eliminate the need for tooth scaling performed under general anesthesia, saving you money and possible health risks to your dog.

Petzlife is doctor formulated in FDA approved labs using natural ingredients. It is easy to use. Just spray or apply gel directly on your pet?s teeth. Your pet will lick their lips repeatedly which will allow the Petzlife to mix with saliva and coat all the surfaces of the teeth and gums. Do not allow your pet to eat or drink for 30 minutes before or after application, for best results. If you spray Petzlife at night, use a soft piece of gauze to wipe the ?broken down? tartar from your pet?s teeth in the morning. According to the Petzlife website, you will be amazed at how much plaque and tartar come off your dog or cat?s teeth.

Inflammation and doggy breath should improve in 1 to 2 weeks. After 30 days, application can be reduced to 2 or 3 times a week. PetzLife guarantees to refund 100% of your purchase price if you are not satisfied and when you return the unused portion.

Testimonials received about Petzlife prove that it really works.

Petzlife Oral Care Spray and Gel are available at www.cherrybrook.com.

Selecting the Right Brush

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:03:00 -0700

There are many styles of brush to choose from and the right one depends on your pet?s coat type and condition. Here is the low down on the different types of dog brushes:

Slicker Brush
This brush has fine metal prongs set at an angle. A slicker is used to remove dead undercoat and aid in detangling. A soft slicker brush is best on puppies and short coated breeds. A heavy or firm slicker is best on dense coats that are wavy, curly or straight. A slicker should not be used on short haired and fine coated breeds such as Boxers or Great Danes. Slicker brushes come in a number of sizes and shapes. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or force when using a slicker brush as the prongs can cause skin irritation resulting in brush burn.

Pin Brush
These brushes have long rounded metal pins that minimize scratching and potential skin irritation. Pin Brushes are traditionally used on longer coated breeds or dogs whose coats are in good condition because the rounded pins result in less hair breakage. The length of the pin should be long enough to reach the skin in order to de-shed. The pins can be made of Stainless steel, brass- which has antistatic properties, or wood, for the gentlest of brushing experiences. The longer the coat, the longer the pin should be.

Bristle Brush
The bristle brush can be used for both short or long coated breeds that have no undercoat. The bristles can be natural or nylon. It provides a gentle brushing experience but is not a good brush for de-shedding or detangling. It is best for distributing the oils throughout the hair shaft and polishing, or shining, the coat.

Curry Mitt
This rubber mitt comes in various sizes and is used for fine coated or shorthaired dogs. Rubber Curry Mitts are also used in the tub as a shampoo brush for almost all coat types. They are at getting loose fur out of the coat quickly and most dogs? love how they feel on their skin.

Hound Glove
This mitt has little nubs or bristles and is designed to give short or sleek coated breeds the once over. Similar to the Curry Mitt, the hound glove provides a nice massage.

Cherrybrook has many different styles and sizes the above brushes and our associates will be happy to help you choose the perfect one for your pet.

REMEMBER: Never brush a dry dog, a coat conditioner or spray will make the brushing experience easier and protect the coat.

Wholistic Pet Coconut Oil

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:41:00 -0700
Wholistic Pet Coconut Oil is extra virgin, cold-processed, and unrefined. This certified organic, non-GMO, non-hydrogenated Coconut Oil looks, tastes and smells like fresh coconut because it is made from fresh coconuts!!!

Most of coconut oil?s health benefits come from medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). One of the chief benefits of Medium-chain fatty acids is that they are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss.

As an antioxidant, Coconut Oil is 50 times more potent than Vitamin E, 15 times more potent than carrots, and 300 times more potent than tomatoes.

Coconut Oil also contains Lauric and Caprylic acid that has anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and health-protecting properties. When applied topically to cuts, wounds, infected ears, fungal infections, bites and stings it acts to disinfect and promote wound healing.

Many other benefits of using coconut oil include:

Reduction of skin and body odor
Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing
Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents that prevent infection and disease
Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including Candida
Promotes normal thyroid function
Helps prevent or control diabetes
Aids in arthritis relief
Reduces allergic reactions
Improves skin health and hair condition

Dosage Instructions for Dogs and Cats:

Internally:

Solid or liquid coconut oil can be added to food at any meal or given between meals.
To liquefy, gently warm the oil.
Begin with a lower dose of 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight. Gradually increase dosage over a week to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. These are general guidelines, as some dogs need less and others more.

Topically:

Apply as a salve to wounds, cuts, bites, and infected ears.

The purchase Wholistic Pet Coconut Oil or any of the natural Wholistic Pet line, visit www.cherrybrook.com.

Now in Stock - The Oster Gentle Paws Nail Grinder

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:02:00 -0700
Some dogs just do not like having their nails clipped. No matter how many treats or calming supplements you give them they will kick and fuss. Using traditional nail clippers on a wiggly, frightened dog is stressful and dangerous for the dog and the groomer. A better solution is to use a nail grinder to smooth and shape the nail. The nail grinders I have tried are either too heavy, not powerful enough, too expensive, or the dog and I both end up wrapped in the cord.

Oster has perfected the nail grinder with a safety guard! Others have tried, but the Oster Gentle Paws is the superior safe nail trimmer. Featuring a two speed, professional motor, removable safety guard and auto stop safety, the Gentle Paw gently files your pet?s nails quickly and easily.

The lightweight battery operated motor is surprisingly powerful ? up to 5 times faster than the competition. The high speed rotates at 15,000 rpm and the low speed at 7,500 rpm to trim all breeds of dogs and cats. Gentle Paws comes with a coarse stone, two coarse bands and one fine band. The 60 grit coarse stone is a long lasting, finishing stone ideal for multiple dog households and large breeds. The 60 grit coarse band is for quickly grinding down nails. The 100 grit fine band is for smoothing and finishing the nail.

The Gentle Paws Safety Guard has 4 differently sized holes to safely hold the nail while trimming. Simply insert the pets nail into the properly sized hole and begin trimming. The safety guard is easily removed and cleaned.

Visit www.cherrybrook.com today to order the only safety guard nail grinder with the trusted Oster name ? Gentle Paws! The name says it all.

The Importance of Brushing

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:03:00 -0700
Other than the primary function of styling and matt removal, brushing the coat serves several other important purposes such as cleaning and massaging the skin, and stimulating the release of beneficial oil. Brushing the hair cleans the hair shaft, follicle and skin by removing trapped scales, dirt and oils. Brushing also distributes the Sebum coating, lubricating and protecting the hair shaft; resulting in a healthy glow, more flexible hair and a healthy coat. Because Sebum protects and moisturizes, regular brushing results in hair that is healthier, more manageable and easier to style.

The proper brush to use depends upon your pet?s coat type and we have a dog brush for every coat type at Cherrybrook.

Regardless of coat type or the brush you use, one important adage to remember is ?Never brush a dry dog?. We recommend using a coat spray or conditioner first. This helps the brush glide smoothly through the coat and helps add elasticity and strength to the coat while brushing to prevent coat breakage. This is especially true for longer coated breeds or pets that have tangles or matts. Visit Cherrybrook to find the correct coat spray for your grooming needs.

Health Benefits of Cranberry for Your Pet

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:04:00 -0700
Wholistic Pet WholeCran Intense is a convenient and easy to use freeze dried Cranberry powder. Cranberry is commonly recommended by veterinarians to treat recurring urinary tract infections. Most dogs do not like the taste of Cranberry juice and many commercial brands have high sugar content anyway. Some dogs enjoy fresh or frozen unsweetened Cranberries but would have to consume large amounts to get the necessary amount. Powdered Cranberry can be easily sprinkled on dog food, but not all powdered Cranberry is the same. Wholistic Pet WholeCran Intense is Certified Organic, contains no fillers and is obtained from USA cultivated Cranberry Bogs.

Cranberry has long been used as a treatment and preventative for urinary tract health. Along with Blueberries, a related plant, Cranberries contain natural components that inhibit bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, passing out through the urine. These compounds, known as proanthocyanidins, have been shown to keep E-coli, which cause many UTI?s in pets, from sticking and multiplying in the animal?s urinary tract.

Cranberry also makes urine more acidic. It stands to reason that Cranberry can be useful in preventing and treating bladder stones in dogs and crystals in cats because these flourish in an alkaline environment.

New research indicates that Cranberry may also act outside of the urinary tract against other bacteria in the body. The bacteria that cause stomach ulcers as well as those that cause some types of gum disease are inhibited in the presence of Cranberry. A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association reported that a component of Cranberry may reverse and inhibit the ability of the oral bacteria responsible for plaque and periodontal disease from joining together. In addition to adding WholeCran Intense to your pet?s food, you can also mix it with a little water to form a paste for use in brushing your dog or cat?s teeth and gums.

The tart little fruit that shines at Thanksgiving is a powerhouse that helps your pet?s urinary and dental health. As more research is done we may discover even more health benefits of Wholistic Pet WholeCran Intense.

Animal Reiki By Maria Plass

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:48:00 -0700
Animal Reiki is a hands-on healing modality which is a wonderful form of Spiritual Healing to use on your pet. It is a safe and gentle, non-intrusive therapy which allows gentle healing of your pets for any type of physical illness, pain, injuries or emotional problems.

Pet lovers are turning to Animal Reiki to heal the animals because is has been reported to improve their pet's health, happiness and heal their pets - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually using nothing more than pure vibrational energy and the palm of your hands.

Animals are highly intuitive and absorb the energies of their owners including stress, emotional unbalance, and tension and easily become unbalanced and unsettled from these negative energies. A healing session of Reiki can remove these blocks and release the animals from this energy to regain optimal health and happiness.

Reiki is a totally natural form of spiritual healing which allows your pet to heal and maintain optimum health. Many pet owners are being drawn to Reiki for animals because of the fact that it heals without expensive ongoing visits to the vet. Animal Reiki heals animals inexactly the same way it heals people.

The healing benefits of a regular session on your animal is very holistic and it is also very beneficial for animal's pre and post surgery, plus sick or injured animals as well. The healing energy of Reiki is also an excellent form of pain relief.

What are the benefits of a Reiki session for an animal?

Reiki works/heals on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
Deepens the bond between human and animal companion.
Reiki complements both conventional (allopathic) and holistic medicine.
Reiki can lessen the side effects of medicines and other procedures.
It can help maintain health on all levels.
Help and support for a dying animal and his humans to ease the transition at the end of life.
It is very helpful for any animal that has been in a shelter situation.
Reiki induces deep relaxation and stress-reduction.
Over time, Reiki can reduce nervousness.
Reiki can accelerate healing after surgery or illness.
Can help with behavior issues.

Moey?s Story

As a Reiki Master, I?ve seen and experienced the many benefits of Reiki with human beings. This was a given. Little did I realize how powerful and receptive our dear friends, we call pets, are to Reiki until my Moey was hit by a car. We were advised by the vet that the bones in her hind, right leg were severely crushed. The prognosis was dim that the leg could be saved. However, knowing the power of Reiki, I told him not to amputate the leg.

And so, for one solid week, I provided Reiki healing to my Moey. Because of the tremendous amount of pain she was in, I did the healing sessions remotely. In my private sanctuary, I would send her healing Reiki energy four times a day, for 15 to 20 minutes each session. I could see her progressing daily and was anxious to hear the results from the vet. She was examined one week later. The bones had nearly healed completely! The cast was removed and she walked on all fours! Not only did she walk?she ran, she climbed, she jumped!

There is no doubt in my mind that had she not received the healing benefits of Reiki, Moey?s leg would have been amputated. I am thankful that I was able to be a catalyst in the healing process.

Maria Plass, Certified Holistic Health Consultant and White Light (Johrei) Reiki Master will be at Cherrybrook in Bedminster on September 20, 2009 from 11am to 2pm. Bring your dog, cat or a picture of your furry friend. Each 10 minute Reiki session is $10. Call to reserve your session now ? 908-781-2220.

Learn The Grooming Secrets of the Pro's at Groom Expo 2009

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:03:00 -0700
Please join us as Eric Salas reveals the Grooming Secrets of the Pro?s at Groom Expo on Thursday September 17, 2009 from 7-9 pm.

Don?t miss the special appearance by Chris Christensen!

At last! The one individual who can make every problem go away?well, almost every problem.

Eric Salas, the renowned groomer/handler from the west coast has combined his talents with Chris Christensen?s impeccable grooming tools and products.

In Eric?s seminar you will learn, in great detail, the prerequisites of attaining the ?winning? groom and attitude of a best in show dog. Learn how to properly use tools to get the best results based on what they are intended to do. He will demonstrate how to shorten drying time, reducing your overall styling time. Eric will illustrate scissor and blending techniques without creating unwanted lines and scissor marks. The bottom line is?Eric?s techniques can, and will, make you a better stylist and save you money in the long run.

All seminar attendees will receive a $25.00 coupon redeemable for Chris Christensen products at the Cherrybrook booth.

Time is running out! Pre-register now!

The Groom Expo Grooming Show in Hershey Pennsylvania is September 17 - 20, 2009. Register now at www.GroomExpo.com. Also, feel free to come and talk with Eric and Chris at the Cherrybrook booth where additional demonstrations will be done daily.

Kong declares it?s ?The World?s Best Dog Toy?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:08:00 -0700
Developed in 1976, Kong dog toys have been around long enough to become commonplace. Most dogs have a Kong or two buried in their toy box that may have lost its initial excitement factor.

We?ve all seen these durable rubber dog toys with the funny shape but may have passed them by for the new, shiny, toy of the week. I, too, relegated the Kong to the bottom of my list when shopping for toys until a recent visit to the Kong website, kongcompany.com . I know that Kongs provide tough, heavy duty fun for heavy chewers but I did not realize the variety of Kongs available, or the benefits Kongs deliver.

I?d like to share a few facts about Kong that I?ve learned so you can be as excited as I am about this legendary dog toy. Did you know that Kongs are widely recommended by veterinarians, behaviorists and trainers? Behaviors that training with a Kong can address are chewing and separation anxiety, both which can become huge issues if left undeterred. A Kong will also help prevent stress and boredom. The Kong website even includes a training ?booklet? about basic training using a Kong.

Kong was invented by a rock eating German Shepherd Dog, Fritz, and his frustrated owner. From that stroke of genius came a line of simple looking yet stimulating and long lasting dog toys.

First the basics: The classic red Kong is very strong and bouncy. Extreme black Kongs are extra hard for power chewers. Both are available in 5 sizes. If in doubt, go up a size. Multiple dog households should buy a Kong sized for the largest breed in the home.

For puppies 7 through 12 weeks, Puppy Kong will help ease teething pain, separation anxiety and boredom, as well as reinforcing and rewarding positive behavior.

Kong Ball, Stuff A Ball, Biscuit Ball and Bounzer Ball build on the foundation of durable, solid rubber toys and add a twist.

Both the Cool Kong and the Sport N Dog training dummy feature the classic Kong shape with a rope for throwing and retrieving and - they float!

Kong Wubbas combine the standard Kong performance with bright colors and trailing tails to tease and tug. Wubbas also come in Puppy, Snugga and Water Wubbas.

Kong?s claim of ?World?s Best Dog Toy? at first seems easy to dismiss but further investigation proves the importance of this simple rubber toy. Domestic dogs still have a predatory nature that is not stimulated because they do not have to ?hunt? for their food. Filling a Kong with toys and treats before giving it to your dog will challenge him to work to get the food. His reward for the natural dog behavior of chewing is the food within the Kong. Regular use will exercise a dogs jaw and, most importantly, help save your possessions from being chewed!

Here is my favorite recipe from the Kong website:

Frozen Jerky Pops
Set Kong in a muffin tin and smear a small amount of peanut butter over the small hole. Fill with cool water and a pinch of (low sodium) boullion. Place a jerky stick inside the Kong and freeze. Once frozen, the Kong (or several Kongs) can be placed in a children?s size swimming pool for a day of fishing for your pet.

Now is the perfect time to ?retrieve? that Kong, or buy one at www.cherrybrook.com, to help your dog become healthy and happy!

Donate Blood with Miller-Keystone at Cherrybrook

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:52:00 -0700
Be a Hero! Join Cherrybrook in giving back to our community by donating blood on September 12th at our Broadway, New Jersey store. Miller-Keystone Blood Center will be on site from 10am to 1pm collecting this lifesaving resource.

According to the Miller-Keystone Website, approximately 43,000 units of blood are used each day in the United States. 4.8 million Americans would die each year without life saving blood transfusions. Approximately 450 units of blood are needed every day in the counties served by Miller-Keystone Blood Center. Miller-Keystone Blood Center is the only supplier of blood products to hospitals in Berks, Carbon, Eastern Schuylkill, Lehigh, Northampton, Southern Luzerne, Upper Bucks and Western Montgomery in Pennsylvania.

In New Jersey, Miller-Keystone is the only supplier to Warren Hospital and Hackettstown Regional Medical Center.

The need for blood is never ending. Until you, or your loved ones, need it, you cannot truly appreciate the generosity of blood donors. When you donate through Miller-Keystone, you are donating to your family, your friends and your neighbors.

Your donation will help save the lives of premature infants, accident victims, cardiac patients, burn victims and people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer or leukemia at the following hospitals:

Hackettstown Regional Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ
Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg, NJ
Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA
Muhlenberg Hospital in Bethlehem, PA
St. Luke?s Hospitals in Bethlehem, Allentown and Quakertown, PA
Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown PA
Easton Hospital in Easton, PA
Westfield Hospital in Allentown, PA
Palmerton Community Hospital in Palmerton, PA
Reading Hospital and Medical Center in Reading, PA
Pottstown Memorial Medical Center in Pottstown, PA
Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital in Lehighton, PA
St Joseph Medical Center in Reading, PA
Greater Hazleton Health Alliance in Hazleton, PA

Only blood donated through Miller-Keystone is transfused at these facilities. No other blood center organization serves these hospitals. It?s up to you to provide this life giving resource

The Donation Process
Most persons who are 17 years of age or older and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds are able to donate blood. The actual blood donation will only take 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards you will need to spend a few minutes in the refreshment area where volunteers will provide you with some refreshments to replenish the sugar and fluids in your body. All supplies used in this process, including the needle, are sterile and disposable. There is no chance of contracting any disease from the blood donation process.

If you have any questions about your eligibility to donate, visit the General Community Donor Eligibility Guidelines for more information.

Your Donation May Win You a Vacation!
Everyone who donates blood can enter to win a $500 Gift Certificate to the Glasbern Country Inn in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania. The Glasbern Country Inn is a rustic bed and breakfast, restaurant, spa and event location, set on a 100 acre historic farm in the Lehigh Valley.

The gift of blood is the gift of life. There is NO substitute for human blood. Please donate to save a life today.

Call our Broadway store at 800-524-0820 and press 4 to sign up today!

How to Prevent and Treat Overheated Dogs

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:40:00 -0700
Summertime is the perfect time to spend outdoors with your pet. Whether you are planning to take your pet on vacation, trips to the park or lake, or just hanging out in your yard, outdoor play offers important exercise, fresh air and valuable bonding time for both you and your pet. It's important to be a responsible pet owner and monitor your pets when spending time outdoors. Dogs, especially, can become overheated. If your dog begins panting excessively or acts fatigued or wobbly, they need to cool down. Give them plenty of fresh water and get them to a cool place to rest

In the summer, dangers to dogs increase due to their spending more time outdoors. As we dog lovers prepare for potential danger we often overlook the sun. Illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion increase along with the air temperature. Dogs can develop heat stroke or exhaustion from any activity that raises their body temperature ? even swimming!

Dogs pant to cool their body but they only sweat from their paw pads. Dogs with short muzzles such as Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Pugs and Boxers are more susceptible to heat stroke and their owners should be extra cautious.

Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting and heavy breathing, excessive salivation followed by sticky dry mouth, loss of balance and a lack of response or refusal to obey commands. Rectal temperature rises and the dog may vomit, collapse, go into shock or have a seizure.

Heat exhaustion is caused by too much exercise on hot days. The signs of heat exhaustion are similar to heat stroke. A dog with heat exhaustion may vomit, stagger or fall, or have muscle cramps but will not necessarily have a rise in temperature. Move the dog to a cool area and keep him calm while offering water.

Heat stroke, or Hyperthermia, is caused when a dog?s body temperature rises above the normal 100 to 102.5 degrees (94 to 97 degrees for puppies under 4 weeks). This rise in temperature can be caused by exercise or excitement and can develop in just a few minutes.

Heat stroke can be fatal if not treated immediately but you must take steps to cool the dog before transporting to the veterinarian. To treat heat stroke remove the dog from the heat and into air conditioning if possible. Begin cooling the dog immediately using cool ? not cold ? water. Cold water or ice should not be used because it can decrease circulation and actually delay cooling.

Bathe or rinse the dog with cool water for a few minutes. Cold packs can be applied to the groin or armpits, and paws can be sprayed or wiped with water. Place the dog in front of a fan, the cool breeze will help speed the cooling process. Check the dog?s temperature every ten minutes until it is below 103 degrees, at which point the cooling process should be stopped so that the dog does not develop hypothermia.

Hyperthermia can result in death in a short amount of time so getting your dog to the veterinarian quickly is of utmost importance. Kidney failure, irregular heartbeat and seizures can result from heat stroke, sometimes showing up hours, or even days, later. Even if your dog appears completely recovered he should be examined by a vet.

Dogs play their hardest with no thought to the outside temperature. It is up to us, their human caretakers, to take the steps necessary to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Never leave your dog in a closed car during warm weather. Not even in the shade. Temperature rises quickly in cars and can reach lethal temperatures in minutes.

Do not pen your dog on concrete or asphalt surfaces as they absorb and reflect heat back to the dog, making the surface temperature hotter than the air.

Always provide lots of fresh water and a shaded area if your dog is outside. Be sure that the shade will cover your dog throughout the whole day as the sun moves across the sky. If natural shade is not available use a Silvershade Mesh cover for your exercise pen or kennel. Silvershade Mesh is highly reflective; it blocks 60% of the sun?s rays and still allows air flow.

Exercise your dog early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat of midday. If your dog is not accustomed to strenuous exercise, start with small amounts of activity in the coolest part of the day so he doesn?t overexert himself.

The obvious concern in the warm weather is for outside dogs but even inside dogs can overheat if they become too excited on a hot day. In addition to giving your inside dog plenty of water you might consider a Chilly Bone or Chilly Cone to cool your dog while he chews. If your house is closed up, be sure to provide your dog a cool place indoors with a fan or air conditioning.

Inside and outside dogs will benefit from a Cool Bed III. Fill this unique cooling bed with water and it will lower your dog?s body temperature while he lays on it. No electricity needed!

The Kool Dogz ice treat maker will keep dogs cool and hydrated while they lick their way to their favorite toys and treats. If you can make ice cubes you can make this custom frozen treat for your outside dog.

Cherrybrook offers a variety of products to make your dog?s summer cool and safe, from Cooling Beds, Cooling Systems and Kennel Covers to Travel Water Dishes. With some common sense and a visit to www.cherrybrook.com, your dog can be healthy, happy and cool this summer.

Prebiotics, Probiotics and Dog Digestive Health

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:46:00 -0700
When it comes to our dog's digestive health we hear the words ?Probiotics? and ?Prebiotics? often. What are Probiotics and Prebiotics? The simplest answer is that Probiotics are live cultures of ?good? bacteria that help the digestive system work efficiently. These friendly floras include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Probiotics do much more than just aid digestion. They also are beneficial in inhibiting the growth of yeast (Candida), increasing energy levels, absorbing nutrients, detoxifying, reducing food intolerance and inflammation.

Stress, antibiotics, environmental changes and pollutants are just a few of the things that can deplete or diminish the healthy bacteria in your dog?s intestinal tract. Supplementing with Probiotics and Prebiotics will assist in increasing the friendly bacteria and inhibiting the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Dogs with large amounts of ?good? bacteria are better able to remain healthy in times of stress or environmental changes or when exposed to the toxins we all face in every day life.

Phrases such as ?you are what you eat? and ?go with your gut? are based on the truth that a healthy digestive system enables the body to defend against illness and improve general health and well being.

Prebiotics nourish the existing probiotics in the gut. Simply put ? Prebiotics feed Probiotics. Prebiotics are functional foods that pass through the digestive system such as artichokes, whole grains, or herbs such as chicory root or dandelion root. While there are many foods and herbs that function as Prebiotics; Chicory root and Inulin are the most commonly added to dog food and treats.

Now that you know the benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics for your dog?s health; how do you make sure to get them into his diet?

The two fold approach of adding Probiotics to increase the levels of beneficial bacteria and Prebiotics to feed the existing healthy bacteria is becoming more common in premium dry dog foods. Merrick, Wellness Super5 Mix, Dogswell Shape Up and Go Natural are just a few dog foods that contain both.

If you are looking for Probiotics to add to pet food, Wholistic Pet Digest-All Plus is a supplement that contains Probiotics, as well as a host of digestive enzymes to contribute to a healthy intestinal tract. Or if you just want to increase the amount of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, Wholistic Pet Acidophilus contains pure Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures.

NaturVet Enzymes & Probiotics contain a concentrated enzyme blend derived from vegetable sources and live Lactobacillus Acidophilus to help support a healthy digestive tract.

Now Grain Free Dog Treats and Eagle Pack Holistix Holistic Biscuits for Dogs are two treats with both Prebiotics and Probiotics.

The addition of Probiotics and Prebiotics to your dog?s food will assist him in remaining healthy and active throughout his life.

Dog DNA Tests

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:09:00 -0700
A mutt is a mutt is a mutt?or is it? Mixed breed dogs can feature a larger number of contributing breeds than meets the eye. The dog that looks like a German Shepherd mix can be a Heeler-Chocolate Lab, or the fluffy puppy that you are sure has some sheepdog in him can be a Husky and a Schnauzer mix. Does it matter? Yes and No. You will still love your mixed breed dog no matter what his ancestors were, but knowing which breeds he is made up of may help you to know what health and behavior issues to be alert for. Dog breed DNA testing is an accurate way to determine breed makeup.

DNA, or genetic code, is passed from the sire and dam to the offspring. DNA determines the color of eyes, hair color, size, inherited disease and many other traits. Each cell within a dog contains a complete sample of DNA which is identical to every other cell within that dog and contains all the information about that dog. Because DNA code is unique to that individual, it can be used to distinguish one dog from others.

The AKC has used dog DNA testing to verify parentage of AKC dogs and for genetic identity purposes. The AKC has DNA testing requirements for stud dogs and recommends dog DNA testing for litters in certain cases.

Breed Identification
The DNA Breed Identification Kit uses DNA analysis to determine which dog breeds are present in your mixed breed dog. Knowing which breeds are in the mix will allow you a greater understanding of your dog?s behavior and potential health risks. Dog breed DNA testing is a simple way to increase your knowledge of your dog?s health and habits to ensure you have a long and rewarding relationship with your dog.

Upon receipt of the samples at the BioPet testing site, the samples are analyzed, resulting in a rapid and accurate determination of the breeds that have contributed to the makeup of your dog. You will receive an Ancestry Analysis Certificate with the levels of each breed that have been detected.

BioPet Vet Labs state that they ?believe that 92.5% of the mixed breed dog population in the USA is covered by the 63 validated breeds?. The validated Breeds are based on breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Proof of Parentage
The DNA Proof of Parentage Kit uses swabs for the sire and dam, as well as the puppy, to determine the puppy?s parentage. Once a dog is tested, simply retain the DN numbers to include them in any future parentage analysis. Once your dogs' profile is entered, you never have to re-enter that information. The only way to be sure of your dog?s genetic makeup is dog DNA testing.

Dog breeders give careful consideration to the choice of parents before breeding. The DNA Proof of Parentage Kit gives peace of mind that the resulting puppies are the product of the intended lineage.

While some dog DNA tests require blood to be drawn, the DNA Breed Identification and DNA Proof of Parentage tests from BioPet Vet Labs do not. The collection of cells containing DNA is painless for your dog. The inside of the dog?s mouth and cheek are brushed with a cotton swab. Return the swab in the prepaid envelope and results will be analyzed and mailed within 2 weeks.

Both simple, easy to use dog DNA test kits can be purchased at Cherrybrook.com or in one of our retail stores.