Stay Away From Dogs with Yellow Leashes or Something Yellow Tied to the Leash

My Yellow Leash Means I'm Not Nice

Everyone understands that not all pets are friendly. Most have encountered a dog less than happy to see us.

There's something that everyone can do to help forewarn others their dog does not like strangers. 

Use a yellow leash or tie something yellow to the leash if your dog is not very nice. This tells others that your dog needs space from both people and pets, so do not approach.  Maintaining a distance is important until the dog moves away.

Not all dogs are aggressive that need space.  Many just need space as a reaction to fear, pain or other issues.  It's always important to contact a trainer if you dog displays unwanted behaviors.

Interested in knowing more, contact theYellowDogProject.com.

+Marietta Vet Clinic and +Julian Peckich DVM welcome dogs with issues.  The affordable veterinarian clinic welcomes you.

Tibetan Mastiff Puppy Sold for $1.9 Million

The amazing price of almost $1.9 million dollars was paid for a Tibetan mastiff puppy in China.  It is

Tibetan Mastiff (not the one sold)

the most expensive dog sale ever recorded.  The "luxury pet" has been said to have lion's blood, and is considered a top line stud by breeders. 

A Tibetan mastiff has an enormous main resembling a lion making it quite popular.  It's considered a status symbol among the Chinese wealthy, and the fact they are very rare has given rise to the demand and prices paid.  They are valued much like pandas.  However, it has been speculated that the rise in prices was due to breeder insider agreements to intentionally raise prices.

The breed is considered loyal and protective.  They were used by nomadic tribes in central Asia and Tiber for hunting.

+Marietta Vet Clinic and +Julian Peckich DVM look forward to your comments!    

St. Patti's 2014 Event to Help The Tigg Neuter Project Spay and Neuter

Help a sad situation by joining in on the "Gone to the Dogs" spay and neuter event at +Verde Pointe Dental

Associates and +Marietta Vet Clinic this St. Patti's Day 2014.  

Doctors and staff at both offices will don St. Patti's attire and offer green cookies for anyone making a donation to the Tigg Neuter Project.  The monies will be used to spay and neuter both dogs and cats from Cobb County, reducing the number of unwanted, healthy pets euthanized.  

If all goes well, the event will be annual. Marietta dentists, Dr. +Kirk Kimmerling DDS +Suzanna Aguilera and Garrick McGrath from Verde Pointe Dental Associates, as well as Marietta veterinarian +Julian Peckich DVM from Marietta Vet Clinic will participate.  

Three Cheers to Indonesia for Issuing a Fatwah Against Endangered Animal Trafficking

A Fatwa or edict was issued by a top Muslim clerical body in Indonesia against endangered wildlife trafficking.  The

Fatwah Issued in Indonesia Against Endangered Wildlife Trafficking

Indonesian Council of Ulama, declared illegal hunting or trading of endangered species forbidden.  Passages from the Koran were called into action protecting tigers, rhinos, elephants and orangutans and other wildlife.

The guidance is for all Muslims in a country with the largest Muslim population in the world.  It's considered a supplement to Indonesian law from a sharia law perspective.

Interestingly enough, the fatwah applies not only to people, but the government as well.  It specifically calls upon the government to review permits issued to companies that harm the environment and endangered species.

Since, criminal wildlife trafficking syndicates are increasing violent, and it's an unprecedented time of wildlife crime, the fatwah couldn't come at a better time.    

February is Pet Dental Health Month

A pet's oral hygiene has a direct correlation to life expectancy.  A healthy mouth can increase a pet's life up

February is Pet Dental Health Month

to two years according to studies. February is Pet Dental Health Month, so it's the perfect time to schedule your dog's dental cleaning and exam.

"Many dogs show disease well before they show symptoms," says +Julian Peckich DVM , veterinarian at +Marietta Vet Clinic.  "Cleaning your dog's teeth can reduce the chances of developing oral disease, bad breath and tooth loss."

Let's take a look at some of the signs dental disease can display in a pet.

1. Bad breath
2. Excessive drooling
3. Changes in eating habits
4. Pawing at the mouth

Poor oral health can lead to kidney disease and heart disease.  Bacteria in a dog's mouth, just like people can buildup and enter the blood stream wreaking havoc to overall health.

Here are some of the ways to help your pet have a healthier mouth during dental health month.

1. Begin a routine of brushing your dog's teeth daily using toothpaste designed for dogs. These toothpastes have special flavoring that dogs find more appealing.   Keep initial brushing gentle and only a few seconds working up to a minute per day.

2. Many products are made targeting plaque, bacteria and tartar in the mouth for pets.  Rinses, water additives, bones for chewing and and treats especially made for controlling plaque.

3.  Feed your pet hard kibbles. Soft, moist dog food does not remove plaque.

4. Have a veterinarian decide if your pet should have its teeth cleaned.  The visit can ensure your pet does not have bothersome teeth.

February is a good month to call the veterinarian and have your pet evaluated.

Many Ways to Help Support Southeastern Guide Dogs

If you know someone that is visually impaired, a guide dog can make a difference for a

Marietta Vet Clinic Supports the Visually Impaired

more independent and happy life.  Southeastern Guide Dog's mission is to "create and nurture a partnership between a visually impaired individual and a guide dog, facilitating life's journey with mobility, independence and dignity."  

Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc, is a nonprofit organization accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation in Reading, England and a member of the Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools.  Their main mission to partner highly trained dogs with the visually impaired individuals. Students train for 26 days in the Palmetto, Florida campus by venturing into the city streets, shopping malls and public transportation, a freeing experience. The school has provided the gift of an independence for over 30 years. All of their services are provided free of charge the recipient thanks to the generosity of people like you.

How can you help?

1. Give a one time donation or re-occurring donation.

2. Join one of their 2014 Walkathons, the biggest fundraisers of the year (www.guidedogswalkathon.org)

3.  Own a business?  Participate in the RoundUp4 GuideDogs (tm).  Participating restaurants and stores simply offer their customers the chance to round up their bill to the next dollar.

4.  Purchase a commemorative engraved brick. 

5.  Your organization, company, school or group can host a unique event with the proceeds benefiting Southeastern Guide Dogs.

6.  Donate a no longer needed car.  Southeastern Guide Dogs will even pick it up.

7.  Volunteer by raising a puppy

8.  None of these fit you, call Southeastern Guide Dogs and suggest how you can help.

Facts about Southeastern Guide Dog.

1. The 35 acre campus has provided dogs to people for over 30 years. More than 2,800 guide dog teams have existed since inception, and over 410 active guide dog partnerships exist currently.

2. All guide dogs meet rigorous medical and behavioral standards before being paired.

3. Canines can also be placed with visually impaired children ages 10-17, used as public service dogs (rescue, arson, bombs or drug detection) or act as an ambassador providing outreach for education and comfort to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and schools.  

4.Therapy dogs are placed into military hospitals to spread cheer and encouragement.

5. Approximately 50 breeder dogs from the Labrador, Golden retriever and Labrador/Golden retriever mix.

+Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian  +Julian Peckich DVM support organizations that help others and animals alike.  

To contact Southeastern Guide Dogs; http://www.guidedogs.org/contact-us/locations-hours/

Pet Odor and Your Car- The Answer

Taking the family pet along for a car ride is fun until your pet has an accident, or the car begins to smell like dog.  Removing

Rid Your Car of the  Dreaded Dog Smell

 the odor can be more difficult than vacuuming, sprays, air fresheners or airing out. Cars can retain strong pet odors that eventually return even after a thorough cleaning. Pet odors not only penetrate the seats, carpet, and ceilings but the ventilation system. This is more difficult to clean.

It's a good idea to have your car professionally cleaned at a reputable auto shop once in a while. This can go a long way to keeping your car looking newer and smelling fresh.  Professionals can clean the interior with expert ability to rid the ventilation, under the seat and upholstery smells.  It's well worth a professional job, as they can bomb the car with chlorine dioxide to rid the smell.

What does chlorine dioxide do?

1. It decontaminates, disinfects and deodorizes the interior safely.

2. It's patented, EPA approved to control growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and viruses.

3. Chlorine dioxide is easy to use, and is a safe and powerful antimicrobial vapor.

4. It can eliminates chemical compounds that cause odor.

If you live in Atlanta, GA and need your car detailed and smelling better, try www.Atlantadent.com. Marietta Veterinarian,  +Julian Peckich DVM and +Marietta Vet Clinic want you to enjoy car rides with your pet.