Brandy and Val

One minute I think that Brandy and Val would benefit from it, other times, not.  What to do?  Brandy is getting arthritic hips and, after a long afternoon of chasing squirrels, she clearly feels it.   Our pet sitter is a big advocate of massage, having used it on her horses, where it was popularized in the ’70 and ’80s.  Also, if massage benefits humans, too, it makes sense that it would also help your pooch.  Yet, the evidence is murky and I am starting to think it couldn’t hurt but maybe it won’t help all that much either.

If you look online at all the websites out there demonstrating the techniques for pet massage, it gets kind of scary.  Who are the people behind these sites and what are their qualifications?  Searching the American Medical Veterinary Association website offered no further help.   Hmmm….maybe it’s not such a great idea then to start experimenting on your own.  As usual, I am a big advocate of discussing matters unfamiliar to me with our vet.   So I did and got a pretty mediocre response:  ”it couldn’t hurt.”  Rather than taking my tips from YouTube, I asked our pet sitter for a demo and proceeded to practice on Brandy.  She thought it was kind of weird, actually.  She didn’t mind it but I’m not sure she liked it as she kept turning around to figure out what was going on.  I suspect she was feeling something odd, much the way we often get that “good hurt” feeling when a sore muscle is being massaged.

I found a pretty balanced article on the subject from the NEW YORK TIMES which bolstered my on-the-fence sentiment, along with the recommendation to as your vet.   Next week, our local pet store, Bentley’s Corner Barkery, will be having a K9 Pet Massage afternoon so I’ll likely saunter over with Brandy and Val to see what tips I can pick up.   If I learn something earth shattering or if I learn some techniques that, over time, my pups respond to, I’ll report back with the findings.

At Brandy and Val, LLC our mission is “to do good where good is needed.”  If we can benefit someone’s achy pet by sharing a positive massage story, tell us how you do it.  Did you know that Brandy and Val also star in their own children’s board book series:  BRANDY AND VAL, REAL DOGS WITH REAL TALES with profits benefitting animal shelters throughout the country.  With the Holiday season upon us, consider one of our books or toys — it’s a feel good gift that kids love and helps others.

Several weeks ago mom spoke about my smelling like a wet sneaker and my fur feeling oily.  She though that maybe I had the skin disorder seborrhea, a common skin disorder in dogs, or perhaps my thyroid was acting up or maybe even something else.   The vet gave us a medicated shampoo which I reluctantly let mom and dad use on me twice a week during swimming season.  I sure smelled a whole lot better but I’m not sure the problem was tackled. I have not been swimming for about a month now and my fur/skin and odor appear to be back to normal without the aid of the shampoo.    Good news for us but the mystery remains.  Let’s hope history does not repeat itself next season.   No one says, “PHEW, Val, you stink!”  anymore.  I like that.

What do you think was the cause of the smell and change in my coat?

At Brandy and Val, LLC we try to “do good where good is needed.”  We love to share ideas and thoughts with you so if you have any suggestions or dog or community service topics you’d like to talk about, contact me or post on our Facebook page or Twitter feed (#BrandyandVal).

At Brandy and Val, LLC, we are always looking for organizations that do good deeds that benefit the lives of animals, especially those abandoned and abused.  I was watching Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 the other evening and learned about Pilots and Paws rescue services and thought I’d share/spread the word about them.  Essentially pilots and plane owners who wish to help rescues do so through the transporting of animals to new homes or shelters around the country.  The pilots volunteer their time and aircraft to make this possible and rescues can post their requests.  Pilots read the postings and, if they can accommodate, contact the rescue and make appropriate arrangements.

Read about the heartwarming story of Belle, an English Setter, to find out how these wonderful pilots make a difference to animals and families who are looking for that “perfect” canine addition to their home.

As for DOGS 101, I stumbled upon that show while channel surfing and enjoy it every time I stop to watch.  It’s a kind of video primer on all things dog and each week, a few breeds are looked at in depth, especially in terms of what kind of pets they would make.  The videos of the pups are adorable to watch and there’s always something interesting to learn.  Trainers, veterinarians and groomers are usually interviewed and at the end of each segment, a quick summary  of the pros/cons of the dog is posted.     For example, the Australian Dingo is a very controversial dog and doesn’t make a good pet.  Find out why! On the other hand, the Keeshond, a dog I didn’t even know,  makes a great pet, are good pet therapy dogs who even provided emotional support to the rescue workers in 9/11.    Definitely a show worth tuning into…..

Brandy and Val, LLC supports animal shelters throughout the country through the sales of their toys and books: BRANDY AND VAL: BRANDY AND VAL’S FAVORITE THINGS; BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY. Brandy and Val are two real dogs who went from being down on their luck to very fortunate pooches.  To learn more about them visit their website, Brandy and Val.

Over the last few weeks, Val has acquired an oily coat. During the summer, after doing a lot of swimming, he started smelling like a musty dog when he dried. The vet gave us some medicated soap to shampoo him with and all seemed fine. Kind of confused since he’s been swimming for years without any problem. Now, we have this oily coat thing, so we’re back to bathing him with the medicated soap. Some research online suggested that he may have canine seborrhea, a very common skin problem in dogs which falls into three categories:

Seborrhea sicca – “Dry seborrhea” which shows scaliness only.
Seborrhea oleosa – “Oily seborrhea” which not only shows scaliness but also greasy skin with a distinct odor, due to excessive oil production by the skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis – Greasy and flaky skin accompanied by inflammation.

Well, Val seems to have the oily type and seborrhea is commonly seen in certain breeds including the Spaniels (American Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels), Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, West Highland White Terriers, Basset Hounds, Irish Setters, and Shar-peis. I am not entirely convinced, though, since he has very few of the other symptoms which include excessive licking and scratching, redness, skin flaking and ear redness or secretions. Again, since this is of recent vintage, I’m guessing its’ cause is not of the heredity variety but may be the result of one of the indicators:

hypothyroidism (maybe his thyroid needs to be retested? He’s already on medication for that but maybe something has changed), a nutritional imbalance or allergy, a parasite or a flea or tic.

Luckily, his annual check-up is next week so we can pursue this further with a professional! Please, make sure that you always consult a professional as self-diagnosis can lead to a lot more problems than it’s worth and, don’t forget those regular check-ups to ensure the health of your pooch! Will keep you posted on the remedy (other than the medicated shampoo) and diagnosis, but in the meantime, if anyone has any other ideas or experiences with various treatments we’d love to hear from you.

Our mission at Brandy and Val, LLC is “to do good where good is needed.”  It is through our pet therapy  duties and the sales of our books and toys that we try to benefit the lives  of children and animals.  Visit our website to see what we’re all about:

There are tons of cute dog videos around, this is one of the the cutest of late that Brandy and Val would like to share with you.

Now through the end of September, Brandy and Val will be making a special donation to National Disaster Search Dog Foundation with every sale of BRANDY AND VAL’S FAVORITE THINGS and mini-Brandy and mini-Vals. Visit our website.  Our mission at Brandy and Val is “to do good where good is needed” and it is through the sales of our books and toys that we hope to improve the lives of children and animals.

The 10th anniversary of 9/11/01 is upon us.  It is one of those days that no one will forget and everyone will remember where they were when they heard of the news that planes flew into New York City’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon was attacked.  The rescue effort was enormous, difficult, heartbreaking.   Both humans and canines worked tirelessly to help and search.  We remember the dogs here in this video I found that says it all:

We’d love to hear from you if you have a poignant story to share with us reflecting on the rescue efforts. At Brandy and Val, LLC, our mission is “to do good where good is needed.” It is through the sales of our books and toys that we work to improve the lives of pets and animal throughout the U.S. Through the end of September, Brandy and Val, LLC will donate all profits from the sales of mini-Brandy, mini-Val  and BRANDY AND VAL’S FAVORITE THINGS to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

Hurricane Irene, the storm, has moved on but our thoughts and best wishes go out to all those families and homes that continue to be without power, are flooded, are damaged, etc. etc.    In stark contrast and probably as a result of the Hurricane Katrina disaster in 2005, governments and towns along the Eastern seaboard had  better emergency plans in place and those ordered to evacuate had ample time to do so and mostly did.  Continued good news followed on the “care of animals” front in that may shelters this time around had contingency and evacuation plans in place and many states organized pet evacuation shelters, too!   The ASPCA, Humane Society, and local shelters (based on my Google search of the topic, yes, rather informal) really had it together this time around–kudos to all those involved.   Best Friends, the animal sanctuary who was so instrumental in helping the Katrina animals, kept their website current and provided state listings  of resources to tap into for animal aid.      The Air National Guard had a role in helping transport animals in NJ back to their shelters.

We at Brandy and Val are so pleased that, from what we can see so far, a Katrina Calamity has been averted.  Val, as a Hurricane Katrina survivor, is especially pleased that so many families had plans for their pets and were able to keep them safe and with them.    Hurricane Katrina’s 6th anniversary coincided with Hurricane Irene’s, a reminder that the wrath of Mother Nature’s storms are not one-time events.     Remember the animals — the four-legged members of the family who are so near and dear.

Comments? Suggestions?  We’d love to hear from you. Brandy and Val are two former rescue dogs who star in their children’s board  book series.   Animal shelters throughout the U.S.  benefit with every sale from  Brandy and Val’s books and toys.

I don’t know about you but the mosquitoes are out in full force where we are.  No matter that our town sprays for them and that we have bug zappers all over the place, they’re still swarming.  We also have something called a SKEETER VAC which is worth its’ weight in gold in a normal mosquito year and which is doing overtime now.   Mosquitoes also bother the pooches, too, and in fact are a carrier of heartworm which is why it is is SO important that you keep up with regular treatments to prevent this.  Val acquired heartworm while wandering the streets of New Orleans, Post Katrina, and so we have to monitor him closely.   K9  Advantix and Frontline have mosquito repellant in their formulas in addition to protection for your pooch from fleas and ticks.  Lemon eucalyptus oils have been documented as an “all natural” remedy against mosquitos. The REPEL brand has received good reviews from Amazon and can be found at outdoor stores like REI and even Target.  Along with Amazon, your local pet stores and doggie catalogs have plenty of offerings but it’s best to read all the labels and decide which one you personally wish to try.   For Brandy and Val, we don’t use any repellent but we do limit their time outside romping on the lawn and we keep their heartworm and flea treatments up to date.  So far, they don’t seem to be scratching or picking more than usual so I am hoping that their bites are far and few between.  On the natural front,   Dogs Naturally has an article worth reading on natural remedies for pets.

I’ve even heard that if your dog is bitten and gets a red welt, the use of calamine lotion on the spot helps the itching. However, if ingested, the lotion can be toxic so if it’s in an out-of-the-way spot or you can figure out how to put a bandage on it, I guess it’s ok.  I also assume, ingestion quantities depend on the quantity and size of the dog.  ALWAYS confirm with a vet or animal specialist before deciding to put something on or give your dog something you think might be harmless as it may not be.

If you see bugs swarming around the dogs, bring them inside!  Also, make sure there is no standing water around your property which gives the buggers a breeding ground.  I often forget to empty out flower pots or saucers that accumulate water.  A definite NO NO!   If you have a water fountain or pond, ensure that there is circulating water and if you have birdbaths, refresh the water frequently.

At Brandy and Val, LLC our mission is “to do good where good is needed.”  We hope that the thoughts and ideas we share with you on the blog are helpful and welcome comments and tips from our readers.  In addition, it is through the sales of Brandy and Val books and toys that we hope to improve the lives of animals in shelters and sanctuaries.

It’s TOO hot to do much of anything!  A tip from the obvious:  stay cool and keep your pets cool (preferably inside with A/C) and stay hydrated.  Lots of water for all.  If you’re near a lake or a pool or an ocean, enjoy.

Visit http://www.BrandyandVal.com and read about why they and their books and toys are so special!

Good question, and my assumption is they like it for the same reason many of us do–it’s just yummy.  I got to thinking about it because all the vets I’ve ever gone to with my pets recommend burying pills in chunky peanut butter if they’re fussy taking the pill by themselves.  Brandy and Val LOVE the peanut butter.   All kidding aside, however, I was unable to find out a scientific reason why this is so.  Got me thinking, though, about all the things the things they tell you NOT to feed your pooch.  Most of us know about chocolate and grapes but do you know why?  Here’s a quick reference guide for what NOT to feed Fido along with goodies your dog will love (usually).

DON’T FEED YOUR PUP:

1. CHOCOLATE because it can cause seizures due to the theobromine in it which is a central nervous system stimulant
2. CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES for the same reason as chocolate
3. ONIONS & GARLIC because they destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia
4. GRAPES/RAISINS because they can cause kidney failure even with only one serving!
5. MACADAMIA NUTS & WALNUTS cause muscle weakness
6. AVOCADO can cause vomiting and diahrrea
7. products with XYLITOL found in sweetened items such as gum, toothpaste and candy.  Can lead to liver failure
8. UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS LIKE MEATS & EGGS  like with humans, can get bacteria, eColi, salmonella infections
9. SALT  too much causes thirst and excessive urination with a variety of side effects such as vomiting, diahrrea, tremors
10. MILK (not too much!)  causes digestive problems

Also included in the list were alcoholic beverages and rotten/moldy food.  I thought these would be self-evident, especially the rotten food one.  Yeast Dough is also on the list so, unless you are a baker or have lots of rising yeast around,  just don’t do it, ok?

On the other hand, your dogs will probably LOVE you even more than they already do, if that’s even possible, if you give them:

1. PEANUT BUTTER (as mentioned above)
2. FRUIT:  Brandy and Val adore their morning berries, banana, apple and/or melon while mom and dad eats theirs, and your pup probably will, too!
3. CARROTS and GREEN BEANS:  These are favorite treats when we do our pet therapy.   Not only are they healthy for the dogs, but we can incorporate them as part of a healthy eating lesson.
4. COOKED CHICKEN:  What’s not to like if you’re not a vegetarian?
5. SUNFLOWER SEEDS, preferably unsalted:  Who knew?
6. Brandy and Val also love YOGURT (but please check with your vet that it’s ok!) off a spoon
7. Brandy and Val also love to lick out ice cream containers (again, check with your vet!!)

As an added benefit to all the good foods that are good for the pups, they’re good for you, too!  A healthy diet for you and your pet.  Now, to the physical exercise part……

Brandy and Val’s mission is “to do good where good is needed.”  It is through their pet therapy duties, this blog and sales of their books and toys that they hope to benefit the lives of children and their families.