Friday is "Take Your Dog to Work Day"

Some people love the idea. Some people grumble about it. Regardless of how you feel about pets in the workplace, it's baaaack! Tomorrow, June 25th, is the official "Take Your Dog to Work Day."

If your employer permits animals in the office, but you're on the fence about introducing FiFi to your coworkers, consider that spending time in new places can help socialize your dog and get her more comfortable with new experiences. Pets also tend to have a calming effect on (most) humans. Studies show that having pets in the workplace can help create a more productive work environment, lower stress levels and aid in reducing employee absenteeism. A recent CNN survey revealed that 75% of people said they would work longer hours if they were able to bring their pet to the office.

Here are a few common-sense pointers to help ensure a positive experience for everyone involved during this annual event:

Pet proof your cubicle: Before your dog visits, remove all small, chewable items that could be a potential choking hazard as well as anything with sharp edges. It's also wise to cover exposed electrical cords or outlets. If you don't want to keep your dog on a leash, put up a baby gate at your office door to keep her from wandering off.

Create a happy home away from home: Make your dog comfortable by bringing in a cozy bed or favorite blanket where she can chill out. Also be sure to pack bowls, food, poo bags and a few treats to reward good behavior.

Keep boredom at bay: Give your pup a chew toy or other "job" to keep her occupied while you're working. It's also a good idea to designate a surrogate office pet parent to look after your pup in the event that you are stuck in a lengthy meeting.

Be realistic: You should only take your dog to work if she is healthy, up-to-date on her vaccines, well-trained, well-socialized and, of course, housebroken. If you already know that your dog can become skittish or aggressive in new situations, it may be best for her to sit this event out.

Practice good canine hygiene: No one likes a dirty dog. Be sure your pooch is clean and well-groomed before her corporate debut.

Be a responsible owner: Some of your cubicle mates may be allergic to or afraid of dogs, so never assume that everyone is happy to see your prized pup prancing down the hallway. Keep her on leash in common areas and always make your dog sit politely to greet other people and their dogs.

Have a "plan b" in place: Just in case your pooch doesn't dig the office scene, arrange (ahead of time) to take her to a reputable dog sitter or daycare place nearby where she can safely and happily spend the rest of the day until you are ready to retrieve her.

Are you planning to bring your favorite canine comrade to work tomorrow? How do you feel about having pets in the office?

[Source: Tails of the City]

Dog vitamins recalled, infected with salmonella

The manufacturer of vitamin supplement for dogs that is sold nationwide has issued a voluntary recall for the product, because some of the products have been tainted with salmonella.

The Food and Drug Administration announced this week that United Pet Group is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin tablets for dogs due to possible salmonella contamination.

The product comes in 100-count white plastic bottles with a light blue label; its UPC code is 26851-01800. The vitamins are being removed from stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets.

The affected products are those with expiration dates on or before June 2013. The expiration date can be found on the right side of the product label.

Although testing has shown that only one lot of the product was contaminated with salmonella, the company is recalling all unexpired lots of the product to be safe.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product, you need to contact your veterinarian.

People who handle salmonella-contaminated food can become infected, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after touching the products. Consumers experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping or fever after handling the product should contact a doctor.

Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to contact the manufacturer or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers can call United Pet Group at (800) 645-5154, ext. 3.

[Source: OregonLive.com]

Music for Dogs

The World Premiere of a unique concert experience on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, for you...and your dog!

Laurie Anderson has composed a 20 minute work especially for the hearing range of dogs – who can hear frequencies far outside the human audio spectrum. Taking the idea of the apparently inaudible dog whistle to new artistic heights, our canine friends will be treated to a glorious cacophony of sound, while all we will hear is the lapping of the water on the harbour.

The morning will be an inter-species social gathering on a scale never seen before in Australia. Breakfast can be purchased onsite including freshly brewed coffee and egg & bacon rolls, while you watch dog demonstrations and be surprised by some very special guests.

This is an event that you’ll be yapping about for years to come, an absolute must for any dog and their two legged friends!

[Source: Vivid Live]