2013年9月27日星期五

巷で話題の車を運転する犬の動画が遂に到着!!

巷で話題の車を運転する犬の動画が遂に到着!!

車を運転する犬がいる事を皆さんご存知ですか?映像を見てもらえれば一目瞭然なんですけども、素晴らしいハンドルさばきです。プニプニの肉球でハンドルとアクセル、ギア、ブレーキしかっり操作してますよー。





でも、そもそも何で犬が車を運転しているのか?


運転にチャレンジしているのは3匹の犬です。 SPCA動物虐待防止協会という団体が保護した野良犬達です。。「犬に運転を教えたら話題になって、動物保護シェルターから引き取ってくれる人が増えるかも。」と考え車の運転に挑む事になりました。










そしてなんと、テレビ番組の生放送中に実地試験を行い見事合格できたようで、免許発行って事になるのかな?これについては、半分冗談かもしれないけど。(なめねこも免許持ってるしね。笑)


新聞持ってきてくれる犬もいるけど、目的地まで届けてくれるドライバー犬が出てくるかもしれないですね!笑








Pet Care


Australian Kelpie


The Kelpie is a medium-sized dog and come in a variety of colors. It’s an Australian sheep dog which is very successful at mustering and droving with little or no command guidance. The breed has been separated into two distinct varieties: the show or bench Kelpie and the working Kelpie. The show Kelpie is seen at conformation dog shows in some countries and are selected for appearance rather than working instinct. Working Kelpies are bred for working ability rather than appearance.


Kelpies are loyal, friendly, intelligent, energetic dogs that require a challenging job to be satisfactory companions. They need to be stimulated as idle and bored dogs become frustrated, noisy, and destructive with personalized love and attention, they can be very placid and faithful, although they do need space to run. For the show or bench Kelpie, walks and socialization may be sufficient to keep them happy.


A working bred Kelpie must have a job to do and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and companionable.


Kelpies are a hardy breed with few health problems, but they are susceptible to disorders common to all breeds, like cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. Current research is underway to find the genetic marker for cerebellar abiotrophy in the breed.




Dog Breed 23

Basenji

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was bred from stock originating in central Africa; specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type.

The Basenji produces an unusual yodel -like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname “Barkless Dog.” In behavior and temperament they have some traits in common with cats.

Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.

Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds (11 kg) and stand 16 inches (40.6 cm) at the withers. They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a “double-suspension gallop”, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.

The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic, and curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate handlers. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb, can easily get over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play.

Basenji


The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was breed from stock originating in central Africa; specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type.


basenjidog


The Basenji produces an unusual yodel -like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname “Barkless Dog.” In behavior and temperament they have some traits in common with cats.


Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.


Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds (11 kg) and stand 16 inches (40.6 cm) at the withers. They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a “double-suspension gallop”, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.


The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic, and curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate handlers. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb, can easily get over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play.




Welsh Corgi


The Welsh Corgi is a type of small herding dog that originated in Wales. Welsh Corgis are generally recognized as two distinct breeds: the Cardigan and the Pembroke. Beginning in 1934, the American Kennel Club recognized them as separate breeds.




welsh-corgi




The Cardigan is the larger of the two, with larger rounded ears and a foxy, flowing tail. The Pembroke features pointed ears and is somewhat smaller in stature. Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (a very short tail). Due to the advent of docking, the trait was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries are now banning docking, breeders are again attempting to select for dogs with the genes for natural bob tails.


The coats of both breeds come in a variety of colors, although there are some differences between the breeds. Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are among the healthiest and longest-lived dogs in the Herding Group. The Cardigan tends to be a little hardier and has fewer documented hereditary health issues; among them are canine hip dysplasia, canine degenerative myelopathy and progressive retinal atrophy. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a typical life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically live between 11 and 13 years.




Brittany (dog)


The Brittany is a Breed of gun dog primarily breeds for bird hunting. Although the Brittany is often referred to as a spaniel, the breed’s working characteristics are more akin to a pointer or setter. Brittanies were developed in the Brittany province of France in the 1800s.




brittany-dog


Brittanies should range in a height of 17 inches to 20.5 inches at the withers, with females at the lower end and males taller. A properly constructed and healthy Brittany maintains a weight between 36 and 43lbs (16 to 19 kg), depending upon height.
A Brittany is typically quite athletic, compact, and solidly built without being heavy. Other characteristics include long legs, and their expressions are usually of intelligence, vigour, and alertness. Their gait is elastic, long, and free.
Some Brittanies are born with naturally short tails and others with long tails. If born with a long tail it is normally docked to a length of 3 to 10 centimetres (1 to 4 inches).
Brittanies come in a variety of colours, where an orange and white coat is most common in the American Brittany. Other colours include liver and white, orange roan and liver roan, all of which are acceptable in the show ring.
The Brittany makes a good house pet as long as it receives daily mental and physical exercise, as well as superb socialization on a regular basis. If not given sufficient exercise, love, and socialization, Brittanies can become house destructive or develop unnatural habits unrepresentative of the breed.
Brittanies are generally healthy and hardy dogs. Be sure to check and clean ears at home due to the fact that their ears can get infections because air can not easily pass through. They usually live 14-15 years.




Vizsla


Vizsla is a dog breed originating in Hungary. The Hungarian or Magyar Vizsla represents one of the best in sporting dogs and loyal companions and has a strong claim to being one of the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds. The Vizsla’s size is one of the breed’s most attractive characteristics and through the centuries he has held a unique position for a sporting dog -that of household companion and family dog.




vizsla




The Vizsla is a natural hunter endowed with a good nose and an above average trainability. Although they are lively, gentle mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, they are also fearless and possessed of a well-developed protective instinct.
The Vizsla is a medium-sized short-coated hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing.  The standard coat is a solid golden-rust color in different shadings, but some breeding programs have resulted in a solid rust coat. The coat could also be described as a copper/brown color, russet gold and dark sandy gold. Solid dark mahogany red and pale yellow are faulty. Small areas of white on the fore-chest and on the toes are permissible but not preferred.
The breed standard calls for the tail to be docked to two-thirds of its original length. Although the remainder of the tail is strong, the third docked is thin and whip-like and is open to damage in the field. The Vizsla holds its tail horizontal to the ground and wags it vigorously while charging through rough scrub and undergrowth. Without docking, the unprotected tip is docked to keep it from splitting and bleeding. Once damaged, the tail is extremely difficult to heal.’


Vizslas are very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children. Often they are referred to as “velcro” dogs because of their loyalty and affection. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked.


The life expectancy of the Vizsla is 12-15 years. The Vizsla is considered to be a robust dog, but some localized breeding programs using a small number of dogs have led to heritable illnesses in some offspring, including:





Basset Artesien Normand



The Basset artésien normand (Norman Artesian Basset) is a short legged hound type dog developed in France. The word Basset refers to short legged hounds.  Bassets are walking hounds, which are followed by the hunter on foot. The short legs mean that they would not get too far away from the hunter.




basset-artesien-normand




The Basset artésien normand was used to hunt rabbits and other small game alone or in packs, but today they are primarily bred to be pets.
The height of the Basset artésien normand is between 30 and 36cms (11.8 to 14.2ins), with a ratio of the height to the body length of about 5 : 8. Weight is roughly 17kgs (37.4lbs). The coat is short and tricolored (fawn and white with black blanket, a patch across the back) or bicolored (fawn and white). The head and long ears are distinctive, and the temperament should be calm and good-natured.




Wirehaired Pointing Griffon


The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon also called Korthals Griffon in the UK it is a breed of dog used in hunting as a gundog. It is Dutch in ancestry, but is regarded as a French breed because the breed’s development took place in France. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is particularly adapted for swampy country, where its harsh coat is excellent protection.




wirehaired_pointing_griffon


The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog with a harsh, wiry coat. The coat is preferably gray with tan to brown markings and a brown head. Other acceptable colors: chestnut brown, white and brown, roan, and white and orange. A black coat is not acceptable. The Griffon should have flat ears that lie close to the head, and eyes that are either yellow or brown. Its nose must be brown.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a superb swimmer and retriever and it loves to play in the water. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known as intelligent, extremely eager to please, friendly dogs. They are also known for their slightly less excitable temperament when not in the field, which makes them a very comfortable dog when home.


Dog Ear Publishing interview on MarketWatch - David versus Goliaths in the Self Publishing Industry



Dog Ear Publishing’s Ray Robinson interviewed by Alisa Parenti on MarketWatch


Interview on MarketWatch


Consider what Dog Ear Publishing, with 10 employees, publishing only around 50 books a month, is up against:



  • Self-publishing has morphed from a field teeming with small operations to one dominated by just a few mammoth operations

  • As they try to expand their market share, their competitors produce thousands, even tens of thousands of books per month

  • Of their three largest competitors, one is an Amazon.com company and the other backed by a venture capital firm.

  • Adding irony to the odds they face, the largest self-publishing company in the world is located just 10 miles from their office


“I get calls from authors who say they were told by our local competitor that we’re just two guys sharing a desk working from our basement.  Well, we’re certainly smaller than our competitor but we all have our own desks,” says Dog Ear Publisher Ray Robinson.


But then it gets fun for Robinson.


He counter-punches the second-hand slight with a litany of reasons why his company is different. He explains why the author should take a close look at factors like how much it will really cost them to produce their book, and how much they will keep from book sales. Can they get someone on the phone when they call? What are the backgrounds of the people who run the bigger companies?  “These are truly the keys to self publishing.  Authors need to know how to compare apples to apples when reviewing self publishing companies,” says Robinson.  “And that’s where we win every time.”


Unique in the self-publishing world, Dog Ear’s principals actually have publishing backgrounds. Publisher Miles Nelson has an extensive graphic design and printing background, and Robinson was previously a book packager for traditional publishers. Alan Harris, another publisher at Dog Ear, an acquisitions editor for a major, traditional publisher.  “Our 56 years in traditional publishing gives us the unique perspectives that our competitors just don’t have,” says Nelson.


“Traditional publishers have the skill sets to create quality books, that’s why authors are and should be interested in them,” adds Nelson. “But we do too; we know the entire publishing industry. Very few, if any, other self-publishers can say that. Most of the CEO’s of the largest companies come from high-tech, Internet backgrounds.”


Then there are the nuts and bolts differences.


“Dog Ear is the only self-publishing company that doesn’t make anything from the book sales of their authors,” notes Robinson. “Many other companies retain ownership of the files used to print an author’s book; Dog Ear doesn’t. Hidden fees are a constant source of complaints about self-publishing companies. ‘Set up,’ fees, back cover copy, Library of Congress control number fees, ‘custom’ back cover copy, the list goes on and on. Dog Ear only has publishing packages and printing costs.”


On the Dog Ear website visitors are invited to call and “speak to Ray or Miles.”  In self-publishing this is almost unheard of.


“Two of our biggest competitors don’t even publish phone numbers for authors to call,” remarks Nelson. “They don’t want to talk with authors at the front-end and actually answer questions unless the author is armed with a credit card and ready to pay.”


So is the ‘David’ of self-publishing slinging arrows that bounce off their competitors, or actually making headway?


“We’re growing the old fashioned way,” adds Nelson. “We don’t have anywhere close to the resources of the other big companies, so we focus on one author at a time, giving the best possible service, and getting valuable ‘marketing dollars’ from every satisfied customer who then spreads the word. It will take time, but the huge self-publishing companies, in my opinion, have created a void in the industry, a customer service void, and Dog Ear is filling it.”


“They have the capital, but we’ve got the heart,” Robinson proudly asserts. “We’re not going anywhere, and we can sleep well at night knowing we’re treating our authors as we would want to be treated.”


Dog Ear Publishing specializes in self-publishing, print on demand services and book distribution.  Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dog Ear Publishing opened its doors in 2004.  Dog Ear Publishing is small but it packs a big bark and an even bigger bite. 


www.dogearpublishing.net



Ear Infections in Dogs





What ear infection?




Ear infections are a problem for many dogs and dogs with hanging ears, such as Basset Hound, is particularly vulnerable because of ear suspend restrict air flow and creating a warm and moist environment. Dogs with narrow ear canal, such as the Cocker Spaniel, are also more susceptible to ear infections. Allergies can also increase the risk of ear infections, and parasites that infest your dog’s ears need to be addressed immediately experienced. Dogs who suffer from hypothyroidism are also more at risk of developing an ear infection.




As a dog owner, it is important to regularly check the condition of your dog’s ears and clean them if necessary. This clean too enthusiastic but not recommended, as this can irritate the skin. Consult with your vet or knowledgeable breeders for more detailed information about how to prevent ear infections in certain dogs.




When reading about an ear infection, you may stumble on otitis externa long. This is the official term for inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. Middle ear infection known as otitis internationally.




Symptoms of ear infections in dogs




While ear infections interfere dog will often try to scratch the ear or region just below the ear. It can also be started to shake his head in an attempt to get rid of the pain and itching. Some dogs will Paw ear, or rub the affected ear to other things like furniture.




If you take a closer look at the ear is infected, you can often see that the color of the ear has been turned into a dark red than usual, often with general appearance is furious. Ears can also look dirty.




Ear infection treatment for dogs




First and most importantly, veterinarians need to determine the cause of the ear infection and if the ear infection is the result of an underlying problem, such as parasitic lice. Ear infections are usually treated with a combination of ear cleaning and medication. Most ear infections are caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, the infection caused by the fungus requires anti-fungal medication (poison), while the insecticide will kill many parasites.




Veterinarian will instruct you how to clean your dog’s ear infection. Ear infections can make a lot of cleaning products and the right side is required. It is important to use the right technique, as you might otherwise push infected material into the ear. In most cases, the ear should be cleaned once a day. Always follow the instructions from your vet.




When an infected ear clean and dry, apply a remedy. The most commonly used drugs ear ear infection are ear drops and ointments. Most infections will heal after two weeks of treatment.




If the cause is allergies, the vet can give us more to prevent further problems. In most cases, eliminate the things that a dog will react enough, such as changing eating patterns. In other cases, the appropriate allergy medicine for dogs will be required.

Wax Buildup |


It’s important to know how to clean your dog’s ears the right way.



If you observe your dog repeatedly shaking its head or rubbing its ears along the nearest available surface, or if you smell a foul odor coming from its ears, check the ears for a waxy build-up. In addition, the ears may be red and painfully inflamed.


All of these signs are symptoms of otitis externa, or more commonly referred to as ‘ear infections’. As I write this my own dog has decided to demonstrate it for me. He sat up abruptly, starting shaking his head furiously, then lay back down on the rug and began rubbing the side of his head back and forth on the rug.


Canine ear infections result from an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the ear canal, causing redness, irritation and a heavy accumulation of wax. These conditions are usually skin reactions to inhaled allergens – like pollen, mold or dust mites. They can also be caused by food allergies and sensitivity to other external sources. If your dog has large ears like mine, it will be predisposed to ear infections.


We humans usually develop ear infections as a result of viral infections, usually when we’re babies or very young. The Eustachian tubes in our ears are very small and respiratory congestion can lead to blockage of these canals, resulting in a middle ear infection. Because the infection is internal, oral antibiotics are usually required to clear up the infection.


In contrast, dogs usually develop ear infections after they become adults, and the infection is almost always confined to the external portion of the ear. In most cases, the application of an effective ear wash made especially for dogs will clear up a mild infection and leave your dog’s ears clean again. I have used Ear Wash for Dogs from DogsHealth. This is an all-natural, proprietary blend of citrus oils with deionized water. It helps clear my dog’s ear canals of any accumulated debris and reduces wax buildup without alcohol, harsh chemicals or irritants that are common in other leading brands.


If you suspect your dog may be suffering from a serious ear infection that doesn’t respond to cleaning, you should check with your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. If necessary, your vet may prescribe a topical medicine and advise routine cleaning with a product like Ear Wash for Dogs.


Knowing when and how to clean your dog’s ears is an important part of the care and maintenance required of all dog owners.

The Trouble with May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm (4/5/11)


My brother Wilbert tells me that I’m like the grain of sand in an oyster. Someday I’ll be a Pearl, but I will nag and irritate the poor oyster and everyone else up until then (p 1).



This is a review of an advance reader copy provided by the publisher, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.


It is 1900 and May Amelia lives with her five brothers (the sixth and oldest, Matti, eloped with an Irish girl to San Francisco), cousin Kaarlo, and Mamma and Pappa on a farm in Nasel, Washington.


Her hard life on the farm – cooking, mending clothing, going to school to learn English, and tending the animals and land – is tempered by hijinks and humor. Amelia is surrounded by boys, often mistaken for a boy and prefers to treated like a boy rather than a No Good Girl.


Several new characters arrive in Nasel: Jaakko and his younger sister, Helmi - May Amelia’s cousins - arrive from Finnland, traumatized by the murder of their mother. Matti and his Irish bride make an appearance. And Mr. F. B. Yerrington, who claims to “represent the interests of a group of gentleman who are looking to develop” Nasel, swindles several farm owners, including Pappa (p 50). May Amelia once again takes the blame and must go about setting things right.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


The Trouble with May Amelia picks up just after Our Only May Amelia left off, though even more humorous and heartwarming than its predecessor. It is amazing what Holm accomplishes with terse dialog and expertly placed capital letters.


This three-time Newbery Honor author does it again with a poignant follow-up to a contemporary classic. A definite addition to my 2012 Mock Newbery list… which had included only Okay for Now until now.

admin | heritageveterinary.com



Veterinarians see a lot of patients with ear infections. In fact, it’s the second most common reason for a client visit, according to pet health insurer, VPI Pet Insurance. With ear problems prompting so many trips to the vet, should ear cleaning be a necessary part of grooming your pet?


Generally, cleaning a dog’s ears on a routine basis is not necessary, according to Leonard Jonas, DVM, MS, DACVIM, a veterinarian with Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colo. That’s because animals have a naturally occurring self-cleansing process.


“I’ve had pets my whole life,” Jonas said. “I don’t remember ever routinely cleaning out their ears.”


However, that doesn’t mean pet owners should never take notice of their dog’s ears. Certain breeds, lifestyles and physical characteristics will make a dog more prone to what Jonas calls “abnormal situations,” in which the pet’s normal homeostasis is disrupted. This is when something, either systemically or locally in the ear, interferes with the normal surface barrier defense system and the normal cleaning process that keeps bacteria and yeast under control.


There are signs to watch for if your pet is having an issue with its ears. These, according to Jonas, include:



  • Shaking its head

  • Flapping its ears

  • Rubbing at its ears, either with a paw or by rubbing against furniture or carpet

  • Self-massaging the ear to ease itch, pain or irritation

  • Debris and/or redness inside the ear

  • Sores inside the ear

  • Odor in the ear due to abnormal oils and bacteria


“If you [the pet owner] look in the ear, you can see sometimes a lot of debris,” said Jonas, explaining what an ear with an infection or problem may look like. “Then [you] see redness on the ear flaps (inside) or sores developing. And then there’s also odor that occurs when you have an abnormal ear.”


Breeds to watch
There are certain breeds of dogs—such as Shar Peis, bulldogs and poodles—that have narrow ear canals and have a higher chance of incurring ear issues. Poodles, especially, have more hair in the canals, Jonas explained. “The hair itself is not a problem, but if they’ve got something abnormal with their whole defense system, all that extra hair in there makes it difficult.”


Cocker spaniels are notorious for ear problems, Jonas added.


When to clean your pet’s ears
According to Jonas, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before going forward with an ear-cleaning regimen. Unlike cleaning the teeth, cleaning the ears does not need be done regularly. If a pet owner suspects that something may be wrong with the ear, it’s advised to visit the veterinarian and establish whether the dog’s ear needs to be cleaned by the owner either routinely or for an instructed period of time.


Cleaning the dog’s ears without first seeing a veterinarian is not a good idea, Jonas said, “because you don’t know what’s going on inside. You don’t know if there has been a ruptured ear drum; you don’t know if there’s a stick or a stone or something stuck down inside the ear that needs to be fished out by a veterinarian.”


A veterinarian can diagnose the problem and make the proper recommendations, which may be cleaning and/or medication.


Typically, there are two situations for which a dog’s ears would need to be cleaned regularly. The first is when a veterinarian instructs for it to be done, and the second is when the dog is frequently in water. “Water in their ears disrupts the normal defense barrier system in that ear, and can make them prone to getting infections and irritation and inflammation,” Jonas said.


If there needs to be ear cleaning
A veterinarian should show the owner how to properly clean the dog’s ears because “there are a lot of different techniques, and it depends on what the problem is,” Jonas advised.


There are a couple of precautions to always remember, according to Jonas. First, never use a Q-tip, because it tends to push the wax and debris further into the ear. Second, be sure a groomer does not pluck the hair out of the dog’s ears, unless that hair is contributing to an ear problem; Jonas believes that doing so may cause irritation.


One thing pet owners should also consider is that if the dog has an ear infection, it could be very painful for them. Forcing the dog to get its ears cleaned or putting medication in them can be a dangerous situation for the owner and the dog.


“If your pet doesn’t want you to do it, don’t, because it hurts,” Jonas said. “You’re just going to create a problem, and you need to look to alternatives.”


Originally published by Healthy Pet.







Does your dog have a dog house? It’s Dog House Repairs Month! Make sure their house is not made of pressure treated wood if they are a puppy or a chewer! Pressure treated wood is treated with arsenic and is poisonous to pets if consumed!