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Peke A Tzu Rescue

Health & Wellness
Because we rescue senior and special needs dogs, we have gained detailed knowledge about most canine health issues. Many times our veterinarians were unable to find an answer and we had to do our own research. Nutrition is key to a dog's wellness and we are lucky to have the advantage of canine nutritionists who specialize in the correct nutritional guides for your dog and his health issues. Please check out our Nutrition page for information on food and supplements.
There are many websites dedicated to canine health and total wellness. Below are some important topics that will improve your dog's health. We encourage people to do their own research.

Drinking Water
Dogs should drink clean filtered or distilled water. Water from the tap, whether you have city water or well water is contaminated and is not safe for drinking. The State of American Drinking Water is of great concern. More than 22 million tap water quality tests, most of which were required under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, found that water suppliers across the U.S. detected 260 contaminants in public tap water. Of the 141 unregulated contaminants detected in water supplies between 1998 and 2015, 52 are linked to cancer, 41 to reproductive toxicity, 36 to developmental toxicity, and 16 to immune system damage. Water contaminated with 83 agricultural pollutants, including pesticides and fertilizer ingredients, flows through the taps of millions of Americans.
Water can contain a number of contaminates including:
  • Chlorine: A disinfectant not a contaminate, chlorine produces the by-product of trihalomethane.

  • Lead: Can cause kidney and blood pressure problems. Affects the brain.

  • Toluine: Liver and kidney disease, nervous system disorders.

  • Carbon tetrachloride: Liver and kidney disease, nervous system disorders.

  • Tetrachloroethylene: Liver and kidney disease, nervous system disorders.

  • Benzine: Known carcinogen and known to cause anemia.

  • Lindane: Can affect the nervous system.

  • Toxaphene: An organic pesticide. It was banned in the U.S. in 1990. Still can be present in ground and surface water.

  • Carbofuran: A pesticide and one of the highest acute toxicities to humans and animals.


  • The Correct Water Supply For Your Dog
    Flouride & Dogs
    A National Assessment of Tap Water Quality


    Plastic Bowls Danger to Pets
    Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, fire retardants (PBDE) and other toxic exposure from plastics have been found in the blood and urine of pets tested for toxins. In animals, BPA has contributed to reproductive system abnormalities such as infertility, enlarged prostate, and abnormal chromosomes, as well as obesity and insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Figuring out whether plastic containers are safe can be confusing: polyethylene is safe, polycarbonate isn't; polypropylene is safe, bisphenol-a isn't. After repeated reheating, polycarbonate, a chemical seen in several plastic storage products, can leak BPA, the dangerous hormone disruptor found in some baby bottles. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the chemical in most plastic soda bottles, leeks the hormone-disrupting carcinogens called phthalates after repeated use. Deli plastic like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can also release dioxins. These plastics have also exhibited the ability to leach certain chemicals into foods that they come into contact with, especially when exposed to high temperatures.
    Do NOT use plastic bowls for your pet's food or water! Remove any plastic dog toys from your home.

    The Real Story Behind Bisphenol A


    Second Hand Cigarette Smoke
    Dogs in smoking households have a 60 percent greater risk of lung cancer. If someone in your home smokes, please ask them to smoke outside of the home.
    Pet & Second Hand Smoke


    Toxic Household Cleaners
    Read the labels on your household cleaners. Many ingredients are toxic and cause permanent damage to a dog's organs.
    Are Conventional Household Cleaners Harmful?
    Consider using natural cleaners that are safe for you and your pets. They are economical and often you will find you already have all the ingredients in your home. There is a number of essential oils that have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, such as lavender, grapefruit, bergamot and tea tree. Mix 10 drops of a quality brand pure essential oil into one gallon of water and use for mopping tile, linoleum and hardwood floors. Add the solution to a spray bottle to clean your home. You will enjoy the pleasant fragrance as well as disinfect your home without poisoning yourself and your pets.
    All Natural Household Cleaning Solutions
    Essential Oil Recipes - Cleaning & Deodorizing

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