Faith, the Two-Legged Dog

For several years, Jude Stringfellow and her Lab-chow mix have toured the country with a simple message: Faith walks.

Born without front legs to a junkyard dog around Christmas 2002, Faith the puppy was rejected and abused by her mother. She was rescued by Reuben Stringfellow, now an Army E-4 specialist, who had been asked to bury other puppies in the litter. Reuben turned Faith over to his mother, English professor Jude Stringfellow. At first the family had to carry Faith to keep her off her chest and chin. But with peanut butter and practice, Faith learned to walk on her two hind legs.

Today Faith is a brisk, upright walker. When she runs, every so often she adds a hop or skip to her step, but she stumbles less often than most humans. She takes vitamins and joint supplements, and vets have declared her very healthy, Stringfellow said.

Since her first step on March 22, 2003, Faith has done the talk show circuit, gone on tour with Ozzy Osbourne and been named an honorary Army sergeant. Jude Stringfellow has become a motivational speaker and written two books. Next year, the two are moving from Ardmore, Okla., to Chicago where they plan to write a third called "Faith Walks." They get more than 200 letters and e-mails a day, run a Web site and make dozens of appearances every year, including stops at veterans' hospitals across the country to cheer injured soldiers.

That mission is special for Stringfellow, whose son left Iraq in September and is stationed at Fort Wainwright in Alaska. He is scheduled to get out of the Army and head home on Jan. 1.

A sense of hope is especially important for Faith's visits to Army bases. Last weekend she headed to Washington state, where she met with as many as 5,000 soldiers at McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis. Some of the soldiers were headed to war, some were coming back. "She just walks around barking and laughing and excited to see them all," Jude Stringfellow said. "There is a lot of crying, pointing and surprise. From those who have lost friends or limbs, there can be silence. Some will shake my hand and thank me, some will pat her on the head. There is a lot of quiet, heartfelt, really deep emotion."

Faith never fails to bring a smile to a soldier's face, said Patrick Mcghee, general manager at Fort Lewis. "To see the children interact with Faith is simply priceless," he said.

But Faith's most emotional reunion — with Reuben Stringfellow, who rescued her 7 years ago this Christmas — will have to wait for January. He's already gotten Faith a birthday present: a peanut butter cookie with her name on it.

Source: ap

Hope That Works!

A pet dog in China is wearing a mask after local media reported on December 1, 2009 that two dogs were infected with H1N1 flu virus.

Source: apphoto

Antifreeze Will Kill Your Pet

We all need a little tune up this time of year, and your car especially may be screaming for some antifreeze. But pet parents, take care around your dog or cat to make sure he doesn't lick this sweet-tasting poison from the driveway or garage floor.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, thousands of pets are exposed to antifreeze each year. Used to protect cars from extreme temperatures, antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a colorless and odorless alcohol known for its attractive taste. Even small amounts have deadly consequences—one teaspoon of ethylene glycol can be fatal to a 10-pound cat, while one to two tablespoons can kill a 10-pound dog.

"The symptoms of ingestion vary depending on how much time has passed and how much the animal has consumed," says ASPCA Director of Medicine, Dr. Louise Murray. "Initially the animal may act 'drunk,' wobbly and unsteady, and develop nausea and increased thirst. As time passes, there are signs of kidney failure, such as lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and eventually failure to produce urine." The best chance for survival is initiating aggressive treatment within the first four to 12 hours of ingestion. Once signs of kidney problems develop, the likelihood for recovery is low.

Prevent your animal companions from coming into contact with antifreeze by storing it in a secure cabinet and monitoring cars to make sure radiator hoses aren't leaking. When flushing or refilling radiators, keep pets inside and immediately clean up any spills. So-called "pet safe" antifreeze products do exist, and they typically contain propylene glycol, which is less toxic than ethylene glycol but can still cause intoxication.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your nearest 24-hour emergency vet or the ASPCA's 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Credit: aspca.org

Halloween -- Not So Fun for Your Pet!

Jack-o'-lanterns, trick-or-treaters, haunted houses and costume parties. Halloween is full of fun things for you and your family to enjoy, but it's one of those holidays that is enjoyed more by people than by pets.

Keep the following precautions in mind when preparing for the frightfully fun festivities and help ensure that everyone in your family—including your pet—has a safe Halloween.

• Keep your pet in a quiet place, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. You may know that the miniature monsters and goblins who come knocking on Halloween aren't real, but pets don't. Dogs and cats are creatures of habit and could become frightened or agitated by the unaccustomed sights and sounds of costumed visitors. In addition, frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for escape, which can go unnoticed during all the commotion. Be sure all pets are wearing collars and ID tags in case of an accidental getaway.

• Cats—black ones in particular—often fall victim to pranksters. Keep cats safely indoors.
  

• Place live flame decorations like candles and jack-o'-lanterns out of your pet's reach. Curious critters risk being singed or burned by the flame—they could also easily knock over a candle or pumpkin and cause a fire.

• Keep candy away from pets. All those sweets may taste great to critters, but candy, especially chocolate, can be toxic to pets. Candy wrappers can also be harmful if swallowed. Instead, tempt your pet with a few of his favorite treats.

• Resist the urge to put your pet in a costume. You may think your pet looks adorable dressed as a princess, but most pets don't like the constraints of costumes. If you do decide to play dress-up, make sure the costume is safe for your pet and doesn't constrain her movement, hearing or ability to breathe. Check the costume for parts your pet could chew off and choke on and look for dangling pieces like flowing capes that could injure her.

• Don't let the family dog accompany the kids on their trick-or-treat outing. Children may have a difficult time handling a pet during the festivities and your pooch could get loose, especially if your dog is spooked by the strange sights and sounds of trick-or-treaters.

• Keep decorations that pets could chew on—like streamers and fake spider webs—and wires and cords from electric decorations out of reach. If pets chomp on Halloween decorations they could choke or become ill and, if they chew on electrical cords, they risk a potentially deadly electrical shock. Pets could also become tangled and injured by dangling cords or decorations.

Credit: hsus.org

Malta Animal Ambulance Makes A Difference

Over 2,000 animals have been rescued by the animal ambulance since it began service in June 2009. The service, which is available 24 hours a day, is part of the increased government attention towards animal welfare. Other services offered, such as a free neutering service has also seen over 2,000 cases in an attempt to curb the amount of animals abandoned in Malta’s streets. Meanwhile, over 700 stray dogs have been rescued by NGOs such as Dog’s Trust Malta.

Speaking at an event in honour of World Animal Day, Minister for Rural Affairs George Pullicino addressed the problems of animal violence as well as the important impact of animals on the lives of their owners.

Members of the Guide Dog Foundation also gave talks regarding public awareness of guide dogs and their owners, giving advice both for pedestrians who may encounter them on the streets, as well as drivers who may observe them crossing the roads.

Since the increased importance placed upon animal welfare in the last year, the ALE has also been on call to respond to reported cases of animal cruelty. Another project scheduled for development is the Animal Welfare Centre which is currently being built in Ta’ Qali. The scope behind this project is that animals in the streets can be given medical care and attention in this centre.

Source: di-ve.com

Helping Your Pets Live Longer

There was much excitement recently about Tizzie, a cat in Burnley, England, believed to have reached the age of 36, which put her in the running for the world's oldest cat title. The same report had a dog in Germany reaching 38. But before we could get into a tizzy over Tizzie, other reports surfaced pointing out that the cat’s veterinary records had been lost, making it impossible to confirm her age.

Still, even if these two animals are not nearly as old as claimed, there’s no doubt that today’s cats and dogs are living longer than ever. With advances in veterinary medicine, technological investigative diagnostic and treatment tools, plus highly specialized veterinarians, a pet can receive top-notch care equal to that of humans. Actually, it’s sometimes better.

Brian Voynick, owner of American Animal Hospital in Randolph (New Jersey), points out that when a person sees his doctor for a checkup, it usually means going somewhere else for blood work, X-rays, MRIs or dental work. Most vets, however, can perform those functions under one roof.“For example, many of us have our own digital X-rays, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oxymetry, our own blood tests and we perform laser surgery and dental work.” Kind of one-stop treatment for pets, you could safely say.

Medicines administered to pets mirror those given to humans, utilizing the same drugs in many instances. The pharmaceutical industry pops up with newer and better products every day. Keeping pace, today’s pet food industry products are far superior nutritionally, with an array of enticing holistic foods appearing on the scene all the time.

Our pets are living longer thanks to the combined efforts of veterinary medicine, pet products and pharmaceuticals. Remember when a “treat” for a pet was any kind of leftover or a product loaded with tenuous ingredients? Three of the best nutritious treats to come along are Yummy Tummies and Durango Chiplets, which come in various tantalizing flavors, and Furminator’s triangular treats actually inhibit shedding. Timber, my fussy husky, has pronounced all three delish.

While it’s still cause for celebration, it’s no longer inspires shock and awe when a cat reaches 21 like Voynick’s contented cat adopted at 7 weeks. Healthy for her age, no one has told Moonstruck that she’s past her prime. She may not chase after birds anymore, but she still enjoys watching them from her own perch on the couch overlooking a cluster of bird feeders through the window.

The dowager had a special visitor last week when a bear cub stopped by to enjoy Voynick’s array of bird feeders. Moonstruck calmly watched the 4-foot toddler and Voynick snapped a few humorous photos.

Voynick advocates preventive care stressing the importance of annual urinalysis for cats of any age. “We can pick up early signs of diabetes, kidney problems and urinary disease. Not many dogs reach their 20s, but the rule of thumb — or paw — is the smaller the dog, the longer the life. Years ago, large breeds seldom made it past 12.

Today the larger breeds are reaching 15 or more, and smaller canines are closing in on Moonstruck. Great Danes are the exception and seldom live beyond 7 or 8. In the cat kingdom, size really doesn’t matter that much in terms of longevity.

Source: nj.com

Canine Influenza is Real -- Protect Your Dog

As the H1N1 virus tries to wiggle its way into as many of us as it can this flu season, there is another virus, H3N8, that is threatening dogs this year. H3N8, or Canine Influenza, is not contagious to humans, but for dogs it can be deadly. Fortunately, there is a new two-part vaccine available to safeguard pooches.

Canine Influenza was discovered in the United States as the cause of respiratory disease outbreaks involving thousands of greyhounds at race tracks in several states from 2003 to 2005. It has since spread to at least 30 states. Originally a disease that afflicts horses, the virus mutated about 40 years ago and began infecting dogs ever since. “It is highly contagious,” says Dr. Kimberly May of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Exposure to H3N8 is highest in kennels, shelters, pet stores, dog shows and other communal settings. Although dogs of any age, breed and health status are susceptible, puppies, old dogs, and dogs with pre-existing health issues are especially at risk. Veterinarians say that virtually all dogs that are exposed to the virus become infected. About 80 percent of them can show symptoms such as cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and some ocular discharge. Coughs typically last two to three weeks. Twenty percent of dogs can become seriously ill, developing bronchopneumonia and secondary bacterial infections. Dogs with pneumonia have high fever, respiratory distress and in some cases severe hypoxia. If untreated, such conditions may lead to death.

It takes about 7-14 days for dogs to mount the initial antibody response to the H3N8 vaccine. About 2-4 weeks after the first $20 inoculation, a booster shot is given. The vaccine protects dogs for a year. Vets say that the shots may not prevent infection altogether, but efficacy trials have shown that the vaccine significantly reduces the severity and length of illness.

Source: foxnews.com

Advantage Glues Senior Poodle to Crate

A Canadian veterinarian presented with a peculiar case of a 15 year old poodle mix stuck in its crate last week traced the problem to the pet's spot-on flea treatment.

When the dog wouldn't come out of its crate, its concerned owner brought the dog, crate and all, to Dr. Tej Dhaliwal of Ontario, Canada. Following two hours of sleuthing, Dhaliwal concluded that benzyl alcohol, an inactive ingredient in Advantage, was to blame.

Residue from the product Advantage, which was applied between the poodle's shoulders, somehow came in contact with the plastic base of the animal's crate, dissolving the plastic and causing it to adhere to the dog's belly. Dhaliwal said the owner of the dog had applied Advantage to the dog before bedtime. He speculated that the dog rolled over in the crate before the liquid pesticide dried. Presumably, residue of the product made contact with the plastic floor of the crate, causing the plastic to dissolve and "glue" the dog in place overnight.

Bayer Animal Health, maker of Advantage, acknowledged that the flea treatment was the likely culprit and offered to pay the owner's veterinary bill, compensate him for loss of salary and replace the crate, Dhaliwal said. A spokesman for Bayer in the United States confirmed that Advantage contains benzyl alcohol, which reacts with certain plastics.

Dhaliwal noted that the dog had been unable to eat, drink or relieve itself for 15 hours by the time he managed to free it with a tool normally used to scrape excess plaster from drywall. The white dog had a patch of dark gray plastic about 6 inches by 4 inches stuck to its fur. Following the advice of representatives at Bayer, Dhaliwal said, he removed the remaining plastic using the contents of another two tubes of Advantage. Once freed, the dog was fine.

Source: news.vin.com

Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Dogs

You have heard about stem cell research to treat diseases in humans. Now, doctors are using stem cells to treat dogs with arthritis. It's a relatively new treatment, called Vet Stem Regenerative Veterinary Medicine. A 14 year old yellow lab named Bear is proof that the treatment works.

Bear's owner says Bear was on his last leg last year because of debilitating arthritis. "He couldn't jump on the couch, he couldn't jump at all. As far as walking, he would fall and his back legs would just give out."

Since arthritis medications weren't working well, Bear's owner opted to try the treatment offered by Dr. Will Snow at Tillman's Corner Veterinary Hospital (Alabama). It uses an animal's own stem cells to stop the progression of arthritis. Dr. Snow says, "Within 90 days you should see some result as far as improvement in activity level, ability to run and jump and a reduction in the amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs you have to give."

Dr. Snow injected the stem cells into Bear's arthritic hips in November 2008, and the dog has shown improvement. He isn't as spry as a puppy, but his owner says her dog can once again go on daily walks, and is much more stable on his feet. She is glad she opted to try the stem cell treatment. "I am very happy with it. If i didn't do it, he wouldn't be here today."

The treatment costs anywhere from $1800-$2500. For more information, call Dr. Snow at (251) 661-5244.

Source: wkrg.com

Changes In Your Senior Dog

Sensory Changes - As some dogs age, their owners will notice a gradual "slowing down" of their companions. Their major senses--sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell--begin to dull and they do not respond as quickly to external stimuli. This sensory perception loss is often so slow that you may not even notice it until one day you look at him and wonder, "When did he get so old?"

The best defense against aging is to keep him active. Daily walks, playtime and training, making allowances for your dog's physical condition, are excellent ways to keep all of his senses sharp.

Some dogs also show signs of mental deterioration as they age. These age-related cognitive and behavior changes are generally subtle and can be addressed proactively. Regular geriatric exams are vital to detect and treat these problems before they control your dog's life.

Physical Changes - The physical changes in your dog are generally easier to spot than the sensory changes. As his body begins to deteriorate, his ability to fight infection is reduced and it takes longer to heal.

That means it is crucial to consult your veterinarian if you notice a significant change in behavior or the physical condition of your dog. There are many signs indicating your dog is approaching senior citizenship status, but they can be indicative of a variety of different problems (see the list at the end of this article).

One of the most common and frustrating problems for aging dogs and their owner is inappropriate elimination. The kidneys are one of the most common organ systems to deteriorate in a dog, and as a result, your once well-behaved dog may have trouble in controlling his bathroom habits, especially if left alone for a long time without access to the outdoors.

You may also notice he dribbles urine while sleeping. This is stressful for both you and your dog. Excessive urination or incontinence could be indicative of diabetes or kidney failure, both of which can be treated if caught early enough.

Credit: dogtime.com

Is It Time to Say Goodbye?

The reality is that your dog will probably not outlive you. Even more sobering, you may end up facing a difficult decision about when to end the life of this precious friend and family member.

Some dogs do pass peacefully on their own, but in many cases, the will to survive keeps a dog going long past the point of experiencing good quality of life. While recent advances in veterinary medicine are nothing short of amazing, remember that just because you can prolong his life doesn't mean it's in your dog's best interest to do so.

Most of the factors around aging and death are beyond our control, but the one thing you are able to do for your dog is alleviate undue pain and suffering. Arguably, no other decision you make about your dog will be as difficult as the one to euthanize, but in so many cases, it is the most humane option.

How to know it's time

If there's ever a time to put your dog's welfare ahead of your own needs, this is it. While the idea of living without your beloved pet can be devastating, the thought of him suffering should feel even worse. So in considering what to do, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does your dog have a terminal illness? Ask your veterinarian what to expect at the next stage and then ask whether you're prepared to go there.
• Is your dog in the kind of pain that cannot be significantly alleviated by medication?
• Will more treatment improve his quality of life, or simply maintain a poor quality of life?
• Can you afford treatment? End-of-life care can run into thousands of dollars, and people can end up prolonging their grieving while paying off credit cards.
• Is your dog so old he has lost most bodily functions? If he can no longer stand up, get down stairs, defecate, and urinate on his own, the quality of his life is pretty poor.
• Does he still want to eat? Once a dog loses his appetite he's signaling he's close to the end.
• Are his gums pink? When gums aren't a normal pink, your dog isn't getting enough oxygen.
• Is it in his best interest to extend his life, or are you extending his life for yourself? This last point is the most difficult one for most of us to sort out, but it may well be the most relevant. If your dog is suffering, he has lost all joy in being a dog.

Bottom line: The emotions surrounding this decision are mixed and complicated. To do what's best for our dogs, we need to realistically assess the criteria without allowing emotion to overwhelm the decision-making process.

Credit: dogtime.com

Two K-9 Officers Die in Hot Car

Two British police dogs died on June 30, 2009 after being left in a car during a heat wave.

The German shepherds were left in a car in the police headquarters parking lot in Nottingham, England . Temperatures topped 84 degrees. The dogs' handler was on duty and had gone inside the building. Police did not say how long the dogs were left outside in the car.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is investigating the dogs' deaths. The maximum penalty for causing unnecessary distress to an animal is six months' imprisonment or a 20,000 pound ($33,000 U.S.) fine, or both.

Source: pet-abuse.com

Cancer And Your Pet

The leading cause of death in cats and dogs today is cancer, and nearly a quarter of all pets will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Such statistics can be terrifying to pet owners. Many do what they can to prevent cancer, and, if their pet is diagnosed, seek to find ways to improve their beloved pet’s medical care and quality of life.

Borrowing from human cancer patient studies, recent research shows that a healthy lifestyle involving plenty of exercise can greatly improve a cancer patient’s prognosis and overall quality of life. The same is true for our pets.

According to leading veterinary oncologists, preserving a pet’s quality of life is wholly important. Weight management and exercise top the recommendations list. While pet owners should know there is no alternative or natural approach capable of curing cancer by itself, oncologists state that there are benefits to an active and healthy lifestyle combined with the very best conventional medicine has to offer. Also, a healthy lifestyle can be transferred from pet to owner and owner to pet, which can improve everyone’s overall quality of life.

Ten Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge
6. Offensive odor, often from the mouth
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Source: vetcares, American Veterinary Medical Association

Basic Laboratory Tests for Your Dog

Veterinarians depend on laboratory testing to determine many facets of your dog's health. You should think ahead and have basic lab tests done when your dog is young and in good health. This gives your veterinarian a baseline of your dog's normal levels to help check for abnormalities as he ages. Subtle changes in new tests can help detect the presence of a disease in its early stages and may allow you to stop it, or at the least begin aggressive treatment to control it.

Once your veterinarian has established a baseline for your dog, you should have the tests repeated yearly. For geriatric dogs, testing every six months is recommended.

The following basic tests are recommended:

Complete blood count - The complete blood count test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in a given sample of blood. The numbers and types of these cells help to diagnose anemia, infections, and leukemia. It also helps your veterinarian monitor your dog's response to some medical treatments.

Urinalysis - Laboratory analysis of urine is used to detect the presence of specific substances that normally do not appear in urine, such as blood, protein, white blood cells, or sugars. Measuring their concentrations in urine helps in diagnosing diseases. Urinalysis is also used to diagnose urinary-tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems, and many other potential health problems.

Blood-chemistry panel - The blood-chemistry panel measures electrolytes, enzymes and chemical elements such as calcium and phosphorous. This information is invaluable to your veterinarian in checking the function of organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, and liver.

Parasite evaluation - Microscopic examination of your dog's feces can help detect various problems, such as digestive difficulties, internal bleeding, and pancreatic disorders. The most routine function of this test is confirming the presence of intestinal parasites, such as whipworm, hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm, and giardia.

Depending on your dog's condition, your veterinarian may recommend other tests, such as blood pressure evaluation; heartworm check; urine protein evaluation; cultures; imaging such as x-rays, ultrasound, and echocardiography; electrocardiography, and special ophthalmic evaluations.

Additional testing may be necessary to further evaluate senior pets that show signs of illness or who are being prepared for anesthesia and surgery.

Credit: dogtime.com

America's Bats Threatened by New Fungus

A mysterious fungus attacking America's bats could spread nationwide within years and represents the most serious threat to wildlife in a century, experts have warned Congress.

Displaying pictures of bats speckled with the white fungus that gave the disease its name -- white-nose syndrome -- experts described to two House subcommittees on June 4, 2009 the horror of discovering caves where bats had been decimated by the disease. They also warned that if nothing more is done to stop its spread, the fungus could strike caves and mines with some of the largest and most endangered populations of hibernating bats in the United States.

At stake is the loss of an insect-eating machine. The six species of bats that have so far been stricken by the fungus can eat up to their body weight in insects a night, reducing insects that destroy crops, forests and carry disease such as West Nile Virus.

Merlin Tuttle, a world-renowned bat expert and president of Bat Conservation International, said that white-nose syndrome was probably the most serious threat to wildlife in the past century. "Never in my wildest imagination had I dreamed of anything that could pose this serious a threat to America's bats,'' Tuttle told the panel. "This is the most alarming event in the lifetime of a person who has devoted his life to recovering these populations.''

Since "white-nose syndrome" was first discovered in March 2007 in a cave west of Albany, New York, it has spread to 65 caves in nine states, turning up last winter in West Virginia and Virginia, federal wildlife officials said. There are also several caves suspected of harboring the fungus in Canada.

To date "white-nose syndrome" has killed between 500,000 to 1 million bats, mostly common species. But what has wildlife officials concerned is the fungus looks to be on the verge of entering the Southeast and Midwest, where some of the most endangered and largest populations of bats live. The fungus is known to occur in caves used by the Virginia big-eared bat, which has a population of only 20,000.

Source: wvgazette

Forget the Nursery Rhyme! Humpty & Dumpty Live!

These two turtles - named Humpty and Dumpty by RSPCA officers - were discovered in an orchard in England after a passerby saw them being mauled by a dog on June 4, 2009.

They have been wrapped in a special pink plaster cast and dressings which need to be changed every three days while their shells grow back.

Humpty and Dumpty are expected to make a full recovery, although vets say their shells are likely to appear slightly deformed. Humpty and Dumpty are estimated to be two to three years old.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Don't Take A Guilt Trip

If you're a pet owner planning a business trip or vacation, the decision to take your pet along or leave him behind is an important one for both you and your companion. While it may be tempting to take your furry friend with you, keep in mind that some animals are not suited for travel because of temperament, illness, or physical impairment. If you have any doubts about whether it is appropriate for your pet to travel, talk to your veterinarian.

If you determine it is best for your pet to accompany you, you will need to devote extra time to prepare for the journey. For example, you'll need to have all of the supplies necessary to keep your pet comfortable while he's away from home, and you'll need to familiarize yourself with any pet-related restrictions or requirements imposed by airlines, destination countries or states, hotels, etc. Reading our guidelines for traveling with a pet will help make the journey a safe and enjoyable one for both you and your companion.

If you decide that your pet should not travel, consider the alternatives: Have a responsible friend or relative look after your pet, board your animal at a kennel, or hire a pet sitter.

If a friend or relative is going to take care of your pet, ask if that person can take your animal into his or her home. Animals can get lonely when left alone. Be sure that your pet is comfortable with the temporary caretaker and his or her home, not to mention any pets that person has.

If you choose to board your pet, get references and inspect the kennel. Your veterinarian or local shelter can help you select a facility.

If you are hiring a pet sitter, interview the candidates and check their references. (A pet sitter may be preferable if your pet is timid or elderly and needs the comfort of familiar surroundings during your absence.)

Whatever option you choose, your pet should be up-to-date on all vaccinations and in sound health. If you arrange for someone to care for your pet while you are away, provide the caretaker with the telephone number where you can be reached, the name and telephone number of your veterinarian, and your pet's medical or dietary needs. You should also make sure that your pet is comfortable with the person you have chosen.

Credit: hsus.org

Health Exams & Your Senior Dog

Dogs today are living longer than ever before, thanks to increasing knowledge about nutritional needs and advances in veterinary medicine. There is a price to be paid for those extra years however, and that price is an increase in geriatric disorders.

These problems and changes that your dog may experience are remarkably similar to those faced by their human counterparts. It's vitally important that you work closely with your dog's veterinarian to develop a health plan suitable for your senior pet.

Some of the more common problems are osteoarthritis, which when combined with weight gain can severely limit mobility; kidney, liver, and heart disease; tumors and cancers; hormone disorders such as diabetes and thyroid imbalance; and many others. Some of the topics you should discuss with your veterinarian to ensure your senior pet optimal care are listed below.

When is a dog considered a senior? As a rule, a small dog breed such as a Chihuahua can live into their twenties while a giant breed, such as a Great Dane has an average life span of ten years. Within that broad outline, many factors come into play to determine an individual dog's expected lifespan, such as his medical history, his genetics and the care he has received during his life. The best way to get information about your dog's golden years is to talk to your veterinarian.

Geriatric health exams Regularly scheduled veterinary examinations throughout his life are an important part of your dog's health maintenance. As they age, these exams become more important, and don't be surprised if your veterinarian suggests a general geriatric exam, including blood work, fecal exam and lab tests, every six months. These exams are the best defense in catching and delaying the onset or progress of diseases and for the early detection of problems such as organ failure and osteoarthritis.

When preparing for the geriatric health exam, make notes about any changes you've seen in your dog's activities or behavior. It's important to write it down so that you don't forget to mention a critical change while at the veterinarian's office. But don't wait for the exam to talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about your senior dog's health. What might seem like a small problem can quickly overwhelm the aged dog's system.

Credit: dogtime.com

Bite Me! (I'm on Preventative!)

Warmer weather is finally here and with it comes mosquitoes. Those pesky blood-sucking insects annoy us and spread deadly heartworm disease to our furry friends -- and both cats and dogs are at risk!

How are heartworms transmitted? Each time a mosquito bites its victim it puts down a little drop of mosquito "spit" which spit keeps the victim's blood from clotting. Heartworm larvae are contained in the "spit" and enter the pet's bloodstream through the bite hole. Over the next several months the larvae develop into a worm and migrate to the final destination -- the pet's heart.

Cats are extremely sensitive and can die from just one heartworm larvae. Conversely, dogs can handle multiple heartworms initially with little or no impairment. However, after a few months the heartworms gradually debilitate a dog resulting in congestive heart failure and death.

Heartworm prevention is quite simple, extremely effective, and relatively inexpensive. Conversely heartworm treatment is painful, difficult and costly. Current preventatives require only monthly administration and often treat heartworms, fleas, roundworms, hookworms and ear mites in just a single dose.

Source: lansingstatejournal.com

Pets & Toxins

57 DC area pets were tested for 70 toxic chemicals in a study done by the DC based Environmental Working Group. . Blood and urine samples from the animals came back with compounds associated with cancer, neurological and hormonal problems. The EWG report does not show any clear evidence the chemicals are making pets sick; however, there is an increase in this country in cancers and thyroid problems in pets. The experts just aren't sure if this is environmental or because veterinary medicine is getting better at diagnosing problems.

The Environmental Working Group offers these tips to reduce your pet's exposure to toxic chemcials:

Vacuum your house often

Wipe Your Pets Paws After Being Outside

Use metal bowls for your pet. Not plastic or ceramic

Choose pet food without the chemical preservatives BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin, vary cats' diets to limit their exposure to mercury in seafood, and choose organic or free-range ingredients rather than "by-products."

Replace older foam pet bedding, and replace or reupholster furniture with exposed or crumbling foam where flame retardants are found.

If you suspect your deck was made with arsenic-treated wood, treat it with a sealant every six months and don't let pets play or sleep underneath it. Wash with mild soap and water, but never power wash.

Not only are flea collars generally ineffective, they're also a source of constant toxic exposure for your pet and family. Instead, vacuum often and thoroughly, bathe your pet regularly, and ask your vet or local pet store about safer flea treatments and repellents.

Try a mild baby shampoo intended for human use instead of a pet product. Just like human products, pet grooming product manufacturers aren't required to test their grooming products for safety-but unlike human products, they're not even required to list ingredients on labels.

Source: wusa9