Naughty Pets Can Unleash Christmas Chaos

I wish I would have stumbled across this article a little earlier in the month, but it still pretty darn funny even if it only rings true until the new year.

I have experienced funny and interesting things with my pets around the holidays. When my husband and I were celebrating our 3rd christmas in Ohio with our new pet, Rockie (a sweet stray cat we had taken in), I remember how transfixed she was by the twinkling lights in the tree. I think she probably logged many hours trying to figure out a way to "catch" all of them at one time!

A few years ago we added another member to the family when we got Wiley, (aka: Fat Boy). His particular fetish if to lick any sort of plastic and eat ribbons off of the gifts. Luckily, we realized what he was going before having to take him to the emergency vet for intestinal obstruction.

Happy Holidays from my barn yard to yours!





Ho, ho, uh-oh! One of my earliest holiday memories is of our cat climbing the Christmas tree, knocking ornaments off all the way.

Most cat owners have probably had a similar experience. Dogs, too, have their own brand of holiday mischief, such as chewing open the gifts or scarfing down Christmas dinner.

The holiday season offers ample opportunity for pets to show their naughty side, leaving some owners to scramble to save the tree, the trimmings or the turkey.

Retired schoolteacher Joanne Nash of Los Altos, Calif., used to decorate her tree with clay-bake ornaments made from flour, salt and water. “I had made some myself, bought some, and had some that my students had made,” she says. Unfortunately for Nash, her Dalmatians thought the ornaments were delicious dog treats, placed on the tree just for them.

“Stealthy Dalmatians managed to snatch them one by one when we weren’t in the room with the tree,” Nash recalls. “We replaced the consumed ones with a few more the next year, but some invisible dog stole those too, and we haven’t had any clay-bake ornaments since.”

So Nash has adapted her holiday décor to the realities of life with dogs. Because she breeds Dalmatians and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, there’s often a puppy or two in the house during the holidays. Although her high ceilings would permit a large tree, she and her husband limit themselves to a smaller one that can be placed atop an old wooden chest, out of reach of curious puppies.

“Even so,” she says, “we don’t do much decorating of the lower branches.”

An elf in the tree
Kirby, a 12-year-old lilac-point Siamese, likes to climb up in the middle of the tree and peer out at passersby, who are understandably startled to see that pointy elfin face suddenly pop through the branches. Kirby’s also fond of eating holiday greenery, which he then vomits up, much to the dismay of his owner, Connie Holmes of Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Kirby’s sister, a tabby-point Siamese named Jazmyn, enjoys eating the ribbons off boxes, a potentially fatal habit, so packages are now plain at the Holmes household.

But Holmes' approach is to take her cats’ antics in stride. “They love Christmas as much as I do,” she says.

The new owner of 118-pound Keisha, a Saint Bernard puppy, adopted just days before Thanksgiving, is learning some strategies that should help her head off trouble this holiday season.

“Never turn your back after the tablecloth is on the table, because she’s either on the table or running past it to grab the corner end of great-grandma’s Irish lace and linen to whip it off the table,” says Suzanne Moore of Glide, Ore. As she surfed the Internet for Web sites on repairing antique hand-tatted lace, Moore decided on a new holiday tradition.

“We learned it is much easier and less stressful to give thanks at a table covered with a vinyl tablecloth and set with paper plates that are filled from an improvised buffet on the breakfast bar, which is the only counter high enough that Keisha can’t just sneak by and grab a turkey leg on the run,” Moore says. “And everyone can relax and not worry about gravy and wine stains on a museum-quality tablecloth or fear that someone will chip or break the china. It was a great lesson!”

Some pets don't want to do damage at the holidays; they just want to let us know who’s really in charge. At least, that’s the theory that writer Barbara Florio Graham, of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, ascribes to the actions of her cat Simon Teakettle, nicknamed Tiki.

Being an experienced cat owner, she collected nonbreakable ornaments for her Christmas tree, among them several sets of crocheted white snowflakes, which she hung on the Norfolk Island pine in her living room.

“Every year, Tiki would watch carefully as I hung these, listen to my admonitions that he was not to touch, and dutifully leave the room,” she says. “And every morning, one single snowflake, its hook still attached, would have been carefully removed from a branch and placed delicately on the rug. It was his way of letting me know who made the actual decisions in the household.”

Creature comfort
Sometimes the accommodations we make for our pets during the holidays benefit us as well as our animals.

“My mother and father are taking care of my 200-pound Neapolitan mastiff, Baby,” says veterinarian Jill Richardson, of Secaucus, N.J. "He loves the Christmas tree so much that they put it up after Halloween and leave it out until Valentine’s Day. He loves to wrap himself around the base of it and sleep. They enjoy this even more than he does because when he’s under the tree, there’s actually room for them to sit on the couch instead of on the floor.”

By Kim Campbell Thornton

MSNBC contributor

Dog Treats Recalled

WASHINGTON - The recall of pet foods and treats contaminated with an industrial chemical expanded Thursday to include dog biscuits made by an Alabama company and sold by Wal-Mart under the Ol’Roy brand.

The Food and Drug Administration said the manufacturer, Sunshine Mills Inc., is recalling dog biscuits made with imported Chinese wheat gluten. Testing has revealed the wheat gluten, a protein source, was contaminated with melamine, used to make plastics and other industrial products.

Also Thursday, Menu Foods, a major manufacturer of brand- and private-label wet pet foods expanded its original recall to include a broader range of dates and varieties. Menu Foods was the first of at least six companies to recall the now more than 100 brands of pet foods and treats made with the contaminated ingredient.
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The recall now covers “cuts and gravy”-style products made between Nov. 8 and March 6, Menu Foods said. Previously, it applied only to products made beginning Dec. 3. In addition, Menu Foods said it was expanding the recall to include more varieties, but no new brands.

The FDA knows of no other pet product companies planning recalls, agency officials told reporters.

“Other than that, I think, you know, the public should feel secure in purchasing pet foods that are not subject to the recall,” Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, told reporters.

Sunshine, of Red Bay, Ala., sells pet foods and treats under its own brands as well as private labels sold by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Kmart, Longs Drug Stores Corp. and Stater Bros. Markets. The recall included specific brands like Wal-Mart’s Ol’Roy, as well as a portion of Sunshine’s own Nurture, Lassie and Pet Life dog biscuit brands.

Previously, Menu Foods had recalled some wet-style dog foods it made for sale under the Stater Bros. and Ol’Roy brands as well.

Sunshine said there have been no reports of dog illnesses or deaths in connection with the recalled dog biscuits, which contain 1 percent or less wheat gluten by weight.

Plastics chemical suspected
The FDA continues to focus on melamine as the suspected contaminant of the pet products, though Sundlof said it could be a marker for the presence of another, not yet known substance. Melamine previously was not believed to be toxic.

The recall is one of the largest pet food recalls in history, Sundlof said. The FDA has received more than 12,000 complaints but has confirmed only about 15 pet deaths. Anecdotal reports suggest the tally is in the hundreds or low thousands.

Pet Food Recall

Popular dog, cat food recalled after kidney failure, deaths
POSTED: 1353 GMT (2153 HKT), March 17, 2007
Story Highlights• Recall of wet pet food made by Menu Foods for Wal-Mart, Kroger, PetsMart, others

• Undisclosed number of cats and dogs suffered vomiting, kidney failure; 10 died
• Recall affects specific sizes of Iams and Eukanuba brands of dog, cat food
• See lists of recalled brands at bottom of story

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A major manufacturer of dog and cat food sold under Wal-Mart, Safeway, Kroger and other store brands recalled 60 million containers of wet pet food Friday after reports of kidney failure and deaths.

An unknown number of cats and dogs suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, Menu Foods said in announcing the North American recall. Product testing has not revealed a link explaining the reported cases of illness and death, the company said.

"At this juncture, we're not 100 percent sure what's happened," said Paul Henderson, the company's president and chief executive officer. However, the recalled products were made using wheat gluten purchased from a new supplier, since dropped for another source, spokeswoman Sarah Tuite said. Wheat gluten is a source of protein.

'Cuts and gravy' food sold in cans, pouches recalled
The recall covers the company's "cuts and gravy" style food, which consists of chunks of meat in gravy, sold in cans and small foil pouches between December 3 and March 6 throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The pet food was sold by stores operated by the Kroger Co., Safeway Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and PetSmart Inc., among others, Henderson said.

Menu Foods said it makes pet foods for 17 of the top 20 North American retailers. It is also a contract manufacturer for the top branded pet food companies, including Procter & Gamble Co.

Proctor & Gamble announced Friday the recall of specific 3 oz., 5.5 oz., 6 oz. and 13.2 oz. canned and 3 oz. and 5.3 oz. foil pouch cat and dog wet food products made by Menu Foods but sold under the Iams and Eukanuba brands. The recalled products bear the code dates of 6339 through 7073 followed by the plant code 4197, P&G said.

Menu Foods' three U.S. and one Canadian factory produce more than 1 billion containers of wet pet food a year. The recall covers pet food made at company plants in Emporia, Kansas, and Pennsauken, New Jersey, Henderson said.

Henderson said the company received an undisclosed number of owner complaints of vomiting and kidney failure in dogs and cats after they had been fed its products. It has tested its products but not found a cause for the sickness.

"To date, the tests have not indicated any problems with the product," Henderson said.

FDA also working to target brands
The company alerted the Food and Drug Administration, which already has inspectors in one of the two plants, Henderson said. The FDA was working to nail down brand names covered by the recall, agency spokesman Mike Herndon said.

Menu Foods is majority-owned by the Menu Foods Income Fund, based in Ontario, Canada.

Henderson said the recall would cost the company the Canadian equivalent of $26 million to $34 million.

Below are lists of specific brands recalled by Menu Foods, in addition to Proctor & Gamble's recall of certain Iams and Eukanuba products. Menu Brands lists the brands on its Web site, www.menufoods.com, and advises consumers to call 1-866-895-2708 for more information.

Recalled cat foods
Americas Choice; Preferred Pets; Authority; Best Choice; Companion; Compliments; Demoulas Market Basket; Fine Feline Cat, Shep Dog; Food Lion; Foodtown; Giant Companion; Good n Meaty; Hannaford; Hill Country Fare; Hy-Vee; Key Food; Laura Lynn; Li'l Red; Loving Meals; Main Choice; Nutriplan; Nutro Max Gourmet Classics; Nutro Natural Choice; Paws; Presidents Choice; Price Chopper; Priority; Save-A-Lot; Schnucks; Sophistacat; Special Kitty; Springfield Pride; Sprout; Total Pet; My True Friend; Wegmans; Western Family; White Rose; and Winn Dixie.

Recalled dog foods
America's Choice; Preferred Pets; Authority; Award; Best Choice; Big Bet; Big Red; Bloom; Bruiser; Cadillac; Companion; Demoulas Market Basket; Fine Feline Cat; Shep Dog; Food Lion; Giant Companion; Great Choice; Hannaford; Hill Country Fare; Hy-Vee; Key Food; Laura Lynn; Loving Meals; Main Choice; Mixables; Nutriplan; Nutro Max; Nutro Natural Choice; Nutro; Ol'Roy; Paws; Pet Essentials; Pet Pride; President's Choice; Price Chopper; Priority; Publix; Roche Bros; Save-A-Lot; Schnucks; Springsfield Pride; Sprout; Stater Bros; Total Pet; My True Friend; Western Family; White Rose; Winn Dixie and Your Pet.

Holiday Safety

You can help keep pets safe during the holiday season by following the tips below.

* Many holiday plants can lead to health problems in dogs and cats. Among the plants to keep out of reach are holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies.

* Snow globes often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets.

* Pine needles, when ingested, can puncture holes in a pet's intestine. So keep pet areas clear of pine needles.

* The extra cords and plugs of holiday lights and other fixtures can look like chew toys to pets. Tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries. Unplug lights when you are not home.

* Anchor Christmas trees to the ceiling with a string to keep it from falling on pets.

* Do not let pets drink the holiday tree water. Some may contain fertilizers, and stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria. Check labels for tree water preservatives and artificial snow, and buy only those that are nontoxic. Some folks use screens around trees to block access to electrical cords and gifts.

Very important: do not put aspirin in the water (some folks do this thinking it will keep the tree or plant more vigorous). If a pet ingests the aspirin-laced water, his health or even life can be at risk.

* Pets, particularly cats, can be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines. Hang tinsel high and securely to keep it out of reach of pets.

* Keep other ornaments out of reach of pets. Ingestion of any ornament, which might look like toys to pets, can result in life-threatening emergencies. Even ornaments made from dried food can lead to ailments. And remember, shards from broken glass ornaments can injure paws, mouths and other parts of the body.

* Put away toys after children open their gifts. Small plastic pieces and rubber balls are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs. Ingested plastic or cloth toys must often be removed surgically.

* Avoid toxic decorations. Bubbling lights contain fluid that can be inhaled or ingested, snow sprays and snow flock can cause reactions when inhaled, styrofoam poses a choking hazard, tinsel can cause choking and intestinal obstruction, and water in snow scenes may contain toxic organisms such as Salmonella.

* Keep candles on high shelves. Use fireplace screens to avoid burns.

* Hi-tech shooing: A timely product Im not sure Id recommend, but if you have any experience with it, let me know. The StayAway canister from Contech Electronics uses a motion-detection device to sense when a pet approaches some off-limits area (countertop, table-top, candles, fireplace mantel, holiday tree), then activates a burst of compressed air and a one-second warning screech.

Other low-tech methods: place sticky mats, crunchy aluminum foil or bubblewrap on or around the area ... tie balloons around the area ... put some pennies in empty plastic drink bottles and balance the bottles on the bottom branches of the holiday tree or plant so that theyll noisily tip over if a cat or other pet jumps at or on the tree.

* Holiday guests and other activity can be very stressful and even frightening to pets. It can also trigger illness and intestinal upset. Make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.

* Reduce stress by keeping feeding and exercise on a regular schedule.

* Always make time to care for your pets. Some folks get lax about walking their dogs, and a few resort to letting pets out on their own. This puts the animal in danger, while also leading to nuisance complaints and dog bite incidents. Remind pet owners not to take a holiday from responsibly caring for their pets.

* When pets are stressed by holiday activity or during travel, they may require more water. Dogs typically pant more when they feel stressed. Keep fresh water available for them to drink.

* Rescue Remedy, a Bach flower essence available in most health food stores, is a natural stress reliever that many folks keep on hand at home and in travel kits. It can often help both people and animals recover from injury, fright, illness, travel fatigue, chocolate ingestion and irritation. Put a few drops in the dog�s water bowl or portable water container. For stressed or injured animals, rub a drop on their ear or put a drop on the towel in their crate or carrier. Flower essences are free of harmful effects and can be used along with conventional medicines. Another safe, nontoxic Rescue Remedy-like product is Animal Emergency Trauma Solution, available from www.greenhopeessences.com, where you can also get Flee Free to combat fleas nontoxically. Other flower essence sources include anaflora.com and perelandra-ltd.com.

* Do not let guests feed your pets human food. There are many holiday foods, including fatty meats, gravies, poultry skin, bones, chocolate and alcohol, that can cause illnesses from vomiting and diarrhea to highly serious pancreatitis and other toxic reactions. In addition, candy wrappers, aluminum foil pieces and ribbons can choke pets.

* Keep pets away from gift packages as well as your gift wrapping area. Ingested string, plastic, cloth and even wrapping paper can lead to intestinal blockage and require surgical removal. And pets have been severely injured by scissors and other items left on floors and tables.

* Keep pets away from the garbage. Use pet-proof containers.

* If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

* If your pet ingests glass, broken plastic, staples orother small, sharp objects, call your veterinarian.
In the meantime, you can give your dog supplemental fiber in the form of whole wheat or other high-fiber bread, canned pumpkin or Metamucil, any of which can help bulk up the stools the help the foreigh material pass through the dogs digestive system. Dosages depend on the size of the dog. For Metamusil, try a teaspoon for a small dog, a tablespoon for a big dog. For pumpkin, feed one-quarter to two-thirds of a cup. Some folks recommend feeding the dog cotton balls to help pass the foreign objects, but others in the veterinary field caution against this since cotton balls can compound the problem.

* By the way, now is a good time to double-check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other safety devices and replace batteries. Safety, of course, is the key reason -- but here's another good reason. When batteries run low, the devices often emit alert or alarm sounds at frequencies that can be painful and frightening to many pets. If you're not home when the alert/alarm sounds, your animals will have to endure that sound until you return, which can be traumatic. So always keep fresh batteries in those devices.

Decisions

We decided to keep this kitten that we previously posted. She blends so well with the rest of our feline family. We named her Pigeon. As you can see, she has made herself right at home.

This is true for dog owners and cat owners alike!

The dog is not allowed in the house. Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms. The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture. The dog can get on the old furniture only. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep with the humans on the bed. Okay, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers. The dog can sleep under the covers by invitation only The dog can sleep under the covers every night. Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the dog.

Which Litter is Best For Your Cat?

Since Edward Lowe first placed granulated clay in a bag and called it Kitty Litter, the multimillion-dollar cat litter industry has produced an astounding array of litter substrates. While most of the litters on the market are clay-based, there is a growing interest in "alternative" litters. These litters are made of a variety of unlitter-like compounds, such as: paper, corncob, orange peel, wheat, wood, grass, silica, and peanut shell. All cat litter manufacturers claim that their products are highly absorbent and great at controlling odor, so how is it possible to choose one among so many?
First of all, look at the choices from your cat's point of view. Too many cat owners select products for their cats based on human, rather than feline, preferences. This approach often backfires as the cat may find that the new purchase offends his natural instincts and refuses to use it. We know that cats have an inborn drive to seek out an easily-raked substrate in which to eliminate. Our domestic cat's ancestors used sand. Studies show that 9 out of 10 cats prefer the sand-like texture of the clumping litters. This shouldn't be too surprising considering that the paw pads of an indoor cat are sensitive and tender. (Would you rather walk barefoot on a gravel driveway or on a sandy beach?) Declawed cats especially require the comfort afforded by a clumping litter as more of their weight rests on their pads than on their shortened toes. (The declaw surgery involves severing, not just nails, but whole phalanges--up to the first joint--including bone, ligaments, and tendons.)
We also know that cats want their indoor bathrooms to meet the same requirements of outdoor toileting areas, even though their little paws may have never touched the good earth. Observations of outdoor cats show that each time they eliminate, they look for a clean area (unlike dogs which like to use the same locations). Dirty litterboxes are a main reason for cats to eliminate outside the litterbox. Perfumed litters do not add to the cat's enjoyment of the litterbox, nor do they fool the cat into thinking that the box is acceptably clean (although they may fool the owner). Perfume is actually a repellent for cats.
All clumping litters are not created equal--some clump better than others. Usually, the better litters are also somewhat more expensive than the others. The cheap clumping litters that break up easily should be scooped daily and dumped out entirely twice a week. A good clumping litter, such as Scoop Away Unscented, makes the job of litterbox cleaning quick and simple. If scooped out daily, the cat can enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling litterbox every day. (Note: clumping litters are not recommended for kittens under four months of age.)
Clay is still the most popular box filler because of its ability to absorb from 75% to 100% of its weight in moisture. Cats do not like stepping on wet litter and wet litter has an offensive smell to cats as well as to humans. Keep this in mind if you are considering an alternative box filler. The strange texture and smell of the new substrate may also put off your cat. If he does not recognize it as being an appropriate substance in which to eliminate, he will either try to hold his urine (which may precipitate a health problem), or he may find the living room carpet more to his liking. Although many of the alternative litters boast their status as earth-friendly, if you have to use strong chemicals on your carpeting to remove the odor of cat urine, the environment is going to suffer in another way.
If you decide to introduce a new litter to your cat, put it in a new litterbox. Keep the old boxes the same until you see that the cat is using and liking the new litter. Let the cat discover it for himself--don't force him to go into it. You may take some urine or stool from another box and put it in the new one to give him the idea that this is for him. Once you decide on a litter you both like, don't change it, even if another litter is on sale (that is, unless you really like cleaning the carpeting!)

Source: http://www.catsinternational.org/index.html

Some Of MyFamily

TheodoreLil' Bit

Sweet Kitty

Mauser

The Grievance with Greenies®

Source: http://www.healingspringsanimalhospital.com/

You may have recently viewed chain-spam and internet postings about the potentially deadly results of consuming Greenies®. Health information found over the internet is so often of an extremely dubious nature. One of the reasons for establishing this e-newsletter and responding to client requests was to provide veterinarian approved information from a known and credible source. The claims against Greenies® require more investigation, but seem to have a basis in truth. Following, we will try to provide a balanced view of the situation.

The Problem:
A number of people are alleging that Greenies® either lodged in dogs’ throats and choked the dog or caused intestinal problems such as blockage. This complaint will gain more publicity in the coming months due to a $5 million dollar lawsuit. Newsday reports that the owners of a deceased miniature dachshund recently filed suit against the manufacturer of Greenies®.

The Real Question:
The real question that pet owners should consider is “Does this product pose an unusual or unwarranted hazard to pet health?” Eating is dangerous. Dogs can choke on any number of consumable products just as children can choke on hard candies. Nylon bones and rawhide also pose a choking hazard to dogs in as much as a dog can get a piece lodged in its esophagus. In the lone experience of Healing Springs Animal Hospital (a facility receiving emergencies 24/7), the answer is, “No, Greenies® have not demonstrated an unusual hazard to dogs.” While Healing Springs periodically sees cases of choking and intestinal blockage, this hospital has never seen a case caused by Greenies® (statement current as of September 5, 2006).

Intestinal blockage is a constant concern for dogs. They love to chew non-food items, and dogs have a tendency to swallow large chunks of hard-to-digest items. The accusers are alleging that Greenies® are not adequately digestible. The treat manufacturer, S&M NuTec, counters that their digestibility testing showed Greenies® to be more digestible than dog food “when properly chewed.” The two most common causes of intestinal blockage seen at Healing Springs are bones and corncobs. Healing Springs has not yet seen one case of intestinal blockage related to Greenies® consumption.

See all the dental chews recommended by the vets of Healing Springs.

Consider the Math:
We have included links to mass media news sources featuring individual reports about problems with Greenies®. These reports have credibility. S&M NuTec points out that it sells millions of Greenies® every week. This is not to say that the complaints lack credibility. Rather, it is to put the danger in perspective. If there are 21 cases of Greenies® related illness ever year, that would mean the probability of a problem is beyond one in a million. Is this more or less dangerous than putting your dog in the car to drive to the groomer? As of yet, most complaints are of an anecdotal nature, and the technical complaints have not been presented in an academic setting where they can be properly scrutinized.

Links to Stories about Greenies®
KHOU, Houston
Komo 4 News, Seattle
ABC 7 News, Denver
Kiro 7 News, Seattle
Newsday, Melville NY

What to Do:
Determine your own risk tolerance. Any chewable treat or toy that can be consumed represents a hazard to your pet. Is it an undue level of danger? Consider this. The experience of this busy hospital includes zero Greenies® problems. It includes many, many problems with dogs in the road. If you really want to ensure your pet’s safety, make sure it can’t get in the road. Healing Springs sees many parvo cases. Make sure your puppies are properly vaccinated. The cases of intestinal obstruction seen at Healing Springs usually involve bones from human meals and corncobs. Do not fee your dogs bones from human food sources. Keep dog out of your trash and the trash of your neighbors for the dog’s sake. When you do treat your pets with Greenies®, watch them consume the treat. You want them to chew it to nothing. If they bite off chunks and swallow chunks, take it away from the dog and discontinue use of the treat. Finally, learn to recognize the signs of intestinal blockage. See next article.


Recognizing Intestinal Blockage – Don’t Feed Bones


Dogs love to chew. In the wild, chewing is a good habit, because it helps dogs reach the nutritious marrow of bones. At home, chewing bones represents an unnecessary risk. In the experience of Healing Springs, chewable treats and nylon bones are much safer than the real thing.

Bone consumption ranks as the most common cause of intestinal blockage in dogs.

The Problem: Bones and corncobs have a tendency to get lodged in the intestinal track. Even when chewed thoroughly, these items can form an impaction. Intestinal blockage kills dogs. Fixing the problem often requires surgery which can be performed at Healing Springs. The surgery has a high rate of success.

Recognizing the Problem:
If you know that your dog has consumed bones, corncobs, or other worrisome food items, monitor the dog’s activities diligently for the next 48 hours. Intestinal blockage tends to become evident 24 hours after the problematic meal. They stop eating. They become lethargic (lazy). They sometimes vomit. If you recognize these signs in your pet, present the pet to your veterinarian immediately. X-rays can help diagnose the problem. Depending of the severity of the blockage, if it is ignored for too long, portions of the intestines can die. Ultimately, intestinal blockage has a strong capacity for causing death. The good news is that an attentive pet owner can usually recognize the signs in time and that the success rate for this emergency at Healing Springs is high.

No Pet Left Behind

The PETS Act Calls for Disaster Plans to Include Animals
April 20, 2006

Doug Harris vividly recalls being told that he would have to do the unthinkable—leave his dogs Jasmine and Missy behind when he evacuated the Superdome.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans resident, along with his wife Joann and their two dogs, had fled the rising floodwaters in their home and stayed at a neighbor's two-story house until they could be taken by boat to the Superdome.
Days later, the thousands of pet guardians who had slept outside the Superdome with their pets (because animals were not allowed inside the temporary shelter) awoke to bittersweet news.
"We were informed that buses would be taking everybody to higher ground, and we would not be able to take our pets with us," said Harris. "I have never seen so many tears, mine included."
As the destruction and heartbreak of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita unfolded on television screens around the world last fall, it quickly became clear that humans were not the only victims of these disasters—thousands of animals were also in desperate need of help. Although The HSUS and countless other animal welfare groups and advocates were able to assist large numbers of people and their pets, their efforts would have been more effective had they been in conjunction with—not in place of—a strong, coordinated government response.
"People deserve disaster planning that takes into consideration not only their own safety, but also the safety of their pets," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Companion Animals section of The HSUS. "The bond between people and their pets is so great that it becomes nearly impossible to separate the human rescue and relief effort and the animal rescue effort during a disaster, whether it's a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or terrorist attack. Emergency preparedness plans need to reflect the idea that pets are part of the family."
A new federal bill called the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act) may soon do just that, by ensuring that pets—present in 63% of American households—are taken into account in future disaster planning. The PETS Act requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster. In order to qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), local and state authorities must submit these plans.
"The PETS Act will prevent people from being forced to make the horrifying and unnecessary choice of either abandoning their animals to save their own lives, or staying with their pets and remaining in a hazardous—and potentially life-threatening—circumstance during a disaster," explained Lauren Silverman, federal legislative specialist for The HSUS.
The House version of the bill (H.R. 3858) was introduced last fall by U.S. Representatives Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Chris Shays (R-CT) and passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on April 5, 2005—the same day the Senate version of the bill (S. 2548) was introduced by U.S. Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ).
In addition to what H.R. 3858 calls for, S. 2548 also (1) grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the authority to assist in developing these plans to meet the needs of individuals with pets and service animals, (2) allows financial help for states to create and operate emergency shelters for people with their animals, and (3) requires the provision of essential assistance for individuals with household pets and service animals, and the animals themselves, following a major disaster.
Animal lovers can help ensure that this critical legislation becomes law by telling their members of Congress that the PETS Act is important to them. The HSUS is launching a major national advertising campaign the week of April 24 to call attention to the PETS Act and to urge citizens to contact their lawmakers and tell them no pet should be left behind.
"People should contact their U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators and urge them to cosponsor the PETS Act and do everything they can to help ensure its swift passage,” said Silverman.

These days, Harris still lives with feelings of guilt. After an intensive search, Harris was reunited with Missy in December, but has been unable to locate Jasmine.
"The worst was being forced to walk away from my beloved dogs who loved and protected us for years, and never would have done that to us for any reason," says Harris. "Finding Missy helped out a lot. But I still get depressed—even seven months later—over Jasmine."
It may be too late for the PETS Act to help Harris and others who survived the 2005 hurricane season, but animal-friendly emergency preparedness plans can help ensure that, in the future, disaster victims who may have lost everything have at least one thing to live for—their pets.
Rebecca Simmons is the outreach communications coordinator for the Companion Animals section of The HSUS.


Take Action!
Call and e-mail your members of Congress and ask them to support the PETS Act. »

5 Years Ago

October 2, 2001Gritty Kitty Found Alive By KIERAN CROWLEYNew York PostNEW YORK, NY --

Meet the miracle kitty who survived 18 days without food amid the debris of ground zero.Emergency workers rescued Precious the cat from the debris-covered roof of a damaged apartment building across from the World Trade Center.The 9-pound Persian suffered eye injuries, burns to her paws and smoke and dust inhalation.But the feisty feline was able to stay alive by lapping from puddles of contaminated rainwater.''It's unbelievable. It's a miracle. I can't believe she's alive,'' said D.J. Kerr, who owns Precious.She and her husband Steve were out of town when the Twin Towers collapsed, blowing out the windows in their loft and filling it with flying glass, metal, dust and smoke.A house sitter had been due to arrive at 10 a.m. that morning to take care of Precious, who had never been outside before.The Kerrs figured Precious was a goner—especially since their seven-story building at 114 Liberty St. was damaged and will be unfit for occupancy for at least nine months.But Saturday night, rescuers, responding to a report of a cat crying, used a recovery dog to corner the injured and terrified animal on the cluttered rooftop.They then brought her to the nearby Suffolk County SPCA van, which had been treating rescue and search dogs for exhaustion and exposure.Suffolk SPCA chief Roy Gross called Precious' survival ''miraculous.''''This is the first good story we've heard,'' said Gross. ''She has sores on her mouth from drinking out of puddles. She's dirty and dehydrated and her eyes were injured, but she's going to be OK.''He said Precious is alive because she was apparently able to ''drink dirty water out of puddles.''Kerr said Precious needs more treatment for her eyes but is expected to make a good recovery.''She lost two pounds and her little paws are burnt on the bottom because the top of the building was so hot, but she's going to live,'' Kerr said with a smile.''I gave her her favorite food—sliced turkey. She was eating so fast because she was starved to death and she's drinking a lot of water . . . but she's so happy, she's just purring,'' Kerr said.

It is hard to beleive that it has just been 5 years this month that American Life changed so dramatically. May peace be in all of our hearts on 9/11. G-D bless...

Safety

I can not stress this enough, register with http://www.petfinder.comif you are interested in any pet from this site.

People are creepy when it comes to dishonesty with pets. I have placed "Dottie" for adoption at petfinders.com. I have had some weird emails since I placed the last post. It just creeps me out. I have had a couple of offers to buy my kitten, with the promise that it would go to a good home and would never be sold to a lab. I have had emails from supposed vets asking me to ship my cat to the U.K. That their clients would be so glad to have our "mixed" kitten. One email was sent to me and 20 other people who had pets for adoption. In response, I have referred all interested parties to petfinder to complete the adoption process. Alas, no one has taken me up on it. Surprise!?!

Can you take me home with you?

Last Friday evening my husband & I were leaving to go to dinner. I was about to get in the car and I heard something was not sure what it was. So, I listened harder. I heard a "meooow".
We looked around for a few minutes and realize my two German Shepherds had chased a kitten up into one of our pine trees.

She really is a sweety. Unfortunately, we do not have the room for her. We already have 3 strays that we have taken in and our home is full. Besides the above listed animals, we also have a turtle and some fish.

Here are some photos of the little cutie!











If you are interested in adopting this kitten please contact our friends at www.petfinder.com

PawPic Of The Month

Send me photos of your pets. The best photo will be blogged here for The PawPic once a month.
It can be a photo of any sort of pet. Snakes,hermit crabs, kittens, horses, llamas or whatever type of animal you love and take care of. Send photos to danara8@msn.com

Not Just Dogs & Cats

While dogs and cats are great, your circumstances might not allow for a typical furry pet. But you still want a pet, so what do you do? Consider getting a small pet. While you probably can't interact with them as you would a dog or cat, small pets still make great companions.

Even Cinderella Had Mice. Pet mice and pet rats are very cool pets: They're quiet and clean with minimal maintenance issues...and you can actually play with them! Hamsters and guinea pigs come in a variety of styles and coat types. (Nutrition tip: Guinea pigs have a daily vitamin C requirement.) They're a bit larger and more vocal, but still very practical houseguests.

The Tortoise and the HareBunny rabbits are popular and can be kept indoors—even trained to use a litter box. Beware, however: Rabbits grow larger than the cute juvenile rabbits you see in the pet stores around Easter. Their urine odor can be a bit stronger than other rodents so many folks opt to house them outside. Believe it or not, even pet turtles make great pets. They don't play fetch, but on the other hand, they won't shred your drapes either.

The Growing Popularity of FerretsFerrets are a favorite of an increasing number of people. They're sleek and playful and watching them is a great delight to ferret lovers. Beware, though: Some states have laws prohibiting ferrets as pets. But this is changing as politicians become more educated and informed about their suitability as pets. As one owner was quoted, "Living with ferrets is like living with a small furry circus." Prospective ferret owners should have patience, a sense of humor and be willing to devote time each day to playing and interacting with this busy charmer.

"It's Better Down Where It's Wetter…"Fish make great pets. Sure you can't pet them or play with them as you would with a dog or cat (or even a turtle), but fish can bring life and color to your home. Aquariums are available in sizes to match any space, making tropical fish an ideal pet choice.
Fish also make a great starting point for children. If they can't be trusted to take care of fish, you probably wouldn't want to bring a dog or cat into the household.

You Can't Go Wrong With BirdsBirds remain a favorite due to their small size, easy maintenance and pleasant vocalizations. While a bird with the verbal mimicking talents of a mynah bird might not appeal to everyone, a colorful, friendly parakeet makes an ideal companion. An African Grey parrot is much more gregarious and interactive than a finch, for example, but both can provide entertainment and companionship.
So expand your thinking. Pet mice, gerbils, hamsters, rats, ferrets, fish, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs—small pets are affordable, entertaining and portable, and each would be delighted and grateful to share your home.

Summer Pet Pests

Heartworm disease:Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes that can potentially be fatal to your dog or cat. Many people are familiar with heartworm disease in dogs, but are unaware that cats may also contract the parasite (heartworm disease was reported in cats in 38 states by the American Heartworm Society); in fact, cats infested with heartworms often have more severe clinical signs than dogs and a poorer prognosis. Have your dog or cat tested for the presence of heartworms by your veterinarian, and ask about heartworm preventatives. Treatment for this disease can be expensive and risky for your pet prevention is easy and inexpensive. The fact that your dog only goes outside to urinate and defecate, and the fact that your cat does not go outside at all, does not eliminate the risk of disease. Mosquitoes are everywhere!

Fleas: Normally only adult fleas live on pets, and often they remain there only long enough to feed. Eggs may be laid on the pet, but usually fall off the pet into the environment where conditions are right for them to develop (through a multistage life cycle) into adult fleas. As a result, it is possible to have a substantial flea problem although you have only identified a few or no fleas on your pet. Egg and larval stages can survive in your home all year and in your yard from spring through late fall (all year in warmer climates). Biting and scratching on the lower back, tail, and abdomen are the most common signs of flea infestation and a dermatitis will often flare up in these areas. Flea control involves treatment of the pet and the environment by means of shampoos, sprays, dips, "spot-ons," powders, oral medications, and collars. Your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate flea prevention/treatment program for your pet. Fleas carry tapeworms, so be sure to have your veterinarian check your pet for these intestinal parasites as well.

Ticks:Yet another parasite that is a common problem during the warmer months. Ticks are not only an irritant and nuisance to your pet, but may transmit several debilitating diseases, such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Many flea prevention/treatment products will also help with control of ticks. Your veterinarian can help you recognize ticks and show you the proper way to remove them from your pet (if you simply try to remove the tick by pulling, you may leave its mouthparts embedded within your pet's skin). Owners whose dogs have substantial exposure to ticks (eg, sporting dogs, dogs that go camping, and those spending time in forest preserves or woods) should also ask their veterinarian's advice about the appropriateness of a vaccination for Lyme disease.
Housing and Travel:Soaring temperatures are no more comfortable for dogs and cats than they are for people. Heat prostration is a common cause of summer illness that can, and does, kill many beloved pets each year. If your pet spends a substantial part of its day outside, be sure that you provide a cool, shady spot for it to escape the hot summer sun and plenty of cool, clean water. A sheltered area must also be available so that the pet can escape summer storms. Be sure that areas in which pets are housed are secure and that pets cannot run into busy streets, fall into deep window wells, or become trapped within or under lawn equipment. Some of the worst summer tragedies involve pets that are left in vehicles in the sun with the windows partially or completely rolled up. Temperatures inside a car rapidly climb to more than 100 F and can cause death sometimes in as little as 10 minutes! If you need to leave your pet in a car for any period of time, please do the pet and yourself a favor and leave the pet at home. When traveling with your pet, call ahead to make sure the pet will be welcome at any hotels or homes where you intend to stay. Travel from state to state usually requires a health certificate for each pet, which has been signed by a veterinarian. Travel outside of the country often requires that the pet be quarantined for a specified period of time, so be sure to check restrictions in the country to which you will be traveling. Remember that sometimes the best solution for everyone is to make arrangements for someone to watch the pet in your home, or to bring the pet to a boarding facility designed to provide it with the special care it needs.
Pesticides and lawn care products:Many of these products are potentially toxic to pets. Be sure to store these items where pets have no access to them. After treating lawns and outside areas, restrict pets from these areas until exposure danger has passed. Remember that many types of summer foliage (among them hydrangea, wisteria, delphinium, foxglove, privet hedge, and monkshood) can be toxic to pets as well, so do your best to prevent your pets from "dining out."