Go Green for Pets

The green scene has gone beyond gardens—it now includes litter boxes and doggie treats. This Earth Day, you don’t need a green thumb to help the planet. If you have an animal companion who eats, sleeps, plays and poops, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to cut down on waste, raise your pet’s quality of life and color your corner of the world green.

Spring Cleaning Empty out the dark corners of your closets, basement and attic, but before throwing your dusty treasures away, call your local shelters and ask if they need old towels, bedding, leashes, litter boxes and pet toys. They may even be looking for unused printers and computer monitors.

Water Works
Give your pet filtered tap water instead of bottled to drink. If you must use bottled, be sure to recycle.

The Power of Poop
Scoop dog poop with biodegradable bags instead of plastic bags from the grocery store. If you’re a suburbanite (or an urbanite with a lawn), do some research on doggie septic systems—they help keep your lawn free of smelly surprises and break waste down into a liquid the ground can absorb. And kitty parents, go for eco-friendly cat litters, avoiding brands with mined minerals.

Green Grooming
Use earth-friendly pet shampoos and grooming products whenever possible.

Garden of Delights
If you have space, consider growing your own garden for your fruit- and veggie- loving reptiles and small mammals. Before using insecticides, research mulching and other gardening practices that can help reduce the amount of insecticides and herbicides you might need.

Spot On
Should your furry love leave a little dribble (or more) on the carpeting or floor, don’t reach for the bleach. Use vinegar instead. This environment-friendly liquid can act as an effective odor-remover and can kill mold and bacteria. Please keep in mind, though, that vinegar must be diluted correctly with water.

Cutting Back is Going Green
There are plenty of small ways to cut back on energy and materials.

• Instead of using a blow dryer to dry your freshly bathed pet, towel or air dry her.
• Walk your dog to the doggie park rather than driving there.
• Cut down on paper products—clean up with rags or recycled paper towels.
• Put light and heating bulbs in your reptile and fish habitats on timers.

Put Your Foot Down
Don't wear shoes in the house. They bring extra pesticides, fungicides and dirt inside—your pets are exposed enough when licking their paws after walking outside on treated surfaces. (Of course, you should wipe all paws before letting them back into the house!)

Green Goodies
Consider making your own healthy dog biscuits and storing them in reusable containers. If you purchase store-bought treats, buy them in cardboard packaging and be sure to recycle.

Bulk Up
Buy pet supplies in bulk or the largest available size. You’ll make fewer trips to the store and cut down on packaging to discard of.

http://www.aspca.org/

Forgotten Felines

Sneaking through back alleyways and abandoned lots, millions of feral and stray cats make their homes in our cities and rural areas.  Often fearful of people, these “wild” cats are blamed for everything from decimating bird populations to killing sea otters.  What’s the truth behind these feral felines and why are some people so determined to save their lives?

By:  Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary News Network

Cat lovers are abundant across this country as is evident by the more than 80 million pampered felines sharing our homes.  But, living outdoors is another huge population of cats that has far fewer admirers and lives in constant danger of imminent death, usually at our hands!

There is no way of knowing for certain, but experts estimate that the feral cat population in North American equals or even exceeds the “owned” cat population.  A feral cat is one that is unsocialized to humans and actively avoids contact.  Stray cats, on the other hand, are often ones that have left home or are cats that have been abandoned by their owners.  These “strays” will often approach humans and even allow petting.  All cats, feral, stray and owned cats who are simply roaming the neighborhood are all members of our domestic species, Felis catus.

Traditionally, feral and stray cats are caught whenever possible and taken to local animal shelters.  There, if they are calm enough for adoption, they might find a new home, but the vast majority of these felines end up dying at the end of a euthanasia needle.  According to Alley Cat Allies (http://www.alleycat.org/) 70% of cats who make it into a shelter are killed, making euthanasia the number one documented cause of feline deaths in the U.S.

Alley Cat Allies started in 1990 proposing to stop the killing of millions of cats.  Becky Robinson, one of the founders, remembers walking in an alleyway and seeing a whole colony of “tuxedo cats”.  Watching the cats interact gave her insight into the social lives of these “wild” animals and prompted her to work towards their preservation.  Since that memorable night, Becky and her volunteers have introduced Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to the United States.  Originally conceived in England, these TNR programs have helped improve the health of many feral cats through vaccinations and sterilization.

In a nutshell, TNR allows volunteers to capture feral cats using humane cage traps.  The cats are then taken to participating veterinarians who anesthetize, neuter and vaccinate the animals.  After an identifying notch is placed in the cat’s ear, they are allowed to recover in the cage and then returned to their original capture site and their home colony.  Caretakers then monitor the overall health of the colony and conduct a population census while providing feeding stations for the cats.

The TNR programs are not without critics though.  Bird watchers worry about how feral cats impact songbirds and other wildlife.  Neighbors living near feral cat colonies are concerned about cats urinating and defecating in their yards.  And, public health officials are concerned about potential transmission of diseases like toxoplasmosis, plague, and rabies.  The website TNR Reality Check (http://www.tnrrealitycheck.com/) maintains that there is little proof that TNR programs work to control populations of feral cats.

Ms Robinson disagrees and points to several recent scientific articles that show TNR is a valid principle for controlling and even reducing the size of a feral cat colony.  Furthermore, she questions the validity of claims by groups such as the American Bird Conservancy that these cats are the biggest threat to songbird survival. 
Cat owners should take care that they are not adding to this controversial issue.  Many of the cats in these colonies are abandoned at the site by their owners.  Some people fear taking their cats to shelters and feel less guilty about leaving the cat alone outdoors if they know the colony has a caretaker providing food.  This, however, is unfair to the people trying to maintain the colony and also exposes your unprepared cat to the dangers of the outdoor world.

If your personal circumstances change so that you are unable to keep your cat, don’t simply leave him or her at the mercy of the outdoors.  Contact your local humane groups or shelters for their advice and assistance in re-homing your feline friend. 

Dealing with the millions of feral and stray cats in this country will be a controversial topic for many years.  But, as Becky Robinson says, “cats have lived on the outskirts of our society for almost 10,000 years.  This is a fact we shouldn’t try to change.”

To learn more about the work of feral cat organizations across the country, you can visit http://www.alleycat.org/. 

Cancer in Pets and People – Can the Similarities Provide a Cure?

When it comes to the dreaded diagnosis of cancer - we all dream of an eventual cure.  Believe it or not, thanks to our canine friends, that dream may not be too far away!

By:  Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary News Network

Finding a cure for cancer is one of science’s most challenging and elusive goals.  But beyond defeating this pervasive killer, another important element is to find a way to prevent this disease from ever occurring again!  Enter man’s best friend.  Thanks to our pets, and the fascinating work of a new breed of scientist, the comparative oncologist, some of the pieces of this complex puzzle are coming together.
The statistics about cancer in our pets are surprising.  Estimates from the Morris Animal Foundation state that fifty percent of dogs will develop a cancer at some point in their lifetimes and half of those will die from the disease.  For some breeds, the odds are much worse!  Sixty percent of Golden Retrievers are said to die from cancer. 

As you can imagine, these alarming statistics have gained the attention of many scientists because our dogs and cats often make good models for cancer research and can often improve the advances being made in human medicine.  In fact, the field of comparative oncology got its start in the 1970s when researchers were able to perfect bone marrow transplants for people by studying pet dogs with lymphoma.  Comparative oncology brings together veterinary oncologists, human medical oncologists, academic cancer research centers and the pharmaceutical industry. 

At the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research, scientists say that because our pets share our environment and suffer from many naturally occurring cancers, they are probably good indicators of potential causes.  In addition, there are many pet cancers that have similar or even identical biological characteristics as human cancers.

But beyond all of the objective data, the strong desire of pet owners to see their beloved dogs and cats live longer means that many new therapeutic options can be tried in order to save the pet.  And, since more than 6 million dogs develop cancer each year, veterinarians and cancer researchers can evaluate these new therapies, refine them and potentially provide hope to both pet owners and to the families devastated by a cancer diagnosis.
For example, equipment used for human bone marrow transplants is now available in clinical settings for our pets!   In addition the use of a radioactive isotope placed directly into bone tumors by a tiny drill and even the evaluation of specific drugs used to fight certain types of cancer can be used in veterinary medicine.  Both research and techniques helping both pets and people is an exciting frontier in medicine. 

Perhaps one of the most impressive advancements in comparative oncology is the development of a “canine cancer vaccine”.  This novel treatment was recently granted full licensure and is now available for dogs suffering from one of the most common forms of cancer, canine malignant melanoma.

This cancer can be seen in any breed of dog and is highly aggressive.  Cancer cells may start in the mouth, footpad or nail bed, but often spread out to infect lymph nodes, liver, lungs or kidneys.  For most dogs, a diagnosis of canine malignant melanoma means the pet has just a few months to live, even with surgical treatment.  Chemotherapy doesn’t improve survival times either.

But, thanks to research done at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, The Animal Medical Center of New York and Merial, the cancer vaccine (called ONCEPT®) is extending the lives of these dogs and giving hope to humans.  In one study with 58 dogs, the researchers were surprisingly unable to determine an exact survival time.  Why?  Because amazingly more than 50% of the treated dogs were still alive when the study was published!  Earlier studies for the vaccine showed that treated pets lived an additional three years after diagnosis.
ONCEPT® uses a human protein to stimulate the dog’s immune system into attacking the cancer cells.  Since malignant melanomas have such a tendency to spread throughout the body, this type of treatment helps to find and destroy small cancer clusters even after the main tumor is surgically removed.  After the initial set of four vaccines every two weeks, patients receive a “booster” vaccine every 6 months. 

The implications of this type of therapy are, of course, amazing for our pets. But further, they could have far reaching positive consequences for human cancer patients as well.  Research in comparative oncology is exciting and will no doubt uncover many new potential therapies. 

To learn more about the canine cancer vaccine, please visit http://www.myvnn.com/ to see a video.  You can also get your pet health questions answered by licensed veterinarians by visiting http://www.petdocsoncall.com/.

Cats Often Overlooked for Veterinary Care

Poet Jean Burden once said that a cat “is still only a whisker away from the wilds” and for many cat enthusiasts, this is the exact reason they love their self-sufficient felines.  But for all of our professed affection for these animals, our cats aren’t seen by veterinarians nearly as often as our dogs.  Is it because we value dogs more highly or are there other reasons for this inequity?

By:  Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary News Network

Experts believe that cats and humans have interacted with each other for more than 10,000 years.  From their humble beginnings chasing rodents away from our food, cats have vaulted into our homes and hearts as North America’s favorite pet.  Unfortunately, despite their popularity, cats aren’t treated to the same veterinary care that we provide our canine friends.

There are more than 80 million cats in US households and, after reviewing veterinary medical records, experts have concluded that our felines are actually 30% less likely to visit a veterinarian than dogs.  What could possibly cause this difference?

Many people believe that a cat’s independent nature and their self-sufficiency mean that they are pretty low maintenance.  After all, owners don’t need to walk their cats in a heavy rain or freezing blizzard.  So, if cats are so good at taking care of themselves, they must not need a doctor, right?

Additionally, more than 50% of cat owners report that they have a difficult time transporting their pets or that the last trip to the veterinarian was too stressful for the kitty.  Still other owners express concerns about adverse vaccine reactions or costs of treatments and preventive care.

Dr. Jane Brunt, owner of the Cat Hospital at Towson in Baltimore, states “society has historically viewed cats as second class or even unworthy of treatment.  This has led to inadequate health care and worse.”

Not only that, but as small to medium sized predators, cats instinctually hide their illnesses to avoid become dinner for a bigger predator.  Owners can often miss the subtle signs that their kitty isn’t feeling well.

The unfortunate result out of all of this is that when veterinarians do see cats, they are often faced with advanced problems that are more costly and difficult to treat.  Extensive kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes and even widespread parasites top the list of feline issues.  One study published showed that flea infestations in cats have increased by 12% in the last five years and ear infections are up more than 34%!

Thankfully, organizations like the CATalyst Council (www.catalystcouncil.org) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP; www.catvets.com) are stepping up to help educate owners about their feline friends’ medical needs.  By stressing the importance and value of preventive medicine, these groups are working hard to insure that cats aren’t forgotten when it comes to veterinary care.

One goal is to help owners understand that a visit to the veterinarian is more than just a couple of vaccinations for their cats.  A full physical examination done annually by the veterinarian is the first and probably most important thing a pet owner can do for their beloved feline.  This exam can often spot early issues before they turn into big, expensive problems.

Additionally, cat owners are urged to have open communication with their veterinarian about which vaccines their pet actually needs and which ones can be avoided.  The veterinarian can review the cat’s risk factors and the overall prevalence of specific diseases in the area to make the best recommendation.  Although adverse reactions are always a risk, this dialogue can help minimize any potential danger.

The CATalyst Council is also working with veterinarians to make their practices more “feline-friendly”.  Often, changes to scheduling to create “cat only” days or even a separate waiting area for cats and their owners can help to encourage veterinary visits.  After all, no cat wants to be seated next to a big, scary dog!!

Cats have been described as “aloof” or even “narcissistic”, but there really is a lot to admire about these wonderful animals.  They are athletic, graceful and innately curious, qualities that we really seem to appreciate.  The CATalyst Council is a great resource for finding out how you can insure your cat will live a long and healthy life.


 

Online Pet Pharmacies – Saving Money or Risk to Your Pets?

Their ads promise to save you lots of money and even “a stressful trip to the veterinarian”.  You are encouraged by slick video and professional announcers to purchase flea medications, pain relief drugs and even heartworm prevention all from the comfort of your living room and laptop computer.  But, are online pet pharmacies really the best option for you or are there hidden dangers?

By:  Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary News Network

With record numbers of families enjoying the benefits of pet ownership and online shopping, it should come as no surprise that the amount of money spent on our pets is huge.  Experts are forecasting that pet owners will spend more than $50 billion dollars annually.  A significant percentage of those expenses include veterinary care and prescription medications.  So, is it any wonder that buying your prescription medications online may also look like a good deal?

At first glance, online pet pharmacies would seem to be a great option.  The promise of lower prices and having the medication shipped to your door is a big selling point for busy, budget conscious people.  But, there are some pitfalls when relying on Internet based sources for your pet’s medication needs.

First, they all say you can “save a trip to the vet”.  Unfortunately, this is only partially true.  In order to prescribe and dispense medication to your pet, most states require that there is a valid veterinarian-client-pet relationship or VCPR.  This is usually defined as a veterinarian having examined your pet within the last 12 months.  If the VCPR does not exist, medication cannot be dispensed.

Some websites will offer to sell the drugs without a prescription. This is not only illegal but not in the best interest of your pet!  Websites that sell without needing prescriptions are most often based outside of North America, where pharmacy and drug laws may not be as strict.

The requirement for this professional relationship insures that you and your veterinarian have good, up to date facts about your pet’s health. Plus the medical records and history for your pet are all in one place.  The veterinary staff also knows your whole pet family and can help prevent problems when there are multiple species present in the household.

Since pets are unique individuals, some may have unexpected reactions to certain drugs and some medications can even be deadly if given incorrectly.  Others may need a special formulation for ease of administration.  The online pharmacies will not know this information and this could be a problem if your pet is on several medications or has secondary conditions.

If a life-threatening emergency happens with a medication, your veterinarian is only a phone call away.  Some online pharmacies only allow contact through email and this will not help you if your pet needs assistance immediately!

Finally, despite many good businesses online, there will always be a few who are looking for a quick buck at your expense.  Avoid sites that offer dramatically lower prices than competing sites or your veterinarian.  Likewise, if you have ordered medication online, check the drug to make sure it looks similar to what you have given before.  If it looks different in any way, do not give it to your pet.

The FDA is so concerned about this, it is now warning pet owners to be aware of shady online companies.  And, the National Board of Pharmacies has instituted the Veterinary Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program (Vet-VIPPS) to help you find properly licensed and compliant online pet pharmacies.  Only twelve companies so far have earned the right to display the Vet-VIPPS seal of approval.

Check with your veterinarian about online pharmacies.  Many veterinary hospitals now offer their very own store on their websites.   You can order your pet’s medications conveniently from home, possibly even get home delivery and you know that the source is reputable.  In addition, you will know who you are talking to in case of any problems or concerns.  Honest and open communication with your veterinarian about cost concerns will prevent misunderstandings about money and help you do what’s best for your pet.

Howl-o-ween Costume Contest

Halloween Safety Tips

No Scaredy Cats This Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increaing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Article courtesy of ASPCA.org