No this is not a budding romance. It is quite the opposite for my Princess, Miss Mia and her trips to the vet. Every year during her annual visit I have to trudge out her crate a few days in advance. She will circle around it through the course of that time, peaking in for a moment then scurrying away. She is very much aware when it is time for that visit….sigh. Out comes the towel for my protection while some very exorcist like sounds start emitting from that adorable mouth.

When we do arrive at the vet the examining room is in lock down mode, while the vet and her assistant prepare to remove Mia from her crate.  I sometimes think she would much prefer a bath rather than a vet visit.

Being that this is “Take your cat to the vet week” there are some important tips that Romeo the Cat shared with me to help spread the word.

Tips for Cat Carrier Battle:

• Bring out cat carrier several days before the before the appointment.
• Place treats or catnip in the carrier to make it more enticing.
• Don’t force or push your cat into the carrier if you can help it.
• Stand carrier on its end and gently ease the cat in, hind legs first.
• For very stressed cats, a house call practitioner may be the best option.

Benefits of regular cat visits:

• preventative
• cats age faster
• cats 10 years and older should visit vet every 6 months
• regular dental care is critical to overall well being of your cat
• cost effective

So please remember to take your cat to the vet for the overall health and well being of your cat. And for your peace of mind as well.

Win a 6 Month Supply of Feline Pine

Well not really…… Rocky Mountain Alley Cat Alliance is distributing dime sized condoms as a lark. Marketing genius I think. And a great way to promote the continual need for spaying and neutering of cats nationwide.  Their “Beat the Heat” campaign is intended to promote The Feline Fix.

The Alliance celebrated it’s first anniversary on July 15th. Happy Birthday! With the assistance of generous donors they are the largest high quality, high volume spay/neuter cat clinic in Denver. And can offer low cost spay/neuter cat surgeries.

It will knock $5 off its surgery fees ($35 for tame cats, $20 for feral cats) for “cat guardians” who mention “Beat The Heat” when making a reservation at 303-202-3516 or www.rmaca.org.

With economic downturn adding to crisis of shelter overcrowding the euthanasia rate has more than doubled across the country.

Free and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Database

http://twitter.com/thefelinefix

http://www.facebook.com/thefelinefix

Meet Oscar the Bionic Cat. Oscar lost both his hind paws in a farming accident in England. And he might have been subjected to getting around with a wheeled attachment or worse. But Noel Fitzpatrick, a neuro-orthopedic veterinary surgeon came to his rescue. He developed weight-bearing bone implants which gave Oscar a new lease on life.

The metal implants are custom designed and fastened directly to Oscar’s ankle bones, inside his fuzzy little legs. They jut out directly through the skin and fur with prosthetic paws attached to the ends of the implants.

“The real revolution with Oscar is [that] we have put a piece of metal and a flange into which skin grows into an extremely tight bone,” Fitzpatrick told BBC News.

“We have managed to get the bone and skin to grow into the implant and we have developed an ‘exoprosthesis’ that allows this implant to work as a see-saw on the bottom of an animal’s limbs to give him effectively normal gait.”

When I first read about Oscar and his new hind paws late last week I thought science was really pushing the envelope. How could a cat or any animal for that matter have the right quality of life? But after viewing this video Oscar seems to be getting along just fine. Hip, hip hoorah to Dr. Fitzpatrick and congrats to Oscar! May you live another nine lives…..

There has been much focus and deservedly so on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. But there are other communities that are being impacted by weather with hurricanes, tornados, wildfires and floods. Most recently the flooding in Nashville, Tennessee. Countless animals have been displaced being found wandering the streets, and in desperate need of homes. A spate of urgent requests for pet adoptions have been the end result.

To lessen the trauma of losing a pet and likelihood of pets seeking new homes BEFORE a DISASTER:

• Prepare. Get a pet emergency supply kit, including food, water, medicines and medical records, first aid kit, collar with ID tag, leash or harness, crate or pet carrier and sanitation items.
• Microchip: Make sure your pet is micro-chipped so that it may be easily identified. Keep registration up to date, and include emergency number of friend or relative that does not live in the immediate area.
• Plan: What will you do in an emergency? Create a plan to get away and develop a buddy system.
• Stay informed: Know about the types of emergencies.

DURING a DISASTER:

• Make sure your pet is inside well before storm begins. And do not leave a pet chained outside.
• Keep pet by your side to reassure them.
• Never tranquilize a pet. It will be inhibited from using it’s natural survival instincts.
• If you are instructed to evacuate do not leave pets behind.
• Have pet emergency kit ready to take with you.

AFTER a DISASTER:

• Re-orient dog to home by walking it on a leash. For both cats and dogs familiar scents may no longer exist.
• Be aware of downed power lines, debris and reptiles.
• Contact your local animal control office if a pet is missing to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring a recent picture of your pet, tattoo number or microchip number.
• Do not let your pet eat food or drink water that might have been contaminated.
• Pet behavior might change after the trauma of a disaster. Report any changes in behavior to your veterinarian.

DISASTER AFTERMATH:

• After a natural disaster, displaced people and companion animals face many dangers. There are many hazardous, life-threatening situations for helpless strays and displaced pets.
• Disorientation, panic and stress, and leads dogs and cats seeking refuge into hazardous situations when there are no longer familiar landmarks or scents.
• Floodwaters contaminated with waste and bacteria can cause intestinal parasites and gastroenteritis.
• Animals trying to swim in floodwaters can quickly become exhausted and drown.
• Displaced dogs and cats are frightened, lost, thirsty and very hungry and do not understand that they should steer clear of standing water and any food they may find.

Some of you folks might remember the good fortune of this dog being rescued from river earlier in the year. He was certainly fortunate but there are so many animals around the country struggling to survive after being displaced from their families. Please do take preventative measures and plan in advance for not only your safety and well being but your pets as well.

Resources:

Animal disaster plans and resources by state

American Kennel Club

ASPCA

FEMA for Kids

Humane Society

Red Cross

I went for a walk and it is very warm outside.  There were a few folks walking with their dogs. One in particular I was a bit concerned for. He didn’t have his summer cut yet and his tongue was practically hanging to the ground. Not sure how long the dog and its owners had been walking. But it was a stark reminder that one cannot be too careful when it comes to protecting your pet (cat or dog) from extreme temperatures.

The unofficial start to Summer, Memorial day is this coming weekend.  And I have already read news report of a dog dying from heat stroke after being left inside a car.

Hot Weather Tip Reminders:

• The temperature inside a car can reach 40 degrees higher than the temperature outside.
• When temperatures reach 70 degrees it is dangerous to leave an animal unattended inside a vehicle.
• Hydration: having clean fresh water always available.
• Make sure there is access to shady areas while outside.

So remember, take it easy with your pets during those warm and balmy days. I think Hopey has the right idea hitching a ride from this tortoise…

Resource:

ASPCA

Nothing like a visual aide to “drive home” the point regarding deplorable conditions at puppy mills.  Speaking of baseball analogies, Tony LaRussa manager of the St. Louis Cardinals joined the board of the Puppy Mills Reform Committee, created by Missourians For the Protection of Dogs group.  He has been a long time advocate for animal welfare. The group is funded by the Humane Society and is looking to establish new regulations on dog breeders within the state. And to make “puppy mill cruelty” a crime advocating for creation of the “Puppy Mills Cruelty Prevention Act”.

Missouri has THE highest concentration of puppy mills.  These businesses bring in tax free cash sales annually. With new regulations the hope is for:

• adequate shelter, food and veterinary care
• improved living conditions and space for exercise
• minimize animals living on the streets
• limit breeding of cats and dogs to 50 per facility

It is always great to know of  a sports celebrity who is helping to improve the welfare of animals. All too often we hear more about those who do not.  Thank you, Tony LaRussa for the incredible work you do on behalf of animals!

Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation

http://twitter.com/arftweets

http://twitter.com/TonyLaRussa

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tony-La-Russas-Animal-Rescue-Foundation

Missourians for the Protection of Dogs

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Missourians-for-the-Protection-of-Dogs

This month of May is Pet Cancer Awareness month. And who better to lead the fight against pet cancer than Betty White, long time champion of animal rights and welfare. A hero to many people including yours truly.

Petco and Blue Buffalo have smartly enlisted Miss White to be front person in leading the charge to raise money for research. Their goal is to raise $1,000,000 all of which will go to the Morris Animal Foundation.

Cancer is THE most health related cause of death in pets.  Some signs to look for:

• loss of weight and appetite
• abnormal swelling
• sores that do not heal
• bleeding from any opening
• reluctance to exercise
• ongoing stiffness
• labored breathing

1.	Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year.  Source: Veterinary Oncology & Hematology Center
2.	Cancer is the #1 natural cause of death in older pets. Source: Veterinary Oncology & Hematology Center
3.	Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans. Source: AVMA.org
4.	One in four dogs die of cancer. Source: MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
5.	Over 50% of the dogs over age 10 will die of cancer. Source: DogTopics.com
6.	Just like in humans, cancer can occur in virtually any part of your dog’s body. Source: DogTopics.com
7.	Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime. Source: AVMA.org
8.	The cause of cancer in pets, just like people, is largely unknown. Source: Veterinary Oncology & Hematology Center
9.	Common risks of obesity in pets include many forms of cancer. Source: PetObesityPrevention.com

Genetics, over-vaccination, environmental (lawn fertilizers, detergents, and cleaners) and food toxins are some of the culprits.

Susceptible Breeds

About 1 in 3 dogs die of cancer, about the same rate as people. Some breeds, however, are more susceptible than others. Here are the breeds with highest to lowest incidences of cancer. (Average life expectancy shown in parentheses.)

Highest Risk

• Boxer (10½ years)
• Golden retriever (12)
• Rottweiler (10)
• Bernese mountain dog (8)

High Risk

• Boston terrier (13 years)
• English bulldog (8)
• Scottish terrier (13)
• Cocker spaniel (12)

Average Risk

• Irish setter (12 years)
• Schnauzer (standard 12; miniature 15)
• Labrador retriever (12½)
• Mixed Breed

Lower Risk

• Beagle (13 years)
• Poodle (standard 12; miniature 15)
• Collie (12)
• Dachshund (15 1/2)

PetCancerAwarness.org

This post is dedicated to Spotswood, who lost his battle with cancer just a couple of weeks ago. He is dearly missed by his adoring owner, Tucker.

There is no way I could ever get the Princess to lie on her back so submissively as this adorable kitty. It seems he just cannot get enough of that toothpaste! I on the other hand still have not figured out how to open Mia’s mouth to even attempt brushing. With much protest I am lucky to be able to clean her ears every now and then. Would love to know if anyone has any success stories out there. Way to go Lucky!

Gone are the days of yore when the family pooch was licking its chops anxiously awaiting the bone from that ham or roast.   The FDA has determined that it is dangerous and can cause serious injury.

“Bones are unsafe no matter what their size. Giving your dog a bone may make your pet a candidate for a trip to your veterinarian’s office later, possible emergency surgery, or even death,” says Carmela Stamper, D.V.M., a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration.

It is also important to make sure your pooch cannot easily sniff out those leftover bones.  With that keen sense of smell he can break into the trash barrel unless it is tightly secured or sniff out something on the grass when you are out for a walk.

Here are 10 reasons why it’s a bad idea to give your dog a bone:

1. Broken teeth. This may call for expensive veterinary dentistry.
2. Mouth or tongue injuries. These can be very bloody and messy and may require a trip to see your veterinarian.
3. Bone gets looped around your dog’s lower jaw. This can be frightening or painful for your dog and potentially costly to you, as it usually means a trip to see your veterinarian.
4. Bone gets stuck in esophagus, the tube that food travels through to reach the stomach. Your dog may gag, trying to bring the bone back up, and will need to see your veterinarian.
5. Bone gets stuck in windpipe. This may happen if your dog accidentally inhales a small enough piece of bone. This is an emergency because your dog will have trouble breathing. Get your pet to your veterinarian immediately!
6. Bone gets stuck in stomach. It went down just fine, but the bone may be too big to pass out of the stomach and into the intestines. Depending on the bone’s size, your dog may need surgery or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a procedure in which your veterinarian uses a long tube with a built-in camera and grabbing tools to try to remove the stuck bone from the stomach.
7. Bone gets stuck in intestines and causes a blockage. It may be time for surgery.
8. Constipation due to bone fragments. Your dog may have a hard time passing the bone fragments because they’re very sharp and they scrape the inside of the large intestine or rectum as they move along. This causes severe pain and may require a visit to your veterinarian.
9. Severe bleeding from the rectum. This is very messy and can be dangerous. It’s time for a trip to see your veterinarian.
10. Peritonitis. This nasty, difficult-to-treat bacterial infection of the abdomen is caused when bone fragments poke holes in your dog’s stomach or intestines. Your dog needs an emergency visit to your veterinarian because peritonitis can kill your dog.

With the availability of healthier pet foods primarily due to tainted food a couple of years ago The Whole Dog Journal might be good place to start for alternative treats.

Source:

FDA Consumer Health Information

Just in time for Earth Day there was a press release today announcing the revolt of felines everywhere to clay litter. The revolt is being organized by a “stealth Feline Rights organization, Cats Against Clay (C.A.C.)”. Reasons cited for disdain of clay litter: “Doesn’t Taste Good, Has Harsh Chemicals, Is Dusty On Our Fur and Is Unnecessary Because Of A Better Alternative.” That sodium bentonite is pretty nasty stuff. It’s not a renewable resource and which, if ingested, can cause respiratory and digestive problems for cats…YUCK!

I must say though that I was introduced to this “stealth organization” a few weeks ago by one of the hippest cats, Romeo the Cat.  And am a proud member. Think my kittie, Miss Mia is proud of me too. So check with Romeo for the “scoop”…and find out how you too can become involved.

Earth Day Tips: Pets Go Green