The Princess & The Vet

August 18, 2010 by · 3 Comments



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

Filed Under: Animals, Cats, Pet Health, Pet News · Tagged With: , , , , ,

Releasing Chained Dogs

April 12, 2010 by · Leave a Comment

With the arrival of Spring I now see a neighbor’s dog around the corner who is most often outside on a chain.  I am not sure how common that is in my community or area that I live quite frankly. And I know it is because she does not have an enclosed yard. I struggle with what to do every time I walk by the house. Should I contact our local shelter? Should I speak with her directly? Is it really any of my business? The dog is not left chained outside throughout the day.

I do believe this to be an isolated situation.  But there are many communities with dog owners who keep their dogs chained outside throughout the day and night regardless of weather conditions. “Coalition to Unchain Dogs” recently opened a new chapter in Southeast Washington. There are 5 other Chapters in North Carolina, and one in Richmond, Virginia.

To prevent dogs from being tethered and chained the group:

  • Builds fences for free allowing dogs to roam freely and thrive.
  • Provides free materials and labor, in building fences, to benefit  dogs and the community.
  • Donates spaying/neutering and vaccinations to families that need help with these pet expenses.

Among the many benefits to this service:

  • Female dogs are less likely to get pregnant by being cornered by wandering canines.
  • Healthier and happier dogs and owners.

Other organizations working to help free dogs from the confines of being chained:

Fences for Fido

Chain Free Asheville

Dogs Deserve Better

Helping Animals

Mothers Against Dog Chaining

Chain-Free Beaufort

P.S.  What would you do if you were me having a neighbor with a dog tethered outside?

Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Animals, Dogs, Pet Health, Pet News · Tagged With: , , ,

EPA Oversight of Pet Spot-On Products

March 18, 2010 by · Leave a Comment

Source: Image

The EPA concluded webcast late yesterday regarding its evaluation of  spot-on flea and tick control products for cats and dogs. They found that incidents had increased 53% between 2007 & 2008. As a result review of labeling will be a priority to ensure “stronger and clearer labeling statements”.  Strict testing and evaluation of existing and new products will be enforced. These measures will be taken as preventative steps from adverse reactions.

Is is important for pet owners to read labeling on products carefully.  Use caution when applying product and be aware of any adverse reactions: irritation & scratching, vomiting & diarrhea, tremor, depression & seizure, tearing & redness, & cough. Make sure that cats are not exposed to dog products. The EPA will be requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products. That weight range and age of animal is appropriate for use of product.

There will be a “consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors”.

  1. Do contact product manufacturer if there is a reaction
  2. Contact the EPA: Pesticides
  3. Tell your veterinarian
  4. Tell the National Pesticide Information Center: Call 1-800-858-7378 to report an incident

“Flea and tick products can be appropriate treatments for protecting pets and public health because fleas and ticks can transmit disease to animals and humans”.  But it was determined that smaller dogs were most affected and cats were exposed to some dog products.  And consult with your veterinarian to find best remedy for your pet, especially “on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products”.

What can I do now to protect my pets?

Source: EPA


Filed Under: Animals, Cats, Dogs, pesticides, Pet Health, Pet News, Pet Safety, pets, USEPA · Tagged With: , , ,

Pet Obesity on the rise

March 10, 2010 by · Leave a Comment

I watched The Biggest Loser last night and love how it helps people transform their lives for the better.  First Lady Michelle Obama is tackling childhood obesity with the “Let’s Move” campaign. And just recently the “National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study” has found that the number of overweight cats and dogs is increasing.

“Obesity is now the biggest health threat to pets in the US,” states lead researcher Dr. Ernie Ward. “The costs of obesity in illness and injury make it the number one medical issue seen in today’s veterinary hospitals.”

Obesity rates in cats is a whopping 21.4% and dogs 8.6% as classified by veterinary clinics.

  • 6.7 million dogs are estimated to be obese and 34.9 million overweight
  • 20 million cats are estimated to be obese and 54.3 million overweight

Part of the problem is that pet owners view their overweight pets as normal. Of pet owners who identified their pets as normal weight:

  • 33% of dog owners and 46% of cat owners had overweight pets
  • 25% of dog owners had obese dogs
  • 40% of cat owners had obese cats
  • 33% of small dog (less than 23 pounds) owners dog’s were overweight
  • 41% of large dog (over 50 pounds) owners dog’s were overweight
  • Labrador Retrievers & Golden Retrievers were more likely to be overweight not normal weight as perceived by their owners.
  • owners of small breed dogs were more likely to correctly identify their dog as overweight than owners of large breed dogs.

On a positive note 82% of pet owners agreed that pet obesity was a problem in the US.  Part of the key in combating weight problems with pets is  veterinarians educating dog and cat owners on what a normal weight for their pet actually is and provide weight loss strategies.

The primary nemesis for excess weight in dogs and cats are treats.

  • 90% of dog owners and 54% of cat owners responded that they gave their pets treats
  • premium pig ear given to a 40-pound dog to drinking six, 12-ounce colas
  • small dog bone treat given to a 10-pound dog is no different than a person eating two chocolate doughnuts

Source: Pet Obesity Prevention

Filed Under: Animals, Cats, Dogs, Pet Health, pets · Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Prayer for Animals

March 3, 2010 by · Leave a Comment

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering;
for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated;
for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars;
for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for all that must be put death.
We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion
and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals,
and so to share the blessings of the merciful.

~Albert Schweitzer

Filed Under: Animals, Pet Health, Prayer · Tagged With: , , ,
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