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SPCA of Texas Offers Tips for Protecting Pets this July 4th

More than just the heat can be harmful to your pet during the summer. Memorial Day, Labor Day and the Fourth of July are the top three holidays for pet emergencies because of outdoor activities where pets run loose. Firecrackers, with their loud, startling and scary noises, can also be harmful to your pets’ well being. The SPCA of Texas recommends these tips to make your pets’ Fourth of July a safe one :

• Keep your pets indoors with the air conditioner running and the windows closed or keep a radio on to help mask out as much noise as possible. Also try distracting them: follow their regular routine, play with them or crate them up until the fireworks are over. Make sure they have current tags and a microchip to ensure their safe return should they bolt out of fear.
• Be aware of neighborhood pranksters throwing firecrackers over your fence to frighten your pet. Also be careful using sparklers, as they can burn animals as well as people.
• Allow your pets the freedom to seek refuge under the bed, behind the toilet or in the back of the closet. This may soothe them more than cuddling with them.
• Your dog may not want to accompany you to the local fireworks extravaganza. He may prefer some nice quiet time in your lap after everything is over. Also, during the festivities, keep your dog busy with chew toys.
• If your pet gets especially stressed or your neighborhood is particularly noisy, you may wish to talk to your veterinarian about the practicality of using tranquilizers or homeopathic remedies. Consider sending your pet to a nice quiet boarding kennel for the worst of it.
• Even if the proper precautions are taken, some animals may develop deeply rooted fears of loud noises after fireworks displays or thunderstorms. Commonly seen effects include: shaking; trembling; excessive drooling; barking; howling; trying to hide or get into or out of the house, fence, or other enclosure; refusing to eat food; loss of bladder or bowel control or temporary diarrhea.
• The best way to treat this problem is through preventive conditioning, the process of desensitizing an animal to loud noises. Start by introducing your puppy or kitten to loud noises such as handclaps when they are relatively young. As the animal grows, softly bang pots and pans together and escalate the noise. Soon your dog or cat will not be traumatized by loud noises.

This Fourth of July, keep your beloved companion animals indoors where it is safe.

BROADWAY BARKS 10!

BROADWAY BARKS 10!

Saturday, July 12, 2008
Shubert Alley, West of Broadway, between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, Manhattan

BROADWAY BARKS 10! will help some of New York City's shelter animals find permanent homes by informing New Yorkers about the plight of the thousands of homeless dogs and cats in the metropolitan area. Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore will host this star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon, and a galaxy of Broadway stars will join them onstage to present animals for adoption from New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. BROADWAY BARKS will also feature an auction of celebrity-autographed memorabilia. Proceeds from the auction and other donations will benefit the attending shelters and organizations. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the BROADWAY BARKS! web site.

Beaten-Down Dog From Vick Case Has His Day

Pit bull rescued from famous dogfighting ring now helps cancer patients...

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - It’s a dog’s life. And for Leo it couldn’t be better.

Leo — rescued from heavy chains that confined him as one of the pit bulls in former NFL quarterback Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring — is a lover, not a fighter. He now happily frolics in a clown collar as he makes the rounds at the Camino Infusion Center, where he brings comfort to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Despite his training as a killer, Leo is a sweetheart as he visits his friends on the ward.

“He is wonderful, and all the patients love Leo,” said Paula Reed, the facility’s oncology director. “They really love his eyes and gentleness.”

Six months ago, Leo should have been dead.

When officers raided Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels in Smithfield, Va., last year, they found dogs, some injured and scarred, chained to buried car axles. Forensic experts discovered remains of dogs that had been shot with a .22-caliber pistol, electrocuted, drowned, hanged or slammed to the ground for lacking a desire to fight.

Vick, an All-Pro quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended indefinitely and is serving 23 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in August to bankrolling the dogfighting operation and helping to kill as many as eight dogs. Three co-defendants also pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison.

About 50 dogs were rescued.

Animal advocates are divided over whether fighting dogs can be trusted to have new lives as pets or working dogs. One of the dogs seized at Bad Newz was put down as too aggressive, but the others were dispersed to sanctuaries and training facilities across the country.

An ‘incredible’ difference with patients...

One of them was Leo, who ended up in the care of Marthina McClay, a certified trainer and counselor in Los Gatos, near San Francisco. McClay is president of Our Pack, an advocacy group for pit bulls.

“He was a little like a caveman at a tea party,” McClay said. “He didn’t have a lot of training.”

But after five weeks of intense instruction and supervision, and more weeks of acclimation, Leo is now — with all due respect —a pussy cat. He loves putting his head on a patient’s lap and batting his big brown eyes.

“The difference that he’s had with our patients has been incredible — the smiles on their faces, the joy when they see him,” said Reed of the cancer center.

“Leo is a survivor and our patients are survivors, and I think they can relate to each other,” she said.

Leo also touches young people on probation at the Alternative Placement Academy in San Jose, where the young men seem to identify with the former tough guy.

“I think they saw this dog’s awful background, and it communicates to the kids that you can end up being what you want to be,” McClay said.

It’s the age-old story of second chances. By living his, Leo helps tear down entrenched stereotypes that pit bulls are irredeemable killers.

“Leo is definitely an ambassador to the breed,” McClay said. “The staff at various facilities will say, ‘I will never see pit bulls the same again.’”

By Marianne Favro of NBC affiliate KNTV of San Francisco and Alex Johnson of msnbc.com.

Dancing For Animals : Saturday Night Dance Party

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Intro Dance Class (West Coast Swing): 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Multi-Style Dance Party: 9:30 p.m.–Midnight

Studio 44 at Dance Times Square, 156 West 44th Street, 3rd Floor (between 6th Avenue and Broadway), Manhattan

Dance the night away in Manhattan's most beautiful studio while helping your fellow animals at the same time! Dancing for Animals is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds, via dancing activities, for animal welfare organizations, educating people about animal welfare issues, and inspiring volunteerism and community activity. They hold dance parties every other Saturday night, with all funds raised going to support their educational programs and to give financial support to animal organizations. Come early for an introductory class in a specific dance style, then dance the night away from Swing to Mambo to Foxtrot. Music for all dances played.

Admission is $10.

For more information, call Dancing for Animals at (212) 946-1824,
or visit the Dancing for Animals web site.

No More Tears Rescue : Chinese Auction

Sunday, June 22, 2008
1:00–5:00 p.m.

St. Andrew's Church, 40 Old Mill Road, Staten Island

Raise money to rescue and rehabilitate puppy mill dogs. Join us for a fun afternoon winning beautiful gifts/baskets and treats for your dogs! Learn how you can help us stop puppy mills! Tasty desserts and beverages will be available.

Tickets are $25.
For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact Laura Amato at foundfreedom@nomoretearsrescue.com, or visit the No More Tears Rescue web site.

American Veterinary Medical Association Launches Podcast for Pet Owners

AVMA Animal Tracks will include discussions on pet health, veterinary medicine

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced today the launch of its first podcast, the Association's latest effort to inform the public about issues related to pet health, public health and veterinary medicine.AVMA Animal Tracks will feature AVMA staff interviewing veterinary experts from around the country and discussing topics such as pet health and safety tips, the threat of diseases that can spread from animals to humans and the surprising variety of roles veterinarians play in ensuring animal and human health across the globe.

The first podcast, featuring Dr. Kim May, assistant director of professional and public affairs at the AVMA, discusses summer pet safety tips. It can be found on the AVMA Web site at http://www.avma.org/news/info_rss.asp.

AVMA Animal Tracks will be available to download from the AVMA Web site and through an RSS feed. The podcasts will also be available through Apple's iTunes. Those with iTunes, which can be downloaded for free at http://www.apple.com/itunes/overview, can subscribe to AVMA Animal Tracks and receive new episodes as soon as they become available through a portable media player such as an iPod. While there will be no set schedule for releasing new podcasts, they should become available on at least a weekly basis, according to J.B. Hancock, AVMA communications director.

For more information on AVMA Animal Tracks, please contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations assistant, at 847-285-687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippo@avma.org.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 76,000 member veterinarians engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at http://www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

Caring for a Healthy Puppy

When you get a puppy, it’s a lot like having a new child. It is your responsibility to take care of it, protect it, and make sure it stays out of harm’s way. And just like a child, puppies and their immune systems are subject to plenty of diseases that we can help prevent by taking the right steps when we first bring our new puppies home.

VACCINES

Once you procure ownership of your puppy, immediately go to a veterinarian for an examination. Veterinarians can determine how healthy your brand new puppy is and what kind of vaccinations he/she needs. By looking at the puppy’s breeding/vaccination report, a vet can determine if the puppy does or does not need to receive any more vaccinations. If the puppy’s never been vaccinated it will most certainly receive the necessary vaccinations during that first visit. Most veterinarians use multivalent vaccines when vaccinating your puppy. Multivalent vaccines combine several different disease antigens into one shot so your puppy doesn’t have to receive several shots. Puppies receive vaccinations to prevent them from getting diseases at ages when they are most susceptible. Make sure to set a schedule with your veterinarian regarding when your puppy should come in for another vaccination (or “booster” shot).

SPAYING OR NEUTERING

If your puppy is not spayed or neutered, ask your veterinarian what might be a good time to have it done. Spaying a female dog prevents her from having unwanted puppies from the future. It also prevents the probability of disease, such as breast cancer and uterine infection. Male dogs that aren’t neutered are more at risk for testicular cancer and prostate disease. A male dog that isn’t neutered also tends to be more aggressive towards people and dogs alike. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to spay a female dog before her first heat cycle, and for a male dog it is normally best to have him neutered at 6 months. Regardless, check with your veterinarian to know the optimal time for either.

WORMS

Worms are parasites that can grow in your puppy’s intestines and feed off nutrients that pass through them. These are nutrients that your puppy needs. As soon as you can, bring your veterinarian a sample of your puppy’s stool. Your vet can examine it for worm eggs to determine if your puppy does in fact have them. If your pet does have worms, the veterinarian will be able to determine exactly what kind of species they are and give you the appropriate medicine or “wormer” to help get them out of your puppy’s system. Even if the puppy does not have worms, he/she can get them by exposure to another infected animal’s feces. Make sure to clean up feces left by your puppy every week and pick up after it on walks.

These are only some of the basic health issues to keep in mind when deciding to get a puppy. You should generally make sure to feed your pup well and exercise it to keep its health and immune system strong.

Amber Alert for Pets?

There's a new service that offers to make automated calls to find your missing pet ... for a price. It's called findtoto.com, and several Western New Yorkers have already used it to report their missing pets. Here's how it works : you pay anywhere from $65 to $425, and the service sends robo-calls to a given number of your neighbors. For example, $65 gets you 250 calls; $425 gets you 5000 calls. But some neighbors who have received calls from findtoto.com aren't happy about it. They say it's just another robo-call, and they don't like it's attention-grabbing intro of an "alert".

Messy Puppies and How to Handle Them

So you just bought home your brand-new puppy. You know training it will take time and patience, and that overtime it will learn to obey your commands and not eat food off your table. But until it learns these things, you will have a lot of cleaning up to do. Here are some tips on how to keep your pup’s messes from getting out of hand.

PUPPIES CHEW ON EVERYTHING

Be it a piece of bacon or your designer-made shoes, it’s all fair game to a puppy. The fact of the matter is it simply doesn’t know better, and will be happy to tear apart everything in its reach. So before you go out and get your new pet, make sure everything you hold dear and don’t want slobbered on is put away in safe, hard-to-reach places. This goes for food, too. Keep human goodies away from table edges if you don’t want it chowing down on your dinner. But don’t think the puppy shouldn’t get to have any fun. Replace treasured items with disposable chew toys and give your pup an entertaining (and non-destructive) way to expend energy. Having chew toys around will also give you the opportunity to share in on puppy’s playtime.

SET BOUNDARIES

Puppies will go anywhere and everywhere they can as long as there is nothing blocking their way. Sure, you can eventually teach them to stay out of certain rooms and places, but before then you have to set physical boundaries to prevent them from peeing on your brand new rug. Make sure to set up portable fences blocking them off from places you don’t want them going. If they’re not allowed on couches, reprimand them whenever they try to jump on one. After these boundaries have been set you can teach them their limitations and eventually remove the fences. Until that time comes, though, a portable fence is a safe bet.

BE PREPARED FOR LEAVING YOUR PUPPY ALONE

You can’t be around every waking moment of the day to keep an eye out for your dog. Eventually you will have to leave it home alone, and when it’s home alone, it is a lot easier to get into messes without you telling it to stop. It’s a good idea to get some sort of cage or crate to keep the puppy in while you are gone to keep it from chewing the house apart. Leave food, water, a toy or two, and be prepared to clean up any messes it leaves when you get back. It’s also a good idea to give the puppy’s cage a solid surface to make cleaning up messes easy. Once your puppy matures, you don’t have to keep it caged anymore – but at the beginning, for the sake of your home and sanity, keep it out of destruction’s way while you are out.

Puppies are resilient. You will not be able to prevent one from never making a mess. But by making your house as puppy-proof as possible you can cut down the amount of cleaning up you will have to do during that first year or so.

Vets to FDA : Pet-food labels should list info on calories

Future pet-food labels that indicate the number of calories per serving could help obese animals, a veterinarians association recommended to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday.

"Pet owners do not always know how much to feed. They may not realize the high number of calories associated with some of the pet food they are giving their pets," said John Branam, testifying on behalf of the American Medical Veterinary Association.

The FDA held the hearing as part of legislation passed last year that requires the Center for Veterinary Medicine to establish pet-food-labeling standards in two years.

According to the veterinary group, 54 million pets in the United States are obese, an "epidemic" that the association said is growing at an alarming rate.

Nancy Cook, vice president of the Pet Food Institute's technical and regulatory affairs division, said calorie labels are unnecessary and won't prevent obesity in pets.

"It doesn't work for people," said Cook, a voice for the industry's manufacturers.

The labels contain serving sizes based on a pet's size. Calorie information can be obtained from food manufacturers, she said.

But the veterinary group said it's not consumers' and veterinarians' jobs to track down manufacturers for that information.

A standard nutritional label that lists the number of calories per weight of food and per household items, such as a can or a cup, would prevent owners from overfeeding their pets, the group said.

The information also would help consumers and veterinarians compare and choose the best food, Branam said. For example, two cups of one product could have the same calories as one cup of another.

Although pet obesity is determined by other factors, such as genetics, the environment and medical influence, a standard label would make it easier for vets to recommend portions, Branam said.

Written by The Seattle Times Company

Training your Dog : Raising a Best Friend for Life

It is important to train your dog once you’ve brought it into your life. However, many dog owners incorrectly believe that having a dog should be an easy ticket for love and companionship. Nothing is ever that perfect. When you first get your pup, you will watch it go through a variety of activities you consider “bad” or “wrong.”

Your pet might soil your floor. It might jump on couches after coming in from the rain. It might bite your friend’s hand when he/she goes to pet it. Your dog might do all of these things and more. But before you throw your hands up in defeat and let your new pet become your new worst domestic nightmare, consider training your pup to adhere to your rules your way. Here are a few pointers to help you get started :

A DOG IS A DOG

You are not working with a toddler, people. When you purchase a dog and want it to follow your rules, you have to remember you are training another species of animal with different instincts than the ones we have. If you want to discipline a dog you have to treat a dog like a dog. And since their ancestors are wolves, dogs think in pack-mentality – when a dog comes into your home, it sees all those within it as part of its clan, and every clan needs a leader. So make sure your dog knows you call the shots. Don’t back down or “feel bad”. Though it might feel like you are breaking your puppy’s heart, you are actually keeping it from taking control of your home. It is your job to make it clear that you are the “alpha dog.”

START EARLY, BE CONSISTENT

The more you coddle a young pup when you first get it, the more likely it’ll walk all over you when it is older. With that said, develop rules and terms of obedience early. Fence off rooms you don’t want dogs to go in and reprimand it when it tries to get past those boundaries. If you don’t want your dog on furniture, make it clear, and don’t give any leeway. If you want your dog to follow a rule, you can never let it get away with breaking it. This is where consistency comes into play. By being consistent, you make it perfectly clear to your dog that there are certain rules it will never be allowed to break.

RESEARCH YOUR BREED

Like different people have different personalities, different dogs are more likely to act different ways. Make sure you are certain that a prospective pet’s personality will go well with yours. Don’t pick a dog with an aggressive personality if you don’t want to be butting heads all the time, and don’t pick a servile dog if you want it to protect your home.

Don’t let this article overwhelm you – having a pet is a great experience and a lot of fun. Training a dog can be hard work, but by following these guidelines you can be sure to have a best friend for life.

Frontline : #1 Trusted Choice for Flea and Tick Control by Veterinarians

When it comes to keeping your pets safe from flea and tick infections, Frontline is the name to know. It is the #1 trusted choice for flea and tick control by veterinarians. With just one dose, your dog or cat will be protected from fleas or ticks for at least a month. Frontline will not only kill any currently existing fleas or ticks already on your pet in the first twenty-four hours it’s been applied, but it will keep them off, not only killing full-grown pesticides, but also flea eggs and larvae. It’s also waterproof, allowing your pet to swim and be bathed without losing Frontline’s capabilities. It can be used on kittens and puppies at ages as early as 8 weeks old.
For complete flea and tick control, choose Frontline.

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USES/INDICATIONS : Frontline is indicated for the treatment of fleas and ticks in dogs & cats.

CONTRAINDICATIONS/PRECAUTIONS/REPRODUCTIVE SAFETY : Do not use on kittens or on puppies less than 8 weeks old. While temporary irritation may occur at the site of administration, animals that have demonstrated sensitivity reactions to fipronil or any of the ingredients in the product, should probably not be retreated.The manufacturer warns that the product may be harmful to debilitated, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.

Like Owner, Like Dog

One Third Of US Dogs Are Obese, Cats Also Suffer

ScienceDaily (Feb. 21, 2008)

Obesity in pets mirrors that of humans, as do the reasons -- decreased physical activity, age, and an increased caloric intake, even genetic predisposition. Like humans, there are also many health problems associated with being obese, such as diabetes mellitus.

It's no secret that obesity is a problem in humans. Reality television makes millions of dollars chronicling the efforts of Americans attempting to shed excess weight. And every day, new medical research highlights the serious implications obesity has for heart disease, diabetes and other maladies.

Now, more and more attention is being paid to the problem in our pets. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the prevalence of obesity in dogs is between 22 and 40 percent. The reasons and the remedies for the problem seem to mirror each other across species.

These include decreased physical activity, age, and an increased caloric intake, according to Dr. Craig Thatcher of Blacksburg, Va., a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, noted veterinary nutritionist, and charter diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

Genetics can also increase a pet’s risk of being overweight, Thatcher said. Labrador retrievers, beagles, and cocker spaniels are all breeds that are more like to carry some extra pounds. There are also endocrine diseases that are associated with obesity that must also be considered and ruled out, before the pet undergoes weight reduction, said Thatcher.

Like humans, there are also many health problems associated with being obese. Dogs and cats that are overweight may be predisposed to develop diabetes mellitus. They may also suffer from decreased heat tolerance and stamina, increased dermatological conditions, decreased immune function, and multiple musculoskeletal and orthopedic problems. If an owner suspects his or her pet is overweight, the first step is to contact their veterinarian.

“Veterinarians are the best resource to assist clients in designing a safe and effective weight reduction program,” said Thatcher.

Veterinarians will work with the client to design a weight reduction program that is specific to the individual pet’s needs. A balanced, restricted-calorie diet should be implemented with the owner carefully monitoring intake and not allowing for free-choice consumption by the pet. An exercise regiment should also be initiated. This should be a plan the owner is willing to comply with and one the animal can comfortably perform, explains Thatcher.

As the animal progresses through a weight loss program, owners must monitor their pet’s progress by weighing and by assessing body condition. This should initially be done every two weeks to ensure the animal is successfully losing weight.

“Avoiding obesity is an important part of the overall wellness of an animal,” said Thatcher. “Pets and their owners alike will enjoy a much higher quality of life when the pet maintains a healthy weight.” The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine established one of the nation’s first clinical nutrition training programs more than 20 years ago, thanks to Thatcher’s leadership. Today, the college’s programs in this area enjoy wide respect from throughout the profession.

Thatcher earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine and his master’s of science and doctor of philosophy in nutritional physiology from Iowa State University. Prior to joining the faculty of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983 as an assistant professor, he practiced mixed animal medicine in Pennsylvania. He was one of the first veterinarians to be board certified as a diplomate by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

Adapted from materials provided by Virginia Tech, via Newswise.

Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation : Long Island's Pit Bull Predicament

Saturday, May 3, 2008
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Suffolk County Community College, Grant Campus, Lecture Hall of the Health, Sports and Education Center, Brentwood, NY

This conference will focus on current problems being faced by Pit Bulls and explore workable solutions to curtail irresponsible breeding and enhance their public image. Featured speakers include Linda Stuurman, (President, Last Hope); Adam Goldfarb (Issues Advisor, Humane Society of the United States); Jane Berkey (President, Animal Farm Foundation); Bernice Clifford (Behavior and Training Manager, Animal Farm Foundation); Jane Hoffman (President, Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals); Jacques Lynn Schultz (Senior Director, ASPCA National Outreach); and Linda Klampfl (President, Almost Home Animal Rescue and Adoption).

This conference is open to the public. Veteterinarians, municipal shelter workers, and representatives from rescue organizations and shelters are particularly encouraged to attend.

Registration is $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

For more information or to register, contact Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation at (631) 425-1884, or visit the Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation web site.

Bikers Against Animal Cruelty (B.A.A.C.): 2009 Calendar Photo Contest

Submissions accepted through May 26, 2008

How would you like to have your pet featured in the first Bikers Against Animal Cruelty Calendar? Enter the contest today by sending in a photo of your pet with your bike. Twelve winners will be announced in October 2008. Winners will receive a free calendar, a subscription to the B.A.A.C. Newsletter, and the honor of being in the very first B.A.A.C. Calendar. $10 per entry; payment instructions will be sent upon receipt of picture.

For more information or to submit your photo, contact Admin@BikersAgainstAnimalCruelty.org, or visit the B.A.A.C. web site.

Stone Soup Theater Arts : 3rd Annual Barking Beauty Pageant

Sunday, April 27, 20086:00–8:00 p.m.

Animal Haven Soho, 251 Centre Street, Manhattan

Compete in Activewear, Glamourwear, and Talent. Proceeds will benefit Animal Haven and Stone Soup Theater Arts. $50 to enter your dog; $10 to be a spectator.

For more information or tickets, contact Leigh Goldenberg at leigh@stonesoupkitchen.org, or visit the Stone Soup Theature Arts web site.

Bideawee : Furry Friends Festival!

Saturday, April 26, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008

10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Bideawee Manhattan, 410 East 38th Street (between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive, Manhattan)

Come to Bideawee's Furry Friends Festival and meet the feline or canine love of your life! Join us for prize drawings, face painting, refreshments, and more. Special gift for adopters.

For more information, contact Audrey Fisher at (212) 532-4455 or audrey.fisher@bideawee.org, or visit the Bideawee web site.

Metropolitan Dog Club : Estate Planning with Your Pet In Mind

Thursday, April 24, 2008
6:30–8:30 p.m.

Metropolitan Republican Club, 122 East 83rd Street, Manhattan
Frances Carlisle, Esq., will discuss estate planning with your pet in mind. Ms. Carlisle is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California. She is member of the Animal Law Committees of the New York City Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Her presentation will cover Leona Helmsley leaving her Maltese, Trouble, $12M; bequesting your dog to a caretaker; pet trusts; and pets with longer life-spans. We are honored to have such a distinguished speaker share her expertise with our club members and their guests. Admission is $25.

For more information, contact Metropolitan Dog Club at (212) 465-3184 or events@metropolitandogclub.com, or visit the Metropolitan Dog Club web site.

In Defense of Animals : World Week for Animals in Laboratories

April 20–26, 2008

Imagine how powerful we could be if everyone reading this would just take a few minutes to engage in even one action for animals in labs during World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL)! Please, make a commitment today to take action for animals in laboratories — it could be as simple as making a phone call or writing a letter. Here are just a few ways to help animals during WWAIL: Take part in IDA's Call-In Days to National Institutes of Health (NIH) during WWAIL to ask them to put an end to the use of animals in nicotine experiments. Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Organize an event in your area such as a demonstration or educational table. Volunteer to set up a "Memorial Field" display that will solemnly commemorate the millions of animals who die in the name of science. Adopt an activist — help make our demos successful without ever leaving your computer!

For more information, visit the WWAIL web site.

Healthcare for Pets : Top 5 Treatments

Pet owners often love their pets in the same way that they love their children. So isn’t it important that you care for your pet’s health just as you would care for your child’s? The only way to make sure that your pets are healthy is to bring them to regular veterinary check-ups and feed them a nutritious diet. There are five basic treatments that you should follow in order to ensure that your animal will live the longest, healthiest life possible.

1. While you and your pet are at their yearly check-up, your veterinarian should draw a small amount of blood. The blood will be screened to check for any possible organ problems, thyroid disease, or diabetes. If the blood is normal, then that sample will provide a comparison for future blood work.

2. Just as vitamins are essential to the health of people, they are also essential to the health of animals. Vitamins can help pets avoid suffering from common problems including arthritis, skin problems, and tumors. As your pets get older, it becomes more and more important to give them vitamins since vitamins can also help many of the affects of age.

3. Make sure that the food you are buying for your pets are made with raw meat. Many pet foods are now being made with grain, but true nutrition comes from meat. Pets are animals that could survive in the wild and wild animals eat meat, raw meat. Animals’ digestive systems are made to digest raw meat, not processed grain.

4. However, even though your pets could be wild animals, chances are their ancestors have been domesticated for generations. This means that their digestive systems may have begun to adapt to grain food. It is still important to include raw meat in their diet, but make sure that your pet’s diet consists of other foods too, such as vegetables.

5. The best way to ensure that your pets are maintaining a nutritional diet is to make them food at home. Sometimes it is hard to find pet food that is made with raw meat. If that is the case, then you can feed your animal real meat, such as chicken, beef, lamb, etc. Just be sure to feed them raw meat sparingly. They need a well-rounded diet just like us!

Maintaining pet wellness is the most important part of making sure that your beloved animal will live a long and healthy life. The best way to do this is through regular veterinary procedures and proper nutrition. We wish you and your pet a long and healthy life!

Save the Cats at JFK

http://www.licp.org/jfk_cats.html

Only months after public outrage over Michael Vicks extra curricular dog fighting activities, protests from animal rights activists and animal lovers across the country are in the news again this time for mans other best friend - the cat. Not the sleek creatures that grace the foot of our beds or spend their days chasing our dust bunnies. These protests are for feral cats - the wayward, hiding in your bushes, homeless stray cats.

Last week a story unfolded about the NY/ NJ Port Authority plans to round up all the cats taking up residence at JFK in an effort to deter birds that present hazards to airplanes. When questioned about the fate of the evicted felines, PA spokesman, Pasquale DiFulco, assured the public, "They will be in a safe place until they can be turned over to the proper authorities. What he failed to say is that these cats would be placed in Animal Care and Control of New York City - a death sentence for feral cats which are typically unadoptable. The PA even went as far as to lie to citizens who called in concerned, reassuring callers that the cats would be put up for adoption and found good homes. The problem it seems wasn't that people were asking the wrong questions, they were asking the wrong people. A call to Animal Care and Control of New York City confirmed the public's fears when a spokesperson for the agency readily admitted that most of the cats would be euthanized when they are brought in. Despite public outrage, Port Authority exterminators trapped 17 cats this week which were brought to animal control with more on the way. The vast majority of the cats would have been quickly euthanized if not for the NYC Feral Cat Initiative, a program of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, and the assistance of Animal Care & Control of NYC rescuers who have been able to save all the victims to date.

The Issues :

The Port Authority wants the cats out of JFK but has refused and continues to refuse help from animal organizations to reach a humane solution for addressing the situation.

The Port Authority believes it can achieve a cat free environment through removal and extermination. JFK is a typical environment for feral cats due largely to the fact that many cats are lost or abandon in travel. Studies show that removing feral cats from a territory only opens up the door for new cats to enter that territory. Without TNR those cats will continue to reproduce. Before long a new colony will inhabit the territory and their numbers will grow rapidly with out reproductive sterilization.

The Port Authority has gone as far as to lie to the public. Not only has the Port Authority lied to the public about the fate of these cats but they have deceived the public regarding the imminent danger these cats present to travelers. In an attempt to instill fear in the minds of the public the Port Authority has stated that the cats attract birds which interfere with airplanes. The fact is that the cats in question are miles from the runway and the birds are present because JFK is near the ocean and has been a migration route for these birds for years.

What You Can Do :

If you are apposed to the Port Authority actions and disregard for animal welfare please let your opinion be heard. Speak your mind to these media outlets. These papers and news channels are covering the story and want to hear from you. NY1 is running a snap poll on the issue of the feral cats at JFK.

Metro: Cat fight at JFK http://ny.metro.us/metro/local/article/Cat_fight_at_JFK/10534.html Submit letters at: http://ny.metro.us/metro/yourturn

amNew York: JFK feral cats facing deathhttp://www.amny.com/news/local/am-cats1030,0,7665187.story Email letters to: am-letters@am-ny.com mailto:am-letters@am-ny.com

NYTimes.com CityRoom: Cat People Confront Airport People http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/29/cat-people-confront-airport-people/ post comment on site

Gothamist : Rally Against Port Authority's JFK Cat Roundup Today http://gothamist.com/2007/10/29/rally_against_p.php post comment on site

NY Post: No Paws in JFK Cat Hunthttp://www.nypost.com/seven/10302007/news/regionalnews/no_paws_in_jfk_cat_hunt.htm Submit your letter at: http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/letters/letters_editor.htm

Newsday: Kennedy Airport feral cat roundup draws criticism http://www.newsday.com/news/local/transportation/ny-nycats305438287oct30,0,2536534.story post comment on site

Contact Government Agencies :

Anthony R. Coscia, Chairman, Board of CommisionersPort Authority of New York and New JerseyPhone: 732.846.2120 (direct line)732-846-7600 (this is the general number for Mr. Coscia�s law firm)Fax: 732.846.8877E-Mail: acoscia@windelsmarx.com mailto:acoscia@windelsmarx.com

Robert E. Wan Etten, Inspector GeneralPort Authority of New York and New JerseyMain Office: (973) 565-434024-Hour Pager: (917) 788-6277FAX: (973) 565-4307Email: InspectorGeneral@panynj.gov mailto:InspectorGeneral@panynj.gov

The Honorable Eliot Spitzer, Governor, New York212-681-4580 (phone)518-474-1513 (Fax)Website: go to http://www.ny.gov/ http://www.ny.gov/ and click on "contact us" at the bottom of the pageEmail: http://161.11.121.121/govemail

The Honorable John Corzine, Governor, New Jersey609-292-6000 (phone)Email: http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html

The Honorable David Patterson, Lieutenant Governor, New York518-474-4623Email: Ltgovernor.correspondence@chamber.state.ny.us mailto:Ltgovernor.correspondence@chamber.state.ny.us

Port Authority Corporate Headquarters(212) 435-7000(212) 435-7777Susan Baer, General Manager, JFK Airport718-244-3501sbaer@panynj.gov mailto:sbaer@panynj.gov

Laura Francoeur, Airport Operations, JFK AirportPhone: 718-244-3773Fax: 718-244-3777lfrancoe@panynj.gov mailto:lfrancoe@panynj.gov

Finally send this news story to every cat lover you know. The more people that respond the better chance we have saving cats from senseless killing.

Talking Points :

Remind them that the caretakers are a valuable resource to THEM...they are spending their own time and money to address a problem they didn't create. Letting rescue groups TNR won't cost them a penny. Without TNR, they will have to budget money to have trappers constantly canvas the airport Plus spend money to have the cats killed.

Bring up the fact that with their other security burdens the last thing they need to be devoting limited resources to is cats. The gulls will certainly not disappear if the cats do, as anyone who has been anywhere near a beach or garbage dump can attest!

The officials should be reinforcing the efforts of these people...canceling the money they are now using for trappers and instead assisting caretakers in the altering of new *dumpers*. By collaborating with animal organizations towards a humane solution the numbers can be decreased humanely. Any security available should be directed toward enforcing *no dump* regulations.

Killing these cats is irresponsible government when there are humane, effective solutions available.

You can't wipe out the presence of feral cats in a 5000 acre area in which new, unneutered cats are constantly being abandoned or lost and then reproducing, and where there are plentiful food sources. Only Trap-Neuter-Return can, over time, reduce the numbers. The Port Authority's extermination effort is futile and will only result in new furry faces, not fewer. The killing is senseless.

Pet Medications Bought In An Online Pet Pharmacy

Everyone loves their pets. They’re fun, cuddly, cute and always full of love. Through all the excitement of having a pet, it is important to remember that sometimes pets get sick too. Pets are as prone to disease as humans are and a sick pet can break your heart the same way that a sick child can. Since pet disease is a reality, it is important that you are prepared for your pet if they become sick.

There are a few ways that you can be prepared for an ill pet. The first is to purchase pet health insurance. Veterinarian bills and pet medication can be expensive and having insurance will help you cover all the expenses. The second way to be prepared for your pet is to find an online pet pharmacy where you can easily purchase medication. There are a number of reasons why online pet pharmacies are a great resource :

The most common illnesses with dogs include fleas, gingivitis, cataracts, and dehydration. Other common pet diseases include various skin conditions, joint pain, and ear infections. The range of illness that pets can have is extensive, so the selection of medication supplied in online pharmacies is also extensive.

Online pet pharmacies also tend to offer discounted medication. This will help you save a significant amount of money, especially if your pet suffers from a chronic skin disease or other common problems. If you are spending hundreds of dollars on medication, you should be able to greatly reduce your spending by switching to an online pet pharmacy.

If your pet comes down with a common problem, such as ticks or fleas, you can quickly and easily visit an online pharmacy to find the correct medication. You can compare prices and make your purchase all from the comfort of your own home. Once you have purchased the medication, it will be delivered right to your doorstep. No more waiting on line or driving to the store!

Pet owners often complain that it can be difficult to find prescription pet medication. However, these medications can easily be found online at pet pharmacies. You will also be able to find different brands for the same prescription, which will allow you to be able to choose the brand that works best for you.

You never know if or when your pet might become sick. Make sure you are informed on pet disease and what you need to do when a problem arises. The best way to keep your pet from unnecessary suffering is to be familiar with an online pet pharmacy so you can quickly get your pet the medication that it needs.

Oprah's Show on Puppy Mills

After seeing Oprah's show today about inhumane puppy mills, we at the Corner Animal Hospital had to post some comments from the show. Here's some of what was said on Oprah's show...

"To see what goes on at puppy mills, Lisa Ling brings a hidden camera and joins Bill on a tour of puppy mills in Pennsylvania. According to The Humane Society of the United States, there may be as many as 10,000 puppy mills operating across the United States.

Bill has fostered relationships with hundreds of breeders across Pennsylvania. He asks them to give him the dogs they no longer want or, worse, the ones they're planning to kill. Bill says these breeders most often want to get rid of older females and younger males. Breeders only need one or two male dogs to breed with every 20 fertile females, so young female dogs are valuable in puppy mills.

Before they go to one breeder's property, Bill warns Lisa about what she may see. "It's probably the worst place I've ever been to in my life. He has dogs running on wheels in fan casings," Bill says. The contraptions look like big gerbil wheels. "[The breeder] claims that it's good for them because they get exercise," Bill says.That breeder wouldn't let them see his dogs, but Lisa and Bill saw two dead animals on the property.At a third breeder's facility, Lisa and Bill see outdoor cages that house scores of Pomeranians. Bill tells Lisa that not only have those dogs probably never been out of those small cages, it's likely that they remain outside even in bad weather and could die from exposure.

Bill says many breeders call him to see if he wants to pick up unwanted dogs. "We form relationships with some of these people, and they're actually the good breeders because they give us the dogs," he says. "A number of times they'll call us and give us 45 minutes to an hour to come out and pick up a dog before they shoot it when they no longer want it. It's always amazing to me when I go out to pick up a dog, they've had the dog eight or nine years and it doesn't have a name. It's never been out of the hutch. It doesn't know how to walk. I have to carry it to the car. It's heartbreaking."

Bill says he's asked the breeders who own puppy mills why they treat the dogs so badly. "They think that we're fools when we pick the dogs up," he says. "I just went back to one of the mills, and they were asking me about the cocker spaniel we pulled out. … And I said, 'Well, she's fine. She's walking around the house and everything.' And he said, 'You let that dog walk around the house, where the people in your family live?' And I said, 'Yes, we do.' He just couldn't get over it. It's a different mentality. [Dogs] are considered agricultural products. They're like an ear of corn."

For some dogs, the medical care is urgent. Some have mammary tumors caused by years of nursing and overbreeding. Bill estimates that one cocker spaniel could have given birth to as many as 140 puppies. Before they were rescued, many of these dogs spent their entire lives in wire cages and had trouble walking on the ground once they were out. Some had their vocal chords damaged by a pipe in order to keep them from barking. Others were completely filthy, with their coats overgrown and soaked in urine.

Bill says Main Line Animal Rescue has rescued approximately 7,000 to 8,000 animals—about 5,000 of those from puppy mills. Their mission is to ultimately place each rescued animal in a loving family, and they are remarkably successful. "We have one of the highest placement rates in the country," Bill says. "We place about 99 percent of the animals we take in because we have a really good trainer who comes and works with us. We actually have something called a 'shy dog' class where we do massage therapy on them and everything else. It's great."

If you are thinking about adopting a new pet, make your first stop the local shelter or animal rescue office. "You can find any kind of dog you want, any age you want, at a shelter or rescue," Oprah says. Consider these facts when adopting a dog. Sometimes, what you see isn't always what you get when it comes to that doggie in the window of a pet shop. "You can be deceived when you see these cute puppies in the stores," Lisa says.

What you need to know about animal shelters and finding responsible breeders.

The Lange Foundation was founded in 1993 by Jillian Lange, a woman who turned her passion for animals into her life's work. At least twice a week, Jillian visits Los Angeles's animal shelters to rescue dogs and cats that are unlikely to be adopted. Her mission is to save as many animals as possible before their time runs out. "I know that saving one dog is not saving the world, but it sure makes a heck of a difference in that one dog's life," Jillian says. During a typical day Jillian drives out to shelters and picks animals as she can—including dogs who have been disfigured or have expensive medical needs. "When I get in the car and leave here, all I do is think about the ones left behind," Jillian says. After rescuing the animals, Jillian brings them to her no-kill shelter, which has placed 17,000-18,000 animals in loving homes over the years.

Taking care of animals is a duty that every person should assume. "It's precisely because we are intelligent and powerful that we have responsibilities to these animals. They are helpless before us, and they rely on our good conscience," Wayne says. "The terrible thing is the inhumane treatment of these animals at the puppy mills. It's awful. It's contributing to the larger pet overpopulation crisis, which is resulting in over 4 million dogs and cats being killed every year." So what can we do to make a difference? "What we can do is we strongly discourage people from going to a pet store to obtain an animal. Go to a shelter. That's got to be your first stop," Wayne says. "A third of the animals are purebreds—go to a breed rescue group. And if you insist on going to a breeder, go visit the breeder, talk to them. See the condition of the animals, especially the breeding females."

Resources to help you fight puppy mills
What you need to know before you get a puppy
What you need to know about animal shelters and responsible breeders
Change the world you live in

Pet Health : Dental Disease Is Overlooked

Dental disease in pets is actually one of the most common and most overlooked pet diseases. Proper tooth and gum exams are now part of a regular veterinary visit because dental health is an essential aspect of your pet’s long-term health.

What are the symptoms of pet dental disease?

Bad breath is the most common symptom of poor pet dental health. Some other symptoms include swollen gums, difficulty or pain when chewing, excess tartar, poor appetite, and weight loss. If your pet has gingivitis, you want to make sure that it does not escalate to periodontal disease, which could cause the infection to spread to other organs.

How is it diagnosed?

Dental disease can only be diagnosed after a complete oral examination which is performed by a veterinarian. Following the oral exam most veterinarians will also look for other common signs of dental disease. Once the disease is diagnosed the veterinarian can then set up a treatment plan.

How is dental disease treated?

If your pet has a mild form of dental disease, such as tartar or gingivitis, the treatment is a simple cleaning plan, but if tartar or gingivitis is more serious, a veterinarian should perform a professional tooth cleaning. In such cleanings, your pet will be anesthetized to allow for the tartar to be removed from the teeth as well as from under the gum line. Once the tartar is removed, the teeth are cleaned with an antibacterial rinse and are polished to make it more difficult for tartar build up to start again.

How is it prevented?

Pet dental disease is easily preventable. In order to slow down the build-up of tartar and gingivitis, you should feed your pet a prescription diet and brush its teeth regularly. If you cannot brush your pet’s teeth, you can feed them enzyme chews as a substitute. Whatever you choose to do, just remember that dental disease prevention is an important step to ensuring your pet's overall health.

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Here is our Pet Dental product that is available in our online pet pharmacy : http://shop.corneranimal.com/category_s/49.htm

C.E.T.’s exclusive antibacterial system and time-tested Dual-Enzyme System to control plaque and eliminate bacteria buildup. They can be fed as a treat once a day (on non-brushing days) or as directed by your veterinarian. Chews are the easiest method of care for pet owners but should be used with brushing for best results. Contraindications/precautions : Pets with food allergies to beef should avoid these treats since they are made from beef hide.

Feline Leukemia : What Every Cat Owner Should Know

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a serious cat disease that all cat lovers should be aware of. The virus is known to cause many serious health problems such as cancer, blood disorders, and immune deficiencies. FeLV can affect any cat and comes in two stages : Primary Viremia, which is the early stage, and Secondary Viremia, which is the stage that is usually irreversible. Some cats have an immune system that is able to prevent the escalation of the virus to the Secondary Viremia stage though.

How is feline leukemia virus spread?

FeLV is most commonly spread by extensive contact between two cats or kittens. The virus lives in a cat’s bodily fluids and can be transmitted from one cat to another during mutual grooming, from a bite, and through shared litter boxes and food dishes. An infected mother can also pass the virus to her kittens before they are born. However, once outside of the cat’s body, FeLV can only survive for a couple of hours.

Are certain cats at a higher risk for contracting the virus?

All cats are at risk for feline leukemia virus. Currently in the United States, approximately 2 to 3 percent are infected with the virus, but that statistic rises to 13 percent when dealing with young or sick cats. Kittens are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus since their immune systems tend to be weaker than those of adult cats. However, all cats that are exposed to a cat with the virus, either through a bite or extended contact, are at risk for the disease. This includes cats that live with another cat that has the disease, cats that are allowed outside, and kittens that are born to an infected mother.

What are the symptoms of FeLV?

When a cat first becomes infected with the virus, it is common for them not to show any symptoms at all. However as the virus develops over time, the cat’s health will begin to slowly deteriorate. Symptoms of this include :

Loss of appetite and weight loss
Lack of pink or red color in the gums
Chronic illness
Progressive weakness
Persistent diarrhea
Breathing difficulty
Yellow color in the mouth and/or the white of the eyes

How can this virus be diagnosed?

If your cat is displaying symptoms that are associated with FeLV, be sure to bring it to a veterinarian for a blood test. There are two types of blood tests that detect the virus. The first is called, ELISA, which can detect both primary and secondary stages of the disease. The second test, IFA, only detects the secondary stage.

How can I prevent my cat from contracting FeVL?

Since all cats are at risk for the virus, the only true way to protect your cat is to prevent exposure to cats with the feline leukemia virus.

Keep your cats indoors. When they are outside you don’t know what cats they are coming into contact with.

Make sure you are only bringing infection-free cats into a home with uninfected cats.

If you have a cat that is infected, be sure to keep your uninfected cats away from it. Do not allow them to use the same litter box or food bowl.

Consider getting the feline leukemia virus vaccination for your uninfected cats.

Remember that the feline leukemia virus is a serious disease for cats. Make sure that you keep your cat protected from it and bring it to the veterinarian if see any of these symptoms.

Pets Benefit Your Health

People love having pets. They are loyal friends that have comforted people for years. But did you know that having a pet can actually benefit your health? For the past 25 years, research has shown that people that live with pets tend to be healthier than those who do not. Pets have been proven to do a number of things to help improve your health - including lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity, and even improving mood.

The Calming Effect

Pets help keep people healthy and active both physically and mentally. Research has reported finding pet owners to be less stressed than non-pet owners. People with less stress tend to also be more physically healthy. For example, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and be at a lower risk for heart disease.

One study done at the New York State University at Buffalo studied 48 male and female stock brokers who suffered from high blood pressure and no other medical disorders. The participants all lived alone with no pet for at least five years. Half of the participants were given a pet to take home and the other half were not. After six months, researchers found that the group of stockbrokers that now had pets also had significantly lower blood pressure than the stockbrokers that did not.

Allergy Fighters

Many people worry that if they bring a pet into a home where there are allergy-prone children, the children will be more likely to develop a pet allergy. However, recent studies have proved just the opposite. Children who grow up in homes with animals tend to be less likely to develop allergies and asthma. The results of one study claimed that children growing up with a dog were 14 percent less likely to develop pet allergies. They were also less likely to develop eczema, a common skin allergy. Researchers suggest that this may prove that pets help boost childrens’ immune systems.

Alleviating Loneliness

Dogs have proved to be great companions for the elderly. Even if the dog is just a walking partner, they provide exercise and companionship for its owner. Research has also shown that Alzheimer patients that have pets tend to have fewer anxious outbursts. One insurance company even asks its clients over 75 if they have a pet as part of their screening process.

Pets have also been proven to help people with depression and diseases that commonly cause depression. For example, people with AIDS who have pets reportedly have lower levels of depression. Playing with a pet can raise the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These are neurotransmitters that are known to have a pleasurable and calming effect on the body.

While it has always been known that having a pet can be enjoyable, it is now also known that pets benefit your health. If you are debating if owning a pet is a good idea, use your health as a reason why a pet may be the best new addition to your life!

Dog Skin Disorder Seborrheic Dermatitis : What You Should Know

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a dog skin disorder in which the outer layer of the skin and hair follicles are over productive. The disorder starts on the areas of the dog where the oil glands are the largest - including the scalp, face, and behind the ears. Caused by yeast called pityrosporum ovale, the signs are an inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, and red skin rashes. At first, the symptoms can be similar to that of dandruff, but they will progress gradually to include additional symptoms.

How does a dog get Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic Dermatitis comes in two forms - primary and secondary. Primary Seborrheic Dermatitis is inherited through a recessive trait. A dog with this condition may begin to show signs as young as 10 weeks of age, however they will be very subtle. It is usually between the ages of 12 to 18 months that dogs with primary Seborrheic Dermatitis begin to show clear symptoms.

Secondary Seborrheic Dermatitis is typically seen in older dogs. Secondary infections are either the result of bacteria or yeast. These infections look the same as primary infections but are a reaction to an outside source rather than an inherited trait.

How is it diagnosed?

Many of the symptoms of both primary and secondary Seborrheic Dermatitis are similar to many other common dog skin conditions. If your dog displays any of these signs, it is very important to visit a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will take a small skin biopsy to be sure that your dog has Seborrheic Dermatitis and not a more serious skin condition.

How do I treat it?

Primary Seborrheic Dermatitis requires treatment for the dog’s entire life. There is no cause for the condition, but it can be controlled through the use of shampoos and moisturizers. Malaseb shampoo has proven to be an effective shampoo for the treatment and control of this skin condition. It can be used on dogs as well as on cats and horses. The shampoo should initially be used two or three times a week. As the severity of the condition lessens, then the frequency of use can be lessened. In order for the shampoo to be effective, it is also necessary to make sure that it stays on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes before being rinsed off.

After using the shampoo, use a moisturizer or an after-bath rinse to help retain the moisture and natural oils in your dog’s skin. Even during treatment, be sure to carefully watch your dog’s skin. It is possible for the condition to worsen during treatment. If this occurs, be sure to see your veterinarian right away to determine a better healing method for your dog.

Click here to get Malaseb Shampoo from our online pet pharmacy http://shop.corneranimal.com/product_p/10137.htm

How Do I Choose A Veterinary Hospital?

Choosing the right veterinary hospital for you and your pet is almost as important as actually choosing your pet! It’s a good idea to choose the hospital before you choose your new pet. That way if you have a sudden emergency, you will not have the added stress of picking a veterinary hospital on the spot. Start your search by asking family and friends for recommendations. Doing this helps you begin to narrow down the hospitals. Once you have done that, visit the hospitals that are on your list.

Here are some things to keep in mind during your visits to potential veterinary hospitals :

Office hours : Be sure to notice if there are regular office hours and make sure that the hours work with your schedule. Also make sure you find out who covers the hospital when the veterinarian is not available.

Professional staff : The attitude of the staff is very important when choosing a hospital. Take notice of how routine phone calls are handled. Find out if you can request appointments with specific veterinarians and most importantly, make sure that you feel comfortable talking to the entire staff.

Services : Some hospitals offer services that others do not. Find out what kinds of services are offered at the hospital you’re visiting.

Emergency care : Not all veterinary hospitals handle emergencies, especially after hours. If the hospital doesn’t handle during or after hour emergencies, find out if they have an affiliate hospital where they send their patients to in the case of an emergency.

Fees and payment : Find out what types of payment the hospital accepts. Also, are payments required on the day of a visit, or can you use a payment plan?

Professional affiliations : Find out if the veterinarians are part of any national veterinary associations.

Facility : Take a tour of the hospital and make sure that it looks clean and orderly. Also, check for any foul odors.

Once you have made sure that the hospital facilities meet your standards and expectations, you want to make sure that you are comfortable with the veterinarian as well. You should be able to comfortably communicate with your pet’s doctor. Make sure that you feel that you can ask questions and that the answers are clearly explained. Your relationship with your veterinarian is essential to your pet’s health. Your pet cannot tell the doctor when something is not right, so you need to be able to.

Choosing the right veterinary hospital is an important step in choosing a new pet. Be sure to carefully choose your hospital. Be sure that your pet is going to be as important to the veterinarian as it is to you!

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Corner Animal Hospital : Online Pet Pharmacy & Veterinary Service
http://www.corneranimal.com/

Buy the Medications Your Pet Needs With Confidence. Owned by Ivy League Educated Dr. Dorothy Hayes and Dr. Judith Lombardi Daniels. "We treat your pets as family members. Their health and comfort are our primary concern."

Pet Products: Why Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Clean Is Important

Did you know that your dog’s dental health is just as important as yours? Just imagine what would happen to your mouth if you did not brush your teeth regularly. Well, the same thing will happen to your dog’s mouth if you do not clean their teeth.

There are two main types of bacteria in your dog’s mouth that can cause disease and infection:

• Plaque. Plaque is the initial build-up of bacteria and sugars on your dog’s teeth. It is a sticky, colorless film that is constantly forming. It is the main cause of mouth and gum disease.

• Calculus or Tartar. Tartar is plaque that has hardened on the teeth. It can also form underneath the gum. Tartar gives plaque more surface area to grow on and a stickier surface to adhere to.

A number of diseases and infections can develop as a result of tartar and plaque. These infections occur not only in the dog’s mouth, but also in other parts of the body:

• Gingivitis is an inflammation of your dog’s gums as a result of a buildup of plaque and tartar.

• Periodontitis is an oral cavity disease that attacks the gum, bone, and tissues around the teeth.

• Pyorrhea is an inflammation of the gum and tooth sockets, often resulting in puss and the loosening of teeth.

• Caries is the decalcification of the tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

• In addition to infection of the mouth and gums, tartar and other mouth infections can contain bacteria that can spread to other parts of your dog’s body, infecting the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract and joints.

In order to prevent infection in your dog’s mouth, you need to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. There are many ways to do this:

• Tooth brushing. This is the best way to prevent tartar. Veterinarians recommend that all dogs have their teeth brushed at least twice a week. You can buy special toothpaste and toothbrushes just for your dog.

• CET Chews. While tooth brushing is the best way to protect your dog’s oral health, it is true that most people don’t have the time or patience to brush their dog’s teeth multiple times a week. Giving your dog chews is another way to maintain oral health. CET chews are made of tough rawhide that has been treated with enzymes to help control plaque buildup. This makes them more effective than regular chews. CET chews work to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and clean and its breath fresh. You can either use them daily or on the days when brushing just isn’t possible.

• Drinking Water Additives. This is another great way to control the plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth and it’s really easy to use. Simply add the medication to your dog’s water bowl. Drinking water additives reduces plaque and tartar by killing the bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Using drinking water additives also helps to reduce tooth decay.

Maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects in maintaining their overall health. Prevention of oral disease should be a regular part of your dog’s grooming routine. Whether you choose to use brushing, chews, drinking water additives, or a combination of the three, be sure to consistently support your dog’s oral health. They’ll love you for it!

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Here is our Pet Dental product that is available in our online pet pharmacy : http://shop.corneranimal.com/category_s/49.htm

C.E.T.’s exclusive antibacterial system and time-tested Dual-Enzyme System to control plaque and eliminate bacteria buildup. They can be fed as a treat once a day (on non-brushing days) or as directed by your veterinarian. Chews are the easiest method of care for pet owners but should be used with brushing for best results. Contraindications/precautions : Pets with food allergies to beef should avoid these treats since they are made from beef hide.

Veterinary Supplies : How Can I Help My Cat With Hairballs?

Does your cat suffer from hairballs? Hairballs in cats are actually quite common. Cats have many rough projections on their tongues that are called papillae. These papillae are used to help cats groom their fur. While the cat is grooming, it often ingests fur which gets caught in the cat’s stomach or small intestines. This causes a blockage or what is more commonly known as a hairball. Even though they are common, there are ways to help your cat prevent and treat them.

What types of cats are most susceptible?

There are three different types of coats that your cat can have: short hair, medium hair, and long hair. Cats with long hair get hairballs more often. Cats with soft fur also tend to get more. The soft fur sticks to the tongue easier than coarse fur. Indoor cats are also more likely to get hairballs. Since they do not spend time exploring outdoors, they spend more time grooming.

What are the symptoms?

Vomiting is the most common symptom of a hairball. The vomit may or may not contain fur. Other symptoms include not eating as often or as much, and hiding because they do not feel well.

How can I help to prevent them?

To prevent hairballs, you need to help your cat reduce the amount of fur they ingest and help the fur that is ingested pass easily through the digestive system. The best way to reduce the amount of hair that is ingested is to thoroughly brush your cat daily. Make sure to use a good wire brush, which pick up hair that your cat would otherwise lick up. Brush your cat for 5 to 10 minutes each day, making sure that the brushing is done slowly from head to tail. Most cats love being groomed and will enjoy the daily activity.

You should also let your cat go outside and eat some grass. Grass works as a laxative that helps them pass hair through their digestive systems. It also helps them to vomit up hairballs that have already formed in their stomach or intestines.

How do I treat hairballs?

To help the ingested fur pass through the digestive system, you could give your cat an intestinal lubricant, such as Laxatone. The lubricant breaks down the cat’s fur and keeps it from sticking to the lining of the stomach and intestines. To give your cat the lubricant, simply put a few drops on their nose or paw and let them lick it off. The recommended dose in cats is ½ to 1 teaspoonful for 2 to 3 days, then ¼ to ½ teaspoonful 2 to 3 times a week. If vomiting increases or continues after the treatment, bring your cat to the veterinarian for a more serious treatment.

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Pet Care: The Annual Physical Exam and What to Expect

Is it time to bring your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup? Are you unsure of what to expect? It’s actually very important to understand what your veterinarian does to your pet during its annual exam. This helps you recognize when your pet is healthy and also if something is wrong. Here are the normal procedures that a veterinarian goes through on an annual physical exam:

Temperature
Taking the temperature of your pet is one the most important parts of the physical exam. A dog or cat’s average temperature is somewhere between 101 and 102.5 degrees. Even if an animal seems healthy, a veterinarian can often tell that something is not right if the animal has a high temperature.

Skin and Coat
A healthy pet should have a shiny coat and clean skin. A brittle, dry coat or flaky skin is an indication that something is wrong. If the skin and coat are not healthy, the veterinarian will likely suggest that you switch your pet from a grain-based diet to a meat-based diet. Within a few weeks, your pet’s skin and coat should be much healthier.

Ears
Normal ears should have smooth skin and should be without any wounds. The ears should be clean, dry and almost odor free. If your pet has an allergy or ear infection, you should be able to see it. However, infections usually start deep in the ear canal. The veterinarian will check for any infections that are in the early stages in order to eliminate them before they become a problem. Your veterinarian can prescribe any necessary medications and can show you the correct way to clean your pet’s ears.

Eyes
The veterinarian will examine the interior of your pet’s eye structures. Usually, pets do not have serious eye problems. The most common eye irritations among pets stem from contact with pollen, dust, or grass.

Paws and Toenails
Paw injuries usually heal on their own relatively quickly, but if your pet has really long toenails, they should be clipped shorter.

Mouth
Often pets with an infection in their mouth do not display any symptoms. However, many infections can be found in animals’ mouths including infected gums, objects stuck in between teeth, and even tumors.

Abdomen
A seemingly healthy pet can also have problems with its abdomen. A veterinarian can discover that your pet could have bladder stones, a tumor, only one working kidney, or is pregnant. By feeling the outside of your pet’s abdomen, the veterinarian can tell what’s going on in the inside. Often what’s on the inside is just as important, if not more important, than what’s on the outside.

Heart
During any physical exam, it is important that your veterinarian listens to your pet’s heart and lungs. By doing this, they can detect any heart valve or heart rhythm problems. If any heart problems are detected, further testing is usually recommended.

Bringing your pet in for a physical exam is an extremely important part of your pet’s health. Many times, a seemingly normal pet is actually unhealthy. Only a veterinarian would be able to detect such problems. Understanding the physical exam will help you understand your pet’s health and this will help your pet live a long and healthy life.

What Are Heartworms And How Do Pets Get Heartworm Disease?

Heartworms are parasites that attack an animal’s heart and cause congenital heart problems if not detected. They are transmitted from animal to animal, after one is bit by an infected mosquito. Heartworms normally live in the right ventricle of the heart and in the nearby blood vessels.

Adult male and female worms that are living in your pet’s heart produce millions of baby parasites that circulate through your pet’s body. When a mosquito bites an animal with heartworms, it sucks up the baby worms and transmits them to the next animal it bites. Those worms now live in the heart of the newly infected animal, where they become adults and begin to reproduce.

When the baby worms are transmitted into the new animal, it takes approximately 6-7 months for them to become reproducing adult worms. They are only detectable when they are adults, so an animal needs to be infected for at least 6 months before it can be diagnosed through blood tests or X-rays.

Since heartworms can be spread easily from animal to animal, it is important to use preventative measures to protect your pet. Veterinarians recommend heartworm prevention for all dogs and as knowledge on heartworms in cats is increasing, prevention for cats is also becoming common.

In order to protect your pets from heartworm disease:

· Make sure you have your pet tested for heartworms before you begin to give them preventatives- unless they are less than 7 months old. If your pet is over 7 months and is started on preventative heartworm medication without initial testing, they are at risk for serious reactions to the medication.

· Puppies should be given a heartworm preventative by the time they are 8 weeks old.

· Puppies should be tested once they are 7 months old even if they are taking preventative medication.

· Dogs should be tested on a regular basis. Testing should be done every 2-3 years if the dog is regularly given the preventative medication, and every year if any doses of the medication were missed.

· In cats, one heartworm can cause sudden death, but it is difficult to test in cats. You can start the preventative medication without an initial test.

· Cats do not display the same symptoms as dogs. The symptoms in cats are similar to those of other common cat diseases. It is important to remember the possibility that such symptoms can be because of heartworm.

It is important to protect your pets from heartworms because it can be a fatal disease. However, if they are detected in your dog, there are curable treatments to use. A series of injections cause the adult heartworms living in the heart to die. The worms then continually break up into smaller pieces until they are small enough for the body to absorb. While this is happening, the dog’s heart is working harder than usual, so it is important that the dog does not do any strenuous exercise for 5 weeks. After 5 weeks, the dog is given a one day treatment to rid its body of the baby worms. Be sure that your dog receives a follow up test 6 months after the treatment to ensure that the heartworms are gone. There are currently no heartworm treatments for cats yet. The best way to treat a cat infected with heartworms is to begin using preventative medications to help alleviate your cat’s symptoms.

Getting A New Pet : Things to Consider

While many people think that choosing a new pet is a small decision that doesn’t require too much thought, think again. It is actually an important life decision- sometimes being a 10 year commitment or more. It is imperative to pick a new pet that is right for you and your family. Here are some questions to consider when you are picking out your new pet :

1. Most importantly, what type of pet do you want? Think about your lifestyle- what do you like and what do you want your pet to bring to your life? Research different types of pets and then talk to someone who has the type of pet that you are considering.

2. Do you have time to take care of a pet? Some pets require a larger time commitment than others. Puppies, for example, are a big commitment. They can’t be left alone and they need to be played with and trained.

3. Can I have a pet where I currently live? Many rentals have rules against pets or restrictions on the type of pet you can have. Some landlords have an additional fee. If you can have a pet where you live, you need to decide what type you have enough room for. Small dogs and cats can get their necessary daily exercise indoors or in small yards, while larger dogs may need to have more space to run freely.

4. Do you know the local animal control laws? Some communities require licenses of pets and some limit the number of pets that you can have.

5. Can I afford it? Pets can be expensive. When choosing a new pet you need to consider the costs for food, grooming, veterinary care, toys, etc.

6. Do you have a veterinarian? If not, you need to choose one in your area that suits your new pet’s needs. Talk to family and friends with pets to find out which veterinarians they like.

7. Do you have someone that can care for your pet while you’re on vacation? Make sure that you have a family member, friend, or neighbor to care of your pet or money to pay for a kennel while you are away.

8. If you have children, what kind of pet do they want? The maturity level of your children is important to consider when choosing a pet. You need to make sure that your children are mature enough to know the right way to treat a pet.

9. If you have other pets, how will they tolerate a new addition? Old pets may get jealous of new ones and they may not get along. When bringing home a new pet, be sure to introduce the animals slowly. Give them their own spaces for a while until they eventually get used to each other. Don’t expect them to be best of friends right away.

10. Does anyone in your home have allergies? Make sure that you talk to your family members and/or those you live with about any allergies they may have before you bring home a new pet.

There are many things to consider when choosing a new pet. It’s an important decision that needs serious thought both for you and the animal. Be sure to do research and familiarize yourself with the type of pet you are considering before bringing it home. This will help to alleviate any problems and ensure that you and your pet will be happy and content for years to come!

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