AnimalCareLaws

Six common mistakes made by cat owners

2010-11-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

Almost all cat owners share one thing in common: they love their cats. However, many of them also fail to realize that cats require specialized care. This lack of understanding often leads to mistakes in providing care for cats. Some of these mistakes are more serious than others, but some prove to be fatal.

Many cat owners mistakenly believe that they can use products that they have purchased for their dog on their cat as well. Unfortunately, this is quite often not true. Many products that are safely used on dogs can actually cause fatal reactions when used on a cat. Examples of these products include many of the flea and/or tick medications marketed for dogs. Another example is pet grooming products that contain ingredients like tea tree oil. Always check the label for any product you use on your cat and follow the directions carefully. Never use products that do not specifically say "for use on cats."
Some people mistakenly believe that the medications they take for their own illnesses or discomforts are safe for their cats also. This is often untrue. Aspirin and acetominophen (Tylenol) are two good examples. Both of these medications can be dangerous for your cat. Never administer any medications to your cat without checking with your veterinarian first.
Weight issues are a big problem for many cats. It is estimated that roughly 50% of our domestic pets are overweight. For cats, a little extra weight can be a big problem. It can predispose your cat to developing diabetes, degenerative diseases like arthritis, and much more. Keeping your cat at a lean body weight will keep your cat healthier and give him a longer life. So, feed your cat a high quality diet, measure his food daily if he has a tendency to gain weight and keep him at his ideal body condition.

A book for every dog owner

2010-11-09T13:36:00.001-08:00

A just published book is must reading for anyone who has a dog, whether your pet is in his golden years yet or not. It addresses the important issues of senior dog care, from diet to dementia. It's a great idea for a holiday gift.

"Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy and Comfortable" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; $26) is a practical guidebook written by faculty at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. I wrote a bit about this book a couple of months ago when I saw a preview copy. But now that the hard cover has arrived, I feel even more strongly that it is a very fine piece of excellent reporting.

The book acknowledges that dogs are living longer than ever and due to advances in modern veterinary care, dog owners can choose to have many more procedures so their dog can stay more active.

Keep black cats indoors this Halloween season

2010-10-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows there are many bad things that can happen to pet cats left outdoors, from being run over by a car to ingesting a poisonous substance. These instances of harm rise sharply during Halloween, especially for black cats. Unsupervised teens with no sense and even sadistic adults seek to cause mischief, chiefly by abusing black cats on Halloween.

If such behavior is suspected in your neighborhood, call 911.

Animal shelters place a ban on adopting out black cats during the month of October. This is done to protect them from falling into the hands of those who seek to practice ritual violence on the innocent animals.

Dog owners - know your dog....prevent an attack

2010-10-18T17:09:00.001-07:00

Too many dog owners don't really know, or understand, their dog's behavior. On several occasions over the course of the past few months, I have encountered dogs displaying clear defensive and/or territorial behavior, as well as their owners that had no idea what their dog was doing.

On two occasions, the dogs were off-leash, but in the presence of their owners. One dog was in the back of an SUV - windows cracked.

The off-leash dogs ran towards my family - including myself, my husband, children and dog - tails high, hackles raised, ears back, barking and growling. In both instances, the owners have said the same thing "Don't worry - he wants to play".Umm...nope. Your dog does not want to play. Your dog is waiting for you to indicate if the strangers standing before him are a threat or not.

The other occasion was the SUV dog - only myself and my dog were present this time. The dog was slamming himself against the windows - barking, and growling. Again - "my dogs just wants to play - he is excited". Again, nope - not so much.

Cooking for your bird

2010-10-15T16:55:00.001-07:00

Many people don't realize that birds can and will eat many of the foods we enjoy everyday. They enjoy eating meats, such as chicken or most meats that are safe. I would avoid feeding them foods like shellfish, which can contain toxins, which will be even more of a problem for birds. But most foods we consume each day, birds can enjoy without much concern. There are always need to be limits on everything, and you need to make sure that they don't gain weight to excess.

There are always foods that you can cook specifically for your birds. You will find recipes all over the Internet, and there are several great cookbooks out there with hundreds of recipes for you to follow and create something special for your bird. A variety of tastes and textures makes life more interesting for your bird as well, not to mention being a source of better nutrition for them, if you take proper care in preparing the right foods.

With the holidays approaching, there are many opportunities to include your bird in the festivities, as well as giving them something new to experience. It is important not to let the activities of the holidays take away from the time you spend with your bird. This can have a severe impact on your overall relationship. So if you use the time to create something special for your bird, you will have a happier bird in the end. There are many things we might ordinarily discard, such as the seeds for the pumpkin on Halloween, that can be roasted or dried for a special treat for your bird. Most birds love pumpkin seeds, especially if you incorporate them into a bread or muffin just for your bird.

City Animals May Be Protected from Poison and Traps

2010-10-12T04:44:00.000-07:00

The District of Columbia Council tentatively approved a bill that would create new standards for animal control. The bill applies to companies and their methods of capturing unwanted wild animals, which some consider pests.

The bill would outlaw animal control companies using body-crushing traps, glue, snares, and leg hold traps for catching raccoons, foxes, squirrels and possums. Under the law, poison would no longer be allowed to kill pigeons and sparrows. Glue traps also will not be allowed for snakes; glue traps do not harm snakes so much, but they do catch other species unintentionally and cause much suffering.

The law would require the permissible traps be checked every 24 hours to make sure no animals are stuck in them for long periods, when they might be injured or confined and in stress.

Grooming 101 - Tips

2010-09-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

Brushing your dog on a regular basis will keep him looking good - and cut down on shedding and the dreaded dog-hairs-on-the-sofa syndrome.

Grooming your dog at home with an appropriate brush keeps your dog's hair clean and healthy. There are many brush styles to choose from depending on your dog's size and his coat thickness. Bristle brushes are the most common.

Brush your dog the same way every time. Start by brushing your dog on his back from front to back. Do the top and then go down either side. Pros usually leave the head and ears to last.

Be very gentle during the whole process, but take special care around your dog's face, belly and the base of his tail.

Israel Poised to Be First Country to Ban Fur Trade

2010-09-18T08:16:00.001-07:00

JERUSALEM (Aug. 24) -- Israel is set to become the first country in the world to impose a blanket ban on the import of animal fur -- a move animal rights activists hope will have a domino effect around the world.

On Sept. 2, the Knesset is due to debate the second and third readings of the groundbreaking bill introduced by Ronit Tirosh, a legislator from the opposition Kadima Party, to outlaw the production, processing, import, export and sale of fur from all animal species not already part of the meat industry.

There was some opposition from religious groups representing ultra-orthodox Jews, whose traditional festive headgear, known as a shtreimel, is made partly from fox fur. Tirosh introduced a clause in her proposed legislation allowing for the import of fox fur for religious purposes.

Judge says no need to revise... puppy mill ballot measure

2010-09-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

JEFFERSON CITY • A judge has upheld the wording for a dog breeding measure on the Nov. 2 ballot.

In a judgment issued Friday, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem said the ballot summary prepared by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan should stand because it was "neither insufficient nor unfair" under the law.

Beetem used the same words to sign off on Auditor Susan Montee's cost estimate, which voters also will see.

The ruling was a victory for the Humane Society of Missouri, which circulated initiative petitions to get the proposal on the ballot. Known as Proposition B, it would require anyone who has more than 10 breeding dogs to meet certain standards for housing, food and veterinary care. Owners would be limited to no more than 50 breeding dogs.

Karen Strange, a lobbyist for an animal owners group, filed the suit contesting the ballot wording. In a trial last week, her attorney, Chuck Hatfield, argued that the title was biased.

Church Service Uses A Caged Lion As A Symbol For Satan

2010-09-18T05:42:00.000-07:00

Lately, Florida has been in the news as a hotbed for religious controversy. Now, Pastor Troy Gramling at Flamingo Road Church in Cooper City, Florida may be adding to it. Last week, he rolled out his series of Sunday sermons called "Wild."

Video clip can be seen at http://vimeo.com/14911169

His sermon featured a chained, adult male, 500 pound lion on the pulpit in a small transport cage. For the length of the sermon, the lion paced, moving and rocking the cage back and forth, as the pastor quoted scripture and referred to the lion as a symbol for the devil himself. Next week’s sermon promises to feature pythons representing original sin.

There were no barricades between the transport cage and the congregation. There was only a man sitting next to the cage, a man with some interesting views about wildlife. Jeremy Possman, of Predators Unlimited, supplied this lion for the “show.” He is an alligator wrestler who admits that business has pretty much dried up in that area. So, he has turned to photo ops and traveling exhibits with wild animals.

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8 Things Your Pet Shouldn’t Eat

2010-09-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

Don’t Feed These to Fido

You may share your backyard and even your bed, but it’s probably best to avoid sharing a meal with man’s best friend, or any other pet for that matter. Listed here, from most (1) to least (8) dangerous, are common foods and drinks that make pets sick. If you think your dog, cat, or bird has consumed one of these items and you are concerned, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).

Animal Control officer pulled from duty after cruelly dragging injured dog with shattered legs.

2010-09-15T04:39:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday afternoon, a Labrador Retriever was struck and injured on a Dallas area roadway. According to the Dallas News, the dog suffered even further after animal control showed up to remove the dog from the roadway.

Animal Control officer Charles Jackson was reported as having muzzled the severely injured dog. He then attempted to force the dog with 2 shattered rear legs, and internal bleeding, to walk to the animal control vehicle.

When the dog, who was grievously injured, unable to walk and crying in pain, was unable to walk on his own, Jackson began to drag him to his vehicle. The other animal control officer could see that the dog was suffering and intervened.

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Pets 101: Potential danger lurking in the water - what does Blue Green Algae mean for your dog?

2010-09-15T04:37:00.001-07:00

There aren't many dogs that don't enjoy a day at the water. Bounding after a stick or ball, splashing, swimming...in general having a blast in the great outdoors. The possibility of a lurking danger is most likely the furthest thing from most dog owner's minds.

However, there is a toxin that every dog owner should be made aware of. Blue-green algae can form in any water, but is most visibly apparent in water that is not moving, or stagnant. The algae can cause the water to turn green, and surface scum is often seen.

Blue-green algae is actually a form of bacteria - if ingested, it can make humans or dogs, ill, or it can even cause death. If water is known to be contaminated by the algae, it should not even be allowed to get on the skin.

Currently, the the public health division of the Oregon Department of Human Services, has issued an algae warning for certain areas in the state. Included in the list of potentially dangerous areas are: The Blue River Reservoir, in the Willamette National Forest in Lane County, and the Dorena Reservoir, six miles east of Cottage Grove in Lane County.

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Top 5 Myths about Pit Bulls

2010-09-15T04:36:00.001-07:00

Myth No. 1:

All pit bulls and other so-called “bully breeds” are aggressive.

Fact: Many people wrongly believe that pit bulls are aggressive toward people. Pit bulls were originally developed for fighting with other dogs—not people. In fact, there’s some evidence that pit bulls are actually less aggressive toward people than many other breeds. In tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls had a passing rate of 82% or better -- compared to only 77% of the general dog population. Problems for the pit bull arose when these dogs gained the attention of people looking for a “macho” dog to meet their demands. Like any other breed of dog, pit bulls are shaped by their environment and, if not provided proper socialization and training, can be encouraged to show aggressiveness toward people. Pit bulls that exhibit aggressive behavior toward humans are not typical of the breed type.

Beyond a dog’s breed, factors that affect a dog’s tendency toward aggression include reproductive status, sex, early experience and socialization/training. According to the Centers for Disease Control, these concerns are well-founded, given that:

More than 70 percent of all dog bite cases involve unneutered male dogs.

An unneutered male dog is 2.6 times more likely to bite than is a neutered dog.

A chained or tethered dog is 2.8 times more likely to bite than a dog not chained or tethered.

97 percent of dogs involved in fatal attacks on people in 2006 (the most recent year statistics are available) were not spayed/neutered.

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Finding a Lost Dog or Cat - 10 Ways To Improve Your Odds

2010-09-15T04:35:00.000-07:00

Hans Pama, Flickr
One out of three pets will get lost at some point in their lives. This statistic strikes fear in all pet owners, but there are services and strategies to boost your odds of finding your dog or cat. From simple to high tech, here are 10 things you can do to help bring a missing pet home safely.

1. Collar and ID Tags. Only 2 percent of cats and 15 percent of dogs without tags or microchips will be reunited with their owners, states the American Humane Association. So make sure your cat or dog is wearing a collar and identification tag that bears your current contact information, including phone number.

2. Microchips. Many different companies manufacture pet microchips, which are read with scanners provided to veterinarians, animal control agencies and shelters, etc. According to the American Microchip Advisory Council for Animals, it is best to pick a microchip that operates at the American standard of 125 kilohertz. Be sure to register your contact information and keep the information up to date. Many microchip companies will now accept registration information for another manufacturer's microchip, so consider cross-registering you and your pet with several different microchip databases.

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Pet Disaster Preparedness

2010-09-15T04:33:00.000-07:00

Pet Disaster Preparedness
Planning ahead is the key to keeping yourself and your pets safe if disaster strikes. Follow these tips to make an emergency plan for your pets.

1. Microchip your pets
Microchip identification is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated. Be sure to keep the microchip registration up-to-date, and include at least one emergency number of a friend or relative who resides out of your immediate area.

2. Keep a collar and tag on all cats and dogs
Keep several current phone numbers on your animal’s identification tag. Identification on indoor-only cats is especially important. If your home is damaged during a disaster, they could easily escape.

3. Plan a pet-friendly place to stay
Search in advance for out-of-area pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities, or make a housing exchange agreement with an out-of-area friend or relative. Never leave your pet behind if you evacuate!

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Woman Chains Herself to Dog House in Protest

2010-09-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you saw a dog chained up outside with little or no food and water, day after day, in all types of weather?

Faced with that reality eight years ago, Tamira Ci Thayne decided she had to do something. She founded Dogs Deserve Better (DDB), an animal advocacy organization dedicated to helping dogs forced to live life at the end of a chain. She now has chapters in just about every state.

TAKE ACTION: Help pass anti-tethering law in Pennsylvania!

Aside from actually rescuing, fostering, and adopting out chained dogs, Thayne also found political action is necessary. And Operation Fido's Freedom is the campaign she's waging.

In Thayne's ongoing efforts to get Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1435 passed, Thayne is making a statement. She chained herself to a dog house and placed it on the steps of the capitol building in Harrisburg. She's committed to staying there until action happens on SB1435. When the bill is passed, she will gladly leave.

"In solidarity with chained dogs, I will fast while chained because so many chained dogs go without food or water," Thayne told me via telephone. "It's the lucky ones that get some food and water as often as once a day."

Since August 2, on Monday's through Friday's, between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Thayne is chained to her dog house on the steps of the Harrisburg legislative building.

Extreme? Yes. But Thayne is so dedicated to this cause she is willing to go to immeasurable lengths to achieve her goal. The goal, of course -- no more chained dogs anywhere!

Progress is Slow

Six states now have anti-tethering laws on the books: California, Connecticut, Nevada, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. And some communities throughout the U.S. have anti-tethering laws. But Thayne watched this particular anti-tethering bill languish in the Pennsylvania House and Senate committees for the last six years. And she's had enough.

Enduring all types of weather -- just as all chained dogs do -- Thayne has sat on the steps at Harrisburg through sweltering 95 degree days, as well as drenching rain storms.

Teachers Should Be Required to Report Students Who Abuse Animals

2010-08-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

When I first read the headline Teacher Fired for Reporting Animal Abuse on School Grounds Reinstated, I was appalled at the thought of a teacher getting reprimanded for reporting animal abuse in the first place. Animal cruelty shouldn't be taken lightly, especially not by the people who are supposed to be teaching children.

In April, eight dead baby opposums were found on school grounds in Bath County, Kentucky. They had been tortured. Teacher Lorraine Leadingham discovered who the suspects were and reported them to an outside agency. "I took a stand and put my job on the line for it. And I feel what I did was right." She was fired for it. The independent tribunal who overturned her firing saw her good intentions for what they were, especially since school officials were trying to sweep the incident under the rug because the suspects were "children of prominent community citizens."

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The Most Avoidable Cause of Death in Dogs

2010-07-11T17:44:00.001-07:00

When it's 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car will hit 99 degrees in 10 minutes. After 20 minutes, it reaches 109 degrees. You may not have known the numbers, but the fact that it's a lot hotter in your car than it is outside shouldn't be news to anyone who has ever driven home at the end of a summer work day, or even just a trip to grocery store. So why are people still leaving their dogs in these ovens-on-wheels?

A few days ago, the owner of Harkins Theatres in Scottsdale, Arizona was cited for animal neglect after leaving his Corgi in the car for over an hour. Scottsdale is a hot place to be this time of year — people wrap towels around door handles because they become too hot to touch during the day. Dan Harkins claims his dog wasn't in distress, but if she was left in the car long enough for someone to spot her, call the police, and then for officers to arrive, it was too long. Police said the temperatures were in the triple digits that day; if a car can reach 99 degrees in 10 minutes on an 80 degree day, the math isn't pretty. Unless Mr. Harkins had his air conditioner running (which he didn't), his dog was in danger.

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Language for Animals

2010-07-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

In the English language it is not uncommon to hear people refer to living beings as if they were objects, to demean someone by comparing them to non-human animals, or to use entirely different words and language to describe the behavior of another species, even if that identical behavior is found in humans as well.

The treatment of non-human animals as if they were objects, devoid of feelings and emotions, is what allows the horrific animal exploitation industries to exist. An aspect of this mindset though, may lay in the common language many of us use when speaking of, or about, non-human animals.

Because many people have difficulty distinguishing the sex of other species, they will use the pronoun "it" when referring to non-human animals. Although the use of "It" may be grammatically correct, the connotations that come with it are far reaching.

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Preview for Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home

2010-07-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

2010-07-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

Four months for Md. man who threw Chihuahua off bridge
A man who threw a stranger's 4-pound Chihuahua off a bridge to her death in a fit of anger told the owners Monday that he “was wrong, plain and simple,” before a judge sentenced him to four months in jail.

David M. Beers, 35, an unemployed cell-tower technician and Marine Corps veteran, also must pay a $1,000 fine, perform 300 hours of community service, and pay $318 restitution to Caisha and Timothy Wantz of Jefferson for killing their dog Zoey on June 19, 2009.

Frederick County Circuit Judge G. Edward Dwyer Jr. suspended a three-year prison term and ordered Beers to serve three years of supervised probation after his release.

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How Can I Travel Safely with My Dog?

2010-07-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

How Can I Travel Safely with My Dog?

Dogs can be wonderful traveling companions. But before you hit the road with your furry friend, make sure you know what you need to do to make your dog as safe and comfortable as possible on your journey. These Frequently Asked Questions can help you plan the perfect trip!

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Canine Cancer Consortium

2010-06-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

To study canine cancer, scientists, clinicians, and veterinarians from TGen, the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) and the National Cancer Institute initiated the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium (CHCC), a program designed to study naturally occurring cancers in dogs to better understand why both pets and people get sick. The CHCC will take advantage of new genetic resources and technologies to develop genetic screens, diagnostic tests, and treatments for hereditary canine cancers as well as gain insight into the biology of human disease.
We will analyze collected DNA and RNA samples from dogs for genetic patterns that are associated with cancer. These patterns may form the basis of genetic tests that may lead to detecting a gene that contributes an increased risk for developing cancer over a dog's lifetime. Also, these studies may provide important clues about cancer in people.

How can you help?
The CHCC is soliciting the assistance of dog owners to help us collect blood and tumor samples for our research. We are currently focused on five target cancers (hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, malignant histiocytosis and melanoma), but we are banking DNA samples from dogs with all types of malignancy.

Any affected dog is eligible.

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Renowned Travel Writer Apologizes For Past Support of SeaWorld

2010-06-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

For years, Arthur Frommer, a well-known budget travel writer, has promoted SeaWorld theme parks, particularly the one in Orlando. Not long ago, Frommer even said that, despite the death of Dawn Brancheau--the trainer who was attacked by a captive orca who had been involved in two other deaths--he would still recommend SeaWorld as a tourist attraction. But, recently, after receiving a letter from PETA's Debbie Leahy, an expert on captive animal issues, Frommer acknowleged that he had been heedless of the treatment of captive marine mammals, saying "I am ashamed. I apologize for my former statements and I will no long recommend that tourists patronize the various SeaWold parks."

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