National Cat Health Month

It’s time to celebrate the love you have for your cat and make sure he or she is healthy, happy and safe. Let February be a reminder to you to make that vet appointment and have your pet checked out. And since February is also National Pet Dental Health Month, have the vet check out your pets teeth too.

Take your vets advice. Let them teach you how to take care of all your cats and kitten the correct way from home. We all want our cats happy, healthy and safe so we can enjoy them as a member of our family for many years. And even when our beloved pet becomes sick we all should know how to make the quality of life for our pets the very best.

Americans have a love affair with cats. According to the newly published American Veterinary Medical Association U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, they outnumber dogs: 82 million cats vs. 71 million dogs.

Pet Airways Bumps Pets Up to First Class

Finally, an airline for the discriminating canine traveler takes off. That’s right. Those stuffy cargo days are over for the 76 million jet set pets each year; pets of all sizes are now welcome in the main cabin. The first scheduled airline designed exclusively for pet passengers, Pet Airways (PAWS) welcomes pets aboard its specially equipped cabins by Spring-Summer 2009.

A huge relief for pet people everywhere, the introduction of this much-needed airline will help reduce the number of pets injured, lost (and worse) on airlines, and our big dogs now have alternatives. Currently, any pet too big to sleep under the cabin seat must be shipped as cargo (and are likely treated accordingly). And pet cargo travel is not even available when outside temperatures are below 45 or above 85 degrees.

Just imagine – bright, climate-controlled, pressurized cabins staffed by trained pet attendants every step of the way. Potty breaks and fresh food and water at scheduled stops, medications administered for pups that need them, it’s finally here. Your furry “pawsenger” will lounge on board Pet Airways FAA regulated fleet of twenty Falcon 20, Convair 580 and 5800 and B-727-100 aircraft. Initial routes are scheduled from New York to Los Angeles with stops in Washington DC, Chicago and Denver into smaller, less crowded airports for faster boarding. All this for fares starting as low as $150 per pet, based on size and distance traveled.

You can even enroll your dog in the Pet Airways MyPAWS Club for discounts on pet-friendly hotels, pet insurance, medications and even supplies at the PetAirways online store. Become a Platnuim MyPAWS Club member before the end of January for $49.99 and get a free Pet Airways Flight.

With so few airlines opening their cabins to pups on the go, this is tail-wagging news for jet set pets across the map. www.petairways.com

Police call ends in laughter

TRENTON, New Jersey - Cries for help inside a house in New Jersey turned out to be nothing but a talkative cockatoo.

Neighbors called police Wednesday morning after hearing what they believed was a woman's persistent cry of "Help me! Help me!" coming from a house. Officers arrived and when no one answered the door, they kicked it in to make a rescue, The Times newspaper reported.

But instead of a damsel in distress, officers found a caged bird with a convincing call.

It was not the first time the 10-year-old bird named Luna said something that brought authorities to the home of owner Evelyn DeLeon.

About seven years ago, the bird cried like a baby for hours, leading to reports of a possible abandoned baby and a visit to the home by state child welfare workers. But it was only Luna practicing a newfound sound, DeLeon told the newspaper.

DeLeon says her bird learns much of her ever-growing vocabulary from watching television, in both English and Spanish.

Daring Rescue

A dog-owner risked his life by plunging into a frozen lake to save his pet.

Walkers were stunned to see the man dive into the water, despite repeated warnings for him not to. He had been shouting at his black cocker spaniel 'Jarvis' to come back to the shore after it ran onto the ice chasing ducks. The dog became trapped in water which had not frozen over in the center of the lake. After five minutes of frantic doggy paddling, the dog was struggling to keep his head above the surface and was not able to climb back on to the ice.

His owner quickly removed some of his clothes, despite the sub-zero temperatures, and stepped off the bank, smashing the ice as he went neck-deep into water. Both emerged shivering from the cold but the owner simply shook himself dry and calmly walked away.

University lecturer Julie Brown, 46, captured the drama at Alkrington Woods in Middleton, Greater Manchester on New Year's Day and described the man as being as 'cool as a cucumber'. 'The dog was struggling and started going under. It was very traumatic and people were screaming. My daughter was petrified,' she said. 'I don't know who he is but I'd like to congratulate him for being so brave.'


Alkrington Angling Club's Lee Fairbrother said the rescuer was 'lucky to come out alive'. He said: 'The water may be shallow, but under that you have five-foot of silt which can pull you under like quicksand.'

A fire service spokesman said: 'We advise people not to let their dog run on ice. They can end up in very dangerous circumstances.' smashing magazine

Show Your Pet How Much You Care

We love our pets more than ever. They are no longer just a diversion. In fact, they have become like children in the home for many of us. From the stories that Healthypet visitors share with us, it seems that you feel the same way. Pets entertain us, make us laugh, and love us unconditionally. What can we do to show them our thanks?

Following is a list of things you can do to show your pet how much you care:

Spend quality time with them by going for a walk, hanging out in the back yard, playing games with their favorite toys, or snuggling with them as you watch TV.

Always get them immediate veterinary care if you suspect that something is wrong. If you don't have a solid relationship with your veterinarian, work on that for the sake of your pet. In this time of managed human health care, your pets often get better, more consistent, individualized care than we do. A respected veterinarian is your greatest ally.

Feed them healthy food intended for their consumption, not potato chips, cookies, and other fatty human foods.

Protect them from home hazards and from extremes of weather. They cannot protect themselves.

Update your pet's identification tags. Many of us move or change phone numbers but forget to update the tags. Perish the thought, but if your pet gets lost, it's one of the best tools to ensure a safe return. On that note, fix that fence if it is a problem. And if you have a master escapee in your home, talk to your veterinarian or a noted trainer in your area regarding appropriate, humane behavior modification for your pet.

10 West VIrginia Dogs Need Help

Listed above from left to right: Apache, Butchy, Sheba, Buck, Diamond, Lakota, Xena, Velvet, Cheyenne and Raven.

These dogs have been rescued by a lady who can no longer care for them. They are all healthy and well behaved. Their caregiver is overwhelmed and in tremendous financial debt. If you are able to offer any help in any way - through fostering, adopting, or donating money or food -- it would be greatly appreciated.

For more details or to make a donation, please contact the Animal Welfare League at 301-663-5855.

My 5K Run

Hi, this is Clover, the world's most well behaved Beagle. Woof!
I wanted to tell you about my exciting adventure.

My dad, my sister and I recently participated in our neighborhood Kentlands/Lakekand 5K run. Since my dad and I walk five miles a few times a week, 5K was...What do you say, a piece of cake? Yeah, that. I loved feeling the breeze between my long, floppy ears. I also loved how people admired my speed and athleticism. It was almost as if I was born to be a runner. Don't I look great with the big red numbers across my chest?

I wanted to run as fast as I could and finish in the top ten, but my dad and my sister wanted me to run at their pace. I tried to help them run a little faster by pulling on my leash. My dad did not appreciate that at all. I guess they were getting tired towards the end. I wonder if they were jealous of my energy and four-legged-ness. I will have to ask my sister.

It was a historical day for me. As far as I know, I am the first canine to have participated in my neighborhood 5K run. I can't wait until next year to do this again. Maybe my mom will join us then.

A special needs cat seeks a home!

Chase, a sweet-natured, 8-month old gray cat, was recently diagnosed with feline leukemia in his bone marrow. Although he tested negative for feline leukemia with the blood test, and thus is probably not shedding the virus, he could at some future stage infect other cats. As a result, Chase needs a home where he is an only cat or lives with other feline leukemia positive cats. Right now, Chase is eating like a horse, plays, is exceptionally loving, and his gums are a healthy pink! Currently, Chase must be confined since he cannot be with my other foster cats.

Chase is a beautiful, sweet boy who clearly wants to live! I cannot euthanize him while he is still playing, eating, and full of pep!

I will pay for his food and medication (2 pills once a day) for the duration of his life; Chase deserves to have a nice life for whatever time Chase has. If Chase’s anemia returns, there is little that can be done for him. If, on the other hand, he continues to get stronger and becomes less anemic, he may have a chance to enjoy a few years.

Right now he is a delight! He plays, he is sweet-natured, and loves to be around other cats and people.

I would greatly appreciate any help, advice, or suggestions. Email me at Mary@awlfc.org .

Soft Paws

Hi my name is Mikey. I am a very handsome dog with blue finger nails. No, my mom did not paint them! They are a soft plastic covering called Soft Paws. They help keep me from scratching my mom's hardwood floors. They work really well!

A sticky situation

Of all of the features of your pet hedgehog, probably none stands out more than than the quills. When you really stop to think about it, they really are quite remarkable. They are the main means of defense that a hedgehog has against predators, but they serve some other rather useful purposes as well.

Although scientifically described as being modified hairs, each of the roughly 7000 quills on a hedgehog's back is far more complex than any hair possibly could be. Rather than being solid inside, each is filled throughout with complex network of air chambers. Not only does this make them very lightweight and strong, but it also helps to prevent buckling and breakage.
At the base, the quill narrows to a thin stem where it enters the skin and is firmly anchored in the muscle tissue by a small, ball-shaped follicle. At the opposite end, the quill narrows to a needle-like point and is bent slightly back to provide maximum defense should a predator be interested in having hedgehog for lunch! When attacked, it is the contraction of the two large muscles that run down either side of the hedgehogs body that cause the quills to be raised in defense. When those two muscles are contracted, (much like pulling the draw strings on a purse) they pull against the ball-like base of the quill, drawing it into an upright position. Since the muscles pull different quills in different directions, they tend to crisscross one another, forming a near impenetrable barrier.

They are, however, not only there for defensive purposes. Hedgehogs are noted for being skilled climbers but, like cats, are not very good at getting themselves back down again! When they do come across a drop that they cannot climb down, they will simply roll into a ball and drop, allowing the spines to cushion the fall. To prevent the quills from being damaged or lost, the thin stem just above the skin flexes upon impact. Although we do not recommend you try this at home, wild hedgehogs have been seen dropping from heights of up to 20 feet with no apparent signs of injury! hedgehogcentral.com

Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

In our hearts we know that pets enrich our lives, and in recent years scientific studies have begun to pin-point the ways that companion animals improve our minds and our bodies. Beyond walks and "fetch," beyond lazy days in the sun and eager faces at the end of the day, pets provide documented health benefits.

A 1993 report in the Harvard Health Letter explains that companion animals have more consistent behavior compared to our human companions and that they offer unconditional affection.

The effect: lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety level for pet owners. We repay them with love and attention. In fact, more than 60 percent of pets receive "as much attention as children," according to the 1994 American Animal Hospital Association pet owner survey.

Can I give my cat a bath?

Should cats be given baths? If so, how often? And are there special shampoos?

Cats are generally pretty clean and do not need regular bathing unless they become dirty or have a skin condition. General bathing can be as needed. For a basic cleaning we recommend Hylyt shampoo and creme rinse since it does not strip the essential oils from the pet's fur. Avoid using human shampoos and other human products as they are much too harsh. If your pet has a skin condition, talk to your veterinarian since a special shampoo may be needed for treatment.

Cold Nose, Warm Heart?

A cold, wet nose is one sign of good health in dogs and cats. However, even a healthy pet can have a warm, dry nose on occasion. On the other hand, really sick pets can also have cold, wet noses.

What does all this mean?

Simply that any one indicator of health is not 100 percent accurate all the time. Sick pets with cold noses should be seen by your veterinarian. And by the same token, pets with warm, dry noses that are showing other symptoms such as lethargy or not eating should also be seen by a doctor.