Kingsbrook Animal Hospital's Blog

Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian

2012-02-08T12:23:00.001-05:00

The following tips will help make veterinary visits easier for you and your cat.

Understanding your Cat’s Behavior

• Cats are most comfortable with the familiar, and need time to adjust to the unfamiliar. The visit to the veterinarian is often difficult because the carrier, car, and the veterinary hospital are usually unfamiliar. Respect your cat’s need for time to become familiar with new situations, people and places.

• Stay calm. Cats can sense our anxiety or frustrations, which may cause them to become fearful or anxious.

• Cats do not learn from punishment or force. Give rewards to encourage positive behavior. For example, if your cat is sitting calmly in or near a carrier, give a treat. Likewise, rewards can be given to help your cat become familiar with the type of handling that may be encountered at the veterinarian (e.g., handling paws, ears and mouth). A treat is what is highly desirable to your cat, which may be in the form of food, play or affection. Be persistent and reward every time.

Helping Your Cat Become Comfortable with the Carrier

The goal is for your cat to learn to associate the carrier with positive experiences and routinely enter voluntarily.

• Make the carrier a familiar place at home by leaving it in a room where your cat spends a lot of time.

• Place familiar soft bedding inside the carrier. Bedding or clothing with your scent can make them feel more secure.

• Place treats, catnip or toys inside the carrier to encourage the cat to enter at home. Often, you will first see that treats are removed from the carrier during the night.

• It may take days or weeks before your cat starts to trust the carrier. Remain calm, patient and reward desired behaviors.

• If you still have trouble, you may need to assess the carrier itself.

Getting an Unwilling Cat into the Carrier

If your cat needs to go to the veterinarian right away, and is not yet accustomed to the carrier, the following may help:

• Start by putting the carrier in a small room with few hiding places. Bring the cat into the room and close the door. Move slowly and calmly. Do not chase the cat to get it into the carrier. Encourage the cat with treats or toys to walk into the carrier.

• If your cat will not walk into the carrier, and your carrier has an opening on the top, gently cradle your cat and lower it into the carrier. Another option is to remove the top half of your carrier while getting the cat to go into the bottom half, and then calmly replace the top.

• Use familiar bedding inside the carrier. Consider use of synthetic feline facial pheromone (Feliway®) analog spray in the carrier at least 30 minutes prior to transport to help calm the cat.

Coming Home – Keeping the Peace in a Multi-cat Household

Cats are very sensitive to smells, and unfamiliar smells can result in one cat no longer recognizing another. Aggressive behavior can occur when one cat senses another as a stranger. These suggestions can help avoid problems between cats following a veterinary visit:

• Leave the returning cat in the carrier for a few minutes to see how all of your cats react.

• If all cats appear calm and peaceful, let the returning cat out of the carrier.

• If you sense tension between the cats, or if previous home-comings have
resulted in conflict, keep the cat in the carrier and take it to a separate room to avoid potential injury from an upset cat. Provide food, water and litter box for a minimum of 24 hours while it regains the more familiar smell of home.

• If there is still stress after this time, contact your veterinarian for more advice on slower introduction or medication to help the process.

• A synthetic feline pheromone (Feliway®) can help provide the sense of familiarity.

• For future visits: – Use familiar bedding or clothing with your scent, as it retains the smell of home and helps with reintroduction. – Use a synthetic feline pheromone (Feliway®). – Bring both cats to the veterinary practice together. This can prevent
future conflict as both cats will carry the scent of the clinic.

For more information visit the American Association of Feline Practitioners website, http://www.catvets.com/. For a copy of the handout Getting Your
Cat to the Veterinarian , visit:
http://catvets.com/uploads/PDF/2011FelineFriendlyClientHandout.pdf

Smooches for Pooches & Kisses for Kittens

2012-02-05T12:09:00.003-05:00

Show your love and support in this month of hearts and flowers to all our furry friends by making a donation
and...
Help Your Favorite Veterinary Practice Win
The First Annual Campaign!

Simply make a donation and write your pet's name on the slip.

At the end of February the office with the most slips will win lunch provided by Dutch's Daughter and Crossroads Animal Referral & Emergency!

All funds will be donated to area animal charities and for each slip returned, Crossroads Animal Referral and Emergency(CARE) will donate $1 as a matching contribution.

Dog Birthday Cake Recipes

2012-02-01T14:27:00.000-05:00

Peanut Butter Delight Dog Birthday Cake

1 cup white or whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)

Mix together flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into a ring mold sprayed with a nonstick spray for 40 minutes.

Frost this cake with low fat cottage cheese and decorate with carrot pieces. Store in refrigerator.

Banana Carob Chip Dog Birthday Cake
2 cups water
2 ripe bananas
1/8 tsp vanilla
3 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 Tbs baking powder
1 egg
2 Tbs honey
1/2 cup carob chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)

In a mixing bowl combine water, bananas, vanilla, egg and honey. Add whole wheat flour and baking powder. Mix well. Pour mixture into an 8-inch cake pan sprayed with a nonstick spray. Sprinkle carob chips on top. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Decorating suggestion: Make both the Cinnamon and Carob frostings (below), then ice the cake with one, and use the other as a decorative trim.

Cinnamon Frosting:

Combine the following ingredients and blend thoroughly:
12 ounces nonfat cream cheese (room temperature)
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey

Carob Frosting:

Combine the following ingredients and blend thoroughly:
12 ounces nonfat cream cheese (room temperature)
3 tsp carob
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey

Makes One 8-inch cake.

Banana Peanut Dog Birthday Party Cake

2/3 cup ripe mashed bananas
1/2 cup softened safflower margarine
3 large eggs
3/4 cup Water
2 cups unbleached white flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)

In mixing bowl, beat together mashed banana and butter until creamy. Add eggs and water. Beat well. Stir in dry ingredients. Beat until smooth. Add nuts. Spoon batter evenly into oiled and floured bundt pan. Bake for about 35 minutes. Cool on wire rack 5 minutes, remove from pan, replace on rack and cool.

To make Banana Carob frosting, combine the following ingredients and blend thoroughly:

2 cups ripe banana, mashed
1 Tbs butter
6 Tbs carob powder
2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbs Unbleached flour
1 tsp cinnamon

Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and enjoy!!

Environmental Awareness

2012-01-29T12:10:00.003-05:00

It is a hot topic in our nation and people on many levels are trying to be more aware of their carbon foot print.
From at home recycyling programs to major corporations making an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle we have come a long way but still have a lot of work to do.

Kingsbrook Animal Hospital like any other small business uses a lot of resources on a daily basis to conduct our business. As a small business we have tried to minimize our carbon foot print by implementing the use of many environmentally friendly products such as Biokleen floor and surface cleaner and laundry detergent, Ecover cream scrub, glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and fabric softner, Marcal toilet paper, Seventh Generation paper towels, and Earth Friendly Products dish soap.

We also recycle as many resources in the hospital as we can. We recycle plastic, metal, paper and cardboard. We encouraged our property manager to install a cardboard recycling bin in our waste collection area which is now being used by us as well as the other businesses in our center.

No act is too small and we as a community should all take part and do what we can. Here are some helpful online resources.

www.frederickcountymd.gov
www.biokleenhome.com
www.ecoverdirect.com
www.seventhgeneration.com
www.marcalsmallsteps.com

Check Your Vaccine Routine

2012-01-25T14:25:00.000-05:00

While today's cat and dog vaccines are extremely safe, there's a growing concern about ovarvaccination and potential problems this may be causing in our pets. The majority of core vaccinesfor cats and dogs in the U.S. are approves for every three years. While the vaccines may work for longer than three years in many individuals, this is the minimum amount of time they've been shown to be effective. It's basically a safety net to make sure all pets are protected, regardles of their individual immune responses.

So, how would we know if your dog has an immune repsonse to distemper that lasts five years instead of three? It is possible to test the level of antibiodies in the bloodstream of some of these diseases. Of course, this is not a perfect system and circulating antibodies do not necessarily mean there is an adequate immune response (esentially, there are just too many "moving parts" for this to be a direct relationship).

However, testing these antibody levels can give us enough information that many veterinarians are comefortable foregoing some annual vaccinations. The specific tests are called antibody titers-the blood is diluted, or "titrated," and then tested at each dilution level until it tests negative for antibodies. Positive tests at a high level of dilution (a high titer) indicate a higher level of antibodies in the blood.

While many pet parents (and veterinarians!) are comfortable receiving core vaccines at regular intervals, antibody titers offer a possible alternative. As with many areas of veterinary medicine, interpretation of vaccine titers is a contentious issue-discuss it with your veterinarian to see wether they feel it might be a viable option for you and your pets.

Fetch 2011 no.2 issue 9

Urban Potty Adventures

2012-01-22T11:21:00.000-05:00

When you gotta go, you gotta go. But's that easier said than done when you've got four paws in the heart of a sprawling metropolis. Housebreaking a puppy or newly adopted adult dog can be a frustrating challenge, especially when you add in the element of an urban environment.

it's a (concrete) jungle out there
As with housebreaking a puppy anywhere, urban pet parents should rely on a consistent schedule and lots of patience. Expect your new addition to make mistakes, especially early in the training. And expect housebreaking to take at least a month, often more (especially if your new dog is an adult). While your dog is learning when and where to eliminate, it is important that you either actively watch him, or keep him in the comfort of his crate to avoid unwanted accidents.

out of bounds
One drawback of housebreaking in a condo or apartment can be a lack of quick access to the outdoors. In the early stages of housebreaking in the city, it's best to have a backup potty place indoors, such as a piddle pad, for your puppy to use if he can't get outside in time.

holding their own
Remember that puppies can't be expected to hold their bladders as long as adult dogs. A good rule of thumb is one hour more than your pup's month of age. When it's time, take your pup outside to the same spot each time. Talk to your dog and let him know that it's time to go potty, using the smae phrase each time to cue him. Praise him when he's done a good job, and reward him afterwards with playtime or a long walk.

are we there yet?
If your pet is new to city living, you may face and additional challenge-the lack of green space. Many dogs understand that grassy areas are the place to go, and a move to the concrete jungle can be confusing. In these cases, find the closest dog park or grassy area (not the nearest flower bed if you'd like your neighbors to welcome you) and gradually acclimate your dog to city life.

no train, no gain
Many urban dwellers can train their dogs to use a litter box, much like a cat. Real or artificial grass boxes are available and can be very convenient, especially on cold winter nights. Don't let this stop you from continuing training, though, so your pet understands it is also apporpriate (and preferred) to go outdoors.

Fetch 2011 No. 3 Issue 9

Cold Weather Tips From ASPCA

2012-01-18T11:25:00.000-05:00

Brrrr—it's cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him, and his fur, in tip-top shape.

Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

White House Responds to Citizen Petition to Stop Puppy Mills FROM ASPCA

2012-01-15T11:22:00.000-05:00

In the final days of 2011, the White House issued an official response to the online petition asking President Obama to crack down on puppy mills. The petition focused on the loophole in the federal Animal Welfare Act that allows high-volume breeders who sell puppies online and directly to the public to avoid inspections and basic oversight. The response, signed by Rebecca Blue, United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, outlines the USDA’s plans to improve oversight of commercial dog breeders and to issue new rules to regulate those who sell puppies over the Internet.

“The existing regulations were drafted pre-Internet. They allow many commercial breeders to operate without a license and without any inspections—meaning they are not accountable to anyone for their breeding and care standards,” says Cori Menkin, Senior Director of the ASPCA’s Puppy Mills Campaign. “The ASPCA is encouraged that the USDA has committed to help end the suffering of millions of breeding dogs and protect consumers by finally closing this loophole.”

The petition was posted in September 2011 by The Humane Society of the United States, The Humane Society Legislative Fund and the ASPCA. More than 32,000 Americans signed on, making it one of the most popular petitions on the White House’s We the People website.

To learn more about the ASPCA’s campaign to eradicate puppy mills, please visitwww.NoPetStorePuppies.com.

What Foods to Avoid in Dogs

2012-01-11T13:21:00.001-05:00

You've probably heard it a thousand times before, but just in case you HAVEN'T heard it- here is a list of foods that WE love, but are poisonous for our dogs.

Not to rush it- but the holidays will be here before we know it and these are generally the peak times for our loved furry ones to get into these listed types of foods, so now seems as good a time as any for a quick reminder.

Alcoholic Beverages: May cause intoxication, coma, and/or death

Avocados: contains persin which may cause vomiting and diarrhea

Chocolate: contains a chemical compound that is both a heart stimulant and diuretic which maybe fatal(not to mention at holiday time the foil and wrappings chocolate comes packaged in is harsh on the digestive system and can get blocked)

Coffee, Tea and Other caffeinated drinks; caffeine of any kind can be toxic to the heart and nervous system

Fat Trimmings: can cause pancreatitis- an inflammatory process of the pancreas that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdoinal pain

Grapes: contains and unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys, potentially causing renal failure

Hops: contains an unknown compound causing panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures and potentially death

Macadamia Nuts: contains an unknown toxin that can cause paralysis and damage to the nervous system

Mushrooms: may contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death

Yeast Dough: the active yeast culture can cause gas in the digestive tract, creating gastric distress and possible digestive tract ruptures

Onions and Garlic: contain sulfoxides and disulfides that can cause damage to red blood cells potentially causing anemia

Nutmeg: if eaten in large amounts, this oil can cause vomiting and abdominal pain as well as central nervous system excitation

Potato Peelings, Rhubarb and Tomato Leaves: contain oxalates which can cause problems with digestive nervous and urinary tract systems

Sweeteners (Xylitol): can cause very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can result in vomiting, weakness and collapse. In high doses can cause liver failure.

Raisins: see grapes

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435

Maryland Sled Dog Adventures

2012-01-08T11:16:00.001-05:00

We are a small micro mushing kennel of six Siberian Huskies and husky mixes. Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC is central Maryland's only dog sled touring operation.Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC is fully insured and is a licensed Nature Tourism provider with the state of MD.

For more information, go to http://www.marylanddogsledding.com/Index.htm

Thirst for more

2012-01-04T16:33:00.000-05:00

Some things just weren't designed to last forever. No, I'm not talking about your dishwasher! I'm referring to the kidneys of our companion animals and, more specifically, our feline friends. While age-related kidney disease does occur in dogs, cats are much more commonly affected. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is one of the most common diseases in cats over 10 years of age.

Signs of early disease can often be picked up in routine bloodwork. For this reason, many veterinarinas recommend routine blood screenings every year once a cat reaches the age of eight. These routine tests are important because catching the disease early leads to the most successful long term treatment.

Signs you would see at home are, most commonly, increased volume of urine in the litter box (or elsewhere) and increased thirst. In fact, increased thirst is one of the more noticable signs that something may be wrong. You may also notice weight loss, vomiting, lethargy and abnormal behavior, like hiding.

The silver lining is that with regular monitoring by your vet and a sharp eye at home, CRF that is caught early can be successfully treated for many years. Treatment focuses on a change in diet, controlling any contributing factors (like hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure) and fluid replacement therapy (which can often be performed at home). Some facilities are also offering treatments akin to those available for humans, like kidney transplants and dialysis. Your veterinarian can help to let you know what is available and whether she feels it would be suitable for your pet.

Fetch Spring/Summer 2010

More Aflatoxin-Related Dog Food Recalls Revealed

2012-01-03T13:29:00.002-05:00

Food Recalls

More Aflatoxin-Related Dog Food Recalls Revealed

by News Desk | Dec 29, 2011

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted two dog food recall notices on its website Wednesday, including one dated Dec. 12 and an "updated" alert dated Dec. 14, more than two weeks ago.

Both recalls of dry dog food were the result of elevated levels of aflatoxin, caused by fungus on grains such as corn that in significant quantities can cause liver damage in pets. These recalls are apparently related to the Dec. 7 announcement by manufacturer Cargill Animal Nutrition that it was pulling dry dog food off the market because of excess amounts of aflatoxin.

Aflatoxin, which cannot exceed 20 parts per billion under FDA standards, has been found in levels above that in dog food produced at Cargill's plant in LeCompte, LA and in Iams puppy food manufactured by Proctor and Gamble in Henderson, N.C. Advanced Animal Nutrition recalled its Dog Power food, also for elevated aflatoxins.

All the companies have said that, to date, no illnesses or adverse affects have been reported in connection with the recalled dog food, but did not explain why dog food was on the market for more than a year before it was tested for aflatoxins.

O'Neal's Feeders Supply of DeRidder, LA, said it has recalled dry Arrow Brand dog food manufactured over an entire year -- between Dec. 1, 2010, and Dec. 1, 2011 -- because it contains corn detected to have higher than acceptable levels of aflatoxin.

O'Neals said the recall applies only to dog food distributed in Louisiana and Texas with packaging date codes lot numbers 4K0341 through 4K0365 and 04K1001 through 4K1325.

It said retailers have already been instructed to remove the following affected brands and products from store shelves:

-- ARROWBRAND 21% Dog Chunks SKU #807 40 lb. bag

-- ARROWBRAND Super Proeaux Dog Food SKU #812 40 lb. bag

-- ARROWBRAND Professional Formula Dog Food SKU #814 50 lb. bag

Consumers may return the recalled dog food - in opened or unopened packages - to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information contact 800-256-2769 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Petrus Feed and Seed Stores, in what was described as an updated alert, said it has recalled its dry dog food - 21% Protein Dog Food in 40 lb Petrus Feed bags because the product was manufactured with corn that tested above acceptable levels for aflatoxin.

The company said the affected products were manufactured by Cargill in LeCompte, LA between Dec. 1, 2010 and Dec. 1, 2011.

The recall is only for 21% Dog Food, packaged in 40 lb. Petrus Feed bags, with the packaging date codes (lot numbers) 4K1011 through 4K1307. Updated lot numbers are 4K1011 through 4K1335. The affected dry dog food was distributed in Petrus Feed and Seed in Alexandria, LA.

Consumers may return the recalled dog food - whether in opened or unopened packages - to their place of purchase for a full refund. For more information contact 318-443-2259, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Both companies advised that pets that have consumed any of the recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.

Walking the Cat

2012-01-02T14:44:00.002-05:00

A growing number of animal behaviorists believe that training and walking cats is not only possible, but good for the cat.

To view this article go to http://nyti.ms/rzwQTP

Twlight Years

2012-01-02T14:34:00.002-05:00

Isa Leshko, a fine art photographer, set out to capture glimpses of animals in their twilight years -- a therapeutic project inspired by caring for her mother with Alzheimer's disease.

To view the article, go to: http://nyti.ms/vk155G

2012 Year of the Dragon

2012-01-01T13:45:00.002-05:00

As per the Chinese Zodiac, the coming year of 2012 is Year of Dragon that would commence on 23rd January 2012 and go on till 9th February, 2013. The 5th sign of the Chinese Zodiac happens to be the Dragon, consisting of twelve Animal signs. Dragon is the creature of legend and myth. In the early China, power and emperor was represented by the celestial Dragon. At present the Dragon signifies happiness and success. Hence it can be expected that the 2012 Year of Dragon would be a happy and joyful one especially for the Dragon people. It is also believed that the Dragon Year 2012 would bring for all of us good luck and charm.

2011-12-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

Stumpers is a 4-5 year old Male cat that was found as a stray here in the Frederick area. A gentleman brought him in because the cat had been hanging around his house for the past 6 weeks. The gentleman recently decided to try and keep the cat, so he wanted him to be examined by a Veterinarian. Upon examination, it was found out that the cat had a microchip. We were able to contact the owner who had said she has moved out of the area. Stumpers (previously named Amigo) was supposed to be staying in a temporary home with a friend until finding something permanent. Unfortunately he had gotten out, but now has made himself comfortable wandering around someone's house. The wonderful gentleman that brought him in was happy to give him a forever home. This is one lucky cat! As you can see, he is extra special because he as extra toes! That's where his new name came from :)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T13:46:00.001-05:00

The Doctors and Staff of Kingsbrook Animal Hospital would like to wish your family a very, Merry Christmas!

Cold Weather Tips

2011-12-21T09:59:00.000-05:00

World's Oldest Living Dog Dies at Age 26

2011-12-18T16:45:00.000-05:00

Pusuke, listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest-living dog, died in Japan. He was 26 years old — or somewhere between 117 and 185 in “human years,” according to various calculations. There is no official method for converting dog years to human years.

The dog’s owner, Yumiko Shinohara, said the male cross-breed died at Sakura in the Tochigi prefecture, north of Tokyo, according to the Kyodo news agency.

Pusuke was reportedly eating well and staying active until Monday, when he lost his appetite and had difficulty breathing. Pusuke died peacefully, minutes after his owner returned home from a walk.

“I think (Pusuke) waited for me to come home,” she said, according to Kyodo.

Born in April of 1985, Pusuke was recognized last December as the world’s oldest-living dog.

The oldest-known dog on record, according to Guinness, was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who lived to the ripe old age of 29 years and five months before it was put down in November 1939.

Pet Donations

2011-12-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much to Megan Shankle for providing us with a "2011 Pet Food Drive" donation box. Donations can be made in the form of: dog/cat food (any brand), cat litter, new dog/cat toy, dog/cat treats, small animal (Guinea Pigs, Rabbits) food, and small animal bedding.

New Candle Scents

2011-12-11T13:45:00.000-05:00

Are your furry friends causing a less then pleasant smell in your household? We have the answer! Come by and pick up one of our Pet Odor Exterminator Candles. We have some new scents including Mint Chocolate, Caramel Apple, Evergreen and Berries, and Sugared Cranberries! Pumpkin Spice is a returning scent and proves to be one of our client favorites :) These candles are perfect for the holidays, especially when having company. So hurry in and get yours today before they are all gone!

Local Frederick Artist Creates Unique Dog Themed Jewelry

2011-12-07T10:46:00.002-05:00

Looking for a unique gift? Local artist and KAH client, Louanne Welgoss, just created a new line of dog themed jewelry available at Two Paws Up.

P&G Voluntarily Recalls One Production Lot of Dry Dog Food

2011-12-07T10:26:00.002-05:00

PR Newswire

CINCINNATI, Dec. 6, 2011

CINCINNATI, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) has voluntarily retrieved a single production lot of dry dog food due to aflatoxin levels that were detected above the acceptable limit. This product has already been retrieved from store shelves. No illnesses have been reported in association with this production lot to date, and no other Iams pet food products are involved.

Product affected by this announcement:

Product Name: Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food
with Use By or Expiration Dates of February 5 or February 6, 2013

7.0 lb bag
Code Date 12784177I6
UPC Code 1901402305

8.0 lb bag
Code Date 12794177D2
12794177D3
UPC Code 1901410208

17.5 lb bag
Code Date 12794177K1
12794177K2

UPC Code 1901401848

The affected product lot was distributed to a limited number of retailers located in the eastern United States (AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, LA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, SC, VA). These retailers have already removed this product from store shelves. No other dry dog food, dry cat food, dog or cat canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement.

While no health effects related to this product have been reported, P&G retrieved this product as a precautionary measure. Consumers who purchased the product listed should stop using the product and discard it and contact Iams at the number below for a replacement voucher. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities. Pets which have consumed this product and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.

For further information or a product replacement or refund contact P&G toll-free at 866-908-1569 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST) or www.iams.com.

About Procter & Gamble

Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 135,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

SOURCE Procter & Gamble Company

Winter Care for Canines

2011-12-07T09:55:00.000-05:00

Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:

Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.

Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.

Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.

Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat. Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate area of the foot.

Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.

Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean its paws, too. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.

Don't leave your dog alone in a car. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold.

Health Tips

Dogs cannot talk to us when they are sick. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season. Remember the following health concerns:

Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.

Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk.

Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
Frostbite is your dog's winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog outdoors for too long.

Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.

Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.

Don't use over-the-counter medications on your dog without consulting a veterinarian.

Holiday Safeguards

The winter season brings lots of fun holiday festivities, but pet-owners should keep in mind the following special precautions:

The holidays are not ideal for introducing a pet into your family. New puppies and dogs require extra attention and a stable environment, which the holiday season doesn't permit. Also, a puppy is not a toy or gift that can be returned. Instead, the AKC suggests giving a gift representative of the dog to come, such as a toy, a leash, or a bed.

Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are pet poisons! Make sure they are kept in places your dog cannot reach.

Review holiday gifts for dogs to make sure they are safe. Items such as plastic toys and small rawhide sticks may be dangerous.

Remove holiday lights from lower branches of your tree. They may get very hot and burn dogs.

Watch out for electrical cords. Pets often try to chew them and may get badly shocked or electrocuted. Place wires out of reach.

Avoid using glass ornaments. They break easily and may cut a dog's feet and mouth.

Refrain from using edible ornaments. Your dog may knock the tree over in an attempt to eat them. Also, commercial ornaments may contain paint or toxins in the preservatives.

Whether your tree is live or artificial, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible. Don't leave your dog unattended in the room with the tree.

Tinsel is dangerous for dogs. It may obstruct circulation and, if swallowed, block the intestines.

Alcohol and chocolate are toxic for dogs, even in small amounts. Keep unhealthy, sweet treats and seasonal goodies out of reach.

The holiday season is a stressful time for dogs. Try to keep a normal schedule during all the excitement.

http://www.akc.org/public_education/winter_care.cfm

Meet Rory

2011-12-04T12:25:00.000-05:00

Meet Rory! He is a 1-2 yr old DSH. He is Veterinary Assistant, Nicolette's, newest addition to her family. He was found in Frederick by one of the techs at KAH as a stray. He must have spent time with lots of families because of how friendly and personable he was. Nicolette couldn't resist, so she took him home. He has such a personality and is quite curious. He loves to get into the trash can, break the blinds and go fishing in the fish tank! But it's all accompanied by lots of snuggles and kitty kisses, so it's worth it :)

Preventing Litterbox Problems

2011-11-30T12:22:00.000-05:00

Keeping your cat's litter box up to his standards is very important. The following suggestions should keep your cat from "thinking outside the box."

Location, location, location
Most people tend to place the litter box in an out-of-the-way spot to minimize odor and prevent cat litter from being tracked throughout the house. But, if the litter box ends up in the basementnext to an appliance or on a cold cement floor,your cat may be less than pleased.

So you may have to compromise.

Keep the litter box in a spot that gives your cat some privacy yet is also conveniently located. If the box is too hard to get to, especially for a kitten or an elderly cat, he just may not use it.
Avoid placing litter boxes next to noisy or heat-radiating appliances, like the furnace or the washing machine. The noise can make a cat nervous, while the warmth of a dryer or furnace can magnify the litter box smell, which could make him stay away from it.
Put the box far away from his food and water bowls. Cats don't like that smell too near their food and may not use the box.
Place at least one litter box on each level of your house. That way your cat has options if access to his primary box is blocked (the basement door is closed or your dinner party has him holed up in the bedroom.) If you have more than one cat, provide litter boxes in several locations so that one cat can't ambush another cat using the litter box.
If you keep the litter box in a closet or a bathroom, be sure the door is wedged open from both sides to prevent your cat from being trapped inside or locked out. Depending on the location, you might consider cutting a hole in a closet door and adding a pet door.
Pick of the litter
Research has shown that most cats prefer fine-grained litters, presumably because they have a softer feel. The new scoopable (clumping) litters usually have finer grains than the typical clay litter and are very popular because they really keep down the odor. But high-quality, dust-free clay litters are fairly small-grained and may be perfectly acceptable to your cat.

There are several different types of cat litter on the market. The most popular ones are: traditional clay litter; scooping/clumping litter; crystal based/silica gel litter; and plant-derived/bio-degradable litter.

If your cat has previously been an outdoor one and prefers dirt, you can keep him out of your houseplants placing medium sized rocks on top of the soil and/or by mixing some potting soil with your regular litter. A cat who rejects all types of commercial litters may be quite happy with sand. Once you find a litter your cat likes, stick with it. Switching litters constantly could result in your cat not using the litter box.

Smelling like a rose
Many people used scented litter to mask litter box odors, but those scents can put off many cats. For the same reason, it's not a good idea to place a room deodorizer or air freshener near the litter box.

A thin layer of baking soda placed on the bottom of the box will help absorb odors without repelling your cat. And if you keep the box scrupulously clean, it shouldn't smell.

If you find the litter box odor offensive, your cat, with his keen sense of smell, probably finds it even more offensive and won't want to go there.

How many?
The general rule of thumb is one box for each cat plus one more. Then none of them will ever be prevented from eliminating in the litter box because it's already occupied.

It's not possible to designate a personal litter box for each cat in your household, as cats may use any litter box that's available. That means a cat may occasionally refuse to use a litter box after another cat has been in it. In this case, you'll need to keep all of the litter boxes extremely clean, and you might even need to add additional boxes. However, it's best not to place al the boxes in one location because your cats will think of them as one big box and ambushing another cat will still be possible.

Under cover
Some people prefer to provide their cats with a covered litter box, but doing so may introduce some potential problems. To discover which type your cat prefers, you may want to experiment by offering both types at first.

Some cats, especially those who are timid or like privacy. may prefer a covered litter box. Others will not, especially if it's not clean. Covered boxes can decrease the amount of litter that flies from the box when your cat buries his business.

Pros and cons:

You may forget to clean the litter box as frequently as you should, because the dirty litter is "out of sight, out of mind."
A covered litter box traps odors inside, so you'll need to clean it more often than an open one. A dirty, covered litter box is to your cat what a port-a-potty is to you!
It may not allow a large cat sufficient room to turn around, scratch, dig or position himself in the way he wants.
It may make it easier for another cat to lay in wait and "ambush" the user as he exits the box.
Other types of litter boxes
There are wide variety of litter boxes on the market today. Keep in mind that some fancy litter box innovations are for the owner's convenience, not the cat's. In fact, some of these features may actually turn your cat off. It's really best to keep it simple—a basic box, litter, and a scoop.

Keeping it clean
To meet the needs of the most discriminating cat, you should scoop feces out of the litter box daily. How often you actually change (replace) the litter depends on the number of cats you have, the number of litter boxes, and the type of litter you use.

Twice a week is a general guideline for replacing clay litter, but depending on the circumstances, you may need to replace it every other day or only once a week.

If you clean the litter box daily, you might only need to change clumping litter every two to three weeks. If you notice an odor or if much of the litter is wet or clumped, it's time for a change.

Scrub the box every time you change the litter. Use detergent mild dish liquid to clean it, as products with ammonia or citrus oils can turn a cat off, and some cleaning products are toxic to cats.

Liner notes
Box liners are strictly a convenience for the owner; supposedly, the liner can be gathered together and tied just like a garbage bag, but the truth is that most cats shred it to bits while scratching in the box. However, it might work if your cat doesn't work too hard to bury his waste.

Depth of litter
Some people think that the more litter they put in the box, the less often they'll have to clean it, but that's a mistake. Most cats won't use litter that's more than about two inches deep. In fact, some long-haired cats actually prefer less litter and a smooth, slick surface, such as the bottom of the litter box. Adding extra litter isn't a a substitute for scooping and scrubbing.

"Litter Training" cats
There's really no such thing as "littertraining" a cat in the same way one would housetrain a dog. You actually don't need to teach your cat what to do with a litter box; instinct will generally take over. You do need to provide an acceptable, accessible litter box, using the suggestions above.

It's not necessary to take your cat to the litter box and move her paws back and forth in the litter. In fact, we don't recommend it, as such an unpleasant experience is likely to make her afraid of the litter box and you.

If you move, however, you will need to show your cat where the box is, though his sensitive nose will probably find it first.

Solving problems
If your cat begins to go to the bathroom outside the litter box, your first call should always be to your veterinarian. Many medical conditions can cause a change in a cat's litter box habits. If your veterinarian examines your cat and gives him a clean bill of health, your cat may have a behavior problem that needs to be solved. See ways to solve litter box problems here »

Punishment is not the answer, nor is banishing your cat outdoors. For long-standing or complex situations, contact an animal-behavior specialist who has experience working with cats.

The Humane Society of the United States

Polydactyl Cats

2011-11-27T13:35:00.000-05:00

Poly- what?!?

The term “polydactyl” means many toes, it is a genetic mutation among felines that gives them extra toes on the front feet and sometimes even on the back. Normally, cats have 4 front toes and one declaw on the inside of their leg, a little bit above their toes. A polydactyl cat can appear to have mitten’s by having several extra dewclaws. Some cats can have 7-8 toes on each front foot!

Famous polydactyl cats live in Key West, Florida at the Ernest Hemmingway Museum. He brought a polydactyl cat to Florida, upon his ship, and a colony has been there ever since. Currently the museum has about 60 resident cats, about half of which are polydactyl.

For more info on the Hemmingway museum and their cats, visit: http://www.hemingwayhome.com/HTML/our_cats.htm

“Apollo” is a polydactyl kitten that was recently adopted from Frederick County Animal Control by one of our clients. He has 7 toes on each front foot and 5 toes on each back foot- a total of 24 toes in all (6 extra)!!!

Owners Paul and Michelle Contant of Ontario, Canada own the Guinness World record holder polydactyl cat. “Jake”has 28 toes, with 7 on each paw, as counted by a veterinarian on 24 September 2002.

For more info and pictures of polydactyl cats, visit: http://www.cat-breeds-info.com/polydactyl-cats.html

Subtle Can Be Significant

2011-11-23T14:07:00.000-05:00

If you share your home with an older per, never ignore that tiny voice telling you "something isn't right." If you suspect something-anything-is wrong with a pet over age seven, have it checked out. Recently, I saw a 12-year-old dog that "hadn't been feeling well for the past couple of weeks." Sadly, by the time the owners finally listened to that inner voice, it was too late. Their dog was now bleeding internally from a ruptured splenic cancer. Emergency blood transfusions and surgery failed to save the dog's life. While I don't fault the owners-there was nothing obviously wrong with their pet and they loved him dearly-I can't be helped but be nagged by "what if?" What if I'd been able to diagnose the tumor before it ruptured? What if I'd performed surgery before it had lost over half it's blood volume? I'll never know, but I can be more digilent in telling my clients not to ignore even the most seemingly insignificant signs. The best news you can ever hear is, "It's nothing to worry about."

Fetch Spring/Summer 2010

Start a pet savings account

2011-11-20T09:05:00.000-05:00

In today’s economy, the cost of living is expensive. With gas costing nearly $4 per gallon, budgeting household expenses is a must. We love our pets and want the very best for them, but veterinary care can be expensive.

The solution: Open a savings account for your pets routine expenses. Of course, illnesses and accidients cannot be planned for, but by having some money set aside for your pets annual care, you won’t be cringing when that reminder card comes in the mail.

By saving a relatively small amount of money monthly, you will be prepared for pets’ annual exam and prevention.

Preventative care may seem expensive, but in the long run, it can save your pet from illness and discomfort and ultimately your wallet. Sick visits, medications, supportive care, surgery, and hospitilization can be 3-4 times as much as routine care. Plus, you want your pet to be healthy, happy, and pain-free.

For example, a routine dental cleaning under anesthesia is around $340. The bulk of that price is anesthesia. Pets won’t hold their mouth open so we can clean their teth well and take a good look, so anesthesia is imparative. Pets are sedated, intubated, and maintained on general anesthesia. IV fluids are aministed to support their blood pressue and flush their kidneys. They are also monitored by a registered veterinary technician during and after the procedure.

It may seem like a lot to go through to clean their teeth, but dental disease can be very painful,cause infections in other organs, and extractions and dental radiographs are costly compared to a routine scaling, polish, and flouride application (about $100).

An average annual veterinary visit for a healthy,indoor adult (1-8 years of age) cat plus the year’s supply of Frontline to prevent fleas and ticks is about $315. Assuming you are unable to brush your kitties teeth daily (most people aren’t), kitty may need a dental cleaning too. That’s a total of about $655. For a lot of people, that’s a large sum. But broken down and saved monthly, that’s only $55 per month or less that $14 per week! Only $2 per day! I bet most of us could manage to cut $2 per day out of our budget. Just packing your lunch and making your coffee at home could save you as much as $10 per day!

Now the doggie example. Dogs can easily be infected with heartworms, intestinal parasites, and other diseases like Lyme disease and Leptosporosis that kitties don’t get.

So, they require more vaccines, blood tests and preventative products. An average annual veterinary visit for a healthy, medium/large (30-60 lbs) adult (1-8 years old, depending on breed) dog plus a year’s supply of Interceptor heartworm prevention Frontline flea/tick prevention is around $500. (Keep in mind that the DHPP and Rabies vaccines are good for 3 years, so at age 2,3,5,6 they will not need these vaccines).If your pup also needs his teeth cleaned, that’s a total of $840. Saved over a year, that’s only $70 per month or less that $18 per week.

Not every dog will need their teeth cleaned anually, while some dogs need them cleaned twice per year (usually small breeds or dogs like Greyhounds that are predisposed to dental disease). Dogs have larger mouths and teeth and may tolerate brushing more. Brushing your dogs teeth daily with a pet-approved, flouride-free toothpaste, giving them chewy bones like rawhide, CET chews, Greenies, and feeding special diets like Science Diet T/D, that is formulated to help remove tartar build-up, will keep teeth cleaner, longer.These products are great for the pre-molars and molars that dogs chew with, but the K9’s and incisors that aren’t used for chewing will still accumulate tartar.

We love our pets! They are part of our families and their healthcare is just as important as it always has been. In this tough economy, planning for the future is the best thing we can do ofset annual large bills.

Pasture Raised Turkeys

2011-11-16T16:48:00.001-05:00

"Over the past several years, consumers have become increasingly
interested in knowing more about their food. Is it locally produced?
Were any pesticides used on the crops? How was the livestock treated
and what sort of diets did the animals receive? Knowing more about
food production represents a healthy step towards becoming
better-informed consumers.

With the holiday season approaching, families might be interested in
continuing this trend by ordering their turkey, goose or other fowl
from one of the many local Maryland farms that raise these animals.
Rather than buying a shrink-wrapped bird with a plastic thermometer
button jammed into the breast, families can head out to the farm and
see where their bird was raised."

There are various places to purchase locally grown, pasture raised
turkeys. Many local farms emphasize health and sustainability and use
no hormones, antibiotics or added chemicals.

Visit the following websites for more info..

http://mygreenguidemaryland.com/Blogging-Green-in-Maryland/where-to-buy-your-free-range-holiday-turkey.html

http://www.eatwild.com/products/maryland.html

http://www.groffscontentfarm.com/

http://openbookfarm.com/

2011-11-14T16:40:00.003-05:00

The Halloween Candy Drive for our troops has been a success. With the help of our generous clients, our staff has collected 123 pounds of candy. It has all been boxed and is ready to be shipped to our service men and women stationed overseas. Thank You!!!

Famous people and their famous doggie names.........

2011-11-13T13:11:00.000-05:00

Looking to name your new puppy and think you'd like to brand your new loved one just like your favorite celebrity?

Ben Afleck/Martha Stewart
Christina Aguilera/Chewy & Cocoa
Clay Aiken/Raleigh
Jessica Alba/Nancy & Sid
Jennifer Aniston/Norman
Lucille Ball/Tinker Toy & Whoopee
Mischa Barton/Charlie
Halle Berry/Bumper & Petey
Selma Blair/Wink
Orlando Bloom/Essa & Sidi
Marlon Brando/Schlubber
Adam Brody/Penny Lane
Sandra Bullock/Poppy
Mariah Carey/Jackson P. Mutley
Kevin Costner/Rosalita
Courtney Cox/Hopper & Hardy
Tom Cruise/Joseph
Phyllis Diller/Phearless
Hilary Duff/Chiquita & Lola
Jake Gyllenhaal/Atticus & Boo Radley
Jennifer Love Hewitt/Charlie
Paris Hilton/Tinkerbell & Bambi
Jewel/George
Star Jones/Pinky
Ashley Judd/Buttermilk
Diane Lane/Milo
David Letterman/Bob & Stan
Liberace/Baby Boy & Lady Di
Lindsay Lohan/Chloe
Eva Longoria/Jinxy
Courtney Love/Lloyd
Madonna/Chiquita
Demi Moore/Louie
Mary Kate Olsen/Luca
Oprah/Arizona
Jack Osborne/Lola
Kelly Osborne/Boris & Piglet
Brad Pitt/Purty & Saudi
Natalie Portman/Charlie
Nicole Richie/Honey Child & Cleopatra
Don Rickles/Clown & Joker
Mickey Rourke/Loki
Ashlee Simpson/Blondie
Jessica Simpson/Daisy
Anna Nicole Smith/Mommie
Britney Spears/Bit Bit
Tori Spelling/Mimi La Rue
Martha Stewart/Teeney & Weenie
Superman/Krypto
Liv Tyler/Neal & Mylo
Naomi Watts/Bob & Chicken
Venus Williams/Jackie
Reese Witherspoon/Frank Sinatra

wow........

Doris Day/Autie Murphy, Autumn, Barney Miller, Biggest, Bobo, Bubbles, Bucky, Charlie, Chipper, Daisy, Daisy-June, Dillon, El Tigre, Heineken, Honey, Muffy, Rudy, Schatzie, Snowy, Tiger, Tiny, Trixie & Varmit

K9K

2011-11-09T13:42:00.000-05:00

Frederick County Humane Society’s First Annual K9K will take placeSaturday, November 12, 2011, at Baker Park, in historic downtown Frederick. Proceeds will help support affordable spay/neuter and rabies vaccines for Frederick County companion animals. The event will be held rain or shine at 8am and registration starts at 7am. You can even participate with your dog. (They must be leashed and have proof of current rabies vaccination.) The first 150 registrants are guaranteed a t-shirt.

Visit http://www.k9kfrederick.org for more information and to pre-register for the event!

Andre

2011-11-06T13:30:00.000-05:00

Andre, Sea Turtle Nearly Killed by Boat's Propeller, Returns Safely to Atlantic off Florida.

They called him Andre -- an endangered green sea turtle that washed up in 2010 on a sandbar on Juno Beach in Florida, nearly dead after a boat ran him over with its propeller and tore huge gashes in his shell.

Today, healed by a team that included veterinarians, a biotech company and even an orthodontist, Andre was safely returned to the Atlantic.

Eileen, Melissa and Jen got to meet Andre at a recent trip to West Palm.

View the full story at:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/florida-sea-turtle-shattered-shell-returns-ocean-high/story?id=14223215#.TkQvC2xBKEw.email

Hiking with your dog

2011-11-02T10:28:00.000-04:00

With the wonderful fall weather in full swing, take your pup out and about to enjoy some fresh and burn off that extra energy!

Several state parks in the area welcome dogs from Oct 1st-April.

Visit the website below for more info:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/pets2.asp

Halloween Safety Tips

2011-10-30T13:47:00.000-04:00

Halloween can be a fun time of year for the whole family - even your dog. However, there are also many potential dangers and sources of stress for your dog. Just remember to keep your dog safe from these Halloween hazards.

Halloween Candy and Other Treats

Remember that human treats are not usually good for dogs! Candy - especially chocolate - can be extremely toxic to your dog. Artificially sweetened candy, gum and other goodies may also contain xylitol, a highly toxic substance. Dogs may also ingest food wrappers, causing a risk of choking, upset stomach or gastrointestinal blockage. Various party snacks can be too salty and may contain ingredients that can poison your dog. Alcoholic beverages and dogs do not mix - they pose a significant risk of severe illness or even death! Keep all of these "human goodies" far out of your dog's reach. If you are not positive that you can keep your dog away from these hazards, then consider confining your pet to another area of your home during the festivities. Keeping appropriate dog treats around for your dog can be a great idea, but remember not to overfeed. Sliced carrots or apples (hold the caramel) can be tasty and healthy snack alternatives for people and dogs alike!

Halloween Decorations

Your dog is bound to be curious about new objects around the house, and that includes Halloween decorations. Be sure decorations are not in areas where your dog could ingest them or bump into them. Power cords trip your dog or lead to electrical shock if chewed. Be careful with the placement of jack-o-lanterns - have you ever seen a dog eat a whole pumpkin? It is not pretty! Also, candles can be knocked over, potentially burning your dog and/or starting a fire. Other decorations can be eaten or broken, causing serious harm to your dog. Have fun and decorate - just think about your dog first!

Trick-or-Treaters and other Guests

Though many dogs love visitors, some can become fearful of strangers. Many dogs will even be afraid of people they know if those people are in costumes. Plus, constant ringing of the doorbell might get your dog over-excited or very stressed out. Think about your dog's typical reaction to visitors and take extra precautions for Halloween. Keep your dog at a distance when greeting trick-or-treaters by putting up an baby gate or confining her to another area of the home. When inviting guests into your home, introduce them to your dog in a positive manner. If your dog seems afraid of guests in costumes, remove her from the situation calmly. During parties and loud gatherings, your dog might do best in another area of your home unless she is used to these types of events and has done well in the past.

Halloween Costumes for Dogs

Some dogs really enjoy getting dressed in costumes- they might ham it up and revel in the attention. Other dogs can become scared or uncomfortable in clothing of any type. If you want to dress your dog up, start simple and see how she handles it. If she does not like it, then don't push the issue. Try a Halloween bandanna or collar instead. If your dog does seem to enjoy getting dressed up, be certain you choose a costume that fits comfortably. If it is too tight, it could cut off circulation or cause sores to develop. Loose-fitting outfits can trip your dog or get caught on objects around the house. Because of these potential dangers, never leave your dog unattended in the costume. She could become injured or may ingest parts of the costume and choke, become sick, or develop gastrointestinal blockage.

Outdoor Dangers

I personally feel that unsupervised dogs are best kept indoors year-round, though some dogs will do fine living outdoors alone. However, the rules are different during the Halloween season! It is extremely crucial that you keep your dog indoors unless directly supervised. Sadly, there are cruel people who have twisted ideas of fun this time of year - and your dog can be the victim. Though it is more widely know that black cats are targeted during Halloween, any household pet can be at risk and MUST be kept indoors!

Your dog can be part of Halloween fun if you play it safe. As always, follow common dog safety rules: be certain that your dog wears current identification at all times, keep your dog on a leash when outdoors, and keep her safe from potentially dangerous situations. Have fun, be safe and have a happy Halloween!

No Scaredy Cats This Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents

2011-10-26T14:34:00.002-04:00

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increaing the chances that he or she will be returned to you

_ASPCA Halloween Pet Safety Tips. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.aspx
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Halloween Candy Drive for the Troops

2011-10-25T11:52:00.002-04:00

It's almost time for halloween & and if you are anything like us, you are troubled by the same thing year after year ..... leftover halloween candy. Well, we are here to help! Just bring by any leftover candy & drop it off at our office between Oct 31 and Nov 10 & we will have that candy shipped to our US service men & women stationed overseas.

You're Welcome ;-)

Trick or Treat

2011-10-23T10:05:00.000-04:00

Halloween can be a fun time of year for the whole family - even your dog. However, there are also many potential dangers and sources of stress for your dog. Just remember to keep your dog safe from these Halloween hazards.

Halloween Candy and Other Treats

Remember that human treats are not usually good for dogs! Candy - especially chocolate - can be extremely toxic to your dog. Artificially sweetened candy, gum and other goodies may also contain xylitol, a highly toxic substance. Dogs may also ingest food wrappers, causing a risk of choking, upset stomach or gastrointestinal blockage. Various party snacks can be too salty and may contain ingredients that can poison your dog. Alcoholic beverages and dogs do not mix - they pose a significant risk of severe illness or even death! Keep all of these "human goodies" far out of your dog's reach. If you are not positive that you can keep your dog away from these hazards, then consider confining your pet to another area of your home during the festivities. Keeping appropriate dog treats around for your dog can be a great idea, but remember not to overfeed. Sliced carrots or apples (hold the caramel) can be tasty and healthy snack alternatives for people and dogs alike!

Halloween Decorations

Your dog is bound to be curious about new objects around the house, and that includes Halloween decorations. Be sure decorations are not in areas where your dog could ingest them or bump into them. Power cords trip your dog or lead to electrical shock if chewed. Be careful with the placement of jack-o-lanterns - have you ever seen a dog eat a whole pumpkin? It is not pretty! Also, candles can be knocked over, potentially burning your dog and/or starting a fire. Other decorations can be eaten or broken, causing serious harm to your dog. Have fun and decorate - just think about your dog first!

Trick-or-Treaters and other Guests

Though many dogs love visitors, some can become fearful of strangers. Many dogs will even be afraid of people they know if those people are in costumes. Plus, constant ringing of the doorbell might get your dog over-excited or very stressed out. Think about your dog's typical reaction to visitors and take extra precautions for Halloween. Keep your dog at a distance when greeting trick-or-treaters by putting up an baby gate or confining her to another area of the home. When inviting guests into your home, introduce them to your dog in a positive manner. If your dog seems afraid of guests in costumes, remove her from the situation calmly. During parties and loud gatherings, your dog might do best in another area of your home unless she is used to these types of events and has done well in the past.

Halloween Costumes for Dogs

Some dogs really enjoy getting dressed in costumes- they might ham it up and revel in the attention. Other dogs can become scared or uncomfortable in clothing of any type. If you want to dress your dog up, start simple and see how she handles it. If she does not like it, then don't push the issue. Try a Halloween bandanna or collar instead. If your dog does seem to enjoy getting dressed up, be certain you choose a costume that fits comfortably. If it is too tight, it could cut off circulation or cause sores to develop. Loose-fitting outfits can trip your dog or get caught on objects around the house. Because of these potential dangers, never leave your dog unattended in the costume. She could become injured or may ingest parts of the costume and choke, become sick, or develop gastrointestinal blockage.

Hidden Chihuahua

2011-10-19T09:07:00.001-04:00

Can you locate Lilly?

Howl-o-ween Costume Contest

2011-10-18T16:11:00.002-04:00

Does your pet like banana splits? Is there another costume that is his or her favorite? KAH is having a Howl-o-ween costume contest. E-mail your photo (one photo per pet, please) to howloween@kingsbrookvet.com. All entries will be placed in an online gallery and each staff member will place a vote for their favorite costumed pet. Prizes will be awarded as follows: $50 KAH credit for first place, $25 KAH credit for second and third place. Deadline for entries is Thursday, October 27th and the winners will be announced on Howl-o-ween. Good luck!

TOP 6 WAYS TO TELL IF YOUR PET IS OVERWEIGHT!

2011-10-16T13:34:00.001-04:00

Pet obesity is currently one of the top health concerns for our pets, and a quick assessment of optimal body weight could be the start to lengthening your pet's life.
Here are some tips to tell if your pet tips the scale, and what to do about it.

Working with your vet to rule out other medical problems is the first step. While some drugs and some disease conditions (i.e. hypothyroidism) may cause a pet to be overweight, more often obesity is caused by overfeeding and high calorie foods. Your vet will help you devise a diet and exercise plan for your pet to get on the track to health and fitness.

1. Pet has lost his/her "figure"
When viewed from above, your pet's back should show some gentle curves: a gentle dip after the ribs (waist area), a gradual slope to the base of the tail. When viewed from the side, you should see a "tucked up" area just before the hind legs (not a flat line along the base of the belly). Your pet may have a haircoat the prevents easy viewing, but gently running your hands along the top outline of your pet should reveal these natural curves.

2. You can no longer feel your pet's ribs
With gentle fingertip pressure, you should be able to feel your pet's ribs easily. If you can only feel cushioned body wall, your pet is carrying too much weight.

3. Your pet is constantly searching for food/begging for treats
A pet who is always on the lookout for food versus a pet who is comfortable "free feeding" is more likely to be overweight. If possible, it is best to offer food free choice (always available). This is not always possible in mixed pet households and with pets who are always craving their next meal, but it will usually encourage a healthier outlook on food consumption. Restricting high calorie treats is also a good way to reduce weight.

4. Your pet is uninterested in, or unable to exercise and keep up with you
Pets of optimum body weight and in good health are usually up for a brisk walk or a game of Frisbee or catch anytime their owner is willing. Pets who are overweight may have the intention, but are soon panting excessively or taking frequent rest breaks just to keep up. Carrying extra body weight can lead to extra pressure on the joints, heart, and lungs. Additionally, other organs, such as liver and pancreas can be affected; leading to diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus.

5. Your pet suffers more from the summer heat than other animals
In addition to the body having to work harder just to move around, overweight pets overheat easily. Fat is a great insulator. This condition is known as "heat intolerance", and will put overweight animals at greater risk for heat stroke.

6. Your pet is deemed to be at greater risk for anesthesia and surgery
Some drugs are absorbed into the fat layers. This means that more drug is required to induce/maintain anesthesia than an animal of normal weight and it takes longer for the anesthesia to wear off. If the pet is undergoing a surgical procedure in the abdomen, the increased layers of fat make surgery more difficult; it is harder to visualize organs and other tissue, to securely ligate (tie off) vessels, and to close the incision working with extra layers of fat.

By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, About.com Guide

Gliding Ants

2011-10-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

We already know some species of ants can solve puzzles, some species can do math, and others even have built-in GPS. Add the ability to fly -- or glide -- to safety, and ants are practically the superheroes of the insect world. And there's no magic suit (or appendage) necessary.

The Cephalotes atratus species of tree-nesting ant can perform directed aerial descent, according to a recent article in Integrative and Comparative Biology. Simply put, when these ants find themselves falling from extreme heights through a forested canopy, they can zip themselves out of a free fall and back into the safety of the treetops -- no wings necessary.

Gliding animals are nothing new to science. Fish, lizards and even snakes have been known to "fly" without wings. But what makes these ants so unique isn't what they have, but what they don’t.

"In general, all the gliders that we know of have some aspect of their body shape that shows that they have some kind of aerodynamic potential... . But when you look at one of these ants there’s nothing obvious about it that would suggest that it should do anything but fall straight down," said University of California at Berkeley researcher and PhD candidate Yonatan Munk, who co-authored the paper with Stephen P. Yanoviak and Robert Dudley.

Munk has been lugging specially designed wind tunnels into the Amazonian rain forest since 2007. With these vertical wind tunnels, researchers have been able to capture, on video, the exact movements that allow the ants to control their glides.

The key to directed aerial descent is in the back legs and rearend. C. atratus stretches its legs out, raises them, and then lowers its "gaster," the posterior body segment: the butt. Voila! The ant has just become an aerodynamic, perfectly controlled backward-glider.

"It's fairly similar to what human skydivers do -- the principles are similar," Munk said. "It creates a mini parachute out of your own body, heavy parts low, and light parts high."

But how do these ants see where they're going? As it happens, directed aerial descent is only possible in daylight and so far, research suggests that C. atratus is attracted to light-colored vertical objects. Munk says this makes sense, given the fact that many of the trees in the Amazon rainforest have trunks covered in white lichens.

Despite understanding the mechanics of the ants' movements, researchers can only guess as to why this particular species of ant developed gliding skills, while others did not.

An ant that falls from a tree isn't in danger of dying from the fall itself (although it can be hurt), but rather the conditions on the ground. During the rainy season of the Amazon, the ant could be eaten by a fish. In the dry season, it could be attacked by another species of ant.

They believe it comes down to the value of an individual worker to the colony as a whole. While hitting bottom in the rainforest doesn't mean certain death, it still means a loss in productivity.

"Avoiding the forest floor only also makes sense if the loss of a worker represents a significant decrease in the colony to collect a resource," Munk explained.

If that's the case, Munk said he expected to find more species with similar abilities. The only difficulty, he said, is trying to identify which ants can and can't fly with no obvious outward signs -- until a researcher catches them in action.

Discovery News Analysis by Amy Enchelmeyer
Photo courtesy of Stephen Yanoviak

National Veterinary Technician's Week

2011-10-10T14:19:00.003-04:00

The theme of this year's NVTW is "Pets and Vets need Techs". Celebrating for one week every year solidifies the yearly commitment every veterinary technician gives to the profession of veterinary technology, veterinary assisting and veterinary medicine.

NVTW has been an annual tradition since June 1993 when a NAVTA ( North American Veterinary Technician Association) resolution was passed declaring the third week in October as NVTW. Activities to celebrate this week have been a focus of the celebratory efforts. The activities serve these fundamental goals:

•Educate the public about veterinary technicians and what we do

•Reinforce the value and professionalism of veterinary technicians

•Provide an opportunity for veterinary technicians to encourage one another for excellent work ethic and team building

•Acknowledge our quality relationship with veterinarians and other veterinary professionals

Paco, the wonder chihuahua, thwarts robbery

2011-10-09T13:37:00.001-04:00

As armed men robbed a smoke shop in Altadena, Calif. on July 7, a small, but mighty chihuahua named Paco came to the rescue, barking and chasing the robbers out of the store.

The Los Angeles County sheriff’s department released surveillance video showing the robbery and the dog’s daring attack in hopes of finding the two men responsible. Even though the pup thoroughly frightened the robbers, they did manage to get away with some cash.

Paco is well-known in the area, his owner Duane Deer said on “Good Morning America.” He spends his days wandering around the neighborhood and hanging out in different stores, Deer said. Eric Knight, the store’s owner, said he was “shocked” by the robbery in the usually safe neighborhood and by Paco’s super-dog behavior. Paco, however, looked completely bored by his heroism, opting to sleep during most of his interview.

To watch the video, go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/paco-the-wonder-chihuahua-thwarts-robbery-video/2011/07/19/gIQAQ0UfNI_blog.html

Original Cat Names

2011-10-05T14:03:00.000-04:00

Admit it- your cat is worthy of the greatest name ever. Don't settle for 'Socks' or 'Kitty' when you could have one of these excellent names!

Celtic cat names for boy cats: Arthur,Brian,Corey,Drew,Gavin,Tristan,Tully
Celtic cat names for girl cats: Dallas,Pixie,Sabrina,Sienna

Irish cat names: Bailey,Blarney,Conan,Dempsey,Dougal,Hugh,Keegan,Murphy,Paddy,Rory

Spanish cat names for girl cats: Blanca, Bonita, Chi-Chi, Esmerelda, GabriellaIsa, Bella, Maria,Rosita,Sierra

Spanish cat names for boy cats: Alex, Gato, Hombre, Martin, Pablo, Pepe, Salvador, Sebastian, Senor

Nombres Espanoles for boy and girl cats: Feliz, Leon, Loco,Oso, Rico, Rojo

Persian cat names for boys: Buddha, Genghis, Maestro, Pharaoh, Prince, Ramses, Sphinx
Persian cat names for girls: Cleopatra, Fantasia, Fatima, Josephine, Nyssa, Sheba

Persian cat names from Persia: Asad, Babir, Cyrus, Noor, Ramesh

Greek cat names for boy cats: Anthony, Archimedes, Damien, harpies, Jason, Oedipus, Orion, Otis, Socrates, Titus, Troy
Greek cat names for girl cats: Athena, Goddess, Octavia, Omega

Neutral Greek cat names: Alpha, Basil, Cash, Clark

Japanese cat names for girl cats: Aiko, Aki, Akira, Kara, Keiko, Kia, Kiko, Mika, Miki, Suki
Japanese cat names for boy cats: Kai, Kimo, Kuro, Niko, Suzake, Toro, Suzaku
Japanese cat names for boy and girl cats:Haiku, Obi, Sake, Sushi, Tsunami

Egyptian cat names: Cleo, Pharaoh, Phoenix, Tut
Egyptian cat names for girl cats: Cairo, Cleopatra, Sheba, Sphinx
More Egyptian cat names: Bennu, Harpies, Ramses

More Celebrity Dog Names- by Breed!

2011-10-02T13:59:00.000-04:00

Chihuahua Dog Names

Ceelo and Lolly - Adrien Brody
Maggie - Scarlett Johansson
Tinkerbell, Bambi, Tokyo Blu, Harajubu Bitch - Paris Hilton
Bit Bit, Lacy, Lucky, Snow White - Britney Spears
Luca - Pamela Anderson

Maltese Puppy Names

Jinxy - Eva Longoria
Marilyn - Anna Nicole Smith
Chloe - Lindsay Lohan
Samantha - Barbra Streisand
Daisy - Jessica Simpson's Maltipoo (Maltese cross Poodle)
Blondie - Ashlee Simpson's Maltipoo

Pomeranian Dog Names

Foxxy Cleopatra - Nicole Richie
Daddie - Geri Haliwell
Princess Pep - Courtney Love
Minnie - Sharon Osbourne

Pug Dog Names

Sid, Nancy - Jessica Alba
Mimi LaRue - Tori Spelling
Boo Radley - Jake Gyllenhaal's Puggle (Pug cross Beagle)

Cocker Spaniel Dog Names

Solomon, Sophe - Oprah
Buttermilk - Ashley Judd's Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel cross Poodle)
Shih tzu Dog Name
Puppy - Anna Nicole Smith
Honeychild - Nicole Richie
Munchie - Beyonce

Yorkie Dog Names

Vida - Giselle Bundchen
Veronica - Joan Rivers
Jazzy, Juicy - Cindi Adams from the New York Post

Small Dog Names

Lulu - Joan Rivers's Boston Terrier
Licorice - Famke Janssen's French Bulldog
Coco Chanel - Reese Witherpoon's French Bulldog
Jackson P. Mutley - Mariah Carey's Jack Russell
Neal - Liv Tyler's King Charles Cavalier Spaniel
Stinky and Chui - Christina Aguilera's two Papillons
Max - Joan Rivers's Pekingese
Sugar Pie - Anna Nicole Smith
Noodles - Natalie Portman's Schnoodle (Miniature Schnauzer cross Poodle)

Animal Defense Mechanisms

2011-09-28T13:55:00.000-04:00

1. Malaysian Ants: When feeling threatened, these ants internally combusts causing their bodies to explode! Contracting their abdomen upon threat, sets off poison filled glands on the sides of their bodies that kills their enemies once they are close enough!

2. Hairy Frog: This weird amphibian purposefully breaks its own leg to signal its body to dispense cat-like claws that pierce through the frogs toe pads once feeling threatened! Their is debate among scientists on whether these claws are retractable or not.

3: Horned Lizard: As its name might imply, this little guy does not use its horns to defend itself. Instead it fills its sinus cavity with pressure upon threat until the blood vessels in its eye burst, spraying blood all over its enemy!

4: Potato Beetle: Look out for their babies! These specie's little ones cover themselves in their own feces, which are highly toxic, to repel predators!

5: Bombardier Beetle: These small beetle use the power of their behind to ward off threats! It sprays boiling hot toxic bodily fluid from their anus that could nearly melt their enemies!

6: Hog-nose Snake: These smart serpents know how to play dead! They roll over onto their backs and pretend to be dead, in conjunction with excreting a foul odor, so that predators aren't interested in eating them.

7. Sea Cucumber: Don't let the harmless name fool you! This deceiving marine creature excretes sticky string-like filaments from its anus to capture predators and shoot toxins at it when attacked.

8. Larks: Ever try singing to an enemy? These courageous birds like to sing to predator birds when being chased as a warning that they will be difficult to capture so watch out!

9: Opossum: They are a creature of many talents! They defend themselves against predators by involuntarily going into a comatose-like state which is triggered by extreme fear making them look dead. Also, they will make themselves drool by working their jaw excessively which gives the signal to predators that it's sick!

10: Hagfish: Suffocation by ooze...yikes! This strange fish oozes a slimy substance from its pores when under attack that engulfs its predator ultimately suffocating it.

Resources: http://webecoist.com/2008/11/04/9-of-the-most-bizarre-animal-defense-mechanisms/
http://scienceray.com/biology/zoology/strange-defense-mechanism-of-animals/
http://www.opossumsocietyus.org/opossum_defense_mechanisms.htm

Itching for fall

2011-09-25T14:11:00.000-04:00

Autums is actually the peak time for ragweed and mold spores, which are common allergerns for two- and four-leggers alike. If your pet is prone to allergies, follow these tips to avoid potential fall flare-ups:

Mold thrives in decaying vegetation, such as leaves. Once you've raked all the leaves from your yard into piles, be sure to bag them up to avoid mold growth.

If your pet is sensitive to allergens, avoid or limit outdoor playtime, especially among the leaves. A good time for outdoor play is after a rainfall.

Bump up the number of baths your pet gets during her peak allergy season. Twice weekly bathing can keep allergen levels down. Using soothing shampoos and creme rinses will help quiet irritated skin.

Fleas and ticks can contribute to =itchy si=kin. Be sure to use a monthly preventative, such as Frontline, regularly.

Add omega-3 fatty acids to your pet's diet. In addition to contributing to helthy skin, they can be beneficial to your pet's joints and cognitive function.

If your pet's itch can't be easily scratched, visit your veterinarian. Oral antihistamines or steroids may be necessary. For persistant seasonal allergies, consider having your pet tested to determine the source of the trouble.

Fetch 2011 No. 3 issue 9

What is GDV?

2011-09-21T13:47:00.000-04:00

What is GDV?

Gastric dilatation is a condition that can develop in many different breeds of dogs. The condition is commonly associated with large meals and causes the stomach to dilate because of food and gas and may get to a point where neither may be expelled. As the stomach begins to dilate and expand, the pressure in the stomach begins to increase. The increased pressure and size of the stomach may have several severe consequences, including preventing adequate blood return to the heart from the abdomen, loss of blood flow to the lining of the stomach, and rupture of the stomach wall. As the stomach expands, it may also put pressure on the diaphragm preventing the lungs from adequately expanding, which leads to decreased ability to maintain normal breathing. Additionally, the stomach can become dilated enough to rotate in the abdomen, a condition called volvulus. The rotation can occasionally lead to blockage to the blood supply to the spleen and the stomach wall requiring surgical removal of the dead tissues. Most of these patients are in shock due to the effects on the
entire body.

Who is at risk?

There is an association in dogs that have a deep chest (increased thoracic height to width ratio), dogs that are fed a single large meal once daily, older dogs and dogs that are related to other dogs that have had the condition. Commonly seen breeds are Great Danes,
Weimaraners, St. Bernards, Irish Wolfhound, Irish setters and Gordon setters. Female and male dogs are represented equally and dogs as young as 10 months and as old as 14 years have been recognized.

What is a Gastropexy?

A gastropexy is where the stomach is tacked to the right side of the abdominal wall, so it cannot shift or twist. The primary indication for gastropexy is to prevent the development or recurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Prophylactic gastropexy is currently
being recommended by many veterinary surgeons for breeds at risk for development of the condition or in dogs that have relatives that have been related to others that have had this condition. Prophylactic gastropexy can often be done at the same time as spay/neuter surgeries. For more information on whether a gastropexy may be indicated for your dog, talk to a Kingsbrook staff member.

http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/GastricDilatationVolvulus/

How do dogs drink?

2011-09-18T13:42:00.000-04:00

Why does my dog have all those ridges in the roof of the mouth? Using high speed and x-ray videos, researchers at Harvard have determined that when dogs drink they lift water into their mouth and then use these ridges, really called rugae, to hold the water until they swallow it. For the complete article go to:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/science/31obdog.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=dog%20drinking&st=cse

The Most Adorable Pets in America

2011-09-14T13:58:00.000-04:00

Kudos to Kenny Walter for being featured in the 2011 edition of "The Most Adorable Pets in America". Kenny has been a patient here at Kingsbrook Animal Hospital since March of 2001 when he came in as a little kitten adopted from Frederick County Humane Society. Since then we have gratefully cared for Kenny and are happy to report that he is a very healthy 10 year old kitty with a stellar personality. Congragulations to Kenny and his dedicated owners who take amazing care of him.

Preparing for a bath

2011-09-11T13:50:00.001-04:00

Even the cleanest of pets can sometimes need a bath. For dogs, regular bathing can help keep their skin and haircoat healthy. In general, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends bathing your dog about every 3 months; however, certain breeds and dogs that spend a lot of time outside may need to be bathed more often. Cats, on the other hand, generally do not need regular baths—their tongues are designed to be an essential grooming tool. However, there are situations when your cat or dog may need a bath:

• If your pet comes in contact with a potentially hazardous substance or sticky material

• If you are allergic and want to keep pet dander to a minimum

• If your pet goes or gets outside and comes in contact with dirt or fleas

• If a medicated shampoo is prescribed or recommended by us to treat a certain condition

Preparing for a Bath

Try to make bathing a pleasant experience for your pet and for you! If you can teach your pet to enjoy being bathed, it can be another way to strengthen your relationship. However, even the calmest of pets (especially cats) may become stressed around water. Make sure you have everything ready ahead of time to keep bath time as short and relaxed as possible:

A tub (indoors or out) or sink with warm (not hot) water

A spray hose or nozzle or a large plastic pitcher or unbreakable cup

A washcloth for cleaning your pet’s head and face

A rubber bath mat to keep your pet from slipping

A mild shampoo made for dogs or cats (depending on your pet) or the prescribed medicated shampoo

Old clothes to wear (for cat owners, make sure you are protected against scratches and bites)

Plenty of large, absorbent towels and/or a blow dryer, if your pet will tolerate it Toys and treats for rewarding good behavior

It may be beneficial to have another person assist you in restraining your pet dur- ing the bath. If you are comfortable doing so, you can trim your pet’s nails the night before bathing to minimize the chance of scratches. Mats, tangles, and loose hair are also easier to remove by brushing before bathing.

The Bath

• Make sure the water in the tub or sink is not too deep for your pet. For cats and small dogs, 3 to 5 inches of water is enough. Place your pet in the water and, if you have one, use the spray hose to thoroughly wet your pet, being careful not to spray directly in his or her eyes, ears, or nose. If you don’t have a spray hose, use the plastic pitcher, cup, washcloth, or your hands to scoop up the water in the tub.

• Gently massage the shampoo into your pet’s haircoat from head to tail. Follow the labeled instructions carefully. Don’t forget to lather hard-to-reach areas, such as between the legs and the body. Avoid getting any shampoo in your pet’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Use the washcloth to wipe the face/head.

• Thoroughly rinse your pet, again taking care to avoid the ears, eyes, and nose. You may need to drain and refill the sink or tub a few times to make sure you have removed all of the shampoo. Don’t forget to check the feet, under the chin, under the abdomen and chest, and any other areas that can be hard to rinse. Shampoo residues left on the skin and hair can be irritating; cats, in particular, may lick them off later, which can cause illness.

• Dry your pet with the towels or a blow dryer on a low setting. If you use a blow dryer, you may need to slowly introduce your pet to the sound of the dryer. Also, make sure

Try to make bathing a pleasant experience for your pet and for you! If you can teach your pet to enjoy being bathed, it can be another way to strengthen your relationship.

Make sure that the blow dryer air doesn’t get too hot for your pet. If you can only towel dry your pet, be sure to keep him or her in a well- controlled climate until completely dry.

• Give your pet a toy, treat, and/or calm praise as a reward for good behavior.

If you have any questions about bathing your pet or whether he or she needs bathing, please ask! We are happy to help you keep your pet clean and healthy.

Some of the oldest animals on earth...

2011-09-07T14:17:00.000-04:00

"There are tortoises alive today that were 25 to 50 years old when Charles Darwin was born. There are whales swimming the oceans with 200-year-old ivory spear points embedded in their flesh. There are cold-water sponges that were filter-feeding during the days of the Roman Empire. In fact, there are a number of creatures with life spans that make the oldest living human seem like a spring chicken in comparison."

Geoducks: large saltwater clams that are native to the Puget Sound and have been known to live for at least 160 years.

Tuataras: The two species of tuatara alive today are the only surviving members of an order which flourished about 200 million years ago — they are living dinosaurs. They are also among the longest-lived vertebrates on Earth, with some individuals living for anywhere between 100 and 200 years.

Red sea urchin: The red sea urchin is found only in the Pacific Ocean, primarily along the West Coast of North America. It lives in shallow, sometimes rocky, waters. They crawl along the ocean floor using their spines as stilts. Some specimens are more than 200 years old.

Bowhead whales: Also known as the Arctic whale, the bowhead is by far the longest living mammal on Earth. Some bowhead whales have been found with the tips of ivory spears still lodged in their flesh from failed attempts by whalers 200 years ago. The oldest known bowhead whale was at least 211 years old.

Koi: Koi are an ornamental, domesticated variety of the common carp. The are common in artificial rock pools and decorative ponds. Amazingly, some varieties are capable of living more than 200 years.

Tortoises: Tortoises are considered the longest living vertebrates on Earth. One of their oldest known representatives was Harriet, a Galápagos tortoise that died of heart failure at the age of 175 years in June 2006 at a zoo owned by the late Steve Irwin. Harriet was considered the last living representative of Darwin's epic voyage on the HMS Beagle.

Antarctic sponge: Perhaps due to the extremely low temperatures of the Antarctic Ocean, this immobile creature has an extremely slow growth rate. Some estimate the oldest known specimens are 1,550 years old.

Turritopsis nutricula jellyfish: This species of jellyfish might be the only animal in the world to have truly discovered the fountain of youth. Since it is capable of cycling from a mature adult stage to an immature polyp stage and back again, there may be no natural limit to its life span. "

For the full slide show with pictures, visit http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/photos/10-animals-with-the-longest-life-spans

Meet Sophia Loren

2011-09-04T13:23:00.000-04:00

Meet Sophia Loren. She came to Kingsbrook Animal Hospital on 8/5/11 through Frederick County Animal Control after they were contacted by someone who found her wondering in a local business parking lot. She is a sweet 9 pound poodle mix that had obviously suffered some serious neglect. She had evenly spaced infected wounds on the side of her neck where something must have been poking into her skin. She was covered from head to toes to the tip of her tail in about 2 inches of solid matts and had to be shaved to the skin. She also had abrasive lesions on her side and knee. She has been adopted by a staff member at Kingsbrook Animal Hospital and is ready to start her life as an 8 year old girl's "dream dog". Welcome to the Kingsbrook Animal Hospital family Sophia. We are so glad you found us.

Easing the Way in Therapy With the Aid of an Animal

2011-08-31T10:27:00.000-04:00

We’ve all seen guide dogs that can direct blind people around obstacles and tell them when it is safe to cross the street. Perhaps you also know of guide dogs for the deaf, which can alert people to a ringing phone, a doorbell or a smoke alarm, or dogs that can warn people with epilepsy of an incipient seizure, giving them time to get to a safe place before they lose consciousness.

Dr. Marty Becker, veterinarian and author (with Danelle Morton) of “The Healing Power of Pets” (Hyperion, 2002), tells of a golden retriever named Dakota, who was able to warn his master, Mike Lingenfelter, that a heart attack was imminent and alert Mr. Lingenfelter to the need to leave a stressful situation and take preventive medication.

“This dog is leading me through life,” Mr. Lingenfelter told Dr. Becker. “All I’m doing is following the dog.”

In recent decades, there have been countless such stories of animals helping to improve and even preserve the lives of children and adults with all manner of diseases and disabilities. Trained dogs are being used to help keep children with autism safe and to break the “freeze” that can afflict people with Parkinson’s disease when they try to walk. And dogs, cats, bunnies and birds are often brought to schools and institutions, as well as to hospitals and nursing homes, where they help to relax and inspire residents and distract patients from their health problems.

But the use of animals to enhance health can go well beyond individual cases and group settings. A growing number of psychotherapists are using therapy animals to facilitate treatment, especially treatment of children with emotional, social and even physical problems.

Among the pioneers is Aubrey H. Fine, psychotherapist and professor at the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, whose extensive successful use of therapy animals in treating children is documented in “The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy” (Elsevier/Academic Press, 2010).

As Dr. Fine describes one of his first and most inspiring cases, 5-year-old Diane was brought to him because she recoiled in fright from strangers, and though she spoke at home, she refused to speak to anyone else, including her kindergarten teacher.

A trained therapy dog named Puppy eventually broke the back of her selective mutism. Diane was petting Puppy, smiling and content, when Dr. Fine gave the dog a signal to walk away. Diane was crestfallen, and seeing the girl’s distress, Dr. Fine told her that all she had to do to get the dog back was to say, “Puppy, come.” Softly, the child said, “Puppy, come, please come, Puppy.” That incident became the bridge Dr. Fine needed to help the child overcome her socially disabling problem.

He tells of another troubled child who finally began to speak about being physically abused when Dr. Fine told him that the misshapen therapy animal he was playing with had been rescued from an abusive home where it had been seriously injured. In another case in which a child was told where — and where not — to touch the therapy animal, the child opened up about being inappropriately touched, sexually abused, by a family member.

“Children are more likely to reveal inner thoughts to the therapist because the animal is right next to them and helps them express themselves,” Dr. Fine said in an interview.

In early work in a social skills program for hyperactive children, Dr. Fine found that they could be more easily taught how to behave calmly if allowed to handle his pet gerbil. “I realized this approach can have a tremendous impact in teaching because it helps to change how we relate to other beings,” he said.

Although the field of animal-assisted therapy has grown a lot in the last four decades, experts readily acknowledge that it suffers from a lack of well-designed research that can establish guidelines for safety and effectiveness in various situations. For example, although using dolphins to treat autistic children has received considerable media attention, at least two studies found no evidence of benefit and considerable risk of harm to the animals and to the children, said James A. Griffin of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations insists that members limit service and therapy animals to domestic species trained for the job. And the Delta Society, which provides training programs for the animals, will not certify wild or exotic animals like snakes, ferrets, lizards and wolf-hybrids. However, the Delta Society says it “is constantly expanding the range of species included in the Pet Partners program” when there is adequate research to document the safety of their use.

To help give the field a firmer scientific footing, the Mars company, a leading producer of pet foods, initiated a research partnership with the national institute branch of which Dr. Griffin is deputy director. Among continuing studies:

¶The effects of therapeutic horseback riding on children and adolescents with autism. If safe and effective, riding is less invasive than medications used to treat common symptoms like irritability and hyperactivity.

¶A large epidemiological study to document the overall public health effects on children and adolescents of living with dogs and cats.

¶A study to determine whether therapy animals can help children with behavior disturbances attributed to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder develop better self-regulation, self-esteem and social behavior.

¶Studies using survey and genetic tools to help select the most effective cats or cat breeds to work with autistic children.

Dr. Griffin acknowledged in an interview how difficult it can be to design a scientifically valid study using animals because “it can’t be a blind study — you know if the patient has a therapy dog.” But he described one recent study in which the patient, a young boy with autism, served as his own control. When he was with the therapy dog, levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the child dropped; the levels rose when the dog was taken away, and dropped again when the dog was returned. The next step would be to coordinate biochemical changes with behavioral effects — is the child calmer and easier to handle when with a therapy animal?

Dr. Fine emphasized the challenges of working with therapy animals as well as documenting its effectiveness. He said, “You can’t just bring in any animal to a therapy setting. The animal has to be very well trained, reliable, obedient and have the right temperament. It can’t be overly anxious or easily startled. And the therapist has to know how to use it as a therapy adjunct, in combination with good psychotherapy. The animal is there to help support what I’m doing, to act as a catalyst and not a distraction. And, of course, animal-assisted interventions have to be safe for everyone involved — the patient and the animal.”

By JANE E. BRODY
The New York Times
Published: March 14, 2011

Meet GiGi! ( or gg for good girl )

2011-08-28T10:03:00.000-04:00

Gigi is a one year old chihuahua mix that was just recently adopted by Eileen. Gigi was rescued from a shelter in Kentucky and had made several trips with her rescue group to Maryland to an adoption show but no one adopted her,luckily for Eileen :) The minute Eileen met her she knew this was the dog for her! She is very sweet and outgoing and happy to meet everyone, so please if you see her in the office stop and say hello. She would just love it.

Hypoallergenic Dogs

2011-08-24T13:21:00.000-04:00

Hypoallergenic dogs? Despite many claims, we have always questioned if they truly exist (just ask the folks at Bichon Rescue how many "hypoallergenic" dogs they rescue.) Now a study in the Journal of Rhinology and Allergy suggests that there may be no hypoallergenic canine.

The full story is at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/hypoallergenic-pets-may-be-only-a-myth-according-to-a-study-of-60-dog-breeds/2011/07/25/gIQAsQjCoI_story.html

War Mascots

2011-08-21T13:15:00.000-04:00

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, we thought you might like to read this great article telling about the dogs (and eagles!) that served as mascots for the troops heading off to the war. There is even an accompanying slide show.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/06/the-dogs-and-bears-and-camels-of-war/

Tornados Devastate People and Pets

2011-08-17T18:54:00.000-04:00

“After the deadly storms that ripped through Alabama and the rest of the deep south on Wednesday, both people and pets are trying to recover and get their bearings.

The barrage of storms battered the region, wreaking havoc and razing buildings down to the slab, killing at least 291 people across six states. Most of the deaths, 204, were in Alabama, with Tuscaloosa bearing the brunt.
Thousands more have been injured, and untold more have been left homeless, hauling their belongings in garbage bags or rooting through jumbled piles of wood to find anything salvageable. Across nine states there are power outages and thousands of homeless people staying in Red Cross shelters. (Arthur Jeon, Global Animal)”

Global Animal Foundation is collecting donations on behalf of vetted animal rescue groups in Alabama that are on the ground working to shelter, feed, rehabilitate and reunite pets with their guardians.

The site, titled Animals Lost & Found from the Tornadoes in Alabama on 4/27/11, was set up by a group of Alabama pet rescuers. It’s acting as a central location for people who have lost or found animals or who want to volunteer to foster displaced animals. There was also information about veterinarians providing free services in storm-damaged areas. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society has also been listing lost pets on its website and has tips for how to best search for a lost pet.

Global Animal Foundation is collecting donations for the “Have a Heart Animal Rescue and Adoption” and other rescues working on the ground to help with medical costs for injured animals, boarding and food, as well as helping reunite pets with their families.

Shark Facts

2011-08-14T13:25:00.000-04:00

10. The average shark lives to be 25 years old, but some can get as old as 100! They live so long because their chances of contracting a disease are low. Their skeleton is made up entirely of cartilage, which drastically lowers the likelihood of developing a tumor and strengthens their immunity.

9. Modern sharks breathe by ram ventilation, a process that forces water into their mouths and then processes it as they swim forward. When they're idle, sharks use muscles around the mouth to pull water in and over their gills. Sharks that don't have muscles strong enough to do the job must take shorter and less frequent rest stops.

8. One of the worst shark attacks in history was the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War II. Nearly 900 sailors were stranded in the Philippine Sea near Guam for four days. Experts can't be sure how many sailors lost their lives to sharks, but when help arrived, only 316 people were still alive.

7. A shark's tooth-shaped scales, called denticles, allow it to move swiftly through the water without collecting barnacles and algae deposits on the skin. In 2005, engineers successfully mimicked the pattern of scales, creating a bacteria-resistant coating.

6. It's a shark-eat-shark world ... sometimes even before the sharks are born. When some species' embryos begin to develop teeth, they eat their unborn brothers and sisters until one shark remains, an act known as intrauterine cannibalism.

5. Sharks respond to a sound known as a "yummy hum." It's not an actual hum, though. It's an infrasonic sound (one that's too low for humans to hear) that injured fish make, drawing sharks to an easy meal.

4. Almost 50 different species of sharks have light-emitting organs called photospheres. Sharks use the light that comes from these organs for camouflage and to attract mates.

3. Every once in a while, a female shark can reproduce without any contact from a male, an act known as parthenogenesis. Scientists have only documented a couple of cases of parthenogenesis, but some suspect that just about any female shark can get pregnant on her own in the right circumstances.

2. Sharks living in frigid waters can heat their eyes using a special organ next to a muscle in their eye socket. This ability enables them to keep hunting their prey in extreme temperatures.

1. "Jumping the shark" is the kiss of death when it hits our favorite sitcom, but it's just as deadly in the real world. Great white sharks off the coast of Seal Island, Africa, are known to jump almost 10 feet (3 meters) in the air to catch unsuspecting seals ... or anything else, for that matter.

by Timothy Jameson, Victoria Plummer, Anni Pullagura, Rachel Schultz and Samantha Stallard, HowStuffWorks.com

K9 in the Vines

2011-08-10T17:12:00.001-04:00

Come join Linganore Winecellars-Berrywine Plantation, Maryland’s premier vineyard and winery and spend a relaxing afternoon with or without your dog(s) while enjoying some of Maryland’s finest wines. Partake in wine tastings, enjoy live entertainment, silent auctions, door prizes, pet and wine themed vendors and exhibitors, food, and plenty of discounts on wine. For those who bring their furry friends along, participate in activities and contests, pet photo sessions by Fuzzy Pants Photography, and wading pools for the pooches.

EVENT DATE: Sunday, August 21, 2011

EVENT TIME: 1:00 – 5:00pm

LOCATION: Linganore Winecellars - Berrywine Plantations
13601 Glissans Mill Road • Mt. Airy, Maryland 21771

K9's in the Vines is made possible only through the support of our many sponsors. We extend our gratitude for their support. It is not too late to be a sponsor and/or vendor for this event. If interested, please contact Stephanie at sgadzinski@hotmail.com . The deadline for sponsorship is July 21, 2011.

Second Chance at Love

2011-08-07T12:27:00.000-04:00

This is Lilly, a 2 year old female mixed breed who has a very inspirational story. Her current owner, who was pregnant at the time, found her in Baltimore, MD severely beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. She saved her life. She has now had Lilly for about 2 years and she is a very happy pup. Lilly shows no signs of her past other than an adorable lopsided ear. She is definitely a fighter at heart and is lucky to have found herself in a great situation now with such caring owners! We thank them for saving her!

Add-A-Bite for Animals Fundraiser

2011-08-04T13:32:00.002-04:00

WHAT IS IT?: a fun, easy way to help raise money for the Frederick County Humane Society by eating at participating area restaurants! You must present the special Add-A-Bite certificate (link located further down in this email and on our website) at the restaurant in order for us to enjoy the benefit of your participation. Feel free to make multiple copies!

WHEN: Add-A-Bite kicks off Saturday, August 6, at Five Guys Burgers on Carroll Creek and then continues throughout the month of
August at several other restaurants. Saturday is also the Dog Days of Summer in downtown Frederick and we hope you will join us for this fun doggy evening!

DETAILS (for links to the participating restaurants, visit this page on our website)
Five Guys: from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 6, diners are encouraged to drop their food receipt in one of the FCHS collection boxes located there. Five Guys will donate 10 percent of the receipt totals in those boxes to our organization! Note: You DO NOT present your certificate to Five Guys; they will use your meal receipt from that day to calculate the donation to us.
The following restaurants will participate in Add-A-Bite the remainder of the month of August, on the following specified days:
Acacia: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Brewer's Alley: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Dutch's Daughter: Thursdays
Firestone's: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Griff's Landing: Sundays
Isabella's Taverna & Tapas Bar: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Magoo's Pub & Eatery: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays

Bring your Add-A-Bite Certificate!
Please print off the Add-A-Bite certificate and bring it with you, to present at one of the participating restaurants when placing your order. The only exception is Five Guys, which is using the meal receipts from Aug. 6, not the certificate. You can make copies of the certificate and use it as many times, and at as many of the restaurants, as you like! Please share with family, coworkers and friends too! Thank you!!

Print the certificate at http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1101622011777-240/2011+Certificate.pdf

Questions or comments? Please contact Brigitte Farrell at director@fchs.org.

Many thanks for your support!! Please thank the participating restaurants for their support too!

Frederick County Humane Society
217 West Patrick Street
Frederick, Maryland 21701
301-694-8300

Lilly Sophia

2011-08-03T09:02:00.000-04:00

Meet Lilly Sophia! The new addition to Stacey's family. You may see her around the hospital for socialization. Feel free to give her a treat!

Vacation at Best Friends Sanctuary

2011-07-31T11:17:00.000-04:00

It’s easy to become a volunteer and takes only a few minutes to sign up. You can volunteer at our beautiful sanctuary in Kanab, Utah; in your community, or right from your own home.

To get started see Creating an Account. Then, visit My Volunteer Menu found in the blue bar (this will only be available after you log in) and select Edit My Profile. Once you have updated and saved your volunteer profile, you can return to My Volunteer Menu and begin searching for volunteer opportunities.

If you are interested in volunteering locally in one of our outreach volunteer opportunities or with one of Best Friends' Network Charities, you can find additional information by clicking on the options listed on the left side of this page.

If you’re planning to volunteer at the sanctuary, hop over to Scheduling Volunteer Time after you’ve completed your profile. Planning your visit as far in advance as possible makes it easier for us to schedule you according to your preferences. You can also contact our Volunteer department at the sanctuary at volunteers@bestfriends.org or at (435) 644-2001, ext. 4119.

Visit Working with Animals to learn the many different ways you can help animals as a Sanctuary Volunteer. When you arrive at Best Friends, you’ll be greeted by wagging tails, purrs and friendly faces!

Working with Animals

We invite you to participate in the regular routine of animal care -- feeding, cleaning, grooming, walking, etc. Spending time socializing with the animals is also important, as it gets our animals used to people and makes them more adoptable. For the safety of both people and animals, children 5 years and under may not volunteer with our animals. In addition, some of our animal areas have age restrictions for those between 6-17 years old and each animal area has a maximum number of volunteers it can accommodate daily, so please contact us to make arrangements prior to your visit. For more information about volunteering in the many different animal areas, please read the General Guidelines

Volunteer work with the animals is available at the following times:

Cats: Mornings from 8:15am to 11:30am. Afternoons from 1:15pm to 4:00pm

Dogs: Mornings from 8:15am to 11:30am. Afternoons from 1:15pm to 4:00pm

Bunnies: Mornings from 8:15am to 11:30am. Afternoons from 1:15pm to 4:00pm

Horses: Mornings from 8:15am to 11:30am. Afternoons from 1:15pm to 4:00pm
PLEASE NOTE: For the safety of our horses/farm animals, if you have been outside the U.S. in the past 14 days, you will not be permitted to volunteer at Horse Haven.

**In inclement weather, particularly during the winter months, volunteer opportunities may be limited in our Horse Haven area

Pot-bellied Pigs: Mornings from 8:15am to 11:30am. Afternoons from 1:15pm to 4:00pm
PLEASE NOTE: For the safety of our pigs, if you have been outside the U.S. in the past 14 days, you will not be permitted to volunteer with the pigs.

Birds: Mornings from 8:15am to 11:30am. Afternoons from 1:15pm to 4:00pm
The Parrot Garden (inside birds)
Wild Friends (outside birds) -- Adults only

Because our animal area volunteer coordinators and caregivers need time to get volunteers set up, it is important that you arrive on time at the beginning of each session (mornings 8:15am and afternoons 1:15pm). This allows us to begin caring for all of our animals in a timely manner. Please also be aware that if you arrive after the beginning of a session you may not be able to volunteer in that particular animal area.

As well as working directly with the animals, other volunteer skills are welcome. If you are adept in particular areas such as maintenance, or landscaping, for example, and if you can let us know a few weeks before your visit, we may be able to arrange for you to be involved in a specific project.

Just a spoonful of sugar...

2011-07-27T15:45:00.000-04:00

While Paris Hilton and Beverly Hills Chihuahua may have helped popularize toy-breed dogs over the past few years, many new owners of these pint-sized pups are unaware of their severe susceptibility to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. toy breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Pomeranian, toy Poodle and Chihuahua, can have difficulty maintaining their blood sugar, especially when very young.

Small dogs can suffer dangerously low blood sugar levels very quickly, so it's important to know the signs. The first signs usually include listlessness and lack of coordination (often equated to "drunken staggering). If not treated quickly, this can progress to seizures and even coma. If you suspect your toy pup may be suffering from hypoglycemia, immediately offer food and contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

The ideal scenario, of course, is to prevent hypoglycemia from occuring. Theis best achieved by feeding moist food (either wet food or moistened kibble) four-to-five times a day during puppy-hood. Ensuring they are always warm and dry will help prevent a drop in body temperature that can spiral into hypoglycemia. With these handy tips in mind, you can concentrate on the important things, like which designer diamante collar will look best on your pocket pooch!

Fetch Volume 6 2010/2011

The Eyes Have It

2011-07-24T12:20:00.001-04:00

Think your aging pet’s eyes are getting a little cloudy? Well, the most common cause for this is a process called lenticular sclerosis, which doesn’t normally affect your pet’s eyesight or overall health. With lenticular sclerosis, the fibers that make up the lens of the eye become more dense and compressed, giving the lens a hazy appearance.

Unfortunately, in some cases, a graying of the eye could indicate cataracts. Simply put, a cataract is an opacity in the lens of the eye. Your veterinarian can easily differentiate between lenticular sclerosis and a cataract with a pen light or ophthalmoscope. Fortunately, pets who are otherwise healthy are often good candidates for surgical removal of cataracts. More than 80% of pets who undergo the surgery have good long-term outcomes.

While some cataracts can go untreated, and many pets do well with reduced or no vision, there are some situations in which surgery may be a heavily recommended option (e.g. rapidly-maturing cataracts) and some cases where untreated cataracts can go on to cause additional problems like uveitis and glaucoma. Your veterinarian and/or veterinary ophthalmologist can help to guide you through the health and financial implications of these decisions.

FETCH Spring/Summer 2010

To Crate Train or Not to Crate Train

2011-07-20T12:20:00.000-04:00

To crate train or not to crate train, that is one of the many questions pet parents face when they bring home a new puppy. While you may be feeling guilty about putting that sweet little puppy (and those big brown eyes!) in a crate for the night or while you are at work, what you really need to think about is what could happen if you didn't.

A puppy left to her own devices operates much like a two-year-old child. Everything that could possibly be chewed on or swallowed, will be. Every nook and cranny will be investigated. And house training becomes a free-for-all. Puppies left free to roam in the house can get into all sorts of trouble; including chewing power cords, falling off balconies and eating things they shouldn't.

It's important that the crate is not seen as punishment, but rather a secure, comfortable den-like environment that keeps your puppy safe from harm (and encourages better bathroom habits). As your puppy matures into adulthood, you will be able to allow longer periods of time out of the crate when you're not home. Eventually, you may even find that your dog doesn't need to be in her crate once she is a mature responsible adult.

Fetch Volume 6 2010/2011

When you gotta go...

2011-07-17T09:52:00.004-04:00

When I see older dogs for wellness visits, I find it's a great opportunity to talk about what problems we might expect in the coming years and how to be best prepared. One of the problems I bring up, and one that owners often don't consider, is incontinence.

Different from a breakdown in housetraining, incontinence is defined as involuntary urinary leakage, and the most common place to see "accidents" is on the floor or bed where they have lying. It most commonly starts with small spots but can progress to puddles.

So, why do older dogs become incontinent? Sometimes it is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection or a neurological condition. These possibilities can be eliminated with simple urine or blood tests.

However, a fairly high proportion of spayed female dogs (some sources estimate up to 20%) develop what is described as urethral sphincter mechanism incontinence (or USMI). This means that the muscles that help to keep the bladder closed aren't working properly, causing urine to leak out.

The good news? USMI is usually responsive to relatively safe and inexpensive medical therapy. While some cases can require treatment with hormones or even surgery, the vast majority of cases respond well to a medication called phenylpropanolamine.

So, don't let your aging dog be embarrased by bedwetting. Consult with your veterinarian at the first sign that the floodgate may not be holding!

Fetch Spring/Summer 2010

Spay and Neuter Benefits

2011-07-13T12:18:00.000-04:00

Nowadays, most pets adopted from rescues are spayed or neutered before adoption. But 30 years ago this wasn't the case. So, what's changed? Well, the main driving factor behind encouraging sterilization is the accumulation of data regarding how it affects pet's health and behavior, as well as increased efforts to control population numbers (remember Bob Barker's daily plug to “spay or neuter your pets” on The Price is Right?).

So what are the health and behavior benefits of spaying or neutering your pet?

*Spaying a female dog before her first heat lowers the chances she will develop
mammary tumors later in life to almost zero. Compare that to a 25% chance of
developing tumors for an unspayed dog (50% of which will be malignant).

*Spaying eliminates the chances of a female dog developing pyometra – a potentially
life-threatening infection of the uterus that often occurs in middle-aged, unspayed
females.

*Neutering a male dog virtually eliminates the incidence of prostate disease, and
prevents certain types of tumors.

*Spaying and neutering before a pet is sexually mature can help to reduce or avoid
many hormone driven behaviors, such as aggression, roaming, fighting and urine
marking.

Fetch Volume 6 2010/2011

Forgetaboutit!

2011-07-10T08:54:00.003-04:00

So it is normal for us to be a little forgetful as we get older, right? While Fido isn't going to forget where he put his car keys, he may start to have problems remembering to tell you he needs to go out to the bathroom! Just a normal part of getting old, right? Yes and no. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is an increasingly recognized ( and potentially treatable) condition in our aging canines.

Studies suggest that almost one third of dogs over the age of 11, and all dogs over 16, suffer from a degree os CDS. This can affect your pet's memory, learning, housetraining, the ability to judge spaces/distances and may change how they act to human family members. Current thinking suggests the changes in the brains of dogs with CDS are similiar to those in humans with Alzheimer's Syndrome.

The most common signs that pet parents see in CDS patients include disorientation, confusion, getting stuck in corners, restlessness, barking, separation anxiety and even obsessive licking.

Treatment focuses on preventing dopamine depletion (by using a drug called L-deprenyl), slowing damage to brain cells by free-radicals (by feeding specialty diets high in anti-oxidants) and environmental enrichment (by having them do crossowrd puzzles...just kidding!).
Joking aside, keeping your pet mentally stimulated can really help slow mental degeneration. So, if you feel that your pooch is mentally past his prime, talk to your vet about activities and treatment options.

Fetch Spring/Summer 2010

Fun Pet Facts

2011-07-06T14:13:00.000-04:00

There are over 77 million cats in the United States. There are 65 million dogs.

There are more than 9,000 species of birds, but Parakeets, canaries and finches are the most popular species for pets.

Max is the most popular name for dogs in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.

Dogs can in fact see in color, but not as well as humans. However, they probably can't see red or green.

Studies have shown that cats have better memories than dogs, monkeys or orangutans.

The world's first space astronaut was a Russian dog named Laikia.

Nearly 94 percent of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day.

From http://pethealth.lifetips.com

Hot as an Oven

2011-07-03T12:14:00.000-04:00

Can Pets Predict the Weather, Among Other Things?

2011-06-29T10:41:00.000-04:00

Summer means it is storm season. You may not have to check with the weather service to find out if lightning is about to strike, however. The answer could be curled up in your lap or resting at your feet. According to a survey by the Associated Press and Petside.com, more than two-thirds of dog and cat owners say they’ve received weather warnings from their pets. Even more surprisingly, almost half report they’ve been alerted to bad news by their animals. Do pets really have this mysterious “sixth sense”?

“It’s not that they have a sixth sense but that their senses are much more acute than those of humans,” says Dr. Nicholas Dodman, professor of animal behavior at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

“For example, a dog’s most highly developed sense is its ability to smell,” he explains. “We humans have something like 12 million olfactory receptors in our noses. Dogs can have up to 4 billion. So, it’s hardly surprising that they have an incredible ability to detect trace amounts of odors.”

“So, let’s suppose a storm is miles and miles away and lightning flashes. That may generate ozone molecules that travel in the breeze ahead of the storm. Your dog smells those and becomes agitated and starts to shake.”

“Then, when the storm hits, you think, ‘Oh, my goodness, my dog has a sixth sense!’”

“Storms are also preceded by pressure changes in the air,” says Dr. Ben Hart, a veterinarian at the University of California, Davis who has studied animal behavior for almost 50 years. “It’s possible that dogs and cats can pick up on these changes.”

Hart says animals that have been frightened by thunderstorms in the past will be especially attuned to all the stimuli that accompany them.

Static electricity might also play a role in an animal’s ability to “predict” the weather.

“People have reported getting shocks off their dogs during storms,” says Dodman. “That’s not unusual, considering that dogs are running around on insulated foot pads wearing the equivalent of a big furry angora sweater. They’re perfectly designed to acquire a static charge. So, when they touch their nose to something, they are shocked and will remember that painful experience.”

How do these scientists explain a dog or cat’s reported ability to foretell bad news?

“We tend to remember those things that impress us the most,” says Hart. “So, if our dog appears to warn us and something bad happens afterward, we’ll remember that. But we’ll forget the other hundred or thousand times he acted that way and we didn’t get bad news.”

Dodman calls this “superstitious learning.”

He likens it to a baseball player who discovers a hole in his sock on the day of a big game. He hits a home run and wears a sock with a hole in it for the rest of his career.

“The sock didn’t cause the home run,” Dodman says. “It’s just that humans often make the wrong connection.”

If it’s any consolation, however, he says that dogs and cats make wrong connections, too.

“Your pet may be frightened by the smell of lamb cooking. That’s maybe because he once burned his nose on the stove and he associates that painful experience with the smell, not the hot burner.

“It’s easy for us to misinterpret what’s really going on,” Dodman adds. “Like when you’ve had a bad day at the office and come home and your dog puts his head on your lap. Your response is, ‘My dog knew I had a bad day at work.’ He didn’t. He just knew when you walked in the door that your posture was different and you looked sad. It’s your body language. Dogs can read you like a book.”

“It’s natural to assume more understanding and human sense than there is,” says Hart. “But when you say that to people like my sister, she’ll tell me, ‘No, Ben, you’re wrong. I know my dog really understands what I’m going through or what happened.’”

“You just can’t argue with that.”

How Do Pets Warn of Impending Danger?

•64% hide in a safe place
•56% cry
•52% become hyperactive
•36% bark or meow persistently
Source: AP-Petside.com survey of pet owners who believe their animals can predict bad things happening.

By Jack Sommars
AAHA Pets Matter

Tally-Ho

2011-06-26T14:34:00.000-04:00

Sighthounds are a special group of hounds that are bred to hunt by sight. The sighthound breeds include: Whippets, Basenjis, Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Afghan Hounds, Borzois, Ibizan Hounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Salukis and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Lure coursing tests and trials utilize a 'lure' (white plastic bag) strung around a course of 600 to 800 yards in an open field. The purpose of a competitive lure coursing trial program is to preserve and develop the coursing skills inherent in the sighthounds and to demonstrate that they can perform the functions for which they were originally bred. Hounds are brought by their owners to the starting line wearing coursing blankets (bright pink, yellow or blue) and slip leads (quick-release collars). The lure is started and, at the huntmaster's cry of "Tally-Ho!," the hounds are released and the chase begins. Hounds are normally run in trios as judges assess performance based on each hound's abilities, identifying hounds by their blanket color. The hounds are scored by 5 different criteria- follow, enthusiasm, agility, speed, and endurance.

For more information on the sport of lure coursing, check out www.asfa.org and www.akc.org/events/lure_coursing/

Local lure coursing club information including nearby trials can be found at http://www.hanoverlurecoursingclubs.org/

Beach Tips

2011-06-22T10:32:00.000-04:00

Taking your dog to the beach can be a great way to spend a beautiful summer day. However, as a responsible dog owner there are certain precautions you should take:

Provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your dog.

Dogs can get sunburn, especially short-haired dogs and ones with pink skin and white hair. Limit your dog's exposure when the sun is unusually strong, and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions – dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice.

If your dog is out of shape, don't encourage him to run on the sand. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament.
Cool ocean water is tempting to your dog. Do not allow him to drink too much seawater. The salt in the water will make him sick.

Salt and other minerals found in the ocean can damage your dog's coat. So, when you are ready to leave for the day, rinse him off with fresh water.

Not all beaches permit dogs. Check local ordinances before you begin your excursion to the beach.

Does Your Doggy Paddle?

The majority of dogs can swim and they love it. But dogs entering the water for the first time should be tested. Here are some important tips for teaching your dog how to swim:

Never throw your dog into the water.

Start in shallow water, and call your dog's name. You can also try to coax him in with a treat or toy – but always keep your dog within reach.

Another way to introduce your dog to the water is with a dog that already swims and is friendly with your dog. Let your dog follow his friend.

If your dog begins to doggy-paddle with his front legs only, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and will then keep his back end up.

Swimming is a great form of exercise, but don't let your dog overdo it. He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.

Be careful of strong tides that are hazardous for even the best swimmers.

Never leave your dog unattended! You should always be in a position to help him get out of the water.

A Bin Laden Hunter on Four Legs

2011-06-19T13:22:00.000-04:00

The identities of all 80 members of the American commando team who thundered into Abbottabad, Pakistan, and killed Osama bin Laden are the subject of intense speculation, but perhaps none more so than the only member with four legs.

Little is known about what may be the nation’s most courageous dog. Even its breed is the subject of great interest, although it was most likely a German shepherd or a Belgian Malinois, military sources say. But its use in the raid reflects the military’s growing dependence on dogs in wars in which improvised explosive devices have caused two-thirds of all casualties. Dogs have proved far better than people or machines at quickly finding bombs.

Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of United States forces in Afghanistan, said last year that the military needed more dogs. “The capability they bring to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine,” he said.

Maj. William Roberts, commander of the Defense Department’s Military Working Dog Center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, said the dog on the raid could have checked the compound for explosives and even sniffed door handles to see if they were booby-trapped.

And given that Saddam Hussein was found hiding in a narrow, dark hole beneath a mud shack in Iraq, the Seal team might have brought the dog in case Bin Laden had built a secret room into his compound.

“Dogs are very good at detecting people inside of a building,” Major Roberts said.

Another use may have been to catch anyone escaping the compound in the first moments of the raid. A shepherd or a Malinois runs twice as fast as a human.

Tech Sgt. Kelly A. Mylott, the kennel master at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, called dogs ideal for getting someone who is running away without having to shoot them. “When the dogs go after a suspect, they’re trained to bite and hold them,” Sergeant Mylott said.

Some dogs are big enough that, when they leap on a suspect, the person tends to drop to the ground, Sergeant Mylott said. Others bite arms or legs. “Different dogs do different things,” she said. “But whatever they do, it’s very difficult for that person to go any further.”

Finally, dogs can be used to pacify an unruly group of people — particularly in the Middle East. “There is a cultural aversion to dogs in some of these countries, where few of them are used as pets,” Major Roberts said. “Dogs can be very intimidating in that situation.”

Sergeant Mylott said that dogs got people’s attention in ways that weapons sometimes did not. “Dogs can be an amazing psychological deterrent,” she said.

There are 600 dogs serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, and that number is expected to grow substantially over the next year, Ensign Brynn Olson of the United States Central Command said. Particularly popular with the troops are the growing number of Labrador retrievers who wander off-leash 100 yards or more in front of patrols to ensure the safety of the route. A Silver Star, one of the Navy’s highest awards, was awarded posthumously in 2009 to a dog named Remco after he charged an insurgent’s hide-out in Afghanistan.

The training of dogs in Navy Seal teams and other Special Operations units is shrouded in secrecy. Maj. Wes Ticer, a spokesman for United States Special Operations Command, said the dogs’ primary functions “are finding explosives and conducting searches and patrols.”

“Dogs are relied upon,” he continued, “to provide early warning for potential hazards, many times, saving the lives of the Special Operations Forces with whom they operate.”

Last year, the Seals bought four waterproof tactical vests for their dogs that featured infrared and night-vision cameras so that handlers — holding a three-inch monitor from as far as 1,000 yards away — could immediately see what the dogs were seeing. The vests, which come in coyote tan and camouflage, let handlers communicate with the dogs with a speaker, and the four together cost more than $86,000. Navy Seal teams have trained to parachute from great heights and deploy out of helicopters with dogs.

The military uses a variety of breeds, but by far the most common are the German shepherd and the Belgian Malinois, which “have the best overall combination of keen sense of smell, endurance, speed, strength, courage, intelligence and adaptability to almost any climatic condition,” according to a fact sheet from the military working dog unit.

Suzanne Belger, president of the American Belgian Malinois Club, said she was hoping the dog was one of her breed “and that it did its job and came home safe.” But Laura Gilbert, corresponding secretary for the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, said she was sure the dog was her breed “because we’re the best!”

By GARDINER HARRIS
The New York Times
Published: May 4, 2011

The Dogs of War: Beloved Comrades in Afghanistan

2011-06-15T09:10:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON — Marines were on a foot patrol last fall in the Taliban stronghold of Marja, Afghanistan, when they shot and killed a lethal threat: a local dog that made the mistake of attacking the Marines’ Labrador retriever.

Capt. Manuel Zepeda, the commander of Company F, Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, was unapologetic. If the Lab on the patrol had been hurt, the Marines would have lost their best weapon for detecting roadside bombs — and would have called for a medevac helicopter, just as they would for a human. An attack on the Lab was an attack on a fellow warrior.

As Captain Zepeda put it that day, “We consider the dog another Marine.”

The classified canine that went on the Navy Seals’ raid of Osama bin Laden’s compound last week has generated a wave of interest in military dogs, which have been used by the United States since at least World War I. Now, more valued than ever, they are on their own surge into Afghanistan.

American troops may be starting to come home this summer, but more dogs are going in. In 2007, the Marines began a pilot program in Afghanistan with nine bomb-sniffing dogs, a number that has grown to 350 and is expected to reach nearly 650 by the end of the year. Over all, there are some 2,700 dogs on active duty in the American military. A decade ago, before the Sept. 11 attacks, there were 1,800.

“Most of the public isn’t aware of what these dogs add to national security,” said Gerry Proctor, a spokesman for training programs at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, including the Military Working Dog School. Dogs are used for protection, pursuit, tracking and search and rescue, but the military is also increasingly relying on them to sniff out the homemade bombs that cause the vast majority of American casualties in Afghanistan. So far, no human or human-made technology can do better.

Within the military, the breeds of choice are generally the German shepherd and a Belgian shepherd, or Malinois, but Marines in Afghanistan rely on pure-bred Labrador retrievers because of the dogs’ good noses and nonaggressive, eager-to-please temperaments. Labs now accompany many Marine foot patrols in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan, wandering off-leash 100 yards or more in front as bomb detectors. It is the vital work of an expensively trained canine (the cost to the American military can be as high as $40,000 per dog), but at the end of a sweltering day, sometimes a Lab is still a Lab.

Last spring on a patrol in Helmand’s Garmsir District, a Lab, Tango, was leading a small group of Marines on a dirt road leading into a village when the dog suddenly went down on all fours, wagging his tail — a sign that he had detected explosives nearby. The patrol froze as a Marine explosives team investigated. No bomb was found and the patrol continued, but on the way back the dog, miserable in the 102-degree heat and like most Labrador retrievers a good swimmer, abandoned his duties and leaped into an irrigation canal to cool off. But then he could not climb back up the steep bank. One of the Marines, swearing lustily, finally jumped into the canal and carried the dog out in his arms.

The bonds that grow in battle between the Labs and their Marine handlers are already the stuff of heart-tugging war stories. But few have had the emotional impact of that of Pfc. Colton W. Rusk, a 20-year-old Marine machine gunner and dog handler who was killed in December by sniper fire in Sangin, one of the most deadly areas in Helmand. During his deployment, Private Rusk sent his parents a steady flow of pictures and news about his beloved bomb dog, Eli, a black Lab. When Private Rusk was shot, Marine officers told his parents, Eli crawled on top of their son to try to protect him.

The 3-year-old Eli, the first name of the survivors listed in Private Rusk’s obituary, was retired early from the military and adopted in February by Private Rusk’s parents, Darrell and Kathy Rusk. “He’s a big comfort to us,” Kathy Rusk said in a telephone interview from her home in Orange Grove, Tex. After the dog’s retirement ceremony in February at Lackland Air Force Base, an event that generated enormous news coverage in Texas, the Rusks brought Eli for the first time into their home. “The first place he went was Colton’s room,” Mrs. Rusk said. “He sniffed around and jumped up on his bed.”

So far, 20 Labrador retrievers out of the 350 have been killed in action since the Marine program began, most in explosions of homemade bombs, Marine officials said. Within the Special Operations Command, the home of the dog that went on the Bin Laden mission, some 34 dogs were killed in the line of duty between 2006 and 2009, said Maj. Wes Ticer, a spokesman. Like their handlers, dogs that survive go on repeat deployments, sometimes as many as four. Dogs retire from the military at the age of 8 or 9.

To an American public weary of nearly 10 years of war, dogs are a way to relate, as the celebrity status of the still-unknown commando dog proved. (President Obama is one of the few Americans to have met the dog, in a closed-door session with the Seal team last week.)

Few understand the appeal of dogs in battle better than Rebecca Frankel, the deputy managing editor of ForeignPolicy.com. Last week, she posted a “War Dog” photo essay, with her favorite pictures of dogs jumping out of helicopters, skydiving from 30,000 feet and relaxing with Marines. The photo essay went viral, with 6.5 million page views to date — a record for the site.

“I think people go weak at the knees for these dogs,” Ms. Frankel said in an interview. “I do, too. But their contribution is significant. These are serious dogs.”

By Elizabeth Bumiller
The New York Times

ASPCA Guide to Pet-Safe Gardening

2011-06-12T18:19:00.000-04:00

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) experts field tens of thousands of calls each year involving animal companions who’ve had potentially hazardous contact with insecticides, weed killers and pet-toxic plants.

"Keeping animals safe from accidental poisonings should not end once you've stepped outside," says Dana Farbman, APCC pet poison prevention expert. "Protecting your pet from potential hazards in your yard is just as critical."

While gardens and yards are lovely for relaxing, they can also prove dangerous for our animal companions.

Our experts recommend you watch out for the following:

Poisonous Plants
When designing and planting your green space, it's a good idea to keep in mind that many popular outdoor plants—including sago palm, rhododendron and azalea—are toxic to cats and dogs. Sago palm and other members of the Cycad family as well as mushrooms can cause liver failure, while rhododendron, azalea, lily of the valley, oleander, rosebay, foxglove and kalanchoe all affect the heart. Please visit our full list—and pics!—of toxic and non-toxic plants for your garden.

Fertilizer
Just like you, plants need food. But pet parents, take care—the fertilizer that keeps our plants healthy and green can wreak havoc on the digestive tracts of our furry friends. Ingesting large amounts of fertilizer can give your pet a good case of stomach upset and may result in life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction. Be sure to follow instructions carefully and observe the appropriate waiting period before letting your pet run wild outside.

Cocoa Mulch
Many gardeners use cocoa bean shells—a by-product of chocolate production—in landscaping. Popular for its attractive odor and color, cocoa mulch also attracts dogs with its sweet smell, and like chocolate, it can pose problems for our canine companions. Depending on the amount involved, ingestion of cocoa mulch can cause a range of clinical signs, from vomiting, diarrhea and muscle tremors to elevated heart rate, hyperactivity and even seizures. Consider using aless-toxic alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark, but always supervise curious canines in yards where mulch is spread.

Insecticides
Like fertilizer, herbicides, insecticide baits, sprays and granules are often necessary to keep our gardens healthy, but their ingredients aren't meant for four-legged consumption. The most dangerous forms of pesticides include snail bait with metaldehyde, fly bait with methomyl, systemic insecticides with the ingredients disyston or disulfoton, mole or gopher bait with zinc phosphide and most forms of rat poisons. Always store pesticides in inaccessible areas—and read the manufacturer's label carefully for proper usage and storage.

Compost
You're doing the right thing for your garden and Mother Earth—you're composting! Food and garden waste make excellent additions to garden soil, but depending on what you're tossing in the compost bin, they can also pose problems for our pets. Coffee, moldy food and certain types of fruit and vegetables are toxic to dogs and cats, so read up on people foods to avoid feeding your pet.

Fleas and Ticks
Since fleas and ticks lurk in tall brush and grasses, it's important to keep those lawns mowed and trim. Fleas can cause excessive scratching, hair loss, scabs, hot spots and tapeworms as well as anemia from blood loss in both cats and dogs. Ticks can cause similar effects and lead to a variety of complications from tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Babesia.

Garden Tools
Unattended garden tools may seem like no big deal, but rakes, tillers, hoes and trowels can be hazardous to pets and cause trauma to paws, noses or other parts of a curious pet's body. Rusty, sharp tools caked in dirt may also pose a risk for tetanus if they puncture skin. While cats don't appear to be as susceptible as dogs to tetanus, care should be taken by storing all unused tools in a safe area, not haphazardly strewn on the ground.

Allergy-Causing Flora
Ah-choo! Like their sneezy human counterparts, pets have allergies to foods, dust and even plants. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can even cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock if the reaction is severe. If you do suspect your pet has an allergy, please don't give him any medication that isn't prescribed by a veterinarian.

It's also smart to keep your pet out of other people's yards, especially if you're unsure of what kinds of plants or flowers lurk there. Keeping your pet off the lawn of others will make for healthy pets and happy neighbors.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/pet-safe-gardening.aspx

‘Abandoned’ baby animals should probably be left alone

2011-06-08T16:13:00.001-04:00

Sometimes the best of intentions have the worst of outcomes.

Lisa Fischer has seen it countless times. Saw it last week, in fact.

As the head of Suburban Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. in St. Mary’s County, she takes in injured and abandoned birds and mammals. But what to many is an abandoned animal is to her an animal that probably should have been left where it was.

That’s especially true of fawns. Last month, Lisa received two. One was an open and shut case, so to speak: It was found next to a dead doe. Without a mother, it needed Lisa’s help.

The other was found in the woods by someone who assumed the mother wasn’t coming back. “They were asked to put it back and didn’t want to put it back,” Lisa said. They said the site would soon be cleared for construction. They wouldn’t tell Lisa where the site was.

Baby deer are incredibly small, often weighing no more than three pounds. “And they’re real thin,” Lisa said. “Like pancakes.”

She tube fed the fawn. “I fought for a week,” Lisa said. “It died in six or seven days. . . . Had it been with mom, quite frankly it probably would have made it.”

She’ll care for the surviving fawn and release it in September.

What most people don’t realize is that a mother deer will leave her fawn alone for eight to 10 hours a day while it forages. The fawn can’t keep up with the mother. A fawn’s camouflage and lack of scent keep it pretty well hidden from predators.

If the mother returns to find her offspring gone, she’ll freak out. “She will search frantically for about three days for the fawn. So the best thing is to leave them alone,” Lisa said.

If the baby has flies buzzing around it or maggots on it, a wildlife rehabber should be called. Ditto if it’s obviously injured or dehydrated. Otherwise, let sleeping fawns lie.

Bunnies, too. “People don’t realize [rabbit] mothers only feed their babies at dawn and dusk,” Lisa said. If you think bunnies may be abandoned, sprinkle some flour around their nest and check back later to see whether mom has left footprints. “Bunnies do so much better in the wild,” Lisa said. “There’s only a 10 percent survival rate with rehabbers.”

This is a good time to remind people that baby birds probably don’t need our help, either. “A lot of people don’t realize that the little birds are on the ground for three days before they really fly. They’re simply on the ground, fully feathered, with their parents still taking care of them.”

Touching a nestling or fledgling will not make its parent abandon it. Most birds don’t have a sense of smell. If you’re concerned about the bird, simply put it back in its nest.

There’s another way humans mistakenly, if routinely, kill wild animals: by feeding them cow’s milk.

“It’s not for them,” Lisa said. “You really can’t give anything cow’s milk, other than a cow. And us, I guess.”

Cow’s milk causes diarrhea in fawns, squirrels and other mammals. It can kill them in a matter of days. (Convinced an animal is dehydrated? Try Pedialyte.)

Lisa got into rehabbing eight years ago when one of her kids found a squirrel. She earned her certification from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources.

She’s actually cutting back on her efforts. It’s expensive. What with formula and fresh food, it costs about $175 to rehab a squirrel, close to $600 for a fawn.

“You’d be surprised how many people think it would be such a cool thing for their kids to raise a fawn,” Lisa said. “It’s not cool. I mean it’s cool, don’t get me wrong. They are beautiful animals.”

But they are also difficult. “They have to be stimulated to go to the bathroom,” Lisa said. “Not to mention it’s illegal to have it in your home, unless you’re permitted to have it. Ultimately, it’s the animal who suffers.”

Wait a minute. Back up. They have to be stimulated to go to the bathroom?

That’s right, Lisa said. Mother deer lick their babies to get them to poop and pee, something Lisa approximates with a wet washcloth. You can imagine the results. Lisa spends a lot of time washing her clothes.

The Washington Post by John Kelly

More Weird But True Facts About Animals!

2011-06-05T14:34:00.000-04:00

Blue whale babies weigh up to 7 tons at birth.

A female cod can lay up to 9 million eggs.

Snakes can see through their eyelids.

Elephants spend 23 hours a day eating.

Vultures sometimes eat so much they can't take off again.

The Amazon 'Jesus Christ lizard' can run across water.

The biggest Antartic inland animal is a wingless fly measuring about 60 mm long.

Fleas can jump up to 30 cm, twenty times their own body length.

Bluebottle flies can smell meat from distances 7 km away.

Many birds migrate, but the Arctic tern travels furthest. It flies from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and back again, a trip of 32,000 kilometers.

Some animals can regrow parts of their bodies if damaged. Starfish can grow new 'arms.' Slow-worms can regrow broken-off tails. Lizards can grow new tails.

One golden poison-dart frog could kill up to 1500 people with its poison.

The giant squid has the largest eyes of any animal. They can be 39 cm across, which is 16 times wider than a human eye.

The peregrine falcon can spot its prey from more than 8 km away.

The sleepiest mammals are armadillos, sloths and opossums. They spend 80 per cent of their lives sleeping or dozing.

A mayfly only lives one day, but a tortoise can expect to live 100 years.

Stegosaurus was one of the most famous of the dinosaurs and was an impressive 9 meters long. But its brain was the size of a walnut.

Plants That Dogs Are Allergic To

2011-06-01T14:34:00.000-04:00

Many common plants can cause your dog to have an allergic reaction if ingested. While symptoms range widely in severity, some plants are more toxic than others and are so highly poisonous they can be lethal. If you have any of these plants in or around your home, it is very important they be kept away from your pet. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera plants have thick, waxy stems that retain water. They are very sensitive to cold temperatures and are often grown in containers as houseplants. Dogs are highly allergic to aloe, and any aloe plants should be kept in a location where your dog does not have access. A dog that has ingested aloe can show several symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, anorexia, depression or change in urine color. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has ingested aloe.

Begonia
Begonias are a common plant used in flower beds and container gardens. While they are an attractive plant, they are toxic to dogs. There are over 1,000 species of begonias, but all varieties have waxy leaves and compact, dense foliage. Flowers are available in many colors, but all will have a bright yellow center. Ingesting a begonia causes oral irritation in dogs. Signs include burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips; excessive drooling; and difficulty swallowing. Begonias can also cause vomiting.

Daffodil
This attractive and popular garden plant can be deadly to your dog. There are over 50 different species of daffodils and ingesting any of them could make your dog very sick. Daffodil blooms have a trumpet-shaped structure sitting on a star-shaped background. Flowers are typically yellow in color, but can be white, orange, pink or green. Leaves, stems and flowers can cause allergic reactions; however, the daffodil bulb is the most poisonous part of the plant. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea. Ingesting large amounts can cause tremors, low blood pressure, convulsions and cardiac arrhythmia.

Rhododendron
There are over 250 species of rhododendron; other common names include rosebay and azalea. The plant is highly toxic to dogs, and ingesting just a few leaves can result in severe allergic reactions. Rhododendron contains a toxic component called grayantoxin that interferes with skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and nerve function. Symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea, excessive drooling, colic, loss of coordination, stupor, paralysis of the legs and a weak heart rate that can last for two or more days. If left untreated, your dog may become comatose and die.

--
Written By: Amy McClain
Ehow.com

She had her house sprayed for fleas, and then the trouble began

2011-05-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

Last winter, despite a low-level warning beacon in my gut, I hired a company to apply a chemical flea treatment in our house. Not wanting to waste time on home remedies that might not work, I thought, “Let’s just get it over with.”

I made this decision even though I’d been a “ban lawn-care pesticides from our campus” activist in college and had spent nearly my entire professional life as a communications consultant to the Environmental Protection Agency, writing materials for the public about environmentally sound behavior.

As an environmentalist, I am an organic vegetarian. I avoid processed foods with ingredient names I can’t pronounce, use reusable tote bags, avidly recycle and drive a low-emissions car.

Yet, on the eve of my decision, I looked at my poor kitty. Despite applications of topical anti-flea drops, he’d been licking himself raw during the past four months. I had to take some kind of action, and fast.

The treatment seemed reasonable: An aerosol flea spray would be applied directly to the floor; it wasn’t some kind of flea bomb or fogger. I assumed that if there were risks or warnings or precautions I should know about, the pest control company, which we’d used to treat the exterior of our house against ants, would tell me. I decided to trust “the system” — which, I reasoned, was created to protect consumers, after all.

The next morning a man came to our house with two aerosol cans of a pesticide and targeted our hardwood floors and rugs, as well as the concrete floor in the basement. The pesticide — in the form of a mist designed to fall quickly to the floor — contained chemicals to kill insects and interrupt the life cycle of fleas.

The technician didn’t provide any instructions other than to take the cat and stay out of the house for three to four hours until the product had dried.

Six hours later, my husband and I returned home and found big wet drops all over the floors. When we called the pest control company, the manager was perplexed. He recommended that we mop up the residue, then throw away the sponge.

While my husband did the mopping, I wrote an instant message to a friend: “This is a disaster,” I typed. “Don’t worry about it,” he wrote back. “It’s no big deal.”

Strange symptoms

The next morning, I awoke to a headache in the back right quadrant of my skull. I felt a bit woozy and off balance and figured I was coming down with a cold. By evening, my arms were buzzing with an odd, electric energy. My husband and my cat were fine.

The next day, my left arm and leg felt icy hot. And my torso reacted to cold as if it were being stung by yellow jackets.

In another 24 hours, my fatigue was so intense that even if the house had been on fire, I couldn’t have peeled myself out of bed. A day later, my right side lost much of its strength. I struggled to brush my teeth, write, type and lift a fork. Standing up in the shower and lathering my hair became things I could no longer do at once.

Two trips to the emergency room ruled out a stroke and a brain tumor. But an MRI scan showed a lesion on the spinal cord in my neck. This scar or defect, I was told, had chewed away some of the protective myelin that coats nerves and transmits messages in the nervous system. This damage was scrambling messages being sent throughout my body about temperature and pain and strength and balance.

Process of elimination

A week after my symptoms began, a neurologist diagnosed the problem as transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord. Until my spinal tap and blood test results came back, he couldn’t tell me the cause.

Transverse myelitis can be the result of a viral infection such as chickenpox, shingles, herpes, flu, HIV, hepatitis A or rubella. It can also be caused by abnormal immune system reactions, and it’s sometimes a complication of syphilis, measles or Lyme disease.

The neurologist said my symptoms could also be caused by multiple sclerosis, lupus, thyroid disorder, tuberculosis or other diseases.

“What about pesticide exposure?” I asked.

My doctor listened to the story of the chemical flea treatment and the coincidental timing of the onset of symptoms, and then rushed out of the room to call the manufacturer of the chemical spray. When he came back, he reported that the company’s medical staff said no one there had heard that their product had caused such symptoms.

“It’s concerning, however,” my doctor said. “And I sure wouldn’t use that stuff myself.”

He put me on a megadose of intravenous steroids for five days, then steroid pills for a week. My icy-hot sensation began to fade, and my strength began to return, although a full recovery took several months.

Soon my test results started streaming in. Lyme disease: negative. Lupus: negative. Meningitis: negative. Tuberculosis: negative. Cancer cells: negative. But four tests involving the cerebrospinal fluid that are often used as indicators of multiple sclerosis came up positive — stunningly unpleasant news that made my mind swirl.

“We can’t know for sure about multiple sclerosis,” my neurologist explained, “until you get a follow-up MRI in four to five months, to see whether the lesion is still there or if there are any new ones.” A definitive diagnosis, he explained, requires either two “episodes” like the one I had experienced, or two or more lesions on the spinal cord. I would now just have to wait.

Seeking information

My recovery involved physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise and rest. My mental recuperation required research. I wanted to know more about this pesticide.

First I found the pesticide label online, with its information about using the product properly. What this told me was that the technician had not given me enough information. The label instructs users to cover all food-processing surfaces, utensils and exposed food prior to spraying. We hadn’t been told to do anything like that — to remove the dishes sitting out on our drying rack, to cover our cutting board or the fruit and vegetables on our counter.

The label directs pesticide applicators to avoid thoroughly wetting the surfaces being sprayed. Yet there had been those drops on the floor six hours later. It also says that the sprayed area should be ventilated after treatment. News to us.

I then contacted the pest control company and the manufacturer to report the incident. The pest control company said that an experienced technician had done the work. The manufacturer declared that information about any reports of health effects was proprietary.

So I filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the EPA, the federal agency responsible for regulating pesticides. Although incident reports made to the manufacturer may be considered proprietary, the manufacturer must give them to the EPA, which also collects incident reports from the public and from other government agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

A few weeks later, I got my response: an 82-page report from the EPA that made it clear to me that MS wasn’t the cause of my symptoms. The report showed that from 1992 until early 2010, 156 “minor” human incidents had been reported to the agency concerning the product used in our house, as well as 24 “moderate” and 515 “major” human incidents.

Among the complaints in the moderate and major medical incidents were dizziness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, tremors, abdominal pain, disorientation, stumbling, coma, seizure, liver failure, lethargy, numbness, blurred vision, chills, blood in the urine, memory loss, migraines, inability to walk and heart attack.

A second FOIA request about three of the active ingredients in “my” pesticide revealed that thousands of medical complaints had been filed about these chemicals when they were used in other pesticide products.

Four months after my neurological episode, when I was finally able to walk in a straight line and not have my right hand buzz every time I bent my head toward my chest, I had another MRI. As I had expected — after weeks of follow-up neurological studies, blood tests and second opinions — the possible MS diagnosis was thrown out. My spinal cord lesion — attributed to, as my neurologist put it, “an autoimmune response to pesticide exposure” — had vanished.

At home, I threw away our conventional cleaning products and purchased all-natural cleaners. I canceled our quarterly outdoor pesticide treatment against ants. I bought essential-oil bug spray for summertime mosquitoes. I returned to working on the book I had just started to write and the new career I had launched.

I could have left it at that: gratitude, a new beginning, a renewed commitment to health. But I knew something more needed to be done to prevent incidents like mine — or worse — from happening to others. So here’s what I learned:

Consumers must receive more information about the pesticides being used in their homes. And they need regulatory backup protection.

If the company I dealt with had been required by law to show me the label information or read it to me aloud like a Miranda warning, I would have put away the apples and tomatoes, covered the cutting board and dishes, and, later, opened the windows and set up fans.

Similarly, if, before treating my house, the pest company had been required to provide me with the EPA’s Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety — much as contractors, home sellers and landlords are required to give occupants certain brochures about the hazards of lead-based paint — I might have been encouraged to evaluate less-toxic alternatives or ask more questions.

If the label information had provided directions for contacting my state pesticide regulatory agency to report misuse or problems, I might have called soon after my problems surfaced. The agency could have sent an investigator to my house in Virginia to collect evidence to determine if the pest control company had broken any laws.

Finding pesticide residues on a food preparation surface or on a cat’s water bowl “would hang an applicator,” one state investigator told me. Not obeying the label instructions is a violation of federal and state law, and in Virginia, the company could be fined up to $5,000 for this violation, a penalty that could motivate it to train its technicians better and provide homeowners with more information.

Beyond that, it’s time to improve the system for regulating pesticides. Congress and other policymakers should reform the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1947 and the EPA regulations that implement it. Pesticide manufacturers, in performing mandatory safety studies before their products are allowed on the market, should be required to test the combined effects of multiple pesticides and the effects of their pesticides combined with chemicals that people are exposed to each day, such as plastics and drugs.

Manufacturers should also be required to tell the EPA and consumers what the “inert” or “other” ingredients are that can make up 95 percent of a pesticide product: Some of these substan-ces can be even more toxic than the active ingredients.

The federal pesticide law or EPA needs to better define what kinds of detrimental effects are unreasonable for people to suffer. Currently, if a pesticide performs its intended function without “unreasonable adverse effects” to human health or the environment when used according to label instructions, it is allowed on the market. But the law never defines “unreasonable.” It says only that to determine “unreasonable risk,” EPA must take into account “the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits.”

Finally, EPA should be required to assess whether any “green” products can achieve the same results as pesticides, with less risk. The federal law should require an assessment of such alternatives as part of the pesticide approval process, eventually restricting the use of certain chemicals as safer approaches and technologies become available. This idea would be a new way of thinking, but it is time for the outdated regulatory approach to pesticides to move into the future.

My decision to use a chemical pesticide in my home was a moment of weakness, a test of blind faith in a system that was supposed to protect me from harm. No one knows why I was affected and others in my household weren’t. Thankfully, I am completely recovered.

Yet, the desire for quick, no-fuss ways to get rid of bugs will never fade. Without additional protections, unwary consumers will continue to turn to chemical products they assume are safe. They will find that they may be protected from bugs — but not from harm.

Eisenfeld is a writer and editor in the Washington area. This article was excerpted from the May issue of Health Affairs and can be read in full online at www.healthaffairs.org.

By Sue Eisenfeld, Published: May 23
The Washington Post

Summer Safety Tips

2011-05-25T14:34:00.000-04:00

Hot weather can make us all uncomfortable, and it poses special risks for your dog. Keep the following safety concerns in mind as the temperature rises, and follow our tips to keep your dog cool.

Heat Hazards
If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.

Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water.

Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense.

Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws.

Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.

written by The American Kennel Club www.akc.org

Don’t Forget Fido When Treating Your Yard

2011-05-22T10:39:00.000-04:00

As summertime approaches and people begin to think about bringing color back to their lawns, I find myself reminding clients, “When landscaping your yard, please remember that animals are sensitive to topical parasiticides and weed killers.” Then, they always follow up with the question about what kinds of pet-friendly sprays they can put on their yard to keep away weeds, fleas, ticks and other pests.

Animals lick their paws after outdoor exposure, and many will frequently eat grass and soil, so it’s extremely important to watch what goes onto your lawn.

Some pets that already have allergies can experience a hypersensitivity to topical chemicals. Adverse reactions can mimic an anaphylactic reaction like vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, hair loss and labored breathing.

In addition to pesticides, careful evaluation of mulching agents should be considered. To achieve rich, dark-colored mulch, some companies include recycled coffee grounds in their mulch. Coffee grounds contain methylxanthine, a stimulant found in caffeine, and dogs are highly sensitive to caffeine. If the mulch is ingested, they can experience gastrointestinal upset and elevated heart and respiratory rates. Be sure to ask what ingredients are actually in your mulch before spreading it on your garden.

As a veterinarian, I frequently recommend that clients use preventive medicine based on their pet’s health status, disease exposure and travel history. If you have wildlife in your backyard, plan on taking your pets hiking or camping, or want to visit areas with free-standing water, extra precaution is a good idea. In addition to heartworm and intestinal parasite control, a flea and tick preventive is warranted. Clients who prefer to avoid topical products, bathe their pets often, or have pets who swim should consider a combined oral flea, heartworm and intestinal parasite preventive with a tick collar.

Be aware that many over-the-counter drugs are obsolete pesticides that may cause harm to your pets and do not prevent or control fleas, ticks or intestinal parasites. However, the good news is that there are many safe prescription preventive choices, and your veterinarian can help you determine which prescription agent is best suited to the needs of your family and pets.

Fleas and ticks aren’t just a danger to your pets; they are also a danger to all members of your family. Respect these pests and the terrible diseases they carry by using monthly preventive on all your pets year-round.

By Elizabeth Maimon, DVM, MPH
Hills and Dales Veterinary Clinic, Kettering, Ohio
AAHA Pets Matter

Pet Travel Information

2011-05-18T14:34:00.000-04:00

Travel

By Air – Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening. Check with your airlines for specific rules.

If you do ship a dog, put icepacks or an ice blanket in the dog's crate. (Two-liter soft drink bottles filled with water and frozen work well.) Provide a container of fresh water, as well as a container of frozen water that will thaw over the course of the trip.

By Car – Keep your dog cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated.

Put a sunshade on your car windows.

Bring along fresh water and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz on your dog to cool him down.

By RV – A dog's safety should not depend on the air conditioning and generator systems in an RV or motor home. These devices can malfunction, with tragic results.

If you leave your dog in an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it. Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should malfunction.

Never leave an RV or motor home completely shut up, even if the generator and AC are running. Crack a window or door or run the exhaust fan.

Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in the summer months. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures.

written by American Kennel Club www.akc.org

Walk-N-Wag

2011-05-15T14:31:00.000-04:00

The 17th Annual Walk-N-Wag at beautiful Baker Park in downtown Frederick, Maryland is a comprehensive resource for you and the dogs in your life! You can sample products, meet the best vendors, and win prizes! Come find out why this is one of the best dog events on the East Coast, and why Historic Frederick is one of the dog-friendliest communities ANYwhere! Join in the fun on Saturday, May 21st, rain or shine!

At Walk-N-Wag you'll find great products, groomers, trainers, boarding, service providers, veterinary professionals and more. A day full of doggy exercise, socialization, performances, contests and more! And you'll meet dozens of animal rescue organizations and some of their fine pups ready for adoption!

For more information visit http://www.walknwag.org

Sugarfree Gum Dangers

2011-05-11T14:34:00.000-04:00

Sugarfree gum can be highly toxic and even life threatening to dogs. Most sugarfree gums have a common artificial sweetner called xylitol. Ingested by a dog it can cause life threatening drops in blood sugar and severe liver damage. If you discover that your dog ingested sugarfree gum call your veterinarian immediately and if they are unavailable for any reason a wonderful resource is the ASPCA poison control hotline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They do charge a $65 consultation that is worth every penny because they will not only guide you in what to do but will follow up with any veterinary care and make further recommendations based on how the case progresses. There is very limited information on the effects of xylitol in cats because there are no recorded incidences of cats ingesting xylitol products.
ASPCA poison control hotline 1-888-426-4435.

Electric Collars-Ouch!

2011-05-08T16:57:00.003-04:00

There are a wide variety of electric collars available to dog owners marketed to address a variety of issues. Dog collars with an electric charge are most commonly used to deter barking, train a dog to particular behaviours, and establish roaming boundaries.

An electric impulse is a negative stimulus intended to deter a behaviour commonly referred to as negative reinforcement. The picture above is an example of a two pronged electric anti-bark collar that was worn by a dog for several days under the supervision of a pet sitter who did not notice she was developing a hotspot secondary to irritation from the collar.

All of us at Kingsbrook Animal Hospital would tell any of our clients who are experiencing behavioral or training issues with their pet that consulting someone like Laurie Luck at Smart Dog University will lead you to helpful positive reinforcement techniques that will help address their concerns.

A Registry Explores Dog Deaths by Breed

2011-05-04T14:34:00.000-04:00

Most dog owners and veterinarians know that small dogs live longer than large ones, but until now there has been no thorough systematic examination of breed-related causes of death.

Now, a group of researchers has reviewed more than 74,000 cases of canine death recorded from 1984 to 2004 in the Veterinary Medicine Database, a registry established by the National Cancer Institute that receives reports from 27 veterinary teaching hospitals in North America.

The analysis, published in the March/April issue of The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, found that the most common cause of death varies considerably from breed to breed and by age.

Golden retrievers and boxers had the highest rates of cancer, the leading cause of canine death over all. In several toy breeds — Chihuahua, Pekingese, Pomeranians and toy poodles — cancer was much less common. For them, the leading cause of death was trauma.

Diseases of the nervous system were the most common cause of death in older dogs, while gastrointestinal disease affected dogs of all ages equally. Death from diseases of the musculoskeletal system was common in larger breeds, but the big dogs suffered less from neurological and endocrine ailments.

The authors acknowledge that the study is retrospective and subject to errors of classification of breed and disease. Still, a co-author, Kate E. Creevy, an assistant professor of veterinary internal medicine at the University of Georgia, said that knowing what kinds of diseases a breed is prone to is helpful. “We can use that information to avoid disease rather than treat it.”

The New York TimesBy NICHOLAS BAKALAR
Published: April 22, 2011

Bark In The Park

2011-05-01T16:44:00.004-04:00

Enjoy a fantastic afternoon with your furry, four-legged friend, at the Frederick County Parks and Recreation annual Bark in the Park. Your pooch will have an opportunity to run free in one of our off-leash areas, test and sharpen his or her skills on the agility course, participate in doggie contests, and make new friends. Bark in the Park also provides great opportunities for families to adopt a dog, learn different training techniques, sample dog-related products, and visit exhibit booths. This event is sure to be a dog-gone good time! Beat the rush by pre-registering now or you can register on site the day of the event. Dog owners must bring a collar, leash, and proof of rabies vaccination for entry. Limit 2 dogs per owner.

Cost: $5 per dog (limit 2 dogs per owner)
Ages: All Ages.

Utica District Park
10200-B Old Frederick Rd., Frederick, MD 21701
Date: Saturday, May 7th
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T11:43:00.000-04:00

Have a safe and happy holiday from your friends at Kingsbrook Animal Hospital.

Deadly Daffodils

2011-04-17T12:09:00.000-04:00

"All parts of the daffodil plant, which is a member of the lily family are toxic – especially the bulb which can prove fatal if consumed. If a dog eats or chews the bulbs, leaves, flowers, or even drink the water these flowers stand in, it can develop signs of poisoning. Cases of daffodil poisoning peaks around Easter, with most dog owners unaware of their potential danger.

The lethal dose can be as low as 15g of bulbs – this could be as little as just one bulb!

Rabbit Husbandry

2011-04-10T11:47:00.000-04:00

Rabbit Husbandry and Care

Housing

The physical environment inside the cage housing rabbits can be quite different from the environment in the surrounding room. Temperature, humidity and concentrations of gases and particulate matter are often higher in the animal's cage. Because these conditions can predispose rabbits to disease, ventilation and cleanliness of the cage and the room it is housed in, is very important.

Bedding

The purpose of bedding is to keep the animal clean and dry. We recommend Tek- Fresh or Care-Fresh bedding. This is a substrate that is made from recycled newspaper. It is non-toxic and has a large water holding capacity. Wood-based substrates (cedar and pine shavings) are not recommended because the natural oils in the wood shavings can cause upper respiratory and skin problems in rabbits.

Cage Set-up

Rabbits were not designed to live on wire floors. Living on wire floors can cause a condition known as sore hock to develop on their feet. Cages with wire floors must have a piece of plywood, plexiglass or carpet that the rabbit can sit and lay on. If you try carpet and the rabbit chews it, immediately replace it with something else.

The best cages are made of a material that will be easy to clean and deodorize and is indestructible to chewing or digging. The cage floor should be solid, but should also be waterproof and easy to clean, so wood is not recommended. Any cage should provide a secure environment that does not allow escape. It should be free of sharp edges or projections that could cause injury.

The cage size for a small breed rabbit should be a minimum of 2 feet by 3 feet (864 square inches)
and for a large breed rabbit a minimum of 3 feet by 4 feet (1728 square inches).

Enrichment devices

Manufacturers have developed many enrichment items such as tinted polycarbonate (plastic) tunnels and igloos that allow the owner to see the pet, but give the pet privacy and a sense of security. Other items include: nontoxic Gumbabones and Nylabones that rabbits love to gnaw and sturdy, hollow plastic balls with holes around the outside and a stainless steel rattle inside. Untreated straw baskets (no stain or laquer) or natural wood blocks also allow the rabbit to express natural chewing behavior. Enrichment toys should be rotated every 3-4 days so that the rabbit does not get bored. You can find suitable toys at local pet stores. But if you can't find a good variety, try www.thatpetplace.com, www.busybunny.com, or www.petdiscounters.com.

Nutrition

Grasses and hay are important in the rabbit's diet, and we recommend a high fiber diet for oral and gastrointestinal health. A good quality timothy hay should be clean and available at all times. This can make up the bulk of the diet and provide roughage. Pelleted feed can be offered in small amounts, no more than 1 Tablespoon per pound daily. We recommend a high fiber pellet, such as Bunny Basics, made by Oxbow (http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com). This diet is available for purchase from PetSmart. If pellets are given too freely, it may result in obesity. Clean water must be available at all times.

It is recommended that rabbits be fed plenty of fresh vegetables from the time they start eating and throughout life. Feed vegetables 1 packed cup per 5 pounds daily. Some good choices are:
red and green leaf lettuce, escarole, watercress, Swiss chard, bok choy, endive, and romaine lettuce. Dandelion, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, kale and parsley should be avoided due to their high calcium content.

Spaying/Neutering

Why spay or neuter? 80-95% of unspayed female rabbits will get uterine or ovarian cancer between two and five years of age, and a very high rate of males will get testicular cancer. Spaying or neutering your rabbit will give him/her the potential life span of eight to twelve (or more) years of age. Also, upon reaching sexual maturity, rabbits will also display such undesirable behavior as spraying urine, chewing inappropriate objects, fighting with other rabbits, etc. In most cases, spaying or neutering totally eliminates this behavior.

Recognizing Signs of Illness

Rabbits are prey species in the wild so they tend to hide illness to prevent being eaten by predators. If your pet rabbit shows any unusual signs (ex. anorexia, drooling, grinding teeth, reduction is stool production, etc.)it is best to get your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hill's® Science Diet® Healthy Advantage™

2011-04-06T11:15:00.001-04:00

Hill's® Science Diet® Healthy Advantage™ Canine Adult is uniquely formulated to help address five common health concerns for adult dogs. Along with regular exercise and veterinary checkups, Hill's Healthy Advantage maximizes your pet's potential for a happy, healthy future.

Make Mine Chocolate!

2011-04-03T13:43:00.000-04:00

Rabbits are a familiar symbol of the Easter holiday. In the days leading up to it, they appear on television commercials and packages of candy, and stores are filled with stuffed rabbits. It is no surprise that children beg their parents for a bunny of their own. Ill-prepared to care for these unique creatures, their "owners" often quickly tire of them. In the months following Easter, local humane societies and rabbit rescues are flooded with rabbits, former Easter gifts whose "owners" no longer want them. The unlucky ones are dumped outside where predators, cars, illness, and injury virtually guarantee an early death.

In 2002, in an attempt to address the problem, the Columbus House Rabbit Society began a campaign to educate the public on the realities of living with a rabbit, and to discourage giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. Our goal is to educate the public of the challenges of properly caring for rabbits and to encourage them to purchase chocolate Easter bunnies rather than live rabbits.

From http://www.makeminechocolate.org/index.php

To buy Chocolate Bunnies visit:
http://www.rescuechocolate.com/products/make-mine-chocolate-bunnies

For More Info Check out: http://www.rabbit.org/easter/2011release.html

Year of the Rabbit

2011-03-27T11:36:00.000-04:00

According to the Chinese Zodiac, this is the Year of the Rabbit. Unfortunately, many misguided people are using this as a reason to adopt rabbits and then, not realizing they are companion animals with specific needs, dumping them on local shelters. Learn more about rabbit care by visiting with Frederick's local chapter of the House Rabbit Society, on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon at the Frederick County Humane Society. For more information contact FCHS at 301-634-8300.

Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank

2011-03-20T10:58:00.003-04:00

The donors for the EVBB are pet dogs from every walk of life. These canine heros are called upon every 2 months donate blood. Each contribution is processed into blood products that can aid up to 4 dogs in need.

Donors must weigh at least 35 pounds and be between the ages of 9 months and 7 years and be available to donate 4 - 6 times a year and commit to donating for at least one year. As a benefit, donors will receive annual blood tests for heartworm disease, chemistry panels and complete blood counts to help monitor their health. In addition, should donors ever require a transfusion, they will receive a free unit of blood or plasma for each unit donated. Of course, each time dogs donate they receive lots of biscuits and plenty of TLC.

New Products

2011-03-13T17:10:00.001-04:00

Skin conditions vary in their presentation and severity in our cats and dogs and can be chronic and very frustrating. We are so glad to be able to offer a new product line to our clients which we feel supersedes many of medicine's previous approaches to topical skin support. Douxo is a product line that is produced by a company called Sogeval.

This veterinary line was introduced to the US market in 2006 but prior to that was being used in Europe with good success to support a variety of different skin ailments. The common thread in almost all of the products in this line is a molecule called phytosphingosine. It is a naturally occurring molecule in the outermost layer of the skin that has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties as well as controlling excess oil production and crusting and scaling of the skin. This line of shampoos, sprays and spot ons carry supportive levels of phytosphingosines to help replenish this building block in the skin when there is a break down in the skins integrity.

To learn more about this exciting new product line please feel free to call us at the clinic. Several of the staff members here have already used these products on their own pets with good success and would be glad to discuss any concerns you may have about your pets skin. You can also get product information on the Sogeval website www.sogevalus.com