Julie Drendel, of Drendel Dairy in Hamshire, Ill., holds a litter of newborn farm kittens

(ARA) – It’s a big problem whenever people are out and about with their dogs. Some dog walkers don’t want to scoop their pooch’s poop. But a number of diseases caused by parasites like roundworms can be transferred from pets to people via droppings. Roundworm infections in young children can be very serious.

“That’s why it’s so important that people pick up after their pets,” says Dr. Kevin R. Kazacos, a professor at Purdue University veterinary school and one of the nation’s top experts on internal parasites. “The No. 1 thing that people can do to stop the spread of disease from their pets to their families is to regularly take the animal into a veterinarian. That’s the first line of defense. Secondly, people need to clean up their pet’s poop.”

Parasite control is one of the most common tasks that veterinarians must deal with during day-to-day practice. They have the expertise and many tools, including medications, to protect your pets and your families from parasites.

Irene McGuinness, a mother of three, says her son, Tommy, was the victim of a roundworm infection, which started at age 3. Unfortunately, Tommy died in 2004 at the age of 17 from the chronic disease, after more than a dozen years of severe illness. A roundworm infection can spread throughout the body of an infected child, and in Tommy’s case it spread to the lungs and brain.

It’s suspected Tommy caught the disease from raccoon droppings, perhaps in their backyard, but the type of roundworm that killed Tommy can be shed in dog feces as well.

“We think he picked up the parasite when he was 3, probably from putting a toy from the backyard into his mouth. You only need a small, small amount — about the size of the tip of a fingernail — to pick up an infection. Between the ages of 3 and 4 is when we started to notice that he was becoming sick and by the time he was 5 he was spending about one week a month in the intensive care unit at the hospital,” McGuinness says. “Our lives revolved around Tommy during the years he was infected, because it truly was life or death for him.”

To protect children from parasitic worms common to cats and dogs, don’t allow a child to play in areas that are soiled with pet or wild animal feces. Dr. Kazacos says that children can be infected with these parasites by eating dirt as well.

Dr. Kazacos says that it’s believed that roundworm infections are very much underdiagnosed. A recent study found that approximately 14 percent of Americans carry antibodies for dog and cat roundworms, meaning they’ve been exposed to the parasite. McGuinness agrees. Tommy’s primary doctors never suspected roundworms. Tommy was diagnosed during an eye exam, due to scarring inside the eyes from the infection. But not long after diagnosing Tommy, doctors who worked on his case diagnosed another child with the disease, McGuinness says.

Top 5 tips for parasite control

*Take your pet to the veterinarian
*Pick up your pet’s poop
*Cover sandboxes to prevent wildlife and pets from visiting
*Do not leave food outdoors to attract wildlife
*Wash your hands and your children’s hands often

“There are really a number of parasites that can affect your pets, including heartworm disease, roundworms and hookworms, and all of these can be, to varying degrees, very serious health problems. What’s worse, these can be zoonotic conditions which can spread to the rest of the family,” says Dr. James O. Cook, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “If your pet shows any signs of infection, take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. And when you obtain a new puppy or kitten, have your veterinarian treat them early in their life because they commonly have parasites without any symptoms.”

Common symptoms of infections by internal parasites in your cat or dog include a change in appetite or coat, diarrhea, coughing and also reduced activity, but many infected animals will not show any symptoms. Your veterinarian can detect a worm infection with a simple fecal test. If an infection is found, your veterinarian may recommend a de-worming program.

Kazacos also advises people to be careful about wildlife, particularly raccoons. Researchers like Kazacos have increasingly found that people, like Tommy McGuinness, are being infected by roundworm parasites common in raccoons.

“Roundworms in raccoons may not at first seem like a big health concern, but dogs can be carriers of these roundworms. We have seen many cases of dogs shedding these parasites and, also, many people are now keeping raccoons as pets, which increases the chances of exposure,” Kazacos says. “Raccoons have begun thriving in urban areas, and we’re becoming more exposed to these parasites as a result.”

For more information, or a helpful brochure on how to deal with common internal parasites, visit www.avma.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Dr. Heather Case of the American Veterinary Medical Association applies a simple first-aid wrap for a patient at the home of one of her clients.

(ARA) – Planting a garden, spring cleaning, fertilizing the lawn — we all have lots of work to do with the coming of spring. But pets also have health and safety needs this time of year that their owners should know about.

“I see it all the time in my clinic in the springtime. Animals get into fertilizers and pesticides, those used on a home or on a farm, and it makes the animals sick,” says Dr. James Cook, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “People need to be aware of these potential hazards. Along with better weather, the spring brings with it the use of a number of common lawn chemicals and the blooming of plants that can be hazardous to pets.”

Here are the AVMA’s top 10 spring hints for pet owners:

*Fleas and ticks
They can be tiny, little more than a pinhead in some instances, but they grow and spread quickly once they find a host. The preventative treatments that you may have discontinued in the winter should start early in the spring to keep your pet’s coat, and your home, free of pests.

*Lawn fertilizers
Lawn fertilizers are very toxic to pets. Store fertilizers in a place far from where your dog or cat — and children– can get at it. After applying it to your lawn, follow manufacturer instructions on how long you should wait before allowing your pet into the area. If you see a sign posted on a lawn that tells you to keep your pets off, abide by it.

*Pesticides and herbicides
It’s probably not surprising that these chemicals can be toxic to your pets, but, even when they’re not lethal, there are some long-term health concerns. Studies indicate the use of pesticides and herbicides may be tied to increased rates of specific forms of cancer in dogs. If your pet is exposed, wash them with soap and water immediately and call your veterinarian.

*Cocoa bean mulch
It’s becoming common to mulch a garden with the fragrant spent shells of cocoa beans. But just like chocolate, dogs like to eat them and they are toxic.

*Lilies
Lilies are a flower common in the spring, and they are very, very toxic to cats. Cats will often chew them, and even small amounts can lead to kidney failure and death.

*Rhubarb leaves
Rhubarb makes a fine pie and it’s a staple in many vegetable gardens, but the leaves are poisonous and can cause kidney failure. For a complete list of plants and plantings that can be dangerous to pets, visit www.avma.org.

*Rat and mouse poisons
Controlling vermin becomes an issue again in the spring. Be aware that the same properties of common rat and mouse poisons that make them irresistible to pests will also attract your pet. If consumed, these can be fatal to your animal.

*Cleaning products
Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many households, but make sure the cleaning products don’t hurt your animals. If the label states “keep pets and children away from area until dry” follow those instructions carefully, and store all chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

*Paint and paint thinners
If you’re putting a fresh coat of paint on the house, keep the pets away. Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or even if they come in contact with your pet’s skin. Latex house paints typically produce a minor stomach upset, but some specialty paints may contain heavy metals or volatile substances that could be harmful if ingested.

*Preventative medications
Consult with your veterinarian about seasonal medications to keep your pet healthy. For example, in many parts of the country, heartworm medications for dogs are often discontinued in the winter. Springtime is the season to restart this medication to keep your dog free of this parasite. But keep in mind that manufacturer’s instructions warn that heartworm medications should not be given without first visiting your veterinarian to ensure that your pet has not developed the heartworm parasite. A simple blood test will give you that peace of mind.

For more information, visit www.avma.org. For a full-length video on common household poisons and hazards, visit www.avmatv.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Photo by Adriana Herbut

The Woytek family’s Lab mix, Amber, a survivor of Hurricane Ike, was diagnosed with distemper in the months after her adoption from the Houston SPCA in September 2008. Amber survived distemper and lived with the Woytek family and canine “sis” Scout, a one-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback mix.

But things changed when Amber ate parts of a sago palm plant, which has dark green leaves and hairy trunk and is a popular houseplant. Unfortunately, it’s also highly toxic to cats and dogs. Sadly, Amber didn’t make it.

The ASPCA says that since 2003, they have seen an increase by more than 200 percent of sago palm and cycad poisonings, and 50 to 75 percent of those ingestions resulted in fatalities.

All parts of the plant are toxic, and common signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, depression, seizures and liver failure.

What’s more, in 2008 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxins, many of which were everyday household items.

Watch this video of ASPCA top toxicologist, Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Animal Health Services, discussing the dangers of 17 common plants that you may have in your homes right now, including lilies, chrysanthemum and sago palm. Dr. Hansen shows you examples of each plant, so you’ll know exactly what to look out for.

Click here for poison prevention tips online. If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Have you heard about California’s SB 250 – The Pet Responsibility Act?

Consider this: According to the 2009 ca shelter report, in the 61 days since January 1: 84,801 pets have been killed in CA shelters, and  $42,349,973 in taxes spent to house & kill them.

Each year, over $250 million dollars is spent housing and euthanizing homeless dogs and cats in California. Approximately 1 million dogs and cats enter California’s shelters each year, and over half of them are euthanized.

This enormous number of homeless pets means that every dog born in the state of California today has nearly a 1 in 4 chance of ultimately becoming homeless and dying in a shelter.

SB 250 provides a reasonable, fiscally responsible step towards reducing pet overpopulation in California. The bill simply requires that dogs be spayed or neutered unless their owner/guardian obtains an unaltered dog license when they license their animal.

In Defense of Animal’s Dr. Elliot Katz says Senator Dean Florez’s new spay/neuter bill is “wonderful news, a historic step to help end the terrible killing of so many animals. Hopefully this will pass quickly and be a model for the nation.”

According to SB 250 The Pet Responsibility Act:

• Licensed dogs may be left unaltered if the owner/ guardian chooses. Owners cited for violating local or state laws may have their license revoked or be required to spay or neuter.
• SB 250 saves the state millions of dollars by reducing homeless pets.
• License costs, fines and implementation details are at the discretion of local jurisdictions.

Similar spay and neuter legislation is currently being introduced across the country. In California, a diverse coalition of elected officials, law enforcement agencies, city and county agencies, humane societies and SPCAs, veterinarians and veterinary hospitals, national animal welfare organizations, California rescue organizations, and thousands of individuals and organizations support spay and neuter legislation like SB 250.

Learn more about SB 250 here.

Next week, Greta is getting her teeth cleaned at the vet. Coincidentally, February is Pet Dental Health Month, when several veterinary groups, including the The American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) and the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS)  join together to educate pet owners to the importance of regular care of their pets dental needs.

According to the AVDS, 85% of all adult pets have periodontal disease. Left untreated, harmful bacteria from the oral cavity can spread throughout the bloodstream to infect the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), the most common disease in dogs is periodontal disease (gum disease). Just as with people, it is an infection created by a buildup of soft dental plaque around the gums and on teeth surfaces. If the plaque (which comes from food particles, bacteria and debris) accumulates, it can lead to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth. Bad breath is the most common sign of gum disease. Additionally, a dog can be in pain from irritated gums, which can lead to appetite loss. The key to beating gum disease is prevention.

As bacteria grow inside the mouth, the plaque turns to tartar. If not treated, plaque and tartar buildup can result in gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. An even worse situation would result in periodontal disease. Other severe infections can affect a dog’s heart, liver or kidneys.

The VOHC offers these tips for doggie dental success:

Visit your veterinarian
In addition to a physical examination and medical history, the doctor will examine your pet’s teeth and gums. Recommendations may be made for cleaning, polishing, and other dental care in the hospital, or your veterinarian may suggest a program of home dental care. Some veterinarians will give a ‘dental discount’ during the month of February. So if you have been putting off your pets teeth cleaned, now may be a good time to call your vet. You just might save a few bucks, and add a few years to your pet’s life!

Professional dental care
If your pet already has evidence of periodontal disease, a professional cleaning is in order. Depending on your pet’s age and physical condition, the doctor may request that blood analyses, radiography, or other diagnostic tests be performed to evaluate the heart, liver, and kidneys for coexisting disease before proceeding with general anesthesia.

Once your pet is under anesthesia, accumulated tartar and calculus is removed by ultrasonic and hand scaling. Teeth needing fillings or root canals can be repaired and teeth that are beyond repair can be extracted. Finally the teeth are polished to slow down formation of new plaque, tartar, and calculus. If there is evidence of major bone loss or another serious oral condition, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary dental specialist.

Dental care at home
Regular brushing is an important part of any preventive dental program. A special toothbrush and toothpaste for pets are recommended. Your veterinarian can show you the proper way to brush your pet’s teeth. In addition, feeding your pet coarse-textured food may help prevent accumulation of plaque, tartar, and calculus. Ask your veterinarian to advise you as to the best diet for your pet.

Lastly, return to your veterinarian for regular dental checkups every 6 to 18 months, or as recommended.

Spay Day is Tuesday, February 24, 2009, and is recognized across the United States and U.S. territories.

Spay Day USA is America’s first and only national day of action to promote the spaying or neutering of pets. During Spay Day USA, veterinarians and their staff, animal welfare professionals, business owners and citizens join forces nationwide to provide spay/neuter services and to promote spay/neuter as an essential component of good pet health care, as well as an effective and humane means of decreasing the euthanasia of homeless animals in shelters.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats and a proven way to reduce the vast numbers of animals who are born only to die prematurely and without a family who loves them.

During Spay Day USA’s first 14 years, participants spayed or neutered more than 1,418,000 animals. The 14th annual Spay Day USA took place on February 26, 2008, when thousands of volunteers in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands worked together to save animal lives and end pet homelessness. They spayed or neutered more than 32,000 cats and dogs (and even a rat and a ferret); raised more than $200,000 for spay/neuter; and broadcasted the spay/neuter message to more than 13 million people.

Through the Spay Day USA Pet Photo Contest, contestants also raised tens of thousands of dollars to benefit the spay/neuter efforts of The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association’s Field Services program and 137 eligible Spay Day USA Event Organizers.

Enter the Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest to sponsor the spay or neuter of an animal in need, support a local Spay Day event organizer, show off your pet and have a chance to win a fabulous prize.

You don’t have to wait until Spay Day USA to have your pet spayed or neutered. Call a veterinarian in your area and make that spay/neuter appointment now. Your local animal shelter may also have recommendations of local veterinarians.

To learn more about Spay Day, click here. To enter the Spay Day Photo Contest, click here.

Photo courtesy of PETA.

Michael Vick is going to be released from prison soon, and according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), recently released government evidence indicates he “enjoyed putting his own family pet dogs into the ring with fighting pit bulls.”

As such, PETA is urging the NFL to make Vick take a test for anti-social personality disorder (ASPD), or psychopathy.

The profile for ASPD includes lying (Vick lied both to the NFL and again during his lie-detector test), manipulating others, enjoying others’ suffering, and being aggressive and charming. In addition, people who have ASPD cannot be truly remorseful and are likely to repeat the anti-social behavior that pleases them.

PETA is asking the NFL to require that Vick pass a brain scan for ASPD and the accompanying psychological evaluation before they consider the possibility of allowing Vick back into the league, where he will be in a position to influence many fans, including countless children.

To ask the NFL to test Vick for ASPD, click here.

Looks like we have at least six more weeks of winter to go. For some of us, that means snow and freezing temperatures. For others, lots of rain (hopefully). Until the sun is a bit higher in the sky and the days are a little bit warmer/longer, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has some tips to ensure our furry friends stay safe and warm.

1. Wash and dry your pet’s feet after any time outside to remove ice, salt and chemicals from ice-melting agents—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
2. Take a towel with you on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws instead of waiting until you get home.
3. Dress your pet in a sweater or coat to help him/her retain body heat and prevent skin from getting dry. If your dog will tolerate it, booties will help minimize contact with salt crystals, poisonous anti-freeze and chemical de-icers.
4. Massage petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside to form a barrier against salt and chemical agents. Repeat after toweling off to prevent chapped paw skin.
5. Trim long-haired dogs to minimize ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals becoming trapped in hair (don’t forget the hair between the toes!).
6. Keep your home humidified to prevetn dry skin, and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in between the toes.
7. Bathe your pooch as little as possible during the winter to avoid the removal of essential oils and increased chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
8. Brushing your pet regularly not only gets rid of dead hair, but also stimulates blood circulation, improving the skin’s overall condition.
9. Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime, sometimes causing dehydration. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help to keep her well-hydrated, and her skin less dry.
10. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Animal companions should remain indoors as much as possible during the winter months and never be left alone in vehicles when the mercury drops.

In December 2008, a five-month-old pit bull, Gigi, was hit by a car. Gigi and her owner were crossing the street near their Staten Island home when a car struck the dog.

According to Gigi’s owner, the car was on the wrong side of the street. The driver left the scene of the accident. Gigi suffered fatal injures and died at a nearby animal hospital.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was notified of the incident two days later and began investigating.

On December 27, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents arrested the alleged hit-and-run driver, Rafael Lauda, on multiple charges stemming from the accident. Lauda, 22, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injury to an animal and driving with a suspended license. If convicted of all charges, he faces more than a year in jail.

According to Dr. Robert Reisman, ASPCA Medical Coordinator of Animal Cruelty Cases, any animal hit by a car needs immediate medical attention, whether or not they appear fine. The ASPCA recommends dog owners remain extra alert when crossing the street with dogs—keep them close, and never use extension leashes near high-traffic areas.

And if you have witnessed animal cruelty, report it (Report Cruelty FAQ).

In other news, on December 30, rapper DMX—known legally as Earl Simmons—pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, among other charges for theft and drug possession.

The charges stem from a raid in August 2007, when Maricopa County sheriff’s deputies found 12 malnourished pit bulls and the remains of three dogs at his home.

To assist law enforcement officials in their efforts to prosecute Simmons, the ASPCA’s Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit was called into action. Leading the forensic investigation, the ASPCA’s Dr. Melinda Merck examined the remains of the dead dogs recovered from his property.

Simmons is a repeat offender—in 2002, the rapper pleaded guilty to 13 counts of animal cruelty, charges resulting from the neglect of 13 pit bulls. As a result of this most recent prosecution, the rapper faces at least 90 days in jail, can never again own any animals and must attend an animal offender treatment program. A parole violation would send him to jail for more than 10 years. A sentence hearing has been scheduled for January 30.

Maybe Lauda and Simmons can share a jail cell…

My dog, Greta, after an emergency trip to the vet.

There are several things to consider when selecting a vet to treat your pooch. I speak from experience learned the hard way when I say that you get what you pay for, and even in tight economic times, money should only be one of many factors you consider when choosing a vet for your fury friend(s).

Here are some other things to consider:

1. Your vet should be a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.  
2. Is your vet close to home (best) or work (good)? If not, keep looking.
3. Does your vet offer flexible hours?
4. Can you get in right away, or does it take forever to get an appointment?
5. Do they offer emergency services after hours?
6. Do they perform all the services you may require, such as teeth cleaning, x-rays, etc.?
7. Is the office clean and organized?
8. Is the staff professional and knowledgeable?
9. What’s their reputation like? Ask around, or ask for referrals.
10. Do you like them?