Preparing Fido and Fifi for a new baby

(NC)—Its official, you’re going to be a parent. The lengthy checklist has already started as you prepare for the arrival of your baby. While baby names, colour themes and pregnancy books are top of mind, be sure to include an existing family member through this important time—your pet.

The addition of a new family member means that your four-legged companion will no longer receive the same amount of attention as before. They will be sensitive to any changes in routine and environment in the coming months. You can help your dog or cat cope with this big change well in advance of baby’s arrival.

Here are some tips to prepare your pet for a healthy transition:

• Address any behaviour concerns your pet has going forward. If your dog has bad habits such as jumping on people or exhibiting aggressive behaviour, it would be especially important to correct this to avoid any danger around your baby.

• Take your dog or cat for a check up to ensure your pet has a clean bill of health. Consult with a veterinarian about using a preventative treatment like Revolution to protect against fleas, ticks, and other unwanted parasites that can infest your pet and home.

• Pets thrive when they have consistency. Try to create a new routine to alleviate the stress your dog or cat will feel while adjusting to having a new family member. This includes making time for the one-on-one quality time with your pet.

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Do not feed me sugarless candy!

My husband and I have a hand booklet that we often refer to regarding common food, plants and household items that can harm or even kill our pups.  We have three pups:  A pug, a French bulldog & a shih tzu.  Needless to say, our house is always a bit chaotic!  The list of poisonous foods and items applies to all dogs.  Since most dog lovers often have more than one pooch around, the list of no no’s is important to keep in mind for all our furry friends!

Foods to NEVER feed a Dog:

• Chocolate – the darker the chocolate the more dangerous!  Bakers chocolate is the worst because it contains the highest amount of theobromine (also known as xantheose) and that ingredient is deadly to dogs.
• Coffee beans – not only coffee beans but anything with caffeine
• Alcohol – enough said!
• Grapes – experts say only in large quantities, but why risk it!  Dogs do not need grapes. One time a grape rolled off the counter, and fell onto the floor.  My French bulldog, Bardot, who will eat ANYTHING, would not eat the grape.  Maybe she knew it was bad for her?  Maybe not, but I thought it was cute.
• Raisins – who eats raisins anyway?
• Onions – onions can cause hemolytic anemia in our furry friends which is a potentially deadly autoimmune disorder.  Symptoms of AIHA include fatigue, fever, depression, weakness and even seizures.
• Broccoli – in small amounts broccoli can be okay, but in large amounts it can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
• Garlic – can cause the same problems as onions.
• Castor beans – Luckily, I don’t think I have ever had a castor bean!
• Fruit pits and seeds - plum pits, peach pits, apple seeds and apricot seeds.  Stone fruit pits in general do not seem to be safe.
• Sugarless candies – anything containing Xylitol .  Xylitol can be found in candy and chewing gum.  Only three grams of Xylitol can kill a 65 lb dog!
• Nutmeg

Harmful Plants – indoor and outdoor:

• Aloe Vera
• Asparagus fern
• Azalea
• Cactus
• Daffodil
• Deadly nightshade
• Dumbcane
• Elephant’s ear
• Ficus
• Foxglove
• Holly
• Honeysuckle
• Horse chestnut
• Ivy
• Japanese Yew
• Jasmine
• Lilies
• Lilly of the valley
• Marijuana
• Mistletoe
• Morning glory
• Mums
• Oak
• Oleander
• Philodendron
• Poinsettias
• Poppies
• Rhododendron
• Rhubarb
• Skunk cabbage
• Tobacco
• Tulip bulbs
• Virginia creeper
• Wild mushrooms

Common household items that can be deadly:

• Antifreeze – even very small amounts can be deadly!
• Any household cleansers or cleaners
• Bleach
• Toilet bowl cleaners
• Drain openers
• Soap
• Insecticides
• Mothballs
• Polishes
• Rodent Poisons
• Sunscreen
• Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, acetominophen, human antidepressants, multivitamins (especially with iron), supplements and antibiotics
• Gasoline
• Motor Oil
• Transmission Fluid

This list is not definitive so be sure to keep your local poision control center’s telephone number handy at all times for emergencies!

The Brachycephalic Sisters

I adore Brachycephalic dogs.  They are so sweet and cute, but unfortunately because they are so cute, they typically have more health problems due to their adorable “smooshed-in” faces.

A brachycephalic skull is relatively broad and short. Dog breeds such as the Pug are sometimes classified as “Extreme Brachycephalic”. Brachycephalic dogs are very sensitive to high temperatures, as they cannot cool themselves like other dogs; therefore, extra care and attention is needed.

Some issues with Brachycephalic Dogs:

ELONGATED SOFT PALATE – Since the heads of a Brachycephalic pup are so small and short, it is difficult to fit the soft tissues of the canine mouth and throat into the short face. As a result, the soft palate, which separates nasal passage from oral cavity, flaps loosely down into the throat creating sometimes alarming snorting sounds. Virtually all brachycephalics suffer from this but actual respiratory distress is rare. I have three brachycephalic dogs and they all do this trademark snorting sounds.  It sounds uncomfortable for them, but typically never lasts long.  Excess barking or panting may lead to swelling in the throat which can, in turn, lead to trouble. Sometimes, the soft palate needs to be surgically trimmed.  Luckily, I have not had to have this surgery with any of my dogs.

STENOTIC NARES – This is basically a fancy name for teeny, tiny nostrils. The brachycephalic dogs begins by having very small nasal openings for breathing. If this is severe, surgical correction is neccessary. Our Vet suggested this for our French Bulldog, Bardot, and she had the surgery.  I think it helped with her breathing and after the surgery, her nostrils actually looked bigger.  Of course, this is not advised if you are going to “show” your dog, however, we have rescue dogs and that is not an issue.  To me it is more important for the dog to be happy, than pretty.

HEAT STRESS - The Brachycephalic dog is an inefficient panter. A dog with a more “normal” face and throat is able to pass air quickly over the tongue through panting – which in turn cools the body down. We take extra care to never leave our pups out when it is even slightly warm!  Honestly, in 70 – 80* temps the dogs get way too overheated.

WALKING- Since Brachycephalic dogs already have trouble breathing it is important to always walk them on a harness – a leash can shatter their trachea and harm the puppies severely.  I cannot stress this enough – these dogs need a harness!  Also, they truly cannot handle long walks.

Here is a list of Brachycephalic Dogs:

• Affenpinscher
• American Bulldog
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldog
• Bullmastiff
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Cane Corso
• Dogo Argentino
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• English Mastiff
• English Toy Spaniel
• French Bulldog
• Japanese Chin
• Lhasa Apso
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Pekingese
• Presa Canario
• Pug
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Valley Bulldog

Don’t let this deter you from owning and loving a Brachycephalic dog! Personally, I have three: a Pug, a French Bulldog, and a Shih Tzu.  The most important thing is they are all INDOOR DOGS.  These breeds of dogs can not live outside.  They are too sensitive to the elements, and must be treated as an indoor family member.  Believe me, with a lot of love, and care, they make the most wonderful children around!

Tips for fun, safe winter frolics with Fido

(ARA) – Even the best behaved-dog can temporarily forget his manners when faced with the many distractions of going on a walk. When the ground is covered with snow and ice, Fido’s momentary lapse can mean a nasty fall for you. Properly equipping yourself – and taking some safety precautions – can help ensure you stay on your feet, and that your walk remains enjoyable for both you and your best friend.

Here are some tips for walking your dog in wintery weather:

* Don’t stay home – Both you and your dog need exercise, and just letting Fido out into the backyard to do his business doesn’t help your health. A daily walk helps to provide both of you with excellent cardiovascular exercise, and also gets you out into the fresh air. So even as the weather gets colder, help keep you and your dog healthy with daily walks.

* Leash training – Larger dogs make great pets, especially for seniors who struggle to bend over to pet smaller breeds. But if your dog isn’t leash trained, he could give you great difficulty in managing him and the winter elements. Take him to obedience classes and work with him so he knows not to pull when you’re out for short and long walks. As the weather chills and snow and ice build up on your traditional walking routes, you’ll be able to carefully negotiate tricky spots without having to worry about being pulled off balance.

* Dress for the weather – You’re probably already going to be layering up to stay warm, but don’t forget proper footwear – for both you and your dog. Dog booties can help protect your pet’s feet from the deicer chemicals that can hurt and crack the pads of his feet. Booties also help prevent ice from building up in the fur around his toes.

For your feet, you need gear to keep you from sliding around on the ice. STABILicers ice cleats go on over your shoes or boots, providing you super traction – and even better footing than your dog. Sold by retailers nationwide including L.L. Bean and Cabela’s, these ice cleats are durable and light, and can fit easily in a pocket or glove compartment for easy transport. For Scott Kelley of Peaks Island, Maine, STABILicers allowed him to walk his dog even after shoulder surgery and physical therapy.

“The idea of falling on the ice after surgery and all that physical therapy was too much to bear,” Kelley says. “So I put STABILicers on my boots and wore them all winter, even if the roads and sidewalks were clear, because the dog still needs to be walked, and there is always that one rogue patch of ice lurking in the shadows.”

* Practice safety – Since the daylight hours are shorter during the winter months, make sure you wear light clothing with reflective material, and carry a flashlight during your walks to help drivers see you in the dark. Also let someone know where you’re going on your walk, and your anticipated time of return.

Getting out of the house, breathing in the fresh air and seeing the sun reflecting off the glittering snow – the winter months can bring so much enjoyment to you and your dog on your daily walks. And since, with STABILicers on your feet, you don’t have to worry about falling down, you may soon find yourself joining Fido in chasing squirrels, just for the fun of it.

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.