To his owners, Moby, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd, was a very healthy, spry dog, so when his veterinarian told them that beneath his thick, reddish-brown coat he had a weight problem, they were a bit shocked.

Apparently, all that baby food licked off the floor, and the lack of activity that came with the two toddlers who had recently joined the family, added about 10 extra pounds on a normally 65-pound dog. The good news is the veterinarian was able to put Moby on a program of diet and exercise, and he was back in perfect shape within a year.

Studies show that pet obesity is an epidemic in this country. According to a 2005 study, approximately 35 percent of American dogs and cats are obese or overweight, and some veterinarians report that they see even higher percentages now.

“I would say that probably more than 50 percent of the animals that we see are overweight,” says Dr. Larry R. Corry, a companion animal practitioner in Georgia and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “We say that people are ‘killing their pets with caring.’ They want to give too much food, table scraps and too many treats. They simply don’t realize how unhealthy that can be.”

Obesity can cause a number of health problems, including diabetes and heart problems. Diabetes in animals can be treated successfully with diet and insulin, but treatments are expensive and difficult to undertake successfully with cats. Diabetes treatments require animals to eat on a consistent basis, and cats don’t often enjoy following a schedule. Treating obesity before the animal becomes diabetic is a far simpler solution, Dr. Corry says.

“If we can get pet owners to comply with weight-loss plans, usually we don’t have any problem getting the animal’s weight under control,”Corry says. “Weight-loss diets generally involve specially formulated pet foods or simply a reduction of the amount of food the animal receives.

“Every member of the family has to be in agreement, because if one person is slipping the dog scraps under the table, the program won’t work,” he continues.

For dogs and cats on a diet, one little treat can truly be a diet buster. For example, giving a cat one potato chip may not seem like an extravagant snack, but it’s equivalent to giving an adult human half a cheeseburger or half a candy bar. And giving your cat an ounce of milk is equivalent to eating four and a half cheeseburgers. Giving your pet pooch one hot dog is equivalent to you eating two cheeseburgers. Needless to say, giving a pet table scraps is a sure ticket to pet obesity.

The AVMA has partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. to combat obesity by sponsoring the Alliance for Healthier Pets – Obesity Awareness and Prevention Program. The initiative’s primary goal is to educate the public on how to recognize obesity and to suggest simple solutions. Visit www.petfit.com to see examples of how common pet treats translate into major calories. Watch as personal trainer Gunnar Petersen teaches pet owners how to exercise with their pets and then take the “Pet Fit” Challenge.

For more information about animal health, visit www.avma.org and visit www.avmatv.org for an informative video about pet obesity.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: overweight cats, overweight dogs, overweight pets

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American Staffordshire Terrier puppy (3 months)

The American Pit Bull terrier is quite a bit different from his smaller relatives. The product of an historical cross between the Bulldog and Terrier carried out in the UK in the mid-1800s they are a bit of both. The combination, though, is a unique dog.

They typically weigh between 45-60 lbs (20-27 kg) and stand 20-24 inches (45-54cm) tall at the shoulder. The coat is usually short, dense, and beige or gray, though white is far from unknown. Their lifespan is about 10-12 years on average, given good care. They’re muscular and seek exercise to keep them not only fit but calm. The eyes are somewhat triangular.

These fighting dogs were bred for ferocity, strength and fearlessness – qualities highly valued in hunting and illegal sports, such as bull-baiting and dog fights. Because of their fierce reputation, not always justified, they’re illegal to sell or breed in the UK and Canada. Many areas of the U.S. and Australia allow ownership but place restrictions on use, such as requiring a muzzle when the dog is out in public.

But the breed is a mixture in ways other than its ancestry. Selective breeding practices aimed to eliminate aggressive behavior toward people, while retaining it toward other animals. Yet, as a watchdog, the opposite attitude is preferred. As a result, training an American Pit Bull Terrier requires care and consistency.

While their reputation as being dangerous to people is often overstated, attacking strangers is not unknown. In the case of this breed, the training regime plays a large role in outcome. That’s somewhat unlike many other terrier breeds where the training shapes behavior but the dog retains much of its instinctive behavior regardless.

Fortunately, like any dog, American Pit Bull Terriers can definitely be trained and trained well. They’re extremely athletic, intelligent and have tremendous endurance. They’re outstanding on the obstacle course and perform well as Border Patrol or Police dogs where they’re often used for drug or explosive sniffing duties.

Because of their strength and intelligence, they may also get ‘jobs’ providing services to the deaf, where they help keep their companion out of harm’s way. Today, their usual role is often much more mainstream. They are frequently used as watchdogs, a job they do extremely well.

While they can be aggressive, many owners know that their personal pet is loving, loyal and even friendly. American Pit Bull Terriers can enjoy play and will chase a ball or Frisbee until long after the human is worn out. This again is evidence of a flexible nature, highly influenced by training and early experiences in the dog’s life.

Tags: American Pit Bull Terrier

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(ARA) – No matter how many canine companions you have or what their ages are, every day is a new opportunity to make their lives happier and healthier. Keep a few simple tips in mind and you’re sure to get four paws up.

Food and water
It’s crucial to always keep a bowl of water available for your dog to make sure they stay properly hydrated, but not just any water will do. Fill your dog’s bowl with fresh water every single day and remember to clean the water bowl regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that could sicken your furry friend. For healthier, great-tasting water, use a pitcher filtration system.

Equally important is the dog food in the bowl next to the water dish. Eating poor-quality food on a daily basis can dramatically impact your dog’s health in the same way eating fried foods frequently can negatively affect your overall health. “Do your research and read labels before deciding on which food to feed your dog,” says nationally renowned veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker. “If some of the first ingredients listed are proteins, then you’ve found a quality recipe.”

Nutro Ultra food for dogs features the Ultrassential Superfood Blend. Superfoods are nutrient-dense whole foods containing high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Common superfoods that are beneficial for both humans and canines include tomatoes, spinach, blueberries, carrots and flaxseed. “Some of the benefits of feeding ‘superfoods’ to dogs can include: a healthy skin and coat which comes from essential fatty acids, lean muscle mass from high-quality proteins, strong teeth and bones from calcium and a strong immune system from antioxidant-rich foods,” says Becker.

When it’s time to treat your best buddy, make sure the treats are high-quality and made specifically for dogs. Remember that treats add calories to your dog’s diet so don’t give too many. Human food can be unhealthy for canines (even deadly, in the case of certain foods like chocolate, grapes and raisins), but if you can’t resist a “people” snack, try giving him a few fresh vegetables like a small carrot or green bean. “A good guideline is that treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet,” says Becker.

Playtime
The average dog needs about 20-30 minutes of daily exercise or vigorous activity. Just like humans, inactive dogs can suffer from weight gain, muscle loss and even depression and disease. Take your dog for at least one walk every day (it’s good for you too), run around the yard or at an off-leash dog park and have fun playing fetch or tug of war.

To help keep playtime fun, make sure your dog knows basic commands (sit, stay and drop it, for example) and be consistent in using them. Encourage good behavior with lots of positive attention and correct mistakes immediately by redirecting your dog to the correct behavior. Never physically punish your dog as it can lead to aggression and fear biting.

Health
Most cities require dogs to have their shots and be licensed. Make sure to bring your dog to the veterinarian annually (or as recommended) and keep him up to date on shots and medications. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly (at least once per week) to prevent gum disease, the buildup of plaque and costly canine dental procedures down the line.

For more information, visit UltraHolistic.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Dog care tips, happy dog, Ultrassential Superfood Blend

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(ARA) – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Kwanzaa – no matter what you’re celebrating, pet owners need to remember to keep their pets safe and healthy for the holidays.

“Veterinarians often see an uptick in the number of problematic calls during the holiday season,” explains Dr. Larry R. Corry, AVMA president. “Whether it’s an exposure to chocolate or fatty foods or pets upset due to unexpected guests or costumed visitors late at night, the holidays can present problems for pets. The AVMA urges all pet owners to include the health and safety of their pets in any plans for the holidays.”

Here are the AVMA’s top 10 pet tips for holiday safety:

1. Be wary of holiday decorations; pets often consume them. “The animal raids the Christmas tree, for example, and this can be unhealthy for the pet and very upsetting for the pet owners,” explains Corry. “If they consume enough tinsel or other decorations, it can cause a blockage that requires surgery.”

2. Flowers are another common holiday feature that can result in an emergency visit. Poinsettias, Amaryllis and mistletoe are on the list of common holiday plants that can be dangerous and even poisonous to house pets who decide to eat them, Corry says.

3. Just like people, some pets are better at dealing with houseguests than others. If you know your pet has a problem with visitors, work with your veterinarian for solutions. For severe problems, your veterinarian may recommend medications or even boarding the animal.

4. Don’t let your pet climb the Christmas tree. If the tree falls over, your pet could be injured. Consider tying the tree to the ceiling or a doorframe using fishing line.

5. Cover Christmas tree water to keep animals from drinking it. The sap from live Christmas trees can make your pet sick.

6. Many people believe that people food makes good treats for their pets, but this isn’t the case. Many common ingredients in a holiday feast – like onions, garlic, chocolate and artificial sweeteners – are poisonous to pets. And dogs that consume an excessive amount of fatty foods, by cleaning a turkey carcass pulled from the trash, for example, can develop a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis.

7. Whether they are Halloween candies or Christmas chocolate, keep sweets out of your pet’s reach, particularly while you’re out. A pet that consumes chocolates while you’re away at work, for example, might be too sick for your veterinarian to save by the time you get home.

8. Unplug decorations while you’re not around. Cats and dogs are often tempted to chew electrical cords.

9. Keep any gift that includes human food out of a pet’s reach. With their sensitive sense of smell, dogs and cats can find those wrapped treats and open them when you’re not around.

10. Candles are a common part of many holiday celebrations. Make sure that you keep lit candles out of a pet’s reach, because the animal could light themselves, or your home, on fire.

The AVMA offers a great deal of information on its Web site, www.avma.org, including a free brochure on common household hazards and a free video about common household poisons.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: holidays, pets and holidays

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(ARA) – Jerry and Judi Wilkerson love their bulldog, Lulu Bell – so much so that they decided to set up a pet trust.

“My parents have passed away, and I don’t have a lot of family, so we wanted to make sure Lulu Bell was taken care of no matter what happened,” explained Jerry. “It actually relieved a lot of stress. At least we know we have set aside a little bit of money, some instructions and there is a person willing to take care of her.”

Many pet owners assume that they will outlive their beloved pets, but that isn’t always the case. Unfortunately, when animals get left behind, they sometimes wind up in a local humane society where they could be euthanized. A pet trust ensures the animal will continue to receive care and housing even after the death of the pet’s human companion.

The Wilkerson’s pet trust includes about $2,000, simple instructions for care, and entrusts the animal to a cousin who already loves Lulu. The money is primarily to help cover any large expenses that Lulu might incur, like veterinary bills, after the Wilkerson’s deaths.

“It’s interesting to note that very few states allowed pet trusts until 1990. Since then the concept has really taken off, and now more than 42 states allow pet trusts, including three states that passed legislation in 2009. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were allowed in all 50 states ultimately,” says Adrian Hochstadt, assistant director of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

“Today, pet trusts are still relatively unusual in practice – most people choose to will a pet to a trusted family member,” he says. “Pet trusts are one of the fastest growing segments of animal law today.”

Pet trusts can vary according to a person’s needs, and most pet trust laws allow people to will a certain amount of money toward the care of their pet after they are gone.

Missouri was one of the first states to have pet trusts. Gregory Dennis, an attorney in Missouri, says that the state has allowed pet trusts in some form since 1973.

Dennis advises that veterinarians should be made aware of trusts when they treat an animal. If a pet is covered by a trust, it’s the trust that will likely be paying the bill and the trust also may stipulate what kind of veterinary care the animal should receive.

Dennis also notes that bequests that haven’t been carefully drafted and, for example, leave exorbitant sums of money to a dog or cat, could be subject to legal challenges. People may argue that excessively large trusts are a sign a person was not mentally competent at the time the trust was drafted.

“Many state’s pet trust laws include provisions that allows the courts to reduce a pet trust to a reasonable amount if it’s excessive,” says Linscott R. Hansen, an Illinois attorney who helped draft the Illinois pet trust law, which passed in 2004. “I advise people interested in setting up a pet trust to put into a trust just what the pet needs, and that’s enough.”

Hanson explains that pet trust acts allow people to create a trustee to oversee funds and another to care for the animal, which is a good way to help ensure the proper care of the animal. Dennis adds it may be a good idea to include a clause requiring two veterinarians to separately determine when a pet covered by a trust should be euthanized, and perhaps leave any remaining funds in a trust to a charity after the pet’s death.

Michael Cathey, head of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), said that his charitable organization does receive bequests from animal lovers who want a part of their estate to go toward protecting and treating pets. The AVMF funds disaster response efforts for pets, veterinary scholarships and animal health studies, and donors can and do bequest their donations to specific programs. For example, if a dog owner lost a dog to cancer, they may elect to bequest some money to the AVMF to go toward animal health studies, Cathey explains.

“A donor’s wishes are always honored as long as those wishes fit in well with one of our programs,” Cathey says. “If we accept a gift, we will put that money toward whatever program the donor has requested. We’re really trying to help people understand that this option is available to them.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: pet trusts

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(ARA) – When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, Richard Colar’s neighborhood was flooded with 13 feet of water. He lost his home and lived in a FEMA trailer for over three years following the storm. Even more devastating for Colar was that he was forced to flee without his beloved pet, a Siberian husky named Princess.

Miraculously, veterinarians located his lost dog weeks after the storm. The dog had been evacuated to Delaware. Due to the work of many volunteers, Colar and his family were among the lucky Katrina survivors who had their pets returned to them.

“It was so important to me to get my dog back, and I was so thankful,” he says. “Veterinarians saved my dog. I never knew that there were so many animal lovers in the world.”

Colar’s story illustrates why it’s so important for people to be prepared for natural disasters. This means planning an evacuation, not just for you and your family, but also your pets, livestock and horses.

The American Veterinary Medical Association offers a brochure on the subject, Saving the Whole Family, as well as an informative video with helpful instructions to help people evacuate with their pets in a disaster.

“During disasters it’s not unusual for hundreds of thousands of pets and livestock to be displaced. Many times this is the result of the fact that the owners have not made a thorough evacuation plan,” explains Dr. Heather Case, head of disaster preparation at the AVMA. “That’s why we urge everybody to make disaster plans today that include every member of the family, including those with four legs or wings, fur, scales or feathers.”

Case explains that in order to evacuate with an animal, pet and livestock owners need to have something in which to carry the animal. With pets, this would be a pet carrier that is large enough for the animal to spend a few days in comfortably. Even if you relocated to an emergency shelter that is willing to accept a pet, the animal will have to spend most of its time in that carrier or cage. For cats, the cage will have to be big enough for a small litter box.

If you are a livestock or horse owner, you’ll need access to a livestock carrier that can be towed by truck. Many times, farms will form cooperative evacuation networks as a cost effective way of ensuring that everybody’s animals are evacuated.

The AVMA also recommends that pet and livestock owners put together emergency kits. These kits should include enough food to last a week, any medications the animal requires, written prescriptions and other documentation, a photograph and identification information for the animal and, most importantly, a telephone list of feed suppliers, family members and veterinarians in the area where you expect to end up.

Proper identification is another important consideration. Consider preparing disaster tags for your pet’s collar. These should include your cell phone number, but also the telephone number for an out-of-town family member or friend, and perhaps the name of a hotel where you expect to evacuate. With this information, rescue responders will have a better chance of locating you if they rescue your pet.

The best kind of identification is imbedded microchip identification. Even if you put an informative tag on your pets collar or your horse’s halter, if it becomes separated from your animal the results can be disastrous. Microchips are embedded under the skin of an animal between the shoulder blades or on the neck and can be read with a scanner, ensuring the animal is never without ID.

For more information on this and other issues, visit www.avma.org or www.avmatv.org for a disaster preparation video.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: disasters, pets and disaster, pets in a disaster

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Constant scratching by your dog can indicate a skin disease caused by environmental allergies called atopic dermatitis.

(ARA) – Most people consider their dog to be more than just a pet. Dogs are true members of the family. So when your dog is itching uncontrollably, it is frustrating not to know what’s wrong. Once owners rule out the possibility of fleas, they are often left with questions unanswered. One problem frequently overlooked is a skin disease caused by environmental allergies.

Like humans, dogs can be hypersensitive to common airborne allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites. But instead of showing symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose, dogs present symptoms on the skin that they try to relieve through constant scratching, licking and gnawing. These symptoms are typically signs of an allergic skin disease known as canine atopic dermatitis.

More than an itch
According to Kadence Research, canine atopic dermatitis affects about 16 percent of the canine population. As with human allergies, symptoms are often seasonal but can develop into a year-round problem if not properly treated. Dogs with atopic dermatitis usually start showing signs of the disease between the ages of 6 months and 3 years old, but some will show signs later due to changes in their environment.

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by intense scratching or chewing of the skin, hair loss and a foul odor resulting from the nonstop chewing and licking. The continual scratching can be bothersome to owners when their dogs are restlessly itching. It can also make the dog lethargic because they are unable to sleep due to constant irritation.

“Sam has had allergies for five or six years,” said Marj Voorhees, owner of Sam the Siberian husky. “He was doing lots of scratching, licking and itching. He lost a lot of hair around his face, eyes and ears.”

Voorhees tried using traditional medications and shampoos, as well as immunotherapy and zinc supplements in attempts to end Sam’s suffering. Sam’s therapy made him hungrier than normal and he gained 20 pounds. He also continued to itch.

There are numerous methods used to try to control the symptoms of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinarians regularly try everything from antihistamines to steroid injections to keep their clients’ dogs from itching.

“Symptoms range from mild to severe,” said Steve Milden, VMD. “But the quality of life for a dog with atopic dermatitis can be diminished if the symptoms go untreated.”

Without a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, dogs with atopic dermatitis will continue to live in pain and discomfort; they won’t simply “grow out of it.” Anyone with active allergies can attest to how miserable life can be with an itchy throat, clogged sinuses and red eyes, so one can only imagine how unhappy dogs are when they have unstoppable itching. Luckily for dogs and their owners, there is a solution for the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Not your average backscratcher
The solution for dogs with atopic dermatitis comes in the form of a prescription product called Atopica (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED that specifically targets the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction. Similar to humans taking allergy medicine year-round to prevent flare-ups and misery, the same concept can be applied to treating dog allergies.

“I’ve been prescribing Atopica to dogs for about five years,” said Milden. “My clients couldn’t be more pleased. Their dogs seem to be happier now that they don’t itch all the time and their owners are thankful to have finally found relief for their best friend.”

Like Milden’s clients, Voorhees was able to find relief for her dog. Once Voorhees’ veterinarian prescribed Atopica, Sam was completely different.

“It made a tremendous difference almost immediately,” said Voorhees. “All of his hair grew back. It took care of the itching, too. He’s noticeably more comfortable.”

Owners should speak to their veterinarians if they think their dog may be suffering from allergies. The veterinarian will be able to answer questions and recommend a proper treatment. For more information on canine atopic dermatitis and ways to treat the disease, visit www.atopica.novartis.us or the Novartis Animal Health home page at www.petwellness.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In a field study, the most common side effects were gastrointestinal signs. Gingival hyperplasia and papillomas may also occur during the initial dosing phase. ATOPICA is a systemic immunosuppressant that may increase the susceptibility of infection. ATOPICA is not for use in reproducing dogs or dogs with a history of neoplasia. For a full product insert, visit www.atopica.novartis.us.

Tags: atopic dermatitis, Atopica, canine allergies, canine atopic dermatitis

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Alysa Brennan of Hermosa Beach, Calif., with two of her dogs, including Blake (left), in 2004 not long before Blake died of sarcoma of the scapula. They are seated on Blake's favorite couch, where he died.

(ARA) – When Alysa Brennan of Hermosa Beach, Calif., discovered one of her Great Danes had cancer, she was faced with a difficult decision, but she felt fortunate that her veterinarian, Dr. Alice Villalobos, was familiar with veterinary hospice care and introduced her to the concept. 

“I knew Blake, my dog, was old enough that I didn’t want to go through any heroic measures to try to keep him alive. I wasn’t going to consider chemotherapy. Dr. Villalobos explained that we could keep him as pain free as possible until the end,” Brennan explains. 

“He passed very peacefully thanks to Alice being there with me,” she continues. “He died literally in my arms. I had moved an old couch outside for him, so he could sleep on it. One night he came in and was looking at me in a strange way. I laid down with him, and his breathing was very labored so I called Alice. It was his end.” 

Hospice care — physical and physiological care for the wellbeing of the terminally ill — has a long history in the United States. But hospice care for animals is a very new concept. Villalobos treated Blake’s end-of-life discomfort with pain medications and homeopathic medicines. 

Veterinary hospice is a philosophy that is really in its infancy. In 2000, the movement gained national attention at the annual convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) where Villalobos spoke on hospice care. The first international symposium wasn’t held until March of 2008 at the University of California-Davis, and the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) is currently being established. 

Dr. Amir Shana, owner of the Compassionate Care Veterinary Clinic in Chicago, has been offering hospice care to animals for well over a decade. Shana provides house calls for patients who are too sick to make it into his office and also runs a hospice facility, where animals can be boarded. About half of his practice is in pet hospice services. 

“Hospice is a philosophy of care, it is also a program of care and in certain cases it is an actual place where patients are being cared for,” Dr. Shana explains. 

For Villalobos, the new movement really recognizes something that has been happening for many decades. “Veterinarians have always offered care to animals at the end of life,” explains Villalobos. “Until now, it has not been a recognized philosophy, and it hasn’t had a name.” 

Villalobos says that one of the most important aspects of this new movement is that it’s seen as a philosophy that is accessible to all veterinarians so they can better serve their patients. And it doesn’t require that pet owners give up hope, she adds. Pet hospice care can be incorporated with measures taken to attempt to save the pet’s life. It means simply that the animal’s needs are taken care of with pain control and other efforts to reduce suffering. 

Villalobos says that one of the biggest hurdles in veterinary hospice care is dealing with the shock that owners feel when discovering that their pet has a condition that may precipitate end-of-life care. 

“A decade goes by and it is quick for us, but it is the lifespan of a pet. It’ takes a lot of compassion to help people to understand it. It sneaks up on them. We have people who are in shock that their four-footed, beloved companion is now geriatric,” Villalobos says. “The philosophy of hospice is letting the pet owner know the pet is dying.” 

The second international symposium on pet hospice will be held over Labor Day weekend on the campus of University of California-Davis. This new group, which recognizes veterinarians, veterinary technicians, social workers, psychologists, ethicists and clergy, has a great deal of work to do setting standards for this new field. For example, members will begin establishing protocols and guidelines for pain control, the place of euthanasia, and quality of life. The field is so new that attendees will even be charged with the task of defining pet hospice care. Visit www.avma.org for more information. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: pet hospice, pet hospice care, veterinary hospice care

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(ARA) – With summer upon us, warmer weather beckons everyone outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. When family and friends gather for backyard barbecues and outings in the park, it is natural to want to include the pets. It is wise, though, to consider the health and safety of pets before taking them out into the heat for prolonged periods.

Pets cannot tolerate heat the same way as people. One big reason is that dogs don’t sweat, thereby lacking a natural way to cool down. To help ensure your pets don’t suffer from the heat, veterinarian Tracy Chase-Thompson, department chair of the veterinary technology program at Brown Mackie College in Michigan City, Ind., offers advice. “Heat exhaustion is one of the big things that can occur,” she says. “It happens more with dogs than cats, but it can occur with both.”

Heat exhaustion is a dangerous condition in animals that occurs due to lack of protection from hot weather and humidity. “It doesn’t take much time for heat exhaustion to develop,” says Chase-Thompson. “A dog can overheat in a hot vehicle in just 10 minutes.” Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy panting, drooling and labored breathing. “Gum color is another indicator. If gums appear red instead of pink, that’s a sign of an animal in distress.”

If it happens, Chase-Thompson recommends moving the animal to a cool spot immediately. “Give the dog water to drink, and wipe a cool washcloth over the fur. Don’t just dump water over the animal. It helps to place the paws in cool water as well,” she says. She does not recommend an ice bath. “If an animal cools too quickly, it can go into shock.”

Normal body temperature for a dog is between 101 F and 102 F. “A temperature higher than 105 F signals heat exhaustion,” says Chase-Thompson. In this case, the dog would require veterinarian care with IV fluids for hydration, and close monitoring of body temperature.

Pet owners can take a number of precautions to prevent heat stress and exhaustion in pets. If your dog will spend any amount of time outside, Chase-Thompson advises providing a shelter so that the dog can access shade at all times, and walking your dog before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when sunlight and humidity are less powerful. “It is safer to leave your pet at home on hot or humid days rather than in the car, even with the windows cracked. If you must take your pet, park in the shade, open the window, and don’t leave for more than 10 minutes,” she adds.

Another concern among pet owners is how to protect a pet that is afraid of the noise from fireworks and thunderstorms. “Some pets have a fear of noise at a young age. Others are fine when they’re young, yet become bothered by loud sounds as they grow older,” says Chase-Thompson. “It’s impossible to make the noise go away, but there are ways to minimize or disguise the noise.

“If you leave the dog alone, it could help to leave music playing. Turn on the radio or TV, or even a loud fan or air conditioner,” she advises. “If the animal’s reaction is really bad, I recommend staying with your pet to provide reassurance. There are anti-anxiety medications that a veterinarian can prescribe.” Chase-Thompson advises discussing with your veterinarian whether your pet is a good candidate. “Medications can help, but they don’t always work. It is important to lessen your pet’s fear with other types of comfort,” she says.

Try to give your pet a safe place where they won’t hurt themselves. And forget about reprimanding behavior that results from fear of loud noises. “They can’t simply change,” Chase-Thompson says. “Some pets like an item of the owner’s for comfort, like a T-shirt or old shoe.” A little knowledge can go a long way in protecting your pet from the pitfalls that summer brings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: dogs and heat, dogs heat, heat exhaustion in dogs, heat exhaustion in pets

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(ARA) – Americans love their pets and there are certainly lots of them to love. Sixty three percent of U.S. households own a pet and the most popular animals — dogs and cats — make up 82 percent of all pets, according to the American Pet Products Association.

With all those furry friends, it’s no surprise that pet-friendly design is one of the fastest growing interior decorating trends. From high-end home items to the basics, decorating is literally going to the dogs … and cats. Beyond pet-proofing a home for safety, pet-friendly decorating has an increasing number of animal lovers choosing and incorporating pet-friendly fabrics and building materials into their homes’ decor.

A number of cost-effective ways to maintain a fabulous-looking home are also practical and comfortable for both you and your pet. Here are five tricks of the trade:

Common sense color.
It’s one of the simplest interior design tricks — matching your furniture fabric to your pet’s fur color to help conceal dog and cat hair. For example, if you have a multi-colored pet, opt for a small pattern that closely matches your pet’s coloring. If you have a white poodle or feline, skip the all-black sofa and choose a lighter fabric color. If your heart is still set on black, accessorize with black pillows or a throw blanket. The same holds true if you own a pet with darker fur — the darker your fabric choices, the easier it will be to hide pet fur.

Skip the slipcover.
Thanks to recent advances made in the manufacturing of furniture fabric, there’s no need to hide your couch under an unsightly slipcover in order to protect it from the wear-and-tear of your pet. Look into purchasing furniture made with Crypton, a synthetic textile that’s easy to clean and highly resistant to stains, water and even bacteria. A less expensive option is ultrasuede microfiber. If either of these choices is still out of your price range, make sure your furniture is protected with Scotchgard. However, if you go this route, know that there are still some fabrics to avoid, such as denim, flannel, corduroy and velvet. Each of them has a tendency to hold pet fur.

Pet-friendly paint.
Keeping your walls clean and free of dirt marks can be a feat if you have a pet. Choosing a high-quality, durable paint really does make a difference. Dutch Boy’s Refresh paint, a new paint formulated with exclusive Arm & Hammer odor-eliminating technology, is ideal for pet owners. It provides a beautiful finish that’s also extremely durable, so cleanup of dirt and marks is easy. Plus, it actually removes odors, including pet smells, from the air. You’ll not only have great-looking walls, but a fresh-smelling home, too.

Fitting floors.
Flooring options for pet owners can be tricky because carpet holds stains and odors, and hardwood scratches easily. If you’re looking at replacing your carpeting, there are choices specifically designed for pet owners. One of them, Pet Agree Carpet, claims that it withstands any damage made by a pet. It’s made from a material that traps liquids, such as pet urine, and stops them from soaking through to the carpet padding and floor below.

If you prefer hardwood floors, but don’t want to deal with scratches that can be made by your four-legged friends, think laminate. Today’s laminate flooring, like the new North American collection from Tarkett Residential, is far more durable, and scratch- and indentation-resistant than softer real wood flooring. These surfaces also install faster, are about half the price and still offer a vast choice in unique wood finishes.

Less is more.
Another smart design tip: keep knickknacks and accent pieces to a minimum. Today’s trend in creating clean, streamlined spaces is not only aesthetically appealing, but is ideal for pet owners. A well-thought-out design means you’ll enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free environment while keeping unnecessary, decorative items out of reach of pets’ sweeping tails and curious jaws.

Ensuring you, Fido and Fluffy live harmoniously doesn’t mean you need to spend a bundle, or sacrifice your sense of style. By doing your research, formulating a decorating plan and choosing your materials carefully, you can easily create a home that’s fit for man and beast.

For more information about Refresh paint, visit www.dutchboy.com/refresh, or call (800) 828-5669.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: pet friendly home, pets in the home

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