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

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(ARA) – Do you hate your pet’s breath? Well, did you know that bad dog or cat breath is a sign of dental disease? About 80 percent of humans brush our teeth at least twice a day, according to the American Dental Association. But most of us completely neglect our pets’ teeth. There is no time like the present to start maintaining the dental health of your four-legged friend to help prevent problems like gingivitis, periodontal disease, infections and tooth loss.

“There are many symptoms of dental disease to watch out for, including bad, almost putrid, breath,” explains Dr. James Cook, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Your pet could be in a lot of pain, and you might not realize it. For example, if you see your pet approach a bowl of food then back away, that could be a sign of tooth pain. Your animal can’t tell you he or she is suffering or in pain, so it’s important to get your pet’s teeth checked by your veterinarian.”

Here are six tips to help keep your pets’ smile healthy:

* Brush their teeth.
Specially made toothpaste in flavors like chicken, seafood, beef and mint and soft, pet-friendly toothbrushes are available at pet supply stores or from your veterinarian. With some training (visit www.avmatv.com for a 5.5 minute instructional video) pets can learn to tolerate or even enjoy a daily brushing.

* A dental checkup.
If you’ve never had your veterinarian check your pet’s teeth, your pet is long overdue. Schedule an appointment today. Veterinarians recommend at least an annual checkup of your pet’s teeth. If periodontal disease is found, your pet can be sedated for teeth cleaning.

* Give a rawhide treat.
Rawhide is that piece of raw leather your dog looks forward to so much, but it also helps scrub plaque off your pet’s teeth. A small daily treat that makes a dog so happy could save money at the veterinarian years from now and save your dog’s teeth. Check with your veterinarian to make sure rawhide is an appropriate treat for your dog.

* Wrap up a rope toy.
Rope toys for dogs and cats help keep plaque and gingivitis at bay. Just carrying a rope toy in their mouth helps to keep an animal’s teeth clean, and playing with it does an even better job.

* Try dental treats.
Specially made dental treats are available at pet stores and at your veterinarian’s office. These treats are made to be difficult to chew and swallow, and are shaped to help scrub teeth as they’re consumed.

* A pet food present.
Consider feeding your pet a specially formulated pet food designed to improve dental health in pets.

For more information on pet dental health visit www.avma.org or www.avmatv.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Caring for Your Pet on a Budget

Most people consider a pet a member of the family — and for good reason. Pets offer companionship, amusement and unconditional love. Studies support that owning a pet offers a multitude of emotional and overall health rewards.

However, with the plunging economy and the rising costs of food, fuel and housing, cash-strapped Americans are pinching their pennies. People are faced with having to make difficult decisions on cutting back, often giving up the things they love most. Unfortunately, some pet parents are faced with the dilemma of appropriately caring for their pet on a tight budget.

For pet owners faced with this challenge, it’s important to remember how much your furry friend adds to your life. Pets make us laugh, show us love in any circumstance and can even lower our overall stress levels. With a smart approach to affordable pet care, you may find you can afford to keep your pet happy and healthy — and at home with you and your family.

Whether you are 8 or 88, studies have proven that owning a pet has substantial developmental and health benefits.

Resist the toy temptation:
Personalized accessories and elaborate toys have become trendy, but pets won’t miss the extra bells and whistles. Pets are just as happy clad in a plain collar and playing with less expensive or even safer, homemade toys geared to improve overall pet health, including chew toys for puppies and scratching posts for cats.

A healthy pet is a happy pet:
It’s important to still provide your pet with routine veterinary care. But ask your vet to prescribe only the most vital vaccinations. You can also visit low-cost clinics for routine check-ups. Contact you local humane society to find low-cost vet clinics or events.

Food for Thought:
* To ensure your pets’ health in the long run it is important to consistently feed them a healthy, well-balanced diet. Author of the Catster.com Vet Blog, Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM suggests looking for brands that offer essential nutrients that will keep your pet healthy and your wallet full. “9Lives Daily Essentials is a great option for cat food, as it is one of the most nutritious foods available, at excellent value,” says Barchas. Find an affordable, quality product that your pet enjoys, and avoid the premium products — which do not necessarily deliver more nutrients.

Some pet companies have stepped up to combat the current economic downturn. The 9Lives brand is committed to making lives better by donating a percentage of its sales to animal shelters, and by providing cats with affordable, healthy food.

The mutual benefit that both pet and pet parents enjoy reaches far beyond companionship. Whether you are 8 or 88, studies have proven that owning a pet has substantial developmental and health benefits. Pets thrive on your attention. Basic pet care essentials such as walking, grooming and even petting can provide increased physical activity, and best of all, they are free!

For more information on healthy pet care and animal adoption, visit www.9Lives.com

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if
there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in
people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with
compromised immune systems.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The company stopped production at the Everson facility on July 29, 2008, when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.

Even though no direct link between product produced at Everson and
human or pet illness has been made, Mars Petcare US is taking
precautionary action to protect pets and their owners by announcing a
voluntary recall of all products produced at the Everson facility
beginning February 18, 2008, until July 29, 2008, when they stopped
production.

The company is continuing to work collaboratively with the FDA to
determine the nature and source of Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the
Everson facility. Since it has not yet identified the source of the
Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility, Mars Petcare US
does not plan to resume production.

Only those products that were produced at the Everson facility are impacted by the voluntary recall. Many of the brands involved in the recall are national brands produced at multiple facilities.

For example, PEDIGREE® is manufactured in numerous facilities
throughout the country, and Everson represents a very small portion
of the manufacturing base – 2.7 percent of total PEDIGREE® production.

In the event that you believe you have purchased products affected by this voluntary recall, you should return the product to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.

The products listed below are made at the Everson facility on behalf
of a variety of retailers. All code dates, with the exception of
PEDIGREE®, are listed in a similar format as noted below:
Consumers should look for “17″ as the first two digits of the second
line. Sample:
Best By Feb 18 09
17 1445 1

For PEDIGREE® the Everson code date format is as follows:

Consumers should look for “PAE” on the bottom line – the sixth,
seventh and eighth digits. Sample:
PEDIGREE ® Small Crunchy Bites
Best Before 02/2009
808G1PAE01 12:00

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-
4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

Recalled Pet Food

Note: If you see a product you purchased listed below, please review
the code date information samples from above to confirm that your
product is included in the recall.

Product are listed with name and bag size with the UPC code on the
next line.
Country Acres Cat Food 40#
16603 02181

Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 8#
79818 96757

Country Acres Ration Dog Food 40#
16603 02333

Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 20#
79818 96634

Country Acres 18% Dog Food 40#
16603 02331

Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 50#
49394 05666

Country Acres Hi Pro Dog Food 50#
16603 02021

Retriever Gravy Blend Dog Food 50#
49394 05665

Doggy Bag Dog Food 40#
73893 40000

Retriever Gravy Blend Dog Food 8#
79818 96756

Members Mark Complete Nutrition Premium Cat Food 20#
81131 89881

Retriever Hi Protein Dog Food 8#
79818 96755

Members Mark Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food 50#
05388 67055

Retriever Hi Protein Dog Food 25#
49394 00002

Members Mark Crunchy Bites & Savory Bones Adult Dog Food 50#
05388 67309

Retriever Hi Protein Dog Food 50#
49394 00003

Members Mark High Performance Premium Dog Food 50#
81131 75479

Retriever Mini Chunk Dog Food 8#
79818 96754

Natural Cat Food (Sam’s Club) 15#
81131 89883

Retriever Mini Chunk Dog Food 25#
49394 00006

Natural Dog Food (Sam’s Club) 25#
81131 89884

Retriever Mini Chunk Dog Food 50#
49395 00005

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition 4.4#
81131 69377

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 6#
49394 56221

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition 8#
05388 67144

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 8#
79818 96758

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition 22#
05388 60342

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 20#
49394 00004

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition 50#
78742 01022

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 40#
79818 96706

Ol’ Roy High Performance Nutrition Dog Food 20#
05388 60345

Special Kitty Gourmet 3.5#
81131 17546

Ol’ Roy High Performance Nutrition Dog Food 50#
78742 05815

Special Kitty Gourmet 4#
78742 53199

Ol’ Roy Meaty Chunks ‘n Gravy Dog Food 8#
81131 69629

Special Kitty Gourmet 7#
81131 17547

Ol’ Roy Meaty Chunks ‘n Gravy Dog Food 22#
81131 69630

Special Kitty Gourmet 8#
78742 53200

Ol’ Roy Meaty Chunks ‘n Gravy Dog Food 50#
81131 69631

Special Kitty Gourmet 18#
81131 15748

Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete 4#
81131 79078

Special Kitty Gourmet 20#
78742 53201

Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete 8#
81131 79079

Special Kitty Gourmet 25#
78742 54314

Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete 20#
81131 79080

Special Kitty Kitten 3.5#
81131 17553

Paws & Claws Delicious Mix Cat Food 8#
79818 96632

Special Kitty Kitten 4#
78742 53198

Paws & Claws Delicious Mix Cat Food 20#
49394 05746

Special Kitty Kitten 7#
81131 17554

Paws & Claws Delicious Mix Cat Food 40#
79818 96676

Special Kitty Kitten 8#
81131 24739

Paws & Claws Premium Choice Cat Food 8#
79818 96633

Special Kitty Original 3.5#
81131 17557

Paws & Claws Premium Choice Cat Food 20#
49394 00008

Special Kitty Original 4#
78742 04930

Paws & Claws Premium Choice Cat Food 40#
49394 05747

Special Kitty Original 7#
81131 17562

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 20#
23100 29158

Special Kitty Original 8#
78742 05744

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 30.1#
23100 31484

Special Kitty Original 18#
81131 17559

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 36.4#
23100 31479

Special Kitty Original 20#
78742 05794

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 40#
23100 29154

Special Kitty Original 25#
81131 68869

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 4.4#
23100 05104

Wegman’s Bruiser Complete Nutrition Dog Food 4.4#
77890 33654

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 8.8#
23100 05103

Wegman’s Bruiser Complete Nutrition Dog Food 20#
77890 32988

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 20#
23100 14719

Wegman’s Bruiser Complete Nutrition Dog Food 37.5#
77890 32994

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 32#
23100 31483

Wegman’s Bruiser Puppy Dog Food 4.4#
77890 33621

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 40#
23100 31478

Wegman’s Bruiser Puppy Dog Food 17.6#
77890 32991

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 44#
23100 05100

Wegman’s Bruiser Small Crunchy Bites Dog Food 4.4#
77890 33618

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 52#
23100 05110

Wegman’s Bruiser Small Crunchy Bites Dog Food 20#
77890 32982

Pet Pride Indoor Cat 3.5#
11110 74584

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Complete Cat Food 3.5#
77890 10005

Pet Pride Indoor Cat 18#
11110 74585

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Complete Cat Food 18#
77890 10004

Pet Pride Weight Management Dog Food 17.6#
11110 74578

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Indoor Cat Food 3.5#
77890 12038

PMI Nutrition Bites & Bones Dog Food 50#
42869 00174

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Indoor Cat Food 18#
77890 12039

PMI Nutrition Canine Advantage 50#
42869 00172

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Kitten 3.5#
77890 12036

PMI Nutrition Feline Medley 20#
42869 00171

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Original Medley Cat Food 3.5#
77890 10006

PMI Nutrition Gravy Crunches Dog Food 40#
42869 00033

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Original Medley Cat Food 18#
77890 10003

Red Flannel Active Formula Dog Food 40#
42869 00063

Red Flannel Adult Formula Dog Food 20#
42869 00055

Red Flannel Adult Formula Dog Food 40#
42869 00054

Red Flannel Canine Select Dog Food 20#
42869 00068

Red Flannel C anine Select Dog Food 40#
42869 00067

Red Flannel Cat 10#
42869 00059

Red Flannel Cat 20#
42869 00058

Red Flannel Hi Pro Formula Dog Food 50#
42869 00065

Red Flannel Prime Dog Food 25#
42869 00052

Red Flannel Prime Dog Food 50#
42869 00053

Red Flannel Puppy 40#
42869 00056

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Moving away from home can be traumatic. Add to that living with strangers and having to leave behind beloved pets, and it’s a wonder anyone wants to go to college at all.

Luckily, some colleges are starting to recognize the fact that when students are allowed to bring their pets with them to live in the dorms, it’s better for everyone (except those with allergies, I guess, but even then, the animal-friendly rooms are on designated floors).

Although currently only a handful of colleges are open to the idea, those that are require pets to be up to date on all vaccinations, and students must also pay a deposit for the privilege of having Fido or Fluffy live with them.

Most colleges that do allow pets have their own set of rules as well, however.

The housing contract at California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, takes things a step further by requiring students to specify who will care for their pet if they cannot.

Eckerd College requires students to have the pet at home for at least a year prior to enrollment.

At Stephens College, they have teamed up with Columbia Second Chance (a rescue group) to allow students to foster pets in the dorms.

Indiana University allows small rodents, reptiles, rabbits and amphibians.

UCLA, Caltech and MIT allow cats (the Caltech Animal Team, or CAT, even helps with the feral cat population on campus).

Looks like the next dorm party might resemble Animal House in the literal sense!

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"The definition of a party for a furry friend is very different from that of its care takers"

Humans are not the only ones who look forward to summer. Imagine warm weather from your pet’s perspective – long walks in parks full of green grass and interesting aromas for dogs, and hours of bird-watching from a sunny window for cats. It’s also fun for pets to be part of the festivities when their human “parents” do some summer entertaining. However the definition of a party for a furry friend is very different from that of its care takers.

How do you include the furry members of the family into summer entertaining without turning a backyard barbecue into a doggie food free-for-all or the evening dinner party into a feline hissy fit? By carefully planning and managing your pet’s interactions with guests and preparing for the big day, it is possible to keep Fluffy or Fido an enjoyable part of your celebration, says Charlotte Reed, pet care expert and author of “The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette”.

“Petiquette for summer entertaining is a fine balancing act, but one that offers significant rewards for you and your pets,” Reed says. “Your guests can enjoy the presence of a well-behaved pet and a fresh, odor-free home.”

Here are Reed’s tips for making summer entertaining as enjoyable as possible for your pets and your guests:

1. Make your pets’ presence known.

While most summer guests will likely know your pet status, some may not, especially if they are recent acquaintances or first-time visitors to your home. Be sure to alert guests to what type of pets you have at home at the time you invite them to visit. From strong allergies to pet hair aversions, there are many reasons why guests may want to know ahead of time what furry friends will be at the party.

2. Freshen and clean.

Bathe and groom your pet before the summer party. “It’s very common for pet owners to become so used to their pet’s aromas that they don’t even notice them anymore,” Reed says. “But your guests likely will, especially when they come into your home from fun in the sun outdoors.”

In addition to helping your pet clean up, be sure to freshen your home as well. Vacuum carpets, fabric upholstery and drapes just a few hours before guests arrive. Use a pet odor elimination product, like Febreze Air Effects Pet Odor Eliminator, to remove pet odors from the air. “Avoid products that simply cover up pet odors with stronger scents. Febreze actually eliminates pet odor and replaces it with a light, refreshing scent,” Reed says.

3. The ABCs of introductions and interaction.

First impressions mean a lot. “If your dog jumps up on people every time he meets them, he won’t be giving a good impression,” Reed says. If your dog has a tendency to jump, work with him for several weeks before the party to train him to sit and lay. As guests arrive, keep your pet on a leash and personally introduce him to each new guest. Encourage guests to interact with him calmly and firmly so that he doesn’t forget his manners in the excitement of meeting someone new.

Likewise, if your pet is simply not that social, don’t force her to interact with guests. Allow cats to retreat to their favorite hiding spot – few felines are into the party scene. And if your dog seems stressed by the attention and action, allow him some quiet time in a private place. “There’s no point in forcing your pet to interact with your guests if he or she doesn’t want to,” Reed says.

4. Fend off food fights.

Food discipline should start long before the party, Reed advises. “You may think your dog’s begging eyes are adorable and irresistible, but few things are more unappetizing to house guests than a pet begging for food,” she says. Train your pet not to beg at the table. And if he or she simply can’t break the habit, then confine him to quarters when the food is served.

Discourage guests from feeding pets tidbits or table treats. “The last thing you want is a pet with an upset stomach because he ate too much human food,” Reed says.

Febreze Air Effects Pet Odor Eliminator is available in grocery and drug stores nationwide. To learn more, visit www.febreze.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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“The joys of owning a cat or dog are infinite,” says ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “In order to provide a loving and safe home for our pets, however, we must ensure that our budgets can accommodate their needs.”

A large dog, for example, will likely require an average yearly food allowance of $225, while a bird’s diet is sparse in comparison, requiring an outlay of only $75 per year. Rabbits and guinea pigs love fresh bedding, which totals a whopping $415 per year, versus a fastidious feline, whose litter costs a modest yearly average of $165.

Recurring medical expenses such as yearly exams and vaccinations range in price from $210 to $265 for dogs and $160 for cats. Pet insurance coverage (including ASPCA Pet Health Insurance) varies, but some policies will cover spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and heartworm medication. Rates for dogs clock in at an average of $225, while healthy cat owners can find insurance coverage for approximately $175 per year.

In return for the gift of companionship, pet parents may choose to spoil their new kin with toys and treats. Humble creatures like fish have little need for extra stimulation, but a pet guinea pig could consume $30 annually in toys and treats. Cat and dog parents can expect to spend $25 to $75 per year on their furry friends’ goodies.

The ASPCA suggests examining your budget, much as you would consider your lifestyle and needs, when adopting a pet. If you live modestly, consider adopting a pet that won’t strain your wallet. Another alternative is fostering a pet or volunteering at your local animal shelter to get your furry fix.

For more information on adopting the right pet for you and your budget, please visit www.aspca.org/petcarecosts.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited, animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet.

For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

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Here are some suggestions to keep the whole family – pets included – active and entertained outdoors this fall:

. If you’re not ready to venture too far, why not start with your yard and try gardening with your pet? Being outside is a great way to give you and your dog or cat some fresh air. The work will pay off come spring when your garden is in great shape.

. Go for a walk on a hiking trail. Whether you live in the city or the country, there are lots of opportunities to check out the vibrant colours of fall. Pack a picnic lunch, put on your comfortable walking shoes and head out into nature for a hike. If you’ve got a dog, this is a great way to get some exercise. Put on his leash and take him along – but don’t forget to stoop and scoop.

. Take in a fall fair or festival. Communities across the country have fall fairs, produce and craft markets. Find one in your area and check it out. Make sure it is pet friendly if you plan to take yours along for the fresh autumn air.

As you plan for outdoor activities with your pets, talk with your veterinarian about making sure they’re getting a topically-applied flea treatment such as Revolution. Just as in spring and summer, it is important to make sure pets are protected from fleas in the fall, especially if your pet is in contact with other dogs or cats.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

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