Pets and Summer Festivities; Food, Dog Park, and Elder Pet Safety
MAINTAINING PET CALM DURING 4TH CELEBRATIONS. As we near the noisy 4th of July holiday it is important to take precautions to safeguard our pets from the man-made summer storms brought on by carnivals and parades! The loud noises and bright flashes of light can send both cats and dogs fleeing. We create these fearful explosions and we need to experience them with Cesar’s calm energy in order to keep our companions calm, too. Also, remember the normal body temperature of a dog is between 100 and 102 degrees. So stay calm and help pets keep their cool!
SENIOR PETS NEED NEW HOME. An owner of two senior dogs passed away on the Memorial Day weekend, leaving a Norwegian Elkhound age 11 and a Border Collie mix age 13. Both dogs are said to be very good with children. If you can help– karefreedals@yahoo.com. Nancy.
IS IT PATRIOTISM OR PET FOOD SAFETY? A worker at our local Del Monte pet food plant was ordered to remove an American flag sticker from a cap she wore during work. She was told that stickers of all kinds had to be removed so that they did not fall into the product and cause contamination. Of course, it was the “American flag” which was newspaper-emphasized. As one pet owner who suffered through the food recall I believe all possible contaminating problems should be eliminated–even patriotic symbols Patriotism has nothing to do with the issue of food safety. Another canine headline recently discussed a dog that is eluding his family and their well-meaning friends in a bid for freedom. An animal communicator might message that this “run away” is just escaping from an unhappy home life!
PET STORE AND INTERNET PUPPY SALES. Wholesale breeders are covered by the Animal Welfare Act but the pet stores they supply are exempt from the act. Large-scale breeders who sell animals over the Internet meet the definition of a retail pet store and so are not obligated to comply with federal welfare guidelines either. The Puppy Uniform Protection Act (PUP) attempts to close this loophole.
BETTY WHITE FUND HELPING VICTIMS OF OIL SPILL. The Betty White Fund set up by the Morris Animal Foundation in March 2010 is now part of the effort to help animals affected by the oil spill.
RUMOR CONTROL. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, reports of resistance coming from heartworm infection appear to be caused from a compliance-related failure rather than product failure.
FURTHER OLD-AGE CHALLENGES. Even though my senior citizen, Cagney, has an indoor X-Pen built for two it has become too small for her increasing energy and good health. In a not too subtle frustration she paces, bangs, and yells. She does not understand that she is confined because of her diminished eyesight and uneven gait plus arthritis–in short, for her safety. We are having a quality-of-life dilemma!
DOG PARKS NEED VETS–NEW PARK RANGERS? Canine flu (CIV) is inactivated on the hands of a person washing with soap and warm water for over 20 seconds or by application of a hand sanitizer. It can be inactivated by laundering with detergents and on solid surfaces by most disinfectants. CIV is spread by aerosol transmission and animals not showing clinical signs. Interspecies transfer of this virus–it crossed over from horses– is an important part of a new characteristic and researchers believe it NOW will be difficult to predict the evolution of all viruses in dogs. CIV is not fatal but there is no vaccine shield. Now more than ever it is important to avoid contact with dogs that are not routinely and carefully vetted. For example, veterinarians in the State College area can tell when a newcomer has joined a dog park–their clinics are filled with coughing canines. So, although your dog park dog’s romp may seem like a Harry Potter dream it may result in an expensive visit to the vet. Dog parks must be carefully monitored. One of the most successful dog parks in the state is in Philadelphia and is watched over by the reknowned veterinarian behaviorist, James Serpell. Does your dog park have a vet (park ranger)?
Jun 28, 2010 | | Uncategorized