Around the Water Bowl
I once reviewed a research study investigating the effect of a full moon on the number and kinds of pets admitted to an emergency clinic–seriously! Although the authors did not find a significant increase in number or seriousness of injuries I wonder if events like the Super Bowl have an effect on pets needing emergency care–perhaps from an overindulgence in cheese? And could the Super Bowl be labeled a UEE? Not seriously.
So far there has not been a veterinarian-led investigation into this very important question although there has been at least one report of UEE (Unusual External Events) on cat behavior. It seems some events can trigger litter box problems as well as eating problems. But, now watch for the UEE affecting your pet. Pet owners, we now have a scientific name for fire works, owner vacations, a new family member! UEE has entered the pet owner’s vocabulary! Also new–creating a video of your pet’s unusual behavior with your phone. A noted veterinarian says such videos can help with diagnosis since home behavior does not always manifest itself in the hospital.
NEW COLUMN. Jacqueline O’Neill of Bloomsburg is now authoring a column for the Allentown Examiner. www.examiner.com It has training tips as well as current events. As most of you know O’Neill is a very successful trainer and owner of a Boxer, a Petite Bassett Griffon Verdeen and a Toy Fox Terrier. She has wide experience in pet therapy (including 9/11 with her boxers), rescue and agility and her dogs have been on Animal Planet Dogs 101.
NATIONAL HEART MONTH. February is National Heart Month–for dogs too. The AKC Canine Health Foundation is developing a promising pharmaceutical that blocks seratonin in the mitral valves of dogs with cardiomyopathy. The Foundation also has devised a genetic test for dilated cardiomyopathy. As most owners of older dogs know– heart disease contributes to aging problems. Diets are modified as in humans to include a low salt diet and moderate exercise is part of the treatment. The Health Foundation recently had a fundraiser at the Hill Crest Canine Country Club in Mifflinville (Britany Long). Long plans to formally open training classes in March.
MOST OF ALL I REMEMBER FEBRUARY AS NATIONAL DENTAL MONTH. THE LATE DIXON CUFF ALWAYS, ALWAYS STRESSED DENTAL HEALTH AND CLEAN TEETH.
MORE HEALTH NEWS. The book, Champ’s Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too, has won the Teacher’s Choice Award. By Helen Foster James, the book is available through Amazon. Skipping ahead to March–on the 6th, the Bloomsburg Fire Hall is hosting a Vera Bradley Bingo with proceeds to benefit the Fabulous Felines Cat Rescue. Remember PawsAbilities on March 12th-13th.
Feb 28, 2011 | | Uncategorized