The Internet Doesn’t Have the Important Information
They need to have a mosquito repellant for cars and trucks! “There was a cloud of mosquitoes surrounding my truck,” my friendly vet told me. “They followed me into the yard attracted by the heat of the vehicle!” And so do treat your dog for heartworm (mosquito) protection. Although trucks and cars aren’t afflicted with heartworm, dogs are–especially in Pennsylvania, one of the leading states reporting heartworm. Another caution–try not to walk or exercise your dog early at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most frequent fliers. And have your dog tested for heartworm exposure at 6 to 7 months after a good hard frost or when your veterinarian feels its appropriate. Remember, however–”Lack of regular testing and testing at the wrong time of the year may lead owners and veterinarians to miss heartworm infection.” If it is any consolation, according to the just released Banfield report, dental problems and obesity along with ear problems were more frequently treated than heartworm infection. Also note that the “tornado dogs”, the southern strays being imported to local shelters, could be and probably are heartworm carriers. Today there is no long a free dog and samaritans must have very deep pockets!
SAD to have Jesse Smith no longer heading up the enforcement of puppy mill abuse. This lady, who could have been a Vogue cover, wore steel gloves and a royal-wedding-worthy-white hat when it came to helping our less fortunate Pennsylvania canines. We knew there was a movement in the Corbett administration to relax enforcement in the name of economics, but hoped it did not mean the sacrifice of the people in the white hats.
With the kitchen warning of salmonella dangers in feeding our pets in that area one has to wonder if Chef Michael will continue his commercials and what kind of image Milo’s Kitchen dog meatballs will enjoy? I am surprised no one has developed a “healthy pet feeding educational plan for children.” Measure the food and avoid treats to avoid obesity. Wash hands after touching the food and know what you are feeding, i.e., read the ingredients on the container. Also, from the garden–carrots and green beans! And, due to all the moisture this spring it pays to know where the wheat and other grains in our pet food originate. If we have a head scab danger in central Pennsylvania perhaps we need to know more about ingredients.
According to the most recent AKC Gazette Dottie Davis has achieved national fame as the CANDY LADY! Davis and her tupperware containers of candy at ringside has sweetened many a judge, not too mention spectators and exhibitors at our local shows.
The Animal Recovery Teams or CARTS now have a new temporary sheltering policy. In instances in which volunteers are called upon to assist in recovery and rescue of animals the group may provide temporary sheltering. This should be a help for the often overtaxed Red Cross and could include house and barn fires.
Breed profiling can be a two-way street! That problem behavior can be the result of the DNA. Thus farm dogs or herding breeds get a free pass in Pennsylvania if they bite or attack either man or beast, live on 20 acres, and have an owner with an annual farm income of $2,000! And, of course, war dogs are usually chosen from specific breeds. Now that Governor Corbett has chosen two Airdales (brother and sister) to be family members we have pause. The last Airdales to earn public office were owned by the infamous President Warren Harding.
Listened to a talk by a veterinarian on zoonoses–great idea, bad talk. She ignored canine flu, which does not discriminate when it comes to species and loves a crowded venue. She also advocated using the Internet for information. One has to wonder about a vet who would rather have you do an Internet search than talk to you about your pet’s problem! The most important information is mine–and the important vet question, ”why are you here?”
Jun 20, 2011 | | Uncategorized