Updates on Pet Nutrition and Health, and the PA Dog Law
A special report in the most recent Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association examined the factors governing household expenditures for pets. Discounting the poor economy, which admittedly is hard to do, the most caring pet homes are those where the head is married rather than single. In these households, a greater proportion of the family budget is spent on pet care–so shelters and breeders should seek households where the head is married. Owning a home is also a plus. Further, pet expenditures seem to peak when the family size is four.
The BLUE DOG parent guide and CD are now available through the AVMA. This set is probably the most exciting and important advance in dog bite prevention education. The program is targeted to children ages 3 to 6 years of age. I liked it for its emphasis on the topic of toys and their role in dog bites, and also for offering the “ladder of aggression”. Veterinary practices, human healthcare practices, schools and canine rescue centers can all contribute to the safety of the community and the welfare of dogs by promoting, purchasing and distributing copies. The cost is $8. FFI 800-248-2862, extension 6656 or visit www.avma.org/bluedog.
HELP WITH A DOG PARK is available through the AKC. The AKC Government Relations department offers “Establishing a Dog Park in Your Community” in a step-by-step guide for creating and maintaining an off-leash dog park, including a list of suggested rules and regulations for park-goers. It is available online at www.akc.org/canine-legislation/dogpark.cfm. You may also order copies by calling the AKC Order Desk at 919-233-9767 or by sending an email to orderdesk@akc.org.
According to the Legislative Report from Julian Prager (Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs), significant amendments were made to the dog law proposal in the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee BEFORE THE BILL WENT TO THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE. It was voted down by committee members and so never saw action. Would passage have prevented the death of the 80 dogs in two kennels? Many are blaming the nay votes as being responsible for these deaths. Did you know a candlelight vigil was held for the 80 canine victims? 80 dogs biscuits and 80 flowers were placed by a tractor. And, of course already the 80 canine victims? 80 dogs biscuits and 80 flowers were placed by a tractor. And, of course already there is new legislation to prevent owners from shooting their dogs. It will be legal to shoot a dog, however, if it not on the owner’s property and/or the owner is not nearby–in other words, running at large! What will the sportsmen think of this? It is doubtful now the dog law proposal will see action in the senate before 2009. Yet to be heard from is the group “DogsDeserveBetter” who are against tethering.
THE TREEING WALKER COONHOUND has been accepted into the Miscellaneous Class effective January 1, 2009 by the AKC at its September meeting. The Finnish Lapphund has been accepted for competition in herding events. The AKC Canine Health Foundation needs Keeshond, Alaskan malamute and Samoyed thyroid samples for research. akcchf@akcchf.org. Sometimes thyroid levels vary according to breed. In one local case an aggressive Akita with a bite history became non-aggressive when his thyroid levels were monitored. His veterinarian was not aware that the thyroid standard did not apply to that breed.
Therapy dog teams–here are some items that may interest you. Bio-Groom makes a Show Foot Anti-Slip spray that helps to prevent slipping on slippery surfaces. I also like to use it when I have an senior canine citizen who isn’t steady on her feet. It is available through Cherry Brook. There is also a new WHOLEMEALS bone-shaped product sized for your dog. I have not yet tried it with my dogs but I think it could be the answer as an emergency meal in an evacuation kit. It is made by Mars and the principal ingredients seem to be rice meal and chicken by-products plus wheat flour. Not impressive! WHOLEMEALS is available through Brookside and Sunlight.
Sep 04, 2008 | | Uncategorized