FROM THE AVMA
MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER A BAD IDEA
“The AVMA policy on Dog and Cat population control has been revised to express the Association’s nonsupport for regulations or laws mandating spay/neuter of privately owned nonshelter dogs and cats” (JAVMA, Vol. 234, May15). The Animal Welfare Committee stated that although these surgical procedures helped population control, they also contributed to pet owners avoiding licensing, rabies vaccination and veterinary care for pets. The members took into account benefits such as the prevention of unexpected litters, and reduced incidences of some cancers and behaviors, and noted the potential health problems associated with spay/neuter. They identified the latter as increased risk of prostatic cancer in males, increased risk of bone cancer and hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs, and increased incidences of obesity, diabetes, urinary tract infections, incontinence and hypothyroidism. The AVMA policy can be read at www.avma.org.
FROM THE AKC
Rally regulations have been amended EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY to allow clubs to put the date of the trial and name of the club on the face, back tab or on a label attached to the ribbon. Is this important? After all–how important is a scrap of ribbon? Very important– especially when it is earned in an event that not only requires a well-trained dog but a group of caring dog owners as sponsors. And, what about the ripple effect? Will the ribbon winner cherish the event a bit more, return to compete another day and most importantly join the group and become a volunteer, helping others become more responsible pet owners? By the way, APDT rally events allow the use of food rewards; Bud Kramer, the author of Rally, has a grandson with a disability. Supposedly, the AKC Rally license funds his health care.
FROM CANINE GOOD CITIZEN MEMORY
The dogs, all Yorkshire Terriers, live on only in the the award-winning Canine Good Citizen videotape by the Latham Foundation and in a book of poetry by Arlene Klein titled “I Never Wanted To Say Goodbye”. Arlene is busy today as a Morris Animal Foundation board member and her husband Ron has his own radio show each Monday at 10 AM titled THE GRANDFATHER OF POSSIBILITIES. Ron invented magnetic strips for credit cards, among other items. The radio program press release reads “Inventor, entrepreneur, athlete and innovator”. It should also read Yorkshire Terrier fancier.
We all have first dogs !! Our dogs really tell the story of our lives and our values.
The Kleins began with an adopted “Yorkie” –he and Ron had matching trench coats! And, this family member so won their hearts that a saga is being written which is enriching us all with a pioneer contribution not just to the wonderful CGC but to the Morris Animal Foundation–benefiting all animals.
FROM ME
DOGS IN CHURCH? A doctor is shot and killed in church. A 6-year-old toddler is fondled at a Sunday service. Perhaps we need to be allowed to have the company of our Canine Good Citizen and TDI certified dogs in church? After all we have dogs working in protection in our public schools as well as helping children learn to read in libraries. A reminder from GOD spelled backward might return the sanctity of churches to its proper status.
STORMY WEATHER–Tornados, hail storms, never ending rain–all of this affects our animals too. A great time to consider joining your local animal rescue team! When you think Global Warning just don’t think about using less energy–also think about helping pets and other animals. It affects us all.
Jun 23, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Susquehanna Service Dogs, Harrisburg, has received its THIRD grant from the Planet Dog Foundation. Pfizer has had a new drug approved–PALLADIA–to treat canine mast cell tumors. A recent survey reveals that while in 1973 20% of pets were euthanized in shelters, the number today is less than 5%! Is the spay/neuter thrust working? Are “no-kill shelters” the answer? Are we becoming more educated, more responsible owners? And, surprise–only 6-8% of puppies are sold in pet stores.
Cornell veterinarian Richard Goldstein delivered this month’s AKC pod cast on vaccinations. Goldstein says that vaccines and vaccinations are so complicated today that only a veterinarian should give them–breeders take note–this is not the place to economize! Most core vaccines are good for three years–not one year, as was the case in the past. Non-core vaccines are another type. They need to be given annually due to the limited duration of effectiveness. Leptospirosis is the most important of these non-core vaccines and this widely underdiagnosed disease is prevalent in the northeast. Other non-core vaccines include Lyme and kennel cough. Kennel cough–given both under the skin and nasally–needs to be given a week before a dog is kenneled or is going to an area where there are many dogs. (There is an effort now to change the PA rabies law so that a high rabies titer will be sufficient and our senior canines will not have to have further vaccinations–which could prove fatal. See Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust. Also, some believe that measuring the titers of canine parvovirus and distemper provide a good view of a pet’s immune competency. Talk to your veterinarian.)
To continue canine food dish thoughts–”Claims about human-grade pet food should be viewed with skepticism until you’ve checked with the manufacturer about how and where it was produced. A natural diet, whether commercial, homemade or raw, can’t ensure a dog’s health. Factors beyond nutrition influence good health, including genetics and regular veterinary care. Although natural products have advantages they aren’t free from contamination by bacteria or other toxins” (Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University). When evaluating any OTC product there are questions you should ask yourself. Is the manufacturer a name you recognize? Are all the ingredients clearly listed on the label? LABEL CLAIMS THAT SOUND TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE PROBABLY ARE. Label claims should be based on CLINICAL TRIALS and not testimonials. There should be an identification number or tracking system. Manufacturer information should be available concerning whom to contact for customer support.
Cesar Millan’s rehabilitation techniques have recently been the object of letters to the editor in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). Authors of the letters are behaviorists and the subject is exercises and techniques used by Cesar to rehabilitate dogs and (train people). They are concerned with the question of humane training. They seem to forget that it is the person who is being educated. In my opinion Cesar is much more polite and diplomatic than I could ever be when dealing with some of these pet owners. Also, I have to wonder how many of these behaviorists could skateboard with a bulldog or run 3 miles with a pack of dogs?
Interesting that Cesar stresses the importance of exercise. Not a behaviorist solution but the famous Louis Muir who bred the best Russian Wolfhounds or Borzois in the country stressed exercise back in 1976. Muir, an antique dealer, used a bicycle rather than a skateboard and wore a suit and tie, not speedos. Cesar does not claim that his methods are training methods but rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is not a term used by behaviorists. It appears to be the process of harmonizing the lifestyle between a dog and a person. By the way, Off Lead magazine wants to hear from dog trainers–their funniest episodes.
Jun 15, 2009 | | Uncategorized
I recently revisited the bewildering and bedazzling Sunlight Feed Store in Bloomsburg (Route 11) to check out the owner’s ever-changing stock of pet foods and gadgets. While Whiskers, the Miniature Schnauzer, is still the official greeter, a sign on the door says “no dogs allowed” Owner Brad Crawford, who has been in the pet food business for almost a decade, has seen an increase in the number of stocked food brands from five to over 52, and has enjoyed a 17% increase in sales this year alone! The classics like 150-year-old Blue Seal are still available but natural and organic foods are increasing in popularity. In addition, there are literally fifty feet of toys. Customers come from as far as State College to purchase meals, treats and supplements for their four-legged, two-legged and finned pets. Crawford says the anchor store for him was “Sunshine”, which was located in a 100-year-old family-owned Sunbury mill. Once he purchased the Bloomsburg store, he named it the Sunlight Super Store.
One of the newest brands is called Canine Caviar and the distinguishing ingredient in the dry form is fish oil. Fish oil can be purchased in capsules OTC and goes a long way toward keeping coats shiny and soft. Cheaper by the capsule, I add them to my Spaniels’ meals twice a day. However, fish oil is perhaps best known among pet nutritionists for EPA and DHA content. Some foods with fish oil skip right into DHA on their label and claim it makes dogs smarter–especially puppies. Although clinical studies do not substantiate the wishful thinking DHA and EPA are important in a food for older dogs by prescription–b/d. This is a powerful food and needs both owner and veterinarian monitoring. The cost is awesome but so are the results.
The purpose of this visit was to check out Eukanuba’s new breed-targeted foods–some call them “DNA foods.” I had had someone ask me to look into one made for Spaniels. I was and am skeptical. First of all, even though English Springer Spaniels are one breed, within the breed there are really two separate breeds–those bred to hunt and those bred for all other performance sports. They don’t even look alike–even their temperaments can vary widely–so a low protein food would be the first choice for an overactive dog. Also, behavior testing in these studies is sometimes performed by a sub-contractor. My advice is not to try to save money on food. If the food is working for your dog–stay with it. However, very worth noting is that Eukanuba maintains a wonderful website–Challenger Newsletter–which allows pet owners to ask individual questions. Unfortunately my request for a copy of the clinical trials behind “Spaniel” has thus far gone unanswered.
If I were to change dog foods I would try EVO–called an “ancestral diet”. It is probably the least processed of all foods on the market. And, believe it or not the processing does make a major difference–not just in usable nutrients but taste. I saw this recently when I switched from packaged baby carrots to the long, natural farmers market carrots. Before the switch the carrots were just a part my dogs’ dinner and suddenly they became the most exciting part of the meal! It was amazing. So, if you want to save money, just add fresh vegetables to your dog’s regular diet with a dollop of yogurt with probiotics and a hard boiled shelled egg. Never add anything, however, without discussing the addition with your veterinarian. And, 70% of pet owners do add goodies to the basic diet. One of my doctors steams fresh asparagus and adds it to his Shepherd’s meal!!
Most weight reducing pet foods have L-Carnitine prominently mentioned on the package. This can also be purchased OTC in most pharmacies–I do because I doubt there is really enough L-Carnitine in pet food to make a real difference. Cost is always a factor, especially today. The L-Carnitine helps with weight loss and a lighter pet is much more fun–more food bang for your bucks.
Jun 08, 2009 | | Uncategorized
I make promises to my pets. The promises always include promises I was not able to keep to a former pet. I tell a new dog THIS TIME I WON’T FAIL. This time I will fulfill the promise I made to you. We will have MORE TOGETHER-TIME and we will LAUGH more and go out to classes and other events. These unfulfilled promises haunt me. They are part of the guilt that is a large part of my grief. Two years ago a dog of mine died because of a reaction to a flea-tick pesticide. Her death was harder than it should be–needed to be. It was so unnecessary. Owning a pet today is filled with danger. This should not be. Promise your pet you will not take protection for granted. Trust can be deadly.
Topical flea and tick products have been under EPA scrutiny since April and in that time the EPA has investigated more than 44,000 potential incidents from these spot-on products. Symptoms range from skin irritations to seizures and sometimes death. The pesticides OTC can be out of date, stored improperly, mis-labeled and re-labeled. The EPA’s advice is to purchase these products from veterinary hospitals and follow directions. Every EPA-registered pesticide has a number on the packaging which is essential in any health challenge. Veterinarians receive updates on pesticides and can act quickly to save lives. The number for the National Pesticide Information Center is 1-800-858-7378. In human medications there are warnings of side-effects and possible interactions with other environmental poisons. This isn’t the case for pets–YET! If you have more than one dog or cat and they tend to groom each other take the precaution of keeping them isolated for at least 24 hours after application. Also, if your dog is a therapy dog or a dog in a family with small children avoid contact–petting, hugging, etc.
Many of you probably read the front page Sunday story about the recovery of a lost Siberian Husky by Yvonne Roadarmel. This story illustrates the JAVMA finding that more lost dogs are recovered through use of the newspaper than through licenses, micro-chips and tattoos. Especially now due to the proliferation of rescues of all sizes the newspaper lost notice is the most effective in locating a missing companion.
There is a new Pennsylvania SPCA CEO, and for the first time–a woman. Her name is Susan Cosby and she hails from Voorhees, N.J. According to the press release I received, she has experience in “both high volume animal control shelters and private, independent shelters and includes a committment to lifesaving tactics, community collaboration and consensus building.” Let us hope she plays well with veterinary school shelter medicine education and area shelters. Most important, does she have pets? Has she fostered a litter of kittens in her bedroom, walked a shelter dog? Does she realize that SHELTER BOARDING can be hard on the spirit and soul? Although her welfare credentials are strong, the animal side of her experience is missing from her resume.
There’s a great opportunity to learn more about show handling and grooming from some of the best in the world of dogs. Even if you don’t show dogs, it’s always helpful to attend these types of events to learn the fine points of body language with its many mental as well as physical aspects. Presenters Frank Sabella and Peter Green are world-renowned handlers and groomers and Shirlee Kalstone is a grooming legend in coat and health care–inventing many of the products we have come to take for granted. The event will take place on Sept. 20th but you should make reservations early. Phone 717-691-3388 Ext. 202 or info@barkleigh.com
Jun 01, 2009 | | Uncategorized
It is with great sadness that we report that Dr. Josephine Deubler died on May 17th. She was the first woman veterinarian to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Jean Cunningham had Deubler as a teacher and told me that there were only 10 women in the class. How things have changed! I am sure we have more than 10 women veterinarians practicing in the Valley and many of them have either a large animal or mixed practice. Deubler was also show chairman of the Bucks County Kennel Club as well as the Montgomery County Kennel Club–the world’s largest all-terrier show. A Dandie Dinmont terrier fancier, she won Best of Breed at Westminster. She was a licensed AKC judge and judged Westminster in 1998. Deubler helped to establish the Animal Rescue League of Philadelphia. She was a member of the Dog Writers Association of America–truly a renaissance woman. We don’t find such a combination of talents and skills often in one person. We definitely need more veterinarians who are actively engaged in the pet world outside of their practices. It is also a bonus when they can communicate skillfully.
When I read about the Visitor’s Bureau marking “Backyard Tourism Week” I have to wonder how many tourists will wonder at Pennsylvania’s backyard dogs–and the dogs wandering the roads in search of a family who abandoned them? In the videotape on the Canine Good Citizen Ed Sayres Jr., ASPCA president, is shown discussing the “backyard dog” . According to Sayres, puppies begin their family life inside the home and as they mature and become training problems they are banished to the yard. But this is too often just a temporary residence, according to Sayres. These “backyard dogs” are on their way to a shelter. When Sayres did the videotape he was the director at St. Huberts in New Jersey. There are lots of backyards in New Jersey, particularly in that area of the state. Today his jurisdiction is New York City–quite a difference in backyards. I am sure the behavior problems are due to more than a lack of socialization. They are probably “street dogs” with more than a tinge of aggressive behavior. Today, however, many dogs no longer have a backyard because of foreclosures or because owners have to move to residences that won’t accept family pets. Although members of the organization “Dogs Deserve Better” seek to make sure that dogs living in backyards have adequate shelter and care, the dog owners also are in need. Dogs and all pets have become what Kathi Lynn, director of the Columbia/Montour Agency on Aging, calls “the other family members”. They are sharing a frugal family life but if they are not in a shelter and they are either living on the street or in a home where there are not enough resources they are forgotten. There are no food drives and free rabies clinics for these pets.
Probably the most dangerous virus of all is not swine flu but rabies. Now there is an unsubstantiated rumor of a social contact mutant rabies virus in Arizona that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating. Right now it is being reported in bats and foxes. The key word here is UNSUBSTANTIATED. There has been a reported drop in rabies vaccinations in the state for both cats and dogs. It is wise to remember that the fine for having an un-vaccinated dog is $300 a day.
May 25, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Two pieces of legislation bear watching. House Bill 1254 involves tethering. Amendments have been offered that perhaps might make this bill acceptable but it is still a mystery why dogs should not be tied out between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM. If dogs are barking during these hours then it seems they should be considered a nuisance and having them tied at that time is not an act of cruelty? In the case of House Bill 39, which deals with tail docking and ear cropping, many of those who advise against this bill are opposed to anyone else making health decisions for their dogs. Briefly, many of the human pro-choice arguments circle this legislation. Whether the owner and the veterinarian together should make this decision based on their beliefs about what is best for an individual animal is a personal matter. (Monroe came home for Mother’s Day and her tail was wagging so fast and so hard that if it hadn’t been docked it would have been badly bruised or broken! When you have that much joy to tell– what is better than a fast short tail!)
In New Jersey a court decision returned a dog to one of the owners in a custody case, citing a principle like one used in child custody cases— in this case, a “best interests of the pet doctrine”. This was not opposed by the AVMA since it did not involve placing a monetary value on the dog. The AVMA opposes valuing a pet except as a breeding animal with a pedigree and a use. They believe this will open the door to malpractice suits. In a similar livestock-oriented mindset the AVMA opposes spay/neuter for animals.
It has been announced that Cesar Millan will spearhead an effort by the National Geographic Channel to prevent breeding and retailing of puppies. This is an effort to force purchasers to obtain dogs from humane societies and rescues which will be exempt from all state and federal regulations. Rescues and humane societies already have total immunity from puppy lemon laws.
I just renewed my membership in the Keystone English Springer Spaniel Club. Renewal is more than a fee. There is also a pledge to take back a dog from a seller if it doesn’t fit their lifestyle. This is a dog’s life guarantee. And, besides the listing fee each member pledges a donation to the breed rescue fund every time a puppy or dog is sold. As Steve Dale wrote, ”good breeders are part of the solution–it is the breeders who breed only to make money and it is the pet stores who give them easy access to the public who are the problem.”
TIP OF THE WEEK. Readers are invited to use the AKC tracking system to research Pennsylvania laws as well as national and other states’ laws.
And, as long as we are now writing about other states and how they handle pet problems–the Chicago Red Cross chapter is partnering with the AVMA in finding temporary homes for pets when fire destroys homes. The Red Cross was able to find homes for displaced people, but not their pets. Consequently they found families sleeping in their cars with their pets. Area veterinarians are now offering shelter for these pets. Housing animal victims of a house fire is a program many hope will become a national effort.
The May issue of YOUR DOG, the publication of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, has an excellent article on grooming tips for every stage of your dog’s life. Dr. Lowell Ackerman, one of the top dermatologists in the country, weighs in with advice throughout the article. For example, he advises using cornstarch on mats before combing. I use a mixture of cornstarch and baby powder when grooming out any mats in my Springers’ coats. Doing so has the advantage of removing oils and dirt and leaves a good smell.
May 20, 2009 | | Uncategorized
A veterinarian has suggested guidelines that may be used by pet owners when they feel euthanasia may need to be an option. He says the owner should ask himself: is the condition prolonged, recurring or getting worse, no longer responsive to therapy? Is the pet in pain and is it no longer possible to alleviate the pain? If the pet should recover, is he likely to be an invalid or unable to care for himself or to enjoy life? And he also asks–can you provide the necessary care and will such care interfere with your life? Will the cost be unbearably expensive? Can the pet walk and balance reasonably well: is he able to eat and drink enough for normal maintenance; able to breathe without difficulty; able to urinate and defecate without difficulty?
The decision to euthanize should be made on an individual basis with the veterinarian. These guidelines are offered only to help a pet owner focus on the problems.
SHELTER MEDICINE–USING LIVE ANIMALS FOR SURGICAL PRACTICE
Although many veterinary students opt not to use live animals to learn surgical procedures, shelter medicine forces them to use living, breathing cats and dogs to learn spay and neuter techniques. Spays are “major abdominal surgery”, according to John Berg, DVM, chair of the Dept. of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School, and performing them is “especially helpful in developing skills.” Thus, ironically population control requires the use of animals and perhaps more skilled future veterinarians. A BIGGER PROBLEM IS–AFTER DECADES OF ADVOCATING AND PRACTICING SPAY/NEUTER SURGERY, WHY ISN’T IT WORKING?
SMUGGLING ACROSS MEXICAN BORDER
According to USA Today smugglers are buying puppies cheaply in Mexico and selling them in this country for up to $1,000 each. Many of these puppies are underage and carrying distemper, rabies, parvovirus and ringworm. Many of the illegal puppies find temporary homes in non-profit shelters that can circumvent dog laws before putting the puppies up for adoption. (Shelters have immunity from puppy lemon laws and all federal and state regulations.) They then become part of the FOR PROFIT SHELTERS that are becoming more prevalent. Also, Columbian smugglers are reportedly turning puppies into drug mules by surgically implanting them with packets of liquid heroin.
It is not only wise to buy American, but adopt American and if possible from local organizations.
WHAT I WANT FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Lowe’s has children’s gardening tools on sale. I have asked my daughters for a child-sized rake and a hoe. Over the years I have found that these short-handled rakes are wonderful pooper scoopers! I have had many people help me with dog care over the past two years and these rakes are the favorites because they work in all lengths of grass as well as other surfaces. They are also great indoors for snagging a wayward toy from a hard-to-reach corner or a milk bone that took a detour! The hoes, while not as valuable, are equally impressive in their unique pet care ways.
May 09, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Last week I began to provide information on the recently announced American Kennel Club (AKC) Mixed-Breed Program. Beginning on October 1, 2009, dogs that are registered in this program will be issued an ID number after owners pay a $35 fee and provide evidence that their dog is spayed or neutered. Dog owners should remember that this ID number is a LISTING and not a REGISTRATION. Also, THIS DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE ILP PROGRAM. ALL dogs will be designated as mixed breed–there will be no special designation for designer dogs. For more information on the listing service, email mixedbreeds@akc.org.
Owners of mixed breeds will be eligible to compete on April 1, 2010 for titles that are equivalent to standard purebred titles in agility, obedience or rally, but those that receive these titles will be designated with a mixed-breed suffix or the letter M. In other words, mixed breeds will be eligible only to compete in standalone events. The definition of a standalone event is an AKC Agility, Obedience or Rally event that is NOT held on the same date and show site as an AKC All-Breed show, group show or independent specialty.
In Phase I, listed dogs will receive a certificate of participation and an identification number. I will stress again that this is not an AKC registration. In Phase II, effective July 1, 2010, benefits such as a window decal, a free initial veterinary visit, a trial offer of pet health insurance, etc., etc., become available. In Phase III, benefits are again enhanced with the addition of an interactive website.
CAN’T TAKE THE FARM OUT OF ROVER. “We’re going to see a lot of dairies go out of business in 2009 because of extremely low milk prices. Not only do we have some customers going out of business but we’re going to have everybody else looking very carefully at where they have to spend money.” This is according to Dr. David Anderson, a livestock economist writing in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He goes on to warn that farmers are treating preventative medicine as an expense rather than an investment. This means higher food prices for consumers and even perhaps more danger in the food we eat. It will be even more obvious when making pet food purchases. Oats, corn and other products, which make up the main ingredients in our pets’ diets, must be viewed with suspicion. Buy established brands. Natural is not always better. Buy from pet food stores. And remember that even if premium foods are more expensive, a pet requires less in his dish in order to maintain health and vigor–usually less than the recommended amount. My 40- to 50-pound Springers’ base diet is no more than a cup and a half of kibble each day. Be careful with supplements–consult your veterinarian. Usually the first thing a behaviorist changes when treating a problem is diet and many diseases can be helped with proper diets.
May 03, 2009 | | Uncategorized
The AKC has announced that it is searching for canine heroes in the following categories: rescue, therapy, service and exemplary companion. Nominees are NOT required to be AKC-registered but must be an AKC-recognized breed. That eliminates the “mutts”, and many are very deserving, especially in the area of therapy. Where has it been proven that DNA means a dog is good at therapy, service and companionship? Does each breed have a written standard for these qualities? I look forward to the genome sequence discovery to validate this. If the AKC stands for the best in dogs and stands behind its Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program–open to all breeds and mixed breeds–why can’t it open this search?
AND SO NOW IT IS HAPPENING. Apparently the AKC decided UNANIMOUSLY TO HAVE A SPECIAL PROGRAM JUST FOR MIXED BREED DOGS. One of the goals is to enable this powerful organization to speak for ALL DOGS. Stay tuned for details of the proposed new program!
Taking this one step further–
When the CGC program began, one of the most noticeable effects was that people began to add a second dog to their family because they had found that one dog was easy to live with if it was a CGC. They came again to classes, this time with the newcomer. And, invariably the newcomer was a purebred dog because the CGC had opened the door to competition in obedience, agility, rally and a host of other AKC-sponsored activities. Would opening the search to mixed breeds have the same effect for the AKC? As one example, DogTown has found adoption success after training its shelter dogs to successful CGC evaluations. Could CGC training be the silver bullet to a forever home and more adoptions? Perhaps the spay/neuter contract should also include the signature of a trainer who could certify that the dog had successfully passed the CGC evaluation?
DOES THAT GOLDENDOODLE HAVE REAL CURLS?
A groomer interviewed for an article in a gooming magazine revealed that owners of GoldenDoodles whose dogs have straight hair have her apply human salon products to form curls. The curls last for weeks. Her business has boomed and owners book months ahead, drive long distances and pay top dollar for the “GoldenDoodle Look”. This seems to be a high maintenance mutt!
In 2006 Hills Nutrition began to develop diets targeted toward attacking illness on the genetic level. One of their successes in this new DNA diet effort is j/d. It is a prescription diet and so only available at a veterinary hospital. Those with arthritis have benefited from feeding j/d in as little as 4 weeks. Today there is a growing body of j/d positive anecdotal evidence.
TOO OLD TO USE?
Veterinarians often get calls about expired medications. For example, a box of heartworm pills purchased on Jan. 1 might have an expiration date of April. Does that mean the pills have lost their effectiveness? Not at all, says a veterinarian from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. The expiration date only denotes the time after which the product shouldn’t be sold or dispensed. The drug companies set the expiration date in advance of the time when any effectiveness might drop off.
Apr 18, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Nina Schaefer, American Kennel Club (AKC) Board member and President of the PA Federation of Dog Clubs, recently asked the AKC for a list of organizations whose mission it is to help companion pet owners when it seems they cannot pay for necessary services. The following information was compiled by the AKC at her request. I am only listing here organizations that will help with pets–not just dogs or those with cancer. The organizations serve companion animals that have a permanent home and whose owners need help with emergency vet bills when finances may be the difference in a critical decision. The listed organizations also accept donations and the help goes directly to the animal in need. Accidents requiring immediate care as well as long-term health needs that may require surgery or ongoing treatment are covered.
AAHA Helping Pets Fund http://www.aahahelpingpets.org. The American Animal Hospital Association helps those in need to access quality veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. They raise funds and award grants supporting veterinary care for pets that have been abandoned or whose owners are experiencing financial hardship.
Angels for Animals http://www.angels4animals.org. A non-profit organization and a program in the Inner Voice Community services, its mission is to serve as the guardian angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult financial situations. At Angels4Animals they believe that animal owners should not have to say goodbye to the animals they love. Their work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across the country. The services offered range from financial aid to complete treatment of pets in need.
Help-A-Pet http://www.help-apet.org. This organization helps with vet bills for pets of the physically and mentally challenged, the elderly on fixed incomes and children of the poor. Proof of income is required and the pet owner must pay as much of the bill as they can to show the pet owner’s commitment to the well-being of their pet.
IMOM http://www.imom.org. (Acronym for “In Memory of Magic”) The mission of this group is to help people help pets. They are dedicated to ensuring that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. This is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 charity.
The Pet Fund http://thepetfund.com. This group provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals that need veterinary care. Companion animal owners must often make the difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect medical needs because of the cost involved. The purpose of the Pet Fund is to work towards a future in which such decisions about companion animal medical care need never be made on the basis of cost.
Apr 10, 2009 | | Uncategorized