Sherry’s Corner

Would You Buy a Bic from a Bull or a Gillette from Taz?

Dogs have been used in commercials more than any other animal.  The question is, what will Gillette do with Tiger Woods?  They may have to add his dogs to new commercials.  Already both dogs are frequently pictured with a smiling Woods family.   

      In commercials and as image builders dogs are popular because they have a strong positive product viewer-recall.  Ad agencies like dogs because they are much easier to train than cats–although with Tiger, a cat might be a better fit!  However, not all cats are as trainable as my Rusty, an orange marmalade stray, who quickly learned to come when called and to heel on command!  Rusty was in a college production targeted at understanding cats in order to avoid cat bites–bites that are more dangerous and more frequent than dog bites.  HE WAS THE STAR.

HELPING THE UNEMPLOYED BECOME DOG TRAINERS–ANOTHER QUESTION. The Salvation Army and author Matthew Margolis have proposed teaching low-income and no-income people how to become dog trainers–small business owners.  Is it time to have criteria for calling oneself a dog trainer?  Is it enough to have trained one’s own dog, to have attended multiple dog training classes and to earn a degree with an internet certificate? Teaching man’s best friend should not be considered a job but a  profession with EXPERIENCE.  

HAVE A BLACK AND BLUE CANINE CHRISTMAS–EVERY DAY I FEEL SORRY FOR BLACK DOGS.  I wish there was a prayer especially for them.  If there were black Springers I would own one.  If I were going to foster a dog I would foster a black dog.  There are many reasons for this feeling– number one is that I believe color does make the dog! I believe we will find that black dogs are genetically more sound than the other colors in a breed.  A Cornell researcher once told me black Labradors, for example, had fewer eye problems than the yellow and chocolate Labs.  To further reinforce that recently I had the opportunity to watch the renowned Jim Reynolds judge the sporting group.  His pick was a black Labrador that he said, “spoke to him and I always put up the dog who speaks to me”.  And yet, black dogs are less apt to be chosen for adoption in shelters and rescues.  The next time someone asks you to help them, choose a puppy or a dog as a family addition–maybe this Christmas–do look long and hard at the black dogs, and it wouldn’t hurt to listen either!   

      The other color dog I would advise all parents to consider is the BLUE DOG.  “Blue Dog” is the name of a colorful way to prevent dog bites through an American Veterinary Medical Association program on communication with dogs.  The Blue Dog Parent Guide and CD is designed to help parents and children safely interact.  It is targeted toward children ages 3 to 6 and the cost is only $8.  Call the AVMA at 800-248-2862, ext. 6655 or visit www.avma.org/bluedog.  It is an especially appropriate gift since so many bites are triggered by play and toys–the ones which squeak–and become toys of choice at Christmas.  I even believe toys which make a noise should have a warning label, “this toy may bring out the prey instinct in a dog”. 

WHAT DO YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO HAS NOTHING?–has lost his best friend! A new booklet published by the Argus Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado University, is filled with valuable suggestions from both the hospice and medical standpoints.  It is especially helpful for anyone who suffers the inevitable guilt which comes with the loss of a pet.  Thanks to the generosity of Dr. and Mrs Walter Brasch, the booklet is available through veterinary hospitals or by calling the Grief Hotline at 570-784-2460.         

More News Items as 2009 Begins to Close

ONE MAN’S JUNK–ANOTHER DOG’S FOOD! Nutro Products has recalled several lots of dog foods after finding pieces of a worker’s plastic hat in the production line. The recall applies to Nutro Ultra Puppy Food and Nutro Natural Choice Chicken Meal, Rice and Oatmeal Formula Small Bites Puppy food. Also, Wysong has recalled lots of dry dog foods containing mold.  The recall affects Maintenance dog food, Senior dog food and Synorgon dog food.  And Diamond Pet Foods has recalled several lots of cat foods deficient in thiamine manufactured for PremiumEdge.  Information about pet food recalls is available on the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org/petfoodsafety/recalls.

SOCIALIZATION OF DOGS CAN PUT THEM AND YOU AT RISK   The AVMA has released a reference guide to educate dog owners about the health risks of dogs socializing.  The guide notes that dogs can spread diseases to other dogs and people in settings such as dog parks, day care and boarding facilities, competitions and training classes.  Other health risks include bite wounds and environmental hazards.  The three sections of the document cover risks for dogs, risks for people and protective measures.  The document summarizes risks for dogs of canine distemper, canine influenza, canine parvovirus, external parasites, fertilizers and pesticides, fungal infections, heartworm, heatstroke injuries, intestinal parasites, kennel cough, leptospirosis, rabies, regional wildlife and feral animals, ringworm, tick-borne diseases and toxic plants.  The guide is available online at www.avma.org/animal health by scrolling down to “Pet care” and clicking on “Dogs’ social lives and disease risks”. 

DID DINOSAURS SNEEZE?  Will researchers find the origins of swine flu H1N1 in dinosaur bones?  According to an article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, “new research indicates that tyrannosaurid dinosaurs may have been affected with a disease similar to one that causes lesions in the jaws of modern birds of prey.  The finding represents the first evidence for the ancient evolutionary origin of an avian transmissible disease in non-avian theropod dinosaurs.”  One researcher suspects there is a  history of co-evolution of diseases and their hosts  (Today it has been speculated that the present day influenza virus could be a result of DNA swapping between avian flu and those affecting other species.  If there is “co-evolution” between diseases and hosts we may have added the possibility of prehistoric origins to a modern pandemic.  Unfortunately or fortunately dinosaurs did not have vaccines.)  

BEST IN GARBAGE. Nearly 4,000 canines are going to compete for more than $225,000 in prizes at the ninth annual AKC/Eukanuba National championship in Long Beach, Dec. 12^th and 13th. The two-day event is held in connection with the AKC Agility invitational and the AKC National Obedience invitational with entries of 457 and 109.  Dogs from 41 countries are entered with the largest entry–106 Golden Retrievers.  (The show is open and not by invitation as it has been in the past and will be again next year.  Wonder if this is due to the economy and small breed event numbers?)  The Eukanuba booth promises to be the most amazing. It features an exhibit where attendees can see, smell, hear, and taste exactly as a dog does.  I think it would have been less expensive if they had read the research by past AVMA president and veterinary behaviorist Bonnie Beaver.  Fried liver was the preferred food when dogs go on a best in garbage search.  This is followed by baked or fried chicken.  Sorry, Eukanuba.         

Tiger’s Dogs; Microchips; Paw- and Carbon Footprints

FIRE HYDRANTS AND TREES share a new bond. In addition to being among the favorite places for dogs to pause, they now share headlines with the golfer, Tiger Woods! The recent headlines regarding this talented golfer have worried and enthralled us over the last several days.  Tiger owns two dogs–a Border Collie named Taz and an Australian Labradoodle named Yogi.  Yogi is more than a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle–his parents are both Australian imports.  Yogi’s ancestors thus include Irish Water Spaniels and both the American and English Cocker Spaniels.  The breed club began in 2005 and has a standard and a web site (worth checking out before considering a puppy purchase)  and perhaps AKC recognition aspirations.  The Standard stresses that the breed must be “Good family companions with temperament and soundness as key elements” .  Size, however, is a problem–three sizes are now accepted. Also, coat colors read like a stylist’s dream–bleaching and discoloration are considered ideal.  Color and coat texture alone will be problems for recognition–without a much longer history of consistency.  Thus, it would seem that it will be awhile before the Australian Labradoodle  joins the Bluetick Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound and Boykin Spaniel as AKC recognized breeds.  The next breeds in line for AKC recognition are the Icelandic Sheepdog, Cane Corso and Leonberger.  The Labradoodle will also not be eligible for any of the new AKC events since its parents are not AKC recognized breeds.  Sorry, Tiger, no majors for your dogs! Of course, the most famous dog connected in a way with Tiger Woods bears his name–the Wolfhound that won the 2009 Hound Group at Westminster!        

AT LAST–MICROCHIP PROGRESS. For a long time the AVMA and many humane societies have had as their goal improving microchipping as a form of pet identification.  This involves developing universal scanners that can read ALL microchips.  It also involves enrolling microchips IN REGISTRIES.  Now the American Animal Hospital Association has a free web site where a microchip number can be MATCHED WITH THE MANUFACTURER even if the dog owner didn’t take the critical and important step of enrolling his dog in a registry.  The site of this valuable resource–AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool — www.petmicrochiplookup.org.  Another resource is Chloe StandardChecktheChip.com. The most important advance, however, would be to make it mandatory for all dogs and puppies sold in Pennsylvania to have proof of a microchip or tattoo (Pennsylvania lifetime license number) at time of sale.  This would provide more security for lost dogs–and perhaps act as a deterrent when people decide to dump a pet. We might lower license fees with identification. 

      PAW PRINTS AND CARBON FOOTPRINTS.  As many readers know, there is a new book out titled, “Time to Eat The Dog–The Real Guide to Sustainable Living”.  The authors maintain that dog owning is much worse for the planet than owning a SUV.  And, they cite dog owners for driving larger-than-necessary cars and even RVs for carrying dogs to dog parks, dog shows and dog events.  Would they approve of canine car pooling en route to do therapy at a nursing home or to attend a training class? 

      Apparently Bill Smith (Main Line Rescue) didn’t read the book.  He chartered a jet to rescue PA puppy mill dogs which had been taken to a Ohio auction. He was able to purchase six and cruelty charges will be brought against six puppy mills as a result of his mission.  The puppy mills which are to be cited have approximately 500-plus dogs each.   The rescue jet was a big carbon footprint–but perhaps thousands of dogs will now have a chance at better lives with footprints free from pain!  We can’t always measure compassion and caring in carbon footprints.

      Did you ever wonder where these thousands of dogs will spend the holidays with the Commonwealth’s overflowing shelters?            

Dogs and Cell Phones; Liability Insurance; Spaying before Age 4

DOGS AND SEARCHES FOR CELL PHONES. Here are a few thoughts as more and more states pass anti-texting while driving laws!  Did you know that cell phones have a distinct smell, so distinct in fact that dogs can be trained to search and find them?  These cell phone sleuths are used now in prisons but one could add cell phone detection to traffic searches.  The smell is said to be a sweetish, metallic, ozoney, weird robotic reek, according to a recent New Yorker article.  Not only do these dogs find cell phones, but they can also find cell phone chargers, batteries, ear pieces and related objects. In fact, the search dogs can find the electronic devices anywhere–impossible to hide!  New Jersey now has seven German Shepherds and Labradors on duty.  The Jersey dogs were trained by prison officials–and interestingly enough using no tax payer funds.  All these cell phone dogs come from the Seeing Eye dog center in Morristown.  

      One other thought on “texting”.  Texting could be dangerous to dogs and dog  ownership and training.  Dog owners adept at texting as a form of communication may not be developing the skills necessary to read and communicate with their REAL BEST FRIENDS. This is indeed a danger.  It is  a very cold world without such special friends.  Dog owners should be told to turn off their cell phones when they are with their canine companions AS A DANGER TO THE HEALTH OF THE BOND.

LIABILITY INSURANCE. Those who work with dogs, especially those who train or title themselves behaviorists or counselors affiliated with veterinary practices, now can obtain pet liability insurance in Pennsylvania from the John Diana Insurance Agency in West Hazleton.  Phone 570-459-5060.  Both Hartford and Travelers have policies.  Also, noted author Susan Bulanda is teaching two courses at Kutztown University.  A Level 2 course is targeted toward those who want to be a certified canine behaviorist consultant.  (The last word is the important one!!)

DON’T SPAY BEFORE AGE FOUR. A recent study of Rottweilers has found that bitches spayed before the age of four had a significantly shorter lifespan than those spayed at a later age.  Hopefully, more studies will cast some light on this interesting finding.

Adopt an Older Dog Month, Canine Partners, and Canine Flu Warnings

ADOPT AN OLDER DOG MONTH. They say old dogs are the best dogs and certainly Rufus,  the colored Bull Terrier that connects the biggest names in AKC show competition with a TDI certificate is an exciting example of all that is wonderful in the world of dogs!  Rufus is nine years old–not a young dog–and from what David Frei says, therapy is not a leisurely retirement for Rufus.  This busy terrier keeps his owners busy driving him from visit to visit.  (He especially loves children.) Cesar’s “DADDY”, a pit bull, is also a senior canine and according to Cesar continues to inspire “the pack”.  Cesar has titled November as “Adopt an Older Dog Month”.  This is a good message.  So many of our older dogs are left behind due to owner death and disability.  Too many pets are unnecessarily euthanized due to the death or incapacity of their human caregivers.  Look for older dogs to have their own special space. One example is SUPER SENIORS, a proactive approach to aging canines, which will be discussed in a hands-on seminar in New Jersey.  Worth looking into! 

      The other connection Rufus gives us is the new world of mixed-breed CANINE PARTNERS competition.  Hopefully, many of these mixed breeds will also be active in therapy.  Behaviorist William Campbell once mused that dog lovers should breed dogs with CGC titles in order to get the best in family dogs.  This is really worth thinking about. Frei downplays breeding dogs to be accessories–what better purpose can a dog have than being an active therapy dog?

      According to the AKC the first ever Mixed Breed CANINE PARTNERS event will be an agility trial scheduled for April 2, 2010 in Idaho.  To find an event nearby visit akc.org/events/search.  Click on the “Obedience-Agility-AKC Rally” tab and narrow the search by clicking on “Limit to Events Accepting Mixed Breeds” button.  The AKC has approved mixed breed classes for 51 events so far.  

CANINE SENILITY. November has been designated as National Alzheimers Month.  Long ago I became aware of “canine senility”.  Everyone who has been fortunate to share their lives with a senior canine has seen this in such events as when a dog walks into a corner and then seems to forget how to turn around!  Also, a dog may sleep longer and deeper than usual.  There is a prescription diet made by Hills called “b/d”.  This is a very powerful aid.  I add the dry ration to the regular diet.  The daily amount must be adjusted for the dog and degree of confused behavior.  Cagney, for example, is 40 pounds and 12 plus years.  She is doing very well on a third of a cup mixed in with her breakfast ration.  This gives her an active day with a good lifestyle–even a little of her naughtiness!     

CANINE FLU. During a recent Frei/O’Hurley interview on the National Dog Show one of the writers asked about the precautions being taken to minimize the threat of canine flu or CIV which could be present at the National since it is held in Gettysburg.   CIV represents a rare event in adaptive evolution.  The HsN8 equine genome was transferred to dogs and the virus adapted and emerged. At this time CIV is endemic in New York and Pennsylvania–among other states.  It is spread through aerolized secretions and contaminated surfaces like food and water bowls, collars and leashes.  The virus remains active on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours and on hands 12 hours.  The most common clinical sign is a cough that can persist from 10 to 21 days.  The AVMA cautions that the new vaccine may control the disease but does not prevent it and thus it has been labeled as a “lifestyle” vaccine and not recommended for every dog.   

Sorry, Timmy

Timmy, I have a 12-year-old Springer that still wags her tail when she sees me and we take slow walks together.  Cagney needs a special diet and medications to maintain her quality of life.  She has two annual visits now to her veterinarian and these involve all kinds of expensive tests.  Aging is an expensive process.  Dying is very expensive.  Any additional money I have is and will be put aside for her.  She has been my best friend for a very long time and I want her by my side a longer time.  Therefore, contributing to your hearing aid is not an option.

      She was a Therapy Dog International (TDI) pet therapist for ten years but is now retired.  We both miss therapy work with Connie Cuff and the Sunbury Susquehanna Trail Dog Training Club group–especially at HealthSouth on the Danville Geisinger campus.

      Many older dogs lose their hearing.  Many older dogs also cannot see as well as they used to–especially after dark– and they (like us) move a little slower.  This is part of aging.  No one likes it–neither people nor pets–but pets accept this without complaint as a natural process. We must respect this.  We owe them that much.       

      May I suggest your owners teach you hand signals?  My Springers all respond to hand signals and have done so since puppyhood.  I am sure the nursing home residents would enjoy seeing you with this new skill and perhaps it will inspire many to learn to live with this challenge.  Also, many older dogs in shelters not only have night lights but they are used to their caregivers using white hankies to get their attention.  Old dogs can learn new tricks.

      There are special toys for older pets–even a softer KONG for the senior canine!  Some of these toys are scented.  The AKC stuffed animals seems to be all-age play classics.  (And as the holidays approach remember that “toys with noise” provoke and encourage prey responses and–IMPORTANTLY–toys are one of the leading causes for dog bites in dog-child play!)

IF PET FOOD WERE A FOOD. Did you know that pet food is not eligible under the food stamp program in Pennsylvania?  The reason given is that “pet food is not considered a food”!!  It might help if pet food were a food–not just to help pets that live in low-income families, but keeping pet food safe from contamination.  However, since more and more pet owners are reaching into their own cupboards and refrigerators to add carrots, green beans, cherry tomatoes and hard boiled eggs to balance the over-processed dog rations this should not be as big a hurdle as it seems.  

FROM KENNEL CLUB TO CAREER. Melody Fuller made the front page of the Press Enterprise recently with one of her champion Mastiffs.  Melody started in Dobermans and was a charter member of the now defunct Bloomsburg Covered Bridge Kennel Club.  Melody grooms, teaches obedience, and holds classes; she and husband Dave run a boutique that travels weekends on the show circuit.  She is renowned for her dog treats–all homemade in her Berwick kitchen. 

THERAPY DOGS ARE THE THEME FOR THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA!

California Veto, Assistance Programs, and Pet Rehab

ANIMAL CRACKERS. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that would make it a crime for any person to own or control over 50 unsterilized dogs for breeding or for sale as pets.  Stating that although he was AGAINST puppy mills and FOR measures designed to prevent animal cruelty and abuse, he stressed he was AGAINST placing an arbitrary cap on the number of animals.  The cap, he reasoned, would criminalize the lawful activities of reputable breeders, kennels and charitable organizations engaged in raising service and assistance dogs.

WELCOME HoBeaux! The O’Neill family has a new family member and he is a Boxer! HoBeaux is a High Tech brindle Boxer puppy (Dr. Trusdale‘s famous boxer kennel) that is happily living now in Bloomsburg with Jynx, the Toy Fox Terrier–did you see him on Animal Planet‘s Dogs 101?  The famed agility Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen named Gy makes three!       

PROGRAMS ASSIST PET OWNERS FACING TOUGH TIMES. Programs exist that target unemployed pet owners, pet owners who don‘t qualify for credit and those whose pets need emergency care–the alternative euthanasia!  According to a Petfinder survey, 47% of shelters said the primary reason for pet relinquishment was economic, 16% also cited home foreclosure and 37% said there was a drop in adoptions.  Pet caregivers stress that pets are at the bottom of the list for financial outlays when owners have loss of income. 

      Due to the economy we will see more and more fund-raising efforts for our best friends.  The choices are many and often are great newspaper and television stories.  Like so many of these stories some are exaggerated and some are untrue.  To help a neighbor or a friend whose pets need help is probably the best choice of all.  If that is not an option give to a reputable  organization.  We have many small groups in the area that are giving loving care to pets without publicity. Unfortunately, I recently heard of a dog in the Danville Shelter that has been there almost a year.  He can‘t walk on a leash.  In a case like this funding is not the answer.  He needs someone to donate their time and patience.  Avoid individual stories of need unless sanctioned by  a reputable reference.  Of late I find dog trainers much more reputable than veterinarians and in fact some rescue groups check with area trainers before adopting a dog to a family.   

      Did you know that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has a Helping Pets Fund for individuals who are unemployed?  The Fund offers grants to AAHA hospitals across the country.  Ask locally.  Veterinary colleges have funds for pet owners who don‘t qualify for credit but whose animals are likely to recover completely–will the Pennsylvania Veterinary College fund Timmy‘s hearing aid? There are funds to help animals in emergencies while some programs focus on species, breeds or medical conditions.  Many offer low-cost spay and neuter procedures and routine preventative care.  Sources for assistance include: UNITED ANIMAL NATIONS www.uan.org/lifeline/resources.html     AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS WWW.aspca.org/about-us/Financial help with my vet bills@ under Pet Care.  HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES www.hsus.org/pets/pet care under “What you can do if you are having trouble affording veterinary care“ and “Having trouble affording your pet?“

PET REHAB. Clinics across the country that offer pet rehab services are seeing appointments double and surgical procedures drop.  These clinics are often dubbed “the last hope.” At present there are 130 veterinarians trained in this new discipline.  In pet rehab veterinarians work with rehabilitation professionals to help pets gain pain-free lives once again.   

Red Shoes and Dog Bite Prevention Program

One of my favorite books/movies is “The Wizard of Oz”.  During the period when I was writing the column “Canine Good Citizen Close-up” for DogWorld, a reader sent me a letter describing a dog bite prevention program she had used in her Syracuse, New York class that involved re-creating the story of Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman and Cowardly Lion.  If you remember, Dorothy took the yellow brick road trip to escape the Wicked Witch of the West–really the neighbor bitten by Toto.  She was saving her dog.  It might be fun to re-create this story for children with that message in the Sunbury area??  Not too many of us associate responsible ownership and dog bite prevention with this classic and Dorothy is a celebrity worthy of Cesar.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of injuries is highest among those aged 5-9 years.  The American Humane Society has just developed a dog bite prevention program and, of course, the AVMA has the Blue Dog program.  Further, using dogs in costume seems to be particularly effective with autistic children.  They need to learn dog bite prevention and how to interact with a dog safely–mastering social skills through cues to find THE BEST FRIENDS THEY WILL EVER HAVE.  Since Halloween is just around the corner this might be the perfect opportunity to find and/or make costumes. 

CONCERN HOTLINE. To report unsatisfactory conditions at a kennel confidentially or if a kennel is suspected of being illegal, call the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-DOG-TIP1

SENIORS AND RAMPS. I am still able to climb stairs, although the 10 PM trips are often painful.  I have had so many senior canines that found these stairs difficult too.  From now on I vow to teach my dogs early in life to master agility ramps.  I think life will be easier for all of us.

HAND WASHING. The emphasis on hand washing as a disease prevention measure may add to the health of your dog–remember that the illnesses which live in nursing homes and can be transmitted to therapy dogs are a danger that can be prevented with more hand washing.  Also, this is a chance to teach children with cold-blooded pets–especially turtles–to wash their hands after handling these creatures, which are well-known carriers of salmonella.

VICKS’ VICTIMS. As is probably already clear from other blogs, I am not too pleased that Michael Vick is going to be an active player for the Eagles, the team from the City of Brotherly Love!  It doesn’t speak well for love.  And, I have to wonder about the PSPCA “Second Chance Dogs”.  Although I am glad these dogs will not just be marched to euthanasia–as they have been for years and years–is this hypocritical fund raising? Before Vick, they were an insurance liability. Now suddenly they have become innocent victims of animal abuse.  I guess if Vick deserves a second chance, so do the dogs.  He is lucky to be in such good and forgiving company.  Does he deserve to linked with such noble friends and have his own TV program?     

NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE. The Canine Good Citizen program is being used as a tool in evaluating the Vick victims.  For those who did not know, the AKC has acknowledged that the CGC began at a Bloomsburg Fairgrounds training class.  I remember the first dogs–they may have had collars but not leashes. The trainers spent a great deal of time during the first class fitting collars correctly. And, interestingly enough one of the next places to offer the CGC was the Kansas State Fair. Vets participated with the 4-H clubs. They wanted to prove that Kansas was not just a puppy mill source.         

Rabies and Breast Cancer–October is the Scariest Month of the Year!

A doctor friend once explained to me that October had been chosen as breast cancer awareness month because they needed to mark the disease with fear.  “Let’s face it,” he said, “everyone thinks of black cats, werewolves, bats and all things dark associated with Halloween in October.  Veterinarians also associate  rabies with October to promote prevention of a deadly disease–in this case, rabies.  How better to market prevention?” Thus, a month thatis really a pumpkin celebration now also includes a pink ribbon! Today, of course, thanks to the wonderful volunteers of the American Cancer Society the treatment of cancer is filled with warm and friendly support groups and individuals who not only drive the extra mile to make sure appointments are kept, but provide a listening ear.  Rabies, however, remains a disease especially dangerous in Pennsylvania.  There are more rabid cats in the Commonwealth than any state in the country. But dogs could enter the picture next year with an increase in stray dog victims due to the economy!  (And although cats have “furious rabies”, foxes are also known to be quite aggressive.)    

      And, with the state budget problems, state testing to confirm rabies cases may suffer–did you know that even dogs vaccinated against rabies may catch it?  But,  it doesn’t have to be that way.  If we can prevent rabies through oral bait drops to  wildlife to create rabies-free zones, there is no reason we cannot treat feral cats with bait so they too are not carriers of this always-fatal disease.  

     At present we are importing dogs into the country with rabies–a  rabid puppy from India (2007), a rabid dog from Iraq into New Jersey in 2008!  Perhaps the new and unsuspecting terrorists among us??  And since rabies kills more animals in Haiti and other South American countries we must be careful before importing puppies into foster homes.

DVM Pharmaceuticals Alert. DVM Pharmaceuticals (brand name) has been shut down by the FDA for quality control violations so avoid purchasing any Teva drugs.

MORE ON H3N8 OR CANINE FLU. First of all, there is no evidence that it has been or can be spread from dogs to humans.  The virus stays on surfaces for 48 hours and on hands for 12 hours so disinfecting and washing hands are important.  The incubation period is from 2 to 4 days and it is marked by a cough that can last up to 21 days.  Unlike the traditional flus, this is not seasonal. The American Veterinary Medical Association has just published a backgrounder on canine flu and swine flu.  www.avma.org Under the orange “Public Health Bar” click on “influenza”.

PENN STATE RESEARCHER STUDIES EFFECTS OF DAP ON DOGS SUFFERING FROM THUNDERSTORM STRESS. A recent study published in JAVMA concludes that puppies that wear kerchiefs sprayed with DAP learn quicker in training classes than those with odorless kerchiefs.  Now Dr. Emily Dreschel of Penn State has found that during thunderstorms the saliva of frightened dogs contains more cortisol than that of calm dogs. The DAP on kerchiefs (dog-appeasing phenome) is a vital part of the study.  Anecdotal evidence indicates that DAP helps dogs who are afraid to ride in cars, too.  And, I have found that DAP works in senility or canine Alzheimers anxiety attacks with my senior citizens.   

Only the Love is Contagious . . . .

ONLY THE LOVE IS CONTAGIOUS–the title of an advertisement for H3N8, the canine influenza  respiratory infection.  The new vaccine is a killed virus manufactured by INTERVET.  Since it is also a new flu virtually every exposed dog will be infected.  No one claims a flu connection between people and their pets.  However, Geisinger, in its “Health Alert”, discusses H1N1 (swine origin) with symptoms that might suggest a similarity with the canine flu–fever plus cough and sore throat with or without body aches, runny nose and stomach upset. And, both flus may be treated with Tamiflu!  Makes you realize how appropriate and important veterinarian Roger Mahr’s  “One Health” concept is.  (Remember “kennel cough” also uses  nasal  protection!)  

(From time to time I am selected for a questionnaire from Geisinger regarding a recent visit.  When possible I comment on the presence of my family pets and my concern for their well-being if anything would happen to me.  All pet owners should take the time to discuss their pet’s care with their doctor–it affects our quality of life and even medical decisions!!  Do we need volunteers to help pet owners when they return home after surgery and/or illness? A pet support team for illnesses like AIDs has been in place for over 20 years.)   

THANK GOODNESS NO ONE HAS GIVEN WALKING BO CREDIT FOR MICHELLE OBAMA’S GREAT UPPER ARMS!  AT LEAST NOT YET–BUT WAIT FOR A BO OBAMA ARMS WORK-OUT FOR OWNERS!

HAIR JEWELRY REDUX. In last week’s BLOG we discussed hair jewelry–an ancient form of keeping a family bond alive.  Modern technology has intervened in pet grief to create crystal jewelry using a portion of the cremains.  Go to www.crystalcompanion.com or call 732-458-8700.

CHICKEN NOT SO LITTLE. For those of you who want to add a little something extra to your dog’s food, eggs are cheap right now according to poultry raisers.  Dr. Ben Sheffy, one of Cornell’s leading nutritionists, used to claim that the egg was the perfect “supplement”.  Uncooked egg whites are bad for dogs but a hard-boiled egg is a low-calorie treat.  Chickens, of course, are easily trained using a clicker.  When I attended a poultry show to interview Martha Stewart I saw trained chickens riding on people’s shoulders.  Studies have shown that hens can teach one another to complete tasks and roosters use verbal clues to alert hens that a predator is close–and even can alert others about whether the feed is a good quality.  And, veterinarians try to manage the chicken environment so that there is less stress (SKY NOT FALLING IN) and more opportunity for hens to express normal behavior. 

Since  researchers are not allowed to use animals in ways that can hurt them, eggs are often used instead of live animals.  So far we have not had a Sputnik egg of any species except the famed Kennedy Russian dog.