4 Independence Day dangers for pets

4 Independence Day dangers for pets

Loud noises aren't the only worry pets face on July Fourth. To help clients keep pets safe, be familiar with the signs and treatments for these four threats.

Jun 24, 2010 
By: Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC Pet Poison Helpline 

Fireworks

Dangers: Everything from small smoke bombs and sparklers to large aerial displays has the potential to burn curious and unsuspecting pets. What’s more, fireworks can contain a variety of heavy metals—iron, copper, barium, mercury, phosphorus and magnesium—that are used as coloring agents and may cause heavy-metal poisoning if ingested. Clinical signs: The face, muzzle, lips, tongue, and paws are most common places pets get burned by fireworks. If ingested, the heavy metals or other materials may cause vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, jaundice, tremors, and seizures. Treatment: If pets are burned or ingest fireworks, immediate examination by a veterinarian is recommended. Given the potential for severe burns especially in the mouth and upper gastrointestinal tract, Pet Poison Helpline does not routinely recommend that pet owners induce vomiting at home. Also, in-clinic administration of activated charcoal to bind the toxin is not often recommended since activated charcoal doesn’t bind well to metals. Overall, treatment is based on the clinical signs noted and may include pain medications, anti-emetics, IV fluids, burn-management procedures, and chelation therapy for heavy metals. Prognosis: Good in many cases involving small fireworks, minor burns, or very small ingestions. Poor in cases involving large ingestions of multiple fireworks and in cases of liver and neurological damage.

Glow-in-the-dark jewelry and glow sticks

Dangers: Cats seem to especially enjoy chewing on these colorful, glowing sticks and necklaces. Though not highly toxic, the liquid material inside of glow jewelry and glow sticks contains a substance called dibutyl phthalate. This compound is capable of causing immediate stinging or a burning sensation on any tissue that it contacts. Clinical signs: Dramatic salivation is the most common sign upon ingestion; this is especially true in cats. Other signs include pawing at the mouth, running frantically, hiding or acting fearful, and vomiting. Treatment: Typically, gently rinsing the mouth or exposed area with water is sufficient to remove the liquid. Additionally, offering a safe treat will help remove the unpleasant taste from the cat’s mouth. Prognosis: Excellent; signs generally resolve in minutes to hours. Hot weather and heat stroke   Dangers: Overweight or obese dogs, large breed dogs, those with heavy muscling (pit bulls, boxers), or those that are brachycephalic (i.e., smooshed-nosed dogs like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and pugs) are predisposed to overheating due their poor ability to dissipate heat. Dogs with health problems like laryngeal paralysis (an airway cartilage abnormality that results in loud, noisy breathing or a change in bark) are also predisposed to heat stroke. Any dogs carrying tennis balls in their mouths are also at risk because their airway is blocked, preventing adequate panting and cooling. The most dangerous temperature is often 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the presence of 70 percent or 80 percent humidity. At this temperature—and higher temperatures—less evaporative cooling and heat loss take place so the body is unable to cool itself well through panting. Cats and dogs inside closed cars—even with the windows slightly open—that are exposed to direct sun face a dangerous risk of heat stroke. Even when the temperature is as low as 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of a car can heat up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 20 minutes, resulting in death in less than an hour. Clinical signs: Signs of heat stroke while exercising: constant panting, slowing down, collapse, dark red gums, little urine production (or very concentrated, yellow/brown urine), and lethargy. Pets with heat stroke frequently have body temperatures greater than 108 degrees Fahrenheit, which often leads to permanent organ damage (kidney failure, bloody diarrhea), altered clotting (disseminated intravascular coagulation), or death. Treatment: If any of these signs occur, it is imperative for pet owners to cool their pets immediately in a pond or pool and immediately call their veterinarian. Treatment includes rapid whole-body cooling with cool water baths (not ice), fans, cold towels, and alcohol applied to the paw pads. Aggressive therapy with IV fluids, IV protein (colloids), electrolyte and blood glucose monitoring, plasma transfusions, urine output monitoring, and supportive care are necessary for survival. Prognosis: Good if treated early and before the body temperature has reached critical levels. Prevention is key—pet owners should carry a water bottle and offer fresh, cool water frequently to their dog, and to keep their pet wet and cooled during walks in hot weather if possible. Picnic foods   Dangers: Some common July Fourth picnic goodies can pose serious health risks for dogs and cats. • Corncobs: While corn is certainly not toxic to pets, the cob can easily become lodged in a dog’s esophagus or intestines, often requiring surgical removal. • Grapes and raisins: Though these make great treats for people and are often found in healthy summer salads, even small numbers of grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs and, potentially, cats. Some pet-safe picnic foods include carrots, peas, green beans, and apples. • Meat scraps and drippings: Dogs love to hover around the grill and will ingest almost anything that falls from it. The most problematic grill foods for pets, especially dogs, are large, fatty meat scraps and large amounts of grease in grill drip pans. When dogs eat large amounts of fat and grease, they may suffer from pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which is painful and potentially life-threatening. Certain breeds, especially miniature Schnauzers, are more likely to develop pancreatitis. Clinical signs:  • With fatty meat or corncob ingestion, delayed onset vomiting will occur one to four days later, and pets may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea (with or without blood), no stool production or straining to pass stool, and a reduced appetite. Lethargy may also be seen with pancreatitis or a bowel obstruction. • Following the ingestion of grapes and raisins, vomiting within a few hours is typical. Within one to four days, pets may experience increased urination, increased thirst, lethargy, and a reduced appetite. Treatment: • Corncobs: If a dog ingests a corncob (or any potentially obstructive object), it is best for pet owners to speak to a veterinarian right away to determine the best course of action. The immediate induction of vomiting at home is not always wise. Objects such as corncobs may become lodged in the esophagus while the dog is attempting to vomit them up—a situation known as “choke.” This is a true medical emergency and must be managed in the veterinary hospital. In cases where the obstruction is in the stomach or intestines, surgical removal is often necessary. • Grapes and raisins: Pet owners may safely induce vomiting at home in many of these cases; however, they should not do so without the directive of a veterinarian. Next, the pet should be quickly brought to the clinic. When the patient arrives, induce vomiting and then administer activated charcoal to decontaminate (adsorb and remove toxins). Follow up by administering anti-vomiting medication and aggressive intravenous fluids to protect the kidneys. Frequent monitoring of kidney laboratory values, as well as in-hospital care are also recommended. • Meat scraps and drippings: The treatment of pancreatitis can be quite involved. Anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medications, IV fluids, monitoring of blood chemistry panels, and in-hospital care may all be needed. In certain cases, other drugs such as antibiotics and pain medications may be necessary. Prognosis: The prognosis for all of these problematic picnic foods is good if treatment is started early. However, for dogs that have already developed a severe bowel obstruction, kidney failure, or pancreatitis, the prognosis becomes worse and treatment much more involved. http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/firstline/Veterinary+team/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/676010

5 Health Problems Dog Owners Ignore (And Why You Need to Deal with Them Right Now)

By Dr. Marty Becker

Are you ignoring chronic health issues that are making your pooch miserable?People who know me even a little bit know I'm a detail-oriented person. I really do sweat the small stuff, and I think that's a trait you want in a health care provider. When I'm examining a dog, I look at the small details as well as the big picture. 

 But even though I like to see people paying attention to every aspect of their dog's care, I'm often taken aback by dog owners who fixate on one aspect of their animal's care while ignoring many others. Some of the things dog owners ignore truly do make a difference to an animal's quality of life. So you can understand my wondering why it is that some people are anxious to discuss the "horrors" of vaccines and the harm they may do while I'm looking at a pet who's in misery from a problem I can address not in theory but right now. 

See Also: What Your Dogs Eyes Says About His Health 

 Yes, it's great that you're educating yourself on the debates over vaccine protocols or preservatives in food or whatever you want to discuss. I love working with pet owners, and I'm here to listen and to offer my educated guidance. But I'm also here to make sure your dog is healthy, right at this moment - and that means addressing any health issues that are actually an issue, right at this moment. 

Is Your Dog in Pain…Now?

 As I said, discussions over "holistic" care or anything else are just fine, but let's get your pet healthy first, OK? As a veterinarian, I regularly see a small group of health problems that dog owners often overlook, ignore or treat as "normal." If your dog has any of the issues on this list, please see your veterinarian immediately. And be prepared to follow through and follow up because many of these problems take time and dedication to resolve, especially if they've been ignored for a long time. 

See Also: 11 Most Common Health Conditions in Dogs 

1. Chronic ear problems: Recurring ear infections are not that common in adult humans, which may be part of the reason we tend to forget just how painful they are. But think back to the nonstop pain of childhood ear infections - or, if you're a parent, recall how helpless you felt the last time your child had an ear infection. It's true that people do bring their dogs in for treatment, but the follow-through can be very poor. Drops don't get put in, follow-up appointments aren't made and eventually pet owners just decide that ear infections are "normal," especially for flop-eared dogs. Please don't confuse "common" with "normal" - instead, imagine the agony you'd be in if every single waking minute of every day you were dogged by a condition that was painful and itchy. You'd go crazy, wouldn't you? Your dog feels the same way.

2. Dental disease: What would you think if every day you looked in the mirror and saw gums that were bleeding and receding, and teeth that were discolored, loosening and falling out? "Doggy breath" isn't normal, and pets need dental care just like people do. Sometimes I flip the lip on a dog I'm seeing - usually for some other reason - and discover gums that look as if a blowtorch had been passed over them. You know these animals are in constant pain. And what about those teeth? Imagine what it would be like to be in excruciating pain every time your tongue touched your tooth, or if you had to try to gingerly eat on only one side of your mouth, away from the affected area. Yourveterinarian can get your dog's mouth back in good shape at any age and can show you how to keep things in good shape. No more pain! 

3. Skin issues and biting pests: Have you ever been bitten by a bug and thought to yourself, "Didn't hurt a bit. Go ahead and bite again, or invite your buddies to join in the feast. I can take it!" Of course you haven't. When a human gets nailed by a biting bug, we swat them away, spray ourselves with repellents, take antihistamines and apply soothing salves to the bite. Now imagine being constantly under attack from fleas or other biting pests, with no way to stop the biting or alleviate the itch. Doesn't your dog deserve parasite control? I hope you think so. And pests aren't the only cause of canine skin problems that can afflict your dog. Have you ever suffered from a chronic rash or other skin issue that made you want to scream from the itching? Then why would you ignore a dog who's always scratching? Take care of your dog's skin - just like you would take care of your own.

4. Achy-breaky joints: Arthritis may be inevitable, but pain from those aching joints doesn't have to be. We understand this when it comes to our own discomfort and pain: When we hurt, we take painkillers by the handful and tell everyone we know how miserable we are. If your dog has arthritis, he can't tell you where it hurts, when it started or just how bad it is in general, but I guarantee you he's suffering all the same. What we commonly chalk up to old age can be treated and managed, and your dog's quality of life can be improved - but only if you take responsibility and talk to yourveterinarian. 

5. Obesity: Yes, many of us live in glass houses when it comes to our pets' weight, which may be one of the reasons so many veterinarians are reluctant to bring it up. And many veterinarians are doubly sensitive when it comes to discussing an overweight pet with an overweight owner, not wanting to hurt any feelings. But you need to take a good look at your dog, and you need to know what you are allowing when you let him get and stay overweight. Let me be blunt: Fat kills. How? Let's just take one item: arthritis. Canine obesity makes arthritis worse, and when an old dog is unable to move well and is in pain, he's at risk of being euthanized. And those dogs are the lucky ones. Other pets are just allowed to suffer, even though we know how much losing weight can help. Talk to your vet about your dog's weight, and be ready to listen to and follow his recommendations to get the pounds off your pet.

See Also: What a Dog's Skin and Fur Says About Her Health 

Remember, "Chronic" Doesn't Mean "Untreatable"

These five problems are what I think of as "frog in hot water" issues. There's an old parable that if you put a frog in hot water, he'll jump right out. But if you put him in cold water and raise the temperature slowly, he may die before he notices he's in trouble.

Wait, wait! I am not suggesting that you boil a frog! But I do think it's important to realize that if your dog suddenly had an infected mouth or red, itchy skin or was a normal size one day and obese the next, you'd run - I mean as in right now! - to your veterinarian to get help. But because so many of these issues creep up on us - and on our dogs - over time, we don't pay as much attention to them, or we overlook them entirely. 

 That's why I want you to step back right now and look at your dog. Be brutally honest: Are you ignoring chronic health issues that are making him miserable? If the answer is yes, call your veterinarian. For most of these often-chronic conditions, there are things that can be done to stop, or even reverse, the damage. All you need to do is recognize the problem and reach out to your veterinarian. The result will be a happier, healthier dog - which is what we both want to see. 

http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/5-health-problems-dog-owners-ignore-why-deal-125600933.html

Fourth of July Safety Tip

Thank you to ASPCA for submitting this:

Fourth of July Safety Tips

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
• Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
• Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
• Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.
  
  
  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/july-4th.aspx
  
  

Great Halloween Costumes

All right, I've been searching the 'net for a while, trying to pick out the perfect Halloween costume for my cutie. This one might take the cake... (via snuzzy.com)

Crafty Pets

No, not just the way pets are crafty. Because they are definitely that, too. But you know you've always wanted to make your dog a collar. Yourself. Because you love him. Or PJs for your cat. Because what cat could resist some new PJs? Most of them, from what I've observed, but no matter. Someone out there is making them.

Anyway, here's a great link to a gazillion projects. Send us a picture of anything you've made - we'd love to see it!

Convenience

9 of the Strangest Looking Dogs

Are you looking to turn some heads at the doggy park? Consider getting one of the following dog breeds. Don't forget, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

This little guy has quite the name. It is a Xoloitzcuntle, pronounced "show-low-its-queen-tlee". Sometimes known as "Xolo" for short, this mexican hairless is an interesting dog. The breed was considered sacred to the Aztecs because they were believed to guide individuals through the underworld after their death. Like other hairless breeds, Xolos required bathing, moisturizing, sunscreen, and coats to keep that bald skin healthy and happy.

The Bergamasco is a mopish looking breed. Their coat is "felted". They are from Persia and served as sheepdogs and livestock guardians. Even though they may look shabby, it is frowned upon by breeders to shave this coat because it will never be the same again.

The Komondor's coat is "corded", not "felted". These dogs are often said to look like a large mop. Actually, the coat really resembles a used mop because the cords often collect dust and dirt. Komondors were bred to guard livestock and their thick coats protected them from the elements as well as predators. As you probably guessed, the Komondor needs a great deal of grooming.

Peruvian Inca Orchid is anohter hairless breed. These little doggies appear in art dating back to 750 A.D. However, when Peru was conquered by the Spanish, it almost led to the loss of these unique dogs. While these dogs occasionally have a bit of hair on their feet, tails, and heads, breeders strive for a completely hairless dog. Peruvian Inca Orchids can be prone to acne and blackheads.

No one can confuse a Shar Pei with any other breed. This heavily wrinkled dog has an unusual "hippopotamus" shaped muzzle. Shar Peis also have solid bluish-black tongue. What a dog!

The Puli is one of the "dread lock" breeds. These cords begin to form naturally when the puppies are about 9 months old. Owners have to help this process by separating the cords as they can form very large matts if they are not maintained. Bathing one of these dogs can be a lengthy process as they take hours to dry!

The Neapolitan Mastiff looks something like a mini-Rhino! Look at all that loose skin. They have wrinkles all over their bodes, most prominently on the face and head. All those wrinkles need some extra TLC. Folds must be cleaned and kept dry as acne and infections are a concern if they are moist. The canine actor who played "Fang" in the movie Harry Potter was a Neapolitan Mastiff.

Chinese Crested dogs have fur on their paws (socks), tail (plume), and a long flowing mop on their heads (the crest). Their skins is soft and needs careful care. A Chinese Crested named "Sam" was voted world's ugliest dog three years in a row.

Even though the Bedlington Terrier could easily be confused for a lamb, in the early days this breed was often used for fighting. While the Bedlingtons of today have been bred to be sweet companions, they can still hold their own if challenged.

What's in a name?

Do you have a new pet but aren't quite sure what to call this sweet bundle of joy? Maybe some of the following sites can help.

funpetnames.com

hunch.com

bowwow.com

Who is smarter? Dogs or 2-year-olds?

Dogs' Intelligence On A Par With 2-Year-Old Humans, Renowned Canine Researcher Says

(Picture found here)

Although you wouldn't want one to balance your checkbook, dogs can count.

They can also understand more than 150 words and intentionally deceive other dogs and people to get treats, according to psychologist and leading canine researcher Stanley Coren, PhD, of the University of British Columbia. He spoke Saturday on the topic "How Dogs Think" at the American Psychological Association's 117th Annual Convention.

Coren, author of more than a half-dozen popular books on dogs and dog behavior, has reviewed numerous studies to conclude that dogs have the ability to solve complex problems and are more like humans and other higher primates than previously thought.

"We all want insight into how our furry companions think, and we want to understand the silly, quirky and apparently irrational behaviors [that] Lassie or Rover demonstrate," Coren said in an interview. "Their stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity are reminders that they may not be Einsteins but are sure closer to humans than we thought."

According to several behavioral measures, Coren says dogs' mental abilities are close to a human child age 2 to 2.5 years.

The intelligence of various types of dogs does differ and the dog's breed determines some of these differences, Coren says. "There are three types of dog intelligence: instinctive (what the dog is bred to do), adaptive (how well the dog learns from its environment to solve problems) and working and obedience (the equivalent of 'school learning')."

Data from 208 dog obedience judges from the United States and Canada showed the differences in working and obedience intelligence of dog breeds, according to Coren. "Border collies are number one; poodles are second, followed by German shepherds. Fourth on the list is golden retrievers; fifth, dobermans; sixth, Shetland sheepdogs; and finally, Labrador retrievers," said Coren.

As for language, the average dog can learn 165 words, including signals, and the "super dogs" (those in the top 20 percent of dog intelligence) can learn 250 words, Coren says. "The upper limit of dogs' ability to learn language is partly based on a study of a border collie named Rico who showed knowledge of 200 spoken words and demonstrated 'fast-track learning,' which scientists believed to be found only in humans and language learning apes," Coren said.

Dogs can also count up to four or five, said Coren. And they have a basic understanding of arithmetic and will notice errors in simple computations, such as 1+1=1 or 1+1=3.

Four studies he examined looked how dogs solve spatial problems by modeling human or other dogs' behavior using a barrier type problem. Through observation, Coren said, dogs can learn the location of valued items (treats), better routes in the environment (the fastest way to a favorite chair), how to operate mechanisms (such as latches and simple machines) and the meaning of words and symbolic concepts (sometimes by simply listening to people speak and watching their actions).

During play, dogs are capable of deliberately trying to deceive other dogs and people in order to get rewards, said Coren. "And they are nearly as successful in deceiving humans as humans are in deceiving dogs."

Invited Address: "How Dogs Think," Stanley Coren, PhD, University of British Columbia, Session: 3282.

Source: Pam Willenz American Psychological Association

From: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160242.php

Chess Player

A man went to visit a friend and was amazed to find him playing chess with his dog. He watched the game in astonishment for a while. "I can hardly believe my eyes!" he exclaimed. "That's the smartest dog I've ever seen.""Nah, he's not so smart," the friend replied. "I've beaten him three games out of five."

$5,000 Give-Away from Tiday Cat

Just because you own more that one cat should not mean that anyone should question your sanity. Right now, running until September 11, TIDY CAT is sponsoring a campaign to end cattiness.

Tidy Cat found that 88 percent of multiple cat owners credit their cats with making their lives more fulfilling and rewarding. And, while that 62 percent hang the ‘crazy cat lady’ moniker on multi-cat owners, people who own more than one cat have very different perceptions of themselves and their homes.



According to the survey, multiple cat owners describe themselves as being caring and loving (96 percent), generous (90 percent), well adjusted and fulfilled (87 percent). And, nearly nine in ten cat owners (87%) say their cats do not prevent them from keeping their home clean and odor-free. (No word on what their visitors think).

Multiple cat owners can enter the Tidy Cats Campaign to End Cattiness contest . You’re invited to share your purrsonal stories of how you “enjoy more life and less worry at home” with your multiple cats.

The Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000, a one-year supply of Tidy Cats® Scoop brand cat litter, and the opportunity to be featured in a Tidy Cats Cribs Webisode. For complete contest rules, visit tidycats.com/EndCattiness.

Quote of the Day

If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. ~Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Tribe, letter to President Franklin Pierce

Dogs Will Eat the Darndest Things

Dog Thwarted in Effort to Kill Self by Eating Fake Breast
Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM 08/02/09 www.dogster.com

Dogs eat the strangest things. Last night at the emergency hospital a nurse carried a five-year-old Terrier cross into the treatment room. She advised me matter-of-factly that the dog had consumed a fake breast three hours earlier.To prove her point, she showed me the box that the clients wisely decided to bring with their dog. One end of it was chewed. Inside was a plastic tray with two slots. One was empty. In the other slot was a stick-on silicone falsie, size B. Evidently the dog had eaten one and found himself sated.

I evaluated the piece of silicone, coated in polyurethane, that the dog had not consumed. Although it was non-toxic, there was little doubt that the other half of the pair ultimately would lodge in the intestines. The dog only weighed 15 pounds. Size B was too much for this guy to handle.

Three hours had passed since the dog’s indiscretion. If the breast was still in the dog’s stomach, it might be possible to eliminate it by making him vomit. However, if the fake breast had already passed into the intestines, then the dog would require surgery. In that case making him vomit would be pointless. After three hours, either was possible.I considered the option of taking an X-ray to see if the breast’s location could be determined. But a technician took a sample X-ray of the non-ingested breast and it turned out to be invisible. X-rays would be useless in this case.
I decided that the best course of action would be to make the dog vomit. But first I would need to talk to the clients. Keeping a straight face during the encounter would not be easy.
One of the nurses offered a helpful suggestion. “Only look at her from the neck up.”
I entered the exam room where a bemused looking couple was waiting. I did my best to maintain eye contact.

We discussed the risks and benefits of inducing emesis in order to eliminate the, er, product from the dog’s digestive tract. The clients authorized the procedure.

I prefer to make dogs vomit by giving an intravenous injection of a drug called apomorphine. I am aware of only one use for the medicine. It causes vomiting. I do not understand why many bottles of the drug contain a warning that it may be habit forming. While a nurse drew up the medication I offered the dog some canned food. Filling a dog’s stomach with food before he vomits causes the vomiting to be more productive. It is like priming a pump.I, for one, would be too nervous to eat low-quality food in my doctor’s office. But the sort of dog who is silly enough to eat a fake breast generally doesn’t let such trivialities stand in the way of gluttony. Although he lost his appetite for fake breasts after one, he had saved room for a half can of junk food.
The nurses mainlined the apomorphine. In the course of 30 seconds, the dog transitioned from a happy, tail-wagging, breast eating, goofy mutt to a visibly nauseated creature. He retched and regurgitated a small amount of dog food. He then recovered.

This would not do. For this problem, the dog would have to go through gut wrenching, side splitting, eye popping vomiting. He had brought this upon himself. He needed more apomorphine.The nurses gave another injection of the medicine. This time the floodgates opened. The dog vomited copious dog food, a moderate amount of grass, several small twigs, an ear plug, some yarn, and a fake breast, size B.

45 minutes later the dog was ready to go home.

I had to ask.“Do you want the other, uh, product back?”

The clients graciously declined.

Ten Tips for Preventing Pet Behavior Problems

1. Set rules immediately and stick to them.

2. Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior.

3. Observe the pet and provide what it needs to be cared for and attended to.

4. Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided individual attention and training, and restrict the pet's access to a limited area of the house until training is complete.

5. Encourage good behavior with praise and attention.

6. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives. (A toy for a slipper, scratching post for the sofa.)

7. Never physically punish or force compliance to commands. This may lead to fear biting or aggression.

8. Don't play rough or encourage aggression or play biting.

9. Expose pets to people, animals, and environments where you want them to live.

10. See your veterinarian if serious or unresolved behavior problemsexist.

Back to School

This is a great t-shirt for any kid who may need proof of their homework excuse. It's on sale at threadless just in time for back to school.

Thankful Paws

Thankful Paws owners, Jody Cohen and Terry Lanphear are deeply committed to helping hearing and vision impaired dogs with their Deaf and Blind Dog Collar Covers, bandanas, and coats. Jody's Great Dane, Aspen, is deaf as well as vision impaired. She feels that, "Should a deaf and blind dog find themselves on the run, the collar cover alerts the public that "calling" the dog to them, or "motioning" to them, many not always work. It is also a wonderful educational took which allows owners of dogs who are deaf or blind to discuss canine deafness and blindness with the public. Deaf and blind dogs can learn commands via hand and touch signals and many people are amazed to learn that deaf and blind dogs can adapt well to their environment.

To find out more, or to purchase click on this link.

There are many other products, including some for dogs who are shy.

Quote of the Day

Ever consider what pets must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul - chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth! ~Anne Tyler

Pet Furniture on the Cheap (and Creative!)

Now that IKEA has hit Salt Lake, we have more pet furniture options than ever before. Don't believe me? Check out some of the furniture "hacks" we found from ikeahacker.blogspot.com. These are ingenious...and really got our imaginations going! All of these pictures are from common - and fairly inexensive - IKEA products.

Shelving systems turned cat trees for these lucky climbers.

A DOLL bed with an added cushion made the perfect perch for this sweet kitty.

A raised bowl for the tall dogs; a protected bowl for the small dogs. Perfect!

This one is awesome. Can you guess the secret it's hiding?

Yep, a whole litter box! Goodbye visual clutter. You can't see it very well in this picture, but they have cut a small cat-size hole in the partition for easy access for the cat. Yes, your cat would have to be willing to do it's thing in a confined space, but if s/he will, what a great litter box solution!

For more fun ideas, check out this direct link: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/search/label/pet%20furniture

Vacation Pet Tag

If you take your pet on vacation this summer, add a tag like this one to her collar. That way, if she strays, people will be able to reach you.

Print your contact information on card stock. Using a 2-inch circular craft punch or scissors, cut out card stock and 2 pieces of clear self-adhesive shelf liner. Sandwich paper between pieces of liner. Punch a hole for a key ring to attach to a collar.

From Martha Stewart Living

Safe Summer Procedures

Even though summer is nearing an end, we would like to remind you that it is still hot outside, which can cause safety hazards for you pet. Here are some good tips to help your furry friends comfortably enjoy the rest of the season.

Transportation:

Never leave your pet in an unattended car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows slightly open.

When you bring your pet along on a car ride, use a pet safety harness. If an accident were to occur, a pet safety harness can ensure that every passenger is protected.

If your dog must ride in the back of a pick-up truck, make sure that he or she is in a crate that is secured to the bed of the truck. If you were to suddenly hit the brakes, swerve or be hit by a car, it could result in serious injury not only to your pet, but to other drivers.

Wellness:

Make sure that your pet is protected from heartworm. Dogs and cats are at higher risk of contracting heartworm during the summer because there is an increase of mosquitoes, which transfer the disease. Contact your veterinarian in order to determine the best schedule for heartworm testing and preventive medication for your pet.

Protect your pet from the heat by providing him/her with large amounts of fresh water and keeping them indoors with you and providing plenty of shade when they are spending time outdoors. On hot days, limit your pet's exercise to the early morning or evening hours. Also, keep in mind that the hot asphalt can burn your pet's paws.

Precautions:

Learn to identify the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet does become overheated, immediately lower his/her body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water over his/her body, and giving small amounts of water or ice cubes.

Make sure that your pet is always wearing a collar with an updated identification tag.