I'm moving my blog!

You will have to bear with me as I get this all figured out, but I am moving this blog and eventually this one will poof away into cyberspace.

You can find me now at http://www.staceyssnippets.com


Hope to see you there!

Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2009

After my last posting about the deadly combination of ADHD medication and cats, I wondered what other items in my home might present a danger to our pets. Here is a list compiled by the ASPCA

Human Medications

For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, and 2009 was no exception. Last year, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it’s essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.

Insecticides

In our effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, we often unwittingly put our furry friends at risk. In 2009, our toxicologists fielded 29,020 calls related to insecticides. One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products—such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.

People Food

People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can seriously disable our furry friends, and accounted for more than 17,453 cases in 2009. One of the worst offenders—chocolate—contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.

Plants

Common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to APCC in 2009. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.

Veterinary Medications

Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents. In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.

Rodenticides

Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or kidney damage. 

Household Cleaners

Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

Heavy Metals

It’s not too much loud music that constitutes our next pet poison offender. Instead, it’s heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, which accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.

Garden Products

It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer and garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded 2,329 calls related to fertilizer exposure, which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.

Chemical Hazards

In 2009, the ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards—found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals—form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.



Prevention is really key to avoiding accidental exposure, but if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

ADHD Medication and Your Cat

Ryan came home from 8th grade last week and said a classmate had been expelled for handing out his ADHD medication at school. Two classmates were suspended for taking the medication. Then I saw this article about cats and ADHD medication and it just seemed like fate that I share it. (the article, not the med... none of that at our house!)

If you were hoping to read this post for ways to calm down a hyper cat, I'm sorry to disappoint you.  It is a longer one, but well worth it if you have a cat and someone taking ADHD medication in your household. You will see that they aren't a good combination. 

You can read the entire article at ScienceNews

Cats attracted to ADHD drug, a feline poison 

But it's far from the only human medicine that imperils companion animals in the United States.

 

By Janet Raloff

Web edition : Thursday, March 11th, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY Since 2004, drugs designed for use by people have been the leading source of poisonings among companion animals, according to the national Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Ill. And among cats, Adderall – a combination of mixed amphetamine salts used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – has quickly risen to become one of the most common and dangerous of these pharmaceutical threats.

Or so reported Aiyasami Salem Sreenivasan of the poison control center and his colleagues, this week, here at the Society of Toxicology annual meeting.

In the United States, Adderall is currently “the most widely prescribed medicine for ADHD in children, with almost 23 percent market share,” Salem Sreenivasan notes. This probably explains, he says, why the incidence of accidental consumption by pets has also been steadily rising.

But what really sets this drug apart as a veterinary risk is that unlike most human meds, Adderall apparently appeals to the finicky feline palate, explains Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, a board certified veterinary toxicologist who encountered the problem while working at the poison control center. She and Salem Sreenivasan described 152 cases of feline intoxication with the drug that had been called into the center between January 2002 and June 2009. Almost 80 percent of these involved Adderall XR, the drug’s extended release formulation.

That number may not sound that high, but Gwaltney-Brant points out that this is the tip of the proverbial iceberg because “we are won’t hear about all of the cases.”

Most poisonings cases that the ASPCA's center learns about involve dogs, Gwaltney-Brant says, because they’re fairly indiscriminate about what they’ll eat. Not cats. Out of curiosity, they might sample a pill or capsule – but seldom finish it, she says. As soon as they bite in and discover its bland or even objectionable flavor, they tend to walk away.

Except when it comes to Adderall XR. Cats not only bite in but readily finish every bit. This suggests, she says, that there’s something about it that cats find unusually enticing.

And that’s bad, because a single 20 milligram capsule could kill the average size cat.

Why would doctors provide amphetamines – uppers, in the vernacular – to help settle down hyperactive kids? It does sound a bit counterintuitive, Gwaltney-Brant acknowledges. But at low doses, at least in animals, these central-nervous-system stimulants can actually have a calming effect, she notes. Unfortunately, the amounts prescribed to people – even youngsters – do not constitute low doses for a 7- to 15-pound puss.

Owners may initially discover a cat’s intoxication by its distressed vocalizing. Then they may pick up on its anxiety, agitation, pacing, disorientation – even tremors. Cats can quickly become overheated and unusually disturbed by any type of sensory stimulation – sound, light, even physical touch. Vets will typically notice the poisoned pet’s excessively rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure.

With quick, aggressive treatment, many cats recover, Salem Sreenivasan says. If an owner calls in the problem before symptoms develop (usually that means within 30 minutes), he or she will be instructed to induce vomiting to bring up the drug. “And then take the cat to the vet,” he says, because with the extended release formulation, controlled-release beads in each capsule could elicit a second wave of intoxication within several hours. In some cases, a vet will administer activated carbon to sop up and hold the drug until it’s excreted. And this treatment may need to be repeated if significant symptoms develop within the next 8 hours, he notes.

If a cat comes in with symptoms of amphetamine poisoning, the docs will have to begin a more aggressive treatment, starting with sedatives (to control agitation and possible seizures), a cooling bath, and possibly medication to block one of the three neurotransmitters (serotonin) whose activity is enhanced by Adderall.

Currently, Salem Sreenivasan points out, the poison control center has data on how only 19 of the 152 cases fared. Three cats were treated before they developed any symptoms. Fifteen more symptomatic cats were treated and recovered. One died.

Why report this at SOT? “There’s almost no information about amphetamines in cats out there in the [scientific] literature,” Gwaltney-Brant says. Reporting the data in this venue also highlights the role of the poison control center, she says. “We have 30 years worth of [toxicology] data available,” but no time to write most of it up. Presenting a glimpse of what the center has learned about this drug could advertise what other information might be mined by toxicologists interested in companion-animal poisonings.


Right now, Adderall is probably one of the top three human drugs that the poison control center gets calls about for cats, Gwaltney-Brant says. But add in the crisis queries for dogs – about 80 percent of those overall – and the picture changes. For them, she says, “Ibuprofen is the number one call we get, because that’s what dogs get into most.”

It can cause kidney failure and ulcers in the digestive tract. “And unlike Adderall, where cats will develop symptoms within hours, ibuprofen’s damage can take two to three days before it becomes clinically apparent,” she notes. “So if we wait for symptoms, some pretty bad stuff may already have occurred.”

So how much would it take to kill a dog or cat? “For anything under 10 pounds, perhaps as little as a single 200 milligram pill,” she says. Of course, she adds, unlike cats, dogs seldom stop at a single pill. If they get access to a bottle with a 100 or more, she says, dogs will eat them all.

Naproxen, another pain reliever, is even more toxic to dogs and cats, she says. “So just one tablet in a smallish dog could be potentially life threatening.”

Anyone can get help diagnosing a potential poisoning threat from the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Most consultations – and it provides an average of 140,000 each year – will come with a $65 fee.

Thought we lost the cat tonight

Not lost, like in the Rainbow Bridge forever kind of lost. But lost in the sense that he didn't come to the door when we came home, couldn't find him anywhere, and calling his name didn't produce any results. (small disclaimer...not really sure he knows his name yet).

This was the first time since having Harley that we just didn't know where he was. Since it was also the first nice Spring day with windows and doors open, I could just envision him slipping out. I mean, if he doesn't know his own  name yet, how could I have any faith at all that he would know his way home?

Crisis averted. Apparently Harley and Xena must have had a day of rough play, and finally Harley had enough. He finally came out of his hiding spot (inside the couch). Whew. This whole cat ownership thing is new. They aren't really like dogs now, are they?

And, for anyone reading this that is concerned that Xena was being hard on Harley...they are even. Harley just got a hold of something of Xena's (I'm thinking right front leg). I heard a loud yelp from Xena and she took a couple of tentative steps towards me while keeping an eye on the cat. So...I think the score is pretty even right now. I'll let you know if that changes..

Games Pets Play

What games do your pets play "with" you?  Or....what do they do to torture you on purpose?

Came downstairs this morning to find a small lake (ok...it was a puddle) near the dog food bowl.. Water dish was overturned.  Cleaned it up and didn't think more about it.

Drove Ryan to school. Came home to find a small lake (ok...it was a puddle) near the dog food bowl. Water dies was overturned. Now there are teeny tiny paw prints leading away from it.  Cleaned it up, but definitely gave it some thought.

Asked Roy to check the water dish when he got home for lunch. (ok, small side note. In addition to the fact that I didn't want standing water on the laminate floors, due to the nature of the medication Xena takes for her Addison's Disease, she needs free access to water).  Roy found the water dish overturned.

Harley wasn't quite sneaky enough this time, as Roy witnessed him slapping the bowl with his paw, stepping in the water, shaking his paw, and walking away.  Same water dish, same puddle when I got home from work.

So...is Harley trying to tell us something? He has never messed with the dish before, and actually hasn't liked the few times I have seen him get wet. Is he just messing with us?

If this continues, I'm going to have to invest in a cat fountain. I think the base is big enough to keep it from tipping. OR...it will allow an entire liter of water to hit the floor. That remains to be seen.

What games do your pets play "with" you?  Or....what do they do to torture you on purpose?  Would love to read your comments!

Nature's Variety expands Recall

Important Food Safety Update

Nature's Variety News - March 8, 2010

Dear Friends,



Today Nature’s Variety is announcing that out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula products with a “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11.



Nature’s Variety has received new test results from an outside facility that indicate that Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with the "Best If Used By" date of 10/29/10 and Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with the "Best If Used By" date of 11/9/10 may be contaminated with Salmonella. Therefore, we are voluntarily recalling these date codes of product from the marketplace. Also, out of an abundance of caution, we are expanding our voluntary recall to include all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with any "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11. We believe taking this action is an important and responsible step in order to reinforce your confidence and trust.



No other Raw Frozen Diets are involved in this expansion other than chicken, and no other Nature’s Variety products are involved.



The products included in this expanded recall are any Chicken Formula or Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with a "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11, including:



UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions

UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties

UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs

UPC#7 69949 50121 3 – Chicken Formula 12 lb retail display case of chubs

UPC#7 69949 60137 1 – Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions

UPC#7 69949 60127 2 – Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties

The "Best If Used By" date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions.



If you have purchased one of the affected products, please return the unopened product to your local retail store to receive a complete refund, or to exchange it for another variety. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a complete refund or replacement.



As you may know, Nature’s Variety now uses High Pressure Pasteurization on our Raw Frozen Diets as a unique process to kill pathogenic bacteria through high-pressure, water-based technology. Having incorporated this state-of-the-art technology on our Freeze Dried Raw products in late 2009, we were able to confidently implement the process universally on all Raw Frozen Diets after the February 11, 2010 recall in order to further enhance food safety. Nature’s Variety also utilizes a test and hold protocol to ensure that all High Pressure Pasteurized Raw Frozen Diets test negative for harmful bacteria before being released for sale.



We believe replacing all raw frozen chicken products on the market with new raw frozen chicken products that use High Pressure Pasteurization is an important and responsible step in order to reinforce your confidence and trust. By recalling all raw frozen chicken products with "Best If Used By" dates on or before 2/5/11, we can provide our pet parents with new raw frozen chicken products that have been processed through High Pressure Pasteurization. Adopting High Pressure Pasteurization is an important step to ensure that our products meet the strictest quality and food safety standards."



Our commitment to you and your pets in the future is the same as it’s been in the past – to offer Raw Frozen Diets made from the highest quality ingredients, made in our own plant in the Midwest, by people who care deeply about pet nutrition, health, and happiness.



For more inforamtion about the expanded recall, please read our FAQ document.



We also offer the following resources if you're interested in learning more about High Pressure Pasteurization and our Food Safety Protocols:



High Pressure Pasteurization Q&A document

Quality & Food Safety protocols explained under "Learn About Raw" in the Learning Center

High Pressure Pasteurization in the "Safety & Quality" section of our online FAQs

If you have additional questions, please call our dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142. For additional information about High Pressure Pasteurization or other Nature’s Variety food safety protocols, please read the Q&A below or visit www.naturesvariety.com.



Thank you for your loyalty and trust.



Warmly,



Reed Howlett

CEO, Nature's Variety

Dogs Helping People

I spent a wonderful Saturday at the "I Love My Dog" Expo held in Lincoln. This event was conducted by the Domesti-Pups organization, a volunteer-based organization that strives to improve the quality of life for persons with special needs through the assistance of animals and to provide awareness through education. They provide service dogs for persons with disabilities, pet therapy programs, classroom dogs and educational programs. What a great group!

I want to thank everyone who stopped by our Petlane booth. I was amazed at the number of people AND dogs that attended the event, and I'm already looking forward to next year! Mindy and I kept busy and were tired by the end of the day, but it was well worth it. Here are a few pictures from the day...

 

It was nice to have so much room at the event!

A lot of the dogs were showing off their best looks. Here are a few examples!

                                                                               

There were bandanas and leis            

Sweaters were a popular option

 

  

  

And some chose not to mess with clothes at all, going instead for the fancy hair-do!

There were fuzzy dogs

Tiny dogs

And dogs traveling in style

 

  

And lots of dogs with great faces

  

  

But by the end of the day, all dogs had one thing in common. They were tired dogs!

Does your dog or cat brush twice a day?

How about flossing? Ok. I will admit it. I don't brush Xena or Harley's teeth.  I know lots of people who do brush their pet's teeth but I'm just not there yet.

February is Pet Dental Health Month. Pets are susceptible to dental problems just like us human. In fact, the American Veterinarian Dental Society reports that over 70% of pets show signs of dental disease by the time they are 3. Besides the obvious bad doggy breath (or kitty breath, I suppose), dental disease can lead to harmful bacteria in the bloodstream that can result in damage to vital organs.

In honor of Pet Dental Health Month, I'm offering a 10% discount to anyone who places an order for any of Petlane's dental care products. (The only catch is that you need to email or call me to place the order so I can get you the discount)

Plaque and Tartar Control is a colorless, odorless liquid. Just add it to your dog or cat's waterbowl and it will help prevent the buildup of the plaque and tartar that can cause so many problems.   

Our Breath-A-Licious treats contain 5 natural breath freshening herbs; peppermint, parsley, chlorophyll, fennel and dill, herbs that will knock out bad breath as well as aid in digestion, alleviate gas and soothe upset stomachs. Available in three sizes. Small (10 per pack): recommended for dogs up to 30 lbs; Medium (6 per pack): recommended for dogs 35 lbs; Large (6 per pack): recommended for dogs 50 lbs and up.




We also have a large variety of bones for dogs (and hey, my cat likes them too!)  These will also assist in removing plaque and tartar from teeth. If it goes in your pet's mouth, I'll give you the discount in February!

Nebraska-based pet food recall

Lincoln-based Nature's Variety is voluntarily recalling packages of its chicken-flavored pet food over concerns of salmonella contamination.

The company says in a statement issued Thursday that no pets or humans have been sickened:

Dear Nature’s Variety Customers,
We want to inform you that Nature’s Variety has initiated a voluntary recall of our Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with the “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.The only products affected are limited to chicken medallions, patties, and chubs with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10.This includes:

• 3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10
• 6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10
• 2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10

Look for the “Best If Used By” date on the back of the package directly above the handling instructions.
Please be assured, no human or pet illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.  Also, no other Nature’s Variety products are affected by this issue. 
If you have purchased a bag of Nature’s Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet (medallions, patties, or chubs) with the “Best if Used By” date of 11/10/10, we ask that you take one of the following steps.

• If your package has not been opened, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement.
• If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

We truly appreciate your cooperation, and we apologize for any inconvenience that this matter may have caused for you.

What are you feeding your pets?

 
I'll admit it.  Before I became an advisor with Petlane, I purchased any random dog food on the shelf at the store. Sure, I made myself feel better by getting something with "Select" in the title, but I really didn't do any research on what I was feeding my dog.  Now I know better.

But, after chatting with a friend on Facebook last night, I realized that not everyone has this information. She mentioned that her dog had been scratching alot and that they thought it was allergy-related. When I found out that she was feeding her dog a lower quality food I realized that could be the problem. Now, I'm not saying everyone has to go out and buy Petlane's Pure Woof or Pure Purr foods (although it would be great if they did!), but as consumers we should be aware of what to look for. So, thanks to some training material I have received, this is what you should keep in mind when shopping for pet food.

When Buying Pet Food:

1. A high-quality protein should be in the first five ingredients. This does NOT include by-products (and if you really want to know what that is, I'm happy to tell you)
2. Look for high quality carbohydrates. Avoid "flours" as they are processed. 
3. Healthy fats are good. Generic fats are bad. Animal fat as an ingredient? What animal? Blech.
4. Vitamins are good for pets too!
5. Artificial preservatives?  Sure....if you want your pet eating chemicals.

Take a look at the first five ingredients when you are shopping for pet food. They make up the bulk of the ingredients and will give you a good picture of the nutritional value.

If you would like to see how your food compares to our Pure Woof and Pure Pure, please contact me and I will try to get a comparison for you.

How to pill a cat

I have to admit that I was sent this through the Addison's Dog Yahoo Group I belong to, so I can't take credit for it, nor do I know who the author is. But it is too funny not to share.

Pick up cat and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby.
Position right forefinger and thumb on each side of cat's mouth and gently apply
pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop
pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat gently in left arm
and repeat process.

Retrieve cat from bedroom, pick up and throw soggy pill away.

Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly
with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right
forefinger. Hold mouth shut for count of ten.

Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse in
from garden.
Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws.
Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand
while forcing wooden ruler into cat's mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's
throat vigorously.

Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill out of foil wrap. Make note to
buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep up shattered figurines and
vases from hearth and set on one side for gluing later.

Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from
below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with a pencil
and blow into drinking straw.

Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to
take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet
with cold water and soap.

Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and
close door just enough so that head is showing. Force mouth open with dessert
spoon. Flick pill down throat with plastic band.

Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Apply cold
compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Throw t-shirt
away and fetch new one from bedroom.

Call fire department to retrieve cat from tree across road. Apologize to
neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from
foil wrap.

Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of
dining table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth
followed by a large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints
of water down throat to wash pill down.

Get someone to drive you to emergency room. Sit quietly while doctor stitches
fingers and forearms and removes pill from right eye. Call furniture shop on way
home and order new dining table.

Arrange for ASPCA to collect cat and contact local pet shop to see if they have
any hamsters.

Giving medicine to your dog

I was talking with a co-worker the other day and he mentioned that his dog was prescribed antibiotics to take for a week. He was on day two and wondering how they both would survive since getting his dog to open up and obediently swallow the medicine was NOT happening. With Xena every morning, she knows that before I leave for work she gets a piece (or two) of ham. What I don't think she has figured out is that the ham contains her dose of prednisone. She is on a very small dose, and it is a VERY small pill, so this works for us. My co-worker's dog wasn't going to be fooled by that trick though, as her pill was considerably bigger. Peanut butter (another great trick) was also a bomb. Another option is to check with the vet to see if the meds may be crushed with no ill effects. They can then be added to food or a tasty treat, but you have to make sure all is ingested.

I encouraged him to check out Pill Pockets. I don't sell them, I'm not making money by mentioning them. But they work!  They come in two sizes...one for tablets and one for capsules. They are stinky and squishy.  You stick the pill in them and squeeze the end to seal it inside. Fido will never even know (kind of like putting carrots in cupcakes for kids that won't eat veggies.  They can be found at almost anyplace that sells pet products, and they look like this:

And now for a little brag! In addition to the daily prednisone pill, Xena gets an injection of a medicine once a month. Last night was the first time I did it myself at home, rather than having to drag her to the vet. Normally she doesn't even seem to notice when she gets her shot. She did turn around and look at me last night, as if to say "hey!  what the heck?!".   I'm telling myself that it wasn't because I was any less gentle than the pros, but that she just wasn't expecting it since we were on home turf. 27 more days till I have to try again!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the sequel to this posting. How to pill a cat....it's a good one!

Declawing -- No big deal or animal cruelty?

When we adopted Harley over the holidays it was a no-brainer that we would get him neutered. However, the issue of whether or not to have him de-clawed was another matter.  Before I became an Advisor for Petlane I wouldn't have given de-clawing another thought...I would have scheduled the surgery and been done with it.  However, I know that Petlane had donated money to a group that assisted animals who had been harmed by the procedure, and we have had discussions during training calls on alternatives to the procedure. Clearly I needed to give this a further look.

Our reasons for choosing to declaw were of benefit to the humans in our family. With my cat allergy (which is getting better by the way), scratches became welts that itched. Family and friends warned that our furniture would be ruined. Carpets would be destroyed. Was that enough?

But what are the cons of having a cat de-clawed. Well, when I hear that term I picture the removal of claws. Kind of like an extreme version of fingernail clipping. Then I learned that it is the equivalent of removing up to the first knuckle on our fingers. Not a fingernail trimming at all...but an amputation. There are some schools of thoughts that the procedure can cause behavioral changes, make cats more prone to biting, and cause problems with litter box usage. (of course, to be fair, there are just as many people to say those things never happen).

Harley has his claws and will keep them. Yes, I will need to figure out the best way to trim his nails on a regular basis. Yes, I will need to buy a new Yoga mat at some point as my current one is his favorite scratching spot. I may even need to invest in a scratching post at some point. But I won't have to worry that our cuddly kitten who loves to be  held may become aloof. I don't need to worry that he will start biting. I don't have to worry that he may become maimed in an elective surgery gone wrong (or worse, after all every time under anesthesia presents its own risks).  Will I glare at people who choose differently from me, or stand on a soapbox and preach the evils of the procedure? No, this is all the preachng you get. Just keep in mind the pros and cons, and then make the best decision for you AND your cat!

Plastic Surgery for Pets?

Tummy tucks for Tinkerbell?  Fanny lifts for Fido? Is plastic surgery for pets the new wave of the future?

More pets are getting nipped and tucked.  According to an article on msnbc.com, some Hollywood-area veterinarians have received requests for just a little work on the family pet to spruce things up a bit. Dr. Alan Schulman, a board-certified orthopedic veterinary surgeon who has been dubbed "Veterinarian to the Stars" says that elective procedures are on the increase, although he indicates that he refuses to complete procedures that are purely cosmetic.

The article proceeds to list several procedures that some may consider "plastic surgery" while others say they are medically necessary.  You be the judge!

Skin-fold issues in a variety of breeds, such as bulldogs with a wrinkle over their nose, can lead to bacterial infections. Hmm....wrinkle free bulldogs?

Nose jobs in breeds like pugs, bulldogs and Boston terriers are done to alleviate breathing problems.

Eyelifts may be needed in breeds that tend to have congenital problems with their eyelids.

Chin lifts?  Yes...that can curb the excessive drooling in big dogs like Newfoundlands and Mastiffs. Ok. What would the movie "Beethoven" been without the copious amounts of drool?

Let's not forget orthodontia. I will be the first to say that dental care is important to both cats and dogs. It helps prevent periodonatal diseases that can lead to more serious health issues. And if a tooth has a cavity or is broken/cracked?  Sure...fix it or, more likely, pull it. But braces for dogs?  They are out there!

picture compliments of Dental braces for dogs

I won't deny that each of the above procedures has some validity as far as medical concerns go. But neuticals? (Fake testicles for your neutered pet).  Eye implants? I guess it is up to each owner to determine how much cash they want to spend on procedures that are purely cosmetic.

Exercise and Your Pets

I wish I can say Xena (dog) and Harley (cat) are resting after a vigorous round of exercise. No such luck. However, as a responsible pet parent I really need to do a better job of making sure they aren't turning into couch potatoes.

For both cats and dogs, 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended. Some people may thing dogs are easier. Throw a leash on them and head for a walk.  Take a trip to the dog park. Or, as is usually the case at our house, put them out in the fenced back yard and let them run around. Xena has discovered the miracle of snow drifts this week, and three times has been found in the neighbor's yard after merely walking over the drift. So, our "normal" routine isn't working for us right now. Nor does a walk in this oh so chilly weather sound fun.

Harley, yeah...we can't get him to wear a collar without freaking out like Linda Blair in the Exorcist. There is NO WAY we are attaching the offensive device to a leash and going for a walk!  Like dogs, 30 minutes of daily exercise is best. (Petlane recommends three 10-minute intervals throughout the day). So, what can we do? 

In our house, Xena and Harley spend AT LEAST 30 minutes each day chasing each other up and down stairs to protect "their turf". That helps. Xena loves to play fetch. Well....at least the going to get the ball part; she isn't always so great about bringing it back.  Harley will chase a ball of foil for hours. Just like with little kids, they think they are just playing. Shhh....it is good for them!

Exercise reduces obesity which lessens the chances of diabetes. A healthy weight is better on your pet's joints. In a nutshell, being overweight can cause animals as many problems as humans.

Post your comment on your favorite way to exercise your pet when the weather isn't fit for man or beast. Any suggestions are welcomed!

Girl Scouts help Homeless Pets

I am a co-leader, along with 3 other wonderful moms, of a Junior Girl Scout troop. The highest award a Junior Girl Scout (4th and 5th graders) can earn is the Bronze Award. In addition to several pre-requisites, the girls have to complete 15 service hours each to receive the award.

Our 5th grade girls wanted to help pets. They decided they wanted to donate items to a local shelter, and then the fun began!  They attended a local pet adoption event this fall and talked with several rescue groups and shelters. There they decided they wanted to assist the Town and Country Humane Society. They had to complete two badges related to the project and all earned their "Pet Care" and "Wildlife" badges. They each earned their Junior Aide award by assisting with Daisies and Brownies in our troop. They also earned a Sign of the Star patch by completing various activities.  All of this was required BEFORE they could start working on the actual service project!

A few weeks ago we got the girls together and made homemade dog and cat treats. Everyone was amazed that we made over 500 treats for well under $20.

     Salmon treats are stinky!

Everyone took turns

Today the Juniors met with several of our younger girls to complete more of their hours. We created fleece blankets, rag rugs, dog tug toys, and happy socks (socks with stuffing and catnip). It was wonderful to see everyone working together, and amazing at how many items we could create with some donated items. We are helping the animals AND recycling!

One group worked on fleece blankets (made in several sizes)

Some cut strips for rag rugs...

And others made "happy socks"

The girls each have about 4 hours of work to complete their projects. With our luck, Claire was sick and unable to attend today so we will be doing some work at home. Next, we will apply for our Bronze Award, and hope that the girls will be presented with them at a ceremony in June. It is so rewarding to see them get involved in the community!

Living with a pet and pet allergies

Harley has been a great addition to our family, other than the fact that the warmth of my laptop seems to be a definite attraction, which makes typing a little difficult...

Harley wants to blog too!

Other than his tendency to hog the computer, Harley has one other little "issue" that I am learning to deal with. He makes me sneeze. And sniffle. And itch my eyes (ok...I know it is scratch my eyes, but that sounded too violent).

Who knew that a tiny little scratch from a cute little kitten claw could swell up in seconds and itch for forever?  Yep, it's true!

The funniest thing about all of this? I knew before I brought the cat home that I was allergic to cats. Ask me about the time I had a Petlane booth at a cat show...with 150 frisky felines in the room. Fun stuff!

So why, oh why allow Claire to have a cat? Well, they are both just so darn adorable!  I had been told by numerous people that they "knew someone" who had built up a tolerance to the pets they were allergic to. I hoped it was true, and it actually seems to be happening. I no longer swell when scratched. I'm down to 20 sneezes or so a day, and they are usually spaced pretty evenly...10 or so in the morning and another 10 or so late at night. When I'm in bed. Where the cat sleep. Hmmm...

On to the informative stuff. How can an allergic person live with the animal that makes them suffer?  Here we go. (I'm not a doctor. This is either stuff I read somewhere, heard somewhere, or seems to be working for me)

• Zyrtec-D.  Not Zyrtec...the "D" is critical. Not sure why, but it is, and it requires the signing of the "you can track me down in case I end up cooking meth with this stuff" at the pharmacy desk, but the stuff works.

• Maintain an allergy-free zone in your house. This was supposed to be our bedroom, but if you have been paying attention you already know we failed at this one.

• Frequent bathing of the pet. I've heard this alot. Haven't tried it yet. I'm scared. (and using Harley's recent neuter as my excuse)
• Try to keep the animal away from your face, and avoid touching your face after petting the animal.

• Some people choose to begin an allergy shot routine.

• A fellow "dance mom" says she has a "witch doctor" I can visit that will de-sensitize me. Um...not at this point!

Bottom line is this. A pet is a commitment. For YEARS. Claire will grow up and go to college, and I'd bet Harley will still be hanging with Mom and Dad. So this is not a decision to take lightly. Visit houses with pets, be exposed to them, etc before making the decision to bring one into your home. Pets are like kids. You can't give them back.

So, for now....every season is the season for sneezin' at the Watson house!

Never a dull moment!

We added a new pet to our small menagerie. Ok..can I truthfully call it a menagerie when there are only two pets? Regardless, Harley joined our family on December 23rd as an early Christmas present for Claire. He is a 5 month old orange/white tabby cat that we adopted from the Humane Society. He came with the name “Ringo” but was quickly renamed because according to Claire, “he purrs like a motorcycle”.

Already having one pet with a chronic illness, we hoped our luck would be better this time around. It is…maybe. At our first well-kitty checkup it was determined that Harley has a heart murmur. It doesn’t appear to be too significant and could be something he “outgrows”. Or, it could be something we will have to address as he gets older. For now, we hope for the best and our vet will continue to monitor with regular checkups.

Xena and Harley are getting along 23 hours out of every day. That other hour can be iffy if Harley wants to play and Xena doesn’t, or vise versa. They both seem to hold their own very well though and there hasn’t been any bloodshed. Xena loves having another family member, especially one with such yummy food. I don’t think she has touched her dog food more than a handful of times, as she quite often “sneaks” the cat food. I need to do some research as I’ve heard that can be bad, but so far no ill effects for either pet.

It has been alot of fun to get out some of the cat toys from my product box and watch Harley go to town. His favorite so far is the Kitty Calisthenics. During the day he zips across the room and pounces into it, then proceeds to roll around a bit as he bats at the dangling toys within. When he has calmed down, we canoften find him laying on top of it and smooshing it down to create a sort of hammock-like bed. It is adorable!

Did I mention I’m allergic to cats?! Stay tuned for further postings on how to live with a pet you are allergic to.