All of our regular, long-time readers here at
Questions On Dogs and Cats know that Helpful Buckeye frequently uses a video of a song as a lead-in for a topic of interest. Think about a probable connection for a moment as you enjoy
Vanity Fair singing
"Hitchin' A Ride," from 1969:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIbaISxK8QYIn a column this week about blogs by Kathleen Parker, of the Washington Post Writers Group, Ms. Parker states,
"...blogs feed our need for speed. They also give an impression of human contact without the muss and fuss of actual intimacy." How do all of our readers feel about this statement? While reading each weekly issue, do you feel like you have attained "an impression of human contact" with Helpful Buckeye? If so, then our goal has been at least partially accomplished. The other important part of our goal is that each reader will take away from their weekly visit to the blog at least a few interesting ideas about dogs and cats. To read the whole column, go to:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/02/AR2008120202935.htmlIn last week's issue of
Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye added two new features that have been provided by Google (hopefully, you have already noticed them!).... These add-ons are called "Gadgets" by the folks at Google and will appear vertically down the left-hand side of the blog. The first of these is the "
Polling" capability. Helpful Buckeye will be able to offer a question from time to time to which our readers can respond, with the vote tally being displayed in real time. All you need to do is click on your response and then click "Vote." The second gadget is "
Followers, " which allows Helpful Buckeye to get a better idea of not only who is reading the blog, but also, how many readers we have. To be listed as a "Follower," simply click on "Follow This Blog," and then make the choice between Publicly and Anonymously. Publicly means you can include a picture/profile if you choose, while Anonymously means you're accounted for but retain your privacy. A special "
Thank You!" goes out to
Rosie, who was the very first "Follower" to sign in. Don't let Rosie be the last! Helpful Buckeye encourages all readers to make use of these gadgets since they will help all of us enjoy this inter-active experience. Thanks in advance! Google has also offered numerous other gadgets which we will be integrating into the blog over the next few weeks, hopefully with the idea of improving your overall enjoyment. As always, any comments and/or suggestions are very welcome at:
dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or you can post a comment by clicking on "Post a Comment" at the very end of each issue.
Putting these blog issues together each week has been a lot of fun for Helpful Buckeye. As E. B. White, American writer, best known as the author of children's books
Charlotte's Web and
Stuart Little, has said, "
I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." Hopefully, a little improvement will be added to your interest in dogs and cats, even as I am enjoying making it available. Surely, now that we are coming up on seven months of writing this blog, it has not seemed like such a toil or effort at all. Helpful Buckeye understands what Thomas Carlyle, Scottish author, meant when he once said, "
Writing is a dreadful labor, yet not so dreadful as Idleness;" however, the day that writing this blog becomes dreadful...will be the day it ceases to exist. That's a promise!
CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST1) The voting results from this week's polling question do not reflect the total number of readers of this blog, which Helpful Buckeye attributes to the newness of the offering. Perhaps not many of you even saw the question on the left-hand side of the blog. Anyway, none of those voting felt that the American Kennel Club should keep their requirements for ear cropping and tail docking (5 were opposed and 1 wasn't sure.) Let's see if more of our readers will respond to our next poll....
2) The American Veterinary Medical Association has finalized their policy statement on what should go into the make-up of a
Pet Health Insurance Plan. The AVMA endorses the concept of pet health insurance that provides coverage to help defray the cost of veterinary medical care. The AVMA recognizes that viable pet health insurance programs will be important to the future of the veterinary profession's ability to continue to provide high quality and up-to-date veterinary service. These programs should comply with the following guidelines.
Pet health insurance programs should:
- Require a veterinarian/client/patient relationship in which the veterinarian monitors health maintenance of the animal.
- Be acceptable to organized veterinary associations, individual veterinarians, insurance providers, the animal owning public, and others interested and involved in promoting the welfare and well being of animals.
- Have clearly specified protection for the animal owner. The animal insurance provider should disclose to the consumer the coverage provided which may be of most benefit in reducing the financial burdens resulting from medical problems requiring extensive veterinary medical care, as well as the option for coverage for routine and/or wellness health care.
- Allow animal owners the freedom to select a veterinarian of their choice, and allow for referrals.
- Meet the rules and regulations of the insurance commission of the state in which the insurance is sold, be readily available to the public, and provide coverage using ethical standards that are approved by the insurance industry.
- Be consistent with the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.
- Allow each veterinary facility to establish its own fee structure.
- Reimburse the animal owner, in a timely manner, for fees previously paid to the veterinarian.
- Commit to assure that animal owners are aware of how the terms and conditions of their policy will impact their coverage and reimbursement. This includes the type and amount of monetary coverage and concurrent financial obligations such as co-pay, deductible, and other risk-management charges (e.g. surcharges, exclusions) that are integral components of the insurance contract.
More about this policy statement can be found at: http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/insurance_pet_health.asp
3) The Humane Society Of The United States has launched a campaign for the adoption of shelter dogs as we head into the Holiday Season. The HSUS was thrilled to have Patti Page re-create her hit song from 1952 to bring it up-to-date with their theme. Enjoy: http://video.hsus.org/index.jsp?fr_story=95647a8c601cd7ffa0756652d0d9770fe43faaab
4) The Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is also being active for the Holidays with their advice about giving a pet as a gift:
Considering a Four-Legged Gift?
A gift certificate from your local shelter is a responsible alternative to giving a pet as a gift.
With the holidays approaching quickly and gifts already getting wrapped one present that should be carefully considered before purchasing is a dog or cat for a friend, elderly parent or a child. Animals require a lot of time and financial support, so SPCA International encourages you not to make that commitment on someone’s behalf until you know they are ready and able to be a good pet parent. The estimated annual cost for owning a dog is $2,300 and $1,100 for a cat, which includes food, visits to the veterinarian – both expected and unexpected, toys, training, grooming, and other miscellaneous expenses. This does not include the cost for damaged household furniture that the dog could chew up if they get bored or the cat decides to sharpen its claws on. You can also expect to pay an additional $800 - $1,200 in the first year for puppies and kittens due to extra vet visits for vaccinations and spay or neuter. It is important to understand all these factors before purchasing an animal, either for yourself or someone else.
After considering the factors above, if you still decide to get a dog or cat for someone other than yourself, SPCA International strongly encourages you to purchase a gift certificate from your local shelter. A gift certificate allows the new pet parent to pick out their next companion animal and find one that best suits their lifestyle.
An alternative gift idea for a friend or family member who is interested in getting a pet is an annual membership for veterinarian insurance. This helps with the costs that are associated with owning an animal and can take the unexpected additional financial costs off the owner. Shelters see an increase in animals surrendered or brought in as strays after major holidays. To help save an animal’s life this holiday, consider all factors before purchasing an animal, either for yourself or someone else and strongly consider the alternatives.
5) In addition, the SPCA has put together, with Liam Crowe, of Bark Busters USA, a list of precautions for you and your dogs for the Holiday Season:
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Tips to Help Make the Holiday Season Merry
By following a few common-sense tips, the holidays can be cheery for everyone—including the family dog. In the spirit of the coming season, we’ve compiled our Top 10 Holiday Tips to help keep dogs and their families safe and happy during the holidays.
While most of us welcome the sights, sounds, and smells of the season, holidays can also be chaotic—especially for pets. Holiday festivities can disrupt a dog’s routine and potentially present dangerous circumstances.
- 1. Avoid Christmas tree disasters. Christmas trees are a wonderful tradition, but they can lead to problems if you have a curious canine.
- a. Prevent the tree from tipping. Anchor it to the ceiling or wall.
- b. Hang non-breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree.
- c. Tinsel can be deadly when eaten. It can twist in your dog’s intestines and cause serious problems. Just don’t put it on your tree.
- d. Don’t let your dog drink the Christmas-tree water. It often contains chemicals to help the tree last longer; these chemical can cause severe indigestion in dogs.
- e. Pine needles can cause health problems. If ingested, they can puncture holes in your pet's intestines. Regularly sweep up fallen pine needles to avoid a trip to the emergency animal clinic.
- 2. Mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis are toxic. Be aware of these poisonous holiday plants and keep
your pets away from them.
- 3. Keep “blowing” snow in the globe. Many snow globes contain antifreeze, which is extremely toxic to dogs—so it’s best to keep snow globes and all antifreeze out of the reach of a happy, tail-wagging dog. If there is an antifreeze spill of any kind, send your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to make sure your dog does not lick these harmful chemicals later.
- 4. Holiday sweets are not dog treats. Candy, cookies, cakes, peppermints—and especially chocolate—can trigger life-threatening illnesses in dogs.
- 5. Make no bones about it. Cooked turkey and chicken bones are not for dogs as they can easily break and cause choking, and bone shards can get stuck in your dog’s gums. Stick with “bones” specifically designed for dogs to chew. Ask your local veterinarian for suggestions.
- 6. A relaxed dog is a good dog. Most dogs are excitable when guests arrive. Exercise your dog prior to the arrival of guests. After 30 minutes of walking or playing, most dogs will be more relaxed or ready to take a nap. As a general rule, it’s best not to allow the family dog to greet unfamiliar guests. Commotion and unusual circumstances can cause stress for dogs. Give your dog a break in a quiet room with a familiar doggie bed or blanket. Allow your canine companion to join the festivities after the initial commotion of arrival has subsided.
- 7. Keep the liquids flowing! When pets are stressed by unfamiliar circumstances, they typically pant more, so keep fresh water readily available for them to drink.
- 8. Beware of cold and snowy weather. While it might be convenient to put your dogs outside when guests arrive for holiday festivities, falling temperatures and snow can be dangerous to pets. In addition, never let your pet roam freely, as icy roads can make it hard for cars to stop if your dog wanders into the street.
- 9. Do not give pets as surprise gifts! A cute and cuddly puppy might seem the perfect gift choice, but many of these holiday presents end up at animal shelters. A dog takes a real commitment of time, and adoptive owners must be ready to participate in training and managing the responsibility of their new family member. If you know someone who’s serious about adopting a dog, consider giving a leash, collar or dog training certificate from Bark Busters, along with a note saying a dog of the recipient’s choice comes with it. This will help ensure the lucky person receives the dog he or she wants to have as part of the family.
- 10. Add your pet to your gift list. Help your dogs stay occupied and out of the holiday decorations by giving them their own gifts. The Buster Cube™ or a Kong™, for instance, are both nearly indestructible and will distract your dog for long periods of time.
Some of these suggestions echo the concerns of Matthew Margolis, from last week's issue...but a little bit of repetition might keep these things from happening, right? This is the season for all things merry—and that includes our furry friends. Following these simple tips will help make the festivities safe and happy for our canine companions, too.
DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS
1) Most of you are aware of and have probably made use of the WebMD web site. Those folks have put together a nice summary of the 6 main signs of illness you might see in your dog or cat.
Pet Health: Pay Attention to Your Pet’s Symptoms
What our sick pets can't say in words, they'll demonstrate through physical symptoms and behavior changes.
"Dogs and cats can't tell us when something hurts or doesn't feel good. But the owners that see them every day will realize when they're not just being their regular selves," says Mark Stickney, DVM, director of general surgery services at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. "Any change in your pet's behavior from what it normally does is a reason to see your veterinarian."
Pay special attention to cat health, says Julie Meadows, DVM, assistant professor for clinical medicine in community practice at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Cats are less likely to show owners that they're sick, and owners may be less attentive to them because they are more independent.
To help you know what to look for, WebMD asked several experts to provide six "red flags" that should prompt a call or visit to the veterinarian about your pet's health. And as always, if you are concerned about anything at all, reach out to your vet.
1. Vomiting or Diarrhea
Cats and dogs vomit on occasion, often without being seriously ill. "A puppy who's eating and playful and has been outside eating leaves and junk and vomits and then goes back about his life" doesn’t worry Meadows much, she says.
But a pet that vomits, especially several times in one day, acts lethargic, and lacks appetite needs a veterinarian's attention, according to experts.
Another serious pet symptom: blood in the vomit or throwing up digested blood that looks like coffee grounds. Gastric ulcers can cause bloody vomit, and so can swallowing a foreign object that irritates the stomach. Veterinarians tell WebMD that they have treated dogs and cats that have gulped down sharp bones, socks, underwear, mittens, towels, string, tinsel, corn cobs, fish hooks, and toy soldiers.
"I had a dog swallow a steak knife right off the table, like a sword swallow," says Sandra Sawchuk, DVM, clinical instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
Vomiting or diarrhea can stem from many other causes, too, including gastrointestinal illnesses or parasite infections that include hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, or giardia, Stickney says.
Blood in the stool is also a warning sign that a pet needs to see the vet.
To prevent human exposure to parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms, Meadows suggests regular de-worming of pets. That's especially important if anyone in the household has a weakened immune system, such as from HIV or AIDS, or if small children play in areas where pets defecate.
2. Lack of Appetite or Decreased Activity
These two pet symptoms are vague, but if they persist, a veterinarian should check for causes. Dogs and cats stop eating for a host of reasons, including fever, pain, or stress. "A reduced or absent appetite, especially if it lasts for more than 24 hours, is a reason to bring your animal to the veterinarian," says John Randolph, DVM, diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and professor of medicine at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Typically, cats suffer more dire consequences when they stop eating, according to Sawchuk. "A dog may be a picky little snit and doesn't eat his dinner because he's waiting for human food," she says. "With cats, you've got to be real careful because if they just even go a couple of days without eating, especially an overweight cat, they can develop fatty liver." In this potentially fatal disease, excessive accumulation of fat in the liver can cause liver failure. A cat that stops eating should see a vet promptly because fatty liver can be treated.
What about this pet symptom: the cat or dog whose energy level drops? "It's just one of those very vague things that tell us that something is not right," Sawchuk says. Many things can cause lethargy, including major problems, such as heart disease.
A pet whose lethargy can't be pinned on an obvious reason, such as from an extra-long run at the dog park, may need to visit the vet, especially if other symptoms arise, such as change in exercise tolerance, weakness, collapse or loss of consciousness.
3. Urinating More or Less Frequently
As Mitchell discovered with Monty, excessive thirst and urination might spell diabetes. But increased urination may also signal liver or kidney disease or adrenal gland disease.
With increased urination, housebroken pets might start wetting inside the house. Or a dog that usually sleeps through the night suddenly needs nocturnal bathroom trips, Meadows says. An owner might notice, too, that he or she is filling the water bowl more often.
In contrast, too little urination, or straining to urinate, often signals a urinary tract infection or bladder stones. These are urgent reasons, especially for cats, to see the vet, Meadows says. "Cats can get an accumulation of crystals in the bladder or stones in the bladder that create bladder inflammation and can cause blood in the urine." In male cats, this can plug up the urethra so that the cat can't urinate, which can become life-threatening within 24 hours.
"It's a hard thing to pick up because the only thing you might see is the cat making multiple trips to the litter box and just sitting there," Meadows says. Or cats that strain to urinate might change their habits and start urinating outside of their litter box, for example, into the sink or on bedding and furniture.
Sawchuk, who lives in Wisconsin, says that with the first snowfall, many people will report that their dogs have bloody urine. The problem may have existed for a while, but the owners didn’t notice, Sawchuk says. "And now, [the urine] is in the snow and it’s pink, so we get a lot of phone calls."
4. Coughing
"Coughing, especially if it's persistent, is one of those pet symptoms that need to be evaluated," Sawchuk says. Chronic coughing may be related to heart disease, heartworms, or lung diseases.
Or a dog may have kennel cough, an infectious tracheobronchitis that causes a harsh, hacking cough. For most dogs, kennel cough is mild -- a nuisance that goes away within two weeks, Sawchuk says. But for puppies, kennel cough can progress to fatal pneumonia.
Also, kennel cough may be more serious for dog breeds with pushed-in faces, such as boxers, bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers, Sawchuk says. Their unusual head anatomy can compromise their respiratory systems and create breathing difficulties.
If a puppy or dog with kennel cough develops more serious symptoms, such as fever, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy, or a productive cough, it may be getting pneumonia.
While any lasting cough should come to a veterinarian's attention, owners can also take protective measures by vaccinating their dogs against some of the organisms that cause kennel cough.
Owners should also tell a vet about persistent sneezing or discharge from the eyes, ears or nose. Also, "any animal that has difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or choking -- those are all reasons to seek veterinary help," Randolph says.
5. Hair Loss or Itchy Skin
Fleas, ticks, mange mites, and ear mites are common reasons for hair loss and itching on the skin or around the ears. When cats or dogs have ear mites or yeast infections, they may scratch at itching ears and have "brown, crumbly discharge in the ears," Sawchuk says.
But hair loss or itchy skin may also result from endocrine problems, staph infections, fungal or yeast infections, and a host of other causes, Sawchuk says. "We make our diagnosis by sometimes collecting samples of hair and the superficial debris on the skin," she adds, "or sometimes doing laboratory testing to look for hormonal problems or culturing if we're worried about fungal infections and things like that."
6. Stiffness, Lameness, or Difficulty With Rising
Pets that suffer stiffness, lameness, inability to bear weight on one leg, or trouble rising from the ground may have hip or spine arthritis, disc disease, ruptured ligaments, or hip dysplasia. Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, can also cause arthritis.
In hip dysplasia, the hip joint develops abnormally, leading to degenerative joint disease. Big dogs, such as German shepherds, Labradors, and golden retrievers, are more likely to be affected. "The larger dogs tend to have more problems with inherited joint problems, like hip dysplasia and shoulder and elbow dysplasia that can result in them developing arthritis as they age," Sawchuk says. "A lot of little dogs also will get arthritis, but because they tend to be carried around a little more and pampered and not asked to do the same things that large dogs are, it may not be quite as evident to the owner."
Besides pain and stiffness, arthritis can result in other nasty consequences. For example, long-haired dogs that are unable to get up may urinate on themselves and end up with maggot infestations in their fur during warm weather, Meadows says.
When a dog has trouble getting up from the ground "it's one of those things that families just accept as a sign of aging," Meadows says. But "we know dogs get arthritis in their knees, hips, and lower back, and we have so many tools to manage that and keep the quality of their life and the quality of their mobility really excellent."
Treatments range from glucosamine and NSAIDs to exercise, physical therapy, and surgery.
2) OK, now for the connection to... "Hitchin' A Ride" .... Watch this short video: http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=9600&aid , then take a close look at this up close and personal photo: 
Yes, this is a...FLEA! Anybody with a dog or cat has almost certainly had the joy of learning that a flea or two (or a hundred) has taken up residence on your pet. In the 27 July 2008 issue of
Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye discussed the life cycle of the flea and the conditions under which fleas will thrive. The importance of continuing the discussion about fleas at this time of the year arises from the simple fact that this is when fleas will have to "Hitch A Ride" aboard your pet indoors to escape their death from winter's cold temperatures outdoors. We're not insinuating that fleas "know" they have to do this but, the ones who do "Hitch A Ride" will be the ones to survive and pass on their flea legacy right there in the warm comfort of your pet's favorite chair or blanket! If you have been properly taking care of
flea control, this scenario may not be playing out in your household as we speak. However, if you've been neglecting even one part of the control formula, then you will most likely have this to look forward to over the winter (examples of flea allergy dermatitis, the most common skin problem in dogs and cats over much of the USA):
Dog
(Above)Cat
(Right)...and, if you're real lucky, this could be your arm:
So, instead of allowing a colony of fleas to start building condos on the body of your dog and/or cat so that they can spend their winter in a "warm" climate, now is the time to be aggressive with your flea control program. There are three parts to any flea control program and all three must be done for the overall program to be successful. Think of this as three battles that must be won in order to win the war. The battles that must be fought are:
- On your pet--There are numerous products available for killing fleas on your pet's body or for repelling them. These include shampoos, flea collars, sprays, powders, topical applications, and medicines to be given by mouth. All of these products have different levels of potency, as well as different levels of potential toxicity for your pet.
- Your pet's environment (Indoors)--Many products are labeled for usage in the house, such as flea mists, flea bombs, and powders. As with all chemicals, care must be taken to assure the safety of your family and your pets. Non-chemical treatments that help win this battle include washing all of the pet's bedding and vacuuming frequently wherever the pet spends its time (this also involves your sofas/chairs, throw pillows, and down between the cushions,)...anywhere that fleas can gain a foot-hold.
- Your pet's environment (Outdoors)--This will usually be the source of any re-infestation of fleas. Think of it as the external flea supply depot. There are a lot of chemicals that are recommended for treating your pet's outdoor habitat, mostly in the form of sprays, granules, and powders. Again, toxicity is a major concern when using any of these products.
Now is the time to have a serious conversation with your veterinarian about your flea problem. They will listen to your description of your situation and then give you a suggested list of treatments that best fit your circumstances. You must remember that all three phases of the treatment plan have to be as effective as possible for you to have any success in the fight to control fleas. Even the best laid plans might not work perfectly at first, so it's important to be thorough and repetitive in your effort. If you get the right combination of treatments now and hit the ground running in the spring with the same treatments, you should be well ahead in the fight to control fleas. Hopefully, the only time you'll be humming this tune, "Hitchin' A Ride," will be the next time you hear the song on an oldies station!
NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS
1) Another situation that seems to happen with increasing frequency during colder or unsettled weather is a cat (or a wildlife species) climbing up onto the warm engine block of your vehicle to get out of the elements. They may even go to sleep in the relatively comfortable surroundings. Then, you get into the vehicle, turn on the ignition, and maybe hear a frightening, screeching yelp. Sometimes, the suction from the turning engine fan will pull the animal down into the blades of the fan and those results aren't ever pretty! These animals can be cut in two, have a limb severed, or, if they're lucky, only end up with scrapes and cuts (and a frightening memory). A good way to prevent this from happening is to make some noise when getting into your vehicle--bang on the hood a couple of times, talk loudly, close your door loudly, toot the horn, and wait a few seconds before turning on the ignition. That should be enough to dislodge and scare away even the most reluctant guest!
Last year, Desperado drove home from across town and pulled her vehicle into the garage. I closed the garage door and opened the hood in order to check the oil. There, sitting right on top of the engine block was an Abert's Squirrel, one of our local species, staring back at me, wide-eyed! It had obviously survived the 7-mile ride (a wild one, no doubt, knowing Desperado,)perhaps using up one of his "extra" lives. Don't count on being that lucky with one of your cats...make some noise!
2) Americans will spend $43.4 billion on pets in 2008, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) estimates — more than double what they spent a little more than a decade ago. Fueling that growth are high-end product and service purchases, such as pet spas, daycares, and luxury gifts for dogs and cats, according to the association. Another fast-growing segment is pet health insurance. “Our pets are being treated like members of the family,” said Bob Vetere, president of APPMA. “Pet owners want to protect themselves and their pets against unexpected medical expenses.” More than 2 million pet owners currently have a pet insurance policy. By 2010, however, APPMA estimates that 5 to 7 percent of all pet owners will carry a pet insurance card. The aging baby boomer population is filling their homes with pets as kids move on and out, building their own families, a trend which is contributing to the change in the pet industry, Vetere said. “For empty-nesters, pets are filling a void in their lives, and they’re showing their appreciation to their pets,” he said. For 2007, the break-down of dollars spent per category was as follows (in $Billion):
- Food--16.2
- Supplies and over-the-counter medicines--9.8
- Veterinary care--10.1
- Live animal purchases--2.1
- Other services--3.0 for a total of $41.2 Billion
Current projections for 2008 are:
- Food--16.9
- Supplies and OTC medicines--10.3
- Veterinary care--10.9
- Live animal purchases--2.2
- Other services--3.2 for a total of $43.5 Billion
Whether or not the faltering economy will affect the projected numbers for 2008 remains to be seen. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the pet industry is now the seventh largest retail segment in the country. That's a lot of dollars and a big business!
3) One last segment of advice on the pros and cons of pet insurance is provided in this short video from MSN Money: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7nOMBwFqn8
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Helpful Buckeye saw a friend with one of these this past week. It is a digital photo keychain that holds up to about 50 of your favorite photos and my friend had a nice selection of his favorite photos of his dogs. It's a pretty nice deal for just under $10.... http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=4835D
WORD OF THE WEEK
NSAID--noun; acronym for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug; non-steroidal meaning it is not a cortisone, prednisone or dexamethasone (which are the most commonly used cortico-steroids) derivative. Some of the more frequently used NSAIDs are Etogesic, Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam, Zubrin, Previcox, and Novox, which are all labeled for use in dogs. However, your veterinarian may use a modified dosage of some of these for cats as well.
GENERAL INTEREST
1) In addition to the digital photo keychain described above, there are some "Plush and Practical" pet items available at: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/holiday/2008-12-02-gift-guide-pets_N.htm This article is from The USA Today this past week. For a dog that goes hiking with you, you might be interested in the "Sherpa Pack" so that Fido can carry his/her own food and water! Of course, everything you spend for these products will go into the bottom line for the pet industry, as previously discussed.
2) To help you get a little further into the spirit of the holidays, enjoy this rendition of White Christmas by a bunch of cats: http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=6156 I know my friend Ken is dreaming of a white Christmas, as long as it's somewhere else! However, according to National Weather Service data, Flagstaff has a 53% chance of snow on the ground Christmas day and 28% chance of snowfall actually occurring. Sorry, buddy!
3) Judging from your responses, several of you must have enjoyed the video last week of the "crazy" dogs! For you, here is what seems to be a logical follow-up to it (I especially like the Chihuahua at the very beginning)...Enjoy "Release the Hounds": http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=13807
4) Purely from an animal interest point of view (although there is a cat involved peripherally,) take a look at this video of the annual invasion of red crabs onto Christmas Island, NW of Australia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o2J2fI59so Then, enjoy an older rendition of the song, Christmas Island, by the Andrews Sisters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv9LVqKhmYE
5) Apparently, some people have run out of normal things to do with their dogs and cats. Check out these pictures:
Is one of these "paint jobs" in your future?
6) Yesterday, 6 DEC (1920)...Dave Brubeck celebrated his 88th birthday. He and Vince Guaraldi were the first two jazz pianists Helpful Buckeye really appreciated back in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Listen to Dave Brubeck's classic "Take Five," one of the first jazz tunes to make it on the Billboard Hot 100 of popular music back in 1961: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwNrmYRiX_o
SPORTS NEWS
The Pittsburgh Steelers were flummoxed and embarrassed
today by the Dallas "Cryboys" for the first 3 quarters of the game. Then, we scored 17 points late in the 4th quarter to win 20-13! We really needed our hardhats today!!!
PERSONAL STUFF
"They say misery loves company, but the same might be even more true of happiness. In a study published online Thursday in the British Medical Journal, scientists from Harvard University and the University of California, San Diego, showed that happiness spreads readily through social networks of family members, friends and neighbors. Knowing someone who is happy makes you 15.3 percent more likely to be happy yourself, the study found. A happy friend of a friend increases your odds of happiness by 9.8 percent, and even your neighbor's sister's friend can give you a 5.6 percent boost." This excerpt is from an article in the LA Times, by Karen Kaplan, : http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-happy5-2008dec05,0,5056607.story Especially around the Holiday Season, we all need to take advantage of the happiness that surrounds us. Happiness begets more happiness!
If you don't partake in this sharing of happiness, you may be the person referred to in this quote (and, then, woe be unto you!): "People who hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life." - Faith Resnick
~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~
