HEAT WAVES, HEARTWORMS, PET AIR TRAVEL, AND UNDERWEAR....

Several weeks ago, Helpful Buckeye offered a video clip of the movie Hachi...a story about a Japanese Akita dog and his unending devotion to his adoptive owner.  The movie never made it to Flagstaff so I had to wait until I could borrow the DVD from the library.  Desperado and Helpful Buckeye watched it this past week and really enjoyed the performances of Richard Gere and Joan Allen.  If you haven't already seen it, be sure to get yourself a copy...and have a box of Kleenex handy.

Veronica, from Milwaukee, sent the following e-mail:

Helpful Buckeye, I just started reading your blog a couple of months ago (found it on Google) and have really seen lots of interesting ideas for my dog.  After reading each week's blog, I've also begun to pick out 2-3 topics at random from the labels list and read what shows up.  This allows me to learn even more for my dog, in addition to catching up with previous issues of the blog.

Thanks, Veronica, for the kind words...and for the suggestion for all of our readers to use the list of topics found in the left column under the heading of Labels.

Half of respondents to the question about contracting poison ivy from a pet said they had not and half said they weren't sure about it.  None of our readers said they would buy ice cream from the company that used a kitten in their ad.  100% said "no sale!"  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

Every week is different concerning the amount of news being generated about dogs and cats.  Some weeks only have a single item of interest, while others, such as this one, are loaded.  Enjoy....

1) More recalls of  pet products have materialized:
Feline’s Pride recalls Natural Chicken Formula Cat Food...Merrick Pet Care recalls Beef Filet Squares 10oz Bag...United Pet Group expands recall...Iams recalls canned cat food for insufficient thiamine.
The reference for the list of product numbers of the first 3 of these is at: http://trends.aahanet.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?site=trends&webcode=newsdetail&articleKey=586b8f0d-8a85-4cce-98c5-0b8c6db7a387  and the reference for the Iams products is at: http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jul10/100715l.asp 

2) The city of Vienna, Austria, has introduced a ban on dangerous breeds of dogs.  Last week, the city passed a controversial new law that will require the owners of so-called "fight dogs" to carry a license proving they can keep their pets in check.  Needless to say, several pet organizations have stood up to fight this ordinance.  Determine for yourself which way to go with this one: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/12/vienna-is-the-latest-city-to-crack-down-on-dangerous-dog-breed/

3) The city of Austin, Texas, has unanimously passed an ordinance banning  retail sales of cats and dogs that are not spayed or neutered.  The ban is meant to strike a blow against puppy mills and other uncontrolled sources of pets.  Read the whole story at: http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/07/15/austin-wants-to-ban-sale-of-kittens-and-puppies/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl5link6http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2F15%2Faustin-wants-to-ban-sale-of-kittens-and-puppies%2F


4) Massachusetts is poised to become the 13th state to require a different formulation in the makeup of antifreeze.  The other states with similar legislation are: Arizona, California, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Similar legislation has been approved by the Illinois Legislature, and awaits the Governor's signature. Bills are still pending in New Hampshire and Ohio. Check out the rest of the story: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/07/bill_to_prevent_antifreeze_poisoning_071610.html

To read about the dangers of the current form of antifreeze, refer to this previous issue of the blog:
http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2010/05/antifreeze-can-kill-your-pets.html

5) An estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by home fires, however, nearly 1,000 house fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets, according to a new data analysis by the National Fire Protection Association.  The American Kennel Club has put together a comprehensive list of how to keep your pets safe and to help prevent them from starting house fires: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4152

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

1) Even though heat exhaustion has been a repeat subject here at Questions On Dogs and Cats, the broad-ranging heat waves all over the USA this summer justify further mention of this serious problem.  The American Veterinary Medical Association is taking a proactive stance in preventing heat exhaustion:  "It's only the second week in July, and already the summer of 2010 has produced record-setting heat waves in many cities, including New York, Boston and Washington, D.C.," said Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the AVMA. "When the heat rises, it can be a dangerous time for pets.  Signs of heat stroke include hard panting, staggering gate, rapid heartbeat, listlessness, restlessness, dark red or purple gums and tongue, and vomiting."  Read the rest of their advice at: http://www.avma.org/press/releases/100714_protect_pets_heat_stroke.asp  and watch this short video on heat related problems: http://www.avmatv.org/ 

2) Since we are well into the summer and mosquitoes are well-distributed across the USA, this would be the time for a quick review of the dangers of heartworm infection.  The AVMA's new podcast provides some interesting refreshers on heartworms: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=267&NAME=Heartworm_Disease_in_Pets

For a more extensive review of heartworms in dogs, go back to Helpful Buckeye's column in an earlier issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats at: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2008/06/whats-new-pussycat.html

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

1) Both of these items address the problems associated with air travel by your pets.  If your dog is one of the short-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, it might experience respiratory difficulties when flying.  Learn about it before your pet flies: http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/does-your-dog-face-a-greater-air-travel-risk/19558266

Another reference that includes death rates of specific breeds of dogs while flying is at: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/pugs-bulldogs-airlines-canine-deaths/19557968/ 

2) To help you sort through all the offerings and restrictions for flying your pets on the various airlines, Dogchannel.com had provided this nice chart that decodes airline pet policies: http://media.animalnetwork.com/channelmedia/dogchannel/DF1007.pdf 

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Running with the heat wave theme, here are some interesting warm weather products for your pets, ranging from an antimicrobial beach collar to a crate fan to a water bottle with a built-in dish.  See the rest of these products and where you can purchase them at: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/warm-weather-pet-products-00000000037613/index.html 

GENERAL INTEREST

1) Oscar, a cat in England, has been roaming his neighborhood and bringing underpants back home.  His owners, who have been keeping Oscar as a foster cat, did let the local police know what was going on so that the neighborhood wouldn't be alarmed of a "panty-stealing" thief in their midst.  Even so, the owners have decided to permanently adopt Oscar, including presumably the underwear collection.  Check out the whole story at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/15/cat-steals-underpants-and-owners-call-the-police/

2) A dog in Pennsylvania possibly saved himself from a serious problem or even death by honking the car horn after being closed in a hot car accidentally by his owner.  The honking did get her attention and Max was rescued unharmed: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/14/dog-trapped-in-hot-car-honks-horn-for-help/ 

3)  To answer the long-standing question of which is more expensive to keep, cats or dogs, this column goes through a pretty thorough breakdown of expenses: http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/07/13/savings-experiment-cats-versus-dogs/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl8link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2F13%2Fsavings-experiment-cats-versus-dogs%2F

4) Helpful Buckeye did a short informative piece on how to remove a tick from your pet several issues ago.  Now, the Mayo Clinic provides a good description of what a person should do if they find a tick embedded on their own body: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-tick-bites/FA00062 

Good advice that's easy to follow.

5) Since we've already made several references to dogs having free access to adequate water during these hot months, Helpful Buckeye thought our readers might enjoy watching the actual mechanism employed by dogs in order to get water into their mouth.  Watch this video (more than once, if necessary) and see if you can pick up the technique: http://www.petplace.com/dog-videos.aspx?p=304&utm_source=dogcrazynews001et&utm_medium=email&utm_content=petplace_article&utm_campaign=dailynewsletter

SPORTS NEWS

Helpful Buckeye will not be burdening you any more this year with tales of the hapless LA Dodgers.  Their antics the last 4 days against the Cardinals remind me of a famous quote by John McKay, former head coach of the old Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  During a prolonged losing streak, when asked by a reporter about his team's execution, McKay replied: "I'm all in favor of it...."

PERSONAL STUFF

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye had one of those special evenings this week, when we drove down to Sedona for an outdoor movie offered by the Sedona Film Festival.  The outdoor arena of red rocks, starry sky, and adobe made for a truly memorable experience.  We're fortunate to be so close to such an environment.

My friend, Ken, with the recent heart-bypass, is just about to get rid of his "training wheels" as his rehab gets ready to move into higher gear.  We're all cheering for a stronger, healthier, and more vigorous Ken....

As if speaking for the 4 of us (including Ms. Cowpoke), Lord Chesterfield (English man of letters, 1694-1773) had this to say about appreciating the moment: "Know the true value of time; snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it."

And, of course, we'll let Mark Twain have the last word this week, as he offers Ken some advice from Following The Equator...1897:

~~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.~~

TRAVELING WITH YOUR PETS....

Even though many of our readers travel with their pets year-round, there is still a great majority of people who travel with their pets during the summer months.  In this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye will offer some new information that should help your summer travels with the family pet be a lot easier and, as a result, more fun.  More on that later....

Helpful Buckeye received a lot of e-mail responses about the "mystery" birds last week.  Tom, from Albuquerque, was the first respondent to correctly identify the first one as a Yellow-Headed Blackbird and Carla, from San Diego, sent the first correct ID on the Hooded Oriole.  The Hooded Oriole was probably the more difficult to ID because it doesn't have a very large range in the USA...only small parts of the very extreme southwestern states of AZ, CA, NM, NV, and UT. 

Last week's poll questions showed that about 90% of respondents would NOT consider a specific breed dog just because they saw one in a movie...and, virtually 100% of respondents answered that their dogs do EVERYTHING but ignore them when they return home.  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

It's amazing how much interest last week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats generated about the upcoming release of the movie, Marmaduke, and by extension, Great Danes in general.  Due to the much anticipated interest in Great Danes, some words of caution are appropriate:

"Everything is bigger when you own a Great Dane," says Dave Miller, President of the Great Dane Club of America. "They eat a lot of food and take up a lot of space in your home and car," he adds. Families interested in adopting one of the dogs should spend time with several grown adult Great Danes "to make sure they understand how large the breed is," Miller says.

Arlene Scarbrough, a longtime Great Dane breeder in Atlanta, recommends you consider that:

1) Great Danes generally weigh 150 to 200 pounds at adulthood.
2) At 6 months old, a Great Dane can knock you down the stairs if it jumps on you.
3) The dogs can be destructive. They'll chew on furniture, clothing and even sheet-rock. "We call them termites," Scarbrough says. If they aren't properly trained, she notes, "They can eat your house."
4) They consume two 40-pound bags of dog food per month.
5) The breed is prone to health problems that often require expensive surgeries.
6) Great Danes need constant companionship. Scarbrough recommends a second dog of the opposite sex if an adult is not at home with them.
7) Even when they're young, you can't leave a Great Dane puppy loose in the house and go to work, says Scarbrough. They will get into too much trouble. But puppies are also unhappy if you crate them. This puts new owners in a tough bind.
8) If the dog is accustomed to being in air-conditioning, he or she can be very susceptible to heat stroke. Scarborough notes that you can't leave the dog outside on a hot day for longer than it takes to go to the bathroom without risk.
9) Although the dogs are big, they aren't athletic. "They can't jog; it will tear up their hips," Scarbrough explains.
10) Finally, before you welcome a Great Dane into your family, contact a breeder or another Great Dane owner and get to know the breed to make sure it's right for you. "We don't mind people coming here and not buying," Scarbrough says. "If I get too many after the movie, I'll just set up an hourly tour."

Overall, it sounds like nobody is telling you not to get a Great Dane...but the obvious conclusion is that you should go see the movie, enjoy it, and, if you fall in love with the breed, do some homework before making the purchase.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

1) Different parts of the country have different tick seasons but summertime is pretty much consistent all over the USA for tick problems.  This is, at least in part, due to pet owners and their pets spending more time outdoors and being exposed more to the environments that are likely to be tick-infested.  The Humane Society of the United States has put together a good review of how to get a tick off of your pet:

If your dog spends time outside in areas where ticks like to hang out, a tick check should be part of your daily routine.  Even the best repellents may not prevent these parasites from latching onto your pooch. And since it can take 24 to 48 hours for an attached tick to transmit an infection to its host, it's important to promptly and properly remove these parasites.

First, run your fingers slowly over your dog's entire body. If you feel a bump or swollen area, check to see if a tick has burrowed there. Don't limit your search to your dog's torso: check between his toes, under his armpits, the insides of his ears, and around his face and chin.

Don't limit tick checks to your canine family members. Dogs can't directly transmit tick-borne illnesses to people, but ticks can move from host to host. A tick may enter your home on your dog's back and move on to another pet or human, or a tick could hitch a ride on you and then move on to one of your pets. A good tick prevention strategy includes checking all family members for these parasites, especially after outdoor activities in wooded, leafy, or grassy areas.

Ticks can be black, brown, or tan, and they have eight legs. Ticks are arachnids and related to spiders, not insects. They can also be tiny—some tick species are only as large as the head of a pin—so look carefully.

In some areas of the United States where there is no real winter, ticks are active all year, not just in the summer months. Even in areas where there has been a killing frost with the approach of winter, ticks can become active again if the weather turns warm for more than a day or two.

If you find a tick on your dog, don't panic! Follow these quick and easy steps to safely remove the pest:

Step 1: Get your gear
Pair of gloves
Clean pair of tweezers or a commercial tick remover
Antiseptic
Isopropyl alcohol

Step 2: Remove the tick
Wear gloves while removing the tick to avoid contact with your skin (ticks can transmit diseases to people, too).
If you're using tweezers:
Grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible, but be gentle! Try not to pinch your dog's skin.
Pull outward in a straight, steady motion, making sure that you’ve removed the entire tick, since anything left behind could lead to an infection.
If you're using a tick remover:
Gently press the remover against your dog's skin near the tick.
Slide the notch of the remover under the tick.
Continue sliding the remover until the tick is caught in the small end of the notch and is pulled free. (The tick will remain in the bowl of the remover.)

Step 3: Store the evidence
Drop the tick into a small container that contains isopropyl alcohol (the alcohol will quickly kill the tick), and mark the date on the container. If your dog begins displaying symptoms of a tick-borne illness, your veterinarian may want to identify or test the tick.

Step 4: Praise your patient
Clean your dog's skin with antiseptic and make sure to clean your tweezers or tick remover with isopropyl alcohol. Wash your hands, too! Then give your pup a treat for being a trooper in the fight against ticks.

Step 5: Keep an eye on the area where the tick was to see if an infection surfaces
If the skin remains irritated or infected, make an appointment with your veterinarian.  Watch your dog for symptoms of tick-borne diseases. Some symptoms include arthritis or lameness that lasts for three to four days, reluctance to move, swollen joints, fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and neurological problems.

2) Helpful Buckeye knows that you can never emphasize too much the problems of heat exhaustion and other summertime concerns.  Take a few minutes and listen to this very informative podcast about summer pet safety tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association:  http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=253&NAME=Summer_Pet_Safety_Tips_2010

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

The AVMA has produced a very comprehensive set of "Frequently Asked Questions" about traveling with your pets.  Many of our readers have made the necessary adjustments to their travel plans in order to properly accommodate their pets but there is always a little more information available that will come in handy for your preparations. 

What should I think about when deciding to travel with my pet?

• Make sure your pet is comfortable with travel.  Some pets cannot handle travel because of illness, injury, age or temperament.  If your pet is not good with travel, you should consider a reliable pet-sitter or talk to your veterinarian about boarding facilities in your area.

• Make sure your pet has identification tags with up-to-date information.

• Having your pet implanted with a microchip can improve your chances of getting your pet back if it becomes lost. The microchip must be registered with your current contact information, including a cell phone number. A tag is included when you have a microchip that has the microchip number and a mobile contact of the owner, so if the pet is found, they can use the tag to determine ownership without having to contact a veterinarian. Contact the microchip company for a replacement tag if you've lost yours, and for information on how to update your personal information when traveling.

• If you are taking your pet across state or international borders, a health certificate is required. The health certificate must be signed by a veterinarian after your pet has been examined and found to be free of disease. Your pet's vaccinations must be up to date in order for the health certificate to be completed.

• Make sure that your pet is allowed where you are staying. Some accommodations will allow pets and some will not, so check in advance. Also, when traveling, you should bring a portable kennel with you if you have to leave your pet unattended.
 Staying with Friends or Family: Inform your host that your pet will be coming along and make sure that your pet is a welcomed guest as well.
 Staying in a Hotel or Motel: Stay at a pet friendly place. Some hotels and motels only accept small pets or pets under a certain weight; when making a reservation, make sure you inquire about the terms of their pet policy. Try to minimize the amount of time your pet will be alone in the room. When leaving your pet alone in the room, inform the front desk that your pet is being left alone in the room and place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Make sure the hotel/motel knows how they can contact you if there are any problems.
 Staying at a Park, Campground or Marina: Make sure these places are pet friendly, clean up after your pet and always keep your pet on a leash.

Whom should I contact as I am considering travel arrangements?

• Your veterinarian
• The airline or travel company
• The accommodations: hotel, motel, park, camping ground or marina
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Inspection Service, Veterinary Services: www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs or 800-545-USDA (8732) and press #2 for State Regulations
• Foreign Consulate or Regulatory Agency (if traveling to another country)
 If you are traveling to another country (or even Hawaii), there may be quarantine or other health requirements
 If traveling out of the continental United States, you should contact these agencies at least 4 weeks in advance

What should I bring with me on my trip?

• Your veterinarian's contact information
• List of Veterinarians and 24 hour Emergency Hospitals along the way and close to your destination.
To find a listing of Veterinarians & Pet Emergency Hospitals in the United States, contact:
 State VMA
 American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care
 Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society

• National Animal Poison Control (ASPCA 888-426-4435)

• Identification

• Current color photo of your pet

• ID tag should include:
o Owner's name, current home address and home phone number

• Travel ID tag should include:
o Owner's local contact phone number and address
o Contact information for your accommodations (hotel, campground etc)

• The microchip registration should be updated with your current contact information including a cell phone number.

• Medical Records
 Current copies of your pet's medical records including pre-existing conditions and medications (especially when re-locating or traveling out of the country). For travel within the United States, a brief summary of medical conditions would be sufficient.

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate)
 Proof of vaccinations (Proof of rabies vaccination required) and other illnesses
 Requires an examination by a licensed and accredited veterinarian to make sure the animal is not showing signs of disease.

• Acclimation certificate for air travel
 This is only required by some airlines, so check to see if your airline requires this.

• Items for your pet
 Prescribed medications (adequate supply for entire duration of trip and several days' surplus supply, just in case)
 Collar, leash, harness
 Crate
 Bed/blankets
 Toys
 Food and cool, fresh water
 Food and water dishes

• First Aid Kit for your pet

Where do I get a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and acclimation certificate, if needed?

Many states require an up-to-date Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a licensed, accredited veterinarian when traveling. Your pet must be examined by a veterinarian in order for a health certificate to be issued. This certificate basically indicates your pet is healthy to travel and is not showing signs of a disease that could be passed to other animals or to people. Certain vaccinations must be up to date for a health certificate to be issued. As part of the exam, your veterinarian may check for heartworm disease and prescribe heartworm preventative medication. When you return home, your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination to make sure that your pet did not pick up any diseases or parasites while traveling.

You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian. If your veterinarian is not federally accredited, you will need to find an accredited veterinarian in your area, by contacting your USDA Area Office.

Can I bring my pet camping?

Yes. The same rules apply when taking your pet camping, assuming the camping area allows pets. Talk to your veterinarian about flea, tick and heartworm prevention as well as specific risks associated with camping outdoors. (such as leptospirosis and other diseases).

Keep your pet on a leash and in your sight; and be considerate of other campers. Clean up after your pet.

Being outside, your pet can be exposed to many different wild animals like skunks, raccoons, snakes and other animals that can injure your pet or expose them to disease. Do not let your pet chase or come into contact with wildlife—it can be dangerous for both your pet and the wild animal.

What can I do to prepare my pet for traveling in a car?

• If your pet does not ride well in a car, consider leaving your pet at home, with friends or family, or in a boarding facility.
• If you don't often take your pet in the car, start with short trips to "fun" destinations (such as a dog-friendly park or play area) to help your pet get used to riding in a car.
• If your pet gets car sick, talk to your veterinarian about alternate traveling suggestions or medications to keep them comfortable.

What should I do to keep my pet safe and healthy?

• Make frequent stops (about every 2-3 hours) to allow your pet to go to the bathroom and get some exercise.
• Properly restrain your pet in the car to prevent injury to your pets, you and to other drivers.
• Do not let your pet ride in the back of a truck. If your pet must ride in the truck bed, they should be confined in a protective kennel that is secured to the truck to prevent injury.  Regular readers already know that Helpful Buckeye has stressed this one! 
• Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside the window. Dirt and other debris can enter their eyes, ears and nose and cause injury or infection.  Ditto for this one!
• Pets should not be allowed to ride on the driver's lap or near the driver's feet. Small pets should be confined in crates or in travel-safe dog beds, and larger pets should be appropriately restrained with harnesses attached to the car's seat belts.
• Cats should be transported in carriers.
• Providing a familiar blanket and/or safe toy can help make your pet more comfortable during the trip.

Helpful Buckeye suggests that all our readers who might be traveling with their pets should print this section for a handy reference.  This advice will always be good!
The AVMA also has made their information pamphlet available at: http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.pdf  

In addition, Helpful Buckeye has 2 previous blog posts about traveling with your pet for your review at: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/search/label/Travel%20With%20Pets

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) If the family cat is going on one of your summer road trips, you might want to consider one of these carriers: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/31/moderncats-modern-finds-great-cat-carriers-from-30-165/ 

2) As the list of necessary items for traveling with your dog includes a good, strong leash, here's an item that should take care of that need (it's also lighted for your own safety): http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=5237 

3) Taking along some dog treats on your trip is a good way to keep your dog's attention when in unfamiliar locations.  Check out the Walmart Three Dog Bakery All-Natural Treats at: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid88237.aspx  and click on the purple bone for a free sample!

GENERAL INTEREST

1) Keeping with the pet travel theme, use this web site to help you "sniff out" dog-friendly lodging: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/28/local-lowdown-sniffing-out-dog-friendly-accommodations-for-sum/ 

2) If your dog is going to be staying with you on the road, you will also need some places to go for eating: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/14/local-lowdown-find-great-place-to-dine-out-with-your-dog/ 

3) Perhaps modern day science will provide a tool for identifying which dogs are the offenders at "soiling" the landscape: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2010/05/31/20100531poopdna0531.html

4) Among the many new utilizations of service dogs is the detection of prostate cancer in men, as evidenced by this study from France: http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/study-dogs-sensitive-schnoz-sniffs-out-prostate-cancer/19500141?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl1link6http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fhealth%2Farticle%2Fstudy-dogs-sensitive-schnoz-sniffs-out-prostate-cancer%2F19500141

5) Now, for the ultimate test of how far you would go in order to protect your pet: http://www.peoplepets.com/news/dogs/56-year-old-woman-wrestles-8-ft-python-to-save-dog/1 

Do you have it in you to do this???

6) In a reversal of roles, enjoy this story of a cat in Houston that helped its owner get away from 2 attacking pit bull dogs: http://www.wfaa.com/news/entertainment/pets/WFAA-Cat-saves-Pearland-woman-from-pit-bull-attack-95489909.html 

Spend a few seconds taking in the stare of this cat...it will get your attention!

SPORTS NEWS

The LA Dodgers finished the week only 1/2 game out of first place, behind the Padres...by splitting a 4-game series with the Braves, the hottest team in baseball right now.  We open a series with the Cardinals tomorrow...and they are always a tough team for the Dodgers.

The LA Lakers and The Boston Celtics played a great game tonight, with the Celtics winning the game.  They now head back to Boston with the series tied, 1-1.  Helpful Buckeye likes both teams, so all I want to see is a well-played series.

PERSONAL STUFF

My best friend in Flagstaff, Ken, the Oklahoma State University Cowboy, is having heart-bypass surgery tomorrow morning and I am dedicating this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats to him.  Hang in there, Kenny boy...luck be with you and may the spirit of Hippocrates guide your surgeon's hands.

We don't very often use quotes made by dogs...simply because it's difficult to find dogs who can talk.  Well, Helpful Buckeye has found a few that can: "If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?" and "Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?"

"Woof, woof" says this human....

~~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.~~

HEAT EXHAUSTION AND YOUR PETS

Happy Memorial Day to all of our readers! This is the holiday set aside for us to honor all those who have died in military service to our country. Honor them in whatever manner seems appropriate to you, but be sure to do so.

Of course, Memorial Day weekend is also the unofficial beginning of our summer here in the USA, and summer brings its own considerations for our pets. Helpful Buckeye will address Heat Exhaustion and Your Pets, as well as Traveling With Your Pets a little later in this issue.

An interesting e-mail showed up this week from Connie, in Salt Lake City. Connie wrote "...to let you know that after following this blog for several months, I feel like I've been able to spend a day with my veterinarian each time I read a new issue. I've imagined that a day with my vet would allow us to cover a lot of topics, from my dog's problems to what's going on with pets in general." Connie has allowed her e-mail to be published...thanks, Connie, for your kind words! Helpful Buckeye may need to consider changing the name of this blog site from Questions On Dogs and Cats to "A Day With Your Veterinarian." As usual, any comments are welcome at: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com

Not very many of you responded to the poll question last week about which breed of cat you would choose for a pet. Either we don't have very many readers considering acquiring a cat or everybody with a cat already is happy with their status quo. Be sure to answer the polling question this week in the column to the left.

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye are hitting the trail this week for parts East, South, and unknown. There will still be a new weekly issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats published late each Sunday evening, although the format will be a little different due to writing them earlier than normal. We will still be accessing e-mail while away, so be sure to maintain contact if you feel the urge.

Today, 24 May, a famous song-writer/singer is celebrating his 68th birthday. Listen to Olivia Newton-John's popular version of one of his songs, If Not For You, from the early 1970s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX1hPTdZRho Even though this is really a love song, Helpful Buckeye will take a little literary license and say that, "if not for you" (all of our readers), this blog would not have enjoyed the success it has through our first year. Thanks a bunch!!!

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

The American Veterinary Medical Association has released a new pet food product recall message: http://www.avma.org/aa/nutro_recall_090521.asp This recall concerns select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with "Best If Used By Dates" between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. If you think one of these might be a product you have been giving to your cat, be sure to read the details of the news release.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Unfortunately, hot weather can present some problems for your pets that you need to be aware of...ahead of time. Most mammals can keep their body temperature pretty well under control until confronted with extremes in their surrounding temperature. The main way of eliminating excess heat is by way of thousands of sweat glands distributed all over the body. When these sweat glands are called upon to perform, they produce small quantities of water on the skin, which then evaporate. During this evaporation process, small quantities of heat from the body are carried away by the disappearing water, resulting in a stable body temperature. Rates of evaporation will be directly proportional to the surrounding humidity...in low humidity, evaporation occurs quicker; in high humidity, evaporation takes longer (which then slows down the natural cooling process). However, dogs have been short-changed in the sweat gland department...their sweat glands are only found on their nose and in the pads of their feet. Dogs can compensate, up to a point, for this shortage in sweat glands by panting. Panting involves the repetitive passage of air back-and-forth over the tongue, which also helps to eliminate some excess body heat. An important consideration right here would the short-faced dogs (known as brachycephalics), such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc...the much shortened muzzle provides a lot less area for respiratory evaporation to occur.
Now that we are getting into our summer activities, we frequently include our dogs in our plans...picnics in the park (throw on an extra hot dog for the Helpful Buckeye!), hiking, traveling, and just plain taking it easy in the back yard. As the temperature and the humidity increase, your dog will be come less efficient at cooling itself when engaged in activity or spending prolonged periods in the sun. It doesn't take very long in the sun or very much activity to start elevating a dog's body temperature, which is normally about 101 degrees F. As the body temperature starts to climb, your dog will show:

• labored breathing,


• probably more vigorous panting,


• extreme drying of the tongue,


• walking erratically,


• and a desire to lay flat-down.

When the body temperature reaches 105 degrees, your dog will most likely collapse and might lose consciousness. Survival at this point becomes questionable and, by the time the body temperature gets to 108-110 degrees, massive organ failure takes place and survival is even less likely. Your dog is now experiencing heat exhaustion...what do you do?

OK, it's time to take one step back from this scenario and talk briefly about one of the variables in the equation of keeping your pet healthy. As the keeper and care-giver of your pet, you are the one who sees your pet in all of its moods, ups and downs, and behavior patterns. In other words, you know how your pet appears when it is "acting normal," right? Veterinarians and physicians spent their early years in school learning what "normal" looked like...it really helps when trying to identify an "abnormal" situation. Remember this piece of advice...you will hear it again and again from Helpful Buckeye...Become familiar with your pet!

You now are confronted with what appears to be a dog that is vigorously panting, its tongue is very dry, breathing patterns are labored, and it doesn't want to move. You know this isn't normal, right? Considering what has been going on preceding this, your conclusion can now be...probable heat exhaustion. Your first step is to immediately cease whatever activity has been going on; move the dog to a cooler, shady location, encourage the dog to drink some water. Cooling your dog's whole body with cool water (pour it on, from a hose, or submersion into a pool) will increase the removal of body heat as the water evaporates. Also, putting your dog in front of a blowing fan will aid in this evaporation. This may be all it takes to return your dog to "normal." In more severe cases, you might need to apply ice packs to the head and neck region to achieve a response. Since all of this occurs in a very short period of time (usually just minutes), you need to try all of these suggestions right away...do NOT waste this valuable time by trying to get your dog to your veterinarian. Once these measures have quieted the dog, it is breathing more regularly, and acting more normally, then a visit to your veterinarian is advisable. Then, it can be determined if any organ damage has occurred and treatment can be initiated.

By now, I'm sure your big question is this: "How can I prevent this from happening?" Well, the good news is that the prevention is probably a lot easier than the treatment!

• Avoid any running or excessive exercise on hot, humid days.


• When your dog is outside, be sure it has plenty of water and easily accessible shade.


• If your dog is not short-haired, keep the hair well-brushed to avoid matting.


• Especially be careful with the short-faced breeds.


• Don't EVER leave your pet in a closed vehicle...extreme temperatures are reached in minutes, even with the windows cracked open.

A product that we first described last year has proven to be very helpful in dealing with over-heating in your pets. The Cool 'N Dry Pet Shammy works like this: When applied wet to your pet's body, it helps to remove built-up body heat by the evaporation principle mentioned above. It can also be used to dry your pet nicely after a both. To learn more about this product, go to: http://www.super-cool-products.com/automarinepet/petcareproducts.html Helpful Buckeye even carries one of these damp Cool 'N Drys on all bike rides to help with sweat. Look at these photos of some dogs being cooled with the "Shammy" and perhaps you'll feel the benefit of getting one for your dog:

If any of you have a story of heat exhaustion and one of your pets to share with us, please send an e-mail or comment describing the incident. Actual accounts of problems can be very instructive for everyone. As Helpful Buckeye reminded everyone last summer, the only "hot" dogs we want to hear about are these:

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

Some of you might be planning a summer trip that will include one or all of your pets. If so, you will have many considerations facing you, including the mode of transportation. Believe it or not, there is now an air transportation company that carries ONLY pets, NOT people! Pet Airways offers this promise:

We promise to transport your pet with lots of love, care, safety, and comfort in the main cabin.
Pet Airways is the first airline exclusively dedicated to pets - no humans please - and we take the job of providing a comfortable experience for pets very seriously. We'll do everything in our power to make sure your pets get the best care during their journey because we're committed to taking care of our pet "pawsengers" as if they were our own.

Read more about this unique service at their web site: http://petairways.com/ There are several sites for further information on their home page and I found it interesting even though I have no need for the service at this time.

Most of the regular-scheduled commercial airline companies still offer pet transportation as well. Your best bet for information on that would be to contact the company directly, as well as your veterinarian so that you will be certain of necessary precautions well ahead of time.

Traveling with a pet can, and should be, a positive experience for the whole family. Who can forget the Griswold family, in National Lampoon's Vacation, as they vacationed across America. At a rest stop, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) ties the family dog, Dinky, to the rear bumper of the car...forgets that he has done so, drives away, and you can guess the rest. At this point, you should take a moment to reflect and watch the animated video of the theme song, Holiday Road, from the movie, as sung by Lindsay Buckingham:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVxNg0TSXXs&feature=related

If your pets will be traveling with you, check out pet-friendly lodging, RV parks, campgrounds, national parks, and outdoor restaurants at the following web sites:

http://dogfriendly.com/
http://www.petswelcome.com/
http://www.fidofriendly.com/

These web sites have numerous categories of interest to choose from as you plan your stops along the road.

Don't forget to pack enough water for your pet and a drinking bowl. Travel induced panting, excitement, and anxiety can lead to evaporation of body fluid and then to dehydration. You might want to consider packing a few of the Cool 'N Dry Shammy products, from: http://www.super-cool-products.com/automarinepet/petcareproducts.html , to help with the cooling-off process on those hot afternoons heading into the sun. The humans on-board will also really appreciate the cooling effect of the Sammy Cool 'N Dry Towel, available at the same web site.

Remember to have with you all of your pet's proof of vaccinations and any pertinent medical history, especially if an ongoing treatment is involved. And, as Clark Griswold found out, be very careful at rest stops and any areas that might be unfamiliar to your pet...always have them on a leash (but not tied to the bumper!)...a pet running loose in an unfamiliar area is likely to become a lost pet!

Wherever you are traveling this summer with your pet, it can be a positive experience for all involved, but especially if you've done your homework ahead of time. Helpful Buckeye wishes you safe travels, with or without your pet, this summer. If any of you are traveling with your pet, share with us the story of your travels...I'm sure all our readers would enjoy hearing about your travel experiences. To help you get into a travel mood, enjoy this video of the Nat King Cole version of Get Your Kicks (On Rt. 66): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbQXalTGu-8 ...the pictures of the old buildings along old Rt. 66 are pretty interesting!

GENERAL INTEREST

1) A few weeks ago, Questions On Dogs and Cats discussed the problem of thunderstorms and your pets. As it turns out, even police dogs can be affected by thunderstorms. Read this interesting account of a police dog that went "missing" during a recent thunderstorm in Chicago: http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2009/05/18/news/national/20090518_us_ne_196546.txt

2) For a little light entertainment this holiday weekend, enjoy these pets as they are caught in some funny poses: http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=13733

3) Most of our regular readers will recall the news stories on the "ugliest dog in the world" contests that are held each summer. Here is an interview with one of the winner's owners: http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=980 Almost all of these recent winners have been Chinese Cresteds...do any of you see a Chinese Crested in your future?

4) OK, the birthday guy is Robert Zimmerman...better known as Bob Dylan. Like him or not, he has written a slew of songs and your favorite singer has most likely sung a few of them.

SPORTS NEWS

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to have the best record in baseball. Our first inter-league series was this weekend against the LA Angels, who have always acted like the "poor sisters" of Los Angeles. They have beaten us more than we have beaten them...and, this series was no different. The Angels took 2 of the 3 games, courtesy of our bullpen weakness.

The Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers visited President Obama at the White House this week...Helpful Buckeye would like for this to be a more regular occasion!

PERSONAL STUFF

Elsa Maxwell (1883-1963) U.S. writer and hostess said this, "Someone said that life is a party. You join in after it's started and leave before it's finished." If reading Questions On Dogs and Cats is your idea of having fun, then you are welcome to join in and leave at your desire...all we ask is that you do show up each week!

~~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.~~