Powered by Blogger.
RSS

Cat Costumes: Crazy or Crazy Awesome??

8:20 AM | Labels: , ,


Since today is Halloween I thought I would explore cat costumes. We have all seen dogs dressed up but rarely do our cats participate in this holiday tradition. Here are a few crazy -- or crazy awesome? -- Halloween costumes for cats:

1. Unicorn Horn



This inflatable unicorn horn will turn your cat into a magical, mythical beast, and the package promises, "Cats love it!" Though based on that facial expression, which mirrors my own every day around 2 p.m. when I'm sitting at my desk fighting that post-lunch food coma, I think the actual cat in question would beg to differ. Also, inflatable headgear + angry, clawed beast = bad investment.
Verdict: This costume is crazy.

2. Hello Kitty


A cat dressed as a cat?? Not too original but I can see where some might like it. 
Verdict: This costume is crazy.

3. Shark


Perhaps because I prefer understatement, I think this shark fin is a delightful way to accessorize a kitty. Plus, a shark is a larger, more ferocious predator, so this seems like a costume your cat might choose for herself.
Verdict: This costume is crazy awesome.

4. Cat from Hell


Taking a cue from everyone's favorite rock-and-roll cat behaviorist, Jackson Galaxy, this Cat from Hell costume will make your good kitty look bad. The thought of a cat in a devilish red cape makes me cackle with glee (but I have my doubts about the headgear).
Verdict: This costume is crazy awesome.

5. Hula Girl and Rasta Wig


Much like the unicorn horn, this costume seems as though it was invented by someone who has never actually spent time with a cat. Under pretty much all circumstances, that is not a skirt. It is a toy. Same with this wig:

Verdict: These costumes are crazy.

6. Various Hats

If you suspect your finicky cat won't tolerate your annoying human traditions but you'd still like to try dressing him up for free, hats can be fashioned out of a variety of common household items, such as tinfoil or grapefruit peels.

Fancier options exist as well, such as these biker babe hats, which suggest your cats totally went to Sturgis this year.
And please, don't forget to check out Etsy, where you'll find gems such as these multi-species pumpkin hats:

Verdict: Hats are crazy awesome.
Have a happy Halloween and a good laugh at your cat's expense ... but only if she is reasonably willing to participate in these shenanigans!

Information adapted from Catster. 

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

Disasters Bring Home the Message: Prepare for Pets, Too

8:21 AM | Labels: , , ,

We have discussed emergency preparedness in this post but with Hurricane Sandy bearing down on the east coast, I thought it would be good to talk about it again. The following article comes from VetStreet. 




Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, and tornadoes can cause massive damage quickly. It is essential to have a disaster plan in place — for you and your animals.

Are you ready? Here are several things you can do.

Make a plan. Prepare for all situations, including the possibility that you may be away from home when disaster strikes. Get to know your neighbors, and be ready to help others out. Ask your neighbors if they will try to take care of your pets in an emergency and offer to take care of theirs. Learn about your local emergency and disaster services, including area emergency response plans. Speak with your vet and local shelters to find out if there are designated animal hospitals or shelters to go to during disasters and learn what help they can provide you and your pet.

Always keep ID on your pets. Most animals survive a disaster, but too many never see their families again. That's because many pets don't wear collars and identification tags, so it's hard to determine which pet belongs to which family. A collar and tag are your first defense against a lost pet. Better still is permanent identification that can't slip off, such as an embedded microchip. Make sure one of the numbers on your pet's ID and chip records is your cell phone, and include the number of a friend or relative living out of your area if possible. That way, if you can't get to your home phone, you can still be reached and reunited with your pet.

Put your pet's records in one easy-to-grab spot. Make a simple file with current records of your pet's vaccinations and other health information, as well as his license and microchip information and details on his pet insurance provider. Include some good pictures of your pet with simple, uncluttered backgrounds, so if you need to make lost pet posters, you can. Put these materials with the rest of your important papers in a place safe from fire or flood. You may also want to scan copies of these records and leave them with a friend or load them online, so that if you have Internet access, you can get what you need.

Have carriers and restraints at hand. You're not going to get advance warning of some disasters, such as earthquakes. But if you know a storm is coming or there is a risk of a wildfire turning your way, make sure you get your pet inside a crate if possible. Sturdy crates and carriers belong on the list of must-haves, along with restraints, including comfortable box muzzles for dogs and soft face-shield muzzles and restraint bags for cats. Though you may trust your pet to remain calm, it's better to be prepared: An injured or scared pet may lash out in self-defense.

Include your pet's needs in your emergency kit. Always keep ample supplies of your pet's food, medications, and litter, and enough water to cover your pet as well as your human family members. (And rotate supplies regularly.) A first-aid kit should cover your pet's needs as well as your own — and should include a compact first-aid guide geared to pets. If your pet eats canned food, don't forget to throw in a can opener and spoon. Disposable dishes and litter boxes can be useful as well.

One of the best investments you can make when it comes to preparation is to learn basic first aid for pets and people alike. For classes in your area, ask your veterinarian for information or check with your local Red Cross.


  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

Should You "Winterize" Your Pet??

9:30 AM | Labels: , ,




The arrival of autumn signals many changes in the household - switching from salads to sups, pilling the sweaters out of storage, changing the furnace filters. With pets, however, you may need to think as much about what you don't change as what you do. 

Don't fall off the exercise wagon. With days getting shorter - and cooler- it can be tempting to skip your early morning or evening walk. But with more than half of all pets in the US being overweight or obese, exercise is vital. A daily walk can rev the metabolism of both two and four legged walkers for hours. 

Do ensure your pet is outfitted for cooler weather. Small, light bodied dogs; those with very short hair; and older dogs with weakened immune systems are likely to need sweaters when venturing outside. And once truly cold and snowy weather sets in, dogs may require protective footwear to keep their paw pads from freezing. 

Don't assume that cooler weather eliminates the threat of diseases like heartworm, which are spread by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes have been known to survive into the winter months, thanks to indoor havens and protected microclimates existing within larger, cooler climate zones. For this reason the American Heartworm Society recommends year round heartworm protection for both dogs and cats. 
Do ensure your senior pet has a warm, draft-free place to sleep. Many older dogs and cats suffer from arthritis. Just as sore joints in people tend to feel worse in cold weather, the same is true for pets. A warm, cozy bed can make nights- and mornings- more comfortable. 

Do be sensitive to your pets feelings if fall brings changes to your household. Just like people, pets can get depressed. If you're missing a son or daughter who has moved away to start college or a job, chances are your family pet is also feeling the loss. Spending time with your pet and giving him an extra measure of cuddling and affection will help both of you feel better. 



All information from the American Heartworm Society.


  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

What is a Veterinary Technician?

8:27 AM | Labels: , ,



When you drop your pet off at the veterinary hospital, have you ever thought about who besides the veterinarian is involved in their care? The answer to that question is the veterinary technician. They provide the veterinarian with technical support for all aspects of patient care.

Sandy is a veterinary technician who works at a local animal hospital. In order to become a veterinary technician Sandy attended a college program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The curriculums at these accredited programs is very thorough -- educating Sandy in all aspects of animal care.

Additionally, Sandy may have taken an examination offered by the state where she works. This test will help to ensure that your pet will be taken care of by a qualified and certified professional.

What is Sandy's role in your pet's care? As a veterinary technician, Sandy can be involved in all aspects of patient care except the performing of surgery, the making of a diagnosis, and the prescribing of medications.

A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Technician


As you come into the hospital, it may be the veterinary technician who greets you and your pet and escorts you to the exam room. There the technician may listen and make notes while you describe the reason for your pet's visit. S/he may give your pet a physical exam -- look at the pet's  eyes and ears, listen to the heart, and take the temperature. All of this information will be passed along to the veterinarian for their evaluation.

If your pet is to have lab tests run, such as a check for heartworm, a Complete Blood Count (CBC), or a check for parasites, it will be the veterinary technician who takes the appropriate samples and using high tech instruments will document the results for the veterinarian's interpretation. When further testing is required, such as X-rays, the veterinary technician will take the X-rays and deliver them to the veterinarian.

Is your pet at the hospital for surgery? If so the veterinary technician may perform a physical exam on your pet prior the the procedure, will run the appropriate lab work, and will ensure that all equipment is ready for the veterinarian's use. S/he may, under the supervision of the veterinarian, administer the anesthetic agent to your pet to protect your pet's comfort during any surgical procedure.

During the procedure your pet's heart rate and respiratory rate will be closely monitored by the veterinary technician to ensure the patient's safety during this time. Or the veterinary technician may actually assist the veterinary surgeon during the procedure by passing instruments and other items to the surgeon.

The veterinary technician will be with your pet during its recovery from the anesthesia and will be responsible for administering medication at the veterinarians direction to manage any pain.  Veterinary technicians are trained to respond to all of your pet's needs that may arise after the surgical procedure.

Bad breath? As you may know, your pet can have bad breath due to a number of oral hygiene abnormalities. The veterinary technician in most hospitals will be able to discuss with you the causes of bad breath and ways to treat the problem. Just like the dental hygienist that you may visit, s/he has been trained to clean your pet's teeth using a machine called an ultrasonic cleaner.  The veterinary technician will also evaluate your pet's teeth, taking any concerns she may have to the veterinarian. 

From the moment your pet arrives at the hospital, aren't you glad to know there is someone of education and qualifications to provide the excellent nursing care that your pet deserves? The next time you take your pet to the animal hospital, ask to meet the veterinary technician. 

Meeting the veterinary technician on staff at your local animal hospital will give you a sense of comfort knowing that your pet will be in the hands of a dedicated pet health care professional -- a caring and qualified veterinary technician.


All information from PetMD. 

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

First Aid Tips for Pet Owners

8:20 AM | Labels: , , , ,


What would you do if 

...your dog ate the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that was left out on the kitchen counter?

...your cat had a seizure right in front of you?

...your dog fell down the stairs and started limping?

...your cat was overheating on a hot summer day?



To avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations, we recommend the following steps to better prepare you for a pet medical emergency. The following links summarize the basics you need for giving first aid care to your pet.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

First aid supplies
Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies you should have on hand for pet first aid. Print out a copy to use for shopping, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to the first aid kit for your family, for quick reference in emergencies.

How to handle an injured pet
Knowing how to comfort an injured pet can help minimize your pet's anxiety and also protect you and your family from injury.

Basic pet first aid procedures
Read our simple instructions for providing emergency first aid if your pet is suffering from poisoning, seizures, broken bones, bleeding, burns, shock, heatstroke, choking or other urgent medical problems. Print out a copy to keep with your pet emergency kit.

First aid when traveling with your pet
A few simple steps can better prepare you to help your pet in first aid situations while you are traveling. Remember: pet medical emergencies don't just happen at home.

Pets and disasters
Whether confronted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, or unexpected catastrophes such as a house fire, you need to be prepared to take care of your animals. A pre-determined disaster plan will help you remain calm and think clearly.

Additional pet first aid links


All information from the AVMA. 

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

5 Ways To Keep Outdoor Cats Safe in Winter

8:02 AM | Labels: ,


The days are getting shorter and colder. The scent of wood smoke wafts through the air, and some days it even feels like it might snow. As winter comes on, outdoor cats face numerous challenges. Here’s what you can do to prevent the worst of these cat winter hazards.




1. Keep your own cats indoors

Cats’ fur doesn’t protect them from extremely cold temperatures. When their fur gets wet from walking through snow or being outdoors in the cold autumn rain, they actually become more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite because their fur chills them instead of keeping them warm. If you let your cats outside, start getting them acquainted with spending time indoors until they get used to not going outside at all.

2. Give them shelter

To keep outdoor cats warm, build or buy structures where they can go to keep the weather out. Alley Cat Allies has rounded up a great list of outdoor shelters, from the basic to the elaborate, along with links to instructions on how to build them.

3. Don’t leave your cat in the car

We know cats can overheat very quickly if left in a car during the summer, but what most of us don’t think about is that they can freeze just as quickly. Your car can be a refrigerator as easily as it can be a furnace, so never leave your cat unattended.

4. Keep your garage clean

Antifreeze and puddles of gasoline, oil or other lubricants can be harmful and even fatal to cats. They aren’t attracted to the taste of petroleum products like they are to antifreeze, but if they step in oil or gasoline, they may lick the stuff off and could poison themselves by doing so.

5. Bang on the hood before starting your car

Year after year, we hear stories about outdoor cats suffering terrible injuries or being killed because they sought warmth in a car engine compartment. You can prevent this by simply slapping the hood a couple of times and/or beeping your horn before starting the engine. The noise will startle the cat and hopefully encourage him to make a hasty departure.
All information from Catster.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

Constipation in Dogs

8:17 AM | Labels: , ,


Constipation is defined as the inability to defecate normally. Much like humans, older dogs are more prone to this condition, though it can happen to any breed of dog at any age. Constipation should not be ignored, as extended periods of distress can cause serious health concerns.


What To Watch For


A dog that strains to defecate, especially if it is well-trained and evacuates at regular intervals daily, is described as being constipated. (In addition, severe diarrhea and colitis may lead to straining.) Grass particles, matted feces, string, or other objects in or around the anus is also indicative of constipation. The size of the feces will be abnormally small and once the condition has progressed, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite may develop.

Primary Cause


The most common cause of constipation is swallowing objects that are not easily digested, if at all, such as a piece of dry bone. However, it can also be caused by slower intestinal processes, enlarged prostates, concurrent kidney disease, hernias, or simply swallowing grass or hair.

Immediate Care


If you can see a thread or string in the anus, do not pull it. This can cause internal damage. Other important things to note:

  • Always wear rubber gloves when dealing with feces and related anal problems.
  • If you can see grass in the anus, gently ease it out.
  • If feces are matted around the anus, trim carefully with scissors. (For long-haired dogs, see below.)
  • Wash the anal region with warm, soapy water and apply a soothing, water-soluble jelly (such as K-Y) to the inflamed area.
  • Take the dog’s temperature. If it is abnormally high (above 102), there is blood on the thermometer or resistance when inserting the thermometer, see your veterinarian immediately (within 24 hours).

Long-haired dogs, especially small ones like Yorkies and Lhasa Apsos, can become frantic with the discomfort caused by matted feces around the anus and the trimming process. You may need to soak the dog’s posterior in warm water before you begin trimming to make it more comfortable.

Veterinary Care


Diagnosis 
Radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and blood work are some of the more common tests recommended for identifying the underlying cause of the constipation.

Treatment 
In some cases, a dog may need to be hospitalized and given enemas to remove or pass an obstruction located in the anus. If in doubt, or in the cases noted above, call your vet and have the dog examined. Fluids under the skin may be administered to ensure good hydration to the intestinal tract. In cases of intact males where the prostate is the cause of the constipation, castration will be recommended. And in severe cases of constipation, your veterinarian may administer fluids intravenously.

Living and Management


Some dogs have a history of periodic constipation, especially as they get older. Your veterinarian may recommend stool softeners as well as fiber supplementation to assist in the intestinal transit.

Prevention


Although it is natural for a dog to eat grass on occasion, this habit should be controlled as much as possible. Avoid giving your dog bones; substitute a nylon chew toy instead. Use purpose-made laxatives to soften the stool and above all else, provide your dog with water regularly. Neutering your dog at an early age will also prevent growth of the prostate, which can lead to constipation.


All information from PetMD. 

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown

Getting Pet Health Information Online

9:55 AM | Labels: , , ,


Keeping your pet healthy and happy is very important to you, and understanding your pet's health is a critical part of that effort. There are so many sources of information available to you: books and magazines; friends and family; articles and columns in newspapers; and an endless supply of online resources.


There's no question that the internet can be a great source of information, but it's also a major source of MISinformation. It can sometimes be very hard to separate the good information from the bad. These days, anyone can post something on the internet and promote themselves as experts.
So, where do you find reliable information about your pet's health? Your veterinarian should be your number one resource for several reasons: 1) your veterinarian is familiar with you, your pet and your pet's unique health needs, and can answer your questions and concerns based on this knowledge and tailored to you and your pet; and 2) you know that your veterinarian has the training and knowledge to provide you with accurate information.
If you're still interested in finding good pet health information online, you've got a few good options. First, ask your veterinarian for any recommendations. Another option is the WebMD Pet Health Community, which offers interaction with AVMA-member veterinarians.
Regardless of where you go online to find information, there are some "red flags" that should warn you that a site may not be trustworthy:
  1. The site tells you that you don't need a prescription for medications like heartworm preventives, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Rimadyl®, Deramaxx®, Previcox® or others)**, or other drugs for which your veterinarian tells you that you need a prescription. These sites may be selling illegal, unapproved or counterfeit medications that could seriously harm your pet. In addition, FDA rules say prescription drugs are only to be used by or on the order of a veterinarian. Also, many states specifically require a valid prescription for sales of prescription drugs.
  2. The site (or someone on the site) diagnoses, prescribes medications, or tells you how to treat your pet's condition or problem based on information you provide online, through email or over the phone. This is wrong for several reasons: it is unethical because it does not constitute a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship; it may be illegal in your state; and the person/site is basing their entire process on the information you provide, which may not be enough information to provide an accurate assessment of your pet's problem. The results could be very harmful for your pet.

    Note: there are limited exceptions to this rule. For example, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can provide you with recommendations for emergency treatment for animal poisonings, but they may also instruct you to take your pet to your veterinarian for additional evaluation and/or treatment.
  3. The site is promoting a "homemade" remedy for a pet health problem (such as parvo, heartworm, etc.) and makes statements that the product is more effective than veterinary care. Unless the products have been tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is illegal for those making the products to make certain claims. In addition, these products can be risky because they may not be produced to meet quality standards for efficacy and safety.
For your pet's benefit, be sure to ask your veterinarian questions so you understand your pet's health problem.
** Rimadyl® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Animal Health; Deramaxx® is a registered trademark of Novartis Animal Health U.S., Inc. and Previcox® is a registered trademark of Merial Limited.



All information from the AVMA.

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS
Read User's Comments(0)
Posted by Unknown
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)