Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. 

He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it.

Mark Twain

Feed Them Greens 

Dogs and cats who spend most or all of their lives indoors need to have their diets supplemented with fresh greens in order to keep them in good health. In the natural state, felines and canines seek out various plants and grasses, and most domesticated cats and dogs love having access to their own pot of wheat, alfalfa, or oats.

You can obtain the seeds to grow your own sprouts from health food stores and by way of catalog sales offered in pet magazines.

They can eat it “free choice” or you can harvest it. Pick it when it’s about 3 inches high and chop it up to mix with their regular food. Keep several small pots growing in different stages of development so that there is always a fresh supply.

Flea Control 

For your pet’s health, it is absolutely essential to keep fleas under control. Fleas can carry and spread diseases and parasites, and small animals can die as a result of blood-loss from fleas.

There are several steps which pet owners can take to protect their dogs and cats against fleas. Flea shampoos or dips, or fleas sprays or powders, are an effective means of control, but be sure not to use more than one of these methods at a time, or the animal could be poisoned from an overdose. Nor should a flea collar be worn is any of these other procedures is done.

Many products are too strong for cats to tolerate and should be used on dogs only – and most products are not appropriate for very young animals. For your pet’s safety, read all instructions carefully and follow them exactly.

 It is important to keep the pet’s bedding washed and the house well vacuumed. Outside, a short-acting yard-spray for fleas can be used, but keep animals away from the area for 24 hours.

Summer Pet Care

During the super hot days of summer, it is as important to protect your pet from the sun and heat, as it is to protect yourself. Animals can suffer weather related health problems just as humans can. These include sunburn, dehydration, heat prostration, strokes, and heart failures. Older animals and those which are in ill-health or overweight are especially susceptible to heat stress.

Some fundamental but important steps to take:

*Always provide your pet with plenty of fresh, cool water and good shade. If possible, keep it indoors during the hottest hours of the day.

*Keep your pet well-groomed and protected against fleas. Consult your veterinarian on the best flea protection for your animal.

*Exercise your pet outdoors during the cooler morning hours; look out for hot pavement which can burn the pads on the bottom of its' paws.

*Never, never leave your pet alone in a vehicle, even with the windows down. (See related article.)

Be alert to symptoms of heat stroke such as rapid, frantic, noisy breathing, bright red tongue and mucous membranes, thick saliva, and vomiting.

If your pet is over come by heat exhaustion, immediately immerse it in cold water until body temperature is lowered. Always follow up with a call to your veterinarian.

Read The Label First

(Urbana, IL) June 25, 2002 - The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is participating in a nationwide campaign to educate pet owners to Read the Label First! when using flea products in the home and on their companion animal. This campaign is part of the Consumer Labeling Initiative (CLI), an ongoing voluntary partnership to improve label information and to help the public purchase, use and dispose of products safely and responsibly in and around their homes. More manufacturers are voluntarily changing their labels to make them easier-to-read and understand. According to Dr. Steven Hansen, Director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "We receive a large number of calls related to inappropriate usage of flea products on pets. In many cases, problems would not have occurred if the pet owner had taken the time to carefully read and follow the label instructions and precautions."

Helpful tips for using flea products safely in the home and on a pet:

·  Never use insecticides on very young, pregnant, debilitated, or elderly animals without consulting your veterinarian.

·  When using a fogger or spray in your home, make sure to remove all pets from the house for the time period specified on the container. Food and water bowls should be removed from the area. Allow time for the product to dry completely before returning your animals to your home. Open windows or use fans to "air out" the household before returning your pets to the treated area. Strong fumes can be irritating to your animal's eyes and upper respiratory system.

·  Birds are more sensitive to fumes and usually require more time than other pets before their return to the treated home. Contact your veterinary health professional for advice on product usage around your birds.

·  Observe your pet closely after using flea products. If your pet exhibits unusual behavior, or becomes depressed, weak or uncoordinated you should seek veterinary advice immediately.

·  As an alternative to using flea products directly on a pet, the ASPCA recommends owners to use a flea comb. This would be a good option for pets that enjoy being groomed, but violently refuse baths or the application of a spray.

·  Once again, ALWAYS "Read the Label First!" This could save the life of your pet!For more pet poison safety tips and to download the Read the Label First! brochure, visit the Animal Poison Control Center.

 Steps to Reduce Pet Exposure to Pesticides Used for Mosquito Control

• Know when pesticides will be sprayed in your community.
• Keep pets indoors during times when pesticides are being sprayed. Elderly or debilitated animals or those with preexisting health conditions, such as heart disease or asthma, may be more sensitive to airborne pesticides and chemicals.
• Close windows and turn off window-unit air conditioners when spraying is taking place in the immediate area.
• Bring pet dishes, toys, and other items inside while pesticides are being sprayed. If these items have been accidentally exposed to the spray, wash the items with soap and water and rinse well before reintroducing the items to your pets.
• Horses should be kept in their stalls or in a lean-to during spraying.
• Cover water troughs and water buckets during spraying.
• Cover fishponds during spraying, as fish can be sensitive to certain pesticides.
• If you suspect that your pet is experiencing difficulties, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Reminds Veterinary Staff About Permethrin Dangers For Cats 

(URBANA, IL) May 20, 2002 – As flea season is now upon us, veterinary staff should take time to remind their clients to always follow label instructions when using flea products. For instance, flea products that are labeled "for use on dogs only" should never be used on cats.  Cats react very differently than dogs to some insecticides.  Some products that are safely used on dogs can be deadly to cats, even in small amounts.  An example of such a species difference is permethrin sensitivity in cats. There are over 18 brands of permethrin spot-on products available that are labeled for "dogs only." These contain high concentrations (45-65%) of permethrin insecticide and are used for flea and tick control. These permethrin products have a good margin of safety when used on dogs, but even a few drops of concentrated permethrin could be lethal to a cat. Cats are most commonly exposed to these products through inappropriate application by their owners.  The signs commonly seen with permethrin toxicity in cats include generalized tremors, muscle fasciculation and seizures.  Signs can develop within hours or may be delayed up to 48 hours.

Most cats will recover with prompt and aggressive veterinary treatment, including tremor control with intravenous methocarbamol. The best way to avoid serious problems is to educate pet owners to always use products strictly according to their label directions.  Owners should be advised to always read the label instructions completely before using ANY product on their pets.  

For treatment recommendations for permethrin toxicity in the cat, please visit http://www.aspca.org/apcc/toxbrief_1298.pdf

To help the veterinary community educate pet owners about the importance of reading and observing product labels, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promoting "Read the Label First."  To download the brochure, visit www.apcc.aspca.org

 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Warns Pet Owners About the Dangers of Summer Pesticides(NEW YORK, NY) MAY 21, 2002 - Statistics compiled by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center confirm that July and August are the most dangerous time of year for companion animals.  According to 2001 data, the Center received approximately 7,000 calls in July, making it the month with the highest volume of cases for the year. The data found that over 3,000 (48%) of the cases involved animals being exposed to pesticides.  This includes commonly used insecticides (flea and tick products), rodenticides (mouse and rat baits) and herbicides (weed killers). 

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center consulted on over 920 cases in July 2001 involving flea and tick products.  While there are many safe products available, caution must always be used when choosing and appropriately applying them on pets.   "The misuse of flea and tick products is extremely harmful and can even be deadly to our companion animals," comments Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "By taking the time to read a product label carefully a pet owner could save their animal's life."  The ASPCA also warns that products that are safely used on dogs can be deadly to cats, even in small amounts.  For example, there are over 18 brands of permethrin insecticide spot-on products for flea and tick control that are labeled for "use on dogs only." These permethrin products have a good margin of safety when used on dogs, but even a few drops of concentrated permethrin could be lethal to a cat.  Cats are most commonly exposed to these products through inappropriate or accidental application by their owners.

It is important to consult with a veterinarian before using a flea and tick product on a very young, pregnant or elderly animal.  As an alternative to using flea products directly on such pets, the ASPCA recommends owners use a flea comb. This would be a good option for pets that enjoy being groomed, but violently refuse baths or the application of a spray.  Also, after using a flea and tick product, it is necessary to observe an animal closely.  If a pet exhibits unusual behavior or becomes depressed, weak, or uncoordinated the owner should seek veterinary advice immediately.

The second most serious type of cases involved rodenticides.  The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled over 260 cases about rodenticides in July 2001.  The most dangerous forms include zinc phosphide, strychnine and commercial rat and mouse bait.  Some bait contains inert ingredients that can attract an animal.  If a pet ingests a rodenticide, there is a chance that it could cause a seizure, bleeding or possibly result in death. When using any rodenticide it is important to place the product in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals. 

Last summer the Center received over 560 calls about herbicides.  A large number of those calls were owners concerned about letting their pets walk in an area that was treated with weed killers.  While some weed killers are safe for pet traffic once dry, the Center urges pet owners to contact the manufacturer for specific recommendations about using herbicides around pets.  Additionally, it is important to always store pesticides in areas that are inaccessible to pets.

 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Offers Answers About Plants and Lawn Care Products

1. What plants are toxic to pets?

Cardiotoxic plants: (effect the heart):
Convallaria majalis - Lily of the Valley
Nerium oleander - Oleander
Rhododendron species - Rhododendron, Azalea and Rosebay
Taxus species - American, Japanese, English and Western Yew
Digitalis purpurea - Foxglove
Kalanchoe spp. - Kalanchoe

Plants that could cause kidney failure:
Certain species of lilies (in cats only)
Rhubarb (Rheum species) - leaves only

Plants that could cause liver failure:
Cycads (Cycad species)
Mushroom (Amanita phalloides)

Plants that could cause multiple effects:
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum species) (Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, renal, liver damage and bone marrow suppression)
Castor Bean (Ricinus species) (Can cause renal failure, convulsions and death)

Mushrooms
ALWAYS assume that any ingested mushroom is highly toxic until a mycologist identifies that mushroom. Toxic and non-toxic mushrooms can grow in the same area.

2. What should pet owners do if they suspect their animal has ingested a poisonous plant? What symptoms should they look for?

If a pet owner suspects that their animal ingested a poisonous plant, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. It's advised to bring in part of the plant to a nursery for identification if the exact species is not known. Symptoms of poisonings can include almost any clinical sign. The animal may even appear completely normal for several hours or days.

3. Is there a way for pet owners to train or teach their pets not to eat poisonous plants?

There may be ways that a pet owner could train their pets to avoid certain areas of their home or yard where there are poisonous plants. However, the safest method would be to prevent exposure by removing the plants from the pet's home and yard.

4.What about pesticides and fertilizers that might be in the garage or tool shed?

Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until the time listed on the label by the manufacturer. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer for clarification before using it. Always store pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.

The most serious problems resulting from fertilizer ingestion in pets is usually due to the presence of heavy metals such as iron. Ingestion of large amounts of fertilizer could cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.

The most dangerous forms of pesticides include: snail bait containing metaldehyde, fly bait containing methomyl, systemic insecticides containing disyston or disulfaton, zinc phosphide containing mole or gopher bait and most forms of rat poisons. When using pesticides place the products in areas that are totally inaccessible to your companion animals. Always store pesticides in secured areas.

For more toxicology tips or to view a virtual poisonous plant garden, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's website at www.apcc.aspca.org.

 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Warns Pet Owners: Summer Is The Deadliest Time of Year For Companion Animals

 (NEW YORK, NY) MAY 21, 2002 - Statistics compiled by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center confirm that July and August are the most dangerous time of year for companion animals.  According to 2001 data, the Center received approximately 7,000 calls in July, making it the month with the highest volume of cases for the year. The data found that over 3,000 (48%) of the cases involved animals being exposed to pesticides.  This includes commonly used insecticides (flea and tick products), rodenticides (mouse and rat baits) and herbicides (weed killers). 

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center consulted on over 920 cases in July 2001 involving flea and tick products.  While there are many safe products available, caution must always be used when choosing and appropriately applying them on pets.   "The misuse of flea and tick products is extremely harmful and can even be deadly to our companion animals," comments Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "By taking the time to read a product label carefully a pet owner could save their animal's life."  The ASPCA also warns that products that are safely used on dogs can be deadly to cats, even in small amounts.  For example, there are over 18 brands of permethrin insecticide spot-on products for flea and tick control that are labeled for "use on dogs only." These permethrin products have a good margin of safety when used on dogs, but even a few drops of concentrated permethrin could be lethal to a cat.  Cats are most commonly exposed to these products through inappropriate or accidental application by their owners.

It is important to consult with a veterinarian before using a flea and tick product on a very young, pregnant or elderly animal.  As an alternative to using flea products directly on such pets, the ASPCA recommends owners use a flea comb. This would be a good option for pets that enjoy being groomed, but violently refuse baths or the application of a spray.  Also, after using a flea and tick product, it is necessary to observe an animal closely.  If a pet exhibits unusual behavior or becomes depressed, weak, or uncoordinated the owner should seek veterinary advice immediately.

The second most serious type of cases involved rodenticides.  The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled over 260 cases about rodenticides in July 2001.  The most dangerous forms include zinc phosphide, strychnine and commercial rat and mouse bait.  Some bait contains inert ingredients that can attract an animal.  If a pet ingests a rodenticide, there is a chance that it could cause a seizure, bleeding or possibly result in death. When using any rodenticide it is important to place the product in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals. 

Last summer the Center received over 560 calls about herbicides.  A large number of those calls were owners concerned about letting their pets walk in an area that was treated with weed killers.  While some weed killers are safe for pet traffic once dry, the Center urges pet owners to contact the manufacturer for specific recommendations about using herbicides around pets.  Additionally, it is important to always store pesticides in areas that are inaccessible to pets.

I post this information advisedly. This site has some good information on medicating cats and dogs with products made for humans. The important thing is to follow the instructions precisely. And above all, do not give the medicines to cats, or to puppies or kittens unless clear instructions indicate the safety of doing so.

And it goes without saying that ideally you should consult your veterinarian if at all possible, and only use these products with your veterinarian's knowledge and approval.

The site is Animals Unlimited Network

Winter Care Reminders 

With cold weather upon us, it is important to take steps to protect our animals from the elements. Freezing temperatures and cold wind and rain are just as hard on them as they are on us. When bad weather hits, bring your pets inside if it is at all possible, especially if the temperature falls to 32 degrees or lower. If animals must be left outside, follow the guidelines below: 

*Small animals, and the very young, and the very old or ill need special consideration.

*All animals need more food in order to stay warm.

*Check food and water bowls frequently. Warm food and water is crucial; cold food and water can cause vomiting or diarrhea.

*Warm, dry shelter is an absolute necessity. Shelter should be the proper size for the animal, elevated 3-4 inches of the ground, faced away from prevailing winds, and lined with cedar chips, newspaper, hay, or sawdust. A flap over the door is needed to keep out drafts.

*Be careful about antifreeze spills or leaks; even a minute amount can be lethal to an animal.

*After walking your dog, wipe his paws to remove any snow, ice, and particularly deicing materials, such as salt.

*Bang on the hood of your car before starting engine in order to scare out any cat or other small creature that may have crawled up to the engine area to stay warm.

With just a little effort, you can do much to assure that your pet remains reasonably comfortable as well as healthy, no matter what sort of weather there is. And after all -- they’re well worth it!

CDC FAQ on West Nile Virus in Pets

West Nile Virus and Dogs and Cats

Q. Can West Nile virus cause illness in dogs or cats?
A. Since 1999, there has been one confirmed death of a dog, and of one cat, infected with West Nile virus. It should be understood, however, that the dog was already in poor health, and was immune compromised - and therefore is not representative of dogs in general. Experimentally infected dogs* showed no symptoms after infection with WNV. Some infected cats exhibited mild, nonspecific symptoms during the first week after infection-for the most part only showing a slight fever and slight lethargy.

It is unlikely that most pet owners would notice any unusual symptoms or behavior in cats or dogs that become infected with WNV.

Q. How can my veterinarian treat my cat or dog if they are/may be infected with WNV?
A. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.

Q. Does my dog/cat becoming infected pose a risk to the health of my family or other animals?
A. There is no documented evidence of dog or cat-to-person transmission of West Nile virus. The evidence suggests that dogs do not develop enough virus in their bloodstream to infect more mosquitoes. Cats develop slightly higher levels of virus in their bloodstream, but it is unclear if this would be enough to infect mosquitoes. It is very unlikely that cats would be important in furthering the spread of the virus. *

If your animal becomes infected with WNV, this suggests that there are infected mosquitoes in your area. You should take measures to prevent mosquitoes from biting you (use repellent and wear protective clothing.)
Veterinarians should take normal infection control precautions when caring for any animal (Including birds) suspected to have this or any viral infection.

Q. How do cats and dogs become infected with West Nile virus?
A. Dogs and cats become infected when bitten by an infected mosquito. There is also evidence that cats can become infected with the virus after eating experimentally infected mice. *

Q. Can I become infected with WNV if a dog with the virus bites me?
A. Preliminary studies have not been able to detect virus in the saliva of infected dogs. This suggests that dog bites pose a low risk, if any, of transmission of WNV from dogs to other animals or people.

Q. Is there a vaccine for cats or dogs?
A. No.

Q. Should a dog or cat infected with West Nile virus be destroyed?
A. No. There is no reason to destroy an animal just because it has been infected with West Nile virus. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.

Q. Can I use insect repellent on my pets?
A. DEET-based repellents, which are recommended for humans, are not approved for veterinary use (largely because animals tend to ingest them when licking.) Talk with your veterinarian for advice about the appropriate product for use on your pet. 

Colloidal Silver

A natural health treatment you can easily make for yourself. This product has been proven to kill over 600 pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, without losing its' effectiveness. It is inexpensive and safe for use in both humans and animals.

I use it myself, and I treat my pets (cats, dogs, horses) with it - with excellent success and no side effects. It has cleared up conditions which even prescription medications could not heal. It is also a good preventative therapy.

To learn more, you can find many sources of validated information on Colloidal Silver here.
A new &very informative video about this remarkable product is now available in VHS or DVD format here.

You can buy the best Colloidal Silver Generators here.

Vaccinating Your Pet

It is important that pet owners understand the risks and options of vaccinating their animals. This is such an involved and complicated subject, that I feel it is best to refer you to a very excellent site by Dr. Bob Rogers. He has addressed the issue of vaccinations for cats and dogs clearly, coherently, and logically. He shows statistics and scientific data to support his argument that pets are generally being over vaccinated. He believes this is unhealthy and unnecessary.

I completely agree. One of my own cats nearly died of anaphylactic shock resulting from a vaccination.

Please visit Critter Advocacy and study this very important matter before giving any more vaccinations to your pet. At the very least, see Dr. Rogers complaint letter to Texas office of the Attorney General.

Two of many other sites regarding this matter are Evidence Based Vet Forum, and Dog Adverse Reactions.