Moving to a new city? Going on an extended vacation? For some, leaving a furry friend behind is out of the question. For others, walking over hot coals sounds like more fun than taking Fido or Fluffy on a a long road trip. And for many, checking your faithful companion as baggage on a plane is simply not an option. Well, a solution has arrived!
For $149, Pet Airways will fly your dog or cat, one-way, between select destinations, including New York, DC, LA and Chicago. Don't worry, Fido and Fluffy won't be treated as baggage, they get their very own main cabin, complete with potty breaks and TLC. What a wonderful idea!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Cocoa Mulch Danger
One of our Animal Care Technicians, who also works at a veterinary clinic, reports today that the hospital had recently treated a dog that began having seizures after eating cocoa mulch. Evidently a warning has been circulating on the internet for months about this product with dire warnings about it causing dog deaths.
According to ConsumerAffairs.com "cocoa mulch contains a compound called theobromine. This naturally occurring compound--found in many plants, including cocoa beans--can be harmful to dogs." The mulch smells attractive to dogs and if eaten in large amounts can cause stomach upset and trembling. While it may not be fatal, it can certainly be dangerous.
So it appears that this internet rumor is valid. Be careful with all products that you use in areas where pets play. Of course, if your dog ingests cocoa mulch and has a reaction contact your vet immediately. Find a vet in Northern Virginia.
According to ConsumerAffairs.com "cocoa mulch contains a compound called theobromine. This naturally occurring compound--found in many plants, including cocoa beans--can be harmful to dogs." The mulch smells attractive to dogs and if eaten in large amounts can cause stomach upset and trembling. While it may not be fatal, it can certainly be dangerous.
So it appears that this internet rumor is valid. Be careful with all products that you use in areas where pets play. Of course, if your dog ingests cocoa mulch and has a reaction contact your vet immediately. Find a vet in Northern Virginia.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Dog Cloned for $155K
A Florida couple clones their dog to the tune of $155,000...
What can be said about this other than it seems irresponsible, with all the homeless dogs in this world; extravagant, considering our economy; and, well, admit it, kind of creepy.
What can be said about this other than it seems irresponsible, with all the homeless dogs in this world; extravagant, considering our economy; and, well, admit it, kind of creepy.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
And baby makes four...
Having a quick look at today's pet news, I found the following article: When new parents start hating their pets.
Frankly, I thought I had seen it all but this sentiment is new to me. Isn't "hate" a strong word for it? Certainly, that first few months with a new baby is quite the emotional roller coaster. Personally, I found it the most difficult three to four months of my life and can certainly understand how new parents would find it difficult, at best, to manage new baby and dog. I, personally, had lost my dog to cancer before the baby came and vowed that I would not adopt a new dog until baby was old enough to ask for one. But I doubted that I would end up "hating" my dog. The only thought I had was that, if he were still around, my dog would have been slightly emotionally neglected during those first few months.
It's interesting, though, that so many people think that having a dog is good practice for having a baby. I can't tell you how many times I have heard this and, since having a baby, have thought that it is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. The first point I want to make is that, no matter how much you spoil your dog by treating him like a person, it is not even close to the amount of work and responsibility that comes with a new baby. So you've successfully mastered taking care of Rover on a daily basis. You've trained him to sit, stay, maybe even fetch the newspaper. You walk him three times a day. You take him to the dog park for socialization. You put him in doggy daycare. You MUST be ready to take care of a baby -- think again. I'm not saying that taking care of a baby is an impossible task and I'm not saying that YOU are not ready, but please don't think that taking care of a dog is anything like taking care of a new baby!
But the real point I want to make here is that a dog is a dog! Yes, if you own a dog you must be a loving, responsible guardian. And yes, being a guardian requires certain responsiblities that will certainly change your life, but I do think it's true, many "responsible" pet owners do tend to, as the article states, "mollycoddle their dogs too much." And I do believe, that having a beloved companion and a new baby is a manageable situation as long as all parties understand what's to be expected.
So don't "hate" your dog just because you are overwhelmed. First of all, while those first few months seem like a lifetime, they will pass. And second, know that the family pooch is adjusting, too. He'll get the hang of it, just like you will!
Frankly, I thought I had seen it all but this sentiment is new to me. Isn't "hate" a strong word for it? Certainly, that first few months with a new baby is quite the emotional roller coaster. Personally, I found it the most difficult three to four months of my life and can certainly understand how new parents would find it difficult, at best, to manage new baby and dog. I, personally, had lost my dog to cancer before the baby came and vowed that I would not adopt a new dog until baby was old enough to ask for one. But I doubted that I would end up "hating" my dog. The only thought I had was that, if he were still around, my dog would have been slightly emotionally neglected during those first few months.
It's interesting, though, that so many people think that having a dog is good practice for having a baby. I can't tell you how many times I have heard this and, since having a baby, have thought that it is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. The first point I want to make is that, no matter how much you spoil your dog by treating him like a person, it is not even close to the amount of work and responsibility that comes with a new baby. So you've successfully mastered taking care of Rover on a daily basis. You've trained him to sit, stay, maybe even fetch the newspaper. You walk him three times a day. You take him to the dog park for socialization. You put him in doggy daycare. You MUST be ready to take care of a baby -- think again. I'm not saying that taking care of a baby is an impossible task and I'm not saying that YOU are not ready, but please don't think that taking care of a dog is anything like taking care of a new baby!
But the real point I want to make here is that a dog is a dog! Yes, if you own a dog you must be a loving, responsible guardian. And yes, being a guardian requires certain responsiblities that will certainly change your life, but I do think it's true, many "responsible" pet owners do tend to, as the article states, "mollycoddle their dogs too much." And I do believe, that having a beloved companion and a new baby is a manageable situation as long as all parties understand what's to be expected.
So don't "hate" your dog just because you are overwhelmed. First of all, while those first few months seem like a lifetime, they will pass. And second, know that the family pooch is adjusting, too. He'll get the hang of it, just like you will!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
We’ve come such a long way in caring for pets from the days when I was a child. Our family dogs were not neutered and usually ran loose through the neighborhood wreaking all sorts of havoc. The worst part was that both of my beloved dogs met violent ends -- both hit by cars. Sadly, neither one lived past the age of five.
Thankfully, most of us take much better care of our companion animals today. I have two dogs that live in the house, are neutered, never run loose, and enjoy daily walks on leashes. They have reached the ages of 11 and 13 with no serious health problems or accidents.
But with the blessing of long lives come problems that never occurred with those dogs of the past, who left us still in the prime of their lives. I have realized this in the past six weeks with my 13-year-old dog. He is still able to run up stairs and enjoys going for walks, but he is definitely less energetic than he used to be. He has always slept on his dog bed in our bedroom and rarely, if ever, disturbed our sleep. But lately that has changed. Each night he wakes up around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. and paces the bedroom, whining. We tried letting him outside for a potty break and/or giving him food, but neither ended the agitated pacing. After several weeks of this, we decided to let him sleep in our downstairs den, instead. Although he didn’t bark, we found his dog bed tossed around, toilet paper shredded, and various other signs of a less than restful night.
I started looking on the internet and immediately found references to canine cognitive dysfunction. It seems to be a fairly common problem among aging dogs. Signs are loss of housetraining (we’ve also noticed some very uncharacteristic accidents around the house); wandering aimlessly, agitation, and staring into space. Our vet agreed with our assessment and recommended Clomicalm, which is often used to treat separation anxiety in dogs. We have tried it for the past four nights, and already see a difference. He's now back in our bedroom and although he still gets up and paces, we have been able to reassure him with soothing words and he lies down and goes back to sleep. We don't know what the future will bring, but for now we're all feeling better.
While many pets now live long, comfortable lives, they face the inevitable decline of mind and body experienced by our aging human population. As responsible pet guardians we must find comfort in the fact that our animal companions will live the best lives that we can offer them and will continue to show their love and appreciation as long as they are able.
Thankfully, most of us take much better care of our companion animals today. I have two dogs that live in the house, are neutered, never run loose, and enjoy daily walks on leashes. They have reached the ages of 11 and 13 with no serious health problems or accidents.
But with the blessing of long lives come problems that never occurred with those dogs of the past, who left us still in the prime of their lives. I have realized this in the past six weeks with my 13-year-old dog. He is still able to run up stairs and enjoys going for walks, but he is definitely less energetic than he used to be. He has always slept on his dog bed in our bedroom and rarely, if ever, disturbed our sleep. But lately that has changed. Each night he wakes up around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. and paces the bedroom, whining. We tried letting him outside for a potty break and/or giving him food, but neither ended the agitated pacing. After several weeks of this, we decided to let him sleep in our downstairs den, instead. Although he didn’t bark, we found his dog bed tossed around, toilet paper shredded, and various other signs of a less than restful night.
I started looking on the internet and immediately found references to canine cognitive dysfunction. It seems to be a fairly common problem among aging dogs. Signs are loss of housetraining (we’ve also noticed some very uncharacteristic accidents around the house); wandering aimlessly, agitation, and staring into space. Our vet agreed with our assessment and recommended Clomicalm, which is often used to treat separation anxiety in dogs. We have tried it for the past four nights, and already see a difference. He's now back in our bedroom and although he still gets up and paces, we have been able to reassure him with soothing words and he lies down and goes back to sleep. We don't know what the future will bring, but for now we're all feeling better.
While many pets now live long, comfortable lives, they face the inevitable decline of mind and body experienced by our aging human population. As responsible pet guardians we must find comfort in the fact that our animal companions will live the best lives that we can offer them and will continue to show their love and appreciation as long as they are able.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Local Animal Laws Online
Have you ever tried to find out if dog poop must be cleaned up or cats must be kept on their own property or on a leash in your town? Some cities and towns are very good about having all laws available and searchable online while others, not so much.
I think back some ten years ago when a roommate of mine allowed his cat to wonder about outside, until one day the cat was picked up by animal control and the owner fined for noncompliance of the city's leash law. Yes, this particlar city did, in fact, have a leash law for both dogs AND cats. When I started thinking about how accessible local laws are or are not, I decided to call this city's animal control office to inquire about the law. My question was simple, "Does your city have a leash law for cats?" The first answer I received was, "No." Having some experience with that law in that city I pressed for more information. After a few minutes on hold, the person came back on and had found, herself, that the leash law did, in fact, cover cats.
I am not trying to put any locale on trial. I only use this as an example of how difficult it can be to stay informed of local laws, particularly those pertaining to animals. If we want people to be responsible pet owners shouldn't we, at the very least, make sure they are aware of the laws they must follow?
In an effort to educate the public, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington has put all Arlington County companion animal and wildlife laws, in layman's terms, online. We hope that Arlington residents find it helpful and it makes it a little easier for our citizens to be responsible, law-abiding pet owners.
I think back some ten years ago when a roommate of mine allowed his cat to wonder about outside, until one day the cat was picked up by animal control and the owner fined for noncompliance of the city's leash law. Yes, this particlar city did, in fact, have a leash law for both dogs AND cats. When I started thinking about how accessible local laws are or are not, I decided to call this city's animal control office to inquire about the law. My question was simple, "Does your city have a leash law for cats?" The first answer I received was, "No." Having some experience with that law in that city I pressed for more information. After a few minutes on hold, the person came back on and had found, herself, that the leash law did, in fact, cover cats.
I am not trying to put any locale on trial. I only use this as an example of how difficult it can be to stay informed of local laws, particularly those pertaining to animals. If we want people to be responsible pet owners shouldn't we, at the very least, make sure they are aware of the laws they must follow?
In an effort to educate the public, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington has put all Arlington County companion animal and wildlife laws, in layman's terms, online. We hope that Arlington residents find it helpful and it makes it a little easier for our citizens to be responsible, law-abiding pet owners.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Dangerous Detergent
Recently at the Arlington animal shelter we received a note from a concerned, distraught citizen who lost her cat to a terrible household disaster. According to the note, her beloved feline accidentally ingested Tide laundry detergent. While the caution on the bottle and, upon inquiry, the caution that we received from Tide was to simply ensure that the cat had plenty of water to drink, the events that occurred suggest that the true effect of laundry detergent on a pet are much worse than understood.
Here is an excerpt from her note that describes what her poor cat endured:
Poison Control told us my cat would probably have an upset stomach; the vets went ahead and treated her on that basis, thinking she'd get well. Instead, the esophageal burns kept her from eating; the feeding tube in her nose fed her, but internal burns stopped her from eliminating waste. Her condition improved at first (in terms of blood work) but, in the end, unable to eliminate waste, her breathing became labored and red blood count values started a downward slide and the only kind thing was to let her go. Had Poison Control had a more accurate picture of what she would suffer, I'd have let go before, not wanting her to suffer, as she was a huge part of our family and we loved her dearly.
I cannot imagine the pain the cat endured and the sadness that this loving cat owner must have felt to see her cat go through such a disaster. Being an animal lover, myself, and a new mother or a little baby, I find myself terribly concerned that such a simple household accident could have such a tremendous effect and that poison control did not seem to be of much help under these circumstances.
While I, personally, will be even more cautious about all household cleaners and other dangers, it makes me wonder what other unknown dangers might be lurking around my home.
Here is an excerpt from her note that describes what her poor cat endured:
Poison Control told us my cat would probably have an upset stomach; the vets went ahead and treated her on that basis, thinking she'd get well. Instead, the esophageal burns kept her from eating; the feeding tube in her nose fed her, but internal burns stopped her from eliminating waste. Her condition improved at first (in terms of blood work) but, in the end, unable to eliminate waste, her breathing became labored and red blood count values started a downward slide and the only kind thing was to let her go. Had Poison Control had a more accurate picture of what she would suffer, I'd have let go before, not wanting her to suffer, as she was a huge part of our family and we loved her dearly.
I cannot imagine the pain the cat endured and the sadness that this loving cat owner must have felt to see her cat go through such a disaster. Being an animal lover, myself, and a new mother or a little baby, I find myself terribly concerned that such a simple household accident could have such a tremendous effect and that poison control did not seem to be of much help under these circumstances.
While I, personally, will be even more cautious about all household cleaners and other dangers, it makes me wonder what other unknown dangers might be lurking around my home.
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