SKUNKS, SHAVED DOGS, AND DANGEROUS PEOPLE FOODS....

Now that we have your undivided attention, let's look ahead at some of our upcoming topics here at Questions On Dogs and Cats.  Helpful Buckeye receives numerous e-mails each week with questions about dog and cat health problems...some of these, we've already covered thoroughly; others, not at all.  That's one of the engines that keeps this blog running so smoothly...reader input!  Remember what Helpful Buckeye said way back when we began this blog: "This blog will be a 2-way street of information flow."

Some of our upcoming topics will cover "Pet Peeves" about pets, Cat wellness care, Cat nursing care, Pet Obesity, and Snake bites.

As a reminder, if you have any questions or comments for Helpful Buckeye, send them to: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or post them at the "Comment" icon at the end of this issue.

More than half of our readers have NOT had a pet show signs of heat exhaustion.  That's great!  Almost all of our readers have NEVER shipped a pet by air and the few who did have not experienced a problem in doing so.  That's also great!  The best news, though, is that about 90% of our readers REGULARLY give their dogs heartworm preventative medication.  That's really great!  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

Following closely on the heels of Massachusetts, Illinois has become the 14th state to require a different formulation in the makeup of antifreeze.  Their Governor signed the bill this past week.  For more information on this story, go to: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/07/illinois_primates_antifreeze_bills_072210.html

New Hampshire and Ohio still have legislation pending at this time on this antifreeze concern.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

One of the most common questions received by Helpful Buckeye is, "Will it hurt for my dog (or cat) to eat....?"  Almost always, the questioner is asking about something usually eaten by a human. 

The ASPCA has put together a pretty comprehensive list of human foods with corresponding health effects on dogs and cats, if any, of each item.

People Foods

Have you heard that a specific product or substance could be dangerous to your pets? Our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center set the record straight. As the premier animal poison control center in North America, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

• Acai Berry and Pomegranate
• Almonds
• Anise Oil
• Apples
• Brazil Nuts
• Canned Tuna
• Carob Chips
• Cheese
• Chocolate
• Cocoa Powder
• Coconut Products
• Compost
• Coriander and Parsley
• Corn
• Cranberries
• Cranberry juice
• Cucumber
• Dog Food Containing Avocado
• Eggs
• Flaxseed
• Food Coloring
• French Fries
• Grapes
• Grapeseed Oil
• Grease
• Green Tea
• Herbs
• Ice
• Juice and other Beverages
• Lemon Seeds
• Luncheon Meat
• Melon
• Milk
• Mushrooms
• Nutmeg
• Oranges
• Pepper
• Pistachios and Peanuts
• Popcorn
• Potatoes
• Pretzels
• Raisins
• Shrimp
• Sorbitol
• Spices
• Spinach
• Steak Fat
• Sweeteners
• Table and Wine Grapes
• Tomatoes
• Treats with Garlic
• Turkey
• Venison
• Water chestnuts
• Watermelon
• Wine
• Yogurt
• Zucchini

As you can see, this is an interesting list of fairly common foods and perhaps many of you have already offered some of these to your pets.  For the really important information on any dangers involved with each of these items, go to: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/people-foods.html  and click on the specific food.  Helpful Buckeye suggests that you keep this web site as a "Favorite" on your computer for future consultation.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

1) As a follow-up of last week's mention of problems associated with air travel by your pets, the US Department of Transportation has listed the airlines considered to be the most problematic for flying pets.  The US DOT says that Continental, Delta, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United have had the most reported incidents, in that order.  Read the details at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/23/the-most-dangerous-and-safest-airlines-for-your-dog/

Another related article provides more details:
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/traveling-pets-airlines-dog-deaths/story?id=11198807&page=1

2) How many of you have had a dog or cat get mixed up with a skunk and come back to you smelling like, well...a skunk?  Veterinarians are presented with this problem more than you can imagine.  There have been many remedies proposed over the years, but none of them are perfect.  Listen to this helpful podcast from the American Veterinary Medical Association that will describe the best way to resolve this problem, along with a cautionary advisory about skunks: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=161&NAME=What_to_Do_if_Your_Pet_Is_Sprayed_by_a_Skunk

Our favorite quote source, Mark Twain, had this to say about polecats (skunks): "While a polecat is undoubtedly a comely and graceful animal to look at, none but an angel can get any real joy out of its company."  From-- "The Chronicle of Young Satan"

3) Many parts of the USA are hot and humid during the summer months and some dog owners wonder about the benefits, if any, of shaving their dog's hair coat for the summer.

As the summer heat escalates to oven-like temperatures, the thought of donning a fur coat may be unbearable. So how can you help ease your dog's discomfort during sweat-inducing heat spells? Paw Nation, at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/20/should-you-shave-your-dog-for-summer-plus-other-grooming-questi/  spoke with Beth Recchia, Owner and Director of Furry Tails Grooming Salon and School of Pet Grooming and Kathleen White, Owner of The South Carolina School of Dog Grooming about how to groom your dog's fur for optimal coolness.

Here is the question everyone asks: Should pet owners shave their dogs for the summer?

Some dog owners think their pooch would be more comfortable shaved, but many professionals insist that dogs' coats are already equipped to deal with hot temperatures. "I believe that all dogs should be left in their natural coat if possible," said White. "We sometimes have to give in to what the customer wants, but a dog's coat insulates them for hot and cold weather."

If the owner does prefer to pare down the fur, which type of haircut is best for dogs in the hot weather?

Hair styles do vary by breed, but Recchia recommends a generic "buzz cut" for her furry clients rather than shaving. "It's a very short cut which removes excess fur, thus preventing shedding," she tells us. "[Dogs] are much easier to bathe over the summer with less fur, and it's also great for preventing ticks and fleas. You can spot pests much more easily."

White advises her customers to allow the groomer to leave some fur for sunburn protection and insulation.

Are there certain areas on a dog's body that should be groomed shorter or kept longer during the summer?

Dog hair can grow in inconvenient locations, poking your pooch in the eyes, or another area that may become especially annoying in extreme heat. Cutting particular areas shorter during the summer is a personal preference according to Recchia, but she said "a lot of owners like the face taken shorter to prevent hair from getting in their pet's face and mouth."

What are some precautions pet owners can take to prevent sunburn?

Humans aren't the only ones who can suffer from a nasty sunburn! Take precautions to prevent your pet's skin from sun damage. "Avoid direct sunlight and keeping your pets outside too long in the extreme heat," said Recchia. "Baby suntan lotion works well on very [short-haired] breeds and hairless breeds. It also works well on the nose area."

Some people use sun protection designed specifically for animals such as Veterinarians Best Sunscreen for Dogs...available at: http://www.amazon.com/Veterinarians-Best-Spray-Sunscreen-Dogs/dp/B000WFENCE

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) For those of you traveling with your pets this summer, a new source for pet travel carriers is available at: http://www.petrelocation.com/pet-travel-crates 

This web site ties in to one of the topics under "General Interest" just below.

2) Helpful Buckeye recently received a nice complimentary note from the folks at Nice Dog Shop.  Check out their offerings at: http://nicedogshop.com/

GENERAL INTEREST

1) An interesting web site has been gaining popularity as more pet owners are either moving and taking their pets with them or just shipping their pets to another destination.  Check out the services and information they offer at: http://www.petrelocation.com/

2) Not only are a lot of families suffering through the agonies of foreclosure of their homes, but also their pets are being victimized by the same crises.  Read about some of the terrible scenarios occurring in the USA: http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/family-pets-also-victimized-by-foreclosure-crisis/19557083 

3) The prestigious Mayo Clinic supports the benefits of pet therapy in helping humans heal.  One of their experts in palliative care offers this: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pet-therapy/MY01375/?utm_source=Other&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HouseCall&pubDate=July%2016,%202010

4) Desperado and Helpful Buckeye saw a double rainbow this past Wednesday...in the western sky in the morning AND in the eastern sky in late afternoon.  One of those was special, but two in one day made it a very special day!  I know how thrilled we were to see both double rainbows, so it's easy to understand this cat's reaction: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/19/omg-cat-sees-double-rainb_n_650929.html
 

SPORTS NEWS

NFL training camps open up this coming week, which is good news for a disgruntled baseball fan...moi!  Helpful Buckeye and Desperado will be in western Pennsylvania this coming weekend, only 5 miles from the training camp of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but...until the Steelers show how they are going to work their way through our QB's off-the-field problems, I'm not such a big fan anymore.  It's family reunion time anyway....

When we get back home to Flagstaff, the AZ Cardinals will have just opened their camp here in town on the NAU campus.  Helpful Buckeye will be spending at least a few days watching their practices.  The Cardinals have put together 2 really solid seasons and are featuring a couple of very good players from my alma maters: Ohio State (Beanie Wells) and Pitt (Larry Fitzgerald).  If things don't turn out OK with the Steelers, the Cardinals will be a fun team to follow.

PERSONAL STUFF

It was Benjamin Franklin (also from Pennsylvania) who said, "Family and guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days."  Since we will be in PA for 4 days and parts of 2 others, we will be slightly over the limit.  We'll let you know how that works out.  The chauffeurs (Mr./Ms. Cowpoke) who will be picking us up at the airport upon our return will be the first to know....

~~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 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.~~

ANTIFREEZE CAN KILL YOUR PETS....

IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THIS BLOG MAKES PEOPLE FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THEIR PETS

The American Veterinary Medical Association would like all of us to remember that National Pet Week runs from May 2-8 and has been titled:

Pets & People Healthy Together

WHEREAS, The 2010 theme for National Pet Week is “Pets and People—Healthy Together,” promoting the importance of exercise for people and pets; and

WHEREAS, 65% of adult Americans are overweight or obese, according to the American Obesity Society; and

WHEREAS, 44% of dogs and 57% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention; and

WHEREAS, As is the case with human disease, obesity among companion animals can lead to osteoarthritis, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and various cancers; ....

The poll questions from this past week produced some interesting results.  First of all, only 7 readers responded that they had read a good book on dogs or cats recently.  One of those books is described a little later under "Products...."  Secondly, of 16 respondents, only 1 person said they'd consider having their dog or cat freeze-dried.  Be sure to answer the poll questions for this week in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) Even with all of the negative publicity the state of Arizona has recently received for its bungled attempt at an immigration bill, the state legislature has banded together unanimously to pass an animal domestic violence bill.  "The bill would allow judges hearing domestic violence cases to award the victim sole custody of the family pets. Domestic violence experts note that an abusive spouse is motivated by the need for power and control. Threatening the family's pet often causes people to remain in abusive households, for fear of what might happen to the animal if they leave. A study found that in households where family pets have been abused, 65 percent of women put themselves in danger by staying in order to protect their pets."

For further details, go to the Humane Society of the United States: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/04/az_pet_protective_orders_043010.html

2) The state of Wisconsin has become the 12th state to pass a law that "requires the addition of a bitter flavor agent to antifreeze and engine coolant, in order to prevent animals and children from being poisoned by the sweet-tasting liquid."  The rest of the story from the HSUS: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/04/wi_antifreeze_bill_passes_042310.html 

For those of you wondering why this should be of such concern, stay tuned for the medical problem of the week...as Questions On Dogs and Cats brings you:

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Just about everyone who drives a vehicle in the USA has some type of antifreeze in the vehicle's radiator...it is used to both decrease the freezing point and increase the boiling point of the radiator fluid.  In addition, many of you keep an extra container of antifreeze on hand for the purpose of "topping off" the radiator fluid level as needed.  Perhaps some of you still drain your radiator fluid in the fall and spring, then replace it with a new batch.  All of this is very important to the normal functioning of your vehicle but how does it fit in with concerns about the health of your dogs and cats?

What is it about antifreeze that attracts your pets?  Here's a clue from the music world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjNiIvUEtIw  featuring The Searchers, with a remake of The Drifters hit of 1961. 

Most antifreeze is about 95% ethylene glycol, which is very toxic to both dogs and cats.  Ethylene glycol is what gives the sweet taste to antifreeze.  The widespread availability of antifreeze, its sweet taste, small minimum lethal dose, and the lack of public awareness of its toxicity all contribute to the frequency of this problem.  Whether you leave containers of antifreeze open in the garage or allow spills of antifreeze laying on the garage floor or in the driveway, that might be just enough to kill your pet.

The minimum lethal dose of ethylene glycol is about 1.5 teaspoons for a 10-lb. cat and about 3 tablespoons for a 25-lb. dog.  Doesn't sound like much, does it?  That's how toxic this chemical is. 

Ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract.  In dogs, the peak blood concentration is reached within 3 hours after swallowing the liquid.  The clinical signs shown by your dog or cat are dependent on the amount swallowed and the amount of time that has passed since swallowing it.  These signs can include vomiting, increased drinking, increased urinations, and neurologic involvement (depression, stupor, knuckling of the toes, and loss of coordination of the legs)...some of which might show up almost immediately.  If not treated at this point, acute kidney failure usually develops 12-24 hours later in cats and 36-72 hours later in dogs.

Diagnosis of ethylene glycol toxicity is often difficult due to the nonspecific nature of these clinical signs that appear similar to gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, and other kidney disorders.  If no one has actually seen the pet licking or swallowing the antifreeze, a diagnosis is usually based on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and blood/laboratory data.

Once diagnosed, treatment is aimed at decreasing any further absorption of the swallowed ethylene glycol and increasing its excretion from the body.  Your veterinarian will have to move swiftly if these measures are to be successful because, once acute kidney failure develops, the prognosis for these dogs and cats is guarded to poor.  It's easy to see why the passage of time is the worst enemy in this situation.  That's why the best treatment for this problem is preventing it from happening in the first place.  Up until just recently, the only way to accomplish that was to be very strict about not allowing any access at all to antifreeze by your pets.  Now, with this new law that requires a bitter flavor additive in all antifreeze products, we will hopefully see the incidence of this serious problem decrease rapidly.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

Dr. Mary Burch, the behavior specialist for the AKC you met in last week's blog issue, provides an answer for this question about an anxious cat:

My 2-year old cat, Blackie, is easily unnerved by new people in the house and loud noises such as thunder. She gets especially upset when she goes to the vet, or to be groomed, or really when she travels at all. I feel bad for her, and I worry when she's scared because she scratches if someone tries to help her or handle her. Do you have any suggestions for making her feel better? I've had her since she was a kitten and she has always been this way.

Having a stressed-out cat can make an owner just as unnerved as the cat. Some of the causes of feline stress include trauma, a change in environment, a lack of early socialization, being removed from the litter too early, a history of abuse (as seen with some shelter cats) and genetics.

Here are some things you can consider for helping Blackie:

1. Control the environment. Make sure Blackie has a place she can escape to. This might include a bedroom where you can close the door and shut out the sounds of the rest of the house (particularly during a noisy party) but it can also be a favorite play spot. Does Blackie have a cat tree? Cats like to be elevated, and many models of cat trees have a hiding place at the top.

For travel, use safety precautions such as a cat carrier that is small and closed in (with air holes of course). This will make Blackie feel a little more secure and safe. Hopefully, trips to the vet are infrequent.

2. Mask upsetting noise. Music or television can be used to cover up sounds that may be unnerving your pet. Some cats respond particularly well to classical music, for example.

3. Try calming remedies. Some products, such as one called Feliway, contain synthetic pheromones which may soothe your pet. (Pheromones are produced naturally in a cat's cheek glands and send chemical signals that indicate everything is okay. These synthetic pheromones may bring about the same result in your cat.) There are also some homeopathic products that you might try. These natural remedies (such as PetCalm) are reported to reduce fear and nervousness in some cats. You could try these to see if you think they make a difference in Blackie's behavior.

4. Don't reward fearful behavior. If Blackie acts nervous, and you pick her up and cuddle her saying, "There there, Blackie; it's OK," you can reinforce the behavior and cause her to act scared whenever she wants to get your attention. Instead, try and make Blackie feel safe and secure by keeping her on the same schedule with regard to when you feed her, change her litter box, and take her out in the yard. Cats love routine.

5. Offer her confidence-building activities, exercise, and games. This can be as simple as playing with toys, training her to do tricks, or having her run a small agility course in a hallway. If you do this every day, most cats will begin to look forward to this time together.

While it is ideal for cats to be socialized and exposed to new sounds and experiences when they are kittens, there is much you can do to help an adult cat become more confident. Following the tips above can help your kitty become cool, calm, and collected.

If you have an animal behavior question for Dr. Burch, you can e-mail her at: mary@pawnation.com 

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) One of our readers sent a note about a pet book they recently read.  Learn more about It's A Dog's World by Wendy Diamond at: http://www.amazon.com/Its-Dogs-World-Four-Legged-Living/dp/0345514459  

2) Several weeks ago, Helpful Buckeye addressed the problem of barking dogs at: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2010/03/barking-and-growling-dogs.html

A reader sent an e-mail about this product which has helped them with a neighbor's barking dog:
http://petsafeoutdoorbarkdeterrent.info/

3) If you're looking for a special cat litterbox that you can have on display, check out these offerings from Moderncat: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/04/28/moderncats-modern-finds-litterboxes-you-dont-have-to-hide/ 

GENERAL INTEREST

1) Read this heart-warming account of Willamina, a cat that had been at an ASPCA shelter for more than 800 days, and Dana, who finally adopted her: http://www.aspca.org/news/national/04-30-10.html#2 

2) A dog was so excited to be rescued from a puppy mill in Tennessee that it broke out some of its best dance moves: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/04/30/dog-dances-with-happiness-really-after-being-rescued-from-pupp/  

3) Do you think your dog could become a TV star?  Read about the opportunity for your pooch to land a role in a TV commercial...this contest lasts through then end of 2010: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/04/26/do-you-want-your-dog-to-star-in-a-tv-commercial/ 

4) We've talked about pets running for political office before, mostly tongue-in-cheek.  Now, Woodrow, a dog rescued from a probable euthanasia situation in a Texas animal shelter, has decided to run as a write-in for the office of Governor of Texas.  To see if he has a chance, go to: http://www.tonic.com/article/woodrow-dog-governor-texas/ 

5) Most dog owners are guilty of spoiling their pooches to some degree.  Don't worry...these folks have you beat: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2010/04/26/20100426dogmansions0426.html 

SPORTS NEWS

The San Antonio Spurs have defeated Dallas to move on to the next round of the NBA playoffs.  Their opponent will be the Phoenix Suns.





PERSONAL STUFF

April was a pretty good month for Helpful Buckeye on the bicycle!  My previous record for miles ridden in a month was 605.  This month of April just completed Helpful Buckeye rode 711 miles....

~~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.~~