WORKING TOWARD THE HEALTHY CAT

OK, even though this whole issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats is devoted to cats, what does this breed of dog have to do with the lead news story of April 15, 2012? 

The lead news story of April 15, 2012 is about the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic (April 15, 1912) and the dog in question is a...Pomeranian.  According to reliable news sources, there were 12 dogs that were included in the "passenger" manifest on the Titanic for its maiden voyage.  Only 3 of them survived and 2 of those were...Pomeranians (the 3rd was a Pekingese). 

Adapted from: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/04/11/the-canine-casualties-of-the-titanic-disaster/

Now, on with the "cat's meow."  Helpful Buckeye always gets a bunch of e-mails from cat owners when we run an issue that features cats.  This will actually be the first in a 3-part series that will be spread out over the next 2 months.  Our readers with cats know that their cats really do think they are special, whereas dog owners know that their dogs would like to be treated as if they were special.  There's a major difference in that statement.  In the way of an introduction, I am reminded of an old quote about cats:

"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods.  Cats have never forgotten this."  Unknown

Cat Facts 

1: How many toes do cats have on their back paws?


A) 0
B) 2
C) 4
D) 5


2: What are female cats called?


A) queens
B) felines
C) toms
D) cats


3: The longest recorded lifespan of a cat is how many years?


A) 24
B) 29
C) 34
D) 39


4: How many hours a day does the average cat sleep?


A) 10
B) 14
C) 18
D) 20


5: For how long are female cats typically pregnant?


A) 9 months
B) 4 months
C) 2 months
D) 1 month


6: Using the length of a cat's tail as a guide, how many tail lengths high can a cat jump?


A) 5
B) 9
C) 3
D) 7


7: A cat without a tail likely lacks what?


A) balance
B) mating appeal
C) navigating ability
D) sensing ability


8: Which of the following is not another meaning of 'cat'?


A) a kind of whip
B) a handgun
C) a type of construction vehicle
D) to vomit


9: Cats have three eyelids. A cat showing this third eyelid can indicate all of the following except what?


A) it is happy
B) it is sick
C) it is scared
D) it is tired


10: Many things have been claimed about cats throughout history. Which of the following beliefs about cats has not been held by a culture...that we know of?


A) they are witches
B) they are minions of the devil
C) they are the embodiment of Gods
D) they can see the future


...how did you do?  The answers can be found toward the end of this issue.
 
Adapted from: http://www.arcamax.com/pets/catsanddogs/q-1041
 

If Your Cat Could Talk

Until about 40 years ago, the cat was thought to be an outdoor pet...but its independent nature and the relative ease of taking care of its basic needs has made the cat a much more popular pet.  In fact, recent surveys have shown there are millions more cats as pets than dogs. 


The ease of care for basic nutrition and toileting needs, as well as their independent nature, has led owners to believe that basic pet care for the cat appears to require less effort than for other pets, including dogs.


While cats may be surviving, their health concerns are often unrecognized and their needs are not being met in a lot of households.  Here are the top 5 things your cat would want you to know if it could speak with you:


1. I Need to Visit a Veterinarian. Cats are masters at hiding illness and may show only very subtle signs of sickness. Unless owners are aware of these subtle signs, they may often miss small behavior changes that can signal disease until the disease is in a more pronounced stage.

Proactive preventative health care actions like visiting your veterinarian for annual wellness visits can help with detecting disease before it becomes advanced. Cats also need to stay up-to-date with vaccinations as per AAFP Vaccine guideline recommendations. Senior cats may often need to visit the veterinarian more frequently. Visit http://www.catvets.com/ to find a feline practitioner in your area.


2. I Need Active Play. Cats are natural hunters and need an opportunity for play that enables them to express hunting behaviors.

Environmental enrichment for indoor cats is very important because it allows them to play, express their instinctual hunting behaviors and can provide regular exercise.

Cats are greatly influenced by early experiences so socialization during this time is critical. Cats are usually most content when they can dictate the timing of interaction with their owners and other humans.


Like humans, feline obesity is a rising health care concern in the U.S. and creating an environment that allows the cat to play and exercise can improve their overall health.


3. I’m Naturally Clean and Highly Sensitive to Scent. Cats often respond negatively to new scent profiles in the home including cleaners, new furniture, visiting people, dogs or other cats. Scent marking indoors can mean the cat feels threatened or it can be a response to changes in their emotional state because of changes in their environment.

Cats need a comfortable quiet place for toileting and in a location where they can avoid contact with other cats and human traffic. They prefer at least 1.5 inches of litter in order to bury their waste. It is also recommended that there be one litter box per cat, plus one extra and in different locations distributed throughout the home environment.


4. I Need Small Frequent Meals. Cats are carnivores, unable to survive or thrive without nutritional nutrients such as taurine that is found only in meat.

Vegetarian diets are not recommended for cats because of the cat’s unique nutritional needs. Your veterinarian should always be consulted first before feeding a homemade diet.
 Cats often eat only a few mouthfuls of food at any one time and not a large meal (prey is usually small).


The feeding process for cats is not a social event and thus they prefer to eat alone. Eating meals with other cats in close proximity or placing a bowl in a corner can create stress during the feeding process.


5. I Need a Veterinary Practice That is Cat Friendly. Cats have unique needs that practices must learn in order to provide the best possible health/medical care for the cat.

The entire veterinary team must learn and incorporate feline friendly handling techniques into their practice. Cat friendly practices understand that the trip to the veterinarian can be stressful for you and your cat, and they can help provide strategies to decrease the stress associated with the visit. 
 Practices that understand the distinct needs of cats will be able to provide improved wellness care, valuable education for you the client, and be proactive about diagnosing disease early to ensure a longer, better quality of life for your cat.

Adapted from: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/02/11/if-your-cat-could-talk/#ixzz1rHvb0CUm

'In Touch' With Your Cat's Health

The Humane Society of the United States


Regular visits to the veterinarian are an essential part of keeping your cat healthy. An excellent way for you to keep tabs on him in between vet visits is to do your own nose-to-tail checkups at home.


Get in the habit of running your hands all over your cat's body whenever he's cuddling with you or you're grooming him. This is the best way to discover problems before they become serious. Call your veterinarian if you find any of these conditions.


Skin deep


While petting your cat, feel for any lumps, scratches, scabs, swelling, or any other irregularities. Dandruff, oily fur, and missing fur can indicate skin or internal problems. Part the fur to look for fleas; specks that look like black pepper are actually "flea dirt" (flea feces that contain your cat's blood and turn red when wet).


Lend an ear


The hairless part of your cat's ears should be clean and odorless. If your cat is having problems, he may shake his head a lot and scratch his ears. Check for flaking, scabs, foul odor, or discharge. If you see a black, gritty substance inside, he probably has ear mites, a parasite that causes severe itching and is contagious to other cats.


Eye spy


Look for bright, clear, evenly focused eyes. Redness, discoloration or discharge, squinting, or the emergence of the third eyelid can signal that your cat has a problem.


Open wide


Healthy gums are pink, pale or bright; red gums may mean something is wrong. Drooling and pawing at the mouth are cause for concern as well. Brown streaks and tartar build-up on the teeth may indicate a dental problem. Your cat's breath should not be so bad that you can't stand to have him near you.

 Get nosey


Cats noses should be clean, and, depending on his activity level and the ambient temperature, his nose may be cold or warm. If he paws at his nose, sneezes frequently, or there is a discharge, contact your veterinarian.


Tall tails


Look under his tail. If you see what looks like grains of rice or spaghetti, contact your veterinarian. Your cat has parasites—some of which may be spread to you or other pets.


Foot the bill


Most cats don't like to have their feet touched, but if yours doesn't mind, look for stuck-on litter, torn claws, cuts, swellings, or infections. Also, check your cat's claws regularly to see if they need to be trimmed; untrimmed claws can inadvertently scratch you, get caught on carpet and furniture, and grow into the paw.


Brush it off


If your cat likes to be brushed, finish off your exam with a nice grooming session. Brushing is good for removing loose fur, distributing oils, and stimulating blood flow. Brushing also helps prevent hairballs, which cats cough up when they've swallowed too much fur from grooming themselves or another cat in the household.
 Book smarts


All owners should have a book on cat care (recommended by a veterinarian) that includes a section on emergency first aid. You should never try to be your own veterinarian, but there are some emergency procedures that could minimize damage and keep your pet relatively comfortable on the way to the veterinarian. Familiarize yourself with these procedures before an emergency happens.

Adapted from: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/cat_health.html

Subtle Signs Of Sickness

Inappropriate Elimination Behavior


Client education about litter box care and normal elimination behavior is important for prevention and treatment of medical and behavioral problems. Clients should be aware that inappropriate urination and defecation often accompany an underlying medical condition and do not occur “to get back at the owner.”

A cat that is urinating inappropriately may have any number of conditions associated with the behavior, including lower urinary tract disease, kidney disease, urinary tract infection and diabetes mellitus. It can also be a sign of arthritis, which makes it difficult for the cat to get into the litter box.


Blockage of the urinary tract signals a veterinary emergency. A blockage is treatable, but timing is critical. Once identified, the cat must receive veterinary care as soon as possible. Otherwise, fatal complications could develop. Signs include straining in the litter box with little or no results, crying when urinating and frequent attempts to urinate.


Changes In Interaction


Cats are social animals, they enjoy interaction with their human family and often with other pets. Changes in those may signal problems such as disease, fear or anxiety. They may also signal pain, which can cause aggression. For example, a cat may attack an individual who causes it pain, such as a person combing over a cat’s arthritic hips or brushing a diseased tooth.

 Changes In Activity


A decrease or increase in activity can be a sign of a medical of condition. As cats age, there is increased risk for arthritis. Discomfort from systemic illnesses can also lead to a decrease in activity. It's important to understand cats don't usually slow down just because they are old. More activity is often caused by hyperthyroidism. Changes in activity warrant a visit to your veterinarian.


Changes In Sleeping Habits


The key to differentiating abnormal lethargy from normal napping is knowing your cat's sleeping patterns. The average adult cat may spend 16 to 18 hours per day sleeping. This is normal, but much of that sleeping is “catnapping.” The cat should respond quickly to usual stimuli, such as the owner walking into the room or cat food being prepared. If your cat is sleeping more than usual or has discomfort laying down and getting up, this may be a sign of underlying disease.

 Changes In Food Or Water Consumption


Contrary to popular belief, most cats are not "finicky" eaters. Look for changes, such as a decrease or an increase in consumption and how the cat chews its food. Decreased food intake can be a sign of several disorders, ranging from poor dental health to cancer. Increased food consumption can be caused by diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism or other health problems.
 Changes in water consumption may be more difficult to observe, especially in cats that spend time outdoors or drink from toilets and sinks. Increased water intake can be an early indicator of thyroid problems, kidney disease, diabetes or other conditions.

If food and water intake is questionable, clients can measure the food and water given, and then measure what remains after 24 hours to get a more accurate picture of actual consumption.


Unexplained Weight Loss Or Gain


A change in weight does not necessarily correlate with a change in appetite. Cats with hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus can lose weight despite good appetites. Many other diseases cause both appetite and weight loss. If your cat goes to the food dish and then backs away from it without eating, nausea may be the source.


Weight changes often go unnoticed because of a cat's thick coat. You can assess body condition by feeling gently along the ribs. The ribs should be easily felt but not prominent.


On the other hand, obesity has become a serious health concern in cats, with increased risk of diabetes mellitus, joint disease and other problems. Cat owners can purchase small pet scales to chart weight at home. Take the cat to the veterinarian if there are any unplanned changes in weight.


Changes In Grooming


Typically, cats are fastidious groomers. Note whether your cat's coat is clean and free of mats. Patches of hair loss or a greasy or matted appearance can signal an underlying disease. Also watch to see if your cat has difficulty grooming. A decrease in grooming behavior can indicate fear, anxiety, obesity or other illnesses. An increase in grooming may be a sign of a skin problem.

 Signs Of Stress


Yes, your cat can be stressed despite having an “easy” life. Boredom and sudden lifestyle changes are common causes of stress in cats. Stressed cats may spend less time grooming and interacting, or they may spend more time awake and scanning their environment, hide more, withdraw and exhibit signs of depression. They could also change their eating patterns. These same signs may indicate a medical condition. It is important to rule out medical problems first and then address the stress. Because the social organization of cats is different from that of people and dogs, changes in the family, such as adding a new pet, should be done gradually. Please contact your veterinary hospital for information on how to successfully make changes in your household.


Changes In Vocalization


An increase in vocalization or howling is more common in older cats and is often seen with some underlying condition such as hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure. Many cats also vocalize more if they are in pain or anxious. If you note a change in vocalization, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out medical problems and to obtain suggestions for minimizing or eliminating the behavior.

Bad breath


Studies show 70 percent of cats have gum disease as early as age 3. It is important to have your cat's teeth checked every six months to help prevent dental disease or to start treatment of problems. One of the early indicators of an oral problem is bad breath. Regular home teeth brushing and veterinary dental care prevent bad breath, pain, tooth loss and spread of infection to other organs.

Adapted from: http://www.healthycatsforlife.com/sickness10.html

The answers to the quiz are: C, A, C, B, C, D, A, B, C, D

SPORTS NEWS

The LA Dodgers have opened this season with a 9-1 record, the best in the Major Leagues.  Granted, it's still very early in the season...but, I feel our players are playing with a comfort level that could only come from knowing that they are out from under the pressurized atmosphere of having an owner who didn't have the team's best interests at heart.  We had to turn a triple play in the 9th inning to win today's game but that's what winning teams do...they find a way to win the game.

PERSONAL STUFF
Desperado and Helpful Buckeye lost a canine friend this week back in Richmond, VA.  Our good friends Barbara and Don, told us that their Scottish Terrier, Megan, had reached the end of her life.

This is the appropriate time to use a quote I've been saving...in memory of Megan:

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made."—M. FACKLAM

~~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.~~

THE CAT'S MEOW....

OK, it's been more than 2 months since our last feature issue on cats and some of our cat fanciers are getting edgy waiting for their next fix on cat information.  Helpful Buckeye understands that there are now more cats as pets in the USA than dogs...cat owners don't need to keep reminding me of that fact!  However, just going by the amount of e-mail contacts and questions, more of our readers are interesting in dog matters.  Nonetheless, Helpful Buckeye wants to provide a forum for our cat-loving readers and, in that vein, here is this week's issue, titled The Cat's Meow....

"The Cat's Meow" is a phrase that originally meant "outstanding" and, more recently, "too cool for words."  Those of you who know someone with cats, and even those of you who have cats, will agree that "too cool for words" comes pretty close to describing the general attitude of most cats.  Cats generally do exhibit a "holier than thou" pattern of behavior and usually only interact with people when it benefits them.  This quote from Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947), English mathematician and philosopher: "If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer,"  captures that sentiment very nicely.

The Humane Society of the United States has put together this comprehensive summary of how to understand cat body language, behavior, and vocalizations:

Cat Chat: Understanding Feline Language

Body language, behavior, and vocalizations are keys to understanding the feline mind. You and your cat might speak different languages, but you can still communicate with each other.  Indicators such as the look in your cat's eyes, the tone of her voice, the position of her ears, and the motion of her tail can provide important clues that reveal her feelings and intentions. You can learn to "read" these signals so you’ll get a good idea of what's on your cat's mind.

Vocalizing: Something to talk about

You'll learn a lot from your cat's wide vocabulary of chirps and meows. You'll know when it's time to get up (at least in your cat's opinion), when your cat's feeling affectionate, or when your cat's feeling threatened or is in pain.

Meow is an all-purpose word. This can be a greeting ("Hey, how ya doin'?), a command ("I want up, I want down, More food now"), an objection ("Touch me at your own risk"), an announcement ("Here's your mouse"). Some cats even walk around the house meowing to themselves.

Chirps and trills are how a mother cat tells her kittens to follow her. Kitty wants you to follow him, usually to his food bowl. If you have more than one cat, they will often converse with each other this way.

The purr is a sign of contentment. Cats purr whenever they're happy, even while they’re eating. Sometimes, however, a cat may purr when he's anxious or sick, using the purr as a way to comfort himself, like a child sucking his thumb.

Growling, hissing, and spitting indicates a cat who is annoyed, frightened, angry or aggressive. Leave this cat alone.

The yowl or howl is a loud, drawn-out meow. Your cat is in some kind of distress—stuck in a closet, looking for you, in pain. In unneutered and unspayed cats, it's part of the mating behavior (and very annoying). Elderly cats sometimes suffer from cognitive disorder (dementia) and may howl because they're disoriented. Screaming means your cat is in terrible pain.

Chattering, chittering, twittering is the strange noise your cat makes when he's sitting in the window watching birds or squirrels. Some experts think that this is an exaggeration of the "killing bite," when a cat grabs his prey by the neck and works his teeth through the bones to snap them.

Body language

A cat gets her whole body into the act when she's communicating.  Does your cat's back arch up to meet your hand when you pet her? This means she's enjoying this contact with you. Does she shrink away under your slightest touch? Save the petting for later: she's not interested right now.  Pay attention to her eyes, ears, body and tail—they're all part of the story.

Ears

Forward: alert, interested, happy
Backward, sideways, flat ("airplane ears"): irritable, angry, frightened
Swiveling: attentive, listening to every little sound

Eyes

Pupils constricted: offensively aggressive; content
Pupils dilated: nervous, submissive (somewhat dilated); defensively aggressive (fully dilated); playful

Tail

Erect, fur flat: alert, inquisitive, happy
Fur standing on end: angry, frightened
Held very low or tucked between legs: insecure, anxious
Thrashing back and forth: agitated. The faster the tail, the madder the cat
Straight up, quivering: excited, really happy. If your cat is not neutered, he or she could be getting ready to spray something!

Body

Back arched, fur standing on end: frightened, angry
Back arched, fur flat: welcoming your touch
Lying on back, purring: very relaxed, may be asking for a tummy rub
Lying on back, growling: upset, ready to strike

Rubbing

When your cat rubs her chin and body against you, she's telling you she loves you, right? Well, sort of. What she's really doing is marking her territory. You'll notice that she also rubs the chair, the door, her toys, everything in sight. She's telling everyone that this is her stuff, including you. But she does love you, too.

Kneading

In the cat world, this is called "making biscuits," because the cat works her paws on a soft surface as if it she's kneading bread dough. This is a holdover from kittenhood, when a nursing kitten massaged her mother's teats to make milk flow. When your cat does this, she is really happy.

The Flehman response

You've surely noticed times when your cat, while sniffing your shoe perhaps, lifts his head, opens his mouth slightly, curls back his lips, and squints his eyes. He's not making a statement about how your shoe smells, he's gathering more information.  Your cat's sense of smell is so important to him that he actually has an extra olfactory organ that very few other creatures have—the Jacobson's organ. It's located on the roof of his mouth behind his front teeth and is connected to the nasal cavity.  When your cat gets a whiff of something really fascinating, he opens his mouth and inhales so that the scent molecules flow over the Jacobson's organ. This intensifies the odor and provides more information about the object he's sniffing. What he does with that information, well, we'll never know.

In the mood

Is your cat playing, meditating, or having a bad day? Here's how you can tell:

Content: Sitting or lying down, eyes half-closed, narrow pupils, tail mostly still, ears forward, purring. A really happy cat will often knead on a soft surface.
Playful: Ears forward, tail up, whiskers forward, pupils somewhat dilated. Playing is hunting behavior; your cat may stalk his prey (a toy, a housemate, you), then crouch down with his rear end slightly raised. A little wiggle of the butt, then … pounce! Kitty grabs his prey, bites it, wrestles it the floor, and kicks it with his hind feet. His toy is now dead.
Irritated, over-stimulated: Pupils dilating, ears turning back, tail twitching or waving. The cat may growl or put her teeth on you as a warning to cease and desist. Intense play can quickly turn to overstimulation in some cats, resulting in biting and scratching.
Nervous, anxious: Ears sideways or back, pupils dilating, tail low or tucked between legs. The cat may slink through the house close to the floor, looking for somewhere to hide. He may turn his face to the wall to shut the world out.
Frightened, startled: Think Halloween cat. Ears back and flat against head, whiskers back, back arched, fur standing on end, tail erect or low. May yowl, growl, hiss, and spit.
Defensive: Crouched position, ears flattened, whiskers back, tail between legs or wrapped around body, pupils dilated. May meow loudly, growl, hiss, and spit.
Angry, aggressive: Ears back, pupils very constricted, tail up or down with fur standing on end. An aggressive cat will stare down the other cat and growl or yowl until the other cat gives way. Cats don't really want to fight; they prefer standoffs, but this can progress to fighting if one of the cats doesn't back down.

Now, don't sit there in front of your computer screen and ask Helpful Buckeye why you should be reading any further.  You don't have to be a cat owner to appreciate this information.  You might gain more insight into why your friend's cat acts the way it does or you might even change your mind and acquire a cat of your own in the future.  Then, you'll be ready.

To let you digest all this feline information and help you gain a greater appreciation for one of Mother Nature's intriguing laws, that cats have 9 lives, watch (and listen to) this short video.  See if you don't come away with a better feel that cats really are different than dogs:  http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=1929 

Approximately 10% of respondents had purchased pet food products that had been recalled due to Salmonella concerns and about 20% had purchased eggs.  Hopefully, that's as far as it went...and nobody or no one's pets got sick.  Only 1 person, out of 18 respondents, reported as having been diagnosed with a Salmonella intestinal infection.  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) This will be one of the few references to dogs this week...so, if you're still upset about all the cat info, enjoy this one.  The American Kennel Club has just this past week approved the following policy position on the debarking of dogs:  Debarking is a viable veterinary procedure that may allow a dog owner to keep a dog that barks excessively in its loving home rather than to be forced to surrender it to a shelter. Debarking should only be performed by a qualified, licensed veterinarian after other behavioral modification efforts to correct excessive barking have failed. As with other veterinary medical decisions, the decision to debark a dog is best left to individual owners and their veterinarians.

2) The HSUS is praising the state of Alabama: The Humane Society of the United States praises the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole for denying parole to Juan Daniels, who was the first person convicted of felony animal cruelty charges under the Pet Protection Act. Daniels pled guilty in 2009 to beating his mother’s dog and setting him on fire.  For the rest of the story, go to: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/08/alabama_dog_cruelty_082610.html 

3) There has been a lot of publicity of a bed bug infestation in many large cities across the USA in recent months.  Well, as it turns out, any dog or cat that stays indoors with you can also feel the "bed bug's bite."  Read the interesting report from the ASPCA: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/26/bed-bugs-and-pet-safety-what-you-need-to-know/ 

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

In honor of National Take Your Cat to the Vet Week, Christine Bellezza, a veterinarian and the co-director of the Feline Health Center at Cornell University provides the scoop on keeping cats/kitties healthy.

What are the most common cat health problems?

It depends on the age of the cat and the general status of the cat. Indoor cats versus outdoor cats, vaccinated cats versus unvaccinated cats, shelter cats versus pet cats. Each has different problems more common to them.  In general, upper respiratory diseases are some of the most common diseases you would see in cats. Other common health problems include viral disease such as panleukopenia [feline distemper] in unvaccinated cats or kittens. Internal parasites like roundworm, hookworm and tapeworms are a problem, especially for young cats. External parasites like ticks and ear mites are also very common.

In older cats, kidney disease and hyperthyroidism are common, and there is a fair amount of cancer in cats as they get older. Also, obesity is a huge problem in cats. We see diabetes, arthritis, and other problems in obese cats.

What vaccines should cats have?

Pet vaccination can be a confusing subject for even the most conscientious pet owner. Should you vaccinate your cat? How can shots protect your kitty's health? To get the expert scoop on the subject, veterinarians Kristen Nelson, author of "Coated with Fur: A Vet's Life," and Christine Bellezza offer this help:
When and why should pet owners vaccinate their cats?

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends that kittens start getting their shots at around 6 to 8 weeks of age, the time when the immunity they received from their mothers starts to wane. "It's important to vaccinate cats because the viruses that we're vaccinating against are very prevalent in the environment," Bellezza says. "Cats that aren't vaccinated are very much at risk."  Despite that high risk, not all cat owners follow the guidelines.  "Unfortunately, there is a lot of incorrect information on the Internet related to vaccinations," says Dr. Nelson. "As a result, I have observed an increase in the number of people who refuse vaccinations for their pets. Now I am beginning to see an increase in the number of animals who contract these diseases."

What vaccines do cats need?

Experts recommend that all cats get the important "core" vaccines. They guard against feline viral rhinotracheitis (a respiratory infection), calcivirus (another respiratory infection) and panleukopenia virus (feline distemper). According to Bellezza, one vaccine, known as FVRCP, protects against all three diseases.  The other very important core vaccine guards against rabies. Because rabies is lethal both to cats and to humans, rabies shots are required by law in most states.  Cat owners may also consider certain "non-core" vaccines depending on their circumstances. The vaccine for feline leukemia is recommended for cats that go outdoors, Bellezza says. And although a vaccine exists for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), many experts do not recommend it. The vaccine is not 100-percent effective, Bellezza explains, and any cat that receives it will test positive for the disease. That makes it impossible to know if a vaccinated cat has become sick and should be treated for the illness.  To determine which, if any, non-core vaccines your cat might need, talk to your veterinarian. "People have to talk to their vet and weigh the risks and benefits to see if it's appropriate for their situation," Bellezza says.  After their initial kitten series, cats need boosters to maintain their immunity against disease. Some vaccines prevent disease for three years, while others are licensed for yearly use. To decide how frequently your cat needs booster shots, talk to your vet about the recommended vaccine schedule for the products your cat receives.

Are there side effects I should worry about?

Most vaccine side effects are mild, such as sluggishness and lack of appetite for a day or two after vaccination. But in rare cases, serious side effects can occur. Some cats suffer from a severe allergic reaction. Usually, allergic reactions occur immediately, when you're still in the vet's office, Bellezza says. Still, it's a good idea to keep a close eye on your cat for 48 hours after it gets its shots. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, unusual behavior or labored breathing. "Seek medical help immediately if any of these signs are observed," Nelson adds.  Another possible risk of vaccines is the development of a tumor, called a fibrosarcoma, at the vaccine site. Such tumors have been linked to adjuvants, chemicals added to vaccines to boost the cat's immune response. "To address that risk, companies are now making vaccines that don't contain adjuvants," Bellezza says. If you're concerned about tumor risk, ask your vet if they use adjuvant-free formulations.  The important thing to remember is that severe side effects are rare. For unvaccinated cats, though, serious illness from these viruses are all too common.

Are there cats that shouldn't get these shots?

Pregnant cats and sick cats typically shouldn't be vaccinated. Many vets also discourage giving vaccines to cats with uncontrolled chronic illness or those who have weak immune systems. But unless your cat is ill, Bellezza says, even elderly cats should get their shots. Cats of any age are at risk of serious illness from contracting these viruses.  No cat should die from these diseases, Nelson adds. "It is heartbreaking to watch a cat or any animal die of a preventable disease," she says.


What should pet owners do to keep aging cats healthy?

Elderly cats should see a vet twice a year for a physical exam and bloodwork. Cats can hide signs of illness really well. We want to detect diseases early in cats, diseases that people may not be able to detect at home.

How can someone tell if their cat is too fat?

Healthy weight for an individual cat might be anywhere from 7 to 14 pounds, depending on the cat's build. Owners should be able to run their hands down the cat's side and feel the ribs easily without having to push through a layer of fat. When they look down at the cat, the cat should have a waist, a slight indentation. The cat shouldn't look like a basketball.

When it comes to wet food and dry food, is one better than the other?

There are certain instances where wet food is preferred, such as for cats with lower urinary tract disease or diabetes. Whether all cats do better on canned food, we're not sure. Portion control, however, is really important for all cats.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

1) The HSUS has these tips for keeping your feline contented with being indoors:

Keep Your Cat Happy Indoors

Although many cats enjoy being outside where they can hunt prey and explore their surroundings, it's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with a cat easily satisfies her stalking instinct, keeps her stimulated, and provides the exercise she needs to stay healthy and happy.  Here are some tips for safely confining your cat and making the great indoors an interesting, feline-friendly environment that meets all of your cat's needs.

Start young

Kittens who are kept indoors usually show no desire to venture outside when they grow up.

Fence me in

Provide a screened porch or other safe way for your cat to experience the outdoors. Consider building or purchasing a "cat fence" or similar enclosure. Such an enclosure can allow your cat to experience all the pleasures of the great outdoors without the risks. However, a fence may not prevent animals from entering your yard, so you should always be present when you allow your cat outside. Be sure to cat-proof the yard by checking that the fence has no escape routes and by making toxic plants, garden chemicals, and other dangerous objects inaccessible.

Walk this way

If you live in a peaceful neighborhood in which you can walk without encountering loose dogs, consider buying a harness and training your cat to walk on a leash. This training takes time and patience, for both you and the cat, and it's easiest when your cat is young. Some cats can even be trained to sit on your lap while you are on the deck or patio, or harnessed and tied to a stationary object to enjoy the outdoors while you are gardening nearby (but be sure to never leave your cat alone while she is tied to a stationary object).

Hang out

Install a perch indoors near a sunny window; padded perches can be purchased at many pet supply stores, through catalog retailers, or at online stores. Another option is an enclosure that sits in a window frame (much like an air conditioning unit) and provides a secure space in which your kitty can "hang out." Larger options are available that attach to the side of a house or ground-floor apartment patio. It's best to allow your cat access to these when someone is home to supervise.

Tree's company

Buy a ready-made cat tree (often called a "kitty condo"), or make your own. A cat tree may stretch from floor-to-ceiling or be shorter. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multi-cat households, creates more play and rest areas by taking advantage of vertical space. If you can, locate the cat tree next to a window so your cat can watch the action outdoors.

Play time

Play with your cat each day. Try different types of toys that allow your cat to stalk, chase, pounce, and kick. When you've tired out your cat, store toys that could harm him (such as toys with strings attached) out of reach. Leave "toys" such as paper bags, with the handles removed and cardboard boxes out when you cannot supervise. Be sure to switch the toys from time to time so that they seem "new" and more interesting to your cat.

Bring the outdoors in

Plant cat grass (available from pet supply stores) in indoor pots so your feline can graze.

Clean house

Clean the litter box regularly.

ID, please

Even cats who are protected from roaming free should still be outfitted with a collar and visible identification. The occasional open window (make sure your windows have secure screens) or door offers a tempting opportunity for your cat to explore the outdoors. And your cat may become frightened and make her way outside if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster. The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you.  For extra insurance, consider having your cat microchipped and keep your contact information with the registry up to date. If you do lose your cat, contact your local animal shelter immediately to file a report. Shelter workers can give you tips on getting your pet back home safely.

2) Thinking about getting a new cat? Wondering what type might be the best match? Have a look at our handy chart of popular cat breeds and then read on to learn more about your personality type and the kind of cat that will make you the happiest.

 Do you recognize yourself in any of these personality types?


We know that you are much more complicated than a single chart and a few personality styles can express. But if you find any of these traits and behaviors familiar, you may also find guidance in choosing your next pet.

High-Energy Achiever

From the moment you open your eyes in the morning, it's go, go, go. You run from the gym, to work, to dinner with friends, doing errands after that and, when you get home, you have time to do a quick spin around the house to tidy up before it's time for bed again. With your active lifestyle, your best bet for a feline friend is the independent Abyssinian. Just make sure you leave out plenty of toys, places to climb, and scratching options for this high-energy cat! The Siamese might work well for your lifestyle as well. It's affectionate and active, so although it'll stay busy while you're out and about, you're in for a good time when you get home.

Cuddly, Devoted Homebody

You spend a lot of time at home, and you want a cuddly cat to keep you company. The Birman is a great choice for you, what with its gentle, devoted personality and relatively low activity level. Plus, these cats require a large amount of grooming, giving you just the excuse you need to spend some extra time with your kitty. Take a look at the Persian as well. These sweet-tempered cats, which also need daily grooming, might make a great fit for you.

Fun-Loving Family Type

You've already got quite the brood -- children, dogs, maybe some other pets -- but you're looking for a cat to make your clan complete. The Maine Coon would make a great addition. This breed is good with kids and other animals, is very active and playful, and only needs to be groomed a couple of times a week. (And let's face it: you don't have time for much more than that!) The Exotic is another good option, especially if you're seeking a calm influence, and your kids are old enough to help with the daily grooming. The American shorthair, too, is known for its happy personality, and for being quite friendly with kids and other pets.

Cool Customer

OK, you're not snooty, but you'd call yourself aloof. You prefer a firm handshake to a warm hug from a casual acquaintance, and you'd rather appreciate your cat's beauty from afar than have it adorn your clothes with its fur. To suit your personality, you might want to bring an Oriental cat into your home. This breed is haughty, gorgeous, and playful enough to entertain you from across the room. Ragdolls are another breed to consider. They require quite a bit of grooming, but have a sweet, laid-back nature that might appeal to you.

Of course, reading this article, adapted from Rentersinsurance.org, is just the first step in choosing the cat that's right for you. Talk to friends, ask your vet (if you already have one), call reputable breeders, and visit local shelters.

3)  Is it possible that dark-colored cats cause more allergies than their paler counterparts, or is that just black-cat superstition talking? The New York Times recently took a hard look at this dark question.

This is what we do know. According to the Times, the proteins that cause sneezing, drippy nose and runny eyes are found in cat dander, urine and saliva. And cat allergies, they report, plague twice as many Americans as dog allergies do.  But are all cats created equal where allergies are concerned? In 2000, a small study found that cats with dark-colored fur were more likely to set off an allergic reaction. But the conclusion isn't as clear as black and white. A later study found no effect of fur color on allergies but that hasn't ended the questioning. Scientists at Allergy and Asthma Care of New York are now planning a larger study in hopes of settling the matter once and for all.

What scientists have determined is that a cat's gender does make a difference for allergy sufferers. Male cats produce more allergens than females, the Times explains.

Whether your feline friend is black, white or something beautifully calico in between, one thing is clear: Allergies are no fun.

If you're considering a hairless cat to get around the concern altogether, think again. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, the hairless sphynx cat still causes allergies in many people. And to that, we have only one thing to say. Gesundheit!

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

From Moderncat come these stylish options for giving your cat a pretty place to perch in your home, and we're positive you'll find something in the gallery below that suits your fancy:

http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/20/moderncats-modern-finds-climbing-and-perching-furniture/  and be sure to click through the many items shown.

GENERAL INTEREST

1) As I mentioned earlier, there aren't very many dog references this week.  Here's another, albeit a comparison to cats: http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=1855 

After watching this short video, Helpful Buckeye is sure our dog lovers will not have changed their feelings!

2) Despite his fairly run-of-the-mill orange tabby appearance, Christopher the cat is no ordinary feline. Not because he has his own Facebook profile, but because some fairly credible veterinary professionals believe that he possesses an almost superhero level of feline intuition. From comforting the lame to taming the feral to even volunteering to donate blood for a emergency transfusion, workers at the Redwood City, California's Nine Lives Foundation say that Christopher has shown all the signs of being a miracle worker.  Read about Christopher's talents at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/08/27/caretaking-cat-saves-lives--at-animal-clinic/

3) For those cat owners who have not yet perfected the fine art of giving your cat medicine by mouth, here are 2 short videos that might help you get a little more proficient at the task:  http://www.petplace.com/video-viewer.aspx?vid=703 which uses the pilling gun technique and: http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/Cat-Pilling/Finger-Method  which uses the simpler finger method, from the Cornell Feline Health Center.

As a veterinarian will always say at this point...Good Luck!

SPORTS NEWS

Only 1 more week of meaningless pre-season games, then we can get on with the NFL season.  Are you getting ready for some football???  Also, college football season begins this Thursday with the Ohio State Buckeyes taking the field against Marshall and the Pitt Panthers visiting Utah.

PERSONAL STUFF

Helpful Buckeye completed the 2nd leg of the Quadathlon of Northern Arizona this past week by biking to the Arizona Snowbowl, which is at 9500 ft. elevation.  This bike ride, which is 39 miles round trip, includes a 7-mile uphill climb that gives an elevation rise of 2500 ft.  The long uphill grade gave me the chance to use almost all of my 21 gears...I did save a few in reserve just so that psychologically I knew had that option available.  All in all, it was a pretty tough climb, but I was in good shape and ready for it.  Desperado, my trusty side-kick, best bud, and favorite groupie, met me at the Snowbowl for a light lunch and a little cheer-leading.  Riding back down the 7-mile hill was a surreal experience.  I did the 7 miles in 10 minutes, which is 42 MPH.  I felt like I was flying!  That evening, Desperado treated me to an appetizer at the Piano Room, dinner at Criollo Latin Kitchen, dessert at Beaver Street Brewery & Whistle Stop Cafe, and a "nightcap" back home....

A couple of quotes from Mark Twain about bicycles fit in nicely at this point: "Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live."  From- Taming the Bicycle

and: "It was on the 10th day of May--1884--that I confessed to age by mounting spectacles for the first time, and in the same hour I renewed my youth, to outward appearance, by mounting a bicycle for the first time.  The spectacles stayed on."  From- Mark Twain's Speeches

The 3rd leg of the Quadathlon will be a hike, one that I've done several times before...but it's still one of the 2 best hikes in northern Arizona.  Stay tuned....

Let's close this issue on cat lore with an old English proverb: "All cats are gray in the dark"

~~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.~~

KEEPING YOUR CAT HEALTHY....

A few months ago, Helpful Buckeye discussed "How to Know if Your Cat is Sick," "Getting Your Cat to Your Veterinarian," "Cat Traveling Tips," and "Care For the Aging Cat" in one issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, which readers can find at: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/06/know-more-about-your-cat.html#comments

Erica, from Baton Rouge, LA, sent an e-mail to say that she understands what those topics offered, but that she would like something that provides some guidance for keeping her cat healthy so that she doesn't have to be confronted with those other feline concerns. Well, Erica, thanks for the suggestion...you'll get your wish later in this week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats. In addition, Helpful Buckeye is even going to use a phrase from your request as the title of this week's issue.

A while ago, Helpful Buckeye was selected as a Top HealthBlogger and Featured Expert on Wellsphere, which is a large health community on the Internet, at: http://www.wellsphere.com/home.s . Wellsphere has many different health communities for different interests and one of those is a Pet Health Community. That's where Helpful Buckeye spends some time each day, answering many questions from pet owners and exchanging ideas about dogs and cats. Wellsphere has just this week announced a People's HealthBlogger Award they will be presenting in mid-December to what they are calling their "Top Bloggers" and they want all of their bloggers to let their readers know about this award. You can vote for Helpful Buckeye anytime up until the 15th of December on their web site by clicking the "Vote Now" box in the newly-added "People's HealthBlogger Award" emblem at the top of the left column and proceeding according to their instructions. Since most of Wellsphere's bloggers and readers are related to the human health fields, Helpful Buckeye has no delusions about competing at a high level in this voting. They are just getting started with the Pet Health Community this year. However, it would be nice to see that their readership for pet-related concerns is beginning to grow. So, as they say on Dancing With The Stars, please vote! And, if you have a few spare minutes, take the opportunity to move around the Wellsphere web site and sample some of their options...it's all free!

Last week's poll question about dressing up your pet for Halloween aroused a lot of interest, both in the voting and by e-mail. There were 23 responses and 19 of them said they would never dress up their pets for Halloween. That's a pretty decisive number, don't you think? Don't forget to vote in this week's poll question in the column to your left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) Pets could be called 'wonder drugs'

COLUMBIA, Mo. (UPI) -- Pets lower hypertension, spur exercise and improve psychological health, and if this appeared in pill form it would be called a wonder drug, a U.S. researcher says. "Research in this field is providing new evidence on the positive impact pets have in our lives," Rebecca Johnson, an associate professor in the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, the College of Veterinary Medicine and director of the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction, says in a statement. Johnson says the International Society for Anthrozoology and Human-Animal Interaction Conference in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 20-25 will include conference discussions on ways that human-animal interaction benefits humans and animals. "Pets are of great importance to people, especially during hard economic times," Johnson says. "Pets provide unconditional love and acceptance and may be part of answers to societal problems, such as inactivity and obesity." ReCHAI sponsored the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound and Stay Fit for Seniors program that matched older adults with shelter dogs, while another group of older adults walked with humans. For 12 weeks, participants were encouraged to walk on an outdoor trail for one hour, five times a week. "The older people who walked their dogs improved their walking capabilities by 28 percent," Johnson says. "They had more confidence walking on the trail, and they increased their speed. Those who walked with humans had a 4 percent increase in their walking capabilities."

That's quite an impressive difference between walking with your dog and your human friend!

2) A new variant of the Canine Parvovirus has shown up. The American Veterinary Medical Association has put together a Q&A about this variant that you can read at: http://www.avma.org/animal_health/canine_parvovirus_faq.asp One of the important points made in this presentation is that: Although there is no vaccine to specifically prevent Canine Parvovirus-2c infection, studies have shown that all of the currently available vaccines produced by the five major vaccine manufacturers, when administered appropriately, provide excellent immunity to all variants of the canine parvovirus.


That's good news for all dogs (and their owners)!

3) The annual Columbus Day parade in New York City this year will be featuring a tribute to dog breeds of Italian heritage, as reported by the American Kennel Club. The AKC says that, "For the first time ever the parade will include a procession of rare Italian dog breeds, recognizing Italy’s great contributions to the dog world. The one million parade spectators will enjoy a contingency of over 30 marchers and 13 furry friends including the Bergamasco, an ancient shepherding breed with a striking coat of dense, flat mats that reach the ground; as well as the Cirneco dell’Etna, an ancient dog used in Sicily for rabbit hunting; the Lagotto Romagnolo, a dog from Northwest Italy with thick curly hair and a history dating back to the 16th century and the only two native Italian gun-dog breeds, the Bracco Italiano and Spinone Italiano. There are only 3 dog breeds recognized by the AKC that hail from Italy, the Italian Greyhound, the Neapolitan Mastiff, and the Spinone Italiano.





DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Keeping Your Cat Healthy

You can maintain your cat's overall health in two important ways:1) schedule an annual preventive visit (including shots and an examination) with your veterinarian as well as other visits as needed; and 2) perform daily home examinations—petting and health care go hand in glove.

Do a nose-to-tail checkup every time you cuddle with your cat on the couch. Call your veterinarian if you detect any abnormalities during these regular checks. Start with the head. Are your cat's ears clean and pink? Do they give off an unpleasant odor? Have mites appeared as a black, waxy mess inside the ears? Are the eyes bright, clear, focused, and free of discharge? Are the gums pink and the teeth clean? Has tartar appeared along the gum line? Is your cat's breath inoffensive? Don't check a cat's nose to see if it's cold and damp—contrary to myth, this is not a sign of health.

Proceed to a neck-to-tail inspection. Feel your cat's body for lumps, bumps, puffiness, sores, and any irregularities. Also look for flea dirt (which resembles black pepper and turns red when wet), scratches, and parasites. Be sure to check behind the ears, between the toes, and down the entire length of the tail.

Next, treat your feline companion to a good brushing. Rubber curry brushes are excellent at removing dead skin cells and loose hair. Fine-toothed metal combs are specifically designed to lift fleas out of the coat. It's important to brush your cat daily to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which is often vomited out as hairballs. If your cat brings up hair, talk to your veterinarian to evaluate the situation and find out about hairball remedies.

Keeping your cat's claws clipped is an important part of grooming. If not kept at the proper length, a cat's claws can actually grow into the paw pads, so attend to the claws weekly. If you have never trimmed a cat's claws, have your veterinarian show you how. Briefly, you should snip off just the sharp tip (about an eighth of an inch) of each claw. Do not clip into the pink section of the nail, where a blood vessel and nerve endings reside.

All cat owners should have at least one book on cat care (recommended by a veterinarian) that includes a section on emergency first aid. Home care alone is not appropriate in most cases of serious illness or injury; there are also some emergency procedures that could keep your pet relatively comfortable on the way to the veterinarian. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures before an emergency happens.

Never give your cat any medications, including aspirin, without the advice of your veterinarian. Many common human drugs (like acetaminophen [Tylenol]) are poisonous to cats.

Detecting Illness in Your Cat

Cats can't tell us where or when it hurts. In fact, many animals will try to mask pain or illness. That's why it is extremely important that you get to know your cat's regular habits and behaviors. Any deviation from his or her normal behavior could indicate a problem with his or her health. Some symptoms and behaviors are obvious: diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, runny nose or eyes, and trouble using the litter box. There are other, more subtle, physical and behavioral signs that might indicate a trip to the vet is in order. Take note if your cat does any of the following:

• Misses more than one meal


• Shows a sudden change in eating habits


• Stops using the litter box


• Develops puffiness or a lump under the skin


• Hides for more than a day


• Becomes suddenly short-tempered or intolerant of attention


• Shakes his head frequently


• Changes his routine or loses interest in his favorite games


• Stops grooming

7 Cat Emergency Signs From CatChannel.com

Arnold Plotnick, DVM

Although some emergencies can be managed at home, others require immediate veterinary attention:

• Non-responsiveness: A non-responsive kitten is usually in serious trouble. If you get no response or reaction when you call, stroke or touch your kitten, immediately check its breathing. Airway obstruction, cardiac arrest and poisonings are a few things that can cause non-responsiveness.


• Labored breathing: Respiratory problems require immediate attention. Fluid in the lungs or the chest cavity can obstruct breathing and kittens can go into respiratory arrest, followed by cardiac arrest, if untreated.


• Drooling profusely: Electric cord burns to the mouth and tongue, contact with household poisons or plants and nausea from other systemic illnesses can cause profuse drooling.


• Incessant vomiting: Serious electrolyte abnormalities and dehydration can occur from continuous vomiting. Intestinal obstruction from a ribbon, rubber band or string is a common cause of chronic vomiting in kittens and requires immediate attention.


• Profuse diarrhea: Diarrhea can cause severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances leading to rapid deterioration in kittens if not addressed promptly.


• Abnormal coloration of the gums: Pale gums imply anemia, bluish gums suggest a cardiac or respiratory problem and yellow gums denote red blood cell destruction or severe liver disease. All of these conditions require immediate assessment by a veterinarian.


• Fever: Fevers in kittens often are caused by infectious conditions. Fever increases kittens' fluid requirements and often depresses their appetite. Malnutrition and dehydration prove a dangerous combination. Kittens with a temperature greater than 103 degrees F. should be examined promptly.

Any of our readers who are cat owners should be in the proper position now to not only keep their cat healthy, but also make decisions about what to do when they see something that just doesn't look right with their cat.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

The Humane Society of the United States has prepared this article about the benefits of training your dog with a head halter:

How to Use a Head Halter


"Whoa, Rover, whoa!" Sound familiar? If that's what it's like when you take your dog for a walk, you may want to consider getting a head halter. A head halter is a special kind of collar designed for dogs who like to pull their people when they walk. It consists of a strap that goes around your dog's nose and another strap that goes around his neck, just behind his ears. The leash fastens to the halter under the dog's chin to a ring that's also attached to the nose strap. When your dog begins to pull, the design of the head halter causes the dog's nose to be turned down and back toward you, which makes it physically difficult for him to continue pulling.

The head halter is a very humane method of restraint because it doesn't cause any pain. It works much better to stop a dog from pulling than a choke chain or prong collar. Some brand names of head halters include "Gentle Leader," "Promise Collar," and "Halti."

How Should It Fit?

The head halter must be fitted properly to be effective and comfortable for your dog. The neck strap should be as high up on your dog's neck as you can get it, just behind his ears. The strap should be just tight enough for you to fit one finger between it and your dog's neck. The nosepiece should be adjusted so that when your dog's mouth is closed, the nosepiece can slide down to where the skin begins on his nose—but not so loose that it can slide off the end of his nose. The nosepiece will sit naturally, just below your dog's eyes. Make sure that the metal ring to which the leash attaches is underneath his chin.

How Will Your Dog React?

Most dogs will resist a head halter at first. The amount of resistance varies for each dog. When you first put the head halter on, your dog may try to get it off by pawing at his nose or rubbing his nose on the ground, on you, or on anything he can get close to. The best strategy is to keep his head up and keep him moving by using positive verbal reinforcement and treats. Most dogs eventually accept head halters. When your dog associates the halter with going for a walk, he'll begin to react positively to it, and soon, both you and your dog will enjoy taking walks together!

Things to Remember

• Make sure the head halter is fitted properly.


• Fit the halter so that it is snug around your dog's neck and high behind his ears, but loose enough around his nose so that the nose strap can slide easily down to the fleshy part of his nose.


• Don't confuse the head halter with a muzzle.


• Keep in mind that a dog wearing a head halter can still eat, drink, pant, bark, and bite, if he chooses.


• Never use a hard jerk with the head halter.


• Never use the head halter with a retractable lead.


• Be sure your dog doesn't run quickly to the end of the lead; if he does, he may give himself a hard jerk.


• Outfit your dog with the head halter only during on-leash walks with you and/or when you're directly supervising him.


• Don't allow your dog to wear the head halter around the house; he'll have plenty of time to work at getting it off, and will eventually succeed.


• Read the information sheet that comes with your head halter.

©2002. Adapted from material originally developed by applied animal behaviorists at the Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado. All rights reserved.

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) The ad title says it all...Innovative (and quirky) pet products! Check out this web site from SuperZoo, look through the offerings, and let us know if you'd like to try any of these products: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/08/superzoos-innovative-and-quirky-pet-products/

Helpful Buckeye wonders just how many $125 pooper-picker-uppers will be under anyone's Christmas tree....

2) Summer may be finished but in some of the southern states, there will still be some warm days. This Swamp Cooler Vest may be just what you need for your dog.This vest works on the long-used principle of water carrying away heat from an object and might be a handy addition for next summer as well. Check it out at: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/02/vest-keeps-hot-dogs-cool/

GENERAL INTEREST

1) With all of the well-publicized TV programs such as "The Biggest Loser" and other weight loss shows, it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a similar program for house pets. This idea is being tried in England and will most likely be showing up here in the USA soon: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/05/pet-fit-club-helps-chubby-critters-shed-the-pounds/

2) Now that you all know how to keep your cat healthy, how well do you know your cat breeds? The Cat Fanciers' Association and the AKC have joined in offering this interesting quiz: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/02/how-well-do-you-know-your-cat-breeds/ From The New Yorker:

3) Another poll by the AKC is interested in which is your favorite dog in art or fashion. Answer the poll at: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/05/poll-which-is-your-favorite-dog-in-art-fashion/

4) Now that Gibson, the gigantic Great Dane in California, has died, there is a new pretender to the throne of "tallest" dog. Read about Boomer, a Newfoundland, and the claim his owners are staking with Guinness World Records: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/pawprintpost/post/2009/10/giant-dog-could-be-the-next-world-record-holder-/1

Not so fast, as Lee Corso would say. There is now another claim to that title from the owner of George, a Great Dane, down in Tucson. Read about George and you make the decision: http://azdailysun.com/articles/2009/10/11/news/state/20091011_arizo_205374.txt

5) We've talked about barking dogs and the problems they can cause in a neighborhood and between neighbors in several issues of Questions On Dogs and Cats: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/search/label/Barking%20Dogs

Here's an interesting city ordinance that is being tried in Chicago: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/pawprintpost/post/2009/10/barking-dogs-draw-loud-complaints-in-chicago/1

6) How would you know if you have a budding artist masquerading as your pooch? Look at some of the paintings from this dog: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/08/painting-pups-when-dogs-let-loose-on-canvas/#

7) You've all heard about cats getting onto a car engine block to stay warm or dry and then having a problem when the engine is turned on. Here's an account of a kitten which did just that...but the owner of the vehicle found out about it and had to wait 2 days before being able to start his engine: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/08/kitten-rescue-operation-takes-two-days/

That kitten just used one of its nine lives!

SPORTS NEWS


This has been a great week for Helpful Buckeye's teams. The LA Dodgers swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the NL playoffs and now await the winner of the Rockies/Phillies series. Sweeping the Cardinals was unexpected, but that just made it all the sweeter!

The Pittsburgh Steelers won at Detroit, which wasn't a big surprise. I knew they would win the game because my cousin Jeff and his family went to the game...and Jeff would have gone onto the field if he felt the Steelers needed him!

PERSONAL STUFF

A couple of interesting quotes will finish this week's issue. The first, from Helen Keller: "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." What a sentiment! Helen Keller was undoubtedly thinking of humans when she said that, but it could just as easily apply to our pets. Let's all do what we can to overcome the suffering of our pets.

Secondly, Lin Yutang (1895-1976), Chinese writer, had this to say about taking it easy: "If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live."

Hopefully, you have spent part of your "useless" afternoon reading this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats. Helpful Buckeye will leave you with this nostalgic video by one of my favorite singers, John Mellencamp, who turned 58 this past Wednesday. Like John, I was born in a small town...and here's John to tell you the rest of the story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VieJ9K_275M&feature=related

~~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.~~