GREYHOUNDS, POISON IVY, DOG BITES, AND ICE CREAM....

               

CAUTION

Reading This Blog

Makes People Feel

More Knowledgeable

About Their Pets

Randy, from Denver, sent an e-mail suggestion about using the above "warning" as a lead-in for Questions On Dogs and Cats.  Helpful Buckeye appreciates Randy's enthusiasm and we might use his idea once in a while...just not every week.  Thanks, Randy!

Thanks to all of our readers who sent e-mails responding to our question about whether or not our blog is loading too slowly for them.  Everyone who responded said the loading speed has been normal.

Only one of our readers has seen any of the AKC newly-recognized breeds...and that was the Cane Corso.  There was a book published back in 2003, Red Zone, by Aphrodite Jones, that recounted a deadly mauling of a human by a Cane Corso in San Francisco.  It presents a very interesting story that makes for an intriguing read.  Helpful Buckeye is not condemning the breed, but rather offering this book as an educational example of what can happen when a large breed of dog becomes uncontrollable.

Every reader who voted on the question about Chinese Doggie Dye techniques said they would never do that to their dog.  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) The governor of New Hampshire has signed into law a bill that ends the racing of Greyhounds in that state.  Read more about why the Humane Society of the United States considers this a big accomplishment: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/07/nh_bans_greyhound_racing_070810.html

2) An interesting news story came out of San Francisco this week about the city government considering the prohibition of all pet stores from the sale of all pets except for fish.  Similar city ordinances already exist in Albuquerque, South Lake Tahoe, and West Hollywood, CA.  Read about the reasons for their decision at: http://wcbstv.com/local/san.francisco.pet.2.1797221.html 

3) A few weeks ago, Helpful Buckeye included a notice from United Pet Group about a recall of some of their pet products, due to a possible Salmonella contamination.  Now, the UPG recall has expanded to include many more dog and cat products.  Check out this list carefully, in case you're using one or more of these products: http://www.petproductnews.com/headlines/2010/07/06/united-pet-group-expands-recall-to-include-cat-and-dog-products.aspx 

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

1) We've received a few questions lately about whether dogs or cats are affected by Poison Ivy and if they can spread its effects to their owners.  Here's the answer to those questions, as adapted from PetPlace.com:

Poison oak and poison ivy belong to a group of plants called toxicodendron. These are also known as Rhus species. The toxic principle in poison oak and poison ivy is urushiol. This toxin is an oil resin found in the plant sap. Animals are quite resistant to the effects of urushiol but can transmit the toxin to a person.

Poison Ivy

Poison Oak

Dogs and cats typically come in contact with the poison ivy or poison oak plant in wooded areas. They may ingest some of the plant but, more likely, they will rub against it while walking. The sap from the plant can adhere to the hair coat. When you pet your dog or cat later, the sap can transfer from their fur to your skin. If you are susceptible to poison oak or poison ivy, skin irritation can occur.

In animals, exposure to urushiol infrequently results in skin irritation.

For those pets exposed to topical urushiol, prolonged bathing and rinsing, at least 10 minutes, is recommended. Be careful to wear gloves when bathing the pet so you do not come in contact with the urushiol.

For those animals ingesting the plant, monitor them for vomiting, lack of appetite or diarrhea.

Preventing exposure to poison ivy or poison oak is the key to preventing urushiol toxicity. Do not allow your pet to freely roam. Familiarize yourself with the appearance of poison ivy and poison oak so that you can avoid them. If your pet has recently come in contact with poison oak or poison ivy, immediate prolonged bathing can help diminish the risk of toxicity. Fortunately, most dogs and cats seem to be resistant to the effects of poison ivy and poison oak.

2) Helpful Buckeye has offered numerous precautions about giving bones to your dogs.  Our regular readers are aware of the nasty consequences of doing so but, for those of you who might be new to Questions On Dogs and Cats, here's an interesting podcast from the American Veterinary Medical Association with even more emphasis on this topic: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=265&NAME=Don’t_Give_Your_Dog_a_Bone 

3) Heat exhaustion is always a major concern of dog owners when the weather gets hot and humid...and there's been plenty of that around the country lately. Helpful Buckeye has addressed this subject in depth in 2 previous issues of the blog: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2008/05/hot-fun-in-summertime.html and
http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/05/heat-exhaustion-and-your-pets.html

After reviewing the above references, read these suggestions from Pawnation.com as a further reminder of the dangers of heat exhaustion:

With temperatures in the triple digits in many parts of the country, pet owners need to be extra vigilant about keeping their animals cool.  Dogs are much more prone than people to develop heatstroke, because they are only able to sweat through their foot pads and can cool off only by panting. Even the healthiest of dogs can succumb to heat-related illnesses if pushed too hard or left in a confined space. Dogs with medical problems are even more vulnerable.  Help keep your pooch safe with these tips from the Humane Society of the United States, and veterinarian Ira Roth, director of the Community Practice Clinic at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Protecting Your Dog From the Heat


Limit time outside. During extreme temperatures, it's a good idea for everyone -- man and beast -- to be inside if they can. But short-nosed dog breeds who naturally have more trouble breathing -- such as Boston terriers, pugs, English bulldogs, or boxers -- should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. The same goes for dogs with renal or cardiac failure, or other health disorders, says Roth. If you can't keep your dog inside, make sure it has ready access to fresh water and shade, like in a dog house.


Reduce physical activity. Keep exercise short with just a walk in the early morning or evening hours. Taking your dog out to "do his business," or letting him walk with you to the mailbox in the middle of the day is probably fine. But it's easy to overexert a dog without realizing it, Roth says.  "If your daily routine is to come home and throw the ball and play catch for a while, you want to eliminate that or drastically reduce it," Roth tells Paw Nation. "Dogs will push themselves to exhaustion." It's up to you to recognize when your pet has had enough activity.

Never leave a dog in car. We know you've heard this before but we will say it again and again because even if you're parked in the shade, the inside of your car can quickly reach 120 degrees. "Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone 'just a minute' that your pet will be safe while you're gone," the Humane Society of the United States says in its Summer Care Tips guide. Also, don't leave your dog in the back of a pickup truck. The bed can get hot enough to scorch a dog's feet or belly.

What to Do if Your Dog Becomes Overheated


Quick action is the key to treating your pet.  If you suspect heatstroke, call your vet immediately. If your dog is panting excessively, staggering, seems disoriented or has reddish-purple gums your pet is in serious trouble. Fast treatment is critical to avoid life-threatening complications like blood-clotting abnormalities or multiorgan failure, Roth says. "Time will be an important factor," Roth says. "Many [overheated dogs] will die even with very, very aggressive treatment."

Cool your dog down. After contacting your vet, the Humane Society recommends that you move your pet to the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes.

By staying alert and taking action quickly, you can keep your dog safe. Of course not all pet owners will be as vigilant as you so if you see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked, and if the owner doesn't return, call local animal control or the police department.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

The AVMA has put together a great package of information for children about the dangers of dog bites and how to avoid being bitten.  Go to their web site for this 28-page coloring book (which you can print by the page) that contains all the advice a child will need to stay away from this problem: http://www.avma.org/products/children/dog_bite_prevention_coloring_book.pdf

GENERAL INTEREST

1) We've all read the stories of divorcing couples who have pets and the difficulty they experience in deciding who gets what.  A judge in Maryland has come up with a novel approach to this problem...each ex-spouse gets to have the dog every other 6 months.  The whole report is at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/08/divorcing-dog-owners-ordered-to-share-custody/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl4link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F07%2F08%2Fdivorcing-dog-owners-ordered-to-share-custody%2F

2) Helpful Buckeye has covered several stories about military personnel ending up with dogs that they picked up in a combat zone.  This is an interesting variation on that theme...a group of US Marines have rescued some kittens in Afghanistan and sent at least two of them back to the States for care until the Marines return home.  Read the rest of the story at: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/09/u-s-marines-rescue-kittens/

3) Lastly, what would a hot summer be without ice cream?  An ice cream manufacturer in California is using a kitten in one of their ads for ice cream.  Check out this story, watch, and listen to the video: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/07/09/kitten-sells-ice-cream-you-are-powerless-to-resist/ 

Do you feel that the ad is "shameless?"  Remember, Helpful Buckeye never said to give ice cream to your dog or cat!

SPORTS NEWS

The LA DODGERS are moving into the All-Star break, having taken 3 of 4 games from the Cubs.  We will begin the second half of the season only 2 games behind the Padres in our division, which means anything can happen.  The Dodgers have 4 players playing in the All-Star game.


PERSONAL STUFF

Helpful Buckeye has labored through a painful lower back problem for the past 10 days.  Riding my bike was not possible due to the pain.  I was able to get in a brisk long walk each of the last 3 days...before finally being able to get back on the bike Saturday.  A relatively short 24-mile ride went well, as did another one on Sunday, and there doesn't seem to be any residual soreness in my back.  This is the longest I've gone without riding my bike since I started doing serious riding 5 years ago.

~~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.~~

TRAVELING WITH YOUR PETS....

Even though many of our readers travel with their pets year-round, there is still a great majority of people who travel with their pets during the summer months.  In this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye will offer some new information that should help your summer travels with the family pet be a lot easier and, as a result, more fun.  More on that later....

Helpful Buckeye received a lot of e-mail responses about the "mystery" birds last week.  Tom, from Albuquerque, was the first respondent to correctly identify the first one as a Yellow-Headed Blackbird and Carla, from San Diego, sent the first correct ID on the Hooded Oriole.  The Hooded Oriole was probably the more difficult to ID because it doesn't have a very large range in the USA...only small parts of the very extreme southwestern states of AZ, CA, NM, NV, and UT. 

Last week's poll questions showed that about 90% of respondents would NOT consider a specific breed dog just because they saw one in a movie...and, virtually 100% of respondents answered that their dogs do EVERYTHING but ignore them when they return home.  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

It's amazing how much interest last week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats generated about the upcoming release of the movie, Marmaduke, and by extension, Great Danes in general.  Due to the much anticipated interest in Great Danes, some words of caution are appropriate:

"Everything is bigger when you own a Great Dane," says Dave Miller, President of the Great Dane Club of America. "They eat a lot of food and take up a lot of space in your home and car," he adds. Families interested in adopting one of the dogs should spend time with several grown adult Great Danes "to make sure they understand how large the breed is," Miller says.

Arlene Scarbrough, a longtime Great Dane breeder in Atlanta, recommends you consider that:

1) Great Danes generally weigh 150 to 200 pounds at adulthood.
2) At 6 months old, a Great Dane can knock you down the stairs if it jumps on you.
3) The dogs can be destructive. They'll chew on furniture, clothing and even sheet-rock. "We call them termites," Scarbrough says. If they aren't properly trained, she notes, "They can eat your house."
4) They consume two 40-pound bags of dog food per month.
5) The breed is prone to health problems that often require expensive surgeries.
6) Great Danes need constant companionship. Scarbrough recommends a second dog of the opposite sex if an adult is not at home with them.
7) Even when they're young, you can't leave a Great Dane puppy loose in the house and go to work, says Scarbrough. They will get into too much trouble. But puppies are also unhappy if you crate them. This puts new owners in a tough bind.
8) If the dog is accustomed to being in air-conditioning, he or she can be very susceptible to heat stroke. Scarborough notes that you can't leave the dog outside on a hot day for longer than it takes to go to the bathroom without risk.
9) Although the dogs are big, they aren't athletic. "They can't jog; it will tear up their hips," Scarbrough explains.
10) Finally, before you welcome a Great Dane into your family, contact a breeder or another Great Dane owner and get to know the breed to make sure it's right for you. "We don't mind people coming here and not buying," Scarbrough says. "If I get too many after the movie, I'll just set up an hourly tour."

Overall, it sounds like nobody is telling you not to get a Great Dane...but the obvious conclusion is that you should go see the movie, enjoy it, and, if you fall in love with the breed, do some homework before making the purchase.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

1) Different parts of the country have different tick seasons but summertime is pretty much consistent all over the USA for tick problems.  This is, at least in part, due to pet owners and their pets spending more time outdoors and being exposed more to the environments that are likely to be tick-infested.  The Humane Society of the United States has put together a good review of how to get a tick off of your pet:

If your dog spends time outside in areas where ticks like to hang out, a tick check should be part of your daily routine.  Even the best repellents may not prevent these parasites from latching onto your pooch. And since it can take 24 to 48 hours for an attached tick to transmit an infection to its host, it's important to promptly and properly remove these parasites.

First, run your fingers slowly over your dog's entire body. If you feel a bump or swollen area, check to see if a tick has burrowed there. Don't limit your search to your dog's torso: check between his toes, under his armpits, the insides of his ears, and around his face and chin.

Don't limit tick checks to your canine family members. Dogs can't directly transmit tick-borne illnesses to people, but ticks can move from host to host. A tick may enter your home on your dog's back and move on to another pet or human, or a tick could hitch a ride on you and then move on to one of your pets. A good tick prevention strategy includes checking all family members for these parasites, especially after outdoor activities in wooded, leafy, or grassy areas.

Ticks can be black, brown, or tan, and they have eight legs. Ticks are arachnids and related to spiders, not insects. They can also be tiny—some tick species are only as large as the head of a pin—so look carefully.

In some areas of the United States where there is no real winter, ticks are active all year, not just in the summer months. Even in areas where there has been a killing frost with the approach of winter, ticks can become active again if the weather turns warm for more than a day or two.

If you find a tick on your dog, don't panic! Follow these quick and easy steps to safely remove the pest:

Step 1: Get your gear
Pair of gloves
Clean pair of tweezers or a commercial tick remover
Antiseptic
Isopropyl alcohol

Step 2: Remove the tick
Wear gloves while removing the tick to avoid contact with your skin (ticks can transmit diseases to people, too).
If you're using tweezers:
Grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible, but be gentle! Try not to pinch your dog's skin.
Pull outward in a straight, steady motion, making sure that you’ve removed the entire tick, since anything left behind could lead to an infection.
If you're using a tick remover:
Gently press the remover against your dog's skin near the tick.
Slide the notch of the remover under the tick.
Continue sliding the remover until the tick is caught in the small end of the notch and is pulled free. (The tick will remain in the bowl of the remover.)

Step 3: Store the evidence
Drop the tick into a small container that contains isopropyl alcohol (the alcohol will quickly kill the tick), and mark the date on the container. If your dog begins displaying symptoms of a tick-borne illness, your veterinarian may want to identify or test the tick.

Step 4: Praise your patient
Clean your dog's skin with antiseptic and make sure to clean your tweezers or tick remover with isopropyl alcohol. Wash your hands, too! Then give your pup a treat for being a trooper in the fight against ticks.

Step 5: Keep an eye on the area where the tick was to see if an infection surfaces
If the skin remains irritated or infected, make an appointment with your veterinarian.  Watch your dog for symptoms of tick-borne diseases. Some symptoms include arthritis or lameness that lasts for three to four days, reluctance to move, swollen joints, fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and neurological problems.

2) Helpful Buckeye knows that you can never emphasize too much the problems of heat exhaustion and other summertime concerns.  Take a few minutes and listen to this very informative podcast about summer pet safety tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association:  http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=253&NAME=Summer_Pet_Safety_Tips_2010

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

The AVMA has produced a very comprehensive set of "Frequently Asked Questions" about traveling with your pets.  Many of our readers have made the necessary adjustments to their travel plans in order to properly accommodate their pets but there is always a little more information available that will come in handy for your preparations. 

What should I think about when deciding to travel with my pet?

• Make sure your pet is comfortable with travel.  Some pets cannot handle travel because of illness, injury, age or temperament.  If your pet is not good with travel, you should consider a reliable pet-sitter or talk to your veterinarian about boarding facilities in your area.

• Make sure your pet has identification tags with up-to-date information.

• Having your pet implanted with a microchip can improve your chances of getting your pet back if it becomes lost. The microchip must be registered with your current contact information, including a cell phone number. A tag is included when you have a microchip that has the microchip number and a mobile contact of the owner, so if the pet is found, they can use the tag to determine ownership without having to contact a veterinarian. Contact the microchip company for a replacement tag if you've lost yours, and for information on how to update your personal information when traveling.

• If you are taking your pet across state or international borders, a health certificate is required. The health certificate must be signed by a veterinarian after your pet has been examined and found to be free of disease. Your pet's vaccinations must be up to date in order for the health certificate to be completed.

• Make sure that your pet is allowed where you are staying. Some accommodations will allow pets and some will not, so check in advance. Also, when traveling, you should bring a portable kennel with you if you have to leave your pet unattended.
 Staying with Friends or Family: Inform your host that your pet will be coming along and make sure that your pet is a welcomed guest as well.
 Staying in a Hotel or Motel: Stay at a pet friendly place. Some hotels and motels only accept small pets or pets under a certain weight; when making a reservation, make sure you inquire about the terms of their pet policy. Try to minimize the amount of time your pet will be alone in the room. When leaving your pet alone in the room, inform the front desk that your pet is being left alone in the room and place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Make sure the hotel/motel knows how they can contact you if there are any problems.
 Staying at a Park, Campground or Marina: Make sure these places are pet friendly, clean up after your pet and always keep your pet on a leash.

Whom should I contact as I am considering travel arrangements?

• Your veterinarian
• The airline or travel company
• The accommodations: hotel, motel, park, camping ground or marina
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Inspection Service, Veterinary Services: www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs or 800-545-USDA (8732) and press #2 for State Regulations
• Foreign Consulate or Regulatory Agency (if traveling to another country)
 If you are traveling to another country (or even Hawaii), there may be quarantine or other health requirements
 If traveling out of the continental United States, you should contact these agencies at least 4 weeks in advance

What should I bring with me on my trip?

• Your veterinarian's contact information
• List of Veterinarians and 24 hour Emergency Hospitals along the way and close to your destination.
To find a listing of Veterinarians & Pet Emergency Hospitals in the United States, contact:
 State VMA
 American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care
 Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society

• National Animal Poison Control (ASPCA 888-426-4435)

• Identification

• Current color photo of your pet

• ID tag should include:
o Owner's name, current home address and home phone number

• Travel ID tag should include:
o Owner's local contact phone number and address
o Contact information for your accommodations (hotel, campground etc)

• The microchip registration should be updated with your current contact information including a cell phone number.

• Medical Records
 Current copies of your pet's medical records including pre-existing conditions and medications (especially when re-locating or traveling out of the country). For travel within the United States, a brief summary of medical conditions would be sufficient.

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate)
 Proof of vaccinations (Proof of rabies vaccination required) and other illnesses
 Requires an examination by a licensed and accredited veterinarian to make sure the animal is not showing signs of disease.

• Acclimation certificate for air travel
 This is only required by some airlines, so check to see if your airline requires this.

• Items for your pet
 Prescribed medications (adequate supply for entire duration of trip and several days' surplus supply, just in case)
 Collar, leash, harness
 Crate
 Bed/blankets
 Toys
 Food and cool, fresh water
 Food and water dishes

• First Aid Kit for your pet

Where do I get a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and acclimation certificate, if needed?

Many states require an up-to-date Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a licensed, accredited veterinarian when traveling. Your pet must be examined by a veterinarian in order for a health certificate to be issued. This certificate basically indicates your pet is healthy to travel and is not showing signs of a disease that could be passed to other animals or to people. Certain vaccinations must be up to date for a health certificate to be issued. As part of the exam, your veterinarian may check for heartworm disease and prescribe heartworm preventative medication. When you return home, your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination to make sure that your pet did not pick up any diseases or parasites while traveling.

You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian. If your veterinarian is not federally accredited, you will need to find an accredited veterinarian in your area, by contacting your USDA Area Office.

Can I bring my pet camping?

Yes. The same rules apply when taking your pet camping, assuming the camping area allows pets. Talk to your veterinarian about flea, tick and heartworm prevention as well as specific risks associated with camping outdoors. (such as leptospirosis and other diseases).

Keep your pet on a leash and in your sight; and be considerate of other campers. Clean up after your pet.

Being outside, your pet can be exposed to many different wild animals like skunks, raccoons, snakes and other animals that can injure your pet or expose them to disease. Do not let your pet chase or come into contact with wildlife—it can be dangerous for both your pet and the wild animal.

What can I do to prepare my pet for traveling in a car?

• If your pet does not ride well in a car, consider leaving your pet at home, with friends or family, or in a boarding facility.
• If you don't often take your pet in the car, start with short trips to "fun" destinations (such as a dog-friendly park or play area) to help your pet get used to riding in a car.
• If your pet gets car sick, talk to your veterinarian about alternate traveling suggestions or medications to keep them comfortable.

What should I do to keep my pet safe and healthy?

• Make frequent stops (about every 2-3 hours) to allow your pet to go to the bathroom and get some exercise.
• Properly restrain your pet in the car to prevent injury to your pets, you and to other drivers.
• Do not let your pet ride in the back of a truck. If your pet must ride in the truck bed, they should be confined in a protective kennel that is secured to the truck to prevent injury.  Regular readers already know that Helpful Buckeye has stressed this one! 
• Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside the window. Dirt and other debris can enter their eyes, ears and nose and cause injury or infection.  Ditto for this one!
• Pets should not be allowed to ride on the driver's lap or near the driver's feet. Small pets should be confined in crates or in travel-safe dog beds, and larger pets should be appropriately restrained with harnesses attached to the car's seat belts.
• Cats should be transported in carriers.
• Providing a familiar blanket and/or safe toy can help make your pet more comfortable during the trip.

Helpful Buckeye suggests that all our readers who might be traveling with their pets should print this section for a handy reference.  This advice will always be good!
The AVMA also has made their information pamphlet available at: http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.pdf  

In addition, Helpful Buckeye has 2 previous blog posts about traveling with your pet for your review at: http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/search/label/Travel%20With%20Pets

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) If the family cat is going on one of your summer road trips, you might want to consider one of these carriers: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/31/moderncats-modern-finds-great-cat-carriers-from-30-165/ 

2) As the list of necessary items for traveling with your dog includes a good, strong leash, here's an item that should take care of that need (it's also lighted for your own safety): http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=5237 

3) Taking along some dog treats on your trip is a good way to keep your dog's attention when in unfamiliar locations.  Check out the Walmart Three Dog Bakery All-Natural Treats at: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid88237.aspx  and click on the purple bone for a free sample!

GENERAL INTEREST

1) Keeping with the pet travel theme, use this web site to help you "sniff out" dog-friendly lodging: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/28/local-lowdown-sniffing-out-dog-friendly-accommodations-for-sum/ 

2) If your dog is going to be staying with you on the road, you will also need some places to go for eating: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/14/local-lowdown-find-great-place-to-dine-out-with-your-dog/ 

3) Perhaps modern day science will provide a tool for identifying which dogs are the offenders at "soiling" the landscape: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2010/05/31/20100531poopdna0531.html

4) Among the many new utilizations of service dogs is the detection of prostate cancer in men, as evidenced by this study from France: http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/study-dogs-sensitive-schnoz-sniffs-out-prostate-cancer/19500141?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl1link6http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fhealth%2Farticle%2Fstudy-dogs-sensitive-schnoz-sniffs-out-prostate-cancer%2F19500141

5) Now, for the ultimate test of how far you would go in order to protect your pet: http://www.peoplepets.com/news/dogs/56-year-old-woman-wrestles-8-ft-python-to-save-dog/1 

Do you have it in you to do this???

6) In a reversal of roles, enjoy this story of a cat in Houston that helped its owner get away from 2 attacking pit bull dogs: http://www.wfaa.com/news/entertainment/pets/WFAA-Cat-saves-Pearland-woman-from-pit-bull-attack-95489909.html 

Spend a few seconds taking in the stare of this cat...it will get your attention!

SPORTS NEWS

The LA Dodgers finished the week only 1/2 game out of first place, behind the Padres...by splitting a 4-game series with the Braves, the hottest team in baseball right now.  We open a series with the Cardinals tomorrow...and they are always a tough team for the Dodgers.

The LA Lakers and The Boston Celtics played a great game tonight, with the Celtics winning the game.  They now head back to Boston with the series tied, 1-1.  Helpful Buckeye likes both teams, so all I want to see is a well-played series.

PERSONAL STUFF

My best friend in Flagstaff, Ken, the Oklahoma State University Cowboy, is having heart-bypass surgery tomorrow morning and I am dedicating this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats to him.  Hang in there, Kenny boy...luck be with you and may the spirit of Hippocrates guide your surgeon's hands.

We don't very often use quotes made by dogs...simply because it's difficult to find dogs who can talk.  Well, Helpful Buckeye has found a few that can: "If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?" and "Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?"

"Woof, woof" says this human....

~~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.~~

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME!

OK, let's hear a rousing cheer for Memorial Day! Memorial Day, in addition to marking the "unofficial" beginning of summer here in the United States portion of the northern hemisphere, was originally known as "Decoration Day." How many of you remembered that? The holiday was set aside as a day on which to honor the Union soldiers who died in the American Civil War. Several locations claim the original ceremonial observance, but it probably occurred in May 1866, and needless to say, was only observed in the Northern states. Decoration Day didn't really gain national acceptance until the end of World War I, when our country decided to honor all who died in any war or military action. The newer name of Memorial Day slowly crept into use at that time, but didn't become the official name until a federal law in 1967 proclaimed it so. Amidst all the anticipation of the onset of summer and thoughts of a pleasurable 3-day weekend, let's all remember to take a moment to reflect on the reason for this holiday...a lot of Americans have died over the years in service to their country and we owe them our gratitude. (Thanks to Ace-Clipart.com for the American flag--http://www.ace-clipart.com/terms.html)

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

The American Veterinary Medical Association has reported this news update about the recent recalls of many pet food products (http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jun08/080601y.asp):

Menu Foods announces settlement to recalls of pet food

Menu Foods and other companies that participated in last year's massive recalls of pet foods reached a tentative settlement, as of early April, with plaintiffs in dozens of class-action lawsuits.
The recalls resulted from the contamination of ingredients from China that went into pet food in the United States. Two of the contaminants, melamine and cyanuric acid, apparently combined after ingestion to form crystals that could impair renal function. Numerous cats and dogs likely fell ill or died as a result.
The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey is conducting proceedings for the multidistrict litigation, which combines lawsuits from across the country. In April, the parties advised the court that mediation had produced an agreement in principle, addressing all major terms of settlement.
As of press time, the parties had not filed the definitive terms of the settlement. The defendants will fund the settlement amount. Menu Foods has estimated its recall costs at $55 million Canadian (about $54 million U.S. as of April 1).
The defendants include other manufacturers as well as retailers of pet food. Among the larger food companies are Del Monte, Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, Nestle, and Mars. Some of the retailers are Wal-Mart, Target, Albertsons, Kroger, Safeway, Petco, and Petsmart.
The litigation also affects ingredient suppliers. The list of defendants includes ChemNutra and Wilbur-Ellis, which imported the ingredients containing contaminants, and the Chinese companies that exported the ingredients—Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development, Suzhou Textile Import and Export, and Binzhou Futian Biology Technology.
Court documents for the multidistrict litigation are available at http://dockets.justia.com/ by searching for "Pet Food Products Liability Litigation."

The subject of pet foods will be addressed by Helpful Buckeye in an upcoming issue and will include discussion of contamination problems. If you have a question about pet foods or a point you would like to discuss concerning what you feed your pet, send an e-mail or post your question and we will incorporate it into the segment.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Hopefully, the 2 milk bones you took at the end of last week's visit to the "Cyber Office" have aroused a further interest in dogs and cats as we head into the summer season. As noted above, even though the summer solstice doesn't occur until later in June, Memorial Day weekend is considered the "unofficial" beginning of summer. Children are soon finished with the school year, outdoor activities are in full swing, Helpful Buckeye is enjoying cycling outdoors, and hot weather is making its appearance.

Unfortunately, hot weather can present some problems for your pets that you need to be aware of...ahead of time. Most mammals can keep their body temperature pretty well under control until confronted with extremes in their surrounding temperature. The main way of eliminating excess heat is by of thousands of sweat glands distributed all over the body. When these sweat glands are called upon to perform, they produce small quantities of water on the skin, which then evaporate. During this evaporation process, small quantities of heat from the body are carried away by the disappearing water, resulting in a stable body temperature. Rates of evaporation will be directly proportional to the surrounding humidity...in low humidity, evaporation occurs quicker; in high humidity, evaporation takes longer (which then slows down the natural cooling process). However, dogs have been short-changed in the sweat gland department...their sweat glands are only found on their nose and in the pads of their feet. Dogs can compensate, up to a point, for this shortage in sweat glands by panting. Panting involves the repetitive passage of air back-and-forth over the tongue, which also helps to eliminate some excess body heat. An important consideration right here would the short-faced dogs (known as brachycephalics), such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc...the much shortened muzzle provides a lot less area for respiratory evaporation to occur.

Now that we are getting into our summer activities, we frequently include our dogs in our plans...picnics in the park (throw on an extra hot dog for the Helpful Buckeye!), hiking, traveling, and just plain taking it easy in the back yard. As the temperature and the humidity increase, your dog will be come less efficient at cooling itself when engaged in activity or spending prolonged periods in the sun. It doesn't take very long in the sun or very much activity to start elevating a dog's body temperature, which is normally about 101 degrees F. As the body temperature starts to climb, your dog will show:

• labored breathing,
• probably more vigorous panting,
• extreme drying of the tongue,
• walking erratically,
• and a desire to lay flat-down.

When the body temperature reaches 105 degrees, your dog will most likely collapse and might lose consciousness. Survival at this point becomes questionable and, by the time the body temperature gets to 108-110 degrees, massive organ failure takes place and survival is even less likely. Your dog is now experiencing heat exhaustion...what do you do?

OK, it's time to take one step back from this scenario and talk briefly about one of the variables in the equation of keeping your pet healthy. As the keeper and care-giver of your pet, you are the one who sees your pet in all of its moods, ups and downs, and behavior patterns. In other words, you know how your pet appears when it is "acting normal," right? Veterinarians and physicians spent their early years in school learning what "normal" looked like...it really helps when trying to identify an "abnormal" situation. Remember this piece of advice...you will hear it again and again from Helpful Buckeye...Become familiar with your pet!

You now are confronted with what appears to be a dog that is vigorously panting, its tongue is very dry, breathing patterns are labored, and it doesn't want to move. You know this isn't normal, right? Considering what has been going on preceding this, your conclusion can now be...probable heat exhaustion. Your first step is to immediately cease whatever activity has been going on; move the dog to a cooler, shady location, encourage the dog to drink some water. Cooling your dog's whole body with cool water (pour it on, from a hose, or submersion into a pool) will increase the removal of body heat as the water evaporates. Also, putting your dog in front of a blowing fan will aid in this evaporation. This may be all it takes to return your dog to "normal." In more severe cases, you might need to apply ice packs to the head and neck region to achieve a response. Since all of this occurs in a very short period of time (usually just minutes), you need to try all of these suggestions right away...do NOT waste this valuable time by trying to get your dog to your veterinarian. Once these measures have quieted the dog, it is breathing more regularly, and acting more normally, then a visit to your veterinarian is advisable. Then, it can be determined if any organ damage has occurred and treatment can be initiated.

By now, I'm sure your big question is this: "How can I prevent this from happening?" Well, the good news is that the prevention is probably a lot easier than the treatment!

• Avoid any running or excessive exercise on hot, humid days.
• When your dog is outside, be sure it has plenty of water and easily accessible shade.
• If your dog is not short-haired, keep the hair well-brushed to avoid matting.
• Especially be careful with the short-faced breeds.
• Don't EVER leave your pet in a closed vehicle...extreme temperatures are reached in minutes, even with the windows cracked open.

I recently learned of a product that can help keep your pet cool in hot weather. It's called the Cool 'N Dry Pet Shammy, and it is depicted in use below. It works like this: When applied wet to your pet's body, it helps built-up body heat escape by the evaporation we mentioned above. It also can be used to dry your pet after a bath. To learn more about this very interesting product, go to: http://www.super-cool-products.com/automarinepet/petcareproducts.html

I know that all veterinarians would join me in saying that the only hot dogs we want to see this summer are the ones on the BBQ grill! Do your part to prevent heat exhaustion!

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

Our topic for this week is, "Being a Good Pet Neighbor." What does that mean, especially when some of us have difficulty even being good neighbors with other people...not to mention throwing pets into the equation? In light of last week being the observance of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, Helpful Buckeye felt the natural progression would be to address the need for pet owners to have better control of their pets and the activities of their pets. While preparing this portion of this week's blog, we received an interesting e-mail from a reader:

Hello Helpful Buckeye,

How about a bit more on what to do if the dog is NOT up to date on its shots or if the owner doesn't know or care? When my daughter was about fourteen, she was bitten by a neighbor's dog. The bite tore her jeans and broke the skin. No one was home, so we called the police. The owner couldn't produce proof of shots and (I suppose) didn't want to pay for the cost of having his dog quarantined, so he shot the dog himself. This was drastic, I know, but I have encountered many wandering dogs as a walker and found many an owner not at all cooperative about getting their dogs back onto their properties. Something about "the freedom of being out in the country"?

Nancy in PA

This question actually addresses a couple of problems and we'll try to deal with the part on being a good pet neighbor right now. The part about vaccination history, quarantining a pet which bites someone, and responsibility for pet bites will be part of an upcoming blog topic on vaccines. Anyway, thank you, Nancy in PA, for the really good question! If I had a prize to give out, it would go to you for being the very first e-mailer to "Questions On Dogs and Cats!" Maybe we can get some sponsors to contribute a few prizes?

Being a good pet neighbor requires a blend of common sense, a respect for the ordinances and laws of your state and locality, and an understanding of the Golden Rule. Most localities now have some sort of "leash" law, which requires a dog to either be on a leash or "under the direct control" of its master. However, the "under direct control" part has turned out to be a joke since only professionally-trained dogs are likely to respond that well. The purpose of leash laws is not only to protect unsuspecting neighbors, joggers, walkers, and cyclists from roaming dogs, but also to protect the dogs from the dangers they face when running loose. Over the years of my practice, I witnessed the tragic results of dogs running loose on too many occasions:

• being hit by a car or truck,
• biting people,
• getting into fights with other dogs,
• being exposed to poisons (either accidental or intentional),
• being stolen or getting lost and never seen again, and
• being shot.

Ideally, the leash laws would take care of eliminating these problems, but there is no legislation that requires common sense or an understanding of the Golden Rule. So, if the laws are not enforced, dogs will still run loose, get into trouble, and veterinarians will stay busy trying to repair what has happened to these dogs.

Furthermore, nobody likes having a neighborhood dog run down the street and indiscriminately use any yard as its toilet...no Golden Rule there, huh? Always keep your dogs indoors, outdoors in a fenced yard or enclosed dog run, and on a leash...Good Pet Neighbor Rule #1!

Barking dogs also present a neighborly challenge. Except for the Basenji, most dogs will bark as a form of communication. The message will not always be the same, but the barking can happen at any time. Up to a point, some barking has to be acceptable, even in a neighborhood. Where that line is crossed is always open to debate. When a neighbor is unhappy with the barking, problems begin. There may be complaints of "disturbing the peace" or confrontations between neighbors. Dog owners should never allow their dogs to bark incessantly or to encourage them to do so. Sometimes, professional behavioral training may be necessary to help curb the barking tendency. Whatever the case, the onus of preserving the peace between neighbors almost always rests on the shoulders of the dog owner...Good Pet Neighbor Rule #2!

Just when you thought we have left out cats from this discussion...we haven't! Imagine having several beautiful flower beds and finding them torn up and damaged by a wandering neighborhood cat, looking for a fresh "litter pan." Not only is the resulting damage disgusting, but also, the strong smell of cat urine can be repulsive. If your cat needs to get outdoors for some "quality" time, stay with it and do whatever you can to keep it in your yard. Not only will your neighbors appreciate it, but your cat will also live longer...Good Pet Neighbor Rule #3!

Helpful Buckeye will catch up on the rest of Nancy's question in a few weeks. We want to hear from more of our readers...remember to voice those questions you have wondered about but were afraid to ask (with apologies to Woody Allen). Either send them via e-mail to the e-mail address listed at the top of the blog or go through the simple process of posting them directly to the blog.

WORD AND DEFINITION OF THE WEEK

"Latchkey Dog"--n. A dog that is allowed to roam the streets on its own, particularly during the day when its owners are at work; a dog left alone in the house all day while its owners are at work. As described in Word Spy at: http://www.wordspy.com/words/latchkeydog.asp

GENERAL INTEREST

This past week, two birthdays with importance to the worlds of science and medicine were observed. Carolus Linnaeus, born in Sweden on 5/23/1707, formulated the binomial naming system used even today in both zoology and botany. This system helps simplify the organization and identification of all living things. Most of you are familiar with one of these binomial names, Homo sapiens. The other birthday observation was for the American Red Cross, which was founded on 5/21/1881, by Clara Barton, who had been a nurse on the battlefields of the American Civil War.

For those of you who have been fans of Dancing With The Stars, a popular ABC show, you might be interested in another reality show closer to your "pet" side. Animal Planet Network is running the show, Groomer Has It, on Saturday nights and it deals with which dog groomer will "make the final cut." Read more about it: http://animal.discovery.com/tv/groomer-has-it/groomer-has-it.html

SPORTS NEWS

Holy Cow!...as Harry Caray used to say! The LA Dodgers actually gained 2 games on the Diamondbacks this week...we're only 3.5 games behind now. We looked pretty good in sweeping the Reds, but losing 2 out of 3 (apologies to Meat Loaf) to the Cardinals was bad! We go on the road Monday, opening in Harry Caray's old stomping grounds, Wrigley Field, home of the Cubbies. Anybody for a verse of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame?"

The San Antonio Spurs pulled an upset this week and beat the Hornets in New Orleans, winning that series 4-3. In the Western Conference Finals, they are now down to the Lakers, 2-1, although the 4th game will be at home. If we can win that one, I expect the Spurs veterans to do much better when they go back to LA for game 5...so, this 4th game will probably determine who will win the series.

PERSONAL STUFF

I know that some of you think I have been avoiding talking about cats. Even though it might seem that way, It's not true. Considering the generalities of the initial issue of the blog and the subject matter in the early topics, it has just worked out that dogs have been more highly represented. Fear not, Helpful Buckeye will have some cat stuff very soon...and some cat pictures!

Unrelated to the subject of this blog, but very closely related to the overall health of Helpful Buckeye, I would like to make an appeal to all of you who drive cars or trucks to be a little bit more observant of the presence of bike riders on the highways and streets. This past week, I was run off the road, while riding my bike in a 10-ft. wide bike lane, by a guy who was talking on a cell phone while driving a car. Most states and localities have traffic laws that provide for the protection of bike riders and all car/truck drivers should make the effort to be aware of those laws...and then, obey them! Helpful Buckeye thanks you for sharing the road with courtesy!

Lastly, if you enjoy a funny cartoon from time-to-time, you might want to sign up for this free e-mail service. The New Yorker magazine offers a daily pet cartoon which it will send you by e-mail for free...all you have to do is sign up for it: http://www.arcamax.com/newyorkerdogsandcats

Woof, Woof...Meow, which is pet talk for...See you next week!

~~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.~~