CHRONIC DISEASES AND OBESITY

 

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today." 

Native American Proverb

 

 

EOB-8....

Helpful Buckeye has discussed obesity in dogs and cats in several previous issues of Questions On Dogs and Cats.  Now, we want to take that discussion a bit further and look at some chronic diseases that are actually made worse by a pet being obese. 

Chronic Disease Grows with Dogs' and Cats'

Weight

Overweight cats are more likely to have other cat diseases, according to a new poll on dog and cat health.

Chronic disease is on the rise in cats and dogs, but owners are hesitant to visit the veterinarian to treat existing conditions, according to the State of Pet Health 2012 Report, published today by Banfield Pet Hospital.

From 2007 to 2011, the overweight or obese dog incidences increased 37% and overweight or obese cat incidences increased 90% in cats. Overall, 1 in 5 dogs and cats were classified as obese or overweight in 2011.

Obesity or overweight was diagnosed in dogs and cats diagnosed with other chronic diseases, including:

 •    40% of dogs and 37% of cats with arthritis,

 •    40% of dogs and 40% of cats with diabetes,

 •    40% of dogs with high blood pressure,

 •    60% of dogs with hypothyroidism.

Dog and cat arthritis and chronic kidney disease are also on the rise. The rate of arthritis diagnoses in cats and dogs rose 28% and 67%, respectively, from 2007 to 2011. At the same time, chronic kidney disease increased 15% in cats, which are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than are dogs. Most cats diagnosed in the early stages of chronic kidney disease live about two to three years, whereas most cats diagnosed in later stages live less than six months after diagnosis, according to Banfield.

Meanwhile, 36% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners said they would take their dog or cat to see a veterinarian to manage an existing condition, according to a survey of 2,000 pet owners conducted by Banfield and market research firm Kelton.

“The key to successful early disease diagnosis involves a partnership between pet owners and their veterinarian to identify changes in a pet’s overall health and behavior,” said Jeffrey Kausner, DVM, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Banfield. “In partnership with pet owners, we hope to reduce the number of pets living with undiagnosed or unmanaged chronic diseases.”

Adapted from:  http://www.catchannel.com/news/2012/05/01/chronic-disease-cat-weight-increase.aspx

Obese dogs at risk of same health condition

experienced by humans

The study found one in five obese dogs have metabolic syndrome

Veterinary scientists at the University of Liverpool have found that, like humans, obese dogs can experience metabolic syndrome, a condition that describes multiple health issues that occur in the body at the same time.

 

The condition occurs when a number of health problems, such as increased blood glucose and increased cholesterol levels, develop together, with the potential to increase the risk of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Common in obese humans

Although canine obesity is known to cause insulin resistance, mild hypertension, and high blood cholesterol levels, it has not, until now, been investigated for links to metabolic syndrome, which is common in obese humans.

In a study involving 35 obese dogs, 20% were found to have metabolic syndrome.  Similar to humans with the condition, obese dogs had increased blood insulin, suggested that the pancreas is working harder than normal to control blood glucose.  Blood adiponectin, a protein produced by fat cells that helps control sugars and fats, was also at lower levels than normal. It is yet to be determined, however, what the exact health impacts of these issues are on dogs, and if they are similar to the diseases that metabolic syndrome can cause in humans.

The team demonstrated, however, that the metabolic abnormalities identified in obese dogs, improved when they successfully lost weight.

Health consequences for dogs

Dr Alex German, from the University’s Department of Obesity and Endocrinology, said: “It is estimated that one third to a half of the UK dog population is overweight.  A previous study that we conducted showed that a dog’s quality of life improved with weight loss, resulting in better vitality and reduced emotional distress.

“This new research creates a lot of new questions for us.  It suggests that dogs develop metabolic syndrome, similar to humans with obesity-related health problems.  We now need to investigate, however, what health consequences this may have for dogs.   The key point for us is that the problem can be resolved with successful weight loss, and this must be a priority for pet owners with obese dogs.”

Adapted from:  http://www.liv.ac.uk/ageing-and-chronic-disease/news/articles/obese-dogs-at-risk-of-same-health-condition-experienced-by-humans/

Newest Banfield study reveals chronic diseases

 are on the rise

A new study by Portland-based Banfield Pet Hospital reveals that chronic diseases such as obesity, arthritis, kidney disease, thyroid disease and heart disease in cats and dogs have risen dramatically in the past five years.

The second-annual “State of Pet Health” report, compiled by Banfield’s internal research team, analyzed medical data from 2 million dogs and nearly 430,000 cats treats at Banfield’s 800 hospitals nationwide last year. The company says the study is the largest industry report of its kind.

Some of the report’s highlights include:

•Overweight and obesity increased by 37 percent in dogs and 90 percent in cats over the past five years. That comes down to about one in five cats and dogs.

•Yet, 76 percent of dog owners and 69 percent of cat owners don’t think their pet has a weight problem. What’s more, the report found that pet owners are unaware their pet may be sick.

•Only 36 percent of dog owners and 28 percent of cat owners said they would take their pet to see a veterinarian to address an illness or condition.

“The key to successful early disease diagnosis involves a partnership between pet owners and their veterinarian to identify changes in a pet’s overall health and behavior,” said Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Banfield Pet Hospital.

The report suggests owners should be concerned, since obesity correlates to arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism and other chronic conditions that can decrease a pet’s quality of life.

Another point the report revealed is that cat owners appear to be less likely to seek medical care for their felines: Banfield treated 1.5 million more dogs than cats in 2011, despite the fact that there are more cats than dogs in the U.S.

Kidney disease went up by 15 percent among cats since 2007 and it’s much more likely to occur in cats than dogs (1 in every 12 senior cats were diagnosed with kidney disease last year).

It can also be deadly: Most cats diagnosed early with kidney disease live only one to two years but often live less than six months if it’s caught in later stages.

Adapted from:  http://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2012/05/newest_banfield_study_reveals.html

If you didn't think your obese pet had much to worry about before you read all this information, perhaps now you'll understand some of the far-reaching ramifications that are associated with obesity.  This would probably be a good time for a short review of obesity and how best to fight the battle against this serious problem.

Canine Obesity: Help Your Dog Lose Weight

By Dr. Donna Spector for Vetstreet

U.S. dogs are fatter than ever. In fact, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) estimates that 53 percent of U.S. dogs are overweight or obese. Obese dogs are more likely to suffer from debilitating medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart and lung disease, high blood pressure, compromised immune function and even the development of some cancers. Obesity can be life-threatening and is a leading cause of preventable illness and death in dogs. It has been documented that dogs maintaining an ideal body weight live 15 percent longer, and with less disease, than overweight dogs.

How To Know If Your Dog Is Obese

It can be difficult for an owner to believe that an 80-pound dog is 20 pounds overweight. A recent study conducted by APOP reveals as a nation we are so accustomed to seeing fat dogs that we don’t seem to recognize it anymore. If you’re not sure, pat your hands along your dog’s sides from head to tail. In a healthy-weight dog, you should be able to just feel the ribs. Also, take a look at your dog from the side. Most dogs should have a slightly “tucked up” profile. If all you feel are fat pads on your dog’s sides, or if his side profile is more sausage-like than sleek, chances are your friend may need to shed a few.

The first thing you should do is get your vet involved. Take your dog for a checkup as there are underlying conditions that can contribute to obesity, including diabetes, Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism. Have your veterinarian determine your dog’s current and ideal body weight and then tell you how many calories your dog can eat each day in order to reach that ideal weight. Your goal should be to work toward that ideal weight over a several-month period.

How To Feed For Good Health

Dogs should not be fed “free choice” as they tend to eat when bored instead of when hungry -- which contributes to ever-expanding canine waistlines. Dogs should be fed two to four times each day, and all food portions should be measured exactly with a standard measuring cup.

Dog food label recommendations must be used cautiously. These guidelines are generic and most likely represent overfeeding for many U.S. dogs. Dogs must be fed according to their ideal body weight -- not their current weight if they are obese. If your dog is even mildly overweight, feeding according to the recommendations found on the food bag will result in continued weight gains.

What To Feed?

Most regular dog foods are quite high in calories -- usually between 450 and 550 calories per cup or can -- making it very easy to unknowingly overfeed a dog and fail at weight-loss attempts. You must find out how many calories are in a cup or can of your dog’s food and feed it according to the number of calories he requires.

There is not one best diet for weight loss in dogs, and your vet can help determine what might work best for your dog. While weight loss can often be achieved by feeding less of a dog's regular food, some dogs feel more satisfied on higher-fiber or higher-protein foods.

Weight loss is often easier to achieve by adding canned food to your dog’s feeding regimen. In general, it has higher protein, lower carbohydrates and similar or fewer calories when compared to a similar-sized quantity of the same dry food.

How To Give Treats

Dogs should be given no more than 10 percent of their daily calories as treats. Treats are a huge source of “hidden” calories, and dogs are often grossly overfed because treat calories are not accounted for. If the calories per treat are not printed on the treat package, call the company and ask for this information.

This is an alarming treat statistic: The average premium pig ear has 230 calories and when given to a 40-pound dog is the same calorie punch as an average adult eating two double cheeseburgers as a treat in addition to their normal meals.

The best and most healthful treat choices are fresh fruits or vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, green beans or apples.

Get Exercise Right

Not only does an obese dog need to eat less, he needs to exercise more. Get your dog moving -- take a walk or run, play fetch, go swimming, go up and down the stairs! Provide at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise every day to facilitate weight loss.

Monitoring Weight Loss

Weigh your dog every one to two weeks to monitor his weight-loss progress. Overweight or obese dogs should lose one to two percent of their body weight each week. If your dog is not losing weight, his daily calories may need to be restricted further.

Eating right and being physically active aren’t just a “diet” for your dog -- they are keys to a healthy lifestyle and will reduce your dog’s risk of chronic disease and increase his chance for a longer life.

Adapted from:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/08/dog-weight-loss-canine-obesity-_n_2258332.html

Any questions or comments should be sent to Helpful Buckeye at: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or submitted in the Coimment section following the end of this issue.

~~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.~~

 

 

 

 

 



DEAFNESS, DOG HATS, AND PET TRUSTS....

Wow, did we get a good response to last week's intro on letting your pets sleep in your bed with you!  Most respondents claimed they have been doing this for years and never experienced any problems.  Only a few e-mails indicated the pet owners were of the opinion that perhaps they should consider stopping this activity.  The most interesting response was from "Bowser"...."I'm a Labrador Retriever (yellow) and my owner, Harlan, wouldn't think of not allowing me in his bed.  Harlan's favorite singing group is Three Dog Night and we all know that meant it was a really cold night if three dogs were needed to keep you warm!"

Helpful Buckeye also got several e-mails this week saying that the poll questions were not accepting votes.  Since I was "out of town and off the grid," I wasn't able to address this concern right away.  After trying a few other ways to access the Internet this morning, such as Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer, and not having the problem occur, it appears that the problem was only being experienced by readers using America Online for Internet access.  Hopefully, this won't be a recurring problem.  For those of you who were able to vote on the questions and the rest of you who sent e-mail votes, 80% said they allowed their pets to sleep in their bed.  Constipation has only been a problem for about 20% of your pets.  And, about 40% of you feel that you have too much pet clutter around your house.  Remember to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.  If you do experience any difficulty with placing your vote, feel free to send an e-mail response to: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com .  Helpful Buckeye will never share your e-mail addresses with anybody.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST 

1) With a lot of the USA still getting pounded by wintry weather, many of you are still using some form of chemical to melt the snow and ice from your driveways and sidewalks.  Most of these contain irritants that might affect your pets if they either walk through or lick any of the chemical.  The ASPCA has this advice:

In the past five years, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has received hundreds of calls about ice melt exposure. Here’s everything you need to know to keep Fido safe from salt melts till spring:

1. Ice melts are poisonous to dogs if ingested. Dogs who lick their paws after a wintry walk may be exposing themselves to toxic chemicals like potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium carbonate and calcium magnesium acetate that are present in many ice melts. Consumption of ice melts can be lethal, but only if your dog ingests large quantities.  Still, smaller quantities of ice melts can make your dog feel pretty sick.
2. Melts can irritate dogs’ paws. Dogs’ gastrointestinal systems are not the only part of their bodies that react badly to ice melt exposure. Though paw pads are tough, ice melts can cause them to burn, become irritated and even crack, turning a daily walk into a painful ordeal for your dog.
3. It’s relatively easy to protect your pup from ice melts.  Ways to keep your pet safe: Wipe down your dog’s entire body if she was rolling around in the snow, don’t let your dog drink from puddles of melted snow, and keep your dog from snacking on snow near any place where ice melts may have been used.
4. “Pet-friendly” ice melts are available, but they may not be the answer. Although these types of melts tend to be considered safer, they, too, can lead to problems if the animal has been exposed to enough of the product. If you’ve got ice melts of any kind at home, keep them in sealed, pet-proof containers.
5. If you think your dog ate ice melts, please take action. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435

2) The state of Texas is considering requiring certain dog owners to carry as much as $100,000 of liability insurance on their dogs.  The bill being considered would apply to all unleashed, un-neutered male dogs over 20 pounds.  For the rest of the details, read: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/16/texas-dog-owners-barking-mad-proposal-mandate-dog-insurance/

3) Well, with the Oscars being presented tonight, the American Kennel Club has released the results of their poll on the best dog movie of 2010.  Yes, the winner was...Marmaduke.  Remember, they said "dog movie"...not "dog of a movie"!  The rest of the AKC dog movie awards are available at: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4324

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye will be having an Oscar party tonight, waiting to see how our favorite movies fared.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Helpful Buckeye is finishing up the 8 most common aging dog considerations this week with "Deafness". 
The two basic categories of deafness are congenital and acquired.  Congenital refers to those present at birth.  Acquired deafness may result from blockage of the external ear canal as occurs in chronic ear infections, or it may be secondary to destruction of the middle or inner ear. Other causes include trauma to the petrous temporal bone, loud noises (eg, gunfire), damage to the myeline sheaths of the nerves to the ear, drugs that are toxic to the ear apparatus (antibiotics such as gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin), cancers involving the ear or brain stem, and degeneration of the cochlea (the hearing mechanism in the inner ear) in aged dogs. Unilateral deafness or partial hearing loss, or both, is possible in some of these instances. Cochlear degeneration in aged dogs is the most common cause of acquired deafness.

Diagnosis requires careful observation of the animal’s response to sound. It is helpful to consider the owner’s description of behavior and to ask appropriate questions. The response to visual, touch, and smell responses must be differentiated from the response to sound. In young animals or in animals kept in groups, deafness may be difficult to detect, because the suspect individual will follow the response of others in the group. The primary sign of deafness is failure to respond to an auditory stimulus, eg, failure of noise to awaken a sleeping dog or failure to alert to the source of a sound. Other signs include unusual behavior such as excessive barking, unusual voice, hyperactivity, confusion when given vocal commands, and lack of reflex-alerting and attention movements of the ear flaps. An animal that has gradually become deaf, as in old age, may become unresponsive to the surroundings and refuse to answer the owner’s call. These signs should be differentiated from cognitive dysfunction which has been getting more attention lately.

Hearing naturally fades with age, but you can compensate by using vibration and hand signals instead of verbal commands. Try stomping your foot to get your dog's attention. Switch a flashlight on and off to call him inside or use the porch light to signal dinner is served. Vibrating collars also work well to communicate with deaf dogs.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

Helpful Buckeye has discussed the topic of Pet Trusts in previous issues.  With the state of Massachusetts getting ready to enact its pet trust law, the only states left that don't provide for such affairs will be Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Vermont, and West Virginia.  Until recently, pet owners had no legal way to leave behind money to care for their animals.

Concerned animal rights groups have asked lawmakers to enact pet trusts because too many animals are landing in shelters after the owners have died.  Unlike a will, which has to go though Probate Court, the trust takes effect immediately. That’s important, so the pet does not have to linger in a shelter while the courts cut through paperwork.  For the easy-to-follow suggestions of the SPCA on how to set up a pet trust, go to: http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/pettrustsprovidingforlongtermc-1776

PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK

1) The folks at ZooToo have come up with 5 new tasty cat treats: http://www.pawnation.com/2011/02/24/zootoo-review-5-tasty-cat-treats/

2) It only makes sense to have some terrific treat dispensers if you're talking about tasty treats.  Again, from the folks at Zootoo, here are 7 great ideas: http://www.pawnation.com/2011/02/23/7-terrific-treat-dispensing-toys/

GENERAL INTEREST

1) A really good review of the principles involved in Cognitive Dysfunction in pets appeared in today's USA Weekend supplement of the Sunday paper.  Helpful Buckeye has discussed this recently and it wouldn't hurt to read this nice review of the Alzheimer's-like syndrome found in our pets: http://www.usaweekend.com/article/20110225/HOME05/102270301/Protect-your-pet-from-Alzheimer-s

2) Also, a topic that has been discussed frequently here on the pages of Questions On Dogs and Cats has been pet obesity.  Now, there are a lot of pet obesity control clinics showing up in the USA.  Here is one account of just such a clinic, along with an interesting video, located in the Boston area: http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0224pets__the_pounds_fitness_diet_plans_help_critters_get_slim/

Is your pet headed for one of these clinics???

3) The city of Shanghai, China, has instituted a law allowing only 1 dog per household as a means of trying to control their pet population.  Dog ownership has grown alongside China's fast-expanding middle class with official estimates putting Shanghai's pet dog population at 800,000.  The government had said tighter regulation was needed due to rampant barking, unscooped waste, and the growing risk of dog attacks, which affect the city's environment and sanitation.  Seems like the same problems are affecting the whole world.

4) OK, these folks in England claim they have the world's loudest cat.  They claim that its purr is pretty attention-getting.  To see if you agree with them, listen to Smokey purr on this video: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/02/21/world-s-loudest-cat-hear-smokey-purr-as-loud-as-a-boeing-737-115875-22939458/

5) Since we're weighing in on unusual cat traits, here's one involving a "Thumb's Up" cat.  Watch this short video and see if you get the idea: http://www.urlesque.com/2011/02/24/jimmy-thumbs-up-cat/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk3%7C203440

SPORTS NEWS  

There will still be some turmoil in the top 5 of this week's college basketball rankings with losses by Duke, Texas, and Pitt.  Ohio State was able to keep winning and might move back into the top spot.  The big tournament edges ever closer....

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye took a tour of the Arizona Diamondbacks' new training facility this past week down in Phoenix, on the Pima Indian Reservation.  The smell of freshly-cut grass, combined with the crack of the ball against the bat during batting practice was more than enough to get this old baseball player's heart thumping.  We even got to try a free "Indian" taco they were giving away at one of the concession stands!  Is baseball great or what!!!

On a sad note for baseball, Helpful Buckeye lost one of his childhood heroes today.  Duke Snider, the Duke of Flatbush, and Helpful Buckeye's first favorite Dodger, died today at the age of 84.

PERSONAL STUFF

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye shoveled the driveway of one of our neighbors today and were rewarded with her special "Magic Bars"!  These are really tasty and, fortunately for Helpful Buckeye, Desperado will allow me to eat most of them!

We had a wonderful experience this past week along the western border of Arizona, an area that is not visited by very many travelers.  Visiting the towns of Lake Havasu City, Parker, Quartzsite, Salome, and Wenden provided some special memorable moments...we saw a lot that we expected to see but also, the unexpected was always right around the bend.  As I was writing this part of my blog, I came across this quote from Joseph Priestley, discoverer of oxygen, “I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.” Our favorite experience was probably a lunch at a restaurant named, "Ingredients Cafe," along the road in Wenden.  The owners are very artistic, both in their decor and their menu creations.  We chatted with them and really enjoyed their story.  Also, we learned that Dole Fruit Company grows 90% of their canteloupes and honeydew melons in the fields around Wenden.

The Bill Williams River joins the Colorado River just above Parker Dam 

The "largest flea market" in the world...Quartzsite, AZ

Wall art...Wickenburg, AZ

More wall art...Wickenburg, AZ

Famous Sundial...Carefree, AZ

The dog hats mentioned in the title line refers to a booth we visited at the Fountain Hills (a suburb of Phoenix) Arts and Crafts show on our trip.  The vendor made fancy hats solely for dogs, which was pretty interesting...but, the real hook at his booth were his personal dogs (which modeled the hats).

Wally, Tobi, and Amos...but I really like the sign!

While at the show, we watched the fountain go to its ultimate height of 562 feet...pretty impressive!

~~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.~~

FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOGS....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING....

from Helpful Buckeye and the support staff (Desperado) here at Questions On Dogs and Cats!!!

When it comes down to expressing "Thanks" for any goodness we have experienced this year, we all have our personal sentiments. As the writer of Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye is thankful for all of our readers, old and new, who visit with us each week as we talk about dogs and cats. Your contributions to this blog, by way of e-mails, comments, and answering the weekly poll questions, have added to the diversity of topics for discussion during the year. Thank you!

This is also a great time to express our collective thanks for all of the dogs and cats we have been fortunate enough to have had as parts of our families. The following collection of thoughts about our pets was sent to Helpful Buckeye by Barb R. in Virginia:

If I Didn't Have Pets....

• I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.


• My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.


• All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.


• When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like the kennels and I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.


• I could sit on the couch the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.


• I would not have strange presents under my Christmas tree -- dog bones, stuffed animals, nor would I have to answer to people why I wrap them and place the gift tags on them.


• I would not be on a first-name basis with the veterinarians.


• The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.


• My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.


• My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.


• I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L-, F-R-I-S-B-E-E, or W-A-L-K.


• I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.


• I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog ties them down too much.


• I'd look forward to spring and the melting of snow instead of dreading mud season.


• I would not have to answer the question: "Why do you have so many dogs/animals?" from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by something as close to an angel as they will ever get.


• How empty my life would be....

A big, hearty "Thank You" to all of our pets, past and present, for making our lives much more enjoyable!

The poll question from last week yielded a lot of responses and none of them were "It's a bad idea." Every response was in the direction of favoring some type of penalty for allowing one's dog to become obese. The general feeling from e-mails was that the owners should be made to suffer from a pet's obesity rather than the pet bearing all the consequences. There will be an update a little later in this issue on the story about the British dog owner who had his dog confiscated for allowing it to become grotesquely obese. Remember to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) Not only have a few cats been sick with H1N1 (Swine Flu), but now it appears that a cat in Oregon has died from the infection. As reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, this fatality is awaiting a final confirmation: http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp

2) In a related story, the Food & Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission have teamed up to stop an advertised product from being touted as a prevention for H1N1:
A pair of federal agencies teamed up for the first time to demand that a website stop offering fraudulent H1N1 influenza supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a joint letter to the administrator of the website, drweil.com. In the letter, the agencies told the website owners to stop marketing their "Immune Support Formula." The website sells a supplement, astralagus, which it says can prevent the flu.
"Astragalus ... is ... used traditionally to ward off colds and flu, and has demonstrated both antiviral and immune-boosting effects in scientific investigation," the site says. The FDA-FTC letter says that the company's marketing efforts to sell unapproved H1N1 flu-related products is a "potentially significant threat to the public health."

This news was reported on the American Animal Hospital Association web site: http://trends.aahanet.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?site=trends&webcode=newsdetail&articleKey=5c3b0461-5be1-4e0d-b4d1-fd480ab22c08

Buyer beware!

3) On a more tame note, the American Kennel Club has announced that it will be recognizing 3 new breeds for registration in the AKC by the end of this year: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4013

The breeds are not really "new" breeds to most of us, because they have been around for a long time. They are the Bluetick Coonhound, Boykin Spaniel, and Redbone Coonhound, becoming the 162nd, 163rd, and 164th registered breeds of the AKC. The spaniel will join the Sporting Group and the coonhounds will join the Hound Group.

Bluetick Coonhound

Boykin Spaniel

Redbone Coonhound

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Your female dog has just finished her heat cycle. You're thrilled to be done with that 3-week phase of excitement that involves a nervous female dog, male dogs hanging around her, and the sometimes messy discharge associated with the heat cycle. A few weeks later, she starts to show signs of nesting behavior, mammary gland enlargement and possibly milk production, and mothering of her toys or other inanimate objects. Could she be pregnant?

False Pregnancy In Dogs

False pregnancy (Pseudocyesis) occurs fairly commonly in dogs and very rarely in cats. At this point, those of you having a spayed female dog or a cat probably are figuring you have no reason to read any further. Not so fast...

False pregnancy is common enough that you will most likely hear it being discussed among your dog-owning friends and, you never know, you just might have a new dog in your future that could experience it. It's all about the learning, remember?

As the female dog is nearing the end of her heat cycle, the hormones progesterone and prolactin arrive at a certain balance as the dog "waits" to see if she is pregnant. Some of these females are more sensitive to the hormonal fluctuations and can start to show some interesting signs. A few weeks after the heat cycle is finished, they can start showing the mothering of their toys or inanimate objects, nesting behavior, milk production, and even show signs of going into labor...all without actually being pregnant! The dog's body is only responding to what her hormone levels are telling her.In most cases, if the symptoms are mild and not too bothersome for the dog or the owner, the condition will resolve itself in 1-3 weeks as the hormones reach their normal levels. No treatment is necessary for these cases. Even if you're feeling sorry for your dog, you for sure don't want to massage any of the swollen mammary tissue or that will just encourage further milk production. If the situation goes beyond 3 weeks or the dog is really uncomfortable, your veterinarian has a few pharmaceuticals that can help ease the signs.

In case there is any doubt that the dog has actually been bred and might be truly pregnant, that possibility can be ruled in or out by a careful history, abdominal palpation, ultrasound, and abdominal X-rays.

Unfortunately, a certain percentage of female dogs will show the signs of false pregnancy after each heat cycle. Spaying the dog while she is showing these signs is not the answer since that wouldn't change the hormonal balance right away. The surgery should be done as soon as the signs are completely gone and before the next heat cycle shows up.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

In last week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye gave you a list of Thanksgiving Safety Tips from the ASPCA. With Thanksgiving approaching the American Kennel Club® is also offering safety tips for pet owners to make their Thanksgiving gatherings and holiday parties fido-friendly. Among them:

• Never give turkey bones to your dog; they pose a serious choking hazard for dogs.


• Always keep an eye on the Thanksgiving table and secure leftovers and garbage to prevent your dog from going through holiday foods.


• Don’t give your dog scraps from the holiday buffet. Stuffing, pies, cookies and fancy hors d’oeuvres are inappropriate foods for dogs and may make them sick.


• Keep burning candles on high tables or mantels out of the way of your dog’s wagging tail.


• Alcohol is toxic for dogs, even in small amounts.


• If you host a party, remember that some guests may be uncomfortable around dogs. Your dog may, in turn, be uncomfortable or frightened around a large group of unfamiliar people. You may want to confine your dog to a crate or a room that will not be used by guests.


• Stick as closely as possible to your normal routine. Try not to vary your dog’s feeding, walking and playtime schedule.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

1) Molly Mutt Dog Duvets provide a pet owner the much easier option of laundering the outer lining of your dog's bed. Check out their web site: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/16/pet-product-review-molly-mutt-dog-duvets/

GENERAL INTEREST

1) In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, "Research confirms that pilgrims weren’t the only passengers aboard the Mayflower. Turns out man’s best friend also made the transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England to Plymouth, MA in 1620. This Thanksgiving, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) celebrates the English Springer Spaniel and Mastiff, the two breeds who joined the pilgrims on their journey to the new world and who were the first to make dogs a part of everyday life for the earliest Western settlers. The earliest mention of dogs in America appeared in a 17th century journal called "Mourt's Relation" about the first years of life in the new world. According to this account, two dogs – an English Springer Spaniel and a Mastiff – were brought along by John Goodman. The dogs were involved in the first explorations of discovery on Cape Cod during the first winter ashore."

2) With all the festivities that accompany the holiday season, there is a greater likelihood of your pets having accidents around the house. For an interesting take on the use of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish detergent to take care of the stains and odors of pet accidents, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/homemade-pet-stain-removers/

3) A German company has designed an interesting and very fancy dog house, "The Alabama." for more about this creation, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/the-alabama-give-dogs-the-fancy-treatment/ and to (for the German version): http://www.bestfriendshome.com/hundehaeuser_alabama.html

4) One of my favorite actors, Sean Connery, has decided to come out of retirement and lend his voice to the lead character in the upcoming animated movie, Sir Billi. Why does this item make the "General Interest" list? Well, Sean will be the voice of a retired, skateboarding veterinarian! Read about it here: http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/19/sean-connery-ditches-retirement-to-play-a-skateboarding-vete/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-ndl5link7http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cinematical.com%2F2009%2F11%2F19%2Fsean-connery-ditches-retirement-to-play-a-skateboarding-vete%2F

Helpful Buckeye will opt to stay with the bicycle, thank you!

5) One of our news items last week was the confiscation of an obese dog from its owner in Britain. More has been revealed about that story. The Animal Welfare Act of Great Britain has gained more awareness of pet owners as this type of penalty is handed down. Barney, the Dalmatian, was fed a steady diet of crisps and chocolate for years. Regular readers of Questions On Dogs and Cats will already know that Barney was lucky he didn't get enough chocolate in a short period of time or else he would be dead rather than obese. At any rate, here are the first photos to be released of Barney, first at 11 stone (154 lb.) when he was confiscated and then at 4 stone (56 lb.) when he was ready to be adopted.

Read the rest of this very interesting account at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1229188/Dog-owner-banned-keeping-animals-pet-dalmatian-balloons-11-stone-crisps-chocolate.html

SPORTS NEWS

The Pittsburgh Steelers limped into Kansas City after their miserable effort last week and laid another egg! Yep, they gave another game away in the last few minutes. The playoff lights are looking dimmer and dimmer....

The Ohio State Buckeyes beat Michigan yesterday for the 6th year in a row, to finish the regular season at 10-2. By winning the Big 10 title, the Buckeyes will be going to the Rose Bowl on New Years' Day. Our opponent has yet to be determined. By any normal standards, this was a pretty good year for the Buckeyes...however, when thinking of the national championship, it doesn't measure up.

PERSONAL STUFF

Helpful Buckeye will leave you with 3 quotes this week, all of them made by that famous quipster, "Anonymous":

"If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise."

"If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them."

"There's a saying that the difference between being involved and being committed is like a ham and eggs breakfast: The chicken was involved; the pig was committed."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

~~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.~~

I CAN'T BELIEVE....

...I ATE THE WHOLE THING!

Many of our readers may have expressed this very sentiment after their big Thanksgiving feast. Share with actor Peter Boyle as he utters this now famous lament in a recent ad for Alka Seltzer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfzZpQXZIUY

Hopefully, all of you made it home safely, if you were driving. Secondly, Helpful Buckeye expects (wishfully) that none of you overindulged in the feast, nor did any of you go beyond the boundaries set for you in last week's blog issue as to what you could feed your pets! If you haven't had to make an emergency visit to your veterinarian in the past 3 days for a gastrointestinal upset in your dog, then pat yourself on the back for either being truly judicious or very lucky. Remember all the lessons you learned from last week's blog because there will be many more of these type meals between now and New Year's Day...that's why it's called Holiday Season!

Regrets after a big meal, like the Thanksgiving feast, can include Peter Boyle's lament, our readers wishing they had pushed away from the table a little sooner, pet owners being sorry they fed the wrong thing to their dog, and this possible scene from a New Yorker cartoon:

Helpful Buckeye would like to thank all of you who have either sent in an e-mail or entered a comment at the end of a blog issue during the past 2 weeks! You have sent questions, ideas for topics, interesting videos you have seen, and some good constructive criticism...all of which will be incorporated into future issues of Questions On Dogs and Cats. Also, there have been several new readers who were referred to this blog by some of our faithful readers, and for that, Helpful Buckeye is also very thankful. The more readers we have and the more we exchange ideas, the better this blog will be! Remember, the easiest way to make a comment is to send an e-mail: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com or click on "Post a Comment" at the end of each blog issue and follow the simple instructions.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) The American Veterinary Medical Association has just issued this news release about an interesting program at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, in Blacksburg, VA:

Billy the Kid just shot two deputies, has escaped from prison, and is making his getaway on horseback. How far can he expect his horse to go—and at what speed? To provide a realistic answer, a production crew from The History Channel visited the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine this fall.
They filmed a horse going through her paces on a high-speed treadmill. The film footage will be used in "Real Cowboys," a six-part television series which is slated to air in early 2009.

2) Hardly a month goes by without reading or hearing of a story about a long-lost pet being reunited with its owner because of a microchip providing the clue. The story this week comes from New Jersey:

Missing dog found after almost 5 years ----------PLEASANTVILLE, N.J. - A Pleasantville, N.J., family said their pet dachshund, which went missing nearly five years ago, has been found by a Pittsburgh animal shelter. Edna Colon, 18, said her mother, Elda Arguello, received a letter from the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania informing her that the male dachshund, named Tootsie, was found as a stray in Pittsburgh. The shelter tracked a microchip implanted in the animal back to Arguello and her family, WPVI-TV, Philadelphia, reported Monday. Colon said several members of the family planned to travel to Harrisburg, Pa., for a reunion with their long-lost pet, who was about 6 months old when he went missing from Arguello's yard nearly five years ago. "We appreciate the Animal Rescue League. If not for them and the microchip, we would never have seen Tootsie again. Because (the Animal Rescue League) understands animal lovers, they did all that they could to find us. We are so thankful to (the organization) and their work to get Tootsie back to our family," Colon said.

Helpful Buckeye will continue to include these stories as a nudging reminder of how important it is for pet owners to be able to have their lost pet be properly identified. A very simple implantation of a microchip will accomplish this....

3) From the Arizona Daily Sun, comes this story about pseudorabies, a viral disease normally associated with pigs:

Colo. hunting ranch quarantined over animal disease Saturday, November 29, 2008 GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) -- State officials have quarantined a western Colorado hunting ranch after 14 feral hogs tested positive for pseudorabies, a contagious disease that can threaten commercial swine herds, wildlife and pets. For the rest of the story, go to: http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2008/11/29/news/national/20081129_us_ne_186108.txt

Unfortunately, dogs and cats which are exposed to this Herpes virus can develop very serious damage to the central nervous system and die suddenly. The virus does not cause illness in humans. It will be interesting to learn if this outbreak causes any further problem in that part of Colorado.

4) Medical researchers in Atlanta have found a way to be able to predict the amount of immunity provided by a vaccine without actually testing it on a group of subjects:

ATLANTA (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they've discovered a way to predict how successful vaccines would be in triggering immune responses. In the first-ever study of this type, researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Vaccine Center at Emory University said they used immunology, genomics and bioinformatics to predict a vaccine's immunity without exposing individuals to infection -- a long-standing challenge in the development of vaccines. The team, using the yellow fever vaccine as a model, wanted to determine why the vaccine -- one of the most successful vaccines ever -- was so effective so they could design equally effective new vaccines against global pandemics and emerging infections, the Atlanta university said in a news release. "A single shot of the (yellow fever) vaccine induces immunity in many people for nearly 30 years," said Bali Pulendran, lead Yerkes researcher and professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. "Despite the great success of the yellow fever vaccine, little has been known about the immunological mechanisms that make it effective." Pulendran said the team, using several lines of study, identified distinct gene signatures that were correlated to the antibody response induced by the vaccine. To determine whether the gene could predict immune response, "we vaccinated a second group of individuals and were able to predict with up to 90 percent accuracy which of the vaccinated individuals would develop" immunity to yellow fever.

Since both human and animal vaccines are formulated and produced in much the same manner, this news also means progress in the development of vaccines for your pets.

5) The AVMA has revised its policy on ear cropping and tail docking:

Schaumburg, Ill.
— The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Board voted to strengthen association policy on two practices common in certain breeds of dogs—ear cropping and tail docking.
The revised AVMA policy states: "The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards."
"For many years the AVMA has acknowledged that ear cropping and tail docking of dogs for cosmetic purposes are not medically indicated nor of benefit to our canine patients," explains Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the AVMA. "Our latest policy revision doesn't represent a change in perspective, but, rather, makes that perspective clear with a stronger statement."
The AVMA decided to adjust its policy on tail docking and ear cropping after a scheduled review of an existing policy. The review included an analysis of scientific literature and available data, an assessment of the practical experience of veterinarians, and deliberations by the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee.
"Why we perform certain procedures is one of the first questions we ask. Once that question is answered, committee members look at any associated welfare concerns," explains Dr. Gail Golab, director of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division. "'Cosmetic' implies the basis for these procedures is to alter the dog's appearance. Welfare risks identified included those associated with surgical procedures, i.e., anesthetic complications, pain, blood loss and infection. In the committee's opinion, the risk-benefit analysis supports professional opposition to performing these procedures for purely cosmetic reasons."
In recommending policy revisions, the committee was careful to distinguish ear cropping and tail docking performed for cosmetic reasons from procedures performed for therapeutic or preventive purposes. "If it can be responsibly demonstrated that the purpose of performing the procedure is to protect the health and welfare of the dog, then of course the Association would support the appropriate surgery," said Dr. DeHaven.

For those readers not familiar with these surgical procedures, ear cropping refers to the surgical removal of part of the ear flap in order to make the ear stand erectly, while tail docking refers to the surgical shortening of the tail. Certain breeds of dogs have been associated with these procedures: Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and Schnauzers.

The American Kennel Club, which maintains the standards by which pure bred dogs are judged, has provided a response to this position:

New York, NY (November 21, 2008) -- The American Kennel Club® was advised this week of the AVMA's newly amended policy on ear cropping and tail docking following its adoption by the AVMA Executive Board at the recommendation of their Committee on Animal Welfare on November 15, 2008.
Historically, the AKC has worked closely with the AVMA to ensure that the rights of individual dog owners, and breed standards, remain protected. However, the AKC was very disappointed to not have been consulted regarding this latest iteration of the policy, despite having been in frequent contact with the AVMA in recent months.
At a joint meeting this Wednesday AKC explained to the AVMA that we recognize ear cropping and tail docking, as prescribed in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character, enhancing good health, and preventing injuries. These breed characteristics are procedures performed to insure the safety of dogs that on a daily basis perform heroic roles with Homeland Security, serve in the U.S. Military and at Police Departments protecting tens of thousands of communities throughout our nation as well as competing in the field.
Mislabeling these procedures as "cosmetic" is a severe mischaracterization that connotes a lack of respect and knowledge of history and the function of purebred dogs. Breed standards are established and maintained by AKC Parent Clubs (each of the 158 AKC registered breeds is stewarded by a breed-specific Parent Club) keeping foremost in mind the welfare of the breed and the function it was bred to perform.
As a not for profit organization that has been devoted to the advancement and welfare of dogs for 125 years, the AKC believes that all dog owners bear a special responsibility to their canine companions to provide proper care and humane treatment at all times and that responsible dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, have the right to make decisions regarding appropriate care and treatment of their pets.
AKC's policy on the issue, which remains unchanged, states:
The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health. Appropriate veterinary care should be provided.

It is not difficult to see that there is a difference of opinion between the AVMA and the AKC about these procedures. Most veterinarians have long ago admitted their own reluctance to do these procedures, for humane reasons. Helpful Buckeye doesn't know how this difference of opinion will ultimately be played out, except to say that the court of public opinion usually gets its own way in the end. How do most of you feel about this subject? Send an e-mail with your opinion to: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com and we'll see where your consensus lies.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

1) What do these pictures have in common?

They all have something to do with how we measure ourselves and our pets (the dog weighing scale photo is from http://www.centralcarolinascale.com/ )....which brings us to this week's main topic of Obesity and Your Pet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have estimated that a little more than 1/3 (about 35%) of the adult human population of the USA is obese. Current estimates for pets are that almost 40% of all dogs and cats in the USA are either overweight or obese.

There are a few diseases that can actually cause your pet to become overweight, the two most common being hypothyroidism (underproduction of thyroid hormone) and Cushing's Disease (overproduction of ACTH by the pituitary gland). In addition, certain breeds of dogs and cats are predisposed genetically to weight gain. However, the most common contribution to weight gain in pets is by far the overindulgence of their owners, either by over-feeding or feeding the wrong kind of food. First of all, if the owners don't have the proper discipline for their own weight considerations, they probably won't have any better regard for controlling their pet's weight. Secondly, even if owners try to do the right thing, they tend to sometimes "feel sorry" for their pets and give them too many unnecessary, calorie-filled treats. Most pet owners either don't realize or don't accept that they are solely responsible for their pet's diet, and thus, their pet's overall health. As Dr. Jennifer Brinson, veterinarian and researcher on obesity in pets at the University of Illinois, says, "Pets don't choose what or how much to eat. Owners dictate the animal's diet and how much they get. People food, table scraps, and fast-food take-out should not be options. There are dietary treats that are good for pets that will also satisfy the owner's need to indulge the pet." Helpful Buckeye used to remind his clients that dogs and cats couldn't open the refrigerator door. Since your pets cannot prepare their own food, they are at the full mercy of what you give them. Excess weight is easier to prevent than to lose. Proper adjustments to your pet's diet and amount of exercise should be made early in its life so that any problem with obesity can be avoided. Your veterinarian will advise the best diet for your pet's particular needs, whether maintaining its normal weight or attempting to lose weight. Exercise is something that requires regularity and structure, both of which most humans find difficulty in honoring in their own schedules. Pets are best exercised by playing with them. Take your dog for walks; play throw and fetch; give the cat toys it likes to chase. If your cat follows you up and down the stairs, then do the stairs repeatedly. By and large, if the owner is unwilling to exercise, then the pet won't get any exercise either.

Of course, "walking the dog" can mean different things to different people. Some people walk without "walking the dog" ...and some people pretend they've gone walking and the dog feels cheated, from The New Yorker:

Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. sponsors the web site, PetFit.com, which has numerous videos illustrating how both dog and cat owners can get exercise for themselves at the same time as exercising their pets: http://www.petfit.com/Petfit/pfCommonDisplay.hjsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395186645&bmUID=1227995157468&asst=pfTrainingWithGunnarPeterson . The videos (9 for dogs and 5 for cats) are done by a personal and pet trainer and are full of great exercises for humans and their pets.

Pets which have been over-indulged either with too many treats or the wrong kind of food run the risk of making many pre-existing problems worse by becoming obese. Obesity tends to make:

• diabetes more difficult to manage.


• torn ligaments more common, due to the animal's disproportionate size and the fact that they don't have the muscle tone to balance and support the extra weight.


• arthritis worse because of the extra load of weight on the arthritic joints.


• a physical exam more difficult by masking heart and lung sounds and interfering with the palpation of abdominal organs.

The AVMA has produced a very informative podcast, entitled "The Perils of Pudgy Pets," which you can listen to at: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=88&NAME=The_Perils_of_Pudgy_Pets

The main point that Helpful Buckeye wants to leave you with is that you, the pet owner, must show some restraint in how you lavish affection on your pet. Remember, love for your pet is NOT spelled..."T-R-E-A-T." Don't let yourself get caught up in the sentiment of this cartoon from The New Yorker:

Another important topic that goes hand-in-hand with obesity in pets is pet nutrition. Pet owners actually spend more money each year on pet food than they do on veterinary care. Some of this is money well spent, while some of it would be better directed if the pet owners knew a little more about their dog and/or cat's nutritional needs. Helpful Buckeye will help guide you through this mine field of correct vs. incorrect food choices for your pets in an upcoming issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats.

Any comments, send an e-mail to: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

1) Helpful Buckeye discussed some of the things pet owners must be aware of as sources of trouble for pets around the "Holidays" in last week's issue. Also, it was pointed out by the AVMA that President-Elect Obama had made the smart decision to wait until after his inauguration to look for a new "First Dog." The Holiday trouble sources for pets are difficult enough to deal with when you have a mature pet which has been in the household for some time, let alone trying to bring a new puppy or kitten into the hoopla of the Holidays. For one person's take on why this is a no-no, read the opinion of Matthew Margolis, Dog trainer, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" : Warm and cute. Wide-eyed and innocent. Peering out of a box once tied with a big red bow. Who wouldn't want a puppy for Christmas? But that's not the question. The question is: Who's a good candidate to receive such a gift? The problem with holiday puppies has everything to do with the holidays. It's a chaotic time, and puppies need stability and routine. They require significant one-on-one attention, which is hard to give while prepping hors d'oeuvres, filling glasses and basting a turkey. And it's even harder to give en route from JFK to LAX with a connecting at O'Hare. Holiday travel simply leaves no time for puppy. But even for those staying put for the holiday season, the home itself is often turned on its head, filled with strange people coming and going, doors opening and closing, lights blinking, candles burning, cords tangled up behind that irresistible glowing tree playing host to a cornucopia of bite-sized glass ornaments. All dangerous for puppy. People who give the gift of a puppy often have their hearts in the right place. In many ways, a puppy embodies the spirit of Christmas: hopeful, playful, joyful, and full of life and love. But a puppy isn't merchandise that can be returned like a lamp. A dog of any age is a living, breathing, sensitive creature that demands and deserves the time and attention it takes to make him a welcome and permanent member of the family. The frenetic nature of most households during the time leading up to Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's in no way lends itself to the essential introductory and bonding period that forms the foundation of the human-canine relationship. Strike one. Then there's housebreaking. If the dog owner is consumed with cleaning, cooking, shopping and wrapping, the dog probably isn't steeped in the Feed-Water-Walk system that leads to successful housebreaking. Strike two. And from a motivational standpoint, if it's 28 degrees outside, it's that much more unappealing to get up and take a puppy out two or three times between sundown and sunrise. Strike three. Why don't people give puppies for the Fourth of July? The reality is that many -- far too many -- holiday puppies are returned to pet stores or abandoned in shelters come January. This being the case, the description of the best candidate to receive a puppy for Christmas looks something like: -- has very few friends -- has no travel plans -- received minimal party invitations -- loves freezing walks in the dead of night -- hates holiday decorations, doesn't open the door to carolers, and refuses to buy or bake sweets of any kind, but especially those containing chocolate. Lucky pooch. All that considered, a puppy is still a personal choice. Not everyone wants one. Not everyone can take care of one. And those who want and are able to care for one will also want to be involved in the process of finding their perfect pup. This year, instead of giving an actual puppy, why not give a puppy starter kit to someone you suspect might really love to have a dog? The kit could include a few books or videos on dog training, a soft chew toy, a blanket, a crate with good visibility, and a gift certificate for a trip to a shelter or rescue on you -- or any combination of the above! In the end, if it turns out that puppy person is actually a cat person, no harm done. Everything in the box wrapped with the big red bow is as it should be -- merchandise that can be returned.

Sounds like the perfect advice to Helpful Buckeye!

2) In addition to the stress of the Holidays and how it affects your pets, there are other stressors to be aware of when it comes to cats. Dr. C.A. "Tony" Buffington, professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, discusses how environmental stressors on indoor cats may contribute to lower urinary tract disease and other illnesses. Studies have determined that cats are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and stimuli that appear to be innocuous to a pet owner can be considered a threat by the cat. For instance, cats are not a pack species, Dr. Buffington explained, and cats in a multicat household may experience harmful stress if they are unable to exercise control over their environment, such as spending time away from other cats. "The consensus seems to be that cats appear to benefit from appropriate access to resources, control of interactions with owners, and a tolerable intensity of conflict," Dr. Buffington said. He recommended that veterinarians educate cat owners about their pet's needs and that cats be provided with adequate access to food and water, scratching objects, resting areas, and litter box. (from AVMA and American Association of Feline Practitioners)

If any of you cat owners aren't sure about your cat's needs, perhaps it's time to have that conversation with your veterinarian?

3) The AKC is conducting a survey to determine how much, if any, the present economy is affecting how pet owners are making monetary decisions about their pets. You can find this survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=blK5t6GTZfVtlbbEGX_2b90g_3d_3d Go ahead and participate in the survey...the results might be interesting! Helpful Buckeye will publish the results when they become available. If you happen to get what looks like the final page of the survey, simply click on the "previous" button to find the questions, then go ahead and answer them.

4) In the 12 OCTOBER 2008 issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye presented an overview of the various brands of Pet Health Insurance available to pet owners. The topic generated a lot of e-mails and comments, as evidence that pet owners are considering these policies. The American Animal Hospital Association has recently made an endorsement of one particular plan that you may not have read about: SAN ANTONIO, Texas, September 17, 2008 – PurinaCare®, the first pet health insurance under the Purina brand, today announced it has been awarded the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Seal of Acceptance for its policies with deductibles of $500 and $1,000. The acceptance seal was established by the AAHA to help increase pet owner education and awareness regarding the need to meet their financial responsibility for the care of their pets.
The Seal of Acceptance is awarded to pet insurance policies with high levels of deductibles of at least $500 that provide owners with the coverage they may need for major veterinary expenses. PurinaCare pet health insurance offers four different deductible levels: $100, $250, $500 and $1,000. There is a 20-percent co-pay once the annual deductible has been met.
“We are pleased to have been awarded the AAHA Seal of Acceptance for our high deductible policies,” said David Goodnight, D.V.M., president and chief operating officer of PurinaCare Insurance Services, Inc. “We share the AAHA’s commitment to helping ensure pet owners have the financial resources they need to care for their pets throughout their lifetimes, including the ability to pay for lifesaving catastrophic care or unexpected emergencies.”
Pet health insurance plans must meet a number of criteria in order to be awarded the AAHA Seal of Acceptance, including allowing the policy holder to seek care from a licensed veterinarian of his choosing. In addition, marketing, sales and promotional materials must include the availability of the $500 deductible (or higher) policy option.
PurinaCare offers two plans that are designed to help dog and cat owners take advantage of the latest advances in veterinary medicine with less worry about the financial implications. Both plans provide coverage for illness, injuries and accidents, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, and hereditary conditions. The PurinaCare plus Preventive Care plan is designed to encourage the use of routine preventive care by also covering certain customary annual costs of routine vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventative medications, routine annual physical exams and lab tests, and certain other preventive care as outlined in the policy. A complete list of coverage is available on www.purinacare.com.
A subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is the issuer of the insurance policies and is registering the insurance offerings in every state. For the complete list of states in which PurinaCare is currently available and to obtain a free quote, pet owners can visit www.purinacare.com.

A further review of this PurinaCare insurance product is available at: http://www.petinsurancereview.com/purina.asp

The only potential concern for Helpful Buckeye on this offering would be the recent misfortunes of AIG, the parent company.

5) Our old friend, Mark Twain, had something important to say in reference to all this reading about health matters: "Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint."

WORD OF THE WEEK

Palpation--noun; the act of feeling with the hand; the application of the fingers with light pressure to the surface of the body for the purpose of determining the condition of the parts beneath in physical diagnosis.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Pet Safety Collar--....alerts motorists and other pedestrians...Features quick flashes, intermittent flashes, or constant light...can be seen from 1 mile away! Check it out at: http://www2.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?number=4810

PET OF THE WEEK

Peruvian Hairless--

This is one of the breeds being mentioned as a possible candidate for being the "First Dog," due to its supposed hypoallergenic traits. Not to be confused with the Xoloitzcuintli, seen below, the Peruvian Hairless does share some traits with the unpronounceable Mexican breed. The same gene that is responsible for the hairless nature of these breeds (and, consequently, their hypoallergenicity) is also responsible for them not having any of their premolars or molars. Needless to say, there aren't very many of either of these breeds found in the USA...which results in them being very expensive! Helpful Buckeye is still wrestling with the pronounciation of the Xolo.... Why isn't it just called a Mexican Hairless, the same as the one from Peru???

GENERAL INTEREST

1) In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this past week there was a nice editorial opinion in The USA Today about the good work that is being done by humane societies, animal shelters, and animal rescuers. For a feel-good read, go to: http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/11/thankful-for-th.html

2) Also, this past week, there was a heart-warming story in The USA Today about small plane pilots who donate their services to help relocate homeless pets from a shelter where they will soon be euthanized to another location where they can be safely held until adoption. They refer to themselves as Pilots N Paws and they have flown several hundreds of pets on these missions of mercy. "Doggy kisses are worth the $6 a gallon," says Westminster, Md., businesswoman and small-plane pilot Michele McGuire. She was recently part of a two-leg rely that flew a 110-pound skin-and-bones Great Dane from Arab, Ala., where a rescue group saved it from euthanasia, to a new family in Baldwin, Mass. For the whole story, go to: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-11-25-pilots-dog-rescue_N.htm

3) Helpful Buckeye has received this video of the "Talking Dogs" from several readers this past week, but Charee, in Virginia, was the first to send it. For those of you who haven't seen it, these dogs are much better "talkers" than those in various other videos! Take a look and see what you think: http://www.reflectionsofsouthbreeze.com/Pages/RealTalkingDogs.htm (then click on the black and white dog to start the video)

4) As a sort of follow-up to the smart dogs, we now have the "crazy" dogs. Almost as interesting as the action is the music accompanying this video: http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=1313 and be careful where you are standing!!!

5) A final fun video to watch was sent to Helpful Buckeye by Sara, in Virginia, and this one involves what is called, "The Slinky Cat." It appears that this cat has perhaps swallowed a Slinky (just joking, folks!)....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T75s2RBQhSM

At this point, a quote from Henry David Thoreau about cats would be appropriate: "A kitten is so flexible that she is almost double; the hind parts are equivalent to another kitten with which the forepart plays. She does not discover that her tail belongs to her until you tread upon it."

6) Another AVMA podcast (audio only) presents an interesting picture of some of the differences between dog and cat owners. Listen and see if you agree or disagree with some of the observations: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=90&NAME=NewsRadio_KTRH_on_Cats_Vs._Dogs

7) The 24th of NOV marked the anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species, by Charles Darwin, in 1859. The actual complete title was On the Origin of Species, by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life and it still stands today as one of the most significant pieces of scientific literature ever written.

8) Also, on the 24th of NOV 1874, Joseph Glidden received the first meaningful patent for the production of barbed wire. It was the introduction of barbed wire that made farming the Great Plains possible. Now, what does barbed wire have to do with dogs and cats, you say? Well, absolutely nothing, except that Helpful Buckeye vividly remembers touring a small un-air-conditioned barbed wire museum in McLean, Texas on a 103 degree afternoon...at the pleading request of Desperado, a true barbed wire aficionada!

9) The 26th of NOV (1922) was the birthday of Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts. As our readers will recall, Snoopy, one of the Peanuts characters, ran for President several weeks ago. One of Schulz's famous quotes was: "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia."

10) The 30th of NOV (1835) was the birthday of our old friend Mark Twain, who later died in 1910. Twain was a great one for observations and appropriate quotes. Here are two pictures of him and his pets, along with quotes about each one:


"Entrance into Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."- Mark Twain, A Biography

"One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives."- Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson











SPORTS NEWS

The Pittsburgh Steelers went into New England and soundly beat the Patriots today. That's only the second time in 9 games that we have beaten them! Hopefully, this momentum will carry over into next week, when we play Dallas in the Steel City.

PERSONAL STUFF

My really good friend, Ken, who is currently recuperating, has a very different sense of winter than does Helpful Buckeye. We both really like snow...it's just that I like it here and he wants it somewhere else! So, as we head into the month of December, Helpful Buckeye would like to offer Ken this poem of hope, even as winter is approaching:

"I heard a bird sing

In the dark of December

A magical thing

And sweet to remember.

'We are nearer to Spring

Than we were in September,'

I heard a bird sing

In the dark of December."

- Oliver Herford, I Heard a Bird Sing

Hang in there, good buddy!!!

I guess you could say that Ken is a pessimist about winter, while Helpful Buckeye is an optimist. None other than Sir Winston Churchill gave us his view on this difference: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

~~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.~~