Getting a dog? Consider these factors to make sure you're a match

(ARA) – There are plenty of cliche things that people say about dogs: that they’re man’s best friend, that they love you unconditionally and that behind those cold noses, there are warm hearts. But while dog owners might feel a bit silly about repeating those old chestnuts, they’ll also admit they’re absolutely true.

Before you get a dog, doing a bit of background research is important, but keep in mind that you also have a valuable resource right in your community – the local animal shelter. Shelter dogs are often the ones that are “invisible” – out of the public eye and therefore, out of mind as well. Best Friends Animal Society has created the “Invisible Dogs” campaign to call attention to the hundreds of thousands of very real, but unseen dogs hoping to be adopted from U.S. animal shelters, any of which might be right for your home.

Whether your household has one person or 10, a dog can fit right in, but not every dog fits with every home. At shelters across the country, the pet experts on the staff can help match you with an adoptable dog, based on your lifestyle and the dog’s personality and traits. Because you can meet shelter dogs before bringing them home, it’s easier to make the perfect puppy love connection.

When you’re ready to start looking for the right dog for you, consider these tips from Best Friends Animal Society and InvisibleDogs.org:

* Be honest about your lifestyle. Everyone has a different schedule, and dogs have schedules of their own. If you’re away from home a lot, consider dogs that have lower energy levels and minimal exercise demands. However, if you love to go for a run in the morning and a long stroll every evening, you might be a good match for a dog that has a bit more of a get-up-and-go demeanor.

* How much maintenance? Some dogs have wash-and-wear coats that don’t require grooming other than a nice bath every so often. Others will need to be combed and still others will need haircuts to keep their coat in check, or to be more comfortable in the summer heat. Opt for a dog with a coat that matches the level of dedication you’re ready to put into grooming, keeping in mind that it’s not too much of a hassle for any dog. Also remember that you’ll need to care for his toenails and teeth to keep him feeling his best.

* Find a personality match. Some dog owners like their pups to be right on their lap as much as possible, while others prefer a companion who is a little more independent. While breed can have some effect on this, it also largely depends on the individual dog. Meeting a dog at a shelter will let you spend a little time together to see if you’re a good combination.

Big or small, shaggy or sleek, the dog that’s right for you is out there waiting. With a bit of forethought and a few one-on-one meetings with available dogs, you’ll be well prepared to find the dog that will be the companion of a lifetime. And when you do, it won’t be long before you’re telling everyone that your dog really is your best friend. To learn more about helping adoptable dogs, go to www.invisibledogs.org.

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• Finding the best veterinarian for your dog;
• The dangers of electric shock; and
• This heartwarming story about a girl who saved a dog.

Woof!

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The American Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reminds all pet owners that especially during this time of year, there are many household hazards that can poison our pooches.

According to Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’S Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital and author of Vet Confidential: An Insider’s Guide to Protecting Your Pet’s Health, says, “Over the holidays, veterinary hospitals often see an influx of pets affected by a variety of seasonal hazards, from cats vomiting after swallowing ribbons to dogs who’ve indulged in pilfered chocolates. It’s important to keep our animal companions safe when celebrating.”

The following tips from the ASPCA are sure to help keep everyone safe and sound this holiday season:

O Christmas Tree
Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall–this will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling.

Tinsel-less Town
Animals love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

Toy Joy
Stuff your pet’s stockings with gifts that are safe (and can’t be torn apart). Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, digestible chew treats or Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods.
 
Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
When ingested by pets, mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Holly can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

For more poison prevention tips from the ASPCA, click here.

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In Calif., Governor Schwarzenegger wants to raise millions by adding a tax on veterinary services. On November 6, 2008, Gov. Schwarzenegger called for an increase in the California state sales tax to address the multi-billion dollar deficit in the budget, and proposed a sales tax on all veterinary services. This was part of a larger combination of program cuts and revenue increases to balance the state budget. 

This proposal could add approximately 9% to the cost of veterinary care. In already tight times, this means many animals won’t get the necessary medical care and treatment they deserve because veterinary services will be more expensive. Increasing the cost of veterinary care will only lead to more animals being abandoned, or euthanized.  

If you live in Calif. and oppose this idea, write letters, make phone calls, send emails, or fax your comments to the Governor and to your elected officials. 

If writing, try to personalize your letter and be brief. Let them know that pets are family members and this proposed tax will add a huge financial burden to your family. Ask that veterinary services be removed from the Governor’s proposal.

For more information, visit the California Veterinary Medical Association website.

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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is offering tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe during Halloween.

Most importantly, if you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Tip 1
No treats-no exceptions!

Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate—and even seizures.

Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.

Ingesting tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.

Tip 2
Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are swallowed.

Tip 3
Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

Tip 4
A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

Tip 5
Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don’t put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

Tip 6
If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal’s movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturel or donning a festive bandana.

Tip 7
Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

Tip 8
All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

Tip 9
When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside.

Tip 10
IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Halloween doesn’t have to be scary. As long as you take care, this Halloween is sure to be filled with plenty of fun!

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The pills you pop may make you feel better, but they could be fatal to your pet. Just last year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 89,000 cases of pets exposed to human medications.

Here’s what to watch out for:

NSAIDs
According to the APCC, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the most common cause of pet poisoning in small animals, and can cause serious problems even in minimal doses. Pets may experience stomach and intestinal ulcers and—in the case of cats—kidney damage.

Antidepressants
Antidepressants can cause vomiting and lethargy and certain types can lead to serotonin syndrome—a condition marked by agitation, elevated body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, disorientation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.

Acetaminophen
Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen, which can damage red blood cells and interfere with their ability to transport oxygen. In dogs, it can cause liver damage and, at higher doses, red blood cell damage.

Methylphenidate (for ADHD)
Medications used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in people act as stimulants in pets and can dangerously elevate heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature, as well as cause seizures.

Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil—an anti-cancer drug—is used topically to treat minor skin cancers and solar keratitis in humans. It has proven to be rapidly fatal to dogs, causing severe vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest even in those who’ve chewed on discarded cotton swabs used to apply the medication.

Isoniazid
Isoniazid is particularly toxic for dogs because they don’t metabolize it as well as other species. It can cause a rapid onset of severe seizures that may ultimately result in death.

Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a popular decongestant in many cold and sinus products, and acts like a stimulant if accidentally ingested by pets. In cats and dogs, it causes elevated heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature as well as seizures.

Anti-diabetics
Many oral diabetes treatments—including glipizide and glyburide—can cause a major drop in blood sugar levels of affected pets. Clinical signs of ingestion include disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.

Vitamin D derivatives
Even small exposures to Vitamin D analogues like calcipotriene and calcitriol can cause life-threatening spikes in blood calcium levels in pets. Clinical signs of exposure—including vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination and thirst due to kidney failure—often don’t occur for more than 24 hours after ingestion.

Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can impair the central nervous systems of cats and dogs. Some symptoms of ingestion include significant depression, disorientation, vocalization, seizures and coma, which can lead to death.

To help avoid accidental exposure, the ASPCA recommends keeping all medications out of reach of animals. If your pet does swallow any meds, stay calm and try to assess how many are left in the bottle versus how many might have been consumed. This dosage information is crucial for veterinarians when assigning your pet’s risk level and determining a proper course of treatment.

If you suspect your pet has ingested any human medications—or other toxic substances—immediately call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. Time is of the essence and could mean the difference between life and death for your dog.

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I am shocked and saddened by the story of Chai, a 10-year-old lab mix, and his owner, Daniel Rechelbacher, who is not only trying to make a better life for his dog, but also hold a corporation accountable for a serious, grievous and potentially deadly wrongdoing. 

I’ve excerpted the story from Daniel’s blog, in the hopes that not only will other dog owners avoid such a devastating incident, but also that more people will join in the fight against Four Paws:

“On Sunday, June 22, 2008, Chai, sustained a severe injury from a product that the company Four Paws Inc, produces. The toy I’m referencing is the pimple ball with bell. (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9)

While chewing on the toy, a vacuum was created and it effectively sucked his tongue into the hole in the ball. From speaking with my vet, this likely occurred because there is not a second hole in the ball preventing the vacuum effect from happening. I became aware of this when Chai approached a friend at my home whimpering withthe ball in his mouth. She tried unsuccessfully to remove the ball but the tongue had swollen and could not be released.

Chai was taken to the Animal Medical Center (an emergency care facility in New York City) and was treated by Dr. Nicole Spurlock to have the ball removed. Because the size of the opening on the ball was so small, all circulation to his tongue was cut off. The doctors had to sedate him in order to remove it. Once the ball was removed, his tongue swelled to the point that he could no longer put it in his mouth. Chai was sent home with care instructions and to be observed overnight for any changes.

By the following morning Chai’s tongue had swollen even more.

He was taken to his regular vet, Dr. Timnah Lee, for treatment. He was admitted and kept sedated for a period of three days during which time they were treating his wounds and waiting to determine how much of his tongue could be saved. On June 26, 2008 Chai had his tongue amputated.

He was kept in after-care for an additional three days. On Sunday June 29th I brought Chai home from the vet witha barrage of home care instructions, to last for an additional 7 days. His next visit was to have his mouth re-examined and have the feeding tube in his neck removed.”

When Daniel stopped at Petland Discount, where he purchased the offensive product, the manager met Chai and immediately removed all of the balls in question from the shelves. (He also gave Daniel the customer service number to their corporate headquarters to request that they refuse to continue purchasing all Four Paws products.)

Daniel’s veterinary bills have surpassed $5,000, and Chai now requires a much more expensive form of food because of this injury, averaging approximately $200 per month. Daniel has also been impacted career wise, as he lost a great deal of business during Chai’s after care. In addition, there have been two other documented incidents similar, one in which the dog died as a result of the injuries.

Daniel is not only taking on Four Paws in court (you go, Daniel!). In addition, Daniel’s story and efforts have already resulted in the recall of products (although the company is not doing much to notify the public at large). 

Keep up to date on Chai’s progress and Daniel’s court case here. And thanks, Daniel, for being the dangerous dog toy watch dog.

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While doing research for a story I’m working on, I discovered that people who love dogs have a lot of career options that can include day to day interaction with four-legged friends.

Beyond the obvious career choices, such as veterinarian, vet technician, alternative medicine vet, research vet, animal behaviorist, pet therapist, trainer, pet sitter, groomer, day care provider, kennel operator and dog walker/runner, there are many other options.

You can put your creative talents to good use as a pet product maker/seller, or to open up a doggie boutique in your town.

Among the more spotlight-driven doggie careers are dog handler, show judge and breeder, while behind the camera’s lens there are also dog photographers.

Public service canine-related jobs include rescue organization worker/non-profit worker, City/Country Animal Control work, animal cop, and search and rescue team.

So if you want your career to go to the dogs, it looks like you’ll be in good company!

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“Discount pet drugs—no prescription required” might sound great in theory, but FDA experts say it can be risky to buy drugs online from sites that offer such a deal.

Some of the Internet sites that sell pet drugs represent legitimate, reputable pharmacies, according to Martine Hartogensis, D.V.M., Promotion and Advertising Liaison for FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

But others are fronts for unscrupulous businesses operating against the law. FDA has found companies that sell unapproved pet drugs and counterfeit pet products, make fraudulent claims, dispense prescription drugs without requiring a prescription, and sell expired drugs.

CVM regulates the manufacture and distribution of animal drugs, while individual state pharmacy boards regulate the dispensing of prescription veterinary products.

What To Avoid
Some foreign Internet pharmacies advertise that veterinary prescription drugs are available to U.S. citizens without a prescription. But there is a risk of the drugs not being FDA-approved in that case.

A foreign or domestic pharmacy may claim that one of its veterinarians on staff will “evaluate” the pet after looking over a form filled out by the pet owner, and then prescribe the drug. A physical examination is the only safe way to decide what treatment a pet needs.

Two types of commonly used prescription veterinary drugs—nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and heartworm preventives–can be dangerous if there is no professional involvement.

NSAIDS and Heartworm Preventives
Veterinarians often prescribe NSAIDs to relieve pain in dogs. NSAIDs should not be purchased on the Internet without a veterinarian’s involvement, because dogs should undergo blood testing and a thorough physical examination before starting NSAIDs; dogs should be monitored by a veterinarian while they are taking NSAIDs; veterinarians should discuss possible side effects of NSAIDs with the owner; and the prescription should be accompanied by a Client Information Sheet that explains important safety information to the owner.

Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition transmitted by the bite of a mosquito that is carrying infected larvae of the heartworm parasite. Dogs, cats, and ferrets can get heartworm. Heartworm preventives, given daily or monthly depending on the product, kill the larvae before they become adult worms.

The American Heartworm Society recommends using heartworm medication for dogs year-round, no matter where you live in the United States
getting dogs tested yearly to make sure they’re not infected with heartworm

An Internet pharmacy veterinarian cannot draw blood from the animal to perform the test. If the test isn’t done, a pet owner could be giving heartworm preventives to a dog that has heartworms, potentially leading to severe reactions.

Tips for Buying Pet Drugs Online
Only buy from websites that belongs to a VIPPS-accredited pharmacy. VIPPS—the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites—is a voluntary certification program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). NABP gives the VIPPS seal to online pharmacies that comply with stringent licensing and inspection requirements. Only pharmacies that sell human drugs are VIPPS-certified at this time, but sometimes veterinarians will prescribe human drugs to pets when there is no animal drug approved for the pet’s illness. Check with NABP to find out if a pharmacy is VIPPS-accredited.

Order from an outsourced prescription management service that your veterinarian uses. These state-licensed Internet pharmacy services work directly with the veterinarian, require that a prescription be written by the veterinarian, and support the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Ask your veterinary hospital if it uses an Internet pharmacy service.

For more information about Veterinary NSAIDs, click here. For more information about buying medicines and medical products online, click here.

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From In Defense of Animals, here are some tips to keep your pooch happy and safe over the holiday weekend.

* Leave your companion animals at home when you go to see fireworks.

* Before you leave home for the fireworks, make sure your animals are indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your companion animal could destroy or that would be harmful if chewed or swallowed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him/her company.

* Make sure your animals are wearing identification tags (and it’s even better if they’re also microchipped) so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.

* Do not leave an animal in your car. With only hot air to breathe, your animal friend can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air or cooling, but they do provide an opportunity for your animal to be kidnapped.

* If you know that your animal becomes seriously distressed by loud noises, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

* Never leave your animals outside unattended, even in a fenced yard, and especially not on a chain. With explosions occurring, animals who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

* If you find somebody else’s companion animals running at-large, either take them to the address on the tag, if you feel comfortable doing so, or bring them to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their human families.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following additional tips:

* Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where animals can reach them.

* Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your animal that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Use this instead.

* Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of animals’ reach.

* Keep animals on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can cause severe indigestion and diarrhea.

* Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach.

* Never use fireworks around animals.

In Defense of Animals, located in San Rafael, Calif., is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA’s efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa. In Defense of Animals is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

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