Pets have food allergies and intolerances too!

Perhaps I should have made the connection sooner, perhaps I wasn't meant to till now, especially as I am a celiac and understand quite a bit about food intolerance issues. However, it took another member on our food allergy group posting this veterinarian's link, DogtorJ ,  on gluten intolerances and our pets. The Veterinarian is a celiac himself which while changing his diet and his changes as his body healed opened an new insight for him about our pets also.

I especially knew about grains and cats, how they aren't good for them, and primarily aren't good for dogs either. Cats and dogs simply don't go out foraging or hunting for grains. They will eat grasses to purge their systems, but they don't specifically look for grains to eat either. They are primarily meat eaters, carnivores. And the pet food recalls of 2007 confirmed this simple fact that glutens, grains didn't belong in our pet's diets.  The sad truth though is that this fact didn't stay in the open. People are all about convenience and going and buying a bag of dry food whose protein is primarily from grain glutens is the easiest and least problematic to feed our fur companions.

Face it, the primary source of protein for most of our pets in their food is derived from glutens/grains, and the second comes from "meat by-products", in simpler terms, beaks, feet, unedible parts of butchered animals that we wouldn't eat ourselves.

So, the basic definition of food intolerance is best described by this veterinarian: "The term “food intolerance” has been applied to both immune-mediated (involving the immune system) and non-immune related disorders (e.g. to food additives) that result from the consumption of certain foods to which an individual is sensitive. The most serious food intolerances are those to the gluten grains (wheat, barley, and rye), casein (dairy products), soy and corn, with the first three being the most common. Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) is finally making its way into the public eye. At the time of my diagnosis in the year 2000, it was considered a “rare disorder in the US, affecting less than 1:5000 Americans.” In 2006, it was declared to be one of the most common conditions in the country, with Johns Hopkins and The Mayo Clinic stating that the official number of celiacs in this country was 1:120 people. However, the unofficial number by celiac researchers is a whopping 1:30. Other papers on this site address this obvious and unsettling discrepancy. "  

Ok, animals are mammals just like us. One of my best friends is a biology instructor, and this is a point she makes over and over when someone tries to separate us from animals. So, if you think about this, their systems are not that different from ours in a general manner. Gluten is glue. I mean think about it, how did you make paste as a child for paper mache? It's used in everything to hold things together! So what do you think it does to us inside? Think again, it does the same to our beloved pets inside.

Scientists are just now finding ties between those persons having Celiac's disease (gluten intolerance) and other autoimmune diseases. Diseases like diabetes, fibromyalgia, autism, epilepsy, attention deficit, and the list goes on and on. As this veterinarian points out, the same autoimmune disfunctions affect pets also, especially epilepsy. And as he took clients' pets off of gluten containing foods and put them on a more natural food for the species, he was seeing epilepsy disappear. Hmmmmmm, are you finding a connection yet?

He writes:

"The unfortunate truth is that pet food is not as scientifically formulated as most would like to think. For the most part, Fido’s food is made with convenience and cost of manufacturing in mind more than science. Yes, the first few ingredients look appetizing enough and there are essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals added to the mix. But are these ingredients natural for the pet and are they readily available for absorption and use by their body? Here in lies the crux of the matter.

The wake-up call comes when one realizes that once the meat source is removed from the diet, the remaining ingredients are mostly unnatural for the pet. If we exclude the beef, poultry, fish, and lamb, the remaining calorie sources are mostly wheat, barley, corn, rice, and oats, all of which are man-raised crops that the dog and cat would never consume in the wild. I love to inquire of my clients “How would a pet get rice? Swim to Viet Nam?”

But what is the problem with these complex carbohydrates being in the diet? Humans consume these with every meal and they are doing just fine, aren’t they? Ahhhh. Are we? If we were, those reading this paper would be reading something else right now, wouldn’t they? The problem is that the grains listed above have some universal problems among humans and pets alike, as do a couple of other problem foods that eclipse even the grains in health issues.

To digress for just a moment, I am a recovered celiac. For forty-something years, I suffered like most other celiacs of a myriad of symptoms, including allergies, heart burn and intestinal problems, depression/chronic fatigue, memory and balance difficulties, joint pain, and even fibromyalgia. I was taking at least four drugs twice daily; caffeine addicted, and was quite frankly not having any fun anymore. I am now two and a half years gluten and casein-free, off all drugs, symptom-free, and feeling better than I did when I was twelve. This miraculous recovery got my attention as a patient and as a doctor. How could this be? How could I be suffering from what millions of people and pets were experiencing but be well in such a short period of time? How could all of these conditions be linked together?

Well, “Fido” is about to teach you something. The fact is that the celiac is a “who’s who” of what is wrong with human beings but the conditions that we suffer from are not limited to those who walk upright. When I read the list of conditions that we as gluten intolerants experience, my first thought was that “This is me. This describes me to a T.” My second thought was “…but this describes everything that is wrong with everyone, including their dogs and cats.” And it does. Suddenly, medicine through the eyes of celiac disease (and other similar food intolerances) made sense. I tell everyone that it was like someone had finally put the right program into a stalled computer and it began operating at lightning speed. All of the idiopathic conditions that are so poorly understood in medicine became “open season” for this medical headhunter.

And, the answers did come one after another. I launched into two years of intensive research while applying the newly unveiled principles to my patients as well as myself. Miracles started happening around me. Allergies abated, intestinal problems cleared up, older pets became less painful and more active, and yes, even their epilepsy stopped. “Wait a second! Epileptic seizures stopped?”, you may be asking. Yes, 100% of my epileptics have stopped having seizures, just like many celiac children that were placed on gluten-free diets have responded. I got the idea from the celiac literature. How that occurs is totally explainable but beyond the scope of this article. It can be found in my paper entitled The Answer on my Website, www.dogtorj.com."

His site is definitely worth reading if you truly care for your animal companions. And perhaps it will open a few thoughts for yourself. If anything, look for pet foods whose first 4 (minimum) ingredients are MEAT, not meat by-products, not water, and that contain no grains or glutens from grains. There are many decent foods out there if you don't care to make your pets' diets yourselves. And there are many raw diets out there too if you choose to go that way. Just  remember that cats normally are also not veggie eaters, they are obligate carnivores.  Most of us read labels on our own foods, well, start reading them for your pets too! And some you would be surprised at aren't as expensive as you might think.

Also think about this, as you feed the correct food, your pet's feeding amount will change as his body realizes that it can use all of the nutrition fed to him. As this happens the amount fed decreases, as does the amount of stool excreted, as do the malodorous emanations issued due to bloat and intolerances. Doesn't everyone like less gass, less poop? And the benefits of feeding properly is a longer, healthier and more active life for your pet.

Don't think you should spay or neuter? Think again....

Once again the issue of spaying and neutering is a hot topic on another networking group I belong to. It started by a friend posting her experiences working in a shelter, and just how many healthy, happy puppies, adult dogs, adult cats, and kittens are euthanized on a daily basis because there aren't enough homes for them. Not evening defining "good" homes, just homes for them. And the kicker as she so eloquently put it was this, "every person that allows more dogs to be born into this already overpopulated dog world, should first have to assist in the euthanasia of healthy, homeless dogs for a month. If, after a month of euthanizing wo/man’s best friend over and over and over, you can still, without regret, allow more puppies to join us -- then I guess I don’t have much more of an argument. Hold those dogs in your arms as they take their last breaths – for no good reason except that there aren’t enough homes. NO MORE PUPPIES!!!" She went on to post about the one dog, whose death will always stay with her, "I'll NEVER forget one specific dog that was euthanized. He was 'average' looking, sweet, sensible, maybe 3-4 years old. Didn't get anyone's attention I guess because he was 'average.' When it was his turn to be euthanized, the drugs would not kill him. His heart wouldn't stop beating. The staff vet had to be called in. I was holding the dog and sobbing and said "Why won't he die?" and I'LL NEVER FORGET THIS -- the vet said to me "Because he's so healthy." They eventually had to give him a massive dose of whatever. To this day I wish I had added that little "average" dog to my pack before he was picked to go to 'the room.' If I'd only known."


We also perpetrate all these euthanasias by buying purebred animals from breeders who will indiscriminately kill pups or kittens that don't meet their standards, or are slightly deformed. And mill breeders will kill undesireable animals any way they can, look at how Michael Vick killed his, by electrocution.

Then I was reminded by another friend the 10 reasons people consistently come up with for "NOT" altering their pets:

THE TEN WORST REASONS NOT TO SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET:


1. Just one litter and we’ll have Fluffy spayed.
Studies show that nearly the entire pet overpopulation stems from the "Just one litter" mentality

2. My dog doesn’t run loose, so he/she doesn’t need to be fixed.
Murphy’s law says otherwise

3. We always find a home for the kittens/puppies
And that means that an equal number of kittens/puppies with be euthanised at your local pound.

4. I want my children to witness the miracle of birth.
RENT A VIDEO!!!

5. My dog/cat is so cute and unique, there should be more of him.
The shelters are full of cute and unique dogs and cats with only a few days left to live!

6. It’s just not natural.
There hasn’t been anything "natural" about dogs or cats since we began to develop breeds thousands of years ago

7. I just couldn’t look my dog in the eyes if I had him castrated
GET A LIFE !!!

8. A female dog/cat should have at least one litter for health reasons
Medically, factually and ethically INDEFENSIBLE.

9. Neutering my dog/cat will make them fat and lazy
Too much food and not enough exercise make your pet fat and lazy

10. Fixing my pet will change his/her personality
The primary influence on an animal’s personality is the kindness and care with which it is treated.

And then if you can read all this above and still say oh, but this would never happen to my "Fluffy's" offspring, think again. Then look at this poster from the Humane Society and rethink it all. This poster says it all:



So.... think again, and I would ask you how you can justify allowing your pet to breed indiscriminately or how can you justify paying money for a "purebred" animal, and allow so many other souls to die?

Reasons why you need a pet

There is no one perfect pet type or personality to fit everyone. Whether you love birds, fish, or another creature, there is a pet out there for you.  Pets offer a lot of positives for you, and are actually good for you. I thought I would list some of the pros of pet adoption. Notice I said "Pet Adoption" I am talking about adopting a pet through a rescue organization or shelter. By doing so, you are giving another soul a chance at a full loving life, and allowing it to help fulfill yours.

Anyway on to the pros......

Having a pet helps seniors stay invested in life. They help them with  keeping their minds stimulated, help them get exercise, keep them entertained, safe and loved.

If you live along, pets can help counter loneliness and depression. They'll help you to continue to focus on life around you. They give you companionship.

They'll help you establish a routine. Just the routine of caring for a pet can bring structure and purpose to daily life.

If it's a dog, they will help you establish an exercise routine. And regardless of our age, we all need some form of exercise and getting outside to play or walk your pet is a great way to set a daily exercise routine and keep you both in shape.

Pets are amazing stress relievers. It's a known fact that people with pets handle stress better and exhibit less stress than those without. Seniors especially need to keep their stress levels down. Just petting a dog or cat lowers the heart rate and never fails to bring about contentment and smiles. I know for me, just being greeted at the door when I come home every day from work with all these furry, wiggling, and happy bodies makes me smile, and makes my home my place of love and happiness.

Again if you have a dog, it will help you get outside, and stay connected to friends, or make new ones. It helps you stay connected to life and see all the wonder around you.

Taking your dog to a dog park helps you make new friends, and pets are great icebreakers for meeting new people.

A pet can stimulate interest in new interests and activities. It might inspire you to volunteer at the local animal shelter, or if you have a very social loving calm pet, you might volunteer to help seniors have contact with animals. Even some hospitals seek pet owners with amazing social pets to bring them to the hospital to spend time with patients.

Dogs of course can provide you with protection. Even a yappy smaller dog will discourage burglars. And little dogs are just as fierce in their protection as are big dogs. There are even stories of cats protecting their owners in the home.

And pets give you something to care for, they help you feel useful, they teach you unconditional love, compassion, and how to live in the moment and have fun. Having a pet means that you are making a promise to that soul to continue to be involved in another life, and to always keep your heart open to love.

I know for me, just hearing a cat purr is the most comforting sound and feeling I can know. Cuddling an animal, and feeling their unconditional acceptance of me and love for me is an amazing thing to realize. These things keep me grounded, sane and interested in life. And as I said, there is nothing quite like my coming home at the end of a stressful work day to 7 furry wagging and wiggling bodies the moment  I step inside the door. It makes a world of difference as I leave my cares and worries at the door.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and our pets

First, a definition of a Genetically Modified Organism:  From Wikipedia: A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

  Finally a study on the effects of some GMOs (genetically modified organisms) on animals! This is a hot topic for me and the effects of GMOs on us too.

This past year, the International Journal of Biological Sciences published an article on A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health They performed studies of several varieties of GM corn on rats with deletorious results. The article is lengthy, but worth reading.

Another article on some effects of GMOs on animals from Natural News titled: Genetically Modified Organisms are Unfit for Consumption  points out: In the animal studies that have been conducted, some noteworthy findings have been discovered about GMOs:
Female rats fed genetically modified soy saw most of their babies die within three weeks compared to the 10% death rate experienced by rats fed natural soy. The babies that survived in the genetically modified-fed control group were also born smaller and had problems getting pregnant later on.
Male rats fed genetically modified soy experienced a change in testicular color from pink to dark blue, as well as altered young sperm and significant changes in their DNA.
Indian buffalo that consumed genetically modified cottonseed experienced various birthing complications including infertility, abortions, premature delivery, and prolapsed uteruses. Many of the calves that survived birth died shortly thereafter.
In the United States, about 24 farmers reported that their pigs became sterile after consuming genetically modified corn.
Genetically modified corn and cotton, purposely engineered to create their own built-in pesticide called Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), have been indicted in several studies to provoke intense allergic and immune reactions and death. Since the levels of Bt produced in the plant represent thousands of times more a concentration of Bt than natural Bt spray, the effects are greatly amplified. Shepherds whose sheep grazed on Bt cotton after harvest witnessed thousands of their sheep die. Post mortem examinations revealed severe irritation and black patches in the intestines and liver, as well as enlarged bile ducts. All sheep fed the Bt cotton eventually died within 30 days while those that grazed on natural cotton remained healthy.
Bt corn was also responsible for the deaths of cows, horses, water buffaloes, and chicken in both Germany and the Philippines.
Genetically modified tomatoes fed to rats were shown to cause bleeding stomachs and eventually killed many of the rats.

These are just a few examples of the many catastrophic effects of using genetically modified organisms as food. And another article on WebMd it notes that if animals are given a choice they won't eat GM feeds on their own. What do they know that we don't?

Yet one more thing to point to from SafeAge.org :

How does genetic engineering affect animal welfare?

Cows injected with a genetically engineered Bovine growth hormone to increase milk production live shorter lives and suffer higher incidence of lameness, mastitis and reproductive health problems. Cloned and genetically engineered animals have staggering failure rates, a euphemism that hides a greater than 99 percent mortality. Dolly was one success out of 245. GE fish have become deformed, their flesh has turned green and many other health problems have occurred. There is a very strong lobby pushing for GE fish and these may be the first GE animals to arrive on your table. Yay mom, green wartery fish tonight.

Should animals be patented?

Monsanto applied for a patent for a pig bred in 160 countries. The patent is for specific parts of the genetic amterial of the pigs which Monsanto's researchers have decoded. If this patent is granted, pig breeding would be possible only with the approval of Monsanto. See the movie: Patent for a Pig?

I don't know about you, but all this is and has been very disturbing to me for some time now. I continue to do my best to avoid using mainstream products in my house and in my foods for myself or my pets. The three major grains (now owned by Monsanto) that are very much in all our commercially produced foods are Corn, Soy and Wheat.  Based on the description, and knowing that usually biotoxins or fish genes into vegetables are used to splice into a genetic sequence to promote the organism to be more immune to frost or pests, why would I want to eat it? Animals usually are much smarter than we are about foods. Ok, that sounds about as clear as mud. Let me put it to you from this viewpoint, our bodies, our genes recognize specific genetic sequences in our original foodstuffs as nutrtion and therefore to be used to nourish our bodies and help with bodily processes. When that original genetic sequence is no longer what it is meant to be, our body throws up a red flag that this is not considered nutrition and therefore needs to be considered a toxin, thereby stimulating our immune response. When we continue to ignore our body's response to the toxin, and keep feeding the toxin to ourselves, the body becomes overwhelmed and we start developing cancers, autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiency problems. We wonder why we see an increase in these things not only in ourselves but our pets as well. We are seeing an increase of diseases, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, neurological problems, depression, celiac's disease, food allergies and intolerances, and the list goes on. These increases have begun in the early to mid 90's. Ok, so this makes sense to me as this is about the time that GMOs became more mainstream into our food supply and they were fully approved for animal feed.

I don't know about you, but for me it is so worth it for my health and that of my beloved pets to do my best to ensure that we consume as little of these that we can. Buying locally grown and raised products that are organic help. That and helping the push to pass into law the labeling of GMOs within our foods.

 

 

Are we polluting and poisoning our pets?

Recently I received a newsletter with an article on the high levels of pollutants and chemicals being found in our pets.

I really wasn't surprised by the reports. Especially the one on toxins and pollutants. Our pets' systems are smaller than humans, they process things differently than we do, and they are closer to the ground (generally speaking) so they pick up all sorts of chemicals that are either ingested or absorbed into their systems.

The pollutant study was done by the Environmental Working Group .

They noted that just as children ingest pollutants in tap water, play on lawns with pesticide residues, or breathe in an array of indoor air contaminants, so do our pets. But with their compressed lifespans, developing and aging seven or more times faster than children, pets also develop health problems from exposures much more rapidly.  And for anyone who has lost a pet to cancer or another disease potentially linked to chemical exposures, this sentinel role played by pets becomes a devastating personal loss.

This is some of their findings:
Dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people, according to our study of plastics and food packaging chemicals, heavy metals, fire retardants, and stain-proofing chemicals in pooled samples of blood and urine from 20 dogs and 37 cats collected at a Virginia veterinary clinic.

Average levels of many chemicals were substantially higher in pets than is typical for people, with 2.4 times higher levels of stain- and grease-proof coatings (perfluorochemicals) in dogs, 23 times more fire retardants (PBDEs) in cats, and more than 5 times the amounts of mercury, compared to average levels in people found in national studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and EWG (Figure).

 

Dogs: High levels of plasticizers,
grease-proof chemicals,and
fire retardants
35 chemicals detected - 40% at higher levels
in dogs than people

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cats: notably high levels of fire
retardants, high levels of plasticizers,
and grease-proofing chemicals
46 chemicals detected - 96% at higher levels
in cats than people

 

 In America there are 8 times more companion dogs and cats than there are children under five. Seventy percent more households have dogs or cats than children of any age. These pets are often beloved family members, and yet they can be subjected to chronic, constant exposures to chemical contaminants in homes, yards, and parks that pet owners cannot always prevent.

As cats meticulously groom themselves, they lick off accumulated dust that studies show can be contaminated with the neurotoxic fire retardants PBDEs and reproductive toxins called phthalates that were found in the cats we tested (Bornehag 2004, Stapleton 2005, Wormuth 2006). A dog eating scraps from the floor may also swallow dirt and dust tracked in from the outdoors and contaminated with heavy metals and pesticides (Colt 2004, vom Lindern 2003). A flea collar can spew droplets of insecticide that can be lethal to cats (Linnett 2008). Dogs and cats often eat food processing and packaging chemicals that contaminate their food, day after day and year after year, resulting in cumulative exposures with unknown health risks (FDA CVM 2008b). Chew toys might contain plastic softeners, foam beds might be infused or coated with fire retardants and stain-proofing chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects, and plastic water bowls might leach hormone disruptors.

The article talks about not much can be done to prevent this. I disagree to some extent with some of this. There is a lot you can do to prevent an overload of chemicals for your pets and yourself. There are non-toxic cleaning products out there like Method  products that are safer to use for your pets and kids.  You can also clean with simple food items like vinegar.

Don't use pesticides on your lawn, actually the best non-toxic pesticide is soapy water! It's true! You can reroute your washing machine drain water, using non-toxic, non-phosphate, detergents and water your lawn and flowers with it. It will kill the bugs, and provide water for plants and a lovely lawn. Not using Teflon cookware is another way to stop polluting your home. Avoid using plastics as much as possible. I know that one is hard. But you can use glass or pottery to feed and water your pet from. Use natural fibers around the house, and for pet toys. These are just a few things you can do to help minimize the toxins in your house. There is even paints for the walls that is friendly and non-toxic. And for the smokers, here is another reason to quit, the secondhand smoke is worse for your pets than your kids.

So..... again, back to reading labels. Reading all labels is a good habit to develop. And if it sounds like something you wouldn't put in your mouth, you can bet it doesn't belong in your kids' or pets' mouths either. It takes very little time actually to research effective non-toxic products for you and your home. Think about it, your skin is the biggest organ of your body, and it absorbs all sorts of things. So, those yucky toxic smells and cleansers you use gloves to use are also being absorbed through your skin and by breathing it in. And in the case of floor cleansers or where your cleansers are stored they are more concentrated down at your kids and pets levels than where you are.

Oh and leave off the flea collars and flea repellents. Those are so very toxic! If you have an indoor cat, vacuuming regularly with some lavender or cedar in the canister will collect and kill fleas in the bag/canister naturally and smell nice. Be sure to dump the canister and bag after each vacuuming. A bath regularly for the dog making sure to get the soap down to the skin level and good grooming will kill and wash the fleas down the drain. Be sure to let the soap stay on for a few minutes with good contact to the skin. These are simple low cost remedies that are non-toxic.

I could probably go on and on right about now, but think I'll stop here.

Figures, I no sooner post this entry, then this article appears on the Washington Post about the loopholes and dangerous chemicals.

 

Saving animals is not just for women!

Ok, so you think that saving or rescuing animals from abuse and neglect isn't a macho thing? You think caring about animals is not a manly thing? Well hang on to your seats gentlemen! Check out these tough guys, Rescue Ink.



I found out about them while surfing  ABC news and read a story on them. And then there is their website: Rescue Ink  I love their zero tolerance policy on animal abuse and neglect. Each member's history is a bit unique and varied. They will go in where other rescue agencies cannot or will not go in. And they not only rescue, they'll work to educate the abuser in the process. As you read their brief profiles about each one, I for one am happy that I am not on their target list. I am glad I am on the same side. But I mean, come on, would you want to piss them off?

Wow! Talk about an inspiring bunch of guys!  They break the mold on the idea that rescuing animals are only for women or wimps. And gentlemen, you know what I mean. Oh alot of you talk tough but would you really step out of your comfort zone to rescue an animal you witnessed being abused? Now, giving some of you the benefit of the doubt, I believe you would take time out to rescue or care aobut an animal that needed you.  Personally I think these guys do a great thing. I wish there were more like minded people like them across the country. And even though they are in New York, it isn't just household pets they rescue, they rescue horses, like the two colts here, and other animals, even chickens.



I am guessing that there is no rescue creature too small or large for them. And I imagine that when they put their efforts forth that there isn't much that would get in their way. I for one applaud them! Now if I only had the National Geographic Channel, I would certainly enjoy watching them in action. And maybe if the word got out a little more, maybe it would inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and help work towards a good cause and perhaps teach others a little bit about compassion along the way. And last but not least, remember, Never, Ever Judge a Book by it's Cover! You can not ever tell a person inside by his or her appearance.

Way to Go Guys! Join them on Facebook   and on MySpace  if you live in the New York area, voluteer!

The very sad and tortuous reality of pure bred dogs

I am not sure how I stumbled across this report from the BBC in 2008, but it has left me angry and heartbroken for the poor animals. It was a documentary from the BBC on the ugly truth about purebred dog breeding. We have so inbred these poor animals all in the quest for the "perfect" dog that we are killing them. And while the BBC focused on the Kennel Club rules and such, our American Kennel Club is no better. There is no regulation or stoppage of inbreeding.

Inbreeding is breeding a daughter back to a sire, or the son to the dam, or siblings. This was all done in the quest to obtain the perfect features, and traits. And for many many unfortunate pups, early suffering and death.

This was probably the best video link  on it I could find. It is posted on MySpace, and is titled:  Pedigree Dogs Exposed 



Of course there were numerous responses for this documentary. One is posted on Wikipedia ,  and there are several others out there if you Google it.

Again, as in the inhumane treatment of dogs we see through the raids done by the ASPCA and HSUS for puppy mills, here we have a majority of breeders unintentionally creating a devastatingly cruel situation for the pups they produce. Granted, I accept that not all breeders are intentionally irresponsible this way.  BUT there are those out there only focused on the money and refining the breeds.

I also must admit until this video I did not think much about "properly" bred pups. I had owned one many years ago, and while I was very much bothered when the breeder told me that the dam had been bred back to her sire, I never had expected to see my pup suffer as he got older and eventually had to be put down because of neurological issues. Since then I have owned almost all rescues or been given the few I have. I have one dog now who is the daughter of my male, Lil' Shit. If I can help it though I will never intentionally buy another "pure bred" pup. It is not fair to them. And it is wrong to encourage this type of breeding. And cats are no different regarding pure breds.

I guess what I am saying is PLEASE Watch the documentary before you consider buying a purebred pup. And even though they are so cute and lovely to behold, by buying that pup, you are encouraging that breeder to breed more pups who will be devastatingly in pain and ill. And we need to make sure the kennel clubs get the message that inbreeding is wrong. That the dogs you see today are not what they once were originally, even remotely close to what they were.

Please watch the video, here is the link again, http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=44215931  Having a purebred dog is no longer right nor a status symbol. Personally I feel that if you support adoption of abandoned and strays, you are saying ever so much more positive things about your character and you as a person than you would if you "had to have the purebred" to show how great you are. Having the purebred for vanity only tells me that you are vain and shallow and care nothing about anything but your image. Sorry, but that's how it comes across.

Again, please take time to watch the video, and care enough to perhaps make the changes needed. It only takes one person convincing 2 or 3 others and each of those convince 2 or 3 more, and it goes on and and make a profound impact. Why are we making these poor babies suffer because of our vanity or what we think they should be? We aren't God, we shouldn't be playing him either.

Watching your pets for diabetes symptoms

This was my Scooter, who developed secondary diabetes from original pancreatitis. She left me after developing Cushings and Congestive Heart Failure, all complications from the original pancreatitis.



Adapted from a newsletter from American Diabetes Wholesale, by Dr. Gary Edelson, DVM

My cat, Tiger, has been drinking a lot of water and losing weight. My veterinarian diagnosed diabetes, but what does this mean?

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine diseases of dogs and cats. To better understand the disease process, let's review the normal metabolism of an animal. The body's cells need energy in the form of glucose, a sugar, which is delivered by the bloodstream. Unless the hormone insulin is present, the body cannot absorb the glucose to use as energy. The pancreas, an organ that is located next to the stomach and small intestine, produces insulin into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar. In addition to secreting insulin, the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid in digestion.

Insulin acts like a key to “unlock” the cell so glucose can enter from the blood. Inside the cell, glucose is either used for energy immediately or stored for future use in the form of glycogen. Without the key (insulin) to unlock the cell, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, resulting in too much glucose (hyperglycemia) in the blood, which causes problems.

When the glucose is about double the normal value in the blood, the kidneys cannot process it properly and the level increases in the urine (glucosuria). Glucose in the urine leads to increased production of urine (polyuria) as water is drawn out with the glucose, and consequently more water consumption (polydypsia) results. In addition, an increased appetite results as the sugar present in their blood cannot be utilized without being unlocked by the key - insulin. As time goes on, the body uses protein, starch and fat for energy. When diabetes is left undiagnosed, ketones, a waste product, accumulates leading to vomiting, dehydration and depression. The disease can ultimately progress to coma and death if untreated.

Diabetes mellitus is a classic disease in humans and has been classified into two main forms: type I (juvenile, insulin dependant) and type II (adult, non-insulin dependant). With type I diabetes, there is no insulin (key) production by the pancreas. With type II diabetes, the shape of the lock and key is different, so even though the insulin is present, it cannot be utilized. Nearly all dogs have type I diabetes, whereas their feline counterparts are mostly type II diabetic.

The cause of diabetes in dogs and cats is multifactorial. In dogs, there maybe a genetic predisposition where German Shepherd dogs, Schnauzers, Beagles and Poodles have an increased risk. Golden Retrievers and Keeshonds are most predisposed to developing type I. Middle aged (6-9 years old), female dogs are more likely to develop diabetes. In contrast, male cats that have been neutered (fixed) over 6 years old are predisposed.

The four main clinical signs of diabetes are excessive drinking, urinating, eating and increased weight loss despite an increased appetite. If any of the signs above are recognized in your four-legged friend, contact your veterinarian immediately as it may be a sign of a serious illness.

One other thing I would like to point out, is that in the case of most cats, as the Dr stated, it is multifactorial, meaning there are several other endocrine or gastrointestinal diseases that can trigger diabetes. I do not personally agree with the statistic on neutered male cats being more predisposed than others. It can happen to any cat.

There are several theories concerning the onset of diabetes in our pets. One is the feeding of commercial pet foods that are actually inappropriate for your pet, this can cause triad's disease, or pancreatitis. Feeding too many or rancid fats, people food, etc. can bring on these also. Other diseases can create secondary problems like diabetes, this can also be Acromealgy, Cushings, and several others. In our pets, their systems are smaller and the digestive tract is shorter than ours, so say they have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this can travel up the ducts to affect the pancreas and liver.  Diet plays a very big role for our pet's health as Dr. Pierson notes below.

Dr. Lisa Pierson, DVM  points out these facts:

Diabetes is one of the most common feline endocrine diseases and, while we do  not know all of the causes of this complex disease, we do know that many diabetic cats cease needing insulin or have their insulin needs significantly decrease once their dietary carbohydrate level is decreased to a more species-inappropriate level than that found in many commercial foods. 

Although all dry foods are too high in carbohydrates, please be aware that many canned foods also contain far too many carbohydrates making them very poor choices for cats.

Feeding a diabetic cat a high carbohydrate diet is analogous to pouring gasoline on a fire and wondering why you can't put the fire out. 

Cats are obligate carnivores and are not designed by nature to consume a high carbohydrate diet.

Dogs aren't necessarily obligate carnivores, but the main make up of their diet should be a good quality meat base. Dogs have a very hard time digesting corn and wheat. Rice is tolerated, but grains aren't the best for them either. I mean come on, how many dogs, or cats for that matter, do you see out hunting grain? Yes they may eat grass, but then that isn't a grain, it is the leaf and thereby could be considered a vegetable.  And usually eating grass is to help them purge their stomachs, and leave you a wonderful vomit puddle where you really don't want it. Be sensible, their teeth are built for meat eating, not grain eating.

I will keep saying it over an over, the first 3 minimum ingredients in your pet's diet should be meat and meat broth, not meal or by products, and if there is to be a grain, it should be rice and it should be lower on the list.

So, getting back to the original topic, also watch your pet for excessive vomiting, and very liquid loose stools that may be smelly or have some blood in them, this can be a sign of pancreatitis and IBD, which can lead to diabetes. On the urination bit, if the urine smells sweet, or is sticky, then you know you have sugar in the urine. And any dramatic weight loss despite the amount of food you feed (diabetic pets can't get enough to eat) is a cause for alarm, and they should go to the vet immediately.

Pet Obesity.....

Lately you read a lot about the human population and how obesity has literally become an epidemic  in the US. Well it isn't just us humans who are reaching epidemic proportions, it's out pets also who are suffering from obesity.

Face the facts here, like us over 40% of our pets are obese and dangerously overweight. Obesity shortens their lives also and creates compounding illnesses, such as Diabetes, Arthritis, Pancreatitis, Inflammatory bowel disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiac disease, thyroid problems and a myriad of other problems.

One myth on the cause of obesity, spaying or neutering your pet will cause obesity. This is absolutely untrue. Any pet, altered or not will gain weight if it is over fed and not exercised enough. And aging will naturally alter a pet's metabolism, therefore burning off calories at a slower rate.

Types of overweight pets:

The Nibbler: this type probably has access to food all day, and nibbles off and on all day. Thereby giving you the impression that they hardly eat anything. However..... over a 24 hour period they have probably taken in an excessive amount of food and thereby gaining weight.

The Beggar: This type has learned that by begging, (the sad starving puppy look) or by being annoying they can get what they want which is your food and scraps. They have trained you to give in to their desires and cravings for things that probably aren't the best for them in the first place. The more fuss and noise they make the more likely they will be rewarded with food.

The Good Pet: This one is overweight because the owner's signal of affection has been focused on feeding. Usually each person in the household will secretly offer the pet treats and doesn't know the other people are doing the exact same thing. Unfortunately for the pet, too much of this can be a bad thing.

The Gourmet Pet:  The usual excuse to the vet will be, "But Doctor, she just refuses to eat her pet food!" In thi scase the pet has trained it's owners to feed it select foods like chicken, ice cream, cookies, etc. Although some table scraps are ok to feed, and there may be times when you need to feed a special made food (i.e. boiled chicken and rice), this type of pet has been given a choice of what it wants to eat and it has chosen people food. This type also usually overeats because it isn't getting a proper balance of nutrition, plus everything to him tastes so good there is a reward factor in eating.

Ok, so how do you help your pet be healthier and live a longer, happier, more energetic life? Well here are some ideas....

Find a good quality food, you choose, the pet doesn't. A grain free or one with very low carbs. Pets need more protein than carbs and grains really aren't so good for them. The first 3 minimum ingredients should be meats, or meat broth. No meat by products, or meal, these are just the unedible parts, like beaks, feet, feathers, etc. Canned is preferred over dry. Dry simply does not have enough moisture content, and is too easy for it to get spoiled. When you are feeding a good quality food with good quality meats,  your pet will require less as it is using all of the food for nutrition and to keep their systems running properly. Weight loss foods simply don't work, they are lower in protein and higher in the fillers, carbs. One way to know you are feeding a good diet is the amount and how often your pet defecates. When they are using the maximum of their food, their stools will be much smaller, much less frequency, mostly dry looking and will crumble easily, and don't smell hardly anymore!

Take your pet on longer walks, play more, or find your area dog park so he can socialize and play with others. For your cat, provide more toys to keep him entertained and moving more.

And always make sure there is fresh water available. Change your pets diet slowly, this helps avoid digestive upsets, and yes, it is ok to provide a variety of good meals so they don't get bored with one flavor or type.

You will find as you get your pet on a good food, that the weight will come off, slowly, but it will come off and they will maintain a healthy weight. And as their body adjusts to having nutritional food in it, instead of fillers that don't do anything for them, that their craving and amount they eat will decrease naturally too.

There are many resources of good feeding practices on the web, my favorite is Dr. Lisa Pierson, DVM's site: www.catinfo.org , however, her site mostly pertains to cats. But the basics are not that different for dogs.

Declawing cats and other regularly practiced forms of cruelty

I have to give kudos to some California cities recently. Back in 2003, West Hollywood California outlawed declawing cats noting that it is in an of itself a form of animal cruelty. More recently several other California cities have followed suit. I am very happy to hear this. And yes, it has always been in the back of my mind that this practice was barbaric and extremely cruel.



Wikipedia gives this description of declawing:

Onychectomy is an operation to surgically remove the claws and part of the toes, most often of a household cat, though occasionally of other animals such as circus lions or dancing bears. This process involves amputating all or part of the distal phalanx, or end bone, of the animal's toes, and is popularly known as declawing.

Although common in North America, declawing is rarely practiced outside North America and is considered an act of animal cruelty in certain other regions (see "Declawing practices" below).

Apparently other regions in the country have outlawed it also.

Back in the 70's I worked for a veterinarian in Florida. I cried the first time I watched him "de-claw" a young cat. At that time all he did was anesthetize the cat, and using regular toenail (scissor type) clippers, lopped off the nail and last joint at the "knuckle". Imagine taking those selfsame clippers and removing your fingernail permanently at the first knuckle. But the poor kitties, coming out of anesthesia and you could see the pain in their eyes, you could see that it hurt to stand on the bandaged feet. My grandmother had her last two cats declawed, and they were forever tender on their feet, and were terrified to have them touched at all. The same type thing was done for removing puppy dew claws. Except curved scissors were used then to stop the bleeding a styptic powder or q-tip used on the wound. No anesthesia, and it was done within days of birth.

Docking tails on puppies wasn't much better as they were done so young and there was no anesthesia done on puppies. And Docking was done with a pair of sharp surgical scissors, and then a couple stitches put in. At least pups who were to have their ears cut, got the benefit of anesthesia. But it was after ear cutting that they had problems. In order to get the ears to "stand" tongue depressors with, hopefully cotton taped to the bottom, would be inserted in the ears, then the ear tips taped to the depressor to train the ear to stand straight up. This was done mostly on breeds like Dobermans, Pit  Bulls, Great Danes, and Schnauzers. Either way, it was still a painful and traumatic experience for the animals.

Other animals suffer tail docking also. Sheep are docked, mostly using very tight rubber bands to cause the circulation to stop and the end of the tail to drop off. Many horse breeds still have their tails docked as foals either for "fashion" or because they still believe that without docking working horses' tails that they become entangled in harnesses, or will cause other problems or are difficult to deal with.

Any of these for any animals is unacceptable anymore. It is mutilation, plain and simple. Fine if we make a conscious decision to mutilate ourselves, but why should we purposely mutilate our animals?

Why would you declaw? People who are very vain about their furniture will cite they don't want the cat to scratch the furniture, or them. Well then, provide plenty of scratching posts sprayed or rubbed with catnip to attract them to their "furniture" rather than yours. And yes you can train a cat, it's easier than you think.

Why dock tails? Vanity? On horses, how do they swat flies then? Flyspray is really ineffective, flies happen period. Their tails are the best defense. On dogs? Why? Is it because you are afraid the tail will sweep off your coffee table? Is it the style? No need for the style anymore.

Some old timers think animals don't feel  the pain, they are just an animal. Uh excuse me? What makes them think this? Do they know personally that young animals, babies included here, don't feel pain at losing an appendage? Do you think an infant wouldn't feel it if you cut off his finger at the first knuckle? No different than declawing or docking. All the same actually, you are cutting off an appendage at a joint.

Ear cropping or docking, hoo boy, talk about a fashion gone way out of acceptance and style. Every so often I read about people cutting off their pit puppy's ears with common scissors and getting busted for it and charged with animal cruelty. They used to cut of pit's ears to give less purchase or one less appendage to be torn to shreds by the dog it is fighting. It's awful, ears provide protection to the inner ear of the dog. So stupid.

And my last gripe of the day is this, Spay and neuter your pets! Even "responsible" breeders are only adding to and compounding the over population problem. Majority of the litter your un-altered animal gives birth too is probably going to be euthanized because it cannot find a home.

While I don't agree with PETA most of the time. I mean their topics are not bad ones, they just get a little over exuberant on their efforts, this poster is probably one of the best ones I've see in support of spay and neuter.

The Tellington Ttouch, my experiences

Almost 2 years ago I literally fell into and became reacquainted with the Tellington Ttouch. I was researching another alternative medicine modality for my class and the page hit for Ttouch.com  kept coming up. I remembered when my brother back in the early 80's tried to get me interested in her technique which at that time, if I remember correctly,  was then just called the TTeam method and it primarily was for Horses. I guess at that time I wasn't interested or drawn to it. But this time, it felt as if I was meant to include it in my life.

So, for my research project and final paper I  learned about the Tellington Ttouch. I bought Linda Tellington's book The Tellington TTouch. From the moment I opened it to read it, I was sucked in. In the copy I have, there were very few illustrations to help me learn the technique. But I figured the basics out. And I would practice on the animals in the house. The dogs took to it very quickly, Mushy was also quick to become addicted, and Djinn took a little longer to accept it. Yum, eh, he didn't mind it, but it wasn't his cup of tea. So, I set out to learn more and found out that her headquarters were actually here in New Mexico. And as I poked around the website more, I found out that she was to be in town for a 3 hour seminar! I quickly bought 3 tickets to go.

I must admit I was very moved by Linda and the energy in the room. I got to visit with her briefly and she showed me the difference in the way I was holding my hand and fingers and helped show me the correct way to do the moves. Wow! I couldn't wait to get home and try it and perfect it on the pets.

Well, proof positive came to me that there are fundamental changes that occurred in my pets as I did more Ttouch with them and as it became an intuitive movement for me. As it became more intuitive it also opened the door for my reiki healing to flow so much easier than it ever had before. The cats who were shy, weren't anymore, or if they did not like to be held or loved on closely at all, changed so that they couldn't get close enough to me. Mushy was one of those. The dogs were much more settled around strangers than they had been. And animals that I had never met before, would be instinctively drawn to me and would lean into me to get closer.

As Mushy grew closer to me (I probably have blogged about this earlier) he reciprocated the love and healing back to me when I needed it through being very close to my chest and purring and altering his  frequency until it resonated within me for what needed healing. While Djinn is trying to fullfill Mushy's place and help when I need it, I really do feel Mushy's loss, he became my heart companion and I miss it.

I also learned to use it on myself and my husband. I found it to help him with digestive upsets and nausea, and help some with achey joints and inflammation.

Anyhow, now it has become an intuitive and integral part of me. And I have been using it to perhaps help all the animals in the house to help destress and calm down. It has had some interesting effects on one pup. The Peke, Biscuit, just simply loves it and blisses out. And now likes snuggling with me.  Corny the collie, likes it but prefers to stay focused on my brother. Their cat, Chronic, for some reason is terrified of me. This is very unusual for me, as I am primarily a cat person and have never ever had a cat be afraid of me. They have always been drawn to me. I cannot fathom why, unless for some reason my energy scares him. He'll come out, wander around but if he makes eye contact with me, he'll run or slink off. So other than when my brother first introduced me to him that first morning, I have not been able to have any contact with him. I am in hopes that he'll soon figure out that I'm not such a scary person.

This is Biscuit with his very blissful little expression while getting Ttouch.

Overall though, it has been a wonderful experience to learn the Ttouch, use it to help better another life. It certainly helps keep them healthier and more active as they age.  And it does help with fear and stress.

Colder Weather, Helping your pet stay safe and Warm

Well as my little herd of Chihuahuas are telling me, "it's gettin' down right cold out there mom!"



So, I thought I might post some tips to help your pet through winter's cold months. And again note that inside is best for them really. Even though they have fur, they are so domesticated now that they just don't have the natural wherewithal to survive long times out in the cold anymore.

Both the ASPCA and Humane Society give these tips:

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.


2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.


3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.


4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.


5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.


6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.


7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.


8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.


9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.


10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.


11. Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.


12. No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

And for your shorthaired pups, sweaters for them are good if they'll tolerate them. Some dogs love their sweaters! And some dogs love to play in the snow as we all do (for those of us who choose to let our inner children out... LOL). So have fun this winter, and be sure to take a little extra time to ensure your pets enjoy it with you.

More on Pet Food recalls, some info...

Ok, we all know from the 2007 pet food recalls just how scary they can be. We all went through that time wondering just what was left to feed our pets? And if we fed it to them, were we still unintentionally poisoning them? Many of us watched the news very closely, we found online forums and blogs to stay updated on, we taught ourselves which foods were produced by Menu Foods and tried to avoid them like the plague. Some of us made food for our companions from fresh ingredients for people. Some of us went back to feeding the way nature might have intended them to be and fed raw, in fact alot of cat owners did go to feeding raw. At one point some of us who were/are members on the Feline Diabetes forum who feed raw, including Dr. Lisa Pierson DVM were interviewed for an article in one of the big papers, I forget now which one, about raw feeding. However, when the article came out we were dismayed and angry that he completely misrepresented us and our reasons for feeding raw.

That aside, the point to this is we are still very, very gun shy about our pet foods and the word "RECALL" still strikes terror in our hearts. I personally do my best to watch for new recalls of not only foods, but any pet associated product. I do my best to avoid buying any products from the company, because if they had one type of food with problems, the likelihood of one of the others having problems is too great for me.

The FDA tries to regulate the pet food industry, however, we all know they are way understaffed and unable to keep an eye on everything. But they are a good source to get recall info on from 2006 to present. And you can subscribe to alerts that come to your email box. The Animal and Veterinary page is where to start, there is a link to subscribe to email alerts, and you can select what alerts you want to receive. They also have links to file a complaint about a food that you or your veterinarian feel might have a problem that is making your pet sick. While they might not have all the truth there, they are about the most consistent, and one can confirm or deny rumors on the site.

While it might seem to be a hassle to some of you to check on all this information before you buy food for your companion. Wouldn't it be worth it in the long run? I mean what if you didn't check and your pet became suddenly, fatally ill, and it might have been prevented if you'd fed the better food? And remember, just because it costs more doesn't mean it's any safer. You do the best for yourself, why wouldn't you for your pet?

Pet food and product warnings and recalls

It seems that the pet food companies still cannot get their quality control fixed and stop killing or endangering our pets. Didn't they learn anything from the massive recalls in 2007 from Menu Foods? Didn't we learn anything from those same recalls? I know I did, and I certainly try not to use or feed any brand that was part of that recall. I just don't think it's worth the risk to my beloved pets.

Here are some recent ones:

Nutro is still on the hot seat with numerous consumer complaints on their dog and cat foods, here are two links to read more on the Nutro problems, especially about the puppy food that may contain plastic.

Consumer Complaints on Nutro

Article on Nutro pulls some puppy food

Nutro Cat food and zinc poisoning

If you read these articles above, you will find links other links on the pages for other pet food product problems.

Also Diamond pet food products has recalled the following date codes of Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball Cat with codes of RAF0501A22X (18-lb. bag), RAF0501A2X (6-lb. bag), RAH0501A22X (18-lb. bag) and RAH0501A2X (6-lb. bag).

The petfood in question is low in thiamine, which can cause neurological symptoms and brain damage. More than a dozen cases have been confirmed.

It is recommended that pet owners whose cats have eaten the food specified below contact their veterinarian. Diamond is also asking consumers to return the potentially tainted food.The calls from pet owners or veterinarians regarding this issue! have been centered in the Rochester, NY area. Diamond says t! hat all retail outlets shipped the above lots were contacted, asking them to pull the product from the store shelves; and to contact their customers to have them to check the date code of the food. If you or anyone you know has these date codes of Premium Edge cat food, Diamond is asking you to return them to the retailer (presumably for a refund).

And now one of the scary problems found with Advantage spot on flea product. Seems it's gluing itself and the pet to anything plastic. Read the article HERE .

The Humane Society is a good resource for recalls and product warnings.

It seems that anywhere you go these days, we still have problems and companies who aren't fully disclosing those problems. While I can understand the pet owner's plight to make some care products simpler or more convenient, not all of these wonderful gadgets or foods are good for our furkids. If you really do love and care for your pet, please research and learn about their needs and what truly is best for them before you purchase. And in my humble opinion, while we rely on our veterinarians to provide us trustworthy information and to know what's best, not all of them do. Many believe the sales pitch of the sales rep from the companies they buy their presecription diets or other products through. In many veterinary schools nutrtion is taught by someone from the pet food industry, not someone who knows the digestive system, or endocrine systems in our pets. Take the time to be an informed pet owner, be an advocate for your pet, learn about proper nutrition and such for them. Once you do and then compare labels with the prescription diets in your vet's office. You'll be surprised actually that even some foods off the store shelves are better made than the Rx diets, and are cheaper too.

I know this is one of my favorite rants, but if we were more informed, fed our pets better and proper foods, they would be healthier, live longer and happier lives, and the vet bills would be a whole lot less expensive. And..... when you feed correctly, there is less poo to pick up because your pet is using all of his food as intended and so there is less waste. If you're feeding your pet a food with lots of grain fillers in it, lots of by products, etc., then you will have A LOT of poop to clean up. When you have A LOT of poop, it means that your pet is actually getting very little nutrition from their food and you are feeding more than you would with a proper food. It just makes sense!

Returning home from Vacation.....

Well, yesterday we finally returned home from a week and a half's vacation. I am happy to be home with the fur kids. While it is nice to get away from the responsibilities, it's nice to come home to them too.

At one point early into our vacation, my friend who was pet sitting for us called me as we were heading into supper one evening. She was worried sick that she couldn't find Yummy and she felt he'd escaped. I told her where his usual hiding place is and even if he did get out, that he'd be fine, and come home to eat. She was worried and scared, but as luck would have it, he was only hiding from her in his usual spot behind the file cabinet in the office. 

Nothing else was heard until Sunday the 27th, the evening my brother and his wife were to arrive and stay at our house for the remaining week of our vacation. Then by Monday morning, my friend was texting me to make sure my brother made it ok and did she need to go by and feed the critters? All was well.  Then on Thursday the 1st I get a text from my brother that Yummy showed them that he could figure out how to open the unlocked screen door in the back and as Mushy had followed him outside they had a fight. Now, Yummy is a very different cat when he gets out. Cats he cohabitates with every day become strangers outside, and he will turn feral almost and fight with them. And he did to poor old Mushy. And my brother tells me that Mushy is now favoring his left front paw. No swelling yet. Ok, I tell him to watch him, as there is not much I can do right now from Florida. 

We finally arrive home yesterday evening, the 2nd. As my brother picks us up, he tells us that Mushy's paw has swollen up, and he isn't walking on it and wasn't interested in eating. I know very well what's going on then, he has developed an abscess. Having spent time working for veterinarians, and having lived far enough out in the country that I had to be my own triage vet till a vet could arrive to me (at least 3 hrs away), I keep a full kit of care and medical items on hand for the fur kids. So, first on my list is to use a very warm wet washcloth to wrap around the foot, and see if it will release on it's own first. I have small clipper/trimmers on hand to shave, plenty of gauze, antibiotic ointment, non-stick tape (vetrap), betadine and hydrogen peroxide. I get it all laid out for him.

Mushy is not the best patient, when he doesn't feel well, he is fussy. But he did like the warm washcloth around the swollen foot. I got very lucky, when I peeled it away to re-warm it,  the abscess has let go on it's own and is flowing and draining very very nicely with very little pressure from me. It's the big pad on his foot. So I work on cleaning and draining it with him complaining the whole while. Then soaked it for a minute or two in a bit of betadine mixed in to the hydrogen peroxide. The good thing about this mix is that the hydrogen peroxide will help pull the betadine into the wound and help kill the infection (I learned this trick from an ER doctor in Arizona when I got my hand torn up by a horse lead rope). Then I gently wipe off and dry the rest of the foot. Put a good dollop of Nitrofurazone ointment (this is one of the best I have personally found for wounds) over the area and bandage it with a small bit of pressure from the vetrap to help it drain some more and the swelling go down. And a shot of long acting penicillin. 

After all that, I cuddled him and gave him some Ttouch and talked to him and soothed him. However, he was pouting. Scowled at me, and then went and cuddled with everyone else but me.  

But by this morning, I am very very pleased to say the swelling is completely gone, the foot is just about back down to normal, he is using it some (due to bandage thought it's a bit awkward) and is ravenous. All very good signs. And the fact that he's drinking more again is good also. However, between the stress of all the changes and the abscess, he has some bladder sand, so with the sore foot he doesn't always make it to the litter box. The sand will clear up quickly with the dose of antibiotics he got last night and today. "Sigh" I have yet to come home from a vacation without a minor situation to care for. 

Poor old man, momma goes away, strangers come feed him at hours he isn't used to, no one around all day, then people he knows come to stay and it still isn't like he likes or is used to but now there's someone there all the time, then momma and dad come home and he doesn't feel good because he escaped outside to look for momma and dad and his brother beat him up. He's thinking by now that he's just too old for much more of this. 

Ah yes, life is so much less stressful with pets. LOL But I truly wouldn't have it any other way. 

It's good to be home and the plus was I got to sleep with my purr generators and had an excellent night's sleep. :)

Things not to feed your pets....

I see many, many articles published on people food that is toxic to our pets. While I hear people comment on these articles, they rarely listen to them. We so often think of our cat or dog as our child, or family member, and many get treated as such, they get table scraps, chocolate cake, whatever we happen to be eating.

I cringe sometimes watching people do this, and then feel so sorry for the dog or cat when they become ill from all the "goodies" their owner has been feeding them. The problem is, they trust us to care for them, they don't know that it isn't good for them. They see us eating it, and figure since we're making yummy noises over it, then it's ok for them too. Well fact is folks, it isn't good for them. Taking the time to do a little research on proper dietary needs for your pet can go a long way to ensuring their health and happiness, and lowering your vet bills. Trust me, I do my best to feed the best diet I can that is proper for my "kids" and they are truly in fabulous health, and except for spaying or neutering and one accident, they haven't needed a vet just about all their lives. And I have a cat in excellent health that is almost 19.

Here is a basic list with some effects of the foods that many tend to feed their pets. And my motto is this, if it might even remotely damage their health in any way, shape, or form, then it is better to not tempt fate and just simply not give them any of it.

Alcoholic beverages	Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
Baby food	Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources	Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
Cat food	Generally too high in protein and fats.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine	Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.
Citrus oil extracts	Can cause vomiting.
Fat trimmings	Can cause pancreatitis.
Grapes and raisins	Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
Hops	Unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.
Human vitamin supplements containing iron	Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Large amounts of liver	Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
Macadamia nuts	Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
Marijuana	Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
Milk and other dairy products	Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Moldy or spoiled food, garbage	Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
Mushrooms	Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)	Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs.
Persimmons	Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Pits from peaches and plums	Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems	Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock.
Raw eggs	Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw fish	Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Salt	If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
String	Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."
Sugary foods	Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table scraps (in large amounts)	Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Tobacco	Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Yeast dough	Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Add to this list:

Avocados  - Avocados contain a toxin known as persin.  Persin is found in various parts of the avocado and avocado trees (eg, leaves, rind, etc).  This toxin is known mostly to cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Any food containing Xylitol (artificial sweetener) it causes death by liver failure.

Please don't feed cooked bones, they splinter because the make up of the original bone structure is changed when cooked. Raw large bones, like joint bones are fine. But splinters from cooked bones can puncture their digestive tract, cut it open, or create a blockage that can kill.

Medications that we take for granted like tylenol and advil, etc are toxic to your pet and can kill them. Please don't give them to your pet.

For proper nutrition and food information for pets here are two of the best sites I have found.

For cats:  Feeding your cat , the basics of feline nutrition, Dr. Lisa Pierson, DVM

For dogs: BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods

Also, our pets really weren't meant to eat grains. Many have problems digesting them, their bodies just aren't able to assimilate and use them. Cats are obligate carnivores, and while some will make the argument that oh they get veggies and carbs from eating mice and birds and the entrails, I beg to differ. Have you ever really paid attention to the lovely bits that are left from what your cat did not eat? They never, ever eat the entrails or digestive tract.  Dogs on the other hand can be opportunity eaters, but they don't on their own eat grains.

If you love your fur kid, do the best you can by them. Don't risk it by feeding them something that can be damaging. And YES the better foods are a bit more expensive, but I'll let you in on a little secret, the better made foods, no grains, their bodies can use all that food, it's nutrition, and there is very little waste, and who wouldn't want to clean up less poop? And when you feed the right stuff, the bit of poop they do excrete, doesn't smell so bad either. :-) It's so nice to not have to rake so much poop in the yard, or there's little to no kitty nuggets in the litter box either. And, because you're feeding them good stuff, their body is using the food you give them, they are healthier, the vet bills go down and the little bit more you're paying for the Good stuff makes it worth it. And just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's better. Meat should be the very first ingredient, not meat by product, or beef meal, etc because that's not pure meat. There should be no corn, wheat, or barley in the ingredients.  And no Gluten anywhere!

I could go on, but would probably wear you out so I'll stop the soap box here. :)

First Aid for your furkids

I notice all the time in various postings people asking for first aid tips or how to deal with a spider bite, etc. So.... I thought perhaps I would list some tips and guidelines here. I also want to list resources for monies for life saving veterinary care should you find yourself in a situation and unable to pay for the care.

The first thing that you can do though to assist your pet is to stay calm, speak in soothing quiet tones, and handle them in a gentle manner.  Call your veterinarian, they will assist you in stabilizing your pet for transport to the vet's clinic. DON'T give your pet human pain relievers! They are toxic to your pet and most are deadly to them. Your veterinarian will advise you what is best to do for your pet.

There are numerous sites out there for Pet First Aid, probably the best I have found is from the American Veterinary Medical Association 

This is just the list of supplies listed for a pet first aid kit:

Phone numbers and your pet's medical record (including medications and vaccination history)Veterinarian: Emergency veterinary clinic: Animal Poison Control Center: 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) (there may be a fee for this call)	You need to know these numbers before you need them. If you do not know the number of the emergency clinic in your area, ask your veterinarian or go to the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Web site for a searchable list of emergency clinics by state.
Gauze	For wrapping wounds or muzzling the injured animal
Nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth	To control bleeding or protect wounds
Adhesive tape for bandages*do NOT use human adhesive bandages (eg, Band-Aids®) on pets	For securing the gauze wrap or bandage
Milk of magnesia Activated charcoal	To absorb poison Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)	To induce vomiting Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison
Digital Thermometer —you will need a "fever" thermometer because the temperature scale of regular thermometers doesn't go high enough for pets	To check your pet's temperature. Do not insert a thermometer in your pet's mouth—the temperature must be taken rectally.
Eye dropper (or large syringe without needle)	To give oral treatments or flush wounds
Muzzle (in an emergency a rope, necktie, soft cloth, nylon stocking, small towel may be used)	To cover your pet's head. If your pet is vomiting, do not muzzle it!
Leash	To transport your pet (if your pet is capable of walking without further injury)
Stretcher (in an emergency a door, board, blanket or floor mat may be used)	To stabilize the injured animal and prevent further injury during transport

They also list many excellent procedures for giving first aid to your pet until you can get him or her to the vet. Take the time to read what they have to say and print it for reference.

Spider bites, if you can identify the spider all the better or trap it, without getting bitten yourself, in a jar. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Black Widow bites are almost always fatal in cats, so the sooner you get them to the veterinarian the better chance of survival. Snake bites, also get your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Snake bites are not always visible, the venom is a neurotoxin, and if they are bitten in the face area it will swell and they will have a hard time breathing, and as the venom works its way, it can lead to paralysis and cardiac collapse. If you live in the southwest or desert you also have to contend with scorpions and centipedes. Again, staying calm, identify the bug, get the pet to the vet as soon as possible.

Additional pet first aid links

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid


• The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet


• American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets


• VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care


• ASPCA and the Humane Society

Now, for financial help, United Animal Nations has a Lifeline grant to help animals and pets in need of lifesaving veterinary care. Many of your shelters who are associated with the ASPCA and Humane Society have low cost clinics and can help, and they have resources to other grants to assist with veterinary care.