Animal Radio® Show #433 March 22, 2008
Phil Keoghan, The Amazing Race
Even
though Phil Keoghan, Host of the Amazing Race, is never on hiatus,
he has had pets all of his life and continues to do so. Currently
his daughter has a "cool" cat named mellow, because
as you can guess, he is really mellow. Phil's first animal was
a run-away dog named Buster, who when found as a young dog, stayed
with Phil and his family for the rest of his life.
You have heard people say that if you work in television, the most difficult things to work with are children and animals. Phil agrees. While working on the Amazing Race, he has worked with both stubborn animals and interesting animals. One animal that comes to mind were the yaks that bolted off during shooting taking the teams with them, while others just stood there and seemed to say "I don't care if you're in a race, I'm not moving!"
When he was twenty-years-old and the host of a New Zealand adventure show, Phil almost died while diving underwater to explore a shipwreck. Faced with the possibility of death, he was filled with an overwhelming desire to live and to take risks. At that time, Phil realized that life was really too short. He then decided to make a list of 100 adventures he would like to do.
One
of the things on his list was to hand feed wild sharks. He also
managed to round up three people who were debilitated by the fear
of sharks and took them to Fiji to have a chance to get in the
water with dozens of bull-sharks.
Phil wrote a book about his philosophy, NOW, No Opportunity Wasted. Phil encourages everyone to make their own list and make these lists personal to us - only we know inside what will make ourselves most fulfilled.
Look for Phil, who will once again be
hosting the Amazing Race for its 13th Season, later this year.
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/
Rebecca Kolls, Rebecca's Garden, HGTV
Gardening With your Pet in Mind
Now that the warm weather is here,
more and more people are out in their gardens. Which means, our
pets are probably out there with us also.
When planning your summer garden, keep in mind a garden appropriate for your pets. So many times people complain that their dogs ruin their yard and gardens. A good hint is to watch your dog when he is in your yard. Dogs usually have a path that they follow around the yard - so, don't plant anything in their path. And if your dog digs, provide a special place for your dog. Get a kiddy pool and fill it with sand. You can even hide treats in it to encourage your dog to dig there. If you have cats that constantly come in your yard, plant some catnip. They will be attracted to that one area and leave the rest of your garden alone.
Do you have yellow spots in your yard from your dog? Try feeding him tomatoes or tomato juice. The acid in the tomatoes has a tendency to break down the urine, which in turn won't yellow your lawn.
And if you have slugs, remember they are hermaphrodites, which means they do not need a partner to multiply. If you have one slug, you will probably have 400 or more by the end of the season. Beer has been used frequently in keeping them away, and Heineken is their beer of choice.
There are organic products you can use on your lawn that won't harm your pets such as a product containing corn gluten. And, since you can't be sure what your neighbors have put on their lawns, after walking your dog remember to wash his paws.
Master Gardener Rebecca Kolls hosts the
nationally syndicated Home & Garden Television Network (HGTV)
series "Rebecca's Garden" and has served as the gardening
and lifestyle contributor for ABC's "Good Morning America"
since 1999. Her show has spawned several spin-off entities including
the new gardening and lifestyle magazine "Seasons" and
the book "Rebecca's Garden: Four Seasons to Grow On."
http://www.RebeccaKolls.com
Pet Care Costs
When the urge to adopt strikes,
few potential pet parents consider the costs of pet ownership,
which can often be far greater (and run longer) than they anticipated.
The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals®) released its updated guide to pet costs to help new pet
parents plan and budget for their futures.
"The joys of owning a cat or dog are infinite," says ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. "In order to provide a loving and safe home for our pets, however, we must ensure that our budgets can accommodate their needs."
A large dog, for example, will likely require an average yearly food allowance of $225, while a bird's diet is sparse in comparison, requiring an outlay of only $75 per year. Rabbits and guinea pigs love fresh bedding, which totals a whopping $415 per year, versus a fastidious feline, whose litter costs a modest yearly average of $165.
Recurring medical expenses such as yearly exams and vaccinations range in price from $210 to $265 for dogs and $160 for cats. Pet insurance coverage (including ASPCA Pet Health Insurance) varies, but some policies will cover spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and heartworm medication. Rates for dogs clock in at an average of $225, while healthy cat owners can find insurance coverage for approximately $175 per year.
In return for the gift of companionship, pet parents may choose to spoil their new kin with toys and treats. Humble creatures like fish have little need for extra stimulation, but a pet guinea pig could consume $30 annually in toys and treats. Cat and dog parents can expect to spend $25 to $75 per year on their furry friends' goodies.
The ASPCA suggests examining your budget, much as you would consider your lifestyle and needs, when adopting a pet. If you live modestly, consider adopting a pet that won't strain your wallet. Another alternative is fostering a pet or volunteering at your local animal shelter to get your furry fix.
For more information on adopting the right pet for you and your budget, please visit www.aspca.org/petcarecosts.
Do you agree with these latest figures?
Tell us how much do you spend a year on your pets. Call us at
1-866-405-8405 and let us know.
Ten Most Common Pet Misconceptions
Dr. Debbie White, Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
You've all heard them. Things you should and shouldn't do with your pets. But, how many of them are true and how many or misconceptions? Dr. White explains the 10 most common misconceptions we have with our pets today and why they aren't true.
A cat
will always land on their feet after a fall.
Cat's do have a keen sense of balance and often seem acrobatic
and land foot side down, however they can be badly injured from
falls of varying heights. Cats that fall from high elevations
in large urban areas are commonly diagnosed with an injury called
High Rise Syndrome. Pet owners should monitor cats on outdoor
balconies and keep window screens secure.
A dog's mouth is sterile and licking
their wounds is a way to help heal wounds.
A dog's mouth is a verifiable
sewer of bacteria. Repeated licking on wounds can actually inhibit
healing in the area.
Cats need milk.
Cats LIKE milk, but no they do
not NEED milk. In fact, many kitties will display digestive upset
with diarrhea after drinking milk.
Cats can do just fine on a tuna diet.
Feeding an all tuna diet is actually
DANGEROUS for your cat. Tuna is nutritionally deficient for cats
and feeding an exclusive tuna diet will leave your cat at risk
of many nutritionally driven diseases. (Problems include: Thiaminase
in tuna is an enzyme that destroys an important B vitamin resulting
in a Thiamine deficiency, the risk for a dangerous disease called
pansteatitis , and high Magnesium levels in tuna can increase
risk of Lower Urinary Tract Disease, as well as other nutritional
deficiencies of vitamins and minerals such as calcium.
When dogs eat feces it is a sign of
worms.
While disgusting, this behavior
is not a direct sign of worms, although it can increase the potential
for ingesting and acquiring parasites from this feces tasting
behavior. This behavior is called coprophagy, and is a behavior
that is commonly displayed by mother dogs as she cleans the waste
from the newborns. Puppies and adult dogs may continue this behavior
forming a bad habit and some dogs will even do it for attention
getting from their human companions.
When a dog scoots it's rear end on
the ground, it means he/she has worms.
While some dogs with tapeworms
can have itchiness on the anal area, the butt scotching behavior
is not a direct indicator for intestinal worms. Actually, the
most common cause of butt scooting can be problems with anal sacs,
but also diarrhea or even allergies.
If a
cat's whiskers are cut off then they loose their balance.
Cats whiskers act more as "'feelers" and are not involved
in maintaining balance.
Female dogs should have a litter or
go through a heat before getting spayed.
There is no sound basis for this old wives tale. There is no behavior
benefit to letting a female dog have a litter. In fact, shelters
are overfilled with dogs and cats - many of who may have been
offspring of such unnecessary breedings. Also, waiting on getting
your
dog spayed can actually increase its risk of mammary cancer. If
a female dog is spayed BEFORE she ever goes into heat, the risk
of breast cancer is almost zero. The risk of breast cancer in
dogs goes up with each subsequent heat for several years.
If your dog eats grass then he/she
is sick.
Dogs often will eat grass and
then vomit, however the fact that your dog nibbles on grass doesn't
necessarily mean he/she is ill. Many dogs just nibble on grass
for fun our out of boredom. Some veterinary nutritionists believe
that grass and vegetation have some necessary nutritional need.
A warm, dry nose is a sign of illness
and a cold, wet nose-is a sign of health.
From day to day the appearance
of a pet's nose can change. It can be influenced by activity,
climate, and overall behaviors of your pet. Healthy pets occasionally
have a dry, warm nose, so unless it is accompanied by signs of
illness, then no need to worry. Pet owners shouldn't rely on this
rule to evaluate when its time to see your veterinarian. Consider
overall activity, appetite, and other signs of illness when deciding
if your pet needs a visit to the doctor.
http://www.lmah.net
Why Not To Get a Bunny for Easter
Candace Frazee, The Bunny Museum
It's that time of year. Spring
is here, which of course means its Easter time and parents are
thinking about getting their children a bunny. But most people
underestimate the amount of care that bunnies need. A few weeks
later, after the novelty has ended, the bunnies are usually dumped
at animal shelters, or worse, set free outdoors where they will
starve or be killed by predators.
So when your child starts begging for
that bunny this year, while it is hard to ignore their pleas,
don't fall into the Easter Bunny Trap! Get them a stuffed bunny
instead!
Here's why not to get your child a bunny for Easter:
A bunny is messy.
A bunny is afraid of kids.
A bunny is expensive to feed.
A bunny is not happy living in a cage.
A bunny marks its territory with urine.
A bunny is high maintenance.
A bunny poops outside of its litterbox.
A bunny can not vomit.
A bunny needs to be combed.
A bunny does not like to be bathed.
A bunny will chew anything.
A bunny will sometimes get a poopy butt.
A bunny has to be spayed or neutered.
A bunny will drop soft poop all over the place.
A bunny does not like hot days.
A bunny can die from some plants.
A bunny is boring in a cage. You bored yet?
A bunny may hate its mate.
A bunny will live a long time.
A bunny needs its nails clipped.
A bunny may be eaten by your dog.
A bunny will make you vacuum every day.
A bunny will grow in size.
A bunny eats hay. Got hay fever?
A bunny does not know how to swim.
A bunny will bite.
A bunny will get fleas.
A bunny will get grumpy.
A bunny needs attention.
A bunny is very destructive.
A bunny does not like to be hugged.
A bunny will need its litterbox cleaned.
A bunny can die from too much fur in its stomach.
A bunny does not like to drink from a water bottle.
A bunny bought from a pet shop will most likely be diseased.
A bunny will not survive in the wild, if you decide to get rid
of it there.
A bunny will grow long teeth, if they don't chew something to
grind them down.
Do not buy a bunny as a gift!
Do not buy a bunny at Easter!
Do not buy a bunny from a breeder!
Do not buy a bunny from a pet shop!
You can visit the Bunny Museum, which
is devoted to the acquisition, conservation, study, exhibition
and educational understanding of bunnies in nature, historically
and artistically. The museum offers a world-class collection
(over 23,000 items) of cute, fantastic, antique and odd exhibitions
in a world-landmark home it's a living museum. It promotes
the enjoyment of house pet bunnies and the responsible use of
bunnies in the natural world.
http://www.thebunnymuseum.com
Dogs and Chocolate
Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary
News Network
Unfortunately there are a number
of household items that we tend to take for granted which are
potentially very dangerous to your dog's health. One of these
dangerous household items is simple chocolate.
While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in human friendly antioxidants, it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected, as they do not care for the taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to be crazy about it.
The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various chemicals that are called methylxanthine alkaloids. Very small amounts of these chemicals are capable of causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an increased heart rate. Large amounts may even cause more dire symptoms. A pound of dark chocolate could possibly kill a 16-pound dog.
If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate get on the phone with your veterinarian right away. Be sure that your children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog's reach. If you're not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours, without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death could result.
One small piece of chocolate may not cause
a problem, so don't panic. But if your dog friend eats a whole
box, a trip to your veterinarian is in order.
http://www.VetNewsNet.com
Fido Friendly Travel Talk
Susan Sims, Fido Friendly Magazine
Listen to Keith Turner who is the Editor of DogCars.com, a comprehensive
automotive resource for dog-lovers of all kinds as he talks about
the latest hybrid vehicles perfect for Fido. Visit www.dogcars.com
Fido
Friendly Magazine:
The Travel Magazine For You &
Your Dog, a complete guide to Fido-friendly accommodations across
the United States and Canada. "Fido Friendly is the only
magazine dedicated to the travel lifestyle of man's best friend,
and the one magazine your dog will thank you for." And don't
forget to join the Fido Friendly Travel Club.
http://www.fidofriendly.com
http://www.fidofriendlytravelclub.com
NEWS UPDATE Cat Confessions
You better be
carefully what you say around your pets!
A British senior is on trial in the United Kingdom. Apparently, he had been talking out loud to his cats and confessed to a murder. Of course, he was already a suspect, and police had put hidden microphones in his place to capture that conservation. What they didn't expect was to capture him talking to his cats or confessing a murder.
The jury has been listening to these secret recordings, and they actually believe that his confessions are merely his laments over the fact that the crime had occurred, not an admission of guilt. And thankfully, Twinkie and Pudsey have not been called in to testify.
NEWS
UPDATE Brought To You By Simple Solution Natural Line Of Products
You Smell Like a Pig!
Britt Savage
You smell like a pig! You might
not be able to say that much longer! Purdue University scientists
are trying to determine why pigs smell so much and how they can
make it stop.
Their research is in response to growing pressure from federal regulators, environmentalists and rural residents sick of the stench. Linda and Perry Trader's Indiana's backyard is so stinky from a nearby hog farm, they have to stay inside, never using their swimming pool.
Scientists are attacking the stink where
it starts. Hogs are fed experimental feeds to help change the
strong sulfur and ammonia smells they leave behind. And, the
research is promising. Scientists say the pig farms won't ever
smell great, just maybe more like cattle farms.
The Cat That Plays the Piano
Betsy Alexander, Ravens Wing Studio
When Betsy Alexander first brought
Nora into her home, little did she know about Nora's talent. One
day, Betsy and her husband heard the clinking of the piano keys.
Believing one of their cats was walking across the piano keys,
they got quite the surprise when they saw the actual culprit.
There was Nora sitting there, in perfect posture, playing the
piano. Ever since, Nora has been joining in on Betsy's teaching
sessions with her students, playing alongside them.
Betsy Alexander is a composer and visual
artist who also teaches the piano. She currently resides in Philadelphia
with her artist/sound engineer husband, Burnell Yow! and their
six cats - Miro, Gabby, Max, Clara, Rennie & Nora.
http://www.RavensWingStudio.com
Fighting the Losing Battle With Your Dog
Vladae, The Dog Wizard
If you are fighting a loosing battle
with your dog, it is because you are making the usual common mistakes.
There are three things that a dog needs:
1. Physical = exercise
2. Mental = obedience training
3. Social Needs = being able to take your dog with you everywhere
if he has both the proper physical and mental stimulation
The biggest mistakes people make with their dogs are:
1. Humanization = treat your dog like
family and he will treat you like a dog
2. Democracy = while it is great for people, you need to be a
leader with your dog
3. Talking to Your Dog in English = you need to speak "Doglish"
4. Allowing your dog to pull you on leash and bark in your home
= this is giving your dog permission to growl and bark whenever
and wherever he wants
It is important to train your dog properly no matter what age or how he behaves now. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
Vladae has a DVD "Obedience for Life"
a dog-training program available on two interactive DVDs. You
can quickly and easily teach your dog how to obey you with the
affective methods that deliver astonishing results.
http://www.911DogWizard.com
Is it a Poodle or a Lamb?
Britt Savage
A company in Japan has been selling
sheep as poodles. A Japanese actress, Maiko Kawakami, was one
of these unfortunate people who bought a sheep thinking she was
getting a poodle. But, after proudly showing pictures of her "dog"
she was told that it was in fact a lamb. She should have known,
as her "poodle" did not bark and refused to eat dog
food, and he had hooves instead of paws.
Maiko, unfortunately, is not the only one who was duped. Hundreds of woman fell for the same scam. Perhaps up to 2,000 people have been conned. Sheep are not very common in Japan, so many people had no idea what they looked like.
The Japanese police have subsequently shut down the online company that has been selling the sheep. Poodles are well known as a status symbol and they were charging up to $1,200 for these "dogs."
People who unwittingly purchased these
"poodles" have since donated them to zoos and farms.
Pet Proofing
Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary News Network
The most common pet emergencies veterinarians see are fractures,
intestinal blockages, ingestion of household chemicals, lacerations
and soft tissue trauma, all of which can result from accidents
at home. Pet proofing your home is a simple and an inexpensive
way to keep your furry family members safe and happy. Listen in
as Dr. Humphries explains some of the things you can do to pet
proof your home.
http://www.VetNewsNet.com
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