Pot for Pets?
Stephen M. Katz, Therabis

Dr. Stephan Katz explains how he is using parts of the marijuana plant to create therapeutic remedies for pets. Do animals respond the same as humans to medical marijuana? What is the legality of pot for pets? These burning questions and more are finally answered.

Just like with humans, there are also therapeutic values in marijuana for pets. However, veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe medical marijuana to their clients.

Dr. Katz has created a formula for pets with a hemp-powdered base that contains numerous natural ingredients that also include the compound known as cannabidiol (otherwise known as CBD). This is a cannabinoid found in the marijuana plant that has absolutely no psychogenic capabilities whatsoever. CBD is a well-known anti-inflammatory among its other properties. Dr. Katz currently has three formulations, "Up and Moving," "Calm and Quiet" and "Stop the Itch."

The "Up and Moving" is a formulation that contains hemp powder that is derived from the seed and stem of an industrial hemp plant, which is used to make things like ropes and dresses and even put into creams for women. As they age, arthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs become more and more common. Up and Moving provides powerful mobility support-green lipped mussel, vitamin C, chromium, hemp powder and cannabinoids.

Dr. Katz also has one of the largest Pit Bull practices in the country. In his practice, a client may leave their house, and when they return, half of their wall may have been eaten. By using his "Calm and Quiet, " he states you can actually see it start working in about 20 minutes. It's also great for dogs traveling in a car or on an airplane.

"Stop the Itch" leverages CBD, a natural constituent of hemp, at the core of its formulation to soothe your dog's skin. The unique combination of whole-plant cannabinoids, bromelain and quercetin protects cells from oxidative stress and helps ease the torment of itching and scratching.

Therabis remedies are administered as a highly palatable powder that you can add to peanut butter and make a treat out of it or you can just add it right to their food.

Dr. Katz wants it understood that he is not using medical marijuana. His products are derived from hemp, which is different from marijuana. Currently there are over 80 different separable cannabinoids, which are compounds found in the cannabis plant. Many of those have great medicinal potential. However, there is only one that gets you high and that is Delta 9 THC.

Dr. Katz's mission over the next few years it to train and teach people about the medical properties of the cannabinoids that are found in the marijuana plant and that nothing he does can get an animal "high."

Therabis is a legal product that can be shipped all over the country. However, it has to be derived from industrial hemp grown outside of the United States. The cannibidiol also has to be extracted outside of the U.S.

http://www.therabis.com

Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead
Doug Green, The Teachings of Shirelle

Doug Green learned a lot of life's lessons from his dog, Shirelle. He even says that the dog was responsible for his career path as a psychotherapist and that dogs are great intermediaries in his practice. He'll share some of the important epiphanies inspired by Shirelle

While Doug states that Shirelle wasn't the smartest dog he ever knew, or the noblest, or even purest breed and was kind of a dope most of the time, she was the greatest teacher of timeless wisdom and taught him many lessons.

When Doug first met Shirelle, she was about three months old and in a cage at the pound. He noticed that there was no card on her cage so there was no information on her. When he asked one of the employees about her, he was told that another person could help him get information on "Knucklehead." It turned out the pound was very crowded and unfortunately dogs weren't kept any longer than four days. Shirelle had been there five days and had already developed a reputation and acquired her nickname. One of the employees had fallen in love with her and had stolen the card so no one would know how long she had been there, to give her more time.

After Doug had Shirelle for about two weeks, she was pretty much potty trained, but of course still had the occasional accident. One day he arrived home and found her under the dining room table, peeing on the carpet. Up until that time, she had never barked, partly because of her breed makeup. Doug sternly told her, "No!" and she started to bite his leg. He again told her no, as she turned around and started licking u the urine. She was told no again when she started to bite the table leg. After a few more, "Nos!" she looked at him with furious frustration rage in her eyes and out of her came a pathetic sound. Doug said it was the cutest thing he ever heard. He then picked her up and cuddled her and apologized profusely.

What Doug remembers most at that moment, is that is when he fell in love with her. But years later it struck him that there was a profound moment there, because as she grew older she developed the ugliest bark he has ever heard out of any dog and she never once hesitated to bark again. Shirelle had learned early on that her voice was loved and lovable.

In Doug's work as a therapist, he finds too often that children learn the opposite. Perhaps their parents told them that anything they do is fine and don't worry about it - then they're screwed up for life! Or they tell them how horrible they are.

What Shirelle got out of the peeing incident was not to pee inside the house, don't bite the table, don't bite dad and your voice is treasured! So she grew up with this belief in herself; this okay-ness; this lack of shame that we suffer so much from.

Doug states that this was an incredible fountain of goodness and lessons and that dogs live in the moment, knowing what they've learned, which is so spectacular. People work so hard at this, including mediation, but dogs just have it!

An example that Doug loves to tell people is that when you first walk out the door in the morning, what do you do first? He states people usually run out the door, slam it, lock it, run to their car because they're running late to work. They are probably cussing, maybe they've forgotten something, and so they run back inside and grab it and get in their car. Next, they start cussing out the drivers that are in their way - sound familiar? But when you open the door for your dog, they are going to run outside and stop and take it all in and for just one second their ears are up. If we did that every morning and said, "Wow, what a beautiful day!" it will change our whole morning. You can still cuss the drivers out that are in your way, because they deserve it! However, you're in a better and more cheerful place for it.

http://www.douglasgreenmft.com

E-Cigarette Toxicity in Pets -Dr. Debbie

Think that vapor cigarettes (a.k.a. electric cigarettes or e-cigarettes) are a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes? The vapor habit might be better for you and decrease your pet's exposure to second hand smoke, but can increase the chance of a pet's toxic ingestion of nicotine. A recent story from England told of the tragic death of a puppy that died after chewing on an e-liquid container.

Ivy was a 14 week on Staffordshire Bull Terrier that chewed on her owner's bottle of e-liquid used to refill the electric cigarettes. Within 30 seconds of nibbling on the container, she fell sick with vomiting and disorientation and was rushed to a veterinary office. Sadly Ivy died within 24 hours due to heart and respiratory failure.

What's in e-liquid?
The ingredients in e-liquid vary but include carriers such as propylene glycol, polyethylene Glycol 400 and vegetable glycerin, as well as flavoring agents and nicotine. The amount of nicotine in e-liquid varies with some products not containing any nicotine, to others ranging from 18 mg/ml to 100mg/ml.

How toxic is nicotine?
The toxic dose of nicotine for pets is 0.5 to 1mg per pound of body weight. The fatal dose is 4mg per pound. So if you consider a 20 pound dog, toxicity would occur if 10mg were ingested, and the pet would die if 80mg were ingested. Therefore with the high nicotine levels in e-liquid, it wont take much to reach those fatal levels. That hypothetical 20 pound dog could die from less than 1ml of the highest potency liquid nicotine.

Pets likewise can develop toxicity if other sources of nicotine are ingested such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, or nicotine nasal sprays. The typical amounts of nicotine in these products are: Cigarette 9-30 mg; Nicotine gum 2 - 4 mg per pieces; and Nicotine patches 8.3 - 114 mg.

Even cigarette butts can be toxic if enough are ingested - cigarette butts retain 25-percent of the nicotine in the original cigarette.

What are symptoms of nicotine poisoning?
Symptoms usually develop within one hour of ingestion. Pets may display excitability, rapid heart rate, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and coma.

How are pets treated for nicotine toxicity?
The first step is to decontaminate by inducing vomiting. Nicotine typically causes vomiting when ingested, but further decontamination is advised at the veterinary office. Other emergency care includes intravenous fluids, medications to manage elevated blood pressure and heart rate, and anti-seizure medications. Nicotine is metabolized by the liver and excreted within 16 hours after ingestion. Pets that survive the initial four hours after ingestion have a favorable chance of survival.

The vapor cigarette trend is becoming more popular world wide. It's important to recognize that nicotine is a toxin and poisonous to animals and children. Consider the e-liquid a hazardous material and store it safely in a locking cabinet, away from children and pets.

To read more about Ivy's toxicity after ingesting E-fluid go to "Dog dies after chewing e-fluid container."

Featured veterinarian known as "Dr. Debbie" on national pet radio program, Animal Radio. Ebook author of "Yorkshire Terriers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Pugs: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Mini Schnauzers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; and "Shih Tzu: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend."

http://www.drdebbie.net

To Flus or Not to Flush
Doc Halligan, Lucy Pet Foundation

It may be hard to believe, but people still flush kitty litter down the toilet. Not only is it bad for the pipes, Doc Halligan says it's bad for marine life. Apparently there is a parasite that is transmitted through cat feces and has been documented as a significant killer of otters and other sea life. Who knew?

As people have become more conscience of the environment, there has been a push to flush animal feces and litter down the toilet. Flushing cat litter down the toilet, even if that cat litter is marketed as safe for pipes or septic tanks, allows a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, found in some cat feces, to enter the water supply. This parasite is not destroyed by sewage treatment and eventually makes its way into the ocean.

Once in the ocean the parasite sinks to the bottom where it is consumed by creatures like crabs, anchovies and sea stars, which are in turn eaten by marine mammals including sea otters. Sea otters are particularly susceptible to the parasite, which can cause brain damage and death. This is of particular concern on the California coast where the sea otter population that was once 15,000 has dwindled to 2,500. Research has shown that in 17 percent of dead otters examined by the state Department of Fish and Game; the parasite was the primary cause of death.

California actually discourages' the flushing of used cat litter and recent legislation requires labeling on all flushable cat litter, warning consumers about the dangers of flushing cat feces.

From a plumber's perspective there's a whole other concern. Many plumbers responding to clogged toilets find cat feces and litter completely stopping up the drains. The issues are even more pronounced when flushing to a septic system. Septic systems are not designed to break down cat feces or litter, and if you engage in such a practice, be prepared to have your septic tank pumped out much more frequently. Sewer pipes, septic systems and sewer treatment plants are designed to transport and breakdown human waste and human waste only.

Therefore it is NOT advisable to flush kitty litter down the toilet in ANY circumstance.

The Mission of The Lucy Pet Foundation is to reduce pet overpopulation by having mobile spay/neuter clinics across the country and to support causes that benefit animal welfare. The Lucy Pet Foundation currently has two buses that travel around Southern California focusing on spaying and neutering. These buses are state of the art surgery units. Their next focus is in generating more funds to expand the work of these buses and have more across the country.

The Lucy Pet Foundation not only offers free and reduced spays and neuters, they also do microchipping, vaccines and de-wormings. Spaying and neutering is not only great for pet population control, but it has been proven that an animal will live on an average of 40-percent longer after having this surgery.

Upcoming April Clinics

Free Spay & Neuter for Los Angeles City Residents! Here is a list of upcoming free or reduced fee mobile spay and neuter clinics in California:

Call for more information, questions and to reserve space to get on the list: (855) 499-5829

April 19 & 26: Algin Sutton Rec Center, 8800 S. Hoover St., Los Angeles, CA Spay/Neuter APPOINTMENT ONLY; Vaccine Clinic 10:00am-2:00pm

April 27: Food 4 Less, 1748 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA Spay/Neuter APPOINTMENT ONLY; Vaccine Clinic 10:00am-2:00pm

April 29: Hansom Dam Recreation Center, 11480 Foothill Blvd., Los Angeles, CA Spay/Neuter APPOINTMENT ONLY; Vaccine Clinic - 10:00am-2:00pm

April 16 & 30: East Valley Shelter, 14409 Van Owen Street, Van Nuys, CA Spay/Neuter APPOINTMENT ONLY; Vaccine Clinic 10:00am-2:00pm

April 18: Berkshire Hathaway, 8370 Foothill Blvd., Sunland-Tujunga, CA Spay/Neuter APPOINTMENT ONLY; Vaccine Clinic - 10:00am-2:00pm

April 21: West Valley Shelter, 20655 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, CA Spay/Neuter APPOINTMENT ONLY; Vaccine Clinic 10:00am-2:00pm

April 23: Monterey Park, 350 S. McPherrin Ave., Monterey, CA Vaccine Clinic 8:00am-11:00am

County and City Vouchers accepted. But remember, you must get on a list to have your pet seen at these locations. Please call The Lucy Pet Foundation toll free at 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment, or register at the events.

See the current list of clinics at http://www.lucypetfoundation.org.

http://www.lucypetproducts.com





5 Indoor Activities To Keep Your Cat From Going Crazy
Robert Semrow, Animal Radio Listomania

Crazy Cat People is a term often misused and certainly not something we believe here at Animal Radio. That being said, boredom and neglect can create behaviors in your cat that can certainly create challenges for sane cat people. So do yourself, and more importantly your cat a favor by creating an indoor environment that enriches and entertains your cat.

Here are a few suggestions:

Let's start with indoor places to room. A cat tree, cat perch or cat mansion will all provide a place where the cats can truly be the kings and queens of their realms. These items have become more stylish, less intrusive and more integrated in homes than ever before. The sophistication and innovation have not only benefited cat owners, but the cats them elves. Cat's want to be challenged, they demand stimulation and their curiosity will certainly get the best of them otherwise. Thus the need for nine lives.

Next up are toys. Have a variety of toys for them to play with and place them in places that encourage them to seek them out and engage their prey sensibilities. Toys that offer interaction and speed are also a great way to engage, encourage and satisfy their prey instincts in a way that also helps you bond and enjoy each other's company. Cat toys have also become much more innovative and tech driven. From home based cameras, treat and laser units that you can control with your phone while you are away, to toys that move quickly and provide a hunting play experience, technology has given cats and cat parents more to do than ever before.

Next is the reality that anything is a toy for a cat. An empty box, an empty bowl, and an empty shopping bag - those are all toys and anything in your home should be considered accessible for a cat. Any cat parent knows that a cat can find joy and adventure in places and things that most of wouldn't find interesting. It doesn't have to be high tech or costly to entertain you cat. It just needs to offer a little something that your cat has shown interest in previously. You know your cat and you know what they like to get in to. Instead of getting upset when you don't like them in something, offer an alternative to interest them in a behavior or play time that you do approve of.

That also brings up training your cat. Yes, it's possible to train a cat and many cats will excel at it if you are willing to put in the time and patience. Cats are intelligent and love to learn, thus their intense curiosity. Indulge it and train the behaviors you want. That will certainly create a less chaotic and crazy cat home.

Finally, your cat wants to be outdoors. If you have the space, consider an enclosed outdoor area that will allow your cat outside time that is safe for them and other outdoor creatures. If not, consider dedicating at least one window to being a cat refuge where they can look outside and enjoy the beauty of nature from the safety of the indoors. With that in mind, hang a bird feeder or twelve in the sight lines of the window so they can see the birds, squirrels and other wonders of nature.

Anyone can get stir crazy spending their lives indoors. Share your ideas on indoor engagement for cats on our Animal Radio Facebook Page.

http://petworldinsider.com

Animal Radio News - Lori Brooks

Dogs Labeled as Pit-Bulls Have Harder Time Getting Adopted
A new study says dogs labeled as pit-bulls sit un-adopted far longer at shelters AND potential adopters view them as much less attractive. The research also proves that the pit-bull label heavily and negatively influences a dog's chances of adoption from a shelter. It happens even though many dogs labeled pit bulls, which isn't even a breed, aren't genetically pit-bull-types at all. The authors of the study, published in PLOS One, concluded that removing breed labels would be best for all shelter dogs. Here are the takeaways from the study:

1. Dogs labeled as a "pit bull" spend more than three times longer in a shelter than similar-looking dogs not labeled as pit bulls.
2. The company a pit bull keeps influences how it's perceived. College students were shown photos of each of the same three dogs next to a human: an elderly woman, a middle-aged woman in a wheelchair, a boy, a middle-aged athletic-looking man and a "rough-looking" man with tattoos. Survey respondents judged pit bulls to be friendlier and more adoptable when they were next to the boy or the elderly woman.
3. Pit-bull-types at shelters are more likely to be adopted if they're given no breed label and so are all dogs.

Researchers analyzed more than 17,000 adoption records and found that 52-percent of pit-bull-types were adopted when their supposed breed was listed, and 64-percent were adopted when the shelter did NOT use any breed labels. All other breeds also were adopted at higher rates and Mastiff adoptions went up 15-percent.

Dog Goes Potty - Finds Pound of Marijuana
Did you hear about the dog that went out to do her business and returned moments later as a crime-fighting hero? Miley, a black lab mix, will now receive a certificate for bringing home a pound of marijuana that started an investigation by the Jones County, Mississippi, Sheriff's Office. Here's how it happened. A few weeks ago Miley left the house on a bathroom outing and brought back what appeared at first to be trash that she had torn through. But on closer inspection Miley's owner suspected it was marijuana, so she contacted authorities and Miley's find could fetch her a $1,000 reward!

Pet Car Restraints Fail
Pets love riding in the car, but if not properly restrained they can be in danger. Unfortunately many products designed to restrain them don't function as advertised. More and more experts, including the Center for Pet Safety, say having your dog in the car can be dangerous and that commercially available dog restraints don't offer adequate protection. Unrestrained pets will also become projectiles in the event of a sudden stop, something crash test videos clearly show. Of course experts are not totally surprised by this in that highly unregulated $60 billion a year pet products industry.

"Fitbit" For Dogs
Mars Petcare, the global leader in pet food sales, which is owned by candy bar maker Mars Inc., has bought Whistle, a startup that makes smart dog collars to track a pet's location and fitness. The company itself isn't saying how much it paid for Whistle, but people with knowledge of the matter said it was about $117 million. Whistle, which has been called the "Fitbit for Dogs," is backed by a few corporate giants along with basketball all-star Carmelo Anthony and rapper Nas, who each contributed early financing.

How Far Would You Go To Find Your Lost Pet?
You will love what an Illinois couple is doing by going way above and beyond in their desperate search to find their missing dog who was lost by a boarding facility while the couple was out of state. They have been putting up billboards on country roads and interstates and even had two semi-trailers wrapped with a picture of their dog, Sophie, A Jack Russell who is spayed and microchipped. Of course they have a Facebook page called Searching for Sophie too, but still no leads. They are also offering a $2,500 reward and say they won't stop searching until Sophie is home. If you have any information about Sophie you can contact the Hamrick's at (217) 725-1680 or (217) 306-5291.

NEWS UPDATE brought to you by Drs. Foster & Smith, affordable pet supplies. Low prices every day, so you save on every order.

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