Animal Radio® Show #504 August 1, 2009
It’s back! Animal Radio’s Summer Giveaway for 2009 and you can enter as many times as you would like before September 30th.
This year’s Grand Package includes items from Celestron, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of high quality optical products, with the Regal 65F-ED Spotting Scope; Bissell, with the Lift-Off Revolution Pet Vac; Automated Pet Care Products, with the Litter-Robot; Disney, with the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park passes; and recently added from SCS from the Disney G-Force movie which opened on July 25th, plush characters, t-shirts and trading cards.
The five runner-ups can win packages, which include the Outland Waterproof Binoculars from Celestron; the Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum Cleaner from Bissell; and the "UP" DVD, Leapfrog Reading System and "UP" Leapfrog Storybook from Disney-Pixar.
You may enter as many times as you want, but no more than 5 times a day prior to September 30, 2009. This contest is open to US residents 18 and over. Winner is responsible for all taxes on prize packages. Winners will be announced on Animal Radio® and notified by email or telephone. You may also enter by sending us a postcard with the requested information to Animal Radio -Summer-end Giveaway, P.O. Box 197, Shandon, CA. 93461. A complete list of rules is available at the Animal Radio Network™ Studios.
What are you waiting for? Get entered now!
Janet Rose, Trainer - San Diego Wild Animal Park
You’ve probably heard the expression “fighting like cats and dogs.” Well, it doesn’t apply to this unusual cat and dog duo!
We speak with trainer, Janet Rose from the San Diego Wild Animal Park, to get the scoop. She states that they currently are on their third cheetah and dog pair. The first pairing was done many years ago with a young cheetah named Arusha and a Golden Retriever named Anna. One of the conditions when the cheetah first arrived at the zoo was that he had to be provided a canine companion.
Many people wonder why the cheetah doesn’t eat the dog!
The reason why they foster this relationship is that cheetah’s are not an aggressive cat nor a dominant predator. When it comes to “fight or flight” a cheetah can outrun everything, as they can run 70 miles per hour. The cheetah, however, is a nervous animal. They think that someone or something is out to get them around every corner. By putting them together with a dog, the dog actually serves as a comfort source for the cheetah.
They develop a lifelong relationship and curl up and sleep together. They play together. The only thing they don’t do together is eat together – not because the cheetah would eat the dog’s food, but the dog would eat the cheetah’s food!
While they do have a developed relationship, they are not together 24 hours. There are times when the dog is out of the enclosure, perhaps walking with a trainer around the zoo. This way, the cheetah gets used to the times when the dog is not around and he doesn’t get separation anxiety.
They try to start with both a young cheetah and a young dog. The dogs are adopted from shelters. All of this is important to bring exposure to the zoo to help bring awareness that the cheetah is an endangered species.
Dr. Jim Humphries - Veterinary Minute
Choosing the Right Pet the First Time
There are three main things you need to consider when choosing a pet:
Heartworm Disease
Let’s look at heartworm disease one more time. Canine heartworm disease is a dangerous and potentially deadly disease occurring in both dogs and cats. Long white worms are the cause.
Adult worms can reach a length of 6 to 14 inches. They live in the right side of the heart and in the adjacent large blood vessels. A dog may have several hundred of them in their system. Larger accumulations of adult worms impair circulation of the blood, which can cause damage to the dog’s heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
The important thing for dog owners to remember is that a great deal of damage can occur before any outwards signs of heartworm disease are noticed. In advanced stages, the disease may cause its victim to have difficulty breathing, cough, tire easily, become listless, lose weight or faint. If not detected and controlled with proper treatment, the disease can lead to congestive heart failure and death.
Until recently, canine heartworm disease was considered to b e a problem only in warm climates. But in the past few years, it’s been found in Canada and many regions in the United States.
Infected dogs can carry heartworm disease for several years. Heartworm disease may be a problem anywhere in the nation. Although no vaccine is available for heartworm disease, veterinarians have developed an easy method for preventing infection. A monthly chewable tablet is all that’s needed.
Vladae,
The "World Famous" Russian Dog Wizard
Dog Won’t Listen When Off-Leash
Rocky is a male Boxer who won’t listen when he is off leash. Vladae states to go to your local hardware store and buy a rope usually used for a clothesline, about 8 feet long. Tie this to your dog’s collar and let it hang loose. About 5 or 6 times a day tell your dog to come, and when he doesn’t, pull the dog to you and praise him and give him a treat. Eventually you can shorten the length of the line until your dog gets it. You can also use the Herm Sprenger prong collar at the same time, which mimics what nature intended, mommy’s teeth! The key is to have the clothesline slack and don’t hold on to it. When you want your dog to come, just grab and snap the leash. When using this collar, don’t pull the dog to you. Just get his attention with the “snap” and tell him to come. When he comes to you, give him a treat.
When This Trucker is Home – His Dogs Pee In The HouseThese four dogs are housetrained and do very well. However, when he comes home for a couple of days at a time, they will get up in the morning and pee on the carpet. Vladae suggests putting them in the crate before he goes to bed and when he gets up, immediately take them out to eliminate. Vladae states that they are doing this because he is a male and he is changing the dynamic of the pack when he comes home for a few days, and they seem him as an intruder!
Dog Scratches At Door to Come In
Daisy the dog is afraid of fireworks, gunshots and thunder and started scratching the door to come in. Her guardians started letting her in when she does this. Now, she scratches the door all the time when she wants to come in. Vladae says they have trained this dog very well! Daisy now knows that when she scratches - she gets to come in. Vladae also feels that this dog is insecure. He suggests training her using the Herm Sprenger prong collar, which mimics what nature intended, mommy’s teeth! Do basic commands like sit and stay, for about 1-2 minutes. This takes about as much energy as if she ran 1-2 miles.
Vinnie Penn, Animal Radio's Resident Party
Animal
Cats on the Counter
I was at a friend’s house the other night, who just moved in with a new girl. We were sitting at the kitchen table having a couple of beers and having a good time. All of a sudden, her cat just hops up on the table. It’s just allowed to just walk across this table.
I’ve heard of this before, I’ve heard of certain cat owners who were like “the cat can do whatever it wants” like just walk across the kitchen counter and step right over your sandwich. I know she would have French kissed the cat if the cat came up to her and was so inclined to slip that sandpaper tongue into her owner’s mouth. But, I am just sitting at the table and wondering if she wipes it down afterwards? If you guys throw a bag of chips here, is this cat going to be allowed to walk right by me and rub right against the bag and have as much food as it wants?
The worst part is, is that this girl’s got a kid. The kid came walking into the room and she said, “Don’t come in here tracking your mud off of the sneakers!” Let me get this right, this animal that has just been pleasuring himself and doing who knows what else around the house, down in the basement or whatever, can just walk across the area where you eat your breakfast, lunch and dinner, but your son can’t walk into the kitchen with his shoes on?
What is going on with cat owners? Imagine if the dog jumped up on the table like that and walked across it? There would be absolute pandemonium, but this yet another cat owner who has decided that the cat runs the house and she’s a diva. I thought we as a society were really kind of anti-diva’d. I thought we didn’t like divas, but when it comes to cats, we admire it and we admire their brazen attitudes.
I won’t be back to that house for a bite to eat, and if I do, I’m going to be the guest over there wearing latex gloves when Monday night football starts up.
I don’t know – maybe I’m wrong?
Whatever Happened To The Doghouse?
I don’t mean the sofa after you have had it out during dinner over what you were going to watch on television that night, Survivor vs. One Tree Hill. Not that doghouse, we all know that doghouse is alive and well.
A buddy of mine just bought a new place and I was visiting him this past weekend. He takes me out and shows me where Thor’s room is. And Thor’s room, to be honest with you, is what I would call the back patio. Huge awning, big sofa bed and the whole area very plush and comfortable to meander about.
It got me to thinking about when I was kid where almost every backyard had that really cool doghouse way in the corner, and it was exactly that. It may have been a little small for some of the dogs, and sometimes pretty big for some of the other dogs. It would even have their name on it over the roof. Back then we thought when it rains they must run it, and we never stopped to think how much the dog might love it in there. They don’t need to be upgraded to the bridal suite.
The back patio? Please don’t let the doghouse go the way of the birdhouse or the tree house. Some other guys I know pointed to the fort they had in the backyard for the kids and it was completely pre-fab. It was not just those planks wedged into the tree that were not really that safe, with the ladder just being planks of wood nailed into the tree kind of haphazardly and the fire department needing to be called just to get the kids out.
This is what youth was in the 70’s. No, you weren’t safe in that tree house in the backyard, and you didn’t want to be. And yeah, the doghouse was a little bit small for the dog, and maybe he did get a little bit scared during thunderstorms, but it was better than him hearing the two of you make love!
Animal Radio® News with Bobbie Hill
Raid Results in Search For New Homes
The Humane Society of Missouri, one of the agencies involved in the multi state dog fighting raid a few weeks back in which 26 arrests were made, is seeking help from rescue groups in housing some of those dogs. The raid resulted in the rescue of nearly 500 dogs, many of them Pit Bulls. The dogs are currently being evaluated and treated for parasites while receiving food, water and shelter. A complete report on health and behavior of each dog will be given to the U.S. Attorney’s office in order to determine the final destination for each animal. In the meantime, groups interested in helping can check out HSMO’s website for qualifications.
Pet “Lemon” Law
The great state of Connecticut has just signed a consumer protection “pet lemon law” into effect. Governor Jodi Rell signed the law spearheaded by the ASPCA aimed at protecting consumers who inadvertently buy sick animals from pet stores. SB 499 increases reimbursements of veterinary costs to owners who’ve purchased a sick animal. For the first time this new law also protects consumers from pets with congenital defects. Under the new law pet stores must provide all background information on dog breeders or animal dealers they may use. Any cats sold must be spayed or neutered to be exempt from the new law.
Swearing Parrot Returned
Good news via the BBC - a stolen foul-mouthed one-legged African grey parrot has been recovered. Police at the Etal Lane station in Newcastlesay the parrot, “which swears a lot” was returned with another bird but a rose breasted cockatoo also taken in the July 2nd robbery remains missing. Police have arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of burglary in the case.
Budget Cutes Forces Zoo To Euthanize Animals
A recent news report circulating claimed that due to budget cuts Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo would be forced to euthanize some of its animals. The Boston Globe clarified the zoo’s position saying a public-private partnership funded by taxpayers and visitor revenue funds the zoo. The custody of the zoos, should they run out of funds, would be turned over to state officials. In the meantime, state lawmakers are attempting to restore the 4-million dollars cut from the budget by Governor Deval Patrick.
Dog Reading Program
Teachers have said for years that reading in front of a dog actually helps kids improve their skills. London’s Telegraph reports a “reading dog” program has been instituted at a primary school in Dorset, England in which students take turns reading to dogs for 45 minutes. Julie Lankshear of the charity Caring Canines thinks, “the scheme works because the dogs are non-judgmental; they won’t laugh at stammers or get impatient.” Programs are sprouting up all over the U.S. according to the L.A. Times.
Cats Are In Charge!
From the “Who’s in Charge Here” file - the answer according to a vocal communication scientist- is Cats! Karen McComb of the University of Sussex found our feline friends use a “manipulative meow” - it’s a combination of purring and meowing. McComb found the embedded “cry” subtly plays on human’s sensitivity to cries associated with nurturing children. Previous research seems to confirm McComb’s findings of similarities between cat cries and baby cries.
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Talk With Your Animals with Joy Turner
Is Dog Growling or Moaning?
Mike wants to speak with his dog, Zena Marie, who is an Australian Shepherd. Zena Maria seems to be having pain in her hips. When Mike bathes her, she doesn’t seem to be growling, but she makes a moaning sound. Zena Maria tells Joy that she has a feeling that her back is out of place somehow. That is why she doesn’t want to be touched. Other than that, Zena Marie says she is very happy.
http://www.talkwithyouranimals.com
Animal Minute With Britt Savage
Miracle Dog – Lab Survives With Arrow in His Body
When the Cornelisse family adopted Remington, a 2-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever, little did they know he had an arrow stuck in his chest.
The Cornelisse family had Remington for about 6 months when they noticed he wasn’t acting like his normal self. He wasn’t interested in playing, nor did he seem to even want to move.
When Scott Cornelisse picked Remington up, he felt a lump in his chest, which he thought might be a broken rib. X-rays later showed that the lump was actually an arrow, which had entered Remington’s body under his armpit, just missing his heart. The arrow had also been there for sometime.
The Cornelisse family was not in a position to pay for the necessary operation, but a local veterinarian volunteered to remove the arrow at no charge. “There are still Good Samaritans out there who are willing to go the extra mile,” the dog’s owner said.
Remington is now in recovery and doing just fine.
Hairballs – Watch Where You Step! 
Hairballs are just that, balls of hair that a cat can’t digest. There are two kinds of hairballs, those that start in the throat and those that begin in the stomach. But no matter which, it is not a pleasant thing to step on in the middle of the night! There are things you can do to help eliminate hairballs, such as buying food to reduce hairballs, and also brushing your cat frequently. Don’t be alarmed, hairballs are normal for a cat, but if they seem excessive, you might want to have your cat checked by your vet.
Your Vet Questions Answered with Dr. Debbie
Dog Is An Itchy Dog
This Rottweiler lives in Bermuda and in the summer time he has very dry skin, which clears up in the winter. He is scratching and experiencing hair loss. The weather in Bermuda is hot and humid which is a breeding ground for fleas. Dr. Debbie recommends using Frontline to control the flea problem. She also suggests using fatty acids and using a shampoo with colloidal oatmeal, which can be found at pet stores. And lastly, get rid of those flea collars – they are a waste of money!
Boston Terrier Pees All Over After Vaccinations
It seems that after this guardian gave her dog vaccinations about 3 months ago, he has been peeing all over himself. While this seems to have happened at the time of the vaccinations, Dr. Debbie doesn’t feel there is a connection. The dog is also not neutered, so because of his testosterone, he wants to mark. First thing he needs is to be neutered and then have a urine test done.
Chihuahua’s Baby Teeth Haven’t Fallen Out Yet
This dog is now around one year old and hasn’t lost all of his baby teeth. Most small dogs should lose all of their teeth by age 10 months, at the latest. If these teeth haven’t fallen out by this age, they will need to be surgically removed, as there is the potential for crowding and abscesses.
Kitten Has Bad URI
This kitten was rescued about two weeks ago and has a bad URI (Upper Respiratory Infection). The vet gave her a shot of antibiotics and medicine to go home with. Her nose became swollen and x-rays revealed that there wasn’t any head trauma or fractures in her head. She was then given cortisone. The URI seems to have cleared up temporarily, but now it seems to be back. Her nose is still swollen. Kittens with URI mostly turn out to be viral infections and antibiotics won’t help. The kitten has to fight through these episodes. You can help by adding lysine, which is an amino acid. Hydration and humidity are also important things to do. Make sure the cat is eating and drinking plenty of fluids. Also, you can sit with the kitten in the bathroom and run a hot shower, which will help loosen the mucus in the nose and help them to breathe better.
Dog Is Missing Fur On Neck And Chest
This Dachshund is missing fur on his neck and down his chest. This started when he was about one year ago when he turned one. There was no scratching and the fur just started disappearing. Dr. Debbie says this is not uncommon in Dachshunds. It can progress and then stop, but the hair will not grow back. If there are no sores or infections, just consider it the “Dachshund Pattern Baldness.”
13-Year-Old Diabetic Cat Is Pooping Outside Litter Box
Since this problem started, her guardian has tried new litter boxes, new litter and new locations for the litter box, without any luck. A lot of animals, when first diagnosed with diabetes, have neuropathy, which results in a problem of the function of the nerves to the legs. Due to this nerve problem, the cat might have a psychological problem and associate the litter box with problems in pooping, and therefore go outside the box. Dr. Debbie suggests offering multiple litter boxes in the same vicinity. She also suggests using low litter pans or cutting away a side to make entry into the litter box easier.
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