ANIMAL RADIO® Network Newsletter
January 2008
Programming with a Purpose
In this issue:

Animal Radio ® News

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    Animal Radio®
    a PROUD partner of:
    SPAY DAY USA 2008

    What: The Humane Society of the United States' annual campaign to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats.

    When: The last Tuesday of February, but events and activities take place throughout the month of February. The 14th annual Spay Day USA is Feb. 26, 2008.

    Where: Across the United States and U.S. territories.

    Why: It's not just rabbits who multiply like rabbits! Thousands of kittens and puppies are born every hour in the United States. While these baby animals are adorable, the fate of most of them is tragic. Spaying or neutering our pets and feral cats is the most effective way to reduce the vast numbers of animals who are born only to die prematurely and without a family who loves them.

    http://www.SpayDayUSA.com

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Animal Radio® made possible by:
    FIDO FRIENDLY MAGAZINE
    Fido Friendly magazine lists accommodations where you can stay with your dog while traveling in the United States and Canada. Each quarter, our editorial includes hotel, city and state reviews.
    http://www.FidoFriendly.com

    Don't miss Fido Friendly Travel Talk exclusively on Animal Radio®

     
     
     
     
     

     

     

     

     




     

     

     



     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


     

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    Animal Radio® made possible by:
    American Anti-Vivisection Society
    The FDA has moved biotech companies one step closer to being able to put milk and meat from cloned animals on your grocery store shelves-without labels. Cloning seriously threatens animal welfare, and you should have the choice to avoid these products! You can help by calling on the FDA to keep cloned foods off of grocery store shelves. Learn more at http://www.EndAnimalCloning.org

    Just because we can clone animals for food, doesn't mean we should!

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Animal Radio® made possible by:
    URINE OFF
    Did you know that Urine Off is the #1 Vet recommended Urine Odor and Stain Remover. In fact, for the last 3 years THOUSANDS of Vets nationwide have recommended Urine Off to their clients, solving their #1 Household problem, unsightly urine odors and stains. Urine Off's professional strength formula is designed to remove odors and stains ­ even old ones, by getting down to the source of the problem and removing it permanently. Endorsed by many of the leading animal organizations, and sworn on by our thousands of loyal customers, who after using it always say the same thing: "Thanks Urine Off, finally something that works." http://www.UrineOff.com

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    Having trouble sleeping? Over 25,000 doctors, chiropractor and sleep clinics worldwide recommend the biggest breakthrough in better sleep -- the Tempur-Pedic Swedish Mattress. Call now for your FREE MATRESS SAMPLE. 1-877-215-9200
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     
     
     
    Note to Real Audio Listeners: As of Jan. 1st. Animal Radio® no longer supports Real Audio. Go to AnimalRadio.com to find other ways to hear Animal Radio®
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DETECTING A PET'S HIDDEN PAIN - Is your pet keeping something from you?
    DEADLY DISEASES TRANSMITTED BY PETS - Can "Fluffy" put us in danger?
    FIRST AID - 9 things to know that may save your pet's life
    A DIFFERENT KIND OF PET THERAPY - Meet Elliott, a kangaroo!
    WHEN CHILDREN TURN INTO CATS - Children are dogs but teenagers are cats!
    FREE TO A GOOD HOME - So, what's the big deal?
    PAPER-SHREDDERS & DOG TONGUES - Yes, it's probably what you're thinking...
    2007 ASPCA "VICTORY LIST" - A year for the animals, despite Michael Vick, Ellen, the pet-food recall....

    Also in this issue:

    Sheena Easton's children have labeled her a "crazy cat lady," because she spoils her cats and lives with plastic on her furniture.

    Ed Sayres, President of the ASPCA explains the origins of cats and dogs. Just where do pets come from?

    LISTEN TO ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK NOW
    Listen to a LIVE STREAM of
    Animal Radio® Network's full-time animal channel while you read this newsletter. This link will launch player. More listening options here.

    Animal Radio® with Hal & Judy
    Check Schedule for Airtimes

    New Year's Resolutions for Pets

    15. I will not eat other animals' poop.

    14. I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.

    13. I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.

    12. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.

    11. I will no longer be beholden to the sound of the can opener.

    10. Cats: Circulate a petition that "sleeping" become a juried competition in major animal shows.

    9. Come to understand that cats are from Venus; dogs are from Mars.

    8. Take time from busy schedule to stop and smell the behinds.

    7. Hamster: Don't let them figure out I'm just a rat on steroids, or they'll flush me!

    6. Get a bite in on that freak who gives me that shot every year.

    5. Grow opposable thumb; break into pantry; decide for myself how much food is 'too' much.

    4. Cats: Use new living room sofa as scratching post.

    3. January 1st: Kill the sock! Must kill the sock! January 2nd - December 31: Re-live victory over the sock.

    2. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

    1. I will not chase the stick until I see it leave the human's hand

    thanks for everybody's contribution!


    This weekend on
    Animal Radio®


    69% of us let our pets sleep in bed with us. 65% of us bought our pets Christmas presents. 23% of us cook especially for our pet. 18% of us have dressed our pets and 10% of us have taken their pets to work. Do you let you pets in bed? Find out what animal lovers nationwide have to say. Also this weekend: Who will take care of "Baby" when Mama is gone? More and more pet guardians are leaving wills for their pets. Join Animal Radio's Hal & Judy live and beachside from Ventura California with Aussie-counterparts Pet Talk Radio's Brian and Kaye. Special guests include Dr. Joyce Brothers and Animal Planet's Emergency Vets Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald on botched-spays.

     

    Canine Rabies Vaccine Challenge Studies Begin
    One of the most important vaccine research studies in veterinary medicine is underway at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison.

    Dr. Ronald Schultz, a leading authority on veterinary vaccines and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, has begun concurrent 5 and 7-year challenge studies to determine the long-term duration of immunity of the canine rabies vaccine, with the goal of extending the state-mandated interval for boosters. These will be the first long-term challenge studies on the canine rabies vaccine to be published in the United States.

    Dr. Schultz comments that: "We are all very excited to start this study that will hopefully demonstrate that rabies vaccines can provide a minimum of 7 years of immunity." This research is being financed by The Rabies Challenge Fund, a charitable trust founded by pet vaccine disclosure advocate Kris L. Christine of Maine, who serves as Co-Trustee with world-renowned veterinary research scientist and practicing clinician, Dr. W. Jean Dodds of Hemopet in California.

    The Rabies Challenge Fund recently met its goal of $177,000 to fund the studies, first year budget with contributions from dog owners, canine groups, trainers, veterinarians, and small businesses. Annual budget goals of $150,000 for the studies must be met in the future.

    Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM states: "This is the first time in my 43 years of involvement in veterinary issues that what started as a grass-roots effort to change an outmoded regulation affecting animals will be addressed scientifically by an acknowledged expert to benefit all canines in the future."

    Scientific data published in 1992 by Michel Aubert and his research team demonstrated that dogs were immune to a rabies challenge 5 years after vaccination, while Dr. Schultz,s serological studies documented antibody titer counts at levels known to confer immunity to rabies 7 years post-vaccination. This data strongly suggests that state laws requiring annual or triennial rabies boosters for dogs are redundant. Because the rabies vaccine is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and associated with significant adverse reactions, it should not be given more often than is necessary to maintain immunity. Adverse reactions such autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system; anaphylactic shock; aggression; seizures; epilepsy; and fibrosarcomas at injection sites are linked to rabies vaccinations.

    Study co-trustee Kris Christine adds: "Because the USDA does not require vaccine manufacturers to provide long-term duration of immunity studies documenting maximum effectiveness when licensing their products, concerned dog owners have contributed the money to fund this research themselves. We want to ensure that rabies immunization laws are based upon independent, long-term scientific data."
    http://www.rabieschallengefund.org

    Hear breaking news as it happens - Animal Radio® is streaming online 24/7  Listen LIVE Now!


    Best of Animal Radio® 2007

    Pop Diva Sheena Easton
    Sheena currently lives in Las Vegas with her two-legged family, as well as her four-legged family of six cats and two dogs. Her kids say she is headed for the title of "Crazy Cat Lady." If you think you spoil your pets, listen in to see how Sheena copes with hers!
    http://www.SheenaEaston.com

    Hear Sheena on Animal Radio®

    Therapy Kangaroo
    Noralynn Snow, Silverado Senior Living Community
    You've probably heard of therapy dogs and cats, and even perhaps horses and pigs. But what about a Kangaroo? Well, residents of the Silverado Senior Living Community have the pleasure of visits from Elliott, a six-month old baby Kangaroo.

    Elliot visit the 120 citizens of the center, who suffer from everything from Alzheimer's disease to Parkinson's disease, and will even sit on their laps for hours at a time.

    When Elliot is not at the hospital, he goes home with a staff member, Noralynn Snow, and actually sleeps in bed with her.
    Hear Noralynn Snow on Animal Radio®


    Dom DeLuise
    Dom DeLuise's first paying acting job was the role of "Bernie the Dog" in "Bernie's Christmas Wish." Since then, his voice-roles continue both in children's animation and on the big screen. Dom is also a best-selling author of both cookbooks and children's books. He currently hosts his own radio-cooking segment on "On The House." Dom is a big bird lover and is owned by several birds. He currently takes his bird Charlie to local schools to teach children compassion about animals.
    Hear Dom on Animal Radio®


    The Origin of Cats and Dogs
    Ed Sayres, ASPCA President
    It is reported that the following edition of the Book of Genesis was discovered in the Dead Seal Scrolls. If authentic, it would shed light on the question, "Where do pets come from?"

    And Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me everyday. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me." And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will know I love you, even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish and childish and unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself."

    And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "But Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and all the good names are taken and I cannot think of a name for this new animal." And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."

    And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.

    After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but no one has taught him humility." And the Lord said, "No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is." The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not worthy of adoration."

    And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam. And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility. And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved.

    And Cat did not give a **** one way or the other.
    http://www.ASPCA.org

    Hear Ed Sayres on Animal Radio®


    Cesar Millan, Be the Pack Leader
    Cesar Millan returns for a fourth season of National Geographic's hit series the Dog Whisperer and his fourth time on Animal Radio®. This time he talks about "almost" failures and breed bans.
    Hear Cesar Millan on Animal Radio®


    Special Tribute to Buddy Hackett

    Leonard Hacker, a.k.a. "Buddy" Hackett, was a class clown who grew up to become one of Hollywood's most famous comedians.

    Buddy loved animals and even created a sanctuary.

    Buddy Hackett passed away on June 30, 2003 in Malibu, California. We only hope that he finally met up with his beloved dog, Cupie, at the Rainbow Bridge.
    Hear Buddy Hackett Tribute on Animal Radio®


    Animal Radio® 2007 Newsbreakers:


    Michael Vick Asks for Forgiveness
    Atlanta Falcons football quarterback Michael Vick bows his head as he makes a statement after pleading guilty to a federal dog fighting charge.

     


    ASPCA Applauds Vick Suspension
    The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today applauded NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's strong and decisive action in suspending Michael Vick without pay.

     

    Ellen Degeneres In the Doghouse: Poochgate
    If you didn't see the original airing of Ellen's show when she broke down telling the story of Iggy, a dog she and partner Portia de Rossi adopted from Mutts & Moms, chances are you have seen it replayed dozens of times on the news.But what you may not have heard was the other side of the story.

    We asked listeners what they wanted to say to Ellen. "Ellen vs. Moms and Mutts is like using a nuclear bomb for a fist-fight," said one caller to Animal Radio®, "she should win an Oscar for that performance." Another said, "if this is what shuts Ellen down so she can't do her show, then she's not as in-touch as we once thought. She needs to turn on the TV news and see all the death and destruction. Maybe she should have called in sick that day."
    Hear Newsbreakers of 2007 on Animal Radio®

     

    Guideline to Detecting Pet's Hidden Pain
    Dr. Tom Carpenter, AAHA
    To protect themselves from predators, animals naturally hide their pain. Your pet may be suffering even though he isn't showing obvious signs. Advancements in veterinary science have decoded subtle telltale signs of animal distress. Observing your pet's behavior is vital to managing his or her pain. How well do you know your pet? Use these five clues from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to help you understand your pet's body language.

    Clue 1- Abnormal chewing habits
    If your pet is showing abnormal chewing habits, such as dropping its food or chewing on one side of the mouth, it may have a dental disorder or a mouth tumor. Additional signs may include weight loss, bad breath or excessive face rubbing. Routine dental checkups are important to prevent and treat dental disorders and related pain.

    Clue 2- Drastic weight gain or loss
    Pain directly influences your pet's weight and eating habits. Animals carrying excess weight have an increased chance of tearing ligaments and damaging joints. Pets with arthritis or muscle soreness may not want to access their food because bending over is uncomfortable. Arthritis pain may also cause pets to gain weight while their eating habits remain the same due to lack of exercise.

    Clue 3- Avoids affection or handling
    Did Fluffy used to be active and energetic, but now sits quietly around the house? Avoiding affection or handling may be a sign of a progressive disease such as osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease. Although your pet may appear to be normal before petting or handling it, the added pressure applied to its body may expose sensitive and painful areas.

    Clue 4- Decreased movement and exercise
    Arthritis or degenerative joint diseases (DJD) is the most common cause of pain. Pets that limp may be reluctant to go up or down stairs, exercise, or play. Weight and joint injuries can also go hand-in-hand. Losing unnecessary pounds will help overweight pets decrease pressure on sore joints and reduce pain. Consult your veterinarian about exercises; diets and pain medications that can help improve your pet's health.

    Clue 5 - Excessively licking or biting itself
    It is normal for a pet to groom itself by licking, but you should know your pet and know if they are doing this excessively.

    Clue 6- Uncharacteristic "Accidents"

    Pet owners often believe that "accidents" are a result of behavioral issues. Although behavioral issues may cause unwanted surprises, going to the bathroom in inappropriate places may be caused by pain. Pets with sore joints or arthritis may not make it to a convenient location due to painful obstacles like stairs.

    Urinary tract infections also may cause a messy situation. In addition to having "accidents," symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include, lethargy, fever, tender lower abdomen and difficulty urinating.

    The lack of verbal expression does not mean that your pet is not experiencing pain. Minor behavioral change can be cause for alarm. Being aware of your pet's habits can help you and your veterinarian assess and treat your pet's pain. Diagnosing and managing pain is among the 900 standards an animal hospital is evaluated on in order to become accredited through AAHA. For more information or to locate an AAHA-accredited hospital, visit http://www.healthypet.com
    Hear Dr. Tom Carpenter on Animal Radio®

     

    Coming Up on Animal Radio®:

    The Monks of New Skete - Divine Canine will help to bring out the divine in your canine! Obedient, devoted, and happy -- that's what we all want our dogs to be. Brother Christopher explains how to get there through the stories of sixteen unruly dogs who came to them with more than a few lessons to learn. He will explain the tried and true techniques for influencing animal behavior, showing how a caring attitude and honest communication can turn any dog into a divine canine.

    New Skete is a contemplative monastic community of men and women dedicated to living the monastic life together within the tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church. They are a stavropegial monastery under Metropolitan Herman of the Orthodox Church in America. We consist of the Monks of New Skete, the Nuns of New Skete, and the Companions of New Skete. Each of the three communities lives in separate houses within three miles of each other outside the small village of Cambridge in rural upstate New York.
    http://www.newsketemonks.com


    Perhaps you didn't get that cat or dog you child wanted for Christmas because you felt your child wasn't ready for such an animal.

    Marc Morrone returns to
    Animal Radio® to talk about Pocket Pets as starter pets for children. They provide the perfect balance of a concealed cage environment with an easy schedule of letting them out for exercise and play when it is convenient for the family. Marc convinces even the most die-hard skeptic that the differences between pet mice and sewer rats are vastly different and pocket rodents may be easier to care for than many parents may think!
    http://www.ParrotsOfTheWorld.com
    T

    ANIMAL RADIO® PRODUCT REVIEWS for January


    Pawsitive I.D. DNA Test

    (rated 4 out of 5 paws)

    You may have one of those Heinz 57 dogs and are not sure of their genetic makeup but have always wondered. This home test is not only a great way to find out, but it will also screen for dozens of inherent genetic diseases. And, if your dog gets lost, this is a great fingerprinting and identification tool.

    It so easy to use. All you have to do is complete a form, swab your pet's gums and then mail the form and swab in. In about two weeks you will receive all of your pet's information. They will even store your pet's information for up to 15 years - all for $49.95 - what a deal!
    http://www.pawsitiveid.net


    (rated 5 out of 5 paws)

    Latka's Lap Dog Biscuits
    featuring wheat-free mini bones in 5 oz. bags
    peanut butter, low fat chicken liver and low fat parmesan cheese
    ideal for small dogs and training treats


    We like them because the treats contain no wheat, corn, soy, sugar, salt, coloring, preservatives or additives, by-products or fillers.

    Even before the pet food recall, I wanted to make sure that any treats I gave to my pets were healthy treats.

    Latka's treats, which are wheat-free and healthy, mean I don't have to worry about my pets eating them. They are bone-shaped and come in flavors such as peanut butter, veggie delight and bacon cheddar, and the dogs love them.

    To take the guesswork out of buying treats just think of Latkas!
    http://www.delicioustreats.com


    See other reviews at AnimalRadio.com. Send products for review on-air and in this newsletter to: Animal Radio Network™ Product Reviews, 233 East 330 North, Kanab, Utah 84741. Product may not be returned. Allow 5 weeks for review.


    Animal Minute on Animal Radio®
    with Britt Savage

    Puppy Peg Gets a Leg Up With a Prosthetic
    Peg the three-legged dog might not be as famous as Lassie, but she quickly became a world-renowned pup. The 4-month-old retriever has become a canine celebrity, making appearances on The Discovery Channel Canada, "The Tucker Carlson Show" on MSNBC, and likely will be featured on "Inside Edition."

    Peg also was also interviewed by Rex Miller, owner of The Greater Flint Prosthetic Center. Miller lost his right leg when he was 15 and made Peg's prosthetic. Peg was born without the equivalent of a human ankle, plus her right paw. Peg's owner, Carol Beavnier of Macomb Township, who trains leader dogs for the blind, looked on a Web site for handicapped pets, and after a few phone calls found Miller. Miller had never created a prosthetic for a dog before, and he's donating his services and equipment, which normally would have cost several thousand dollars.

    Peg's new leg will be made out of material similar to that used in bulletproof vests so she can't chew through her leg. When Peg is done being a celebrity, she will be a therapy dog, visiting people in nursing homes.

    What shreds paper, credit cards and dog tongues?
    It is the feared paper shredder!

    No one knows why Cross, a boxer dog from North Carolina, decided to lick the paper shredder in his family's home. When he got stuck, he started screaming for about 10 to 15 minutes, attracting the attention of his family, who finally figured out to put the shredder into reverse.

    While Cross lost small chunks of his tongue, he has made a complete recovery, and will have no problems eating, drinking-and licking. And his family doesn't have to worry about it happening again, because Cross now trembles whenever he hears the paper shredder.

    Britt Savage is a regular Animal Radio® correspondent as well as an incredibly talented musician! She can be heard daily on Animal Radio Network.LISTEN TO ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK NOW


    Veterinary Minute on Animal Radio®
    with Dr. Jim Humphries


    Deadly Diseases Might Come From Our Pets!
    We expect our pets to give us unconditional love and affection. But, can pets also put us in danger? From super bacteria to deadly viruses, it may seem that our pets are out to get us. The good news is that most of these diseases are completely preventable!

    Recent reports of dogs harboring deadly staph bacteria as well as misconceptions about germs that can be spread by pets may prevent some families from keeping them. But how much of this is truth and how much is hype?

    Any disease that can be transmitted from animals to people is considered to be a zoonotic disease. Literally, thousands of these diseases exist with several new ones found each year. But only a few are actually associated with our domestic pets. If you remove diseases that are spread by vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, the list you are left with would look like this:

    • Rabies
    • Leptospirosis
    • Salmonella poisoning
    • Methicillin-resistant staph (MRSA)
    • Roundworms and Hookworms
    • Protozoan parasites, such as Giardia
    • Fungal diseases, such as ringworm

    This list may appear to be small, but among the members are some pretty serious diseases. Rabies, as is well known, is an invariably fatal disease. Vaccination protocols for our pets have reduced human rabies in the Western world, but more than 40,000 people die from rabies worldwide each year. Millions more are treated due to unknown animal bites and potential exposure. Leptospirosis, Salmonella, and the "super-bug", MRSA, are all bacterial diseases that can cause symptoms ranging from mild vomiting to kidney failure and even, rarely, death. At present, there has been no confirmed transmission of MRSA from pets to people.

    More widespread are diseases caused by parasites, such as the common roundworms found in our puppies and kittens. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that more than 10,000 people in the US test positive for roundworms annually and more than 750 will partially lose their vision. Worse yet, the raccoon roundworm is becoming more common. As humans move into formerly wooded areas and raccoons adapt to tolerate an urban lifestyle, infection with this parasite may become more likely. Unlike the more ordinary canine roundworms, raccoon roundworms have been known to cause death in humans.

    But, even combined, the numbers of people in the US and Canada affected by these diseases is a small fraction compared with the number of people who are injured by their pets. Dog bites, cat scratches, and horse-related injuries are far more common. According to the CDC, more than 4 million people are bitten by dogs annually and tens of thousands of people seek medical attention because of an injury associated with riding or working with horses.

    So, what can be done to minimize the chances for illness or injuries that come about from owning pets? The simplest action is to simply follow a rule common to restaurants, schools, and your mother; always wash your hands. Routine, thorough hand-washing has been shown to reduce incidence of many bacterial diseases, including the dreaded MRSA. In a similar fashion, teaching your children to wash after playing with the family dog or roaming the backyard will greatly diminish any possibility of picking up a nasty parasite, like roundworms.

    Spend time with and ask questions of your veterinarian. She is your best resource for understanding zoonotic diseases and how best to avoid them. Vaccine protocols have greatly decreased many zoonotic diseases and similar strategic de-worming plans may help to stop zoonotic parasites as well. She may even be able to help you and your family understand the common warning signs that often precede dog and cat bites.

    Don't allow unfounded fears to dictate your happiness with your four-legged friend. Educate yourself and learn from the source who knows you and your pet best - your family veterinarian! Visit www.MyVNN.com to watch a video giving you more tips on how to keep you and your whole family safe from disease.

    Dr. Humphries is a veterinarian in Colorado Springs and the National News Director for Veterinary News Network. Hear the Veterinary Minute exclusively on Animal Radio®-LISTEN TO ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK NOW

    Ask the Cat Coach with Marilyn Krieger

    Are My Cat Toys Safe?
    Dear Cat Coach,
    My cat got all sorts of toys for Christmas, including fishing pole toys, balls with crinkly stuff on them as well as other cute little toys with pieces that look like they can be chewed off. Even though these toys are labeled for cats, they look dangerous to me. I'm worried my cats will chew off the eyes and ears or chew the silver crinkly stuff and swallow them. These do not look like safe cat toys to me. What do you think?
    Perplexed and challenged

    Dear Perplexed,
    You are very perceptive! These toys can be very dangerous for cats. They are marketed for cuteness so that people will buy them. Unfortunately some of them have glued on eyes and ears that are easily dismembered, chewed and swallowed. The pretty little crinkly balls that look a little like tinsel can also be a danger for some cats. If the shiny tinsel-like material is chewed it may cut a cat's lip, if swallowed it can cut a cat's intestines.

    Fishing pole toys and the Cat Dancer are wonderful toys, but they should be available for your cat only when you are there to supervise the play. Fishing pole toys, as well as other toys with strings, can wrap around a cat and accidentally strangle them. These are really great toys for cats, but only when someone is there to monitor and participate in the play.

    There are plenty of safe toys to choose from. Look for toys that don't have parts that can be chewed off and possibly swallowed. Toys that can disintegrate when being mauled and mouthed need to be avoided, as well as toys with paint that can be chewed or licked off. Check the size of the toys. They need to be big enough so that they aren't accidentally swallowed.

    When choosing toys for cats, it's important to visualize how your cat might play with the toy and buy the toy based on safety first.

    Marilyn Krieger, CCBC is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant certified through, and a member of the Board of Directors of, The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She can be reached for phone and on-site consultations to help solve cat behavior problems either by e-mail marilyn@thecatcoach.com or by phone: 650 780 9485. Marilyn is the Cat Behaviorist for the Cat Channel, Cat Fancy Magazine's web presence. Additionally, Marilyn teaches cat behavior classes and is available for speaking engagements. You can find out more about The Cat Coach at www.thecatcoach.com. Copyright 2008 Marilyn Krieger, CCBC All Rights Reserved.

    First Aid - Things to Know That May Save Your Pets' Life
    There are three keys to managing any emergency: don't panic, protect yourself from injury, and prepare in advance.

    When faced with an injured or severely ill pet, it is important that you spend a moment to assess the situation. Determine if the pet needs to be moved immediately. Decide if there is a danger of further injury to the pet or to first aid givers. For example, great care must be used before assisting a pet injured on a busy roadway. It may be safest to call for help so that traffic can be diverted before anyone provides first aid. You must insure that you won't be injured yourself - either by the surroundings or by the injured animal. Prepare in advance by knowing the location and numbers of emergency animal care facilities. These guidelines should help.

    1. Behavior Knowledge. Understanding how to approach an injured pet safely is critical. Animals may respond to fear and pain instinctively, even if they know you well. You cannot assume that your own pet won't bite you, because pain or fear may provoke even a docile animal to aggression. Preventing a bite to yourself or other assistants must be your first goal.

    How to Approach an Injured Pet Safely

    If you encounter a dog in need or injured in some way, your first reaction may be to run to help. That's a common reaction - most people don't want to see an animal in pain. But without taking the proper precautions, you could get injured. And being injured along with the animal won't help the situation.

    It is important to remember that even the sweetest dog may bite if she is frightened or in pain. Here are some guidelines for approaching an injured pet.

    Assess the Situation

    Use common sense: Remember that your safety comes first.

    If the animal is in the middle of the road, watch for traffic before going to assist.

    If there is a house fire, do not enter the house until the fire department has eliminated the danger - very likely firefighters will rescue the pet.

    If your pet has fallen, make sure no more items are ready to fall on you.

    If your pet is covered in a toxic substance, do not touch the animal unless you are wearing protective gloves or can cover him with plastic (or some other protective material).

    If your pet is covered in blood, do not touch the animal without protective gloves. Even though there are few diseases you can get from animal blood, there is no guarantee that human blood is not mixed in from someone else. That person's blood may have spilled onto the animal, and with the threat of HIV, hepatitis or other illnesses, exposure to any blood is not recommended.

    Determine if the Dog is Aggressive

    If the animal shows signs of fear or aggression, muzzling him is essential before helping. As you approach the animal, pay attention to his body language and any sounds he is making. Use a soft, gentle, calming voice. Avoid direct eye contact with an injured pet since some will perceive this as a confrontation or threat. A wagging tail is irrelevant. Some dogs with wag their tails throughout an attack.

    Here are some body language signals to look out for:

    Growling
    Snarling with teeth exposed
    Hair along back standing on end
    Ears straight back and flat against head
    Tail tucked between legs
    Lunging toward you with snapping jaws
    Intense staring

    Submissive behavior such as lying on ground with belly exposed (these dogs can quickly become fear-biters). Remember, keeping yourself safe and uninjured is just as important as helping the injured animal. You cannot be much help if you also need medical assistance. If the animal you are trying to help is aggressive and there is a risk that you may get injured, do not try to administer treatment. Call a local animal shelter, humane society, veterinary clinic, animal control officer or police department. Try to stay nearby to watch where the animal goes and to assist when help arrives. If necessary, direct traffic away from the injured animal until further help arrives.

    How to Make and Place a Muzzle

    Injured animals are usually in pain, and an animal in pain may lash out. One of the most important things you need to do before helping an injured animal is to place a muzzle on the mouth. Even your own sweet dog may bite if frightened or in severe pain. There are several methods to muzzle an animal but never muzzle one that is vomiting, has difficulty breathing or is coughing.

    Muzzles can be purchased from pet stores or veterinary clinics. These muzzles come in a variety of sizes. Having a muzzle to fit your own pet should be included in your pet's first-aid kit.

    If you do not have a manufactured muzzle, you can make a temporary muzzle out of tape, nylon stocking, neckties, thick string, belts or strips of fabric.

    Tie a knot in the middle of the material. If you're using tape, fold the tape lengthwise, so there are no sticky edges.

    Make a large loop in the material.

    While standing behind or alongside the animal, slip the loop over the animal's nose.

    Once the loop is over the nose, quickly and snugly tie the loop on top of the nose.

    Take the 2 material ends alongside the nose and twist one time underneath the nose.

    Take the 2 ends and pass each behind an ear and tie behind the head.

    For breeds with short noses, you may need to take an extra piece of material and tie a connection between the loop over the nose and the tie behind the head. Make sure the muzzle is snug. Be prepared for the animal to struggle against the muzzle. Some animals will even be able to get out of the muzzle. If the animal develops breathing problems or appears to be trying to vomit, remove the muzzle immediately.

    2. Veterinary Telephone Number and Address. Keep the name and phone number of your family veterinarian and local veterinary emergency facility handy. This simple guideline can help save the life of your pet. Most veterinarians are open during normal business hours - 8 am to 5 pm. Determine how your veterinarian handles emergency calls. Some have emergency pagers, and in larger metropolitan cities, many contribute to or use an emergency facility for after-hour emergency calls. Calling first can often answer simple questions or prevent a trip in the wrong direction. Even in situations that are not apparently life-threatening, your questions or concerns may be best considered by a professional who can advise you whether or not to come in.

    3. Names and Telephone Number of a Friend. If possible, have a friend assist you, especially if your pet needs to be hospitalized. In the car, it is best to have one person keep the pet calm or settled while the other drives to the emergency clinic or veterinary hospital.

    4. Heimlich Maneuver. Though not a commonly used or needed skill, knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver for your dog can be a life-saving skill. Only perform the Heimlich if you are absolutely certain your pet is choking on a solid object (such as a toy), and you have been properly trained in the technique. Improperly used, the Heimlich can cause injury to your pet.

    Many people confuse difficulty breathing with choking. If you witness your pet ingesting an item and then immediately begin pawing at the face, the throat, acting frantic, trying to cough and having difficulty breathing, only then should the Heimlich maneuver be considered. If your pet is not really choking, the Heimlich can cause serious injury.

    After determining that your pet is choking, remove any item that may be constricting the neck. Examine inside the mouth and remove any foreign object you see. Do not blindly place your hand down your pet's throat and pull any object you feel. Dogs have small bones that support the base of their tongues. Owners probing the throat for a foreign object have mistaken these for chicken bones. Do not attempt to remove an object unless you can see and identify it.

    If your pet is small and you cannot easily remove the object, lift and suspend him with the head pointed down. For larger animals, lift the rear legs so the head is tilted down. This can help dislodge an item stuck in the throat.

    Another method is to administer a sharp blow with the palm of your hand between the shoulder blades. This can sometimes dislodge an object. If this does not work, a modified Heimlich maneuver can be attempted.

    Grasp the animal around the waist so that the rear is nearest to you, similar to a bear hug.

    Place a fist just behind the ribs.

    Compress the abdomen several times (usually 3-5 times) with quick pushes.

    Check the mouth to see if the foreign object has been removed.

    This maneuver can be repeated one to two times but if not successful on the first attempt, make arrangements to immediately take your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital.

    Even if you are successful in removing a foreign object, veterinary examination is recommended. Internal injury could have occurred that you may not realize.

    5. Bandaging. A bandage helps to cover or apply pressure to a wound to protect or control hemorrhage. Bandages can be fabricated from towels, washcloths, paper towels, or just about any piece of fabric.

    You and your pet are far from help (perhaps camping or hiking), and your pet hurts himself. Would you know how to stabilize him until you could reach a veterinarian? This article provides some guidance in case of such an emergency, but it does not replace the skill and expertise of your veterinarian. If possible, it is better to let a trained expert treat your pet than yourself.

    6. Stopping Bleeding. If there is an obvious source of bleeding, apply pressure to control the hemorrhage. Pressure is best applied with a clean cloth or towel applied directly to the wound.

    7. Towels or Blankets. Blankets and towels can aid in picking up an injured pet or to control bleeding. You can use a towel to wrap a frightened pet or cover a wound. Frightened pets are often relieved by the dark calm enclosure of a blanket.

    8. Board, Stretcher or Strong Blanket. Strong sturdy instruments are important to help move or transport severely injured pets that are unable to walk. A small board, a sturdy wool blanket, a piece of canvas or a hammock can be used. Gently roll or move the pet onto the device. Typically, two people are needed to pick up and move the pet when using a stretcher. Be careful as this procedure may cause pain to an injured pet, and exposes the helpers to the risk of bite injury.

    9. Finances. Probably the last thing people think about during an emergency is how to pay the bill. Emergency clinics and veterinary practices are no different than other small businesses, and they need to pay their own bills to survive. Expect to leave a deposit when admitting a pet and be prepared to pay for services rendered. Veterinary insurance can be most beneficial in these situations; however, often the veterinary clinic will require that you pay the bill and the insurance company will reimburse you after the invoice is submitted. Most veterinary clinics do accept major credit cards, and there are some veterinary clinics that offer other financial alternatives through banks.

    For Pet's Sake with Karen Lee Stevens

    New Year's "Mews"ings
    By the time you read this, it will be January 2, 2008. I'm fervently composing this column the week before Christmas in anticipation of taking my annual two-week "cat nap" (translation: vacation) over the holidays.

    Like many of you, I usher in the new year by penning a lengthy list of resolutions ­ some I keep and some that eventually fall by the wayside. For me, my goals usually include activities that will benefit my health and further my writing career. For instance, I have set an intention of boosting my immune system by eating healthier foods and drinking soothing teas, rather than slurping my much-loved, adrenaline-inducing lattes. Perhaps more imperative than ingesting tofu and tea, however, I have vowed to continue my crusade of raising awareness about the importance of compassion and respect for all the animals with whom we share the planet. I have recommitted myself to my work with All for Animals, Inc. (www.allforanimals.com), the non-profit organization I founded eleven years ago today. AFA has afforded me a voice ­ through television, radio, newspapers, and the Internet ­ to speak on behalf of abused and neglected animals who cannot speak for themselves.

    As an ardent animal lover, I am surprised when people pose an all-too-common question to me: "Why are you always helping animals when there are so many people who need assistance?" I respond by sharing my belief that all beings are interconnected with one another. Wouldn't it make sense then, I ask, that we would choose to protect, respect, and honor ALL life, whether it is human or animal?

    To illustrate my point, let me tell you about my recent foster kitten experience. For two months this summer, I spent a good deal of time and energy caring for a stray cat and her five adorable offspring. The experience was extremely gratifying for me and one I hope to repeat in the near future. When it was time for the kittens to begin new lives in their forever homes, I interviewed Ruth, an 84-year-old lady who expressed an interest in adopting little Romeo and Serena. Ruth had lost her husband just six months prior and felt the kittens would help ease her loneliness and despair. I admit that I was a little worried about the elderly woman's ability to care for two rambunctious kittens, but Ruth assured me that her son and granddaughter would be stopping by often to check on them. Now, several months later, Ruth says there isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't feel an immense love and appreciation for her feline family.

    Success stories such as these inspire me to continue speaking and writing about the power of the human/animal bond. It is my hope that one day we will realize animals are an integral part of our own health and happiness. No longer will we find it necessary to choose between helping a person and helping an animal in need, for they are both worthy of our time and financial resources.

    It is a new day..a new year. and with it comes endless possibilities. May 2008 bring forth a profoundly deeper connection among ALL creatures.

    What are your New Year's resolutions? Email them to Karen (Founder and President of All For Animals, Inc.) at karenleestevens@cox.net

     

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