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Animal Radio® Show #475 January 10, 2009
Most Dangerous Gadgets Likely To Injure
Pets
Electronics are always a concern
for pet owners because of the chords. But now, the new concerns
are iPods and the Wii game. How can they be a danger to your pet?
Well, for example, if you are playing with your Wii there is a
chance you can trip over your animal.
A survey done by Petplan, shows that according to 3,000 pet owners, the Top 10 List of the gadgets most likely to injure pets:
1) iPod (15 per cent)
2) Laptop (10.8 per cent)
3) Remote Control (10.8 per cent)
4) Plasma TV (10.8 per cent)
5) Wii (10 per cent)
6) DVD Player (10 per cent)
7) Playstation (8.3 per cent)
8) Nintendo DS (5.8 per cent)
9) Mobile Phone (5.8 per cent)
10) Karaoke Machine (5.8 per cent)
Vladae,
The "World Famous" Russian Dog Wizard
Dogs Goes Crazy And Attacks
This Jack Russell Terrier goes crazy and attacks when his humans
are around his food and also when he senses that they are leaving.
This doesn't happen when the male is in the house, only the women
and children. Vladae says that woman in the household needs to
become the alpha female!
Dog Barks and Lunges After Other Dogs
A human psychiatrist once told Vladae to ask the guardian of dogs
if they have some type of a problem with other humans getting
them to respect their authority. In other words, the human needs
to learn how to be alpha in their world. Listen in as Vladae explains
how to do this.
Puppy
Bites And Growls At Wife And Daughter
This dog listens and obeys the man of the house. However,
he seems to think it is dominate over the child and wife. The
wife needs take control and spend some time with the puppy working
on obedience training, such as sit, stay, down. This will establish
the woman as an authority figure and also provide the language
to communicate with the puppy. In other words, she needs to be
the boss over her dog or things will never change.
http://www.animalradio.com/vladae.html
Vinnie Penn, Animal Radio's Resident Party
Animal
Cruiser
On a recent installment, I told you about the beloved family
dog, Cruiser. While we had several pets in my house growing up,
Cruiser was probably the one on the biggest pedestal. He was a
mini-Schnauzer and was very cool, even though what I am about
to tell you might make you question that.
Nonetheless, I told you about Cruiser recently and ironically right after that installment, I was moving a few boxes around in the house that I grew up in that my sister bought from my parents, and she kept Cruiser's chew toys, which I think is a bit over the top to keep those nasty, dust bunny riddled chew toys. Maybe some dog lovers out there who have lost their dogs keep such things. I believe there are certain things worth keeping like their collars, but their chew toys are a little over the top. But then again, my sister puts the "rat" in "rat pack."
Nonetheless, what we also found in another box was what I used to call Cruiser's Liberace sweater. Now bad enough, I'm not a big believer of sweaters on dogs in the first place, although I have seen some cool things. I recently saw a dog with CBGB t-shirt and I thought that was pretty cool and certainly a way to strike up a conversation with the ladies. But, one holiday season my mom bought Cruiser a sweater that could only be described as a "Liberace" sweater.
Liberace,
for those of you who don't know, was rather a flamboyant, outrageously
dressed pianist. His sweater just screamed! I think my mother
thought that Cruiser was gay. It's the only thing I can come up
with. My mother has since past away, so I can't ask her. But when
I found Cruiser's Liberace sweater, I thought why did she buy
this for him? It's not remotely masculine and did my mother think
Cruiser was a gay dog? Does that exist? Is there such a thing
as gay dogs and gay cats? I have to say no!
I watched Cruiser frolic with other dogs and he really didn't treat boys well, there was that one friend that had a dog named Thor that Cruiser would mount, but don't they just mount both boy and girls?
It's not going to change my feelings about Cruiser if I were to now discover, hey, I had a gay mini-Schnauzer. I'm not going to go home and tear up that picture of the two of us on the beach that I hold so dear, but has there ever been any scientific studies? Have we determined if animals are capable of this?
All I know is that at the end of the day, gay or straight, Cruiser I love you, I miss you! But I have to say I wish mom had just bought you a "My owner went to Florida and all I got was this stupid doggy t-shirt!"
Part II - SPAZ
I left a lot of you hanging in the balance the last time around
- returning for the first ever Two-Part Party Animal!
Reflecting a bit on a few weeks back, the holidays, got into a bit of bickering match with someone. A buddy of mine has the greatest dog in the world. His name is Spaz and it fits! But as much as Spaz is a spaz, he's just a great dog. After you are there about five minutes, and he's had his three seizures and done his four back flips, jumps into your groin area so repeatedly that you're convinced you will never be able to have another child, he totally chills out and hangs in your lap. He's absolutely a member of this family, my buddy Steve's family.
And yet, lo and behold, I'm over there for the
holidays and I see the stockings hung with care, because soon
St. Nick would be there, and there was no stocking for Spaz! How
could you not have a stocking for Spaz? He's a member of the family!
Now make no mistake, fans of the Party Animal segment know we
have a little fish, Betty, and maybe I'm drawing a thin line here,
but we don't have a stocking for Betty. You don't get a stocking
for a goldfish.
I don't know, I guess there are pets you get stockings for, and there are pets you don't get stockings for. A dog you get a stocking for! A cat you get a stocking for! And from here it gets a little bit blurry. I can see getting one for the bird in the house, and maybe the hamster, but I don't see getting one for the fish. We even have a turtle, but I didn't get a stocking for the turtle.
(I don't know how about some emails on the subject? Vinnie@animalradio.com)
It got ugly over there. I mean of course,
"Jack Daniels" didn't help! But my buddy Steve got a
little belligerent when I questioned where Spaz's stocking was.
The night did not end well, especially because it got his wife
in on it, and it was one of those awkward holiday moments when
she had a little too much spiked eggnog, and she was like, "I've
been saying the same thing! He never listens to me! See, you friend
agrees with me! " And all of a sudden you're standing there
awkwardly and saying uh alright then Merry Christmas!
Animal Radio® News with Bobbie Hill
Chicken Jerky Causes Illness
The Food and Drug Administration is cautioning pet owners after
receiving complaints about chicken jerky products imported from
China. The FDA said consumers need to be aware of a potential
risk associated with consuming chicken jerky products and illness
in dogs. The FDA first issued a cautionary warning to consumers
in September of 2007 but the agency continues to receive complaints
of illness in dogs who've eaten the product. Down Under, Aussie
news organizations, report the University of Sydney is looking
into a connection between illness and consumption of chicken jerky.
At least one Australian firm issued a recall for their chicken
jerky product manufactured in China. So far scientists have been
unable to find a definitive cause of the illnesses reported.
Dog Found 1400 Miles From Home with
Microchip
A family in Bellflower California has a microchip company to thank
for getting their dog back home safely. Kobe the terrier was found
in Denton Texas, about 1400 miles from his home. How Kobe got
there is a mystery. A stranger found him wandering around and
picked him up. Turns out when Kobe was adopted from the Southeast
Area Animal Control Authority in Downey the microchip was implanted.
AVID, the company who manufactured the chip, flew Kobe home last
week to be reunited with his owners.
Video
Of Thief Reveals It Was A Dog!
Police in a Salt Lake City Utah suburb are on the lookout for
a thief who struck on Christmas Eve. Surveillance video at Smith's
Food & Drug in Murray Utah caught the suspect in the act -
stealing a bone from the pet food aisle. The stores' manager described
the thief as four legged, furry with a tail. The dog, seen on
the video, walked in the front door of the store and headed straight
to aisle 16 where it grabbed the $2.79 treat then headed out the
door. Anyone with information is asked to call Smith's Food and
Drug in Murray Utah.
New Year - New Laws for Pets
The New Year means new laws go into effect to protect consumers
and animals sold in pet stores in the state of California. The
Pet Store Animal Care Act requires stores to document veterinary
treatments, and covers how live animals must be housed. The new
law also requires pet stores to inform customers of all return
policies especially if the store has a "No return" policy.
The bill's author says most pet stores in the Golden State already
adhere to proper guidelines when it comes to caring for live animals
but this new law will clarify and enforce those standards.
Slash Money Spent on Pets
Pet owners are trying to save a buck just like the rest of the
world and there are ways to slash the money spent on your pets
without short-changing their health. Keep pets fit and trim: Most
dogs and cats in America today are overweight, and those extra
pounds increase the likelihood of serious health problems such
as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. To help your pet maintain
a normal weight (you should be able to feel ribs), carefully measure
its food, keep treats to a minimum, and be sure to work in a daily
exercise session. If your pet is overweight, try to shed those
excess pounds slowly, to avoid the health risk that can result
from sudden weight loss-especially in cats.
Pets Improve Quality of Life for People
A new study suggests that college
students may handle stressful situations better if they have a
pet. Research has already shown that pets can improve the quality
of life for people who are aging or those who are chronically
ill. But researchers have recently found that many college students
may also benefit from owning a cat or a dog. The Science Daily
reports nearly a quarter of college students surveyed believed
their pets helped them get through difficult times in life. Students
who chose to live with at least one dog, one cat, or a combination
of the two were less likely to report feeling lonely and depressed
{in between frat parties....}
NEWS UPDATE Brought To You By Simple
Solution Natural Line Of Products
NAPPS Annual Conference
NAPPS
has been around for a dozen years and is the largest non-profit
pet sitting organization in the United States. NAPPS offers certification,
educational programs and business advice to pet sitters. They
provide all the tools necessary to start up a business, including
everything from contracts to marketing and advertising.
For someone considering pet sitting as a career, NAPPS has an annual conference both in the business field as well as people in the pet care and behavior industries. This year's 2009 Annual Conference is scheduled for January 16-18, 2009 at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. From pet sitting business basics for the novice pet sitter to programs for the more seasoned pet sitter, you won't want to miss this conference!
Animal Radio will be broadcasting live
at this conference come out and say Hi!
http://www.petsitters.org
Animal Minute With Britt Savage
University Oklahoma Vet Uses Maggot Therapy on
Horse
Veterinarians at Oklahoma State University had a tough case -
a horse who had been bitten on the head by a rattlesnake. After
treating the 16-month old filly, the swelling went down, but an
area of flesh, the size of a dinner plate, began sloughing off,
deepening the wound nearly to the bone. The horse's owner suggested
something she heard of used only on humans maggot therapy!
The open-minded vets knew that they needed to try something quick,
although this was a first for them. They ordered 4,500 maggots
from a California company who shipped them overnight. The maggots
ate the rotting horseflesh and the filly went home in just a few
days, without the maggots!
Cat Walks from Phoenix to Iowa
An adventurous little cat took
a little walk and apparently made his way from Phoenix to Iowa.
After 5 months, Megan Rowley was sure she would never see her
beloved cat Austin again. Imagine her surprise when she got a
call from 1,500 hundred miles away, saying they found her traveling
tabby. And how they found him was even stranger! In Iowa, Nancy
Crook was making a deposit at a bank drive-thru when a cat jumped
into her car, right through the open window. Austin landed in
her lap, and as luck would have it, Nancy worked as an animal
tech at the Avendale Cat Hospital, where Austin's owner was located
by his microchip. That's amazing!
Your Vet Questions Answered with Dr. Debbie
Lab Bites And
Chews Spot Around Tail
The area right around the rump and at the base of the tail is
a prime area for flea and flea dermatitis. Dr. Debbie suggests
vigilant flea control, because even one little bite from those
critters can send a dog with flea allergies into an itching frenzy
for weeks. Lift up the hair in the area and look for "flea
dirt" or something that looks like black pepper. You can
use flea shampoos and topical medications to stay on top of the
problem. You can also talk to your vet about "doggy Benadryl"
for your dog to stop the itching. If it turns out your dog doesn't
have fleas, they may have a food allergy, which can also cause
your dog's skin to itch.
Stray Cat Fights With Household Cat
This guy had two household cats when someone dropped of a stray
female cat who had been declawed. He took it into his home about
a year ago, and he is still having problems with everyone getting
along. Unfortunately, not every cat is going to get along. If
the cats are growling and hissing at each other, don't worry;
this is just their way of communicating with each other. And if
you don't have any injuries and no blood is being drawn, you will
have to learn to accept this behavior from them and know that
they will never be friends.
Maine Coon Chews On Everything From
Furniture To Clothing
This woman adopted this male Maine
Coon cat after the previous guardian had a baby and the cat was
trying to assert his dominance and attack the baby. He is a very
healthy happy cat, but he chews on everything like a puppy. He
has destroyed hundreds of dollars worth of stuff, from furniture,
clothing, tables, plastic, metal and wooden hangers. She has used
bitter spray, tin foil and pepper paste, but nothing deters his
chewing. Unfortunately, some cats have an oral need to chew, even
thought it is rare. Just like in dogs, it gives them a sense of
calm to chew on things, especially when they are bored. Dr. Debbie
suggests setting up established activities and play sessions for
this cat. Set up 3 to 4 play sessions a day where you and your
cat are doing something active. You can use the "Cat Dancer"
toys, but any toy that will make them run around the house and
chase a toy, that will get their activity up can be used. A tired
pet (even a cat) is one less likely to have behavior problems.
Also, when you are not home, instead of leaving food out for your
cat, you can put it in containers (like a Kong toy) and hide them
around the house. This will make them hunt and work for their
food, which is their natural instinct.
Dog Pees On Everything 
This is an 8-year-old neutered dog that lifts his leg and pees
on everything in sight. For example, UPS left a package at the
door and before anyone got to it, the dog peed all over it. But,
this is dog is just doing his job. He is an outside dog that guards
alpacas and keeps the coyotes away. It turns out he marks the
surroundings of the property to keep other animals out, and he
thinks that anything in his area (even a UPS box) is something
that he needs to keep away. He is doing everything his guardian
wants him to do, and it would be just too hard for him to understand
what is good and what is bad. This is something his guardian is
just going to have to ignore as long as he wants the dog to do
his job.
Is It
Okay To Use Heated Bed In Garage For Cat?
This stray cat showed up one day and since it is so cold outside,
he has been brought into the garage with access to the outside.
His new guardian has bought a heated bed at a pet store to keep
him warm. Unfortunately, this guy is a truck driver and is gone
for long periods of time. Dr. Debbie doesn't feel that this is
a good idea to keep this on when no one is around. As long as
the cat is inside the garage with ample bedding, it is not necessary
to provide heat. He should be warm enough.
The "Who's Your Daddy?" Saga Continues
If you are a regular listener
to Animal Radio®, then you know about our studio "Chihuahua"
Ladybug. We weren't sure she was a full-blooded Chihuahua, as
she has some physical traits that are not Chihuahua-like, but
what is she? Well, she apparently has no "Chihuahua"
in her at all!
We got in touch with Robin Ray at Canine Heritage Breed Test back in November. and sent in a cheek swab from Ladybug and waited for the results.
When the results came back, we were shocked to learn that not only is Ladybug not a Chihuahua, but that she has no Chihuahua in her at all.
It turns out that the Fox Terrier and Rat Terrier are not tests currently available through the Canine Heritage Breed Test, which after seeing pictures and reading about their disposition, is pointing more and more to what Ladybug actually is. They will be adding those tests in the near future and we will have Ladybug retested.
While we personally wanted to know what mixed breeds are involved with Ladybug, there are actual benefits to the test as well:
Benefits:
· Helps You Understand Behavior and Personality
· Provides a Pathway to Infer Potential Health Risks
· Helps You and Your Vet customize Medical, Diet and Exercise
Programs
· Can Help You Improve the Health and Wellness Management
of Your Pet
So stay tuned over the next several months
to see what Ladybug truly is, and if you have any doubts about
what the make-up of your dog is, give this a try! With every test
result, you get a framable DNA analysis, which can include a picture
of your pet.
1-800 DNA DOGG
http://www.canineheritage.com
Puppy Mills
We get a lot of calls from truckers
who drive with pets. Unfortunately, some rescue groups do not
like to adopt their animals out to truckers, as they feel that
this is not the best situation for a pet. They want someone who
has a fenced-in yard. But, these people are usually gone for 8+
hours a day working and don't spend the time with their animals
as a trucker would. Could these agencies actually be driving people
to puppy mills to get their animals?
And if you think by going to a pet store you are not going to get a puppy mill animal, think again! Where do you think they get their animals? Some stores allow pet adoption agencies into their stores on weekends to set up adoption events. However, if an animal is at the store 24/7, chances are it is from a puppy mill. If you are looking for a specific breed of animal, go to your local shelter or go online and find a breed rescue group.
Listen to the entire Podcast of this show (#475)
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