Animal Radio's 500th Show!!
1,138 Simple Pet Remedies
Joey Green has compiled Amazing Pet Cures into a must-have book. He'll be sharing tips like using Downy® to reduce Dander, or eliminating skunk odor with Listerine®.
Taking Bites Seriously
Dr. Debbie sets listeners straight on dog bites and cat bites. Cat bites need special care or they can turn ugly real fast. Unfortunately, the consequences may include quarantine for your health.
Utah Horse Show Ground Zero for Herpes
An equine herpes outbreak has widened to include eight Western U.S. states, with 33 horses confirmed to have the highly contagious disease. All but one of the 33 confirmed cases involve horses that attended a National Cutting Horse championship competition held in Ogden, Utah, from April 29 to May 8, an event that health officials have identified as the source of the outbreak. Seven of the infected horses have died or were euthanized, according to the USDA statement.
China Pet Policy
Officials estimate that 800,000 pet dogs are living in Shanghai. That's a problem for government officials responsible for keeping civic order. So, in an effort to curb the population and reduce the risk of dog attacks they say a new policy of one dog per household has been put into effect.
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ATTENTION XM SATELLITE LISTENERS: Animal Radio® has moved. We're now on XM 166 at the same times - Saturdays at noon eastern and Sundays at 5pm eastern on "America's Talk" XM 166. Don't forget you can also listen on 100 of the best AM-FM stations nationwide, on any phone, and our podcast.
Dining with Dogs
Liz Laud is compiling a list of all the great restaurants that allow pets. She's put the growing list online and opening the doors for dogs everywhere.
The Truth About Staph Infection and Your Pet
Dr. Marty Becker spends another week live from his tour bus. The same bus that Lady Gaga toured on. America's favorite vet has the low-down on sleeping with your pet and the correlation with MRSA infection.
Cargo or Cabin
Flying with your pets can be tricky unless you know what hoops to jump through. Going to Hawaii? You need to start the paperwork about 120 days in advance. What are the stats on cargo travel?
Alligator Chick Magnet
An Illinois man who was charged with possession of a dangerous animal claims his four-foot long pet alligator was actually a chick magnet. Dewayne Yarborough, 43, of Ford Heights, says he bought the reptile five years ago in Indiana for only $200. He kept the alligator because it attracted women, he says.
Tasty Mailman
San Diego ranks number two in the nation for the number of dog attacks on mail carriers. The Postal Service says the city tied with Columbus, Ohio, reporting 45 incidents last year. Houston came in number one with 62 attacks. The Postal Service blames warmer weather for more dogs being outside throughout the year.
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Navy Dog SEAL
There are some heroes that helped with the capture of Bin laden that work for bones. An elite group of U.S. Navy SEAL's used explosives-sniffing dog was part of the covert operation that led to the al-Qaeda leader's death. The highly trained canines equipped with oxygen masks are taught to jump from airplanes strapped to a soldier's body at altitudes of 25-thousand feet. They are also outfitted with ballistic body armor and have cameras placed on their heads to transmit pictures to troops.
Pig Ears Recalled
Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Paris, IL is recalling Pig Ears for Pet Treats because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. (more details below)
How to Kiss Up to Your Vet
Dr. Marty Becker is back, and he says it doesn't hurt to bring your vet freshly baked chocolate cookies. America's favorite vet reports from Lady Gaga's old tour bus. He says ignore what you might hear. You can, and should bath your dog once a week. And do bigger dogs have shorter life spans? This guy is a regular encyclopedia of animal facts.
Playing with Porcupines
What happens when your dog tangles with a Porcupine. No, you can't simply pull out the quills. And it's an old wives tails that you should break them. Dr. Debbie is on this real-life case.
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Quick Tips From Dr. Marty Becker
Animal Radio® friend, Dr. Becker (Good Morning America - Dr. Oz) is back and giving great advice from Kid Rock's old tour bus. Did you know that a dryer sheet can calm your dog during a thunderstorm? Botox for Fluffy? Viagra for Fido? Answers here!
Tri-Pawed
The amputation of your pet's leg isn't a death sentence. Jim Nelson formed Tripawds.com after his dog got cancer and they had to amputate a leg. Now, the website is one of the biggest support groups available for the owners (cause the dogs don't much care about their handicap).
Allergy Time Again
What was the "Big Guy" thinking when he invented allergies? They affect us AND our pets. Some cats and dogs will literally chew their own hair out because of allergies.
Celebrity Dogs Behaving Badly
We all know there are a few celebrities that seem to have the market wrapped up with their bad behavior. Now it seems as though some celebrity dogs ALSO have a reputation and it's getting out of hand.
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Animal Radio® News Headlines
The Top 10 Most Dangerous Days for Pets
Weekends and Holidays, Not Full Moons, Responsible for Pet Accidents
Brea, Calif. (June 1, 2011) - Some of the best days for people weekends, holidays, summer breakturn out to be the worst for pets. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently analyzed its database of more than 485,000 insured pets to find the most dangerous days for pets in 2010. The company tracked accident claims by treatment day across the entire year to discover that, in general, more accidents occur in the summer months, and the most accidents are treated the day after holidays and weekends. Contrary to popular belief, the company did not find any spike in pet accidents treated on or following full moons.
Day - 2010 Number of Accident Claims Treated
1. Monday, June 7 206
2. Tuesday, September 7 205
3. Monday, June 14 199
4. Tuesday, June 1 193
5. Monday, June 21 188
6. Monday, August 9 183
7. Monday, April 26 179
8. Monday, June 28 179
9. Monday, April 5 173
10. Monday, August 2 171
The amount of accident claims treated spiked following holidaysparticularly Labor Day (No. 2), Memorial Day (No.4) and Easter (No.9) and increased overall during the late spring and summer months. June was the most dangerous month of the year, with 4,145 claims for an average of 138 pets treated each day for accidental injuries and five of the Top 10 most dangerous days of the year. The safest month was December with an average of 108 claims treated each day and only 2 days in the top 50 most dangerous days.
In order to accurately assess the "danger" of a day, the company only analyzed claims submitted for injuries requiring immediate attention, such as broken bones, poisonings, and lacerations. The data revealed that on the average day in 2010, about 118 VPI-insured pets were treated for severe accidental injuries. Of the days of the week, Mondays had the largest average number of pets treated for accidental injuries at 152. Sundays were the lowest at 59.
"The difference in the number of accidents treated between Sunday and Monday may indicate that treatment is more difficult to find on Sundays and holidays," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "In case of an off-hours or holiday emergency, pet owners should know where to find the closest 24-hour animal hospital and have a plan for covering unexpected treatment costs. Preparation and timely treatment can make the difference between life and death."
While some people may suspect that full moons cause an increase in emergency room visits and accidental injuries, VPI actually saw a slight decrease in the average number of pets treated for accidental injuries on days with a full moon. There was only one "Friday the Thirteenth" in 2010. VPI received 112 claims for accidental injuries on that day in August, which was below the average for the year, month and for Fridays in general. For a full breakdown of the data, visit http://on.fb.me/dangerousdays.
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California Updating Their Vo-Cab
New California legislation would change the term "pound" to "animal shelter" and the term "destroy" to "euthanize." In twenty different places throughout California state law, the word "pound" is used to describe animal shelters and their operations. "Pound" was a common term decades ago when most of the laws were written and reflects an outdated emphasis on animal control as contrasted with today's balance between animal control and animal care. Across the state, California animal shelters provide essential life-saving services, and the word "pound" does not accurately encompass the extent of their work. Similarly, California laws referring to euthanasia in cases of dire animal suffering as "destroying" an animal also are outmoded. AB 1279 would remedy this to reinforce the state's commitment to the humane handling and treatment of animals in distress.
This Month's Food Recall - Pig Ears
Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Paris, IL is recalling Pig Ears for Pet Treats because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Consumers who have purchased Pig Ears for Pet Treats are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-217-465-4001.
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Ask the Animal Radio® Dream Team
Listen to Animal Radio® LIVE every Saturday at noon eastern and Sundays at 5pm eastern on XM ch. 166 (America's Talk) or on any of the 100 AM-FM radio stations. Call with your questions toll-free 1-866-405-8405 or email yourvoice@AnimalRadio.com
Red Mange or Allergies?
Sherry: I have a 12 month old female parti (mostly white) female Boxer. She is in her first "real heat" and has developed a red rash with hair loss also. The rash was diagnosed as red mange and dips prescribed. I am against the dips as they are toxic and from my understanding this type of mange is an immune disorder. My vet is not a Fan of holistic treatment. It is also worth mentioning that the rash seems to worsen when she is goes out into our backyard. She loves to rut in the bushes and we live in SC where poison oak and sumac thrive. Have restricted her to lease walks and rash looks less red with out new pimple outbreaks. Lost as to what to do next and hoping you can provide help. Would hate to put her through dips if it is not mange (negative skins scraps) and environmental/immune disorder. Thanks so much!
Doctor Debbie: One important point to clarify regarding your Boxer....is there just a single mange location (localized demodex) or many areas (generalized demodex)?? A localized case of demodectic mites does not warrant full body dipping, but a generalized one does. I too share your concern with use of pesticides if not needed. However, if your dog has generalized mange then I definitely advise starting treatment for the mites. You are correct that some pet's immune system is better able to fight off demodex mites, but it is a parasitic disease not an environmental one. My absolute MUST TREAT situations include when a dog has generalized demodex, secondary bacterial infections, or excessive hair loss. I do not advocate holistic therapies in these situations .....I would reserve holistic therapies for the pet with a single localized demodex area.
My typical treatment of generalized mites in a young dog include:
1. Amitraz dips or oral ivermectin therapy. Ask your vet about the oral ivermectin alternative if you're not keen on the dips. Some docs feel this is now one of the best ways to treat the disease.
2. Spay her and do not breed her. This is because Generalized mites are a heritable problem and not desired to be passed to pups. And the hormones of the heat cycle will make it harder for her to recover from the mites!
And certainly before any treatment is started, I'd want to make sure the mites have actually been diagnosed with a test called a skin scraping. If your vet hasn't done this for you STOP and REQUEST this test!
Best Wishes to you and your Boxer!
My Dog 's Diet Mainly Consists of Treats
Valerie: I rescued a 3 year old black lab (Kiah) from the Madera, CA Animal Shelter 5 years ago. She came to me as a very timid lab - prone to destroying things when left alone and also with a terrible fear of men. We have worked through these problems, and with a lot of love and patience she has grown to be a very secure dog and an integral part of my life. Here's the problem, and I'd have to say that I am to blame for the situation. Throughout her first months at my home, Kiah wouldn't want to eat or play and only seemed happy when I would give her treats. Now 5 years later, I find that her diet is consisting mostly of treats. I suppose it was a gradual transition through the years of when she ignored her food I would give her some treats, progressing to now someday she will not eat any dog food - so since I can't handle the thought of her not eating, I give hear treats. As I'm gone for 9-10 hours most every day I find myself leaving enough treats to get her through that time ...I suppose it's my own guilt about leaving her alone for that period of time. Any advice on how I can correct the situation? I can't imagine just leaving her for a large portion of the day with only a bowl of food. An interesting footnote is that when I take her visiting to family members or friends homes, I take her food and bowl along and she will always finish the bowl of food. This very same bowl with the same food will usually sit untouched at home even when I am home with her in the evenings. One more questions, is it harmful to the dogs well being to leave her alone for such a long period of time every day?
Doctor Debbie: Hi Valerie! I have to jump in....your sweet lab has taken advantage of your concern for her appetite and well-being. Treats should never account for more than 10% of a dogs total food calorie intake. An all treat diet is simply not healthy for her. She is dictating the feeding program in the house and it is going to be to her detriment. Does a 5 year old child know what foods are good for them? No, they would eat candy and ice cream if we allow it. So Valerie.... It's time for TOUGH LOVE!
I suppose there could be a medical problem for her not eating, but the fact she eats her kibble at your family/friend's homes tells me she knows where and when she can hold out. A good check up with your vet is advised first. After a clean bill of health.... it's Dr Debbie's TOUGH LOVE FEEDING PROGRAM.
First of all- do not feel guilty for leaving her 9-10 hours without food. She will not starve without food for this time. Water should be available at all times however. Perhaps you've heard this guideline for people....the same holds true for dogs: "You can only survive 3 minutes without oxgen....You can only survive 3 days without water.....You can survive 3 weeks without food." Once you get past the fear of her not eating for a day, or even a few days....then you are really ready to tackle this problem head on! In fact, I don't worry until a picky dog hasn't eaten for 3 days or more.
Next, you need to realize YOU are the boss in the house and decide that you CAN set down the rules for feeding the dog. Dogs learn by repetition and your actions have rewarded her indifference to eating from the bowl. To undo this you will need to restructure all aspects of how you feed her.
1. Feed on a schedule
DO NOT leave food out for her to nibble on throughout the day. She will not suffer without food available. Offer her mealtime at set times and leave available for 15 minutes. If uneaten then take it away. At first you may want to offer the meal 2-3 times a day. Do not offer it any more than that.
2. Skip the treats
If she fails to eat her food at the provided time...you should not give in and offer treats. This is where you have to find a firm backbone. She will learn that once no other food is provided- that meal time means it is time to eat! Use praise in place of treats when you need to provide positive reinforcement for training at other times.
3. Secure the edibles!
Never underestimate a labrador's ability to scavenge for food on their own. A hungry dog, but especially a Labrador, is especially talented at opening cabinets, getting on tables, and digging into garbage. Make sure all food (dog and human) is secured and out of her reach. If she were able to "find" her own food during this retraining program then it could jeopardize the success of the training.
4. Keep her active
Avoid boredom and amp up her calorie consumption by increasing physical activity. (Don't we tend to get hungry after a workout?) Take her for a 30-60 minute walk every day. Play ball or take her to a dog park.
You also asked if it was harmful for dogs alone for long periods. In general the answer is no, but it becomes even more important to schedule play and exercise time daily for pet's left alone during long workdays. Otherwise a cooped up dog will become bored and more likely to develop behavioral issues. I am a huge fan of doggie daycare to "wear out" dogs while families are working.
Best of luck to you Valerie! Don't feel guilty that you have to leave Kiah for work...you clearly love her and are focused on taking good care of her. You will likely discover that she is a happier dog with more structured rules in the home. And later, after she relearns to eat regular dog food at mealtimes you can reintroduce treat foods as the occasional treat.
I have labradors and know how hard it can be to look in those brown eyes and stand firm. Once you accept that the current feeding pattern is unhealthy and cannot continue- you will find the strength. You can do it!
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Events Calendar
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5th Annual Bark in the Park,
Where: Hadlock Field, Portland
When: Thursday, July 28, 2011 vs. the Altoona (PA) Curve (Class AA Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) 6:15 pm - pre-game parade for pups and people led by Slugger, the Seadog's mascot, and the Portland Police K-9 Units around Hadlock Field. 7:00 pm - game starts.
Bark in the Park ticket holders sit in the 3rd base bleacher section with all access to the "birthday section" behind the bleachers. There will be dogs up for adoption, a grassy relief area, wading pool, canine watering station, dog treats and games for pups and their families. Dog valets will also be on hand to care for pets so people can visit the concessions.
Dealing with Aggressive Dogs Seminar,
Where: Colorado Mountain College - Glenwood Springs, CO.
When: Sat June 11th 2-5pm
This seminar will deal with the inevitable conflicts that occur when a dog demonstrates aggressive displays or is aggressive.
Help for Noise Phobic Dogs - Seminar For Thunderstorm and Fireworks Fears
Where: Freedom Service Dogs 200 West Union, Englewood, CO
When: Saturday, June 4, 2:00-3:30 PM
Learn to calm and soothe successfully, practice safe noise desensitization, discover the latest anti-anxiety medications from noted veterinary behavior authority.
Nuts for Mutts €“ the Walk & Dog Show
Where: The Agoura Hills / Calabasas Community Center Agoura Hills, CA
When: June 26th 7:15 walk 9:00 show
The day begins at 8:00 am with the Walk - a brief, invigorating walk-a-thon through the crystal clear rolling hills of Calabasas. Check in begins at 7:15 am. For free registration and to start signing up your walk sponsors today, visit www.nutsformutts.org. But you don't have to take part in the walk €“ or own a dog, for that matter €“ to attend and enjoy this rollicking event. The Nuts for Mutts Festival will feature the Dog Show, a super pet adoption, celebrity guests and judges, kids crafts and activities, delicious food, Beer Garden, over 60 vendors, a silent auction, great live music and more! Hosted by MADTVs Debra Wilson, our special guest on Animal Radio® June 11th!
Celebrate your pets right now at AnimalRadio.com
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