This article came from The Sydney Morning Herald in Sydney, Australia. Be aware that some of the Internet links point to non-US web sites and that the currency is in Australian dollars unless otherwise noted.
Anne Fawcett
January 7, 2008
Hyperthyroidism has become a frequently diagnosed illness in cats in recent decades. And new research implicates an environmental source.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE’s), chemicals used only in recent decades as a flame retardant, have been shown in research to cause injury to the feline nervous system, as well as interfere with the production of certain hormones. Scientists are concerned that these chemicals could also lead to similar symptoms in humans, too.
Every year, millions of Americans welcome a new dog into their home, particularly in the late spring and early summer. And every year, hundreds of thousands of dogs are given up for adoption, chiefly because they exhibit unruly behavior. Why? Because many people think they know everything necessary to train their companion animals, when really they have nothing other than a vague idea.
You can never expect your puppy to think like a human, so it is important for you to think like a dog. A very good book on on this subject is called “Think Dog” by the late John Fisher (just click on any book in the Amazon banner at the top of this page and enter Think Dog in the search area).
When puppies annoy the bitch she will use eye contact and facial expression first. The youngster will carry on the unwanted behavior then the mother will give out a low growl which will increase in volume with a show of teeth. If this is not enough to produce the desired result the bitch will to all intense and purposes fly in at the youngster. This is not a full blown attack. Far from it. It is dress rehearsal for the pup, conditioning him for life later on. No contact is made, although from the resulting noise (mainly from the puppy) one could be excused for thinking that the litter had been reduced by one pup.
It is interesting to note that the bitch will immediately console the puppy and start to lick it all over. This behavior is observed every time the youngster steps out of line.
Even though I am sure that you keep a close eye on your companion animal when outdoors, a number of things can happen to separate you. If this does take place, the proper identification will help reunite you with your pet. Animals without ID tags are often mistaken as strays and they are sometimes treated differently, so make sure your dog or cat has the proper identification. I suggest a sturdy, yet comfortable, breakaway collar with an ID tag containing your pet’s name plus your name, address and phone number. Also, hook your pet’s rabies tag on the collar.
As some collars can fall off and others break away if caught on an object, a microchip is a good idea. This is a very small device that your veterinarian can inject under the skin around the shoulder blades. The chip has a number that is registered with the manufacturer and other local, state and nationwide agencies. Many shelters and vets have scanners that read the number on the microchip. Then, it’s a simple call to the manufacturer or agency to get your name and phone number for a happy ending.
As the weather warms up, the neighborhood seems to wake up to lawn and garden care. Many common fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides can be toxic to animals if inhaled or ingested. There is some indication from recent studies that the rising rate of certain cancers in dogs and children may be linked to herbicides and pesticides. To be safe, make sure you read and follow the directions carefully. During and after treatment, be sure to keep your pets away from the lawn or garden until the area is completely dry. In some cases, this could mean an entire day. If your pet is accidentally exposed to any lawn or garden treatment, act quickly. Wash your pet immediately with liquid dish soap and call your veterinarian. Want a safer alternative? Go organic. In general, these kinds of lawn and garden treatments are safer. However, again, please read and follow the instructions carefully.
Here’s wishing you and your companion animal a happy and safe Spring.
Spring may just have started last week, but it was 90 degrees in Phoenix yesterday when we visited our kids for Easter. The hot weather will soon be on us in many parts of the country, which prompted me to write the following reminder.
If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your pet will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you to care for your pet’s health so that he or she does not become overheated. Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby—they cannot tell you that they are hot or uncomfortable. You have to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment so that your pet does not get too hot.
When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever let it inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your pet will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely. In as little as ten to fifteen minutes, your pet could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your pet. If your pet will be going with you, make sure they are allowed wherever you will be.
When the heat index is high, keep your pets inside. Pets that are not outdoors most of the time won’t know where the cooler places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places and not return home. Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a pet’s health, as it can burn his or her sensitive paw pads. If your pet does go outside, make sure that he or she is let back inside after only a few minutes on the hottest days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.
