Cats and Dogs Naturally

SeaCure Protein for Digestive Issues in Pets

2012-01-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

This is not a paid advertisement or endorsement.

I have been using this product recommended to me by my vet for many years off and on as needed and think it is worth talking about. Years ago when one of my cats had intestinal cancer my vet suggested using SeaCure to help his digestion and add nutrients to his diet. Being pure fish protein, it is easily digestible.

Using marine micro-organisms that digests whole fish fillets into protein fragments that are mostly 2 and 3 amino acids long (di-peptides and tri- peptides). This predigested protein is very soluble and very easy for the human digestive system to absorb. From my understanding, this product was invented to treat humans suffering from malnutrition. Many vets now use it to treat pets for the same issues.

Mainly SeaCure helps the digestive tract repair itself. It alleviates nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It helps irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.

I have been using this on my cat Minnie who has suffered for years with irritable bowel. She vacillates between constipation and diarrhea. Often she strains so hard to go, she vomits her food. After a few weeks of being on this product, Minnie is doing so much better with regular bowel movements and no vomiting.

I also give this to my elderly cats who have lost weight and muscle tone in old age. SeaCure helps the elderly to maintain their strength and stamina by providing them with a easily digestible protein in their diet.

Besides adding digestion, SeaCure also speeds the healing of wounds, reduces the side effects of chemo and helps those with HIV/Aids (or FIV in cats) to maintain weight, avoid muscle loss and diarrhea. I give this to my cat Ivy who has FIV.

There are many sources online to purchase SeaCure. Some offer a pet version but I buy a human supplement and open the capsule, sprinkling it on their food. My rule of thumb is to give 1/8 to 1/4 of the human dose to pets, depending on size and weight. Both cats and dogs can benefit from SeaCure.

We give this product 40 thumbs up!

Drug Free Solution for Dog Anxiety!

2011-09-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Does your dog hide and shake during thunder storms, have anxiety when you leave home or get very upset when fireworks go off?

My vet has recently added Thundershirt to her inventory of products for sale. She claims this is a great drug free solution for dogs who suffer from anxiety of any kind.

How does it work? The keyword is pressure. Pressure is used to treat both human and pet symptoms:

TTouch dog trainers use pressure for a variety of anxieties
Veterinarians use pressure to calm cattle for vaccinations.
Pressure is used with autistic people to relieve anxiety.
Infants are swaddles as newborns to calm them and give them comfort.

The Thundershirt fits snug and in most cases calms the dog right away. Over 80% of dog owners report significantly reduced anxiety symptoms when using Thundershirts.

They can be used for thunder, fireworks, separation anxiety, travel, barking, jumping and more. The shirts are easy to put on, have no side effects and are affordable at $39.95 a shirt.

I researched and read many reviews online and most people found it to be helpful - some more than others but almost all found it did take the edge off a dog's anxiety and made them calmer than without the shirt. The only drawback it seems is that it is a heavy fabric and can be warm for the pet so do not put on in a warm house or car - use with A/C or in cooler weather. Make sure the Thundershirt fits properly in order for it to work - they give direction on the website to measure your dog for the shirt.

For more information about Thundershirts or to order one, please visit Thundershirts. here. Now all we need is a easy simple solution for anxiety in cats! Any ideas?

I am not paid for this review.

Chicken Feed as Cat Litter

2011-08-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

I have been using World's Best Cat Litter for quite a number of years and even sold in in our shop before we changed careers. I love that it clumps, is made of a natural ingredient, corn, has no dust....but the price is just too much. They used to offer coupons but have done away with that and at almost $9. for a 7 pound bag - it is overpriced especially, if you multiple cats like we do.

A friend tried corn chicken feed and aside from the fact that wildlife was trying to get in her outdoor pen to eat it, found it to be a great replacement for WBCL! Another friend with many cats tried it as she could not afford WBCL anymore at the new price and was converted to chicken feed as cat litter.

We bought a ten pound bag of Dumor at Tractor Supply and it works fine! There are several brands - we got Dumor affordable, and has no dust. We add baking soda for odor control and the cats seem to accept it readily.

Here are some things about buying chicken feed so you know what to get if you want to save money and still use a safe affordable cat litter instead of clay or any others with dangerous additives.:

Buy corn feed for layers or chick starter without additives or medication in it. Make sure it is corn and states no additives on the bag.
It comes in pellets or crumbles. Both work but crumbles looks most like WBCL and seems to have more clumping qualities.
Many feed stores have their own brands - some big name brands that make quality feed are Dumor, and Layena. Just buy the smaller size to try it out. The bags range in price from 10 pounds for $3-5. or 25 pounds for $8-10. You can't beat the price.
One issue other forums on this subject have brought up is that the chicken feed can get moldy and make your cats sick. The solution is to buy fresh feed only in the amount you need and store it in plastic bins. The conditions needed to grow the aspergillus fungi which cause aflatoxin are very specific - the mold prefers a moisture level above 18% and higher temperatures.
Some folks have found that adding some baking soda to the litter deodorizes the box and helps with odor control. I had to do this with WBCL anyway.
As far as clumping - the WBCL performed good but not great - I still had to scrape the pee clumps off the bottom of the litter box. This happens as well if the chicken feed litter amount is too low in the box. Keep the box full and you can prevent this from happening.

Online I found many cat owners who have used chicken feed as litter for years and loved it. Even eHow.com suggests chicken feed as a homemade alternative to buying cat litter. Properly stored and used, it is much safer than some of the commercial silica, and clay litters on the market.

Indoor Pets Can Still Have Ticks!

2011-06-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

Tick season is here and even if your dog or cat is an indoor pet, they can still get ticks. Ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing and make their way onto your pet.

Deer tick

Brush your cat or dog daily, especially after each visit outdoors to dislodge ticks. Make sure your human family members do a daily head-to-toe tick check as well.

Deer ticks carry Lyme disease that can cause chronic symptoms in humans and and pets, even with treatment. Lyme disease is found in all 50 states and is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, corkscrew-shaped bacteria that live in the gut of deer ticks and western black-legged ticks. When an infected tick feeds on a dog, person or other mammal, the bacteria are transmitted and can cause an infection.

Always, always talk to your vet before using any flea/tick treatment on your pet and in the yard. Purchase these treatments from you veterinarian and not over the counter. Over the counter products may have toxic ingredients than can harm or kill your pet. And finally never use products made for dogs, on cats.

If Something Happens to You, What Happens to Your Pets?

2011-04-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

So many times we hear about someone passing away and the dog or cat got left unattended in the house or yard for days or even weeks before someone rescued them. This happens more than we would like to think.

If you live alone and have pets, you need to be thinking of what would happen to them if something happens to you. Here are some simple tips to provide for your pets:

Carry a Pet Alert card in your wallet with detailed information about how many pets you have and a contact number for a friend or veterinarian. You can make up your own card or buy one.

Tape up a new pet In Case of Emergency sticker on the front or back door of your home. This will alert emergency personnel about how many pets you have and what kind. Make sure you keep this updated - use your own tape to allow for changing it if needed. The self stick ones will not come off easily. ASPCA offers a free decal online - just go to their website.

Give two or three people close by who know and like your pets, keys to your home with pertinent information concerning pet medications, and veterinarian phone numbers. Make sure each person knows who the others are with contact numbers for all. If you are not in good health, set up regular check-in times with these people so they know how you are doing.

Make up a list of all your pets, their ages, medications, names with photos, emergency contact numbers and veterinarian numbers and post in a visible spot in your home. If you have a lot of pets, create a binder with all this info at your fingertips. Leave on in a visible spot in your home.

If you are traveling with your pet in a car, RV or truck and you have a serious accident, make sure you have information in your vehicle about your pet - contact numbers, vet number to prevent rescue crews from placing them in a shelter.

Provide for your pets in your will. Choose a primary beneficiary and alternative one from people who you know will take care of your pets. You can even name your pet as beneficiary in your will. Some states will allow you to set up a trust fund for your pets.

Lastly, give all the emergency contact information to your veterinarian so they have this on hand should someone contact them first.

I found a great website that offers a complete packet of emergency decals, placards etc. called Pet Alert Info System. This will give you a good idea of the kinds of things you should have on hand and set up for pet emergencies. If you do all of these things, your pets will have a stable future in the event that something should befall you.

Cats Need Sunshine Too - True or False?

2011-01-26T11:57:00.000-08:00

I was talking to a friend today and she told me something interesting about cats needing sunshine for vitamin D like we do. I looked this up online and found out that it is false.

People make vitamin D from being in the sunshine but cats are one type of animals that does not. In fact, cats require very little vitamin D, unlike other animals.

In the wild, cats get vitamin D through eating their prey - felines normally hunt at night, then sleep during the day. Domestic cats get their vitamin D from cat food, which is why it's important to feed your cat high quality cat food. If cats were kept indoors with no sunlight at all and they would not be ill from being without it.

Cats love the sun and spend all their time soaking it up. If you have a white cat, be very careful because they can get skin cancer from too much sun exposure especially their ears and noses.

Cats always seem to want to sit in the window or lay out on the floor where the sunlight is coming in. So while cats don't need sunlight to be healthy, you should try to have a sunny window available for them to sit in.

Make a comfy seat in a sun facing window or let them follow the sun puddles around the house as the sun moves.

Dental Scares

2011-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

We have been hearing of many cats and dogs, especially older pets, who have died during dental surgery from the anesthesia. It is very worrisome and I have been looking for some products that can be used to prevent dental issues.

One product is called PetzLife - it is an oral care spray and gel to help remove plaque and tartar, control bacteria and freshen breath. It is endorsed by veterinarian Dr. Michael Fox. For more info on this product and testimonials visit PetzLife.

Another product came into being when Lisa Guerin took her dog Mercy in for a dental cleaning and the dog passed away even though her vet said she was in excellent health. Lisa became obsessed with finding an alternative to the risks of anesthesia for dental work. Her product, Leba III, is made from the herbs mint and rose, stabilized in 25% human food grade ethyl alcohol and distilled water. The herbs change the chemistry in the mouth, stimulating enzymes and causing tartar to soften and fall off. To find out more visit LebaLab Inc.

We have not used these personally but they are worth looking into as an alternative to dental surgery!

Dogs and Crowds

2011-01-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

Is your dog afraid to be in a crowd with lots of activity going on? Do you have a hard time walking your pet if there are many people around? Here are some tips to help your dog cope with crowds:

Slowly introduce a new or young animal to the bustle of crowds. It takes time to help them learn to be comfortable in new situations.
Start by taking him out during less busy times of the day and then work your way up.
Keep up with the local goings on to make sure you know when activities like sports events, festivals or conventions are being held near where you live or walk your companion. Avoid these chaotic events and schedule his walk another time.
If your dog is approached by other people or small children, make sure you explain tot hem how your pet likes to be greeted.

Information courtesy of Animal Wellness Magazine.

Standar Process Nutritional Supplements

2010-11-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

Great for FIV cats.

When my senior cat Chica was diagnosed 4 years ago with chronic renal failure, the first thing my vet put her on was Standard Process Feline Renal Support - she is doing well and is holding her own. I still don't need to give her subcutaneous fluids yet.

The company Standard Process began in 1929 in Wisconsin, struggling to stay open during the Great Depression. Founder Dr. Royal Lee dedicated his life to finding solutions for all sorts of challenges, but his greatest passion was improving the nation's health by providing high-quality, whole food supplements and educating others about them. He devoted the majority of his life to spreading the truth about nutrition. They grow all their plant products organically on local farms. Quality is very important to them in their products.

While the company began by offering human supplements, they have expanded into veterinary supplements but either can be used on our pets. Here is a testimony from another Standard Process Renal Support happy customer -

This product contains Standard Process's patented Protomorphogen (PMG) kidney extract, an extract derived from nucleoprotein-mineral molecules.

While this is decidedly a product in Standard Process's 'human' line, as a glandular extract it can also be used in animals. We have a cat diagnosed with early kidney failure and since starting to use this product and Standard Process Renafood 90 Tablets adjunctively with Standard Process Feline Renal Support we've seen her downgraded from early kidney failure to kidney impairment.

Having seen what it can do in cats, if (salt over shoulder) I should ever have problems with my own kidneys, I would use this and Renafood in a heartbeat.

They offer 8 supplements for cats and 12 for dogs covering all health issues from heart, kidney, immune system and thyroid. I also give the Feline Whole Body or Immune Support interchangeably to Ivy who has FIV. Their products must be purchased through a veterinarian but I have found some places online that offer them. I highly recommend any of their products for people and pets!

For more information about this product check out their website - Standard Process.

Oliver Alert - A Tool For Finding Lost Pets

2010-10-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

One of the other pet bloggers I follow wrote about a great web site for finding lost pets. The story begins with a young couple who adopted a Brussels Griffon named Oliver and while they were away on vacation he got away from his sitters and they have been searching for him since. Along the way they realized that even tho there are so many ways to look for lost pets no one place offered a complete list of every method so their web site Oliver Alert was born.

It is a wonderful resource for anyone who has lost a cat or dog. They give pointers on how to post online, making fliers, who to contact and even have a number of success stories on their site from people who used their ideas and found their pets.

Unfortunately they have not yet found Oliver but in looking for him have created a thorough avenue for others to use in their search. Please do help them find Oliver and check out their site.

The missing Oliver.

Give and Let Live

2010-10-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

On our other blog, we just took part in Livestrong Day sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation and are going pink for October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you love animals like I do, then this can put you in a quandary - so many of our loved ones have had or have cancer but did you know so many organizations still test inhumanely on animals for research?

Many people don’t realise that much of the money they give to medical research charities will be used to fund animal experiments. Apart from captivity and the suffering, animal experiments often give misleading results that cannot be extrapolated to the human condition. Even different strains of the same animal species can give a different reaction to drugs and different experimental results. Investment in humane non-animal based research may therefore be the best use of resources and lead to faster medical progress.

According to many scientists, the best hope for the prevention or cure of many diseases is relevant and progressive nonanimal research methods, such as in vitro cell and tissue cultures, microfluidic circuits, computer modeling, microdosing, and epidemiological studies. This knowledge, as well as ethical considerations for animals, has led many people to be concerned about the continued use of ineffective and outdated animal methods in medical research. They prefer to support charities and corporations that sponsor more responsible and humane alternatives.

One web site I found, The Council on Humane Giving, offers an ever expanding directory of charities that fund only humane, human-based research or patient services, as well as a list of corporations that have pledged to support such charities. Your support of Humane Seal-certified organizations allows you to Give and Let Live. Check out their breast cancer listings for organizations that use non-animal research.

Beware of Counterfeit Flea Products

2010-09-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Have you ever bought a flea product online and when you received it in The mail the package did not look like anything you usually use or was not quite the same packet? DO NOT use this product on your pet. Many companies are selling cheaper products online using photos of Advantage or Frontline a to deceive you. I found this great article online about how to tell a counterfeit product and what to do about it.

The EPA has issued a stop sale and use as well as a removal order to retailers and distributors of counterfeit flea control and tick control pesticides. This is in an effort to stop the distribution and sale of counterfeit Frontline Plus and other flea control and tick control pesticides. These products were unlawfully imported and designed to like legitimate Frontline plus.

Many sites, selling foreign or counterfeit, products use pictures of the U.S. products to deceive the consumer. It is a good idea to contact the online merchant and verify that the product is labeled for sale in the U.S. before purchasing. You can also ask if the products they are selling are U.S. EPA approved. Asking these questions before purchasing will help ensure that you get genuine products for your pet.

How can I tell if The Frontline Plus is counterfeit?

There are several indications that you may have received counterfeit Frontline Plus. It may be difficult to distinguish the counterfeit products from the EPA approved product. If your package fails any of the following, it is likely to be counterfeit.
* The product may not be in the required child resistant packaging.
* The lot numbers of the individual applicators and the box do not match.
* A legitimate package should also have the following:
* After you open the package, each individual applicator has a label that includes the registrant's name "Merial;" the product name; percentage (%) of active ingredient(s) (fipronil for Frontline Top Spot products; and fipronil and (S)-methoprene for Frontline Plus products)
* The package should contain the instruction leaflets that are required by U. S. law providing emergency numbers, first aid statements, etc.
* The EPA registration number and the net contents in fluid ounces (fl. oz.) is on the applicator package (not in metric measure, i.e., ml)
* "To remove applicator, use scissors or lift and remove plastic tab to expose foil, then pull down." should be on the package. The writing should be in English only.
* U.S Products are E.P.A. approved and the E.P.A. DOES NOT give product expiration date.

Which products are affected?

The following are brand names and EPA registration numbers of legitimate products. The counterfeit products may use these same names and numbers.
1. Frontline Top Spot for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 65331-2)
2. Frontline Top Spot for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 65331-3)
3. Frontline Plus for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 65331-4)
4. Frontline Plus for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 65331-5)
.

How can I tell if the Advantage is counterfeit?

Inspecting the Tube (applicator) is the only way to identify counterfeit Advantage Flea Control. The box and package insert are identical, but by looking at the tube you can make sure the label has the following:

1. The first give away of a counterfeit is the language. It must be in English, If it is a foreign language (most likely French or German), it is counterfeit.

2. "Warning" and “Keep out of reach of children” will be on all legitimate products as well as “Bayer” the manufacturer and the EPA registration number.

3. The label will list the active ingredient and the box will match the ingredient and strength (such as 9.1% imidacloprid on both label and box).

4. U.S Products are E.P.A. approved and the E.P.A. DOES NOT give product expiration dates.

Which products are affected?

The following are brand names and EPA registration numbers of legitimate products. The counterfeit products may use these same names and numbers.

1. Advantage 10 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-117)

2. Advantage 20 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-119)

3. Advantage 55 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-120)

4. Advantage 100 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-122)

5. Advantage 9 for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 11556-116)

6. Advantage 18 for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 11556-118)

What should I do if I suspect that my pet has been harmed by one of these counterfeit products?l

Contact your pet’s veterinarian for medical assistance and advice as soon as possible. You may contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 800-858-7378, an EPA-sanctioned toll-free helpline providing answers to most questions regarding pesticides and pesticide poisonings.

To Vaccinate Your Pet or Not

2010-09-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

When I moved to North Carolina from Florida I had my two oldest cats Chica and Yoko then. They had been getting their yearly vaccination booster shots even tho they are indoor only cats. I took them to my first holistic vet in Boone, NC and she talked me out of these boosters saying she had seen too many animals have severe and long term reactions to them. That was twelve years ago and since then none of my cats have gotten any boosters - just the basic first time shots required. Chica is 19 now and Yoko 17 and in great health.

Everyone has to make the decision that feels right for them. Don't let your vet bully you into getting shots you don't want - find another vet that will work with you. I have copied below the recommendations of a holistic vet near Raleigh that I have worked with for seriously ill pets. This sums up what a lot of veterinarians now feel about vaccinations.

Dr. Charles Loops DVM:

Homeopathic veterinarians and other holistic practitioners have maintained for years that Vaccinations are doing harm. Aside from the immediate risk of vaccination side-effects, such as allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock, there are more compelling reasons to avoid vaccinations whenever possible. Vaccinations represent a major assault on the body's immune system. Attenuated organisms, or chemically killed viruses or bacteria, are injected directly into the blood stream via subcutaneous or intra-muscular injection, an unnatural route of infection. This profound insult avoids the body's first line of defenses, flooding the system with millions of organisms or viral particles, causing irregularities and abnormalities in the immune system which then manifest as chronic diseases in animals. This overall effect, while potentially protecting the individual from a specific, acute disease, is to weaken or create imbalance in the immune system so that underlying tendencies to diseases are brought to the surface. In other words, vaccinations represent a major stress. Following vaccinations, we often see chronic problems begin such as epilepsy, skin allergies, persistent upper respiratory infections, irritable bowel syndromes, auto-immune diseases and cancer, just to name a few.

What we now confront in our animal companions are generations of over-vaccinated animals, and these current offspring are suffering the penalty of this medical abuse. Where vaccinations have helped in eradicating or reducing the incidents of severe and acute disease processes, the result has been to plague us with more insidious, chronic diseases that are difficult to treat and often incurable and that lower that quality of life for many individuals and animals.

After more than thirty years of practicing veterinary medicine, I am observing chronic diseases that begin much earlier than before. Cancer before five years of age in dogs and cats was a rarity, but now it is not unusual to see fatal cancers in two and three year old animals. And the incidence or number of cases is definitely increasing. While poor breeding practices, poor commercial diets and other environmental factors play their part, I believe it is the practice of vaccinating an animal repeatedly, with multiple vaccinations throughout their lifespan that factors the most. We have genetically weakened our companions with this practice. A normal dog or cat living to twelve years of age will receive at least twenty and possibly thirty vaccinations during their lifetime. Fifteen or so of these shots will have four to seven disease fractions present in each vaccination.

In all of this, balance in nature has been lost to the pharmaceutical-medical complex philosophy, propelled in great part by monetary factors, leading us to believe that all vaccinations are beneficial.

Risk of Exposure should be the main guideline for consideration of whether to vaccinate and what to vaccinate against. If your cats are indoor only, or if your dogs' outside activities are on a leash or within a fenced area under supervision, there is little risk. The other considerations for a vaccine's use are its proven safety, its effectiveness, and whether the disease so serious or life-threatening that vaccinating is necessary. Remember, VACCINES ARE NOT HARMLESS. Only vaccinate if the threat is real.

Natural Tips to Control Hairballs

2010-09-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

When the seasons change I find my cats cough up more fur balls and I have to watch where I step so I don't end up with a slimy mess on my foot!

If your cats are like mine, they don't care for the oral fur ball treatment in a tube no matter what the label says about how tasty it is. My vet suggested offering a dab of butter on your finger for the more finicky cats and mine love it. Once or twice a week will make a difference.

Another trick is to feed them oily fish - mackerel or salmon, once a week and that will keep their digestive system running smoothly with less fur balls being coughed up.

Doing these two things will save you money and offer the cats more natural preservative free options for hairball treatment.

Acupressure for Lameness in Pets

2010-09-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

I use acupressure often for my cats. It helps to relieve pain and boosts the immune system. Here are some tips on doing this at home

Acupoints to use in helping to relieve hindquarter lameness, to strengthen the immune system and to reduce generalized pain

Acupressure Point Work Technique

• Begin point work on medium-sized dogs and large animals using the direct-thumb technique. Place the ball of your thumb on the acupoint at a 90-degree angle to the animal’s body. For small animals, place your middle finger on top of your index finger and hold the tip of your index at a 90-degree angle to the cat or dog’s body. Apply about one to two pounds of pressure, depending on the size of the animal. For small or delicate cats and dogs, use less than a pound of pressure. When you feel resistance, let up on the point slightly, then reapply pressure until you feel the resistance dissolving.

• Keep both hands on your animal. One hand does the point work while the other feels the reactions such as muscle spasms, twitches and other releases.The hand not performing the point work also soothes the animal and provides an energy connection.

• Point work is generally performed from front to rear and top to bottom.

• Breathe out while moving into the acupoint; breathe in when letting up on the point.

• Use partial body weight; this ensures a smoothness of motion and protects your thumbs and wrists from stress.

This article is from Animal Wellness Magazine.

Alternative Cancer Treatment for Pets

2010-07-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

Cancer seems to be on the up rise for our pets - both dogs and cats are getting cancer at younger ages. Some of this can be traced to over vaccination, other culprits are poor food, nutrition and environmental toxins.

After having two cats with intestinal cancer, I saw how ineffective western medicine was as far as treatment goes - chemo/radiation which didn't offer much quality of life. I chose to go the holistic route using mainly homeopathy.

My vet Dr Maggie Federhart began the treatment for Clarence, a lovely stray cat I took in. Dr Federhart has had success attaining remission with certain kinds of cancers. She felt I would be best served working with Dr Charles Loops. I worked extensively with Dr Loops and the tumor we initially found in Clarence's intestines was gone after months of homeopathic treatment. Clarence later passed of a heart condition he had all along.

One year later, I found my Nick had the same symptoms as Clarence and went back to Dr Loops - who works mainly through phone consultations. Nick went into a short remission and had a good quality of life. He lived several months past what western medicine may have given him but with a better quality of life without chemo.

Speaking from this experience, if your dog or cat has been diagnosed with cancer, find yourself a good holistic vet to work with - it can add years maybe to his life and give him and better quality of life. Check out the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association to look up a vet with good credentials that is located near you.

The book Why is Cancer Killing Our Pets? by Deborah Straw explains the different kinds of treatment and how to protect them from getting cancer.

Both the veterinarians I used do phone consultations to pet guardians. Dr Federhart, who trained with Dr Pitcairn, (Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health of Dogs and Cats) has a web site - Animals Naturally.

Dr Loops also trained with Dr Pitcairn but then went off on his own to develop a unique homeopathic treatment plan by treating and curing himself of chronic ailments. His web site is here. Dr Loops also treats other chronic conditions successfully - in fact he takes on many cases that other vets have given up on.

Another resource for holistic treatments is Shirley's Wellness Cafe online. My vet told me about this and it gave us some other alternatives to try with testimonials from other pet guardians.

I hope that with better quality food, less vaccinations and better overall health, my other cats live to an old age without getting cancer or any other chronic disease.

Pets Overheating - An Emergency!

2010-06-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

With summer comes high temperatures and while uncommon, our pets can overheat just like us if they are tied in a spot outdoors with no shade or left in a hot car.

These situations should be avoided at all costs - our pets deserve humane treatment and should never be left outdoors without shade and water on hot days. Even with the windows open your car will quickly overheat causing their body temperature to rise resulting in brain damage or death.

The first sign of overheating will be panting, sometimes intensely. The mucus membranes and skin become deep red as the body shifts circulation to superficial areas to increase heat loss. Nausea, dizziness and weakness quickly ensue if the body temperature does not drop. High temperature can impair the regulating center in the brain causing greater danger - the skin may become cool and the animal is usually faint or may lose consciousness.

This is an emergency situation and veterinary action is needed immediately. Rapid cooling is necessary to avoid damage such as rinsing or emerging in cool water. Do not use ice water as this will worsen the situation causing shivering and constricting the surface blood vessels, both canceling out the body's cooling mechanism.

Simply by providing shade, water and cool temperatures for your pet you can avoid a very life threatening situation on hot summer days.

TNR - It Saves Money!

2010-06-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

How to handle feral cat colonies is a topic of controversial debate. Some groups advocate using archaic and cruel methods to kill them while the flip side offers to trap, neuter and release them back to the colony where they are fed, sheltered and cared for by volunteers.

According to an economic study commissioned by Best Friends Animal Society, trapping feral cats to kill them is not only inhumane but is a useless waste of tax dollars.

The study found that given the estimated 87 million homeless cats in the US, it would cost government agencies about $16 billion to trap and kill them as opposed to approximately $9 billion for supporting Trap, Neuter and Release programs run by rescue organizations and individual volunteers.

Tell this to any group trying to kill ferals rather than manage the colony - money talks! For more info on TNR contact Alley Cat Allies.

Information from Feline Wellness magazine.

Dangers of Third Hand Smoke

2010-06-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

We have all heard the dangers of second hand smoke for pets and people but studies now show that third hand smoke is also really bad for our pets.

According to a study done by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and reported by Mulligan Stew pet foods, third hand smoke is comprised of the toxins that settle in the carpets, walls, upholstery, clothes and even skin and hair.

Second hand smoke is inhaled but third hand smoke is absorbed into the body by skin exposure, dust inhalation and digestion. Cats and other animals are at risk because they are closer to the surfaces that these toxins settle on.

If you smoke or live with a smoker...you could be endangering yourself and your pet...so QUIT!

Shirley's Wellness Cafe

2010-05-14T07:07:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for options for traditional Western medicine to treat your pets - check this web site out. Shirley's Wellness Cafe offers all sorts of options with testimonials from people who tried the treatments. Everything from acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy and nutrition is covered with references to vets who use these modalities.

I use this frequently even with all my many vet books at home. People write in with new ideas and treatments and how to use each one. They cover cancer treatments, liver issues...all sorts of serious and mild pet illnesses. Takes some reading to go through it all but well worth looking into!

Flower Essences for Geriatric Pets

2010-03-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

Is your pet elderly but not seriously ill? Maybe she just sleeps too much, and is not interested in things like she used to be? I combined a few flower essences to help my 18 year old cat Chica and 17 year old Yoko that you might find helpful.

Both were not being as active as usual - not surprising given their age but I did see more spark in their eyes after giving the remedy for a few days.

I combined Bach Flower Remedies Wild Rose (restores the life force and the will to live), Olive (restores strength and capacity for revitalization), and Clematis (restores alertness and focus). For Chica who also has chronic renal failure I added Crab Apple (remedies toxicity). I make up a dropper bottle using two drops of each remedy in water. Then I dose two drops several times a day.

I add this to their food, milk or water for 4-5 days several times a day, whenever they seem less perky or more inclined to sleep rather than participate in activities. It does seem to restore their zest in life. Try it!

Homeopathy for Feline Agression

2010-03-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

A few of you have mentioned having problems with aggression in your cat or cats in the household. I have listed some suggestions in other posts but recently found this forum that really hits the nail on the head. The most important thing after choosing the right remedy is the dose - this is crucial for getting to the root of the problem.

I am having difficulties with Al our deaf cat being very aggressive to anyone he comes near - his most obvious symptom is dilated pupils right before he attacks. I gave him Belladonna 30c three days ago plus put flower remedies in the water for all and so far all has been calm! If he acts up again, I will go up to the 200c strength, dosing once and see what happens. I use 30c often as finding 200c is not easy - some stores will special order it for you but others usually don't carry it.

I have included the info in the forum below (in italics) for you all to have for reference. If you want to read it yourself click ABC Homeopathy. My comments are in regular script.

Teach yourself T-Touch (short for Tellington Touch) There are books and classes on this. Very easy, and you can use it on them, while you are sitting with them, instead of just petting them as it will retrain their brains, not to fight or flight but to calm down. (I have read this book and used it int he past - will give it another try. It is a very simple technique to calm animals by massaging small circles all over their bodies.)

I mainly use 200C remedies with my animals, one pill diluted in four ounces of water and I dose them one teaspoon as needed.

-Belladonna-Pupils are dilated, glassy-eyed look, anger, flies into a rage,they may have red, hot, ears, or eyes, and may tear up bedding or furniture, inflammation, restless, delirious, aggressive.

-Hyoscyamus-Hypersexual, animals that hump legs, or whatever they can, even if neutered, suspicion, jealousy.

-Lachesis-They hate anything around their neck especially collars, are jealous and suspicious but not as intense as Hyoscyamus, aggression comes from a perceived threat, think of a snake striking its prey, worse when sleeping, be cautious when dealing with them just waking up.

-Staphysagria-Females or males who spray, have aggression, resentment that another animal is brought into the house, any changes in their life that result in anger of the animal, anger, a must to use after any female has been spayed. Also good for decaying teeth where the tops are blackened and yes, it will reverse it. They also cower/shake/startle at loud voices or sudden moves, like if you go to pet them, from their memories of previous abuse. I helped a dog over come his abuse with this remedy, and he would not let anyone get within 10 feet of him. Now he is like a barnacle on my leg and plays again like a puppy.

-Nux Vomica-Chilly, thin, wants to be left alone, bossy, first in line for food and attention. Great for hairballs, constipation or diarrhea with lots of straining and detoxing.

-Stramonium-Post-rabies vaccination aggression, fear triggers the aggression, fear of the dark or bright lights.

-Merc Viv-They are worse from discipline, may bite and snarl when disciplined, tend to have mouth problems, do not like the extremes of hot nor cold.

-Phosphorus-Narrow-bodied, very vocal especially with food, vomits water or food within 30 minutes after eating, class clown, life of the party, burn out quickly, bleed easily. Fear of thunder and fireworks as well.

-Pulsatilla-Shy,sweet, affectionate, dogs that bark when you leave because they don't want to be left alone, prefers cool surfaces to lie on, eye discharges.

-Natrum Mur-Worse from consolation, they are fine when you pet them, and then they lash out, and sulk afterwards. Likes salt, worse from heat or sun, good for any animal that has been abandoned, separted from mom too early, or siblings too early. Works nicely in conjunction with Ignatia if needed.

-Ignatia-Good for any animal who has grief, sadness, loss of appetite from this, any animal that has been abused, neglected, abandoned, lost a loved one, etc.

-Sepia-Animals that are difficult to medicate, very chilly, sad, like to hide, and have dirty, waxy, itchy ears. I use the 30C daily here, until resolved.

Arsenicum Album-Poisoning, very thin animals, who have a fear of being left alone and worsen when left alone, solitude is a no-no because of their anxiety, obsessive cleaning of themselves, very chilly, thirsty, but drink little sips of water often, may or may not eat, and hangs head over food but does not eat, they are restless and change positions often, weakness, symptoms worse before midnight.

I use a spray bottle of water with Rescue Remedy in it to discipline my cats when they are out of line. It seems to set them straight and calm them. It gives them a stern warning without inflicting fear in them.

Ignore bad behavior when possible and reward, reward, reward good behavior.

Every group of animals has its dominators and non-dominators, it is how they survive in the wild. The goal is to make the best life possible where all these creatures can live in harmony.

I recommend the book written by a homeopathic DVM Homeopathic Care for Dogs and Cats by Don Hamilton. (Great book - my bible for homeopathic treatment!)

Let me know if I can be of help to anyone with more info or suggestions!

Valerian - Herbal Nerve Tonic

2010-02-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Valerian is synthesized to make Valium but the herb itself is safe and non-addictive for epts and people.

Valerian is an antispasmodic, and nerve tonic. It allays pain and promotes sleep and is non-narcotic.

I use it to help calm pets with anxiety and over active personalities. It is a sedative and pain killer - stronger than other herbal sedatives. It soothes the nervous system and reduces high blood pressure. Valerian slows and strengthens the heart and calms palpitations.

It is useful for muscle spasms, arthritis pain, and spinal injuries. It aids digestion and gas. For people it can help promote sleep.

Cats love the smell almost like catnip - to me it smells like very stinky feet! I use the capsules to avoid the smell and sprinkle a little bit in the wet food, stirring it in.

Help for Easily Frightened Pets

2010-01-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Does your dog or cat startle easily at any sound, even sounds they hear every day? Does your pet spend a lot of time hiding or slinking from one safe spot to another?

Bach Flower Remedies can offer help. Aspen (Populus tremula) calms fear and apprehension when the cause is unknown. It helps sudden anxiety, trembling, shaking. Aspen restores calm and normal breathing and reduces muscle tension.

This remedy works well for animals that have been skittish since birth, for pets that easily freak out when something new happens in the house and for those who fear going outside.

I suggest to give the remedy several times a day or put a few drops in the drinking water for at least five days in a row to seee the best results. Aspen works well when given with the remedy Mimulus.

For more information about flower remedies I recommend Bach Flower Remedies for Animals by Helen Graham and Gregory Vlamis.

Electrolyte Solution Recipe

2009-12-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when our pets are ill and vomit or have diarrhea, they lose fluid - severely dehydrated animals can lose up to 10 percent of their body weight in fluids. One way to tell if they are dehydrated is to gently pinch a bunch of skin on their neck or shoulders and if it falls back quickly, they are fine, if not they need fluids.

Electrolyte solution replenishes this fluid. Make your own rather than pay for expensive brands at grocery stores which also have preservatives and chemical in them that your pet may not be able to handle.

1 quart clean water (no chlorine or fluoride)

1tablespoon sugar or honey

1 teaspoon common table salt

Mix well and refrigerate unused portions in a clean container. Warm only amount to be used to room temperature before use. electrolyte solution hat is left out will turn moldy. For extended use, make a fresh batch every day.

The following amounts should be given over the course of a day until the pet is drinking on its own from the water bowl. For less acute dehydration simply offer as much electrolyte solution as the animal will drink on its own from a bowl. I like to use a plastic syringe and give a dose of the intake periodically.

Kittens and puppies - three tablespoons

Pets weighing five pounds - four to five tablespoons

Pets weighing ten pounds - three quarters of a cup

Pets weighing fifteen or more pounds - one quarter of a cup for each five pounds of body weight.

This information from Kaetheryn Walker's Homeopathic First Aid for Animals.

Wordless Wednesday - Al's Silent World

2009-11-11T14:58:00.001-08:00

For more Wordless Wednesday posts visit here.

Read this to learn more about living with deaf pets

Lost Pets

2009-10-06T11:35:00.001-07:00

Even with our best intentions, sometimes our cat or dog will escape and get lost.

A new way to find lost pets has come to my attention. Another cat blogger has lost her two cats and she posted them on Find Toto. This is similar to the Amber Alert for lost children.

Besides using this web site - make sure you contact all the vets in your area, the local shelters, and animal control. Post fliers with the pet's name, a photo, your phone number and reward if you can afford it. Put these in every place you can.
You want to get the word out to as many people in your area who may see your lost pet.

For more info on the web site check out Find Toto.

Feline Wellness Magazine

2009-08-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

Animal Wellness Magazine has come out with a cats only version called Feline Wellness. I really enjoyed reading it and found the articles well written as usual and very appropriate for me because I live with a group of rescued cats.

The magazine has 10- 12 feature articles ranging from flea control to explaining homeopathy, health issues and more. The regular columns consist of book reviews, health questions and answers and Cat Chat- trends and news about cats and ending with the Tail End - an amusing reader submitted article as the last one in the magazine.

I found the ads to be helpful - listing companies providing food, litter, toys and health products. I would highly recommend Feline Wellness magazine if you only have cats. The Animal Wellness focuses mostly on dogs now or on articles relating to both cats and dogs. A great pair of magazines and resources for healthy natural American made products for your pet.

Check Feline Wellness out online

Little Lotus Hearts

2009-07-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

I found a wonderful web site for animals and their humans at http://littlelotushearts.com/home.html - set up from a Buddhist perspective about caring for all being on this planet. Find out what you can do to help animals, create a tribute to your animal companion or just learn more about Buddhist views. Check it out.

Urgent - Nutro Cat Foods Recall!

2009-05-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Some Nutro pet foods have been voluntarily recalled due to contamination. The brands recalled are Nutro Natural Choice Complete Care and Nutro Max - both dry foods for cats. None of the dry or canned dog food are affected nor the canned cat food. This Press release was issued by Nutro:

Today, Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries. This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier.

Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO® dry cat food.

This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier. An extensive review confirmed that only these two premixes were affected. This recall does not affect any NUTRO® dog food products, wet dog or cat food, or dog and cat treats.

Go to the following web sites to check out which ones were recalled and why.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/nutro05_09.html

http://www.nutroproducts.com/

Book Review: The Holistic Cat by Jennifer A. Coscia

2009-05-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

This newly published book is a very personal account of life in the author's rescue group and how her background as a nutritionist has helped the cats that live with her.

Coscia is an internationally recognized nutritional consultant specializing in disease prevention. She has combined her background and her love of animals to form TARAA - The Animal Rescue and Adoption Agency, Inc. - a nonprofit, no kill organization for the betterment of animal welfare. Partnering with Petco, Coscia has rescued and placed hundreds of cats into loving homes.

In this book Corscia presents a complimentary approach to health care by combining conventional veterinary medicine and alternative methods to focus on disease prevention, using first hand knowledge and experience from her shelter cats.

She covers a variety of topics and illustrates each with personal experiences involving her cats with photos as well. Some topics included in her list are holistic nutrition, vaccinations, caring for feral colonies and using TNR, the dangers in the house and outdoors for cats, bringing in new pets and moving or traveling with cats. She also gives nutritional treatment suggestions for many feline illnesses - URI's, eye issues, kidney, heart and intestinal problems and allergies.

Her book is full of useful suggestions and honest opinions based on her experiences. I particularly like how she presents the vaccination dilemma, explaining very simply the way vaccines work and how they can adversely affect cats. Even if you are not a big holistic medicine follower, her her honestly written stories and anecdotes about life with her rescued cats are heartwarming and informative as well. She has dedicated her life to rescuing homeless cats and caring for them if they cannot be placed in other homes. I find her extremely admirable and enjoyed her book very much.

Rescue Ink

2009-05-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a great bunch of tough guys in the NYC area who formed a rescue group that is just as tough on animal abusers! Check out their web page and keep posted on what they are doing. They even have a TNR feral cat program!

Right now they are trying to raise money to send Sailor, a very abused dog, to a sanctuary where he can live out the rest of his life. he has too many issues to be placed in a home.

Great work guys!!!!

Go here to see what they do ot go over to the sidebar and click on their website. http://www.rescueink.org/

World's Best Cat Litter

2009-05-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

I did an earlier post on the dangers of chemicals in cat litter and suggested using natural substances instead. This brand is my all time favorite. I discovered it many years ago and have been using it since.

The reason being that once I began bringing in in new cats and kittens to the household, I saw that sometimes they ate the litter or got a lot on their paws and would clean it off. I worried about what was in it that they were ingesting. I researched all cat litters and was horrified to learn about the chemicals in them.

Sodium bentonite is the clumping agent in scoopable litters. It acts like expandable cement when digested when cats lick themselves. It causes problems that can lead to death. Silica, a form of quartz, is believed to be a carcinogen when inhaled. Silica is what causes the dust when litter is stirred.

Looking for something more natural, I found World's Best Cat Litter at a healthy pet store and began to carry it in my gift/book store.

WBCL is made from whole kernel corn with no harmful chemicals, perfumes or additives. Their scientists found out that highly absorbent proteins and fibers found naturally in corn bind cat urine and odor molecules in the litter.

Why do we love this litter?

Great odor control - no more smelly boxes.
Compact clumping - easy to scoop.
Silica dust free - no dangers or messy dust.
100% natural - safe for cats and kittens
Long lasting freshness - use less than other litters.
Flushable, biodegradable and septic safe - safe for our planet.
And most importantly, my cats love it.

Try a bag of this litter and you will see for yourself. Petsmart carries it as well as many health food stores, grocery stores and other pet stores. For more info go to www.worldsbestcatlitter.com.

Pet Food Warning

2009-04-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

The FDA is investigating the company NUTRO which makes pet food - Max Cat, Natural Choice and Ultra are some of their brands. Pet owners have complained of their pets getting seriously ill and having to be euthanized after eating this food and some actually dying after ingesting NUTRO foods.

Symptoms include vomiting bile, abdominal pain, and kidney issues. It has not been recalled but be forewarned - do not buy this brand until we know more. The link below will give you more detailed information about this situation.

http://blogs.catster.com/the-cats-meow-a-cat-and-kitten-blog/fda-confirms-probe-of-nutro-pet-food-deaths/2009/04/21/

Go Green - For Your Pet's Sake

2009-04-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day - this is a great day to explain how sensitive our pets are to the toxins in our environment and what to do to help them.

If your dog or cat is an indoor pet, according to EPA studies, they are exposed to 100 to 200 times the pollution than being outdoors. Clean your vents, filters and ducts often or you and they could be breathing asbestos, pollen, pesticides, tobacco, dust mites, bacteria, mold and other unhealthy agents.

If you are building or remodeling a home, look for materials that say "toxin free". Carpets, paints, and pressed wood products can be particularly problematic. Indoor pollutants are twice as toxic to pets than to people.

Pet proof you home by putting away medications, cleaning products and rat and mouse traps and baits. Even chocolate, especially the baking type, can be toxic if enough is ingested. Use natural substitutes for these products whenever possible.

In your yard, ant poisons and insecticides can be fatal to your pet. Go organic for your garden needs and it will be good for you and your pet.

Even more dangerous is antifreeze - a half a teaspoon per pound for a dog can be a toxic dose, even less for a cat. Buy the non-toxic brands to prevent accidents like this.

Dozens of household cleaning agents such as toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, detergents can cause severe harm to your cat or dog. They can destroy tissue by acid or alkaline burns, by dissolving tissue membranes, by being absorbed into the bloodstream, or by causing general illness. Look for chemical free products from brands like Seventh Generation, Earth Rite, and Harmony or make your own using baking soda, lemon juice and other inexpensive safe substitutes.

Keep batteries, lead based paints, fishing lures and other items containing lead away from pets. They can ingest them and become very ill. Even dogs swallowing pennies can develop illness from zinc poisoning.

Some products made for pets like flea control, rawhide chew toys, cat litter contain toxic chemicals. Buy natural pet products whenever possible and follow the directions for any flea product.

Lastly even our tap water can contain hazardous chemicals harmful to us and our pets. Buy a filter if your water may have chemicals in it. Use ceramic or stainless steel food and water bowls instead of plastic which can leech chemicals.

Our pets are the sentinels of our environment. Because they are smaller than humans, they can be harmed faster than us from chemicals and pollutants. The soaring cancer rate in pets attests to the harm we are doing to them and our beautiful planet. As the bumper sticker says - we only have one planet - let's not ruin it!

Using Healing Energy for Your Pet

2009-04-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am a Reiki Master/Teacher who uses my abilities to help my animal companions as well as friends and family. We all have the ability to heal at an unconscious level whether we realize this or not.

I will teach you a simple way to help your pet heal using a technique from Dr. Monica Diedrich's book What Your Animals Tell Me. Dr. Diedrich is a minister with a doctorate in metaphysics. She has been a veterinary assistant and now is a pet communicator full time. She discovered her ability to communicate with animals when she was a child.

Do not use this to replace veterinary care but to enhance your dog or cat's natural ability to heal his or herself.

Turning on the Healing Energy
Sit quietly in front of your animal friend and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply three times visualizing that you are inhaling the pure healing light from the Universe though your nostrils. As you breathe, the energy accumulates in your lungs and then is transferred to your stomach. The Chinese call this spot tan t'ien, located about three inches below your naval and 2 1/2 inches inward. This is the center of your aura, the balancing area of your internal energy, your grounding point.

Continue with a slow rhythmic breathing and position your hands palms facing up fingers pointing outward. Continue breathing until you feel a tingling sensation in your fingertips or heat in the palm of your hands. Turn your palms facing down and lightly touch the affected area sending healing energy into your pet. There is no need for massage, or caress - just hands on. Feel this healing warmth radiate through your body into your pet's body. You are the channel for this energy. It is not coming from you but through you. This energy is always there - you are just harnessing it and transferring it to where it is most needed.

While you are doing this also visualize the light going through your pet's body restoring whatever part is ill to health. Visualize the light surrounding the organ that is in need of healing. You can also imagine a battalion of tiny spirits working with you to repair your pet's health - going over sutures to make the incision heal faster, pressing light filled sponges on the wound to heal better - use your imagination to see this all happening. Do whatever feels comfortable for you.

Maintain these images for at least 10 to 15 minutes or as long as you can. Once you can't visualize any longer, thank the spirits, the light and release them for the next time. Thank the Universe, God or whatever you believe in and add that you are doing this for the Highest Good of All.

I find that by doing this we give ourselves something to do rather than just sit around feeling helpless while our pet is ill. Often I see the pain subside or they will fall asleep and wake up more comfortable.

If you interested in learning more about healing energy check out Diedrich's book. If you want to know more about Reiki natural healing, I would suggest you read Essential Reiki by Diane Stein. I would be happy to teach and attune you to Reiki Level 1 - please contact me for more information.

Weekly Home Checks for Cancer

2009-04-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

Our pets can get cancer just like people. Veterinarians suggest that we make a habit of going over our companion animals every week looking for lumps, bumps, sores that don't heal or anything unusual, especially if it pops up suddenly.

Not everything we find is cancer but the sooner we get it checked out the better for our pet. Other things we might notice are lethargy, low energy or loss in appetite. If your pet exhibits any of the ten signs below, it is a good idea to visit your vet as soon as possible.

1) Abnormal swellings, bumps or growths

2) Sores that do not heal

3) Offensive mouth odor

4) Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

5) Bleeding or discharge from any body opening

6) Weight loss or loss of appetite

7) Coughing

8) Chronic vomiting or diarrhea

9) Persistent lameness, stiffness or difficulty exercising

10) Difficulty eating or swallowing

Dog Napping is Rising

2009-04-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

According to the American Kennel Club dog theft is increasing.

The value of pet's in people's lives has been increasing in recent years. Because of this, thieves are stealing dogs to resell, collect ransom or breed the dogs and resell the puppies. Here are some tips to protect your dog:

Never leave your dog alone in your yard or car even if the yard is fenced or the car door is locked. And don't tie them outside a store.

Be aware of your surroundings at dog related businesses - grooming salons, veterinary clinics, doggie day care or pet friendly hotels. Thieves may be lurking nearby to scope things out.

Protect your dog with a microchip ID.

The AKC has an Companion Animals Recovery service. To enroll visit www.akccar.org.

The Nose Knows or Does It?

2009-03-27T13:28:00.001-07:00

People think dogs and cats should normally have wet noses and if they are dry then there is a problems. Not so.

That is actually an old wives tale. Pets with high temperatures can have cold, wet noses. Conversely, warm noses don't mean that there is a temperature. The nose isn't a very reliable measure of wellness.

The only way to check your pet's temperature is the old fashioned way - using a rectal thermometer.

Taking Your Pet's Temperature

2009-03-27T12:36:00.001-07:00

This is probably the least fun thing you will have to do for your pet but following these tips will make the process easier.

If you get all your supplies ready before you get your pet, you can make taking his temperature go much more smoothly. You will need a rectal thermometer, petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls and someone who is willing to help hold your pet still while you work.

Gather all of these items in one place. Shake down the thermometer if you are using an older one. If you have a newer digital one, make sure it is turned on and set at the low setting. Lightly coat it with petroleum jelly. Soak a cotton ball in alcohol and set it aside. Now you are ready for your pet.

Have your helper hold your pet steady and lift his tail. With the older thermometer, gently twirl the thermometer into the rectum about 1 to 3 inches. For larger animals you may have to go in further to get a reading. The newer ones you only need to get the tip inside the rectum. Hold it in place for 2 minutes or for however long your thermometer directions say. Some of the newer ones can take a readying in seconds. Pull it out when the time is up, wipe it clean and take a reading.

Normal temperature for dogs and cat is between 100.5 and 102.5 F. If your pet is a degree or more over the normal range, he may have a fever and you should call the vet. Use the alcohol soaked cotton ball to clean the thermometer.

St. John's Wort

2009-03-27T12:22:00.001-07:00

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal tranquilizer and antidepressant. The active components include hypericin and hyperforin. This herb raises levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine which helps maintain normal mood and emotional stability.

In dogs and cats this herb is used for depression, separation and certain forms of aggression. Some supplements combine this herb with other sedating herbs like Valerian, passion flower and others. I have given this to my cat with seizures to help calm her. St John's Wort may also be helpful as an antibacterial and antiviral agent.

Dose 1/8 to 1/4 of the human dose recommended on the label.

Probiotics

2009-03-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Probiotics are very helpful for pets. They are various healthy beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Streptococcus thermophilus that normally live in the intestines and promote normal bowel health.

I give my pets probiotics whenever there is possibility of upsetting the normal intestinal flora - surgery, while taking antibiotics or chemotherapy and if suffering from illness or stress. Probiotics can supply nutrients, aid in digestion, reduce pathogenic bacteria and yeasts and allow for better conversion of food into nutrients.

Probiotics improve the health of the gastrointestinal system in pets as well as in people. They produce chemicals that decrease the amount of harmful bacteria. They decrease toxins produced by this bacteria. They block adhesion of harmful bacteria to the intestinal cells and compete for nutrients needed for growth by pathogenic organisms. Overall probiotics stimulate the immune systems of the intestines.

Since probiotics are live organisms it is important that you buy quality products. They come in dosages of several million to several billion live organisms. Some pet brands add strains that are acid and bile resistant to give them with food. This makes them more apt to get digested and into the intestines rather than be destroyed in the stomach via digestive juices.

I suggest to give cats and dogs 1/8 to 1/4 of the human dose of supplements. Larger animals should take more.

Pet First Aid Kit

2009-03-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Emergencies can happen without warming. Do you have the materials in one place to give first aid to your pet? Here is a simple list of what to include:

* Your Vet's phone number
* The phone number to the closest emergency 24-hour clinic
* A first aid manual for pets
* Muzzles the correct size for your pets
* Antibacterial soap
* Antibiotic ointment
* Bandaging materials - 2-inch stretchable and non stretchable gauze rolls and gauze pads in a variety of sizes
* Blunt tipped scissors
* Cotton balls
* Disposable rubber gloves
* Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
* Masking tape
* Needle-nose pliers
* Petroleum jelly
* Plastic needles syringe or turkey baster
* Rectal thermometer
* Saline solution
* Tweezers

Book Review: 50 Games to Play with Your Cat by Jackie Strachan

2009-03-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

All of us cat lovers know this simple fact. Cats will play with the package/box/wrapper and leave the toy alone! How many of our cats love the rings from milk bottles, cardboard boxes and crinkled paper better than the expensive toys we buy for them?

This book explains how you can make toys for cats out of simple materials we have around the house. The Box of Balls for example is just a box with holes cut out and reinforced to let the cats play with the balls inside but not pull them out. Not rocket science but most of us would not normally think to make this. Instead we go to the store and buy "Bizzy Kitty" based on the same idea.

The book is divided up into categories of play activities and lounging accommodations. They give ideas for ball games, catnip toys, hide and seek games,kitty condos you can make and stalking games to play with our cats.

The book's suggestions relate well to our tough economy. Anyone with a new cat can make toys for him/her without spending a lot of money. Just buying food and litter can be more than enough to spend plus vet bills.

Check this book out. I found mine at a thrift shop for less than a dollar. You might too! Keep a look out for it.

Colostrum to Boost Immune System

2009-03-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Colostrum, called mother's gold , is a thick yellow substance that is produced toward the end of a female's pregnancy, emitted by her mammary glands during the first 24 to 48 hours after giving birth. For humans the first few breast feedings produce the newborn with colostrum, one of the main reasons breastfeeding is encouraged.

This colostrum delivers some very important substances to all newborns.
Immune factors to facilitate the development of a strong immune system.
Growth factors, essential in creation and maintenance of bone, muscle, nerves and cartilage.
Antibodies (immunoglobulins) that protect from invading organisms, minimize the severity of an illness and stimulate the infant's own immune system.

Colostrum is not new as a treatment. It was used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic physicians in India. In our country doctors in the 1950's used it to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

The colostrum on the market is bovine colostrum. The molecular structure of the immune and growth factors of bovine colostrum is actually very similar to those found in humans, so cows are universal donors for colostrum. Plus bovine colustrum is actually superior than human colostrum in having more factors, is better absorbed and being able to control the environment in making colostrum.

Colostrum is used for boosting the immune system, countering the effects of aging,and mproving the mechanisms of digestion. It is used in treating allergies, asthma, arthritis, IBS, colitis, leaky gut syndrome, skin problems (making a paste to apply topically) and infections.

People and pets can benefit from colostrum since it not species specific. I give my cats with FIV, IBS and other immune issues colostrum in their food. There is very little if any real milk in it so it does not cause allergic reactions and does not interfere with other medications.

Buy only colostrum from New Zealand cows as they are raised on pesticide free grain and grass and not given any hormones or antibiotics during their life time. One company I suggest is Symbiotics for New Zealand colostrum. You can find this in any health food store or online.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-16T12:52:00.001-07:00

Chica posed for this "stuff on my cat" photo! Not willingly though!

National Poison Prevention Week

2009-03-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

This third week of March marks National Poison Prevention Week. Listed below are several articles on poison, toxic plants, Pet Poison Hot line and other related articles.

It is up to you to make sure your pets and children are safe from any toxic substance in and around your home. This is a great opportunity to make sure all toxic substances are put away in a safe place.

For more info on poison prevention check out http://www.poisonprevention.org.

Kitten Healed - Heartwarming Story!

2009-03-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

This article is from Best Friends Pet Sanctuary website. It is nice to hear of a pet story with a happy and maybe miraculous ending!

January 27, 2009 : 9:17 AM ET

Not many cats can give vets the kind of jaw-dropping double-take that C.C. pulled off. But then, C.C. is no ordinary girl. When C.C. was found as a stray kitten, she was injured badly. She couldn’t use her back legs, she had a fractured pelvis, and she was incontinent.
C.C. had been living as a feral kitten and learned to be afraid of people. Still, the folks who found her knew she needed help. They wouldn’t take no for an answer! She came to Best Friends for emergency care.

At Best Friends, she received all the medical help she needed. (Along with some TLC she didn’t think she needed!) It was obvious from the beginning that she would require long-term special care. A shelter specializing in incontinent cats heard about C.C. and offered to take her once she was healthy enough to travel. Until then, C.C. had a cozy bed and all the comforts she wanted right at Best Friends.

It’s amazing, though, what a determined kitten can do. That TLC worked wonders, even though C.C. resisted affection at first. Not only did she start trusting people, she began to feel better … lots better. In fact, as her body grew and matured, it seemed to miraculously fix itself. She lost the limp and started using the litter box more often than could be considered accidental.

The vets and caregivers wondered if she was regaining continence. Nerve damage hardly ever reverses, but all signs pointed to a complete recovery for C.C. So, they monitored her closely during a trial period without expressing her bladder. Call it luck, call it a miracle, but C.C. passed with ease! After many days of observation, she was pronounced cured. The only thing left from her injuries now is a slightly crooked tail, but even that looks somehow exotic on C.C.

The shelter that had offered to take her bowed out once they learned she was no longer incontinent. After all, they need the space for harder-to-place cats. So C.C. decided to call Best Friends her home for now. But, with all the tricks she has up her sleeve, it won't be long before she woos a family of her own. Welcome, C.C. What a way to turn those medical books upside down!

Story by David Dickson
Photo by Molly Wald

Formerly Feral -- Tabitha and Lily

2009-03-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Tabitha is one of Lily's litters. She is a beautiful tabby, very loving and affectionate. Her mom Lily, the white kitty, had 3 litters before I could catch her..very smart little cat! Even with the Have-a-heart trap Lily would pull the food bowl towards one side and use her paw to eat from the cage, not going inside.

I finally won her confidence and she and her last litter walked into our enclosed porch themselves. Now all of the cats are spayed and have a forever home with us.

Trouble with Skunks

2009-03-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

With the weather warming up, our pets, especially dogs will start exploring more and getting into trouble with the local wildlife.

Here are some tips to help get rid of the smell if your dog has had a run in with a skunk.

The first thing to do if it looks like your dog got sprayed in the eyes is to rinse them with a saline solution or water.

Then take him outside for a thorough bath. According to Prevention magazine's master groomer and vets, the best anti-smell approach is equal parts dish washing detergent (Dawn or Palmolive), 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, making sure you avoid your dog's eyes. Use rubber gloves to do this to protect yourself from the scent.

After washing, rinse him thoroughly with equal parts red wine vinegar and water. The vinegar may tint the fur a pink color but that will wear off. Let the vinegar dry on the coat to absorb the odor. You can rinse it off in 6 to 12 hours or just let it wear off naturally.

When it rains and your dog gets wet, the skunk smell may come back. Keep a spray bottle of the vinegar and water solution to spray on when the odor returns. It could take a few months to completely get rid of all odor.

Dangerous Spring Plants

2009-03-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

With spring not long off pet owners need to be aware of the dangers of some of the plants and shrubs soon to be blooming and greening up outdoors. The list below is from the ASPCA Poisonous Plant List.

Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestion of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododendron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Amaryllis
Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.

English IvyAlso called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

How to Find a Holistic Veterinarian

2009-03-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

When I moved to a different part of my state I needed to find another vet I could trust like my old one Dr. Maggie Federhart at Whispering Waters Animal Clinic in Boone and I wanted a holistic vet like her too.

There are not as many out there as you would think. I checked with the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (http://www.ahvma.org/). Their web site has a section to click on to find a holistic vet near you. I also asked my vet if she knew anyone in our area. She did but they were no longer operating. I looked in the local phone book for ads about holistic vets. My new vet had an ad stating she was holistic. Finally I talked to local people who had pets, about who they went to..people at health food stores, pet stores, natural food stores etc.

The reason I prefer holistic vets to conventional ones is because they are more interested in healing pets than treating diseases. They don't just focus on the problem at hand but look at what would bring total wellness to the animal. The goal of holistic pet care is to prevent disease rather than just treat it. They use many types of alternative treatments - acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, herbs, Chinese medicine and nutrition.

By using all of the above methods, I did find a great holistic vet locally to bring my pets to for health care. I use Dr. Heather Sinclair of Haw Creek Animal Hospital in Asheville. But I keep in contact with my old vet through phone consultations. After all Maggie knows all my pets from treating them through the years. Most holistic vets will offer phone consults for those who live a distance away as long as you have a vet nearby to run tests and physically examine the pet.

I have had a holistic vet for my animals now for 10 years and would not have it any other way. I even use holistic doctors for my husband and I!

Quote of the Day

2009-03-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul
remains unawakened."

- Anatole France

Homeopathic Remedies for Common Ailments

2009-03-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

I have explained about homeopathic remedies in detail in an earlier post. I want to list here some common ailments and the remedies most likely to help heal them. I always keep a good selection of remedies on hand in case I need them.

Abscesses
Apis mellifica
Hepar Sulphuris calcarea
Silicea

Accidents and Trauma
Aconitum napellas
Arnica montana

Allergies
Arsenicum album
Rhus toxicodendrun
Sulphur

Arthritis
Bryonia alba
Calcarea florica
Rhus Tox
Ruta graveolens

Bronchitis
Byronia
Spongia tosta

Cystitis
Cantharis
Uva ursi

DiarrheaAloe
Arsenicum album
Silicea
Podophylum

Eye Conditons
Apis
Argentum nitricum
Cantharis
Natrum muriatricum
Rhus Tox

Fever
Aconite
Belladonna
Ferrum Phosphorus

Hives
Apis
Cantharis
Nat mur
Rhus tox
Urtica urens

Insect Bites
Apis
Cantharis
Hypericum
Lachesis muta
Ledum palustre

Motion Sickness
Cocculus indicus

Seizures
Aconite
Belladonna
Chamomilla
Phosphorus

Vomiting
Ars album
Cham
Mercurius vivus
Nat Mur
Nux Vomica
Phos

SAMe for pets

2009-03-09T06:59:00.001-07:00

SAMe or S-Adenosylmethionine is a human supplement that can be helpful for pets. Special SAMe is specifically made for animals. Some of the benefits of SAMe for your pets are listed below.

1) It promotes the health of the liver.

2) It may help slow the aging process in senior pets.

3) It is helpful for disorders of the joints and connective tissue, including arthritis.

4) It may lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with heart disease.

5) SAMe+ is a powerful antioxidant that can help detoxify the liver.

Special SAMe+, while labeled for pets, is great for people too. In addition, this product is not just your everyday SAMe that you can purchase at the drug store---it is third party tested for purity and potency and includes additional ingredients for maximum absorption and effectiveness. Special SAMe+ tablets are enterically coated in order to prevent its breakdown by stomach acidity and promote intact absorption in the small intestine. Vitamins B6, B12, and folate were added in order to provide cofactors for the natural conversions of SAMe to L-homocysteine and then safely to L-cysteine

SAMe+ has been scientifically shown in research studies to help relieve joint pain, elevate mood and support the liver.

For joint pain, Special SAMe+ is a great addition to use along with standard joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, etc.

As with any herbs or supplements, ask your vet before giving to your pet to make sure there aren't any conditions that might be adversely affected by taking SAMe.

Special SAMe is available through www.askariel.com web site or other sources online.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

2009-03-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

This is one phone number that should be on every pet owner's refrigerator!

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is the only 24-hour, 365-day facility of its kind staffed by 30 veterinarians, 12 of who are board-certified toxicologists/veterinary toxicologists.

Located in Urbana, Ill., the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners, and specific diagnostic and treatment recommendations to veterinarians pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances. In 2006, the center handled over 116,000 cases. The APCC also provides extensive veterinary toxicology consulting on a wide array of subjects, including legal cases, formulation issues, product liability, and regulatory reporting.

For more information on potentially dangerous substances in the home or to reach the APCC, please call (888) 426-4435 or visit www2.aspca.org/apcc

Raisins and Grapes are Toxic to Pets

2009-03-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

An email message is circulating that raisins can be toxic to pets. This one is true.

From April 2003 to April 2004, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center managed 140 cases, each involving one or more dogs that ingested varying amounts of raisins or grapes. Of these cases, over 50 animals developed clinical signs ranging from vomiting to life-threatening kidney failure, and seven dogs died.

Much is still yet to be discovered about the toxic principle associated with grape and raisin ingestions, as well as the exact mechanism leading to kidney damage in some dogs. It is also not clear if only canines are susceptible to developing a toxicosis, and additionally if only certain dogs are affected, or if chronic, long term ingestions can lead to the same effects as large, acute or single ingestions.As there are still many unknowns with the toxic potential of grapes and raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises not giving grapes or raisins to pets in any amount.

Please call (888) 426-4435 if you have a pet that has ingested grapes or raisins, or you suspect may be experiencing problems.

Chronic Renal Failure

2009-03-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

I noticed my oldest cat Chica, at age 16, was vomiting yellow frothy liquid. She had lost weight and seemed to be a little off. She was drinking more and urinating pale urine in large volumes.

I called my vet and made an appointment to bring Chica in. To start her off she told me to give Chica the homeopathic remedy Nux Vomica to stop the vomiting. It worked.

At the appointment, after a physical exam, Maggie told me she thought Chica had renal failure. We did blood work to be sure but all her symptoms were right on target. I was upset as I had just gone through illnesses with one of my other cats. Maggie told me she had great luck with some new natural treatments for renal failure and to not give up hope.

What we ended up using for her treatment are the products below...this is two years later and Chica is going strong.

Feline Renal Support by Standard Process of Palmyra, WI
This is a supplement made of bovine glandulars - kidney, liver, spleen. Plus other herbal ingredients. I give Chica two tablets a day.

Rehnnannie Eight Formula
This is a Chinese herbal mix for strengthening the kidneys. I give her 1/8 to 1/4 of a teaspoon twice a day.

Terrain Max - Kidney Terrain (T-12)
This is a multivitamin, mineral and cofactor supplement to boost kidneys. It is made by Apex Energetics of Irvine, CA. It contains a mix of colostrum, dandelion, nettle, flower remedies and other herbs and minerals. I giver her 6 drops daily.

And finally Renelix, a homeopathic medicine for kidney dysfunction.
it is made in Germany and distributed by BioResource, Inc. of Cotati, CA. This has various homeopathic remedies used for detoxifying the kidneys, bladder and urological tract. I give her 4-6 drops a day of this.

A very important treatment is subcutaneous hydration. Renal failure causes toxins to build in their system and this will help flush them out. Most vets tell you to start doing this weekly or more often depending on the diagnosis. I am not able to do this since Chica puts up a fight and struggles, wails. It is too stressful for her to force her to do this. I found that Renelix does the job and give this to her daily instead.

I had already changed the cat food to a better quality brand like Wellness, Pet Gaurd, Innova to start. It seems the holistic view to diet is that high quality protein with little or no additives is best. The less the kidneys have to process in terms of toxins, the better they function.

You need to work with your vet and to try to find a holistic vet near you to help add to the treatment. I found western medicine to be very inadequate as far as treatment options for renal failure.

Another avenue I recommend is www.askariel.com. (See my sidebar)I found Renelix and Terrain Max through her site. This site belongs to Susan Davis who is a nutritionist for animals. Her dog was diagnosed with renal failure. She looked for options and created this site to help others. She also does consultations to patients not living near her in California.

Good luck and keep trying new things. So much comes into the healthcare markets everyday!

Write your NC Representatives to Support Humane Euthanasia

2009-02-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

This article is from the North Carolina Coalition for Humane Euthanasia website (http://www.ncche.com/)

Davie's Law/ Humane Euthanasia in Shelters (House Bill #6) was filed Wednesday, January 28 in the North Carolina General Assembly by Representative Cary Allred. The bill is named for a puppy who survived a North Carolina gas chamber, later to be found in alive a plastic bag in a dumpster by a citizen taking out her trash. Many shelters still use the CO gas chamber and other cruel and inhumane methods to end the lives of lost and abandoned animals. If Davie's Law passes, it would ensure that no animal would ever again be subjected to this treatment in a North Carolina shelter.

The bill is endorsed by the American Humane Association, Animal Law Coalition, In Defense of Animals, Born Free USA, and many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations. It would require humane euthanasia by injection of sodium pentobarbital, or an alternate oral version of the drug, for all animals euthanized in the custody of shelters. Sixty-five animal shelters in North Carolina euthanize primarily by injection, and fifty-nine of those report using this method exclusively. Employees in those shelters have been trained to safely deal with wildlife and aggressive animals. Still, thirty-two county and city shelters kill animals in gas chambers made of cinderblock, metal, and even wood.

House Bill #6 can be found at this link http://ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2009&BillID=H6. Other primary sponsors include Representatives Rick Glazier, Ty Harrell, and Pat McElraft.

Please call and email your state legislators and ask them to support "Davie's Law," House Bill number 6. Find out who represents you in the North Carolina General Assembly at this link http://www.ncleg.net/GIS/RandR07/Representation.html. Personal visits, calls, written letters, and emails are best, but a form letter is also available at the NCCHE website. Please take time to let your legislators know how you feel in your own words.

Contact nccoalition@yahoo.com to join our mailing list, or to attend a hometown meeting with your legislators.

Our tax dollars are paying for this cruel form of euthanasia. Tell the government that we want this to change!

Colloidal Silver

2009-02-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

This is relatively new in the alternative treatment spectrum but it is very effective as an antibiotic.

It is available in a gel or liquid form and can significantly reduce the length and severity of almost any type of bacterial infection. The best type of colloidal silver is produced with a highly technical electro colloidal process using electrical current. The process allows for extremely fine particles to be suspended indefinitely in a solution of steam distilled water, replacing the need for any chemical or stabilizers and making a true colloidal clotuoiton.

Colloidal silver works by destroying the enzyme responsible in the bacteria or virus, for cellular respiration- depriving the organism from breathing and preventing them from developing resistance and immunity. Colloidal silver is toxic to at least 650 pathogens including fungi, protozoa and parasite eggs.

Colloidal silver can be used topically for burns, cuts, bug bites, dermatitis, rashes and abscesses. Taken orally in small doses it fights cold, flu, eye infections, and other invading infectious agents. It is not toxic, will not suppress the immune system and does not damage the friendly bacteria in the lower gut.

Silver occurs naturally in soil as a trace mineral but because our soils are depleted of these elements, they are no longer available to us except as supplements.

Colloidal silver is tasteless, odorless and does not sting topically. It does not interfere with other drugs but if taken in large doses can cause nausea.

You get what you pay for so make sure you are buying a high quality colloidal silver. One reliable source for colloidal silver is Nannosil (www.harmonixtherapy.com.

I have used this on my cats as a topical rinse for skin issues and given it to them in water for health issues. I have also taken it for myself for fungus infections. It is a product that should be in everyone's first aid kit.

Blog Award

2009-02-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

A belated thank you to Creek Cats for this award from months ago. It took me this long to get this on my blog!!!

Here is the meaning and rules of this award:
"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

My insert link is not functioning...so please excuse the blog addresses instead of the links!

I would like to pass on this award to http://simplycats.beetle-blog.com/, http://caringforbella.blogspot.com/, http://blissyo-elgarden.blogspot.com/, http://catphilanthropy.blogspot.com/, http://kattoniccats.blogspot.com/, http://furrydancecats.blogspot.com/, http://sumacstories.blogspot.com/, http://zoolatry.blogspot.com/.

Check out our new cat blog!

2009-02-22T12:48:00.001-08:00

I have made a new blog just for the rescued feral cats of Wildcat Woods. Check it out and say hi to them.

http://wildcatwoodscats.blogspot.com
(Sorry that I can't seem to get this to connect to my blog!)

Natural Antibiotics Instead of Drugs

2009-02-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

There are times when the health issue of your pet is so severe that you must use an antibiotic drug. But there are side effects to them:
Allergic reaction
Bacterial resistance
Diarrhea
Dry eyes
Fever
Immune-mediated anemia and platelet problems
Immune-mediated joint inflammation
Vomiting
Yeast infections

Some of these side effect will subside or can be diminished by taking the antibiotics with food, and taking probiotics during the course of the antibiotic treatment.

Herbal Antibiotics
For illnesses that are not acute, try taking any of the following herbal antibiotic substitutes:
Alfalfa
Astralgus
Boswelia
Burdock
Dandelion
Echinacea (not for long time use)
Ginger
Ginseng
Gotu Gola
Hawthorn
Horsetail
Licorice (not for long time use)
Marshmallow
Milk Thistle
Nettle
Olive leaf
Red clover
Sage
St. John's Wort
Turmeric
Yarrow
Yellow Dock

For skin problems requiring topical antibiotics, try:
Aloe Vera
Antibacterial shampoos
Colloidal silver
Herbal rinses with chamomile and goldenseal
Olive leaf

Dosages: I use the rule of thumb my vet told me --- to give 1/8 or 1/4 of what a human dose is, depending on the size of your pet.

And it goes without saying...always talk with your vet before giving herbs if your animal takes other medications. Herbs can react with other drugs.

Goodbye to Socks Clinton

2009-02-21T12:22:00.001-08:00

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Socks, the cat who won international fame during his years in the Clinton White House, was euthanized Friday after months of treatment for cancer.

Socks was adopted by Chelsea Clinton when her father was governor of Arkansas.

Socks, who was born in 1989, was put to sleep about 10 a.m. at Three Notch Veterinary Clinic in Hollywood, Maryland, said veterinary assistant Rae Dera. Veterinarians say he was probably either 19 or 20 years old.

The cat had been losing weight since November and had been treated at the clinic, Dera said. He had been suffering from a cancer in his mouth and jaw.

Since the Clintons left the White House in 2001, Socks had lived with Betty Currie, former President Bill Clinton's secretary. The Clintons were known to have visited Socks, and Currie, when in Washington.

He had been a stray and was adopted by Chelsea Clinton, the Clintons' daughter, when Bill Clinton was governor of Arkansas.

"Socks brought much happiness to Chelsea and us over the years, and enjoyment to kids and cat lovers everywhere," Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a joint statement released by the William J. Clinton Foundation. "We're grateful for those memories, and we especially want to thank our good friend, Betty Currie, for taking such loving care of Socks for so many years."

The black-and-white feline was a fixture at the White House during the Clintons' eight-year run. He was often photographed on the president's shoulder and was given free rein of the presidential residence -- showing up in photos in the Oval Office and White House press briefing room.

He had his own online fan club, appeared at animal charity events and was one of the subjects of now-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's book, "Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids' Letters to the First Pets."

National Spay Day Feb. 24, 2009

2009-02-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

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

This event is officially the last Tuesday of February, with events and activities taking place throughout the month of February. The 15th annual Spay Day USA is Feb. 24, 2009.

Why: Four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets, even purebreds. Maybe someone's cat or dog got out just that one time or maybe the litter was intentional, but efforts to find enough good homes failed. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats and a proven way to reduce the vast numbers of animals who are born only to die prematurely and without a family who loves them. Learn more about why you should spay or neuter your pet.

Do something to spread the news about Spay Day USA!

The above information was from the Humane Society web site.

Choosing a Healthy Puppy

2009-02-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

When choosing a new dog, you need to be very familiar with each breeds' temperaments, needs and potential health issues. But once you have chosen a breed that will suit your lifestyle and preferences, how do you tell if a particular animal is a healthy one?

This check list will help pinpoint any congenital defects as well as assess the possibility of chronic health problems to come.

Coat color
White animals can have extra problems like skin cancers, or deafness. Gray collies can often have a blood immune issues with increased susceptibility to infection.

Eyes
The eyes should be normal size for the breed and clear of discharges.

Movement
Does the dog move normally or does it swing its hips from side to side as it walks? This could be a warning sign of hip dysplasia. Are the legs normal length and are the front and back legs in the right proportion relative to each other?

Nose pigmentation
Is the nose of normal pigmentation? Light skin noses can be subject to sunburn or skin cancer.

Temperament
Avoid puppies that seem unusually aggressive, clinging, jealous, fearful, suspicious, hyperactive, noiy or unaware. These traits can be difficult to change and to live with.

Look for a puppy that responds well to you. Try this. Roll him on his back and hold him there. If he fights to get up, he may be difficult to train and be aggressive. A dog that keeps his tail low or acts submissive will be the most devoted and easiest to train.

Another way to see how compliant the puppy will be is to pick up a foot and watch how the dog reacts to that. Most will struggle a bit but not too much.

Puppies who stare back at you with intensity are going to be dominant and hard to handle. Those who avoid all eye contact will be shy and hard to establish a relationship with.

Attractive coat
The coat should smell and look healthy and clean. The skin should be pliant and firm with a healthy pink color.

Breathing sounds
The puppy should breathe quietly and easily. Any rasping sounds can be signs of problems to come.

Ears
Check inside the ears for signs of inflammation, or dark and waxy discharge. This could be a signal of chronic ear trouble.

Check the navel.
Feel around the navel for lumps. Lumps can signal a hernia.

Jaws
Are the upper and lower jaws the same size? Do the teeth fit together well? Are the gums healthy?

For more information on dog breeds and choosing a puppy best suited for your family check out Puppies for sale http://www.puppies-forsale.co.uk

Hawthorn for Heart Problems

2009-02-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

When I found out one of my cats had a heart murmur, I read up on what to give Joey for this. I found the herb hawthorn to be a great help.

Hawthorn is listed in herbal books as one of the best tonic remedies for the heart. It may be used safely and in long term treatment for heart weakness or failure, palpitations and high blood pressure.

This herb helps the heart in many ways. It dilates the arteries, improving the heart's blood supply. It increases the heart's pumping force and eliminates some types of heart rhythm disturbances.

I sprinkle a bit in Joey's can food every day. He is doing well so hopefully this is helping make his heart stronger.

Since heart issues are very serious, consult with your vet first about using hawthorn as a long term heart tonic.

Aconite for Colds

2009-02-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

The homeopathic remedy Aconitum napellas (made from monkshood) is useful for early stages of acute illnesses such as colds, fever, cystitis or even conjunctivitis. Often the illness shows itself after exposure to cold, wind or icy temperatures.

One of the indications that Aconite is the correct remedy is suddenness. The symptoms are also intense - redness, pain, fever.

Another element of this remedy is fear - use it when a traumatic incident has happened and your animal is very fearful after. Use it for anxious animals or before a trip for those who have a fear of travel.

I usually give a low dose of 6c or 12c three or four times within one day. That should cancel out the symptoms. If not then try another remedy suitable to the symptoms.

I use this for myself and find that if I use it before an illness sets it, I clear right up.

Book Review: Pets Tell the Truth by Agnes Julia Thomas, Ph.D.

2009-02-08T12:05:00.001-08:00

I have read many books by animal communicators and have even hired one to help me with my cat behavior problems but this book was by far the most helpful in terms of explaining the process of animal communication and giving us all a glimpse of how pets think and where they go when they die.

Dr. Agnes has a Doctorate in physiological psychology and worked as a counselor for brain damaged children and adults. She also has 25 years of experience working non invasively with lab animals to research the brain and developing a respiratory control system. She is nationally recognized for her research. All this is information on her background is for the skeptics out there who don't believe in animal telepathy. This woman is a scientist and educator.

Dr. Agnes has been communicating with animals since 1992. When she lost her own cat Missy to cancer after losing her husband a few months before, she was devastated enough to contact an animal communicator herself to have some closure concerning another cat Frosty who also had cancer and was dying. This opened a door to another world for her and this book lets us peek into it.

After using communicators several times, Dr. Agnes decided to learn to to this herself and has helped many other people with their animals and to learn animal communication themselves. I found this book to be more scientific and yet more metaphysical than any other I've read about the subject.

She explains how to learn telepathic communication, compares the human mind with the animal mind, and teaches us the mysticism and spirituality of animals, discovering the real science of metaphysics along the way. Finally she explores animals and the afterlife.

I picked up this book after I lost a dear young cat to urinary blockage. It gave me much needed comfort about where my Manny was now and how animals are connected to us still, even after death.

If you are still not sure what animal communication is about, read this book and you will have a wonderful sense of how and why we are connected to our pets and about the power of love.

Check out the web site for Dr. Agnes at www.petstellthetruth.com.

Expert Offers Free Digital Feline Husbandry Book for Breeders

2009-01-28T12:59:00.001-08:00

Niels Pedersen DVM, professor at UC-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine wrote a well respected book that covers all aspects of managing feline health in catteries. That book is Feline Husbandry: Diseases and Management in the Multiple-Cat Environment (1991. American Veterinary Publications).

He talks about how overcrowding and poor husbandry in catteries can lead to infectious diseases, behavioral issues and nutritional problems - all of which can be avoided by breeders learning proper ways to raise cats for their optimal health.

This out of print book is always in demand but hard to find. In response, UC-Davis' Center for Companion Animal Health, which Pedersen directs, is offering a digital version of the 447-page book for free.

New and experienced cat breeders are invited to download a complimentary copy of Feline Husbandry at www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ccah/felinehusbandry.cfm

Product Review: Pill Pockets

2009-01-28T12:45:00.000-08:00

Most dogs will take pills easily wrapped up in some meat, cheese or treat. Cats on the other hand need extra coaxing to take their medications. I tried this product and love it. Not all cats will eat them but most do.

This treat which is chicken or salmon flavored for cats, is soft pliable and molds around pills and capsules. It contains a hole in which to hide the pill.

I find it helps greatly to give your cat an empty Pill Pocket first to see if he will eat it. If the pill is tiny, I cut the Pill Pocket in half and wrap it around the pill. If the pill is large, I find it works better to cut the pill in half or quarters and halve the Pill Pockets - makes for smaller treats and less extra treat around the pill. If the treat is too big compared to the pill inside sometimes the cat will spit out the pill and just eat the Pill Pocket.

A 1.6 ounce bag for dogs or cats contains 45 pockets and costs about $7.99. Most vet clinics carry them as well as Petco, Petsmart and other pet stores. One product is online at www.greenies.com.

February is National Pet Dental Month

2009-01-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

If you are like me you don't relish trying to brush your dog or cat's teeth, never mind on a regular basis! But it is a very important health issue.

There is a strong correlation between our pets' teeth and their overall health. By age three, all pets have some degree of dental disease. Without daily brushing, a biofilm consisting of food debris, saliva and bacteria coats the teeth, mineralizes and becomes tartar. Bacteria can build up in the mouth, enter the bloodstream and damage the dog or cat's heart, kidneys, liver and other internal organs. Poor dental health also leads to broken or loose teeth.

It is a little easier to see inside a dog's mouth than a cat for checking their teeth. Prying open a cat's mouth requires skill and timing as well as tolerance from your cat. Yet daily brushing can save you hundreds of dollars a year and prevent your pet from having anesthesia, surgery and infectious diseases.

Ask your vet to suggest a dental cleaning kit for you to use on your pet. You brush and floss daily - why not Fido and Daisy?

Only and Two Spot Cuddling on Sunday Morning

2009-01-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

These two brothers spend all their time together. Both had little black smudges on their heads as kittens. Looked like someone with a paint brush dabbed paint on them. Hence their names - Two spot had two spots and Only had only one. The spots faded and now people wonder what is behind the names????

Book Review: The Veterinarians' Guide to Natural Remedies for Cats by Martin Zucker

2009-01-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Zucker has written this same book for dogs as well -- The Veterinarians' Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs, Safe and Effective Alternative Treatment and Healing Techniques from The Nation's Top Holistic Veterinarians.

It is a new book for me that I found at the local health food store while searching for holistic help for Ivy. Zucker has been writing about alternative health issues for many years and in this book has compiled information and opinions from vets around the country to help you determine what is best for your cat or dog.

Zucker talks about how to use alternative medicine and the importance of better diet. He goes on to explain all the different modalities - nutritional supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies, flower essences, acupuncture, chiropractic and massage. He also discusses the vaccination debate.

The second part of the book covers the different ailments with options listed by top holistic vets around the USA.

I refer to this book now along with my other vet bibles by Pitcairn, Stein, Hamilton and Goldstein. It helps to see if one or many suggest the same treatment - then you can determine what to use. I like to try a combination of homeopathic, flower essences and herbs to achieve the right effect.

Well worth adding to your library.

Al Asleep on Garden Shoes

2009-01-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

"Cats are rather delicate creatures

and they are subject to a good many

ailments, but I never heard of one

who suffered from insomnia."

---Joseph wood Krutch

Food Allergy Hit List

2009-01-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

When I was taking Ivy to the vet for her seizures the vet mentioned food allergies as a main culprit in seizures. This list is compiled by Dr Alfred Plechner DMV a food allergy expert. The foods may surprise you and they are listed in order of high sensitivity to lowest. I am feeding Ivy foods from the lower end of the list or not on the list like venison, rabbit, duck etc.

Beef and beef by-products
Milk
Yeast and brewer's yeast
Corn and corn oil
Pork
Turkey
Eggs
Fish and fish oils
Wheat and wheat by-products
Soybean
Chicken

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

2009-01-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

After taking Ivy to her vet, it seems she has Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome also known as "rolling skin syndrome," and is in some ways very similar to a seizure disorder. It appears to be more common in Siamese cats, but other cases have been reported. FHS usually appears between the ages of 1-4. Unfortunately, there is very little known about this disorder, and information is difficult to find.

Symptoms of FHS:

Dilated pupils
Twitching of the tail
Appearing to be annoyed with the tail
Biting at the tip of the tail, sometimes to the point of mutilation
Behavior may change from loving, to scared and depressed
Sensitive to touch around the tail
Staring into space
Persistent, loud meowing
Dashing off madly and aimlessly around the house or yard
Rippling skin on the back just above the tail
Seizures

These symptoms are not always triggered by unpleasant events, but can occur while you are petting your cat loving, or when touching your cat near the tail.

It is difficult to make conclusions as to why this disorder occurs, but it is believed by some that over-vaccinating, flea infestations, OCB, food allergy, low quality diets, preservatives and chemicals may be leading to this problem.

The vet took a blood test from which we will get the results this week to
rule out other health problems such as Thyroid, Diabetes, Cancer, Liver or Kidney disease. A health problem may be triggering these episodes.

We have switched her to either all chicken with some seafood diet of better canned brands like Wellness, Pet Guard, Innova etc. Sometimes it is a food allergy. Beef is a prime culprit in food allergies in this situation. My vet has seen dogs go into seizures from eating a rawhide beef bone.

Research has shown that a low quality diet -- meaning a diet loaded with chemicals, fillers, stabilizers, coloring agents, sodium nitrate (found to produce epileptic-like changes in the brain activity of rats who ate it regularly) and by-products -- can lead to allergies, nervousness, hypertension, diabetes, weight problems, dry skin, and many other common ailments.

Because of what goes into pet foods today and what does not, it is important to know how to read labels, and know the history of the company manufacturing the pet food.

Some pets suffer from hypoglycemia, which is a medical term meaning low blood sugar. The causes of hypoglycemia are overproduction of insulin, excessive exercise, heredity, or an inadequate diet. Some symptoms of hypoglycemia are very similar to Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome.

Symptoms of a hypoglycemic attack are:

Staggering, collapse or dashing around
Weakness
Aggression
Moodiness
Glassy eyes, dilated pupils
Seizure

Because the symptoms of hypoglycemia and FHS tend to be similar, feeding structured meals is suggested. When you feed one meal a day, your pet's body produces insulin. High levels of insulin cause low levels of fat burning and high levels of fat storing, the reverse of what you may think. When insulin is not stable in the body, it throws the hormones and brain chemicals out of whack and the body starts storing fat to save itself.

Therefore, it is extremely important to feed 3~4 times a day. When you feed several small meals a day, the body burns fat more effectively, and speeds up the metabolism so your pet can burn more calories.

Ivy had fleas in spite of using flea control products so my vet asked me to use Capstar and Revolution on Ivy and all the cats in the house. Plus I have been vacuuming daily. This seems to be helping a great deal. Ivy has had only one seizure since the vet visit. I have two other cats who have severe skin issues due to flea allergies and they too have cleared up since using Capstar and Revolution.

I am also treating Ivy with a calming herbal extract with Skullcap, St. John's Wort, Calendula, Chamomile, California Poppy, Oat, Valerian two to three times a day in milk.

Homeopathic remedies Phosphorus and Belladonna also help the seizure activity lessen.

This illness is a trial and error process to find the right combination of things that keep the seizures and behavior in check. Some animals can live with minor episodes and have no other issues. I am hoping we can get Ivy to that point and soon.

Minnie helping with holiday card writing

2008-12-31T08:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
Christmas came and went uneventfully - I had the flu and wasn't up for much. Hopefully the new year will bring many good changes for all of us. Today is a very cold and windy day - the kitties and I will celebrate the New Year with a movie and some warm comfort food!
Blessings to all!

Ivy is Sick - Please Send Purrs and Prayers

2008-12-30T08:14:00.001-08:00

Little Ivy cat from "Dangerous Napping" photo is having lots of seizures. I am consulting with two vets to see what we can do to help her. She has had a rough life living outdoors with a feral group until I took her inside two years ago when the others had died or left. She adapted very well and likes to be loved.

Also both my hours and my husband's hours have been cut back to part time in our jobs which makes it hard to make ends meet financially! Please keep us and Ivy in your thoughts!

UPDATE ON IVY
Thanks for your purrs and prayers. I spoke with one vet and we are trying herbs and homeopathic remedies. She thinks it is Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome which is not easy to treat. Ivy's itchy skin causes her nervous system to overreact. I have gotten her down to one seizure a day - usually it happens first thing in the morning. I held her on my lap last night for a few hours to Reiki her. It seems to help calm her. She spends most of her day sleeping in the cubby hole of the TV stand, only coming out to use the litter box. I have another vet appointment on Friday with a new but holistic vet. We just moved here so I don't have anyone but my old vet who is doing phone consults with us. Will keep all posted.

Drooling

2008-12-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

All dogs drool a little and some breeds drool a lot because the loose skin around their mouths traps saliva and overflows. Even cats will drool when they are feeling happy and affectionate.

Dogs that drool normally can wear a bandanna around their neck - it catches the moisture before it hits the floor and they look spiffy wearing one!

Any change in your pet's drooling indicates a possible health issue. Drooling increases when pets are nauseated or when they have something stuck in their teeth or gums or a loose tooth in their mouth. Serious conditions like liver disse can cause drooling.

Do a mouth check - pets with a piece of string or bone in their teeth will drool heavily. Make sure they don't have a foreign object stuck between their teeth. They will also drool if they have gum or tooth disease. My cat Sweetpea was drooling long ropes of bloody saliva when one of her teeth became loose but would not fall out. A trip to the vet is needed if this is the issue.

Nausea - traveling in a car will cause drooling. The motion upsets the pets stomach and causes them to drool. I use the homeopathic remedies Ipecacuanha or Cocculus for this. Look for 30C strength and give two or more drops up to two hours before traveling.

Mancat Monday - Only Keeping a Lookout

2008-12-22T07:02:00.000-08:00

It is a cold windy day but sunny. Don't think it warrants doing anything but sitting inside and watching the leaves blow by! ...and dozing off too!

Dangerous Napping

2008-12-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

Rainy days are great for napping - Ivy has a very precarious spot on the edge of the sofa! Every so often I have to yell her name to wake her before she slides off on the floor. Who would have thought napping could be risky!

Rainy Day Work

2008-12-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

The day is rainy but warm so I am trying to catch up on my feral cat shelter work. The screen porch has been enclosed in plastic to protect them from the weather but they miss being able to see out. During warm days, I can lift the front door and one side and tack it up on Velcro strips to let in fresh air and sun. I need something for those colder days when I don't want to expose them to the weather. I have a few windows from an old trailer that I am embedding in the plastic to provide views to the outside and still be protected.

It took a few tries to get it right but cutting a hole in the plastic and sliding the window inside, then taping it up to keep it from moving and leaking worked the best. I put in two glass windows still in metal frames and one piece of Plexiglas for a higher view. The glass ones I rested on the ground. The Plexiglas being so light I could set it up higher for the cats to see out from a shelf inside.

They seem to enjoy watching the chipmunks and birds at the feeders in front of the windows. The shelter is still a work in progress for the cats and me. More work for another day!

At the Grave of a Fine Cat

2008-12-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

This poem is dedicated to all the wonderful cats we have all known that have passed on to the Bridge.

May your whiskers be ruffled by only pleasant breezes,
May your bowls be filled with tuna and sweet cream,
May your dreams be blessed with legions of mice,
And most of all,
May you forever purr in peace.
Amen

--Barbara Younger

Are You Top Dog?

2008-12-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

Your pooch needs you to be his leader. Dogs need to foloow soneone - it's their nature to live and hunt in packs.

Way back in dog history, members of packs with weak or not so smart leaders didn't survive to breed. Those is well led packs fared far better and passed the strong genes on to their offspring. As a dog owner, it is best to understand this insticnt and work with it - otherwise you will have a very hard to manage dog on your hands.

In an orderly pack the leader is the smartest and often the strongest. Under him or her is a dog who can beat every dog except the top or alpha dog and so on down throguh the pack. This is accomplished by testing the pack memebers.

Since you need to be the top dog, you need to set up challenges with your dog to test him. This process is what we call obedience training. It teaches your dog the he must always do what you say even though he may not have done so left to his own choices.

What happens whne the dog accepts you as top dog? A huge bruden is lifted from his mind. He knows he doesn't have to be constantly vigilant for danger outside the pack becasue you, the pack leader will take care of that. All he has to do is your bidding, which is exactly what you want.

The book and television show Dog Whisperer about Cesar Millan focuses on this very concept - of being a pack leader and letting your dog relax in his pack. Check out his book for ways to challenge and train your dog.

Living With a Deaf Pet

2008-12-10T08:08:00.001-08:00

Pets do loose their hearing as they get older just like people. Some pets like white blue eyed cats and dalmatians can be born deaf. It takes some extra effort but they can adapt and make great pets in spite of their handicap.

I know from first hand experience. Albert, now four, is a beautiful long haired blue eyed deaf cat. I found him as a kitten sitting quietly alongside a busy road, watching the cars drive by. I walked up to him with a friend to help keep him from running into the road and he let me pick him up without any fuss. Since a family member had a white deaf cat, I surmised that this may be the case with Al. I knew that the local shelter would have a hard time placing him with his hearing loss and since I too am hearing impaired, I just felt this was meant to be.

Here are some suggestions to help make this living situation better for you and your deaf pet.

If your pet is deaf, then he must become strictly an indoor animal, out of harm's way. He will not be able to hear the engine of an oncoming car or the movements of another animal or person who may hurt them.

Indoors you must still become more aware of your pet's handicap and adjust your routine to assist him. Avoid startling the animal - never approach him from behind. Stomp on the floor. The vibration will let him know you are nearby. If your pet is sleeping, blow gently on his fur and he will turn to see what you want. Always be gentle in getting his attention.

If your pet was once hearing and responded to voice commands, then you will have to train him to respond to visual clues. Once I have Al's attention, he seems to be able to know what I am trying to tell him. Hand signals work great and are easy to teach. I wave at him to tell him to come. If it is for his food, I hold the food dish up for him to see and he will come to me.

Since he can't hear you telling him no, you must use another form of command to keep him in line. I use a water squirt bottle to stop Al from getting up on counters etc. You must quickly squirt and then stop - you don't want him to think it is a game. Sometimes just distracting him with a toy or another activity is the best way to divert his attention away from doing something you don't like. It doesn't always work - Al has a mind of his own but I keep trying.

Life with Al has been interesting and challenging but I would not have it any other way. Like the new movie out - Life with Marley - my life with Al has been just as funny and difficult but I have learned a lot from him along the way.

How to Trim Your Cats' Claws

2008-12-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Cat's claws should be examined and trimmed every two weeks or so. A groomer or vet can do this but most owners are capable of handling the task as well.

The following tips help make this a doable project for you and your cat.

Do the trimming when your cat is relaxed or sleepy. Waiting until they are makes this all the easier.

Have all the equipment at hand that you will need -- clippers, emery board, and styptic pencil.

Sit down and snuggle with you cat in your lap or have your cat stand or lie down on a table top. It helps to have someone to assist you in case the cat is difficult to handle. I have to wrap my cat Chica in a large towel with only her head and one paw sticking out. She still screams the whole time like I am hurtng her but I get the job done.

Hold up paw, grasp it gently, placing your index finger under the toe pad and your thumb securely on top of it.

Squeeze your thumb and index finger together to extend the claw.

Using the clipper cut halfway between the end of the claw and the quick - the pink, sensitive tissue at the base of the claw. If you accidentally cut into the quick, don't panic. It may bleed a little but if you apply the styptic the wound will soon heal.

Happy trimming!

Check Your Window Safety Stickers

2008-12-10T07:02:00.001-08:00

When we moved recently I made sure I put up the "Save Our Pets" sticker by the kitchen door, listing the number of pets we had inside.

If you don't have one already, get one. It is essential to let the Fire Department know that you have pets that need to be rescued in case of fire. If you already have a safety sticker, make sure it is updated with the correct number of pets listed and that the ink on it has not faded with exposure to sunlight.

Most pet supply stores sell them for dogs, cats or both. Safety stickers also make good gifts for friends with pets.

Olive Leaf for infections

2008-12-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

When my pets need help to boost their immune systems whether it is because of skin ailments, colds or other infections I use olive leaf. My vet turned me on to this herb and I highly recommend it.

Olive leaf works by stimulating your pet’s own protective cells (phagocytes) to ingest foreign invaders. It interferes with microorganisms’ vital amino acid production processes. It has no impact on ”friendly” microbes.

Olive leaf is highly effective in eliminating microorganisms, which supports its use in almost any type of infection. It is extremely effective in treating 19 different viruses and 15 types of bacteria, including conjunctivitis, canine hepatitis, “kennel cough,” cystitis, Endocarditis, peritonitis, staph infections, and urinary tract infections. Note: With very sick animals, their symptoms may become worse - because Olive leaf works so well that it kills bad microbes faster than the body can eliminate them, so detoxification symptoms may occur. If that happens, reduce dosage or stop giving Olive leaf for a day or two to allow your pet’s waste system to catch up.

When used as a daily supplement, olive leaf will bolster your pets' immune system and metabolism, making them healthier happier, and more able to resist fleas safely, naturally, and without the use of potent neurotoxins found in over the counter flea products.

Thinking of getting the dog his yearly cortisone shot? Did you know that cortisone is a powerful steroid that has many bad effects on the body and overall health? Our pets, dogs in particular, use their skin to remove excess toxins from their system. Because of this, the yearly itching and scratching that accompanies spring allergens is much the same as seasonal colds in humans. The effect of the steroids is merely to push the issue out of sight by driving the toxins deeper into the body. Would you take a steroid shot to treat a cold yourself? Olive leaf can work wonders in easing these annoying symptoms without resorting to heavy handed methods that can manifest into larger problems down the road. Olive leaf dramatically increases the function of the immune system, as well as acting as a natural antibiotic to allow your pets to deal with allergies in a safe, natural and effective manner. No side effects, and no danger of damage to internal organs. Simply add Olive Leaf Powder to your pets' wet or dry food and say goodbye to annoying scratching!

Best for Pets: Try Olive Leaf Powder or open capsules to add the powder to their food. I also like to use olive leaf extract in a non alcohol base. Rule of thumb for dosing - give 1/8 to 1/4 of the human dosage, depending on the size of the dog or cat.

Frostbite

2008-12-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

Most dogs and cats can handle the winter's cold without experiencing anything worse than shivers. But pets that spend a lot of time outdoors in blustery weather can get frostbite, an extremely serious condition in which the body diverts blood away from the extremities - the legs, ears and tail - in order to preserve the core body heat. This can cause tissue in the extremities to break down and die.

Pets with frostbite will have extremely cold paws, ears and tails and the cold will persist even after they have spent time inside. They may bite at their feet and tails as well. Frostbite is always an emergency. But if you can't get to a vet immediately, there are things you can do to help your pet.

Let them choose the heat. They need to be warmed up but not too quickly. The best approach is to put them in a room with a radiator or fireplace and let them move closer or farther away as they see fit. Don't try to rush the heating process with things like heating pads.

Warm the ears and pads with moist heat. When the extremities are very cold, it is a good idea to gently dab them with a moist lukewarm washcloth.

Let them go hungry. Don't feed pets with frostbite because eating will draw circulation to the intestines at a time when it is more important to get circulation to the legs, ears and tail. It is fine for them to drink water at room temperature. Once your pets' body parts have warmed up, then you can feed them.

Cat Breeds: Siamese

2008-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

My uncle always had Siamese cats and they had such outgoing personalities. He really enjoyed this breed of cat.

They need regular brushing but can be indoor or outdoor cats. They do need more space than some other cats. Plus they tend to be long lived cats.

Siamese are very active, inquisitive cats that bond strongly to one person. They enjoy travel and accept a leash quite readily. They are very vocal cats and can be talkers.

Some Siamese can be aggressive towards other cats. They can be jealous and unpredictable and very sensitive.

They are more susceptible to disease than other breeds. Congenitally they can have nasal obstructions, chin malformations, cleft palate, retinal degeneration and weak legs.

There are many rescue organizations that offer Siamese cats for adoption. Find a reputable breeder or help a needy cat find a home through rescue centers.

Vomiting Causes

2008-12-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

Pets vomit for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes it is fairly obvious what caused it - eating garbage, anxiety, overeating. If your pet continues to vomit daily or several times a day, bring your pet to the vet ASAP! It could be serious. It is helpful for your vet to bring a sample of the vomit -- as gross as it may sound to do this.

The material in it is often the clearest indication of the cause. Material high in mucus tells you that the stomach or high intestine is inflamed. Undigested food can indicate food poisoning, anxiety or simply overeating. Bile is often present when an organ is involved - inflammatory bowel disease, kidney failure, pancreatitis. Flecks of bright blood tels your vet that the stomach may be lacerated. If the blood is brown and caramelized the problem is further down the intestine. Strong digestive odors indicate intestinal obstruction. Bits of foreign substances tell you that they may have eaten something like tinsel, paper etc.

If you suspect you pet may have eaten something they should not have please contact your nearest veterinary ER right away. Time is of essence in this situation.

Dog Breeds: Chihuahua

2008-12-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

Chihuahuas are becoming very popular - they have been featured in TV ads and movies like Legally Blonde in recent years.

Their small size,averaging two to six pounds, makes them easy to take along with you on errands and trips. They do need lots of exercise and are very sensitive to the cold. Because of this they are primarily indoor dogs.

They can be difficult to train as they are very dominating dogs for their size. On the plus side, they are also nondestructive to your home and belongings.

Chihuahuas are very affectionate and do need a lot of attention. They have less tolerance for children and may snap at toddlers who handle them roughly.

They make good watchdogs although like most small breeds they may bark too much at times.

Possible congenital defects include deformed spines, knees, dislocated shoulders, heart and breathing problems, hemophilia and brain swelling.

Choosing A Pet

2008-12-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

When choosing a pet, choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Both dogs and cats vary widely in their temperaments and their needs.

Every day animal shelters must euthanize healthy animals turned in because their unhappy owners did not research and anticipate certain issues. For instance, a mild mannered person should not select a large dog from a breed that tends to dominate the owner. Or a family with toddlers should choose a breed less likely to snap at the children. Those who live in an apartment with no yard should pick an animal suited to smaller confines.

Size also affects personality. Small dogs tend to be active and have a high demand for affection. Large dogs tend to be quieter and more patient with children. Very small and very large dogs are prone to genetic problems. Large dogs require more space and more food - affecting your budget and lifestyle.

Check out the breed list and see what type of pet is best for you and your family.

Pet Etiquette When you're the Guest

2008-11-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

With the holidays coming up, many of us will be traveling with our dogs and visiting other people's homes. The following tips will help ensure that you and your dog will be welcome anytime.

Travel Crate
You may want to bring a lightweight travel crate to keep your dog confined if your host requests it. This is a good idea to keep him in an easy to clean area especially if you will be away for short while, to make sure he stays out of harm's way during parties and to keep him away from the dinner table.

Throws
No one is a fan of pet hair on furniture. If your host does not want your dog on the furniture, you must respect that but covering the furniture with a throw may change your host's mind and make your dog feel more at home.

Piddle Pads
Pets are creatures of routine. When their daily schedule is interrupted, they may have accidents. Piddle pads are great to make sure that your pet does not soil the rugs or floor.

Pet Towel
If the weather is wet or snowy, having a towel on hand will come in handy to wipe of your dog's paws before they come back inside.

Yard Pick Up
Keep your host's yard clean by bringing your own doggie poop scoop. There are so many types available - just find one you are comfortable with and take it along whenever you take your dog for walks to clean up after him.

Today's Quote

2008-11-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

"Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat your dog."

---Charles F. Duran

Why Cats Crave Warmth

2008-11-29T06:37:00.000-08:00

We all know cats crave warmth. Summer often finds cats asleep in even a sliver of sunlight coming through your window. As the weather cools, most will curl up next to or on a heat source to sleep.

Even the youngest kittens instinctively seek heat. Before a kitten was even able to open his eyes, he was able to use the temperature receptors in his face to find his mother. As the kitten ages, these receptors become even more sensitive. This allows him to detect the cozy and warm spots in your home even if they are only warmer than the rest of the house by a few degrees. That is why you may find cat tucked away in the most obscure spots - it is usually a bit warmer in that spot. One of my cats sleeps in the entertainment center next to the DVD player!

Especially during the cooler weather , a warm place to sleep is vital to your cat's health and comfort. So make sure they have snug places around your house with a heat source nearby of better yet get them a safe natural warm thermal cat bed.

Pet Product: Cozy Cushion

2008-11-29T06:31:00.000-08:00

For natural warmth without using electricity try the Cozy Cushion. It works like and electric blanket but safer and without the electricity. Your pet will snuggle warmly on the faux fur double thick thermal cushion. A core layer of thermo-reflective material uses your cats' own body heat to warm the entire cushion - no cords to worry about and not electricity costs. The fabric is heavy duty and machine washable.

You can find this great product at your favorite pet store or order online from Doctors Foster& Smith. I use it for my older pets year round and for additional warmth in the winter.

Book Review: Blessing the Bridge, What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying and Beyond by Rita M. Reynolds

2008-11-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

This is a hard book to read. I had to stop often to wipe away the tears after reading a story about the author's animal charges. In spite of this I found it to be a very spiritual book full of suggestions to help us and our animal friends make that final passing to the other side.

Reynolds created an animal sanctuary called Howling Success and ran it for 25 years, tending to her animals with kindness, love and compassion. She worked often as a hospice caretaker with the animals and this book is a compilation of her methods, stories and lessons learned. She writes about euthanasia, prayer and how to make the final passage a peaceful one for both of you.

The foreword is written by Rev. Gary Kowalski, the author of The Souls of Animals and Goodbye Friend. He compares Reynolds to Mother Theresa in her work with her animals.

I have used this book often to help release the souls of my animals - the prayers, chants and tools she suggests do help make the moment of death a quiet, peaceful one. She helps us see that it can be a moment of beauty and of love.

To Be of Service by St. Francis of Assisi

2008-11-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

To Be of Service

Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission - to be of service to them wherever they require it.

Saint Francis of Assisi
(1181-1226)