Spend Money to Keep Pets Healthy and Your Feeling Better

Animal lovers have more options than ever to keep their pets healthy. To keep pets healthy, American pet owners are spending big bucks so that their pet can receive MRI exams, ultrasounds, cruciate ligament repairs, hip replacement surgery and other specialized procedures. High-tech scanning equipment and complicated surgeries are driven by client demand.

Some procedures cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and some pet owners admit to spending $10,000 or $20,000 on vet bills. Still, dedicated pet owners aren’t complaining because they consider and treat their cats and dogs like family members and whatever is takes to care for them.

A poll released last week by the Associated Press and Petside revealed that 50% of respondents believe their pets are full-fledged members of their household.

Moreover, about 62 percent of U. S. households own a pet, and pet owners will spend $45.4 billion on their animals this year, the American Pet Products Association estimates. Of that total, $12.2 billion will go to veterinary care, a 10% increase over 2008.

Pets require more care because, as a result of better preventive care, medicine, vitamins and diet, they are living longer. But this extra money also is paying for new and advanced veterinary procedures.

“With almost every specialty comes specialized equipment,” says Jim Flanders, a small animal surgeon said. “It’s usually something that’s been around for a while in human medicine, and we adopt and adapt it.”

Not every pet owner has the means, or the desire, to pay for expensive procedures. And surgery or radiation treatment isn’t always the right answer for a sick pet, experts said. Owners have to weigh the age of the pet, how stressful the surgery and post-surgery recovery will be and what the pet’s quality of life will be afterward.

In response to rising costs, some owners have turned to pet health insurance, though estimates suggest just 2 percent to 4 percent of Americans have done so.

High-tech veterinary care isn’t the only outlet for pet owners. Alternative and holistic treatments such as pet acupuncture are growing popular, though some two-legged skeptics question their value.

And the specialized care doesn’t end when a pet dies: Grieving owners now can retain the services of a pet funeral home.

Off to Twin Brooks Kennel Club Dog Show

My friend, Jane, and I recently applied to the Twin Brooks Kennel Club. The President, Ruth and her husband, Donnie are our friends and of course, Jane's mother Marcia (Bedlington Terriers) was a member, too.

Next week is the club's big show which is really two shows, back to back, at the William G. Mennen Sports Arena, 161 Hanover Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960. If you have time, stop by and see the beautiful dogs and meet knowledgeable dog handlers and owners.

If you are looking for a purebred pooch to add to your family, this is the place to be. Take the time to meet some of the breeders, dog owners and handers who spend time breeding and working with these dogs. Dogs at the your local dog shows generally conform to the breed standard; are health tested; and are loved, cared for and socialized well.

If you see a breed that you are fond of, don't be shy ask a question. Just not right before the handler has to the dog in the show ring. And for those of you who do not have time to go to a show, check out the akc.org website and learn more about a breed in which you are interested. Breed clubs can put you in touch with breeders who have pups for sale.

Before buying a dog, do your research. Just don't purchase a $2000 mutt because it has a cute name like shih-chi.

Tough Economic Times Spare Dogs Big Booms

Patriotic pride is bumping up against economic reality again this summer, as communities across the country struggle to fund Fourth of July fireworks displays. The annual light shows are being scaled back in many places or have been canceled in many counties across the country. Moreover, most communities have avoided blackouts by cutting budgets to match the economic times, or finding private benefactors.

In any case, communities that are continuing to celebrate this wonderful celebration, should remind their pet owners to take care of their dogs. While a booming fireworks display maybe the perfect culmination to Fourth of July festivities, pets can be frightened by such activities.

"Pets are family members, and most people include them in their holiday plans, but on a holiday full of activities like our nations' birthday, most pets will be more comfortable at home with their normal everyday routines," said Adam Goldfarb, director of the pets at risk program at The Humane Society of the United States. "So on this Fourth of July, spare your pets the stress of fireworks and crowds and ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday."

The HSUS recommends pet owners to leave your pet at home. Fireworks displays can be disorienting and frightening to pets, even those who are well socialized. Families can still enjoy the outdoor festivities by simply having someone remain home to look after pets.

For example, I will be going to two parties but stopping home after each fiesta to check to provide my four ETS with a snack and relief walk. Throughout the day, they will be supported with a scent of relief with the Comfort Zone with DAP. Comfort Zone is a phermone product which mimicks the hormones of nursing dog mother. ComfortZone comes into two forms: a spray and a plug-in. I will use both to avoid an at home stressful situation while I am celebrating the nation's birthday. Too bad, they can't come with me. I will miss them but I guess they will have to celebrate at home in their red, white and blue t-shirts or star and stripe bandanas.

Mosquitoes Love Me

I hate mosquitoes, but they sure love me! As the weather has gotten warmer, they have feasted on my blood and left my arm and legs, covered with red, itchy bites. Over the years, I have sprayed bug spray on my arms and legs, as a preventative measure before going to bed at night. I'm sure you can imagine that my husband does not find the scent of bug spray to be very... well, romantic.

Recently, I was sent a sample of Bug Bam. Bug Bam was developed by an Australian outdoor enthusiast and environmentalist who was thwarted by mosquitoes on his wilderness adventures. While I may not be in the outback on Broome Street in NYC, I can say that wearing a Bug Bam wristband to bed has hindered those mosquito predators from enjoying me as a midnight snack. Now, I have pleasant dreams and wake up without itching. To my advantage, my husband doesn't mind the scent.

How does it work? The product emits the scent of all-natural, plant-based essential oils (geranium, citronella and lemongrass) all around the wearer. It also masks human odors (carbon dioxide, breath, sweat), effectively making you invisible to mosquitoes.

Moreover, in April the company launched a new mosquito-repelling, 100% natural dog tag. According to the American Heartworm Society, cases of deadly mosquito-borne disease are on the rise. And as a health-conscious pet parent, I want to do everything I can to protect my four English Toy Spaniels. Although they do receive a heartworm preventative year round, I wanted to give them extra protection without harm. Bug Bam's product contains only EPA/FDA-approved, natural ingredients. It repels mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. Furthermore, each tag lasts up to fifteen days (a 2-pack is a month's supply).

Dog Owners Need to Treat Beaches Like Rare Jewels

Miss Fido Manners Provides Petiquette Advice To Dog Owners
About Behaving At The Beach

Enjoy the sand and sea with your pooch this summer! Before embarking on a beachside retreat, however, review the following tips from pet expert Charlotte Reed, the author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette (Adams Media). Learn how to be a socially aware pet owner while you and your pooch are basking in the sun and surf.

1. Check In Advance-Prior to arriving at your beach destination, with your dog in tow, check with the city, municipality or state park to determine if your pet is allowed on the beach. During peak tourist season, typically May-September, there is a greater likelihood that dogs will not be welcome on the beach or may be subjected to restricted hours (before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM). Find out a beach's pet policy in advance of your visit so, if needed, alternate accommodations for your pet can be secured.

2. Pack Prepared-Your pet has needs at the beach just as they do at home. To ensure your dog has as great a time as you do, pack extra water, a plastic reusable water bowl, doggy clean up bags and/or pooper scooper, water safety equipment, such as a life vest or preserver, a first aid kit, waterproof and/or antimicrobial leash and collar, and floating dog toys that can be seen on the top of the ocean, thwarting a dog's need to dive beneath the waves in pursuit of a beloved toy.

3. Comply with Leash Laws-Allowing your dog to roam free on the beach can be dangerous to both your pet and other occupants. By keeping your pet on a leash at all times, you ensure that your pet is under control, out of harms way, unable to bother other beach goers or have an altercation with another dog. In many cases, leash laws can regulate the lengths of leashes to 6 or 8 feet. In that case, your pet may not be able to run at the end of a retractable. Be aware of all leash laws as most are coupled with a monetary fine for those choosing to disregard this common sense, and common courtesy, rule.

4. Training for Good Measure-Teach your pet to recall, or to come on command so that you can have verbal control over when he is off-leash.

5. Take Care of the Environment-Environmentalists, state and local agencies are concerned with the preservation of wildlife that nests and plants that are grown on the coastal shore. Be sure your frolicking dog does not disturb nests or destroy area wildlife in their quest for enjoyment.

6. Frequent Pet Friendly Areas-As a conciliatory measure for dog owners some local governments and state parks have designated shoreline dog play areas. Such areas are like a dog park at the beach! As a result, treat the dog beach like your dog park at home. Show your appreciation for local government and state parks recognition by complying with the posted rules and regulations. Supervise your pet at all times as they revel in playing with the other dogs in the water and swimming. And just like at home, remove your pet from the action if a fight breaks out.

7. Pick-Up after Your Pet-Dog waste on the beach can ruin any beach lovers day. One of the main reasons pets have been prohibited at the beach is because of the waste their owners choose to leave behind, polluting the sand and surf. Be respectful of the beach and its patrons, pick up and dispose of all dog waste in appropriate receptacles. This does not necessarily include the garbage cans of a homeowner that lives on the shoreline. Use public access waste facilities or take dog waste with you for disposal.

8. Quick Rinse-Being itchy and irritated isn't fun for anyone, this includes your pet. After a day at the beach rinse your pooch off with water at a convenient beachside shower to remove sand, salt and small beach bugs. This will keep your dog comfortable and your hotel, rental home or beach house clean.

By observing Charlotte Reed's tips, you will be able to share more of your life with your pet this summer beach season.

For more suggestions from The Miss Fido Manner's Complete Book of Dog Etiquette, please visit www.MissFidoManners.com or purchase the book at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Borders.

I Got A Bulldog

According to the 2007 American Kennel Club registration figures, the Bulldog muscled its way into the 10th spot on the organization's annual list of the most popular breeds in America. This year, it was revealed that in 2008, the popular college mascot breed waddled its way up to the number 8 spot, while the Labrador still continues to remain the most popular dog breed in the United States. What spot will the bulldog take in 2009? Inquiring minds want to know.

But really, whether you have a Bulldog #8, Labrador #1, Yorkshire Terrier #2, Dachshund #7, Poodle #9 or Pug #15, you are your dog's biggest fan. Although my breed is not represented, I have become smitten with this kennel of FouFou Dog luggage tags. They are just adorable! Currently, they come in the styles of 11 popular dog breeds, as well as a cat! Inside each tag, you will find a standard address card for you to fill out.

I don't just use them for my luggage -- I use them to hang off my purse. Believe me when I tell you they are real conversation starters and networking tools. Everyone wants to know where I got them. And, although FouFou Dog will introduce a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the fall of 2009, I only wish they would introduce my breed, the English Toy Spaniel. I bet Portuguese Water Dog, Bobama (as I like to call him) wishes the same.

Feline Jumping For Joy

My cat, Hayden, loves the BOLT. In the last few weeks, my husband and I have been amused by Hayden's pouncing, chasing, jumping and batting at the laser dot throughout our kitchen. Hayden seems to enjoy the BOLT more than other laser toys because the laser patterns are more random than other laser toys, resulting in his higher level of enthusiastic play.

Additionally, the BOLT is different than other laser toys because it can be used automatically or manually. While my husband, Matthew, prefers to set in the automatic mode so that Hayden can get a timed, 15-minute play session, I choose to use it in the manual mode to create my own laser patterns. I use the adjustable mirror to aim the laser toy across a variety of surfaces like floors, tables, and walls and watch Hayden somersault into pure joy.

For Love Of A Dyson

I love Dyson! I got my first Dyson Animal Vac about five years ago, and I haven't been the same since. I vacuum in the morning, in the evening and even to relax. I enjoy the vacuum so much, I want to share the experience with my friends. Once, I even arranged to have one shipped to my friend, Bob Vetere, the President of the American Pet Products Association, for a holiday gift. Bob, who has a Golden Retriever, told me that he never vacuumed, but once he got the Dyson, he was never quite the same. Now, to his wife's delight, he actually likes to vacuum, and does so more frequently in their New England home.

Presently, I am enjoying the Dyson 25, a perfect apartment vacuum. Even with four dogs, two cats and two birds, Matthew and I still enjoy a clean home. Frequent vacuuming is most definitely par for the animal course in our house!

And, how can I forget! I use the Dyson Handheld in my car and around my desk to clean up the crumbs, dirt and cat hair.

Maybe you will be lucky, like Bob and I. One of you will have the opportunity to enjoy the new Air MuscleTM Dyson 28. The Air MuscleTM features three Dyson-engineered components that work together for the most thorough cleaning: (1) the penumatic actuator (pulls the cleaner head deeper into the carpet, opening the pile of your carpet to dislodge dirt and pet hair); (2) the powered cam (lifts the brush bar up for hard floors, directing suction); and (3) the high-torque club (provides more power to the brush bar, enabling the stiff bristles to open carpet pile and dislodge dirt).

But, really... all you need to know is that Dyson is a real sucker.

Canine Sport

Dog agility is a canine sport in which a handler directs a dog through a course of standard obstacles laid-out by a judge in a race for time and accuracy. Dogs run off leash and the handler can not use food or toys as incentives for performance. Moreover, the handler is not permit to touch the dog or the obstacles, except accidentally. Handler controls are limited to voice, movement, and various body signals, requiring exceptional training of her animal.

Agility course consists of a set of standard obstacles:

A-frame-Two broad ramps, usually about 3 feet wide by 8 to 9 feet long, hinged together and raised so that the hinged connection is between five feet above the ground, forming an A shape;

Dogwalk-Three 8 to 12 ft planks that are 9 to 12 inches wide and connected at the ends. The centre plank is raised about 4 feet above the ground, so that the two end planks form ramps leading up to and down from the center plank.

Teeter-totter-A 10 to 12 foot plank pivoting on a support, like a child's seesaw.

Tunnel (chute or rigid tunnel)-A vinyl tube, 10 to 20 feet long and about 2 feet in diameter, through which the dog runs. .

Jump-Two uprights supporting a horizontal bar over which the dog jumps. The height is adjusted for dogs of different heights.

Tire jump-Roughly the size of a tire, suspended in a frame. The dog must jump through the opening of the "tire"; like other jumps, the height is adjusted for dogs of different sizes.

Table -An elevated square platform about 3-foot-by-3-foot square onto which the dog must jump and pause, either sitting or in a down position, for a designated period of time (usually about 5 seconds) which is counted out by the judge.

Weave poles- Like a slalom, this is a series of 5 to 12 upright poles, each about 3 feet tall and spaced about 20 inches apart, through which the dog weaves.

To prepare for competition, a handler must take the time to highly train her dog and implement numerous strategies to direct her dog for precision and speed. But really, for the average dog and his owner, agility owner is all about fun and spending time together.

A few years, ago I took an agility course with my dog, Hudson at the ASPCA in New York City. It was an amazing experience for both of us. Although Hudson was a bit shy going thru the tunnels, he managed to enjoy the jumps and weave poles and wasn't afraid of the a-frame, dogswalk or see-saw. Over the course of a few weeks, I recognize that Hudson became more athletic and a much more confident dog. Perhaps, I should do some agility with my other dogs, especially Rhone and Teign for just that reason. They are both shy and introverted-typically English Toy Spaniels.

Moreover even if you don't have time to take an agility classes, there are inexpensive agility kits that you can buy. Spend some quality time with your dog this summer in the backyard conditioning him all for sporting fun. Better yet, if you want to experience pure doggie joy, incorporate agility into any type of dog party. Watching a Great Pyrenees, walk over planks and barrel through tunnels is just as much fun as watching a Toy Poodle discover her athletic ability on a low hurdle.

A Foodie's Dream Come True

Last night, my husband and I attended the Black Tie dinner at the National Arts Club to honor Jacques Pepin. Chef Pepin was presented with our club's Medal of Honor For Excellence in the Culinary Arts. Included in the evening was a charity auction to aid The Jacques Pepin Scholarship Fund administered by The Culinary Trust.

I was first introduced to the Arts Club by my dear friend, Jane St.Lifer Kennedy. Thru her generous support and sponsorship, I became a member of this wonderful organization. Moreover, Jane is truly Miss Congeniality, but more importantly, was the auctioneer of last night's event. Mrs. Kennedy gloriously entertained us with her vibrant personality while conveniencing folks to buy more items to benefit the scholarship fund. She auctioned Chef Pepin's watercolors prints, his painted chef coats and a library of his books.

Last night, Jane, Matthew and I had such delight because we sat at the B table. We sat with many of Chef Pepin's friend including Chef Andre Soltner, Chef Jacques Torres, and Sarah Moulton. Also, sitting with us was Chef-Scholar Cathy Kaufman.

Although Chef Pepin was not cooking, he recipes were served. Joseph Fappaolo, the Executive Chef at the club prepared such fine food. We were served Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne, Lobster salad with tarragon accompanied by Domaine Laroche Chablis, Roasted veal tenders stuffed with proscuitto and porcini mushrooms accompanied by Embrix de Vall-Llach Priorat, and Chocolate roulade with fresh fruit accompaned by Presidential Vintage Port 1994.

Gifts Bags included Jacques Torres Chocolate, Illy Caffe, OXO International and BlackRock Investments.

All truly enjoyed the evening.

Frightened Dancer Still Running After All These Years

An energetic pup named Dancer ran away from her South Austin home eight years ago. Her owner, Alison Murphy, made all the right moves to find her: called shelters, vets and animal organization as well as put out fliers even offering a $500 reward for the terrier mix. Unfortunately, Dancer who was wearing two ID tags and had a microchip was nowhere to be found until last week.

The Humane Society in New Braunfels called to tell them that their little white dog had been found. Dancer who no longer responds to her name is back at home. A musician in New Braunfels found the dog running around his neighborhood and took her home last week. He kept her a few days, and then went to the Humane Society to see if the dog had a microchip, and perhaps, an owner.

How the dog spent the last eight years is a mystery. Dancer is in good physical shape, her teeth are in great shape and she doesn't even have fleas. Obviously, she was well taken care of.

But old habits die hard. Just last week, she bolted out the door of a pet store when Alison when she stopped to by the dog a new collar and leash. It took and hour and more than a dozen dog lover samaritans to capture the frightened dog.

Murphy has learned a valuable lesson and will take Dancer to obedience class.

Moreover, sometimes dogs need more than a license, identification tags and a microchip. This is why it is so important to train your dog. All dogs should sit, stay, and COME. Although it is one of the hardest commands to teach, dog owners should practice this command on a daily basis. Like Alison, you never know when you are going to need it, even after eight years.

Your Pet Can Be A Greeting Card Star

The Furry Faceoff Challenge, sponsored by American Greetings and Merial's Frontline Plus, is a nationwide pet photo contest held throughout the month of May which pits dogs against cats in the ultimate pictorial showdown. Enter your cutest photos of your pet to win or vote for your favorite cat or dog picture here.

One Grand prize winner will be featured on webshots.com Pet Channel but also receive a prize package that will include a $250 gift card to Petsmart, $50 Photoworks gift card, one year membership to AmericanGreetings.com and one year Premium membership to Webshots.com.

Additionally, 10 runners up will be choosen. Runners up will each receive: a $20 PhotoWorks.com gift certificate, a one-year membership to AmericanGreetings.com, and a one-year Premium Membership to Webshots.com.

All contest participants must register and be a member of the Sponsor's in order to enter the contest.

More importantly, download the coupon for one month of FREE Frontline Plus or Top Spot. Catch: You have to buy six doses to get one FREE

Wash and Wear

A few months ago, I received a bottle of Pet Head shampoo in the mail from the company's PR firm. Somehow the box and the contents got damaged, but in this economy, I don't waste a thing. So, I opened the box carefully and immediately went to work, washing my four dogs, not wasting a drop of the moisturizing shampoo. I used the purple bottle, "Feeling Flaky", because my dogs have sensitive skin. It was a great grooming experience -- washing them with a nice shampoo that made them smell good and look great, too.

Now available in stores nationwide, this line of shampoos, creme rinses and sprays are specially formulated to suit all canine lifestyles and grooming needs. All Pet Head formulas are pH-adjusted and free of parabens, sulfates, DEA and are cruelty-free. Each product is packaged in bright and colorful 16.1 fl oz (475 ml) or 15.2 fl oz (450 ml) bottles. The product line includes:

Life's An Itch - skin-soothing shampoo so doggies won't scratch

Dirty Talk - deodorizing shampoo to make mutts smell sweet

Fears for Tears - tearless shampoo for pups who squirm in the bath

Quickie - quick-rinsing shampoo perfect for a fido who won't sit still

Feeling Flaky - dry and sensitive skin shampoo to add extra moisture to your pup's coat

Dry Clean - waterless spray shampoo for puppies afraid to get wet or ones the go

Furtastic - creme rinse for curly and long coats to make your K-9 silky and smooth

So Spoiled - conditioning creme rinse to give any dog an extra pampering treatment

Furball - detangling spray that makes for smooth brushing

Poof! - magical deodorizing spray to blast any stinky smell away

Besides the grooming products, Pet Head has styling products, such as brushes, trendy apparel and must-have accessories.

Dear Veterinarians

May 6, 2009

Dear Veterinarians:

I write this note to all of my veterinarians – the practitioners that I have and do frequent; my friends; and club members. In celebration of National Pet Week,I want to extend my deep appreciation for your help, guidance and expertise when caring for the furry members of my family, as well as taking care of me.

You have all been an invaluable resource, both to me and to my pets over the years. In emergency situations – such as when one of my dogs got a paper clip lodged in his molar – you and your staff saw him immediately and assured me he would be fine. Your concern and prompt response calmed my nerves; something I am eternally grateful for.

During routine check-ups for my barking brood and meowing muses or when I just want to call in with a question, you have always been kind, gentle and thorough. The suggestions and tips you have given me to keep my four-legged friends healthy and happy have been widely employed. Ultimately, your dedication and compassion led me to dedicate an entire chapter in my book, The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette,(Adams Media, 2007), to teaching others how to properly treat their veterinarian.

Being a responsible pet owner is not only important, but imperative. In today’s tough economic times, spending more conservatively is natural, but the health and safety of my pets is not a place for financial cutbacks. Taking my pets to the vet for both preventative and emergency services is quintessential to preserving their life and well-being. Thank you for teaching me that.

National Pet Week, established in 1981 by the AVMA, promotes responsible pet ownership and awareness of veterinary medicine, in addition to celebrating the human-animal bond. This year’s theme is "Pets Jazz up Our Lives" – in recognition of the AVMA Convention, in New Orleans, LA, July 19-22, 2009. I hope I will see you all there.

Moreover, this celebratory week pays tribute to the more than 172 million companion animals and the remarkable role that they play in improving the quality of our human lives. I know my pets have... jazzed up my life. They have improved and enhanced my life considerably! Across the U.S., pet owners, pet professionals and other pet lovers can use this opportunity to educate the public on how pets improve human health, and how pet owners can return the favor.

Please accept my sincerest thanks for your dedicated and compassionate work when it comes to my pets. Your gift of healing and knowledge does not go unnoticed.

Best,

Charlotte Reed

Pet Munching on Houseplants Proves Fatal

Months after a Labrador Retriever-mix puppy, was adopted by a family from the Houston SPCA, she was rushed to a nearby emergency clinic after showing signs of illness. The puppy had eaten parts of sago palm plant, a common houseplant that is highly toxic to dogs and cats.

According to the ASPCA there has been an increase in sago palm and cycad poisoning, since 2003, with 50 to 75 percent of those ingestions resulting in fatalities. All parts of the plant are poisonous; signs of illness include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, depression, seizures and liver failure.

All pet owners should be aware of poisonous plants and other household substances that pose danger to dogs and cats. Some plants that are dangerous to pets include:

Autumn crocus (Colchicum): Its active ingredient, colchicines, triggers an anti-metabolic effect that can cause rapidly dividing cells, shedding of the gastrointestinal tract, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.

Azalea (Rhododendron): This popular plant can harm a dog's cardiovascular system and trigger vomiting or gastrointestinal upset.

Daffodil (Narcissus): Toxic ingredients in the bulbs cause convulsions, tremors, lethargy, weakness, and upset stomachs.

Hyacinth (Hyacinth): This popular plant can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, depression, and tremors.

Japanese yew (Taxis): Extremely toxic to dogs, this group of ornamental plants can cause seizures or cardiac failure. The plant and red berries are toxic.

Lily of the valley (Convalaria): This plant can cause heart failure, coordination problems, and vomiting.

Oleander (Nerium): Extremely toxic, this popular outdoor plant contains cardiac glycosides that harm the heart, decrease body temperature, cause abnormal pulse rate, and can cause death. Beware: Even people have died from eating hot dogs roasted on an oleander twig.

Rhubarb (Rheum): Although the stalks are used to make pies, the leaves pack the potential to cause kidney damage.

Sago palm (Cycads): Resembling an upside down pineapple, this plant thrives in sandy soils, especially in warmer states such as California, Texas, and Florida. A few seeds can kill a dog.

Tomato (Lycopersicion): Surprisingly, the greenery of this common plant, not the tomato itself, contains solanine, a toxic ingredient that can prompt gastric upset, depression, weakness, and a decrease in heart rate.

For more information about plants that are dangerous to pets, visit the ASPCA.

Pet's Jazz Up Our Lives

This week, May 4-10, is National Pet Week ("NPW"). This celebration includes paying tribute to the more than 172 million companion animals that live in this country and the remarkable role that they play in improving the quality of our lives. All across the nation, pet owners, pet professionals and others will use this opportunity to educate the public on how pets improve human health, and how pet owners can return the favor.

National Pet Week was established in 1981 by the AVMA and its charitable auxiliary to promote responsible pet ownership and awareness of veterinary medicine, and celebrate the human-animal bond. This year, the theme is "Pets Jazz up Our Lives" in recognition of the AVMA convention in New Orleans July 19-22.

Educating adults and children about responsible pet ownership is one of the most important elements of National Pet Week. Teachers are encouraged to visit the National Pet Week website here where they can download lesson plans and work sheets about pet safety and veterinary medicine.

Help celebrate National Pet Week by reminding everyone how important pets are in our lives. I am going to celebrate by writing my veterinarians and telling them how much important they are to me and my pets.

In the case of Chanel

That's Chanel. She is a seven-year old Daschund, belonging to my friends Carole and Frank. Carole called called me yesterday to alert me to Chanel's medical problems. She told me that Chanel was in a New Jersey veterinarian hospital on the verge of death. The vet on duty was in the processing of diagnosing her but believed that she might have Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). HGE is a disease syndrome seen in dogs, characterized by the acute (sudden) onset of bloody diarrhea, accompanied by high packed cell volumes (red blood cells). The cause of HGE is unknown.

All breeds can be affected, although the incidence is greater in small breed dogs. Schnauzers, Dachshund, Yorkshire terriers, and miniature poodles are the most commonly affected by HGE which usually occurs in adult dogsm over 5 years. HGE is most often seen in city dogs, or dogs housed in urban areas.

Symptoms of HGE is acute vomiting, anorexia, depression and bloody diarrhea. The onset of HGE is usually very quick with no previous warning signs or health problems reported in the affected individuals. Signs progress rapidly and become severe within a few hours. Signs of shock, collapse, and sudden death have been reported.

Diagnostic efforts include:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Biochemical profile
Urinalysis
Fecal examination
Elisa for parvovirus
Bacteria cultures and cytology of the stool
Coagulogram, or clotting profile
Abdominal radiographs (X-rays) should be obtained to eliminate a foreign body or other disease process.

Patients suspected of having HGE are hospitalized and treated aggressively because clinical deterioration is rapid and fatal. Treatment includes: aggressive fluid therapy. In most cases, Antibiotics are recommended. The patient should be kept off food and water until signs are clearly resolving, and the PCV is within normal range. A bland, easy to digest diet should be given for several days, and then your pet can be weaned back to its regular food if his condition has improved.

The prognosis for patients with HGE is excellent if it is caught early and treated aggressively. If you suspect your pet may have HGE, seek veterinary attention immediately. Administer all medication and recommended diet as directed by your veterinarian. Because there is no known cause of the syndrome, there are no preventative measures that can be recommended in these patients.

Although Chanel has many of HGE symptons-except for the diarrhea-, she does not has this illness. Presently, she has labored breathing and her lungs have been filling up with fluids. The vet is bringing in a cardiologist as heart disease is suspected.

I am praying for Chanel and will keep you updated as to her condition.

My Dogs Shines Brite

Summer is just around the corner, and my husband and I are looking forward to participating in a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including boating and swimming with our four English Toy Spaniels. While at our second home in the Outer Banks, a long string of narrow barrier islands of the coast of North Carolina, protecting my dogs while engaged in water activities is paramount, because such activities can lead to loss, injury or even drowning.

Recently, my friend, Carole Cusamano, Chief Designer at the Sherpa Pet Group, introduced me to a line of safety products powered by LunabriteTM. LunabriteTM, an innovative new concept in light technology, requires no batteries, wiring or electricity. It is well suited for pets that are in, or play near, the water. In addition to the new "Be Seen" flotation device, the illuminated line of products includes dog collars and leashes, toys and more. The flotation device, with adjustable girth, is available in sizes: T4 (back length of 9"), S (back length of 12"), M (back length of 16"), L (back length of 21"), 2X (back length of 25"), and 3X (back length of 26"+). Safety collars and leashes are available in sizes: S (11-14"), M (14-18"), and L (18-22"); and the lead comes in one size (5' x 1").

Solutions for Guests Allergic to Dogs and Cats

A national survey conducted by the National Institute of Enivornmental Health Sciences and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developement to measure levels of indoor allergens that might trigger asthma, revealed that in homes with dogs the levels of allergens were high enough to trigger allergies or asthma. People with dog allergies are generally sensitve to dog dander, saliva, and urine. Cat allergies, twice as common as allergies to dogs, affect about six to ten million Americans. People with cat allergies are generally sensitive to all cats.

If friends or family decide to come for a visit or to stay in your home, ask invitees if they suffer from dog or cat allergies and discuss the best manner in which you can alleviate their sensitivities. In most cases, grooming your pet before your visitors turn up can be effective. Products such as LoShed and Allerpet can also reduce shedding and dander. Besides treating your dog or cat, thoroughly clean your home by vacuuming carpets and rugs, dusting surfaces and washing floors.


Once you clean your guest room, limit pet access. If possible, place a HEPA air purifier where guests sleep. The National Bureau of Standards states that air filtered by a HEPA unit is free of 99.97% of all contaminating particles. Allergy experts claim that if you can breathe pure air for at least 8 to 10 hours each night, you can probably tolerate more exposure to allergenic substances during the day.

Most importantly, encourage your guests to discuss increasing doses of their allergy medications with their physicians.

After writing all this, just tell them it would be better for them to stay in a hotel.

Greening Dog Waste

Recently, I discovered that about 4 billion tons of dog waste is collected each year and that plastics are the fourth highest generated waste in the United States Considering I have four dogs, deal with a lot of dog waste on a daily basis and dispose of it in plastic bags, I decided to help alleviate this situation. From my interest in Puppies Behind Bars this past year, I have learned that all it takes to make a difference is one dog and one person. So to help make an environmental impact, I decided to use biodegradable Poop Bags.

Poop Bags are made from a combination of corn and other renewable products which meet the highest standards for biodegradability. Specifically, PoopBags meet the ASTM D6400 specification for biodegradability, and comply with biodegradable product claims in all 50 states. Additionally, they contain no chemical additives to enhance their decomposition. The bags will decompose naturally when exposed to the Earth's elements and micro-organisms in the soil.

To learn more about ordering Poop Bags so that you and your dog can make a difference, visit www.poopbags.com