Save a Life: June is “Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat” Month

By Julia Williams

As an animal lover, I’ve always hoped I might live to see a day where very few cats and dogs languish in shelters waiting to find their forever home. Although the number of homeless animals is much smaller today than several decades ago, there are still far too many healthy animals in shelters that would make perfectly wonderful family pets. There’s no central data reporting agency for animal shelters at this time, but the Humane Society of the United States estimates that between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters every year, and only a fraction of those end up finding homes.

Those aren’t rosy statistics by any means. However, I prefer not to dwell on the negative but focus on the positive. Low cost spay-and-neuter programs, along with extensive public outreach and education, helps the numbers get smaller each year. And with generous companies like CANIDAE around to sponsor animal charities like the Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank, many more pets get to remain in their home instead of being surrendered to shelters.

I may not live to see that utopian day I dream about, but I can still celebrate the small victories. I can feel happy for those fortunate few shelter dogs and cats who do find loving homes. And lastly, I can encourage those who have room in their house and heart to visit their local animal shelter this month during Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month.

In order to raise awareness of all those healthy, affectionate felines who need homes, the ASPCA sponsors Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat each June. It’s timed to coincide with the start of “kitten season,” when shelters are inundated with beautiful feline babies born in the spring and summer.

Many animal shelters across the nation celebrate Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month by reducing the fee charged to place felines in their new forever homes. All of the shelter cats available for adoption have been spayed or neutered, and thoroughly evaluated by a veterinarian. All they need is to find a family.

Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month is a purrfect time to fall in “feline love” with one of the millions of homeless cats living in animal shelters nationwide. Whether you prefer a young and frisky kitten or a cat that’s mellowed with age, you’re sure to meet your perfect match. After you fill out some paperwork, you can take your new friend home to discover the many benefits of being owned by a cat: happiness, companionship, amusement, never-ending purrs, and love that fills your heart to the brim.

This June, why not make your way to your local shelter to find the feline of your dreams!

Read more articles by Julia Williams

What Causes Cherry Eye in Dogs, and How to Correct It

By Linda Cole

Cherry eye in dogs isn't a life threatening condition, but if left untreated can cause your dog eye problems later on. If you've ever seen a red bulge in the corner of your dog's eye, you've seen firsthand what cherry eye looks like. What causes cherry eye in dogs, and how is it treated?

A dog's eye has three eyelids: an upper and lower lid, as well as a third eyelid we seldom see. The importance of the third eyelid is to give added protection to the dog's eyes. It acts like a wipe to help keep the eye clear of dust and debris and has a tear gland that produces around 35% of the moisture to the dog's eye. Sometimes the gland in the third eyelid, located in the corner of the eye next to the dog's nose, slips out of place and bulges. We see it as a red or pinkish blob, and this bulge is what's called cherry eye.

Why it slips out of place is not clear, but if it happens in one eye, more than likely it will happen in the other, although it can be months later. What you want to pay attention to in your dog's eye is any watery or thick discharge, a red or pink blob in the corner of their eye, any redness in the lining of their eyelid or if your dog is pawing at his eye.

For unknown reasons, the connective tissue around the tear gland becomes weak and starts to move around. Movement irritates the gland which leads to swelling that can produce a mucous or clear discharge. It's possible cherry eye will correct itself within a couple of weeks, but it's best not to wait. If it doesn't correct itself, the longer the gland is out of place, the more swelling there is. This makes it harder to reposition it, and there's a greater chance it will happen again. Left untreated, cherry eye can lead to more serious eye problems later on. You need to have your dog examined by your vet as soon as you notice the out-of-place gland.

It's not understood why some dogs get cherry eye, but it's thought the cause could be from a parasite, some kind of bacterial infection, dermatitis, possible sun damage, cancer, fungal infection or it could be a result of a problem with the dog's immune system. Whatever the case, cherry eye is hereditary, so it's best not to breed a dog that has developed this condition.

Cherry eye is usually seen in younger dogs between 6 weeks to 2 years and is more commonly found in Newfoundlands, Bloodhounds, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Shar-Peis, Shih Tzu, Beagles, Pekingese, Lhasa apso, Miniature Poodles and Neapolitan Mastiffs. It's also seen in some breeds of cats. The Persian and Burmese cats are more likely to develop cherry eye than other breeds.

Treatment for cherry eye is done under local anesthesia to push the gland back into place. Some vets will elect to remove the third eyelid, but it's not recommended. There's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion if it's needed. Removing the eyelid can adversely affect proper tear production which keeps the eye from becoming dry. Dogs who have had the eyelid removed are at risk of developing a condition called “dry eye” later on. The third eyelid should only be removed as a last resort. If it's removed, you are compromising your dog's eye health as they age.

During surgery, a small part of the gland is removed. What's left is carefully tucked into the inside of the third eyelid and tacked into place. Dogs who have had their cherry eye corrected using this type of surgery have an excellent chance for recovery. However, there is a 5 to 20% chance the gland could slip out of place a second time. It all depends on how long it was out, the condition of the cartilage in the third eyelid, how swollen the gland was and the type of surgical procedure that was done. That's why quick medical treatment is important.

If your dog develops cherry eye, the other eye should be watched closely and you may want to consider having both eyes corrected surgically at the same time. After surgery, you will need to watch your dog's eyes to make sure they don't develop dry eye. Signs to watch for that would indicate dry eye are: redness to the lining of the eyelid, a thick pus-like discharge from the eye, and a cloudy cornea.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

definitely an ex-parrot

Frances Teresa Stuart, Duchess of Richmond and Lennox, was said to be a woman of beauty without parallel. King Charles II adored her for years. Perhaps that's how she acquired the wherewithal to get what at the time was an expensive and exotic pet: her African gray parrot, which she loved for the last 40 or so years of her life - she lived from 1647 to 1702, so that's a significant chunk of time to devote to anybody, much less a pet. When you realize that this young Duchess suffered smallpox two years into her marriage and was no longer a stunning beauty thereafter, you can imagine the loyalty of a feathered buddy would be a great comfort. (Note: To Charles' credit, he did behave towards her as a friend for the rest of his life.)

Did she get anything in return, you wonder? The parrot died four days after its mistress, which tells me a great deal about how much it could love, and was stuffed and placed near Frances Stuart's effigy in Westminster Abbey's collection. It's still there, said by many to be the oldest taxidermized bird in Britain. You can read a bit about that here at Westminster Abbey's official site. What's really interesting is this article from ravishingbeasts.com. I tried to find a look at the parrot, but no luck (I could buy a postcard of it from the Abbey, it seems).

How to Remove Pet Odors in Your Home

By Suzanne Alicie

We all love our pets, we love the joy they bring us, the entertainment and companionship they provide, and just the fact that they are part of our lives. However, we don’t always love the smells they bring into our homes. Litter boxes, wet dog smells and pet “accidents” all contribute to the pet odors in our homes.

When it comes to removing pet odors we have hundreds of options. There are sprays and cleansers, candles, oils and many other options to cover up pet odors. The problem is that many of these products aren’t healthy for our pets. This leaves us, as responsible pet owners, searching for safe non toxic and natural pet odor removal methods.

The search is over. There are three basic items that you probably have in your home that will take care of all your pet odor problems. Not only will these three products remove the odors, they are all natural and completely safe for your pets and children.

These mystical, magical, all natural products that remove pet odors are baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. You thought I was going to give you a list of some products you’d never heard of, right? Nope. These three simple products can be used in many ways, alone and together, to remove pet smells from your home.

Vinegar

Vinegar neutralizes odors. Spray your pet’s bedding and your pet himself with basic household vinegar to remove the musky dog smell from your home. Vinegar is also a great rinse after you bathe your dog to keep him from smelling like wet fur. Place a small bowl of vinegar near the litter box to clear the air. While vinegar has a strong smell initially, it dissipates quickly leaving a fresh clean scent. You can use vinegar to clean up accidents on floors and carpeting. Vinegar will clean up pet stains and odors quickly and easily.

Baking Soda

Baking soda absorbs odors. You can sprinkle it on carpets, add it to the litter box and sprinkle it on pet bedding and into your pet’s fur. To remove pet odors overnight, simply sprinkle baking soda around pet areas and on your carpet before bed. When you get up in the morning vacuum up the baking soda and revel in the fresh smell of your home.

Lemon Juice

All natural lemon juice eliminates pet odors in the air and leaves behind a fresh citrusy scent. Place a small bowl of lemon juice near areas where your pet tends to leave smells. If you have a puppy that is being crate or paper trained, a bowl of lemon juice will help with the odor. Of course you don’t want to leave bowls of vinegar or lemon juice where your pet might drink it; place them in higher areas where the air will circulate and be freshened.

See? All natural and non toxic pet odor removal doesn’t require a trip to the pet supply store, or bottles of expensive sprays. You just need to know what the products you already have in your home can do to eliminate and prevent pet odors.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

Etiquette at the Vets

By Julia Williams

If we are lucky, our mothers teach us all about good manners when we’re young. Hopefully, as adults we have a pretty good idea of what is acceptable behavior and what isn’t. Sometimes we slip up, not because we want to be discourteous, but more often because we just weren’t thinking. Then again, we don’t always know what’s expected of us in certain situations. That’s why I decided to write these tips on what to do – and what not to do – in your vet’s waiting room.

Contain your cat!

One of the biggest blunders pet owners make, in my opinion, is bringing their cat into a vet’s waiting room without a carrier. I see this nearly every time I take one of my cats in. You may think you have a really calm feline who isn’t afraid of anything, and they will just sit blithely on your lap until it’s your turn to be seen by the vet. That may well be true. But do you realize what could happen when a cat-aggressive dog comes out of the exam room or through the front door, and charges straight for your beloved kitty? At best, you’ll create chaos as you try to catch your frightened cat that just ran for cover. At worst, your cat will dart out the open door never to be seen again. Responsible pet owners contain their cats in carriers because it’s infinitely safer for the cat, and much less stressful to boot.

Don’t give dogs free rein

While in the veterinary waiting room, you should keep your dog close to you and under control at all times. If you can’t, then you should ask the receptionist if there’s a better place to wait, or take your dog outside until he’s ready to be seen by the vet. Also, use a regular leash instead of the retractable kind, so you’ll have better control over your dog’s movement. If you’re bringing in multiple dogs, make sure you can handle them and if not, have another adult come with you.

“Pet-iquette”

Don’t pet other people’s dogs unless you ask them first. This is a rule you should follow no matter where you are, but especially at the vets. Even normally friendly animals may react aggressively in this strange and stressful environment. And please don’t let your dog approach other people unless they tell you they want them to. Some people are afraid of dogs, and some just plain don’t like them. As hard as that might be for dog owners to believe, it’s true. I like dogs myself, but I don’t like being jumped on, licked or sniffed in private places.

Socialize at the dog park, not the vets

The veterinary waiting room is not the place to let your dog do the “meet and greet” with other dogs. No matter how well you think you know your dog, this unfamiliar environment could cause them to act unpredictably. Moreover, you have no idea how other dogs will react, and you could find yourself needing to break up a dog fight. Incidentally, it’s always a good idea to know ahead of time how to break up dog fights – read this article to get some great tips.

Don't feed other people’s pets

Many vets keep a container of dog treats at the front desk for their clients to give to their pet. This doesn’t mean you should feel free to take one and give it to someone else’s dog, no matter how well intentioned you might be. You have no idea if a stranger’s pet has dietary issues, and giving them treats could actually cause them harm.

Leave the kids at home

A busy animal hospital is no place for children. You’ll have your hands full trying to control your dog or carry your cat. Who needs the added stress of trying to keep children from petting other people’s dogs or running amok in the waiting room? Plus, having kids in tow will make it more difficult to attend to your pet’s needs in the exam room and communicate with your vet about your pet’s problem or treatment.

Respect other people’s privacy

Most doctors’ offices have signs asking you to wait behind a certain line before approaching the front desk. This is to give the other patients some privacy as they pay their bills or discuss medications and treatments. Vet clinics don’t usually have similar signs; however, veterinary clients are entitled to the same privacy considerations. If there are other people at the front desk, give them some room to conduct their business privately.

Vet visits may not be one of your “favorite things,” but they are a necessary part of responsible pet ownership. Observing a few simple etiquette rules while you’re there can help your vet visit go a lot smoother, for all concerned.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?

By Ruthie Bently

I have three stepchildren, and the oldest one was on a whisker clipping kick when he was still a pre-teen. He clipped off the whiskers of several cats at his grandmother’s until I caught him one day. Being a responsible pet owner I tried to reason with him. I asked him if he knew why cats had whiskers. He looked at me as if I had grown another head, and said no. I said I had read an article that mentioned cats need their whiskers for their sense of balance and to determine the spatial dimensions around them. He asked me if the cat would still be able to balance without whiskers.

I told him that cats measure a space with their whiskers; if their whiskers brush the sides of the space or will not fit into where they want to go a cat will not enter because they know their body won’t fit either. That is why the whiskers on a larger or more obese cat are so long. Whiskers can help a cat be more able footed than we might give them credit for. Cutting a cat’s whiskers disables this ability and can be dangerous for the cat if it is attempting to flee.

A cat’s whiskers are actually connected to nerves through the muscles they are connected to. This is why a cat will yowl if you tug on its whiskers – it hurts! Liken it to someone tugging on your fingernail. The attachment to muscles is also what makes a cat’s whiskers mobile. A cat can actually sense the changes in the air currents. In a room of the house, this enables them to maneuver around and through furniture as they feel the air flow around the furniture. This may be why blind cats are able to get around a house so well.

Cats also use their whiskers to display their emotions. An angry cat will lay back their whiskers until they are flat against the body. A cat that is frightened will flatten its whiskers so they are lying next to the body in order to make themselves look less like a threat. A curious cat will extend their whiskers either partially or fully in front of them toward the direction of their interest. A contented cat’s whiskers will be held out to the sides in a relaxed mode.

Cats don’t just have whiskers on either side of their nose. They also have whiskers on the back of their front legs, as well as their jaw line and eyebrows. Whiskers are stiffer and longer than the rest of a cat’s hair and they do shed them, though less frequently than they shed regular hair. Kittens are born with whiskers that stiffen up with time and get larger as the kitten grows. Most cats have between ten and fifteen whiskers on either side of their nose. Whiskers are also known as tactile hairs or vibrissae.

Outside, a cat can judge the air currents and get away from something chasing them, because they feel the change in the air around them. Cats also use their whiskers to feel temperature changes in their environment. This is probably how mine know when there is an open door they can scoot through when I am advancing with the nail clippers. Cats use their whiskers when hunting as they sense subtle changes in vibration around them. They use the whiskers on the backs of their legs to judge where the prey they’re hunting is and how large it is.

After I told my stepson why cats have whiskers, he apologized to all the cats whose whiskers he had clipped. While some of the cats had to deal with shorter whiskers for a bit, the majority were spared the indignity of having their whiskers cut. And when he caught his little brother with scissors and a gleam in his eye, he taught him why it isn’t good to clip the whiskers on a cat.

Read more articles by Ruthie Bently

Hobby or Obsession?

In most cases, having a fish tank starts out as a hobby. However, I can understand how it can become an obsession. Sometimes, I feel as if I'm starting to become obsessed.

Fish are relatively inexpensive when compared to the costs of many other animals, and with so many varieties and types, it is easy to become obsessive about the hobby. At first, a 20 gallon tank is great, but then you want to keep more fish, so you look to purchase a bigger tank. Maybe a 30, or 55 gallon tank. But after a while, as your fish get bigger, and you get bored of the species you own, and you want to get a bigger, newer tank. With more fish. Or perhaps you want to keep the fish you own, but you want to try a different species that isn't compatible with your current fish.

So you start a second tank with a different species. But maybe you want to try your hand at breeding fish, which then of course may require some type of breeding tank. And then you want to keep some of the fish you bred, so you need a bigger tank to keep those fish, and the cycle starts all over again.

I know a person who loves the hobby and has his own fish room. He built it in his basement and now has over 50 tanks with all kinds of species. He breeds many of them and sells some to fellow hobbyists. To many people, this can be considered some what obsessive. To him, this is what he enjoys doing and this is what brings him joy.

I've also gone to fish auctions. These are usually sponsored by aquarium fish clubs and it features hobbyists who breed their own fish and bring them to auction off to other aquarium enthusiasts. Again, you see people who have several fish tanks, perhaps obsessed by them, but also bring tons of knowledge to share with others.

In my opinion, it's a matter of how it effects your life. If it is something you enjoy, and it doesn't interfere with the rest of your life too much, then enjoy!