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2009 National Dog Show Will Spotlight Work of Therapy Dogs
Steve Dale
The National Dog Show, presented by Purina, will air in a two-hour special on Thanksgiving Day, following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, 12 p.m. ET. Arguably, even more than the legendary parade, the dog show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, has a little something for one everyone in the family. That's a rarity on TV these days
Home 4 The Holidays Pet Adoption Drive Saves Lives
Steve Dale
Iams kicked off its annual Home 4 the Holidays campaign with Academy Award-winning actress Hillary Swank proclaiming how wonderful it is to adopt a pet. But Mike Arms, president and CEO of the Helen Woodward Animal Center, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, deserves his own Oscar for saving lives
Cat Microchipping Effort Breaks Record
Steve Dale
Breaking the Guinness record book -- or maybe it's a Garfield record book -- 59,074 cats were microchipped and enrolled in the HomeAgain Pet Recovery Program from June through August. For the second consecutive summer, HomeAgain donated $1 per cat 'chipped to the non-profit Winn Feline Foundation.
Celebrating Feral Cats
Steve Dale
Domestic cats have been living with people for around for about 10,000 years, according to recently uncovered archeological evidence. Sometimes the cats provide great benefit. Credit cats for killing rats who spread the Great Plague. Today, we know living with housecats is beneficial for our health
Ian Dunbar Dogs' Best Friend and Advocate
By Steve Dale
You may not know Dr. Ian Dunbar, but your puppy sure thanks him. He's the one person who arguably most impacted dog training until Cesar Millan hit the scene a few years ago. Dunbar focuses on lure reward (dogs are lured with treats). In fact, this gray-haired veterinarian from Royal Veterinary College of London University single-handedly popularized puppy classes
Abandoned Pets Innocent Victims of the Housing Crisis
Steve Dale
Due to foreclosures and evictions, people have been losing their homes in record numbers. And when people are displaced, so are their pets. Now, many pets are paying the ultimate price. Feeling they have no choice, more and more struggling homeowners are abandoning their pets in empty homes.
Arrests Show Dog Fighting Surprisingly Widespread
Steve Dale
Michael Vick's arrest for fighting dogs shocked America. Unfortunately, two recent dog-fighting busts are arguably more shocking, though they haven't received the same national press. Over 300 dogs were confiscated in the biggest dog-fighting bust ever, encompassing eight states.
Legendary Trainer Thinks Dog Training Might be in Trouble
By Steve Dale
Dr. Ian Dunbar fears dog training may be going down the tubes. Dunbar, arguably the most influential dog trainer of the past four decades, shifted the standard from punishment-based techniques to positive lure reward training, motivating through food and toys. Dunbar first appeared on the scene when most dogs weren't even trained at all.
Survey Offers Some Surprises on Pet Ownership
By Steve Dale
Despite the economic downturn, America's pet population continues to rise, according to the just released 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey.
10 Best Places to Live for Pet Lovers
Kimberly Palmer
For the 4 in 10 American families that own at least one dog, choosing a place to live isn't just about the humans in the family: They want their pets to be happy, too. Green spaces and good weather make pets -- and their owners -- happy.
Jail Behind Him, Will a New Michael Vick Finally Emerge
Steve Dale
The majority of fans contended their disgust with Michael Vick. Yet, I wonder how many season ticket holders would actually cancel, and how many would turn off their TVs on Sunday afternoons. I argue, it's a sad reality that there may be an increase in seats filled and TV ratings might shoot up, especially if the team signing Vick has little else to offer.
New Vaccine Will Fight Canine Influenza
Steve Dale
The flu season is here, and vaccination may be a good idea - for your dog. A first ever vaccine to fight off canine influenza was announced at a press conference during the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Seattle, WA.
Who Knew? Cat's Meow Had Subtext
Ana Veciana-Suarez
In any case, cat behavior made headlines recently when a university study, published in Current Biology, concluded that household cats control us with 'a certain type of urgent-sounding, high-pitched meow,' described as a purr mixed with a cry. For the uninitiated, it sounds a lot like a human infant bawling.
Pet Airways
Pet Airways - Flying with Fido and Fifi
Ed Perkins
All the recent publicity about the start of Pet Airways raises the question of exactly how to transport pets when you're flying. My basic advice -- as a dog owner for nearly 40 years -- is, 'Unless you can't avoid it, don't.' But you sometimes can't avoid it, so here are your options.
Here Are Some Exotic Pets You Can Actually Live With
By Steve Dale
Here are five relative newcomers to the pet world. Perhaps their exotic appeal is bringing a little of the wild world into our concrete jungles
Avoid Summer Hazards for Pets
By Steve Dale
You can have hot fun in the summertime with your pets, but if the heat is on, your pets could potentially be in danger. Here are some tips for keeping your pets safe in summer
New Initiatives Tout Value of Microchipping Pets
By Steve Dale
A microchip is a permanent form of identification; it's the size of a grain of rice and is implanted just under a pet's skin by a veterinarian. Estimates are that somewhere around half of all dogs in the U.S. are microchipped, yet less then 10 percent of cats have chips.
Tick Numbers Climbing, Even in Urban Areas
By Steve Dale
Ticks, and the diseases they transmit, are now in all 50 states. And experts concur that their numbers are rising. Dr. Dwight Bowman, a veterinary parisitologist at Cornell University, says that a general increase in wildlife numbers -- including deer, wild turkey, raccoon and other animals -- intersecting with suburbia likely has the most impact
Excellence in Veterinary Medicine
By Steve Dale
Presenters offered the latest news in veterinary medicine. Here are a few highlights
Advances in Veterinary Medicine Helping Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives
By Steve Dale
There's little doubt pets are living longer than ever before, and advances in veternary medicine clearly are one explanation
Use Treats to Break Dog's Barking Habit
By Steve Dale
My 11-pound American Eskimo dog Foxy barks constantly when she sees another dog outside. Foxy may have simply trained you to let her out to see her friends. Foxy's "issue" may be more complex.
Treating Cats with a Heartworm Preventative
By Steve Dale
My vet suggests I treat my cat, Sasha, with a heartworm preventative. Sasha is an indoor-only cat. I've never heard of this before
Tampa Tops List of Cat-Friendly Cities
By Steve Dale
Dogs may have the claim as our best friends, but Americans' favorite companions are cats. There are more pet cats than dogs in the U.S. (81.7 million cats vs. 71.2 million dogs). Tampa, FL, topped the list, followed by Phoenix; San Francisco, CA; Portland, OR; Denver, CO; Boston, MA; Seattle, WA; San Diego, CA; Atlanta, GA, and Minneapolis, MN.
Questions Answered at the American Animal Hospital Association Conference
By Steve Dale
These pet-related questions were answered at the American Animal Hospital Association Conference May 26-29 at the Phoenix Convention Center. The AAHA supports excellence in veterinary care.
Heartworm Disease on the Rise
By Steve Dale
Experts stop short of calling it an epidemic, but the newly-released results of a nationwide survey indicate that the number of heartworm cases is rising. As a result, it's also likely that more pets are dying of the disease. The tragedy is, heartworm disease in dogs, cats and ferrets is totally preventable.
Dog Owners Share Some Smelly Stories
By Steve Dale
A few weeks back, reader K.S. in Atlanta offered her personal view that dogs' paws smell like Fritos, which sparked an onslaught of email and other comments directed to my Facebook page. I received around 100 comments, and still the controversy rages!
Positive Reinforcement Beats Force in Training Dogs & Cats
By Steve Dale
Cesar Millan, TV's 'dog whisperer,' seems to have success by forcing dogs into what he calls submission. Many veterinary professionals and groomers use the same technique. However, the outcome of force may cause a previously content and amicable dog or cat to develop other problems.
Bone Up Before You Buy: Read About Pet Care Before Bringing Home That Cute Dog or Cat
By Steve Dale
'Tis the season for adding a furry member to you family. But wait! Before you bring home that dog or cat, do your homework and learn how to integrate the pet into your family. Once you do adopt a pet, learning about care and training are imperative. Here are some great new books to help along the way.
Humans May Owe Very Existence to Dogs
By Steve Dale
Whether or not you like dogs, you can thank a canine for your very existence, according to Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Without the domestication of canines, early man might never have survived at all, Coren theorizes.
Cat's Quirky Eating, Drinking Habits Not Unusual or Harmful
By Steve Dale
This entire column is devoted to cats. The first two questions were answered at a meeting of the CATalyst Council at the headquarters of the American Veterinary Medical Association. CATalyst is a non-profit organization devoted to elevating the status of cats.
Cat Overpopulation Remains a Problem, Especially in Summer
By Steve Dale
In 1975, American Humane, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children and animals, designated June as Adopt-a-Cat month. "Cat overpopulation was a real issue, a big problem back then," says Dena Fitzgerald, publications and communications manager at American Humane. "Unfortunately [today], most shelters are still over-filled with cats."
Choosing the Best Snake for Beginners
If you are considering a snake as a pet, Snakes as Pets can help you figure out if a snake is right for you, what you should look for in a snake, and some good species for beginners. Image: Corn Snakes by Lianne McLeod DVM Choosing the Best Snake for Beginners originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 17:08:14.
Snakes can make good pets for the right person. Keep in mind that most snakes are carnivores, so you will have to supply their prey, but they do have the advantage of not needing to eat very often. A few snakes eat insects, but these are harder to keep and are not good for beginners.
Hedgehog Housing and Handling
Hedgehog factoid More Photo © Getty Images Hedgehog Housing and Handling originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 15:39:52.
Hedghogs as Pets
Once you get past the prickly exterior, African pygmy hedgehogs are fascinating pets. Hedgehogs are illegal in some areas so check their status where you live before deciding on one as a pet.
Hedgehogs have a remarkable habit called "self-anointing" which can be somewhat startling the first time an owner sees it happening. Particular smells seem to send the hedgehog into a flurry contortions as it starts to salivate profusely and spread the saliva over its back. Learn more about hedgehog self-anointing here.
Advice on picking up your prickly pet.
Lianne McLeod DVM answers a viewer question.
Can Exotic Pets Make My Kids Sick?
In October of 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a study entitled Exposure to Nontraditional Pets at Home and to Animals in Public Settings: Risks to Children (by Larry K. Pickering, MD, Nina Marano, DVM, MPH, Joseph A. Bocchini, MD, Frederick J. Angulo, DVM, PhD and the Committee on Infectious Diseases). This study, and the focus of subsequent news coverage, could be a bit scary for exotic pet owners with kids, but it is important to have some perspective about the risks. Related Reading:
Photo: Ventura, Loki and Ace - Pet Rats © by Lianne McLeod DVM Can Exotic Pets Make My Kids Sick? originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 21:11:38.
Fennec Foxes
They make good pets, although they are quite active and curious, and in some ways are like a very small dog. Find out more about fennec foxes in this profile. Fennec Foxes originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 00:03:33.
The fennec fox is the world's smallest wild canine, with adults usually weighing in under four pounds, although they have amazingly large ears.
Also See: Fennec Fox Photos
Choosing an Exotic Pet
The decision to adopt or purchase an exotic pet involves asking all of the above questions and quite a few more. Two top considerations, according to author Lianne McLeod DVM, question the motivation to own an exotic pet and to make sure that the pet is legal to have where you live.
Read more about choosing the right exotic pet for you.
Photo: Giant African Millepede by Lianne McLeod DVM Choosing an Exotic Pet originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 18:08:12.
The decision to adopt a pet - any pet - requires consideration and thought. How long is the expected lifespan? What are expected veterinary costs per year? How much will this pet eat, and what type of food? Where will this pet be housed and exercised? The answers help shape decisions to find the best pet for your lifestyle.
Litter Training Rabbits
My rabbit Specky had a decent track record with litter training, though I didn't work as hard at it as I could have (that's him on the right sitting in his empty box at cleaning time). In general, it's best not to expect perfection from your bunny in this department, but if you put in the effort, you and your bunny should be able to get close. Big exception: if your rabbit isn't spayed or neutered , retaining litter training beyond puberty will be much more difficult. The process of litter training does take a bit of patience as explained in "Litter Training Rabbits." More: Top Ten Alternatives to Cedar and Pine Shavings - this list provides some ideas for what to use in your rabbit's litter box. Photo © Lianne McLeod DVM Litter Training Rabbits originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 11:18:45.
From Lianne McLeod DVM: Did you know that most rabbits take pretty well to litter training? Litter training not only helps keep the cage cleaner but makes it possible to have them out and about with less mess.
Proper Heat and Temperature Gradient is Vital for Reptiles
Heat: Being ectothermic ("cold-blooded" - although they need warm temperatures) they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body temperature. Light: Ultraviolet light (UV) is important in the production of vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium metabolism. Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin with exposure to UV light (from sunlight). While vitamin D3 can be supplemented in the diet, it appears some reptiles, such as iguanas, make better use of vitamin D3 produced within their bodies than that provided in vitamin supplements. Learn more: heat and light needs for reptiles Photo: Veiled Chameleon by Lianne McLeod DVM Proper Heat and Temperature Gradient is Vital for Reptiles originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 21:03:18.
Many reptiles have very specific need when it comes to heat and light. Meeting these needs is essential to keeping these pets healthy, so it is important to understand why heat and light are so important.
Ferret dies from H1N1 infection in Nebraska
This is Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM, the Guide to Veterinary Medicine at About.com. I am guest blogging on this site as we search for a new Exotic Pets Guide. Are you a veterinary professional who has what it takes? Please see our Be A Guide Page under "exotic pets" to see if you qualify. Photo: Burt the Ferret by GenGlo on Flickr. Used with permission. Ferret dies from H1N1 infection in Nebraska originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 14:54:22.
From the About.com Veterinary Medicine site: A news station in Hastings, Nebraska (KHAS) has reported that Stormy the ferret, one of four ferrets in a family of humans sick with the flu, has died from the H1N1 virus.
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Tip: Don't Feed Fireflies to Your Reptiles or Amphibians
Also avoid feeding the larval forms (sometimes called glow worms). The chemical that gives these bugs the ability to glow so wonderfully is apparently what makes them toxic. Read more... Tip: Don't Feed Fireflies to Your Reptiles or Amphibians originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 12:05:35.
Fireflies (lightning bugs) are such neat insects. However, feeding them to reptiles and amphibians is not recommended -- they are known to be very toxic to bearded dragons and toxicity has been seen in other reptiles and amphibians, too.
Cages for Guinea Pigs
The great thing about guinea pigs is that they are not escape artists, so it is easy to make a homemade cage that is safe and very roomy. Photo: Guinea Pig by Lianne McLeod DVM Cages for Guinea Pigs originally appeared on About.com Exotic Pets on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 16:44:25.
Many cages marketed for guinea pigs are really much too small, especially considering guinea pigs are social and do best if kept in pairs or groups. The proper cage size and other items you'll need to house guinea pigs are covered in "Cages for Guinea Pigs."
Also see: Guinea Pig Care Guide
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Photos: Scorpionfly Fossils
Yesterday, I wrote about some extinct scorpionflies that scientists think may have fed on the nectar of seed ferns, conifers, and other ancient plants. Now you can get a pretty good idea of what some of these primitive pollinators looked like in this photo album of scorpionfly fossils. Photos: Scorpionfly Fossils originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 12:38:34.
Scorpionflies: The Oldest Known Animal Pollinators
In general, for plants to reproduce, pollen grains must be transported from the stamen of a flower to the pistil. There are numerous ways that this transfer can take place—pollen can be carried from stamen to pistil by the wind, water, or by animals. Until now, scientists believed that primitive plants—plants that predated flowering plants—relied mainly on wind for pollination, not on insects. The understanding was that it animal pollination didn't become widespread until flowering plants evolved during the late Cretaceous period (99.6 to 65.5 million years ago). But that reasoning has now been called into question by Dong Ren of Capital Normal University, Beijing, China and his colleagues. The scorpionfly fossil evidence they present suggests that scorpionflies may have been pollinating plants as early as 167 million years ago, long before animals started pollinating flowering plants during late Cretaceous. Scorpionflies: The Oldest Known Animal Pollinators originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 21:00:07.
A new study suggests that scorpionflies that lived during the Jurassic Period fed on the nectar-like juices of seed ferns, conifers, and other primitive plants. As the scorpionflies feasted on the sweet liquid from these plants, they may have also acted as animal pollinators—couriers of pollen grains that are vitally necessary to the reproductive cycle of their host plants. If this scenario is true, scorpionflies represent the earliest known animal pollinators.
Animal ID Challenge - Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, or Chickadee
Photo © Chas53 / iStockphoto. In today's animal identification challenge, we have a little grey and white bird with a splash of orange on its flanks. This little bird is about 6.5 inches in length with a 9.75 inch wingspan. It is common in mature deciduous forests in the US, east of the Mississippi River. Its song is whistled "peter peter peter peter" and its call is a series of thin nasal notes, "ti ti ti sii sii zhree zhree zhree". The adult has a black forehead, pale cream feathers around the eye, and a blue-gray crest and upper body. It has a splash of rusty orange feathers on its flanks just beneath its wing. This species does not migrate, choosing instead to brave the cold throughout the winter months throughout its range. Your task is to identify which of the following three birds this species is: nuthatch, tufted titmouse, or chickadee. After you have cast your vote in this Animal ID Challenge, be sure to check your answer here. Animal ID Challenge - Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, or Chickadee originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 12:52:39.
For Paper Wasps, Being Unique Has its Benefits
"It's good to be different, to wear a name tag advertising your identity," said Michael Sheehan. In previous research, Elizabeth Tibbetts showed that paper wasps are able to recognize each other based on their distinct facial markings. Now, this latest research reveals just how a unique face can help an individual wasps by enabling it to avoid unnecessary confrontations with other wasps. Tibbets and Sheehan set up experiments in which they modified the facial patterns of wasps and evaluated the aggressive behavior among individuals in the group. Each group had three wasps whose faces they modified to look similar as well as a fourth wasp whose facial markings were distinct from the other three. Tibbets and Sheehan observed that the wasps that were recognizable—those with the unique facial marking—experienced less aggression than those with less distinct markings. They reasoned that if an individual is reconginzed, repeated aggression is not ncessary as previous social interactions have already settled the question of social status. Photo © Michael Sheehan / University of Michigan. For Paper Wasps, Being Unique Has its Benefits originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 16:21:21.
For paper wasps, it pays to have a unique face. That's what Michael Sheehan and Elizabeth Tibbetts of University of Michigan concluded in a recent paper published in the journal Evolution. Their research reveals that paper wasps (Polistes fuscatus) that have distinct facial markings become embroiled fewer aggressive conflicts than those that had facial markings that made them less easily distinguished from fellow wasps.
Fossil Mammal Reveals Clues About Mammalian Hearing
Photo © Mark A. Klingler / Carnegie Museum of Natural History. A team of paleontologists have discovered a fossil of a 123-million-year-old mammal that lived in what is now the Lianoning Province of northeastern China. The mammal, Maotherium asiaticus, was so well preserved that it has provided scientists with new insights into the evolution of the mammalian middle ear. "What is most surprising, and thus scientifically interesting, is this animal's ear. Mammals have highly sensitive hearing, far better than the hearing capacity of all other vertebrates, and hearing is fundamental to the mammalian way of life. The mammalian ear evolution is important for understanding the origins of key mammalian adaptations." ~ Dr. Zhe-Xi Luo, from Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Mammals possess more acute hearing than other vertebrates, an adaptation that enabled early mammals to better evade predators in the dinosaur-dominated environment in which they first evolved. Mammalian hearing depends on three bones, the hammer (malleus), the anvil (incus), and the stirrup (stapes) as well as an eardrum (tympanic membrane). These structures were once part of the jaw bone in mammalian ancestors. In present day mammals, the bones are separate from the jaw. But in Maotherium asiaticus, there is still a connection between the middle ear bones and the jaw. Fossil Mammal Reveals Clues About Mammalian Hearing originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 20:46:47.
Photos: Wildlife of the Great Plains
Photos: Wildlife of the Great Plains originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 at 18:39:35.
NPR has a fantastic collection of 15 images from a new book by photographer Michael Forsberg, Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild.
On TV: National Parks Feature in Documentary by Ken Burns
This week, PBS is showing a six-part documentary by Ken Burns, The National Parks: America's Best Idea. You can find out more about the series here and here. If you missed any of the episodes that have already aired (like I did) you can view them online here. On TV: National Parks Feature in Documentary by Ken Burns originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 at 18:34:47.
Photos: Whale Sharks
This collection of images shows what divers photographed while participating the whale shark photo monitoring project. Photos: Whale Sharks originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 at 18:30:09.
Photo Monitoring Ningaloo's Whale Sharks
While swimming astride the left side of a shark, photographers carefully aimed their viewfinders at the patch of skin behind the shark's gill slits, just above the pectoral fin. The goal: to record the pattern of white spots and streaks on the shark's flank. This pattern, unique to each shark and retained throughout its lifetime, is like a human fingerprint. It can be used to identify the shark if it's sighted again. The study, led by marine scientist Brad Norman of ECOCEAN and Murdoch University, used photo recognition technology to analyze the images and establish a database of shark "photo IDs". Photo Monitoring Ningaloo's Whale Sharks originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 at 06:23:35.
Whale sharks are anything but camera shy. Between 1995 and 2006, scientists, tourists, divers, and tour guides snapped more than 5100 underwater photographs of these gentle giants at Ningaloo Marine Park, off the coast of Western Australia. The photographs weren't random portraits of fish. They were all captured as part of a long-term survey of the region's whale sharks.
Become an Animals / Wildlife Facebook Fan!
Animals / Wildlife is now on Facebook. If you have a Facebook profile, you can become a fan and stay up to date with the latest animals and wildlife articles and features. Become an Animals / Wildlife Facebook Fan! originally appeared on About.com Animals / Wildlife on Thursday, September 17th, 2009 at 13:20:38.
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Signs of a Healthy Cat: The Upper Body
This is Part 2 of a multi-part series on Signs of a Healthy Cat. Knowing what a healthy cat looks and feels like to the touch can help us spot any changes that may require veterinary attention. Learn more about the upper body of a healthy cat, including the shoulders, rib cage, front legs, feet, claws, and coat. Part 1: The Head of a Healthy Cat Signs of a Healthy Cat: The Upper Body originally appeared on About.com Cats on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 17:17:54.
The well-toned upper body of a healthy cat will give the impression of supple strength, which in movement translates to speed, agility, and grace. To see a cat crouched down on the hunt for prey, and moving in a slow motion "crawl" is poetry in motion. His frame is aligned perfectly, and every muscle, tendon, and bone move in tandem.
Photo Credit: Photo is Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
Wordless Wednesday: Autumn
More Wordless Wednesday About.com Cats WW Archives Wordless Wednesday: Autumn originally appeared on About.com Cats on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 13:30:41.
"I brought a beautiful colored leaf in for my cats to play with, and little Désirée, always a ham, jumped up on her podium, grabbed the leaf, and took a bow, which she held until I got the photo."
Photo Credit: © Leigh Arrathoon
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Second Cat Diagnosed With H1N1
A second cat has now been confirmed as having H1N1, transmitted by a family member with the virus. The 14 year old cat, in Park City, Utah, was taken to the Park City Animal Clinic on November 6th, suffering with respiratory distress. Dr. Carl Prior, the veterinarian who treated the cat, told reporters from the Park Record newspaper that the cat was very sick and would have died without treatment. "The infection was serologically confirmed by the laboratory at Iowa State University on November 13" for H1N1, as reported yesterday by Dr. Janet Crosby, About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine. Have questions about H1N1 in cats? Read my article on H1N1 and Cats for answers to most questions. I have updated it with the recent information reported here. If you have questions not answered, feel free to post them here. Second Cat Diagnosed With H1N1 originally appeared on About.com Cats on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 12:05:12.
Cat Breed of the Week: Chausie
The ideal Chausie has been described as "fearless, but not aggressive." However, if you do not have the time to devote yourself to the attention and care of a large, active cat, or you prefer antique china to earthenware, you might want to look elsewhere for a cat. As with any other cat, the commitment to a Chausie should be a lifetime one. Before purchasing a Chausie, check your state and local laws, as the cat is be considered a hybrid for the first three generations. The Chausie featured here is Spunky. Cat Breed of the Week: Chausie originally appeared on About.com Cats on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 12:23:27.
Do you hunger for a touch of the wild in your cat? The Chausie may be the breed for you. Picture if you can, the grace, size, and exotic aura of a wild jungle cat, combined with the temperament of a domestic cat, and you have something resembling the Chausie.
Photo Credit: © Renae Baker, Marsh Pride Chausies
Q: What's a Catlanta?
A: It's the CFA International Cat Show, held every year the weekend before Thanksgiving. CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) bills it as "the largest international pedigreed cat show in the Western Hemisphere." The show is held in different cities each year. This year, it will be held this weekend, November 21-22, 2009, at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta, GA - hence "Catlanta." In addition to competitions among the finest pedigreed cats in the world, visitors will be able to learn more about their favorite cat breeds with breed booth displays offering the history and information about various breeds. In addition, a Breed Showcase will run continuously, providing information about popular as well as rare cat breeds. If you plan to attend, also plan to bring extra cash and/or some plastic, because the vendors' booth area is a one-stop shopping heaven for every kind of cat product you can imagine. There will be cat towers, cat toys, and scratching posts galore, as well as a huge variety of cat toys, grooming tools, and much more. If you live in the Atlanta area and love cats, this show is the must-see of the year. Q: What's a Catlanta? originally appeared on About.com Cats on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 12:18:03.
Cat Picture of the Week: Veronica
My coworker lives an hour's drive east of the workplace, and I live an hour's drive southwest. I gave her a cat carrier and instructions on how to catch the kitten. It worked! She brought the kitten to me at work (secretively). I was surprised to see the little tortie, about 9 weeks old, crouching in the back of the carrier, gazing at me as if she were sizing me up. I expected a brown tabby from the description I received from my coworker. The kitten was not really feral, just wary. She was crawling with fleas. . . read the rest of the story Anne's decision to keep Veronica and to bring another kitten home to keep her company for the sake of her older cats was a sound one. It's one of the reasons why two kittens are better than one. Veronica's photo will also be featured in my 2009 Tortoiseshell Cats gallery. You may submit cat photos by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information. Cat Picture of the Week: Veronica originally appeared on About.com Cats on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 17:15:06.
Veronica is named for the Elvis Costello song. As the song says, she has a "carefree mind of her own" in that "pretty little head" of hers. After years of refusing to bring cats that I fell in love with home from shelters where I worked so as not to stress my three sibling cats (rescued from a euthanasia table at my first shelter job), I begrudgingly agreed to take a "feral kitten" from a coworker in distress. She knew nothing about cats, and a small kitten had been hiding under her car for over a week! She was putting out milk (not KMR) for the kitten, but couldn't touch the kitten. She wanted the kitten "safely removed from her property without harm".
What Does Your Home-Alone Cat Do all Day?
The folks at Friskies asked that question in a poll and this was the response:
They decided to test those theories by enlisting 50 "repurrters" as a focus group, to wear cat cams on a collar to document their activities while the owners were away from home. Each cat cam took a photo every 15 minutes to track the cat's activities through the day. Among other activities, the cats spent an aggregate of 21% of their time looking out windows; 11.8% of their time was spent with other animals; but only 5% playing with toys; and 6.1% looking at TV, computer, books, DVDs (any media). Sleeping in the sun is a favorite activity (although the cats were only recorded a surprisingly short 6.1% of their time). One of the Friskies' behavior consultants suggested leaving drapes and blinds open to accomodate the cats' window viewing time, as well as to allow the sun to filter in. Another good suggestions is to leave a t-shirt you've worn in your cat's favorite sleeping place to give him a sense of your presence. You can download the full "Scratchington Post" report on the Friskies web site. It's a large PDF file, so it may take a few minutes to view. You can also view the Cat Cam Focus Group pictures on FlickR
I could have predicted our Billy's activities without a cat cam. He'd be doing much of the same activities he does every day, including watching our cats' own personal TV. BilBil's favorite DVD is "Kitty Goes Hunting. Kitty Goes Fishing," a two-part DV from PetQuerks. I'll be reviewing it soon. I was also surprised at how little time cats spent playing, according to the pet cam results. Try these tips for Toys for Home-Alone Cats. Most of them have passed approval of my own band of cat toy expurrts.
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
What Does Your Home-Alone Cat Do all Day? originally appeared on About.com Cats on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 16:09:25.
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Inside-Outside
An outside cat gets An Inside cat gets An Outside cat gets An Inside cat gets An Outside cat gets Little outside cat My longtime email friend, Kermit Allen, wrote this while stuck at home, recuperating from knee surgery. I thought it was too wonderful (Kermit calls it "whimsical") not to be shared, and Kermit generously agreed to let me publish it on my blog. Pictured here is Jewel, who shares Kermit's home with two other inside cats, Nellie Belle, and Oscar (and in spirit with Big Kitty.)
An Inside cat gets
Two good meals every day
A warm comfortable place to sleep
Chin scratches and head rubs
To eat mice and birds and bugs
To sleep under cars or in the bushes
To scratch their heads for fleas
To visit the Vet to get shots
To have their temperature taken
And have their ears peered into
To be exposed to bad cat viruses
To suffer if they get sick
And hope that they get well
To live 12 years or more
To be happy and content
And never go hungry
To live 4 years or less
To be scared and alone
And always go hungry
Don't you want to come in?
Photo and Poem © Kermit Allen
Inside-Outside originally appeared on About.com Cats on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 21:39:21.
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Help a Cat Rescue X2 in November
The Best Friends Animal Society has a wonderful program running in November. It's called the Best Friends Double Your Impact Challenge, and this is how it works: Eligible animal charity groups create a website on the Best Friends site, and you can donate to the charity of your choice until December 4, 2009. Best Friends will match your donation up to a total of $500 per donation. If the hoped-for goal is reached, that will mean a total of $50,000 donated to help keep these animal charities doing their work for homeless cats and dogs. You can read more about the Double Your Impact Challenge on the Best Friends site. For my readers: Ready, set, GO! And for Best Friends Animal Society: Way to GO! Help a Cat Rescue X2 in November originally appeared on About.com Cats on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 18:05:05.
2009 Tortoiseshell Cats Picture Gallery
Feast your eyes on this parade of lovely tortie ladies, and if you are lucky to share your home with one, submit your own tortoiseshell photo with the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information. Does your tortie cat epitomize tortitude? Share more photos and her story with this easy-to-use form 2009 Tortoiseshell Cats Picture Gallery originally appeared on About.com Cats on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 16:26:17.
Tortoiseshell cats are cloaked in the color of falling leaves in November with their interwoven patterns of red, gold, and black. "Torties" are like potato chips; once you've enjoyed one, you'll want more. Tortie cats are homebodies; they love their families, and are loyal to a "T" to the one who cares for them. Don't be surprised, though, if your tortoiseshell cat shows a streak of sass at times. That tendency is referred to as "tortitude," and is often found also in calico cats.
Photo of Tortie Kitten Scout
Photo Credit: © Dee Kridel
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"Plastic surgery is good for dogs!" according to a leading Brazilian pet plastic surgeon. A face-lift for a dog? [Seattle Post Intelligence] Not only can you get a face-lift for your dog, but you can even order up a mammary lift for her droopy tits after she's had her puppies... (Surely the SPCA would label this kind of pure cosmetic surgery an unnecessary and cruel procedure?)
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18-inch dog swallows 16-inch stick UK [Yahoo News: Fortean Times] Wannabe robber's dog mask gets laughs, foils robbery PA [Post Gazette via Romenesko's Obscure Store] Prosecuters recommend 10 years in jail for teens who tortured dogs AL [Tuscaloosa News] 'In the end, it is love and attention --- from humans and animals alike --- that keep pets happy and healthy...' Caring for pets, Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier]
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Dog News: weird, inspiring dog tales
'Paws' to enjoy current dog news. Weird, wonderful, and educational dog news for the post 9-11 world.
Dog Breed of the Week: Lhasa Apso
I'll admit it - I have always kind of looped the Lhasa Apso in with "similar" breeds, like the Shih Tzu. Not that I did not think of it as a separate breed, I just did not a lot of difference. I stand corrected. The Lhasa is an original, developed by nature for life in the Himalayan mountains. The Shih-Tzu's ancestors may be related to Lhasas, but the Lhasas were first. I have not had the pleasure to know many Lhasas, but I admire their independence and whimsy. I also admire the owners who work so hard to train these headstrong little dogs. Lhasas arfe smart and they know it! The Lhasa is not the right breed for everyone, particularly households with small children, as it seems like Lhasas prefer adults. However, I do believe that any dog can adapt to just about any situation with proper handling. If you don't mind grooming, and you want a relatively small dog with a dynamic personality and moderate activity level, the Lhasa may be the one. Before you choose,learn all about the Lhasa Apso, a unique and intriguing dog breed. Love Lhasas? Tell us about it and share your favorite photos. Photo © D.C Atty on flickr Dog Breed of the Week: Lhasa Apso originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 00:05:38.
Dog Lovers' Holiday Survival Guide
Your dog doesn't really know the holiday season from any other time of year, except by observing your actions and attitude. She will, however, pick up on your vibe. If you are on edge, it can affect your dog. As a dog lover, you must focus upon keeping your dog safe, healthy and happy. Then there are all the other little details. Check out this holiday survival guide to help you organize your holiday to-do list. Then, take a deep breath and relax. How do you survive the holidays? Photo © Stella Panzarino Dog Lovers' Holiday Survival Guide originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 21:04:21.
I am sure that I do not stand alone when I say that the holidays stress me out. The marketing, decorating and music all start the day after Halloween, and things in the world seem all fuzzy until some time in January. Somewhere amid all the chaos there is true meaning. Depending on your spiritual beliefs, this time of year means a number of things. For most of us, a large part of the season is supposed to be about peace, love and togetherness - not stress.
Dog Breed of the Week: Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a huge helping of canine friendliness and hard work. This dog breed is beloved by many, and for good reason. Newfies are not only loving companions, they are also amazing workers. With their webbed feet and thick, waterproof coats, they evolved into perfect water dogs. For centuries, they have worked alongside fisherman and saved numerous people from drowning. It's simply in their nature to assist and protect people, but always with a gentle spirit. It is for these reasons that the Newfie is also an ideal family pet. He will watch over and play with the children, he learns well and seems eager to please. He's cuddly yet athletic. If you have the room for a 100 to 150 pound dog that will never let you down, then the Newfoundland might be the one for you. Learn more about the Newfoundland and decide for yourself. Newfie lovers, please share your stories about this wonderful dog breed by leaving a comment, then send in your favorite photos. Photo © vonlohmann on flickr Dog Breed of the Week: Newfoundland originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 22:14:59.
Holiday Travel Season Approaches
With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, the holiday travel season is upon us. If you plan to travel this year, you have probably made your arrangements. Now is the time to double check - have arrangements been made for your dog? Deciding whether or not to travel with your dog may be a tough decision. Many of us do not want to leave our dogs behind, but sometimes it's in their best interests. Traveling With Your Dog: If you plan to bring along your pooch, then each stage of your trip needs to include plans for your dog. If you will be visiting many places where your dog is welcome, bringing him along can work out well. Learn how to plan it right, from transportation to accommodations. Read more... Holiday Travel Season Approaches originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 21:54:37.
Update on Swine Flu and Your Dog
Many months ago, veterinary professionals though that the H1N1 virus would probably not affect our pets. Back in April, I posted about swine flu, but since then some things have changed. First, the H1N1 virus was found in ferrets. Last week, a cat in Iowa was diagnosed with the virus. Pigs and even turkeys have contracted this flu. What about our dogs, are they next?
It's hard not to worry. But, before you panic and rush to the vet after your dog sneezes once, learn the facts. Read more... Update on Swine Flu and Your Dog originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 00:56:21.
Dog Breed of the Week: Chinese Crested
The first thing many people think of when they see a Chinese Crested is "World's Ugliest Dog." Though that competition is all in fun, I must say that I find these little guys rather cute. I suppose beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. If you aren't a fan of bald dogs, there is another type of Chinese Crested: the powderpuff (and that's just about what they look like). Despite coat type, their personalities are about the same. This is an affectionate breed that clings to his loved ones, may be wary of strangers, and sounds the alarm if he senses danger. Learn more about the exceptional Chinese Crested, or share your insight with others. These unique dogs are intriguing to look at, so your photos would make a lovely gallery. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Dog Breed of the Week: Chinese Crested originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 22:30:04.
Defeat Diabetes in Dogs
In addition to Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, November is also National Pet Diabetes Month. Promoting awareness about the occurrence of diabetes in pets is always important, but this month is dedicated to the idea. Many people, including pet owners, don't realize that pets can develop diabetes just like humans. If more people knew about diabetes prevention, detection and treatment, perhaps we could help make this disease less common (or at least less threatening).
In dogs, diabetes mellitus in dogs is usually quite manageable when owners know what to do. Diabetes does not have to mean the end of a pet's life. Educate yourself, your family and your friends about diabetes so you can all stay a step ahead.
Has your life you been touched by diabetes in pets or humans? Leave a comment to tell us about your experiences. You might even help someone else get through it. And, celebrate National Pet Diabetes Month. Defeat Diabetes in Dogs originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 23:42:16.
Adopt a Senior Dog
November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, a time to educate the world about how wonderful older animals are, and to encourage the adoption of senior pets. Older dogs are among the hardest pets to adopt out. Sadly, many of them live out their "golden years" behind cage bars. So often, those who visit rescues and shelters in search of a new dog are immediately drawn to puppies. Sure, they are adorable, but you don't really know what you will end up with. Unfortunately, after puppies grow up, some owners decide they are bigger than desired or not the right kind of personality. Other owners no longer wish to care for a senior pet, and these dogs can end up homeless. Read more... Adopt a Senior Dog originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 21:20:53.
Bucky, a 10 year old dog, saved by adoption
Photo © Bill Garbett
Dog Breed of the Week: Collie
Best known as the film and TV character Lassie, the Collie is among the more popular dog breeds, and for good reason. These are gentle and loyal dogs that get along remarkably well with children. Sure, your Collie may not be able to tell you that someone fell in a well, but he will act as a guardian to his loved ones. Every Collie I have known has been silently watchful, gentle and stoic under distress. Most of the Collie owners I have known will tell me that they will always have Collies. Of course, this is the case for enthusiasts of any breed. However, to me, there is something about the Collie that is remarkably noble and wise. Share your thoughts on the lovely Collie dog breed and send your favorite photos for others to enjoy and admire. Photo by Philip Cheung/Getty Images Dog Breed of the Week: Collie originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 23:45:01.
Exercise Your Dog's Brain with the Dog Tornado
We know our dogs need routine physical exercise. What about mental workouts? We train our dogs and interact with them, providing lots of mental stimulation, but there is another kind of activity for your dog. The Dog Tornado is part toy, part brain exercise equipment and part reward. This interactive toy designed by Nina Ottosson puts a refreshing "spin" on dog toys. Pun intended. The Dog Tornado is made of plastic bone-shaped tiers that have compartments for food. The dog must turn the levels to access the food. I tried out the Dog Tornado on my own dog, a food maniac with tons of energy. See what she thought about it and you may decide to get one for your own dog. Exercise Your Dog's Brain with the Dog Tornado originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 23:44:31.
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