FDA Issued Caution on Chicken Jerky Products

Chicken jerky products --- such as chicken tenders or strips --- are popular treats for dogs. They can be pricey ranging from $4 for 3.5 oz. to $15 for 2-pounds bag. But they are well-loved by our canine friends so probably worth the price. As delicious as they are, I still avoided the chicken jerky treats ever since reading reports of melamine contamination and the FDA cautionary advisory last year.

Most dogs love these treats and what better time to indulge them than during the holidays? Among the Christmas presents was a bag of Smokehouse Chicken Breast Strips from my family.

Chistmas morning had me up researching chicken jerky strips, hoping that they are no longer on the suspect list. Unfortunately, the FDA had (renewed) released a cautionary statement on December 19, 2008 warning of potential illnesses associated with chicken jerky products imported from China.

Illness may appear within hours to days of eating the products. Signs include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased water intake and urination.

Researchers have not been able to determine the cause(s) of the illness. No specific brands were named, only that they were imported from China.

I am sure there are many dogs eating chicken strips from China without any problems. However, I am not one to place my dog's health at risk for treats --- no matter how delicious they may be --- especially when there are alternatives.

So what if your dogs have to have those chicken strips? There may not be that many around but you can purchase those NOT made in China. According to their FAQ, Plato treats are made in the U.S., with ingredients from Europe and North America.

Be careful of similar brand names. For instance, Planet Blue Dog has Made in USA Smokehouse Chicken Breast Strips. The packaging is identical to the bag I received on Christmas minus the "Made in U.S.A." banner. The Smokehouse Chicken Breast Strips I received was from Smokehouse Pet Products, a company in Sun Valley, CA that imports some chicken treats from China.

For those who are handy in the kitchen, try making your own baked chicken strips. Warning: I tried making the chicken strips and got as far as slicing the fried chicken breast. The dogs decided they like the strips fine without the baking. Still, it may be a good alternative if you want to make a larger batch to save for later. However, I have not figured out how long these will keep --- perhaps a month in the fridge or longer if in the freezer?

Bottom line, if you want to safely treat your dogs to chicken jerky products, avoid those imported from China or made with ingredients from China.

Be vigilant and read labels.

Happy Holidays!

My niece reminded me last night that we have not posted anything about holiday safety for pets. Of course, she said that after Kobi, my mom's poodle, got into the trash and ate some unidentified foodstuff.

So while I take Kobi for a walk to see if there are any "presents" from last night feast, here is last year's post on Holiday Safety.

Merry Christmas!

Daisy Avenue Christmas Day Dogs on Parade

This Saturday December 13th, the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance invites dogs & their companions to march in the 55th Annual Wrigley Daisy Avenue Parade. Check-in is between 3:30-4:45PM south of Willow Street on Daisy Avenue (near Bank of America/between 710 FWY & Magnolia). For more information or to pre-register, contact Joan at 562-355-8679.

Eukanuba Dog Show This Weekend

The American Kennel Club's Eukanuba Dog Show, aired internationally and featuring the world's biggest dog show prize ($50,000.00 for the winner alone), will be held just down the street from us at the Long Beach Convention Center this weekend. For those unable to attend, the show will be aired on Animal Planet in a couple of weeks. Good luck to all!

Long Beach Press Telegram: LB Animal Control Looks for Dogs' Licenses

According to this article from December 3rd Long Beach Press Telegram, Long Beach Animal Control is canvassing door to door for dogs' licenses. Remember, it is required by law that all dogs over 4 months of age in the City of Long Beach be licensed. More information can also be found at the Long Beach Animal Control Website.

California Debates Taxing Veterinary Services

Although unaware to many pet owners, California currently exempts veterinary services from sales tax. So that if your pet receives veterinary care that costs $100.00, there is no tax added to that fee. (Veterinary products such as Advantage, pet food, and shampoos, have always been taxed.) Facing a budget shortfall, Governor Schwarzenegger has planned on taxing veterinary services. In effect, this would amount to an automatic 8-10% increase for all veterinary fees - a fee that will be collected by veterinary facilities and paid to the state.

These new sales taxes are not "set in stone," however. According to the California Veterinary Medical Associtation (CVMA), "A special session of the Legislature must be convened to approve the Governor's plan. The proposal would need to be approved by the Legislature with a two-thirds majority of both the Assembly and the Senate." The CVMA website has more information regarding the measure.

We will keep you posted as updates are available.

Update: 01/22/09 Take Action. Follow this link to learn the different ways you can voice your opinion. The hotline voting is the easiest but the numerous times I've tried, it's been busy. I heard from others who managed to get through so let's keep trying.

Update: 02/11/09 State's Legislative Analyst's Office advises against the proposed sales tax on veterinary services. Instead, the LAO suggests repealing 2 existing sales tax exemptions which will affect cost of veterinary care. A synopsis can be found at the CVMA site.

Recalled Pet Food Settlement

U.S. District Court of New Jersey approved the settlement this past Tuesday, addressing the class-action lawsuits filed after the pet food recall last year.

Eligible pet owners may receive potentially 100% compensation for their documented economic damages. The payment will come from the $24-million fund created by the defendants, Menu Foods, Nestle Purina PetCare Co., Wal-Mart, PETCO and others.

Claims have to be submitted by November 24, 2008. According to the FAQs, documentation of Recalled Pet Food purchases may include receipts, cancelled checks, credit card statements, copies of the product labels from the products, other records from the place of purchase, or any other records that could demonstrate you purchased the food and how you paid.

The companies hope the settlement will allow them to move forward and regain consumer trust and confidence. However, some believe the settlement did not do enough to address the non-economic loss.

For more information on the settlement, visit PetFoodSettlement.com.

A Friendly Reminder for Los Angeles City Residents....

The grace period for the mandatory spay/neuter law ended yesterday, October 1st. Now most dogs over 4 months of age must be spayed or neutered. More information can be obtained here.

Dog Training

Most of our clients either know of or heard of Elaine, my 6.5 years old Pit Mix. I have her pictures in our clinic and often mention her. I've neglected working with her lately and was horrified last week when she disobeyed the "off" command. She jumped onto the bed with her rope toy (she is not allowed on the bed), refused to get off the bed, and then actually growled at me.

Regardless of how busy we've been, I realized that I cannot let up on her training. So we restarted our basic training. I reviewed some online information for motivation. I liked the pages below for their step-by-step guidance and easy-to-read format.

We worked on Go-to-your-spot (in our case, it is "Kennel" as that was the command we used when we trained her to go to her kennel aka her bed) and heeling.

I was amazed at how quickly Elaine recalls her training. Then I realized that she never forgot the commands; it was I who forgot to use them consistently. I slacked off and got lazy since it was easier sometimes to ignore her mis-behaviors than to correct them.

I am also reminded that the time spent with her was probably just as important as the training. Our interaction builds our bond. How can I expect her to be a well-behaved companion when I was not doing my part as an effective leader?

Elaine will probably never be an AKC certified Canine Good Citizen (due more to my shortcomings than hers) but we will continue to train and, in the process, build a stronger bond that will enrich both of our lives.

Mars Petcare Recall: Potential Salmonella Contamination

On September 12, 2008, Mars Petcare US issued a voluntary recall on certain dry pet food produced at its Everson, PA plant. Dry pet food ranging from Pedigree, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Pet Pride, Ol' Roy, Sam's Club Natural Dog and Cat food, etc... are recalled due to potential salmonella contamination.

For our local clients, Pedigree sold in California is so far not included in this recall.
Please see the Mars Petcare site for lot numbers and further information.

Did You Know... Some Sugar-Free Products are Poisonous to Dogs?

Xylitol is a sweetener commonly found in sugar-free products such as chewing gum, candies, toothpaste, and baked goods. While Xylitol does not affect glucose levels in people and has shown to be safe for human consumption, it is very toxic to dogs.

Xylitol causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, resulting in a sudden drop in blood glucose. Signs of severe hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, include:
* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Loss of coordination
* Depression
* Seizures
* Coma

These signs can develop within 30 minutes of ingestion and, without immediate veterinary intervention, may lead to death.

Even if your dog seems fine after eating Xylitol-containing products, you should still contact your family veterinarian or an emergency clinic. In addition to hypoglycemic crisis, Xylitol can cause severe liver damage in dogs.

There is no antidote for Xylitol poisoning. Timely supportive care, including inducing vomition, hospitalization with intravenous fluids, and blood sugar monitoring, can successfully get us past the immediate danger of Xylitol toxicity. A 24-hr post-ingestion blood panel may be done to evaluate liver values and determine if further treatment is needed.

How toxic is Xylitol? It depends on the amount of Xylitol in the product and the size of the dog. Some reported 2 sticks of Xylitol-containing sugar-free chewing gum can cause hypoglycemia in a 10-pound dog and 10 sticks can do it for a 60-pound dog.

Xylitol poisoning is not a recent finding. A 2006 press release from the ASPCA and the AVMA warned us of the danger. However, most people may have forgotten about those articles and the media coverage that followed. This lack of public awareness and the increased presence of Xylitol in the market (i.e. sugar-free chewing gum, low-carb diet products, and toothpaste) have lead to the rise in Xylitol toxicity.

Don't let your dog be one of the statistics. Read product labels and keep all Xylitol-containing goods out of your dog's reach.

Mars Petcare Issued Limited PEDIGREE Food Recall

August 8, 2008: Mars Petcare issued a recall for 100 of its 20-pound bags of PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold at some Albertsons in Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. The affected bags have the "best by" dates of July 7, 2009.

Nutro products, also made by Mars Petcare, are not included in this recall.

You can read more at Consumeraffairs.com.
For more information and details of the recall, call 1-877-568-4463 or go to Mars Petcare website.

Puppy Games I on Animal Planet Tonight

Fans of Animal Planet's annual Puppy Bowl can catch the first ever "Puppy Games" tonight, also on Animal Planet. Here's footage from this years Puppy Bowl:

Veterinarian Nominated for Homeland Security Medal

Credited for discovering the scientific breakthrough that identified the cause for the nationwide pet food recall in 2007, Dr. Renate Reimschuessel is a finalist for the 2008 Homeland Security Medal. The medal is part of Service to America Medals, awarded annually to recognize and celebrate excellence in our federal civil service. Congratulations to Dr. Reimschuessel and the other finalists. Good luck!

Slentrol ... Weight Loss Drug for Dogs

Update 11/27/2009: No compensation was received for this post. Please see our Disclaimers and Disclosures for details.

Slentrol (dirlotapide) is the “diet pill” for dogs from Pfizer, Inc. It was the first of its kind to be approved by the FDA in January of 2007.

You can read more about Slentrol here. Dirlotapide belongs to a class of drugs that inhibit microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). The exact mechanism of these MTP inhibitors in weight loss is not fully understood but appears to be from appetite suppression (makes pets feel full and stops them from begging for more food) and decreased fat absorption.

Studies have shown sufficient weight loss results to warrant us keeping Slentrol in our arsenal of weight management strategy. However, it should only be considered after the tried-and-true diet and exercise regimen has failed. A full medical work-up for underlying medical conditions should also be done before reaching for Slentrol.

Side effects reported by the manufacturers and veterinarians who’ve prescribed the drug include:

Vomiting

Soft stool or diarrhea

Lethargy

Poor appetite (although, I would have thought that was the desired effect with this drug?)

Intermittent elevations in liver enzymes

These signs resolve over time or with the discontinuation of the drug.

Studies indicated that approximately 90% of the resulting weight loss was due to enhanced satiety and reduced food intake as opposed to caloric loss due to fat malabsorption. Hence, there seems to be little concern for loss of fat-soluble vitamins as with the lipase inhibitor Orlistat.

Slentrol is intended for intermittent or limited duration use only at this point in time. No long term studies have been done yet. The idea is to use Slentrol as part of the weight management plan. Caregivers learn the normal food portions and dogs learn to stop begging. The effects of Slentrol is gone within days of stopping the drug. Appetite will return and so will the pounds if family members have not learned the lifestyle changes to keep the weight off their dogs.

As with our own weight loss struggles, significant weight (re)gain was noted if caregivers fall off the weight loss plan and return to the pre-Slentrol feeding habits. Without the appetite suppressing effect of Slentrol, the once-fat-but-now-slim dog may easily eat everything that is offered and pack back those pounds.

Your pet’s long-term weight loss success still depends on you and your understanding that, in most cases, you have control over your pet’s diet and exercise. Your dog needs you, not Slentrol, to reach and stay at a healthy weight.

If you still think Slentrol is right for your dog, talk to your family veterinarian. Be prepare with information on the current diet, amount fed, exercise level, etc… to help your family veterinarian assess all weight management options and decide if Slentrol is truly indicated for your dog.

The Human-Animal Bond

"People often ask the veterinarian, 'What would you do if this were your pet?' And I think that's fair - but it's tough. It just really is something that each family has to decide on their own, with their own perspective. Time, finances, family - all those come into play." Dr. Deborah Kochevar, dean of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University (as reported by the Boston Globe)

"In other words, realistically, what can or can't you do? Does your pet need substantial hands-on care, but you work long hours away from home? That the quality of life for the pet is inextricably linked to the quality of life of the owner or guardian also plays out in a way that we might not think of: It's important through a medical crisis to be a calming, comforting influence. To even leave room for joy." from Boston Globe article "How Far Should We Go to Save Our Pets?"

Please note, you may need to register for a free account with boston.com to review the complete article.

Local News ... CSULB Feral Cats & Downtown Dog Park

A quick roundup of some local animal-related news from Long Beach, California this past week.
Read about the CSULB feral cats here and plans for the Downtown Dog Park here.

As an aside, the NY Times had a very long and interesting article on the use of psychoactive drugs in pets.

High-Rise Syndrome --- The Other Summer Danger

Heat stroke is usually top on the list of summer dangers to pets. Pets falling out of open windows (or balconies) are also high on that list. It happens so often that it earned the name High-Rise Syndrome.

As summer temperature rises, more people open their windows for some relief from the heat. Those living in condos or apartments are often high above the ground, and may not think twice about leaving the windows open when they are not home. There is less concern about burglary when the windows are 3 or more floors above the street.

Most of these windows do not have screens. There is nothing to keep Fido the Dog or Sylvester the Cat from falling out the windows as they try to follow a bird, butterfly, or even a drifting leaf.

Please do not think it could never happen to your pets. A secured window screen is all it takes to avoid the pain and veterinary expenses associated with high-rise syndrome.

If they are fortunate enough to survive the fall, they may still sustain injuries such as fractured legs, fracture jaw, and/or internal injuries (hernias, lung contusions, internal bleeding).

Some of the injuries are not readily apparent to the untrained eye. Pets who may have suffered high-rise syndrome should be immediately evaluated by a veterinarian.

If you leave the windows open, make sure secured window screens are in place to save you and your pets from needless trauma and expenses.

High-rise syndrome is a preventable accident.

Fireworks and Pets

The first half of 2008 passed and we are looking at July 4th in a few days. Some pets do not handle the festivities well and may need extra care this week. Hopefully, you know how your pets are with fireworks and have already taken precaution and/or started working on their fear earlier in the year. If you have not or did not realize that your pets are terrified of fireworks, here's some last minute information on fireworks phobia.

It may be too late to start desensitizing your pets for this weekend. But it's never too early to start working with them for New Year's celebration --- 2009 will be here before we know it!

Have a safe July 4th.

Events....SPCA Long Beach Adoption Event

The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Los Angeles (SPCALA) & Long Beach Animal Control are having a big Adoption Event Saturday June 21st, from 10AM-4PM. The event is being co-sponsored with KLOS. Events include training demonstrations, celebrity visits & pet food vendor booths. Find out more information here. The City of Long Beach's website can direct you to The Pitchford Companion Animal Village's Location.

In The News...Michael Vick's Pit Bull

We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to work with many pit bulls. They are wonderfully sweet, surprisingly gentle animals. See what one of Michael Vick's former pits, Leo, is up to:

In The News ... Canine Flu

Canine influenza was recently confirmed in Chicago, adding Illinois to the list of states to confirm this disease in the U.S. The first recognized outbreak of canine influenza in the world is believed to have occurred in racing greyhounds in January 2004 at a track in Florida. However, the virus may have been around as early as 1999.

Of note to our local clients, canine influenza virus (CIV) was confirmed in California during the initial studies in 2004-2006. Since canine influenza can be mistaken and treated as “kennel cough," it is difficult to determine its prevalence or whether it is currently in our local pet population. Previous cases occurred in animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, pet stores, boarding kennels, and veterinary clinics.

Currently, there is no canine influenza vaccine. Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are the mainstay to canine influenza management. Please note that canine influenza is an emerging disease; bordetella or “kennel cough” vaccines do not provide cross-protection to CIV. Unless they were infected with CIV in the past 2 years (hence may have some antibodies to it), most dogs are susceptible to canine influenza if exposed to it. For more information, visit this guideline and this article. An updated guideline will likely be available soon. The basic information is unchanged; statistics and testing recommendations were modified as new information were collected.

Dogs can die from canine influenza. Fortunately, most affected dogs have the mild form and often do well with treatment. Even in the severe form (high fevers and pneumonia), dogs can recover with aggressive and timely treatment. Do not ignore a coughing dog, especially if there is history of exposure (shows, boarding, etc…). A complete physical exam and history will help determine if your pet was exposed to the canine influenza virus. Tests and treatment vary based on the onset and severity of the clinical signs. Early diagnosis and intervention will increase the chance for a successful outcome.

Exercises for You and Your Cat

Previously, we looked at Petfit.com and the exercises we can do with our dogs.  The offering for the cats are limited but there are 3 cat-centric exercises in the Training Room.  They are not as creative as the dog's exercises and mainly centered around cat teasers and dancing lights.

Both "Light" Abs and "Light" Cardio involve using the flashlight (similar to a laser pointer) to engage and entertain our cat while we exercise.  This may work well with curious cats but not so great for others.  Out of my five cats, only the 2 males were interested and followed the dancing lights.  The 3 females were not enticed at all.  Panacea, the shyest one, covered her eyes with her paws and dug deeper under the covers!

For Curious Cat Curls, toys (i.e. Cat Teasers) are tied around dumbbells with elastic bands.  Cats go after the toys as the toys go up and down with the curls.  This worked out well for my cats since they are used to the cat teasers (unlike the flashlight).  They chased and jumped after the toys as I did my biceps curls and lunges.  Use the long, stretched elastic bands.  Avoid the short thicker bands with the stronger recoil unless you want to risk injuring yourself.  Fortunately, I had my glasses on when one of the toys came zinging back to my face as I "curled" the dumbbells.

The exercises for our cats may not be as innovative as the dog exercises.  But they are good modifications to cat games that can also get our heart rates up.  Instead of sitting on the sofa with the flashlight or toy wand, these exercises will give us a workout as we get our cats up and moving.

Exercises for You and Your Dog

I mentioned Petfit.com in a previous Healthy Weight, Healthy Pet post. Its Training Room has videos of seven activities we can do with our canine companions. Trainer Gunnar Peterson was entertaining and motivating in the videos. Check out the video on Dog Squat Tease, especially in the beginning with one of the dog, Kuma, just chilling :).

Elaine and I had a chance to try some exercises from Petfit.com this past weekend. Some of the exercises did not give Elaine much of a work-out (although they had me huffing and puffing!).

Power Dog Walks with Intervals was one of those exercises. While I am busy side-stepping and high-stepping, Elaine was just ambling alongside me. Things improved for Elaine after I went back to the more traditional 5-minute-jog / 1-minute-walk alternating intervals for 30 minutes.

Fetch Abs worked great for me --- I'm still feeling the effect this evening --- but did not do much for Elaine. She did not fall for any of the fake throws and just stood there watching me struggle with my crunches. I must have amused her with my grunts because she did not go for any of the fetches like she normally would when we play fetch.

We did not have access to stairs so did not try the Dog Stairs. The Dogstacle Course was a little too ambitious for us. The video makes it seem to be more of a workout for the human than the canine exerciser though. Maybe we can try it later and I can get Elaine to jump over some obstacles so she can also get a workout. You have to know Elaine to understand that last statement was a joke.

Dog Tag and Fetch Races were fun for both of us. The chasing and scrambling got Elaine panting and me breathless. Make sure your dog is not toy aggressive when you introduce him/her to Fetch Races. Elaine knows her "Give" command and has never been toy aggressive with me. But during the excitement of the chase, she did growled and bared her teeth when she and I reached the rope toy at the same time. It only happened once and she did back down when I claimed the toy with my foot. The growling may be all part of her playing but still, I want to mention it and add that warning to Fetch Races.

Our favorite is the Dog Squat Tease. We modified it into a combination Squat Tease and Fetch --- I toss the rope toy, Elaine chases after it while I'm doing my squats, she comes back with the toy, I do the Squat Tease with her then toss the toy again.

Elaine taking a breather after our Squat Tease and Fetch

The last video, Health Tips, includes a brief demonstration on subjective body score evaluation. Overall, I like the Training Room at Petfit.com so far. I'll take a look at the cat activities and report them in a separate post.

In The News....

According to The New York Times, a settlement has been reached between pet owners and pet food makers regarding the tainted pet foods from last year. More information can be found here.
(Note: you may need a free online account subscription to New York Times to read the story.)

Cats & Exercise

Obesity is a serious problem for many of our companion friends. As with people, diet and exercise are crucial to solving the obesity problem....

http://view.break.com/502351 - Watch more free videos
We don't recommend trying this on your cats, but it's fun to watch....

Heat Stroke

With local record-setting temperatures in the mid-90 degrees Fahrenheit the past couple of days, we need to revisit a common summer emergency for dogs (and to a lesser degree, cats).

Heat stroke can kill.
Without timely intervention, heat stroke can lead to complications such as bleeding disorder (DIC), liver failure, kidney failure, seizures, and death.

Heat stroke is preventable.

Heat stroke occurs with extremely high body temperature, reaching 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal body temperatures for dogs range from 99.5 to 102.5 F. Normal dogs cool themselves by losing heat from their skin (i.e. spreading out on their "belly" on the cool tile floor) or panting. Heat stroke may develop when dogs cannot give off heat (either from panting or from their skin) due to high heat and humidity or respiratory obstruction. The most common cause is probably from being in a car on a hot summer day with poor air circulation (closed or "cracked" windows).

NEVER leave your dog in a car unattended. And if you stay behind in the car with your dog, do not assume your dog can tolerate the heat because you can. Some dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses:
- Puppies less than 6 months old may not have fully developed the ability to regulate their body temperature.
- Overweight dogs
- Brachycephalic breed (i.e. Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers)
- Dogs that are ill or with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or respiratory conditions.

Hot days can cause heat-related problems such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion (prostration). They are not as bad as heat stroke but can still be debilitating to your dogs. It may be best to leave your best friends at home while you do your errands during the hot summer months.

Other things you can do to minimize risks of heat-related problems for your dogs:
- Walk or exercise your dog in the morning or evening. Avoid the warmer hours between 11 am and 4 pm on hot days.
- Minimize your dog's activities on hot or humid days. Keep him/her in a comfortable environment --- air conditioned, if possible, or in a room with open windows and fans.
- If your dog has to be outside, make sure water and plenty of shade is available at all times. Remember, in humid environments, the perceived temperature will be hotter than the thermometer reading; dogs will have a more difficult time cooling themselves.
- If your dog likes water, a kiddie or wading pool in the yard is a good cooling and playtime device. Make sure water level is not above your dog's head (especially if you have small dogs). Spraying with a water hose will also provide some heat relief. TIP: Get your dog used to the water by trickling water from the hose onto the feet and slowly work up the legs and body.
- Know your dog and factors that may make him/her more susceptible to heat stress (brachycephalic breeds, easily over-excited, etc...).

Signs of heat stroke:
- Excessive panting and/or noisy breathing
- Bright red gingiva (gums) or conjunctiva of the eyes
- Hypersalivation or thick saliva from the mouth
- Weakness and/or collapse
The most important sign, though, is recognizing the environment that may have lead to heat stroke. There are other medical conditions that can cause the above signs. So if you find your dog with the above signs while he/she is in a cool area, do not assume and treat for heat stroke. Get him/her to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

If your dog suffers from heat stroke or experiences extreme heat-related problems:

1) Remove your dog from the confined area (car, crate, dog house) and move him/her to the shade or, if indoors, direct a fan over him/her. Most heat stroke occurs in areas with poor air circulation.

2) If possible, take your dog's rectal temperature and record. Knowing the initial temperature helps confirm the heat stroke diagnosis as well as assist in the treatment or cooling process.

3) Cool your dog with tepid water. If you have a small dog, you can fill the sink with tap water and immerse him/her up to the back (no need to get the head wet and scare him/her). For larger dogs, you can hose the body. DO NOT USE COLD OR ICE WATER. Even though it seems like a good idea, cold water actually slows down the cooling of the internal structures or core body temperature. Cold water causes superficial blood vessels to constrict and prevent heat from escaping. You can apply cold towels to areas with good blood circulation i.e. neck, armpits and inguinal areas (groin). Just those areas, not the whole body. Do NOT overcool; stop the cooling when the rectal temperature reaches 103 F to 104 F. If you don't have a thermometer, consider cooling the body with tepid water for about 10 minutes (or during the time it takes someone else to get the cold wet towels for the car ride and calling the veterinarian or emergency clinic to alert them). You can also apply rubbing alcohol
to the footpads, armpits, and groin for evaporative cooling.

4) Allow him/her to drink a small amount of water if he/she is alert enough to drink; no more than several laps at a time. Do NOT force water into his/her mouth.

5) Transport your dog to your family veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible. During transport:
- Do NOT cover your dog; not even with a wet towel. The cover prevents heat from escaping; apply the cold towels or rubbing alcohol to the armpits or groin instead.
- Unless you have an open wired crate, do NOT transport your dog in a carrier or crate. If possible, have someone sit and hold him/her in the back seat.
- Leave windows down and air conditioning or fan on high to allow evaporation to help with the cooling process.

Heat stroke stimulates the body to release inflammatory substances that can affect many organs and systems in the body. Even if you successfully cool your dog, it is best if he/she is evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.

Heat stroke is one of the most heart-wrenching emergencies because of its many dramatic and life-threatening consequences. That it is very much a preventable tragedy makes it even more devastating.

Heat stroke is avoidable.
Please take steps to ensure a safe summer for everyone in your family.

In The News ... Menu Foods Announced Tentative Settlement

Menu Foods, the company behind last year massive food recall, has agreed to settle lawsuits with pet owners. Details of the settlement are scheduled to be filed with the U.S. District Court on May 1, 2008. In addition to several other conditions, the cross-border agreement in principle is subject to approval of both the U.S. District Court and the Canadian courts.

Pet owners will be notified with details of the claim procedure after the settlement agreement and claims process have been finalized and approved.

More details in:
Menu Foods Press Release on the Agreement in Principle, April 1, 2008
ConsumerAffairs, April 2, 2008

(Update: Judge approved $24-million pet food settlement)

How to Entertain an Indoor Cat

Keeping cats indoors is becoming more common and acceptable over the years. Indoor cats are protected from dangers, such as poisons, cars, dog attacks, and viral infections from other stray or outdoor cats. However, they also have a tendency for behavioral issues and/or obesity. Most indoor cats lack physical activities and environmental interactions --- whether it is with their surrounding or with people or other animals. Simply put, the safe sedentary lifestyle of indoor cats is often boring.

But it does not have to be that way. With minor adjustments to your home or routine, you can provide your indoor cats with a safe but interesting life.

1) For some cats, plants are a triple sensory stimulation powerhouse --- touch, taste, and smell. Add some cat-friendly greens to your home. You can try catnip, grass shoots ("cat grass"), or rosemary. Most cats enjoy rubbing their face against the plants or nibbling on the leaves. Check with the Animal Poison Control Center to know which poisonous plants to avoid. If your cat vomits after eating the plants, remove the plants and call your family veterinarian for advice.

2) Visual stimulation can be achieved with viewing windows. However, you may need to keep stray or outdoor cats from view in case they trigger unwanted behavior and redirected aggression from your cats. If a window seat is not possible, you may try a DVD for cats.

3) Physical activities. Cat trees provide excellent avenues for cats to climb and view the world from above. Staged treat hunts engage cats mentally and physically. Interactive toys such as the feather wands and laser pointers (follow the warnings and precaution) are also great ways for you to spend time with your cats.

eBay has a list of 10 simple toys for your cats. Remember to always supervise your pets whenever you introduce a new toy. And be especially careful with the twine and string suggestion.

You are doing one of the best preventative health measures for your cats by keeping them indoors. Your cats' basic needs --- food and shelter (safety) --- are already met. You can up it a notch and enrich their lives with one of the above addition. Start with an easy one. Try a cat teaser (feather wand) or a laser pointer. It may bring the spark back into your older cats' eyes and entertain your younger cats (and you) for hours.

Here's Woodpecker and the laser pointer.

Easter Treat Hunt

We all know exercise and physical activities are important parts of any weight loss program. But try and tell that to our cats! We know a handful of clients who leash-trained their cats and actually take their cats out for walks. The rest of us have to be creative and think of ways to get our cats up and moving.

Instead of filling one food bowl, we can split the meal into two or three smaller bowls and place them in different areas. We don't have to place them all over the house or in different rooms. The bowls can be in the kitchen (if that's where we usually feed the cats) but in different corners. Be creative. The idea is to get the cats to move around instead of flopping down in front of the food bowl and stuffing their faces.

Similar techniques are used with treats. Instead of placing the treats in front of the cats, place them on the cat tree, chair, or on the other side of the room. Get the cats to go to the treats; don't bring the treats to them. Of course, this only works if the cats are treat-motivated. If they are not used to treats, place the treats in front of them and get them to eat that first before using the treats as incentives for exercise.

This Easter Sunday, we made an effort to hide some of the treats. We placed treats all over the cat area --- on the jungle cat tree, in the treat balls, on their hammocks --- and let them all "hunt" for a while. They had their own little Easter treat hunt.

We all give treats to our cats. Make a game of it. It's a great way to interact with our cats and get them moving. And it's plain fun to watch them!

This is Xander in his Easter treat hunt.

One Year Later .... Pet Food Recall

This past weekend marked the one year anniversary of what turned into the largest consumer recall in history. More than 150 brands of pet food were recalled. Research found two chemicals, melamine and cyanuric acid, were causing kidney failure in tens of thousands of pets. Sadly, it is estimated that thousands of those pets died from what became known as melamine-associated renal failure.

Profit was the motive behind this contamination. Melamine and cyanuric acid were added to plain wheat flour in China to falsely elevate the protein levels so it can be sold as more expensive, higher protein food ingredients.

Two Chinese businesses (Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co.,LTD. and Suzhou Textiles, Silk, Light Industrial Products, Arts, and Crafts I/E Co., LTD), their owners/presidents, an American company (ChemNutra, Inc.), and its owners were indicted last month for importing the tainted ingredients.
(Update 04/07/2008: Menu Foods announced tentative settlement of lawsuits)

Even though the FDA recently announced plans to discuss changes in regulation of pet food ingredients and labeling with representatives from the industry and veterinary medical associations, we have to accept that nothing has really changed in the past year to prevent a similar pet food recall. Congressional hearings and legislation on food safety were proposed. But ultimately, the pet food industries remain self-regulating.

We all learned how reliant we are on Chinese imports and how pervasive they are in products we use everyday. The consequences were seen in everything from lead in children’s and pet toys to toxin in toothpaste and, currently, contaminated heparin.

The 2007 Pet Food Recall re-introduced us to homemade diets and label-awareness. When faced with the empty shelves at the local pet stores, we realized how we have taken for granted the convenience and often less costly store-bought pet food. We learned the risks and price that come with the convenience and savings.

Our thoughts go out to the affected pets and the families that paid the ultimate price --- the love and companionship of a canine or feline family member.

A Cup Is Not Always A Cup

(part of the Healthy Weight, Healthy Pet series)
There are medical conditions that can lead to weight gain in pets. However, most otherwise healthy pets are overweight due to excessive calories intake and/or lack of exercise and physical activities.

If your pet is eating a well balanced premium pet diet with no other problems (i.e. good healthy coat, no intestinal issues), you don’t necessarily have to switch diets. Before you rush out to buy a weight loss or light diet, take a look at how much your pet is eating. Getting your pet to a better weight may be as simple as cutting back on the meal portions to the recommended daily amounts.

We are so used to large portions in our own diet that many of us don’t recognize what a cup of food looks like.

A cup can mean different things to different people --- from a 4 oz water cooler cup to a 10 oz party cup to a 16 oz mug.

Use a measuring cup to get an idea of how much is in the cup or scoop you are currently using.

Once you figure out how much food is in those cups and scoops, you can continue to use them.

Compare the amount of food your pet is eating to the recommended amount on the food packaging for your pet’s weight. If your pet is obese, not just overweight, check with your family veterinarian for advice. You may need to use your pet’s ideal weight, not the current weight, to determine the recommended allowance.

If you are feeding more than recommended, you can gradually cut back. For example, Elaine is overweight at 54 pounds and I am feeding her 2 cups of dry food twice daily. If the recommended amount is 3 cups per day, I can cut her back to 2 cups in the morning and 1+1/2 cup in the evening for several days then go to 1+1/2 cups twice daily thereafter.

If your pet is eating the recommended amount or more but he/she is losing weight, consult with your family veterinarian. There may not be anything serious, but weight loss in face of a good appetite usually requires veterinary attention, not just diet changes.

If your otherwise healthy pet is eating less than the recommended amount but is still overweight, do one or more of the following:
- Gradually switch over to one of the over-the-counter weight loss diet (and stick to the recommended amount).
- Evaluate other sources of calories besides meals i.e. table scraps and treats.
- Look at your pet’s exercise or physical activity level. Can that be improved?
- Consult with your family veterinarian.

Most diets are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of pets based on the recommended amounts on the packaging. Feeding your pets less of the same diet may not be the best weight loss plan if that means feeding too far below the recommended amounts. Over time, this practice may lead to nutritional deficiencies. For those pets, your family veterinarian will be able to recommend diets specifically formulated to meet your pet’s weight loss needs.

As with any changes, whether it is diet or medical treatment, monitor your pet’s response. Some pets may need more frequent weight checks but most will be fine with monthly to every 3 months.

Even though the answer to your pet’s excess weight problem may be as simple as feeding the recommended amount or switching to a weight loss diet, you should still discuss the diet with your family veterinarian. The family veterinarian will be able to help you monitor progress as well as detect any problems that may surface as your pet’s weight changes.

Wake Up Cat

A client came in today, mentioned how his cat woke him up, demanding to be fed. Every time I hear this I'm reminded of this video...

In The News ... Urinary Tract Infections May Come from Pets --- or is it the other way around?

A recent article from Reuters suggests that we may be picking up bacteria, specifically E. coli, from our pets that may lead to urinary tract infections. The article referenced research, published in Journal of Infectious Diseases, which found the same strains of E. coli among humans and pets living in the same households.

We often hear from clients that their dogs and cats drink from the toilet. So we are not surprised if the same strains of E.coli in human urinary tract infection are found in their pets. Whereas, we find it unlikely that people would clean the litter box or mop up an accident then go eat without washing their hands first.

Unless further studies suggest otherwise, we recommend the usual good oral hygiene, i.e. wash your hands after handling pets’ wastes and routinely disinfect counters and food-prep surfaces if your pets (esp. cats) have free access to them. And in light of this article, if you have a urinary tract infection, keep the toilet seat lid down.

It will be interesting as more studies are done to clarify the direction of the transmission. Until then, it is misleading and presumptuous to conclude that humans may be getting urinary tract infections from pets and not the other way around.

Sites We Like .... Petfit.com

It has been a while since the last installment of our Healthy Weight, Healthy Pet series. After scoring the body condition of our dogs and cats, we now need a plan to shed those pounds. Petfit.com is filled with features to guide and motivate us and our pets to a healthier weight.

Petfit.com is part of the Alliance for Healthier Pets formed by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. The program, launched earlier this year, includes videos from fitness trainer Gunnar Peterson. A quick tour of the site looks promising. We will visit the Training Room and review the videos in later installments of our Healthy Weight, Healthy Pet series.

So far, we like the quick review on signs of an overweight pet.
There is even a contest and a challenge pledge for those of us with a competitive streak or just need the extra incentive.

There is a lot going on at Petfit.com. Take a tour and let us know what you think.

How to Medicate a Cat....

If you've ever had to give your cat medicine, you know it can be difficult. Cornell University's Feline Video series demonstrates proper techniques to use to give your cat medicine. I'm lucky; see how difficult it is medicating my cat cyber:

Sites We Like....Kitten War!

Who's the cutest kitten of them all? Visit Kittenwar.com to find out! See them battle head to head, pick a winner, and see if everyone else agrees! Best of all, submit your own kitten for battle! Remember, though, as they say: "All of our kittens are winners, really."

In The News .... Veterinary Breakthroughs of 2007

ABC News has an article on veterinary breakthroughs of 2007. Among them are the melanoma vaccine, the dental disease vaccine, Slentrol for weightloss, pain medication for cat, breed-specific diet, neutraceuticals, and genetics test. They are developments in veterinary medicine worth mentioning but whether they are the "best" breakthroughs is debatable...

Healthy Weight, Healthy Pet: Body Condition Score - Cats

This installment of our Health Weight, Healthy Pet series, will focus on determining the body condition score for cats.

The guideline is similar to that of the dogs. However, it is more difficult to determine a cat's body condition score (BCS) based on visual markers. Most cats will not stand still and straight for us to check for the abdominal tuck. Below is a simpler way to help you evaluate your cat's body condition.

1) With your cat standing in front of you, gently run your fingertips along the side of your cat. It can be with and/or against the direction of the haircoat. Can you easily feel the ribcage?

Yes. Go on to Step 2.

No. Go to Step 3.

2) If you can feel the ribcage, can you feel the ribs themselves?

A. Your cat may be too thin if you can easily feel the ribs, spine, hips, or other bony prominence such as the shoulders. Review the chart to see if your cat is too thin.

B. What if you can feel the ribcage but not easily feel the ribs? What if there is a thin layer of fat covering the ribs? If you can feel the ribs with some light finger pressure, then your cat is likely in ideal body condition. Congratulations!

3) If you cannot feel the ribcage, can you feel the indentation of the waist when you run your fingers from the front legs to the rear legs? If you are not sure, close your eyes (or do not look at your fingers) and repeat the exercise.

A. If you can feel the waist indentation, your cat may be fine or just slightly overweight. The BCS may be between 5 and 6. Excellent! Check the chart if you are interested in a number score.

B. If you cannot feel when you pass the ribcage or the waist indentation, your cat is overweight. Move your hand over the lower back and hips. Can you feel a significant layer of fat or padding? If yes, your cat is likely very overweight. Follow the guideline in the Purina chart to determine a score.

If your cat is too thin or too heavy, ask your family veterinarian for advice. A medical work-up may be needed to rule out problems such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism in underweight senior cats. More often, though, slight diet or lifestyle changes may be all that are needed to get your cat to a better weight and in better health.

Next up: Petfit.com, a site to help guide and motivate us to a healthy weight and a healthy pet.