Dr. Flake's Animal Wellness Clinic Newsletter
The Pet Gazette
SUMMER 2008 VOLUME 2
June is National Adopt- A- Cat Month
Established by the American Humane Society, Adopt-A-Cat Month was instituted to promote cat adoptions in shelters. Adopting a cat from a shelter means you have saved the life of one of the 70 million homeless cats in the United States.
As soon as you enter an animal shelter, the temptation to adopt will be very great. That is why it is so important to consider whether bringing an animal into your life is right for you before any adorable faces find their way into your heart. Unfortunately, far too many animals are initially loved then neglected or abandoned over time because owners decided, too late, that caring for a pet is more responsibility than they actually want. The truth is, adopting a companion animal is a big step, one that will affect your lifestyle for many years. Pet adoption is a lifelong commitment: 10-20+ years of that pet’s life. Be sure you are ready when you take on such a commitment.
So, You think you are ready for a pet?
First thing first, look at your life. How much time do you have to offer the animal? Do you rent or do you own your home? If you rent, consider these questions- will your land lord even allow you to have the pet? Will there be an increase in your rent or an additional security deposit to have the pet, and can you afford that? What will happen to the animal if you have to move? That should be considered regardless of renting or owning. Next, can you afford the pet? Feeding an animal is an ongoing expense. Feeding an animal a proper diet is a bigger, ongoing expense. Unfortunately, with pet food the price will reflect the quality of food. Ol’ Roy® and Special Kitty® are budget-friendly foods, but are equivalent in nutrition to us eating McDonalds® everyday, for every meal. However, on a positive note, when feeding a more premium food, you actually serve 2/3 less food than with a cheap food to meet the daily feeding and nutritional requirements, and both foods can be found on Wal-Mart’s® shelf. But anyway, that’s another article for another newsletter; the next cost is veterinary care. Pets need medical care to be healthy, and since they are the sharing type, they need medical care to keep us healthy because some viruses and parasites can be passed to humans. Call us before you get a pet. Find out what things cost and how often they need to be performed. Regular, routine veterinary care, though an expense, is easily budgeted if you plan ahead. Prevention and early detection is the key to keeping your veterinary expenses to a minimum. Unless the unthinkable happens- a visit to an emergency veterinary hospital- AHHH!! How can you plan for that? Pet insurance or a pet savings account (now offered by some banks) are your best bet. However, don’t let the thought of an emergency visit deter you from adopting a pet; just know that they do happen.
Okay, so you have the time to give the animal, a place for him to live, quality food to feed, a vet to take him to and a way to pay for it all, what’s next? You need an animal, Silly.
Have you decided if you are a Dog Person or if you are a Cat Person? For the sake of argument, and because June is Adopt-A-Cat Month, let’s say you are adopting a cat.☺
Shelters offer a variety of cats- from young to old, various colors and coat lengths, and believe it or not- shelters often have purebreds (like Himalayans). All of these shelter cats are just looking for a second chance at life and love.
Cats are patient and they are kind. They keep your home free of pesky rodents and insects. Being that cats are easily litter box trained, and food bowls can be purchased equipped with a timer, cats are more independent than dogs. Because of that, cats are more forgiving than dogs can be when you come home late, or are gone for a short, but extended period of time(i.e. overnight). Cats require, as well as crave your attention, they do not need to be walked or let out every few hours. They do, however, require exercise as a dog does. This can be achieved by providing your cat with a variety of cat toys, and keep them in rotation to avoid boredom. Your cat should have a “high impact” work out, lasting at least fifteen minutes, every day. This will require supervision and effort on your part- first, purchase a laser pointer or flashlight; second, find a comfy place to sit; third turn on laser pointer/ flash light and move wrist in a wave-like motion for fifteen minutes. Behold- your cat is getting high impact exercise. Not too rough on you after a long day at work huh! He won’t even mind if you watch television while doing this.
Keeping you cat an indoor-only companion has huge health benefits. The average lifespan of an outdoor cat is only 2 years, whereas an indoor cat has the life expectancy of 10-22 years. Indoor cats have limited to no exposure to deadly viruses, cat fights, and altercations with wild animals. There is also a reduced risk of contracting fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites. Indoor cats still need regular check ups and vaccines, some are even required by law, however they do not require as many vaccines as an outside cat. You and Dr. Flake will individualize your cat’s vaccines based on his needs and lifestyle.
Cats offer an unconditional love that is unmatched by any other. Cats are content sleeping in your lap, listening to your problems, and offering a soft, furry shoulder to cry on. Cats keep a watchful eye on your property as they are perched in the windowsill, and cats always keep close guard of the best seat in the house. Cats are creatures of curiosity; they will want to read the newspaper with you- through osmosis of course. He will be extremely interested in getting the first view of whatever it is you are trying to see on the computer screen, and since that moving thing is controlled by a mouse, it must be there for the cat to chase…right? Not only is cat ownership fulfilling on its own, but cat ownership offers health benefits as well. Cat owners, on average, live two years longer than petless people. The relaxation petting a cat offers has been proven to lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, and fight depression. Therapy cats are often used in treatment of Alzheimer’s, and to help children cope with grief, and recover from emotional problems stemming from neglect and abuse. So, adopt a cat, not only are they a great companion, but your life is counting on it.☺
During the month of June, our office becomes a Guardian Angel for one of the very special kitties at the Adams County S.P.C.A. This kitty, once adopted, will receive $10.00 off their first exam at our office, and as always for each newly adopted shelter pet we see, Dr. Flake makes a donation to the shelter in honor of that pet’s adoption.
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☼ The penalty for killing a cat 4,000 years ago in Egypt was death.
♦ Ancient Egyptians shaved off their eyebrows to mourn the death of their cats
♠ Cats purr at 26 cycles per second, the same frequency as an idling diesel engine
♣ Despite its reputation for being finicky, the average cat consumes about 127,750
calories a year, nearly 28 times its own weight in food and the same in water. In
case you were wondering, cats cannot survive on a vegetarian diet.
To Bring the Pet or Not, That is the Question
Summer’s warm weather is here, school is out, and it is time for V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!! So, are you bringing your pets along with you or not? Both options require planning ahead. If you choose to take your pets on your vacation, you first need to be sure they will be welcomed where you are staying. Many hotels and campgrounds have a strict “No Pet” policy, and though you know dog is perfect your Aunt Nancy may not think so. If it has been established that your pet is welcome, be sure she is road worthy. Traveling with a carsick pooch is going to be miserable for both of you. If you have never traveled comparable distances with your pet, about a month or two before your trip start with short trips and gradually increase the distance. Take your pet out on an empty stomach and shortly after a meal, how did she best handle the trip? Next, it is time to schedule a visit with us to be sure your pet is current on vaccines and medications. Ask about parasites and health risks native to your destination. Be sure to get a print out of your pet’s vaccine history for the trip. Hotels and other public areas may request that vaccine information. During this visit to our office, it would be a good time to have your pet microchipped and order an ID tag with your cell phone number on it. Doing so ensures your pet comes home from vacation in the event you get separated. When the day of your departure arrives, pack plenty of plastic jugs of water from home. Drinking water she is not used to can upset her stomach.
If you are flying with your pet, be sure her crate is large enough for her to stand up, turn around and lay down in. Also, be sure on at least two sides of the crate it is labeled “LIVE ANIMAL” in large, legible letters and has arrows indicating the crate’s upright position.
When traveling by car, for your pet’s safety, crate or buckle him in with a pet seat belt. Bring lots of plastic bags for waste disposal, a leash, toys, and something from home for familiarity. And of course, never leave a pet in a parked vehicle, even with the windows down. A car can become a furnace very quickly, causing heat stroke and death.
Leaving the pets home sometimes is the easiest option. They can’t, of course, be left home alone-not even the cat. Many of us have trusted friends or neighbors that can check in on the pets daily. Be sure, especially if you have dogs, that they actually have the time to spend with your pet. The dog will never understand “good intentions”. For this reason, many people choose to board their pets at a kennel. Plan in advance! Chances are, if you have time for a trip so do others-make sure the kennel has space. If you have never used the kennel before, go in person to schedule your appointment. This will give you the chance to look around. The kennel facility should be clean, have individual indoor areas for each animal and a secured outside area. Be sure the facility is licensed and requires proof of your pet’s vaccines. Though you know your pet has been vaccinated, they don’t. If they “take your word for it”, they are probably taking the same word from someone who’s pet hasn’t been vaccinated in a long, long time. No vaccine is 100%, treatment for kennel cough can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, and it only takes one sneeze to spread. If your pet’s vaccines need updated before you go, be sure they are done no later than two weeks before boarding in order for the pet to acquire optimal protection. Initially, vaccines actually lower the immune system, therefore vaccinating your pet right before kenneling is like sending an infantry to war with guns, but no ammunition.
Another option for pet care is a pet sitter. Pet sitters work one of two ways: they come to your house to care for the pets or the pets stay at their home while you are away. Pet sitters are an excellent option for pets who suffer from separation anxiety, or for pets who have not tolerated a kennel atmosphere in the past. As an additional perk, pet sitters sometimes offer additional services, if coming to your home, such as watering plants and collecting your mail. If your pet will be staying with the pet sitter be sure you know what people and other animals will be there. Pet sitters may have children and if your pet has never or rarely been exposed to kids, this may not be a good situation for your pet. Before leaving your pet with a sitter, be sure his vaccines are up to date, but also be sure the sitter is properly insured as well.
Whichever option works best for you remember to have your pet’s vaccines up to date, have their stool checked two weeks after returning, and have a safe and happy trip!
A Quick Note of Congats!
Two members of our staff have had additions to their families since our last newsletter. Bridget welcomed a ten month old, rescued Blood Hound named Candy. Melissa welcomed a five year old, Old English Sheepdog, named Zoe, which she adopted from the Adams County S.P.C.A. Congratulations Girls!!
Danger Lurks in the Backyard
It’s the time of year when we are busy, busy. If the sun is out, so are we. The gutters need to be cleaned, the fence needs to be painted, and the garden should be tended. More often than not, if we are out in the yard, our pet is out there too. It is tough to keep a watchful eye when there is so much to be done, but every home and yard contains every day items and plants that can be dangerous and fatal if ingested by cats and dogs. In the shed or garage: your pet could get into the garbage, which contains molds and bacteria causing food poisoning. Cleaning products that can cause burns, stomach upset and respiratory tract irritation. Insecticides/ Rodenticides can cause upset stomach, stroke, seizures and/ or death. Paint and paint thinner can cause skin burns and upset stomach. Antifreeze, even in small quantities, is fatal, and Herbicides range from upset stomach to death. In the yard: stagnant water (mud puddles, bird baths, watering cans, etc.) can transmit giardia. Giardia causes constant diarrhea and can be transmitted from pet to owner. Moth balls are often placed around vegetable gardens to ward off rabbits, if ingested or inhaled by pets, moth balls cause digestive tract irritation, liver, kidney, and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissue, seizures, coma, respiratory tract damage, and death. Then of course there are the plants. Oh, the plants! The list of dangerous plants is too numerous to list here. Some of the most commonly grown greenery that should be kept away from pets include: Lily of the Valley, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron, kalanchoe, rhubarb leaves, shamrock, sago palms, mushrooms, philodendron, corn plant, castor bean, mother-in- laws tongue, Hibiscus, and hydrangea. These plants can commonly cause heart problems, kidney failure, and liver damage. For a complete listing of dangerous plants, visit www.apcc.aspca.org
If you think your pet has been poisoned, don’t wait!! Time is critical for successfully treating accidental poisoning. Call an animal emergency clinic or the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Have the product container or plant sample with you so that appropriate treatment can be made. Oh, and when you are done with all the back breaking yard work, put the Tylenol®, Advil®, and Aleeve® away- they are extremely dangerous to pets too.
Rascally Rabbit, Bunnies aren’t for Easter
Every Easter hundreds of thousands of baby bunnies are purchased as gifts. Rabbits make great indoor companions! Much like a cat, rabbits can be trained to roam freely throughout the house and use a litter box. However, rabbits can be destructive if your house is not properly rabbit-proofed, speak with representatives from rabbit rescues for the best tips to keep your bunny safe.
Rabbits are adorable, and a sure sign of spring. However, once summer approaches, it seems the newness wears off. The end of June and all of July, thousands of rabbits are surrendered to animal shelters and rescues by owners who no longer want them, and others are put outside to fend for themselves. For this reason, July has been named Adopt-A-Rabbit Month to promote adoptions of these abandoned bunnies.
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☼ Mother rabbits nurse their babies for approximately 5 minutes per day. The milk is very rich and the babies are filled to capacity within minutes. Mothers do not sit on their babies to keep them warm. Many baby bunnies are “rescued” by well-meaning humans who think they have been abandoned. Less than 10 % of these babies survive.
A very excited Melissa mailing the first issue of the newsletter!
Thanks Joe!
We would like to thank Joe Olivares for the wonderful artwork for the he provided for both the newsletter (only visible on printed issues) and the office. His generosity, consideration and patience are greatly appreciated. For more information on Joe’s artwork, please visit www.pencilportraits.net
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