There are so many good things about the start of summer. Dealing with fleas isn’t one of them. Let’s face it, fleas are a nuisance to our dogs and to us. In addition to making your dog itchy and infesting your home, fleas can transmit tapeworms and cause anemia, especially in young animals. For every flea found on your dog’s fur, there are approximately 30 more living in your home. Instead of using chemical-based products for treating fleas, there are natural alternatives that are equally effective and provide a healthier environment. Optimum health A healthy dog is the best defense for fighting fleas. A healthy immune system is relevant for many things, including fighting parasites. Regular exercise and a high quality diet are essential for optimizing your dog’s health. Other complementary therapies that boost the immune system include acupuncture, Chinese herbs and massage therapy. Frequent washing During the height of flea More
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Spotlight on Rescue Bank
Throughout the country, there are countless groups dedicated to improving the lives of animals in any way possible. Most of these groups fly under the radar in terms of recognition and appreciation. But the truth is that without the tireless efforts of so many amazing people, the state of animal homelessness would be in much worse shape. Periodically, I want to shine the spotlight on some of these deserving individuals and organizations. First up is Rescue Bank. Food banks help feed people in need, but what about animals in need? Rescue Bank is a nonprofit organization that applies the human food-bank model to serve the needs of animal rescue and adoption groups. Rescue Bank was founded in 2006 in Houston by Elizabeth Asher and John Kane. It has since blossomed into a signature program of the GreaterGood.org that benefits from donations made at www.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com. In the past 10 years, Rescue More
No-Birth Equals No-Kill
Sadly, millions of dogs and cats are put to death in shelters each year because there are simply not enough homes for them. And even more tragic is the number of animals that are abandoned or lost in our communities where they succumb to hunger, thirst, disease, predation or accidental death. Hands down, spay-neuter is the single most effective way of preventing unwanted births and ensuring that animals don’t have to face a lonely and heartbreaking death. But if you’re still not convinced that spay-neuter is the right thing to do, here are 8 reasons to have your pet altered: Health Spaying eliminates the stress and discomfort of heat cycles. Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and prevents incidence of prostate disease if performed before six months of age. Spaying reduces the risk of mammary gland tumors and ovarian and uterine cancer, especially if done before the first heat cycle. Spayed/neutered animals More
Microchipping Facts and Stats
Sadly, statistics indicate that missing pets rarely make their way back home. And more surprisingly is that 1 in every 3 pets will become lost at some point during their life. Enter the microchip. Pet microchips significantly increase the likelihood of a lost pet returning home by offering secure and permanent identification information. Since its development in 1996, it’s estimated that more than 4 million microchipped animals have been returned home. Here are a few tips for making sure you get the most benefit out of your pet’s microchip: Be sure to register your pet’s microchip and keep your contact information current. If you change phone numbers or move, contact the company that provided the microchip and update your information in their system. Have your pet’s microchip scanned annually to be sure it’s working correctly. The best time to do this is when you take your pet in for his yearly check-up. The More
Harnessing Technology to Prevent Heartbreak
As pet owners, we spend more than $60 billion each year on making sure our four-legged friends are safe, healthy and happy. Microchipping is one of the latest technological advances that helps keep our pets safe. Microchips are permanent pet IDs. They help return thousands of lost pets to their owners each year. So why aren’t more pets in the U.S. microchipped? A microchip is a tiny responder ~ about the size of a grain of rice ~ that is implanted into your pet’s skin. Each microchip contains a unique number that positively identifies your pet. If your pet is lost or stolen and has a microchip, the odds increase greatly that your pet will be safely returned. Currently, the U.S. doesn’t require pets to be microchipped. But other countries, such as Northern Ireland and the UK, have laws that require dogs over 8 weeks old be fitted with a More
Closing the Gap
Spay/neuter programs are key to reducing pet overpopulation We’ve all heard the heartbreaking statistics: more than 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in shelters across the country. What you may not realize is that out of those 4 million, 90% are considered adoptable. Some people believe that adoption is the best way to end shelter overpopulation. Others feel that mandatory spay/neuter laws are the solution. Sadly, there is no evidence that either option is effective when it comes to reducing shelter deaths. While the number of homeless animals varies by state, the majority of animals that are euthanized in shelters are the offspring of accidental litters. This means that the best defense in reducing euthanasia rates is to offer free or low-cost spay/neuter programs. New Hampshire is a shining example of such a program. Officials discovered that a disproportionate number of shelter admissions come from folks who More
8 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet
Unsure about adopting a senior pet? Here are eight benefits to consider. Age is just a number. While some adopters might express concern about the life-span issue when adopting a senior pet, the good news is that animals are living longer, higher-quality lives. But even with today’s advances in veterinary medicine and improved nutrition, there’s no way to determine how long our pets will live. What is known, though, is that senior pets still have love to give and are grateful for a second chance. If you’re still unsure about adopting a senior animal, consider these benefits: Senior pets generally have had some training, both in obedience and house manners. Senior pets are less destructive. Older dogs have been socialized and know what it takes to be part of a pack. Senior pets are grateful for a second chance. Senior pets are great company for older or less active people. More
Heartworm Preventive Update
Experts weigh in on the possiblity that mosquitoes are becoming resistant to some heartworm medications. In years past, experts blamed the occurrence of heartworm disease in dogs on owner negligence — they failed to give preventive medication to their pets every month. However, a recent spike in the number of dogs on year-round preventives that are testing positive for heartworms is raising concern that these parasites might be becoming resistant to preventives. Canine heartworm is a parasitic roundworm Dirofilaria immitis, which is spread by mosquitoes. The disease is serious and potentially fatal, but regular use of an approved heartworm preventive usually averts it. Although some veterinarians once believed dogs in the South were more susceptible to heartworm disease because of the high humidity levels, heartworm is now found in all 50 states. Today, the highest infection rates occur in the coastal regions from Texas to New Jersey, and along the More
Animal Forensics
How investigators, scientists and lawyers use canine DNA to solve crimes. Forensic science is not just for humans anymore. Today, law-enforcement officials apply forensics to cases involving animals — whether the animal is a victim, perpetrator or witness. “Many people don’t realize that there is animal DNA,” says Melinda D. Merck, D.V.M., senior director of veterinary forensics in anti-cruelty for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Merck frequently testifies as a forensic veterinary expert in animal-cruelty cases across the country. These cases involve animal hoarding, puppy mills, dog fighting and animal torture. Evidence collected from these crimes must be analyzed and interpreted by a professional who understands animals and their behavior. “I’m usually brought in by the prosecutor’s office or by a detective,” Merck says. “I may be sent a case file that includes statements, veterinarian records and photographs to consult on or to serve as More
Making Adjustments
Chiropractic is gaining recognition as a viable treatment option for canine conditions. Pain relief is no longer just for humans. Today, dog owners have many options when seeking pain management for their four-legged friends. Canine chiropractic is increasing in popularity as one of those alternatives. Chiropractic treatment offers animals the same benefits it provides humans: increased flexibility, improved health and enhanced quality of life. Chiropractic care can also treat a variety of conditions more commonly addressed with drugs and surgery. Although the notion of treating animals with chiropractic methods typically used on humans surprises some people, many dog owners recognize its value. Mikey’s story In 2006, Mikey, a 6-year-old Standard Dachshund, was attacked by a neighbor’s dog and became partially paralyzed. Mikey’s veterinarian thought the dog might regain his ability to walk; however, after a month he had made little progress. Mikey’s owners, Arlene and Leo Avery of Lake Charles, More