Sunday, August 31, 2014

New California Law Lets You Take Your Dog To Dinner


California Gov. Jerry Brown announced this month that beginning in 2015, your dog may be permitted to eat at restaurants with you on outdoor patios.  This is a great victory for dog lovers!

The new California law states:

  • There must be a separate entrance for the outdoor dining areas 
  • Pets are not allowed on the the seats.
  • They must also be on a leash or in a carrier and completely under the control of the owner 
  • Owners are required to clean up after their pets.

The new California law does not force restaurants to allow dogs, but helps to provide guidelines. It also does not limit the local jurisdictions from implementing their own ban on dogs in restaurants.   For those of us who love to bring our best friend everywhere we go, this is a wonderful new California law!


Monday, August 25, 2014

Spaying and Neutering Cats Saves Lives


In a recent study published in the Veterinary JournalDr. Julie Levy, a professor of shelter medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, gave results of her program to reduce the number of sheltered (and euthanized) feral cats in a given area.

The target area was in Alachua County, where 2300 feral cats (54% of the estimated population) were trapped, sterilized and replaced back into their area. The number of cats taken into the local shelter fell by 70 percent and cats euthanized decreased by 95 percent. In the rest of the county, the number of sheltered cats also fell by 13 percent, an euthanasia decreased by 30 percent.  As an unexpected bonus, adoptions increased of these friendlier kittens and cats too.

Dr. Levy is also the director of Maddie's Fund (Maddie's Shelter Medical Fund) at the University of Florida. It is dedicated to "helping shelters achieve their life savings goals, training the shelter medical professionals of today and tomorrow, and developing new knowledge to enhance the well-being of sheltered animals"   

Friday, August 22, 2014

Preventative Veterinary Care Can Save You Money and Your Pet's Life




We just heard an alarming statistic... over the past seven years, the percentage of pets that are overweight or obese has increased up to 52% of all dog and 58% for cats according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.  This obesity boom has added to the increase in serious medical conditions such as; diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, thyroid disease, kidney disease, and even dental disease.  How can are pets be getting more ill, or are they?  It is believed  a major factor of the increase in these health conditions could be pet owners putting off preventive or early intervention care. 

Since 2001 vet visits have dropped  (21% for dogs and 30% for cats) according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.  However, emergency visits have been on the rise, which leads you to believe that pet owners are waiting until their pets are really sick before going to the vet.  This especially true during the difficult economic times.   

Pet owners are some of the most caring people in the world, but many factors go into the level of care they are willing to give  their pets. Cost remains the number one factor and as result, many pet owners may wait until there is a crises before taking action.  This can result in a poor prognosis for your pet as early diagnoses often results in better treatment outcomes, as well as less costs overall.  It is important to realize that preventive care can actually save money and help your pet live a happier and healthier life. For example building  up your pet's immune system with supplements such as Amazing Omegas and Power Probiotics for Pets can help with infections, allergies/skin problems, and even kidney and heart disease.   Using Amazing Arthrosoothe for an active dog BEFORE arthritis sets in will save you thousands in XRAYS and further treatments, as well as help reduce your pet's discomfort.  Using gentle kidney support such as Renelix  for senior cats will help support their kidneys before a kitty goes into renal failure.  

Please see our testimonials to see how holistic support can make a difference in preventing health problems in dogs and cats.
 
Getting regular veterinary laboratory testing is also key.  While blood and urine testing can expensive, it is well worth the upfront expense.  Catching a disease early means that you can treat it sooner. Sometimes, pet owners may delay taking their pet to the veterinarian and instead choose to look for information on forums on the internet.  There is just no substitute for scientific information, so if you notice that your pet is acting differently or suspect something may be wrong, don't delay.  Finding out early could save your pet's life and save you money in the long run. 






Wednesday, August 20, 2014

International Homeless Animals Day 2014 - How You Can Help Homeless Animals

Every year local pet shelters and animal rescue organization are overwhelmed by overpopulation. The consequence is many animal are euthanized when homes can't be found for them. Saturday, August 16th was designated for the purpose of bring attention to the problem of homelessness. 

International Homeless Animals’ Day 2014 may be limited to one weekend, but it could be a starting point for you. Here are things you can do?
  • A Forever Home-of course number one on the list is to adopt a homeless pet.
  • Foster-for those of you cannot give a forever home, but have a little extra love, space and time consider fostering. 
  • Just a Little of Your Time- volunteering doesn't cost anything, but your time and can make a world of difference to shelters and rescues.  Check out www.petfinder.com to find a rescue or shelter near you that needs help
  • Donations- Cash or much needed supplies. Most organizations run on a very tight budget and every little bit helps.
  • Be the Voice- in person or via social media. Let your world know about the needs of our homeless pet population.
  • Let Your Wallet Do the Talking-consider doing  businesses with those organizations that support animal causes
  • Walk the Talk-participate in events that help shelters and rescues
  • Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve-wear a t-shirt with the message, put on a bumper stickers, key chains, etc. they can start a conversation.


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Tips For Evaluating A Pet Boarding Facility

If you are wrapping up the summer with a last minute vacation, you may need to  find a suitable accommodation for your beloved family dog or cat.  If your choice is boarding, here are a few tips to make it a safe and happy time for both you and your pet. Remember: it’s important that when boarding your pet to let the facility personnel know what your pet’s needs and habits are; as pets can become stressed. Different pets have different needs, so make sure to ask plenty of questions about how different issues will be handled.  For example, some dogs won't defecate in a dog run setting so ask if your dog can be walked or brought into an open yard after eating.  This may seem like an obvious request but many facilities walk the dogs and then feed them in their cages afterwards.

Check out the facility first- this goes without saying, but it is important to investigate the facility. Your pet is unique and not all facilities are right for every pet.  Check for cleanliness, safety, activities, and level of care provided. All are considerations for a happy stay for your pet. Remember, you know your pet the best, ask lots of questions. 

Doggie Playtime--Many facilities now offer doggie playtime.  It is very stressful for dogs to be locked in a cage all day long.  Try to find a facility that will give your dog some social time. 

 
Veterinary Services- Ask what their veterinarian services policies are while your pet is boarding. Do they have a vet of staff?  Will they take the pet to your own vet?  Your pet's safety is of the upmost concern and wanting them to have access to good veterinary care is crucial. Also discuss your financial responsibility for these services. 

Food-Many pets have food allergies or sensitivities and it is important that your pet's diet is kept constant during your absence. Clarify with the facility the diet restrictions including; brand,type/flavor and amount. Providing your own food is a great way to ensure the diet is followed. The last thing you would want to deal with upon your return is an allergy flare-up.


Pet Vaccinations-  Most kennels require your pet to be current on his vaccinations. Plan ahead and make a veterinarian appointment in advance, so that you can provide the boarding facility with up to date records.

Medications or Supplements- If your pet takes medications or supplements, ask the boarding facility if they can accommodate your pet's medication/supplement schedule.  Also, check to see if there is an extra charge to give the medications to your pet. Be sure to reorder all medications/supplements in advance to ensure your pet has an adequate supply while you are gone.

Anxiety- Your pet may suffer from separation anxiety, bringing a beloved toy or blanket from home may help them feel more comfortable. You may also want to consider leaving your pet for a day/few hours, so they become familiar with the situation before you leave on your trip.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Dogs Detect Prostrate Cancer With 98% Accuracy

Researchers found that two highly trained dogs were able to detect prostate cancer in urine samples with a combined 98% accuracy.
This year an estimated 233,000 men in the US will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone. Unfortunately, the current testing is not always accurate.  However, there may be help from "mans best friend" .  Italian researchers have found that specially trained dogs were able to detect prostate cancer from urine samples with 98% accuracy. 

It is well known that dogs have a great sense of smell.  Dogs actually have over 200 million olfactory cells compared to humans 5 million. It is this keen sense of smell that is already being used to help alert diabetics to high or low blood sugars.  There has also been studies that are showing great promise in detecting ovarian cancer and bladder cancer.  

The Italian researchers took a large sample of 677 participants, 320 of which had prostrate cancer at different stages. The trained dogs were able to detect the cancer 99% of the time, while specificity was 97% accurate for a total of 98% accuracy in detection.

This has a great deal of implications for pet owners.  Can our own pets detect when we have cancer?




Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Kitty Ginger Recovers From Acute Kidney Failure With Kidney Supplement

Ginger
Wanted to share this wonderful email we received from the Reilly family. We are so glad that Ginger is feeling better!

"Last year our Ginger escaped &  spent the night outside. We have no idea what she got into, but she became very sick. That Saturday, at the veterinary clinic, the doctor believed there was something wrong with his laboratory equipment. I even heard him in the back room calling the company that had recently calibrated the machine to complain. He sent her blood to outside lab.   I had Renelix on hand for my other kitty and started Ginger on it immediately.

The following Monday our veterinarian phoned and stated that the outside lab had confirmed Ginger's severe acute renal failure. He stated "Normally when I notify somebody of results this poor, they no longer have a pet that is living".  I explained that we had been through this before, and I attributed Ginger's survival to the products and advice I had received in the past from Susan Davis of Ask Ariel. Ginger was receiving IV hydration at home, as well as RENELIX and the diet as advised by Susan.

Ginger returned to her normal, healthy & ; spoiled self! Fortunately, she also slimmed down from her previous tubbiness! I can't thank Susan Davis enough!!!! "
           Suzanne -Florida 2014


Monday, August 11, 2014

Momma Cat and Kittens Survive After Being Abandoned In A Taped Box In The Hot Sun.

Momma cat and her four kittens that were dumped in a sealed cardboard box in the blazing sunshine outside Willow Veterinary Clinic.  Picture by Simon Finlay
Amazing survival story of a Momma cat and her kittens rescued in the nick of time.   Many people face the difficult decision to surrender their pets, but there are right ways and wrong.  Here is a story of animal cruelty that is definitely wrong!

"Tim Roe, principal vet at Willow Vets in Drayton High Road, Hellesdon, said the cardboard box left outside their business yesterday was sealed with tape so the cats could not get out, and had no air holes in it.
The cats have since been cared for by the vets and nurses and are now well but Mr Roe said they could have died in the hot sun.
He said: “In 30 years I have never seen cats sweating so much. In another 20 minutes they would have been dead.
“It was only luck that we discovered them, when I went out through the fire escape. They were left outside the door and might not have been spotted. Why would anyone dump cats like that?
“I would have rather had a phone call saying that a box had been left outside, than for it just to be dumped there without them telling us.”
He said the mother was about two-years-old and the kittens about 12-weeks-old.
He added: “They were dehydrated. We have been syringing water into them and they have been soaked in ice cold water to get their core temperatures down. They are luckily in pretty good shape. Prior to being left in the box they had obviously been looked after for some time.”
The cardboard box had a Tesco label on it and previously contained a hand blender set.
Mr Roe said the cats would be kept at the practice until they could find a home for them, or a charity to take them on."