Why is There So Much Cancer?

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it informative! –Kim

Pets as Sentinels of Pesticide Toxicity

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM

Over fifty years ago, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring warned us of the threats to life attending widespread use of chemical pesticides. As a result of her effort, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was founded in 1970 and DDT was banned in 1972.

Nevertheless, we did not curtail our domestic reliance on toxic chemicals for pest control. The yearly amount of pesticide sold is now more than double the amount marketed in 1962 when Silent Spring was published.

[Ed.: Rather than inspiring us to govern ourselves and get back to natural processes, another meddling government bureaucracy was born with no improvements – i.e., business as usual.]

Pesticide residues in our food and in the environment reflect years of chemical production and use. We face the continuing problems of the toxic by-products of manufacturing, runoff from outdoor applications, ground water contamination, and finally disposal of unused material as hazardous waste.

Pesticides are used in virtually all public buildings, golf courses, schools, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and private homes as well as in agriculture and forestry.

Carson described the detrimental effects of pesticides on animals including robins, caddis fly larvae, quail, salmon and cats. Silent Spring shows clearly how deeply caring and fiercely protective Rachel Carson was of wildlife. Her concern extended to pet animals as well.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs and cats today. Compared to humans, dogs develop tumors twice as frequently.

The incidence of cancer in domestic animals has risen dramatically in the past several years, especially in dogs and cats. Some 70 types of cancers have been identified-one reputable source indicates that 47% of dogs over 10 years of age now die of cancer.

No one cause has been attributed to this rise, however, several factors have been implicated. These include environmental factors, such as pesticides and herbicides, increasing longevity, diet, genetics, viruses and more.

2,4-D and Increased Cancer Risk

A 1991 National Cancer Institute study found that dogs whose owners' lawns were treated with 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid), four or more times per year, were twice as likely to contract canine malignant lymphoma than dogs whose owners did not use the herbicide. Incidentally, malignant lymphoma in dogs is considered very similar to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in humans.

Studies in rats have demonstrated that 2,4-D can migrate into nervous tissue and concentrate in certain areas of the brain. Not too surprisingly, behavioral changes have also been observed in treated rats (Evangelista de Duffard, 1990).

This herbicide was a component of Agent Orange, and is the active ingredient in many herbicide products on the market.

Insecticides Associated with Bladder Cancer in Dogs

A statistically significant association between exposure to topical flea and tick dips, and the occurrence of bladder cancer in dogs has been found. The risk of bladder cancer was increased further in dogs living in proximity to areas sprayed regularly with insecticides for mosquitoes.

An increased rate of bladder cancer in humans has recently been reported [Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 1989(28): 407-414]. Chemical pesticides have been associated with increased aggression in cats and people, enlarged thyroid glands in cats, bladder cancer and lymphosarcoma in dogs, breast cancer in people and fatalities in birds.

Minimal effort has been expended in studying pet animal populations for long-term chemical pesticide toxicity, but careful analysis of animal disease and pesticide exposure has detected significant associations.

Much more such work could and should be done. The medical and environmental communities need to join forces in investigating pesticide-related illness.

As Carson wrote in Silent Spring: "Today we are concerned with a different kind of hazard that lurks in our environment – a hazard we ourselves have introduced into our world as our modern way of life has evolved."

Dogs, cats and birds have been our companions for centuries. Their behavior, diseases and even their deaths have warned us of pesticide related health and environmental problems.

Many people assume that since lawn pesticides (also widely used on golf courses) are so common, they must not be harmful.

The truth is that, just because a pesticide is registered with the EPA, this does not necessarily guarantee its safety. 

If you are at all concerned about being exposed to pesticides, you should be doubly concerned for your pets.

Healthy lawns can be achieved with non-toxic methods. Soil aeration, correct mowing, organic fertilizers, vinegar and corn gluten are just some of the available alternatives to toxic chemicals.

Heal Your Pet At Home!

Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

P.S. Neutraceuticals are KEY in treating and preventing diseases associated with toxins. These include Essential Fatty Acids, Probiotics, and even Colostrum. ALL of these can be found in my supplement. You can get your 50% OFF trial here:

• Dogs: www.thedogsupplement.com
• Cats: www.thecatsupplement.com
  

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Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for over 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

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Also, see:
Do You Know the 10 Early Warning Signs?

Mother Dog & Baby Boy

Here's a sweet video that I thought I would pass on... –Kim

Sweet Mama Dog with a Beautiful Down Syndrome Child

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA8VJh0UJtg

Forgotten Dog's Christmas

Here's a great poem that I thought I would pass on... Merry Christmas! –Kim

A Forgotten Dog's Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
  Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
  In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
  With no thought of the dog filling their head.

And mamma in her 'kerchief and I in my cap
  Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
  I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
  Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
  Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
  But Santa Claus – with eyes full of tears.

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick –
  Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick.

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
  And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain.

"Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
  On, COMET! On CUPID! On, DONNER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
  Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
  For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear.

The gift of a dog is not just for the season;
  We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of the kids a gift,
  There was one important thing that we missed.

A dog should be family, and cared for the same;
  You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,
  "You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"

– Author Unknown

Source: Furry Friends Rescue
© 1998-2012 Furry Friends Rescue

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Also, see:

• Christmas Gift Ideas???
• A Shelter Dog's Christmas Poem
• 10 Compelling Reasons to Add a Shelter Dog to Your Life

Another Pet Food Recall

More bad news from China! –Kim

WARNING! Contaminated Pet Food ... Again

By Dr. Victoria A. Gardner
December 4, 2012

Do you remember back in March of 2007, when thousands of pets died from kidney failure after eating tainted wet cat and dog food ... and the ensuing giant recalls of pet food? Several major companies recalled more than 5,300 pet food products, involving extensive media coverage and much public outrage.

Initially, the culprit was contaminated wheat gluten from a single Chinese company, and recalls were made of pet foods containing the wheat gluten from companies in North America, Europe and South Africa. One month after the initial recall, contaminated rice protein from a different source in China was identified as causing kidney failure in pets in the United States. Contaminated corn gluten also caused it in South Africa. As a result of investigating the 2007 pet food recalls, a broader investigation of the contamination of vegetable proteins in China ensued. It revealed that several Chinese companies sold products labeled wheat gluten, rice protein or corn gluten that were actually contaminated wheat flour. It also raised concerns about the safety of the human food supply. You can learn more at Melamine Pet Food Recall of 2007: Main Page.

Deadly Chicken Jerky Dog Treats
Five years later, the problem is continuing. On Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, a beautiful healthy 8-year-old German Shepherd named Heidi died from eating just two chicken jerky dog treats from China two days earlier. Her owner was devastated. Other reports have come in about dogs getting sick and dying from eating chicken jerky dog treats from China.

On October 5^th, 2012, during a routine sampling inspection, FDA investigators found Salmonella bacteria in Nature's Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats at Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO. Once notified of the results, the company responsibly recalled and ceased distribution of its product. Additional information on this recall can be found at www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm322471.htm.

Since 2007, the FDA has received approximately 2,200 reports of pet illnesses related to jerky treats. The majority involve chicken jerky (treats, tenders, and strips), but others include duck, sweet potato, and treats where chicken or duck jerky is wrapped around dried fruits, sweet potatoes, or yams. Over the past 18 months, the reports have contained information on 360 canine deaths and one feline death. There does not appear to be a geographic pattern to the case reports, which have been from all 50 states and 6 Canadian provinces.

While the recent Salmonella incident doesn't seem to be related to the tainted pet food from China, they all raise questions about the safety of the food we give our beloved pets. An even bigger concern was brought up recently by Food & Water Watch: "The FDA regulates the import of pet food and processed human food, but they have done very little to stop contaminated food from China from being sold in the U.S. ... Right now there are more than 60 human food products that are banned from being imported from China because of unsafe substances, including milk products contaminated with melamine. New food safety rules that passed more than a year ago haven't been implemented yet, so there may be other contaminated food ending up in your [home]."

Protein Adulteration is the Problem

So how is the food from the People's Republic of China contaminated? It's called "protein adulteration" and involves adding to food and feed ingredients compounds like melamine, cyanuric acid, ammeline, and ammelide. These inexpensive substances inflate the apparent protein content of products, enabling them to pass for more expensive, concentrated proteins.

The worst culprit has been melamine. An organic compound, melamine is often combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine foam, a polymeric cleaning product, and melamine resin, a plastic that's highly stable, durable, fire resistant, and heat tolerant. End products include Formica countertops, floor tiles, dry erase boards, flame resistant fabrics, glue, sound proofing, and the ever-famous Melmac tableware. Now we all appreciate these products, but I certainly don't want their components in my food!

Some sources indicate melamine alone does not seem to be toxic to animals or humans except possibly in very high concentrations. However, melamine contamination of pet food was implicated as the cause of the deaths of thousands of pets in 2007, and the combination of melamine and cyanuric acid has been implicated in kidney failure in pets and people. There are also reports that cyanuric acid may be independently and widely used as an adulterant in China, which has heightened concerns for both pet and human health.

Buying Healthy Pet Food

• Only buy brands you trust, and carefully read the ingredients on the label.
• When trying a new brand, initially feed your pet only a small amount so in case there's a problem, they've had limited exposure to it.
• Most of the recalls have been wet pet foods and jerky treats, so you might want to stick to dry food until these problems are resolved.
• Always keep the original bag of pet food in case of a recall, or if you suspect you've purchased a bad batch.
• Check the Pet Food Recall Products List of the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), the division of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that regulates the manufacture and distribution of food additives and drugs that will be given to animals, including animals from which human foods are derived. The list contains links to more information about all pet food recalled since March of 2007 ... 1,107 entries as of April 30, 2012! Yikes! However, it's a bit misleading because once listed, each of the recalled products remains listed, even if there are no new recalls associated with that product.
• Report any problems with pet food to the FDA through their Safety Reporting Portal, https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or call your state's FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.
• For dog lovers, sign up to get regular notifications of dog food recalls from Dog Food Scoop, www.dogfoodscoop.com/dog-food-recall-list.html, an organization that "sniffs out" dog food. In addition to recalls, they compare and rate dog foods.

Pet Signs to Contact the Vet
Get your pet to a vet immediately if they show signs of poisoning, which usually include

• Lethargy (severe fatigue, sluggishness or stupor)
• Fever
• Gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting…especially if there's blood and/or mucus in the vomit or diarrhea.

Other common signs that can lead to kidney failure include:

• Severe thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increased urine

Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Some pets infected with Salmonella can appear healthy, but be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed a recalled product, act quickly. Don't take any chances with the life of your beloved companion!
 

Sources:

• Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), division of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
• Dog Food Scoop
• Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Delbert G. Carlson, DVM and James M. Giffin, MD. Howell Book House, Inc.
• Food & Water Watch
• Wikipedia, 2007 Pet Food Recalls
  
• Wisegeek.com, What is Melamine?

Source: Holistic Health-Wellness Digest

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Also, see:

• WARNING: Chicken Jerky Treats Made in China
• Melamine-tainted Petfood Lawsuit Settlement Unfair
• Ask a Vet Online
  

Here's another cute video that I thought I would pass on for Christmas. –Kim

Puppy Christmas

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Also, see: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Paralyzed Dogs Walk Again

Nose Cell Transplant Enables Paralysed Dogs to Walk

by Fergus Walsh, Medical Correspondent
November 18, 2012

Scientists have reversed paralysis in dogs after injecting them with cells grown from the lining of their nose.

The pets had all suffered spinal injuries which prevented them from using their back legs.

The Cambridge University team is cautiously optimistic the technique could eventually have a role in the treatment of human patients [without the use of aborted embryonic stem cells].

The study is the first to test the transplant in "real-life" injuries rather than laboratory animals.

In the study, funded by the Medical Research Council and published in the neurology journal Brain, the dogs had olfactory ensheathing cells from the lining of their nose removed.

These were grown and expanded for several weeks in the laboratory.

Treadmill

Of 34 pet dogs on the proof of concept trial, 23 had the cells transplanted into the injury site – the rest were injected with a neutral fluid.

Many of the dogs that received the transplant showed considerable improvement and were able to walk on a treadmill with the support of a harness.

None of the control group regained use of its back legs.

Olfactory Ensheathing Cells. The only part of the body where nerve fibres continue to grow in adults is the olfactory system. Found in the at the back of the nasal cavity, olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) surround the receptor neurons that both enable us to smell and convey these signals to the brain. The nerve cells need constant replacement which is promoted by the OECs. For decades scientists have thought OECs might be useful in spinal cord repair. Initial trials using OECs in humans have suggested the procedure is safe.

The research was a collaboration between the MRC's Regenerative Medicine Centre and Cambridge University's Veterinary School.

Professor Robin Franklin, a regeneration biologist at the Wellcome Trust-MRC Stem Cell Institute and report co-author, said: "Our findings are extremely exciting because they show for the first time that transplanting these types of cell into a severely damaged spinal cord can bring about significant improvement.

"We're confident that the technique might be able to restore at least a small amount of movement in human patients with spinal cord injuries but that's a long way from saying they might be able to regain all lost function."

Prof. Franklin said the procedure might be used alongside drug treatments to promote nerve fibre regeneration and bioengineering to substitute damaged neural networks.

Partial Repair

X-ray of Jasper the Dachshund

The researchers say the transplanted cells regenerated nerve fibres across the damaged region of the spinal cord. This enabled the dogs to regain the use of their back legs and coordinate movement with their front limbs.

The new nerve connections did not occur over the long distances required to connect the brain to the spinal cord. The MRC scientists say in humans this would be vital for spinal injury patients who had lost sexual function and bowel and bladder control.

Prof. Geoffrey Raisman, chair of Neural Regeneration at University College London, who discovered olfactory ensheathing cells in 1985, said: "This is not a cure for spinal cord injury in humans – that could still be a long way off. But this is the most encouraging advance for some years and is a significant step on the road towards it."

He said the clinical benefits were still limited: "This procedure has enabled an injured dog to step with its hind legs, but the much harder range of higher functions lost in spinal cord injury – hand function, bladder function, temperature regulation, for example – are yet more complicated and still a long way away."

Jasper, a 10-year-old dachshund, is one of the dogs which took part in the trial.

His owner, May Hay, told me: "Before the treatment we used to have to wheel Jasper round on a trolley because his back legs were useless. Now he whizzes around the house and garden and is able to keep up with the other dogs. It's wonderful."

Jasper can be seen in the video at the top of the page, before and after his treatment.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20365355
BBC © 2012

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Also, see: Hope for the Paralysed as Dogs Helped to Walk Again

Silly Song

Here's a cute video that I thought I would pass on. Share this with the kids! –Kim

VeggieTales:
The Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps

Source: Silly Songs with Larry
 

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Also, see: Veggie Tales

How to Litterbox Train Your Dog

Valuable Resource...

How to Have Quick and Easy Dog Litterbox Training Success with Virtually No Risk...

...Using the Same Proven Methods that Thousands of People Worldwide Have Used to Relieve Their Indoor Puppy Housetraining, Dog Housebreaking, Puppy Potty Training, Dog Potty Training or Dog Housetraining Problems!

Amazing Step-by-Step LITTERBOX DOG PUPPY HOUSETRAINING – Awesome Indoor Dog Housetraining or Housebreaking manual is unlike anything you've ever seen. This incredible resource is not available in bookstores, in petstores or anywhere else.... Even a Child Can Do It!

YOU, YES, YOU!...

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• It works for any dog, any age or breed.
• It saves you TIME, effort, energy and money!
• Your dog will be able to potty indoors or outdoors upon completion!
• You will have no more ruined carpet or furniture!
• No more stress from potty mess or smell!
• No more going out in snow, rain or terrible heat!
• No more carrying in dirt or mud worries.
• No more dashing home to let dog outside to potty!
• No more need for midnight potty walks.
• Perfect for condo, apartment or RV dwellers!
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What is your reason for wanting the luxury of a dog litterbox training system that works without having to give up precious days or weeks of your life to do it?

• Are you planning on getting a dog or own a puppy and want the luxury of them being able to go potty when they need wherever they are??
• Do you live in an apartment, condo or mobile home?
• Do you own an older dog with special needs?
• Do you want to protect your dog from bad weather?
• Are you physically unable to take your dog outdoors?
• Have you lost sleep due to midnight potty trips?
• Do you miss activities you love due to not being able to leave puppy home alone too long?
• Have you tried dog litterbox training, failed and need a method that works?
• Do you need a dog litterbox training method that works FAST with little effort from you?

Continued - Click for more information, plus some BONUSES....

Worldwide Dog Population

Here are some statistics that I thought I would pass on...hope you find them interesting! –Kim

Top Ten Countries with Most Pet Dog Population

World Top Ten Countries with Most Pet Dog Population
COUNTRY USA Brazil China Japan Russia South Africa France Italy Poland Thailand	NO. OF DOGS 61,080,000 30,051,000 22,908,000 9,600,000 9,600,000 9,100,000 8,150,000 7,600,000 7,520,000 6,900,000

Source: http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-top-ten/countries-with-most-pet-dog-population.html
© Compare Infobase Ltd.

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See also:

• Kids and Pets ALWAYS Stay Free at Motel 6
• Tickets To Go Now Travel Agency – Pet-friendly listings!

Tell Veterinarians: Devocalization is Mutilation!

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...be a part of the solution to this abuse! –Kim

Sign the Petition against this Abuse

It's hard to believe, but some veterinarians actually cut the vocal cords of dogs AND cats just to suppress their voices. We know because it happened to our dogs before we adopted them. They're two very different breeds – a Newfoundland and a Chihuahua – and we live in two different states.

We joined with Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, which led the successful campaign to ban devocalization in Massachusetts, to make sure no other dog or cat anywhere suffers as ours have.

But until the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) changes its position on devocalization, countless other dogs AND cats will be subjected to this inhumane, unnecessary surgery.

Though devocalization is so cruel it is illegal in many countries, the AVMA continues to condone it as a "final alternative" to manage barking.

That leaves animals vulnerable to and legitimizes devocalization. Here's why:

No vet can possibly know if devocalization is a "final alternative," and some won't ask. Even receipts from a trainer or behaviorist don't mean the advice was followed consistently or at all; devocalization is easier for lazy or impatient owners.

And just as devocalization didn't keep our dogs from becoming homeless, it hasn't prevented the abandonment and euthanasia of countless other dogs and cats.

HOW AVMA'S POSITION HURTS ANIMALS

Massachusetts currently has the only enforceable state devocalization ban in the US. Other state laws protect owners and vets but not animals, who are subjected to a dangerous surgery they don't need but are helpless to refuse.

We wish veterinary associations had supported legislation that truly protects animals by prohibiting vocal cord surgery except to treat a physical illness, injury or birth defect.

Instead, these associations have opposed enforceable humane laws, using the AVMA's "final alternative" position to justify cutting an animal's vocal cords just to deal with barking or meowing.

Why would any vet condone such cruelty? It's obvious that some devocalize dogs and cats because it's profitable. Others won't devocalize, but oppose banning it anyway. It could be they fear these laws would lead to prohibition of other unnecessary, mutilating [profitable] surgeries like declawing, cropping ears and docking tails.

HOW DEVOCALIZATION HURTS OUR DOGS

Please meet our dogs in the video on this page.

Though an experienced vet devocalized our gentle giant, Porter, in the least invasive way, scar tissue formed in his throat, making it hard for him to breathe and swallow. He rasps, coughs and gags throughout the day like a chain smoker. Because devocalization permanently damaged his larynx too, he's at great risk for inhaling food, liquids, even vomit into his lungs.

Tiny Lola struggles to force out a bark and doesn't always succeed. Like other devocalized animals, she coughs and gags a lot. One day, she may have to face the same $2,000 surgery Porter needed to save his life after he was devocalized.

That's brutal punishment for the "crime" of communicating!

Please don't let this brutality continue. Tell the AVMA: There is no ethical reason to cut vocal cords just to stifle an animal’s voice – ever. Devocalization is an act of cruelty that no animal deserves, no vet should perform, no veterinary association should sanction, and no civilized society should allow.

Meet the HUMANE vets in this video. They're what every vet should be...

CLICK HERE to SIGN THIS PETITION

Source: http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-veterinarians-devocalization-is-mutilation
© 2012, Change.org Inc.

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Get involved!
Wonder where your vet stands on devocalization? It's not enough to say 'I don't devocalize.' Not all vets willingly disclose that. Ask your vet to join those who have called for a ban on devocalization of dogs and cats without exception. Have him or her fill out this easy online form. And if the vet won't, consider finding one who will.

Also, see:

• Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets
• Should Debarking Surgery be Outlawed?
• Should People be Allowed to Devocalize Their Pets?
• Answers about Canine Devocalization
• Model Devocalization Ban Legislation
• Petition against Devocalization Seeks More Signatures
• ATTN: Vets and Vet Techs
• Support State Laws Banning Devocalization

 

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Now that Hurricane Sandy is behind us, here's a great article on how to be prepared... –Kim

Protect Your Pets in an Emergency

Make plans to ensure your pet's safety before, during and after an emergency. The following are organizations and resources that you can contact or access to help you plan how to protect your pets.

If you don't have a plan and need information quickly in an emergency, contact:

• Local Animal Shelters.
  Because most emergency shelters do not admit pets, local animal shelters may be able to offer advice, such as what to do with your pets if you are asked to evacuate your home. Search for local shelters and rescue groups on Petfinder's Shelter Center.

• Local government animal control or service agencies. These can provide guidance on how to protect your pets in an emergency.

Find out what your community's plans and resources are for protecting pets in an emergency. The following are considered key resources for planning how to ensure your pets' safety before an emergency:

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
  AMVA offers a variety of resources to assist veterinarians, animal owners, and others interested in the well-being of animals to prepare for animal safety in the event of a disaster.
• Disaster Preparedness Site

• RedRover
  Through its volunteer-driven RedRover Responders (formerly the Emergency Animal Rescue Service or EARS), RedRover shelters and cares for animals displaced by natural disasters and other crises, such as criminal seizures and hoarding cases, in the United States and Canada. If you need sheltering assistance, call RedRover at (800) 440-3277. Visit RedRover at www.redrover.org.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  FEMA is the federal agency that leads the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident.
• Animals and Emergencies: Preparedness Information...
  http://www.fema.gov/individual/animals.shtm

• Pet Travel and Lodging Resources
  Most emergency shelters do not take pets. Before an emergency, plan where you will take your family and pets if you are ever asked to evacuate your home. There are a number of organizations that offer advice and resources for traveling with pets, including searchable lists of lodging establishments that accept pets.

• San Bernardino County
  If you are a pet owner, you need to make sure that you have included your pets in your emergency preparations. Of course, different disasters will require different responses, but you may have to evacuate your home. See Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets (PDF) to learn more about how to protect your pets. 

Disclaimer: Links to other federal and nonfederal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.

Source: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp



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See also:

• Animals in Public Evacuation Centers
• Hurricane Sandy Rescues
• If Your Dog is Lost
• Tips on How to Find a Lost Pet
• Kids and Pets ALWAYS Stay Free at Motel 6
• Tickets To Go Now Travel Agency – Pet-friendly listings!

Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough?

Here are some good housetraining tips that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

House Training Your Puppy or Adult Dog

House training a puppy or adult dog is such an essential issue for his owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.
 

There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult dog. I enumerate these below:

• You need to understand your dog's body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
• If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals - as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
• Take your dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard, and then, to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature's call.
• Praise your dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having "done it right" and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
• With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
• Until your dog has been fully potty trained, keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
• Use a crate. A crate-trained dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
• If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. This means to create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
• Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him, as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern 'NO' or 'FREEZE' will do (but be consistent). It will startle the dog enough for him to stop pooping.
• Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your dog home alone for more than 4 hours, as separation anxiety is quite common among home-alone dogs.
• Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult dog to work against his house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
• Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your dog has marked.
• If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good house-trained dog.

Click here to sign up to receive a FREE course on potty training your dog.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.
 

Potty Training a Puppy

 
Irrespective of breeds, house training a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think house training your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers or puppy pads, then think again.
 

A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until he is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult dog.
 

After each nap, meal, drink or playtime, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until he eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.
 

Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.
 

Potty Training an Adult Dog

The best way to house train an adult dog is to begin all over again.
 

Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can, time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.
 

You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.
 

Remember: Commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly house-trained dog. Don't expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.
 

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Copyright © 2009 TrainPetDog.com
 

Cartoon Corner

Here are a couple really funny cartoons that I thought I would pass on! –Kim

Very Funny!

Can you relate to this?...

Costume Tips

Here's a fun article that I thought I would pass on... –Kim

How to Win a Dog Costume Contest

Clever, simple, and comfortable are what to aim for – and how to impress judges.

by Carol Bryant
Oct. 4, 2012

"Hero"

Goblins and ghoulies, candy corn and cornstalks, doggie costume contests and parades: It's time for dogs to get a scary groove on and don the Halloween garb.

Did you ever dream of having your dog win a prize in the local parade, online photo contest, or pet event? I've judged and entered dozens of dog Halloween costume contests, so I know there are throngs of dog lovers, myself included, who love dressing their canines in spooky, fun, and festive attire each Halloween season.

This cute dog "milks" the competition

If Fido is wearing a costume, make sure he likes it, that it's comfortable, and that he is familiar with walking in it. Never make a dog dress up if the dog is not happy about it. One sure way to lose is a contest is to put a dog in a costume where he is unhappy, uncomfortable and just generally not pleased with the situation. My dog wears clothes and is used to it, so this was an easy transition for me. My previous Cocker Spaniel was a year-round clothes wearer for the nearly 15 years she shared this life with me.

Here are the top 10 things I've learned (as judge and contest winner) to help your canine win.

1. Try a concept costume

Modify a human concept costume so that Fido gets in on the festive conversation-starting fun. A concept costume is the type that makes people think and perhaps even speak it aloud, to "get it." Take a pun and maximize it.

For example, I won first place at two events to benefit rescue last year with my dog Dexter's costume. Check out the photo below and try to figure out what he is before scrolling down. Note the elements of the costume to guide you in figuring it out.

Can you guess what Dexter is?

It's no secret I named my little guy after the series and books of the same name (Dexter), so how apropos to make him a "cereal killer."

See the bloodied plastic spoons and knives? How about the small boxes of cereal? He was, of course, "a serial killer." The cost for this costume, by the way, was $14.99. Plus, Dexter now lives on in Facebook/Internet infamy, so how fun is that!? (Stay tuned for his costume this year – spoiler alert.)

Ideas: Candy wrapper: Dress Fido in a dog-friendly t-shirt, glue a variety of candy bar wrappers on the outside and bling a dog out with gold-tone beads. There you have a "candy (w)rapper." Got the idea? One caveat: Don't make it too difficult to figure out.

2. Go opposite; go in a group

Ever see a dog dressed as a squirrel? A dog dressed as a cat? People love opposites, and by "people" I also mean judges.

So this might be nutty, but it's darned cute, too.

Team up with fur-ends and pull your dogs together in pursuit of the prize. For me, it's usually not about the loot but having fun with everyone and celebrating smiles doggie style. Some ideas include Wizard of Oz, pack of football players and cheerleader, and again, take the pun concept to a group level. Dress all the dogs in a shade of green and show up as (drumroll), "Gang Green!" Dress a group of dogs up with a number appearing on the backs of each of their costumes. One dog gets dressed as a sheep. As a result, you've got (ready for it?): "counting sheep!"

Go, Team Canine, Go!

3. Ripped From the Headlines

Take a news story and turn it into a costume. Remember the swine flu scare from a few years back? Dog Mom Judy Fridono came up with "Swine Floozie!!!" How hysterical is this:

Swine Fluzie, anyone?

It's an election year, so you can always enter a contest as President Obama and first dog, Bo. Be certain the contest criteria has a dog-owner costume category.

4. Mimic pop culture

Who is hip and in and would make a clever costume? I met this gang at a Halloween costume contest in 2010 and they dressed their Chihuahuas as members of the Jersey Shore television show (with the owner resembling Mike "The Situation"). They won first place. Or check out Michael "Cocker" Jackson from Patty Troup. Love the glove!

We got a "Situation" with the Jersey Shore cast here.

No need to "beat it," this Cocker gives us a "Thriller"

5. Modify a kids' costume

When my dog was a pirate for Halloween, I cut and modified a child's size pirate costume and added a parrot purchased at Party City for $5.99. I super-glued that on and she was the most unique pirate in the parade. This is my late dog, Brandy, eternally missed.

The one who got away...

6. Go as a dynamic duo

Dressing with your dog theme-wise – this can go either way; if your dog has a caveman costume and you are the cave woman, that is way cute. Stage moms and dads beware, these contests are for the dogs. Complement the dog's costume, don't overshadow it.

7. Comfort and enjoyment

Your dog needs to enjoy it and not look uncomfortable – the people constantly adjusting something Fido clearly isn't happy in won't (and shouldn't) catch the judges eyes or votes.

8. Add music

When my Brandy was a clown, I added balloons and played "It's a Small World" on a tape recorder I held in my pocket (yes, the tape recorder days). She won first place, and there were several clowns there.

9. Modify dog clothing

I used a dog's polo shirt I found at a pet supply store for $6.99 and used it as a base for Dexter's "cereal killer" costume.

Ch-ch-ch-Chia (pet, that is)

10. Improve a Current Costume

Take a familiar costume and improve it: Clown costume with a makeshift boa; witch costume and when you walk by the judges, spooky cackling sounds emit from a tape recorder in your pocket.

Bonus tip:

Let the costume speak for itself: If I can't tell what it is when I look at your dog (or with a little thought), it isn't good costume fodder. Don't tell me "Now this glitter represents the galaxy and my dog is a star in it."

As promised, here's Dexter in his costume this year. I never enter for the prizes and always donate them to someone else in the parade. I just love being creative. Any guesses?

What is Dexter this year?

Source: https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-halloween-costume-contest

Trick or Treat Safety

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...your dog's safety is paramount! –Kim

Victoria Stilwell's Top 10 Halloween Safety Tips

Here are a few tips for keeping your pets happy and healthy on Halloween:

Top Ten Halloween Safety Tips

1. Keep the candy bowl away from your pets. Candy is never a good idea for any pet, and chocolate in particular, can be very dangerous for dogs and cats thanks to a toxic chemical called theobromide. Put the candy bowl where your pets can't reach it and be sure to lock the cupboard door so they can't do some scary scavenging.
2. Careful with the costumes. We may love dressing ourselves up, but I'm pretty sure that if we asked our dogs and cats, they'd agree that they'd just as soon not wear that canine superman outfit you think is so cute. If you absolutely must dress your pet up, consider a simple themed bandanna, or at least make sure the outfit is not constricting, uncomfortable or harmful to the animal. Dog costumes often cover so much of the body that their ability to express important canine body language signals to us or other dogs is compromised, which can lead to unnecessary, avoidable instances of aggression or bites.
3. Don't take your dogs trick or treating with you, even if you're confident that your dog will be able to handle it. There are too many unknown factors on a night like Halloween, and even if your dog is well-adjusted, some others you encounter may not be. Plus, seeing a bunch of four-foot tall Yodas and goblins can unnerve even the most placid dogs.
4. Keep your dogs away from the door during trick or treating hours. Again, even if your dog is a good, well-mannered greeter, your smaller guests are not always prepared to see dogs bounding down the hallway or sniffing their candy bags. Just play it safe and keep your dogs and cats locked away in another part of the house for those couple of hours.
5. Make sure any electric cords for holiday decorations are out of reach of your pets, especially if they're chewers. Nibbling on a hot wire won’t turn out well for anyone.
6. Be sure your jack-o-lanterns with live flame inside them are also kept out of reach. They can get easily bumped or knocked over, leading to fire hazards.
7. Halloween is a great excuse to make sure your dog or cat is microchipped. Given all the crazy sights and sounds of the evening, many pets end up running away each year.
8. Keep your pets indoors on Halloween and in the days surrounding it. There are just too many jerks around sometimes, so play it safe and don't tempt fate.
9. Head out for your afternoon or evening walk with your dogs well before trick or treaters start hitting the neighborhood. No reason to risk a frightful encounter with Buzz Lightyear and his noisy, flashing guns and jetpacks.
10. Desensitize ahead of time. Be aware of how stressful the repeated ringing of the doorbell can be for dogs. If you haven’t already, take some time to desensitize your dogs to the sound of the doorbell or knocking in the weeks leading up to the big night so that they're prepared.

Source: https://positively.com/2012/10/22/victoria-stilwells-top-ten-halloween-pet-safety-tips/

© Copyright 2012 Victoria Stilwell Enterprises LLC
  

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Victoria Stilwell is the host of Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog." Her no nonsense, common sense approach to dog training is both practical and effective. It's about educating owners on how to see things from a dog's perspective and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. With a little patience and effort, anyone can live happily with their canine companions. Visit Victoria Stilwell on the Web, get her training tips and watch full episodes of "It's Me or the Dog" by clicking http://animal.discovery.com/tv/its-me-or-dog/index.html or http://www.victoriastilwell.com
 

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Also, see:

• Costumes for People & Pets!
• Pet Costumes at Costume Kingdom
• Pet Costumes and FREE Membership