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When you bring your pet to the veterinarian, you expect service you can trust. You count on your vet having the proper medical training, experience, and understanding of how to provide the best care for your animal. And there is no reason why these expectations should not be met. However, this is not always the case. Even with laws in place to serve as protection to you and your pet, many unlawful and potentially harmful practices are slipping between the cracks. In an unfavorable economy, there is increasing concern that unlicensed and unsupervised non-veterinarians may want to work on your pet to make an extra buck, and you may be tempted to succumb to their services. However, these practices are not only illegal, but also harmful or even deadly to your pet. In order to avoid this, it is important to be aware of potential scams.

Veterinary News Network recently reported on an advertisement that read, “Ear trims – Any dog, any breed -- $25.” The price seemed too good to be true. On the day of the surgery, the owners were told to transfer ownership to the person performing the ear trim. Since pets are technically considered as property, the owner is permitted to “treat and care for” their pets in any manner that does not amount to animal cruelty. It was only after transferring ownership that they found out the person operating on their dog was not a veterinarian.

This story, among countless others, have many pet owners, animal advocates, authorities and veterinarians concerned.

Here are a few potential signs that you – and your pet – are being scammed:

• Abnormally low prices: although you may be enticed by low prices, you often get what you pay for. This is not to say that a veterinarian will not offer a low price or discount on some services, but rather that you may want to take notice of any abnormally low rates. If it seems too good to be true – it often is.
• Look for word tricks: why is the person called a “lay animal dentist” or an “animal care specialist”? Why aren’t they called a veterinarian or doctor of veterinary medicine? Furthermore, instead of referring to veterinary services by what they are – veterinary services – people are listing different medical and surgical procedures by other terms, such as “animal husbandry.” Would you want to see a “lay doctor” or “human care person” when you’re sick? Your pet probably doesn’t want to either.
• Notice any abnormal doctor behavior: why doesn’t this person have the same vocabulary you’re used to hearing from a veterinarian? Why are they forcing you to transfer ownership without reason?

Even in hard economic times, using a true licensed veterinarian will only prove beneficial. Not only will you help avoid the risks and costs associated with unnecessary procedural complications, but you may also help thwart unlawful, unregulated, and harmful practices from penetrating the market. Without proper regulation, you will have no recourse on the non-veterinarian in case of mistakes or even the death of your pet. Furthermore, in a survey conducted on licensed veterinarians performing horse dentistry, the Veterinary News Network found the cost to be the same or less than the services being offered by unsupervised or improperly trained non-veterinarians.

Ultimately, the benefits of using a trained, supervised, and licensed veterinarian far outweigh the disadvantages of a “lay animal doctor.” Any potential fee reduction is also outweighed by the possible harms, risks, and liability you and your pet may incur by using an unlicensed “animal husbandry” provider. Now you know – don’t let those tricks fool you.

1. What is the scientific word for a cat's whiskers?

A. Jactitatae
B. Oscillatae
C. Vibrissae
D. Quaverae

2. How many total whiskers does the average cat have coming from the 'whisker pad' (the puffy area between the top corners of your cat's mouth and the outer edges of his nose)?

A. 20
B. 24
C. 12
D. 16

3. How many times thicker than ordinary cat hairs are cat whiskers?

A. 2-3 times
B. 1-2 times
C. 3-4 times
D. 4-5 times

4. Whiskers are rooted very deep in the cat's face, in an area rich in nerves and blood vessels. Compared to cat hairs, how many times deeper in a cat's tissue are whiskers set?

A. 3 times
B. 4 times
C. 2 times
D. 5 times

5.Cat whiskers can give an indication of your cat's mood. When the whiskers are relaxed or pushed forward, which of the following is NOT how your cat feels?

A. happy
B. defensive
C. curious
D. content

6. It is okay to trim or cut your cat's whiskers.

A. True
B. False

7. Whiskers help the cat feel his way around. This is because whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect the slightest change in ...?

A. Air currents
B. Air speed
C. Air temperature
D. Air humidity

8.When can whiskers be a 'bother' to a cat?

A. When he is playing with string
B. When he sleeps on his side
C. When he tries to eat out of a bowl
D. When he is hunting

9.Cat whiskers fall out and are replaced.

A. True
B. False

Danger in the Dish: Pet Food Recalls

As a responsible pet owner, protecting your pet from harm is very important. You take care to provide your pet with love, exercise, a comfortable place to sleep, and—you hope—a healthy diet. However, pet food can become contaminated during manufacturing, putting your pet, you, and your family at risk of illness. For this reason, veterinarians know how important it is to stay up-to-date on pet food recalls.

An Unavoidable Reality

There have already been 19 separate pet food recalls reported by the FDA this year—more than double the number reported by this time last year. Pet food contamination can have widespread effects: manufacturers often issue recalls for products sold under numerous brand names and distributed nationwide.  In 2012, the FDA received reports from 900 veterinarians and pet owners about animals who suffered vomiting and diarrhea and in some cases kidney failure and death after eating products produced and packaged in China as chicken jerky strips, treats, and nuggets, and sold under three different brands in the US.

But contaminated pet food doesn’t just affect pets. Over a six-month period beginning in October 2011, 22 people in the US and Canada developed Salmonella after coming in contact with contaminated dry pet food manufactured at a Diamond Pet Foods’ plant in Gaston, SC. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted after the outbreak, people were most likely infected after handling their pet’s food. As a  preventive measure, the CDC recommends storing and handling dry pet food in an area away from where you and your family prepares or consumes food  and washing your hands right after handling pet food and treats and cleaning up after your pet.

When Pet Food is recalled

If your pet's food or treats are recalled, immediately stop feeding the product to your pet—even if your pet appears perfectly healthy. If you have questions about recalled food or treats or require additional information, like how to obtain a refund, contact the manufacturer. If you choose to throw away uneaten food rather than return to the store, place it in a secure area not accessible to animals.
If your pet has consumed a recalled product, please give us a call even if your pet does not appear to have any symptoms. Common Salmonella symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

2013 Recalls

The following is a list of recalled pet food products since February 2013. Up-to-date information is available on the FDA’s Animal and Veterinary website for Recalls and Withdrawals http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/default.htm and extends back t0 2008.

• 4/19/2013: Natura Pet Products, makers of California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Innova, and Karma brands, issued a recall for all dry dog and cat food treat varieties (all UPCs and all lot codes) with expiration dates prior to and on March 24, 2014. This is an expansion of a voluntary recall first issued on March 18, 2013. For more information, visit naturapet.com or call 800-224-6123.


• 4/18/2013: Merit Bird Company, LLC of Chatsworth, California recalled five Vitae brand lot codes (#2840090, #2840225, #2840234), #2840252, #2840279) shipped between May 2012 to February 2013, because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. If you have questions, please contact the company at 818-727-1655.


• 4/3/2013: Bravo! recalled three of its raw diet frozen foods for dogs and cats because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.


• 3/13/2013: Bravo! recalled its Chicken Blend Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats because it might be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.


• 3/10/2013: Diamond Pet Foods recalled limited production codes of five cat food brands.  For more information, contact the Pet Food Information Center at ­888­-965­-6131, Sunday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST or visit www.petfoodinformationcenter.com.


• 3/7/2013: Diggin' Your Dog withdrew one lot of its Strippin' Chicks™ Pet Treats, lot code 250322, use by date 2-23-14. For questions or more information, contact Diggin' Your Dog at 775-742-7295.


• 3/7/2013: Steve's Real Food of Murray, Utah recalled 5 lb. bags of "Turducken Canine Diet – 8oz. Patties distributed from October 2012 to January 2013 due to potential contamination of Salmonella. For more information, contact the company at 801-540-8481 or gary@stevesrealfood.com.


• 3/6/2013: Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL recalled 245 boxes of Woofers (beef patties) because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information, contact the company at 877-481-2663.


• 3/5/2013: Cargill's animal nutrition business announced a voluntary recall of certain brands of its ruminant mineral products because they were deficient in vitamins A, D, and E. For more information, go to www.cargill.com/feed/news/mineral-recall/index.htm or call 866-420-5425.


• 2/27/2013: United Pet Group, Inc. voluntarily withdrew a limited quantity of bird food products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information, contact 800-645- 5145.


• 2/22/2013: Hy-Vee, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food due to elevated levels of a chemical contaminant commonly found in corn. To learn more, visit the company's Web site at www.hy-vee.com.


• 2/21/2013: Kasel Associates Industries Inc. recalled all pet treats it manufactured from April 20 through Sept. 19, 2012 due to potential contamination with Salmonella. For more information, contact Kasel Associated Industries at 800-218-4417.


• 2/21/2013: The Honest Kitchen voluntarily recalled five lots of its Verve, Zeal, and Thrive pet food products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information, call 866-437-9729 or email info@thehonestkitchen.com.


• 2/20/2013: Nutri-Vet, LLC. voluntarily recalled its Nutri-Vet and NutriPet Chicken Jerky Products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information contact Nutri-Vet at 877-729-8668.


• 2/19/2013: Kaytee Products recalled several bird treats and greens items due to possible contamination of Salmonella. For more information, call 800-Kaytee1 (800 529-8331) or visit www.kaytee.com.


• 2/19/2013: Kasel Associated Industries voluntarily recalled all products manufactured at its Denver, Co facility from April 20, 2012 – Sept. 19, 2012, due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recall included Boots & Barkley, BIXBI, Nature's Deli, Colorado Naturals, Petco, and Best Bully Stick items. For more information, contact Kasel Associated Industries at 800-218-4417.


• 2/15/2013: Nature's Variety issued a recall of one batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula with a "Best if Used By" date of 10/04/13 because pieces of clear plastic may be found in some bags and could cause a potential choking risk to pets. For more information, call 888-519-7387 or email cservice@naturesvariety.com.

There is little in scientific literature that indicates any negative effects of spaying a dog. The most recent research conducted by Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine indicates that spaying, even on very young puppies (perhaps as young as eight weeks of age) is safe, and that the dog recovers within a few days.

Aside from having puppies, non-spayed females are more susceptible to mammary gland tumors, uterine infections and ovarian diseases. After the ovaries are removed, vaginal estrous bleeding is no longer a concern. The dull and shaggy coat appearance that often occurs in some dogs during the estrus cycle seems to disappear. Pyometra (infections of the uterus), which are extremely common in non-spayed bitches and almost always require emergency surgery, do not occur. Mammary tumors that get large and multiply quickly occur much less frequently in spayed female dogs.

Behavioral effects

The behavioral effects of dog spays are only positive. The bitch does not go into estrus (heat), the time of the cycle when she is receptive to males. (In non-spayed female dogs, there are generally about two heat cycles per year.) Since estrus does not occur in spayed female dogs, there are no bloody secretions on the carpets, upholstery or throughout the house. Non-neutered male dogs are attracted to females in heat. These male dogs travel long distances in order to mate with a bitch in estrus. This creates a nuisance, as the male dogs are fairly aggressive and remain in the vicinity until the heat cycle is finished.

Non-Neutered Male Dogs Are Attracted To Female Dogs That Are In Heat

Spaying does not really change the way a dog digests food. It does, however, affect the dog’s activity level. Non-spayed females have periods of greater activity during their estrus cycle. By removing the ovaries, as is done in an ovariohysterectomy (spaying), the female hormone levels are greatly reduced. Without the surge of estrus related hormones, there is no hormone-related increased activity level.

To make sure your dog does not become obese, it is necessary to regulate her diet and activity level. Adult dogs can have their rations cut back until you reach a point at which the dog maintains a stable weight. If this is insufficient, there are several good quality weight reducing dog foods that are available. Ask your veterinarian or a veterinary technician for a food that is right for your dog. Also, make sure your dog is exercised, even if it's for one long daily walk.

Psuedopregnancy

A normal, annoying, sometimes disappointing, and dangerous behavior pattern seen in unspayed female dogs is pseudopregnancy (also called false pregnancy or pseudocyesis). Pseudopregnancy is a condition that occurs slightly less than two months after estrus. The bitch develops enlarged mammary glands and an enlarged abdomen. She may even show typical "nesting" behavior associated with having puppies. Often, a stuffed toy or other inanimate object is taken to the "nest" and she appears to be protecting or even nursing it. Problems arise when she becomes aggressive or attacks a person or other animal whom she perceives as threatening her "offspring."

Pseudopregnancy Is A False Pregnancy Seen In Unspayed Female Dogs

The natural evolution and advantages associated with pseudopregnancy are still being debated. The most widely accepted theory is one that recognizes ancestral wolf behavior. In wolf packs, bitches who did not give birth to pups might act as the pups' "nursemaids." This particular behavior, as well as milk secretions, is associated with pseudopregnancy and results from production of the hormone prolactin. This is the same hormone that is produced during the final stages of a normal pregnancy. Thus, pseudo-pregnant behavior would prepare these nonpregnant bitches for their protective and nursing role. Obviously, for a dog that lives in a human household, and not in a pack, this behavior is inappropriate and undesirable.

Uterine infections are not uncommon in bitches that frequently experience pseudopregnancy. Once the pseudopregnant behavior has ceased, the bitch should be spayed in order to prevent this behavior as well as the infections from recurring.

Having your female dog spayed (ovariohysterectomy) is an inexpensive and realistic method of pet population control. The number of unwanted adult and young dogs that are euthanized each year in the United States is astounding. Aside from the pet overpopulation problem, spaying your female dog helps prevent — and even eliminates — medical problems associated with hormonal imbalances.

Every dog has its day.

Initially celebrated in 1999, Pet Sitters International's Take Your Dog To Work Day® (TYDTWDay®) was created for two reasons: first, to celebrate dogs’ innate virtues of loyalty, love and dedication to their human companions, and second, to encourage canine adoption from rescue shelters, humane societies and breed rescue clubs. This year, the annual event occurs on Friday, June 21 and employers are encouraged to support TYDTWDay by opening their workplace to employees’ canine friends. Participation will create an immediate “feel good” workplace environment and allow your staff to meet each other's special family members.

Looking for additional ways to celebrate and support this popular day?

• Solicit photos and designate a bulletin board for a “Dog/Owner Look-Alike Contest”;
• Host a Pet Fair. Provide ASPCA or shelter materials and client educational materials regarding dog adoption, preventive care, training, diets, etc.;
• Award a “Top Dog” honor- which employee’s dog can do the best trick, has the cutest face or the most endearing personality?

So don’t let sleeping dogs lie. Win over your employees and your clients by participating in this fun annual event… and watch as wagging tails spread office joy.

Pets help lower blood pressure: A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than those who did not own a pet (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo).

Pets help reduce stress: Walking with a pet helps to soothe nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom).

Pets help prevent heart disease: Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets).

Pets help lower health care costs: People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets).

Pets help fight depression: Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship).

"My kitchen caught on fire while I was sound asleep. I told the fireman that if it had not been for my hearing dog, I would have gone right on sleeping."

Imagine yourself in a silent world. You can't hear the ring of a telephone or a knock at the door. Even danger signals - the shriek of a smoke alarm or the rustlings of a prowler - go unnoticed.

For someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, the feelings of vulnerability and isolation can be overwhelming. And having to depend on mechanical devices or other people to be alerted to everyday sounds can be frustrating. Now imagine that you have a dedicated hearing dog assistant who can alert you to these important sounds.

Hearing dogs are trained to alert their guardians to a knock at the door, the ring of a doorbell, a telephone/TDD, an alarm clock, a tea kettle whistle, a smoke alarm and even an oven timer. These canine companions provide a new sense of security, companionship and independence for their deaf and hard of hearing guardians. Proudly wearing their bright colored vests, they enjoy the same public access rights as guide dogs for the blind.

The Training

Each dog goes through months of comprehensive training using positive reinforcement techniques. The trainers teach the dogs a technique called "sound keying." The dogs run from their trainer to the source of the sound, then run back to the trainer and make body contact to alert him or her to the sound. In response to a smoke alarm or alarm clock, hearing dogs are taught to jump onto a bed or couch in order to wake up a sleeping person. This is done using physical contact or sloppy kisses. The dogs are also given basic obedience training and taught how to understand both voice and sign language commands.

For more information about hearing dogs or hearing dog programs in your area, contact your local humane society.

During its lifetime, a cat has two sets of teeth, a deciduous set and a permanent set. Kittens have 26 deciduous teeth (molars are absent); adult cats have a total of 30 teeth.

Deciduous, or "milk teeth", begin to appear when the kitten is about four weeks of age. At six weeks of age, all 26 deciduous teeth are present. From 11 to 30 weeks of age, kittens lose their deciduous teeth. During this time they may eat less due to sore gums.

When the deciduous teeth fall out, they are replaced by 30 permanent teeth. The permanent teeth should be in place by about six months of age.

A cat’s teeth are well-suited to rip and cut. Twelve tiny teeth (incisors) in the front of the mouth - six in the upper jaw, six in the lower jaw - do some scraping. They are flanked by two upper and lower canines, sometimes described as "fangs," designed to hold prey and to tear flesh. Ten sharp premolars and four molars act together to cut food.

A cat occasionally retains a deciduous tooth after the permanent tooth appears. This deciduous tooth should be removed as soon as possible to avoid displacing the permanent tooth.

Extra teeth are occasionally found in cats. They should be removed by a veterinarian if they cause crowding or injury to soft tissue or other teeth.

Does Spot give you those same sad puppy eyes every morning that you leave for work?

DogTV may have just the trick. DogTV is the first cable network to deliver programming specifically designed for dogs, 24 hours a day. The shows typically consist of three to six minute programs of grassy fields, bouncing balls, or people rubbing down their dog’s bellies. Each of the shows are scientifically designed to appeal to the needs and senses of dogs, ultimately delivering images that provide similar levels of distraction and pleasure that we find in our own TV shows.

Although there is still controversy on the true impact and effect of these doggy channels, the fact that many dogs are staying amused by the programming is enough to peak many pet owner’s interests. However, just as you wouldn’t raise your kids entirely in front of a TV screen, a similar line of thinking holds true for your dogs. Nothing can replace the quality care and time you give to Fido in the backyard, but DogTV may provide just the help you need for those sad morning moments.