Starting a family doesn't mean giving away your cat

Celebrity couple Chris Pratt and Anna Faris faced a backlash when Pratt tweeted his intention to give his cat away as the pair plans to start having children, but couples across the country quietly make the same decision daily, often driven by unfounded health fears, experts say. While the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage and birth defects, it's very rare and virtually nonexistent in indoor cats, says internist Jeff Kravetz.

http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/19/8385464-should-you-get-rid-of-your-cat-if-youre-pregnant

Partnership for Preventive Pet Healthcare guidelines

The Partnership for Preventive Pet Healthcare, a group formed by 19 veterinary associations and animal health companies with the goal of promoting preventive care to owners to enhance pets' health, recently released new canine and feline preventive care guidelines for practitioners.

http://www.pethealthpartnership.org/media.php

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Cat shot with arrow making great recovery thanks to donors worldwide

Archie, an 8 year old tabby whose right front leg was missing, was taken to Auburn Veterinary Hospital in June with an arrow through his left front leg that had snapped the radius and ulna. A cat loving client paid the tab for the stray's lengthy surgery, and some of his more than 200 Facebook friends also chipped in for follow up care.

http://www2.wrbl.com/news/2011/oct/20/archie-arrow-cat-making-remarkable-recovery-ar-2583475/

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

Lethal virus threatens salmon supply for humans and animals

 Infectious salmon anemia, a virulent and highly contagious virus that decimated 70% of salmon stock on affected farms in other countries, has been documented in salmon on North America's West Coast. Scientists are concerned about the salmon supply for wild animals, such as grizzly bears, killer whales and wolves, and for humans because offshore pens supply most of the Atlantic salmon for human consumption in the U.S.

Click here for more information about Salmon Anemia.

November is National Senior Pet Month

November is Senior Pet Month. Do you have an older cat or dog sharing your home? If so, you know the joys of pets who might have less spunk but more soul. Here are five reasons to love a senior pet.

1. Distinguished look
You know how as we age, we are said to look distinguished? The same is true for our pets. I think senior cats project an air of peaceful dignity. And who can resist the precious gray muzzle of an older dog?
2. Laid-back lifestyle
For kittens and puppies, most any time is play time. Older pets, however, don’t need to release all that youthful energy. They are quieter and often content to just watch what’s going on in the living room or outside the window. Cuddling next to you takes precedence over most anything else.
3. Fewer demands
Older pets still need love and attention, but they don’t require babysitting like a frisky puppy or curious kitten. Some older pets have special medical needs, but after all they’ve given us through the years, it’s an honor to take care of them in return.
4. Wisdom of the ages
When I look into the eyes of a senior dog, I see a world of experience and wisdom. Older pets know what to expect, and are generally reliable and even. They require little training since they already know the rules.
5. They might be just like you!
As we get older, our needs and routines change. We might prefer quiet evenings at home rather than going out on the weekends. We still like to exercise, walk, or even run—but sometimes we go at a different pace. We might even nap in our chair occasionally. If you have a senior dog, you might find that he’s just like you!