Protecting Pets From Contaminated Food: Be Informed, Be Prepared

Since the dawn of documentaries like Super Size Meand Food, Inc., America's relationship with food and nutrition has undergone a significant change. Words like gluten-free, sustainable and free-range have entered our lexicon, and many of us are taking a second look at labels and thinking twice not just about what we put into our bodies, but also where it comes from. It follows naturally that as we make better and more informed choices about our own food, we would also start giving more careful consideration to what we feed our pets.

As Co-CEO of the nation's leading pet health insurance company, and executive editor of fetch!magazine, I consider myself an informed consumer. Like most pet parents, I try to make the very best choices in pet food and I am willing to pay for a better, more healthful product to help my pets live their best life. But it turns out that knowing what to look for on labels is only the beginning, and that even products from companies with a sterling reputation can sometimes come up short.

This lesson hit home at the Petplan offices just recently. As the editorial team was putting the finishing touches on our Gourmet Issue (due in homes and stores on August 31), the news broke that a product we planned to recommend was being recalled. Though this is just the latest in a string of pet food recalls making headlines this year, we were rattled. After all, this was a high-end treat made with cage-free chicken, Vitamin E and flaxseed, from a manufacturer we trust. While we love to cover policyholders when they make unexpected trips to the vet, we certainly don't want those visits happening because of a product we endorsed! It begs the question -- how can you really know if what you're feeding your pet is safe?

We chewed on that for some time as our Gourmet Issue went to press. Pet food recalls are a problem our team of expert veterinarians have written about in the past, and while we can share insight into the health dangers associated with unsafe products, it is much harder to know what to say to pet parents who want to be proactive about safeguarding their pet's diet. In our global world, where food from our corner store often hails from faraway places, even healthy, nutritionally-rich food or treats can pose a risk. That said, taking a measured approach to pet food can help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Do your homework
Carefully examine the ingredients -- and ingredient sources -- in your pet's food. Talk to your vet about your pet's age, breed and health history and ask for recommendations as well as suggestions of foods to avoid. Take to the Internet to check out the manufacturer; see if they have a Veterinary Nutritionist on staff and look for any recent recalls in the news. Don't forget to give due diligence to treats!

Stay informed
One advantage of our 24-hour news cycle is that it is relatively simple to track topics of interest. Setting up a "pet food recall" Google alert, subscribing to FDA alerts and following experts on Twitter like @AVMARecallWatch can help you stay ahead of the curve. Keep up with veterinarians who blog, like Dr. Ernie Ward, Dr. Kim Smyth and Dr. Jules Benson for the latest pet health news and information.

Trust your gut
If you suspect something is wrong, go to your vet -- whether a recall has been issued or not. You know your pet better than anyone, and any interruptions to or changes in their eating patterns and behaviors can spell trouble. Food-borne illnesses and complications from food contamination can develop rapidly, so it is always best to seek medical attention for your pet at the first sign of trouble.

Expect the Unexpected
Of course, no matter what plans you make, life has other plans. After asking ourselves how you can really know if what you're feeding your pet is safe, we all arrived at the same unsettling conclusion -- you just can't. Which is why you should consider the worst case scenario and put a plan in place to tackle it. Take it from someone who has been there -- the emergency vet is no place to make expensive decisions about your pet's health. Prepare for surprises, protect your pet with dog or cat insurance and pray that you never have to use it.

At the end of the day, by arming yourself with knowledge and expecting the unexpected, you can avoid letting worry about your pet's diet overshadow the simple delight of providing him or her with a nourishing meal or tasty treat. Food is one of the ways we bond with one another, one of life's pleasures that can be shared with those we love, whether they have two or four legs. Our increased awareness about where our food comes from (and this year's increased frequency of recalls!) may cause a touch of trepidation, but ultimately, our understanding can lead to a deeper appreciation for how food keeps our bodies healthy, gives us energy to care for ourselves and our pets, and inspires us to taste all that life has to offer.

Natasha Ashton

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-ashton/healthy-pet-food_b_1757699.html

Are You Allergic To Your Pets?

Breathe easy—you can still keep your animal companion!

Although more and more people are discovering the beneficial effects of owning a furry bundle of joy, the fact remains that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is allergic to animals. The result? Countless owners in unhappy, unhealthy situations—and their beloved pets are the cause! Allergen is the medical term for the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Touching or inhaling allergens leads to reactions in allergic individuals. Symptoms can include red, itchy, watery eyes and nose; sneezing; coughing; scratchy or sore throat; itchy skin, and most serious of all, difficulty breathing.

The most common pet allergens are proteins found in their dander (scales of old skin that are constantly shed by an animal), saliva, urine and sebaceous cells. Any animal can trigger an allergic response, but cats are the most common culprits. People can also become allergic to the urine, dander and saliva of exotic pets such as ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits and rodents. There is no species or breed to which humans cannot develop allergies. Fur length and type will not affect or prevent allergies. Certain pets can be less irritating than others to those who suffer from allergies, but that is strictly on an individual basis and cannot be predicted.

Once the diagnosis of a pet allergy is made, a physician will often recommend eliminating the companion animal from the surroundings. Heartbreaking? Yes. Absolutely necessary? Not always. Keep in mind that most people are allergic to several things besides pets, such as dust mites, molds and pollens, all of which can be found in the home. Allergic symptoms result from the total cumulative allergen load. That means that if you eliminate some of the other allergens, you may not have to get rid of your pet. (Conversely, should you decide to remove your pet from your home, this may not immediately solve your problems.) You must also be prepared to invest the time and effort needed to decontaminate your home environment, limit future exposure to allergens and find a physician who will work with you. Our three-part program follows:

Improving the Immediate Environment

1. Create an allergen-free room. A bedroom is often the best and most practical choice. By preventing your pet from entering this room, you can ensure at least eight hours of freedom from allergens every night. It's a good idea to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials.
2. Limit fabrics. Allergens collect in rugs, drapes and upholstery, so do your best to limit or eliminate them from your home. If you choose to keep some fabrics, steam-clean them regularly. Cotton-covered furniture is the smartest choice, and washable blinds or shades make good window treatments.
3. Vacuum frequently using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. Other kinds of bags will permit allergens to blow back out of the vacuum.
4. Install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. Our modern, energy-efficient homes lock in air that is loaded with allergens, so it’s smart to let in some fresh air daily.
5. Use anti-allergen room sprays. These sprays deactivate allergens, rendering them harmless. Ask your allergist for a product recommendation.
6. Clean the litter box frequently. Use lowdust, perfume-free filler. Clumping litter is a good choice.
7. Dust regularly. Wiping down the walls will also cut down on allergens.
8. Invest in washable pet bedding and cages that can be cleaned often and easily.

Decontaminating Your Pet

1. Bathe your pet at least once a week. Your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that won't dry out his skin. Bathing works to wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur.
2. Wipe your pet with a product formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment. Ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves.
3. Note any symptoms of dermatitis exhibited by your companion animal. Dermatitis often leads to accelerated skin and fur shedding, which will up your allergen exposure.
4. Brush or comb your pet frequently. It’s best to do this outdoors, if possible. (The ASPCA does not recommend keeping cats outdoors, so make sure your feline is leashed if you take him outside.)

Taking Care of Yourself

1. If possible, have someone other than yourself do the housecleaning, litter box work and pet washing, wiping and brushing. If you must clean the house or change the litter, be sure to wear a dust mask.
2. Wash your hands after handling your companion animal and before touching your face. The areas around your nose and eyes are particularly sensitive to allergens.
3. Designate a “pet outfit” from among your most easily washed clothes. Wear it when playing or cuddling with your companion, and you’ll leave other clothing uncontaminated.
4. Find a physician, preferably an allergy specialist, who will make sure that your pet is the cause of your allergies and will help alleviate your symptoms. Medications and immunotherapy (desensitizing shots) can often allow you and your companion animal to remain together happily ever after. 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/allergic.aspx

Saturday is Responsible Dog Ownership Day

Saturday is the American Kennel Club’s “Responsible Dog Ownership Day,” designed to remind us to take excellent care of our four-legged friends. We encourage all pet owners to do something good for your pet today, whether that means scheduling their next physical, getting them microchipped, brushing their teeth, or just taking them outside to get some exercise. Remember, our pets depend on us for everything, so it’s our job to give them a good life.

Wackiest Pet Names of 2012

WACKIEST DOG NAMES OF 2012: 

1. Chew Barka
2. Nigel Nosewhistle
3. Sir Maui Senqkey Schwykle
4. Spark Pug
5. Agent 99
6. Stinker Belle
7. Vienna Sausage
8. Furnace Hills Dante
9. Senorita Margarita
10. Trigonometry
11. Spunky Brewster
12. Captain Awesome
13. Peanut Von Strudel
14. Raising A. Ruckus
15. Flash T. Trousers
16. Vito Meatball
17. Marcopolo
18. Otto Itchy Bobo
19. Tugboat O’Malley
20. Ziggy Stardust Floyd
21. Fudge McDreamy
22. Dandy Lion
23. Phat Daddy
24. Pawly D
25. Nacho Cheese

26. Jelly Diamondstein
27. Monster Truck Mickey
28. Fuzzbrizio
29. Cheeto Bear
30. Miss Snowy Pineapple
31. Mr. Cashew Maghoo
32. Fatboy Jackson
33. Firecracker Jack
34. Chubster
35. Whiskey Valentine
36. Oreo-Dunkin
37. Santa Paws
38. Snazzel
39. Boogie Woogie
40. Yucky
41. Yikes
42. Maximus Von Francis
43. Tuff Buckaroo
44. Mr. Bojangles Bobo
45. Ziggy Pop
46. Zoolander
47. Uncle Roscoe
48. Oreo Pudding
49. Little Scrappy
50. Major Sluggo

WACKIEST CAT NAMES OF 2012: 

1. Pico de Gato
2. Dingleberry
3. Dumpster Kitty
4. Schnickelfritz
5. Koobenfarben
6. Sassy Pants Huska
7. Vincent Van Furrball
8. Kitty Gaga
9. Beefra
10. Mister Bigglesworth
11. Cuddles McCracken
12. Slim Pickens
13. Magnificat
14. My Girl Catastrophe
15. Friar McFergus
16. Mr. Chubsy Buttons
17. Fergus McGillicuddy
18. Captain Skittlehook
19. Haircool Pawrow
20. Bean Bag
21. Mr. Moss McCheeks
22. Brown Cactus
23. Tempurra
24. Sugar Britches
25. Tiger Blood

26. Twinkle Toes
27. Albus Dumbledore
28. Madame Meow
29. Weow Weow
30. Shatsi Popo
31. Trinity Sweetypaws
32. Violet Diablo
33. Mister Peepers
34. Mr. Creamsicle
35. Black Sabbath
36. Yum-Yum
37. Kitty Bowersocks
38. Long John Silverrr
39. Meow Meow Thompson
40. Handsome Happy Fella
41. Kahlua Fudge
42. Orange Juice
43. Biggie Shorty
44. Breezy Chatter Bug
45. Wahoo Ferguson
46. Muffin Madonna
47. Minnie Mouse
48. Princess Raggedy Ann
49. Boogey Man
50. Candyapple

http://www.petinsurance.com/wackypetnames/

Pets & Insects

It’s September, the season for cooler weather, picnics, barbecues, camping trips…and that means bees and wasps! If you’re planning on taking your pet to a picnic or out on a camping trip, make sure you keep an eye on them. Bee stings can be dangerous for pets, especially if they’re allergic! We recommend removing the stinger from the site as quickly as possible after your pet has been stung, applying ice to offset swelling, and monitoring your pet for at least 24 hours. Remember, DO NOT give your pet a painkiller unless it has been prescribed by us!

Pet Obesity

Is your pet overweight? We recommend keeping your pet on a healthy diet, and exercising them regularly to prevent weight issues from developing. It’s important to give your pets only healthy foods that are a part of their own diets—human food is strictly discouraged because so much of it can be dangerous for our pets!—and exercise such as daily walks for dogs, and regular playtime for dogs and cats are a definite must to keep your pet healthy. 

Adopting an Outdoor Kitty

Several years ago I came home to my first apartment and was greeted by my best friend, grinning from ear to ear. “There’s a surprise in your bathroom!” she exclaimed. That surprise turned out to be an adorable stray kitty from her hometown. “Nana” soon revealed herself to be an amazingly adaptive cat that was happy just basking in our love and attention, but the road to domestic bliss was certainly not without its bumps. In hindsight, there were several steps we could have taken to make the transition a bit smoother. In fact, there are several potential problems when bringing an outdoor cat (e.g. a neighborhood stray or barn cat) indoors to live; however, if a new owner anticipates these problems -- and addresses them accordingly -- they can be greatly minimized.

According to E’Lise Christensen, DVM, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at NYC Veterinary Specialists, the first and most important thing to do when adopting an outdoor cat is to have the cat evaluated by your veterinarian. “Stray cats (or any cat with an unknown history) should be strictly quarantined from resident cats until they have seen a veterinarian and been evaluated for infectious diseases, parasitic infestations and other illnesses,” explains Dr. Christensen. Resident cats are dependent on your discernment and protection; it is not wise to expose them unnecessarily to such highly communicable diseases as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV). In the case of introducing an outdoor cat to resident cats, it is always better to err on the side of caution. 

The first veterinary visit is also a good time to discuss spaying or neutering. Dr. Christensen explains that, by addressing this from the get-go, you have a good chance of avoiding certain unwanted behaviors. “Stray cats should be spayed or neutered to decrease the chance of their reproducing and/or exhibiting objectionable behaviors like urine marking,” she states. 

The second key to a smooth transition from outdoor living to indoor living is gradual integration. As the old adage says, slow and steady wins the race. Dr. Christensen explains further: “Until you know this cat very well, it is a good idea to keep him/her confined, especially when not supervised.” Make sure that the cat has access to litter, food, water, rest areas, scratching posts, etc. Not only does confinement help the cat to acclimate gradually to the new environment, but it can also help ensure the establishment of good litter habits. Dr. Christensen explains: “Most cats will naturally use unscented, clumping clay litter without specific training. But until a cat is very reliable and settled in at the new location, it is a good idea to only allow her out of the ‘safe area’ when supervised. If possible, you can reward the cat with a small bit of food immediately as she leaves the box.” 

This is also a good time to kitty-proof your home, if you haven’t already done so. A good rule of thumb is that, if it’s not toddler-safe, it’s not kitty-safe. Poisonous plants, pest poisons (like ant traps) and small choking hazards should be removed from any rooms that the cat has access to. Until the cat is settled in and settled down, it may be a good idea to pack up any special items that could be broken. Window-blind cords, phone cords and electrical wires (including computer cords) can pose a threat if the cat plays with or gets tangled in them; they should be securely anchored or placed out of reach. 

Introducing the cat to the rest of the household, including any resident cats, has the potential to create the most stress for everyone involved. Dr. Christensen advises, “If you have resident cats, they should be strictly separated from the potential addition to the family. Gradual integration is the best way to go. Keep the cats separated for several days; feed them on opposite sides of the door for a couple of weeks. If they do well, you can gradually allow them more and more exposure at mealtimes. Additionally, whether you’re adding a new cat to an existing family with cats or this is a first cat, make sure to have plenty of litter boxes, food bowls, water bowls, toys and scratching posts available. You may also want to consider using feline facial pheromones to help decrease anxiety and the tendency to mark by urinating or scratching.” 

Last, but perhaps most important (next to the initial vet visit), is offering plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Dr. Christensen says, “If you will be moving an outside cat indoors, keep in mind that you will need to provide ample opportunities for scheduled, interactive and solitary play, puzzle-solving, food-searching, cat videos, etc.” In addition, she recommends staying open to the possibility that the cat may not adjust to indoor life at all; some cats will always be more at home outdoors: “Even though being inside is safer and seems more comfortable to humans, some cats will inevitably prefer the stimulation that only the outdoors can provide.” But ideally, your time and patience will be rewarded, and your previously outdoor kitty will settle in comfortably with you in your home and leave you wondering what life was even like before he came along! 

Originally published by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month!

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month! We recommend that every family create an evacuation plan in case of a disaster. It’s also important to include your pet in your evacuation plan! Remember to pack food and medication so that in the event of a separation, you could be reunited. View the video below of some team members from Queen Anne Animal Clinic speaking about the importance of making a disaster preparedness kit for your pet.

Researchers Use GPS to Gain Feline Insights

Cat owners who live near the western edge of Boulder now have an opportunity to peek into the secret lives of their feline friends, thanks to an ongoing study by a doctoral student at Colorado State University.

Ashley Gramza is hoping to fit GPS collars on 30 kitties that live in the areas where Boulder's urban development collides with the city's vast western open space land. The collars -- which will collect data on each cat's whereabouts at 15-minute intervals over a couple of weeks each season -- are attached to harnesses that allow the units to face towards the sky, where they can make good contact with overhead satellites.

The goal for Gramza, who is earning a master's degree in human dimensions of natural resources and a Ph.D. in fish, wildlife and conservation biology, is to better understand how far domestic cats venture into open space, and what risks they face -- and pose -- once they're there.

"We know that mountain lions, coyotes and bobcats are using urban areas," Gramza said. "But we really don't know how far (domestic) cats are venturing out."

So far, Gramza has collared just seven cats, so she's looking for more volunteers who live within 175 meters of the western open space areas, including those who live in neighborhoods on the edge of the city and those who live in areas further west, such as Flagstaff Mountain.

One of the benefits for cat owners of signing up for the project is that Gramza promises to give them a map that sheds light on the mystery of where their cats go when they venture out of the house and into the great beyond. That was part of what enticed Chris Chandler, who lives in the Lake of the Pines neighborhood north of Boulder, to sign up her two cats: Totoro and Ringo.

"Many years ago, we had a cat and she disappeared for three weeks and then she turned up looking perfectly fine," Chandler said. "We always joked that we wanted to put a kitty cam on our cat -- I figured this was the closest we were going to get."

Chandler suspects that her current cats don't wander that far, but she's still eager to see how they spend some of their outdoor time.

Gramza also is asking participants to keep any prey that their cats bring home with them from their adventures so that she can identify it and keep track of it.

"We are going to be looking at whether or not there's a connection between how far cats are roaming and how many prey items they're bringing back," she said.

The project also includes the installation of 25 motion-activated cameras on open space land that's relatively near urban development. The idea is to get an idea of how many domestic cats are visiting open space, as well as how many other species are roaming around that might pose a risk to the cats.

So far, Gramza said she hasn't collected much evidence that would indicate that there are feral cats in Boulder -- a problem that has cropped up elsewhere in the country.

"There's really not a feral cat population," she said. "I don't know if that's because people aren't feeding them or if there is such a healthy carnivore population."

The cameras have shown that bobcats, mountain lions and domestic cats do overlap in their territories to some degree, which could be a concern because the cat species could potentially pass pathogens among each other, Gramza sad.

And the cameras have captured images of a number of other interesting critters, including a rare ringtail cat. And on at least one occasion, the camera snapped a picture of a housecat interacting with a larger predator.

"I got a picture of a cat and a coyote facing off," Gramza said.

Anyone who is interested in participating in the study can contact Gramza atagramza@rams.colostate.edu.

http://www.dailycamera.com/science-environment/ci_21286438/csu-study-gives-boulder-cat-owners-glimpse-lives-gps?IADID=Search-www.dailycamera.com-www.dailycamera.com