May 19, 2008
A serious downside to pet sterilization is cropping up. There may be future health consequences for your pet, as discussed in this article from MSNBC:
Studies have found that spayed or neutered dogs are at increased risks for problems including certain cancers, thyroid disorder, incontinence and some of the same behavior issues that the surgeries are said to prevent....
...Margaret V. Root Kustritz, a veterinary reproduction specialist at the University of Minnesota, reviewed 200 studies and found that while spay/neuter surgery has benefits, it is also linked to increases in the incidence of certain diseases and conditions such as bone cancer, heart tumors, hypothyroidism and canine cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, as well as prostate cancer in male dogs and urinary incontinence in females. The extent of the risk can depend on the problem, as well as the size and sex of the dog, and the age the surgery is performed.
The risk of a type of cardiac tumor called hemangiosarcoma is five times higher in spayed female dogs than unspayed females, noted Kustritz. And neutered males have 2.4 times the risk of unneutered males. The risk was also higher for osteosarcoma (bone cancer): Dogs spayed or neutered before age 1 were up to two times as likely to develop the disease than those that hadn't been altered.
Cats seem to fare better:
The main risk they face from sterilization is that they can become sedentary and obese, according to Kustritz's review of studies. As a result, vets say sterilizing cats before 6 months of age is appropriate.
Read article.
When we are in the kitchen whomping up some vittles, it is so hard to resist those cute faces. No one ever feeds them and all they want is a little tidbit! But are you sure those scraps you throw to them won't be harmful?
Check out this MSNBC article, 'People foods that can kill your pet' where you can find a list of bad and good foods for your pet.
If you do make a mistake, or your pet does, here's what to do in case of emergency. Save or bookmark this info:
Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe, accidents do happen. That's why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- in a prominent location.
Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling and bleeding.
If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. If you see your pet consuming anything you think might be toxic, seek emergency help immediately even if she or he is not exhibiting any symptoms.
And while we are on the subject, here are two articles that may help someday:
May 16, 2008
Time for our kitty cat to have a new toy, and what could be more yummy than his very own mouse. The Our Pets Play-N-Squeak Mouse makes a realistic sound when moved to stimulate your cat's preying instinct. And is filled with catnip.
And add a real Fishing Pole for even more fun.
Check out the different cat and dog toys at Our Pets Play-N-Squeak.
May 15, 2008
This sleek looking Modern Critter Cat Scratcher would look great in anyone's home. It has a flexible design that can be configured in different ways: hang it on the wall, lean it up in a corner or lay it on the floor.
Modern Critter Cat Scratcher provides a perch for your cat to curl up on, with Flor Terra style carpet tiles to scratch and blow off steam. Choose colors and patterns of tile to suit your decor. If your tiles get worn or you want to change the look, simply change out the tiles.
May 13, 2008
Cute Pet Nest Bed for your pet to curl up in and take a break from the world. It has a removable top rim with a cozy sherpa fleece-lined interior. For cats and dogs up to 50 lbs.
Pet Nest Bed
Kids feeling bored? Rainy day and need something to do? For all you cat lovers--get out Kittenwar, a feline take on the popular card game of War. It features 100 kittens from the web-site Kittenwar.com.
Each card has a picture, name, rank and overall score. There are three different game variations. In the basic game, the player whose kitten has the highest overall score wins the cards.
Think you know a lot about cats? Here's a fun way for an adult to spend a few minutes-- a quiz to test your knowledge about our feline friends.
May 12, 2008
Bringing the dog along on vacation, rather than paying a pet-sitter or kennel? Don't want to be cramped up in a smelly motel room?
Why not try a pet-friendly vacation rental home? PickPackGo will find just the right pet-friendly rental for you, so everyone can stretch out and have some space.
Enter your location and "pet-friendly" in the PickPackGo search box to get a list of pet-friendly homes in that area. You can view property details and maps, as well as share and save your favorites. Then, simply book online.
If you are interested in renting out your own vacation property (make some $$), you can create your free PickPackGo property listing here.
Need some useful tips on what to bring along for your pet? Suggestions for being a courteous vacation renter? Read Responsibilities around dog-friendly vacation rentals from the PickPackGo blog.
If you change your mind and decide to leave your pet home, just enter in your requirements and find a vacation rental at PickPackGo.
Ever wonder if you remembered to fill the dog's water dish?
No matter how toasty it gets, the Aqua Buddy Automatic Waterer will see to it that your pet doesn't get thirsty. Features:
- Attractive 2 quart waterer is just the right size for any home and goes well with any decor.
- Connects to any garden hose and provides consistent fresh water for your pet while you are home or away.
- This reliable waterer is made of durable polypropylene. It cleans quickly and is sun resistant.
- Ideal for cats and dogs of all sizes as well as nearly any other pet's hydration needs. Will not over flow and no training required.
Aqua Buddy Automatic Waterer
May 9, 2008
If your pet is holed up in the house too much and needs to *catch some rays*, as we used to say, just let him or her bask under the Sun Spa.
Your pet can lay out on a sleek wood arch and relax under soothing, simulated sunshine. The Sun Spa maintains the perfect sunbathing temperature of 80-85 degrees.
[via Born Rich]
May 8, 2008
Love the look of the Modern Cat Condo and your kitty will too. For naps or play with durable foam scratching pads on a steel frame. Choose from Small Cat Condo
and Tall Cat Condo. This will look great in your home! In chocolate or beige.
Health Concerns over Pet Sterilization
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