December 2007 News Letter
 
The holidays are officially here and everyone is frantically looking for those last minute gifts for that special someone, picking up the groceries for the feasts that are planned, wrapping the gifts that are hidden in that super secret place after everyone is asleep or out of the house, not to mention putting things together that state on the box that minimum assembly is required, and calling on neighbors and friends with the cookies and candies that you worked so hard making and baking by hand.   This is truly the time of the year for giving and receiving, just remember to thank those who do give of themselves and think of the ones that are not as fortunate as us and help provide for them if you are able.  Be careful if you are traveling outside of the state, stay warm and safe and may your holiday season be a fruitful and merry one.
Pam

20 signs that your pet is a furry child

1.      You always carry a picture of your pet in your wallet or on your picture phone.
2.      When buying a vehicle, you shop for one that will comfortably accommodate your pet.
3.      Your pet has his or her own stocking and gifts under the tree.
4.      Before going out in the cold you appropriately dress your pet.
5.      There is a seat belt or car seat in your vehicle for your pet.
6.      You always keep dog biscuits in your purse.
7.      When cleaning out your pockets before doing laundry, you find dog doodoo bags.
8.      The plant life in your home is catnip and pet grass.
9.      Your pet has a birthday party.
10.     A common form of decor in home is a cat tree.
11.     Instead of  kennel, your pet goes to grandma's house.
12.     Your  cat drinks milk from your glass, and you drink after it.
13.     On the way to and from work, you stop at the doggie day care.
14.     Your pet has health insurance.
15.     There are arrangements in your will for your pet.
16.     You have been known to take your pet to the mall in a stroller or carrier.
17.     Your friends threw you a shower when you got your new pet.
18.     You've called in sick from work because of your pet.
19.     Spending quality time with your pet everyday is a priority.
20.     Kisses from your pet are not gross, they are welcomed.

Pets feel, think, love, and have needs, just like kids.  It is important to take having a pet seriously.  Some pets, if we are lucky, are with us for as long as 20 + years.  That is a commitment that you must make when you get a pet.


Second Hand Smoke

According to Dr. Carolyn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service Veterinarian, second hand smoke has been associated with oral cancer and lymphoma in cats, lung, nasal cancer in dogs as well as lung cancer in birds.  Cats living with smokers for 5 years or more had an even higher incidence of oral cancer, the main one being squamose cell carcinoma.  Cats constantly lick themselves and therefore pick up cancer causing carcinogens that accumulate on their fur.  Second hand smoke also increases the incidences of nasal tumors in long nosed dogs.  Short and medium sized dogs had increased rates of lung cancer.

Guidelines when deciding to give a pet as a Christmas gift.

The worse case:
Most houses are hectic with the festivities, excitement, and family get togethers.  This doesn't give you much time to orientate a new pet into your home, a pet you promise to keep for life, care for, protect, and make a member of your family.   When a new pet is brought in, especially a puppy, you need to establish a routine they can count on.  It's hard to train and make a schedule for a new pet during the holidays.  Kitten and puppies will often be attracted to the sparkling lights and other decorations.
The best case:
Candidates that most likely can handle a holiday present with four legs are a single person who wants company, a couple without children who want the emotional aspect of having a pet, people with time to spare to give the pet the extra attention, and people who want to scale down and change the pace for the holidays.


Never give an unexpected living gift.                                                                                                                                                                        ;           
People sometimes surprise a friend or family member with a pet to ease their loneliness.  All too often these pets wind up in a shelter or dumped out in the street.
A person should be able to choose their own pet companion.
Never give a cat or dog as a replacement for a pet that has passed on.  Some people need time to heal.
Instead of the actual animal you can present the person with a collar, food bowls, gift certificate for a veterinarian visit, or a gift certificate with a picture of a pet as a promise for one after the holidays.


Winter Wonderland Safety
1. Protect from burns
        House fires are more prominent now with fireplaces ablaze and candles lit.  Burning embers can ignite your pets coat.  Make sure smoke alarm batteries are new and working.  Candles can be knocked over or brushed up against.  Place a sticker on your windows to let firemen know that you have a number of pets in the house.  How many of which species and the name of your veterinarian to call in case of emergency.

2.  Antifreeze
        Watch your antifreeze.  Buy brands not containing ethylene glycol.  Even other types of antifreeze are toxic when taken in large quantities.

3.  Engines
        Beep your horn or knock on your hood before starting your car.  That can help in scaring away any cats that have taken a warm engine as a place of retreat.

4.  Warmth
        Keep your pet warm, frostbite occurs in cold temperatures, especially with high winds. 

5.  Ice
        Frozen lakes and bodies of water may not be as frozen as they appear.  Keep pets on a leash around the water and do not let them walk onto the ice. Sidewalk salt can cause vomiting or diarrhea.  Be sure to wipe pets feet after walks outdoors.  The pet will lick it's paws and the salt or calcium chloride salt, can make them sick.

6.  Carbon monoxide problems
        Pets are home more than their owners.  They may be exposed to carbon monoxide before you notice a problem.  Check your furnace, place detectors in various rooms and make sure your garage is well ventilated if you let your car warm up in there.  Pets housed in the garage are susceptible to these vapors as well.

7.   Trees
         Secure to wall, ceiling or drapery rod with sturdy fishing line.  Cover the tree stand and don't let pets drink the water from the reservoir.  It can contain bacteria or chemicals

8.  Toxic plants
         Some holiday plants such as Christmas cactus, holly, lilies, mistle-toe, poinsettia, hemlock, and ivy are toxic to pets.  Keep them up out of the way and immediately pick up any fallen leaves.

9.  Food
        Make sure your guests don't feed your pets table food. Besides encouraging begging, rich table scraps can result in serious illness including pancreatitis.  Remember some foods are toxic to pets such as chocolate.


Thought for the day:

"If your dog is overweight you're not getting enough exercise."

Cat Tails
What is your cat's tail telling you?

Sword tail All tucked in The tipoff Straight up Swish swish Quivering in my boots Bush tail Tick tock