Is your dog protected from heartworm?

Summer means parasites - fleas, ticks, worms - and mosquitos, who can easily transmit parasitic infections as they buzz their irritating way around people and animals.

Yesterday, a post on Amazon.com's Wag Reflex blog talked about heartworm in particular, and if you haven't seen any models or illustrations in your vet's office, it's hard to get your head around just how scary this particular parasite is. Here's a picture of a dog's heart that is overrun with heartworm.
It's not hard to see how having heartworm can decrease the heart’s ability to function properly!

How do you know if your dog has this condition? Some dogs show signs of exercise intolerance (tire easily), start coughing, have difficulty breathing and have overall decreased energy and appetite. If left unchecked, heartworm infestation can lead to congestive heart failure and death. Not all infected dogs show symptoms immediately, however, and in those cases the condition may be too advanced to do anything about by the time it shows up - in the meantime, that dog has probably infected dozens of others.

Fortunately heartworm is easy to detect with a blood test, and it can be treated. It's even easier to prevent heartworm though - so talk to your veterinarian about easy to administer topical or oral preventatives and save yourself and your dog a lot of heartache!

Tag and Chip!

Today a dog followed a cyclist onto the campus of a large organization. He was a friendly, well behaved young labrador with a shock collar but no tags - clearly he'd escaped from the safety of his nearby home and wandered around until he found a human to follow.

The organization's security team called animal control, per their standard procedure, but a kindly employee who lived nearby offered to take him home instead, concerned that if the owner couldn't be located the dog would be euthanized. She took him to the local animal control t0 have him scanned for a microchip and registered a report that she'd found the dog in case the owners called in looking for him. He wasn't microchipped and there was no identification noted on the shock collar.

Many people assume that because they keep their dogs behind an invisible fence, they don't need to tag and microchip them. Unfortunately some dogs are too curious, or are naturally inclined to test their escape artist skills, and ignore the shock as they make a break for it. In other instances the battery in the collar goes dead, enabling the dog to dash for freedom without paying a price.

Once the joy of being able to roam free wears off and a dog finds itself in unfamiliar territory with no real idea of how to get back home, a lack of identification can mean the difference between a happy ending and yet another animal unnecessarily euthanized in an overburdened shelter.

Even if you think your pet can't get out, you should still consider making sure they have some means of being identified in the event that they actually do. Licensing and identifying your animal makes it more likely that it will be returned to you if picked up by animal control. Assuming the contact information held by the microchip company is up to date, microchips can help reunite you with your adventurous pet even if they have lost their tags.

Right now the search is on for this beautiful boy's owners - flyers have been posted in the neighborhoods near where he was found, animal control has been notified, local vets are informed of his whereabouts and a notice has been posted to craigslist. How much faster and easier would a return have been if he'd been tagged and chipped?

The case for keeping cats indoors.

As our lives become more urban, responsible pet owners are starting to question some of the assumptions they previously held about what's best for their companion animals. For instance, years ago most domestic cats were indoor/outdoor. But these days most members of the animal welfare community, including The Humane Society of the United States and many veterinarians, unequivocally recommend keeping pet cats indoors. If your cat is spending a lot of unsupervised time outside, here are some compelling reasons to consider an indoor living arrangement.

Long Live the Indoor Cat!
There is strong evidence to support the view that indoor cats will live longer, safer lives. The ASPCA maintains that average indoor cat lives to be ten to twelve years old, and many felines now make it past twenty. Conversely, outdoor-only cats survive for an average of only two years in that situation. An outdoor cat is exposed to innumerable risks and dangers every day that shorten their average life span and can also reduce their quality of life.

It's an (urban) jungle out there
Any animal outside runs the risk of being a target for cruel or psychotic individuals who torture and kill animals for fun or out of hate/spite, such as the perpetrator of a couple of horrific cat killings recently in a northeast Dallas neighborhood.

Pet-napping is another risk for outside cats. There is high demand for certain breeds of companion animal that can be re-sold and scams abound involving ransom demands for a beloved family member or "finding" an animal whose safe return will net a reward. Pets and strays are also often taken for use as bait animals in illegal dogfighting operations, or for sale to research facilities.

Pets who roam can trigger violent reactions by neighbors who resort to killing or hurting animals they don't like "trespassing" on their property, or as a retaliatory act in a neighborhood dispute.
And of course, there's the risk to outside animals of death or injury as a result of being hit by a car, or being poisoned (accidentally or intentionally) by pesticides, fertilizers and other garden maintenance products.

Prey or be preyed on
Outdoor cats can wreak havoc on their local ecosystem by hunting local wildlife and birds and, as suburban developments have pushed ever deeper into the habitats of bears, coyotes and cougars, increasingly find themselves preyed on by opportunistic predators.

Scooby recently used up at least one of his nine lives when a coyote grabbed him last week. Thanks to some fast reflexes, his human was able to scare away the coyote but poor Scooby (and the family's bank account) took a beating and currently has his broken jaw wired shut.

Ted wasn't so lucky - his owner's neighbor witnessed a coyote kill Ted and carry him off into the woods near his home last weekend. The family is devastated by their loss and wish they'd taken a few precautions such as keeping Ted indoors at least between dusk and dawn, if not more permanently. Ted's owner does recognize the need to co-exist with coyotes, however, and alongside her online memorial to Ted, she has posted some tips to co-exist with coyotes and reduce risk to pets and children.

Wildlife attacks are often the exception rather than the rule, though. According to the Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Coalition, "although coyotes do occasionally prey on free-roaming cats and small dogs, the fear of coyotes or foxes attacking companion animals is greatly exaggerated. Many more dogs and cats meet the unfortunate fate of being struck by an automobile." People greatly increase the risk of negative consequences by encouraging these opportunistic scavengers - leaving out garbage or pet food and using bird and squirrel feeders that attract the small mammals that are a coyote's favorite prey.

Wildlife aren't the only creatures that might attack an outdoor cat - they face death or injury from territorial fights with other cats or dogs and, on a microscopic level, outdoor cats are more likely to contract diseases (such as rabies, feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus) or a parasitic infection.

(As if you need) another reason to spay/neuter
Unaltered outside cats are more likely to get into serious territorial disputes that can result in serious injury or death. Rampant breeding and unwanted litters are another consequence of letting an un-spayed or -neutered cat wander - not to mention those loud caterwauling sessions late at night!

And although this post is about cats, it's worth mentioning that coyotes are attracted to and can mate with un-spayed or un-neutered domestic dogs. There have also been cases of male dogs being lured by the female coyote's scent and killed by male coyotes.

Bringing your outdoor cat in
Cats who have been brought up indoors don't generally want or need to go outside but for a cat who has had the run of the neighborhood, the indoor-only lifestyle might take some adjusting to - of course, we all know that cats are as individual as their humans so some will take the transition in stride while others may not appreciate their boundaries being so clearly defined.

Some people feel guilty that, by bringing their cats indoor, they are depriving the cat of adventure and "what's natural" (although, having been domesticated for thousands of years, who's to say what's a natural habitat for a domestic feline anymore?) - and because cats are notoriously good at getting their way, some may pour on the drama and histrionics, wailing pitifully at the door to be let out. What you need to remember is that a cat will wail just as pitifully outside the door when they want to come back in!

The HSUS has some great tips for adjusting a cat to their new indoor lifestyle, such as making a gradual transition, feeding them indoors, ensuring they have basics like kitty litter, distracting or stimulating them, and providing "kitty greens" for them to munch on.

Keeping your indoor cat happy
It's true that people need to be a bit more engaged with an indoor cat. The ASPCA notes that "when we choose to make our cats indoors-only companions, we have a responsibility to provide the stimulation that nature provides automatically. Scratching and climbing posts become pseudo-trees; interactive toys become hunted birds, bugs and field mice. A rotating array of cat playthings provides excitement, variety and exercise". If you're on a budget, crumpled up balls of paper, some ribbon and a paper bag can be just as entertaining for a cat as store-bought toys, not to mention cheaper and easier to get your hands on.

Some breeds also need more stimulation than others - if you have a Bengal, for example, be prepared to anchor everything with museum gel and make sure you secure your faucets! Many people also suggest that having more than one cat helps keep an indoor cat from getting bored or lonely.

Most cats, however, generally adjust well to the indoor life. Because they sleep a lot, and generally play in short bursts, cats don't need a huge amount of room - your average apartment should be adequate. Some people provide window shelves and perches for their cats to vicariously enjoy the outdoors, while others cater more comprehensively to their cats' love of high spaces and obstacle courses. There are multiple fun things you can do yourself at home to enhance your cat's indoor experience - your only limit is your imagination!

Safe outside time
If you do decide to give your cat some outside time, some suggestions for keeping it safe and supervised include training your cat to wear a harness and taking it for a walk (this is a great way to meet your neighbors, it certainly gets people talking!) or building a protected outdoor enclosure - again, here the only limit is your imagination (and possibly your budget).

If your cat does get out
Even indoor cats need a microchip and ID tag in case they get out, or if something happens on the way to the vet or groomer. Many people think they don't need to microchip or tag their indoor cats, but it only takes an unknowing visitor leaving the door open or a broken window screen for Fluffy to make a break for it, and having no way to identify your cat makes it less likely that you will be reunited if they're found - and even if they survive the risks outlined above, even unidentified cats picked up by animal welfare are at risk of being euthanized in our overburdened shelter system f they can't easily be reunited with their owners.

In a perfect world, we'd be able to give our companion animals unlimited space and freedom, but when it comes down to it, the only reliable way to keep your cat safe is to keep him or her indoors.

Helping Dallas Seniors Care for their Companion Animals

For many older people, pets are more than just a furry companion. A growing body of research indicates that pets are vitally important for many elderly people's health and mental wellbeing.

Pets provide comfort, companionship and unconditional love, easing the loneliness of increasing social isolation in old age; they require care and exercise, helping keep their owners active and staving off depression. Pet ownership is correlated with improved cognitive function, lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, and older pet owners make fewer visits to doctors than those who are without animal companions.

However, owning a pet can pose challenges for the elderly. As physical strength, vision and coordination deteriorate, assistance caring for a pet may become necessary. Rising healthcare and other costs, along with a dwindling nest egg can make it hard for an older person to provide food and veterinary care for their companion animals, particularly when tough economic times start to eat into already meager funds. And seniors who are hospitalized or moved to assisted-care facilities or nursing homes may need to arrange fostering or adoption of beloved pets they can't take with them.

In direct response to these issues, a new non-profit organization was launched this year to brighten the future for Dallas-area seniors’ pets. SPAN - Seniors’ Pet Assistance Network - is a 100% volunteer organization established to serve the needs of Dallas-area seniors who require assistance in caring for their companion animals.

Presently, SPAN provides financial assistance for basic pet needs such as food, grooming, and veterinary care with future plans to include: providing new homes for pets that can no longer stay with their owners, offering inhome assistance and providing transportation to and from veterinary clinics and other pet-related errands for seniors who are homebound.

“We still have a long way to go in raising funds since we’re solely funded though private donations, but through the support of the community I’m confident that this is a cause everyone will embrace,” said Adelle Taylor, who founded the organization in May this year.

We encourage you to support this important initiative any way you can, to help our Dallas-area seniors struggling with the current economic situation. SPAN is a 501(c)3 organization, so financial donations are 100% tax deductible and may qualify for matching funds by companies who match employee donations.

For more information on SPAN and how you can make a difference in a seniors’ pets life, please visit http://www.seniorspets.org/.

A bit of Feline Fun...

Puppy's Playthings Making You Poor?

Lots of people assume that when you get one of these:


You need to spend lots of money on these:

And with the current economic climate the way it is, some dog owners are fretting that they won't be able to provide their pooches plush playthings without some belt-tightening.

But never fear, your trusty puppy has saved the day (and your budget) - because he doesn't need expensive toys - just some food and shelter, all your love... and an old sock!


Don't let the price of puppy playthings get between you and some quality time with a four-legged fur-friend - most dogs and cats can have a fabulous time with some old wrapping paper, a piece of thick rope, cardboard boxes... and of course anything they can grab from the laundry hamper!

Spending time playing with your pet can be the best (and cheapest) present you can give them. Happy play time!

Dallas Anti Tethering Ordinance Now in Effect!

Amended Section 7.3.1 of the City of Dallas animal ordinance is now in effect. It prohibits tethering of dogs except in specific instances (see below). Report violaters by calling 3-1-1.

The ordinance specifies the following:

• Requires that no dog be tethered unless it is in the immediate possession and control of its owner. An exception will be made if the dog is properly tethered for a period no longer than necessary for the owner to complete a temporary task.


• If and when a dog is tethered it must be tethered in a manner that does not allow the dog to leave the owner’s premises; does not allow the dog to become entangled; and allows the dog access to food, water and appropriate shelter. Also, the dog must be properly fitted with a harness or collar and the tethering device must be attached to that harness or collar and not directly to the dog’s neck. The tethering device must be a minimum of 10 feet in length and strong enough to prohibit the dog from escaping.

Special Offer for Dallas Residents - Free spay/neuter AND $25 Wal-Mart Gift Card!

The Dallas SPCA is currently offering FREE spay/neuter services to residents of Dallas Zip Codes 75216 and 75217 - and as an added bonus, if you bring your pet(s) in for spay/neuter before July 15 (that's next Tuesday), you'll get a FREE $25 WAL-MART GIFT CARD!

Call the SPCA at 214/742-7722 now to book an appointment! When you pick up your pet following the spay or neuter, you will be given your free $25 Wal-Mart gift card (one card per family, however multiple pets can be spayed or neutered at no cost).

When you call, say you want the "MAC 75216 or 75217 Free Program." You will also need to print out this letter and bring it with you.

HURRY to take advantage of this limited time free spay/neuter offer with bonus $25 Wal-Mart Gift Card!

Esterilizar a su mascota(s), recibirá una Tarjeta de Regalo de Wal-Mart con un valor de $25!

Live Chat this Wednesday: Free Summer Health Advice from ASPCA Vet

As the mercury continues to rise, the ASPCA has invited Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, for a live chat about enjoying the summer safely with our pets.

Join Dr. Murray on Wednesday, July 9, from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST on the ASPCA Online Community.

Dr. Murray will be available to answer all of your burning questions about protecting your pets from heat exhaustion, potential poisons and other seasonal hazards.

Your facebook account can help get pets adopted

The ASPCA's new Adopt an ASPCA Pet application lets you post photos of real dogs and cats in the ASPCA Adoption Center to your Facebook profile, helping those furry faces get major visibility.

And by sending the photos as gifts to friends and family members, you'll help spread the word even further.

Not only will you seriously cuten up your profile, but every photo you show off could help a kitty or pup find that special human they've been waiting for.

P.S. Not yet on Facebook, but know somebody who is? Tell a Friend today!