Vaccinations for Cats ~ Safe??

 

I received a newsletter in my e-mail box today and the title of this particular article caught my attention.  If you MUST vaccinate, aim for this body part.  The Must Vaccinate is what caught my attention because there is a lot of controversy over whether all those vaccinations are really necessary.  Well reading this article makes me never want to get my cat vaccinated again.  I had no clue vaccinations could cause cancer. 

 

According to this article Rabies vaccinations and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccinations may cause cancer.  The article says normally Rabies is given in the right rear and FeLV in the left rear legs, below the knee for easy amputation if cancer appears. 

 

 

 

The cancer is called Feline Vaccine-associated Sarcoma and is a malignant tumor associated with the vaccines.  There is a study mentioned in this article that suggests giving the vaccines in the tip of the tail.  If a tumor does develop it is easier to treat and not as disfiguring as amputation of a leg.

 

 

 

I can tell you the first two paragraphs of this article scared the bejesus out of me.  I had no clue.  I’m fortunate as to have never had this problem with any of my cats.  This newsletter is from a doctor who is into holistic medicine so I also wanted to see what other sources said.  PetMD agrees with this article, although they don’t give the tail as an alternative location for the vaccines.  They just say don’t over vaccinate.

 

The first article is the only one I can find that suggests giving the vaccines in the tail as opposed to the leg.  I like Dr. Becker’s approach because she is more worried about what vaccines a cat actually needs rather than where to give the vaccine.  Her guidelines are:

 

“If your pet truly needs a booster of a certain vaccine or a vaccine she’s never received, make sure that 1) the vaccine is for a serious disease (this eliminates many on the list immediately), 2) your cat may be in a position to be exposed to the disease (indoor cats have little to no exposure to most diseases), and 3) the vaccine is considered both safe and effective.”

 

 

 

I agree that indoor cats are not going to be exposed to many of the dangers an outdoor cat is exposed to.  Indoor cats don’t need all those vaccinations.  As always, do your research before vaccinating your pet.  If your vet recommends annual vaccinations, you might want to shop around for a new vet.

 

Your animals rely on you to give them the best treatment available.  Be aware of any issues so that you can be the best pet parent you can.

 

 

 

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

Yellow Dog Program - Spread the Word

Well…I guess you learn something new every day.  I’ve been rescuing dogs for more than 20 years and I learned something new.  Have you ever seen a dog in a park or walking down the street with a yellow ribbon tied to their collar or leash?? Or wearing a yellow bandanna?  If so, do you know what that means??  Basically it means approach with caution.  This is an international program called the Yellowdog Program. 

 

If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon tied to the leash or collar this is a dog who needs more space.  It is a visual cue to people before they approach a dog that that dog needs space or to be approached cautiously.  How many of you have been to a park an see a child run up to a dog yelling “Doggie” and grab the dog?  I have, and I cringe every time I see it.  You don’t know if that dog likes strangers or even likes children, yet you let your child run up to a strange dog.  Now if you see a dog with a yellow ribbon you can stop your child and explain why they need to be careful.

 

 

Now don’t get me wrong, the yellow ribbon does not mean they are aggressive, just that they have issues that strangers need to be aware of.  They could be recovering from surgery, have issues with fear, be a rescue dog that needs socialization, or be in training.  You never know.  Just like a yellow traffic light, a yellow ribbon means slow down and approach with caution.

 

 

So…why a yellow ribbon?

• It’s visible from a distance.
• It’s easy for everyone to see
• It’s cheap.
• It works internationally
• Can be used short term or long term
• Easy to put on
• Even a small child can easily understand what it means.

A friend at work told me about some new leashes and collars that say if a dog is friendly or to stay away, but if you are close enough to read the text, then you are too close for the dogs comfort.

 

 

So be on the lookout for yellow ribbons, and if you have a dog that has issues, start using a yellow ribbon.  Please pass this information on to everyone you know.

 

 

P.S.  Using a yellow ribbon or bandanna does not take responsibility away from the pet owner.  If you knowingly have an aggressive or dangerous dog out in public, you are still responsible for your pets behavior.  Common Sense means you won't have a dangerous dog out in public, but we all know some people lack this ability.  The ribbon is not an excuse...it is a warning from a distance.  Ask before you approach.

Be Well & Be Happy,
Pet~Pourri

Christmas Toys

 

I don’t know about you, but I am behind on my Christmas shopping this year.  I went shopping for presents for the puppies today and went to my favorite Hy-Vee.  I know many of you are thinking what can I find for my pets at a grocery store besides food.  Remember the days when the pet aisle was one side of one aisle?  Those days are long gone at Hy-Vee. 

I have to say I am quite impressed with their pet section these days.  And they are very affordable, which is quite important for my rescue.  As you can imagine, we go through a lot of toys.  They had the Loofa Dogs that are so popular, a wide variety of bones and rawhide chews, mallard ducks, leashes, collars, and anything you can imagine for pets.

 

Did you know that holiday gifts for pets cost an average of $10?  Well I found several things for under $10 at Hy-Vee.  Seven out of 10 people buy presents for their puppies and most of those are purchased at the last minute on impulse.  I read an article the other day stating that most people spend an average of $801 for holiday gift giving.  That is actually down 6% from last year.  If folks are really spending that much, then finding affordable things for your pets is important.  Don’t know about you, but I love one stop shopping.  J

 

So what are you getting for your pet this year?  Are you going to be like the 72% that hang a stocking for your pet and put it in there?  I would be a bad parent for human children.  I can’t wait till Christmas to open presents.  Here is a video of my pups playing with the toys I got them this year. Now I have to go get something else for them to open on Christmas day.  J

 

Be Well & Be Happy & Merry Christmas,

Pet~Pourri

Moggies Rule

We’ve all heard mixed breed dogs called Mutts…but do you know what mixed breed cats are called?  Yes…that’s right…they are called Moggies.  It is a British slang word as I learned in this article about the top 5 reasons Moggies are Awesome.

 

 

 

They are less prone to diseases that purebred cats get, since short hair is dominant in Moggies they are self-grooming, (meaning we don’t have to brush them like we would long haired cats), they are unusually smart, they don’t have a predisposed disposition, and of course they are just as beautiful as their purebred counterparts.  I’m sold…how about you?

 

 

 

And of course my readers who know me know that when I learn a new term I have to Google it to see what else comes up.  Thus I came across this article about what Moggies get up to behind their owners backs.  In this study 50 cats were fitted with GPS Collars and ‘Cat Cams’.  What a fun story.  I’m going to see if I can find this show, (Horizon: The Secret Life of Cats), online and watch it.  I’m amazed at the territory these cats covered in just one week.

 

 

 

In Australia, Moggies, is a website for cat adoption.  What a great idea.  The cats shown are adorable.  I find if fascinating to see what other countries do in the way of animal rescue. 

 

 

Don’t you just love learning something new?

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

Don’t Forget About Fido

I have several friends that have just had or are expecting a new baby.  A lot of them have asked me, ‘what is the best way to introduce the baby to the dog?’  A lot of them are also concerned with the baby taking up all their time and not having time for the dog.  I heard of a study earlier this year by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna showing many people have the same relationship with their dog as parents do with children. Well…Duh!!!  I often compare my rescue dogs to having a house full of toddlers that never grow up.

 

The thing to remember is your dog is still a part of your family.  Of course your human child comes first, but you still need to make time with Fido.  Make sure to include him in your daily family life.  When you take the baby for a walk in the park, take the dog with you.  Have the dog in the room with you when you change the baby’s diaper, and talk to the dog as well as the baby.  Include the dog in family portraits. 

 

 

Of course we all know there are dogs that won’t tolerate children.  Sometimes you do have to make the hard choice to give up your dog.  If you know your dog does not like children and you become pregnant, you have 9 months to find the dog a new home.  Don’t wait till a month before the baby is born to start looking.  If you find out after the baby is born or they become toddlers, then never have them in the same room and take care of the dog till you find him a good home.  And never ever leave baby and dog in a room together unattended. 

Toddlers are rambunctious.  They will be attracted to the dog.  They are going to fall on the dog, step on the dog, pull the dogs ears, pull the dog’s tail, and sometimes even bite the dog.  It’s just what toddlers do.  If you have any doubt…any doubt at all…do not let this happen.  You are the parent and are responsible for knowing how your dog is going to react to your toddler.

 

That said, most of the time the dog is going to do just fine with the baby.  Start early by sharing the excitement of your pregnancy with the dog.  Make the dog a part of your nursery decorating.  Show the dogs everything you buy for baby and talk to the dog about what to expect.  Start carrying a baby doll around to get the pup used to you carrying something.  After you have the baby take a blanket that has been used on the baby home and let the dog smell the blanket.  Put the blanket in the crib to show the dog where the baby will go.  After you get home and all the excited visitors have left, take the time to introduce the baby to the dog. 

 

 

This article on SheKnows.com has some great examples of how to prepare.  As I said before once you find out you are pregnant, you have nine months to prepare Fido for the addition to your family. 

 

 

 

Here is a list from this article:

·         Address any potentially problematic behaviors (like jumping or taking things) before the baby comes — not only is it easier before you have added responsibilities, but it prevents your pooch from associating the child with sudden restrictions.

·         If your dog is sleeping with you, teach him or her to sleep in another room or at the foot of the bed so you aren't restricted during constant late-night baby duty.

·         If your dog is a barker, teach him or her to stay quiet now by rewarding quiet behavior and closing blinds to reduce the temptation.

·         If you plan to have children in the future, socialize dogs with children early on; if it's too late, you may need to hire a behaviorist to work with them on things before the baby comes.

·         Set up the baby's room early and let the dog check it out, but keep a dog gate in front of the door so he or she understands early that they have to wait until they're invited in.

·         Start leaving baby stuff (diapers, pacifiers, toys, etc.) around the house now and teach the dog to leave it alone — with any luck, they won't be as curious about the new items when the baby comes, and if they are, they know to drop it on command.

·         If your dog is still a bit mischievous once the baby comes, consider hiring someone to walk him or her or taking the pooch to doggy day care (it's hard to get into things when you're exhausted).

The biggest thing to stress is that Fido is still a part of your family.  Don’t forget about him just because you have a baby.  Include him and he will be one happy pup.

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

Sleepy Kitty

Does your cat often find unusual places to sleep or sleep in odd positions?  I just read this article on And My Cat that explains it all.  I also did a little more research and found this article on Buzz Feed that gives the 25 most awkward positions.  #11 cracks me up.  #20 would be great for a caption contest.

Hey…that’s a great idea.  Caption this photo. 

 

HAHAHA  #22…my dogs do that sometimes.  How on earth do they get into that position?  What is the funniest position you have ever found your cat in?  I used to have a cat named Diablo and he would sleep in the bathroom sink.  Merlin always slept near me where ever I was.  Morgana would sleep anywhere.  She was an independent little thing.  I once found her in the space above my books and below the next shelf.  About 3” of space.  No idea how she got in there.

The Huffington Post is getting in to the spirit of sleeping cats with this slide show of 21 cats who give a whole new meaning to the term Cat Naps.  Do you think this one was posed?

 

I also wanted to get some more practiced reasoning so I looked on Pet MD.  This article gives pretty much the same information as the first link I sent you, but since it’s from Pet MD more people might feel this is more factual.

 

 

So what have you noticed about your cat’s sleeping habits?

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

On a side note.  I just came across this article and I just had to share it.  I am literally laughing so hard I have tears rolling down my face.  Somebody has too much time on their hands…or really, really loves their tortoise.  J  OMG!!! The last one is killing me.  HAHA

Myth’s About Shelters and a Tangent

My rescue is a breed specific rescue for American Eskimo Dogs.  We do take in other breeds if there is a need.  We’ve even been known to take in cats.  We’ve had dogs just left in our yard and even found a horse there one day.  People assume because we rescue dogs we will rescue anything.  I have to say…we did find the horses owner and return the wandering equine, but the cats had to be taken to another shelter.  I was reading this article today that debunks the top ten myths about Shelters.

If you think you know everything there is to know about animal shelters, this is a must read for you.  Especially #7.  I’ll have to admit that I was surprised by some of the myths listed.  I know a lot of these aren’t true.  But then I have to remind myself that I rescue dogs.  I know what is involved.  It still surprises me when people tell me they’ve never heard of breed specific rescue. 

One thing to remember for breed specific groups is that if you call wanting a dog and we don’t have one that fits what you are looking for, we can usually find one for you from another rescue we work with.  However, this does take time.  Don’t tell me on Monday you want this, this, this, and this and then two days later tell me you got a puppy from a breeder.  It will usually take me more than two days to find you a pup to fit what you are looking for.

A lot of people are also concerned about our adoption agreement and adoption fee.  We also require a home visit.  We are not going to go over your home with a fine tooth comb.  Usually by the time we get to the home visit stage we think you and a certain dog might fit, but we want to give you tips on how to prepare your home for a pet.  If we know the dog is an escape artist, we will walk around your yard and tell you what to fix to keep the pup from getting out.  For example, one dog we had would dig under the fence.  We had to take landscape staples to pin down the bottom of the fence to keep him from getting out.  Or the gap between your gate and fence may be too big and he might squeeze out.  Or he might like to get in the trash and we will advise you to get a covered garbage can or put it in a closet.   Believe me, we want these adoptions to work so doing a home visit is a good thing.

As for adoption fees, this image best explains why we charge what we do and why that is often not enough.

 

 

You may contact us wanting one dog you saw on our website, but that dog won’t be a good fit for what you are looking for.  The dog lives with us, we know what they are like.  However we might have a different dog that will be perfect for you.  We know the dogs and usually can get the feel of a person from the phone interview and home visit.  Trust us to offer you a dog that will work with your family and lifestyle.  More than anything we want your home to be the last home for the pup you are adopting from us.

 

After writing this blog, I realized I got off on a tangent, but I think this is still important information to share...so it is what it is.  :)

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri