April 26, 2012

Could Your Pet Be a Doggy Athlete?

Guest blog written by Beverly Pietrucha, ASPCA Volunteer Coordinator.

I discovered Agility about 20 years ago when my very young pup, Ginger, and I were taking a series of obedience classes. We signed up for an introductory class—and that was the beginning of the end. Ginger was an absolute natural on the obstacles: up the A-frame, over the dog walk, through the tunnel—all with no hesitation.

“This should be easy,” I thought. Well, was I wrong!

In Agility, dog and handler must work as a team to negotiate obstacles—in their numbered order. Well, sometimes Ginger would have another idea and get the "zoomies," much to the delight of the spectators. Frustrating for the handler? Perhaps. Lots of fun for the dog? You bet! 

And so Ginger and I embarked on what would be an almost 15-year Agility journey, and the bond that developed between us cannot be described. When you are negotiating an agility course without a leash, or food or treats in hand you become connected in a way that is very special.

What About Shy Dogs?
Not sure if your dog is up to the task? Two years ago I adopted Charlie, who was very shy and lacking in confidence. I enrolled him in an agility class thinking that would perhaps build his esteem a bit. In that first class, he would barely go over a very low jump. I was told by the instructor that I should forget about doing agility with him. Well, we persevered—and Charlie is now competing.

If you’re interested: Signing up for good training classes with competent instructors is essential, even if you don't want to compete but just want to have a bit of fun with your dog. But be forewarned: Dog Agility can be addictive!

For more information, visit the Dog Sports page.

April 25, 2012

Can Your Pet Be Identified?

It’s heartbreaking: Every year, millions of cats and dogs become lost in the United States. Many are beloved pets who never make it home. In fact, research shows that only 10 to 30% of lost dogs and a mere 5% of lost cats are ever reunited with their families. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Taking the simple steps of microchipping and adding an ID tag to your pet can help improve these tragic odds. “It is as small as a grain of rice, but a microchip could mean the difference between life and death for your beloved companion,” explains Gail Buchwald, ASPCA Senior Vice President of the Adoption Center.

Take Action!
Visit your veterinarian and request a microchip. And be sure all of your animal companions—even indoor-only pets—wear a collar with an ID tag. After all, your pet is depending on you.

Learn how you can help us spread the important message of pet identification—and reunite pets who are separated from their families.

April 5, 2012

Tips for a Pet-Safe Easter!

With Easter right around the corner, our experts want to remind pet parents of a few holiday dangers.

• Beware of Easter lilies. These toxic plants can be fatal if ingested by our furry friends.
• Keep candy bunnies in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets. And any treats containing xylitol an artificial sweetener used in many candies, chewing gum and baked goods—may be toxic too!
• Decorations can be dangerous, especially Easter tinsel. Kitties love to nibble colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration.
• Baby chicks and rabbits are not Easter gifts. While these festive babies are adorable, resist the urge to buy; they grow up fast and often require specialized care! Thousands of ex-Easter bunnies and chicks are abandoned each year when their novelty wears off.

For more pet safety tips, please visit our Pet Care section.

March 9, 2012

Dog Person or Cat Person? Find Out Tonight!

Got plans tonight? If not, don’t fret! Tonight’s episode of 20/20 on ABC is scheduled to broadcast a one-hour special on America’s fascination with pets. The ASPCA’s own Dr. Stephen Zawistowski will get to the bottom of a question long lingering on every animal lover’s mind: What exactly is the difference between a “cat person” and a “dog person”? Other hot topics to be discussed include the history of companion animals and our county’s deep emotional connection to our beloved pets.

So tune in tonight to ABC at 10:00 P.M. EST!

December 28, 2011

New Year’s Resolutions for Pets!

It's almost 2012 and many of us are scrambling to make resolutions we can only hope to keep. Whether it is losing five pounds or getting organized, change can be downright hard. So, instead of fretting about your own personal resolutions, how about making a few to benefit your pet?

Here at the ASPCA, we think it’s only appropriate to focus on the four-legged members of the family. So how about a resolution to brush your cat every week or a promise to extend your pooch’s playtime?

Whatever you choose, resolutions aimed at making your companions happier and healthier can add years to their lives—and are much easier to stick to! So go ahead, enjoy your triple mocha latte with whipped cream and check out a few of our most popular New Year’s resolutions for pets!

Check-Up Time
This year, give your veterinarian the chance to notice any developing illnesses and the opportunity to take care of them right away. If it's been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make that appointment today!

Battle the Bulge
Pets depend on us to regulate their nutrition and activity levels. It's important to follow strict feeding guidelines, since overweight pets face increased health risks. This year, vow to lay off those table scraps and consider switching to a well-balanced, high-quality pet food.

Poison-Proof Your Home
With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. Don't leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Resolve to make your home a safe place for your pets.

For our full list of ways to keep your furry pals happy and healthy in 2012, please visit Popular New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet.

December 22, 2011

It’s National Keep Pets Safe in Winter Day!

Those of us who live in colder climates are used to taking all sorts of precautions to prepare for winter, from putting on snow tires to breaking our warmest togs out of moth balls. But don’t forget that winter also poses challenges for our pets!  With their protection in mind, the ASPCA has teamed up with Morton Salt’s Safe-T-Pet® ice melt to raise awareness about winter hazards for pets. Be sure to take note of the following tips:

• Limit outdoor time for pets when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Check warm spots on cars, such as hoods, where animals might seek shelter from the cold, before starting the engine.
• Keep pets on a leash, especially dogs, as they can become disoriented or lost when once-familiar surroundings are covered in ice and snow.
• Wipe paws clean after walking on ice and snow.
• Make sure pets are wearing ID tags and proper outerwear as needed.

Easy Winter Action!

In addition to sharing important winter safety tips, Morton is raising funds for the ASPCA! For every "like" they receive on their Facebook page through January 31, 2012, Morton will donate $1 to the ASPCA. So get clicking—and thanks!

December 15, 2011

Holiday Travel Pet Tips!

It’s time to deck the halls…and hit the roads! For many of us, it’s just not the holidays without our pets and there’s no question we’re bringing them to all the family celebrations—even if those festivities are 1,000 miles from home.

According to the 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey (conducted by the American Pet Products Association), the number of pet parents who bring Fido on the road is steadily increasing.  And the holidays are no exception!

But traveling with your furry pals requires a bit of preparation.  If you’re flying the Fido-friendly skies this holiday season, check out our advice for air travel with pets. And if you’re hitting the road, it can’t hurt to review the ASPCA’s top ten car travel tips.

Start planning, safe travels—and happy holidays!

December 13, 2011

Thinking of Getting a Pet This Holiday Season? Watch This Video First

The holidays are a popular time to bring home a new pet—and for animals in shelters, getting a real home is the best gift ever. But listen up, potential pet parents: Bringing home a new furry friend is also a serious commitment.

To help would-be adopters, the ASPCA Adoption Center has prepared a special video explaining the do’s and don’ts of holiday pet adoption.

Just remember, surprises are wonderful, but never give a pet as a gift. See if your shelter has a gift-certificate instead!

To learn more about adopting a new pet and to find a shelter near you, please visit the ASPCA Virtual Adoption Center.

December 1, 2011

Deadly or Not? Busting the Poinsettias Myth

Can you believe it’s December already? Candy canes, twinkly lights and bow-topped gifts abound. But before we bring out the eggnog, it’s high time we clear the air about one type of holiday décor that has gotten a pretty bad rap: the poinsettia.

Believe it or not, pet parents, these festive plants are not the deadly flowers legend has made them out to be. The myth of the plant’s toxicity actually began in the early part of the 20th century, after the two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer allegedly died from consuming a poinsettia leaf. As a result of this rumor, the plant has never lived down its poisonous reputation.

Okay, so you still don’t necessarily want your pets to eat them. Because consuming poinsettias may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation, keeping these plants out of pets’ reach is still a good idea. But there’s no need to banish them altogether.

So, what do you say? Let’s give this plant a break—I hear they make quite the centerpiece.

For a full list of seasonal tips, check out our top holiday hazards.

November 23, 2011

Pass the Pumpkin Pie—Thanksgiving Treats for Pets!

As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving and give thanks for good food and good friends, don't forget the furry members of the family. Check out these easy-to-make, festive treats for your pets.

Pumpkin Pie Stuffing
1/2 cup canned or freshly cooked pureed pumpkin
1/2 cup yogurt or cottage cheese (only use plain)
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
2 tablespoons low-fat graham cracker

• Put a spoonful of cooked oatmeal at the bottom of a Kong or other toy to seal the small hole.
• Put two spoonfuls of pumpkin into the toy. Follow with a spoonful of yogurt or cottage cheese.
• Repeat, layering the pumpkin and yogurt or cottage cheese until the toy is almost full. Then cram a few pieces of graham cracker into the end of the toy. Serve warm or frozen.

Pumpkin Pie Cookies (for cats and dogs!)
2 cups rice flour
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup unsweetened plain applesauce
1/4 flour for rolling

• In a food processor blend carrots, applesauce and pumpkin until smooth.
• Mix rice flour and oatmeal in a bowl.
• Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix gently until dough forms.
• On a floured breadboard place dough and roll out to about 1/4 inch in thickness.
• Use cookie cutter to cut out little cookies.
• Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for seven minutes.
• Flip treats over and cook for five more minutes. Remove from oven and cool thoroughly.

Special Note
Remember, these recipes are treats and should not replace your pet’s regular meals. Please check with your veterinarian if your pet has special dietary needs or food allergies.

October 25, 2011

Halloween Costume Tips for Your Furry Friends

Even though our fur kids can look pretty smashing in a pumpkin or pirate costume, many pets can have adverse reactions to a constrictive outfit or its irritating materials. Remember, pet parents, animals are most comfortable hanging out in their birthday suits. But in the spirit of all that’s ghoulish, the ASPCA offers some helpful costume tips to keep you and your pet singing “trick-or-treat!” all the way to November 1. 

• Schedule a dress rehearsal and try on costumes well before the big night. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). If your pet seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or in a simple, festive bandana.
   
• Does your pet have sensitive skin? Even those with hearty coats can have allergic reactions to the synthetic materials found in many costumes. While you ride a sugar high, your pet might be uncomfortably scratching the night away.
   
• If you do dress up your pet, be sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe, and make absolutely sure it doesn’t limit your pet’s movement, hearing, vision or ability to breathe or bark.
   
• It’s best to avoid costumes with lots of sequins or other dangling parts that your pet could eat or choke on. If your pet ingests something poisonous, immediately contact your vet or the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435.

For more information on playing it safe with your pet on All Hallows Eve, check out our Top 10 Tips for a Stress-Free Halloween.

October 18, 2011

Easy to Make Halloween Treats for Pets!

Every pet parent knows that dogs and cats can’t have chocolate—and, really, they shouldn’t eat candy of any kind. But with Halloween right around the corner, we don’t want our animal companions to miss out on the fun! Check out these easy treats for your pets.

Halloween Cat Cookie
Your kitties will love the fishy flavor of these tasty treats.

1/4 cup warm water
5 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
3 Tablespoons soft margarine
1 Tablespoon cod liver oil
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup soy flour

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine water, cheese, margarine and oil.
• Add flour and form dough.
• Roll to 1/4 inch thick and cut with small holiday cookie cutters.
• Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden.

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Pooch Treats
Your dog will love the taste and enjoy the crunch!

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup fresh or canned pumpkin (not seasoned pie filling)
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup water as needed

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin, peanut butter and cinnamon in a bowl.
• Add water as needed, but the dough should be stiff and dry.
• Roll to 1/2 inch thick and cut with holiday cookie cutters.
• Bake for about 40 minutes, or until hard.

Special Note
Remember these recipes are treats and should not replace your pet’s regular meals. Please check with your veterinarian if your pet has special dietary needs or food allergies.

September 27, 2011

Smoking Causes Cancer…In Your Pet!

It seems like a no-brainer: Smoking around your pet is bad news. But just how dangerous is it? Truth be told, it can be downright deadly.

A study conducted by the Tufts College of Veterinary Medicine shows that cats living in homes with smokers have a greater chance of being diagnosed with mouth cancer. Because of their grooming habits, cats continually lick and ingest cancer-causing carcinogens that build up on their fur. They are also twice as likely to develop malignant lymphoma—a cancer that occurs in the lymph nodes and is often fatal.

What about dogs? Well, research shows that dogs living in a smoking household are at a much greater risk of developing cancers of the nose and sinus area. Dogs with nasal cancer typically survive less than one year.

Make a Change
The best thing for a pet parent to do is designate an area outside the home to smoke…or better yet, give up the habit. Smoking is bad for you, too.

September 26, 2011

Fall Safety Tips for Pets!

It’s hard to believe, but autumn is already here. The new season brings beautiful foliage, warm apple pie and, of course, a chance for humans and dogs alike to sport their favorite chilly-weather apparel. But fall also brings a bushel of dangers for our furry companions. Here’s what to keep away from your pets this season:

Watch those apples!
While the flesh of ripe apples doesn’t pose a problem for pets, apple stems, leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a lack of oxygen in the blood, decreased heart rate, respiratory congestion, seizures, coma—and, if large amounts are ingested, even death.

Keep hiking colorful.
Nothing says fall like a good adventure in the great outdoors. Go ahead, enjoy the colorful leaves, but be cautious in areas where hunters may lurk. Both you and your pup should be wearing bright colors, too!

Beware of the fungi.
Fall is also a big season for mushrooms, and while most are non-toxic, dogs in North America are highly susceptible to mushroom poisoning from varieties including the death cap mushroom.

Visit our Pet Care Section for our full list of autumn safety tips!

September 22, 2011

Cruelty Alert: Dogs in Pickup Trucks

A few years ago, Julien Roohani of Portland, Oregon, was at work when her roommates spontaneously decided to go on a hike. Not wanting to exclude Julien’s six-month-old Shepherd/Border Collie mix, Niña, they threw her into the back of their pickup truck and set off for an adventure.

Niña had never been in a truck bed before. Whether she was scared or just spotted something of interest, she managed to jump out during the drive. Panicking, the roommates called Julien, who rushed Niña to an emergency veterinary clinic where she was diagnosed with a broken spine and other severe injuries. Julien had no choice but to allow her young pup to be humanely euthanized.

Unfortunately, stories like Niña’s are all too common. It is never safe to drive with an unrestrained pet—especially with that pet in an open truck bed.

“When you drive with a loose dog in the back of your truck, you’re taking a huge risk and placing your dog and other motorists in danger,” says Chuck Mai, a vice president with AAA Oklahoma. “Even if a dog is trained, we’re talking about an animal who responds to stimuli on impulse. This irresponsible decision can start a deadly chain reaction on the road.”

Is It Legal?
Transporting unrestrained dogs in low-sided truck beds has been banned in a handful of states, including California and New Hampshire, and municipalities including Indianapolis, Cheyenne and Miami-Dade. However, in the vast majority of jurisdictions, it’s not even illegal to transport children in this manner, so we must rely on common sense and education to protect children and pets alike.

How You Can Help
One can feel terribly helpless witnessing a loose dog in a pickup truck. The best course of action is to try to get the vehicle’s license number (if you can do so while remaining safe) and call the local police. Rather than dialing 911, Jill Buckley, ASPCA Senior Director of Government Relations, suggests storing your police precinct’s phone number in your cell phone.

For more tips on how to travel safely with your pet, please visit our Virtual Behaviorist.

September 20, 2011

Pet First Aid—Is It a Priority?

Let’s face it: Accidents happen—especially when it comes to our active and curious pets. Slips, trips, bumps and spills, whatever the harm, it’s really important to have a first aid protocol in place.

Find an emergency vet. If your vet clinic doesn’t provide 24-hour service, talk to them about emergency care options in your area. It’s a smart idea to keep the name, number and address of an emergency hospital tacked to the refrigerator or stored in your cell phone for easy access.

Learn life-saving actions:

• If your pet is bleeding, immediately elevate and apply pressure to the wound.
• If your pet is choking, place your fingers in his mouth to see if you can remove the blockage. If you’re unable to remove the foreign object, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver by giving a sharp rap to his chest. This should dislodge the object.

Be prepared. While a minor cut, scratch or scrape may not seem like much to worry about, infection can easily occur, and it’s important to have a first aid kit on hand. From now until the end of September, use coupon code FIRST to save 15% on our 126-piece First Aid Kit for Pets.  

September 15, 2011

How to Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

If your dog uses his time alone in the house to bark endlessly, pee on the carpet, or tear up the sofa—and those behaviors are accompanied by depression or stress—your pooch may be suffering from separation anxiety, a very common doggy behavior problem.

Overcoming disorders like separation anxiety takes time, patience and consistency, but it can be done! Just take the following steps, and you’re already on your way.

Make sure the problem is separation anxiety. The first step in tackling behavior issues is to rule out any underlying medical problems that might be causing your pet’s misbehavior. Next, rule out other behavior problems. For example, consider whether your dog’s inappropriate elimination is due to incomplete housetraining.

Take action. So you’re sure the problem is separation anxiety? Try these strategies to address the issue:

1. 1. Keep all greetings relaxed. When leaving, give your dog a pat on the head, say goodbye and leave. Similarly, when arriving home, say hello to your dog and then don’t pay any more attention to him until he’s calm and relaxed.

2. 2. Give your dog a workout. Giving your dog lots of mental and physical stimulation goes a long way toward quelling behavior problems—especially those involving anxiety. Exercise can enrich your dog’s life, decrease stress and provide appropriate outlets for normal behavior. And once she’s all tuckered out, your pal won’t have much energy left to get into trouble.

3. 3. Reward your pooch! Teach your dog to associate your departure with a reward, like a delicious stuffed Kong or other food-dispensing toy. This positive association can help resolve the problem, as well as distract your dog for the first few minutes you’re gone!

Let our experts help! Need a little more info? Visit the ASPCA’s top eight tips for addressing separation anxiety to learn more.

September 12, 2011

Five Fire Safety Tips for People with Pets

We shudder to think about it. But according to the National Fire Protection Association, each year more than 1,000 house fires are accidentally started by pets. As part of National Preparedness Month, we suggest you take a minute to pet proof your home against potential fire hazards—it could mean the difference between life and death for your four-legged friends.

Secure wires and cords. Cats are especially interested in playing with anything that looks like string. Keep electrical wires and power cords secured and out of your pet’s reach.

Blow it out. Don't leave lit candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock the candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders placed on a stable surface. Want to be really safe? Consider using only flameless candles.

Cover it up. Pets are naturally curious and will investigate almost anything that has a scent. This includes your oven. Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house. Believe it or not, exploring stove tops is the number one way your pet can accidently start a fire.

Go crazy with the detectors. There is no such thing as too many smoke detectors. In fact, you should have at least one on each floor of your home. Out a lot? Consider using monitored smoke detectors. These systems send an immediate alert to a call center letting them know smoke has been detected.

Stick ‘em up. In the event of an emergency, our pet rescue sticker alerts rescue personnel that animals are inside your home. Write down the number of pets inside and attach the sticker to a front window or door.

For more information on preparing your family for an emergency, please read our list of Disaster Readiness tips.

September 6, 2011

Top Treats to Conquer Your Pet’s Back-to-School Blues

With kids across the country going back to school this month, you may see a few (not-so-welcome) behavior changes in your pets. But, really, who can blame them? They miss you. With the house back to being empty all day, our companions are forced to find new ways to entertain themselves—like excessive barking or meowing, chewing on shoes, raiding the garbage and scratching furniture. What to do? These top treats will help lessen their anxiety and occupy their time till the kids get home!

For more popular pet pleasers, visit the ASPCA Online Store!

September 1, 2011

What’s Your Plan?

September is National Preparedness Month, and now more than ever, we’re counting on you to take action. How? By creating an emergency evacuation plan that includes your pets.

“Even if you don’t live in an area known for dangerous weather, the best thing you can do for yourself and your companion is to be prepared,” says Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response. Watch as Tim gives a few more vital pointers.

For more information on how to keep yourself and your pet safe in the event of an emergency, please read our complete list of Disaster Readiness tips.