News Alert: March 12, 2010

1. Dog Walking 101: Get Movin’ this Spring!

It can be a chore or a joy, dog parents, but we’ve all got to do it—yup, we’re talking about walking the dog! The walk is a fundamental element of canine care that exercises the mind as well as the body—without them, dogs are much more likely to develop unfortunate physical and psychological issues. (Walks also reinforce the bond between a dog and her pet parent!)

Whether you’re a proud new pup parent or a long-time, experienced dog handler, it’s always helpful to learn new ways to make walks with your pooch more enjoyable. Who says you can’t teach an old guardian new tricks?!

Here’s a sneak peek at Dog Walking 101:

• Many people think chain leashes look nice, but they are much heavier than nylon or leather and can be very hard on the hands. Even so, they sometimes work well for dogs who like to tug or bite the leash.
• Mix it up! Try taking your dog to new places. He’ll love experiencing the new sights, smells and sounds at a novel location.
• If your dog darts after local wildlife, it may help to walk him when critters are less likely to be out and about; avoid dawn and dusk.
• Don’t forget the goodies! Walks are great training opportunities. Bring Fido’s fave treats along, and practice tricks and obedience while you’re out in the world.
• Even though popular spring plants like tulips and daffodils add much to our landscape, they can cause significant stomach problems for our furry friends. If your pooch likes to stop and smell—or nibble—the flowers, keep him on a short leash during walks.

Read the complete article Dog Walking 101.

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2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Some Buddy Loves You

Buddy Lou is a gorgeous, older gent who came to the ASPCA after his pet parent passed away. At 10 years old, this tender Tabby was a perfect match for McKenna Moreau of Manhattan. We recently caught up with the new pet mom and her furry fella to see how Buddy Lou’s enjoying his new home.

ASPCA: When did you first meet Buddy Lou?

McKenna: Buddy Lou was the last cat I met when I visited the ASPCA in January. All of the cats were adorable in their own way, but I knew immediately that Lou was the one.

ASPCA: What won you over?

McKenna: I fell in love with his piercing green eyes, silky coat and playful demeanor. When he rolled over and showed me his belly, I knew it was time to bring him home!

ASPCA: How has Buddy Lou settled into his new home?

McKenna: It took about three days for Lou to get settled into his new home. Now, he dominates the space! I like to say that it's his apartment—I'm just living in it.

ASPCA: Does he have any funny, eccentric, or endearing habits?

McKenna: Lou sleeps in the weirdest positions. I can't imagine he’s comfortable when he splays himself belly-up across my lap, but he'd lie there for hours if he could!

ASPCA: What’s the best thing about adopting a pet?

McKenna: When I get home from work, I don't think about the stresses of the day or the list of to-dos piling up. I’m completely in the moment and ready to translate Buddy Lou's meows into a meal, a scratch on the head, or a little exercise.

ASPCA: What do you love most about Buddy Lou?

McKenna: He's such a positive guy—I like to think he makes me a better person!

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3. Vote for Your Favorite Happy Tail

Move over NCAA, the ASPCA is having our own tournament of four-legged champs. Selection Sunday is this weekend, and we're picking our ownfavorites for the 2010 Happy Tails Championship! (Hint: they're all Cinderella stories.) Over the next few weeks, your votes will decide which awesome adoption stories will make it to the final, furryshowdown.

Who will make it to the big dance? Check out ASPCA.org on Monday, when we’ll launch our official tournament bracket, to cast your votes!

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4. Poisonous Plant “Petoxins” App Launches on iTunes

Common plants found in your home, backyard or property are popular for their decorative and air clearing properties, but many species can be toxic to our curious furry friends. Last year, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances—more than 10,000 of which were related to household plants and garden products. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe—stay informed with our new Petoxins app!

In cooperation with Treviso Media Group, the ASPCA has developed Petoxins, which is compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch and includes toxic plant information compiled by our team of toxicologists. The application is a great tool when you’re shopping for new houseplants, planning your garden, or checking if the plants in your home or yard are toxic. Petoxins includes:

• a searchable database of plants reported to adversely affect the health of dogs, cats and horses;
• detailed profiles of each plant, including common and scientific names, images and a list of potential symptoms if ingested;
• information to help you if your pet has ingested something toxic; and
• one-touch dialing to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Petoxins is now available in the iTunes Store for the bargain price of $2.99. Download it today using this link, and you’ll always have the life-saving information you need right at your fingertips! (The app is also accessible by searching for the following keywords in the iTunes Store: pets, dogs, cats, horses, plants, flower, ASPCA, toxic, poisonous, first aid, vet, medical and symptoms.)

Please note, the information contained in our plant lists is not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather a compilation of the most frequently encountered plants. As always, if you think your pet is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, please contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline at (888) 426-4435.

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