Learn about Wild Horses

Horses first originated on the North American continent more than 55 million years ago. Over millions of years, they roamed the grasslands, slowly extending their range to most continents on earth. Around 8,000 B.C. they disappeared from the North American continent completely, succumbing to climate change and human predators. The horse was reintroduced to North America via Spanish explorers who came to the New World in the 16th century.

Modern American wild horses—also called mustangs—are descendants of these Spanish forbearers as well as horses who wandered from wagon trains, farms and ranches. Roaming free over the public ranges of the western United States, they were respected by ranchers for their strength and speed, and were an integral part of the building blocks of America. However, the 1920s saw tractors begin to replace horses on American farms, and since they were no longer a necessary resource, wild horses began to be considered a nuisance.

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Latest Success Story: Daisy

FLOWER POWER

After she and her boyfriend, Matt, had been dating for about a year, Christina Malmberg decided it was time to welcome a dog into their home. Checking out Petfinder.com one morning, Christina stopped at the first dog she saw—a five-month-old Jack Russell terrier named Daisy. “She was standing on someone’s shoulder and looked so feisty,” laughs Christina, who wasn’t surprised that the pooch was described as “spunky.” She also read that the little pup had had a broken leg and hip. Says Christina, “I fell in love with her in an instant, and made Matt call the shelter right away.”


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Brew-Ha-Ha: ASPCA Dogs Guzzle Heartland Brewery’s New Lager Treat for Canines

With the dog days of summer upon New York City, Heartland Brewery in Union Square joined representatives and rescued dogs from the ASPCA on July 25 to introduce pets and their humans to a new summer treat—Slobber Lager.

Made from the finest malted barley, beef stock and water, Slobber Lager is a slightly carbonated, non-alcoholic liquid treat (not a replacement for water) that is safe and yummy for all dogs young and old, large and small. Slobber Lager is available at the Heartland Brewery while supplies last. The liquid treat is hand-pumped and served in a 64-ounce growler for $14.95.

Ask the APCC: Cool cats; dogs who "snack" from the litterbox

Can it be harmful to cats if they sleep near or on a vent when the air conditioner is on?
—Marina M.

As long as your air conditioner is in good working order, and does not contain contaminants—molds, bacteria or other agents—that could result in harmful air quality for humans or animals, we do not anticipate problems from your cat sitting near or on the air register vent. Many pets do this—because it’s probably the most comfortable spot in the house for them on hot summer days!

More new questions...

- Are spices such as mace, paprika and turmeric poisonous to pets?

- We have a small chicken lot that has been overrun by rats. We want to put out rat killer, but are worried about what would happen should one of our pets come into contact with a dead rat.

- My dogs have a terrible habit of “snacking” from the cat’s litter box. I use a clumping litter, and am concerned it could cause problems for my dogs. Do you have any information on this topic?

Summer Safety Tips for Pet Owners

In summertime, the living isn’t always easy for our animal friends. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy.

- Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

- Street smarts: When the temperature is very high, don’t leave your dog standing on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

- Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump.

More Hot Weather Tips...

Latest Success Story: Wyatt

FAST ACTION HERO!

A few years ago, Kari Cashen was on the lookout for a bluetick coonhound puppy to add to the household’s canine family of two older coonhounds. A search online turned up Wyatt, a six-month-old pup who’d been rescued from the hunter who’d bred him. Explains Kari, “The hunter intended to shoot the pup because he was born with blue eyes, instead of the breed-standard brown eyes.” Blue was perfectly fine with Kari, who was very interested in the little guy.

The only catch? Kari lives near Lake Tahoe, and Wyatt hailed from West Virginia.

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Ask Dr. LaFarge: What to Do When New Hubby's Dogs Track Mud Through the House

Nine months ago, I married a man with two dogs. I like the dogs, but they are large—and I feel they should be outdoors most of the time. My husband wants them inside, and wants pet doors so they can have free run of the house. This causes more work for me when they track mud into the house on carpets. Wouldn't the dogs be just as happy outdoors, as long as they have shelter from heat and cold? —Evelyn

You are right to be concerned about the conflict in your marriage created by differing opinions on the dogs and their care, Evelyn. Pets can become a battle ground for other tensions. The good news is that solving the problem created by the dogs can give your marriage a great beginning, and enhance your confidence in each other.

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Ask the APCC: Is it OK for My Cat to Eat Corn Silk?

My cat loves to eat corn silk from fresh corn on the cob. Is it OK for him to eat this?
—Cherie E.

Unfortunately, no. While corn kernels are generally considered to be edible, we would not advise allowing your cat to ingest the silk portion of the corn plant. Aside from the potential for stomach irritation, the stringy nature of the silk could cause an obstruction or other serious damage to the intestines, should it become bunched or bound up.

As you mention that your cat appears to be attracted to the silk, we would strongly recommend that you place your cat in a separate room when shucking fresh corn. You should also immediately dispose of the husks and silk in a bag or other trash receptacle in a location inaccessible to your cat, such as an outdoor trash bin.

More new questions...

My golden retriever loves to chew and eat sticks. Is this bad for him?

I only give my miniature pinscher water from my water purifier system, and a friend told me that tap water is better. Who is right?

NYC Pet of the Week: Cody

HI, CHIHUAHUA!

“Our sweet boy Cody had a rough start in life,” says ASPCA Cares’ David Benson of the little Chihuahua who was recently rescued by our Humane Law Enforcement agents. “He was very badly physically abused by his owners, and with all that happened to him, you’d think he’d have a grudge against people. But nothing could be further from the truth.”

A favorite among staffers at our 92nd Street headquarters, Cody has impressed everyone with his loving spirit. He tends to be a bit shy at first, explains Trish McMillan of the Animal Behavior department, “But once he knows you, you’re in his club—and that means he’ll let you rub his tummy and he’ll give you kisses in return!” In addition to his human buddies, Cody does well with other dogs his size—and loves kitties, too.

Our behavior team says Cody will do well in a home with another dog who is confident. Explains Benson, “This would help Cody continue the remarkable progress he’s made coming out of his shell and becoming the dog we all know he can be.” Additionally, Cody is a little frightened of walking on the street, but is more than happy to climb into a bag to be close to his person.

Latest Success Story: Dandy

FINE AND DANDY

Ever since she moved out of her parents’ home, Ashlee Jordan wanted to get a dog. “Unfortunately,” she explains, “housebreaking a puppy in a second-floor apartment wasn’t an option.” And when her family’s German shepherd, Jazmyn, suddenly fell ill last October, Ashlee was unable to visit her before she went in for exploratory surgery. “When she didn’t survive, I was devastated.”

A few months later, Ashlee and her boyfriend got a call from his family. They had found a dog—an English setter they guessed to be about five years old—abandoned at a gas station. “She was soaked to the bone in the middle of Michigan’s winter-spring transition,” remembers Ashlee. Her boyfriend’s family already had two large dogs, but the problem was easily resolved when the couple went over to meet the canine.

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Save the Strays - The $10K Challenge

In an effort to salvage a program to save New York City’s homeless animals, the ASPCA is pledging $10,000 to the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, Inc.—and we’re challenging compassionate citizens to match our donation dollar-for-dollar by July 31.

Are you up for the $10K Challenge?

The rising cost of gasoline has curtailed the efforts of the Mayor’s Alliance to fuel a transport van that shuttles animals from city shelters to foster homes until these animals can be adopted. Most of these animals would otherwise be euthanized.

But with your support, we can ensure that the Mayor’s Alliance continues its transportation initiative. Please take up the challenge to match our grant today—the city’s homeless animals need our help!

You can make a secure donation online today, or mail your donation to the ASPCA, c/o Mayor’s Alliance, 424 East 92nd St., New York, NY 10128.

ASPCA in the News: Sheltered pets get a $10K reprieve

amNewYork: Sheltered pets get a $10K reprieve

Inspired by an amNewYork story published Thursday, the ASPCA has pledged $10,000 to help strays whose lives are at stake -- and it's asking you to help too.

After reading the exclusive story Thursday about how rising gas prices are crippling a program that transports animals from city shelters to foster homes, officials at the ASPCA decided to make the grant to the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals.

"We hate to see rising gas prices usurp efforts to save the lives of adoptable pets," said Edwin Sayres, president and chief executive of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "The Mayor's Alliance program is crucial to saving the lives of cats and dogs that otherwise would never have a chance and in getting us closer to our goal of being a no-kill city."

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The ASPCA Is Searching For Extraordinary Animals, Pet Owners & Animal Advocates

Call for nominations for annual Humane Awards

(New York, NY) July 13, 2006--The ASPCA is inviting the public to nominate extraordinary pets and people for our annual Humane Awards. Animals and humans who have furthered animal welfare or engaged in animal heroism in the United States during the past year may be considered for this distinguished and unique honor. Winners will be invited to attend the Humane Awards luncheon in New York City on Thursday, November 2, at the historic Rainbow Room, at which time the awards will be presented.

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Free Online Education Program for Vets

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is offering free online continuing education programs. These highly interactive sessions offer up to six hours of approved CE and will be hosted by members of the ASPCA APCC veterinary staff. Topics will include a variety of clinical toxicology issues that are of current interest to veterinary practitioners. Learn More.

Press Release: Just How Dangerous Is Acetaminophen To Pets?

Beloved Feline Companion Is One of Many Cats Lost to Human Drug Poisoning

(Urbana, IL) July 10, 2006 -- No one needs to tell Beth Tucker of Syracuse, New York, how harmful acetaminophen can be to pets. In February 2006, Beth Tucker’s cat, Scooter, ingested a 500-milligram acetaminophen tablet that had been accidentally dropped on the floor. “Scooter was very quick; she had the fastest paws I’ve ever seen,” says Beth. “She would grab something out of your hand before you even knew it was gone.” Despite treatment efforts by a local veterinarian, Scooter unfortunately did not recover. “She suffered tremendously for five days as we tried to save her,” Beth explains. “We finally made the extremely painful decision to end her suffering and euthanized her.” Beth says in sharing her story with other pet owners, she was astounded by the number of folks that knew nothing about the toxic potential of this medication to animals.
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Ask the APCC: Is it Safe for My Dogs to Swim in Our Pool?

A neighbor told me that my dogs should not go in my swimming pool because the chlorine could be harmful to their lungs. Is there any truth to this?
—Joe W.

While concentrated forms of chlorine can be very irritating to skin, eyes and the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, exposure to appropriately treated pool water should typically not pose much of a problem for healthy dogs. (If small amounts of water were ingested, however, mild stomach upset could occur.)

However, if the pool water has been treated with larger concentrations of chemicals, or if your dog becomes exposed to an undiluted pool treatment product, more serious problems could result. In either of these cases, your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center should be consulted right away to assess the situation.

And please take note: It is generally a good idea to get in the habit of washing—or at least rinsing—your dogs after they’ve been in a chemically treated pool. This will help to avoid the potential for skin irritation resulting from chemical residue sitting on the animal’s skin for an extended period of time.

More new questions...

Is over-the-counter ibuprofen safe for my Chesapeake Bay retriever?

I have many decorative soaps in my home. Could they be harmful to my dog if he were to eat one?

Latest Success Story: Opie

OPIE’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT

Julia Fratrich saw Opie about five minutes after arriving at the Easter fund raiser at Angel Ridge, a local group that places animals from open-access shelters.

“I had gone there in hopes of finding a special-needs dog who we could adopt and love,” says Julia. “I watched Opie from a distance and couldn’t believe my eyes! He was the most beautiful and most unbelievable dog I had ever seen.”

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Ask Dr. LaFarge: Pet Loss

I have a 4-year-old Lab/retriever mix. She was diagnosed with kidney and liver disease when she was 11 months old. I want to know when it is time to put her down, because I don't want to see her suffer. Lately she has been very lazy, and hasn't been eating or drinking a lot. My husband is deployed right now, and my kids, who are 6, 4, and four months old, are very attached to her. Please help me.
—Markie

The task of preparing your children for the death of a beloved pet can seem very overwhelming, Markie. However, it is also an opportunity to show your children how well your family can cope with sadness.

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Brand New Website: ASPCA Education

Today marks the launch of our new website dedicated to humane education - ASPCAEducation.org. This website is a great resource for parents and educators who want to teach children to care about animals. Features include lesson plans, service learning projects, workshops, children's books, our free newsletter, and an online store!

Ask the APCC: Is Watermelon Poisonous to My Dog?

Is watermelon poisonous to my Labrador retriever?
—Rodney S.

As you know, watermelon is definitely considered to be edible by humans. There is currently no data demonstrating that the edible portion, seeds and rind have potential to produce effects beyond minor gastrointestinal irritation to pets.

As a general rule of thumb, however, if you are considering offering any food outside of your dog’s normal diet, we recommend that you talk with your pet's regular veterinarian first.

More new questions...

Are roses toxic to cats if they eat them?

I recently used an insect killer containing bifenthrin to kill ants in our home. When is it safe to let my cats back in the treated area?

Can cedar bark shavings be used in the bottom of my birds’ cages?