Ask the APCC: Tomatoes in Your Pet's Dry Food?

I give my cats dry cat food, and was surprised to learn that the brand I feed contains tomatoes. Aren’t tomatoes poisonous to pets?
—Tricia K.

In this case the answer is no, Tricia. The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects. However ripe tomatoes, the part of the plant typically used in food products, are not toxic. Therefore, we would not expect any poisoning-related issues with the tomato content of your cat food.

More new questions:

- I know that grapes are toxic to dogs, but how about grapeseed oil?

- Could recently poured concrete be harmful to my golden retriever if she were to come into contact with it?

- Is it OK to clean dog toys with bleach?

Attention, California Residents!

Thanks to your efforts, SB 1806, a bill that would make it unlawful to leave a companion animal unattended in a motor vehicle under conditions that could endanger the health of the animal, has now passed the California Senate and Assembly and moves to the Governor for approval! Please Take Action Today! Contact Governor Schwarzenegger and Urge Him to Sign This Humane Bill.

Another important piece of animal welfare legislation, AB 2862, which addresses gaps and weaknesses in state law governing the care of animals in pet stores, passed the California Senate on August 23, 2006. It is now on its way back to the Assembly for a concurrence vote. Contact your Assemblymember Today and Urge Him/Her to Support AB 2862.

Both of these measures will ensure a safer environment for California's pets. Please let the Governor and your assemblymember know that these bills are important to you.

ASPCA Presents $37,595 to Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals

Compassionate New Yorkers Meet ASPCA’s Challenge to Help Save City’s Homeless Pets



Ed Sayres, ASPCA president, presented Jane Hoffman, president of the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals, with a donation of $37,595, raised by the ASPCA during a July campaign aimed at protecting the city’s homeless pets.

Funds are being allocated to fuel a transport van operated by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals that shuttles animals from city shelters to local rescue groups and foster homes until the animals can be adopted. Most of these animals would otherwise be euthanized because the rising cost of gasoline had curtailed the alliance’s efforts. The alliance budgeted $15,000 for the transport van, but costs have since tripled.

The ASPCA pledged $10,000 on July 13 to the alliance and challenged compassionate New Yorkers to match its donation by July 31. In just three days, animal lovers more than met that challenge, so the ASPCA continued the campaign through the end of July and raised $27,595 over its $10K pledge. All of the proceeds are being donated to the Alliance.

“The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals’ transport effort is one way we’re working to save the lives of adoptable cats and dogs in our city and work toward creating a humane community,” said Sayres.

ASPCA in the News: Dog Advocates Speak Out Against Breed Banning

By JAMES HART
The Kansas City Star

Tough laws are needed to protect the public from dangerous dogs, but banning pit bulls or other breeds wholesale isn’t a real solution, an ASPCA lawyer said Wednesday.

Some cities now impose stiff penalties, including jail time, if pet owners let a dangerous dog attack someone, said Ledy VanKavage, an attorney from the St. Louis area. Others push dog owners, pet shops and animal shelters to alter their dogs, a process that could cut down on dog aggression.

But breed bans aren’t fair because they punish animals that haven’t done anything wrong, VanKavage said. “We should be allowed to own any dog we want as long as that dog doesn’t hurt anybody.”

Read the rest of this news article...

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Jacob

“Jacob is a very special dog,” says the ASPCA Behavior department’s Trish McMillian of the eight-year-old Lab/mastiff mix currently on the lookout for his forever home. After a rough start in life, the gentle golden oldie is ready for his retirement. “He would love to just curl up on the couch with you,” says McMillian.

But don’t let Jacob’s age and well-developed “cuddle gene” fool you—our elder statesman hasn’t lost and get-up-and-go. “He would be great on long, leisurely walks,” says McMillian.

Sweet, in shape…and smart, too? Yup, Jacob’s got it all. He knows Sit, Stay, Shake, Come and Down and, reports McMillian, “Being as motivated to learn as he is, we’re sure he can learn even more commands.”

Looking to add a gentle and gallant canine friend to your home? Please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120, and come on down to meet Jacob. To see some of the other animals at our shelter who are waiting for homes, please visit ASPCA.org.

This Week's Success Story: Meet Jade

IT WAS JUST MEANT TO BE
Submitted by Kristi Zamzow

This story begins about six years ago, when Kristi Zamzow was a sophomore at Southwest Texas State University. “I was a volunteer at the local animal shelter in San Marcos,” Kristi tells us, “and began spending time with a beautiful yellow Labrador retriever named Jade.” Unable to resist the canine’s adoring eyes and sweet disposition, Kristi promptly fell in love.

And although Kristi couldn’t adopt the dog because she lived in the campus dorms, her parents had 40 acres of land out in the country. She just had to convince her parents…

Read the rest of this Success Story...

Educators and Parents: Teach Kids About Emergency Preparedness

The new issue of the ASPCA Animalessons™ teacher newsletter is now available at www.ASPCAeducation.org.

The feature article, Emergency Preparedness, provides information on what can be done before, during and after an emergency. Students are introduced to the importance of having an emergency evacuation plan for their family, including their pets. The article is accompanied by seven reproducible handouts.

Ask the APCC: Can a Common Household Deodorizer Control Fleas?

A friend told my husband that you could use OdoBan for flea control on dogs. Since it is not meant for animals, is this safe?
—Liz R.

It’s a good thing you checked, Liz! OdoBan is a household disinfectant and deodorizer, and should never be used on animals for flea control—or for any other purpose outside of what it is labeled for. To control your dog’s fleas, we recommend that you talk with your dog’s veterinarian in order to obtain an appropriate flea treatment program.

More new questions:

- My Rottweiler had a wound on the side of her torso that has now healed. I was told to put Vicks Vapo Rub around the area to divert her from licking the wound. Could this be a problem if my dog were to ingest it?

- There is a walnut tree on the route I take with my Shih Tzu on her daily walks. She is still a puppy, and loves to bat, bite and carry the fallen walnuts that are still in their hulls. Could this be harmful to her?

- My two puppies seem to love to chew on and ingest cardboard. Is this dangerous for them?

Tags: ASPCA, Pet Care, Poisonous

Shelter Spotlight: Summer Camp, Shelter-Style

Each month we’ll feature shelters across the country that are making a difference in the lives of animals in their community. It’s time to get the word out about these movers and shakers!



Summer Camp, Shelter-Style
Ah, summer camp! Hikes in the woods, arts and crafts in the rec. hall, scratchy name tags sewn into your clothing, perhaps even your first kiss. While you might not expect the same experiences at a camp sponsored by a shelter, nature walks, making toys for shelter animals and sloppy dog kisses are common threads that run through many of them. No need to label your underwear, these day camps run from three to six hours a day for one to three weeks. Let’s sample some of the variety served up by three camps in Madison, NJ, New Orleans, LA, and Staten Island, NY.

Read the rest of this article...

Tags: ASPCA, Animal Shelters, Summer Camp

Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: Pets and "People Food"

Awhile ago, The Today Show was going to run a segment about people food that’s bad for pets. I missed that part, and was hoping you could tell me something about foods that we shouldn’t give pets.
—Cathy

There are indeed many ordinary “people foods” that may cause serious problems for out pets, Cathy. It is important to prevent access to these foods, which we’ll list here:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate (baker’s, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
- Coffee (ground, beans, chocolate-covered espresso beans)
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions & onion powder
- Garlic & garlic powder
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Macadamia nuts
- Raisins and grapes
- Avocado
- Hops (used in home brewing)
- Fatty foods
- Bones
- Milk
- Raw eggs
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Products containing the sweetener xylitol

In general, people food should be avoided for both dogs and cats—though occasional treats may be acceptable in small amounts. It is best to stick with a high-quality premium food formulated to meet the specific needs of your pet.

Press Release: Products Sweetened With Xylitol Can Be Toxic To Dogs

Number of 2005 Xylitol-Related Cases Up More Than 150% Over Previous Year

Sugar-free Chewing Gums, Candies, Baked Goods Among Products

(Urbana, IL) August 21, 2006 - The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center cautions animal owners that xylitol, a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and other products can potentially cause serious and even life-threatening problems for pets.

Read the rest of this press release...

Tags: ASPCA, Pet Care, Poisonous

FREE ASPCA eCards!

On the lookout for the perfect eCards for your animal-loving friends and family? We've got 'em here! Check out our new selection today.

NPR's Justice Talking Presents "Protecting People and Their Pets"

NPR host Margot Adler moderates a debate between animal advocates over the total banning of pit bulls. The ASPCA's Ledy VanKavage, Esq., speaks out about the ineffectiveness of breed banning.

Listen to Audio:
- Windows Media
- MP3 version

Visit the NPR's "Protecting People and Their Pets" Page

Free & Low-Cost Spay/Neuter in the Bronx this Sunday!

The ASPCA, Animal Care & Control of New York City and the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals are sponsoring free and low-cost surgeries for cats and dogs belonging to qualifying area residents this Sunday, August 20.

Click here for more information.

Why Spay/Neuter?
Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted births but has many health benefits:- Prevents testicular cancer in males - Prevents pyometra (infected uterus) and breast cancer in females- Diminishes roaming tendencies- Decreases the urge to mark territory by spraying or urinating- Enables your pet to live a longer, healthier life.

This Week's Success Story: Meet Bailey

GOOD DOGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT


When Sarah and John Hall first began looking for a dog, they knew exactly what they wanted. “We decided that a cocker spaniel would be a good breed for us,” says Sarah, “and we had actually looked into getting a dog from a breeder.”

But when Sarah started to think about it, she had a definite change of heart—and the family opted to adopt from a shelter. “Even if we didn’t get the exact breed we wanted, we’d much rather save an animal’s life,” she tells us.

Read the rest of this Success Story...

Michigan Residents: Help Pass HB 4254!

HB 4254 would require public schools to provide alternatives for students with a moral objection to dissection.

Some Michigan high schools still require students to dissect cats. In states that permit pound seizure (e.g., Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin), Class B dealers who do not breed animals, but instead obtain them from “random sources,” can purchase cats from shelters and sell them to companies that prepare animals for school dissection. Class B dealers may also profit in this way from the sale of cats who have been stolen by middlemen called “bunchers.”

HB 4254 is a “win-win” bill, as it would allow students who object to dissection to opt out, while not requiring any action of students who do not object.

Michigan residents, please click here to urge the House Education Committee Chair, Brian Palmer, and your representative to vote “YES” on HB 4254!

Californians: Help Ban Dog Chaining!

SB 1578, the bill to ban dog chaining as the primary means of confinement, has already passed the Senate and is now set for a vote on the Assembly floor, probably within the next week to 10 days.

SB 1578, the Anti-Chaining Bill, would prohibit chaining or tethering a dog to a stationary object as a primary means of confinement. Research has shown that chained dogs are nearly three times as likely to bite as dogs who are not chained.

California residents, please click here to send a letter to your assemblymember asking for his or her support today.

Ask the APCC: Carpet Shampooing Machines--OK or No Way?

I am planning on using a carpet shampooing machine in my home. Will this be safe for my ferret?
—Monique C.

Most carpet cleaning products can be used safely in households with pets, Monique, as long as the instructions for their use are followed. For example, if the label indicates that a product needs to be mixed with water before application, and the cleaned area needs to dry thoroughly before allowing pet traffic back in, these instructions need to be adhered to in order to avoid the potential for problems, such as skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset, from accidental exposure.

More new questions...

- My Lab/pit bull mix eats grass constantly. He occasionally throws up, but most of the time he seems to be enjoying it. Is it normal for dogs to do this, or could this be a problem?

- My Pomeranians like to hunt and eat earthworms. Because we chemically treat our yard, I’m worried that the chemicals could be transmitted from the worms to our dogs.

- Are Japanese beetles poisonous to dogs? My Westie loves to go searching for bugs and often catches these insects.

2006 Cat Photo Contest Winners!

In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month, this June we put out a call for the most awesome photos of…who else?...the irresistible, inimitable feline. We were overwhelmed when thousands of entries came rolling in from all across the country—and although our judges had a hard time selecting the best of the best, we are proud to announce the winners here.

Congratulations to the top cats—and a big thank you to all who participated.

P.S. Dog lovers, we didn’t forget you! Be ready to show off your pooch in October for the Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month photo contest. Please stay tuned for details.

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Diamond

Searching for a dog who’ll help you get in touch with your inner diva? Meet Diamond, a golden girl with plenty of sparkle to add to your home.

“This mellow lady is looking for a couch to curl up on and a human friend to cuddle with,” says the ASPCA’s David Benson of the nine-year-old Lhasa Apso. She may be low-maintenance in terms of exercise (no frenzied sessions of fetch or marathon runs necessary for this dainty canine!), but is demanding of something you’ll have to give a lot of—attention and love. “She likes petting,” explains Benson, “and prefers the surroundings of a soft bed to an open field.”

This smart girl knows how to sit and will work for a tasty treat, and would do best as the only dog in the household. Could you be that special someone with whom she can spend her golden years? “If you think you’ve got the stuff to let this Diamond shine, come on down to the ASPCA and meet this terrific lady,” urges Benson.

To find out more about Diamond, please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To see some of the other animals at our shelter who are waiting for homes, please visit ASPCA.org.

This Week's Success Story: Meet Luckas

WHEN A BLACK CAT CROSSES YOUR PATH…

When Zelda Gerkin was ready to adopt a cat, she and her son headed to their local shelter with a common goal in mind—a black cat. “My hubby has always wanted a black cat,” says Zelda. “But usually when we go to shelters, we never see them.”

On this particular day, however, Zelda remembers, “There were tons!” She told her son to look around and choose one for his dad. “We looked and looked for a long time, and finally we saw a photo on the wall of another cat available for adoption. My son said, ‘Mom, this is the one!’” Zelda was especially glad that the cat was an adult. “I figured, why not give a home to an older animal?”

Read the rest of this Success Story...

Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: The Word on Wet Food-Only Diets for Dogs

My 14-year-old dog will no longer eat her dry food. I had been feeding her canned food mixed with the dry food, since she has had soft/liquid stools. Is a canned food-only diet adequate? What can I do about the stools?
—Esther C.

The good news: A diet consisting of strictly canned food is indeed adequate. However, there are some additional things you should consider in this situation.

First, we are concerned that your dog is having soft stools, especially since she is elderly. A trip to the veterinarian is in order to determine both why your dog's eating habits have changed and the cause of the soft stools.

If the soft stools are simply related to the canned food, then a different type of canned food may be helpful. There are canned diets specifically formulated for older dogs, and there are canned diets specifically designed to help with gastrointestinal problems, such as soft stools. Ask your veterinarian to recommend one of these veterinary/prescription diets for your dog.

Ask the APCC: Are Morning Glories Dangerous?; Dogs and Aspirin

My pug started pulling leaves off our morning glory plants. Is this dangerous to her health?
—Trish B.

It could be, Trish. Morning glory (Ipomoea spp.) is a member of the Convolvulaceae family, and this plant (especially the seeds) contains hallucinogenic alkaloids similar to lysergic acid, or LSD. If enough of this plant material is ingested, significant and potentially even life-threatening central nervous system effects are possible. Because of this, it is a good idea to keep this plant material out of your pug’s reach.


More new questions...

Is it OK for dogs to take aspirin?

We recently planted holly bushes in our yard. Are they safe around our golden retriever who likes to eat everything?

Victory!! Senate Passes S. 2548

The ASPCA is happy to announce that prior to its summer recess on Friday, August 4, the United States Senate passed S.B. 2548! The House of Representatives passed its version of the PETS Act in May. Since both versions differ slightly, the bills will need to go to a conference committee where the differences will be reconciled. The final legislation will then be sent to President Bush for his signature into law or veto. The ASPCA will keep you apprised once the members of the conference committee are appointed to urge them to support the Senate version of the bill, which is stronger.

Learn About Disaster Preparedness
Important information you'll need in order to keep your pets safe should disaster strike. Are you prepared?

New Ask the Experts Column - Ask the Pet Nutrition Service

Can dogs eat cat food? Do kittens need extra vitamins? Can supplements help my dog’s itchy skin? ASPCA experts answer your pet nutrition questions—and give all companion animal caretakers much food for thought.

My dog loves to eat my cat’s food. Is there any harm in this?
—Elizabeth E.

Elizabeth, it is a good idea to separate your dog from the cats during feeding time to ensure that they are all receiving the appropriate food. Although it is not usually harmful if a small amount of the wrong food is eaten, nutritional imbalances affecting your pets' health could occur if this continues long term. For example, cats require taurine, an amino acid, to be included in their diet. Read the rest of the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service's expert advice...

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Harley and Big Ben

GOOD HOMES NEEDED, ON THE DOUBLE

Abbott and Costello, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Thelma and Louise, Butch and Sundance…Harley and Big Ben?

Yup, you heard it here first—Harley and Big Ben! “They’re a natural pair,” says the ASPCA’s Barbara McDonald of the two tabby boys currently waiting for adoption at the ASPCA’s 92nd Street headquarters. Although they didn’t come in together, the cats quickly became best friends.

“We were a bit worried about them at first,” says McDonald, who is in charge of Feline Enrichment at the “A.” “But once they paired up, it’s remarkable how much they’ve both come out of their shells.” And together, they’re loving, bonded, sweet and affectionate to people—times two!

If you’re looking to adopt two cats, you certainly won’t have to worry about these guys getting along with each other—or with you. As ASPCA Cares’ David Benson explains, “We all need somebody to lean on, and these two bring out the best in each other. Come on down and meet this dynamic duo. You won’t be sorry!”

To find out more about Harley and Big Ben, please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To see some of the other animals at our shelter who are waiting for homes, please visit ASPCA.org.

This week's Success Story: Meet Daphne

“EARS” LOOKING AT YOU!
by Jessica Casper

Jessica Casper and her boyfriend had just purchased a home with a yard. But what they really needed? “A dog, of course!” says Jessica.

“I had been wanting one for a long time,” she says, “so after a few months we checked out our local shelter.” Picking the perfect pooch is no easy task, and the couple couldn’t come to a decision—until one very excited shepherd/greyhound mix made the job a whole lot easier.
“Daphne was very playful when they brought her in, but she did eventually lie down,” says Jessica. “And at one point she just looked at me, and I knew she was the one.”

After quickly settling into her new home, Daphne is now a full-fledged member of the family. She loves her daily runs with Jessica’s boyfriend, and cuddling with her pet parents is also high on her list of fun things to do. But her all-time favorite activity? “Sneaking on our bed in the mornings to sleep with us!”

Submit Your Own Success Story!

New Behavior Article: Puppy Socialization

Puppies begin learning at birth, and are particularly responsive to retaining what they learn during their first 13 to 16 weeks of life. It is especially important that puppies have experiences with other dogs, as well as with children and adults, during this optimal time from birth to 16 weeks.

Picture two dogs from the same litter. One brother is taken out as a puppy at least once a week to meet new people and dogs. The other puppy is kept at home. A study conducted by the ASPCA’s Dr. Pamela Reid revealed that the socialized brother is less likely to exhibit problematic behavior as an adult than the puppy who was kept at home.

Read more about Puppy Socialization...

ASPCA Statement on China Province Dog Culling

The ASPCA has learned through media accounts and letters from concerned animal welfare advocates that officials in a Chinese province ordered the slaughter of 50,000 dogs in a crackdown after three people died of rabies. According to Chinese state media accounts, the five-day slaughter in Mouding county in Yunnan province in southwestern China ended Sunday, and spared only military guard dogs and police canine units.

Ed Sayres, ASPCA President and CEO, sits on the board of the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA). As such, we address international issues through support of WSPA both financially and philosophically. As a member organization, we are included in WSPA's position on this issue.

Click here to read WSPA’s statement on the dog culling issue.

Action Needed: Help Stop Bill That's Bad for Birds!

Every year, millions of day-old baby chicks are mailed via the U.S. Postal Service by commercial hatcheries and cockfighting breeders. The chicks are literally packed in boxes and sent through the mail, without food or water, and with no concern for temperature extremes. This inhumane practice results in the deaths of countless baby birds every year.

After receiving complaints from various animal protection groups, the U.S. Postal Service adopted policy changes to help protect birds shipped in the mail. The new regulations require that the shipment of all live animals be coordinated through central offices to ensure their arrival and limit the length of time the animals can be in transit via ground transportation.

In response to the new regulations adopted by the U.S. Postal Service, Senator Charles Grassley has introduced S. 2395, which would remove the Postal Service’s authority to implement the new regulations and force it to accommodate the baby bird and cockfighting industries. S. 2395 would provide that the Postal Service require certain airlines to transport birds, require those airlines to transport the birds through connecting cities, not necessarily direct flights, and require those airlines to transport birds in any temperature conditions between 0 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

If passed, this bill will undoubtedly lead to unnecessary suffering for millions of baby birds. Contact your Senators now and urge them to oppose S. 2395! Take action now!

Ask the APCC: A Plastic Bag-Chewing Siamese; Are Acorns Bad for Dogs?

My Siamese cat loves to lick and chew on plastic bags, although we try to keep them away from him. Could this be bad for our cat?
—Dawn B.

Chewing on plastic bags could pose a hazard to your cat, Dawn, as pieces of the bag could become lodged in your cat’s throat and obstruct his airway. Because of this, we do not advise allowing your cat to chew or play with these bags, and please take care to store them in a secure area out of his reach.

More new questions...

I would like to use peppermint leaves or oil to rid my house of ants. Could this harm my cat?

Could eating an acorn make my dog sick?

I use an inhaler that contains essential oils in an alcohol base. Should I worry about my conure being on my shoulder when I use this product?

Press Release: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Offers Safety Tips For Bird Owners

Hundreds of Birds Harmed by Common Household Items

(Urbana, IL) August 1, 2006 – According to statistics compiled by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, approximately 530 cases of pet birds being exposed to common household items were reported to the Center in 2005. Of these cases, 37% involved medications, 23% involved miscellaneous toxicants, 18% involved cleaning agents, 13% involved pesticides (including rat bait and insecticides), and 9% involved plants.

Read the rest of this press release...