Ask The Pet Nutrition Service: Food for Thought About Food for Pups

What should I feed my 10-month-old husky who has had diarrhea since I got her? I’ve tried several foods, and none seem to work.
—Margarita

There are a lot of factors that could play into your puppy’s current health condition, Margarita, including parasites, stress, infection and dietary sensitivity. We think a trip to your veterinarian would be in her best interest, so that the cause of your pup’s diarrhea can be determined and treated appropriately.

When selecting a pet food, it is important to look for a quality product that is formulated for the age, activity level and size of your dog. There are a number of high-quality products to choose from at your pet supply store, including Iams/Eukanuba, Hill’s Science Diet and Purina Pro Plan. We generally recommend a Large Breed Puppy formula for puppies who are healthy—but since your pup is having frequent diarrhea, your vet may recommend a special veterinary or prescription diet. It is important to keep your veterinarian or veterinary technician involved in your pet’s nutrition. Good luck!

Read more answers to your questions about pet nutrition

ASPCA in the News: Kitty Blood Donors Save Plunging Pets

Hospital Reports Cat Blood Shortage Due to Accident-Prone (or Careless) Cats
By SUSAN DONALDSON JAMES, ABC NEWS

Nov. 29, 2006 — Every year, in a phenomenon known as 'high-rise syndrome,' scores of urban cats--going for a pigeon or a leaf--jump to their deaths. The lucky ones, who suffer only broken bones and internal injuries, are rushed to Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City, where they can often be saved by a unique blood donation program.

Cats may have nine lives, but don't have the same kind of blood as their domesticated counterpart, the dog. Cat blood can only be stored about 30 days, then must be thrown away. Most hospitals rely on blood banks, but few owners have their animals tested for blood type and an incompatible transfusion can cause a hasty demise.

For the last 18 months, Bergh has promoted feline blood donation, unique in New York City, seeking owners willing to turn their tabby into a guinea pig. About 12 enthusiastic pet owners participate. New York may be "stuffed with cats," said Murray, but only one-third of all cats qualify to donate, and the blood shortage is real.

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R.O.A.R. with Animal Planet and the ASPCA

The ASPCA is proud to expand its partnership with Animal Planet and be a part of its groundbreaking R.O.A.R. campaign to inspire people to “Reach Out, Act, and Respond” for animals. Under the banner of R.O.A.R., Animal Planet has joined forces with leading animal organizations to help make the world a better place for animals, both in local communities and in the wild.

Member support through R.O.A.R. helps the ASPCA fight cruelty and save the lives of countless adoptable animals through its pioneering animal welfare program. R.O.A.R. is designed to make it easy for people to help animals. Whether an individual volunteers at a local shelter, spreads the word about conservation, supports their favorite animal cause or walks an elderly neighbor’s dog, it all makes a difference. Please join us in our passion to help animals and promise to R.O.A.R. today! For more information, please visit Animal Planet online.

Time Is Running Out for 100 PMU Foals!

Winter has come early in Alberta—and that’s bad news for the mares and foals living on PMU ranches there. No longer needed for the production of hormone replacement therapy drugs, these equines need a place to go, and fast.

Because there is not enough grass to leave the animals on pasture, several of the PMU ranchers have decided to wean their foals at the end of the month. Any foals who have not been adopted by November 30, 2006, will be sent to auction—and an uncertain fate.

The California-based Animali Farm is working hard to find good adoptive homes for the more than 100 foals and mares facing the November 30 deadline. If you can give one of these equines a second chance, or if you would like additional information, please visit Animali Farm online or email animali@aol.com. You can also call them directly at (805) 938-0174.

Queens Man Sentenced in Animal Cruelty Case

NEW YORK, November 29, 2006—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), in conjunction with Queens district attorney Richard Brown, announced the sentencing of Keidel Guy, 20, of Queens for Felony Animal Cruelty. Guy was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

In October 2005, ASPCA Special Agents Joseph Lemos and Omar Negrillo seized a mother dog and her emaciated pup from Guy’s house after finding another puppy dead from starvation.

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Press Release: Deck The Halls, But Do It Safely!

ASPCA's Pet Poison Prevention Tips For the Holiday Season

Urbana, Ill., November 27, 2006—There’s nothing better than gathering with friends and family for the holidays; eating, drinking, and putting up festive decorations. While enjoying this time of year, it is important to remember the potential hazards that certain goodies and décor can pose to our furry, feathered or scaly companions. To keep pets happy and healthy during the holiday season, The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is offering pet owners the following helpful hints:

- Holiday sweets with chocolate are not for pets. Depending on the dose ingested, chocolate (bakers, semi sweet, milk and dark) can be potentially poisonous to many animals. In general, the less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it could be. In fact, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more theobromine (a substance similar to caffeine) as milk chocolate. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increased thirst, urination and heart rate can be seen with the ingestion of as little as 1/4 ounce of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.

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Ask the APCC: Signed, Sealed...and Dangerous?

I have polyurethane sealant on my floor. As the old portions flake off, it sometimes gets on my cat’s fur. Could this be harmful to him if he cleans himself?
—Marjorie T.

Most likely not, Marjorie. Dried polyurethane varnish or sealants generally do not pose a potential problem to pets. Still, we would advise brushing them off your cat whenever possible, because the flakes could cause minor stomach upset.

More new questions:

- I was wondering if anise is toxic to dogs. I’ve heard that it was, but can’t find any information on this. I like to use anise oil in some of my cookies during the holidays. Can you help?

- My dog has a habit of licking the floor, and we’ve just tiled it and now have to seal the grout. Because of his habit, I’m concerned about the safety of the sealer. Can you advise me, please?

- Is chocolate as dangerous for cats as it is for dogs?

Press Release: Rational Animal™ and ASPCA® Host 4th Annual Gingerbread Homes for Animals Exhibit

New York City Gingerbread House Exhibit and Benefit for Animals

NEW YORK, November 14, 2006—Some of the most original, sugar-coated and delectable gingerbread creations by New York City’s preeminent pastry chefs will be on display at the fourth annual Gingerbread Homes for Animals™ hosted by Rational Animal™ and ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®). This 10-day annual holiday exhibit of animal-themed gingerbread houses will be on display December 8-17, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily, in the famous Chelsea Market located at 75 Ninth Avenue, between 15th and 16th Streets.

The event, a family favorite of the holiday season, is the creation of Rational Animal, a non-profit organization committed to increasing public awareness about NYC’s at-risk animals. Proceeds raised through a silent auction of the creations will benefit The Picasso Veterinary Fund, dedicated to providing medical care for New York City’s homeless animals, and support the work of Rational Animal. Event sponsors include The French Culinary Institute, PastryScoop.com, and HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers).

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Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: Finicky Felines?

I have three cats and they all have been eating the same urinary prescription food for years. This past week all three have decided that they just don’t want to eat the food, and have turned their noses up at it. What should I do?
—Jackie

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service, Jackie.

First, we suggest that you buy a new bag of the cat food you use and be sure to contact the manufacturer, just in case there is something wrong with the batch you are currently using.

Next, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. It is unusual for three cats in the same home to stop eating at the same time, so it would be best to make sure they are not ill. It can be dangerous for cats to go without food for a couple of days, as they can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis.

ASPCA News Alert

THANKSGIVING SAFETY TIP: BREAD DOUGH’S A NO-NO FOR PETS
There’ll be many cooks in the kitchen next Thursday—but don’t spoil your pet by giving him bread dough. According to veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Control Center (APCC), bread dough can be potentially dangerous for our four-legged friends. Find out how & why here.

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: FLY LIKE AN EAGLE
Meet Eagle, a former stray who found a loving nest in Jennifer Tripp’s home.


NOW PLAYING: A HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM THE ASPCA
ASPCA President Ed Sayres and Humane Law Enforcement Officer Annemarie Lucas share tips on giving pets as presents.

ASPCA & ILLINOIS RICP TO PARTNER ON EMERGENCY PET PREPAREDNESS
The ASPCA is proud to partner with Illinois RICP on this three-year program funded by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

SHARE THE LOVE WITH OUR THANKSGIVING ECARD
Send our animated card to all the friends and family members you’re thankful for.

GOT A BOOKWORM ON YOUR GIFT LIST?
Here are some humane-themed books that we especially love.

Needed: 10 Million Signatures!

Join the ASPCA in supporting the Animals Matter to Me campaign, which seeks to achieve global recognition that animals are sentient beings, capable of feeling pain and suffering. If you haven't already, please add your name to WSPA’s petition to let governments of the world know that we are serious about achieving a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations.
The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare maintains that:

1. The welfare of animals shall be a common objective for all nations;

2. The standards of animal welfare attained by each nation shall be promoted, recognized and observed by improved measures, nationally and internationally, respecting social and economic considerations and religious and cultural traditions;

3. All appropriate steps shall be taken by nations to prevent cruelty to animals and to reduce their suffering;

4. Appropriate standards on the welfare of animals be further developed and elaborated such as, but not limited to, those governing the use and management of farm animals, companion animals, animals in scientific research, draught animals, wildlife animals and animals in recreation.

Please lend your support—and your signature—today!

Ask the APCC: Are nicotine patches poisonous to pets?

I am using nicotine patches for smoking cessation and a friend told me they are poisonous to pets. Can you tell me more?
—Bill W.

We sure can, Bill. Anti-smoking patches, like cigarettes and other tobacco products, can be dangerous for pets, depending on the circumstances of exposure. As they contain nicotine, they have the potential to produce severe vomiting, depression, elevated heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, seizures, respiratory failure and, in severe cases, even death. Based on this information, it is advisable to keep your nicotine patches out of the reach of pets, and dispose of used patches in a waste receptacle that they cannot get into.

More new questions:

- My dogs frequently visit the area around our parrot and bird cages, snuffing up and eating bird seed hulls—and probably the occasional droppings. We clean the area regularly, but are concerned about health problems in our dogs. Should we worry?

- I noticed your avocado information in the recent issue of ASPCA News Alert. Do you have any information about the safety of avocado in pet food?

- I write a weekly food column in a local newspaper, and I’ve been asked if corn is harmful for dogs. I understand that it is a filler in certain dog foods.

Attention Parents & Teachers!

The new issue of the ASPCA Animalessons® teacher newsletter is now available at http://www.ASPCAeducation.org/.

The feature article, What is Service Learning?, provides information on this important activity and how service learning can be included in the classroom. The article is accompanied by four reproducible handouts, which include:

- How to make a catnip toy and bake dog biscuits

- A project on how to beautify school grounds

- Ideas for partnering with a local food bank to provide food for pets

- Tips for organizing a towel and blanket drive

Parents, do not miss our new issue of the Parent Newsletter, all about community service projects that you can do with your family. Additionally, service projects make up the theme of our new ASPCA Animaland Pages for kids, which will be featured on the website for the month of November. Feel free to download and share with the children in your life.

"The Bachelor" Has A New Babe

NEW YORK, November 14, 2006—Prince Lorenzo Borghese, also known as ABC-TV's "The Bachelor," has found true love—in the form of an 8-week-old mixed-breed puppy that he adopted from the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) in Manhattan late Monday afternoon.

The pup arrived with its mother and sister at the ASPCA when he was just two days old and fostered until ready for adoption. Prince Borghese calls the pup "Porcini"—because he's as "cute as a little mushroom."

Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: Could Certain Food Cause Hair Loss in Cats?

I own a 2 ½-year-old male cat. About three months ago, he started losing fur on his hind legs, ears, eyes and stomach. I thought it might be the milk on his cat food. Could pets lose fur from certain ingredients in their food?
—Karolina

Thanks for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service, Karolina. Sometimes food allergies can cause hair loss in cats, but there are other potential causes that may be more likely reasons for your cat’s hair loss.

We recommend that you take your cat to the veterinarian for an examination and diagnostic tests. Your veterinarian may want to rule out conditions such as fleas, mites, fungal infection, inhalant allergies, autoimmune disease and endocrine disease. Please make that visit soon, especially if your cat seems itchy or uncomfortable.

All That's Litter Isn't Gold...

What to choose when cat litter is on your shopping list

Your new cat is coming home from the animal shelter tomorrow. Busily you shop, checking off the items on your list, including cat food, toys, a scratching post and myriad other goodies.

And at the very top of the list are litterbox necessities. You head to the nearest pet supply superstore, and are faced with row after row of “all things litter.” Pastel-colored clumping litter, good old clay litter, some that’s made from pine and some that’s made from newspaper…What to choose, what to choose? Whether you are an experienced owner or a novice, the multitude of choices could prove daunting. But this was not always the case.

Learn all about cat litter and what to choose...

ASPCA in the News: ASPCA Mobile Animal Clinic To Provide Low-Cost Neutering Services

NY1.com

Instead of pet owners going to the vet for the spaying or neutering their pet, the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals is bringing the vet to pet owners across the five boroughs.

The organization has a mobile animal clinic that is now offering free and low-cost spaying and neutering to low-income pet owners. The foundation said it hopes to provide the service to about 15,000 animals.

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ASPCA in the News: "Cat That Nearly Hit Passer-By Was Thrown"

The New York Sun
"Cat That Nearly Hit Passer-By Was Thrown"
By Bradley Hope

A Brooklyn man is facing a felony charge after he allegedly threw his cat out a third-story window last month, officials said yesterday.

Don Carter, 24, defenestrated the 6-pound cat, Midnight, on October 18 after she trespassed into a bedroom where she wasn't supposed to roam, officials said. Agents from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals yesterday arrested Carter, who has a history of convictions for drug crimes.

He faces up to four years in prison on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, a spokesman for the ASPCA, Joseph Pentangelo, said. Carter was also charged with reckless endangerment because the cat nearly hit a passer-by, he said.

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Ask Dr. LaFarge: Healing from Pet Loss

I lost my beloved 11-year-old Chihuahua, Miss Giz, on Monday morning. She was hit by a car. I am suffering huge amounts of guilt because I failed to protect her. I didn't even get to soothe her in her final moments to tell her that everything was going to be all right. I fear the last thing she heard were my screams, and it's haunting me.

I just want to know that she's forgiven me. I don't think I'll be able to get over this. I don't want to wake up in the morning, I can't concentrate at work, and I hate going home. Please tell me the best way to go about healing.
—Dana

The tragic circumstances of your loss of Miss Giz certainly make the task of grieving her death much harder, Dana. Since you were completely unprepared for this loss, it is a traumatic one. I know you are distressed by the difficulties in functioning that you are having, but this is completely normal for a devoted owner at this stage of the grieving process. You may even have intense experiences of her presence, especially at night. Haunting, guilty feelings are often experienced by the most responsible owners. I can assure you that time will reduce the intensity of these waves of grief and also consolidate the wonderful memories of your dog, so that you will be reassured that she forgives you.

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Press Release: ASPCA Named Beneficiary by Isaac Mizrahi on Celebrity Jeopardy!

NEW YORK, November 7, 2006—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is thrilled to announce that it is the beneficiary of designer Isaac Mizrahi’s participation in Celebrity Jeopardy!, due to air on November 14.

When Mr. Mizrahi confirmed his participation in this iconic game show, the ASPCA was guaranteed a donation of $25,000--which will be put to good use to help the organization continue its vital mission of providing the effective means of prevention of cruelty to animals.

*Courtesy of Jeopardy! Productions, Inc.

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Ask the APCC: Tea for Toto?

Can dogs drink green tea?
—Alice E.

Alice, while we generally do not advocate offering people food to pets, decaffeinated green tea can cause minor stomach upset if ingested, and it may still be possible for mild hyperactivity to occur from large ingestion. The bottom line? An occasional lick or two of a green tea beverage (provided there are no herbs or xylitol added) should not pose a problem—but we would not recommend letting your dog consume more than that.

More new questions:

- My kitten is in the habit of breaking my wine bottles and drinking the spilled wine. Is this safe for her?

- What effects can be observed if a dog were to eat Adderall?

- I would love to have a poinsettia plant this holiday, but I’ve heard that they are poisonous to cats. Is this true?

We Love a Parade!

ASPCA staff members partaking in the annual Greenwich Village halloween parade.

Press Release: ASPCA Announces Winners of 2006 Humane Awards

NEW YORK, November 1, 2006—A therapy cat named Laser is among eight winners who will be honored at this year’s ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City.

The ASPCA will honor people and animals at its annual ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, November 2, from noon to 2 p.m. at New York City’s historic Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. The ceremony celebrates and honors humans who have furthered awareness of animal welfare or engaged in animal heroism and animal heroes that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts on behalf of humans.

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