Equine Behavior Q & A: Just for Kicks

A few weeks ago, I took in a neglected and underfed horse. For the first few weeks she was really easygoing. Now that she’s getting her energy back, it seems that she’s starting to try to dominate me. At certain times—usually when I first turn her out—she lays her ears back, turns her behind to me and kicks at me. Also, when I pet her or brush her near her back, she swishes her tail and threatens to kick. She has severe club foot on her back right foot and will have to have surgery soon. I'm concerned, because after the surgery I will have to change the bandages on her back leg every day and I don't want to get kicked. I suspect that this behavioral change might be a sign of insecurity. Have you got any ideas or suggestions?
―Kari

First of all, thank you, Kari, for opening your heart to a horse in need. It does sound like a significant change in behavior. I have to wonder if she is in season. Some horses show significant behavior changes as they come into season. Read the rest of the answer...

Pet Food Recall Update: Breaking News From FDA Confirms ASPCA’s Suspicions on Pet Food Toxin

Presence of Melamine Identified in Contaminated Food

NEW YORK, March 30, 2007—Three days ago, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) cautioned that aminopterin was an unlikely suspect in the illnesses and deaths of animals that ingested the recently-recalled contaminated foods—a suspicion that was today confirmed by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In a news conference held today, the FDA announced that further laboratory testing identified the presence of melamine in food samples from the recalled lots. Melamine, which is not highly toxic in general, is used to make durable plastic household products; cleaning products; hard, stain-resistant laminates; flame-retardant foam and in soundproofing.

Read the rest of this press release...

Hot Off the Presses: This Week's ASPCA News Alert

PET FOOD RECALL UPDATE: OTHER CONTAMINANTS MAY BE INVOLVED
Since the massive pet food recall on March 16, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has been flooded with calls from pet parents and animal professionals alike. Based on data we’ve collected, clinical signs in cats affected by the contaminated foods are not fully consistent with the ingestion of rat poison—suggesting that other contaminants may be involved.

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: MANY HAPPY RETURNS
When Linda Visnaw’s beloved rat terrier, Max, passed away, she knew that another dog would come into her life when the time was right.

ASPCA ON THE NET: Q & A WITH DR. RANDALL LOCKWOOD
Check out our expert on Encyclopedia Britannica.com’s Advocacy for Animals blog.

DID YOU MISS LAST WEEK’S CHAT WITH ASPCA PET POISON EXPERTS?
The next best thing to being there—read a transcript outlining our experts’ answers to your questions about potentially poisonous substances.

USE YOUR PURCHASING POWER TO HELP ANIMALS—ON ASPCA DAY AND EVERY DAY!
Every time you make a purchase with the ASPCA credit card, you’re supporting efforts to prevent animal cruelty.

MISSOURI TRYING TO IMPROVE NEGLECT LAW
SB 73 and companion bill HB 157 will remove the requirement that an animal must be harmed substantially before a person can be found guilty of animal neglect. The Missouri Senate held a hearing on SB 73 earlier this week, and soon will be voting to pass it out of the Judiciary Committee!

MORE ALERTS FOR YOUR AREA...

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Know any kids who love animals? Tell them to visit ASPCA Animaland!

ASK AZULA The Web's wisest parrot tackles kids' toughest animal questions.

NOSE FOR NEWS What's happening in the animal world—written just for kids.

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Marge

GIVE PEACE—AND PURRS!—A CHANCE
Even though she is a bit shy, Marge, a 2 1/2-year-old kitty currently at the ASPCA Adoption Center, is very sweet and enjoys socializing. “She likes to be picked up inside her bed, like a taco!” says Kat Miller, ASPCA Senior Behavior Counselor, describing Marge’s peaceful approach to playtime.

Marge came to the ASPCA as a young cat and was quickly adopted. But upon being diagnosed with moderate inflammatory bowel disease, she was soon brought back. Unable to afford Marge’s treatment, her owner wanted the cat to be in a loving home that could.

Marge is now on medication and a low-fat, high-fiber diet, and is available for adoption. The ideal home for her a kitty with her mellow personality and health needs? A quiet household with kids age 10 and up.

Come meet Ms. Tranquility for yourself at our Adoption Center at 424 East 92nd Street, or 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 our Available Animals list.

NYC Press Release: Homeless Cats on Rikers Island Reduced by Half

ASPCA, Animal Welfare Groups Celebrate Five-Year Anniversary of Landmark TNR Project

NEW YORK, March 28, 2007— The ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), in collaboration with other animal welfare groups, is celebrating the five-year anniversary of a landmark trap-neuter-return (TNR) project that reduced by more than half the number of stray, free-roaming feral cats on Rikers Island, the largest jail facility in the United States located just north of Queens in the Bronx.

In March 2002, in an effort to humanely manage an exploding population of stray and feral cats, animal welfare groups including the ASPCA, NYC’s Animal Care and Control, Humane Society of New York and Neighborhood Cats, Inc., joined forces with the NYC Department of Corrections and Department of Health to spay and neuter more than 300 feral cats and develop a long-term plan for their care.

Read the rest of this press release...

Pet Food Recall Update: Other Contaminants May Be Involved in the Menu Foods Recall

NEW YORK, March 27, 2007—Since Menu Foods announced its massive pet food recall on March 16, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) has been flooded with calls from concerned pet parents and animal welfare professionals alike. Call volume at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), which is based in its Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill., has increased significantly over the past 10 days—approximately 14 percent—and the ASPCA’s veterinary toxicologists have been carefully analyzing data from these calls.

Today the ASPCA reports that, based on these data, clinical signs reported in cats affected by the contaminated foods are not fully consistent with the ingestion of rat poison containing aminopterin that, according to Menu Foods, is at the “root” of the contamination issue.

Click here to read the rest of this press release.

Pet Poison Q & A: Gazania Mania

Are Gazania plants poisonous to dogs? I’m concerned about my cockapoo.
―Shannon B.

Species of Gazania, also referred to as treasure flower, do have the potential to cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation, depending on the quantity ingested. Because of this, pets should be discouraged from nibbling on this plant. But don’t worry too much, Shannon. We wouldn’t anticipate severe or life-threatening clinical problems should your cockapoo decide to sample your Gazania.

More new questions this week:

- My Doberman has very dry skin. I purchased human Omega-3 supplements for him, but I’m not sure if it’s okay for him to take them.

- I heard that there was another scare involving Swiffer Wet Jet. It seems that another dog died and a child became ill. Is the product still safe?

Take Action, America: Protect Downed Animals!

Action Needed: Send a letter to your representative and senators now and urge them to support the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act!

The Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act, S. 394/H.R. 661, would prohibit USDA inspectors at slaughterhouses from approving meat from “downed” (unable to stand or walk) cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules and other equines. The bills would also require immediate humane euthanasia for any downed animal.

Click here to learn more about the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act, and to send a letter to your representative and senators urging them to support and cosponsor S. 394 and H.R. 661!

Press Release: ASPCA Sheds Light on Toxin Identified as Part of Tests on Tainted Food

NEW YORK, March 23, 2007—Based on new reports issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets that rodent poison was found in laboratory testing of the tainted pet food recalled last week, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), through its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), has the following information to provide to the public:

Aminopterin, a toxin found in some rodenticides available outside the USA, is a folic acid antagonist, i.e. it disrupts the body’s ability to utilize folic acid. In animals, this can result in loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss. It may also cause leucopenia, which is a reduction in white blood cells, as well as birth defects.

Aminopterin is closely related in chemical structure and mechanism to a drug called methotrexate, which is used to treat some cancers, both in humans and animals.

Click here to read the rest of the press release...

Hot Off the Presses: This Week's ASPCA News Alert

URGENT PET POISON ALERT: NATIONWIDE PET FOOD RECALLS
As we monitor the situation, the ASPCA advises owners to discontinue use of all pet food recalled late last week. If your pet shows any sign of illness, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in water consumption or urination, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. Read our complete article for additional info and resources.

CHAT WITH ASPCA PET POISON EXPERTS TODAY!
Visit the ASPCA Online Community from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST today for the answers to your questions about products, plants and foods that could harm your pet.

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: CARIBBEAN QUEEN
No more love on the run for Minkee, a former stray who found her forever home in California by way of St. Maarten.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IN HOPEFUL TAILS CONTEST IS 3/31!
To spread the word about how important pets are to their people, the ASPCA, Howell Book House and Borders, Inc. are putting out a call for the most compelling stories and photos of rescued pets.

GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE: AUCTION OF DRUM GEAR TO BENEFIT ASPCA
Looking for the perfect gift for the metalhead in your life? Here’s your chance to get some autographed gear from one of today’s most respected and innovative rock drummers and help us out!

THIS WEEKEND: SUPER PET EXPO, 3/23-25
Bring the whole crew (the four-legged members, too!) to Chantilly, VA, for some animal-filled family fun.

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Maddie!

At just 2 1/2 years old, Maddie, a pit bull mix currently awaiting adoption at the ASPCA, is the complete package. Not only is she playful, sweet, affectionate and loyal, she is an extremely intelligent girl who has had a lot of obedience training.

“Maddie needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and loves obedience training,” says the ASPCA’s Trish McMillan, Senior Manager, Animal Behavior. “It would be great if her future owner took her to classes so she can show off what she knows.”

We gave Maddie medical rehabilitation and loving care after our Humane Law Enforcement agents rescued her from neglect. She is now ready to find a caring household where she can be the only pet, enjoy a good game of fetch and receive mental stimulation with clear direction and boundaries.

Come meet this girl who’s got it all at our 92nd Street Adoption Center, or call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To see some of the other animals who are waiting for homes, please visit ASPCA.org.

Equine Behavior Q & A: Cold Weather Tips

Would you please describe how the cold winter weather affects horses? Although the horses do not appear to be in distress, I often worry when I drive by farms and see them outside on those days and nights when temperatures drop below zero. I am told that horses adapt to their environments, and usually prefer to be outside rather than in an enclosed space such as a barn. Is this true?
—Laura

Horses do have great ability to adapt to cold weather, Laura. Breeds that originate from cold climates adapt much better than others, but all horses develop a thick coat and a good layer of fat. I am always amazed to see my horses transform from sleek, thin-coated beauties to puffy, round creatures in the cold of a Kansas winter!

However, it is important that horses have access to shelter.

Read the rest of the answer...

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Raw Diets

What is the ASPCA's opinion on pet diets consisting of raw protein sources? I’m talking about foods including organ and bone, as well as varying vegetables and fruits―excluding things like grapes, raisins and avocado. Thanks!
―Sean

Although there are many nutritional/dietary options for pet parents to choose from, Sean, the ASPCA does not recommend the raw food diet at this time. Current scientific research supports the idea of feeding well-balanced, high-quality commercial foods to our animals.

Read the rest of the answer...

Press Release: Update on Pet Food Recall

ASPCA Continues to Respond to Concerns on Nationwide Pet Food Recall

NEW YORK, March 21, 2007—The ASPCA continues to monitor the pet food recall situation, both through sick animals being admitted to its Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) in New York City, as well as through cases reported to its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, Ill.

At this point, we do not have any overall statistics on the number of cases reported to the APCC that can specifically be connected to the ingestion of the contaminated foods. As has already been widely reported in the media, pets that become ill after eating these foods show signs of acute kidney failure. However, since pre-existing kidney disease may already have been present in some of these cases, drawing a correlation between this and the foods that are part of the recall is complicated at best. As the APCC continues to analyze the data on calls it receives (which number between 400-700 daily on a wide range of substances), the ASPCA will release any information that might be pertinent immediately.

Click here to read the rest of the press release...

Pet Poison Q & A: Sweet Talk

I understand that the sweetener xylitol is toxic to pets, but what about other sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame?
―Kristin Z.

Great question, Kristin. Sweeteners such as sucralose (Splenda), aspartame (NutraSweet) and saccharin (Sweet N' Low) are not known to cause problems in dogs or other pets, as the sweetener xylitol has been shown to do. However, they could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset if eaten in significant quantities, so it is still a good idea to refrain from offering pets such sweeteners.

More new questions this week:

- Are doggie chocolate drops truly safe?

- My husband loves to eat New York strip steaks and insists on feeding the fat to our dog. Is this harmful?

Equine Behavior Q & A: Horses Behaving Badly...

My 23-year-old horse was trained for dressage in his younger days, and we were the best of friends. But lately, his odd behavior is concerning me. The last few times I picked up his hind feet, he kicked me—and last week when I approached him, he wouldn't even stand still! What should I do? He has a little arthritis in his hind foot, but it seems strange to me that he won't stand still anymore.
—Ashley

Thank you for your question, Ashley. I am a bit concerned that your horse may not be feeling well. When we see drastic changes in behavior that cannot be attributed to a particular event (such as something very painful or scary occurring), medical causes are often the culprit. You mentioned that he has a little arthritis in his hind foot. It is possible that this condition has become more painful for him, or that he has developed other physical issues. I strongly suggest a thorough vet exam.

Read the rest of the answer...

ASPCA Responds to Concern Regarding Nationwide Pet Food Recalls Affecting Several Pet Food Brands

Advises Pet Parents to Discontinue Affected Product Use Immediately

NEW YORK, March 18, 2007—The ASPCA was recently informed of a voluntary nationwide recall of certain dog and cat foods manufactured by Menu Foods, Inc. This recall affects more than 40 brands of pet food distributed in the U. S. and Canada, including specific wet pet food varieties. Brands affected include Iams, Eukanuba, and Science Diet, as well as store brands distributed by major retailers including Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway, such as Ol’Roy, Special Kitty, and so on. For a complete list of affected brands, please visit http://www.menufoods.com/recall.

Click here to read the rest of the press release...

Hot Off the Presses: This Week's ASPCA News Alert

TOP 10 HAZARDS ENCOUNTERED BY PETS IN 2006
Last year, the ASPCA managed more than 116,000 calls to our Animal Poison Control Center hotline—many of which pertained to common household items, such as human medications, insecticides and veterinary medications. As we prepare to raise awareness during National Poison Prevention Week, March 18-24, the ASPCA advises you to stay alert to the top ten hazards encountered by pets.

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Why did the Steele family name their pooch Izabel? Find out how this special girl went from rebel to remarkable!

WEAR YOUR HEART—AND ART—ON YOUR SLEEVE!
Check out 70star7.com, producers of the coolest limited-edition, artist-designed tees ever. We think all animal lovers will roar with pleasure at the latest offering!

ANOTHER SHELTER DOG PHOTO CONTEST WINNER GETS ADOPTED!
Get ready to clap for the Wolfman. This boxer mix found his forever home, finally!

AND THE WINNERS ARE…
Announcing the top three winners of our ASPCA Squidoo Lens of the Month Contest.

COMING UP: SUPER PET EXPO, 3/23-25
Bring the whole crew (the four-legged members, too!) to Chantilly, VA, for some animal-filled family fun.

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Olympia, WA-based LawDogsUSA is helping to find gainful employment for rescued pit bulls.

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Help for Aches & Pains

I can tell that my 14-year-old cat is achy. I’d like to see if the vet can prescribe something for her, but I’m worried because she makes it impossible to give her any medicine. She makes gagging noises at everything I offer her, except for dry cat food. How can I get her to take something to relieve the aches?
―LouAnne

You are most likely correct that your cat is suffering from aches and pains, LouAnne. Older cats and dogs often do have age-related musculoskeletal changes, and we understand why you are anxious to give her some relief. We do want to caution you not to give her pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications are toxic to cats. Aspirin, too, can be toxic. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend some safer alternatives after giving your cat a complete examination. Glucosamine supplements are helpful for some felines, and pain medications may be recommended in certain cases...

Read the rest of the answer

New at the ASPCA Store: Orange Dog Bandanas!

Your canine companion can go orange for animals on April 10 with our new pawprint bandana.

Order Now from the ASPCA Online Store!

Good News, New Mexico--Cockfighting Banned at Last!

The cockfighting bill passed the floor vote of the House and was quickly signed by New Mexico's Governor Richardson on Monday! New Mexico now joins 48 other states in outlawing this cruel “blood sport” (Louisiana is the sole remaining holdout). New Mexico residents, please take a moment to thank Governor Richardson for signing this important bill.

Click here to thank Governor Richardson for signing SB10 into law!

TX, TN, WA Residents: Take Action to Help Animals Now!

Texas: Don't Legalize Horse Slaughter for Human Consumption!
Last week, the Federal Court of Appeals (5th Circuit) agreed with the District Court’s ruling that the only two slaughterhouses in Texas were violating state law by slaughtering horses for human consumption. Unfortunately, allies of the horse slaughter industry have introduced legislation (HB 2476 and companion bill SB 1742) to repeal the state's existing ban on this barbaric practice. Please email a letter to your state representative and senator asking them to oppose these bills.

Tennessee: Help Pass Tougher Penalties for Animal Fighting
HB 2142 and companion bill SB 1733 will make the penalty for animal fighting uniform, regardless of the type of animal involved. Animal fighting is a felony under state law. However, cockfighting is only a misdemeanor, and misdemeanor penalties are ineffective for deterring animal fighting ventures. Please contact members of the Tennessee House and Senate Judiciary Committees and ask them to support HB 2142/SB 1733.

Washington: Help Us Move Insurance Discrimination Bill Toward a House Vote!
Rep. Tom Campbell has introduced ASPCA-supported House Bill 1105, which will prohibit discrimination against insurance applicants due to their breed of dog. Many insurance companies that provide homeowners’ and renters’ policies are refusing to write coverage for people who own certain breeds of dogs. Even longtime policy holders have suddenly been informed by their insurance company that they will no longer be covered, even though no claim has ever been made. These companies are basing their decisions solely upon the determination that certain breeds or breed mixes are “dangerous” or “vicious.” Please urge House and Rules Committee leadership to vote on HB 1105.

Pet Poison Q & A: Discussing Disinfectants

I work in a small, no-kill shelter and we seem to use a lot of bleach for cleaning cat cages. Is bleach safe to use around cats?
―Erin O.

Good question, Erin. Like virtually any chemical, natural or man-made, bleach can be potentially harmful if used inappropriately, or if an exposure to a large enough concentration occurs. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions for use in order to avoid a potentially harmful exposure.

The bottom line is this―cleaning cages with a properly diluted bleach solution, followed by a thorough rinsing and airing out, would not be expected to cause harm to the cats. However, if you prefer to use an alternative without the potential for harsh fumes, you may wish to talk to your shelter's veterinary contacts. They should be able to recommend a disinfectant that will give off less fumes, contain the appropriate germicidal properties and will be safe to use in the cats' environment.

More new questions this week:

- Are cyclamen plants poisonous to cats?

- Are shamrocks toxic to pets?

Equine Behavior Q & A: My Horse Is a Scaredy Cat!

My horse is normally very calm, but whenever we take him out of his stall and into a nearby pasture he gets incredibly scared—and we can't control him! However, when we ride him in a closed arena, he is completely calm and very easy to control. What can I do to help him overcome his fear of wide open spaces?
—Simone

I assume that the behavior is occurring when he is being turned out in an outside pasture. I would suggest that he be pastured with a calm and seasoned horse. Horses are herd animals, and take cues from each other regarding safety and potential danger. Partnering your horse up with a more relaxed friend will likely help reduce his anxiety.

More questions on horse behavior:

- My horse is really sweet, but when I try to get him to canter, he crow-hops. I've fallen off him tons of times. How do I get him to stop?

Hot Off the Presses: This Week's ASPCA News Alert

COULD YOU BE THE ASPCA COMMUNITY LEADER OF 2007? How are you going to celebrate ASPCA Day this April 10? Dressing yourself, your pet—even your town!—in orange? Organizing a pet parade? Getting a local landmark to light up orange? Whatever your plans, you might want to step them up a notch…because beginning April 11, we want to know how you went orange on ASPCA Day—and the most creative and effective entry will win a trip to visit us in New York City!

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: A NEW TAIL TO TELL Since the day Sadie arrived at her new home with Michael Rodman, the shepherd/collie mix has kept her tail high—and wagging.

ASPCA^® MISSION: ORANGE™ UPDATE: WE’VE LAUNCHED IN TAMPA
Over the next three years, the ASPCA will donate $600,000 to four local animal welfare agencies in Tampa.

ALWAYS IN STYLE: GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE!
A donation to the ASPCA is a wonderful way to commemorate the birthday of a special person in your life.

VICTORY FOR ANIMALS IN ILLINOIS
The Animal Population Control Program allows feral cat caretakers, as well as pet owners in need, to get their animals vaccinated and spayed or neutered for only $15!

JUST THE FOOD FACTS, MA’AM
Got a burning question about your pet’s diet?

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Feeding Ferals

A stray cat comes into my backyard every day. What can I feed her?
―Sally

In general, Sally, we recommend that you choose a high-quality cat food. Good brands are available at grocery stores and pet supply stores, and you can also order them through veterinary offices. You should also make sure that clean, fresh water is available to her at all times.

It is important to remember that, if you do decide to feed this stray, it means that you are taking responsibility for her, and also need to supply her with veterinary health care and shelter. Some cats can do well if they are kept strictly outdoors, but cats generally live longer and healthier lives when kept indoors.

If you are not currently able to care for the cat yourself, you should consider taking her to a good shelter where she has a strong chance for adoption into a good home.

Sally, thanks again for contacting us, and please feel free to email us again if we can be of further assistance.

More Pet Nutrition Questions...

Pet Poison Q & A: How "Glow" Can You Go?

Is glow jewelry hazardous to dogs?
―Kathy B.

Colorful, plastic glow-in-the-dark jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets and hand-held glow sticks, are not usually harmful, Kathy. While the luminescent liquid inside these products might look as though it could be poisonous, the relatively small quantity of fluid generally has a low potential for toxicity.

This oily, glowing substance is called dibutyl phthalate, and can be found in a wide variety of products, from plastics to insect repellents. Based on our experience, most animals who have chewed on glow jewelry have exhibited signs such as profuse drooling, hyperactivity, agitation and/or aggressive behavior. However, while these effects may seem serious and quite alarming to pet owners, they are typically transient, lasting only a few minutes, and are only a response to the liquid’s unpleasant taste. Generally, the only treatment needed is diluting the residue of taste by giving your pet a small amount of milk, tuna juice or soft pet food. If the residue is on the animal’s skin or hair coat, mild soap and water can be used to wash it off―and you’ll avoid the possibility of further ingestion when the animal grooms himself.

More new questions this week:

- Is crystal cat litter safe if ingested?

- Are the inserts you put in gloves to keep your hands warm harmful if dogs eat them?

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Releases List of Top 10 Hazards Encountered by Pets in 2006

New List Reveals Significant Increase in Calls Pertaining to Common Household Items

Urbana,Ill., March 5, 2007—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today announced that it managed more than 116,000 calls to its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) hotline in 2006, several of which pertained to common household items. “While the reason is not clear, calls in virtually each of these categories seems to be on the rise,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, which houses the APCC. As National Poison Prevention Week approaches (March 18-24), the ASPCA advises pet parents to stay alert to the possibility of poisoning from these common household items:

1. Human Medications

2. Insecticides

3. Veterinary Medications

Read more...

Hot Off the Presses: This Week's ASPCA News Alert

THERE’S STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE ASPCA DAY KIT!We’re more dedicated than ever to preventing cruelty and finding homes for animals all across the country. But we couldn’t do it without you—so please join us on Tuesday, April 10, in celebration of ASPCA Day. To help get you in the spirit, we’re giving away 500 free ASPCA Day Kits, complete with cool gear for you and lots of goodies to share. But hurry—the deadline to sign up is today!

BRUSH UP ON PET GROOMING WITH PRINCE LORENZO BORGHESE & THE ASPCA, 3/6 Tune in to HSN on Tuesday, when Prince Lorenzo Borghese offers pet grooming tips that’ll make your Royal Furriness feel—and smell!—like the best in show.

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: JAX OF ALL TRADES
Mom’s going to work…so what’s a dog to do? Frances Morrison is lucky enough to be able to bring her pooch to the office!

LOOKING FOR A SWEET EASTER TREAT? THE BEST BUNNIES ARE CHOCOLATE ONES!
Is your family set on getting a rabbit this April 8? Read this first.

UPDATE: SHELTER DOG PHOTO CONTEST WINNER GETS ADOPTED!
When the winning photograph of Mick, an Australian shepherd mix at Ohio’s League for Animal Welfare, was posted on our website, one Long Island dog owner fell head over heels.

WHAT’S GOING ON?
Check our calendar for a listing of animal-related events scheduled to take place this month.

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Chew, Chew, Train!

I’ve heard that many rawhide chew toys and bones are unhealthy for a dog’s intestines and stomach. Can you recommend some safe things for a dog to chew on?
―Mary

Many dogs do just fine with rawhide chews, Mary. However, there could be some risk of your dog ingesting pieces that are too large to pass through his gastrointestinal tract. Each pet parent should weigh the benefits and risks of giving rawhides based upon their own dog's chewing needs and behaviors. Chewing is very important to many dogs, so providing an appropriate outlet is important.

Bones may pose a greater risk since they are prone to splintering. Chicken bones, in particular, should not be given to your dog, since the splintered bones can cause damage to his gastrointestinal tract. Other hard bones are somewhat safer, and some pet parents like to provide them. If you do so, please be aware of the risks, and be sure to contact your veterinarian if problems such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain arise.

Commercial dental bones and other hard chew treats also work well for some dogs, but these can cause problems, too, if pieces that are too large are ingested.

Another option for chewers is a tough chew toy such as a Kong. These toys can be stuffed with food so that your dog has to work to get the reward. Please check out the following links for more information on this topic:

- Physical & Mental Stimulation
- Destructive Behavior

Thanks again for contacting us, Mary. We wish you the best of luck in finding the right chew for your dog.

Equine Behavior Q & A: What's With the Stomping?

Why does my horse stomp one foot while she eats?
—Amanda

Foot-stomping is often a sign of frustration or anticipation, Amanda. You will often see this behavior around feeding time. I capture the behavior and teach my horses how to stomp on “cue.” I can astound friends and neighbors as I ask my horse to add, subtract, or answer yes-or-no questions with foot stomps!

More questions on horse behavior:

- I ride my mare 5-6 days per week. She lives in a paddock adjacent to two other horses, and they touch and groom each other over the fence. However, she is never turned out in a pasture with other horses because of the rules of her stable. Is this enough social contact for her?