Safety Tips For Valentine's Day (Huh?)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Bet you never thought to associate Valentine's Day with pet hazards, but hey, that's our job, to be better safe than sorry. So please read these tips to keep your furry ones safe today, and then proceed to give them a kiss and a hug. After all, have you ever had a Valentine who gives you more love?

- Many varieties of lilies are highly toxic to cats, so if these are your—or your Valentine’s—flower of choice, make sure your cats can’t get near them. Other potentially poisonous flowers may include tulips, amaryllis, daisies, chrysanthemums and baby’s breath. Check out our Safe Flower Guide for a list of alternatives.

- Candlelit dinners are about as high on the romantic scale as you can get—but please don’t leave the room while flames are still burning. Many pets, particularly kittens, are attracted to the flames and could get burned or singed. Let curious paws find safer things to play with!

- Take extra care if you’ll be serving vino with your dinner—many pets have been known to explore an alcoholic beverage left in a glass. If ingested, this could cause a range of symptoms, from vomiting and diarrhea to metabolic disturbances and even coma.

Click here for the complete ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day.

Moderation and Common Sense Make a Safe Thanksgiving for Pets

Before you dig into your holiday feast and share with your pet, please take a few minutes to read the transcript of our online community’s chat with the ASPCA’s Dana Farbman, CVT, Senior Manager, Professional Communications, and Dr. Eric Dunayer, Veterinary Toxicologist. These two experts gave fantastic advice on how to prevent your furry ones from consuming potentially hazardous “goodies” during the holidays.

Every year, I use sage in my Thanksgiving stuffing. My cat is attracted to the smell—he will jump on the counter to get it. Is sage bad for cats?
—Cynthia

Sage (Salvia species) is considered to be edible in small amounts. However, it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and even central nervous system depression if eaten in large quantities.

Cats are sensitive to the effects of essential oils, so for safety’s sake, I suggest you break the bad news to kitty and keep him away from the sage you are cooking with this Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful holiday season!
—Dana Farbman, CVT

Click here to read the rest of the transcript.

Have You Hugged Your Vet Tech Lately?

Animal clinics and veterinary students across the country are celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week this week. Officially designated by the North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA) in 1993, the annual event was organized to educate the public about these vital members of the veterinary medical team and provide a forum for vet techs to salute each another for their good work.

Visit NAVTA's official site, http://www.navta.net/, for more on these animal-care dynamos.
If you're interested in being a vet tech, check out NAVTA's career page.

Become a vet tech at the ASPCA!

This One's For the Pros

For years the ASPCA has shared resources and provided consultations with animal welfare professionals through our National Outreach programs. Now veterinarians, shelter staff, law enforcement officials and volunteers are invited to utilize ASPCAPro.org, a resource created by professionals who know what it takes for you to do your jobs well. By sharing tools, strategies and a wealth of practical information from the ASPCA’s nationally recognized programs, ASPCAPro.org aims to help professionals maximize their time and energy when tending to areas such as adoptions, spay/neuter surgeries, shelter medicine and fundraising.

“I’m extremely excited about this latest development, which will provide even greater collaboration between those communities whose efforts help save lives,” says Julie Morris, ASPCA Senior Vice President, National Outreach.

ASPCAPro.org features our signature adoption and outreach programs, as well as how-to information from ASPCA and other experts across the country; look for materials on anti-cruelty, animal poison control and disaster readiness as the site grows. Please visit us at aspcapro.org!

Talk About Doggie Bling!

Leona Helmsley may have passed away this month, but Trouble, her Maltese dog, will forever be able to indulge in the finest gourmet bones and lounge about in a silk-laden, gold-plated doggie palace. Why? Because she left him a $12 million dollar trust! (Which is $12 million more than two of her grandchildren got.)

The ASPCA’s Kim Bressant Kibwe, Trusts & Estates Counsel, told us:

“Although many will think Leona Helmsley's gift to her dog was extravagant, outrageous and bordering on the ridiculous...let's look for the positive! Will it cause other pet parents to remember their favorite furry friends and make arrangements for their care in the event of an emergency--let alone their demise? If some do, there's the benefit. Whether or not you leave your pet an inheritance, don't let your pet end up on the doorstep of a shelter, traumatized and possibly facing the worse result.

“On a practical matter with pet trusts, what generally happens is the income from the trust principal (the 12 million, in Trouble's case!) will be used to care for the pet "in a lifestyle to which it has become accustomed" and to pay administrative fees (taxes, trustee commissions, etc.). Any remaining funds could be directed to charitable institutions. The details regarding Mrs. Helmsley's pet trust have not been made available to the public as yet.

“If anyone has any questions, I urge them to check out the pet planning information on the ASPCA website under Pet Trusts."

Being a dog and a much better "person" than we humans are, this blogger believes that if he could, Trouble would trade his newfound lap of luxury for the lap of Mrs. Helmsley.

Nutrition Q & A: Horse Meat in Pet Food

I understand that horse meat has been used as an ingredient in certain pet foods. If this is true, how can I make sure I’m not feeding pet foods to my cat and dog that contain horse meat?
―Rena

The use of horse meat in foods for human and pet consumption is frowned upon in the United States, Rena. As a result, almost all horses slaughtered in the U.S. are shipped overseas for consumption, which decreases the chance of horse meat being included in products manufactured here. However, if you’re curious about a product's ingredients, the best thing to do is thoroughly check the label. The FDA requires that all ingredients be listed on pet food labels. Foods that list "meat by-product meal,” as one of their ingredients can contain any number of meats, so you may want to watch for that and instead, choose foods that include "chicken by-product meal,” or are more specific with their list of ingredients.

Ask Dr. LaFarge: Making a Tough Decision

My dog Sadie is an American Eskimo, seven years old. I had taken her to the vet because she had difficulty walking. She falls when she tries to go up the stairs, and her back legs cannot support her. She is in a lot of pain, and it breaks my heart. The vet said she has spinal problems and gave her a shot of steroids, but every day she is doing worse. I want her to be at rest.


How do I go about having her leave this world, in the easiest way possible? I think she belongs in heaven.
—Lillian J.


I understand your desire to give your wonderful dog relief from the pain she is experiencing, Lillian. I have an American Eskimo mix, and I know she always tries hard to keep going.


Your local SPCA or your local vet should be able to offer you a low-cost euthanasia. They can also take care of the body for you. Some people are reluctant to go to the vet because they are afraid to be judged as “giving up” on the dog. The opposite is true. You know your dog better than anyone else, and you know when it is time for her to stop suffering.


The vet who cared for her could euthanize her, but you can also ask for a lower-cost option at your local humane society or SPCA. The sooner you go, the less she will suffer. Thank you for being such a good, loving, responsible owner.

Nutrition Q & A: Vegetarian Diets for Dogs

My 8-year-old shih tzu has been eating regular dog food all her life, but I’ve read that shih tzus can be vegetarian. She loves carrots. I give her a piece about once a day. If I feed her only fresh vegetables, can she become a healthy vegetarian?
―Lindsay


Vegetables by themselves would not be nutritionally sufficient for your dog, Lindsay. Since dogs are omnivorous, they can be fed a balanced vegetarian diet, but it’s important to keep in mind that proteins from high-quality animal sources contain all of the essential amino acids that dogs require, while proteins from plant sources may contain only some of these essential nutrients.

Choosing a plant-based diet requires careful planning and supplementation. Vegetarian foods can be well-balanced with egg and milk products, while vegan diets are more challenging to balance. A vegan diet may also be deficient in amino acids such as arginine, lysine, methionine, tryptophan, taurine, and may be lacking in iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin A and some B vitamins.

If you do decide to go with a vegetarian diet, make sure you work with your veterinarian to find supplements that meet your dog's needs, and have your vet frequently monitor your dog's nutritional status to prevent any possible health problems. If you choose a commercial vegetarian diet, check the label to make sure an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) feeding trial was done. This will indicate more about the diet’s nutritional completeness.

A better option may be to stick with a high-quality, meat-based food that you can supplement with the carrots your girl seems to love. Many people feed their dogs carrot sticks as treats, and as long as 90 to 95% of your dog's daily calories come from her regular food, nutritional imbalances should not be a problem.

Nutrition Q & A: Dobie Can't Gain Weight

My Doberman is 1½ years old and eats regularly. She has a healthy appetite for canned food and water, but she’s not gaining any weight, and you can actually see her ribs and tailbone. I’ve been working with my vet, but we can’t figure out what’s wrong.
―Lyn


The first thing we recommend, Lyn, is that you provide your dog with a high-quality food. In addition to canned food, you may want to make dry food available to her on a free-choice basis, at least until she reaches a healthy weight. She should also be on a parasite treatment and prevention plan to ensure that parasites are not contributing to her lack of weight gain. Parasites can sometimes be present, even when they’re not identified on routine screening tests.
You should also keep in mind that there are other potential health problems that could prevent your dog from gaining weight, including absorption and metabolic disorders. We encourage you to continue working with your veterinarian to identify the problem. If your vet is not able to identify the cause, then we recommend you turn to a specialist for additional help.

Pet Nutrition Q & A: An Apple A Day...

My Icelandic horses love apples and carrots. Are these treats safe and healthy for them?
―Halina


Yes, Halina, apples and carrots are safe to feed to your horses. However, it’s important to cut the treats into small pieces to avoid any possibility of choking. In addition, I would recommend giving your horses only a small amount each day. Feeding them too many treats may interfere with their normal eating patterns and may cause digestive upset.

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Finicky Feline

My cat only eats his food when I sit beside him and pet during his meal. If I don't do this, he takes sporadic bites and cries at his food bowl, but won't actually eat. How can I change this behavior? ―Sarah

We would recommend taking your cat to the veterinarian to rule out a medical or dental problem, Sarah. If your veterinarian believes your pet is healthy and concludes that this is a behavioral problem, we would recommend you gradually fade yourself out of your cat's mealtimes. In order to make this easier for him, you may consider adding some canned tuna, tuna water or another food product your cat enjoys) to make his meal more palatable and encourage him to eat.

Remember that treats such as canned tuna or other products you add should only make up between 5 to 10 percent of your cat's daily caloric intake. The rest should come from high- quality cat food. Cats are naturally sporadic eaters, so you may not see him eat a large amount of food all at once. Because liver problems can occur in cats who do not eat, it’s important to monitor your cat's food intake closely throughout the process of teaching him to have his meal without you there. If you become concerned that your cat has not eaten, or if your cat does not appear well, we would recommend a trip to the veterinarian to diagnose or rule out a medical condition.

Nutrition Q & A: Oh, Soy!

Is it safe for my five-year-old female cat to drink soy milk?
—Debra


We would not recommend feeding your cat soy milk in place of fresh water or as the major ingredient in her diet, Debra. However, if your cat likes a taste of soy milk as an occasional treat, it shouldn't cause her any harm—just keep the portion small.

In general, treats should make up no more than 5 to 10 percent of your pet's daily caloric intake. The rest of her calories should come from a high-quality, nutritionally complete cat food. It’s also important to remember that pets’ digestive systems can be very sensitive, and unfamiliar foods can cause digestive upset. If you notice your cat having problems as a result of the soy milk, we would recommend that you stop feeding it to her.

You can also take a look on our website for more information about how people foods and products can affect your pets.

Pet Nutrition Q & A: What's Up w/Ethoxyquin ?

I have heard that some pet foods contain ethoxyquin as a preservative. Isn't this also used in pesticides and rubber?

—Trish

It's true that ethoxyquin can be used as a pesticide and rubber hardener, Trish. However, it also has important antioxidant functions, and has been used as a preservative in pet foods for more than 35 years to protect fats, fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins from spoiling. Ethoxyquin has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is considered safe when added to pet foods at a maximum of 150 parts per million.

A 1982 literature study conducted by the FDA resulted in no evidence of cancer-causing properties in ethoxyquin. However, if you prefer not to serve your pet a food that contains this ingredient, there are many pet food products on the market you can switch to that contain natural antioxidants such as vitamin E, rosemary, and citric acid.

ASPCA Pet Care: 10 Tips For Feeding Your Dog

Adult dogs require sufficient nutrients to meet energy needs and to maintain and repair body tissues. The amount you feed your adult dog should be based on his or her size and energy output. Activity levels vary dramatically between pets, and will play an important role in determining caloric intake.

As a responsible dog owner, one of the most common pitfalls you’ll have to watch out for is overfeeding. Attempts to shower our dogs with love by means of big meals and tons of tasty treats are sweet, but misguided. In dogs, as with humans, extra weight can lead to health problems. Be sure to indulge your four-legged friend with affection, not food—and read our Top 10 Tips For Feeding Your Adult Dog.

Nutrition Q & A: My Chihuahua Says No to Agua!

My two-month-old Chihuahua hates to drink water. What can I do?
—Venus

Water is is the most essential nutrient an animal can have, Venus. Because it accounts for between 60 to 70 percent of an adult dog’s body weight, you must make sure that your puppy drinks, and that he has access to good quality water at all times. A deficiency of water can have serious repercussions for pets. Inadequate water intake may affect an animal's physical activity and growth, and a 15 percent loss of hydration can result in death.

Food may help meet some of your puppy's water needs. A dry pet food may contain up to 10 percent moisture, while a canned pet food may contain up to 85 percent moisture. Most pets, however, will regulate their water intake appropriately if given free access to fresh water. So generally speaking, if you provide fresh water for your puppy, he should drink when he needs to. Since Chihuahua puppies are so small, he may not need as much water as you think. However, you should still take your puppy to the veterinarian to have his hydration and nutritional status evaluated.

Your veterinarian may also want to begin a vaccination and de-worming program. If this is the case, keep in mind that small dogs like Chihuahuas will sometimes feel ill for a few days after vaccination. It is important to notify your veterinarian right away if illness occurs.

You’ll also find helpful information on the ASPCA's puppy socialization and housetraining pages. Please feel free to contact us again if we can be of further help.

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Feeding Cats in Cars

I regularly take my two cats on a five-hour drive to Michigan. During the ride one of them whines for hours, coughs and throws up in the van. I always bring water, food, toys, catnip and litter box, and try not to hit bumps. What else can I do to make the ride more comfortable for them?
―Ikhlas

It's great that you bring all of your cats' necessities along with you when you travel, Ikhlas. When pets travel, they need to have their food, litter box, waste scoop, water and food bowls, grooming supplies, medication, pet first-aid supplies, favorite toys, other comforts from home and even a supply of their own water. It’s also very important to make sure your cats are comfortable throughout the duration of the trip. They should have a large enough area in which to stand, sit, lie down and turn around.

Instead of feeding them throughout the journey, you should consider giving your cats a light meal approximately 3 to 4 hours before traveling, and then not feeding them at all throughout the duration of the trip. This may help prevent your cat from getting sick during travel. With a trip as long as the one you take with your cats, it would also be smart to prepare them for the journey by taking them on several shorter trips of gradually increasing length as the day of the big trip nears. Their area inside your vehicle should also be safe, secure and well-ventilated.

The ASPCA has several travel safety tips that can help you prepare your cats for the journey. You can also do some further reading on the Internet about
automobile safety for pets and
car travel tips.

Just like certain human beings, some pets get car sick. You may consider taking your cat to see your veterinarian to discuss the car-sickness issue and possibly get a medication that will make travel easier for all of you.

ASPCA Press Release: The Dog [and Cat] Days of Summer are Almost Here!

ASPCA Reminds Pet Lovers to Make Sure Pets Are Safe During Those Lazy, Hazy Crazy Summer Days Too

NEW YORK, May 9, 2007—There is no denying it anymore—summer is right around the corner. While we plan backyard barbeques, vacations, and afternoons by the pool, the ASPCA wants to remind animal lovers and pet parents to use caution during some of summer’s most enjoyable traditions.

“Many of our favorite summertime traditions could pose a potential threat to our companion animals,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, senior vice president of the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, which also houses the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “So as you start to make plans for a fun summer season, remember to be wary of summer-related products and activities that can be potentially dangerous to pets.”

Here are just some of the ways animal lovers can keep their pets safe this summer...

ASPCA Pet Nutrition Q & A: Weight Loss in Mother Dogs

Do dogs typically lose a lot of weight after delivering and weaning puppies?
—Kristi

It is not uncommon for mother dogs to lose a significant amount of weight after giving birth, Kristi. However, they should ideally not lose more than 10 percent of their original body weight. Just remember that nursing puppies will continue to put a drain on their mother's body, so be sure to provide your canine mom with a high-quality food. We suggest a product for active dogs or a puppy formula, which are higher in calories.

It is also ideal to keep food and water available for her at all times while she is nursing. After the weaning period, which lasts approximately eight weeks, the mother dog should begin to steadily gain weight. If your dog is not gaining weight, contact your veterinarian to make sure that she is not suffering from any health problems. Sometimes it just takes time, but parasites or other medical factors could play a role in her slow return to a normal weight.

ASPCA Press Release: Flying the ‘Furry’ Skies? Want to Avoid a ‘Ruff’ Road Trip?

ASPCA Offers Travel Tips to Pet Lovers before the Start of Vacation Season

NEW YORK, May 8, 2007—In a few weeks, the Memorial Day weekend will kick off the unofficial start of the travel season, and families around the country will head to airports to board flights to exotic destinations, or pack up the car for fun-filled road trips. But before you bring along your four-legged friends, the ASPCA wants to remind animal lovers and pet parents of some helpful travel tips for those busy summer months.

“More and more, pets are becoming an important part of our families, so it’s only natural that pets are being included in the summer vacation plans,” said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “But it’s important to keep certain things in mind before taking your animal companions along on flights or long car trips. That will ensure your pet’s safety, as well as make the trip an enjoyable one for everyone.”

Here are just some of the ways animal lovers can travel safely with their pets this summer...

Pet Food Recall Update: As Pet Food Recall Expands, ASPCA Warns Crisis Not Over: More Cases May Be Seen

With Menu Foods yesterday greatly expanding its recall of pet food products due to new evidence of cross-contamination, the ASPCA today warned pet parents that this crisis is far from over, and urged them to watch their pets closely for any symptoms that may be related to the recall.

“Given the fact that there is new evidence of cross-contamination in ingredients that may have been considered safe prior to this news, we need to be much more aware of where the ingredients in our pets’ food are coming from,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), located in its Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill.

“We are strongly recommending that pet parents immediately investigate, via their pet food manufacturer’s Web site or by calling them directly, where the ingredients—specifically protein supplements—are sourced from.”

Given the current situation and until this crisis is resolved, the ASPCA is recommending pets be fed products containing U. S.-sourced protein supplements only.

Read the rest of the press release

ASPCA Pet Nutrition Q & A: Ch-ch-changes

Our seven-year-old indoor cat has problems with seasonal allergies. Our vet recommended that we slowly switch her to a sensitive-skin diet formula, but no matter how little of any new food we introduce, her stomach reacts unfavorably. What can we do?
—Beth

Don’t give up, Beth. It may benefit your cat significantly to make a slow transition to a new food. In general, the best way to make the switch to a new product is to start by adding a very small amount of new food to the old food on the first day, then over a number of days or even weeks, slowly increasing the amount of new food while decreasing the amount of old food. This type of slow transition can help to prevent gastrointestinal upset and helps most pets accept dietary change.

Since it sounds like you have already tried this approach, you may want to contact your veterinarian to see if other options exist for your cat. You may be able to try a different brand of food. You should have at least a few good choices when it comes to a sensitive skin diet. There may also be a supplement that you can add to your cat's original food to improve the health of her skin. Your veterinarian should have more information about these supplements.

Pet Poison Q&A: How Does Your Garden Grow?

Can you give me the names of some garden plants that are safe for pets? Thank you.
―Patti M.

If you have not already done so, Patti, you may want to visit our toxic and non toxic plant pages for information on which plants are safe and which ones to avoid. Due to the vast variety of plant species, no list should be regarded as fully comprehensive. However, if there is a specific plant that you are thinking of adding to your garden and it is not on either list, please let us know its scientific name (genus and species), and we will be happy to provide you with more information.

Can I feed my dog fennel to ease her upset stomach?

There is a lot of purple-hued lupine growing in one of the meadows where my horse is allowed to graze. Can this plant be harmful to her?

Pet Food Recall Update: ASPCA Issues New Recommendations On What To Feed Your Pet

As rumors of the spread of contamination in pet foods—possibly intentional—have been confirmed by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the ASPCA today announced new recommendations for pet parents looking for advice on what to feed their pets. These can be found at www.aspca.org/recall, where the organization is also maintaining an updated list of recalled products in real time.

“While we cannot comment on whether this contamination was intentional or accidental, this latest development in the recall crisis is extremely significant,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), located in its Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill.

“We now clearly have at least two contaminated ingredients used in pet food manufactured in the U.S., shipped from at least two suppliers in China, over an extended period of time.

“Until such time that the FDA has conclusively identified ALL sources and destinations of the contaminated ingredients—as well as the actual link between the adverse effects of melamine and melamine-related products and the illnesses or deaths of so many pets around the country—we are far from sounding the all-clear, and need to safeguard our pets’ lives vigilantly.”

Read the rest of the release...

Pet Food Recall Update: ASPCA Issues Urgent Advisory As Pet Food Recall Widens

Contaminant Found In New Protein Supplement—Not Just Wheat Gluten—for Pet Food

Urges Pet Parents to Stay Alert and Aware to New Developments in the Recall

The ASPCA today urgently reminded pet parents that the pet food recall crisis, which started almost five weeks ago, is far from over—and, as such, pet parents need to stay alert to new developments as well as the health of their pets.

“Until the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conclusively identified all the contaminants in the affected pet food, where they came from, and which products they were used in, we cannot consider this crisis over,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), located in its Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill.

“Further, the actual link between the adverse effects of melamine and the illnesses or deaths of so many pets around the country is still not clear and, as a result, what exactly is sickening and killing our pets is still a mystery,” said Dr. Hansen.

Read the rest of this release

Pet Poison Q & A: Bushes & Berries & Trees, Oh My!

I’m looking into planting a crabapple tree, but I want to make sure that it won’t be poisonous to my dogs.
―Ethel C.

Good question, Ethel. It’s always a good idea to check first! The seeds, leaves and stems of the crabapple species contain substances known as cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a lack of oxygen in the blood, a decreased heart rate, respiratory congestion, seizures and coma. A large enough ingestion could ultimately lead to respiratory failure and even death. Typically, we do not see any problems beyond gastrointestinal irritation in small animals who consume a few pieces of the plant material. Severe clinical effects usually occur in grazing animals such as horses or other livestock, who consume large quantities.

The bottom line? A nibble or two of a fallen crabapple is not likely to pose problems beyond minor stomach upset. Just don’t let your dogs eat them in quantity or allow them to consume the leaves, stems or other parts of the tree.

More new questions this week:

-My greyhound tends to want to munch on our butterfly bush. Could this be harmful to her?

-Are black chokeberry and buckhorn berries poisonous to dogs?

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Is My Cat Fat?

Our 9-year-old female cat weighs about 11 pounds. She’s an indoor cat and only gets a small amount of exercise. What should a cat of her age weigh approximately, and should she be eating any special kind of cat food?
―Christina

The answer varies from cat to cat, Christina. Cats with large frames may be at their optimal weight if they weigh eleven pounds, while other cats might be considered overweight. The Iams body condition chart can help you to evaluate your cat's nutritional status.

Your veterinarian can also help you to determine whether or not your cat needs to lose some weight. You might want to plan a visit soon to talk about your cat’s nutritional status and your veterinarian's dietary recommendations.

If your cat does not have special needs that require a veterinary or prescription diet, then I recommend you choose a high-quality brand of food. It is also important to provide opportunities for play and enrichment, especially as your cat ages. Even one play session per day can make a difference for her weight and overall health, and the increased activity will help to keep her fit in her older years. If you’d like a few suggestions, the ASPCA has some great ideas for general enrichment activities.

Ask Dr. LaFarge: Does My Rottie, Dopey, Feel Neglected?

I have a four-year-old Rottweiler named Dopey whom I've had since she was two months old. She has grown very attached to me, as I have to her. I am a senior in high school and work part time, so my schedule has changed and I don’t have a lot of time to spend with her. I have a guilty conscience, and feel like I've abandoned her. Do you think she feels neglected by me?
—Janeth

You are obviously a wonderfully responsible owner, and care a lot about your dog's mental well-being as well has her physical health, Janeth. You asked if she was feeling abandoned since your schedule has changed. The good news about dogs is that they don't lie. If her life had changed for the worse, her behavior would also have changed for the worse. She would be chewing shoes, crying when alone, etc. I am assuming that her behavior is still OK, even though you are less active in her life. I think you must have put such good quality time into her early years that she has the emotional comfort and confidence to cope with the change in your schedule. She is also more mature now, and does not need as many distractions.

It is very important that you monitor her food so that she does not gain weight since she may not be burning as many calories. Your own time sounds tightly scheduled. I hope you take time to be with her, since it is also very good for you.

ASPCA Issues Urgent Alert to Pet Parents: Discontinue Use of Contaminated and Recalled Pet Foods Immediately

ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital Intakes Show Some Pets Still on Recalled Foods

NEW YORK, April 10, 2007—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today issued an urgent alert to pet parents that if they have not already done so, it is imperative for them to discontinue use of the recalled foods immediately.

“More than three weeks into the pet food recall, recent intakes at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) in New York City show that some pet parents have unwittingly continued to feed their pets the contaminated, recalled foods. Just last night, we admitted a cat into our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that is in severe renal failure, and has been consuming one of the recalled product codes all this while,” said Dr. Louise Murray, director of medicine at BMAH.

“This is obviously a matter of great concern to us,” continued Dr. Murray. “It is possible that this scenario is being replicated across the country, due to confusion over which brands and product codes are included in the recall—especially with the recent recall expansion—and, as a result, many more animals may be in great danger.”

Read the rest of this press release

Press Release: As Pet Food Recall Expands, ASPCA Asks Pet Parents to Stay Alert—But Calm

NEW YORK, April 5, 2007—With breaking news from Menu Foods that the dates of, and varieties listed in, the original pet food recall of March 16 has just been extended, the ASPCA reminds pet parents to stay alert to the wellbeing of their pets—but also of the importance of continuing to look for the direct link between contaminants and adverse effects on the affected pets.

“This new announcement further increases our concern for the wellbeing of pets around the country,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, including the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). “It is now even more crucial for pet parents to check the codes of the newly-recalled products, and discontinue use of them immediately.”

Read the rest of the press release...

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Dogs Who Eat Cat Food

I have a seven-pound Yorkie/min-pin mix who regularly eats dog food, but whenever I go to my father’s house, she eats our cat's food. Is this bad for her?
―Megan

It sounds funny, Megan, but many dogs prefer to eat cat food. Since it’s higher in protein, fat and calories, it’s more tasty. However, most dogs will still eat their own dog food if they aren't offered another choice. Remember that the nutritional needs of cats and dogs are different, and their foods are formulated to meet those specific needs. Although it is not usually harmful if a small amount of the wrong food is eaten, nutritional imbalances affecting your dog’s health could occur if this continues long term. Dietary changes can also cause gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. If at all possible, when visiting your dad, I would recommend that you take your dog’s food with you and that you do not allow her to go near the cat’s food.

Pet Poison Q & A: Is Mulch Too Much?

Is it unhealthy for dogs to eat cocoa bean shell mulch? My dog likes it, and while I try to stop her, if it won’t hurt, I’d rather let her eat it.
― Barbara B.

Mulch, in general, is not a good substance for pets to ingest, Barbara. Dogs consuming enough cocoa bean shell mulch could potentially develop signs similar to that of chocolate poisoning, including vomiting and diarrhea. In cases where very large amounts of mulch have been consumed, muscle tremors and other more serious neurological signs could occur. To date, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has not received any cases involving animal deaths due to cocoa mulch ingestion. One key point to remember is that some dogs, particularly those with indiscriminate eating habits, can be attracted to any organic matter. Therefore, if you have a dog with such eating habits, it is important you do not leave him unsupervised or allow him into areas where such materials are being used.

In case you have not already seen it, please read this article on our website that provides additional information on cocoa bean shell mulch.

More new questions this week:

- Every now and then I give my Maltese a mashed, hard-boiled egg. Is it safe to continue doing this?

- My family would like to give our shepherd/husky mix a bit of fresh cooked shrimp. Is this okay?

Rabbits as Easter Gifts

Thinking of bringing home a live bunny as an Easter gift this April?

Did you know that…

…Pet rabbits can live from seven to ten or more years and require the same long-term care as dogs and cats?

…Young children and bunnies aren’t such a good match?

…Pet rabbits aren’t low-maintenance pets―they have specific dietary and veterinary needs, and must be handled with care?

…Pet rabbits must live indoors, with their human families?

…Thousands of ex-Easter bunnies are abandoned to shelters or into the wild each year when their novelty wears off?

Learn more...

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.

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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?

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...

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.

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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?

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...