Food produced for domestic pets and other animals will have to follow strict new standards under a proposed rule issued Friday by the Food and Drug Administration.
The new regulation, part of the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act, would require for the first time that companies that make pet food and animal feed follow good manufacturing practices that encompass basic issues such as sanitation and hazard analysis.
“We have been pushing feed safety for a number of years,” said Daniel McChesney, director of the office of surveillance and compliance at the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. “It’s not, ‘Oh, we’re just making food for animals.’ They’re the first part of the food chain. We're a part of the overall food industry.”
The new rules will be open for public comment for 120 days, and would be adopted as law within 60 days after the comment period closes.
They would apply to all domestic and imported animal food, including pet food, pet treats, animal feed, and the raw ingredients that make those products.
That means, for instance, that the producers of chicken, corn and sweet potato jerky treats made in China and blamed for the deaths of 600 pets and illnesses in about 3,600, will have to meet strict new requirements before their products can be sold, officials said.
FDA has always had rules in place that prohibit adulterants in pet food. That’s why the agency has issued company-initiated recalls for salmonella-tainted bird food, for instance, or dog food contaminated with aflatoxin, a naturally occurring mold by-product.
But, until now, there’s been no requirement that companies analyze the potential food safety hazards of their products or that they follow current good manufacturing practices, or CGMPs, that
specifically address animal food.
“We’re not starting completely from scratch,” said Michael Taylor, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine. “What’s important is that FDA take a comprehensive approach to food safety that covers the food supply comprehensively.”
The challenge for firms that produce animal foods and pet products will be in meeting the deadlines for compliance, McChesney said. Times will vary according to the size of an operation, with small and very small businesses being allowed more leeway.
The FDA will hold three public meetings in November and December to seek input on the proposed rule.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Dangers of Dogs Riding in Pickup Truck Beds
You may see it quite often as you're driving around town: dogs riding in the back of trucks. You might even know someone who does it. Why not? It seems so convenient to just load your dog up in the back and take them with you.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 100,000 dogs are killed each year in accidents involving riding in truck beds. In addition, veterinarians see numerous cases of dogs being injured because they jumped out or were thrown from the bed of a pickup truck. If these dogs are lucky enough to still be alive, broken legs and joint injuries are among the most common types of damage that they sustain and often result in amputation. There are many dangers of having your four-legged friend loose in the bed of a truck while you're ramming the roads.
Eye, Ear & Nose Damage
This may not have even occurred to you, since dogs always have a tendency to stick their heads out the window of a moving vehicle to smell all of those new smells on the open road. But being in the open air traveling at high speeds (whether their head is out the window or they're in the back of the truck) can likely cause damage to the delicate parts of their face. The swirling of the air currents in the bed of a pickup truck can cause dirt, debris and insects to become lodged in the dog's eyes, ears, and nose.
Being Ejected from the Truck
We've all had to slam on our brakes while we're driving at some point; it's inevitable. Now imagine slamming on your brakes while your beloved dog is in the truck bed. He's going to get a serious jolt and it's possible that he could fly right out of the bed and into the road. You also run the risk of getting into an accident while you're traveling with your precious cargo which could also force him out of the bed. And if you think that securing him with a rope or chain is any better, you're wrong. There have been cases where dogs were thrown out of the back of the truck while still attached and being dragged on the road while the owner is still driving. Talk about a nightmare situation.
Jumping Ship
Even if you don't slam on your brakes or get into an accident, your dog may have plans of her own. Does your dog get easily distracted by squirrels, dogs, or other animals? Who's to say she's not going to willingly jump out in order to better investigate a situation? How long would it take you to realize she's gone? How will you be able to protect her from getting hit by other cars or straying too far away while you're in the driver's seat?
What are the Laws?
In February of 2009, Senator Norman Stone Jr's bill to ban riding around with dogs in truck beds was defeated on the Senate 30-17. Although the bill was passed by the House unanimously in 2008, some Senators questioned whether or not it was a real problem. Others worried that farmers would be unable to ride with their dogs, leading to a lot of unhappy dogs.
There are, however, a number of individual states that have banned this type of pet travel and other states have bills pending.
What's the Alternative?
Even though it's not against the law in all 50 states, traveling with dogs in the bed of your pickup trucks should never be an option. The Humane Society of the US notes that they don't know of any brand of harness that is safe for the back of the truck. It's best to have the dog in the cab with you, and if it's an extended cab, the dog should be restrained in the back and away from the windshield. For trucks, pet travel crates, pet safety belts, and pet car seats are the safest bets. And if none of these are available to you at the time you're taking your truck (or any vehicle), consider keeping your dog safe at home.
About TripsWithPets.com
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 100,000 dogs are killed each year in accidents involving riding in truck beds. In addition, veterinarians see numerous cases of dogs being injured because they jumped out or were thrown from the bed of a pickup truck. If these dogs are lucky enough to still be alive, broken legs and joint injuries are among the most common types of damage that they sustain and often result in amputation. There are many dangers of having your four-legged friend loose in the bed of a truck while you're ramming the roads.
Eye, Ear & Nose Damage
This may not have even occurred to you, since dogs always have a tendency to stick their heads out the window of a moving vehicle to smell all of those new smells on the open road. But being in the open air traveling at high speeds (whether their head is out the window or they're in the back of the truck) can likely cause damage to the delicate parts of their face. The swirling of the air currents in the bed of a pickup truck can cause dirt, debris and insects to become lodged in the dog's eyes, ears, and nose.
Being Ejected from the Truck
We've all had to slam on our brakes while we're driving at some point; it's inevitable. Now imagine slamming on your brakes while your beloved dog is in the truck bed. He's going to get a serious jolt and it's possible that he could fly right out of the bed and into the road. You also run the risk of getting into an accident while you're traveling with your precious cargo which could also force him out of the bed. And if you think that securing him with a rope or chain is any better, you're wrong. There have been cases where dogs were thrown out of the back of the truck while still attached and being dragged on the road while the owner is still driving. Talk about a nightmare situation.
Jumping Ship
Even if you don't slam on your brakes or get into an accident, your dog may have plans of her own. Does your dog get easily distracted by squirrels, dogs, or other animals? Who's to say she's not going to willingly jump out in order to better investigate a situation? How long would it take you to realize she's gone? How will you be able to protect her from getting hit by other cars or straying too far away while you're in the driver's seat?
What are the Laws?
In February of 2009, Senator Norman Stone Jr's bill to ban riding around with dogs in truck beds was defeated on the Senate 30-17. Although the bill was passed by the House unanimously in 2008, some Senators questioned whether or not it was a real problem. Others worried that farmers would be unable to ride with their dogs, leading to a lot of unhappy dogs.
There are, however, a number of individual states that have banned this type of pet travel and other states have bills pending.
What's the Alternative?
Even though it's not against the law in all 50 states, traveling with dogs in the bed of your pickup trucks should never be an option. The Humane Society of the US notes that they don't know of any brand of harness that is safe for the back of the truck. It's best to have the dog in the cab with you, and if it's an extended cab, the dog should be restrained in the back and away from the windshield. For trucks, pet travel crates, pet safety belts, and pet car seats are the safest bets. And if none of these are available to you at the time you're taking your truck (or any vehicle), consider keeping your dog safe at home.
About TripsWithPets.com
TripsWithPets.com is the #1 online resource for pet travel. Named best pet travel site by Consumer Reports, TripsWithPets.com's mission is to offer resources that ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe while traveling.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Animal Supply Co. Acquires Pet Food Wholesale
Animal Supply Company has acquired Pet Food Wholesale, a Brea, Calif.-based wholesale distributor of pet products in the Southwest.
Over the next six months the two companies will combine as one operating unit into a state-of-the-art 100,000-plus square foot distribution facility. Pet Food Wholesale and Animal Supply's current Southern California businesses will operate separately until the move into the new warehouse is complete.
Bob Johnson, Ken Bacon and the entire PFW team will continue in their current roles serving Southern California and surrounding markets. The combined businesses will have eight outside sales reps and 80 employees covering Southern California, Arizona and Nevada.
The acquisition enables Animal Supply and Pet Food Wholesale to offer their customers and manufacturers an unmatched level of services, breadth of products and geographic reach. The business will represent over 60 pet product manufacturers in the area and deliver to more than 600 local pet retail stores.
Over the next six months the two companies will combine as one operating unit into a state-of-the-art 100,000-plus square foot distribution facility. Pet Food Wholesale and Animal Supply's current Southern California businesses will operate separately until the move into the new warehouse is complete.
Bob Johnson, Ken Bacon and the entire PFW team will continue in their current roles serving Southern California and surrounding markets. The combined businesses will have eight outside sales reps and 80 employees covering Southern California, Arizona and Nevada.
The acquisition enables Animal Supply and Pet Food Wholesale to offer their customers and manufacturers an unmatched level of services, breadth of products and geographic reach. The business will represent over 60 pet product manufacturers in the area and deliver to more than 600 local pet retail stores.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Heard of a “veterinary resort”?
In 2011, Dr. John Boyd opened the doors to Dr. Boyd’s Pet Resort in San Diego based on his revolutionary concept of a “veterinary resort.” This all-inclusive grooming, veterinary, obedience training and boarding facility is wagging tails and turning the heads of discriminating pet owners. Designed from the pet’s perspective, the veterinary resort concept is based on a social living system which mirrors the genetics and evolutionary history of dogs.
At Dr. Boyd’s, each dog has its own private den for sleeping, resting and eating. For the duration of the day, dogs romp within their respective packs, determined by each pet’s personality. A color coded collar system is used to categorize dogs into specific playgroups after an initial behavioral assessment. This San Diego facility includes indoor and outdoor “playcare” spaces, so there is plenty of room for canines to socialize.
Dr. Boyd’s is feline-friendly too. Cats are treated to a tree house and private quarters which include climbing spaces, natural lighting, climate control and sounds of nature to comfort even the most timid tabby.
Services offered at Dr. Boyd’s Pet Resort include pet boarding, dog daycare, dog training, grooming and veterinary services. Dog training at Dr. Boyd’s is designed to address basic obedience and complex behavioral issues. Knowledgeable trainers put expertise and patience to work, using positive, sensible and humane training methods to ensure pet parents cultivate meaningful and rewarding relationships with their canine companions.
Open 24 hours a day, pets are supervised by trained staff members, and monitored as they sleep and play to assure the comfort and safety of every furry guest. For pet parents, this new concept means there is now a one-stop shop for pet needs. From veterinary care to grooming and training services, doggie daycare and overnight boarding, a “veterinary resort,” like Dr. Boyd’s Pet Resort is a great way to meet your furry family members’ needs.
Open 24 hours a day, pets are supervised by trained staff members, and monitored as they sleep and play to assure the comfort and safety of every furry guest. For pet parents, this new concept means there is now a one-stop shop for pet needs. From veterinary care to grooming and training services, doggie daycare and overnight boarding, a “veterinary resort,” like Dr. Boyd’s Pet Resort is a great way to meet your furry family members’ needs.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Top Tips for Safe Pet Car Travel
Top Tips for Safe Pet Car Travel
Before you start planning trips to the beach and summer getaways, keep in mind that it's important to plan ahead for pet travel and always keep the best interests of your furry, four-legged friend in mind. Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful and bonding experience or a not so pleasant one. It's all a matter of proper planning and preparation.
Here are the top tips to ensure your getaway with your pet is a safe one.
From - TripsWithPets.com |
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Connecticut Attempting to Ban Sale of Dogs from Puppy Mills
a cooperative effort between CT Votes for Animals, the ASPCA and HSUS,
Our Companions Animal Rescue has been working very hard this session to make CT the first state to ban the sale of commercially-bred dogs and cats at pet shops.
H.B. 5027, as amended by Representative Brenda Kupchick, would prohibit CT pet shops from selling commercially bred dogs and cats and instead require that only dogs and cats who are humanely-sourced from animal control facilities and non-profit rescue organizations be sold or adopted out in pet shops.
H.B. 5027, as amended by Representative Brenda Kupchick, would prohibit CT pet shops from selling commercially bred dogs and cats and instead require that only dogs and cats who are humanely-sourced from animal control facilities and non-profit rescue organizations be sold or adopted out in pet shops.
This measure would help put an end to the suffering of dogs in puppy mills and would reduce pet overpopulation in shelters and the resulting high euthanasia rates.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Pet Friendly Restaurants Now on TripsWithPets!
On a trip far from home or just out for a long Sunday drive with your pet? You'll probably be dining out at some point to refuel and recharge. Search their directory of pet friendly restaurants that have outdoor seating and allow pets to accompany their humans while they eat. Well-mannered pets only, please.
Pet Friendly Restaurants
Pet Friendly Restaurants
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Estimated 2013 Pet Sales within the U.S. Market
For 2013, it estimated that $55.53 billion will be spent on our pets in the U.S.
Estimated Breakdown:
Food $21.26 billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine $13.21 billion
Vet Care $14.21 billion
Live animal purchases $2.31 billion
Pet Services: grooming & boarding $4.54 billion
Monday, April 15, 2013
Money Spent on Pet Industry
The numbers continue to grow every year, with more growth expected in 2013.
Year Billion
2013 $55.53 Estimate
2012 $53.33 Actual
2011 $50.96
2010 $48.35
2009 $45.5
2008 $43.2
2007 $41.2
2006 $38.5
2005 $36.3
2004 $34.4
2003 $32.4
2002 $29.5
2001 $28.5
1998 $23
1996 $21
1994 $17
Data from APPA website.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Gear Up for Spring - Biking with Your Dog
A recent article from TripsWithPets.com
When you think about the activities that you can do with your dog, your list might look like this: walk, run, play fetch. With such a short list, you probably cycle through these pretty quickly. Why not shake things up a bit and introduce your dog to something new? Spring is a wonderful time to ride your bike and the best part is that your dog can come with you. It's the perfect way to bond and reconnect with your pooch and enjoy that fresh spring air together.
Can Any Dog Bike?
It makes sense that a healthy dog that's used to walking, running, or hiking is a great candidate for a bike mate. But what if your dog is small and doesn't need much exercise? Don't worry! There are a few different ways that will allow your dog to join you so you don't have to leave that wagging tail and adorable little face behind.
- Bike Leash - For an active, healthy dog, a bike leash is your answer. Bike leashes hook on the side of a bike and attach to your dog's padded harness so she's running right along side of you. It's designed to control your dog in case she pulls in a different direction and ensures the safety of both dog and rider. NEVER bring your dog on a regular leash that will leave you with just one hand on the handle bars and the other holding your dog's leash. This can be extremely dangerous. Bike leashes were designed to free your hands so you can drive the bike properly.
- Riders & Baskets - For your small dog that doesn't really need much exercise, you can still bond with them on a bicycling trip by using a pet rider or a basket. Baskets attached to the front handle bars and have a harness or strap that keeps your furry passenger hooked safely and secured. Riders also work the same way, although these can be attached to the front or back of a bike and also include a safety harness.
Start Small
Once you've determined the best way to bring your dog along, it's time to get her acclimated to being with the bike. Show her how you are attaching the leash to your bicycle or set her in the rider to get her used to it. For the initial few outings, just walk your bike. When she starts to become comfortable, hop on the bike and go slowly at first. Plan on just going around the block the first time, followed by one or two more blocks as she adjusts to this new activity. This is also a good time to make sure that your dog is properly secured to the bike so there aren't any mishaps.
If the biking is going well and she's not afraid or stressed out, you can then begin lengthening your bike trips and moving along at a more appropriate pace.
Safety First
There are some things to keep in mind when you have your dog with you on the bike so that you both have a safe and enjoyable experience.
1. Whenever possible, use bike trails or roads that are less busy. If this isn't a nearby option, use a bike rack and drive the two of you to a nearby park or trail.
2. Avoid extraordinary heat. In the warm summer months, reserve biking outings for early mornings or early evenings before it is getting dark.
3. Bring a small pack of necessary items, including water, treats, a cell phone, and your vet's number just in case of an emergency. Make sure that your dog has all of his tags and other identification.
Just you and your dog on the open road with the wind at your backs and the sunshine on your faces is a healthy and fun way to bond with your dog. Dogs are always overjoyed to be going anywhere with their humans, so finding new ways to spend time together (like biking) is bound to bring the two of you even closer together. Show your best friend just how much you love her and hop on that bike!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Swimming Turtles
For those of you looking for more information about turtles as pets, I found this article from Pet Business provided some valuable insight. With two dogs and a fish tank, I'm not sure I'm ready to take on this challenge.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Stats about Pet Overpopulation
Some interesting information published by the ASPCA in regards to the pet overpopulation in the U.S.
Facts about Pet Overpopulation in the U.S.:
Facts about Pet Overpopulation in the U.S.:
- It is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States; estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
- The average number of litters a fertile cat produces is one to two a year; the average number of kittens is four to six per litter.
- The average number of litters a fertile dog produces is one a year; the average number of puppies is four to six.
- Owned cats and dogs generally live longer, healthier lives than strays.
- Many strays are lost pets who were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.
- Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered, while 78 percent of pet dogs and 88 percent of pet cats are spayed or neutered.
- The cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for a year.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Facts about Animal Shelters
Here are some intersting bits that were published by ASPCA.org
Facts about U.S. Animal Shelters:
There are about 5,000 community animal shelters nationwide that are independent; there is no national organization monitoring these shelters. The terms “humane society” and “SPCA” are generic; shelters using those names are not part of the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. Currently, no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal protection movement.
Facts about U.S. Animal Shelters:
There are about 5,000 community animal shelters nationwide that are independent; there is no national organization monitoring these shelters. The terms “humane society” and “SPCA” are generic; shelters using those names are not part of the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. Currently, no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal protection movement.
- Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.
- According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.
- Twenty-five percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred. (Source: NCPPSP)
- Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered, while 78 percent of pet dogs and 88 percent of pet cats are spayed or neutered, according to the American Pet Products Association (Source: APPA).
- More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter. (Source: NCPPSP)
Friday, February 22, 2013
Bill Would Allow Advocate to Speak for Animals in Court
A Connecticut legislator has proposed a bill that would allow the appointment of an advocate to act on behalf of an animal during court proceedings.
Rep. Diana Urban proposed the bill, known as HB 6310 "An Act Concerning Animal Advocates in Court Proceedings." It would permit a veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture to be appointed as an advocate for an animal whose welfare or custody is the subject of a civil or criminal court proceeding.
"HB 6310 would give the option for an advocate in court for an egregiously injured animal," said Urban, a Democrat from North Stonington. "This would enable the animal's injury to be identified as a red flag for future violent behavior. We are putting together a public/private partnership with the state Department of Agriculture and non-profit rescue groups including Connecticut Votes for Animals to be available to speak for the animals in court."
Urban was joined at a news conference Thursday by Asa Palmer, a North Stonington high school student who discovered two of the cows on his family farm shot in the face in January. One of the cows had to be euthanized.
"If this was in place today, Asa Palmer could request an advocate for his young cow, 'Angel,' who was shot in the face and left with her jaw hanging off," Urban said.
Two men have been charged with shooting Palmer's cows.
The bill, which is awaiting action in the legislature's Judiciary Committee, has the support of other lawmakers.
"Much like our children who cannot advocate on behalf of themselves, innocent animals that are abused or worse, killed, deserve that same right," said Rep. Brenda Kupchick, a Republican from Fairfield. "Violence of any type is unacceptable and we must do whatever we can to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves."
It was not clear if or when the Judiciary Committee would take action on Urban's bill
Rep. Diana Urban proposed the bill, known as HB 6310 "An Act Concerning Animal Advocates in Court Proceedings." It would permit a veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture to be appointed as an advocate for an animal whose welfare or custody is the subject of a civil or criminal court proceeding.
"HB 6310 would give the option for an advocate in court for an egregiously injured animal," said Urban, a Democrat from North Stonington. "This would enable the animal's injury to be identified as a red flag for future violent behavior. We are putting together a public/private partnership with the state Department of Agriculture and non-profit rescue groups including Connecticut Votes for Animals to be available to speak for the animals in court."
Urban was joined at a news conference Thursday by Asa Palmer, a North Stonington high school student who discovered two of the cows on his family farm shot in the face in January. One of the cows had to be euthanized.
"If this was in place today, Asa Palmer could request an advocate for his young cow, 'Angel,' who was shot in the face and left with her jaw hanging off," Urban said.
Two men have been charged with shooting Palmer's cows.
The bill, which is awaiting action in the legislature's Judiciary Committee, has the support of other lawmakers.
"Much like our children who cannot advocate on behalf of themselves, innocent animals that are abused or worse, killed, deserve that same right," said Rep. Brenda Kupchick, a Republican from Fairfield. "Violence of any type is unacceptable and we must do whatever we can to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves."
It was not clear if or when the Judiciary Committee would take action on Urban's bill
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Phillips Continues Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts
Phillips Pet Food & Supplies has donated over five truckloads of supplies to shelters, charities and retail locations following Hurricane Sandy. The donations included dog and cat food, cages, litter and pet toys. The company has been working with the retail stores, shelters and charities that were affected, and will continue to send donations.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Petmate Partners with Mossy Oak
Petmate has partnered with Mossy Oak to create co-branded pet products across multiple categories. Mossy Oak specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoorsmen. Products featuring Mossy Oak’s Break-Up Infinity camouflage patter will include collars, leads and bedding for dogs.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Blackwood Pet Cat Food Packaging Gets a Makeover
MINNEAPOLIS–Ideas that Kick, a Minneapolis-based design consultancy, redesigned the packaging for Blackwood Pet Food's full line of super-premium cat foods. The new design places key nutritional information for each recipe front and just a bit off-center on each bag.
The nutrition-based bag fronts make it easy for pet store employees to recommend Blackwood foods to pet owners. The design concept was first applied to the company's super-premium dog recipes.
"The combination of photography, key facts and a clear sense of content organization really help the brand stand out on shelves," said Stefan Hartung, creative director at Ideas that Kick.
The nutrition-based bag fronts make it easy for pet store employees to recommend Blackwood foods to pet owners. The design concept was first applied to the company's super-premium dog recipes.
"The combination of photography, key facts and a clear sense of content organization really help the brand stand out on shelves," said Stefan Hartung, creative director at Ideas that Kick.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
9 Things Parents Should Know About Cats and Kids
Thanks to Summer Nanny for providing this guest post:
If you’re considering adding a pet to the family, cats can seem like the ideal choice. They don’t have to be taken for walks, housebreaking is a breeze and their largely independent attitude means that they don’t need the same level of attention and companionship as a puppy or even a full-grown dog. Households that count small children among their number, however, should take a few things under consideration before adding a feline friend to the family.
1.Growing Up Together isn’t Always the Best Route – Common advice for parents considering a new pet dictates the addition of a kitten when children are still young. This recommendation is given with the assumption that the two of them will “grow up together.” In fact, adult cats are usually much better choices for young children than kittens. The fragility and delicate nature of a kitten’s physiology does little to protect them from accidental rough treatment, which may be difficult for very young children to understand.
2.Proper Handling is Imperative – Before you adopt a cat, you should make sure that your child is well informed about safe and proper handling. In addition to running the risk of hurting the cat or causing it to become withdrawn, wary and antisocial in reaction to being handled roughly too often, you’re also increasing the chances of a hiss, swat or bite that turns your child off from cats altogether.
3.Supervision is Required – Because cats are typically very independent, it can be easy to forget that they still need to be supervised all the time when they’re in the same room as a young child. If you’re present when a child pets too roughly or picks Fifi up by her neck, you can put a stop to the behavior before someone is injured or gets upset.
4.Declawing isn’t the Kindest Answer – In preparation for bringing a cat into the house, some new owners opt to have their feline friends declawed. What most of them don’t realize, however, is just how cruel and painful the process is for cats. Rather than having a part of the cat’s body removed because you’re nervous about scratched furniture or children, you may just want to reconsider the idea of adding a cat to the family in the first place. The human equivalent of declawing would be the removal of each of your fingers at the last knuckle.
5.Cats Can Help Kids Learn Responsibility – When your child helps to feed and water his new cat, clean the litter box and look after her, he’s learning very valuable lessons in responsibility and compassion. There are plenty of reasons why adding a cat to the family may be the perfect choice for your family, but this is potentially the best.
6.Sharing is Caring, But Not When it Comes to Chocolate – You may be aware of the fact that chocolate is toxic for dogs, but it’s just as dangerous for cats to ingest. Make sure that your child knows that even though she wants to share her chocolate candy, doing so can make her new cat very, very sick.
7.Cat Scratch Fever isn’t Just a Classic Rock Song – If the only thing that comes to mind when you hear the term “cat scratch fever” is an old Ted Nugent record, you’ll probably want to brush up on the subject before you bring a cat into a house with children. Cat scratch disease is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, and is spread through bites and scratches from an infected cat. While it’s generally not serious, cat scratch disease can cause fatigue, fever, headache, swelling of the lymph nodes and overall discomfort. If your child is showing any of these symptoms, it’s best to inform his doctor that you do have a cat in the family.
8.The Great Outdoors isn’t All That Great – Your child needs to spend plenty of time outdoors engaged in physically active play. Your cat, however, has a statistically higher chance of living a long life and dying of natural causes if it spends its life indoors. Outdoor cats are much more likely to be injured or even killed by other animals and moving vehicles than their indoor brethren.
9.Patience is a Virtue – When you first bring your new cat home, it’s normal for your child to be so excited that she wants to spend every moment with her new friend. As a parent, it’s important for you to understand that your cat will need time to adjust to new surroundings, and may be a bit standoffish until he’s more comfortable in your home.
Cats are beautiful and gracious creatures with their own individual personalities and quirks. For some families, they’re irreplaceable members of the household that are dearly treasured. Others may find them too aloof and disinterested, depending upon the temperaments involved. Before making the decision to bring a cat home, you should make sure that the lifestyle of your household is conducive to caring for a cat.
If you’re considering adding a pet to the family, cats can seem like the ideal choice. They don’t have to be taken for walks, housebreaking is a breeze and their largely independent attitude means that they don’t need the same level of attention and companionship as a puppy or even a full-grown dog. Households that count small children among their number, however, should take a few things under consideration before adding a feline friend to the family.
1.Growing Up Together isn’t Always the Best Route – Common advice for parents considering a new pet dictates the addition of a kitten when children are still young. This recommendation is given with the assumption that the two of them will “grow up together.” In fact, adult cats are usually much better choices for young children than kittens. The fragility and delicate nature of a kitten’s physiology does little to protect them from accidental rough treatment, which may be difficult for very young children to understand.
2.Proper Handling is Imperative – Before you adopt a cat, you should make sure that your child is well informed about safe and proper handling. In addition to running the risk of hurting the cat or causing it to become withdrawn, wary and antisocial in reaction to being handled roughly too often, you’re also increasing the chances of a hiss, swat or bite that turns your child off from cats altogether.
3.Supervision is Required – Because cats are typically very independent, it can be easy to forget that they still need to be supervised all the time when they’re in the same room as a young child. If you’re present when a child pets too roughly or picks Fifi up by her neck, you can put a stop to the behavior before someone is injured or gets upset.
4.Declawing isn’t the Kindest Answer – In preparation for bringing a cat into the house, some new owners opt to have their feline friends declawed. What most of them don’t realize, however, is just how cruel and painful the process is for cats. Rather than having a part of the cat’s body removed because you’re nervous about scratched furniture or children, you may just want to reconsider the idea of adding a cat to the family in the first place. The human equivalent of declawing would be the removal of each of your fingers at the last knuckle.
5.Cats Can Help Kids Learn Responsibility – When your child helps to feed and water his new cat, clean the litter box and look after her, he’s learning very valuable lessons in responsibility and compassion. There are plenty of reasons why adding a cat to the family may be the perfect choice for your family, but this is potentially the best.
6.Sharing is Caring, But Not When it Comes to Chocolate – You may be aware of the fact that chocolate is toxic for dogs, but it’s just as dangerous for cats to ingest. Make sure that your child knows that even though she wants to share her chocolate candy, doing so can make her new cat very, very sick.
7.Cat Scratch Fever isn’t Just a Classic Rock Song – If the only thing that comes to mind when you hear the term “cat scratch fever” is an old Ted Nugent record, you’ll probably want to brush up on the subject before you bring a cat into a house with children. Cat scratch disease is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, and is spread through bites and scratches from an infected cat. While it’s generally not serious, cat scratch disease can cause fatigue, fever, headache, swelling of the lymph nodes and overall discomfort. If your child is showing any of these symptoms, it’s best to inform his doctor that you do have a cat in the family.
8.The Great Outdoors isn’t All That Great – Your child needs to spend plenty of time outdoors engaged in physically active play. Your cat, however, has a statistically higher chance of living a long life and dying of natural causes if it spends its life indoors. Outdoor cats are much more likely to be injured or even killed by other animals and moving vehicles than their indoor brethren.
9.Patience is a Virtue – When you first bring your new cat home, it’s normal for your child to be so excited that she wants to spend every moment with her new friend. As a parent, it’s important for you to understand that your cat will need time to adjust to new surroundings, and may be a bit standoffish until he’s more comfortable in your home.
Cats are beautiful and gracious creatures with their own individual personalities and quirks. For some families, they’re irreplaceable members of the household that are dearly treasured. Others may find them too aloof and disinterested, depending upon the temperaments involved. Before making the decision to bring a cat home, you should make sure that the lifestyle of your household is conducive to caring for a cat.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Can Dogs Cure Asthma?
According to an article in Dog Fancy, a recent study finds that microbes from house dust in homes with dogs appear to protect against the onset of respiratory syncytial virus, a virus that can increase a person's chance of developing childhood asthma.
Researchers fed dust to mice from homes with dogs, and found that these mice did not develop symptoms of RSV infection, which includes lung inflammation and mucus production. They believe that this supports the idea that exposure to dogs in early childhood stimulates the immune system and helps prevent asthma and other allergies.
Researchers fed dust to mice from homes with dogs, and found that these mice did not develop symptoms of RSV infection, which includes lung inflammation and mucus production. They believe that this supports the idea that exposure to dogs in early childhood stimulates the immune system and helps prevent asthma and other allergies.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Buckle Up in NJ
New Jersey police are authorized to ticket drivers with unrestrained animals in their cars. Fines can range from $250 to $1,000. Drivers can avoid a citations by securing their pets in seat belt harnesses or carriers.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Beer for Dogs
Ever want to share a cold one with your dog? Bowser Beer, a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated "beer" for dogs is sold in six-packs in select pets stores and online. It comes in two flavors: Cock-a-Doodle Brew and Beefy Brown Ale.
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