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Adopt a Pet Written by: Anna Davies
Taking in a pet from a shelter means you get a one-of-a-kind-companion-and an animal gets a second chance at life. After all, about half of the 6 to 8 million pets that end up in shelters each year are put to sleep. “These are great animals that need good homes due to unfortunate circumstances,” says Eve Adamson, author of Adopting a Pet for Dummies (Wiley). To find a reputable rescue center near you, ask friends or pet supply store owners for recommendations, or check out petfinder.com or pets911.com, where you can search for pets waiting to be adopted in your area.
RULES OF REFUGE
“When visiting the shelter for the first time, try to have a general idea of what type and size you’d like,” says Belinda Mager, spokesperson for the Humane Society of the United States. It also helps to make the initial visit without the kids to avoid distractions.
OLDIES BUT GOODIES
Think seriously about adopting an adult animal. Older animals have usually lived with a family before, and are house-trained and less hyper around people. Ironically, even though they require less supervision and basic training than younger animals, they are often the hardest to find homes for, since most potential pet owners prefer to pick from a litter.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
After selecting a potential pet, make another trip as soon as possible-with the entire family in tow. When you return, ask to spend time with the animal in the visiting room. Pay attention to its behavior. If it seems reluctant to be touched or cries a lot, this may be a sign of a problem. If all goes well and you decide to move ahead with the adoption, most shelters will interview you to ensure that the animal is a good match for your lifestyle. They have the right to refuse adoption in various circumstances, such as lack of proof that a rental home allows pets.
SHELTER SECRETS
Before heading home with your new pet, ask the adoption counselor these questions, says Nancy Peterson, issues specialist at the Humane Society of the United States.
- Has this pet spent time with other animals or children?
- What’s the animal’s health and vaccination history?
- Is the animal house-trained or litter-box-trained?
- Does the shelter offer behavioral classes?
FIND A FELINE FRIEND
In September, 9 Lives will launch the Morris Million Cat Rescue-a national campaign to find loving homes for 1 million homeless cats-featuring a bus tour to 27 cities around the United States. Learn more at 9lives.com
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Pets and Chocolate
The dangers behind everyone’s favorite treat.
Being a finicky eater may not be so bad for animals like cats. Their selective nature keeps them away from food that is potentially dangerous, like chocolate. Dogs, on the other hand, are like young children, they will stick anything and everything in their mouth. While a chocolate candy bar may fulfill a sweet tooth craving for most people, for dogs that candy bar could be fatal to their health. Animals that consume chocolate are at risk due to the ingredient, Theo bromine, found in all chocolate. Theo bromine acts like a stimulant such as caffeine and causes over-stimulation of the nervous system. It can also be found in other dessert favorites like cakes, biscuits, or anything made with chocolate chips, but is used in a much smaller dosage and thus is less threatening for pets. Like anything that is potentially dangerous, the larger the dosage, the more extreme the results. The same is true for the size of the animal. A small amount of chocolate is going to be more toxic for a smaller dog than a larger one, and what may be considered okay for a larger dog, could be fatal for one who is smaller.
The toxicity of the chocolate also depends on the type of chocolate. A piece of baking chocolate has almost 10 times the amount of Theo bromine than milk chocolate, because it is considered purer than other types. If your dog does get into last year’s bag of Easter candy, be sure to check for signs of poisoning or have him checked out by your veterinarian immediately. Reaction signs to chocolate include: vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and death. Also check for an irregular heartbeat, restlessness, frequent urination, tremors, and over-activity, which could indicate a reaction. As with any illness, recovery can take several days, even after being cleared by your vet. Bring in a sample of the chocolate that was consumed to help the vet identify the type of chocolate and determine its level of toxicity.
Pets and Danger Levels
Pets: Chocolate:
- 5 pounds 5 ounces (4 avg. candy bars)
- 10 pounds 10 ounces (1 bag of chocolate bits)
- 25 pounds 25 ounces (part of a 2-pound bag of chocolate pieces)
- 50 pounds 50 ounces (about 3 pounds of chocolate)
- 75 pounds 75 ounces (about 10 large candy bars)
*Note: The level of chocolate is based on the amount of Theo bromine found in milk chocolate. Levels in baking chocolate will be significantly lower.
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Hear to Stay Keeping an eye on your pet’s hearing.
As one of the five key senses, hearing is vital for communication between a man and his pet. With the sound of the garage door opening, a pet knows his owner is home, or the clacking of Kibbles ‘n Bits against the food dish letting him know it’s time for dinner. Taking care of your pet’s ears will ensure that welcome home bark every time.
For cats, the most common type of ear problem is ear mites. Infections are more commonly found in dogs; however, both can experience either one.
Although they’re hard to see with the naked eye, ear mites are brown spots found on the inside of the ear and resemble coffee grounds. Common symptoms include: shaking their head and scratching at their ears. If you do notice these symptoms, take your cat to the vet who can prescribe an over-the-counter medication. While ear mites are not considered contagious, they can infect other pets, so it’s important to get rid of them quickly.
Just as humans can contract an ear infection, so can your dog. Watch for signs of an infection; holding the head at an unusual angle, crankiness, an unpleasant odor coming from the ear, or drainage from the ear. If you suspect an infection, a trip to the vet and proper medication can relive the infection and prevent it from becoming a permanent problem.
Dogs at the highest risk for an ear infection are “long eared” dogs. These include: cocker spaniels, bloodhounds, Labradors, poodles, and other dogs with long, pendulous ears. For these dogs, ear problems are hereditary so it’s important to have them checked out annually. Dogs with hairier ears or have poor ventilation, should also be looked at carefully for infection. According to Dr. Robert E. Foss, DVM and owner of the Ashworth Road Animal Hospital in West Des Moines, IA, “an ear infection could actually be an underlying allergy problem.”
If you are examining your dog and see a foreign object lodged in his ear, refrain from removing it; you might cause even more damage. Also, never use a cotton swab or Q-tip when cleaning your pet’s ears, as it could force anything infectious in the ear even further down.
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Healthful Meals for Cats Feeding guidelines to keep your feline in perfect shape
Healthy living isn’t just for humans. Cats need a well balanced meal rich with vitamins and minerals too. Outdoor cats get their regime taken care of with mice, birds, and other prey found outside. For indoor cats, it may be harder to achieve the nutritional balance, so it’s important to read the food label to make sure you know what you’re feeding him. Limiting your pet to a certain type of product can also cause problems over time.
Accordingly, it is best to feed your cat only canned, semi moist, or dry cat food to insure it’s receiving all of its proper vitamins and minerals. Restricting your cat to certain methods of feeding can cause health problems.
Tuna and Salmon: Cats love the dark-meat found in tuna and salmon products. By feeding your cat the same canned tuna or salmon you would eat, you are depriving him of the essential vitamin E component needed in his diet. This can lead to a dull-colored coat that’s greasy to the touch. To avoid this problem, serve him tuna and salmon products made for cats and other pets, which have the added vitamin E ingredient they need.
An all-fish diet: Along the same lines as the tuna and salmon, feeding your cat other fish that is untreated or what you would serve the rest of your family can cause health problems for him. The untreated fish contain an enzyme that destroys the thiamine in your cat’s system. A cat with too little thiamine may suffer weight loss, convulsions, and neurological disorders. Pet food companies take care of this problem by getting rid of the unwanted enzyme.
Milk: After kittens turn eight weeks old, they no longer need milk as part of their diet. A bowl every now and then is okay, but too much milk can cause diarrhea. This is because adult cats lack the enzyme that digests milk properly.
Home cooked meals: Meals of any kind that are made at home for your cat may not be providing Whiskers with all the vitamins and minerals he needs. Stick to commercially made pet foods or consult
your veterinarian.
Vitamin and mineral supplements: Pets don’t necessarily need vitamin supplements added to their diet if they are eating a well balanced meal. Too much of one vitamin can actually cause health problems. If you think your cat is not getting the proper nutrients he needs, talk to your veterinarian.
Generic cat foods: When shopping for the right pet food for your cat, try to avoid the generic brands. These often are a branch off a large food company whose target is people food. This can lead to pet foods being made with leftovers and by-products. This can also lead to a lack of food testing, to make sure all the proper nutrients actually go into the pet food being distributed, which can lead to false conceptions for the buyer.
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The Start of Something New
Growing up, you always had a pet running around the house to play with. Now that you’re older and have a house and family of your own, you want your children to have that same pet experience. But where do you start? Do you even have time or space for a new addition to the house? Can your family handle the responsibility of a new pet?
For a young family, a “starter pet” such as a fish, hamster, or hermit crab may be the best way to break the mold. These pets require little maintenance or care, and usually cost less than a more traditional pet.
Fish: These make great pets for families who are constantly on the go. While they do require being fed twice a day and a clean bowl once a week, they don’t need exercise or affection to feel content. Also, they are great for slowly transitioning to a needier pet. Start off with an inexpensive goldfish or beta fish in a traditional fishbowl. If you are getting more than one fish, stray away from beta fish, as they are very aggressive and will attack other fish in its bowl. Once you are ready for something a bit more challenging, upgrade to an aquarium.
Hermit Crab: Looking for something low maintenance, inexpensive, and entertaining? The hermit crab is the best pet choice for you! Feeding it twice a day and sprizting it’s shell with warm water to prevent it from drying out, are the only daily maintenance details to complete. About once a month, their bowl should be completely emptied and rinsed out with soap and water too. Letting the hermit walk across your hand, dig holes, or cling to your shirt can provide fun entertainment for the whole family. For health purposes, hermit crabs are odorless and hypo-allergenic, which is great for family members with allergies. As your hermit grows, it will need a new and larger shell. Just put the new shell in its bowl and he should migrate towards it and make it his new home. At your local Petco, the cost of a Red Leg Hermit Crab can run from about .80 cents to $1.50 per crab.
Hamsters, gerbils, and other rodents: Small, minimal care required, cute and cuddly sounds like the perfect pet for any family. These little critters can be fun, but make sure you do your research before going out and buying one. Most gerbils, rats, guinea pigs, and chinchillas are very friendly and social with other rodents and tend to be the best candidate as a “starter pet”, while hamsters can be very hostile, independent, and mean. For smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, a glass cage is your best bet when looking for his new home. Larger rodents and pigs will need more room, so a wire cage is the way to go. Changing their food and water daily and replacing bedding frequently are the only requirements for these guys. Lastly, some states have certain restrictions on the number and kind of rodent you can own, so research or ask a local pets shop for clarification.
If you are still unsure about the type of pet that is right for your family’s lifestyle, hop online. There are tons of web sites dedicated to helping families pick the pet most appropriate for them. Try searching “pet selector” on any search engine, fill out their short questionnaire, and discover which pets fit best for your family! (http://www.selectsmart.com/beta_all/).
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PET PEEVES Written By: Anna Davies
Behavioral issues are among the top reasons why pets are brought to shelters, according to the American Humane Society. Sometimes, small annoyances involving furry pals can erupt into larger-than-life nuisances. We asked Marc Morrone, host of syndicated television show Petkeeping with Marc Morrone, and Monica Collins, creator of the Web site askdoglady.com, what to do when your pet’s behavior ruffles other’s feathers.
Whenever my dog is home alone, he barks nonstop. How do I keep him quiet? “Teach your dog that there’s no need for drama when you leave the house,” says Morrone. Use simple behavioral modification techniques: Leave the room for five minutes, then come back, rewarding him with a treat when he’s calm. “Dogs love a confident leader,” says Collins, and this type of training asserts your authority. If you’ll be gone for a few hours, Collins recommends tiring him out with a long walk or play session before you leave.
My cat is usually friendly, but she recently scratched my daughter’s friend. How should I handle it? Whether it was a playful scratch or a serious nip, your first task is to be up front with the child’s parents, says Collins. For a small swipe let her parents know that you’ll supervise the cat more carefully in the future. From now on consider giving your child’s friends a short introduction to the cat by teaching them how she likes-and doesn’t like-to be played with. If the scratch included a bite, offer to pay any doctor bills, show proof of the cat’s vaccinations and promise that she will always be kept away from the child. If this was not an isolated incident, visit the Humane Society’s petsforlife.org for information on establishing a proper relationship between pets and children.
My neighbor’s cat is always in our yard, scaring away the birds. How do I get him to stay out? Go over to the neighbor’s house and approach the subject in a non-confrontational way. Collins recommends saying something like, “Fluffy is really cute, but I’d rather he not be in our yard.” If the neighbor asks for specific reasons, a simple explanation that you’re a bird lover can communicate that you have nothing against your neighbor-or her pet.
Our dog is a slobbery, jumping mess when people come to visit. Help!
“Everything your pet does, she does because she benefits from the behavior,” says Morrone. So while you find her antics embarrassing, she’s getting the attention she loves from guests who respond to her excitement. The trick is to reward her with the same amount of attention for staying calm. Ask your friends if they’d be willing to offer the dog a small treat when they enter the house, but only allow them to greet her once she’s relaxed. This positive reinforcement will rein in her enthusiasm but not her friendliness. If your guests still back away from your pet’s wagging tail, put her in another room with plenty of toys and play with her when they leave.
Our friends’ hamster died while we were taking care of it. What do I do? “Don’t buy a new one hoping they won’t notice,” says Morrone. Be apologetic, ask if there’s anything you can do and then-and only then-offer to buy a new hamster. Chances are they’ll understand your intentions.
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Finicky Eaters The picky eaters in the family aren’t just the kids anymore.
How do you deal with a pet that won’t eat? The problem with picky eaters generally revolves around the felines of the family. Dogs don’t seem to care what they’re eating or where it came from. Cats, on the other hand, are a creature of habit and are very specific in the kind of food they eat and how
it is served.
To prevent having a finicky companion, start the training when they are kittens. Give them food with a diverse range of flavors and textures. Being able to adjust to different types of food will help your kitten develop a more varied taste palette as they get older. However, cats will adapt to change if they acquire an illness, become obese, or anything else that might mandate a change in their diet.
For cats that have already grown and acquired a likeness to certain foods, they are going to be more difficult to transition. If you haven’t changed the type of food you’re giving the cat and begin to notice a change in behavior, inspect the environment around which the cat eats. Also be careful when putting your cat’s food in a new location or if changing his eating time, which could disrupt his eating habits.
Because a cat’s digestive tract quickly accustoms itself to certain foods and portions, a sudden change in diet may also cause diarrhea. If you must change your cat’s food, do it slowly and gradually. Begin by mixing in a small amount of the new food with a large amount of the old. Over a two or three week time period, gradually mix in more of the new food until it completely replaces the old stuff.
If you regularly feed your pet table scraps, he probably won’t be hungry during scheduled meal time. Also, a pet that lies around the house all day probably won’t be as hungry either. Avoid tempting pets with human food and also remember to exercise or play with your pet everyday to keep its
appetite routine.
If you’ve made minimal changes to your pet’s diet and notice a sudden decrease in his appetite, it could be a sign of health trouble. Constipation, urinary tract infections, and hair balls may cause a cat to stop eating. If your cat continues this eating pattern over a two or three day period, take him to the veterinarian to have him looked at.
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It’s a dog’s world: Next to home and family, dogs are #1.Written by: Candance Ord Manroe
Traditional Home readers are passionate people-not only about their homes, friends, and families, but also about their dogs. (Not to dismiss you cat people, but flip thorugh any issue for proof that dogs are recurring stars in our featured homes, ensconced like royalty on everything from 18th-centruy wingbacks to mid-20th-century modern classics.) It’s no stretch to say a majority of you consider your dogs both friend and family, as well as an essential part of your home. For some, the dog fits into the family hierarchy just below the children. For others, the dogs are the children. Whichever kind of pooch person you may be, we know you want the best for your pet. These products re designed to please not only beloved canines but their two-legged coteries.
When dogs take wing
To make flying with Fido fun, check out your airline’s pet requirements
Cabin mates: Dog must be at least 8 weeks old and small enough to fi tin an approved kennel that stows entirely beneath the seat in front of the passenger.
A rabies certificate: showing shots within the past year is required
$75 fee charged for each one-way flight
Maximum size for kennels: no more than 23 inches long, 13 inches wide, 9 inches tall. Hard-sided kennels like those by Doskocil and soft-sided transports like the Sherpa bag are both allowed. Kennels are available at the ticket office, but the airline recommend using your own and acquainting your dog with it before flying.
No playing allowed. Pet must remain in the kennel entire time abroad the aircraft.
One dog per kennel; two small, same-breed puppies ( up to 6 months old) are allowed if each has room to turn around.
A pet carrier counts as one item of carry-on luggage. Think about it-laptop vs. lapdog-and
prioritize realistically.
Adult breeds not allowed to fly: American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, bull terrier, Doberman pinscher, and Rottweiler. However, puppies up to 12 weeks of age may be allowed.
For larger breeds, flying in the cabin with their owners isn’t an option. With the same $75 one-way fare and required rabies certificate, these dogs may be checked as baggage if the owner is traveling on the same flight. Breeds not allowed in the cabin (see list above) are excluded from flying as
checked baggage.
Snub-nosed dogs will not be allowed to fly when lower-deck temperatures are expected to exceed 75 degrees. Kennels accepted in the lower deck: Series 100,200 and 400. The 500 series may fit some aircrafts; no 700 series kennels accepted.
Jean Lafitte rules New York
Jean Lafitte, a rakish-looking Great Dane who sports a black mark akin to a pirate’s patch over one eye, knows his way around Manhattan. With the help of his owner, Elizabeth Elkins, others can find the city and outlying country chien-friendly, too. Now in its second printing, Elkins’s travel guide, Jean Lafitte: A Great Dane’s Guide to the City ($16), offers information on everything from doggie etiquette (aka obedience school) to tony boutiques where you can purchase your best dog a rhinestone hair clip, monogrammed cashmere sweater, or a matching ensemble for you and your dog in signature Burberry plaid. It includes sections on restaurants that permit pets in their outdoor courtyards; transportation (Madison Avenue Limo is the most luxurious way to tool around the city with your four-legged friend); chic salons and spas, as well as qualified sitters and walkers; and, most important for out-of-towners, canine-accommodating hotels. For information, call Jean Lafitte International (410/770-8868).
Angus Weare: It began as a bright red sweater on a Westie’s back.
When Traditional Home featured the 1840 Greek Revival home of designer Lesley Potter and her husband, Dr. William Walters, in our 1999 Holiday issue, we were pretty sure we were offering readers what they wanted: a charming house off the beaten path on a little lobster-fishing island 20 miles from the coast of Maine. Well, we brought you what you wanted, and them some: Angus MacGregor, the family’s West Highland terrier, looking irresistible in a handwoven red sweater crafted by Lesley. You, our readers, deluged her with letters asking where to find the sweater for your own dogs.
As enterprise, with products nearly as appealing as Angus himself, was born. Today AngusWeare offers hand-knit sweaters, plus other products like beds and sheepskin mats. “It all started one winter day when Angus was getting his picture taken for Traditional Home, “ recalls Lesley. “Calls just flooded in about that sweater of his: ‘Where could one find such a sweater? Could there be others?’” The answer is yes. For more information on AngusWeare, visit angusweare.com.
How popular is your dog?
Here’s the AKC’s top-10 list.
Ask any dog lover the best breed, and she’ll name her own. But thanks to the American Kennel Club, there’s a more objective method to gauge popularity. This year’s records for all AKC-registered dog breeds in the United States reveal that the Labrador retriever is America’s most popular pooch. “The Lab has been the most popular for years, “ says an AKC representative in New York. Hard on the heels of No. 1 is the golden retriever, who lags just behind, we suspect, because of its longer, more high-maintenance-and more lustrous-coat. (OK. I admit it. This writer is the proud owner of a golden who’s second to none.)
TOP 10: 2003
- Labrador retriever
- Golden retriever
- German shepherd
- Dachshund
- Beagle
- Yorkshire terrier
- Poodle
- Boxer
- Chihuahua
- Shih Tzu
How popular is your dog: Updated 6 August 2007
How popular is your dog?
Each year the American Kennel Club unveils the coveted top 10 list of the year’s most popular pooches. While every dog owner believes their dog should be number one, this unbiased list is comprised of all the AKC-registered dog breeds in the United States. It comes as no surprise that this year’s winning breed is the Labrador retriever. “The Lab has been the most popular for years,” says an AKC representative in New York. Close behind is the Yorkshire terrier and the German shepherd.
TOP 10: 2006
- Labrador retriever
- Yorkshire terrier
- German shepherd
- Golden retriever
- Beagles
- Dachshunds
- Boxers
- Poodles
- Shih Tzu
- Miniature Schnauzer
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Crafts for Little Kids
ADORABLE DISH
Creating a special dish for your furry companion.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
Pet food
Enamel paints in colors you like
Paintbrushes
Alphabet stickers (find at scrapbook stores)
HERE’S HOW:
- Paint the rim and the side of the dish. To avoid paint getting in your pet’s food, leave the inside of the dish unpainted. Paint stripes, flowers, dots, or other small designs. To paint dots, dip the handle of a paintbrush into paint and dot onto the surface. Make flower petals using a small paintbrush. To paint stripes, use a flat paintbrush. Let dry.
- If you like, outline some of the designs with black paint. Let dry.
- Add alphabet stickers to the side of the dish to spell a name. Press the stickers into place in a straight or wavy line.
*Create something special for your best animal friend-a painted food dish with his or her name on it!*
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Animal House Written by: Anna Davies
For many pet owners, one cute, furry friend just isn’t enough-45 percent of U.S. households have more than one animal. Multiple pets create additional cuddly fun for humans-and can provide companionship for each other, especially when family members aren’t home. To ensure that no fur flies as the tail count increases, read on.
PET PAL PLANNING
To help you decide which type of animal will be the best buddy for your current pet, Amy Shojai, author or PETiquette:Solving Behavior Problems in Your Multi-Pet Household ( M. Evans and Company, Inc.), suggests keeping in mind LEASH-an acronym for Lineage, Environment. Age, Spaying/Neutering
and Health.
- Lineage: Talk with your vet, and research the breeds you have and want. For example, terriers were originally bred to chase small animals, so a wheaten might not be the best pal for your bunny.
- Environment: Try to have no more pets than bedrooms, to avoid overcrowding. Even if your home is small, make sure each pet has its own area with a bed and toys that belong only to him. With a cat and a dog, allow enough “vertical space”-like a cat condo-so the cat can escape from the dog.
- Age: Pets’ ages affect their compatibility. For instance, two middle-aged animals might vie for dominance. The best combinations: two young animals that can learn from each other and enjoy playing together: and a friendly older animal that acts as a role model for a younger pet.
- Spaying/neutering: This is a must to temper hormonal behaviors, especially if you have two dogs or two cats competing for supremacy, or if your outdoor pet plays with others.
- Health: All potential pets should be in good health to avoid physical or emotional stress. An unwell pet may act aggressively toward a newcomer or be bullied.
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HEAT STROKE: THE PREVENTABLE KILLER
In warmer weather, many people will be looking to enjoy outdoor activities with family, friends and pets. It is very important to recognize that dogs and cats are very susceptible to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a potentially fatal syndrome that occurs when heat production overwhelms the body’s ability to dissipate heat. This can be compounded by several factors. These factors may be environmental (high ambient heat and humidity) or medical (obesity, laryngeal paralysis, airways disease, and heart disease). The main effects of heat stroke occur when the body’s temperature is maintained much higher than normal. Core temperatures are often in excess of 108 degrees. At these elevated temperatures, all the systems of the body are disrupted. Energy systems fail, proteins denature, and enzyme systems become inoperative leading to cell death. As more cells systems fail, major organ failure ensues and the death of the patient.
One of the most common causes of heat stroke in dogs is confinement in a closed automobile, in which temperatures can reach dangerous levels in a few minutes. Cats are commonly affected by being trapped in clothes dryers. Many pets are left outside during very hot weather without shade or water. This problem is compounded by the humidity levels that typically accompany our summers. Dogs that are exercised during peak heat times (late morning through early evening) are predisposed to heat stroke.
It should be understood that heat stroke is a major medical emergency that often progresses to death if not properly and aggressively treated. The early stages of heat stroke therapy are aimed a cooling the patient and dealing with shock, bleeding disorders and intestinal problems. The later stages of heat stroke involve acute kidney and liver failure. These patients will require very intensive therapy to maintain these body systems. Despite aggressive therapy, many patients may still died from
this syndrome.
Heat stroke is completely preventable. In the height of the summer heat, pets should be kept in a climate controlled area. They should always have access to fresh water. If they must be outside, areas that are always shaded and have good ventilation are essential. Large volumes of fresh water should always be available. Dogs should never be made to run when it is hot. It is important to remember that a dog can develop heat stroke in less than 5-10 minutes in a closed car. That is less than the time it takes to get the mail from the post office or pick up some milk at the market.
If you think your pet may have heat stroke, this is a major medical emergency. He/she should be taken to the nearest emergency center. All Pets Emergency & Referral Center specializes in treatment of heat stroke and all other veterinary emergencies. We are conveniently located on Highway 9 between McFarland Road and Windward Parkway. We are open nights, weekends and on all holidays to help you and your pet. If you need more information, call (678) 366-2125
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Duluth, Ga. July 26, 2007— If you have a dog that suffers from the hip pain of arthritis or dysplasia, there is a great, new product to help your pal.
Deborah Pittman, a stay-at-home mom in Duluth, Ga., created the HipHug for her 12 year-old Golden Retriever, Gracie. Gracie has hip arthritis so Pittman went on-line to find some help. “All I could find were electric floor pads, something my vet didn’t recommend. I wanted something that would cuddle my dog.” So armed with a sewing machine, a small budget and the encouragement of her vet, the HipHug was born.
The HipHug (Pat.Pend.) is a 100% cotton, rice-filled blanket that heats in the microwave. The moist heat cuddles the dog’s hips and lower back, easing joint pain and relaxing muscles.
Pittman definitely has a market. Statistics show that 1 in 5 dogs will get arthritis. That’s 8 million dogs in the U.S. alone! The Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine reports that 50% of large breed dogs will develop dysplasia. Medium and small breeds, and even cats, are not immune to these diseases. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends several things to help relieve joint pain in dogs. Maintaining healthy weight to reduce stress on joints, monitored exercise, and providing warmth for the joints are great ways to help your pet. Just as in people, animals will have more joint pain in cold, damp weather and will seek the comfort of heat.
The HipHug is recommended by the Pleasant Hill Animal Hospital, Medlock Bridge Animal Hospital and Atlanta Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness.
To find a HipHug, visit Precious Pets in Historic Norcross, Top Dogs in Roswell, The Pet Set in Perimeter Mall and Bloomin’ Tails in Buford.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail Pittman at: thepittman@comcast.net , call 770.365.9346
or visit the web-site, www.hiphug.net, beginning October 1st, 2007.
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![gracie green[150]](./gracie_green_150_.jpg "gracie green[150]")
