Stop the Stank – Avoid the dreaded wet dog smell this spring. That nasty smell is actually bacteria that accumulate in your pet's wet coat. Since coat and skin health is a major problem in dogs, especially breeds with long hair, keep them clean and dry on rainy days with a doggie rain coat, like this one, to avoid a stinky pooch.
Miniature Breed, Big Itch – Has your Miniature Schnauzer got the itch? If his itching is accompanied by small blackheads on his back, he may have Schnauzer Comedo Sydrome, a skin condition that affects only Miniature Schnauzers. Schedule a visit to the vet to get it checked out -- you may need to pick up some antiseborrheic shampoo.
Blame it on the Dog – Gas is a smelly and uncomfortable problem for anyone, including your pet. Take the air out of his caboose by using an elevated feeder, which will cause him to swallow less air and create less flatulence, and by going for walks right after meals.
Vets for Pets
(Our latest blogs to boost your pet health prowess!)
Roll into spring with these helpful, healthful blogs designed to put you in charge of your pet's health:
The Scoop on Cat Litter – Cat litter has come a long way since the 50's, but the myriad of choices make it tough to know which is best for your cat. Check out Dr. Jules Benson's pick for his three cats, and learn how your litter choice can impact your cat's health.
The 411 on CIV – We all fight the flu, and the same goes for Fido. Learn about the Canine Flu Influenza, H3N8, and the health problems it can cause for your pooch.
February Poll Results
My pet's favorite winter activity is:
Walking in a winter wonderland: 65%
Hiding inside until summer: 29%
Getting dressed up for winter fun: 6%
"We're killing our dogs by making them fat."
Pet obesity is a growing problem in this country. Petplan Veterinary Advisory Board Member and celebrity vet Dr. Ernie Ward recently published Chow Hounds, a new book to help responsible pet parents tackle the pet obesity epidemic at home.
I'd like to thank the Society. . .
Petplan is delighted to be attending the HSUS 24th Genesis Awards in Beverly Hills later this month to see Tippi Hedron - former fashion model, actress and mother of Melanie Griffith - honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Tippi has long been an advocate for wild animals, especially large cats, and founded The Roar Foundation's Shambala Preserve in 1983. Congratulations, Tippi!
Surf's Up
If you and your pet are jetting away for a water adventure, make sure he's set with a life jacket designed for dogs. Most dogs are good swimmers, but the added buoyancy and visibility from the jacket will keep him safe (unlike that sand castle he's about to attack).
Blacklisted Breeds
If you plan to travel with your four-legged friend, you may want to check your plans before you check your bags. Some breeds, such as
Rottweillers, Pit Bulls and Brazilian Mastiffs, among others, are restricted from traveling to certain cities, states and countries. Beef up on all travel restrictions at PetTravel.com.
|
The AKC recently released their most popular dog breeds list for 2009. Shockingly, many of these 'most popular' breeds are being found in puppy mills across the country. Puppy mills push out purebred dog breeds in order to profit on their popularity. But their profit comes at a cost. The animals are often malnourished, in poor health and subjected to brutal conditions, all to make a quick buck. That's why the HSUS recommends that you visit the breeder previous to purchasing a new pet to verify the quality of their breeding program and conditions. Better yet, consider adopting a dog whose family couldn't care for him anymore.
You can help stop puppy mills. Sign the pledge at the HSUS website.
See Spot Go
Positioning Animals Worldwide (PAW) recently released a free iPhone app that allows pet owners who have a Spotlight GPS Dog Collar to locate and track their pets in real time. The app even provides turn-by-turn directions to help guide you to Fido's whereabouts.
Turn the Beat Around
Vets are now using expired human pacemakers to help prolong the lives of older dogs with ailing hearts. The pacemakers, donated to veterinary hospitals when they are no longer suitable for human use, speed up slow heart rates in dogs with disorders such as heart block and sick sinus syndrome.
World's Best Daddy
'Dog Whisperer' Cesar Millan's longtime friend, Daddy, died peacefully at age 16 on Friday, February 19th. A gentle and loyal Pit Bull, Daddy was a champion of calm and submissive Pit Bulls everywhere. Daddy was hugely instrumental in helping to repair the image of the largely misunderstood breed. He is sorely missed by animal lovers across the world.
 It's Aliiiiiive – You don't need to wait until Halloween to scare up some fun for your feline. Thing in a Bag shakes randomly to lure your cat to pounce and attack, plus it's claw-resistant (unlike your sofa).
Shake your Shamrock – Your pooch will be seeing green this Saint Patrick's Day when he's dressed in this cute leprechaun costume. Although he's more likely to lead you to the nearest hot dog stand than a pot of gold.
Light up the Night – Make nighttime walks safer with Bright Steps Reflective Leg Bands. These water and weather resistant leg bands will catch the eyes of motorists without restricting movement. They're even machine-washable.
"Healthy Pet!"
Tell us what you do to keep your pet healthy and you could win one of five Planet Dog balls featured in the latest issue of fetch! magazine.
February's Contest Winner
"In early February we got hit hard by storms, with record snowfall totals and brutal blizzard conditions for days. As a pet parent to a very active six year old Sheltie, I was concerned that the deep snow drifts keeping us housebound would cause my poor girl to go stir crazy! So after two days with no walks, we braved the elements and headed outdoors. I couldn't believe how much fun my dog had in the snow! Her happy barking and pouncing around the yard caught the attention of our neighbors, who in turn brought their dogs out. We may not have made it to the dog park all week, but with all the dogs in the neighborhood out playing, we definitely had the best block party ever!"
— Michele D. - Washington, DC
|