Even the time it takes to run a quick errand is too long to leave your pet in the car on a hot summer day.  Before you run to the store to get “just a couple of things”, you should probably drop Fluffy and Fido off at home. On a sweltering summer day, temperatures in your parked car can rise up to 10 degrees in just 10 minutes. This increase in temperature can quickly add up to 125 or even 150 degrees.  Even with the windows open, the temperature inside your car can still rise to dangerous levels.

Cats and dogs are especially vulnerable to heat. Cats and dogs have thick fur coats that trap heat and don’t allow them to cool. Dogs also lack sweat glands and can only cool themselves by panting. If your pet shows any of the following signs of heat stress this summer, make sure you get them to a lower temperature, provide them with fresh water and contact your veterinarian. Your dog or cat may pant heavily, appear weak, drool or vomit and their eyes may appear glazed if they are affected with heat stress.  This summer, remember to protect your pet from the heat!

The recent tornadoes in Alabama have left many families devastated.  Natural disasters are unpredictable and affect everyone.  Alabama animal rescuers have already started to pull together to help reunite the animals displaced by the storm to their rightful owners.   Please visit the following Facebook pages to help spread the word.  Our hearts go out to all of the victims of these horrible tornadoes.

Greater Birmingham Humane Society

Animals Lost & Found from the Tornadoes in Alabama on 4/27/11

Did you know that April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month? You can show your support for our furry friends by sporting the color orange this month and supporting local animal rescue organizations. However, one of the best ways to prevent animal cruelty is to learn to recognize the signs. If you suspect that an animal is being abused, look for these signs and learn how to report animal abuse to your local authorities.

If you notice a pet that is tied up outside without supervision for long periods of time, especially if that pet is left without clean water, this is an indication that that pet may be abused. Animals that are left outside without shelter during storms and severe weather are also being mistreated. If you notice animals being kept in dirty areas littered with feces or kept in cages too small for them to exercise their full range of motion, those animals are living in unsafe and inhumane conditions.

Abused animals will also show physical signs of their abuse. Abused animals may be extremely thin and show signs of untreated medical conditions. Rashes, scaly skin, severe flea infestations may all be signs of abuse if the owner is not treating them. Additionally abused animals may limp or have injuries that are untreated. If you see someone strike an animal, this is definitely abuse and you should learn how to take action. Protect the pets in your life from abuse and you can be a hero in the fight against animal cruelty.

Getting some fresh air with your pooch can help keep the pounds off. A new study shows that dog owners are 34% more likely to meet the minimum recommended amount of exercise per week.  The study’s writer suggested that walking the dog may provide dog owners with motivation to get moving even when they might not feel like exercising themselves. Man’s best friend is helping many people maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

In all, dog owners are 69% more likely to spend leisure time in doing physical activity. From the approximate one-third of dog owners who don’t walk their dog, a variety of excuses were given as to why they didn’t spend more time with leash in hand. Some felt that their outdoor dog didn’t need to be walked or that they or their dog was too old to go for long walks. However, these dog owners should keep in mind that walking is just as beneficial to their dog as it is to them. Regular exercise helps to prevent obesity, which can cause many more serious health problems. In America, obesity affects many people and pets too. Walking with your dog for just ten minutes a day can make a huge impact on your overall health and well-being, and you can bet it will make a difference for your dog too!

Spring is here! When you’re planting your garden, make sure you keep your pet’s health and safety in mind to ensure that this sunny season is fun for your whole family. Here are a few things to think about this spring to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy.

Research the plants you’re thinking about including in your yard to make sure they aren’t toxic to your pet. Some common plants that are poisonous to cats and dogs include azalea, rhododendron and sago palm.

If you choose to use pesticides in your yard, make sure you store them out of reach of prying paws and curious little noses. Some of the most toxic pesticides include rat poison, fly bait containing methomyl and snail bait with metaldehyde. When you’re using these products on your plants, take care to keep your pet away from areas in the yard where they might ingest or be exposed to poisons.

Your dog might want to play in the grass, but take care that Fido doesn’t get exposed to potentially toxic lawn products. Cocoa mulch, a byproduct of chocolate, can be particularly dangerous to your dog. The sweet, chocolaty smell attracts your dog but cocoa mulch can cause serious health problems if consumed in large quantities.

Finally, make sure your garden tools are stored in a safe place, such as a locked shed. Rakes, sharp shovels and other garden tools could seriously injure your cat or dog if you leave them lying around. Make safety your first priority and you and your pet will be sure to enjoy a beautiful Spring season together.

Watching your kitty frolic under the influence of catnip is quite an entertaining pastime. The effects of the herb often bring out the sillier side of your cat’s personality, making her chase after imaginary friends or roll around on the ground. Although not all cats are affected by the smell of catnip, it is estimated that anywhere from one half to two thirds of felines love the stuff. There are even accounts of big cats like lions and tigers going crazy for catnip. The catnip plant contains an aromatic oil called nepetalactone that has a mild hallucinogenic effect on cats.

You can use catnip for more than just the purpose of entertaining. If your cat is among the felines who are drawn to the scent of catnip, you can use their attraction to the smell to make a new scratching post more attractive. You can also use catnip to help a shy kitty relax around new people. Additionally, scenting your cat carrier with the herb can help distract a nervous feline from the terrors of riding in the car.  Be careful with catnip however if your cat displays aggressive behavior after inhaling the aroma. You certainly don’t want to encourage bad behavior in your feline friend!

Feel like your daily weather report is missing something?  You’ll love this new app from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).  Their new free app called “PetWeather” brings you your daily local weather report along with pet care tips and pictures of cute little four-legged friends. 

The app uses GPS or a zip code you provide to predict the three day weather forecast and how it could affect your pet.  You’ll even receive an alert should the weather take a turn for the worst so that you can take steps to protect your furry friends.  Even if the weather report is less than ideal in the dead of winter, a delightful little picture of an animal that’s related to the weather will be there to brighten your day.  So if it is raining, or snowing, cats and dogs you’ll see a picture of say a puppy in a hat and coat.  To learn more about this app or to download for free, visit the PetWeather page.

February isn’t just for Valentine’s Day; it’s also Pet Dental Health Month!  The American Veterinary Medical Association, a sponsor of Pet Dental Health Month, reminds all pet owners to recognize the importance of keeping their pet’s teeth squeaky clean and plaque free. Most pet owners are unaware of the dangers that can build in their dog and cats’ mouths.  Dental disease is actually the most common ailment for dogs and cats.  A major dental disease for cats and dogs is periodontal disease which is a common infection, and if untreated, can lead to serious medical conditions such as diabetes, strokes and other life threatening conditions. Shocking statistics show that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats will have some form of periodontal disease by age two.  

Dental disease isn’t just bad breath; it can be very painful and adversely affect a pet’s entire body.  If dental disease progresses too much, it will require a professional dental cleaning which is typically performed under anesthesia, and can be costly.  Owners should brush their pets’ teeth daily using toothpaste made specifically for pets.  This can be easier said than done, so if you can’t brush daily try dental treats, chews, or even a drinking water additive.  You can prevent or slow down the development of dental disease by treating your pet’s precious pearly whites just as kindly as you treat your own.

Have you ever discovered that something you thought was common knowledge was actually just plain wrong? It’s not an unusual experience. Even our cuddly, four-legged companions are sources of common misconceptions. Keep reading to find out the truth about cats and dogs.

It is widely believed that table scraps are good for dogs and that a saucer of milk is just the thing for a feline. However, when it comes to keeping your furry friend healthy, it is best to stick to foods specially formulated for their dietary needs. Both cats and dogs are lactose intolerant. Milk may be pleasing to their palates but it can lead to a very upset tummy and can even cause vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, table scraps and human food often contain chemicals, spices and other elements that animals would never have encountered in nature.  However, please be advised also against feeding your pet raw meat. Any bacteria or other unfriendly organisms in raw meat could be spread from your pet’s saliva to you and your family. A good rule of thumb is to stick to high quality, natural or organic pet foods to keep your companion happy and healthy.

Puppy kisses may seem sweet, but you might want to think twice about letting your pooch give you a big wet one. Just take a moment to think about where your dog’s mouth has been. Doesn’t exactly make you want to pucker up, but many people still find themselves enjoying slobbery kisses from their pup. Many veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth with a toothpaste especially formulated for dogs or using dental chew toys to keep your dog’s mouth clean. Regular cleanings can help prevent against a variety of health problems as well as cutting down on the doggy breath.

One last myth that persists in passing as fact is the belief that cats always land on their feet. Unfortunately, though cats are quite nimble creatures, they too are vulnerable to falls. Make sure your windows are secure, especially if you live higher up in the sky. Now that we’ve busted these common myths and misconceptions about your furballs, hopefully you will be able to use your knowledge to give your pet a long and happy life.

An interesting fact of the day, ipad now has apps for your cat!   There are several different games out there.  They are designed to keep your kitty stimulated and of course, up to date with the newest tech trends.  Nate Murray, one of the creators of the app, is confident this app will succeed, “We think it’s a first in competitive video gaming for animals.”

So what would an app for cat look like?  There are several to choose from but most of them are the same concept; something moves across the screen like a mouse or a dot.  Obvious flaws that may occur with such an app include a scratched screen or a dropped ipad.  Another thing to watch out for is that some apps don’t require a password to approve a purchase of an upgraded app, once you are within the game.  Despite these shortcomings, your cat is sure to be entertained by all the wonderful electronic mice.  Most of them are free so it may be worth a try!