Admit it! Sometimes you cringe when a dog (or any dog, for that matter) gives you those big, sloppy, wet kisses on your face, don’t you? It’s not that you don’t love us like crazy. You just might find it a little icky from time. My mom and dad call it “getting slimed.”  Well, the next time you get slimed, think about this…

FOX news reports researchers have found that the DNA on my tongue might be the key to new treatments for rare cancers in both humans and dogs.

According to FOX news, “The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), developed the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium, to understand why people and their pets get sick. The study used saliva, blood and tumor samples of dogs volunteered by private pet owners for testing in hopes that by studying canine cancer, oncologists can determine the cause of human cancers.”

A

Why Dogs Matter!

“Rare diseases in humans also show up in dogs. By studying the DNA of canines, we expect to more quickly discover the genomic causes of disease and more quickly find ways to better treat dogs, and people,” said Dr. Mark Neff, director of the new TGen-VARI Program for Canine Health and Performance.

The testing, approved by the American Kennel Club and Morris Animal Foundation, will be animal-safe, and funding will be supported by private donors, along with a $4.3 million dollar federal stimulus grant.

They said cancer is the cause of death for nearly 50 percent of all dogs older than 10-years-old. Pretty scary, but I think I speak for all my canine comrades when I say we’re glad we can help change that for the better. Since my mom and dad found out about this, they let me slime them to my heart’s content!

If it were only just a few bad apples…

I guess it would be different if there were only a few cases.  But, there are reportedly 8 million dogs is Britain (yep, 8 million–that’s almost two times the human population of Atlanta where I live.)  With what probably seems like a dog on every corner, the sheer volume alone would increase the chances of getting attacked.

With hospital admissions and court cases involving dangerous dogs on the rise, incidents went from 35 in 2002-2003 to 719 in 2008-2009, according to the Metropolitan Police.  The number of dog-fighting complaints has also soared tenfold since 2004 with 284 reported cases in 2008.  Egad!!

Help is on the way!

What are our four-footed friends and their parents across the pond thinking?!  I’m not sure, but I’m glad that there’s proposed legislation to curtail this behavior and hold the owners responsible.  If it passes, micro chips and pet insurance would be mandatory.  At least this way, authorities could easily identify the owners of vicious dogs, and the insurance would ensure that victims got necessary treatment and compensation for their injuries.

The new legislation was proposed, and postal workers reportedly rejoiced–apparently they’re the butt of a lot of attacks in Britain, with approximately 6,000 incidents last year alone.

However, some don’t feel that it’s the right approach and would essentially create a “dog tax” because of the increased expense of insurance, which dangerous dog breeders could easily avoid getting.  According to Ryan O’Meara, chief editor of K9 Magazine, “There is nothing in this that is preventative.  If you put a chip in a dangerous dog, the bite will hurt you just as much.”  So true, Ryan, so true…

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen top the list of human medications most poisonous to pets.

“The Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) offers tips for the prevention of pet poisoning caused by human medications.

Justine A. Lee, DVM, DACVECC, associate director of veterinary services at the helpline, said as far as animal poisonings go, “they are unfortunately very, very common.” The 24-hour helpline is available throughout North America for veterinary professionals and pet owners who need help treating a potentially poisoned pet.

Tens of thousands of phone calls are fielded on human prescription drugs, rat poisons and environmental/home toxins, Lee said. Nearly half the calls involve over-the-counter and prescription medications for humans.”

Below are the top 10 human medications most frequently ingested by pets.

1. NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve and Motrin) Common household medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) top the list. The names include ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and some types of Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
   .
2. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) Even though this drug is safe, this is not true for pets—especially cats. One regular strength tablet of acetaminophen may cause damage to a cat’s red blood cells.
   .
3. Antidepressants (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro) While occasionally used in pets, overdoses can lead to serious neurological problems such as sedation, incoordination, tremors and seizures. Pets, especially cats, seem to enjoy the taste of Effexor and often eat the entire pill. One pill can cause serious poisoning.
   .
4. ADD/ADHD medications (e.g. Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin) Minimal ingestions of these medications by pets can cause life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heart problems.
   .
5. Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta) About half of the dogs who ingest sleep aids become agitated instead of sedate. In addition, these drugs may cause severe lethargy, incoordination and slowed breathing in pets.
   .
6. Birth control (e.g. estrogen, estradiol, progesterone) Large ingestions of estrogen and estradiol can cause bone marrow suppression, particularly in birds. Additionally, female pets that are intact are at an increased risk of side effects from estrogen poisoning.
   .
7. ACE Inhibitors (e.g. Zestril, Altace) Pets ingesting small amounts of this medication can potentially be monitored at home, unless they have kidney failure or heart disease.
   .
8. Beta-blockers (e.g. Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg) Small ingestions of these drugs may cause serious poisoning in pets. Overdoses can cause life-threatening decreases in blood pressure and a slow heart rate.
   .
9. Thyroid hormones (e.g. Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid) Large acute overdoses in cats and dogs can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, a rapid heart rate and aggression.
   .
10. Cholesterol lowering agents (e.g. Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor) Most “statin” ingestions only cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Serious side effects from these drugs come with long-term use. <HOME>

You know us pets. We love “see food.” If we see food, or anything else small and enticing, we eat it, so whatever drops on your floor is fair game. Thanks for thinking of us when you have something potentially dangerous hanging around the house!

So, now that we’re starting a new year, let’s make good dog and cat health our number one resolution by saying goodbye to common pet poisons…because it’s not the big stuff that seems to get most pets in trouble, but the things that kind of fly under the radar.  To help make sure that you and your parents keep an eye out, here’s a list of the Top 10 Pet Poisons for 2010, according the ASPCA:

Human Medications

It goes without saying that swiping them off counter tops and nightstands is a no-no.  But, that’s not the only way we get them.  We sometimes gobble them up off the floor when they fall and can’t be found by our parents.  It’s amazing how our keen eyes can see them!  And, just like that–you have another pet in danger.  That’s why year after year, human medications have topped the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, with over 45,000 calls related to prescription and over-the-counter drugs.  Please, for pet’s sake, tell your parents to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets and pick them up off the floor when they fall.

Insecticides

Surprisingly, one of the most common incidents last year involved the misuse of flea and tick products.  Yep…the thing that’s supposed to help us can actually hurt us!  The problem arises when the wrong product is used to treat the wrong species.   So, parents, if you’re not sure what’s bugging us, talk to your veterinarian before applying any flea and tick formulas.

People Food

Although this stuff tastes good to people (and it might even taste good to some of us pets), it’s really not good for us at all.  Foods like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can cause serious problems.  Accounting for more than 17,453 cases last year,  it’s obvious that people food is not pet food.  And what’s the biggest offender?  Chocolate!  It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures in pets.  Yikes!

Plants

Ah, plants…they’re everywhere.  While they are good to look at, they’re not good to eat.  Fascinating little foliage, like azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, kalanchoe and schefflera, is often found in homes and can be harmful to us. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, causing life-threatening kidney failure.  Best advice:  Be sure the plants are off the floor and out of reach.

Veterinary Medications

I know you’re saying, how did this make the list?!  But, the truth is that even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed.  Common culprits are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.  As a pet, you really don’t have much say in the application of the medication, so remind your Mom and Dad to read the instructions and call the vet if there are any questions.  Your health depends on it.

Well, that’s the top 5.  Rodenticides, household cleaners, heavy metals (like lead found in paint chips and linoleum), garden products and chemical hazards round out the list.  To get the full info and how to prevent toxic exposures, visit the ASPCA website at http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-15-10.html.

Just doing my part to keep pets safe!

-Mittens

Pets get diabetes?

Yes.  An estimated one in 200 cats and one in 500 dogs globally have been diagnosed with the disease.  Yet, many people don’t even realize that dogs and cats can get diabetes, which is a disease caused by a lack of insulin that affects the level of glucose, or sugar, in your blood.  Glucose comes from the food that you eat, and insulin is required to process glucose so that it can be absorbed in the body.  The problem comes when there is too much insulin, not enough or what is being produced isn’t absorbed and builds up in the body.  Ironically, it affects us the same way that it affects humans and can lead to cataract formation in dogs and hind leg weakness in cats.

What to watch for?

According to Dr. M. Margaret King, a longtime veterinarian in Edmond, OK, here are some initial symptoms of diabetes to be on the lookout for:

• Excessive thirst and urination
• Possible sudden weight loss
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Lack of energy and listlessness
• Excessive hunger while losing weight
• Lethargy (less active/sleeps more)
• Cloudy eyes (dogs)
• Doesn’t groom (cats)
• Thinning, dry and dull hair

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please have your Mom or Dad take you in for a diabetes screening.  Your veterinarian will be able to determine whether you do or don’t have the disease and set a course of action.  While it’s true, insulin injections are likely the best way to restore and maintain proper insulin levels, there are also some other factors that play an important role in your health.

Prevention is the key!

Since being overweight is a leading cause of diabetes, diet, exercise and regular check-ups for early detection are helpful in staying healthy before problems occur and even after diagnosis. Your veterinarian can recommend a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that provides the extra energy need without the extra carbs that can turn into excess sugar.  Consistent timing and size of meals will also help a lot.  Here’s what you can do for a healthier you:

Eat fewer treats! I know that’s a hard one, but push back from the bowl buddy.

Eat healthier foods. All-natural products with plenty of protein and no fillers or byproducts are great for your digestive system.

Get out there and play! Even if you’re an indoor pet, there are plenty of toys for dogs and cats that encourage exercise, like this light beam cat toy.

Take your owner out for a walk around the block. A consistent exercise routine will work wonders for your waistline!

As always, your veterinarian is the best resource for information.  You may also contact the American Diabetes Assocation and visit petdiabetesmonth.com for more additional resources regarding Pet Diabetes Month.

Chanel’s Sweet Story

When she was only six weeks old, tiny Chanel was adopted from a shelter in Newport News, VA by Denice Shaughnessy, who was in the army at the time. Thank you, Denice! Her new army life enabled Chanel to spend nine years in Germany, and we figure she already knew the language.

Official Status!

Chanel’s dad Karl Shaughnessy discovered the Guinness Book of Records had no entry for the World’s Oldest Dog, so he nominated her, and she was presented with a certificate as the World’s Oldest Dog this past May.

We’re grateful to Chanel for setting the pet life-expectancy bar so high, and we’d also like to express our sincere gratitude to Denice and Karl Shaughnessy, who gave Chanel the chance to love and be loved—and to live the very long, happy life she might never have had.  A very big Pet Power salute to all of you, from Mittens and Max!

Invisible Fence Brand owners Phillip and Kathie Vroman, in conjunction with the their parent company, say their passion is animals, and they are giving back to the communities across the country that have always been good to their business.  Mittens and I applaud them for finding such a wonderful way to give back.

The masks are intended to work with a variety of pets and can be used in smoke-inhalation cases, ice rescues and other times when pets need an air supply. The masks come in sets of three, each one a different size to accommodate most all pets. Human masks have been tried on pets before, and they just don’t work over a dog’s nose and mouth.

Firefighters, especially the ones who have pets of their own, are thrilled to have the equipment, and we’re thrilled for them! Four paws up for the Vromans!