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…

Just think, a super-smart dog with a super-sensitive nose was able to detect CANCER in his owner!  That’s right, cancer.  Without the aid of x-rays, probes, biopsies or anything else, Paula-Bockman-Chato, of Kellyville, Australia was first tipped off by her pet saluki Kaspar.  First assuming that the dog was being overly affectionate–constantly sniffing and nuzzling under her arm–she really didn’t think anything of it.  “He kept putting his nose in my armpit and sometimes he’d put his paw in there as well.  I was totally unaware there was a problem until he kept focusing on that spot,” says Bockman-Chato.  However, a medical check revealed early signs of lymph node cancer in the exact same spot were Kaspar had been incessantly sniffing.

Wow!  A dog with a nose for cancer!  Yet another reason why us dogs rock! I don’t know about you, but Kaspar definitely deserves a top-dog award—or at least some new dog toys— for this one.  If he can sniff out potentially fatal diseases, who knows what else this wonder dog can do.  Hey, Kaspar…Just let me know when you’re ready to open up your practice–I’m there!

Until then, here’s a few pictures of the majestic Saluki dog, which dates back the Pharoah and is one of the oldest pure breed dogs in the world.

Max

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.

That’s right, they’ve crafted some pretty cool digs for dogs, and I thought that if I blogged about them and a few others I found, my Mom and Dad might consider getting one for me.  Normally, I live in the house with my family, but for those times when I need my privacy or just want some quiet time–this would be great!  Here’s hoping…

Creating a special place for pets who like to be outside, they’ve done a great job capturing the dog’s personality, matching the little house to the big house and even creating some fantasy dream homes.  If you’re thinking about having one made for your pet, you can get the details on their website http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1076402-2,00.html

Doggie Home Decor?!

Since I’m not much for fancy pictures on the wall, it seems to me that toys make the perfect home decor!  What’s a dog house –or any house for that matter –without toys?  I don’t know, but I wouldn’t want to live there!  Whether your pet has a palace of his/her own or resides in the house with you, don’t forget to accessorize with chew toys, plush toys and toys that help us exercise.  Feel free to scatter them around for that authentic lived-in look.  No matter which dog toys you choose, they have a way of making any place feel like home.

Remember, no matter where you live–home is where the heart is!

Max

What happens next?

Sometime in the next millenium (or maybe the next minute, no one knows for sure), life as we know it will cease, according to this article and lots of Evangelical Christians.  It’s called the Rapture, a time when Jesus returns to the earth to carry all his believers to heaven with him.  It’s their eternal reward.  But what about the rest of us?  It seems to me that there will be plenty of people–and possibly some pets–who will be left behind.  That’s where this company comes in.

Who are these people?

Since they’re a group of pre-screened, moral, non-criminal atheists, the folks at Eternally Earth-Bound Pets say that they’ll be around when that happens.  Wow!  Talk about a business opportunity!  All those pets needing to be rescued, and there they will be to help them.  For a mere $115 (plus $15 for each additional pet) they will retrieve your pets and care for them while you’re eternally “away.”  Could this be a pet lover’s paradise—the ultimate in pet care that gives them the best of both worlds?  Or, are they simply “praying” on pet owner’s just to make a few kibbles and bits?

Who knows!  But, one thing’s for sure.  It’s best to take care of your pet while you’re alive and with them.  Don’t wait until after you’re gone.  Shower us with love, spend time with us and get us a great cat or dog toy every now and then.  We’ll thank you for it…or should I say, we’ll be eternally grateful.

My suggestion: If you think you’ll find yourself in this predicament, it’s probably just as easy to will your pet to your unbelieving friend.   Your pet has someone you already know to care for it after you’re gone and you didn’t have to shell out $115 bucks!