Pet Connection | Spotlight E.P. News

Archive for 'Pet Connection'

Feed Your Feline

Posted on 10. May, 2012 by admin.

This week’s column is an excerpt from the just-released book, “Your Cat: The Owner’s Manual.” To get the entire first chapter free, visit www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker.

Don’t assume dogs know the rules for water safety

Posted on 26. Apr, 2012 by admin.

Warm weather came early this year to much of the country, and that means lakes and rivers — and even swimming pools — are already being enjoyed by dogs who love to swim. But every spring, as my field-bred retrievers (who happily swim year-round) greet new dogs at the river’s edge, I see dogs at risk of drowning.

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CAT TRAPS

Posted on 28. Oct, 2011 by admin.

As is customary during this time of year the Animal Services Program will limit the number of cat traps made available to the public during the Halloween season, the Environmental Services Department announced today.

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DOGS WELCOME

Posted on 14. Oct, 2011 by admin.

Our culture has become very pet-friendly, but as much as I love this shift in attitude, I am also aware that some people don’t approve of the change, especially when other people start planning to bring dogs home for the holidays.

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WILD THINGS – Feral-cat management offers alternative to killing

Posted on 29. Jul, 2011 by admin.

The very reason our ancestors first decided they wanted cats around is used today to argue against allowing any cats to roam freely: They hunt, efficiently.

The predatory skill that cats brought to eliminating rodents in grain storage is now labeled a danger to endangered species and prized songbirds. That’s another good reason for keeping pet cats inside, but what to do with the ferals — pets gone wild and their unsocialized offspring?

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BREATHLESS

Posted on 07. Jul, 2011 by admin.

Mother Nature usually does things pretty economically, trying to get genes passed on from one generation to the next with a minimum of fuss.

When people step in and start mucking about is usually when the troubles begin. When we breed for a particular look (rather than for a purpose intended to maximize the chances of passing on genes), function gets tossed out the window at the expense of form, and things can get bogged down pretty quickly.

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Fun ferrets need owners who keep them out of trouble

Posted on 24. Jun, 2011 by admin.

“I’ve never had to bring him to the vet before, because he’s never been sick …”

At the animal hospital, I hear this same declaration every day from pet owners about their sick pets, regardless of the species they own. And here’s the catch-22: If these folks had brought in their pets before they were sick, instead of waiting until after they showed signs of illness, their pets might not have become ill in the first place.

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CUT PET CARE COSTS

Posted on 10. Jun, 2011 by admin.

Today, the human-animal bond is stronger than ever. The more tumultuous the world is around us, the tighter we cling to our beloved pets. They soothe us with their predictability and unconditional love, and they consistently give in excess of what they receive. Imagine then, the heartache someone feels when it’s necessary to cut back on a pet’s health care because of financial hardship.

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KINDEST CUP OF ALL

Posted on 26. May, 2011 by admin.

The first spaying I ever watched was in a small rural practice in 1958 when I was 13 — the same time I first became interested in veterinary medicine.

The surgery was performed using ether and catgut suture from a spool that had to be manually threaded onto a needle. There was no surgical cap, mask, gown or gloves, and only a postage stamp-sized surgical drape. There was no pain medication, and the ovaries were pulled up to the incision by tearing their attachment to the abdominal wall. This was the state of the art at that time.

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ONE THE MOVE – Simple, safe steps for moving with a cat

Posted on 11. Mar, 2011 by admin.

One of the most pervasive myths about cats is that they care more about places than people.

It’s true that cats are territorial and will seek out familiar places when stressed, which is why they sometimes attempt to return to their old homes when moved. But they’ll be much happier going where you go if you take steps to ease their transition from one home to another.

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SHOW YOUR LOVE – Want a happy pet? Give attention, exercise and preventive care

Posted on 10. Feb, 2011 by admin.

Study after study shows that people are not only crazy about pets, but they also love to spend money on them — even when money is tight.

We’re certainly not arguing against buying that perfect dog collar or cat toy, but we do want you to know that you don’t have to buy a lot of things for your pets to care for them well.

In fact, some of the best gifts you can give your pet don’t cost any money at all and require only your attention. In this week’s Valentine’s Day spirit of giving the best to those we love, we offer a few suggestions that will make you and your pet happier and healthier — and may even save you money in the long run.

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FELINE MYTH-BUSTING | Understanding your cat the first step to better care

Posted on 06. Jan, 2011 by admin.

Some people are born into cat-loving families, while others have cats thrust upon them. And then, of course, there are those who independently make the decision to take up life with a cat.

Cat lovers are members of an exceptional club. A relationship with a cat can be joyful, entertaining and sometimes frustrating, but in the end, it’s always rewarding. Life with a cat is special, if you know what to expect.

Cats are so connected to myths and misconceptions that it’s no wonder they are often misunderstood. I want to help you separate fact from fiction.

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WALK ON! Exercise keeps your pet healthy and out of trouble, too

Posted on 24. Nov, 2010 by admin.

Does your dog have the basics — food, water, shelter and veterinary care — but never does anything but sit around? Pretend your house is an exhibit at the zoo. You wouldn’t want visitors to come by, look at your dog inactive and bored, and think, “Oh, that poor thing!” would you?

A dog’s body is made for motion — as a hunter and a scavenger — and thanks to centuries of selective breeding, also for countless physical tasks in the service of humankind. If you want to see it for yourself, just watch for your dog’s prey drive.