Jealous rage ends in murder: of a cat

Norman the cat
Some men apparently need all of the attention, even when they’re competing against a cat for a woman’s affection.
Trial began in New York on Wednesday for former New York Mets minor leagurer Joseph Petcka, 37, who is accused of kicking his girlfriend’s cat to death. The prosecutor told the jury that the cat, named Norman, died a very painful death: broken teeth, broken ribs, a broken leg, a torn tongue and massive internal injuries.
Petcka “killed Norman simply because he was an angry, jealous and and drunken bully, Assistant District Attorney Leila Kermani said in her opening remarks, according to the Associated Press.
If convicted, Petcka faces up to two years in jail, but that isn’t enough. Norman’s owner, Lisa Altobelli, a Sports Illustrated writer, said Petcka had complained six weeks before Norman’s death that she “loved that cat more than you love me.” With a jerk like this, who can blame her.
As you can tell from the photo, Norman was a sweet cat and even if he did bite Petcka, as the sometime actor — who has appeared in Brawny paper towels commericials and had small parts in “Sex and the City” — claimed, I have no doubt he deserved it.
If Petcka is Norman’s killer, he didn’t even have the balls to tell Altobelli what he’d done. She found Norman’s battered body under her bedside table.
You can read a longer version of the story here What punishment would fit this awful crime?

Mercury News.com

What to do if you have lost an animal

The following information may help you find your lost pet.
Do a thorough search of your property and surrounding neighbourhood. Look in sheds, under buildings, in parks especially along waterways - anywhere your animal could be trapped - and look inside ceilings for cats.
Ask your neighbours and people you see out walking their dogs. Ask about females in season if your animal is male and entire.
Do a letter drop and put notices up in your local shops. Include information such as a description and photo (if possible) of the animal and a contact phone number. Put the date lost on all notices.
Ring all the local veterinary clinics and extend this outward. A person often picks up an animal and takes it to a clinic they know, not necessarily the closest one.
Contact all Animal Shelters in your city. For example, the Lort Smith Animal Hospital (in Melbourne) have had animals brought in from as far away as Seymour (110 kms), Geelong (80 kms) and Dandenong (45 kms) as they are one of the few shelters open at night (till midnight). The shelters will record information about your pet and ring you if an animal fitting that description comes in. They need information on the area your pet was lost in, the breed and colour of your pet, its age, whether it was wearing a collar and/or ID. They will need contact numbers and names should the animal come to their shelter. They also record this information for found animals and can sometimes put owner and finder together.
Contact your local Council and all Councils in the surrounding area. Visit each pound and check road depots (in case your animal has been killed on the road). Also find out if your council has an arrangement with a shelter to pick up stray animals, especially at night. For example, both the RSPCA and the Lost Dog's Home contract for ranger services here in Melbourne.
Update your details if you have moved address since you registered your pet with your council or, if your pet is microchipped, the microchip record company. At this time notify them you have lost your pet.
Advise your local police.
Visit all shelters in your city. This is especially important for the bigger shelters such as the Lost Dogs' Home and RSPCA. Sometimes the guess of breed or age is wrong. This is particularly important with cats, as they aren't as easily described.
Advertise the loss of your pet in local newspaper and the big city dailies. Check all papers thoroughly. Look in all columns dealing with animals and the "Lost and Found".
Contact your local radio stations. Some will make free announcements however the best approach is to ask for help not demand an announcement.
Contact your breed's association - often clubs have a "rescue service" set up to retrieve animals of their breed from public facilities and house them until either the original owner can be traced or a new home arranged.
Please note, thought should be given to how much private information is given on lost and found notices, either as paper flyers or on Internet sites such as Pet Alert, especially if a reward is offered. Unfortunately there have been reports of cruel hoaxes played on distressed pet owners looking for their pets. Keeping back an easily determined piece of information about your pet (such as one white paw or other obvious marking) may help identify your pet and a hoax from a genuine reply.
Please remove all posters from public property and inform all others that were aware of the search after the animal has been found, or after a reasonable amount of time has passed. This makes it easier for the next person who is looking for assistance.

What to do if you have found an animal
The following information may help you find an animal's owner if you have found a pet.
If you find a pet always the first thing you must do is confine it. Don't put it in with your pet/s as this may lead to fighting and injury to either the found animal or your pet/s.
Do not let the animal go back on the street. This can lead to the pet being injured or killed, and may result in a car accident that could harm a human.
If the animal is wearing a collar then take it off and look for any tags. If there are no tags check the inside of the collar as some people will write a phone number or name there. put it back on when you have finished.
Try to identify as much about the animal as you can. Is it male or female and has it been desexed? Look for ear tattoos inside both ears. Some pedigree dogs have numbers tattooed inside their ears as do dogs that have been sold from the Lost Dogs Home here in Melbourne. The desexing tattoo is a circle made up of about a dozen dots with a line through it. It can be in blue, green or black ink and is usually in the left ear (though not always). A M tattoo Iusually right ear) indicates a microchip however not all dogs that are microchipped will be tattooed.
Have the pet scanned for a microchip at your local vet or at a shelter. Please note not all vets have a scanner so check with them first before taking the pet to them. Also microchips sometimes don't scan - the chip might not be compatible with the scanner being used, or it has moved so that it is missed - so that is is sometimes worth having the pet rescanned with a different scanner and operator. Walk through, multichip scanner that are often owned by big shelters are more sensitive than handheld scanners.
If you are unwilling to keep the pet any length of time the next step is either take the animal to a pound or shelter or contact the council ranger and have him pick the animal up. In Melbourne many of the councils use the Lost Dogs Home or RSPCA to collect stray animals at night so you may find the pet goes to one of these shelters. It is a good idea to find out where it is going as if you do find the owner then you can tell them where to look.
At this point you have ensured the animal's safety but you can do more if you wish.
Ask your neighbours and people you see out walking their dogs. Remember to check in streets behind you as cats tend to travel over fences rather than cross roads.
Do a letter drop and put notices up in your local shops. Include information such as a description and photo (if possible) of the animal and a contact phone number. Put the date found on all notices.
Ring all the local veterinary clinics.
Contact all Animal Shelters in your city. The more information out in many hands the more likely you can find the pet's owner.
Contact your local Council and all Councils in the surrounding area.
Advertise that you have found a pet in local newspaper and the big city dailies. Check all papers thoroughly. Look in all columns dealing with animals and the "Lost and Found".
Contact your local radio stations. Some will make free announcements however the best approach is to ask for help not demand an announcement.
Please remove all posters from public property and inform all others that were aware of the search that the owner has been found, or after a reasonable amount of time has passed. This makes it easier for the next person who is looking for assistance.

Pet Alert
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Paws and Pesticides, A Deadly Combination

For the sake of your pets and family, please stop using chemical pesticides. Toxic pesticides are considered an active poison. They are extremely dangerous to your health, your pets health and our environment.. . .
Every year, thousands of domestic pets and wild life lose their lives to the ravaging effects of pesticide poisoning. Most pet lovers also enjoy gardening and the great outdoors. Little do they know what caustic ingredients are in the pesticides that are being sprayed on lawns and green areas. We take for granted that most herbicides used by gardeners or sold in stores are safe. Many name brands such as "Weed n' Feed" and "Round Up" contain the same deadly cancer causing ingredients that were found in Agent Orange. Another synthetic poison found in these two well known garden products is 2,4-D. It is also the active ingredient found in "Killex." It can cause loss of reflex in humans along with comas, kidney and liver failure. In dogs it is the number one killer causing malignant lymphomas, a form of cancer. Sadly, just five percent of pesticides reach their target weeds and garden pest. The rest are absorbed into our earth, targeting our water supplies through a process called run off or simply just dissipates into our air. Major health damage can occur when Toxic Pesticides are absorbed through our skin, swallowed or inhaled. When not applied correctly, pesticides can settle on ponds, pools, children's toys, pets left outdoors and even drift through open windows settling on our furniture, bedding and even our floors. This deadly poison is often tracked into our homes by our shoes and pets paws. We all face the continuing problem of toxic by-products through years of pesticide residue that is in our food supply and everyday environment. What we don't realize is how wide spread pesticide poisoning really is. These caustic chemicals are virtually used in all of our public buildings including our children's schools and play yards, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and private homes. Pesticide abuse is used in our agriculture and forest areas. Why are Pets Vulnerable to Pesticide Poisoning? - Pets spend most of their time close to the ground, this is where pesticide concentration is highest. - Pets ingest most pesticides while grooming themselves. Any contact with chemicals connect with their fur and paws and is then ingested by the pet. - Pets spend more time outside and play in heavily treated areas. - Pets have higher absorption rates than human systems. Animals may be more sensitive and easily poisoned by conditions deemed safe to people. Signs of Pesticide Poisoning In Pets - Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth. - Loss of thirst and appetite. - Vomiting or diarrhea. - Immune function decline. - Convulsions and disorientation. - Birds and fish die due to toxic runoff in our water supply. - Feline thyroid disease. - Dogs contract cancer (malignant lymphoma) What Can We Do To Stop Pesticide Poisoning? - Adapt an alternative "green" solution for pest control. - Enjoy your weeds and bugs. They are part of nature. - Educate yourself about pesticides used by your HOA, Lawn Service and immediate neighbors. - Do not allow your pets to drink from ponds or outside water sources - always keep fresh, clean water readily available. - Leash your pets, allowing them to run free is not a good idea. - Bathe and brush your pets often. - Wash down your outdoor living area. - Think Eco-conscious when dealing with your environment. Protect yourself and your pets from synthetic pesticides by being an educated consumer and willing activist in our Eco-system.
About The Author Dori Schwaiger is an expert author on Health & wellness, she is also an avid animal lover and very passionate about animal rights.
Pets&animals

first aid

INTRODUCTION
Every day is used in the human field to save lives. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to save lives in drownings, heart attacks, car accidents and many more situations, by both trained professionals and the average person on the street. I learnt CPR as a young teenager doing a life saving course. I would recommend we all learn CPR and basic first aid. First aid for pets is taken from the human field and has been modified to suit their different shapes and sizes. These following pages have been written as a guide to help those interested in extending their knowledge into the animal field.
So why learn first aid for pets? Dogs do fall in swimming pools and drown. Pets have been known to stop breathing after having a seizure either due to epilepsy or a toxin. In a recent case a kitten stopped breathing after the owner prevented it jumping out of his arms onto a busy street. Needless to say he should not have put the kitten in that situation however it did happen and had he not given the kitten mouth-to-mouth resuscitation it would have died. Dogs seem to regularly cut pads, go through plate glass windows and find themselves in all sorts of trouble. First aid can and does save lives. While the basic principles of first aid are the same for animals as for humans (that is they need to breath, have a beating heart and enough blood to carry the oxygen etc. around the body to survive), their differences in shapes and sizes means that how we go about, say CPR, is different for a dog or a cat. Also their metabolism of drugs can be spectacularly different so that common drugs such as aspirin and Panadol (paracetamol) can be fatal. I know in most first aid situations the pet is stressed and in pain however pain killers should be avoided as :-
they can be toxic especially to cats and
they may prevent the veterinarian treating your pet using more appropriate drugs due to cross reactions.
In most instances your pet will need to see a veterinarian. It is always extremely important never to give human drugs without advice from your veterinarian.

Dr. Fiona Anderson BVSc.


SAFETY
Your safety always has to come first. If you put yourself at risk and are injured then who will then help you? There is even a chance of being killed so use common sense and think of your own safety first.
A dog or cat on the road needs to be moved off the road. A pet who has been electrocuted means the power supply must be turned off before the animal is approached. Don't jump in to a river to save your pet as you are more likely to become a statistic than the animal. The average tiger snake in Melbourne has enough venom to kill you and a St Bernard and have plenty left over. While we would like a dead snake for identification don't put yourself in danger collecting it. I know this sounds logical but people die each year under just these circumstances. How often on the news do we hear how a man died trying to save a child from drowning or the motorist who stopped to help at a car accident being hit and killed?
Be careful.
Then there is the added danger from the animal you are trying to help. There are no nasty infectious viruses (such as Rabies) you can catch from your pet in Australia, but bite wounds can be very severe and teeth act like hyperdermic needles forcing mouth bacteria deep into your tissue. Bites often become infected. A large dog can put you in hospital. Even your own dog who has never bitten anyone before may bite you because of the shock and pain. The first step in the first aid may be to restrain and muzzle a dog or restrain a cat.

Pet Alert-on line animal database and resource centre

What to do if you have lost an animal

The following information may help you find your lost pet.
Do a thorough search of your property and surrounding neighbourhood. Look in sheds, under buildings, in parks especially along waterways - anywhere your animal could be trapped - and look inside ceilings for cats.
Ask your neighbours and people you see out walking their dogs. Ask about females in season if your animal is male and entire.
Do a letter drop and put notices up in your local shops. Include information such as a description and photo (if possible) of the animal and a contact phone number. Put the date lost on all notices.
Ring all the local veterinary clinics and extend this outward. A person often picks up an animal and takes it to a clinic they know, not necessarily the closest one.
Contact all Animal Shelters in your city. For example, the Lort Smith Animal Hospital (in Melbourne) have had animals brought in from as far away as Seymour (110 kms), Geelong (80 kms) and Dandenong (45 kms) as they are one of the few shelters open at night (till midnight). The shelters will record information about your pet and ring you if an animal fitting that description comes in. They need information on the area your pet was lost in, the breed and colour of your pet, its age, whether it was wearing a collar and/or ID. They will need contact numbers and names should the animal come to their shelter. They also record this information for found animals and can sometimes put owner and finder together.
Contact your local Council and all Councils in the surrounding area. Visit each pound and check road depots (in case your animal has been killed on the road). Also find out if your council has an arrangement with a shelter to pick up stray animals, especially at night. For example, both the RSPCA and the Lost Dog's Home contract for ranger services here in Melbourne.
Update your details if you have moved address since you registered your pet with your council or, if your pet is microchipped, the microchip record company. At this time notify them you have lost your pet.
Advise your local police.
Visit all shelters in your city. This is especially important for the bigger shelters such as the Lost Dogs' Home and RSPCA. Sometimes the guess of breed or age is wrong. This is particularly important with cats, as they aren't as easily described.
Advertise the loss of your pet in local newspaper and the big city dailies. Check all papers thoroughly. Look in all columns dealing with animals and the "Lost and Found".
Contact your local radio stations. Some will make free announcements however the best approach is to ask for help not demand an announcement.
Contact your breed's association - often clubs have a "rescue service" set up to retrieve animals of their breed from public facilities and house them until either the original owner can be traced or a new home arranged.
Please note, thought should be given to how much private information is given on lost and found notices, either as paper flyers or on Internet sites such as Pet Alert, especially if a reward is offered. Unfortunately there have been reports of cruel hoaxes played on distressed pet owners looking for their pets. Keeping back an easily determined piece of information about your pet (such as one white paw or other obvious marking) may help identify your pet and a hoax from a genuine reply.
Please remove all posters from public property and inform all others that were aware of the search after the animal has been found, or after a reasonable amount of time has passed. This makes it easier for the next person who is looking for assistance.

What to do if you have found an animal
The following information may help you find an animal's owner if you have found a pet.
If you find a pet always the first thing you must do is confine it. Don't put it in with your pet/s as this may lead to fighting and injury to either the found animal or your pet/s.
Do not let the animal go back on the street. This can lead to the pet being injured or killed, and may result in a car accident that could harm a human.
If the animal is wearing a collar then take it off and look for any tags. If there are no tags check the inside of the collar as some people will write a phone number or name there. put it back on when you have finished.
Try to identify as much about the animal as you can. Is it male or female and has it been desexed? Look for ear tattoos inside both ears. Some pedigree dogs have numbers tattooed inside their ears as do dogs that have been sold from the Lost Dogs Home here in Melbourne. The desexing tattoo is a circle made up of about a dozen dots with a line through it. It can be in blue, green or black ink and is usually in the left ear (though not always). A M tattoo Iusually right ear) indicates a microchip however not all dogs that are microchipped will be tattooed.
Have the pet scanned for a microchip at your local vet or at a shelter. Please note not all vets have a scanner so check with them first before taking the pet to them. Also microchips sometimes don't scan - the chip might not be compatible with the scanner being used, or it has moved so that it is missed - so that is is sometimes worth having the pet rescanned with a different scanner and operator. Walk through, multichip scanner that are often owned by big shelters are more sensitive than handheld scanners.
If you are unwilling to keep the pet any length of time the next step is either take the animal to a pound or shelter or contact the council ranger and have him pick the animal up. In Melbourne many of the councils use the Lost Dogs Home or RSPCA to collect stray animals at night so you may find the pet goes to one of these shelters. It is a good idea to find out where it is going as if you do find the owner then you can tell them where to look.
At this point you have ensured the animal's safety but you can do more if you wish.
Ask your neighbours and people you see out walking their dogs. Remember to check in streets behind you as cats tend to travel over fences rather than cross roads.
Do a letter drop and put notices up in your local shops. Include information such as a description and photo (if possible) of the animal and a contact phone number. Put the date found on all notices.
Ring all the local veterinary clinics.
Contact all Animal Shelters in your city. The more information out in many hands the more likely you can find the pet's owner.
Contact your local Council and all Councils in the surrounding area.
Advertise that you have found a pet in local newspaper and the big city dailies. Check all papers thoroughly. Look in all columns dealing with animals and the "Lost and Found".
Contact your local radio stations. Some will make free announcements however the best approach is to ask for help not demand an announcement.
Please remove all posters from public property and inform all others that were aware of the search that the owner has been found, or after a reasonable amount of time has passed. This makes it easier for the next person who is looking for assistance.
Pet Alert-On line Animal Database &

Weight loss in geriatric animals

Weight is an important indicator of the health of our pets. Our pets come in all shapes and sizes. We worry if they are overweight, because they become sluggish and are at risk from diseases such as diabetes, liver disease and arthritis. We try to limit their food intake and provide adequate exercise to reduce their weight.The other concern that often arises is unexpected weight loss. Some weight loss occurs as part of the aging process, but if there is excessive weight loss in an animal with adequate food intake we must look for a cause.There are a number of diseases to check for and a number of important signs to look out for. Increased thirst is a feature of many diseases, including kidney disease, liver disease and Cushing Syndrome. Diarrhea and vomiting may be due to food intolerance, or pancreatic disease. Weight loss with excessive appetite occurs with hyperthyroidism. Tumors occur with increasing frequency as pet’s age.Owners may be reluctant to have their older pets checked when they recognise the weight loss. Sometimes this is because they think it is just age related and there is nothing to be done. Sometimes it is because they fear that a diagnosis of a terminal disease will be made and they prefer not to know.It is important to remember that many diseases that cause weight loss are treatable or curable. Early diagnosis gives the best chance of a good outcome.

Pets N Vets

Pint-Sized Pups

Dr Rachele Lowe
Little dogs are the latest celeb accessory, but they can make great pets too, says Sunrise vet Dr Rachele Lowe.
Usually standing at less than 20cm and weighing no more than 3kg on average, tiny dogs (most often Yorkshire terriers and chihuahuas) are small in stature, but their popularity is sky high! Whether it's because they're a popular 'accessory' with celebs or due to a general trend towards small pets, people can't get enough of them! Paris Hilton loves little breeds - her dogs include Cinderella the Yorkie and chihuahuas Bambi and Tinkerbell - and Britney Spears is also a fan with chihuahua Bit Bit and Yorkie London. Registrations in the US in 2006 showed the Yorkie was the second most popular dog, behind the labrador retriever.
Tiny but mightyThe Yorkshire terrier is a long-haired breed that has a distinctive black and tan coloured coat. It's a highly intelligent breed - ranked 27th out of all dogs. The chihuahua is not as bright as the Yorkie, coming in at 67th. They can have a short and smooth or soft and long coat.
Little dogs for little onesBoth Yorkshire terriers and chihuahuas have a lot of guts for their size - and will have a go at other dogs if they feel threatened. This sometimes gets them into trouble because they can be easily injured. It's also the reason I think they're not ideal pets for small children.
Doggy Development
Yorkshire terriers
Yorkies are active, agile and courageous little dogs. The key with the breed is to make sure they're well socialised and not overindulged. Very pampered Yorkshire terriers can lack the true terrier confidence and be clingy and demanding. Yorkies that are well bred and well handled by their owners will have great self-confidence and a well-developed social personality.
Chihuahuas
Officially the smallest breed of dog in the world, chihuahuas were first discovered in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico in 1850. Chihuahuas are prized for their tiny size - those that compete in shows should not exceed a weight of 2.7kg.A devoted, lively, curious breed, the chihuahua is a small dog that has a big personality. They develop a strong bond with their owner and can be jealous of his/her human relationships.They're clannish dogs that prefer the company of chihuahuas as opposed to other dog breeds. They sometimes have a reputation for being snappy and highly strung, but the secret here - surprise, surprise! - is socialisation. Chihuahuas that are well socialised are even-tempered, self-confident and loads of fun.
Did you knowThe smallest dog ever recorded in history is a Yorkie that was only 6.3cm tall at the shoulder. The current reigning smallest dog by height is Duckie, a chihuahua standing at 12.3cm. A Yorkie called Big Boss, measuring only 11.9cm in height, was in the Guinness Book of World Records from 1995-2002.

Pets-Yahoo!7 lifestyle

New Idea

Lumps and Bumps

When patting you pet it is not uncommon to find a lump or bump that ‘wasn’t there before’. In most cases there is no need to panic, but a visit to your veterinarian is strongly advised.
Lumps are more common in older animals, but your pet could develop a lump or growth at any age. These may be of a non-cancerous type such as a cyst, wart or infected hair follicle but it could also be a cancerous tumour either malignant or benign in origin.
Since every type of cell in the body could potentially evolve into cancerous tissue, the types and nature of tumours that develop in our pets are numerous and variable. Unless we examine some of the cells under the microscope we cannot be certain of what we are dealing with and although many tumours are easily diagnosed by your vet with a fine-needle aspirate of the lump, some growths may require a sample to be sent to a pathologist for a definitive diagnosis.
Your vet will either suggest removal of the lump, or to observe it closely for any changes because although tumours grow in certain ways we cannot predict this with 100% accuracy and each case needs to be evaluated on its own circumstances and variables.

Pets N Vets

My Pet Drinking More Water - What Should I Do?

If your cat or dog seems to be drinking more water than usual it is worth taking note of this as it could be the first sign of a health problem. Sometimes it can be a sudden change and other times it can be a gradual increase over several months, either way it would be advisable to take your pet to see their vet.
There are a multitude of diseases that can cause an increase in water intake which includes Diabetes, Kidney failure, Infection, Fever, Cancer and Hyperthyroidism. Another cause could be if you have recently changed your pet’s diet from a wet food to dry food as wet food may have up to 70% water content.
If you suspect your cat or dog is drinking more you could firstly find out exactly how much they are drinking in 24 hours; measure the water volume in their filled water bowl then 24 hours later re-measure the amount of water left. The difference will be the amount they have drunk. This figure, in conjunction with your pet’s weight, can help the vet assess whether he/she is drinking an excessive amount. Of course this may be impractical if you have multiple pets using the same bowl. Secondly, you could collect a fresh urine sample in a clean container just prior to your vet appointment as urinalysis can help the vet reach a diagnosis.
You can expect your vet to perform a thorough clinical examination and possibly a blood test to help rule out various conditions. At Pets n Vets we are currently running a special offer on geriatric blood tests.

Pets N Vets

PARENTS TOLD NOT TO TREAT CHILDREN WITH PET PRODUCTS

Queensland health authorities have warned parents of the dangers of treating children with pet products after a child became sick from an animal treatment.
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the warning came after a child became sick from a pet flea and tick product, applied to cure head lice.
Queensland Health would not release details of the child because of privacy guidelines, but said poisons contained in pet treatments had serious side-effects if used on people.
"Animal products are poisons and are not safe for human use," Dr Young said.
"There are often serious side-effects, including nose and throat irritations, respiratory conditions, vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain.
"The effects can be even more serious for young children or women who are pregnant and breastfeeding."
She said parents must exercise common sense when treating their children and use a lice comb or specially formulated shampoos and conditioners.

Oz pets.com.au

Don't feed your dog grapes,sultanas or raisins

Veterinarians have reacted with alarm to a new book called "Wine Dogs Australia", featuring photographs of dogs carrying bunches of potentially deadly grapes in their mouths.The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) advises that a dog eating significant amounts of grapes, sultanas or raisins may die of kidney failure."We are hearing of a number of cases of dogs presenting with poisoning by grapes," Dr Retchford said. "The precise nature of the toxicity is still poorly understood, but we do know that dogs eating a certain amount of grapes or raisins in relation to their body weight will show clinical signs such as vomiting and dehydration, and may have a poor chance of survival. Small dogs, in particular, are vulnerable to relatively small doses."Dr Retchford said that dogs will not die from eating one or two grapes or raisins, but that this practice should be discouraged."By allowing dogs to eat one or two grapes, it may lead to problems if a dog later helps themselves to a box of raisins or a bunch of grapes."
Australian Veterinary Association
Web: http://www.ava.com.au/

Oz pets. com . au

Liver Treats for Dogs

1 cup beef or chicken liver, 2 c. oats, 1 c. whole wheat or rye or barley flour, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 T. garlic, 1 T. parsley, 2 T. soy sauce or Braggs or Miso(optional), 1/2 c. powdered milk, (optional but nutricious). Saute liver in bacon grease for about 15 minutes, then simmer for 30-45 minutes. Add a little water if necessary. Let cool for about 30 minutes, and chop into small pieces. Or you can add all the ingredients in a food processor. After chopping, add all other ingredients. Place in shaped spoonfuls on a baking sheet on 250 for 45 min. to an hour or set outside in hot sun to dehydrate. Let cool overnight. Dog Food 5 pounds dog meat(meat packaged for dogs) containing bone meal, 21/2 pounds rolled oats or cracked wheat, Enough water to barely cover the mix.Simmer the mix for 45 minutes, divide into meal size portions and freeze. For variety add 1/2 mashed vegetables to every pound of dog food. Vegetarian Dog Food 2 tbls. oil, 1 cooked egg, 2 cups cooked vegetables blended unless very soft, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 1 cup milk, bread ends and leftover cereals and beans. Dog Cookies 1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour,1/2 cup rolled oats,1/2 cup ground millet,cornmeal or other flour, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1 egg slightly beaten, 1 teaspoon mollases, 3/4 cup dry milk, 1/2 cup hot water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 tbl. beef or chicken boullein.Mix together all ingredients. Roll out and cut into animal shapes with cookie cutters. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.My daughter makes these and sells them at market, a great seller! Herbal Supplement
1 oz. Alfalfa
1/4 oz. Burdock root or seed
1/2 oz. Chamomile
1/4 oz. Catnip
dash Cayenne
1 oz. Comfrey
1 oz. Dandelion
1/4 oz. Fennel Seeds
1/4 oz Garlic
1/2 oz. Horsetail
1 oz. Marshmallow root
1 oz. Mullein leaf
1 oz. Nettle
1/2 oz Oatstraw
1 oz. Parsley
1/2 oz. Red Clover
1/2 oz. Rose Hips
1/2 oz. Slippery Elm
1/2 oz Thyme Mix all these herbs together in their powdered forms. Store in a dark jar in a cool place. Sprinkle on top of your dogs food or mix into it. For a nursing or pregnant mother also add these herbs to the above supplement.
1/2 oz each of Milk Thistle, Raspberry Leaf, Chickweed.
add extra 1/2 oz comfrey leaf.

Growlt Gold works

Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term for abnormal changes in a joint. The incidence of arthritis increases as dogs get older. Joint injuries and conditions (elbow and hip dysplasia) increase the risk of developing arthritis. Normal wear and tear over the years can also cause inflammation and damage in a joint. Larger, heavier dogs are more susceptible to arthritis as their joints have to carry more weight.
Common signs of arthritis are:
Favoring a limb/limping.
Difficulty sitting or standing. Taking more time to get moving in the morning.
Sleeping more, decreased activity and less interest in play. Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or run. Less excited to greet you when you come home.
Weight gain.
Attitude or behavior changes. Being less alert.
Yelping in pain when touched. Hot or swollen joints.
Symptoms can wax and wane, so that one day a dog may play less than usual, the next day he or she will be running around like a puppy. The degree of stiffness varies with temperature, and often worsens when the weather is colder. During walks or runs, some dogs fall behind or tire more easily, while others warm into the exercise and then become sore afterwards when cooling down. Dogs may lick at very painful joints. If the limb is not being used, the muscle may start to waste away. Dogs in a lot of pain may also lose interest in food.
Pets N Vets

10 Reasons Why Pet Insurance Is A Must

Pets today need insurance as the cost of medical treatments are very high and in breeding and other problems have made pets more susceptible to diseases and other problems.. . .
Pet insurance can cost anywhere between USD 2000-6000 over the life of a pet and the amount of premium to be paid would depend on many variables like breed, age, and more.
Pet insurance can be bought online or offline from leaders like: Pet care Insurance Companies; Veterinary Pet Insurance Company; Pets Best Insurance; and Vet Insurance. The best way to insure a pet is to ask your vet for advice. Pet insurance at affordable rates can be purchased online from websites devoted to pet insurance and pet care. The premium to be paid depends on age of pet, general health of pet, breed of pet, potential risks for susceptible diseases and so on. Before investing in insurance you must do your homework and find out all you can about polices, how to keep premiums low, and how to buy the best pet insurance at the most affordable rate. The internet is a knowledge highway and has great information on pets, insurance options, and more. Make the effort to educate yourself. Medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars. And treatments for hip diseases, cancers, kidney failure and more can cost between USD 1000- 5000. In case of disease or accidents pets can be treated and nursed back to health instead of “put down.” Here are a few reasons why pet insurance is to be considered: 1. A pet is a family member and death due to accident or illness can upset children. Insurance coverage could save the life of the pet. 2. Pet insurance gives peace of mind and owners can stop worrying about unpaid bills or pets crossing roads. 3. Pet insurance ensures longer life spans of pets. 4. Insurance offers preventive health care, which means diseases can be detected in pets at early stages when treatments can offer cures. 5. Pet insurance covers expensive diagnostics and hospitalization expenses for pets. 6. Pet insurance can save the life of the pet as it covers treatments like radiation therapy and kidney replacements. 7. Pet insurance releases the burden of having to pay when the family is going through lean times such as being “laid off” or having a personal illness to deal with. 8. Pet insurance can help you get a deductible which is cost saving and the insurance will protect the pet. 9. Pet insurance offers regular health checks, shots, elective and non elective surgeries, and sometimes extended stays at a pet boarding house. 10. In general pet insurance can cost as little as USD 20-40 a month and this brings good health and cheer to the pet, very much a family member. Pet insurance could save the life of a dear one without straining your wallet.
About The Author Timothy Rudon is a writer for http://www.1855petinsurance.com/ , the premier website to find Pet Insurance, pet health insurance, veterinary pet insurance, pet care insurance, best pet insurance, pet health care insurance, vpi pet insurance
Pets and animals

Healthier Happier Cat

Optimum

Cats are wonderful companions, but did you know that owning a cat can help you to enjoy better health?
Scientists have discovered that people who own pets tend to have lower levels of stress and recover more effectively from heart attacks than non-pet owners.
For people dealing with severe stresses, such as cancer and bereavement, having a pet has been shown to help provide social support and assist their recovery.
Here are some ways you can improve the health and happiness of both you and your cat!
Join a pet health program to track the health of your pet and ensure you are feeding your cat the right balance of nutrition every day.
Dedicate a regular time each day to play with your cat. It will keep your cat both mentally and physically active and these daily interactions can also help to lower your stress levels.
Make grooming or stroking your cat a special part of each day. It will keep your cat looking wonderful and can help to reduce your blood pressure and help you to relax.And of course your cat will love the attention!
Many people like to talk to their four-legged friends and cats are great listeners. It's true they may not understand everything you say, but they will respond to the tones in your voice. Not to mention that they always keep a secret and never argue with you! A regular chat with your cat can be a great way to get things off your chest.
Pets-Yahoo!7 lifestyle

Tiwest Night Stalk

1 September - 16 October 2008
Australia’s unique biodiversity is under threat and needs your help.
Now in its tenth year, Tiwest Night Stalk is on again from 1 September to 16 October with the aim of getting members of the community out into nature to do some spotlighting for wildlife.
In previous years, this community action program has focused on marsupials and introduced species but now its scope has been broadened to include all animal species, native and introduced. Each year will focus on a particular group of animals. As 2008 is Year of Frog we're focusing on frogs this year.
Tiwest Night Stalk is easy, fun and something everyone can do. All you need is a torch and the Spotter’s Log. Choose a night or number of nights between 1 September and 16 October and spotlight in your local bushland. Record all the mammals, birds, bats, reptiles and frogs that you find and then send your Spotter’s Log to Perth Zoo.
The information will be collated and sent to conservation agencies to help determine the number of animals still living in the wild, especially near urban areas, to better direct conservation efforts. This regular monitoring can provide a valuable record of changes to the distribution of animals over time.
Tiwest Night Stalk is a great way to become involved in community conservation action and to learn about our native animals, their habitat and their threats.
Zoo Animal Paw Print & Pet Paw Prints

Pet care

The decision to bring a pet into your home for you and your family should not be taken lightly. A pet will become a member of your family and not just a fixture in your home. Pets are not meant to come and go, but to remain as part of your family.. . .
Unfortunately for some, pets are disposable items that will be moved if they are an inconvenience. This should be avoided since unstable homes can make unstable pets. A checklist for pet care can be an essential tool when you first bring home your new pet. For many people, a new pet is their first experience at being a full-time pet parent, and for those this list will be most useful. Preparing yourself, your home, and your pet for those first few months in a new environment will make the change go gracefully and help everyone adjust easily. 1. The first thing you want to be sure of is that your pet has all of their vaccinations up to date. It is important that your new pet is protected from such outside irritants as fleas, tics, ringworm, or many other ailments such as distemper or rabies. The health of your pet is one of the most important aspects of ongoing care. Wellness exams each year are important for your pet. A veterinarian will perform a thorough exam on your pet looking at such things as their vital signs, ears, eyes, mouth, the heart and lungs, as well as the reproductive organs and their skin. This step is a very important preventative measure for your pet each year. 2. Getting your home ready for your new pet can be a big task, but one that is essential for the big day that your new friend comes home. If it is a small caged animal, a small space that is quiet is fine for them to be used to their surroundings. You will not want to take your new friend out just yet, but let them get used to the sounds and smells of their new home before you start introducing them outside of their immediate surroundings. If it is a larger, self-sufficient animal such as a cat or dog, you will want to make sure that they have their own space, a blanket or pet bed for retreating to, out of the way in case they are too overwhelmed at the beginning. 3. Regular physical routine is essential for any pet. This is their exercise routine since they are not like us and do activity regularly without the help of us. Larger pets such as dogs must be walked every day, smaller animals like cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, and birds can be trained to play with anyone in the family. Toys such as balls, bells, tubes, or even apparatuses are useful in helping your pet achieve physical activity during the day while you are away or even you interacting with them while they are exploring. If you follow some simple guidelines, your new pet is sure to adapt to his new family in no time at all. Regular checkups, physical activity and preventative measures can not only make your pet more comfortable, but also extend the life of your pet. A pet is an investment so you will want to be sure to take care of him for the benefit of everyone.
About The Author Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses.

Pets and animals