Most commercial dry and wet foods are nutritionally complete and balanced. Dry food has a texture that helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.
As your pet ages her nutritional and health needs may change. Your veterinarian may prescribe wet food if  your pet is showing signs of dehydration of if your  
kitty has lost many of her teeth.

To help lessen the defensive posturing between cats in the same house, take steps to make the cats smell similar to each other. Rub talcum powder on each cat or
spritz cologne on your hands and when it is dry pet both cats (don´t put the cologne directly on the cat-their noses are much more sensitive than humans). You should use the same grooming tools (combs, brushes, towels, mits) on both cats
to transfer their scents to one another.

Ferrets are clean animals and require only a minimal amount of grooming. Bathing is seldom required; however, a little water fun on a hot summer day is always enjoyed. Occasional brushing is usually sufficient. Periodically combing your ferret with a flea comb to check for fleas is also helpful.
Since their nails can become very sharp, nail trimming should be part of your ferret's regular care.
Unlike dogs and cats who shed all year, ferrets only shed twice a year when their coats change. In the spring and fall, a considerable amount of hair will be shed for several weeks. It is important that you brush your ferret often to remove the loose hairs so it does not ingest them, possibly creating hairballs. Brushing your ferret will also keep his coat cleaner and healthier.

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:

1. They live here. You don't.

2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
(That's why they call it "fur"niture.)

3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is
short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

*DOG TIP*

Dogs afraid of thunderstorms
Put Oil of Peppermint on the pads of the dog's feet when a storm is coming.

*CAT TIP*

Beware Of Raw Fish
Some types of raw fish can cause a deficiency of the vitamin thiamine. Symptoms of a thiamine deficiency include complete loss of appetite, abnormal posture, weakness, seizures and even death. In cats it can also lead to heart problems. Feed your cat a high quality cat food to avoid any problems.

PetSmart urged to stop sales of exotic birds

The Arizona Republic

Former high-profile madam HEIDI FLEISS showed up at PetSmart Inc.'s annual meeting in New York City on Wednesday to beg the Phoenix retailer to stop selling exotic birds.

Fleiss, whose life was laid bare in the 1995 documentary "Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam," has become a self-proclaimed advocate for avian rights.

Three years ago, she acquiesced to a deathbed request to care for a friend's flock of exotic birds.

READ MORE

1. Fight Circus Cruelty in Your Town
Help prevent animal circuses from coming to your town. These 10 simple actions will allow you to fight for animals who are forced to endure lives of abuse under the big top.
Actions you can take... 

2. Happy Tails: Just What the Doctor Ordered
Charmed by her crooked grin and nose kisses, the Reineckes of Queens, NY, didn't think twice about adopting this FIV-positive five-year old.
Read More

3. Warning: Protect Your Cats from High-Rise Syndrome
Urban cats who fall through apartment windows can shatter limbs and even die. Prevent your cat from falling prey to High-Rise Syndrome.
Read More

4. Honor Dad with a Gift that Gives Back
Celebrate Father’s Day with a gift to homeless
Read More  

*DOG TIP*

If your dog has been diagnosed with fleas, be sure to treat the environment.
Eggs, larvae and pupae are in your home hiding in carpeting and upholstery.
Carefully vacuum carpets, sofas, baseboards and under furniture. Discard the
vacuum bag immediately and mop floors with soapy water. Clean basement and garage floors and replace or wash all pet bedding.

*CAT TIP*

Is your cat overweight? Your veterinarian will quickly be able to determine this and to what degree using a standard Body Condition Scoring system (BCS). Ideal, overweight and obese status are quickly and relatively objectively determined by observations when your vet performs your pet's physical examination.

*BONUS PET TIP*

A parrot has very strong beak. Therefore, you should prepare a metal cage to keep it in. When the parrot plucks its feathers, it means it is sick.

Put the parrot in the sun when the weather is fine.
Repeat the same one word for a week and the parrot will remember it for life.

1. Teen Kills Kitten in Oven; Faces 10-Year Sentence
Last Wednesday, 17-year-old Cheyenne Cherry was arrested by ASPCA Agents for putting her ex-roommate’s kitten into a hot oven and vandalizing the woman’s apartment.
Read more about the case... 

2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Sweet Georgy Peach
From staring contests with pigeons to exploring the mysteries of closets, this curious feline has gotten busy in her new home.
Read more...

3. Save a Life this Summer: Host Your Own ASPCA Event
Turn your summer gathering into a lifesaving event—become an ASPCA Ambassador.
Read more...

4. Nominate Kitty Candidates for ASPCA Cat of the Year
Know of an extraordinary feline who helped an animal or human in 2008? Send us your nominations—winning cat and parent get a trip to NYC.
Read more...

The Facts About Chaining or Tethering Dogs
 
1. What is meant by "chaining" or "tethering" dogs?
These terms refer to the practice of fastening a dog to a stationary object or stake, usually in the owner's backyard, as a means of keeping the animal under control. These terms do not refer to the periods when an animal is walked on a leash.

2. Is there a problem with continuous chaining or tethering?
Yes, the practice is both inhumane and a threat to the safety of the confined dog, other animals, and humans.

3. Why is tethering dogs inhumane?
Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals. A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months, or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious, and often aggressive.
In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become raw and covered with sores, the result of improperly fitted collars and the dogs' constant yanking and straining to escape confinement. Dogs have even been found with collars embedded in their necks, the result of years of neglect at the end of a chain. In one case, a veterinarian had to euthanize a dog whose collar, an electrical cord, was so embedded in the animal's neck that it was difficult to see the plug.

4. Who says tethering dogs is inhumane?
In addition to The Humane Society of the United States and numerous animal experts, the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a statement in the July 2, 1996, Federal Register against tethering:
"Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog's movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog's movement and potentially causing injury."

5. How does tethering or chaining dogs pose a danger to humans?
Dogs tethered for long periods can become highly aggressive. Dogs feel naturally protective of their territory; when confronted with a perceived threat, they respond according to their fight-or-flight instinct. A chained dog, unable to take flight, often feels forced to fight, attacking any unfamiliar animal or person who unwittingly wanders into his or her territory.
Numerous attacks on people by tethered dogs have been documented. For example, a study published in the September 15, 2000, issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that 17% of dogs involved in fatal attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998 were restrained on their owners' property at the time of the attack. Tragically, the victims of such attacks are often children who are unaware of the chained dog's presence until it is too late. Furthermore, a tethered dog who finally does get loose from his chains may remain aggressive, and is likely to chase and attack unsuspecting passersby and pets.

6. Why is tethering dangerous to dogs?
In addition to the psychological damage wrought by continuous chaining, dogs forced to live on a chain make easy targets for other animals, humans, and biting insects. A chained animal may suffer harassment and teasing from insensitive humans, stinging bites from insects, and, in the worst cases, attacks by other animals. Chained dogs are also easy targets for thieves looking to steal animals for sale to research institutions or to be used as training fodder for organized animal fights. Finally, dogs' tethers can become entangled with other objects, which can choke or strangle the dogs to death.

7. Are these dogs dangerous to other animals?
In some instances, yes. Any other animal that comes into their area of confinement is in jeopardy. Cats, rabbits, smaller dogs, and others may enter the area when the tethered dog is asleep and then be fiercely attacked when the dog awakens.

8. Are tethered dogs otherwise treated well?
Rarely does a chained or tethered dog receive sufficient care. Tethered dogs suffer from sporadic feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care, and extreme temperatures. During snow storms, these dogs often have no access to shelter. During periods of extreme heat, they may not receive adequate water or protection from the sun. What's more, because their often neurotic behavior makes them difficult to approach, chained dogs are rarely given even minimal affection. Tethered dogs may become "part of the scenery" and can be easily ignored by their owners.

9. Are the areas in which tethered dogs are confined usually comfortable?
No, because the dogs have to eat, sleep, urinate, and defecate in a single confined area. Owners who chains their dogs are also less likely to clean the area. Although there may have once been grass in an area of confinement, it is usually so beaten down by the dog's pacing that the ground consists of nothing but dirt or mud.

10. But how else can people confine dogs?
The HSUS recommends that all dogs be kept indoors at night, taken on regular walks, and otherwise provided with adequate attention, food, water, and veterinary care. If an animal must be housed outside at certain times, he should be placed in a suitable pen with adequate square footage and shelter from the elements.

11. Should chaining or tethering ever be allowed?
To become well-adjusted companion animals, dogs should interact regularly with people and other animals, and should receive regular exercise. It is an owner's responsibility to properly restrain her dog, just as it is the owner's responsibility to provide adequate attention and socialization. Placing an animal on a restraint to get fresh air can be acceptable if it is done for a short period. However, keeping an animal tethered for long periods is never acceptable.

12. If a dog is chained or tethered for a period of time, can it be done humanely?
Animals who must be kept on a tether should be secured in such a way that the tether cannot become entangled with other objects. Collars used to attach an animal should be comfortable and properly fitted; choke chains should never be used. Restraints should allow the animal to move about and lie down comfortably. Animals should never be tethered during natural disasters such as floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, or blizzards.

13. What about attaching a dog's leash to a "pulley run"?
Attaching a dog's leash to a long line—such as a clothesline or a manufactured device known as a pulley run—and letting the animal have a larger area in which to explore is preferable to tethering the dog to a stationary object. However, many of the same problems associated with tethering still apply, including attacks on or by other animals, lack of socialization, and safety.

14. What can be done to correct the problem of tethering dogs?
At least 25 communities have passed laws that regulate the practice of tethering animals. Maumelle, Arkansas; Tucson, Arizona; and New Hanover, North Carolina, are a few communities that prohibit the chaining or tethering of dogs as a means of continuous confinement. Many other communities allow tethering only under certain conditions; Jefferson County, Kentucky, for example, prohibits dogs from being tethered for more than eight hours in any 24-hour period.

15. Why should a community outlaw the continuous chaining or tethering of dogs?
Animal control and humane agencies receive countless calls every day from citizens concerned about animals in these cruel situations. Animal control officers, paid at taxpayer expense, spend many hours trying to educate pet owners about the dangers and cruelty involved in this practice.
A chained animal is caught in a vicious cycle; frustrated by long periods of boredom and social isolation, he becomes a neurotic shell of his former self—further deterring human interaction and kindness. In the end, the helpless dog can only suffer the frustration of watching the world go by in isolation—a cruel fate for what is by nature a highly social animal. Any city, county, or state that bans this practice is a safer, more humane community.

*DOG TIP*

You dog does best on a consistent, daily diet.  Random introducing new elements into your dog's diet can create stomach problems, diahrea, and other problems.  (Like getting sleepy and napping after eating).

*CAT TIP*

If your cat tends to think that you are a Kitty Treat, when he takes his next bite, just say "No!" (don't hit him) and walk away from him. Totally ignore him! Sounds easy, but it really works for most cats. Here is a good way to train your cat not to do something (getting on tables, etc.). Keep a spray bottle of water handy. When you see your cat doing something that he shouldn't be doing...squirt water at him in the face. They really hate that!

How Much Food Is Enough for Aquarium Fish?

Hobbyists new to aquarium keeping get such constant reminders not to overfeed their fish that they sometimes end up underfeeding them. Too much food in an aquarium tank can also build up and foul the water or increase the risk of disease.

You want to make sure that your aquarium fish receive all the nutrition they need. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems. If your fish resemble overinflated tires, cut back on the grub. Remember that your fish's stomach is no larger than its eye.

Excess food around the edge of the substrate is one sign of overfeeding. This wasted food accumulates on the bottom of the tank, turns muddy brown, and begins to spoil. Spoiled food can cause health problems for your fish if they happen to eat it. If excess food piles up, decrease the amount you feed and try putting the food in a different area of the aquarium.
 
Excess food breaking down on the substrate surface also can cause an overabundance of harmful ammonia. If you do happen to overfeed, remove the excess with a standard aquarium vacuum.

The general rule is to feed only what your fish can eat in a period of three to five minutes per feeding. Now, this doesn't mean that you have to stand around with a starter's whistle and stopwatch at every meal. Just check to make sure that your fish polish off all the food within five minutes. Another option is to purchase a plastic feeding ring that keeps most dry foods confined to a small area on top of the water. A feeding ring can keep most of the food from quickly falling to the bottom of the tank.

If possible, feed adult fish three small meals per day instead of just dumping a bunch of food in at one time. Juvenile fish and fry need be fed more often to insure that they grow properly, so give them a couple of extra light feedings each day.

Preventing heat strokes

Heat stroke and stress are common concerns for animal owners who leave their pets outside during hot days.

 It's going to be 110 degrees and you've got four meetings and a report due today at work where you'll be cooled by an air conditioner and have a choice of beverages to choose from. But what about your pet, remaining behind at home, outside, in the sweltering heat?

Heat stroke and heat stress are major concerns for owners of pets that are left outside for prolonged periods of time. If you are unable to keep your pet inside during the day, there are some things you can do to protect your pet.

Water, Water, Water!
Don't let your backyard turn into the Sahara desert for your pet. Leave plenty of water around for pets to drink from. One big bowl of water may not be enough, especially for large dogs who have a tendency to put their paws in the water or flip it over. Provide several different bowls of water in areas of shade.
Many pets can beat the heat by taking a swim or merely standing in a plastic pool. These plastic pools, available at stores like Wal-Mart and Toys-R-Us, are a great cooling off spot for pets and often serve as a giant water bowl. Keep these pools in a shady area if possible and change out the water on a regular basis.

Shade
If you have to leave your pet outdoors, make sure your pet has some form of shade to rest or sleep under. This can be a porch that doesn't get direct sunlight, a dog house facing the breeze, or simply an area of the house that doesn't get sunlight, even on a clear day, and remains cool.

Pet Stores
Visit your local pet stores or online to see the latest pet items for cooling pets. Some include misters that offer a fine spray of water as well as chilled pads that maintain a below 70 degree temperature for several days.

If he digs, he digs…
If you find your pet digging up your backyard, it may be because he's seeking to create a cool spot to lay down on. You can't blame your dog for doing that nor should you punish him hours later.

But what if you arrive home and you're concerned that your pet may be experiencing heat stress or a heat stroke. Here are some warning signs: flushed gums, disorientation, constant panting, vomiting, and weakness. If you pet exhibits these symptoms or any symptom that suggests heat stress or a heat stroke, immediately begin cooling your pet down. This can be done by hosing the pet down, taking the dog into a shower or bath (be sure to test the water temperature), applying soaked towels. Ice packs can also be used around the pet's head and neck area. Contacting your Vet immediately is also well advised.

*DOG TIP*

Cheap Flea Prevention

Our dog had a lot of fleas and was scratching so much she had hot spots and her fur was falling out. We used expensive flea shampoo but nothing helped. We started using Lever 2000 deodorant soap and the fleas jumped off of her. Her hair has grown back and she rarely scratches any more. (Always consult a vet before administering any home remedies.)

*CAT TIP*

Porta-Potties For Cats  
The next time you buy a 24 pack of canned pop in the flat case, remove the cans carefully not to damage the plastic wrap and the cardboard tray. This makes a great
disposable bathroom for your cat. Especially if you take them traveling with you.

1. Dog Fighting Operation Busted in Alabama
Investigators and ASPCA forensic veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck, discovered 45 dogs on two separate properties in Randolph County, AL. Two men have been formally charged.
Read more about the raid and watch video from the scene... 

2. Popular Flea Products Can Hurt Your Cat
New data shows that cats are much more susceptible to severe illness from the misuse of spot-on flea products. Read More

3. Not Guilty Plea for Founder of Raided Sanctuary
Additional charges are pending for Jennifer Petkus, who appeared in a Wisconsin court last week. Read More

4. ASPCA Happy Tails: Picture Perfect
An online photo led to true love for the Michaeli family, who couldn’t resist Jack the Pit Bull’s canine charms. Read More

http://www.aspca.org/blog/dog-fighting-video.html

****

How to Implement Distract Proofing in Your Dog Training

Distractions are stimuli that may entice your dog to break from command. "Proofing" is exposing your dog to distractions. The purpose is to teach your dog-- in a controlled
setting-- that he must obey your commands despite whatever is happening nearby.
Taking your dog through every step is mandatory. 

But your dog should already be properly socialized to the environment that you
expect him to work in.  Always condition at a dog's real-world level.
During initial exposure to distractions, begin with familiar basics. Using the Down-Stay as an example, start with brief, short-distances, on-leash and not prolonged. 
Gradually, work out-of-sight, as your dog progresses.

As conditioning implies higher-stress situations than those to which your dog is accustomed, start with work in which he's confident. Complicated obedience can be added as you progress together, but only after your dog has demonstrated that he
thoroughly understands the commands in a distraction-free environment, first.

No distraction should appear threatening. And lastly, please recognize that during distraction training, you know what's coming-- as well as what's expected-- but your
dog doesn't.  

Use this to your advantage!

*DOG TIP*

Avoid leather collars if you have a canine swimmer. Leather gets moldy when wet. Metal choke chains, still popular with disciplinarian obedience trainers, really have no place on dogs. Half-check collars, on the other hand, designed to control a dog without causing discomfort or danger, are excellent for big, boiterous dogs.

*CAT TIP*

Because the ears are a primary collecting point of dirt and debris, it is important to check your cat's ears once every other week. If your cat's ears need cleaning, use a cotton swab dipped in baby oil or another product suggested by your veterinarian. Remember to be gentle and never go deeper into the canal than you can see. It is a good idea to ask your veterinarian for a demonstration on how to properly and safely clean your cat's ears.

1. Abusive Animal Sanctuary Founder Faces Judge Today
Thyme and Sage Ranch founder Jennifer Petkus, who was charged with 11 counts of animal cruelty after nearly 400 animals were seized from her Wisconsin property, will go before a judge today.
Read about the charges... 

2. ASPCA Happy Tails: The Great Escape
On May 6, a 500-pound Black Angus cow made history by escaping from a Queens, NY, slaughterhouse. Guess where she is now?
Read More

3. Your Cat Photos Wanted: Let’s Get Physical!
June’s Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, and we want to see your favorite feline caught in the act of "cat-ercising." Send us your best shot of Fluffy doing the midnight sprints or dozing with the dog!
Read More

4. Stop Horse Slaughter from Returning to U.S.
You can help keep horse slaughter out of the U.S. by urging Congress to vote for the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act. 
Read More

Kitty's Bedtime Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray this cushy life to keep.
I pray for toys that look like mice,
and sofa cushions, soft and nice.
For grocery bags where I can hide,
just like a tiger, crouched inside!
I pray for gourmet Kitty snacks,
and someone nice to scratch my back.
For window sills all warm and bright,
for shadows to explore at night.
I pray I'll always stay real cool,
and keep the secret feline rule.
To NEVER tell a human that...
the world is really ruled by CATS!

Sincerely the Cat!
(Author Unknown)

*DOG TIP*

If your dog spends time in your yard be aware of the schedule of your lawn maintenance service. Pesticides and herbicides applied to your lawn can be dangerous to your dog. Contact hypersensitivity and gastrointestinal disturbance can occur as a result of contact with these chemicals. Be sure to follow the instructions of your lawn service and if you have questions call poison control or your veterinarian.

*CAT TIP*

If your cat enjoys catnip, consider growing your own. To plant outdoors, sow seeds in a sunny location in the early spring. Seeds are available in most garden stores or mail-order catalogs. Catnip will grow back again next year if the winter is not too harsh.