According to a recently published study by Dr. Safdar Khan, veterinary toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), dogs seem to be particularly attracted to the seeds and berries of the Brunfelsia plant, also known as “morning, noon and night” and “yesterday, today and tomorrow.” In fact, canines are most susceptible to poisoning by this gardener’s favorite, aptly named for its fragrant flowers that bloom in vivid purple and gradually change to lavender before fading to white.

From 2001 to 2006, the APCC treated 38 cases of Brunfelsia poisoning involving 42 dogs. One California hound experienced stiff limbs and excessive drooling after ingesting several seeds from the plant. A terrier puppy from Florida developed life-threatening seizures after consuming another part of the plant. With help from the APCC and the services of a local emergency veterinarian, the puppy eventually made a full recovery. However, three of the cases proved fatal.
“Brunfelsia toxicity can progress very rapidly to a potentially lethal situation, so it’s critical that pet parents seek immediate veterinary care,” says Dr. Khan. “If pets consume any part of the plant, they can become ill within hours and develop gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as tremors, seizures and muscle rigidity that makes the animal appear to be in a ‘sawhorse’ stance.”

The most commonly affected breeds are Labradors and golden retrievers, who, because they are very active, may be more likely to get to the plant’s seeds and leaves.
If you have Brunfelsia in your home, please keep the plant in an area where pets can’t reach it, or replace it with a nontoxic alternative. Pet parents should remember to take precautions against the many plants and flowers that can prove harmful to their animals.

ASPCA DEMANDS CANCELLATION OF TV’S GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

The ASPCA has urged Turner Network Television (TNT) to immediately cancel Greatest Show on Earth, its upcoming series that touts a “behind-the-scenes” look at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Unfortunately, the real behind-the-scenes story is one of unrelenting cruelty to animals: the abuse of Ringling Bros. circus elephants has been exhaustively documented by animal welfare organizations, state humane agencies and U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors. The ASPCA—currently involved in a lawsuit against the circus for violations of the federal Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act—urges all those who care about animals to speak out against TNT’s new show.

In a March 19 letter to Turner Network’s president Steve Koonin, ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres wrote, “To entertain the unsuspecting public at the expense of the welfare of these noble animals goes against all tenets of humanity and our responsibility to protect the animals with whom we share the earth. TNT’s viewers should certainly not be subjected to such hypocritical and unethical programming.”

Compassionate people may speak out against Greatest Show on Earth by emailing its producers, Mark Wolper and Al Hassas, at kathleen.doise@wbtvprod.com and al@thecollective-la.com, respectively. TNT president Steve Koonin can be contacted at anne.smith@turner.com. Letters may be sent to: Steve Koonin, President, Turner Network Television, 1010 Techwood Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
You can further fight animal exploitation and abuse by taking the ASPCA’s Pledge to Fight Animal Cruelty. Just a click will help you learn how to identify and report abuse, stay up-to-date on the latest animal cruelty news and learn how to write letters to your legislators in the name of animals.
To learn more about circus cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/circus.

DOG TIP

If your outdoor dog is bothered by insect bites, do not apply a human product on his fur. Consult your veterinarian as she or he can recommend an insect repellant or insecticide for your pet. Be sure to read and follow directions on the label of such products. 

CAT TIP

Cats love to play and can have a lot of fun with home made toys. Consider using ping pong balls, caps from milk bottles or a crumpled piece of paper. Fill a film canister partially with rice, tape it shut and watch your cat bat it around on the floor. Make sure you inspect your cat's toys frequently and discard toys that are broken.

Many diseases common to cats can be prevented in two ways: by keeping your cat indoors, and by having your cat vaccinated according to your veterinarian's advice.

Common feline illnesses include the following:
Upper respiratory infections (URIs). URIs are similar in many ways to the common cold in humans and produce many of the same symptoms: sneezing, runny nose and eyes, reddened eyes, fever, and decreased appetite. However, URIs can be much more serious than common colds—they can be fatal if left untreated. These airborne viruses are highly contagious; they can be transmitted to cats through human handling and through contact with other cats and with inanimate objects such as litter boxes, food bowls, and grooming tools. Separate any new cat from your other cats for at least three weeks until you are sure your newcomer doesn't have any symptoms of a URI.
Prevention is the best approach to URIs—have your cat vaccinated. But if your cat does come down with cold-like symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away. The veterinarian will probably prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections and give you precise care instructions. Follow them carefully and make sure your cat eats and drinks sufficiently.

Rabies. All cats, even indoor cats, should be vaccinated against rabies, which is now seen more commonly in cats than in any other domestic animal. Rabies is a viral illness that is transmitted through bite wounds from infected animals and attacks the nervous system. If your cat bites anyone, you may need to show proof of rabies vaccination.
Rabies is a fatal illness. Prevent rabies through vaccination and by keeping your cat inside.

Feline panleukopenia. Commonly known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted through contact with humans, infected cats, clothing, hair, paws, food bowls, and even cat carriers. The disease comes on suddenly with vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Vaccinate against this virus.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV). FeLV is a fatal infectious virus that affects the immune system and can cause several forms of cancer and other associated diseases. It is transmitted through the saliva, urine, and feces of infected cats. There is no link between feline leukemia and human forms of leukemia.
There are blood tests to determine if your cat may be carrying the virus. Your cat should be tested before being vaccinated. Since there is no cure, it is best to keep your cat indoors (and away from contact with other cats). Discuss vaccination schedules with you veterinarian.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FIV is similar to human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), but it is not the same virus and cannot be passed to humans.
This fatal virus attacks the immune system, causing a variety of symptoms. General signs can include chronic, nonresponding infections; respiratory problems; appetite loss; persistent diarrhea; and severe oral infections. FIV is passed from cat to cat primarily through bites.
A vaccine is available to help protect cats from contracting FIV, but an FIV blood test should always be performed before vaccination. The best protection against FIV is keeping your cat happy indoors.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is another virus that is almost always fatal to cats. This virus can take two forms, commonly referred to as wet (which involves fluid in the abdomen) and dry (which does not). Both forms of FIP may cause fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
A blood test is available to determine if your cat has been exposed to this family of viruses. You can learn more about this test by talking to your regular veterinarian. There is no effective treatment for FIP, but there is hope for prevention in the form of recently developed vaccines. The best prevention is to keep your cat indoors, up-to-date on vaccines, and away from strange animals.

DOG TIP

Many puppy owners complain of taking their pup outside to eliminate only to have it turn into a 50 minute play session with no potty results. Be sure to keep your outdoor potty visits short and sweet. Signal your intention with a command, such as ""go potty"" and spend no more than 2-5 minutes in the pursuit of this goal. If no elimination occurs, go back indoors, and try again in 30 minutes. This will prevent your puppy
from manipulating potty time into play time.

CAT TIP

Do you suspect that your middle-aged cat is hard of hearing? Are you able to sneak up on her without being heard? Gradual onset of hearing loss is very common and is associated with the aging of your cat. Consult your vet to make sure no other health issues are responsible for your cat's diminished response to the environment.

The first months of 2008 exposed some of the worst abuses farm animals endure. And The Humane Society of the United States has been hard at work to halt these terrible abuses and to advance
systemic change in the way farm animals are treated. I'm writing today with the latest updates and actions from our Factory Farming campaign:

* In January, our undercover investigation into the cruel treatment of sick and crippled cows at a California slaughter plant (https://community.hsus.org/ct/GpaZIeF1wRYK/) gained
nationwide attention -- but we need to make sure that Congress takes  action. On Thursday, May 1, please urge your federal representative to support legislation to protect "downed" animals from abuse.
Please tell your friends about this National Call-In Day (see a flyer at https://community.hsus.org/ct/-7aZIeF1wRTz/)

Get Involved: Foster Felines
Learn how you can be a cat "foster parent" like Mea.

Read more: https://community.hsus.org/ct/61aZIeF1wmG3/

Stuff to Do: Spring Fling
Warm weather equals outdoor fun. Get moving with these 10 outdoor activities for you and your dog.

Read More: https://community.hsus.org/ct/6daZIeF1wmGe/

1. U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors ASPCA Experts
2. Spring Allergy Tips for Pet Parents
3. ASPCA Success Story of the Week: There’s the Rub
4. The Big Apple Went Orange on April 10
5. Tell Us Your Story: In Praise of Older Cats
6. Ohio Workshop: Getting Political for Animals

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_newsalert041808#1

DOG TIP

The best time to introduce a leash to a puppy is between 5 and 9 weeks of age. Puppies are less likely to reject or be fearful of the exposure to new objects in this time-frame. So start fitting your pup with a halter, harness or leash and collar.

CAT TIP

Home repairs and redecorating can be a stressful time for everyone involved. Be aware that some cats have protective instincts and may lash out at a worker who seems to be invading her territory. A frightened cat can also slip outside and run away. Be sure to confine your cat to a quiet and safe area of the house until the work is completed.

Gaining Ground in a Decades-Long Fight to Shut Down Puppy Mills

Watch the video

Take the pledge to stop puppy mills!

As consumers, we have the power to stop the cruel cycle of animal abuse perpetuated by puppy mills.

A Nation Adopts

Recent national attention to the horrors of puppy mills moved pet lovers across the U.S. to their local animal shelters and humane societies last weekend in search of companion animals. Find out about the shelter animals who have finally found families.

Bring Home a Buddy

If you're looking to adopt a companion animal, your first stop
should be your local animal shelter. Read why shelters are your
best source when looking for a pet.

DOG TIP

If your outdoor dog is bothered by insect bites, do not apply a human product on his fur. Consult your veterinarian as she or he can recommend an insect repellant or insecticide for your pet. Be sure to read and follow directions on the label of such products. 

CAT TIP

Party! Party! Party!  
Cats are naturally nocturnal, and will want to party all night. Help your cat keep quiet when you want to sleep by having a lively, interactive play session right before you go to bed.

Dogs & Cats Living Together  

Though dogs and cats area traditionally viewed as adversaries, they can actually make great companions for one another. Bringing a feline into a canine household-or vice-versa-can be trying for both animals and owners, so here's a technique worth trying: Keep your dog on a leash and give him food treats for sitting quietly as the cat walks by. This way, you're rewarding Fido for non-predatory behavior. Be sure to keep your cat's claws trimmed, so that if trouble does arise, it can't do much  
damage to the dog.

A puppy mill mother ^^^

The Creation Myth  

On the first day of creation, God created the cat.  

On the second day, God created man to serve the cat.  
  
On the third day, God created all the animals of the earth to serve as potential food for the cat.  

On the fourth day, God created honest toil so that man could labor for the good of the cat.  

On the fifth day, God created the sparkle ball so that the cat might or might not play with it.  

On the sixth day, God created veterinary science to keep the cat healthy and the man broke.  

On the seventh day, God tried to rest, but he had to scoop the litter box.

DOG TIP

Is your dog pawing at his eye and squinting in bright light? He could have sustained an injury to the cornea of his eye. This potentially serious problem needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

CAT TIP

Eliminate ear mites - All it takes is a few drops of Wesson Corn Oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3  days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates  healing.