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Webvet Cats Feed http://www.webvet.com/main/index2/id/cat This feed contains articles about Cats en-us Copyright 2009 Webvet, LLC 2009-11-07T11:20-05:00 advertise@webvet.com advertise@webvet.com Cats hourly Animal sex: The scent of a woman http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2262 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2262">Animal sex: The scent of a woman</a><br />  <h4>"I am calling you-ou-ou-ou-ou-ooo!" </h4><p>Whether bringing individuals together from miles away or from right next door, sending and receiving chemical signals is the oldest form of communication on the planet. Whether secreted from skin, tongues, or glands, sexual "pheromones"  -- wafted through the air, suffused in water, or deposited on the ground -- send their distinctive "come hither" message to the opposite sex:"I am ready. Now!" </p> <p>The word ‘pheromone' comes from the Greek<em>, pherin</em>, to transfer, and <em>hormon</em>, to excite or stimulate. While pheromones perform a variety of functions -- like identifying male territory, and warning away rivals -- <em>sexual</em> pheromones are designed to attract and arouse the opposite sex. </p> <h4>How it works</h4> <p>Animals produce hormones. When secreted externally they become pheromones. The "scent" is received by the opposite sex through the ‘vomeronasal organ,' a part of the olfactory system -- the system by which animals smell things and get their brains stimulated. </p> <p>The effects of all this olfactory ‘Morse Code' are as diverse as the animals that employ it, as these examples show: </p> <ul><li>Female pigs become sexually aroused by the sex pheromones in the saliva of male pigs. </li><li>Golden male hamsters are stimulated to mount females after getting a whiff of vaginal pheromones. </li><li>Female goldfish release their pheromones into the water at night, and the males, picking up the scent, find themselves producing sperm for fertilization. The next morning, when the females are ready to spawn, the males enthusiastically make the journey in search of the goldfish beauties with that alluring scent. However, it's a little disconcerting to discover that all the guys in the neighborhood are making the same commute. </li></ul> <h4>That signature scent</h4> <p>Part of the work of sex pheromones is to help members of the same species identify each other, so it won't be a waste of time to have sex. </p> <p>For instance, there are thought to be 150,000 to 250,000 different species of <em>moths,</em> but there is only one particular, chemically correct, sexual pheromone per species. A male silk moth will receive a female's sexual invitation from as far away as seven miles, but he won't bother to waste his time and energy flying over -- making himself vulnerable to predators and competing with all the other males she is beckoning to -- unless the pheromone is from a female of his own kind. When the right call gets the attention of the male's antennae, it's then pretty much irresistible. </p> <h4>How about them red garter snakes?</h4> <p>Nature is never satisfied until a species evolves the best strategy for mating and surviving. So it should come as no surprise that some animal groups will break or bend the pheromone attraction rules.</p> <p>Take the case of the Manitoba red-sided garter snake. Some males mimic the pheromones of the females, thereby tricking other males into trying to have sex with them. Yes, that's right; they become "she-males."</p> <p>Manitoba garter snakes spend the entire winter in the frigid Canadian region between Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg, arriving by the thousands, after slithering their way over miles of rocky terrain. Males and females hibernate together in crevasses as small as six feet wide and sixteen feet deep to keep from freezing to death. When spring arrives, each den disgorges as many as 10,000 snakes. The males are the first to emerge from their winter retreat. When the females finally appear, seething balls of hundreds of male snakes form around one female. These snake balls remain intact, rolling around the rocky terrain until one male has successfully mated with the female.</p> <h4>Trick or treat?</h4> <p>Here's the interesting part. Some mating balls have no female. In that writhing horde of snakes, the only way a male can identify a female is by her pheromones, secreted through her skin. Snakes flick their tongues in and out, picking up chemical cues from the air, and transfer them to a sensory organ in the roof of their mouth.</p> <p>So, why would any self-respecting male garter snake become a she-male? One theory is that this subterfuge keeps the other males from "getting the girl" and passing on their genes. They're all busy mistakenly trying to mate the imposter. </p> <h4>Are we at the mercy of our body chemistry?</h4> <p>Do humans also emit and receive pheromes? Do we "smell" as good as the rest of the animal world? To find out you'll have to read my next Animal Sex blog-"The Scent of a Woman." [LINK to the blog] </p> <h4>Coming Attractions</h4><p> Next up on <em>Birds Do It, Bees Do It</em>, you'll read about a sea creature with a penis that can grip like a hand. "What is tugging on my leg? Oh noooo..." </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; line-height: 200%; vertical-align: baseline"><span class="apple-style-span"></span></p> <br />By Sally Schloss for WebVet By Sally Schloss for WebVet Cats Canine diabetes month: A time to be alert http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2260 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2260">Canine diabetes month: A time to be alert</a><br />  <h4>A Puddle on the Sofa</h4> <p>It all started with an "accident" on the sofa. Zak, a <a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/275" target="_blank" title="Miniature Schnauzer breed information ">Miniature Schnauzer</a> owned by Fran Stepps of Mesquite, Texas, had always been a frisky yet well-behaved dog. True, he had been a bit thirstier than usual lately but that didn't seem like cause for alarm. It was only when the normally well-trained Zak urinated on the furniture that Stepps grew concerned. Zak's veterinarian performed tests that revealed <em><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=31&med=1">diabetes mellitus </a>-- sometimes called "sugar diabetes" <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=31&med=1">--</a></em> and prescribed daily doses of human insulin. But even after a year on the medication, Zak's blood glucose levels were not fully under control. Not only that, he grew listless and lost a lot of weight, dropping from 26 pounds to 17. Determined to help her beloved pet, Stepps researched the problem and found information about porcine insulin zinc suspension, the only form of injectable insulin made specifically for dogs. After consulting with Zak's vet again, he agreed to prescribe the new drug.  The result:  Zak's blood glucose level quickly stabilized and his condition improved. The story underscores the importance of early diagnosis and prompt, effective intervention to treat diabetes.</p> <h4>Raising awareness</h4> <p>Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (ISP) -- with the support of the <a href="http://www.aahanet.org/">American Animal Hospital Association</a> (AAHA) -- is sponsoring Pet Diabetes Month in November, as a way to raise awareness of the disease and educate pet owners on the warning signs and appropriate care. The <a href="http://www.petdiabetesmonth.com/">Pet Diabetes Month website</a> is an excellent source of diabetes information for owners of both dogs and cats.<br />  <br /> Randy Lynn, DVM, MS, DACVP, Manager-Technical Services for ISP, said: "This campaign is designed to help pet owners understand the condition, its risk factors and what to do if they notice a change in their pet's behavior or appearance that might indicate diabetes. Detection and management can help prevent serious medical complications, including <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=51&med=1" target="_blank" title="Heart disease in dogs">heart disease</a> and <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=63&med=1" target="_blank" title="Kidney problems in dogs">kidney problems</a>, which can occur when the disease is left untreated."</p> <h4>A Common Malady</h4> <p>Diabetes in pets is not uncommon. Approximately one dog in 500 develops the disease and that number is on the rise. "Diabetes in dogs is almost always insulin-dependent and veterinarians don't really understand the reasons for the increase," Lynn said . "In <a href="http://www.petdiabetesmonth.com/cat_what_is.asp">cats</a>, the disease is seen in those who have many of the same risk factors often seen in people with diabetes: <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/76/med/1" target="_blank" title="Obesity in dogs and cats">obesity</a>, a sedentary lifestyle and a high carbohydrate/low protein diet. Fortunately, we know that a significant percentage of diabetic cats can return to a non-diabetic state if they are diagnosed early and treated appropriately with diet and insulin." </p> <h4>Which Breeds Are at Risk? </h4> <p>While the disease may occur in any dog, certain breeds are at greater risk: </p> <ul><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/214" target="_blank" title="Cocker Spaniel breed information">Cocker Spaniels</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/489" target="_blank" title="Dachshund breed information ">Dachshunds</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/222" target="_blank" title="Doberman Pinscher breed information">Doberman Pinschers</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/236" target="_blank" title="German Shepherd breed information">German Shepherds</a></li><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/236" target="_blank" title="Golden Retriever breed information">Golden Retrievers</a></li><li> <a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/263" target="_blank" title="Labrador Retriever breed information">Labrador Retrievers</a></li><li> <a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/297" target="_blank" title="Pomeranian breed information">Pomeranians</a></li><li> <a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/298" target="_blank" title="Toy poodle breed information">Toy Poodles</a></li></ul> <p>Diabetes typically occurs in dogs from four to 14 years old, and <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/92/med/1" target="_blank" title="Spaying dogs">unspayed female dogs</a> are twice as likely as males to suffer from the disease.</p> <h4>What are the signs of diabetes?</h4> <p><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/31/med/1">Signs of diabetes</a> often develop gradually and most commonly include drinking a lot of water, urinating more often than usual, increased appetite, weight loss, and skin sores that take a long time to heal. However, only your veterinarian can make a definitive diagnosis by measuring sugar (glucose) levels in your pet's blood and urine.</p> <h4>Managing the Condition</h4> <p>Zak is one of the lucky ones. In addition to administering insulin to Zak every day, his owner tests his blood glucose levels twice a day before meals and carefully monitors his diet. Stepps also makes sure the 11-year-old dog has regular check-ups and gets plenty of exercise. With that much TLC, she can expect Zak to live a normal lifespan for his breed. "Dogs and cats can live long and happy lives if they receive appropriate therapy with diet and insulin," said Lynn. </p> <h4>Better safe than sorry</h4> <p> November -- Pet Diabetes Month -- is a good time for all pet owners to educate themselves about the warning signs of canine and feline diabetes. If you think your pet may be affected, don't wait to act; check with your veterinarian promptly. Remember: pet diabetes <strong>can </strong>be treated. </p><br />By Yona Zeldis McDonough for Webvet By Yona Zeldis McDonough for Webvet Cats Halloween pet hazards: What you need to know http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2257 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2257">Halloween pet hazards: What you need to know</a><br /><p>Halloween is a festive day -- and night -- for children, and a hectic one for adults: there are the decorations, the candy, pumpkin carving, crowds of trick-or-treaters to be lavished with seasonal treats, and generally good-natured mayhem. </p><p>But for the family pet, there are some Halloween hazards to be aware of. Here's our list of the top five, with suggestions on how to keep your Halloween celebration pet-safe and pet-friendly.</p><h4>Halloween hazard #1: Chocolate</h4><p>With chocolate bars and other chocolate-based treats in abundance, it's easy to forget that <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1870">chocolate</a> is toxic to pets. It contains a compound called <em>theobromine</em>.  If enough is ingested, your animal can suffer from <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/236/med/1" target="_blank" title="Dog and cat vomit">vomiting</a>, <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/238/med/1" target="_blank" title="Dog and cat diarrhea">diarrhea</a>, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=88&med=1">seizures</a>, and possible death. </p> <p>If you keep a ‘goodies basket' by the front door for trick-or-treaters, make sure your pet doesn't run off with any ‘samples' for itself.</p> <h4>Halloween hazard #2: Decorations</h4><p>Halloween decorations have evolved from paper cutouts hung in the window to elaborate -- even lavish -- outdoor displays. Sometimes, the materials used can be dangerously attractive for pets. Small, low-hanging decorations on trees and shrubbery can tempt some pets to take a nibble, resulting in intestinal blockages.</p><h4>Halloween hazard #3: Dangerous foods</h4><p>Many common <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1870">foods that are dangerous to pets</a> may be more plentiful on Halloween because they are popular in common trick-or-treat goodies. In addition to chocolate, these include nuts, raisins, chewing gum, mints, and anything containing <em>xylitol</em>, a commonly used artificial sweetener. Xylitol -- often found in baked goods and candies -- has been associated with liver failure and death in dogs.</p><h4>Halloween hazard #4: Anxiety & stress</h4><p>Some pets enjoy the excitement of crowds and are eager to join in the fun. If your dog is a party animal, then by all means take it along trick-or-treating. But many dogs -- and certainly most cats -- become frightened or even uncharacteristically aggressive in crowds. If your pet belongs to the latter group, Halloween may be a good time to put it in a quiet room with food and water, away from all the hubbub.</p><h4>Halloween hazard #5: Escape artists</h4><p>With trick-or-treaters coming and going every few minutes, leaving the door open is a welcoming thing to do. But it can be a bit too tempting for a pet that just feels like "stepping out" for the evening. So keep a close eye on your pet to prevent any escapes. </p><p>You should also make sure that your pet is always wearing some kind of identification, just in case: <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=188&med=1">microchipping</a> is ideal; but at the very least, make sure your pet is wearing an identification or rabies tag with your contact information.</p><p>For children - and, let's face it, plenty of adults -- Halloween festivities are an eagerly awaited time of shared fun and frolic. Keeping in mind these five pet perils will go a long way to making sure your Halloween memories are all pleasant ones.</p><br />By Peter Lopatin for WebVet By Peter Lopatin for WebVet Cats Animal Sex: The Scent of a Woman http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2258 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2258">Animal Sex: The Scent of a Woman</a><br />  <p>Across the animal world, creatures from insects to mammals release and receive sexual pheromones -- scent hormones -- signaling to the opposite sex that they're "in the mood." Males will travel miles, following the scent trail of a female. A female who wouldn't have given the time of day to some guy will suddenly find him <em>very</em> attractive. In fact, all she can think about is having his babies-and it all began with a whiff and a little chemistry.</p> <h4>It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing</h4> <p>But what about humans? Are we unconsciously at the mercy of sexual pheromones like the rest of the animal kingdom? Are we busy sending and receiving "I'm interested and available" signals to Mr. or Ms. Right across a crowded room, even if we don't know it? </p> <p>According to an article in the <em>New Scientist</em>, there is no clear understanding of how human pheromones -- if they exist -- might affect our brains, since, unlike other animals, we have no actively functioning vomeronasal organ -- VNO -- the organ animals use to detect pheromones. Although we have something resembling a VNO, it doesn't appear to be connected to the brain; so: no brain, no reaction, no resulting behavior. It may just be that we left this method of communication behind in our ancestral past, in favor of our more highly evolved visual and verbal skills. It seems we do as good a job, if not better, attracting our perspective mates, by what we say, how we look, and how we behave. </p> <h4>Animals make their own "perfume"</h4> <p>In the scent-loving animal world, pheromones are "manufactured" by animals as the aphrodisiacs of their courtship. And they are not only airborne; they can also be secreted in saliva, sweat and urine. As Adrian Forsyth points out in <em>A Natural History of Sex,</em> white-tailed deer and elk bucks will give off their own perfume by urinating and ejaculating on the ground and then wallowing in it. This drives the females wild. The male porcupine showers his beloved in his urine, soaking her in his scent, to get her aroused. Rabbits and hares leap into the air and from that vantage point, spray their desired ones in urine.</p> <p>And now, human ingenuity has turned animal pheromones to practical, commercial use. A product called "Boar Mate" has been created, which farmers spray on boars to get them interested in mating with sows. The only ingredient in Boar Mate is the hormone androsterone, which is found in pig saliva, and is a powerful, sexually seductive chemical that is irresistible to male and female swine.  (Interestingly, androsterone has also been found in human male urine and in the sweat emitted from male armpits.)  </p> <h4>Eau de people</h4> <p>Just when you were ready to believe humans don't send and receive sex pheromones, new research shows that some animal species detect pheromones using their olfactory system. So, it may turn out that animals and humans are not so different in this respect than we seem to think! </p> <p>New brain-imaging studies suggest that humans may indeed respond to sex pheromones. In one such study, women who were asked to smell sweat-drenched pads that had been worn in male armpits showed a reaction in the primitive part of their brains, where sexual feelings originate. </p> <p>More studies will need to be done to prove the relationship between our secreted hormones and sexual arousal. But if these pheromones get identified, duplicated and manufactured -- like Boar Mate -- then perfume that actually <em>is</em> effective could be a dangerous thing. Imagine walking along the street and suddenly you get a whiff of male cologne; your knees buckle, your thoughts become clouded, and all you can think about is a little afternoon delight. You turn your head to find the source of that compelling scent and you find a street full of women, all turning in the same direction. Men!</p> <p> </p> <br />By Sally Schloss for WebVet By Sally Schloss for WebVet Cats Pet Airways: Only pets allowed http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2259 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2259">Pet Airways: Only pets allowed</a><br />  <p>When Zach, a nine-year-old, 60-pound <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/331" target="_blank" title="Stafforshire Terrier breed information">Staffordshire Terrier</a>, bounded off a Pet Airways plane in Los Angeles last September, he had a chew toy in his mouth and a spring in his step.</p> <p>Zach was being reunited with Eileen Barber, his companion since he was a year old. Barber had been forced to give Zach up when she relocated from Williamsburg, Va., to San Diego and her new landlord -- at first -- would not allow pets. Fortunately for both owner and pet, the landlord eventually relented and Barber looked forward to bringing Zach - who had been living in a shelter -- to her new home. </p> <p>But a 10-day roundtrip journey by car was out of the question, so Teri Parkhouse -- manager of Ring Dog Rescue, the shelter that had been caring for Zach -- looked into the possibility of flying him in the cargo hold of a commercial airline.</p> <p>"Zach had been through a lot," Parkhouse said. We were concerned it would be too stressful for him to fly commercial". After much investigation, Parkhouse discovered <a href="http://www.petairways.com/">Pet Airways</a>, a Florida-based airline that describes itself as "a pet-only airline dedicated to pet-friendly travel." </p> <h4>Pet Airways takes wing </h4> <p>Founded by start-up business consultants Alysa Binder and husband Dan Wiesel, Pet Airways launched July 14 with weekly flights between the Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, and Baltimore/Philadelphia/Washington, D.C. areas -- cities with significant numbers of pet passengers. Binder, who now serves as Pet Airways' executive vice president, said she expects that the airline will serve 25 cities in the next couple of years.</p> <p>Binder and Wiesel were inspired to found Pet Airways because of the trauma that their Jack Russell Terrier, Zoe, experienced while flying in the cargo hold of a flight from San Francisco to Del Ray Beach, Fla., when the couple relocated. </p> <p>"Zoe was shook up by the flight across the country," Binder said. "Zoe had been a gregarious little dog, full of energy. But immediately after the flight, she just wasn't," Binder said.  This is when Binder and Wiesel knew they had to come up with an alternative solution for pet travel.</p> <p>Pet Airways employs a fleet of 19 human-passenger, climate-controlled Beech 1900 turbo-prop planes especially refitted to accommodate up to 50 dogs and cats. The airline's "pawsengers" fly in secure carriers in comfortably maintained passenger cabins -- from which the seats and overhead bins have been removed -- rather than in cramped cargo holds. </p> <p>Binder said her research showed that 76 million cats and dogs travel with their owners each year, but relatively few fly on airplanes. Only an estimated two million pets a year fly the nation's airways -- under seats, if they're small enough, or in cargo holds if they're not.</p> <p>"This is not surprising considering the appalling conditions under which most pets must travel," Binder said. "Although many airlines allow small pets to travel with their owners, stowed under the seat, most airlines will accept only one or two pets per flight. Pets that are too big to fit under the seat are relegated to cargo, and unfortunately in many cases, are treated as such."</p> <h4>Why do people choose Pet Airways? </h4> <p>Binder cited five reasons people choose to fly their pets on Pet Airways: </p> <p>1. Relocation<br /> 2. Vacation<br /> 3. Visiting relatives<br /> 4. Dog and cat shows<br /> 5. Pet rescue and adoption</p> <p>She said that Pet Airways aims to be price-competitive with the human airlines. As with human flights, Pet Airways' ticket prices vary according to flight length and destination; in addition, the larger the pet, the higher the fare. For example, according to information on Pet Airways' website, two representative, mid-week round-trip fares were as follows: 1) $449 between New York and LA, for a dog weighing 51-75 lbs. and standing up to 21" in height; 2) $299 between Chicago and Denver for a cat weighing not more than 20 lbs. and standing up to 11" in height.</p> <h4>The flying experience</h4> <p>Pets must be dropped off at Pet Airways' airport lounge no later than two hours before take-off. Owners may, however, drop them off up to 72 hours before flying, in which case they will be boarded at the Airlines' "PAWS Lodge" until flight time. </p> <p>Binder said that Pet Airways' passengers have a different sort of experience on her planes than on commercial airliners.</p> <p>Pets fly in carriers supplied by the airline based on their size. The carriers are carefully secured to ensure the animals' comfort and safety. A "pet attendant"-- a <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1471/med/0" target="_blank" title="Vet technician">veterinary technician</a> -- monitors and checks on the dogs and cats on board every 15 minutes. </p> <p>Pets are given regular "potty breaks" after disembarking. Binder emphasized that pets are never left unattended in a warehouse or on a ramp.</p> <p>Throughout the duration of their pet's journey, pet owners can check on the status of their flight on Pet Airways' website. </p> <h4>Less stress</h4> <p>Binder said that Pet Airways' goal is to make flying pets as stress-free as possible, both for pets and pet parents. If the experience of Zach and his owner are typical, then the new airline is well on its way to accomplishing that goal. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <br />By Howard Wolinsky for WebVet By Howard Wolinsky for WebVet Cats Midwest flooding causes mosquito boom, raises heartworm concerns http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2019 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2019">Midwest flooding causes mosquito boom, raises heartworm concerns</a><br /><p>Widespread flooding in the Midwest in June caused an explosion in the mosquito population, leading to the potential spread of heartworm in dogs, cats and ferrets, according to the <a href="http://www.heartwormsociety.org" target="_blank">American Heartworm Society</a>.</p><p>And the flooding from hurricanes in the Gulf Coast will put pets at risk of heartworm, the disabling and deadly parasitic disease, said Sheldon Rubin, DVM, president of the Batavia, Ill.-based society </p><p>"Flooding causes an exponential increase in the risk of heartworm infections. Mosquitoes are prolific,'' said Rubin, a Chicago veterinarian. "The larvae begin to multiply almost immediately after flooding in stagnant pools of water.'' </p><p>Sandi Sawchuk, DVM, a veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison, Wis., encountered the flooding first-hand: "I lost several trees. My yard was like a swamp."</p><p>"The mosquito population is definitely higher than it has been in previous years," Sawchuk said. She also said she is confident that her patients are protected with heartworm-preventive medication. But she is concerned about pets that live outdoors and do not receive veterinary care.</p><h4>High-risk animals</h4><p>Risks can be high in such animals. Sawchuk said the full impact of infections acquired during the flooding won't be known until six to seven months after the mosquito bites occur. "If a dog was bitten in June by an infected mosquito, heartworm disease will be found the following year when it's in for a heartworm test. It takes a long time for these little microscopic larvae to migrate and develop to a point that the test tissue actually picks up proteins secreted by the uterus of an adult female heartworm.''</p><p>She said the risks are probably greater in shelters where the animals that have been picked up and brought in haven't been receiving preventive medicine.</p><h4>Effects of Katrina</h4><p>An estimated 60 percent of the pets displaced by Hurricane Katrina were infected with heartworm, which is spread by mosquitoes that have bitten other infected dogs, cats, wolves and coyotes.</p><p>Rubin said the American Heartworm Society later this year will announce the results of its first heartworm survey that includes shelter animals. The society's last survey in 2004 received reports on more than 250,000 heartworm infections in dogs.</p><p>He said about three-quarters of dogs under veterinary care receive regular heartworm protection, which can cost less than $10 a month, far less than treating the disease. "Prevention is nearly 100 percent effective,'' Rubin said.</p><p>Rubin said that animals that start on the preventive medication can beat the infection. "If we start them now (in late August), the medication is going to work backward by approximately 30 days, so it's going to prevent infections that took place in July and August,'' he said. "It is very important that dogs be checked for heartworm with a simple blood test before heartworm prevention is started.''</p><p>The American Heartworm Society recommends annual testing, even if a pet is on monthly prevention. </p><br />By Howard Wolinsky for WebVet By Howard Wolinsky for WebVet Cats Should your pet's diet go 'natural?' http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2110 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2110">Should your pet's diet go 'natural?'</a><br /><p>As you scan the choices in your market's pet food aisle, you've no doubt noticed the labels promoting "natural" foods for dogs and cats. Natural pet foods are popular, according to a survey of 1,090 respondents conducted by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which makes Hill's Nature's Best, a natural product. But the pollsters also found confusion about what the term means.  To complicate your shopping and feeding tasks, veterinarians don't all agree that pets need "natural" formulas.</p><p>First, the survey findings:</p><ul><li>A third of respondents say they feed their pet a natural food, the majority for health reasons, and about half choose the natural food based on ingredients.</li><li>More than half of respondents believe natural pet food is the best option for their pet's health.</li><li>More than half say they <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1582" target="_blank">read the label</a> before buying a pet food, but understanding the label or all of it is difficult for most who do.</li></ul><p>The survey answers trigger several other important questions, such as what constitutes a "natural" pet food and whether it beats out other types.</p><h4>What is a natural pet food?</h4><p>Guidelines for natural pet foods are made by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), says Kurt Gallagher, a spokesperson for the Pet Food Institute in Washington, D.C.  Among other requirements, the use of the term natural in reference to the food product as a whole is acceptable only when all of the ingredients meet the definition. Natural means none of the ingredients are chemically synthesized.</p><p>The association does, however, make an exception when chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals or other trace nutrients are present in an otherwise natural food product if a disclaimer is used that these parts of the food aren't natural. In this case, the label would probably say: "Natural with added vitamins and minerals."</p><p>If only some of the ingredients are natural, look for such labels as "natural cheese flavor."</p><h4>Is natural food a necessity? Three views</h4><p>There's no official policy or advice about natural pet food from the American Veterinary Medical Association, according to spokesperson David Kirkpatrick. Individual vets do have their opinions, however.</p><p>"Natural" means different things to different pet owners, finds Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, Columbus, and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.  "If they mean raw food, I want to see the recipe," he says. If pet owners are asking about feeding their pets a diet labeled as natural from a commercial manufacturer that has years of experience making pet foods, he says: "Have at it."</p><p>But he adds a caveat: Don't expect health miracles just because your pet is eating "natural" foods. "Natural pet foods are just another kind of pet food made available for people who are interested in those kinds of food," he says. "There's no evidence I am aware of [that] they are any different from the point of view of the health of the animals or that they are any worse."</p><p>However, Heidi Hulon, DVM, a consultant for Hill's Pet Nutrition and a small animal practitioner in Louisville, Ky., sees benefit to natural foods--assuming the food lives up to its label claims as natural.</p><p>If so, she says, "it provides complete and balanced nutrition, and it helps maintain ideal body weight when fed appropriately." Some kinds of natural foods include high levels of antioxidants, which help maintain cellular health, she says, by protecting cells from damage done by unstable molecules known as free radicals.</p><p>In a nutshell: "The natural products are good, provided you know who the manufacturer is and they can confirm that the food follows the AAFCO guidelines," Hulon says.</p><br />By Kathleen Doheny for WebVet By Kathleen Doheny for WebVet Cats Understanding the language of cats http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2253 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2253">Understanding the language of cats</a><br />   <p>Some cats are talkers. Blackstone, for instance, is a big complainer. Whenever he's frustrated or annoyed, I have to listen to his loud lament. He also tells me when he's pleased or scared, and sometimes he lets me know that he just wants my company and a good chat. </p> <p>"Have you come to visit me Blackstone?" I ask. He says, "Meow," as he rubs his head against my face. "Would you like a good scratch behind the ears?" "Meow." He half closes his eyes, completely blissed-out, and I am rewarded by the loudest, most contented "purrrr." Of course, when I stop petting him, he complains. "Meow, meow, meow!" and butts my hand with his head, or gently digs a claw into my arm. "Me-OW!"</p> <h4>Cat-speak</h4> <p>Owners who talk to their cats a lot tend to have chattier <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2083/med/0" target="_blank" title="New kittens">kittiens</a>. Communication begins in kittenhood when newborns learn to interpret their mother's sounds and respond by mewing or purring, expressing distress or contentment. A cat's vocabulary increases as it matures and adapts to the sounds and actions of its human companions: Cats respond to our tone of voice, attentiveness, and responsiveness as well as to the behaviors that mean something to them: "Good kitty," followed by a treat; or, "Does kitty want to play?" and we produce a cat toy. </p> <p>In return, we respond to the tone and type of mewing our cats make as they tell us to please feed them, open the door, or pet them.  What they "say," is accompanied by body language and facial expressions. For instance, a cat will run back and forth between its owner and the door, then sit and look up at the door, look back at its owner, and "Meow." This "meow" could be either a polite, "Please let me out," or an annoyed, "Open this door!"</p> <h4>The problem child</h4> <p>Usually, we're happy to have our cats talk to us, telling us what they need. But too much vocalizing, especially in the middle of the night, quickly becomes too much of a good thing.</p> <p>Hypervocalizing can happen for many reasons:</p> <ul class="unIndentedList"><li> Illness/medical condition</li><li> Frustration-for instance, an outdoor cat becoming an indoor cat </li><li> Boredom, when a cat is not stimulated enough</li><li> Aggression triggered by another cat or animal</li><li> Anxiety/<a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2127" target="_blank" title="Cat stress">stress</a>/fear</li><li> Depression from the loss of a companion </li><li> Coming into heat (estrus cycle)</li></ul> <h4>What to do</h4> <p>The first thing to know is that yelling, shushing, and scolding are responses that only encourage the cat's problematic behavior. To the feline brain, it's like attention on steroids. </p> <p>Unusual and excessive vocalizing can mean that your cat is in pain or is suffering from an undiagnosed medical condition. </p> <ul><li>If your older cat begins yowling and meowing more than usual, going to the vet is the first course of action to rule out a medical problem. </li><li>If there are any behavioral changes along with the vocalizing-wanting to be fed more often, <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=178&med=1" target="_blank" title="Cats peeing outside the litter box"> peeing outside the litter box</a>, or hiding under the bed-a trip to the vet is warranted.</li></ul> <p>Therefore, it's always best, as a first response, to have your cat thoroughly checked out by your vet. If you're confident the cause is not medical, there are some practical steps you can take to deal with the problem: </p> <ul><li>The best way to discourage unwanted behavior is, first, <em>not</em> to react to the vocalizing while it's happening and then to provide <em>extra</em> attention when the cat is quiet.  </li></ul> <ul><li>If you notice that your cat is racing around the house and meowing, the explanation may simply be pent up energy. Adding some extra playtime every evening, before going to bed, will give your cat the <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1464/med/0" target="_blank" title="Cat exercise">exercise </a>and attention it needs.</li><li>If the issue is your cat coming into your bedroom and jumping on the bed and meowing, use earplugs and close your door for as many nights as it takes to discourage this behavior. </li><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/92/med/1" target="_blank" title="Neutering your cat">Neutering</a> your cat will curtail the caterwauling, which is loud wailing and yowling, intended to attract a mate. </li></ul> <p>The pleasure we take in communicating with our cat companions takes many forms: vocal, physical, behavioral and psychological. In fact, we teach each other -- uman to cat, and cat to human -- what we need, like, and dislike, as we live together, bond, and grow familiar with each other's personalities. Vocalizing is one of the pleasures, although it can sometimes also prove to be a behavioral challenge.  </p> <p>Of course, when you and your cat understand each other perfectly, then enjoy the chat and give your kitty a nice pat on the head and a scratch under the chin.</p> <p>"Who's my good boy? Who's the best kitty in the whole world?" </p> "MEow." <p style="line-height: 200%" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Tahoma"> </span></p> <p style="line-height: 200%" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <br />By Sally Schloss for WebVet By Sally Schloss for WebVet Cats Human medications draw the interest of pets http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2252 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2252">Human medications draw the interest of pets</a><br />  <p>Sandy McNamara, a lawyer who lives in suburban St. Louis, came home from work recently to find her cat Toby in the throes of something very bad. He had been <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/236/med/1" target="_blank" title="Dog and cat vomit">vomiting</a>, had <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/238/med/1" target="_blank" title="Dog and cat diarrhea">diarrhea</a> and was panting excessively.</p> <p>"I was scared to death," McNamara says. "I suspected that he had gotten into something <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1870/med/0" target="_blank" title="Foods and products toxic to pets"></a> but I wasn't sure. I knew I had to call a poison center but I also knew the call would be useless unless I could provide some information. I looked around but couldn't really find a specific cause. I thought maybe Toby had gotten into my stash of chocolate and I also suspected <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=171&med=1" target="_blank" title="Antifreeze poisoning in pets">antifreeze poisoning.</a>"</p> <p>The real culprit, however, was McNamara's high blood pressure medicine. She had taken the medicine that morning, then left the lid off. The curious Toby sampled the medication. "It didn't occur to me that my own medicine was responsible."</p> <p>For several years, human medications have been the number one cause of animal poisonings, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. During 2008, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, including more than 50,000 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs for humans - painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements.</p> <h4>Human medications</h4> <p>The high number of poisonings due to human medications displaces traditional <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1870/med/0" target="_blank" title="Sources of animal poisoning">sources of animal poisoning</a>: insecticides, people food, rodenticides, veterinary medications, plants, chemical hazards, household cleaners, heavy metals such as lead, and fertilizers.</p> <p>"It's hard to give a dog a pill, but when a dog discovers one of yours, watch out," laughs Steven Hansen, DVM, a board-certified toxicologist and Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services for the ASPCA. "Plastic pharmaceutical bottles might be childproof but they are not dog-proof. Dogs can crush a prescription bottle in seconds with their teeth."</p> <p>Another problem are the containers that hold a weekly or more supply of pills. Dogs can get into pill containers easily if it is left out in the open. "Dogs can get into quite a few things in no time at all," says Dr. Hansen. He recommends that human medications be kept as high as possible in a closed container to avoid the curiosity of pets. "Pets can get into cabinets that are low, so high is better," he says. "It's just like dealing with kids. You've got to puppy-proof your home."</p> <p>Cats are not as likely as dogs to get into human meds. "Cats are typically more careful about what they consume," says Dr. Hansen. "They sometimes get into trouble because a pet parent will purposely give an elderly cat a human pain killer for arthritis. One extra-strength acetaminophen can be deadly to a cat."</p> <h4>It worked for me, why not them?</h4> <p>Another issue regarding human medications ingested by pets occurs when people give them medicines intentionally, thinking they are helping the animal.</p> <p>"I have clients who think that if the medicine works for them, it can work for their pet," says Karl Jandrey, DVM, associate professor of veterinary medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. "It's true that there are some medicines that can be taken by both people and pets, but not in the same dosages. A dog or cat is not a person and cannot take the same dose. People should not simply give a pet some of their own medicine without going to an expert."</p> <p>Dr. Jandrey says that the side effects of human medications generally are known, whether the medication is consumed by a person or animal. "The good news is that many of these issues can be treated with successful outcomes."</p> <p>Sandy McNamara's cat Toby survived his bout with high blood pressure medication. "I will never leave my medicine out like that again," she promises. </p> <br />By Chris Smith for WebVet By Chris Smith for WebVet Cats