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Webvet New Pet Center Feed http://www.webvet.com/main/showArticles/page/9 This feed contains articles about New Pet Center en-us Copyright 2009 Webvet, LLC 2009-11-07T07:20-05:00 advertise@webvet.com advertise@webvet.com New Pet Center hourly Does your dog pee when excited? http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2082 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2082">Does your dog pee when excited? </a> If your dog pees when excited, you're not alone.  In submissive or excited urination, a dog often takes on a submissive posture or pees when approached or during greetings.  Although this problem can be seen in dogs of any age, it is most common in puppies and young female dogs.  Many dogs outgrow peeing when excited, perhaps because they gradually become less excitable during greetings or develop greater urinary control with maturity.  Good <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1903" target="_blank" title="puppy training">puppy training</a> practices can help to avoid having a dog who pees when excited.  In submissive urination, you’ll see the dog take on a submissive posture when it is approached, holding its ears back, avoiding eye contact, cowering, lowering its body, or even turning onto its back.  At the same time that the pup is fearful or <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2127" target="_blank" title="pet anxiety">anxious</a>, it may be overly excited because it is socially attracted to the owner or visitor.Taking a bold or assertive approach by reaching for or standing over the puppy, or by verbally reprimanding it will make the problem worse.  These actions can elicit a fear response, especially if the puppy has been punished for urinating in similar situations in the past.The best solution is to work toward replacing the excited and possibly fearful greeting with a calmer and “settled” method:<ul><li>Begin by letting your dog approach you, rather than you approaching your dog.</li><li>Kneel down to the dog’s level (rather than standing over the dog).</li><li>Speak softly in a low, calm tone.</li><li>Pet your dog’s chest instead of its head.</li></ul>All family members should consistently practice this relaxed method of greeting for a week or two.  If your dog is still overly submissive and urinates, you may initially need to completely ignore it at greeting, refraining from any verbal or physical contact -- even to the extent of avoiding eye contact.  Wait until your dog settles down, allowing it to approach only after it is relaxed and calm.You can also teach your puppy to sit or “settle” to receive a reward.  Food rewards or toys can be used, gradually working toward a longer and more focused settle response.<h4>Q&A</h4><h3>What is submissive urination in puppies?</h3>In submissive or excitement urination, a puppy urinates when approached or during greetings.  The pup often takes a submissive posture, such as holding its ears back, avoiding eye contact, cowering, lowering its body, or even turning onto its back.<h3>What dogs tend to have this problem?</h3>Although this problem can be seen in dogs of any age, it is most common in puppies and young female dogs.  Many dogs outgrow it, perhaps because they gradually become less excitable during greetings or develop greater urinary control with maturity.<h3>How is this problem treated?</h3>The best solution is to work toward replacing the excited and possibly fearful greeting with a calmer and “settled” method.  This usually involves letting the dog approach you, kneeling on their level, speaking softly and calmly, and petting the chest instead of the head.<h3>Does it help to punish or reprimand the dog?</h3>Assertive actions (eg, grabbing the dog), punishment, or verbal reprimands will make the problem worse.  These actions can elicit a fear response, especially if the puppy has been punished for urinating in similar situations in the past. By Susan E. Aiello, DVM, ELS and John A. Bukowski, DVM, MPH, PhD By Susan E. Aiello, DVM, ELS and John A. Bukowski, DVM, MPH, PhD New Pet Center The Gabriel Foundation: A home for birds http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2105 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2105">The Gabriel Foundation: A home for birds</a> Rhett, Scarlet, and Jade are good parrots. They loved their human “mom,” and never (OK, rarely) misbehaved. But through no fault of their own, they suddenly found themselves homeless when their owner fell seriously ill and could no longer properly provide for them.It’s always heart-wrenching to give up beloved pets, but that decision is even harder when there’s no safe place to relinquish the animal. Traditionally, dog and cat owners have had some options, but fewer choices existed for pet birds -- especially larger parrots that require plenty of space and more experienced owners. These birds often bounce from home to home, sometimes confined to tiny cages, largely ignored, and subsisting on a substandard diet. It’s not that people are intentionally cruel, but caring for a parrot is not as familiar or intuitive as caring for more common household pets, such as dogs and cats.<h4>Finding a haven</h4>Like Rhett and friends, some birds are victims of a loving and responsible owner’s failing health or finances. Other birds, especially parrots, are bought on a whim by people seeking a trendy pet, and then dumped when the novelty of caring for such a high-maintenance and long-lived creature wears off.In 1996, Julie Weiss Murad, an avian behavioral consultant from Colorado, put her talents to work to create the perfect haven for abandoned parrots. She named it “The Gabriel Foundation” to honor the memory of her beloved hyacinth macaw that died at age two from an intestinal blockage.Since then, <a href="http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/" target="_blank">The Gabriel Foundation</a> has grown into a world-renowned educational and rescue facility. What makes TGF so unique? “We set the highest standard of care, not just for birds, but for the people who own them,” said Patti Christie, a certified veterinary technician and registered nurse who gave up nursing to work full-time for the foundation. “We work with the veterinary community to provide the care and education needed to keep birds in their homes whenever possible, and to provide potential bird owners all the tools needed for success. Education is our number one commitment.”This proactive approach to bird ownership has created many happy endings for pet birds, and garnered the respect of both the veterinary and aviculture communities. The organization, according to its purpose and mission statement, focuses on six aspects of parrot welfare: educational outreach, conservation, rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and sanctuary.<ul><li>Educational outreach includes classes, lectures, printed materials, internships, and a host of other avenues designed to create an awareness of parrot care and conservation. </li><li>Conservation efforts are important not just to protect parrots in their natural habitats, but also to help us better understand our pet birds in captivity. TGF works with the conservation community worldwide and provides both funding and educational assistance.</li><li>Rescue is an important part of TGF’s work in the community. Lost, abandoned, and abused birds are brought to the shelter for evaluation and treatment.</li><li>Rehabilitation of surrendered birds can include veterinary treatment for physical injuries or illnesses, nutritional evaluation and improvement, and behavioral and socialization assistance.</li><li>Adoption is the ultimate goal for birds that have been successfully rehabilitated by the facility. TGF’s staff works closely with prospective owners to ensure that they are committed to providing the specialized care and love required to keep a parrot healthy and happy for life.</li><li>Sanctuary is provided for birds that are not suitable as pets for a variety of reasons, such as chronic illness or disability, or for those birds that simply do not enjoy the company of humans. These parrots are tended by the devoted staff, and they live out their lives with others of their species in the state-of-the-art facilities.</li></ul>“Birds tend to get lost in the public perception,” Christie said. “They have long-term needs [due to their long life expectancies] and money is always a struggle. About 85 percent of our relinquished birds come to us with no funding, and often need intense dietary and veterinary intervention.”Rhett, Scarlet, and Jade might not understand the sacrifices and struggles these hard-working volunteers suffer on their behalf, but that’s OK. The happy ending that occurs when they settle into new loving homes is reward enough for everyone. By Gayle Soucek for WebVet By Gayle Soucek for WebVet New Pet Center Six questions to ask yourself before getting a pet bird http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1433 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1433">Six questions to ask yourself before getting a pet bird</a> <a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/list?type=Bird%20Breed%20Finder" target="_blank" title="Bird breed finder">Are you considering getting a pet bird? </a>You wouldn’t be alone – approximately 16 million birds live in 6 percent of U.S. households, according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association.Before buying or adopting a pet bird, however, experts recommend asking yourself these aviary-minded questions first to determine if you can wing it as a bird owner.<h4><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1979/med/0" target="_blank" title="What bird breed is best for first time owners?">What’s the best breed for your needs?</a></h4>For starters, it’s important to determine what aspect of having a bird is most important to you, said Nancy Peterson, issues specialist with The Humane Society of the United States, based in Washington, D.C.“Canaries and finches are known for their song, color and activity,” Peterson said. “A cockatiel may be more suitable if you want a companion bird. If you want a talker, consider a parakeet.”Kristin L. Nelson, DVM, of Scottsdale, Ariz., doesn’t recommend birds for children under age six because of potential injury to the bird or to the child.“For children age seven to 12, I suggest budgies, cockatiels and lovebirds. Parrots are best reserved for adults and teenagers,” Nelson said.<h4>Can you afford all that’s required?</h4>Aside from the fee to purchase or adopt a bird, you’ll need to buy a cage as large as you can accommodate, quality food and supplements, supplies and bird toys,<a type="amzn"></a> veterinary care and more, Peterson said. These combined costs can run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year, depending on the breed and health of the bird.“A well-balanced, optimal diet can be pricey, especially if you want to provide your bird with the best organic and vitamin-rich foods,” said Jennifer Miller, emergency relief responder with International Fund for Animal Welfare, based in Yarmouth Port, Mass.<h4>Are you ready to be a responsible caregiver?</h4>“Successfully owning a bird takes a lot of patience and a huge amount of commitment, especially for larger birds,” said Alison Minton, a cockatoo owner in New York City. Cages need to be cleaned on a regular basis, and “food and water needs to be refreshed at least once a day,” she said.<a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2022/med/0" target="_blank" title="Caring for a baby bird">Birds require specialized care</a> and the dedication of a devoted owner who understands the behavioral and physical sensitivities of all bird types, Miller said.“Caring for birds can be very different and slightly more challenging than caring for a dog or cat,” Miller said. “By nature, birds are incredibly active and flight driven. Captivity can sometimes alter these behaviors, but instinctively birds tend to demand constant attention, mental stimulation and life-long companionships.”That also means providing plenty of out-of-the-cage time if possible, Miller said. “A well-rounded, social, healthy bird needs to roam and interact in the house.”What’s more, some birds like macaws, toucans, conures and cockatoos can live 50 years or more and small birds can enjoy a lifespan up to 10 years or longer, Peterson said.“A responsible bird owner needs to make sure the bird will always have a caretaker,” even going so far as to make arrangements in a will, Minton said. “Have a backup plan in place, such as a pet trust.”Additionally, if you plan on being away from home for extended periods, you’ll need to arrange for a responsible pet-sitter who can provide for at least the bird’s basic needs, Miller said. A great resource for pet sitters is <a href="http://www.sittercity.com/" target="_blank">Sittercity.com</a>, an online platform that connects pet owners with experienced pet sitters and conducts background checks on all pet sitters.<h4>Do you have the right home?</h4>Evaluate your home and living conditions carefully, Miller said.“If you live in a small condo or single-family home and an extra half a room is difficult to come by, choosing a smaller bird may be a better choice because a smaller cage can be easily placed in the bedroom or next to the couch,” Miller said. “An optimal location is inside a quiet room with a good amount of sunlight, a view to an outside environment and sufficient ventilation.”Prior to choosing a bird, “determine what the acceptable noise threshold is for your home,” Nelson said. Parrots like to scream on occasion — this is a natural behavior and typically occurs at dawn and dusk. If you, your family or neighbors cannot tolerate noise, focus on small birds. For those in apartments, I recommend finches, budgies, cockatiels or lovebirds.”<h4>Can you keep your bird healthy and safe?</h4>It’s essential to learn the symptoms of a sick bird and to “<a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1973" target="_blank" title="Finding a vet for your pet bird">find a veterinarian who specializes in avian medicine</a>,” Peterson said. “Birds should also be screened for psittacosis, a contagious bacterial infection, before bringing them into your home.”For their own safety, “birds need to be protected from wind, cats, dogs, vandals, the sun and diseases that can be transmitted by wild birds,” Peterson said.A bird may not be a good choice if you have other pets that could taunt or scare the animal, Miller said.In addition, be prepared to safeguard your pet from common household dangers to birds such as smoke from burning food or overheated ovens, non-stick cookware and tobacco smoke, as well as hairspray, pesticides, household cleaners and other aerosols, Peterson said.<h4>Where will you find your bird?</h4>“When you purchase a bird from a pet store, you run the risk of supporting ‘bird mills,’" Peterson said. "If you are determined to buy from a breeder, seek out a local breeder and visit to be sure you know what the conditions are.”Dr. Greg Harrison, DVM, of West Palm Beach, Fla., supports this idea and said that the best place to get a bird is from a domestic breeder with good references. To help ensure you get a healthy bird, make sure you use a breeder that specializes in the particular breed of interest. Your breeder should be able to recommend a vet, and visa versa, Harrison said. Harrison also provided the following characteristics to look for in an ideal breeder:<ul><li>Raises small numbers of birds</li><li>Specializes in a few species  </li><li>Does not mix larger parrots with small species, such as cockatiels, lovebirds, and budgerigars</li><li>Selects breeders to maximize ideal pet characteristics</li><li>Sells only weaned, hand-fed parrots</li><li>Sells birds directly to clients, and not through pet stores or bird fairs</li><li>Raises birds on pellets</li></ul> By Erik J. Martin for WebVet By Erik J. Martin for WebVet New Pet Center Puss in snow boots http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1998 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1998">Puss in snow boots</a> I've never been much of a cat person. It's not just that I'm allergic to them, though I am; it's more that they don't seem grateful enough. There's something detached about cats, something fickle, that reminds me of the pretty, popular girls that used to go to my junior high school. They're nice to you when they need you for something (to copy your Latin homework, to top off a depleted bowl of Whiskas), but otherwise, they can take you or leave you. For me, and my easily wounded pride, the wild, tail-thumping enthusiasm of dogs has always been preferable.So when my husband and I first moved to our apartment three years ago, it took a while for me to even register the posse of stray cats that lived in the parking lot next to our building. I saw them, sure, slinking around the cars and garbage bins: a band of scruffy, easily spooked creatures that scattered and hid whenever anyone came near. But, I didn't give them much thought. This was the city, and there were probably dozens of other cats (and god knows what else) living on the streets of our neighborhood.One day, though, I saw one up close. It was a blustery winter afternoon, and I had just pulled into my usual space in the lot. Jumping out, I glanced at the car parked next to mine-its engine was ticking, cooling in the chilly air-and was rattled to see a pair of frightened, wide, green eyes staring back at me. One of the cats-a raggedy little thing with black and white fur, was crouched up inside one of the wheel wells, trying to stay warm. Her face was a mess of nicks and scratches. I bent down to have a better look at her, but she slipped beneath the car so quickly she seemed to have evaporated.After that-I'm not sure why-I started keeping an eye out for her. I was pretty sure it was a her, anyway; she was awfully small. Once in a while I caught a glimpse of her-usually just a flash of her tiny, dirty tuxedo of a coat-as I walked to or from the parking lot. Some of the other, bigger cats seemed to hang out together, near a dumpster or beneath the same car, but she was always alone.Then one night, there was a snowstorm. It started in the late afternoon, and by the time Andrew and I got home from work, fat, cookie-sized flakes were hurtling out of the blackened sky. To get from the car to our building, we had to wade through shin-deep drifts.Once we'd had dinner, Andrew wandered over to the window with his coffee cup. He looked out at the swirling flakes, shaking his head in amazement, and then peered down toward the street."Oh, wow," he said suddenly. "You know that little stray cat you like? She's down there in the snow."I rushed to the window. Under the streetlights, I could see the cat moving-swimming, really-through the thick snow in the parking lot. There was a long, weaving trail behind her that practically circled the lot. All the parked cars were completely blanketed now; there was no place for her to take shelter.My dislike for cats seemed to go on hiatus that night. Without thinking, I found myself rooting through our kitchen cabinets until I found a can of tuna fish; then I grabbed a couple of old towels from the linen closet, shrugged on my coat, and went downstairs. Outside, the snow was furious, marvelous, coming down like gangbusters.The cat, nearly up to her neck, stared at me but didn't move as I stomped out into the lot-frozen with fear, or maybe just frozen in place. I skirted the edge of the lot, leaving lots of space between us, until I got to our car. Then, with her still watching me, I bent and half-swiped, half-dug the snow out from under our front bumper, until I'd cleared a space down to the bare pavement. Then I stuffed the old towels down there into a sort of nest, popped the top on the can of tuna fish, and waved the can around in the air so (I hoped) the cat would smell it."Puss!" I called. "Come have some food!"At the sound of my voice, the cat ducked and her ears flattened against her head; still, she didn't run away. Slowly, I went back around the lot the way I'd come, and glanced at her once more before going back inside. What I'd done wasn't enough, I knew. But I didn't know what else to do.When I got back upstairs, Andrew was still watching out the window."She's heading for the car," he announced. Through the glass, I saw her, humping slowly, effortfully, toward our parking spot. After what seemed like ten minutes, she finally made it into the clearing beneath our bumper-where I only saw her for a second, caked with snow. Then she crawled out of sight.I never found out if she bedded down in the bundled-up towels; they'd frozen into a stiff knot by the next morning. But the can of tuna, also crusted with frost, was empty. I didn't see her for a few days, but once the sun came out and the snow started to pool and melt, I came home one evening and caught her looking at me from underneath a neighbor's van. It was a long, blinking look: of hunger? Recognition? Or maybe, possibly, gratitude?I bought a case of cat food the next day. And I've been buying them ever since. By Sarah Gold for Divine Caroline By Sarah Gold for Divine Caroline New Pet Center First feathers: The best bird breeds for beginners http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1979 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1979">First feathers: The best bird breeds for beginners</a> When you are thinking of what <a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/list?type=Bird%20Breed%20Finder" target="_blank" title="bird breed directory">type of bird</a> is best for a beginner, start simple. They say you've got to learn to crawl before you can walk. But when it comes to choosing the right pet bird for first-time owners, you've got to start small before you can squawk, say the experts. Indeed, if you've never owned a pet bird before or are considering a fine feathered friend for a child, it's probably best to think about <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1433" target="_blank" title="Six questions to ask yourself before getting a pet bird">what type of bird is best suited to your lifestyle</a>.   <h4>Pecking order</h4>"Historically, the best beginner birds have been cockatiels and budgerigars, which are a kind of parakeet,'' said Angela M. Lennox, DVM, of the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic of Indianapolis. "These smaller birds have outstanding pet quality and provide fewer challenges than bigger birds, and novice owners tend to be less fearful of smaller birds.''Thomas Bankstahl, DVM, of Parkway Small Animal and Exotic Hospital, in Clinton Township, Mich., said that while some pet lovers go directly to owning a bigger breed, a large bird can be very intimidating for the first-time bird owner. Beginners often "do not have a feel for normal versus abnormal behavior, and a large bird's behavior issues often lead to an owner who is afraid of the bird or who gets bitten,'' Bankstahl said. "This results in mutual disruption in the trust between animal and owner and a bird that does not receive time outside of its cage and proper exercise.''Larger birds like macaws and cockatoos, Lennox said, "exhibit more severe manifestations of behavior problems. Many owners decide they enjoy the challenges of bird ownership and ultimately own a larger bird. But a beginner may want to avoid these species and learn with a smaller, less challenging bird.''<h4>Good things come in small packages</h4>Smaller size doesn't necessarily mean smaller personality, Bankstahl said. Consider these advantages of a cockatiel or parakeet:<ul><li>Their animated behavior and willingness to interact make them popular pets.</li><li>Cockatiels are relatively easy to teach, cost-effective to own, and avid whistlers.</li><li>They both enjoy a slightly longer lifespan than other small bird species: Depending on their health, diet and care, pet cockatiels usually live between 15 and 20 years, while budgerigars typically live up to eight years or longer. </li><li>Male cockatiels and many budgerigars learn to imitate and talk at least to some degree.</li></ul><h4>On a wing and a care</h4>But if you're willing to "talk the talk,'' you also need to be willing to "walk the walk'' in terms of dedication, attention and upkeep, according to Lennox."All birds require a similar commitment in terms of time to clean, prepare food and socialize and train,'' she said. "Smaller birds usually make smaller messes and may require less time for training and socializing than large species.''Bankstahl said you should count on: <ul><li>Spending a minimum of 15 minutes twice a day interacting with your bird. </li><li>Changing the cage lining regularly.</li><li>Thoroughly cleaning out and refilling food and water dishes daily. </li><li>Scrubbing down the cage once a week. </li><li>Paying for regular expenses, such as a recommended formulated diet for your species, <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2028" target="_blank" title="Birds just wanna have fun">appropriate toys for your breed</a> that encourage behavior enrichment, occasional grooming by a professional (ie, nail and beak trimming, if necessary), and a yearly veterinary check up.</li></ul>"Also, be aware that all birds can carry a bacteria called Chlamydophila psittaci, which can be contracted by humans and cause flu-like symptoms. Your <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1973" target="_blank" title="Avian veterinarian">avian veterinarian</a> can test for this important disease,'' Bankstahl said. "Additionally, some people are also sensitive to the amount of dust or dander produced by cockatiels.''<h4>Beak clique</h4>Lennox said that while the physical part of bird ownership - like feeding and cleaning - may appear straightforward, "it's not as easy to get good information on bird training, socialization and enrichment.'' An avian veterinarian is a good source, as are credible bird rescue organizations and resources like the Association of Avian Veterinarians  and the <a href="http://webvet.com/main/article?id=2105" target="_blank" title="bird rescue, Gabriel Foundation">Gabriel Foundation.</a>Lastly, Bankstahl said that it's important for the ownership of a small bird "to be a family responsibility. In my practice, I see people get these small birds for children at very young ages and expect them to care for them on their own. This often result in improper care. Instead, I encourage people to make it a fun way to teach children about responsibility, compassion and animal care.'' By Erik J. Martin for WebVet By Erik J. Martin for WebVet New Pet Center Responsible pet parenting http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1999 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1999">Responsible pet parenting</a> Did you know that dogs spayed before their first heat cycle almost never get breast cancer? Likewise, did you know that spaying your kitty before she's one year old reduces the risk of mammary cancer by a whopping 90 percent? Protect the boobies! Regardless of your age, gender, or political affiliation, it's a manifesto we all can support. Let's bust a move to endorse preservation of these most important anatomical features, thus indisputably safeguarding the well-being of our pets.For women, as well as cats and dogs, the dangers of breast cancer can prove devastating. Aggressive cancer cells invading mammary glands may transform into malignant tumors, which, in turn, can insidiously spread to other mammary glands and even metastasize to brew disastrous perils elsewhere. If your pet falls among the unfortunate ones and contracts mammary cancer, initial treatment ordinarily involves surgical removal, which can be expensive. I've removed many mammary tumors, and along the way, I've discovered it's not one of my favorite surgeries. The procedure can be challenging, tedious, and time-consuming. Post-operatively, the arteriole spray that paints my surgical gown often resembles a spatter pattern that only Gil Grissom, my wife's favorite CSI character could appreciate.Beyond surgery, additional therapies for mammary cancer include chemotherapy and radiation. However, if you decide to pursue further therapy, proceed with caution, since only limited information is available regarding success rates.Not convinced? Don't forget that spaying, the preeminent chastity belt, prevents unwanted litters, controls the pet population, reduces unnecessary euthanasias, and lowers animal shelter costs. Amazingly, a single cat and her first-year offspring can yield upwards of 150 kittens within a three-year period. Cats and dogs are designed to be efficient procreators, and their frenzied rate of reproduction can quickly evolve into shockingly astronomical numbers. I'd imagine that even a supercomputer engineered for mastermind spy James Bond would probably sooner or later detonate in its furious attempt to calculate the multiplication statistics. We're all aware of the plight of overcrowded and woefully underfunded animal shelters across the country. Despite the heroic efforts of animal organizations and pet advocates, trying to find good homes for all stray cats and dogs remains a difficult hurdle. Consequently, many adoptable pets remain homeless, or are unfortunately put to sleep.Spaying also eliminates the risk for pyometra, a nasty and quite dangerous problem. The condition is more commonly seen in older dogs and cats that have not yet been spayed. Literally defined as pus in the uterus, pyometra proposes a villainous health threat from a festering infection smoldering within the reproductive tract, and immediate surgery is often the only recourse. To put things in perspective, a normal uterus may resemble the diameter of a pencil, and weigh less than a pound. On the other hand, for past pyometra patients, I've removed many diseased uteruses filled with wickedly disgusting amounts of purulent quagmire that often resemble ten pounds of kielbasa. Appalling and ghastly, to say the least.Lastly, but not least important, spaying prevents habitually insufferable heat cycles. Female dogs tend to have a heat cycle every six to seven months. While in heat, your dog will likely be the most popular pooch on the block, since males have an uncanny ability to detect willing and ready females from afar. Lusting Casanovas of the two-legged variety only wish they had similar magical powers. If your female stays outside, brace yourself for a literal potpourri of tail-waggin' visitors vying to be the lucky one to saddle up. Just like the county fair, you'll be amazed at who materializes from the back forty, feverishly panting on your front stoop and looking for love. For those gals that stay inside, diapers will become a necessity. A dog in diapers? Indeed. Females in heat often have a bloody vaginal discharge for up to three weeks, and unless protected with a pull-up, may trickle a trail around the house that would make Hansel and Gretel proud.Female cats tend to come in heat almost once monthly, and the heat cycle usually lasts for seven to ten days. During her "on-call" period, she may become excessively flirtatious, obsessively rubbing on you or any other nearby object. She may incessantly roll and flop on the floor. She may repeatedly assume the mating position, known as lordosis, with head down, forelimbs bent, tail in the upright and locked position, rear quarters raised, and her privates exposed for all to see. (Good luck explaining that to your pre-pubescent and inquisitive youngster.) Desperate to find a mate, indoor cats in heat will seek every opportunity to escape outside, and will spend hours in stealth mode waiting by the door to clandestinely dash through even the slightest opening.Finally, beware that cats in heat may vocalize and meow uninterruptedly around the clock. The chattiness is often noisy, sometimes piercing, and downright irritating during the wee hours of the morning. You think your loquacious mother-in-law can't stop talking? Well, wait until your cat goes into heat.Benefits of neutering male cats and dogs also abound. Obviously, castration completely eliminates the risk for testicular cancer. Furthermore, neutering can greatly lower the risk of prostate disease later in life. Dogs with prostatic disease often have a history of straining to urinate and defecate, which would certainly put anyone in a bad mood. What's more, neutering can eliminate the urge to mate, thus reducing the perils of roaming, getting lost, running away, and falling victim to numerous outside dangers. Some reports indicate as many as 80 percent of dogs hit by cars are unaltered. Neutered male canines also have a lowered risk for development of perianal adenomas, or tumors around the anus. These growths are usually benign, but given their precarious location, can often interfere with pooping and present hygiene issues after becoming soiled with feces. Who on this planet wants to give ole' Spot a good wipe several times daily?Neutering male cats can decrease the oft overpowering odor of their urine, and decrease the risk for urine marking. Intact tomcats have a nightmarish tendency to mark their territories. The smell is truly foul, and their territory is often your drapes, carpet, and furniture. The odoriferousness of your home may not improve until you convert your carpet to hardwoods. No longer testosterone-laden, neutered males are often less aggressive and more docile to people, as well as other pets. I've read that 90 percent of neutered cats engage in combat markedly less often than their unaltered and usually more cantankerous counterparts. Cats tend to be highly territorial, and violation of this "honor code of property rights," will almost always invoke a cloud-of-dust brawl amongst tomcats. Keep in mind, less fighting also lowers the risk of disease transmission. Feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus are two potentially devastating illnesses spread through bite wounds and salivary transmission in the heat of battle. Fighting cats also have a high probability for developing abscesses, localized and painful pus-filled wounds, thus necessitating a trip to your veterinarian.I'm not related to Bob Barker, former host of The Price Is Right, but he admirably campaigned his listening audience to have their pets spayed and neutered. In short, spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, happier, and healthier lives. You'll also save money in the long-term-a rare win-win situation, no debate needed. Comedian Steven Wright once joked he had his coat hangers spayed since they appeared to multiply overnight. Please consider the same for your pet. By Dr. Patrick Barker for Divine Caroline By Dr. Patrick Barker for Divine Caroline New Pet Center What to consider before letting your pet sleep on your bed http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2001 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2001">What to consider before letting your pet sleep on your bed</a> <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1359" target="_blank" title="Sleeping with pets">Letting your dog sleep in your bed</a> can prove to be a bad decision down the road. There was a time when Eliska ruled her household- at least when bedtime rolled around. The 3-pound Prague Ratter dog would curl up and sleep next to owner Krista DeAngelis in bed, and most of the time she and the dog would enjoy a peaceful night's slumber. Then, DeAngelis got married, and her husband banned the dog from the bed for fear of unintentionally squashing Eliska in his sleep. After enduring a few sleepless nights of her whining and barking, the couple attempted a harmless but helpful solution to curb their pet's protests: simply spray Eliska with a misting bottle every time she acted up. After two nights of this routine, the DeAngelis' pocket-sized pooch was fully trained to sleep by herself in another room."I originally thought letting my dog sleep in my bed was a good idea,'' DeAngelis, a communications professional in Salt Lake City, Utah, said. "But I realized that they can keep you up when they rustle around, wake you up if they have to go to the bathroom and sometimes go to the bathroom in your bed if you don't wake up.''<h4>Let sleeping dogs lie?</h4>"Having your pet sleep in the bed with you is a personal choice,'' said Patrick Mahaney, VMD, of California Pet Acupuncture & Wellness, West Hollywood, Calif. If you discourage this behavior, "your pet will be less likely to confuse your bed with theirs. Therefore, you may prevent potential territory-related problems. But if you don't discourage them, not only do you face the possibility of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1483" target="_blank" title="Helping your dog with behavior problems">behavioral problems</a>, but you could face adverse effects to your own sleep and health.''According to results published in 2002 of a survey of 300 sleep disorder patients conducted by Dr. John Shepard, Medical Director of the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, nearly 60 percent of the pet owners in the study slept with their pets in the bedroom. Twenty-two percent of the patients were likely to have pets sleeping on the bed with them. What's more, 53 percent of pet owners considered their sleep to be disrupted nightly to some extent. Snoring was indicated in 21 and 7 percent of the dogs and cats owned, respectively. Yet, a 2003 survey of 420 cat owners in Britain conducted by an organization called Cats Protection revealed that 44 percent of respondents (including 51 percent of women polled) said they enjoyed a better night's sleep in their bed with a cat than with a human companion. Benefits listed included an absence of snoring, more space on the bed and purring."The advantages of letting your pet share your bed include companionship, warmth and a sense of security,'' Mahaney said. Among the drawbacks are lack of space for you to sleep, interruption of normal sleep patterns, and confusion among your pet as to an expected place to sleep, he said. <h4>Nipping a sleep problem in the bud</h4>If you want to break your pet of the bed-sleeping habit, Mahaney recommends persistence, consistency and the following tips:<ul><li>Establish a separate area or bed for your pet to sleep in. A cat bed or dog bed can be something as simple as a clean, soft blanket placed near your own bed.</li><li>Use <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2084" target="_blank" title="positive reinforcement">positive reinforcement </a>techniques. For example, give your dog a training treat and positive verbal cues when it is comfortable resting on its own bed to reinforce this desirable behavior.</li><li>Immediately address any territorial aggression, such as growling when you move in bed or nipping at your heels. </li><li>If your dog growls or nips, authoritatively say "No!" </li><li>Next, remove it from your bed onto the floor or its own bed and give it the command to sit and stay. </li><li>Praise it verbally or with a training treat. </li></ul>If problematic behavior persists, seek consultation with a <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1568" target="_blank" title="What is a veterinary behaviorist?">veterinary behavior specialist</a>.<h4>You've made your bed...now sleep in it</h4>If you do ultimately decide to share your bed with your pet, Mahaney offers the following recommendations:<ul><li>Let it sleep on top of the covers instead of under them.</li><li>Your pet may have environmental debris, including fecal material, on its coat with which you could come into direct contact.</li><li>Give your dog the opportunity to void within a reasonable time frame before you go to sleep. A typical healthy dog should not have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate or defecate. </li><li>Allow your cat the opportunity to exit your bedroom while you sleep  to play, eat, drink and use the litter box. Cats are nocturnal animals and are more likely to be active during the night.</li></ul> By Erik J. Martin for WebVet By Erik J. Martin for WebVet New Pet Center Beware of scams and pet fraud when buying dogs http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2002 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2002">Beware of scams and pet fraud when buying dogs</a> Looking to get a new puppy?  In addition to researching how a new puppy will change your life and making sure that you're ready for the commitment, prospective puppy buyers have  something new to consider.  From mutts to poodles, all puppies are being targeted in puppy scams.  Pet fraud has taken on a new form as the Internet has created endless opportunities for enterprising individuals -- both legitimate and criminal. In a fairly new twist on an old con game, Web-based fraudsters have put a puppy's face on an old scam. Puppy scams take various forms and have extended the "buyer beware'' adage to law-abiding sellers. On the buyer side, puppy scams often involve e-mail and online or hard copy ads touting:<ul><li>Missionary with puppy in need of rescue. While the circumstances change, the bottom line is that, for an unbelievably low price, the buyer can rescue a beloved pet from a dangerous situation.</li><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/list/type/Dog" target="_blank" title="dog breed directory">Purebred puppies</a> at an incredible price! Rather than tugging at a buyer's heartstrings, this one targets those watching their purse strings.</li><li>You want it, we've got it. This caters to the impatient perfectionist. "Want the perfect pup right now, but can't find him close to home? No problem. Pick from our incredible selection, send us a check, and we'll ship within 24 hours.'' </li></ul>Typically, puppy scams require the buyer to wire payment. Once sent, the money can't be recovered even if you never get the puppy -- or receive a different or sickly pup. Reduce your likelihood of falling victim to a puppy scam by taking heed of the old saying: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Other tips to avoid the financial and emotional roller coaster of pet fraud:<ul><li>Research the breeder. Ask for, and contact, their references.</li><li>Never wire payment. Instead, consider using Paypal or an escrow service. </li><li>Use the Internet to find reputable breeders, but shop locally. Meet your prospective puppy before buying. </li></ul><h4>Legitimate breeders targeted </h4>One version of the puppy scam involves overpayment for a pet with a counterfeit check. The "buyer'' requests that the breeder return the extra money via a wire transfer. If the breeder complies and has already shipped the puppy, he or she will be out both the money and the dog. And breeders, if you must accept a large check, ask your bank when it will clear before making any refunds. Sellers with their own Web sites are encountering yet another form of pet fraud. Photos of their pups are being copied and added to fraudulent "breeder'' sites. Buyers should request photos containing a specific item as "proof-of-life'' to make sure that what they've seen is what they'll get.Alison Preszler, with the U.S. Better Business Bureau, recommends searching local Better Business Bureau "reliability reports'' for complaints against unscrupulous breeders. Preszler said, "Eighty to 90 percent of the puppy scam complaints received were of the foreign missionary variety.'' Daisy Okas, of the <a href="http://www.akc.org/" target="_blank" title="American Kennel Club">American Kennel Club (AKC)</a>, confirmed that many complaints the AKC receives involve international puppy scams. The borderless nature of Internet fraud makes prosecution difficult. If you believe you've been the victim of a puppy scam, report it to your local authorities. Reporting incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Better Business Bureau, as well, helps these organizations identify repeat offenders. By Vicki Weeks for WebVet By Vicki Weeks for WebVet New Pet Center We don't choose our pets http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1996 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1996">We don't choose our pets</a> When my husband and I started dating in 2001, he realized early on that if we were going to get married, I came as a package deal with my two cats. I had been married once before, and my aunt, also a cat-lover, swore it didn’t work out because he was allergic to cats. “How could you have even married him in the first place?” she joked. As soon as I moved out, and months before the divorce was even final, I began my search for a cat. Little did we know that we don't always choose our pets; they choose us. I ended up adopting a beautiful torte calico, whose presence in my little apartment eased so much of the pain of divorce. She had come from my mother and stepfather, who had one too many animals and weren’t able to give her the attention she constantly craved. A few months later, I adopted Ajax, a black and white “tuxedo” cat, the neediest but most lovable kitty I have ever met. Ajax came from a friend’s older brother who had adopted a huge dog that terrified and terrorized poor Ajax. Each night I would crawl into bed and Jasmine would hop up and snuggle into one side of me with my arm around her. Ajax would either take the other side or sleep right on my chest with her paws up by my chin. Both of my cats came to me when I needed them, and they needed me. Many of the men I dated before meeting my husband didn’t seem too thrilled with my companions. “The rats” was the term used by one of them. He didn’t last. Maybe they were secretly afraid that I would keep adopting cats and become the Crazy Cat Lady—the one where the neighborhood children would walk by my house and say, “Dude, don’t go into her yard. She’s the Crazy Cat Lady.” My husband, however, was unfazed. He put up with the cats walking across him in the middle of the night, and Jasmine, showing her jealousy and distaste in having to share me, regularly put her back end in his face. He just joked about it, knowing that they were my babies.After we were married, my husband and I paid for two surgeries for Jasmine to have stones removed from her bladder. She never fully improved, and he was with me when we sat in the vet’s office and made the decision to have her put down. He held my hand as I stroked her head and watched the light go out of her eyes as the drug made its way through her system. He held me when I sobbed. I have never been a dog person, but I agreed to look for a dog for us, as he had wanted a dog for some time. Unfortunately, we didn’t do a lot of research, and we had two “false starts” with dogs that were too high energy for me to deal with and scared Ajax to death. I had no idea how much work dogs were. I had no idea the time and training involved to have a well-behaved animal. I had no idea how different breeds meant different quirks. Two more “dogless” years went by, and once some of the craziness with our own children settled down, we decided that we might be ready to try again. Ajax was still in the picture, and we knew we had to carefully choose a dog that would be gentle with our young children and my beloved cat. We looked into different breeds and decided on English Springer Spaniels, the very breed of dog my husband had growing up. We put in paperwork with the rescue group, and waited for a phone call. Meanwhile, my friend came over to visit, and told us of a good friend going through a divorce who had to find a home for her dog as she was moving into a small condo. We agreed to meet the dog, a nine-year-old golden retriever named Ben.From the moment Ben and I looked each other in the eyes, I knew he was coming home with me to stay. He looked old, wise, and very sad. I could tell that this dog had a good soul. He patiently let my children climb all over him, and he stared quietly and calmly at Ajax, making no move toward her. He lay at my feet and sighed, then fell asleep and dreamed his doggie dreams. I never thought a dog would be able to calm my nerves or tug at my heart strings, but after two days with Ben, he felt like a member of the family.  My husband calls Ben my “starter dog.” Maybe with a good dog experience I will be ready for more. I know I will always be ready for more cats too. One day when my children are gone and I’m old and gray, maybe I will be the Crazy Cat Lady. I do know one thing for sure—we won’t choose the pets we will have; they will choose us. By Erin Coates for Divine Caroline By Erin Coates for Divine Caroline New Pet Center