A Powerful Pet Industry Evolution
October 31, 2007 | Leave a Comment
According to the US Humane Society there are over 140 million pets in US homes today. The breakdown is; 65 million dogs and 77 million cats. Interestingly enough, while 31% of households have a child under 18, 63% have at least one pet.
There are a number of reasons for the rise in pet ownership:
- People are living longer and so are their pets.
- The baby-boomer’s children have left home, for homes of their own while the boomers are reaching retirement and acquiring pets to stave off loneliness.
- Younger people are waiting longer to get married and to have children and are acquiring pets in the interim, for the same reason.
- More people are choosing to stay single and acquiring pets for companionship.
- As we change our attitudes about pet ownership more families are getting pets.
We are in the midst of a powerful evolution as the humanization of our pets becomes acceptable. Our pets are becoming one of the family and our spending on them is on the rise. These trends lead to growth in pet related businesses like:
- Pet Sitting (There’s a shortage pf pet sitters)
- Grooming
- Training
- Doggie Day Care
- Pet Hotels
- Pet
- Pet Behaviorists
Dogs can even be found on the “catwalk” having there own fashion shows, as doggie apparel and accessories gain in popularity.
Where there is a popular human trend you will see a corresponding pet trend. We want the same things for our pets that we want for ourselves. Our human trends are toward luxury items for ourselves and our pets. The sales of luxury pet products such as apparel, fashion accessories, high quality pet furniture, memorials and caskets, spa products, and pharmacuticals like Prosac! This trend toward luxury items also includes og food, cat food, pet treats. Natural, organic and diet pet foods and treats are seeing a huge increase in sales, especially in lite of all the pet food recalls.
The invention and sales of high tech pet products such as timed pet feeders, self cleaning, automatic kitty litter boxes and laser light toys are seeing an increase. Dogs even have litter boxes now.
Laws are changing across the country as we humanize our “best friends.” We are no longer thinking of our pets as our property. We are starting to follow “guardianship” rights. And the laws and penalties for animal abuse are getting tougher.
In fact, attitudes toward animals in general are changing all over the world - Japan, Korea, Singapore, even China.
China is an interesting example of the dichotomy of change. They now have restaurants that serve dogs food as well as restaurants that serve dogs as food. I guess some places will just take more time to change.
Are Airline Cargo Holds Dangerous For Cats, Dogs and Other Pets?
October 31, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I saw an article on the Itchmo site today about the dangers to our dogs, cats and other pets, traveling in airline cargo holds. I was reminded the holidays are coming up and people will be traveling in record numbers, as will many of their pets.
I needed to comment on the Itchmo article because it’s something I am well educated in and have a strong opinion about. The story involves a much loved, Miniature Pincher who traveled via the cargo hold of a commercial airplane and arrived at her destination with a broken neck. She was alive upon arrival but had to be euthanized several weeks later. It was an unnecessary tragedy.
I have flown as a flight attendant for 3 different airlines. I was also an FAA qualified, flight attendant safety instructor. and And as I may have mentioned before, I have 16 years experience in animal rescue. I feel qualified to tell anyone and everyone…NEVER, NEVER put a dog cat of pet of any kind, in a cargo hold. There are too many things that can go wrong. The animal is out of your sight and out of your protection for too long.
The same things that happen to your luggage can happen to your pets. They can be lost, they can be sent to the wrong destination, they can be sent on a different flight and arrive at a different time, the cages can be damaged from rough handling, they can escape their cages and run loose in the airport or on the tarmac. Pets can be abused, mistreated, scared, taunted, and you may never know it.
Most of the baggage handler’s I’ve known were great guys. But not everyone loves animals and some people are afraid of big dogs. There are also a lot of unhappy airline employees out there also. The gate agents and the ground crews are all very busy, preoccupied and pressured to get these flights out on-time.
With flight delays at an all-time high, know that your animals are going to sit in the airport, with the rest of the luggage prior to loading. That area is not heated or air-conditioned. Pets will sit inside the cargo hold for the same length of time that you sit on the airplane…waiting for take off or in a holding pattern. They can run out of food and water and no one can do anything about it. They can get too cold or too hot. I’ve been delayed with my passenger’s, on-board, for as much as eight hours and longer. If you think that anyone is going to walk, feed, water or comfort your animal during that delay, you’re wrong. Ground crews don’t have the time and they don’t get paid do that sort of thing. I have seen a few compassionate gate agents and ground-crew that were exceptions to the rule but they are few and far between. I’ve also seen airline crews allow a passenger to check on the dog or cat at the gate. That is the exception not the rule.
If you have been flying your animals and nothing (that you know of) has happened to them, please consider yourself and your animals very lucky. The hold of an airplane is not a comfortable or particularly safe way for pets to travel. Ask yourself, would you like to fly down there? I don’t think so! That trip is a terrifying experience for an animal. I have seen it too many times.The cargo hold is completely dark, the temperature is poorly regulated (if at all) and the pressurization is questionable at best, the engine noise level is deafening, the smell of jet fuel nauseating. It must be even worse for pets, who have such sensitivity to smells and noise.
Traveling and moving are two of the most dangerous times your pet will experience. As knowledgeable as I am I have lost a pet in this manor. Trust me when I tell you, it’s not worth the trip.
So, do yourself and your pets a favor and travel together or board them with a vet or kennel, or my personal favorite, leave them in the comfort, familiarity and safety of their own home, especially catswith a bonded and licensed pet sitter.
California Court of Appeals Upholds Cat Declawing Ban
October 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The California Court of Appeals has ruled to uphold West Hollywood’s ban on cat declawing. In a 2-1 vote, the Court determined that cities can legally prohibit cat declawing without violating state law.
The West Hollywood ordinance, which was passed in 2003, makes it a crime to perform declawing with in the city limits, except for therapeutic purposes such as removal of infected or injured tissue. The ordinance declares that the procedure causes “unnecessary pain, anguish and permanent disability.”
The California Veterinary Medical Association. filed suit against West Hollywood in 2005, stating that the city had no authority to regulate the medical practices of veterinarians. Shortly after the ordinance was overturned.
The recent ruling by the Court of Appeals determines that the city’s ordinance is not pre-empted by state law, thus making the ban legal and enforceable. It finds that a city may regulate actions that it considers inhumane as long as it does not prohibit veterinary procedures that state law expressly allows.
(Editor’s Note:) I hope that this will open the way for similar laws, in every city in the US.
Cats 1; Humans 0.
Keep Cats & Dogs Safe This Halloween
October 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Halloween is a fun holiday but it can be hazardous for cats and dogs. Halloween treats, toys, costumes and other festive items pose potential dangers. The American Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to animals offers these holiday safety tips.
- Bakers, semi sweet, milk and dark chocolate candy for people is poisonus for cats and dogs. Dogs and cats are allergic to the caffeine in chocolate as well as other products that contain caffeine such as coffee, soda, etc. Symptoms of exposure to poison include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increased thirst, urination and heart rate.
- Candies and gum often contain large amounts of xylitol, which can be especially toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression in-coordination and seizures.
- Halloween plants such as pumpkin and decorative corn can cause intestinal upset. Cats can’t digest corn at all.
- Aluminum foil and cellophane candy wrappers can cause intestinal blockage and vomiting.
- Halloween costumes should not limit a pet’s movement, hearing site, ability to breath or bark. Also check for parts or pieces that can be ingested and cause a choking hazard.
- Identification tags are good in case pets get away from you or lost in all the excitement.
- Do as most of the rescue agencies and shelters do and keep your black cats inside on Halloween. There’s a lot of scary, crazy people out there!
- Happy Halloween!
Florida Looks at Establishing Adoption Networks for Exotic Pets
October 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is looking into establishing an adoption network for unwanted, non-native species that would include such popular pets as iguanas, macaws, some snakes and other parrots, and aquarium fish species.
The purpose of the adoption network would be to prevent dumping of non-native species into Florida’s ecosystem. “We ultimately want to give people an alternative. “Florida is overrun with non-native species, snakes, birds, lizards, etc..” according to Jen Novak, a staff biologist with the Commission.
Various snakes lizards, fish and birds will be eligible for the program. The group has not yet decided if they will accept species prohibited or restricted in Florida, such as some venomous snakes, and more recently the red-eared sliders.
Certified adopters must have adequate knowledge of the species, suitable housing for the animal and applicable permits.
Interested parties may contact Novak at: (850) 926-0128
Is Your Flea Control Killing Your Dogs & Cats?
October 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
While doing my research on flea control products doe dogs and cats, I came across this article on http://chihuahau.meetup.com, who in turn, found it on the Yorkie Talks Site. It may help you and your pet, if you know some of the symptoms of insecticide poisoning that others have experienced:
I found this next story on http://yorkietalk.com, they have a chat forum that is just on Health issues. I posted a chat about Brooke’s condition and ran across quite a few posts about flea and tick products. I wanted to pass it on to all of you. I went to see my vet today, Dr. Derenzi at Adobe Animal Hospital and asked her about these claims. She said that Advantix has 2 toxins in it and one of them is an older medicine that enters the animals blood stream. She prefers to use Frontline (flea & ticks) or Advantage (just fleas). She said to only use them when you have a problem with fleas or if you go hiking or camping in areas with ticks. If you are just going to dog parks and you have small dogs you do not need to be giving them flea control monthly. Anyway here is just one person’s story about their chi/pom, Jazmine.
Sorry for the lengthy story…but it is important to pass on to anyone who has a dog or cat. This is absolutely a true story. It is my very own, sad, story. As most of you know, Paul and I have always had dogs as part of our family. Two years ago, a good friend gave us two beautiful Pomeranian/chihuahua mix puppies to care for and love. But something went terribly wrong this week. We lost our beautiful, playful, loving, 4.45 lb, Jaz. She died so unexpectedly, and so tragically. We are really struggling with this more than any other animal we have ever lost.. We are still in shock! HOW did she die? Well, this is what you
have to pass on to everyone you know who has a dog, particularly if it is under 25 lbs.
Since Jaz was 1 yr old I started giving her K9 Advantix, from mid spring to early fall, to protect her from fleas, mosquitoes and ticks. I was sure to watch the label to give her the appropriate dosage, and apply
it in the manner suggested. The package I bought was for, and I quote, “puppies over 7 weeks old and older dogs under 10 lbs.” Little did I know I wasn’t protecting her, but slowly killing her. (Revolution does
have doses for dogs under 5 lbs…but it had never been prescribed for (Jaz.) In fact, I was so sure of this product, I was trying to coerce my sister into using a similar product on her cats.
Products that we are all familiar with, such as the one I used, and including Advantage, Frontline, Capstar and Revolution are all pesticides.. Do you know what Permithrin or Selamectin is used for?
Killing ants and other insects. It is very toxic. The vet said, it would be the same as giving your dog a teaspoon of Raid every day. (Editors Note; Revolution seems to have a lower percentage of active ingredients…so it might be safer to use…or just might take longer before signs are (recognized). Considering my findings,Revolution is very strong and I believe the latter statement to be truer) K9 Advantix has TWO toxic active ingredients! If you were to call the manufacturers of these products they will tell you it does not enter the blood stream. And, if the dog/cat show signs
of stress, just simply give them a bath to wash it away. Revolutions label states it enters the blood stream and cannot be washed away. All will insist their product does no harm to your pet. However, the Vet
says something quite different. Jaz was taken care of by two Vets over the past three days. Each from a different facility and not related to each other. Each told me the same thing! Here is what happens: Once the poison is given to your dog via a liquid applied to the skin. It enters their system…and never fully leaves it. Some of the toxins remain. The following month you give another dose and more toxins remain in the body…until finally the toxicity is so great it begins to break down the organs, gets into the blood stream, and then all havoc breaks loose. The Vets said, because Jaz was so small, after
the first six doses, I probably would never have had to give her anymore for the next THREE YEARS. That’s how long it could have stayed active in her body. Larger dogs & cats tolerate it better, but in time, the same thing happens. By the time a larger dog starts having problems, their owners and vets think it is a sign of aging…and rarely ever look into toxic poisoning. They said they are seeing more and more evidence of this happening to our pets. Advantage and Advantix have only been out since aprx. 2002. Over the past two years we are hearing more about the actual affects of these products. There are symptoms to watch for. The unfortunate thing is, you don’t recognize the symptoms, until too late. Why is this? Because one doesn’t usually acquaint the symptoms with a product you have been giving your pet for some time. Early symptoms could simply be, skin rashes, and a little more shedding than usual. In larger dogs, they might become more aggressive. By the way, there are no signs to watch for on the
label…only instructions for humans if they touch or swallow this poison. (Revolution dose have a few warnings) Jaz had a small skin problem on her lower back. I was told it was just a normal dog thing
and to change shampoo, and given an ointment. Well it turns out, it was a “burn” from the toxins.
Later symptoms are, seizures, (most people think seizures are due to breed and aging dogs, brain malfunctions, etc.). Throwing up two to three times a day (many will think it do to food or something they ate outside). Increased urinating and a need for a lot of water. Listless. Runny eyes. Eventually bleeding.
I found this next story on Yorkie Talk ,they have a chat forum that is just on Health issues. I posted a chat about Brooke’s’ condition and ran across quite a few posts about flea and tick products. I wanted to pass it on to all of you. I went to see my vet today, Dr. Derenzi at Adobe Animal Hospital and asked her about these claims. She said that Advantix has 2 toxins in it and one of them is an older medicine that enters the animals blood stream. She prefers to use Frontline (flea & Ticks) or Advantage (just fleas). She said to only use them when you have a problem with fleas or if you go hiking or camping in areas with ticks. If you are just going to dog parks and you have small dogs you do not need to be giving them flea control monthly. Anyway here is just one person’s story about their chi/pom, Jazmine. Sorry for the lengthy story…but it is important to pass on to anyone ho has a dog or cat. This is absolutely a true story. It is my very own, sad, story. As most of you know, Paul and I have always had dogs as part of our
family. Two years ago, a good friend gave us two beautiful pomeranian/chihuahua mix puppies to care for and love. But something went terribly wrong this week. We lost our beautiful, playful, loving,
4.45 lb, Jaz. She died so unexpectedly, and so tragically. We are really struggling with this more than any other animal we have ever lost.. We are still in shock! HOW did she die? Well, this is what you
have to pass on to everyone you know who has a dog, particularly if it is under 25 lbs. Since Jaz was 1 yr old I started giving her K9 Advantix, from mid spring to early fall, to protect her from fleas, mosquitos and ticks. I was sure to watch the label to give her the appropriate dosage, and apply it in the manner suggested. The package I bought was for, and I quote, “puppies over 7 weeks old and older dogs under 10 lbs.” Little did I know I wasn’t protecting her, but slowly killing her. (Revolution does have doses for dogs under 5 lbs…but it had never been prescribed for Jaz.) In fact, I was so sure of this product, I was trying to coerce my sister into using a similar product on her cats. Products that we are all familiar with, such as the one I used, and including Advantage, Frontline, Capstar and Revolucion are all pesticides.. Do you know what Permithrin or Selamectin is used for? Killing ants and other insects. It is very toxic. The vet said, it would be the same as giving your dog a teaspoon of Raid every day. (Revolution seems to have a lower percentage of active ingredients…so it might be safer to use…or just might take longer before signs are recognized). K9 Advantix has TWO toxic active ingredients!
If you were to call the manufacturers of these products they will tell you it does not enter the blood stream. And, if the dog/cat show signs of stress, just simply give them a bath to wash it away. Revolutions
label states it enters the blood stream and cannot be washed away. All will insist their product does no harm to your pet. However, the Vet says something quite different. Jaz was taken care of by two Vets over the past three days. Each from a different facility and not related to each other. Each told me the same thing!
Here is what happens: Once the poison is given to your dog via a liquid applied to the skin. It enters their system…and never fully leaves it. Some of the toxins remain. The following month you give another dose
and more toxins remain in the body…until finally the toxicity is so great it begins to break down the organs, gets into the blood stream, and then all havoc breaks loose. The Vets said, because Jaz was so small, after the first six doses, I probably would never have had to give her anymore for the next THREE YEARS. That’s how long it could have stayed active in her body. Larger dogs & cats tolerate it better, but in time, the same thing happens. By the time a larger dog starts having problems, their owners and vets think it is a sign of aging…and rarely ever
look into toxic poisoning. They said they are seeing more and more evidence of this happening to our pets. Advantage and Advantix have only been out since aprx. 2002. Over the past two years we are hearing more about the actual affects of these products. There are symptoms to watch for. The unfortunate thing is, you don’t recognize the symptoms, until too late. Why is this? Because one doesn’t usually acquaint the symptoms with a product you have been giving your pet for some time. Early symptoms could simply be, skin rashes, and a little more shedding than usual. In larger dogs, they might become more aggressive. By the way, there are no signs to watch for on the label…only instructions for humans if they touch or swallow this poison. (Revolution dose have a few warnings) Jaz had a small skin problem on her lower back. I was told it was just a normal dog thing and to change shampoo, and given an ointment. Well it turns out, it was a “burn” from the toxins. Later symptoms are, seizures, (most people think seizures are due to breed and aging dogs, brain malfunctions, etc.). Throwing up two to
three times a day (many will think it do to food or something they ate outside). Increased urinating and a need for a lot of water. Listless. Runny eyes. Eventually bleeding and death occur”.
(Editor’s Note:)Enough evidence is cropping up in my research that I’ve decided to discontinue the use of these products, at least, temporarily. There has to be a better way. As I may have mentioned I’ve been in animal rescue for 16 years now. These products were new to the market back then.Up until this time we didn’t hear many negative things about the spot-on flea killers. I think the reason for that will prove to be that these poisons take time to build up in our pet’s systems. I have seen that, happen once before, with long term use of flea and tick dips. It took many years to cause the death of the animal involved. I believe we are dealing with the same issues with these spot-on treatments. As time goes on, I am sure we will be hearing a lot more about this issue.
