A recent research study conducted amongst UK veterinarians, by the UK's Sainsbury's Finance, has discovered that nearly 4 in 10 pets that are seen by veterinarians, are obese.

The Sainsbury's Finance study revealed that almost 1 in 10 (9.4 %) of dogs and cats were severely overweight. Furthermore, almost 3 in 10 (29.8 %) of dogs and cats are heavier than what is recommended by the UK's veterinarians.

Study Results

Sainsbury's Finance believes that the results of their study should be a great cause for concern amongst pet owners and veterinarians alike. This is due to the fact that obesity is the major underlying cause of a multitude of serious and life-threatening ailments because it places such a great strain on the pet's heart.

Sainsbury's Finance, the Head Company of Sainsbury's Pet Insurance, believes that the figures it discovered may suggest that roughly 1 in 7 pet insurance claims could very well be attributed to illnesses and conditions that could result from a dog or cat simply being too overweight. Such health conditions include pet diabetes, heart disease, as well as bone and ligament problems.

UK Pet Weight Issues

Sainsbury's Finance's research also discovered that approximately 13% of dogs and cats who are seen by their veterinarians are in actually underweight. This too, states Sainsbury's Finance, can gravely compromise a pet's long-term health as well as its quality of life.

Spokeswoman for Sainsbury's Pet Insurance, Lucy Hunter, states the following:

"The saddest thing about this research is the fact that the pets are not to blame. As is the case with humans, a lack of exercise and a poor diet, or overeating, is causing our pets' weight to balloon. Unfortunately a lot of animals will eat everything that is put in front of them so the onus is on the owner to monitor and restrict the amount of food that their pet is consuming. Owners that do not look after their pets through poor diets and a lack of exercise increase the chances of their animals suffering serious health problems, which can run into thousands of pounds in veterinary bills."

USA Pet Weight Issues

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 45% of dogs in the USA are considered to be overweight or obese; whilst an estimated 58% of cats in the USA are overweight or obese. With a population of 77.5 million dogs in the USA and 93.6 million cats, these figures equal out to be that 35 million US dogs are estimated to be overweight or obese and 54 million US cats are estimated to be overweight or obese as well.

Pet Obesity Treatment Options

There are two main areas that can be controlled in order to help your cat or dog lose weight (or gain a few pounds if your pet is underweight). The first of these two is making sure that your pet gets plenty of healthy exercise; and the second is insuring your pet has a proper diet.

Buy your cat a laser toy and let her chase it around the room. Crumple a piece of paper up into a tight ball with a few pieces of rice inside and roll it around on the floor for your cat to chase.

Dogs should be walked at least once a day. Play games with your dog such as fetching a stick or a ball. During the hot summer months take your dog to a local pond, stream or lake and allow him to swim a bit.

Choosing the right type of food is also important in helping your pet lose weight. A great pet food to try for cats is Prowl Cat Food, which is a dehydrated raw food; for dogs try Embark Dog Food, which is also a dehydrated raw pet food.

Both of these pet foods are created with all-natural fresh ingredients.

Photo Credit: dicktay2000

Odd as it may sound, pets are also subject to dementia, just like humans are.

Unfortunately, most cases of dementia are simply chalked up to a pet's particular personality or even to a medical reason. Whilst it is sometimes true that your cat enjoys scratching furtively in their litter box before deciding that the carpet in your living room is a much better place to relieve herself; or that your dog always seems to lose his toys, these signs are also true in the case of pet dementia.

Dementia, otherwise known as cognitive dysfunction, is quite prevalent in pets these days.

Cause of Pet Dementia

The hospital director at the Cape Cod Veterinary Associates in South Yarmouth, Maine,
Dr. Thomas M. Burns, believes that there is no known cause of this progressive disorder, stating that:

"Among the suspected culprits is vascular damage leading to hypoxia in the brain, beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, oxidative stress or modification of proteins in the brain."

Hypoxia arises when a specific region of a pet's body is deprived of an sufficient oxygen supply.

Dr. Burns also states that companion pets these days are actually living longer lives, due to improvements in veterinary care as well as nutrition. However, the down side to this is dementia.

"With an increasing senior pet population, we are seeing more pets with apparent dementia," Dr. Burns says.

Recently, a veterinary study discovered over 25% of cats aged 11-14, and over 50% of cats over the age of 15 experienced at least one senior onset of a behavioral problem.

"In dogs, cognitive dysfunction can develop as early as age 10," Dr. Burns says. "However, it is usually seen in dogs that are older."

Medications

Dr. Burns further stated that the published data described a few prescription veterinary medications that have proven to be helpful in slowing down the full onset of dementia in pets.

Such medications include Selegiline or Anipryl for both cats and dogs. Newer veterinary medications like Senilife and Novofit have also shown some progress too.

"There is some anecdotal evidence that diet can help early to moderate cognitive dysfunction," he says, though he is unaware of any definitive study that's been conducted to determine if nutrition affects the progression of the disease.

Dr. Burns recommends that dogs with known dementia be fed Prescription Diet Canine Brain Diet made by Hill's, a leading manufacturer of pet foods. According to Hill's, this diet has been specifically formulated with a mixture of antioxidants and other nutrients, like Omega-3 fatty acids, so as to combat the symptoms that are associated with cognitive dysfunction and advancing age in dogs.

"Veterinarians first must rule out underlying medical conditions that could mimic the clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction," Burns emphasizes.

Such conditions include kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure and diminished vision or hearing.

"Only after a thorough senior evaluation, that includes laboratory work and testing - such as blood pressure = can a patient be considered to have cognitive dysfunction," Burns says. "There is no definitive test for cognitive dysfunction. It is diagnosed by exclusion of other medical conditions."

Preventing Pet Dementia

Writer, Steve Dale, explains that the symptoms of dementia in pets is quite similar to those witnessed in humans. Dale uses the acronym DISH (disorientation, interaction, sleep, house-training) to explain the incapacitating condition.

Dale uses the example of dog with dementia who appears confused, disoriented and forgets the location of his food or water dish and subsequently bumps into furniture.

Pets with dementia may suddenly stop being so affectionate and will withdraw into themselves; introverted pets who have dementia will do the opposite – they will become rather vocal and demand more attention.

It is recommended that senior dogs and cats should be examined once every 6 months. It is also suggested that pet owners try to keep their pets as mentally stimulated as possible in order to keep their brains sharp.

Photo Credit: me'nthedogs

This year thousands of Americans will be partaking in the 2010 U.S. Census. To correspond with this national census, Mars Veterinary has unleashed its own nationwide census: the 2010 National Mutt Census. This doggie census is an attempt to gather statistics about mixed-breed dogs across the United States of America.

Mixed-Breed Dogs

According to Mars Veterinary, 38 million mixed-breed dogs currently inhabit the USA. Unfortunately, most of the pet parents of these mixed-breed dogs do not truly know what breeds their dogs' parents or grandparents are.

This lack of breed information on the pet parents' part simply means that they do not know whether there are any behavioral issues, genetic disorders or diseases that their mixed-breed dog may genetically be pre-disposed to.

Dog DNA Testing

During a time of medical emergency, knowing what breeds exist within your dog can help improve their chances of survival and overcoming any illness or other health concerns.

Mars Veterinary understands this need and so have created dog DNA tests to help pet owners learn the breeds that dwell in their mixed-breed dogs. According to Mars Veterinary, most mixed-breed dogs are in fact a mix of three or more different types of dog breeds and therefore specific breed characteristics can be hard to visually identify.

These DNA tests include the Wisdom Panel Professional which is a blood based canine DNA test usually administered by a veterinarian; and the Wisdom Panel Insights DNA test that is a 'do-it-yourself' test in which you collect a DNA sample from the inside of your dogs cheek using a supplied swab.

These DNA tests are available online for $79.99, and can help in determining your dog's heritage by comparing your dog's DNA amongst more than 170 different dog breeds currently in the Wisdom Panel database of recognized dog breeds.

Top Mutt Breeds

According to the Wisdom Panel database the top mutt breeds in the USA are the following:

1. German Shepherd Dog

2. Chow Chow

3. Labrador Retriever

4. Boxer

5. Rottweiler

6. American Staffordshire Terrier

7. Poodle (Miniature)

8. Golden Retriever

9. Siberian Husky

10. Cocker Spaniel

Uncommon Mutt Breeds

According to this same database of 170 dog breeds, the breeds that are least likely to be found in a mixed-breed dog are the following:

1. Black Russian Terrier

2. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

3. Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)

4. Ibizan Hound

5. Lakeland Terrier

Dog Breed Census

Mars Veterinary is hoping that by holding their inaugural National Mutt Census, more dog owners will become interested in using their Wisdom Panel DNA tests to learn more about their dog's background.

Mixed-breed dog owners can answer a questionnaire on their mixed-breed dog online at www.MuttCensus.com. Each dog that is included in the Census will be entered into a sweepstakes in which they can stand a chance to win various prizes such as a supply of Pedigree dog food and Greenies digestible chewy treats.

Developed by veterinarians and geneticists, these questions cover a dog's age, size, gender, weight, eating habits and, of course, the role of the dog in the household, i.e. whether the dog is an indoor or outdoor dog, who walks the dog and where does the dog sleep.

This doggie census will help researchers to better understand the health risks that are associated with specific breed mixes. The results will be published after the Census ends on 31 August, 2010.

According to Mutt Census website:

"Uncovering these insights will speak volumes about the health and behaviors that apply to the most common breeds. It will help dog-owners become better pet parents, creating a closer bond. And dog-lovers will understand the four legged population around them that much better.

At Mars Veterinary, we believe the part-Terriers and part-Poodles of the world deserve to have their numbers known. They deserve to be counted, so please register your mutt today."

Photo Credit: bradleyolin

For years, pet owners have been voicing their concerns about the true safety of using spot-on pesticide products for controlling fleas and ticks on their dogs and cats.

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that in 2008, 44,263 reports were presented detailing gruesome deaths and other reactions in cats and dogs that were directly associated with topical flea and tick products. This number is an unfortunate increase from 28,895 reports in 2007.

More than 600 of these cases involved the death of a pet. Small breeds of dogs, as well as cats, all seem to be particularly vulnerable to the harsh chemicals contained within these spot-on flea and tick control pesticide products; especially in cases where they are given products that are actually intended to be used on a larger dog, according to the EPA.

Such adverse reactions include skin irritations (such as rashes, hives and hot spots), neurological issues (such as seizures), and gastrointestinal issues (such as vomiting and diarrhea). Other pet owners have stated that their cat or dog has seemingly suffered burns and welts on their skin; other pets drooled excessively or began to shake uncontrollably or lost control of their legs after being treated with these chemically-laden flea and tick control products.

Flea and Tick Control Product Safety

In response to these increasing incidences, the EPA has issued a statement that it fully intends to increase the safety of the spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for pets.

Steve Owens, the assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, explains: "These are poisons. These are products designed to kill fleas and ticks, and they do their jobs."

Therefore, the EPA has begun to conduct an extensive assessment of such products. As such, the EPA will begin reviewing the labels on these flea and tick products to determine whether or not they need to be re-written to include easier to understand statements and information, so as to help prevent misuse of the products, as well as to ensure that the correct dosage is given according to the pets weight and breed.

It is expected that these new rules will force the flea and tick control product manufacturers to re-word their labels so that products for dogs and products for cats can be easily differentiated. In addition, dog and cat products will not share similar brand names.

For their part, the EPA plans to conduct a new consumer information campaign to more fully explain the new labels. Furthermore, the EPA is planning on conducting more stringent testing and evaluations on both existing and new products. Once a new flea or tick control product is approved for use, this approval period will only be for a limited time so that the EPA can conduct post-marketing product surveillance. Additionally, the EPA will limit the use of inactive ingredients that have been deemed to have contributed towards the adverse reactions incurred by cats and dogs after a flea and tick product was applied. The EPA is also demanding that these flea and tick product manufacturers provide them with more inclusive sales figures so that the EPA may be able to more easily determine the percentage of doses that lead to incident reports.

"The EPA is committed to better protecting the health and safety of pets and families in all communities across our nation," said Owens. "New restrictions will be placed on these products, and pet owners need to carefully read and follow all labeling before exposing your pet to a pesticide."

What can you do?

Since most of these cases involve improper dosing, be sure to read the labels very carefully.

You should also consider using a more organic form of flea control such as Target Spray for Fleas.

Target Spray is a natural insect repellent containing Pennyroyal, Lavender, Aloe, Rosemary and Sweet Mace amongst other herbs.

Photo Credit: Roy Montgomery

On Saturday, 20 March 2010, the very last musher competing in the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, crossed over the finish line in Nome, Alaska.

The Red Lantern Award

The Red Lantern was awarded to this last musher, a 37 year old rookie named Celeste Davis from Deer Lodge, Montana. The Red Lantern is awarded to the team that finishes last in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Even though this award is given to the last musher, the circumstances involving this year's award is rather unique: Ms. Davis completed the race in 13 days, 5 hours, 6 minutes and 40 seconds - making this the fastest Red Lantern time throughout the race's entire 38 year history.

No Dog Deaths

However, this year's Iditarod race had something even more spectacular to celebrate when Ms Davis crossed over that finish line: Iditarod officials have stated that there was no dog deaths related to the 2010 Iditarod race.

The Iditarod's chief race veterinarian, Stuart Nelson, happily claimed:

"To stand there and watch that last team come in, I'll tell you, is the highlight of my veterinarian career. I think it's a pretty safe assumption that this is a first."

The majority of the mushers who competed in the 2010 race all agreed that their dogs' general wellbeing was enhanced by the low temperatures and good trail conditions.

"Typically our greatest concern is dogs that might overheat," explained Dr. Nelson. "So when you have a colder race, you can take that factor, typically, out of the equation."

Iditarod Dog Deaths

Dr. Nelson first became involved in the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race back in 1986.

The first year in which a dog died during the race was in 1994, followed again in 1996. Incidentally, though, the number of dog deaths slowly arose from two per year in the 1990's to almost three per year in 2000. The increase in dog deaths has been attributed to the increase in mushers who competed in the races - some years there were 80 to 90 competitors.

In 2009, the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race was extremely harsh and there were six dogs reported to have died during the race. This added fuel to the fire already growing from animal rights groups around the world, who claimed that the 1,000 mile race borders on the line of animal cruelty to the sled dogs.

Animal Rights

One of the most well known animal rights groups, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, stepped forward and insisted on a full investigation into the deaths of the dogs in last year's Iditarod race.

This caused the race organizers to increase their plans to have the sled dogs more closely studied during the 2010 race and enlisted the help of 40 volunteer veterinarians whose sole purpose was to check the dog teams at various points on the trail for any health issues.

Hugh Neff, a musher who finished in ninth place this year, was informed that Dr. Nelson had "put out the word to all of us that the dogs were going to be checked more thoroughly and that after what happened last year, we needed to be more vigilant."

Sled Dog Action Coalition

Although there were no dog deaths during this year's race, many people are still concerned about the health and wellbeing of the dogs, such as Margery Glickman, who is the founder of the Sled Dog Action Coalition.

"If it's true that there have been no dog deaths, I hope that remains the case for however long this race is run and I hope that they make other improvements," Ms. Glickman reportedly told an Anchorage newspaper.

However, mushers feel quite strongly about their sled dogs; like Lance Mackey who is this year's winning musher:

"I'm not going to win the Iditarod at the expense of my team."

Photo Credit: Alaskan Dude

The largest and oldest dog show in the world today, Crufts, awarded best in show for 2010 to a Hungarian Vizsla. A very prestigious reward for a very handsome dog!

Yogi Does Better This Year

Ash Chi/Aust Ch Hungergunn Bear It'n Mind, whose pet name is Yogi, took best in show at this year's Crufts dog show in the UK. Last year Yogi was outdone by a Sealyham Terrier from the United States named Charmin. This year after winning the Gundog Group, he advanced into the highly competitive Best in Show category and came out the winner. He competed against 6 other group winners which included a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Pharoah Hound, Maltese Terrier, Scottish Terrier, an Akita and a Rottweiler.

This is not only the first for this highly decorated dog, but also the first time a Vizsla has taken Best in Show in the history of the Crufts dog show. The award has been in existence for 79 years and there are 41 breeds that hold this honorable title. Cocker Spaniels hold the most Best in Show trophies at Crufts, followed by the Welsh Terrier and the Irish Terrier both of whom have won 4 times. Yogi is the first in his breed ever; therefore his owners have indeed earned bragging rights!

Yogi is currently co-owned by Naomi Cragg and Kathryn Armstrong from Carlisle, Cumbria. His handler at the Crufts dog show was John Thirlwell.

Upon winning the Best in Show title, John Thirlwell claimed:

"It hasn't sunk in, it is just so surreal. Yogi is seven now and has had a fantastic year. We are just absolutely delighted!"

The Kennel Club Communications Director, Caroline Kisko, said:

"We give our congratulations to Naomi, Kathryn and Yogi who has taken the prestigious Best in Show Award."

So What is Crufts?

The Crufts dog show is named for its founder, Charles Crufts, who was destined to be a jeweler by trade and follow in his family's business. However, he surprised his family by dropping out of college in 1878 and joined a new venture selling dog cakes. From there he was invited to Paris for the Paris exposition and brought the first Crufts dog show to London in 1891.

Today, entries come from many different countries and are praised for being the best in their breed on many occasions.

Yogi has the most show wins in the history of dog shows, but none as important as Best of Show.

A Bit About the Vizsla

The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog with a rather short coat. Originally the breed came from Hungary. It wasn't until the 1950's, however, that they started to appear in the United States of America. The ancestors of the breed were not only hunters, but they were also considered close companions for a tribe that settled in what is now known as Hungary, called the Magyar horde. They have since developed into the beautiful strong breed that they are today.

Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Vizsla breed almost became extinct after World War I and World War II. These dogs are revered for their superior nose and sense of smell, as well as their excellent hunting ability and quickly became accustomed to the Hungarian climate. They were frequently used to hunt game, rabbits and waterfowl.

Revered in the show ring as well as on the hunting fields, this medium sized dog is a lively and affectionate breed that loves his people. They are quite easy to train and are well suited for active families. Shedding is there as it is with all dogs, but the Vizsla's short wiry hair is an easy cleanup with minimal daily maintenance.

The AKC recognized the Vizsla in 1960 as part of the Sporting Group. Their average size is 21 to 24 inches of power and loyalty, which adds up to a great family companion and an extremely good hunting dog.

Photo Credit: Opalset

There is currently a push in many areas to institute compulsory dog bite insurance for pet owners. The United Kingdom, one of the toughest countries on vicious dogs, is in the process of drafting such legislation. There are a lot of different ideas being tossed around such as limiting the requirement to owners who possess status dogs, these are dogs known for having an intimidating presence. Of course, when the final laws are passed there is a possibility that all dog owners will be required to carry some kind of third party dog bite insurance.

Dog Bite Statistics

It is estimated that there are 4.7 million dog bites in the United States every year. Of that number, around 800,000 require immediate medical attention. Cumulative emergency room reports estimate that there are about 1,087 people seen for dog bite related injuries every day. This is a large number of cases on the surface.

Dog Bite Insurance Pros

As you can see from the above statistics, there are some very valid reasons for wanting dog owners to carry some kind of liability dog bite insurance. If you were an innocent bystander injured by your neighbor's dog it should be the dog owner who bears the burden of your medical expenses and dog bite insurance would definitely be a plus in this situation.

The real target of dog bite insurance laws however are those who are engaged in illegal activities with their dogs, such as with dog fighting rings. In the UK, for instance there are a growing number of gangs who are using formidable dogs as weapons as well as intimidators. The feeling is that increased legislation will give police and the courts more recourse, and also allow the tracking of such offensive individuals.

Dog Bite Insurance Cons

While it sounds like a solid solution to a fast growing problem, there are some flaws in this particular concept. For starters, most homeowners already have insurance in place that covers dog bite incidents on their property and as over 50% of dog bites occur on the owner's property it seems a bit redundant to insist that the property owners carry two forms of insurance for one possible situation. Add to that the fact that the overwhelming majority of bites are from a family or a friend's pet and you will quickly begin to see that there is not really a good argument for having every dog owner carry dog bite insurance since bites from strange and unfamiliar dogs are fairly rare.

Requiring all owners to carry dog bite insurance may also unfairly punish owners of breeds not known for aggressive tendencies as well as for the ones whose bites do not break through a person's skin nor damage a person in any way physically. This, in effect, makes all owners share the burden of what a few breeds are responsible for.

The idea that those engaged in illegal activity will follow the law when it comes to dog bite insurance is rather a contradiction in terms. If an individual is fighting dogs or using them in any other illegal activity, insurance compliance would be extremely low on their list of pet ownership priorities.

Conclusion

There are good and bad concepts when it comes to dog bite insurance. On the one hand, people may feel more confident that they will not wind up with crippling medical expenses because of another person's irresponsible activities. Nevertheless, there are still some major concerns to be addressed before this type of legislation can do the most good without punishing the wrong people.

Photo Credit: OakleyOriginals

Most cat owners are not aware that their precious cats can suffer from asthma because it is regarded as a human-only illness. This is not true and many cats suffer from asthma, although it is sometimes mistaken for an upper respiratory infection or a cold. Here are some tips on helping you identify asthma in your cat.

Signs and Symptoms

Asthma affects the lower airways of a cat's lungs. It prohibits adequate air exchange and subsequently manifests itself with several symptoms. Shortness of breath upon brief periods of activity, coughing, wheezing and overall lethargy is a common symptom. Asthma may be cyclic or continuous. It may occur once or rarely with acute attacks or be prolonged requiring constant monitoring and medication indicating a chronic condition.

Diagnosis

If your cat manifests these symptoms, your vet should be consulted and tests need to be done. Commonly a chest x-ray and full examination ensue. Chest x-rays can help in the diagnosis of asthma, heart conditions, and pneumonia. Asthma causes over-inflation of the lungs due to the inability to express the air on their own. It will also show inflammation of the tissue surrounding the lung.

Blood tests may also be performed, including a CBC. High white blood cell counts indicate infection or inflammation due to allergies. During that time, testing for heartworms or other parasites can also be done. Bacterial infections, lungworms, and heartworms can cause similar symptoms and therefore a wash may be performed to obtain tissue from the lungs.

Treatment Options

Treatment for feline asthma usually consists of several therapies. Oxygen and injectable medication may be administered to provide immediate relief. This attempt to stabilize the patient will allow further long-term treatments to be prescribed. Theophylline may be given by inhalers that were designed to fit over a cats face through a mask to relieve the swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs with steroidal properties are also used. They will reduce swelling rapidly and reduce inflammation in and around the airways. If allergies are involved, steroidal medication will also slow down the immune system to counteract the allergens. Careful monitoring is required for patients receiving these drugs.

Bronchodilators can be administered through inhalers as well. They will dilate the bronchi and allow freer passage of air.

Prognosis

Some cats may have one isolated incidence of asthma and not have another ever again. Others may have a chronic disease and require ongoing medication and treatment. Initial onsets do not necessarily indicate a chronic condition and may be a onetime occurrence caused by external stimuli, parasites, or other invaders.

Prevention

There are preventive steps that can be taken for these patients. Obesity can impair function and the condition may be relieved by weight loss. Cigarette smoke can exacerbate symptoms as well as odors for litter, perfume, or household chemicals. The simple prevention is to avoid obesity, don't smoke around your asthmatic cat, and limit exposure to other odors. Household cleaners may have to be changed to a natural cleaner rather than the one you are using.

Although asthma is a serious condition and can be life threatening, factors that complicate the condition can be avoided. Most acute episodes can be treated successfully and chronic conditions can be treated so the cat has a good quality of life. The most important step is close monitoring by your veterinarian. Subtle changes can be identified and dealt with immediately and your cat can be happier and healthier.

To learn more about how asthma affects cats, visit PetWellBeing's wiki page.

Photo Credit: Maggiejumps

Each year thousands of pets are neglected and abused, winding up in a variety of different shelter programs around the country. While many of these owners deliberately abuse their pets, just as many have problems taking care of them, through no fault of their own. This can be because of a loss of their jobs, or they themselves are under some other kind of financial burden, or even just getting older and not being able to care for their beloved four legged friends.

What a lot of people in these situations don't realize is that there are actually an abundance of different programs available to help them take care of their pets, and many are just a phone call away. For example, there are many programs sponsored by the ASPCA that can help with the financial burden of neutering or spaying your cat or dog. Some have a yearly time set aside where you can bring your pet in to a place set up like a clinic, where for a nominal fee, just $10 in most cases, you can have your cat or dog spayed or neutered. In other areas, there are also vouchers that will reduce the price of getting your cat or dog fixed at a local clinic or animal hospital. This can, in some cases, reduce these costs by nearly half.

There are also many different programs that will provide you with pet food on a regular and timely basis. These programs are in place because it is much cheaper to help you than it is to have your pet at a shelter. They also understand how traumatic it can be for an owner to have to give up a pet, and try just about anything they can to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Here are just a few of the agencies you can contact for assistance:

The Pet Fund, and the United Animal Nations LifeLine Fund are two organizations that will help you with the expensive costs of having surgery, or medical treatments for your cat or dog, as well as help with the costs of getting neuter or spay surgery, and even sometimes with just routine vaccinations and other veterinary care. Other organizations that also help in this area are the Brown Dog Foundation, the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program, and Feline Outreach.

If your pet has some kind of cancer, or chronic disease, there are also agencies that can help with the expense of taking care of these special needs pets. There is the Diabetic Pets Fund, The Mosby Foundation, the Magic Bullet Fund, God's Creatures Ministry Veterinary Charity and many others.

Another great resource is IMOM, In Memory of Magic, an organization that helps fight for the lives of companion cats and dogs who are at risk of euthanized simply due to the fact that their caretakers are financially strained.

Cats in Crisis is another pet caring group that provides assistance to cat owners to help them pay for chronic or emergency medical care for the cats by way of financial and fundraising assistance.

You don't have to give up your cat or dog, or abandon them because they are sick, injured, need vaccinations, or even food. There are also many different programs that will help the elderly take care of their pets, walking their dogs, taking them in for routine checkups, as well as many others.

Don't be too proud to contact one of these agencies and ask for help, it is just plain stupid not too, with so many organizations that are available to help you and your cat or dog. If you are not sure where to start, one internet search can give you a lot of providers, or even just contacting your local Humane Society or ASPCA where you live can be a good start.

Photo Credit: Ollie Crafoord

Animals have a sixth sense. They know when there is danger, illness or even impending death. Dogs have a much more highly developed sense of smell than people do with 220 million times more ability to sense certain smells. In some cases, their nose can even detect cancer. Cats, also known for detecting diseases mysteriously, may also use their noses. However, sometimes, no explanation exists for the way some animals know about disease.

Sniffing Dogs
If sniffing is an art, then some dogs are indeed sniffing artists. In a report in the September 15, 2001 issue of the Lancet, a well-known medical journal which was started in 1823, an article on cancer sniffing dogs notes a story about one lucky master and her persistent dog.

Even though the woman with the sniffing dog knew she had a mole on her leg, she ignored it and was not the least bit concerned. That is until her relentless dog, half Doberman, half Border collie, refused to allow that behavior. The dog not only constantly sniffed at her mole, he even tried to bite it off once!

After many sniffs, nips and warnings from her furry friend, the woman decided to have a doctor look at it. After all, if Fido was concerned, maybe there was something there that she should be a concerned about too. The doctor confirmed her dog's diagnosis. This was no ordinary mole, but a malignant melanoma 1.86 mm thick. The doctors removed it. Her dog quit sniffing and everyone lived happily ever after.

This isn't the first and only case of animals finding cancer, nor will it be the last. In fact, because of that story, Dr. Cognetta and expert dog trainer, Duane Pickel, teamed to see if a trained dog could detect cancer. They used a bomb-detecting dog, George, a standard Schnauzer, to be the first trained cancer sniffer. He identified cancer on six out of seven skin cancer patients.

Caring Cats

Cat's have an uncanny ability to know illness and disease as well. Almost everyone has heard of Oscar the hospice cat. The Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, R.I. didn't adopt Oscar to identify or comfort the dying patients; it just turned out that way. Oscar makes his rounds and regardless of the doctor's predictions, knows enough to snuggle with the patient in the last hour or two of life. His predictions are early enough that the staff has time to contact the family.

Some people believe that Oscar's ability also stems from his sense of smell. However, how does he know to comfort the patient in their last hours? Animals, particularly cats and dogs, often seem like they are angels sent to protect. Judy Danchura believes this is true.

Ms. Danchura found a stray outside her home and decided that she would give it a plate of food. However, that one kind act led to an abrupt awakening at 3 a.m. when the cat howled loudly outside her door. She let it in, readied the home with a litter box and hoped to get a good night sleep now that the cat was inside the house.

But Sumo, the stray's new name, wanted more. He climbed into her bed and stepped onto her body. As he stepped on her breast, she noted there was unusual pain and realized she had a problem. After a doctor's visit and many tests, it seems her furry angel alerted her of breast cancer. The early alert improved her chances of survival to 95 percent. Did Sumo appear at Danchura's home on a mission? Or, was the cat's arrival simply a fortunate turn of events? No one will ever know for sure. What they do know is that Sumo now has a permanent home with a grateful owner.

Photo Credit: CarulMare

After purchasing a dog and getting it vaccinated, owners may think that their dog is protected against all future health issues. Unfortunately, this is not true. Even careful pet owners can have dogs that get sick or suffer from common diseases. It is vital that dog owners understand how to detect and treat these conditions.

Even Common Health Problems in Dogs Which are Prevented by Vaccines Have Limits

It is important to understand that vaccines go only so far in protecting dogs against diseases. The right shots or medications can protect dogs against parvovirus or heartworms but they can have expiration dates. Dog owners need to keep up to date on vaccinations and make sure they take their dogs back to the vet before protection expires. Even then, there are many common health problems in dogs which are not covered by routine vaccinations.

Parasites can Cause Common Diseases in Dogs

Fleas commonly plague dogs during the summer months or any time of the year when the weather is warm enough to permit fleas to thrive (they can also bite dog owners as well). They are more than a nuisance. Fleas can give dogs potentially deadly diseases as they pass on tapeworms. They can also cause dogs to scratch themselves so strongly that they suffer from hair loss. Some dogs are even highly allergic to fleas. It is better to get rid of them and not have the dog - or the dog owner - suffer from itching, sores and bothersome bites.

Common Parasites Which can Be Deadly to Dogs

There are also more dangerous parasites and insects, ones that can cause common- and potentially fatal illnesses- in canines. These include various types of worms, including hookworms, tapeworms and heartworms. While early symptoms may not be noticed or cause mild problems, they can be deadly for dogs if left untreated. Symptoms of heartworms include coughing, weakness and general tiredness. A blood test can detect heartworms. Prevention is the best action, giving dogs medications to prevent various types of worms.

Common Health Problems in Dogs Include Skin Diseases

There are a host of skin diseases in dogs, ranging from fungus infections to mange to bacterial conditions. It may often require a skilled veterinarian to determine the exact cause and treatment of canine skin diseases. Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies that affect their skin. They can even be allergic to food or plant pollen - just like people! Once a dog starts suffering from itchy skin, it may scratch itself so much that the skin is broken and bacteria enters, allowing a bacterial infection to take hold.

Without Proper Oral Hygiene and Care, Dogs Frequently Have Dental Problems

Dogs and dental care? While this may seem like an odd combination, owners of canines should not assume that their pets' teeth will automatically stay healthy. Plaque and cavities cause common health problems in dogs, particularly if dogs aren't given routine check-ups to make sure their teeth are in good shape. Veterinarians can recommend safe treats and bones which can help prevent plaque build-up.

Dog owners should check their dogs' gums to make sure they are not inflamed and also make sure that teeth don't show signs of decay or plaque. Some owners brush their dogs' teeth while others use a soft cloth to wipe off excess material on the teeth. Without proper care, tooth infections can arise.

Stay on Top of Other Common Canine Health Problems and Consider Buying Pet Health Insurance

Vigilant owners should also be on the lookout for ear problems, including scratching and shaking of the head (this can be a sign of ear mites). Any dog which can't hold down food and vomits should be watched for bloat, a potentially deadly condition. Err on the side of safety and call a vet if there is concern.

Photo Credit: Dan Harrelson

Dogs have served alongside men in war throughout the history of the world. They were used by Native Americans, Egyptians, Persians and the Romans. The Romans used a breed of mastiffs, clothing them in coats of chain mail and protecting them with heavily spiked collars before sending them into battle.

War dogs were so valuable that, in the middle ages, breeding war dogs was actually used on a barter and trade scale.

Dogs in Wars

The Conquistadors used armored dogs that were specifically trained to kill. Dogs were used by the British in their attacks against the Irish, who in turn used their Irish Wolfhounds to attack the mounted knights. Many times a pair of wolfhounds would drag an armored knight right off his horse. In the Seven Years' war, dogs were used as messengers and used to protect the naval bases in France until the late 1700s.

During World War I and World War II, the dog again proved itself in combat. Many Europeans had dogs that were trained to pull small carts and the armies quickly put these animals to good use. They pulled cannons and supplies to the front lines, and pulled wagons of wounded soldiers. They were also trained to go from one handler to another, quietly and quickly carrying vital messages. Some dogs were also trained to detect mines.

During the Vietnam War roughly 4,000 war dogs were deployed as sentries, to bark or growl and alert their handlers to intruders. It was estimated that the war dogs saved over 10,000 American lives. The US withdrew its ground combat forces from South Vietnam in 1973 and the several thousand remaining war dogs were crated.

Sadly US military officials decided to classify these war dogs as equipment and left them all behind. They were ultimately either given to the South Vietnam Army or they were euthanized after every war dog unit was meticulously and tactically disabled.

Today's War Dogs

Today's war dog is an entirely different breed of animal that is quite highly trained in mine and bomb detection, tracking, and search and rescue missions as well as sentry duties. One of the more recent war dog stories in the news is that of Teo, a service dog in the British Army, who was recently awarded the Dickin Medal for his brave and loyal service in the Afghanistan war.

Over 1600 service dogs served in the United States Air Force during the 1970s. Today, the number is closer to 500 due to cutbacks in personnel.

In a testament as to how deeply these brave dogs have touched the hearts of the men they have served, laws were passed which allowed military dogs to be adopted upon their military retirement. The first war dog to be adopted to a new home was Lex, whose handler was sadly killed in the Iraq war.

War Dog Breeds

War dogs come in a variety of breeds, from the large mastiff of Roman days to the Irish Wolfhound and the German Sheppard. Of all the duties that these dogs have had over the years during times of war, their greatest service has always been that of both mascot and friend. Whether it is a mutt adopted by the unit or one of the service dogs working with them, these animals not only save lives, but they also lift spirits as well.

If you wish to honor a war dog, or give support to any of the many dogs giving who lost their lives in battle, there are many ways you can choose to help. There are many online sites that will accept donations.

Such donations will go, not only to supporting the dogs in combat, but also to providing for their long-term care once they have returned home.

For more information, it is recommend that you visit the website of The United States War Dogs Association.

Photo Credit:Beverly & Pack

Cat owners can now rejoice! There has been a recent scientific survey done at the University of Bristol on the study between cats, dogs, and their owners. The study was conducted by phone surveys of nearly 3,000 homes, the census from 2001 and compiling the most current statistics of the sizes of households in the UK. Cats and dogs are the two most favorite of pets owned in the UK.

Cat Owners Are Smarter than Dog Owners

Okay not really, though the new study did show that those who hold a degree are more likely to own a cat than a dog. Dr. Jane Murray of Bristol University led the survey and she says college graduates prefer cats, because "cats require less time per day than dogs." People who are college educated tend to work more hours in the office and their commute times are longer as well, which can be hard when they need to rush home after work to let their dog out.

Cats do not have to be walked several times a day like dogs do as they have a litter box. You can get away with filling a cat's bowl once a day as they eat whenever they feel like it and tend not to ravish all food in their sight. Also whilst cats like people, they tend to like themselves a little bit more, so they are just fine with being home by themselves during the day.

Age, Size and Location Play a Factor - Somewhat

Study questioners inquired about the participants' location and family size. It's not surprising that most cat owners are female. The survey also revealed that in addition to holding a college degree, most cat owners were female under the age of 65 years. There goes the "old cat lady" myth!

The study also revealed that cats and their owners are more likely to live in a rural, semi-urban area and/or with a garden. On the contrary, however, many who are dog owners also tend to live in rural areas or have homes with gardens for their dogs to run around and play in.

Size of a household also plays a significant role in the cat vs. dog controversy; the bigger the family, the higher the chances of dog ownership is increased. Dogs also tend to be least likely to be in homes where there are young children under the age of 11 years.

Cats Are Better Suited for Busy Individuals

Dr. Jane Murray believes that one of the main reasons for cats gaining in popularity is the result of the increase of population in the UK. She states there are similarities with dog and cat owners in that both set of owners have households with gardens or live in rural areas. Yet there are some very distinct differences, the main difference being the education level between cat owners and dog owners.

It is not simply a matter of a household's income level nor is it a matter of higher intelligence. There are details and statistics in the recent study that does not offer clear answers at the present. But the general consensus is that for college educated pet lovers, cats offer the perfect temperament and low maintenance care to fit in with their busy lifestyles.


Pet Numbers

The UK Cat population was around 8 million in 2009. Currently there are 35-40 different breeds of cats that are recognized by the UK's Feline Advisory Bureau.

In 2008, the most popular cats were:
1. Bengal
2. British Short Hair
3. Burmese
4. Manx
5. Siamese

The UK dog population was around 8 million in 2009, with 209 breeds of dog being recognized by UK's Kennel Club.

In 2008, the most popular dogs were:
1. Labrador
2. Border Collie
3. Jack Russell Terrier
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. German Shepherd

Photo Credit: ManuelDiLuna

Just about everyone loves animals and what better use of animals than in television commercials and print advertisements. This past Super Bowl millions anticipated the famous Super Bowls Ads. The Super Bowl most certainly did not disappoint and gave us hilarious commercials for quite a few big name companies. There were 9 commercials in total that featured animals in rather amusing scenarios.

Safety First

Pet lovers and activists will be pleased to hear that "No Animals Were Harmed" in all 9 of these television commercials. The companies and the Super Bowl should be applauded in their dedication to ensure the safety of all animals used in filming. Before, during and after shooting, the American Humane Association (AHA) was there to monitor all treatment of all the animals. The American Humane Association was founded in 1877 and has over a hundred years of experience in dedicating its services to the welfare of animals and children.

Since 1940, the American Humane Association has been responsible for monitoring the welfare of animals during production of film and television. The AHA is the organization that has registered the trademark term "no animals were harmed".

Karen Rosa who is the vice-president of the American Humane Association's Film & TV Unit located in Los Angles stated, "The fact that so many advertisers are calling on our services shows that across our society, there is recognition of the importance of the human-animal bond and the safety of animals."

The AHA highly skilled specialists, Certified Animal Safety Representatives, were in charge of watching over the production of ads for the Coca-Cola, Budweiser and Volkswagen companies. Great news is that most networks will not air any commercials until they are given a sign-off letter from the AHA!

Animals Are Funny

There were many good adverts this year using several different types of animals. These animals included beavers, dogs, chickens, frogs, snakes, Clydesdales horses, hyena, as well as a bull, a Capuchin monkey, a leopard, and a cockatoo parrot. These commercials ranged from cute and cuddly to endearing and hilarious.

One such commercial was the Doritos advertisement. Doritos featured a commercial in which a man is sitting on a park bench, enjoying a bag of Doritos. A dog comes up wearing a barking collar and gives the man his puppy eyes, begging for a chip. The man tells the dog, that unless the dog speaks, the dog cannot have a chip. Well the dog, had an answer for that. Next you see the dog standing in the background behind the man and the dog is removing his barking collar. The dog sneaks up behind the man and snaps the collar around his neck. When the dog barks the man is issued a shock and drops the bag of Doritos on the ground. This allows the dog to eat the spilled chips, leaving the man laying in the fetal position. Dogs are indeed very smart!

Another favorite from this year featured Clydesdale horses and a bull. The commercial starts with a calf and a young horse. These two animals become friends because the only thing that separates them is a fence between their two corrals. As young friends they race each other back and forth between the fences. Fast forward to 3 years, you see a stately carriage being pulled by magnificent Clydesdale's groomed to perfection, the camera pans to an adult bull. As the carriage draws closer to the fence, where the bull is located, the two eye each in recognition. The bull then begins running and eventually breaks through the gate to running along with his old friend.

These are just 2 commercials out of the 9 Superbowl ads that featured animals this year. Feel free to search online and see the rest of 2010 Super Bowl Ads featuring animals. Rest assured that "no animals were harmed."

Photo Credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com