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So what happens to pets that are old, ill and no longer wanted?

Good question.

In working with an Animal Shelter next to my clinic, ( The Second Chance Animal Shelter),
I regularly see dogs and cats come in that are no longer "wanted".

In some circumstances, people move, or one of the "unwanted" pets owners die.

In other cases, its not tragic or understandable..

Some people see their aging sick pet as a "burden" and choose to get rid of them.

Many of these pets are unfortunately difficult to adopt.

Would you adopt a aging, sick older pet?

Because of this I am working with another person to start a " Pet Sanctuary"

We are hoping to have it going in the spring..

Thinking of this I just viewed a video in which a couple has started a Dog Hospice out of
their house.

You can see the video by going here:
( There is a short commercial before the pet video starts)

http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=BD86CE82-A0B5-4F05-BF52-0899CB583F35&t=c150&f=06/64&p=hotvideo_m_edpicks&fg=>1=9033

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have had a few questions about lead in pet vitamin supplements.
Here are the facts:
ConsumerLab.com, a consumer advocate, recently published an article on Multivitamin andMultimineral Supplements. Pet-Tabs®, a common pet vitamin, were reported to contain1.4 micrograms of lead per tablet.
What was the level of contamination and what does this mean?
Pet-Tabs® were found to contain 1.4micrograms of lead per tablet. This is a very smalldose of lead - many municipal water supplies have higher lead concentrations. Human bonehas approximately 15 micrograms of lead per gram of bone. In the same study, a humanvitamin supplement (The Vitamin Shoppe Multivitamins Especially for Women) was found tocontain 15.3 micrograms of lead per daily dose. This amount of lead (15.3 micrograms) ismore than 10 times the amount permitted without a warning in California, the only statethat regulates lead in supplements. On average, most American adults are exposed to about3 micrograms of lead daily through food, wine and other sources, and while 15.3micrograms of lead per day may not be immediately toxic, the mineral is stored in thebody and could build up to dangerous levels with time.
Thus, it appears that the Pet-Tabs dose is near California’s reportable limit, but is lessthan the amount of lead consumed daily by humans through other sources.
Of additional consideration, not addressed in the report, is the form of the lead salt.Some (e.g. lead sulfate) are insoluble and therefore inert. Others, such as acetate andoxide forms, are soluble and of more concern. Thus, the exposure risk is not completelyunderstood at this time.
How much lead is too much?
Federal standards initially limited the amount of lead in water to 50 parts per billion(ppb). In light of new health and exposure data, EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb.If tests show that the level of lead in your household water is in the area of 15 ppb orhigher, it is advisable - especially if there are young children in the home - to reducethe lead level in your tap water as much as possible. (EPA estimates that more than 40million U.S. residents use water that can contain lead in excess of 15 ppb.) Note: Oneppb is equal to 1.0 microgram per liter (µg/1) or 0.001 milligram per liter (mg/1).More information is available at the EPA website.
The FDA considers that ANY lead exposure poses some risk. Based on CDC’s levels, FDA’s“tolerable” daily diet lead intakes are 6 mcg for children under age 6, 25 mcg forpregnant women, and 75 mcg for other adults. However, some risk exists with any levelof lead exposure. Tolerable doses for dogs have not been established.
How has the manufacturer responded?
Below is the company response to the ConsumerLabs.com findings:
“Virbac, a company dedicated exclusively to animal health, is committed to developing,manufacturing, and distributing safe and effective products for pets. Virbac is aware ofthe recent report asserting that one lot of Pet-Tabs® contained 1.4 micrograms of leadper tablet. This information has not been verified by Virbac or Pfizer Animal Health,the company that manufactures Pet-Tabs.
Virbac is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this report. As a part ofthis investigation, Virbac has received the following initial response from Pfizer.
Pet Tabs®, like all Pfizer Animal Health products, are manufactured to the rigorousspecifications of the industry’s governing bodies, including the United StatesPharmacopoeia (USP) and in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
A single test on one lot by ConsumerLabs.com revealed a minute amount of lead in our PetTabs product (1.4 micrograms per tablet). According to the USP, which determines thestandards for medicines, raw materials and nutritional supplements, the level detectedwas 20 times below acceptable and safe levels.
In addition, the level reported is more than 2,800 times below the chronic toxicity leveldetermined safe for dogs, as published in Clinical Veterinary Toxicology(Konnie B. Plumlee, 2004, Mosby).
Pfizer Animal Health is confident that Pet Tabs are safe and effective for all dogs andare in full compliance with all established regulatory criteria.
In the interest of maintaining the highest quality products and customer satisfaction,Virbac maintains a department dedicated to monitoring inquiries and reports related toits products. A review of the data shows there have been no reports to Virbac regardinglead poisoning from the use of Pet-Tabs in dogs.
Therefore, it is unlikely that Pet-Tabs have produced any adverse effects due to lead.Virbac believes that your veterinarian is best able and equipped to assess your pet’shealth.

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We have had a lot of phone questions and emails abouttheir pet's recent diagnosis of glaucoma and what can be done for it, so here is our take on this terrifying situation.When this eye condition is first diagnosed, it is usuallyduring a pet's physical exam that may have been necessarydue to another condition. This eye condition is quite difficult to observe in most pets because they know their home territory very well and manage to getaround whether their eyesight is failing them or not.They sure know how to adapt. That is why it is almostalways too late to do something about this condition.However, we have had a number of cases where this condition has stabilized and in some cases that we havesited on our website, have even reversed itself. How canthis be possible?Our experience has shown this problem to have a root cause to it like all other health problems. From ourvast experience, we have found that poor nutrition isthe root cause of this problem. Poor nutrition eitherdue to the body's lack of ability to absorb its nutritionor due to plain old lousy nutrition even though a personmay be paying top dollar for the food they are feedingtheir precious pets.This food is processed food, not fresh, and thus does notcontain the essential enzymes, vitamins, minerals, aminoacids and trace minerals that are the building and repairingredients for every cell in the body. If these ingredientsare missing or are synthetic (the body does not recognizeartificial vitamins and minerals), then the body cannot repairwhat cells it needs to repair on a daily basis. Glaucomajust may be the tip of the iceberg and notification that otherserious ailments will soon follow.What do we recommend? First, fresh, wholesome, clean nutrition that is free from all chemicals is what is best for your pet and frankly for you too. Again, there is absolutely no substitute for good nutrition for every animal or man. Fresh food should contain most of the enzymes and amino acids the body requires on a daily basis.Second, because the soils are void of much in the way of macro minerals, trace minerals and vitamins due to the chemicalfarming in the USA, it is essential to supplement your petwith natural vitamins, minerals and trace minerals that arestill missing in most of the fresh food that is grown in this country. Most of the soils are still not up to par to what the body requires although lots of organic farmers are on the right path.Third, we feel it is essential to supplement your pet withprobiotics two to three days a week because these help withthe absorption of the nutrition that you are providing. Additionally, probiotics help to build the all important immune system. Clearly preventing these health problems from even startingis the secret to good health. However, it has been shownthat once a little animal is given the correct diet ingredientsof fresh food and natural supplements, many health situationscan be reversed and ultimately corrected, even glaucoma.

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A Look At Cat Breeds

Over the last thousands of years, cats have pretty much handled their breeding themselves. In the beginning, they were used for one purpose - hunting and killing rodents. As the years progressed, we began to breed cats more to our liking. Now days, there are several different breeds of cats - which you can tell if you look closely.

These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries. There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers. There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair.

There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history. Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history. These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan. Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat. Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper. Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions. Persian cats can be very expense, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

Alley cats are the most common in North America. There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats. They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence. Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped. Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless - and have nothing to do but breed.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be. Some people choose to go by color, although color isn’t as easy to identify. Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats. Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes. Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along. Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular. Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet - including dogs. No matter breed of cat you get - you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.

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Happy Cats

Re: The Natural Cure for Cat Flu.

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This condition is one of the MOST frequently asked about questions on my Blog at www.veterinarypetcare.com/askavetblog.html

The most obvious sign is a cat with a runny nose, often accompanied by swollen and runny eyes.

Most cats will also be sneezing.


SO What causes it??

Two feline viruses are responsible for most cases of cat flu. Some cats can be infected as kittens and constantly harbor the virus, making them prone to repeated infections. In most cases, the virus will run its course in 7-10 days, so supportive care is needed.

What Can I do At Home??

KEEP HER EATING. One of the best ways to help your cat's immune system is by ensuring adequate food intake. Warm up her favorite canned food, or add a small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of garlic. If her regular food isn't appetizing, then switch to canned tuna.

ORDER UP FLORIDA. Humidity is fabulous for easing congestion and improving breathing. Use a humidifier or put your cat in the bathroom and turn up the shower.

WIPE AWAY. Use a damp cloth to wipe crusted discharge around the nose and eyes.

OPEN THE AIRWAYS. For some cats with severe nasal congestion I have used Pediatric Otrivin. Use one drop in each nostril 3 times daily for 3-5 days.

HERBAL. Boosting the immune system is what is most important in recovering from the flu. ECHINACEA is the most important. Lemon Balm has antiviral activity and is also very effective.

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Most of the time you will hear one message from your vet..that there is NOTHING that you can do..

But as you can see..there are many options.

In my Book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed, at http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com, You get ALL the options.

I discuss a popular Vitamin that is Great for treating the Flu..

It may be the best decision you could make for your pet.

It's Your Pet- Heal Them At Home!

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cats

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Re: Antibiotic Hell..

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A common question asked lately is about the Cat flu.

It's going around and more often than not a visit to your veterinarian will result in antibiotics.

But little else.

And its a virus..antibiotics are NOT effective.

In fact this approach can cause problems.

Reactions to the antibiotics..vomiting, diarrhea and severe allergic reactions..

Liver disease, immune mediated disease..

Resistance can develop to the antibiotic so it may NOT be effective when your pet needs it.

Does this Sound a little CRAZY to you?

But there is a better way..

Here are some BETTER options.

To get the BEST OPTION in healing your pet at home go to www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com before the price goes up..

And it is going up.

The Flu..

SIGNS

The most obvious sign is a cat with a runny nose, often accompanied by swollen and runny eyes. Most cats will also be sneezing.

CAUSES

Two feline viruses are responsible for most cases of cat flu. Some cats can be infected as kittens and constantly harbor the virus, making them prone to repeated infections. In most cases, the virus will run its course in 7-10 days, so supportive care is needed.

SOLUTIONS

KEEP HER EATING. One of the best ways to help your cat's immune system is by ensuring adequate food intake. Warm up her favorite canned food, or add a small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of garlic. If her regular food isn't appetizing, then switch to canned tuna.

ORDER UP FLORIDA. Humidity is fabulous for easing congestion and improving breathing. Use a humidifier or put your cat in the bathroom and turn up the shower.

WIPE AWAY. Use a damp cloth to wipe crusted discharge around the nose and eyes.

OPEN THE AIRWAYS. For some cats with severe nasal congestion I have used Pediatric Otrivin. Use one drop in each nostril 3 times daily for 3-5 days.

HERBAL. Boosting the immune system is what is most important in recovering from the flu. ECHINACEA and Lemon Balm are the most important.

SUPPLEMENTS. Vitamin C has antiviral activity.

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The more you read, the more you can see how CRAZY our pet health care system has become.

If your pet has a virus that won't respond to antibiotics, then DON'T give them.

But you've go to be aware of ALL the options.

Please Click Here to visit our website for more helpful tips

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Common Health Problems Of Cats

If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.

Worms
No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.

Hairball
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.

In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage. Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.

Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong. If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.

Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems. If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.

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