Hairballs in Cats

There's nothing quite like the glorious feeling of stepping out of your warm bed onto a cold, squishy, slimy hairball! Perhaps we should feel flattered that our beloved feline companion has left a piece of herself as a special gift for us, but frankly, most of us would rather bond with our cats another way!

To read more on this story, click here: Hairballs in Cats

Can a Cat Get Pregnant While Still Nursing Kittens?

Q: Can a cat get pregnant while still nursing kittens?

A: Yes. Lactation (production of milk) does not suppress the heat cycle, and cats that are actively nursing kittens can go into heat as soon as two weeks after giving birth.

Some aspects of a cat’s reproductive capabilities are truly remarkable. Did you know that even being pregnant doesn’t necessarily suppress the heat cycle in cats! In fact, 10 percent of female cats go into heat between the third and sixth week of pregnancy.

Although these cycles are rarely fertile, it actually is possible for a cat to be carrying fetuses of different ages, resulting from separate matings in different heat cycles! The scientific term for this is "superfetation."

Also, a female cat in heat can mate with several males, and it is possible for kittens in a litter to have different fathers. The technical term for this is "superfecundation." Cats long have been recognized for their fertility. Bastet, the Egyptian goddess of fertility, is depicted as a cat in artwork, and the ancient Egyptians worshipped cats as a symbol of fertility.

When it comes to making babies, cats are one of the most prolific domestic pets out there.

(Source: Veterinary Expert, Arnold Plotnick, DVM)

Keeping Your Dog Safe From Law Enforcement: A Police Officer Shares Insight

Keeping your dog safe from law enforcement may sound like a contradictory statement, but recently there have been several tragic stories which involve family dogs being shot by police officers.

Cheryl Goede, not only has firsthand insight as a police officer, but she is also an experienced dog owner, and has been in law enforcement for the past fourteen years.

She collaborated with her husband, Kevin, who has 20 years of law enforcement background in addition to being a dog trainer, and Cindy Earnshaw, a journalist and former LEO/Animal Control officer.

Together, this threesome came up with a plethora of knowledge to share with all dog owners. The following information was written by Cheryl and should be shared with all dog owners:

If people know that the police are coming, then every effort should be made to make sure that the dogs are restrained in such a manner that they won't be able to escape. Even if you think that nothing will happen and that your dog is friendly and will not charge the officer, bark at them, etc., always expect the unexpected. Things can happen and circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. So always restrain your dogs.

Do not EVER allow your dogs to roam your neighborhood. If your dog is unrestrained and the police come to your home unexpectedly and the officer asks you to restrain your dog, do so immediately.

USE YOUR VOICE to alert the officer to your dog's NAME and loudly announce "Let me put up my dog, I am putting up my dog!" If the officer is not comfortable with the method of you restraining your dog (a dog on a retractable leash or the dog is jumping up on the fence after being placed in the backyard) and there is a chance that it is making the officer uncomfortable, immediately offer to restrain your dog further.

When you see officers in the vicinity of your home and your dog is outside, ESPECIALLY if they appear to be searching for someone/something, bring your dog inside. If it looks as though police are actively going into yards to search, don't think "I'll help the police out" and let your dog OUT, keep them in until police presence is gone. It is also a good idea put signs on your fence to indicate that there are dogs at the house and possibly in the backyard, so that officers are not taken by surprise if they are searching for someone and jump the fence to find there are dogs there. If both the officer and the dog are taken by surprise, that would put them in all in a position of defense….not good.

Do what you can to discourage your dog's excitement towards any officer or other official who is in your presence. Never tempt fate by encouraging your dog's excitement towards the officer. Dogs react differently to people in uniform, and they can and may behave in an unexpected manner.

It is imperative to remember that the legal default presumption is always that the dog owners are ultimately wholly responsible for the welfare and control of their canines.

If an officer does what was allegedly reported by the owner of Cisco, file a lawsuit against the officer, the police department, and the municipality. Under certain circumstances and under local law, it may be appropriate to file charges of animal cruelty/abuse against the officer. I don't think there was really anything his owner could have said or done in order to prevent the shooting, other than what he already did, due to the fact that the officer was pointing a gun at him and basically telling him not to move.

Kevin is hoping to create a course to help educate law enforcement officials about better communication with pet owners. He also hopes to teach law enforcement about how to read a dog's body language.

Please take a moment to share this valuable information with anyone who owns a dog. It could prevent a tragedy. Many thanks to Cheryl and Kevin Goede and Cindy Earnshaw for taking the time to put this important information together.

Head Pressing: If Your Dog or Cat Ever Does This, Go To the Vet, Immediately

Recently, there was an article sweeping the internet about “head pressing.” Although rare, it is something to watch for, especially if your dog suffers from one of the conditions that can cause head pressing.

To read more on this story, click here: Head Pressing: If Your Dog or Cat Ever Does This, Go To the Vet, Immediately

This Photo Captures The Tender Moment A 102-Year-Old Woman Fell In Love With A Shelter Cat

Barbara Bates, the adoption coordinator for a Texas animal shelter, was there with her camera when 102-year-old Iona L. and 2-year-old Edward discovered each other.

"It just filled my heart," Bates says about the scene in the shelter lobby. "The kitty just snuggled right up to her. Matched her outfit she had on.

"I said, 'Iona, do you mind if I take your picture?' And she said, 'Honey, I sure hope I don't break your camera.'"

To read more on this story, click here: This Photo Captures The Tender Moment A 102-Year-Old Woman Fell In Love With A Shelter Cat

Ravens Defensive Tackle Terrence Cody Being Investigated For Animal Cruelty

When news broke earlier this week that the Baltimore Ravens planned to release defensive tackle Terrence Cody following the Super Bowl, many wondered why they would bother cutting him when his contract was already set to expire at the end of the league year.

To read more on this story, click here: Ravens Defensive Tackle Terrence Cody Being Investigated for Animal Cruelty

Some Special Health Problems That Are Associated With German Shepherds

 There are some special health problems that are associated with German Shepherds.  Some are hereditary but you may be able to avoid by choosing a reputable breeder.

1. Hip Dysplasia 

Hip Dysplasia is probably the most common hereditary condition for German Shepherds. However, you can reduce the chances of your dog being affected by keeping exercise to a gentle level until your dog is at least 6 months old. You should also check the hip scores of parents.

Click on picture to enlarge.

                 

     

Virginia Creates Nation's First Attorney General's Animal Law Unit

Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring has created the nation's first attorney general's Animal Law unit.

The small group of existing staff attorneys will spend a portion of their time working with local law enforcement and state agencies on issues involving animal welfare, animal fighting or abuse,  attorney general's office said in a statement Thursday.


To read more on this story, click here: Virginia Creates Nation's First Attorney General's Animal Law Unit