The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Here Are Some Specific Regimens for People Allergic to Cats to Follow to Help Alleviate Their Symptoms

Itchy eyes, itchy noses and sneezing are never pleasant. And when it's because of a cat, well … that’s worst of all. If you are allergic to cats and decide to get one, then you’ll be happy to learn most people tend to build up a tolerance to the allergens found in the cat’s dander and saliva. There are also specific regimens allergic people can follow, as well as medication to help alleviate their symptoms.

But if one of your loved ones is allergic to cats and they are not helped by medication, what can you do? Other than replacing your loved ones (this is not usually recommended), there are some ways to reduce the effects of allergens in your home.

Clean, clean, clean. People don’t understand how much of a difference a cat's daily grooming and a thorough house sweeping can make. Keep the surfaces and floors as fur-free as possible, and the reactions to the cat’s allergens should also diminish. Floors and carpets can especially be a haven for the cat's hair and dander, so vacuum them often and take the rugs out for a cleaning -- preferably more than once every spring.

Another way to reduce the effect of cat allergens is to try (emphasis on "try") and bathe the cat every four to six weeks using a cat shampoo. This will help remove the dander buildup, extra hair, and saliva, which contains a natural deodorant and cleansing agent that causes allergic reactions. Rinsing the cat is important and may prove difficult, as most cats don't like being in water. Combine that with its claws and agility, and you may be in some emergency room type of trouble. But seriously, have a trusted friend or family member sponge bathe the cat while you hold it down.

An air purifier can sometimes be a great weapon against allergens. It will help remove impurities from the environment and although more expensive, a commercial purifier usually works better than a regular one. Routinely brushing the cat's hair will also reduce the amount of fur (and thus dander) floating in the air.

While not always practical, going to a doctor for an allergic exam can be advantageous. As there are many household items which can initiate an allergic reaction, this test will help sort out the underlying cause(s). It is more of a trial and error type of test, but can work wonders at determining the allergic agents quickly.

Using a combination of these methods -- or even all of them -- should greatly reduce the amount of allergens in the air, and hopefully make your home a sniffles-free zone. Good luck. Hopefully you and your family will be able to hug and kiss your kitty cat soon.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

American Pharoah Became the First Horse in Over Three Decades Saturday to Earn the Triple Crown, Placing 1st in the Belmont Stakes

American Pharoah became the first horse in over three decades Saturday to earn the Triple Crown, placing 1st in the Belmont Stakes after winning the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby earlier in the season.

In one of the sporting world's rarest feats, the bay colt with the unusually short tail defeated seven rivals in the grueling 1 1/2-mile race, covering the distance in 2:26.65 to end the longest stretch without a Triple Crown champion in history.

American Pharoah is the 12th horse and first since Affirmed in 1978 to win three races on different tracks at varying distances over a five-week span. He won the Kentucky Derby by one length on May 2 and then romped to a seven-length victory in the rainy Preakness two weeks later.

"I still can't believe it happened," said Bob Baffert, at 62 the second-oldest trainer of a Triple Crown winner.

Baffert and Espinoza ended their own frustrating histories in the Triple Crown. Baffert finally won on his record fourth Triple try, having lost in 1997, 1998 (by a nose) and in 2002. Espinoza got it done with his record third shot after failing to win in 2002 and last year on California Chrome.

Sent off as the overwhelming 3-5 favorite, American Pharoah paid $3.50, $2.80 and $2.50.

"I feel so good," Espinoza said, "I say, 'I hope American Pharoah feels like me."

Frosted returned $3.50 and $2.90, while Keen Ice was another two lengths back in third and paid $4.60 to show.

Mubtaahij was fourth, followed by Frammento, Madefromlucky, Tale of Verve and Materiality.

American Pharoah delivered a victory for Egyptian-born owner Ahmed Zayat, who bred the colt and put him up for sale before buying him back for $300,000. His name came courtesy of the family's online contest, in which a woman from Missouri submitted the winning moniker, but the misspelling wasn't noticed until the name was already official

"I can't believe it happened," said Justin Zayat, racing manager for his father's stable. "It's amazing. Oh my God."

American Pharoah joined the exclusive club of Triple Crown winners Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed.

"I'm thrilled," said 93-year-old Penny Chenery, who owned Secretariat and watched from the stands.

A sign with American Pharoah's name and silks was quickly put up in the infield next to the 11 other Triple Crown winners.

The crowd of 90,000 — capped to avoid overcrowding and long lines from last year's total of 102,199 — roared as American Pharoah turned for home still in front.

As he neared the finish line, drinks were tossed in the air and fans jumped up and down in celebration, many holding their camera phones aloft to capture history on a sunny, 75-degree day at Belmont Park. It's unlikely the champion heard them since American Pharoah wears ear plugs to block noise that might get him worked up.

American Pharoah extended his winning streak to seven races. He matched the accomplishment of his grand-sire, Empire Maker, who won the 2003 Belmont, spoiling Funny Cide's Triple Crown bid.

Since 1978, the rigors of the Triple Crown had done in 13 other horses who won the Derby and the Preakness — with 12 losing the third leg and I'll Have Another scratched with a leg injury in 2012. Their failures left the sport and its fans craving a worthy successor to the 11 previous champions.

American Pharoah — his tail shortened after being bitten off on a farm when he was a youngster — turned out to be that horse. He awed observers with his speed and a fluid, springloaded stride in which he appeared to float over the ground.

He was 2-year-old champion last year, and virtually cinched similar honors for his achievements as a 3-year-old this year.

Unlike Affirmed, who dueled Alydar in all three races, American Pharoah didn't have a specific rival since he was only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races. Going into the Belmont, American Pharoah had beaten all of his seven challengers before.

Five of his rivals lost to him in the Derby, then skipped the Preakness to await the Belmont, a competitive advantage to horses that didn't endure the three-race grind. Tale of Verve finished second in the Preakness to American Pharoah, who had beaten Madefromlucky in the Rebel Stakes in March.

American Pharoah became the first horse since Afleet Alex in 2005 to run in all three races and win the Belmont, known as "The Test of the Champion."

He passed, with flying colors.

Marijuana Can Be Quite Harmful to Our Four-Legged Friends: Learn the Signs of Marijuana Toxicity

Marijuana can be quite harmful to our four-legged friends. Learn the signs of marijuana toxicity and what to do if your pet accidentally ingests the recreational drug.

Whether you live in a state where marijuana use has become legal or not, our pets may find a way to get their paws on the drug. It’s actually so common that Trupanion, a pet medical insurance company, has paid more than $78,000 in suspected marijuana claims to date. The drug, which acts as a depressant in humans, can adversely affect our pets if accidentally ingested. If you want to know what to do in the worst-case scenario, or you suspect your pet has already ingested marijuana, read on to find out what signs to look for and important actions you can take to protect him.

If you suspect your pet has ingested marijuana, have him evaluated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

How Pets Get Exposed

One of the most common toxicities that vets at The Animal Medical Center's Emergency Service in New York City encounter is confirmed or suspected marijuana exposure. The vast majority of cases are dogs, according to The Animal Medical Center, but any pet with access to marijuana can ingest it and present with similar clinical signs. Ingestion is the most common source of toxicity; however, if exposed to significant amounts of marijuana smoke, minor to moderate clinical signs can be seen, says Christine Keyserling, DVM, who works in emergency and critical care at The Animal Medical Center.

THC, which is found in higher concentrations in cannabis meant for humans, is the part of the plant that is most toxic to pets, explains Trupanion’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Kerri Marshall, DVM. “If your pet does ingest THC-filled marijuana, please don’t wait it out,” Marshall urges. “Take them to the veterinarian.”

The Signs

In dogs, clinical signs typically begin 30 to 90 minutes after the marijuana has been eaten. Dogs generally recover from marijuana intoxication with no long-term effects, but if not treated, it could result in a more serious outcome. The most common clinical signs associated with marijuana ingestion include dullness and ataxia (drunken gait), according to Keyserling. Additional clinical signs include vomiting, urinary incontinence (dribbling), low body temperature, slow heart rate and hyper-reactivity to stimuli. In the most severe cases, these clinical signs can progress to seizures and/or coma, Keyserling says. Your pet also may have ingested marijuana if you notice him acting lethargic or depressed along with any other of these symptoms.

Be Honest With Your Vet

The symptoms of marijuana intoxication can be symptoms of far more serious conditions. “If you think your dog has ingested marijuana, do not hesitate to tell your veterinarian,” Marshall says. “Being open can help your veterinarian eliminate more serious conditions and prevent testing needed to rule out other causes.” At the end of the day, it’s best to be upfront about the situation so you don’t waste any time getting your pet the help he needs.

Preventing Exposure

The best way to keep your pet safe is to prevent him from coming in contact with the marijuana in the first place. “Pet owners with marijuana in the house should keep their stash away from their pets,” Marshall says. Consider keeping marijuana in a closed container and then put the container away in a drawer or cabinet. "Please keep in mind that dogs have much better senses of smell than us and they are able to find and pick things up off the street or other public spaces — sometimes without you even seeing them eat anything,” Keyserling says. “If you ever notice any of the above clinical signs or any small behavioral changes in your pet, please do not hesitate to have them evaluated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.”

Medical Marijuana Use In Pets

Anecdotal cases have shown healing benefits in pets, according to Marshall. The drug has been used as a pain reliever and to ease adverse effects from cancer medications and old age. “The Trupanion coverage plan covers medicinal marijuana for pets and other herbal therapies specifically recommended by veterinarians to help your pet manage pain or help them through cancer and tumor treatments,” Marshall says. Currently, veterinarians cannot prescribe marijuana to pets. However, Nevada is debating a bill that would enable pet owners to obtain medical marijuana for their sick pets with their vet’s approval.

Stamford, Connecticut Man Calls Police After 3-Hour Standoff With His Pet Cat

A Stamford man called police recently after he was unable to enter his home. His cat had a baby the night before, and got extremely aggressive and tried to hurt him, the man said the cat was getting too aggressive. I was inside, and the he attacked me, he scratched me in my leg and he bite me. So my wife and I went outside, and now we cannot go in the home for like three to four hours,” the man said.

The dispatcher was a bit confused on why the man was calling police. “So you want the police to come and remove the cat? What is the problem, like…”

Yes, that was exactly what the man wanted. So the dispatcher asked for some more information about the feline.

“Was something wrong with the cat?”

“We don’t know, she had a baby last night, and then she was good until 10, 11 o’clock today, and I came from outside and I change my clothes, and she came to attack me”. The man described of the incident. “It’s so aggressive and so mad,” he continued.

In the end, the dispatcher sent police to the man’s house to help with the aggressive 7.5-pound cat. News 12 Connecticut reports that eventually the man went back inside and everything was okay.

A Nationwide Voluntary Recall Has Been Issued for Five Varieties of the Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food

Five varieties of Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food have been voluntarily recalled by manufacturer Ainsworth Pet Nutrition of Meadville, Pennsylvania.

The nationwide recall is due to an elevation in vitamin D levels, which is due to the natural levels of vitamin D found in some of the fish ingredients used in the cat food, according to a press release posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website.

While vitamin D helps cats regulate phosphorus and calcium, too much of it can be detrimental to their health, the press release states. Cats exposed to high levels of vitamin D may experience increased thirst and urination, diarrhea or vomiting and seizures or tremors. If your cat has ingested any of the products listed below, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Symptoms may occur 12 to 36 hours after ingestion.

The varieties that are being recalled are:

Single Packs:

PAW LICKIN CHICKEN AND LIVER (2.8 oz)

UPC Code: 071190007032

Best By Dates Thru: AUG 17 2015

OCEAN FISH AND CHICKEN CATCH-IATORIE (2.8 oz)

UPC Code: 071190007049