9 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Pet

Is it okay to toss your pet a grape? How about the skin you just pulled off your baked chicken? We know it’s hard to resist those big eyes and wagging tongue, but beware: The very thing your pet’s dying to eat may just do more harm than good.

Here, Dr. Samantha Klau, veterinarian for the doggy-care center Biscuits & Bath, shares 9 types of food that are bad for your dog or cat.

Onions and garlic
Whether fresh, cooked, dried or powdered, these veggies cause damage to red blood cells and gastrointestinal problems in pets. "The small amounts found in dog food and supplements usually don't cause a problem, but we recommend not giving it to your pet," Klau said.

Signs that you should call your vet: weakness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite or vomiting

Alcohol
Make sure you keep alcohol far away from your pets, advises Klau. Beer, liquor or wine damages your pet’s liver, brain and can cause diarrhea, disorientation, dehydration and put your pet in a comatose state if not treated quickly.

Signs that you should call your vet: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, disorientation, stupor and, in severe cases, coma, seizures or the inability to stand up.

Caffeine
If consumed in large enough quantities, anything caffeinated can kill your pet. That includes coffee (even the grounds), tea, energy drinks and medications.

Signs that you should call your vet: rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors, bleeding, restlessness, rapid breathing or seizure-like symptoms.

Grapes and raisins
These snacks are perfect for people, but not so much for pets. Small amounts can make your sidekick sick, while larger amounts can cause kidney failure.

Signs that you should call your vet: non-stop vomiting, exhaustion or depression.

Unbaked bread dough
If it’s made with live yeast, raw dough can expand in your pet's stomach. Small amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset, bloating and a belly ache.

Signs that you should call your vet: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, disorientation, stupor and, in severe cases, coma, seizures, swelling belly or the inability to stand up.

Raw eggs, meat and fish
Uncooked food may be contaminated with salmonella or E. coli, which can upset your pet's gastrointestinal tract.

Signs that you should call your vet: vomiting, fever or enlarged lymph nodes.

Fat trimmings and bones
Sure, they’re delicious for pets, but fat trimmings and bones just as dangerous. Fat, whether cooked or raw, can cause pancreatitis, and bone splinters can get lodged in your pet's mouth and throat and even block or perforate the digestive system.

Signs that you should call your vet: diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain or loss of appetite.

Dairy
Milk and other dairy products are not well tolerated by cats and is particularly rough on dogs. "Dogs don't posses a significant amount of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk," Klau said. Dairy products also predispose pets to food allergies.

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What Horse Owners Should Know About West Nile Virus

What Is West Nile Encephalitis?
West Nile encephalitis describes an inflammation of the central nervous system, which is caused by infection with West Nile Virus. Prior to 1999 West Nile Virus was found only in Africa, Eastern Europe, and West Asia. In August of 1999 it was identified in the United States.

How Do People Or Animals Become Infected With West Nile Virus?
People and animals can become infected from the bite of certain kinds of mosquitoes that are infected with the virus. Mosquitoes may pick up the virus when they bite, or take a blood meal, from wild birds that are infected with West Nile Virus. Those mosquitoes may then transmit the virus to people and other animals when biting to take a blood meal. Infection occurs primarily in the late summer or early fall in the northeast and Mid Atlantic regions.

Does Infection Always Lead To Illness?
Infection with West Nile Virus does not always lead to signs of illness in people or animals. Horses appear to be a species that is susceptible to infection with the virus. In horses that do become clinically ill, the virus infects the central nervous system and may cause symptoms of encephalitis. Clinical signs of encephalitis in horses may include a general loss of appetite and depression, in addition to any combination of the following signs:

• fever
• weakness of hind limbs
• paralysis of hind limbs
• impaired vision
• ataxia (weakness)
• head pressing
• aimless wandering
• convulsions (seizures)
• inability to swallow
• walking in circles
• hyperexcitability
• coma

It is important to note that not all horses with clinical signs of encephalitis have West Nile encephalitis. Certain other diseases can cause a horse to have symptoms similar to those resulting from infection with West Nile Virus. If you are concerned that your horse may be exhibiting signs of encephalitis, please contact your veterinarian. Laboratory tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Is Treatment Available For West Nile Encephalitis In Horses?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile encephalitis in horses. Supportive veterinary care is recommended. It is important to diagnose WNV because infection is an indication that mosquitoes carrying the virus are in the area and need to be eliminated.

How Many Horses Have Been Affected By West Nile Virus?
In 1999, approximately 25 horses became ill from infection with West Nile Virus. In 2000, there were 60 documented clinical cases of infection. Approximately 60% of horses that actually showed signs of illness in 1999 and 2000 recovered from the infection. Others were euthanized or died as a result of infection. Many more horses were infected without showing any clinical symptoms of disease. In 2001, there were 159 documented clinical cases of infection.

Is A Vaccine Available To Protect Against Infection With West Nile Virus?
A WNV vaccine for horses is now available. It has recently been approved for marketing, on a conditional license, which means that the efficacy of the vaccine will be studied for a year. Because it is impossible to distinguish between vaccinated and naturally infected horses with current testing methods, it is important that vaccination records be kept updated for each horse that receives the vaccine. Horses vaccinated against Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis are not protected against infection with West Nile Virus.

How Can I Protect My Horse Against Infection With West Nile Virus?
Vaccination of horses is not a guarantee of protection against infection, and does not offer any protection for other animals or people. The best method of prevention of infection with West Nile Virus for people and animals is to reduce the risk of exposure to the mosquitoes that may carry the virus. Reducing the risk involves eliminating mosquito breeding sites to reduce the number of hatching mosquitoes, and to reduce exposure to adult mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so reduction of breeding sites involves eliminating stagnant water sources. To reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, buckets, ceramic pots or other unwanted water-holding containers on your property.
• Pay special attention to discarded tires. Tires are important mosquito breeding sites.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors. Containers with drainage holes located only on the sides collect enough water to act as mosquito breeding sites.
• Clean clogged roof gutters every year. Millions of mosquitoes can breed in roof gutters each season.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Empty and refill outdoor water troughs or buckets every few days.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools when not in use. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.

Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property, especially near manure storage areas. Mosquitoes may breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.
Additional steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of exposure of horses to adult mosquitoes:

Reduce the number of birds in and around the stable area. Eliminate roosting areas in the rafters of the stable. Certain species of wild birds are thought to be the main reservoir for the virus. (Although pigeons have been shown to become infected with West Nile Virus, they do not appear to act as reservoirs and therefore don't transmit the virus to mosquitoes).

Periodically look around the property for dead birds, such as crows. Dead birds may be reported to the DEP online at anytime of the year. However, suitable birds will only be picked up or tested for WNV between May 1 and September 30. Use gloves to handle dead birds and place the birds in plastic bags.
Topical preparations containing mosquito repellents are available for horses. Read the product label before using.

For help in assessing mosquito exposure risks on your property and for suggested control practices, please contact your county extension office, county Department of Environmental Protection, county Department of Health, or mosquito and pest control company.

Can A Horse Infected With West Nile Virus Infect Other Horses?
There is no evidence that infected horses can transmit the virus to other animals, people, or mosquitoes. Only a wild bird-mosquito transmission cycle has been proven as a means of transmitting West Nile Virus.

Can Ticks Spread West Nile Virus?
Research is ongoing within the public health community to determine the role ticks play in the vectoring of West Nile virus. Scientists have confirmed ticks become infected with West Nile virus and may be able to amplify the disease within the avian community. Some researchers have also suggested that the ticks pass West Nile virus between generations and that is how the disease survives the winter in Pennsylvania. The Department will monitor this research closely to see what role ticks may play, if any, in the West Nile virus cycle.

Where Can I Get More Information About West Nile Virus?

For more information:

United States Department of Agriculture (717) 782-3442 http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/wnv/index.html
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (717) 783-6897 http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/
Department of Health 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258). http://www.WestNile.state.pa.us/

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How To Tell If Your Pet Is Bored, And What To Do About It

Have you ever seen your cat try to climb a wall, repeatedly jump on your shelves to knock items off or leap onto the chandelier? Or has your dog ever tried to dig up your wall-to-wall carpeting or decided that it’s fun to play tug-of-war with the curtains? These could all be signs that your pet is not getting enough mental stimulation.

Dr. Wailani Sung, a Washington veterinarian, is sharing ways that you can tell if your pet is suffering from boredom — and easy ways to change that.

To read more on this story, click here: Is Your Pet Bored?

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Women Find Python In The Trunk Of Their Rental Car

Kennebunk, Maine (AP) - Police say two women opened the trunk of their rental car to retrieve their luggage and were greeted by a snake.

The women drove the rental car from Boston to Kennebunk, Maine, where they discovered the ball python Wednesday night and called police.

The snake was turned over to the Maine Warden Service on Thursday and was being transported to the Center for Wildlife in York.

Ball pythons generally grow to 3 to 5 feet long and aren't considered dangerous. The ball python is a common pet snake, but authorities say it's unclear why the snake was in the vehicle.

Kennebunk Deputy Police Chief Dan Jones tells the Portland Press Herald that the women wanted a new rental car even after the snake was removed.




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This Amazing Utah Canyon Hike Comes With a Rescue Dog

In a world of resorts eager to find a competitive edge in guest amenities, one Utah resort has truly gone to the dogs.

Flash was huffing and puffing even more than I was on a hot Saturday afternoon. His tongue was lolling out of his mouth as he wound his way in between my knees. The border collie wasn’t used to being on a leash, and all he wanted to do was herd me as we made our way to the trailhead of Snow Canyon.

By, Jo Piazza, An award-winning author and editor who has written for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and the New York Daily News.


To read more on this story, click here: Hiking Comes With a Rescue Dog


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Starting Next Year The FBI Will Add Animal Cruelty Cases To National Crime Report

The Federal Bureau of investigation announced this week that it will start reporting crimes of animal cruelty - intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly taking an action that mistreats or kills any animal without just cause, such as torturing, tormenting, mutilation, maiming, poisoning, or abandonment.

The FBI will treat animal cruelty  as a separate offense under its uniform reporting system, leading the way for more comprehensive statistics on animal abuse.

Previously, crimes against animals were recorded under a generic “all other offense” category in the Uniform Crime Report, widely considered the most comprehensive source of crime statistics in the United States.

More recently, social media sites have provided platforms for caught-on-tape exposés and forums focused on publicly shaming animal abusers. The proliferation of such online venues has helped fuel the outrage of many Americans.

The Humane Society, the Animal Welfare Institute Program and the Animal Legal Defense Fund were among the groups to laud FBI Director James B. Comey's decision to include animal cruelty as a distinct category on the annual index, the nation's prime source for US crime information.

Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, wrote on his blog on Wednesday, "No longer will extremely violent cases be included in the 'other offense' category simply because the victims were animals."

Included are:

• Instances of duty to provide care, e.g., shelter, food, water, care if sick or injured;
• Transporting or confining an animal in a manner likely to cause injury or death;
• Causing an animal to fight with another;
• Inflicting excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering, e.g., uses objects to beat or injure an animal.

This definition does not include proper maintenance of animals for show or sport or use of animals for food, lawful hunting, fishing or trapping.

Before establishing the special category, there was no easy way to track the number of animal cruelty cases in the US But high-profile cases ranging from NFL quarterback Michael Vick's illegal dog fighting ring to a puppy-kicking episode implicating Desmond Hague, the former CEO of a sports catering company that provides services to several NFL teams, have helped shine a national spotlight on the issue.

The issue is a national problem, while cruelty cases occurring in all 50 states.



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Humane Society: Faux Fur On Kohl's Jacket Is Real Raccoon Dog

An investigation by The Humane Society of the United States has found that a men's parka sold by retailer Kohl's with the description "faux-fur trim" uses real fur from raccoon dogs.

The Humane Society tested the men's R&O Hooded Parka which was purchased online for testing on June 23.

"Raccoon dog fur is the species we'd consider the most misrepresented," said PJ Smith, the Humane Society's corporate outreach manager. He said the raccoon dog traces back to Asia and is in the same family as the domestic dog, fox and wolf.

Once the coat was purchased online by investigators, Smith said it was sent to a lab that determined with "a great degree of certainty that it was this particular species."

It's the second time in a year that the Humane Society has used investigators to reveal real fur marked as fake fur from Kohl's — on Cyber Monday in December 2013, the organization released a consumer warning that the retailer was selling handbags lined with real rabbit fur.

Raccoon dogs, seen here in Tokyo's Ueno Zoo, are often used in clothing and can be mislabeled as faux fur.(Photo: Chiaki Tsukumo, AP)

Kohl's is not the only company caught mislabeling fur. In 2011, The HSUS filed an Federal Trade Commission petition resulting in enforcement action against Neiman Marcus, Revolve Clothing and DrJays.com, which could result in fines of $16,000 an instance if they were found mislabeling again.

The Humane Society claims Kohl's is in violation of the Fur Products Labeling Act that requires retailers to disclose the name and origin of the animal killed.

"This is obviously problematic for people who want to go to a store and buy something not associated with the fur trade cruelty," said Smith. "We believe the best way for retailers like Kohl's to correct these problems is to go fur-free because this is an industry-wide problem."

USA Today Network has reached out to Kohl's for comment. Initial efforts have proven unsuccessful.

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It Could Cost as Much as $2,000 a Year to Have a Dog

A new report says many of the most popular breeds these days are also very expensive, and can cost you thousands of dollars a year, something many people don't realize at the time of adoption.

Dog lovers won't like a report in Daily Finance  that says the first year cost of a puppy in 2014 can exceed $2,000, for initial cost, vaccinations, spaying, and training.

And, depending on the dog, you could easily pay another $2,000 a year after that.

For the average grown dog, you'll pay:

$200 to $500 a year for food ($1 a day for an average dog, but it adds up)
$200 a year for boarding for your week's vacation (unless you have relatives willing to help)
$500 for grooming (small designer dogs can cost much more in grooming costs)
$200 for annual vet visits (which is actually a low figure)
$500 for flea, tick, and heartworm medicine
That does not include leashes, travel boxes, rawhide treats and other items that cost several hundred dollars over a year.

And it does not include the cost of installing the very popular invisible fencing around your yard, which can cost $1,000 or more.

High cost of emergency vet care, as pets these days get care as good as humans.

Consumer Reports Magazine says to avoid a surprise $5,000 bill, you may want to consider pet insurance, or put a little bit in a "pet emergency fund" every month.

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