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!

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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)
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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.
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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.

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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.'"

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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.

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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.

                 

     

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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.


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Find the Owner: "Reward" to Track Down Britain's Most Wanted Dog Owner

The Daily Echo has today launched a "reward" to track down Britain's most wanted dog owner.

It comes after nine dogs were callously dumped in the countryside in such a state they could not see, walk or stand.

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What to Do if You See a Dog Chained Up in Freezing Temperatures

For animal lovers, seeing a dog tied up outside elicits a visceral response. Many times the chain is meant as a dog sitter, a way to get the dog out of its owner’s hair. The dog is stuck and if the owner is not paying attention, the dog could get tangled up and severely — or fatally — injure themselves.

The situation becomes even worse when the dog is left out in freezing conditions. A dog’s fur coat can only go so far, with shorter-hared dogs like chihuahuas and Jack Russell terriers succumbing to the cold quicker than heavy-coated dogs like Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes. In fact, a dog like the Jack Russell Terrier may start to shiver if it is left out for too long in weather that is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Even leaving your dog in the car during these temperatures is considered neglect. A car cools down as quickly as it warms up, so if you are gone for more than 10 minutes, a dog will start suffering from the cold.

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The Health Benefits Of Mushrooms For Dogs

Our kitchen cupboard at home always contained at least one can of button mushrooms. My mom made thick tomato sauce with meatballs, and it was always dotted with mushrooms. At the time, we never thought of these small “fungi” as being magical in any way. But button mushrooms have as much antioxidant clout as many fancy shaped and scented medicinal mushrooms that have popped up in health food and grocery stores. And mushrooms of many kinds aren’t just good for us – they’re good for our animal companions too.

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WARNING: Several Dogs Have Gotten Sick After Eating What Are Being Called Raw Sausages Stuffed With Pills, Which Were Scattered in an Arlington, Virginia Neighborhood

Arlington, Va. - It's hard to stomach, but it seems as though someone may be trying to harm dogs in Arlington. Two pets ate poisoned meat that was purposely placed along sidewalks, and now neighbors are fighting back.

In the last few days, several dogs have gotten sick after eating what are being called raw sausages stuffed with pills, which were scattered along sidewalks along North Columbus Street, just off of Lee Highway. The area is heavily residential, which means many dogs may have followed the same path while out walking with their owners.

So far, two dogs have gotten sick and been hospitalized at the Hope Center in Vienna. Those dogs are now back at home with their owners, and they continue to be monitored.

As of Monday night, the tainted meat had been picked up, but concerned pet owners posted signs throughout the neighborhood warning others to be aware and have their dogs checked out by a vet if they start to exhibit symptoms.

If you live in the area and have walked a pet that is experiencing symptoms which might include pacing, hyperactivity, panting, diarrhea, or lip licking, you should get them to a doctor because it's possible they may be a victim.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is investigating. They're looking for witnesses who may have seen someone tossing poisoned meat long the sidewalks. They say this situation is a reminder to watch what your pets are eating while you walk them—not only in Arlington, but anywhere.

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How to Recognize Poisoning in Dogs

Dogs cannot use words to tell you they are feeling bad but they often display non-verbal cues that can help owners recognize internal illness such as accidental poisoning. Signs that your dog ingested something toxic range from straightforward clues such as fainting, vomiting, loosing fur, and seizures to subtle signs including lethargy, black stools and heavy panting. If you suspect your dog is suffering from poisoning, thoroughly examine your dog and surrounding environment, then call your veterinarian.


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In Less Than 13 Days, Oregon Dachshund Rescue, Inc., Will Have To Vacate, Leaving These Dogs Homeless - Please Donate If You Can, And Share

Sharing for my friends at: Oregon Dachshund Rescue, INC.

In less than 13 DAYS.. Oregon Dachshund Rescue, INC. rescue doxies will no longer have a place to call home...

Oregon Dachshund Rescue Inc. is desperate and needs your help!

The location in which the rescue dachshunds live in, are cared for and most importantly, saved, is being listed on the market and we are down to less than two weeks left to vacate.

We are still short the down payment on another property and are reaching out to you for any donation you can make. If everyone could just do $5 or $10, it all adds up! As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Oregon Dachshund Rescue Inc. will provide a tax-deductible receipt.

If you can help, please donate! Please also share this to friends and associates who might not know about us but share in the same passion in making a difference in the lives of these wonderful dogs.

Thanks so much!

Donations may be made either by check to:

Oregon Dachshund Rescue Inc.
P. O. Box 820082
Portland, OR 97282
Via PayPal to jrangan@comcast.net

Or simply give Jenell a call at 503-313-3220 to make a CC donation.

Visit them on Facebook: Oregon Dachshund Rescue Inc.
Website: http://www.odr-inc.org/

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