Birds In Minnesota Keep Crashing Into Things and Police Think It's Because They're Drunk

(CNN) Robins, cedar waxwings and other birds in Gilbert, Minnesota, are flying into windshields, bumping into trees and looking mighty disoriented.

Police there say there's no need to worry -- the birds are just a little drunk.

"It appears some birds are getting a little more 'tipsy' than normal," Gilbert Police Chief Ty Techar wrote this week in a Facebook post.

No, the town's birds aren't downing worm-flavored margaritas. Techar believes their confused state is the result of eating berries that have fermented earlier than usual due to an early frost.

"Many birds have not migrated south, so it appears to be more prevalent than in past years," he said. "Younger birds' livers cannot handle the toxins as efficiently as more mature birds."

Is this true? Are the birds really drunk?

Yes, said Anna Pidgeon, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin's Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, who notes it's not a rare phenomenon.

"It's more typical in late winter, early spring when berries that have been on branches ferment due to the yeast that's on them," she said.

Robins and cedar waxwings rely primarily on fruit and are more susceptible to "getting drunk," said Pidgeon. (Yes, that's really her name.)

Getting intoxicated can be quite dangerous for them, she said.

To read more on this story, click here: Birds In Minnesota Keep Crashing Into Things and Police Think It's Because They're Drunk

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Ferrets Are Fun, Cute and Interactive Animals: But to be a Responsible Owner You Should First Decide if They Really Are the Right Pet for You

Ferrets are fun, cute and interactive animals, often described as perpetual kittens. But to be a responsible owner you should first decide if they really are the right pet for you.

Find out if ferrets are legal where you live. Just because the pet store sells them doesn't mean that they are legal to own in your area. They are currently illegal to own in Hawaii, California, and New York City, just to name a few.

Learn what ferret personalities are like. The word 'ferret' means 'little thief' in Latin. This is an omen to you of things to come. They enjoy selecting household items; not all of which belong to them; and hiding them in bizarre places. It may be your slipper, your keys, your computer mouse, your wallet, or rolled up socks. Giving them their own ferret-safe toys may help but will probably not completely eliminate this behavior. Ferrets are very playful and inquisitive critters when they're awake and need supervision to keep from getting into and/or eating things they shouldn't.

Decide if you will be able to let your ferret out of his cage for at least three hours a day. Ferrets can sleep up to twenty hours a day, but they need to be out of their cage for exercise regularly. They are not like hamsters or gerbils, they're a lot more like little dogs or cats and can become depressed and ill if they don't get out-of-cage time.

Decide if you can afford the expense of owning a ferret. Between the cage, accessories, food, treats, toys, litter, etc. your ferret could cost a huge chunk of change. Make a list of all the things you will need to buy and add up the total cost. If all you do is buy a cage, litter, and food you may be surprised with all of the other things you end up needing to keep your ferret happy and healthy. Initial costs of a single ferret can be up to $275. Similar to cats and dogs, they require regular flea treatment, grooming, vaccinations, and a toy or two.

Find out if your house or apartment is ferret safe or if you can ferret-proof your home. Ferrets can get into surprising areas. They have insatiable curiosity and will not cease seeking new places to wriggle into. Go on your hands and knees and look for holes in the walls, in the closets, behind your refrigerator, under your cabinets, under your furniture, and anywhere there might be a hidden opening for your ferret to crawl into. The two most common areas are inside the box spring under beds and inside furniture from underneath. Putting a sheet on the bottom of a box spring fixes the bed problem and you can cut a sheet to fit the bottom of furniture and staple it on, or you can take the feet off of furniture so its resting on the ground. If you have a recliner, the safest thing to do is get rid of it. There is no way to ferret proof a recliner and your ferret can get caught in the gears and be squished when someone reclines not knowing he's in there. When you bring your ferret home watch him carefully. He will show you all the places you missed.

Decide if your current pets and children are compatible with a ferret. Most dogs and cats will get along well with ferrets. It is like bringing home another small dog or cat to them. If your dog has a high prey instinct, (e.g. chases cats or squirrels) getting a ferret may not be a good idea. Your ferret will not be friends with hamsters, mice, gerbils, rats, rabbits, or any other small rodent. Your ferret will probably see these creatures and think how nice their new owners are for providing a good dinner. Birds and ferrets are also not a good mix and should not be kept in the same house. Children under twelve should always be supervised with a ferret to make sure it is handled properly.

Know that ferrets are only 'sort of' litter box trainable. In his cage a ferret will generally only 'go' in one corner. This is where you place his litter box. But ferrets also have a strong instinct to spread their scent over their territory, so they may have 'accidents' in other rooms of the house. Also, if a ferret is busy playing in one area of the house and needs to go, he will likely just shrug his shoulders and go in the nearest corner rather than trekking to his litter box and interrupting his playtime. Many ferret owners place multiple litter boxes around their home. Small corner litter boxes can be purchased and placed but realize that to even start to train the ferret it must be watched AT ALL TIMES.

Decide if you have the patience to deal with a ferret. Between stealing your socks, underwear, and keys; eating your hamster; needing a litter box in every room and displaying unending energy it's understandable that a ferret owner needs to be endowed with a bit of patience. If you found your ferret in the bathroom shredding every roll of toilet paper you own would you be more likely to say "Aww, how cute! He destroyed my bathroom!" or would you say "DIE FUR BALL!!!" Ferrets are delicate creatures and only live 5 to 10 years. If you buy a ferret, consider it a commitment. And if you aren't prepared for ferret ownership that is not the ferret's fault.

Research local ferret rescues and shelters. Consider adopting from a shelter rather than buying from a pet store. Most shelter ferrets are healthy, very loving, and have a head start on potty training.

Go to your nearest pet store. In the US, most pet stores are supplied with ferrets from a large-scale breeder in New York called Marshall. If your pet store does not receive their ferrets from there, inquire who the breeder is. For ferrets from Marshall, there will be a tattoo of two dots on the right ear meaning the ferret is de-scented and fixed. If there is no tattoo, you MUST ask if the ferret is de-scented AND fixed. Unless you are breeding, you NEVER want a whole ferret. Females will die if not bred properly and immediately with care. Males will be EXTREMELY aggressive and smell TERRIBLE. This is not a cat or dog, it MUST be fixed. If the ferret is not fixed and you cannot "afford" to have it fixed, you probably cannot afford to own the ferret.

Enjoy your new companion. Average life expectancy of a ferret is 8-11 years (about that of a cat). Always be sure to keep roughly $500 in savings specifically for ferret vet emergencies. Ferrets as they age can develop malignant tumors that must be treated immediately. They can also develop adrenal gland problems which causes hair loss and eventual death.

You may be interested in reading some of my other posts on Ferrets:

The New Rage In New York City:Illegal Ferret Parties

Ferret Adrenal Disease

Frequently Asked Questions About the Legal Status of Ferrets

Tips on What to Look for When Choosing a Pet Ferret

An Owner's Guide to Ferret Health Care

A Veterinarian Who Saves Ferrets He’s Never Met

Ferrets: Man's Other BestFriend

What Every Ferret Owner Should Know about Insulinomas

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How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Ear Mites?

Ear mites are tiny, crab-like parasites that invade the outer ears and ear canals of cats. There are many different types, but the most common is Otodectes Cynotis, which is found in approximately 90 percent of all feline ear mite infestations.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's possible that your cat may have ear mites. A trip to the vet will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. If untreated, an ear mite infestation can become severe and lead to partial or complete hearing loss for your cat. Ear mites are also terribly uncomfortable for your cat. The sooner you can get this situation treated, the happier and healthier your cat will be.

Signs that Your Cat May Have Ear Mites:

• Excessive scratching of the ears

• Fresh or dried blood inside of the ear canal which may resemble coffee grounds. Small white dots might also be noticed: these are the actual mites. Excessive shaking of the head

• Dizziness and loss of balance

• A lopsided appearance with your cat favoring one ear

• Flattened ears and/or unpleasant odor

What does a cat ear mite infection look like? In this case a picture really is worth a thousand words. Look for these things:

Ear mites on cats are not just found in the ears. This parasite can travel all over the cat's body. Ear mites think other species are tasty too, and they are very contagious. Without treatment, your cat's ear mite infestation can spread to the family dog, rabbit or hamsters. All family pets have to be treated if mites are found on just one animal. That's just one more reason why a trip to your local veterinarian or pet health care clinic should be scheduled if you suspect ear mites. Parasites are just one cause of cat otitis (inflammation of the ear). Other causes include allergies, endocrine diseases and tumors. Only a trip to the vet will provide you with a proper diagnosis.

Two-Step Treatments For Ear Mites:

First you must treat the ears. Clean your cat's ears, then apply ear mite drops to the ear canal for seven days. Ear mite medications are safe and can even be applied to kittens. Your vet will probably begin the treatment after diagnosis and then have you continue applying the drops from home over the next week.

Because mites can be located outside the ear area, the entire body of the cat should also be treated. The cat must be bathed with a pyrethrin (anti-parasite) shampoo. These products are available everywhere - pet stores, supermarkets or from your animal health care provider.

One of the most effective treatments for ear mites in your cat is prevention. A monthly topical dose of Revolution (applied to the skin) prevents an ear mite infestation from ever happening. In addition, Revolution protects against fleas, hookworm, roundworm, and the extremely serious and deadly heartworm. The only infestation is does not prevent is "ringworm," which is a fungus and not actually a worm. There are other medications to treat this syndrome in cats. Another product that protects against ear mites is Advantage Multi. It is also applied on a monthly basis, directly to your pet's skin.

Fast Facts About Feline Ear Mites:

• Ear mites are extremely tiny and not always visible to the naked eye, so a vet will have to examine your cat's ears with a special instrument known as an otoscope to confirm their presence.

• A secondary infection can result if the ear mite infestation is not treated. The sooner you bring your cat to the vet, the better. Your family pet health provider will check the cat's ears and may examine the discharge from the ears under a microscope.

• Other animals can catch ear mites from a cat, but humans cannot.

• The ear mite life cycle from eggs to adult takes about 21 days. From the time your cat becomes infected to the time the ear mites reach maturity, your kitty might be infested with hundreds or thousands of mites. A quick visit to the vet and prompt treatment is the best solution.

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This Dog Breed Has Sold for Over a Million Dollars Multiple Times

A Chinese businessman purchased a Tibetan mastiff for $1.9 million in 2014.

Similarly, in 2011, a red Tibetan mastiff by the name of “Big Splash” sold for a reported $1.5 million.

Red Tibetan mastiffs are among the rarest and most expensive dogs in the world.

The unconditional love you receive from man’s best friend is priceless. But you’ll likely have to pony up some cash if you want a dog in your life permanently, and if you’re purchasing one from a reputable breeder, that initial fee can be substantial.

No matter how much your furry friend costs, though, you probably won’t pay as much as one wealthy Chinese businessman, who coughed up nearly $2 million for a Tibetan mastiff at a “luxury pet” fair in 2014, according to the Qianjiang Evening News.

The price likely made the pup the most expensive one ever sold at the time.

Tibetan mastiffs are a notoriously pricey breed. In 2011, one 11-month-old red mastiff by the name of “Big Splash” reportedly sold for 10 million yuan, or $1.5 million. Another one was sold for $600,000 to a Chinese woman in 2009.

To read more on this story, click here: This Dog Breed Has Sold for Over a Million Dollars Multiple Times

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The 10 Most Common Mistakes That Dog Owners Make

1. Not Reading Up on Different Dog Breeds 

The most common mistake future dog owners make, according to Gina Spadafori, pet columnist and executive editor of PetConnection.com, is not doing enough research before heading to the breeder or shelter. "People end up with a pet that is inappropriate for their home, their living situation and their lifestyle," says Spadafori.

"Dogs come in such a huge range of sizes, temperaments and exercise needs." Before you buy or adopt, consider your space, children, other pets and any allergies. If you have a particular breed in mind, pay attention to genetic traits. "Know what genetic diseases are possible in the breed or the mix of breeds you're getting," Spadafori says. "And do not get a dog from a breeder who did not do the genetic testing." To find out what tests each breed needs, visit CanineHealthInfo.org.


2. Assuming a Puppy Is Always Better Than a Dog

Puppies are extremely needy, requiring ample amounts of time, attention, training and more. "When people think about puppies, they don't think about how much time and money is involved in that first year," Spadafori says. "If your real goal is to get a good dog, then pick one that is 1 or 2 years old." A number of breeders train dogs for shows, and if those dogs don't make the cut for whatever reason, the breeder will be looking to place that dog, who is already trained and socialized in a good home.

Great dogs are also available at animal shelters. "It’s a mistake to think the older dog won't bond with you," Spadafori says. "The best dog I ever had I got at 2 years old. Rescue dogs know when they've found their forever home."


3. Not Making Exercise a Priority

Dogs are physical animals, and need daily exercise for optimal health, which means their owners need to make time for that as well. "Dogs had a working role in the past. They herded cattle, they guarded stuff, they retrieved stuff…now they're born retired," says Marty Becker, DVM, author of Your Dog: The Owner's Manual. He recommends brisk walks, playing fetch with tennis balls and, for larger breeds such as golden retrievers, a Chuckit Ball Launcher. "A basic rule of thumb is that all dogs should receive at least 45 to 60 total minutes per day of physical exercise and 15 minutes of behavioral training to be happy, well-adjusted canines," says Michael Landa, CEO of Natural Pet Food brand Nulo. "And this is really just a starting point. The actual amount can vary greatly depending on the dog's age, breed and health status."


4. Not Reading Pet Food Labels

While many people pick their dog food based on price, there are several other important factors to consider, particularly nutrition. "Pet food can have a huge effect on how your pet feels, which can translate into how your pet behaves," Landa says. The key is understanding the ingredient list. "The first two ingredients should be meat and meat meals.

Dogs are carnivores. They really need high-meat diets, and that's the only way to guarantee you'll have a high amount of protein," Landa says, recommending brands such as Nulo, Wellness and Castor & Pollux.


5. Doling Out Too Many Treats

Obesity is a huge problem with dogs, especially in the United States. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. "Everybody gives treats; veterinary nutritionists give their pets treats," Dr. Becker says. However, he cautions that treats have their place, and should be used sparingly. Instead of special snacks, Dr. Becker recommends taking their regular food and giving it to them away from the bowl, which turns it into a treat. Or just give your pet more words of encouragement or "emotional Milk-Bones," as Dr. Becker calls them, such as: "You're a good boy," "That's a good girl!" “They go crazy, their tails wag and there are no empty calories." Whatever approach you take, Dr. Becker advises that treats should never account for more than 10 percent of your dog's daily caloric intake.


6. Babying Your Dog Too Much

Dressing them up, talking baby talk and sleeping with your dog may sound like good ways to show love, but that’s not always the case. "It may be good for us, but it is not the best thing for your dog," Landa says. "People think it's really cute to have their dog sleep with them in bed, but dogs are pack animals, so if you're letting your dog into the bed without permission, your dog begins to think of itself as on par with the pack master." This makes it harder to enforce rules and control bad behavior. "You're telling him on the one hand that he's equal to you, and on the other that he's not, so it can create anxiety," he says.

Boundaries and rules make dogs happier because they know exactly where they fit in. If you do want to sleep with your dog, Landa recommends only letting him on the bed when you invite him, so that there is a clear division of authority.


7. Washing Your Dog Only When Dirty

Bathing your dog can be cumbersome, but it’s essential for his or her health. Veterinary dermatologists recommend bathing your dog once a week to get rid of spores, dust, dust mites and even MRSA, the highly resistant staph virus. "Most of the time humans give MRSA to pets, and pets act as a reservoir and ping-pong it back and forth.

A new study showed that bathing was more effective for getting rid of it than using antibiotic treatments," Dr. Becker says. Plus, a clean coat makes for an even more huggable dog.


8. Not Brushing Their Teeth

Sometimes you don't even want to brush your own teeth, let alone your dog's. But according to Dr. Becker, this is one of the biggest problems in canine health. "The number-one thing we diagnose is periodontal disease,” he says. “So if you do daily oral care, or even a few times weekly, you'll be saving yourself money in the end." Brushing every day is the gold standard. But if you can't, there are alternatives, such as a dental vaccine against periodontal disease, as well as oral health products, like the C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit and C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews. "Dog's teeth are not only used for chewing, they are their front hands, that's how they pick up something and carry it," says Dr. Becker.

More important, they need their teeth to regulate their body temperature. "If those teeth aren't in place, they can't pant, and if they can't pant, they can't regulate heat


9. Passing on Parasite Control

Parasite control isn’t a pleasant topic, but it’s a necessary one. Year-round coverage is essential; to prevent parasites, get a veterinary checkup every six to 12 months, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's guidelines.

Ask your veterinarian what parasites your dog is at risk for, it will depend on your pet's lifestyle, location and anything that's going around the neighborhood. In addition, have a heartworm test performed annually, and a fecal examination at least twice a year to make sure your pet’s system is clear.


10. Being Unprepared for Serious Illness

Understanding your dog’s breed and its healthcare needs is important, but it’s especially important when it comes to recognizing the symptoms of serious illness. "Have a basic list of symptoms handy," recommends Spadafori. "Knowing what is and isn't an emergency will save your dog's life and save you a lot of money." And if your pet is sick, don’t waste time trying to help him yourself. "If you are worried your dog is critically ill, you need to get hold of a vet. You cannot go online and get a diagnosis or a cure," she says. "People think they're saving money by not going to the vet, but then you're going to end up with a very sick dog and spend a lot more money." Before an emergency arises, inform yourself by researching your dog at DoggedHealth.com or at Animal.Discovery.com.

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Dangerous Hiding Places for Cats

If you are a cat owner, you have probably experienced times when you thought, "now where is that cat?"

There are a lot of normal, healthy reasons that cats may find a hiding spot. Some of these reasons include curiosity, comfort, or even boredom. Cats may also hide due to stress, age-related changes or illness.

Cats may hide in some specific spots because of the temperature. They may seek out spots near air vents to benefit from a warm or cool breeze. They may curl up in the sink or bathtub to cool off, or worm their way under a pillow or blanket to warm up. 

A parked car is just one of many hazardous hiding places for cats. If your car's parked outdoors in cold weather, please bang on your hood and honk your horn to rouse a possibly sleeping feline and give him/her a chance to crawl out before you start your engine.

Below is a list of some of the top hiding places to be aware of, especially if you have a kitten, whose extra-small size and extra-curious nature could land him in a very tight spot:

• Dishwasher - Always look for Kitty before starting the machine.

• Washer-dryer - Don't leave the door open when not in use; always check inside before starting a cycle.

• Wood stove - Light the kindling and shut the door only AFTER doing a thorough check.

• Reclining sofa or chair - Believe it or not, this is a prime small-animal hiding spot, so check under the seat and evict the previous occupant before you recline, to prevent injury.

• Cardboard delivery boxes - Cats are notorious box nesters, so take care not to throw Kitty out with the recycling.

• Workers' tool boxes (electrician, handy man, etc) - Cats see these as fun new hiding places worth investigating.

• Luggage or gym bags - Close these when not in use, to prevent pet hair buildup as well as an accidental departure.

• Dresser drawers - These should remain shut so they don't turn into kitty traps.

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Family Goes On Vacation: Dad Turns Kennel To Look Like Their Living Room So Dog Will Be Happy

Igor loves his family very much, and never spent a night away from them since becoming a member.  So when they left their home in Norway to go on vacation in Thailand, dad turned his kennel into a replica of their living room so Igor would be happy.

The family should have been looking forward to spending their Easter vacation on sunny beaches across the world, but instead they worried about their beloved English bulldog.  They didn’t want to leave him home alone with a sitter to periodically check on him, and wanted him to be in a place where he’d be safe and not alone.

But a boarding facility isn’t the most inviting living accommodation.  Enclosed in a cage with a cold, concrete floor, surrounded by anxious, barking dogs – who could feel welcomed?

But Igor was in for a pleasant surprise.  His dad didn’t want him to be confused and uncomfortable in a scary new place on his own, so he got permission from Labben Kennel to transform Igor’s personal kennel into a facsimile of the Halvorsens’ living room!

The walls and floor were made to look the same as the ones at home, and dad brought their furniture to be set up before Igor arrived.

When departure day came, Igor whined as he was loaded into the vehicle.  But he and the rest of the family were in for a treat – the kennel looked just like home.  When the humans left, Igor couldn’t even be bothered to care.

Other dogs appreciated being invited to Igor’s “home,” and Hera, a Saint Bernard, visited every day.  They became best friends during their holiday.  Even though he had to be away from his family, Igor had a wonderful vacation.


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CPR For Dogs And Cats: This Is What To Do If Your Pet Starts Choking Or Can't Breathe

Do you know what to do if your pet stops breathing? Knowing a few emergency procedures if your dog or cat is choking, or having difficulty breathing, could save your pet’s life because you may not have time to get to a vet.  Here are the steps for doing CPR on a dog and cat.

This article originally appeared on DogHeirs.com and is reprinted with permission.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) preserves brain function until proper blood circulation and breathing can be restored.

The signs that indicate the need for CPR include unconsciousness, lack of arousal, lack of physical movement, or eye blinking. These symptoms can occur from drowning, choking, electrical shock, or a number of other situations.

If your pet has a foreign object stuck in his throat, it is important to try and dislodge it before performing CPR.

Performing mouth-to-snout resuscitation
The following information has been updated with latest recommended guidelines outlined by the first evidence-based research on how best to resuscitate dogs and cats in cardiac arrest. It was published in June 2012 by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER). The study recommends a few updates to past manual CPR practices on dogs.

The primary new recommendations are:

• Perform a compression to mouth-to-snout ventilation ratio of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths

• Perform cardiac massage / chest compressions according to the different chest types and sizes of dogs (see diagrams below).

• The key to CPR is remembering the ABCs:

               Airway, Breathing, and Cardiac compression.

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