Pets Adviser

Lambs as Pets: Great Companions or B-A-A-D Idea?

Kristine Lacoste — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:34:00 +0000

Can lambs be kept as pets? Absolutely!

One of my co-workers just moved into a new house and has land for the first time. She noticed lambs and goats on her neighbor’s property and saw the lamb go inside the house at night. She asked me why, and I replied that the lamb is probably one of their pets. She didn’t think lambs could be kept as pets, but they can.

Lambs as Pets: The Positives

Lambs are gentle animals that are easy to handle and respond well to humans. They come in several different breeds, some of which require annual shearing (trimming) and others that shed naturally on an annual basis.

The most popular breed is a miniature lamb. Lambs are social animals and love to be around others. They can be playful and comical animals that form close bonds with their owners. Raising one by bottle-feeding forms an even stronger bond since the lamb will think you are its mother.

Breed Profile: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Kristine Lacoste — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:12:00 +0000

By Kristine Lacoste, Pets Adviser

The Staffordshire bull terrier is a muscular and affectionate dog.

Breed

Staffordshire bull terrier, aka Staffie

Group

Terrier

Physical Description

Staffies are medium, muscular dogs with smooth, short coats. They are 14 to 16 inches tall for males and 13 to 15 inches for females. They weigh 24 to 38 pounds for males and 24 to 34 pounds for females. They live an average of 10 to 16 years, and common colors include red, fawn, white, black, blue and brindle.

Origin

Staffies were developed to bait bulls in the Elizabethan era and weighed closer to 100 pounds. The smaller dog that was later bred was said to be a desire from miners to have a smaller dog, whereas other reasons included a smaller, faster, stronger dog for fighting. These courageous and intelligent dogs were bred in 19^th century Staffordshire, England by crossing a bulldog with a terrier. The bull terrier was recognized by the Kennel Club in England, but the Staffordshire was not recognized, because of its fighting reputation. After dog fighting was outlawed and the breed’s temperament evolved, it was accepted in 1935. The dogs allegedly made their way to the United States in the late 1800s and were accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1975.

Don’t Be Oblivious to Off-Leash Etiquette

Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:07:00 +0000

By Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, Pets Adviser

Have dog, will travel? I mean, like, everywhere!

Dog goes to the store. Dog goes on vacation. Dog goes for a mani/pedi. Dog goes to Anthropologie, to Sephora, to boutiques, to all the upscale stores where nothing is affordable but at least you can look like you’re cool because you have a dog! In New York City.

But take your dog to “the country” for some R&R and Running. Running free, right? No strings attached for you. No leash attached to the dog.

WRONG! Rural and suburban recreational/conservation areas are becoming more and more rigid about where dogs are wanted, and not wanted. And leashes, the bondage tool of the human over the canine, are required.

As a world-class city, New York settled a hot topic in 2007, when Parks & Recreation decreed that dogs can be off leash from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. in many large parks, legalizing an already common practice. Dog haters and dog lovers seem to be co-existing under this plan. People have all day where they don’t run the risk of being slobbered or trampled on. In the evening or early-morning hours, dogs have an opportunity to run free — supervised, of course.

Born to Run

It’s a well-respected theory that dogs are less aggressive when allowed to socialize, run free and exercise. Dog bite reports in New York have plummeted in recent years.

Yeah! I am all in favor of tons of exercise for most dogs. A majority of my “behavior” cases in my clinic have to do with the dog in question not getting enough exercise. Many owners just don’t get it! A recent story I heard on NPR (“Wired to Run,” May 7) reported that dogs, like humans, can achieve “a runner’s high” from aerobic exercise. With long-distance running, our bodies actually make drugs called cannabinoids. When the researcher put dogs on a treadmill, they produced the drugs. Ferrets on a treadmill? They didn’t produce anything.

Conclusion? Dogs, like humans, can feel better and act happier, with exercise. Ferrets? Well, ferrets get pleasure in other ways.

Cat Agility Competitions – Purr for the Course

Gayle Hickman — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:20:00 +0000

By Gayle Hickman, Pets Adviser

Photo courtesy International Cat Agility Tournaments (ICAT)

When we think of agility competitions, our first thought is of dog agility. After all, dog agility debuted as a spectator sport in 1979. Since that time, it has become the fastest-growing canine sport in North America, as well as in Western Europe.

But did you know that cats can learn and enjoy agility too?

Cat Agility Competitions

The International Cat Agility Tournaments (ICAT) has come up with a competition for felines, where their skills of speed, coordination and graceful movements can be displayed via an agility course. Roughly 40 cat agility events are scheduled each year.

Vickie Shields, along with three friends, put together the first known cat agility contest in Alburqueque in 2003, and founded ICAT. She believes that the whole idea of cats being untrainable is a myth. According to Shields, agility is all about the bond between cat and owner. Events show just how trainable, coordinated athletic cats can be.

According to a 2011 article in the New York Times, feline agility competitions have become permanent features of the cat show scene. Many pet owners begin training from kittenhood.

Top 10 Dog Agility Breeds

Gayle Hickman — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:01:00 +0000

By Gayle Hickman, Pets Adviser

Impressive jump! But chihuahuas do not make my list of the top 10 dog agility breeds.

Dog agility is a zealous sport in which the training and handling of dogs is put to the test.

Racing against the clock, participants instruct their canines to perform challenging exercises, with the goal of being the fastest on the course. Among the strenuous feats are pole weaving, tunnel running and hurdle jumping. Agility competitions are fast becoming a popular spectator event.

Which Dogs, in General, Excel at Agility?

If your dog comes from a working breed and has a medium build, his odds of winning are better than those of other dogs.

While certain breeds may seem more naturally suited to the sport, more than 150 breeds have shown their sometimes surprising ability to perform well. (Also, mixed breeds are accepted by all agility clubs, except for the AKC.)

In general, dogs that are physically active, full of energy and have a desire to please seem to be among the most successful dogs in agility competitions. Another good candidate: that head-strong pup that seems to get into trouble every time your back is turned, or that gets bored easily.

Which Breeds Aren’t So Successful?

Great Danes and mastiffs, to name two, tend to be energy-less at agility training. Boxers and bulldogs may not do so well in activities that require lots of heavy breathing, while the short-legged dachshunds may have difficulty with the jumping exercises.

Other factors in determining a dog’s potential for agility competitions include age and temperament. Usually, puppies younger than 9 months and dogs 8 years old and up are not allowed to compete.

As for shy dogs, although they may never overcome their fearfulness enough to succeed in the competitions, they can still benefit from taking part in them. It will help boost their self-confidence while letting them have fun.

Eww… My Cat Always Has Eye Boogers!

Gayle Hickman — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:08:00 +0000

By Gayle Hickman, Pets Adviser

Why does my cat always have eye boogers?

Letting my mind wander back to my childhood years, I clearly remember waking up many a morning with white mucus stuck in the corners of my eyes. Sometimes it actually made my eyelids seem glued together. A warm, wet washcloth rubbed over my eyes usually took care of the problem, and off to school I would go.

Other kids had the same problem, and though it never led to any major health problems for any of us, I have often wondered what caused the mucus to build up overnight. Nowadays, I rarely hear anything on this topic, and my children were never bothered by that yucky discharge in their eyes.

Morning “Eye Boogers”

According to Michael Dym, VMD, many pet owners want to know why their pets have crust or “eye boogers” (oh, what a lovely name for it) in the corners of their eyes in the mornings. With the most common cause being airborne allergens, just as with humans, most cases concerning pets do not point to a significant problem. (Related: When Your Cat Has Allergies)

Most of the time, medical treatment is not required and the owners are advised to wipe away the morning eye mucus with a wet cloth or use eye drops.

Worrisome Discharge

Atypical eye discharge is, however, a sign of a problem. In some cases, mucus could be caused by a simple cold — or in a worse-case scenario, a more serious illness could be the culprit.

The type of discharge helps clarify the cause:

Clear discharge with no redness or pain points toward a problem in the tear duct department.
Clear discharge with redness in the eye could indicate conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye), such as from a viral infection.
Puslike discharge (green or yellow), sticky and stinky, along with a red eye, could indicate conjunctivitis, such as from a bacterial infection.
Discharge accompanied by pain in the eye could be a sign of cornea or inner eye problems. Signs that your cat is in pain may include constantly pawing at her eye, excessive tearing or sensitivity to light.
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Summer Is Near… And So Is Kitten Season

Tamar Love Grande — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:57:56 +0000

By Tamar Love Grande, Pets Adviser

It's kitten season.

Even though I’m a dog person, I love kittens.

Warm, wiggly bellies, tiny little (razor-sharp) teeth, kitten breath, kitten mouth (rawr rawr rawr), piles of sleeping kittens, kittens playing with toys, kittens who see themselves in a reflective surface for the first time, puff up and jump sideways … kittens are so cute!

But from May to October, I don’t like seeing kittens at all.

Summer is known as “kitten season” because the warm weather acts as a catalyst for bringing intact female cats into heat, usually every three weeks. One female cat can squeeze out at least two litters during these months, many of which will be euthanized because of lack of space in the animal shelters.

Wait, what? Perfectly adorable little bundles of happiness are killed? For such a ridiculous reason as limited space? That’s not possible! They’re so cute that they get adopted right away, right?

Wrong. If you’ve never visited an animal shelter in June, you might not be able to imagine the hordes of kittens up for adoption. It’s cute, but it’s sad at the same time, knowing that not all the kitties will get homes.

What about the mother cats? Once their litters have been placed, the momma cats need homes, too. But who wants a adult cat when they can adopt a fluffy little wee kitten instead? The same is true for the other adult cats in the shelter; the euthanasia rate for this population jumps considerably during warmer months.

And forget about feral litters that Good Samaritans bring to the shelter. If the kittens are young enough and still healthy, they will probably find homes, but the momma cats will almost certainly be put down.

But most feral litters aren’t healthy. It’s common for kittens to have conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infections, especially ferals. Although both illnesses are easily treatable with a course of wide-spectrum antibiotics, infected kittens are usually put down immediately unless a rescue takes them. Shelters simply don’t have the budgets to treat all those sick kittens.

How You Can Help

If you’d like to take a stand against the animal overpopulation problem, especially during kitten season, here’s how you can help:

Spay and neuter your cats, even if they never go outdoors. As soon as a kitten is 2 months old and weighs 2 pounds, he or she can safely be altered.
Donate funds, supplies and time to your local cat rescue or animal shelter.
Volunteer to bottle feed homeless kittens for your local rescue or shelter. Although it’s a lot of work, the sight of a tiny kitten sucking milk out of a baby bottle is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.
Volunteer for an animal rescue. If possible, take an entire litter. Better yet, foster hard-to-place adult cats, who seldom get adopted during kitten season.
Practice TNR (trap, neuter, return) with feral cat colonies, which means trapping them, having them spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then returning them to their habitats. The life of a feral cat is pretty dismal, but at least she won’t create more feral cats.
Adopt your own kitty, especially an adult one. If you opt for kittens, keep in mind that two are always better than one. Not only will they keep each other company, but they will delight you with their antics. Try Pets Adviser’s adoption search engine; you can search by ZIP code.

One of the best ways to help is to spread the word about the importance of spaying or neutering cats. The best argument I’ve found is this one: You might think having “just one litter” isn’t that much of a problem, but if even one female cat is left intact, she and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in only seven years. Yikes!

Bottom photo: Denizen24/Flickr

Also From Pets Adviser

The Great Crate Debate: How to Buy a Dog Crate

C.D. Watson — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:46:53 +0000

By C.D. Watson, Pets Adviser

Wondering how to buy a dog crate? Let us explain...

I was making preparations to fly to Canada to pick up one of my dogs, and I had to buy a crate to transport him. I have used crates for training but had not purchased one for flight.

I found myself a bit overwhelmed by all the features and benefits, styles and price ranges. There is a lot to learn about dog crates! In this article, I share some of what I’ve learned.

The first consideration when you’re shopping for a dog crate (sometimes called a kennel) is to choose the product that fits your purpose.

Good crates are designed to:

Train,
Contain,
or Transport

Size Matters

The size of your dog is very important. Your puppy may spend several hours inside the enclosure and should feel protected, not trapped. A training crate must be well ventilated and kept clean.

Ideally, the container should be just big enough for your dog to stand and turn around. (There should be 3 or 4 inches above the dog’s head when he stands up.) If your puppy is still in the growing stage you may want to consider renting a kennel in order to “trade up” to more appropriate sizes as your pet develops.

Like a Den

Domestic dogs are only a few genetic steps removed from their ancestors: wolves. In the wild, these animals raise their young, sleep and are protected from danger in dens. Using crates for in-home training reinforces your pet dog’s natural instinct to seek safety and comfort in a small, enclosed area.

Dogs do not typically soil their “dens,” so crates limit the animal’s access to areas that are off limits. They provide a certain amount of control while your puppy learns acceptable behaviors during house-training.

In the video below, from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Lisa Mazzaferro, DVM, explains why crates are ideal for puppies in a new home:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjH92wbE9io

Training Guidelines

Review professional guidelines for crate training your dog. Recommendations from the US Humane Society include:

Never use the crate as a punishment. Your dog will come to fear it and refuse to enter it.
Don’t leave your dog inside for too long. A dog that’s crated day and night doesn’t get enough exercise or human interaction and can become depressed or anxious.
Puppies younger than 6 months shouldn’t stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They can’t control their bladders and bowels for that long. The same goes for adult dogs being housetrained. They can probably hold it, but they don’t know they’re supposed to.
Crate your dog only until you can trust him not to destroy the house. After that, it should be a place he goes voluntarily.

Making the Crate Great

Designer dog crate from Frontgate Home Outfitters

As your dog grows and matures, a crate may become a source of containment. When training is administered effectively, your dog will return to the crate voluntarily to sleep or if there is some perceived danger, like thunderstorms. It will become his safe place.

Several companies present a line of upscale crates that integrate well into a room’s decor. Frontgate Home Outfitters created a catalog of “Luxury Pet Residence” crates. These innovative containers double as an attractive piece of furniture while providing your pet with a cozy space. Prices begin at $399.

There are occasions when a portable, soft crate may be necessary. Many evacuation shelters permit pets, provided they are properly contained — so the use of travel kennels may become critical during emergencies. Most pet stores and many discount retailers these in a variety of sizes and styles. Retail prices typically run less than $150.

Trains, Planes and Automobiles

The safety of your dog is a priority when you’re traveling. It is a best practice to always crate your dog when you are driving. Some states are considering legislation to require restraints for animals in automobiles.

Regardless of temperament and training, a loose pet can distract the driver and cause accidents that injure or kill the pet and other passengers.

Never leave an animal in a parked vehicle during hot weather. Most states enforce anti-cruelty laws and punish owners who leave their dogs in cars on hot days.

Safety tips related to cars:

Leave adequate space around the crate when it’s packed in your vehicle.
Let plenty of fresh air flow in and around the crate.
Make sure the crate is buckled to the seat or securely attached to the floor of the car.
Ensure that the locks and latches are safe and secure before traveling.

Airlines offer travel options for dogs (with some notable exceptions) provided that certain stipulations are satisfied. Crating your pet is mandatory on any airline regardless if the dog flies in the passenger cabin or in cargo. Dogs traveling on a commercial airline must be transported in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant pet crate.

IATA minimum requirements include:

The container must be large enough for the animal(s) to stand, turn around and lie down in.
The kennel must be made of a sturdy plastic.
The container must have a secure, spring loaded, all around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door.
Although this is not an IATA requirement, many airlines are now requiring steel crate hardware instead of plastic fasteners.
Both water and food bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable from the outside of the container without opening the door.
The container must have ventilation on all sides for international travel and three sides for domestic travel.
The container must have “Live Animal” stickers on the top and sides in letters at least 1 inch tall.
No wheels! If the container has wheels, these should be removed or taped securely so that the kennel cannot roll.
The container must be identified with your pet’s name and owner’s contact information.

Check with the airline or rail line before travel for additional safety instructions. For more advice, see our article on travel tips.

Toting Toto

Who hasn’t seen celebrity photos of stars with their precious pups tucked in designer bags? If well-behaved, the purse stowaways can be smuggled through retail stores, restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, movie theaters — places traditionally off limits to any dog other than service animals. I recently saw a tiny pomeranian peeking from the flap of a Louis Vuitton in church!

While technically not a “crate,” the pooch purse demands some attention in an article about dog containers. Such carriers are available in everything from serpa slings to camouflage cargo bags and fanny packs. With the projected annual spending on pet products of $52 billion over the next two years, it is a good bet that toting Toto will continue to be vogue!

Just remember, safety first. Pets are not great advocates for the concept of suffering for fashion’s sake!

Additional Resources

Pet Travel: Airline requirements
AAHA Healthy Pet: Safe car travel for your pet
Humane Society: Crate training

Also From Pets Adviser

Kitten Cam in HD – We Dare You to Look Away (You Can’t)

Kristine Lacoste — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:22:00 +0000

By Kristine Lacoste, Pets Adviser

Kitten Cam: What's cuter than watching live kittens on demand?

If you have plans this weekend and love kittens, you might want to skip this article.

Live video feeds showing puppies and kittens have been around for a few years, but most of them disappear when the animals are adopted. However, one foster parent recently started showing his foster kittens on camera 24 hours a day, and he claims he’s not turning it off until there are no more kittens needing homes.

John Bartlett has been fostering kittens for four years and is on his 31st set of kittens, so I suspect he’ll be around for some time to come.

This is John’s fourth set of foster kittens on camera. The previous feeds were of lower quality, but the new high-definition technology he has implemented now has people completely addicted. At any time during the day, at least 1,000 people are watching, and in the afternoons and on weekends, 2,500 or more tune in.

I talked with John about his foster kittens, his contributions and the shelter he is helping on a year-round basis.

Pets Adviser: Do you work for a rescue or shelter, or are you a foster parent helping a shelter?

John: I’m a volunteer and foster care provider for Purrfect Pals. I foster cats and kittens pretty much year round, with maybe a week or two break between. It all started back in 2006 when a friend’s cat had kittens, and since she lived in an apartment, she asked me if I could care for the kittens and find them a home. That got fostering in my blood, and it was a tickle in the back of my head for a couple years, which eventually lead me to contact Purrfect Pals in 2008.

Four years later finds me with my 31st set of fosters. Some are with me for just a week or two while they recover from an illness; others are with me for months for long-term care or simply to grow big enough to be altered and adopted.

Is there something unique about the shelter?

One thing that amazes me about Purrfect Pals is that they provide lifetime care for cats with FIV and leukemia — if one of them convinces a human to adopt them, they are placed as permanent fosters with free vet care for life.

A local show did a story on their prison program. Feral and semi-feral kittens are paired up with a prisoner, and they get 24/7 interaction with each other. The Monroe Correctional Facility likes the program because the prisoners who are part of the program won’t do anything to risk losing their kitten privileges, and prisoners who want to be part of the program are on their best behavior. Purrfect Pals gets a socialized and adoptable kitten. It’s a win-win situation.

When did you go live with the Kitten Cam?

John Bartlett, Kitten Cam guru

I set up the Kitten Cam in October of last year. The initial concept was so that I could keep an eye on them while I was not in the room and so I can observe their behavior without humans near. The main reason it still exists as a web cam is to raise awareness for fostering and convince others to become foster care providers.

Since broadcasting multiple qualities to enable everyone optimal viewing, regardless of their network speed, required a much faster computer than the Mac Mini I was using, I custom-built a computer to support it.

What impact has the Kitten Cam had on the shelter?

I had a viewer ask me if they could make a donation to support the Kitten Cam. I replied that I could provide information on donating to Purrfect Pals, and they liked that idea. A day later, the director of Purrfect Pals contacted me to tell me that they’ve received $850 from multiple donations from people viewing the Kitten Cam — and many others have told me on the chat that they have ordered supplies from Purrfect Pal’s wishlist on Amazon. I’m thankful for every single item purchased and every dollar donated — each one of those dollars makes it possible for people like me to foster cats & kittens.

What impact has the Kitten Cam had on the viewers?

I’ve been amazed at the positive effect the Kitten Cam has had on others. One lady told me she recently had a bad breakup and the kittens were helping her forget the pain. Another viewer said they were watching the kittens to relax before a stressful meeting. I’m finding it hard to find the words to properly express how the Kitten Cam has improved the lives of others, but it’s a good feeling. It’s really been a blessing to many.

To others, it has been a major hindrance in productivity. “I’m supposed to be working!” “I haven’t watched TV in five days, and my TiVo is almost out of space.” “Man, now how am I supposed to study for my test tomorrow?!”

Are you planning to add any new features to the Kitten Cam?

I’ve actually been more or less satisfied with the current incarnation of the Kitten Cam, and it’s hard to satisfy my inner geek — mostly due to limits imposed by the service. I’ve heard of other shelters having internet-controlled toys to interact with the kittens, and I plan on researching those and seeing what options I can put together to provide a donation-driven interaction device: “Thank you for your donation! You have been entered into the queue to control the feather stick and are currently in position 592,481.”

* * *

We appreciate John taking the time to talk to us about his foster animals, and we always love to see animals being taken care of while getting ready for a permanent home. Many people have asked about reserving or claiming one of the kittens, but John explains they cannot be reserved until 24 hours before a public adoption event.

One of the live-feed followers asked us for an area to discuss their newly created “Kitten Cam trivia” — you can view their space on our forum here.

I’ve been really good about only checking the feed randomly throughout the day but I have to warn you, it’s very hard to navigate away from the cuteness overload. The one thing I love about this is the help the animals are receiving. I hope it’s not a fad that disappears like others in the past, and the fact that it inspires people to adopt makes it genius in my book.

Additional Resources

To keep up with John, the Kitten Cam and the shelter, visit these links:

Live Kitten Camera Feed: Livestream
Facebook: The Critter Room
Website: Purrfect Pals
Pets Adviser Forum: The Critter Room

Also From Pets Adviser

Can Dogs Play With Catnip Toys?

Gayle Hickman — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:02:00 +0000

By Gayle Hickman, Pets Adviser

This shiba imu named Meow prefers cat toys over dog toys. Go figure!

Most cats love catnip, which tends to give kitty a “high,” of sorts.

The nepetalactone in catnip makes cats react to this plant in different ways. Some go crazy over catnip, while others just enjoy a peaceful naptime from its effects. It is neither addictive (contrary to folklore) nor harmful to our feline pets.

Can I Give My Dog Catnip?

Although the name makes us assume that it is specifically for cats, catnip is fine for dogs too.

With its tranquilizing effect (yes, it can actually calm pets), catnip is a safe herbal remedy for our canine friends. You can use it to alleviate nervousness and sleeplessness in many animals.

Those long car trips or visits to the veterinarian’s office may become less stressful to your nervous pooch if you mix a little “catnip bliss” for him by sprinkling one-eighth to one-half teaspoon per pound of food into his dog dish, or by simply adding a few leaves of the herb into his water bowl. Of course, this should not be done every day, and you may want to discuss it with your veterinarian first.

Catnip may also relieve muscle spasms, diarrhea and minor respiratory problems, according to 1,001 Old-Time Household Hints.

What About Toys?

While a little catnip may be okay for dogs, catnip toys are not designed for dogs. The chance of your pooch swallowing squeakers, rattles, fillings or other teeny parts of the toy is where the danger lies.

According to Jon Rappaport, DVM, eating the whole toy could create an obstruction, a serious problem. “The concern is that many cat toys are small and some dogs like to ‘eat’ things, which can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction that could require surgery,” Dr. Rappaport says.

To keep your dog healthy and safe, do not leave those small toys (catnip or not) lying around. Remember that prevention is the best cure.

Safe Ways to Give a Dog Catnip

Try rubbing a little catnip on a tennis ball to give your dog that extra push he needs to play fetch. Be on guard here, too, as any neighboring cats may decide to play “fetch the dog” once they get a whiff of the odor on him!

Did you know there is actually a canine catnip? This herb, anise (or aniseed), offers dogs the same enjoyment as catnip does for cats. Sprinkle a few drops of anise on one of his favorite fabric toys and see how he takes to it. You can buy anise extract at many grocery stores. Also, anise-flavored dog treat recipes and products can be found online.

Additional Resources

Jon Rappaport, DVM: Is it safe for a dog to play with cat toys?
WebVet: Going organic
Amy Jeanroy: What herb is catnip for dogs?

Photo: seamusiv/Flickr

Also From Pets Adviser

10 Best Catnip Toys That Will Blow Your Cat’s Mind!

David Deleon Baker — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:07:00 +0000

By David Deleon Baker, Pets Adviser

I’ll confess that when I buy cat toys for Hillary, I usually find something from the pet store that looks reasonably cute. I’ve even been known to grab a couple from a grocery store or drug store shelf. Heck, I even make my own no-thrills cat toys.

Hillary is usually pretty happy with these — although the fact that she promptly “loses” them underneath the couch may be a big hint that she’s ready to upgrade to something that better fits her impeccable sense of style.

Beyond your neighborhood pet store, there’s a whole wide world of truly amazing handcrafted catnip toys. My own mind was blown by the selection from artists on Etsy.com, and so I’m sure your cat’s mind will be blown too.

10 Best Catnip Toys

1. Fortune Kitty, Family Size

This obscenely cute set of toys comes disguised as a Chinese takeout container. Each “fortune cookie” cat toy comes with its own fortune. You can even choose from an assortment of sayings, such as “You’re the best” and “On the move.” This is by far the best-selling item available on Etsy from seller Kim Grant, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Price: $11. Note: Kim has several more kinds of mind-blowing cat toys. I have my eye on her bacon-and-eggs toy, which was featured on the Animal Planet show Must Love Cats.

2. Toilet Paper Plush

From the mind of Sallianne Norelli comes this toy designed to look like toilet paper. Let’s say your cat is evil and enjoys unrolling the toilet paper in the bathroom… Now your cat can have her own darn roll. Let her have at it. The four squares of T.P. can easily be reattached via the Velcro strips. Felt design with real cardboard roll inside. The catnip is sprayed on. Price: $10

3. Pot Leaf Cat Toy

We all know catnip seems to get Kitty stoned. This toy takes the wacky-weed idea to a whole new level. Even the name calls to mind the stoner culture: “Meowy Wowyy.” Here’s what you get: a baggie containing a catnip-stuffed embroidered pot leaf, plus a second toy that looks like a lit blunt. So put on a Marley album and watch your cat’s brain melt. Price: $12; ships from the San Francisco area.

Related: Send These LOLcats to Kitty Rehab, Quick!

4. Zombie Parts

Careful readers of Pets Adviser will know that I’m a big fan of the zombie-inspired TV show Walking Dead. So it’s probably no surprise that I think zombie-inspired cat toys are pretty cool too. If your little kitty has a taste for flesh, consider getting a whole set of scattered body parts:

The human heart with veins and blood spray (Price: $7)
Three fingers (Price: $16 in the colors of your choice)
And, finally, a charming detached eyeball on a bloody cord (Price: $7).

From the demented mind of Bixbies, in New Jersey. Note: Save on shipping by using coupon code GIMMEFREESHIPPING.

5. Sea Monster

It came… from the sea! Your cat can’t miss this bright blue toy with “whirly, swirly” ribbon tails. This grinning sea monster is whimsical and magical. Filled with long-lasting organic catnip. Price: $6

6. Fish Taco Cat Toy

What feline doesn’t love a good fish taco? Loaded with lettuce, tomato and cheese — and a big slab of bright blue fish. Tuna? Doesn’t matter… your cat will go bonkers when you offer her this fleece toy, from Sew Strange Creations. Price: $6.50 (I also like Sew Strange Creation’s hilarious lobster ravioli send-up!)

7. Pac-Man

Retro video game fans can kick it old-school with a Pac-Man duo, based on the most influential video game ever. With this two-toy set, your kitty gets a yellow Pac-Man figure to smack around, as well as Pinky the ghost (Pinky was the fastest of the four ghosts). Price: $5; ships from Canada.

8. Shrimp

It’s a fact: Cats love shrimp. This shrimp won’t stink up your house. It’s handknitted with fringed pink Peruvian highland wool — and is stuffed to the gills with organic catnip just before it ships to you. Other colors available. Price: $5

9. ModShakers Rattle Toy

If your kitty is anything like mine, she likes a little noise to go with her catnip toy. A little rattle inside? Driver her crazy. Lucky for us, the good folks at Modern Cat have created a stylish soft rattle toy filled with catnip. You can choose from several styles of mod fabrics. A portion of proceeds goes to charity. Price: $7

10. Ssslappy Snake

There’s something about long toys that drives cats bonkers. They can hug the toy with their bodies and bite it into submission, and for extra measure kick up their back legs. The 100 percent wool Ssslappy Snake, measuring 10 inches long, is plump, colorful and sure to blow your cat’s mind. Price: $9

How did I do? Are these toys you might buy your pet? Have you seen any that I’ve missed? Tell me about it in the comments. Oh, and please share this post!

Also From Pets Adviser

20 Albums With Dogs on the Cover – Pawesome!

Kristine Lacoste — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:14:00 +0000

By Kristine Lacoste, Pets Adviser

One of my most beloved things in this world — second only to my pets — is music.

Music has the innate ability to strike a chord in us when we find a song that seems like it was written to describe how we were feeling at any given moment in time. Animals are no exception, and pets have been written and sung about since the beginning of time. There are many album covers depicting dogs. Here are the ones I find most interesting and memorable.

20 Albums With Dogs on the Cover

1. Thank You Camellia

Kris Allen, 2012. This cover will be circulating when Allen, winner of American Idol‘s 8th season, releases his album later this month. The dog is Allen’s own French bulldog Zorro, a gift from his wife this past December. His wife’s name isn’t Camellia, by the way.

2. Miaow

The Beautiful South, 1994. The original cover depicted dogs seated in a music hall with a gramophone on the stage. The record label, HMV, thought it was making fun of its trademark dog and made the band remove it. The cover you see here is the replacement cover, painted by Michael Sowa.

3. Raditude

Weezer, 2009. The lead singer found the above photo while flipping through National Geographic magazine. The band’s label contacted the owner and got permission to use this photo. The owner describes Sidney as a dog that loves to jump; you can read the full interview here.

4. The Fall

Norah Jones, 2009. Jones received some bad reviews on this cover, but one fan describes it as representative of the last song on the album. “Man of the Hour” is about how people have more fulfilling relationships with dogs than with other people, and the cover depicting the dog in place of where a groom should be fits the bill. The Saint Bernard is Ben from Brooklyn.

5. American Recordings

Johnny Cash, 1994. The Man in Black was on tour in 1992 in Australia when this photo was taken. The photographer was originally going to photograph Cash walking down railroad tracks so the scenery would look more American, but changed to a wheat field instead. The two dogs randomly walked into the shot and positioned themselves on the sides of Cash — and a cover was born.

6. Get Some

Snot, 1997. The band and album name were too funny to pass up, and the pawesome dog on Snot’s debut cover was lead singer Lynn Strait’s dog Dobbs. Unfortunately, both Dobbs and Strait died in a car accident the year after this album was released.

7. What I Got

Sublime, 1997. Lead singer Brad Nowell took his dalmatian, Lou Dog, everywhere. The dog was Sublime’s unofficial mascot and was captured in many images used in the band’s promotion. Lou Dog was also at the end of the bed when Nowell overdosed in 1996, and was taken in by Nowell’s friend until the dog died after a long life in 2001.

8. Alice In Chains (Tripod)

Alice in Chains, 1995. The three-legged dog named Sunshine was owned by guitarist Jerry Cantrell. The band featured a three-legged man, Frank Lentini, on the back cover. I haven’t been able to find an update on Sunshine, so if you know what happened to him, tell me in the comments section below.

9. Odelay

Beck, 1996. I couldn’t give you dog album covers without including the signature Beck cover featuring a Komondor. The cover image was reportedly chosen as a last resort out of frustration when band members weren’t able to make a decision on what they wanted to use. Beck’s girlfriend found and suggested the photo.

10. Veedon Fleece

Van Morrison, 1974. Fresh off a divorce and newly engaged, Morrison returned to Ireland, where this picture was taken. The dogs were local Irish wolfhounds, and the picture was taken outside the Sutton House Hotel, a converted mansion.

11. One Man Dog

James Taylor, 1972. Taylor has earned more than 40 music awards during his career, and many remember this album cover — not only because of the dog in the photo but because of the mystery of why Taylor was wearing a tie to go fishing. The dog is thought to have been Taylor’s own Hercules.

12. Live Life Loud

Hawk Nelson, 2009. This band decided to use 3-D printing for the CD’s booklet and included 3-D glasses in the package. The dog on the cover, who looks to be sporting his own pair, is lead singer Jason Dunn’s dog Murphy.

13. Everything and Nothing

David Sylvian, 2000. Sylvian’s cover was a photograph taken by Shinya Fujiwara of a dog who reportedly had his eyebrows painted on and was taken to have them retouched daily by a hotelier on an island in the Far East.

14. All Shook Down

The Replacements, 1990. Michael Wilson took this photo on his way to the Warner Brother’s studio to try to secure cover work. When his existing portfolio was exhausted, the band asked what else he had. He pulled this out, and it was chosen to be the cover for an album for The Replacements. This image propelled Wilson’s career.

15. Working Class Dog

Rick Springfield, 1981. The bull terrier oddly dressed on the cover is Springfield’s dog Ronnie. Ronnie died in 1994, but the album is still being sold in original and remastered versions.

16. Frank

Amy Winehouse, 2003. Winehouse’s Frank album was released in 2003 but made a second debut in 2007 after her later albums rose up the charts. The album is named after her dog pictured on the cover, although some people propose that it was named after Frank Sinatra or the idea of being frank when communicating. The dog looks to be a Scottish terrier.

17. If on a Winter’s Night…

Sting, 2009. While reviews on the album’s tracks are pretty evenly split, the cover received plenty of positive feedback. Sting is seen here walking with his dog Compass, who he also credits for keeping him in shape when he’s not exercising.

18. Road Dogs

The Charlie Daniels Band, 2000. The cover featuring dog heads on human bodies is actually a painting the band commissioned from Randal Martin. He still creates art and has an online store focused on his globally sought carvings.

19. Anne Briggs

Anne Briggs, 1971. This was the first and strongest album by Briggs. She was a noted animal lover, and her depiction of a dog on the cover seemed fitting. Based on the image, it appears to be a greyhound, but information surrounding the cover seems to be lacking. Post a note in the comments below if you know the story behind this unique cover.

20. Recipe For Hate

Bad Religion, 1993. I couldn’t end this list without addressing Bad Religion’s famous dog cover. The artwork was designed by Fred Hidalgo and is rumored to be two of the band members dressed in black (with dog heads pasted in).

Believe it or not, there are so many more album covers featuring dogs! If you have a favorite that I didn’t include, or know the story behind one of the covers here, tell me all about it in the comments section below.

Also From Pets Adviser

“Muzzle? You’re Not Putting That Thing on MY Dog!” (Yes, I am.)

Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:06:00 +0000

By Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, Pets Adviser

Muzzle dance over

May 20th marks the start of National Dog Bite Prevention week. I have a personal interest and responsibility to keep dog bites to a minimum. I don’t want to get hurt. I don’t want my staff or clients to get bitten.

I want my patients who are biters to get training and help. Veterinarians and owners can work together to prevent more bites. I don’t have to tell you, dog bites can be serious and we, the humans, are often at fault.

It’s rare that I have to muzzle a patient, but when I do, it’s important. A small percentage of clients object. I call this “the muzzle dance.”

Here are a few of the lines I don’t like to hear from a client who owns a “caution” dog (any dog who poses a bite risk to me, the owner, or my staff):

“But he doesn’t really bite.” (Then I’m sensing a make-believe bite?)
“But he only dislikes men. You’ll be okay.” (Thank God I don’t have my man-vibe on today.)
“Oh, that’s okay. I’ll hold her. She’s good with me.” (But you’re not holding her head! Or her mouth!)
“He’s just nervous.” (So that guttural growl of death means he’s happy to see me?)

And here’s my favorite. With a 100-pound rotti on the exam table, growling, eyes bugging out of his head:

“Oh, he’s just talking. You obviously don’t understand rottweilers.”

‘Baby’ and the Muzzle Dance

It’s my job to make the environment as peaceful and as nonthreatening as possible in my hospital. I don’t want the dog to feel confronted or nervous in the waiting room. I try to not make the dog wait at all! Get the dog placidly in an exam room as soon as possible and keep him comfortable. Know how to approach the dog and pick up all the behavioral cues within a minute or so to get a “reading” on the dog.

For a skilled veterinarian, this can all run as smooth as silk. And it does 95 percent of the time. But if my assessment is that the dog is still fearful, anxious or aggressive, I might suggest a soft, nylon muzzle in a peaceful blue color as the best way to avoid a dog bite. The muzzle often alleviates the dog’s all-consuming anxiety-driven desire to bite.

If the owner says”no” to muzzling the dog, the muzzle dance is in full swing.

Let’s say I try to appease the owner by not using the muzzle. We try no restraint, a little restraint, a soft voice, a cookie, and the dog is still trying to bite. This is now a dangerous circus as the client is braying at the top of her voice, “IT’S OKAY, BABY, SHE’S NOT GOING TO HURT YOU. NO, DON’T BE UPSET. IT’S OKAY. DON’T WORRY, BABY.”

“Baby” might be a 5-pound chihuahua that looks like a possessed creature out of The Shining, or a 90-pound mutt with a lip curl and fire eyes worthy of a cameo in Game of Thrones. Whatever the breed or the size, “Baby” means business, and trying to get a muzzle on now is a game for fools.

“Oh, he’s upset now. You’ve upset Baby. He doesn’t act like this at home.” Okay, Mrs. Vile Denial. I would hope he doesn’t act this way at home. Do you routinely feel his junk, do a full-body cavity search and stick him with small sharp needles in your home? Or let me put it this way: Do you, Mrs. D, act the same in your home as you do at your mammogram appointment or your gynecological exam, or when you’re getting blood drawn? If you had the chance to bite a phlebotomist or a radiology technician from time to time, might you consider it?

These exams with these special care dogs usually end with my favorite request from the owner: “Oh, can you cut his nails? He doesn’t let me do that at home.”

You can’t cut his nails, Mrs. Denial? Really, why is that? Because he would BITE YOU? And you don’t want me to muzzle Baby, is that correct? Well, let me don my handy-dandy bite coat made of flexible steel that covers me from head to toe, allowing me to cut Baby’s nails while he bites away at my face and hands without penetrating my steel-skin coat. I have it right here on this hook. What would I do without it!

Dog bites are no laughing matter. Veterinarians and technicians do get bitten, sometimes badly. Owners of normally gentle dogs are bitten more frequently when their pets are stressed or hurt. We want to keep these events to an absolute minimum. Besides bodily harm, pain, disfigurement, loss of work and expense, there can be quarantines, lawsuits and loss of homeowners’ insurance. The risks are high, and clients need to understand that a little precaution can save a lot of headaches. It goes without saying that every time a dog bites, modifying the aggressive behavior with training becomes more difficult.

When Do Vets Get Bitten?

Gentle dogs sometimes bite when stressed or hurt. (Credit: insane photoholic/Flickr)

If we get bitten by a caution dog because we didn’t take the proper precautions or didn’t muzzle (to try to keep the client happy), it’s the veterinarian’s fault. Unfortunately, we don’t usually suffer a bite from a dog we know is “iffy,” because we do take the proper precautions and muzzle. Most clients are absolutely fine with this. We get bitten by the dog that gives no warning. Couple that with a client who “forgets” to tell us they have a biter, and it’s a recipe for a dog bite.

Very occasionally, I come across a new client who says, “Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. He bit the last vet.” This makes me very angry. I feel like saying, “Next time I’m planning a car accident, I’ll give you a call ahead of time so you can be in the passenger seat.”

A person with a natural affinity for animals can read animal behavior. This is both a skill and a gift. Ninety percent of the time, the dog gives very obvious clues that she is either aggressive or fearful and poses a bite risk. This might be that familiar “hairy eyeball,” or body rigidity, or obvious fear.

Before we get as far as a true growl or attempted bite, I have usually had an honest conversation with the owner, and most reasonable owners agree to muzzle. Most dogs actually calm down once muzzled. The exam goes quickly, everything gets done, the muzzle comes off and the dog is wagging her tail on the ground again. The dogs often even take a biscuit from the hand that vaccinated them because they know they’ve passed their physical! And it’s a no-brainer that I can do a better physical if I’m not in fear of facial mutilation.

The Muzzle Fighter

There is the muzzle fighter, a big ball of fur and feet attacking the muzzle and trying to scratch his entire head into oblivion to get the muzzle off. Time to regroup. A muzzle is not the answer in this case.

With my best technician on guard, if I still can’t do the exam without getting bitten, we have to come up with another plan. I would say this happens only once or twice a year. These dogs usually need mild tranquilization. Sometimes the owner can get the dog used to a muzzle at home so the dog can come into the office already muzzled.

I have been terrified by only a handful of dogs in over 20 years. Two of these dogs suffered from “rage syndrome” (a topic for another time), and one was a wolf. I had known the wolf hybrid since he was 4 weeks old, almost dead from parvo. He survived.

When he came in to be neutered and slipped his leash, he cornered himself in the surgical suite and stared. I’m sure he may have been terrified too, but he was perched to attack. Another Game of Thrones kind of stare. I had everyone quietly leave the room and close the door. I asked them to pass me the rabies pole through the door and dimmed the lights. I stood by the door, silent and motionless. After what seemed like an eternity, he began to prowl toward me. The rabies pole was around his neck and he was in a dog run. I’m not sure how I did this.

Then I peed my pants.

Zero Tolerance

I deeply respect my clients with difficult dogs who take the situation seriously. They seek help, work with the dog and always take the proper precautions. This takes great dedication and effort.

For clients who own “caution” dogs and don’t take it seriously, it is a very worrisome situation. If you are concerned that your dog may pose a threat to you or someone else, the best thing you can do is seek professional advice and training. We all should approach dog bites with a zero-tolerance policy.

Also From Pets Adviser

Unique Mother’s Day Gifts for Pet Lovers

Kristine Lacoste — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:50:27 +0000

By Kristine Lacoste, Pets Adviser

Gift ideas for pet-loving moms

Mother’s Day is once again upon us, and some of us (okay, this includes me) haven’t bought or prepared anything for mom’s day of honor yet.

My mom loves her dog dearly, so a pet-themed gift is sure to be loved and appreciated. Here are my picks for some great pet-related gifts for the animal lover in us and our moms.

For budget-friendly ideas, look for the * behind the gift.

Pet Portraits

There are many local and national (and online) places to submit a photograph and have a portrait done of mom’s best friend. These range in materials from canvas and oil paintings to graphite sketches and pencil drawings. Each piece will be unique and something mom will treasure for years to come.

Jewelry & Accessories

Pet jewelry is becoming more popular than ever, and there are so many pieces and materials to choose from, so mom can keep her beloved pet close to her always. Options range from necklaces and lockets to charm bracelets and earrings. Some can be customized.

Gift Certificates

If your mom has a favorite boarding facility, groomer or pet store (mine swears by her groomer and won’t go to anyone else), consider a gift certificate for her pet’s next trip. To sweeten the deal, offer to handle the transportation as a special treat.

Coupons*

Don’t grab your leftover Sunday paper just yet. Coupons are easy and fun to make on almost any computer, and you can customize them for any purpose. Offer to pet sit next time mom goes on vacation, or offer to take her dog to an obedience class or an outing at the local dog park with her.

Gift Baskets*

Gift baskets are wonderful ways to incorporate things that mom loves with the love of her pet. Dog Lover Gift Baskets does exactly that, but don’t fret: they have cat baskets too. For a budget-friendly option, check your local stores for clearance or sale items on pet toys and treats, and add items for mom like lotion, bath salts, candles or other inexpensive items. Wrap it up in a basket with tissue paper or cellophane, and tie with a bow or ribbon. Local pharmacies and craft stores have these items stocked regularly, and they are usually inexpensive.

Photo Slideshow or Video*

Many professionals and services can put together a photo slideshow or video of your mom’s best friend. You may be able to find someone locally or online, but keep in mind that professionals can charge $50 to $100 for the service on average. For a budget-friendly version, use an online photo service to upload photos and create a slideshow that you can download for use on a computer, television or digital photo frame. Ask your friends if any of them are talented in editing videos, and you might be able to get a DIY — yet beautiful — version on a budget.

Donations*

Donations are budget friendly because they can be in any amount or include donated items. Does your mom have a favorite animal charity or volunteer, or does she support the local animal shelter? Maybe mom donates or supports a rescue group or organization that helps animals. Make a donation in her name or offer to donate money or items to the local shelter. You can also volunteer at the local shelter in her honor.

Pet-themed Pajamas*

These animal-themed pajamas don’t just feature animals — they have designs for the entire family! Pajamagram offers pajamas in various sizes for all members of the family, and this includes the family cat or dog. For a budget-conscious version, buy printable iron-on transfer sheets at your local office supply store and use an image of mom’s pet. You can print the images or designs yourself and iron them on a basic tee or pajama set that’s more affordable from a local store. If you’re looking for a mommy-themed gift her pet can wear, check out these dog Tshirts that clearly show where mom’s loyalty lies.

Eco-Friendly Gifts*

If your mom is into saving the environment one plastic bag at a time, there are great ideas in eco-friendly gifts for her. From reusable bags to a supply of biodegradable supplies for her pet, there are many ways to find the perfect gift for your eco-friendly mommy. If you’re on a budget, check out these bamboo pet bowls made of recycled materials. They’re inexpensive and can be filled with mom’s favorite sweets or her pet’s favorite treats (or our DIY coupon idea from above).

Dinner and Treats*

Sometimes mom simply needs a break from her never-ending routine or would love to have you visit. Why not make it a dinner-and-treat date? Offer to make or bring dinner to mom’s house and bring some treats for her pet. You can make your own or pick up some at your local store, and mom gets to enjoy not having to make dinner and spending the night with her favorite person in the world — you!

Grooming Tools*

If mom has a pet that requires regular grooming, pick up some grooming supplies or new combs and brushes to make her job easier (or offer to visit and groom the animal yourself). Grooming combs and tools range from expensive to super-affordable; if you’re on a budget, you can always pair it up with another affordable gift.

Personalized License Plate

If your mom loves her pet like no other, consider getting a personalized license plate for your mom (or wife, if dad is reading this) with her beloved’s name. Contact your local DMV for details.

Memorial Gifts

If your mom is an animal lover and recently lost a pet, this can be a difficult time for her. Sometimes the best gift you can give to someone who has lost a pet is your time, patience, understanding and willingness to listen. If mom wants to talk all day about her beloved pet — let her. If you think she would appreciate a gift in memory of her lost pet, we have plenty of suggestions.

Exotic Moms

If your mom is a lover of a gecko, snake or frog, rest assured there are places that offer gifts that include exotic pets. This store covers many options for the exotic pet lover.

No matter what gift you choose, there are plenty of ideas and creative ways you can show your love for mom — and her love for her pet — this Mother’s Day. If you have chosen something different or have a unique and awesome idea, tell me about it in the comments below.

Photo: Dave Linger/Flickr

Also From Pets Adviser

Pet Food Recalls: Explosion of Salmonella Cases in Past 5 Years

David Deleon Baker — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:48:00 +0000

By David Deleon Baker, Pets Adviser

Editor’s Note: Updated with news of first known deaths.

With the expanding recall of pet foods produced in the Gaston, S.C., plant owned by Diamond Pet Foods, once again salmonella is a major concern. According to a May 16 article in The Gazette of Montreal, two shelter cats died after eating Diamond Pet Food products. These are the first deaths I’ve heard about. As many as 16 people have been sickened.

Brands now involved in the recall include not only Diamond but Kirkland Signature, Taste of the Wild, Canidae, Natural Balance, Solid Gold and a Wellness formula. (See our full list of 2012 recalls.)

It made me wonder: Is it just my imagination, or are we seeing a major uptick in salmonella cases over the past few years? The answer: I definitely wasn’t imagining things.

‘No Progress Against Salmonella’

Salmonella contamination is on the rise, not only in pet food manufacturing but in the human food supply as well. In the past 15 years, concedes Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control, “We’ve made virtually no progress against salmonella.”

Testing back in 2003 determined that nearly 4 percent of raw meat and poultry in the United States was contaminated with salmonella. Six years later, the FDA found that 21 percent of chicken breasts in grocery stores had salmonella.

The bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobial agents, and new strains (there are more than 2,500 in all) are growing more virulent. We now know that certain “super salmonella” can potentially become hyperinfectious (that is, 100 times more virulent than normal), though thankfully this is extremely rare.

OK, But What About Pet Food?

I spent five hours poring over dog and cat food recall data from the period of 2000 to 2012. I wanted to find a way to isolate and track salmonella cases. What I found was a sudden uptick beginning in 2007 and 2008, coinciding with two massive recalls in those years by Mars Petcare Inc.

(I won’t bore you with my long list of recall data, but I can email it to Pets Adviser subscribers upon request.)

What’s interesting to me is the sheer number of recalls in the period of 2007 to 2012 blamed on possible salmonella contamination. Such recalls have included pig ear treats, cat food, dog food, and brands ranging all the way from bottom-shelf Ol’ Roy and Purina to higher-end products made by Bravo! and Wellness.

I noticed that canned foods are very rarely recalled because of salmonella. A report from the CDC explains: “Canned pet food is unlikely to be contaminated with such pathogens because the manufacturing process should eliminate bacterial contamination.”

Pets Adviser does not recommend giving pig ear treats to your dog, because the pork is cleaned and flavored but not cooked, which might otherwise kill off the bacteria. If you must buy pig ears, look for individually wrapped items rather than those sold in bulk bins.

Cases Are on the Rise

The chart below represents, roughly, the impact of pet recalls due to salmonella over the past decade.

Getting an accurate picture is difficult because manufacturers report their recall figures in various ways. For example, one company may report that “a single lot” or ” a limited number” was recalled; another company may say 500 bags were pulled from shelves; yet another may say 10,000 pounds. Also, pet deaths and illnesses are poorly tracked because there is no centralized reporting system as there is with people.

How Does Salmonella Get Into Pet Food?

Salmonella, viewed from a microscope

The source of salmonella contamination can be stated in one word: poop.

Whether it’s the poop of a cow, mice or pigeons, feces are a natural carrier of salmonella because the bacteria can live in the gut of these animals. Let’s say there’s some infected cow dung that gets into the water supply on a farm. The farmer irrigates the field with that water, and suddenly — before you can say “Uh-oh” — the whole crop is contaminated with salmonella. In the case of pet foods, the more probable direct cause is that storage bins, equipment or workers’ hands are contaminated by a tainted ingredient.

Protect your pet and yourself; please read our tips on safe handling of pet food.

Vigilance at All Times

Here is something you should know. In a 2008 report, the CDC says that, to be on the safe side, pet owners should assume that ALL commercial dry pet food is at risk:

“Consumers and health departments should be aware that all dry pet food, pet treats, and pet supplements might be contaminated with pathogens such as salmonella, and consumers should use precautions with all brands of dry pet food, treats, and supplements.”

Remain vigilant, handle food safely (especially dry pet food) and be on the lookout for new recall announcements. Now, more than ever, you should sign up for free updates from Pets Adviser — you can use the quick form below.

–Last update: 5/16/12