Pets and Distracted Driving: What You Need to Know

When we hear the term "distracted driving," most of us think of the obvious culprits - eating, putting on makeup, talking on the phone, texting, or rummaging for a dropped object on the car floor. However, few of us consider the driving distraction leaving our furry friends unsecured can cause. This fact is underscored by a 2011 Kurgo and AAA survey of people who frequently drive with their pets. The survey found that, while 64 percent of drivers admitted to engaging in a potentially distracting pet-related activity, and 29 percent admitted to actually being distracted by their pets, a full 84 percent allowed their pets to ride unrestrained. It's easy to see how an unrestrained pet could be distracting. An anxious dog may cry uncontrollably, pace, or seek comfort from its owner. A dog or cat who becomes suddenly frightened might jump or run around unpredictably. A curious dog might burst into the front seat to get a better view of something interesting he spotted from the back window. A small dog or cat might try to burrow under your seat, or worse-into your lap. In the survey, drivers admitted to doing everything from petting their dogs, carrying them on their laps, to playing with them and even giving them treats while driving. Three percent of drivers admitted to taking photos of their dogs as they drove. Restraining pets in vehicles isn't just about pets causing distracted driving. It's about what can happen during an accident. Unrestrained pets can be seriously injured or killed if they are thrown from a vehicle. Pets carried on drivers' laps can be crushed by the impact of an airbag. Frightened pets have been known to escape vehicles and run away in shock after accidents. And unsecured pets can actually put everyone in the car in danger; during an accident, a 60-pound dog can suddenly become the equivalent of a 2,700-pound projectile. Keeping your pet and human passengers safe and secure is as easy as using the right safety restraint. From pet seat belts or pet car seats, to crates or front seat pet barriers, there is an option out there that will suit your pet and your vehicle. Taking the time to find it may save you the hassle and danger of driving distracted. It may make trips with your pets more fun and worry-free. And it just may save the life your pet - or your own. About TripsWithPets.com TripsWithPets.com is the #1 online resource for pet travel. Named best pet travel site by Consumer Reports, TripsWithPets.com's mission is to offer resources that ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe while traveling. The website features a directory of pet friendly hotels and accommodations across the United States and Canada, as well as airline & car rental pet policies; pet friendly restaurants, beaches, and events; a user-friendly route search option; pet travel tips; pet travel supplies; and other pet travel resources. About the Author Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TripsWithPets.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular web site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the US and Canada, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

puppy fur dog bed

Berkeley Veterinarians Warn Pet Owners About the Growing Problem of Pet Obesity

Berkeley Veterinarians Warn Pet Owners About the Growing Problem of Pet Obesity BERKELEY, Calif., July 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Half of all pets in the United States are overweight or obese -- and weight management problems are also affecting pets in Berkeley, warns veterinarian Dr. Jas Mattu. In partnership with University Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Mattu is raising awareness about the dangers of obesity in pets and working to stop the epidemic. The veterinarian recommends pet owners schedule regular weight management consultations with their local animal hospital to pro-actively address potential weight problems head-on. A change in diet, fewer treats, smaller portion sizes and increased activity can help pets safely lose weight. Dr. Jas Mattu, a veterinarian with University Veterinary Hospital is warning pet owners about the dangers of pet obesity. According to Dr. Mattu, pet obesity is a growing problem, compromising the health for hundreds of pets each year. "Pet obesity is a serious, clinical issue," said Dr. Mattu. "Pets that are overweight or obese are at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, mobility problems, and ultimately an early death." Overfeeding is a leading cause for pet obesity in Berkeley pets, says Dr. Mattu. The veterinarian warns that pet owners frequently over-estimate how much food their pets require on a daily basis. "The feeding guidelines on the back of pet food are general recommendations for active pets," said Dr. Mattu. "However, not all pets require as much food as the guidelines indicate. Additionally, pet owners must take into account the caloric content of treats. Some treats can add up to more calories than a standard food serving." In addition to overfeeding, Dr. Mattu says that some commercial pet foods are closer to junk food than an actual healthy meal. This can lead to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies in pets. "Many commercial pet foods are packed with fillers and additives that add calories to the food without adding nutritional value," said Dr. Mattu. "Just like the processed food that people eat, processed pet food can range significantly in nutritional value. If pet owners are not sure about their pet's food quality, a veterinarian can make specific recommendations to ensure pets receive the right balance of nutrients." Dr. Mattu is encouraging pet owners to pro-actively monitor their pet's diet and activity levels in an effort to prevent weight problems. "Proactive care is the best way to keep a pet's weight under control and prevent pet obesity," says Dr. Mattu. "This starts with a weight management and nutrition consultation at an animal hospital. A veterinarian can best assess a pet's overall health and make specific recommendations for daily food intake." Weight management and nutrition counseling is also beneficial for pets with special dietary requirements, such as food allergies. An elimination diet is frequently necessary to specifically identify allergen triggers. In addition to nutrition consulting, the Berkeley Animal Hospital provides veterinary wellness care, vaccinations, surgery, geriatric care and dermatology.

keeping your pets safe

The day after the Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year for pet shelters.
Nationally, research shows that shelters see an increase in occupancy by about 30 percent.
This causes a major problem for many shelters that are already near capacity.
Shelters like the Humane Association for Warren County are already housing dozens of pets, which makes such a drastic and quick influx problematic.
In addition to Independence Day, pet shelters say you should keep a closer eye on your pet around New Year’s Eve and during thunderstorms.
Pet experts have advice to keep your dog or cat from going into a frenzy because of the loud noises fireworks cause.
Mari Lee Schwarzwalder says you should microchip your pet. This will help you locate them after they've run away.
“It's important if people would microchip their pets,” said Schwarzwalder, executive director of the Humane Association of Warren County. “That way, if the dog runs off for any reason, or a cat, and ends up in an animal shelter or a veterinarian's office, we can scan it and we can find out who the owner is. That's much better than putting identification on a collar because they can lose their collars.”
Pet owners can also take proactive measures to ensure their pets safety, Schwarzwalder says. One way is make sure your pet exercises, which will help your them relax and feel more comfortable when the loud noises start.
She also says you should find a safe place for them to stay inside while they fireworks are going off.
This advice can also work in situations where your pet may be exposed to other loud noises such as thunderstorms.

Read more: http://www.kypost.com/dpps/news/local_news/water_cooler/pet-tips-keep-your-pets-safe-secure-during-fireworks-displays_8634770#ixzz2YQRUMFXs

pets slimming comp

Dogs, cats and rabbits collectively carrying around 30 stone in weight are set to take part in an annual pet slimming competition.

The line-up of 13 dogs, five cats and three rabbits will all be hoping to shed the pounds in the six-month diet and exercise programme as part of the Pet Fit Club by veterinary charity the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) .

The gargantuan group includes hefty hound Mizzy, the Bullmastiff, and flabby feline, Ulric - the two biggest-ever finalists in the competition which has been running for almost 10 years.

The combined weight of Mizzy and Ulric is 13 stone 4lbs (about 84kg).

Tom cat Ulric, from Dorset, weighs in at two stone (12.65kg) - 111% over his ideal weight, and Mizzy, from Derby, tips the scales at 11 stone 4lbs (72kg), making her around 60% overweight.

Other pets battling the bulge include sweet-and-sour-chicken-loving Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Beetlejuice, (seven stone/44kg and 48% overweight) from London, Labrador Tia, from Birmingham, who weighs over nine stone (58.2kg - 94% overweight), and ice-cream-loving tom cat Prince, who is 44% overweight (7.2kg/1st 2lbs).

The fat fighters are all competing for the title of PDSA Pet Fit Club slimmer of the year, and they all fall into the category of obese or morbidly obese.

Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, said: "Obesity is one of the biggest welfare issues affecting pets in the UK today - and it is entirely preventable.

"Sadly, it also means daily misery for millions of pets who are feeling the strain from carrying too much weight. "The owners of the pets in this year's competition are taking the vital first step towards a healthy new future for their animals.

"This helps reduce the likelihood of an early grave due to obesity and its related health issues. The good news is that it's never too late to make a positive change to improve a pet's quality of life."

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Come and visit our  updated website and Pamper  your pet this Bank holiday

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4 way locking pet door

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Studded Dog Collar

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Dog smart Blazer

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The Easy Kennel

Dr Jones Internet Vet

Now that we are in the peak of Flu season, I have had many pet owners ask WHAT they can do to help their pet fight off disease..
Should you vaccinate?
What about nutrition?
I encourage you to give my supplement a try. It contains a multitude of immune supportive products, is easy to give, and your pet will enjoy it.
If you have yet to try it, you can get a 50% OFF trial bottle here:
http://www.thedogsupplement.com
http://www.thecatsupplement.com

Immunity 101
Your dog and cat’s immune system reacts in a multitude of ways to protect against disease.
There are local cells called neutrophils that devour bacteria in infections.
Then there are the antibodies which are mounted in defense of viruses invading your pet’s body.
It is estimated that 60-70 percent of your pet’s immune system is found in the intestinal tract; it’s a largely overlooked role in keeping your pet healthy and preventing disease naturally in the first place.
TOO much immunity?
Unfortunately your pet’s immune system can be over-reactive; it responds inappropriately to ‘percieved’ invaders, resulting in disease.
Over-reactive immune systems produce those allergic signs; itching, scratching, hair loss, the skin odor.
Even more serious over-reactions can result in life threatening anemia ( Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), or Immune mediated skin diseases such as Lupus.

Vaccines and Immunity

Yes they have a purpose; but clearly most pets in North America have been given far too many vaccines.
Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies and prevent specific infections, such as Canine Parvovirus. This is effective an appropriate for a young puppy, but completely not necessary for a 7 year old dog.
The repeated use of vaccines can over sensitizes the immune system- it overreacts to otherwise benign things, and the result is disease such as allergies.

Balance
What we want to achieve for our pet’s immune system ( and ourselves), is balance.
We want an immune system which responds well to disease, such as the flu, but doesn’t over-respond to ‘normal’ things, such as pollen in your yard.

So how do you go about achieving this immune balance?
Here are a few common sense tips…

1. Vaccinate less- give only the vaccines needed as infrequent as possible. I have said this many times before, and feel free to look up my advised vaccine regimen on my blog. You ultimately need to make this decision in conjunction with your veterinarian. I suggest that you discuss this with a veterinarian ‘open’ to change.

2. Quality and varied food. If you can feed a natural, organic food, do so. Avoid kibble as much as possible for cats. Feed some home diets, and some raw food. Watch my last video on Pet Food and add some of those ingredients to the food ( ie yoghurt, flax oil)

3. Supplements. There are a number of different nutrients which can be beneficial, and I have included many of them in my supplements. Whether you feed my supplement or not, at least consider adding 1-2 of the ingredients regularly to your pet’s diet. You can use something as simple as 3% regular yoghurt daily.

Here are some of the immune supportive products:
Vitamins and minerals. The antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, selenium and zinc, can protect your pet’s body from free radicals. During illness there are more free radicals produced.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These have numerous documented benefits, so you should be having your pet on some type of daily EFA. Common dog and cat diseases- allergies, arthritis, cancer, all respond to EFA’s

Key Amino Acids. These are found in protein, and can be increased if you feed a primary animal protein diet. Certain ones are particularly helpful: lysine and arginine boost the functioning of the immune system. Lysine is one of the few treatments for recurring herpes virus infection in cats.

Colostrum is the powerful, nutrient-rich “mother’s first milk“, and it has over 37 potent immune factors.

Maiitake Mushroom is a key immuno-protective mushroom which has Laboratory studies have shown that maitake can block growth of cancer tumors and boost the immune function

Probiotics. These are the healthy bacteria which have a host of medicinal benefits, and a primary one being Lactobacillus which has been shown to enhance immune system and prevent risk of allergies.

Travelling abroad with your pet

More and more pets are travelling abroad with their owners under The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). The scheme enables dogs, cats and ferrets to return to the UK after travelling to a number of qualifying countries both within the EU and beyond without the need for quarantine.
From 1 January 2012 all pet dogs (including guide and hearing dogs) can enter or re-enter the UK from any country in the world without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the scheme, which will be different depending on the country or territory the pet is coming from. The changes will mean that the rules on rabies vaccination for entry into the UK will be in line with the rest of Europe.
Animals which do not meet all the rules must be licensed into quarantine. They might then be able to obtain early release if they can be shown to comply with the necessary pet travel requirements.
Dogs travelling to the UK, on or after 1 January 2012, can undergo the necessary pre-entry treatment (e.g microchipping, vaccination and blood testing as required) either before they travel in the country of origin, or if they enter quarantine in the UK, whilst they are in quarantine.
Before you can bring your dog into the UK from the EU and listed non-EU countries, you need to:

• Step 1 – Have your dog microchipped – First your dog must be fitted with a microchip so it can be properly identified.
  
  
• Step 2 – Have your dog vaccinated– Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies. Rabies boosters must be kept up to date. You will need to wait 21 days after the first vaccination date before you can enter the UK. A waiting period is not required for subsequent entries into the UK, provided rabies boosters are kept up to date. If the vaccination is in two parts, the 21 day wait will be from the date of the second vaccination.
  
  
• Step 3 – Get pet travel documentation – For animals arriving in the UK from an EU country, get an EU pet passport. From a non-EU listed country or territory you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate (NB Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland are also issuing passports).(see http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/documentation/ for more details)
  
  
• Step 4 – Tapeworm treatment – The European Commission and European Parliament have agreed that the UK can continue to require dogs to be treated against tapeworms. This is because of the potential risk of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis being introduced into the UK which would represent a public health concern. The new regulation will ensure that a dog must be treated by a veterinary surgeon 24 to 120 hours (1-5 days) before entering one of the countries listed as EM-free (UK, Ireland, Finland and Malta).

There is no longer a mandatory requirement for tick treatment. (see http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/parasites/ for more details), although the British Veterinary Association recommends very strongly that owners continue to treat their animals both before and during travel to prevent infection with tick-borne diseases such as   and Ehrlichiosis, which can often be life threatening to pets.

• Step 5 – Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route – Your dog must enter the UK from a listed country or territory travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

Preparing your dog for entry into the UK from unlisted non-EU countries:

• Step 1 – Have your dog microchipped – First your dog must be fitted with a microchip so it can be properly identified.
  
  
• Step 2 – Have your dog vaccinated –Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your dog has a current rabies vaccination. Rabies boosters must be kept up to date.
  
  
• Step 3 – Arrange a blood test – After your dog has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination. The length of the waiting period before entry to the UK is three calendar months from the date your vet took the blood sample which led to a satisfactory test result. The three month waiting period will not apply if your dog was vaccinated and blood tested in the EU and issued with an EU pet passport before it went to an unlisted country
  
  
• Step 4 – Get pet travel documentation –You will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate.(see http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/documentation/ for more details)
  
  
• Step 5 – Tapeworm treatment – The European Commission and European Parliament have agreed that the UK can continue to require dogs to be treated against tapeworms. This is because of the potential risk of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis being introduced into the UK which would represent a public health concern. The new regulation will ensure that a dog must be treated by a veterinary surgeon 24 to 120 hours (1-5 days) before entering one of the countries listed as EM-free (UK, Ireland, Finland and Malta).

There is no longer a mandatory requirement for tick treatment. (see http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/parasites/ for more details), although the British Veterinary Association recommends very strongly that owners continue to treat their animals both before and during travel to prevent infection with tick-borne diseases such as Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis, which can often be life threatening to pets.

• Step 6 – Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route – Your dog must enter the UK with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

In addition to adhering to these requirements, the UK veterinary profession recommends that owners talk to a vet as early as possible to make sure your dog is protected from all diseases and parasites encountered abroad.

Always consider your dog’s welfare and think about planning your trip to ensure that they have sufficient stops to stretch their legs and relax along the way.  Think carefully about the temperatures that they are exposed to and make sure you have plans in place to keep them well hydrated and cool.  Finally, remember to pack a ‘travel bag’ for your pet including his bedding, food, a water supply and things like his favourite toys.  Your dog should also have plenty of room to turn around and lie down while you’re on route.

For further information on travelling abroad with your dog, contact your vet.

DO YOU KNOW THIS STAFFI - LOST IN OXLOW LANE I N DAGENHAM ESSEX

 

 

Staffi found near oxlow lane please share if RSPCA can't find owner they will destroy it in a weeks time if u know the owner or can give it a good home get in touch

 

 

 Please please Help to see if anyone  could give her a home or knows of anyone who could
Dont let the RSPCA put her down.

Garden open 4 day

The San Diego Botanic Garden will suspend its “No pets allowed” rule on Feb. 23 for its first “5K Paw Walk in the Garden.”

The walk cosponsored by the Rancho Coastal Humane Society follows a mapped out 5k course through the garden from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes pet related vendors. Proceeds benefit the humane society and the garden. Entry fees range from $6 to $24. Groups and individuals with or without pets are welcome; limit of two dogs per person. Dogs must be kept on a leash that is no longer than six feet. Dogs must be up to date on all vaccines.

The garden is at 230 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas and the event is rain or shine.

For information, rules and registration, go to www.rchumanesociety.org

Keeping your pets healthy

This is the time of year when we focus on shedding bad habits and starting anew. It’s also the time when plenty of newly adopted pets are settling into their new homes. Recently I asked experts to reveal the things pet  new pet owners really need. After years interviewing professional dog walkers, trainers, specialists and veterinarians, I’ve also learned a few strategies to keep those new additions happy and healthy for years to come.

Fat Cat he he

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Yes, this familiar advice applies to pets and people. With proper care and nutrition, cats and some dogs can live well into their late teens. But obesity can rob pets of years by inviting the risk for heart disease or lead to behavioral issues  such as missing the litter box. Set a strong foundation by purchasing high-quality pet food. Look for brands that list a protein such as chicken or fish among the first ingredients, and avoid giving pets table food. Remember that you control what goes into their bowl each day. Also keep in mind that pets — including adorably tubular dachshunds — should have a noticeable waistline. 

2. Invest in training

Most dog trainers will admit that classes primarily benefit the owner, while pets gain valuable socialization skills. Take advantage of obedience training courses in your area.  Petco recently launched a series of free seminars for new pet owners, with classes scheduled throughout the month. Some animal shelters offer free training classes as well. It’s a great opportunity for pets to interact with people, particularly kids, as well as other pets. Learning basic commands such as “leave it,” “stay,” and how to come when called could be lifesavers for dogs. Proper socialization also makes it easier for pets to travel with their people, including trips to the beach or other pet-friendly destinations. It’s much more fun and much less stressful than keeping them cooped up at a boarding facility. To see the benefits of socializing pets, check out this sweet video of a rescue helping a foster pup named Daisy tackle the stairs:

3. Take time for dental care

Save those old toothbrushes and put them to use on a pet’s pearly whites (dogs and cats). Proper dental care helps reduce “dog breath” as well as gum disease, which can lead to bigger health issues. Finger brushes, water additives and dental chews make the task a little easier. February is Pet Dental Health Month, so look for deep discounts on cleaning services at your vet’s office and schedule an appointment. Veterinary dental cleanings take at-home maintenance a step further by removing hardened plaque buildup that accumulates over time.

Need a drink please

4. Keep cats hydrated

 Make sure your feline companions stay properly hydrated by adding wet food to their diets and providing plenty of clean water to their bowl or even a stylish fountain.

5. Maintain flea, tick and heartworm preventatives

In a column about  why dogs lick so much, Dr. Annie Price said that fleas are the No. 1 culprit. Resist the urge to cut flea and tick preventatives from your shopping list, even during cooler months, because pets run the risk of exposure anytime they go outside. Uncharacteristically warm weather means that mosquitoes will, once again, have a longer season to wreak havoc and pose a risk for deadly heartworm.

6. Don’t underestimate the value of mental stimulation

Play ball Play Ball Please

There really is some truth to the saying, “A tired dog is a happy dog.” I know from experience that bored pets lead to chewed iPod cases, gnawed shoes and other crimes that my dog Lulu has committed but I have yet to discover. Cats, particularly those who spend their lives indoors, also benefit from mental stimulation. Invest in some interactive toys such as puzzles or a fun laser pointer to exercise those brain cells and bond with your pet.

7. Buy pet insurance or start an emergency savings account

I know how it feels to sit in an emergency veterinary hospital, half-listening to a doctor outline his treatment plan — along with the long list of expensive procedures required to treat a pet. Accidents or unexpected illness can lead to costly veterinary bills that drain savings. Don’t wait for a medical issue to arise before discussing finances with your family, and consider starting an emergency fund — or investing in pet insurance. Plans vary widely based on the pet’s age and the amount of coverage you select. Many of the larger pet insurance companies also set age limits that range from 10 to 14 years old, so it pays to start early. Even if you pick a plan that solely covers major accidents, that added precaution could save thousands.


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Great Dog Toy

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