“WHISKERS” MARCH 2010
Snow, snow and more snow. We have had more snow already this winter than the last several winters combined! I, for one, am tired of it, and look forward to March and the arrival of
spring weather.
A quick word about our monthly special – during the month of March 2010. You will receive 20% OFF all orders for any of our Odor-B-Gone products.
There is no minimum order, and you can order as many times as you like during the month, and get 20% OFF every order. Just use the coupon code TWENTY at checkout and the 20% will be automatically deducted. http://www.odorbgoneproducts.com
I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome.
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Hypothyroidism in Dogs
Hair loss, weight gain, lethargy and exercise intolerance are symptoms that most pet owners attribute to the onset of old age in their dogs. However, if your dog is four to six years old, these might be symptoms of hypothyroidism, a canine condition in which the thyroid gland functions insufficiently. The thyroid gland controls the metabolic rate of the body.
A genetic disorder, hypothyroidism in dogs is caused by autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland says Dr. M.A. Crist, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Common breeds that are predisposed to this disease are the English setter, golden retriever, Irish setter, Doberman pinscher, Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, Boxer and Poodle.
Feline hypothyroidism is extremely rare as a spontaneous disease, although it may occur as a secondary reaction to hyperthyroidism surgery. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism should be based on a good physical examination from your veterinarian and diagnostic blood tests, thyroid function blood tests that are performed and interpreted by your veterinarian. Treatment of canine hypothyroidism consists of an oral administration of a thyroid supplement says Crist.
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Be Kind to Animals Kid Contest
The American Humane Association is preparing to celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week®, May 2-8, 2010, with a Be Kind to Animals™ Kid Contest, which recognizes humane leaders of tomorrow by honoring kids who make a difference for animals today. The Be Kind to Animals initiative began in 1915 to recognize and promote compassion, empathy and the bond between people and animals.
American Humane is seeking nominations of kids, ages 6 to 17, who are working hard in their communities to improve the welfare of animals. The 2010 winners will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week.
Anyone nominating a young person for the Be Kind to Animals™ Kid Contest must be 18 or older and the child’s legal guardian or have written permission from the child’s guardian. Nominations must either be submitted online or mailed and received between Feb. 1 and April 15 and nominees must be between the ages of 6 and 17 at the time of nomination. For more ideas about celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week® and contest information go to www.americanhumane.org/bkaw.
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Friskies and Fancy Feast Join Forces to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Earth Day
The “Together We Can” initiative promotes and educates consumers about recycling pet food cans. According to recycling industry sources, it’s estimated that less than 20 percent of aluminum pet food cans are recycled each year, compared to 54 percent of aluminum cans. As a result, Friskies and Fancy Feast have joined forces to educate cat owners about the recyclability of cat food cans to help increase the total number of pet food cans recycled each year. “It’s important for people to be aware of just how many cat food cans are currently sitting in landfills,” says Mark Brodeur, director of environmental sustainability for Nestle Purina.
A recent Purina survey found that only a little over half of cat owners recycle their cat food cans all the time, despite the fact they are made of aluminum and are able to be recycled. In fact, more cat owners recycle newspapers, soda cans, canned food items and junk mail than do their cat food cans. For more information, go to www.TogetherWeCanRecycle.com.
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Top 10 Reasons for Veterinary Visits
Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. receives more than a million claims annually for treatment of cats and dogs. This data reveals that just like people, many dogs and cats in 2009 received treatment for non-emergency as well as ongoing disorders:
| Top Dog Conditions | Top Cat Conditions |
| 1. Ear Infection | 1. Lower Urinary Tract Disease |
| 2. Skin Allergy | 2. Gastritis/Vomiting |
| 3. Skin Infection/Hot Spots | 3. Chronic Renal Failure |
| 4. Gastritis/Vomiting | 4. Hyperthyroidism |
| 5. Enteritis/Diarrhea | 5. Diabetes |
| 6. Bladder Infection | 6. Enteritis/Diarrhea |
| 7. Arthritis | 7. Skin Allergy |
| 8. Soft Tissue Trauma | 8. Periodontitis/Dental Disease |
| 9. Non-cancerous Tumor | 9. Ear Infection |
| 10. Eye Infection | 10. Eye Infection |
VPI received nearly 68,000 canine claims for ear infections in 2009 – with an average claim fee of $100 per office visit. For cats, 3,700 medical claims were for lower urinary tract disease that cost a cat owner an average of $260 per office visit.
The most expensive canine condition non-cancerous tumor cost an average of $335 per visit, while, for cats, the most expensive condition was periodontitis/dental disease at an average of $360 per visit. Regular semiannual physical exams can help prevent and identify certain conditions before they become serious or costly.
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According to the Chinese New Year, it’s the Year of the Tiger.
While communities around the world celebrate this auspicious year on the lunar calendar, the International Fund for Animal Welfare warns of an upsurge in illegal trade in tiger parts and products, which is driving this endangered species toward the brink of extinction. “Wild tigers once numbered around 100,000 across Asia, today there are fewer than 3,500,” says Grace Ge Gabriel, IFAW’s Asia regional director. She says tigers face threats from loss of habitat and prey; but the greatest threat is poaching. While there are fewer than 50 wild tigers left in China, tiger farms collectively have over 6,000 tigers and boast an annual reproduction rate of 800. Operated also as safari parks for tourists, these tiger farms openly sell products such as ‘tiger bone wine’ as health tonics, Gabriel says.
A total of 175 countries will have the opportunity to vote for improved protection of wild tigers at a meeting this month, by supporting a proposal urging for strengthened control of the tiger trade and stopping the farming of tigers for the trade of their parts and products. Visit www.ifaw.org for further information.
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MONEYSAVING OFFERS FOR MARCH 2010
During the month of March, you will receive 20% OFF all orders for any of our Odor-B-Gone products. There is no minimum order, and you can order as many times as you like during the month, and get 20% OFF every order
Plus, you will receive free catnip balls, and a free 32 oz. bottle of Spot, Stain & Odor Eliminator with every order. And a free Odor Eliminating All Purpose Cleaner too if your order is $50 or more.
To get your 20% OFF, use coupon code TWENTY at checkout. http://www.odorbgoneproducts.com
Thanks for being a subscriber!
Dave Gannon
