Most Common Sources of Pet Poisoning Revealed

Most Common Sources of Pet Poisoning Revealed
Brea, California
Data release by a major pet insurance company reveals the most common causes of poisoning in pets.
When an inquisitive pet with a lack of dietary discretion is combined with a careless owner, all too often the result is the ingestion of a toxic substance, resulting in emergency veterinary treatment and often large medical bills. The nation's largest pet insurance provider, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), has analyzed nearly 20,000 poisoning-related claims collected between 2005 and 2009 to determine the most common causes:

• Accidental Ingestion of Pet or Human Medications: 5,131
• Rodenticide (Rat Poison): 4,028
• Methylxanthine (Chocolate, Caffeine) Toxicity: 3,661
• Plant Poisoning: 2,808
• Household Chemicals: 1,669
• Metaldehyde (Slug Poison): 396
• Insecticide: 323
• Heavy Metal Toxicity: 288
• Toad Poisoning: 270
• Antifreeze Poisoning: 213
• Walnut Poisoning: 100
• Alcohol Toxicity: 75
• Strychnine: 28

Between 2005 and 2009, customers of pets who had ingested a toxic substance spent more than $6.6 million treating their pets. The most common type of poisoning, accidental ingestion of medications, cost policyholders an average of $791 per claim. The most expensive type of poisoning, heavy metal poisoning such as lead and zinc, cost an average of $952 per claim.
"Not only can a poisoning incident be life-threatening for the pet, it's traumatic for the pet owner as well. Depending on what substance the pet has ingested and the amount, the reaction can be sudden with the animal exhibiting alarming symptoms such as staggering, vomiting, drooling, seizures, and even loss of consciousness. We recommend that pet owners be aware of which items around their homes can be harmful to their pets - medications, insect poisons, chocolate, and certain nuts - and keep these items safely out of reach. Also, they shouldn't assume that their pets will ignore that bottle of bleach in the laundry room or the Philodendron plant by the window. Our data shows this just isn't so," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI.
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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/most-common-sources-of-pet-poisoning-revealed.htm

San Francisco Considers Banning Sale of Pets

San Francisco Considers Banning Sale of Pets
San Francisco, California

An influential commission in San Francisco is likely to recommend that the city bans the sale of pets from pet stores.

The San Francisco Commission of Animal Control and Welfare will vote at it's next meeting on whether to recommend that the city enacts an ordinance that would prohibit the sale of pets by pet stores. While the proposal originally targeted only dogs and cats, other species are likely to be included too, such as hamsters, rats, mice, guinea pigs, chinchillas, other small animals, reptiles, and birds, among others.

The Commission stated that the proposed ordinance "is intended to stop the sale of dogs and cats from puppy mills, as well as decrease euthanasia rates of other small animals in city shelters". After significant discussion of the proposal at its last meeting, the Commission declined to act on the proposal but indicated it would be placed on the agenda again for its July 8th, 2010 meeting. While the Commission is only an advisory body, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors value their proposals.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) has strongly opposed the proposal, saying that "the potential impact of this proposal goes far beyond the borders of San Francisco as extremists will seek to use such a precedent as a basis to adopt similar restrictions in other jurisdictions". They added that they support the right to keep pets, and the right of pet owners "to have options as to where they obtain their companion animals based on the pet owner's individual circumstances, needs and preferences". The details of the proposal is likely to be defined at their July 8th meting, and PIJAC recommends that pet owners wishing to oppose the proposal attend the meeting to voice their objections.

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/san-francisco-considers-banning-sale-of-pets.htm

Pet Travel Tips

ASPCA Releases Pet Travel Tips
New York City, New York

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) has reminded pet owners to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe traveling experience for pets this vacation season.

When traveling with your pet, the ASPCA says planning is the key. You should start with a visit to your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations, and that you have any medications you might need such as flea/tick prevention and heart-worm medication. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of your departure for air travel and ask your veterinarian about any particular parasites or health risks that might be associated with your planned destination.

"For many pet parents, a trip's not enjoyable if the four-legged members of the family aren't invited. The increase in products specifically geared for pet travel and safety has made the experience that much easier for pet parents," said Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, Executive Vice President of ASPCA Programs and Science Advisor. "It's all the more reason families should take precautions to ensure that their pet's travel is trouble-free."

When traveling by air, the ASPCA recommends that your pet should always wear a collar and identification tag that clearly states an address or cell phone number where you can be reached. Additionally, you should clearly display a current photograph on your pet's carrier and write the name, address, and telephone number of the person receiving the animal at your destination. You should always purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate which should have "Live Animal" written in large letters on all side of the crate, with prominent arrows indicating the upright position. While you should ensure the door is securely closed, it should not be locked so that airline staff can access your pet in case of emergency. They also recommend that you try to book direct flights to avoid delays waiting on the runway in what might be unsuitable weather conditions.

When traveling by car, the ASPCA says you should keep your pets in a secure, well-ventilated crate or carrier. You should make sure it is large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. If your dog will be riding on the seat, outfit him with a harness and safety belt to keep him secure in case of sudden stops or changes in direction. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can subject the animal to inner ear damage and lung infections, and your pet could be injured by flying objects. Cats should always be in a carrier. It may seem obvious to some, but you should never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows open a car can over-heat rapidly on a hot day, resulting in heatstroke and possible death. You should always make sure that you carry bottles of water from home to avoid potential stomach upsets using water your pet is not used to. Lastly, some states require pet rabies vaccination records for interstate crossing so make sure that your pet's records are up-to-date.

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/aspca-releases-pet-travel-tips.htm

Top 10 Puppy Accidents Revealed

Top 10 Puppy Accidents Revealed
Brea, California

The nation's largest pet insurer has revealed the top ten accidental injuries suffered by dogs during the first two years of their lives.

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently analyzed data from more than 480,000 insured pets to reveal that the top 10 puppy accidents cost VPI policy holders a combined $1.5 million in the past year, with the most common accidents being soft tissue trauma, lacerations or bite wounds, and cruciate ligament injury.

"Pet owners falsely assume that they don't need pet insurance because their pet is young and healthy. While younger pets are less susceptible to serious illnesses such as cancer, our data shows that pets of all ages can suffer costly accidental injuries. Pet insurance is designed to defray unexpected treatment costs - whenever they may occur. It's important for owners of puppies and kittens to keep in mind that just because their pets may be young, they're not indestructible," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI.

Top 10 Puppy Accident Claims:

• Soft Tissue Trauma


• Laceration or Bite Wound


• Cruciate Ligament Injury


• Sprain


• Insect Bites and Stings


• Abrasion


• Torn Nail


• Eye Trauma


• Drug Toxicity


• Oral Cavity Trauma

VPI recommend that to avoid such accidents, owners of young dogs "baby-proof" their homes. For example, you should clear obstacles both inside and out of the home to prevent collisions during playtime, remove items that could be mistaken for food and keep medications tightly sealed and secured.

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/top-10-puppy-accidents-revealed.htm

FDA Says Bones Unsafe For Dogs

FDA Says Bones Unsafe For Dogs
Silver Spring, Maryland

The United States Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers that giving their dogs bones to chew is a dangerous practice that can cause serious injury to pets.

The FDA warns that giving your dog a bone to chew can cause broken teeth; mouth or tongue injuries; blockage in the esophagus, windpipe, intestines or stomach; constipation due to bone fragments; bleeding from the rectum as the dog tries to pass fragments; and peritonitis. Peritonitis is a sometimes fatal and difficult-to-treat bacterial infection of the abdomen which is caused when bone fragments spike holes in the stomach or intestine.

"Some people think it's safe to give dogs large bones, like those from a ham or a roast," says Carmela Stamper, D.V.M., a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration. "Bones are unsafe no matter what their size. Giving your dog a bone may make your pet a candidate for a trip to your veterinarian's office later, possible emergency surgery, or even death. Make sure you throw out bones from your own meals in a way that your dog can't get to them. And pay attention to where your dog's nose is when you walk him around the neighborhood - steer him away from any objects lying in the grass."

Stamper recommends that you chat to your veterinarian about alternatives to giving bones to your dog. "There are many bone-like products made with materials that are safe for dogs to chew on. Always supervise your dog with any chew product, especially one your dog hasn't had before."

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/fda-says-bones-unsafe-for-dogs.htm

Pet Poison Helpline Says Flea and Tick Products Are Safe

Pet Poison Helpline Says Flea and Tick Products Are Safe
Minneapolis, Minnesota

As flea and tick season approaches, and many consumers are confused about the safety of spot-on flea and tick products, a pet poison consultation help line has moved to reassure consumers that the products are safe to use.

Three weeks ago, in response to an increase in adverse reactions to spot-on flea and tick products, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that some smaller dogs tend to disproportionately suffer with adverse reactions due to over-dosing and misuse, and that it had launched an investigation into how products could be more clearly labeled to avoid misuse. Now, the Pet Poison Helpline has concurred that the incidence of severe and fatal effects resulting from the application of flea and tick products is extremely low as compared to the number of applications that pet owners apply each year, and that when serious events occur, it is most commonly a result of misuse. For example, when dog products are applied to cats or when owners misread, misuse or miscalculate the dose or product that is appropriate for their animal.

The help line warned that treatment with a fast-acting topical flea and tick medication can cause itching or brief irritation and fidgeting at the application site, which can be alarming to pet owners. A small proportion of treated animals can also develop a side-effect called paresthesia, a tingling sensation around the application site. While this is normally a very localized and short-lived side-effect, it accounts for a large number of the few incidents reported to the help line. In fact, based on sales and distribution data individually presented to the EPA by various companies, the overall incident rate for flea and tick products was calculated to be approximately 16 incidents per 100,000 applications. And the overall incident rate for cases classified with either a major or fatal outcome was about one in 200,000 applications.

"These data demonstrate that Spot-On products are generally safe when used appropriately and according to the directions," said Dr. Lynn Hovda, DVM, DACVIM, director of veterinary services for Pet Poison Helpline.

The Pet Poison Helpline says that the key to ensuring your pet's safety when using flea and tick products is to select a product specifically for use on your kind of pet - for example always choose a cat product for use on cats - and to be vigilant about following the instructions on the package. Knowing the exact size and weight of your pet is essential for using the correct medication and appropriate dose on your pet. It is also recommended that you consult a veterinarian before using flea and tick products on weak, aged, sick, pregnant or nursing pets.

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/pet-poison-helpline-says-flea-tick-products-are.htm

New Restrictions on Flea and Tick Products Announced

New Restrictions on Flea and Tick Products Announced
Washington, D.C.

In response to an increase in adverse reactions, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is attempting to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs.

While they are used safely and effectively by the vast majority of pet owners, adverse reactions to spot-on flea and tick products in cats and dogs has long concerned consumers, with some pets suffering from skin irritation, gastrointestinal problems and even nervous system disorders. The EPA has determined that smaller dogs tend to be disproportionately affected by some products and that the exposure of cats to some dog products is "a concern".

"EPA is committed to better protecting the health and safety of pets and families in all communities across our nation," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. "New restrictions will be placed on these products, and pet owners need to carefully read and follow all labeling before exposing your pet to a pesticide."

The EPA began an extensive evaluation of these products after an increase in incident reports in 2008. In the short-term, the EPA will be reviewing flea and tick products' labels to determine if they need to have clearer labeling statements in an effort to reduce misuse and ensure that the correct dosage is given per weight. The new rules are likely to require that cat and dog products are more clearly differentiated, and that cat and dog products do not share similar brand names. The EPA will also launch a new consumer information campaign to explain the new labeling.

And in the long-term, the EPA will develop "more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products". This will mean that when a product is approved for use, the approval will be time-limited to allow for post-marketing product surveillance. The EPA will also restrict the use of some inert ingredients that are found to contribute to the adverse incidents reported. In addition, the EPA will require more comprehensive sales figures so as to be able to evaluate the percentage of doses that result in incident reports.

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/new-restrictions-on-flea-tick-products-announced.htm

Hungarian Vizsla Wins Crufts 2010 !

Hungarian Vizsla Wins Crufts 2010
Birmingham, United Kingdom

For the first time, a Hungarian Vizsla has won the coveted Best in Show award at Crufts, the world's largest and oldest dog show.

On Sunday night, on front of a crowd of thousands of spectators and millions more watching on television, the dog with the most show wins in history added the Crufts title to his list of awards. The 7 year-old Hungarian Vizsla, who's pet name is "Yogi" and pedigree name is "Sh Ch/Aust Ch Hungergunn Bear It'n Mind", made it to last year's Crufts final before being defeated by an American-owned Sealyham Terrier called Charmin.

Yogi became the Gundog Group winner earlier on Sunday and, in a tense Best in Show round, Yogi beat 6 other group winners, including a Pharaoh Hound (Hound Group), a Cardigan Welsh Corgi (Pastoral Group), a Scottish Terrier from Russia (Terrier Group), a Maltese Terrier (Toy Group), an Akita (Utility Group), and a Rottweiler (Working Group). The Reserve Best in Show award went to the Scottish Terrier.

This is the first time a Hungarian Vizsla has won the prestigious Best in Show award, which has only been awarded for the last 79 years, and which has now been won by 41 different breeds. The Cocker Spaniel has won the award most often, with 7 titles, while the Welsh Terrier and Irish Terrier have both won 4 times. The Greyhound, German Shepherd Dog, Fox Terrier, Labrador Retriever, English Setter and Standard Poodle have each won three times.

Crufts is named after its founder Charles Cruft. The young Charles leaving college in 1876 had no desire to join the family jeweler business. Instead he took employment with James Spratt who had set up a new venture in Holborn, London selling "dog cakes". In 1878 French dog breeders invited him to organize the promotion of the canine section of the Paris Exhibition. The first Crufts show in that name was booked into the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington in 1891.

Photograph courtesy Crufts

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/hungarian-vizsla-wins-crufts-2010.htm

New Guinness World Record Tallest Dog !

New Guinness World Record Tallest Dog Announced
Tucson, Arizona

A Great Dane has become the new Guinness World Records holder of the Tallest Dog title, beating the previous record holder by almost an inch.

After some controversy regarding the official height of "George", a Great Dane from Tucson, Arizona, the Guinness World Records team sent an adjudicator to officially measure his height. George, who was measured at 43 inches tall, has now been officially confirmed as the Guinness World Records Tallest Dog. George, who weighs an astonishing 245 pounds and eats 110 pounds of food every month, beat the previous record holder, another Great Dane called "Titan", by 0.75 inches. Prior to Titan was another Great Dane, "Gibson", of Grass Valley, California, who stood at 42.2 inches tall.

"This is a hotly contested record and after some controversy and conflicting media reports we decided to send our own official adjudicator to put the final stamp on this record holder. We can indeed say now that George is the top dog," said Craig Glenday, Editor-In-Chief of Guinness World Records.

The media interest in George has prompted Guinness World Records to search for more pet record holders, including Longest Ears on a Dog, Smallest Dog (Length), Oldest Dog, Smallest Cat and Oldest Cat.

"This record has also sparked great interest in finding other pet records, so we're asking everyone to check their dog houses, scratch posts and under the bed - they just might be living with a record-breaking pet," continued Glenday.

Photograph courtesy Guinness World Records

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/new-guinness-world-record-tallest-dog-announced.htm

The Scottish Terrier Wins Westminster Dog Show !

Scottish Terrier Wins Westminster Dog Show
New York City, New York

A Scottish Terrier named Sadie has beaten over 2,500 dogs to the coveted "Best in Show" award at the 2010 Westminster dog show.

Another sold-out crowd at Madison Square Gardens has watched more than 2,500 dogs and 3 new breeds compete for honors in one of the world's most prestigious dog shows. At 11 p.m. last night Sadie, a Scottish Terrier from Eagle, Idaho became the 8th Scottie to win "Best in Show". Sadie, also known as Ch Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot, was also in the final last year and this win is her 112th Best in Show award. The other group winners competing in the final were a Puli, a Whippet, a white Toy Poodle, a French bulldog, a Brittany Spaniel and a Doberman Pinscher.

The Westminster Kennel Club's Annual All Breed Dog Show is probably second only to the United Kingdom's Crufts show as a measure of canine success. Last year's show was celebrated by senior citizens everywhere, with the 10-year-old Sussex Spaniel called Stump winning "Best in Show" - that's 2 years older than the previous oldest winner. What was even more remarkable was that Stump had retired 2 years earlier after winning the Sporting group but failing to win "Best in Show". In 2008, the show was won for the first time ever by a Beagle named Uno.

This year's show welcomed 3 new breeds to the 170 breeds of last year: The Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd. Despite its name, the Irish Red and White Setter is a distinct breed, not just a different colored version of the Irish Setter, and has been known in Ireland since the 17th century. The history of the Norwegian Buhund extends back to the Vikings, and is used for herding livestock, guarding and hunting. The Pyrenean Shepherd is a herding breed that is important in farming communities in the High Pyrenees mountains in France.

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/scottish-terrier-wins-westminster-dog-show.htm

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No Animals Were Harmed

"No Animals Were Harmed" in Super Bowl Ads
Denver, Colorado

While the Colts had a bad day on Sunday, the frogs, dogs, Clydesdale horses, elephants and other animals featured in the Super Bowl ads earned the highest accreditation for animal safety.

A total of nine commercials featuring animals aired during the Super Bowl, with an extensive list of species represented, including a hyena, leopard, woodchuck, bull, cockatoo, Capuchin monkey, chickens, frogs, snakes, horses and dogs. The ads placed many of the animals in comical situations, but most of the advertisers ensured that specialists from American Humane’s Film & TV Unit were on hand to monitor the welfare of the animals involved.

"Thanks to decades of leadership from American Humane, film and television directors, producers and actors rely on American Humane to ensure the safety of animal actors," said Karen Rosa, vice president of American Humane's Film & TV Unit in Los Angeles. "The fact that so many advertisers are calling on our services shows that across our society, there is recognition of the importance of the human-animal bond and the safety of animals."

The highly trained specialists, Certified Animal Safety Representatives™, monitored production of adverts for brands including Coca-Cola, Budweiser and Volkswagen. Today, most networks only air commercials once they receive a sign-off letter from American Humane, who is the exclusive authority of the famous "No Animals Were Harmed" credit seen at the end of movies and television shows. American football has been the center of several dog-fighting scandals, including the case of Michael Vick, who was forced to pay $1 million towards the care of Pit Bulls after he was convicted of taking part in a dog-fighting ring.

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/no-animals-were-harmed-in-super-bowl-ads.htm

America's Most Popular Dog Breeds Revealed

America's Most Popular Dog Breeds Revealed
New York City, New York

Registration statistics for purebred dogs in the US reveal that the Labrador Retriever is the most popular for the 19th consecutive year.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC) has released the numbers of purebred dog breeds registered in 2009. Among the interesting results, the German Shepherd Dog has overtaken the Yorkshire Terrier into second place for the first time in over 30 years. The German Shepherd was the most popular breed in the 1920s but dropped in popularity after World War II.

"Labs have been America's top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "But the German Shepherd Dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad. Hailed as the world's leading police, guard and military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls."

And in fact, working canine breeds are in general more popular than other breeds. As well as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Beagles work in airports and train terminals alongside law enforcement, military and homeland security to keep the country safe. Their activities range from border patrol, bomb and narcotics detection, to searching for missing persons and tracking down fugitives.

The Yorkshire Terrier was the third most popular breed, with the Golden Retriever, Beagle and Boxer in 4th, 5th and 6th respectively. The final 4 places are comprised of the Bulldog, Dachshund, Poodle and Shih Tzu. Among rare breeds on the decline are the Curly-Coated Retriever (from 114th to 142nd), the Sussex Spaniel (from 135th to 159th) and the Irish Water Spaniel (from 130th to 150th).

Picture courtesy American Kennel Club®

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Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/america-s-most-popular-dog-breeds-revealed.htm

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Bold Strokes: Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Wish your pooch could pop a breath mint? Better step up his dental care. Contrary to popular belief, dog breath isn't supposed to stink. If it does, it could be a sign of gum disease.

To keep Max's mouth in optimal health, the best thing you can do is brush, brush, brush. Like their human companions, dogs can have gingivitis, receding gums, and even tooth loss from too much tartar buildup, so regular cleanings are a must. To make the experience go as smoothly as possible, follow these simple steps:

1. Buy the right brush. Get a doggie toothbrush, which is smaller and has softer bristles. You can also opt for one that fits right over your fingertips. For toothpaste, buy one that's made specifically for your furry friend -- the human stuff can upset their tummies.

2. Prepare your pal. To get your dog comfortable with having his mouth touched, gently massage his lips. Next, dab them with a little toothpaste so he'll get accustomed to the taste. (See if he'll lick some off your fingers; if he does, reward him with a treat!)

3. Make your move. Gently lift up his lips, and hold the brush to his teeth at a 45-degree angle. Using small strokes, start by cleaning the upper canines, then finish the rest from top to bottom. Don't fret about brushing the tooth's inner surface -- doing the front is enough to tackle tartar.

Along with home brushing, your vet may recommend regular professional cleanings.





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Reprinted with permission by RealAge, Inc. Copyright© 2005, RealAge, Inc. All rights reserved. DogAge and Your Dog’s 2nd Best Friend are trademarks of RealAge, Inc. DogAge® is a federally registered trademark of RealAge, Inc. RealAge shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Republication or redistribution of RealAge content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of RealAge.

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Amazing Puppy Rescue !

Pet Airways

'Bone voyage' as pets get airline

Dan Wiesel and Alysa Binder got the idea while travelling with their dog Zoe

A new airline scheduled to take off in the US fully expects its passengers to behave like animals.

On Pet Airways, of Delray Beach, Florida, all pets travel in the main cabin and owners are not allowed on board - not even in the cargo hold.

The airline claims to be the first designed specifically for the safe and comfortable transportation of pets.

Company founders Dan Wiesel and Alysa Binder say they got the idea while planning holidays with their pet dog.

'Handled as baggage'

"Currently, most pets travelling by air are transported in the cargo hold and are handled as baggage," said Mr Wiesel.

"The experience is frightening to the pets, and can cause severe emotional and physical harm, even death. This is not what most pet owners want to subject their pets to, but they have had no other choice, until now."

Inside a Pet Airways plane
Seats are removed to make way for pet carriers

The airline has scheduled its first flight for cats and dogs for 14 July and will serve five US cities - New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles.

Pets - or pawsengers, as the airline calls them - can be booked in online and are checked in to a Pet Lounge at the airport.

Pet attendants give the animals a "potty break" shortly before take-off and then monitor the animals during the flight.

Owners - or Pet Parents - can follow their travel progress using an online "pet tracker".

On its website, the airline promises never to leave a pet alone adding: "A pet attendant will always be within a cat's meow."

The flights will be made in 19-seat turbo-prop planes operated by Suburban Air Freight, which have their seats removed to make space for the pet carriers.

Article from BBC NEWS http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8004122.stm

Tackling Ticks

Ticks aren't just annoying little bugs. They can infect your dog with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne diseases.

So if your pooch loves the great outdoors -- particularly if she wanders into wooded areas -- make sure to check her coat thoroughly and often, especially around the ears and neck. If you spot the bloodsuckers, remove them as soon as possible!

A tick that has burrowed into your dog's skin may be tricky to take out. Here's how to do it:

1. Slip on a pair of gloves to avoid direct contact with the tick.
2. Use tweezers to grasp the tick by its head at the point where it's attached to your pet's body.
3. Gently pull the tick away from the skin, but do not twist. Make sure you remove the entire tick -- anything left under the skin can cause an infection.
4. Clean the bite area with antiseptic, and wipe your tweezers with rubbing alcohol. You can kill the tick by placing it in a glass jar that contains at least several inches of the alcohol.

Contact your vet if the skin around the tick bite remains irritated. And to protect your pet during tick season (generally April through September), use a tick-preventive product that your vet recommends.

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Reprinted with permission by RealAge, Inc. Copyright© 2005, RealAge, Inc. All rights reserved. DogAge and Your Dog’s 2nd Best Friend are trademarks of RealAge, Inc. DogAge® is a federally registered trademark of RealAge, Inc. RealAge shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Republication or redistribution of RealAge content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of RealAge.