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Pet owners rethink their position to spay and neuter

Posted on: December 7th, 2010 by

A puppy waits to be neutered.

Despite the barrage of messages to the public from animal welfare groups and celebrities about the benefits of pet health due to pet spaying and neutering, there are still holdouts.

Until recently, William O of Elgin, Illinois was one of them. “I used to think that spaying/neutering pets was inhumane, but my position has changed because of the practical import in having such procedures done,” said O, a lawyer who is starting an animal law practice.

In addition to the problem of pet overpopulation (6-8 million pets wait for homes in shelters annually and at least half that number are euthanized each year), O sees another side of pet neutering and spaying– a lawyer’s point of view: housing, pet behavior issues, and noise complaints between tenants, landlords, and neighbors.

“For the most part, nuisance/noise complaints are caused by female outdoor pets in heat and their noisy, persistent suitors. Many of these problems could be avoided by spaying/neutering pets,” said O.

Another pet owner recently changed her mind about spaying a neutering.

Rasheda Williams of Detroit got her first cat this year, a kitten named Domingo. She didn’t want to put her kitten through any unnecessary pain, be it cat neutering or declawing. But when her friend, who owned multiple cats, told her she should have Domingo neutered, Williams began to wonder if she was in the minority.

“I went around asking pet owners and all of them agreed. I was so focused on my cat’s rights being violated that I didn’t see the big picture,” said Williams. “Once they explained to me the preventative benefits of the procedure, I changed my mind.” Domingo was neutered six months ago, is happy and healthy, and still has his claws.

Spay and neuter clinics abound, and many pet insurance providers even cover the procedure. Getting pets fixed is easier today than ever before.

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The truth about Rabies

Posted on: December 6th, 2010 by

A rabid dog attacks.

By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell
For Pets Best Insurance

Descriptions of rabies infections go back thousands of years, and most places in the world have had reports of this deadly disease. It is highly fatal, with no known predictable cure. While there have been recent reports of human survival after becoming infected, this is uncommon.

Many people don’t realize how fast death can occur once signs of rabies develop. The law, while regional in its specifics, generally requires all pets and most farm animals to be vaccinated against this disease. Even though vaccination is readily available, every year the U.S. reports several human deaths from rabies, not to mention hundreds of dog and cat deaths. Worldwide deaths from rabies are thought to be around 55,000 per year.

Rabies virus is an RNA virus called Lyssa virus. It is very unstable in the environment, meaning it can’t survive on its own and needs fresh contact with broken skin to survive. It is almost exclusively transmitted by bite wounds, but there have been reports of aerosolized transmission in bat caves also. Once the infected animal’s saliva is in the muscle tissue the virus works its way to nerve fibers where it slowly travels up nerves towards the brain. The farther away from the brain the animal or person is bitten, the longer it will take for them to show clinical signs. In general it can take weeks, months or even years to show signs. Once the virus reaches the brain, clinical signs begin within 3 days and the person or animal can become infective and spread the disease.

There are actually three stages once an animal is infected. Most people know the ‘mad’ or ‘furious’ stage, where animals become aggressive, but this is actually the second stage. The first stage generally involves a subtle behavior change. Social animals may become shy. Vocal animals may undergo a voice change. In the second stage the animal has no fear, may hallucinate and will attack. The last stage is a paralytic stage. Most animals will become weak and start to drool or foam at the mouth as the muscles in the throat are paralyzed. This is the most common stage for people to become exposed, as they approach an animal in distress.

In the last century, the number of human deaths from rabies in the U.S. has fallen from 100 or more per year to an average of a few per year. This is due to control and vaccination of pets and farm animals and to the development of effective post exposure treatment and vaccines. Even though human deaths from rabies are now rare in the U.S., approximately 16,000 to 39,000 people come in contact with potentially rabid animals and receive post exposure prophylaxis each year. Wild animals have accounted for over 90% of reported cases of rabies in recent years. Raccoons continue to be the most frequently reported rabid wildlife species, about a third of cases, with bats at about 25%, followed by skunks, foxes, and other wildlife.

If a person is exposed to rabies or bitten by an animal, quick treatment can prevent infection. Prompt washing of the wound with soap, water and iodine or alcohol can help. It is important to seek medical attention immediately; a series of vaccinations can prevent the disease. Most people working with wildlife or animals for a living are encouraged to be vaccinated against rabies.

Laws regarding rabies vaccination and biting dogs are very regionally dependent. Your area may differ, but in general, if your dog bites someone and isn’t current on their rabies vaccine, the law requires you to have them confined at an authorized facility for at least 10 days, and then vaccinated. If the dog had rabies at the time of the bite, they would likely die in that time.

You can help prevent rabies by keeping all of your pets vaccinated. Contact animal control to remove stray animals, or suspicious wildlife. Don’t approach sick or dead wildlife. If you are bitten, wash the wound and seek medical attention. The rabies vaccine is very effective, and with proper administration and common sense, rabies deaths should continue to decline. If you have questions about the vaccine status of your pet, contact your veterinarian.

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Nursing homes and miniature horses?

Posted on: December 3rd, 2010 by

Thunder Pants, the mini horse, visits a senior care facility.
By: Jack L. Stephens DVM
Pets Best Insurance President

I must admit I was more than skeptical when my wife proposed taking one of her miniature horses to the local senior care facility she visits regularly with our therapy dogs.

Working in the pet insurance industry and having worked with animals for years before that, my wife and I know the importance of the animal-human bond. And we love to share our service animals with as many people as possible.

Although the mini horses were a huge hit at a local elementary school’s first and second grade reading classes, I was hesitant to see how the senior residents might react to a tiny horse. At the school, true miracles happened as children that could not read publicly; in an instant could read flawlessly when the horse was looking over their shoulder. They were also popular with the special education high school students. But the senior care facility had fragile, bed ridden and wheelchair patients!

She insisted that “Thunder Pants” was so gentle, stoic and calm that he would be great. After calling to be sure our liability policy was in force and that the staff was up for it, off she went to the facility. I’m seldom effective in restraining her enthusiasm when it comes to sharing the value of therapy pets.

When she got there, residents were already waiting at the door to see the mini horse. Senior residents were lined up and wheelchairs lined the lobby in anticipation of Thunder Pants’ arrival. Immediately, everyone flocked to him. Each resident wanted to touch and rub him. Everyone, including the staff, wanted their photo taken with him.

When Thunder Pants reached over and kissed Vicki, everyone burst into laughter and applause. He whinnied at the resident cockatiels and again everyone applauded. What was supposed to be a very brief trial visit ended up lasting over an hour. After the visit, some of the residents even walked Thunder Pants to the lobby to say their goodbyes.

Whoever says dogs are the only good therapy pets has likely never encountered a mini horse like Thunder Pants. But one thing is for sure, the tiny horse was a hit and a blessing for the residents and staff. Thunder Pants’ visit was a welcome pleasure for bedridden residents.

As my wife drove home, she called me crying. She was crying for the joy she felt in bringing enjoyment to those at the senior care facility and for sharing the wonderful magic of the human-animal bond. Schotzie, our wheelchair bound Daschund, still holds the inspirational title but he now has a competitor for most entertaining therapy pet.

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Pet Relocation: The top four things to consider

Posted on: December 2nd, 2010 by

Two dogs stick their heads out the car window.
By: The Pet Airways Team
For Pets Best Insurance

If you’re getting ready for a big move to a new city or a new state, you already know there are a gazillion things to take care of and remember. But if you’re moving with a pet, that makes it a gazillion and one – at least. At the risk of making your to-do list for relocation even longer, here are 4 things you shouldn’t forget when you’re moving and have to travel with your pet.

1. Microchips
If you haven’t already microchipped your pet, now is a perfect time to consider it. About the size of a grain of rice, each microchip contains a unique identification number assigned to your pet, and is implanted just under your pet’s skin. If your pet is lost and found by a shelter or local authority, the chip can be scanned and your pet’s identification information traced to you.

Most vet offices, humane societies and animal shelters have microchip readers. Implanting the chip takes just a few seconds, and no anesthesia is necessary. The primary benefit of microchip identification over a collar or tag is that the chip can’t be removed, fall off or get lost.

Of course, the registration information needs to be current! So if you’re microchipping your pet just before moving, make sure to use your new address – and if your pet already has a microchip, remember to update the address information with your registry keeper.

2. Is Your Car Safe?
Whether you’re flying with your pet, or driving all the way to your new home, make absolutely certain your pet is secured safely. While most of us wouldn’t think of driving off in the car without a seat belt, we don’t always think about our four-legged fellow travelers.

According to www.barkbuckleup.com/default.asp, letting your pet travel without a restraint poses dangers to both of you in the event of an accident. Even in a collision of only 30 mph, a 15-pound cat can cause an impact of more than 675 pounds. A 60-pound dog can cause an impact of 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield, or another passenger. It’s a terrifying thought! After a car accident, an unrestrained pet could escape and potentially cause a second collision, and a frightened or over-protective dog may not let strangers get close who are trying to help you.

Wherever you’re traveling, always use a pet seatbelt, or secure your pet and carrier in the cargo area of your vehicle.

3. Packing and Prep
Getting pets accustomed to a carrier in advance of the move is key, but so is getting your pets groomed for travel. Make sure your pet’s toenails are clipped so they won’t get hooked on the carrier door or other openings. You might also consider bringing your double-coated breed to the groomer or vet for professional undercoat removal. Removing dead undercoat will help your pet feel more comfortable especially in the summer months.

If your pet is flying to your new home, you’ll want to pack some luggage as well (carry-on, of course!). A one-gallon ziptop bag is the perfect size for 2 meals worth of food, any medications, a small toy or leash. Don’t forget your necessary medical documents including a health certificate, proof of rabies and other vaccinations.

4. The Transition Plan
If your pet has never been outside of the house, a big move can be especially challenging. Stress and fear can cause pets to run away after moving. If your new house has enough space, consider setting up a designated room just for your pet with food, water, toys, bedding and the travel crate. Keep your pet in this room for the first few hours or days after arrival with just short breaks outside for potty or walks.

Even a cat who is typically allowed outdoors should be kept inside for a few weeks. If your cat really, really wants to go out to explore, be sure you can monitor him. Once again, microchipping is a great precaution for that first trip outside.

Gradually socialize your dog in the new neighborhood. Start with short trips around the block – and make certain your first trips outside the house aren’t just to the vet’s office! Drives around the block, to the dog park or pet store will help your pet become familiar with unfamiliar surroundings.

A regular schedule of walks, meals, playtime and potty breaks will help you and your pet adjust quickly to life after a move.

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Pets Best Insurance five fast facts

Posted on: December 1st, 2010 by

La La the Chihuahua watch dog looks out the window.
By: Dr. Jack Stephens
Pets Best Insurance President

• When a cat rubs you it’s thought to be demonstrating a strong social bond? Of course kitty loves you, but did you know she could also be releasing pheromones which are undetected by humans?

Pheromones are body chemicals that alert other animals of mood. It is thought that cats and dogs can detect these chemicals emanating from humans to determine if we are angry, sad or happy the moment we enter their space or room.

• Wild animals can be trained but still remain ambivalent and unpredictable to human ways. They may appear to acquiesce to our direction but are ultimately “hotwired” to reject this human control, whereas domesticated pets are not.

• Increasing physical activity to 30 minutes a day is proven to be good for overall health in humans and in dogs.Take a walk with your pooch.

• It’s believed that you can reduce your pet’s chances of bladder cancer if he’s fed vegetables 3 times a week. Scottish Terriers, in particular, have a very high incidence of bladder cancer at 30%, which is thought to be genetic. Give your Scottie (or whatever kind of dog you have) some veggies!

• Periodontal disease (infected, heavy tartar on teeth) increases the incidence of heart disease by 6 times in pets. The disease can also damage the kidneys, liver and other organs.

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