Cats and dogs and fleas and ticks

One of the first things veterinarians are taught in school is that "cats are not small dogs!" What this means is that the two species, although similar in many ways, have important differences in their anatomy and physiology. While this may seem utterly obvious, it's hard when you are in veterinary school to learn the complicated anatomy, physiology, pathology, surgery, etc., etc. for ONE species, much less all of the common domesticated species. That's not even counting wildlife, exotics, zoo animals, etc. It's common for the stressed out vet student to forget the important, but sometimes subtle, differences between species. Thus the little mnemonics: "cisplatin splats cats; cats are not small dogs."

It also happens to non-veterinarians. We've seen multiple cases recently of cats sickened by the use of external pesticides (flea and tick killers). In most cases, the drug is labeled for dogs only. Cats cannot tolerate some of these drugs, and they can get very ill, or even die.

Since these substances are placed on the outside of the pet, they aren't technically considered 'drugs' (which are subject to the rules of the FDA); they are considered external pesticides, and they are regulated by the EPA. Recently the EPA issued an advisory notifying the public about the "sharp increase" in the number of adverse reactions due to flea and tick products. Here's a news release. They even listed the 7 products that accounted for 80% of the reports. But then they took the names of the products off of the website, so we don't know which ones they are. Hopefully, they'll post the products again.

The point is, talk to your veterinarian about the most effective and SAFE product for you to use on your pet. Some products are known to be more effective and safer than others. Also, NEVER use a product on a cat unless it is labeled for use on cats.

In search of good information...

The internet is a wonderful thing. Think of all the things you do every day: online banking, buying stuff, researching items for school, getting the news, etc., etc., ad nauseum. There are so many fantastic, toothsome morsels to bite into, that it's sometimes hard to know where to go next. It's like dining at Guglhupf!

But unlike fine German cafes, there are also many rotten bites out there on the internet. Lots of sites have information that is either biased, or slightly untrue, or just downright lies. How are you supposed to know the difference? Sometimes it's easy, sometimes not. Often the best way to know is to visit sites that have been 'vetted' (pun intended!) by someone you trust.

So, here are some sites that we have visited and we think these are great places to sink your teeth into. Remember, the best source of information is your vet!

Feline asthma information

Veterinary nutrition consultations

General pet information

General pet information

Bon appetit!

Family pet? Or part of the family...?

Want to go to the park, but afraid that your elderly or otherwise ill or injured pet can't go? Never fear, just put them in a stroller! One company has come up with a solution that allows a pet owner to take their dog with them when the pet can't make it on their own.

While it's possible to take the cynical route and proclaim this a silly extravagance, we see every day how much people love their pets. Why shouldn't an elderly dog, who loves the park, get a little help getting to and fro? Once there, he or she can romp or walk or lay in the sun, then get an assist back to the domicile. Like people, many dogs and cats can live for a long time with a chronic condition (heart disease, arthritis, back injury, etc) that may prohibit a long walk, but doesn't interfere with their ability to enjoy the outdoors. Don't people take their elderly family members out for a walk in a wheelchair? Pets are family, too! It's not just about this product, it's interesting how pets have become so firmly intertwined in the fabric of our lives.

If you want to see this item ($223 on amazon.com as of 4/21/09) or more like it , go to this website. I'm sure there are other companies with similar products, but I just ran across this one.

Neat idea. My silly Lab would have to be seriously debilitated to let me push her around in this, though...