Critter Consulting

What’s happening in local pet news?  We’ve got the latest, including that pesky peanut butter recall.

• Mountain lions, oh my! Nicole Lentz fought off 2 young mountain lions as she walked her 4-month-old lab, Piper, in the Skyhawk neighborhood in Santa Rosa.  (See article & video @ KTVU.com.)  If you’re hiking where mountain lions have been sighted, keep your dog on leash with you.  Read more cougar body language and safety tips.
• What’s in a name? Ukiah’s city council debated a proposal to change pet “owner” to pet “guardian”.  It’s a  change that Sebastopol, San Francisco & Marin County have adopted.  Although a “guardian” is defined as a pet owner in the proposal, proponents in Ukiah fear that the name change will open the door to legislation that ultimately ends the status of animals as property.  We’re hoping the “guardian” term encourages empathy & compassion toward animals.  (Read more from Pressdemocrat.com, including the 2/18 update.)
• February 24th is “Spay Day“. Per the HSUS:  “Nearly 4 million cats & dogs are euthanized each year in shelters across the country.  That’s one every 8 seconds.”  Unacceptable.  Neuter your pet.  If finances are tight, ask your local shelter and your vet if they’re offering any discounts.  Check our site & calendar for local, free or low-cost neuter/spay clinics.  Enter the HSUS online pet photo contest and raise funds for spaying & neutering @ the same time!
• No room @ the inn:  The HSSC is turning away some animals & reducing staff.  Donations are down, and the reduced revenue is taking a toll.  (Read more @ Pressdemocrat.com.)  The recession is tough on everyone.  Remember to donate what you can (volunteer, money or supplies) to your local shelter.  Every bit is appreciated!
• PB&J?  Not so much. We’re still updating our recent “You Are What You Eat” post with the latest on the peanut butter recalls.  Check in often or sign up for our email updates.
• What’s up with ewe?:  We love Navarro Vineyard’s wines and their lamb cam.  Watch live images of their pregnant baby doll ewes.  You might catch a lamb being born!

Now that you’re updated, don’t forget to stay current on your pet’s training. Contact us for help with improving your cat’s or dog’s behavior.  Enjoy each moment with your pet!

© 2009 CritterConsulting

In keeping with our belief that a healthy pet is happier and better-behaved, this is the 1st installment in our new series of posts on pet health.  Better than flowers & chocolate, right?!

• Brush your pet’s teeth daily.  Prevention is key.  Use pet toothpaste (not yours!) and a soft, child’s toothbrush.   Follow these step-by-step slideshows for tips on brushing your dog’s or cat’s teeth.  (Yes, your cat, too!)  Contact us for help with gradually introducing home dental care to your pet.
• Beware of Valentine’s Day hazards for your pet.  Read the ASPCA’s warnings on the dangers of chocolate & lilies.
• Try a pet-safe antifreeze in your car. Read more about antifreeze safety.
• Fleas & ticks are active in unseasonably warm weather. Read more & talk with your vet about safe prevention for your pet.  (Avoid over-the-counter topical treatments!  See news video.)  Remember, one flea bite can make a dog with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) miserable.  If Fluffy or Fido swallow a flea, that flea might transmit tapeworms to your pet.  And, each adult flea that you see represents only 1-2 % of the total flea population in the environment, including eggs, pupae & larvae.  So one is too many!
• Wondering if your dog and cat are fit? Check Purina’s body condition charts.  And, of course, follow your vet’s advice on maintaining your pet’s healthy weight.
• We’re still updating our latest “You Are What You Eat” post with the latest peanut & salmonella info.

Have a happy, healthy February!

Note:  Information provided on this site is not a substitute for veterinary care. See your vet before you begin a complementary health care or exercise plan. The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration/Center for Veterinary Medicine, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

© 2009 CritterConsulting