23/07/2024
American Association of Feline Practitioners newly published guideline on intercat tension, how to prevent and how to deal with the issue
The Pet Care Advocate
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Pet Care Advocate sharing tips, insights & experiences to help pet parents provide the best pet care My Callie was a sweet and beautiful being. That was close!
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Hi, my name is Carla and I am an animal lover to the very core. I have had pets all of my life; including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and even turtles. Looking back throughout my life, I hadn’t realized until recently that my desire and passion to help and nurture animals actually stems from my early childhood of raising my pets and the interactions I encountered with them and the other animals I c
ame into contact. It has been through my personal experiences that I came to the realization that I want to aid and assist animal lovers like me, and to help you be the best pet care giver that you can be for your pet family member. As I embark on each day, I continuously find myself automatically doing just that; helping people and animals, and more specifically, assisting and helping people with their pets. My purpose further developed into a mission, after my cat, Callie’s medical experience. Yes, my Callie was the “cat”alyst for me taking the leap into becoming a Pet Care Advocate. It was through our medical care and treatment experience that led me to take a harder look at all that is involved in pet care, from basic well care to the vast and potential medical treatments and diagnoses. There is so much that can be encountered from the very start of the specific animal’s life. The process itself, is not always an easy one to navigate and depending on the stage where you and your pet are, the options and choices may not readily present. Our friendship began when I had found her as a kitten in my parent’s back yard. She was crying for her mommy. I waited patiently, for hours until night time for the mommy cat to come and rescue her baby kitten, but, she never came back for her. So, I picked her up, gave her food and water, and from that very moment we were instantly bonded. I also knew I needed to take her to the veterinarian for a check-up before I brought her in to the home and introduced her to my other family pets. In the short interim period, I kept her outside where she felt comfortable and safe. She had shelter in an outdoor pet house with plenty of food, water and toys, and lots of company from my family. While outside, Callie used to wait for me to come home. She would run towards me in the yard, usually from under the Honeysuckle bush she loved to lay under. I would scoop her up and just hold her. It is one of the happiest memories I have of my Callie. After Callie had been to the veterinarian, been tested and received her vaccines, I began the process of bringing her into the home and slowly introduced her to the other family pets. Callie settled into our home quite easily and was a wonderful addition to the family. Callie was an amazing huntress. You could actually hear the wind as should would take a swipe at a toy or one of the other pets that got out of line. At one point, we were living on a farm and as such the occasional mouse would find its way in. One night, I was sitting down watching TV in the living room and I spot Callie running through with what I thought was one of the toy mice until I saw it move. Yep, she had caught a live mouse. I did the shrieking thing for a moment, but I didn’t want her to kill it in the house so I went chasing after her and picked her up. I opened the back door and tried to convince her to let it go by nudging her mouth without touching the mouse. Finally and reluctantly, she let the mouse go and it went scampering into the fields. In time and sporadically, as Callie got a little older, she started urinating on my bed and other places. I knew this was not appropriate behavior and so I took her to the veterinarian and the blood and urine tests showed all was good. This went on for about a year, and back and forth I would go with her to the veterinarian. I just knew something wasn’t right. Eventually, her blood test came back indicating that she was having kidney issue(s), not simple ones by any stretch. She was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). By the time the diagnosis had been made known, it was already too late in the process for my Callie. If only, I had had someone advise me that I should have taken her to a veterinarian internal medicine specialist way before the kidney issues started presenting in the blood tests. You see, by the time kidney issues do show in a blood test with cats, the kidneys are already estimated to be about 75 percent compromised. 75 percent! With 25 percent of her kidney capacity, Callie managed to live for a few more years after and eventually, as time evolved, we had implemented the regimen where we were having weekly intravenous fluids administered to clear out the kidneys. This was to allow the remaining kidney capacity to maintain the ability to function and provide quality and compassionate care. She then went blind overnight. I rushed her to the veterinarian and was told she had developed high blood pressure, which can sometimes be a resulting issue with a cat with CRF. She was put on medication for the high blood pressure and her sight did return. Sadly, with time, the strain began to take its toll on her and I could see she was taking a turn for the worse, and I knew, the moment every pet parent fears was upon me. The gut wrenching decision had to be made to have her euthanized. My heart was shattered… even now, as I am writing this testimony, I am crying, because years later the loss of a pet family member still can hurt. I do know, in my heart, that I had done as much as I could for Callie, with what I knew, but I vowed then and there for the future, to make sure all avenues are explored, that I am armed with as much information as I can be to ensure my pet has the absolute best care. I believe, my veterinarian, at the time, had done the best she could for me and my Callie and I certainly don’t fault her for anything. I came to the conclusion and realized after this experience that it is absolutely, okay to go and get a second opinion, just like we do and should for ourselves. It is okay to seek out a specialist and even explore holistic treatments for the best care and quality of life. Because of this experience with Callie, when my cat Sammy also started showing signs of kidney issues, I was able to respond more quickly and efficiently. Between my regular veterinarian’s care, a veterinarian internal medicine specialist along with a holistic veterinarian, my Sammy lived a long quality life with CRF. My Sammy recently passed a few months ago, and it was just as heartbreaking, but this time, I knew I had truly done my absolute best for him and more importantly, I think he knew it too. Yet, even still, I further learned from his experience. I will share more about that with all of you down the road. It is through these experiences that have led me to become The Pet Care Advocate. I want to help you and others that may not know of the information and options that are out there for a particular issue, help you navigate the possibilities, find a specialist, or even an animal therapy center. I also want to provide you with all the many tips I have learned over the years from everything from giving medication to a pet, to getting information on doing a Trap Neuter Release, to interviews with veterinarians, shelters, volunteers, and pet specialists. I welcome the opportunity to take the journey with you and your pet, to afford you the ability to give the best care to your pet, making for a happy and rewarding quality life. Pet Parent to Pet Parent.
30/06/2024
Please please please.
09/04/2024
Alley Cat Allies is compelled to address the shockingly biased and dangerously misinformed portrayal of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), community cats, and the people who protect them in the article ‘How the ‘No Kill” Movement Betrays Its Name’ published in The New Yorker. The “article,” which...
14/02/2024
🚨
Three batches of Viva Raw pet food were voluntarily recalled by the firm after testing detected salmonella and listeria.
13/02/2024
Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP, a leading law firm in protecting consumers and small businesses against corporate fraud and unfair competition, r
31/12/2023
03/12/2023
Scented Candles: Seasonal Smells, but Harmful to Everyone’s Health 🕯️⚠️
As appealing as scented candles are, they also produce dangerous indoor pollutants that dramatically affect the health of your entire family, including the furry members. 🤧❗
I don't recommend using air-scenting products, especially if you have pets in your home that can’t step out for a breath of clean, fresh air, if needed. ✖️
For safe, nontoxic ways to keep your home smelling fresh, read today’s free article: https://bit.ly/3sR4sbR
29/11/2023
What dog parents need to know about the mysterious dog illness, from pet expert Steve Dale. Most important, they need to know it's here
16/10/2023
Scruffing has been a common practice in cat handling for a long time. It’s the method of cat restraint most veterinary professionals were originally taught. Scruffing is where the cat is grasped by the loose skin on the back of the neck. Even though this restraining technique has been widely used ...
15/08/2023
Do not give hydrogen peroxide to cats!
The internet can be full of misinformation, and whether or not hydrogen peroxide can be given to cats is unfortunately, a topic that can lead to deadly consequences. There is no safe or effective way to make our feline friends vomit at home, that includes using hydrogen peroxide. In fact, using something like hydrogen peroxide can cause significant injury to a cat’s gastrointestinal system, potentially causing more damage than the original issue. Cats are extremely sensitive to the gastric irritant effects of hydrogen peroxide and giving any amount by mouth can have severe negative effects that can lead to death. If your pet ingested something you are concerned may be toxic, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline right away before attempting to perform any treatments at home.
02/07/2023
https://www.facebook.com/100064418755039/posts/651093833714569/?mibextid=afzh1R
While we humans may enjoy brilliant fireworks displays, they are most often accompanied by loud noises which can terrify our animal companions, sometimes leading to their frenzied escapes from the safety of our homes. Don't let this happen to your best friends!
Read more: https://bit.ly/44pLOF1
Please share this post to maximize your impact, and consider making a donation to support our work https://bit.ly/3qZVVSz
Thank you.
06/06/2023
The weather is heating up! Here are some reminders on how to keep your dog cool this summer!
23/05/2023
Memorial Day Pet Tips!
7 Tips for Celebrating Memorial Day with your Dog
It’s generally agreed that Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer. And who better to celebrate the start of the season with than your dog? When bringing your four-legged best friend along for some Memorial Day festivities, be sure to avoid any possible dog emergencies with the following summertime safety tips.
1. Fire, Barbecues, and Grills
One of the most common activities on Memorial Day is barbecuing, and one of the biggest things you need to focus on is keeping your dog away from the barbecue or grill. If your dog has been well-trained, you can teach him to stay away from the grill by using the “No” or “Off” command when he goes near it. But even the best-behaved dog might be drawn in by the delicious smells of food cooking on the grill (who wouldn’t be?) without realizing the potential danger it poses. Another option is to keep cooking areas closed off by using pet gates or baby gates so that your dog doesn’t have any access at all. These safety measures are also recommended for bonfires, fire pits, etc. when your dog is in the vicinity.
2. Food and Alcohol Safety
Memorial Day is a very casual, laid-back day. People tend to come and go from the table, leaving plates of food and/or alcoholic drinks unattended. To keep your dog from helping himself to unsafe foods or alcohol, always clean up quickly and put all the trash in a suitable container – a trash can with a lid is best because trash bags can easily spill, be knocked over, or get torn open. If you want to share a Memorial Day treat with your pet, make sure it is vet-approved for dogs (just ask us!).
Popular barbecue foods that your dog shouldn’t eat include avocados (guacamole), onions, any sort of alcohol, grapes, peaches, ice cream, chocolate, fat trimmings and bones, and raw meat or fish. (This is only a partial list; you should always check with your vet regarding dog nutrition.)
No matter how careful you are, your dog still might find and swallow something she shouldn't, so always keep the phone numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency vet clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center stored in your cell phone.
3. Water Safety
If you’re spending Memorial Day at the lake or beach, don’t just assume your dog will take to the water and be able to stay afloat. Not all dogs swim well or naturally, and they can drown just as fast as a person. Even dogs that swim well can tire very quickly, so when swimming with your dog, don't let them swim too far away from you. If you're out in a boat or raft, your dog should always wear a life preserver. And if your dog doesn't like the water, don't force him to go in!
4. Exposure to Sunscreen, Bug Spray, etc.
Of course, you will want to stay protected from the elements while enjoying your Memorial Day, but keep your dog at bay when applying sunscreen or bug spray. SPF protection for humans often contains chemicals that may be toxic to dogs, including the common ingredient zinc oxide. Many bug sprays contain DEET, which is also harmful to dogs. Look for dog-safe sunscreens and bug repellants (check with us for recommendations!), and make sure to thoroughly rub in any of your own sprays or creams before getting hands-on with your dog.
5. Heat Safety
It’s true that dogs’ fur coats provide built-in protection from the elements, but fur can’t block out the sun. Just 30 minutes of direct exposure can lead to sunburn or heatstroke for some dogs. Delicate, sparsely-coated parts of the body such as the nose, ears, belly, and any bare or shaved patches are more susceptible to sunburn, and white-coated dogs are more likely to burn than others.
There are several great dog-specific sunscreens available on the market, but you can also create an area where your dog can take solace from the sun. Set up a cool spot with a towel to lay on, some water to drink, and maybe even a new chew toy, and your dog should be more than happy to sit it out in the shade. Heat stroke is very common in dogs, so be sure to keep an eye out for early signs of overheating such as panting, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate with bounding pulses.
6. Fireworks
It’s natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises, especially fireworks. Because running away from loud noises is their natural instinct, it’s important to keep your dog in a safe place if fireworks will be going off. Take them to a friend or relative’s house for the night, or if you can’t take your dog to a place away from fireworks, set up a travel kennel at home for them to feel safe in.
7. Loss Prevention
If you’re hosting or attending a party where doors and gates will be opening frequently, consider leaving Rover home for the day. Take your dog for a special walk or hike earlier in the day when it’s not as hot, and then let them stay home in a cool, well-ventilated area while you are out celebrating. Then you know you'll come home to your best friend, rather than searching for a pooch who has escaped through an open door or gate. And no matter what, we recommend current ID tags and an updated microchip!
It’s summertime! Time to start enjoying the sunshine and spending as much time as possible outdoors. Keep your dog safe, and he or she will enjoy summer, too!
19/04/2023
Did you know that PACT works with all kinds of animals, not just cats & dogs? It's true!
These two birds of a feather would like to fly together. They're fantastic with people, kids, and dogs--but not cats (nobody is surprised there).
Currently, they're in Fayetteville, North Carolina and looking for a landing pad while their owners are deployed overseas with the Army from September 15th, 2023 until June 30th, 2024.
If you think you'd be a good foster, apply or let us know. Remember, all shares and donations help!
15/04/2023
Safer products to use when you need a flea, tick or Heartworm preventive 🦟🐾
If you live in a high-risk environment, a chemical "preventive" may be necessary at times. And while every chemical pesticide carries its own set of potential side effects, there are some products that are generally safer than others. Before you give a chemical pesticide ⚠️, there are some risks and ingredients you should be aware of to make the best (and safest) choice for your pet. 🐶🐱
If you are looking for safer options or natural alternatives, you don’t want to miss this week’s Inside Scoop episode! 🙌
This Sunday we’ll be joined by Dr. Judy Morgan and Dr. Jean Dodds to discuss:
🌿 Non-chemical, natural prevention and integrative options
🔎 What to look for and what to avoid when choosing a chemical pest preventive
💊 Supplements and herbs to support your pet if they’re taking chemical pesticides
📖 Plus download our updated Flea, Tick & Heartworm Guide full of DIY recipes, supplements and more
Join us tomorrow at 12pm ET for this important discussion!
👉To join our subscription community and catch our weekly Livestreams, just click the link below or head over to the Planet Paws and hit the "Subscribe” button. Also includes access to over 3 years of lives, interviews, ebooks and more in our Archives!
https://www.facebook.com/becomesupporter/PlanetPawsMedia
09/04/2023
🐕🐈 HOP AWAY FROM THESE EASTER PET HAZARDS ❌
Holidays can pose dangers to our pets, and Easter is no exception. Easter flowers, foods, goodies and decorations are all potential hazards that dog and cat parents should be aware of.
Get the complete list of Easter hazards here: https://bit.ly/3xm7iFI
20/03/2023
Another pet food🚨🚨🚨
As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not
16/03/2023
🚨Purina has expanded their recall. See article for more product codes:
Pet owners who have this food should throw it away immediately.
13/03/2023
Supplement Recall 🚨🚨🚨
Stratford Care USA, Inc of Odessa, Florida is recalling multiple brands of Omega-3 Supplements for cats and dogs due to potentially elevated levels of Vitamin A.
12/03/2023
Recall 🚨
A pet food company has issued a voluntary recall due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.
03/03/2023
‼️🚨🚨🚨‼️
17/02/2023
🚨🚨🚨
𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐚𝐫 & 𝐄𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐎𝐖!!! 𝐍𝐎𝐖 - 𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑.𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐋𝐀.
The owner is deployed, and they Grandmother is on assignment. A family member agreed to watch them, but has now backed out. The cats are currently in a kennel . Only need a foster until April .
𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗳𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗲@𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀.𝗼𝗿𝗴.
𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩: https://pactforanimals.org/pets/Edgar-Eden/
𝙄𝙛 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: https://pactforanimals.org/application/
13/02/2023
For anyone that would like to pay tribute or just send love to their pets while supporting a wonderful organization check out this Have a Heart Fundraiser for Blind Dog Rescue Alliance. For only $5 you can post a pic of your pet(s) and they will post it on the site and on their FB page.
https://www.blinddogrescue.org/how-to-help/have-a-heart-fundraiser/?fbclid=IwAR1Mna_CcvdwVdZdyuRqAuMeDqAutSg8oDbebTCLiNUUxvO-3ouKTMUPUs8
Have a Heart Fundraiser How to Help Volunteer Transports Donate/Shop Events Spread the Word Sweet Rescue Candy Fundraiser Have a Heart Fundraiser Starla Fundraiser Thank you to those who have shared:
31/01/2023
Yes they do.
I've often wondered if our cats miss us when we leave the house. Well, I don't think I'm ever leaving home again after seeing this!
23/01/2023
https://apnews.com/article/health-medication-cats-diabetes-39f7664907f2be6f0bb6a47677151714
When Mark Winternheimer’s 12-year-old tabby cat was diagnosed with diabetes last year, the treatment was daunting: twice-daily injections of insulin, an implanted monitor and frequent visits to the vet.
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