Step away from my rear end!

Sad news. Lonesome George, the last known Pinta Island giant tortoise, has died. His death likely marks the complete extinction of his subspecies.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/rare-giant-tortoise-lonesome-george-dies-galapagos-islands-article-1.1101707

Why Pets leave Earth before People.

FETCH!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

But, Please - don't actually leave the gate open!
 

I will be carrying the Home Again Chips if you would like to have your pet microchipped. Please ask if you have any questions.

As the process of finding missing pets goes "high tech" with GPS collars, QR code tags, etc., keep in mind that although these can be of benefit, they can also be removed. We still recommend a microchip because they are a permanent means of identifying your pet (and it's a very effective way to get your pet back, assuming you keep your info up to date in the registry). Use a collar and ID tag for instant identification of a lost pet, and a microchip to identify pets in case the collar/ID is lost or removed.
http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/lifestyle/finding-missing-pets-goes-high-tech

Happy Adopt-a-Cat Month! TGIF!

Now that summer is here, remember not to leave your dog in the car, even for a few minutes, and even with the windows cracked. Instead, leave your dog at home while you run errands or have a family member take him for a short stroll on leash while you’re in the store.

http://www.greeleygazette.com/press/?p=3212   (signs of heat -related illnesses in dogs).

Visit RAGOM'S booth at the Twin Cities Pride Festival in Loring Park this weekend to learn more about RAGOM and meet some of their foster dogs who are looking for their forever homes. One just might be your soul-mate!

Lilies are TOXIC to cats!

Happy Summer!

If you live in, or even plan to visit, an area where Lyme disease is present, be aware of the risks to you and your pets. Be sure that you use a good tick prevention on a regular basis and consider the vaccination for Lyme disease if your pet is at high risk (use the vaccination as a 2nd line of defense). Ask if you have questions!

http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/33337

Interceptor update: There is still no expected date for Interceptor to be back in production. For those who are concerned about use of alternative products such as Heartgard, please visit this helpful link. Ivermectin-based heartworm preventatives are safe even for pets with the MDR-1 gene mutation, but if you'd like to know whether your pet carries the MDR-1 gene mutation, you can send a cheek swab sample to Washington State University. Please ask me if you have any questions.

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/test.aspx

Here are some helpful 4th of July tips for your pet!

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2012/06/tips-for-keeping-pets-safe-this-4th-of-july/

Don't try this at home!

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=449597591736805&set=a.124967187533182.15791.123118657718035&type=1&theater 

Wednesday marks the first official day of summer. With a new season brings new potential hazards for pets. This article has some good advice on keeping your pets safe and healthy this summer.

http://www.nj.com/pets/index.ssf/2012/06/post_28.html

Dog Bite Prevention Tips from Safe Hands Rescue's!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150962940884906&set=a.358836044905.154195.199636709905&type=1&theater

Test Available for Multidrug Sensitivities in Dogs.

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/

Has your dog's temperament suddenly changed? Does he seem a bit grumpier, or more "bitey" than usual? It could very well be pain causing that change. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your pet's behavior.

http://news.yahoo.com/sudden-aggression-dogs-often-sign-pain-173250979.html

The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is recruiting dogs with year-round allergies for a new study!

http://www.cvm.umn.edu/cic/

If your dog has year round allergies - consider this option! 

I am not a demon. I am a lizard, a shark, a heat-seeking panther. I want to be Bob Denver on acid playing the accordion. -Nicolas Cage

 

 

Oh my! Check out this blog - creepy, funny, it's got it all - and cat's that look like Nicolas Cage! Yikes!

http://nickcagecats.tumblr.com/

TGIF!

Gene Kelly has nothing on this kitty!

http://www.thundershirt.com/HowItWorks/  - If your dog is afraid of storms - try the thundershirt, it
works in about 80% of the cases and is guaranteed. It's now available for cats too!

HouseCall VetCARE is now seeing appointments. You can contact me at 612/723-5039. Please pass this along and click on my Facebook Page and hit LIKE (unless you dislike!).

https://www.facebook.com/housecallvetcare  - We would appreciate you liking our page and passing it along!

http://housecallvetcare.com/  - Check out our website - it's still under construction. A huge thanks to
Sari Gordon for all of her help!!! This will be the future home of this blog.

Awwww! Are you ready for a diaster? Does your plan include your pets?

Protect your pet from POISONS in the Yard and Garden!

http://www.pettravelexperts.com/archives/2729

Beware if you use these in your picnic basket! Freezer Gel Packs are a toxin in animals if ingested in large quantities!

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12195.html

"Age is not a disease," says Donna Solomon, DVM. In this article, she offers some suggestions on how to provide the best care for your senior pet. How many of you have senior pets?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donna-solomon-dvm/aging-pet-advice_b_1574322.html

Protect your pet from sunburn! DO NOT use products with Zinc Oxide on your dogs or cats - IT IS TOXIC TO PETS!

http://www2.wsls.com/lifestyles/2012/jun/12/protect-your-pet-summer-sun-ar-1982720/

Toxins like essential oils and oral Valium (benzodiazepams) can cause jaundice and liver failure in cats!

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jlee/2012/june/yellow_cat_syndrome?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=20120613&utm_campaign=TheDailyVet-yellow-cat-syndrome#.T9irYfFSnZy

ANGEL KITTY!

SWEET DREAMS!

Thanks AVMA - this is funny!

Hit the snooze button one more time please....

"Is it real or is it Memorex!"

It's Monday - time to start the week right, with a little exercise!

Beat the heat! Pool Party!

What does a guy have to do to get a drink around here?

Why do the weekends always mean bathtime? Please, let me roll in the mud one more time....please! Photo: Why do the weekends always mean bathtime? Please, let me roll in the mud one more time....please!

An ode to cute. A puffy little handful!

HouseCall Vet CARE.....Coming Soon!

Please visit us at: http://housecallvetcare.com/

It's National Adopt-a-Cat Month. Be sure that your new cat is current on it's vaccinations and has been tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV (and intestinal parasites). Ask your Vet!

TGIF - let's go camping, be sure that I'm up to date on my vaccinations and flea/tick prevention!

I recommend using Frontline for most dogs and cats. But if you are having problems with live ticks on your dog while using Frontline or have a hunting dog - try Certifect. Certifect is not for cats.

I've got a Boo Boo!

Relaxing afternoon!

That's not a carrot...poison hemlock mistaken for a garden veggie with rough consequences.

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/06/garden-visitor-can-be-deadly-if-eaten/#.T80JARUQfQQ.email

SLEEPYTIME!

If you're looking for a kitten, check out The Adopt-A-Pet-Shop here in Plymouth. They have kittens and adult cats from multiple rescue groups looking for forever homes.

It's adopt-a-cat month - check out this rescue group!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adopt-A-Pet-Shop/302518436458259

Make sure these potential poisons lurking in your yards and gardens are kept away from your pets!

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/poison-proof-your-home/yard-and-garden/

Happy Adopt-A-Cat Month!

June is American Humane Association's Adopt-A-Cat month!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/sns-201205291800--tms--petwrldctnya-a20120530-20120530,0,5384463.column

t's Deer Tick Season - be sure that your pet (and you) are protected.

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/05/30/deer-tick-season-arrives-early/

It's Thunderstorm Weather! Check out the Thundershirt!

Thundershirt uses gentle, constant pressure to calm your dog, effectively aiding anxiety, fearfulness, barking and more.

http://www.thundershirt.com/

More recalls for ointments used in veterinary medicine!

http://www.rttnews.com/1893830/frank-s-pharmacy-recalls-sterile-human-veterinary-prescriptions.aspx?type=ts&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=sitemap

New information on Pet Food Recalls. This includes food sold at Costco! I didn't see Minnesota on this list - BUT CHECK YOUR BAGS

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm303034.htm

Kirkland brand foods - sold at Cosco!

More information on the chicken jerky treats from China. Most complaints involve Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch brands produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co., and Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp.

 

http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11798368-nearly-1000-dogs-now-sick-from-jerky-treats-fda-reports-say

While many human foods are toxic to dogs and cats, some are actually safe to feed them. Read over our list of safe foods for pets and make sure you know which foods you can and cannot share with your dog or cat this Memorial Day weekend! Thanks for this great link Pet Poison Helpline!

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2011/09/what-are-some-foods-safe-to-feed-pets/

Cat Bites!!!

While we've been focusing on dog bites this week, cat bites can in some cases be more severe. Cat saliva contains a number of serious disease-causing bacteria. Cat bites can become abscessed or even cause infections of the blood stream (sepsis), bones, or joints. If you are bitten by a cat, and especially if the wound is on your hand, you should be seen by a doctor immediately. This is why we often have our technicians hold your cat for us when we are performing scary or painful procedures such as giving vaccines- while most kitties won't normally bite their owners, being in the clinic is a nerve-wracking experience and can make cats bite unexpectedly. We would hate to have you follow your vet visit with a trip to urgent care! Check out the link for more information about what else might make a cat act aggressively.

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/types-of-aggression-in-cats/ 

URGENT RECALL: All sterile human and veterinary prescriptions compounded and distributed by Franck’s Pharmacy from November 21, 2011 to May 21, 2012.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm305509.htm?source=govdelivery

DRY CAT FOOD RECALL UPDATE: Diamond Foods recall update: they've updated the list with the cat foods recalled. Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013) and Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula (December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)

Link for Diamond recall of both Cat and Dog dry food. The cat food recall is new!

http://diamondpetrecall.com/kirkland/

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Gary Landsberg addresses the short-term vs. long-term solutions for clients whose dogs exhibit this form of noise reactivity.

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/Behavior/Video-Treating-storm-phobias/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/717775

http://www.thundershirt.com/

A Pennsylvania family of three is receiving post-exposure rabies vaccinations because a bat found in their home tested positive for rabies. If you find a bat in your home, it should be tested for rabies. Don't mess with rabies, folks - you'll lose. THIS IS ANOTHER REASON TO KEEP YOUR PET'S VACCINATED.

http://triblive.com/news/1849172-74/rabies-bat-bats-department-health-pennsylvania-tested-according-agriculture-allegheny

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! A benefit in memory of the late, great Karl Mueller. Proceeds benefit Karl's Fund at the Minnesota Medical Foundation.

http://www.thecedar.org/events/2012/06/17/kill-kancer-benefit-featuring-magnolias-golden-smog-special-guest-chan-poling-jord

JUNE 17, 2012 - doors open at 6:30pm, music starts at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15.00. Proceeds benefit Karl's Fund (Karl Mueller) at the Minnesota Medical Foundation.


http://enterthesoulasylum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=951
The Karl fund is a research fund Karl's wife Mary Beth had created. She has also set up a special page on Facebook about the fund.

The following is a description of the fund from the Facebook page:

In memory of my late husband I began a research fund at the University of Minnesota after Karl's death. The original donation was the remainder of the funds raised at Karl's benefit at the Quest shortly before his cancer returned. This fund is used in research for the early detection of esophageal cancer, the cancer that took Karl's life.

Please help out by joining and encouraging others to become a member of The Karl Fund group by visiting the following link
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=130296286993363&v=info

Check out the new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheKarlFund

MY FACEBOOK URL IS FINALLY PRETTY!

www.facebook.com/housecallvetcare

From the AVMA and HouseCall VetCARE: Deepest sympathies to those who lost their beloved pets (and patients) when an arsonist set fire to Tucumcari Animal Hospital in Tucumcari, New Mexico. We hope they catch the [insert word of your choice here] that did this. PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION!

http://www.kasa.com/dpps/news/crime/50-animals-die-in-possible-arson_4182937

The Best Cat Clinic in the Twin Cities! Check them out on Facebook or visit their website.

http://www.catspreferred.com/

https://www.facebook.com/catspreferred

Check out this full-service clinic in Burnsville. I am doing relief work there! My next day is Tuesday May 29, 2012.

http://www.crossroadsanimalhospital.com/

Tide Pod's look like candy - children are eating them and getting sick. I'm sure that pet's might try to eat them too. Put them out of reach of both children and pets.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/05/laundry-detergent-pods-poisoning-children/

Thanks to Pet Poison Helpline for finding this excellent article - the 5 most common items in your purse/bag that could poison your pet.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-karen-becker/pet-poison_b_1470638.html

Dr. Kim May was interviewed for an upcoming news segment on bed bugs and pets. We’ll let you know when the final product is available, but until then you can visit AVMA's FAQ on pets and bed bugs to learn more about the subject.

http://www.avma.org/animal_health/bedbugs_faq.asp

This is an excellent article from Louisiana State regarding cat and dog bites.

http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/animal_bites.htm

I love dogs (and cats)!

Per AVMA: A new test that can detect and predict osteoarthritis (OA) before patients experience symptoms was developed by analyzing the joints of dogs with arthritis. Although this article focuses on how it could help human patients, animals are also affected by OA and this could be of real benefit.

http://news.yahoo.com/research-dogs-points-early-test-arthritis-180408557.html

The most common victims of dog bites are children (especially boys) between 5 and 9 years of age. This doesn't mean that kids should never play with dogs, but they need to be taught a few "do's" and "don'ts". Check out Dr. Yin's suggestions for ensuring safe interactions between kids and dogs.

http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/kids-and-dogs-how-kids-should-and-should-not-interact-with-dogs

The Blue Dog Parent Guide and CD is designed to help parents and children safely interact with dogs both inside and outside their home. Targeted and tested for children from 3 to 6 years old, it is intended as a tool to be incorporated as part of a more comprehensive prevention program.

http://www.avma.org/bluedog/default.asp

From the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Do you have a new puppy or kitten? You want to make sure you're giving your pet the proper care he or she needs in order to be happy and healthy. Remember: it's necessary to keep up with preventive care. Taking care of your pet's health at the beginning of his or her life will help to reduce problems later on down the road.

http://www.jsonline.com/sponsoredarticles/pets/pet-health-care-primer-what-you-need-to-do-and-when8065370101-152294815.html

This article has some great tips for preventing dog bites, especially among children. Remember: any dog can bite. These simple tips -- like learning to recognize canine body language, never leaving a small child alone with a dog, and teaching kids respect for dogs -- are easy to follow and can help keep your family safe.

http://pawcurious.com/2012/05/its-dog-bite-prevention-week-three-top-tips-for-preventing-bites/

This article from veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin is an in-depth look into why dogs bite (it's not about dominance!) and ways to help a dog learn to respond more appropriately to the things he finds scary.

http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/preventing-dog-bites-stop-dog-aggression-before-it-starts

Looking for fun, yet educational, dog bite prevention resources for kids? Try our Doggy Do's and Don'ts coloring book. You can download it as a free pdf and print as may copies as you'd like, or you can purchase printed copies in packs of 25 from our store

https://ebusiness.avma.org/EBusiness50/ProductCatalog/product.aspx?ID=210

Chicken jerky treat update: The FDA has received almost 1,000 complaints from consumers whose dogs have been sickened by chicken jerky treats from China. Despite repeated tests since 2007, FDA scientists have been unable to detect any toxin responsible for the animal illnesses.

msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11798368-nearly-1000-dogs-now-sick-from-jerky-treats-fda-reports-say

Here is information about dog food from the nutritionist at the University of Minnesota.

http://www.kare11.com/news/article/962310/26/High-priced-dog-foods-Are-they-worth-the-money

Check for the AAFCO statement and buy a food made for your dog. If it's a puppy, get puppy food and if it's a big dog that exercises a lot go for a higher calorie count. You should also follow the feed directions on the bag. 

Do you ever go hiking with your dog? ASPCA has some tips to help keep your pooch safe

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/hiking-safety-tips.aspx

Funny letter to the Humane Society (originally posted by the Animal Humane Society).

It's Dog Bite Prevention Week: Check out these great tips from behaviorist Patricia McConnell.

http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/preventing-dog-bites

When your pets are outdoors, it's important to remember some of these common sense tips that can keep them safe.

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20120519/SPACES/305190009/Guarding-pets-Use-safety-precautions-yards-gardens?nclick_check=1

Dallas is the latest city to report an upswing in the number of parvo cases. This is a very hardy virus and can survive in the environment for a long time. Make sure your dog is protected against parvo. Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinations.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Vets-see-deadly-outbreak-of-Parvovirus-152122685.html

Cancer sucks!

Solar Eclipse May 20, 2012!

Play with a shelter cat...from your computer! Help make their day a little brighter and help test the system. It's free for the next 6 weeks.

http://www.catster.com/the-scoop/playing-with-shelter-cats-theres-an-app-for-that

It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week! There are many things that you can do to avoid dog bites, ranging from properly training and socializing your pet to educating your children on how, or if, they should approach a dog. Information is one of the best cures for this public health crisis.

Here is the AVMA page on Dog Bite Prevention. The photo above is not directly from the AVMA but
has some very common sense information.
http://www.avma.org/public_health/dogbite/default.asp

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! A benefit in memory of the late, great Karl Mueller. Proceeds benefit Karl's Fund at the Minnesota Medical Foundation.

http://www.thecedar.org/events/2012/06/17/kill-kancer-benefit-featuring-magnolias-golden-smog-special-guest-chan-poling-jord

JUNE 17, 2012 - doors open at 6:30pm, music starts at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15.00. Proceeds benefit Karl's Fund (Karl Mueller) at the Minnesota Medical Foundation.

http://enterthesoulasylum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=951
The Karl fund is a research fund Karl's wife Mary Beth had created. She has also set up a special page on Facebook about the fund.

The following is a description of the fund from the Facebook page:

In memory of my late husband I began a research fund at the University of Minnesota after Karl's death. The original donation was the remainder of the funds raised at Karl's benefit at the Quest shortly before his cancer returned. This fund is used in research for the early detection of esophageal cancer, the cancer that took Karl's life.

Please help out by joining and encouraging others to become a member of The Karl Fund group by visiting the following link:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=130296286993363&v=info