Back in the late 1980s the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) devoted an issue to pet and animal disaster care. Many of the articles have become classics–especially those dealing with nuclear disaster. This topic is ignored today. Even though nuclear proliferation is a hot topic we continue to be complacent when it comes to our pets and animals (as well as ourselves) when it comes to this calamity. We train for floods and fires , chemical spills, hurricanes and tornados. But, according to a recent New Yorker article, “we are still locked into a mind-set that nuclear war preparedness would be futile.”
A flash of light can signal this catastrophe–like a firecracker in the sky. We have 15 seconds to get to the core or center of a building away from windows–basements are best. For people and animals water, air and TRUST are a necessity. A battery-operated radio and nutrition bars, a whistle and gauze pads, collars and leashes and some dry ration are a plus. The ‘80s JAVMA writers advocated placing a plastic wading pool filled with water on top of chairs or a table and getting pets underneath. The water-filled pool absorbs radiation and can be an emergency water supply. Lack of water and air and trust can be fatal.
The service dog that helped his owner out of the Twin Towers on 9/11 had to be calm and trusting. His owner reports that he spent a great deal of time relaxing his dog. It is important in all disasters to keep pets as calm as possible. Canine Good Citizen training is the best preparation. See: Nuclear Disaster, Stephen J. Schulte, DVM, JAVMA March 15, 1987. See also: Radiologic Hazards and Defense, John E. Morrison, DVM, and The NJ Plan for Response to Nuclear Plant Accidents, Sidney R. Nusbaum, DVM. There are also limited copies of a booklet titled: Guidelines for Emergency Pet Care, an Animal-Vues publication : Bloomsburg University.
NO DOG FRIENDLY CANDIDATES. Julian Prager believes there were no dog-friendly candidates in the recent Pennsylvania primary. Advice: By using the write-in option a successful effort was mounted against Rep. Dave Millard who does not vote “dog”. One reason: As a member of the Bloomsburg Fair Board he views dogs as part of agriculture–as dog farming! Perhaps candidates could be invited to club, organization meetings and events? Invite Prager too for an informal debate. Also, write letters to the editor to learn candidates’ views on dog issues. Spotlight the needy incumbents!
GROOM FOR THE GULF. “Matter of Trust” is an environmental San Francisco-based organization that takes pet and people hair and makes oil-absorbent hair mats. The hair is stuffed into recycled nylon stockings. A gallon of oil can be absorbed by a pound of hair in two minutes!!
DOG BITES A FORM OF FAMILY VIOLENCE. Although May 16-22 was National Dog Bite Prevention Week the public service education must continue every week of the year. Be a good journalist/speaker and update your statistics. About 4.5 million Americans are bitten each year, with one in five resulting in injuries requiring medical attention and 31,000 people undergo reconstructive surgery. Children ages five through nine are most at risk. The attacking dog is usually a family member and so you might call dog bites a form of family violence!
May 23, 2010 | | Uncategorized
MOTHER’S DAY HAS PASSED, BUT SHOULD WE STILL CELEBRATE WITH DUCKS IN DIAPERS? Our local paper recently published a story about ducks tested to do therapy–they passed– but had to wear diapers! Not even experienced dogs are allowed this privilege if they are incontinent! The owner is Neil Young (Funny Farm), most famous for owning Timmy the dog who wears a hearing aid. (Funny Farm animals make headlines.) Linda Hendricks, a 4-H educator, tested the ducks and, yes, one duck was named “Daffy”. Cagney’s question: is happiness really a warm duck? And, is this therapy? Personally, I do not believe that livestock and exotic animals should be considered pets! And, even if ducks were considered pets this therapy appears to be more like taking a pet and toy parade or petting zoo into a nursing home! This could be Funny Farm entertainment but it is a stretch to call it therapy or even educational. A state law prevents liability lawsuits attached to pet therapy. It was introduced and passed mainly due to the efforts of former Senator Ed Helfrick. I wonder if either he or the State has or had livestock and exotic animals in mind. Is it time for a legal definition of pet therapy?
Clearly, the ducks did not enjoy the interaction (according to the reporter who wrote the story– so animal rights advocates take heed) . I don’t believe there is any documentation that duck therapy has positive benefits like increased heart health, lower blood pressure, or benefits by “ walking the duck”– although Young claims the ducks are wonderful with autistic children! Laughter, of course, is healing. Ducks in diapers might evoke laughter or at least giggles. But, isn’t it important to respect animals? Respect is vital for kindness. I fail to see lessons of respect and kindness in this therapy. Cagney questions–will any funds gained from duck appearances be sent to help the oil contaminated ducks and other wildlife offshore in the Gulf of Mexico?
THINKING OUT OF THE BOX. My 13-year-old Springer, Cagney, recently contracted pneumonia and we learned two helpful lessons. A pill box can be a great asset in organizing the new medications and a medication schedule. Further, a floor fan on low speed can make breathing easier. And remember to take care of yourself when taking care of a sick pet!
EPA IMPOSES NEW REGULATIONS ON SPOT-ON FLEA AND TICK PESTICIDES. Although the government did not see any reason to ban any of these products it did see a need to require stronger labeling statements to prevent misuse–particularly in the area of weight restrictions. Spot-on products have caused incidents ranging from skin irritations to death, with most adverse reactions occurring in animals less than 3 years old and weighing 10 to 20 pounds. Pet owners are urged to read instructions carefully. (You can and should receive medication information sheets with all drugs prescribed for your pet–even in pill bottles!)
REMEMBER MAY 16 - 22 IS NATIONAL DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK. A small number of coloring book sets are still available for use in programs; however, the best program today is BLUE DOG, available through the AVMA. Talk to your veterinarian or download materials www. avma.org/dogbiteprevention
May 17, 2010 | | Uncategorized
Headline in the New York Times–A NEW BREED OF GUARD DOG ATTACKS BEDBUGS. Fascinating, I thought. I wonder what they call this new breed–or is it a mixed breed? Is it recognized by the AKC? It turned out that the feature was about a puggle named Cruiser that searches hotels, college dorms, office buildings, etc., looking for bedbugs. Cost for a Cruiser visit is $350 and he can earn over a thousand dollars a day! Entomology researchers at the University of Florida report that well-trained dogs can detect a single live bug or egg with 95% accuracy. A CAGNEY QUESTION– if the entry levels are down in the mixed-breed AKC events, then perhaps these dogs are working for something more than a MACH or a ribbon? Follow the money trail right to the bedbugs!
The first weekend mixed breeds were allowed to compete in AKC rally, agility and obedience trials, a total of 29 clubs hosted 75 events. An agility judge told me the number of mixed breeds in competition was small–as few as one or two dogs in one of the events she judged.
However, the opening of AKC events to mixed breeds has brought a whole new learning experience for many owners. A great well-trained dog is a necessity but there are other things to think about, like water and water dishes, treats, a comfortable and familiar place to rest between and before events. Many states require health certificates. And, it would be a good idea to carry a copy of the rabies certificate and entry. Also, it would be wise to make sure dogs are securely crated/seat belt harnessed, while in transit. Advice: if possible join a local kennel club or training group and travel with members. Today, fortunately many clubs that sponsor these events have organized special hospitality groups to help newcomers.
Since May 8 is NATIONAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS DAY this would be a good time for all of us to check pet evacuation kits and add fresh food and water. This year I added a pet food measuring cup to the kit. This special cup was free from Innova and I got it from Sunlight in Bloomsburg. Also I received a large plastic clip good for keeping open bags closed. Both are items I had not thought of adding. The other new addition was a pill case. They give them away free at senior centers.
THE LATEST ON HIP DYSPLASIA. This debilitating disease can end working dogs’ careers and disable active pets. Up to 50% of dogs in certain large breeds are affected. Dr. George Lust, professor of physiological chemistry at Cornell, is working on ways to understand and control the disease. Dr. Lust is working toward a genetic test that can be used early in a dogs life to tell whether the dog will develop the condition as it gets older. “We want to find a way to diagnose it from a sample of blood or a cheek swab,” he explains. Hip dysplasia is likely caused by a combination of genes, said Lust.
SPECTRUM magazine, an award-winning effort by Bloomsburg University students, is now available. Three articles may be of interest to members. They include THE BUNCHERS, an investigation of class B dealers and animal cruelty, ALZHEIMERS, ARTHRITIS, DIABETES AND DOGS, and AN EXTENSION OF MOTHERHOOD. The latter is about me. It is flattering and parts of it are even true. The bonus is a great picture of Cagney doing her Elizabeth Taylor pose and Hepburn checking out a sculpture of a Springer once owned by Senator John Gordner’s aide, Karen Venditi. SPECTRUM is the brain child of Dr. Walter Brasch with his lovely wife, Rose riding shot gun! And, of course Senator Gordner sponsored the National Day of Prayer resolution in the Senate–the first Thursday in May, a day to recognize the power of prayer. I always include my dogs in my prayers and I hope you do, too.
May 07, 2010 | | Uncategorized