Pet Partners
An Educational Newsletter for Pet Lovers
March 2008
download a PDF of the mailed newsletter
Join Our
Mailing List!
click here!
Proudly Sponsored by:
702.567.5222
www.alohaah.com
702.444.3713
www.stidhamlawoffice.com
702.544.5512
www.volsche.com
702.437.4873
www.luckydogmagazine.com
702.873.7722
Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
www.nevadaspca.org
Disaster Preparedness For Pets
Being prepared in an emergency may well save your pet’s life, too. You can only prepare a plan of action if you know what you’re planning for. To find out what types of natural disasters have previously struck your area, contact your local emergency management office or Red Cross. They can advise you on what types of emergencies could affect your particular neighborhood.
You should also plan for non-natural disasters such as fires, gas leaks, or chemical or nuclear spills. In the event that you have to leave your home, take your pets with you. If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for them. Gather your critters inside the house as soon as you are aware that you may have to leave, so that you can easily get them when it’s time to go.
Always being prepared means having a disaster kit in your home. The kit should be easy to pick-up quickly and take out the door with you. It should include: a week’s supply of food and water in non-breakable, airtight containers; a plastic dish for food and water; a can opener, if you pack canned food; and an extra collar. Have a portable kennel for each of your critters handy. Also, you’ll want to have a well-stocked first-aid kit for your pet, and include in it any medications that your pet may need to take regularly. You should replace the food and water every six months, and once a year re-evaluate the contents of the kit depending on your pet’s changing needs.
Finally, don’t forget the paperwork. Have a copy of your pet’s recent vaccination records in your kit; some boarding facilities may require them before they will take your pet in. A recent picture of your pet could also come in handy if you should become separated. In the unfortunate event that you and your pet become separated, the American Humane Association strongly believes that identification is your pet’s ticket home. A microchip is a permanent form of identification and may be your pet’s best chance of being reunited with the family. A tag with an out of state phone number, in case phone service in your area is not available, is another way to assist in the return of your pet.
Hopefully you’ll never have to use your disaster plan. If you do ever need it, you’ll be very thankful that you were prepared; it could make a difficult time a bit easier for you and your faithful companion.
For a complete guide to disaster planning for your pets visit: www.avma.org/disaster/ and check out the brochure called Saving the Whole Family.
Guinea Pig Care
Guinea pigs are terrific little pets that belong to the Caviidae family (Cavy for short) under the order Rodentia (rodents). These bashful and fun-loving animals are inquisitive and social, often seeking the owners’ attention and favorite treats. They live for 5-9 years and grow up to 2.5 lbs. They need regular and routine maintenance and a specific diet to enjoy a long and healthy life. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best for your cavy:
A minimum 18 x 28 inch enclosure preferably wire sided for optimal air circulation. A solid floor is essential or solid surface (plywood, etc.) over wire bottom. The enclosure should be in a cooler area of the home that does not get above 88 degrees.
Pine shavings or paper product based bedding- avoid cedar or scented types. They can cause skin and respiratory irritations. Spot clean the cage of obvious messes daily and change bedding once weekly at a minimum.
Guinea pigs can be a little shy and enjoy some privacy so place a hide box or shelter in the enclosure so they may spend time from prying eyes if they choose.
Fresh water changed daily- even if it is supplied through a water bottle.
A quality Guinea Pig pelleted food. Make sure it is not an old or stale bag- many foods have a milled on date which helps to determine freshness. They should also have as much dark leafy vegetables that they want. The darker leafed veggies are higher in vitamins and minerals. Free choice timothy hay is a must. The fiber from the hay and veggies ensure good wear of the teeth (that are constantly growing) and proper gastrointestinal health.
Vitamin C supplementation is very important. Use food based supplements or chewable children’s vitamin C tabs (about 10-20mg per day for an adult cavy) to ensure a deficiency called Scurvy doesn’t occur. AVOID supplements added to water- we can’t ensure how much remains active in water and how much you pet has taken in.
Even with the best of care, a few conditions like bumble foot (sores on the feet), dental problems, abscesses, or skin issues may affect your Guinea Pig. If there is ever a problem or a concern noticed with your Cavy, don’t hesitate to contact a veterinarian trained in treating small mammals. Routine yearly exams are recommended to ensure health and wellness. Taking a few steps outlined above and setting up a couple of routines are all that it takes to promote a long, fun and rewarding relationship with your Cavy.
Aloha Animal Hospital vets treat all exotic animals, including guinea pigs. Call 702.567.5222 to schedule an appointment.
Pet Obesity Prevention
Weight loss can be difficult for anyone, including our furry friends. Shedding those unwanted pounds, however, can increase your pet’s life span and improve their quality of life. As few as 5 extra pounds can greatly increase your pet’s risk of serious medical issues such as Osteoarthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer. If your pet is overweight then a weight loss plan should be devised to safely lose those extra pounds, keeping your pet healthy longer. Before any weight loss plan is started, you should consult your veterinarian about what steps are right for your pet. Diseases such as hypothyroidism or cushing’s disease should be ruled out as contributing to your pet’s weight issue. Once it is determined that your pet is healthy enough to start a weight loss program, you and your veterinarian should determine what is the best diet and amount of food your pet actually needs per day. Exercise is also an important part of the equation. Play with a ball, rope toy, squeaky or feather toy, laser light, or a good game of chase, anything that might hold your pet’s interest for 10-15 minutes twice a day. Monthly weigh-ins are critical so that changes in diet and exercise can be adjusted as needed to improve weight loss.
Tips for Weight Loss:
- Do not use self feeders; measure out exactly how much your pet should have at each meal.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals but don't feed any more than the allotted daily amount.
- If you have multiple pets, don't leave food out all the time and feed them separately to prevent one pet from eating another's food. With cats you can sometimes place a bowl of food out for a lighter cat high up where the overweight cat cannot reach. Move the overweight cat's bowl as far as possible from the cat's favorite spots. This can encourage your overweight cat to walk farther or to go upstairs more than usual.
- If your pet begs, substitute affection for treats. A good scratch, playing with a favorite toy or a walk through the neighborhood may be just the thing to help your pet forget about food.
- Give baby carrots, celery, broccoli, green beans or ice cubes as a low calorie treat. Some pets, especially cats, love a bowl of fresh water too. If you have to give your pet a little more food, offer 10 kibbles in the bowl to satisfy their desire for an extra meal.
Try keeping a daily food and exercise diary for your pet. This may help you evaluate how well you've been doing and where further adjustments can be made if your pet isn't losing weight as well as it should. Ideally, your pet should reach its ideal weight in 6-8 months, but maintaining their new routine will keep them at a healthy weight and allow you both to enjoy their extra years.
For more information, please visit www.petobesityprevention.com.
Adoptable Pets at the
Nevada SPCA
Jellybean & Lancelot
Neutered young male pot-belly pigs and good buddies. Both are friendly with other species of animals, affectionate with people, and very smart. They are great together, but can be adopted separately.
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson is a 3-yr-old Heinz 57 cutie rescued from the Grand Canyon. He was Pet of the Week for the week of February 15, but had no potential adopters. Please consider giving this sweetie a home.
Elvis & Piglet
Piglet & Elvis are soul-mates, an odd couple who have become brothers and best friends at the Nevada SPCA’s free-roaming Cat Condo playrooms. They are adult neutered males, vaccinated, micro-chipped and ready for adoption today. They need to stay together forever, and there’s plenty of love left in each of them for you, too.
For more adoptable animals, please visit www.nevadaspca.org.