Augusta Lynx at South Carolina Stingrays
March 02, 2008 - 04:00 PM

HEROES NIGHT AT THE STINGRAYS GAME. JOIN EXCLUSIVELY BIMMERS AND HOSS THE DOG AS THEY THEY RAISE MONEY FOR EQUIPPING OUR HEROES FOUNDATION, an organization dedicated to equipping our firefighting heroes with lifesaving equipment and tools. Stop by and enjoy a good game and a good cause!

Upcoming Events

2/23
9AM
Doggie Day at IOP Rec Center: Join area rescues and local dogs for a fun day of rescue awareness and friendly all breed canine competition. Rabies vaccinations and IOP dog tags will be on sale all day and the best in show competition begins at 11AM. Call 886-824 to register.

2/24
5-8PM
Charleston Animal Society Oyster Roast: Food and fun benefits the Charleston Animal Society (formally the John Ancrum SPCA) Call 747-4849 for more info and location.

GIANT GARAGE SALE
is being held this coming Saturday, February 23, from 8AM to 1PM at the Charleston Animal Society ( John Ancrum SPCA) 3861 Leeds Ave.

Everything must go including the kitchen sink. Crates, pens, single wide trailer, 2 small buildings with AC, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers, 48-5gallon buckets of semi-gloss paint, 10-80 pound bags of cement mix, fans, heaters, water-heater and a generator. Office furniture, wicker furniture, French doors and much much more.

Great prices and all the money will go to the homeless animals.

For more information about the merchandise and and a preview of things which need dismantling, please call 763-0364.

Give Your Pet a Peticure

It's absolutely horrific trying to clip my Great Dane's nails. She hates the process and does her best to squirm away (and at 130 pounds of muscle she usually succeeds). Her nails are so large and thick, it's difficult to cut them. I've heard that many pet parents use a rotary tool to file their dog's nails rather than cutting them. But the large drill and loud noise scares my dog as much as the nail trimmers do.

But I saw an infomercial on a product called Peticure, a rotary tool that is housed inside a protective covering that makes it seem less ominous. I wonder if it works. Have any of you tried it?

Find out more about the Peticure here.

Primary Season Heats Up as the ASPCA Seeks Nominations for 2008 Humane Awards

NEW YORK- As citizens across the country make their way to the polls during the 2008 Presidential primaries, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is asking the public to cast one more ballot.

As it does every year, the organization is seeking public nominations of extraordinary pets and people for its annual Humane Awards program. If you know a fabulous feline or precocious pooch with a knack for saving lives, or a heroic human being who has improved the lives of animals, the ASPCA wants to hear from you. Nominations will be accepted beginning April 1 at www.aspca.org/nominate.

Last year's winners included a first-aid wunderkind and golden retriever who performed a modified Heimlich maneuver on his choking owner; a petite kitty with a loud voice who saved her family from dying of carbon monoxide poisoning; and a selfless pre-teen who works tirelessly on behalf of homeless horses.

"The ASPCA Humane Awards is our way of recognizing the important role animals play in our lives, the significance of the human-animal bond, and the people who make animal welfare a central part of their lives," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.

Those who may be considered for this distinguished honor include humans who have worked on behalf of animal welfare and animals who have engaged in acts of heroism in the United States during the past year. Winners will be invited to attend the Humane Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 30, at the historic Rainbow Room in New York City, where the awards will be presented.

Categories open for nomination include:

. ASPCA Dog of the Year: for a dog who has performed a heroic act in the past year;
. ASPCA Cat of the Year: for a cat who has performed a heroic act in the past year;
. ASPCA Kid of the Year: for a child aged 14 or under who has rescued an animal or helps make the world a kinder place for animals;
. ASPCA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: for a member of the municipal police force (or other public service officer) who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year; and
. ASPCA Firefighter of the Year: for a municipal firefighter who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year.

The ASPCA will begin accepting nominations via its Web site on April 1 at www.aspca.org/nominate. All submissions must include the following: the nominee's name, street address, email address, and telephone number; the category for which he/she is being nominated; and a short statement (400 words or less) of why this person or pet deserves the award.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday, July 15, at 12 PM (EST). Winners will be chosen by a committee selected by the ASPCA, and announced to the public in mid-October. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org/nominate.

ASPCA Reminds Pet Parents: Protect Your Pet from Perilous Poisons
Animal Poison Control Center Updates Top Toxins for Pets, Tips to Keep Pets Safe

NEW YORK-Has your dog ever chomped on chocolate? Does your kitty like to snack on plants? In observance of National Poison Prevention Week (March 16 to March 22), the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) sheds light on the most common dangers pets may encounter, and offers helpful advice for poison-proofing your home.

"National Poison Prevention Week is an opportune time to educate pet owners about the many toxic substances that can harm our pets," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "Our animal companions depend on us to be informed and protect them from danger."

In 2007, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, Ill. managed more than 130,000 cases. The public utilized the APCC's 24-hour hotline with emergency and non-emergency inquiries alike. Last year, the Center also played a critical role in keeping pet parents, veterinarians, and the American public accurately informed during last year's pet food recall crisis, which began in March and lasted several months.

The top calls of 2007 involved the following common household goods and products:

1. Just Say No to Drugs: With a whopping 89,000 calls related to the unhappy combination of pets and medications such as painkillers, cold and flu preparations and antidepressants, the ASPCA cautions pet owners to never give their four-legged family members any type of medication without first talking with a veterinarian. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs-whether for humans or pets--should be kept out of reach, preferably in closed cabinets above countertops.

2. Bugged out: In the effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, our furry friends could be unintentionally put at risk from certain insecticides. In fact, more than 26,000 calls to the Center pertained to insect control products such as flea and tick preparations, insect baits and spray killers. "A key factor in the safe use of products that eliminate fleas, ticks and other pesky bugs is reading and following label instructions exactly," said Dr. Steven Hansen, board-certified veterinary toxicologist and director of the APCC. "Some species of animals can be particularly sensitive to certain types of insecticides, so it is vital that you never use any product not specifically formulated for your pet." It is also a good idea to consult with your pet's veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.

3. Don't Eat the Daisies: In 2007, common household plants such as lilies, azaleas and kalanchoe, were the subject of more than 8,000 calls to the poison center. Other varieties that can be harmful to pets include rhododendron, sago palm, and schefflera. "Just one or two sago palm nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and even liver failure," said Dr. Hansen. "Also, lilies are highly toxic to cats - even in small amounts they can produce life-threatening kidney failure."

4. Don't Take the Bait: Insects are not the only critters that can invade our dwellings -so can mice, rats and other rodents. But before you rush out to buy a chemical bait product, it is important to be aware of the risks they can pose to your pet - last year, the Center handled approximately 7,600 queries about these baits. "Some baits contain inactive ingredients meant to attract rodents, which can be attractive to pets as well," said Dr. Hansen. "That's why it's so important, when using any rodenticide, to place the product in areas that are completely inaccessible to companion animals."

5. Mind the Mop: While many cleaning products can be used safely in homes where pets reside, it is still important to take the necessary precautions to protect furry family members from accidental overexposures to common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. In 2007, the Center assisted 7,200 callers with concerns involving common household cleaners. Gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the skin, eyes or respiratory tract may be possible if a curious animal has an inappropriate encounter with such products. "All household cleaners and other chemicals should be stored in a secure location well out of the reach of pets," recommended Dr. Hansen. "As with any product, it is extremely important to read and follow all label directions before use."

Established in 1978, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is the only 24-hour, 365-day facility of its kind staffed by 30 veterinarians, 12 of who are board-certified toxicologists/veterinary toxicologists. Located in Urbana, Ill., the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners, and specific diagnostic and treatment recommendations to veterinarians pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances. The Center also provides extensive veterinary toxicology consulting on a wide array of subjects, including legal cases, formulation issues, product liability, and regulatory reporting. For more information on potentially dangerous substances in the home or to reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, please call (888) 426-4435 or visit www.aspca.org/apcc.

photo via Rawle Murdy

Charleston Animal Society Presidential Race Gets National Press

Read all about it in the New York Times here.

My Funny Valentine

Here's some quirky toys you can give the true love of your life for Valentine's. Dogdiva Chocolates and the Casanova Toy Set.

photo via associated press

From Gun-Toting to Dog Showing

Far, far removed from the days when her image as a machine gun-toting revolutionary captivated a nation, Patricia Shaw Hearst was in more genteel surroundings Monday. She was tending to Diva, her French Bulldog who just happens to be this year's Westminster Best of Opposite Sex in the Frenchie category.

We think this is a much better way for the granddaughter of William Randolph Hearst to wind up in the press. Read the full article here.

Pet Talk: Say AAAARF! February is National Veterinary Dental Health Month



We all know the importance of healthy dental habits for ourselves and our families, but what about dental health for our pets? How many whitening strips, mouth washes, pulsating toothbrushes and boxes of dental floss do you have in your medicine cabinet? Many pet owners overlook the value of such healthcare in their furry friends, leaving them susceptible to numerous health problems that could be easily prevented. February is National Veterinary Dental Health Month - a perfect time to take a closer look at the implications of neglecting proper dental care in your pet.

Proper dental health can solve much more than bad breath. The Academy of Veterinary Dentistry was established in 1987 and has dedicated their efforts to education on proper veterinary dental care. Many health problems can be prevented through simple dental care practices by veterinarians, but more immediately, by pet-owners.

The mouth is the gateway to health. If problems arise in the mouth, they can possibly be transferred via the circulatory system to cause more serious problems in vital organs. According to Dr. J.R. “Bert” Dodd, clinical associate professor and veterinary dentist at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, the mouth can be a source of infection in joints, lungs, the heart and liver. Bacteria are released into the bloodstream every time a pet chews or plays with toys.

“Dental disease can contribute to generalized systemic disease in veterinary patients - it’s not merely a localized or cosmetic problem,” says Dodd. “In fact, dental disease is the No. 1 disease entity affecting adult pets.”

In a study done by the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop some degree of periodontal disease by three years of age. This may include gingivitis, periodontal infections, malocclusions, fractured teeth, oral tumors or painful cavity-like lesions. Dr. Dodd explains that periodontal disease is a disease of neglect and that almost 95% of the cases he sees at the Texas A&M University Small Animal Hospital are cases of periodontal disease.

Semi-annual exams, an annual professional cleaning, appropriate use of chew toys, water additives and treats are all vital parts of a healthy dental regimen. For those pets already experiencing periodontal disease, a cleaning every 4-6 months is necessary. Dr. Dodd also explained that pets can easily be trained to have their teeth brushed by their owners and this activity should be a part of an animal’s overall healthcare program.

Pet owners should work closely with their veterinarians to ensure that pets are receiving appropriate dental care. It is imperative that pet owners know what “normal” is. This allows owners to more easily identify when problems arise.

When inspecting their pet’s teeth and mouths, owners should look for broken teeth, bad breath, loose or discolored teeth, tarter/calculus build-up, pawing of the face, jaw quiver, dropping of food during mastication, avoidance of feed though desired and any change in preference for foodstuffs. A hands-on approach by pet owners is vital in preventing periodontal disease and other, more serious complications.

As human healthcare and dentistry has improved through further research and advancements in technology, so has veterinary dentistry. But just like human dental care, the simplest and most effective treatment is still prevention. So show your pet some love this February and make sure that you are educated on proper care of your pet’s pearly-whites, it could save his life.

Pet Talk is a service of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Suggestions for future topics may be sent to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

Support the SC Anti-Tethering Bill
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A Happy Ending for Vick's dogs; Many Get a Second Chance at Life

Check out the article on CNN here.