Harmony's World of Pets Ezine
September 2001
Don't Let Rover Blow Over
It's still hurricane season in the southeast through November.
Are you and your pet ready? Here are some tips.
Plan ahead. Know where you can take your pet if a
hurricane hits.
Be sure your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and
have copies of the records.
Identify your pet with a collar and tag, and consider a
microchip.
Maintain proper paperwork such as health and ownership
records, and photos.
Keep a pet emergency kit.
Have a carrier or crate for each pet. You may need it to keep them calm and secure, or to be able to board in a hurricane
facility with limited space.
For the complete article click here
Click here to learn how to make a Pet Emergency Kit
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With Love From a Lonely Dog
I wish someone would tell me what it is that I've done wrong;
and why I must be chained outside and left alone so long.
They seemed so glad to have me when I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we'd do, while I was growing up.
The master said he'd train me, as companion dog and friend.
The mistress said she'd never fear to be alone again.
The children said they'd feed me, and brush me every day.
They'd play with me and walk me, if I would only stay.
But now the master "hasn't time". The mistress says I shed.
She won't allow me in the house, not even to be fed.
The children never walk me, they always say, "not now."
I do wish I could please them. Can someone tell he how?
All I had you see was love. I wish someone could explain,
Just why they said the wanted mine, and then left it - on a chain.
Sent in by one of our readers, Sandy Leeker
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Wild Cat Attack
Recently, 3 hikers were caught by surprise while walking in the
wilderness of northern British Columbia.
The day was nice, the sun shining and everyone was in generally
Good spirits. SUDDENLY, from out of nowhere they were viciously
attacked by a ferocious mountain cat which struck with the speed of
lightning.
Some time later, game wardens stumbled across the grisly scene and
noticed that one of the hikers had managed to snap a picture of
the beast before being killed. They quickly brought the camera back to
the lab and had the film developed so they could get an idea of what
happened.
To this day, the picture haunts them to the bone.
Do NOT look at the attached picture if you are weak of stomach.
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Rose Food Warning
Another of our readers, Karen D. Smith of Sparks, NV wanted to share
an experience she had, to try to prevent it from happening again to
someone else's pet. I'm sure all of you join me in
offering deepest condolences to Karen on the loss of her beloved pets.
"I had two loves, my dogs and my roses. I have always fed my roses
systemic rose food. The back of the bottle on the Bayer Systemic food
states, 'Children and pets may re-enter after the treated area has been
watered and allowed to dry'. My mistake this last time was in mixing fish
pellets with the systemic food. My two precious black labs were attracted
to the smell of the fish pellets a week after feeding my roses. They tried to
eat the dirt and got just enough.
I made a mistake that is so very hard to live with. I lost my precious
girls.
Please help me to warn others. This rose food is so toxic that one-teaspoon
can kill a 100 pound dog. Taylor was 5 and 1/2 years, Lucy, only 1. My
heart aches, and they only way I can get through this is to warn others of
this danger.
Thank you."
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Time for a Relaxation Break!
Ok everyone, together now. First, TURN UP YOUR VOLUME, Then, get out or your chair and s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Now click on the link below and do the Dog Dance!
Click now!
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Flower Essences for Critters for Behavioral and Emotional
Concerns
I'd like to thank Christina Blume for submitting the following article
on Flower Essences and herbal treatments. She is an herbalist in
Elizabeth, Colorado. She teaches a variety of herb classes throughout
the metro Denver area, Denver Botanic Gardens and Arapahoe
Community College. She writes that one of her favorite courses is
All Natural Care for Our Four Legged Family Members. In that class
a great deal of time is spent discussing the use of flower essences for
behavioral/emotional traits in our pets.
"As an herbalist, I was very skeptical about flower essences until I
began using them 8 years ago. You don't have to "believe in" flower
essences for them to be effective. The animals have certainly proved
that. Flower essences are not contraindicated with any other form of
health care. They will not interfere with pharmaceuticals, herbs or
homeopathy. They are safe for all animals, all ages and weights,
even in pregnancy. You cannot overdose with flower essences.
Trauma Remedy is the flower essence that I recommend everyone
should have on hand. I have bottles of Trauma Remedy all over the
house and car. Trauma Remedy, also sold as Rescue Remedy. Five
Flower Essence and Natures Rescue is for any kind of emergency,
trauma, accident, or stressor, large or small. It is also the remedy I
recommend when you don't have "specific" essences on hand.
Trauma remedy is immediately calming to any animal or person.
I think the key is remembering that you have the flower essence and
remembering to use it.
Fear essence is one of my favorite flower essences because it is so
remarkable to witness its effectiveness. Animals and people who
react strongly to thunderstorms and firecrackers on the July 4th are
helped dramatically with this essence. I've gotten letters about dogs
who would literally dig through a door to get inside during a
thunderstorm when their people were away. I find that 2-3 doses of
the flower essence is remarkable in calming the animal's fears.
A friend's mare was about to foal and the 4th of July was approaching.
She was worried because there were some concerns around the
pregnancy and this mare had a history of great agitation with thunder
and firecrackers. Donna gave her horse 3 doses of Fear essence
during the day and planned to camp out with her all night in hopes of
keeping her calm. The horse was not oblivious to the fireworks, but she
remained calm all evening amidst the noise and smell of sulfur in the air.
Five years ago I got a curious call from my neighbor that prompted me
to make a blend a Fear essence and Trauma Remedy. She explained to
me that she was late leaving for work and Samson had been barking an
unusual and frantic bark all morning. She said she didn't have time to
check him closely, but it seemed when she glanced at him that he had a
moustache. Any guesses? If you guessed porcupine, you're right.
The poor thing had a face full of porcupine quills. I examined him through
the fence. He was in a great deal of pain, frightened and to top it all off there
was a stranger on his property! I opened the bottle of blended essence, took
4 drops myself and then, literally threw it into his open mouth by the
dropperful, as he snarled at me through the fence. I'd never used an entire
bottle before. I waited about 2 minutes while talking to him in a soothing
manner. He calmed noticeably so I opened the gate and attached a lead to
his collar, helped him into my truck and took him to the hospital. This was
an example of human needing to take the essence also. We often forget to
treat ourselves.
Chamomile Flower essence is calming for barking puppies and general
nervous upset. I got a call from a couple in Vail who would take their two
pot bellied pigs to be boarded whenever they went on vacation or had to travel.
They said it almost wasn't worth it. The pigs would scream the entire two
and a half hour car ride to the boarders. I suggested they try chamomile
essence. They've been using Chamomile now for the past 2 years. They say
their lives have changed. They are able to travel in peace so vacations are
now anticipated with joy.
Prickly Pear is a sweet essence for animals who may suffer from loneliness
when its person needs to be away for extended periods. Animals, like us,
have different levels of sensitivity. Some dogs are lonely if we need to
leave them for the weekend while others may be lonely during the day while
we are at work. Prickly Pear in the water dish alleviates some of this
loneliness.
Holly flower essence (specific for jealousy and its resulting unattractive
behavior) is an essence that I use frequently. When our new kitten arrived
our two older cats were not at all amused. Someone was wetting on the
beds. I thought it was interesting that it was only the beds with down
comforters that had to go to the cleaners! Now, I was not amused. I dosed the
community water dish with 4 drops of Holly and 4 drops of Quaking Grass
(helps the animals adjust when a new member is introduced to home, litter,
herd or flock). The wetting problem ended in 2 days. I generally like to
mix Holly and Quaking Grass essences whenever there is a new addition to
the home. This works well for permanent additions and for temporary
conditions such as pet sitting and visiting pets.
Another favorite essence is Self Heal. This essence is used when the
animal is sick or recovering. Self Heal brings out everything the animal
has inside for recuperation and the will to live. It is an essence I
definitely give just before and after surgery. After surgery I also give
homeopathic arnica which is remarkable in reducing swelling, bleeding and
bruising.
Flower essences should begin working within 3 days. Trauma and Fear
essence work in the moment, immediately, for stress and emergency situations.
When you are working on a chronic behavioral or emotional problem it is
sometimes necessary to give the essence for a few weeks. The standard dosage is
4 drops directly into their mouths, in the community water dish or added to a
small dish of chicken or beef broth. It is easy to put 4 drops on their
paws, nose, or anywhere they might lick it off. You may also put 12 drops
of the essence in a 4 ounce atomizer bottle filled with distilled water and
spray the essence, brushing or rubbing it into their coat. It is not quite
as effective to give it in their food or on treats, but I do this when I
have to. For horses I generally use one dropperful on grain and run some on
their face. You cannot overdose on flower essences. They are most
effective when given frequently, 4-8 times per day is ideal."
To read more about flower essences the following resources are recommended.
"The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care" by C.J. Puotinen. (Christina's favorite
book and one she highly recommends to anyone who loves animals.)
"Flower Essence Repertory" by Patricia Kaminsky and Richard Katz
"The Healing Herbs" of Edward Bach by Julian and Martine Barnard
"Flower Essences and Vibrational Healing" by Gurudas
"Plant Spirit Medicine" by Eliot Cowan
"Flowers that Heal" by Patricia Kaminsky
"Vibrational Medicine" by Richard Gerber, MD
Christina uses approximately 70 flower essences for her animals. If you
would like more information about flower essences or where to find them,
contact her at blumesfarm@mindspring.com
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Top Ten Pet List
Send in your entries today!
Popularized by David Letterman, the Top 10 Pet List is a concept that
we obviously need to steal. To get you started, I've included
the following list that is from Top Pet Lists
The topic for our next newsletter is: Top 10 Movies Produced by Pets
(such as "Citizen Cat", or "From Here to the Kitchen"). The best 10 will
be compiled and included in our next newsletter.
Email your suggestions
to harmony@petvets.com, and include Top 10 Pet List as the subject.
Also, send in your suggestions for other topics.
The Top 10 Things Cats Do When No One is Watching
10. Report back to the Home Planet that the invasion plans are
proceeding as scheduled and that operation BAD DOG should
commence shortly.
9. Pick their noses, just like everyone else.
8. Carefully monitor all traffic patterns between bedroom and
bathroom. Determine strategically perfect location for
hairball. Wait until 3am.
7. Work on their translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
6. Practice leaping from the ottoman to the bookshelf so it
looks graceful and natural when they do it for an "audience."
5. Clean all of their non-embarrassing body parts.
4. Check that the pin-hole in the water bed is still oozing
slowly.
3. Quickly rub the top of the paw in some dirt, so they have an
excuse to spend another half-hour licking it clean.
2. Transfer dog droppings from the yard to the living room
carpet.
and the Number 1 Thing Cats Do When No One is Watching...
1. Strut and pose in front of a full-length mirror wearing a
dog collar and leash.
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Warning: Anesthesia May Cause Allergic Reaction in Dogs
Madison, Wis. - University of Wisconsin researchers think they might
have the answer to why some dogs die after receiving anesthesia for
surgery.
It appears that some animals may have an allergic reaction. Researchers
say they isolated a defective gene for malignant hyperthermia, which can
speed up metabolism, muscle rigidity and high temperatures.
Anesthetics are known to cause malignant hyperthermia in animals or
humans with a defective gene. Scientists hope to screen people for the
condition.
The genetic defect can cause a cell to release too much calcium when the
anesthesia is administered, which eventually leads to destruction of muscle
cells.
Scientists also report they found a counterpart of the gene in humans, but
do not know how many people have been affected by it, if any.
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Life Lessons We Can Learn From Our Dogs
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
If you stare at someone long enough, eventually you'll get what you want. 
When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body. 
Be aware of when to hold your tongue, and when to use it. 
Leave room in your schedule for a good nap. 
On hot days drink lots of water. 
If it's not wet and sloppy, it's not a real kiss! 
(This would make a good Top 10 Pet List! Anyone want to
add to this list?)
Thanks to 2 Yaks for this list!
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Ferret Hairball Facts
Pet ferrets naturally begin shedding their fur twice a year, as the
days lengthen or shorten in spring and fall. Because these sleek animals
spend quite a bit of time licking themselves, they can develop troublesome
hairballs in their digestive systems.
Hairballs can be a significant problem for pet ferrets, even to the point
of being fatal. An intestinal blockage from a hairball can occur in a ferret's
relatively short digestive tract, causing symptoms that include the lack of
bowel movements, constipation or vomiting.
Ferrets constantly lick themselves, so the most important thing to be aware
of with ferrets is the potential for hairballs. Veterinarians even have a fancy
term for the problem: trichobezoars.
But there's an easy solution owners should be aware of. What is it? Just as
you might guess: It's a laxative. Petroleum-based laxatives considered safe
for ferrets include Ferret-lax and Laxatone. These products can be given to
pet ferrets at regular intervals during shedding season to prevent hairballs in
the digestive system. Many ferrets enjoy licking the sticky stuff right out of
the tube or off a spoon. Laxative licking can also provide a convenient
distraction when it's time to trim the ferret's nails.
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Your Pet's Golden Years: 10 Steps for Good Health
Since September is considered Senior Pet Health Month, now's a good time to think about your older pet.
If your pet is over the age of seven, then he or she is considered an "older" pet. Here are some suggestions to help ensure good health to your faithful companion. Visit your veterinarian for a senior health care exam at least every six months to monitor changes in your pet's health.
1. As your pet approaches senior status, your veterinarian should recommend basic blood and urine tests as a baseline for measuring future changes. Regular blood testing can help identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.
2. Note changes in behavior or appearance and see your veterinarian. Treat simple medical problems, such as incessant ear scratching, immediately. A trip to the veterinarian can get problems under control early, before they become major problems requiring more extensive treatment.
3. Switch to a quality senior food that provides enhanced levels of key nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin E and beta-carotene, plus gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid important to skin and coat health. Some of the high quality senior diets we recommend include Eukanuba Senior Plus, and Hill's G/D Diet.
4. Ask your veterinarian to clean your dog's teeth regularly and follow the cleaning with recommended dental care at home.
5. Provide moderate exercise. This will help with weight control and keep muscles tone.
6. Talk with your veterinarian if your dog or cat tires easily or has trouble breathing.
7. Groom your senior pet at least once each week. Check for lumps, sores, parasites and foul-smelling ears or discharge. Older pets may need to he bathed with medicated or moisturizing shampoo.
8. Maintain a familiar routine and environment to minimize stress.
9. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, ask your veterinarian about having this done to avoid tumors of the mammary or prostate glands.
For this and many more tips and information about your older pet, click here
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Our usual disclaimer!
Any medical articles we include are not meant to take the place of regular
visits with your pet's veterinarian. If you notice any problems, please get
veterinary help right away.
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If you know anyone that would like to receive their own free copy of this
Ezine, please note that the subscribing information has changed. Either
subscribe at our site, or
email me at harmony@petvets.com.
Thanks for visiting with me.
Until next time, warmest regards.
Mindy J. Cox
Editor
Harmony's World of Pets
http://www.petvets.com
Email:harmony@petvets.com
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