| Officials: Valentine's Day Can Pose Threat To Pets
(CBS) LOS ANGELES Officials from an animal welfare organization urged Southlanders Tuesday to use common-sense safety tips to protect their pets' health on Valentine's Day.Among the dangers for pets are items that their owners would consider part of a Valentine's Day celebration -- chocolate, flowers and candles, Jeff Blodgett of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles said.Blodgett said chocolate is "very toxic" to dogs, even in small amounts, and pet owners should contact a veterinarian if they suspect their pet has gotten into any sweets.Also, certain plants and flowers can be toxic, especially the packets that come with some floral arrangements that go into the water to keep the plants fresh.And burning candles can attract animals, who can be harmed by the flames or the hot wax.Blodgett also cautioned people that rings and necklaces, if left unattended, can get find their way into a pet's stomach.
Bow Wow Vows
Bow Wow Vows will be a wonderful celebration of people and their pets, while raising funds and awareness for homeless pets in our care," said Melissa Nguyen, Dumb Friends League special events coordinator. A reception with food and snacks for human and doggy participants will follow. In addition, newlyweds and their owners will be able to relax while watching a furry fashion show filled with the latest and greatest canine togs. Aspen Grove retailers will offer special deals on products and services, and participants will be able to enter to win a $500 Aspen Grove gift card. This canine wedding is significantly cheaper than a trip down the aisle for the average human bride and groom. A $50 donation is suggested (but not required) and all proceeds will go toward helping animals at the Dumb Friends League shelters.
Pets ditched for games
PET numbers in Australia are dropping because kids are more likely to be playing computer games and there are fewer backyards, veterinarians say. Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) president Dr Kirsti Seksel said changing lifestyles over the past 15 years had contributed to the decline in pet ownership. The number of dogs has fallen from four million in 2000 to 2.75 million in 2007, while cat numbers have dropped from 3.2 million in 1988 to 2.3 million. Suburban properties with small backyards were also making it more difficult to care for pets, Dr Seksel said in a report released by the Australian Companion Animal Council. "Our style of living is different. We do tend to live in apartments and high rises more than we did 15 years ago," Dr Seksel said. "Modern suburban dwellings are much less likely to have a big backyard, which tends to restrict choices about pet ownership.
Pet drugs fill bigger bowl
With aging, it's become a routine endured by the Guffords. Each day starts with a blood-sugar check and a shot of insulin. Then a couple of pills, maybe mashed into tuna and canned carrots. Mixed with dry chow. All for their 12-year-old dog. Brownie takes more drugs than his human companions put together. "He's a family member. I would want somebody to do that for me," said Ann Gufford. Americans have begun to medicate their dogs, cats and sometimes other pets much as they medicate themselves. They routinely treat their pets for arthritis, cancer, heart disease, dia betes, allergies, dementia and even obesity. They pick from an expanding menu of mostly human pharmaceuticals such as steroids for inflammation, antibiotics for infection, anti-clotting agents for heart ailments, Prozac or Valium for anxiety, even Viagra for a lung condition in dogs.
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