GEORGIE'S NEW HIDING PLACE

I guess I should clean out the chiminea if she’s going to be napping in it. 

MAC'S BIRTHDAY

Mommy and me share the same birthday but she was busy so she didn't have time to post this.  It was a barkalicious day. I got hamburger and sweet potatoes for breakfast. Then she gave us a bully stick for a treat.  We had a little party, played tug-a-war and she sang to me and gave me kisses.  And I got a new toy.  The very best part of the day was pork chops for dinner. They were yummy.  She cooked them in the crock pot all day with green beans.  It was a fun day and the weather was pretty. We took 2 walks and we got to visit the all the neighbors and they gave me scratches.

GOODBYE COWBOY

My neighbor called me today asking if I’d seen Cowboy. He grew attached to him, feeds him (really well) and he hasn’t shown up to eat for a few days. 

He went looking for him and found him in the grass in someone’s yard up the street. Unfortunately, Cowboy got hit by a car. He was the last cat to trap and since my neighbor kind of adopted him, he was going to try to trap him.  I’m just guessing he was a boy because he never got pregnant or went in heat as far as we know.  Even though I fixed all the other cats, there’s always a cat somewhere in every neighborhood that hasn’t been fixed.

He took him home to his house and buried him.  I felt bad for him.  He’s not really much of an animal person and said it was like losing part of his family.  I will miss seeing him. He was the prettiest of all the cats and seemed to like it when I sang to him. 

I AM SUCH A GOOD BOY

My mommy left the cat carrier out all week so I’ve been exploring and going in and out. I wasn’t afraid when she put me in it this morning and shut the door. And I remember it from when I was a baby.  But when we got in the car, I started shaking. I’ve never been in a car before. But I was such a good boy, I didn’t cry at all. I was brave.

They weighed me and I am a little over 8 lbs. I’m as big as my grandma now.  Mommy had to leave me and that’s when I really got scared.  I hid under the towel the whole time and then they did this really mean thing to me, but it was time. I’m 5 months old and mommy said every little boy has to have it done when they reach a certain age. I did not like it one bit. I’m hiding under the bed now. I don’t feel well and it’s a little sore but I am home and safe and sound.  I still love my mommy and will probably cuddle her tonight, like I always do.

DONATING STUFF YOU DON'T WANT ANYMORE

If any of you have any old items you want to get rid of, consider donating them to the ASPCA Thrift store.

You list your item(s) in the store, the buyer pays shipping, ASPCA provides you with a prepaid shipping label and you just have to get it to the Post Office or have it picked up with your mail. There is even a link to request a USPS pick-up.  It’s tax deductible and a great way to help the animals. The minimum amount must be at least $5. 

They have some nice affordable things for sale as well if you want to shop.  Jewelry, purses, clothing and not everything is used. There are even paintings from an artist who has painted covers for Time Magazine.  If you have large items, you can also arrange to have them picked up from your house.  To read more on donating or to start shopping – click here:  http://aspca.webthriftstore.com/about

OUR NEW KITTY CONDO

Georgie and Joey love their new kitty condo.  Although Georgie hasn’t quite figured out that you’re supposed to sleep in the enclosure.

I bought it so they could use it as stairs to the window bed since I gave away my weight bench, which they were using. And hopefully, they’ll use the scratch post…. anything to entertain and keep them off the furniture.   They think my couch and chair are a jungle gym.

I have sprayed eucalyptus on the furniture, sprayed the cats  w/water when I catch them and now I have packaging tape on all the legs.

I might get a taller one with larger perches to put
 in the den if they keep using this one. I already
have 2 scratch boxes and a post downstairs.
Gives new meaning to the term Animal House. 

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

It took close to three months but I finally got to pet Midnight, the mommy cat. She is still not quite sure of me and prefers it when I’m sitting on the floor or bending to her level.  But she started rubbing up against my leg so I figured I would give it a try.

My neighbors keep telling me they aren't seeing Midnight and Charley (baby cat) anymore. I said “that’s because they have it made in my garage”.  Initially, they found the large dog crate that I had set up for the cats to recover in after their spay/neuter. It has food, water, a bed and a litter box.  But it was a little small for two full-grown kitties. So I stuck one of my old dog beds in it.  I put a large (hooded) litter box and their food and water on some cardboard. Even gave them a few toys, which they are playing with.  Such is the life of a feral cat in my neighborhood.

MY LITTLE STINKY

Poor little guy had to have his teeth cleaned yesterday. I was more than petrified because of the anesthesia but the Doc promised me nothing would happen. 

I had to hurry and get him in the car before feeding any of the other pets in the morning. He knew something was going on and was shaking the entire drive over there.  But it wouldn’t be fair to feed them and not him so I just gave them breakfast when I got home.

They called me at noon and said he pulled through and they wanted to monitor him and I could pick him up at 3.  I took Georgie over to have her eye checked as well, and it’s healing really well.  The ulcer is so small now. He said it might take a few more weeks and she might have a small scar but her eye is open all the time now and she can see out of it. 

Stinky had a rough night, he couldn’t get comfortable and was a little whiny from the anesthesia wearing off but he wanted to walk this morning. He ate a nice big breakfast and seems to feel pretty good now. 

GEORGIE NAPPING IN THE WINDOW BED - UPDATE

 

Georgie is napping in one of the window beds. I had just given her the eye drops and it ended up all over the window. She is the hardest cat to give medicine to.  I told the vet today I might have to come in and get more.  I am losing as much as I am using. I even got a little scratched up last night while I was trying to squirt the Prednisone down her throat. It may be time for the towel wrap.

Unfortunately, her corneal ulcer is the deep kind but the good news… there is plenty of blood going to the area and the vet thought it had improved a lot for 2 days.  She even opened it a little today. 

 

CORNEAL ULCERS IN DOGS & CATS

The clear outer capsule of your pet's eye is the cornea. Instead of being nourished by blood vesicles, the clear cornea is bathed in a protective liquid, the tears. Because of its position on the outermost edge of the eye and delicate nature, the cornea is subject to scratches, scrapes and ulceration. 

If the ulcer or scratch is superficial, the cornea heals quickly. If left untreated, corneal ulcers can develop serious complications that can destroy vision, even leading to removal of the eye.

The ulcers can be shallow or deep. Deep ulcers take longer to heal requiring new blood vesicles to grow into the area. They may also leave a corneal scar. When there are underlying causes for the ulcer, some refuse to heal or heal only to re-ulcerate again. 

Once the layer of the cornea has been torn, the area becomes irritated, itchy and painful. This causes the pet to squint and the eye to tear. It is referred to as blepharospasm.
Things to watch for:


· The pet keeps its eye closed
· A discharge nearest the nose
· Enlarged blood vessels
· The pet pawing or rubbing its eye


Hopefully, Georgie’s is just a shallow superficial ulcer.

GEORGIE HAS AN EYE ULCER

I took Georgie to the vet about a month ago because she had an upper respiratory infection. The vet gave her a steroid shot, gave me some liquid Prednisone and Amoxicillin to give her at home.re

Everything seemed to clear up, her eyes weren’t goobery anymore, she wasn’t sneezing and acted like she felt much better.  Almost a week ago, I noticed her right eye was watering again and she was keeping it closed so I called to get more medicine.  I have been giving it to her twice daily but it didn’t improve at all. So I pried it open yesterday and it almost looked like she was blind.

I took her back in today and she has a corneal ulcer.  Because I caught it so fast, he thinks it will heal and she won’t lose her eyesight.  I take her back in on Friday for a follow-up. I’m only being optimistic right now.  

He gave her a steroid/antibiotic shot and put a drop of Atropine in the eye. Atropine will numb the eye and can last a week to 14 days so that her eye won’t hurt and she won’t be tempted to rub it, which luckily she hasn’t.  I brought home some Ofloxacin drops, which I have to give her 5 times a day, and some more liquid prednisone, which she hates. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.  

Hopefully, this is just from a scratch or some other irritant and not some underlying condition.  It’s usually caused from a wound, a scrape, even rubbing up against a tree with a limb.  I’m really trying not to let her out but she’s sneaky sometimes.  More about corneal ulcers in the next post…….

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY

Yes… I’m a Valentine’s Day baby.  Just a big lover boy!  I am 5 years old today, although mommy says I act like I’m still 2.  She says I am one of the sweetest dogs she’s ever had but I’m really loud, naughty and she has to wipe my paws every time I come in the house.  She calls me her little pony.  She also calls me a Migraine Inducer but I wasn’t going to tell you that.  So big deal…. I get a little loud sometimes, especially when I use my sissy voice.  But when I’m outside, I use my big boy voice and that isn’t so obnoxious.

We all had a little party.  Just the dogs, no kitties allowed.  We got Banana Biscotti, new toys, we sang and played and rolled around on the floor.  And for dinner, I got an entire chicken breast all by myself.  It’s a secret… don’t tell the other pups, they didn’t get as much as I did. I feel so special.  I love birthdays!  I wish they came everyday.

DOG REPRODUCTION

When I wrote about the “Cat Stats”, I was asked if dogs went into heat and could have the same amount of litters per year as cats. So I decided to write about the Dog Reproduction cycle.

Dogs usually don’t go into heat as early as cats but they can start as early as 6 months.  The average time is more like a year but some dogs don’t reach mating maturity until 18 months old. And also unlike cats, they usually don’t go into heat as often but some dogs can go into heat 4 times a year, hence having 4 possible litters a year. The difference though is that dogs can sometimes have up to 15 puppies per litter so in six years, one female dog and her offspring can be the source of 67,000 puppies.

Unlike cats, dogs do not have a dormant cycle and can get pregnant any time of the year. They have 2 heat cycles.  The first phase, pro-estrus, lasts about nine days. In this phase, female dogs will attract male dogs and may show bleeding, but usually won’t allow male dogs to mate. The second phase, estrus, also lasts about nine days. During estrus, a female will allow a male dog to mate with her and can easily become pregnant.  And if a dog mates with multiple partners, she can have a litter with each puppy having a different daddy. If you’ve ever wondered why litters can look so different.

The average pregnancy time lasts about 2 months, or from 58 to 68 days.  And unlike cats, dogs are unlikely to become pregnant while they are nursing. But they can go into heat and become pregnant as early as three months after giving birth. So as soon as the puppies are weaned, make sure the mommy is spayed.

And just like cats, female dogs do not go through menopause and can have puppies until they are old, although fertility does decline as they age.  And of course, like cats, litter mates can also produce litters.  Also like cats, they can be spayed while pregnant, but it’s a little more difficult on the dog.  All the more reason to make sure they are fixed before they go into heat.

At the Shelters, they usually start the spay/neuter program at 8 weeks for dogs so they can adopt them out. But if you have your pooch at home and there are no unaltered dogs, it’s safe to wait until 4 months. And of course, make sure your pup is healthy before having the surgery. 

UPDATE TO TEETH CLEANING

 Last night, I tried another method of cleaning their teeth and I think it might be the one that works for me.  I put the gel on my finger and rubbed in on both sides of their back outer teeth, and then I quickly scooped some peanut butter with a spoon and just let them eat it right out of the spoon.  It covered up the taste of the gel, helped them make more saliva but swishing it around their mouth and my fingers were clean and I didn't have to wash between each dog and get the containers all sticky. And of course, I bought an organic, low sodium, low fat peanut butter.

Brushing is still the most effective and fastest way to remove the tartar but it's really hard to spend any time in their mouth and do it properly. 

CLEANING THE POOCHIES TEETH

When I took Stinky in for his shots a few weeks ago, the vet told me his teeth had so much tartar that I really needed to have them cleaned.  I am going to do that, although it scares me because he is 9, and the anesthesia can be dangerous, not to mention expensive.  I will take him in for blood work the day before to make sure it’s safe but if he has some underlying condition… I can’t even think about that.

 

Just as in humans, plaque and tarter build-up on doggie teeth can lead to problems including periodontal disease, gingivitis, swollen gums, gum disease, mouth tumors and infections in other parts of the body.

So I have decided to be diligent in brushing and cleaning their teeth.  That’s almost like giving a cat medicine.  Mac & Jazz are pretty easy going about it but they don’t like it.  I have been brushing with a finger brush but most of the tartar is on the back outside teeth and it’s really hard to brush back there because they close their mouths.  They don’t like my finger or the taste of the 3 different toothpastes I have tried.

 

There is a spray you can buy, as well as a fluid to put in their water, but they hated that and wouldn’t drink the water.  So I bought a gel that says it reduces the plaque without brushing.  I read an article that if I put it in peanut butter, they will eat it and it’s so gummy, they produce more saliva and it helps spread the gel around their mouth.  That was true, they did like it if I buried it enough.  But it sure was messy. Might not be so bad with just one dog but I had to wash everything when I was done including me. 

 

Then I tried just putting the gel on my finger and sticking it on their back teeth, as best I could.  They don’t like the taste but they did kind of swish it around.  I will do both as well as brush.  Too bad I can’t make them understand how important it is.

 

I also give them dental treats but that’s not enough.  Mac & Melinda’s teeth are in much better shape but the vet said some breeds are more prevalent than others in getting the plaque and tarter build-up.

 

One important tip to remember, don’t give them any food or water for 30 minutes before or after the cleaning.  Bedtime is usually the best time. 

 

 

BEST FRIENDS - KIND OF....

 

My little naughty Stinky has made friends with Joey and Jelly Bean, that is when he’s not chasing them and Joey isn’t tormenting him.  He lets Joey share his food, and Jelly share his bed under the desk. They even cuddle with him on the big (my) bed, although he does get a little grumpy if they jump on him. 

Took the trap up to my neighbor’s house today so I can try and catch Cowboy since I’m not having any luck.  I was walking Mac & Melinda this afternoon, and darned if that cat wasn’t sitting on their patio table right next to the trap.  Little bugger is just too darn smart.

DIET FOR DOGS WITH HIGH LIVER ENZYMES

I’ve read numerous articles on what to feed a pooch with a high liver count and the overall consensus is a quality protein, simple carbs like potatoes, brown rice and fiber.  Carbohydrates that don't fully digest will produce ammonia. And as in any dog diet, the fiber should come from vegetables, which can enhance the elimination of toxins from the dog’s system.

While protein is actually hard for the liver to digest, it is also important for building new liver tissue.  Varieties of white low-fat fish have amino acids that actually help heal the liver. Dairy and chicken are also easier than red meat on their system, but a high-grade red meat will be okay for the occasional mix.  The diet should also have very low levels of sodium and fat. Sodium can cause fluid build-up and high blood pressure in the vessels of the liver.

The protein levels should be around the 20-25% mark and a little lower for older dogs.  It’s better to feed them 3 or 4 smaller meals a day so it puts less stress on the liver.  The only time you shouldn't give your dog a high protein diet is if they have been diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy, meaning the liver disease has progressed enough to affect your pet's brain.

Below is a liver-cleansing diet that I like by Dr. W. J. Dodds, DVM

Dr. Dodds recommends a formula of 2 cups of cod fillet to 6 cups of veggies and potatoes, or 25% cod fillet to 75% veggies and potatoes.

1 and 1/2  cups new white potatoes
1 and 1/2 cups sweet potatoes
1 and 1/2 cups of zucchini
1 and 1/2 cup string beans, celery or summer squash
2 cups cod fillet

Wash the potatoes well and cut them up crosswise into 2" pieces so the skin circles the potatoes. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour and remove the skins.

Wash the zucchini and cut up with string beans, celery or squash and steam or cook until very tender.

2 cups cod fillet poached in a frying pan with water until fish is white.

Mix all ingredients together until it is well blended. This will give you approximately 8 cups of food. Depending on the size of your dog, you can double or triple the recipe.

And…. as always, talk to your vet.

HIGH LIVER ENZYMES

A friend of mine has a little Schnauzer that hasn’t been feeling well.  He has some fatty tumors, which is common for an older dog, but his liver enzyme count was elevated to 1000.  Her vet told her 250 was normal for her dog.  My vet said a count of 150 is normal for Mac.  Maybe it’s because he is older and larger.

I have a senior panel run on him about every 3 months to test his levels.  He is taking Meloxicam (also known as Metacam) for his arthritis and unfortunately, that can elevate both kidney and liver enzymes.

Other possible causes can be from cancer and chemotherapy drugs, anemia, hepatitis, even bacteria from their teeth, which is probably what is going on with her Schnauzer.   Also some forms of medication, like the Meloxicam, seizure medicine, and even Prednisone will raise the liver enzymes. 

Some of the things to look for include:

• Drinking more frequently
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Chronic irregular vomiting and diarrhea
• Urinating more frequently than usual
• Depression or Laziness

Of course, you need to check with your vet but two things I use and recommend are Milk Thistle and Fish Oil (Omegas). The Milk Thistle helps stimulate new cell production, eliminate toxins and protect liver cells from damage. The Omega 3 contains alpha-linolenic acid, which can help repair and restore a damaged liver.  

There are all forms of Milk Thistle and Fish Oil at every price range you can imagine.  I buy the pills and bury them in food or a treat.  It’s the most cost effective and works for me. You may also want to check their diet. (More on that in another blog).

This is just for an elevated enzyme count, not full-blown Liver Disease, in which case they will need aggressive treatment.

FEEDING THE PUDDY CATS

After I wrote the blog on what I feed my dogs, I got an email asking what I feed the cats.  I told her I’d write about it but also joked that I fed them whatever I can get them to eat. 

As all you cat owners know, spoiled cats (even not so spoiled cats) are a little finicky.

I've done the research, read ingredients, tried different kinds, but some of the cats just weren’t agreeing with my choices.  Even the kitties are getting picky about the wet food I feed them. Now I only get them the Friskies Selects Indoor Cat. 

Georgie is 10 ½ so I buy the Science Diet Longevity for her. It’s recommended for cats over 7 and since older cats have a propensity for weak kidneys, this is a good food for that. It does have by-products but they are washed and since cats eat birds, mice and other gross things they catch, this has to be at least 100 times better.  Okay....  it’s the only senior food she’ll eat.

Brolio, all 23 lbs. of him, gets Natural Choice Indoor Healthy Weight.  Yes he is fat but he is also just a big cat. His paws look like a dog’s and his head is bigger than Melinda’s.  His tail is even 3” longer than the other cats. It’s high protein, low carb. with no by-products. 

I have been feeding the kitties Purina Kitten Chow. To be honest, when I first got them, I bought a huge bag of this because it looked like the best food Wal-Mart had. I was there and needed something quickly. But I think the only cat currently eating this is Georgie so I probably won’t buy it anymore.  I’ll try some small bags of kitty food when this is gone to see what they like.

I buy Purina Cat Chow Naturals for Bonita.  This dry food is always gone first and since Wal-Mart can’t even keep it in stock, I guess my cats aren’t the only ones who really like it.  You can buy it at PetSmart too, which I do but it’s more expensive.  I think it's a pretty decent food. It doesn’t have any by-products, it's high in protein, which is good for cats, with chicken and salmon (even though they aren’t the first ingredients). That would be Chicken meal, which is ground-up chicken without the bones, feathers, feet, etc. It’s all cooked and cleaned with most of the water and fat separated.  

In other words, everybody is eating everybody else's food.  And.... Did I tell you I might become a vegetarian after writing this????? 

WHOOPS!

Dog Gone it, I caught Midnight again.  And here I was bragging on how smart they are.  Luckily I was home so she was only in there for a few minutes.  I tried everything yesterday. I even made myself a tuna sandwich and poured the liquid over the tuna. 
So today, I put some tuna inside the cage and a small bowl outside.  I figured once they tasted, they’d go in to get more.

It worked. Just with the wrong cat.  I think I might have to move the cage to a new location, although I see Cowboy eating dry food right next to the cage.  If he/she was the only one eating from my house, I would try not putting any food out except in the cage but it’s not fair to make the other cats go hungry. I sure wish I could trap that little bugger.