On Thursday, Chase, a Suffolk County, N.Y., police dog, tracked 76-year-old Jerome Nadler, who had gone missing three days earlier while fly-fishing in the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. Chase stayed next to Nadler, who was covered in insect bites and barely conscious, until his handlers reached the scene. “The dog made all the difference,” said Nadler’s son Matthew Nadler, who had nearly given up hope of finding his father alive. WNBC-TV (New York) (9/6)

During the four days Jerome Nadler remained missing, after disappearing while fishing in a wooded Smithtown park, his family started to lose hope he’d be found alive.

“It seemed like a dim possibility then,” said his son, Matthew Nadler. “I’m very surprised and pleased and I feel very blessed right now.”

The elder Nadler, 76, was found lying down and semi-conscious around noon on Thursday by a Suffolk County police dog named Chase, who lay down beside him in the brush and refused to get up until his handlers got there, authorities said.

“We just could not believe that this man was still alive,”  said canine officer William Krolikiewicz. “For an older gentleman that was in the woods for  four days, in my opinion he was in excellent condition.”

Nadler, who was dehydrated and covered with bug bites, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was being treated Thursday afternoon.

“He’s a tough individual,” his son said.

Nadler, an avid fisherman and Vietnam veteran, headed out on Labor Day to the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve to go fly fishing. The multi-agency search effort began when he never returned to retrieve his parked car.

He was found around a mile from where he’d been fishing, his son said.

Matthew Nadler said he has not spoken with his father in detail about his ordeal, but said he is “awake, alert and oriented.”

The younger Nadler had particular praise for New York State Park Police Chief Richard O’Donnell, who he said assured him Wednesday that canines “can do things that feet sometimes can’t.”

“The dog made all the difference,” Nadler said.

Veterinarian Stefanie Schwartz of the Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin, Calif., developed a method of testing pets to determine whether they are right- or left-paw dominant. It is a series of dexterity tests that can determine which paw is dominant. A previous study suggested that 50% of cats are right-paw dominant, 40% left-pawed, and 10% ambidextrous, while another study showed dogs were equally right- and left-pawed. The Daily Mail (London) (8/28)

Is your pet right or left-handed? The DIY test that uses cheese, sofas and  the backdoor to find out… but you have to do it 100 times

Quite possibly not. But if you have, this  could be just the thing you’ve been waiting for.

Dr. Stefanie Schwartz of the Veterinary  Neurology Center in Tustin, Calififornia, claims to  have developed a test to figure out whether a dog or cat is right or  left-handed.

Paw preference won’t make a dog or cat walk,  talk or wink like a human. You won’t even get a high-five or a fist pump out of  it. But vets and owners reckons the  curiosity factor will have pet owners clamoring to find out if theirs is a  leftie or a rightie.

Researchers are studying things like right  brain-left brain connections, genetics and sexual orientation that may one day  change the way dogs and cats are bred, raised, trained and used, said  Schwartz.

Some horses have to be ambidextrous, said Dr.  Sharon Crowell-Davis, a behavior and anatomy professor in the College of  Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia.

‘They have to be able to circle right and  left. If not, they can trip,’  Crowell-Davis said. ‘You have to work to get them  to take the lead they  prefer less.’

She has never seen an advertisement promoting  right or left-pawed dogs or  cats. ‘The only time you see it used in advertising  is with horses. If a horse if being offered for sale, because of issues on the  lead, it may  say ‘Works well on both leads’ to emphasize the horse has had  training.’

For dogs and  cats their well-being doesn’t  depend on preference.

A 1991 study at Ataturk University in Turkey  showed 50 per cent of cats were right-pawed, 40 per cent were left-pawed and 10  per cent were ambidextrous. That study might be out-of-date, Schwartz said, but  it does provide percentages.

A 2006 study from the University of  Manchester in England showed dogs were split half-and-half.

About 90 per cent of humans are right-handed  and 10 per cent are left-handed.

Laterality — the textbook term meaning one  side of the brain is dominant over the other — may someday help breeders predict  which puppies will make the best military, service and therapy dogs, Schwartz  said, and that could be lifesaving.

But for now, if you care enought, Schwartz  has a series of tests that she says will determine the paw preference of your  pet, when performed 100 times.

She suggests filling  a toy with something delicious and  putting it in the center of the dog’s visual  field. Which paw does it use to touch the toy first? Which paw does the dog use  to hold the toy?

Or you could put  something sticky on a dog or cat’s nose and take note of which paw it uses to  remove it? Place a treat or a piece of  cheese under a sofa, just beyond a dog or cat’s reach, she says. Which paw does  it use to try and get it out?

Other indicators include which paw a dog  offers to shake when asked or knock the backdoor with when it wants to be let  in. Similarly for cats you can track which paw it uses to bat a dangled toy or  to reach a treat lurking under a bowl.

Schwartz said there are a few things that  might alter test results, including that if a dog has arthritis or an injury in a shoulder or  leg, it could use the other to compensate.

When a cat really wants something, she said,  tests show it uses its dominant paw, but when it’s just fooling around it may  use either or both.

And it is also possible that handedness in  dogs, and maybe cats, will change over time as the animal’s motivation  changes.

Robin A.F. Olson, founder and president of  rescue organisation Kitten Associates Inc, said her cats are always reaching for  toys or treats with one paw or another.

‘I try not to be judgmental of my cats’  abilities or lack thereof. We will never worry about the anti-paw.’

It appears that Nora, an internationally  acclaimed 8-year-old piano-playing tabby from Philadelphia, owned by piano  teacher Betsy Alexander and her artist-photographer husband, Burnell Yow, is  right-pawed.

Yow studied her videos and ‘determined that  she appears to lead with her right paw, then follow with her left,’ Alexander  said.

But she has her ambidextrous, headstrong  moments.

‘She uses both paws to reach for specific  notes, even black notes … and she uses her head to roll a series of multiple  notes.’

Read more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2195039/Is-pet-right-left-handed-The-test-uses-cheese-sofas-backdoor-out.html#ixzz253Yv47wu

We have requested that a select number of retailers withdraw one small batch (256 cases) of 6 LB Adult Select Formula Dog Food from their warehouses and stores. We have had a few reports of mold in bags from this batch that was caused by higher moisture content in the food. We know the entire batch has not been affected, but have requested the entire small batch to be removed from warehouses and stores. Only batch number 1792-02 (Expiration 27 DEC 13) is affected, all in only 6 LB bags. Your Dog’s health is of paramount importance to us, and you can continue to trust Bil-Jac for the absolute best nutrition.

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 A specially trained 2-year-old golden retriever-Labrador mix named Malvern has begun work calming witnesses in court cases in Santa Barbara, Calif. Just one week into his new job, Malvern has helped at least one witness relax enough to testify. “This dog was raised to love — Malvern has a calming effect on not only the victims but also on our staff of secretaries and attorneys alike,” said Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley, who was responsible for the program and is considering expanding it to other offices. Santa Barbara Independent (Calif.)

Canine Consoler Warms the Hearts of Victims

Newest Member of the District Attorney’s Office Provides Puppy Love

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Veterinarian Tanya Karlecke explains that some staple foods are dangerous and potentially deadly for pets, including raisins and grapes, chocolate and even raw bread dough. Xylitol, a component of many household items such as sugar-free candies and human toothpaste, can also harm pets, writes Dr. Karlecke, who points out the importance of seeking immediate veterinary advice for pets that may have ingested a poisonous substance. The Record (Hackensack, N.J.)

There are several food items that are toxic to pets and should be avoided at all costs:

* Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature).

* Grapes and raisins can result in acute kidney failure, which may be fatal even with prompt medical treatment.

* Onions and onion powder can cause damage to red blood cells, which can lead to anemia in dogs and cats.

* There are several sugar-free products and candies that contain xylitol (a sugar-free substitute), which can result in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar. At high doses, xylitol toxicity can also result in acute liver failure. Xylitol is found in many products, one of which is human toothpaste. It is very important to always brush your dog or cat’s teeth using only pet toothpaste.

* Chocolate ingestion can lead to hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination and lethargy. At high enough doses, although rare, chocolate toxicity can be fatal.

* Raw bread dough made with yeast can be hazardous. Upon ingestion, the dough is activated by the animal’s body heat, which causes it to rise in the stomach. During this process, alcohol is produced, leading to signs of abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, depression and ataxia (lack of coordination).

If your pet has ingested any of these items, it is imperative that you speak to a veterinary professional to determine what type of treatment is warranted, if any. If your veterinarian is unavailable or unfamiliar with a particular toxin, he/she will refer you to the animal poison control hotline (888-426-4435). A veterinary toxicologist will gather additional information from you (e.g., amount of toxin ingestion, the body weight of your pet, information on current clinical signs), and will advise as to what the next best course of action is.

Time is of the essence with any type of toxin ingestion, so it’s important to call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

— Tanya Karlecke, DVM

Amid the heat of summer, veterinarian Kathy Gagliardi reminds owners that heatstroke can be prevented by ensuring proper shade and cool water for all pets. If signs of heatstroke such as breathing problems, lethargy and vomiting occur, owners should start cooling measures and bring the pet to a veterinarian from immediate care, writes Dr. Gagliardi. Daily Camera (Boulder, Colo.)

As we rush toward the comfort of air conditioning during hot weather, we should not forget our pets and their sensitivity to heat — not only for their comfort, but for their health. Heat stroke is a very serious and often fatal disease that occurs when an animal’s cooling mechanisms cannot keep up and their body temperature elevates beyond 105-106 degrees. Cells and proteins in the body are sensitive to excess heat. When they are damaged, they can lead to conditions that include kidney failure, brain damage, heart arrhythmias, liver failure, muscle damage, systemic inflammation and excessive blood clotting.

Since animals do not sweat (except to a minor degree through their foot pads), they do not tolerate high environmental temperatures as well as humans do. Dogs depend upon panting to exchange warm air for cool air. When the air temperature is close to body temperature, cooling by panting is not an efficient process. Cats differ from dogs in that cats that are open mouth breathing or panting are showing signs of serious stress and need immediate veterinary care. With a cat, panting is never a sign of the animal just trying to cool down.

Common situations that can set the stage for heat stroke in animals include:

Being left in a car in hot weather, even with cracked windows and in the shade

Exercising strenuously in hot, humid weather

Suffering from a heart or lung disease that interferes with efficient breathing

Suffering from a high fever or seizures

Being confined on concrete or asphalt surfaces

Being confined without shade and fresh water in hot weather

Having a history of heat stroke

Overweight animals, long-haired breeds, brachycephalic breeds (short faced dogs or cats) and older animals are at increased risk of heat stroke.

Signs: Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting or trouble breathing, bright red gums, lethargy, behavior changes, muscle tremors, bruising, decreased urination, bloody stools, vomiting and unconsciousness.

Treatment: Emergency measures to cool the animal must begin at once. Move the dog out of the source of heat, preferably into an air-conditioned place and call your veterinarian immediately. Successful treatment for most heat stroke animals requires intensive emergency care at a veterinary clinic. Most affected animals will require inpatient hospitalization and intensive care for at least 24 hours, until their temperature and clinical signs are stabilized. Common nursing care protocols that can be done on your way to the veterinary clinic include spraying the animal with cool water; using convection cooling with fans or cooling pads, and using evaporative cooling with rubbing alcohol on the foot pads. Animals should not be immersed in ice or ice-cold water. Cooling a hyperthermic animal too quickly can cause its blood vessels to constrict (peripheral vasoconstriction), which will make it harder for their body to cool down.

Prevention: Some ways to help protect your pet on hot days include limiting exercise during the hottest part of the day, exercising in the cool early morning hours, providing shade and fresh clean water at all times, and NEVER leaving an animal in a car when it is 60 degrees or more outside, even if only for a few minutes.

Early recognition and treatment of heat stroke can mean the difference between life and death. So if you think your animal is suffering from heat stroke call your veterinarian.

Reconciling the need to protect puppies from pathogens until they are fully vaccinated with the importance of early and proper socialization can be difficult, writes veterinarian Jeff Kahler. Owners should avoiding taking puppies to parks and other public areas where disease potential is unknown, but they can introduce their pet to others that are also following appropriate vaccination in a controlled environment, Dr. Kahler recommends. The Miami Herald/McClatchy Newspapers (free registration) (8/8)

Limit exposure to disease until immune system matures

Sounds like fun times ahead for Carly and Thane with the arrival of Bolo. The 9-week-old French bulldog has easily taken over his caretakers’ hearts.

Pet owners and animal advocates are closely watching  a new state Senate bill  that would limit how far landlords can go to keep their property clear of noisy  dogs and frisky felines.

SB 1229 would prevent property owners from requiring tenants to have their  cats declawed and the voice boxes of their dogs removed as a condition of  tenancy but would still hold the renter responsible for damage caused by a pet.  The bill also would bar property owners from advertising only to potential  renters whose pets have had such procedures.

The bill’s author, Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, said some landlords   condition rental occupancy on the declawing of cats or the devocalizing of dogs.  These practices can have unintended consequences for property managers, physical  problems for animals and emotional and financial consequences for pet owners,  Pavley said.

Devocalizing pets is illegal in New Jersey and Massachusetts, and the state  of New York has pending legislation similar to California’s to ban  declawing  and devocalizing as a condition of rental tenancy. SB 1229 would resemble  federal Housing and Urban Development Department regulations that prohibit  public authorities from requiring pet owners to remove their pet’s vocal  chords.

The bill passed the Senate on May 17 without dissent and will be taken up by  the Assembly this month.

“Certainly, when it comes to somebody telling somebody else they have to do a  permanent procedure when they are doing a temporary rental, in my mind that is  excessive,” said Al Schwartz, owner of the Moorpark Veterinary Hospital and  former president of the California Veterinarian Association.

In his 31 years practicing animal medicine, Schwartz said, he has never  devocalized a dog or referred a pet for the procedure. Declawing is relatively  rare, too. Last year his office performed six declawing procedures. Schwartz  said he generally discourages declawing cats and advises pet owners to explore  alternative solutions such as behavioral training before going ahead with the  practice.

Eight local governments in California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco  and West Hollywood, have outlawed declawing.

Schwartz said there are narrow situations where declawing is necessary, and  for that reason he is critical of city councils that have banned the procedure  altogether. He cites instances in which a cat owner may be suffering from an  illness and declawing is the only way to protect the owner’s health and keep the  owner able to care for the cat.

“A city, such as West Hollywood, for example, should not be telling a pet  owner what to do,”  Schwartz said.

Two years ago, a similar bill written by then-Assemblyman Pedro Nava, D-Santa  Barbara, was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after criticism from some  veterinarian circles about the language of the bill. The bill would have banned  declawing for any nontherapeutic reason, which Schwarzenegger believed would  prohibit accommodating the legitimate medical needs of a pet owner.

When done properly, Schwartz said, declawing is relatively painless. Cost can  vary by veterinarian and regional location but typically ranges from $250 to  $500.

Pavley’s bill is being backed by California Veterinary Association and the  California Apartment Association. Proponents argue the decision to have a pet  undergo such procedures should be up to the pet owner.

In a statement from the U.S. Humane Society, state director Jennifer Fearing  said SB 1229 will ensure that important medical decisions about pets continue to  be made by their caregivers, in private consultation with veterinarians.

Jeff Wallach, a theater arts educator from Thousand Oaks, said he’s been a  renter for most of his life. Wallach owns three pets rescued from animal  shelters: Buddy, an 8-year-old shepherd; Jack, a 7-year-old Lab mix; and Sassy,  a tabby who Wallach guesses is about 12.

Wallach said that if a property owner asked him to declaw Sassy or remove the  vocal chords of Buddy or Jack, he’d move out of the property immediately.

“It upsets me. I think it’s wrong. I think it’s inhumane,” Wallach said.

Wallach comes from a family of property owners and as a child would help his  father manage property in the San Fernando Valley by collecting rent and  interacting with tenants.

“I think the industry itself to me is so wonderful,” Wallach said. “It  infuriates me that people who would actually do that. It would never have  crossed my mind to ask a tenant to do that.”

Read more:  https://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/aug/05/bill-to-protect-rights-of-pet-owning-tenants/#ixzz23H24Xy3T – vcstar.com