Pets have a profound affect on their human owners.  They provide us with love, endless hours of companionship, and wonderful relationships that help fill our lives.  National Pet Week is a celebration of those relationships. Responsible pet ownership requires caring for your pet's health.  Scroll down the page for useful information on choosing the right pet for your household.  Pet proofing your home and property against toxins & poisons as well as additional pet care tips.  Always make sure to speak with your veterinarian about your pets particular situation. Visit  www.petweek.org  for more information.
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coffee grounds	grapes/raisins
chocolate	onions
yeast dough	tea
macadamia nuts	alcohol
fatty foods	salt
avocado	garlic
chewing gum, candy and breath fresheners containing xylitol

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen and any prescription drugs
acetaminophen	diet pills	antihistamines
cold medicines	vitamins	antidepressants

Soaps and other Sundries

Bath and hand soaps, toothpaste and sun blocks should also be kept away from your pets. They can cause stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea. Keep toilet lids closed to prevent your pets from consuming treated toilet bowl water that could irritate their digestive tract.

HAZARDS IN THE BEDROOM AND LIVING ROOM

While they may smell good, many liquid potpourri products contain ingredients that can cause oral ulcerations and other problems, so keep them out of the reach of your pets.

Just one mothball has the potential to sicken a dog or cat and mothballs that contain naphthalene can cause serious illness, including digestive tract irritation, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissues, seizures, coma, respiratory tract damage (if inhaled) and even death (if ingested). Tobacco products, pennies (those minted after 1982 contain zinc) and alkaline batteries (like those in your remote controls) can also be hazardous when ingested.

HAZARDS IN THE GARAGE AND YARD

Antifreeze, Herbicides and Insecticides
Ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze and coolants, even in small quantities, can be fatal to both dogs and cats. While antifreeze products containing propylene glycol are less toxic than those containing ethylene glycol, they can still be dangerous. In addition to antifreeze, other substances routinely stored in the garage including insecticides, plant/lawn fertilizers, weed killers, ice-melting products and gasoline also pose a threat to your pet's health if ingested.

When chemical treatments are applied to grassy areas, be sure and keep your pet off the lawn for the manufacturer's recommended time. If pets are exposed to wet chemicals or granules that adhere to their paws, they may lick it off later; stomach upset or more serious problems could result.

Paints and Solvents
Paint thinners, mineral spirits, and other solvents are dangerous and can cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or if they come in contact with your pet's skin. While most latex house paints typically produce a minor stomach upset, some types of artist's or other specialty paints may contain heavy metals or volatile substances that could become harmful if inhaled or ingested.

Plants – Inside or Around the House
There are many household and yard plants that can sicken your pet. Some of the most commonly grown greenery that should be kept away from pets include:

• Lily of the Valley, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron and kalanchoe may cause heart problems if ingested.
• Rhubarb leaves and shamrock contain substances that can produce kidney failure. Certain types of lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are highly toxic to cats, resulting in kidney failure — even if only small amounts are ingested.
• Sago palms (Cycad species) can cause liver damage, especially if the nut portion of the plant is consumed. Additionally, fungi such as certain varieties of mushrooms can cause liver damage or other illnesses.

A few other potentially harmful plants include philodendron, corn plant, castor bean, mother-in-law's tongue, Hibiscus and hydrangea.

For a complete listing of common toxic and non-toxic plants, visit www.apcc.aspca.org

OTHER HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS

Small items that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious cat or dog. Such items include coins, buttons, small children's toys, medicine bottles, jewelry, nails, and screws. The result may be damage to your pet's digestive tract and the need for surgical removal of the object.

While electrical cords are especially tempting to puppies who like to chew on almost anything, even an adult dog or cat could find them of interest; burns or electrocution could result from chewing on live cords. Prevent this by using cord covers and blocking access to wires

HOLIDAY HAZARDS

Don't forget that holidays and visitors can pose a special challenge to your pets. Discourage well-meaning guests from spoiling pets with extra treats and scraps from the dinner table. Fatty, rich or spicy foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea and lead to inflammation of the pancreas. Poultry or other soft bones can splinter and damage your pet's mouth or esophagus.

While trick or treating is fun for children, it can be hazardous to pets. Halloween treats such as chocolate or candy sweetened with xylitol can make a harmful snack. Certain Halloween and Christmas decorations (especially tinsel, ribbons and ornaments) also pose a hazard to pets, so make sure nothing is left on the floor or on tables within reach.

String-like items can damage your pet's intestine and could prove fatal if not surgically removed. While poinsettia is not deadly as popular legend would have it, it could still cause an upset stomach if consumed. Holly and mistletoe are especially dangerous plants. Christmas tree water treated with preservatives (including fertilizers) can also cause an upset stomach. Water that is allowed to stagnate in tree stands contains bacteria that, if ingested, could lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

A Special Note of Caution to Bird Owners
Just like dogs and cats, most hazards listed here apply to your pet bird, particularly if it is allowed to roam freely outside of its cage. In addition, birds have unique respiratory tracts that are especially vulnerable to inhaled particles and fumes from aerosol products, tobacco products, certain glues, paints, air fresheners and any other aerosolized matter. Birds should never be allowed in areas where such products are being used. As a rule, birds should never be kept in kitchens because cooking fumes, smoke and odors can present a hazard.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS POISONED
Don't wait! Time is critical for successfully treating accidental poisoning. Pick up the phone and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply). Be prepared to state your pet's breed, age, weight and any symptoms. Keep the product container or plant sample with you to assist in identification so the appropriate treatment recommendations can be made.

For more information about pet poisons,
visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center
www.apcc.aspca.org

This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Pets are an important part of the American household. Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. The primary reason pets are given up to animal shelters is unfulfilled expectations, so make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions when considering getting a dog as a pet..

What's special about dogs?

The saying that “dogs are a man's (or woman's) best friend” has a lot of truth to it. Dogs have been faithful companions for tens of thousands of years. They are friendly, affectionate, and entertaining. They are also capable of doing extraordinary jobs—and seem to enjoy doing them.

What choices do you have?

Dogs have been selectively bred for generations to highlight specific physical and behavioral traits. The amazing diversity of dogs includes varied sizes, hair coat lengths, colors, temperaments, and activity levels. A dog's size may affect its lifespan: the lifespan of a large-breed dog tends to be shorter than that of a smaller dog.

What are the special needs of dogs?

Some dogs may be at greater risk for certain medical conditions, while others may require more training, exercise and patience to help them to become good companions. Ask your veterinarian about health conditions and behaviors that may be common in the breed you are considering.

Who will care for your dog?

As its owner, you will ultimately be responsible for your dog's food, shelter, companionship, exercise, and physical and mental health for the rest of its life. While families should involve their children in caring for a pet, youngsters need the help of an adult who is willing, able, and available to supervise the daily care of a pet.

Does a dog fit into your lifestyle?

Feeding, grooming, exercise, play and elimination are daily needs that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy dog. Think about the following factors when deciding if you should get a dog and in determining what breed would be the most appropriate for you and your family:

• Do you live in the city, suburbs, or country?
• Do you rent or do you own your home?
• Do you live in an apartment or single-family home? Do you live at ground level or on the 21st floor?
• How long is your work day? Do you frequently have obligations after work that would interfere with caring for your puppy or dog?
• Do you travel? Who will care for your dogs in your absence?
• Do you have other pets?
• Are there any restrictions on number or types of pets where you live?
• What future changes might occur in your living situation that would affect your ability to keep your dog in years to come?
• Are you prepared to meet the grooming needs of a dog — whether at home or at a professional grooming facility?
• What are you looking for in a dog (e.g. jogging or hiking companion, cuddly lap dog, or a high energy companion)?

Should you get a puppy, or an adult dog? What size of dog should you get?

Puppies require additional time for housetraining, socialization, and obedience training, as well as more frequent feeding, exercise, and supervision. Consider the possibility of an adult dog; older pets are often already housetrained, know some basic commands, and usually adapt very well to their new home.

Larger dogs require more space than smaller ones, and may be harder to maintain in an apartment or condominium. Regardless of the size of your dog, it must be provided with access to the outdoors multiple times a day for elimination and exercise.

Can you afford a dog?

The purchase price for a dog can vary tremendously by breed and source, and is only the initial expense incurred for a dog. Dogs need high quality food, proper housing, mental stimulation (e.g., toys, play time), and regular visits to a veterinarian for preventive care. Other costs may include emergency medical treatment, grooming, boarding, identification, licensing, sterilization (spaying or neutering), training, and accessories. Pet health insurance is available and can help defray unexpected expenses resulting from illness or injury.

Where do you find a dog?

Purebred dogs can be obtained from reputable breeders. Both mixed-breed and purebred puppies and dogs can be obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations. In many communities, there are rescue groups dedicated to finding good homes for specific dog breeds and their mixes. If possible, try to find out as much as possible about the dog's personality and why it was given up for adoption. Some puppies or adult dogs are given up because of family lifestyle changes (e.g., moving, new baby), but some are given up because of behavioral problems that may not be acceptable to you.

What should you look for in a healthy dog?

A healthy dog has clear, bright eyes; a clean, shiny hair coat; and does not appear thin, overly fat, or show signs of illness, such as nasal discharge or diarrhea.

When choosing a dog, pick one that is active, friendly, inquisitive, and not afraid of you. The dog should accept gentle handling and not exhibit signs of aggression. The temperament of a puppy's parents may be an indication of its future behavior.

What must you do to prepare for your dog?

Before bringing your new dog home, prepare an appropriate place for it to eat and sleep and have ready the necessary accessories such as a collar and leash, ID tag, food, and water bowls. Be sure to pet-proof your home to prevent injury to your dog or damage to your possessions. For example, make sure that electrical wires and cords are out of the reach of curious mouths. Ask your veterinarian about other ways to make your home safe for your pet.

Schedule a veterinary examination to assess the health of your new companion as soon as possible to ensure it receives the appropriate vaccinations and any needed health care. If you have medical information from your dog's original owner, including its vaccination and deworming history, be sure to take this information with you on your first visit to your veterinarian.

Not only is your veterinarian best qualified to evaluate the health of your new companion, but he/she can advise you about proper immunization, parasite control, nutrition, sterilization, socialization, training, grooming and other care that may be necessary to protect the health of your new pet.

If you choose a puppy, be prepared for several weeks to months of housetraining and some initial medical expenses for wellness exams, vaccinations and neutering. If you plan your puppy's arrival when there is sufficient time to socialize and housetrain it, your puppy will learn faster and more likely grow into the adult dog you've always wanted. If your community offers puppy classes, they are a great way to socialize your new companion and help it learn some basic commands. Frequent, positive contact with people and other dogs early in the puppy's life enhances its future interactions with your family, other people, and their dogs.

Any dog can become bored and potentially destructive if left alone all day without an outlet for its exercise, exploratory, and social needs. Therefore, set aside time each day for activities that are fun for you and your dog such as walking, playing, petting, grooming, etc. Remember that dogs are highly social creatures, and isolating a dog to the backyard with no interaction is one of the worst things you can do.

When you acquire a pet, you accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living thing. You are also responsible for your pet's impact on your family, friends, and community. A pet will be part of your life for many years. Invest the time and effort necessary to make your years together happy ones. When you choose a pet, you are promising to care for it for its entire life. Choose wisely, keep your promise, and enjoy one of life's most rewarding experiences!

New Puppy Tips

  Six to 10 weeks is considered an ideal age for a puppy to move to a new home.

  Spaying or neutering your new pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to have your puppy spayed or neutered.

  When possible, meet the puppy's parents—their temperaments are often good indicators of what the puppy's temperament will be.

  If you are getting a puppy as a second pet, remember that some older pets may be less tolerant of a puppy's behavior. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer about introducing your puppy into its new animal family.

  Crate training can be an effective method for training your puppy. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer for more information.

For more information, visit:
www.avma.org
www.akc.org

This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Pets are an important part of the American household. Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. The primary reason pets are given up to animal shelters is unfulfilled expectations, so make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions before selecting a cat.

What's special about cats?

Cats make wonderful companions. Their entertaining antics and affectionate behaviors have endeared these animals to millions of owners for thousands of years. Easily house-trained and relatively low maintenance, cats make good indoor pets and most will readily adapt to a variety of environments.

What choices do you have in cats?

Purebred and mixed-breed cats come in a variety of shapes (head, ears, body, and tail), sizes, colors, personalities, and hair coats. Purebred cats have been selectively bred to enhance certain physical and behavioral characteristics that some owners find desirable, while mixed-breed cats have varied characteristics and also make wonderful pets. Veterinarians, cat fancy associations, and cat shows are good sources of information about the physical characteristics, personalities, and needs of various breeds.

What are the special needs of cats?

Feeding, exercise, play, and elimination are daily needs that must be met if you want a healthy, happy cat. Some purebred and mixed-breed cats have long and/or thick hair coats that require daily grooming to prevent matting and skin irritation. If you're not prepared to provide daily grooming, consider a short-haired variety that can take care of most of its own grooming needs. To reduce the risk of injury and disease, cats should always be kept indoors. A cat's litter box must be kept very clean so that the cat continues to use it. If there are multiple cats within the home, multiple litter boxes should be available in several locations.

Who will care for your cat?

As its owner, you will ultimately be responsible for your cat's food, shelter, exercise, and physical and mental health for the rest of its life. While families should involve their children in caring for a pet, youngsters need the help of an adult who is willing, able, and available to supervise the daily care of a cat.

Does a cat fit into your lifestyle?

Cats can adapt to most living situations if proper housing, food, grooming, and exercise are provided. To help decide if a cat is the right pet for you, answer the following questions:

• Do you rent or do you own your home? If you rent, does your lease allow you to keep a cat?
• How long is your work day? Do you frequently have obligations after work that would interfere with caring for your kitten or cat?
• Do you travel? Who will care for your pet in your absence?
• If you have multiple pets, will adding another cause you to violate restrictions on the number or types of pets where you live? Will your new cat get along with your existing pets?
• Do any family members have allergies to pet hair or dander?

Should you get a kitten, or an adult cat?

Kittens require additional time for litter box training and socialization, as well as more frequent feeding and supervision. If you can't make this commitment, consider purchasing or adopting an adult cat that is most likely litter trained and will usually adapt well to a new home.

Can you afford a cat?

The purchase price for a cat can vary tremendously by breed and source, and will just be your initial expense. Cats need high quality food, proper housing, mental stimulation (e.g., toys, playtime), and regular visits to a veterinarian for preventive care. Other costs may include emergency medical treatment, grooming, boarding, identification, licensing, sterilization (spaying or neutering), and accessories. Today, pet health insurance is readily available and may help you defray unexpected expenses resulting from illness or injury.

Where can you get a cat?

Purebred kittens and cats can be purchased from reputable breeders. Both mixed-breed and purebred kittens and cats can be adopted from animal shelters and rescue organizations. If you obtain your cat from a shelter, discuss with shelter personnel what they have observed about the cat's personality and try to learn why the cat was given up. Some kittens and cats are in shelters because of family lifestyle changes (e.g., moving, new baby), but others are given up because of chronic health or behavioral conditions that you might not want to manage. Some conditions may be treatable, but this will require additional investments of time and money.

What should you look for in a healthy cat?

A healthy kitten or cat has clear, bright eyes and a clean, shiny hair coat. It should not appear thin, overly fat, or show signs of illness, such as nasal discharge or diarrhea.

When choosing a cat, pick one that is active, inquisitive, and seeks affection and attention from people. Sometimes cats are uncomfortable in noisy or unfamiliar environments, so keep that in mind during your evaluation. An adult cat should allow handling and petting without hissing or scratching. A kitten should purr and be relaxed when picked up and handled. The best age at which to obtain a kitten is when it is between 7 and 9 weeks old. Your veterinarian can also provide information about health conditions and behaviors that may be common in a particular breed you are considering.

What must you do to prepare for your cat?

Before bringing your new cat home, prepare places for it to eat, sleep, and eliminate. Purchase necessary accessories such as a litter box, litter, toys, and food and water bowls. Pet-proof your home by keeping toxic chemicals and plants out of reach, and make sure windows are securely screened when open so that your cat cannot escape. Be sure to provide appropriate scratching materials, such as a scratching post, so your cat can stretch and sharpen its claws without damaging your furnishings.

Plan to spend time training your cat so that it becomes comfortable with handling and grooming, and learns how to play and interact with people. Provide different kinds of play with a variety of toys, balls, or even a climbing tower. Kittens need frequent attention to socialize them to people and acquaint them with new things and experiences. Careful supervision also helps the kitten learn the rules of the household.

If you already have a cat and wish to add another, matching personality types may help the transition go more smoothly. For example, quiet cats should be matched with those of similar temperament. When another cat or kitten enters the home, introductions should proceed slowly with periods of isolation and separation until each cat learns to accept the other. If problems arise, consult your veterinarian for help.

Appropriate toileting areas are essential when multiple cats live together. This means at least one litter box per cat in more than one location. Food, water bowls, scratching posts, and resting areas should also be spaced throughout the home.

To ensure they live long, healthy lives, cats require regular veterinary medical checkups. Ask your veterinarian about a vaccination program and other preventive medical care appropriate for your cat's lifestyle and to protect against disease risks in your area. Your veterinarian can also help you learn how to detect subtle signs of illness, since cats are good at concealing when they don't feel well

When you acquire a pet, you are making a promise to accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living creature for its lifetime. You also agree to be responsible for your pet's impact on your family, friends, and community. Choose your pet wisely, keep your promise, and enjoy one of life's most rewarding experiences!

Kitten Tips

Seven to nine weeks is considered the ideal time for a kitten to move into a new home.

Spaying or neutering your new pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to have your kitten spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters.

When possible, meet the kitten's parents — their physical and behavioral characteristics may provide a clue as to how your kitten will be as an adult.

If you already have a pet (or more than one pet) and plan to get a cat, remember that your other pets may be less enthusiastic about your new addition than you are Ask your veterinarian about the best ways to introduce your pet to its new animal family.

String is NOT a good toy for cats. If a cat eats string (or ribbon), it can develop life-threatening intestinal problems. There are many safe toy alternatives available at pet stores.

For more information on selecting a cat, visit
www.avma.org
www.aafponline.org/

This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association.