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NIAGARA SPCA
Exciting things are happening at your SPCA!
Rabies . .
Are
you and your pet protected?
Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the
central nervous system of all mammals, including humans.
What you may not be aware of is that the threat of this
disease may be lurking as close as your backyard. Skunks,
raccoons, foxes and bats are the most common carriers of the
rabies virus. As populations expand into more rural areas
and these hardy mammals learn to adapt to urban lifestyles,
the threat of exposure increases for our domestic animals
and to humans.
The most frequently reported domestic animal diagnosed with
rabies is the cat, followed by the dog, cow and horse.
Several reasons why cats seem to be at increased risk are:
* Cats are more likely to
roam and come in contact with rabid wild animals.
* Rural cats are more
numerous than rural dogs and more likely to be unvaccinated.
* Rabies control programs for
cats have only recently been implemented on a wide scale
basis, but still lag behind rabies control programs for
dogs.
It is important that cat owners, in particular, follow a few
simple rules. Always keep your cat inside, roaming outdoors
promotes their “hunting skills” which greatly increases the
risk of exposure to rabies. Never expose your pets or family
by bringing stray animals or wildlife into your home. They
can seem healthy and friendly yet still carry rabies.
The only proven
method of controlling rabies involves routine vaccination of
pets. By law, in New York State, all dogs, cats and domestic
Ferrets must have a current rabies vaccination. If your
animal does not have up-to-date rabies immunization, call
your veterinarian today for an appointment. If there is any
possible chance that your pet has been bitten by a wild
animal or a stray dog, you need to contact your veterinarian
as soon as possible. It is vital in that type of situation
that you take all precautions when you handle your pet, as
you and your family run the risk of exposure.
Regardless of where you
reside, rabies vaccination is an easy way to avert this
deadly disease from wrecking havoc with your pets and your
family.
Much of this Information came
from a
pamphlet by Fort Dodge Animal Health
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Toothy Grins
Most people know they must care for their pearly
whites. Plaque and tartar buildup can cause bacteria to
migrate into our bloodstreams, resulting in serious health
problems. The same holds true for dogs and cats. Along with
love, good food and exercise, a daily brushing of their
teeth is one of the most important things we can give our
animal companions.
“You can imagine if we didn’t brush how bad things would
get,” says John Lewis, president-elect of the American
Veterinary Dental Society and assistant professor of
veterinary dentistry and oral surgery at the University of
Pennsylvania. “More and more evidence points to the mouth as
a source of inflammation and infection that can cause
adverse effects elsewhere in the body.” In one study, Penn
researchers found lower levels of inflammatory substances in
the bloodstream of dogs after their teeth had been cleaned.
Plaque, a mix of food particles, saliva and bacteria, is
easily brushed off…until it calcifies and becomes tartar,
which brushing cannot remove. “It takes about 24 hours for
tartar to form, so brushing your cat’s or dog’s teeth every
day can do a lot to prevent periodontal disease from
beginning or advancing,” Lewis says.
Young animals generally accept the routine more easily than
their older counterparts, so start brushing when your puppy
or kitten still has baby teeth. Make
it fun by talking in a happy voice and give your pet a treat
at the end. With older pets, you’ll likely need more
patience but keep trying. For pets who resist strongly,
consider special foods and diets aimed at promoting dental
health. The Veterinary Oral Health Council awards its seal
of acceptance to such foods and treats based on studies that
prove a product’s effectiveness.
Lewis says toothpaste isn’t necessary. “The mechanical
effect of the bristles is far more important than what you
put on the brush,” he says. Instead, moisten the bristles
with warm water. Don’t pull open your pet’s mouth. Simply
lift the animal’s lips and insert the brush, paying special
attention to the back teeth. Brush in a circular motion that
allows the bristles to gently get at gum line. Finish up
with a treat and lots of praise. If you do use toothpaste,
use only products designed for dogs and cats.
Some pets may already have problems that
brushing can’t fix, like periodontal disease. As part of
your pet’s regular physical exam, your veterinarian can let
you know if a professional cleaning to remove tartar and
restore teeth to pearly health is necessary. Another upside:
no more bad breath.
Article by Nick Lansing,
Allanimals, Winter 2008
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