All posts by Dr. Marty Becker

How Bissell is helping homeless pets

Companies That Help Animals

BissellDogEven though I have no financial relationship with them, I’ve never asked our friends at Bissell to do something to help pets and been turned down.

In the world of business, not every company understands just how powerful the human-animal bond is, but Bissell definitely does. Which is particularly interesting, since while they do have a line of their cleaning products and supplies designed for households with pets in them, they’re not a pet product company.

That hasn’t stopped them from designing programs to help pets, or from starting a charitable foundation, the Bissell Pet Foundation. Its mission:

The BISSELL Pet Foundation exists to assist animal welfare organizations. This includes helping to reduce the number of animals in shelters and rescues through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping and foster care.

When one of my team members, Christie Keith, came to me ask for advice on who might help sponsor the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance’s “Getting to the Goal” conference, which helps share how the state’s healthy and treatable homeless pets can be saved, Bissell was one of the first companies that came to mind — and one of the first to say “yes”!

Thank you, Bissell, for your dedication to helping the pets who need us most — and keeping our homes clean and ready for any new animal additions who might join the family!

In or near Michigan? Get more information and register to attend the conference here!

Starved horses in Tennessee need help!

News

Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Dunlap of Dunlap Equine Services  in western Tennessee is helping the American Humane Association assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of six horses currently in critical condition after being starved to the brink of death.

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If you are a horse lover, or just want to help, they are mounting up massive veterinary expenses. You can read more about the heartbreaking story and the efforts these great champions of animals are making to save them here.

Thank you, my friends, for spreading the word!

What NOT to do if you love your pet

Veterinary Medicine

QsAndPugsBeggingNothing generates instant happiness in a dog like opening the refrigerator or treat drawer. Unfortunately, as this delighted frenzy of fur keeps begging, you give more treats, and he starts bulging.

Pudgy pooches have an increased risk of serious health problems, including joint disease, Type 2 diabetes, respiratory and skin problems, and even cancer.

Most of us give our pets treats to see those dancing liquid eyes (I know we do!), but please limit treats to no more than 10 percent of your pet’s total caloric intake.

Besides, most pets would rather play or get massaged than eat. Play burns calories for both pet and owner, and massage gives both of you a biochemical spa treatment! So look for other, more health-friendly ways to sayy “I love you”!

What to do if your dog is stung by a bee

Pet Connection, Veterinary Medicine, , ,

veterinary Do you know what to do if your dog gets stung by a bee?

One of my readers asked:

Q: My dog just got stung by a bee. He didn’t have an allergic reaction, but is there anything I can do in the future to relieve the pain? — via email

A: You were fortunate that your dog didn’t have an allergic reaction to the bee sting. That can occur when a dog has been stung previously or receives many stings at once.

Bees, ants, wasps, mosquitoes and spiders can all sting or bite, causing small swollen areas that are painful or itchy. Signs of an allergic reaction include hot and swollen areas at the site of the sting. Your dog may also bite or scratch at the area.

If a bee stings your dog again, first look to see if the stinger is still in the skin. It resembles a small black sac. You can brush it off with a finger, scrape it out with a fingernail or grasp it with tweezers and pull it out.

To soothe the painful area, apply a paste made from water and baking soda. A cold compress can also help to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Take your dog to the veterinarian right away if you see signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or neck, agitation, drooling, vomiting or difficulty breathing. Dogs can die of anaphylactic shock if they don’t receive treatment right away.

A bite from a venomous spider such as a black widow or brown recluse can cause severe pain at the bite site, fever, weakness, and muscle and joint pain. That also calls for a veterinary visit — pronto — for a shot of antivenin. Left untreated, venomous spider bites can cause seizures, send a dog into shock or even kill him, so don’t delay.

Read more in this week’s Pet Connection!

Tara the Hero Cat joins feline friends to raise money for shelter pets

News, ,

TaraHeroCatRemember Tara, the brave hero cat who made international news by saving her family’s little boy from a dog attack?

She’ll be the special guest of Matilda, the Algonquin Hotel Cat, at a fundraiser for the Mayor’s Alliance for New York’s Animals in New York City on Aug. 2, held at the iconic hotel and sponsored by Cat Fancy magazine.

“It means so much to us at Cat Fancy to be part of Matilda’s birthday bash and fundraiser,” says Susan Logan, editor of Cat Fancy. “Not only does it give us a chance to celebrate these remarkable cats, but it allows us to raise awareness and much-needed funds for homeless cats and dogs. Money raised at events such as this makes a difference in getting us closer to a day when every pet has a loving home and kill-shelters are a thing of the past.”

Best of all, there will be cats available for adoption at the event, along with feline Broadway star and former shelter cat, Vito Vincent.

“We are thrilled to be able to honor these three special cats,” adds Logan. “Tara for her brave actions that saved a boy’s life, Vito for his talent as a feline performer and Matilda for hosting a party that benefits cats and dogs who are in need of homes. We’re thankful to the beautiful Algonquin Hotel Autograph Collection for opening their doors and people’s hearts every year to help animals in need.”

To celebrate Matilda’s birthday and support the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, guests can purchase tickets for a minimum $40 entrance donation (additional donations will be accepted and greatly appreciated). Reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. For tickets and other information, contact Alice de Almeida at 212-419-9197.