Most pet parents know there’s no better alarm clock than a nose full of warm pet breath in the morning.

But did you know your pet’s bad breath might be a warning sign of oral problems that can actually have an impact on their overall health?

Like humans, pets can suffer from plaque buildup on their teeth, which can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, receding gums, loss of teeth and infections. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will have oral disease by the time they’re 3 years old.

It’s always a good idea to make sure a veterinarian examines your pet at least once a year. Your veterinarian can check for general health issues and take a look at your pet’s choppers. Some pet insurance plans, like ASPCA Pet Insurance, have coverage for wellness care that can include annual exams and yearly dental cleanings.

Here are some other tips to help you care for your furry friend’s pearly whites at home:

1. Do the sniff test. Take a whiff of your pet’s breath. It probably won’t smell fresh and lovely, but it shouldn’t smell foul or offensive, either. If you cringe at the scent, you should visit your veterinarian to make sure your pet isn’t suffering from digestive issues or gum disease.
2. Get a good look. Pets tend to hide pain and discomfort, so it’s important to check their mouths regularly. Face your pet towards you, and gently lift his or her lips. Look around for inflammation, discoloration, ulcers or loose teeth. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact your veterinarian.
3. Brush regularly. Brushing your pet’s teeth on an ongoing basis may sound like a daunting task, but it’s an inexpensive way to avoid potentially serious health problems in the future.
4. Check his or her diet. The food your pet eats can impact dental health. Crunchy pet food or a combination of dry and wet food can keep your pet’s mouth cleaner than soft food, which tends to stick more. Ask your veterinarian to recommend pet food that’s good for dental hygiene.
5. Offer chew toys. Toys made for chewing can perform double duty by satisfying your pet’s natural urge to chomp and promoting dental health. Chewing massages the gums and can remove soft tartar. But be careful not to let your pet chew on hard toys that can injure his or her mouth or fracture teeth.

ASPCA applauds measure ensuring adoption, veterinary care for retired military dogs

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today applauds the U.S. Congress for passing legislation to protect military dogs.

Included as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, the measure provides significant steps for the protection of retired military dogs by streamlining the adoption process and authorizing a system of veterinary care for the retired animals at no expense to taxpayers.

The Defense Authorization bill now moves to President Barack Obama for his signature.

This provision was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) through the leadership of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in the U.S. Senate and Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both legislators introduced similar legislation to assist military dogs, the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, earlier this year.

“Military dogs are true heroes—they play a critical role in our nation’s defense,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. “These amazing dogs have been loyal to us in extreme circumstances and deserve to be properly cared for and adopted into good homes after such unwavering service to their country. We thank Senator Blumenthal and Representative Jones for ensuring these heroic dogs’ health and well-being is properly cared for.”

Military dogs successfully perform many important and dangerous duties that can be difficult, if not impossible, for humans. After years of service, military dogs deserve a safe retirement option and may require expensive veterinary care to treat health issues related to their dedicated service. Establishing a long-term, reliable source of support for that care will ensure that our nation’s commitment to the dogs’ well-being extends beyond their period of military service.

Photo Credit: khanrahan.com

The bill also streamlines the adoption process by standardizing the transfer of retired military dogs from foreign soil back to the United States, where they can be permanently placed into loving homes.

“Military working dogs are so crucial to the safety of our service members, and it is our job to provide them with the love and care that they so honorably deserve when they are retired,” said Rep. Jones. “I would like to thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership in the Senate and all the organizations, such as the ASPCA, who have supported our efforts.”

“I am pleased that this year’s NDAA will recognize the importance of military working dogs by providing for their care,” added Sen. Blumenthal. “These dogs have saved countless human lives through their vital work and deserve to be honored in this way. I thank Congressman Jones and the organizations that have worked so hard to ensure that these canine heroes receive the care they deserve. I will continue to work with these key organizations to ensure that the Department of Defense implements the provisions of the NDAA that will establish standards of care for retired military working dogs, allow for the transport of retiring dogs working overseas back to the United States, and provide for recognition of their service.”

For more information on the ASPCA and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org.

ASPCA encouraged by passage of SB 130,
Requires commercial dog breeding facilities to be licensed, inspected

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) yesterday applauded the Ohio House of Representatives for passing Senate Bill 130 by a vote of 89-5. This bill is crucial and something that I have talked about multiple times before on the blog, requiring commercial dog breeding facilities to be licensed and inspected for the first time in the state’s history.

The ASPCA had worked to strengthen the bill, recommending that critical provisions which had previously been removed from the bill, be reinstated.

“The Ohio General Assembly has been considering various puppy mill bills for over six years,” said Vicki Deisner, state director of ASPCA Government Relations for the Midwest region. “Ohio has taken a critical step today by regulating commercial breeders, which will improve the living conditions of breeding dogs destined to spend their whole lives in these barren, commercial breeding facilities.”

Sponsored by Senator Jim Hughes (R-Columbus), SB 130 unanimously passed in the Ohio Senate last February. While the Senate version of the bill contained many strong provisions, the current version has been stripped of several of the vital requirements that would most improve the lives of Ohio’s puppy mill dogs.

The ASPCA had recommended to the Ohio House Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee that every breeding dog receive a hands-on veterinary exam once a year, and that facility inspections be performed by state-level inspectors only.

“In order to ensure that all breeding dogs are healthy and safe, each dog should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year,” said Cori Menkin, senior director of the ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign.

“In its current form, SB 130 does not require this, but the legislation is still a step in the right direction. We look forward to eventually working with the Ohio Department of Agriculture to ensure more humane standards of care are instituted.”

Ohio has become a haven for puppy mill operators, which is why in addition to its legislative work, the ASPCA has focused part of its national “No Pet Store Puppies” campaign on the Columbus area.

The campaign aims to reduce the demand for puppy mill puppies by urging consumers to pledge not to buy any items—including food, supplies or toys—from stores or websites that sell puppies.

Last year, a poll conducted by Lake Research Partners revealed that while 86 percent of Columbus-area residents would not purchase puppies if they knew they came from puppy mills, 74 percent of Columbus area residents are unaware that most puppies sold in pet stores come from them.

The ASPCA believes that convincing consumers not to shop for anything, including puppies, at pet stores that sell puppies is a necessary part of stopping the demand for puppy mill dogs.

To learn more about the ASPCA’s efforts to eradicate puppy mills, please visit www.NoPetStorePuppies.com.

The ASPCA is not the only group concerned with what is going on here in Ohio, my home state (I live on the lake in Cleveland, about two hours north of Columbus.)

Several other groups have slaved for years on petitions, awareness, etc doing very honorable work to ensure Ohio citizens are aware. And though their work may not specifically be about SB 130, we Ohio animal welfare groups support one another, helping each other to spread each other’s work, “liking” things on Facebook, and writing, Tweeting, and Pinning where ever asked.

The Humane Society of the United States was also applauding Ohio yesterday; they were involved in the passage of this SB130 as well – their heavy lobbying efforts undoubtedly had an effect. They noted in a press release yesterday that Ohio is one of 22 states with no regulation or oversight of commercial high volume breeding kennels.

“S.B. 130 is the product of careful consideration, intense labor and a spirit of cooperation,” said State Rep. Dave Hall, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “Thanks to Senator Hughes, we had a good base. I’m pleased to say that the House Agriculture Committee was able to work with both sides of this issue to clarify and strengthen certain aspects that were critical for its passage. We were able to find that elusive ‘middle ground.’ As someone whose family has taken care of several rescue pets, I can say with confidence that this bill’s passage is a major victory for all Ohio dog lovers.”

Other local groups involved include Columbus Top Dogs, which works on many fundraisers and local issues, the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions, which works tirelessly on banning the awful auctions which purport the puppy mill problem, and the Nitro Foundation, which is currently working assiduously to amend legislation and make a first-time offense of animal cruelty a felony in Ohio. Currently, Ohio is one of only 4 states where a first count of animal cruelty is a misdemeanor. Offenders rarely get more than a measly slap on the wrist, fine and warning for doing things like beating, burning and killing dogs and cats.

If I missed your organization, please share in the comments. But A HUGE CONGRATS goes out from ThoughtsFurPaws to ALL involved in the passing of SB130 in both the Senate and the House finally. A rousing “thank you” also goes out to my legislators – now please listen to us animal welfare advocates on the other issues we’ve been writing and calling about, ie HB 108!

We have been waiting for years as you will see from the old blog posts (search Puppy Mills, or Animal Welfare Ohio SB 130).

I will soon be writing another post on this because many small time breeders and rescues feel this bill is a burden.

Stay tuned to read their perspective…

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Animal welfare organizations around the country have rallied to help lost animals and pets in peril post-Sandy.

From the ASPCA to PetFinder to the North Shore Animal League, you can find valuable information right here on what you can do to help and on where you can find further critical information. If you are looking for more information than what you see here, simply Google the name of the animal welfare charity followed by “Hurricane Sandy” for updates.

Petfinder.com has put out this lost pet infographic first of all, not specific to Sandy but still very helpful. They also are providing daily updates on shelters in need and how you can help them.

All of Petfinder’s Hurricane Sandy coverage can be seen here. It is thorough, organized, and easy to understand. I encourage you to visit the links above.

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The ASPCA is also lending two hands (and multiple feet).

‘Whether you were coping with Hurricane Sandy in your own backyard or simply watching the amazing coverage of the devastation in another part of the US, you know it took lives and caused incomprehensible, incalculable damage along the East Coast. As an animal lover, you may be concerned about pets of evacuees and victims of the storm,” the organization stated earlier this week.

Here’s how the ASPCA is taking action to support pets affected by Sandy and how you can help.

Also from the ASPCA:

• All New York City storm shelters allow families to bring pets, and since before the storm the ASPCA has been working closely with them to ensure they have everything they need for the hundreds of animals in their care.
• ASPCA is playing a key role in coordinating animal response efforts in the area, and their responders are keeping animal water-rescue and land-rescue units at the ready to deploy around the region at a moment’s notice.
• With the Animal Planning Task Force, ASPCA has set up a hotline for pet parents who evacuated their homes and left their animals behind to ensure these animals are rescued immediately.
• ASPCA distribution center in Syracuse, NY, has enough crates, food, litter and other supplies to serve at least 4,000 animals, and their responders are preparing to deploy them throughout the region.
• ASPCA staff members rode out the storm at work, taking days-long shifts and catching naps on cots, to keep their animals safe, healthy and comfortable. That work continues on through right now.

“Recovery from Superstorm Sandy will be long and arduous. As families who have lost everything begin to put their lives back together, the ASPCA will be there to help them care for their pets. The need is sure to be great,” the ASPCA said.

If you would like to help the ASPCA serve animals, you can donate to the ASPCA now. Your support will provide immediate relief for animals.

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The North Shore Animal League (NSAL) America announced on Monday that it would be providing pre-emptive emergency rescue services to several Long Island shelters to ensure the safety of as many animals as possible.

The Animal League’s famed Emergency Response Team was on round-the-clock call throughout the storm, and Mobile Rescue Units are now being used in designated Long Island locations to provide safe havens for dogs and cats.

Animal League America deployed two Mobile Rescue Units to Nassau Community College in Uniondale, NY. The mobile units, which have space for 30-35 animals and have their own power generators, arrived Sunday to house animals whose owners are staying at the emergency shelter set up at Nassau Community College, which does not permit pets inside the facility. The units are stocked with dog and cat food and pet parents are able to visit and walk their animals.

Photo Courtesy NSAL

A second Animal League Mobile Rescue Unit took 35 dogs and cats from Bobbi and the Strays in Freeport. They are currently being housed at Animal League America’s headquarters in Port Washington.

FROM NSAL EARLIER THIS WEEK:

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Sandy. We are deeply saddened to hear that people lost their lives, and experienced severe damage to their homes and property.

Although Animal League America has been at the forefront of rescue efforts when natural disasters struck around the country, we have never seen such devastation and carnage take place in our own backyard. Over the years, we were on the ground before, during, and after many major hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Isaac this past summer, rescuing hundreds of homeless animals and doing everything in our power to reunite them with their families. We were there this summer to rescue animals and support their families during the wildfires that affected so many in Colorado.

These hands-on experiences, though heartbreaking in many ways, have given us the knowledge and expertise to respond at a moment’s notice when tragedy strikes, working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, medical treatment, and any other essential services to keep animals safe. But our rescue efforts for Hurricane Sandy posed many new challenges–and we’re proud to say that every member of the Animal League America staff has risen to the call and not only met but exceeded expectations.

Hundreds of our employees–in fact, virtually our entire staff–were personally affected by this unprecedented storm, losing power, losing homes and property, and sadly, even losing loved ones. But despite their own suffering, they persevered, working as diligently and compassionately as ever to make sure animals at risk were saved.

That’s the level of dedication given every day from our Rescue Associates and Volunteers.”

During this extraordinary, unprecedented event, the nationwide NSAL rescue work is ongoing. They continued to take in animals rescued from partners in rescue in Tennessee. Closer to home, they are also housing animals from Bobby and the Strays, a local rescue group whose shelter is underwater.

They currently have over 650 animals in their care at their shelter in Port Washington, and another 100 animals are safe aboard our Mobile Rescue Units at Mitchel Field. Their Medical Team is providing treatment and comfort to all animals that need attention and special care.

In order to care for so many, the animals in our Mobile Rescue Units will be relocated to a much larger location in close proximity. This shelter will be able to house up to 500 animals for as long as the community needs our services.

They are working closely with Nassau County of Emergency Management along with Pet Safe Coalition to ensure the well-being and safety of all.

“We have read your well wishes on our Facebook page, and we appreciate your support for the animals. Animal League America is able to save 20,000 animals each year because of your generosity. Please continue to assist animals in need by making a donation to our rescue efforts. We–and the animals in harm’s way–are deeply grateful.

You can also help us in this time of need if you are local to our Pet Adoption Center (Port Washington, NY) and interested in adopting a pet. If you know someone who is interested in adoption, you can help by forwarding this message to them.”

Update from NSAL TODAY.

“Many people staying with family have come to check on their pets at our emergency rescue operation at Mitchel Field. All pets remain safe and are receiving the care and attention they need.

In order to care for the many animals in our Mobile Rescue Units, will be relocated soon to a much larger location in close proximity. This location will be able to house up to 500 animals for as long as the community needs our services.

We are working closely with Nassau County of Emergency Management along with Pet Safe Coalition to ensure the well-being and safety of all.

We will continue to keep you posted on our operation. Please check back (on the website) or our Facebook page for updates.”

 PetArmor® Encourages All Pet Lovers to Vote for Mary Cortani, CNN 2012 Hero of the Year and Help Our Disabled Veterans Get the Help They Need

PetArmor®, a brand focused on protecting pets by making veterinarian-quality products more affordable, this week announced a unique social media initiative to raise the visibility of Operation Freedom Paws.

Operation Freedom Paws’ mission is to match war veterans, many with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other invisible wounds, with shelter dogs and train them as a team to navigate life together. Operation Freedom Paws’ Founder and Executive Director, Mary Cortani, has been named one of CNN’s 2012 Top Ten Heroes. She is vying, amongst nine others, to be named the CNN “Hero of the Year” for 2012, an honor that spotlights “everyday people changing the world.”

In addition to its work protecting and raising the profile of shelter animals, PetArmor®, the No. 1 generic Fipronil flea and tick preventive at retail, is seeking to encourage fans, friends, veterans and all pet lovers to vote for Mary Cortani as the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year.

“In September, we experienced Mary’s work at Operation Freedom Paws first hand and captured an amazing video, which is now live on our website at petarmor.com/operationfreedompaws, says Alex Kaufman, President & CEO of FidoPharm, the makers of PetArmor®. Mr. Kaufman went on to say that “through the video we see how the dogs and veterans train together and ultimately save each other. Over the next few weeks we will be promoting the video and Operation Freedom Paws through our social media platforms including Facebook®, Twitter and blogger outreach to generate awareness of this incredible organization.”

 “We value our relationship with PetArmor®, which this year alone has donated over 15,000 doses of flea and tick protection and thousands of dollars to rescue organizations across the country,” says Julie Morris senior vice president of community outreach for the ASPCA. “Mary’s commitment to using shelter dogs in her program demonstrates the incredible resilience of these dogs and their desire to love and serve.”

“Operation Freedom Paws trains veterans and others with disabilities to train their own service dogs. We leverage the ability of the canine-human relationship to help our veterans regain their sense of purpose, worth and value to society and their community,” says Mary Cortani. “We are proud to partner with PetArmor® on this project; we share a common purpose and dedication to pets and providing our war veterans with shelter dogs.”

Alex Kaufman added, “We believe strongly in the mission and vision of Operation Freedom Paws and we are honored to help protect the dogs, which are protecting our military heroes who have protected our freedom.”

About CNN Worldwide

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media. For more information, visit www.CNNPressroom.com.

About Operation Freedom Paws

Founded in January 2010, Gilroy, California based Operation Freedom Paws is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that matches dogs with individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) symptoms, or other physical, neurological, psychological or mobility needs.

We train the individual to train their own dog, and then certify them together as a service dog team in a 32-week program. Most of the dogs come from rescue shelters. This unique opportunity enables our clients to feel safe and secure, and to manage their day-to-day lives. The very special therapeutic canine-human relationship helps them get back out in their communities and begin to view their future with renewed hope. www.operationfreedompaws.org.

About the ASPCA

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Frontline® is the registered trademark of Merial. Frontline® and Merial are not affiliated with PetArmor®.