No matter how protective a pet parent you are, chances are there are still some things in your home that can be toxic to pets. Veterinary practices see thousands of cases each year of pets accidentally poisoned by everyday household items. With Pet Poison Awareness Month right around the corner, it’s smart to arm yourself with some information that could potentially save your pet’s life.

When you think about “accidental toxin ingestion,” fruit is probably not the first thing that springs to mind, but something as simple as a handful of grapes can sour a situation in a matter of seconds. Small breeds, like the Chihuahua or Maltese, show signs of distress pretty soon after ingestion, but even larger animals are at risk – dogs can go into acute renal failure within 48 hours after eating grapes (or raisins!).

Wondering what other everyday household items that can spell trouble for our furry friends? Here’s a list of some of the most common culprits:

Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medication

Human medicines, whether prescription-strength or not, are dangerous in the wrong paws. In fact, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen, can present big problems for pets. I’ve seen dogs sickened from snacking on a bottle of aspirin, but I’ve also seen patients come in because their pet parents administered the drug thinking it would work for their dog the way it does for them. While there are some medications that work for both species, always, always check with your vet before giving your pet any type of human medicine. In the meantime, keep pill bottles behind closed cabinet doors.

Table Food/Drink

Kitchen staples like chocolate, onions, alcohol, coffee grounds and sugar substitutes (or foods containing sugar substitutes) are all a recipe for catastrophe. I see dogs come into the clinic who have eaten an entire pack of sugar-free gum from an unattended purse. Trust me; the minty-fresh breath is NOT worth the trip to the vet. Keep all food and drink meant for human consumption under lock and key – especially fatty foods. Even a single incident of eating high fat food can trigger pet pancreatitis, a potentially fatal disease from fatty foods that causes inflammation of the pancreas and requires prompt medical attention.

Cigarettes

Nicotine poisoning is also a danger to our pets. If you are a smoker, you pet’s health may already be compromised by secondhand smoke, but if he gets his paws on a pack of cigarettes and eats them, he can really get burned. The toxic level of nicotine in dogs is 5 milligrams of nicotine per pound of body weight. Just one cigarette contains 15 to 25 milligrams of nicotine – if your pet tears into half a pack, the overdose can be deadly.

House Plants

Every spring veterinarians see an increase in pets poisoned by lilies, and during the holiday season poinsettias pop up on our radar. Azaleas, tulips and autumn crocus are other threats, and in in regions that have sandy soils in tropical climates (Florida, California, and Texas, I’m looking at you!), sago palms are both common and extremely toxic if ingested. It’s worth a mention for our friends in Colorado and Washington (and maybe a few other states) that marijuana is toxic to pets, too. Keep all leafy greens planted firmly out of reach.

Zinc

If you have a baby in the house, watch out for diaper rash creams containing zinc. Also be sure to keep coins, screws, bolts and other galvanized metals out of reach, too, as they all contain dangerous levels of the element. Pennies are particularly toxic, so be sure your rainy day savings is safely stowed away.

These are some everyday items to look out for, but there’s plenty more around the house and garden that can make a pet sick. For a more complete list, check out a resource like Pet Poison Helpline for more information. Once a pet has snacked on something unsavory, time is of the essence. Get him to the vet immediately for the best chance of saving him from danger.

Dr. Jules Benson, BVSC, MRCVS, is a graduate of the University of Liverpool Vet School. Since arriving in the U.S. eight years ago, Dr. Benson has worked in a small animal practice near Philadelphia and is currently on the Board of Trustees for the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and the Board of Directors for Second Chance Rescue. Now serving as the VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan pet insurance, Dr. Benson continues to practice veterinary medicine part time — both in the practice where he once spent all of his days, and at home, where he is both dad and vet to four cats, two rats, one rabbit and a gecko. He contributes regularly to Petplan’s Vets for Pets blog.

How to be a “pawsome” pet parent in six easy steps

Including a pet in your family can be incredibly rewarding. But leading a happy, healthy pack is also a large responsibility. February is “Responsible Pet Owners Month,” so it’s an opportune time for all of us to brush up on our pet parenting skills.

“It takes lots of love and commitment,” comments Don Tomala, Managing Director of Matrix Partners, a Chicago-based marketing firm that’s been Passionate About Pets^SM since 1987. “You’re entering into a lifelong relationship when you bring a pet into your home.”

Fortunately, there are some surprisingly simple steps to becoming a more conscious, caring pet owner. Here are just a few:

1. Spay or neuter your dog, cat, rabbit or ferret. To prevent the companion animal over-population problem from getting worse, spaying or neutering is the most effective means. The ASPCA estimates that five to seven million animals enter shelters nationwide each year… Do your part to save a few – spay or neuter your pet please.

2. Schedule an annual veterinary checkup. Most animals are experts at concealing pain and illness, that’s why it’s so important for your pet to visit the vet each year for a full check-up. Remember, a healthy lifestyle and regular vet visits are the first steps to a long, happy life with your pet. I know plenty of people who say that they have never taken their pet to a vet because he’s never been sick; this may not be the case. PLEASE GET ANNUAL CHECK-UPS AT THE VERY LEAST.

3. ID and/or microchip your pet. Current ID tags on your dog or cat’s collar can help ensure that they get home safe and sound if they should wander out of your sight. Also, talk to your veterinarian about getting a microchip for your pet. If your pet is ever lost, a quick scan will provide rescuers with important phone numbers and addresses to help them reunite you with your pet. God forbid your pet ever gets lost, a microchip can literally be a life-saver.

4. Be prepared. Most first-aid kits can be purchased fully stocked, but no kit is complete without The Company of Animals’ Baskerville Ultra Muzzle. This ultra-comfortable muzzle is perfect for when introducing pets to new situations or when trying to restrain and treat a wounded or hurt pet. The Baskerville Ultra Muzzle is the first of its kind that allows panting, drinking and treating. Plus, it provides two secure attachment points with an optional over-head safety strap for added comfort and security. For more information, check out: www.CompanyOfAnimals.us

5. Travel Safely. You wouldn’t ride without using a seat belt and neither should your pet. Also from The Company of Animals is the CLIX^TM CarSafe, a dual-purpose lead and harness that easily clicks into the car’s seat buckle. Besides riding in safety, your pet will enjoy the CLIX’s unique “X-Cross” design made from double-sided adjustable buckles and soft neoprene padding for optimum fit and comfort.

6. Pet proof your home. Dogs and cats are curious by nature, so there’s always the possibility that they’ll get into anything. Because of this, it’s important to avoid bringing potentially hazardous products into your home. Being educated about the dangers of certain houseplants (yes, there are some plants that are lethal to pets) and choosing more “bio-friendly” products are usually a good place to start.

Today’s most advanced, responsible pet products are made from safe, eco-friendly materials – like Swheat Scoop^® natural, clumping cat litter. Made from naturally processed wheat, Swheat Scoop is completely biodegradable and a 100% renewable resource. Swheat Scoop is clay and chemical free, unlike other litters on the market that are mined and never decompose. Through Swheat Scoop’s patented process, the wheat’s natural enzymes destroy odors instantly, while the natural starches form firm and fast clumps when exposed to moisture. Swheat Scoop’s granular texture means less dust and tracking around the house, and is recommended by veterinarians for kittens and post-surgical cats. Newly reformulated for even more effective performance, Swheat Scoop is available in Original Formula, Multi-Cat and Lightly Scented varieties at fine pet supply retailers near you. www.SwheatScoop.com

7. Feed your pet right.Today, pet parents have more healthier options than ever when it comes to selecting a proper diet of dinners, treats and supplements for their furry friends.

- Spring Naturals^TM is a fresh approach to nurturing pets, offering a complete line of natural canned and dry dinners for dogs. Real meat, poultry or fish is the first ingredient, plus a balanced blend of whole vegetables and fruits – like spinach, blueberries and carrots. And because their recipes are made with more real meat, poultry and fish instead of rendered meals, no high-glycemic ingredients need to be added such as corn, wheat, soy, tapioca, potato starch or rice. Since launching in January of 2012, Spring Naturals has been recognized by Pet Product News International Magazine, Pet Business Magazine and was added to The Whole Dog Journal’s “Top Recommended” list. Available in Whole Grain and Grain-Free varieties, Spring Naturals products are made by a family-owned company, right here in the USA. Look for them at an independent pet store near you. www.SpringNaturals.com

- Lickety Stik^TM and Feline Lickety Stik^TM are liquid treats uniquely packaged in a roller-top dispenser bottle to offer dogs and cats an incredibly tasty reward without all the calories of conventional biscuit treats. Simply remove the cap, give the bottle a shake and get ready to interact with your pet in an entirely new way. Made with 100% all-natural ingredients, Lickety Stik is ideal for treating on the spot, and is a favorite among groomers and trainers. Plus, you can feel good that you’re providing a between-meal treat that won’t pack on excess pounds. Lickety Stik and Feline Lickety Stik serve only one calorie in every 10 canine licks, or 20 feline licks, and are available in a range of savory flavors. Exclusively from PetSafe, purveyor of innovative pet solutions and services since 1991. For details, check out one of my fave pet product sites: www.PetSafe.net

- Wholistic Pet Organics has made it their mission to maximize the health and wellbeing of pets since 1998 with their superior supplements for dogs, cats and horses. Insisting on using only the finest ingredients, the majority of which are not only Certified Organic but also whole, unprocessed foods to retain their potency and taste appeal every step of the way. New Canine Complete^TM Soft Chews are the latest addition to the all-in-one supplement line and provide a complete daily nutritional regimen for Total Body Health™ in an easy-to-serve form. And because each batch of products is blended and packaged in the Phillips’ family-owned and operated New Hampshire facility, pet parents will love serving these healthful chews as much as their pet enjoys snacking on them. www.WholisticPetOrganics.com.

1. Cancer doesn’t occur in dogs and cats.

Unfortunately, animal cancer is common. It’s the leading natural cause of death in dogs and the second leading cause in cats. Around 50% of all dogs and 30% of cats will be affected by a tumor in their lifetimes, and one report shows that 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will die from cancer. Estimates indicate that cancer occurs at least as frequently in veterinary patients as in human patients.

2. There’s way more cancer now than before.

Yes and no. The incidence of some cancers has increased both in humans and in pets, but the perception that pet cancer rates have increased is most likely because most pets now receive better healthcare and live longer lives. While cancer can occur at any age, it most commonly affects older patients, and since cats and dogs live longer now, more cancer is diagnosed.

3. The environment/my neighbors/commercial dog food/tap water caused my dog’s cancer.

Cancer is a complex disease with both genetic and environmental effects at play. Because of inbreeding, genetic factors most likely play a much larger role in veterinary medicine, as borne out by the fact that there are breed predispositions towards particular cancers. But genetics certainly can’t account for all tumors, and environmental exposures may also contribute. Associations have been evaluated with environmental exposures such as secondhand smoke, herbicides, exposure to paint solvents, urban living, and so on. We strongly recommend that you not smoke (and not smoke around your pet). If you have concerns, you may also test for other exposures (tap water, asbestos, radon). However, please know in advance that whatever caused your pet’s cancer most likely will remain unknown. The best you can do for your pet is to feed a high quality dog food as the main diet, to keep your pet’s weight within normal range, to provide a safe and loving environment, to provide daily exercise, and to perform regular checkups and health care as appropriate for your pet’s age.

4. There’s no reason to treat cancer in pets. They’re just going to die from it anyway. Isn’t treatment just delaying the “inevitable?”

Well, aren’t we all just delaying the “inevitable?” That’s just life. Seriously though, while cancer is often thought of as one disease, it actually is a large and varied group of diseases that all have different outcomes, expectations, and treatment options. Some tumors are very aggressive, and treatment for these may be unrewarding. But others can be cured. Most are treated as chronic diseases in veterinary medicine. This means that a patient may eventually go on to succumb to the disease, but treatment is targeted to give the patient a good-to-great quality of life for a substantially longer time period than would otherwise be possible. For many pet owners, this benefit is well worth it. Certainly, it pays to seek advice as early as possible in the course of the disease and to learn what is possible for a particular cancer.

5. I’ve read a lot of books written by veterinarians who seem to know a lot about cancer and they’ve recommended treatments. So why do I need to go to a veterinary oncologist? Won’t he or she just charge me more and recommend toxic treatments?

There are veterinarians who have spent a considerable amount of time reading and writing about cancer; however, this experience in no way compares to the training undertaken by a board-certified specialist. A veterinary cancer specialist has completed 4 years of veterinary school, 1-3 years of internship training, and 3 years of residency training specific to oncology. A specialist has performed and published research in the peer-reviewed veterinary literature and has also passed a series of examinations both in general internal medicine and in the more specific field of veterinary oncology. Requirements to pass these examinations include knowing all of the major human and veterinary oncology texts and also the last 10 years of all of the veterinary and major human oncology studies published. In my time, it meant taking 24 total hours of additional examinations above and beyond those required to become a general veterinarian. If the information you are reading is not written by a board-certified veterinary cancer specialist, the information may not be as accurate or rigorous as it should be. Given their extensive knowledge and experience with pet cancer, board-certified veterinary cancer specialists should be your most trusted source of information.

As for treatment, veterinary cancer specialists recommend first what is known to be most effective for a particular patient. For many pet cancers, recommendations may include cytotoxic (cell killing) drugs and radiation. This is because the goal of treatment is to either remove or kill tumor cells so that normal cells can survive and thrive instead. However, please note that every case is different, and if effective alternative options are available, they can also be discussed. Oncologists recommend treatments known to be effective or potentially effective, and they are the best people to evaluate other recommendations you may have received to determine whether they have any merit or whether they will simply be a waste of your time and money.

6. My dog has cancer, but he seems fine. It’s okay to watch and wait, right?

Not usually. For less aggressive or benign tumors, a watch and wait approach may be okay, but it’s a gamble. But for the VAST majority of tumors, it’s the wrong way to proceed. As a tumor grows or spreads, treatment becomes exceedingly more expensive, complicated, and ineffective. The patient becomes sicker, which means side effects are also more likely as well. The best chance an owner has of ensuring his or her pet’s long term survival is to diagnose early and treat quickly and thoroughly.

7. A needle aspirate or biopsy diagnosis is not important prior to surgery, since the tumor is getting removed anyway, right?

Wrong. A diagnosis will help to plan the surgical approach needed to successfully remove a tumor. Different tumors behave differently, and it’s best to understand the tumor’s nature before removal, particularly for larger tumors or those in difficult spots. Biopsy is also performed after removal to further confirm the diagnosis and receive a piece of tissue for tumor grade.

8. Why do you need to biopsy after surgery if you already know or suspect the diagnosis?

The biopsy reveals some of the most useful information about a tumor. It shows whether the margins are clean. It shows the grade of the tumor. Some say if it’s worth removing, it’s worth a biopsy, and we believe this to be true. It’s one of the most important pieces of information we have about a particular tumor.

9. My dog will go bald.

It depends on the breed and the treatment. Even in the worst case, it usually occurs only partially. This can occur in non-shedding breeds, such as the Bichon Frise, the Old English Sheepdog, and the Poodle. Hair loss is non-painful and purely cosmetic. It will also grow back after treatment.

10. My pet is too old for treatment.

Age is not a disease. Most pet cancer patients are older, and statistics provided to the owner generally refer to the effectiveness and tolerability of treatment in older patients. More important than age is whether a patient is systemically healthy.

11. Traditional chemotherapy will make my pet sick, and my pet will suffer and have a miserable life if I opt for treatment.

Please remember that our goal is your goal – to give your pet a great quality of life for as long as we possibly can and to prevent distress and suffering. We don’t like it when our patients are sick either! In a quality of life survey performed at the University of Pennsylvania, owners rated their pet’s quality of life while on chemotherapy as an average of 8.9 out of 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best possible quality of life. Thus, we treat much differently in veterinary medicine than they do in human medicine. We use many of the same drugs that are used in human oncology, but we use them at much lower doses and do not give as many at the same time to reduce risks of side effects. In veterinary cancer treatment, less than 1/4 experience adverse side effects, and less than 5% suffer effects serious enough to require hospitalization. If hospitalization is required, the patient usually improves in 24-72 hours. The likelihood of a chemotherapy-associated fatality is less than 1 in 200. If toxicity occurs, we substitute drugs, lower doses, or add in medications to prevent illness from happening again.

For more information on pet cancer, visit The Cancer Center at CARES at http://www.vetcares.com/oncology/cancerCenter.php. There you can learn about caring for a pet with cancer, read our cancer dictionary, find out all of the treatment options available, read patient tales of pets who have undergone cancer treatment at CARES, and more.

About The Center for Animal Referral & Emergency Services (CARES)

CARES is a full service, specialty referral, 24-hour emergency and critical care veterinary hospital with one clear goal: to provide a gold standard of care for your pet. The highly trained and compassionate team of veterinarians at CARES collaborate between specialties as well as with referring veterinarians to optimize the care of your pet. CARES ensures the latest, most advanced and best treatments available. Specialty and referral services include: Anesthesiology, The Cancer Center at CARES, Cardiology, Clinical Pathology, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Radiology and Surgery. Specialty cases are seen by referral from your primary care veterinarian. CARES also offers 24-hour emergency care. For more information, visit www.vetcares.com. You can also find CARES on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/CARESvet.

By J. Hale

Many of us share our lives with dogs and cats who have become absolute loves – our beloved friends and our faithful companions. Of course, we desire to provide them with the absolute best care so that they live long, happy, healthy lives.

Unfortunately, we are losing our pets in ever increasing numbers to cancer, heart, kidney, and liver failure, dental problems, allergic reactions, failing immune systems, and urinary tract disorders. This is but a few of the miseries that plague our pets these days.

Many of these issues have backgrounds or roots in the nutrition of the pet, or rather, the lack of it. By disregarding the basic nature of dogs and cats and feeding them food that they were never intended to eat, pet food corporations have set a stage for health problems. The fact that many animals can live long, healthy lives eating these foods, has less to do with the quality of the food, than the animals’ ability to survive on less than good nutrition. After all, until around the mid-1920’s, dogs and cats ate as nature intended… a raw food diet that they mostly caught for themselves.

Nature designed dogs and cats as carnivores – eaters of raw meat. Their internal systems were designed to extract the maximum benefits from meat in its raw state. Cats were hunters of mice and birds, dogs were meat-eaters, too, (in a less cat-and-mouse-game form)…

Feeding a raw diet to your dog has many benefits you might not be aware of.  The popularity of raw frozen dog food diets, which emphasize raw meat, fruits, bones and veggies, is definitely on the rise. According to WebMD, racing greyhounds and sled dogs have been eating raw food diets for decades… Extending those feeding practices to the family pet however, is a more recent idea.

Likely benefits of raw dog food diets include: shinier coats, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, higher energy levels, and smaller stools.

A raw dog food diet typically consists of:

• Muscle meat, often still on the bone
• Organ meats such as livers and kidneys
• Bones, either whole or ground
• Raw eggs
• Apples or other fruit
• Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery
• Some dairy, such as yogurt

Raw products are now one of the fastest-growing segments of the pet food industry, and sales of raw pet foods have climbed 15 percent annually for the past three years and are projected to keep up the fast-paced growth, according to David Lummis, the senior pet-industry analyst for Packaged Facts, a market research company, according to a recent article in the NY Times.

Some pet owners have turned to feeding raw frozen dog food products due to the growing number of recalls of processed pet foods, particularly the epidemic of pet food recalls in 2007 linked to Chinese ingredient suppliers.  Others complain of salmonella.

Makers of raw pet foods say their products allow cats and dogs to eat a more natural diet, similar to the way animals in the wild hunt prey and eat it raw. Cooking pet foods, they claim, kills a wide assortment of vitamins and enzymes. And pet digestive systems, advocates say, did not evolve to handle the corn, grains, flour and other fillers often added to highly processed pet foods.

Raw diets, in conclusion, deliver complete nutrition for every stage of your dog’s life. Most raw frozen pet foods are prepared with whole meats, fruits and vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. Through cold process pasteurization, they’re able to retain the natural nutrients that are beneficial in a healthy lifestyle.

About two weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to visit PetSafe… While it was a whirlwind of a daylong (or-so) trip, it was well worth it! You can read why in this post. I learned all about PetSafe’s:

-          Products and how they help pets AND their people

-          Initiatives in the community, like Bark for Your Park, which grants one lucky city a $100,000 dog park each year

-          Partnership with the University of Tennessee Veterinary College and the surprises that that relationship has brought to animals thus far

-          Their pioneering research into pet products

-          Their innovative solutions for housebreaking, feeding while away, behavior, containment & more

PetSafe®, owned by Radio Systems Corporation, is a multi-million dollar company with about 615 associates worldwide. Radio Systems owns many of the most recognizable pet brands in the world. This includes not only PetSafe® but also Invisible Fence® Brand, SportDOG® Brand, and other best-selling brands like Premier® Pet Products, Drinkwell® Pet Fountains, and Innotek® training products.

Rocky the Training Demo Dog. Photo Credit Patrick Mahaney VMD CVA at www.PatrickMahaney.com

The goal of the folks at PetSafe® is to create responsible solutions for the responsible pet owner and to always be looking to the future to see where they need to be (as that’s where WE as pet owners will be!) As the largest manufacturer of electronic pet training products in the U.S., PetSafe® is devoted to the most innovative research and most advanced designs available today.

And that has translated into success stories now spanning 52+ countries across six continents!

The PetSafe mission? “To be the most trusted brands in the pet ownership experience.”

They Pack the Pick of the Litter in Processes and People

What sets PetSafe’s product development process apart? As we were told, it starts with hiring a notable collection of scientists and pet-lovers –people devoted to the “pet-friendliest planet possible.” Together, they conduct a rigorous series of in-home tests with actual home- and pet-owners that put every product through real-world conditions just like yours, often hundreds of times! They gather feedback that ensures they’ve perfected every detail. Then and only then, with the added consultation of the world’s top trainers, veterinarians, and behaviorists, their products can stand alone in stores & online for both their excellence & value.

Giant Office Great Dane at PetSafe

People I met at PetSafe, people like Natalie Lester (Brand Marketing Specialist), Robin Rhea, Randy Boyd (CEO), Jim Tedford (Animal Welfare Director), Jill Weinstein (Senior Marketing Specialist), and at their UT partner facility veterinarians Dr. Donna Raditic and Dr. Joe Bartges are the kind of people who make the world go ‘round today. They make it better for us and for all pets; they’re trying harder and harder to do more and more for animals, and they’re just honest-to-goodness good-hearted people with manners, a true love and adoration of all animals and respect for all of our favorite other species too.

Bark-Tastic Processes = Beau-Mew-tiful Results

The process of innovation at PetSafe that we learned about was of particular interest to me because I’m in the marketing field and it’s always cool to get a peek at what companies do to brainstorm, etc. Anita White, Senior Program Manager at PetSafe® another Pick of The Litter said that the innovation process includes:

-          Generating ideas, Capturing those ideas, Evaluating those ideas, Developing those ideas and Launching the ideas

It’s an entire culture of innovation there really… you can tell by the automated coffee stuff in the kitchen (lol). Seriously though, White continued on to tell us that the innovative culture includes: promoting, encouraging, producing, supporting and driving the innovation process. Keys to success include research, keeping realistic timelines, keeping intellectual property safe and communication, communication, communication.

I also liked what she said about staying inspired and always learning. She mentioned going to places where you find inspiration whether that be events, conferences, or seminars or dog parks; refining concepts; understanding your customer; and finding internal sponsors. Indicators of an innovative culture at PetSafe® include: patents, associate engagement,  values and behaviors, and purpose-creating business value.

By the way, it takes PetSafe® about 12-16 months to get a product out. Currently, they have 458 Patents or Patents-Pending and 233 Registered Trademarks! WOW!

Pet Products Here Are the Cat’s Meow

Who knew that testing and re-testing so many different things would work out in such the company’s favor?  No one back then, but today, PetSafe® is the proud Momma of products like…

1. Containment Systems and Fences – both electronic and non-electronic for dogs and cats. Mew- we mean Phew – they have them for kitties, too! They’re currently looking at in-ground and wireless fencing! Their Wireless Containment System™ and Stay + Play Wireless Fence™—are safe, reliable, and a cinch to set up. With five levels of correction and an adjustable electronic signal, our wireless systems will help your dog learn his boundaries in no time.
2. The Invisible Fence® Brand: In-ground fencing. They go from 1 to 10 in static correction, aka shock and let out a little beep as the dog approaches the line. PetSafe® does make products with vibrations for hard-of-hearing dogs, too.
3. Boundary Flags: Place flags approximately 10 feet apart to remind your pet of his off-limits area.
4. Paws Away Barriers: Indoors for dogs and cats, these send  a radio signal or a series of beeps. They are a safe and progressive move if you don’t approve of the startling you might expect a dog to get from the static correction. These are designed to startle, not punish.
5. Pet Doors:  Did you know that pet doors (cat doors, too!) have high consumer category awareness? Possible reasons for purchase are convenience, freedom, price/quality, but tipping points include getting a new pet, a change in schedule, or previously owned one and it broke/was damaged. PetSafe even has a Pet Screen Door!
   

   The famous Drinkwell® Water Fountain

6. Pet Fountains: The auto-waterers, like the famous Drinkwell® and the Zen Fountain that I ordered, are easy solutions for clean water.
7. Toys and Treats: Makers of Lickety Stik®, Feline Lickety Stik®, Busy Buddy bones/treats & more!

A House is Not a Home Without a Pet

Jim Tedford is the Director of Animal Welfare at PetSafe and I would bet you $5,000 right now that if you asked him that header question that he would say “true” or agree somehow… Tedford is just one of those genuine, affable, good-natured, good-down-to-the-last-drop guys. Plus he’s a pet-lover, sooooo…  Anyhow, Tedford is in charge of corporate philanthropy, which, you guessed it, includes mostly all animal-themed programs at PetSafe®. 

“We’re essentially working to make things better for all companion animals here, “Tedford said. “We’re a company that walks the talk…” That I LOVED! I can get on board with that anytime – a pet company that walks the animal welfare and pet donations talk is cool with me any way you slice the puppy pie.

The strategic objective at PetSafe is to support the community. PetSafe works in Knoxville, all of Tennessee and even has some national programs, too. Perhaps the biggest national program is one that auctions off a $100,000-dollar outdoor dog park each year to one lucky community, Bark for Your Park. The 2012 winner is Texarkana, Arkansas.

PetSafe Concord Dog Park. Photo Credit Patrick Mahaney VMD CVA at www.PatrickMahaney.com

In 2011, Concord, Tennessee, just outside Knoxville, and other cities were benefactors of a $500,000 grant from the company for more area dog parks. The PetSafe Concord Dog Park(see pictures at top of post) was the one we visited.  PetSafe made a $500,000 donation a few years ago for Knoxville to build 5 dog parks, but the government managed the money so effectively that they were actually able to build seven! WOOF! These seven local dog parks inspired PetSafe to create Bark for Your Park so other cities could have PetSafe dog parks like theirs. Huntington, West Virginia actually won in 2011 and opened their park earlier this year. We got to see the dog park the first night there, but unfortunately I was in class so I missed it. My good bloggie fwiends were nice enough to share their photos however and told me that they saw: a local dock diving club put on a dock diving exhibition. There were dogs playing in the four-acre fenced in dog park area and they saw some folks walking on the trails beyond the fenced in area. The dock was

PetSafe Concord Dog Park II. Photo Credit Patrick Mahaney VMD CVA at www.PatrickMahaney.com

on the edge of a lake – cool! There is also a canine swimming area, a dog jumping dock, access ramps, walking trails, stone and grass dog run areas and a dog wash station.

PetSafe® has also worked with Morris Animal Foundation to raise funds for their cancer research. They are a national sponsor of this organization and Knoxville hosted walks for them in 2011 and 2012. PetSafe® also did a Black Tie and Tails Gala in August with a full auction, entertainment, a Doggie Daycare room for the four-legged variety guest, and that event had over 300 people at it! The event raised $30k! The group, PetSafe®, as a whole, is “very concerned” about canine cancer according to Tedford.  In 2012 alone the company’s offices across the country raised $90,000 for the Morris Animal Foundation! PAWSOME!

These Dogs Wag Their Tails Using Their Hearts

Tedford continued to talk about the company’s animal welfare efforts and I nearly got teary…

He said the firm also offers grants and entertains proposals for everything from animal welfare to youth organizations within a seven-county radius and around the US. Other offices around the globe are also on the grant-train and the pet welfare generosity wagon…

“Paw it Forward” is a program that distributes products to qualifying humane organizations and animal rescue groups in the area; then there’s the Pet Ethos Fund, a tee-shirt program where $25 gets you a “Happy Dog” tee-shirt; all of that money is then  used to fund animal welfare organizations once annually.

The “Most Pet-Friendly Community Initiative” REALLY impressed me. This is an initiative managed by a multi-disciplinary volunteer committee that increases the number of pet-friendly businesses in a community, making that community more pet-friendly by virtue. The goal of PetSafe® is to make Knoxville the pet-friendliest community in the nation – and from what I saw, they have achieved their goal. Due to PetSafe’s hard work, an ordinance was finally passed earlier this year allowing pets nearly everywhere! Pets were EVERYWHERE in the Market Square area of downtown that we went to for dinner Friday night – on the movie lawn, in restaurants, on patios, in stores, all over! It was rad!

PetSafe® donated $250k to Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation to help them reach Phase II of their funding target for opening a new shelter. The last lump sum was badly needed to complete the shelter and PetSafe® came through for them in an area that has “never had anything like that before.”

They also assist in relocation. Knoxville is the mid-point on the trip between NOLA and New Jersey/NY. Local Spay/Neuter clinics, PetSafe® and UTCVM partnered on a temporary way-station for the ASPCA with all the work that organization is still doing in hurricane-ravaged NOLA. Once monthly, a large group of dedicated PetSafe volunteers meets a transport vehicle and provides care for the “cargo” for 8-12 hours. Since April, they have helped save over 250 dogs and 1 cat!

Finally, in 2012, PetSafe® donated $235 MILLION back into the community through product. In 2011 it was over $400 MILLION. WOW – tell me that isn’t tearing at your heart strings right now…

What Counts is Not the Size of the Dog in the Fight; it’s the Size of the Fight in the Dog

Mabel in PetSafe-Donated UnderWater Treadmill. Photo Credit Patrick Mahaney VMD CVA at www.PatrickMahaney.com

At the University Of Tennessee College Of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), PetSafe’s partner organization, we had a splendid time! PetSafe® has its underwater treadmill there, (seen in picture with logo on the top left), plus they have paid for UTCVM to develop and have a stance analyzer, a revolutionary product that accurately measures standing lameness and assesses a treatment effectiveness at a price that every clinic can afford. The last generous donation from PetSafe® to UT is the Intelect® Vet, which is for electrotherapy and ultrasound. PetSafe® has also introduced a PetSafe® Vet Therapy Laser but UT doesn’t have that yet.

PetSafe® funds Dr. Julia Albright’s position here, and her (lengthy) title is the Assistant Professor of Veterinary Behavior and PetSafe® Chair in Small Animal Behavioral Research.

Every Dog Has His Day

Be sure to see the pictures of Mabel the famous UTCVM weight loss dog. She has lost over 30 pounds since she was relinquished from a family to a shelter. The family said that they “couldn’t take care of her anymore.” Oh okay, but you’ve been stuffing her guts for the last year obviously? People are such assholes. Anyways, poor Mabel thoroughly enjoys her time on the underwater treadmill and is the most famous weight-losing pooch in the nation I think….

“Dogs are Getting Bigger, According to a Leading Dog Manufacturer…” Lol.

Mabel the Famed UTCVM Weight-Loss Dog

I’d like to personally thank PetSafe and the key stakeholders I met for making my trip one to never forget. You are all down-to-earth, sincere pet-lovers who are dedicated to bettering the lives of our furry friends and for those reasons, not only are you and I forever intertwined, but I also love and respect you and your organization. So thank you for all that you do for animals from the bottom of my heart.