Red cedar, pine, and my rat…?

I’ve been using pine bedding for my rat, and I noticed red cedar was cheaper, so I got that when I ran out of the pine. But I noticed when I put my rat in, she jumped from her wheel to her bowls, and wouldn’t touch the bedding. I thought maybe she was just excited, so I watched for a few moments to see if she calmed down. Then I noticed she started scratching her face and nose, and I thought the bedding was bothering her. I removed it, and lined the cage with paper towels until I could go to the store and get some new bedding.

Now I’ve read that cedar really can make them very sick. Why would they put pictures of mice and rats on the front when it’s so dangerous? I’ve also read that cedar can be used for litter boxes. Is that safe? If it is, I want to use it on my cat. I don’t want an entire bag to go to waste.
I’ve also come across some articles that says pine can be dangerous. Yet my rat isn’t bothered by it at all. She even burrows in it. Is that bad as well? And if it is, can I just use straw in her cage? I can get all the straw I want for free, thankfully.

Best Answer – Chosen by Voters

pine and cedar shavings are toxic! This can, and will, damage your rat’s lungs and possibly cause liver damage, no matter what pet shop sales people try to tell you.

This is because the shavings have chemicals in them called phenols, which is the cause of the problems. So please, for your rat’s sake, do not use pine or cedar shavings.

You will rather want to purchase recycled paper pellet products, Corn cob bedding,rabbit pellets ( I use these and they are great. I place a deep layer and remove the poop each day. I only need to change it every 10-15 days and it gives off a pleasant smell. It is also non toxic and will not harm the rats if digested. It is also affordable). Please try to not use newspaper It might seem like its economical, but the ink can transfer to their fur which they will lick off and ingest, which wont do them good in the long run. Also newspaper tends to absorb moisture too quickly and your rat will end up sleeping in its own wet puddles!

Another addition is a hammock for your rats – they will love sleeping in it and the added bonus is that its washable so your rats always have a clean bed, that’s off the litter that they poop and pee on! If you cant find a hammock cut out 2 nice biggish pieces of material ,polar fleece or winter pajama material is great, insert a large safety pin in each corner ( joining the two materials together) hook these to the roof of the cage and watch your ratties snuggle up between the two pieces ( if you ratties are slow to catch on then take a smaller safety pin and hook up the center of the top piece of material to create a tent).

Straw is an absolute no no because of the dust and mites.

Here is a great print friendly guide for you to keep http://www.ratanooga.za.net/RNGuide_Text…

**Pine and cedar are both bad! so is straw for rats!

You need to use something that isn’t dusty and doesn’t contain pine or cedar. recycled paper bedding is the best. you should try Carefresh or Yesterdays News or something like that.

Also, you really shouldn’t have one rat living on its own, they’re social animals and need company

Animal Chicken Wire Art

It takes talent and a big imagination to do this.

Artist

Just One More Pet

Cat & Dog Owners Not Considering Age When Selecting Food

A new survey has revealed that only 11% of dog and cat owners consider their pet’s age as important when they are selecting a type of food.

A new survey has revealed that only 11% of dog and cat owners consider their pet’s age as important when they are selecting a type of food.

A national survey commissioned by Iams® has revealed that only 11% of pet owners in the United States consider the age of their dog or cat as the most important factor when selecting a type of food for their pet. The survey also found that most respondents (36%) considered expert opinion – such as from a veterinarian – as the most important factor when choosing a food to feed their pets. Another 30% of respondents consider the ingredients as the most important consideration. The remaining 25% described the price as being their main concern when choosing their pet’s food.

Iams® did not say which of the four answers it considered to be the most important, but think that the results of this survey suggest pet owners should consider their pet’s age more when choosing food. "When choosing a food for your cat or dog it is important to select a diet that has the right ingredients for that stage of your pet’s life," said Dr. Nelson,  a member of the Iams Pet Wellness Council. "Diet requirements – including protein levels, calories and vitamins and minerals – vary over the life of a pet and, in turn, an animal’s needs change as he grows from a puppy or kitten, to an adult into a senior. I always tell my patients that healthy checkups start on the inside. Feeding a high-quality diet specific to an animal’s age, like Iams Premium Protection, which offers specially formulated life-stage specific diets, is one of the most important ways to ensure four-legged family members lead healthy, happy lives." said Nelson.

The company says that as a result of not considering age, pets might not be receiving the right nutrients at the levels which are optimal for their health at their stage of life. Iams® quotes three life stages as being general guidelines as a way to select a food type for your pet:

• One to 12 months: Kitten and Puppy formula includes DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) for brain and vision development
• One to seven years: Adult formula includes HMP (sodium hexametaphosphate) to keep teeth clean during and after meals, as well as balanced omega 6:3 ratio for healthy skin and coat
• Seven years and older: Senior formula with L-carnitine helps burn fat and keep muscles lean

This news story is independently sourced and PetPeoplesPlace.com does not specifically endorse products or services offered by any company referenced in this article, or benefit from any association with any companies referenced.

*** We at JOMP cook for our pets whenever possible, supplement with breed specific pet food… like Royal Canine plus high end nutritionals and probiotics.  A healthy pet, like a healthy child, is worth the effort and the money!  It extends their lives, improves the quality of their lives as well as yours, and is the right thing to do. ***

Dog Sledjacking – Cute!!

 

Video: Sometimes, the dog wins!!

This Brutal Horse Practice was Outlawed Decades Ago – Why Hasn’t it Stopped?

In a report issued recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Inspector General recommended that veterinarians replace current inspectors for the purpose of examining show horses for evidence of soring, an illegal practice in violation of the Horse Protection Act.

The USDA’s Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) program is responsible for evaluating the horses, but their budget is grossly inadequate, allowing them to send veterinarians to only a very small percentage of horse shows each year.

Conflicts of interest are also a problem.

In order to bridge the APHIS inspection gap, horse show sponsors hire their own inspectors, known as Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs). Since the DQPs are employed by the people putting on the shows, and are often exhibitors themselves, they are not highly motivated to ticket other exhibitors or remove horses from shows.

Penalizing exhibitors with sored horses can result in retribution if those exhibitors work as DQPs at other shows. Pulling sored horses from shows affects the bottom line, which is not something the organizers are in favor of.

As a result, DQPs issue few violations when not accompanied by an APHIS employee.

Another problem is the overt hostility of exhibitors toward APHIS workers at horse shows. The USDA audit revealed cases of inspectors denied access to horses requiring examination, and instances of verbal abuse of inspectors. The hostile environment has led APHIS to bring armed security or police with them to shows.

The USDA’s report states, “Many in the horse show industry do not regard the abuse of horses as a serious problem, and resent USDA inspections. The practice of soring has been ingrained as an acceptable practice in the industry for decades.”

Per dvm360:

In its response to the report, APHIS states that it will seek another $400,000 in funding for 2011 to bring its budget up to $900,000 per year. Another recommendation from the report, publishing lists of Horse Protection Act violators on its website, already has been put into effect by APHIS.

But turning the inspections over solely to veterinarians is not a move APHIS is willing to make right now, says USDA spokesperson Dave Sacks.

“We want to revise the regulations to require those DQPs to be licensed with APHIS and independent from the horse show industry instead of saying it’s going to be nothing but veterinarians,” Sacks explains.

Sources:

• dvm360 November 29, 2010

Dr. Becker’s Comments:

I doubt anyone is surprised the APHIS ‘Designated Qualified Person’ horse inspection program isn’t working. Industry self-regulation is an oxymoron on the order of jumbo shrimp.

‘Soring’ – A Benign Term for a Cruel Practice

Soring, in a nutshell, is deliberately hurting a horse to change his gait.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, APHIS describes it this way in the Horse Protection Act:

Soring is a cruel and abusive practice used to accentuate a horse’s gait. It may be accomplished by irritating or blistering a horse’s forelegs through the application of chemicals such as mustard oil or the use of mechanical devices.

Walking horses are known for possessing a naturally high gait, but in order to be successful in competition their natural gait is often exaggerated. The exaggerated gait can be achieved with proper training and considerable time, however, some horse exhibitors, owners, and trainers have chosen to use improper and inhumane training methods to shorten the time it would take to produce a higher gait without abusive practices.

There are many methods of soring, and some have been held as closely guarded secrets through generations of horse owners and trainers. Among the more common tactics:

• Applying caustic chemicals like diesel fuel and kerosene on the horse’s pasterns, wrapping the legs in plastic, then adding leg wraps over the plastic so the acid burns into the animal’s flesh.
• Injecting harmful chemicals or drugs into the pasterns.
• ‘Pressure shoeing,’ which involves putting an object like a screw, a bolt or even one half of a golf ball against the soles of a horse’s front hooves, then shoeing the animal. An alternate method involves cutting the hoof wall and sole down to the quick, then shoeing over the raw surface.

As a sore horse puts weight on a front leg he feels intense pain, and he pulls his foot up quickly, giving the effect of extraordinary lift in the front. Once he realizes both front feet are painful, he tries to shift his weight to the rear. The resulting gait is known in some circles as the ‘praying mantis crawl.’

History of Soring

Popular in the 1940s and 1950s, Tennessee Walking Horses were known for their exaggerated front leg action. Audiences applauded, and this leg action was also rewarded by horse show judges.

Owners of less gifted horses learned they could produce similar movements in their animals through the use of weighted shoes, weighted chains around the pasterns, and stacked pads.

Over time, as more horses displayed the ‘big lick’ movement, front leg action got higher, and judges rewarded the most dramatic performers in shows, a percentage of trainers turned to ever shadier and harmful tactics to produce quick results in their animals.

Though the practice began with Tennessee Walking Horses, it has spread to other gaited breeds. Gaited horses are those with a natural tendency toward an easy-to-ride, ambling gait that is faster than a walk but slower than a gallop.

A short list of some other gaited breeds includes:

• American Saddlebred
• Icelandic horse
• Missouri Foxtrotter
• Peruvian Paso
• Racking horse

There are many completely natural, painless ways to train gaited horses to exaggerate their natural inclination to ‘step lively.’ This harmless method of training takes time and skill, but conscientious owners and trainers of sound horses would have it no other way.

The Situation Today

Despite the fact soring has been illegal since the passage of the Horse Protection Act in 1970, the practice is still prevalent. The USDA’s recent audit and report is evidence of how widespread the problem is.

According to the non-profit Friends of Sound Horses, if every Tennessee Walking Horse show in the U.S. could be inspected, soring violations could be as high as 10,000 to 20,000 a year.

The reason for soring? Human entertainment. Show ribbons. Better breeding fees.

This incredibly cruel practice needs to stop. Hopefully, as a result of the USDA audit, future APHIS inspections will be more widely applied and have more teeth.

In the meantime, organizations like Friends of Sound Horses, Stop Soring and the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) will continue to raise awareness and keep the pressure on APHIS and the horse industry to put an end to the needless torture of walking horses.

Dr. Becker

Happy Wake Up

Happy the puppy makes the cutest noises ever when waking up.

Video:  Happy the puppy makes the cutest noises ever when waking up

My 5 week old pup, Happy~

New Luxury Resort for VIPS (Very Important Pets) Opens at Disney World

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, but think it’s “Goofy” to leave your dog behind? No problem – make a reservation for your pooch at the brand-new Best Friends Pet Care luxury resort. But you’d better hurry: The Los Angeles Times reports that all the VIP suites are sold out until January, and other accommodations are going fast for the holiday season.

The resort, which opened last month over Labor Day weekend, can accommodate 300 pets for either daytime or overnight boarding. Among its amenities are a water park (like the Bora Bora Club in Southern California, no humans are allowed), a walking path around natural wetlands, and a 25,000-square-foot dog park. It also has a grooming salon that provides baths for guests before they’re sent home with their dogparents, and two large “camp rooms” for play group and doggie day camp.

“Our pet guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations and a variety of different play areas here at Best Friends Pet Care Resort,” Phil Bernard, vice president of Operating Participants for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said on opening day. “Where else can vacationing dogs have their own water play park or bedtime stories?”

Those luxurious accommodations Bernard spoke of are four 226-square-foot VIP (Very Important Pet) suites that have TVs, raised bedding and private outdoor yards. For pets requiring a little less pampering, there are climate-controlled, 32-square-foot indoor suites with outdoor patios. All suites are cleaned and disinfected daily.

You can also choose from a wide range of “a la carte” activities and upgrades to purchase for your pooch, such as one-on-one playtime, cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff, ice cream treats and orthopedic bedding.

4(paws)-1-1: Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World is located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; phone 877-493-9738. Day care rates for dogs range from $16 to $46 for up to six hours. Overnight boarding starts at $37 for indoor suites, up to $79 for VIP suites. There is a discount if you are staying at a Disney resort. Whether your pooch is spending the day or night, be sure to bring or fax written proof from your vet that all his vaccinations are up to date.

PHOTOS: Best Friends Pet Care

Posted by Laura Goldman on October 7, 2010

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Six Ways to Whittle Your Pet’s Waistline

Thursday, 20 January 2011 16:52 by Dr. Jane

According to a 2009 study published by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 34 million dogs and 54 million cats are classified as overweight. Sadly, these staggering numbers continue to rise. Just like in humans, obesity is now the biggest health threat to pets in the U.S. Excess weight lowers metabolism, increases appetite and can worsen other medical conditions, such as arthritis and respiratory problems.

If your pet needs surgery, extra fat can make it more difficult for a surgeon to operate and increase the chances of complications with anesthesia. With nearly half the nation’s pet population afflicted with weight issues, chances are you or someone you know has a pet that is affected. Here are six tips to help your pet shed unwanted pounds and keep the weight off for good.

1. Increased Awareness

There are two main causes of obesity in pets: too many calories and too little exercise. Secondary factors can also come into play, such as genetic factors of a given breed or the sex of the animal. A quick online search will reveal whether or not your breed is prone to weight gain. And be aware that neutered, middle-aged and female pets are more likely to have weight issues.

The discouraging fact is that many pet parents accept their overweight pets as ‘normal’, or deny the problem altogether, making the problem less likely to be addressed.

Weight is not always the best indicator due to individual variation. For example, one Doberman may be trim at 70 pounds and another trim at 90. In addition, a drooping stomach does not always mean an animal is fat, especially in cats. The best way to determine whether or not your pet is overweight is to have your veterinarian do an assessment.

2. Change Your Lifestyle

Let’s face it … far too many Americans lead sedentary lifestyles, and their pets are following suit. It is no secret that we like to sit and eat at the same time, so if we are going to help ourselves and our pets avoid becoming the next victims of the obesity epidemic, we need to get everybody moving more and eating less.

Realize that everything your pet eats has calories – yes, including treats – so you can begin to reduce calories right away simply by providing low-calorie treats, such as Life’s Abundance’s Wholesome Hearts.

Increasing exercise is good for everybody. Long walks and playing fetch are good ways to bond with your dog, and you can get your cat moving with a feather wand or a laser pointer. Here’s a fun tip: cats love to chase small balls. Throw five or six little balls around and watch the fun … retrieve all the balls at once if you want to minimize your trips across the room.

3. Feed Frequent Small Meals and Measure Amounts

Did you know that every time you eat, you burn calories? The same is true for our companion animals. So measure the food amount for the whole day and divide it into several smaller meals. You can also feed a low-calorie treat or vegetable in between each small meal. It is vital that you measure the food, even if you free-feed. If your pet needs to lose weight, you can reduce portions by 30% without jeopardizing your pet’s health.

Remember that when pets beg for a treat, often what they really want is attention. Instead of a treat, how about a hug or a nice grooming session?

Consider supplementing a cat or small dog’s diet with canned food. Canned food often has a high moisture content, which helps your companion animal feel full with fewer calories. Remember to keep the overall calorie count consistent, even if you change their diet.

If you begin a weight-loss regimen and don’t see any results within two weeks, be sure to discuss other options with your veterinarian.

4. Keep Records

Food journals are not only very effective weight-management tools for people, they are for pets, too. Start by keeping records for seven days, tracking everything that you feed your companion animals. We often don’t realize how much we are really feeding until we see it mapped out.

5. Weight-Loss Medication

The FDA recently approved Slentrol, a weight-loss medication approved for canine use. The exact mechanism of this drug remains unknown, but researchers believe that it helps suppress the appetite and inhibit the absorption of fat. If you have tried all other options and still aren’t having success, or if your dog’s weight is putting his health in jeopardy, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about this new pharmaceutical offering.

6. Dietary Supplements

Many hormones can be controlled with phytonutrients. Resveratrol, sourced from the skin of grapes, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, increase metabolic rate, boost physical endurance and reduce fat mass. Quercetin, found in fruits, vegetables, leaves and grains, has been shown to fight inflammation in obese patients. Leptin is a new hormonal supplement that suppresses appetites and is being used to facilitate weight-loss. Researchers have discovered that diabetic dogs have low levels of leptin, which can lead to overeating. Furthermore, researchers found that by adding leptin to the diet, canine appetites are noticeably suppressed. I caution you to only use these supplements under the supervision of your vet, as the proper dosages vary from animal to animal (for example, leptin can at certain dosages have the opposite effect, actually increasing appetites).

With a little bit of effort, a minimal investment in time and big helpings of love and patience, you can help your companion animal lose excess weight and maximize their chances for a longer, healthier and happier lifetime.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for your dear companions.

Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM

References

Kelly GS. A review of the sirtuin system, its clinical implications, and the potential role of dietary activators like resveratrol: part 2. Altern Med Rev. 2010 Dec;15(4):313-28.

Stewart LK, Soileau JL, Ribnicky D, Wang ZQ, Raskin I, Poulev A, Majewski M, Cefalu WT, Gettys TW. Quercetin transiently increases energy expenditure but persistently decreases circulating markers of inflammation in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. Metabolism. 2008 Jul;57(7 Suppl 1):S39-46.

Nishii N, Yamasaki M, Takasu M, Honjoh T, Shibata H, Otsuka Y, Takashima S, Ohba Y, Kitagawa H. Plasma leptin concentration in dogs with diabetes mellitus. J Vet Med Sci. 2010 Jun;72(6):809-11. Epub 2010 Feb 9.

Source:  Life Abundance Newsletter

The Kindest Decision – In Home Euthanasia for Pets

In Home Euthanasia and Aftercare for Your Pet

Home Euthanasia – The Kindest Decision
The decision you have made after consulting with your veterinarian as well as family and friends to end suffering, pain, and the loss of life quality is a loving, caring one. Your decision to have the procedure performed in the home is the most peaceful, stress-free situation for your dear family member as well as the family members left behind. 

Services 
If you live in a large city area, there are services that specialize in this.  If you live in a smaller or more rural area, often the local vet with come to your home.

The most gentle method of euthanasia that is determined by the history, current treatment and evaluation of the condition of the pet at the time of the house visit. Generally the doctor will come to your home, some information and your consent will be gathered. When your pet is in a comfortable place the doctor will administer a heavy sedative that will take effect in minutes. This will make the pet unaware and out of pain. The doctor will then administer an overdose of barbiturate, which will peacefully ease the pet to sleep.

Fees

Fees vary, but you can usually get a comparison quote online and in many areas there are emergency services available 24-hours per day. If it is not an emergency, once you have recognized that your pet’s life quality is greatly diminished and the suffering must end soon most Vets and services will make an appointment for non-emergency services within 24 to 48 hours.

Services are tailored to your needs that include sedation, euthanasia, private cremation with delivery to your home in a decorative cedar urn, or aftercare without return of ashes. You may make other arrangements for aftercare. The fee depends upon several factors: whether the next available appointment is taken or an emergency is required, the size of the pet, and the aftercare option selected.

We all dread thinking about the fact that the day for the need for this service will come, but knowing that it is available when the time comes is often comforting.

Ask Marion – Just One More Pet

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On the First Day God Created the Dog!

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Sometimes “Rainbow Bridge” Prayers Are Answered

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‘Until One Has Loved an Animal, Part of Their Soul Remains Unawakened’

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From the Dog

Tribute to Brendon Griffen…

God and Dog

And God Created Dog…

INSPIRATIONAL MOVIE TELLING LIFE STORY OF AMERICAN HUMANE ADVISOR WINS GOLDEN GLOBE

MOVIE TELLS INSPIRATIONAL LIFE STORY OF AMERICAN HUMANE ADVISOR

‘Temple Grandin’ Receives Multiple Awards

HBO premiered an original film based on the inspirational, true story of Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes, on Feb. 6, 2010. The film was critically acclaimed, and received seven Emmy awards, including Outstanding Made for Television Movie and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. On Jan. 16, 2011, it received another honor — this time from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association — as Claire Danes received a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Temple Grandin paints a picture of a young woman’s perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism. Grandin became a successful doctor in animal science through her unique connection to animals and is now a world-renowned consultant in the field. She is widely recognized within the animal welfare and livestock-handling industries as a pioneer in the ethical treatment of animals.

In producing the film, HBO also engaged the services of American Humane’s Film & Television Unit, which is the exclusive monitoring and granting agency to award the coveted “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer. The production followed American Humane’s strict Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media, had an American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative™ on set to ensure animal safety and welfare, and earned the famous assurance to viewers that “no animals were harmed” in the making of the movie. Learn more about American Humane’s Film & Television Unit.

Learn more about this HBO original film here.

TIME MAGAZINE NAMES SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER TEMPLE GRANDIN A HERO

Honored as One of ‘The 2010 Time 100 People Who Most Affect Our World’

Temple Grandin, a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the American Humane® Certified farm animal welfare program, was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 people “who most affect our world.” She was honored in the Heroes category for being an inspiration to people with autism, as well as her groundbreaking work designing livestock-handling systems that reduce stress on animals. Grandin has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in animal science and humane treatment of animals.

As a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for American Humane Certified, Grandin consults with program management to improve the program’s standards and methodologies and makes recommendations on animal welfare policy. American Humane Certified is the nation’s pre-eminent and fastest-growing monitoring, auditing and labeling program that attests to the humane care and handling of animals raised for food.

Grandin is also the best-selling author of Thinking in Pictures,Animals in Translation and Humane Livestock Handling. She recently authored an article titled "The Importance of Farm Animal Welfare” forThe National Humane Review.

In 2010, a number of devastating disasters and situations caused injury and suffering to animals in many communities. But there was also hope, as American Humane Association’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ team rapidly deployed to rescue and care for hundreds and hundreds of animals in need, both in the U.S. and in Haiti. Now, a new year of unknown disasters begins to unfold. Please donate to assist animals in need through our vital emergency services work.

Animals Caught in Disasters Need You

Please help us rescue and care for the animal victims of disasters like hurricanes and puppy mills, as well as provide individuals and communities with important training on emergency response to protect animals. Thank you!