Archive for April, 2009

« Older Entries

Scientists announce fluorescent dog clones

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

South Korean scientists have finally announced what they pulled off almost 18 months ago — the births of four cloned beagles that glow red under ultraviolet light.

All named “Ruppy” — a combination of the words “ruby” and “puppy” — the dogs are pups no more, as you can see in a photo I took in February during my visit to Seoul National University, where Snuppy, the world’s first dog clone, was born in 2005.

Seoul National University professor Lee Byeong-chun, head of the research team, says they are the world’s first transgenic cloned dogs.

The fluorescence serves no purpose — other than letting the scientists know that the modified genes they inserted during the cloning process were successfully transferred.

“What’s significant in this work is not the dogs expressing red colors but that we planted genes into them,” Lee told the Associated Press Tuesday.

Successfully cloning dogs with flourescent genes paves the way to implanting disease-related genes into dogs, which will allow scientists to study and develop cures for human diseases.

The achievement was first publicized earlier this month in a paper on the website of the journal “Genesis.”

The fluorescence is noticeable, even when the dogs aren’t under ultraviolet light. The Ruppy I met and photographed had pinkish skin around his nose, and pink claws.

Scientists in the U.S., Japan and in Europe have cloned fluorescent mice and pigs, but SNU’s achievement is the first time dogs with modified genes have been cloned successfully, Lee said.

He said his team took skin cells from a beagle, inserted fluorescent genes into them and put them into enucleated eggs cells from a surrogate mother dog. Those were implanted into the womb of the surrogate mother, a local mixed breed. Six cloned flourescent female beagles were born in December 2007, two of which died.

Lee said his team has already started to implant human disease-related genes during the cloning process, in hopes they will be able to discover treatments for genetic diseases such as Parkinson’s.

Source

Posted in Dog News, Technology | Comments Off

Can pets catch swine flu? Facts about cats and dogs

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

With the total confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. reaching 20, the federal government had just declared a public health emergency. So far there have been cases reported in California (7), Kansas (2), New York City (28), Ohio (1) and Texas (2), according to the Centers for Disease Control.

There’s no doubt that, as a nation as a whole, we’re on full alert when it comes to staying healthy and avoiding coming in contact with those who are ill or sick, but what about our pets? Can pets catch swine flu?

The question is one that has a “so far” answer. So far, it appears that dogs and cats cannot catch swine flu. So far, no known cases of pets being affected by swine flu have been reported, and doctors are fairly certain that swine flu is not able to be spread to our beloved pets.

The scientific reasoning for why experts believe animals can’t catch swine flu: Our genetics are different, and a flu virus that “fits” our human system likely won’t fit within your dog or cat’s.

It is not typical for an animal flu to infect humans, however, this particular strain — the swine influenza A — has mutated in such a way that humans are susceptible, and can pass it to each other.

To this date, there appears to be no information that says that pets can contract swine flu.

For the most recent official information on swine flu, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

Source

Posted in Dog News, Health & Wellness | Comments Off

Does my dogs have warts?

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Certain viruses are able to cause the growth of small round skin tumors commonly referred to as warts. Everyone who has every seen a drawing of a fairy tale witch knows what warts look like so when the family dog develops small round skin growths, many people assume these, too, are harmless warts. It is important to realize that viral warts are a specific condition and that a growth on the dog’s skin may or may not represent a viral wart.

Human warts are round, somewhat flat, and relatively smooth. Viral warts in dogs tend to possess frond-like structures creating more of a sea anemone or cauliflower-like appearance, though they can be smooth as well. The classical canine viral wart patient is a young dog with warts in or around the mouth or eyes. In such cases where warts have a classic appearance in a classic patient, diagnosis may be obvious but in older patients with warts in locations other than the face, other types of growths become more likely. Because growths can appear harmless but behave malignantly, removal and biopsy are often recommended.

It is usually not possible to identify a growth visually though there are some exceptions. Do not be surprised if what you are assuming is a “wart” is really something else.

In dogs, we do not call these growths “warts;” we use the more formal term “viral papilloma.” As in people, viral papillomas are caused by a papillomavirus though dogs and people have very different papillomaviruses and cannot transmit their viruses across species lines.

What do they look like?

Viral papillomas are round but often have a rough, almost jagged surface reminiscent of a sea anemone or a cauliflower. They occur usually on the lips and muzzle of a young dog (usually less than 2 years of age). Less commonly, papillomas can occur on the eyelids and even the surface of the eye or between the toes. Usually they occur in groups rather than as solitary growths.

HOW IS THIS VIRUS TRANSMITTED?

The infection is transmitted via direct contact with the papillomas on an infected dog or with the virus in the pet’s environment. The incubation period is 1-2 months. This virus can only be spread among dogs. It is not contagious to other pets or to humans. To become infected, the dog generally needs an immature immune system, thus this infection is primarily one of young dogs and puppies. Beyond this, transmission details are sketchy. It is not known whether the infected dog must actually show visible lesions to be contagious, nor how long after regression of lesions contagion is still of concern.

The canine papillomavirus has been shown to be able to survive at least 2 months at temperatures of 40º F but only 6 hours at 98º F.

ARE VIRAL PAPILLOMAS DANGEROUS?

Not really. They should go away on their own as the dog’s immune system matures and generates a response against the papillomavirus. There have been two cases published where viral papillomas progressed to malignancy but this is extremely rare and by no means the usual course of the infection. Typically, it takes 1-5 months for papillomas to regress with oral growths tending to regress sooner than those around the eyes. Occasionally some papillomas will stay permanently.

Sometimes oral papillomas can become infected with bacteria of the mouth. Antibiotics will be needed in such cases to control the pain, swelling, and bad breath.

Treatment

In most cases, treatment is unnecessary; one simply allows the papillomas to go away on their own. Occasionally an unfortunate dog will have a huge number of tumors, so many that consuming food becomes a problem. Tumors can be surgically removed or frozen off cryogenically. Sometimes crushing several growths seems to stimulate the host’s immune system to assist in the tumor regression process. In humans, anti-viral doses of interferon have been used to treat severe cases of warts and this treatment is also available for severely infected dogs. Sometimes some of the warts can be removed and made into a “vaccine” which is felt to stimulate the immune system in removing the tumors, though such vaccines do not seem to be as effective as one might want and there is presently no manufacturer making them.

Effective therapy for viral papillomas has been elusive though recently (May 2008) a study was published by a veterinary research group in Turkey found that a 10 day course of the antibiotic azithromycin was able to remove all lesions within 15 days with no recurrences during an 8 month follow up period. This therapy is readily available in the U.S. and is likely to become treatment of choice.

Source

Posted in Health & Wellness | Comments Off

Your Green Dog

Friday, April 24th, 2009

Earth Day & every day is a good time to think about the carbon paw print our pets leave and what can be done about it. To help in that effort, we present some eco-friendly dog products and toys:

BioBag dog waste bags

We all know about the thorny environmental issue of using plastic bags for dog waste. Biobags are one solution. Made of cornstarch, they break down like food scraps in 45 days. The best-selling pet product on buygreen.com, they come in small and large sizes. Prices start at $4.39. Well worth it. All Muttnik staff use these bags! If you are still using Safeway bags – stop now and help mother earth.

Orbee-Tuff Glow for Good Ball

Petside.com rates this recyclable, non-toxic ball as its No. 1 eco-friendly pet toy. We understand why: One hundred percent of the sales goes to the Planet Dog foundation, which supports canine service programs. Did we mention it’s minty and glows in the dark? Price: $11.95 at planetdog.com

Dog necktie collars

OK, so maybe they’re a little dressy for the park, but these fully functional, adjustable, clip-the-leash-on-’em collars are actually made of old neckties. We give these high marks for being made of recycled materials but also for being adorable. There’s one more benefit: For every collar sold, the Good Life manufacturer contributes 50 cents to organizations that help pets, people and the environment. Price: $24 at buygreen.com

Here is a list of top 10 green picks from Petside:

#1 Orbee-Tuff Glow For Good Ball

We love this toy. Not only is this ball recyclable and non-toxic, but 100% of the wholesale cost of this doggie-durable, buoyant, bouncy, minty Glow for Good Ball goes directly to the Planet Dog Foundation, a not-for-profit arm of Planet Dog whose mission is to support canine service programs. This ball is great for the aggressive chewer!

#2 Huck ball

This is not your average ball. Actually, the grooved shape, makes this toy look less like a ball and more like a yo-yo. But that’s what makes it so great. The indents make bouncing this ball fun because it goes in all directions! Not only does this ball bounce like crazy, it even floats in water. The Huck ball is part of the Zogoflex line with contains 10% post industrial recycled plastics, uses 100% recycled paper for packaging, made in the USA and recyclable. Although the Huck ball is durable, it might not hold up to the most aggressive chewer but it does come with a one time replacement guarantee. The Huck ball is a real winner!

#3 Kitty Catnip Fortune Cookies

Can you say home-made? This one made our list, not just because it’s so darn cute but because it’s made of recycled fleece and stuffed with organic catnip. The Chinese take out boxes come in your choice of pink or blue and contains 3 fortune cookies. Also, seller BowWowzerZ supports pet rescue. 10% of its sales will be donated to a local animal rescue group. Does it get any better?

#4 Simply Fido Organic Pet Toys

Simply Fido Organic Pet Toys are some of the most adorable toys we’ve ever seen. They are made of organic fabrics and with all-natural dyes. Organically grown, the fibers in each toy are unbleached, untreated, and unprocessed so Simply Fido Toys are 100% environmentally friendly! Each toy is about 10″ long and has stretchable arms and legs and a squeaker. Choose from 4 different Squeaker Ring characters: Lolly the Lamb, Oscar the Monkey, Wally the Bear and Lucy the Rabbit.

#5 Stuff ‘N Fetch It

Use this Stuff ‘N Fetch It dog toy to teach scent recognition, come, fetch, hold and carry. Fill with treats or scent, toss it and call back for a reward. Intended as an interactive play toy and not as a chew toy. Made from pre-consumer recycled fire hose material.

#6 Itch Cat Scratcher

Itch’s cool design makes this scratcher look more like art than a toy. It easily mounts on the wall for secure vertical cat scratching. The carpet insert is replaceable and it is made of 100% rapidly renewable bamboo plywood or LPL with 100% recycled wood fiber. Catnip can be placed behind or rubbed onto the inserts to further entice scratching. Now that sounds like fun.

#7 West Paw Zogoflex Zisc

We know that playing fetch with a ball can be fun, but your playful pup might be more of the disc type. So we’ve included the West Paw Zogoflect Zisc. Made from soft, yet durable Zogoflex material, the Zisc is aerodynamic and flies through the air with speed and accuracy. Its pliable material allows your dog to pick it up from flat surfaces with ease and will not hurt or damage their soft mouth.

This is the second Zogoflex toy to make our list! Like the Huck ball the Zisc contains up to 10% post industrial recycled plastic & uses 100% recycled paper and corn based PLA plastic in packaging. When your pet wears out a Zisc, simply mail it back to West Paw Design and they will recycle it back to be a new toy!

#8 Hemp Rope Toys

Does your dog love to play tug? Get Earth Dog’s Eco-Friendly Hemp Rope Toy. These hemp rope toys are 100% Romanian hemp and are offered in two sizes. Not only will your pet love playing with this, 10% of earthdog profits go to Kody’s fund, a non-profit organization that funds spay and neuter programs. How great is that?

#9 Wooly Dust Bunnies

Organic dye-free wool is wrapped into “bunny” pompoms. Each bag comes with 6 wooly dust bunnies, a little packet of catnip for encouragement, and a simple organic cotton washing bag. Your cat will love chasing these around the house!

#10 Chase the Hemp Cat Tail

From the Field cat toys are made with strong and durable hemp fiber material and filled with organic catnip. These natural and holistic toys are also 100% biodegradable.

Does your pet have a favorite green toy? Leave a comment and share!
Do you have favorite eco-friendly pet products? Please let us know.

Posted in Dog News, Health & Wellness, Mutterings | Comments Off

Earth Day today!

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide.

More than 6 million Canadians join 1 billion people in over 170 countries in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues. Nearly every school child in Canada takes part in an Earth Day activity.

Environmental challenges abound as our daily actions pollute and degrade the fragile environment that humans and wildlife depend on to survive.

What can we do?

Earth Day provides the opportunity for positive actions and results.

First launched as an environmental awareness event in the United States in 1970, Earth Day (April 22) is celebrated as the birth of the environmental movement.

Earth Day is a powerful catalyst for change. The first Earth Day, spearheaded by Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson and Harvard University student Denis Hayes, involved 20 million participants in teach-ins that addressed decades of environmental pollution. The event inspired the US Congress to pass clean air and water acts, and establish the Environmental Protection Agency to research and monitor environmental issues and enforce environmental laws.

In 1990, two million Canadians joined 200 million people in 141 nations in celebrating the first International Earth Day. In many countries, the global event brought pressure on heads of state to take part in the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro to address issues such as climate change and the world wide loss of species.

In Canada, Earth Day has grown into Earth Week and even Earth Month to accommodate the profusion of events and projects. They range from large public events, such as Victoria’s Earth Walk (5,000 participants), Edmonton’s Earth Day Festival at Hawrelak Park (30,000 participants), and Oakville, Ontario’s Waterways Clean-up (2,000 participants) to the thousands of small, private events staged by schools, employee groups and community groups.

There are 52 events taking place in BC today: Earth Day BC Events

For other events around Canada click here.

Posted in Dog News, Mutterings | Comments Off

US Supreme Court to rule on animal cruelty law

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

* US top court to rule on federal animal cruelty law

* Law, aimed at videos, said to violate free-speech rights

The U.S. Supreme Court said on Monday that it would decide whether a federal law that makes it a crime to sell videos of animals being tortured or killed violates constitutional free-speech rights.

The high court agreed to hear a U.S. Justice Department appeal defending the 1999 animal cruelty law after it was struck down for infringing free-speech protections.

A U.S. appeals court declared the law unconstitutional and overturned the conviction of a Virginia man, Robert Stevens, who sold three videos of pit bulls fighting each other and attacking hogs and wild boars.

His conviction in 2005 was the first in the country under the law. Stevens had been sentenced to 37 months in prison.

By a 10-3 vote, the appeals court rejected the government’s argument that, for the first time in more than 25 years, there was a new category of speech not covered by constitutional free-speech protections. Usually, videos and other depictions are protected as free speech, even if they show abhorrent conduct.

In 1982, the Supreme Court last made an exception and ruled that free-speech rights do not apply to certain sexual depictions of children.

Congress adopted the law in 1999 in an attempt to stop people from profiting by the interstate sale of depictions of unlawful torture and killing of animals.

Laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with various other federal laws, already prohibit animal cruelty.

Justice Department attorneys said Congress, in adopting the law, also is aimed at videos in which women in high-heeled shoes crush small animals as a type of sexual fetish, sought to stop a unique and reprehensible type of criminal conduct.

They told the Supreme Court that the animal cruelty law should be upheld just like child pornography laws. The justices are expected to hear arguments in the case and then rule during their upcoming term that begins in October.

Source

Posted in Dog News, Health & Wellness | Comments Off

Take Your Dog To Work Day

Monday, April 20th, 2009

There is a great day coming up in June for pet lovers that work. It is a day set aside on June 26Th to take your dog to work with you, that is, if your job allows it. But, there are several things you need to do before just bringing your pet to your job. First, check with management and co-workers to see if anyone in your office is allergic to dogs, afraid of them, or is just opposed to the idea.

Next, just like you did your home, puppy-proof your office. Make sure all cords are hid and things like correction fluid (white-out, ink, etc.) are put up out of reach. Bathing your best friend is the next step. Who wants a stinky, dirty dog around them all day? No-one! Also, a shy or aggressive dog is a no-no at an office. For the shy dog, it can be an excruciating time. Can you imagine being scared for 8-10 hours, I can’t. Also, if your dog appears to be ill. Just bring a pretty picture instead.

Prepare a bag for your pet. Just like you would prepare a diaper bag for a baby. Things like clean-up bags, bowls, leash, toys, paper towels, and disinfectant. (in case of a potty accident) If you move around alot, consider bringing a crate for your dogs security and your peace of mind. A really important one is planning feeding times. Make sure the spot you chose to let your pet potty is appropriate.

I think this one is the most important! Don’t force your pet on co-workers. Let them come to you and your pet. Curtail treat giving, as this could cause a very messy potty accident. Your pet might not like it, but, trust me, minimal treats are a must. No people food!! Lastly, remember that not all pets are office goers. If your pet becomes overly playful, aggressive or withdrawn, make sure you have permission to leave and take them home. Of course, I have to say this; never, ever leave your pet in your car while you are at work!

While it is sometime away, have a safe and fun day in June. Most offices allow you to bring you best friend to work, as they know it helps with office morale.

In a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Assoc. (APPMA) here are some very interesting results:

- 55 million Americans believe that pets in the workplace leads to more creativity.
- 53 million Americans believe that pets in the workplace decreases absenteeism.
- 50 million Americans believe that pets in the workplace helps co-workers get along better.
- 38 million Americans believe that pets in the workplace creates a more productive work place.
- 32 million Americans believe that pets in the workplace decreases smoking in the work place.
- 37 million Americans believe that pets in the workplace helps improve management/employee relationships.
- 46 million Americans believe that pets in the workplace improves hours worked by each employee.

source: Dog Fancy Magazine
Survey Source: APPMA in Dog Fancy Magazine.

Posted in Dog News, Health & Wellness, Mutterings | Comments Off

Dog gone? GPS can track him

Friday, April 17th, 2009

For owners of lost pets, the frantic search does not always end happily.

One company, Positioning Animals Worldwide, is betting that even in a recession, pet owners will pay $250 for some peace of mind.

Its product, Spotlight, is a rectangular box smaller than a business card that attaches to a dog’s collar and connects with satellites and cell phone towers to provide a GPS location for the dog — and provide a text message to an owner when Fido leaves a “safe zone.”

Spotlight is waterproof, weighs less than 2.5 ounces and has a light you can turn on remotely to help locate your dog at night.

Customers pay $250 plus a monthly service fee, which has not been set.

Some pet owners have microchips embedded under a dog’s skin by a veterinarian. Each chip contains a number that can then be used to track down the dog’s owner if the dog is found. But the microchips produce no real-time data about a pet’s location.

“We have a natural customer base for this product,” said Tom Sharp, CEO for AKC Companion Animal Recovery, which is partnering with PAW.

Spotlight will be available next month on pawgps.com and akccar.org.

Giving pet owners peace of mind by keeping them connected to their best friends at all times is the vision of Positioning Animals Worldwide (PAW), makers of SpotLight, the only GPS pet locator teamed with American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR).

Source

Posted in Dog News, Technology | Comments Off

Take Your Pet To Work Week

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

June 16 marks the kick-off of Take Your Pet To Work Week (June 16-20).

Is your office closed on Fridays? Are the “cat people” in your department demanding equal time or does the boss say you can participate in Take Your Dog To Work Day but it has to be on a Wednesday?

You can still participate in this fun event that celebrates the great companions dogs (and other pets!) make by holding your company’s observance during Take Your Pet To Work Week!

For more information go to Take your dog to work

Posted in Mutterings | Comments Off

Vancouver Dog Food Banks

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Metro Vancouver gives tirelessly to the welfare of the cities animals – here are a few that have programs to help in these tough times:

BCSPCA – Charlie’s Food Bank

Provides pet food for low-income, people living outdoors and senior pet guardians
When: Thursdays 10am – 12pm
Where: Mission Possible, 543 Powell Street,
Vancouver, BC

- Free pet-food for dogs, cats, birds and small animals.
- Toys, treats, leashes, collars, litter, litter boxes and carriers
- Information on behaviour, training, basic care and local animal by-laws
- Free spay & neuters

Vancouver Humane Society - VHS

In these times of economic turmoil, it’s even more important to make every dollar count. If you would like to give a donation to VHS in lieu of a gift for someone special, we’ll acknowledge your gift with a beautiful card! And if you specify that your gift should be used to help a needy animal with emergency medical costs, we’ll apply your donation to our McVitie Fund, a fund set up in memory of a special cat.

Your support is essential to our work. Whether you’re one of our committed monthly donors or someone who has never given us a donation before, you’ll be helping animals by supporting perhaps the most effective organization in BC and one of the most effective ones in all of Canada.

There are many ways to help. Please choose what is most appropriate for you, and thank you for your compassion!

Posted in Dog News, Health & Wellness | Comments Off

« Older Entries