I am glad to say that in two days we were able to raise 1000$ for Simba. The table and chairs did not sale and have been listed on Craigslist. Thanks to everyone who helped man tables, unload and reload and unload my garage, donated items, baked goods, and bought things. It was great to be a part of good thing.

If you plan on taking your bulldogs and flying with them you had better make sure you’re not flying Delta, they have placed the bulldog on their no-fly list. Half of the dogs that died on commercial flights from 2005-2009 were short-nosed breeds.  Over that period 125 deaths were reported including 25 English Bulldogs and 11 Pugs. Breathing problems and other congenital issues were linked to the high mortality rates. Continental did have the highest amount of deaths–53. Their number has improved since they instituted a bulldog embargo in the summer and when temperatures rise above 85 degrees. It should be noted that American Airlines will not fly short-nose breeds since last fall. SouthWest will only fly pets that fit under the seat. It is important to remember if flying with a pet that you need to check your airlines regulations, make sure you have a health certificate that is filled out within 10 days prior to travel (if flying outside the United States, you will need to check that country’s regulations. This may take a few weeks to get done). You should also make sure your pet’s carrier is properly labeled with your information and that your pet has identification as well, the best would be a microchip. Also, make sure your pet has ice cubes in the water dish as the ice will melt. This way, they will always have some fresh drinking water. It is best not to sedate your pet as this can affect their ability to regulate their body temperature, the only exception is if your pet will be on board with you where it may be necessary to medicate them to keep them quiet for the flight. It is always best to consult with your pet’s Veterinarian. This will guarantee that you have decided what will work best for your pet based on age, breed and medical problems.

If traveling abroad, the USDA has a link that will inform you about each country’s regulations for traveling with your pet. It is also best to double check with the USDA in case there have been any recent changes in regulations.

I read an interesting article about a 20 year study two vets from Georgia put together from 20 years of data what they discovered is what we have always felt certain breed are more likely to die of specific diseases that are breed related. These numbers were statistically significant. Here are the facts that they put together and the breeds they involve.

Large dogs just don’t have shorter life spans than smaller dogs they are more likely to die of musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal disease and cancer.

Smaller breeds live longer but are more prone to die of metabolic disease. (Diabetes, cushing’s)

Toy breeds like Chihuahuas are known to have high rates of heart disease. Fox Terriers trailed chihuahuas by 3%.

Golden Retrievers and Boxers have a high rate of cancer about (48% of deaths) A lesser known breed Bouvier des Flandres also had high frequency of cancer related deaths.

Gastrointestinal disease were listed as the cause of death in Great Danes, Akita’s, Gordon Setters, Shar peis, Weimaraners.

Newfoundlands, Maltese, Chihuahuas, Doberman, Fox Terriers succumbed most frequently to heart disease.

Neurological disease was the most like cause of death in Dachshunds, Miniature Dachshunds, Dutch Pugs, Miniature Pincher’s and Boston Terriers.

Musculoskeletal was top cause of death in Saint Bernard’s, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane and Greyhound.

Urogenital disease (urinary system problems) while not top cause of death was seen in Scottish Terriers, Airedales Terriers, Dalmatian, Norwegian Elkhounds, Standard Schnauzers.

Respiratory Disease were highly seen in Bulldogs, Borzoi, Yorkshire Terriers, Afghan Hounds, Treeing Walker Coon hounds.

Highest incidence of death due to congenital disease was seen in Newfoundlands, Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Akita, and Maltese.

This is not to say that all pure breed dogs will die of one disease or another but it is an insight to a pattern that is seen over the last 20 years. One thing to note is that some of these breeds are some of the most poplar seen and if your heart is set on one of them it might be a good idea to invest in pet insurance especially at a young age, that way you can make decisions for your pets welfare based on factors that don’t involve cost.

We are collecting items for a garage sale that we will be have in Wayside. All the proceeds will be going to our non profit foundation. Some of the items we have already a Total Gym 2000, a Steiner auto Michael Vick football ( we thought that would be ironic), baseball cards, toys, clothing, electronics and more. If you think you might be interested in one of the big tickets items please feel free to contact me. If you would like to donate anything please ask for Nicole or Stacey. You can receive a receipt for your taxes. Isn’t that great you can feel good by giving to a good cause and get a little back at the same time. The Garage sale is June 25/26. Further info to follow…

This winter we lost two much loved companions who lived here at the hospital.

 Chuckles or “Chuck” was hatched in 1984 and became my first avian patient, a pet shop bird with multiple health problems. After keeping him for almost three weeks and seeing him finally pull through, the shop owner gave him to me in lieu of paying his bill. Years later, he became Natalie’s “husband”, a very odd combination as Chuck was domestic raised and bonded to humans and Natalie was another species of Amazon parrot, wild caught and terribly abused, none the less it was love so who was I to question.

 “George”, our house cat, came to us as a very happy, fat, healthy diabetic, brought in for euthanasia. We welcomed him into our family where he dominated the prep area by sprawling his rotund frame across the patient files while you were trying to read them or rolling on the phone in mid-conversation causing a disconnect and an apologetic recall to someone who wondered why there were suddenly cut off. George always evoked a laugh and although he hated to be picked up, he loved his Buddha belly to be petted and squeezed.

Their files still sit on my desk; it takes me awhile to move them to the deceased bin. Both died suddenly, unexpectedly, and with some questions still unanswered.

 I think the thing I miss most about my departed friends, and I have had quite a few in sixty-two years, is saying their names out loud. When they pass they may still be in our hearts and minds but are less frequently in our voices. Sometimes, when I am alone I will speak their names and nicknames out loud and they are, for a moment, with me again.

Alternative pet ideas for children that have cat and dog allergies.

1. Rabbits- Fuzzy and adorable and easy to housetrain

2.Rats-Highly intelligent and social only down side is short life span about 2-3 years

3. Parakeets-Hand-tamed from a reputable breeder can be very friendly. Another option cockatiels which if properly cared for can live a long time

4.Chickens- cheap and easy to keep , they don’t require much space. Females are calmer and quieter.

5. Goats-make surprisingly good pets.  They are affectionate active and silly. You will need more space for a goat at lest 20 by 20 pen and some solid high fencing.

Just remember what ever pet you decide on you are making a commitment to that pet to care for and treat that pet for their life. Pets are a luxury not a necessity.

Now before you ask there is an animal relevance here. I found this in a magazine some web site that can sow the troops you care.

Pets For Patriots- Matches homeless dogs and cats with military families  looking to adopt a furry friend. The nonprofit arranges for to help for veterinary bills and pet supplies.

Here are a few other sites.

Operation Write Home- operationwritehome.org

K.I.D.S- kidsdonation.org this promotes reading by giving books to children of military families

Good Grief Camps- taps.org  this is a place for kids of families that have lost loved ones can go and be paired with an active duty service member trained in supporting a bereaved child

Operation Military Kids- operationmilitarykids.org this offers recreation programs, assistance with school issues, free camp and more.

Hugs For Soldiers- hugsforsoldiers.org send a handwritten note or volunteer time preparing care packages

Homes For Our Troops- homesfortroops.org nonprofit that builds adapted housing for severely wounded veterans.

Cell Phones For Soldiers- cellphonesforsoldiers.com prepaid calling cards and free phone services for military personnel

Pizzas For Patriots- pizzas4patriots.com this charity shipped close to 60,000 pizzas to troops around the world

There back. Houndstooth will be here June 13, 14,15 th. Remember this procedure is for mild to moderate tarter and not for animals that need dental X-Rays or extractions. Please call the office at (732)842-8266 to schedule an appointment.

Bark in the park is next weekend at the Lakewood Blueclaws.

The day starts at 1pm with a festival outside the stadium!
Make sure to stick around for the Pet Parade on the field before the 4:05 BlueClaws game vs. the Hagerstown Suns.

All dogs are required to purchase a $2 Pooch pass and if they don’t have the money the owner will to pay. All proceeds will go to their local animal charity. If you are interested in purchasing tickets please call us at 732-842-8266. Tickets to the game are $10. Come support us and the Little Silver Foundation which helps defer medical costs for the animals at the Tinton Falls Humane Society.

If you get bit by a tick and need to know if it is a tick carrying Lyme disease, please call the Monmouth County Mosquito Commission at (732)542-3630. If you are looking for more information about Lyme disease you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at www.CDC.gov. As far as our furry friends, you should start using your flea and tick preventative. We recommend Frontline or Vectra. The Lyme vaccine is also available especially for those dogs that go to the dog park, woods, or high grass areas. These products are not repellents so please remember that after a walk in a wooded area you should check your pet and yourself for ticks. It is especially important to check around the head and neck area.