Superbug, dog flu, case of the uglies

An article in the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman talks about how humans can get the MRSA superbug from their pets.

Read the entire article here.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial infection that resists common antibiotics.

A review article in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal describes how dog and cat bites can transmit MRSA and even worse, a potentially deadly blood infection called sepsis. It also tells how touching the skin of infected pets also can transmit MRSA.

It turns out, however, that people are more likely to infect their pets first with MRSA.

The article includes tips on how to prevent the infection as well.

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First there was the swine flu, and now the dog flu?

An article in the New York Times (read it here) says that the federal Food and Drug Administration has approved a vaccine for the H3N8 dog flu.

There is a new flu virus going around. It initially looked quite lethal, and caused panic. Now it is clear that it has killed relatively few victims — and many of those have underlying conditions. It is particularly dangerous to be the possessor of a pushed-in nose — that is, to be a Pekingese, a pug or a Shi-Tzu.

It is the H3N8 dog flu. The virus, scientists believe, jumped from horses to dogs at least five years ago, but it has never infected a human.

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A dog named Pabst with a massive underbite is the World's Ugliest Dog. He was crowned Friday at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Northern California.

See him here on the Chicago Tribune Web site.

Fireworks aftermath

It took 20 minutes for Kate to calm down after the Exempt Firemen's carnival fireworks. Then someone in the neighborhood set a firecracker off, making her start panting all over again.

Fireworks not so hot for pets

With the Poughkeepsie Exempt Firemen's Carnival taking place tonight through Sunday at Earline Patrice Mansion Square Park in the City of Poughkeepsie, we usher in fireworks season.

The carnival will feature a fireworks display Saturday at 9 p.m.

If your pet, like my Kate, isn't a fan of pyrotechnics, you probably have your work cut out for you.

The first summer I had Kate was in Manhattan and we were taking our last walk of the evening. I knew that the New York Philharmonic was doing a concert in Central Park, but I had forgotten that there were going to be fireworks to go along with the "1812 Overture."

Kate absolutely freaked, trying to crawl under cars and over them. Luckily the leash and collar held and I was able to drag her back to the apartment.

So here are some tips for keeping your pet safe during fireworks from the Humane Society of the United States. For the complete list, click the link.

• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area.

• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain.

• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Bingo — Terrier
"Looking for a smart dog? One that is strong and likes to play? One that will also curl up on top of you to enjoy a late afternoon nap? Bingo! We've got what you are after! Young adult tan-and-white male terrier fits this description to at T-19. So, if you play your card right, you might just have the winning ticket to take this hot number home. Best in a home with no cats, and preferably one that is familiar with the breed's characteristics, because Bingo is most definitely a character!"

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Technology can be useful

If you need to find a dog park — quick! — there's a new application called "Off Leash," from the people at Eukanuba.

Available for the iPhone or iPod Touch, this app lets you use the phone's GPS system to locate nearby dog parks.

Alternatively, as with the Touch, you can search by ZIP code. You have to be connected to the Enterwebs, either on the 3G network or by Wi-Fi, for the doohickey to work.


Unfortunately, a search using my ZIP code — 12603 — turned up nothing closer than New Milford, Conn. There is a way to send information about dog parks into the company so they can be included in their databases and, conceivably, turn up in future searches.

The app also has puppy training and nutrition videos. Again, you have to be connected to the WWW. I haven't looked at all of the videos, so I can't vouch for them. Just bear in mind, the app was created and is being distributed by a major dog food company.

Yes, her name is Kate

An Associated Press article found that almost half of pet owners have given their companion animal a human name.

The most popular? Max got more mentions than other names in the AP Poll, but not enough to give it any broad claim of popularity (less than 2 percent of all mentions). One database of pet names, maintained by Veterinary Pet Insurance, also finds that Max pops up more frequently than any other name.

There has been a move away from classic dog names such as Spot and Lassie, according to VPI spokesman Curtis Steinhoff. There were 13 Fidos in VPI's database in 2008, placing the name at No. 2,866. Rover was No. 2,534, behind names like Grendel, Ginger Snap and Munchie.

Steinhoff said that means there is a stronger bond between humans and their pets.

Pet owners who give their pets human names are more likely to see them as full members of the family, said Wayne Eldridge, veterinarian and author of "The Best Pet Name Book Ever!"

But he cautions against reading too much into pet names. Many people choose names based on the animal's appearance, he said. One of the most unusual names in the VPI database was Snag L. Tooth for a cat with a "snaggle tooth" that protrudes.

Last year, I did an article on names of dogs in the mid-Hudson area. It contains a database (though now a year old) of names that can be searched.

Here's an excerpt:

There's a poodle in Poughkeepsie named Poo Poo.

There are 53 dogs named Dutchess in Dutchess County. And while there is only one Mr. Nixon, there are 19 Nikitas. None of the Nikitas are akitas.

One can choose from Oatmeal, Pickles, Jello and Linguini, to be chased by Tequilla, Bourbon, Bacardi and Brandy.

Yes, there is even a Stinky in Dutchess County, two in Ulster and 39 in the state.

Someday you'll need this information

Since summer began yesterday (I know, I know, stop laughing), it's time for a reminder about the special needs pets have during the warmer months (I said, stop laughing).

Here is information from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. And if it weren't for mosquitoes the size of Volkswagens, I'd move to Minnesota, because it's probably warmer there than it is here.

• If your pet is kept outdoors, make sure he has a shaded place and plenty of fresh water to drink.

• Never keep your pet in a car, especially in direct sun, on a summer day. Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside the car can soar to 120 degrees or more within minutes. These conditions can kill a pet in less than 10 minutes.

• When you exercise with your dog in the summer, stop and let him drink frequently.

So, in the meantime, have fun dodging the rain drops. And remember these tips when the heat and humidity finally show up.

Bo — the official portrait

Here is the official White House portrait of Bo.

Roland in the house — my house

I've written on occasion about Roland.

Well, the pooch himself is spending the weekend with Kate and me while Maria Burnham, Roland's human and my editor, goes off gallivanting.

That is the first time I've ever written a sentence with the word "gallivanting" in it.

Kate and Roland trotted around the apartment for a while and then things settled down to normal.

For Kate, that is.


Roland eventually found a spot underneath the table where he remained while I finished my coffee and online news reading. Sorry, newspaper industry. I guess I am part of the problem.


Thing is, I couldn't move my legs, but the priority is to make the guest happy, right?

Roland did keep an eye on me (the eyes!) as I moved around the place, even coming upstairs with me for a bit.

But, for right now, until he gets used to the new environs, I guess under the table is as good a spot as any.


It's close to the water; it's got a view of the patio. What could be bad?

UPDATE: I was upstairs getting ready for work and I heard barking. From inside my apartment. Not something that usually occurs. I went downstairs and Roland was growling at the complex's handyman who had come by unannounced. Good boy, Roland.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Wonderboy — Tiger
"We are thinking about renaming this orange tiger male 'Wanderboy' since he has this desire to try and get out of the building. Not a good idea since this escapee can no longer see! Injured from a run-in with a car, this sweet boy lost vision in both eyes, with one being surgically removed. Obviously with no ill effect on his desire to be mobile! Good with other animals and people of all ages, he's one of the most affectionate cats we've been graced with in a long time."

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Do alternative medical treatments for pets work?

A middle-age pug was was having multiple health problems and his owner turned to acupuncture. Apparently it worked.

The dog, according to an article from the Washington Post, reprinted in the Philadelphia Inquirer, is healthier than ever three years later.

Although some in the veterinary profession are skeptical, Americans' growing fascination with alternative medicine is influencing the kind of care their pets get. Veterinarians once shunned because of their belief in therapies such as acupuncture and herbs are finding growing acceptance from peers and an eager reception from pet owners.

The American Veterinary Medical Association doesn't dismiss, out of hand, alternative treatments.

For the last several years, the association has offered workshops about alternative treatments at its annual conventions, according to Craig Smith, a veterinarian and association staff member. But the group also says that "claims for safety and effectiveness ultimately should be proven by the scientific method."

"The biggest concern most veterinarians have is, 'Where is the science behind the therapy?' " said Bonnie Beaver, a veterinary professor at Texas A&M University.

Have you sought alternative medicals treatments for your pets? If so, tell us about them and whether they worked.

Also, take the poll to the left.

Wish I could be there

The world's largest dog biscuit is set to be unveiled Saturday in Libertyville, Ill.

At 400 pounds, the biscuit will be on display during "Woofstock" at Lambs Farm.

The invite reads "Dogs and the people who live with them" are welcome.

If anyone is there and can take a picture, please send it in.

Carry on, then

The Port-A-Poo is a device that clips onto your dog's leash and will hold the bag of ... um ... waste while you continue your walk.

The idea was borne out of the minds of a woman and her husband who have eight dogs and found onerous the task of handling the poop bags and eight leashes.

Not really a bad idea, but at $10 a large paper clip or a spring clip or even one of those potato chip bag clips might do the same thing, although not as stylish.

Here's the Web site of the Port-A-Poo people.

Kate eats well

I made Kate some dog food yesterday. Pretty simple recipe. On sale ground beef, boiled. Added to a drained can of sweet potatoes and some rice.

You can tell from the video that she really enjoys it.

That was just a snack. I usually use it to supplement her dry food.

Either way, it's a hit.

And she kept licking the bowl for another 45 seconds after I stopped videotaping. I figured you didn't need to see all that.

UPDATE: Youtube seems to be hinky today. The video will play but you just don't see a preview of it and I'm too busy working to figure out why.

UPDATE 2: I guess the Youtube gurus heard me. The preview now displays.

Newsy bits for Friday

Does your dog really look guilty, or are you projecting it on them?

A study from a researcher at Barnard College in New York City was reported on by Fox News.

Read the story here.

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The results were a $1,500 vet bill and a bad case of the munchies.

A Seattle dog chowed down on marijuana found in a local park and got stoned.

Read the Associated Press story in the Seattle Post-Intellingencer.

• • • • •

MSNBC.com reports on airports that are providing amenities to travelers with pets.

Read about it here.

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From the Oregonian comes a story about the first drug ever approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer in dogs.

It specifically treats mast-cell tumors, a type of skin cancer.

Here's the story.

Ready for adoption — video edition

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for? And people, this is the fourth time in a year and a half we've mentioned that Canela needs a home. Someone, please, step up to the plate!

This week's featured pet:
Canela — Terrier/boxer mix
"Fawn colored body. Black muzzle. Looks like this female terrier mix stuck her nose in someplace it shouldn't have been. The right place to stick her nose in would be around the playground as this young girl has plenty of energy and loves to walk, sit, fetch, play. Watch the video above and see Canela play fetch on the new zip line at the shelter!"


The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Cat = self-cleaning oven

Yes, that is the conclusion of an article on wet cats from Good Morning America's Amazing Animals.

"They make such great drama, it's like watching daytime soap in a bucket," said Ben Huh, CEO of ICanHasCheezburger.com. Of the millions of photos featured on his site, he said tens of thousands are of wet cats.

"I think it's a little bit of payback," Huh suggested. If the cat sits on your favorite black sweater and leaves fur all over it, a bath is a way to retaliate, he quipped.

Gary Norsworthy, owner of the Alamo Feline Health Center in San Antonio, said he doesn't recommend bathing cats on a regular basis.

"Cats are like ovens," he said. "They're self-cleaning."

I particularly like the self-cleaning model with the shampoo hair.

News tidbits

Remember Nora, the piano-playing cat?

Well, a Lithuanian composer/conductor has written a piece of music for her.

Here's the video from BBC News.

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For six months, dog walkers in L.A. have been ignoring a law that limits the number of dogs any one person can bring to a leash-free park.

This story is from the San Jose Mercury News.

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Pricey digs for a dog park?

On Saturday, a $170,000 dog park opened in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The 3-acre site is the largest of six dog parks in the city.

Here's an article from the St. Petersburg Times.

Any other dog parks that can match or beat that price tag?

Giving CPR to a dog

Hopefully you will never have to use this information, but here it is.

This is Elaine Acker, CEO of Pets America, demonstrating how to give CPR to a dog.

Cat home alone? Give her a mouse

To keep your cat amused while you are away, here's something to consider, if you have $70 you can part with.

CatDancer Products has come up with an automatic cat toy: the Mouse in the House.

Here's a video of the toy in action from the manufacturer.

Someone who bought the device for his cat posted this video.

It seems the motor would burn out if the cat kept the mouse from moving. Also replacement mice are available for purchase should the ultimate happen.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Chloe — Lab/Terrier mix
"For Sale. For Rent. Foreclosed. Forgotten. Any one of the aforementioned words has provided us with an increased amount of animals left by owners when they relocate. Chloe is a female lab/terrier mix who was left behind when her owners moved. She has a good grasp of basic obedience commands, is very intelligent and has a tremendous amount of potential. Chloe would do best in a home experienced with terriers or other 'working' breeds."

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Looks like Bo knows

How to manipulate the press when his Commander in Chief is flying off to the Middle East, that is.

This report from ABC News has the first dog attacking a microphone cover, taunting with a tennis ball and, always effective, offering its belly to be scratched.

Of course, Republican spinmeisters will say Bo "rolled over" in its demands to play fetch, but truly a belly rub is sometimes just a belly rub.

One could suggest Harry Reid and Nancy Polesi try the tactic during negotiations, but I believe Sen. David Vitter, R-La., already tried that.

This Just In: A video clip posted on the Huffington Post shows Bo shaking the president's hand in front of NBC News's Brian Williams and Michele Obama.

Pets take to the skies

Taking your kitty or doggie with you on vacation recently got a little easier for you and less stressful on your pet.

Starting Monday, tickets for Southwest Airlines flights beginning June 17 were sold allowing paying customers to bring pets in the cabin when flying. A $75 fee will be charged.

According to USA Today, Southwest did not previously allow pets in the cabin. To comply, pets must be in a carrier that will fit underneath the seat. The carrier will count as one piece of carry-on luggage.

"Our enhanced boarding process has opened the window, allowing us to accommodate small pets comfortably on a Southwest flight — without impacting our efficiency," Southwest CEO Kelly says in a statement. Southwest's pet program will be known as P.A.W.S. — or "Pets Are Welcome on Southwest."

To make sure people understand the new policy, Southwest put a video up on YouTube to explain it, using a Chihuahua and a kitten. Watch it here.

The new fee for pets is also joined by an increase in fees for unaccompanied minors and overweight bags.

Of course, not everyone is sanguine about the new pets-allowed policy.

An article in the Denver Post said the new policy "brought howls of protest from people concerned about allergies, onboard barking and smelly conditions."

"I have a granddaughter who has a big problem with asthma, and she can't even breathe around a dog," said Marlene Sanders of Golden.

Pat Anderson of Littleton agreed, saying she is allergic to cats. "They are catering to the Paris Hiltons of the world," Anderson said. "When do we start paying attention to people and not the bottom line?"

"Paris Hiltons of the world"? When was the last time you were on a Southwest flight?