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Holiday season adornments are attractive to all creatures. The ornaments, foods, gifts, wrappings, ribbons, lights and plants are all curiosities for pets. Pets investigate new items by sniffing, tossing, chasing, and finally by tasting. A few precautions are necessary to avoid the holiday crowds at the veterinary hospital.

The most common problems this time of year are stomach or intestinal disturbances caused by pets eating the holiday feast or other novelties. Scraps from the table can cause gastrointestinal upset and even predispose pets to life-threatening pancreatitis. Bones can get stuck in the mouth or perforate the intestines and should be avoided. Chocolate is poisonous to cats, dogs, and birds. Plastic wrap and aluminum foil (coated with good-tasting juices) are enticing but can cause intestinal damage (and even blockage) if eaten by the pet.

Other sweet treats, like gum and hard candies, can also make your pet ill. Sugar-free candies and gum are made with xylitol, a sugar substitute that can cause a drop in blood sugar, depression, loss of coordination and seizures in your pet. Xylitol is also linked to liver failure in dogs. Be sure to keep all candies, chocolate and other sweets out of your pet's reach. If you believe your pet may have ingested chocolate or candy, call your veterinarian immediately.

Chocolate with Wrappers

Be sure to properly dispose of leftovers and wrappers. Feed pets their usual diet. Treats formulated similarly to the pet's regular diet are generally healthy and safe. Also keep in mind (while cooking) that pets may not know about hot stoves or to stay out from underfoot. Keep pets away from the stove so they don't get burned or get hot foods spilled on them.

Several decorative plants are poisonous. Mistletoe and holly can cause stomach upset with vomiting and diarrhea. The berries of these plants are attractive, easily swallowed, and potentially fatal if consumed. Poinsettias, like the leaves of most any plant, can also cause stomach upset. Use artificial mistletoe and holly; keep other plants out of your pet's reach.

Mistletoe and Holly

Be sure Christmas trees are secured so that pets cannot pull them over. Omit preservatives from the tree-stand water and cover the water so pets don't drink it. Don't spray snow on the tree unless it is labeled for pet consumption. Angel hair is spun glass and is irritating to both the inside and outside of your pet. Even glass ornaments and ornament hooks have been chewed and swallowed. These objects can cause problems from stomach upset to damaged intestines. Low-hanging ornaments are a real temptation, as are tinsel and electric lights. Decorative lights and electrical wiring can cause shock or burns when chewed, soremember to unplug holiday lights when pets are unattended.

Holidays have lots of activity going on. Be sure doors are not left open as guests come and go. Indoor pets inadvertently left outside could be injured by frostbite, cars, or other animals. Ice-melting chemicals and salt on sidewalks and roads can severely burn foot pads and should be washed off right away. Also, watch that guests don't leave interesting objects, such as chocolate, ribbons, stocking stuffers, or other illicit treats, within your pet's reach.

Holidays can also be as stressful for your pet as they are for you. Large gatherings of unfamiliar people may cause your dog or cat unnecessary stress and worry. If your pet does not interact well with strangers, keeping him or her in a separate room during the festivities may help keep your pet relaxed and worry-free.

Don't leave food items under the tree with an unsupervised pet; the wrapping, ribbon and enclosed gift are probably not compatible with your pet's digestive system. Ask Santa to put gifts out of your pet's reach so your pet won't beat you to them on Christmas morning.

When choosing a gift for your pet, consider the pet as an individual. Cats enjoy lightweight toys they can bat around, catnip toys, scratching posts, and kitty perches. Dogs like balls, chew toys, and things they can carry around. However, beware of toys with parts, such as bells, buttons, string, yarn, or squeaky parts, that can be detached and swallowed. Watch how your pet handles a new toy until you are sure it is safe. Some dogs treat a stuffed toy like a friend and carry it around and sleep with it. Others will tear them up and eat the stuffing and get into trouble. Also, if there is more than one pet in the household, consider all the pets before buying for any one of them. A one-inch diameter toy for a cat is fine, but a puppy in the household may swallow it and possibly require surgery to remove it.

If your pet does get sick, consult your veterinarian before giving any medications. Many of the over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen - Tylenol(r) and Excedrin(r) and ibuprofin - Advil(r), Motrin(r), are toxic for animals even though they are safe for us. Don't wait to see if your pet gets better. If your pet is acting sick, consult your veterinarian.

For millions of health-conscious Americans, the annual checkup has become a routine practice. Like people, dogs and cats can benefit from routine wellness exams too. But with one important difference—pets age faster than people.

On average, most dogs and cats reach adulthood by age two. By age four, many pets are entering middle age. And by age seven, most dogs, particularly larger breeds, are entering their senior years.

Because dogs and cats age on average seven times faster than people, significant health changes can occur in a short amount of time. And, the risks of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, metabolic problems and other serious conditions all increase with age.

Many pet owners are not aware that taking a dog or cat to the veterinarian once a year is the same as a person seeing their doctor or dentist once every seven years. It is recommended that pets have a wellness exam every six months so that veterinarians have the opportunity to detect, treat or, ideally, prevent problems before they become life-threatening.

Prevention is the real goal of twice-a-year wellness exams. When veterinarians see a pet on a regular basis, they can help pets avoid some preventable illnesses and diseases. Plus, a pet will never have to suffer from pain that could be treated or prevented by the veterinarian.

Pet wellness exams include screenings for a variety of potential diseases. These screenings are usually accompanied by an individualized risk assessment of your pet's environment—where you live, emerging disease risks in your community, your pet's interaction with other pets and wildlife, travel plans, and other lifestyle considerations.

Pet wellness exams also help your veterinarian determine a proper prevention program, including a vaccination schedule tailored specifically for your pet. By using personalized pet health protocols, veterinarians can pinpoint specific preventive health care needs for your pet.

A pet owner's best source for wellness exam and preventive health care information is their personal veterinarian. Only your veterinarian knows your pet's medical history, current health status, and potential risks your pet faces.

Here is a list of some of the most important health screenings for cats and dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend additional tests depending on your pet's health history and other factors.

Have you ever noticed your cat stalking something you cannot see or hear? Have you ever noticed your cat turning her attention to something or looking quickly in a certain direction while you sit dumbfounded wondering what she is doing? It's possible that she hears something you do not. Of course, that must mean that when you call your cat and she turns her head as if she doesn't hear you, she is choosing not to hear you. If you are familiar with "cat-titude," then knowing about your cat's hearing can come in handy.

Anatomy of the Cat's Ear

It all begins with the cat's outer ear, or pinna, which sits on top of the cat's head. The outer ear is controlled by about 30 different muscles that enable the cat to independently rotate each ear 180 degrees, and position one ear or both facing any sound the cat detects. The shape of the ear is designed to funnel sound down to the middle ear, where the tympanic membrane and three small bones, called auditory ossicles, transmit vibrations into the inner ear. The middle ear also contains a canal called the Eustachian tube that helps to equalize pressure in the ear. Within the inner ear is a curved bone, known as the cochlea. This is where the actual hearing mechanism is located, called the organ of Corti. It is here that small, sensitive hairs pick up sound vibrations and send them through the auditory nerve to the brain.

Each part of the ear, working together, gives the cat superb high-frequency hearing. Since mice squeak at an extremely high frequency, cats can hear these noises. This is no coincidence. Waiting in ambush and listening closely for the slightest squeak, cats' hearing allows them to be extremely effective hunters. To put it into better perspective, humans can hear frequencies from about 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz while cats, on the other hand, can hear frequencies from about 30 hertz to 60 kilohertz. Cats also have an incredible ability to localize sounds. They can hear and differentiate sounds three feet away whose sources are only three inches apart.

Because hearing is such a large part of a cat's life, it is important to try to shield them from loud, high-pitch noises such as sirens or loud whistles. It is also important to take sound into account when playing with cats. There are several toys on the market that mimic the sound of prey species to entice cats to play with them. This has the advantage of making the toy much more interesting. However, if the volume is irritating to you then it could be harmful to your cat. So, the next time your cat is sitting nearby and does not respond to your commands, remember that she can hear you loud and clear and is probably choosing to ignore you.

As I drive down the street, I look at my best friend sitting next to me. His two dark eyes stare at me intensely and his tail beats rhythmically against the side of the door. I stop my truck, open the passenger door, and a small but sturdy black Lab. jumps down to the ground

His name is Striker; he is solid as a rock and an exceptional athlete. Not knowing what we're about to do, his body is already vibrating with energy and excitement.

On a command, Striker can scale a 7-foot wall in just seconds. But what really makes him special is his nose. Striker is an explosives detection dog. He is a virtual dynamo waiting for a search command. When working, he is focused, relentless and obsessive. He does not quit.

He can be counted on to work with vigor and energy, far surpassing an average pet dog. This is a good thing, because lives depend on his ability. But as a pet, Striker would probably be diagnosed as "hyperactive."

His energetic behavior might even be misinterpreted as a lack of intelligence. Kept in a backyard, without a regular opportunity to burn up his energy, he would probably develop various anxiety-related destructive behaviors. But he is not a hyper dog. He is a super dog.

Situation is everything. In one situation, a dog may be a hard working hero. The same dog in a different living situation may seem like a curse to his master. While a high energy level is not in itself indicative of abnormal behavior, without a release, it may lead to abnormality.

Most dogs were originally bred for a functional purpose. By making them into pets, we have tried to alter their innate characteristics. We have somewhat changed their cosmetic appearance and have eliminated or watered down temperament characteristics and qualities that originally brought about their creation.

Terriers were originally bred to pursue vermin with a maniacal drive. Hunting breeds have always needed tremendous physical stamina and energy in order to perform their tasks. Herding dogs tirelessly worked the fields. Have you considered for a moment the rigorous job of a sled dog?

Originally, a dog was obtained according to the work that was needed to be performed. The dog's inherent energy, behavior, and drive were channeled into their job. Energy was needed to perform functional tasks. Breeds, once valued for their working ability, have now found themselves in situations where they have no opportunity to use their energy.

Many dogs still exhibit the energy that contributed to the form and function of their breed. When cared for properly, these dogs do well. When left isolated for long periods of time, these types of dogs become desperate for social interaction and behave in uncontrollable ways. They commonly develop destructive habits as a release mechanism for their frustration. The more ill mannered the dog becomes, the less pleasant he or she is to be around. And the less pleasant the dog is to be around, the less socialization the dog gets. It's a vicious cycle.

Purebred dogs are often selected as pets purely because people like their appearance. Little research actually goes into the breed's physical and behavioral characteristics. Through indiscriminate breeding policies, their bloodlines work their way into many of the mixed breeds we see at shelters and rescue agencies.

Lets say you own one of these "hyper" dogs. You probably don't need your dog to pull a sled or herd sheep or hunt foxes. So how do you live with him? How do you get him to be a great pet and a pleasure in your life? The solution is based on various forms of interaction with your dog.

Virtually all dogs and owners benefit from good obedience training. Control of your dog is necessary so that you can instill the manners your dog needs in order to be socialized. Obedience training also helps to establish the foundation of communication between you and your dog. Proper obedience training helps to eliminate the anxiety your dog may feel as a result of being confused.

Make sure your dog has ready access to toys he likes. Quality toys are best – those that are not quickly destroyed or ingested. If he likes to retrieve, try to spend time each day playing fetch with his favorite toy.

For dogs that are sociable and like to interact with other dogs, doggy day care facilities are great. Your dog can romp around all day with other dogs, burning up energy while you are at work. If you are athletic, take your dog jogging or biking. The Springer attachment (made for bikes) works very well.

If you are too busy and cannot exercise your dog regularly, have a dog walker come by the house to take your pooch out for excursions. Visiting a dog park regularly is fun for people and pets. Get involved in a dog sport: Agility is a wonderful dog sport that is open to virtually any dog that is sociable and physically sound. If your dog has the right drives, fly ball is great. If you have a herding dog, herd training is a good hobby.

Schutzhund is a challenging sport that does require a dog with very special inherent aptitudes and significant handler dedication.

Owning a dog is a major responsibility. Before selecting a dog, do some research and get one that fits your lifestyle. Dogs are not inanimate objects that can be neglected. They are intelligent, social animals that require quality time, dedication and love in order to be psychologically healthy.

Mike Herstick (International K-9)—Dog trainer for LAPD Bomb Squad contributed significantly to this article.

During his 35 years as host of "The Price Is Right," Bob Barker sent thousands of contestants home with new cars, shiny appliances and other prizes. But Barker is chiefly remembered for closing every episode of the daytime game show with a smart salute and urging viewers to "Help control the pet population—have your pet spayed or neutered." Why did Barker, one of television's most recognizable personalities, take up the cause of pet population control? The answer lies partly in Barker's years growing up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota and partly in his 36-year marriage to Dorothy Jo Gideon, his high school sweetheart.

Barker, 84, has always had a lifelong love of animals. In a 1999 interview with The Pet Press, a Los Angeles-area publication for pet owners, Barker recalled how animals were always close by during his years living on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. "Wherever the dogs were, that's where I was. I always had a pack of dogs with me. I loved animals then, I love animals now - and I always shall." His mother, Tillie, was also a considerable influence on his love of animals.

It wasn't until the 1980s, though, that Barker began promoting animal rights in earnest. His wife, Dorothy Jo, had been a vegetarian for many years, and in 1979, Barker began making the transition to vegetarianism. When Dorothy Jo died in 1981, Barker took up the animal rights cause as a way to carry on his wife's work. Beginning in 1985, he ended every episode of "The Price Is Right" with his trademark phrase, "Help control the pet population - have your pet spayed or neutered." That same year, he was named the national spokesman for "Be Kind to Animals Week."

During his time as host of "The Price Is Right," Barker made the show more animal-friendly. Fur coats and leather products were eliminated as prizes on the game show, as were cars with leather interiors. Each week, Barker would showcase a pet up for adoption at a local shelter. In 1987, Barker caused a "fur flap" when he requested the removal of fur prizes at the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. That year, the contestants were scheduled to wear fur coats during the swimsuit portion of the contest. Barker asked producers to eliminate fur coats from the show and, when they refused, he stepped down as host. "It became a front page story and it was the best thing that ever happened to the anti-fur campaign," Barker told the St. Petersburg Times in 2003. "People who had never even thought about the mistreatment of animals were suddenly reading about it in the newspaper."

Barker has also publicly supported animal-related legislation, both in California and at the national level. He advocated for a bill in Congress that would ban the use of elephants in circuses, and has backed efforts in California to pass laws mandating pet owners spay/neuter their animals. In 1995, he established the DJ & T Foundation, a non-profit group that subsidizes spay/neuter clinics and voucher programs across the United States. The foundation is named for his wife, Dorothy Jo, and his mother, Tillie. Though Barker retired from television in 2007, he remains active in animal causes. As he told the St. Petersburg times, "It's been one of the most rewarding things of my entire life to see the huge difference we've made in the protection of animals and the treatment of animals."

Cancer is an often life-threatening disease that many people think affects only humans. So, it comes as a shock to many pet owners when their pet is diagnosed with cancer.

Know the Signs of Cancer in Pets

Cancer in animals is not uncommon and it is very similar to cancer in humans. It can either be genetic, environmental, or just a random mutation, so it's very similar to cancer in people. The common types of cancer are diagnosed more frequently only because we can detect them more easily. These cancers involve the lymph nodes, limbs, or skin tumors. Lung tumors are more difficult to diagnose so these tumors are generally not detected until the animal develops clinical symptoms.

There are a number of indications that an animal may have cancer. The best way to detect cancer is for owners to carefully feel their animals all over once a week. Just pet them thoroughly once a week and feel for abnormal lumps, bumps, swellings, and any area that's just plain painful. Open ulcerated wounds that don't heal for a long time would be another potential sign of cancer.

Some non-specific symptoms of cancer include a lack of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. Also, certain breeds are more prone to cancer than others. Breeds such as boxers, Bernese mountain dogs, and golden retrievers are overrepresented in the development of cancer. There have even been studies that have traced the family tree of dogs. These studies have suggested a genetic predisposition in certain families.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Often the diagnosis of cancer leaves owners feeling that there is no hope for their pet. However, many types of cancer can be successfully treated and these pets can return to a normal life.

Before beginning a cancer treatment, many things are taken into consideration. Most important is the animal's quality of life verses the aggressiveness of the treatment. The same types of drugs that are used in human cancer therapy are used in veterinary cancer therapy. The chief difference is that we tend to use lower doses at less frequent intervals.

Veterinarians have designed their chemotherapy protocols for animals so the pets don't become terribly ill. Less than 5 percent of the animals develop severe vomiting, diarrhea or a drop in their blood counts.

Most owners don't even realize that their pet has had chemotherapy. Owners always worry about the animal's hair falling out. Bald dogs do look pretty different, but it's actually not very common for their hair to fall out.

Cost is a significant factor in deciding whether or not to begin cancer treatments. For many people, their pets are more than just animals. Usually the owners want to do everything that they can to prolong their pets' lives and keep them feeling healthy.

When disaster strikes, having an emergency plan is essential. But as you plan for the worst (and hope for the best), don't forget about your pet's place in those plans. Thousands of animals were displaced by the storms and flooding that ravaged the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the recent floods in the Midwest have already forced thousands of residents—and their pets—out of their homes. Here are some tips to help you keep your pet safe in the event of a major emergency.

The first and most important step is to plan ahead. In the event of a hurricane, earthquake, flood or other natural disaster, you may be forced to evacuate your home. However, most disaster shelters, such as those maintained by the Red Cross, cannot accommodate pets, with the exception of service animals. Because of this, it's a good idea to work out some kind of emergency shelter plan for your pet. Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area and find out if they allow pets, either in times of emergency or on a regular basis. Friends and relatives outside the affected area may also be able to care for your pet. Many veterinary hospitals and boarding kennels also provide shelter for animals in an emergency. Some hospitals, especially those in disaster-prone areas, have emergency plans in place for pets staying at the hospital. Whichever method you choose, keep a list of these "pet friendly" emergency accommodations on hand and make arrangements as far in advance as possible.

Whatever you do, do not leave your pet at home. Leaving a pet alone during an emergency is likely to result in your pet being injured, lost or even worse. If you are forced to evacuate and cannot make shelter arrangements for your pet, bring him or her with you and try to find shelter for them along the way. In the case of floods, hurricanes, major storms and other disasters for which warnings are often issued in advance, start making preparations immediately. Confirm emergency shelter arrangements, bring your pets inside, and be sure all of your animal companions are wearing some sort of ID tag. Microchipping your pet is also a good way to ensure that you are able to find your pet should he or she become lost during an evacuation.

Having a disaster supplies kit for your pet is also helpful. This kit should include medications, medical records and a first aid kit, leashes and harnesses, a supply of food and portable water, a photo of your pet (in case he or she is lost), and bedding and a toy or two to keep your pet comfortable, if easy to transport. Preparations for each pet depend on the species and age of the pet. For example, birds should be transported in a secure cage or carrier, while snakes can be transported temporarily in a pillowcase until more secure housing can be found. Farm owners or those caring for horses and other large animals must also make special arrangements for evacuating or sheltering their animals at home.

For more information and detailed examples of emergency plans, The Humane Society of the United States maintains a list of disaster preparedness resources for pet owners on their website. Additionally, the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have compiled a list of resources and tips for keeping animals safe during a disaster. Individual states may have their own disaster plans for animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association maintains a list of states with animal disaster plans.

Puppy Proofing Your Home

Once you have decided to bring a puppy home, there are jobs that must be done to ensure his safety upon arrival. Just like children, puppies are curious, adventurous, and very often mischievous. Regardless of his personality, your puppy will inevitably find something that you hadn't realized was accessible. Focusing on the safety of your puppy, and the care of your possessions, is an extremely important way to avoid any unnecessary trips to the veterinarian.

Look at the house from your puppy's point of view - get on all fours if necessary! Are there any dangling electric cords, loose nails, plastic bags, or other tempting objects that will be in puppy's reach? If there are, you must put them away immediately. As your new puppy grows, he will be able to explore higher places and be tempted to jump up on shelves. Consider how big your pup is supposed to be. If you bring home a Chihuahua, for example, then something on the kitchen counter may not be a hazard. If you bring home a Golden retriever, however, you may have to reconsider where you keep your dirty knives or household cleaners.

Once you have done the canine version of proofing your home, consider this list of potential problems that may need to be removed or placed somewhere puppy can't reach!

House Plants - While not all plants are toxic to your puppy (though many can be) it is not always the safety of the puppy you have to be concerned with. Pups love to dig, even if it is a small pot with only enough room for a paw and a curious nose! The health of your plants could be at risk. Reduce the possibility of your puppy destroying your plants or becoming sick and place the plants in an area off limits to your pup, or in a high enough place where he is unable to reach.

Trash Cans - Dogs, and puppies in particular, are always attracted to garbage. The kitchen garbage seems to contain a smorgasbord of exciting smells and tasty treats. Make life easier and put your garbage under the sink in a cupboard or in a container with a puppy proof lid.

Foreign Objects - Puppies, like most children, LOVE to put things in their mouths. Unfortunately, that includes things like paper clips, socks, shoes, hair elastics, ornaments, etc. Inevitably, your puppy is bound to find something that you didn't put away (or thought you put away) and made easy for your puppy to get. Provide your puppy with appropriate chew toys or interactive toys to help him avoid heading to your laundry basket or desk to find something entertaining.

Additional Tips:

• Never leave your puppy unsupervised, inside or outside.
• Patch up any openings your puppy may be able to slip through
• Keep your toilet lid down - there are too many reasons to list why this is important!
• Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords.

Winter is a difficult time for pets. Outdoor animals need extra care in order to cope with the cold weather. Special attention should also be paid to older animals, young puppies, and animals with short coats.

It is important for all animals to be properly nourished during the winter months. Outdoor animals require about 25 percent more food during the winter months than during warmer months. The increase in food is necessary to generate enough heat for the body to stay warm. Indoor animals often require less food, since exercise is generally limited.

Pets require adequate shelter during the cold weather. Outdoor dogs should have an insulated dog house that is protected from the wind. The dog house should not be too large (the heat that the dog generates is used to keep him or her warm) and the opening should face south or southeast. A plastic flap should cover the entrance, especially during windy days. Straw, hay, or blankets make excellent bedding material.

Cats generally do not find dog houses very appealing. A small entrance flap (cat door) to the basement of the house, or to the garage, will provide an access to shelter during the cold weather.

Outdoor animals cannot eat snow for a source of water. Clean, fresh water must be provided several times each day. A water heater is a practical solution; however, it must be safe and installed properly.

During the cold weather, cats often take shelter under the hood of cars. A warm engine is a comfortable area for a cat to rest. When the car is started, the cat risks severe injuries from the fan belt or blades. Before starting a car, knock on the hood or raise it in order to conduct a safety check.

Paws should be checked regularly during the winter months. Snow and ice should be removed from the fur located between the toes. Damp paws should be thoroughly dried. Moisture that accumulates between the toes can cause sores. De-icing chemicals and salt are common irritants. If these products are commonly used, animals paws should be bathed regularly.

Antifreeze is extremely toxic if ingested by animals. The sweet taste is often appealing to cats and dogs. Antifreeze that is spilled should be cleaned up immediately.

Pets often experience dry skin during the winter months. Lack of humidity tends to dry the skin. Frequent grooming and brushing helps stimulate the production of oil from the skin glands. A topical humectant spray can be purchased at the hospital to help moisturize the skin and keep the coat shiny.

Occasionally an animal is accidentally left outdoors for an extended period of time in extremely cold weather. As a result, frostbite may occur. The most common areas for frostbite are the tips of the ears, paw pads, and the tip of the tail. The frostbite area should be bathed in warm, not hot, water, and the animal then should be taken to a veterinary hospital.

Kindness is the best care for animals during the winter months. If the temperature drops below 15 degrees F., the pet should be moved indoors. If an animal is shivering or refuses to play, this generally means that he or she is too cold and should be brought indoors.