Mike's Pet Care Blog

James Franco and Kevin Nealon Pledge to Help Pass Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act in 2012

2012-01-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjiUUNiHqjY&feature=youtu.be

Going to the Dogs: Plan for Dog Beach Moves Forward

2011-12-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

http://sanclementetimes.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Going+to+the+Dogs-+Plan+for+Dog+Beach+Moves+Forward+&id=16795895&instance=top_stories

Rancho Niguel Animal Hospital

2011-12-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

Just met with Dr. Pat Echolds with Rancho Niguel Animal Hospital. I have heard so many good things about him and definitely recommend him as your Vet if you are out in the Laguna Niguel area.

http://www.ranchoniguelanimalhospital.com/

Cats Endure Bleeding and Bruising in University of Virginia Training Program

2011-12-13T09:45:00.001-08:00

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

New tick-borne bacterium found in upper Midwest

2011-08-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44010883/ns/health-health_care

New York dog-fighting "legend" gets 5 years

2011-08-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

Dopamine in kidneys

2011-07-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that helps to control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, is often studied in connection with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Now researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that dopamine produced within the kidneys, rather than the brain, is critical to maintaining normal blood pressure and salt and water balance.

Some Dry Cat Foods Recalled Due to Salmonella Concern

2011-07-01T08:58:00.001-07:00

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-breaking-news/2011/06/27/some-dry-cat-foods-recalled-due-to-salmonella-concern.aspx

Feline insulin

2011-05-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

Mike's Pet Care
I have a few client with dibetic cats that are still administering human derived insulin(NPH). Some vets will still try to prescribe Humulin N. Do NOT use this type of insulin as it has unpredicatable results in cats. Bovine (beef) insulin is most similar in molecular structure to feline insulin, and it is thought for this reason, to be most effective for these cats.

Feline cat food

2011-05-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

attn cat owners! most commercial cat foods have way too much grains in them. even prescription diets like hill's & royal canin have rice, corn, etc. as the top ingredients. cats are obligate carnivores not omnivores, like us.they need meat & very little carbs. because grains are cheaper & more profitable, food co's use them in high amounts. do your cat a favor, feed them foods that have little or no grain. your cat will thank you later!

Taurine for cats

2011-05-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

Taurine is one of the most important amino acids in meat but it's missing from plants. Taurine deficiency will cause blindness & heart problems in cats. In the 1980's cats were going blind & dying from heart issues due to Man's arrogance. It was discovered in the late 1980's that cats are very sensitive to taurine deficiency & were paying dearly for Man straying so far from nature to increase the profit margin of the pet food manufacturers.

Pfizer pulls flea/tick preventive

2011-04-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Pfizer pulls flea/tick preventive for severe side effect - http://bit.ly/l6HYcT

MSPCA Cares for Chihuahua Puppies Born without Front Legs

2011-03-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

MSPCA Cares for Chihuahua Puppies Born without Front Legs

The Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2010

2011-03-08T07:35:00.001-08:00

According to the ASPCA, their Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled more than 167,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances last year, many of which included typical household items. http://www.petsit.com/top-pet-poisons

37 dogs gassed in Ohio!

2011-03-05T10:13:00.000-08:00

37 dogs gassed in Ohio. Take action! http://ht.ly/47rEj

Help Bring 'Idle' the Hero Dog Back From Iraq!

2011-02-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

Your Signature can ensure this Wartime Hero is Saved - http://www.spcai.org/about-us/in-the-news/item/539-your-signature-can-ensure-this-military-hero-is-saved.html

Canine Eclampsia

2011-01-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

Canine Eclampsia - a dangerous condition brought on by extremely low levels of calcium in the blood stream usually from a mother nursing too many pups and not getting enough calcium in her diet. watch the video in this link. great example of what i helped treat many times. if ever helping a bitch take care of her pups feed her puppy food or calcium supplements. http://www.thepetcenter.com/article.aspx?

VACCINES

2011-01-03T15:06:00.000-08:00

VACCINES: Vaccinations are an important part of any healthcare plan. Always request 3-year vaccines if they are approved in your county because they are just as effective as 1-year vaccines but reduce the risk of possible side effects. Also ask about what vaccines are necessary for your pet. Not all vaccines are required for all pets due to differences in lifestyle, age and your geographic location.

Lily flower danger to cats

2010-12-30T10:32:00.000-08:00

All flowers of the Lilium species, including Stargazer, Easter, Tiger, & other Asiatic lilies, are extremely poisonous to cats. (Lilies are not toxic to dogs, & only self-limiting vomiting is expected if a dog ingests them.) Ingestion of just 1 or 2 leaves or petals is enough to cause sudden kidney failure. Even the po...llen from these flowers is toxic to cats. See a vet ASAP! Prognosis is good when treated early. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

North American Tick Paralysis

2010-12-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

Tick paralysis is the only tick-borne disease that is not caused by an infectious organism. Tick paralysis results from inoculation of a toxin from tick salivary glands during a blood meal. The toxin causes symptoms within 2-7 days, beginning with weakness in both legs that progresses to paralysis. The paralysis ascends to the trunk, arms, and head within hours and may lead to respiratory failure and death. The two ticks most commonly associated with North American tick paralysis are the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. Treatment is simply removing the tick. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Pet allergies

2010-12-06T12:20:00.001-08:00

Did you know that people who are allergic to animals are often allergic to the saliva, dander (dead skin that is continually shed), or the urine. Saliva actually being the most common reason. Also there are no hypoallergenic dogs or cats.

Pyrethrin and Permethrin are Not the Same Thing

2010-11-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

Recently i noticed a client is treating her cat for fleas with a spray that contains both Pyrethrin and Permethrin. Pyrethrin is safely used for feline flea control, while permethrin is toxic to cats, and can be deadly. Safe flea control depends on knowing the difference. Read this article. It has great info. I have helped treat many cats for Permethrin toxicity. It's not pretty .. http://www.suite101.com/content/pyrethrin-and-permethrin-are-not-the-same-thing-a146310

Xylitol danger

2010-11-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

Did you know Xylitol, found in sugarless gum, candies, etc. can be fatal to pets? It is a sugar alcohol and can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure. I just read an article where a dog ingested 10 pieces of Cinnamon Trident and had to be rushed to the ER. Make sure your candies and gum are stored well for your pet's sake ..

Transfusions for puppies and kittens

2010-11-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

Blood transfusion for puppies and kittens: If a puppy or kitten is anemic and a vein cannot be found for a catheter, intraosseous infusion (needle placed into the top of the femur or the shaft of the humerus) is the best option. But believe it or not you can actually inject the blood right into the abdomen. Many cells will be destroyed but this will still benefit the tiny pup or kitten in an emergency. http://twitter.com/MikesPetCare

Help stop dolphin captivity!

2010-11-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Dolphins in captivity is cruel. They are way too social and intelligent for this act. Sign the petition or spread the word to stop this in the future. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/5/stop-dolphin-captivity

Cherry pits are toxic to your pets!

2010-11-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

When Cherry trees are dropping their cherries, remember if you have a goofy enough dog that would eat them, the pits are toxic. They contain cyanide. Symptoms can include rapid breathing, vomiting, & salivation to name a few. If you suspect your dog has ingested multiple pits get him to your vet immediately.

Tylenol is dangerous for cats

2010-11-14T11:52:00.001-08:00

tylenol is very dangerous for cats. they don't have normal levels of the enzyme glucuronyl transferase and can't metabolize. symptoms include respiratory distress, cyanosis, facial & paw edema, vomiting, hyperthermia and liver failure. never give them any..

Metcam warning

2010-11-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

Metacam: Is anyone giving their cat Metacam for pain or arthritis? If so the FDA has a new warning. "Metacam Solution for Injection is approved for one-time use in cats before surgery to control postoperative pain & inflammation associated with orthopedic surgeries, spays & neuters, FDA reports. Metacam Oral Solution is approved for dogs only. "No safe and effective dose of the oral suspension is approved for cats." http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Canine gout treatment

2010-11-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Treatment for gout involves a diet that supports the liver & ph levels, combined with different meds, such as colchicine developed just for canines. The human form of this drug can prove to be fatal if administered to a dog. Your veterinarian is well trained in the difference between the two. Therefore, seeking your vet's advice is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy..

Canine gout

2010-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood which crystallize and are deposited in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. I have seen many sites saying that Dalmations are the only dogs that get this. Untrue. Prob the breed that gets it most often, but Irish Wolfhounds, English Pointers, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, & German Shepherds can get it.

Canadian Medical Schools End Live Animal Labs!

2010-11-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Victory! Canadian Medical Schools End Live Animal Labs- http://pcrm.org/newsletter/nov10/pittsburgh.html

Blood components

2010-11-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

There are 3 main components to blood: Simply put Red blood cells (RBC's) carry oxygen. White blood cells (WBC's) fight infection. Platelets are what clots in a wound so you don't bleed out.

Gift cards available

2010-10-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

gift cards will be available soon for mike's pet care. you can purchase a card for my services and give to a friend or family member for x-mas, birthdays, etc. there will be a link on my site for purchases & info. i will post when the gift cards and link are available. thanks to everyone for the constant comments and support!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Teflon fumes toxic to birds

2010-10-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, fumes from Teflon are lethal to birds. Toxicity occurs when pots are overheated releasing fumes into the air that are inhaled, causing irreversible damage to the lungs. Even if they are in the other room they can die. http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

The Incredible Sense of Smell in the Dog

2010-10-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

The Incredible Sense of Smell in the Dog: 40% more of a dog’s brain than a human’s is committed to smell. Dog's olfactory bulbs are 4x's larger than ours.The avg person has 5 million smell receptors (olfactory), while the avg dog, depending on breed, has 125 to 250 million smell receptors. The Bloodhound has an incredible 300 million smell receptors!

Do dogs need their teeth brushed?

2010-10-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Does a dog need to have its teeth brushed? -

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. More than 75 percent of domestic dogs 3 years and older are affected by gum infections.

Once or twice a week an owner should use a canine toothrush, a soft child's toothbrush or a gauze pad wrapped around a finer to brush the dog's teeth. The AKC recommends toothpaste formulated for dogs (human toothpaste can upset the pets's stomach and ingestion of too much fluoride can be fatal.

Gestation periods

2010-10-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

a dog's gestation period lasts approx 63 days. cats range a bit but on avg are also 63.

Animal Abuse: Southwest National Primate Research Center

2010-10-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Animal Abuse: Southwest National Primate Research Center’s Disturbing History. "Southwest staff was 10 minutes into a necropsy of a male baboon before discovering that the animal was still alive!" http://pcrm.org/newsletter/oct10/alamogordo.html

The Spleen

2010-10-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what the spleen does? Simply put it acts as a storage center for red blood cells in case of emergency & filters out old & damaged RBC's then recycles components like iron & hemoglobin that are returned to the bone marrow & the circulatory system to create new & healthy blood. Also the spleen works in conjunction with the lymph nodes to produce lymphocytes to fight off bacteria & viruses..

Ever wonder which was domesticated first the dog or the cat?

2010-10-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder which was domesticated first the dog or the cat? Dogs were probably the first tame animals. They have accompanied humans for some 10,000 years. Some scientists assert that all dogs, domestic and wild, share a common ancestor in the small South Asian wolf. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193?ref=ts

Feline scent glands

2010-09-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

ever wonder why a cat rubs up against a chair or the wall? they have scent glands in each side of their face. they are marking their territory. it s called "bunting" ..http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Flehming

2010-09-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

Daily fact: Ever wonder why a cat smells something and then keeps mouth open like he/she is smiling? it's called flehming. they are using their vomeronasal organ on the roof of their mouth to taste/smell particles in the air..http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Feline herpes

2010-09-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

Daily fact: Feline herpes isn't curable but you can suppress it and treat it with oral Lysine. if you know of a kitty that has this, they should be on oral Lysine. write for a dosage..http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Where do seagulls get their water

2010-09-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

Daily fact: Ever wonder where sea gulls and other pelagic birds get their fresh water? prob not, but they have glands behind their eyes that remove the salt so they can get fresh water out of the ocean ..http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Hepatitis A

2010-09-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis A is a virus that is spread orally when contaminated food or water is ingested. Mussels and clams, growing in polluted waters, often harbor the virus. It is the mildest form and usually people recover in a month or 2. It is an acute disease, and recovery means complete elimination of the virus. http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Taurine for cats

2010-09-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

tuna makes a great treat for your kitty but it would go blind if that was it s only food source. tuna lacks the essential amino acid taurine found mostly in red meats. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Driver who struck and killed veterinarian arrested

2010-04-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Driver who struck and killed veterinarian arrested. http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/666314

The health benefits of spaying your dog early.

2009-07-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

The chance of your dog developing mammary cancer if you get her spayed before her first heat is 0.05%. This is a very low number. If you wait till after her first heat this number jumps to 8%. If you wait till her second heat it jumps to 26%. This is very significant. Unless you are planning on having a litter then my strong suggestion is to get your female dog spayed at 4-6 months. Hopefully you find this information helpful.