The Purrfect Nanny & Purrfect Pet Health Blog

Dr. Jane Bicks has some good points here in her article about “Why do cats purr?”

Most people believe cats purr when they are content or happy. While cats do purr when they are content, researchers attempting to uncover the answer to this 3,000-year-old mystery are finding the answer more complicated than previously thought. All domestic cats purr, as well as many wild cats, like pumas, ocelots, lions and cheetahs. Purring can occur in a variety of situations. When cats purr in the presence of other unknown cats or kittens, the behavior may serve to convey submissiveness or a friendly greeting. While it is true that cats purr contentedly while on their pet parent’s lap, they also purr when they give birth, when they are frightened, severely injured and even while dying. Because kitties clearly cannot be content in all these situations, contentment or friendliness cannot be the only reason they purr.

So why else would they purr?

Continue reading here!

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Probiotics have received a great deal of attention lately, and this focus is absolutely justified. An increasing number of products, from yogurts to pet foods, contain probiotics. Often referred to as “healthy” and/or “friendly” bacteria (or microorganisms) in the media, their proper notation is “direct fed microbials” when used in pet foods. Basically, probiotics are helpful bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract. In fact, every digestive system contains millions of bacteria, both those with a healthful purpose (like probiotics) and some that are not so beneficial. While some kinds of bacteria can be harmful, many (like direct fed microbials) actually help the immune system adapt to internal changes within the body and thus naturally support good health.

Most people do not realize that located within the digestive system is one a very important group of immune cells called the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT), which communicate with the immune cells located throughout the body. In some respects, the GALT is the first line of defense against unhealthy microorganisms in the body. Whereas most of the cells in our body receive nutrition from the blood, this is not true for the GALT – it receives the majority of its nutrients from these helpful bacteria. Read the rest of this entry »

We recently found out about Diningwithfido.com an awesome website based in Atlanta. Suddenly there is even more reason to be dreamy of warm sunny Atlanta weather. Dining With Fido lists Atlanta Restaurants by neighborhood that have Doggie Friendly Patios.

Check out Dining With Fido’s tips for Patio Ettiquette:

1.Always call ahead to make sure tables are available.

2.Nobody knows your dog better than you. To minimize frustration and embarrassment, be sure of your dog’s public manners and ability to be calm around food and strangers.

3.Exercise prior to a meal outing can be very helpful to keep your dog relaxed and well behaved.

4.Let your dog go potty before getting seated.

5.Sometimes it is a good idea to bring your own water bowl on hot days.

6.Bring a leash that allows your dog to be tied to a post, your chair, or under the table. Leashes too long can be dangerous for the servers.

Boy, I can’t wait for Spring!

Forbes recently had an article on how to best care for your pet after you are gone. Within the article was a slideshow of 10 ways to best protect your pet.

One of my favorite ideas and one that I had never considered is to carry a Pet Wallet Card.
“In case of an accident or sudden illness that makes you unable to care for your pet, carry a wallet alert card listing your address, the number of pets in your home, their species, size and friendliness, and their names. On the back, list emergency pet caregivers and contact info for a pet sitter, vet or kennel to watch your pets if the caregivers are not available.”

It amazes me how logical simplistic and simple the best ideas are, rest assured one of these will be going into my wallet today!

Based in Canton, GA, Military Working Dog Team Support Association, Inc. is a non profit organization that works to support Supporting Current Dog Handler Teams, Veteran Dog Handler events/causes, retired Military Working Dogs and the War Dog Memorial.

From their site:
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom dogs work in rugged conditions from the craggy, snowy almost unearthly cold of the Afghanistan Mountains in winter to the hot, desolate, dry deserts of Iraq. MWDs are trained to patrol or search out explosives (weapons caches, IEDs) or drugs. Breeds most often found working in the military include German shepherd dogs, Belgian malinois and Labrador retrievers. Each breed has qualities of intelligence, stamina and special inherent genetic traits which predisposes them to be excellent working dogs.

All dogs receive basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and then are paired up with their handler. In a change from policy during the Vietnam Era, dogs return home with their handlers and at the end of their working life are generally available for adoption to their handlers and, if qualified, to the public. More information and photos about MWDs check out Military Working Dog Support Association’s the web site: www.mwdtsa.org. You can also view a wish list of needed items and find out more about the organization itself.

It really doesn’t get easier than this for pet treats!

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Take one raw sweet potato or yam (more if like me you like to make a bunch at a time) slice in half lengthwise. Then cut lengthwise about 1/3 of an inch thick. Place in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake for a few hours, the less you cook them the chewier they will be. If you bake them longer, my personal favorite, they take on a crunchier texture.
Let the sweet potatoes cool and let your pets enjoy!

As the economy has many of us tightening our belts, it is great to know that we do not need to sacrifice the health of our pets!

Atlanta Animal Alliance is pleased to announce that they will now be offering low-cost rabies, vaccination and microchip clinics with the City of Griffin, Spalding & Cherokee County Animal Controls!

September 18, 2009

9 am - 2 pm

Elks Lodge (across from Animal Control)

1512 Williamson Road
Griffin, GA

October 2, 2009

9 am - 2 pm

Cherokee County Animal Control

1015 Univeter Drive
Canton, GA

Pets can receive an annual rabies vaccination for only $10, with no office visit charge! Dogs, and cats who are 12 weeks of age and older are required by Georgia State law to be vaccinated against rabies annually as it is a fatal virus transmissible to humans and pets.

Annual vaccination packages including a 1 year rabies vaccine, DHLPP-C (dogs) or FVRCP (cats) annual booster & de-worming treatment for round and hook worms is only $35!! That’s a savings of nearly $70 when compared to other metro Atlanta prices. And we’re just getting started on the savings…Microchips INCLUDING lifetime registration are only $25!

Annual cat & dog boosters, treatment for parasites, heartworm tests, Feline AIDS and leukemia tests and microchip ID’s will also be available. Cash and credit cards will be the only accepted method of payment. No appointment is necessary.

Animal Alliance encourages all pet owners to keep their dogs and cats up-to-date on vaccinations. Annual boosters are essential to keep pets healthy and prevent the contraction of deadly diseases.

For more information about the Atlanta Animal Alliance’s other programs such as the low-cost spay & neuter clinics and WellPet Humane - our low-cost veterinary clinic, go to www.AtlantaAnimalAlliance.com.

Wow!
Looking over our pet event calendar this weekend, you could plan a very busy Saturday!

Start out the day at 7 AM in at Riverside Park in Roswell with the 2nd Annual Hoof and Woof - 5K Run/Walk Event. In conjunction with That Dirty Dog, this fun 5K run/walk is for the “entire” family. Family members and dogs of all sizes welcome. Only pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt and their dog will receive a bandana. Children ages 15 & under can sign up for the 1.5 mile fun walk. There will be prizes, fun activities, adoptions and more. Concessions available for purchase.
Check in begins at 7 a.m.
Start time is 8 a.m. for 5k
Start time is 8:15 a.m. for 1.5 Mile Fun Walk

Follow that up with an afternoon wine tasting from 2 PM to 4PM in Marietta at Marietta Wine Market. This charity wine tasting will benefit Adopt a Golden Atlanta. The tasting features Laetitia Winery which is located in the Arroyo Grande Valley in southern California. This winery is well known for producing award winning Sparkling Wines,Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.The cool climate and excellent soil conditions produce wines that are rich,supple, and complex. Stop in and see for yourselves why this winery is a must see when you’re in the Santa Barbara area.

Finish out your evening in Alpharetta at the 5th Annual Bark & Boogie Ball! to benefit The Forsyth County Humane Society.

Doors open at 7 pm at The Metropolitan Club off of Windward Parkway. This year’s main entertainment with be provided by BandX. All funds raised will aid the Humane Society of Forsyth County. We face new challenges due to the economy. Foreclosures have forced some families to give up their pets. Veterinarian costs for illness, shots and spay/neuter are a large part of our budget. All animals are spayed/neutered and receive medical care, all paid by the shelter. Please keep in mind that we receive no public funding; only generous donations from caring folks like you.

Hope to see you out and about this weekend!

Two years ago we adopted a one year old Goldendoodle. His previous owners warned us that he was not fond of riding in the car. His car sickness might not have been an issue except that we needed to drive him from Pensacola Florida to Atlanta Georgia! As soon as I found out about his car anxieties, I started researching solutions; when I was 11, I’d had an eight hour car ride in the company of a car sick puppy and had no doubts that I did not want a repeat of that! The idea of drugging a dog that was new to us really didn’t appeal to me so I looked for alternatives and found lots of positive stories about Bach’s Rescue Remedy. I don’t know alot about homeopathic remedies or flower essences, what I do know is this product worked for us.

On our 7 hour car ride, our new puppy did not get sick once! I’ve since read differing opinions on the effectiveness of Rescue Remedy for pets and understand it may be effective on a case by case basis, but it is definitely worth looking into. I recommend it every chance I get.
Read more about flower essences and their indications at Bach’s.

Every year, for the past 30 years, children have been submitting art to the Atlanta Humane Society’s Be Kind To Animals art contest. Over the years, they have seen the submissions change from cats and dogs, to lemurs and camels. Check out AHS’s site for more information on how your child can enter the “Be Kind To Animals Week” Annual art contest.

Available this fall, Peace. Love. Paws: The Art of Being Kind, is a 158-page hardcover book will benefit the work of the Atlanta Humane Society. The publication is being sponsored by local and national businesses and individuals – all of whom share a common goal to be kind to all beings. Look for it at local retailers and Amazon.com.

Check out a great preview of
Peace. Love Paws: The Art of Being Kind.
(it may take a minute to load)

If you are interested in more information on how to become a sponsor, please contact Jules Hermes, publication coordinator at 404-846-4308 or juleshermes@hotmail.com.
Cathy Sleva, VP Advancement AHS, can be reached at 404-974-2877 or cathys@atlantahumane.org.