tales from straydom . . . . . . tips, stories and resources for pets

So, what’s new this week?

So, what’s new this week? Here’s a small capsule from the Bit-by-Bit Ranch…

Vaccinations: What you Need to Know

The most important thing for you to know is that annual revaccination of your pet is unnecessary! This information is based on scientific studies conducted by Dr. Ron Schultz, a very well respected veterinary immunologist.

Recipe: Kitten Milk

Kitten Milk Recipe

Recipe: Kitten Glop

Kitten Glop — a Kitten Milk Replacement recipe

Helping the Animals of Haiti

Just a quick post to give you some links to websites for updates on animal rescue efforts in Haiti following the recent earthquakes. If you know others I have missed, please let me know so we can add them.

Faces of the Homeless

Looking through some messages on Facebook this morning, I found a post that includes three photos: homeless women and their dogs — photographer(s) unknown. I was immediately drawn to the photos. In the hard times, the scenario could easily be any one of us. It could easily be me and my “kids,” knock on wood.

Iowa: Pet Food Banks, Pet Food Pantries, Pet Care

Iowa: Pet Food Banks, Pet Food Pantries, Pet Care

Ivermectin Poisoning from Parasite Prevention Drugs in Dogs

This toxic reaction occurs especially in dogs that are genetically hypersensitive to ivermectin, an anti-parasite medication most commonly used for heartworm prevention, or to treat ear and hair mites, which can lead to mange. Ivermectin prevents or kills parasites by causing neurological damage to the parasite, resulting in paralysis and death for the parasite. But dogs genetically sensitive to the medication have an anomaly that allows the ivermectin to pass the dog’s blood-brain barrier and into its central nervous system, which can be lethal for the animal.

Pet Food PantriesPet Food Pantries and Spay/Neuter Assistance for the US

Pet Food Pantries and Spay/Neuter Assistance for the US

Dogs, cats and swine flu’s promiscuity

Swine flu started in pigs (although we don’t exactly when or where), adapted to and passed to humans who returned the favor and passed it back to pig herds. Then we heard that turkeys in Chile had contracted the virus, followed by ferrets and a house cat.