May 9th, 2019

I am often asked what to do with found kittens! Last July I wrote about fostering kittens, and now with kitten season underway once again I feel it is a good time to revisit the topic. If you are available to help, we need you! (Details are below). However, to answer that frequently asked question, here is what you can do if you stumble upon kittens:

First, observe the kittens from a distance. The kittens may seem to be abandoned, however, the mother cat may not be far away. She could be hunting, or she could be hiding, waiting for you to get away from her babies. Wait a few hours before disturbing the kittens unless they are in obvious danger. Are the kittens sleeping and seem content? The mother is probably around and nearby. If you check the area again and there are fewer kittens, the mother is most likely moving them to a new area. If you cannot be sure, sprinkle flour around where the kittens are located and look for paw prints in the disturbed flour when you revisit the site. If you determine that the mother is present, continue to observe the family from a distance, she will most likely move the kittens to a new area. It is best for the mother to nurse them as they will have a greater chance of survival until about six weeks, when the kittens should be socialized by humans. When the kittens have reached that age you can bring them to your local animal care center.

If the mother is truly absent, you can gather the kittens and contact your local animal care center, or, if you have the time, why not try to nurse them until they are six weeks old? A six week old kitten will weigh approximately one pound. A quick overview on kitten care: You will need kitten formula, bottles, nipples, and bottle cleaning supplies, all of which are available at pet stores. If the kitten weighs less than eight ounces, feed them formula once every three hours. If they weigh eight ounces or more, you can feed them every four hours. The kittens will also need help eliminating waste if they are very young. After every feeding, you will need to stimulate the kitten’s anus with a warm, damp washcloth until the kitten completes their business. If the kitten weighs more than eight ounces, it is about three weeks of age and you can introduce a litter box with non-clumping litter.

If the kitten is infested with fleas, you may gently bathe it in warm water with a few drops of dish soap. You may need to do this more than once. Afterward, be sure to completely dry the kitten so it does not become cold.  The most effective way to do this is to cuddle the kitten after toweling it off, warming it with your body. It is very important that the kittens be kept warm! A cold kitten should see a veterinarian immediately. A dog crate is a good container for kittens. Place a small, covered heating pad set to 75 degrees, but only cover half the crate’s floor so the kitten can move if they get too warm.

If this seems like too much for you to handle, go ahead and bring the motherless kittens to our care center. However, if you believe it would be rewarding for you, we really could use your help in our fostering program! Kittens are delightful fun, and if you are not able to keep an animal long term this is a great way to have a temporary pet. To join our volunteer program, you will need to do the following:

• Complete and submit a volunteer application. (https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/become-a-foster-parent/)
• Attend both a Volunteer Orientation and Foster Care Class.
• Accept the Foster Care Policy Terms and Agreement.

We hope you will consider joining us in fostering kittens!

April 11th, 2019

Spring has sprung and it’s finally warming up in Southern California! The longer days and inviting temperatures are making healthful activities tempting once again. We admit it, jogging in torrential rain is no fun. But even with perfect weather some of us could use a little encouragement to get off the couch.

So if you’ve fallen away from your New Year’s resolution, or are just wanting to move more, we’d like to recommend adopting a dog from one of our seven Animal Care Centers! We have dogs to match your lifestyle no matter what stage of fitness you are in. If you have a few pounds to lose we have pets who can lose weight with you! If you need a less active companion for walks around the block, we have perfect dogs for that as well. (And of course, if you go on 10k runs, we have dogs for that too!) Our Care Centers are ready to help you find the new workout buddy that is best for you and your lifestyle. Once you get into a regular workout habit, your new companion will helpfully insist on sticking to the schedule!

Keep in mind that you can do more with a canine than just run or go on hikes! While dogs do love running with their owners, you can get creative if you prefer other activities. If you like biking, you can take your pooch along too! If you have a pup that has difficulty staying on track, there is a device called a Springer that mounts on your bike and acts as a shock absorbing dog leash. When the weather gets really hot, your pooch will enjoy swimming in your pool if you have one. If you like rollerblading or skiing, your dog will definitely enjoy coming along. (This year Mammoth is open until July!)  If you prefer competitive activities, consider dog agility! In this sport the dog races through an obstacle course while you run alongside and guide them. Competitors meet for matches where they seek to have the best scores.

And if there is a rain shower or two coming up in the calendar, you can even spice up plain old fetch. While your dog is fetching, do some jumping jacks. Or even try to race your dog to catch the ball! Alternatively, there are a lot of videos on Youtube of people working out with their pets. While some are just silly, you really can learn how to do Pup Pilates. Just use your good judgment and don’t force anything on your pet that they do not want to do.

Whatever activities you enjoy doing with your dog, just be sure to start slow and work your way to longer activity times. Even though your dog may have a ton of energy to burn, their foot pads may need some time to grow thick enough for long activities on rougher terrain. Be aware you do not overexert your dog, and always bring water and a foldable water bowl (especially on those hot summer days) so your pooch can rehydrate just like you.

March 19th, 2019

Flea-borne (murine) typhus has been a hot topic in the recent news, but it is not a disease that a lot of people frequently encounter. You may be wondering if you and your pets may be at risk for this disease. Here are some facts about typhus and how to protect yourself and your pets.

Typhus is actually quite rare and most people in Los Angeles County will not become infected. There are about ten million people in Los Angeles County, so your odds of encountering this illness is thankfully very low. From 2013-2017, the average number of reported cases of typhus averaged about 60 a year. From 2018 to date, there have been a total of 107 cases of flea-borne typhus documented by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. About half of the cases in downtown L.A. involve people who are experiencing homelessness. The Department of Public Health is taking this situation very seriously and assertively addressing the problem.

You will most likely not encounter typhus if you and your pets are in a clean environment free of rodents. Transmission occurs when bacterially infected flea feces come into contact with the eyes or cuts and scrapes on the skin. Infected fleas are harbored mainly by rats, but opossums and other animals can also be vectors for fleas.  Outdoor cats (and dogs) can come into contact with fleas that carry typhus and thus transmit the fleas to people and other animals. Infected cats and dogs usually do not get sick so there is often no obvious sign of infection.

Controlling typhus comes down to rodent and flea control. Keeping your pets inside, especially your cats, will help protect them from fleas. Using an effective flea control solution is also a good idea, since even indoor animals can be affected by fleas hitchhiking on people. You can also use EPA-approved insect repellant labeled for use against fleas.  Do not leave pet food outdoors for your animals because it can attract wild animals and rodents. Other ways to control rodents include trimming bushes and overgrown plants, keeping your property free of debris, and keeping garbage containers tightly closed.

Unowned or free-roaming cats who are not protected by flea repellant can also be a source for fleas.  You absolutely should be using flea prevention for your animals if there are free-roaming cats in your neighborhood that may pass through your yard or come into contact with your pets.  Even if these fleas do not harbor typhus they can harbor other pathogens such as tapeworms.  Discuss the best preventative with your veterinarian, who can recommend products based on your living situation.

Should we be aware that typhus is a problem – yes, but using the tips in this article should help you avoid it.  Use good judgment, effective rodent control, regular flea protection for your pets, keep your dogs and cats primarily indoors, and you and your pets will likely remain safe from this disease.

March 11th, 2019

The recent alarming increase of horse deaths at the Santa Anita racetrack in Los Angeles County (Arcadia, Calif.) has caused many people to ask me what might be happening.  Twenty-one horses have been euthanized due to catastrophic injuries they suffered during racing or training at Santa Anita since December 26, 2018.

Many people are looking at the track footing conditions as a possible source of the injuries.  Track footing is very important for the soundness and health of the horses.  It isn’t just dirt; it is a complex layer of different materials at specified depths, designed to provide comfort and safety for the horses.  Poor footing – uneven, too hard, or too soft – can cause fractures or soft tissue injuries that can end race horses’ careers, and sometimes their lives.

Some speculate that the unusual amount of rainfall, and even ash falling from the recent wildfires, may have changed track conditions. The track management has suspended racing (but not training), retained industry experts to evaluate the track, hired a veterinarian to focus on equine welfare, and appears to be taking this matter very seriously.  Other possibilities such as the overuse of pain medications and anti-inflammatories that mask pain, prior undiscovered injuries, and possible genetic faults are also being investigated.  Upcoming necropsies (animal autopsies) may provide more information.

However there is an underlying issue here.  Horse racing is extremely hard on horses’ bodies.  Most regular riding horses do not begin training until they are three or four years old.  Their bodies are not finished growing until then, their joints are not fully developed, and is too soon to put someone on their back.  However, racing horses begin competingat two years of age (and training begins sooner than that).  Some question whether these young animals should be expected to undergo such grueling competition. As a result, racing horses can suffer serious injuries.  Many horses leave racing programs with injuries they will carry the rest of their lives.

Nevertheless, some leg injuries are too devastating and require the horse to be euthanized. Why are horse leg injuries so difficult to repair?  The horse’s leg is actually a very delicate structure. The horse as we know it is descended from a five toed creature called Eohippus. Through evolution, the horse’s leg morphed and its four outside toes receded. The modern-day horse is walking on a hoof that is the equivalent of its middle toe.  All its 1,000+ pounds are concentrated on this small digit.  Pounding the ground galloping, at too young of an age, can create ruinous consequences.

Treating horses with leg injuries, especially fractures, is very complicated.  Their legs are very thin compared to the rest of their bodies.  They have limited amounts of soft tissue in their lower legs, so there is not a lot of “padding” to protect bones.  As a result, they are more susceptible to open fractures and serious infections.  The extreme power horses can generate when galloping can cause devastating, bone-shattering injuries.

Recovery from leg injuries is also highly challenging.  Horses cannot rest in a hospital bed for weeks while their leg recovers.  For various physiological reasons they must be able to stand and move around immediately after treatment or surgery. There are horse slings that can provide support, but even these do not always work. A good example is the sad case of Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, who shattered his leg in the Preakness Stakes two weeks later.  Despite world-class veterinary care, Barbaro developed a common complication of fractured legs in the hooves of his supporting limbs called “laminitis” and had to be euthanized to end his suffering.

Horses also face grave risks when coming out of anesthesia.  In 1975, more than 20 million people tuned in to watch the highly anticipated match race between that year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Foolish Pleasure, and the brilliant and undefeated champion filly, Ruffian.  During the race Ruffian broke two bones in her lower leg and immediately underwent emergency surgery to repair the breaks.  However, she thrashed so wildly when coming out of anesthesia (a common worry for equine surgeons) that she shattered an elbow and destroyed the repairs the surgeons had made to her injured leg.  She, too, had to be euthanized.

Horses, despite their size, are delicate creatures.  As a lifelong equestrian and horse lover I can tell you there is nothing like the magic and partnership these magnificent animals provide. When they are used for entertainment or profit they must receive our full protection. The recent horse deaths at Santa Anita have raised concern over the use of horses in this manner.  What do you think?

February 21st, 2019

When people think of Southern California they often picture sunshine and palm trees.  However, recent weather has shown us that it can get cold and wet here, too. What does this mean for our beloved pets? What hazards and additional considerations do pet owners need to consider?

Pups adore roughhousing in mud and puddles (especially those water-loving retrievers!), but standing water can be polluted with runoff and become a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Rivers and lakes swollen in the recent rains can harbor diseases like leptospirosis and giardia, along with common contaminants like motor oil, so it is best to keep your dogs out of these bodies of water. Bring water on outings so your dogs stay hydrated and they are not tempted to drink water from puddles and other dubious sources, even on sunny days. Outdoor cats can also come into contact with dangerous water sources. It is safer for them to live indoors, or enjoy the outdoors by using a protective “catio”.

Even though this is So Cal, it gets cold enough to cause potential problems for your pet. A damp coat and warm body temperature create a good environment for bacteria to proliferate, including bacteria that causes respiratory illness. Animals that are cold most likely will have compromised circulation due to vasoconstriction, which can lead to pneumonia. Also, hypothermia is a form of stress that compromises their immune system and it can even cause death.

It’s not the size of the dog that counts – it’s the length of his hair!  A little Pomeranian can tolerate the cold better than a large Doberman Pinscher.  While Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes (and Dino, my Great Pyrenees) love this weather, their short-haired cousins – not so much.  Make sure your pets tolerate the cold well, or are given good protection for their health and comfort.  Aged animals or very thin animals also have more difficulty with weather extremes.

Despite inclement weather, our dogs still need their exercise.  When walking your dog on a gloomy day, wear reflective clothing and outfit your dog with a reflective or LED collar, harness, or leash to maximize visibility. Make sure the dog’s license is up to date and securely attached in case you get separated. Of course, he is already microchipped – right? Double check to confirm that your dog’s leash is attached securely so you can safely guide your dog and guard against him running off into unsafe areas. If you hear thunder – go inside. Dogs can get spooked by the boom of thunder and bolt into a busy street or other dangerous place. Lightning often accompanies thunder and is attracted to metal, which is often contained in umbrellas, some collars, and tags.

On days where it is just too unpleasant to go outside, entertain your dog with indoor games.  Fetch, tug of war, hide and seek, and other activities will reduce boredom and possibly destructive behavior. Better yet, if you only have one pet visit one of our animal care centers to adopt a companion for it! A good grooming session will invigorate your pet’s coat and make for a fun bonding session with him.

We always encourage pet owners to keep their pets inside as members of the family.  If your pets happen to be restricted to an outside life, make sure their housing provides adequate shelter from the elements and warmth (this is already required by state and local laws to protect animals). Bedding should always be checked to make sure it is clean, dry, and free of mold. Outdoor sheltering should have an elevated floor (at least two inches off the ground) and a door flap to guard against wind and driving rain. Also keep in mind that bigger is not necessarily better – a proper shelter should be proportional to the size of the animal to allow the shelter to retain heat, while allowing enough space for freedom of movement. Even when the skies are clear – keep in mind the nightly lows. Consider bringing the dog’s housing inside a garage or shed when the temperatures approach freezing to provide additional protection.  Remember that outside pets need additional calories to keep warm, so ensure that your dog has plenty of food. If he has longer hair, regularly feel his ribs and backbone to make sure he isn’t losing weight.  But remember, your pets are happiest when they live indoors with their family.

Don’t let this break from our usual idyllic weather interfere with your love and enjoyment of your pets!  By following the suggestions above, you and your critters can weather the storms and continue sharing the unconditional love you both enjoy.

January 16th, 2019

You may have heard about Assembly Bill no. 485 becoming law at the start of 2019. Here are my thoughts on the matter and general advice about obtaining a new pet.

This new law prohibits a pet store operator from selling animals unless they were obtained from a public animal control agency, shelter, or animal rescue group. This legislation does not prohibit someone from obtaining an animal directly from a breeder. As we support and urge everyone to adopt their pets from an animal shelter or rescue, we are aware that for various reasons some prospective pet owners insist on obtaining their pets from breeders.

For those who will still be obtaining pets from breeders we urge the following:

• Never meet a breeder in a parking lot or other public place. Scam artists use this tactic to offload sick puppies – then they disappear, leaving new owners stuck with veterinary expenses and heartache. Scammers often make up stories for sympathy. In fact, they are brokers who obtain pets from substandard sources and resell them for profit. Be wary of craigslist ads.
• With reputable breeders you can visit the home and make certain the living conditions are sanitary and humane. See the animal’s parents and the nursery area yourself. Many breeders will also have past references which you can ask for.

• Make sure the breeder is responsible. They should screen and guarantee against hereditary defects, offer a refund/return policy, evaluate buyers and sell only to people who they believe will give their animals a good home. Many responsible breeders often belong to purebred dog/cat breeding clubs, show their animals in competitions, and demonstrate high ethical values regarding the breeding of animals.

• Obtain a receipt for your purchase and positive identification of who you purchase the pet from. Insist upon a guarantee for good health and against genetic defects. You can demand that the pet has been examined by a veterinarian and obtain copies of its medical records. If medical records are missing, be prepared to take on a sick animal and subsequent financial burden.

Again, we encourage everyone to make their local animal shelter their first choice for obtaining their new pet.  This helps reduce unnecessary euthanasia of animals, and many wonderful pets can be found there.  There are many purebred animals in animal shelters, so if your heart is set on a particular breed you will likely find it at a shelter.

Also, there are rescue groups for almost every purebred breed of dog.  They can easily be found on the internet or by asking your shelter for a referral.  Screen the rescue as you would a breeder, to ensure the animals are humanely cared for, medically treated, and have sound temperaments.  Although the vast majority of animal rescue groups are composed of dedicated and compassionate people who behave responsibly, there have been unfortunate examples of poorly run rescue groups that have neglected animals or scammed adopters/donors.  Like with breeders, reference checks can be useful to ensure you are dealing with a reputable organization.

Finally, don’t be fooled by the “designer dog” fad, which is really just marketing mixed-breed dogs.  We have plenty of these at our animal care centers, too!  If you would like to learn more about this misleading trend, I highly recommend the newly released book, “Designer Dogs:  An Expose:  Inside the Criminal Underworld of Crossbreeding” by Madeline Bernstein. Publisher’s Weekly reported: “[Bernstein’s] advice on finding reputable breeders is sound and will surely be appreciated by readers interested in doing the right thing, and her knowledge of the issue and passion for animals is unassailable.”

I hope this blog has raised your awareness of obtaining a new pet.  I look forward to seeing you at one of the Los Angeles County Animal Care Centers adopting your new family member!