Hi All,
Libby here.
You know the old adage, the early bird catches the worm?
Well, this kitty likes to be super responsible so I write my blogs the day before I post them. I like to go back in the next day and make sure that everything I wrote isn't complete garbage.
Well, I was trying to figure out what I would write about yesterday while sitting around the PPAC and all I keep hearing is 'Hurricane Sandy is coming.' 'Frankenstorm is coming.'
Ever the helpful cat, I've decided to write out a top ten list of Hurricane Safety Tips for you pet owners out there.
1. Stock up on non-perishable food items for your cats and dogs (oh wait...isn't that the very definition of dry food?)
2. While filling your own water bottles, be sure to fill up some extra bottles of water for your pets-they get thirsty in hurricanes too!
3. Move doggy and kitty beds away from windows. Not to fear-monger but windows can be scary places during a storm- keep us safe!
4. Make sure all of our stuffed animals, scratching posts and chew toys are easily accessible. We'll need all the comfort we need!
5. If the storm gets really bad, be sure to keep tabs on us...especially the scaredy cats (I don't mean to insult my own kind but we got the name for a reason). We tend to run and hide and you want to know where we are in case of an emergency.
6. Make sure you have kitty litter. Yup- we still need to go to the bathroom, even in a storm.
7. Give us extra love if the storm gets bad. We frighten easily. Sometimes, even putting a blanket over us will keep us feeling safe if things get scary.
8. Keep miniature flashlights around for us to navigate through the house if the power goes out. No I'm kidding. This would just be impractical. Come on!
9. Give this list to your owners. All of the above will be kind of moot if your owners aren't ready.
10. And the number one tip for braving the hurricane? Don't walk your dogs during the storm! Wee wee pads were invented for a reason!
Til next time,
Be safe. Be smart.
Libby
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Save the tatas!
Hi all,
Libby here. You may not realize it but this weekend was the annual Breast Cancer walk.
Tons of men, women and children came together, raised money and participated in a walk to raise money for Breast Cancer research- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Most walkers came out all dressed up (mostly in pink!) to support the cause. This past weekend, one of the walks took place in Prospect Park and the Silverman family (among other Slopers), walked. Yay!
Now, the reason I'm talking about Breast Cancer (other than spreading the news about a great cause), is because most people assume that this illness only affects humans. Not true! Dogs and cats are also capable of getting breast cancer! Who knew?
Fortunately, as with so many other conditions, there are preventative measures to help put your cat or dog at a lesser risk of getting the illness. Further good news is that there are treatments (same as in human medicine), if your animal does get sick.
As far as prevention goes, spaying your cat within the first six months of their lives, reduces their risk of developing breast cancer tremendously. For dogs, the same is true if you fix them before their first birthday.
Obviously, prevention is the best course of action but, if you decide not to spay your pet and they do get sick, breast cancer treatments include surgical removal options and chemotherapy options.
I just think this information is cool to share because people forget that as mammals, there are a lot of overlaps in human and veterinary medicine. I also think it's cool that the treatments are fairly similar in both humans and animals.
But what do I know. I'm just a cat.
Til next time,
Libbt
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Take care of those knees!
Hi All,
Libby here.
This week, I'm writing about a topic that is near and dear to Dr. Silverman's heart.
You may not have known this but, about a year ago Dr. S. had a knee replacement surgery. He needed a new knee because of an injury he sustained as a young athlete- while playing basketball, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
He didn't let this injury hold him back however, and the following year, he sustained a torn meniscus in the same knee. Now bear in mind, this was before the days that effective cruciate ligament surgery was an option so he just kind of sucked it up and dealt with a bum knee for thirty years. Fast forward to last year when he decided he wanted to regain some mobility and he finally got the surgery. Yay for Dr. S's knees!
So, why do you care about Dr. S's knees? Well other than the fact that he's happier now, (and everyone loves a happy vet) this is also the most common orthopedic injury in the field of veterinary medicine so it bears talking about!
Last week in fact, I was lying on top of the garbage can minding my own business, when a doggy came in limping and barely bearing any weight on his left hind leg. I felt really bad for the poor guy- I appreciate how important it is for a dog to be able to run. Otherwise, who would chase after us cats? Anyway, Dr. S. took a look and diagnosed some cruciate ligament instability and minimal range of motion of the knee.
A couple of days later, Dr. S. performed a surgery and when the joint was opened, lo and behold, the doggy had a torn meniscus wedged in the joint that was preventing the leg from being able to extend fully (That's what Dr. S. had too!)
Anyway, without going into gory details, the torn meniscus was removed and the knee was stabilized surgically. The dog is starting to toe touch- yes, that's just what it sounds like- he's literally beginning to touch his toe to the ground and bear weight on the leg.
You may not realize it but a lot of dogs sustain this sort of injury (being the athletic beings they are!). If you see your dog limping or appearing to hesitate a bit when they make turns, be sure to bring them in to the vet-they may have a rectifiable condition that, if fixed, could really improve their lifestyle!
Til next time,
Libby
Libby here.
This week, I'm writing about a topic that is near and dear to Dr. Silverman's heart.
You may not have known this but, about a year ago Dr. S. had a knee replacement surgery. He needed a new knee because of an injury he sustained as a young athlete- while playing basketball, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
He didn't let this injury hold him back however, and the following year, he sustained a torn meniscus in the same knee. Now bear in mind, this was before the days that effective cruciate ligament surgery was an option so he just kind of sucked it up and dealt with a bum knee for thirty years. Fast forward to last year when he decided he wanted to regain some mobility and he finally got the surgery. Yay for Dr. S's knees!
So, why do you care about Dr. S's knees? Well other than the fact that he's happier now, (and everyone loves a happy vet) this is also the most common orthopedic injury in the field of veterinary medicine so it bears talking about!
Last week in fact, I was lying on top of the garbage can minding my own business, when a doggy came in limping and barely bearing any weight on his left hind leg. I felt really bad for the poor guy- I appreciate how important it is for a dog to be able to run. Otherwise, who would chase after us cats? Anyway, Dr. S. took a look and diagnosed some cruciate ligament instability and minimal range of motion of the knee.
A couple of days later, Dr. S. performed a surgery and when the joint was opened, lo and behold, the doggy had a torn meniscus wedged in the joint that was preventing the leg from being able to extend fully (That's what Dr. S. had too!)
Anyway, without going into gory details, the torn meniscus was removed and the knee was stabilized surgically. The dog is starting to toe touch- yes, that's just what it sounds like- he's literally beginning to touch his toe to the ground and bear weight on the leg.
You may not realize it but a lot of dogs sustain this sort of injury (being the athletic beings they are!). If you see your dog limping or appearing to hesitate a bit when they make turns, be sure to bring them in to the vet-they may have a rectifiable condition that, if fixed, could really improve their lifestyle!
Til next time,
Libby
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The importance of vaccinating
Hi All,
Libby here.
So, I'm sure you all know this but what's the first thing you do when you adopt a new kitten or puppy?
You vaccinate them! Vaccinations make sure your new pet is protected from any illnesses they could otherwise contract from being around other animals.
Even if you are planning on keeping your cat as an indoor cat and, regardless of whether or not you have other animals in your house, you always need to vaccinate.
How come?
Well for starters, you wouldn't skimp on your own vaccinations, right? Why would you skimp on a pets'?
Let me tell you the sad but true tale of a recent friend I've made at the PPAC who can help me elaborate why vaccinations must not be missed.
A few weeks ago, a woman calls, telling us that she had adopted a little kitten who didn't seem to be very healthy after bringing her home. She brought the kitten in and despite intensive treatment including fluids and antibiotics, the little kitty didn't make it.
A few days later, the woman's other cat, Little Edie was brought into the PPAC also not feeling well.
Upon further diagnostic investigation, Dr. H. diagnosed something called panlukopenia, otherwise known as feline distemper. The disease wipes out the bodies' white blood cells which protect animals against disease.
Turns out, although Little Edie (my new buddy) had been vaccinated as a kitten, she had not received something called a booster vaccine at one year. Basically, every cat should get vaccinated in a sequence, beginning at 8 weeks, and then every 3-4 weeks up until they are around four months old. Then, they need more vaccines one year later, and again every three years after that. I know! It's a whole lot of vaccines but trust me, they're worth it.
When Little Edie missed her boosters, she was no longer protected against feline distemper and when the kitten was brought home, she exposed Little Edie to the virus! So sad!
Fortunately, Little Edie (who happens to currently be living in the cage next to mine!) appears to be doing quite well.
The point of this whole story, is to stress how important it is to keep your pet's vaccinations up to date-it'll make your cat's chances of living a long, healthy, happy life that much greater and, will serve to protect any new animals you bring into your home, too.
And on that note, I'm going to go cry in my litter box for the little kitten.
Til next time,
Libby
Libby here.
So, I'm sure you all know this but what's the first thing you do when you adopt a new kitten or puppy?
You vaccinate them! Vaccinations make sure your new pet is protected from any illnesses they could otherwise contract from being around other animals.
Even if you are planning on keeping your cat as an indoor cat and, regardless of whether or not you have other animals in your house, you always need to vaccinate.
How come?
Well for starters, you wouldn't skimp on your own vaccinations, right? Why would you skimp on a pets'?
Let me tell you the sad but true tale of a recent friend I've made at the PPAC who can help me elaborate why vaccinations must not be missed.
A few weeks ago, a woman calls, telling us that she had adopted a little kitten who didn't seem to be very healthy after bringing her home. She brought the kitten in and despite intensive treatment including fluids and antibiotics, the little kitty didn't make it.
A few days later, the woman's other cat, Little Edie was brought into the PPAC also not feeling well.
Upon further diagnostic investigation, Dr. H. diagnosed something called panlukopenia, otherwise known as feline distemper. The disease wipes out the bodies' white blood cells which protect animals against disease.
Turns out, although Little Edie (my new buddy) had been vaccinated as a kitten, she had not received something called a booster vaccine at one year. Basically, every cat should get vaccinated in a sequence, beginning at 8 weeks, and then every 3-4 weeks up until they are around four months old. Then, they need more vaccines one year later, and again every three years after that. I know! It's a whole lot of vaccines but trust me, they're worth it.
When Little Edie missed her boosters, she was no longer protected against feline distemper and when the kitten was brought home, she exposed Little Edie to the virus! So sad!
Fortunately, Little Edie (who happens to currently be living in the cage next to mine!) appears to be doing quite well.
The point of this whole story, is to stress how important it is to keep your pet's vaccinations up to date-it'll make your cat's chances of living a long, healthy, happy life that much greater and, will serve to protect any new animals you bring into your home, too.
And on that note, I'm going to go cry in my litter box for the little kitten.
Til next time,
Libby
Monday, October 1, 2012
A pet for all ages
Hi All,
Libby here.
In yiddish, the word for match-making is 'shidduch' (thanks, Dr. S for the lesson!) As a kind and generous soul, I'm always looking to make good matches for animals and pet owners. So, here's the story of a buddy of mine, and how I helped her and a lovely woman find each other.
Did you know that other than being incredibly adorable, loving and affectionate additions to your family, cats and dogs have other fabulous qualities to bring to the table? In fact, pets have been known to offer something very unique to people- the power to heal!
Although both cats and dogs have been shown to provide restorative qualities when it comes to human health, for the purpose of this post, I'm going to focus on my buddy, a very sweet kitty named Trousers, and how she came to help an elderly person. Here's Trousers:
A few weeks ago, one of the PPAC's oldest (both in terms of long- standing and, age) clients lost her cat to kidney failure. This lovely little octogenarian was heartbroken- she'd had the cat for 18 wonderful years and was sad to say goodbye. This client, who lives by herself, had grown to rely on the company of a kitty for companionship.
Enter Trousers! When the client met Trousers, it was love at first pet. She adopted the kitty and the pair have been offering love and comfort to one another ever since!
It's not exactly rocket science that company is always good for the soul but, animals in particular have been proven to help people who are older, feel needed and loved. It's a mutually beneficial relationship where everyone wins! Behold the power of the cat!
And so, for all of you out there who are feeling a little lonely or, who just want to have someone to spend time with, love and cuddle, adopt a pet.
Til' next time,
Libby
Libby here.
In yiddish, the word for match-making is 'shidduch' (thanks, Dr. S for the lesson!) As a kind and generous soul, I'm always looking to make good matches for animals and pet owners. So, here's the story of a buddy of mine, and how I helped her and a lovely woman find each other.
Did you know that other than being incredibly adorable, loving and affectionate additions to your family, cats and dogs have other fabulous qualities to bring to the table? In fact, pets have been known to offer something very unique to people- the power to heal!
Although both cats and dogs have been shown to provide restorative qualities when it comes to human health, for the purpose of this post, I'm going to focus on my buddy, a very sweet kitty named Trousers, and how she came to help an elderly person. Here's Trousers:
Enter Trousers! When the client met Trousers, it was love at first pet. She adopted the kitty and the pair have been offering love and comfort to one another ever since!
It's not exactly rocket science that company is always good for the soul but, animals in particular have been proven to help people who are older, feel needed and loved. It's a mutually beneficial relationship where everyone wins! Behold the power of the cat!
And so, for all of you out there who are feeling a little lonely or, who just want to have someone to spend time with, love and cuddle, adopt a pet.
Til' next time,
Libby
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