Home

Products

Services

Ask Our Vet

Classes

Special

Events

Contact Us

T’DAY FOR PETS

     Each Thanksgiving, there are reports of dogs who are injured and even die after being given turkey bones to chew on.  Although dogs love to chew, turkey bones should never be given.  They are very brittle and can splinter easily.  If swallowed, the sharp ends could cause internal bleeding. As a treat, give your dog a beef bone to chew.  

     Overindulging during the holidays is an American tradition, but too much “human” food can make your pet sick.  

     Holiday food is typically richer than usual.  It is definitely much richer than your pet is

accustomed to eating. Even when those big eyes stare at you, pleading for just a taste of your food, remember that the healthiest meal for pets is their usual quality foods. 

Click here for more Dog features

Click here for more Cat features

Click here for more features about a variety of Pets

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

FALL BACK, NOT DOWN

     Spring Forward, Fall Back.  Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2nd, so remember to turn your clocks back an hour.

     “Fall” is something most animals do not want to do. Birds have a special talent in this area. 

     When animals sleep, most of them lay down for their nap, or curl up to sleep. Not birds. They sleep standing up. But how do they get their rest and not fall while asleep? The deeper the sleep of a bird, the less likely he is to fall. The grip of the bird's claws is controlled by a long tendon that runs along the back of the bird's leg. The more the tendon stretches, the tighter the claw's grip. As the bird relaxes into deep sleep, the legs bend, and the tendon stretches, tightening his grip on the perch. 

Click here for more Bird features

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

About Whales

     The Blue Whale is the longest whale in the world. The longest measured over 110 feet. For those who are really looking for obscure trivia, here is one for you: A human baby could crawl through the arteries of a Blue Whale.

Click here for more Fish features

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

TURKEY TRIVIA TEST

     Test your turkey knowledge with this little exercise:

     1.  What is the scientific name for the American wild turkey?

          A) Meleagris gallopovo          B) Homo Sapien          C) Ornitholestes          D) None of the above

     2. What is a baby turkey called?

          A) Tommy          B) Young Turk          C) Gobbler          D) Poult

     3. Resting a hen for a second laying production is called a:

          A) Vacation          B) Double Duty          C) Molt          D) None of the above

     4. What is the bright red appendage at the neck of a turkey?

          A) Wattle          B) Feather          C) Collar          D) Beard

     5. What is the average body temperature of a turkey?

          A) 88°F          B) 98.6°F          C) 103°F          D) 110°F

     6. At maturity, turkeys have how many feathers?

          A) 100          B) 500          C) 1500          D) 3500

     7. What is a large group of turkeys called?

          A) Herd          B) Gaggle          C) Pride          D) Flock

     8. How many toes does a turkey have on each foot?

          A) 2          B) 3          C) 4          D) 5

     9. What is the name for the dark feathers located on a turkey tom's chest?

          A) Beard          B) Mustache          C) Toupee          D) Dark feathers

     10. What is the name for the appendage that hangs over the turkey's beak?

          A) Snout          B) Snort          C) Comb          D) Snood 

    Click here for the answers.

Click here for more Bird features

Click here for more features about a variety of Animals

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

TURTLE TIME

     Since November 27th is Turtle Adoption Day, we wanted to share some turtle trivia:

° The earliest known turtles date from 215-million years ago

° The largest is the great Leatherback Sea Turtle, with a shell about 80-inches ling and weighing up to 2,000 pounds

° Turtles cannot breathe in water, but can hold their breath

° About 300 species of turtle are alive today

Click here for more features about a variety of Animals

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

SWEATERS MEASURE UP

     Don’t forget your sweater. Everyone can remember those words from their Mom before going outside to play. Winter is the time to pass that admonition along to our pets. 

     In order to be effective in keeping your animal warm, the sweater should fit properly and not too tight. The size of the sweater or jacket is determined by the body size of your pet. Measure him from the base of his neck to the base of his tail. 

     When determining the right size, round the measurement up to the next number (e.g., 5¼ becomes 6, 7¾ becomes 8). This is especially important for materials that do not stretch. Stepping up to the next larger size is also a good idea for pets with thick coats.

Click here for more Dog features

Click here for more Cat features

Click here for more features about a variety of Pets

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

MOUSE A MONTH

     Mice weigh less than a penny at birth. They quickly develop and within a month they are exploring their surroundings.

     The following is a guideline on the growth and development of mice:

            One Day Old: Eyes are closed; ears are small lie flat against the head; no noticeable hair, but there are short transparent whiskers.

            Five Days Old:  Hair is beginning to grow; ears have lifted off its head and are beginning to look “mouselike.”

            Seven Days Old:  Now more than twice its birth weight.

            13 Days Old:  Whiskers and fur are developing; eyes are beginning to open; incisor teeth are emerging.

            21 Days Old:  Eyes fully open; ears are almost fully grown; average weight is about six times the birth weight.

Click here for more features about a variety of Pets

Click here for more features about a variety of Animals

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

DIABETES KNOWLEDGE

     November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Pet owners should know that otherwise apparently healthy cats and dogs can develop this disease and they need your help.

     Diabetes occurs frequently in overweight animals. If your pet has been putting on a few extra pounds and his food intake has not increased, his health could be in jeopardy.

     In addition to possible liver disease and heart problems, he may have secondary diabetes, a very common disease in overweight animals.

     When detected early, many cases may be managed with diet alone. Some animals, however, will need insulin injections, careful monitoring of food intake, and controlled exercise. Once blood glucose levels are stabilized, regular veterinary visits to monitor his progress are important to his continued health.

     Signs of diabetes include excessive thirst and urination, increased appetite, and even weight loss. These symptoms may indicate other illness or disease. If you notice any of the symptoms, a veterinary check-up is important so that appropriate treatment can be initiated.

     It is important to know that even if your pet is diagnosed with diabetes, he can still lead a long, healthy, happy life with your care.

Click here for more Dog features

Click here for more Cat features

Click here for more features about a variety of Pets

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

WHAT’S IN A NAME

     Determining the specific name of an animal species often depends on the animal’s habitat, appearance, or characteristics.  In the case of the Mountain Beaver, someone really goofed!

     These animals barely resemble a beaver, and they are as at home in the lowlands as they are in the mountains.

     These animals are about one third the size of the average beaver, just 12-17 inches long.  They weigh only about three pounds.

     Most beavers are famous for their large, flat tails.  The Mountain Beaver does not have that feature.  Its tail is so short that it is hard to even see from a distance.

Click here for more features about a variety of Animals

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

BRIGHT EYES

     Have you ever noticed the color of your cat’s eyes at night when the light shines at them?  Most cats, regardless of the breed, shine in either silver or green.

     Different animals have different eye colors, sometimes referred to as eyeshine.

     The eyes of Opossums, Skunks, and Raccoons glow with an orange or yellow color.

     Alligators and Porcupines have red eyeshines.

     You’ve heard the phrase “like a deer in headlights,” referring to that blank, unbelieving stare?  That phrase comes from the color of the Deer’s eyes in bright light as they shine in a white or silver color.

Click here for more Cat features

Click here for more features about a variety of Animals

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

VETERAN’S DAY HONOREES

     Dogs are being memorialized for their contributions to the war effort through the history of the United States. Trained in a variety of areas, dogs have been used by the military since World War I.

     As Scout Dogs, the canine is teamed with a handler and will “walk point” for a unit, watching for booby trap wires, snipers, and possible ambushes. Labrador Retrievers were typically trained as Trackers. Accompanied by their handler, the dog would follow ground or airborne scents, looking for missing soldiers, downed pilots, and the enemy.

     Sentry Dogs were part of the Military Police units. They were trained to guard the perimeter of camps or prisons, and other locations.

     German Shepherd was the most popular breed used for this job. Dogs have been trained to perform a wide variety of tasks. Their skills in tracking, scent, and loyalty have made them an integral part of the military.

     It is their critical contributions that are honored by the War Dog memorials in the United States and many other countries. 

     There are several War Dog Memorials throughout the U.S., including at March Air Force Base in California, and at The Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Each feature bronze statues of a dog and his handler in Vietnam-era combat gear.

     As we honor the men and women in the U.S. military this Veteran’s Day and remember what each of them have sacrificed for our freedom, we also invite you to remember the thousands of dogs who have also served their country.

Click here for more Dog features

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

WINTER ALERT

     We remind pet owners of this each year but it can never be said often enough: Keep pets away from antifreeze. Even a small amount of antifreeze, as little as one single teaspoon, can be deadly if ingested. If you suspect that your pet may possibly have consumed even a taste of antifreeze, get him to your veterinarian immediately.

Click here for more Dog features

Click here for more Cat features

Click here for more features about a variety of Pets

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

HEADING SOUTH FOR WINTER

     The Trumpeter Swan is classified as the rarest swan in the world. They are also the largest, averaging 26½ pounds for males, and 21 pounds for females. Their wingspan is also an impressive sight, ranging up to eight feet across.

     These birds migrate to North America in April. Their return flight south starts as the temperatures drop to freezing, usually in October and November.

     They do not necessarily fly far south, however, usually traveling just far enough to find an area of shallow lakes and streams with food and open water. 

    Travel to warmth and food is important for these birds, as with most animals. The Trumpeter Swan’s average daily intake is about seven pounds of food, so finding an abundant area is crucial to this bird’s survival.

     Their habitats are becoming protected areas. By the early 1900s, they were nearly extinct. An international restoration program began in the 1930s to save the Trumpeter Swan, and they have responded well.

     In captivity, they can live up to 35 years. In the wild, their life expectancy is about 12 years.

     Trumpeter Swans usually mate for life. Their nests are made of reeds, roots, and grass, and are lined with their own down. Females lay 5-6 eggs, averaging 13 ounces each.  

Click here for more Bird features

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

POLAR BEAR ~ A NATURAL

     Some fashion sense can be developed from nature.  Polar Bears, are not white after all. Their thick fur is white or off-white but their skin is actually black. The dark skin helps them retain the limited heat they get from the sun.

     The heat-retaining ability comes in handy when the bears go for their long swims in the frigid waters, sometimes for hours at a time! By the way, did you know that Polar Bears are all left-handed.

Click here for more features about a variety of Animals

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

NOT SNOOPY

     They can communicate with distinct voices, are bred in four color combinations, and are very intelligent. They are gentle, devoted, and trustworthy family members.

     “They” are Beagles.

     Once heard, the unique voice of the Beagle will never be forgotten. These are not yappy canines, but they will definitely bark when strangers enter their territory or if left alone a great deal. In addition, they can make a noise that is best described as a howl.

     Tricolor is the most common color for Beagles, a combination of black, white, and tan. They are born black and white, and the tan evolves as the puppy grows.

     Beagles are also bred in three other color combinations. Although many are born solid white, there are Red-and-White and Lemon-and-White Beagles. Black-and-White is the third combination but it is very rare.

     Most Beagles are known for their warm personalities. They have also been found to have great stamina and are often used for tracking in many search and rescue situations.

Click here for more Dog features

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

PHONETIC

     For the phonetically literate among us, WYSIWYG stands for “what you see is what you get.” This is especially true when it comes to adopting a pet. 

     Puppies and kittens are cute, but they are still young and have not yet fully developed their personalities.

     Adult dogs and cats immediately display their temperament, attitude, and tendencies so there will be very few surprises and you can select the animal Who has already been trained and who best fits your lifestyle and needs.

Click here for more Dog features

Click here for more Cat features

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

OLYMPIC CALIBRE

     Not many animals (or humans, for that matter) can do what rats can do, swim for a half mile without stopping. Now, that may not seem like a great distance, but for a Rat, that’s a long way!

     Wait! There’s more! Rats have also been known to tread water for three days consecutive days. 

Click here for more features about a variety of Animals

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

TURKEY TRIVIA

     It is time to plan that special Thanksgiving meal for the family.  This is also a great time to share some Turkey Trivia.  For instance:

** Domesticated turkeys (farm raised) cannot fly. Wild turkeys can fly for short distances at up to 55 miles per hour. Wild turkeys are also fast on the ground, running at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
** Only male turkeys (toms) gobble; females (hens) make a clicking noise.

** The heaviest turkey ever raised may have been the 75 pound turkey raised by a turkey farming company in 1967.
** Mature turkeys have about 3,500 feathers at maturity.
** The red bumps on a turkey's head are called caruncles.

** Turkeys not smart. When it rains, they look to see what is hitting them, and they can actually drown from rain inhalation.

Click here for more Bird features

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

THE EYES HAVE IT

     Joggers agree.  Running can be dangerous for your health, especially is you pass by a bird’s nesting territory.

     Dr. Thomas Eisner of Cornell University came up with a humane solution to this nuisance.  He knew that birds avoid bugs with eye images on their wings (ie: butterflies), so he drew large eyes on the back of his running cap to try to fake out those pesky birds. This addition to his wardrobe stopped the birds from attacking as he jogged past their nests.

Click here for more Bird features

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

UP CLOSE ’N PERSONAL

     (Nose-To-Toes is a totally advertiser-supported publication. It is important that our readers know about our advertisers and why they are dedicated to providing quality products and services for your pets. We invite you to get to know Jennifer Streit of Hands to Paws Small Animal Massage.)

     Nothing is more calming than a wonderful massage. It’s a time to relax with a soothing rub to help with your sore muscles. Why should humans be the only ones to be comforted in this way? In fact, animals can also benefit by a professional massage.

     Jennifer Streit knows how a quality massage can help humans, so why not help animals as well. She is a licensed massage therapist, then continued with training devoted specifically to animal massage. She is now certified in animal massage, and owns Hands to Paws Small Animal Massage. Jennifer is quick to explain that “small” only means no hoofed animals. Her patients range from a Chihuahua to brother and sister Mastiffs, weighing 168 and 180 pounds!

     Washington State is one of just a few states that require an animal massage therapist to be certified and licensed. State law requires completion of 100 hours of training in either large or small animal massage. “Training must include animal massage techniques, kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, first aid care, and proper handling techniques.” (RCW 18.108.230)

     “I know how massage therapy can help,” Jennifer explains. “In 2005, I inherited a client’s Dachshund who had been seriously injured and needed surgery. After the surgery, the prognosis was that he was unlikely to walk again. We treated him with hydro-therapy and massage. That was when I decided to change careers and devote my energies to helping animals, mostly cats and dogs. He’s 14 now and doing very well.”

     So, why massage therapy? Why hydro-therapy? Jennifer explains that there is no pressure in the water and rehabilitative massage is less painful for the animal. But massage is not just for the injured or hurting. It is also wonderful for any animal to help increase their circulation and flexibility and to tone their muscles. Massage also helps loosen stiff and arthritic joints, as well as to calm the animals.

     Do all animals enjoy therapy? Almost all of them, Jennifer said. “Often, the first massage is a little strange for the animal because they are not sure what’s going on. Very soon, though, they relax and you can tell they are thoroughly enjoying the gentle strokes. When the massage is complete, most don’t want me to stop. They keep rubbing against me, almost begging for just a few more minutes.” Massage therapy is even used for performance show dogs. “It helps to loosen muscles to help avoid injuries during competition. You then give them a massage to help them cool down,” she explained. Although it certainly helps sore, stiff, or recovering animals, there does not have to be a physical reason to get a massage for your pet. It can be just to give them a wonderful treat, to help them feel better, and to stimulate their day. Hands to Paws Small Animal Massage and Jennifer Streit know how to make a difference in your pet’s life.

     By the way, Jennifer also has a dog-sitting business.  Lucky dogs!

     For more information about Hands to Paws Small Animal Massage, or to contact Jennifer Streit, please click here.

Click here for more Dog features

Click here for more Cat features

Click here for more features about a variety of Pets

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

UNUSUAL, UNIQUE

     Unique is an often over-used word to describe some animals, but it is the most appropriate term when discussing the New Guinea Singing Dog.

     This canine has been around for decades but was not “discovered” until 1957 when a pair was brought to Sydney, Australia from New Guinea. 

     This is a relatively average-looking breed. They are about 17 inches high at the shoulders

and weigh approximately 25 pounds. Their coat color is typically golden red, or black and tan with white markings.

     Another unique characteristic of the New Guinea Singing Dog is the flexibility of his joints and spine, allowing him to climb and jump just like a cat.

     Also unusual is this canine’s vocalizations. They do not typically bark continuously, but rather have a variety of sounds. Experts describe this as similar to a wolf howl with overtones of a whale song.  When in a group, animal starts and then others join on different pitches, each with its own unique voice. Some sounds resemble birdcalls. They also whine, yelp, bark (a short "woof" like that of a wolf), and scream (a drawn-out yelp).

Click here for more Dog features

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

TURKEY TRIVIA TEST ANSWERS

     We always enjoy sharing trivia quizzes with our readers. In case you missed them, click here for the questions.

     Here are the answers..

     1.  What is the scientific name for the American wild turkey?          A) Meleagris gallopovo

     2. What is a baby turkey called?               D) Poult

     3. Resting a hen for a second laying production is called a:            C) Molt

     4. What is the bright red appendage at the neck of a turkey?          A) Wattle

     5. What is the average body temperature of a turkey?          C) 103°F

     6. At maturity, turkeys have how many feathers?          D) 3500

     7. What is a large group of turkeys called?          D) Flock

     8. How many toes does a turkey have on each foot?          C) 4

     9. What is the name for the dark feathers located on a turkey tom's chest?          A) Beard

     10. What is the name for the appendage that hangs over the turkey's beak?          D) Snood

Click here for more Bird features

Click here for more features about a variety of Animals

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to return to Bird features

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

ASK OUR VET

     Each month, Dr. Susan Neary presents a feature article about your pet's safety and health.  We invite our readers to email your questions for Dr. Neary.  Her email address is NtTAskOurVet@aol.com

      For this month's feature column, please click here.

Click here for more Dog features

Click here for more Cat features

Click here for more Bird features

Click here for more Fish features

Click here for more features about a variety of Pets

Click here for more features about a variety of Animals

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature

Return Home

WINTER MEALS

     Pet food should be adjusted during the winter to compensate for the changing temperatures and your pet’s change in energy level. An animal who stays outdoors will need extra food to fortify him against the cold. For indoor pets, slightly reduce the quantity of their food to compensate for more sedentary habits.  

     It is difficult for pets to get adequate exercise during the winter, so you will have to take some initiative. Indoor games of “fetch” and “pounce” may be adequate for cats, but dogs need outdoor exercise, even when the weather is inclement.

Click here for more Dog features

Click here for more Cat features

Click here for more features about a variety of Information

Click here to continue to the next feature