http://www.catsifier.com/

I like my catsifier!

• We will be closed for Thanksgiving November 25 and 26 and reopen on Saturday, November 27 at 9:00 a.m.

• We will be closed starting December 24th at 1:00 p.m. thru Christmas Day.  We will reopen on Monday December 27th

• We will be closed starting December 31st at 1:00 p.m. thru New Year’s Day.  We will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2011

Map of rabies infections in Austin, Texas 2010

September is rabies prevention month.

The state of Texas requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and on a 1 year or 3 year basis thereafter depending on the type of vaccine used.* Additionally, when traveling with a dog or cat, have in your possession a rabies vaccination certificate that was signed by a veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian about other vaccines that are available for a wide range of diseases.

All dogs and cats over 3 months of age that are being transported into Texas must have been vaccinated against rabies within the last 12 or 36 months depending on the type of vaccine used.*

Although not required by law, it is recommended that livestock (especially those that have frequent contact with humans), domestic ferrets, and wolf-dog hybrids should be vaccinated against rabies. Again, check with your veterinarian about other available vaccines for these animals.

For an animal to be considered currently vaccinated against rabies, at least 30 days must have elapsed since the initial vaccination and not more than 12 or 36 months (depending on the vaccine used)* can have elapsed since the last vaccination.

* All dogs and cats must receive a second rabies vaccination within one year of receiving their first vaccination, regardless of the type of vaccine used or the age at which the animal was initially vaccinated.

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Joe David hanging out with his favorite toy.

Joe David, was rescued by a stream in Marble Falls, Texas where he had been abandoned when he was just 8 weeks old. He is “mostly Lab” and in September celebrates his 13^th birthday and four years as a bone cancer survivor. His left hind leg was amputated four years ago and his surgeon said he would probably live ONE year, but Joe David didn’t listen to the prognosis. He began 12 months of chemo, and his oncologist gave him six months. Once again, Joe David didn’t buy the prognosis.

He adjusted to his new lifestyle learning to hop-walk and hop-run. He has defied all odds.

His reason for living, other than the love and attention of his family, is TREATS! He knows the word, even if you spell it T-R-E-A-T-S. He knows they are in the pantry, so he sits by the door and barks until he gets his treats. He loves stuffed toys, and when you say “football” he goes to his toy basket and gets his little UT football. When it is tossed in the air, and you say “touchdown Joe David” he catches it in mid air. We all cheer and clap and his tail wags incessantly.

Joe David loves going to the Gaddis’ Double Heart Ranch. In earlier days, he would run as fast as Jordan Shipley and  bark at the Longhorn cattle and woodland creatures—now he rides in  a jeep.

He has two friends, Emma and Cleo, both rescued dogs. They both know that Mr. JD is TOP DOG.

He is an inspiration and joy to his family and many friends. His three legs are weak, bowed and overworked and he sleeps most of the time. He has an adorable and happy personality, and is a little clown that makes us laugh out loud at his antics. I bet he will make it to 14!

A survivor!

Rattlesnake bite!  This happened to one of our patients just playing in the backyard.  If you have an active pet that likes to roam around and is very mischievous in its surroundings, you may want to consider the rattlesnake vaccine.  “Rayli” survived, but it was a painful healing process.

So, what's on your mind? Swimming or eating?

The Heat is On!

Here are some tips to keep your pet safe during these hot summer days

• Have plenty of fresh water available
• Make sure there is plenty of shade for your pet when outside
• Do not leave your pets in the car during a trip to the store – windows down or up – it still gets very hot in the car
• For dogs, do shorter walks midday and longer walks early mornings and late evenings (when it’s much cooler)
• Hot sidewalks/pavements can burn the pads on a dog’s paws, so walk on grass
• Have a small paddling pool for your pets to loll in after a long hot day
• Watch out for those BBQ parties – pets should avoid raisins, grapes, onions, and chocolate
• Not all dogs are good swimmers. Make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats
• Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively

Pretty..... but scary to pets!

Fireworks

We all love to bring in Independence Day with a bang!

Unfortunately, for some of our dog and cat friends fireworks are scary stuff. The easy way to help a skittish pet is to move them into the quietest room in the house before the fireworks start. Let them get comfortable, turn on some easy listening music at mid-level, then close the door for them to be alone.

If you have a couple of weeks before a celebration, there are new plug-in products to comfort and reassure dogs and cats. When you plug this product into the wall it releases an aroma that mimics a natural pheromone. Pheromones are an odorless chemical substance used by animals to communicate between their species. The mother releases this particular pheromone during her first 3-5 days of lactation. It gives the puppy or kitten a sense of well-being and reassurance. This same pheromone around adult pets has a calming effect on the majority of the animals that would normally be stressed by fireworks, thunder, changes in the house, boarding, or being separated from their owner.

Ears are small and stay close to the head except during moments of intensity. Strong shoulders, a muscular neck, a deep chest and a retracted abdomen give the dog its characteristic body shape. Paws are large and round. The tail is carried between the legs, curving slightly upward. The coat is rough, shaggy, wiry and especially bushy over the eyes and under the jaw. The Irish Wolfhound is graceful with an easy yet powerful gait. Historically these dogs had to not only possess speed but endurance, allowing them to follow their prey and hunt it down. They had to be hardy enough to withstand being injured whilst using their own brute force to bring the prey down.

The modern representation of the breed appears to be a dog capable of doing just that. Generally breeders aim for a height range of 34 to 38 inches at the withers in males,  30 to 35 inches for females. Generally acceptable weight 101–154lbs.

Read more at Wikipedia.com

I pounced in the morning when the world was begun.
I pounced on the moon and the stars all for fun.
I leaped down from heaven, and I pounced on the earth.
When I pounced my first mouse, I had my birth.

Pounce, pounce, wherever you may be
I am lord of the pounce, said he.
I’ll run under feet, wherever you may be.
And I’ll leap on you in the pounce, said he.

I pounced on the papyrus of the Egyptians
They wouldn’t play so I stole their feather pens
I pounced on the fish caught by James and John
They fed me fish then the pounce went on.

I pounced on the Sabbath, rubbed my head against the lame.
Many people shook their head, said this feline was insane.
I may nap after pouncing, do not think I am gone.
For I just saw a rat, so the pounce goes on.

I and my lady meowed a song across the plain
The birds came down, and we pounced on each of them.
On the bedchamber floor, I laid my carrion.
Then I raced out the door and I pounced again.

I dog jumped down, so I leapt up high.
I have nine lives that will never, never die.
I’ll pounce on you though you bark at me
I am the Lord of the Pounce, said he.

Please visit Marc Gunn’s website to purchase his CD.