Ask The Vet Radio

Show Notes

Show #: 06-105

Show Description: “Puppies and Kittens”

Audio Files: ATVR-06-104.mp3, ATVR-06-104.wma

This week’s Ask The Vet Radio showcased information about puppies and kittens. Guest-host Dr. Kristi Lively from the Village Veterinary Clinic discussed puppies and kittens in detail as well as took various pet questions from callers.

Show Notes and Resources:

Lisa Peterson, Director of Club Communications for the American Kennel Club, discussed issues listeners should consider before owning a new pet. Lisa informed listeners that they should find a breed that would be adaptable to their particular lifestyle, for example a more active person might want to adopt animals that are known for their energetic nature such as labs or retrievers. For people who tend to be more sedentary, toy breeds or even greyhounds might be suitable. Also, when looking for a new pet, you must take into account the financial responsibility that is associated with the type and breed you are considering. Each breed has its own quirks, so be sure to check out the breeder classifieds at http://www.akc.org/index.cfm for specific information.
The first caller on the show asked how to prepare your house for a new pet. Dr. Lively informed the caller that along with “baby proofing” the home, many common house plants can actually be toxic to the pet. More information on particular plants hazardous to pets can be found at http://www.cybercanine.com/toxicplants.htm
Another caller had a cat that had a tendency to chew on electrical wires. This is a very dangerous habit that should be addressed immediately. One option is to wrap tape along the wires, and then obtain a pet chewing deterrent to spray or coat on it. This makes the wire seem less attractive to the animal and they learn not to chew it again. Another option is to have a squirt bottle and give the pet a little squirt in the rear when they approach the wire. Also, scat mats can be used in front of the wires which cause vibration when the wire is approached.
Executive Director Tim Adams and Humane Educator Taylor Slemmer from the Young- Williams Animal Center joined us in studio to discuss the shelter and their many adoptable animals. They informed us that in 2005, 16, 195 animals came into the shelter, and only a low 4,495 were adopted. The center turns no animal away, but with the overpopulation of animals waiting to be adopted, they ask listeners to first visit shelters before browsing pet stores or even breeding their own animals. The staff there works hard to put each pet with the right owner, according to that owner’s lifestyle as well as the overall goal intended by adopting the animal. With euthanasia increasing due to overpopulation and low adoption rates, neutering your animals is a beneficial decision to the community as well as to a potential adoptee. Check out more on the center at http://www.knoxpets.org/. Another tip: If you lose a pet, check the centers regularly because often strays end up being brought to the centers in hopes of being reunited with their owners!
Another topic that was discussed was the act of giving puppies and kittens as gifts. Though this seems like a nice gesture, discuss this issue with the person you intend to give the animal to first so they can evaluate whether or not they have the time and money for a potential 15 year commitment. Also, if you are having problems with a new pet, before giving up on the animal, ask questions to local shelters or even call in to Dr. Tracy Dewhirst for easy remedies to seeming big problems.