Cloning Your Pet??
It has come to light recently that there may be a new “in thing” to do, and that is to have your pet cloned. Apparently, you can seemingly have your “same” pet live forever as long as you are willing to spend your life’s savings to have a lab somewhere in the world mix the proper ingredients to make another Fido or Fluffy. And we would be doing this because . . .?? What - We want our “original” pet to live on until we tire of him being around, or he doesn’t fit into our lifestyle anymore. Then we can just toss that little clone right out in the street because it’s not “real” anyway? Don’t we have enough naturally born and bred animals that would just love to be loved that are waiting for us to visit them in their little prison cells at the local pound? Why would we want to bring more animals into this world when overpopulation of dogs and cats is at an all-time high? These “real” animals desperately need us and are just waiting for the chance to show you how much they can love you and how good they can be if given the chance. They are there because someone threw them away, mistreated them or the best one yet - because their humans moved. What is that?? Why can’t you take your pet with you? I’ve seen ads where the dog or cat has been a family member for years but they can’t take the pet with them because they are moving??? What could possibly be the reason??? Are you moving into jail? Pets not allowed where you are going (personally I just wouldn’t go THERE). Are you moving to the Antarctica or somewhere on the equator where the temperatures would not be “pet friendly”? There must be a very good reason you will be leaving your family member behind. To me, it would be like leaving one of my children behind. How can anyone with a conscience actually do that??
Cloning is NOT the answer to keeping Fido or Fluffy around forever. Cloning does not mean the “subject” clone will have the same personality or intelligence that the original did. It MAY, more than likely, look the same but it will NOT “feel” the same. It’s not going to be housebroken immediately or know how to use a litter box right out of the petri dish. You still have to train it, feed it, walk it and take it to the vet for all of it’s shots and when it gets sick.
There are usually specific reasons we love our pets so much. Maybe special tricks he learned, possibly the intelligence he shows doing certain things - maybe they just like to snuggle with you. Maybe you have a therapy dog, or a Seeing Eye dog or a cat that can actually climb walls when chasing a laser pen light. These are things that make your pet special and endearing to you and can not be duplicated in a clone. It is just not going to happen. Let’s think a little more about this and hope that this won’t become a way of “life” for our special four-legged friends. Let’s give those in the local pound a chance at life and happiness first. They can be just as special as your furry family member is now. Think about it . . . please and give the “originals” a chance to live. Cloning is not the answer folks.
Your thoughts and comments are welcome.
Tall Toxic Tales
1. MYTH- Giving your dog beer is no big deal. TRUTH - Even a small amount of alcohol can disorient an animal and lead to injury!
2. MYTH -Cats love milk. TRUTH - Some cats are actually sensitive to dairy products which will cause an upset stomach. Ask your vet first.
3. MYTH - All mushrooms are poisonous for pets. TRUTH - The type you get from the grocery store are perfectly safe for animals. However, watch out for the type that grow in your backyard. These CAN be dangerous.
4. MYTH - One dropped pill can not do much harm. TRUTH - Prescription AND over-the-counter medications, especially pain relievers, pose a serious health risk to your pet.
5. MYTH - Plants are safe for a snack for cats and birds. TRUTH - Even a small amount of certain plants can cause kidney failure or death.
If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, call your vet immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Have your pet’s breed, age, weight, sex, symptoms, what he ate and how much was eaten at the time you call. If your pet has difficulty in breathing take him to your vet or animal hospital immediately.
Hidden Dangers In Foods
Stephen Hansen, DVM and Midwest Office Senior Vice President of the Animal Poison Control Center for the ASPCA, says that the biggest risk for toxic poisoning for pets comes from digging through the trash. To avoid accidental poisoning, you should use a lidded garbage can with a weight at the bottom so your pet can not knock it over. Or better yet, keep it enclosed under the kitchen sink or in a closed pantry. Make sure you do not leave food on the edge of a counter or table in case of the “long paw reach”.
If you think your pet has been poisoned, call your vet immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
The following are the most dangerous foods:
1. Chocolate - Poisonous to dogs and cats - dark chocolate is the most dangerous and as little as two ounces can cause major problems in a 10 lb dog. The chemical “theobromine” in all chocolate, which is similar to caffeine, can affect the heart and central nervous system. Watch for diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat or muscle trembling.
2. Moldy or spoiled foods - Hazardous to dogs and cats - Depending on the food and amount of mold, even a mouthfulof old cheese can cause illness. Tremorgens, a toxic by-product of some mold, interferes with the normal nervous system functions. Watch for vomiting, tremors and seizures. This can be fatal in large amounts.
3. Onions - Hazardous to dogs and cats - It only take 3.5 ounces of minced onions, cooked or uncooked, to cause a reaction in a 25 lb dog. The chemical, n-propyl disulfide, breaks down red blood cells and prevents them from carrying oxygen. Watch for blood in the urine, weakness, rapid breathing and a fast heart rate. This is a very serious threat to your pet.
4. Salt - Hazardous to dogs and cats - Only 1 teaspoon ingested by a 10 lb dog can cause illness. Salt changes how the body holds fluids and in some cases it can trigger swelling in the animal’s brain. Watch for tremors and seizures - can cause death.
5. Raisins or grapes - Hazardous to dogs - Only one half ounce of raisins or a handful of grapes can cause illness. Doctors are not sure why, but grapes and raisins can make kidneys fail within 48 hours. Watch for stomach upset and vomiting. May lead to kidney failure and death.
6. Gum or candy with xylitol - Hazardous to dogs - A few piecescould be dangerous. Xylitol, which is a common sweetener, causes a sudden drop in blood sugar. Watch for weakness, seizures and liver failure. Can cause death.
Article by Stephanie Berger -Family Circle Magazine