Macrobolic’s BodyBlog

Pets and parents alike look forward to spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, warn ASPCA experts.

“Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat,” says Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, “and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.”

Watch out for the following symptoms of overheating in pets: excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, mild weakness, stupor and even collapse. Pets can also suffer from seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.

• Avoid dehydration by always having fresh, clean water available and lots of shady places where pets can cool off. When the weather’s extremely hot, keep your pets indoors.
• Give your dog a light summer haircut to help prevent overheating. Shave the hair to a one-inch length, but never down to the skin, as fur offers protection from the sun. Brushing your cat more often than usual can also help prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
• When using sunscreen or insect repellent, be sure the product is labeled specifically for use on animals.
• Never leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle. “On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time—even with the windows open—which could lead to fatal heat stroke,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

Please visit ASPCA.org for our complete list of hot weather safety tips!

The stench of garbage, urine and feces is unbearable. Ammonia hangs heavy in the air, and flies are everywhere. Dim lighting and the constant barking of dogs in distress create a sense of chaos. Row upon row of stacked cages hold dogs matted with feces—some too sick to move. This is the world in which a puppy mill dog lives.

While many people may be familiar with the term "puppy mill," few are aware of the horrors associated with one. The ASPCA has been investigating puppy mills for years, helping to expose the realities of this deplorable industry, and thanks to our experts and detailed reports from our undercover puppy mill investigator, the new ASPCA Puppy Mill FAQ offers a greater insight into the notorious puppy trade.

“We hope the findings from our investigations will help educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills and will result in an ultimate solution to this very serious problem—the end of selling puppies in pet stores and the closing of puppy mills,” says Bob Baker, Investigator, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Initiatives.

What’s it really like inside the walls of a puppy mill? What happens to sick animals or those no longer able to breed? How much money does a puppy mill actually make per puppy? Are puppy mills similar to factory farms? Find out the answers to these and other questions in our new Puppy Mill FAQ.

Circus season has arrived and we need your help to stand up for animals who are forced to entertain under the big top. In many circuses, animals are trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. Former circus employees have reported seeing them beaten, whipped and denied food and water to force them to learn their routines.

 If a circus featuring animal acts comes to your area, here’s what you can do:

• Don’t Go!
  …Instead, choose a circus that doesn’t feature animal performers—and there are lots of them! Read our list of cruelty-free circuses.
• Contact the Venue Hosting the Circus
  Ask that the invitation be withdrawn and suggest an animal-free circus instead.
• Ask Authorities to Check on the Treatment of Animals
  If the circus comes to your town, make sure the correct permits have been obtained. Also, ask your local law enforcement agency or humane society to ensure that local and state laws regarding the humane treatment of animals are being followed.

Read our Top Ways to Help Fight Circus Cruelty for a more complete list of actions you can take.

P.S.: The ASPCA is doing its best to fight against circus cruelty. We are currently involved in a federal lawsuit against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Ringling has pitched its tents on Coney Island for the summer, and we’re asking animal lovers to contact the CEOs of Taconic Investment Partners, Paul E. Pariser and Charles R. Bendit, who are providing a free lot to Ringling Bros. Send a respectful email letting them know that their donation is supporting cruelty to animals.

On June 3, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Cheyenne Cherry, a 17-year-old resident of the Bronx, for allegedly killing a two-month-old kitten by burning her to death in an oven. In addition to cruelty to animals, Cherry was charged with multiple counts of burglary, arson and criminal mischief. Under New York State law, Cherry is considered an adult and faces more than 10 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Cherry admits that she broke into the home of an ex-roommate on May 6 with the intent to "play a joke and mess up her apartment." Cherry and an accomplice allegedly threw bleach on the walls of the apartment, slashed furniture and stole various items. Before leaving, the pair put the victim’s kitten, Tiger Lily, into the hot oven.

When police arrived at the Bronx apartment to investigate smoke complaints, Tiger Lily was found dead. Her remains were taken to ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where veterinarians had to perform a necropsy to determine the sex of the badly burned kitten.

According to Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, Cherry’s explanation for placing the kitten in the oven was simply: "I hate cats."

If you know of a child or teen who is hurting animals, please report his or her behavior to the proper authorities—kids who assault animals may eventually act out on people. The ASPCA offers a list of ways to intervene when a child or teen displays dangerous behavior around animals. 

To report animal cruelty in New York City, contact the ASPCA anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

Each day thousands of puppies and kittens are born in this country and many will end up in shelters. The good news is you can personally make a difference by spaying or neutering your dog.

Sadly, there are still many misconceptions about spaying and neutering. Once you know the facts, you’ll agree—spaying and neutering just makes sense.

MYTH: Spaying or neutering is expensive.

FACT: Spay and neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when you consider the benefits. And remember this: the health care bills for an entire litter of puppies can add up quickly. In addition, spaying and neutering reduces or eliminates the possibility of cancers and other diseases of the reproductive system. Ask your veterinarian about financial assistance, payment plans, or the name of a reputable organization that may perform the surgery for a reduced fee or for free. Local humane societies will often have assistance available.

MYTH: It’s a shame to alter a purebred dog.

FACT: Unless you plan to show your dog for conformation, spaying and neutering is highly recommended for his health and well-being. Spayed and neutered dogs are still eligible for obedience trials, field trials, hunting trials, and agility.

MYTH: It’s healthier for a female dog to have a litter of puppies.

FACT: Actually, evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat cycle are typically healthier. If you spay a female when she’s young, you decrease the chance of mammary cancers, and other illnesses.

MYTH: My dog will get fat and lazy.

FACT: Overeating and lack of exercise will cause your dog to become fat and lazy, not spaying and neutering. Some dogs do become more interested in food after being altered, so you may need to feed smaller portions.

MYTH: My dog’s behavior will change after being altered.

FACT: You might be surprised to learn that spaying and neutering may improve your dog’s temperament. Dogs that are spayed or neutered tend to focus more on their owners and less on their mating drives. Males become less aggressive, less territorial, and wander less from their owners.

Ask your vet if you have questions—he or she can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and recommend the best age to have this surgery. In most cases, it is considered safe to alter dogs as early as eight weeks of age. There is no age limit for healthy dogs to be spayed or neutered, and even older pets can benefit from the surgery.

On Monday, June 1, a dog fighting operation in Randolph County, AL, was raided by the state’s 5th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force. The ASPCA dispatched forensic veterinarian Dr. Melinda Merck and our Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation Unit to collect evidence in the investigation and aid in the prosecution of the case.

Dr. Merck examined 45 dogs who were discovered tied to heavy chains and living in deplorable conditions on two properties. She also examined partially buried skeletal remains of a dog found on site. In addition, controlled substances, illicit drugs and other paraphernalia related to dog fighting have been collected into evidence.

“These dogs definitely suffered abuse and inhumane treatment at the hands of dog fighters,” says Dr. Merck, Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics for the ASPCA. “So far, we’ve seen that one is unable to walk, another who is limping, and many who are injured, some severely.”

As a result of ASPCA participation, two suspects have been formally charged. William Alsabrook was charged with two counts of possession of dogs for fighting, and Artis Kyle was charged with one count of possession of dogs for fighting, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Check out video footage of the scene, and don’t miss our one-on-one chat with Dr. Merck about her role in this case.

Learn more about the brutal world of dog fighting and what you can do to help end this cruel “sport.”

Walking your dog each day is Canine Care 101. A walk provides your pooch with exercise and, of course, a potty break. But there’s another reason why that daily stroll is so important—and it has to do with instinct.

Just as fish need to swim and birds need to fly, dogs need to walk. In the wild, packs of dogs get up in the morning and walk to find food. The pack’s Alpha Dog leads the way, and the lower pack mates dutifully follow. For a dog, walking fulfills a migration instinct.

While letting your dog run around the backyard or taking him to the dog park can be good exercise, it isn’t a substitute for walking. These activities don’t offer the same mental stimulation your dog gets by investigating every smell, sight, and sound when you take him for a stroll. As you and your dog walk, he’s gathering information about how his territory has changed since the last time he was on that same route.

Walk for good behavior

A walk is also a great opportunity to practice obedience skills with your dog and reinforce your bond with him. When you encounter another dog or person on your route, you can help him practice social skills. Behaviorists believe dogs that are taken for daily walks are better behaved and are less likely to be destructive, obsessive, or have separation/dominance issues.

A proper dog walk

Believe it or not, there is a right way to walk your dog. Your pooch should either walk beside you or behind you, never in front of you. In other words, you should walk your dog, not the other way around. This may seem trivial, but it means a lot in your dog’s world. When you let a dog walk in front of you, you’re communicating that he’s the one who is in charge of the walk.

How long a walk does your dog need? You should aim for about twenty minutes, but whatever you can fit in will be beneficial. If you have a high-energy dog, he probably needs longer, more vigorous walks, perhaps even two or more times a day. Or try jogs and runs to get your dog moving. It’ll do both of you good.

Health officials often talk about the dangers of living with a smoker, but few pet parents are aware that our animal companions face similar risks—from respiratory problems to cancer—when exposed to secondhand smoke. New research suggests that secondhand smoke is unsafe at all levels—for humans and pets—so it’s time to get serious about ditching those butts for good.

One recent study shows that nearly 30 percent of pets live with at least one smoker. This is a grave concern, according to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Medical Director of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, since secondhand smoke can damage the nervous systems of both cats and dogs.

"Tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans," says Dr. Gwaltney-Brant. "Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of dogs as their human counterparts."

Cats who live with smokers are prone to developing malignant lymphoma, perhaps as a result of ingesting carcinogenic residue when it settles on their fur. Kitty’s canine counterparts are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke’s respiratory effects, and can develop life-threatening nasal and lung cancers.

Nicotine—found in cigarettes and other tobacco products—is also highly toxic to animals if ingested. A dog who accidentally eats tobacco may develop weakness, muscle twitching, decreased breathing rate, and finally collapse, coma and possibly death. The ASPCA strongly recommends keeping your pet away from tobacco as well as secondhand smoke.

In honor of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month this April, why not resolve to avoid smoking around your pet? Smoke outside and preserve the lungs of your two- and four-legged family members. Or better yet, toss those cigarettes in the trash—your pet will thank you! For more information about protecting the health of your furry friend, please visit the ASPCA’s Guide to Pet Care.

A little bit of licking is considered normal for dogs. But if you start to notice that your dog’s licking is becoming excessive, it could be the sign of a problem.

Acral lick dermatitis is a condition that develops as a result of chronic licking and causes inflammation in the skin. Because the dog continues to lick, the area can’t heal and may become red, raised, and even ulcerated. The inflammation can also cause the area to be itchy, which leads to more licking, creating an itch-lick cycle.

Causes of excessive licking

Why do dogs lick themselves, often to the point of creating "hot spots" or sores on their skin? Here are some of the most common reasons:

Allergies. While allergies cause humans to get itchy eyes, dogs get itchy skin. Licking can help relieve the itching.

Stress and fatigue. Just as humans bite their nails or twirl their hair when they’re nervous or bored, dogs lick. This compulsive self-licking can also cause dogs to lick the carpet, furniture, or their favorite toy.

Contact dermatitis. This allergic reaction can be from metals, rubber, wool, plastic or irritants such as dyes, deodorizers, or poison ivy.

Atopy. This condition is an allergic dermatitis caused by something your dog inhaled, such as pollen, dust mites, and mold. Signs include licking the feet, inflamed ears, and itching.

When to see your vet

If you notice that your dog is doing a lot of licking on his feet or legs, look closer and see if you find an area where the skin is starting to look red and irritated. If you find a spot like this, have your dog examined by your veterinarian.

Your vet will probably ask you questions such as when the licking started, whether your dog licks all the time or only during certain seasons or under certain circumstances. Your answers will help determine the underlying cause. Whether it is biological or psychological, chances are your dog will need some type of treatment.

Treating chronic licking

The treatment your vet recommends will depend on the reason for your dog’s licking. It’s important to stop the lick cycle so that the area can heal. Medications may be prescribed, bitter- or hot-tasting liquids might be applied to the area, or an e-collar used to physically prevent licking. Distracting your dog by playing games or offering him toys and incentives to keep him occupied, can also help break the cycle.

Excessive licking can be difficult to cure once it becomes a well-established habit. The earlier the problem is recognized and treated, the greater the chances for a permanent cure.

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April kicks off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month—but you can’t fight cruelty if you don’t know what it looks like. Recognizing signs of abuse is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Many people interpret an animal’s aggression, fear or timidity as a surefire clue that the animal has suffered cruelty—but looking solely at a pet’s behavior doesn’t tell the whole story.

“It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on a pet’s behavior alone,” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. “The best way to tell whether a pet is being or has been abused is to observe his body and the surrounding environment.”
 
ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams agrees. “The clues I look for when investigating a scene," says Adams, "are whether the animal is being provided with adequate food, water and shelter, and whether he or she appears injured or sick.”
 
Check out our complete list of telltale signs that an animal needs help.
 
Here’s a sneak peek at some physical and environmental signs of animal abuse:
- Collar so tight that it’s caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
- Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
- Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible beneath the skin
- Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water.
- Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
 
If you suspect an animal is being abused, don’t keep it to yourself—report it to your local authorities. “Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt and often lifesaving care,” says ASPCA Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas. “By making a complaint to the police or humane society in your area—which you can do anonymously—you help ensure that animals in need are rescued and that perpetrators of animal cruelty are brought to justice.”
 
Please read our Reporting Cruelty FAQ for more information, and have a safe and proactive Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.