Across the country, more towns, cities and even states are targeting pit bulls, Rottweilers and other dog breeds under increasingly restrictive "dangerous dog" laws. In Minnesota, state lawmakers are hearing a number of proposals that would ban certain breeds in the state, including one bill that would make it illegal for residents to own a Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Chow Chow, Akita or wolf hybrid. Meanwhile, members of the Forsyth County Commission in North Carolina are studying possible regulations for "aggressive" breeds such as German shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers and pit bulls. Similar legislation has been proposed at the state level in Tennessee and Mississippi, and at the local and county level in Oregon, Alabama, Arkansas and other states, according to the American Dog Owners Association.

Breed-specific legislation (also known as BSL) proposals are becoming a common presence in statehouses and city halls across America. Such legislation usually follows on the heels of a much publicized dog attack, and lawmakers claim that targeting specific dog-breeds will help remove dangerous animals from the community. But the effectiveness of BSL in curbing attacks by dangerous dogs is unclear, and the policies that determine what happens to pet owners who share their homes with a "dangerous" breed" vary in each community.

According to an article by Linda S. Weiss with the Animal Legal and Historical Center, BSL "is not an effective approach for regulating dogs' behavior in communities." Weiss goes on to write that bans on specific breeds are little more than comfort legislation and "do not act to effectively regulate the behavior of any breed or of dogs and their owners collectively." Additionally, breed-specific bans routinely face constitutional challenges, with decisions varying from state to state. A 1989 decision by the Kansas Supreme Court upheld a ordinance regulating ownership of pit bulls within a municipality, while a Massachusetts court in 1989 found that a law targeting pit bull ownership was unconstitutionally vague, according to Weiss.

What happens to happens to pet owners who care for pit bulls and other targeted breeds once legislation is passed also varies. Most breed-specific ordinances and legislation have some sort of grandfather clause, allowing owners to keep their dogs, but preventing the purchase or breeding of other dogs in the targeted breed. However, enforcing these laws is difficult, costly and time consuming: according to Weiss, a breed-specific ordinance in Cincinnati, Ohio was overturned after the city began enforcing the ordinance, which lead to "gridlock in the animal control and court systems."

Meanwhile, organizations like the American Kennel Club and the American Dog Owners Association are vocally opposed to BSL. According to the AKC's position paper on BSL, "We support laws that establish a fair process by which specific dogs are identified as ‘dangerous' based on stated, measurable actions—The American Kennel Club strongly opposes any legislation that determines a dog to be 'dangerous' based on specific breeds or phenotypic classes of dogs." The AKC and the ADOA also maintain "legislation watch" web sites, where dog owners can track pet-related legislation. Click here to view the ACK legislative alert page. Click here to view the ADOA legislative update page.

Conversely, many states are proposing legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from denying home owners insurance coverage or unfairly increasing rates based on the breeds of dogs living at the home. In New Jersey, state Assemblyman Niel Cohen is sponsoring legislation that would prohibit insurers from basing policy coverage and costs on the basis of the breed of dog kept on the property.

"In most cases involving a 'dangerous breed,' the owner is the one responsible for teaching the dog its aggressive or dangerous behavior," Cohen said in a statement regarding the legislation.

People have a wide range of attitudes about getting older, from optimism to pessimism. But when it comes to pets, people tend to have a negative attitude about aging. The tragedy of getting old is that we attribute the problems pets face to old age, and don’t bring them to the veterinarian. Most owners think that pets can’t be helped if it’s just old age.

Senior Dog

There are a series of physical changes affecting aging pets’ bodies. These may include graying of the muzzle, thinning of the coat, brittle toenails, arthritis and lameness, whitening of eyes (cataracts), difficulty hearing and dental problems.

Pets entering their golden years face two types of changes -- those that can be relieved with the help of a veterinarian, and those that cannot. Veterinarians can prescribe medication to ease the pain of arthritis and even perform surgery to replace painful hips. Veterinarians don’t have means to treat deafness; however, surgery can cure cataracts. There is also medication that can be prescribed to alter mental status, making older pets act less senile.

With aging, there are also behavioral and mental changes that take place. Older animals have more difficulty getting around. They lose self-confidence and tend to stay close to their owners and close to home. Fear of strangers and new surroundings may be more pronounced in an older pet.

Older dogs and cats usually sleep more, pay less attention and don’t tolerate the cold weather as well as they did when they were young. The aging process begins and ends differently for each animal. It’s just like humans. There are people in their 70s that appear young and there are people in their 60s that appear old. On the average, though, small dogs and cats begin to exhibit signs of aging at 9 to 10 years old, while largedog breeds begin to age at about 7 years of age.

Old Cat Sleeping

Owners need to prepare themselves mentally as their pets undergo the aging process. Emphasis should be placed on quality of life. This means that owners should have their older pets examined by a veterinarian. Annual (or even semi-annual) veterinary examinations are recommended. This way, a potentially serious problem can be diagnosed (when it is still minor) and a treatment can be provided that may slow the progression of the ailment and, if possible, cure it. When we age, we know when or when not to exercise, but with pets, it’s not that simple.

Some pet owners try to avoid the fact, but a pet won’t be around forever. As a pet ages, it’s best to accept the process and try to provide him (or her) with a good quality of life. Accept the fact that your pet may die, or you won’t be able to let go when it’s time.

When a pet is very old and has severe medical problems, an owner must confront the decision of putting him (or her) to sleep. Many owners have a common misconception on this topic. People always hope their pets will die peacefully in their sleep, but this rarely happens. Very often owners wait too long and the pet incurs too much pain and suffering. When an animal loses bowel control or can’t move its legs, owners should interpret these signs and make the appropriate choice.

Making the decision to euthanize a pet that has been a member of the family is never easy. Owners need to know that it is the final step in the human - pet relationship. Putting an animal to sleep is the last act of love from a good owner.

Anesthesia always carries risks, even in healthy animals. In order to minimize the risks, your veterinarian thoroughly evaluates each animal before developing an anesthetic protocol. A complete and comprehensive medical history is also taken to determine what current problems exist and what past medical problems the pet has experienced.

Next, a thorough physical exam is performed and if recommended, blood should be drawn. Blood tests can determine how well the kidneys, liver, pancreas and intestines are functioning. The blood tests can also evaluate your pet’s immune system, oxygen carrying capacities and coagulation process. At this point, if everything appears normal, your veterinarian chooses a safe anesthetic agent for the procedure.

A healthy animal should be fasted and water removed several hours before anesthesia. Removing the water prevents the possibility of aspiration pneumonia.

Prior to delivering the anesthesia, a premedication is generally administered. The function of the premedication is to decrease your pet’s anxiety, reduce the pain involved with the surgical procedure, decrease the drug dose necessary for anesthesia and to promote a smooth post-anesthesia recovery.

For short procedures, injectable anesthetics can be used alone. For longer procedures, they are often combined with gas anesthesia. Similar to human anesthesia and surgery, the patient’s heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, temperature and heart rhythm are monitored.

In human medicine, as well as in veterinary medicine, anesthesia has risks. By performing the preanesthetic tests along with monitoring the anesthetized patient, these risks are minimized.

Man's best friend comes in all shapes, sizes, and of course, personalities. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming! The good news is that almost any dog can make a wonderful, lifelong companion for you and your family. The bad news is that most dogs are returned to the shelter or breeder because the original owner did not take certain key elements into consideration. The key is knowing what to look for.

Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type of animal who matches your lifestyle and needs. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, adopting a large, active retriever might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you have a family of four and are looking for a companion to match your active lifestyle, such a dog may be perfect. A dog's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness and compatibility with children should all figure into your decision.

Start by learning about different breeds and mixes. Talking to breeders, visiting with animals at the shelter, speaking with adoption counselors and asking questions to an owner of a specific breed are good ways to learn about what kind of dog might be right for you. Dogs fall into one of two categories: purebreds and mixed breeds. Most animal shelters have plenty of both. The only significant difference between the two is that purebreds, because their parents and other ancestors are all members of the same breed, are similar to a specific "breed standard". This means that if you adopt a purebred puppy, you have a good chance of knowing approximately how big he'll get and what general physical and behavior characteristics he'll have.

Of course, the size, appearance and temperament of most mixed breed dogs can often be predicted as well. After all, mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds. So if you happen to know the ancestry of a particular mixed breed puppy or can identify what type of dog he is (e.g., terrier mix), you have a good chance of knowing how he'll turn out.

Once you decide what kind of dog you think you would like, there are a couple of questions to ask yourself when faced with a number of different dogs that fit into the category you have chosen.

How old is the dog?

You may want to select a puppy as your new companion. However, young dogs usually require much more training and supervision than more mature dogs. If you lack time or patience to housetrain your pup or to correct problems like chewing and jumping, an adult dog may be a better choice.

How shy or assertive is the dog?

Although an active, bouncy dog might catch your eye, a quieter or more reserved dog might be a better match if you don't have a particularly active lifestyle.

How good is the animal with children?

Learning about a dog's past through a history sheet or from an adoption counselor can be helpful, but past information isn't always available or reliable. In general, an active dog who likes to be touched and is not sensitive to handling and noise is a dog that can probably thrive in a house full of kids. Also, keep in mind that puppies younger than 4 months, because of their fragility and special needs, often do not go well with families with young children.

Every dog in a shelter or kennel can provide you with boundless love and companionship, and every dog certainly deserves a lifelong home. But some dogs are better for you and your lifestyle than others. That is why you should take the time to make a thoughtful choice. After all, you are choosing a friend likely to be with you 10-15 years, if not longer! Select the right dog, and you and your new companion can enjoy those years to the fullest.

Diabetes is a condition caused by a relative resistance to or deficiency of insulin which results in elevated blood glucose levels and glucose in the urine. Diabetes mellitus is most common in older cats; however, neutered cats, male cats and obese cats are at an increased risk of developing this condition. Evidence has shown that genetics may play a role in the development of diabetes in cats. In particular, the Burmese breed has been identified as being predisposed to diabetes, and analysis of pedigrees has suggested that this is an inherited trait.

Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is released into the bloodstream where it travels to all the tissues of the body. Its main role is to enable cells to take up glucose (sugar) which is needed as an energy source.

In diabetic cats, there is a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin. An absolute insulin deficiency may arise as a direct failure of the pancreas to produce insulin. In most diabetic cats, there is both an absolute insulin deficiency and a situation whereby cells of the body fail to respond effectively to the insulin produced. This results in a decreased amount of glucose taken up by the cells and an increase of glucose in the blood (called hyperglycemia). As the cells are starved of glucose, the body begins to break down stored fats and proteins for sources of energy. This process results in weight loss and the accumulation of toxic waste products, which can cause a diabetic crisis known as ketoacidosis.

The symptoms of diabetes may be severe or mild. Due to the increased amount of glucose in the blood, it is excreted in the urine. The glucose that is passed into the urine takes water with it, so an increased volume of urine is produced. To compensate for the water lost to the urine, the cat develops an increased thirst. Weight loss and an increased appetite are also frequently seen.

Usually the client brings the cat to see a veterinarian as a result of the following symptoms:
Weight loss
Increased appetite
Increased urination
Increased water consumption

These signs are not always present or may pass unnoticed. If a cat spends most of his time outdoors, the increased thirst and increased urination may not be noticed by the owner.

There are other clinical signs that may be observed. These include:

• Straining to pass urine or passing bloody urine (associated with a urinary tract infection)
• Poor coat
• Cataracts and retinal abnormalities causing vision problems
• Weakness in hind legs or dropped hocks

Some cats develop ketoacidosis, a potential complication in uncontrolled diabetes. In this situation, the cat may become extremely depressed, with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, complete loss of appetite, dehydration, collapse and coma. If any of these signs are seen in a diabetic cat, it is an emergency condition and should be taken to a veterinary hospital immediately.

Blood and urine tests are required to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes. The diabetic cat needs to be hospitalized and monitored very closely. The treatment regime is initiated and necessary changes are made. This initial stabilization period usually takes between a few days to a couple of weeks. Some cats will need to be stabilized in-hospital initially, while others can be started as out patients. During this period, several parameters are monitored. Some of these parameters include:

• Weight
• Appetite
• Personality
• Thirst
• Urine Analysis
• Blood glucose measurements

Diabetes mellitus is usually a treatable condition, but requires considerable dedication and commitment from the cat’s owners. Owners of a diabetic cat need to be aware that a strict routine must be followed. The timing of insulin injections is important; however, they initially can be altered to suit the lifestyle of the owner. Once the insulin injections have begun, they need to be given at regular intervals. Knowledge on correct insulin storage, handling and administration is also required. The dose of insulin given should never be changed without consulting your veterinarian. One of the most common reasons for poor stabilization at home is problems with insulin storage and/or administration.

The most life-threatening complication that can occur at home is hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels). Hypoglycemia can occur if an insulin overdose is given or if the cat has no appetite. The main signs of hypoglycemia are (in order of increasing severity):

• Weakness
• Disorientation
• Staggering
• Strange behavior—aimless wandering, searching for food, licking lips
• Severe neurological signs—collapse, convulsions, loss of consciousness

Ketoacidosis is an uncommon complication of poorly controlled diabetes. It can be rapidly fatal if not treated and is cause for immediate concern. The clinical signs most frequently seen with ketoacidosis are:

• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Collapse

Initially, all diabetic cats should be seen every one to two weeks in order to assess how well their diabetes is being controlled. It is not uncommon for problems to be seen in the early stages of care. Problems are often related to the storage and administration of insulin; therefore, they are usually quite easy to identify and remedy.

The long-term outlook for cats with diabetes mellitus varies according to how old they are, the ease of stabilizing their diabetes, and whether or not they have any other concurrent disease. Many diabetic cats have an excellent quality of life and can live for many years.

Managing genetic disorders through breeding recommendations requires accurate diagnosis of affected individuals. Your veterinarian can offer practical recommendations to maintain breed lines and improve the overall health of breeds.

If you are currently a breeder or are thinking about breeding your pet, you should consult with your veterinarian in order to establish guidelines. Today, there are new tests and information available to help identify carriers, methods for breeding away from defective genes and ensuring that the defective genes are not reintroduced in future matings.

Canine Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a commonly misunderstood hereditary disorder. Researchers have convluded that almost all primary hypothyroidism in dogs is caused by hereditary autoimmune thyroiditis. Studies on the mode of inheritance in dogs have been inconclusive to date.

The majority of dogs affected with autoimmune thyroiditis develop measurable antibodies to the thyroid gland and thyroid hormones between two to six years of age. After several months to years, the thyroid gland is destroyed, thyroid hormone levels drop, and without the antigenic stimulus of functional thyroid tissue, the antibody levels return to normal. To screen for the disorder, a thyroid profile, including thyroid auto-antibodies, needs to be run between two to six years of age.

According to data from the endocrinology lab at Michigan State University, more than 10 percent of dogs from the following breeds are affected: English setter, Dalmatian, Basenji, Rhodesian ridgeback, Old English sheepdog, Boxer, Maltese, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Beagle, Cocker spaniel, Shetland sheepdog, Siberian husky, Border collie, Husky, Akita, and Golden Retriever.

Cancer

A familial, or breed related incidence of cancer is being investigated in several breeds. These include lymphoma, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, and mast cell cancer. The research is focusing on inherited mutations in tumor suppressor cells (which act to prevent cancer), or ontogenesis (that promote cancer).

Osteosarcoma is most prevalent in Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Doberman Pinchers, and Labradors. Skin and soft-tissue cancers are most prevalent in Saint Bernards, Bassett Hounds, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, English Setters, Great Danes, Pointers, and Flat-Coated Retrievers. Mammary tumors are most prevalent in Pointers, Poodles, Pulik, Cocker Spaniels, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Boston Terriers. Melanomas are most prevalent in Scottish Terriers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Cocker Spaniels, Pointers, Weirmeraners, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers. An overall reduced cancer risk is found in Dachshunds and Beagles.

Gastric Dilitation/Volvulus (Bloat)

Bloat occurs primarily in the large and giant breeds. Researchers at Purdue University conducted an epidemiological survey and found that the Great Dane has the highest average lifetime risk of a bloat episode. The risk is 42.4 percent. Other breeds at higher-than average risk include the Bloodhound, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Akita, standard Poodle, German Shepherd Dog, and Boxer.

Several risk factors were identified. The dogs with the greatest risk of developing bloat have one or more of the following: An increased measurable chest depth to width ratio, are lean versus overweight, eat quickly, have a nervous or aggressive personality, or eat a single large meal per day of dry dog food.

Dogs do not inherit bloat; they only inherit a predisposition for the condition. Perhaps the best selective tool against bloat is the chest-depth to chest-width ratio. Dogs that have lower ratios (larger chest widths) and whose littermates have not bloated are the best breeding candidates. If prospective breeding dogs are compared, and breeders select against those with high ratios, the prevalence of bloat should diminish.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

There are several forms of PRA, and these vary in age of onset, the type of cells affected (rods, cones, or both), the speed of progression, and the mode of inheritance. In the Collie and the Irish setter, PRA may be diagnosed with an ophthalmoscope as young as four to eight months. In the Australian Cattle Dog, Chesapeake Bay retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever, and Portuguese Water Dog, affected dogs may not show ophthalmoscopic signs of PRA until six to eight years of age. An electroretinogram (ERG) can diagnose affected dogs prior to visible changes in the back of the retina.

Several breeds have genetic tests to identify dogs as carrier, affected, or normal. The tests are specific for the particular mutation in each breed.

Genetic Disorders in Cats

Pedigreed cats have several hereditary disorders which require screening and counseling. Thirty-eight percent of all Persian and Himalayan cats have an autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Many of these cats develop kidney failure, while some only develop isolated cysts that do not impair normal kidney function. A genetic test for this disorder is now available.

The Maine Coon cat breed has a dominantly inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as well as a high incidence of hip dysplasia. Both disorders are commonly identified in this breed. Renal amyloidosis is a hereditary disorder found in the Abyssinian breed.

Other frequently encountered genetic disorders in dogs and cats include: deafness, porto-systemic shunts, various types of bladder stones, elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, and Legg-Perthes disease.

Genetic Counseling

The goal of genetic counseling is to effectively reduce the spread of defective genes while preserving the health and genetic diversity of the population.

There are no breeding recommendations that fit every situation. There are, however, guidelines to preserve breeding lines and genetic diversity while reducing the risk of producing carrier or affected individuals. Protocols for genetic counseling and breeding management of genetic disorders can be based on the known mode of inheritance and the availability of genetic tests.

For breeding advice, consult your veterinarian. He or she is your best source for information about breeding your pet.

Dogs are extremely clear about relationships: either you are someone to listen to, or you are someone to be directed. Period. Power struggles evolve around the issue of control. They result from a lack of clear-cut delineation of roles, or a lack of respect for the designated authority figure. Power struggles are learned behavior.

Dogs are pack animals like wolves, and they respond naturally to the laws of pack existence. A dog is a dog; from a Great Dane or a Rottweiler to a Poodle or a Chihuahua, they will lead or be lead. Just because your puppy does not live in a wild pack does not mean that she will not instinctively adapt these behaviors to her domestic environment. Living with your puppy will be much more enjoyable and meaningful if you understand the basic principles of pack life and apply them to your relationship. Dominance and submission are absolutely central to the pack.

All puppies love to play; you can capitalize on this by making play sessions with your pup part of her training. Play conditions your pup to be enthusiastic about learning and to enjoy being with you. By mixing training with games, you can bring out of a healthy attitude in your pup that will carry over to conventional obedience work as she gets older.

Prevention, which is easier than correction, is the name of the game. Start grooming right away even if there isn’t much to groom. Rough games encourage rough behavior, so avoid rowdy forms of play. Don’t encourage your puppy to do anything you do not want your adult dog to do. Get your puppy used to having you touch her while she eats. Never pet a barking or whining puppy: the response to soothe the upset youngster is seen as praise, leading to more of the same later in life. If you can ignore the noise, praise her when she stops. Get a puppy used to all kinds of handling early. When you get your pup, be sure to gently grab her skin, hold her tail for a second, or lift up one of her paws. Always be gentle; you do not want to hurt the pup.

Do what is truly natural: be your dog’s leader. Most dogs love their owners, but many don’t respect them. Respect is earned, not given. Dogs adore and respect a confident leader who is decisive and fair.