Most recent research suggests that it is safe, and advisable, to perform sterilization surgeries as early as 8 weeks old with the pet weighing 2 pounds or more.  With better equipment, better drugs, and safer methodologies, veterinarians routinely perform pediatric spay and neuter surgeries every day in our clinic.  And in clinics across the country too.

Preventing breeding through sterilization is considered the most effective approach to controlling the pet over-population epidemic and reducing the number of animals surrendered to shelters, thus reducing the number of healthy homeless animals euthanized.  Today, your most progressive animal control facilities, shelters and foster programs will not release a pet to an adopter prior to a sterilization surgery.  Shelters that have access to spay/neuter services, and participate in pediatric spay/neuter programs, can ensure that 100% of animals in their care are sterilized prior to adoption and will not experience an unplanned pregnancy – or contribute to one!

Did You Know puppies and kittens can become pregnant as early as 4 months of age?

• Get your puppies and kittens fixed for just $20 in June (2013)
• Unplanned births can create millions of pets with no place to call home.
• Call One of A Kind Pet Rescue at 330.865.6890 to schedule an appointment for your furry family member today!
• To qualify for the $20 special price, puppies and kittens must be under six months of age.
• Funding provided by PetSmart Charities.

In fact, older dogs benefit from socialization too but for the sake of this blog, we will address puppies.  There are critical periods in the lives of all animals and puppies are no exception.  Researchers, David Freedman, John A. King and Orville Elliot, took five litters of cocker spaniels and three litters of beagles and raised each litter, with their mothers, in a one-acre fenced-in field in isolation from humans.

When the time was appropriate, a larger group of pups were offered socialization while five remaining puppies were not socialized at all.  The larger group of puppies in the socialized group were offered socialization for one week either at 2 weeks of age, 3 weeks of age, 5 weeks of age, 7 weeks of age or 9 weeks of age and then returned to live in the field.  During their week of socialization, the puppies were played with, tested and cared for during three daily 30-minute periods.  This is, certainly, not an overload of stimulation by any measure.

The age-related differences between the pups were clear at the start of the exercise. The pups socialized starting at 5 weeks of age were significantly more attracted to humans than puppies that started socialization at 2, 3, and 9 weeks of age. The low scores for the 2-and 3-week-old pups were due to their immature motor skills; however, the low scores in the 9-week olds occurred because these puppies tended to show signs of wanting to avoid the handler. They were becoming fearful!  Fortunately, by the end of the week, all of the socialized pups – except for the two-week olds – were equally attracted to the handler.

Researchers also found a difference in interactions when puppies were left in a room with a person who was lying passively.  While two-week-olds were too immature to interact, 3-week-olds spent their 10-minutes pawing at, climbing on and mouthing the handler.  Five-week olds were wary at first but played by the end of the first session.  7-and 9-week-old puppies were frightened and stayed away from the passive human for the first several sessions.  The 7-week-old puppies were comfortably playing with the person until day 3 and the 9-week-olds weren’t until day 4.  Clearly, this test revealed that the fear response to humans is more developed and increasingly difficult to reverse as a puppy ages.  In closing, and needless to say, the 5 puppies that were not socialized, and left back in the field, would need much love and understanding for the duration of their lives.

So, what is the take-home message?  A puppy’s socialization should start early – by four weeks of age – because by five weeks the puppy is showing fear responses to people, objects and environmental stimuli.  It’s is essential that breeders and “puppy foster caretakers” know the importance.  And, at all costs, socialization should start before 14 weeks of age or many puppies will be doomed to a life of fear unless, once in their “forever home,” they go through an intense regimen of daily socialization.  Let’s not overlook the fact that pups socialized at an early age are significantly easier to train during their first year of life.  The message is simple and straightforward and taking it to heart can be the difference between having a happy, well-adjusted adult dog to one that is fearful of people, objects, and other animals, in an environment that we humans perceive as safe.

JOIN US MARCH 16TH AND 17TH FOR A SPECIAL “ST. CATRICKS DAY” AND “ATHLETIC ALL-STAR” ADOPT-A-THON WEEKEND!

When adopting an “Athletic All-Star” our goal is to help you, and your new family member, prepare for a lifetime of success!  Here are some helpful hints when managing your enthusiastic pet…

• Avoid too much alone-time. Try not to leave your high-energy pet home alone for long stretches of time.  If you must leave your dog for eight hours or more, make sure they have lots of mind stimulating toys.  Frozen Kongs are a canine favorite!
• Make sure the room you leave them in is dog-proof.  Ornery, inquisitive dogs will find the smallest things to investigate that might hurt them.
• Hire a dog-walker, pet sitter or neighbor to play with your dog during the day while you are at work.  One of A Kind Pet Rescue’s Doggie Daycare is always an option too!
• Establish an exercise routine.  Create a reliable exercise regime.  Twice-daily walks, a jog around your neighborhood, or playtime at an off-leash dog park before and after work are recommended.  It is important that dogs get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.  A regular, consistent exercise routine will teach your dog to relax during the day when you’re not at home – and will give them something to look forward to too!
• Sign them up for school.  For puppies less than six months of age, choose a puppy kindergarten or “good manners” class.  Obedience training will help channel their energy and help them to focus as they get older.

And then, of course, there are socializing activities for both people and pets!  They include:

• Canine Agility is a dog sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy.  Or, consider Freestyle which is dancing with your dog or Herding training.
• Flyball is a relay race with 4 dogs on a team. The course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles and a spring loaded box that shoots out a tennis ball. The dog jumps the hurdles, catches the ball, runs back over the hurdles and when the dog crosses the finish line, the next dog goes.
• Tracking is a competition form of canine search and rescue. Tracking tests are an exciting way to get your dog working in a sport that tends to come very naturally to most dogs.
• Play Frisbee.
• Hike in the Metro Parks or Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
• Rollerblade.  But watch those toes!
• Therapy/Service Dog Training is perfect for your very smart, compassionate dog.

In reality, every month should be pet dental health month. By age three, about 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease.  The act of a dental cleaning and/or periodontal treatment can make an older dog or cat feel years younger.

Dogs and cats DO NOT complain about tooth pain.  In fact, they will eat and act normal.  However, after a professional cleaning, or when painful teeth are removed, healthier gums make them feel wonderful!  Additionally, pets can experience other health issues when they suffer from poor oral health.  These conditions often involve the heart, kidney and liver, as well as the possibility of various internal infections.

Check out the assortment of pet treats and chew toys at our adoption center that will help with this “toothy” problem.

Kitten Season happens from March to November.  This is the warmer time of year when females are in heat and find males to reproduce with.  There are some common misconceptions that lead to accidental litters during this season.

1. My unaltered female is an indoor cat.  I don’t have to worry about her mating. Don’t assume that your unaltered female will behave like a perfect lady when spring comes.  If you haven’t experienced a heat cycle yet, prepare yourself for some intense meowing.  This annoyance is the least of your worries this time of year.  This is the season when female cats tend to break out of the house, wander, become lost and mate with an unaltered male in the neighborhood.  Then, 2 months later you’re the one stuck with a litter of adorable kittens that you can’t find homes for.  Shelters battle this problem year after year.  The increase in kittens surrendered to shelters and animal control facilities during this time of year is exponentially larger than the number of people looking to adopt kittens.
2. My cat is just a kitten!  She’s not old enough to produce a litter. Maybe you’re right, but make sure you have the facts first.  This is not something you want to leave up to chance.  A cat can go into heat and mate as early as 4 months old.  Many people think it is appropriate to wait until the cat is 6 months old or after she has had her first heat cycle.  This is not the case at all.  It is much easier to have this surgery as soon as the kitten is over 2lbs.  The kitten has a much quicker recovery time this way.  By waiting until the first heat cycle, you are risking your cat having an unintended litter.
3. I think it is better for my cat to wait until after her first heat cycle to have her spayed. It is actually much healthier to do just the opposite!  Current research shows that spaying before the first heat cycle can prevent the development of mammary gland tumors.  Also, younger cats tend to wake up from anesthesia and recover from surgery much quicker than older cats.
4. I want my cat to have a litter of kittens before I have her spayed. No matter your reasoning is for this, it is of utmost importance to have your cat spayed before she produces any offspring.  Did you know that one unaltered female cat and her offspring can produce up to 420,000 cats in a seven-year period?  It’s true!  By being a responsible pet owner and having your female cat spayed, you can greatly decrease the number of homeless pets.  It is estimated that 5 to 8 million animals are euthanized in shelters and animal control facilities each year in the U.S. alone.  The only humane way to help these animals is by greatly reducing their reproduction.  Spaying your female cat is a wonderful way to show your love for these homeless animals and the struggle they call a life.

Beat the heat this February and let One of A Kind Spay and Neuter Clinic spay your female cat.  Call and book your appointment today!

• I resolve to exercise more.  Have you considered adopting or fostering a furry workout partner?  Volunteering to walk dogs at a shelter can give you a little extra muscle tone in those arms and if you pick an energetic pup, you might be getting your cardio in too!  If you already have a dog (or 2 or 3 or…), vow to increase your walk times by 10 or 15 minutes.  It’s not a huge amount of time to tack on, but it sure adds up when it comes to the health of you and your dog.

• I resolve to find the love of my life.  Now, I know this usually means a husband, wife, or life partner, but broaden your horizons people!  While you’re waiting and searching for Mr. or Ms. Right, there are a million potential soul mates waiting for you at your local shelter.  There is no better love than the unconditional affection of a cat or dog.  They know no judgment, only loyalty and admiration for their heroic rescue.  Honestly, admit it, a spouse wouldn’t be too thrilled to see you dancing around the house in your undies and belting out your favorite tunes into the Swiffer, but gosh darn it, Fluffy thinks you’re the next Michael Jackson.

• I resolve to make my community a better place.  This one’s a no-brainer!  A good way to make your community better is by helping animals in need.  Try volunteering or donating to an animal shelter.  Also, make sure to get your animals spayed or neutered.  This simple act will greatly reduce the number of homeless pets in the future.

• I resolve to be less stressed.  Spend some more time with your pets.  Studies suggest the company of a pet can reduce stress, loneliness, and blood pressure and of course improve your mood. 

These are just a few examples.  Just remember, no matter what your resolution is this year, find a way to add in a little extra love for your pets and pets not lucky enough to have a place to call home.

What is FIV?
FIV is a slow-acting virus, which depletes the number of white blood cells in infected cats.  This can cause a weakened immune system over time.

What quality of life can a cat with FIV have?
FIV cats can live completely normal lives.  It is important, however, that their owners seek medical attention if any signs of illness become present.  Due to their potentially weakened immune systems, it is harder for them to fight off infections should they become ill.

How long will they live?
With proper medical care, they can live just as long as an uninfected cat.

How is FIV spread?
The virus is present in the infected cat’s saliva and blood.  This virus cannot survive long outside of the body.  Therefore, the most common way of transmission is through biting.  Even if bitten, there is no guarantee the other cat will become FIV positive.  If kept indoors and spayed or neutered, the risk of spreading the virus dramatically decreases.

Will an FIV positive cat infect my other cats?
As long as your cats do not fight or have highly aggressive play, the odds of virus transmission are extremely low.  Studies suggest that there is a 1-2% chance of FIV positive felines passing the virus to other cats in the same household.

Can humans, or other animals, contract FIV?
No.  It is a species-specific virus that only affects felines.

Please consider adopting or fostering an FIV positive cat.  Because of the misconception about FIV, these cats are less likely to be adopted and may never know the loving warmth of a real home.

In short, puppy mills are individuals, or businesses, that breed for commercial pet stores and place profit before the welfare of their dogs.  The dogs are forced to have at least two litters per year until they are no longer able to reproduce.  Then, once deemed useless, the dogs often meet with a very harsh fate.  Dogs are over-bred and reside in very crowded quarters.  This leads to health problems caused by poor sanitation, malnourishment, infectious disease, and inbred genetic conditions.  Pet stores refuse to buy puppies that look less than perfect and ill puppies are not saleable.  Because of this, a large number of puppies will die.

Awareness and education is “key” in an effort to stop this horrible practice.   While the new law will make great strides for animal welfare, we must also do our part.  With the holidays upon us, many people will purchase a puppy for a gift.  Pet stores entice us with their display cages filled to the brim with adorable fur balls to choose from.  Although these puppies are equally deserving of our love, their purchase leads to the vicious cycle that allows for these cruel practices and injustices.

By opting to adopt, you are giving an animal a chance at life and you’ve just made room for a second dog to receive a safe haven in the shelter.  Additionally, you are keeping money out of the puppy mill owners’ pockets.  Their loss of revenues is the fastest way to be heard and to begin to make a difference.

Stop the puppy mills and opt to adopt this holiday season.

• Their full-grown size and mature personality is known from the start
• Behaviors are established and reveal themselves immediately
• Puppies and kittens mature over the first year of their lives and can be a lot of work.  Going through the “baby stage” is a long commitment!
• You get to bypass the chewing, scratching, and high-energy phase of puppies and kittens
• A senior pet is typically easier to train because of their understanding and longer attention span
• House training is often mastered, and if not, an older pet tends to catch on quickly
• Relaxing with your companion, stress-free, will be in your immediate future

Senior pets should not have to live their lives in a shelter where their future is uncertain.  The comfort and companionship of a human is their dream come true because many of these pets have lived their lives with a pet parent that has now passed away or they were surrendered to a shelter because of a change in life circumstances.  Typically, and not because they are less deserving, senior pets take the longest amount of time to be adopted from a shelter.  All rescued pets are grateful to have a place to call home and will show their gratitude with undying loyalty and affection.

Consider opening your heart and home to an elder dog or cat.  You will change their life forever and they will love you, unconditionally, for it.