If you were to look at the happy face of Kenny, a shepherd-mix, you might be fooled by what you see. While he still has his youthful looks, he’s actually 18 years old. You will probably also notice that in order for Kenny to get around, I have to handle some of the lifting. That’s because Kenny suffers from a degenerative condition known as myelopathy – a progressive condition that leads to muscle atrophy and eventually, loss of mobility and muscle control.

According to vets, canine myelopathy seems to be common in German Shepherd dogs, so it’s not a complete surprise that Kenny was affected. Because of the costs and extra care required by these special needs pals, they are often given up or euthanized. They tend to be older dogs as well, so it can make it challenging to find the right balance between the right amount of physical activity and rest. But as you can see in our video about Kenny, we work with him to make him as comfortable as we can, while still making sure he gets as much physical activity as possible.

While this disease has certainly slowed him down physically, he’s still a spunky guy that loves to get outside and tool around while I give him support. It’s a lot of work but definitely worth it in what he gives back in unconditional love. That’s what we’re about at All Pets Wellness Foundation and that’s why we do what do. We’re so grateful you’ve stopped by to see how we help sick and injured pets. We know it can be really difficult to provide necessary but costly care for pets and we want to be able to help those pets that would otherwise not have the opportunity for lifesaving treatment and quality of life.

Please take a few minutes to watch the video about Kenny, our special friend – and take the time to share it with a friend, too.

Photo Courtesy of Maja Lampe from http://www.sxc.hu/profile/lampelina

It’s a preventable but deadly disease sweeping shelters and pet homes nationwide. The parvo virus, also known as Canine parvo virus 2 (CPV-2) is highly contagious and spreads easily by dog-to-dog contact, through fecal matter and a pet’s environment (kennel, collars, etc.). With an 80% fatality rate in puppies, this rapidly-spreading virus is extremely lethal.

All it takes is one sick dog to spread the virus to all dogs it has contact with. Those most susceptible are puppies four months of age and younger and unvaccinated dogs. There is no treatment to rid Fido of the virus, just support for him as he goes through the symptoms – which can include fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. To help curb the spread of parvo virus, we at All Pets Wellness Foundation would like to share the following five steps to protect your dogs from suffering through this horrible virus:

1. Vaccinate

First and foremost, vaccinate your dogs! While it won’t prevent 100% of outbreaks, it will drastically reduce his or her chances of contracting the virus.

2. Go to the Vet

If your dog is sick and has symptoms like vomiting or bloody diarrhea, call your vet IMMEDIATELY. Parvo can take over your dog very quickly so it’s important to get vet help quickly. When you call to make the appt tell them the symptoms your dog is experiencing so they can be prepared to take the proper precautionary measures to keep other pets safe.

3. Keep Infected Dogs Away from Other Dogs

Help prevent spreading parvo to other doggies by keeping Fido isolated from his friends for at least one month. This will help reduce chances that it will spread to other pups as it is highly contagious.

4. Disinfect EVERYTHING

If your dog has parvo, make sure to clean up and dispose of all dog feces immediately to prevent it from being tracked in by shoes and paws. Use a chlorine bleach/water mix with a ratio of 1:30 on pet bowls (both food and water) as well as wash the bedding. Also sanitize all hard surfaces that Fido has been laying or playing on.

Remember, while there’s no guarantee that taking these cautions would prevent an infection 100% of the time, it will significantly reduce your dog’s risk of getting this serious virus. Regular veterinary care is always the best way to make sure your pet is on track to wellness..

Photo courtesy of elcombri http://www.sxc.hu/profile/elcombri

If I asked you how many times you brush your teeth every day, you’d probably tell me with confidence that you brush at least once (hopefully!). But if I asked you how often you brush your cat’s or dog’s teeth daily you’d probably be caught off guard. That’s because as pet owners, we rarely hear about how important it is to keep our pets choppers clean. It’s not just to prevent bad breath or unsightly gums. According to vets, bad oral hygiene in pets can have serious health consequences. And, it’s more than brushing and regular dental exams – it starts with a healthy diet.

The most important care that you can provide is the ongoing care you provide in your home – and start with meals. The higher quality diet you feed your pet the better their oral health will be. Homemade diets, raw diets, dehydrated diets, and high-end, protein-focused kibble based diets are the best. Grains commonly found in low-end kibbles are what lead to the plaque and tartar build-up.  To keep your pets’ teeth healthy, you also want to encourage chewing to reduce tartar build up by providing them with hard toys like Nylabones or Kong’s to chew on. If you are comfortable with a raw-diet, you can also provide them with raw bones, NEVER cooked, to chew on.

Of course cleaning your pets teeth is also a must. There are a few basic steps to get pets used to teeth cleaning, and one of the more simple steps is dipping a finger in a tasty sauce or liquid (like beef bouillon for dogs and tuna water for cats) and rubbing it along the gum line so that they become accustomed to the sensation.

Just like human health is tied to good oral hygiene, allowing dangerous buildup and decay on pets’ teeth can send harmful bacteria into their bloodstream – causing damage to some of Fido’s major organs – like the liver, lungs, heart and kidneys. The best way to keep your pets healthy from the inside out is to start with a visit to your veterinarian. Ask the vet to go over Friskey’s teeth and discuss what, if anything, can be done in his or her office. Some pets will need special care or an extra set of hands to get those teeth cleaned. Some may even require going under anesthesia to get everything done right.

We can give them heartworm preventative year round, take them on walks and feed them the best food. But ignoring pet dental health can be just as bad if not worse than some of  the ailments that can affect our furry friends. Take the time today to examine your pet’s mouth and teeth for any signs of problems. Spend the extra few dollars a month on oral health care and rest assured that their smile is more than pretty – it’s healthy!

November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month. It’s an appropriate time to remember all the reasons why we should consider the amazing gifts we receive from our senior pets.

Having lost their long time companions, many people don’t want a new pet because they feel they can’t endure the heartache of losing another. What they often forget is that it’s the quality of the time we spend with our furkids, not the quantity that is important. It is not how much time you spend with them, but how you spend that time.

My husband and I have lived with the 13 seniors we have rescued for as little as seven months to as long, to date, as five years. Each personality is as different as the circumstances under which they came into our lives. We have learned so much from each of them. We have no clue where most spent the better part of their lives, so we can only venture to guess what life was like for them. The evidence is found in their mannerisms and in their physical condition upon their arrival in rescue.

There are many reasons why someone should consider adopting a senior pet. Here are just a few:.

1. Calm, Cool & Collected
With senior pets, we can usually skip over the potty training stage when we are constantly cleaning up after them. They are also past the point when they wear us out with their exuberant puppy energy. Senior dog and cats are our instant companions. They are ready to do the things we want to do. They just want to be with us.

2. Appreciative and Eager to Please
These innocent souls understand the importance of the second chance they have been given to lead a life that is filled with love and understanding. It has always amazed me how eager they are to want to please us. We have taken all of our rescues to obedience classes to give us an opportunity to work with them one on one. They have all been very eager to participate.

3. Constant Companions
Our days are so busy, we tend to forget about some of the really important, yet simple, things in life like watching a sunset or taking a long walk in the forest preserve or on the beach. Senior dogs love to spend that time with us.

4. Resilient
I’ve also been amazed at their incredible resilience. Although these little angels may have scars from being abused, they can learn to forget the horror or their previous life. It may take some time, but for most, being enveloped in a loving home helps to smooth away the rough edges.

5. Lessons We Learn
Our seniors have taught me the power and importance of patience. They have no control over their situations, so it is our responsibility to care for these innocents. As they age, they also suffer from what we consider classic human signs of aging such as arthritis, loss of sight and loss of hearing. The undying love in their eyes reminds us they can’t always respond as we wish them to even though they want to make us happy.

Our pets force us to realize that life is short and that we need to make the best of each and every day. Tomorrow is promised to no one.

The memories we make with our senior companions leave lasting impressions on our hearts. And when the time comes for them to cross the Rainbow Bridge, we will comfort them and they will leave us knowing that our life together was full of love. Cheryl Zuccaro is quoted as saying,

“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”

What a wonderful gift if we allow ourselves the opportunity to receive it.

Photo courtesy of Michael Sult on http://www.sxc.hu/profile/MDS31781

When it comes to Halloween, most people are either giving out mass amounts of candy and treats or consuming mass amounts (or both, if they’ve got kids!). If you’re giving or receiving, it’s critical that pets be protected from access to the sugary confections we share as part of the festivities – because your pet’s life depends on it.

While Halloween can be a fun time for pet parents, costumes is where owners have to draw the line when it comes to pets sharing in on the fun. And while subjecting your dog or cat to the “fun” of wearing pirate costumes and angel wings is safe if the costumes are appropriate for pets, veterinarians warn of the dangers of candy for pets – especially chocolate. Dark chocolate in particular is extremely toxic for dogs. While you can try your best to keep pets away from our treats, sometimes accidents do happen. It’s important for owners to recognize the symptoms that a pet might have ingested candy and need medical care. If your pet has injested candy (particularly chocolate), the following are symptoms of a situation that requires attention from a veterinarian:

If your pet doesn’t receive proper treatment in time, it could experience seizures and die. The best thing you can do to reward your pets or let them in on the holidays is to provide treats made just for pets. If you want to feel like you’re really treating them, there are a plethora of pet-friendly treats at your local pet specialty store or available online from companies like From Scratch Pet Bakery that make scrumptious treats for our four-legged friends.

So, to sum things up:  bad costumes are good, good (people) treats are bad. Dress them up, parade them around town, but just make sure their treats won’t bring them down! Happy Howloween from your friends at All Pets Wellness Foundation!

Photo courtesy of coloniera on http://www.sxc.hu/

At All Pets Wellness Foundation, we work hard to help pets enjoy a high quality of life. Many of the pets we work with come to us because they would otherwise be placed in overcrowded animal shelters where they might not received necessary medical care. If you’ve never considered adopting a shelter pet, now is a great time to consider.

Shelter pets make extremely lovable and loyal companions. They’ve come to shelters as a result of owners who weren’t prepared to care for their breed, owners who couldn’t afford to provide care or worse – neglect and abuse. Some are young, some are old, some are big, some are small and some have special needs. But the common bond they all share is the desire to be a great best friend and part of the family.

In honor of October being National Adopt a Shelter Pet Month, we’ve compiled our top 5 favorite reasons to adopt a shelter pet. But, you don’t have to take it from us – just ask anyone that has adopted a shelter pet.

1. You’re saving a life

Every year, millions of shelter pets are euthanized due to overpopulation. By rescuing a shelter pet, you’re helping a great animal live a full and happy life. To search for available pets in your area, use a resource like PetFinder.com to search by species, breed, gender and other criteria. You’re bound to find the perfect pet for you and/or your family!

2. You’re saving money

Unlike pets purchased from breeders, shelter pets often cost much less up front and have occasionally had some medical care that could include spaying/neutering, shots and medications. Staff have worked with them and have a good understanding for the pet’s particular needs and personality.

3. Adoption counseling and training

In addition to providing you with a best friend, many shelters and pet adoption agencies provide free or low-cost classes to help you learn how to live with your new shelter pet. And, with help from organizations like the American Humane Association’s resource for Adoption & Pet Care it’s easy to find the support you need to make the best pet parent!

4. They’ve got manners

If you are looking for a pet that’s already potty-trained and knows basic commands (not so easy with cats and bunnies, of course!), many shelter pets are a perfect fit for you. Because they’ve been housebroken, know basic commands and are out of the “puppy/kitten phase” a shelter pet can make the adoption process much smoother for both the pet and his or her human(s).

5. Every pet deserves a second chance

Just because a pet has been left as a stray or dropped off at a shelter doesn’t mean it’s a bad dog. For a variety of reasons, dogs find themselves in shelters but have so much to give a new family. They appreciate safety, love and a warm home – just like people. Shelter dogs make great pets – make no bones about it!

There are so many more reasons to adopt a shelter pet. If you’ve adopted a shelter pet, tell us how you met your furry friend and how he or she has been a great addition to your family. We’d love to share your story.

We are adding two new Video’s over the next 30 days. Elmo (our 13 year old English Bulldog) should be up by week’s end. This is a story of a 13 year old bully with skin issues and how we address his needs. He is the epitome of unconditional love. New music will be introduced by Greg Bizzaro from Jaffie productions.

 By mid November we will have a video on Calum, (our 9 year old West Highland Terrier) who has just finished his 16 week chemotherapy treatments for cancer. We believe this video will give viewers inspiration on how and when to move forward with medical treatment of cancer in an animal.

All Pets Wellness foundation will be having a fund raiser in late January 2011 or early Feb, please stay tuned for details

You walk into the shelter looking for a new furry friend and your eyes instantly focus on the cute, cuddly white puppy at the back of the kennel. You walk over to the puppy as he yips in delight at the presence of a human who is willing to show him love. But did you see the senior Golden Retriever who walks with a limp feverishly wagging her tail, or the black mixed-breed longingly gazing into your eyes as you passed by?

I hope you did.

If not, go back and take a second look.

All too often people looking to adopt a pet are drawn to the wriggly puppies and disregard other pets that may make equally or better pets. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to adopt a puppy, there are thousands of deserving, loving pets in shelters who have a hard time finding their forever homes because of their age, color, size, or health.

Today marks the kickoff of Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week,  a week dedicated to the animals that are often forgotten and left behind. All across the country shelters and rescue organizations are showcasing deserving, loving pets that are having a hard time finding forever homes.

According to an article on Care2.com,

A recent survey from Petfinder.com of shelters and rescue groups found that 95% of their shelter and rescue group members currently have adoptable pets for whom they are having extremely hard time finding homes. Another 33% of their adoption groups have had pets who were posted on Petfinder for 1-2 years without being adopted, and 27% have had pets who’ve waited more than two years for a forever home.

Who are these animals? Mostly senior animals, followed by pets with medical issues, victims of breed discrimination, shy animals and the ones who need to be the only pet in the family. Sometimes they’re just the wrong color, or not the breed someone had in mind.

So what can YOU do to help?

• Next time you are looking to adopt SERIOUSLY consider opening your home to a less-adoptable pet. You won’t be sorry, I promise.
• Educate friends/family that are considering adoption, why less-adoptable pets RULE.
• Participate in Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week Challenge sponsored by Be the Change for Pets
• Throughout the year identify pets that are least likely to be adopted from your local shelter or rescue and spread the word about these special pets via email, your blog, Facebook, etc!
• Work with your local shelter / rescue to develop a plan to highlight and promote less adoptable pets

Check out this video of Kenny, a less-adoptable pet, we opened our home to. Kenny was 13 when he came to live with us, and he lived in the shelter for 7 years.

#BetheChange #ALAPW

Welcome to the new All Pets Wellness Foundation Blog! We will be using this blog to share recent happenings with you about the Foundation and the pets we serve.

In addition, our blog will also serve as a go-to-resource for topics related to pet health, nutrition, and care.

Thanks for reading!