Responsible Pet Ownership - Part 3

In our last post under this title, we discussed some of the legal responsibilities a pet owner/guardian has to abide by. We're going to continue that discussion here. We believe that it's important to remember that legally speaking - you have a responsibility to your family, your pet and your community. The consequences endured may not only affect you... they can cause unnecessary suffering to your pet or a potential health risk to your neighbors and family.

What do you do when your pet becomes ill or injured? If you choose not to provide care, or simply can't afford care, can that become a legal issue? Many assume that it is not - after all isn't it "your" business as to how you do or do not provide care for your pet? In actuality, most states and townships have laws in place to protect companion animals from neglect and cruelty and they are getting more and more proactive in enforcing those laws. Untreated injuries and or diseases that cause unnecessary suffering are more frequently being classified as neglect/cruelty.

The question your local Animal Control Officer has to answer is... does the condition left untreated qualify as neglect and/or cruelty? Often, their litmus test is simple - does the animal appear to be in imminent danger of dying? As a pet owner/guardian - you have to know the difference. Wounds that are left untreated and become infected will likely and eventually qualify as neglect. Disease that is left untreated for long periods of time will likely and eventually qualify as neglect.

A partial list of diseases that left untreated can cause immense pain and suffering, and could potentially get you in trouble with the law are:
1. Mange - whether demodex or sarcoptic. Both can make your pet extremely sick. Both are very curable when diagnosed and treated. And, there are many low-cost options for treatment as well.

2. Heartworms - in the early stages of heartworm disease, your pet will likely not exhibit any outward symptoms. But as the disease progresses, he/she will bloat, have difficulty breathing and become quite lethargic. Again, treatment is reasonably priced.

3. Open wounds - dogs bite each other. Dogs injure themselves. We are not suggesting that you rush them to the ER Clinic every time they get hurt. However, a wound that is left without treatment and subsequently becomes infected can be viewed as neglect/cruelty.

4. Diabetes - a diabetic pet needs insulin, just as we humans do. Without treatment, your pet can slip into a diabetic coma or simply waste away. Either situation can be considered neglect/cruelty.

5. An injury or disease in the mouth that precludes the pet's ability to eat. Without nourishment, your pet will eventually die. Periodontal disease (gum disease), abscesses that interfere with your pet's ability to eat and injuries to the mouth can all be viewed as neglect/cruelty if left without treatment.

As we said, this is a partial list. And, all of the injuries/illnesses we've listed are treatable. Costs to treat these conditions range from extremely inexpensive ($4/month for antibiotics to treat infection) to more expensive (about $750 to treat heartworms). The important thing to note - if you fail to provide medical treatment to your pet, you may get into some legal trouble - you may be charged with neglect or cruelty.

The best test to determine potential legal liability - ask your doctor. If you can treat the pet at home because funds are an issue (or you simply prefer more homeopathic remedies), your doctor will tell you and provide instructions. If not, the cost of treatment will likely be a one-time expense and in most cases your doctor can help you understand all of the options for preventative care, so you avoid making the same mistake twice.

The "side-effects" of Brown Dog Foundation

Sorry I'm a little late in writing this week - it's been pretty crazy as I tried to get out of Nashville and up to our Illinois/Iowa chapter. As I was leaving, however, we were able to approve our 13th grant in 2011. Bug, a little Boston Terrier from Knoxville, will have mammary tumors removed this week thanks to our program!

Just before sitting down to write the blog, I was fortunate to read an email from a family whose grant had been approved, but they decided not to take advantage of it. It's interesting what wonderful things arise from our existence. Allow me to tell you the story.

Early this year, a young law student applied for assistance with Brown Dog Foundation to help her pay for an Endoscopy for her dog Nahla. Nahla was wasting away and while her doctor felt 95% confident that Nahla had Inflammatory Bowel Disease, only an endoscopy would rule out cancer or other major issues. The cost for the endoscopy was outside their reach.

During our application process, the Veterinarian on our board suggested an exploratory surgery rather than Endoscopy - usually this can be done less expensively and if there is a tumor, it could be removed easily and get the dog back on track. In discussing this option with her own personal doctors, they suggested waiting 30 days or so to see if her new diet made a difference. A wonderful idea!

Thirty days later - we received the kindest email from Nahla and her family letting us know that she's back to 100% without having to undergo surgery or an expensive test! The special diet is working.

While we love to help families get the financial assistance they need from us, it's especially inspiring to see the Veterinarians offer alternatives to expensive diagnostics and treatments that may be unnecessary. The funds that were held for Nahla have been released and we hope to assist another family soon.

Here's the note from Nahla's family:

Thank you so much for offering us the grant. It is July 14th, it expires today and we have elected not to use it. Nahla is doing very well, back to her old self. She is healthy, alert and as lovable as ever! She has offered me so much so support over the years.

In fact as I sit here in the last leg of my bar preparation, Nahla is sitting with me. She's my study buddy. I study long hours and get very anxious but she helps me calm down and empathizes with my "suffering."

She and the cat are back to playing and hanging out together, grooming each other, play-fighting etc. We take Nahla to the dog park almost everyday and she seems to be in tip-top shape.

I will never forget this wonderful opportunity you offered us. I know it will go to good use with another dog's family.

A million thanks!

What is Responsible Pet Ownership - Part 2?

Part 2

These are difficult articles to write. Why? Because the definition of Responsible Pet Ownership is so controversial. For each person you ask, you will get a different definition of Responsible Pet Ownership. For starters - about 50% of those you ask will say "It should be Responsible Pet Guardianship, not ownership." Which is one of the most basic and inherent issues.

Where some believe a pet is property, others believe that we are guardians to them. Unfortunately, the current laws in our country define most animals as property, which makes it very hard to change the perception. Hard, but not impossible. It's important that animal enthusiasts continue to focus on improving the laws to provide better protection of our companions. One way to stay current on the progress of changes to the many laws among all states, is to review the HSUS website, particularly the Issues area.

As a pet owner/guardian, you accept a few basic responsibilities when adopting, rescuing or otherwise acquiring a companion pet. As a Pet Owner/Guardian you have a legal, ethical and financial responsibility to your family, your pet and your community. What does that look like and what does that mean? Over the next several weeks, we will dissect and explore these three areas of responsibility and what they mean to you.

What legal responsibility do you accept when becoming a pet owner/guardian? Well, it's your job to know what the rules are before you adopt. Most every city (at least those considered metropolitan) in the country have laws governing pet owners. These laws exist to protect your pet, your family and your community members from health concerns. From Rabies Vaccination Compliance to Containment (leashing as well as containing a female in heat) to waste disposal to Dangerous Dog laws - there are a myriad of laws on the books. Have a conversation with your local Animal Care and Control facility to get an idea of the laws in your community.

Some laws exist to protect your family (Dangerous Dog Laws, Rabies Vaccination, etc.). Some laws exist to protect your pet (Dangerous Dog Laws, Rabies Vaccination, Containment, etc.). And all laws exist to protect members of the community. As a pet guardian, you owe it to your family, your pet and your neighbor to do everything in your power to keep control of your pet so as to avoid injury to him or others as well as illness.

In the next blog, we will discuss the Ethical responsibilities of pet owners/guardians. Feel free to post questions or share your insights and thoughts about this subject.

How Does One Choose the Right Pet Food?

Wow... what a loaded topic. But, it was requested by several of our supporters so we'll take a stab at answering it. First, we have to remind you that any and all dietary decisions should always first be discussed with your Veterinarian or a licensed and trusted animal dietician. The information we provide is simply to educate you about the options that exist. It's up to you to make the decision that best fits your family. For more information, click on the "red" words and phrases.

When considering which food to feed, there are several thoughts for you to consider:
1. What food best provides for your pet's health?
2. What price range fits best into your family's budget?
3. Can you easily and readily purchase the food?
4. Do you have time to "prepare" your pet's food, or would a prepackaged food work better?
5. Does your pet have itchy skin or recurrent ear or yeast infections, or other allergies?

While we are not necessarily recommending this brand - their "Comparison" program allows you to see how store bought foods stack up.

In summary, and just like the recommendations for humans, feeding a diet free from processed food products will yield a healthier pet. And, when your pet is healthier naturally, you will likely spend less to treat chronic diseases and conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, urinary tract issues and more.

Select a diet that fits your lifestyle, your financial situation and your pet's needs. Review your decision with your Veterinarian and be sure that the guidance you receive is from a respected and trusted resource (a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with a Holistic Certification in Eastern Medicine or PhD is generally trustworthy).

The last thought to consider is how much to feed. Obesity in pets is one of the top concerns of Veterinarians today. As many as 43% of pets are overweight and more than 5% fall into the obese category. Daily exercise is necessary for both you and your pet. And, pay close attention to feeding instructions - if you are instructed to feed 1 cup twice a day... measure it out and feed 1 cup twice a day. With careful monitoring and increased activity, you can safely and effectively lower your pet's weight and give him or her a healthier life.

Here's to the health of your whole family!