eastsideah
February 14, 2012
Kitty Skin Conditions
To ensure we don’t spoil your appetite, we’re not going to post the photographs here, but if there seems to be a funny bump, bruise, or lesion on your cat, take a look at this picture slideshow to see if your kitty might be experiencing one of the problems outlined at this link.
Be sure to check your pet’s skin and pay attention to any concerning changes. Also, be aware that wintertime conditions can dry out their skin just like it dries out ours.
And give your kitty, puppy, bird -whoever!- a smooch! Let your pets feel the love this Valentine’s Day, too!
October 25, 2011
Rufus Churchill and Rufus Churchill
For anyone who watched the mayhem that was ”Game Night” on a recent episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills you may have remembered a particularly idiotic game of “Guess the Celebrity” gone awry… particularly when one of the newer housewives was given the clue: ‘Winston Churchill‘.
Rather than try to understand the character’s faux pas, it reminded me instead of the great leader and of a delightful story I read about him, which is excerpted below:
“The poodle [Rufus] ate in the dining room with the rest of the [Churchill] family. A cloth was laid for him on the Persian carpet beside the head of the household, and no one else ate until the butler had served Rufus’s meal.
One evening at Chequers the film was Oliver Twist. Rufus, as usual, had the best seat in the house, on his master’s lap. At the point when Bill Sikes was about to drown his dog to put the police off his track, Churchill covered Rufus’s eyes with his hand. He said, “Don’t look now, dear. I’ll tell you about it afterwards.”
This was taken from The Little Brown Book of Anecdotes, a vintage collection of stories and quotations from all your favorite icons and legends. It’s available for purchase on Amazon through Little Brown Publishing and is a great reference for storytellers and those who enjoy hearing or reading a good historical-retelling alike.
Rufus and Rufus, the names of both of Churchill’s canine companions were actually miniature poodles and not the breed so often associated with the famous British prime minister – pictured to the left with the English Bulldog. Perhaps some drew a likeness between their physical attributes (or the seeming burly steadfastness of one’s stature and the other’s character), but based on this photo, we’ll assume Churchill didn’t mind the comparison. After all, not too many Nobel Prize Winners (in Literature, no less), can claim to have written a children’s rhyme about caring for an ailing puppy — which Churchill is credited as penning for his daughter:
Oh, what is the matter with poor Puggy-Wug?
Pet him and kiss him and give him a hug.
Run and fetch him a suitable drug.
Wrap him up tenderly all in a rug.
That is the way to cure Puggy-Wug.
Related articles
- Interesting People and their Pets (dangerousminds.net)
- Did Winston Churchill’s Lopsided Face Win World War Two? (inquisitr.com)
October 25, 2011
Animal Eye Candy
This web design site compiled thirty of their favorite photographs from National Geographic. As a frequenter of the NatGeo site myself, I am always stunned by the amazing creatures and sights that can be found in nature. Here are a few breathtaking shots.
Clockwise from top: A Northern Spotted Owl (yes – an authentic one, and no – it is not a screenshot of Harry Potter’s magical letter-carrying bird, Hedwig); a Gecko cloaking himself amidst palm frond; Eastern Gray Kangaroos, frolicking on the only continent where one can find these marsupials: the Australian Outback; and a Sally Lightfoot Crab, residents of the Galapagos Islands
May 24, 2011
Over the Hill Pets
Just as people eventually join the senior citizen community, our animal counterparts are likewise faced with growing pains and afflictions as they reach older age. It is not always easy to manage a pets’ declining health, 
but it is important to learn how to identify certain signs that your dog or cat may be facing some aches associated with aging.
Many times these indications come in the form of a pet not able to perform ritualistic behavior (such as a couch or other location they are prone to jumping on, but seem unable to reach) or one of their senses seems to be failing (simply shouting his or her name doesn’t get them to come running like they used to, or perhaps fails to even elicit the regular ‘ear perk’ response). In this regard, our animal companions are facing the same changes 
we are accustomed to dealing with once we grow older and can include:
- mental decline
- mobility issues
- decreased hearing or failed eyesight
- increased periods of sleep
- stiff joints
It is important to note any possible changes you can discern in your pets’ changing activities, as well as check with your veterinarian to ensure that he or she is undergoing a normal aging process. Here are some tell-tale signs your pet may be experiencing difficulties, as well as some tips on how to help your dog or cat cope -as well as maintain a happy lifestyle- with age, while remaining as mentally and physically active as possible:
“If your dog shows signs of hearing loss, teach him to respond to hand signals so you can still communicate with him if he becomes deaf. Both dogs and cats with hearing loss startle more easily, so make your presence known before walking up behind them, especially if they are sleeping.
If your dog or cat is bumping into things or has their whiskers extended forward (to feel for things in front), your pet may have some sight loss caused by cataracts, which is not uncommon in elderly pets. (Check with your vet on treatment options.) Leave a radio or television on during the day as a reference point in the home. Don’t move furniture around, keep hallways clear, and announce yourself so your pet knows you’re approaching. You can also put a bell on the door your pet goes in and out of or a scented plug-in near the food dish to use as a guide to special spots in the house.
Mild incontinence is fairly common with some aging pets, but should always be checked out with your vet. Your options include doggie diapers, removal of carpeting to limit household damage, and even incontinence beds that pull in moisture away from the pet and down into a tray below.
Pets with stiff joints often have arthritis. Your vet may suggest some special medications or natural therapies to help with the joint pain. But you can also make life a little easier for your pet by using raised food and water bowls; adding ramps and steps where needed; and using non-slip booties for dogs with failing hips.
Most important, keep your dog lean, as extra 
pounds can add to joint problems.”
Check with your vet if you are worried about any possible signs your pet may be giving you about declining health or difficulty accomplishing important daily routines. And remember: it’s a natural process and your little canine and feline friends require just a little extra care and consideration in exchange for all the fun and love they provided you and your families with all throughout their earlier years!
Related articles
- 10 million pets suffer mental or physical health problems (money.marksandspencer.com)
- Age Is Nothing But A Number As Petplan Pet Insurance Provides Coverage For Pets Of All Ages (prweb.com)
- Dog owners walk 23,739 miles over their pet’s lifetime (money.marksandspencer.com)
- Dogs Get Arthritis Too: Listen To Your Pet and Look For These Signs (mypetkingdom.info)
September 6, 2011
Pawtroits
As a pet-focused blogger, I find myself traversing the internet quite a bit, doing research and attempting to find things that may be of interest. After stockpiling a great many beautiful portrait, poignant photographs, and touching moments between famous icons with their own pets, I thought I could start sharing these with you. Hope you enjoy!
This expressive B&W was taken by a photographer from Indiana named Christopher Crawford. His work aptly captures everyday life — “the common American” — and here he introduces us to a Sante Fe local who has developed a reputation for the interesting relationship playing out between the friends pictured to his left.
Look closely at this picture — do you notice something unusual? The photographer describes Greg Pike (the seated fellow above) as something akin to a tourism attraction in Sante Fe for an act entitled: “Rat, Cat, Dog.” Did you happen to notice the critter just beneath the cat’s chin? Crawford sums up the scenario as such:
“The rat lets the cat lick him like a kitten, and will hide under the cat when too many tourists gather. The dog mostly sleeps!”
If the photo struck you as thought-provoking — as it did me – before you studied it and heard the anecdote that goes along with it, you can imagine my surprise when I realized I had viewed this picture a handful of times over a few months’ stretch and had never noticed the white rodent atop the dog’s head isn’t just a patch of fur.
Please head over to Christopher Crawford’s blog or website. He has a multitude of other illustrative photographs of lovely American commonfolk he’s snapped during his travels and there are some prints available for purchase.
Related articles
- Capturing Cats in Pictures (nikonusa.com)
- Seattle’s camera-toting cat not just an accidental artist, owner says (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
December 13, 2011
Bow ties for my Miaolings!!
Finally, I had a proper photo session with my Miaos! Many factors came together to make it possible (including sunshine and an injured ankle that is keeping me from running), but the most important factor was, of course, the floof factor. I am constantly amazed by the patience of my miaoly models, Lotus and Chun. I can’t accuse Sprocket of being patient, but his persistence with the peacock feather makes up for lack of patience. My Miaoly models have my deepest gratitude. Also, thanks to Mama M for …
Your comments (optional)This blogger’s kitty photoshoot is almost too much to bear — from the beret, the Jingle Bell-themed collar accessories, festive bow-ties, right down to the unbelievable baby blues, the subjects featured in these pictures sure know how to work the fancy -yet feisty- look!
These felines strike poses that even Ms. Tyra Banks, famed for her finicky flaunting and flair for the flamboyant, would find fall nothing short of FIERCE. Forreal. These kitties are certainly bringing what Little Miao refers to as “the floof factor.”
December 13, 2011
Bow ties for my Miaolings!!
Finally, I had a proper photo session with my Miaos! Many factors came together to make it possible (including sunshine and an injured ankle that is keeping me from running), but the most important factor was, of course, the floof factor. I am constantly amazed by the patience of my miaoly models, Lotus and Chun. I can’t accuse Sprocket of being patient, but his persistence with the peacock feather makes up for lack of patience. My Miaoly models have my deepest gratitude. Also, thanks to Mama M for …
Your comments (optional)This blogger’s kitty photoshoot is almost too much to bear — from the beret, the Jingle Bell-themed collar accessories, festive bow-ties, right down to the unbelievable baby blues, the subjects featured in these pictures sure know how to work the fancy -yet feisty- look!
These felines strike poses that even Ms. Tyra Banks, famed for her finicky flaunting and flair for the flamboyant, would find fall nothing short of FIERCE. Forreal. These kitties are certainly bringing what Little Miao refers to as “the floof factor.”
December 8, 2011
No Horseplay
As native New Yorkers, we don’t get to see a whole lot of horses around these parts (unless you happen to be going for a romantic carriage ride in Central Park), but I wanted to share this very interesting New York Times article chronicling Manuel Gilman’s career providing veterinary care at racetracks. His rulings often dictated whether prized racing steeds would be allowed to compete — Doc Gilman leaves behind a legacy as severely fair, never allowing a favored horse a “pass” on a pre-race physical exam. http://ow.ly/7TeIe
November 25, 2011
On The Subject of Thanking…
Wanted to share a quick post. As a new blogger myself, and behalf of all the folks over here at East Side Animal Hospital, I’d like to send out a Thanksgiving Thank You to all those who have been keeping up with us, our posts, and especially those who have given feedback.It’s a great thing to feel as though someone is actually out there — whether simply reading, participating, or passing along info or appreciation!
Blogging Gives You So Much More!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families (especially the furry or four-legged ones!). Thank you for your continued patronage, both in-hospital, as well as across the digital universe! Be safe, be warm.
Photo courtesy of Tidings of Magpies.
November 21, 2011
Lovely Little Lovebirds
In case you missed this blogpost featured on Freshly Pressed, I thought this photograph taken by Marcus Johannes was worth posting. Not only is the coloring found on these beautiful creatures a true wonder of nature, but these feathered friends appear to be locked in an adoring embrace. In terms of context and aesthetic delights, it doesn’t get any prettier than these paired-up parrots.
Did you know the term “lovebird,” is actually derived from a real animal of the same name? It is a species of parrot that got its nomenclature from their inclination to display affection much in the way a human couple does — which is exactly what these birds are doing: coupling!
Their mating rituals include monogamy (a trait that helped popularize the penguin, leading to an eruption in pop culture fascination and themed movies chronicling both real-life behavior and increased usage as characters in animated films).
Not only do they choose to pair up with their parrot peers, but their predisposal to partnerships actually enable them to form ties with human companions, going so far as to cuddle and “preen” a person once they have bonded with them. If you have been considering adopting a pet for the sake of friendship and camaraderie, but aren’t sure you have the time, patience, or space that a cat or dog would require, you may want to look into the lovebirds that are available for home-living. Once acclimated to their master, lovebirds may enjoy using your fingers to perch on if you let them (or, if you’ve always secretly thought the pirate’s life was the life for you, teach your winged friend to settle on your shoulder).
Though they can develop behavioral problems, i.e. biting, particularly to protect their partner from perceived offenders, they are beautiful creatures, and intelligent to boot — they can communicate through mimicry, so teaching them tunes should be a cinch! But be forewarned: once you initiate the interactive nature of this pet, you might have a difficult time quieting them down; if their upbringing is going to be that of city-living aviculture, it is best if your dwelling doesn’t have thin walls. Your neighbors are sure to find their chatty chirping less than charming.
Tip: if you find yourself to be a particularly needy bird-owner, keep just one lovebird, as opposed to pairing them up — they are less likely to become as tightly bonded to their human companion, if given a birdy buddy to become close with. However, if you are not able to devote the necessary time with them, it is recommended you give them a counterpart to get cozy with — jealousy aside, you will adore the admiring way they stick together.
Photo courtesy of: Marcus Johannes
Source: Wikipedia.com
Related articles
- Mystery bird: Rosy-faced lovebird, Agapornis roseicollis (guardian.co.uk)
- Wildlife Wednesday – Lovebirds (anthonli.wordpress.com)
October 25, 2011
…food continued: why crafty culinary cookery just can’t compete with those cans & that kibble
As far as gourmet, chef-prepared dishes for your doggie go, it’s usually safe to assume the stuff sold in pet stores and veterinary practices has all the nutrition necessary for their diets. Ofcourse, pets are commonly prescribed prescription food that treats their specific ailments, health issues, and vitamin deficincies; if your veterinarian has recommended a medicated formula for you, it is always best to stick to this food type. If, however, you think the formula has achieved its function — for example, a weight management diet may only be necessary as a short-term regiment until your cat has achieved a more healthy body composition. Some of these medicated formulas are meant to be long-term, though, 
so always consult with your vet before changing his food. In instances like hip dysplasia, anemia, or degenerative joint disease, the formulas are targeting quite particular needs and problems, and may be a permanent necessity for ensuring your pet maintains his optimal levels of nutrition.
If you have any questions about these dog foods, never hesitate to call us up and ask questions — the names can get tricky and you don’t want to accidentally feed your kitty or pup the wrong food. It won’t harm your pet, but it won’t be helping either! We get a lot of clients over here calling and describing a bag of food in terms like, “Well, I think it’s G/D.. or Z/D. Maybe C/D?” Naturally, it’s pretty easy to confuse letters when you are unsure what it is an abbreviation for, and 
thus, what in the heck these means for your pet! (But just so you begin to understand the importance of these formulas, the above are for the management of the adrenal glands, a prescription for Z/D usually comprises all conditions associated with digestion and the bowels, but certain brands differentiate between food targeting skin and coat health, whereas low-residue tends to focus on the pancreas, the intestines, or certain symptoms of cancer; C/D is geared toward moderating pH balances, but IAMS breaks them into Urinary-S and Urinary-O which treat conditions that may benefit from a lower urinary pH level and a higher one, respectively.
