Animals Today March 27, 2021: Top ten pet toxins and poisons. Another insane animal quiz.
Apr 03, 2021
Show notes
What toxins and poisons would you guess are most commonly ingested by our dogs and cats? Well, the data on this question actually exists, thanks to the ASPCA. In 2020, the ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) helped more than 370,500 animals by providing lifesaving information and supplying safety guides. They compiled the top ten pet toxins for 2020, and Lori explores this list, adding our personal anecdotes, so you can mitigate the risks in your pet’s environment.
Over- the- counter medications, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and prescription medications are the top culprits according to the APCC. So, make sure these are out of paws’ reach and securely stored both for your pets and those animals who may be visiting. If you have house guests, remind them not to leave their medications out if pets have access to their quarters, purses, and backpacks. Further, keep in mind that creams and lotions may be quite toxic as well, like non-steroidal creams and topical hormones.
Other toxins on the APCC list include human foods, chocolate, plants and flowers, household cleaners and pesticides and rodenticides. The full list is here.
To conclude this show, Lori drops another pop quiz on Peter, this one about popular song titles with animal themes.
Photo: ASPCA
Animals Today March 13, 2021: Wolf massacre in Wisconsin: So many mistakes! Does animal assisted therapy help children?
Mar 24, 2021
Show notes
As a consequence of the lifting of ESA protections for grey wolves, and a judgement win for a Kansas based trophy hunting group, a horrific but legal massacre has just occurred in Wisconsin.
The National Resources board opened up the hunt in the state, allowing a quota of 119 wolves to be killed, but inexplicably issuing an extremely high number of permits, totaling more than 2,000. So it is not surprising that the quota of kills was exceeded in less than 60 hours with 216 wolves killed by means of traps, snares, and packs of radio collared dogs.
Two guests join Peter to discuss these tragic and disturbing events. First, Megan Nicolson, Wisconsin Director for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) details the events leading to the hunt and how so many animals were killed. Then Amanda Wight, Wildlife Protection Manager for the HSUS joins Peter to give a national perspective on grey wolf management. She believes the lifting of the protections was done in violation of the Endangered Species Act. Both Nicolson and Wight encourage listeners to contact their representatives and pertinent agencies to voice their opinions.
Then, Lori welcomes Professor Hal Herzog to discuss the use of animals in the treatment of emotional, mental and physical diseases, often referred to as animal assisted therapy. It’s a widespread practice which, according to Herzog, is based on flimsy evidence.
Killed wolf and hunterKilled wolf and hunterKilled wolf and hunter
Animals Today March 6, 2021. Visiting the dog park. Cold weather advice for dogs. Wonderful bees.
Mar 14, 2021
Show notes
Lori kicks it off with Los Angeles based attorney Ken Phillips to speak about the risks related to dog parks. Dog parks can be wonderful places, but the risks and hazards to people and dogs in and around the parks are real. Risks such as aggressive dogs, irresponsible owners, and unclean conditions need to be considered before taking Fido to your local dog park. Ken shares his decades of expertise to increase our knowledge and awareness about what can go wrong at dog parks, so everyone can have fun and stay safe.
Peter then welcomes Veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne who practices in Chagrin Falls, OH, and is the Founder and Director of the non-profit American Pet Institute. Dr. Carol offers important and timely tips on protecting pets, dogs in particular, from extreme cold conditions, as well as from other winter safety hazard. Peter and Dr. Carol touch on frostbite, paw irritation from deicing salts, dressing your pups for the weather, antifreeze ingestion, and more. Visit her at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic.
To wrap up, do you know the three types of bees in the hive? Or how many eggs a queen bee can lay per day? How many eyes and wings do bees have? All this and more as Peter’s bee knowledge is tested. Bonus: Did you know that mellitin is a major component of bee venom, and it acts by breaking up and killing cells? Ouch!
Animals Today February 28, 2021. Hot animal news. Protecting Orangutans and their ecosystem. Pet products industry growth. Zoology challenge.
Mar 06, 2021
Show notes
We begin with news from around the world including the laudable work of Sea Turtle, inc, which rescued thousands of cold stunned animals from the frigid waters during February’s extreme weather event, new DNA analytical methods permit noninvasive study of animals in the wild, University of Michigan freaks out due to 3 tiny spiders in library basement, risks of toxic mushrooms to dogs and people, will pets need to be vaccinated against SARS-Cov2, undercover reporting on wildlife killing contests, and more.
Then, world-renowned orangutan expert, Leif Cocks returns to tell us about a new initiative, the Sumatran Rescue Alliance. The Alliance will preserve entire ecosystems in Indonesia to encourage repopulation of wild animals and provide sanctuary for those who need it. It also will aid the Indonesian Government to curtail illegal trade of orangutans. Learn more and support this important work at Orangutan.org.
Then Lori continues with breaking pet product business news, and to close, Peter and Lori talk zoology, surprise knowledge quiz included.
Animals Today February 20, 2021. Ethical considerations of breeding dogs. Canine dental hygiene. Rapid-fire quiz.
Feb 23, 2021
Show notes
Lori begins with a detailed exploration into the ethics of dog breeding. The purebred dog industry not only creates innumerable animals with genetic defects, causing dogs to have a lifetime of medical problems and diseases, but also interferes with the adoption of healthy dogs confined in shelters by enticing people to buy from breeders instead of adopting.
Because of selective breeding (and even inbreeding) many purebred dogs develop conditions such as cancer, hip dysplasia, heart problems, epilepsy, and early onset cataracts.
Lori contends three parties are responsible for the regrettable popularity of purebreds: the American Kennel Club (AKC), the breeders and the dog buyers.
The AKC sets the standards and promotes purebred dogs as superior and preferable to mixed breed dogs despite breed specific genetic defects. Breeders and puppy mills provide an endless supply of dogs, taking little responsibility for the health problems in dogs they create, and caring not about pet overpopulation. Buyers should know better but permit the industry to mold their beliefs.
The solution is to adopt and not to buy, and to avoid supporting breeders and the AKC.
Then, February in National Pet Dental Health Month, so keep on brushing!
Poor dental health in a pet can cause other health problems so it’s important to have their teeth and gums checked at least once each year and right away if you see any problems such as bad breath; discolored, broken or loose teeth; pain when you touch their mouth or jaw; drooling or bleeding from the mouth; hesitancy to eat or a decreased appetite.
And to wrap up, Lori lays the hurt on Peter with an animal lightning round quiz. Test your skill and knowledge about all things animals, real and cartoon!
Animals Today February 6, 2021. Australian pigeon avoids death sentence. The cruelty of pigeon racing. LA’s effective and groundbreaking animal cruelty task force shut down by Chief of Police. Hippo hilarity.
Feb 16, 2021
Show notes
Lori begins with a story about a pigeon who caused a great stir in Australia when he was found by a couple there. That’s because he was wearing an identification band on his leg indicating he was from Alabama, so people presumed he had flown all the way across the pacific. This was not good news for Joe, as he was named, because it seemed that he’d evaded Australia’s strict biosecurity rules. He faced quarantine or even death. Fortunately, the ID band was determined to be a fake and so Joe was safe.
Lori continues speaking about the activity of pigeon racing, another example of animals being exploited for profit and entertainment. The specially bred birds are kept captive, and it is estimated that only 40% of those who race actually survive. And, not surprisingly, slow fliers are often killed by their owners.
Attorney Bob Ferber then returns to speak with Peter with bad news about the Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Task Force. Police Chief Michael Moore recently, and without warning, announced that this important and pioneering unit would be immediately disbanded.
The task force was created about 18 years ago by Ferber and a coalition of animal activists, after Ferber learned no one was investigating the crimes of dog fighting and cockfighting.
Neither animal control nor the LAPD was taking responsibility to respond to these brutal activities. The task force has served as a model throughout the country and, indeed, in other countries as well. Bob explains the consequences of not having the task force in LA and believes Chief Moore’s decision to end it will not sit well with citizens. Make your voice heard by writing to the Chief expressing your disapproval, and to LA Councilman Paul Koretz (the Council’s strongest animal advocate), encouraging him to push for the unit’s reinstatement.
And in recognition of National Hippopotamus Day, test your hippo smarts along with Peter.
Joe the Pigeon
Animals Today Jan 30, 2021. Aggressive squirrels in NYC. Hitchcock’s The Birds. Feline toxoplasmosis. Tainted pet food harms and kills hundreds of dogs and cats.
Feb 07, 2021
Show notes
Lori begins the show with news about some aggressive urban squirrels in Queens, NYC, who are reportedly jumping onto people and attacking them. Authorities advise against hand feeding, which probably contributed to the bold behaviors these animals are displaying. Fortunately squirrels rarely harbor rabies, and no documented case of transmission of rabies to humans has been recorded. But they have sharp teeth!
Lori continues with some interesting history from Hitchcock’s iconic film, The Birds. Numerous wild caught birds were “recruited” into service for the filming. Actress Tippi Hedren, in her screen debut, recounted the terrifying shooting of the final bird attack scene in her memoir. Stagehands hurled live ravens, doves and pigeons at her to create the illusion. Other birds were tied to Hedren’s costume, causing them to ferociously peck at her due to their terrified state. Hedren is an exemplary advocate for animals who went on to found the wild animal preserve, Shambala (now known as the Roar Foundation Shambala Preserve). It is in Acton CA, not far from Palmdale, and visitors are welcomed.
Then, Lori has a fascinating short about the use of leeches in medicine throughout the ages. Even now, medicinal leeches are used by surgeons after reattaching severed digits, to promote normal blood flow.
Veterinarian Robert Reed then returns to speak with Lori about toxoplasmosis in cats and risks to people. Cats are the only definitive host of toxoplasmosis. Robert is Medical Director of VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital.
Our next guest is attorney Bob Ferber who joins Peter to speak about the recent aflatoxin induced outbreak from tainted pet food, which has harmed and killed hundreds of dogs and cats. In these cases, meaningful legal recourse for owners is nearly impossible. Ferber also describes the opaque nature of the pet food supply chain, in which it can be hard to determine exactly what your pet is eating, even from some reputable brands.
We conclude with hot news items, including good legislative news from California on fur.
Animals Today January 17, 2021. Hot animal news. Obesity epidemic in dogs. Emotional support animals lose airline privileges. Famous dogs of film and TV.
Jan 29, 2021
Show notes
We begin with hot animal news including gorillas have tested positive for coronavirus at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, aflatoxin tainted pet food outbreak sickens and kills many pets, a nearly intact extinct woolly rhino carcass has been unearthed, and more.
Lori goes on to update us on the problem of seriously overweight and obese dogs and cats. Recent data from Association for Pet Obesity Prevention said 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were overweight or obese. Guardians have a number of tools and methods to trim down their pets, but it takes persistence! Some of these include
prescription foods, increasing exercise and social stimulation, using food puzzles for meals, watching portion sizes carefully, minimizing treats, etc.
Lori continues with a special feature about the history and recovery of the majestic American Bison.
Next is news about the Department of Transportation’s decision to ban emotional support animals from airliners. Also new is that for registered service animals, only dogs will be permitted to fly. Service animals are specifically trained to assist people with disabilities such as visual impairment, mobility limitations or a propensity to have seizures. Emotional support animals provide companionship, alleviate anxiety, etc., but do not have special training to assist their owners with specific disabilities.
Many passengers and industry officials have voiced opposition to the growing numbers of emotional service animals of various species that have been permitted to fly, which can impinge upon the rights of other passengers. Biting incidents and untimely elimination requiring clean-ups happen too often. And false claims of pets as emotional service animals seem to be common.
Lori also raises concerns about a likely consequence of this change, increased numbers of people having their animals fly with cargo, and she gives examples to show how this is very risky to the health and well-being of the animals. Also, in 2018, Delta banned pit bull type dogs from their flights, even if registered service animals, and gives no indication of changing this policy. Lori explains the many problems with breed discrimination.
Lori concludes with “tails” of famous Hollywood dogs including Rin Tin Tin, Toto from The Wizard of Oz (real name, Terry) and Lassie, (real name, Pal), Petey from Our Gang (real name, Pal the Wonder Dog) and more!
Animals Today Jan 9, 2021. New rules to limit Emotional Support Animals on planes. Hot news. Operation Baghdad pups. Know your koalas.
Jan 21, 2021
Show notes
Emotional support animals in flight
This show begins with news about the Department of Transportation’s decision to ban emotional support animals from airliners. Also new is that for registered service animals, only dogs will be permitted to fly. Service animals are specifically trained to assist people with disabilities such as visual impairment, mobility limitations or a propensity to have seizures. Emotional support animals provide companionship, alleviate anxiety, etc., but do not have special training to assist their owners with specific disabilities.
Many fliers and industry officials have voiced opposition to the growing numbers of emotional service animals of various species that have been permitted to fly, which can impinge upon the rights of other passengers. Biting incidents and untimely elimination requiring clean-ups happen too often. And, false claims of pets as emotional service animals seem to be common.
Lori also raises concerns about a likely consequence of this change, increased numbers of people having their animals fly with cargo, and she gives examples to show how this is very risky to the health and well-being of the animals. Also, in 2018, Delta banned pit bull type dogs from their flights, even if registered service animals, and gives no indication of changing this policy. Lori explains the many problems with breed discrimination.
We continue with Peta’s Ingrid Newkirk publicly criticizing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for apparently purchasing a French Bulldog instead of adopting. We also learn about some politicians who have adopted including President elect Joe Biden (2 adopted rescued German shepherds) Pete Buttigieg, John Hickenlooper and Vice President Pence.
Operation Baghdad Pups And SPCAI
Next up is Meredith Ayan, Executive Director of Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International (SPCA International). This organization supports shelters around the globe, aids disaster and relief efforts with grants, makes grants to help shelters when they take in large numbers of animals, provides veterinary supplies, and more
The main discussion between Lori and Meredith centered on Operation Baghdad Pups, a worldwide campaign to help active duty soldiers in war zones who have befriended animals, to get the dogs and cats back home to the US. Operating since 2008, almost 1100 animals have been rescued and brought home. As you might expect, the logistics are complicated and the expenses are high! But a highlight came recently when (along with partner Puppy Rescue Mission), 47 animals were flown out of war zones to New York’s JFK International Airport for new lives in safety. Bravo! Visit SPCAI.org.
Koalas
We conclude with a little pop quiz about koalas. These marsupial mammals subsist exclusively on eucalyptus leaves, and their newborns, called joeys, are less than one inch long as they enter mom’s pouch for the next stage of development.
Animals Today Jan 3, 2021. The move away from animal testing continues. Hot news. Canine cognitive dysfunction. What’s in a meow?
Jan 13, 2021
Show notes
Lori begins the show with a discussion of the myriad problems with testing of consumer products like cosmetics on animals. Despite rapid advances in technology that is capable of replacing animal testing, antiquated and cruel methods still are often employed in the US and Canada. Notably, the FDA does not require animal testing and 40 other countries no longer test on animals for cosmetic development and safety assurances.
Lori discusses the primary methods used including applying irritants to the skin and eyes of animals and force feeding chemicals to animals. The primary victims are cats, dogs, rabbits and mice. The results are often unreliable and do not always ensure human safety.
Consumers looking for products that are cruelty-free may face incomplete or deceptive information if they rely on package labels because the components of a final product may have been tested on animals but not disclosed on the label. It is best to use a resource such as the leaping bunny from Cruelty Free International. More and more product brands are dropping animal testing in large part due to consumer behavior choices.
Then, Lori shares hot news items from around the world including a new animal idiom, “one horse pony” was coined by Mr. Biden, python roundups in the Everglades, public pressure causes more sport teams to consider adopting animal mascots, bystander resuscitates baby elephant after motorcycle crash, and more.
Lori then speaks with Veterinarian Stephen Hanson, who specializes in Neurology at the Veterinary Neurology Center in Southern California. Their topic is important for many families with older dogs, dementia, or canine cognitive dysfunction.
We continue with our first attempt at grooming our long hair cat, Elton. The result was not perfect, but overall a positive experience. And then, Lori discusses the latest on cat vocalizations, and what their meows mean. And to wrap up, test your cat idiom knowledge with Peter.
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