Dog Days of Summer

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It's that time of year again! Time for cookouts, going to the beach, swimming, playing outside, and all sorts of outdoor activities. If you are like a lot of us, your pets are included in your outdoor fun. Hot weather makes for some unique summer pet care challenges.

Unlike wild animals that are well adapted to the weather, our pets are just as susceptible to the heat as we are. In the case of my own herd of pups, they are couch potatoes who are used to lounging in the air conditioning and not at all accustomed to the heat. My guys act like I am trying to kill them when I put them out....like "Are you crazy, Mom? It's HOT out there!!!"

Can't say that I blame them!

How do we keep our babies safe during the "dog days of summer"? Here are some summertime hazards and tips to keep our pets safe during the heat of summer.

What are some common summertime hazards?

Heat Stroke:

Heat stroke (a severe form of hyperthermia) is a dangerous condition that can be fatal if not caught and treated quickly. Dogs normally regulate their temperature by panting and through the pads of their feet, but very hot and humid days make them unable to cool their bodies down. Normal body temperature for a dog is around 101 degrees. Heat stroke happens when the body loses its ability to regulate and dissipate heat, causing the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels (above 105 degrees). A body temperature above 106 degrees will cause the internal organs to start to shut down, so you can see this is a VERY serious condition.

Some dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than others. Those at higher risk include:

• Older dogs
• Overweight dogs
• Young puppies
• Dogs recovering from illness or surgery
• Short-faced breeds, such as bulldogs, boxers, pugs etc.
• Breeds with very thick coats, or those from colder climates (huskies, malamutes, etc.)

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Excessive panting
• Bright red tongue and pale gums
• Collapse
• Confusion, inability to respond
• Rapid pulse
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Thick saliva
• Coma
  
• Death

If you suspect your pet may have heatstroke, you must act quickly!

• Remove the pet from the hot area immediately! Get him to a shaded area, preferably one with good air circulation.
• Give your dog water, Pedialyte, or Gatorade to drink, but not too much all at once.
  
• Lower his body temperature with cool, wet towels, immersing him in a tub of cool water, or by running cool water over him. The prime areas to cool are his head and underbelly. Do not use very cold water or leave wet towels on him for extended periods. This can actually be counterproductive. Cooling too quickly or lowering his body temperature too much can cause other life-threatening conditions.
  
• If possible, use a rectal thermometer to check his temperature every 5 minutes or so. Once the body temperature reaches 103, you may stop the cooling procedures. Dry him thoroughly and cover him lightly to prevent him from losing too much heat.
• Even if the dog appears to be recovering well, get him to your vet promptly. Severe heat stroke can cause permanent damage to internal organs. Your vet will also check for dehydration.
  

Dehydration:

Dehydration is an excessive loss of body fluids. It can be cause by many things(vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lack of access to adequate water, and overexposure to heat). In severe cases, it can cause organ failure or death. Though necessary to keep the dog cool, the process of panting results in a rapid loss of bodily fluids, which will result in dehydration if the electrolytes (essential minerals) do not get replaced.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Lack of skin elasticity. A quick, though not completely accurate, way to check for this is to pull up on the skin on the back of your dog's neck. If it does not quickly spring back to its normal position (1 or 2 seconds), your dog may be dehydrated.
• Dry, sticky gums
• Too much or too little urination
• Sunken eyes
• Delay in capillary refill. If your dog is dehydrated, he will likely have problems with his circulatory system. To test for this, push your finger into your dogs gums until the area under your finger turns white. If the color does not quickly return to normal, this is a sign of fluid loss.
  

If you suspect you dog may be dehydrated, there are several things you can do.

• Get your pet to a cool place, just as you would for heat stroke.
  
• Give your pet cool water to drink. Pedialyte or Gatorade would be better, since they contain necessary electrolytes and are safe for dogs to drink. Be careful, though. If your dog is very dehydrated, too much water all at once will cause vomiting, which in turn will worsen fluid loss. Start with small amounts. A few sips every few minutes should be safe.
  
• If the dog is vomiting the water, try giving him ice cubes to lick, at least until he recovers a little and is able to keep water down. I have used ice cubes made from fozen Pedialyte, or even corn syrup and water, for sick dogs that could not drink. The key is to get fluids into him, however you can.
  
• Even if your pet seems to have recovered, a trip to the vet is a good idea to make sure there is no permanent damage, or some underlying cause for the dehydration beyond heat exposure.
• If your dog refuses to drink for any length of time, get him to the vet immediately!

Sunburn:

Yes, you read that right. Dogs can get sunburned. Short-haired dogs, dogs with pink skin and white coats...not to mention hairless breeds....are at risk for sunburn. Talk to your vet to find out which sunscreens would be safe for pets. According to the ASPCA, ingesting certain sunscreen ingredients can cause drooling, vomiting, excessive thirst, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets.

Burned pads:

Walking barefoot across hot asphalt can be an unpleasant experience for any of us. Your pet is no different. Asphalt on sidewalks and streets can heat to a temperature that can burn a dog's paws. Place your hand, palm side down, on the asphalt. If you cannot hold your hand there for at least 30 seconds without it burning, it is too hot for your dog to walk on.

What can you do to ensure a safe and fun summer for your pet? Here are some safety tips:

• NEVER leave your dog in direct sunlight without access to shade and water.
• NEVER leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, even if the temperature outside is only in the upper 70s...even if it's only for a short time....and even if you are parked in the shade. A study from Stanford University shows that even on comparatively cool days, such as 72 degrees, a car's internal temperature will rocket to 116 degrees within 60 minutes. Keeping the windows open a crack hardly slows this rise at all.
  
• I will repeat this one....NEVER leave your dog unattended in a closed car, even if you don't think it's that hot. Hundreds of animals die every year from being left in a vehicle that has basically been turned into a oven. Not only is it tragic for your pet, but you may be facing animal cruelty charges if it happens.
• Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your dog to drink.
  
• Avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on extremely hot days, and refrain from any outside play time during the hottest part of the day.
  
• Use sunscreen as part of your daily routine if your dog is at risk and plays in the sun a lot. Ears and nose are the most susceptible areas.
  
• Avoid walking your dog on very hot pavement to prevent burns to his foot pads.
  
• If at all possible, bring your pet inside. Animals should not be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the afternoon, and pets can become ill quickly if they overheat, so keep them inside as much as possible. If you must leave your pet in the back yard, keep a close eye on him and bring him in when you can.
  

Summer safety for pets isn't difficult, but it does require some thought and attention. Watch over your pet just as you would a small child. Protect them from too much heat, sun, and other dangers, and you can enjoy a safe and fun summer with your pets.

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I'm still here

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I have to apologize for not posting anything recently. Due to several issues, including some health issues of my own and a serious family illness, I simply haven't had the time or energy to research new articles. For the time being, I will post some things I find that I think might be helpful. I hope to get back to writing new articles soon.

If anyone has suggestions for something they'd like to see me write about or research, feel free to comment and let me know.

Thanks for your patience, and thanks for reading.

Terri

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How do I know my dog is fat? And what do I do about it?

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Obesity is one of the biggest health issues facing our pets these days.It can cause a myriad of problems and lead to a shorter lifespan.

We recently discussed the obesity epidemic and the related health issues that can affect your pet. Just as in people, being obese is not just unsightly and uncomfortable, it can be down right deadly.

But…how you do determine if your pet is overweight in the first place? Sometimes it may be totally obvious, but in some breeds with thick, stocky builds or with dense, long hair coats, it may be difficult to tell.

Start by feeling your dog with your hands. There are three particular areas to check-

• Rib Check: Place both of your thumbs on your dog's backbone and spread both hands across his rib cage. The ribs should be easy to feel without excessive fat covering.
• Profile Check: Examine your dog's profile – it’s best if you are level with the dog. Look for the abdomen to be tucked up behind the rib cage.
• Overhead Check: Looking at your dog from overhead, see if you can see a waist behind the ribs. Most dogs at a healthy weight should have an hourglass figure.

If the ribs are difficult to feel, the belly has minimal or no tuck when viewed from the side, and there is no visible waist in front of hips when viewed from above (or felt, if the coat is dense)…your dog is most likely overweight.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention site has another great chart on pet body condition.

Okay, my dog is fat. Now what?

Losing weight is not easy for anyone, people or pets. The benefits, however, are more than worth the effort. It can not only add years to their life, but make those years healthier and happier.

The formula for weight loss seems simple enough – fewer calories in plus more calories out = weight loss. Basically that is true, but it isn’t quite that simple. Never undertake a diet plan for your pet without first having a thorough checkup from your vet. There are a number of health conditions that can cause weight gain (hypothyroid, Cushings, etc.), so those should be eliminated before your pet is put on a weight loss regime. Too many dogs start a diet and do not lose weight because the problem was actually an underlying condition or disease. My mother used to have a poodle who had thinning hair and had the build of the Good Year Blimp. Diet food did not help. A veterinary exam discovered that he had hypothyroidism and, once treated for that, the weight came off and his hair grew back.

If there are no underlying health issues, then we have to turn our attention to what our dog eats. All dog foods are not created equal, as we have discussed at length over the last couple years. It is important to check the fat and fiber contents of the food he is eating. Also, foods that are cereal based (having grains as the primary ingredients) are heavy on carbs, which in turn convert to sugar, and a dog that is not very active will pack on the pounds this way. You would be better off with a higher, lean protein, lower fat, and slightly above-average fiber content.

Some so-called “diet foods”, especially the prescription diets that vets tend to push, have very high fiber and very low fat contents. This may sound good, but the fiber tends to be from cheap fillers (peanut hulls, wheat middlings, soybean hulls, etc). These will help your dog lose weight, no doubt, but they do so by making the dog feel full while taking in fewer nutrients and having it all pass through the system rather quickly. My cairn terrier was put on a prescription diet food years ago. She did lose weight, but also her hair got dull and dry, and her allergies got worse. She was not getting the quality nutrients her body needed. I switched to a premium food with a higher level of lean protein, no junk fillers, and a reasonable fat level…and she did just fine. She didn’t lose weight quite as quickly, but she did so at a much healthier level for her body.

There are two basic ways to cut down on calories. One is to feed less of the food the dog is currently eating. The second is to switch to special weight reduction diets. And of course, with either way, table scraps are a no-no and treats need to be minimized.

Reduce the amount of their current food: If your dog will continue eating her current food, it is generally recommended that the amount of food fed daily be cut back by 20 to 40%. For example, if your dog is normally fed 3 cups of dry food, she should now be fed in the range of a little less than 2 cups to 2-1/2 cups. After 3-4 weeks, the progress is evaluated. It may be necessary to cut the amount fed even further. The drawback to this is that your dog may act hungry all the time.

Feed a weight reduction diet: Weight reduction diets allow you to feed the usual amount of food (unless you are severely overfeeding), but still feed less fat and calories. For example, if your dog is normally fed 3 cups of dry food, the recommended amount of diet food will probably be about 3 cups also.

With either method , feed the dog three or four small meals instead of one or two larger meals. This will jump-start the dog's metabolism, helping with dog weight loss. Also feed your overweight dog separately from the other pets to prevent him from eating their food.

Adding canned pumpkin to the dog's meals is a great way to add fiber to the dog's diet, without adding lots of calories. Most dogs love the taste.

There are several websites where you can calculate the calories that your dog needs. Once your vet determines what their ideal weight should be, you can figure up how much to feed of a particular food based on the calculated resting energy requirements. Here are a few sites that can assist with that:

• The Dog Food Advisor – Dog Food Calculator
• Dog Daily Calorie Calculator
• Pet Obesity Prevention – Pet Caloric Needs

Many people will insist they do not feed their pets too much, and that may be true. One thing pet owners need to be understand is the impact of treats on their pet’s weight. According to Dr. Ernie Ward, President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, “treats continue to be the main culprit for excess weight. Today’s treats are so loaded with sugar and fat I call them ‘kibble crack’”. He equates that a premium pig ear given to a 40 lb dog to drinking six, 12 oz colas. “No one would sit down and drink six sodas at one time, yet that’s exactly what we’re doing when we give our pets these snacks.” He says that even a single, small dog bone treat given to a 10 lb dog is like an average person eating two chocolate donuts. Giving a few each day is like feeding them a dozen donuts.

Dr. Ward has a great link showing the calorie content of many popular pet treats and snacks. You may be surprised!

What are some alternative treats to offer your pudgy pup?

Baby carrots, apple slices, broccoli, celery, plain air-popped popcorn, dried plain chicken jerky. Some dogs love veggies, others won’t touch them. There are also commercial low-fat pet treats available.

Exercise is another crucial part of your pet’s weight loss regime. The simplest way to keep your dog fit is to walk it daily for a total of 30 minutes (it isn’t bad for us humans, either). Most dogs will not walk at much more than a leisurely pace, so you’ll have to kick it up a notch. Keep the walks fun for your dog. Make the “outbound” half of the walk the workout part, and allow him to explore, sniff, and relax on the return trip. If walking outside is not an option, throwing a toy and having your dog chase it up and down the hall or through the house will suffice.

Most dogs can achieve their ideal weight within 6 to 8 months or so.Try to maintain a weight loss of approximately 3-5% of body weight per month. Keep a record of weekly weight loss to see if the diet needs to be adjusted, and once your pet is feeling a bit perkier, gradually increase the level of exercise if you can.

Once the weight is lost, the last thing we want is for the dog to regain it. To be sure that does not happen, continue weighing your dog as you gradually increase food intake. You can either feed more of the weight reduction diet or change to a diet that is less restrictive. Do not start feeding free choice (the bowl of food is always there). If weight is regained consistently for 2 weeks, or more than 3% of weight is regained in one week, go back on the diet program. Remember, exercise needs to continue after the weight is lost or pounds will start to accumulate again.

As stated in the beginning, losing weight is never easy for man nor beast. Can it be done? Sure! My matriarch female golden, Bailey, used to weigh a hefty 137 pounds. She now weighs 91.5. She’s still a big dog, but a weight loss of 45 pounds has changed her. At age 11, she runs and plays more now than she ever did.

After reading this, I think I need to buy a bag of reduced calorie dog food for myself and take my own advice!!!

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I’m Not Fat….I’m Fluffy! Portly Pups and Corpulent Cats

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One of the world’s fastest growing health threats is not a virus or a bacterium. Even though it is not contagious, it is spreading rapidly. It has spread to all countries, from the developed to the poor. It is devastating the public health of the population and adding millions of dollars in health care costs. It has become so common that in 1997 the World Health Organization (WHO) formally recognized it as a global epidemic. The epidemic has even spread to our pets, and has become just as serious a threat to their health and lifespan as it is to ours.

What is this growing health crisis? Obesity.

Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual's ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with increased risk of illness, disability, and death.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), over 45% of dogs and 58% of cats are estimated to be overweight or obese. “Pet obesity is now the biggest health threat to pets in the US,” states lead researcher Dr. Ernie Ward. “The costs of obesity in illness and injury make it the number one medical issue seen in today’s veterinary hospitals.”

People no longer seem to have a concept that their pets are overweight. In our “super-size” society, pets that would have been considered overweight 20 years ago are today seen by their owners as normal, in part because we are surrounded by so many overweight pets. Veterinarians often have to tread lightly when approaching the subject with the owners of pudgy pets. Larry Kornegay, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, who has a private practice in Houston, says he sees an overweight pet nearly every day, and usually the owner is overweight as well. “I talk about their pet’s health. Still, some clients take it personally.”

Veterinarian Bernadine Cruz of Laguna Woods, CA, states “We have a skewed notion of what’s really overweight, because we supersize everything.” Cruz says pets are often in her office in the first place because of symptoms they are having, and it turns out that being overweight has worsened their conditions.

So, just what is “overweight” in regards to our pets?

To put it in perspective, let’s compare their weight proportionally to a human’s. According to APOP, if a Yorkshire terrier weighs 12 lbs, it is equivalent to a woman of average height weighing 223 lbs. A 14 lb cat is equivalent to a 237 lb man. Increase the cat’s weight to 20 lbs, and it is equal to the same man weighing 300 lbs. Each pound on a cat is equal to between 13-15 lbs on a person.

Other than the numbers on the scale, how can you tell if your pet is overweight? There are a number of ways to check. Some of the more obvious signs are:

• Difficulty feeling ribs under the fat layer on your pet’s sides
• Sagging stomach – you can grab a handful of fat
• Broad, flat back
• No visible waist when viewed from above
• Roll of fat on the neck or over the tail

How does obesity affect a pet’s health and life span?

Just as in people, obesity can cause a number of serious health conditions. Overweight pets are likely to have a shortened life span. Obesity-related disorders not only cause pets needless suffering and discomfort, they also cost pet owners tens of millions of dollars each year.

There is a laundry list of potential health issues related to obesity. Some of the most common are:

• Osteoarthritis – arthritis related to excess weight can occur in both dogs and cats. This is a painful condition made worse by excess wear and tear on the joints.
• Diabetes or Insulin Resistance: overweight pets often develop problems with blood sugar regulation. Diabetes itself causes a number of issues, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, vision problems, and more.
• High Blood Pressure: excess fat tissue secretes hormones that cause the heart to pump harder and blood vessels to constrict.
• Respiratory disorders: many overweight pets , especially short-faced breeds, can develop serious breathing problems if they are obese.
• Heart Disease: the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body.
• Cancer: obesity has been shown to increase the chances of many forms of cancer.

Other issues can occur as well. Putting an obese pet under anesthetic can be tricky. There are also behavioral issues that may result. An arthritic dog may snap at a child who accidentally pushes him over , or a cat that can barely fit inside his litter box may decide to use the carpet instead. Either of these things could lead to a pet being given up to a shelter.

Okay, so you have determined that your pet is not just fluffy….he or she is FAT. How did they get that way, and what do we do about it?

Next time we will look at causes of obesity, and changes to diet and lifestyle to help your pet be fit and healthy again.

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10 Dog Foods that May Lead to Cancer

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10 Dog Foods that May Lead to Cancer

According to Dr. Carol, one out of every five pets is affected with cancer. In fact, she reports on an 80% increase in breast or mammary cancer and a 100% increase in prostate cancer. She attributes this to ineffective cancer treatments and lack of prevention of cancer.

According to Colorado State University, as many as 50% of pets die of cancer, making it a leading cause of pet death. With loads to worry about and treatments being insanely expensive, what can you do now to help prevent cancer in the future? Below, we have gathered ten dog foods that may lead to cancer to keep off of your next shopping trip. Many of these foods have also been known to cause illness in humans and are also a good choice to stay away from in all pet and people foods.

1. Maple Syrup
Found in only one percent of dog food, this may not be a leading cause of cancer but it does feed cancer according to Natural News. The sugar found in it can also cause weight gain, arthritis, hyperactivity, and others. However, this blog entry does get top spots for being part of “Pet Food Ingredients Revealed!” Other shocking entries and cancer causing agents are revealed. Free to read online, you can check out ingredients listed from best to worst, used with the most frequency, and alphabetically.

2. BHT/BHA and Ethoxyquin
These are preservatives that are often used in pet foods to preserve fats and stabilize the entire product. Developed in 1950, Ethoxyquin has actually been shown to have similar properties to Agent Orange, a poison used during the Vietnam War. Humans who were working with it in the rubber industry reported a dramatic rise in such diseases as cancerous skin lesions, loss of hair, blindness, leukemia, fetal abnormalities, and chronic diarrhea. In animals, it has been linked to immune deficiency syndrome, spleen, stomach and liver cancer, along with the same diseases in humans.

3. Cancer Tissue
You read that correctly. According to Precious Pets, animals that have cancer often find themselves becoming part of the pet food industry. With different standards for pet food, many cows, chickens, and other farm animals that are diseased – possibly even with cancer – find themselves becoming part of the pet food chain. Tina Perry has much more on a behind the scenes look at commercial pet food.

4. Genetically Modified Organisms
Also bad for people, genetically engineered food can be bad for dogs. They are often used to accelerate the growth of many crops, including corn, which can find their way into dog food. It is far more difficult to trace these GMO’s in dog food, but there is this entry from Yesterday and Tomorrow. It lists the dangers of genetic engineering and even lists foods that are good for pets.

5. Aflatoxin
This substance is so toxic it actually gets recalled, although not in every state. The toxic chemical is a by-product made by certain types of mold. Although it cannot be read off pet foods that include ingredients on the package, ABC does include a list of recalled foods that recently occurred in seventeen states. Brand names included Pet Pride, Old Yeller, and Kroger Value.

6. Blue 1 and Blue 2
These artificial colorings are used in candy, beverages, and baked goods. They have also been found in pet food and have been known to cause brain tumors in mice, according to Six Wise. You can also view the entire list of 12 dangerous food additives that are bad for both people and pets.

7. Gluten
Did you know that certain people can be allergic to wheat? Keeping in the tradition of what is bad for people is bad for pets, certain dogs can also be allergic to it, leading to a host of unexplained symptoms. While no link to cancer has been drawn, if your pet is having trouble with their diets, gluten may be the reason. Check out this article from Doctor J, an expert in gluten sensitivity in both people and pets.

8. Glyphosate
A current popular agricultural pesticide is known as Roundup. One of its active ingredients is glyphosate, which is highly toxic. Dr. Carol is a holistic veterinarian and warns of the dangers of this pesticide in pet and people foods. DNA damage and permanent mutations are a concern of the veterinarian. She also includes loads of cancer preventing tips for animals which include diet, exercise, vaccinations, spaying, and visiting the vet.

9. Fluoride
That stuff that is supposed to be good for fighting cavities can actually be harmful to pets. The Pet Examiner reported on a study done by the Environmental Working Group on popular dog foods. They found that all the brands of dog food tested all were found to contain bone meal and animal byproducts. It is believed that these ingredients are the source of fluoride contamination. Excessive fluoride can lead to weakened bones and teeth and even cancer.

10. Grains
The Dog Cancer Diet is a site that specializes in help treating diagnosed pets with the best in nutrition. In this section, they recommend that dogs and pets stay away from grains. They did not evolve on grains – which include rice, wheat, and corn – and should not be treated as such. They recommend that owners look for the primary ingredient to be meat. While grains are allowed, they should be farther down the list.

If looking for more on pets and disease, there is more to be found than the above ten dog foods that may lead to cancer. Another good source of cancer information is the Animal Cancer Center. Part of Colorado State University, they are researching and investigating into cancer in animals. Visit to learn more, get treatment options, and even read information about clinical trials.

If looking to avoid the entire host of pet food perils, there are loads of resources on the internet for making your own. Both Allrecipes and Dogtime include loads of homemade recipes for pets, some of which can actually be made on both the cheap and healthy.

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A letter to your pets

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Pet lovers will understand!

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats:

• The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food.

• Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
  

• The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

• I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however.

• Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

• For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door.I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.
  

• The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt.I cannot stress this enough.
  

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND
LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

• They live here. You don't.
• If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
• I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
• To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

• eat less,
• don't ask for money all the time,
• are easier to train,
• normally come when called,
• never ask to drive the car,
• don't smoke or drink,
• don't want to wear your clothes,
• don't have to buy the latest fashions,
• don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
• if they get pregnant, you can sell their children

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