The Beagle Freedom Project

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Did you know that today, across the United States, there are nearly 65,000 dogs (most of them beagles) sitting in cages being used to test cosmetics, pharmaceutical drugs, household products, and academic curiosities with little to no hope of getting out alive.  These tests are often very painful, and frequently result in the death of the dog.

Did you know that over 95% of the dogs in lab testing are beagles, one of the top 5 most popular family dog breeds in America? Beagles are popular with families because of their sweet and docile nature. Sadly, it is these same qualities that make research facilities consider them to be ideal test subjects.

Beagles are the most popular breed for lab use because of their friendly, docile, trusting, forgiving, people-pleasing personalities. The research industry says they adapt well to living in a cage, and are inexpensive to feed. Research beagles are usually obtained directly from commercial breeders who specifically breed dogs to sell to scientific institutions.

If you knew how many of the products you use every day are tested on animals, you would be shocked.  Testing done on beagles in university and other research facilities includes medical/pharmaceutical, household products and cosmetics.

 The Beagle Freedom Project is a mission to rescue beagles used in animal experimentation in research laboratories and give them a chance at life in a loving forever home.

 When they are no longer wanted for research purposes, some labs attempt to find homes for adoptable, healthy beagles. Working directly with these labs, Beagle Freedom Project is able to remove and transport beagles to place them in loving homes. All rescues are done legally with the cooperation of the facility. Find out here how to foster or adopt one of these rescued dogs.

Anyone interested in fostering or adopting a lab beagle should be aware of the challenges these dogs have. They will not be accustomed to life in a home and will not have experience with children, cats, or other dogs. They will not be house-trained and accidents will happen, although they learn quickly. Many have gone directly from a commercial breeder to the lab, and have never felt grass under their feet or even seen the sun. They will have been fed a special diet formulated for lab animals and may be difficult to adjust to new foods. They will be unfamiliar with treats, toys, bedding and may never have walked on a leash. They will have lived in cages with steel wire floors and may have inflamed or infected paws from the pressure. They may be fearful of people initially and may have phobias from a lifetime in confinement or from being restrained. They are likely to have been surgically de-barked by the breeder and have an ID number tattooed in their ear. Please also be aware that although these beagles are considered healthy, you will be given very little information about the beagle’s medical history, and you will not be told its origins or what kind of testing they may have been used for.

With time, patience, play, companionship, love – and most of all, freedom – these dogs will learn how to become dogs, and their transformation will be amazing.

The hope is that they can encourage more research labs to release animals and give them a chance at life, instead of destroying adoptable pets.

There are many things you can do to get involved.
The link above gives a list of ways to participate in the project.  

One very important thing you can do is sign the Beagle Freedom Bill.

Beagle Freedom Project’s important legislative push to enact laws that would ensure research facilities can give dogs used in laboratory testing a chance at a life after research.

Finally, follow the Beagle Freedom Project on social media and share, share, share!

                                               

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Risky Mistakes Pet Owners Make

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Letting Your Dog Walk You

A poorly trained dog can pull you over while you’re out for a stroll. According to the CDC, tens of thousands of people end up in the ER every year because of pet-related falls. Many of these falls occur during walks -- either when a person trips over a dog or is pulled or pushed by one. Experts say obedience training is the best way to make sure your pooch doesn’t take you down during the morning walk.

Overlooking Ticks

After a walk in the woods, you check yourself for ticks, right? Don't forget about your dog. Tick bites put your dog at risk for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and a handful of other diseases. They can also cause serious illnesses in cats. If your pet has infected ticks, this puts the rest of the family at risk. If you find a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers, being careful to get all of the head and not to crush it. Ask the vet about tick control.

Ignoring Ringworm

If your pet has a round bald patch, ringworm could be to blame. Leave this fungus untreated, and you're putting your family at risk. People can get ringworm from dogs or cats by touching their skin or fur. Ringworm usually causes a reddish, ring-shaped rash on the skin or bald spots if it infects the scalp. If your pet has hair loss, take him to your vet to see if it could be ringworm.

Not Bothering to Deworm

Roundworms are common parasites in both dogs and cats. They cause diarrhea and vomiting and may lead to serious illness. But many people don't realize these worms are a threat to humans, too. An infected pet can contaminate soil or sand with tiny eggs. Kids may ingest the eggs by putting dirty fingers in their mouths. When the worms hatch inside people, they can cause blindness and other tissue damage. Ask your vet about regular deworming.

Skipping Flea Medicine

Skip your pets' flea medicine, and they aren't the only ones who will pay the price. Fleas will quickly set up shop on untreated pets, particularly in summer and fall, and fill your house with their eggs and young. Some people wind up covered in itchy sores.  Fleas can also transmit serious diseases to people including bubonic plague.  Ask your vet about long term flea medication and put a routine reminder on your calendar.

Not Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

Millions of cats and dogs live on the street or end up euthanized because of unwanted litters. Still, many people are reluctant to spay or neuter their pets. The fact is, spaying and neutering is a healthy choice for your pet. It reduces the risk of breast cancer in females and testicular cancer in males. Neutered males are also less likely to run away from home, mark their territory, or exhibit aggressive behaviors.

Keeping the Food Bowl Full

With the best intentions, some people keep their pets' food bowls full at all times. This is one of the most common mistakes pet owners make. The problem is that cats and dogs often eat more than they need. If food is constantly available, they will take in too many calories and put on too much weight. To avoid this, follow the suggestions on the pet food label or ask your vet for guidance.

Providing Too Little Exercise

Just like people, pets need exercise to stay healthy. Couch potato pets are prone to obesity, which raises their risk of respiratory problems and joint problems. The right amount of exercise for a dog depends on the breed and size, but vets recommend at least a half-hour each day. Taking brisk walks with your dog can help you get in shape, too.

Misreading Body Language

Sure, you love your dog. But do you really understand him? If you think a wagging tail is always a good sign, you could be in for a nasty surprise. When a dog wants to threaten someone, he may hold his tail high and wave it stiffly back and forth. Mistake this warning for a sign of playfulness and you could get bitten. To avoid misunderstandings, learn about your pet's body language.

Providing Too Little Attention

Just like children, your pets will get bored if you don't play with them. And boredom can lead to troublesome behaviors like chewing, digging, barking, and whining. Bored cats may resort to scratching and excessive meowing. Fight boredom by hiding treats for your pets to find around the house. Provide toys your cat can chase. Teach dogs to play fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek.

Not Socializing Young Pets

It's important to provide puppies and kittens with positive human interaction during their first seven weeks of life. This includes handling and play that fosters trust in people. Reputable breeders will begin this interaction, and you can continue the process when you bring your pet home. To develop a strong bond, play with your new puppy or kitten every day.

Leaving a Dog Alone Too Long

Spending 8-10 hours alone in a crate, tiny laundry closet, or even outdoors is too much for most dogs. It can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors including chewing, soiling, digging, and nonstop barking or howling -- even depression in a timid dog. Better choices are doggie day care, a mid-day visit from a pet sitter, or a canine companion. Adult dogs can go 4-5 hours in a crate but need exercise before and after.

Setting No Rules

Some people expect their pets to know right from wrong without being told. But human etiquette does not come naturally to dogs and cats. You need to make it clear that jumping up on people, scratching the furniture, and peeing on the carpet are unacceptable. Be consistent about the house rules, and reward your pets for good behavior. If you need guidance, consult a trainer promptly. 

Scolding Pets for "Accidents"

If you come home to find a puddle of pee on the floor, you may have the urge to yell at your pet. But animal behavior experts say this will do no good at all. The transgression took place in the past, and your dog or cat won't know why you are yelling. A better strategy is to praise your pets immediately when they do their business where they are supposed to.

Leaving Young Kids Unsupervised

Most children adore animals, but sometimes their enthusiasm can lead to someone getting hurt. Young kids may play too rough, pushing a dog or cat to strike out in self-defense. Be sure to supervise play time when a new pet joins the family. Set rules for how children should treat the pet and teach them to recognize the signs that a dog or cat wants to be left alone.

Letting Dogs Eat Spoiled Food

Your dog may be tempted to rifle through the neighbor's garbage in search of a treat, but don't let her! Food gone bad is no healthier for pets than it is for people. Dogs who eat garbage are at risk for bacterial food poisoning or irritation of the pancreas. Spoiled food may also contain toxic mold, which can cause vomiting, severe tremors, seizures, and death.  

Giving Bones to Dogs

We may think of bones as a wonderful treat for dogs, but the FDA paints a different picture. The agency warns that chewing on bones can injure the teeth, tongue, or mouth. Bones can also get stuck in the digestive tract, where they will have to be removed with surgery or an endoscope. If your dog likes to chew, ask your vet about safer alternatives.

Feeding Dogs Table Scraps

It can be hard to resist a dog that's begging at the table. You look into those big eyes and want to share your food with your pet. But rewarding your dog's barks or whines will only encourage more begging in the future. And then you can forget about quiet dinners with your family. If you want to share table scraps as an occasional treat, do it away from the table -- and use the food as a reward for good behavior. Also, some human foods can be toxic to pets.

Having No Disaster Plan

If an emergency forces you to evacuate your home, what will you do with your pets? Leaving them behind is not an option if your community is threatened by fire, flooding, or hurricane-force winds. And not all Red Cross shelters allow you to bring your pets. It's best to identify pet-friendly shelters and motels ahead of time, so you can keep your pets with you during an emergency.


Information from WebMD Pets
Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on October 03, 2014 

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Pet Vaccinations: Understanding Vaccinations for Your Cat or Dog

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By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Pet Health Feature

Many pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by vaccinations. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions.

Because reports and rumors of side effects have become so widespread, pet owners increasingly are asking their vets about whether or not to vaccinate. Andy Smith, DVM, a long-time Atlanta veterinarian, says he has “this conversation with a client twice a week. It’s clear there’s a lot of confusion and concern.” So WebMD went to some top veterinary experts to find answers you can use in sorting out your own concerns.

Why do pets need vaccines?

Vaccines protect against contagious, potentially fatal diseases, says Margret Casal, DMV, PhD. Casal is associate professor of medical genetics at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Vaccines trigger immune responses, she says, and prepare pets to fight future infections.

Casal tells WebMD that vaccines have saved millions of pet lives. And even though some once common diseases are now rare, she says veterinary groups agree that many vaccines are still necessary.

Is there a vaccination controversy?

Yes, says Andrea Looney, DVM, of Cornell University. Some experts advocate yearly shots, others every three years, and a few believe no more vaccines are needed after the first year. 

Looney says it’s similar to controversies over human vaccines. “There’s a lot of talk,” she says, “but no evidence [of widespread harm].”

Casal says fears sparked by this “over vaccination” controversy have led many pet owners to skip shots for preventable diseases, causing an alarming rise in pet deaths.

So should all dogs and cats still be vaccinated?

“Absolutely,” says Ronald Schultz, DVM, a pioneer in clinical immunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. But Schulz is also very much in agreement with those who say pets are being over vaccinated, calling it a “serious problem.” Often, he says, pets are vaccinated by vets who just want to keep clients coming in. But too many vaccines, especially when given in “combo shots,” can “assault” immune systems. 

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Eating Grass....why does my dog graze?

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Dogs do a lot of things that we don’t really understand, one of which is eating grass. Why do dogs eat grass?

Firstly, dogs eating grass is actually very common. Wild dogs as well as domestic dogs will eat vegetation sometimes. One study showed that approximately 75% of dogs had eaten grass or plants at some time…grass being the most commonly eaten plant.

Okay, so my dog’s behavior is not unusual. But WHY do they eat grass?

There many theories as to why dogs eat grass.

It may be nothing more than a natural behavior. Dogs are, in a certain sense, omnivores. Before being domesticated, dogs ate whatever they could hunt or scavenge. They would eat whole prey animals, including meat, bones, organs, and the content of the stomachs, which more often that not included plant material. This provided a balance diet for the dog. Wild dogs still eat vegetation in addition to prey items.

Sometimes dogs eat grass as a means to make themselves throw up. Perhaps the dog has an upset stomach, or even something such as acid reflux, making them uncomfortable. Vomiting often makes them feel better. Most often the dog will not act sick, so it is hard to know why they are doing it. The majority of dogs that eat grass, however, do not throw up. In fact, studies show that only about 25% of dogs that eat grass vomit regularly after doing so. One interesting study reveals that the way dogs eat grass makes a difference. Dogs that eat grass slowly and chew it rarely get sick. Dogs that eat grass rapidly and swallow it without chewing almost always throw up. Whether this is on purpose or not is not know for sure, but it certainly seems to be deliberate on the dog’s part.

One of the beagles I have now will sometimes run out into the yard, quickly gobble down a few mouthfuls of grass, and promptly throw it up. Once he does that, he seems fine and eats his meal with no problem.

Another theory is that dogs eat grass as means to improve digestion by adding fiber to their diet. Grass can also provide some nutrients that may be missing from some commercial diets.

Other theories include grass eating from boredom, or a condition called Pica, which is a compulsion to eat items that are not edible. If your dog exhibits anxiety before eating grass, it may be the result of a psychological condition. A vet should be consulted to determine if there is a medical condition underlying the anxiety. There are ways to treat anxiety with either medication or behavioral training.

Lastly, dogs may eat grass simply because they enjoy it. Just as humans eat some foods simply because they enjoy the taste and/or texture, dogs may be doing exactly the same thing. If this is the case, the dog will rarely ever vomit. I once had a terrier that would graze like a cow, happily munching on grass and leaves to her heart’s content. Never once did it make her sick. She simply liked it.

Should grass eating be something to worry about?

The general consensus is that grass eating is not anything to be concerned about. If your dog eats grass and throws up often, it is best to let a vet determine if there are health issues behind the behavior. If you have a grazer like my terrier, there is no reason to interfere with their grass eating, but keeping an eye on them is always a good idea.

There are instances where grass eating should be avoided. Often lawns are treated with chemicals. Herbicides and pesticides  used on lawns are quite toxic, especially if ingested. The dog may ingest the chemicals by eating the grass, or by licking their paws after walking on treated grass. Treated areas should be avoided at all cost. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can help if you think your dog has ingested these chemicals. They also have a list of toxic plants that your dog should never eat.

If your dog is eating grass, carefully monitor its behavior and seek veterinary advice if there seems to be health or behavioral issues. Keep your dog away from treated areas, and keep an eye on the types of plants they are eating.

More often than not, your dog is just doing something dogs have always done. In most cases, there is nothing to be concerned about.

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Warning about dangerous cocoa mulch!!

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Warning about cocoa mulch!!!!

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Ask the Vet: Pet First-Aid

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Ask the Vet: Pet First-Aid

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