NEWSLETTER

SPRING 2006

OPEN HOUSE

MAY 7^TH

May 7 – 13 marks the 91^st “Be Kind to Animals Week.”   This event was created in 1915 as a way to honor pets and the special bond humans share with companion animals.  In partnership with the American Humane Association, animal organizations and shelters across the country will mark the occasion with special events.

New Hope Animal Hospital celebrates our love of animals during this week with our 7^th annual Open House on Sunday, May 7^th from 1-3 p.m. Educational and fun displays will be featured from the reception area through the examination rooms, laboratory, radiology room, and surgery suite. Treats for your pets and you, door prizes and goody bags for all await our guests.  Our American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team ‘New Hope for a Cure’ will again have their gourmet dog treats on sale and a Silent Auction! Join us on May 7^th for education, fun and freebies and to celebrate our love and appreciation of our pets!  

 Removing triggers can help kitty avoid an asthma attack       

Does your kitty wheeze or have a dry, hacking cough? If so, she may have feline asthma due to inhaled allergens such as grass and tree pollens, cigarette or fireplace smoke, sprays (hair sprays, deodorants, flea sprays, deodorizers), and dust from cat litter.

In asthma, excess mucus forms and the airways swell causing the airway muscles to spasm and constrict. The airway constriction leads to coughing, wheezing, inability to draw a deep breath, and intolerance to exercise. While the coughing and wheezing occurs separate­ly and occasionally in most cats, in some, the signs - open-mouth breathing, panting, and airway constriction - occur daily. Any of these signs can become life-threatening.

Fortunately, feline asthma is highly treatable with oral medications and inhalation therapy. While medications and therapies are important, it also helps to know your asthmatic cat's triggers and eliminate them, if possible.

Top 10 reasons for cats in shelters   

The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy promotes responsible stewardship of companion animals. As part of its research, the council identified the following reasons why people relinquish their cats to shelters in the United States:

1. Too many in house                                   2. Allergies

3. Moving                                                       4. Cost of pet maintenance

5. Landlord issues                                        6. No homes for littermates

7. House soiling                                             8. Personal problems

9. Inadequate facilities                                10. Doesn't get along with other pets

                     Fabric Chewing and Sucking