MyNewsletterBuilder | Pets and Vets 06/2009 (Preview)

Tiger cubs are irresistible and wolves are majestic. While it may seem appealing to keep a wild animal as a pet, it's important to remember that doing so can lead to a host of problems, not to mention legal and ethical issues. Keeping wild animals as pets requires a great deal of thought, research, and preparation. In addition to the ethical and legal factors, you need to make sure you're able to provide ideal housing and diet, as well as medical care – all of which may be difficult to find.

Ethical and Animal Welfare Issues
Before you attach yourself to the idea of bringing home an exotic animal, consider the ethical issues involved, particularly those pertaining to the welfare of the animal itself. Are you able to provide the same quality of life in captivity that the animal would have in the wild? Before you move forward, carefully consider whether the animal is better off in captivity or in the wild.

Legal Issues
Research state laws pertaining to the keeping of wild animals as pets – just because you can acquire a wolf or a tiger cub doesn't mean it’s legal. Check city or county laws, as well as laws at the state/provincial and federal levels. If you break the law and are turned in or discovered, your pet will likely be taken away.

Behavioral Issues
Especially once they're physically mature, wild animals often become very difficult pets. They can be aggressive and even dangerous, simply because of their size, physical strength, and natural instincts. Animals in captivity can also become frustrated with space limitations and not being able to fully exhibit their natural proclivities.

Providing proper care for a wild animal for the duration of its lifespan can be challenging, costly, and time consuming. And what if, for whatever reason, you're no longer able to care for the animal? Finding a good home for an adult wild animal can be extremely difficult.

As you can see, taking on a wild animal as a pet is not an endeavor to be taken lightly, so take the time to do your homework before you commit.

Those pesky intestinal worms that are commonly found in cats and dogs are parasites that live in the digestive tract. The amount of damage they cause depends on the type and the number of worms. In general, the adult worms that infect dogs and cats cannot live in people, but in rare cases immature forms of these parasites can migrate through human tissue, causing inflammation and potentially serious problems.

The four common intestinal worms of dogs and cats are tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms.

Tapeworms are long, segmented white worms that embed their heads into the lining

of the digestive tract and absorb nutrients. Segments containing eggs can be found in the feces of infected cats and dogs. There are two common types of tapeworms: one has segments that resemble grains of rice, and the other looks like a flat, segmented ribbon. Pets usually contract the first type by eating fleas, so this type of infection means that a flea infestation is also likely. Pets, especially cats, can become infected with the second type of tapeworm by eating infected rodents and other prey. Many infected pets show no signs of a tapeworm infection, but vomiting and diarrhea can occur, robbing them of essential nutrients.

Roundworms are long, white worms that look like strands of spaghetti. Infections are most common in puppies and kittens (although they can be found in adults) because they are often infected directly from their mother. Adult worms live in the small intestine, where they consume nutrients and irritate the digestive tract. Coiled-up white worms can sometimes be seen in vomit or feces. Puppies and kittens infected with large numbers of worms often have trouble gaining weight and may have "potbellies" from a blocked digestive tract, as well as a dull coat.

Whipworms get their name from their long, slender bodies that are capped with a small club-like end. These worms lie coiled within the wall and lining of the large intestine. Pets become infected from eggs that are deposited with the feces. In mild infections, pets may not show any signs, but in more severe cases, pets often develop diarrhea with blood in it.

Hookworms are small parasites that chew their way into the intestinal wall, where they attach and feed on blood. Infection is often passed directly from the mother to the puppies or kittens, but pets can also become infected by eating or coming into contact with infested soil. Hookworms can't be seen in feces, but infected pets usually develop dark diarrhea that may have blood.

Most veterinarians recommend regular fecal exams to test for various intestinal parasites. Many medications are available to treat the various types of worm infections. If you think your cat or dog has worms, take a fresh fecal sample to the vet right away. Depending on where the worms are in their life cycle, more than one treatment could be necessary, so the sooner the better! Keeping your yard and litter boxes clear of feces helps limit the number of worm eggs in the environment. Flea prevention is also important in this endeavor.

Dangle the String - Cats
The simple act of dangling some string-like object above a cat never fails to provide endless entertainment for all parties involved. For a modern take on this classic kitty game, try bringing a laser pointer or a small flashlight into the equation.

Treat Treasure Hunt - Dogs
Show your dog a treat and "hide" it somewhere in plain view while he is watching. Then encourage him to find the treat - make sure you're super excited when he does, to establish positive reinforcement. Vary the hiding spots and try harder ones where he can't see it (like behind the couch). Once he gets the idea, you might be able to increase the difficulty, distance, and number of treats, until it's a true treasure hunt.

Grocery Bag Bonanza - Cats (and probably some small dogs)
Take some brown paper grocery bags (the kind without handles), or some old cardboard boxes and place them in different spots. Cats love to hide, so your kitty will be entertained for quite a while with these simple items. Incorporate toys and treats, or maybe a little catnip for a feline version of treat treasure hunt.

Tried-and-True Frisbee - Dogs
Grab a Frisbee and your dog, and head out to your yard or a local park. This is a form of entertainment that has amused both pets and pet owners for generations, not to mention its great exercise for both parties. To mix things up, try different ways of throwing the Frisbee – this will also challenge your pooch as he chases after your wayward throws!

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In This Issue:

Wild Animals as Pets

Worms in Cats and Dogs

Games to Play with Your Pet

Contact Us

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Pet Accessories

The Chic Doggie Bag - for small, "portable" doggies, find a cute tote that's comfy for both you and your pup.

The Kitty Leash - so your feline friend can enjoy the outdoors without danger of straying.

The Doggy Raincoat - Helps keep your dog from getting soaked when she has to go out in the rain. Also protects your floors and furniture from a saturating shake!

Pet Fun Facts

*An estimated 1 million dogs in the United States have been named the primary beneficiary in their owner's will.

*Cats have more than 100 vocal sounds, while dogs only have about 10.

*At the end of the Beatles' song "A Day in the Life", an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, was recorded by Paul McCartney for his Shetland sheepdog.

*A polecat is not a cat. It is a nocturnal European weasel.

*An American Animal Hospital Association poll showed that 33 percent of dog owners admit that they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave messages for them while away.

*A large majority of white cats with blue eyes are deaf. White cats with only one blue eye are deaf only in the ear closest to the blue eye.