Fleas and Travel and Bargains, Oh My! (And Cows, Too)

Summertime is here, and with it, many things to be concerned about when it comes to your pet.  With warmer weather comes an increased chance of flea infestation, even if your cat never goes outside.  Summertime also usually means time to travel, with or without your pet. Summertime also means garage and yard sales, and CatNap from the Heart is no exception.

Fleas can come inside in many ways.  Two that are most common are on your pants and socks, or riding in on your dog after he goes out for a walk.  Therefore, you should plan on checking even your indoor pets for signs of fleas. A flea comb is a good way to do this.  Just comb through the hair.  If you see live fleas, there’s no question that you need to treat it.  If you see flea dirt (looks like dirt, but if you crush it, you see red, which is the blood), you should also treat.

What should you use to treat fleas?  I’m not here to recommend any particular product, but I do want to warn you.  If you buy over the counter rather than going to your veterinarian, please check the ingredients carefully. If permethrin or pyrethroid is listed in the ingredients, be wary of using that product.  See the following information, found here:

"The Center For Public Integrity released information on its website for its Perils of the New Pesticides study in 2008. At least 1,600 pet deaths related to spot on treatments with pyrethroids were reported to the EPA over the last five years, according to an analysis of EPA pesticide incident exposure data by the center. The EPA assigns risk levels to all pesticides for their potential dangers to humans and some flea and tick products contain chemicals, specifically permethrins, that are 'likely to be carcinogenic to humans.'

The center reported that pyrethroid spot-ons also account, "For more than half of 'major' pesticide pet reactions reported to EPA over the last five years—that is, those incidents involving serious medical reactions such as brain damage, heart attacks, and violent seizures. In contrast, non-pyrethroid spot on treatments accounted for only about 6 percent of all major incidents."

The Center For Public Integrity's study said pyrethroid-based flea and tick treatments are approved for sale by the EPA, and they are readily available in powders, shampoos, dips, sprays and other forms,  but they are also linked to thousands of reported pet poisonings, and they have stirred the ire of pet owners, the concern of veterinarians, and the attention of regulatory agencies."

Summertime also means travel.  If you bring your pet, there are some very important things to remember.  First of all, make sure that your lodging is pet-friendly!  Petswelcome.com is a great place to search for pet-friendly lodging.  Always call ahead, and you will be much more likely to enjoy your trip.  If you are traveling with your pet, be sure to keep it confined while you are driving.  This means either a hard-sided carrier for a cat or small dog, or a dog crate that will fit in the back seat or in-vehicle cargo area.  If you need to replace yours, or upgrade to a larger size, CatNap from the Heart has carriers and dog crates, either new or slightly used, available at a reduced price donation to the shelter.

Finally, summer is a time for yard sales and garage sales.  On Sat., July 16, CatNap from the Heart will be holding its annual yard sale, with proceeds to benefit the shelter.  Donations have been pouring in, including some very nice furniture, electronics, skunk and giraffe collections, and more.  Stop by the shelter at 1101 Beach Ave in LaGrange Park Saturday from 9 – 3 to see what treasures you may find.

Last, but not least, July 18 is Cow Appreciation Day.  I’ve been trying to find the origin of this “holiday,” but to no avail.  All I can find out is that Chick-Fil-A has been celebrating it, on a different day, in conjunction with its logo of two cows holding a sign that says “Eat Mor Chikin.”  But, no matter what the origin, CatNap from the Heart is celebrating with the cows.  In their honor, any “cow-colored” cat or rabbit will be 50% off the regular adoption fee from 7/18 – 7/23/11. This includes white, black, black and white, brown, brown and white, or just about any color in which we can find a picture of a cow.  Mention Cow Appreciation Day at the yard sale, and we will have a small gift for you

Enjoy your summer, keep your pet safe, have fun bargain shopping, and we look forward to seeing you soon!