Delaware Humane Association WDEL loves pets! That's why we've partnered with the Delaware Humane Association to bring you the Pet Page. Each week, we'll show you a cat and a dog from the Delaware Humane Association who need good homes. You can also get answers to your pet health questions in our new Ask the Vet feature, plus useful information for any animal lover in our Tip of the Month section.

Pets of the week for August 21, 2008

Huddy Ledbetter

I am a very sweet, friendly pit bull mix looking for a new forever home. I was adopted and returned because my owner could not handle my energy level. I should be the only dog in the household, I need lots of love and attention.

Poe

Hi my name is Poe, my littermates are Edgar and Alan. Yup we are all black like a raven. Please stop down and meet us.

Last Week's Pets: Mickey and Alley Cat are both still available for adoption.

If you're interested in adopting one of the Pets of the Week, or seeing what other pets are available for adoption, contact the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A. Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Or call (302) 571-0111


Humane Association Shelter & Animal Visitation Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue thru Fri: 12pm-7pm
Sat & Sun: 11am-4pm

Adoption Fees:
Dogs: $125 (puppies under 6 months old are $195, senior dogs are $67.50)
Cats: $75, or 2 for $115 (kittens under 6 months old are $100)
includes spaying/neutering, vet exam, shots, collar, and more. Adoptive families must meet DHA guidelines and be 18 years of age or older.



Ask the Vet...
Your chance to ask Dr. Mindy Cohan, VMD, our resident pet health expert, what's on your mind!

Topic: Feline Dandruff

Question from Laura in Bridgeville:
I have a 14 year old indoor male cat. He has developed dandruff on his back. I usually only feed him dry food and thought this may be the cause. I started adding wet food to his dry food, but it upsets his stomach. What do you think is causing this flaky skin and what can I do about it?

Answer from Dr. Mindy Cohan:
The dandruff you describe could have several underlying causes. If you are feeding your cat a diet that is low in fat, this can affect his natural skin oils and lead to flaky skin. If your cat has gained weight in the past few months, he may have noticeable scale due to the inability to groom his back adequately.
I recommend a check up with a veterinarian. A physical exam can help to rule out a type of skin mite that closely resembles dandruff. Also, a 14 -year old cat should be examined and have blood tests run every 6 months to detect health problems. An underlying disease can cause cats to groom less often and will lead to flaky skin. If no problems are found, your veterinarian can offer advice on supplements containing fatty acids that can help to minimize your cat’s dander.



Posted August 12, 2008


Got a question for Dr. Cohan? Click here to ask it.

Click here for past Ask the Vet topics.


Pet Tip of the Month...
Quick tips to help keep your pets healthy and happy.

Cocoa Bean Mulch

Many pet owners are innately aware of the potential dangers that lawn chemicals and pesticides present to their dogs and cats. A product that carries an unexpected risk is cocoa bean mulch. While other types of mulch can upset a dog’s stomach, mulch made from cocoa bean shells can be toxic.

Touted for its appealing smell, nutrient content, and moisture retention, cocoa bean mulch is gaining popularity. It is the sweet smell that attracts most dogs to eat this mulch. Theobromine is the toxic agent in cocoa bean mulch. This chemical is the same agent responsible for causing chocolate toxicity in dogs. If enough mulch or chocolate is ingested, theobromine can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, and seizures.

The ASPCA Poison Control Center has handled numerous cases of cocoa bean mulch intoxication. If you have a dog that is known to “taste test” everything on the ground, chose a different type of mulch. Even dogs with discriminating appetites may find the sweet mulch too tempting to resist.


Please have your pets spayed or neutered!







Copyright © 2008, Delmarva Broadcasting Company. All Rights Reserved.   Terms of Use.
WDEL Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity and Outreach