We all know that dogs age faster than humans—but what many people don’t know is that they become seniors after only five years of age. As such, many dogs need help easing into their golden years sooner rather than later. Watching a loved one grow old and assisting all the while can be a hard and arduous process—but when certain tools are utilized the experience can dramatically change for the better for all of those involved. It is with that in mind that we bring you the Washable Dog Diaper. No longer will your dog have to deal with the pressures of their own incontinence—they will be able to live as care-free as they always have. As your pet is supported by a soft, durable, washing-machine-friendly diaper, neither you, nor your four-legged friend will have to worry about the new experiences that come with old age. It will simply be a journey that you and your dog can enjoy together.

Well, technologists are finally developing high-tech products towards our canine companions. No, not iPod’s; but, other useful devices to help us better track our pets when they are not by our sides.

Canine Camera: A portable, durable camera from Takara Tomy can be hung from your dog’s collar and operated by remote control. You can set a timer, triggering the camera to snap photos every few minutes and auto-upload to any Japanese cell phone.

GPS Cell Phone: No, I am not kidding. This voice-enabled, waterproof, GPS-enabled cell phone from Pets Mobility tracks your dog’s location using GPS. It’s also a two-way cell phone, with an auto-answer feature that puts your voice on speakerphone. You can talk to your pup and he can respond with a bark. The doggy phone has a “call home” button so if anyone finds him, they can use the phone to contact you. Made by PetMobility.

Dog Treadmill: Now this one actually makes sense if you have your pooched couped up all day in a small partment, or if you pooch is recovering from an injury. Running at up to 5km per hour, the walker is adjustable by remote control, in case the dog can’t operate the Up and Down buttons. Treadmill is made by Belluna.

Doggy PDA: No, not for your pet; but, intended for you so you can track your dog’s busy schedule in one paw-shaped device. Keep tabs on Spot’s vet appointments and play dates, or check a database of animal hospitals and dog-friendly motels across the United States. Made by PetMaster.

If you know of any otehr cool devices I would love to hear about them.

And the hits just keep on comin’.   Natural Balance has added more foods to their recall list, but the web link is the same.  Drs. Foster & Smith are the new kids on the block.  The summary is on the KVC webpage.

It is about time.

The US Senate  voted Wednesday in favor of stricter production and labeling standards so people have more information about what they are feeding their pets.

The 94-0 vote was on an amendment by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., to broader legislation related to the Food and Drug Administration.

Click for more info.

My dog Raven died of bone cancer, making her one of the 25 percent of all dogs over the age of two who lose their lives to some kind of cancer.

Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has announced the launch of an unprecedented $30 million effort to cure canine cancer within a dog’s lifetime–the next 10 to 20 years. World-renowned scientists and cancer specialists agree that this MAF-led effort will not only save countless dogs from suffering and premature death, but should also help produce breakthroughs in the prevention, treatment and cures of human cancers–in particularchildhood cancers.

MAF has taken the lead to secure financial contributions and manage/administer research grants to many of the world’s most prestigious colleges of veterinary medicine, universities, organizations and scientists. As an example, 14 leading veterinary/academic institutions–each members of the National Cancer Institute’s Comparative Oncology Trials Consortium (COTC)– will receive funding for canine cancer research. Endorsement of this MAF canine cancer initiative has been received from: Children’s Oncology Group, Animal Cancer Foundation, and the MIT/Harvard (Broad Institute).

This global cancer cure initiative is attracting major corporate support, including a $1.1 million donation from Pfizer Inc.–Pfizer Animal Health.

In addition to corporate sponsorships, MAF’s goal is to get 1 percent of the 44 million dog-owning households in the United States to make a donation of at least $50 in the name of their present dog(s), pet dogs of the past, and/or on behalf a puppy of the future–for a total of $22 million.

“Each of our own pet dogs is at risk of suffering the devastating effects of cancer,” states Dr. Patricia N. Olson, CEO and president of MAF. “One in four dogs will die of cancer, and cancer is the number–one cause of disease-related death in dogs over the age of two. Sadly, many of the most popular dog breeds are especially susceptible to developing cancer. Your donation of $50 or more may very well save your own beloved pet dog from suffering cancer’s effects. Here’s a chance to directly help the dogs we love.”

Dr. Olson also explains that while MAF’s mission focuses on animal health, the dog has proven to be a crucial player in solving the human-cancer cure puzzle. “This is the ultimate win-win situation,” says Dr. Olson. “As we treat and cure cancer in our pet dogs, we may help alleviate the ravages of cancer among humans. This animal-human bond is simply inspirational.”

Donations can be made by calling toll-free 1-877-DOG CURE (364-2873), or by donating
on the web at:

www.CureCanineCancer.org

www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org

More Background/Details on MAF’s Canine Cancer Cure Effort:

MAF hopes to raise the $30 million from April 2007 through April 2012. This will include funding for:

1. - Clinical trials to test new innovative therapies to help save dogs and alleviate dog suffering now.
2. - Prevention studies related to genetics and canine genome, incorporating lifetime risk assessment studies.
3. - Funding of a tumor tissue bank.
4. - Establishment of an endowment to guarantee continued research efforts.

A clinical trial is already under way involving the evaluation of a new treatment for bone cancer in dogs. This clinical trial includes five of the 14 members of the COTC: Colorado State University, Animal Medical Center (New York City), University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Illinois and The Ohio State University.

The Pfizer Animal Health donation has been specifically restricted to the Canine Comparative Oncology and Genetics Consortium (CCOGC), a group of veterinary and medical researchers who have determined that a repository of canine tumor tissues is an essential resource to progress new cancer therapies. This new resource to fight cancer has been named the Pfizer – CCOGC Biospecimen Repository. MAF and the AKC Canine Health Foundation provided the initial funding ($500,000) to launch this national biospecimen bank.

ABOUT MAF:

Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals in some 100 countries, spanning all seven continents on earth. MAF has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The Foundation has funded more than 1,300 humane animal health studies with funds approaching $50 million.
One hundred percent of all annual, unrestricted contributions support animal health studies, not administration or the cost of fundraising. For more information, call (800) 243-2345, or visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

Content by:  http://vettechs.blogspot.com/