If you have been following this blog, you would have read that Agent L has this itchy condition which causes bald spots due to over grooming. We've changed her diet, put flea drops and bathed her but the condition comes and goes as it pleases. It is not an unusual condition though, what a relief. According to YourCat.co.uk there are a few reasons.

Vet Elise Robertson says: The majority of cats who over-groom are usually suffering from either a primary skin condition or pain. There are also many cases where stress can be the major inciting cause; but first we need to rule out all other medical causes.

If your cat is over-grooming you will notice patches of broken or sparse hair, complete hair loss in areas and occasionally damage to the underlying skin. An affected cat may lick, chew, pluck or bite areas of hair or skin and the behaviour can be difficult to interrupt.

Over-grooming can occur on any part of the body that the cat can reach with his tongue. The most common places are the belly, inside of the hind legs, the legs, lower back and across the flank. The patches can often appear symmetrical on either side of the body. Probably the most common cause of over-grooming is due to a hypersensitivity to flea saliva. Cats can also develop skin reactions due to dietary intolerance and environmental allergens such as house dust mites and pollens.

Over-grooming should be distinguished from genuine alopecia, which is partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it would normally grow. The difference between true alopecia and over-grooming is that when hair is removed deliberately with either the barbed tongue/and or nibbling with the incisors (front teeth), the remaining broken hair shafts feel spiky and sharp. This is in contrast to alopecia where the hair feels soft and normal to touch.

Another condition, called feline hyperesthesia syndrome, can also cause intense over-grooming. This is a poorly understood condition resulting in bizarre behaviours including skin rippling and sudden bouts of intense grooming/selfmutilation, often of the lower back and tail base.

Once your vet has excluded underlying medical condition(s) as a cause of overgrooming, you may then be referred to a behaviourist. A behaviourist can help you identify and address environmental stressors/behavioural triggers that lead to over-grooming and help find ways to manage the cat’s response to these stressors.

Image: itsnature.org

Have you been dreaming of getting a dog ever since you saw Hachiko or a movie where the dog is super adorable? Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience but you should be prepared for a change in lifestyle. PetMD writes about

10 things you should know and consider before choosing your canine friend.

1. Dogs take up a lot of time and energy. Yes, they are rewarding. But if you live alone and work twenty hours a day, then perhaps a dog is not the best choice for you. Hey, there are always those super-cool robot dogs.

2. If you are not often at home, and you really want a dog, you probably should invest in a dog walker. You'd probably be wise to choose a dog breed that isn't especially needy, too. Check out PetMD's Breedopedia to select from a wide variety of breeds.

3. Any dog you get should be suitable to not only your lifestyle, but your surroundings. If you live in a shoebox apartment, then a large dog is not a good choice. You don’t want your dog to develop health issues, be bored, or destroy things. Large dogs really belong in big places with lots of outdoor space.

4. Consider which breeds are suitable for your region's climate, especially if you have a yard and want to keep it as an outside dog.

5. Puppies require the most work when it comes to house training. If you: (a) don’t want your things chewed up, or (b) don’t have the time or money to train the puppy, consider adopting an already housebroken, adult dog.

6. Make sure you have lots of chew toys available for your puppy and keep all expensive things (like shoes and clothes) out of its reach; the same goes for chemicals and medicines. Puppies like to investigate and try everything, so make sure there is nothing dangerous around for them to sample.

7. Get your dog vaccinated and spayed or neutered as soon as possible. Oh, and take your dog to the vet for its routine checkups. Your dog will thank you for it and live a much better (and longer) life.

8. Get a proper leash and harness for your dog. A leash too small or too large may hurt it inadvertently during its walking routine, or, worse yet, allow it to hurt others or get loose and run away.

9. Health insurance is a must. Consult your veterinarian as to your best options.

10. Regardless of the dog breed you choose, have fun! They say there is no better friend than a dog. We have to agree.

So once you're absolutely sure that you are ready for a dog, here's a video about picking the right dog for you.

Our pets are our babies and when there is a need to travel or stay late at work, we sometimes need the help of those who love animals to take care of them.

Dogs especially need their regular walks as they are by nature, more active. What do you do when you can't be there to walk your dog? In comes Zingy.

Zingy is an app that can be downloaded on your iphone or Android to help you find your closest dog walker. But how can you trust strangers?



Zingy enables real-time track and trace so pet owners know where their pet has been walked and, of course, they guarantee no pack or off-lead walking.

There is also a strict validation process which means each pet-care professional is put through a rigorous 6-point background check and in-person interview, while peer-to-peer reviews and star ratings ensure full transparency.

Further, all Zingy pet-care professionals are required to attend ongoing education and training programs at the dedicated Zingy Academy.

More than this, the Zingy service is covered by comprehensive liability insurance to ensure that pet owners can rest easy and trust the Zingy has their tail covered.

Zingy has over 800 background-checked and Zingy Academy-certified dog walkers operating throughout Southern California from Los Angeles through to Orange County and San Diego.



FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE VISIT: http://www.zingypet.com/

Disclaimer: Pets In Black does not in any way endorse their services. We are just here to share the information and will not be held responsible for any unfortunate incidents when using the app.

An airtight pet food storage bin, called Top Paw Airtight Storage Containersold at PetSmart, is blamed for the horrific death of a cat that died of suffocation after trying futily to escape its plastic prison. Pet parent Kari Willett came home to find her beloved cat dead at the bottom of the bin among tins of pet food, lying in a crumpled heap, after furiously trying to get free.

One can only imagine the terrible, frantic cries for help that went unanswered until her cat finally ran out of oxygen.

Ms. Willett said that though the container’s lid had been closed and locked, her cat still managed to get himself inside the bin, and was accidentally trapped inside the airtight container.

Unfortunately, because the design of the container does not allow for the lid to be opened from the inside, her cat had no means of escape and suffocated after being trapped inside the pet food container.

Ms. Willett took to Facebook to warn other pet parents of the product’s potential danger by posting a heartbreaking plea to share her tragic story with others:

“As many of you know, my sleeping companion, my caretaker from 5 hospital visits just this past calendar year died tragically yesterday. I do not post for sympathy but in hope of protecting others from what I experienced yesterday.

About a month ago I bought two “Top Paw” food storage bins from PetSmart. I loved how sleek and stackable they were.

Unfortunately, my cat of 5 years was able to open the lock, climb in (granted to steal extra rations), however after climbing in the bin, he was trapped when the lock fell back down on him. He was unable to get back out.

Mowgli died when he ran out of oxygen while I was gone from home.

When I came home to feed my family, I found him in his food bin. It is one of the more tragic experiences in my life. I would do anything to hold him. I feel incredible guilt not being there for him. I hate the last image I have of him is from this accident.

If any of you have these bins, I beg you to take them back. You may tell them about Mowgli and let them know you want to protect your family from this same fate.

Please feel free to share.”

Not long after posting her tragic story on Facebook, another pet parent shared her story about the same airtight pet food storage bins on Ms. Willett’s Facebook post.

Since contacting PetSmart about the tragedy, Ms. Willet was sent a compassionate letter of sympathy and PetSmart informed her that they have begun an investigation into the safety of the product with the product manufacturer.

Meanwhile, the death trap is still available for sale on PetSmart’s website, despite their note of sympathy.

To report an incident involving an unsafe product (other than food), go to the government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission and file a complaint.

SOURCE: http://www.inquisitr.com/2051550/woman-warns-beloved-pet-died-after-climbing-into-top-paw-airtight-pet-food-storage-container/#k0qGg9078DHwRKIG.99

Have you come across animals that you would love to help but cannot because of the lack of funds?

http://FundMyPet.com  is a website that allows people to raise money for their emergency vet bills. Coming together as a community to help animals in need.

FundMyPet was launched December of 2014. Their goal is simple - help as many animals as possible. They realized that there were literally hundreds of thousands of pet owners who were being faced with awful situations like having a sick pet and not enough money to pay for their vet bills, surgeries, medication and more.

The thought of animals not having proper care and a fair shot at life really upset them. That is why FundMyPet was created. It is a sophisticated online fundraising website that allows users to create a fundraising campaign, share it with friends and collect donations for animal expenses. They knew that creating an alternate option to raise money for animals in need would allow us as a community to help and save animals that wouldn't have otherwise had a chance. The website allows campaigns for just about any animal related costs.

They created FundMyPet with simplicity in mind. Their website is effective and very easy to use. With built-in sharing tools, users can get the word out to as many people as possible. They are the first crowdfunding platform exclusively for animals.

FundMyPet was created by two animal lovers based out of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Founder Brad Maver and co-founder Chantal Locke both have a burning passion for helping animals. They are very committed to making it easy for anyone to raise money for animals in need.

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I love dogs especially Golden Retrievers - Agent S and L not so much. Cats don't really smell bad unless they're in a confined area with no ventilation but dogs after a bath or after frolicking in the damp grass or chasing a frog amongst the muddy earth?...phoooh!



That's where Eau de Lady comes in. What? Nothing for the gentlemen? Despite it's name, I'm pretty sure the gentlemen can use it too. Perhaps Jade, the creator of Eau de Lady and founder of Made by Jade might come with a whole new line for just the males soon!

Eau De Lady is inspired by Lady, Jade's golden retriever. Eau de Lady is a 100% natural product that is safe to use on pets as well as on humans.

Eau de lady is essentially a spray mist, a deodorant made from lemongrass essential oil, lavender essential oil as well as tea tree oil and highly diluted with water to make your pet smell like heaven, and also gets rid of the ticks and a natural combatant to insects and yucky bugs. It is preservative free.

Eau de Lady currently retails for RM25, for a 150 ml bottle. For more information on the product, or to find out more natural products that are Made by Jade, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/madebyjademy

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Agent L invents her own games. Below you see her playing catch my finger. She'll insist that I poke my fingers through the gaps for her to catch!

I'm not sure when Agent L started to drink like this but it's so cute. She usually scratches the floor too but during this take, she didn't.

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by Nicolette Mansueto

I can still take my bath here, right? – Source

I know I still fit on this laundry basket! – Source

No need for another bed. This one is fine. – Source

This is my seat! – Source

Is this for me? – Source

What? I love sitting on mommy’s lap. I’m her baby! – Source

See?! I told you I can still fit here! – Source

Face it doggy. It’s not a bed anymore. It’s now a pillow. – Source

I can fit here! I swear! – Source

Thanks for the bathtub, mommy! I fit perfectly! – Source

Can anybody give me a push please? – Source

Hmmm..why can’t I lay down here anymore? Oh well, my butt still fits! – Source

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PAWS Selangor updates their Facebook page with photos of the furkids on animals so please check there often.

Here are some from their gallery:


Singing for his breakfast


Siesta time after a good meal


You smell of fish, my darling


I might be getting a little heavy


Fish fingers?


A little privacy here, please?



Of course we're friends! What a silly question


How long am I supposed to be your weighing machine?


Is it chow time yet?

Adoption fees

The adoption fees for an animal from PAWS is as follows:

1. Adult Dog: RM50

2. Puppy: RM80

3. Adult Cat: RM30

4. Kitten: RM50

5. Mixed Breed: Minimum RM150

6. Pedigree animals: Minimum RM250 (rarely come with certificates)

Surrendering fees

If you wish to surrender an animal to PAWS, please be aware that you are required to pay a surrendering fee –

Adult dog: RM50

Puppy: RM80

Adult cat: RM30

Kitten: RM50.

Adoption and surrendering fees are necessary to help us meet the operational costs of running the shelter. Although we have set a standard minimum fee per animal we ask that if you can afford to donate more to our charity, then please do so.At present PAWS receives no government funding to run our shelter meaning we survive sorely on the kindness of the public for donations.

DONATIONS IN CASH AND KIND ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Your help can make a difference. Thank you!

IMPORTANT:

No PAWS animal is to be taken out of the shelter on credit. Payment must be made and a receipt obtained. Always insist on a receipt for any money that you hand over to our office personnel.

Aside from cash donations, we are always in need of various other things. So if you’re planning a visit to PAWS, please read Wishlist.

PAWS Animal Welfare Society
Pilmoor Estate, Subang Airport Road,
47200 Subang, Selangor, Malaysia.

GPS : LNG 101.58168     LAT 3.10975

WAZE: PAWS ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

Tel: +603 7846 1087 Fax: +603 7846 5934

Email:  pawshelter@gmail.com



OPENING TIMES:

Monday – Friday (Except Wednesday and Public Holidays):

9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Wednesday: CLOSED for maintenance

Saturday & Sunday:9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.


- See more at: http://www.paws.org.my/contact/#sthash.cUNb1onp.dpuf

I don't understand how humans can abandon any life form in dumpsters, at markets, at the roadside, at pet stores or event at vets. I also don't understand how animals which have passed on are just thrown away in plastic bags and that's a whole other matter.

Thank goodness there are still humane humans.

1. "Heard meowing coming from the dumpster — found her in a trash bag. now she's mine."

Reddit/rocknroll_heart

2. "Found her in a trash can next to my apartment."

Reddit/Mastourakos

3. "Born in a pile of trash and not looking back."

Reddit/thisonesforHarvey

4. "Found this little guy digging in the trash, on the brink of death from malnourishment. Numerous vet bills and 2 months later, he's as happy and healthy as can be."

Reddit/trahker

5. "This is our kitten, two days after I found him stuck in some trash."

Reddit/Guyrim

6. "We found Lucky when he was only a few days old in a trash can."

Reddit/casaubon_

7. "Two years ago someone left her in a trash can. How could you not love this face?"

Reddit/krystalbc87

8. "In 2004 I found her abandoned in the stairwell when taking out the trash, she's been loving me to bits ever since."

Reddit/CloakedAlien

9. "Meet Ollie the kitten, rescued from a trash can in Pasco County, Fl."

Reddit/nicklby

10. "I found her trapped in a trash can. Her name is Shadow."

Reddit/anon33249038

11. "My sister found this kitten in the trash can, so we named him Mr. Garbage. We love him to bits."

Reddit/faerieafterdark

12. "Found on the side of a garbage strewn street with his pelvis broken in three places. Now 4 months later, he's tearing and leaping and clowning around. Presenting Achilles the Wonder Beast."

Reddit/Floomby

13. "Found her in a dumpster at the back of a Krispy Kreme in the pouring rain."

Reddit/moderndayvigilante

14. "Found this little girl by the dumpsters downtown. I nursed her back to health, took her to the vet, and gave her lots of love. I think she's liking her new home."

Reddit/Ambigouser

15. "Here's a picture of my daughter and Jimmy, we rescued him from a dump on Fuerte Ventura. He is the nicest little dog I know."

Reddit/Iceblood

Did you rescue your pet? Please comment below!

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It's so easy I don't believe I didn't think of doing this. It works for both cats and dogs.

One of the most overpriced pieces of furniture you can buy are fancy dog beds. I mean, really, I’ve found my dog sleeping on the floor next to his bed on several occasions, it’s not like they will know the difference between a $15 and $35 bed. For a fashionable, yet inexpensive dog bed you can get an old used suitcase, some furniture legs and a comfy pillow.

Source:lifehack.org

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We recently hacked an Ikea furniture, we made ​​something else out of it. I always wanted a dog house for our half breed dog Benno (size about knee high), but all I could find in stores was either very expensive or treated with wood preservatives or I did not like it. To build a dog house is not a problem for my husband (except time problem!) but it should go rather quickly and be done in an afternoon. So I looked for a small table where you just had to screw boards on it. I find it at Ikea.

Photo: IKEA.com

The SNIGLAR diaper-changing table is untreated and ideal in size. Left over from another project we had untreated wood panels that my husband properly cut and screwed on three sides. We skipped the lower shelf cause we inserted a wooden pallet which is Benno’s sleeping place for years. But it is no problem to move the lower shelf to the bottom and this is the base for the doghouse. Above we now have a practical storage and the cat basket has also space. Our dog Benno is overjoyed and was sitting in his house, while my husband was still screwing on the boards.

See the SNIGLAR dog house.

SOURCE: Ikeahackers.net

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