Earlier this month, Michigan Congressman Thaddeus McCotter introduced HR3501, a bill more commonly referred to as HAPPY, the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years Act. The new bill proposes a change to U.S. Tax Code that would allow pet care up to $3,500 to be tax deductable. Qualifying expenses include veterinary care, but won’t include the cost to acquire a new pet. The deduction is exclusive to legally owned, domestic animals. Animals used for research or owned in conjunction with a business do not qualify. HAPPY was drafted to encourage responsible pet care and reduce the abandonment of pets by people struggling as a result of the economic downturn. The bill also mentions that 63 percent of U.S. households include a pet and that the human-animal bond has been shown to have positive effects upon people’s emotional and physical well being. I don’t currently itemize my taxes, but if I could deduct pet care, it might become worth it for me to change the way I file. I’m not convinced that HAPPY will help reduce the number of abandoned dogs, but I do think it has the potential to encourage responsible pet care. It also legitimizes animals as a member of the family since we can currently deduct for human health care and education. However, if HAPPY passes, I would hope that no one would buy a pet because of the potential tax benefit (which isn't much compared to the cost of caring for an animal). Finish the article here |
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tax Break for Pets, from Bark Magazine
Fun and Useful Pet Gadgets
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Obesity in Dogs
The primary causes of obesity are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat. As little as an extra 1 percent caloric intake can result in a 25 percent increase over ideal body weight by middle age.
Most owners don't recognize that their dogs are overweight until they take them to the veterinarian for another reason. Most pets begin slowly gaining weight and only a historical review of body weight reveals the insidious nature of this condition.
Dogs that are overweight may experience difficulty breathing or walking or they may be unable to tolerate heat or exercise.
Pet Allergies
July 28, 2009
Itchin’ and Scratchin’: Does Your Pet Suffer from Allergies?
According to the ASPCA, more than 20 percent of pets may suffer from some sort of allergy. Allergic reactions in cats anddogs are caused by inhaling, ingesting or having physical contact with an allergen, and the resulting symptoms can cause great discomfort to our furry friends. Furthermore, dogs and cats may persistently lick and scratch itchy areas, causing skin irritation, hair loss and, in some cases, skin and ear infections.
We all want our pets to be comfortable and healthy, so it’s extremely important to determine the source of an allergy and treat it appropriately. Flea allergies are especially problematic during the summer months, and need special attention because they can cause serious health problems like anemia.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, talk to your vet about determining the exact cause and a specific treatment program. Here are a few common causes:
- Tree, grass, weed, mold, mildew and dust pollens
- Food
- Fleas and flea-control products
- Prescription drugs
- Perfumes
- Cleaning products
- Cigarette smoke
- Fabrics
- Rubber and plastic materials
Removing the offending allergen from your home is the best way to combat allergies. Check out our other expert tips for treatment:
- Prevention is the best remedy for allergies caused by fleas. See your veterinarian for advice about safe flea control products for your pet.
- If dust is the problem, clean your pet's bedding once a week and vacuum at least twice weekly—this includes rugs, curtains and any other materials that gather dust.
- Weekly bathing may help relieve itching and remove environmental allergens and pollens from your pet’s skin.
- If your pet suffers from a suspected food allergy, she may need to be given a prescription or hydrolyzed protein diet to determine the exact cause of the irritation.
For more information about pet allergies, please visit our online health center for cats anddogs.
What do you think? Tweet on this article. Include @aspca and #PetAllergies
Sad Story
August 4, 2009
Dog Hurled From Roof of Brooklyn Housing Project
On July 31, Brooklyn resident Fabian Henderson, 19, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Peter Rivas for hurling his one-year-old Terrier mix from the roof of his Brooklyn housing project—the Red Hook Houses.
The cold-blooded act occurred on June 18. “The ASPCA initially received a complaint that an animal was being beaten on the third floor of 28 W. Ninth St., where Henderson lives with his family,” Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) says. “A few minutes later, HLE received two more calls from people reporting a dog had been thrown off the roof.”
Upon their arrival, ASPCA officers found Oreo on the ground six floors below, badly broken, but alive. “We couldn’t believe the dog survived the six-story fall,” says Special Agent Rivas. “We immediately took her to the nearest animal clinic, where she received emergency care.” As soon as she was stabilized, Oreo was transferred to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital where veterinarians treated her shattered legs, bruised lungs and severe internal bleeding. Surgery was also performed to reconstruct her front legs, using plates and screws.
“She's showing a lot of resilience. She's eating on her own, she's standing and she’s walking,” confirms Pentangelo. “But it is a long road ahead.”
Henderson pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated cruelty to animals—a felony punishable by up to two years in prison—reckless endangerment and criminal trespass. He is being held on $50,000 bail. The case is scheduled for the grand jury in Brooklyn, date to be determined.